christmas

Here are some images from our Christmas this year. We spent most of our time with family, and were once again reminded how blessed we are to live so close to our loved ones.










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joy to the world

The Lord has come!



Merry Christmas from us to you.

birds of death

These are the birds that live on my street. The are turkey vultures. Allow me to give you a close-up....

that wingspan!


those talons!

That face! Disgusting, right?

I am convinced these birds are here to hurt me. Maybe even peck me to death and then bring all their friends to pick my body. They are vultures after all.

My hate-hate relationship with these nasty creature started many years ago. You see, I grew up on this street I now live on. These birds have been haunting me for years. One time when I was in jr high, there was a big group of them just standing on the street in front of my house. Staring at me as I walked outside.

My Dad liked to watch Alfred Hitchcock movies. I had already seen Birds. You can imagine the nightmare this event this created.

From that point on, I tried to avoid the birds as much as possible.



Well, I am once again a resident of Pine Street and it appears the birds are back in full force. Everyday I walk the dog or jog down the street with my eyes up. Always prepared for a full blown attack. I know I could go down a different street, but I will not be ruled by fear. Yes, the thought that they want to eat me and have my dog as dessert crosses my mind, but this is MY street.



But seriously though, I can feel their eyes following me.

letters

An update.....

Dear me,

Happy 24th birthday! These flowers look just like the ones from your wedding. I knew they were from mom. Only she would think of that.

love,
older, wiser me


Dear Scully,
You are 1 now. Er...um...technically 7? This means we can no longer blame your misbehaving on being a puppy. So I will have to come up with something else to blame it on. Because you obviously are not growing out of it.


love, us
(the other people who inhabit your house, feed you, and force you to take baths)
ps...we love you. and we know you love us too


Dear New Moon,
I waited for you in line.

While rereading you, of course. You did not disappoint. You, the best friends on the planet, and chips and salsa made for a goooood night.

love, a true fan


Dear husband,
This year, I am thankful for you. As always.


love, me

portland

So I spent last week in Portland for our end of year planning session. To remind you all (because I know there are so many of you) I work in marketing for a software company. Half our team lives in Portland. And because Portland is just slightly more beautiful, it won out over a retreat in Bakersfield. Close call though.

I wont bore you with mundane details. This is what we did most of the day, everyday.


BUT we did have a few chances to close our laptops and get some fresh air.

We stay in a great boutique hotel right on the river. There is a walking trail outside and one morning we bundled up and enjoyed our coffee on the trail.










One night we went out to a nice dinner to celebrate how awesome Crissy and I are. And our birthdays.




Our team building exercise was wine tasting in the Oregon hills, famous for their pinot noir. I just couldnt get over the beautiful countryside. Seriously reinforced my desire to live in the country.










This was our tour guide. She seriously reinforced my desire to have a silver bob when I am older. Loved her.

bff

Beagles are, by nature, friendly dogs. Little hounds who like to share their territory with others. Well, our Scully has the whole backyard to herself. Her own space to roam, dig, sun bathe, and catch a scent. So to satisfy her need for social interaction, we take her to play with Sadie. My in-laws super sweet yellow lab. These two have been playing together since Scully was little. And despite their size difference, they are two peas in a pod.






And as for these two?



Yeah, Scully is not quite a friendly with them.

k.i.t. dodgers

Its hard to believe another season is over. And I know you may laugh, or think I am exaggerating. But I am not. The Dodgers play a major role in our home from about April to mid-October (hopefully). If you know my husband, then you know this is true.

And although the Dodgers have brought us many memorable moments, tonight we are sad. Sad we aren't bringing the series back to LA, so we can see another game. Sad it ended this way. Sad we wont spend any more evening on our patio listening to Vin. Sad we cant go all the way.

But this is life. It builds character, right?

Enough moping! Here is a pic of a definite highlight of our 2009 Dodger season.



Til 2010, keep in touch Dodgers