Introducing Sconnie

So Kim and I have added another animal to our brood, Sconnie. She's 7-8 weeks old, deaf and adjusting quite nicely to us and our house. Her temperament can be very sweet, tender and loving at times, but she also has a spunky, rambunctious and spastic side. She loves to play with her toys, sleep in weird places and isn't afraid of the dogs. I don't know what the dogs make of her quite yet, but we are still slowly introducing them to each other. So far she ignores them as they try to stare her down.

I'm teaching her a few signs in ASL, Kim too, like "no" and "food" so we can communicate with her better. And the past few nights she has been keeping Kim and I up with her nocturnal antics, which we both hope will pass soon, but she is a kitten and the possibility of that happening is quite slim. It's so nice to have a kitty in the house again, it was missing that energy. Kim and I have fallen madly in love with her and I believe her with us too. And so it begins...

Hidden treasures in the Antelope Valley

I should explain that the "hidden treasures" are hidden to most as people in LA will not venture this way and or that locals would be too oblivious to notice them. So here are some of the local fair and flavor that I've discovered that were worth mentioning and definitely worth visiting.

5019 West Avenue M, Quartz Hill, CA 93536

If you want to get spoiled and pay for it, this place is the embodiment of self indulgence and pampering. They use Eminence, an "all natural organically grown herbs, fruits and vegetables" skin care line from Hungry. I've been using the product line for a few months and have to say that my skin does feel better, but better yet was treating myself to this little luxury.

706 West Lancaster Blvd, Lancaster, CA 93534

If you want to try something a little different within the realm of American cuisine, you should try Bex in the heart of newly redesigned Downtown Lancaster. The portions are a bit out of control and service is in the fast casual style, but the flavors are fantastic and the atmosphere is something one must experience for themselves.

653 West Lancaster Blvd, Lancaster, CA 93534

Another fast casual dining experience and also in the heart of the new Downtown Lancaster is the Lemon Leaf. This restaurant offers Greek and Mediterranean dishes and delicious deserts. The chicken kabobs and pizzas are delicious and the open and tranquil atmosphere make for a wonderful dining experience.

39256 10th St West, Palmdale CA 93551

If you are a bit more adventurous and like a little (if not a lot) of spice then Malhi's Indian Cuisine is the place to go. This is traditional Indian food at it's best, offering mild to Indian hot tastes. The offer a daily buffet or sit down service, whatever you are in the mood for. The chicken tiki masala and shrimp curry are to died for. I must confess that Kim and I are regular guests and make this a weekly haunt.

Wisconsin Pictorial Highlights

Kim, TK, Cris, Shawn & I after Squeeze @ the Barrymore in Madison

Kim, Kristen, Jaime & I @ the Mermaid Cafe in Madison

Beautiful Shawn and Cris @ Squeeze in Madison

Kim and the Stordahl's in Lake Geneva

"More ketchup please" says Ivy @ the Harmony in Madison

Kim, Randy & Cris @ the Wind Point Lighthouse near Racine

The gang @ Summerfest '10 in Milwaukee

Kim and Kevin @ the Harmony in Madison

Kim and TK @ Squeeze in Madison

Our teddy bear

Yesterday, Kim and I said goodbye to our teddy bear, Spencer. We are heartbroken and heavy-hearted, but know deep within our hearts that it was the right decision. He had a old injury that, at his age, his body could no longer fend off. This caused chronic inflammation, pain and discharge, none of which medication helped. He no longer could get up with ease, romp around the yard with the Linus and Abby or go for long walks around the lake. Kim made the tough decision and he went peacefully last night.

So goodnight teddy bear, our Fatboy, I hope you are running around the skies chasing gophers and lizards with Punker-poo and that kitty is watching somewhere close by. You will forever be in our hearts and minds as one of the sweetest and most loving animals we ever knew. We will always love you and we will miss you dearly.

On the road again, I just can't wait to be on the road again...oh wait

Kim and I are on the road, currently just outside Alda, Nebraska. The drive through California, Nevada and Arizona were uneventful, but that changed ince we hit Utah. The weather has been very unpredictable and anything but warm. It's been raining almost non stop through Utah, Colorado and now Nebraska. We've actually had the heater on in the car more than we have cared too. Go figure!

We are excited to see the Wisconson clan, but traveling with three dogs (even Kim admits) is a colossal pain in the ass. I think we we'll never have this many animals again. It's just too much work and we are always trying to figure out who will take care of them. But for now we are a pack of wolves and travel together. More from Wisconsin, once we get there...

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So it's official...

I received a letter in the mail yesterday from California State University Northridge officially welcoming me to the Graduate Program! I'm thrilled and yet scared to death. I told myself for way too long that this was an unattainable goal and I was wrong. What I need to remind myself is that this is a process and it will take me as long as it's going to take, hence the term gradual student.

I wanted to thank everyone for their encouragement and support along the way. I especially want to thank Shawnie and Kevin for their input on my Graduate essay...thanks guys. I couldn't have done it without your help ;-) Also I am grateful to family and friends for their unwavering belief in me. Your unfaltering confidence in me has been inspiring and I'm working very hard to believe the same.

I'm sure I will experience moments of varying emotions: cries of frustration, screams in exasperation, boisterous squeals of glee when praised and pangs of self-doubt with the inevitable critiques, but it will be worth every minute.

Running up that road...

So I just finished the first 9 weeks of running today. Now 9 weeks actually fell over 4 months, but eh who's counting. I know I have a long way to go and about 30 pounds to go with it, but I wanted to thank a few people for getting me here.

First and foremost I have to thank the GetRunning app which has supported me the whole way. It was perfect for someone like me who has no real experience with running and is completely out of shape. So thank you for making running possible and thanks for suggesting Run Keeper Pro for the next step!

I also want to thank my aunt Eileen & uncle Chuck for running with me at my first 5K and Steve & Maren for running with me on the second. It was great to have moral support along the way. I look forward to my next 5K, then 10K and then who knows maybe even a marathon.

Thanks to my Facebook friends for encouraging me, my wife and my Dad for cheering me on and a little pat on the back to myself for seeing this through. Here's to the next leg of my running journey...cheers! (Forgive the puns)

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPhone]