The river is rivering!
And if this wallpaper doesn't make you want to fix up a house, I don't know what is.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Day 84: March 25
The river is rivering!
And if this wallpaper doesn't make you want to fix up a house, I don't know what is.
Day 83: March 24--fridge takeover
It's the Mary and Jason show on our fridge. Too funny. Love you both!
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Day 82: March 23 - Chasing rainbows
I'm driving out to Petaluma to have dinner with Erin, and Cindy's in her car behind me.
I see this rainbow and call Cindy. "Dude, I want to go chase that rainbow!"
"Yeah, it's really close, but I bet our dinner reservations wouldn't appreciate it," she says.
"OK fine. Boo."
When I was a kid, my mom and I chased a rainbow at least once. It is one of those memories that is FIRMLY stuck in my brain, and I love it. Thanks, mom, for letting me play as a kid:-)
Day 81: March 22 - Stormy skies
Day 80: March 21 — Tree of Terror
"I guess not," he says.
"It's like that tree at work in my parking lot," I replied.
"Oh, never mind then, I just don't like when they have the nubs."
This time of year, the tree of terror looks a little sad, but then it has a million long branches, tons of leaves and then in Fall, it dumps all its leaves into a huge pile. Thankfully, someone on our staff is fabulous and comes around to clean it all up.
I like this tree. It's not scary at all. Some of my best work-talks have been under it, and I'm eagerly awaiting its new leaves.
Day 78: March 19 — Scrap-happy
It is very infrequent that I actually get any scrapbooking done. I've taken to not calling myself a "scrapbooker" as much as "someone who happens to scrapbook once, maybe twice a year".
This day, however, I got a TON of pages done, spent more money on supplies I'm certain I didn't need, but got to enjoy the day with some wonderful ladies in the process. Below is some of my projects.
Fireman's ball 2010
Cindy and Michelle's last day in Napa before we moved away in 2008
Lots of Hailey goodness!
Our very rainy EDTP
NKTOB...we were really tired by the time I did this page. It shows:(
Sally turns 50! (shame that it got cut off)
Friday, March 18, 2011
Day 77: March 18 — Shady, shady, shady
Today was the day our potential dream house was to be either foreclosed upon or sold on the Napa courthouse steps for auction. Going into it, we thought there was no chance anyone would actually buy it, since we don't many people with $222,000 in their pockets. Clearly, we're wrong.
I'm sure not many people have been to these auctions, so I thought I'd just share some shots from the day to give you a feel for what it looks like.
And this is my calendar for the day. Awkward Moment's Day is an understatement.
The owner was there, with his listing agent (the real estate agent who was allegedly trying to help him sell his house for the last few months). They had been stalling with our offer all week, but assured us they were doing everything in their power to get it handled and sell us the house.
Turns out, that was a lie, because as soon as the house came up for auction, the listing agent was making a bid. I wish I had been able to outbid him, or that there was someone rich there to do it, or that I'd had the guts to go over and punch him in the face.
I'm sure not many people have been to these auctions, so I thought I'd just share some shots from the day to give you a feel for what it looks like.
This is what people standing around look like...
This is how cute Peter is standing in the pouring rain...
This is the homeowner of our potential dream home who I spent 30 minutes feeling sorry for. I HATE that I wasted that energy.
The owner was there, with his listing agent (the real estate agent who was allegedly trying to help him sell his house for the last few months). They had been stalling with our offer all week, but assured us they were doing everything in their power to get it handled and sell us the house.
Turns out, that was a lie, because as soon as the house came up for auction, the listing agent was making a bid. I wish I had been able to outbid him, or that there was someone rich there to do it, or that I'd had the guts to go over and punch him in the face.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Day 76: March 17 — Many words, no answers
If there was any doubt that my brain has been fully consumed by housing thoughts, this should clear it up. What you see is my computer screen at work, full of three different columns-in-progress. They total about 3,000 words (obviously pre-edit) and the only good news I have to report is that A) the process is apparently great column fodder, and B) writing and ranting in my column is extremely cathartic.
