Little Purses

As most of you know, I hate purses. Of all purses, I hate little purses the most. If I carried a purse it would be a large purse that I could keep tons of stuff in. One year ago today, in New Orleans, I took my first photos of little purses:









This last weekend, I was at a party and there was this chick who wouldnt put her little purse down. She carried it over her arm and the purse was basically in her arm pit all night. I was fascinated and wanted to question her about why she couldnt put it down but instead I just took pictures of her so I could blog about it:

Sometimes, Elizabeth is Unhappy

Elizabeth happy (she's so adorable!) and Elizabeth not so happy

It's A Small World

The "It's a Small World" ride at Disneyland closed on January 22nd for a nine month refurbishment. It is scheduled to reopen in late November. In the meantime remember, it's a world of laughter and a world of tears, it's a world of hopes, it's a world of fears....(How great is that?)

it's a world of laughter, a world or tears
its a world of hopes, its a world of fears
theres so much that we share
that its time we're aware
its a small world after all
its a small world after all
its a small world after all
its a small world after all
its a small, small world

There is just one moon and one golden sun
And a smile means friendship to everyone.
Though the mountains divide
And the oceans are wide
It's a small small world
its a small world after all
its a small world after all
its a small world after all
its a small world after all
its a small, small world

Sydney Had a Shower

Today, Sydney had her shower at mom's house. Becca, Rachel and Mom really outdid themselves and it was absolutely awesome. The food was fantastic (as you will see below), Joshua was the best helper and overall everything was simply perfect. Thank you guys so much-I love you!!!! Here are some pictures:

The Key To A Hot Photo

Hold two drinks. Dora decided to copy me and take a look at the results. We're two for two in producing hot pics. Please submit your photo holding two drinks for future publication.

Happy Bday Gill! Oops, I Mean Glenn

Cool things about Glenn:
*Uhhhhhhhh, he likes beer?
















*He works hard













*He is good at game playing











Happy Birthday, dude!!!!! Can't say I forgot this year ;)

FSO Throws a Baby Shower

Thanks to everyone who came, everyone who wanted to but had to cover facilities and everyone who sent their wishes! (Special thanks to Mr Larsen, for organizing the shower) Sydney got some great stuff and a good time was had by all. BTW: We have decided that Mimi's in Glendale is the official baby shower location of the FSO. Here are some pics:

It was V8

Two Great People, Two Great Causes

Please join me in supporting these two great people and their fight for two great causes

Nick Bailey is joining the fight against breast cancer. My cousin was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. We would appreciate your help! Donate Here to support Nick and the Susan G. Komen Race For The Cure

Paul Dietrich is Climbing California for the American Lung Association. This is the premiere "Genentech Climb California" event to help raise money for Lung disease research and education. There are two events, one in San Francisco and one in Los Angeles. Paul will be participating in San Francisco. Donate Here to support Paul and the American Lung Association

Great Visit with Steve and Marcy!

Thanks for coming out and visiting with us! It was great to see you both and Jillian too. She is so big! Pictures from the trip can be found at David's Public Gallery.

When KT Re-Enacts Psycho

What substance does she use?

Arizona Governor Dies In Office

Did you know that two Arizona governors died while in office?

One was Sidney (oh my) Osborn and the other was Wesley Bolin

What Happened 13,522 Days Ago?

Two exciting things happened that day. (1) Apollo 14 was launched (2) Carol Ann and Joel Charles were married. Yes, it's true, my parents have been married for 13,522 days.

13,522 days is a really long time.......I wonder if I were able to divide these days by lets say: How many were happy? How many sad? How many were spent on vacation? How many were spent at kids sporting events? How many days was mom pregnant? (OK, I can guess on that one and I am guessing: 1710 days-oh my).

Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad! Let's celebrate again on May 28, 2008 when you will be married for 13,622 days! (Hey James, 100 days until your birthday!!!!!!)

What? Me Worry?

I worry about a lot of things. As you can see, running out of gas is not one of them.

