Time Flies

A year ago today we had our engagement party. It was cold, blustery, but filled with fun :) And since I did not blog at that time, it seems fitting to do it today.

Abbie looking for a libation, with Audra and Kerri in the background.

Professional corn dog maker....yes, professional. That machine makes cameos at business events and family parties-where will it be next!?! And will you be there!?

Tim and Scott, sharing a brew.

Opening sweet and thoughtful gifts

My BFF bride Kerri (January 16!) and dear Janae


Courtney aka Corinthia and Stephen, aka Esteban. You hang out with me long enough you will get a nickname. Problem is if you are ok with it or not. It will most likely just stick.

Our next September bride, Ashley!

Such a fun day, I cannot believe a year has passed. I am a very blessed girl with husband and dear friends.

An Open Letter to Sacramento

Dear Elected Officials:

I thank you for your time and dedication to serving your respective constituencies throughout California. It is a job I would neither care to do, or devote my time to. However, now is the time to put the lobbyists and special favors to your benefactors aside. I don't want to hear any more "we needs" and "we shoulds" that is your political pontification of promises. Now is the time to take action to keep businesses in California, before they make their way to Galt's Gulch. You are in office to take care of this situation, take to it.

It is evident that I come from a side of the spectrum that does not believe in handouts. To me, the solution is easy. Trim the fat. Trim the excess handouts. It is not fair that the money I make, to support my family in Orange County, is taken and given to people who cannot afford their lifestyle. My good decisions should not benefit those who made poor decisions. Additionally, when someone is termed out, don't create a bogus position for them that pays $500k a year and only meets once a month. How can you even ethically do that? Leave Sacramento and come earn an honest living with the rest of your beloved former constituency.

The amount of time you are taking to resolve this epic dilemma is driving businesses out of California each day. What is their incentive to staying here? Higher taxes? Why are you in effect charging them for being a producer and being the wheels of our economy? Don't punish your industries that were keeping California afloat. This golden state has lost its glimmer and is now has a credit score that rivals Louisiana.

My resolution is simple. Ask yourself, what would Dagny do? If you cannot answer that question you are in no position to be representing me and most of my peers. There is some time though. Do your research and you will be able to figure it out. If you can't, you can count on losing two more taxpayers who will take their business and personal incomes elsewhere.

Yours truly,
Dagny's messenger

Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair

I am dreaming of a vacation to San Francisco. I have not been since a family spring break trip about 5 years ago and it is high time to go back. Seeing a Giant's game in AT&T Park when they play the Dodgers would be E.P.I.C. Clam chowder, the Rock, Fisherman's Wharf, Haight & Ashbury...how does August 7-11 sound, Scott? My inner hippie needs letting out.

Fashion Favorites

Ahh, Oscar and Oscar de la Renta...two men that go hand in hand. As with most people, the fashion at the Academy Awards can be more exciting that the winners themselves. Overall, I can agree that certainly the creams and one-shouldered gowns were the trends of the evening. I am always a fan of the slim sheath dresses versus the ball gowns and I think the following three women nailed it.

Without further adieu, here are my three favorite Oscar picks:

1st Place
The classically gorgeous Anne Hathaway in Giorgio Armani, literally dazzled me.

2nd Place
Marisa Tomei, really worked this technical feat with intricate pleating by Versace Atelier.


3rd Place
The texture of this gown worn by Taraji Henson really was soft yet remained quite architectural at the same time.

5 Months Already!

I can't believe we have already been married 5 months as of yesterday. Crazy how time flies. And he hit it right on the nose when he said the first year was supposed to be hard. Baby, it's a cakewalk with you.

Facebook Meets Blog

1. I don't like to peel my own oranges. It takes too long and is so messy. I am a bit of a diva when it comes to that and wish someone would just do it for me.

2. I enjoy blogging but I realize I only blog about things that annoy me and people that do not fit into what I believe to be the right way to act. Could you have spurred a blog?!?!?

3. I am very happy with my life. I love my family (both Craton and Haselton) and feel very blessed to have the friends that I do. They all bring something special to my life and i would not be the same without them.

4. If I could use Nutella as lotion I would.

5. Scott and I make a great Beer Pong team, so bring it.

6. I just bit into a fresh pear (ie non canned variety) for the first time in 2008. Weird I know.

7. I overuse exclamation points in emails because I get worried about tone. Happy faces in my professional world are also excessively used. Something I am trying to work out. Periods. Are. Ok.

8. If I am mad at you, I won't look you in the eye.

9. I fantasize about traveling a good 4-5 days a week. Mexico, Italy, and San Francisco are the usual locations.

10. Dancing used to be such a big part of my life and I miss it. Sometimes when the gym is completely empty I do grand jetes, pirouettes, and shenes.

11. I have never had a cavity, and I am quite humbled that my dentist has used my molds and x-rays as examples to patients.

12. When people ask me about my professional goals, I am always trumped. Truly, I just think about being happy in doing something I like 40+ hours a week. This includes being a mom someday, and that is 24/7, so best like that line of work.

13. I can't eat waffles without peanut butter. My dad always made them for me that way so a waffle is just naked to me sans pb.

14. I love fashion but am not crazy about shopping.

15. I could sustain on bread, cheese, and wine alone. Thus, living in France or Italy should never be a problem.

16. I wish I better understood what Scott did for a living.

17. I wish I were more informed with worldly issues.

18. I have been reading since before I was two years old. I could never get enough books. I even read the cereal box and ingredients before school.

19. My imagination still gets the best of me.

20. In situations when I don't know what to say I just echo myself.

21. Kerri, my bf, impresses me so much with her dedication to school and her desire to succeed and learn. I am so proud of her.

22. If this were a list of top 5 grievances, hovering and looking over my shoulder would be one or two, closely followed by butting into conversations. Never do it, it's gd annoying.

23. I feel sorrier for homeless pets than I do people (not children, but grown adults.)

24. I love fresh flowers from the Farmers Market.

25. I am determined to recreate the best martini I ever had in Boston, at the Last Hurrah bar. Going? look for something that is basil-infused, and thank me later!

Superbowling

Confession: Until 2008 I had never actually watched a football game.

I had certainly been to about 50 in the course of my high school years, and on the field, but of course that was all about socializing and getting Scott to notice me.

Well, my coworker has been a Super Steelers fan for her entire life, and on her birthday back in October, you can guess what we did-watched a Steelers game on a Sunday afternoon. I put my own gameface on and took one for the (my) team and grinned and bared it. As much as I like her, it was rather boring. And other contributing factors did not help: sun, smoke--I was an unhappy camper.

Fastforward four months and those Steelers are on their way to the Superbowl. She has been pumped, and I have never had more water cooler conversation about football in my life. I even learned the QBs name and other random facts.

My BFF and her fiancee had Scott and I over this afternoon for the big game and I am SHOCKED to admit that even she and I watched the entire thing, and had FUN! I could not believe it. I don't watch football! Admittedly, there were some slow moments, I hate that stop and go nature of it still, but it was rather entertaining. It was an afternoon well spent.

Maybe I'll do it again next year...no promises though.