Fun times!

I've got writer's block based on having too much I want to write about and not enough time. I begged and begged Jrex to let me post a pic his parents just sent. I finally got permission, but haven't had time to post it or to write the thoughtful, o so deep and amazing post to go with it!

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We had a great weekend, or at least, I know I did. Friday night Smart Girl and I drove up to Millbrae and then hopped on public transportation to downtown San Francisco. No parking, walk less than a mile? Sure! We found a cute tapas restaurant, then wandered all over North Beach (SF's Little Italy) before deciding that tapas would be splendid. We're both married to workaholics and both want to get out and DO things. It's perfect! We made a list of all the adventures we want to do in the next few months. For some, we'll try to drag our hubbies along, but honestly, I think they both would heave a sigh of relief to know they could veg guilt free in front of the TV for a Saturday afternoon.

She's set us up for the next one. On Thursday I'm working a half day and then we'll head up to Berkeley (the hippie/artsy city) for a “Gourmet Ghetto” tour "led by epicurean concierge Lisa Rogovin". (Just found out this will be postponed, but doesn't it sound fun?!)

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Saturday morning, Jrex set up a vineyard tour and tasting. This was at the place we went horseback riding last summer. It was the most intensive/thorough wine tour ever. The guide completely deromanticized vineyard ownership. It's SO much work. Their wines were ok, not amazing, but it was a free adventure with a cute guy (Jrex, that is; the guide was old and had a big pot-belly). After the vineyard, we wandered downtown Saratoga and went into an "International Deli" which turned out to be Persian. Nothing like lamb shank for lunch, I always say.

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Saturday night we met friends for an evening of Shakespeare in the park. J and O have been part of our faithful dog-sitting posse. They suggested we bring the mutt with us and we, foolhardy "our dog is so mellow" adventurers, we took them up on it. We were late, of course. Muttola isn't huge, but she's no purse dog, and she's got a lovely sweeping tail. Just getting her through the crowd to the blanket our friends left for us gave me hives.

She was ECSTATIC to see J and crawled all over him, licking anything she could get her tongue on. I kept having to grab the end of her tail so she wouldn't whack everyone in the face. When she finally settled down, she sat in front of me and began to watch the stage. Four of the actors got into a fist-fight on stage (part of the play) and she barked really loud, "Break it up!" (Well, it came out like "Whoof" but she was clearly ready to jump up there and bring order on the boards). Lesson learned. No more doggie Shakespeare in the park.

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The past two Sundays, Tall & Graceful and I have biked to the train, then from train to climbing gym. She's just starting as a climber, but she's long, lean and flexible. Years of Yoga are paying off for her. She's already trying climbs that are the same level I'm at. Yikes! She's eager, determined, interested in going outside and learning to lead climb. Whoo Hooo!! I think I've found a climbing partner. (Fingers crossed...) Jrex is still up for taking the top roping class, so we'll see, hopefully I'll have an embarrassment of partners.

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Came in to work today to find out the guy in charge of New Business Development left our company today. He's half the reason for the fire drills we have in the design department, so we all have an 'oh well, good riddance' attitude. However, we've just had two VP's, an account manager and that guy leave in the last two months. Hmm...feels a little like the rats know something we don't. I'm still liking my job though I could see wanting something new in a year or two.

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My sister sent my birthday present (the first season of the BBC Robin Hood on DVD) to work. I never check my mailbox, so that was a nice surprise today. I also had a postcard from one of the remaining VPs:

(this is the guy who grilled me in my job interview, but who has turned out to be great to work for. He also supplied a case load of Oreos to our department, thus earning him the nickname, "The Devil")

"Congrats on your Anniversary here! Your impact and contributions have been significant and much appreciated. Thank you for the hard work and energy. --The Devil"

I emailed him back.

Subject: "Soo...I just checked my mailbox and I have a question"

Email Body: "If I'm getting postcards from the devil, does that mean I sold my soul to the company?"

He just walked by and tossed out, "Didn't you see that soul form in the employee manual?"

I love working with witty people.

Oh yeah, yesterday was a 13 hour day with a few more likely coming soon. Good times.