Our Week (In a Nutshell)

Our Week (In a Nutshell) is back! It takes a surprising amount of effort to remember to chronicle our weekly happenings, so I'm making it a priority because Miles is growing and changing so much each day. I don't want to forget anything! He is such a little character lately- constantly making new faces and saying new words. Right now his favorites are "stuck", "yuck", and "truck". (Here's to hoping he doesn't get wind of a certain other word that ends with "uck"!) His favorite thing in the whole wide world is seeing the garbarge truck on Tuesdays- his face lights up and he is mesmerized. It's also maybe my favorite thing in the whole world right now...his joy is infectious.

Pure joy!

Miles's thoughts on the new Bravo show "Married to Medicine"

"Miles, crayons aren't for eating" = The Lip

We took our pups, Gus and Roscoe, to the vet for their yearly checkup and they did great! They are such sweet, goofy dogs and it's so fun to see how much they love walking around with Miles in our yard. Sometimes I feel like Gus and Roscoe are like my first two "fur babies", as I've heard some people call their pets. They have been with Parker and I since we were married and I'm glad Miles will get to grow up with them.

I've been so busy lately! Next Thursday, we're flying to New York City for our long weekend. I can't believe how quickly it's creeping up on us but I'm excited and ready to experience everything NYC has to offer. I've got what I'm calling my "New York best" outfits ready and I have tons of lists (yes, I'm a list maker) of what to pack, our restaurant reservations, what to get ready for Miles, etc. I don't feel like I can sleep well without my lists!

School is going well- I'm in the final seven weeks of the semester and my nose is most definitely to the grindstone. It's nonstop but I really do like being busy. I still have my normal time with Miles, get my homework done whenever he's asleep, and still sneak in my workouts! I thrive on this type of schedule, but I did enjoy the spring break last week.

I hope you all are having a great week!

Our Week (In a Nutshell)

I've decided that for busy weeks- when I don't have much time to blog as regularly as I'd like- I will do a Friday posting called "Our Week (In a Nutshell)": just a brief summary of words and photos from our happenings and adventures. Here's this week's highlights:

• We discovered Miles is teething and are experimenting with an amber teething necklace (AKA hippie magic) and a cool fish teething toy which he loves to chomp on
• I had a cold (still feeling a bit stuffy but lots better than a couple of days ago) and decided to make the best of it by spending time outdoors and walking around downtown SLO with Miles
• My dear little munchkin has gained a good amount of weight this week and is a champ going between nursing and taking a bottle
• Starbucks has been having frappucino Happy Hour- or "Frappy Hour", as I like to call it- and I've been taking full advantage of it this week. Half off, baby!
• Last, but not least, Parker and I have been immensely cheered up by a certain little smile this week in the midst of being sick and working on various projects (his work, my school)

So, that's our week in a nutshell! 

Leave a comment here!

~VP~

Basset Hounds and Breakfast Burritos

This morning, my man and I had an adventure. We decided to take the scenic Highway 1 to Pismo Beach because I had just been dying for a PBL (Pismo Beach Locals- it's not on the menu!) breakfast burrito from Hoagie's (when I worked in Pismo I used to get this for breakfast nearly every morning- so delicious). We were winding our way towards the beach when suddenly we noticed a dog standing smack in the middle of the road! Parker pulled over and as we both got out of the car, the dog immediately starting trotting towards us. He was the cutest little Basset Hound, and after we helped him into the car (his little stubby legs couldn't get himself up unassisted) I called the phone number on his tag. It was for a veterinary office, but they weren't able to find his owner's information and suggested taking him to the pound. There was no way we could do that, poor little guy. So we kept driving, and noticed an animal care office up ahead- we pulled in, took the dog inside and the girls at the front desk shook their heads and said, "Hi, Bentley..." as soon as he waddled in. Thankfully they were able to keep him and get in contact with his owner without him having to go to the shelter- I hope he'll stay in his yard from now on!

After that little detour we continued on to Pismo for my burrito and then on to San Luis Obispo for a leisurely stroll through Barnes & Noble. It was nice to have a little outing with Parker today, especially as I have been feeling not as sick (I hope I didn't just jinx it!). Today was a good day.

Leave a comment here!

