I've been tagged

Karen tagged me and I'm curious to find out all sorts of fun things about my friends. So I am tagging Laura, Ratchet, J-Diddy, Tex, Shorty, Allison T., and 2 friends from the non-blogging world.

“Rules”After posting these rules, each player proceeds to list 8 relatively random facts/habits about himself/herself. At the end of the post, the player then tags 8 people and posts their names, leaving them a comment on their blogs to let them know.

1. My wisdom teeth haven't fully come up yet, they're just partially growing in and only grow about twice a year. (The pain of eating reminds me that they are coming up.)
   
2. I would've been called Carolyn if my mom got to name me.
3. I can't ever go to sleep without praying....trust me there have been times when I'm so exhausted but I become restless and can't sleep until I remember that I forgot to pray and then I do it.
4. My parents raised me on this saying "a family that prays together, stays together". I heard it so many times it's ingrained into my nature.
5. I've yet to experience my first kiss.
   
6. My hair color has stayed the same since the day I was born.
7. When I get really bored and have nothing to occupy me...I always end up cutting my hair, myself. (Not a good combination for someone who can't cut straight!)
8. My first trip on an airplane happend when I was 5 3/4 when I flew from my small Philippine island of Panay, to Luzon (where Manila is located) and then across the Pacific Ocean to San Francisco, ever since then I was hooked on geography and going places. But I didn't get to fly out of California until my 12th birthday where my dad took me with him to the East Coast to visit NYC and Philly.)
   

Weekend @ Anne's

I went down to Stanislaus County to visit Anne. I haven’t had much sleep this week between family obligations and the construction work going on with the driveway and sidewalk of the house. Anne lives in a nice, gated community out in the middle of nowhere. It’s very quiet and dark out there that you can see Venus shine clearly in the night sky. When I got to Anne’s place we went to Home Depot. I was “volunteered” to help redecorate our training room at work and needed paint samples. Hues of green were the choice colors because they are not too soothing like blue or bright like yellow and orange, the latter colors being recommended as “stimulating colors for learning”. Blue would make the room feel to comfortable and yellow is just too bright, it reminded me of the court room I had to sit for hours in when I got subpoena for a case. Then we went to Target to check out what movies are out and I found “The Lake House” on sale for $10. What a bargain! I had wanted to see that movie and heard some mix review but for $10 it was worth getting. By this time my quick lunch of a single tortilla filled with rice and beef was fully consumed by my stomach and it protested in hunger. Fortunately Johnny Carino’s was nearby, this place is awesome! When I first ate there it took me back to Tuscany. They have a brick oven where they cook their pizza and the tables are wooden so you get that old world kitchen feel. The food is fabulous and for dessert they had my favorite, cannoli but this time it was Chocolate cannoli. Delicious!

(Sorry the pictures are so small but I took them with my phone camera)

After dinner Anne had to go to JC Penny’s to check out the curtains for her house. Man there is a reason why Anne and I only get together once a month or so, our pocketbooks wouldn’t be able to handle it. We ended up spending more than what we meant to and picked up a few more extra purchases along the way. I was not planning to get clothes but I found a dress that seemed suitable for an upcoming wedding I must attend. Anne found some tops she liked along with curtains and this very pretty picture that reminded us both of Venice. We had to stop by Anne’s work so she could drop off her leftovers to one of her friends/co-worker and I got to meet more of her co-workers.

When we got home it was movie time. So with our PJ’s on, blankets and pillows with us, popcorn and lemonade on the table nearby us popped in “The Lake House”. I liked the movie; it reminded me of “An Affair to Remember”. The beginning I was a little lost because of how they would shoot the past scene and then move to the present but I got used to it and soon the plot engaged my attention. I had to put down the training papers I was working on, set my PDA on the floor along with my laptop. (Yes I have this very bad tendency of multi-tasking when watching TV, so the plot has to be pretty good and draw me in for me to put things down and just watch.) I am not ashamed to admit that I cried a little during the movie, it is definitely going on my Chick Flick list. This movie is one where you watch it on Single Awareness Day (a.k.a Valentine’s Day) along with some ice cream and tissues next to you. One of things I liked about it was that it brought in a favorite book, Persuasion by Jane Austen. If you’ve never read that book, I highly recommend you go and read it. But if you are too lazy or not much of a reader there is a movie form too which is very good. The whole concept of an epistilatory romance is found in that book, along with learning the rewards of Patience and Obedience.