For those keeping up, the dream house foreclosure date is tomorrow, which means that if the bank hasn't taken their head out of their rear-end by 1:30 p.m., the house goes up for auction on the Napa Courthouse steps. Either someone buys it or it reverts back to the bank, but no matter what, we wouldn't own it. Please keep your fingers crossed for us that something magical happens between now and 1:30 p.m.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Day 75: March 16 - The case of the growing folder
Our housing file just keeps getting bigger and bigger. Apparently this happens if you put offers in on multiple houses, and are doing your best to keep track of bank statements, W2s, copies of checks, etc. The downside of being so organized is that it sits on my desk at work taunting me. It's a constant reminder of the housing hunt. I believe now's the time to hide it in my cabinet so it's not daunting me any longer.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Day 74: March 15- carpe diem
Seize the day! Or seize the sliders!
This restaurant marinates the meat for these pork sliders for two days in Cabernet Sauvignon wine. The result: amazing!
My photo... Not so much.
This restaurant marinates the meat for these pork sliders for two days in Cabernet Sauvignon wine. The result: amazing!
My photo... Not so much.
Day 73: March 14: 'Running is stupid'
Rachel sent me the best card today congratulating me on finishing my first 'running' of a half marathon. It was incredibly thoughtful of her.
Below that is my latest column:)
"Running is stupid"
Below that is my latest column:)
"Running is stupid"
My coworkers and friends have been hearing this phrase — “running is stupid” — for the past four months.
And after completing my first attempt at running a half marathon last weekend, I can pretty much guarantee they’ll be hearing more of it, but maybe not for a while.
I’m no stranger to half and whole marathons, but usually you’ll catch me walking them for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. This year, I’ll be completing my sixth such event. I’ve logged more than 165 event miles, and hundreds more in training.
Running is different. Running is my archnemesis. I’ve never been an athlete, so this means I consider my cardiovascular system to be completely wimpy. For years, if I even attempted to run for a minute, my entire body would jump up into my brain screaming that we needed to stop immediately before my heart shut down and I stopped breathing.
But the big 3-0 birthday is creeping up at a rapid pace and it seems like if I’m going to have to turn old, then I should do so in the best shape of my life, or pretty darn close to it.
Running is as close to a whole-body workout as one can get, so I figured it wouldn’t kill me to tackle it.
Fast-forward from that tackling decision to last Saturday, when I’m 12 miles into my 13.1-mile half marathon. I was feeling pretty confident that dying would be better than having to complete the last mile of the race.
I learned a couple things. I’m not a jogger. I’m either a runner or a walker. There was no in-between. Either I was flat-out running (although I was desperately trying to slow down to no avail) or I was walking.
The problem with this grand walk-run strategy that I had come up with was that not only were my running muscles sore, but so were my walking muscles. For those who think they are one and the same, I’m here to tell you they’re not. Go out and go for eight miles or so doing each and you’ll know I’m right.
Running folk say it’s all about pacing. Somewhere between running and walking is the jogging sweet spot. I can find it on the treadmill, once in a great while, but finding it on the road is a different story. It takes too much self-regulation and self-restraint, and I clearly have none.
My buddy, Rachel, who I started the race with, was completing her 10th half marathon that day. She’s the master of pacing. She has a firm strategy where she runs three minutes, walks one minute. This was my goal, too, until mile 2. Yeah, mile 2. So much for all that training, right?
When all was said and done, I beat my goal by about four minutes. I wanted to complete the race in under an average of 15-minute miles. Not quick, by any means, but respectable. Rachel beat her personal best time by almost 10 minutes, which was incredible.
I’m very appreciative to my co-worker, Tim, who had endless advice (he’s an actual runner, not a faker like me) on everything from shoes to Gu’s. Fiance Peter also gets tons of props for sacrificing time with me during training when I had to put in three, five, 10-mile runs.
People keep asking if I’m addicted yet. Certainly not! That runner’s high thing still eludes me, but I do like a good challenge, so I’m sure there’s another race in my future. It just may be a long, long time from now.
Gal on the Go appears every other week, alternating with Jennifer Huffman’s Surrendering to Motherhood. Contact Michelle at mchoat@napanews.com.
And after completing my first attempt at running a half marathon last weekend, I can pretty much guarantee they’ll be hearing more of it, but maybe not for a while.
I’m no stranger to half and whole marathons, but usually you’ll catch me walking them for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. This year, I’ll be completing my sixth such event. I’ve logged more than 165 event miles, and hundreds more in training.
Running is different. Running is my archnemesis. I’ve never been an athlete, so this means I consider my cardiovascular system to be completely wimpy. For years, if I even attempted to run for a minute, my entire body would jump up into my brain screaming that we needed to stop immediately before my heart shut down and I stopped breathing.
