Happy Tuesday

I feel if you start the day with something with just plain revolting like David Hasselhoff in a speedo, things can only improve from there, right?

Women, Sex & Rental Cars

This is probably one of the crudest, yet funniest quotes I have heard in a long time. It was from tonight's episode of How I Met Your Mother. I would like to say I am a person who would find this quote in poor taste. I partly do, but mostly I find it funny.

"That would involve me speaking to a woman I have already had sex with, which frankly is like changing the oil in a rental car." - Barney from the TV show How I Met Your Mother

No Charlie!

Watch video #1, which is pretty cute and then video #2, which ia pretty funny.

Without A Plan

Day one of eating healthily was pretty good. I did not do great on the water...probably only 5 glasses, so I need to focus on that tomorrow. I did great on portions, great on eating small meals throughout the day and great on fruits and vegetables. Yeah me! 82 more days to go.

I think the biggest thing will be planning. When I take the time to plan out food for breakfast, lunch and dinner, we do great. When there is no plan, we eat junk. So I must stay focused on having a plan.

Dale and I did not work out today. We practiced dragging our asses out of bed early this AM though, so we are prepared for tomorrow. I felt it was important to start with getting up early and eating right today. Tomorrow we will add sweating.

Without goals and plans to reach them, you are like a ship that has set sail with no destination. - F. Dodson

Man on Man Tango with the Guttenberg

Tonight on Dancing with the Stars, Steve Guttenberg's partner, Anna was sick. Since they only have 5 days to learn each dance and she was unable to practice, he trained with Anna's husband, Jonathan, who is also a dancer on the show.

Steve said he liked the "man on man tango" and really enjoyed "dancing" with Jonathan. Okay, this show is so determined to out Steve Guttenberg. I mean he already screams closet queen, but they might as well put him in all pink and ask him to speak with a lisp to prove their point.

Steve's final comment on Jonathan was, "He's hairy and I really enjoyed dancing with him."

This show is probably the gayest thing Steve has ever done, of course, he did star in Can't Stop the Music, which was the movie about and starring the Village People from the early 80's. Now, that was pretty gay, but even in that movie the phrase "man on man tango" never came up oddly enough. I would make fun of this movie, but I own it on DVD.

March Madness

The saying goes:

"March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb."

Well, I have woke up to snow two days in a row now. Today is the last day of March. I have to assume the lion ate the lamb.

This is madness I tell you. Madness. I'd better get some April showers that bring May flowers.

I depend on these childhood rhymes to keep my life on track.

36 by 36

Okay, I have made a fairly big decision today. I have decided to get my health back in focus, specifically my weight.

I have decided to lose 36 pounds by my 36 birthday. My birthday is 83 days away (June 22), so this seems like a reasonable goal. Plus, getting healthy is one of my resolutions this year, which I have neglected horribly in February and March.

So, say hello to:

- working out at least 3 times per week
- being more active
- eating healthy
- eating smaller portions
- eating more often
- at least 8 glasses of water per day
- one free-day per week

Goodbye to:

- sweets
- ice cream
- cake
- cookies
- my chunky self

So keep me positive and ask me how I am doing on my diet and goal to be healthier. And most of all, wish me luck.

Great Weekend Had By, Well Me!

What a great weekend (well except for the snow last night)!

• I had meals with some great friends - thanks Dilworths & Krouts.
• I got to drive Elvira in the sun with the top down.
• I had a wonderful breakfast at Toast.
• I now love chai tea infused french toast.
• I bought new jeans at Steve & Barry.
• I got a haircut, which always makes me feel good.
• The house is clean.
• Lunch is ready for tomorrow.
• Dinner is already made for tomorrow.

I great weekend all-around. I hope everyone else had a great weekend and here is to a great week! April is almost here...goodbye Winter, hello Spring!

Two People Who Were Meant To Be Parents

I just realized I forgot to blog about our Friday evening. Dale and I went to my work wife, Becki's house for dinner. Becki, her husband, Brent and their beautiful daughter, Lily treated us to a wonderful dinner of salad, pizza and homemade cookies.

As always, we had a wonderful time. Becki and Brent are such a wonderful couple, but what I love most about them is the fact that are two people who were truly meant to be parents. You see the joy Lily has in her face every time she is held by Becki or runs into Brent's arms. It is wonderful to see such love. It is beautiful and inspirational.

My thanks to Becki, Brent and Lily for a wonderful evening. We had too good of a time. Before we knew it, suddenly it was 11:30 PM and we were still at your house. We probably over stayed our welcome, but you are all so much fun.

