Short, Curly Hair

This weekend went by SOO fast! 

We had Shawn's Holiday work dinner at Forbes Mill Steakhouse in Los Gatos, got our tree, and I saw Ben Harper play with his new band. Phew. I'm tired just reliving it! :-)

I'm still getting used to my hair and decided I would try to curl it with a straight iron.

Blink

Blink

What was that you said Care? CURL your hair with a STRAIGHT iron? 

Yes! And it only took me an hour! The outcome was pretty sweet. So much for saving time by cutting my hair, I think I will curl it everyday...

 

I didn't tell anyone I was cutting my hair, I just did it; so you can imagine the looks of shock and dropped jaws I got when Shawn's colleagues saw me. So far everyone loves it, and it makes me wonder: Do they really like it, or is it just too late to say "OOOHHHH Care, um sweetie, you really should have kept it long." :-)

We started with cocktails and catching up then moved to wine and somewhere I decided it would be great fun to have shots of tequila. Someday I'll realize I'm not 22 anymore. Nevertheless Shawn and I had a fantastic time celebrating our FIRST hol

iday event as hubby and wifey. 

Sunday we got our tree and I abruptly left Shawn to meet Tess for football and a Ben Harper concert at the Catalyst. Again, not I'm not 22. Ben Harper did an amazing job on the slide guitar. Tess and I sipped our Jamison and joked and made new friends as we waited for Ben Harper to go on stage. If you haven't heard any of his work, you should check him out. He's got a rock flavor with some really mellow tunes mixed in there. My favorite album is Both Sides of the Gun if you need a recommendation. I have 3 of my favorites on my playlist down below. 

Tess's dad said that she was going to be named as a complaint in our divorce papers and that made me laugh so hard. We've spent every Sunday together and I hope Shawn forgives me. :-) She's like a kindred spirit; we like the same books (or at least can have fun conversations about the ones we don't agree on!) we love to watch football, she can talk Shawn's "serious talk", we ALWAYS have fun together AND she lives in APTOS!

I'm sure we'll have many more adventures to post later this week after her cocktail party on Friday. Until then, I'll have my head down writing 3 training video scripts for work. 

xxoo,

Cares

A new haircut

Well, a few weeks ago I told my trainer when she was ready to chop her hair, I would do it too. She followed through and cut 13 inches off. I reminded her of our deal and she very kindly told me she had no plans on holding me to it. 

Well, on Friday I decided it was time. I cut 10 inches off, well Stacey my good friend and hairdresser cut it off. My hair has never been this short. I wanted to cut it to my shoulders, but in order to donate it, they need at least 10 inches. I really did tear up when she cut the ponytail off. It had taken me a long time to grow my hair out that long. My trainer felt better when she cut her hair, I can't tell you I'm there yet! Shawn loves it and keeps reminding me how great it looks. Though he thinks it's great fun to hold up my "Big Hair" hairspray and tell me I probably should get the "little hair" bottle. Hardy har har Wood. :-)

Stacey didn't have any tequila on hand, but kept reminding me that this would help keep a child warm this winter and that was why I did it. I'm hopeful that someone will in fact benefit from the 10 inches I sent in. I'd always wanted to be able to do something like this and I'm thankful for the opportunity. I think I've even inspired Megan to do it too! 

It's already done otherwise I'd ask what you all think!!

xxooo

Care

Thanksgiving Grocery Shopping

I started off my Thanksgiving festivities on Wednesday morning. Knowing I usually feel really full on Thursday, I scheduled a run with Heather B. for 6 AM. Well I suppose I was so excited for Jules to come into town that I didn't receive the text from Heather asking for a confirmation. After all, NO ONE wants to get up at 6AM if they don't absolutely have to. I received and replied to the text at 5:50 Wednesday morning knowing that Heather B. would not be up for a run since I didn't confirm. Sure enough she called and politely told me that she could be ready in a few minutes if I wanted to wait. Now, any excuse NOT to run is usually a prize-worthy endeavor for me. As Heather B. yawned asking if I wanted to wait I told her to go back to sleep. It had been a long week for Heather B. It took all I had not to climb back into my warm bed, but I ran 3 miles all by my lonesome. It was much harder alone, but I did it and I felt great. 

