tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88354705484713390722024-03-13T14:17:34.404-07:00Alison's BlahBlahBlogAliGoesBlogWildhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08347308740600481255noreply@blogger.comBlogger69125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835470548471339072.post-86013108669092066042008-11-26T22:50:00.001-08:002008-11-26T23:03:04.043-08:00Flea Factor<p>I was the star this week of a hit reality show called Flea Factor. Ya know, the one where your biggest fears are tested and you either survive or cripple in a moment's worth of willies. My fear: fleas.</p> <p>My dog is perfect. I mean, duh. Besides the chewed up window blinds, sporadic carpet soilings, neurotic door scratching, and obsessive licking, there is absolutely nothing wrong with my dog. So, imagine my surprise when on this perfect tuft of fur, I found a fucking flea. </p> <p>Princeton gets a bath, oh, ya know, every three days. The dog is as clean as Danny Tanner's countertops. I mean, sometimes I don't even want to take him for a walk because I want to maintain his pristinely bathed coat as long as possible. I'm tellin' ya: the little man could perform open heart surgery. Dr. Princeton. I like it.</p> <p>Anyway, I noticed he'd been scratching this spot in his groin area. No big deal. He's a self-scratcher, OCD-style. Around the same time, Bryan and I noticed we had identical clusters of small blemishes that itched on our arms. We figured some hungry bugs got to us outside on a walk.</p> <p>So when my mom and I found a sick, slick, quick-moving critter on Princeton's tummy the size of a tip of a flathead screw driver, I jumped! And so did Princeton when we pulled his fur out to catch the intruder. And so did the flea when we tried to kidnap him from his canine blood buffet. Those guys jump. Apparently, 3 to 6 feet. On the third try, we (my mom) finally nipped the flea from P's skin and watched him go bye-bye down the sink drain. Awesomeness. But common sense tells us that when there's one, there are many more, so my already-heavy neuroses increased greatly and I suddenly had to know everything about fleas and clean-up and prevention. </p> <p>There's really no way to describe my horror and panic upon learning that Princeton is a flea bus. That means, then, that there's absolutely no way in any dimension to describe my horror upon finding out that Princeton's flea bus hosted stowaway passengers: Tapeworm!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5cOYxQLvGhg/SS5FazQV-aI/AAAAAAAABfI/ABN4xII8KRI/s1600-h/image%5B4%5D.png"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="413" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5cOYxQLvGhg/SS5DFsCiDVI/AAAAAAAABfM/_ERXQtEKA3Y/image_thumb%5B2%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="415" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>Quick research told me that fleas carry tapeworm and if they get swallowed by a relief-seeking dog, the tapeworm lives in the dog's intestines. Tapeworm can be 1 to 3 feet long and resemble an ongoing spaghetti. Gross. Seriously, GROSS. As the tapeworm sheds itself from the pup's rear, it releases little tiny granules of what looks like uncooked rice. Hmm. Okay. Funny. Just 2 days before the Great Flea Debacle of 2008, I was making my bed and thought to myself, "That's weird. I haven't cooked rice in the bedroom. Okay. Whatever!" I picked it up and flicked it toward the trash. So, back to present time...  ohmyfuckinggosh.  PRINCETONHASTAPEWORMANDINOTONLYTOUCHEDITBUTIIGNOREDITANDNOWHEISGOINGTODIE.</p> <p>That's it. I was bouncing off the walls. I was hysterical. The dog mom in me was panicked for her innocent furbaby and the germ freak in me was having a fit about the larvae and the pupae and all the other disgusting vocabulary I was learning in my Fleasearch.</p> <p>At home, I immediately washed my sheets, vacuumed the carpets and obsessively checked Princeton for more. I didn't sleep a wink and I woke up the next morning to call the vet. They normally don't see you if you just need to solve a flea problem, but the tapeworm warranted a sit-down with the doc, so Princeton strutted into the vet's office, completely unaware of his creepy subletters and what it would take to evict them. </p> <p>We discussed flea treatment and decided on Comfortis. It's a monthly pill that is supposed to kill fleas on contact. Hell yeah! And then the doctor explained that one squirt of an injection in Princeton's shoulderblade area would kill the tapeworm inside of him. Injection? Uh oh. The vet instructed me to hold Princeton's collar and scratchy-scratch behind his ears while warning me that it's one of the most painful shots he has to give, which will make Princeton cry for a minute or two from the sting. Oh. </p> <p><img alt="http://www.sanantoniovets.com/img6.gif" src="http://www.sanantoniovets.com/img6.gif" /></p> <p>Lemme tell ya, Doc didn't get his license from being stupid. Brother was right on. Poor Princeton wailed and wailed with little whimpers and cries sprinkled between. He was in so much pain and had had no idea what happened to him. Poor guy. Poor mother. I was just as much a wreck. I feigned a pretty bad smile of understanding, but really, I wanted to hide under the chair in the corner just like Princeton did after the shot. I felt awful. I've never seen the baby in so much pain and it broke my heart. </p> <p>$199 later, we scurried back to the car, anxious to get home and get the pill to work. Poor boy is still itching a little, but I haven't spotted any other fleas. Whatever was left on him should have died within an hour of Princeton taking the pill, so hopefully it remains a miracle drug that all the message board reviews claim it is because I just cannot handle one more minute of my poor pooch in pain and my OCD on overdrive. </p> <p>Kids, spay, neuter and flea-prevent your pets! </p> <p>Or this</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5cOYxQLvGhg/SS5DF48boMI/AAAAAAAABe4/hAaMG0fbPxQ/s1600-h/P%20the%20Model%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="491" alt="P the Model" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5cOYxQLvGhg/SS5DGHxBIxI/AAAAAAAABe8/cZZnXp02yZU/P%20the%20Model_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="369" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>will be home to this:</p> <p><img height="344" src="http://i.ehow.com/images/GlobalPhoto/Articles/2171603/flea1-main_Full.jpg" width="360" /> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>Ugh. Nightmares.</p> <p>Must end blog with pretty picture:</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5cOYxQLvGhg/SS5DGbwrc6I/AAAAAAAABfA/5qacmV-UDcY/s1600-h/me%20with%20P%20laying%20down%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="313" alt="me with P laying down" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5cOYxQLvGhg/SS5DG2zyG-I/AAAAAAAABfE/fEi1PL3VvpQ/me%20with%20P%20laying%20down_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="416" border="0" /></a></p> AliGoesBlogWildhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08347308740600481255noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835470548471339072.post-58889430811359284722008-11-16T22:10:00.001-08:002008-11-16T22:10:04.758-08:00A Wonderful Opening<p>After six long weeks of rehearsals that included tons of conflicts, varied venues, and difficult music to learn, our cast enjoyed a great opening weekend of A Wonderful Life: The Musical. </p> <p>I haven't talked about it very directly in my blog. I mean, it IS the reason why I haven't blogged much in the past month and a half because it's taken up a lot of my hours that I normally devote to blogging. But now that the show has opened and I've given it my own little stamp of approval, I thought I'd share my pride and excitement for this musical take on a holiday classic.</p> <p>To be perfectly honest, the source musical material is not spectacular. With the music and lyrics team behind the piece (Harnick and Raposo), I expected more. There is a handful of catchy, toe-tappin' songs, but a lot of them don't gel with my preference in musical theater numbers. Thankfully, everyone knows the story and has related to Jimmy Stewart's George Bailey throughout life, so the mediocre music doesn't affect the wonderful show. Our cast sealed the deal with a stellar leading man who acts the part perfectly and has gained my respect as a fellow actor, and the performance for his wife, Mary Hatch Bailey, is extremely likeable and I'm glad to call her my off-stage friend.</p> <p>I always adore seeing my husband up on stage. It's just so much fun to what you love with the one you love. Bryan plays Ernie, the cab driver and is an important part of the show. Plus, he's dead sexy in a cabbie hat.</p> <p>I have a bit part as Ruth Bailey (as well as featured ensemble roles) and I'm having a terrific time bringing Ruth and other wacky characters of Bedford Falls to life. Over opening weekend, I received some great compliments about my work on stage and I'm glad that my efforts have been recognized. I always put a great deal of thought into my characters so I can represent the material with truth and reality in the pretend world on stage. I've never received the same compliments with such sincerity in previous productions, so I finally feel like I've leapt into a new category of capabilities. It feels like a million bucks and I look forward to future hurdles and challenges that my passion for theatre brings.</p> <p>Overall, I think the next five weeks of shows will be super fun. Best Man Extraordinaire Brian is also in the show and he actually plays my husband! We have a great time on stage together and it's so clear why my Ruth loves his Harry Bailey! He's a fantastic dancer and looks resplendent in his military getup!</p> <p>I think this holiday season will be just a little sweeter with this show catapulting us into the end of December. It is heartwarming and fun and really, who can resist that little pile of adorableness, Little Zuzu, when she says "Listen Daddy! Every time a bell rings, an angel gets its wings!" ?? Only a Scrooge. But that's a totally different show altogether!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5cOYxQLvGhg/SSEKtm8P3OI/AAAAAAAABeo/9gSse2X86ck/s1600-h/image%5B3%5D.png"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="307" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5cOYxQLvGhg/SSEKu49Vx6I/AAAAAAAABes/CifNTjNJJYQ/image_thumb%5B1%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="458" border="0" /></a><font size="1"> Dress rehearsal photo of my "husband" Harry Bailey toasting his newly rich brother George (I'm right next to him, not yet wigged!)</font></p> AliGoesBlogWildhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08347308740600481255noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835470548471339072.post-4250542029979128632008-11-01T09:03:00.001-07:002008-11-01T09:12:07.553-07:00What a trick-or-TREAT!<p>Ever since I started planning my wedding, I started looking at photographers' blogs to catch up on the current trends in photography and weddings. I learned so much about styles of photos and reception decor, yes, but I also learned about the publishing of a blog. </p> <p>I'd be lying if I said the wedding photography blogs I read didn't inspire me to create my own blog almost a year ago. And while I have no intentions to be a professional photographer or work in the wedding business, I've always wanted to blog like a wedding photographer. Their blog entries are so personal -- not about themselves -- but about their subjects. They really write beautifully AND showcase their gorgeous photos and by the end of the post, you feel like the featured person or couple are your best friend.</p> <p>Some of my favorite photographers categorize their blog entries: </p> <p>Day After: Marge and Homer, Anytime: Wilma and Barney, Wedding: Lucy and Fred... and then follow with a series of photos from that shoot.</p> <p>Well, for one day, I present to you :::cue:  magical fairy dust and bell chime flourish music:::</p> <p>AliGoesPHOTOBlogWild.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong><font face="Arial Narrow" size="4">Halloween: Princeton</font></strong></p> <p><font face="Arial Narrow" size="3">Princeton is a sweet dog with a great personality. He's such a loving creature and enjoys the company of his human friends and family. His good looks and expressive face make him a wonderful photography subject, so on Halloween we conducted his very first photoshoot with many poses and candid moments. Princeton, all dolled up in his PetSmart pumpkin costume, worked the camera and was totally feroche. I love when my clients feel comfortable in front of the camera so I can really capture creative poses. Princeton was so cool; he pretty much did anything I told him and was open to my ideas. Thanks, Princeton, for letting me a part of your special first Halloween! And now, without further ado, Princeton as the Great Pumpkin.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5cOYxQLvGhg/SQx9qvjQLTI/AAAAAAAABV8/276rKWTywHw/s1600-h/IMG_2965%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="508" alt="IMG_2965" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5cOYxQLvGhg/SQx9rWYTX8I/AAAAAAAABWA/w7ezv_8uuZs/IMG_2965_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="382" border="0" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5cOYxQLvGhg/SQx9r4hH50I/AAAAAAAABWE/DsZEDZKi1Ds/s1600-h/IMG_2970%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="293" alt="IMG_2970" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5cOYxQLvGhg/SQx9sF0mdVI/AAAAAAAABWI/65ELF-JcxUs/IMG_2970_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="389" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5cOYxQLvGhg/SQx9sRoHj3I/AAAAAAAABWM/RGWpeDttsyc/s1600-h/IMG_3000%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="297" alt="IMG_3000" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5cOYxQLvGhg/SQx9tBrolqI/AAAAAAAABWQ/U6Td5p2g62E/IMG_3000_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="395" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5cOYxQLvGhg/SQx9txpzQxI/AAAAAAAABWU/J4y3VJGvP4o/s1600-h/IMG_3010%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="301" alt="IMG_3010" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5cOYxQLvGhg/SQx9uofrXTI/AAAAAAAABWY/uu9lnsn_rRk/IMG_3010_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5cOYxQLvGhg/SQx9vTCI0sI/AAAAAAAABWc/2Qryb-FrVHg/s1600-h/IMG_3006%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="302" alt="IMG_3006" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5cOYxQLvGhg/SQx9wKvlJmI/AAAAAAAABWg/UfuklCS4Gcc/IMG_3006_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="402" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5cOYxQLvGhg/SQx9wqF0E1I/AAAAAAAABWk/4r_kmjQoUz8/s1600-h/IMG_2987%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="304" alt="IMG_2987" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5cOYxQLvGhg/SQx9xWehWNI/AAAAAAAABWo/qcJz2pvYIwU/IMG_2987_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5cOYxQLvGhg/SQx9x7sHfhI/AAAAAAAABWs/CoIYn8zuyOc/s1600-h/IMG_2967%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="301" alt="IMG_2967" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5cOYxQLvGhg/SQx9yQRWQ7I/AAAAAAAABWw/nDxFP0yv1Jg/IMG_2967_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" border="0" /></a></p> AliGoesBlogWildhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08347308740600481255noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835470548471339072.post-84905984320593122012008-10-21T09:31:00.001-07:002008-10-21T11:02:29.347-07:00Friend Pride<p>I love my friends. Really, I do. I have great little circles of friends in recent years and I enjoy the time I spend with them. That means, when something great happens for them, I get all squealy and excited for their success. </p> <p>It's especially inspiring when one of your friends goes after her dream and builds it to a reality. This dream has completed several little benchmarks along the way over the past almost-year, but she's hit a big one: official -- and  official-looking -- Internet real estate!</p> <p>My friend Jordana is a photographer and she is really talented. I mean, beyond talented. I want to create special events out of thin air so I can have some fun with her in front of the camera. She was a beautiful bride herself, so she knows a thing or two about what and how to capture the perfect moments. </p> <p>Not only does she rock the snapper, she has a beautiful way with words. She paints them into her blog and they complement her photos ever so gracefully. It's a union of two really great and sentimental artistic devices. I'm a word nerd myself, so I get extra giddy when I read Jordana's blog entries.</p> <p>And I am proud to show off Hazelnut Photography -- a little play on words with her name: Go see some eye candy and read word dessert -- and then book her for your event. Girl's gotta quit The Man job and devote all the time to love -- her's and your's! </p> <p><a href="http://www.hazelnutphotography.com/blog">www.hazelnutphotography.com/blog</a></p> AliGoesBlogWildhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08347308740600481255noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835470548471339072.post-63510655559056044662008-10-06T20:01:00.001-07:002008-10-06T20:03:54.970-07:00Analyzing the Dog Park Culture<p>With the help of veteran dog owner friends, we've discovered the wonders of the local dog park and have enjoyed taking Princeton there for his socialization and exercise.</p> <p>Wait, who am I kidding? It is pure entertainment for us. It's not always in the form of dogs either. Some of these owners are interesting. </p> <p>But the big belly laughs and coos and "Aaawww"s come from watching the dogs play together. Or, in some cases, try to play together.</p> <p>You see, the dog park is like high school. There are always a couple of dogs who are the leaders. The cool kids. This would be equivalent to the varsity quarterback or the student body president. This dog runs around wherever he or she pleases and a swarm of dogs buzzes around him or her, wanting to follow its every move. </p> <p>That brings me to the followers. There are a bunch of loyal subjects who bow-wow down to the popular dog. These dogs are always a few steps behind and compete with other peer-level dogs for the popular dog's attention (which usually means mounting). </p> <p>Then there are the dorks. It's probably easier to be a dog dork than a human dork as dogs don't really judge as harshly as humans do, but that doesn't mean they don't exist. The dog dorks run around with the playing dogs on the outskirts of their cluster. They keep trying to get "in" with a series of hops and tumbles, but they never quite make it. No one chases them and they can't break through the mold. You can usually see the owners sulking in disappointment that their dogs aren't accepted into the group. You know they're just saying things like "oh, Puggy, if only you didn't waddle so much and you could run a little faster, you could be in the cool crowd." The culture kills me; it's just too funny.