Chapter Three- A Young Professional in the City

Well, as many of my readers know, ALOT has happened this past year. I've tranformed from a rough job into a job that not only excites me everyday but challenges me too. I've made a handful of amazing friends who guide me through my daily journey. I've dealt with a heartbreak and learned to get on with and without grudges. And finally, I've lived at the beach and in a cute beach town most people in SoCal travel to visit for a weekend of fun.

Unfortunately, chapters end in our lives and we have to move on even if others aren't ready. That's why with the start of 2009 I am beginning chapter 3 of Sarah in California- The Young Professional in the City. What do I hope for in this new chapter to include? Well for starters, hopefully a move..... not to far this time! I'm am hoping to become a resident of the 92101-aka Little Italy in downtown San Diego!! I'm so very excited. My past two weekends have included me checking out different condos with amazing views of the city skyline and the bay. This is the one place I've taken all of my family to when they come to visit. The authenic Italian food and little community is a must see. I have to say I think Mom, Dad, Heather and Lauren loved this little community!

Secondly, I'm looking acquire my professional license for Project Management- everyone say a prayer that I pass! For the past few months i have attempted to study but come Christmas time is when I really have to buckle down and start making progress.

Third, I'm going to start listening to my friends more- especially when they are giving me advice about my love life. They are the ones who see everything when you are blinded by love. So, now it's time for opening new doors, especially if I'm going to be living near oh so many downtown professionals!

Finally, I may try to start working out. No promises but with so many amazing trails to hike around here I should take advantage of that. The working out may just be me snowboarding on the weekends at Big Bear too.

However, I think out of everything in my new upcoming chapter I am most excited about my job with Bedrock and Qualcomm. Everyday I learn something new about the industry, meet a new individual, or am requested to take a project in a new direction. I am so glad I finally found a job that thrills me.

So.... now that all these changes are about to occur just cross your fingers everything goes well and chapter 3 turns out to be positive memories!

Getting Down

Unfortunately no Hill girls were Cheerleaders. Sorry Dad you never got the opportunity to do this.

Santa's Gmail

Haha.. Tis the Season. Be sure to click the picutre and read everything! I love that the Tooth Fairy is commenting on the size of chimmney sizes.

Christmas at the Super-Cube in QC

Last year for my first Christmas in San Diego I was amazed at how many people did not decorate for the holidays. I suppose that has something to do with the temperature being so warm here in San Diego. Well, this year I decided to kick all the Bah humbugs to the street and actually decorate. My house got a poinsettia- (I know going overboard huh) and my office got the rest of the deocoartions. Since I joined the super-cube (the place i sit at work) I have befriended several people from other departments that I most likely never would have gotten to know. So the super cube team decided we wanted to decorate in light of the season. So we all did our part and brought in one or two things to help out. Our super-cube is now wrapped with Christmas lights that everyone talks about. I decided that since we spend so much time here at the office we needed a tree! A real one at that! So, I went to my local nursery, dropped $12 and got a real live foot and half tree!! It's so cute. So I hauled it up the stairs to work and surprised everyone when they got in that morning.

Now, working in an IT Department you have to realize I really am one of few women. Therefore a cute dolled up tree was what I envisioned. Not what the boys envisioned. As everyone arrived the morning they exclaimed about the tree and just started adding in toys from their office. Here is what the decorations consist of: A Star Wars Trooper, 4 rednecks with their beerbottles/ kegs, an Austin Powers doll that says things, 4 regular bulbs, a bull, and a bottle of guinness.... Yes not such a cutsie tree after all! But Charlie, the tree, is right at home! Now if only the semi-perfect man was bundled up underneath it with a nametag for me then it would be the perfect tree!

Key to good shrimp and grits

I finally have figured out the key to making your shrimp and grits phenomenally amazing...... you keep everything the same. However, when you go to sautee your shirmp and veggies add a dry white wine with 2 sticks of butter. Let it all cook down. Then once it's all cooked down add another stick of butter and the key ingredient- half a cup of lemon juice. You will be amazed at the flavors in the entire dish.

High Speed Mini Van Chase

Friday after I left work I was in for a great laugh... how many high speed cop chases involving a mini-van have you seen? This was my first. As the grocery getter pushed the limits of 70 mph on interstate 52 15 cop cars tailed it. Note to all of you who one day plan on being involved in your own high speed car chase- don't do it during rush hour. I mean seriously, you must be an idiot if you think you will get very far during rush hour on a Friday in Cali.

Of course I was fascinated by the chase and helicopters following overhead that the next morning I googled the chase to see what exactly went down.....Apparently it ended shortly after I saw the cop cars. The guy driving the car came to a stand still like I do everyday driving home and decided to run for it. He jumped out of the family mini van and hopped over the guard rail. Now, for all of you who have children this is the most important lesson you teach them- Look both ways before crossing a street. Guy must have never learned to look both ways because as he reach lane 2 of 6 a caddy nailed him. Needless to say, we will call guy Chester the Molester so the car couldn't have hit him hard enough. Unfortunately, he is sitting in a San Diego hospital eating away at my good tax payer dollars. If you care to watch the video go through this link to see the entire story.Caution.. it show's it all.

http://cbs8.com/stories/story.146366.html#
click on watch video

Have I told you how much San Diego Rocks lately?

The most common statement to come out of my mouth lately is how much my life rocks or "geeze life here rocks." So after many of weeks just playing around wtih friends this past weekend really showed me how good I have it. After talking to Heather and listening to how it's getting cold back towards the Southeast I had to boast a little. This weekend not only did I pull the swimsuits back out but I got burnt. It's the middle of Novemeber and I'm playing every weekend like it's June or July. Saturday we took out a friends boat all day and ventured around in the Pacific Ocean. We were headed to the Coronado Islands when all of our phones were sent a text message. Feeling it was a little ironic all of us received messages around the same time we looked at Mexico's newest PR stunt. Msg stated: Welcome to Mexico to call the US dial 011 +7 digit number. Needless to say Sunday consisted of even hotter weather (96)and plenty of time outside.