The next day we didn't leave the house until 1300hours (1:00pm). Anne needed to get a new local cell phone number, check out some more furnishings for her home and I just wanted lunch. We ended up going to this new restaurant "The Elephant Bar". This place was pretty cool. They had an African Safari theme going on in the decor and menu. The floors were cheetah spots carpet or dark wood, there was this large frontal view statue of an elephant (like he was coming out of the wall) in the waiting area and various statues of animals like giraffe's around the room. Their lights were sticks or palm fronds that would fan the area. The food was delicious! I had a Strawberry Breeze (one of their non-alcoholic drinks that was like a strawberry milkshake but with more fruit and less shake) for my beverage, we shared a tempura rolled salmon sushi appetizer and I had the barbeque platter for my entree.



After eating it was off to run errands and shop. Anne got a few knick-nacks for her house and I got more books. The Borders down in Modesto had the DVD set for the Australian TV series that I have been watching on youtube. Totally surprised at that, so of course I just had to get the DVD. LOL But I enjoy watching this show, Mcleods Daughters, and since I don't live Down Under I must be content with what episodes I can find online. I started watching the 6th season online but I only got the general idea of the premise behind the show. It's about these two sisters who were seperated in their youth thanks to the parents who seperated. When the father dies he leave the farm and all its land to his two daughters. Tess (the girl who lived in the city with her mom, until mom dies a year before her father does) goes back to Drovers Run, which is the ranch that her dad and estranged sister-Claire live. I don't know much about the beginning other than the sisters end up firing all the male help at the farm and run it with their female friends. Usually there are about five girls that live and help run the farm, but with each season a character goes and a new oen comes, but there is always a Mcleod. (prounoucned Mac-Cloud). But I digress, Anne got her new cell phone with a local number and we ended up back at her house watching Robin Hood Men in Tights before I drove back home.

A Mother's Love

This world has jewels, money, land
position, power, and mansions grand
But a mother's love more precious far,
than all these other treasures are.

A mother nurtures, guides, protects
Her teachings each child's life affects,
and when in later years they go,
away from home, and friends they know
Those teachings will provide the stay,
to keep them on the good straight way.

Though some may stray to taste the fruits,
of worldly pleasures -- still the roots
of Mother's teachings, love, and care
will some day draw them back to where,
the Savior's love can them enfold,
and fill them with a spirit bold.

So children, each and every day,
honor your mother in some way --
To show that you appreciate,
she taught you how to love, not hate.
To comfort you, to guide, to lead,
to be there in your time of need.

But best of all, -- to show the way,
that leads to home with God some day.

...Brenda Ascott Fry

All Grown Up

It was my brother's birthday Yesterday. He turned 18 years old. The day he was born my dad took me to school and said that my mom needed a check up for the baby. I can still remember wishing for a little sister and when my dad picked me up afterschool he said that I had a brand new baby brother. It was a little disappointing because I so wanted a sister that I could dress up and relate to, but the Lord knew what he was doing.

I remember when when he was a little baby and I would hide around the corner, he would come toddling down the hall on his chubby little legs and then I would yell "boo!" and watch him shriek in fright running to my mom. LOL Now I can't even wrestle him and win, he's so much stronger than me! As far as brothers go I'm very blessed with mine. Yes I do have a tendency to spoil him and get him whatever he wants for his brithday or Christmas, but he deserves it for putting up with me. =) He doesn't wander home, cleans, cooks, helps out in church and one of his favorite past time is sitting around with family telling stories of the past. He's a good boy, really he is! And as his big sister who's known him all 18 years...I should know.

I was bored so I took some quizes...how accurate are they?

You Are Very Worldly

You're an international jet setter - or pretty darn close. And while you may feel like you have many more places to visit... Most people live their whole lives without seeing what you've seen. In fact, you're probably going to be traveling again soon. So Bon Voyage!

How Worldly Are You?

Your Personality Profile

You are dependable, popular, and observant. Deep and thoughtful, you are prone to moodiness. In fact, your emotions tend to influence everything you do. You are unique, creative, and expressive. You don't mind waving your freak flag every once and a while. And lucky for you, most people find your weird ways charming!

