Ups & Downs

Life is like a roller coaster -- full of ups and downs and sharp curves. I'm taking the ride full force right now. I hope the ride will soon come to an end.

My seven day count-down has officially started -- soon I will be unemployed -- just saying and hearing that word does not give me a warm, fuzzy feeling. I'm still optimistic that something good will come by way but the waiting game kills me. I do not care for change much and the unknown is the worst torn.

Send some good vibes my way -- I will openly accept the thoughts, openings, and concern.
V

Crisp Air

I love the fact that it's spring!

The weather is getting warmer; the birds are chirping loudly; the flowers are in bloom; the trees are colorful; the air is crispy clean; the sun is shining brightly; the days are long; the lawns are nicely manicured; the clothes fashion is changing; my walks with dog are longer; I love spring.

5 Alive

Yesterday I went with my buddy Renee to a Country Jam Concert at the Oracle Arena. The performer line-up was:
- Lost Trailers
- Luke Bryan
- Keith Anderson
- Jason Aldean
- Blake Shelton
It was quite an energetic show -- we stood for the entire concert - (5 hours); yes, my back was killing me!
There were many red-necks in the crowd but it was a very entertaining concert. A good break from reality and job hunting.
Thanks Renee for another memorable event!
Now, back to job hunting.
Enjoy your Sunday,
V

Fast Typist

My typing skills have never come in more handy as now -- I've been updating my resume, applying for jobs on line, recording contact information, emailing possible leads, making action-item lists, and composing cover letters. I'm very glad my typing speed is fast!

Today is a new day and hopefully one of new opportunites. Although I'm tired from lack of sleep and stress, I'm still confident that something will pull through and I will get a fabulous job. Keep your fingers and legs crossed (I am).

Enjoy this day and get ready for spring.
V

HOPE

The word of the day for me will be: HOPE.

I hope I will be strong.
I hope a new door will open.
I hope my spirits will stay high.
I hope my family will be patient and understanding.
I hope my friends will be there for me.
I hope there will be a brighter future.
I hope new ventures will come by way.
I hope I will find a smile deep down.
I hope all my friends/co-workers will find peace within themselves.
I hope today will be the beginning of something new.
I hope this opportunity brings new people into my life.
I hope I will be happy.

I hope that some day VERY SOON, I will find a new job. Unfortunately I was laid off yesterday (not a very lucky day for a St. Patty's) and was completely in shock. A lot of my co-workers will be joining me and all I can do is HOPE.

Happy St. Patty's

Hi all,
A good ole' Happy St. Patty's Day to you all. I hope you enjoy a day of GREEN. I promise to not get pinched today as I'm sporting a green top accompanied with my green eyes. I also have my good luck charm on -- a silver three-leaf clover that my daughter brought me from Ireland in December!

Enjoy this recipe for Corned Beef and Cabbage:

INGREDIENTS
1 medium onion, cut into wedges
4 medium potatoes, peeled and quartered
1 pound baby carrots
3 cups water
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 bay leaf
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 (3 pound) corned beef brisket with spice packet, cut in half
1 small head cabbage, cut into wedges

DIRECTIONS
Place the onion, potatoes and carrots in a 5-qt. slow cooker. Combine water, garlic, bay leaf, sugar, vinegar, pepper and contents of spice packet; pour over vegetables. Top with brisket and cabbage. Cover and cook on low for 8-9 hours or until meat and vegetables are tender. Remove bay leaf before serving.

Weekend Update

Hi all,
I survived Reno! It was a fun city to visit; since I hadn't been there in a while, it was nice to see it's growth.

We had beautiful sunny skies on the way up. It was so invigorating to drive through the mountains of snow -- snow is so very white and it always reminds me of whip cream.

During our lunch break, we hit up the Golden Arches -- some place I rarely eat at; although I must admit that I LOVE their fries. Once we arrive in Reno, we freshed up and relaxed with a cold drink at the VIP lounge. Our room was on the 26th floor and we had an awesome view.

As a late celebration for Casey's 16th birthday, we had dinner at the Outback Steakhouse (just us girls). It was a yummy meal! I love their Aussie Fries (loaded with cheese and bacon; the dipping sauce is a modified Ranch -- I love it)! We made this an early night and was back up in the room by 8:30 p.m. We attempted to rent a movie but the T.V. was having issues; resorted to good old T.V. instead. Of course I feel asleep early since I was up at 4:45 a.m. that morning.

Saturday was another girl's day spent shopping. We hit up Ross, TJ Maxx, Old Navy, Stein Mart, Pac Sun, Tilly's, American Eagle, Victoria's Secret, Bath and Body Works, and had a great lunch at Red Robin (I love their bottomless fries) -- by the way, can you tell that I love french fries?!!!

Saturday we attended a VIP reception dinner put on by the Atlantis. It was a four-course dinner: lobster bisque, salad, filet and tiger shrimp encrusted with crab meat; and a cheesecake for dinner. It was delicious! We then toured their new spa. It was something like I've never seen. They have all the modern, hi-tech equipment and specialty rooms. I wanted a massage right then and there. It was such a very peaceful surrounding (they had waterfalls strategically placed throughout) and the place smelled fresh and pure. We finished off our evening with a little drive thru downtown Reno.

It snowed on our way home which was really pretty and a great way to finish off a great weekend.

Thank you to Monica/Peanut/Carlos/Roxy/Victor/Casey and Breanna for great memories with friends.

