What are your New Years Resolutions?
Here are mine:
1. To do Cardio at least 4 times a week.
2. Only drink non-fat cappuccino's (possibly even decaf)
3. Be more efficient
4. Work harder at my job
5. Do more school work
6. Spend more time with my family
7. Go though all of the closets in our apartment and organize/give stuff away
8. Learn more knitting techniques
9. Save more money/pay off all my debt
Those are just some of them. I have a post it on my computer that reminds me of all of them, every day.
I would also like to try and take a few trips over this next year. I would like for Adam and I to go out to Oregon and visit my Grandpa Walt and Grandma Totch.
And my little sister is going to be getting married this next year as well! So that will be super exciting.
Adam and I will have our 2 YEAR ANNIVERSARY on April 10th! Super exciting! Two wonderful years together. So hopefully we can plan something small, but still super fun and different.
As of right now, Adam and I have a thrilling night planned for New Years. I am going to make a wonderful dinner and we are going to watch a movie. :) No stress, no commotion, just doing what we love, and spending time together.
Have a wonderful New Years everyone, and be safe out there!
Monday, December 28, 2009
Friday, December 25, 2009
Phil & Lena's Christmas Party
Phil, the CIO at Permilia; and his wife, Lena had an amazing Christmas Party this year.
Their home was decorated so beautifully. They had huge glass ornaments hanging from all over the ceiling. It only added to how beautiful their home already is. They had it catered, and had a full bar. It was a great party. Plus, they made homemade jam! The best jam ever!
Their home was decorated so beautifully. They had huge glass ornaments hanging from all over the ceiling. It only added to how beautiful their home already is. They had it catered, and had a full bar. It was a great party. Plus, they made homemade jam! The best jam ever!
Adam & I on their balcony.
Kevin, Safa, Eva and myself.
Lena & Phil - wonderful hosts.
Lana, Lena & Tom
Megan & Nicky
Permilia Christmas Party
At my work (Permilia), I arranged to have our Christmas party at Ruth's Chris Steak House in the La Cumbre Mall. They were all so nice, especially on such short notice.
the night before, I baked 130 cookies!!! Four different kinds, one of each for everyone. I ended up with 30 of these cute little baggies filled with cookies!!!
We had an assortment of different appetizers that we ordered, everything from shoe string fries, to prime sirloin sliders (mini hamburgers). It was awesome. Everyone had a fantastic time.
the night before, I baked 130 cookies!!! Four different kinds, one of each for everyone. I ended up with 30 of these cute little baggies filled with cookies!!!
This is Tom & Silvia. Silvia is our biggest client, and Tom felt the need to give her all of the left over cookie bags!
We had an assortment of different appetizers that we ordered, everything from shoe string fries, to prime sirloin sliders (mini hamburgers). It was awesome. Everyone had a fantastic time.
This is my wonderful boss, Rick. Truly the best boss ever! :)
Adam and I at the party.
Me & Tom - with more cookie bags!
All the girls! (Silvia, Lana, Eva, Stacey and Myself!)
Merry Christmas Everyone!
Merry Christmas! I hope that everyone has a wonderful holiday.
I have a TON of postings to do, I will do them this weekend, and post pictures from our holiday festivities!
I have a TON of postings to do, I will do them this weekend, and post pictures from our holiday festivities!
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Mini weekend in San Francisco!
My very good girlfriend, Agota and I took a mini weekend vacation to San Francisco, to see Anastassia. When the three of us get together, we have the best time!
We went up the weekend before the accident actually, but I am just posting this now.
On our way to the Winemakers dinner at the Graveyard Vineyard. We got so lost, it was so dark, and we ended up driving through some random vineyard. Literally - surrounded by grape vines!
At the Winemakers dinner. The BEST dinner ever! And it even had lamb in it! (I'm not a big lamb fan) It was just so delicious, and we had great company at the table. We also got to try the new Dessert Port that is new this year, its a chocolate port. It honestly tastes like there is a piece of dark chocolate in the port!