Happy Valentines Day

BJ's Brewhouse

Today, I had lunch with Rachel (My wonderful sister and also famous for the Rachel Made Me Do This blog) at BJ's. When I sat down and started looking at the menu I told her about my BJ's ordering dilemma.

Everytime I go to BJ's I order the same thing:

Small Pizza, Half Great White (Rich and creamy Alfredo sauce with garlic, fresh Roma tomatoes, Parmesan cheese and grilled chicken breast) and Half Spinach Artichoke (A rich, creamy medley of spinach, artichoke hearts, cream cheese and mozzarella topped with fresh Roma tomatoes, fresh basil and Parmesan cheese.)

Here's the problem. I decided 3-4 trips ago that I really didn't like one half of this pizza and everytime I go to BJ's I can never remember which half I don't like so I end up ordering the half and half again. The last time I had the half and half was the night Elizabeth born (Might I add it was very convenient that Becca had the C-Section because we were able to go out to a lovely dinner right after she was born) anyway, I remember specifically saying at the table I was never going to order *this* half of the pizza again and next time I was going to order a whole of *this* half. It's two bad, again I can't remember which one I didn't like it......or for that matter, which one I love.

Today, I branched out I got something different....Next time I will order the half and half.

Today, There Is No Eggroll

Israel's Asian restaurants protested today by serving no egg rolls. Apparently, the Israeli government plans on doing away with foreign cooks and hiring Israeli’s to cook in Asian restaurants.

Before I go on with my thoughts on this I have to share with you the quote that made me want to blog about this story. The head of the Israeli Ethnic Restaurant Organization made the following statement to the media "Today there is no egg roll and in two weeks time there will be no sushi and noodles." LOL! A lawyer for the Israeli's has countered that the Israeli's can easily make Asian food and issued the following statement "Everyone can make Chinese food it's not impossible to learn"

For some reason, the thought of Chinese food in Israel made me crack up. Here, in America, we have everything, every type of food imaginable is available to us. Why would I think that if I went to Israel I would only have Jewish food options? I guess that’s what I thought.....weird huh? I mean McDonalds is everywhere..... but Sushi in Tel Aviv just seems weird.

IT Freaks and the RIM Outage

When I spoke with David earlier today he immediately started in with his standard "IT Freaks" comment because his Blackberry wasn't working. Of course, he blamed the IT people. People always blame us. I turned to him and said "It's not your IT people, RIM for all of North America is down". He proceeded to tell me that his backup (Outlook Web) had been broken for awhile an the "IT Freaks" hadn't fixed that yet either.....

RIM Outage

The Dangers of Long Cords

This is in response to the Jane Says blog: "Save These Instructions" and the dangers presented by long cords. Dell should learn some tips from T-fal.

Example of Tripping:













Example of Entanglement:

Three Off The Wall, Work Items

(1) A couple of weeks ago I was on an early conference call and somebody (who sounded groggy) and was late offered the following excuse:

"I'm really sorry. I had an alergic reachtion to a pill I took last night. It made me sleep in and I was late for the call"

(2) When the sure type is turned off on your blackberry and you forget to proofread:

"Dordogne plan did not Original relocations however all provinciality Mae will be considered
Thanks hop all IA well with U and tyrosine plans did not in include relocation however at this o em a;;resopsonble oppposibilites atrage will ans are ans wk be consecrated,
Organs"

(3) Last night I dreamed that Tony was torturing my dog, Katie. I don't remember what I had to do but I begged him to stop and finally I gave in to his demands. He was doing this at the direction of Rick. So what is the meaning of this dream? Is it some warped part of my brain that is combining work and 24? Is it because I miss Tony working for me and am jealous that Rick is now his boss? Is it because of my motherly instinct and my protection of Katie and soon to be Sydney? Who knows the meaning but believe me I did not like it.....

For Those Doing Dream Dinners

Over at Jenn Ann's blog I liked that she had posted about the Dream Dinner she made soooooo I thought we should have a Dream Dinner blog each month where we can write about what we made and if we liked it or not.