Back to reality,
V

The Biggest Little City in the World

Hi all,
Happy Friday!

I'm headed to the Biggest Little City in the World - Reno, NV. Our friends were able to score free rooms, mud baths and a steak dinner; how could anyone pass that up? So, we're heaed out of dodge today.

I don't predict I'll be doing much gambling (unless they have penny machines). I hate losing money and would rather spend the cash on something tangible.

The victims in tow will be: me, Breanna, Peanut, Monica, Victor, Roxy and Carlos. It's the party crowd -- Reno will never be the same. Be sure to check back for an update!

Enjoy this day and the upcoming weekend.
Cheers,
V

Starting Off Well

Hi all,
Today was my first competitve racquetball game in the Women's League. I am proud to report I won the game 3 to 0. I have nine more weeks to go. I'm hoping to learn a lot of new skills, work on my endurance, and have challenging games against great players. It's fun playing against a completely new person -- it really tests your skills.
Stay tuned for more ball reports.
V

Spring has Almost Sprung

Hi all,
Well, March 20 (First Day of Spring) isn't that far away -- it couldn't come soon enough! I am so ready for spring! I am already seeing signs of this wonderful season right around the corner: new blossoms, bright blue skies, daylight savings time, flowers, fresh, clean air, and the calmness of the day. I love it all.

Attached is a photo I've taken as a little reminder that spring is soon to be sprung! Enjoy this day.
V

Catching Up

Hi all,
OK - I survived my cold (although it's still somewhat hanging on) and another fabulous weekend in Las Vegas. It's was beautiful there! The temp was 69 degrees, sunny skies, and not too crowded.

We got to witness Cher in concert at the Colessium in Ceasar's -- she's awesome! So very talented. The stage show was tremendous! Of course she had tons of wardrobe changes, set changes, and video clips. She's had quite a life with all her movies, Sonny and Cher Show, and her solo career. We thoroughly enjoyed the 2 hr show; if you like Cher, I would recommend it. I think that's the fifth time I've seen her.

We were fortunate enough to stay at the Wynn Resort for one night; we had a promotional stay of $109/nt. which included $200 in slot play. The room was phenominal! We had a view of The Strip -- the room was equipped with automatic drapes, plasma screen TV's (also in the bathroom), a tub for 2, a fully stocked bar, leather furnishings and a very comfy bed. With our $200 in slot play, we won $165 --thus our stay was basically free! This is a 5-star hotel and it well merits it's ranking.

I love the Conservatory at the Bellagio. They had a fabulous spring flower exhibit; tons of vibrant tulips (will post photos tomorrow). Since we got married at this hotel, I will forever say it's my favorite!

Now it's back to work -- tons of it! It's so hard being gone and then playing catch-up. You have to pay to play! I loved every minute of my weekend -- thank you Greg for another memorable, fabulous, fun and fulfilling weekend in Vegas -- our home away from home!
Cheers,
V
P.S. Please check back tomorrow for photos!

Good Times

Today I was able to meet up with my friend from Wisconsin. She's here visiting her family and we had time to meet up for lunch.
So good to see you Lorraine! It's always nice to catch up face to face, giggle, and gossip!
I'm glad you dropped by!
V

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Happy 22nd Birthday to my dear daughter Breanna!! It's so hard to believe 22 years have come and gone so quickly. She has another 22 years of a bright future ahead. She'll be graduating from college in May (yes - I can't believe it) and begins her internship on June 1. I am so thankful she's MY daughter -- I love her so much and am very proud.

Another Happy Birthday shout-out goes to Meghan! 30 years young today. Thanks for having a surprise party -- we all had a great time!

Enjoy your day ladies -- spoil yourselves and be happy!
Cheers,
V (alias Mom)

March On!

Hi all,
Happy March! Yep - it's already here! So hard to believe.

March is a happy month for me:
- My daugther's birthday is tomorrow
- Spring is starting to be in the air
- St. Patty's is a time for celebration and fun
- The first day of spring is approaching (March 20)

We ended February with a bang! Friday (2/27) we went to dinner to say good-bye to a friend that is leaving for Mexico City. We did some reminiscing, laughing and lots of hugging. We are hopefully to meet up with her some time this year in Acapulco.

Sat. (2/28) we attended yet another wine event at Alpha Omega in Napa. It was a release party of their 2006 Cab. They had some delicious rib eye steak to accompany their wine. There was an attendance of 140 (70 of which were from out of state). Napa is beautiful right now with all the mustard flowers in bloom (see attached photo).

Upon leaving Napa, we headed for our friend, Meghan's, 30th surprise birthday party in Danville. It was tons of fun! Matt had rented a limo to escourt us to dinner, dessert and to various wine bars/pubs in the local area. We laughed tons and made a lot of great memories. Meghan and my daughter share the same birthday so it's always bittersweet for me. Great celebration amongst friends! What I wouldn't give to be 30 again!

Yesterday (March 1) we celebrated Breanna's birthday with a family dinner. I made a Lemon Velvet Cake and my dad brought the best stew. I made homemade sourdough bread and we made Breanna's favorite pasta (her grandpa's recipe) accompanied with fresh zucchini. Breanna was spoiled with gifts, attention, and love. I am so very thankful she has her grandparent's influence, support, love and character. She will forever look back on these times and be grateful.

Enjoy this rainy week,
V