oh my, yes

Ow

2010-07-15T18:31:00.000-07:00

Personal growth makes my head hurt. Advil be damned, I s'pose I just have to go there.

Crunch

2010-03-17T10:25:00.001-07:00

Testing for my green belt this morning, I was executing an ax kick and instead of being centered and breaking the board, I connected firmly with my instructor's finger. Horrendous. Keep eye on target grasshopper.

Redirect

2010-03-16T11:56:00.002-07:00

www.mindfuldesignreno.com

It's come to this

2010-03-16T11:56:00.001-07:00

It's the beginning of the end.

How sweet it is

2009-03-26T19:56:00.000-07:00

Erica was listening to music and Kevin thought it was the garbage disposal running.

Human Bean Guy

2009-02-20T08:55:00.000-08:00

To the guy working at Human Bean,

I thank you for saying my shirt was amazing. And when I said thank you, but I thought I was dressed to warmly for the day, thank you for saying we all suffer for fashion.

I salute you for saying congratulations when I presented you with a 1/2 off coupon, and once again for giving my card and extra hole punch.

It was just what I needed!

I'm doing it for my country dammit

2009-02-19T09:13:00.001-08:00

So ugh, in a good way. We're in the middle of renovating our house which is a good thing, stimulating the economy and all that. Although as I stage and coordinate the work to be done, I can't shake the image of the little plastic toy with the square numbers, with one missing square, where the squares need be manipulated to get them back in sequential order (a toy I could never master I might add). Anyway, busy and hectic, but good.

I have my new hardwood flooring, carpet, and new master bath all thanks to the crashing economy and the mushrooms that sprang from the baseboard before Thanksgiving. Who knew?

If I could fold 1,000 paper cranes and get my wish, I'd go to sleep in a cozy slumber and wake up 2 weeks from now when it's all done.

Awed

2008-12-27T09:57:00.000-08:00

The family of the Japanese battle flag was located! We're returning it to the Ousaka family immediately as the widow of the soldier is in poor health. Hopefully Tyler will be able to meet with the family during his trip.

Joy

2008-12-11T17:42:00.000-08:00

On the way home from work tonight, a car passed me with Christmas lights on the luggage rack :) Happiness.

PostSecret

2008-11-09T09:53:00.000-08:00

When I went to reunion.com, I hit the wrong button and everyone in my contact list got an invite, even the mayor.

Yes

2008-11-05T09:30:00.000-08:00

Praha Please

2008-10-31T18:04:00.001-07:00

Clapping. My parents, Sue, Lud, Beth, and I are going on a two week river cruise from Germany to the Czech Republic next fall. My first time to Europe. Wheeeee. Thank you, thank you good parents for the treat.

My Ambassador

2008-10-31T17:32:00.001-07:00

Yay for Tyler being nominated as a student ambassador with People to People. Next summer, he'll tour Japan for two weeks. Such a wonderful opportunity. In this picture, he's holding a flag captured by his grandfather's cousin during WWII in the Battle of Guadalcanal. We're researching the flag in an effort to return it to the soldier's family. Thus far, we know the soldier's name is Iwazo Ousaka. It would be incredible for Tyler to return it on his trip. If not, he'll present it to government officials in Tokyo as a gesture of good will. Either way, it's equally moving in my book.

Oh, yeah, you wish you were a Mustang

2008-10-31T17:30:00.001-07:00

Congrats to Jenna :) Her collegiate cheer team took 1st place again this year in their competition. Hip hip.

Oh, so excited

2008-08-30T22:25:00.001-07:00

The fates have smiled on me. The Stone Temple Pilots have reunited for a few select concerts. Life is so good as Reno made the short list.

Joelle and Me...September 12, Grand Sierra!

Another one for the baby book

2008-08-30T22:23:00.000-07:00

This week, in Reno News and Review: Go Green

Summer

2008-08-30T22:12:00.000-07:00

Tyler got his cast off

Erica turned 15

Had a fabulous time seeing Cheap Trick, Heart and Journey at Lake Tahoe with Karen and the girls

Erica had the best time in Santa Cruz with Karen, Leah, Cole, Beach, Quincy, and friends

Jenna rocked math camp at UNR

Kevin left his job for a nifty new one. It's super yet I'm still getting used to his "office" in the corner of the bedroom.

Tyler and Kev had a super time at the A's game - Tyler got tons of autographs and a foul ball

Jenna spents many days at Wild Waters getting lots of sun

Kids and Kevin had a great time camping, and I had a wonderful time at home, alone

I turned 43

What the hell did I do in August?

:(

2008-06-13T20:24:00.000-07:00

So sad about Tim Russert.

Overcooked

2008-04-01T18:40:00.000-07:00

The Grill opens Thursday, load in for the Expo is Friday. I'm so overdone. Someone stop the world and let me off.

