Four Teeth- Thirty-Five Minutes

Really, I was spared the chipmunk cheeks- hallelujah! Yesterday was the day of reckoning for my wisdom teeth. Leading up to the appointment, I didn't allow myself to think about the procedure- except when getting advice and horror stories from friends.

Odette, baby Sarah and I went shopping for a few hours prior to the appointment, a planned fun time, but a pleasant and unexpected distraction from my hunger and nerves (no food 6 hours prior to the procedure and if you know me, I'm a grouch when not fed properly).

Since Odette once worked at an oral surgeons office, she became my sage. I am confident I asked too many questions! The moment the hygienist came to get me all nerves kicked in full gear. I knew I had to go, but was a bit hesitant. Good to have a friend take you- ego can work wonders!

The hygienist was fantastic and worked me through my nerves. By the time Dr. Cosby came in the room, I was ready. He promised it wouldn't hurt and I wouldn't remember anything due to the IV sedation (which originally I didn't want- but a week ago, Odette explained the benefits that made logical sense- glad I went for it) . I closed my eyes as the room began to spin; he had mentioned this would happen. My eyes remained shut during the rest of the procedure and I was pleasantly surprised when they announced they had finished.
Four teeth in about thirty-five minutes!

Odette drove me home and I was feeling pretty good. I will never be able to repay her amazing kindness as she stayed and cared for me, reminding me and coaching me through changing my gauze and taking the meds, getting an emergency bowl for pukies, playing games and watching a chick-flick. She is like many people we have met who have shown a level of kindness, support and helpfulness that is so Christ-like.

Pretty much a-okay 24 hours later. Steve's being gracious as I've been a bit moody. Slim fast (on back counter by coffee) has been my friend.

As a special door prize, they put my teeth in a sterile bag as a keepsake. My kiddos are going to love my show-and-tell this week!

Cool Chickas!

Having three older brothers, I'm usually more comfortable around guys. Girls once scared me because they can be so brutal, but these chicks prove there's nothing to fear. Thanks Liz, Odette and baby Sarah for being down to earth and totally cool chicks!

Beast and Heracles

A cross country ski trip at Alpine Lake by Bear Valley in 2003. Can't believe it's that long ago!

Best day of snowboarding at Bear Valley

My first Subaru was an '83 tan wagon my brother Matt and I shared. After high school graduation I was hit head-on by a drunk driver who drove away and when found had no insurance. My nose is crooked because of this.Short lived love, I learned to drive a manual transmission in this Suby and my dad took me to Bear Valley's parking lot (ice lot) to teach me some winter driving skills. I had to acquire 10 hours of "snow driving" before they would allow me to drive to the hills alone. (This was in addition to 150 driving hours in normal conditions before we were allowed to get our license. Oddly enough, I LOVE to drive!)

"Beast", my second Subaru, served our adventures quite well. Beast took us to Yellowstone, BC and many wonderful adventures. Beast was christened so due to the way he fearlessly raced up snowy passes (something my Volvo wagon could never accomplish safely). One day the snow was so bad we had to roll the windows down to allow the burm to keep us on course.

I loved the Acura, but two wheel drive was pretty unbearable. As I could go no faster than 20 mph safely on the snowy roads I threw in the towel on a car I love. Steve had been trying to get me to trade for a Subaru for a LONG TIME, but I just wanted to stick to a car for once (I've now had three since we've been together). My expectations for a different vehicle changed drastically from: must have LL Bean and all the bling to: just give me a car with AWD, heated seats and a heated windshield wiper (formerly the all weather package) the rest is rubbish. It was a journey to get to that point, I had to drive hyper cautiously in a few storms and rationalize that if I wrecked I was going to slow to be fatally wounded.

Reality really set in while I was driving to the dentist. As slow as I was going, there was no way I was going to be able to stop at an intersection; so I turned right. Following that glorious moment, it was like a slip and slide and I was grateful to arrive at the dentists parking lot. Locals tell us the real snow season hasn't even hit!

Online I had found what seemed like a really good buy on a "used" Subaru. (This was the same day Buddy ate all the chocolates, so I dropped him off at Deuter to hang with Steve.) With Steve's blessing, I headed up to Subaru of Loveland. I had my reservations about negotiating on the Suby, you never know with a trade-in. The sales team was nice and we were able to cut to the chase. Steve headed up with Buddy after work and three hours later we were given keys to our new-used Subaru.

Steve told me I couldn't call this one Beast. He suggested B2 (Beast 2), but it seemed a bit to "techie" for me. I gave a few suggestions which were too effeminate for Steve to use casually. As I got to know the Suby, I fell in deep love and found the name for it! Below are pictures of our new addition, Heracles (a.k.a. Herc). A Greek mythological hero, Heracles is known for strength, courage and ingenuity.

Finally Buddy can ride with me! I was a dog snob with my Acura.

Plenty of ground clearance.

It comes with "sportshift" which saved me while driving the Acura. Also, it has a mp3 jack!

Steve's diggin' on the cloth interior. He abhorred the black leather seats in the Acura.

I'm really grateful for a car that will keep us safe in our adventures!

Blossoms of Light

This photo is from the Blossoms of Light web site. The scene is even more beautiful in real life.

