Who finds a faithful friend, finds a treasure

I met my BFF, Eileen Boyte ten years ago. She was my roomie for seven years, my co-worker for two years and my long distance friend for one year. I have shared countless late nights and early mornings with this girl-driving, sitting on the beach and over the phone, discussing everything from politics and religion to relationships and family. We've driven to Grass Valley, the Grand Canyon, Ensenada, Las Vegas, and Havasu (just to name a few).

Every adventure I have shared with her, I have grown and learned more about life. Whenever I am in a funk, I know that I can turn to her for advice, support or inspiration. Eileen is a friend who even though has a full time job, is going to school to get her masters, is a mom to her precious pooch Gidget, is in a long distance relationship and has a social work internship, STILL has the time to throw a farewell party, fly to Plano to help a girl pack, plan a wedding and drive to a reception with an overheated car. She is my Martha, my Jessica, my C.C. Bloom.

I want to thank her for being a true friend. I appreciate all the moments we have shared and the lifelong memories we will continue to make.

Shake, Rattle N' Roll

We don't have tornadoes or hurricanes, but we do have the occasional EARTHQUAKE. Luckily no major damage or injuries. Are you prepared? http://www.72hours.org/build_kit.html

Gidget

This past weekend Steve and I dog sat for my best friend Eileen. Steve loves when Gidget comes to visit. He takes her on walks (he actually gets up early to take her), cleans up her messes, plays with her....I know, I know, need to get him a dog. We spent Saturday night with a BBQ outside by the fire pit and she wouldn't leave his side. Anyway here's Ms. Gidget Bianca Boyte.

Patience

As some of you know, I have been on an "extended vacation" these past few months. I was laid off in April and decided to take time off to plan our wedding. Well now that we are married and the honeymoon is over, I am trying to get back into the workforce. I officially started looking for a job last week and I wanted to start working this week (yeah I know high expectations) but that is not the case. I know it has only been a week but I am ready to get back to work.

Some of you may also know, that Steve and I are moving. No not back to Texas! The owner of our condo was laid off from Indymac and unfortunately had to put the property on the market. We were notified a few weeks ago that our condo was sold. We have started looking for our new home in South Orange County. We spent the past weekend viewing properties and hopefully will have something sorted out at the end of this week. For those who know me, I am a planner. I like to know what I'm doing, where I am going and how I am going to get there. With the job searching and house hunting, it's a wait and see, which I am not very good at. Steve reminds me that it will all work out, which I know it will.

Another Great Weekend

This weekend our old friends Eric and Christina were in town. Eric and Steve both used to work at H & R Block in Lake Forest years ago. Eric is actually the one who introduced me to Steve. Eric's brother, Brian, was my neighbor in Newport and we met at their Labor Day bbq. Who would've thought years later that introduction would turn into MARRIAGE. Eric and Christina are newlyweds too and are currently living in Arizona. We had such a great time hanging out with them and taking trips down memory lane. Eric and Christina Swanson

Steve and I also took our weekly trip to Laguna Beach. We went to "our spot" in Crescent Bay and sank our toes in the sand. The weather was perfect. We ended the night with a summer concert in Bluebird Park listening to The Eliminators. It was a lovely evening.

My Hot Hubby


The Eliminators Crowd

Sisters

My younger sister Kelly and her friend, Brady both drove back with Steve and I from northern California. They stayed with us for four funfilled days. We spent one day at Crescent Bay in Laguna Beach.Then they spent the next day at the Irvine Spectrum. Shopped, ate and watched WALL-E.On their last day we took a drive up to Universal City Walk, grabbed a bite to eat and shopped a little MORE! My sister LOVES Hello Kitty. On our way back we stopped in Little Tokyo and she found a shop with a Hello Kitty bathrobe, very cute!

We were lucky to have Steve grill for us almost every night and the girls spent warm evenings in the pool. Kelly and Brady, hope you had fun! Come visit us again soon!

Back Home

Hi people............I'm back.

We just got back from our reception in Gilroy. A good time was had by all. I cannot find the words to express the gratitude that Jenn and I have for Dan and Alice. They put together what turned out to be a wonderful event that Jenn and I will always remember. Thank you Haros.

On a personal note, I want to say that the Haro family has made me feel welcome from the day I first met them. They are first class people all the way and I hope that in the future more of my family members will be able to meet them.