I guess I feel young again

2008-03-28T15:18:00.000-07:00

Yay. Hadn't gotten a ticket in 20 years, so I guess I was due. I'm not a speeder, but when I'm coming home from my sister-in-law's place, the sloping hill makes my car go zoom. So. 53 in a 35, I'm a transposer. Nice officer guy only cited me for going 40. Flippin $110

The worst day of his life

2008-03-17T21:51:00.000-07:00

Poor Ty. In a cast for 12 weeks. No basketball tournament, no spring little league. Such a bummer!

Plugging Along

2008-03-13T21:21:00.000-07:00

The days flow together. Life has been busy. Working lots of hours, and tired tired kk thx. When I get down time, I've taken to watching documentaries from the tub. Quite enjoyable.

Tyler fractured his wrist. What the hell? When I was a kid, you fell down, got hurt, went to the doctor - they fixed you up. Now it's urgent care, emergency room, call backs, temporary casts, and then courting orthopedic surgeons to see if they'll take you. Dammit. We'll on our third try with ortho guy, and can't be seen until Monday, 10 days after the fracture happened. Gahh. Looks like basketbal tournie games and little league are a fat chance now.

Sleep now. Many calls and people to see tomorrow.

({}) Monologues

2008-02-17T10:27:00.000-08:00

"My clitoris is the doorbell to my house!" Hahaha.

Had a fabulous time last night at the Vagina Monologues with Sheri. Friends Tressa and Debbie performed and they were hysterically funny. I laughed so hard I was crying.

Polluted with Creativity

2008-02-06T19:38:00.000-08:00

Sheri and I had a great day. Ann invited us to her studio to see new concepts and applications she's developing. I hadn't seen her in a long time, and it was my first time visiting her studio. Very cool vibe; commercial space turned artist's loft. Met Dennis, an amazing metal fabricator. His work is unbelievable. We met Shaun, and watched her in blacksmith action. Then we got super creative with Ann, throwing ideas back and forth. Had the pleasure of seeing how she builds pieces in her kiln. Her work is so beautiful, such an incredible talent. We came away with fun ideas tucked away for future projects, and then fed the flow into planning for the Expo, just seven weeks away.

Topped off the day by getting a crazy short hair cut. Fun. OMG almost time for Colbert, hope it's not a repeat.

Where did the time go?

2008-02-01T15:22:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to my babies. Tyler and Jenna are 12!

Hello, it's Nevada not Nevoda

2008-01-19T18:51:00.000-08:00

Omg I caucused, you know I did. Even nudged Kev to switch alliances. Kev's a democrat and Erica got an A on her algebra final. A wondrous day I tell ya. I still think Obama is the bama....can't believe Hillary took the state. Aggghhhh.

Time to take over the world in a friendly game of Risk.

Buddy Guy

2008-01-16T08:10:00.000-08:00

So proud of my guy. Tyler won the spelling bee yesterday at school. Not only did he spell well, he looked adorable. He dressed in a button down shirt, topped with a short sleeve tee, slouchy jeans, checkerboard belt, and his converse of course. Darling! We're all so happy and proud. In a few weeks, he'll represent his school at the district bee. Hip hip.

Solitary Confinement

2008-01-13T10:13:00.000-08:00

Ahhhh....four days at home alone. The introvert in me rejoices.

Yay for the subconcious and Art Alexakis

Hangman

2007-12-24T15:55:00.000-08:00

clue: why my foot feels nothing but air

puzzle: the kids broke the bottom rung off my drafting stool

i've taken to playing hangman with jenna...she's adorable. but still, my position of comfort has worn a groove in my brain....my foot keeps trying to rest on something that isn't there.

Such a fun Holiday Stroll

2007-12-14T13:50:00.000-08:00

We headed downtown last night for the Holiday Stroll on California Ave. The best part was watching The Double Dutch Wars put on by the Holland Project. My favorite team jumped and jumped and then rode stick ponies and had pistol fights with cap guns. Oh oh, and then there was a Captain Underpants kid that climbed up on judges' table, and then leapt into the double dutch fray. Super fun! When the wars were over (and the teams all deemed winners), we cruised down a few blocks to watch Controlled Burn. The music was cool and it was my first time seeing Santa get down wit some fire dancing ;) The cowboy was pretty dandy too. It was nice to feel some heat from the flames....cuz damn, it was freezing!

Fickleness or Evolvement?

2007-12-10T08:54:00.000-08:00

My daemon has changed. It shouldn't really, given that clearly--I am an adult. So what's up? When I took the quiz a few months back, it was a honey bee. Now, my daemon is a tiger. 'Spose it's fitting, given that I'm a Leo.

I'm so disappointed that The Golden Compass is getting crappy reviews. Tyler saw the trailer, and wants to see it, so I informed him he better start reading ;) I'm reading the book again and enjoying it thoroughly. Tyler and I will see the movie when we've finished the book, and decide for ourselves if it's good or not!

Want to meet your daemon?

Enjoyable

2007-11-29T07:16:00.000-08:00

I've been buried on the restaurant remodel, but in a pleasant way. I dream about it all the time, but it's never like I'm standing in the restaurant naked with a paint deck in hand, it's just enjoyable design time in my sleep.

