My new car!

After dozens of sleazy salesman I decided on the 2008 Subaru Legacy. I picked it up today and was able to cruise around a bit and I love it.... there was one little problem. There was an unexpected spoiler on the back! This was definitely not something I new I was purchasing and when I asked about it they told me they'd "take care of it" if I wanted it off. What do you think? Spoiler, or no spoiler? I'm not all that thrilled about it, but I also don't want to go through all of the hassle of trying to get it taken off.... I'm sure it won't be as easy as I'd like it to be.

Anyways, here's the new beauty and I promise I won't take this one up against a garbage truck!!

Birthday celebrations

We had many celebrations for Geoff's 30th birthday (I love when that happens!). On his actually birthday I took him to a yummy Italian restaurant in Campbell called Il Bellagio. It was delicious and they even brought him a tiramasu with a candle, and sang happy birthday! Today was another celebration at his parent's house where we also celebrated his brother Derek's birthday. Good times with good people. Happy birthday my sweet....!!

Today I said goodbye

I got a call two days ago from the insurance company telling me that my car was "totaled". I just couldn't believe what I was hearing!! They told me that repairing my car would cost more than what the total value is now. I was devastated to hear the news, although relieved to think that I walked away uninjured from a crash with total damages more than $8,000! So today I went to clean out my car and say goodbye to my trusty little Jetta. It did me well over the last 8 years and I still remember my first cruise with my friends around the campus at PLU!
Now I'm slowly warming up to having to car shop.... what should be a fun, exciting time is actually quite depressing because I was perfectly happy with my car. I don't have long AT ALL before I have to give my rental car back, so the hunt starts today. My parents are coming this weekend so I'm taking the day off work on Friday to drive around the car lots. Does anyone have any ideas of what I should test drive?
I'm posting a pic of a 2000 Jetta.... maybe it will give me some closure :-)

Geoff's 30th Birthday BBQ

Yesterday we had a BBQ for Geoff's 30th birthday! Everything went fabulous, everyone had a great time and the weather was perfect.


Geoff's guy friends bought him MarioKart.... by far his favorite gift! I'm glad I'm off the hook to get it for him! As he was opening it his friends called it a "relationship enhancer". Hmmmm.... not too sure about that!

Geoff's b-day is on Tuesday, so happy early birthday, hun!

My first....

I'm sad to report I got in my first car accident yesterday morning. I'm doing okay and not seriously injured... I was really shaken and emotional about the whole thing. My left side of my body is pretty sore and tight today, but hopefully nothing a little massage won't cure. I don't even want to report the details because it was completely my fault. I'll just say I was rushing to work and between a Jetta and a city garbage truck, the truck will always win. I'm lucky it was early in the morning and there wasn't any other cars on the road, because I was spun into the other lane. I feel lucky about a lot of things right now.... the support of my family and friends, having full insurance coverage, and the nice people I've deal with from Mercury, Enterprise, the auto shop, my co-workers- the list goes on. I feel very lucky.
It's hard to post these, but here goes. I'm sorry my cute little Jetta.... I miss you....

My latest kick

Last night Geoff played WII MarioKart with the boys....



while I stayed home and watched 6 episodes of Sex and the City.



I never really watched Sex and the City, mainly because I never had HBO. A group of my friends are going opening night so in desperation of seeming cool, I'm attempting to watch the last season so I can have an idea of what's going on. There really are some priceless lines in that show, so don't be surprised if I quote one or two on my blog!

Toooo hot!

In attempt to escape our three day heat wave (over 100 degrees!) we took the train up to San Fran on Saturday. The weather was much more bearable up there and once the fog roled in it was actually quite cold. We spent the day walking around the city and taking in the cool ocean breeze.... a welcoming relief from our hot box apartment. That night we met up with some friends and went out to a bar on Polk Street. The pictures below are of us at the Marriot's 39th floor bar. We went up there around sunset just as the fog was rolling in.

