WARNING: Do Not Recline

It was just another average day on the computer, reading blogs, news, etc. I was leaning back in our reclining sofa when Brian called me to dinner, and as I quickly sat forward and kicked the recliner back into position, the BIGGEST SPARK I have ever seen in my life shot 2 feet across the floor with a loud crack.

For the longest time Brian and I just looked at each other with our mouths open. Then we smelt smoke and burnt rubber. At this point, we still had no idea what had happened. Our first idea was to check the surge protector, but that was fine. We looked at the power brick to my laptop charger, but that was fine too. There didn't seem to be any damage to my computer either.

Scratching our heads, unable to locate the source and just writing it off as some kind of fluke, I reached down to move my computer and power cord out of the way, and then I saw it.

That, my friends, is the remains of the cord that connected from the power brick to the prongs. Whoops. Looks like I managed to get the cord caught in the inner workings of my metal reclining apparatus. My bad.

To be honest I'm surprised this hasn't happened before...we've had this couch for more than 3 years and I use my laptop on it all the time. At first I was really bummed out, since this was about one week after HP had announced it would no longer make personal computers. Great time to need a replacement cord. I tried to assure my husband that it just needed some duct-tape, but he wasn't buying what I was selling. But then I had a brilliant idea.

I work at a robotic manufacturing company. I work with engineers. I work with engineers who have a whole lot of crap that they don't throw away. Surely they must have a power cord thingy-ma-bob!

And so, this story ends happily ever after, as my friendly engineers were able to get me a replacement part the next day, no cost to me. In fact, they had a whole plastic crate labeled "power chargers." So if you ever happen to cut your power cord in half with your reclining chair, I can hook you up.

The Ramble

I stink. I really need to get my act together and write. I have just not been in the mood! Returning to work, where I write emails ALL DAY, zaps me of energy and creativeness. It took me 10 minutes just to finish these measly sentences. Yikes!

Update: As I was composing this not-so-thought-out entry, I got really nauseous and had to go lay down for about 2 hours. Things just keep happening, but I'm determined to hash this out!

The easiest way I'm able to chronicle what I've done in the past couple of weeks is through photos:

Mmm...homemade pizza by husband. Except the dough is from Trader Joe's. Thank you Joe. This version is pepperoni, pineapple, bell peppers and black olives on garlic dough.

Another trip to our lovely small town zoo. This is our baby giraffe, Daniel! Except you can't really tell he's a baby when he's not standing next to the other ginormous giraffes. (Wow! Check out my alliteration!)

I was starting to think the zoo was playing a joke on everyone. I've been to the zoo 30+ times in 2 years and I have never seen the leopard. I managed to catch it's hind end as we were walking toward the exhibit. It does exist! Though I cannot confirm it has a head.

Awwww....baby otter!

We had a great time at the wedding we attended! Here's the beautiful bride and groom - how gorgeous is her dress!?

My "big sis" and I dancing. I'm a little too tall with heels on I think...haha, I didn't want to dance with the groom :)

For those of you who don't know, this is a dresser. We have gone more than a year without one in our apartment because my husband thought it was unnecessary. The piles of clothes on the floor spilling out of the closet said otherwise. The clothing gods have spoken! All hail the beautiful antique dresser!

Coming up next...how I almost caught the apartment on fire.

Buried Alive

After being on medical leave for two and a half months, I returned to work on Thursday.

Sometimes pictures really are worth a thousand words.

7 Quick Takes

— 1 —

My husband arrived home one week ago today. We've only argued 273 times since then. Just kidding honey! In all honesty, it is a wonderful feeling to wake up in the middle of the night, see that he is there next to me, and feel comforted.

— 2 —

Catalina was fun - we stayed at Hamilton Cove which had awesome amenities including a small beach, tennis courts, volleyball, putting green, pool and spa, etc...it was like a city unto itself. Oh, and the chili cheese fries are still downright amazing at Coney Island Burgers. You know it's a good vacation when all I care about was the food. We took our camera with us...and then took no pictures. Because that would have been to easy.

— 3 —

We arrived home to our apartment and surprisingly cool weather on Monday (cool as in the mid to high 70's here in Southern California). Usually this apartment gets up to a degree I like to refer to as Hell, so I've been pretty grateful. Still, I'd like to relocate to someplace more ritzy, the kind with a dishwasher and a community pool. And is it too much to ask for AC!?

— 4 —

We went to the Zoo today. I brought my camera. We also did not take any pictures. But we go to the zoo all the time so feel free to just look at some old zoo photos I've posted. The animals are still there.

— 5 —

Ready to laugh your pants off? Go visit Simcha and her Seven Decorating Tips from House Horrible Magazine post. Try not to pee on yourself. I was laughing so hard my husband thought there was something wrong with me.

— 6 —

I have found so many new Catholic blogs that I am enjoying I don't know what to do with myself. I mean, besides read all of these blogs. My social life is definitely suffering...except for all these new friends I have online! Sweet! I'd like to personally recommend Working to be Worthy, Catholic Newlywed, A Woman's Place, and A Catholic Country Girl just to name a few. I think I'm up to about 35+ blogs that I read consistently now. Got any recommendations?

— 7 —

My "big sis" Lindsay (she is the older sister of my Maid of Honor, who I grew up with) is getting married to her longtime significant other this Saturday! Lindsay was the typical older sister, always bossing us around and making us play school with her in the Garage while she "taught" us. Any wonder she grew up to be a teacher? Looking forward to a fun beach inspired wedding in Redondo Beach, filled with a night of drink and dancing! Then our niece's (my Husband's niece to be exact) birthday celebration is on Sunday. She will be 15 years old! I met her when she was 9...I'm starting to feel old at 23. Why do people keep doing this to me!? 

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Catalina Island

I am so ready for you.