Pictures to come soon!

The things I've learned on my own....

Last night as I drove home from a friends birthday party I realized I'm quickly approaching my 2 year anniversary away from the South! It's amazing how time flies by. I remember when I first moved I told myself, give it 3 months then decide if you want to stay. Then that timeframe came and I decided, ok make it to 6 months and then decide if you want to go home. Then I decided I wasn't ready to go home yet I wanted to explore a new territory. So I packed all my stuff up and ventured down to San Diego where I never had to give myself a goal and evaluation period on whether or not to go home.

In this year and 11 months I have come to realize more about myself and California in a very general overview. Here are just a few things I've come to realize.

*Nobody will watch out for you except for you- this is so true. Only you can make yourself happy.

*If you don't have goals you will end up sitting on your ass way to much. A goal can be to walk to the end of the street two nights out of a week or the fact to pursue a completely new career path. Whatever it is you are working towards something.

*If you don't have friends you have a lonely life- in the past two months if I didn't have had my friends calling me daily or stopping by checking in on me then I most likely would be looking for an apartment in Memphis right now.

*Most people in San Diego are transients, they come and 2 years later they go. Most people come out here to party and live it up right before they need to join the real life. Therefore, many of the guys are little immature boys- the real men are few and far. The girls are scandalous and prentitious.. Nothing you would want in a friend.

*Apparently I'm "real and good hearted" which is great. But you would be amazed at how many times a week I meet someone and they tell me this. So, always remember where you came from, your values, morals, and how you want someone to view you.

*Enjoy the rain and the soothing afternoons it brings you. It rained the other night and I rain into the street to dance in it. By the time I got outside it had quit.....needless to say we don't get to spend many lazy days in bed listening to the rain and thunder

*Mexicans really do chop people's heads off.....NOT- well clarification- if you are a drug lord or the 5.0. then you have a high likely hood of getting a machete to your neck. If you are a Gringo you don't go to Tijiuana unless you are American military on break. All other American hit up Rosarita or Ensenada.

*San Francisco is an amazing city that everyone needs to visit at least once in their life

*Getting away from the closed minds in the South has been a good change. In Socal there are no colors describing people. If a gay person talks to a straight person, the straight person never freaks out. A variety of individuals interact in all types of crowds. People need to get over their closed mindedness

*The IT field isn't filled with the typical guy you picture working in the IT department. I love telling people I work in an IT department and watching their face

*Californians don't really know what a roadtrip is. In the South we jump in our car an drive to Destin, Fl or go to Atlanta or Bama. Out here if you go 15 miles East of the ocean you are taking a roadtrip.

*San Diego doesn't have it's own characteristic or theme... it embraces multiple cultures.... Russians, Spaniards, Mexicans, Italians, East Coast Yankees( with much love to all my Yankees reading this ;), Brits, and so much more. It's great being part of a melting pot

*You can't be afraid to try something new.... Sunday I was on a date eating Tapas and my date ordered anchovie stuffed olives. Sounds disgusting but it was awesome! Another tapa to try is dates wrapped in bacon--delic!

*Always listen to people when they talk. Since I have moved here I have met more unique characters than I ever could imagine. The first woman marathon winner, bioscientist, engineers developing the next satellites to orbit our earth, tycoons with to much money for their own good, and rockstars who really aren't rockstars!

*Loving big is still worth it. Then you get to see people's true colors. Good, bad, and ugly.

*When you make a mistake, you admit like an adult. If you are to scared to talk about it you grow up and face it. Running from mistakes only frustrates people.

*Good things still happen... so always keep a positive mind. Things happen for a reason, don't ask why, just keep living and having fun.

You can vote however you like

I don't remember my elementary school song classes being like this. Watch the token white kid dance.

A Rockin Weekend

A few months back i was struggling what to get my best friend for her birthday. Two hours before her birthday it finally hit me --- Ray Lamontagne tickets. I have to admit it was a present for myself more so than her. However, it just so happened he was her favorite artist... so I hit jackpot! Well, the concert finally came this past weekend. So we dressed up and headed to Spreckles. Now if any of you have ever been to the Orpheum in Memphis this is exactly the type of theatre Spreckles is. So we hiked up to the nosebleeds and settled in for the greatest show I have ever watched. First Leonna Naess kicked off the evening. I had never heard her before but downloading some of her songs is on my list tonight. Then Ray came on. I have to say he was the most humble artist i have ever heard. He only faced the audience once and finished the show with two encores. There's one popular song most of you might have heard and that's Trouble. When he finally song Trouble I have to say chills went down my spine. All in all, this show was AMAZING. If you have never heard him before I highly suggest you get one of his three CD's (#2 is highly recommended). It's perfect for a dinner party or just a casual background music.

When did I become that old person?

This is a question I have been asking myself several times a week lately. When did I become that old person? The question slowly arised a few months ago when I realized Friday nights in were more fun that going to the bar for a quick glance at the social scence. Or when my neighbors were partying in my courtyard at midnight on a weeknight and I found myself frustrated beyond belief. Or when I no longer found myself as a night owl, yet as a early morning riser.

So now that I have come to this scary realization I find myself looking at my actions even further to see if they indicate.....old. Oh boy they do! Last night I found myself on my phone yelling at my landlord for not shutting down the party in my courtyard at not midnight, not eleven pm, but ten pm. Yes, you read that right, ten pm. I often feel that I am the only person with a "grown up job" in my complex, thus, I need my sleep to function a full 8-10 hours at work. However, my cracktastic neighbor, who is a self proclaimed "made it for real this time" individual likes to O.D, party endless amount of hours, and sleep until her waitressing job kicks in. Must be a rough life thinking you "made it" in the real world being a waitress (note: there is nothing wrong with being a waitress- but don't think you've "made it" in the world. Think of it more as a stepping stone to making it.)