Fun weekend

Friday night we had a BBQ at our place. Everyone had a great time, except the neighbors. They were upset because our BBQ smoke went into their place. When they came down to complain I let them know that we never complain when we hear them pee. Just kidding, I didn't say that... but I wanted to! Saturday we spent the day relaxing and getting ready for our friends, Bobby and Leslie's wedding. Bobby and Leslie are both special education teachers at Fremont High School and they are a very sweet couple. We couldn't be happier for them and we feel blessed to have been a part of their special day! Today is Mother's Day and since my mom is in Seattle and Geoff's mom is out of town, we didn't really celebrate. Sending love to all of the mom's out there... you are all fabulous role models for me when it's my turn to be a mom! Enjoy a few pics from the wedding.

The happy couple! The wedding was at a Golf Course in Gilroy. (I straightened my own hair! Impressive, huh!?!)
This one is after a long night dancing!!

Happy Anniversary!

Just a little blog shout-out to my amazing parents who are celebrating their 38th Wedding Anniversary today! Their marriage is a true inspiration to us. The love they have for eachother is so precious... after 38 years they still flirt, hold hands and give eachother sweet kisses.

Our weekend hike

(Yes, he's pretending to be caveman!)
On Sunday Geoff and I went on a hike with our friend Michelle. The weather was nice at our place, but once we drove a bit up Skyline the fog was in thick and it was freezing! The hike was pretty and it was nice to get some exercise outside, but the weather needed to be much nicer to be able to really enjoy the hike. The Poison Oak was out thick on the hike so we joked a bit about how we need to stay clear of it, especially since Geoff is prone to getting it. He even made a comment about it "jumping out" to get him. Well, it sure did! He woke up Monday morning with 3-4 patches of a rash, and since then it's spread to a few more areas! Poor guy! This is probably the 3rd time he's got poison oak and I've somehow stayed clear of it... it just really likes him!
Meanwhile, on the home front, Geoff's doped up on Benadryl so I was in charge of making dinner! Gasp! I know! I think I did okay though... I chose the easiest meal possible of sausages and a salad, and seemed to pull it off. I did ask him about 10 questions through the whole process. "Should I use oil?" "Is it okay if they are a little frozen still?" "Medium or High heat?" "How do I know when they are done?" I have completely lost ALL of my skills while being so spoiled by Geoff's cooking!
So, to my darling boyfriend, thanks for being my chef!

I'm an aunt, kinda!

I had to post this... I'm not sure everyone realizes how bad the Abo's need a new baby around. We all consider JJ and Piper's dog, Lola, our newest addition to the family. She's spoiled like a neice or grandkid would be. It's pathetic, but also kinda cute. It was her birthday last weekend... she even got the You Are Special Today red plate, a family tradition when someone has a birthday, good grades, or just a great day! Happy Birthday my sweet niece!

Free time!

Guess what I was doing today at 4pm.... Sitting at HOME watching OPRAH! Since softball season I haven't been home until around 6 each night. It makes for a really long day since I leave home at 7am. Not to mention it's ALL day on my feet, so by 6pm I'm absolutely done! Yesterday we had our last softball game. The season actually ended a week early because 4 out of 11 of my girls didn't get their grades up high enough. The end of the season is kinda bitter sweet, but probably more sweet than bitter!
I hope everyone has a great weekend! We are off now to celebrate Barbara's (Geoff's mom) birthday!

Oh faithful readers

I have to thank everyone who has continued to check my blog in spite of my lack of posting! Things have been same ol really... just really busy as this time of year usually is. Second semester is when we talk about transitions and structure of programs for the following year. It can be a real headache and there have been MANY days when I've said to myself "this isn't worth the money!". Luckily, last month we got a 6% raise... yeaaaayyy for teachers! It was just in time.