Thanks again!

Free Bear Hug

I know everyone says their child is the cutest. Well, I have no kids...but if I did, I would say our neighbor baby Kate is the cutest. Look at those eyes, those cheeks, that smile. Ah, so cute. And how can you not love the free bear hug shirt.

Snowman Down

Call 9-1-1! Our neighbors the Baltz made a snowman this morning. I am guess this will be the final snowman of the season. Sadly, by afternoon he was not looking so hot or should I say cold.

Fighting for Life

I took this picture this morning. The Denver Botanic Garden (they are a client of Indigio) must be having a huge impact on me because when I saw this flower fighting off the overnight snow, I ran inside and got my camera.

5 of our Favorite People

Our neighbors the Krouts had us over for breakfast this morning. It is always great to spend time with them. They are 5 of our favorite people. I took some pictures to share. My thanks to Nicole and Toby for a wonderful meal and always including Dale and I in your family.

Kids love Dale and Sophia is not different. She spent most of our visit in Dale's hands.

Ford is all smiles.

Sophia is all curls and smiles.

Kate shows what is looks like to have a great meal.

Is it wrong...

...that I prefer stylists that do not chat much during my haircut?

I hate small talk. I am fine with a comment on the weather and then just cutting my hair.

Is that wrong? Is it mean to not want to listen to or talk to the hair stylist?

If I went to the same person I would chat, but I am not into chatting with strangers.

Am I a bad person?

Shave and a Haircut, Two Bits

Well no shave, but a haircut yes. At Floyd's Barbershop waiting turn for a haircut. Our neighbor Nicole and her daughter Sophia joined Dale and I for a trim.

How much is two bits anyhow?

There are a lot of tattoos here today. Must be a theme this weekend.

Dale may wake up cranky

How do I know? Well I am awake and bored, so I keep waking him up with dumb questions because I want him to get out of bed.

Tom - "Did you know it is snowing?"

Dale - "Shush, I'm sleeping."

Tom - "What are you doing?"


Dale - "Sleeping!"

Tom - "Oh, but did you know it was going to snow?"

Dale - "What?"


Tom - "Shush, I'm sleeping."

Am I the only one who likes to annoy his spouse at times like these?

Mother Nature - What a Bitch!

There I said it.

• It is snowing right now.
• It was 65 degrees yesterday.
• It was sunny.
• I had the convertible top down.
• I had the car cleaned.
• I had on shorts. It is almost April.

Give me a break. What a bitch!

Things Nightmares Are Made From

The Ventriloquist and the Dummy
Originally uploaded by TCM Hitchhiker

It is 1:00 AM. We are meeting friends for breakfast in 7 1/2 hours.
Dale is asleep on the couch. The dogs are asleep next to him. I am yawning. I guess that means bedtime.

Besides I just stumbled across this photo, so this should give me plenty of bad things to dream about.

5 years of war

5 years too many
Originally uploaded by spring_peeper

I think the sign on the left says it all.

Neuter

IMG_1143
Originally uploaded by fishbert

I don't ever remember Bob Barker mentioning weird friends and relatives.

A Shameful Confession

This evening I watched the movie the Tuxedo on TV with Jackie Chan and Jennifer Love Huge-Tits, I mean Jennifer Love Hewitt.

The fact that I watched it is not the shameful part. I actually liked it and found it amusing. I mean it is no Shanghai Knights, but still pretty good.

I wonder if there is a support group I can join.

Picture Pages

This show came up at work the other day and we could not remember the name of Bill Cosby's show on Nickelodeon in the early '90s. Jim Halligan did. I forgot how bad it was. Well, except for the theme song...picture pages, picture pages. Also, WTF is up will Bill's accent. Weird.

B-52's FUNPLEX

They still rock after all these years. Great new song.

Random Thoughts at the Car Wash

Getting Elvira a little buff and polish. The dirty girl needs to clean up her act. For those of you unfamiliar, she is my mini copper convertible.

Some weird car wash attendant with crazy eyes is in Elvira right now. I bet she feels a little violated. I do.

We are 8 cars deep.

Some woman just let the tip blow out of her hand when giving it to an attendant. There are now 5 guys chasing it under cars. If it blows this way, the $2s are mine. Too bad they got to it first.

5 cars deep. Brown Eyed Girl is playing on the loud speaker. Great song.

Lots of tattoos here today.

It is strange how some people feel like making out while waiting for their car is not weird. There is kissing and there is making out. I think I may see 2nd base. Yup! Definitely 2nd base.