I also noticed I have become old because I can't study anymore. I just have found myself to exhausted at night to even pick up my PMP study materials and crunch down. I suppose that whole "exam" thing really isn't registering in my mind. Instead, an extra long shower and futal attempt to study seems to be my nights here lately.

So, if you are still reading this pointless blog i'm sure your still stuck on paragraph two with the fact I turned someone in for partying...yes, I seem to have left those days behind me and now focus on the "making it" role of life. Shocking how growing up really changes us!

A campaign Ad you probably missed

Stay classy San Diego

.... As Will Ferrill put it ever so perfectly, "Stay Classy San Diego." And with that said, that was last weekend's theme. The night started out with a bang! While living in PB I have noticed that every weekend there are numerous of pub crawls. Which at times can be fun but other times just consists of insanely drunk 20 something year olds dressed up to a theme. Well, during dinner the "dress as an animal" pub crawl came jolting in to Gringos. Ten minutes later I had goat boy standing in front of me on top of my table drinking my beer.... Classy. Next, the girls and guys all decided that we were heading out to the Ivy for a night of fun. The joy of the whole situation it decided to rain Saturday evening. It literally has been a year and half since I last saw rain and the night I finally wanted to go out it rained. So what did we do? We dressed up, hit the town, and didn't let anything stop us from dancing the night away..... well, except for when we were on the roof of the Ivy and the wind and rain dampened our spirits!

A walk down the boardwalk

Yea... this actually happens in PB. Notice where the flag is sticking from!

A blonde moment....or a scam

Earlier this month I took my car into the Nissan dealership only to receive a $800 quote of "must haves". After a quick phone call to someone I know who fixes cars he just laughed and laughed at the stuff I was told to fix...apparently a couple of the items I was told to fix don't even exist. Needless to say we bargained and got the costs down to $200.

Now last Thursday when I left work I noticed "Service Engine Soon" light on. That morning it wasn't on, so immediately I was upset that I needed to take my car back in. So Friday I left work and dad and I walked my car down to a Mom and Pop shop a block away. The guy said he'd plug my car up to some machine and see what was wrong. Not even an hour later I get the diagnosis- your gas cap was left off. Now immediately I did not want to tell my parents what the mechanic told me. How could I leave my gas cap off? Better yet, why did it take that long for the service engine light to come on when I had bought gas 3-4 days earlier? So I walk down to the car shop, still feeling like a complete idiot, only to find out someone syphoned my gas (or that's what they think). Man what a relief.... I'm not a complete idiot!

Girls Weekend

Two weeks ago i prepared myself for two close college friends (+ their other friend) to come visit me for 5 days. Well, Continental airlines decided to cancle their flight from Jackson, MS. After sitting around for hours the girls finally packed things up and went back home and to work the next day, only to delay their trip for a week.

Last Wednesday I prepared myself again. This time they made it. So Wednesday afternoon I picked up Meagan, Mary Margaret, and Nicole. First thing I did was drive them to Coronado only to realize we all were starving and needed to head back to PB. I have to say the trip started off with a bang. We went to dinner and then stopped off at a variety of bars along the way back home. At the second to last stop, we stopped at the Shore Club where we two people in the party fish raced. Yes, fish raced. I have to say- it is much better than the rat races we did in college at Daves. So, while Meagan sat behind her fish blowing bubbles through a straw I noticed a guy walking by with an Ole Miss t-shirt. Of course I immediately shreked and grabbed him. Here a little how the conversation went (and remember I have guy friends and girl friends all looking at me like I'm crazy)
Sarah- You went to Ole Miss? We all went to State
Random- Yea, but I'm from Memphis
Sarah- Me too, actually Collierville
Random- Me too, I lived on Holmes
Sarah- "Shrek" that's right by my house I was in Snowden Farm
Random- OMG your tall Sarah from the middle school bus

Now remember, this is in San Diego- half the country away from Collierville. So i finally realized who I was talking to, Collin who lived next door to the Swanks, Random- but the weekend got more interesting. i met a neighbor who was from Jackson MS... i think MS folks are just flowing in freely these days!

So let's see. The rest of the week/ weekend the girls went to the zoo, balboa park, hillcrest, coronado, pb, and so much more! Friday night they got a glimpse of our downtown life. Even though the Ivy was dead I did realize how many people in the South are still stuck in their old school mindsets. Now before I tell you what happened you need a brief on the club we were at. The Ivy isn't the type of place everyone goes to. You pay a nice hefty price to get in. You stand in lines forever just trying to get in, well we don't since we are pretty and have long legs, and is very latty dah. So with that said, me, the three MS girls, and Natalie all go to the Ivy. By pass the normal line and get escorted to the front of the line and head into the swanky atmosphere. First we headed to the basement to dance. Then we went to the second floor to talk our way up to VIP on the roof overlooking all of downtown. When we got to the second floor one of the MS girls just stopped and looked scared. She requesetd we leave immediately that she didn't like the club anymore. When we asked why, she said because there are Mexicans here.......geeze- she wasn't even blonde. My only response was do you realize where in the country you are... hello less than 10 miles from the border. I'm sure she doesn't get out much in Jackson MS for fear of alot of things. Needless to say we put her in a cab not to long after that remark- and the night rocked on. Please people, get the stereotype mindset over with... I suppose I could just say, well, she was just a typical Ole Miss girl who was just way to far from the South to know what to do (all ole Miss friends reading this please disregard that comment : )

Maintaining a Normal Body Temperature During the Summer Months

Everytime I call home I'm told immediately of the weather and how miserably hot it has gotten down inthe South. So for your own good, I decided to pass this informative information along to all of you good ole Southerners. Here is a lil insight from Dwight Schrute:






"Attention readers: this web log will be doubling as a public service announcement because people are literally DYING out there.