(Anastassia, Me, & Agota)
We went up the weekend before the accident actually, but I am just posting this now.
On our way to the Winemakers dinner at the Graveyard Vineyard. We got so lost, it was so dark, and we ended up driving through some random vineyard. Literally - surrounded by grape vines!
New Car!!!
So I wanted to update everyone on whats going on with the car and the accident.
We found out that the man who hit the back of my car ended up not having car insurance. With my car insurance policy, I am covered for uninsured motorists up to $3500 for property damage and 15K for medical damage.
So the car ended up being a total loss, there was over 8K in damage to my little red Honda. I had reverse whiplash, so I had to get some treatment from my girlfriend Jackie who does massage and acupuncture.
I ended up getting $3500 for the car loss, $750 for all of my medical expenses, and $1400 for the salvaged car.
We were lucky enough to have found a car right away. One of Adam's co-workers just moved to London, today and needed to sell everything.
So..... We bought a 2006 Nissan Xterra!!! I love my new car so much, its so much fun to drive around in!
We found out that the man who hit the back of my car ended up not having car insurance. With my car insurance policy, I am covered for uninsured motorists up to $3500 for property damage and 15K for medical damage.
So the car ended up being a total loss, there was over 8K in damage to my little red Honda. I had reverse whiplash, so I had to get some treatment from my girlfriend Jackie who does massage and acupuncture.
I ended up getting $3500 for the car loss, $750 for all of my medical expenses, and $1400 for the salvaged car.
We were lucky enough to have found a car right away. One of Adam's co-workers just moved to London, today and needed to sell everything.
So..... We bought a 2006 Nissan Xterra!!! I love my new car so much, its so much fun to drive around in!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
NEW BLOG!!!
Hey guys,
We have a new blog: Cooking In SB
Check it out, and make sure to follow it to get some awesome recipes!!!!
Talk to you all soon!!!
We have a new blog: Cooking In SB
Check it out, and make sure to follow it to get some awesome recipes!!!!
Talk to you all soon!!!
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Car Accident
I was in a car accident Monday morning. I'm okay, sore but overall, I am okay.
I was driving to work on the 101, going south, when traffic started to build. I had to come to a complete stop on the freeway, and when I looked in my rear view mirror, I saw a black Pathfinder coming straight towards me. I eventually found out that he was going 60 mph, while my car was at a complete stop.
Next thing I feel the car get smashed, and I bumb the car in front of me. First thing I do, is make sure my car is still running, and drive the car to the left side of the freeway (we were in the fast lane). I grab my purse from the floor of the passenger side of the car and I get out of the car. I check the truck, to see that it isn't a trunk any more. Its completely smashed in. I check for my laptop, which was in the trunk, it was fine!!! My gym bag, nothing valuable in there. And my sub, was totally fine.
Next I start to go through all the necessary things. I get my registration, insurance card and drivers license out. I call AAA to get my car towed, and I call Adam. By that time Firetrucks had arrived, and an ambulance. Then a CHP officer showed up.
At first I had no neck pain at all, I felt totally fine. Then once the CHP officer showed up, I couldn't move my neck. I talked to the paramedic and they went through the list of possible symtoms if it were a serious injury. Thankfully it wasn't, so I didn't need to ride in the ambulance.
We were instructed by the CHP officer to drive our cars off the freeway; we were right in front of the Turnpike Exit. So I got back in my car, with the bumber dragging on the road, and once the Firemen had stopped traffic, we drove off the freeway. The CHP officer than had to get everyone's information.
I waited for him to get the information from two people in front of me, while I called my Insurance company, reported a claim and called the auto repair shop that my Insurance company uses.
AAA showed up and started to get my car ready to be towed. The CHP officer finally came to me to get my statement. I was the car that took all of the impact from the crash.
At this point, I was hurting. My neck had become so stiff that I couldn't move it. He was trying to hurry so that Adam could take me to the emergency room, to get it checked out.
The Car was now gone, and Adam and I were on our way to Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital. They immediately put a neck brace on me, the paramedics told them I was coming.
