Sparkle

I don't think about my jewelry much. I'm not a big jewel fan and I don't wear diamonds. Thinking of bling doesn't cross my mind often. But when a fellow blogonista tweeted about a week-long "right hand ring" guest blogger idea, I thought, "well, I guess maybe I could share my story, it might be a bit different from the other stories she will collect." So here we are.

As I said, I'm not that into jewelry. I've always had moral issues with diamonds, no matter how much progress they make in the Kimberly Process. (Google it.)

I had pierced ears when I was in elementary school, but those subsequently closed after years of non-wear. I didn't re-pierce them until my early 20's, when I received a fabulous pair of pearl earrings as a gift from a colleague.

However, there is one piece of jewelry that I covet more than anything. I fear for the day I might look down and not see it.

Here's a little background...

My dad was diagnosed with "The Big Casino" (thank you, Sopranos, for a way to say it without saying it) in January of 2006. They gave him six months. We only got almost four. Fortunately, I was able to quit my job and stay home with him during that time.

My dad and I were close. He was my best buddy, my biggest inspiration, my biggest fan and my biggest critic. What he thought mattered more than anything else. We would sit at Barnes and Noble and read books all afternoon (after I bought him a cup of coffee, of course), we would go Jeeping, hiking, play tennis and have fun parties with friends. He introduced me to wine (at a bit of an early age - don't tell CPS) and he introduced me to politics, which has become my career and my passion.

So, when he was diagnosed with late-stage esophogeal cancer, it was extremely hard on me, my mom and my brother. But we did what we could for as long as we had.

The last gift he and my mom gave me, for my 23rd birthday, was a blue topaz ring. Not my birthstone, this stone shines more brightly and beautifully than any aquamarine ever could.

It was one month before we lost him that I received my ring.

It never leaves my right finger. It goes with me to the gym, helps me with yard work, plays soccer with me, goes to the office and comes wine tasting with me. I wear it at times I probably shouldn't. I can count the number of times I've been without it on less than one hand. I feel more than naked when that happens. When I look at it, I remember where it came from and what is really important. It's not just some pretty ring. It's a reminder of what was, what is and what can be. No ring on my left hand will ever mean as much as this ring on my right hand.

I still miss my pops more than words can say. But at least I have something, so close to my heart, that can remind me of the wonderful person I was lucky enough to call my dad.

<3

(Pardon the man hands... Nobody ever accused me of being a hand model.)

Surprise. . .

About six months ago, we got a new family member. Sincere apologies for the late announcement; obviously my maternal instincts only go as far as the dogs.

Our newest addition is a turtle. My brother works for a pool cleaning company and he found our poor turtle stuck in a pool filter. She's a rescue turtle.

Her name is Toby Lorretta and she is a lovely little turtle. Her name was originally Toby Leroy, but after doing a little turtle research, we discovered our he turtle was a she turtle. Whoops.

Anyway, the turtle gets along just grandly with our new fish in the fishtank. On top of that, Rocco has an unnatural fascination with the turtle and the tank. He will sit for an hour and keep watch over the fishies and Toby. No joke.

Anyway, I only bring this up because something else happened, just last week.

I saw Shupe digging in our backyard (nothing new). When I asked what he was doing, he said our main plumbing line was having issues and he was digging it up. Although it was probably two feet over from where the line was the last time we had to dig it up (gross, I know), I figured oh well, whatev.

Later that evening, after finishing one fabulous bottle of wine, I look over at Shupe and he has one of those grins on his face that just screams "I did something bad."

So I ask Shupe what's with the look and he says, bashfully, "Toby is getting a new house."

I say, "Umm, excuse me?"

"Don't you think he needs a bigger house? I'm building him a pond."

"Ummmmm... A pond? The pond I told you a million times I don't want? That kind of pond?"

"Yes." (sheepishly)

So, there you have it. Toby Lorretta gets a pond and I get heartburn over my fear of the onslaught of bugs that will follow. How can you have a pond without bugs? Isn't that why vector control asks you to clear standing water?

Oh, and don't get me started about the creepy fish that will also be in the pond. I mean, those fish are just weird.