We are in the thick of summer, people. The sun, while a huge ally of the Earth, also serves as one of our biggest enemies. It provides light that we use to see, but it can also scorch your skin into a red blistering mess. There are so many heat-related illnesses that it’s almost impossible to name them all: heatstroke, heat rash, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat edema, heat tetany, heat syncope, heat mumps. The list goes on and on. The sun lurks silently in the sky, waiting to claim its next human victim and it’s up to us to stop it.


In the wintertime, nobody bothers to care about the sun at all. That’s because it’s busy resting. Just like bears, the sun hibernates in the sky during the winter. Sure, it still provides sunshine – but just enough to get us through the day. When the sun wakes up, usually around mid-April, it begins a program of solar destruction that takes so many lives each year that it should be at the top of every Most Wanted list in the world.

I feel that it is my duty to combat the sun’s evil efforts by providing you with this list of helpful sun-fighting tips.

• The sun can only hurt you if you leave your skin exposed. Wearing a neoprene wetsuit will cover up most of your vulnerable skin. You’ll also look like a superhero, so that’s a double bonus.

• Sunscreen is sold by the pro-sun lobby. They want to create a market based on your fear of the sun. While your fear is very real and legitimate, their products are essentially a creamy snake oil. You’re much better off using a solvent made of beet juice reduction and white wine vinegar. It may smell delicious to you, and if you’re ever making salad dressing these are two ingredients you don’t want to leave out, but in reality the combination is like kryptonite to the stupid sun. It sends those dangerous rays right back where they came from and sends a message to that big yolk in the sky. It says “Hey Sun, not on MY watch!” So don’t waste your money on sunscreen, it just gets funneled back to pro-sun activities.

• Wear a floppy hat. They might look goofy, but so will you when your face is the color of my childhood wagon/portable beet showroom.

• Never leave your house without at least a gallon of potable drinking water. Drinking water makes you more resistant to the dangerous intrusion of the sun. The sun’s goal is to actually deprive you of water. If you drink water, you’re replacing the very substance that the sun is trying to steal from you. Plus, our bodies are comprised mainly of water. The sun is made up of zero percent water. So remind me, who invented all of the technology on Earth? Humans or the sun? It was humans. The sun never invented anything. That’s why I’ll not only trust humans over the sun, I’ll do everything I can to set myself apart from the sun. Number one on the list of ways to set yourself apart: drinking water.

• Stay indoors between the hours of 9am and 6pm. This will prevent contact with the sun when it is most vindictive.

I don’t know what the sun has against us. What I do know is that the sun is a killer. People die from sun-related problems every single day during the summer and even though I am only one man, I feel the need to do my part. Don’t let the sun catch you off-guard. Be prepared. One day, we will tame the sun and make it do our bidding. Until then, we must always be vigilant.

In Anti-Solar Solidarity,
Dwight Schrute"

Pointlessness of my nights

I finally just realized that I need to get rid of my Starz and HBO channels. Tonight, I sat down and found another pointless movies to help me fall asleep- Farce of the Penguins. Some parts were hilarious but other parts I just sat there in disbelief wondering why I still had my tv on watching penguins walk around and talk. So, I thought I'd share parts fo the movie with each of you. (note: Rate R- don't let the kids be near when you hit play)





wow.....

Pictures from the weddings

Sorry there aren't more pics from my trip home - I accidentally deleted ALL of them when I got to the Memphis airport. Here are some friends have sent me and what I was able to pull from one of the photographers websites. Enjoy!

Monster Truck Rally with Wine.... oh my!

My 4th of July weekend started off with a bang! First, work closed down Thursday after lunch... So, I was able to go home and clean up my house knowing lots of friends would be over for the weekend. Now that thought right there was a dumb idea. If you know people are coming over to your house and it will soon be engrossed with bottles, trash, clothes, and other random crap all over your place then why should you even have to clean up? So after the spring cleaning spree finished I went out for a stroll around PB since the weather was so great. And finally, it happened.....I finally got a feeling of "home" on Thursday- it was just because I bumped into someone I knew walking down the street! I know, only I would get excited; but that's a big deal once you move- the likelihood of seeing friends while you are out and about unexpected. After chit chatting it up for a few minutes and learning my friend was headed to the beach to surf I let the little line slip, "when are you going to teach me to surf" come rolling out of my mouth. So, Andrew took me to the beach with all attempts to make this the day I learned to surf. Now, once I got to the beach it was a completely different story. I gave every excuse in the book just so I wouldn't have to get in the water and try this out: "I have mascara on and it will run!," "My swimsuit isn't really the surf style swimsuit," "the water is tooooooooo cold and I don't have a wetsuit", and low and behold the one that worked, "last time I did a watersport with a board 18 staples went into my head after part of it was shaved, I DON'T WANT TO." So I did not learn to surf.

In recent years PB has always been known in SoCal as a place to be on holidays, so I hear. Beaches were packed so bad that you apparently never saw sand. You just walked from tent to tent, stuck you cup under a keg and mingled with people you would never see again. That is until this year. Yes, old people finally got their way and passed the no drinking on the beach ban. Thus, started this years 4th of July block parties. Not once did I step onto the beach this 4th of July. Instead, a group of friends just walked from house to house to house to house. Which, in the long run is very safe! But the best part of 4th of July was my roof (who would have thought :) I had a spectacular view of 5 different firework shows.

