Ciao 2007. Benvenuti 2008.

2007 is almost over...it is hard to believe only a year has gone by since I last made resolutions. Where did the time go?


It seems like so much has happened this year, some good, some bad.

In late January, I got my little poochie. He has brought me so much joy and laughter, part of me wonders why I waited so long! But then I think, timing is everything, and it was the right time. I think having him has helped me handle a lot of the stuff I am going through now. We had one little hiccup when he ran away from my parents

During the summer, I had my first real houseguest, Natalia, from Australia. Having her here was awesome...we took a day trip down to the Monterey Bay Aquarium (with Stacey, and Luca), and then had an incredible weekend in Vegas. It was so fun to just enjoy Vegas, especially with someone who had never been there, and not have to work!

Before I knew it, it was time for the big Italy trip! A whirlwind ten days or so in Rome, Florence, Tuscany and the Cinque Terre...it was really fun, and since my return, I have longed to go back. I think about moving there almost every day, and wonder if it would be the right thing for me. Now that I have my Italian passport, perhaps it is. As long as Luca could come along for the ride!

Now it's the new year (I started writing this in 2007, and finished up in 2008...funny how that happens), and I am looking forward to a fantastic 2008. I have some things I need to deal with at the start of the year, but I think things can only get better.

Happy 2008, y'all!

R.I.P. Aunt Annie Marie

Yesterday morning, I got a call that both surprised me and didn't, at the same time. My mom said she had bad news, that my Aunt Annie had passed on.

It wasn't that surprising, as she was 91 years old (I think) and not in the best of health. She was all there mentally, but physically, not so much.

Still, it surprised me as she was pretty adamant about when she was going to go. Her daddy had lived until he was 96 (!), and so was she. Last I was there, she told me since she only had about 6 or 7 years, she had to start getting rid of things; this was about 3 years ago.

Aunt Annie lived in Texas her whole life, and was a southern woman through and through. She still got her hair and nails done each week, full makeup when you saw her Presentation was always very important to her, even when her body didn't cooperate so much. Her mind was like a steel trap, she remembered all the details of her parent's courtship, life growing up...she spoke for quite a long time when I visited and it was really interesting.

She had been rather lonely this year. Her husband, Rupert, died many years ago; a few years ago her sister Adelia passed away, and not too long ago Adelia's son also passed away. Aunt Annie and Uncle Rupert never had children, and none of the family lived very close to her. I would like to think she passed on thinking good thoughts, and that's she's now back with Adelia and my grandma, having a grand old time.

Rest in Peace, great Aunt Annie.

Felicidades!

I missed a few days on here, but I hope that your holiday has been a spectacular one!

Whatever you celebrate, if anything at all, I hope you at least got a day off, and some quiet time to reflect on the year. For me, this was a lovely holiday filled with family and friends I hadn't seen in a LONG time (since high school)! I ate a lot, slept a lot, and just lounged around.

The holiday was also very good to Luca. Not only did he start getting along with his new best friend, my dad, but he got completely spoiled. It was pretty awesome for us all!

Thursday Answers

From 3x Thursday...

1. How did this holiday season treat you? Are you glad it's over? Why/why not?
I had a really nice holiday season...I can't say that I am happy it's over. It was a really fun time hanging out with my family and friends I haven't seen in a long time.

2. How as your health been with this busy time? Did you get sick?
My health has not been the best. I am tired all the time, clearly fighting something off, and I tweaked my back, which stinks!

3. Now that the chaotic holidays are done with, what are you going to do now?
Are they over? I feel like they're not over until New Year's. I need to clean clean clean!

A Christmas Miracle!

Since adopting Luca, he and my father have had a rather contentious relationship. Despite the fact that Dad feeds him, walks him, and takes care of all of his other needs while Luca stays with my parents, Luca was scared as heck.

Until yesterday.

We came over to begin our holiday stay. My dad was in the kitchen, and offered Luca a treat. And...Luca carefully walked up to him, and took it from his hand. This was a first. Luca took the treat and ran away to eat it, but then came back for another one! And he has let my dad pet him and didn't run away.

This may not seem like much, but considering how hurt my dad's feelings always seem to be when Luca ignores him, this is a huge step. Almost a Christmas miracle, methinks!

Sloppy Shopping 2007

The Second Annual Sloppy Shopping Extravaganza occurred this past weekend...and it was great! An evening of hanging out, drinking, shopping, drinking, and eating with the gals - how fun is that?

This year had a particular highlight. We got to meet Dan Lauria, known to most of us as Kevin Arnold's dad from The Wonder Years (or, Jack Arnold). We bombarded him at the bar, and he was gracious enough to humor us for a good 15 minutes. After the fact, we all felt bad for interrupting his night, but I have to say he was extremely kind to us.

Thank you for humoring us, Mr. Lauria. You made our night!

The Trouble with My Dog

You all know I love my poochie. But, his actions these days, have made me not like him so much.

There is some construction going on next door, and I think right now they are doing foundation work. For the past week, each day, I come home to a nice treat left by Luca, perhaps two. Usually, one in the laundry room, and one on the rug. It is really fun, and a lovely way to end my day.

This is more an anxiety problem than anything, I think, so I don't know what to do about it. He definitely knows he is in the wrong...when I step near any of it, he cowers and hides. I wish I could protect him from his fears!

