New Moon - 3.5 stars

I really didn't care for Edward in Twilight (movie) but SO much better this go around. Ahhhh. This time it was Bella and her obsessiveness to blink her eyes to the point that you wonder if she's on the verge of a seizure.

When Jacob first made his appearance with his shirt off in the movie the girls in the theater screamed with delight. Hilarious. Let's not forget friends, he's 17!

It was a blast to see a premiere, I've never been before. My friend Dancia bought tickets a few weeks ago for the 12:20 am show. This specific theater was running New Moon every five min, they have 15 theaters. This is a picture after the movie.

It got out around 2:45, well worth the lack of sleep!

This was by far superior than Twilight (movie). The acting was better, make-up, special effects, and once again had Bella's father, Charlie who's the comedy relief.

I love this picture because during the movie you are convinced that these two really are locked.

Super Saturday Craft

Being on the Enrichment Committee (craft committee for church) we just had our Super Saturday. I had never experienced one of these before. It was quite a show to put on. Lots of hours of preparation went into it. Do Andrea and I want to put another one together...heck no!!

There was a 4 hour block and a total of 12 stations of crafts that people signed up for ahead of time to make during this time.

Here are some of our demos.

Mod Podge Cookie Plate, Key Fobs, Placemat Scripture Totes

Paper Loop Wreath, Nativity Cube

Pumpkin Centerpiece, Pedi Pail, Chocolate Covered Snowmen, Tissue Heirloom

We had a few others that Andrea and I made but either due to time length it took, looks, or difficulty level they were vetoed.

All in all...I feel it was a success.

Surgery Date

Lower back surgery date is scheduled for December 3rd, 2009, keep them crossed for me.

Fall at the vineyards

This past weekend so great. There were many events that took place but one that needs to be mentioned was regarding the amazing scenery. I was the DD from Brent, Floyd, and Tara. I was able to enjoy the company as well as the view at each location.

Back to the Back...

Some of you don't know but I've been dealing with a LOT of pain the last four months from my sciatic nerve going down my left leg from my lower back. After different types of remedies, herbs, chiropractic and acupuncture appointments I went to see my neurologist. After 4 weeks of insurance crap I was finally approved for an MRI of my back.

Diagnosis: I have a herniated disk that is hitting my nerve root to cause the sciatic nerve to send me constant charges.

Here's a photo of it.

I got approved last Wed from my insurance company with the green light for my MRI. The next day I had it done. Friday my doctor referred me to a surgeon. (See how fast some things can actually happen when all the plants are aligned?) The surgeon's office couldn't get me in till November 11th at the earliest. Uh...some of you don't know but layoff's are coming up, and I mean soon. Our division president sent out an email just today that said mid November, "could possibly be sooner, could be later". What the hell does that do for us beside be nervous wrecks for a longer extended period of time.

Anyway...back to the issue at hand. A co-worker who does the EXACT thing I do went in for back surgery three weeks ago for the same thing. Interesting...I know. So he was able to get me his surgeon's number. I called today and I have an apt October 28th at 7:45. They also have me on the cancellation call list. I told them my dilemma and they said we make our surgeries very soon after the apt, like the following week or so. :) Music to my hears.

I'll keep you updated.

(The surgery would, I think, include cutting the bulged disk part off. Not like they have to cut my spine or anything.)

Pebble Beach (5 stars)

I have these summer goals and last year driving 17 Mile Drive at Pebble Beach was on my list of things to do. I thought it would be fun to go with someone but that opportunity never presented itself so this year I decided to get out of Dodge and go by myself, and Sandy.

It was a good 2 hour drive but we were both geared up for it.

Sandy has never been to the ocean before so she loved that she could just jump right in and and take a big refreshing gulp of water like she does at the rivers and lakes here. Well no more than an hour later she threw it all up. It was foamy too. I think she learned her lesson. :) She drank about 3 water bottles after that.

We walked about 3 miles along the coast line. They have a little trail that takes you along. It's so rewarding to go there and be 80 degrees while it was over 105 in Manteca that afternoon. It was very hard to leave but after 6 hours we still had a long drive ahead of us and we were pooped already. The pictures speak for themselves.

Another year wiser...36

It was a great birthday, July 10th!! Lots of Facebook friends wishing me Happy Birthday through out the day. I did go to work for most of the day. I really enjoy work because of the people I get to spend my time with. They took me out to lunch and had a surprise ice-cream cake waiting for me. YUM!!! Valerie thanks again for everything!!

Later I met up with my family at Costa Vida...love that place.

If I can't have Cafe Rio I'm going to have something real similar

Then it was off to the American Idol concert with my parents, LaMar and Van and cousin Karen. We had a blast!!!

I heart NY

New York...east coast...I loved every minute of it!! This was my second visit, the first was a few years ago in February. This time was different, they'd been having some serious rain there but luckily 4th of July weekend was a dry and sunny one. I also think who you're with makes all the difference in the world. A special shout out to Colin Wheeler for making my trip to New York unforgettable.

There was so much that we did and saw...let's see where shall I start...

Well I have to start with this fella. He was sitting next to me on my direct flight to JFK. He turned to his side and fell asleep. A bit too close if you ask me :)

The morning of the 3rd Colin and I went to The Diner for brunch. It started to sprinkle but it was still warm. We split for a few hours and I went for a run along the bike path that they have. Good times running with other runners. I love that feeling.

That afternoon we went to bluechili for some yummy Thai pan and sushi. Followed by a black and white cookie from Roxy's at Times Square. I loved sitting in the bleachers just people watching and see...lots of people to watch. We also spent some time at Bryant Park. We then ventured to the Lion King on Broadway and I was very disappointed. Sure the costumes were amazing but that's all I can compliment them on. Performers weren't that great. On our way home we stopped by Madison Square Park and saw how lit up the Empire State Building was.

The 4th of July was a packed day. Had morning muffin in Central Park, Yankee game in the direct sun for a few hours but over looked by garlic fries and hot dogs, photo shoot by the notorious Bull, Chinese food from Liberty View so nice outside everyone was eating outside and not a soul indoors, laid out on the concrete for four hours to hold a spot for fireworks. As you can see by the pictures below there were people everywhere. During the 20 min spectacular show you could feel the explosions of the fireworks in your chest...that's how big of a production it was. The walk home was a bit intense for me, once again people everywhere.

Day of the 5th...we drove to the Hampton's. The first beach we ran into, Sagg, cost $225 for non residents to park there for a day at the beach. WTF?? So we rented bikes and passed by some resident houses, stopped off at a different beach access, later had lunch at this cute place. How about that $20 Lobster roll Colin? Then we headed home. Ordered pizza in. Colin has crazy work hours so he went to bed around 9ish and I went out and walked to Brooklyn Bridge at sunset with the full moon. I then passed by City Hall Park, then Ground Zero and decided to call it a night.

Monday the 6th while Colin was still at work he left me a subway pass and his house keys. I decided to venture out and take a run in Central Park, stop was at 59th Street. It was so beautiful I stopped several times to take pictures. I'm glad I did. Of course I got lost on my way back to the apartment and found Colin quietly waiting for me. He was a very good sport. Sorry C!!

We then went out for lunch to the Shake Shack. And YUM is all I'm going to say. Bryant Park is amazing!! Off to the movies...Phelham 123. Then I went on top of "the Rock".

Then up at 2:30 am to get catch the airport shuttle. JFK was packed even that early in the morning. I don't think there's ever a time there that the employees have time to catch their breath. They had over booked our flight and trying to get people to take the 5pm flight. Tempting but it was a hell no...some things just aren't worth it. :)

As you can see I had an amazing time. Thanks again Colin!!!