Sunday, June 13, 2010

As Promised... NYC Pics!!!





Buddakahn Bar, where Carrie and Big had their Rehearsal Dinner in the S&TC movie
STK in Meat Packing District (yum!)

Scout, from S&TC, the bar Aidan and Steve opened on Mulberry Street- Cosmos!!!

Amy starting the S&TC tour...

The S&TC Premier Party at Velour


Cupcakes at Magnolia Bakery!!! Again, yummy!!!
Buddakahn door (remember it from the movie??)
Amy and the Big Lolli at FAO Schwartz



























Saturday, June 12, 2010

Epi-Lasek Eye Surgery

I finally did it!!!

I have wanted Lasik for YEARS, but was told it was not "conducive" to my eye structure, so I waited..... Went back after a few years and found out about Epi-Lasek (pronounced Lay-seek). It works for me! Yippee!!!

Here is the difference (from what I was told- please don't think I am the SME here):
* Lasik cuts a flap in your eye (gross) to fix the vision; tougher process, but immediate recovery
* Lasek uses a laser to scrape (gross again, but not as gross as an eye flap!) the cornea to fix the vision; easier process, but longer recovery

I had eye #1 (they do each eye one month about for recovery time) done yesterday and so far so good. About 10 minutes after the 3 minute procedure (but 1 hour prep to get to the 3 minute surgery), I was SUPER SENSITIVE to the light, but no pain- just crazy and loopy from the Valium and Vicodin they had me take right after. Got home, went to bed for 2 hours, woke up and sensitivity was gone, stayed up for 1 hour, went back to bed for another 2 hours, woke up for another hour to hang with my bro and watch Nurse Jackie (oh wait... LISTEN to NJ as I was not supposed to strain my eyes with TV or a computer yesterday), and went back to bed for the night for 8 hours. Woke up this morning feeling GREAT! Just a little blurry.

After my follow-up this morning, doc says my current vision is 20/40- just blurry- but should be 20/20 to 20/10 within 2 weeks. Yeah!!! And just wearing a contact in the other eye until my next surgery in July.

Wow- is this cool. So amazing. So glad I did it.

The only thing I have to do for the next few weeks is use 5, yes 5, different eye drops and take some antibiotics for 1 week to avoid infection. Not bad.

If you are considering doing some sort of laser eye vision improvement surgery, I highly recommend it. Just one thing: DON'T look for a deal. People, these are your EYES! You only have 2 and can't get more. Find a reputable surgeon and get it done.

Happy Seeing!

Saturday, June 5, 2010

New Furniture and Such for PC!!!





So excited! Here is what part of my work bonus paid for! New furniture, TV, etc. for my digs in Park City, Utah. BTW... it's OUR (my condo and me- thanks) 1 year anniversary this month. Can't believe I have had this place for an entire year!? Still love it as much as I did on day 1.
I ended up with a suede mocha sleeper sofa (come visit!), comfy chair with ottoman, 2 glass tables, a bookcase/wine shelf (yes, filled with Artesa wine), and last but not least a beautifully mounted-on-the-wall TV. I am very content. Looks great and very comfy! Thanks Stick & Stones Furniture and Best Buy/Geek Squad!
Now if Dad can just fix my fireplace... :) All will be well in PC. Have a great weekend all.

Monday, May 31, 2010

NYC SATC Girls Weekend Comes to a Close...

What a fabulous weekend in NYC!!! I could not have asked for a better time with Amy in the City. Here is a run down of our fun:

Friday- Shopping on 5th Avenue, the big movie- Sex & the City 2 in Times Square, dinner at STK in the meat packing district

Saturday- Morning exercise in Central Park, Sex & the City tour (See below), more shopping, and SATC Premier Party at Club Velour

Sunday- Picasso exhibit at The Met, Green Day's American Idiot on Broadway (so awesome), more shopping, and dinner at Blue Water Grill in Union Square

3 fun-filled great days! Some other highlights include a few celebrity sightings... (we think)... the hot dog street vendor experiences, tons and tons and tons of walking the streets of NYC, cupcakes!, and relaxing in comfy Waldorf Astoria beds.

The SATC tour was so fun- if you are a fan, you may know some of the the stops.... The Pleasure Chest where the girls purchased their "rabbits", many restaurants such as The Coffee Shop, Sushi Samba, Buddakahn... Aidan's furniture shop, the church where Samantha met her Friar, Scout- the bar Steve and Aidan opened on Mulberry Street... many neat places to see. Great tour that took us all over Manhattan- Chelsea, the Village, etc. for almost 4 hours of pure enjoyment.