</p> <p>The dog park is like a microcosm of the real world in an ideal place. </p> <p>For example, humans are not as friendly as dogs are. When passing by, we don't greet each other with a "hello" or a "how do you do?" In fact, we're considered overly friendly and invasive if we manage to make eye contact and half a smile. Dogs, however, just run up and sniff. Either they like what they sniff and continue the salutation or it doesn't knock their paws off and they move on. No hard feelings. Here, Princeton and a fellow pal sniff-hello. <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SOrQ63_e4nI/AAAAAAAABRM/kb1gX2ZuP2g/s1600-h/IMG_2816%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="318" alt="IMG_2816" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SOrQ7BB1SZI/AAAAAAAABRQ/6Bh0Xej89lU/IMG_2816_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="422" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>When other dogs see two dogs socializing, they're more apt to join in. This doesn't happen in people world either. Most people are intimidated by what looks like an already-formed group. But for dogs, hey, the more the merrier.<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SOrQ7hiUW1I/AAAAAAAABRU/k03bX1tFeaI/s1600-h/IMG_2824%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="318" alt="IMG_2824" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SOrQ8dcBpfI/AAAAAAAABRY/yGLxkDAOPgw/IMG_2824_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="423" border="0" /></a></p> <p>But then, just like people, there are dogs out there who are all alone. They don't have anyone who loves them or anyone to love back. It warms my heart to see humans who come through and help the lonely dogs find homes. We do more for lonely dogs than we do for lonely people. <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SOrQ89SIJ5I/AAAAAAAABRc/-2cN-1CRdHs/s1600-h/IMG_2829%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="302" alt="IMG_2829" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SOrQ9T0GXYI/AAAAAAAABRk/oAvj7ikG1CU/IMG_2829_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="402" border="0" /></a> Fortunately, the lonely dog always can find friends at the dog park.<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SOrQ9xpTWmI/AAAAAAAABRo/tX_POdDhkyM/s1600-h/IMG_2827%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="308" alt="IMG_2827" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SOrQ-dg5d3I/AAAAAAAABRs/v_4AUL6GApA/IMG_2827_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="410" border="0" /></a> I'd like to think that my Princeton and our friend Scotty are giving him a pup pep talk and feeding him some encouragement. </p> <p>As we humans do, and as I've done in this blog, we personify dogs. It's easier to relate to them that way, I suppose. So when we see dogs try to show dominance, we giggle because it looks like sex. And sometimes it actually is, but in so many ways, it's the dog version of a buff and confident human man flexing his muscles or a pretty and available woman who walks hip to hip in killer heels. But deep down, I am a child and I still think this is hysterical.<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SOrQ-3NzqMI/AAAAAAAABRw/Wvv_jAkhR5A/s1600-h/IMG_2825%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="307" alt="IMG_2825" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SOrQ_LwNZtI/AAAAAAAABR0/A8PMHXRkw7M/IMG_2825_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="408" border="0" /></a> Looks like he's not so lonely after all. </p> <p>For the record, Scotty constantly does this to Princeton, too. In fact, I think Princeton is walking away on the right side of the picture because he feels a little betrayed. See? There we go with the personifying again.</p> <p>But really, at the end of the day, especially a dirty, funny, and doggone happy time at the dog park, it's all about family in any combination. We love our dogs and we want the best for them, so we constantly try to provide them with the best lives they can have.</p> <p> So we run with them in flip flops through the doggy yard:<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SOrQ_vEUBcI/AAAAAAAABR4/pQRiILuLQwY/s1600-h/IMG_2815%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="306" alt="IMG_2815" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SOrQ_zWrOOI/AAAAAAAABR8/kN3RTfgcltE/IMG_2815_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" border="0" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p>We pet them and tell them "good boy!" and "good girl!"<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SOrRATrRoYI/AAAAAAAABSA/Mp8UW0DBMd8/s1600-h/IMG_2817%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="314" alt="IMG_2817" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SOrRAr5w4pI/AAAAAAAABSE/9LKf4AxqulQ/IMG_2817_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="418" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>We collect our favorites and help find them specialized homes:<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SOrRBdtySxI/AAAAAAAABSI/z_v0d-TlJqs/s1600-h/IMG_2843%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="312" alt="IMG_2843" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SOrRBr5kXRI/AAAAAAAABSM/1xS1hMmVtUg/IMG_2843_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" border="0" /></a></p> <p>We document family time together:</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SOrRCMd1GnI/AAAAAAAABSQ/s2OzNyE0AQc/s1600-h/IMG_2847%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="309" alt="IMG_2847" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SOrRCVaiM6I/AAAAAAAABSU/WvNLmUolZnU/IMG_2847_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="411" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>We also make discoveries! It wasn't until the dog park outings that we realized Princeton is quite an athlete. He certainly didn't get his track and field genes from his parents! The Twelve Pound Turbo really turns it on and goes nuts around the grass. Take a look!</p> <div class="wlWriterSmartContent" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:863e0e50-6d5b-46cd-ab28-5543f4864d3f" style="padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-top: 0px"><div><object width="400" height="300"> <param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /> <param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /> <param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=1900755&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1" /> <embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=1900755&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="400" height="300"></embed></object><br /><a href="http://vimeo.com/1900755?pg=embed&sec=1900755">Princeton at the Dog Park</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user814597?pg=embed&sec=1900755">AliGoesBlogWild</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com?pg=embed&sec=1900755">Vimeo</a>.</div></div> AliGoesBlogWildhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08347308740600481255noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835470548471339072.post-48280447947310154902008-10-06T00:19:00.001-07:002008-10-06T00:22:36.996-07:00A Batch of Photos of the Bachelorette!<p>The only bachelorette party I'd ever been to was my own so my first night out as a pal of the bride was super fun! The girl of honor was Janice and we had a night full of penis cakes, sushi, sex trivia and baseball fans!</p> <p>Keren and I met Janice's friends at her house where we toasted her and watched her don her condom crown and must-wear bachelorette sash.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SOm7tca9yRI/AAAAAAAABNk/xln8BFge1s0/s1600-h/IMG_2848%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="475" alt="IMG_2848" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SOm7t8QmloI/AAAAAAAABNo/GlBDRc3cULA/IMG_2848_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="357" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>We waited and waited for the surprise stripper, "Billy the airline pilot" to show up, but it turns out, he was stuck in traffic. Probably better that way -- we got to Sushi Roku in Santa Monica sooner where we could order more drinks and enjoy some yummy food. Plus, who needs a stripper that's moronic enough to not leave enough time to drive from Orange County to Glendale on a Saturday night? Next time, we'll order strippers who also serve on the board of the Harvard Alumni Association.</p> <p>Even though the stripper didn't show up, looks like Janice will have to take some stripping into her own hands! Look at the gifts she got! Ay ay ay!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SOm7uEbLJHI/AAAAAAAABNs/xD-qBYSTWe0/s1600-h/IMG_2853%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="472" alt="IMG_2853" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SOm7umxCCrI/AAAAAAAABNw/It7EVSQ_Z2E/IMG_2853_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="355" border="0" /></a> <em>Uh oh, gotta return it. It's defected - they left out some fabric on top...</em></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SOm7u1_xyfI/AAAAAAAABN0/JXpudYfstOU/s1600-h/IMG_2855%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="270" alt="IMG_2855" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SOm7wfUTcSI/AAAAAAAABN4/eVtGu2F4xRc/IMG_2855_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="358" border="0" /></a><em> She wore an itsy bitsy teeny weenie little purple string bikini...</em></p> <p> </p> <p>Dinner was yummy! Always heard of Sushi Roku and booked many o' power lunches there for my old bosses at Fox. Very swanky inside. Expected to see Ari Gold burst through the doors.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SOm7wy0YA4I/AAAAAAAABN8/LJ7qpDzya_c/s1600-h/IMG_2857%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="301" alt="IMG_2857" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SOm7xMv09nI/AAAAAAAABOA/x9c3Ts2JCtY/IMG_2857_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" border="0" /></a> <em>The MOH and bride pose with their dinners</em></p> <p>Wendy, the domestic (and phallic) diva baked us dessert. She endearingly differentiated the flavors as Vanilla McCain and Chocolate Obama. Way to keep the cakes current!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SOm7xZxDCPI/AAAAAAAABOE/HU6gp8rOSWA/s1600-h/IMG_2858%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="307" alt="IMG_2858" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SOm7x4bRznI/AAAAAAAABOI/Z7p4LK20rXA/IMG_2858_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="408" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SOm7yCesdpI/AAAAAAAABOM/nRk6iSDPoIg/s1600-h/IMG_2859%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="312" alt="IMG_2859" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SOm7yhjfhmI/AAAAAAAABOQ/y0Os9PiSwhs/IMG_2859_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" border="0" /></a><em> Janice gets ready to, um, blow out the candle.</em></p> <p><em></em></p> <p>We finally found ourselves on cute-and-trendy Main Street to enjoy the low-key surroundings of O'Brien's Pub. We had a table reserved for us and the drinking began. Unfortunately, the "Irish Band" wasn't very Irish so we stayed in our corner and enjoyed our own private Girl Talk and, of, course, penis lollipops. What's a bachelorette party without a bevy of below-the-belt props?</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SOm7y1r7FRI/AAAAAAAABOU/9QMerW64-xg/s1600-h/IMG_2861%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="312" alt="IMG_2861" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SOm7zWSYGFI/AAAAAAAABOY/HsW5wrKar5k/IMG_2861_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" border="0" /></a><em> Keren and I with our penis pops. Mine was Chocolate Chubby flavored.</em> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SOm7zpbh3AI/AAAAAAAABOc/tNzwWrbdQmc/s1600-h/IMG_2863%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="316" alt="IMG_2863" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SOm70BV_KbI/AAAAAAAABOg/ffHhZAvcgTY/IMG_2863_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="420" border="0" /></a><em> Playin' to the camera, Janice and Wendy enjoyed their Penis Colada pops and Debra picked Chocolate Chubby like me.</em> </p> <p>This got us thinking: do boys play with boob things at bachelor parties? Yes? No? Discuss.</p> <p>The bar started filling up, notably with the Dodger Stadium crowd who had just returned either to drink sorrows away  -- if Cubs fans -- or to celebrate hardcore -- if Dodger fans. After all, Janice's Bachelorette Party night shall share the same historical date with the Dodgers, who swept the Chicago Cubs, clinching the NLDS title for the first time since 1988. This is a big deal. October Fourth Two Thousand Eight: Janice's bachelorette party AND the Dodgers beat the Cubs to move ahead closer to the World Series. </p> <p>This brings us to The Boys. A pair of cute boys (fittingly, the Dodger fan remarkably cuter) joined our table later in the night and conducted themselves appropriately around the bachelorette: The Cub fan, um, flirted:</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SOm70e0JawI/AAAAAAAABOk/oIamG6zHYvU/s1600-h/IMG_2871%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="294" alt="IMG_2871" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SOm70-gjwQI/AAAAAAAABOo/t7IJaZziPoU/IMG_2871_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SOm71NxeXnI/AAAAAAAABOs/KO3RxkYLQ6o/s1600-h/IMG_2870%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="296" alt="IMG_2870" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SOm71WfDDRI/AAAAAAAABOw/Ap5MrfzNCnM/IMG_2870_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="393" border="0" /></a>  </p> <p>And the Dodger fan bought our bride a drink.</p> <p>And. He. Was. Hot.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SOm715LPMtI/AAAAAAAABO0/LJYwFn3Rmw0/s1600-h/IMG_2872%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="306" alt="IMG_2872" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SOm72N75uBI/AAAAAAAABO4/JjdnPnBGz3g/IMG_2872_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="407" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>We all gushed like little girls. It was funny. (Aside: He's a fellow Wildcat. We talked about UofA and exchanged stories. He's also from Alaska. Cue the handful of Sarah Palin and moose hunting questions). </p> <p>Before we left, we played with the camera and exchanged shots to document our fun night out.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SOm725w1VoI/AAAAAAAABO8/5cUeBmq-x3w/s1600-h/IMG_2866%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="291" alt="IMG_2866" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SOm73P8RwBI/AAAAAAAABPA/YM1J3ISDS7I/IMG_2866_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="387" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SOm73vyn_vI/AAAAAAAABPE/Z3y4S-37BkY/s1600-h/IMG_2868%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="290" alt="IMG_2868" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SOm73xwNO3I/AAAAAAAABPI/nuLK4joDwGc/IMG_2868_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="386" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SOm74MniwiI/AAAAAAAABPM/VSphwpBpTq0/s1600-h/IMG_2873%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="294" alt="IMG_2867" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SOm74qwRW-I/AAAAAAAABPQ/n3mUf25Uarc/IMG_2867_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="391" border="0" /><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="301" alt="IMG_2873" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SOm75FOR06I/AAAAAAAABPU/cRi3OwvWF7U/IMG_2873_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" border="0" /> </a> </p> <p>HAPPY BACHELORETTE JANICE! We can't wait for your wedding next weekend! If this is any indication of what a hot bride you'll be, we can't wait for the real thing!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SOm75WHyskI/AAAAAAAABPY/ZLkMIGk9yR8/s1600-h/IMG_2849%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="431" alt="IMG_2849" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SOm75iCBNsI/AAAAAAAABPc/30kGzHrETnc/IMG_2849_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="324" border="0" /></a></p> AliGoesBlogWildhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08347308740600481255noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835470548471339072.post-18601306593085767262008-09-12T12:15:00.001-07:002008-09-12T12:15:14.961-07:00A PUPlic Service Announcement<p>Don't get your tail between your legs. I am happy to report some news that is really something to woof home about.</p> <p>While on an Olympics of errands with my mom and Princeton last week, we had to choreograph a shopping-with-dog routine: I run inside and get what I need; Mom stands outside with Princeton on a leash while passersby fall in love with his sweet adorableness (that last part may or may not be true, but, psssh, how could they not?). Good thing I was quick, I knew what I had to buy, and I chose good lines. This is what we decided to do when my mom and I spent the day together and we both wanted to hang with the P-man. It's that whole "have your milkbone and eat it too" scenario.</p> <p>The final stop of the day was Bed, Bath and Beyond. We got out of the car and I promised I'd be quick while my mom waited outside with her granddog. </p> <p>Only a pawful of minutes later, and I heard my name while browsing through the pillow section. Much to my surprise, the person calling it was my mom and before I could panic about where my dog was, I saw that he was in her arms. In the store. In the pillow section. </p> <p>Was I dreaming? Was I in Europe? I've been so conditioned to thinking that here in our country where dog is man's best friend, we can't bring our pets into public, commercial spaces. It's always been ruff on me.</p> <p>Turns out, a super nice BB&B employee saw my mom outside and told her dogs are allowed in the store. Company allows it. In fact, it's encouraged. So, into the store they came!</p> <p>Say what?! Dogs are allowed in BB&B? Oh hell yes, BB&B is now my new favorite store. </p> <p>So we had fun showing Princeton the ways of corporate retail America. </p> <p>For example:</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SMq_u9mV_tI/AAAAAAAABIs/w1X2KHL_ERQ/s1600-h/noname2%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="312" alt="noname2" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SMq_vZf32VI/AAAAAAAABIw/7sW3uT_3zO8/noname2_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" border="0" /></a> <em>Had to document Princeton's first time in a shopping cart.