Seriously, in my laundry basket?!?!?!

I woke up this morning, looked over the ledge of my bed and found Otis curled up in the laundry basket full of my clean sheets, brand new duvet cover and bath robe. I was furious and quickly shooed him out of the basket. What a brat! (Seriously, it was kind of cute, BUT he was in BIG trouble.)

Then, as I ate my breakfast I looked over at Otis, curled up in his own bed and couldn't help but smile at his cuteness. My dog is absolutely amazing! I know I'm his Mom, so of course I'm going to say this, but there could not be a better behaved dog out there. He's my family, and he's a great friend.

When I wake up in the morning, hair a mess, no make up and grouchy, Otis is still there, giving me my morning kisses. When I get home in the evening and all I want to do is make a quick dinner and lounge around, Otis is OK with that. He greets me when I walk in like he hasn't seen me in days and then makes himself scarce. When I've had a terrible day, he senses it and cuddles up to me, making sure I'm not alone. The dog has literally caught my tears in his ears ("His ears were often the first thing to catch my tears."). Otis is always by my side, no matter my mood, the day, the activity, who I'm with, he's always there (when I let him be), and he never complains. And while he is a dirty old man (Love Pig), he's my baby boy.

I can't imagine what my life would be without this little guy (although his 'dad' has threatened to take him back a lot lately, blah). I don't write this blog to upset those who have recently lost their dogs, but to maybe bring up some memories that you have...although he's gone, he was amazing while he was here.

While many say dogs are 'just dogs', they are a part of our lives, and they have a huge influence in making us who we are today. Because of this, they'll always be with us, whether it's physcially, or only in our thoughts. Once we lose our friend, there will never ever be a replacement, that's a fact. These little creatures who don't talk, can't cry and will not give advice, are one-of-a-kind. And the thing is, they don't have to be able to do these things, and that's probably what makes them so great, because all they have to do is rest their head on our lap, look up at us with their big eyes, and be....then, everything is better, even if it's just temporarily.

Dedicated to Tanner's Momma. "Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal." I know you will miss him, but wasn't he just SO amazing while he was here?! I know he will always have a BIG place in your heart. Tanner, you will be missed. (And O-Town - you rock, you pesky little thing.)

The Aussie Who Calls me Frank

After Maui - working more than I was hoping and relaxing less than I wanted, I kinda fell off the work out train and was a huge slacker!!!! So, in order to get back into shape, I've been kicking it into gear. Well, I've started the process of kicking it into gear....my biggest challenge, rolling out of bed at 4:45 to make it to 5 am Boot Camp.

Is it weird that I work out at 5 in the morning, in a garage, on Hooker Street with an Aussie who calls me Frank? You may say yes, but I say heck no. Check out Bonza Bodies.

With more hard work, I'll be ready for bikini season, and we all know the Shortcake loves bikinis!

Along with my 3-day a week Boot Camps (ok, I haven't made it all 3 days of a single week yet, but again, 5 am, need I say more?), I'm back on track with eating healthy. In fact, I could have enjoyed a free 'unhealthy' dinner at work tonight, but opted out of that and came home to eat something healthy. *Pat on my back.* I'm also trying to run, or do something active, the days in-between camp.

It's not just a rumor! Working out and eating healthy makes me feel 100% better. I'm motivated, and I'd love to get anyone motivated who is interested. I'm not kidding, I want to help everyone feel like this if I can.

Now that I've begun this day before the sun came up, I'm ready to end it before the sun goes down. Good Night.

Dedicated to my drawer full of bikinis - Can't wait to dust you off and wear you out.

27(ish) with no 'Prince Charming' (yet)

Coming from good 'ol Greeley, CO, almost all of my high school friends are married, have kids or some are even lucky enough to be married AND have kids. Most of those friends were in these situations right out of high school or college. After I graduated college, again from Greeley, I was surprisingly, and happily, still 'single'. I quickly picked up my roots and moved to San Diego.

In San Diego, it was like a whole new life style. People didn't even consider marriage until after reaching 30. In fact, I was in quite a serious relationship there, and my San Diego friends would look at me like I had something coming out of my nose when I would complain that my man wasn't putting a ring on it at the tender age of 24.

I'm not saying that either of these ways of life are right or wrong. I think the 'marriage' decision is based on what society has put on us, but more importantly, what the individual person wants in life and, of course, if that individual has found the him or her that will make a perfect soul mate.

