The Slanted Door & Other Adventures

This last week has been so much fun!  On Thursday, TL decided to call in the day off at work - and take me for a surprise drive up to the beautiful foothills.  It was a nice chance for us to catch up, because we hadn't had much time to talk the last few days!  Of course we stopped at my favorite, IN N OUT, for lunch before we left! :) We took the pups with us, too!

Then, TL and I took another trip over to San Francisco to meet up with my cousin Greyson, TL's mom, and a few from his family.  The highlight?  The Slanted Door!  It is a beautiful place (look at the views) with the most amazing food and drinks, ever!  Don't know how I lived in the city for 3 years and never tried this place out!  Then we got some very yummy gelato!

(You can see the bay bridge through the window!)

It was a successful couple of days! :)  Happy Monday, hope you had a fabulous weekend!

Happy Weekend!

My Lovely Blogger Buddies!

I hope you are having a fabulous weekend!  What fun plans do you have?

In Northern California - it is HOT!  We have scorching temperatures over 105 degrees!

TL and I have had a busy week.  I worked 6 days in a row (note my lack of commenting on your blogs) and we went to the City for an A's game.

Tomorrow is a big day for us... we are taking our engagement pictures, and we are so excited!  I can't wait to show you all!

Have a fun Sunday... and I'll be back this week, hopefully!  I miss reading up on all of your blogs.

xo

a good reminder:

"Being happy doesn't mean that everything is perfect.  It means you've decided to look beyond the imperfections."

-unknown

photo via flickr

This Picture Tells The Story

 Ocean Dreams tagged me in a fun photo post. (thank you!)

So here are the rules...

* Open my first photo folder

* Scroll down to the 10th photo

* Post that photo and story on my blog

* Tag five friends to do the same

This picture is of TL.  It actually tells the story of when we got engaged.  He is standing right where he proposed, just a few hours before he did.

I can't believe this was the 10th photo - I love it.

This is actually a joke.  It was smoldering hot in Napa that beautiful Friday afternoon.  August 29th, 2008 to be exact! :) So of course, he had to pose like he was freezing.

This was right when we got to our beautiful hotel, wine country inn.

We had gone wine tasting that afternoon, and he had mentioned that he made reservations at Auberge De Soleil (a beautiful restaurant over looking Napa valley).  So I was getting ready for dinner.  He came into the bathroom, right after I finished doing my mascara - which ended up all over my face, of course- and told me to come out to the patio because there were two beautiful birds swimming in the fountain.  He wanted me to "check them out".

So I did.

I got out there and saw the birds (they were pretty).  He was standing right next to that table and he looked at me and said "I have something to match your pretty necklace".  (He had gotten me a diamond necklace a few weeks earlier and kept telling me that he "liked my pretty necklace")

I thought it was earrings.

Then he got down on one knee.

He looked at me with the most loving and genuine eyes and said...

"Tracy, I love you so much...

will you marry me?"

and I said YES!

So that's our story... although the tag doesn't ask for it, here is a picture of the ring he opened up in front of me when he got down on one knee.

I am still in love with it and look down at it at least 100 times a day.

I tag ALL of you... please let me know if you do it.

But here are some fellow bloggers I am especially interested in hearing from! 

I did more than 5 :)

Brunch @ Saks

Vanessa's Runway

The Way I see It

Hello World

HRH Collection

Just A Girl In A City

From Me To You

PS. Bottom Of The Ironing Basket... you too :)

Bathroom Remodel!

I have been waiting to show you guys the bathroom TL and I just remodeled, because we still don't have it completely finished... but I can't wait any longer!  It was a fun project for the two of us!  

(Keep in mind I am not an interior decorator - but I had to do something to this man house I moved into just a few months ago!) 

BEFORE

AFTER:

Do you have any ideas for the back of the toilet???  It's just a big blank wall!