Spring break also came just in time... my patience running thin and my frustration level rising! Geoff and I are lucky to have the same school schedule so we were able to spend the whole week together. The weather was sunny and 80's most of the week (I love Cali!) and we were able to enjoy that while still getting some much needed things done.

Last weekend we went to UC Davis Picnic Day which is a big Alumni Event. Geoff and I went with a few of his college buddies and enjoyed the dog races, bands and too much drinking! Here are a few pics from that day.

I promise I'll post some more pics as soon as my lazy behind gets into blog writing gear!

What a sweetheart

Last night Geoff made a lovely dinner of chicken fajitas (which is what he made me on our first date at his apartment!) and while we were enjoying our meal I told him "you are the best cook in the world", he replied "ahhhh, thanks, you are the best eater in the world!". I took it as a compliment, of course!

Jeez... it's been forever

Wow, are you guys sick of looking at my last blog or what?! Sorry about that! Things have been bussssyyyyy.... it's go go go at work, then softball and/or NDNU class and by the time I'm home, have dinner (which Geoff always has ready for me--- so amazingly sweet!) and clean up I am absolutely exhausted.

Last weekend ma and pa Abo were in town for their biannual California visit. On Thursday they came to my team's softball game (we won!) and then we spent the rest of the weekend in Santa Cruz with Michelle and Shawn. The weather was beautiful and spring like and we spent time enjoying eachother and catching up. Geoff's rugby game was conveniently located at Santa Cruz High School so we were able to watch him kick some butt... he said he "took it easy" that game so he only came out with a bruised right side of his face and a scratch on his left side. His team continues to be undefeated and round one of play-offs are next weekend!
A few pics from our sushi making party for lunch on Sunday! It was really fun and I definately recommend it for a fun party with some friends (or family)! You can get as creative as you'd like and experiment with all sorts of fillings.








Our sushi picnic!



Dad used to play Rugby back in his day.... some of Geoff's teammates were encouraging him to come out for the team!



He was stinky... but he's worth it. Take a look at my mom in the background. Kinda like a stalker... but she just loves us!

Fun weekend

This was a big weekend for us! Saturday our friends had their annual St. Patrick's day party. This party means a lot to Geoff and I because this is where we first met, 2 years ago! The last 2 years with Geoff have been amazing. He's such a great guy and we couldn't be more perfect together! Geoff is the sweetest guy in the world and I'm so lucky to have him. He's my best friend, confidant, chef, masseuse, and so much more!
To celebrate our anniversary we went to one of our favorite spots- Watercourse Way- to spend a relaxing afternoon in the tubs. Then we went to Los Altos Grill (formerly Banderas) for dinner and to enjoy the amazing-ness of no corkage fee, and their rotisserie chicken and cornbread! We finished our night with a cuddle and movie on the couch!
We can't wait for many more anniversaries to come!
Here's a picture of our night at the St. Patrick's day party. I know, somethings different! I got my haircut that day at Julie Q's (best place ever!) and the hair dresser straightened it. It was a fun change!

Bumps and bruises

Geoff had a rugby accident. Later, after 5 stitches and 3 hours in the emergency clinic....


....he's still cute as ever....

A deep breath

As most of you know I usually don't spend very much money on myself... A $35 haircut a few times a year, maybe one or two pedi's a month.... I try and limit my spending so I can save the big bucks to do bigger and better things like travel! Things have been soooo busy for me lately that I was having some major knots in my back to the point where I couldn't sleep well at night. So I treated myself to a MASSAGE last night. It was heavenly. Of course, my cheap self went for the "Basic Therapist" meaning they only have 250 hours of formal training (saved me $20!) but it was still relaxing and rejuvinating. I went to the Massage Therapy Center in Palo Alto and I definately recomend it to my local friends. It's a no-frills kind of place (which is probably why it's affordable) so even though you don't get all the smooshing of a spa you still get a wonderful treatment. Now it's your turn... treat yourself! Coming from someone as cheap as myself.... It's well worth the money!

