His&Her Q&A -- With Christina too!

This time around, we're doing things a little differently! Our dear friend Christina came up this weekend for Color Me Rad. She always loves reading our Sunday Q&A, so I thought I would ask her to join us this time around since she's here. She gladly accepted!

Thanks Christina for joining us this week. We love you and loved having you around!


If a movie was made about your life, who would you want to play you?
Him: Mark Ruffalo, with like 25 more pounds.
Her: Ginnifer Goodwin. Apparently, she's my doppleganger.
Christina: Meryl Streep (though she would have to be fifty shades of brown to play me lol)

What is your favorite candy bar?
Him: Reese's Fast Break
Her: Peanut butter anything. Since I don't think Reese's peanut butter cups count, I'm going to say Peanut Butter Snickers.
Christina: Right now, KitKat

If you could redo anything about your wedding, what would you do differently?
Him: Not have the sacrificial goat in the middle of the service. But really, I don't think there would have been anything I would have changed.
Her: Elope.
Christina: ummmm I've never been married, so all you single men : CALL ME!!

What is the greatest Halloween costume you've ever had?
Him: I haven't had many. I once dressed up with a hardhat and reflective vest and walked around Tower District with some friends. I dressed as a construction worker, but people thought I was dressed as one of the Village People.
Her: Flo, the Progressive Girl! It was super last minute, but turned out perfectly.

Christina: Scarecrow from Wizard of Oz!!!... When I was little.

What is your favorite type of food?
Him: Italian Food. I love pasta, garlic, meat: all that fancy Italian crap.
Her: Anything I can dip in ranch dressing.
Christina: ALL! DUH!!! But recently it's been soups: Chicken Noodle, Menudo, Beef Stew.....etc.

What is a sacrifice you've recently made for your better half?
Him: A kitten. I told her it would make us younger!
I don't really remember the last thing I did. I try to do something everyday for Michelle. For example, my fingers are currently a different color because I'm trying to keep the colors on Michelle's shirt from her 5K yesterday.
Her: A kitten!?!?! SAM! ... We don't sacrifice animals. Sheesh. Being there to listen when he complains.
Christina: Well, like I said I'm single, but I've recently realize that I need to make more of an effort to connect with friends that I haven't spoken to in a very long time,which mean sacrificing time for me to hang out with others, but it's still a work in progress!

What music did you grow up on?
Him: Keith Green, DC Talk, Michael W Smith, Geoff Moore and the Distance, Chicago...
Her:  Anything you can hear on a classic rock station. Beach Boys, Elvis, CCR, Beatles, Monkees, Temptations, Chuck Berry...
Christina: MADONNA!!!!

What was your favorite wedding gift?
Him: SNUGGIE!!!
Her: We received so many wonderful gifts! SO hard to pick! I especially enjoyed spending all the gift cards.  We were able to buy couch covers from Bed Bath & Beyond to cover Sam's ugly, yet super comfortable couches!
Christina: any gift :) P.S. I bought Sam and Michelle snuggies!!!

Desert island- Only 5 people are there with you. Who would you want them to be?
Him: Michelle, a couple of cooks from Dusty Buns, a Hunter, and a dog.
Her: Just the people I love, we'll figure out how to survive! Sam, Christina, Valarie, Angelica and Chris Hemsworth. (We watched Thor today)
Christina: My future husband, Bear Grylls (I know I'll never die with him around!!!), A person who makes See's Candies and Gordan Ramsey (amazing food, all the time)

What is your favorite time of day?
Him: Early morning, before the world wakes up. It's almost like another world.
Her: Mornings! I wish I was able to get up earlier to enjoy them more.
Christina: Usually mornings, after a great workout or jog!

// Currently //

I am currently.... 

Achieving // Breathing out my nose. My allergies have been horrible this week so breathing has been quite the challenge. I've been up to the challenge though!

Building // ... The church bulletin? Does that count? I'm building the design. By doing the weekly bulletin, I'm helping to build the church by informing them of activities going on in the coming weeks. Sure, that works. 

Collecting // Rubber duckies! Well, I'm always collecting these little guys. I only wish I could get my hands on one of the rubber duckies that's in the fountain of the opening credits of Friends. My collection: 

Dealing with // Attempting to get into some sort of shape. I joined the gym and easing myself into it. I'm trying to go every day after work. Going to make sure I stick with this.

Enjoying // Some Wednesday night television. There's not much on, but I'm loving Animal Practice and Guys with Kids. Annnnddd a Taken 2 trailer just came on. I'm enjoying the thought of seeing that movie very, very soon! Love me some Liam Neeson.