After my run, I decided to hit up the grocery store to gather ingredients for 2 pies, a quiche and chilli for game night taking place later that evening. In order to keep my adrenaline going I stopped in to Starbucks for my first egg nog latte of the season.  You may be asking yourself "what was the point of running 3 miles? You just wrecked it with that latte Cares!" And to that I say 2 things:

1. I pay a trainer to tell me things like that, so unless you receive a monthly check from me you are not allowed to tell me what what foods negatively affect my workouts

and 

2. I had the Barista mix the egg nog with non fat milk so it's not as bad as it sounds. So there. (Do I sound defensive OR WHAT?!)

Red cup in hand, I skipped across the parking lot and into Safeway. I picked out my cart making sure I hadn't chosen one with squeaky or uncooperative wheels and started on my list. I was in the greatest mood and to my surprise so were the rest of the shoppers. I found EVERYTHING on my list which can be hard the day before Thanksgiving. Usually those shelves can be picked over by then. As I approached the Dairy section I realized they were completely out of Whipping Cream. Not cool whip, or the stuff you buy in a can, the real thing. I sighed and thought of which store would be on my way home. Instead, I found a stock person and asked her if there was any in the back. She checked and came back out to tell me that the shipment had literally just arrived and that in 30 minutes they'd be restocked. I smiled, thanked her and headed over to pick out some wine. 3o or so minutes later I walked back and was reassured to find that the whipping cream had in fact been restocked. As I chose mine I saw a different stock person through the shelves. I happily shouted "Thank you for the whipping cream sir!" He said "You're welcome! Can you believe we've already gone through a few thousand of these? They anticipate we'll go through a few million by tomorrow!" I was actually pretty shocked. One million cartons of whipping cream? I told him that was impressive and shouted "I hope you have a great Thanksgiving!" I suddenly felt like I was at a neighborhood market where the butcher lives on your block and the checker is your friend's aunt. The kind of market where you keep a tab and they know your favorite groceries. 

I made my way through the aisles and headed up to check out. As the woman in front of me finished up she saw my whipping cream and I watched her eyes get as big as saucer as she said "OHH! Where did you get THAT?!" I said "Oh, they JUST restocked it. It's right next to the eggs!" I took a sip out of my red cup and smiled. I know how frustrating it is to have to make a few trips when the store runs out and it felt good to help someone else, even if it is something as inconsequential as whipping cream! 

When it was my turn to pay, I looked at the checker and started telling her about the amount of whipping cream our county would be going through. I then told her "I have to apologize I get REALLY chatty when I've had caffeine" She laughed along with the 4 to 5 month pregnant lady in line behind me. Who knew coffee had such a universal effect on people? The 3 of us chatted about our favorite coffee treats and how much the prego lady missed it. I normally don't get into conversations like this at the grocery store, but it was Thanksgiving after all!

I loaded up my car and was getting ready to run the cart back up to the store when an elderly man pulled into the handicapped spot next to me. I smiled as we made eye contact and he told me to have a great Thanksgiving as he locked up his car. I love Thanksgiving. It seems to bring out the optimist in everyone. It's easy to get caught up in the hustle of it all, but this year I felt like I could really enjoy the holiday for what it is. 

I hope you all had a fantastic Thanksgiving shopping/baking/cooking experience. 

xxooo

Cares

Weekend Festivities

Well, our mighty Spartans lost. Badly. We had an amazing first half to which I heckled and cheered all the way through. We had some awesome seats on the end zone where the players come in and out from. We boo'd the dawgs at halftime, and told them to go back to fresNO. I guess I got a little big for my britches, which I know, is VERY out of character for me. ;-) 

I could even recognize the moment we lost it. We turned the ball over and the FresNO fans went nuts. I looked over to the Spartan Squad and noticed they were VERY quiet. In sports you really have to be able to hold a poker face, pick yourself up and keep going as if you never messed up. I don't think the Spartans know how to do this. It was  turnover, big deal! We could have got the ball back and sent them back to the pound. 