You know your destined for fun when you're with Brian and Nel!

There's also an art exhibit you can view day or night. Above is one of the pieces.

Nel and I stayed warm in our new down jackets- I am grateful for goose down!

Brian forgot to bring a had and borrowed Nel's scarf. He looked like a total hippie.

This area was a tunnel of red lights.

Brian and Nel had an excellent Sat. evening suggestions: Blossoms of light at the Denver Botanic Gardens. The sight was spectacular! We had special glasses that made the glow of the lights look like snowmen, snowflakes or "New Year". Steve was experimenting with his new camera and took notes from other photographers there. His wish list now includes a monopod.

San Fran

A skyline I've admired since I was a child, I've yet to find a replacement when it comes to cities (haven't' been to Europe yet and Vancouver BC is a runner up). The combination of hills, water and bridges, morning fog or evening lights is always a beautiful sight.

Memories as a child- I was really afraid of going across the bridge and believed that there would be a cataclysmic quake while we were on the bridge. The planetarium was an awesome field trip. When we'd go as a family, I liked to buy the trinkets at Pier 39 (if you know me now, it may be difficult to see me as a trinket investor). I'm grateful that my parents took us many places as we were growing up. Mom and I would go to fabric stores and outlets for school clothes or special occassion dresses. Brings back memories of college- driving to the city to avoid studying- driving purposefully to get lost to see what I could see- visiting friends- going to Flax for specialty paper... One of my favorite views of the city is off Angel Island at sunset. We didn't have time to stop as we were heading for the airport (and had stopped at Ikea for a kitchen light earlier).

Recent memories- Steve and I going to the bay to cool off from the valley heat. We were eating at a restaurant in a touristy area and every tourist that walked by stared at his crab. Found a fabulous candy store (a priority in life). Eating at the best ever Thai restaurant- Modern Thai. Sometimes we'd head over just for their great food. The first time we ate there I was trying to impress Steve and ate a Thai chili pepper- I couldn't taste anything the rest of the night. Eating at the Cha Cha Cha with Gyllian and Manuel and others- best sangria ever.

Snappy Prancer Expose

Biscuit (a.k.a. Snappy Prancer) is the most adorable labordoodle I've met. I love to pet him because you don't get typical dog grime on your hand and it feels as soft as a freshly washed and fluffed bath rug. Like Buddy, he will follow people around and put his head under your arm bidding you to pet him.

Funny Faces

Really, Biscuit was just yawning at the moment.

Yikes!

Christmas Surprise

A month before Christmas, we found a way so head back to Cali for quick Christmas visit. This was Steve's first visit back since our move in mid July and his parents (esp. mom) were glad to see him in the flesh. Here are some highlights from our brief trip.

We shared Christmas morning with Steve's familySteve's pops and Molly (a.k.a. Mullet)

June bride Erin and her fiance (our future brother-in-law) Caleb. Thus, our next trip to Cali will be in June of '08 Steve's mom (Pam) and Caleb cleaning up morning dishes. Steve was glad to have his mom's breakfast while visiting Cali.

We then headed out to my parents house. Fortunately, our parents live in adjacent towns (Modesto and Ripon) so it's easy to go to and fro.

Awesome niece Olivia just cut her tresses and is excited to get into some Christmas loot! The girls receive three gifts from both sets of grandparents as Christ received three gifts from the wise men.

Adorable and spirited niece Windsor with a happy face.

Couldn't help but snatch this shot- she jumped up immediately after the camera clicked with a smile and wanted to see the pic.

Sis-in-law Cat -a.k.a. world's #1 best stay at home mom. The girls are wonderful and fun to be around thanks to Cat's t.l.c. and prayer. Keep up the terrific work!!!!

Grammy with the girls

Papa and Windsor

Bee and Cat chillin'

Windsor's tricycle was replaced by a bicycle with training wheels. The look on her face when Papa brought it into the house as priceless- the best look of surprise I've seen in a long time!

Windsor and 'liv rode the new bike for quite some time. At one point, Windsor invited 'liv to ride her new bike. As if sharing a moment on her new bike wasn't enough, they slapped air fives! I hope our kids will have such hearts.

Pam had given the girls disposable digital cameras and ready made scrapbooks. They enjoyed taking pics. 'Liv documented Windsor's first moments outside on her new bike.

Future artist and leader of America

Great to see my parents! The beauty of lounging on Christmas Day!

Breakfast of Champions

Each day dad awakes and prepares a gourmet breakfast fit for the finest athlete. Two fried eggs, sausage and for the health conscientious, this meal is accompanied by oatmeal.

Master Chef John preparing B.O.C.
While dad prevails at his breakfast, mom dominates the English language in the morning crossword puzzle.

It was a treat to wake up and hang out in the mornings. No wonder I'm a morning person! (Though it was mom who usually prepared breakfast a scoring breakfast while growing up.)

Warning, without a dose of caffine, my battery is fully chared upon awaking.

Speaking of healthful eating, Buddy recently devoured our prized See's Candy while we were out. Here is what I walked in on (notice the look of guilt on his face).

Fortunately, he left behind enough of the chocolate wrappers for me to figure he ate 3 oz. of solid milk chocolate as well as 5 lollipops. Vet said he'd be okay because he's such a large dog.