Tunesday: The Gospel Whiskey Runners

Well, today Mumford & Sons came out with a new record today. I was thinking about choosing them for my Tunesday spotlight, but since most of you  have probably heard of them, I decided to go with a local (Visalia Native) folk/rock band that I love.

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Band/Musician: The Gospel Whiskey Runners
Where I heard it first: Angelica and I went to see The Weepies at the Visalia Fox Theater a couple years ago and these guys opened up for them. It was actually just the guitarist and female singer/tambourine player at the time. She was also VERY pregnant. I was wondering if I should have 911 ready to go just in case. Even without a full band, these guys blew me away. They were incredible. They had such a powerful, genuine stage presence that so few bands have.
Listen if you like: Good tunes. Folk. Country. Rock. Soul. Jazz. Mumford & Sons. The Lumineers. Edward Sharpe.  John Mark McMillan
Notable songs: "Hold On" "The Wound" "Muddy Waters" "I Am A Ghost"


"Hold On"

"The Wound"

Last year they had a Kickstarter campaign, and I just think their story is amazing. They're using their gift of music to spread God's word throughout bars, night clubs, street corners and homeless shelters. What an encouragement!

If you like what you hear, you can download it for free (it's completely legal!) at http://noisetrade.com/gwr

Happy Listening!

Snapshot Monday: Celebrating Carlos

On Saturday night, a few of Carlos' friends gathered together to celebrate another year of how awesome he is. We went a Teppanyaki restaurant. This was my second time enjoying the tasty food and wonderful show!

Normally, I want to make my Snapshot Monday picture a photo that I took, but this picture is far too amazing to pass up.

We got our Teppanyaki chef to wear a mustache and take mustachular picture with us!

I think the picture speaks for itself.

Have a great week!

Also, I don't know why Blogger keeps trying to auto correct Teppanyaki to Pakistan.

His&Her Q & A

Sam and I look forward to doing this every week so I hope you enjoy reading our craziness! 


How would a classmate have described you in high school?
His: Brother.
Her: Short.

What was a toy from childhood you never had but coveted?
His: Sega Genesis.
Her: Any gaming system. Never had one except for an Atari.

What is your biggest flaw?
His: I have a hard time saying no to people.
Her: I'm anti-social. I like hanging out with my group of friends, but ... being out of my element with strangers gives me anxiety.

What do you do on your bad days to make you happy?
His: Read a book while sitting down at a Starbucks drinking an Iced Tea. Cook dinner. Lately, it's been the gym.
Her: Drink Dr Pepper.

What does your other half do for you on your bad days to make you happy?
His: She lets me go do whatever I want to let off steam. If I say I need to go out for a bit, she doesn't have a problem with me being out for a while.
Her: Hugs and Cuddles. And he always tries to make me laugh.

When you go to an event/party/potluck, what food do you hope is there?
His: Meatballs.
Her: BBQ mini weenies

What are your favorite smartphone apps?
His: I'm rather new to having a smartphone, so I haven't found anything useful. Shazam has been helpful, along with Spotify. I like being able to deposit checks. I like the shopping Apps: Fandango, Amazon, Woot...
Her: The Weather Channel App. I have a Blackberry. It doesn't have any fun apps. Can't wait to get my iPhone 5 in November when I can get my upgrade.

What is something that always embarrasses you?
His: When my wife catches me singing along with a country song...
Her: Compliments. And Sam too sometimes. :P

What is some of the best advice your parents have given you?
His: Always find something to do at work. Make yourself useful at work, so that they need to keep you at work.
Her: During school and working at the newspaper, I would always get stressed about finishing things on time. My mom would tell me not to worry about it because it'll get done. So simple, but it always helped.

Who is your celebrity man crush?
His: Jon Hamm.
Her: Yowza, good to know Sam! Woooo! Mine is Jon Hamm too! And Ryan Gosling.

Throwback Thursday: Electronic Pets

Who had a Tamogotchi? 
Who remembers them?
Nano Pet?
Giga Pet?

I used to love this thing. I eventually had one that was a puppy and one that was The Little Mermaid, but this kind was my first one. I got it for my birthday. I think I was in the fifth grade at the time. We all had them. At one point, they even banned them from school because were more worried about keeping their pet alive than they were with Reading and Arithmetic.

But really... that didn't stop us from using them on campus. I know, I know... Rebels.

Did you know...