I saw the doctor, and he told me that it was mainly muscle tightening. And that I just needed to do stretching when I got home and for the next two weeks. He also said that the next couple of days would be the worst. He gave me some pain medication to help. But for the most part, I was just sore and had a few bruises.
Adam than took me to get coffee, and an early lunch. He took me home, and I rested the rest of the day.
Adam has been AMAZING. Helping me get up, because it hurts so bad lifting my head, and if I need a glass of water, he gets it for me. I am truly grateful for him.
I went to work today, but ended up staying only a half day. I had to take some pain meds because it was hurting too much. Adam picked me up, and took me to Kahuna Grill for some burgers. We brought them home and watched one of our favorite shows, Lie To Me. Then I worked for a bit, and took a nap.
I haven't gotten the estimate back on my car yet, but I know its going to be a ton of work. I also still have to get the police report. I never found out if the guy who actually hit me had valid insurance.
So I will keep you all updated with the status of my cute little red car, as well as my health. But all-in-all, I was very lucky. Very, very lucky.
I was driving to work on the 101, going south, when traffic started to build. I had to come to a complete stop on the freeway, and when I looked in my rear view mirror, I saw a black Pathfinder coming straight towards me. I eventually found out that he was going 60 mph, while my car was at a complete stop.
Next thing I feel the car get smashed, and I bumb the car in front of me. First thing I do, is make sure my car is still running, and drive the car to the left side of the freeway (we were in the fast lane). I grab my purse from the floor of the passenger side of the car and I get out of the car. I check the truck, to see that it isn't a trunk any more. Its completely smashed in. I check for my laptop, which was in the trunk, it was fine!!! My gym bag, nothing valuable in there. And my sub, was totally fine.
Next I start to go through all the necessary things. I get my registration, insurance card and drivers license out. I call AAA to get my car towed, and I call Adam. By that time Firetrucks had arrived, and an ambulance. Then a CHP officer showed up.
At first I had no neck pain at all, I felt totally fine. Then once the CHP officer showed up, I couldn't move my neck. I talked to the paramedic and they went through the list of possible symtoms if it were a serious injury. Thankfully it wasn't, so I didn't need to ride in the ambulance.
We were instructed by the CHP officer to drive our cars off the freeway; we were right in front of the Turnpike Exit. So I got back in my car, with the bumber dragging on the road, and once the Firemen had stopped traffic, we drove off the freeway. The CHP officer than had to get everyone's information.
I waited for him to get the information from two people in front of me, while I called my Insurance company, reported a claim and called the auto repair shop that my Insurance company uses.
AAA showed up and started to get my car ready to be towed. The CHP officer finally came to me to get my statement. I was the car that took all of the impact from the crash.
At this point, I was hurting. My neck had become so stiff that I couldn't move it. He was trying to hurry so that Adam could take me to the emergency room, to get it checked out.
The Car was now gone, and Adam and I were on our way to Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital. They immediately put a neck brace on me, the paramedics told them I was coming.
I saw the doctor, and he told me that it was mainly muscle tightening. And that I just needed to do stretching when I got home and for the next two weeks. He also said that the next couple of days would be the worst. He gave me some pain medication to help. But for the most part, I was just sore and had a few bruises.
Adam than took me to get coffee, and an early lunch. He took me home, and I rested the rest of the day.
Adam has been AMAZING. Helping me get up, because it hurts so bad lifting my head, and if I need a glass of water, he gets it for me. I am truly grateful for him.
I went to work today, but ended up staying only a half day. I had to take some pain meds because it was hurting too much. Adam picked me up, and took me to Kahuna Grill for some burgers. We brought them home and watched one of our favorite shows, Lie To Me. Then I worked for a bit, and took a nap.
I haven't gotten the estimate back on my car yet, but I know its going to be a ton of work. I also still have to get the police report. I never found out if the guy who actually hit me had valid insurance.
So I will keep you all updated with the status of my cute little red car, as well as my health. But all-in-all, I was very lucky. Very, very lucky.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Friday Harbor Book!
