Goodbye Skittles

I've been doing better about tolerating dogs. I can deal with it, and I've even warmed up to the idea of having my own dog sometime. Last night Joshua and I went over to some friends' house. They have two dogs. One is big and relaxed, and the other is little and jumpy and annoying. Fine, I pet the dogs. I put on a good show the entire time.

After we had been there for awhile, we play a board game at the kitchen table. During the entire hour we played, that stupid little dog was jumping on my legs and eating the hem of my jeans. I kept pushing him off, and he kept coming back. I was horrified. What the hell am I supposed to say? "Excuse me, but your annoying dog is destroying my pants." So I kept my mouth shut, despite the little chunks of my pants scattered around the kitchen floor. My jeans are ruined, one of only two pairs that I like to wear, and Skittles is dead to me. I will never have a dog. Whatever, Skittles could never have been as good in reality as she was in my head.

Now I'm going to the mall to buy a white lab coat to start another unpaid job on Monday. Thanks to my supervisor for letting me know about the coat in such a timely fashion so I could shop for the best deal.

I'm about to jump of the balcony.

Baking Attempt

For Christmas my forever friend gave me a cookie mix, very thoughtful. (I believe I've mentioned my horrible baking skills before.) Last night I decided to give the oatmeal-chocolate chip cookies a whirl. Success!I think I looked pretty cute in my new apron that I made from a pattern (another Christmas gift).Although the cookies turned out, I still had much more fun sewing the apron. Maybe I'll stick with crafts. We can't all be bakers.

Public Service Announcement

My little lappy-toppy has never been the zippiest computer, but she's all mine and gets the job done. Recently my poor computer's health took a turn for the worse. She was on her death bed for sure. Until... I called the doctor. Sadly, another computer at our house recently died. Luckily, this computer chose to be an organ donor. After a ram transplant, my computer is up and going again!
Thanks Dr. Joshua! And remember folks, be an organ donor, and save a life.

Feliz Año Nuevo!

New year's eve was never a huge deal in our house. Sometimes we would have some sparkling grape juice and chips with Velveeta around 10 pm, and then it was off to bed. Because of this, I still find it difficult to get very excited for this event; however, Joshua is a big fan, so I make an effort.

Last night we decided to go out for dinner. After going to Red Lobster with the intention of using a Christmas gift card, we went out for Chinese food instead. (I just couldn't wait two hours for a table along with the rest of the population of Springfield.) That's okay. Chinese really is tastier, and no waiting. (not to mention our super-hot Asian server)

Later in the evening we met some of Joshua's friends at a piano bar, very classy. It was a nice place with a band playing mostly oldies, pretty fun. We toasted the new year with some champagne, found out Joshua's friend has been married to his girlfriend for almost two years, danced one song (not nearly enough alcohol to dance any more), and then were home by 12:30. I would say it was a very nice evening. Hopefully some pictures are on their way.

Having a Merry Little Christmas

Christmas is always a whirlwind experience for us. It's Jon G's favorite day of the year, and she goes to great lengths to make it special; however, a generous amount of snow and ice prevented some of the usual activities this year. We couldn't make it to Grandma and Grandpa Gilbraith's on Christmas Eve, so we missed the big party with all the aunts, uncles, and cousins. Instead, we had a quieter evening in (though the Wii tennis tournament was ferocious). Christmas day included the annual brunch, gift opening, and picture taking. This year we also went over to visit Grandma and Grandpa Gryp. We didn't stay long, but it was nice to wish them a merry Christmas. Later in the afternoon, we made the trip to Grandma and Grandpa Gilbraith's, and it sounds like we missed quite the party. Joshua and I then had to scurry home a day early in order to miss another coming storm.

It was a wonderful Christmas, just with disappointing weather. Here are a few things that made me smile this year.
Meeting little puppy Maia, Kati's dogger. She's pretty cute, especially in a loverly coat, designed by me. (I think my new coat looks pretty festive as well. Thanks Santa!)

Seeing Joshua (looking rather like a pimp) with some of his very favorite things, including an Indiana Jones hat, Superman t-shirt, and leopard print blanket. Thanks Vanilla Bean Counter for re-introducing some leopard fur into my home. Joshua loves it, and I had just managed to get rid of all of his bachelor's animal print junk. Really funny... Actually it was pretty funny.

Taking a family picture to celebrate the new year. Mom was really disappointed to discover that she had no family pictures from all of 2008 to send in a Christmas card. I made the suggestion that we take a new year's picture. She hopped on board with this idea, and will be mailing cards soon. Vanilla Bean Counter came up with the festive hats and blowers, and I think they made the picture. It's fun to look at and think of 2008 drawing to a close. 2009 has even more to look forward to, including three graduations (bachelor's, master's, and M.D.), a move on to residency and a real job, exciting changes, and things to do with the family. We live a good life.

Brrr, It's Cold in Here

I'm a stickler when it comes to the furnace and air conditioner. I like it a little warm in the summer and a little cold in the winter. Save the earth and some money, right? Well, when the temperature drops below five degrees outside, as it is at the moment, even I'm a little chilly. Despite the thermostat being set at a reasonable 68 degrees, our downstairs still feels like the North Pole.

Even my bread is feeling it. Normally I let bread rise on top of the dryer as it runs. It's the perfect temperature. Today, though, that wasn't getting the job done. After taking out the last load, I put the tray inside and shut the door. Perfect! (And quite clever, if I can say so.)

Friday Night Date

I'm a young gal, right? On our Friday night, it would be possible for Joshua and I to spend some quality time together on a date. We've never been a traditional date couple. I don't like going to the movies, mostly because I feel like I can find a less boring way to spend $20. We don't go out to dinner very often, and we don't like going to the bars. So, you might ask, what was our fun Friday night date today? Why, free sample time at Sam's Club, of course. After returning a faulty ice scraper, we meandered the isles and tried some bagel bites, everything bagels, Texas toast, meatballs, cheese sticks, Fig Newtons, and cheesecake for dessert. What more could a girl want from an evening? Good times, good company, and marginal food cooked in microwaves. (The everything bagels were good. I might buy them next time.)

We really need to find something better to do with our time.