That time of year

The Girl Scouts are out! I'm not even a huge cookie fan, but I have a really hard time saying "no" to the little girls standing outside the store! So today on my way out of Trader Joe's I picked up a box of Thin Mints. It was a hard call between those and the Samoas. Now I have to keep them hidden from Geoff until Lent is over!

Record: 1 and 0

It wasn't a real pretty win... but we won! I'm really proud of the girls. They played hard... well as hard as they could. The pitching (for both teams) was quite terrible so we had mostly walks the whole game! We played our 2 hour time limit and only played 5 innings! Ha! Gotta love JV sports! The score was 14-13. GO CUPERTINO! The sun has been shining which always makes the season more fun. Now if only my plate wasn't so full with so many different things!

Updates

Life has been crazy busy lately. This week was non-stop and I'm so happy it's the weekend AND we have all next week OFF! I'm really looking forward to some R&R, catching up on my Oprah shows, working-out and just enjoying peace and quiet!! School is now is full swing... I'm finishing my masters at NDNU so I have two classes this semester and then just one final one next fall. Work has been really hectic because we are talking full fledge about the programs for next year. It looks like there are going to be a lot of changes, which I'll go into details later as things are still up in the air. It's good things though and I'm really looking forward to it!
I'm also coaching Softball! I coached a few years ago and by the end of the season I said I'd never do it again.... well, here I am! It's going okay so far. There are some girls out there that should NEVER be playing any sport that includes a small hard ball... but they are learning slowly! Our first game is in a week from next Tuesday so I'm starting to feel the crunch to get the girls up to par.
Valentine's day was lovely with Geoff. We decided no gifts (just dinner) since we have a lot of expenses coming up (travel). I got home from softball practice that evening and my sweet boyfriend had all of our candles lit, a lovely appetizer spread and wine. It was perfect! That night we went out to dinner at a local sushi restaurant... yummy! I'm so lucky to have Geoff in my life... he's #1 :-)
Now it's finally time to take some deep breaths! Well, at least until class and practice!

Don't tell God....

that I'm starting Lent 5 days late. Goodbye gooey chocolate and sweet sugar, I'll miss you. Until Easter....

Happy birthday mama Abo!

Last weekend Geoff, Michelle (sis), Shawn (her BF) and I flew to Seattle to surprise my mom for her 60th birthday! We had a fantastic weekend! Mom had no idea that dad had organized a party for her on Friday night at the Crow restaurant in Queen Anne. I actually was a little worried she was going to pass out when she saw us all there... but she managed, after many tears, to keep herself composed! We spent the rest of the weekend hanging out with family and seeing my friends. The weather was decent (not too rainy) and the family time was just perfect. Sunday morning Piper and JJ prepared a lovely (5 course!) brunch and we spent the morning celebrating mom!

We wrote a song to sing to mom to the tune of "You Are My Sunshine." She cried the whole time!

With the "boys" from high school! It's always so great to see them.

Our time to shine

My fabulous instructional assitant did some clever leg work to get an article in our local newspapers about Post-Secondary programs in our district. The article is online, including a picture of me with one of my students lifting weights at the YMCA. I'm so proud of the crew! I really hope this gets our name out there to different non-profits that would be interested in having our students as workers or volunteers.
If you want to check it out download the current issues at the sites below. The Sunnyvale and Cupertino papers have the same article, just a different picture on the front page.

http://www.community-newspapers.com/cupertino_courier/

or

http://www.community-newspapers.com/sunnyvale/

New couches!

Our amazing friends Tom and Michele sold us their practically brand new couches for a fantastic deal. They are beautiful, comfy and even big enough for Geoff! They look great in the apartment and will look even better in a nice house (maybe, one day!). We call them our adult couches as we've never owned any 'real' furniture. Now if I can just get Geoff to agree on getting rid of his leather chair (from college) that has been in our living room! Here are some pics of the new beauties!

