Saturday, June 30, 2007

Can't think of a title

But I know we've been busy. So here's what we've been up to.

Matt's pitch at SciFi went really well! They want to see a series bible and the pilot script which is excellent news. We're keeping our fingers crossed, hoping that this continues to grow. He's unfortunately not been able to get much work done as my sister has been in town this last week, and dad flew in on Friday. Katie's visit has been a good one. Lots of talks, lots of "explaining what it means to be a grown up" and things like that. But we've had fun too. Went to Santa Monica, dinners out, and reading Harry Potter. My job has kept me busy and tired, but I really like what I do, it comes with responsibility I've not had before which I have so desperately needed. What I have to adjust to is that this is a global corporation and our headquarters are in New Jersey - everything must go through them. I've only worked for small, independent companies before so it's taking a bit of getting used to.

Tonight it's dinner with Don and Cindy and tomorrow the family leaves. I'll be sorry to see them go, but we also need to get packing to move into our new place, and we can't do that with extra bodies here!

Sunday, June 24, 2007

Summer is definitely here

Days are longer, food tastes better, the weather is warmer, and my allergies are kicking in. We were at The Grove today, had lunch and in the middle of shopping I just started sneezing like a mad-woman. We were going to see Shrek 3 but I couldn't get past the idea of just wanting to go straight home and sleep. Which is what I did. Came home and took a benadryl and slept for 5 hours. I just got up. I don't know how or when I'll go to sleep tonight!

Katie is doing well. Poor thing is so tired. Her last day of school was Thursday. I remember when school was done and all I wanted to do was sleep. Kind of like Jenny and Kevin, only they have a reason for needing sleep! There is the sweetest picture on their blog of Kevin and Patrick. You have to check it out.

Saturday, June 23, 2007

We're moving!

So the story goes...

After graduation, Matt and I suddenly discovered we needed more space. He's writing much more, has many projects going on and needs quiet place to work besides the kitchen table. And I decided I'd like to have the table to eat at rather than dine over tv trays. So after a week of phone calls, we have accepted a price and are moving to a 2 bedroom apartment on the 4th floor of our building! :) We will make the move sometime next month. We should be able to move our current deposit to the new place, but we'll probably have to pay for parking which is a bummer. :( It will be an easy move, thankfully. No moving trucks, no boxes, or very few boxes. We are very excited!

I'm just not trying to think about the fact that we are paying twice as much for our new 2bd as our old one back in Washington...ugh...

Friday, June 22, 2007

Welcome home, Patrick!




Patrick Michael, born June 19, 2007 at 2:12am. Mom, Dad, and baby are doing great. Read more here! Pictures are courtesy of Lena who made a visit just the other day with her daughter, Hailey.

Monday, June 18, 2007

Clothes Shopping

When I was a teenager you couldn't drag me from the mall. I loved going shopping and seeing all the people. I loved spending money...mostly because it wasn't mine. Now days, it's hard for me to get motivated. But with a new office job and a worn out wardrobe, it was time...for the Sherman Oaks Mall.

Cindy and I braced ourselves yesterday afternoon as we walked into Macy's. The Sherman Oaks Mall is actually quite large and hidden. We wandered into a few over priced shops where a funny situation happened. Cindy noticed a cute sweatshirt hanging on a rack she couldn't reach (we're both vertically challenged) so the sales lady came over and said "You know, this is salvage." We both said oh, okay not realizing that "salvage" was the actual brand and the sweatshirt was over 200 dollars! HAH! We walked out and realized that we both thought that when she said "salvage" we thought resale. We got a kick out of that.

We had a great day shopping. We bought some nice summer clothes at Ann Taylor, we each got a pair of new shoes, and I got a new pair of sunglasses. On our way back to take Cindy home, we also stopped at Trader Joe's which is always fun. Thanks Cindy for a fun afternoon!

This weekend I had chores to do but I didn't do them. Tonight I had make-up chores but didn't do them. I'm way behind. Vaccuming needs to be done and the kitchen needs to be cleaned. And before you know it, Katie will be here...

In exciting news, Matt is pitching a show next week at NBC Universal at the Sci-Fi channel!!! How exciting is this? Less than 3 weeks out of school and already he's got a major meeting. I am so delighted and proud of him!

Friday, June 15, 2007

In the words of Rachael Ray...

Yumo! These burgers are so so declicious. I made them last week and they were a big hit with my guy.