I have placed a link on the right hand side that will take you directly to this post. When you make a dinner, come here to report how it was etc. We can use it for tips and maybe dinner selections for the following months.

For those that have not yet started: http://www.dreamdinners.com
Note: They have locations throughout California, Arizona and most states.

Other Dream Dinners Posts:
Dream Dinners Gets 4 Stars by Kim Thomas
Dream Dinners by Jenn Ann

Who Is This?

Her name is Franzella Guido and she is a designer on TLC and HGTV. She was born in Nicaragua and raised in Miami.

I wonder how her mother arrived at this name? I personally think she looks like a Rachel.

More Driving Restrictions.....

In 1994, California banned riding in the back of trucks (I loved doing this in my dads pickup)
Late last year, Phoenix banned texting while driving
In September 2007, California banned cell phone usage by all teens while driving
In June 2008, California will ban talking on your cell phone while driving (without a headset)

But.....Mexico just made some bans of their own, including:

Makeup application while driving (including lipstick)
Carrying pets while at the wheel
Shaving while driving

BTW: The fines for these incidents would be $32.00 in dollars or 346 pesos.

I'm Heartburn Free, With Pepcid AC

My heartburn has been so bad the last few weeks. Luckily for me, Ruth Anne has redirected me from my Tums to Pepcid. Ruth Anne's advice: take one Pepcid in the morning and one Pepcid at night. Well, after two days my heartburn is gone! Thanks, Ruth, you rock!

Super Tuesday

Last year, on April 1st, I announced that I was running for office and would build my campaign around the issues listed below. With the whole pg thing, I decided that now probably wasn't the time and I didn't end up going for it. Still, as I prepare to place my Republican vote today, I am saddened that nobody is addressing any of the issues and/or priorities that I had planned to take forward. As a reminder, some of the items I was planning on working on were as follows:

*Sponsor an environmental impact report on Mayonnaise factories. Promote Ketchup as the most environmental friendly condiment
*Menu management for emergency shelters making Funeral Potatoes the preferred meal
*Building Relationships with local authorities through innovate photography
*Implementation of easily identifiable (Yellow) Emergency Phones in public areas
*Coast Guard preparedness for when the tide is high
*Stringent controls for the distribution of platinum cards
*Improvement standards for public restrooms
*22 ways to improve your public image
*Imposing reasonable expiration dates on all state drivers licenses (This will be a big change for AZ)

I was also planning on introducing the following two bills:

(1) Freedom Talker-Obtaining FAA approval for the use of mobile phones on all domestic flights(2) Blackberries For Everyone-It doesn’t matter your race, sex, age or whether you are an illegal alien. I want everyone to know what it’s like to have a blackberry. No child should need to worry where their next text message is coming from.

Lastly, don't forget to vote!

Favorite Signs From The San Diego Zoo

If I Had $1082.45

I'd buy David a lens, I would buy him a lens.
If I had $1082.45 (If I Had $1082.45)
I'd buy him a camera bag for his lens (Maybe a Lowepro or some other brand)
And if I had $1082.45
I'd buy your love..........

History:
I Am Turning Into Dave Thomas
If I Had a Million Dollars

Current Status:
David is now the proud owner of the EF 24-105mm, aka: The Sydney Lens. P.S. He thanks all of those that applied peer pressure.

How great is it that I take pictures of these great lens with my Blackberry Pearl. RO!

Donner Pass In The News

400 Amtrak riders were stuck in the hills near Donner Pass today. More news here

Happy Birthday Dad!!!!

Wow! Can't believe you are sixty! Yikes! I love you very much and I want you to know how much I appreciate everything you have done for me.





I picked this picture for a few of reasons:
(1) I thought you looked good
(2) It's of one of your favorite places
(3) There are lots of good memories here (Morning Glory for starters)
(4) James is so good looking

My First Trip to Fresh and Easy

Rachel has been telling me about Fresh and Easy for a little over a month. We saw one last weekend in Mesa and I was anxious to check it out but didn't have time. I told mom about it on Saturday and she said there was one in Arcadia so we went down there to take a look.