Sweat Equity

Ok, before I begin, let me just say that I only brag because I know most of you have been there since the beginning of this little bloggie. We came into this project with a big hopes, huge dreams, a little money and nothing but time. The experience of the last year and a half has been incredible. Ups, downs, elation, heartbreak and everything in between.

After 6 months of waiting for a crazy short sale loan from hell to close, 3 months of hard, hard, hard work, and 9 months of getting settled, Shupasaurus and I are officially at home in our home. We love it. We hang at home, because our home is awesome. It's ours. We did it. With a lot of help from those we love, of course. But it is everything we wanted and more. And do you want to know what the best part of the "more" is? Wait for it... Wait for it...

In the last month, I have been in the process of taking advantage of this whacked out economy and the low low interest rates available by trying to refi the Speakeasy. Rates are about a percent lower these days (especially since I got the crapiest loan ever since the house was the crapiest house ever- we just said thanks to the bank and insurance company willing to put their neck out for such a pile of bat guano).

So, we are trying the refi and seeing where we land. So far, things look good.

But the point of my story is that, after owning our home for just over one year (we closed mid-July and it is the end of September), we have... Drum roll... Over 25% equity. Our hard work has paid off, hugely. In this flailing (to put it nicely) housing market, we have managed the impossible: GAINING value. As homeowners are seeing negative equity of $100k+, we have over $50k on our side.

So thank you, to everyone who helped us accomplish this feat. I am so proud to have a real "investment" and something that I'm not only proud to call home, but something that I know I will own for the rest of my life and never have to worry about anymore heartache.

Now, who's ready to buy the next shack with us?!?!?!?! :)

Three Things

Today was one of those days. You know, those days when it takes a little extra to put on a happy face. Those days when, for some reason, you just feel in a funk. And I know I have nothing to complain about. I am more fortunate than I can say, but for some reason today felt so blah that I sat in my little cubbie at work, just typing reports, sending letters and moping to myself.

In my travels on the World Wide (as Nichole would call it), I stumbled on a lovely little blog by a woman I don't even know. Her post on her new garden caught my attention and the fact that she barely posts more than me made me bond immediately. ;)

As I looked at the first few posts, hoping not to waste too many workday hours, I found this one:
//persnicketysummer.blogspot.com/2011/01/three-things.html

In college, when she felt blah, her roommate would go, "Quick, three things!" And she would rattle off three things she was thankful for right at that moment.

Wow. An epiphany. We have so much to be thankful for, we sometimes lose sight. Perhaps, if every morning (or afternoon, or evening) we took five minutes out to remind ourselves of three things that we are happy about, we will forget those things we don't like so much. I think the idea is grand. And I'm going to start reminding myself of those three things. Everyday. Starting today.

And just so you get to be witness to the beginning of this little self pact, here are my first three things I am greatful for:

1. Having two sweet boys who sit with me in the morning while I try to do something with my "flock of seaguls" hair. (Thanks, Shupe, for the lovely adjective.)

2. Having a job that challenges me, helps me grow as a person, let's me have a little fun during my workdays and allows me to be myself.

3. Living in a place where I'm allowed to live how I want, without limits and without being scared of what's around the corner.

Now, before I have any "What about me?!" comments (not that you would say that, mom), this is just the start. I have MUCH more that I stoked about. This is only day one.

What are your three things?

What a difference a year makes.....

Hi all! Sorry for the extended blogging break. We had a whirlwind of weddings and birthdays and busy work weeks, so I have been totally blog-slacking lately.

But today is a big day at the Discoball Speakeasy... One year ago today we got the keys! I was so happy to have my very first house, even if it was a wreck. After six months of shortsale ups and downs, heartbreaks, headaches and tears, we finally put that loan to bed and got started on what would be a year of home improvements that would give any HGTV show a run for its money.

We are very fortunate to have had some great support along the way. Shupasaurus and I are lucky to have such great family and friends. His mom and dad were amazing, as were my brother and many of my friends. My mom and dad 2 came through in a big way by transforming my kitchen into a beautiful space, which I think would easily win any kitchen makeover competition.

Most of all, I thank my mom for being there for me and helping my shack dreams come true.

