Extra Super Fantastic

Patriotic? Not in the conventional sense, no. Frequent flyer? You betcha!



However, when I am feeling particularly fond of this land of ours, this is usually part of my soundtrack.

posted by Deborah @ 9:30 PM 0 comments   

I Should Have Guessed It Right Away

Today's blog post is dedicated to my friend Miriam.

And also to people who like songs about states that are actually about those states.

And also to Candian movies with admirable and hard-to-find soundtracks.

posted by Deborah @ 12:46 AM 2 comments   

Do you think you're what they say you are?

The pictures that I took with my LC-A in Palm Springs and Joshua Tree have been developed. I thought I'd share a couple of the good ones. Like this one from the Santa Rosa State Park.



And this one from Joshua Tree.



And this one, also from Joshua Tree.



While I'm sharing, listen to this. And for those of you who've been looking for very witty and expertly written blog by a dad/science geek/all around smart guy (I mean, besides Arthur's blog), check out Science Fiction Twin. I continuously catch myself laughing out loud at times and saying "awwwwww" at others. I don't mean to be all gushy and fawn over this guy's blog, but come now. He posted some sort of blog radio that plays nothing but Stephen Merritt. I may not like the man, but I likes me some Magnetic Fields.

posted by Deborah @ 10:47 PM 0 comments   

Why are beautiful places always guarded by blood-sucking monsters?

I know you're all just dying to know how my birthday went, so I won't cause you anymore agony. On Friday, Dedi and I found a beautiful little trail called Morses Gulch Trail, just north of Stinson Beach. It's not terribly well known, an it was a Friday morning, so we had the whole place to ourselves. The dogs and I were fascinated with the salamanders and lizards, while Dedi was particularly taken aback by the huge and majestic walnut trees growing along the meadow near the trailhead. Once we reached the creek leading up to the waterfall, it was all over for Nanna. Have I mentioned that she's part river otter? Much fetching and splashing ensued.



The one drawback to our little waterfall paradise: ticks. Not something us city dwellin' folk are used to.

Next stop: Stinson Beach, part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Once we reached the water's edge, it was all over for Nanna. Have I mentioned that she's part sea otter? Much fetching and splashing ensued.



Saturday was the day of pretty feet. There's nothing like a peppermint soak, a gingerbread exfoliating scrub, a warm lotion massage, and a moisturizing chocolate wrap to make your feet smile.

posted by Deborah @ 6:43 PM 0 comments   

Happy Birthday To Me

Yes, I know I'm jumping the gun. My actual birthday's not until Saturday. But I just love the festivities and celebratory atmosphere surrounding a birthday! Strike that: surrounding my birthday. We kicked it off yesterday with an all-office lunch at our local sushi bar. I even got to wear the official birthday boa and tiara. Talk about festive!



Tonight, my good ol' college pal Dedi is flying in from Portland to spend the weekend. Tomorrow, I get to indulge in what I think is the absolute best part of The Planning Shop's benefits package: you get your birthday off! Which means Dedi and I get to take the dogs hiking somewhere fun--and since it's a weekday, it won't be too overcrowded with weekenders. Perfect.

But Saturday is the absolute day of decadence: my good friend Miriam will join us for pedicures at this super cute spa down the street from my apartment, then we're off to Alcatraz! We simply must take advantage of this beautiful weather we've been having. Besides, history is neat!

posted by Deborah @ 6:43 PM 0 comments   

And Hit the Road We Did!

Rhonda and I are back from Palm Springs, safe and sound. Everybody is happy to see us: our families and dogs, our coworkers--especially Brian, who's happy to see the HUGE folder full names and addresses of professors who need books!

Where to begin! Well, our booth was beautiful, and it took both of us a lot of caffeine to maintain our ladylike yet effervescent demeanors while talking to the throngs of professors who bombarded us, hungry for information on What Business Should I Start? and The Successful Business Plan. But we managed.



We were able to take a couple of field trips to see the beauty of the desert which surrounded us and enjoy the flora and fauna.



You really can't go wrong with a bush made of cheese. And that wasn't even the weirdest thing! The weirdest thing was that we saw Mickey Rooney--like seventeen times. All over the hotel, just walking around, getting in his limo, hanging out by the concierge...seriously! Mickey Rooney! After a couple of days, everything stared to look like Mickey Rooney. For instance, this rock is simply the spitting image of Mickey Rooney's head.



Of course, some of us might like to block it out forever, but Rhonda established a whole new fan base when she and University of Northern Colorado professor Joe Bell performed their heart-felt karaoke rendition of "Downtown." I have taken it upon myself as my personal task to make sure that this event is never forgotten.



Before our plane left to come home, we took a drive to Joshua Tree National Park. It was pretty neat, and the Joshua trees were certainly plentiful. Rhonda loved the sun and mild temperatures...



...while the desert environment really brought out my inner-rugged-explorer.

posted by Deborah @ 1:19 AM 0 comments   

The Planning Shop Hits the Road

Rhonda and I are off for Palm Springs tomorrow! We're attending the United States Association of Small Business & Entrepreneurship and the Small Business Institute's annual conference. While I enjoy exhibiting our books at these shows, and I love meeting the professors who use our books (not to mention the probable addition of a snow globe to my ever-growing collection), the big news is that this year's conference social event is a karaoke party! For this, I am truly excited. I'll either do Elvis, Neil Diamond or Madonna. Notice that I said "do" this and not "sing." I'm not the best of singers, though I do love to punch out a good power ballad every now and again.

I wonder what Rhonda's going to sing?

posted by Deborah @ 10:15 PM 0 comments   

Today's Sockdollager

In anticipation of MacWorld, my cat Milhouse is coming out of retirement from his long and illustrious career as a male model.



Oh, didn't I mention? He's ready for his close up. Then, he will kill you.

We can thank Scott L. for bringing us this darb website.

posted by Deborah @ 11:13 PM 0 comments   

2005 Back In Action

Happy Birthday to this little critter!



She actually has so much energy that it's nearly impossible to get a still shot of her. But her parents are smart--they got her a bike for her birthday.

Yes, January is the month of birthdays. Think about for a moment: is there anyone YOU know who's having a birthday this month? Maybe a niece, a colleague, a friend or neighbor...I'm pretty sure that the traditional gifts for January birthdays are white gold, mail-order bacon and gift certificates to upscale sushi restaurants. Just in case you were wondering.

posted by Deborah @ 10:39 PM 0 comments