Sheri and I have been tag-teaming site visits with subcontractors every morning. A few days ago, we met with a plumber about the demo and installation. I gave him the specs on the Toto faucet for the bathroom. He got all starry eyed (the granite slab fabricator did too) over it. Sheri raised her eyebrows at me and said, "you know it's good when even the plumber gets excited about it."

It is a tasty faucet. Mmm hmm. Such clean lines....the sensor is built into the faucet, along with a hydro generator that recharges the battery as the faucet is used. Oooh...and a thermostatic mixer for that "just right" Goldilocks kinda tempature. Yum.

Go Fight Win

2007-11-04T18:31:00.000-08:00

Cheers to Jenna's cheerleading team, the Damonte Mustangs for taking 1st place in Varsity division at competition today!

So here's the thing. In order to look the same, all the teams wear hair pieces. Total hooker hair. Looks the same? Looks like 4th Street to me.

Tree Hugger

2007-11-02T18:54:00.000-07:00

To honor the top schools that participated in CHANGE 5, we planted Purple Autumn Ash trees at local schools this week. It felt good to experience the kids' enthusiasm as they planted their trees. Cheers to Moana Nursery for the gracious donation.

Fun news. The City of Reno and Washoe County School District are working to build the CHANGE 5 program into the school curriculum! Hip hip.

Authenticity Rocks

2007-10-28T19:31:00.000-07:00

Fun times. The girls and I headed next door this morning to Machelle and Cathy's. Cathy's mom Carmen and her sisters came as well; Carmen taught me how to make tamales. We had a great time making tons (22 dozen to be exact) of tamales: chicken, beef, and pork. When the meat was gone we moved on to dessert tamales. Yay for an educational and cultural morning. She told me how to make spanish rice and pinto beans too. Thanks Carmen!

We have lift off

2007-10-18T17:16:00.000-07:00

Landed a restaurant remodel today. Huge hurray.

Fuji Yum Sum

2007-10-17T11:00:00.001-07:00

We're off to Apple Hill this weekend. I'm ready to get away for a few days. Erica has been outfitted with an old school slr Canon loaded wtih black and white film. October in Placerville should offer the perfect backdrop for her burgeoning interest in photography. Rockin pix to follow.

Jennifer's - before and after :) Actually it's after and then before : /

2007-09-15T17:00:00.000-07:00

Just Cuz

2007-09-10T17:52:00.000-07:00

Guitar Hero is teh fun

2007-09-07T18:47:00.000-07:00

Fun times. Erica and I hung out on the tour bus with the band. Yay. Chris Payne (KRZQ dj) is super nice too. He was talking to me through a megaphone even though he was 15' away from me.

"Lisa. Doors open at 7:00...are you going to get dinner and then come back?" Ha.

Skipped dinner. Came home. I'll give Tyler his autographs when he gets in from baseball practice, and then Erica and I will head back to the show...fashionably late don't ya know. As if I'm going to hang out in a face melting hot club for two hours waiting for Finger 11. No thanks.

Played guitar hero with Scott, the lead singer (omg my first time). It was super fun! Erica got to play twice dammit. Sup with that? Anyway, she got mad at me cuz I nailed the bass. Well why not. The song? Possum Kingdom of course. It might be obvious I like that song a tiny bit.

Paralyzer

2007-09-04T18:12:00.000-07:00

I was caller number 9 on KRZQ tonight. They played a song backwards and I was asked to identify the song and band. Hello, of course the band is The Toadies and the song is Possum Kingdom. I sounded like a total geek on the air. Whatev.

Geekiness aside, I'll find out Friday afternoon if I'm a winnah. If so, I'll be hanging out backstage with Finger 11 at Stoney's playing Guitar Hero lol. What I'd give for it to be Dance Dance Revolution instead. I'm Erica's hero I tell you.

p.s. well I'm not paralyzed but I seem to be struck by you

OMG Turn Me Loose

2007-09-03T10:35:00.000-07:00

Had a great time at the Rib Cook-off yesterday. Had a few ickies along with ribs from Johnson's bbq. Next year, I'm going back to my favorite Rasta Joes (they have the best food if you ask me). Favorite part of the night was seeing Loverboy lol. Suddenly, I was transported back to 1982, Gilroy, CA - 16 years old, driving my sister's red mustang. Rock on. Tyler jumped while shaking his skater hair. Impressive. Kev said, "he takes after you." I know. And I love it.

Stealth

2007-09-03T10:31:00.000-07:00

I was working away yesterday, when Tyler, Jenna, and Kevin took light sabres out into the backyard to have a Jedi battle. I took the opportunity to sneak in to Tyler's room, take his Nerf guns, make sure they were loaded with ample Nerf ammo, and then slip into my bedroom. Quietly, I opened the door that leads to the backyard, leaned my weapons out the door and joined the battle. Was very fun :)

The ibuprofen was never needed

2007-08-27T14:52:00.000-07:00

I'm the catcher and base hit wonder scoring runs and making plays at home. Hurrah. It's fun!

My Poor Neglected Blog

2007-08-27T14:45:00.000-07:00

I've been remiss, haven't I. Far from not having anything to comment on, I've been too busy or tired to comment on everything that's been happening. So there.

