Sometimes You Take a Little Break...

Or a really long one... here goes my 2nd shot at successfully keeping up with a blog - however, this time its going to take on a little twist. You see a lot has changed since the spring and we are on the verge (next week) of moving to Portland and this blog is going to serve as a way to keep in touch with all of our Cali loved ones. So here goes...

Quickie update: we had a baby, Logan. We are moving to Portland (August) and life as we know it will never be the same.

They Call It Nesting...

I happen to call it, being sick on my couch for 2 months and noticing all the things in my house that were wrong. So we have begun operation home projects 2010. It will probably be our last major remodel for a while, so we didn't skimp on knocking off all the items on our list. Number 1 and perhaps my favorite is the master bath re-do.... its being completed as I speak, but here are some during pictures.

Now, before you judge - this is my shower with the amazing new travertine and glass tile. Believe me, with grout and all the lighting installed, this baby is my dream shower. Hopefully, we will be wrapping it up shortly. Next on the list, whole house flooring? I'm going to have to convince the hubby of this one - but I don't think I can stare at my carpet for one more day!

A reasonable absence

So, we each get a mulligan. A do-over. Well, excuse my nearly month and a half absence, I do have a reasonable excuse. It comes in the form of a growing gaggle of cells that has taken over my existence and my body. This has come in the form of much needed extra food, the occurrence of nightly sour stomach and more blood tests that any of these vampire shows can possibly compete with. That's right, the Matthies are multiplying. Whew... weird to say it out loud. I have no doubt that this little one will fit right in with our loud life, however, I am trying to enjoy any and all of the last quiet moments of my life.

Sugar+Bliss

Two of my favorite things, together in one place. My lovely college suite mate and friend alike has started her own business. If you live anywhere in Arizona, I'm sure you have tried them or are on your way to Scottsdale to get your hands on them. I am in LA and still waiting to get my first bite. However, I can say with confidence that they are wonderful. I am dying for a Red Velvet Cakelette. So head on over to SugarBliss Bakehouse and order up some sweets just in time for Valentine's Day!

Farm Forward

Came across this information from watching an Ellen rerun and just had to share. If you are like me and eat meat but are concerned about your sources, mainly the farms that produce your meat, you must check out this website and this book:

Farm Forward

http://www.farmforward.com/

Eating Animals: By Jonathan Safran Foer

This is something that once you learn about it, you simply cannot ignore. Its a major discussion about the treatment of the animals that are at these "farms" as well as what they are ingesting that is passed on to us. Its not just about the humane treatment of animals, but the environmental effects of the mass production of animals. We need to know what we are putting into our bodies, this is two birds with one stone people! I am personally making the commitment to purchase from those farms that promote free range and humane treatment, Whole Foods is a great source to start!

Most recently, California passed Proposition 2 : The Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act, a major victory in this battle of educating the public and demanding better quality of life. How many people were horrified by the video the HSUS released showing the abuse of cattle using the back hoe - it seems that people are finally being given access the reality of our current situation. We cannot trust that our food is delivered to us from a friendly farmer in overalls. So do your best to support those farms are trying to do it right!

And there it is...

Off the Grid for a while, I have been enjoying or rather participating in some much needed work training and now I feel a better sense of direction in my new career path. I have been reminded of the value of removing oneself from the "comfort zone." Only when we try something new can we meet the people that come along with it, and I have been incredibly lucky in that aspect. I enjoy expanding my circle and I really enjoy getting to know people you feel like you were always meant to be friends with. Nothing can take the place of your oldest and dearest friend, but sometimes, you never know when your newest friend might be just what you need.

For This Body

I really didn't get to write my thankful post last weekend, partly because I was too busy stuffing my face and watching New Moon and partly because I really wanted to think it over. Like so many, my family is at the top of my list, followed closely by my health and of course, my fur babies. However, I wanted to write on the topic of having gratitude for my body. Kind of strange, but I was watching Oprah (not a common thing) during her "I have gained all the weight back" episode and she said something that stuck. She said, I am grateful for this body, the one that has carried me to this place. The one that didn't give out or give up, but has delivered when I really needed it. Being in a place of insecurity can often bring about realizations in us that we typically take for granted. So I wanted to take this time to reflect on how I got here and why I am so lucky that I get the opportunity to count my blessings.

So I will say thank you to my body for surviving jet lag on multiple occasions, for sleeping on sleepless nights, for being able to still dance until 2am, for making space in my brain when I think I cannot possibly learn one more thing, for not totally killing me when I rock an outfit with 4 inch heels, for never overreacting to a double shot of caffeine, for craving sweets all the time so I am forced to eat them, for always being cold enough to cuddle, for being just short enough that I don't have to buy tall jeans, for being coordinated enough to learn how to play sports, for never getting the flu despite my blatant opposition to the flu shot, and for always reminding me to slow down just when I need it. My body is the only one I will ever have, so it is my intention to be grateful and despite my daily abuse, it still performs for me everyday.

So body, this weekend, I'm going to get you a massage.

Thanksgiving Day