I was impressed. Prices were reasonable, everything was nicely packaged (note the green onions) and there were several quick meal ideas. To the left you can see my first "Fresh and Easy" purchase.

Apparently, these stores are popping up everywhere and I think they will be a perfect compliment to Dream Dinners. So, check out the "Fresh and Easy" close to you for some good deals, and fresh and quick food.

Week 31: A PG Update

Today, when I was complaining about a few PG things (Tired, Bathroom visits every hour during the night, etc) I was told two things:

(1) At this stage in pregnancy nesting begins to occur. Hearing this I thought, hmm, maybe that is why I have been over the top on keeping my email up to date (Note: right now I am down to 7 items requiring action) and strategic planning. Is that the Kim1Champ equivilent of nesting? The nursery is ready, so I guess that counts.

(2) Going to the bathroom every hour at night is actual preparation for being up at all hours to the sound of a baby crying. How great is it that I am going through this preparation now?

Other PG Updates: Traveling by air is over. Doctor visits have increased to every other week. Weight gain is at 13 pounds. Having terrible heartburn and not sleeping too well but looking forward to 8 weeks from now.

What Would You Do? (#2)

You need a fix so you make a quick stop at Starbucks, run in, get your Latte, come ck out to find your car blocked by a motorhome.

You knock on the door to the motorhome, ask the driver to move the motorhome and he refuses because his wife is taking a shower. WHAT??!?!?!??! That is what happened to this poor driver.

If this had happened to me the driver would soon be taking a shower of Iced Chai Tea.

Thanks to Jinjer for the story, check out her new blog: The World In My Eyes

Willem Dafoe

While flipping through the Tivo guide the other day I noticed the spelling of his name. What is the point of changing the traditional spelling of William to Willem? I realize that this post could be offensive as there are many parents that have opted to use alternative spellings when naming their child. Most likely the reason being because it's unique. I personally think it's dumb, if you are looking for a unique name than choose a unique name don't change the spelling on a traditional name.

When I saw this I asked David what he thought he agreed that Willem was a dumb way to spell William. It would only lead to poor Willem having to constantly spell his name for the rest of his life. First he will be correcting his teachers: No, Mrs. Jones, it's spelled W-I-L-L-E-M. Then years later we will hear his boss spelling it in the resourcing meeting "Who would you like to assign this project to?", "Willem Dafoe", "I don't see a William Dafoe", "It's spelled W-I-L-L-E-M", "Oh, there it is".

I feel bad that Sydney is always going to have to say, "That's Sydney with a Y" or "it's spelled like Sydney, Australia"

To Mail or Not to Mail

Back in late September, at work the Operations group went through a bit of a reorganization. I sat down and wrote a personalized note to everyone in my organization that was affected. I thought it was nice thing to do but I didn't realize until late December that none of them were mailed. They all had stamps but somehow didn't make it to the post office.

Since then I have had this dilemma, do I mail them or not? It is so late.....I could stamp them with a note that said, "this was written in September and not mailed" but at this point would everyone just think I am crazy or be annoyed rather than think it's a nice gesture? What do ya'll think?

Swedish Fish

The other day, during lunch, one of the people I was with said something to the effect of "Yesterday, i was dying for some Swedish fish". The other person and I looked at each other like "what did she just say?", so I asked, "What?", she responded "Swedish Fish"......before I even had a chance to say "What in the world is that?" She went on, "Yeah, I stopped and got some at the Chevron station". (Please note that there will be a future blog about people that shop for food at gas station convenience stores)

Now, the thought of buying "Swedish Fish" at a gas station is probably the least appetizing thing I can think of. Luckily, she explained that "Swedish Fish" is actually a type of gummy candy. I proceeded to check out Wikipedia to get the facts and some pictures of "Swedish Fish":

There are 4 different colors and flavors:
Red-Fruit Punch
Orange-Orange
Green-Pineapple
Black-Salmiak (Asian)

Ingredients are as follows:
Sugar
Invert Sugar
Corn Syrup
Modified Corn Starch
Citric Acid
White Mineral Oil
Artificial Flavors
Coloring
Carnauba Wax

After looking at the ingredient list I am still not super excited to have them. Doesn't sound too yummy to me.