2007-07-07T13:19:00.000-07:00

Cheers, cheers and more cheers!

Congrats to Sheri for passing the NCIDQ in one fell swoop. All three sections are under her belt, and she's now a true professional. Next stop: registration with the State of Nevada. I am so proud of her I can barely stand it.

2007-07-07T13:18:00.001-07:00

Okay, so blogger can bite me. How is it that I can create a post - but be shut out from giving it a title? Bah.

A bottle of ibuprofen and an encouraging pat on the back

2007-06-28T16:35:00.000-07:00

Sounds fun. Kev and I just signed up for a coed softball league. I'm a little afraid, but excited too. I'm pretty good at bat, but I haven't had any fielding experience in say...um, about 25 years. Ha. Piece of cake. Good news is, I asked Tyler if he'd be my trainer. He wants to take me shopping for a mitt asap. He thinks this may be a challenge as I'm left handed and mitts for lefties aren't so easy to come by. First game is July 19th.

Clap.

A little leopard print goes a long way

2007-06-16T10:00:00.000-07:00

I exited 395 on the South Meadows Parkway on my way home and pulled up to the stop light behind another car. I couldn't help but notice the American flag on the trailer hitch, the American Flag license plate frame, the two American flags flying high above the backseat windows, and the sticker plastered on the back window that said: Be responsible - spay or neuter your liberal democrat.

I sat there for a moment taking it in. When Mr. Ultra Conservative looked in his rearview mirror, I uttered a succinct two-word statement which let him know what I thought. I wonder if, when you read lips while looking in a rearview mirror, the words appear reversed. That said, the two words were still appropo.

p.s. Dear Mr. Numbnuts,
The American flag is much like leopard print. When using it, one article in an ensemble suffices nicely. When used repeatedly, it looks classless and quite frankly, stupid.

NO WONDER PEOPLE HAVE SUCH SUCCESS!!!1

2007-06-08T07:22:00.000-07:00

How to Flirt Online

What can you say in an email to entice someone to get to coffee talk? You are trying to get to the first date level. So what are the tricks to flirting online?Three keys to online flirting success:
1. Humor is your ally. A 35-year-old male film editor told me, "It depends on the person. You need to be able to read the person to tell what kind of humor you can get away with.
Humor is definitely sexy, and so is confidence because girls pick that up."
2. Keep it simple. Use light-hearted emails with an upbeat tone to attract dates online. A 40-something female painter shared, " Make your responses simple and use easy questions in your emails to flirt." There is no need for long emails either. A 42-year-old accountant told me, "I can tell if I am interested in three or four sentences."
3. Hand out compliments. One of the best ways to flirt online is to extend a sincere compliment. One guy told me, "I always
try to say something subtle but sincere." You might say to someone who plays the piano, "I think it is awesome that you play piano." He added, "Be sincere and don't throw out phony baloney."

10 email flirting questions
Based on interviews with hundreds of active daters for my book, "SMART Man Hunting," here are 10 proven questions that can help you ignite sparks online:
Where did you get that fantastic smile?
What is your favorite ice cream flavor and why?
What is the most romantic place that you've been on a date?
What would you do if we got stuck in a snow storm in the mountains?
If you were going to take me out for a romantic evening, what would we do?
What is your favorite thing to do with a partner for fun?
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
How long have you played guitar? (Ask about something in their profile.)
Wow, is that your cute golden retriever? (Compliment something in their photograph.)
When are we going to meet to find out whether we would ever want to kiss each other? (Depending on the person, you can sound cute using this one)
Have some fun -- use humor and good will. Keep it simple when you're using these email flirting questions. You will have better luck using levity and sincere compliments online.

Obama in the park

2007-06-04T10:21:00.000-07:00

Fun times with Sheri. On Thursday, Sheri and I rode bikes down to Wingfield Park to see Obama. We were sitting on the bridge over the Truckee when we were asked if we wanted to be on stage with the next president of the United States (crossing fingers). Well sure. So up we went to the stage. We saw Debra (photographer that covered CHANGE 5) with the media crowd; we waved and she took our picture. Sheri knew one of the secret service guys which was funny. The best part was seeing Mr. Obama. I'd love to see him make it into office. Wow, a fresh young person with a smart and savvy approach who hasn't yet been tainted by the good ole boys. What a concept. We even got to shake hands with him :)

Reno's Desperate Housewives

2007-06-04T10:14:00.000-07:00

Ack. Leslie and I did a presentation for the Caughlin Ranch crowd at Morgan's house last week. Morgan is nice enough, but the whole Caughlin mentality exists outside my reality. As they streamed through the door on their way to the alcohol, we were met with botox, boob jobs, cleavage, dark dark tans, and everyone was dressed to impress. They really didn't want to be bothered with us; they acted as though we were the help.

It must take so much energy to be them, to constantly be on, and to make sure there is nary an excess pound in the group. Just to be safe, they lean towards anorexia. Holy, do I sound cynical.