But the big 3-0 birthday is creeping up at a rapid pace and it seems like if I’m going to have to turn old, then I should do so in the best shape of my life, or pretty darn close to it.
Running is as close to a whole-body workout as one can get, so I figured it wouldn’t kill me to tackle it.
Fast-forward from that tackling decision to last Saturday, when I’m 12 miles into my 13.1-mile half marathon. I was feeling pretty confident that dying would be better than having to complete the last mile of the race.
I learned a couple things. I’m not a jogger. I’m either a runner or a walker. There was no in-between. Either I was flat-out running (although I was desperately trying to slow down to no avail) or I was walking.
The problem with this grand walk-run strategy that I had come up with was that not only were my running muscles sore, but so were my walking muscles. For those who think they are one and the same, I’m here to tell you they’re not. Go out and go for eight miles or so doing each and you’ll know I’m right.
Running folk say it’s all about pacing. Somewhere between running and walking is the jogging sweet spot. I can find it on the treadmill, once in a great while, but finding it on the road is a different story. It takes too much self-regulation and self-restraint, and I clearly have none.
My buddy, Rachel, who I started the race with, was completing her 10th half marathon that day. She’s the master of pacing. She has a firm strategy where she runs three minutes, walks one minute. This was my goal, too, until mile 2. Yeah, mile 2. So much for all that training, right?
When all was said and done, I beat my goal by about four minutes. I wanted to complete the race in under an average of 15-minute miles. Not quick, by any means, but respectable. Rachel beat her personal best time by almost 10 minutes, which was incredible.
I’m very appreciative to my co-worker, Tim, who had endless advice (he’s an actual runner, not a faker like me) on everything from shoes to Gu’s. Fiance Peter also gets tons of props for sacrificing time with me during training when I had to put in three, five, 10-mile runs.
People keep asking if I’m addicted yet. Certainly not! That runner’s high thing still eludes me, but I do like a good challenge, so I’m sure there’s another race in my future. It just may be a long, long time from now.
Gal on the Go appears every other week, alternating with Jennifer Huffman’s Surrendering to Motherhood. Contact Michelle at mchoat@napanews.com.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Day 72: March 13-you know you want all this
We went house hunting today, and some things just shock me.
This carpet was in the entire room. We were instantly stressed.
Bright pink with bright carpet. Ewwww.
This glitter light switch was the first thing you see when you walk in the house. You know you want it:-)
This carpet was in the entire room. We were instantly stressed.
Bright pink with bright carpet. Ewwww.
This glitter light switch was the first thing you see when you walk in the house. You know you want it:-)
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Day 71: March 12- no events scheduled
It's a complete anomaly when my calendar says I have no events scheduled, especially on a Saturday. My brain instantly tries to think of 1,000 ways to fill the time.
Instead, I think a lazy TiVo catch-up day is calling
Friday, March 11, 2011
Day 70: March 11 — Like mama, like puppy
Peter has always made fun of me because I do this thing where I'll lay in bed with my arm in the air. There's no rhyme, reason or logic to it. Sometimes I just want to put my arm in the air. I totally caught Hailey doing it today, though, and I couldn't stop laughing.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Day 69: March 10: Shameless promotion
If this isn't shameless promotion, I don't know what is. My co-worker, Mike, is in a band and he's been wearing around this sign taped to his jacket. It's just too funny.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Day 68: March 9-Ella bean
The kitty has taken over Hailey's favorite bed.
And hailey, I think, has now moved their beds close to each other.
And hailey, I think, has now moved their beds close to each other.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Day 67: March 8-goodbye mayo
Lent starts tomorrow, and though I'm clearly not catholic, I think Lent is good practice.
This year the big sacrifice is mayonnaise. Laugh all you want but I use this stuff a lot.
In order to send off Fat Tuesday properly, I decided tuna melts were in order. Two kinds: one with sharp cheddar, one with cream cheese. Both delish!
I bought this sandwich maker for Peter two years ago for a hot $3. Haven't used it till today. It was wonderful!
This year the big sacrifice is mayonnaise. Laugh all you want but I use this stuff a lot.
In order to send off Fat Tuesday properly, I decided tuna melts were in order. Two kinds: one with sharp cheddar, one with cream cheese. Both delish!
I bought this sandwich maker for Peter two years ago for a hot $3. Haven't used it till today. It was wonderful!