</em></p> <p><em></em></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SMq_wNHj10I/AAAAAAAABI0/wlIjzza2fes/s1600-h/noname1%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="312" alt="noname1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SMq_wvkv48I/AAAAAAAABI4/KuMaknuD_SQ/noname1_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" border="0" /></a> <em>"Mom, what in dog's name am I doing in here and why is this so exciting for you?"</em></p> <p><em></em></p> <p><em>(and yes, apparently I am that dogmom who talks for her dog... at least in blog).</em></p> <p><em></em></p> <p>We even shot real, live video courtesy of mediocre-quality video camera-phone. My mom and I laugh at ourselves for having too much fun with this novel experience:</p> <p> <div class="wlWriterSmartContent" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:ebb4620c-a37c-4409-b0c9-3bd0a335f586" style="padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-top: 0px"><div><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/8Dwj3p3v8rA&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/8Dwj3p3v8rA&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object></div></div> </p> <p>I'm so excited to take Princeton shopping with me again. Being productive while enjoying the company of the cutest little man in the world really makes you feel like you're getting so much more bang for your bark. Um, buck. </p> AliGoesBlogWildhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08347308740600481255noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835470548471339072.post-74669331481024688222008-09-04T01:05:00.001-07:002008-09-04T01:05:19.588-07:00Adventures in Cooking<p>Bryan and I are trying to be more cost and health conscious of what we eat. We constantly find ourselves going out to dinner and it turns into a habit that's not good for either our bellies or our wallets. So, with some inspiration from some cookbooks, we went to Costco, bought, bought, bought, and planned our meals. As they say, it's all about planning.</p> <p>I bought a behemoth bag of sweet onions. I figured I'd find something to do with them. A brisket. Some stir fry. Eh, sure, why not. Plopped 'em in the cart. But I really didn't realize HOW MANY onions were in the bag until I came back to reality and entered our tiny kitchen. The area of half the kitchen was taken up by onions! (By the way, just relearned that area = width times height. Very exciting). </p> <p>So I had to get crafty. I sifted through our other purchases. A gazillion pounds of tri-tip. A trillion slices of turkey. An infinity of multigrain slices of bread. Neither of these would do. It sure is easy to get caught up in the dreamy world of buying in bulk. You think "so what if I don't finish 452 onions? It only cost this much for this many!" Somehow, that logic trumps "we are only one male and one female of average size." This family of 2 bought for a small country and I had no idea what to make. </p> <p>Then I found it! We had also bought some pre-made pulled pork that you just heat up and voila! instant sandwich a la our many lunches poolside in Hawaii. So, in order to recreate our honeymoon, we decided to make onion rings, pulled pork sandwiches topped with sweet BBQ sauce and pineapple. Done and done!</p> <p>Not so fast.</p> <p>I assumed onion rings would be easy. And in hindsight, they actually are, but when I see 5 inches of column space devoted to a recipe in the world famous "The Joy of Cooking" with 3 different page references to other ingredients' sub-recipes, I get a little intimidated. So when Bryan heard the non-G-rated words coming out of my mouth, he came to the rescue. My attempt to be Betty Crocker turned into my husband saving the dinner and shall thus be named <em>Bobby</em> Crocker when working in the kitchen. </p> <p>Bryan's Best Friend and Best Man, Brian, was joining us for dinner so I was hoping to treat him to something delicious. My frustration wasn't helping and "treating" wasn't the right word anymore since I wasn't such a treat myself. Thankfully, Bryan helped me create the batter (made out of beer, flour, eggs, pepper, and paprika) and then I proceeded to get into a rhythm of dredging, dipping, and placing the onions onto a rack. It was kind of fun! Nevermind that the house stunk for days after; we were pretty proud to say we could fry stuff. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SL-WrLddRjI/AAAAAAAABHY/H_yMPxC0PLg/s1600-h/IMG_0328%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="313" alt="IMG_0328" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SL-WrZW3iVI/AAAAAAAABHc/jwV66tin4Jw/IMG_0328_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="416" border="0" /></a><em> Dredging the onions in the batter before placing them in the 360-degree pot of oil (this required a last-minute trip to the market upon realization that we had no frying thermometer).</em></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SL-WrzXrf2I/AAAAAAAABHg/8eSb1C7mYdk/s1600-h/IMG_0329%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="318" alt="IMG_0329" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SL-WsLGdQ9I/AAAAAAAABHk/sbOoapbjfEE/IMG_0329_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="422" border="0" /></a><em> Sizzle sizzle. No calories. Nope. None. Yup.</em></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SL-WsbDjVqI/AAAAAAAABHo/1doabZTAasE/s1600-h/IMG_0330%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="564" alt="IMG_0330" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SL-Ws0ebt8I/AAAAAAAABHs/P2Aab_yuxP4/IMG_0330_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="424" border="0" /></a><em> Alton Brown, our kitchen idol from Food Network says to place fried-anything on a cooling rack with paper towels underneath for less grease AND easy cleanup. That's my man.</em></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SL-WtOFzNaI/AAAAAAAABHw/xKr5dMLNWQ4/s1600-h/IMG_0331%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="554" alt="IMG_0331" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SL-WtmJWVqI/AAAAAAAABH0/oPKlCUPEvBI/IMG_0331_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="416" border="0" /></a> <em>Side by side: before and after!</em></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SL-Wt2edDCI/AAAAAAAABH4/ZwGnbjsY_FI/s1600-h/IMG_0332%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="543" alt="IMG_0332" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SL-WuKx0PxI/AAAAAAAABH8/uO57DxxZWa8/IMG_0332_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="408" border="0" /></a> <em>Finally! The plated onion rings. They tasted pretty good! All in all, they took about only 20 minutes to make from dredging to plating. Not bad. </em></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SL-WummDkfI/AAAAAAAABIA/mBpFgnWZHjU/s1600-h/IMG_0333%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="528" alt="IMG_0333" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SL-Wu9pQp6I/AAAAAAAABIE/WrTyvInYixk/IMG_0333_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="397" border="0" /></a><em> The boys enjoy their manly meal. Notice the room is smoky. It smelled just as thick as it looks. Ugh. But whatever, tasted good.</em></p> <p>With each successful meal we miraculously throw together, I am inspired to cook the next. So far, our experiment of eating in and eating healthy has been working great! We are satisfied and feel in control of what we put in our bodies and that's a great feeling! Plus, more time at home means more time with Princeton! Can't have a post without a shout out to the little man!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SL-WvTty2-I/AAAAAAAABIM/AND8qwNxXFU/s1600-h/noname1%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="301" alt="noname1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SL-WvuvFylI/AAAAAAAABIQ/38ovNmYSEA0/noname1_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" border="0" /></a></p> AliGoesBlogWildhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08347308740600481255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835470548471339072.post-6112982854143029342008-08-25T11:20:00.001-07:002008-08-26T00:34:22.308-07:00Let's play: Get To Know Your Chain Store or Restaurant<p>Okay, I've had it. I can't stand listening to established, cultured human beings constantly refer to pop culture places of business by a name that they are just... not!</p> <p>Read the name on the building, people. It's something different than what you're saying.</p> <p>This rant stems from my reading and hearing gross misnomers of popular places. For example, Nordstroms. </p> <p> </p> <p>Nordstroms? Really? Go read it. What does it say?</p> <p><img src="http://toddand.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/02/company-home-left.jpg" /> </p> <p>No "S." Perhaps if you are planing on shopping at more than 2 Nordstrom department stores, you'd say "I need more expensive, fancy underwear so I'll be going to 42 Nordstroms today." But that's probably not the case 99.999999% of the time. Therefore, if you plan on shopping to the tune of the baby grand piano, just simply say "The half yearly sale at Nordstrom is tomorrow. Yay!" and call it a day. Perhaps this gross mispronunciation of an additional "S" comes from other stores that DO have an "S" (usually possessive) in their names, such as Macy's or Mervyn's. That shouldn't matter though. It's a simple task of reading and repeating.</p> <p>This above phenomenon goes for deliciously-famous-for-gigantic-portions Claim Jumper. I constantly hear Claim Jumpers. And it's wrong. Nope. One. Just one claim jumper. Only one little mean miner guy who violates another man's land claim. One. See? I'm not even lying:</p> <p><img height="224" src="http://www.finnseeker.com/claimjumper.jpg" width="158" /> </p> <p> </p> <p>Get ready, because this one really irks me. Not only does it change the spelling, but changes the meaning! Ready? Ok, here it is. The violation: Victoria Secrets.</p> <p>WHAT?! Really?</p> <p>I'm cutting to the chase. It's Victoria's Secret. See here:</p> <p><img src="http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a64/tresormakati/sf-victoria.jpg" /></p> <p>I mean, the running joke for years and years and years has been "Wonder what's Victoria's Secret even IS?" If the name was actually <shudder> Victoria Secrets, than that little wink-wink-nudge-nudge of a joke wouldn't even make <em>sense</em>!  I guess I just don't understand why it's so difficult to make the proper noun possessive and keep the 2nd noun singular. It's a story, an enticing name of a lingerie store. It's something to discover: "If you come in here and try on these ridiculously small panties, you shall discover .... Victoria's Secret." Oooooo. It's stupid and dramatic, but it's a multi-gazillion dollar business with a published, branded name. Use it.</p> <p>The rules of English just make sense to me the same way the rules of math make sense to other people (NOT me! I wish!). While I have my frustrations with gross misprintings of words -- commonly seen are possessive vs. plural issues -- I think this (Nordstroms, Claim Jumpers, Victoria Secrets) bites at me more because, well, they're all proper names. The work's been done for us. We don't have to think. We just have to read it and pronounce it (or write it). It's a simple game of copy-cat. And yet, it's still  a problem. If we can't even just mimic an already-created and branded name, then society will never get the actual rules of English that need real, actual attention. </p> AliGoesBlogWildhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08347308740600481255noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835470548471339072.post-1683149591849953402008-08-16T11:54:00.001-07:002008-08-16T11:54:34.667-07:00Princeton's first...<p>real haircut happened this week!!</p> <p>The day after we got him, he was all raggedy so we had him groomed and they trimmed some of his fur to clean him up.</p> <p>It's grown a lot since and to help keep him cool for the rest of the summer (and, selfishly, to help keep our house a little cleaner...) he got groomed again on Tuesday and now has the most handsome haircut. He's very dapper and looks like he should be on the cover of a puppy version of GQ. What can I say? I like my men clean cut.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKciXNmEkPI/AAAAAAAABFw/WdUJubzUjqk/s1600-h/Dapper%20Princeton%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="344" alt="Dapper Princeton" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKciXYD-jHI/AAAAAAAABF0/26_OsmuiK1w/Dapper%20Princeton_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="458" border="0" /></a> <em>Ugh, moooOOOooom. this is SO embarrassing.</em></p> <p><em></em></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKciX7az0RI/AAAAAAAABF4/k24C2lzD2KM/s1600-h/Dapper%20Princeton%202%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="352" alt="Dapper Princeton 2" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKciYWT95zI/AAAAAAAABF8/Q9AOt5JgY-A/Dapper%20Princeton%202_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="468" border="0" /></a> <em>Well if you MUST, at least capture my good angle. I do have an exquisite jawline.</em> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKciYoKy7fI/AAAAAAAABGA/5vUieb0Kvig/s1600-h/Dapper%20Princeton%203%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="368" alt="Dapper Princeton 3" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKciZnPGq9I/AAAAAAAABGE/2eSjSyQUREM/Dapper%20Princeton%203_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="489" border="0" /></a><em> Ok, you can take one more after this. I want to go play now!</em></p> <p><em></em></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKciaNVbblI/AAAAAAAABGI/BGylfESnh5s/s1600-h/Dapper%20Princeton%204%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="Dapper Princeton 4" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKciaho7isI/AAAAAAAABGM/kGL9J8za-3g/Dapper%20Princeton%204_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="499" border="0" /></a> <em>I'm wagging my tail and ready to go. Haircut shmaircut. I look great, yada yada, now let's play!!</em></p> AliGoesBlogWildhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08347308740600481255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835470548471339072.post-3315093154255790052008-08-13T00:39:00.001-07:002008-08-13T00:41:51.756-07:00Doggone days of summer<p>My Granny got her doggy companion, Sweetie, about a year ago and that's when my dogological clock started ticking. I fell in love with that cute little pooch and realized I really needed to have a pup of my own one day with the hubs. </p> <p>Now we have our furry bundle of love, and Granny and I finally made a date to introduce Sweetie and Princeton to each other. Technically, Sweetie is Princeton's Great Aunt (okay, so I got a little carried away with the family tree, but if Sweetie is her child and Princeton is mine...), but the 6-ish year-old maltese/yorkie mix acted like a puppy, full of spritely energy and loving every second of attention. Meanwhile, Princeton was a very calm guest and preferred to chill out and watch his new canine family member spend all her energy. You'd think Princeton was the old fart of the family (and why not, with his Andy Rooney eyebrows?!), but he's only about a year and still getting used to his new home with us.</p> <p>We started the morning with playtime on Granny's enclosed patio:</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKKPir_FfrI/AAAAAAAABEA/ULlRrQvxpjA/s1600-h/IMG_2773%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="303" alt="IMG_2773" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKKPjPjvEgI/AAAAAAAABEE/4IbjuOrXdso/IMG_2773_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="403" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKKPjyCNMKI/AAAAAAAABEI/BVBPGRi354Q/s1600-h/IMG_2775%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="304" alt="IMG_2775" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKKPkpKs4lI/AAAAAAAABEM/gi1i-Q3VcJQ/IMG_2775_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKKPlHJT-hI/AAAAAAAABEQ/YPcuWuZZ-9E/s1600-h/IMG_2778%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="310" alt="IMG_2778" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKKPlq8EQmI/AAAAAAAABEU/VRcvu1nGbmU/IMG_2778_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="412" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>Then, I drove all of us to lunch where we ate outside and enjoyed some sub sandwiches. You'd never know we were there to eat -- it seems like all I did was snap photos of the dogs on the sidewalk. Every person that walked by during the busy lunch hour stopped to pet the dogs and ask about them. They ARE pretty cute and only someone without a soul could resist a smile.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKKPmKMTM0I/AAAAAAAABEY/_LG4c6sqs5o/s1600-h/IMG_2781%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="302" alt="IMG_2781" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKKPmkkO-VI/AAAAAAAABEc/5Nc_Lz-UDXA/IMG_2781_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="402" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKKPnWYe57I/AAAAAAAABEg/VgeFGyKNoR4/s1600-h/IMG_2790%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="306" alt="IMG_2790" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKKPoOdcF-I/AAAAAAAABEk/xp1MA5x9ehk/IMG_2790_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKKPoYZVKJI/AAAAAAAABEo/HKAIPH396B0/s1600-h/IMG_2796%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="308" alt="IMG_2796" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKKPpPy0g8I/AAAAAAAABEs/kHs_sHjXJKY/IMG_2796_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="410" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKKPpYpef7I/AAAAAAAABEw/_UwwJaWO65k/s1600-h/IMG_2800%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="306" alt="IMG_2800" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKKPpqjmYXI/AAAAAAAABE0/8PTnxTgSP2c/IMG_2800_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="407" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>After lunch, we headed over to the park. Since Granny is 80-something, Sweetie doesn't really get to run around and frolick through the park, so I grabbed the leash and ran her around. She loved playing and definitely appreciated the exercise. At one point, I ran Princeton AND Sweetie together and I got all tangled up in the leash!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKKPqOC44nI/AAAAAAAABE4/xxHXGccWEtw/s1600-h/IMG_2801%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="312" alt="IMG_2801" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKKPqzjyg0I/AAAAAAAABE8/Uj1N4f4wGr4/IMG_2801_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>I took a cute pic of Granny with her sweet Sweetie:</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKKPrVOULEI/AAAAAAAABFA/i0ZKlSKln7E/s1600-h/IMG_2802%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="535" alt="IMG_2802" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKKPrqfdmLI/AAAAAAAABFE/vlCcVmqBh48/IMG_2802_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="402" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>And then she really felt the puppy love!