Monday, December 29, 2008

We're still here....

It has been well over a month since my last post, and like many of you we have been extremely busy with the Holiday Season. Puppy just celebrated here first Christmas and she had a great one, but I think next year she'll really have fun with it. Santa brought her a new changing table and a little covered wagon. She is still just a little to small to take it for a ride, but the time is not to far off. A few other things she got for Christmas was a Elmo Live, Elmo DVDs and some new clothes for the spring and new sleepwear for her to use now. I couldn't help myself so I got her a cute pink Sharks jersey and some Shark PJ's. Dawg-ette and I are going to Puppy to her 1st Sharks game in February and she needed something to wear. All in all we had a very nice holiday, and New Year's is right around the corner.

We'll hopefully I will have another post before the end of the year, but if not Happy New Year to all of my readers out there. Until next time, peace out.

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Gobble - Gobble

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. On this day lets all give "Thanks" for all of our family and friends and everything they mean to us. Also take a moment to think about those who are not as fortunate to be with their family and friends this Thanksgiving.

So to all of you out their "Happy Thanksgiving" and for everyone who is going shopping tomorrow on Black Friday, have fun with all the crazy people.

Much Love from Dawg, Daqwg-ette, and Puppy

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Good Bye Old Friend, Hello New Pal

Yesterday was a bitter-sweet day for me. On one hand I had to say good bye to an old friend, my 1996 Isuzu Rodeo. After 12 years and 200,483 miles the time had come to move on to something new and just a little more reliable. The picture above was taken minutes before I sold her to someone I hope will use her and get their money out of her. My Rodeo has taken me many places to enjoy time with my family and friends. This was the ride Dawg-ette and I took on our first date, on our honeymoon, and the ride that brought Puppy home in from the Hospital after she was born.
The final mileage for me, 200,483. Many trips to many events and good times with family and friends.

Now for the new Pal.
Last weekend Dawg-ette, Puppy and I decided it was time for a new ride, so we went car shopping and found our new ride. We picked out a 2006 Dodge Durango Limited. The first time I drove it I fell in love with it. It has everything that we wanted in a new car except navigation, but that was something Dawg-ette wanted and we'll take care of that down the road. For Puppy, it has a DVD player in the back so she can watch DVD's when we start going on road trips. Seating is outstanding. We can seat 8 people, and they each have their own cup holder as well. But the thing I like most about our new ride is the room I have behind the wheel. I have a ton of head and leg room. So now I feel like a normal sized person when I am driving, and not cramped behind the wheel unable to stretch out.
Well now we will be making new memories in our new ride, but I will not forget the memories I had in my old ride. Thank you old friend for the times we had, and the trips we went on. Hope you are as good for your new owner as you were for me.



Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Proud to be an American. Embarrassed to be a Californian

So it has been one day since this great country elected Barack Obama to be its 44th President and 1st African-American President. I am very proud of the fact that the people of this country finally look past the color of someones skin and looked to see if they could actually do the job. I am glad to know that after 8 years of the current administrations bad policies and mismanagement of this country that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. We will see what President elect Obama will do in his 1st term as President and hopefully the powers that be in Washington can finally all work together and get this country back on her feet again. I am so excited about Americans future.

However, while I am so proud to be an American I am equally embarrassed to be a Californian. On the same day when we vote into the highest office in the world the 1st African-American President, here in California we take away the right of "Same Sex" couples to get married. For the rest of this blog refer to the first post I ran that stated everyone has an opinion. Well, not only do I have an opinion I have Freedom of Speech in the country and guess what? I am going to use it.

I am embarrassed that I live in a state that tells two people who love each other that they cannot get married because they are of the same sex. Excuse me, WHAT! If I remember correctly everyone has "EQUAL RIGHTS" in this country, and the ignorant people of California are saying if you are gay that's okay you have the same rights as straight people, but you can't get married. This is so wrong. If two people want to take the steps to get married they should be able to do so.

Over the history of this country people have fought for rights everyone else had. Slaves fought to be free back in the 1800's, women fought for the right to vote, early in the 1900's, and the Civil Rights Movement back in the 50's and 60's. All of this have gotten us to this point in our country's history, and then along comes some uptight people who think that California schools are going to teach kids about same sex marriages, and "gay lifestyle" along with some other misconceptions. Small minded idiots!