3 cars deep. But there is a really cute car wash attendant now, so I am not minding the wait. He should clean cars without his shirt. I think it would help with tips.

The largest truck....a few feet higher and we are talking monster truck status...is in front of Elvira. I bet Elvira could fit in the bed of it. She probably is feeling little and scared.

This is taking forever. Stupid monster truck.

More tattoos. Oh, an eagle.

There goes the monster truck of death. They used ladders to reach the top to clean it.

Funny. Most people do not tip the attendants. I guess everyone in their Lexus, Hummers and Monster Trucks are poor and cannot afford to throw a few bucks to the minimum wagers.

Here comes my girl. All shiny and pretty. Time to head home.

That was a bust!

Dale and I headed to the Outlets @ Castle Rock to kill some time until the car was ready at the dealership.

What the hell happened to the Outlets? 1/2 the stores have gone out of business and the other 1/2 were barely stocked and/or filthy.

I used to love the Outlets. I used to find a lot there. It is a shame that the trip included only a soup mix from Harry & David. Pretty much a bust.

If anyone tells you we are not in a recession. Tell them to visit the Outlets @ Castle Rock. It is a clear sign.

Two new favorites

Favorite new breakfast spot: Toast in Old Town Littleton, CO.

Favorite new breakfast food: Chai tea infused french toast.

OMG! You need to try this place.

Saturday Morning

Dale and I had to get up at the butt crack of dawn. Why you ask?

It is Dale's fault. He scheduled Bruiser's (our blue mini cooper) for his first doctor appointment (oil change, brake fluid flush) for 8:30 AM. Ugh! Since the dealership is in Littleton, it meant we were up and out way too early for a Saturday.
They had all day available for appointments, but Dale wanted to "get it over early" so here we are. Since it will take a few hours, we both drove.

Dale has taken me to Toast for breakfast to make it up to me. Yeah. Food is here!

Sleepless in Arvada

So why so little blogging this week?

Honestly, I have been dragging. I have not been sleeping well at all this week. I go to bed and cannot sleep. Too restless. I toss, I turn...so I end up getting up and watching to TV until midnight.

I still get up at 5:30 AM, so the next day I am dragging even more. So dragging at works, means I fall behind and that means no time to blog.

All week it has been this way. I do not know if Las Vegas through off my routine or what, but whatever it is...I cannot sleep.

If you have any suggestions for getting to sleep, let me know. I am open to tips.

A little late....but my thoughts on American Idol this week

It has been a bit of a chatic week, so I did not get a chance to blog about American Idol this week, but I will tell you this:

* It was MUCH better than previous weeks...FINALLY felt worth watching
* Brooke should keep her hair straight (she looked gorgeous) and her song was amazing
* Chikezie was sweet and cute, but I think it was his time
* Kristy truly made the best song choice ever....who can vote out a person who sings about America

My top 3 favorite performances:

Aaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

Okay, I feel this is a good video to show my softer side. Please watch and...



...tell me I am not the only one who things that cat may be hurting the puppy at the end. I know you are thinking aaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhh how cute, but I bet you the next 15 seconds of video you do not see if the cat drawing blood from the puppy. I personally how the puppy grows up and kicks some kitty ass.

Thanks to my sister, Rachel who posted this video on her blog (which I stole).

Madonna - 4 Minutes to Save the World

The video is created by a fan, but the music is all Madonna and from her soon-to-be released album. Enjoyable.

I hear a concert coming! And we know I love me the Madonna concerts.

Life Does Not Always Imitate Movies

Sorry I have been a bit absent in my blogging...so here is an update on Dale's birthday for those of you curious.

Dale's big gift was the trip to Las Vegas as most of you know, which was an absolute blast. However, we still did a little celebration yesterday.

In honor of Dale's birthday we took the day off from work, which meant we only worked from 7 AM to 11:15 AM. I am serious, we planned on taking the day off, but I had too much going on, so we went to work for 1/2 a day. Dale was great about it...bless his heart.

We left work at 11:15 AM and headed home for a nice, simple lunch and some lounging on the couch. We even took a little nap while watching TV, which does not seem like a great way to celebrate a birthday, but Dale and I were still both tired from the weekend, so it was a great treat.

We woke up and I took Dale shopping for his birthday. I joked to Dale that it was like Richard Gere taking Julia Roberts shopping. Unfortunately, nobody told Dale they didn't have his size like they did to poor Julia in Pretty Woman. Sadly all the clerks were nice. Life does not always imitate movies, even though I want it to.

It was fun...we spent the late afternoon shopping at Flatirons Mall and we know how Dale loves Banana Republic, so he found himself a few treats.