Adam and I had this book made of all of our pictures from Friday Harbor. We ordered an extra copy and hand it sent to Adam's Grandmother, Katherine.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Family DVD's
So I took on this huge task of scanning in hundreds of photos from my childhood and before my time, in order to capture the love in my family for my grandparents. I wanted to make a DVD with pictures on it of their children and all of the grand kids. That way, they can watch it over and over again. Pictures from all of our childhood to recent photos.
It all started when my Grandpa Walt wanted pictures of Santa Barbara High, La Cumbre Junior and Harding Elementary. After that, I just went nuts!!!
I still have about 100 photos at my house to scan, then the large task of scanning everything at my moms. My goal is to have everything in a original and digital copy, just because the originals are getting pretty old.
My wonderful Grandpa Walt and his kitty :)
Grandpa Walt with me and Steffy on the Pier in Santa Barbara.
It all started when my Grandpa Walt wanted pictures of Santa Barbara High, La Cumbre Junior and Harding Elementary. After that, I just went nuts!!!
I still have about 100 photos at my house to scan, then the large task of scanning everything at my moms. My goal is to have everything in a original and digital copy, just because the originals are getting pretty old.
Courtney, Steffy, Jenny, Me and Keven
Me and Steffy
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Pictures from our Vacation!!!
Here are a few of the favorites from our recent vacation up to Friday Harbor, Washington.
Enjoy!
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Unite for the Cure! SMA Benefit
Hey Guys-
My dear friend Stacey, is a sponsor of a local fundraiser benefiting "Unite for the CURE". A friend of hers, 14 month old child Micah has SMA (Spinal Muscular Atrophy) and we are raising money for a Walk, which is taking place Sept. 20th @ 5pm in Ojai. I have linked information for your review as well as included a brief summary below. There is no cure for this disease and many people don’t know much about it.
It would be awesome if you could participate in the walk (only $10 registration fee), sponsor a walker ($10), attend the Post BBQ/Concert ($5) or just help spread the word! Any and all involvement is much appreciated. If you would like, take a look at Micah's blog… he and many others are amazing children that deserve all the support they can get… take a look at Gwendolyn's blog too!! She's a beautiful 22 month old with SMA, located in Santa Barbara. Thanks for your support. I would go, but Adam and I are going to be on our vacation. I made sure and donated more than enough to make up for my absence.
Micah's Blog
Gwendolyn's Blog
Join us in a Benefit walk for Micah Marshall! Micah is 14 months old and living with SMA. SMA is the #1 genetic killer of young children. It is a motor neuron disease that eventually impacts every muscle in the body hindering the ability to walk, sit, stand, eat, and swallow. Most do not make it past the age of two years old. But there is Hope for a cure! Please register to walk, collect sponsors ($), and come Sunday Sept 20th 2009 at 5pm. A Benefit Dinner and concert will be held after at 6:30pm!
The walk will start and end at 11642 N Ventura Ave (Ojai Valley Baptist Church) and the dinner and concert will be held there as well! If any cannot walk but would like to attend the dinner please let us know and bring at least a $5 donation! PLEASE HELP US FIGHT FOR THE CURE!
PLEASE MARCH FOR MICAH! All money raised will be benefiting Unite For The Cure. For more info visit
SMA-Background Info
Sponsorship Form
For more information, please contact Stacey at stacey@permilia.com
Thank you.
My dear friend Stacey, is a sponsor of a local fundraiser benefiting "Unite for the CURE". A friend of hers, 14 month old child Micah has SMA (Spinal Muscular Atrophy) and we are raising money for a Walk, which is taking place Sept. 20th @ 5pm in Ojai. I have linked information for your review as well as included a brief summary below. There is no cure for this disease and many people don’t know much about it.
