Monday, Monday

I woke up this morning with a slight sore throat.
As may of you know- I HATE being sick! It totally slows me down. Something I'm not used to. So, with that said, I did everything I could today to try and not have my sore throat develop into anything further.
I took lots of vitamins, drank lots of tea, and tried to sweat it out by boxing and running.
I know, I know... I don't know the meaning of slowing down or rest. I can't help it. I enjoy being busy :)

On another note, I landed a big deal for one of my talents today. The 6 figure kind. That definitely was an awesome way to start the week for me :)

I miss my husband. I haven't heard from him today so I'm a little worried.
I know he is safe. I know he will be home soon. I know I shouldn't be worried.

Life is GRAND!
Super Panda

Oh, Sunday!

I am incredibly tired today for some reason. What, I cannot pinpoint exactly.
I spent a ridiculous amount of money at Michael's for all my cake decorating stuff. I can't say that made me happy today. However, I am looking forward to starting the class and putting all these things to good use.

I am looking forward to having this coming week be a short week.
Right now though, I am having problems trying to be positive. I am going to work on this- wallow in the negativity for a few minutes then shake it off. I just have to. I hate this negative emotion, but yet I need to acknowledge its presence.

And to top it all off- I miss my husband terribly.

Life is GRAND- although at times a bit trying.
Super Panda

Incredibly Accomplished Saturday

So today, I

- trained with my boxing coach for an hour. Sparring session. I have what he refers to as ring rust. I haven't been in the ring for a while... yes, months. We plan to remedy this situation.

- went to the gym for spinning. New teacher today. Awesome. Great music, great ride!

- signed up for Cake Decorating 1 class. I also signed up for Fondant and Gum paste. I will be an awesome baker- my new hobby.

- got some supplies for both classes.

- made pumpkin pie- Weight Watchers recipe. 1 point per serving. Pretty good!

- made my 2nd version of low calorie red velvet cupcake. My cream cheese frosting low cal didn't work out so well- I'm not sure if it's because I used fat free cream cheese. Maybe I need to use low fat. Might be better. Definitely next thing I'm trying.

- took a lovely, but incredibly brief nap with my boys.

and all this before 4 pm.

I'm pooped. I'm headed to my sister's house to watch the Pacquiao fight. For many of you who know- my husband and I love boxing, MMA, kickboxing. Ok, more me than him- but we both box and have trained in muay thai, so as much as possible, we like to watch the fights when they're on- esp. the Pac Man.

Also, Milo called this morning. He thinks he won't have reception for their next assignment so he just wanted to let me know.
Oh, how I love that boy!

Life is GRAND!
Super Panda

Promax 2008

This is a picture post. Super Panda's adventures in the Big Apple. Promax 2008.

I got there Monday night. We headed to Gaetana's in the West Village for some fun, food, and wine.

Here's some pictures of that night:

me with one of my talents, Courtenay Taylor


me with Courtenay, Mike and Trager- 2 of the best clients around.


me with a few of the boys- Cooney, Tasker, and Champeaux. Courtenay is also in the pic :)


The next night- we went to the Promax Opening Party.

Debbie, me, Jerry and Jess


and since the party was during CA work hours... here I am doing what I do best- WORKING.


The next night, Wednesday, we went to the Atlas party and then dinner with Tasker and Champeaux. We went to the best Brazilian restaurant. Too bad I can't remember the name. It was awesome, especially since I love me some meat. After that, Miss E and I, along with Tasker, went to the BDA party. It sucked! Big time! It was a pretty uneventful night. I decided to make the next night better.

Miss E and I at the BDA party (my outfit totally looked cuter in person)


The last day in NYC- Thursday. The night before, while Miss E, Tasker and I walked the streets of NYC, we decided that we would all enjoy a lovely lunch at The Boathouse in Central Park on our last day in the Big Apple. So, we trekked over to the Boathouse in between sessions.

Miss E and I in front of the Bethesda Fountain (I believe)


After lunch, we went to a session, then stayed for Vince McMahon's Lifetime Achievement Award. I used to be a huge wrestling fan- at the young age of 6. Those are the memories that I hold on to dearly of my dad and I. He definitely must be who I get my athleticism from.

That night started with a trip to the Startrax Party.

Scott, me, Tasker, and Wayne


Then it was off to Rosa Mexicana with the SBV agents and a few of our mutual talents.

Here's me and Jerry (my dessert partner)


outside Rosa Mexicana


After dinner, we headed back to the hotel for the Promax after party.
When that party ended, Miss E and I walked our way to the Hudson Bar with a few other people. We had a blast. After we closed that bar down, we walked the streets of New York looking for pizza. When none looked good enough to eat, we settled for the Gyro stand near the hotel- which we've been told was awesome, and it was.
4 AM- that's when I walked into the room. A half hour later, I fell asleep.
4 hours later, I woke up to get ready for my flight back home.

Life is GRAND!
Super Panda

Key Art Awards 2008

This is the only picture that was sent to me (and there were tons taken that night).
Boo to not bringing my own camera!

Maura, Gil, myself, Kisha

Baking Queen

That is what I'm aspiring to.
I have now made the Red Velvet Chocolate Balls from Bakerella's site twice.
Once prior to the hubby's return, and twice yesterday so that he could take some treats to the station.

Here are some pics...





I am now on a quest to make these delicious treats with less calories.

Life is GRAND!
Super Panda

Home is Where the Heart is

and my heart has found its way back home.
The hubby's home, and it feels so nice to have him here.

Life is GRAND!
Super Panda

An accomplished Saturday.

Today, I...