Saturday I woke up feeling like crap, I'm sure it had a little to do with all the partying the day before but it also had alot more to do with the cold I have been harboring over the past 5 days. However, it did not stop me from going out and spending my weekend in the sun. Saturday was Sailing and Tourist day in my book. Rick rented us a 14ft sailing boat and we went out into the harbor and he attempted to teach me how to sail. After an hour of me not understanding I just sat in the bottom and layed out. Afterwards we hopped in the car and headed out to the lighthouse to catch views of the entire downtown and learn more about San Diego's history. (Note: Visitors, another must to see!)

Sunday: As bad as I felt on Sunday you would have thought I would have stayed home; but how can you stay home when it's the last day of the county fair??? Do you remember all of that greasy fried sugary food fairs have? Well it has gotten WORSE! There now is a hamburger with buns that are Krispy Creme Donughts...disgusting! and no, I did not try that. So, this is where it got really interesting. When you think of Cali what all do you think of? Lots of stuff right? Well their fairs have exactly that!! We went to a cheese and wine tasting, pig races, Monster Truck and Transformers Show, Hypnotist,Salsa band, and so much more. It was very tiresome and it did me and my cold in. Sunday night I hit rock bottom and drug this cold into the work week....uhhhh.

The critics choices are in.... that's my opinion if your wondering

This week I have four opinions to share.
1. ironman- This movie totally is worth seeing. Yes, it does seem kind of PowerRangers at times but all in all I would give it two thumbs up! If you like action movies then you definitely will want to see this one.

2. Sex and the City- Definite two thumbs up. I guess it is time to face the facts- the ladies of STC have grown up. The movie however does not miss a beat on how the tv show depicted their lives at all!

3. Indiana Jones- Two thumbs down. I don't know whether it was my cold that made this movie miserable, which most likely wasn't the case since we watched Ironman first, or the fact Rick fell asleep in it 3 different times. I would say the ending gets better than the beginning but I don't know- we left after the movie kept getting worse and worse.

4. McDonalds Southern Chicken Sandwich- Half a thumb- Come on McDonalds, you will never be Chick Fil A! The sandwich was good but let's face it, the Polynesian Sauce makes the Chick Fil A Sandwich

- yes these are my random thoughts!

Rock n Roll San Diego Marathon and updates

This weekend Rick finally moved back to San Diego. However, two short days later he was back on another airplane leaving town. This week he is off to Vegas- the city that is to much fun and should only be visited once a year!! Before he left however he completed the Rock n Roll Marathon with a time of 4 hrs and 21 minutes. When he crossed I was in the secure zone with some of my old work crew and greeted him earlier than he expected. He didn't seem fazed he had just ran 26.8 miles (the course was longer than 26.2). The only thing he was aggravated about was at mile 20 his radio got wet when he splashed himself and quit working. So then he was forced to listen to the bands on the side of the street.

On a side note, I got a new job. I no longer am doing event or meeting planning. Over the past few years I have really grown to want my nights/ weekends like everyone else. Plus the pay hardly ever let you pay your bills. So I am please to announce I am a project coordinator for a company called Bedrock Technologies here in San Diego. I will be responsible for managing various tasks between two vendors, Qualcomm Communications and Hitachi Data Systems. Watch out weekends and holidays, I'm finally free!!

Fun Times at Mississippi State University

The other day I noticed this video on my good friend Brooke's Facebook page. It reminds me so much of how BIG of dorks we were in college and how often we did stuff like this thinking it was the only fun we could find. Anyhow, it's absolutely pointless but it brought back so many memories from climbing the movie theatre fire escape ladder to the watch the sunset and look over all of Starkville, getting lost in the refuge and showing up late to a date because our Tahoe was stuck in mud up to the middle of the doors (yup we had to climb out of the sunroof), house parties, and the horrible Chinese Food in the Union. Needless to say, I miss all that aimless fun!

If you know Brooke or Cat I know you probably have already seen this and can already picture them sitting outside the CVS/ Walgreens doing this. For those who don't know them, this is my little sister and her roommate, two insane outgoing girls I ran around with during college. They both just finished up their Master Programs at MSU and are headed into the real world this summer. Enjoy!

Unclaimed Baggage

The other morning I was watching the Today Show and became intrigued by the fact airlines are actually able to sell unclaimed baggage now. It makes perfect sense if you think about it. After so many days if the individual does not show up to get their unwanted garments then it becomes the airlines property. In return the airlines have opted to gain more of our money by selling the baggage. (This is about the point I start stomping around saying why didn't I think of that??? ) My question is when and will the airlines every just happen to "pick" certain bags that they have already looked through that have more value than other. Then somehow, that bag just ends up in a back room red tagged to be sold. Thus, leaving you on your trip without even a spare change of clothes.

Anyhow, think of what all you take on your trips- your favorite outfit, jewelry, shoes, etc. Well, now your loss is everyones gain! I still haven't been able to locate the link for the Today Show spot but here is a website that is claiming they actually sell the lost luggage and soon to come they will place it on ebay. So, to all my family and friends in the South, pack your cars and head to Alabama to hit up the treasures of the sky.

Below is a receipt of a recent visitor to the store:


Unclaimed Baggage Center
Scottsboro, Alabama
256.259.1525

Lost treasures from around the world

-Sale-
Salesman # 37 459830 Date 4-21-07

Men's T-Shirts . 4.00

Ladies shorts 2.00

PANASONIC DMC-FZ1 Digital Camera 150.00

GARMIN STREET PILOT I2 GPS 165.00

Schwinn double jogging stroller
(excellent condition) 40.00

Gap ladies yoga jacket 4.00

Ann Taylor slacks (new) 20.00

Ralph Lauren sweater (new) 25.00

Children's Tommy Hilfiger outfits 2 @ $8.00 each
16.00
Subtotal 426.00
9% Tax 38.34

Total 464.34





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Favorite pictures of the week

I haven't posted hardly any pics of my nephew in awhile, but (literally :) ) here are two of my favorites this week!