It would be awesome if you could participate in the walk (only $10 registration fee), sponsor a walker ($10), attend the Post BBQ/Concert ($5) or just help spread the word! Any and all involvement is much appreciated. If you would like, take a look at Micah's blog… he and many others are amazing children that deserve all the support they can get… take a look at Gwendolyn's blog too!! She's a beautiful 22 month old with SMA, located in Santa Barbara. Thanks for your support. I would go, but Adam and I are going to be on our vacation. I made sure and donated more than enough to make up for my absence.
Micah's Blog
Gwendolyn's Blog
Join us in a Benefit walk for Micah Marshall! Micah is 14 months old and living with SMA. SMA is the #1 genetic killer of young children. It is a motor neuron disease that eventually impacts every muscle in the body hindering the ability to walk, sit, stand, eat, and swallow. Most do not make it past the age of two years old. But there is Hope for a cure! Please register to walk, collect sponsors ($), and come Sunday Sept 20th 2009 at 5pm. A Benefit Dinner and concert will be held after at 6:30pm!
The walk will start and end at 11642 N Ventura Ave (Ojai Valley Baptist Church) and the dinner and concert will be held there as well! If any cannot walk but would like to attend the dinner please let us know and bring at least a $5 donation! PLEASE HELP US FIGHT FOR THE CURE!
PLEASE MARCH FOR MICAH! All money raised will be benefiting Unite For The Cure. For more info visit
Unite For the CureEvent Info
SMA-Background Info
Sponsorship Form
For more information, please contact Stacey at stacey@permilia.com
Thank you.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Bouchon Santa Barbara
I took Adam to Bouchon for his birthday dinner in Santa Barbara. Bouchon is one of our favorite restaurants. We usually go here for special occasions.
Although the overwhelming heat of that night made out dinner a bit uncomfortable, the food was delicious. Santa Barbara has been going on a complete heat wave and we totally felt it at dinner. Most buildings in Santa Barbara don't have air conditioning. It hasn't really been necessary in the past. But this past week or so, it has been unreal.
The dinner was so amazingly good. Adam had a Kobe steak, and I had chicken. We also had foie gras (duck liver). Foie gras is one of our favorite specialty dishes. For desert we had a blueberry upside down tart with lemon zest ice cream. It was very good.
Pictures from the Birthday Cooking Class!
Adam's Birthday was great!!! Here are some pictures from that night. Chef JP and Billi Jo even made chocolate moose for Adam!
My mom and step dad even came to celebrate with us!
It was great!
My mom and step dad even came to celebrate with us!
It was great!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Adam's Birthday Cooking Class!!!
So this Friday is Adam's birthday.
For the Birthday celebrations, we are starting it with our cooking class, Cooking & Cocktails. This week it is an END OF SUMMER MEDITERRANEAN PARTY. I am so looking forward to it! I absolutely love these cooking classes. First of all, they aren't really cooking classes :) The amazing Chef Jean Paul LuVanVi cooks and gives you his tips on cooking specific dishes. I found out about these classes from his fiance, Billi Jo. Billi Jo and I went to high school together, here in Santa Barbara.
We have learned so many different types of food and dishes. Adam and I have tried to spread the word to our friends and family. We have really gotten Adam's coworker hooked :)
One of my favorite nights was when we did sushi. We had some of the most AMAZING food!
Its all about word of mouth with this cooking class. I totally recommend this class to everyone. Adam and I have officially made this our 'date night.' If you are interested, let me know :)
For the Birthday celebrations, we are starting it with our cooking class, Cooking & Cocktails. This week it is an END OF SUMMER MEDITERRANEAN PARTY. I am so looking forward to it! I absolutely love these cooking classes. First of all, they aren't really cooking classes :) The amazing Chef Jean Paul LuVanVi cooks and gives you his tips on cooking specific dishes. I found out about these classes from his fiance, Billi Jo. Billi Jo and I went to high school together, here in Santa Barbara.
We have learned so many different types of food and dishes. Adam and I have tried to spread the word to our friends and family. We have really gotten Adam's coworker hooked :)
One of my favorite nights was when we did sushi. We had some of the most AMAZING food!