History has been, at first if you gay hide in the closet and act straight in public. Then came don't ask, don't tell. Soon after that being gay was not looked down on or that the person was not strange or different. Then you had stars like Elton John, Ellen DeGeneres, Rosie O'Donnell, and George Michael come out and say they were gay, and that was okay with everyone. Then same sex marriages started happening and people freaked out. And so you have a group of people take it on themselves to get the new law of same sex marriages outlawed.

What has this state come to? I am extremely embarrassed to be a Californian. Hey people pull your heads out of the sand they are people too and they have rights just like you and me. If they want to get married let them do it. I mean honestly are two men or two women getting married going to somehow physically, mentally, or financially hurt you? I really don't think so. Get over yourselves and worry about something that is important. The sad state of the schools, the economy, the war in Afghanistan and Iraq, the unemployment rate. Something like that, not that two women want to get married and raise a couple of kids. Grow up already.

Congratulations President Elect Obama on making history. And California. Well, way to go on legalizing discrimination on a group of people. So not proud to be from California.............

Scary Morning

You know that your day could turn out to be a bad one when your car decides to die on the freeway.

So, as I am driving into work this beautiful morning listening to some Def Leppard on the radio and thinking what a great day today could be "BANG." My car just up and stops cold in the third lane on the freeway. Good thing was that we just hit stop and go traffic. So I quickly got out and lifted the hood and smack the battery and hope that this would work, ("It usually kick starts right back up"). Well not this time, so as cars are going by me on both sides I get out and try it again and thankfully it work on the second go around.

Needless to say that once I got the car started and moving again I took the next exit off the freeway and made it to work on side streets. Hopefully the rest of my day is better than my morning commute to work. I don't need another heart pounding experience like this one for a long time.

Here's to a better day to all of you and to a bright future..........

Friday, October 24, 2008

4,368 Days

Well today marks 4,368 days since I bought my 1996 Isuzu Rodeo from Anderson's Honda / Isuzu in Palo Alto. I remember when I went in to look at buying a new SUV what I wanted. I was looking for a Blue or Black Rodeo with tinted windows, CD player, split back seat, and remote entry. Just like at any car dealer you don't get much time to look at the inventory before you are assaulted by a salesman, and this was no different. So after we exchanged the information on the type of Rodeo and extras I was looking for I was shown two that the salesman thought would interest me. The first one was a loaded black Rodeo with everything I wanted and more, but this one was used by the dealer as their car and had something like 6,500 miles on it. Then he showed me a Mica Blue Rodeo that had half of the extras I wanted and had 9 miles on it and cost $5,000 less than the black one he had shown me earlier. Well, he didn't need to twist my arm to go for the blue one. I settled for a CD player, and a privacy cover for the cargo area, so no tinted windows, and no remote entry. So at around 5:00pm on that November Saturday I drove off the lot with my new ride. A happy and content 26 year old.

Fast forward almost 12 years, (OK 15 days short of 12 years, yes I did the math.) So on the way to work this morning at 6:54am as I'm exiting 101 at Marsh Road the odometer clicked over like it had thousands of times before, but this time all 6 numbers decided to click over and the magic number of 200,000 miles glared me in the face. I have driven this SUV all over the place. It has driven me to hundreds of Sharks, Giants, 49ers, A's and Warriors games. Numerous camping trips and vacations. It was the vehicle that Dawg-ette and I took on our Honeymoon, and the car Dawg-ette and I brought Puppy home in from the hospital after she was born. This SUV and I have been all over the place and have done so many things its hard to remember everything. I know that my Rodeo is on extended play and the time is running out but I will always be grateful for her getting me where I need to be.

Dawg-ette and I have been serious looking at getting me a new SUV. I hope that whatever we decide on getting to replace my Rodeo will be just as good as the one I bought almost 12 years ago. Thanks for always getting me where I needed to be...........



The Big Roll Over
("Don't worry I took the picture in a parking lot")
Did you know? The 200,000 miles driven, average out to 45.79 miles driven a day since I bought my Rodeo.