If you look close enough to this pic you can see Geoff's black eye from his rugby game last weekend. Lovely, huh!? (Oh and yes, we both have our dessert in hand... fudge pops! Yum!)

Ski Bunny

Over the weekend Geoff and I went with our friends Arcia, Gregg and Ashley up to South Lake Tahoe. This was my probably my third time skiing as an adult (my dad said the few times he took me up as a kid I just complained the whole time) and I think I can officially say I know how to ski! I finally made it up past the bunny slope and hit the real deal (ok, just the green runs!). The weather was perfect and we had a really good time. Geoff was learning how to snowboard so the two of us together were quite a scene. If nothing else, we looked good trying!






And of course we made time to hit a few casinos and bars....

How could I forget...

I was totally busted by Patrice for not posting these pictures!! Over Christmas break Geoff and I had lunch with Patrice (my good friend since elementary school!) and her new baby Payton June. PJ is absolutely adorable and Patrice is a fabulous mom. It's so great that all my friends are having babies because I'm learning SO much from them. At this rate.... they will all be graduating high school by the time I have my kids! Hehe!

This is why I love my job....

This morning one of my students, Andrew, was having a hard time following directions and being compliant. I looked at him with very stern eyes and a harsh tone of voice and said "Andrew, you better turn it around right now." Without hesitation, Andrew literally "turned it around", did a 360 with his body and with full turn looked me straight in the eye. Did he understand what I meant... I think so!
Today we also had the Sunnyvale Sun and Cupertino Courier (local newspapers) come to spend some time with our class, interview us and take pictures. They are doing an article about Post-Secondary programs in my district and it looks like we are going to have quite a spread. I'll make sure to post the article when it comes out.

Precious

Our friends Jill and Kyle just had their first baby.... Brooklyn Page. She is simply adorable and mom and dad are really excited (and tired) and all three are doing great. It was fun to spend a little time with them at the hospital and I can't wait to see her again! I can't pass up posting this one too... so cute (and a natural, if you ask me!)

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

I've been a blog slacker. Geoff and I spent Christmas with my family in Seattle. It was wonderful! I loved having Geoff there to introduce him to all of our family traditions. He didn't think adults still believed in Santa! Santa comes to our house early Christmas morning and we spend a few hours going through all of our gifts and look at each others things (sometimes do some trading!). After our afternoon walk (in the rain and SNOW this year!) we get ourselves ready for Christmas dinner. Another delicious meal and Geoff was a great help in the kitchen. We had a lovely time in Seattle... but it was nice to come back home where it isn't so dang cold! My parents and siblings came down a day later for our good friends wedding, Devin and Debbie. It was a beautiful wedding with mixed Catholic and Chinese traditions. So tonight brings us to New Years Eve and as I look back at this Christmas and at the last 12 months I know that I'm extremely blessed. I love my life! Let tonight be a safe and fun New Year for you! I'll post pics later this week!

Mind Over Matter

I am not getting sick, I am not getting sick, I am not getting sick, I am not getting sick, I am not getting sick, I am not getting sick, I am not getting sick, I am not getting sick, I am not getting sick, I am not getting sick, I am not getting sick, I am not getting sick, I am not getting sick!

Look at us!

It takes a few minutes to load, but it's well worth the wait. (Thanks Ali for the idea!) Make sure to turn the speakers on!

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1187161631

We're goin' travelin'!

Geoff and I booked our ticket to Europe today! We leave on July 12 and will travel for almost a month. Our plan as of now is to go from London to Dubrovnik (Croatia) and travel up the coast through Slovenia making our way to Budapest (Hungary). From there we will fly to Anthens (Greece) to explore the islands! Any thoughts? Advice? We'd love ideas while we are planning our trip. Whoooohooo, time to travel again... and this time with my love! Now I just have to get through 7 months of work before it's time to go!