It's so heartbreaking to lose to fresNo and I took it to heart. Especially because I had been hyping it up for so long. The good news is we had an amazing tailgate. Shouting at the fresNO fans as they walked by telling them to go home. You might be surprised to find out that none other than Franny was the ring leader! HA! Jeff picked up some delicious chicken and polish sausages he grilled, and all the boys had a blast. I'll post the pictures tonight. 

I'm pretty sure I've convinced everyone there to do this again next year. I'm still proud to wear my blue and gold, but just a little heartbroken. 

'Till later...

Cares

A Visit Back to my College Campus

Today I took a long lunch and headed over to SJSU's campus to pick up a new shirt for tomorrow's big game. 

GO SPARTANS! BEAT THOSE BULLDOGS!

It's always really bittersweet to go back to my old stomping grounds. It always looks a little different every time I go. Today I parked in the 10th street garage in the 30 minute lot, stepped out of my car and headed down the stairs with a small group of students. I smiled when I noticed their backpacks as they rushed off to their classes and couldn't help feeling a little sad. College was such a great time in my life though at the time all I wanted was to be done. Oh if only I could go back and tell myself: "Don't be in such a rush!! Enjoy this time, live through the lessons, savor the moments; you don't get to do this EVER again!" As I crossed the street with the students I remembered the hot dog cart and how delicious those dogs were. That was back when my metabolism was still my friend and luckily yet sadly the hot dog cart was gone. I might have been TOO tempted.

As I walked onto the campus I noticed the new business building and student dorms. I couldn't believe how beautiful and modern they are! San Jose is the heart of Silicon Valley, so it makes sense that the campus continues to change, but it looked so different. As I passed the quad I remembered passing it everyday on my way to class, posting in front of it with my sorority sisters during Rush week, and all the students who would assemble their bands down there to perform. All around me were banners promoting the big game and students rushing around. It was incredibly nostalgic. I sent a text message to my college friend Kimmie asking her to forgive me for being late. She was waiting for me at our faithful taqueria La Vic known for its orange sauce. Don't ask me why it's so delicious...I'm afraid to ask what's in it!! I quickly surveyed the bookstore for a new t-shirt for me, Shawn, and mom. It was all I could do not to buy everything blue and gold in sight. I wonder if my love for my school would not be so bold if I wasn't a legacy. I know that I'm a very passionate person, so it's hard to ever know. 

I settled on 3 new blue shirts, a beanie for our friend Jeff's boy Chase (a future spartababe?!) and made my way to check out. I thought about a Spartan jersey for Oscar, yes they make them for dogs, but do think it's mean for dogs to wear clothes. After all, look what he just went through on Halloween! 

As I rushed across campus to meet Kimmie I passed the building where most of my English courses took place. I smiled and hoped to see one of my professors so that I could tell them that I actually did something in my field of study, thanks to them and their lessons. For some reason I think that's kind of rare now days. 

I saw Kimmie sitting on the steps at the Taqueria and smiled shaking my head as I said "I miss it. Don't you miss it?!!" She smiled assuredly and said "Yeah, I do." We would probably not be friends today if I had chosen another school and she's a big part of my favorite memories at State. We sat and reminisced about the fun and hard times we had. I made her promise to go with me and Mom to the Bowl game pending a victory tomorrow. (Even if you aren't familiar with SJSU, or aren't a fan, you are my dears a fan of mine or you wouldn't be here. :-) So as a fan of mine, please send your positive Spartan energy out tomorrow. We need a victory to make it to that bowl game, and I PROMISE to blog all about it.) As Kimmie and I parted ways I told her not to leave her Spartan Spirit at home tomorrow. :-) Of course she laughed like most of you just did knowing I am a little crazed when it comes to my Spartans. 