Turkey burgers with grated zucchini and carrot
(From Real Simple Magazine)

3/4 pound ground turkey
1 medium zucchini, grated
1 medium carrot, grated
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 large egg
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 slices crusty bread
4 small leaves Boston lettuce
4 tablespoons mayonaise (optional)
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice (optional)

Heat broiler. In a large bowl, combine the turkey, zucchini, carrot, garlic, thyme, salt, pepper, and egg. Form the mixture into 4 patties. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties, turning once, until no trace of pink remains, 4-5 minutes per side. Meanwhile, place the bread on a baking sheet and brush with the remaining oil. Broil until golden and crisp, about 1 1/2 minutes. Transfer the bread to individual plates. Top with the lettuce leaves and burgers. If using, combine the mayonaise and lemon juice in a small bowl and serve with the burgers.

For extra zest, rub the bread with the cut side of a peeled, halved garlic clove immediately after removing the bread from the oven.

Thursday, June 14, 2007

Feeling ill

I suppose it was silly of me to think that I wouldn't catch Matt's cold. He got sick after all the family left and the stress died down. He was pretty sick for about 3 days and I woke up yesterday with a tingle in my throat and all sneezy. Thank goodness for airborne. But last night I came home, fixed dinner, and then went to bed at 7. I couldn't keep my eyes open. Naturally, I woke up at 4am. More airborne, maybe some chicken soup for breakfast, and then before work I'll stop by Walgreens to get some more airborne so I can work today. Maybe even go home early.

On Tuesday evening, we headed over to Don and Cindy's which was great fun. They have a wonderful home out in Sherman Oaks. So much character! I especially love how the only way that you can get into the DG office is through the second bedroom. They seem really happy with their new jobs and new home. Cindy, is, as ever, a fantastic cook and Don is fabulous griller. She marinated some steaks and cut up some fresh veggies, and Don took them to the grill. Yummy! Rian was also there with another guy (and his name escapes me now), they brough wonderful sausages from the Farmer's Market. It was a perfect night for sitting around outside, eating our yumtastic dinner and drinking a few beers.

Saturday Mary and I (if I'm better) go out for an early morning hike in Pasadena. I've been told to wear clam diggers and water proof shoes as we cross a stream several times. She said most of it is flat (thank goodness because I have no stamina) and it's absolutely beautiful. I'm really looking forward to it.

Next Saturday evening, Katie arrives for an 8 day stay. We're looking forward to seeing her and having her here. I know that Matt will be in classes a few days a week so I've asked for some time off to get home early so she's not by herself all day long. I suppose this seems like bad timing to get a new job, but I really like what I do (so far) so it's best to just be adult about everything and get through these busy times. I do know that Katie wants to check out a few colleges in the area which will be fun, and she wants to go to the beach. It's also her vacation, so I don't know how busy we'll be when she's here.

Sunday, June 10, 2007

Graduation Pictures

AFI Faculty

Getting ready...


Our graduate!

Guess who showed up at graduation?

Wednesday, June 06, 2007

He's done! (well, almost)

Matthew graduated today! It was a very entertaining ceremony with wonderful, charismatic speeches and a fabulous surprise arrival by an A list celebrity. We had so much fun with our family and friends.

Details to come. I'm exhausted.

He's not officially done, though >:( Summer classes have officially started and he won't get his diploma until September...but he's ALMOST done! I'm very excited to have my husband back (almost)!

Saturday, June 02, 2007

It's official!

I'm working at Ajilon Finance/Office at the Burbank Office. We place candidates in the office (administrative) and financial (accountants) sectors. I really like my co-workers. They are so much fun and even have "dance-offs" every few days to boost morale and keep the energy going. The best part is that I feel like I'm working with these people, not for them. And even though it's a global company, it feels small. There is so much resposibility, which is very exciting. And there's several things I don't know yet, which I will have to be trained on next week. I put in a 12 hour day yesterday just so I could learn everything I could from the previous woman who's last day was yesterday. I'm excited but nervous about Monday. I'm sure I'll be ok. It'll just take me a little time to get used to all the paperwork I'll be pushing around.

Today I'm off to Runyon Canyon with Chandra and her dog, Capone. Then I get my haircut. Afterwards, I'll head home to get Matt and we'll be off to Sherman Oaks to help Don and Cindy unpack. I can't wait to see their new place!

Tomorrow much cleaning will be had. Matt's parents arrive Tuesday evening for graduation, and my Dad arrives Tuesday afternoon. I don't want this place looking like it does now...piles everywhere...