Which leads me to where I'm at. Since kindergarten I have been that girl chasing boys, being chased by boys, and loving every minute of it. I have ALWAYS been a hopeless romantic. While I have made it very difficult for anyone to get through a tough wall I have built around my heart the last few years, I still believe in Love. I still believe in fairy tales. And just because I'm not married right now, doesn't mean I won't find my Mr. Right.

Why am I writing this blog? For 2 reasons.

Reason #1 for this somber, sad blog: I feel pressure. Pressure from society, especially since being back in Colorado. Pressure from my family and friends, that I don't believe is done on purpose, but regardless, it's still there. Pressure from my doctor who says I may have problems in the future with conceiving if I don't hurry it up. Pressure from my age. And even though it's just a number, it's a growing number and nobody wants to be the old woman with 10 cats, a robe and curlers in her hair (although I've joked about that on more than one occasion). Just because I'm not in a relationship right now and I don't have my 'other 1/2' doesn't mean I won't find him. And I know it sounds like I'm trying to convince you, but sometimes I really have to convince myself. My prince charming is out there, and I don't have to find him today, or tomorrow, but when the time is just right, he'll be here. And you know what?!? Being just me is good enough right now.

Reason #2 for this uber-depressing blog: I'm not in the same place as a lot of my friends. Like I said, a lot of my friends are getting married, having babies, making beautiful, beautiful families. And, I am so excited for them!!! It is amazing to watch and to be a part of. And I want my friends who are going through these times to know that I love being a part of this with you. I feel like sometimes I am kept out of the loop or not included in things because 'I'm not there'. I mean afterall, I'm Sarah, the single girl who has fun, but just doesn't get it. I get it. I just don't want it for myself, not right now, not without Mr. Right. Your families and lives are super important to me. Our lifestyles are different, but just because I'm not there, doesn't mean that I don't care.

Dedicated to those who feel the pressure. We've already taken this long, let's continue to take our time.

12 Step, Schmelve Step

"I will never drink again," the ever-popular words that came out of my mouth Friday night after 12 hours of drinking.

Rockies opening day did not disappoint. Getting to Jackson's at 9:30 am and waiting in line for a 1/2 hour proved to be a challenge. But, at 10 am, after I'd already used my hand sanitizer a few times from the surprise home-made goody bag, we were let into the bar and finally arrived at our destination - the roof of Jackson's. 10:02 am - Bloody Mary in hand and I was feeling like this day was worth playing hooky.

As our friends began to show up, and people began to flood in, we took our spot on stage - Best seats in the house/roof. By 11 am, the place was packed and our 'Beer Me' shirts were now working in full-force. When the cameras were brought out, we brought the sexy.

By 1 pm, we were feeling good. By 9:30 pm, we were feeling not so good. After losing our friend, walking the bar 3 times after a suspicious text message, getting fondled by an old 'client', losing the same friend a second time, walking into a ruined hook-up plan, refusing to go downstairs, watching an ostrich grow in a cup, enjoying 100 buckets of beer (probably not an exaggeration), attempting to go dancing, yelling at boys, taking more pictures, never making it dancing, celebrating the first drink of a no longer preggo friend, and stumbling down the street to a hole-in-the-wall to eat cold burritos, we were lucky to be passed out in bed by 10:30 pm.

So, as I un-cork my bottle of wine tonight and fill up my glass to the rim (thank you for the idea Cougar Town), I toast myself, - 12 Step, Schmelve Step, drinking makes people more fun!!! Cheers!

Dedicated to my fun, funny and funtabulous friends of Opening Day.

I want you, and you, and you.....

Right now is one of the worst times for me to have such a huge wish list, but I really can't help it. Maybe it's the warm weather, or my upcoming birthday, or the travel bug biting me. But, there are so many things I want, and so little cha ching.

This is a random blog about my latest wants. I'm thinking I'm going to have to get a second job.

My taste is simple, modern, classic and a little Victorian. I love, love this duvet cover, and I will have it....someday.



My future beauties!!!


On my wish list for a good year or two.


Smells so good.



Not on my wish list anymore, because I already booked. Oops.

Seattle, WA

Portland, Maine

More realistic expenses.

Received a friendly letter from the lovely IRS about my 2008 taxes. Yeah, they want more $$.