BTW: It's called Swedish fish because the company "Malaco" is a Swedish company that exported their fish to North America. Swedish Fish today is manufactured in Sweden and Canada.

I'm Sorry, Matt.....Sort of

When we were little Becca, Matt and I used to always take baths together. OK, now don't get grossed out we were small kids. I had forgotten about this until last week.

When you are pregnant you are not supposed to take hot baths, warm baths are fine but hot baths are off limits. Because of this, I take the temperature of the water to ensure the bath is not too hot. The other day, I got into the bath and it was sooo cold that I moved up to the front near the faucet. It was at that moment that I remembered taking baths with Becca and Matt and I laughed out loud and then reached for the thermometer.

More background data: When we took baths I always sat in the front near the faucet, Becca sat in the middle and Matt was forced to the back of the bath and he would always complain. The downer of being in the back is two fold: (1) The water isn't as warm, (2) The water isn't as deep.

Back to my story: I tested the temperature of the water in the front, middle and back of the bathtub. Here were the temps: Front 101.5 degrees, Middle 99.4 degrees, Back 95.6 degrees. The back was three degrees below body temp and absolutley freezing, LOL! The water was like 5 inches deep in the back and almost a foot in the front. I can totally remember Matt back there shivering. LOL!

Happy Birthday, Jane and Brittney!!!!!

I love you both more than pickles, Chai Tea, Fallingwater and Disneyland!!!!!!

What Would You Do?

Someone we know went shopping for a new car in order to get a free 2008 calendar and a hot dog.......

So the question of the day is what would you do for a free 2008 calendar and a hot dog?

Treat Your Metabolic Syndrome

This doctors office poster absolutely speaks to me. It says loud and clear "Treat Your Metabolic Syndrome Promptly"

More Great Birthdays for January 20th

Happy Birthday, Benjamin Edwards!!!!!

Happy Birthday, Michelle Brown!!!!!

31 Years Ago......

I got my first little sister! I was so fortunate then and even more fortunate to have her now. Happy Birthday, Becca. I am so happy to have you in my life. You are such a great sister and friend! I love you more than I could ever tell you and appreciate everything you do for me. I hope you have a great day today!

Another Job I Wanted

So everybody knows that I used to want to be the MOD, everybody knows that I used to want to be in charge of "the keys" but before that time......I wanted another job. When I was little, I would watch the guys on Tuesday morning drive around in these tiny little car/truck and pick up the garbage. I hadn't seen one of these little vehicles in years and then last week there one was, right in front of me. I am glad I am not the garbage gal.

I've Finally Joined Facebook

Facebook is basically the replacement for myspace with better networking, tools and layout. I have been messing around with it and at first glance it is much cleaner and easier to navigate. I did a search for groups and laughed out loud since they have groups for everything.

Here are some funny ones:
Ina Garten is possibly the worst human ever next to Giada DeLaurentiis
I used to hide in clothes racks while my mom was shopping
When I Was Your Age, Pluto Was a Planet
Spam, Rice and Egg Lovers
Kissing Leads To Pregnancy and Heroin Use
National Coalition Against Children That Wear Shoes With Built In Wheels
Haters Of People Who Walk Around The Supermarket Talking On Bluetooth Headsets
Please Bring Hooters and KFC to Norway

Here are the ones I have joined so far:
Americans For A Larger Ketchup Packet
Six Degrees of Separation-The Experiment
If Wikipedia Says It, It Must Be True
I Flip My Pillow Over to Get to The Cold Side
You Know You're From Pasadena When
Stop Hillary Clinton
Jack Bauer Could Escape The Lost Island in 24 Hours
San Gabriel Christian
I Put Ketchup On My Ketchup
Yeah, I Take Pictures in the Bathroom
Blackberry Pearl
The World Through Your Camera Phone

Oh and I made a Group.....it's called the Hot Chick Bloggers Club :)

I found it hilarious that our CEO is on Facebook.