The best part was of course spending time with Dale with the beautiful weather and getting our Mini Cooper convertible, Elvira out for a spin with the top down was a close second. It was so warm and sunny. Such a treat!

For dinner, we headed to Dale's favorite - Bloom. Unfortunately, Dale's favorite waiter, Matthew had the evening off. Matthew is a great waiter and always remembers Dale and I. He is a great guy, plus for a few extra bucks in his tip flirts shamelessly with Dale (I joke). Even without Matthew, the dinner was still delicious and it was a great evening.

Overall, I think it was a nice afternoon and evening for Dale. Happy Birthday to my sweetie! I know I am no Richard Gere, but I hope I made it special none-the-less.

Fool

Fool is another great song and a pretty cool video from Marie Digby.

Happy Birthday to the...

..most caring, considerate, giving, loving, wonderful man I have ever met (no, it is not me). It is Dale!

Happy Birthday to you Dale. Thank you for making every day since the day I met you wonderful. You are my love, my best friend and the person I am so happy to share my life.

I can't believe you are 37 again!

Dancing with the (Former and Never Were) Stars

Okay, here is my update of the show:

It was far too boring for me to pay attention. Lots of 5's, some 7's, some good, mostly bad...and too many D-List celebrities to keep track of. I found the internet more interesting tonight.

Sorry folks. But I did find what Dale may be getting for his birthday.

I Need to Confess My Guilty Pleasure

Yes, it was time I came clean about one of my guilty pleasures. It is not cool. It is not masculine. It is not something I am proud to admit. Here goes:

I watch the show Greek. It is on ABC Family and and it was back for season 2 tonight. I like it. There I said it. I feel so much better. Since it will be a part of my Monday evening for weeks to come, I figured I should just get it out there. It is not the best show, I know that. It however is fun and a bit mindless and I need that sometimes. I find the characters enjoyable and it has Kelsey Grammer's daughter, Spencer in the lead and I bet you some day she is a big star, so that is something, right?

Now I all know we have shows like this. Shows we are embarrassed to admit we enjoy. They are trashy, but they provide us something we need. For Dale it is My Super Sweet Sixteen on MTV (sorry Dale). I asked my friend John what his trashy, guilty pleasure TV show was tonight via IM, but sadly he doesn't have any. Don't get me wrong, he watches a lot of trashy TV (American Idol, Battlestar Galactica, Dr Who, the Soup), but oddly he is not embarrassed by these (even though he probably should be) and openly talks about them on his blog.

So what is your guilty pleasure on TV? Share it here. Let it out. You will feel better. I do. Now, I will not confess that I read the Greek blog however. ;)

I am dragging a bit today...

...as it is always hard coming back from vacation. This picture best represents how I feel right now.

Oh yeah, Happy Easter.

Hope your basket was filled with goodness!

Another safe landing...

...for Oceanic Airlines...I mean Frontier. Time to get back to reality. Luggage, drive home, pick up puppies and then crash. Later!

The Service Makes All The Difference

Flying home from Las Vegas I am of course naturally mentally recapping the trip in my head. The funny part it is not the gaming, meals or shows that stand out but the people around those things that stand out the most. It is the service that makes the difference.

Ashlee - the waitress full of miles at the Canyon Ranch Spa restaurant on Friday. It was her birthday and she was working, but she made Dale, Sara and I feel special. Sweet, kind and warm. She took care us for breakfast and lunch. I tipped her my winnings from Thursday night because everyone deserves a nice birthday. Only $40, but not bad on a $40 check.

Jackie - our waitress at Le Reve. Or as I called her Jaaaackay! She was kind and our glasses were never empty of champagne. She even hung out with us until the theater emptied after the show, chatting about the training it takes to be in the show. Thanks for getting me drunk!

Veronique - our classy waitress at Corsa Cucina who had a beautiful personality and equally beautiful eyes. She was so real and sincere. Even though the gratin potatoes were not ready when we ordered, she made sure when they were ready during our desert we at least got a tasting sample. She shared her hate of having to wear a tie to work and I loved her for that. It was nice to have someone be real and not so formal.

Georgio - our waiter at David Burke. A total sweetheart. 50% entertainer and 50% flirt. He is the waiter that makes you feel at home and instantly becomes your friend. We loved him so much on Friday night that Sara, Dale and I went back again Saturday for a second helping of laughter and desert. He a great as you can tell he is a man who enjoys life no matter the situation or location. He is worth the trip.

