But only sometimes

Grover does the Old Spice commercial

2010-11-13T10:52:00.005-07:00

So loving this. Who doesn't love a monster with comedic ability?

Overheard...

2010-11-12T10:28:00.002-07:00

Man to another man he must be interviewing:
"Picture a baby tree in your front yard. You know, they are pretty one dimensional."

Really? I'm pretty sure saplings are three dimensional.

New hilarious website

2010-03-03T21:15:00.002-07:00

Does anyone else get cute animal emails with "words of wisdom" attached to them ALL the time? Blah. www.fupenquin.com is the cure for you. I think this one is my favorite.

I bet you think you fucking invented that pose. Well guess what, fucktard: BIRDS HAVE BEEN USING THAT POSE FOR YEARS. You don't look contemplative, you just look like a Mexican flag with wings. And by the way, "Fruit Dove"? Gayest. Name. Ever.

Okay...

maybe this one.

Mandrill, I'd like to introduce you to a concept called restraint. Here's how it works: I don't make fun of the fact that you think chewing on a twig is cool, and you refrain from looking like your mom had sex with a box of Fruit Loops and made you. Honestly, of all the ridiculously insane monkeys out there, you have to be the craziest one of all. You're a primate, Mandrill, not a fucking Care Bear.

A new twist on an old post

2010-01-24T21:35:00.002-07:00

Alison needs...typed into Google in quotes produced this:

-Alison needs...a vacation.

-Alison needs...help for her birthday.

-Alison needs...to argue something.

-Alison needs...a new job.

-Alison needs...to work extra hard.

-Alison needs...to learn how to pose in pictures. (This one is especially true!)

-Alison needs...needs a garden.

-Alison needs...help to run her affairs.

-Alison needs...to eat a good meal.

-Alison needs...to come out of the kitchen from time to time.

-Alison needs...even more time.

Insightful.

Laughing at the expense of others

2009-12-06T10:04:00.003-07:00

I came across this video as I was looking at balloon art. Why balloon art? Lesley and Mike brought me part of a balloon sculpture from a museum event they were doing. We had it at our outside table while eating at Joe's Farm Grill and no one even looked at it! It must have been at least 8 feet tall too.

But I digress. The point of this post? Balloons are funny. People getting inside of balloons is funnier.

Drum roll please.

Just because...

2009-12-05T20:20:00.001-07:00

I love this song. Oh the business socks!

"An Echo in the Bone" Signing

2009-10-17T09:10:00.005-07:00

Recently I was lucky enough to go to the release party for my favorite author's new book. Diana Gabaldon is the author of the Outlander series and if you haven't read it yet, shame on you. Go out and get it right now. I'll wait.

Really there is no way to describe her books but I'll try with a few choice adjectives: Historical fiction, time travel, witty, humorous, romance, war, and mystery. Just trust me.

I even got a signed copy of her book. I haven't had a chance to finish it yet but I'm almost there. I kind of don't want to hurry up and read it though since then it will be over and I won't be able to read more until the next one comes out, of which she assured us there was one. Based on the general lengths of her novel, I'd say it might be awhile too.

She was very gracious and well spoken and not only read parts of the new books to us but explained her writing process and how she came up with such a ludicrously, marvelous idea for a novel. Her she is explaining how time travel got introduced to the novel. Apparently it was all Claire's idea.

Then she read an excerpt from the book. It was a particularly tawdry scene. My favorite part was watching Jason blush next to me. If you have the book she is reading from page 89.

What a great stroke of luck that my favorite author actually lives in Scottsdale and that my husband was willing to go with me to this event. Thanks to the both of you!

**Update: Finished it! Loved it! So glad to hear there is another one, especially since this one stops, not ends. More please!

Club Monte Carlo

2009-10-12T09:12:00.001-07:00

Have I mentioned before how amazing my sister is? She put on her second Monte Carlo for the Museum of Contemporary Art in La Jolla recently. This is their big gala fundraiser for the year and what an event it is. The whole museum is basically redone in a swanky theme. Food, silent auction, blackjack tables, dancing, entertainment, and open bar. There is a dinner before hand but while my "connection" was able to pull us entry into the after-party, I don't think there is any hope other than catching a glimpse of the dinning room for the dinner considering tables are quiet pricey. Just trust me on this one. My salary for the year. Really. We had a wonderful time, as did everyone else. If you can make it next year, please do! I know she is already starting to plan. You rock Les!

And this is what I think of the Career Ladder/SAP.

2009-08-10T20:25:00.004-07:00

And if you don't know what it is, don't ask. Or just watch this clip and it will all make sense. Or maybe not. Can you tell I am finding ways to avoid it at the moment?

A conversation with a first grader...

2009-08-10T20:13:00.002-07:00

M: Guess what I'm wearing?

Me: What?

M: Well, I have...these things...I have days of the week underwear.

Me: Are you wearing "Monday"?