Which FSO Manager?????

Sometimes moonlights as a blacksmith
Sometimes moonlights as a miner
Favorite restaurant is Buca Di Bepo
Met his wife on the Internet
Has three beautiful children
Orders the coffee of the day at Starbucks (black)
Is sometimes known as Adande
Is resistant to fire
Coaches baseball in his spare time

and last but not least......

Is a year older today!!!!!!!

If you guessed Mike W. you were right on!!!!!! Happy Birthday, Mike!!!!!!!

P.S. How great is this birthday cake image I found on Google?

American Idol-It's Back!

Seriously, I saw this book at Bed, Bath and Beyond. I think the Chicken Soup for the Soul guy has gone off the deep end. American Idol is back tomorrow (1/15) at 8:00PM. (7:00 Central)

Tomorrow, I Head to SF

Let me clear about something, I am not a public transportation type of girl. Up until recently, I had never been in a bus, taxi, subway or even a shuttle. Last time I was in San Franciso Jeff was kind enough to guide me through the BART system back to the Oakland airport. This was my one and only BART ride. Being a big girl, and trying to be cost effective I have decided to give the BART a try tomorrow, all on my own. Here is the email conversation between me and Jeff:

*Kim forwards Southwest Flight info to Jeff
*Jeff responds: "Are you comfortable enough to BART in?"
*Kim responds: "Hee hee, that's my plan!"
*Jeff responds: "Good! Remember... from OAK take the AirBART shuttle to theColiseum/Oakland Airport BART station. Buy a round-trip BART ticketto/from Embarcadero Station. Take any San Francisco-bound train and getoff at Embarcadero Station. Walk upstairs to the MUNI fare gates and paythe $1.50 fare (don't forget to take and keep the receipt). The trainyou want will be on the Inbound side of the tracks (the side with the"To Ballpark" signs). Get on any train announced as "Mission Bay,"either the "N-Judah" or the "T-Third." If you're on the "N-Judah" go tothe last stop, the CalTrain Station. Walk south, toward the Panera Breadstore...the next block is Berry Street. When you're in front of Panera,look to your left and notice another train platform. If you get on the"T-Third" at Embarcadero, that's where you'll get off.
*Kim responds: "Oh crap, now I am nervous. Thanks for the tips...."
*Jeff responds: "You can always call me... or I can meet you somewhere along the way..."

Please wish me luck.....

Why The Thomas' Hate "Indianapolis"

Today, for the first time, we rooted for the Chargers.....here's why:

No Ravin
Legacy Stolen
Nasty Feelings Linger

All I have to say is, "Who Knew"?

3 Things To Ponder

Three Things to Ponder: 1. Cows 2. The Constitution 3. The Ten Commandments

C O W S Is it just me, or does anyone else find it amazing that during the mad cow epidemic our government could track a single cow, born in Canada almost three years ago, right to the stall where she slept in the state of Washington? And, they tracked her calves to their stalls. But they are unable to locate 11 million illegal aliens wandering around our country. Maybe we should give each of them a cow

T H E C O N S T I T U T I O N They keep talking about drafting a Constitution for Iraq . Why don't we just give them ours? It was written by a lot of really smart guys, it has worked for over 200 years, and we're not using it anymore.

T H E 1 0 C O M M A N D M E N T S The real reason that we can't have the Ten Commandments posted in a courthouse is this: You cannot post "Thou Shalt Not Steal," "Thou Shalt Not Commit Adultery," and "Thou Shall Not Lie" in a building full of lawyers, judges and politicians...It creates a hostile work environment.