Bike parts and spice

Today Aaron planned to visit his favorite store.. Spin Bike Shop!  

There he is, looking at his NEXT mountain bike on his list!  Lord.

 

After shopping, we drove down the street to try a Thai restaurant we haven't been to yet... Thai Kitchen in Lakewood.   It only has six tables and only one that has 4 chairs!  Cute!  Love the tablecloths too.

The food was ono!  We started off with spring rolls.  I had a curry noodle soup deluxe (with all kine meats) while Aaron had spicy basil fried rice with chicken.  Aaron got his plate at 8 spice out of 10.  Finally a restaurant that makes it spicy-right for him!  I wonder what 10 of 10 would do to Aaron?

My soup was the closest to the spicy tan tan min I love to order from Goma Ichi Ramen in Honolulu.  I got it with some kick - 4 spice out of 10.  I was a happy girl! (My leftovers burned like an 8 spice out of 10 the next day!  I think I better order 2 or 3 spice next time!)

ADOPTION QUEST: Cleaning house

I've had it on my agenda for the past couple of years now but I never seemed motivated enough to clean the clutter out of my house.  I started gathering old clothes I never used or books and office supplies in piles in the office.  But I never could pack them up and give them away.

Well if we were to foster a child I think we'd really have to clean the entire house and make room for another person in our little space.  I think it's a requirement before they give you a foster child.  Perhaps I should start now!! 

Wait a minute, I didn't hear back from Children Services yet...

ADOPTION QUEST: I sent out an email...

To the Lorain County Children Services to inquire about their next information meeting!  We're taking the step!!  I'm still thinking about what our lives would be like having a child in the house...

GIRLIE UPDATE: GLAAD award

Cutey pie Peeta aka Josh Hutcherson won the Vanguard award for his work on equality and tolerance.  Congrats! 


Check out his campaign, Straight But Not Narrow.

Enjoying a good life

Megan and I met for "pupus" at Bar Louie, Crocker Park on Friday.  We arrived just in time because everyone behind us had to stand in line for a table.  That place was crazy busy and loud.  But we had a great time anyway.  It was happy hour so we enjoyed martinis, potstickers, calamari, bruschetta and meatballs.  Way more food than we thought we would get.  After dinner I thought I'd do some shopping but I ended up going straight home... the stylish heels I wore prevented me from walking any further.

 

Tonight Aaron and I met his high school buddies for dinner at Brio Tuscan Grille, Crocker Park.  We talked of wrestling and babies.  After dinner, Jen, Nikki and I did a little shopping while Aaron, Jay and Dave grabbed some beers.  Good times!!

 

ADOPTION QUEST: A Life Changing Experience

Well I know having a child in your life changes everything.  I'm in the process of convincing myself of all the changes I'll need to make to be a good mother -- waking up a decent time to send the child to school or pick the child up, cooking again, stepping up on cleaning in the house, and giving up a lot of my time I have for myself.  The same for Aaron.  And I feel good about it!

We are thinking that perhaps if one of us change our schedules, we would be able to spend more time with the child.  Obviously it would have to be Aaron to change his schedule since my job is being the "evening" supervisor.  He thinks it may be possible since they are going to be making their new schedules soon.  If Aaron worked days and I worked evenings, I would be spending time with the child in the days and Aaron could spend time in the evenings.  Getting a babysitter or tutor in the late afternoons/early evenings seems very doable, as opposed to getting one for a whole evening until midnight!  I am feeling down with this plan!!

2012 SPRING: Ikaika on a walk

My St. Bernard Ikaika is such a funny dog!  He decided to go on a walk today; decided because he doesn't go if he doesn't want to.  Aaron, Keala and Ikaika walked through the park and down 7 more blocks, a longer route than usual, and they ended up at my bro-in-law's house.  My dogs activated Kyle's dogs and unfortunately Kyle was not home.  Ikaika decided he didn't want to go home yet, wanting to play with Gabby and Simon, plopped his okole on Kyle's front lawn and didn't budge.  Aaron had to call me to come and pick them up with my car!