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKKPszU3Y0I/AAAAAAAABFI/mAmMRZR7-So/s1600-h/IMG_2804%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="310" alt="IMG_2804" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKKPtdhDKZI/AAAAAAAABFM/asi1ihrdsZU/IMG_2804_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="412" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>This older woman was walking by us and stopped to say hello to the doggies. She began to tell us about the joy and heartache she went through with her own dog. We all agreed that dogs are wonderful creatures who bring us so much joy, but when they are gone, the pain is indescribable. I think we made her day by letting her talk about her deceased loved one. She was so grateful to have the opportunity to let her feelings out and told us she felt she could now move on with the healing process. We all agreed that dogs do so much for us, and when they are no longer here to chase rabbits and chew treats, they've got to find themselves in a doggie heaven full of grass and toys. It must be hard to be at the end of your life, without your human friends and suddenly without your furry friend. Granny sounded so relieved to have Sweetie in her life, as they'll both be able to grow older together. While this exchange seems very sad and depressing on the surface, it makes me happy to know that dogs are like family members and have provided such necessary love and companionship to those in need of it. Why pay for therapy when you've got dog kisses?</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKKPt_efjoI/AAAAAAAABFQ/PJJ2VZhf2dw/s1600-h/IMG_2805%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="312" alt="IMG_2805" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKKPuNtbtxI/AAAAAAAABFU/XULT-N8e5Cg/IMG_2805_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" border="0" /></a></p> AliGoesBlogWildhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08347308740600481255noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835470548471339072.post-58615656930131286762008-08-12T23:23:00.001-07:002008-08-12T23:23:28.719-07:005 Friends in Vegas<p>What do you get when you have a friend who has a hook up for a free timeshare for a weekend in Vegas and he invites 4 of his favorite friends? You get Friegel, Stacobs and Kevin Do Vegas! (I love word/name fusion and Bryan and I are Friegel based on our last names; Stacey and DJ are Stacobs based on Stacey's first name and D's last name: big thrill). </p> <p>The timeshare was off the strip. No big deal; we took the monorail!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKJ9Qe6ayoI/AAAAAAAAA6o/BpHZwxjMns8/s1600-h/IMG_2685%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="285" alt="IMG_2685" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKJ9Q-d-xFI/AAAAAAAAA6s/YEtuS54q2Dw/IMG_2685_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="379" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKJ9RSBrtxI/AAAAAAAAA6w/6BLO6poyH5w/s1600-h/IMG_2686%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="285" alt="IMG_2686" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKJ9Rspu9lI/AAAAAAAAA60/1PA0T8leQAU/IMG_2686_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="379" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKJ9SaGX0dI/AAAAAAAAA64/jcSKbZkhCLg/s1600-h/IMG_2687%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="285" alt="IMG_2687" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKJ9S32nTCI/AAAAAAAAA68/yHetie0pvuU/IMG_2687_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="379" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>We ate yummy gourmet burgers and other delicacies at the Mirage at 2am on our first night:</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKJ9TaDu0HI/AAAAAAAAA7A/NH8A5iVKY_I/s1600-h/IMG_2688%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="309" alt="IMG_2688" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKJ9UIwTGyI/AAAAAAAAA7E/U0sNPrZ1zRk/IMG_2688_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="411" border="0" /></a><em> fried pickles = Bryan's idea of Heaven.</em></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKJ9UvocrqI/AAAAAAAAA7I/d2AnNPvWfUo/s1600-h/IMG_2689%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="310" alt="IMG_2689" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKJ9VKkkZLI/AAAAAAAAA7M/DPrWb7yY0U8/IMG_2689_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="412" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKJ9VlbrIQI/AAAAAAAAA7Q/k0QuoJL_d04/s1600-h/IMG_2692%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="312" alt="IMG_2692" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKJ9WLGhofI/AAAAAAAAA7U/EDFPnhlyaE8/IMG_2692_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>The next day, we woke up and brunched at Mon Ami Gabi (The Friegel's personal favorite) at Paris. We all shared lots of yumminess like:</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKJ9W6ElbtI/AAAAAAAAA7Y/NMCt0zSra6w/s1600-h/IMG_2694%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="310" alt="IMG_2694" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKJ9YAAHY1I/AAAAAAAAA7c/Ii5TH04UM4Y/IMG_2694_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="412" border="0" /></a> <em>baguettes!</em></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKJ9Y2s15EI/AAAAAAAAA7g/oNU8vBauPCQ/s1600-h/IMG_2695%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="309" alt="IMG_2695" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKJ9ZLAHb-I/AAAAAAAAA7k/TSVNhYo1CGc/IMG_2695_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="411" border="0" /></a> <em>Seasoned grilled salmon over citrus and spinach!</em></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKJ9Z9DvMKI/AAAAAAAAA7o/d1jDyvvK77M/s1600-h/IMG_2696%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="315" alt="IMG_2696" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKJ9aQGjvGI/AAAAAAAAA7s/qIoOLR7lqTM/IMG_2696_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="419" border="0" /></a> <em>Steak sandwich with caramelized onions on ciabatta!</em></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKJ9bciCSbI/AAAAAAAAA7w/Bve2OG-3dW0/s1600-h/IMG_2697%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="514" alt="IMG_2697" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKJ9cE7W1bI/AAAAAAAAA70/5Dw4IWrukrY/IMG_2697_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="386" border="0" /></a><em> Eggs Benedict!</em></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKJ9dAtr1rI/AAAAAAAAA74/C0_mezPYMv0/s1600-h/IMG_2700%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="296" alt="IMG_2700" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKJ9dhy8qNI/AAAAAAAAA78/3Ki2q3lj_dY/IMG_2700_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="394" border="0" /></a> <em>Perfectly crisp frites!</em></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKJ9eHDnD0I/AAAAAAAAA8A/QnR-sFVqzus/s1600-h/IMG_2701%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="504" alt="IMG_2701" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKJ9euskbgI/AAAAAAAAA8E/UaSdE3IsZk4/IMG_2701_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="379" border="0" /></a><em> Waffles with chocolate Nutella -- by the way, OH. MAW. GAWSH.</em></p> <p>We rolled out of Mon Ami Gabi after we were all round and satisfied and snuck into the Paris pool after a series of comical events, i.e., D and I going up to people in the registration area of the hotel asking if they have an extra key so we could "join our friends who are already at the pool and won't pick up their cell phones to come get us." We were turned down by the following: rules-obeying old men, flirtatious 40-something women on a menopause vacation who had JUST turned in their keys upon check out, a German who didn't understand the situation in question, a threesome of hicks who said they didn't have keys yet but heard you can just walk right in anyway. ding ding ding! Up we went to the 3rd floor and lo and behold, we walked with a purpose onto the pool plaza, scored some chairs, grabbed some towels, and within minutes, we had our cocktails in hand. Fantastic-ness.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKJ9fOnqlUI/AAAAAAAAA8I/JvIcv9TKpzU/s1600-h/IMG_2703%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="478" alt="IMG_2703" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKJ9fhuILGI/AAAAAAAAA8M/VPR_Af62ZPg/IMG_2703_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" border="0" /></a> <em>Our lava flows didn't come close to our favorite Hawaiian honeymoon drink, but what the hell, it's Vegas.</em></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKJ9gATmYUI/AAAAAAAAA8Q/ylvv8t1l5Z0/s1600-h/IMG_2704%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="281" alt="IMG_2704" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKJ9gt0ZuLI/AAAAAAAAA8U/OoOE57ZhFVY/IMG_2704_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="373" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKJ9g-X9KVI/AAAAAAAAA8Y/HqF2xlwhtH8/s1600-h/IMG_2706%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="488" alt="IMG_2706" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKJ9ha7mgNI/AAAAAAAAA8c/-iOADKHUEbM/IMG_2706_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="367" border="0" /></a> <em>Stace double fists a margarita and an iced coffee. Only in Vegas.</em></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKJ9iLO64aI/AAAAAAAAA8g/U8VlxTBw7Nk/s1600-h/IMG_2707%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="294" alt="IMG_2707" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKJ9iphbxwI/AAAAAAAAA8k/7zMRVePSoKc/IMG_2707_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="391" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKJ9jKpcauI/AAAAAAAAA8o/u-6OUu_C7U4/s1600-h/IMG_2708%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="300" alt="IMG_2708" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKJ9jd1w8lI/AAAAAAAAA8s/zTpgjBCR3R8/IMG_2708_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="398" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKJ9j6CCNzI/AAAAAAAAA8w/40vHvNAUVhI/s1600-h/IMG_2711%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="300" alt="IMG_2711" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKJ9kRcjIWI/AAAAAAAAA80/curG4_3tSHY/IMG_2711_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="398" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>After we roasted out by the pool for a couple hours, we sluggishly made it back to the other end of town where we played some games at the Hilton. I played blackjack for about an hour and didn't win. But I didn't lose. Lots of fun for free. The boys and Stacey learned craps. I was way too confused. They did well! Believe it or not, that is the only gambling I did the whole weekend, though we found ourselves in the casinos a lot... usually pulling D away from every single blackjack table he got magnetized to.</p> <p>We cleaned up nicely and headed out to Bobby Flay's restaurant at Caesar's, Mesa Grill. Very yummy food. Good atmosphere. Interesting waiter. Nice wine spillage.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKJ9lYABCmI/AAAAAAAAA84/VYtwk61-kDU/s1600-h/IMG_2719%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="319" alt="IMG_2719" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKJ9lvGY-SI/AAAAAAAAA88/UxvE7I27gZI/IMG_2719_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="424" border="0" /></a> <em>Notice D's nice clean shirt. It will not stay that way.</em></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKJ9mOhcYPI/AAAAAAAAA9A/YP6M0j7DAP0/s1600-h/IMG_2720%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="313" alt="IMG_2720" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKJ9mn1F3jI/AAAAAAAAA9E/GA7fszPc_QE/IMG_2720_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="416" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKJ9nKGznqI/AAAAAAAAA9I/pxSHSmGiE5U/s1600-h/IMG_2722%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="307" alt="IMG_2722" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKJ9nd-zmgI/AAAAAAAAA9M/w90lEbqJ1pg/IMG_2722_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="408" border="0" /></a> <em>Looks gross, but I swear this tiger shrimp and husk-wrapped corn salsa was delicious.</em></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKJ9n5e6zTI/AAAAAAAAA9Q/SiS_TU3iSB8/s1600-h/IMG_2724%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="308" alt="IMG_2724" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKJ9oVTU47I/AAAAAAAAA9U/Uxn3l_QoGiw/IMG_2724_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="410" border="0" /></a> <em>Bryan's rubbed pork chops were the best thing I ate there.</em></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKJ9onHaH3I/AAAAAAAAA9Y/A9aXw6yEZ_k/s1600-h/IMG_2728%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="312" alt="IMG_2728" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKJ9pIvsvzI/AAAAAAAAA9c/Tt_C5in-I4Q/IMG_2728_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="414" border="0" /></a><em> Kevin's T-bone steak with 2 kinds of sauces made with Bobby Flay's famous and favorite flavors: chiles!</em></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKJ9qAHYK4I/AAAAAAAAA9g/x7P1JhTxpec/s1600-h/IMG_2730%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="316" alt="IMG_2730" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKJ9qrKJrZI/AAAAAAAAA9k/yxkPR_4s-HU/IMG_2730_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="420" border="0" /></a> <em>These are the faces of two very full men, exhausted from an eating experience like no other.</em></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKJ9rEu-UyI/AAAAAAAAA9o/3u7XmGt0Gy4/s1600-h/IMG_2731%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="544" alt="IMG_2731" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKJ9rpdJftI/AAAAAAAAA9s/BHcA_IkPr2g/IMG_2731_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="409" border="0" /></a> <em>An oops with the red wine and there goes Geoffrey Beane. Snappy waiter had a Tide Stick on him, but it was still questionable if the shirt would survive.</em></p> <p><em></em></p> <p>After dinner, we hoofed our bellies over to Bellagio where our evening would continue. We started at Caramel for some two-for-ones.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKJ9sZ1ZRLI/AAAAAAAAA9w/3eFoyTUrxBM/s1600-h/IMG_2735%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="318" alt="IMG_2735" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKJ9sj7YhXI/AAAAAAAAA90/tuEoYU68EqI/IMG_2735_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="422" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKJ9tafXv-I/AAAAAAAAA94/1ck_BdTTZP4/s1600-h/IMG_2736%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="320" alt="IMG_2736" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKJ9ty-ZO-I/AAAAAAAAA98/-T_SRNh2PlQ/IMG_2736_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="426" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKJ9vYQETXI/AAAAAAAAA-A/Luu0E-bFFoM/s1600-h/IMG_2738%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="327" alt="IMG_2738" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKJ9vyOz_hI/AAAAAAAAA-E/TWsC4DOafqw/IMG_2738_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="435" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKJ9wau3_VI/AAAAAAAAA-I/JodgPMDte9k/s1600-h/IMG_2739%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="328" alt="IMG_2739" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKJ9w8GXtAI/AAAAAAAAA-M/SZIAxno639A/IMG_2739_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="436" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>And once we had our fill of two for ones, we moved on over to The Bank (which has replaced Light), where Stacey's friend hooked us up with no-line/no-cover. It sure felt nice to be escorted in while lots of thirsty guys and gals waited behind the ropes. It was super crowded inside and was a trek to get drinks or go onto the dancefloor. The hubs and Nivek and I got too sober to tolerate it and after about 2 hours, we cashed out of The Bank. But what does a girl with a camera do while she's sobering up in a dance club? She shoots!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKJ9xbq4u_I/AAAAAAAAA-Q/Ed__5RYiyDs/s1600-h/IMG_2741%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="486" alt="IMG_2741" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKJ9x6fZuvI/AAAAAAAAA-U/QsjN8fmcuYQ/IMG_2741_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="366" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKJ9yoWLS1I/AAAAAAAAA-Y/PUuKa0v3aHM/s1600-h/IMG_2742%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="298" alt="IMG_2742" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKJ9zJIG31I/AAAAAAAAA-c/Lx1eQDDVaRk/IMG_2742_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="396" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKJ9ziI2aOI/AAAAAAAAA-g/-klF6pd2VQ4/s1600-h/IMG_2743%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="298" alt="IMG_2743" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKJ90OR_--I/AAAAAAAAA-o/7D0KBOtY3QA/IMG_2743_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="396" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKJ90p-wjBI/AAAAAAAAA-s/RiSV9Ff7smU/s1600-h/IMG_2747%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="300" alt="IMG_2747" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKJ91OSUnLI/AAAAAAAAA-w/6QxVtjO6fko/IMG_2747_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="398" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKJ91gJY3gI/AAAAAAAAA-0/8j8zETYgiMQ/s1600-h/IMG_2745%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="298" alt="IMG_2745" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKJ913qcw7I/AAAAAAAAA-4/NJjzpi6Rf5E/IMG_2745_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="396" border="0" /></a> We did learn a thing or two while spending time in The Bank:</p> <p>1. Men in uniform can basically have sex on the dancefloor and it's completely acceptable. No big deal.</p> <p>2. Asians LOVE the club. And they get DOOOOWN.</p> <p>3. Bottle service with a table is THE way to do it... as we longingly stared at those lucky bitches.</p> <p>We hobbled on over to the Bellagio cafe for some 2 a.m. grub. We ordered desserts and fried food. Does the phrase "whatever happens in Vegas stays in Vegas" apply to calories?</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKJ92cQnLZI/AAAAAAAAA-8/ytotvd_N8iU/s1600-h/IMG_2748%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="320" alt="IMG_2748" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKJ920wSK3I/AAAAAAAAA_A/KvAjrHAHaL8/IMG_2748_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="425" border="0" /></a> <em>my husband, the narcoleptic.