I owe A LOT on my 2009 taxes, which would probably be why they are STILL not filed.
Need more renters by May 1st...or I'll be doubling up on living expenses paying both rent and mortgage.
That second job is looking more and more tempting everyday.

Dedicated to my check book. If I sprinkle water on you, will you grow?

Want a 7th date? First you must pass this test.

Half way through my evening at Earl's, a short man pulled up a chair at the bar next to me (and my date). This man quickly cut in on our conversation to share an insight I will honestly say I'm not that familiar with - Man's Perspective on Dating.

Having some single friends, and being a female, I have a good grasp on how women feel about men and dating, but this outgoing man had something to share with me that opened my eyes to a whole new outlook.

What my new friend, let's call him Rico, had to say:

#1 A woman really cares more about what a man can bring to the table, than what she can bring to a relationship. When Rico stated this opinion, I naturally became very defensive, until he went to prove his point. He pulled up Match.com on his cell phone and we did a search for women. Almost every woman's profile we looked at talked more about the requirements a potential boyfriend had to meet, rather than what she has to offer. (Mine excluded of course.)

#2 Women have been raised in a way that leads them to believe men have to make all the effort. Sorry ladies, but this one was hard to argue. It's true, from the time we were little girls we were told if a boy chases us, he likes us. As we grew older, we were told that the boy has to ask the girl out. That it's only proper for the guy to make the first move. That girls need to play hard to get and if he doesn't call, don't call him. (For more examples, see He's Just Not That Into You.) Rico was frustrated that even if a woman wants to call, she flat out refuses. She will not let him know how she feels until he tells her first. She will not make the effort to ask him out. I'm going to have to agree with my lil friend on this one.

#3 (and the most shocking) Women don't date to find a friend or a companion, but instead they want a free meal and sex. This one made me giggle a little bit because I have some strong arguments that may support Suave's point. But, as a female who is currently dating, I will definitely say I do not date for a free meal!! It is really not worth a free meal to sit across from some dud, pulling teeth to get a good conversation, just so I can eat out. I would much rather sit at home alone in my comfys with a nice home cooked meal and Cougar Town. Regarding the free sex, I'm going to go out on a limb to say most women don't have to 'date' to get free sex. 'Nuff said.

After having about a 3 hour conversation with my new friend (and my date), I took down his number so I could get some more information about how men perceive single women. Is it weird that I'm taking dating advice from a guy who requires a girl to take a lie detector test on their 6th date??

Dedicated to 'all the single ladies'. Isn't it interesting how men perceive us? Hmph.

It's a Burn, Not a Hickey

Last Friday morning I was getting ready for work and listening to the news. While fixing myself in the bathroom mirror, the weather man informed me of a huge snow storm we'd be having that day. Flights would be canceled, roads would be horrible, businesses would be closed. Then, he mentioned this would be the last snow fall of the Winter. This caught my attention because I have had a major case of Spring Fever. (Side note - Hot, cold, hot, cold. My excuse for being moody - Gemini. Colorado, what's your excuse?) So, when the weather man mentioned this exciting news, it caught my attention and, unfortunately, I turned my head to get a better listen and made instant curling iron to skin contact. Y'ouch!!!!! But, besides the new burn, I was thrilled!!!

Normally, I would look at this snowy day as a pain in the tush. (Another side note - Don't get me wrong, I really enjoy the snow, but enough is enough already.) But, now I had a different outlook. I was excited for it to snow one last time. As I was driving home from work I made the extra effort to take in the beautiful scenery. And, while taking Otis out to take care of biznaz, I caught a few flakes on my tongue. I sure was going to miss the snow.

Then, come Saturday, as the snow was quickly melting, it felt so good to go outside without a jacket. It was finally going to be warm outside, which means tank tops, skirts, dresses and swimming suits (Side note, again - I have a very sick addiction to swim suits and can't wait to release them from their drawer). I love warm weather!!

Which is why on Sunday, when my Dad told me it was supposed to snow again on Tuesday, I was very upset and confused.

Me: Dad, they said Friday was going to be the last snow fall of the Winter. It can't snow!!!
Dad: They said it was going to be the last snow of the Winter. Spring started Saturday.

Say what?!?!?!?!?!?!

Dedicated to the Channel 2 Weather Man. Your false hope in warm weather has created a cold bitterness in me.