Anyway, I know who I don't want for clients. I couldn't get out of there fast enough. Get me back to something substantial, meaningful and real. Jesus Christ.

p.s. plz kiss the palm of my hand

2007-05-29T07:39:00.000-07:00

I should have worn gloves. I have several cuts on the center of my palm from handling the glass units before they were installed. Ow.

They called her Miss Accomplish It Girl

2007-05-29T07:27:00.000-07:00

Had a super busy but productive weekend. We installed the last 12 of the high efficiency windows on the west side of our casa. Yay that it's done; all the windows match, and all traces of the evidence are out of the garage.

Saturday when I wasn't helping with the windows, I was busy getting ready for our upcoming community garage sale which will be this Saturday when I'm out of town. I priced crap all day long and boxed it back up since the window factory was in full swing. Poor Kevin must attend to the sale on Saturday and I will need to unpack everything and have it ready to go before I leave on Thursday.

I've promised Tyler and Jenna that I will redo their bedrooms this summer, and they aren't letting me forget my promise. Yesterday, after the windows were done, Tyler and I moved his bedroom furniture around, took the shelving system out of his closet, swapped his dresser for another and filtered out yet more things for the sale. Can't wait to see how much moolah we score. I'll soon trade it for paint, bedding, bookcases and more. I think Tyler's room will be especially cute; I've been designing in my head :)

Hmmm...I forgot to clean my house.

A few cleansing breaths are in order

2007-05-27T09:13:00.000-07:00

I'm really loathe to post this link, but I guess I will anyway. I cannot begin to explain how far this article is from the actual presentation and interview that preceded it. Maybe I'll run into Janine sometime, and I'll have the opportunity to smack her up the side of her head. Let's hear it for misinformation, mistatements, and misquotes.

I have that proud parent feeling

2007-05-17T11:15:00.000-07:00

So, the results of CHANGE 5 are in - and the 4th graders in the school district did a fabulous job. Rock on my little stewards!

Total number of light bulbs changed: 7,100

OMIGOSH WHAT IT MEANS over the lifetime of the bulbs...

$339,000 dollar savings for the community

2.2 million pounds of CO2 prevented from entering the atmosphere - the equivalent of taking 190 cars off the road for a year

1.5 million kilowatt hours saved

air pollution reduction - the equivalent to 300 acres of forest

The Jack Cookie

2007-05-10T17:43:00.000-07:00

Life is fun. I had a meeting with Leslie at her house today to develop an Arts and Crafts faux concept for a fireplace surround. I showed up with the perfect shade of olive green, sooo the color of the period. So I'm explaining the effect I want, when her cutie pie son drives up. He asks if we've met (yes Aaron, on no less that 3 occasions but I didn't lead on). Cracked me up that when he got out of the car he was drinking out of a blender carafe lol. Aaron, I dig your glass plz. Back to the faux. I described a tile that Leslie could look at to see the effect I was talking about. She headed to Truckee River Tile and Stone and I headed home. She found the tile then came over to show it to me. I answered the door and she was holding what looked like a tile with a pirate painted on it. Leslie: is this what you were talking about? Me: what is it? She laughed and handed me the pirate cookie. Me: where did you get this? Leslie: Oh never you mind, I have my sources. I love her playfulness :) When she left she said, "Give the Jack cookie to Tyler." One can only dream of having their very own Jack cookie. Arrgh!

Boston Mass. or Bust

2007-05-09T18:25:00.000-07:00

So just three months til I head to Boston. I really can't wait to find out what the Cloud Institute is all about. The program will be 5 days of intense learning, and I'm sad I won't have time to see many sights. Hopefully I can stay an extra night, and have at least one full day to play.

The Logo

2007-05-09T18:10:00.000-07:00

Chi Town - The Windy City

2007-05-01T21:28:00.000-07:00

Not Chicago, Reno. Sort of a fun and chaotic day. Mid afternoon I had finished shopping for a client and was on my way to the car when I realized that my keys were safe and sound--inside of my locked car.

Lisa: Hi Connie, it's Lisa. I locked my keys in the car.
Connie: *laughs* do you want me to come get you?
Lisa: It's a lot to ask.
Connie: It's more than any neighbor should ever ask, where's the spare key?

Saved by Connie, I arrived at SPPC late for the renewable energy showcase. Some prof. from UNR was talking in super boring terms about energy and since I was late I stayed in the back of the room AND I didn't have my glasses, so I couldn't read his boring PowerPoint. After boring guy was done, we took a tour of the grounds to see the PV panels and the wind turbine. The turbine makes me really really happy :)

Got home, ran across the street with a bottle of wine for Connie (nicest and most affordable locksmith in town) and then off to Tyler's game.

In the third inning, one of Tyler's contacts came out. I got contact solution from one mom (never met her) and a mirror from another mom (never met her either) and it took Erica's, Tyler's and my efforts in the girls bathroom to get it back in.

Tyler: this is the worst luck ever.

It was SO windy at the game. During a particularly violent gust, I yelled "Dorothy?? Dorothy!!"