I hope I evoked a sense of pride in your college/youthful days. Weren't they amazing?

Until tomorrow:

Hail, Spartans, Hail

Love,

Your favorite Spartababe

No RED Days

This is taken directly from the Spartan Squad's website and I take it as the Word. 

NO RED DAYS!

The main color for Fresno State is red. Because of this, and fueled by the heated rivalry between schools, a new tradition was started by the Spartan Squad in 2005-2006. Whenever the Spartans play the Fresno State Bulldogs in ANY home sporting event at SJSU, the student body is asked to display as litte red (or NO RED) as possible to promote Spartan pride. So on those game days, blue and gold = good, red = bad. No Red Days are listed on the Spartan Squad Calendar under "Events" tab on this website.

Sorry Megan...Sorry Char... you guys might want to team up and sit in the visitors' section! 

Long time no write....

I can't believe how long it's been since I've written anything. Sorry folks! Things got really busy there for me. 

First I'd like to send a ton of belated birthday blessings to Grandpa Sugar. He is the rock of our family and I can't think of anyone better to sit at the helm of our family. My favorite memory is of me and Grandpa dancing at Stephie and my wedding. He didn't even say anything when I stepped on his toes and told me how proud of me he is. ;-). He loves gin martinis, calamari and the Washington Redskins and can make knots on the smallest masts on amazing ships despite having the biggest fingers I've ever seen.  I love you Grandpa and hope to see you really soon! I hope you had a great day filled with martinis and good food. 

Shawn and I spent this past weekend with the Ramos's and cleaning up our house. Shawn tackled the garage and it looks amazing. I should have taken some before and afters, but truthfully I was too embarrassed.  Shawn is really great at these kind of projects; he just turns on the flat screen to CNBC and goes to work. He's like one of the shoemaker's elves. 

I tackled our room and the laundry. I don't know HOW two people can manage to rack up so much laundry, but somehow we do. Having a clean house has become more and more important to me as I get older and I finally understand my parents' frustrations when I would leave things around the house.  I actually recently turned guests away from stopping by because our house was a mess. ;-) See Dad I can clean up now. So Saturday was spent cleaning and it felt great. 

Sunday found me dragging Shawn to the Brittania Arms a pub in Aptos. I meet Tess there every Sunday to watch all of the football games. Tess wasn't around so I made Shawn go with me. He doesn't last too long and usually finds a paper or something else to do. College football would probably keep his attention, but he left the cheering and beer drinking to me yesterday. Luckily for him our friend Cindy happened to be there. He was a trooper though and lasted a lot longer than I thought he would.

Tomorrow Jules is coming up for a short visit. I'm hoping for a lot of laughing and good wine. Work has kept me incredibly busy and lately wine seems to be the best release. While I'll be at work all day, she'll be toolin' around the beach and checking out Aptos. It's been gorgeous for us lately so pardon me if I'm jealous.  I'm sure I'll have much to write about during her visit. 

That's all for now, but I'll leave you with what I thought was a VERY typical married people conversation that took place last week.

CB: Babe, it's neat that I get to come to your holiday dinner party this year!

SB: Well, yeah you're my significant other now.

CB: (scowling)Wait...you mean to tell me significant others have always been invited?!

SB: (laughing) Wow! I've never seen your head turn that fast. No babe, this is the first year I get to bring you. (still laughing)

Oh it never ends in our house. I wonder what Oscar must think.....

A New President

I went to my poll site unsure of who I wanted to choose to run our country. I was not convinced I knew who would extend a hand and lift us up, dust off the dirt and hold us close as we move forward leaving all the frustrations and fear back there in a mound to wither away. 

