rat-i-fied

My apartment building wraps around the corner; it's a small thing, about three stories high and only having about 8 units. A cheese store used to be in the first floor space, so the occasional mouse down by the trash bins is fairly common. The wee rodents usually stay down by the laundry and recycling. But....

lately, the rodent droppings have been larger. And oh so plentiful. Littering sticky traps in mock. I was disgusted but only became thoroughly grossed out when I saw, up on the garden shelf of my kitchen window (on the third floor of the inner stairwell), evidence of a savage feast on my plumeria. And rat droppings. That night, at 3am when I went for a glass of water, I flicked the light on in the kitchen to see a rat butt pushed against the window and the rat chowing down on the greenery. Sleepily, I banged on the window. The wee bugger whipped around and stared at me, eye to eye. He only fled when I waved my hands at him, a silly dance.

Ew.

The landlord has declared war, apparently. I came home to an absent plumeria plant, and in its stead, the largest snap trap I have ever seen in my life sitting on the shelf of my kitchen window. Instead of his most favorite snack, this rat fellow is going to find something else.

I'm not sure how I feel about this. I hope I don't find the carnage. I hope it doesn't happen as I snap peas.

Why I didn't go to the office today...

This is the highway in San Rafael by my work.This is our freeway on-ramp right by the bridge. My office is all of 100 feet from the water, soooo....
I stayed home.

I am perfectly resolved

I'm not a huge fan of the New Year's resolution. Generally, people seem to create grandiose goals that are almost impossible to actually attain. Resolution determination fades with the hangover from New Year's Eve and disappointment leaves you feeling worse than you did pre-resolvedness. Who needs that?

Despite this opinion, I always find myself considering things I could improve upon with the turn of the year. Sure, eating better and filing my taxes on time (and correctly) are good ideas (and common sense), but in a more everyday life theme, I will say the following:

In 2008, I will gmail chat less and play the piano more.

I think that should do it. Happy New Year's all. Hope you are recovering from your holiday festivities and I wish you a good start for 2008. Tabula Rasa.

Silly Santa, Christmas is for...

Every year, the SF Chronicle holds its "Santa Tantrum Awards." If you need a wee bit of a chuckle this afternoon, see HERE for the photos.(photo from post)

On Old Ditch Road

Bill's parents go all out on their Christmas tree. Kid ornaments are now stored in a box: all decorations on the tree were made out of birch, cloth, and popcorn. We gathered to do a wee bit of Christmas celebrating in Placerville, and then made our way to Sacramento the following day for a grandparent soirée. Good, fun times, with lots of wine and WAY too much food. A low point for Bill and I? When we decided to "save" all the desserts that were being tossed post-party. Taking a bite out of everything on the table does not constitute salvation.

Engaged!

night ended on pizza and beer. perfection.

Tequila Night

Held at Steve and Jeremy's house this year, my tequila night experience was mellow, full of toasts and occasional shots and parents and kids and announcements of buns in the oven. Apparently, I retained this PG vision of the evening because I left just after 11. Debauchery ensued. Stitches should have happened, but didn't. The carpet will never be the same. And rumor has it, Wood broke a bone. Ahwell.

Tequila night vision

decorated af

Matt and baby Lane
(pics from T's blog here)

And you will find us in your frames

Photography by Lori Huneke.

We had paired wine

Last Friday, my company holiday party was held at Fleur de Lys in San Francisco. Quite the hoity toity French restaurant, the courses were tiny but many and each paired with a wine. I couldn't keep up, really, but Bill helped.

amy and I

The prom picture Bill and I never would have had. We should put it in a keychain. I think we lost a few employees to that overwhelming curtain. They may still be there, stuck between garish flowers.

After the fancy restaurant, we ventured out into the TenderNob and found a new party local at Bacchus Kirk. Christmas music, a real pine Christmas tree, and a wee bit o' scotch... Dionysus, merry makers we are.

This is my Holiday Greeting

Season's Greetings!

I have had that really bad cold

but at least I'm not this disturbing. Or brave. Dragonflies bite! I can't quite imagine what precipitated this event. Possibly alcohol. Definitely braces.

Getting all festive. Made butterscotch cornflake cookies for the party Saturday. Holidays abound and I am forcing my way into the spirit of the season. Please just let me abandon my death cough.