I'm glad to be home where it's warm :)

Gaped (NYT answer for yawned)

2007-04-27T12:50:00.000-07:00

Life feels super flat (omg get the paddles and somebody bring me back). Nothing new, nothing on the horizon. Well I shouldn't say nothing new - cuz CHANGE 5 has a new logo thx to Marty (waving to MJ) except that was a few weeks ago so it isn't really new is it?

Friday's Crossword Puzzle

Down
13. Disengaged

Hmmm. 6 letters, ahhh I know this one: LEESUH

p.s. Mr. Brightside = Tyler in baseball - going to his games make me better

Star in a Silver Car

2007-04-17T19:44:00.000-07:00

Clapping. I was on the radio today! Bruce Deetken - Energy Manager for the district, Paul Dugan - Superintendent of the district and I were interviewed by station 100.1.

The best part? The gal that conducted the interview is the parent of a 4th grader. Her child brought home the CHANGE 5 flyer and the CFL and she thought "omg this rox" and so she called Paul Dugan and said "tell me more," hence the interview. I got to talk all about CHANGE 5.

The saddest part? My people (Bruce: omg we have to call our people) were tuned into 100.1 fm (everyone here knows that's classic rock) but it was on 100.1 am, so everyone missed it cept for Connie who had the smarts to switch to am.

Famous Gurl strikes again.

Snowy Thursday

2007-04-12T13:33:00.000-07:00

Omigosh, famous again. It's a good thing too, because I'm pretty sure I butchered (omg butcher boy) the public service announcement I did at the GreenUp! press conference this morning. When it was done all I was like, "what the f was that, and what did I say?" Whateva.

Captain Jack

2007-04-01T11:17:00.000-07:00

Big shout out to Rebecca plz. There is this local architect I admire (stalk) from afar. Does he know he's bookmarked on my computer? Probably not. Anyway, Rebecca and I were talking about him (omg Captain Jack Hawkins) and she had the toadal inside scoop. She arranged a meeting for the three of us at his office so we could chat. Fun! After we talked for well over an hour, she gave me a personal tour of 8 on Center. Very fun. I enjoyed seeing Jack's use of industrial materials and Rebecca's fantastic cabinetry designs. Of course as interior designers, we girls ripped apart certain aspects of his designs and pointed out how very unfunctional some things were.

Well, at this point, Jack already has a hand-written thank you note from me...."plz call me so we can work on projects - i'll admire what you did fantastically right and then i can help correct the things u did wrong k? ok thx bye jack ur super cute and down to earth, ok gotta go bye sincerely famous gurl. p.s. i dig pirates."

Hemming and Hawing over the PG-13 Rating

2007-03-25T15:39:00.000-07:00

So I'm still a little protective of my twins. Every movie that looked good to rent yesterday were all PG-13. Frustrating. Anyway we rented Stranger than Fiction. What a great movie! It was the best I've seen since in a while. What makes me laugh is that the rating was due in part to "disturbing images." If you see the movie you'll know what the disturbing images were...it was what had all of us yelling "EWWWW!" at the same time. Ha.

I feel the same way plz

2007-03-21T08:04:00.000-07:00

I wore green suede shoes

2007-03-21T07:34:00.000-07:00

It was my own private little joke (omg I'm walkin the talk hardy-har-har-har) when Sheri and I presented to the GT kids on how to go green.

1st Stop on the Campaign Trail: Dilworth Middle School

2007-03-08T12:15:00.000-08:00

Well yay. Sheri and I, along with Felicia and Rose--energy conservationists for Sierra Pacific, addressed 100 kids at Dilworth Middle School this morning. Sheri takes the prize cuz she rocked the presentation, making it extremely relevant and had the students engaged at about 110%. Hopefully they will all become a bit more aware of ways to conserve energy and will be motivated to make a difference. Felicia and Rose want to present to at least 10 elementary schools in conjunction with CHANGE 5. If the word ever gets out that I take long hot baths, I'm doomed.

Mojo

2007-03-04T13:35:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was Kevin's birthday. I baked a cake and planned a nice family dinner. As the day progressed the kids were all invited for sleepovers at their friends' homes. Well, we're no dummies. I scrapped plans for cooking - and we headed over to BJ's for dinner. That's where I had the Pom Punch. It tasted just like the mojo that Frankee used to make. It was a fun night going out and having the whole house to ourselves :)

Miss Ginger

2007-03-04T13:32:00.000-08:00

My parents have a new baby. OMG she is so adorable! I get to meet her next week and I can't wait.

CHANGE 5

2007-02-26T18:01:00.000-08:00

So my little brainchild is taking off--color me unexpectedly pleased. The goal is to have the 4th graders in our school district CHANGE 5 incandescent bulbs in their homes to CFLs. I'm setting my sights on a total of 10,000 bulbs changed during a week long period in April. I've received a lot of help from Sierra Pacific and Ecos Consulting which is nice. Plus, it's going to receive media coverage :)

This morning, I attended the GreenUp! Steering Committee meeting; a committee member came up to me after the meeting and told me, "I think this project is such a great idea. We all sit here and talk about things, but this is the type of project that really makes a difference." Gosh, talk about making my day!