When I drove over both Keala and Ikaika was sitting nicely together in front of Kyle's neighbor's yard and Aaron couldn't budge them.  Adorable!  I wish I had my camera!  I'm sure the pups are sleeping snugly tonight with all that exercise!

2012 SPRING: Keala and the front yard

 

My Azalea bush is still alive!  The dogs keep walking over it so it's split in half.  Most of my flowers survived the winter.  Some didn't.  Aaron and I are happy because our lawn and flower gardens look healthy.  So does Keala!  Weeds are under control...

ADOPTION QUEST: The evening shift blues

So one night I was thinking of what a day would be like having a toddler in the house.  I whipped up a spreadsheet (those close to me know I love making lists and spreadsheets!) and tried to figure out what a school-bound toddler's day would involve -- waking up at a decent time, eating breakfast, getting ready for school, being picked up from school, homework, dinner, bath, cleaning room, downtime and sleep.  A simple day!  Well when I put Aaron and my evening shifts against it, I discovered that we wouldn't be available for the child most of the day.  Both of us would be home to get the child ready for school but I would have a little time to pick the child up from school only to go straight to work and handing the child over to a babysitter until midnight!  I am so not comfortable with this scenario...

GIRLIE UPDATE: The Hunger Games (again)

I joined my friend Tina to see The Hunger Games tonight.  It was my second time but I still cried like a baby.  At least I was prepared with more than two tissues this time.  She liked it even though she didn't read the books.  We're looking forward to the next one, and many of the previewed flicks (with Thor and the Rock!)

After we had dinner at The Cheesecake Factory.  I enjoyed a creamy chicken, corn, mushrooms and artichoke soup with the yummy breads.  Then Tina and I split a chicken Marsala dish.  It just melted in my mouth!  To finish the lovely meal, I ordered a red velvet delight while Tina had the Kahlua coffee -- cheesecake.

A great night with a good friend!  We plan to have more girlie nights, with perhaps some shopping in the mix!

To continue the spirit that is the Hunger Games, here's another YouTube video I found and liked.  It includes spoilers so watch at your own risk.  I wished the quality was better but I love the music.  Can you guess the original singer?

My new 'do

I was itchin' for a new do.  Opted for something short and edgy this time.

Psych!  Yes it's shorter then usual but not too short to put me in the dog house.  Aaron saw pictures and doesn't want me with short hair, ever!

I'm trying to grow out my bangs too.  Want the side sweep but it needs training.  We'll see how long that lasts.

ADOPTION QUEST: Can we do it?

Since watching our friends go through the process, I've come to terms with myself and now think I could handle an adoption!!  I know there are many ways to adopt a child.  Aaron and I are looking into going through our county children services and fostering a child with the intention to adopt.  Obviously we would like an infant but we would be willing to take a toddler, and perhaps siblings!  I get excited just thinking about it!

GIRLIE UPDATE: Cold Light of Day trailer 2

What a tease!  He really makes a good action, kick-ass hero!  Hold up, it opens in September instead of April now?  How can you do this to me!

GIRLIE UPDATE: The Hunger Games

I finally went to see The Hunger Games with my library peeps!  It's filled with lots of emotion -- sadness, excitement, fear, and love... and as expected I cried through the whole movie!  Two tissues were not enough!  It had everything I love in a movie -- a strong female, romance, hot males (two of them, yay!) and action. 

Katniss and Peeta

I had the pleasure of reading the book(s) before seeing it on screen this time.  And I'm glad my friends encouraged me to read them.  If you haven't read them yet, they are quick reads.  After all they are a Young Adults series.  Looking forward to the next flick in the series, Catching Fire that hopefully comes out the end of next year.

Katniss and Gale

Monica, Naomi, Marion, Jennifer and I also went to dinner at Moose Head Grill and Pub in Amherst.  Good food and great company!

 

Who would you pick?  Peeta or Gale?  Tough choice!  Here let me help you decide...