• It was first made in Japan and the Japanese word means "Egg Watch."
• 76 million have been sold world-wide.
• Since their creation in 1996, there have been 44 different versions.
• First generations of Tamogotchi wouldn't even survive half a day if you left it alone so students would bring them to school which resulted in schools banning them.

I think I might even have one of these little guys lying around in a box somewhere.
Let's hope so! Time to bust this bad boy out...

Pinsday: Spray Painting Fun

Let's Get Crafty!

I have been wanting to paint this shelf for a while now. I saw something similar on Pinterest and realized I could do the same thing to this shelf that I've had forever. It was basically just holding knick knacks in our extra bedroom. 

I decided I wanted to display my nail polish. I've been kind of obsessed with painting my nails lately and was tired of having my polishes in a box. I hated digging around to find the color I wanted. If I put them on this shelf, then I could see them all and maybe I wouldn't be choosing the same colors all the time.

I just didn't have a place to spray paint the shelf. My tiny apartment patio was not accommodating. On Sunday morning, I went over to my friend Angelica's house and used her backyard to do my project. Well, I was already there since I spent the night, but you know what I mean.

First, I went to Michael's to pick up some primer, color and a glossy overcoat. For the color, I decided to with "Pistacio."

I started with the primer. Had to get this dark brown to a white. That took a while. I had already started painting it when I realized I should have taken a "before" picture. Luckily, I didn't get too far!

I didn't paint it completely white. I was anxious to get it done (since it was getting hot and Angelica and I were going to go to Starbucks when I finished), so I didn't get it completely white. 

Finally, the fun part came! Coloring! I feel like the bright color makes the detailed wood carvings stand out that much more. 

I decided to add some scrapbook paper as a shelf background. I just went through my scrapbook paper collection and was lucky enough to find some nice pieces I liked that would match.

When I was finished, I nailed it to the wall in our bedroom bathroom. You know... next to my Michael Buble  calendar that I got as a gift. This bathroom has kind of turned into mine because I use it all the time and it has all of my stuff in it now. (I love you, Sam!)

Here's a better look at the scrapbook paper backgrounds. 

VOILA! Fin. 

I was actually really proud of myself. This is my first time I've ever done anything like this and it turned out really good. It's not perfect, but it's close enough for me. Now I'm excited to have all my nail polish in one, neat place in some sort of color order. I'm a little OCD. And you can see that my favorite colors are of the green/blue/teal variety since it takes up the entire top shelf. I didn't even realize I had this many nail polishes. 

I'm going to need a bigger shelf!

Tunesday: Parenthood Playlist Edition

Last week, my very favorite show, Parenthood, started up again last week for its fourth season. Well, every episode is filled with music to fit perfectly with the scene.

They recently posted the song list for every episode! If you want to, go there for all the songs ever played on Parenthood. I decided to go through the list and make playlists! Thanks to Spotify, I was able to listen to every song. It was so hard to narrow down to a manageable playlist. These are my favorites from each season.


Season one -
Favorites off this list:  Bob Dylan, The Avett Brothers, Paul Simon, The Kooks
Listen to the playlist via Spotify or my Tumblr page.

Season Two -
Favorites off this list: Vetiver, Beck, The New Pornographers, CCR, Joshua Radin, The National
Listen to the playlist via Spotify or my Tumblr page.

Season Three -
Favorites off this list:  Alexander, Elvis Costello, The Civil Wars, Nick Waterhouse, Joe Tex
Listen to the playlist via Spotify or my Tumblr page.

hope you listened and enjoyed the playlists.
This is the best show (in my opinion) on television this Fall. If you're interested in watching it, you can catch up on Netflix and watch it on NBC on Tuesdays at 10 p.m. You won't regret it!

#TeamBraverman

Snapshot Monday: Weekend Fun

Well, my Saturday was eventful.
I was with my friend Angelica all day. We prepared for our next post on our blog Fresno Strips, had lunch, shopped, dyed her t-shirt and just hung around town.

The picture above is part of her living room. See, this is why we're friends... Our love of music and vinyl. Look at all that Strange Vine! We saw him again this weekend at Audie's Olympic. I think I need to hands to count the number I've seen Strange Vine just this year.

Sam was out of town, so I spent the night at her place. We ended the night with watching The Dog Whisperer. If you haven't seen this show, you need to see it asap! She bought the DVD at Dollar Tree.

The next day, she let me use her backyard to spray paint a shelf! It turned out sooo good. I'll post about that later this week.