</em></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKJ93Wh6dsI/AAAAAAAAA_E/izrZKPoG-rM/s1600-h/IMG_2749%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="312" alt="IMG_2749" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKJ932Oew2I/AAAAAAAAA_I/SuI5BbZ676c/IMG_2749_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" border="0" /></a></p> <p><em>The business partners get sleepy. (I still think it's cool that my husband and my college best friend are business partners).</em></p> <p>And, just like that, there ends my photo recap of our Vegas trip. Food, games, food, dancing, food, alcohol, food, pool: a quintessential, low-key weekend in The Veg with good friends and lots of laughter. </p> AliGoesBlogWildhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08347308740600481255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835470548471339072.post-36226136902267297852008-08-12T21:16:00.001-07:002008-08-12T21:16:19.975-07:00Time flies!<p>My oh my, it's been weeks since I've blogged!! Lots of catching up to do.</p> <p>I survived my sales meeting in Ft. Lauderdale. Meetings turned out to be tolerable. They ran them much more smoothly this year, so it wasn't as painful as it has been in the past. Only excitement of the trip was my terrible food poisoning on the 2nd to last night. I can't imagine I will ever dine at a Benihana ever again. Not sure how I'm the only one out of 55 people who got so sick (maybe my utensil was contaminated?!), but I definitely got a visit from some H-O-T paramedics out of the deal, so THAT'S good. Also, I definitely learned a whole new meaning for the word "projectile." Awesomeness.</p> <p>Since the Florida trip, I spent a weekend in Vegas with the hubster, BFF Nivek and Stacobs (name fusion for Stacey and D. Jacobs). SO MUCH FUN! Details to come. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKJgCNaL5vI/AAAAAAAAA5I/xN_3XdSTtvw/s1600-h/IMG_2739%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="318" alt="IMG_2739" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKJgCSVQMmI/AAAAAAAAA5M/-M0XMUFEYb4/IMG_2739_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="423" border="0" /></a><em> the gang at Caramel at Bellagio.</em></p> <p>Princeton has turned into Superdog. He is adorably peppy and loving. He is doing so much better. I find myself just staring at him for long periods of time, lost in his cuteness and silly personality. Sometimes I just crack up in the middle of his crazy antics. He makes me laugh and I love him. I definitely think he is the best thing to happen to Bryan and me during this blissful time in our lives.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKJgCqh3juI/AAAAAAAAA5Q/tXppygay1Uo/s1600-h/IMG_2660%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="318" alt="IMG_2660" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKJgDKDdKXI/AAAAAAAAA5U/nTsMOGq4Hw0/IMG_2660_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="422" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKJgDX-isQI/AAAAAAAAA5Y/YuFgD68lJ38/s1600-h/IMG_2670%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="320" alt="IMG_2670" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKJgDxLGnKI/AAAAAAAAA5c/nW4zWJv71PE/IMG_2670_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="426" border="0" /></a><em> he is quite the contortionist -- he plops down and relaxes in the funniest positions.</em></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKJgES15qlI/AAAAAAAAA5g/DNb-EhqQnkk/s1600-h/IMG_2764%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="318" alt="IMG_2764" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SKJgEiM6rFI/AAAAAAAAA5k/Qmm3ufgdtUc/IMG_2764_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="422" border="0" /></a> <em>He loved the spiral bone that his grandma and grandPAW bought for him during their PetSmart outing!</em></p> <p>Time to start sorting through pictures for my next blog all about VEGAS!</p> AliGoesBlogWildhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08347308740600481255noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835470548471339072.post-37586448867743493552008-07-27T21:04:00.000-07:002008-07-27T21:06:32.276-07:00BooI am currently in Ft. Lauderdale for a big rah-rah company sales meeting. I am unhappy about this.<br /><br />I miss my dog.<br />I miss my husband.<br />I miss my unfrizzy hair.<br /><br />I get to come home Thursday and it feels like lightyears away.<br /><br />And yes, I sound like a homesick 12-year-old at camp andIdon'tevencare.AliGoesBlogWildhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08347308740600481255noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835470548471339072.post-80800725417353166052008-07-22T22:50:00.001-07:002008-07-22T22:50:11.333-07:00Playtime for Princeton!<p>P-dog has made huge strides in his progress with feeling comfortable at home and behaving more like a normal pup. Such a relief!! Our amazing trainer Heather told us that the little man has low self esteem (obviously he didn't get that gene from us) and if we played tug with him and let him win, he'd start to feel a little more confident. Swell, makes sense. However, until recently, the pooch didn't have any interest in toys whatsoever! </p> <p>He went to cousin Penny's house and while they had a fun time chasing bugs and sniffing butts, he couldn't seem to get into the toys Penny shared.</p> <p> </p> <p><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="361" alt="IMG_2564" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SIbGcUXthcI/AAAAAAAAAqM/NCIkAlnPnqc/IMG_2564_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="480" border="0" /><em>Bryan and Cousin Laura's hands rub down Princeton and Penny</em> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SIbGc1StKWI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/_WT-Nfj4gH4/s1600-h/IMG_2566%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="359" alt="IMG_2566" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SIbGdLC8M8I/AAAAAAAAAqU/b0OCdbHfw08/IMG_2566_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="477" border="0" /></a><em>Cousin Laura cuddles with her daughter Penny and cousin Princeton.</em></p> <p><em></em></p> <p>Then, Princeton played with Kahlua, the mutt next door and she even tried to show him what to do with the rubber spike toy and the Ole Ole ball (Kahlua is a dog genius and knows all 30 of her toys by name!). He looked at Kahlua and the toys like they were from outer space.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SIbGdiLS3aI/AAAAAAAAAqY/3pAvEYZsSt4/s1600-h/IMG_1581%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="367" alt="IMG_1581" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SIbGdyYI6gI/AAAAAAAAAqc/O1kLhmK0cUw/IMG_1581_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="488" border="0" /></a><em> Neighbor Deanna tries to get Princeton interested in Rubber Spike toy. No dice.</em> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SIbGeSwu88I/AAAAAAAAAqg/t3Ijq1ZEXJw/s1600-h/IMG_1580%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="370" alt="IMG_1580" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SIbGezpWjMI/AAAAAAAAAqk/WVLwo9l8v1Y/IMG_1580_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="492" border="0" /></a><em> Kahlua chews on the rubber ball o' fun and Princeton doesn't even blink.</em></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SIbGfavGclI/AAAAAAAAAqo/jpdLKz_levA/s1600-h/IMG_1588%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="IMG_1588" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SIbGfnDwI7I/AAAAAAAAAqs/tX7gsDFAYW8/IMG_1588_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="499" border="0" /></a> <em>"Ya know guys, I think I'll bow-wow out of the toys and just chill out here in the shade sheltered under the patio table. Yeah, thanks."</em></p> <p>So, as you can see, just PLAYING with Princeton was going to be the work before the work. </p> <p>But, as is the theme in all of my Princeton entries, I just wasn't going to give up. I mean, we wanted a dog. We were gonna HAVE a dog gosh darn it!</p> <p>So, I figured out that Princeton would need to be annoyed by a toy first before he could love it. After playing a round of "gotchyur feets!" where I grab his tootsies and get him all excited to the point of finger gnaws, I realized that why should a squeaky toy or a rope toy be any different than my flesh toy?! </p> <p>Enter: The dangle. I took toy that Cousin Penny gave her new cousin when they met a couple weeks ago and dangled it around his nose and muzzle area. After a while, it annoyed him so he mouthed the toy (a squeaky bone that says "Kosher" on it -- Princeton is all ready for his Bark Mitzvah) and realized it was fun to tug on it while I resisted. In between tugs, I threw it across the room and he ran (read: skidded) to plop ontop of it and chew it. Holy moly, my dog was chewing! He was playing! He was doing doggy things!!!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SIbGfzoqHOI/AAAAAAAAAqw/g3CQ6rBmDfc/s1600-h/Prince%20Plays%202%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="348" alt="Prince Plays 2" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SIbGgMty27I/AAAAAAAAAq0/JpyOBeE0HMA/Prince%20Plays%202_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="463" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SIbGguR7JEI/AAAAAAAAAq4/y4D6sxfInaQ/s1600-h/Princeton%20Plays%201%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="351" alt="Princeton Plays 1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SIbGg7LbcdI/AAAAAAAAAq8/aTLVS_CkByU/Princeton%20Plays%201_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="467" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SIbGhNZ5uQI/AAAAAAAAArA/BEDuzGwvwdQ/s1600-h/Princeton%20Plays%203%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="354" alt="Princeton Plays 3" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SIbGhi_omXI/AAAAAAAAArE/S8NRqUhKTfY/Princeton%20Plays%203_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="471" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SIbGh4zolvI/AAAAAAAAArI/6u7fjavT-eY/s1600-h/Princeton%20Plays%205%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="357" alt="Princeton Plays 5" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SIbGiJ0rv-I/AAAAAAAAArM/7hqYuSDyUv0/Princeton%20Plays%205_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="475" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SIbGinJE_-I/AAAAAAAAArQ/fEYN7KU2rEo/s1600-h/Princeton%20Plays%204%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="360" alt="Princeton Plays 4" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SIbGjKz9I1I/AAAAAAAAArU/1ReheKfccmc/Princeton%20Plays%204_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="479" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SIbGjrAhLvI/AAAAAAAAArY/SedgHobiSHE/s1600-h/Princeton%20Plays%206%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="363" alt="Princeton Plays 6" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SIbGj2UpRYI/AAAAAAAAArc/Zvg8VVc_qqc/Princeton%20Plays%206_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="483" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SIbGkOnFWgI/AAAAAAAAArg/gGWPdUuWH6I/s1600-h/Princeton%20Plays%207%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="368" alt="Princeton Plays 7" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SIbGkhHT6rI/AAAAAAAAAro/qLyOzcXPOzs/Princeton%20Plays%207_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="489" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>Yup! That's my DOG! We love our little man!</p> <p>So, we're happy to say that he's playing, eating well, sleeping well, and pottying well (WELL, most of the time...). </p> AliGoesBlogWildhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08347308740600481255noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835470548471339072.post-59442185102740009262008-07-18T03:50:00.001-07:002008-07-18T03:50:47.626-07:00Meryl + 3 handsome men + ABBA = FUN!<p>It should come as no surprise that my sister-in-law and I went to the midnight showing of "Mamma Mia!" and thoroughly enjoyed it. While the crowd at the movie theater was really there for the new Batman flick, leave it to us to saunter into the half-empty (half-full?) "Mamma Mia!" auditorium. As IF we'd have any business joining the crowds to see Heath and Christian. Who needs Gotham when you can have Greece?</p> <p>I'll detail it later but I'd just like to say that YES, it was cheesy.  YES, it was over the top. But YES, it was so damn entertaining because it gave us just what we wanted: over the top cheesiness portrayed by a great cast, super-fun music, and a familiar stage story that makes us both squeal. </p> <p>I'd pay whatever, kill however and do whoever it takes to play Sophie one day. Dream role? YES. </p> <p>I'm sure I'll see it again. It's really a mother-daughter flick after all so I gotta go with the momster (yes, I'm inviting you via blog). I'd be lying if I said I didn't cry during Sophie and Donna's montage scene of "Slipping Through My Fingers." I don't know, maybe it's the recent bride in me, but SIL was crying too, so whatever! </p> <p>Anyhoo, go see it! It's cute!! </p> AliGoesBlogWildhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08347308740600481255noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835470548471339072.post-44371719849046932272008-07-17T08:55:00.001-07:002008-07-17T08:55:22.122-07:00Reunited and it Feels So Good<p>Someone please pinch me. I am still coming off of the high that was Girls' Weekend in Palm Desert. All of us are the "other half" of a big group of girls from high school. Some of us hadn't seen each other since our freshman year of college and some see each other on a regular basis, but either way, it had been way too long since we'd all been together, spending time laughing, philosophizing, catching up and reminiscing. </p> <p>Annie and I drove to the desert on Friday afternoon and finally met up with Gretchen, Jenna (coming from Arizona), and Christina (coming from San Diego) outside the Marriott villas. I can't remember the last time I jumped so high. Girls, I'm still sorry if I knocked the wind out of you! I was so excited to see them and they were just as sweet and beautiful as ever. </p> <p>We got settled into our gigantic 2 bedroom/2 bathroom/living room/kitchen suite and decided to enjoy a late dinner where Megan (coming from Huntington Beach) met us, just having arrived home from a business trip in San Francisco. </p> <p>We enjoyed good wine ($21 bottle, yes!) and yummy food while playing the best game ever: each person got five minutes to bring us all up to date, covering the last, oh, ya know, SEVEN years. Well, of course five minutes wasn't enough and our catch-up conversation went until midnight when we closed down the restaurant. </p> <p>On Saturday, we suffered through the heat and laid out by the pool. Snacks, magazines and girl talk made the heat seem a little less painful, but a few of us trickled away and enjoyed appointments at a local massage therapy center. Christina and I shared appointment times and agreed it was the best massage ever! It had been so long since I chatted with Christina and I know I'm not alone when I say how wonderful it is to listen to her positive and wise words. She's smart, nice AND gorgeous and not a wee bit cocky. More people should be like her.</p> <p>What's a girls' weekend without a shopping extravaganza? After the group got cleaned up from massages and pooltime, we all walked up and down the steamy streets of the famous El Paseo Drive, the Rodeo of Palm Desert. Unfortunately, the city was dead and so were the shops because, really, who goes to Palm Desert in the middle of July?!? But we did relish in the fantastic sales at JCrew, Saks and other fine establishments. </p> <p>After our sweaty afternoon, we got showered and beautified for our night out. I finally whipped out the camera and took some getting-ready shots.</p> <p><em><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SH9q3gVjKXI/AAAAAAAAAbE/GvYwj1fpMKo/s1600-h/IMG_2582%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="370" alt="IMG_2582" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SH9q39-4JaI/AAAAAAAAAbI/UhZ8T0Mfgsk/IMG_2582_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="492" border="0" /></a>   Gretchen and Megan in the mirror</em></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SH9q4IZVjpI/AAAAAAAAAbM/yloFR-yKf-4/s1600-h/IMG_2578%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="359" alt="IMG_2578" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SH9q4Yb8jOI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/DfRUUfn39T4/IMG_2578_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="477" border="0" /></a><em>Annie doing her makeup thing</em> </p> <p>And then I just went all out camera-happy in the room.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SH9q5nB21UI/AAAAAAAAAbU/PbiBzMYkMSQ/s1600-h/IMG_2580%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="520" alt="IMG_2580" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SH9q6MgGyCI/AAAAAAAAAbY/maa7bFrozWs/IMG_2580_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="391" border="0" /></a><em> Jenna and Christina ready to go</em></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SH9q66rI--I/AAAAAAAAAbc/_ryJAN_z6AY/s1600-h/IMG_2581%5B3%5D.jpg"><u><font color="#ee88bb"></font></u><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="296" alt="IMG_2581" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SH9q7CXgOeI/AAAAAAAAAbg/EBu8Jr-bo2I/IMG_2581_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="394" border="0" /></a> <em>Me with Jenna</em></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SH9q7hAqUsI/AAAAAAAAAbk/MjAtw7eOCFs/s1600-h/IMG_2583%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="519" alt="IMG_2583" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SH9q78q9p_I/AAAAAAAAAbo/WzjrOWGT_Ew/IMG_2583_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" border="0" /></a> <em>Megan, with her magical Monster in hand and Christina.</em></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SH9q8pOvu5I/AAAAAAAAAbs/qNnIcRbLGIc/s1600-h/IMG_2586%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="304" alt="IMG_2586" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SH9q9cbcOnI/AAAAAAAAAbw/dIbiNeque9E/IMG_2586_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" border="0" /></a> <em>Me with Megan. We've been friends since elementary school!</em></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SH9q9ybnPwI/AAAAAAAAAb0/E_YgHFM_1js/s1600-h/IMG_2591%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="310" alt="IMG_2591" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SH9q_PVWcnI/AAAAAAAAAb4/x8UwMAZryks/IMG_2591_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="412" border="0" /></a><em> Megan, Jenna, me, Christina and Gretchen getting ready to leave. Annie is playing the all-important role of photographer!