Monday, March 7, 2011
Day 66: March 7- my glamorous life
I was hoping for some great jury duty stories, but nothing cool happened. Instead I spent my afternoon weeding. You're jealous, I know.
Peter had to help me rescue these snails. I felt bad for them!
Day 65: March 6- venue hunting
Peter and I went to take a gander at our potential wedding venues while we were in Chico. This is Bidwell Bowl where we were thinking of holding our ceremony.
In my head I had totally constructed a tiny little creek, but when we got there it was a raging river. Kinda cool.
Day 64: March 5-I'm a runner!
Three hours, twelve minutes and twenty two seconds. That's how fast my nifty watch alleges I completed my first half marathon.
Of course it also says I went a quarter of a mile farther than the 13.1 miles for the course... So I guess I need to learn to stay on those inside corners. Lesson learned.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Day 63: March 4: Virtual runner
I learned this trick from a runner co-worker. You create your little runner self the day before the race to be sure you have everything ready. This is how his friend figured out he had two left tennies before a huge race.
I'm as ready as I'm going to be for tomorrow! Let's hope it doesn't rain :-)
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Day 62: March 3: The business end
Hailey is on the dominance kick that makes her want to sit on your face. Case in point...
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Day 61: March 2 - 15, 15, 15, 15....
Looking at houses for sale has been, well, interesting. This house today was horrendous, but the things that the family left behind when they went into foreclosure were really interesting. There were some weird clothes in the closet, beds in the rooms, creepy teddy bears on the mantel, but these little gems were the best...
It was an entire collection of Quinceanera dolls. They were all different, but all pink/red and all had a big ole 15 on them. So bizarro.
If you wanna see other features of this winner house, view them here.
If you wanna see other features of this winner house, view them here.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Day 60: March 1 — Reader feedback
I don't get a LOT of feedback on my column, but when I do, it's a doozy. Pam Reid is notorious for disliking anything I write (and most of the Register staff writes). Below is one of her classic notes that came the other day. Below that is a note that came the next day, and may be the first kind note I've received since starting my column years ago.
Michelle Choat:
Uh-uh! If you are planning on marriage you need to stop thinking it is "cute" and "clever" to be frivolous about spending funny money on things you want but cannot afford. It is called saving over a long period of time until you can spend some of those savings on fun. The little girl, "I want it NOW" mentality does not work in the real world. Dreaming about wealth is for fools. That's why the poor get poorer. They dream without establishing a budget and their greed for money and "things" perpetuates their cycle of looking to the government for handouts.
You are also inundating readers who do not idolize dogs. You, Missy, are not and never can be "mommy" to a 4-legged, poop-dropping, flea infested pet who drools where he drools and poops where he poops and loves you for feeding him. So stop the silly "parent" to a dog nonsense.
Pam Reid.
Dear Michelle -
I always look forward to (and enjoy) your bi-weekly "Gal on the Go." Your article in the January 3, 2011 edition was one of your best!!!
I felt your anticipation and doubts and finally total glee when your "guy" popped the question. I am so happy for you (with you) and wish you so many good wishes.
Sincerely,
a faithful fan,
Doris Duncan
PS, Please say "Hi" to Nona for me. She's another one for whom I have great admiration.
Michelle Choat:
Uh-uh! If you are planning on marriage you need to stop thinking it is "cute" and "clever" to be frivolous about spending funny money on things you want but cannot afford. It is called saving over a long period of time until you can spend some of those savings on fun. The little girl, "I want it NOW" mentality does not work in the real world. Dreaming about wealth is for fools. That's why the poor get poorer. They dream without establishing a budget and their greed for money and "things" perpetuates their cycle of looking to the government for handouts.
You are also inundating readers who do not idolize dogs. You, Missy, are not and never can be "mommy" to a 4-legged, poop-dropping, flea infested pet who drools where he drools and poops where he poops and loves you for feeding him. So stop the silly "parent" to a dog nonsense.
Pam Reid.
Dear Michelle -
I always look forward to (and enjoy) your bi-weekly "Gal on the Go." Your article in the January 3, 2011 edition was one of your best!!!
I felt your anticipation and doubts and finally total glee when your "guy" popped the question. I am so happy for you (with you) and wish you so many good wishes.
Sincerely,
a faithful fan,
Doris Duncan
PS, Please say "Hi" to Nona for me. She's another one for whom I have great admiration.
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