Good friends. Good music. Good weekend.

His&Her Q & A

How did your other half make you feel loved this past week?
His: She emptied the Dishwasher, and folded the laundry after I washed it.
Her: He did a load of my laundry (jeans were really dirty and needed to be washed) while I went to Bible Study. Now, we don't have a washing machine in our apartment, so he had to walk back and forth to our complex's laundry room. And it's been very hot this week.

What was your biggest hobby as a little kid?
His: I liked making up stories, but I never wrote them down or anything. I once made a comic, and I have no clue where it went.
Her: Hobbies? I enjoyed coloring, barbies and hot wheels. Not sure if those are considered hobbies though.

What about the world makes you sad?
His: How people always think that someone is out to get them. People are so quick to play the victim all the time that they overlook people that are actually hurting. It actually ticks me off how people stand up for causes that affect them and think they are standing up for some greater cause, but in reality they are just standing up for their own selfish needs. There is a world outside of yourself.
Her: That people believe there's not something greater than us. That there's no God. How can you look at the beauty in the world around us, the infinite universe, the people we love and believe that this is it? That this just all happens to be here?

What about the world makes you happy?
His: As much as I don't like what's wrong with the world, people are surprising sometimes at how much they can think of others. Whenever someone goes out of their way for someone else, when they have nothing to gain for it, it just shows me that people can be selfless, and that good people do exist.
Her: Love.

What is your current favorite song? (Post youtube links/videos if possible!)
His: Itchin' on a Photograph- Grouplove
Her: Big Parade - The Lumineers

If you weren't currently married/dating your other half, where do you think you would you be? (I don't know is not allowed!)
His: Probably still in school, hoping to meet some cute looking girl who I could spend the rest of my life with (I'm such a girl).
Her: That's hard to say. I've been with Sam since before I even graduated high school, so I never really pictured a life without him. I may have applied at jobs around California after college. Maybe I would be in San Jose with Valarie because I'm sure I would have given in to her shameless strategies at trying to convince me to move up there.

What is your favorite outdoor activity?
His: I stay indoors all the time. Just kidding. I like camping. But I haven't been camping in years. *hint hint*
Her: Yard sales! Farmers Markets! -- Goodness, I sound old.

What was your favorite memory from the wedding celebration/reception? (NOT THE CEREMONY. If not married yet- what do you most look forward to about your wedding celebration/reception?)
His: It's a toss up from when I told Michelle that I forgot my vows in my other pants, and when I told Michelle that I left my Passport in Fresno. (And she still married me!)
Her: Well since the obvious answer would involve Sam, I'm going to say the "Dollar/Money Dance."  I know some find it tacky, but I found it to be a great Blessing. It has actually nothing to do with the money (it could have been Monopoly money for all I care), but it gave me the chance to talk with so many of our guests on a one-on-one basis. I know that would have never happened otherwise.

What are some traditions that you now share together?
His: Every Christmas we buy a new Christmas Ornament. First year was National Lampoons Christmas Vacation, and the second year we got a Charlie Brown one. Both make my heart smile.
Her: Traditions? I'm not sure we really have any yet. My family has never really been the tradition type, so who knows.

What was your favorite thing that you did this summer?
His: You mean summer is over? It's still 100 degrees outside!!
Her: Summer Wedding Rush! Well, that's what I called it. Sam and I attended five weddings over the Summer. Also, my trip to LA with Angelica to see Nick Waterhouse! It was a good Summer indeed.

Factoid Friday: Come on Fall ... SHOW YOURSELF!

Fact: It's been far too hot for waaaay too long. 

This morning I decided to have my first Pumpkin Spice Latte of the season! It was time...

Source

It's seriously been ridiculously hot this summer. Just when I think it's going to start getting cooler, Mother Nature kicks the heat back to above 100. 

That's when I thought to myself...

...Hmm... Maybe I need to embrace Autumn, then it'll come!

So that is what I have decided to do.

And what better way to kick off this new "Autumn Attitude" than to treat myself to my favorite Fall Starbucks treat? Pumpkin Spice Latte!

Now, of course I realize that just because I reaaaalllyyy want cooler weather, and I pretend like it's not as hot as it is outside, it's not going to magically change...

But a girl can dream!

Throwback Thursday: LISA FRANK!

Lisa Frank1 by mooshizzle on Polyvore

Okay, I looooved Lisa Frank as a kid. All the fun colors, art and animals.
I credit some of my quirky, colorfulness to Lisa Frank. It's just so fun! 
I wish I could get away with sporting some of this colorful fun now. 
Like, look at that sweater! SO awesome!  Hahaha

Pinsday: I want a puppy!