- slept in til 9. I wanted to sleep in later than that, however, I need to be able to go to bed early tonight to wake up for brunch with the gals. The Friend that Got Away (who needs a new name) and Ms. E are coming over for a little girl time. We are doing our first mastermind meeting, where we encourage each other to go after our goals, and basically help each other to become the best people we can be. This meeting is a long time coming, so it's definitely good that it's happening to me tomorrow, although bright and early.

- did not box. However, I did run as an alternate. My old trainer was at the gym today and I simply refuse to be in the same vicinity as him. Definitely not a cool dude. Bad vibes galore!

- hung out with my family. Had a great time. I'm going to miss them when they go out of town this coming week. I'm incredibly grateful that they only live a few minutes from me.

- made Red Velvet balls (from Bakerella's site- check out my Super Friends list on the side) in anticipation of the hubby's return.
i did make a few changes though- instead of milk chocolate, I covered it with dark chocolate with a drizzle of white chocolate/ Boy, does it look delicious. I will post a picture later.

- hung out with my nephew, Jakob. He helped me make the cake balls.

- spent time at home. It's an awesome feeling to just lounge and not have to answer to anyone, or meet anyone's expectations today.

- am doing some laundry. Tons to fold, that's for sure.

- am waiting for the hubby's nightly phone call. It is now past his usual calling time, so it makes me wonder if I will be getting one. I've missed his calls the past two times and I do miss his voice. I am counting down the days til his return.

FOR EVERYTHING THAT HAS BEEN, THANKS!
FOR EVERYTHING THAT WILL BE- YES!

Life is GRAND!
Super Panda

Home, Sweet Home.

I am thrilled to be home. I cannot wait to sleep on my own bed tonight.
I have made it through this week. I'm so grateful for having done so. I am extremely exhausted, but thrilled that Promax is over nonetheless.

A few things I am grateful for this week:
*Safe travels where I met tons of new contacts and solidified old ones.
*Fabulous meals, a broadway show, and tons more.
*The hubby will be home on Monday. I CANNOT WAIT!
*A new friend, who's helping me understand that it's normal to feel what I feel when the husband is away. Thanks Trish!
Please make sure to visit the Wildland Firefighter Wive's blog. You simply cannot know our ordeal, unless you were in our shoes. However, her blog will give you an idea.
*Awesome friends who also house sat for us and our lovely babies.
*I am most especially grateful for being home. What a feeling!

Life is GRAND!
Super Panda

something new

So tomorrow marks the first time ever that we are leaving our dogs, and our house in the care of other people. For those of you who know me very well, you know that this is an incredibly hard time for me. The hubby and I don't have kids- the pups are the closest things to kids that we have. We usually bring them on trips or wherever we go that require us to spend the night. However, this time around, the hubby is at a fire and I'm leaving to go on a business trip. I know that the dogs will be in good hands, as Sean and Holly will be house and pup sitting for us. I trust that they will be in good hands. Plus, I believe this is the step that I need to go through right now, letting go a little. Letting go and letting flow. Yes, I believe this is another step in the evolution process, so that I may continue to grow. Amen.

Life is GRAND, although I am a little nervous at the moment. Let go, let flow.
Super Panda

Being a Fireman's wife

is an incredibly hard job. Sometimes I sit and wonder if I'm cut out for it. I wonder if I'm strong enough, capable enough, tough enough.

I found this blog today Wildland Firefighter Wives
I'm grateful I did because now I don't feel so alone.

4 years ago today

I married my best friend, and that has made all the difference.
I am incredibly grateful for this wonderful man in my life. He is my friend, my companion, my rock, my lover, my sense of security, my protection, the dad to our two lovely pugs, and a lot more.

I love you dearly Milo. Even though you're not here to celebrate with me, I understand. I know you're trying to make a living and support our family. I admire and respect you for the work that you do. It's a tough job, and you're doing it with no complaints.

For those of you who don't know, my husband is a wildland fire fighter. He's a Bear Divide Hotshot crew member. He's been gone since last Sunday fighting a fire north of Escondido. It's called the Indian Fire. So we are spending our anniversary apart.

This morning while sitting here at work, I got a flower delivery. To my surprise, it's from my lovely husband. Such a wonderful and romantic surprise. I cried like a baby. And I missed my husband more than usual.



Happy Anniversary dear Milo! I love you!

Life is GRAND!
Super Panda

I don't think I'll ever get used to...

the random phone calls from Milo telling me he won't be home for a while because he's going to a fire.
I miss him terribly when he's gone. Much too much and it's unfair.
It's hard to remember at times that he's gone because he's working and that it won't be forever.
I just really hate not seeing him, or sleeping alone.
I know this is our 3rd summer like this. I hope it's the last one as well. It's a touch schedule and I don't recommend it to anyone.
It also makes for a lonely life. Thank goodness for family and friends who keep me company.

It's going to be a long summer. Again, it's not permanent.

Life is Grand- although I'm missing my husband terribly.
Super Panda

FUCKING GREAT THURSDAY!

Thursdays just keep getting better and better!

While I was turning the voicemail off at work today, grumpy as all hell cause it wasn't my job, but someone was running late, so it had to be; I discovered a brand spankin' new message that was left on there from this morning.

A woman had called regarding one of my talents and an award for 2 shows he narrated.
I call her back, not exactly clear on what it was, and leave her a message to call me back.

She does, and we talk.
Turns out this particular talent is up for consideration in the primary process for the Primetime Emmy Awards- not just for one, but two shows.
However, since the Emmy's only have one category for show narration, we had to pick one show. We went for the special on Charlie Wilson's War.

With that said, ballots go out tomorrow.
The Academy votes.
They pick five,
The final five are official Emmy nominees.
We find out on July 17th.
And the show is in September.

Please help me to visualize my talent walking away with an Emmy.
What an honor this is!

For everything that has been, thanks!
For everything that will be, YES!

Life is GRAND!
Super Panda