~VP~

Back in the Cockpit

We arrived back home this afternoon to beautiful weather and happy dogs. It was a welcome rest to the three hours it took to wind our way from Los Angeles back to the Central Coast. Parker and I unpacked the car and, after a joyful reunion with the pups, went our separate ways- me for the laptop and he for a work call. He returned to find me cozy on the bed, laptop up and running. "Back in the cockpit already, I see!" he said, not one bit surprised. I tend to do a lot of different things in bed- pay the bills, make phone calls, write- and it is kind of my desk even though we have a really cute Ikea desk in the living room. I should make the transition to the living room soon, though- slouching or curling up all the time is going to have me back at the chiropractor sooner than later.


Oh, I can't forget to tell you all about my last morning in Redondo Beach! Let's backtrack. Parker headed downstairs for the final session of his conference while I packed up our room. On his break, he came upstairs to help me make sure we weren't leaving anything behind. We took our bags to the car, and with a goodbye smooch I was off in search of a "not Starbucks" for breakfast. (Side note: I've had a few people ask me, "Why not Starbucks?" and while I certainly admire their origins as a local chain, I always try first to support local businesses. They are often so passionate about the quality and details of not only coffee and tea but also connecting with their customers- not to mention the boost to the local economies these shops provide. I used to be a huge Starbucks fan, but I've gone local and there's no going back!)

I drove through Redondo Beach, past all the pretty oceanfront homes, and wound my way through Manhattan Beach as well. I found a place to park and started looking around for meter money when I realized that I had left my wallet in the hotel room. Oy! I drove back to the hotel, dreading the walk back up to our room (while it had an amazing view, it happened to be the second to last room furthest away from the elevator). Bribing the valet guy to let me leave the car there for just a minute, I ran upstairs, down the hallways, grabbed that pesky wallet and was soon on my way again. Walking aimlessly and determined not to use my Droid for directions, I found The Tea Exchange.

This place was wonderful. They were chatty and they even had Bavarian pretzels (!). It felt like I was sitting in a beach house, complete with a copy of the Street Art Doodle Book: Outside the Lines and local art hanging on the walls. I sketched away while waiting for my drink, people watching out of the corner of my eye (there were some great outfits today in Manhattan Beach, let me tell you!). They even had a sense of humor- a sign on the wall read, "Unattended children will be given espresso and a free puppy- they break, you buy." I was sad to leave...

...but so happy to be home now!
Leave a comment here!

 ~VLP~

The Day Puppy Made Three

One year ago today, I woke up at the crack of dawn and drove to Bakersfield for the best reason ever- to adopt a puppy (I can't really think of any other reason to drive to Bakersfield, actually...)! I had seen him on PetFinder and knew instantly that it was meant to be.

While on our puppy search closer to home, the shelters told us we'd have to schedule an interview, take a personality test to see if our traits matched with the dog, and have our home evaluated by a shelter staff member. The animal shelter in Bakersfield told me whoever showed up first with the cash to adopt him would have dibs. I was determined to get there first (did I mention I like winning?).

I was so excited to see no one else was at the shelter that morning at seven (they were still in bed, like normal people). As the clerk lead me to the kennel and opened the door, little Augustus came bounding out, much larger than I was expecting but more perfect than previously imagined! I oohed and ahhed in excitement- little Gus peed in a frenzy, all over my shoes. I didn't care! He was my pup!

A year later, he still roams the backyard like he is king of the world. He has an uncanny way of being calm and cuddly when I'm sad, and some of my favorite memories are of us sitting in the backyard together in the sunshine. I never knew I could love a dog so much!

Leave a comment here!

~VLP~

Puppy Love

I was reading an article the other day that completely intrigued me, and it had to do with the role pets now play in fashion and our lives. Prior to reading this article, I never really pictured my pups being my best accessory. I don't think I've ever spent more than twenty dollars on a collar or leash. They've never worn clothes (although I did think about dressing them up for Halloween). I want them to be well-groomed, of course, but I can't imagine styling them like a panda bear (how cute are those panda/Chow puppies, though!).

Did you know that this year was the first ever Pet Fashion Week in New York City? Or that some pet owners are now dying their pet's fur to match their own personal style du jour?

Let's be honest- if I had $1,200 to spend on Hermès, it definitely wouldn't be for the dogs!


Leave a comment here!

~VLP~

I May Not Have the Smartest Pups on the Planet...

...but they are the cutest and bring me never-ending glee!