Here are the things we changed:  We added a new faucet, new toilet paper dispenser, new mirror, and new towel rack.  We painted the walls a soft grey and added fun white decorations, a vase and flowers,  and a small table to the left of the sink.  (plus, two picture frames that do not have pictures yet!)  The manikin on the back of the toilet has potpourri that smells SO good.  We found most of the stuff at Home Goods - which is an amazing discounted decorating store!  It was so fun!  

What do you think???  Did we make it better!?  

Cheers to more redecorating! 

Happy Father's Day, Dad!

Happy Father's Day, Dad.

I have the world's most amazing dad. 

(and mom... I'm pretty lucky!)

My dad is the most giving, hard working, creative human being I know. Let me just explain... my dad has been a firefighter for more than 30 years. He started at the department as a volunteer while he was in high school, and never left. He worked his way through the ranks and has given his career 100 percent, every. single. day. He loves his job.

My dad is a pilot - my earliest memories with my dad are in his small airplane. I would sit in the co-pilot seat (in my car seat) and sing my ABC's to him.

He is a father of 3 girls - and now has one grandson.

We've always been my dad's first priority. He is the kind of dad that I can call if something is wrong... and as soon as he can he will be there to rescue me. He came all the way to San Francisco in the middle of the night to bring me another car after mine had broken down. He would do anything in the world for me and the people in his life - and we've known it forever.

My dad is a dress-maker.

Can you believe it?! (I will find pictures)

He made both of my sisters & my senior ball dresses. They were unique and amazing -- and so dang special. And they had matching purses!

He has been a water-skiier his entire life. He barefoots (basically skies with out skies), he can wakeboard, air chair - he can do anything he puts his mind to... he is so athletic.

My dad is a whole hearted philanthropist and community man - president of the Lion's club in our hometown, sits on the Elk Grove Community Foundation Board, donates money to start scholarships, gives all of his time to his friends who need help - you ask, you get (most of the time you don't even have to ask)... with out a single complaint.

He never complains!!

He was the PTSA president at my high school (and my sisters) for 8 years - he went to every single school dance and ran the snack bar to raise money so our student body could have events. He is SELFLESS - he did none of this for recognition. He is the guy in the neighborhood who puts Christmas lights on and off of the houses for the people who can't do it themselves.

He has taught me so much.

To help for nothing in return, to love people even if they are different, to WORK HARD - everyday, to honor others before yourself.... most importantly to GIVE. Give your time, your money, your kindness.

He is a father to not only me, but to TL... who appreciates it more than you can imagine.

I could go on forever.

He is an amazing man.

I am so proud to be his daughter.

I love you, Dad!

From Me To You

My sister, Kelly, started a brand new blog for herself - and I am so excited!  All of you amazing people who read my blog and support me... check hers out! :) She is still learning how to work it- and has only done one post... but she would love to hear from you!

From Me To You

kellyz-o.blogspot.com

Summer Tan!

Recently, I got a call from my Aunt Paula who's sister does Airbrush Tanning in the Sacramento Area.  She called wanting to know if I would take pictures while getting sprayed for her website!  Although I may not be the best model choice, she needed someone, and I was willing to do it :)  

She is honestly really great at spray tanning.  I love the color (it wasn't orange like normal tanning sprays) and it was extremely even.  Steffanie O'Keefe is the Airbrush Artist and owner of the company - and she is the sweetest little thing you have ever met!  So -- get in contact with her if you need a tan!  She is doing my entire bridal party for the wedding!  :)  SO exciting.  

Here is the website:  colormebronze.com

My Heart

Thank, PDAWG... for the tag :)
Here's the situation...

"with as much creativity as you can muster, show your heart in: a picture, a poem, a song (or piece of music), a phrase (or quote), an item of clothing, a place, and (just for fun) a Disney princess. If you want to join in, tag 6 more blogs."

This is the man who loves me... therefore, this is my heart.

Picture taken the night we were engaged - first time i'd ever seen him cry.

Poem:

I believe in you -

in the things that are important to you

and in the way you choose to live your life...

I believe that you can accomplish anything you set out to do,

that you have many talents

and the wisdom to use them well...

I believe that you have what it takes to over overcome obstacles

and to grow from every experience life brings your way.

I believe in your courage,

your compassion,

your integrity,

and your strength.

I believe in your goodness...

I believe in you.

Bobby Burrow

((okay, maybe this isn't a poem - but it means something to me.  My sister, Kel, gave this to me when I was struggling through something - and I remember using this as a pillar.  

To show you my heart - i'd have to show you my family))

Song:

"All I Need" by Bethany Dillon.  And ANYTHING by Sara Gazarek  -- Listen to one of her songs - her voice will melt your soul.

Quote:

I have an endless amount of quotes that I LIVE by... here is just one.

"For a long time it seemed to me that life was about to begin - real life.  But there was always some obstacle in the way, something to be gotten through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, a debt to be paid.  At last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life.  This perspective has helped me to see there is no way to happiness.  Happiness is the way.  So treasure every moment you have and remember that time waits for no one.  Happiness is  a journey, not a destination." - Souza

Clothing:

Hudson Jeans

A Place:

San Francisco (Where my heart belongs)

Disney Princess:

Carrie Bradshaw.  Oh, she's not a disney princess.

Well- Cinderella, I guess.  :)

Blogs I tag:

-Bella Cene

-Sweet Nothings

-The Bottom Of The Ironing Basket

-Just A Girl In A City

-Newlyweds

-Love The Life You Live (Tare)

A Fun Weekend

I think I need this. :)

TL and I had a good weekend.  It was nice not being sick as a dog...

I think you take your health for granted until you don't have it!

We did a ton of stuff around the house.

I'll have pictures up soon of the brand new bathroom we are remodeling.

It's painted and new, but it needs a few last details.

We hung up a brand new shelf in the family room with big beautiful frames.

I love it.

We had a relaxing night watching a movie in bed.

I worked Saturday & Sunday.

We relaxed, slept in.

Played with puppies.

We went to dinner with my parents, sister, & nephew.

He's adorable... and doing SO well.

We did a wedding registry at Pottery Barn.

I found a tandem bike decoration I really want!

So, that was my weekend.  

And Congrats to Amanda ... she just got engaged!

dress i love found here.

Splurge alert: Shoes!

I was in San Francisco for a few days again this week doing my first set of alterations for my wedding dress (SO EXCITING) and I found this amazing pair of Stuart Weitzman shoes that I absolutely had to splurge on!  My sisters & mom are throwing me a bridal shower at the end of next month, and it is a shoe theme... so I had to have something absolutely fabulous!  

I am such a softy when it comes to shoes... but I think these ones are worth it... RIGHT?  I mean, so many uses... engagement pics, rehearsal dinner, bridal shower, umm, so many things!  

Plus, need I mention, they are extremely comfortable (I would know after walking around the store for a half an hour deciding) 

Plus, they are just fun to look at.  Ladies, are you with me? ;)

Join Me...

A good laugh and a long sleep 

are the best cures 

in the doctor's book.  

~Irish Proverb

sleep here

New Segment - New Opportunities

I just love new opportunties.. isn't it fun that one day you can wake up and your life could be somewhat different than an hour before?  Occasionally, my motivated and driven mind used my big dreams as a wet blanket, weighing me down from the pressure I was putting on myself to get somewhere.  Don't get me wrong, pressure on yourself can be a good thing, but I felt like that cartoon character where my head explodes!  

I have found the most important legacy in life is my family and friends.  My first priority will forever be them - because they make me most happy.  So, I have had to improvise my dreams a little bit, hammer down my own foundation instead of following what everyone has told me I "should" do all these years.  And finally, the first puzzle piece is getting laid on the table.  It may just be a corner piece, the easy piece to find, but its a piece - and it means something to me... even if it is just temporary.