Friday, October 17, 2008

Food......Finally Real Food

Tonight was a big night for Puppy. She got her first taste of real food. Well, not real food like you or I might want, but for her it was like a nice big juicy burger. Dawgette and I gave Puppy a small bowl of rice cereal. She ate the cereal like she was an old pro. She would try and do a little bit of chowing and she swallowed the cereal no problem.

Puppy has been watching Dawgette and I eat very intently for the last two months or so, and she has been leaning towards food that is near to her. She will be getting rice cereal for the next week then she will move up to smashed bananas. Then will come the pureed sweet potatoes. After that I am not sure what she will be getting. All I know is I can't wait for the day when I hear "Daddy, will you make me some BBQ."

Enjoy the pics of Puppy's 1st meal.....
















Sunday, October 12, 2008

Puppy's 1st Sharks Experience

So this is where Daddy sits at the games!

Puppy & Mommy at the Shark Tank

So excited to be at my first Sharks Practice
I was uploading some photos from my camera today and found these that I want to share with everyone. A few weeks ago the Sharks had their annual Teal and White game for the Season Ticket Holders and we took Puppy for her first Sharks event. As you can see she had a good time.








Friday, October 10, 2008

Sharks Win!

Last night the Sharks began their quest for the Stanley Cup with a 4 -1 win over the Anaheim Ducks. The excitement of Opening night was felt all throughout "The Tank" before the game. As usual the Sharks player introductions were once again excellent. The opening video that is usually played on the video board was projected onto the ice for an added bonus. All the players were given their normal loud applause's as they were introduced, and then the banner for winning the 2007 - 2008 Pacific Division was raised to the rafters. The only disappointment about the opening ceremony was that the big Shark Head was not able to be lowered down to the ice.

As for the game itself the first period was pretty boring. A few scoring chances for the Sharks but nothing to exciting. The second period was a completely different story. The Sharks took the play right to the Ducks and there was no backing down. Jonathan Cheechoo scored his first two goals of the season, and Jody Shelley, and Jeremy Roenick both had huge hits in the period. Two new comers to Team Teal had big periods as well. Both Rob Blake and Dan Boyle picked up their first points as Sharks on Cheechoo's goals. The third period was much like the second, big hits and two more goals. Christian Ehrhoff and Devin Setoguchi both scored their first goals of the season, the Ducks scored a late goal to give them their only goal of the night.

So all in all the Sharks looked pretty good to start the season now we'll see if they can keep it up for 81 more games. Oh ya, and congratulation to new Head Coach Todd McLellan on getting his first NHL win as a Head Coach.

Next Game: Saturday Night vs Los Angeles Kings @7:00 on CSN Bay Area Ch.40

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

The Season Starts Today

I've got Daddy's Sharks tickets!

Well, it has been nearly 5 months since the San Jose Sharks took the ice in a game that actually meant something. Usually during the off season I can't wait for the next season to start. But this off season has been full of new experiences. I have spent the last 5 months watching my little Sharkie (Teal Shark-eh, as my Mom use to say before she was born) grow and skate her into being a huge Sharks Fan just like Dad. We have already taken Puppy to her first Sharks event. She attended her first "Teal & White" Game a few weeks backs. The Teal & White game is a private practice for season ticket holders. She seemed to have a good time, spending allot of time looking around and seeing what was going on down on the ice. She got to see Sharkie from a distance so things with him were okay. She didn't get to meet any of the players on this night because Puppy wanted to eat instead of meeting some of the players. That was okay because she has time to meet the players down the road.

As for me, I am really looking forward to this new season. The team looks very good on paper with a new coach and a handful of new players. They have added depth back on defense with Dan Boyle, Rob Black, and Brad Lukowich, and they have gotten a little stronger on the offensive side as well with addition by subtraction. Personally I think the regular season will be pretty much the same as the last few years. Strong regular season and get a high seed in the playoffs, but they really need to be focused and aware of what needs to be done once the playoffs start. They need to simplify their game in the playoffs and play to their strengths.

So it is off to "The Tank" for another great season of Sharks Hockey. Oh, and yes at some point this season Puppy will be making her first Sharks Game appearance with Dawg-ette and myself. Most likely during one of the Saturday games during December. As you can see in the picture she already has her ticket to get into the building.