M: Yep!

How I feel about Facebook

2009-08-01T13:31:00.002-07:00

It is such a love/hate relationship. Sort of like watching a trashy t.v. show (not that I would EVER do that either). You don't want to admit you are into it, but knowing that everyone else is makes it somehow okay at the same time. That is how I feel about Facebook. You like it, even though it isn't really "good for you". This song seems to capture the essence of that bad side. Really.

You know you've all done it...

2009-05-10T17:38:00.006-07:00

Googled yourself that is. The other day I stumbled across a variant of "googling". Instead of meerly typing in your name type "Unfortnately, your name". It must be in the quotes or it won't work. Here are some of my personal favorites.

"Unfortunately, Alison doesn't know the first thing about cars." (No I don't)

"Unfortunately, Alison was forced to move to Texas" (Yikes!)

"Her family came from a long line of butchers, but unfortunately Alison showed little talent in this area." (Thank God)

"Unfortunately, Alison began to dry heave early Saturday morning." (Not sure why but this is my favorite)

"Unfortunately, Alison was right." (The story of my life)

"Unfortunately, Alison has yet to have another travel experience since her awe-inspiring trip to South Dakota." (Been there? Yes. Awe-inspiring? No.)

"Unfortunately, Alison had to withraw the night before due to her horse going lame."

"Unfortunately, Alison had a little accident while dancing on a club stage last Saturday."

"Unfortunately, Alison is presently without a band."

"Unfortunately, Alison was very scared of these phallic mushrooms and didn't want to be anywhere near them at the end. (No kidding)

Too fun. Now go check yours out.

Spilt red wine is worthy of tears

2009-05-10T17:36:00.001-07:00

Not only for the obvious loss of good alcohol but the stain is a constant reminder of that painful loss.

It's Spring already?

2009-03-22T12:56:00.010-07:00

This is why I was never any good at keeping a diary when I was young. Not because nothing was happening that I felt like recording, it's just that it always seemed like an awful lot of work. Well here is a recap of the past 3 months in a nutshell...

After Christmas, Sister, her boyfriend, Jason and I with our respective dogs went to Julian in search of pie and snow. We were successful in both. However, it has been decided that we will not go on such an outing again because Tobin did far outshine Nani in public. She is still not over it.

We had a lovely New Year's at home with our good friends, Craig and Alison. Not that I need an excuse to eat crab and tiger prawns.

Next came Maren's baby shower. Maren and Les have been friends since preschool and it was pretty crazy that she was having a baby. Austin was born March 11. Welcome to the family!

Spring arrived in Arizona early an we took advantage of the good weather and went to see our first Spring Training game. It was a blast and we can't wait to do it again.

Jason celebrated his 30th birthday on March 13. We had a nice little party for him here and then we went home and had a family celebration there. I think he was most excited about golfing in the tournament that my sister was putting on. He had a great time with Mike and his friends.

There you go.

The Christmas That Lasted a Week

2008-12-30T09:40:00.017-07:00

We just got back from a week long trip to spend Christmas in San Diego with my family. We didn't plan on staying for a week but we were having such a good time and were being spoiled so delightfully well that we just couldn't bear to leave any sooner.

My aunt, uncle, and cousins came down for Christmas Eve and we had a wonderful dinner and had fun exchanging presents. They always give the most wonderful gifts and this year was no exception. I can't wait to use these new bowls! I'm thinking ice cream. Yes, definitely ice cream.

Then we had a great Christmas with more wonderful presents and a wonderful breakfast or french toast casserole and baked pears with struesel prepared by yours truly. Among the favorites of the day were the dark chocolate caramels with sea salt (thank you Trader Joes!), a beautiful jewlery box from my mom and dad, and a great day bag from my sister. Thanks you guys!

We also had a great dinner. Mom made the now traditional prime rib (and tiger prawns for those of us not so meat inclined). Nani looks forward to this night all year and this is the reason she loves to see boxes in the house and will jump in the first one she finds. All of this is because she gets to have the bone when everyone is finished. She had to share with Tobin this year but I don't think she even noticed.

One of the days we were there we decided to go up to Julian with my sister and her boyfriend and our respective dogs. Lets just say there was a beautiful drive, time with sister, dogs in the snow, and (of course) apple pie. All in all, a great day.

We had a great time being home with family. I have put up a link to our web album with more photos if you are interested. Thanks everyone for making this a wonderful holiday. I can't wait to see everyone again in a couple of weeks!

"The Team"

2008-12-09T22:19:00.001-07:00

We had our final games of the season on Saturday, a double header in fact. We lost one and then won one. They are a great bunch of guys even if they won't let me call the team "The Unicorns".

Thanksgiving

2008-12-01T21:49:00.003-07:00

We had a great time in San Diego for Thanksgiving. It was raining while we drove out (really hard in some areas, we even saw a jack-knifed big rig) but we made it there just fine. Mom did a great job making the table arrangements and Nani and Grandma had a great time visiting.