One of the anchors at my work, Good Day Sacramento, has recently (after much of my determination to get involved) assigned me to produce & report a segment twice a week.  It set sail last week - and thought I would show you how it's going:

click here - gooddaysacramento

(look to the right hand side of the screen, little video titled "Job Center Spotlight")

Thanks for all of your support & love!  By the way... if you live in the Sacramento area, you can see the segment between 9-10am, Tuesdays, on cw31 or cable channel 12. :)

photo courtesy of Good Day Sacramento.com

Sick As A Dog.

My goodness... I am finally starting to feel a little bit better after more than 24 hours of feeling dreadfully sick!  I am not sure if it was food poisoning or the flu - but it was awful!  I won't give too many details - but lets just say I spent several hours on the bathroom floor :( 

I haven't been that sick in a while!  Thank goodness TL was home to take care of me... you know you got a good one when they are cleaning up after you!  

When is the last time you were super ill?  What are some good at home remedies for feeling better?

cute dog found here

My Sister's Keeper

I have read quite a few books - but the most unforgettable read I have ever had is a novel by Jodie Picoult called My Sister's Keeper.  I am not kidding you guys... if you are looking for a good summer read - THIS IS IT!  Not only is the author the most phenominal writer I have ever come across, the story is flat out incredible.  Honestly.  She uses everything I learned in English - she is a proper writer - and her phrasing is gripping.  You won't put it down... you will laugh - and you will cry (or at least I did).  There is a movie coming out in a few months, but I am hesitant to see it because the book was just that good.  I give it 5 stars!

Do you have any other summer reading suggestions?  I'm not sure anything could top this book - but lets give it a shot!

Book info found here

"Our Song"

TL and I spent an evening running through my itunes deciding which song we wanted to dance to at our wedding.  We had a few we loved, but we decided on this song.  It has so much meaning because the words somewhat follow the coming of our relationship.  They both are such beautiful artists.  What do you think?

Outfit Help

I need your opinion.. :)  TL and I are taking our engagement pictures at the end of the month, and I have no idea what to wear!  I have been scouring the internet looking for the perfect fit, and found a few things, but want your help deciding.  The photographer says to not wear white, because it can wash you out.  She also says to wear something simple in color so its not overwhelming.  We are taking our pics in our favorite city, San Francisco... it's the city TL and I because "us".  We can change outfits, and I seem to be partial to colors that make help my eyes stand out blue.  Plus, I will have to wear some amazing shoes!  So... what do you think? 

these two were found at nordstrom

bloomingdales

I Would LOVE any suggestions you have... plus, I have my regular collared black shirts that I will probably wear in a few of them!  :)

My favorite wedding detail...

It's something some girls dream about their whole life.  I remember flapping page corners over as a little girl  gawking over some of the most beautiful white dresses in the entire world.  The detail, the poof, lace, silk, everything about them, beautiful.  I never thought the time would come when I would get to be a bride... and its here.  Although I am keeping the dress a secret - mainly because TL always hears things "through the grapevine" - I still want to share with you how amazing it feels to have the right one.  It's kind of similar to how it felt when I met TL - its just the perfect fit.  

You see, its more than just a simple dress we wear for an everyday occasion.  It is the dress that will change my name, open up a new chapter in my life, and most importantly, make me a wife.  

Yesterday was my first dress 'try-on' session with my actual dress that the designer made.  The one I tried on before was the one that the model wore, so it was quite long on me.  Putting it on gave me chills.  I feel fashionable and chic,  I've never felt so beautiful.  I think that is the perfect way to have a dress make you feel. 

I have such beautiful memories of picking it out - we went to bridal galleria in San Francisco, and a gal there had picked out 10 dress, and it was the first one I tried on.  I had a hard time leaving the store because I didn't want to leave it.  It was during one of their trunk shows, so the dress was leaving the next day for its stops around the country.  I had my mom, dad, Juju, Jenny, Adrianna there with me - and it was so special.  One of the most memorable days ever.

So - I want to know... what did your dress look like?  How did it make you feel?  Do you remember picking it out?  If you're not married, do you know what style you want?  

PS. This dress, found here, is not mine! :)