The World's Shortest Personality Test

Your Dominant Intelligence is Interpersonal Intelligence

You shine in your ability to realate to and understand others. Good at seeing others' points of view, you get how people think and feel. You have an uncanny ability to sense true feelings, intentions, and motivations. A natural born leader, you are great at teaching and mediating conflict. You would make a good counselor, salesperson, politician, or business person.

What Kind of Intelligence Do You Have?

How You Life Your Life

You are honest and direct. You tell it like it is. You tend to avoid confrontation and stay away from sticky situations. You prefer a variety of friends and tend to change friends quickly. Some of your past dreams have disappointed you, but you don't let it get you down.

How Do You Live Your Life?

What Your Soul Really Looks Like

You are a wanderer. You constantly long for a new adventure, challenge, or eve a completely different life. You are a grounded person, but you also leave room for imagination and dreams. You feet may be on the ground, but you're head is in the clouds. You see yourself with pretty objective eyes. How you view yourself is almost exactly how other people view you. Your near future is calm, relaxing, and pretty much what you want. And it's something you've been anticipating for a while now. For you, love is all about caring and comfort. You couldn't fall in love with someone you didn't trust.

Inside the Room of Your Soul

Your Aura is Red

You have a high level of emotion. This can mean passion, but it can also mean rage. Usually, you don't take these emotions out on others. You just use them as motivation - and it works! The purpose of your life: embracing all the wonders of the life, lots of travels, and tons of adventures Famous reds include: Madonna, Marilyn Monroe, Jennifer Lopez Careers for you to try: Dancer, Boxer, Surgeon

What Color Is Your Aura?

You Are An ESTJ

The Guardian You're a natural leader and quick, logical decision maker. Goals are important in your life, and you take many steps to acheive them. You enjoy interacting with others, mostly through work related activities. Your high energy level means you are great at getting things done! You would make a great teacher, judge, or police detective.

What's Your Personality Type?

The Dead Fish

One of the guys from work recommended this restaurant. It has great seafood and a wonderful view of the bridge that connects the bay area to Vallejo. Anne had the salmon plate and I had the Dead Fish stew, which was one of their specialty. I was rather surprised when the waiter came by and put a bib on me, I thought he was a little crazy. Why would I need a bib? But I soon found out that in order for you to get the crab meat you had to crack the crab and go after the meat yourself. Someone in the process my fingers turned orange and I splattered Anne with it. It was a very messy meal so the bib was a good thing! Anne kept teasing me about playing with my food, I found the instruments the waiter gave me (and it wasn't just the cracker thingy but they had this black instrument that was a cross between a nail file and had one end the shape of a smaller crab claw, don't know what it's called but if I ever find it in the store I will buy it!) fascinating and so fun to use. The prices were a little high but the food was so delicious and worth it!

More Napa Pictures

This is a new winery that Anne took me to during our trip this weekend to Napa. I loved the way the house is situated, it reminded me a little bit of a modern European Villa.


Of course we had to sample some fruit of the vine and a cheese platter. You can't not go to Napa and not have a taste of their finest!


I don't care much for wine, frankly the smell distrubs me but I do enjoy the bubbly stuff. The rose colored one was my favorite. I didn't buy any though because I know what would happen if I were to bring it home!

My Favorite Vineyard

This is Viansa and when I first visited here it totally reminded me of Tuscany.


A view of the main house from the bottom of the hill

A view of spring time in bloom at the winery.

The courtyard at the main house.

Anne at the steps.


Boar is one of the delicacy in Tuscany.

Afternoon in Napa

Anne came over the other day and spent the night so we could get a head start going to Napa Valley today. Unfortunately we ended up staying up late watching Night at the Museum and Series Finale of Will & Grage, so we didn't leave home until almost lunch time. Anne wanted an orange muffin from Marie Calendars so we had brunch there.
The weather man predicted that it would rain today but alas he was wrong. So into the Red Jeep we went and off to the Valley of Vines! No VW convertible this time, since it has a flat tire and we thought the weather was going to be bad. That's okay though since our hair was not mussed and we were able to avoid unwanted whistlers!