Behind the Cellar Door

2007-02-19T18:16:00.000-08:00

Had a fun time in Amador County at the Behind the Cellar Door event. There were plenty of people that rented limos, and towards the end of the day they were whooping it up and looking pretty foolish. Yay for people watching. I had to drive after the Vino Noceto winery started serving grappa. Ick. Was like drinking jet engine fuel. Kev liked it. Grappa boy. Very much enjoyed the rain--one of the things we miss about living in California. Didn't like it when it rained so hard we could barely see the road. Plus, I was super critical about the bed and breakfast we stayed at. I had an overwhelming urge to chuck everything in our room out the window and start over.

Yay, it's complete

2007-02-05T09:21:00.000-08:00

Cheers My Little Ragamuffins

2007-02-01T13:16:00.000-08:00

My babies are 11! When did that go and happen please?

Tyler and Jenna, you are two of the sweetest kids I know (I might know one more). I love you so much, andI'm proud to by your mom.

Let's eat cake!

"I'm a deepy superficial person."

2007-01-28T13:57:00.000-08:00

Wheeeee. Went on a date yesterday with Kevin. We started with the Andy Warhol exhibit at NMA. It was fantastic. The funnest part for me was hanging out in the kid's area where I made this postcard (omg my Warhol interpretation). And so cute...I was in the Campbell's soup area when a little girl came running in: "Mommy! It's Chicken Noodle Soup!" A perfect example of low art actually being high art, in that it captures the essence of our consumer driven society. And omg, over the span of generations too! Nuff of that. After NMA, we had lunch at the Wine Cellar and Cheese Board. Yum. Lastly, we headed over to first street and browsed a few shops with a flat liner in hand from Java Jungle. Fun :)

Found an Old Friend

2007-01-25T07:58:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I dealt with messed up chi all the live long day. I was fine (omg thanks) but it was like everyone was crumbling around me. By last night, I really just wanted to insulate myself from the outside world. So as I prepared an overly hot bath (big suprise, I decided to read Cradle to Cradle--a book I brought back from Denver. Tucked inside was my Albert Einstein bookmark that I had given up for lost. I was sure that I had left it in a textbook that was sold back to the university. It was like finding an old friend. Silly, but true.

Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.

I'm happy to have it back.

I've been had dammit

2007-01-23T19:48:00.000-08:00

I was in Tuesday Morning (omg on Tuesday morning) picking up some accessories for a client today. I was standing alone at the counter waiting for the sales clerk to get a price on something when a man (store manager?) walked up and asked if he could help me with anything. So, I started saying that I was waiting on a price check when he starts laughing. He was a customer plz. Silly, silly man :)

When really sweet clients have irritating husbands

2007-01-19T17:38:00.000-08:00

I was working with a client today when her husband came home. First thing he says to me is: "I don't think a good looking chick like yourself should be driving around with a license plate that says OHMYES. Perhaps it should be OHMYMAYBE."

My immediate thought: Please leave and go back to whatever you were doing.

Excited

2007-01-19T15:40:00.000-08:00

Today's front page news: Reno pledges to adopt Kyoto Protocol.

Yes, yes, yessssss! I'm making this post short and sweet so I can call the city to get on board.

Pheremone Repellent

2007-01-17T11:55:00.000-08:00

As soon as the cable guy came in the house, I wanted him gone. As he was finishing up he asked if I was from Carson City. When I replied that no, I wasn't, he said I reminded me of someone's mom--this guy he used to play football with. At this point, I wish he had never shown up.

Later I told Erica about it. Her reply: As if you need to hear that. Did you tell him, "Hey. Bucko. Do you realize that I wear yellow plaid pants with combat boots and jump on the couches when my kids are at school, pretending that i'm twenty? Huh? Yeah. "

Pam's House

2007-01-13T18:32:00.000-08:00

Here are a few pics of the kitchen/family room remodel I designed for my friend Pam. I'm really proud of the way it turned out.

A New Kitchen

2007-01-13T18:27:00.000-08:00

So this was really a rewarding project. It is very fun to select the surfaces and furnishings separately, and then see them pulled together when the installation is complete. I love the modern chairs mixed with the transitional dining table and kichen. They relate to the appliances and blend in nicely with the space.

New Family Room

2007-01-13T18:08:00.000-08:00

My first thought for this room was to remove the mantle and mirror (the proportion of it makes me think of an old man with his pants pulled up to high). The sconces add a nice glow to the wall and the fireplace was done in slate tiles cut in 1/2 and then installed in a broken joint pattern. Roman shade valances and bench seat cushions are in the workrooms right now.

Sweet Things

2007-01-12T08:44:00.000-08:00

Tyler: Mom, if you were ever in Star Wars, I bet you'd be a princess.

Will you defeat them--your demons, and all the non-believers--the plans that they have made?

2007-01-07T14:52:00.000-08:00

Of course I will, cuz My Chemical Romance is coming March 16th to Lawlor! Even better, I've already committed to an interior design conference in San Francisco that weekend. I suppose I'll skip the first day of the conference, take in the concert Friday night and then catch a super early flight to the city Saturday morning. Sounds like a bleary eyed, calorie burning bender.