</em></p> <p>We finally got on our shuttle to get to the far other side of the property. The shuttle was constantly slow getting to us all weekend and I'd be lying if I said it didn't annoy me! We were late for our reservation at Mikado's, at teppan yaki restaurant, so instead, we were treated to waiting in the "your table isn't ready" section with a handful of other groups. All of them girls. Apparently, Palm Desert is a chick magnet of a location! Seriously, the ratio of girl groups to guy groups was like 4:1. Crazy. The place was full of bachelorette parties and we watched as this cocky threesome of guys hopped from group to group. They finally reached us and made it very clear that they were a-holes. There's always the spokesperson of the group who is usually a giant jackass. This was no exception. Mr. Jackass decided not only to insult married people (the nerve!) but make the incorrect observation that we all have the same hair. Christina told him we were from University of Wisconsin Law School. He was pretty floored by that false fact. He was also quite confused when Jenna flipped him off as we walked away when our table was called. Clearly, he's never listened to himself talk. We got a good laugh from their pathetic attempts to woo us. Whoop-de-doo!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SH9q_vbDjSI/AAAAAAAAAb8/YPSccKJyMDY/s1600-h/IMG_2593%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="IMG_2593" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SH9rAG-Qw8I/AAAAAAAAAcA/l4ybB3QHaos/IMG_2593_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="499" border="0" /></a> <em>All of us girls, "all with the same hair." What?! If anything, we all have complementing outfits -- we SO didn't plan these colors!!</em></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SH9rAXyrkGI/AAAAAAAAAcE/L-6ndlBnhCE/s1600-h/IMG_2592%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="369" alt="IMG_2592" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SH9rArwBQ5I/AAAAAAAAAcI/tPWfyh7iCEM/IMG_2592_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="491" border="0" /></a> <em>Christina and Annie - seriously, how pretty are my friends?!</em></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SH9rBkEoP8I/AAAAAAAAAcM/aJra4BbNzL8/s1600-h/IMG_2594%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="371" alt="IMG_2594" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SH9rB2jAC0I/AAAAAAAAAcQ/3f6d3PitP1M/IMG_2594_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="493" border="0" /></a><em> Jenna, Megan, me and Gretchen just before we finally got our table. </em></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SH9rCY9iQAI/AAAAAAAAAcU/JTp8O4b2YZI/s1600-h/IMG_2597%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="378" alt="IMG_2597" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SH9rDMHBhzI/AAAAAAAAAcY/wc5xpwQSuoU/IMG_2597_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="503" border="0" /></a> <em>Finally at the big fiery table, about to order.</em></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SH9rDT_RcuI/AAAAAAAAAcc/fiCcC_rc-jg/s1600-h/IMG_2599%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="553" alt="IMG_2599" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SH9rD7O_hVI/AAAAAAAAAcg/wYT8tCM0MqU/IMG_2599_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="416" border="0" /></a> <em>Jenna and Christina with an itty bitty bottle of something delicious.</em></p> <p>The chef threw shrimp and gave everyone a chance to catch it in their mouths. I sucked at it and unfortunately saw many potentially delicious shrimp go wasted, meeting the dirty, slippery floor for their final resting place. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SH9rEmvm37I/AAAAAAAAAck/Xi1H0BhqWAk/s1600-h/IMG_2609%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="326" alt="IMG_2609" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SH9rE3AMPyI/AAAAAAAAAco/xdK-jnZxb6c/IMG_2609_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="434" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>Jenna, however, was a champ.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SH9rFbFnZEI/AAAAAAAAAcs/k3We2F5FPlM/s1600-h/IMG_2604%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="378" alt="IMG_2604" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SH9rFtMugeI/AAAAAAAAAcw/NjwFcXesnoI/IMG_2604_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="502" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SH9rF0PknPI/AAAAAAAAAc0/49qjrUfnGdw/s1600-h/IMG_2607%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="607" alt="IMG_2607" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SH9rG_tJygI/AAAAAAAAAc4/sU8SCZDp9Qs/IMG_2607_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="456" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SH9rHWS1xfI/AAAAAAAAAc8/Y4VmhsuNKSw/s1600-h/IMG_2610%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="328" alt="IMG_2610" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SH9rIc1jBkI/AAAAAAAAAdA/8riLRMM8M4k/IMG_2610_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="436" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SH9rI-wpChI/AAAAAAAAAdE/IY15yh1tYmo/s1600-h/IMG_2613%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="331" alt="IMG_2613" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SH9rJTZKhqI/AAAAAAAAAdI/ldBaHzb9BNU/IMG_2613_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="440" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SH9rJqg4xaI/AAAAAAAAAdM/K1L1T_oR4pY/s1600-h/IMG_2614%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="334" alt="IMG_2614" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SH9rKYARD1I/AAAAAAAAAdQ/0psGbMScP4o/IMG_2614_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>After dinner, the plan was to head on over to Costa's and dance... but we ate too much and our tummies were too full by the time our dinner ended at 11:30 so we headed back to the hotel instead. I guess we went from High School Girls Gone Wild to High School Girls Gone MILD. But, as it always does, everything worked out and we spent the rest of the night in our PJs in the living room, dishing about boys, high school and jobs. By 2:30, we conked out and checked off another successful day all together.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SH9rLIK0pFI/AAAAAAAAAdU/H55KNsyf6oQ/s1600-h/IMG_2617%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="316" alt="IMG_2617" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SH9rLkIeh3I/AAAAAAAAAdY/XQKJCwWrNDo/IMG_2617_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="420" border="0" /></a><em> Annie winds down with a magazine.</em></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SH9rL_Sn4dI/AAAAAAAAAdc/LMLjS1jSntQ/s1600-h/IMG_2618%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="322" alt="IMG_2618" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SH9rMfstvQI/AAAAAAAAAdg/nsc2FKZOS2I/IMG_2618_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="428" border="0" /></a><em> Christina gets "in touch."</em></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SH9rNEvq88I/AAAAAAAAAdk/NQEUmmNv2y4/s1600-h/IMG_2620%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="326" alt="IMG_2620" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SH9rNTPYIZI/AAAAAAAAAdo/UEXM57JmQsg/IMG_2620_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="434" border="0" /></a><em> Jenna and I veg out on the couch.</em></p> <p>The next morning, we packed up, talked about how awesome our weekend had been and headed out to brunch. But before we left... a picture!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SH9rNoL7rxI/AAAAAAAAAds/4fyBWoQEvX8/s1600-h/IMG_2621%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="333" alt="IMG_2621" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SH9rOeikEFI/AAAAAAAAAdw/9d3CZCkHIyI/IMG_2621_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="443" border="0" /></a><em> Annie gives thumbs up to a fantastic 2 days.</em></p> <p>We got to the main JW property and Jenna found herself enchanted with the tropics birds on the way to the restaurant.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SH9rOzlzVUI/AAAAAAAAAd0/JRuREjjIPMI/s1600-h/IMG_2622%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="326" alt="IMG_2622" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SH9rPCD4ZiI/AAAAAAAAAd4/_T5VxEpArd0/IMG_2622_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="434" border="0" /></a><em> This guy was chatty! He kept saying "waaaaaaater." Thirsty AND chatty!</em></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SH9rQFEwvKI/AAAAAAAAAd8/q5WeJCtvZd8/s1600-h/IMG_2624%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="319" alt="IMG_2624" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SH9rRehUYQI/AAAAAAAAAeA/Vcw6dRiLtiU/IMG_2624_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="424" border="0" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SH9rSd5qIMI/AAAAAAAAAeE/vbM_q0g_9rE/s1600-h/IMG_2626%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="324" alt="IMG_2626" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SH9rSgAKqeI/AAAAAAAAAeI/hBCybc_XAQE/IMG_2626_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="430" border="0" /></a><em> Jenna IS the Bird Whisperer.</em></p> <p>We made it to brunch! We had a pretty table that overlooked one of the lakes. We could see black swans and ducks! A duck even joined us at our feet:</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SH9rTQZQa-I/AAAAAAAAAeM/qUowhtyVghI/s1600-h/IMG_2627%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="327" alt="IMG_2627" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SH9rUdRlzuI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/mSVBbJWC3Jg/IMG_2627_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="435" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>Some of us opted for the big breakfast buffet and others ordered off the lunch menu. I think we were all pretty stuffed!! Here we are after enjoying our meals, realizing we didn't have too many more opportunities for photos!! Panic set in and we got camera-happy again!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SH9rVVhQ7bI/AAAAAAAAAeU/IaAf1AdA--w/s1600-h/IMG_2628%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="323" alt="IMG_2628" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SH9rVmTxqOI/AAAAAAAAAeY/TMhLPOEK_Io/IMG_2628_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="429" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SH9rWNPFjvI/AAAAAAAAAec/QP3KKGitcrM/s1600-h/IMG_2629%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="316" alt="IMG_2629" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SH9rWfmXA4I/AAAAAAAAAeg/mn3I2qoWWMY/IMG_2629_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="420" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SH9rXInr4XI/AAAAAAAAAek/adh7EG01qb8/s1600-h/IMG_2630%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="319" alt="IMG_2630" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SH9rXSjv8iI/AAAAAAAAAeo/dfJVsLBteBM/IMG_2630_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="424" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SH9rX39IICI/AAAAAAAAAes/kie3kbiMBCI/s1600-h/IMG_2632%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="320" alt="IMG_2632" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SH9rYDFhdtI/AAAAAAAAAew/TS2Z6ClITd8/IMG_2632_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="426" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>We got back to our cars, traded lots of hugs, and made big promises about meeting more often for girl getaway weekends. We all drove off and that was that.</p> <p>WRONG.</p> <p>Annie and I decided to check out the killer sale at JCrew on El Paseo one more time. We shopped for about 45 minutes and when we got back into the car at about 2pm to leave for good, we noticed we both had messages from Christina. Poor girl left a bracelet in the hotel room AND on her way back to reclaim it, noticed her car was overheating. Ugh.</p> <p>We met our pal at a Mobil station off the freeway. Good thing she hadn't gotten very far when she turned around to go back to the hotel. And even better that Annie and I were still in Palm Desert! We arrived at the gas station to see the hood of her Jetta up and a swarm of men of all ages helping out our damsel in distress. This is when it pays off to be cute when having car trouble. Tons of nice people helped, but there wasn't much anyone could do after many attempts to cool down the car. So, AAA towed the car to a mechanic place -- the only one open at 3pm on a Sunday! -- and we waited there for a while. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SH9rYtZ8i0I/AAAAAAAAAe0/M2e2YKhjOeg/s1600-h/IMG_2636%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="333" alt="IMG_2636" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SH9rZJEr6oI/AAAAAAAAAe4/SZoxlg2pEhA/IMG_2636_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="443" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>But "a while," I mean 5 hours. At 6pm, the really nice mechanic guys, who stayed an hour and a half after the shop closed and official store hours were over, they determined they couldn't fix it and the problem was more complicated than tweaking a couple parts here and there. We had waited for 3 hours and kept each other semi-sane by thinking about dream cars and warding off a gigantic cockroach that scurried around the floor (ew gross!), but even by the end, we'd lost our minds and just decided that the car would be towed to the dealer the next morning. After flip flopping on decisions about where Christina goes -- back with us or stay overnight, stranded in the hot desert with no car and no for-sure knowledge of when she'd have one again -- Christina chose to drive back with us. </p> <p>First we stopped back at the hotel and were able to get into our room. As we searched for the bracelet, I found my bra that I had apparently left on the floor! I never do that kind of stuff! And then Annie looked up on the TV and there was the bracelet. Yay! The car may be a failure, but at least we had success back in the hotel room. And total bonus that I found something I didn't even realize I'd lost!</p> <p>Finally, our journey back to 80 degree weather began. We made pretty good time -- about 2.5 hours. We were beat!</p> <p>It all worked out okay and Christina has some car woes ahead of her, but Annie and I were just so glad we could be there to help her. But whoa, what a way to end a fantastic weekend!</p> <p>And it WAS a fantastic weekend! We had such a great time and we're SO getting together again in the next few months. This weekend made me realize how lucky I am to have these girls in my life - some back in again, after a long geographic-separation. And while we don't all live in the same town, or even state, we're not THAT far away from each other that we can't have quarterly gatherings! Here's to many more girls weekends! If that were a toast, Annie would definitely hook it up much better. ;)</p> AliGoesBlogWildhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08347308740600481255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835470548471339072.post-14324991604293716542008-07-08T00:03:00.001-07:002008-07-08T00:06:45.298-07:00I hate the Blogger template!<span style="font-family:arial;">I don't understand why the Blogger template messes up my formatting (font, sizing, paragraphs) -- do any of you experience that too?!</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I normally write my Blogs in Microsoft LiveWriter (which is SO cool -- I highly recommend this application for writing blogs; it's the best for formatting and inserting photos) but my personal laptop is DEAD because the power cord went hairy and now my computer is unable to turn on! So, blogs will temporarily be written on my work lap top via the actual Blogger template. Boo to annoying formatting out of my control!</span>AliGoesBlogWildhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08347308740600481255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835470548471339072.post-70219402497018645652008-07-07T23:30:00.001-07:002008-07-08T08:59:25.963-07:00Princeton: Not your average Ivy League dog<span style="font-family:arial;">He may be cute and he may be very loving, but Princeton isn't exactly adjusting to his new home with flying colors. Unfortunately, the little dude is suffering from severe separation anxiety. It breaks my heart that he's so tortured, especially when we've done everything possible that professionals say to do.<br /><br />This is what I've learned about separation anxiety (I copy and pasted this from an informational website and left in tact the parts that apply to our particular situation):<br /><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;"><em>Dogs with separation anxiety exhibit behavior problems when they're left alone. Typically, they'll have a dramatic anxiety response within a short time (20–45 minutes) after their owners leave them. The most common of these behaviors are:<br />*Digging, chewing, and scratching at doors or windows in an attempt to escape and reunite with their owners.<br />*Howling, barking, and crying in an attempt to get their owner to return.<br /><br /></em><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;"><em><strong>Why Do Dogs Suffer from Separation Anxiety?</strong><br />*When a dog accustomed to constant human companionship is left alone for the first time.<br />*Following a long interval, such as a vacation, during which the owner and dog are constantly together.<br />*After a traumatic event (from the dog's point of view), such as a period of time spent at a shelter or boarding kennel.<br /></em><br /><em></em><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;"><em><strong>How Do I Know If My Dog Has Separation Anxiety?<br /></strong>Because there are many reasons for the behaviors associated with separation anxiety, it's essential to correctly diagnose the reason for the behavior before proceeding with treatment. If most, or all, of the following statements are true about your dog, he may have a separation anxiety problem:<br />*The behavior occurs exclusively or primarily when he's left alone.<br />*He follows you from room to room whenever you're home.<br />*He displays effusive, frantic greeting behaviors.<br />*The behavior always occurs when he's left alone, whether for a short or long period of time. </em><br /><em></em><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;"><em><strong>What to Do If Your Dog Has Separation Anxiety<br /></strong>For a minor separation anxiety problem, the following techniques may be helpful by themselves. For more severe problems, these techniques should be used along with the desensitization process described in the next section.<br />*Keep arrivals and departures low-key. For example, when you arrive home, ignore your dog for the first few minutes, then calmly pet him. This may be hard for you to do, but it's important!<br />*Leave your dog with an article of clothing that smells like you—such as an old t-shirt that you've slept in recently.