I will post pics very soon.... Can't wait for more! Fun, fun, fun!!!

Friday, May 21, 2010

Pre-NYC Post- SATC2

Helllloooooo MR BIG!!!

Ahhhh.... Carrie Bradshaw.... My hero


I am so very excited- chompin' at the bit to share what Lil' Amy and I have scheduled for the premier of Sex & the City 2 in NYC!!! We did the first premier 2 years ago in Hollywood- did the whole Shutter's on the Beach, Robertson Blvd thing..... but nothing, and I mean NOTHING, will compare to this~

Thursday Night- Arrive via La Guardia and make our way mid-town for our digs for 4 days- The Waldorf-Asoria- ooh-lala!

Friday- THE BIG DAY! Premier of the movie followed by dinner at STK steakhouse- moo!


Saturday- The official Sex & the City tour (for all you fans, think the "Rabbit", Magnolia Bakery, Carrie's front stoop, Aidan and Steve's bar Scout, etc.) So fun! That night is the official premier party at Velour- a night club in the city. Tix could be purchased as... The Carrie, The Samantha, etc. Can you guess? We bought The Carrie. I am sure a cosmo WILL be included

Sunday- Green Day's American Idiot Rock Opera on Broadway!!! followed by sushi and such dinner at Blue Water Sushi & Grill- yum!

Monday- Sleep in and fly home.... :(


Of course, mixed in will be some shopping, more sight seeing, and I am sure some tasty libations. Did I say shopping??? I am like a kid counting down the days to Christmas or the last day of school. Or rather, like Carrie Bradshaw in front of Manolo Blahnik.... HELLO LUVA!

Keep your eyes open for the post-post. In the words of Jayzee and Alicia Keys... New York- It's what dreams are made of....

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Just the past few days....

I have had a GREAT past several days and anticipate the next several will be just as sensational, so thought I would just brag about that today. Lucky me.

After the wonderful family excursion to Cabo, I spent the next 12 days in California working- nice to be home in the Bay area for a bit and enjoy my house, my little Casey, time with my brother, etc. But... travel must come. Luckily it is in the form of Utah and Minnesota. I spent 3 days that FLEW by in Utah working AND spending some time with Mr Big/SMITH... call him what you want... I do. That is as much as you get about that. Just know that I am still smiling and I will be until I see him again next weekend. Remember, nothing else about my love life here. Just know things ARE amazing.

There is something about waking up in Park City to the sight of snow-capped mountains and smelling that clean mountain air. It's incredibly refreshing. I can't get enough. Best purchase I ever made- that little condo that could.

I arrived in sunny Minnesota last night and met my very best friend Andi for dinner and wine. Love, love, love Ciao Bella (if you have read my previous posts, you know my obsession). Parmesan crusted shrimp, edamame, Margarita flatbread, and a little (or rather alot) of Sienna vino from back home. Then, to top it off, Andi's sweetheart of a husband had gourmet cupcakes waiting for my belated birthday when we got back to their house. Wow. And yum! Thanks Mark! And Andi too.

This morning I met Eve & Erica for breakfast at Jensen's where we enjoyed a few hours of tasty food and good conversation. I can't believe I worked with those girls at The Limited over 20 years ago??? Yep, still good friends. How cool is that?

Now, after a good workout to allow for all the meals out with friends, Mom and I are heading out for a movie "Letter's to Juliet" followed by dinner for a belated Mother's Day- just Mom and me! Just great way to start a weekend with friends and family. More to come tomorrow.....

Hope your fishing opener weekend is treating YOU well... go fish!

Saturday, May 8, 2010

What is Your Music Genre of Choice?

I am sitting here on a beautiful Saturday morning, after a great hike with friends, downloading songs on my Ipod. Today: Hall & Oates, Orleans (you probably have no idea who that even it? Is it a band? A solo artist?), some new girl whose name has slipped my mind ("According to You" is the title of the cheesy song), and Tonic. Quite a mix, eh?

Got me to thinking about what GENRE of music I am drawn to. Pondering. Much thought given.... NO CLUE. I am at a loss. Take a look at a few of the artists I have on my Ipod now (and this is simply a sampling of the mix):

Prince
Santana
Neil Diamond
Indigo Girls
Michael Jackson
Jackson Brown
Toto
Taylor Swift
Beastie Boys
Carrie Underwood
Colbie Callait
Bush
Tim McGraw
Black Crowes
Richard Marx
Kenny Chesney
Jon Secada
Pointer Sisters

Huh... kinda weird. I know it goes without saying that my FAVORITES are GOO GOO DOLLS, BON JOVI, DIXIE CHICKS.... which is kinda weird in itself, but I think you can say I do not have a genre. Rap is out; all others are in I guess.