GO SHARKS!!!!!!!!!



Monday, September 29, 2008

Fall is here

Dawgette & Puppy Getting ready for Halloween!
I was sent this picture from my FIL (Father in Law for those who don't know) the other day and I wanted to share it with you all. Dawgette is holding Puppy in her new Halloween dress after her busy photo shoot, for her first Halloween card. So now that summer has officially gone bye bye, and fall is now here we are starting to get the fall decorations out. The pumpkins and scare crows are out, along with leaf place mats and napkins. Soon the Halloween decorations will be out too.
Man, hard to believe that the year is 3/4 over. Where has all the time gone?

Thursday, September 25, 2008

5 Months


Today Puppy turns 5 months old. Boy how the time has flown by. She is growing so fast and everyday she does something new. Lately she has started to recognize food, she is trying to sit up on her own, and she is just starting to roll over without any help. She always has a big smile on her face, well except for when she is hungry and wants a bottle.


So to my little princess, Happy 5 month birthday. Mommy and Daddy love you very much...

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Thank You!

Gram, Mom, Puppy, and Me


I was sitting here tonight doing some email and computer stuff and kept thinking that I am forgetting to do something. Well here it is. I have been wanting to do this for a while now.


My Mom and Gram have done so much for me my entire life. They have both given of themselves without ever saying "what am I going to get out of it." They have come to my baseball games since I was an 9 year old Little Leaguer who thought one day he would take Billy North place in Center Field for the Giants. And my softball games today, so they can watch me relive just a little of my childhood dream . Or my High School Basketball games, eventhough I was not going to get much playing time. They have been my test subjects for the many errors in the kitchen growing up, and they never complained that the food they just had to force down tasted like shoe leather. They have both taught me many valuable lessons; family always comes first, treat others like you would want to be treated, and most people are good people.


So Mom, Gram. I know that I don't say it enough to you, but "Thank You!" You two are the best, and I love you both so very much. I just hope that I have been able to give you both back something the years. I know that Dawg-ette and Puppy love you and appreciate all that you do for us now.


We all love you, and Thank You!!!!!!!!!!




Sunday, August 31, 2008

KISS Summer Goodbye!!!!!

Me with Eric Singer (The new Cat Man)
Shout it out Loud
Tommy Thayer as Space Ace
Strutter

Well, summer is now officially over. But it didn't go away without a bang. I just got home from a weekend in beautiful Lake Tahoe where on Saturday night I closed out the summer of 08 with KISS. The show was being called "An Evening With KISS" and they did not disappoint. At 8:30pm the lights went down and there was the hum of guitars and then over the PA System came a calling. "All Right Lake Tahoe, You Wanted the Best You Got the Best the Hottest Band In the World." KISS!!!!!! The place went nuts and the boys broke right into Deuce, and they sounded better then ever. The played for a little over two hours and rocked the house the entire time. Hopefully this is not the end of them touring and they will back closer to home in the near future. I am looking forward to going and seeing the greatest American band of all time with my beautiful wife, so she can experience the greatness that is KISS. I hope that you all had a very nice summer and there will be a few more pictures from my "Evening with KISS", but until then enjoy a few of these shots I took......




Monday, August 11, 2008

Happy Birthday Sis

Today is my baby sister's birthday. So on this second Monday of August 2008. I would like to wish my baby sister a very Happy Birthday.

Much Love,
Bro, Dawg-ette, and Puppy

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Not Much going on

It has been a few days since my last entry so I thought I would give a quick little update on what has been happening at the Dawg House.

Last Saturday Dawg-ette and I had Puppy's Christening. We had about 40 people come to the church and about another 30 show up for the after party at Dawg-ette's parents house. I would like to thank everyone who was able to come to Puppy's 1st big event. There are two people I would like to give a special thanks to. I would like to say a big "THANK YOU" to my Mother and Father In Law. Thank you for a wonderful party and for all that you do not only for us but for Puppy.

As for the after party, all I am going to say is WOW! The food was awesome. My Father-in-law and I put out some excellent food, my smoked prime rib was not half bad . I think that puppy's 1st birthday though may top this, but we'll just have to wait until next April to find that out.