After Thanksgiving I made some gingerbread pear muffins that I have been wanting to make for awhile. I love food that blurs the line between breakfast and dessert.
Then we got to go down into San Diego to take a look at Lesley's new place. Very cute and very bright. No furniture to speak of yet but that somehow adds to the charm.
All and all a wonderful time with family. I can't wait to do it again in a couple of weeks!

Is it possible to drool on your feet?

2008-11-30T20:09:00.003-07:00

Oh how my feet deserve these! They slave for me every day but unfortunately I feel that if I did get them they would be all dressed up with nowhere to go. Damn you Queen Creek and your two lane roads!

Movies, and cans, and yelling kids, oh my!

2008-11-22T07:27:00.003-07:00

We had our annual movie night to support our local food bank last night. The kids picked Kung Fu Panda to show which is really a cute movie; too bad I really didn't get to see it. We brought in a lot of cans but the amazing part was how crazy the kids were even with their parents sitting right there (and not doing anything to help by the way)! I had to stop the movie numerous times since it was so loud. And then came the mess. I couldn't believe how much trash was left on the ground. I just kept telling myself It's for a good cause not to mention the facts I had a lot of "free child labor" to help clean up.

In other news...our camera is offically out of commision. That means we'll have to do without it for our Thanksgiving trip home. That is a little sad. I am comforted by the fact that after close to five years I finally have a new phone! It is one of those new touch phones which means I feel hip and with it but still not exactly sure how to use it. Sorry in advance if I call you from the bottom of my purse.

We're looking forward to Thanksgiving next week too. In addition to creamed spinach, pumpkin soup, brandied yams, "birthday jello", pumpkin pie (I'm sure Dad's already doing "test pies"), and turkey of course, Jason and I are looking forward to making our own additions. Jason is going to make his wonderful pumpkin swirl cheesecake for "re-run" Thanksgiving and I'm going to make ginger pear muffins for breakfast. I've been hitting the gym pretty hard this week in anticipation!

A field trip to remember

2008-11-16T09:20:00.001-07:00

We had an exciting trip to the American Heritage Festival at Schnepf Farms on Friday. It is basically like a Renaissance Fair but for the colonial and revolutionary times. On field trips we teachers don't take groups of kids so I got a chance to wander around snapping pictures while checking on all of the groups. We had a great time and got some great photos although I can't post most of them here since the kids are in them. George Washington was as gracious as always. I look forward to it again next year.

The last birthday...

2008-11-16T09:07:00.001-07:00

Of my twenties that is. My birthday was on November 6 and overall it was a good day. Alas, the cop ended up being a real cop but hey, I need something to look forward to next year. The sister sent me a wonderful cake to my work and amid all of the cards and well wishes, Jason and "Alison 1" got me flowers and balloons. I think every birthday should be celebrated with balloons although I can't remember the last time the two went together. Jason also made me a wonderful cheesecake. The man doesn't always cook but he can make a mean cheesecake (no wonder I married him).

The Italian Adventure

2008-10-14T20:14:00.001-07:00

We are just back from Italy and finally at that point that some of the "adventures" we went on are now entirely amusing instead of being frustrating. We went to Rome, Florence, back to Rome via Tuscany, Almalfi cast (Sorrento) , and finally back to Rome. I think that we saw just about all there was to see. We LOVED Sorrento, Montepulciano, Florence, Positano, "David", "The Birth of Venus", the Sistine Chapel, the Colosseum, silhouettes with scissors, the gelato (oh, the gelato!), our anniversary dinner, and all wonderful time we had together. We have learned to laugh at flooded hotel rooms, "losing" our hotel, going to Bologna, phone ripped off walls, no phones that work, crowded buses, "scusi", missing the Forum by 2 minutes, scooters in the rain, the bathrooms, driving in Rome (God bless video games), and running to catch trains (yes, we were "that" couple).

I am living the saying "There are never enough hours in the day"

2008-09-02T18:43:00.000-07:00

Well, actually, I guess my saying would be "there are never enough days in the week". We've been trying to cram 5 days of material into 4 days of work while I am only working 3 days this week. Hmm, sounds like fuzzy math to me.

Along with that craziness, I seem to be waiting for my "3". See, I have a theory that all problems come in threes. Last week we had to replace the transmition on one of our cars (the other was

replace only a month before) right after booking a trip to Italy. Then, a rock shattered our sliding door. Pretty, yet broken. I'm getting a little edgy with the waiting.

What does it mean if your dreams are so close to your everyday life that you wake up not being able to tell the difference? I dreamt I went to the grocery store, did laundry, made a couple phone calls...ugh. Not that I'm wishing to bring on anything to crazy, but how come I can't dream about being on a tropical beach with my drink in a coconut?

On another note, can't wait for the big musuem gala this weekend. That definitely makes me sound more in the know than I actually am.