Wednesday Answers

From Daily Three

1. What is the worst natural disaster to affect the city in which you live? Were you living there when it happened?
I think the 1989 Earthquake...perhaps the 1906 was worse, but the 1989 one was the one I lived through and it was horrible.

2. Do you know if there are sex offenders living in your neighborhood? Are you concerned about it?
I am sure there are. I don't worry about it too much...I worry more about the gangs across the way.

3. If you were elected to your city council, what would be the first item you would want to vote on (go ahead and be creative)?
Cleaning up the streets.

Oh Christmas Tree

Tis the season for a pretty tree!
I had the great pleasure of getting mine through a local organization, The Guardsmen. They hold the lot in a huge warehouse, which is freezing. But, they do their best to keep you warm by giving you a drink or two! It is a great way to browse trees.

Unfortunately, I am either a horrible waterer or my stand isn't the best...my tree is about dead. But it looks lovely!

Tuesday Answers

From Tina's Tuesdays...
1. What is your all-time favourite holiday movie?
A Christmas Story ("Fra-gi-le...it must be Italian")
2. What recent release is a must have on your list?
Love Actually
3. What are some more of your favourite holiday movies?
Elf
A Charlie Brown Christmas
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
All those claymation movies

When Dogs Attack.

Today I while I was walking with Luca, I had a nice little scare. We were nearing a coffee shop, where I was going to go in for a delicious peppermint hot cocoa. I saw this woman tying up her dogs - a rather large boxer/pitty looking one, and a small Chihuahua mix. She walked into the shop, and I could see the larger one was interested in Luca already. Figuring he was secure, I tried to veer around him, taking Luca to the edge of the sidewalk.

The big dog got loose from his leash, and lunged at us.

I pulled Luca, trying to lift him up and get him out of the way of this dog. My poor little guy was dangling by his harness, while the big dog was trying to climb up me. It all happened really quickly, and while I was trying to push the big dog away, the little dog somehow got completely off the leash and went into the coffee shop. Luckily, a nice woman came up and got the dog's leash to pull him off of me, and another guy ran up, clearly ready to take the dog down if he needed to. Then he went into the shop to try to find the owner

I stood there with my dog in my arms, and this big dog continually lunging at/jumping on me. I don't think he was aggressive, I think he wanted to play with Luca, but it was scary. Finally, the owner came out and kind of laughed about it. I guess I should have said something about her dog lunging, and being more careful, but I think I was stunned. I just hope I thanked the people that came to help me!

And my poor Luca...when we walked away, I tried to put him down, and he wouldn't let me until we were a few blocks gone. He had quite a shake up! We are both ok, I have some scratches and bruises where the dog jumped on me, but other than that, fine. Whew, I am so thankful it turned out ok.

Love at First Sight...again

Yesterday I got the opportunity to meet my new baby cousin.

I must say, I am completely smitten with him.

I went over in the morning, and got some selfish me time just holding him and staring at him. For a while, I held him on my legs so I could get a good look at him. He just slept and made faces and maybe a quick noise now and then. It was so flippin' cute.

I can't wait until I see him again!

Rain Comes Falling...

The rain has finally hit us! It has been so long...we had a sprinkling of it last week, but now it's a real storm! Yay!

I am glad it is happening during the work week and not on a weekend. It always stinks when it is nice all week and you're cooped up in the office, and then you get to the weekend and bam, the rain hits.

We need the rain, too...things have been too dry.

I do hope that it moves out tonight, though!

Miracle

This weekend, I had the distinct honor of being one of the first to meet my new baby cousin. Knowing that my cousin was about to "pop" any minute, we have been on babywatch since after Thanksgiving...even though she wasn't due until this coming Friday.

I got the call while I was at brunch on Sunday morning. Cousin was in labor, there was still some time. Knowing labor can sometimes take a while, I got a few things done before heading to the hospital. On my way down, I got another call that things were moving quickly, and I stepped on it! Little did I know, we still had a few hours to wait!

After what seemed like forever to us waiting, and I am sure to the mom & dad-to-be, my brother and cousin snuck down the hall to have a peek. They came running back, having seen the new daddy holding the brand new baby! Soon after, my cousin headed down the hall to gather us all in to meet the newest member of our family.

It was quite a special day!

Tuesday Answers

Word association from The Music Meme...First song/artist/album that comes to mind...

Icy
Johnny Angel

Dark
Strong Enough

End
It's the End of the World as We Know It

December
Oh What a Night

Flake
Creep by TLC

Duet
Unforgettable

Beat
We got the Beat

Stress
Bad Day by Samiam

Harmony
Motownphilly

New
New Shoes

Monday Answers

From Monday's a Bitch...

Jamaicin' Me Crazy
1.Would you ever put your hair in dreadlocks?
HELL NO
2.Got any sun-holidays planned for this winter?
I wish. Depends on a few factors...I would love to go to Mexico for a long weekend!
3.What's your favourite rum based drink?
Skinny Pirate (TM Susie's friend) - Captain & Diet
4.Do you like reggae music?
Sometimes.
5.What's your opinion on the legalization of marijuana?
It would be a great way to increase tax revenue! And, really, how is it any worse than most of the alcohol that's out there? I don't get it.