Other than that not much is going on here. I just got home from playing softball and we lost a close game 14 - 12 on a two out walk off Grand Slam. Our team played well, just not well enough to win. But we have not really played a complete game the second half of the summer. We are going to need to kick it up a bit if we are going to defend our Spring League Championship.

Well, I hope everyone is doing good. Talk to you all soon........

Friday, July 25, 2008

Happy Birthday to Sprout #2

Dawg-ette, Puppy and I want to wish a very Happy 7th Birthday to our niece Sprout #2. Just like her older brother Sprout #1 she is turning into a very special little lady. She always brings a smile to our face every time we see her.

So for Sprout #2 Birthday tonight she is going to see Toby Keith. We all hope that she has a great time.

Sprout #2 enjoy your birthday, and have fun at the concert.

Auntie J, Baby K, and I love you very much........

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

My Angel

Puppy is growing so fast, hard to believe that on Friday she will be 3 months old. Here is a picture that her Nonno took of her for her Christening. Pretty soon she'll be running up and down his long hallway having a great time. Dawg-ette, and I are very happy with our little puppy.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Happy Birthday Sprout #1

I would like to wish my Nephew, Sprout #1 a very Happy 11th Birthday today. Also, Dawg-ett, Puppy and I have something very special planned for him when we can all get together.

Sprout #1 is the most thoughtful 11 year old I know. He cares so much about everyone, and he tries so hard at everything he does. Knowing that makes me extremely proud to say he is my nephew. So Sprout #1, Auntie Dawg-ette, Uncle D, and your little cousin Puppy love you very much. You are growing up so fast and turning into be quit an amazing young man. Not only do you make your Mom and Dad very proud of you but everyone in our family. Keep it up, and you will have a very fulfilling life ahead of you.

Happy 11th Birthday and we all love you very much.........
Uncle B, Auntie J, and Baby K

Thursday, July 17, 2008

For Sale By Owner

So I am driving down 101 this morning on the way to work when I am passed by a Black Chevy Tahoe with a For Sale Sign on it. Now I know it is not uncommon to see cars with For Sale signs on them all the time, but what got me thinking was the fact that the sign read "For Sale By Owner." Duh! Unless the Bank or the Repo Man is selling your car it should be sold by the owner. For once I would love to see a sign on a car for sale that reads maybe "For Sale By Renter" or "For Sale By Pissed Off Ex-Wife/Ex -Husband."

Well, that is my thought for the day. Ok, maybe just the first thought of today. Hope everyone enjoys their Thursday......

PS. Bozo, Thanks for the 9 volt battery joke. I am getting miles out of that one, awesome joke Bro.......

Sunday, July 13, 2008

Finally

Well today Dawg-ette, Puppy and myself finally got to meet my sister's new boyfriend. I am happy that we were finally able to meet him. He seems like a very nice guy, and he really appears to truly like my sister. She too seems to truly like him and she seems to be very happy. Dawg-ette and I are extremely happy for her, she seems to have met a really nice guy who wants to take care of her and love her. Basically be her partner. They look like they really get along together and enjoy each others company.

Hey sis, we approve. WOOF, WOOF!!!!!!!!!

It's been a while

Hi Everybody. It's been a while since my last post so here is what has been going on. 1st, Puppy's 1st 4th of July was a great day. I needed to run the BBQ for the residence at work and that was a huge success, although it was a warm day down in Palo Alto. Everyone had a great time. Then I met up with Dawg-ette and Puppy at the in-laws house for another BBQ. Great Rib Eye's and corn for dinner. My father in law can really pick out some great food. Always a good time had by everyone at their house. I made popcorn ice cream for dessert for everyone, and it was huge hit. I am going to have to add that one to the binder.

Then one of my softball teams started a new season in San Bruno on Tuesday night. We were finally moved from Wednesday night after winning another championship. I think we won something like 7 out of the last 8. Anyway, we began our new night against the "Good Team." Yes, that is the name of their team. Well all I am going to say is that we are the "better team" because we double them up in a 16 - 8 win.

Finally, my company was going to be featured in an ABC news, Nightline story last Thursday night. I told everyone to stay up and check us out. Well, ABC took some of the footage that they shot at our property and cut it into another community up in Santa Rosa. They didn't show any of the people I work with or even talk about our property. Basically they made the community in Santa Rosa look extremely nice by adding features that they don't even offer.