A day in a surfers life

Today, I am writing you from the beach. How I am picking up a wireless signal I have no idea but hey I am. As I sit amongst the sand and seaweed I have the most awesome view ever- that of the jobless surfers. I guess instead of Tourmaline Beach they should rename this "Jobless Beach." Ever since I opted to "take time for myself" I have found that everyday this beach is swarmed with numerous of surfers who just sit and wait for the perfect wave. Few come and go, while others battle it out. They paddle out to sea and just sit. Some are lucky to catch the ride of their life the first time around and "hang ten" as Natalie would say, others just wait and wait taking a few here and there convinced the perfect waive will come their way soon. No matter how long I sit here, the surfers and I just relax and take in what nature is giving us on the West Coast never worrying about what's next.

It's quit interesting if you have time to just relax and wait to see who will be lucky. In fact, it's alot like life and work. Many of us jump into the ocean head first and take that perfect wave aka job that they ride out the first time around. Others just get smacked around from the crummy waves and never get to tell their story. While finally, you have those individuals who just take a crummy one here and there to learn the pattern and then they endure out the waiting until that perfect set comes in.

So, now I know many of you are thinking, oh great, you have no job and you are on the internet playing. Not entirely. I'm just opting to look and research while watching the surfers- who seem to never work. Each wait and wait for their perfect set to arrive. Likewise, I'm waiting on my perfect set to arrive and ride all of the crummy waves from my past.

DC Part Deux

Well, I headed back to DC this past week for Rick's cousins wedding. On this trip got to meet alot of Rick's extended family as well as friends from college. While I was there it rained the entire time!!! But hey it made my trip. I just opened all the windows in his apartment and relaxed. However, that will be my last trip to DC while he lives there. Here are just a few pics to enjoy.

Washington DC Part One

So, you have one guess as to where I am at the moment I'm writing this blog?? ...... At an airport of course. Currently, I'm stationed on an uncomfortable bench waiting for our third airplane. Yes, that right. My jinx of bad luck with airplanes is still following me around. To help pass by time I will update my blog, which I relentlessly have failed to do in the past months on everything that has taken place in Sarahland.

Four weekends ago I was preparing myself for a relaxing weekend. I had a girls night on the town and spent most of my time picking out outfits for the next weeks travel. This schedule for this week had RnR up in Washington DC with Rick. I was able to pull off the Monday-Friday visit due to a convention I had to attend on Thursday. So, I packed up and headed to the other coast. After I arrived in DC at Rick's apartment I was given a two hour window to nap (I took the redeye in) and then head into the city to visit a few museums with Rick and four of his younger sisters and brother. Let's just say it was quit an experience. First, I never made it to taking a nap because I kept getting phone calls from everyone. Then I was given directions that are "easy" for anyone to figure out. I guess with no sleep and absolutely delirious I was the only person who couldn't figure the directions out- oh not to mention, I still hadn't eaten since lunch on Monday afternoon. So, I head down the street to where I think the Metro is. As I talk to Brooke on the phone and get all the updates on her upcoming wedding and fill her in on my life I realize at some point or another I have completely made a wrong turn. Never fret, I'm not scared to ask for directions. Wrong idea in DC- the people won't leave you alone!

Finally, I make it to the metro buy my ticket and hop on a train. Now the last time I took a Metro/ Train was when I was in NYC my senior year of college. The sad part is Brennan and I thought we were taking the right train but we ended up in Harlem. So with Harlem in the back of my mind I hopped on what I was praying would take me somewhere near to a museum. Thankfully, DC is full of museums so any stop will work!

By the time I get off the Metro I think Rick and his sisters and brother had been waiting on me for thirty minutes. Once I arrive we head to the Air and Space Museum, which I have to say, even 9 years after my last visit to it,it is still intriguing. Then we bounced over to the Natural History Museum. Unfortunately, we did not get to spend very long at this museum.

Wednesday morning came sooner than I would have thought. Today was full of site seeing. Rick, his colleague, and I started our morning by listening to Senator Feinstein of CA speak. It was very interesting being the only Republican in a room full of Democrats. At one point I wanted to stand up and scream you are so wrong!!! But seeing as how I was outnumbered and still tired from the redeye the day before I decided to sip my coffee and shut up. Following her speech we took a tour of the Senate which was led by an intern from CA was wants to go into politics. I must say, if this girl wants to go into politics she has seriously got to change how she speaks. Every other words was "like" "oh mygah" .... I mean seriously my friends friend works out in the same gym as Obama. How cool is that?" This was about the time I wanted to start beating my head against the wall and scream "IDIOT- learn to speak professionally!!"

After the Senate tour Rick and his colleague headed to work and I was off to visit more museums. First I headed to the Contemporary Art Museum. It was not as impressive as I would have thought. Next, I went to another Art Museum right on the Mall which was more than I expected. After that I found a spot on the Mall park bench and took a ten minute breather to take in the sights of everything around me and all the screaming kids who amazingly weren't at school. AFter this I went to my favorite museum of this trip, the Newseum. I highly recommend if you are in DC to take 2-3 hours to go visit this spot. It is a collection of different media outlets. For once in my life I could sit back in a museum and say I actually remembered when these events happened. Even more interesting the pictures and film footage and newspaper articles captured moments in our history that engulf you in the moment. So, I opted to spend most of my time here.

Next day I worked. It sucked. Driving in DC is something I NEVER want to do again. However, Thursday night was great! Rick took me to a fabulous dinner at Ruth Chris in Baltimore where his friend Ivon joined us. If you are in Baltimore I definitely suggest you go here. As always the food was phenomenal but the building and dark wood was incredible inside the restaurant. After stuffing myself silly, which I was glad my dress was baggy and had stretching room, we headed next door to a bar.