I was looking for inspiration among events I was finding unfair and depleting. Literally AND figuratively. I've been working hard to build my career, to save part of my paychecks in 401(k)s, and stocks thinking I might someday be able to pay off the student loans that allowed me a trip to study abroad and to earn a Master's and maybe, just maybe buy a house someday. It's discouraging to work so hard to fear all of that could be gone. I hadn't found inspiration in the candidates' debates, or in their smear tactics. It felt like most campaigns. I wanted to know how Education could be reformed, how health care would help those who can't afford it, how my Grandparents and their friends would be able to count on the country they helped to build, how my generation and my younger cousins' generation could be motivated to make this a great country. And I didn't find any of those answers until last night. 

As an English Major I concentrated my studies in the Career Writing program at SJSU. I was fortunate enough to take and love a speech writing course for a semester. Early on in the campaigning I remembered how we studied current speeches and compared them to the great and not-s0-great speeches in History. I'd listen to our candidates and then look for a copy of that speech online. It made it real for me. 

If you've ever heard me complain about Bush it was rarely about anything BUT his ability (or lack there of) to give a speech. As an English major and a writer you have to understand how hard that was for me. I'm not saying I'm a great speech writer or speaker, but you can bet the farm I would be if I were in charge of the United States.

So where's the epiphany you ask? In both of the speeches given last night. I heard a comment on the radio this morning that blasted McCain's concession speech calling it condescending. It frustrated me, but I put off judgment until I could read it again.  As I read it this morning I couldn't help but feel inspired by it. Sure, it's "politics" and he had to give a speech, but I believe him to be incredibly humbled and thankful for his experience.  I like McCain, I'm humbled by his history and think he's an incredible man for all that he's done for our Country. I was happy to see him quiet down the nay-sayers. I think he meant it. There was an element of a true concession in his speech and I honestly think he wants the best for our country. I just wish I had seen it sooner. 

I've printed out Obama's speech and have read it many times today. I am wishing I could go back to that speech writing course and discuss this speech and how I finally felt inspired. Am I scared? Of course. We have a lot of work to do to repair the damage of our Country. I'm afraid my taxes will go up through the roof, but I'm also hoping that if they do IT WILL BE WORTH IT. There are a lot of things to be fearful of when things change, but doesn't that mean that there is just that much more to be HOPEFUL for? Our country made history and I'm proud of that. I'm proud that I got to be here to see it and someday sit with my children and talk about both of the speeches that inspired me.

Red Cups and Egg Nog Lattes

Happy Voting Day to you all! What an exciting, historical day this will be! We'll either have our first African-American President or first female Vice President. So go VOTE! 

My morning commute usually consists of 40 minutes driving over the hill into Los Gatos to drop Shawn off and then another 20 to 30 driving into Sunnyvale. Sometimes I stop into Starbucks for one of their breakfast wraps and a cup of tea. I haven't done this in quite a while, but today I did and I was surprised to find they are getting ready for the holidays! The boards above the menus were promoting the gingerbread lattes and peppermint mochas. And then I noticed they had brought out their red cups! I don't know what it is, but I LOVE the red cups at Starbucks and have to admit that they are half the reason I visit during the holidays. The other reason I love Starbucks is for the egg nog lattes. :-) I only allow myself one every 2-3 weeks during the holidays otherwise I would put on a lot of weight and that doesn't make me OR my trainer very happy. I held off today and stuck with tea. Egg Nog lattes are something I plan for, kind of a reward I guess. I was a bit disappointed in myself for bringing in my own travel mug, but I suppose I have another good reason to get up in the morning now. What can I say I am a marketer's dream. ;-)

 Red cups and an Egg Nog Latte. It truly is the small things in life! 

Pugzilla

So once a year we act like all those other pug owners and dress our dog up. As you can tell in the video below he absolutely hates being dressed up. The photo underneath is what Oscar did once we took his costume off. He ran up to it, bit it and shook it around like he does with his babies. I couldn't believe I didn't get it on camera! He's so funny.

Happy Halloween from the Blackwoods!