... Well, I mostly want a Dachshund. I just think they're so adorable! Long body and tiny legs... love it!

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 Ahhhh! MINI weenie dogs! I loooove it!

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If I were to get one, I just love the spotted ones. They're just so cute! I love all the different colors.
Can't get enough of these little fuzzy guys on Pinterest.

Tunesday: The Format

Band/Musician: The Format
Where I heard it first: I'm not even sure. I just remember loving them in high school. I even saw them, along with The Honorary Title and Switchfoot at the Fresno Fair. That was a lot of fun!
Listen if you like: to dance. Or Pop! You may recognize frontman Nate Ruess from Fun. Well, The Format was his other band.
Notable songs: "Tie the Rope" "Wait, Wait, Wait" "The First Single"

"Tie the Rope"

I really wanted to do a special post today for Tunesday since my favorite show Parenthood starts up tonight, but I ran out of time! Something to look forward to next week. In the meantime, enjoy The Format!

His&Her Q & A

What is something you're scared of?
His: My wife when she's hungry.
Her: Snakes. Spiders.

What is a household chore you HATE doing?
His: I hate cleaning up after cooking.
Her: Dishes.... that still have food on them. Ick.

What is something you feel guilty about or wish you had done better this week?
His: I've been lacking in the discipline department this week. I didn't get up early much, and I didn't read my Bible as much either. I also haven't read as much of book I'm reading right now, and I've been cheating on my diet. Usually when one part suffers, everything else follows.
Her: So many things. I've been sick, so I wish I would have done better at getting better!

Who is your celebrity girl crush? (Yes both of you say what girl celebrity you're crushing on)
His: Christina Hendricks and Jennifer Lawrence. I'm pretty sure they could both beat me up.
Her: Christina Hendricks and Scarlett Johanson.

Future son's name?
His: Malachi, Uriah, Obadiah, or August.
Her: Boys names? I have a bunch of girls names that I like. But boys? Habakkuk. Okay, not really.  I'm going to go with Peter Adam. Peter Adam Lopez = PAL

How did you two meet? (Tell your own versions.)
His: She lived across the street, but we mostly talked on AIM.
Her: The Boy next door! Well... across the street. We got to know each other through church. He was a stand up guy!

Describe a typical day in your life. (Weekday.)
His: I wake up around 6:00 or so. Get up, do all that bathroom stuff (brush teeth, shower, shave, other stuff), and then get dressed for work. Once I'm ready for work, I sit down with a cup of coffee (the Time is set for 6:00 every morning) and either read my Bible, another book, or or write something. After Michelle has left for work, I'll pack my lunch and leave for work. I'll show up around 8:30, and earn my paycheck by filing paperwork, answering phones, putting schedules together, and trying to make as many people laugh as I can. Around 5:00, I clock out and head home. I'll change out of my work clothes and usually into jeans and a t-shirt. I get working on dinner, eat with the wife, clean up, and then spend the rest of the night either watching something on TV, reading, and/or surfing the internet, sometimes with a small glass of  Bourbon. Then I get ready for bed, turn off all the lights, and if I forget to kiss Michelle goodnight, she'll usually remind me at the moment I get comfortable in bed.
Her: Wakey Wakey! Very reluctantly roll out of bed, then I get dressed and get to work. Listening to music on my way to work with the windows rolled down is my favorite. I get to work usually around 8:07 and make my way over to my small space in this crowded place. Workity Work, Typity Type. Issue this policy, order this inspection... insurance talk, insurance talk. Go home. If it's Tuesday or Wednesday, I work on the Church bulletin.  Design this, design that... InDesign, Photoshop. You know the drill. Dinner time! Relax, clean up, bug the husband... :) Showertime! .... Bedtime! Usually watch some sort of TV show. Currently, it's Fraiser! Sleepytime... ZZZZzzzzzz...

What would you like to do when you retire?
His: I'd like to own a small business. Maybe a coffee/sandwich shop. Continue to write. Have a few books published. People who have read my books would come in, I'd pour them a cup of coffee, and we'd talk about life.
Her: Travel. I really want to Travel. Help Sam out with this business we'll own. I'm hoping for a Coffee shop!

What is a talent you wish you were better at?
His: Cars. Whenever I pop the hood of my car, I really have no clue what I'm looking at. Mainly I'm checking to see if any once living creatures got stuck in anything.
Her:  Photography. I do the best I can, but I wish I had more time to invest into it and make it more than just a hobby. I also wish I could play a musical instrument.