<br />*Establish a "safety cue"—a word or action that you use every time you leave that tells your dog you'll be back. Dogs usually learn to associate certain cues with short absences by their owners. For example, when you take out the garbage, your dog knows you come right back and doesn't become anxious. Therefore, it's helpful to associate a safety cue with your short-duration absences.<br />*Some examples of safety cues are a playing radio, a playing television, or a toy (one that doesn't have dangerous fillings and can't be torn into pieces). Use your safety cue during practice sessions with your dog. Be sure to avoid presenting your dog with the safety cue when you leave for a period of time longer than he can tolerate; if you do, the value of the safety cue will be lost. Leaving a radio on to provide company for your dog isn't particularly useful by itself, but a playing radio may work if you've used it consistently as a safety cue in your practice sessions. If your dog engages in destructive chewing as part of his separation distress, offering him a chewing item as a safety cue is a good idea. Very hard rubber toys that can be stuffed with treats and Nylabone®-like products are good choices.</em><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;"><em><strong>Interim Solutions</strong><br />Because the treatments described above can take a while, and because a dog with separation anxiety can do serious damage to himself and/or your home in the interim, consider these suggestions to help you and your dog cope in the short term:<br />*Consult your veterinarian about the possibility of drug therapy. A good anti-anxiety drug should not sedate your dog, but simply reduce his anxiety while you're gone. Such medication is a temporary measure and should be used in conjunction with behavior modification techniques.<br /></em><br /><em></em><br />Interesting stuff, but also very sad. It's exactly what Princeton is going through. He has improved SO much in the week he's been with us! He is now a great leash-walker, he's learned to sit on command, he's <knock>potty trained to go outside and we've had no in-house accidents (!!!!!!), he knows his name and we all adore each other. However, we just can't leave the house -- or the room, for that matter -- or he goes into a tizzy and turns into a totally different dog.<br /><br />We aimed the video camera into his crate to see what happened when we left for 5 hours the other day and he was hysterical. It was kind of scary, actually, and I'm concerned more than anything that he might hurt himself. I'm sure anyone who walks by our houses thinks someone's being murdered inside... nope, it's just my damaged dog freaking out over our absence. It's so bad, I can't even go shower upstairs while he's roaming the downstairs area without him howling and wailing about our separation. It makes me sad and I don't know what else to do! We've done everything like put toys and chews into his crate to distract him and keep him happy, but the weirdo doesn't even LIKE toys or chews. I spent over $50 on treats and toys today at PETsMART and when I brought them home, he sniffed them for a second and then looked up at me like I was crazy. He's just not interested. Therefore, filling his crate with these so-called happy things don't do anything to help his S.A. Thanks goodness for the store's return policy!!<br /><br />Leaving the TV on for him didn't seem to make a difference and we are very diligent about not making a fuss over our departures and arrivals so that he realizes it's totally okay to be alone. We even put a framed photo of us in front of his crate so he could look at us while we are gone. I know that's a stretch, but we're reachin' here!! Anything! We'll do anything! We just want our little boy to be HAPPY and HEALTHY.<br /><br />We visited the vet on Saturday and he prescribed Princeton with antidepressants that should kick in in about two to three weeks. The medication is in the Prozac family so it's an appetite supressant... which means the skinny dog who already ate like a bird hasn't touched his doggy food in days. Even spiking it with chicken soup and cheese hasn't whet his appetite at all. Yes, it's true; I have a special-needs dog. If Princeton went to school, he would ride the short yellow bus there and back. Oy. I'm at a loss and B and I can only cross our fingers that the meds will do wonders to correct this chemical imbalance in his brain. We feel good knowing that we're doing everything we can as doggy parents, but it's very stressful and I wish he would just be a normal pup ALL the time! We're very committed to him, though, so we're not giving up anytime soon!<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">If any of you have dealt with dogs suffering from separation anxiety and have tips or success stories or even brutal truth, please share.</span><br /></span><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></span>AliGoesBlogWildhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08347308740600481255noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835470548471339072.post-88164644977322375042008-07-02T10:16:00.001-07:002008-07-02T10:32:18.389-07:00Announcing Princeton<p>DOR (Date of Rescue): June 29, 2008</p> <p>10 pounds</p> <p>About 18 inches long</p> <p>The parents are proud and happy, though a little sleepless.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SGu33GEVRII/AAAAAAAAAak/jSbWiq-Fq6c/s1600-h/IMG_2531%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="298" alt="IMG_2531" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SGu33Xtr01I/AAAAAAAAAao/xMd1yCsYocQ/IMG_2531_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="396" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>Yes, that's right, we have a new baby in the house and it's our 8 to 12-month-old bundle of furry joy. We'd been looking for a dog pretty much since the wedding. Well, scratch that, I'VE been looking for a dog pretty much since my first dog passed away 10 years ago, but the time was never right; my parents didn't want a new one, I went off to college, I moved into my friend's house where she already had a dog and then I moved into my fiancee's house and he hates dogs. Hated dogs.</p> <p>B knew how much a little doggie in my life would warm my heart but vowed never to assist in the parenting. He never grew up with a dog and didn't understand why they are wonderful additions to an already-happy life. This had been a point of contention for us during our courtship and engagement time and I finally realized, reluctantly, that he could never be a changed man and if I ever had a dog, it would be mine and not ours. That made me sad, but a girl's gotta chase her dreams like a dog chases his tail.</p> <p>Fast forward to the wedding day. It came time for our Best of Honor to deliver the bride and groom gifts to the bride and groom. When the best man brought me a black velvet necklace box that appeared to have housed the pearl necklace I so wanted to wear on the wedding day, I was in for a bigger surprise. </p> <p>The best man handed me the box.</p> <p>And I quickly opened it expecting to put on the pearls my dress was screaming to be friends with.</p> <p><img alt="" src="http://www.eight20photography.net/pickpic/scripts/previewing/imageCreate.php?&imageid=33296&color=-1&border=-1&crop=0,0,1,1ℑ=alison_bryan/getting_ready/friedman_wedding1264.jpg&cache=local" /></p> <p>But instead, strewn along the inside of the box, was a silver choke chain that would complement a motorcycle bride much better than a country club bride. Was I supposed to WEAR this?! On the silver chain was a silver bone. Seriously? A BONE? My almost-husband thinks I'm a dog? Oh wait, the bone has an engraving... "Our First Puppy"  What? We don't HAVE a puppy, smarty!</p> <p><img alt="" src="http://www.eight20photography.net/pickpic/scripts/previewing/imageCreate.php?&imageid=33488&color=-1&border=-1&crop=0,0,1,1ℑ=alison_bryan/getting_ready/friedman_wedding1265.jpg&cache=local" /></p> <p>Oh, but look! The lid of the box says something! There's a note!</p> <p><img alt="" src="http://www.eight20photography.net/pickpic/scripts/previewing/imageCreate.php?&imageid=33517&color=-1&border=-1&crop=0,0,1,1ℑ=alison_bryan/getting_ready/friedman_wedding1267.jpg&cache=local" /></p> <p>It says: Alison, my love. Will you get a dog with me? I'm ready when you are.</p> <p><img alt="" src="http://www.eight20photography.net/pickpic/scripts/previewing/imageCreate.php?&imageid=33385&color=-1&border=-1&crop=0,0,1,1ℑ=alison_bryan/getting_ready/friedman_wedding1268.jpg&cache=local" /></p> <p>The waterworks started! I cried like a baby. My almost-husband, the love of my life, the stubborn, stubborn man who convinced himself he'd never be a pet owner, the handsome loving man who thought I was crazy for adoring 4-legged fur balls, MY almost-husband had changed. He thought deep down inside of himself and did some soul searching to realize that we could create a very special home together with a dog's company.</p> <p>I melted.</p> <p><img alt="" src="http://www.eight20photography.net/pickpic/scripts/previewing/imageCreate.php?&imageid=33330&color=-1&border=-1&crop=0,0,1,1ℑ=alison_bryan/getting_ready/friedman_wedding1269.jpg&cache=local" /></p> <p>During our honeymoon, we frolicked along the beaches of Hawaii, brainstorming names for our pooch. No, we hadn't gotten him yet, but we wanted to fantasize about all the joy he'd bring. We decided we would definitely rescue a dog (no pet stores or breeders for us!) and it would not shed or drool, so that ruled out really big dogs. A small, lap dog that just wants to walk and be held would be perfect for us. </p> <p>We started the search when we got back to the mainland and found a lot of promising pups online, but the websites hadn't been updated so they'd already been adopted - GREAT! (no really, that makes me so happy for them!!!) We found Beethoven online who was 7 weeks old a a terrier-lhasapoo mix. We met him and he was absolutely adorable. I could have taken him home that very night. We both enjoyed him so much but we had an appointment with another dog named Kiko who was 7 or 8 months old. We decided to meet Kiko first and then decide. Plus, we weren't totally confident about raising something so fresh like Beethoven.</p> <p>We met the foster mom in Cerritos since she was coming from Anaheim and we were coming from Venice. Kiko was shy at first but he was really cute and seemed to have a nice personality. We spent three hours with him and basically grilled the foster mom about all the details of his temperament and lifestyle. I could see that B was bonding with him and seemed to be more excited about Kiko than he was when he met Beethoven. We ultimately decided that raising a 7-week old would not be as easy as raising an 8-month old so I took out the checkbook and Kiko nervously trotted to our car, unsure about what his new life would be. </p> <p>Here's our first family photo:</p> <p><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/bryanfriedman/SGj0ehrXSaI/AAAAAAAADnM/5JPBgD3hQMY/IMG_0285.JPG?imgmax=512" /> </p> <p>According to the rescue organization, Kiko was picked up by the animal shelter and was there for a while until the rescue organization saved him. He was in foster care for about 3 months until the day we met him.</p> <p>We renamed Kiko after the lead puppet character from one of our favorite musicals, Avenue Q!</p> <p><img height="375" src="http://www.broadway.com/site_images/536270.jpg" width="239" /> </p> <p>Princeton learned his name very quickly and has been responding quite well to it!</p> <p>We gave him a bath when we got home and while he didn't really love it, he didn't fight me and he just kind of let me do it. He smelled so much better after!</p> <p><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/bryanfriedman/SGj0gJXmqOI/AAAAAAAADnQ/KVpJpQzhRVY/IMG_0287.JPG?imgmax=512" /> </p> <p>Princeton is very sweet and really enjoys following us around the house and playing with us. He's kind of a mama's boy and follows my every move, which is cute, but I want him to be able to be independently happy since I won't be here 24/7 with him. </p> <p>He rides well in the car but doesn't walk so great. He loves to sniff every blade of grass and is very curious about every element on the sidewalk. The terrier in him is so obvious on our walks. Apparently, his foster mom didn't walk him much so he's not used to being on a leash. Thankfully, I've gotten into watching the genius, Cesar Millan on the Dog Whisperer and I'm trying to train him that I'm the pack leader and he needs to not walk ahead of me. It's tough, but sometimes he does a good job and nothing makes me happier than praising him for being a good boy!</p> <p>Only problem is that Princeton isn't eating and that worries me a little, but the vet said that it's normal for a dog in a new environment to ignore his food. I wonder how long we should wait until it becomes a serious issue. Not to mention, it limits our opportunities to praise him for going potty outside (he's done it 3 times and I'm surprised none of you readers could hear the potty party we threw on the spot!) since obviously he's not producing, um, the "goods" for which to go potty since he's not eating. Anyway, that's our current challenge. That, and the fact that he keeps waking up at 6:30 a.m. and I immediately and groggily take him out for fear of him peeing and pooping in the house. Of course, he doesn't actually GO on the way-too-early in the morning walk so ... that's that. </p> <p>Life with Princeton is fun. B and I enjoy parenting him despite the challenges and hope that he grows into a good and mature doggie.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SGu333Zy1kI/AAAAAAAAAas/jW7ixrx__ho/s1600-h/IMG_2522%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="404" alt="IMG_2522" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SGu35HhhUhI/AAAAAAAAAaw/g1Xh-TiU7VA/IMG_2522_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="381" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SGu35U0ZxXI/AAAAAAAAAa0/FIP4JqCcqpo/s1600-h/IMG_2526%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="293" alt="IMG_2526" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SGu354BM-YI/AAAAAAAAAa4/1nfEZ1kw8MQ/IMG_2526_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="389" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SGu36fThXRI/AAAAAAAAAa8/FbRfqan-fho/s1600-h/IMG_2528%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="522" alt="IMG_2528" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SGu36pstfxI/AAAAAAAAAbA/Mfuv7_tD440/IMG_2528_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="392" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>Oh, and p.s., my knight-in-shining armor almost-husband came through and also gifted me the pearls! After the dog excitement, the best man handed me another identical box and said quite casually in his witty way "oh, and you may want this, too." I opened the box and sure enough, glistening in their glory, a stunning 16'' strand of perfect pearls.</p> <p><img alt="" src="http://www.eight20photography.net/pickpic/scripts/previewing/imageCreate.php?&imageid=33468&color=-1&border=-1&crop=0,0,1,1ℑ=alison_bryan/getting_ready/friedman_wedding1275.jpg&cache=local" /></p> <p><img alt="" src="http://www.eight20photography.net/pickpic/templates/default/assets/spacer.gif" /></p> <p><img alt="" src="http://www.eight20photography.net/pickpic/scripts/previewing/imageCreate.php?&imageid=33371&color=-1&border=-1&crop=0,0,1,1ℑ=alison_bryan/getting_ready/friedman_wedding1286.jpg&cache=local" /></p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="" src="http://www.eight20photography.net/pickpic/templates/default/assets/spacer.gif" /></p> <p>I love all the men in my life: Princeton, B - my now-husband, and even our best man because he obviously carries valuable and memorable items with him. :)</p> AliGoesBlogWildhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08347308740600481255noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835470548471339072.post-19543086485196488502008-06-30T01:36:00.001-07:002008-06-30T01:36:55.263-07:00Me Fat...<p>...So we got Wii Fit!</p> <p> </p> <p>I have to say, I was a Wii Fit doubter. Then B hooked it up and I played guinea pig and realized it's fun!! It certainly beats just sitting on the couch and doing NOTHING. I'm not banking on either of us going to Muscle Man contests after some time with this thing, but it's movement that we normally don't get that we could use. And it's fun!</p> <p> </p> <p>We can do yoga!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SGibE9esPrI/AAAAAAAAAZc/_htf5_lpJD8/s1600-h/IMG_2514%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="501" alt="IMG_2514" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SGibFKr4jHI/AAAAAAAAAZg/Xd_Wq4I89pk/IMG_2514_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="377" border="0" /> <img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="509" alt="IMG_2502" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SGibFgIbpuI/AAAAAAAAAZk/9jumChOkuDE/IMG_2502_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="383" border="0" /></a><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="294" alt="IMG_2478" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SGibGAuqH4I/AAAAAAAAAZo/A1ai1LJtGno/IMG_2478_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" border="0" /> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SGibGhEIcxI/AAAAAAAAAZs/3pgAcRM2Q94/s1600-h/IMG_2477%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="298" alt="IMG_2477" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SGibGznTHzI/AAAAAAAAAZw/wn5_j0-0NUg/IMG_2477_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="396" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>We can do strength exercises!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SGibHR5T2pI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/nTv6T2OEQ-k/s1600-h/IMG_2485%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="542" alt="IMG_2485" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SGibHxJzo8I/AAAAAAAAAZ4/rR75jIYm3gw/IMG_2485_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="408" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>We can play balance games (like "head butting" soccer balls from all sides) !!