Before I knew it Friday had already jumped upon me and it was time to leave. Don't fret my travels and time with Rick were finished. Friday morning we headed off to San Francisco bright and early to meet up with my family for the Mississippi Road Builders Association. Arriving at the same time as my parents, Rick and I hopped in a cab and headed into the city. I was so glad to get back to one of my favorite cities in the country! I absolutely love San Francisco and if I opt to move again this definitely is a spot on the top of my list!!

After dropping off our bags in our rooms Rick, Mom and Dad Hill, and myself headed out for a quick bite to eat and then site seeing. I officially rode my first authentic trolley; no I don't consider the Memphis trolley authentic. We went down to Fishermans Wharf and walked around taking in the different sites of Alcatraz in the distance and all the boats in the boat yard. next stop, on a tour boat that took us underneath the golden gate bridge and around alcatraz for an upclose view. Then the real fun began. We took a side street thinking we would find the trolley at some point or at least a cab. Oh yea, I forgot to mention 3 out of 4 of us did not have comfortable shoes on. So we began our treacherous hike up and down the San Francisco hills. Now prior in the day my mom has pointed out Coit Tower to us and then the boat captain did so as well. So as we began walking past where it was Rick suggested we go up there. After a delayed debate we headed up the straight inclined hill that needed railing to keep us from falling to the Coit Tower. I literally just wanted water and a foot massage after five minutes of our hike.

After the Tower we then proceeded to look for cab but ended up walking the five miles back to the hotel where we didn't stop and take much of a breather- we then headed to dinner. Now, it's just a pitty when you are so tired you can't even enjoy a good dinner. I think our entire table sat at dinner that night trying to hold conversations but instead we just sat there with glazed over eyes.

Saturday came before I even realized it. Rick hopped up that morning and went for a 14 mile run around the city. He said he ran to the baseball stadium around the wharf and all the way over to the golden gate bridge...... I personally would have cabbed it but all in all I bet he got to see the best parts of the city. While he was on his run me and the Hill parents walked down to the Fresh Market. Now if any of you are planning a trip to SF I highly suggest while you are there on Saturday to walk down to the piers next to the financial district and check out the Farmers Market. It is amazing!! Be sure to take you appetite because of all the fresh cheeses, breads, and fruits you will be test trying!

Even though much much much more happened in SF I'm opting to stop here. SF is such an amazing city that I can't wait to visit again soon. Maybe next time I go we will take the train from SF all the way up the coast. But if you beat me there be sure to set aside time to wander through Sausalito...... you won't be disappointed.

More random travel

So right before Rick moved we went up to Big Bear to go snowskiing.....twice. The first time we took to long getting up there so we just ventured around Lake arrowhead because the mountain ski area was closing. The second time, well, after being turned down the mountain for not having snow chains we finally made it to the slopes. Let me just say, snowboarding is painful!!! I think it's safe to say though, everyone had fun, bruises, yelling, and all. It was however, very tiresome! I couldn't even keep my eyes open for the 2 hour drive home.

Other than that not much has been going on in my life. I work, eat, sleep and play. I went up to Santa Monica Last weekend and visited Rachel McDonald. It was so great going out with a good ole Southern girl and laughing about so much. I can't wait until she gets a free moment and can come to San Diego!!

Where to even begin

Well, as you can from my last post I have been gone for awhile. So far back that I don't even know where to begin on the updates? First, let's start with the big 25! This year I opted to stay in town for my 25th birthday. Heather and Lauren both flew in to help out with the celebrations and to meet my friends out here. The weekend started off with me taking off from work for the afternoon and picking up the sisters at the airport. We then proceeded to squeeze all of their luggage into my studio and head to the beach for an afternoon cocktail. And where did I take them? To the rooftop of the firehouse of course! So as we sat there doing the quick updates on everyone they met they got to see their first sunset of the weekend on the roof.

Next, we headed down to Old Town. Now, old town is a part of San Diego that feeds off of tourist and is known for having the best and most authenic mexican food. Instead of getting Mexican food we went for my favorite Sushi bar, Harney Sushi, named after the street it is on. Now just remember, this sushi bar is VERY popular. So we get there and put our names on the list and head next door to a wine bar for a few drinks before our 45 minute table wait. Soon after arriving to the wine bar Rick and Jenny met up with us for dinner. After our 45 minute wait we headed back to Harney Sushi and waited another 2 hours and 15 minutes ---hey it's well worth it! Soon Heather and Lauren got to get a little taste and they both agreed it was great sushi! Even better, in their hazy state they kept laughing at one of the roll's name: Mi So Harney.

Saturday arrived with a few headaches but we hopped on the beach cruisers and the girls really got to see the whole Pacific Beach and Bay area with an afternoon ride. Note to self, don't ride a bike with a broken seat or handle bars that pull out. My bike, that my friend Conrad so graciously allowed us to borrow, had a seat that continuously kept falling off. It was quit humurous!

Off to downtown! Saturday night I opted to have dinner iwth the sisters only. After pumping them up about my favorite restaurant in Little Italy, the moment finally arrived. AFter a bottle of wine, appetizers, and more pasta that could fill you, we sucked in our stomachs and met up with my friends for the bday bash.

Sunday, Lauren was off in the early morning back to Nashville, however, Heather and I got to adventure a little bit more. After a Rick surprised me with a birthday cake and the traditional song, the three of us drove to the bay where we spent our afternoon on Rick's friends boat. Lauren, Denver, Mom, and Dad all got the text messages with HEather and I amonst the ocean- the only thing we stated was, doesn't Mexico look great! Needless to say we got a few phone calls asking why we were in Mexico (that was the one weekend rule was we couldn't go to Tijuana!)