I love music, especially when it's a live venue. Can't get enough concerts.

With that, did you know Hall & Oates are coming to the Mountain Winery this summer? Could be fun.... Back to more downloads my friends. Enjoy your tunes.

Saturday, May 1, 2010

Cabo 2010 Recap

What a wonderful trip to Cabo with the family! Below are a few snap shots of the fun times with Mom, Dad, and Jarrod....

The first pic is at Cabo Surf 7 Seas for dinner and drinks- watching the surfers. Tasty and fun!




Didn't get any pics from wave runners on Monday, but Tuesday was a blast on the ATVs... see Mom and me below...

Jarrod and me relaxing on the patio of our suite before my birthday dinner on Wednesday...


Dad and Mom at my birthday dinner at The Office on Medano Beach- great seafood!



Jarrod on the Buccaneer Queen pirate ship for our last night of vacation on Thursday night...


Great times had by all with sun, the beach, many different resort pools, Mexican and seafood dinners, fun activities around Cabo, and much needed relaxation.
Until next year....

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

First Few Days in Cabo...

No pics to post yet, but an update on the fun of the first few days in Cabo....

Arrived Sunday... flight was uneventful (good) and after retrieving the rental car, our first stop was Cabo Surf 7 Seas to enjoy some cocktails, dinner, and watch the surfers. Very satisfying on all accounts. Next we headed to Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach to check in to our digs for the week and then to the Lobby Bar for more cocktails. Great way to start our Mexican vaca!

Monday... Thank my stars for an excellent workout facility for each morning to prepare my days of drinking and eating (focus on the calorie-laden tropical cocktails!). After workout #1, breakfast with mom overlooking the ocean before we all scooted out to wave run in the Sea of Cortez. It was a blast- ran the waves, frolicked with the sea lions, drank salt water.... After being water logged to the gills, we hung at Baja Cantina on the beach and enjoyed some authentic Cabo food and relaxed before heading back to Pueblo Bonito.

Tuesday... Same rhythm today... workout, breakfast, and fun. Tuesday Fun was several hours on ATV/4-Wheelers in the sand dunes. I swear, I will have sand in my teeth, nose, and ears (not to mention other places....) for weeks! Again, tons of fun on this adventure and then back to PB to hit the Sky Pool- one of the many pools (5 I think) at PB, the Sky Pool (as you can imagine) is up high on the property with an incredible infinity pool that looks like it falls to nowhere. Each pool has it's own swim up bar and grill to enjoy many options of refreshing beverages and snacks. Yum! Today was Dirty Monkey Day- think vodka, pineapple, banana, coconut, and kahlua frozen into perfection. Tasty! Back from the pool and just hangin' before dinner. Very, very relaxing. This is what vacation should be all about.

Sunsets are gorgeous here. Breeze is delightful. Pretty sure I can handle this for about 3 more days.... Bring it on! Yep, still wasting away again in Cabo Wabo-ville.....

Friday, April 23, 2010

Pre-Cabo Post


Leavin' on a jet plane to Cabo San Lucas- check out the Arch at Lover's Beach above- and thought I would shout out a "pre-vacation" post.
I cannot wait for sun, fun, and relaxation. Here is what I am expecting this trip:
* A little bronze to my skin (not a tan; being aware of skin cancer and wearing LOTS of sunscreen, but hoping for a little summer glow...)
* Excellent seafood- YUM!
* Some fun events on the water
* A fun birthday celebration with the family on Wednesday
* Tasty sangria at Hotel California (ya know... you can never leave...)
* Happy Hour every day by the pool (I love the Dirty Monkey!!!)
* Sleeping in! No alarms!
* Cabo Wabo babyyyyy!!!! (This is the ONLY time I will consume tequila...)
Sounds fun. Let's go NOW. Soon enough. Time to pack my bags. However I am guessing I will not have access to the internet, so I may just have pre-Cabo and post-Cabo posts. We will see.
It's 5 o'clock somewhere...
Wasting away again in Margaritaville...
Give me 2 pina coladas...
If you like Pina Coladas and gettin' caught in the rain...
Seat right here and have another beer in Mexico...
Okay, enough drinking/vacation songs to get me started. Hola! Or rather adios for now!