Well, I am getting off my soap box now. hope you all have been enjoying the nice weather we have been having and I'll blog at you soon........

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Smart Move

First let me start by saying I think that my rant yesterday about about Barry Bonds' #756 home run ball got this done. Smart move Mark Ecco, for getting the ball to the Hall of Fame so the people can see it and see a major part of Baseball history. From a huge baseball fan thanks for giving all of us a chance to see some history. Now only if the Giants can follow your lead and stop acting as if Barry never played for them. Hey Peter and Larry, give Barry the respect he deserves. If it was not for him you would not have that beautiful ball park, and we would still have to go out and watch them at "The Stick" or on TV from Tampa.

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Barry Bonds


Okay, I know that I just put a post up a few minutes ago. But I saw this and it made me a little sad, but more pissed off than anything else. As most of you know I am huge Giants fan. Always have been and always will be. On top Barry Bonds is my all time favorite player.Even with his bad attitude, lack of hustle, and basically it's all about me and to hell with everyone else's attitude I am still a HUGE Barry Bonds fan. What the Giants did to him last year was just wrong. The guy was your best everyday player. He was the reason people came out to watch crappy baseball for the last few years. We went to see Barry hit the ball into the water. So what if he didn't always run out a ground ball to second or a shot to the outfield thinking it was going to be a home run. So freakin what! Barry was today's fans Willie Mays, and Willie McCovey. Even though when the Giants Signed Barry I was 22 years old I feel that I grew up with him. That is why I feel that the Giants did him wrong last year by letting him go. He wanted to play one more year, hell you should have let him do it. You could have been much worse with him than without him.


Anyway, the thing that pissed me off was I read that Mark Ecco, he's the guy who bought Barry's 756th home run ball. Is not going to work out a deal with the Baseball Hall of Fame to put the ball on display. The ball is part of history and the people should have the right to see it, not locked up in some wealthy a-hole's house. You may not agree with things that Barry has been accused of doing or even his personality, but that ball need to be available for the people to see. Last time I checked Pete Rose's all time hits ball, #4256 is in the Hall of Fame and he bet on baseball. Hell he bet on his own team. And OJ Simpson is still in the Pro Football Hall of Fame and we all know what he did.


Anyway, Mark Ecco pull your head out of your ass and do the right thing. Put Barry's #756th home run ball into the Hall of Fame. You would get greater satisfaction knowing that baseball fans get to see what they want to see, and not wonder what the ball looks like.

Kendall @ the doctors


Well, Kendall had her 2 month doctors appointment today and she did amazing. Her doctor, Dr. Tanaka said that she was in the 90th% of baby's her age. She weighed in at 12lbs 15 oz, and measured 24 inches long. So you know whose footsteps she is following. She also received her 2 month vaccination shots today. The first three she took like a champ, and didn't even let out a peep. But the fourth one was the one that got her and she cried for about two minutes. Jeanette was there and ready to sooth her with some milk. There is no worse feeling that seeing you little baby crying and feeling so hopeless knowing that the pain that they are going through at that very second is actually in their best interest for a healthy life. And we get to do it all over again in 2 months at her 4 month appointment.


Monday, June 30, 2008

Opinions

Like the saying goes"Opinions are like assholes, everyone has one." The problem that I see with that is that no one wants to hear what your opinion is. They think that they are the only one whose opinion matter, and who really cares what you think. Well, I say wrong to that. If you have an opinion on something then that is your right. However, if I don't agree with your opinion then don't hold that against me. I am a free thinking adult male, and have a mind of my own with thoughts and opinions of my own. If you have an opinion on something and I don't agree with it I am not going to hold it against you. We are just going to agree to disagree and move on. Life is too short to let "B.S." like an opinion get in the way of what is really important. The Love of your family and friends......

Saturday, June 28, 2008

Under Construction

Is the world ready for this? I am now going to be a blogger. I am following in the footsteps of my two sisters and my cousin. As you can see the title of this post being "Under Construction" the site is still being built. So more to come. Hope that you will all enjoy what is about to be unleashed..........