I think it's safe to say Heather and Lauren approved of all of my friends and boyfriend for the birthday weekend- which just so happens to be a first!

A shout out from Vegas

Do you ever associate your life with a certain song? Since November my life theme song has been Willie Nelson's "On the Road Again." Or whoever sings that song. This time I sit here blogging to you from Sin City, Vegas. With President Bush across the street at the Venetian we have been limited to getting our attendees to the airport. Better yet, President Bush has been so kind to help assist the horrible airlines in delaying flights- it's not like they need any additional assistance with that! Thanks Bush, just making my life easier and more stressful!

So, back to life...... Vegas- I think we all remember my first trip to Vegas almost exactly a year ago for my 24 birthday party. If you don't remember then pull up the old archives from a year ago on my blog site (located in the bottom right side of the page.)Anyhow, the trip started out stressful. Let me jump back. Saturday night I played DD for my friends since I knew I would be up early the next day leaving town. After having a stressful evening of drunks downtown I finally made it home and to bed at 3 am. As the alarm rang at 7 am I thought about calling all the sweet friends who refused to the leave the bars at a sensible time and wake them up... but I didn't. And another reminder for all of y'all. If you call me early or late and wake me up, then you get the same treatment back. Do unto others as they do to you- right? : ) Soooooo... I left town aggravated with that issue and others and drove to Vegas.

This week I was in Vegas for our client Acclarent. This time it was for their International Sales Meeting I have been planning. Once again, all of the attendees have been sweethearts. Secondly, I have gained 15 lbs. Seriously!! I think the food in this town is the best reason to come. I have had Italian, Mexican, Sushi, Japanese, Chinese, Carnege Deli (which included the entire pig on my sandwich)lots and lots of sweets, and every other type of food under the face of the planet. Basically I have stuffed my face for an entire week. It now looks like I will be doing the Ramen Noodle diet until my birthday!!!

Speaking of birthday, it's right around the corner. I now am about to be a quarter of a century old!!!! I suppose one of these days I should act like it. Right now I am working off of no sleep. Literally. My intern and I decided to go out for a "few drinks" last night which turned walking in our sleeping room as the front desk was giving us our wake up call. Hey, you live once!! So, as I sit here sitting at our registration desk yelling at rude old men to shut the hell up and sipping on my 8th cup of coffee, I am contemplating this growing up thing. It's time for my butt to settle down.....haha, I believed that for about 10 seconds.

Well, I'm off to reconciling this budget and the meeting from hell we did in Phoenix two weeks ago. Until next time......

More Random Fun

Well, it's half a month into 2008 and I have not sat down but one day since the New Year rolled in. As I sit in the Phoenix airport (the story of my life) I thought I'd update all y'all with the insane life of Baby Hill.

As most of you already know I didn't get to make it back to the home of the blues and visit all my friends for Thanksgiving or Christmas. Thanksgiving was spent with friends in San Diego- in a unique new tradition that many frown upon and Christmas was spent sipping lots of tequila on the beaches of Cozumel. The trip started with a hectic rush to the airport as I sat on the interstate not moving for one hour. Luckily as I came running into the airport I had about 5 minutes to throw my bags on the conveyer belt and sprint through security (thank goodness for small airports!)Then came the fun, sitting in LAX. I am finally convinced that LAX is by far the most miserable airport full of rude people who hate their job. Anywho, that didn't detour my trip one bit. That morning I arrived in Cozumel and luckily got to bypass about 100 people standing in customs since I saw Lauren stick her skinny arm up and the air and motion me to cut in line... hey after being stuck in an airport all night, cutting in line and being yelled at in a language I hardly understand was the least of my concerns.

The trip was phenonmenal!! Jason, Barrie, and Joe showed us all around the island and took us to great restaurants. We rented two little villas on the North Side of the island and walked literally 50 ft to the ocean. Each night consisted of drunk card games and Heather or Lauren getting mad at someone for a smart ass remark.... Note: our family is full of CHEATERS, except me of course!! But all in all it was great. Lauren even taught us a new game of Left, Right, Center, which I am bound and determined to teach everyone next weekend when we go out. Unfortunately, there were no games of spoons. I think we were scared of hurting each other like during the last spoons game of pickwick.

After the fabulous week in Cozumel I headed straight back to San Diego, picked up Ginny from the airport, and prepped to bring in 2008 in style, disco ball style that is. You see, my fabulous fabulous fabulous New Years dress deemed me the nickname "Disco Ball" for the evening. With my gold stilettos and silver sequin dress I headed out with the girls to the Torrey Pines Golf Course for a great night brining in 2008. With 8 different rooms of music, free alcohol all night, and 6000 people- I partied like a rockstar with all my new found friends in San Diego...... Of course there has to be drama and it came the first of the evening when I lost my debit card. I guess there's a first for everything which just had to come right at the first of the year. I think besides that, being sprayed in the face with champagne was the only other bad thing of the night.... I have to say 2008 rocks so far.

Right after NY08 it went back into work mode. With a little Rock Band (play station 3 mom and dad) here and there, I actually have been productive over the past few weeks. I now am sitting in the airport awaiting a delayed flight back home. For the past week we have been at the Wigwam Golf Resort and Spa for a Pharmaceutical National Sales Meeting. After a rocky start, it's safe to say it ended well. WE just heard as we departed we will be able to plan the 2009 NSM, which I'm so excited about!! The group was so fun and friendly, unlike many clients I have worked with in the past. Next on the travel plans- Vegas, birthday, possibly a quick snowboarding trip, South Beach, and DC...... maybe I'll see my apartment here soon.

OMG, I almost forgot the best thing----- Heather is headed out here for the big 25.. Wahoo, she's totally going to fall in love with San Diego.