Describe your other half in 3 words.
His: Caring. Contagious. Cute.
Her: Generous. Friendly. Handsome.

Snapshot Monday: My Friend Pedro

Well, unfortunately my Brasilian friend, Pedro went to be with Jesus today after a horrible accident.
First, let me me start off with asking you to please keep his family and friends in your prayers. I hope that God covers that family with peace and comfort.

I met Pedro in 2006, when I went with my church to Rio De Janeiro. He's was tiny little guy with a big heart and fully of personality.
This is the only picture I could find of him from that year. Pedro is on the far left.

We crossed paths again in 2009 when I went to Brasil again. We got to know each other pretty well. He was just the sweetest person you could have ever known. He was so smart, inquisitive and he had great taste in music!

While I haven't spoke with him much since I saw him in 2009, I still consider it a blessing to have known him. Here we were going to Brasil to hope to make an impact there, and he made an impact on me and in my heart that would never go away.

Pedro, may you rest in peace. I thank God for allowing us to be friends. I take comfort in knowing that he's up in Heaven celebrating with Jesus. He's not in pain and he's far from suffering.

Love you, my sweet friend.

Mini Movie Review: The Words

I missed my blog post yesterday because I got two last minute advance screening tickets to see "The Words."

It sounded interesting enough and we didn't have anything else going on, so Sam and I made our way over to  Clovis to see this film that is in theaters tomorrow.

I think this movie is one of those where when you watch it, the less you know the better so I won't go too much in depth of what it is about. The basic premises is Bradley Cooper's character (who aspires to be an author) finds an unpublished book in a briefcase while in Paris. After many unsuccessful attempts at writing, he decides to plagiarize this wonderful novel he found.

Regardless of its low rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and I'm sure a bad review from AV Club (the two websites I go to for movie reviews), I actually enjoyed the movie. And as someone who has a writing background, I found it incredibly sad to see this man throw himself under the bus just for some satisfaction he needed. Everyone wants to be successful in what they love, but most of the time it never works out the first try.

There are a lot of different stories going on throughout the movie. I thought it was done really well though. I always love when there are so many different stories going on, but you know they're connected. Some parts were confusing and got you thinking, but I think they meant for that. The ending was left pretty wide open, which I normally hate, but I think it worked well for this movie.

There was one line from the movie that really stuck out to me: "There's a fine line between life and fiction, but the two never touch." This then brought into question whether what you were watching was life or just pure fiction.

And of course leaves you thinking, "what would I do in his situation? Is it really worth it?"

Now, I don't know that I liked it enough to recommend that someone go see it in the theater and pay full price admission. I'm a cheap-o anyway. Maybe wait until it's at the $3 theater or on DVD.

Tunesday: Of Monsters and Men

Band/Musician: Of Monsters and Men

Where I heard it first: Sam introduced them to me.

Listen if you like: Indie/Folk/Pop. They're from Iceland, so you know it's not your typical music. See: Bjork and Sigur Ros.... Ok, OMAM is not that out there.

Notable songs: "Mountain Sound" "Little Talks" "Dirty Paws"

"Little Talks"

My very favorite -- "Mountain Sound"

ENJOY!

Snapshots Monday: Puppy Beach Time!

I spent my Labor Day weekend up in San Jose/Santa Cruz with my very best friend of the last 15 years, Valarie. It was so great to have a long, fun weekend with her. She got a new puppy who I call Nachrick since she can't decide whether to call him Nacho or Patrick. I decided to combine the names to create one very different name that no other puppy will have.

We took him to the beach for the first time on Sunday. It was a hoot!
He was just not having it. He wanted nothing to do with the water.

Once the ball went anywhere near the water, it was up to Val to fetch the ball instead.

He sure wasn't afraid of the big dogs though! He wanted to play with the big guys.
He's pretty fearless when it comes to playing with other creatures. He has a six-year-old cat at home that he enjoys "playing with." She's never amused.

He's so white, he's practically a ghost dog!

We even saw starfish! How awesome is that?! I overheard a couple looking and talking about it, so I decided to take a look myself. There were a bunch!

It quickly got windy, cold and foggy. It made for a neat picture, but we got out of there before it got worse.

It was a nice, relaxing weekend away! The cooler weather was definitely a plus as well.
Hope everyone had a nice three-day weekend as well. It's back to reality tomorrow!