I am in love with my house. No, I mean, I am in love with my HOME. It is truly a place where friends and family gather and great memories are made. I cannot imagine a better place to be. Thank you all, from the bottom of my heart. I love you guys.

And now for a trip down memory lane...

The old front

The new front

Old dining room

New dining room

Old kitchen

More old kitchen

New kitchen (No, we do not have a giant discoball in the kitchen, I was just holding up a discoball Christmas ornament.) :)

Old backyard

More old backyard

New backyard (although we have done more work, I just don't have a current picture!)

Rain, rain, go away.....

It's been raining in Sacramento. A lot. Way more than it should in June. The kind of rain where you look outside and think, "Is it January?" It's June. For reals. Almost July.

They say that Memorial Day is the unofficial start to summer. If that's the case, I think that I am going to have to give Punxatawny Phil or whatever his name is a call and as for a re-do in the groundhog weather prediction department.

And this weather has a weird affect on people. It brings out people's inner gloom. People have a harder time perking up. People get lazy. People have a hard time finding motivation to get out of the house. Oh, and by people, I mean me.

It's not that I really mind the rain. I actually like the sound of rain on the roof. I like that I don't have to water the garden. I appreciate the fresh rain smell. But I have a Jew fro hidden underneath this perfectly flatironed coif. There is a wild tiger's mane hiding underneath those straight strands. And for years I have fought this jew from with every ounce of my hair stylist might. But two drops of rain and I have people asking what the cat drug in.

And that's not the only thing. It's also very near swimsuit season. And I hate to say that I already have a lack of motivation in the workout department, which is only exacerbated by craptastic weather.

Sitting at home and reading a book with a nice hot cup of tea is #1 on m rainy day activity list. (Ok, ok, it might be a glass of bubbly or cheap light beer some of the time, but I digress.)

Anyway, I'm going to continue to plead with the weather gods for a perk up. I hope you will, too. Until then, I'm going to sit around and see what else I can find in the cabinets to munch on. Here's hoping the crash workout plan will work next week, as I scramble to find a dress to wear to these weddings that doesn't make me resemble the white version of C-Lo.

Ting ting.

Will Solve Clues for Diamonds

Boy, did we have a fun little adventure this weekend!

This Saturday was the third annual "Race for the Ring" in Downtown Sacramento. Shupasaurus and I were lucky enough to participate as "Team News n Review," courtesy of one of my BFF's who puts together events for SN&R.

This was our first year to participate and we had a blast!

Shupasaurus and I, Team News n Review

The race benefits the Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services, which recently had to overcome a huge fire at their facility. The event expected to bring in approximately $20,000 for the food bank. One of the major sponsors was Rogers Jewelers, which donated much of the $35,000 worth of prizes, including a huge diamond ring worth over $8,000. The prize the really had my eye was the baby blue beach cruiser, donated courtesy of a midtown vintage bike shop.

BFF Kev and I

Over 600 teams participated this year and the event was a blast. We zipped off from Raley Field at 10:30 and spent the next two hours biking from one Sacramento landmark to the next, answering questions and solving riddles.

Mayor Johnson was in attendance to do the race countdown

We trekked around to 25 different places, including the State Capitol, where our clue was, "Sacramento Panera Breads have been partnering with the Food Bank for 3 years. Find SCVNGR's Amanda infront of the Capitol and ask her the name of this campaign."

Of course, this has us and our fellow Race for the Ringers wandering the Capitol lawn asking quizzically, "Amanda? Amanda? Are you Amanda?"

Amanda!

After a couple hours of biking around beautiful Downtown Sacramento, we headed back with our score of 73, in the hopes that we beat the pants off of the competition. The after party at Raley Field was rockin', complete with a super fun cover band, awesome grub and ice cold brewskis!

Raley Field After Party

However, I am sad to report that Shupasaurus and I did not bring home the big prize. As a matter of fact, we were all but SMOKED by the competition, with the winning team racking up an impressive 112 points.

Although, we did spend the rest of the afternoon brainstorming ideas for improving our game next year, and we are looking forward to regaining our good name. :)

The shame of losing was nothing a few rounds of cheap beer couldn't wash away