Eddie - the manager at David Burke. Dressed to kill in designer suits, but as real as they come. He made it a point to get to know us night #1 and remembered us night #2. The sign of a good manager. Best of all he understands people will come for good food, but it is great service that brings them back. A simple guy from NY, who is all class.

It is people like this who truly made a memorable and enjoyable vacation. The impact of these people is so much more than a few wins at the slots. These people are Vegas!

My thanks to each of them, plus Dale, Sara and Barb for a great 4-day trip. Happy birthday Dale!!!

Ready for take-off

Flaps up. Check. Rudder aligned. Check. Trays in up-right position. Check. Flux capacitor fluxed. Check.

Here we go.

Slots at the Airport

$2.00 to $5.60 to $63.00 all in two minutes. Las Vegas, how you love me. Thank you for the $413.00. I appreciate your kindness. See you soon!

Goonies on TV

...and cinnamon rolls, the perfect breakfast.

Fun!

Drinking at Blush. Dessert at David Burke. More fun with Georgio and Eddie. Another great night!

Dale is blushing at the...

...nightclub Blush. I am drunker as many mojitos have found me. Sara is dancing. Barb is sleeping.

Le Reve

L'amazing. And I am le drunk. Le champagne. Le yum!

Things Heard in Vegas: Part IV

"You should put out." - Tom to Sara.

"I hate putting out." - Sara to Tom.

"You have a knife in that bag?" - Dale to Sara.

"You asking me that 'cause I'm Mexican?" - Sara to Dale.

Lobster makes me happy

Even when served in pasta. Another great dinner. Try Corsa Cucina at the Wynn next time you are in Las Vegas.

Baked clams, lobster ziti and apple fritters all great.

20,000 steps later

After a nice afternoon of walking with stops at the Mile Miracle Shops, the Bellagio and the Wynn, we are back at our room for a quick nap before dinner and our show.

This is our final night in Las Vegas, so we are ending it in style with a fine dinner and VIP seats at Le Reve at the Wynn. Our seats come with champagne service and chocolate covered strawberries. I personally plan to skip the strawberries, but will be drunk.

After some gambling today I am up about $350, however Dale is down $150. We are still ahead, so that is all good. Of course our winnings have gone right back into dining, treats and other fun, but that is Las Vegas.

What is heaven?

Crepes at the Jean Philippe Patisserie at the Bellagio.

This is very un-Vegas baby!

It is 11:18 AM and we are still in bed.

Dale refuses to get ready until this Lifetime movie with Joanna Kerns (Mom on Growing Pains) and Grant Show (Jake on Melrose Place) is over. Ugh!

We are living on fruit, cheese and crackers from Barb's birthday gift basket.

Please send help.

Even More Things Heard In Vegas

While at dinner at David Burke last night at the Venetian, the following made me laugh.

"Check at that one over there. Definitely a paid escort." - Dale to Me, Barb, Sara and our waiter, Georgio.

5 minutes later.

"I went over and checked her out. She is not a paid escort. If I ordered that and opened the door, I would send her back!" - Our waiter, Georgio to Dale, Me, Barb and Sara.

If you are ever in Las Vegas eat at David Burke at the Venetian. The food is amazing. You will be very happy.

Ask to sit at Georgio's table. You will have a wonderful time, as Georgio is a true entertainer and his warmth, humor and personality make the experience that much better.

More things heard in Vegas

"Get off my case Barb!" - Sara to Barb.

"I'm gonna get pilaged." - Dale to Barb.

"It's 11:11 make a wish." - Sara to everyone.

"I want an Icee." - Dale back to Sara.

"What could I do to get this ride for free?" - Barb to Kelifa the cab driver.

"Come on up to the front seat sugar tits."- Kelifa to Barb.

"Stupid double tower of the Venetian." - Sara to hotel.

(Okay truth be told the two quotes between Barb abd Kelifa may have been something I dreamt.)

Barb may be getting...

...herpes in the restroom at the Mermaid as we speak.

It smells like deep friend twinkies and...

...shame. Yum!

Things Heard in Vegas

"Stop touching my ass Barb!" - Sara to Barb.

"The hostess has a nice rack." - Dale to our waiter Georgio.

"I would make out with Erin." - Sara to Tom.

"Tell them how my boobs are too big to Georgio." - Sara to everyone.

"That makes my insides feel funny." - Sara to Barb.

"This is where I saw Telly Savalas."- Dale to everyone.

"Men find me attractive. Oh, poo!" - Sara to Dale.

Very enjoyable dinner at David Burke @ the Venetian

Good food, great waiter, Sara flirting and steak! Lots of fun.