So the funniest thing happened, maybe ever. I let the dogs in because it's pouring rain outside. I'm in the living room reading this month's issue of Allure when I hear the trash can fall over in the kitchen. Gus and I peer around the corner to find Roscoe unable to enjoy his spoils... because the trash can lid was stuck on his head.

It must be the Chow in him.

(Is it bad that I stared, laughed for a minute, and took a picture before helping the poor boy out?)

Leave a comment here! (Or simply click on the title of this post.)

~VP~

Two Thousand Ten in Numbers

1: Beautiful Wedding

2: Cuddly, fluffy, goofy pups

3: Jobs

4: Letters received and sent so far from Calvin (our World Vision child)

10+: trips to Disneyland with Mr. Parker

12: Pairs of new shoes (yes, I counted)

21: An amazing birthday

26: A special birthday for my honey

80: Miles of commuting a day (made completely enjoyable by beautiful California scenery)

1,000,000: Reasons I love my life

Now that homage has been paid to 2010, it's time to make some resolutions for 2011!

~VP~

Shocking Plot Twist of the Year

Well, it's certainly been a while since I've last written. I've been so busy at work that by the time I arrive back at Casa de Parker, all I want to do is snuggle with the pups and just relax. Right now my man and I have completely different schedules, so we don't usually see each other until he gets home, by which time I am usually asleep so I can look fresh and alert in San Luis Obispo at 6:30 the next morning!

We've been helping each other in the pursuit of fitness by going on a mile run every other day, and it's been nice. I don't feel as stressed and it's nice to get out in the crisp winter air together. You may be surprised that I'm running at all, and I completely agree with you as I myself am more than a little shocked at this development in the life of Veralynn. You see, I hate running. Hate. But recently my friend and co-worker Lacey asked me to go on a run with her, and unfortunately for her I agreed. We decided to go running at Pismo Beach, on the sand, for two miles. In my mind, I was freaking out- on the outside, I was like, "Yeah, no biggie..." As a person who never runs, I started out pretty nicely, keeping up with Lacey as we ran along the ocean. By about 0.8 miles I was blubbering like baby and started lagging behind. Lacey had her headphones in, and by the time she noticed I wasn't next to her anymore, I was actually quite a ways back, huffing and puffing. Lacey (who's in the Army and is all business when it comes to working out) shouted, "Come on! You're killing me- stop being a little baby [note: she didn't say baby] and just do it!" And even though I took longer than she did to finish the two miles, I did finish. I felt great afterwards, and decided that maybe this wasn't so bad after all. Plus, I've finally found a shoe that doesn't hurt my feet and allows them to feel natural and free just as nature intended.

In other news: Grandpa John, Grandma Joyce, and Uncle Rob came out from Nashville for Christmas and I loved having them here, even if I didn't get to see them as much as I would've liked. They indulged in many a California delicacy- Del Taco, Klondike's Pizza, Coffee & Company and Chef Rick's- and enjoyed visiting with their favorite oldest granddaughter/niece. Grandpa enjoyed making fun of my Vibrams, and everyone got to meet my dear pups!

I would have to say the highlight of the Christmas holiday was giving my little sisters their first pair of UGG boots. Since the beginning of fall, all they've talked about is boots and I decided that it would be the perfect gift since I work for a company who just happens to sell the boots they love! I could hardly wait to see their faces- and neither they nor I were disappointed. Every day since Christmas that I've seen them, they've had those boots on. They're just like their big sister- they love shoes.

Last but not least, I bought myself a Kindle. I have to say, it's pretty much the essence of me- literary, compact, and lightweight (ha). I splurged a little bit on a Kate Spade cover, which is just the icing on the cake.

I'll write more soon- gotta post those New Year's Resolutions!

~VP~

Dior and Great Danes

This photo makes me so happy. If I had my way, this is how I would love to look every day- polished, high heels, and hair done...with two giant dogs on either side! Of course that's not how it is, but at the very least I'm glad Vogue doesn't think that small breeds are the only pooches that go hand in hand with upscale living.

...Did I really just say "upscale living"? Yes, I did.

~VP~

Fritz

This blog is dedicated to Fritz, the Black Lab who we found running in the streets of Orcutt and who was welcomed by all in our home for a wonderful five days. Gus loved him, as did we all! I'm so happy he's reunited with his owner, though. I don't even want to think of how I'd feel if Gus were lost!