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SGibIP2RXrI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/Wz925teVWJ0/s1600-h/IMG_2496%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="497" alt="IMG_2496" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SGibIqSI1pI/AAAAAAAAAaA/E2S7he9ItGs/IMG_2496_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="374" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SGibJOe4tsI/AAAAAAAAAaE/frpxOfwxpEA/s1600-h/IMG_2498%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="290" alt="IMG_2498" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SGibJcm0jgI/AAAAAAAAAaI/wegplRoZf8Y/IMG_2498_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="385" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>I think Wii Fit will really help a lot of otherwise sedentary Americans get active and moving. It doesn't feel like dreaded exercise but I did find it to be a workout! After about 20 minutes of Wii Fit, I felt a little winded and I definitely broke a sweat. The more games I do, the more advanced levels I unlock. And best of all, if I skip a few days, it scolds me and tracks my stats (weight and BMI) so I know that it's working and I don't want to get nagged even by a game console, so I'd prefer to just work out and see progress. </p> <p>Maybe this is the trick to keeping off newlywed weight! </p> AliGoesBlogWildhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08347308740600481255noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835470548471339072.post-19502570044259141362008-06-27T23:05:00.001-07:002008-06-27T23:05:41.757-07:00We WOOD do it again, too!<p>B and I made our very first big purchase as husband and wife: we ripped out the carpet and put in wood floors. Well, kind of. </p> <p>The same beige carpet had been in B's condo since he moved in but before I came in and womanized the place, B and his old roommate didn't exactly take THE best care of the carpet that covered the whole downstairs (except for the entryway, powder room and kitchen) and it was pretty unappealing by the time I moved in. For the past year, I've done everything I could to diminish the eyesore that the carpet was in some areas. Rugs covered stains that wouldn't come out. Furniture stylized the otherwise monocolored room. Still, though, the place screamed 1980s. </p> <p>I'd wanted to rip it out and put in flooring for a while and was constantly told "after the wedding, dear. After the wedding." Well, guess what, the wedding is over and I wanted that damn carpet OUT!</p> <p>So last Friday, workers came to install our new laminate flooring and at the end of the day, our downstairs got such a nice facelift. And, rumor has it, the sound of little (fur)baby feet pitter-pattering on the floor will be music to my ears. </p> <p>We're both super happy with the result and I think you'd agree it makes such a difference! Yay for new flooring to make a home less homely and more homey!</p> <p>BEFORE: </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SGXUlNuMhsI/AAAAAAAAAYQ/WggjlpeT36o/s1600-h/IMG_2471%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="319" alt="IMG_2471" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SGXUlgFs--I/AAAAAAAAAYU/qc9Ad9FAZH4/IMG_2471_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="424" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SGXUmDJGpdI/AAAAAAAAAYY/vB2IJiGdfw4/s1600-h/IMG_2472%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="324" alt="IMG_2472" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SGXUmXW3PMI/AAAAAAAAAYc/H_DRv2J-uko/IMG_2472_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="431" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SGXUm88frkI/AAAAAAAAAYg/Ug4zu6j_XNA/s1600-h/IMG_2473%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="326" alt="IMG_2473" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SGXUohb-1RI/AAAAAAAAAYk/nB-XSAc-7pc/IMG_2473_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="434" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SGXUo98LToI/AAAAAAAAAYo/w_CyYVu2pHE/s1600-h/IMG_2475%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="508" alt="IMG_2475" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SGXUpcVo3cI/AAAAAAAAAYs/quMo10ZhVY8/IMG_2475_thumb%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="383" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>AFTER: </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SGXUpmqrPuI/AAAAAAAAAYw/PUIOAPg7c68/s1600-h/IMG_2516%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="515" alt="IMG_2516" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SGXUqJTrEMI/AAAAAAAAAY0/_opxNknWfow/IMG_2516_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="387" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SGXUqu1kFxI/AAAAAAAAAY4/_ZUOPzxx3RY/s1600-h/IMG_2517%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="303" alt="IMG_2517" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SGXUqzTKI8I/AAAAAAAAAY8/0Bfkj62QsN8/IMG_2517_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="403" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SGXUrWRh9mI/AAAAAAAAAZA/0F2N2HbK9pY/s1600-h/IMG_2518%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="307" alt="IMG_2518" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SGXUrnPBmSI/AAAAAAAAAZE/HPu8y9HoglQ/IMG_2518_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="408" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SGXUsBXsXCI/AAAAAAAAAZI/ZarhSDadVHA/s1600-h/IMG_2519%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="498" alt="IMG_2519" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SGXUsZZxQcI/AAAAAAAAAZM/eaNqwOhXnRE/IMG_2519_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="374" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SGXUs6ZAaUI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/J2CsQp7NjtY/s1600-h/IMG_2520%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="285" alt="IMG_2520" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SGXUtfkpkpI/AAAAAAAAAZY/P91Gc7DhJKU/IMG_2520_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="379" border="0" /></a></p> AliGoesBlogWildhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08347308740600481255noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835470548471339072.post-21772597466275269862008-06-27T11:39:00.001-07:002008-06-27T11:41:41.026-07:00A&B-Fest<p>So, one of the 2 videos that was shown at the rehearsal dinner was a slideshow that my mom and BFF Nivek put together. From what I understand, the surprise presentation was a labor of love. My mom tore my computer apart searching for photos and Kevin arranged the photos to the music. Some of the pics land on specific lyrics perfectly -- it's very clever! Everyone enjoyed it and B and I were touched.</p> <p>We finally got it online, but because it's such a gigantic file, we had to take the quality way down. Oh well, it gets the point across even if we A&B-Fest is more like a Pixel-Fest.</p> <p>Now you can see it too!</p> <div class="wlWriterSmartContent" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:9bb65874-b815-40b5-8f5c-9cfe8539cace" style="padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-top: 0px"><div><embed style="width:400px; height:326px;" id="VideoPlayback" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?docId=-6542313649244588237&hl=en" flashvars=""> </embed></div></div> AliGoesBlogWildhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08347308740600481255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835470548471339072.post-52407789321693236012008-06-20T13:21:00.001-07:002008-06-20T13:21:45.125-07:00Rehearsing for the Big Show<p>Earlier in the day, before dinner at Cisco's, the whole "cast" gathered for rehearsal where the big event would have its "opening night," and, consequently, its "closing night" the next day. </p> <p>We all met with Bridget, the "director" who assembled us into our "places." She lined up the "supporting players" and told them when to do their routine (walk) and how to hold their prop (bouquet). </p> <p>There was a serious discussion between the producers, the leading man and the director about what to happen if the theater ghost (fucking RAIN) made an appearance on opening night. The team worked out a plan that entailed moving the cocktail hour inside so that if the ceremony needed to be moved, it would be one less problem. As the leading lady, I was so nervous to even KNOW about this discussion and possibility. I prayed to theater gods for good weather, begging them to please let the show take place outside on the terrace steps. </p> <p>It was difficult to carry on with the rehearsal and the rest of the day knowing that there could be a possibility of an indoor show, but with the help of my cast and director, I managed to smile and let loose. Kinda. </p> <p>All in all, the rehearsal was fun and it gave us a chance to work out any kinks, ask questions and have a good feel for what the big show would feel like. </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SFwRK9xtFGI/AAAAAAAAAXA/Ic36fd6ZPLA/s1600-h/IMG_1765%5B4%5D.jpg">The show's associate producer and the leading lady's mother<img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="304" alt="IMG_1765" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SFwRLTMLyQI/AAAAAAAAAXE/H3VD_PaKzJM/IMG_1765_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SFwRLx8GlbI/AAAAAAAAAXI/wtAXybESH-M/s1600-h/IMG_1766%5B3%5D.jpg">The cast, lined up and ready to go.<img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="313" alt="IMG_1766" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SFwRNq_nj1I/AAAAAAAAAXM/y444_JVZzVc/IMG_1766_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="416" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SFwROTHyRlI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/HPo5CCgWuyo/s1600-h/IMG_1770%5B3%5D.jpg">The leading lady hopes she doesn't mess up her routine or forget her places.<img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="313" alt="IMG_1770" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SFwRO0_CUxI/AAAAAAAAAXU/Z5xrcVqN2Ek/IMG_1770_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="416" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SFwRPamvBYI/AAAAAAAAAXY/E_4YsHZZzvE/s1600-h/IMG_1772%5B3%5D.jpg">Director Bridget counts out 5, 6, 7, 8 while the leading lady and her parents/associate producers take her to her 2nd mark. <img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="313" alt="IMG_1772" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SFwRQEVErNI/AAAAAAAAAXc/QhRGRHP0lYU/IMG_1772_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="416" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SFwRQhJeKFI/AAAAAAAAAXg/MRSwQ43ku1g/s1600-h/IMG_1774%5B5%5D.jpg">Associate producer "dad" makes smart-ass remarks to keep himself from crying and associate producer "mom" fights back tears already. This is method acting at its finest.<img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="321" alt="IMG_1774" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SFwRRBtX8nI/AAAAAAAAAXk/sVsWDtQRp9A/IMG_1774_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="427" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SFwRRs7YOwI/AAAAAAAAAXo/vd4g29-5J9k/s1600-h/IMG_1780%5B4%5D.jpg">The leading lady giggles offstage as she stands next to her co-star who dutifully pays attention. <img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="330" alt="IMG_1780" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SFwRSaWHd1I/AAAAAAAAAXs/vry0yWOyYcQ/IMG_1780_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="439" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>After the rehearsal, the female cast enjoyed some pampering! After some manicures and pedicures, we were ready for opening night the next day!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SFwRS9we8OI/AAAAAAAAAXw/hU8EMg7JLDE/s1600-h/IMG_1782%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="339" alt="IMG_1782" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SFwRTGoNPHI/AAAAAAAAAX0/QIWmAM81eqg/IMG_1782_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="451" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SFwRTvGaOkI/AAAAAAAAAX4/AVIZ5qytGs4/s1600-h/IMG_1784%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="335" alt="IMG_1784" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SFwRT2tBHlI/AAAAAAAAAX8/_7bz-xH7wU0/IMG_1784_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="445" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SFwRUWnNI-I/AAAAAAAAAYA/Dk8GyGGKiVw/s1600-h/IMG_1783%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="332" alt="IMG_1783" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SFwRVB-K9PI/AAAAAAAAAYE/Lw4EQthB6r0/IMG_1783_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="441" border="0" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SFwRVqa2HMI/AAAAAAAAAYI/5OGDAFmLkog/s1600-h/IMG_1788%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="337" alt="IMG_1788" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SFwRWA0whmI/AAAAAAAAAYM/g1VmSTq0xeU/IMG_1788_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="448" border="0" /></a></p> AliGoesBlogWildhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08347308740600481255noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835470548471339072.post-10689346500445102882008-06-16T00:12:00.001-07:002008-06-16T00:12:48.722-07:00Mawwaige<p>"Mawwaige. Mawwaige is what bwings us togetwer today. <br />Mawwaige, that bwessed awangment, that dweam within a dweam."</p> <p><img height="262" src="http://www.urbandigs.com/princess-bride-2.jpg" width="273" /> </p> <p> </p> <p>No, I didn't marry Wesley, but it wouldn't be inconthievable to say that I am more in love today than I've ever been. And that's because I married B!</p> <p>On May 25, we finally got hitched and it was truly the happiest day of my life. </p> <p>But let me back up. There was a lot that happened before.</p> <p>First, our amazing friends Jordana and Chris produced, edited, and created magic for our last minute "casting package"-type video that we played at our rehearsal dinner for about 45 of our family and friends. </p> <p>Here it is!</p> <p></p> <div class="wlWriterSmartContent" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:dfb2f31a-81d9-4644-8755-f9d886c4d548" style="padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-top: 0px"><div><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/QKkAJL7bN7k&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/QKkAJL7bN7k&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object></div></div> <p></p> <p>It was a hit! So was the whole rehearsal dinner! Our parents created - along with the help of BFF Nivek - this fantastic slideshow that categorized all of the photos B and I have taken over the years together. We learned that we do a lot of eating, a lot of theater, a lot of traveling and a lot of things with family and friends. It was super cool and I think that all of our guests enjoyed the self-promoting entertainment. </p> <p>It was just so nice to have all of our out-of-town guests and bridal party in one place to party and kick off the wedding weekend. </p> <p>When we arrived at Cisco's and I started to see all of our people gathering together, the wedding finally started to feel so real and I got this rush of excitement and energy that I hadn't felt before. I'd been so consumed with details, that I never really took the time to think about US; to think about WHY all of these people chose to spend their weekends in Ventura County. And I melted. It was the start of many happy tears to come.</p> <p>Not to mention, we all looked pretty hot!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SFYSJuDyMpI/AAAAAAAAAVo/VWz2-bEUvAM/s1600-h/IMG_17923.jpg">The groom with his bride!<img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="419" alt="IMG_1792" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SFYSKMSe4pI/AAAAAAAAAVs/B6ysyTtbtws/IMG_1792_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="315" border="0" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SFYSKmatacI/AAAAAAAAAVw/Hrzn-ooJJ14/s1600-h/IMG_17933.jpg">With Annie, the best maid of honor/makeup artist/friend ev-er.<img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="239" alt="IMG_1793" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SFYSK4U9L-I/AAAAAAAAAV0/A2EBvbl81s0/IMG_1793_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="317" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SFYSLWsbRBI/AAAAAAAAAV4/rJ7YUdkssm4/s1600-h/IMG_18033.jpg">Brian, the best Best Man ev-er!<img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="246" alt="IMG_1803" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SFYSMFF14FI/AAAAAAAAAV8/etQHwUaA8Uo/IMG_1803_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="326" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SFYSMZJ-EwI/AAAAAAAAAWA/CclrxlYCZ4g/s1600-h/IMG_18193.jpg">My fabulous 17-year-old cousin Rachel sang one of my favorite songs, "Overjoyed" by Stevie Wonder - it was beautiful!<img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="428" alt="IMG_1819" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SFYSMmPrcdI/AAAAAAAAAWE/mJns19V8AGs/IMG_1819_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="322" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SFYSQ6RzSkI/AAAAAAAAAWI/viHmLsINmWE/s1600-h/IMG_18223.jpg">And Alison, my new sister-in-law sang "L-O-V-E" accompanied by her and Bryan's dad on the guitar! Sounded cool!!<img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="276" alt="IMG_1822" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SFYSV_5xU1I/AAAAAAAAAWM/skMZHtj-c14/IMG_1822_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="367" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SFYSWdI331I/AAAAAAAAAWQ/epqagWX3Gaw/s1600-h/IMG_18253.jpg">My bridesmaids are totally cute with their personalized bags and overall good looks. We had so much fun all weekend!!<img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="288" alt="IMG_1825" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SFYSZHZcqRI/AAAAAAAAAWU/1dApBwYfQjk/IMG_1825_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="383" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SFYSZl6mcKI/AAAAAAAAAWY/fVD4DexItq8/s1600-h/IMG_18425.jpg">B had a pretty good lookin' bunch of guys, too. We loved how well everyone got along!<img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="288" alt="IMG_1842" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SFYSbBv_TCI/AAAAAAAAAWc/Mdo2f3I5OVQ/IMG_1842_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="383" border="0" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SFYSbhQ_gtI/AAAAAAAAAWg/_SDfIWAgvRo/s1600-h/IMG_1837%5B3%5D.jpg">The Bride and Groom with their almost-in-laws!<img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="288" alt="IMG_1837" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/AlisonSiegel/SFYSbwM6xjI/AAAAAAAAAWk/Hj-nkkn46hE/IMG_1837_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="383" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>The music, the pictures, the videos, the yummy food: our rehearsal dinner couldn't have been more perfect! The only thing that could possibly go wrong the rest of the weekend would be rain... and since we moved the rehearsal dinner inside from the patio at the last minute, we were hoping that that would be our only change for the whole weekend, and fortunately it was. We left Cisco's around 10 p.m. right after B and I said our goodnights and kissed for the last time as single people in love. Eeeeeeeeeek!</p> <p>More recap to come...</p> AliGoesBlogWildhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08347308740600481255noreply@blogger.com2