The Black Pearl

2007-01-04T18:11:00.000-08:00

This is one of my favorite parts of the addition (and Leslie's too). The brick was originally the exterior wall of the garage. Since it was such a wonderful architectural feature, I incorporated it into the addition--as the hallway that leads to the master suite. The ceiling line hit a bit lower than 8'-0" in the garage and the door to the backyard was removed--leading to sheetrock that is furred around the brick. Leslie applied a black onyx venetian plaster, and voila, the Black Pearl was born. The can lights highlight the wood flooring while washing the brick with light. I love it. And, it's the perfect backdrop for a single bloom.

Let the Rain Fall Down

2007-01-04T17:58:00.000-08:00

Ziss, is zee walk-in showah. I really like the vertical broken joint (think brick pattern) on the field tile - floor to ceiling no less.

Vanity Fair

2007-01-04T17:54:00.000-08:00

Okay, so here is a picture of the vanity and tile work. A single upper cabinet is casting a shadow on the backsplash (knowing this is imperative don't cha know). Soon to follow are two beveled mirrors - one above each sink. The lighting fixture will mount on the mirror. Fabulous.

No Time like Tub-time

2007-01-04T10:41:00.000-08:00

The addition I designed for Leslie's house is just finishing up. This is a picture of the tub in the master bathroom. The cubbies match the adjacent vanity cabinet (not shown obviously) and just past the tub to the right is a walk-in shower. The floor is stained concrete. Rock on people.

Three hours after the tree was fixed

2006-12-18T08:04:00.000-08:00

We had another tree base, so that's good. A few hours after the tree crisis, Zoey made a bold leap from the top of the ladder up into the attic. We've got 10 foot ceilings to begin with....I fear for her if she ever misses. Yikes. Anyway, she's a little trouble making dare devil. This morning, she's back to climbing the tree *sigh*.

The cutest ornament

2006-12-17T14:00:00.000-08:00

I have a Bachelor of Science, hurrah!

2006-12-13T08:36:00.000-08:00

Okay, I'll admit it. I was the only one in my class to graduate with high distinction.

Family Fun Friday Night

2006-12-13T08:30:00.000-08:00

Dad, Eileen, Kevin, Susan, and I had dinner at Bricks Friday night before the big day. It was fabulous....lots of good memories :)

Believe me when I say I'm clapping

2006-12-04T11:38:00.000-08:00

I took my finals this morning, and just submitted the last of my assignments. SCHOOL IS DONE. COMPLETE. FINITO!

Now the only thing that is left is the small matter of walking baby. Yes. I'll be there, ready to thank the academy. Super soon, just 5 days from now.

It's Official. I'm Suprised and Thrilled!

2006-12-03T15:52:00.000-08:00

Got a call from my friend Todd today. He informed me that he and his wife are coming down from Washington for my graduation! I was so touched. I had no idea at all. What a nice, nice suprise :)

I must have lessons to learn

2006-11-26T15:04:00.000-08:00

I swear there are certain people who shouldn't be allowed in public with cell phones.

Guy at the grocery store today:

OMG take care and feel better.
Force yourself to eat, even if you don't feel like it
Force it down, force yourself to do it.

So, inevitably, the person that annoys me most ALWAYS ends up standing behind me in line and usually strikes up a conversation.

The universe must be presenting opportunities to learn tolerance and patience.

Back from Greenbuild

2006-11-20T16:32:00.000-08:00

I'm completely inspired by what I learned at Greenbuild. It was a great conference with lots of great information. I was fortunate to hear talks given by Ira Magaziner, Bill McDonough, and Jeffrey Sachs. I can't wait to graduate (soon, oh so soon). Then, I'll be able to fully immerse myself in the workings of green design. Hurrah!

p.s. When I left for Denver, my brother-in-law was sitting there (the last person I expected to see) when I got to my gate. He asked someone to trade seats with me so we could sit together. I told him I didn't want the ride to be bumpy. He said he'd talk to the captain and take care of it. Gotta love that. Cept, the ride was bumpy dammit.

Father Daughter Dance

2006-11-20T16:25:00.000-08:00

Jenna finally (finally) got the opportunity to go to a Father Daughter Dance with her dad. She looked so grown up! Connie and Dave popped over to take pictures...Connie got choked up when she saw Jenna. She won't be a little girl much longer.

Sweet Little Babes

2006-11-20T16:21:00.000-08:00

Had a great time with my brother and his family. Lucas and Michelle are darling. Michelle wanted to sleep with me, which did my heart wonders. However, sleeping with a four year old has its downfalls. She planted her feet firmly into the middle of my back during the night. At some point, I left the guest bedroom for her room so I could sleep better. A while later she ran into her parents' room in a panic, "Aunt Lisa's gone!! She's gone!!"

The Larimer Lounge - No heating in the building, sorry

2006-11-20T16:16:00.000-08:00

Me with the guys in the band, and candy...plastered with band stickers...I love that.