Its all about word of mouth with this cooking class. I totally recommend this class to everyone. Adam and I have officially made this our 'date night.' If you are interested, let me know :)
New diet, new workout schedule, new goals!
So my amazing personal trainer/friend: Elizabeth is putting me to the ultimate test. She has put me on a new diet and a new routine. I have given her my full commitment. I am working out in the mornings, and seeing her in the evenings for the total kick in the butt! She will be instructing me for the next 2 months.
I am extremely excited to start seeing the results. I am already feeling my muscles change. I will keep you all posted on my progress.
I am extremely excited to start seeing the results. I am already feeling my muscles change. I will keep you all posted on my progress.
17 days till vacation!!!
Only 17 days until our wonderful vacation! I am really looking forward to having some very much deserved free time with no schedule!!!!
Adam and I will be leaving from Santa Barbara Airport around 6:30 AM, so that we will be in Friday Harbor for dinner with Grandma Katherine.
I couldn't be happier to have some time off!
Adam and I will be leaving from Santa Barbara Airport around 6:30 AM, so that we will be in Friday Harbor for dinner with Grandma Katherine.
I couldn't be happier to have some time off!
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Visiting Family
My mom, step dad and I drove up to Sunnyvale to visit with my grandparents, aunt and uncles. It was so good to see my Uncle Don, who I haven't seen in a few years. Aunt Nancy and Uncle Gai were also there, always fun to hang with them.
I worked mostly on their computers, and fixing their phones. I also got mostly everyone set up with Skype so that we can have video chats together.
I was also able to talk to my uncles and aunt, more about my surprise for my grandparents. Its all coming together! It should be completed in the next couple of weeks. And don't worry, I will post it on here too. :)
I worked mostly on their computers, and fixing their phones. I also got mostly everyone set up with Skype so that we can have video chats together.
I was also able to talk to my uncles and aunt, more about my surprise for my grandparents. Its all coming together! It should be completed in the next couple of weeks. And don't worry, I will post it on here too. :)
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Finally a vacation!
I finally booked our tickets to go see Adam's Grandma, Katherine Lane in Washington!!! We are going for 9 Days, September 12 through the 21! I am so excited to go, I haven't had a vacation like this is over 3 years. Adam talks so much about Friday Harbor and how beautiful it is, I can't wait to see it in person!New Car Stereo's!!!
This Sunday Adam is getting his new car stereo installed in his Camero. We have been on the search for car stereo's that can control your iPod without having to mess with our iPod while driving. We found a few that do that, that are really nice. We put one in my car about 2 weeks ago, and Adam was so nice, he got me an amp and a sub!!! Now my music in my car sounds GREAT! Adam liked mine so much, that he decided to upgrade his as well. We got everything we need from Best Buy, and the install is scheduled for tomorrow! He is so excited! No more FM Transmitters!
Lotusland!!!
My mom invited Adam and I to go to Lotusland with her and my grandparents, Joe and Dorothy Ames (her parents). We took a 2 hour tour of the 37 acre property, and we weren’t able to see everything, but it was stunning! We saw some of the most exotic plants on this earth! Even some that are near extinction.Madame Ganna Walska, a well-known Polish opera singer and socialite, purchased the estate in 1941 and spent the next 43 years of her life designing unusual display gardens with exotic plants. More history on Madame HERE.
Here is a map of the gardens, to show you how amazing this place is: MAP of LOTUSLAND.
I took pictures of Lotusland, with my little point and shoot camera, so they are not the best work that I have done. My mom and I are going to go back, on an un-guided tour because she is a member, that way we can go all over and take tons of pictures. My Lotusland album is HERE.I highly recommend anyone who is visiting Santa Barbara to go to Lotusland. Its honestly a once in a lifetime experience. The pictures don’t do it any justice.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Our New Blog!!!
Welcome to our new blog!!! Thanks to the tips from Melody's blog, I was able to get creative with our new blog. I am still learning, but its really fun. I hope you enjoy the posts on this blog.
See you soon!
Adam & Brianna
Adam & Brianna
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