~VLP~

Birkenstock Birth Control Myth Debunked

That's right- the job curse has been subdued again! I'm working for Roxanne's Birkenstock in San Luis Obispo- actually their website, ShoeSurfing.com- which has everything from Ugg Boots to Minnetonka Moccasins, from Simple Shoes to, you guessed it- Birkenstocks. Birks and I go way back, known from an early age as "those weird-looking hippie sandals Mom wears and therefore I will never set foot in". (My grandpa showed me a comic strip once with a patient asking a doctor for a non-invasive form of birth control- the doctor said, "Here- try these" and handed her a pair of Birkenstock sandals!) Upon starting this job, however, I've found that they have come a long way and maybe someday will consider buying a pair. I can't bring myself to do it just yet...

I did buy a pair of celebratory shoes with my first paycheck, though! (You know I couldn't resist.) They are made by Simple and not only are they organic, they're 100% vegan with no animal products or byproducts.

PETA would be proud. They are so comfortable!

Other news from the home front: Gus-Gus graduated from his first level of obedience training today. I was so proud of him- he is growing up so fast. Next thing you know it will be time for his 1st birthday party! Haha...you think I'm joking. I don't think you understand how much I love this dog!

Well, that's it for now. I made a batch of chocolate chip cookies for Mr. Parker and his co-workers. Plus I'll take just about any excuse to see my man. Thank goodness it's his Friday, because honestly I miss him so much! You'd think he'd be old hat nine months into this marriage business, but I can't get enough of him.

~VP~

My Baby!

Gus-Gus is almost six months old and I couldn't be more in love with his litte face. Each day he greets me at the door with a wagging tail and I love cuddling with him at the end of the day. He is getting to be very big now (at five months he is almost fourty pounds!) and he loves eating chicken, apples, bananas, or pretty much anything we set in front of him. He loves the dog park, and just had his first salon experience yesterday at Petsmart. We've taught him how to sit, stay, lie down, and come when called...although I got another phone call today from Petsmart saying the ladies in the grooming salon told her they thought I should be aware of the training classes they offer.

What're you trying to say, lady? My little pup is perfect. Well, as close as one adorable fuzzball can get.

~VLP~

You Think You've Got a Plan...Then Life Happens

It's amazing to me how quickly this year has gone, and the amount of things that have happened. Jobs (or lack of them at some points...Morgan was right saying I have a job curse), surprise travel, and new Parker family additions have changed 2010 for the better. From the last time I wrote, I stopped working as a gymnastics coach and found a job at the front desk of the SeaCrest Resort in Pismo Beach. It's full-time and with nice pay and benefits after 90 days and I love working in Pismo!

In March, I got to go to Nashville and Chicago to spend time with my family there and surprise my great-grandma Cleo for her 90th birthday. That was really fun- plus, my mom and sisters got to go too, even though they arrived in Chicago separately and didn't stay as long (however, the girls and I spent lots of time taking pictures, swimming, and spending time together so even though we were in Illinois for a different reason it turned out to be a great sister get-together). It was hard leaving my husband for even a week (I honestly didn't think it would be so hard but I missed him like crazy) but I think surprising Grandma Cleo and seeing her made up for the time spent apart from Parker.

The day before I left for Nashville something small but very important entered the new branch of the Parker family. What has four legs, a tail, and the cutest little face ever? Augustus, or Gus-Gus, our new German Shepherd mix puppy. Parker and I had originally planned to get a puppy April 1st but when I saw him on Petfinder.com I knew he was supposed to be in our family and asked Parker if we could get him right away so that no one else could have him...and to my surprise, he said yes! I was so excited I could barely wait until the day came when I could go pick him up from the animal shelter in Shafter (near Bakersfield). Once Gus-Gus entered the picture, my car never smelled the same again-but that doesn't matter because I love Gus-Gus as much as humanly possible and then some. I know Parker loves him too, and I'm so glad to have this little guy as part of our family. He is three or four months old (the animal shelter didn't know his exact date of birth) and is just starting the teething process, so he's always trying to chomp on any exposed limbs, which is not fun but it's nice to know it's not out of aggression. He's so good on his walks and he's learned some basic training commands already. He's definitely a momma's boy and I spoil him but only because he deserves it. :) He loves Parker too and always is so excited to run and play with him when he gets home from work. I can't imagine any other puppy in our little family.

Ah, life is good.

~VLP~