Caution: Glass

Today was not an ordinary day. Today I have spent time organizing and storing glass beakers, vials, and lab equipment. It's a little creepy knowing that these items are used with hazardous chemicals and human blood samples. This chore gave me another meaning about my work. I often like to think about all the millions of job duties that individuals have. One day I want to farm myself out and volunteer to do some of these jobs. Just think about it! What would it be like to be a:
- janitor
- mail carrier
- x-ray technician
- a farmer
- high rise window cleaner
- movie theater attendant
- a nursery expert
- a stay-at-home mom
- a P.E. teacher
- a personal trainer
- a grocery clerk
- a superstar
- a zookeeper
The list is endless -- oh the possibilities! Be thankful for the job you possess -- hopefully it's something you take pride in and adore spending your long days each day.

Enjoy this day,
V

Sand in the Crack

This weekend we headed out for a daily trip to Dillon Beach. It was a beautiful drive along Hwy 1. Along our journey we came across llamas, cows, lobsters, birds, and oysters.

We delighted in some BBQ'd oysters completed with garlic butter and a hint of hot sauce. Oh so good! We even enjoyed some rock climbing! (Of course the boys enjoyed their Hannah Nicole Magnum).

It was a great escape full of laughter, sand, good eats, stories, and crisp weather.

Can't wait to do it again real soon,
V

Bright Future

Hi all,
This weekend was one of gratitude, accomplishment and being darn right proud. My daughter, Breanna, graduated from California State University Sacramento with a B.A. in Business Management. I am one very proud mom!

The ceremony took place at Arco Arena where 800 Business graduates accepted their diplomas. The festivities were well orchestrated; however, the pomp and circumstance always seems to drag on forever. We were very happy it was indoors.

Her first day to the future will begin June 1 as she starts her paid internship with Target. Couldn't be happier for her and all her accomplishments.

Who could have thought four years could pass oh so quickly. Time seems to be passing more quickly than ever (I know -- it's because I'm getting older).

Congratulations Breanna!
Cheers to you for a bright future,
Mom

Memorial Day

A Happy Memorial Day to you and yours.
Take time to reflect on all our brave soldiers that have protected our country; for those fallen soldiers, we salute you today.

Growth

“Growth begins when we begin to accept our own weakness”

Loved the finals of American Idol last night. Speaking of growth -- Kris Allen will only start to grow with this amazing experience as being crowned The American Idol. His growth will be beyond measure. Can't wait to see his successful future unfold before our eyes.

Hats Off!

If you can imagine it, you can achieve it; if you can dream it, you can become it.

This past weekend we celebrated Breanna's Graduation from Sacramento State (her actual walking ceremony is May 23).

Four quick years have passed since high school. It's incredible to believe that Breanna already has a B.S. in Business Management. With her position as the Lead Business Ambassador for Business for the college, she has gained much respect and leadership. Her new ventures will take her to a paid internship with Target.

As a proud mom, I can only wish her sucess and happiness for her venture into the real world. I know she will succeed in whichever path life leads her.

I love you Breanna.
Happy Graduation! I can't wait to see you walk and have your name announced for this prestigous accomplishment.

Hats off to the graduates of 2009!
Veronique

Pounds Shed

Another amazing journey is over and another record amount of weight was shed. Last night was the final weigh-in on The Biggest Loser. The 48-year old winner is down to 117 lbs. having lost 140. How amazing is that?!! So very inspiring. Their lives have been transformed (hopefully forever). They will be incorporating exercise/diet into their way of life. How rewarding and self-fulfilling it would be to lose an entire person's worth of weight. That would definitely been weight in gold!
Looking forward to yet another season.
Happy exercising!
V

BE YOU

Happy Mother's Day

A shout out to my mom, all my friends that are moms, for all upcoming mothers, and for all mother's that have passed:

Mothers are fonder than fathers of their children because they are more certain they are their own. ~Aristotle

I am the most blessed mother to have two beautiful girls that are caring, loving, and compassionate. I love you both with ALL my heart.

I wish you all a loved, special, and family-filled Mother's Day.

Reflect on this day,
Veronique

Relaxation

So glad it's Friday and I can have a few minutes of relaxation -- I've been loving the warm weather, gardening, having lunch with friends, exploring photography and making home-cooked meals.

This will be a busy weekend helping Breanna with her new apartment and Mother's Day. Looking forward to some family time.

I'll check in with all of you soon.
V

Mexican Flavor

Hi all,
Yesterday we had a great time celebrating Cinco de Mayo. We gathered at our local mexican restaurant, Cocina Medina, and enjoyed cocktails and delicious mexican food. Greg even won a Cabo Wabo shirt (displayed in the photo). It was another memorable night with friends.
Adios,
V

Cinco (5)

Happy Cinco de Mayo!
Of course for me that's just another reason to go have some cheese enchiladas, tacos, and spanish rice. My friends will celebrate with margaritas and tequilla.

We are gathering with friends tonight to celebrate the day Mexican style. We will throw on our somberos, dust off our sarapes, and do the Mexican jig.

Can't wait to have another fun day with friends.

Enjoy your 5th day of May!

FRESH TOMATO SALSA
4 cups diced tomatoes
3/4 cup finely diced red onion
1/4 cup red-wine vinegar
1 jalapeno, seeded and minced
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste

Combine tomatoes, onion, vinegar, jalapeno, cilantro, salt and cayenne in a medium bowl. Refrigerate until ready to serve.



V

Happy May

Can you believe it's already May 1? Time simply slips away. I am happy that summer is right around the corner but I'm sad that almost half the year is already gone.

Events comping up in May:
- Cinco de Mayo (Always a fun time to have margaritas with friends)\
- Armed Forces Day (A time to reflect and remember all our soldiers serving and protecting our country so WE can have freedom and peace)
- Breanna graduates college (no, I can't believe it)
- Mother's Day (Spoil your mom's with love, gifts, and remembrance today)
- Memorial Day (Yeah - a day off work -- I love 3 day weekends)

I hope you all will have a prosperous, fun-filled month. Go out on a limb and do something new (read a book, take a hike, paint, write a letter to a long lost friend, go to the zoo, bake a cake for a neighbor, exercise, treat a friend to lunch, organize photographs, write a letter to your child).

Happy trails,
Veronique