When we were introduced to the guests at the reception and had our first dance together("Finally" by Fergie), it was truely a special moment for me. Dancing with Jenn and looking at her reaffirmed to me even more that I had married the perfect woman.

Dan gave a great toast. He had us stand in front and told Jenn to stick her hand out. Next, he told me to place my hand on top of hers. Then he said, "Steve, remember this moment because it will be the last time you have the upper hand." Everyone laughed. What he doesn't know is that has been the case already for the last 2 years. Some things never change.

So, we are back home in Orange County. Getting back to work and back into our regular routine. By the way, I must say that Orange County is the best place to live in the United States. As many of you know, I have lived everywhere so I am the authority on this topic. We have it all here and will not be moving anytime soon. Next for us is having children. I have a lot of catching up to do with the rest of my siblings and we hope that we can start a family soon.

Take Care

Steve

Going To Gilroy!

Steve and I will be heading up to Gilroy this weekend. Gilroy is(was) a small town, population 49,000. It's where I was raised and where most of my family lives. Everytime I go back to visit, some new store or restaurant chain is opening. They now have a Target AND a Super Walmart, not to mention Mimi's Cafe, Barnes & Noble and over 140 outlet stores (Coach, Ralph Lauren & Banana Republic are my fav). Gilroy is also known for GARLIC! Every summer they host the largest three day Garlic Festival.

One weekend in July the town population doubles and you open your front door to the stench of the stinkin' rose. It's a high school reunion, everyone comes into town. Unfortunately Steve and I are going to miss it this year. Luckily I will be able to see old high school and college friends this Saturday. My mom and dad are hosting a night of dinner and dancing for Steve and I, and some 100 or so family and friends that were unable to make it to our ceremony in Laguna Beach. My dad has been planning a special night for Steve and I. He pretty much said all we have to do is show up looking pretty and shake a leg. Can't wait! Pictures of the night will be posted soon.

Trip To The Mechanic or Dentist, What's Worse?

Mechanic (Diana, I'll take the dentist chair any day). Every 3,000 miles I dread going to get my oil changed. I drive a 98 Honda Civic which is in relatively good condition. One of the lessons my dad taught me when he handed me my first set of keys was to keep up with car maintenance and save my receipts. I made several trips during my college years driving up and down the 5 freeway alone, from Irvine to Gilroy, so the last thing I wanted was to be stranded on the side of the road with engine problems. Luckily that never happened.

Well today I go in to get my oil changed with my $9.99 coupon, expecting it to be quick and easy (normally I have Steve go).Soo did not happen. I felt like I was being preyed on, one thing after the other. Replace this, replace that. You don't want to drive with this because then this will happen. Ugh!!! The entire time the Dateline hidden camera special is running through my head. The one about women being taken advantage of at dealerships and auto service stores. What's worse is that Steve and I are taking a weekend trip to northern California for our wedding reception part 2. And we are leaving tonight! That's about 600 miles round trip. For those that don't know Steve, he is not Mr. Mechanic-but he can cook!

In times of trouble with my car, electronics, home appliances- who do I call??? Not Ghostbusters, my DAD. While I am sitting in the smelly waiting room, I call my Dad and repeat back all the automotive mumbo jumbo I was fed. He tells me not to worry (he drove the car last week) and says that my engine is not going to fall out from under my car. Whew! Instead of spending $9.99, I drive away with $89.99 less in my purse, which got me an oil change, engine fluid flush and drain plug. Let's hope we make it up safe and sound, car trouble free.

Friends, Family & Fireworks

Hope everyone had a fun and safe 4th of July! Steve and I spent the day with our close friends, Jen and Darren in Woodland Hills. The day was complete with a bbq, game of Taboo, and walk to Warner Center Park for an awesome fireworks show.

The week wouldn't be complete without some sort of sport activity/event. The next morning we were all up at 8 a.m. for an early game of golf at Westlake Golf Course. Steve, Darren and Jen played. I observed and drove the golf cart. I swung the club a couple of times and managed to hit the ball a few inches, yeah thats right inches. Needless to say I need lessons.

After golf Steve and I drove over to Simi Valley to celebrate my new mother-in-law, Joan's 69th birthday. We had another great grilled meal with Jim, Joan and the Fulton family. For dessert we surprised Joan with a delish chocolate coconut cream cheescake from the Cheescake Factory. Yum! Joan we hope you had a fabulous BiRthDaY!!!!