Random ...

Here are some photos from around our house and
yard... check out those big ass sunflowers- they
should be flowering very soon! They're taller than
Craig and he's over 6 feet tall!

Who Likes El Modelo???

In this household, we LOOOVE El Modelo.
My family has been going there since I was
little - and to be honest, I was not really that
into it. Then, as I got older, I realized that El
Modelo ROCKS! They have the best stuffed
sopaipillas, chicharonnes and tostadas. I was
so happy when I met Craig and realized he, too,
had a place in his heart for Modelo. I think it was
always meant to be.

Gummies

make Craig smile, therefore make me smile.


Super juicy!

Lucky Me!

I love Craig for many reasons... cooking me
delicious food is one of them.
Surprising me with neat-o stuff is another.



Tonight sweets made us a dinner that only he
could pull off. You could imagine the delight I
had when I came home after a long day of work
to a house that "smelled like life itself"...
(that's what it was like!)

All these lovely smells and new things to
try were so exciting!
Have a look for yourself:

baby (omg- cute!) eggplant


chinese broccoli


asian short ribs with chile oil


grilled shrimp with cilantro jalepeno salsa


deep fried fishies w/ lemon and salt


**swings arms and smiles like a loon**

I loooves me some Craig.

Look What This Little Pistol Did...

Craig and I had some chinese food on Saturday.

We had some leftovers.

We didn't eat the leftovers, so Craig tossed them
in the trash on Tuesday Morning.

Here is how Craig found Withers on Tuesday afternoon:




what a (so cute!) stinker.
he pulled this out of the trash himself.

Who would've thought Chinese Pugs like Chinese Food?

I Heart Weekends!

I love weekends... who doesn't?

Anyhow, I was able to hit a few yard sales this
morning before work, and we're going swimming this
evening, so it's been an alright day so far. I look
forward to cuddling with the pug and sweets later as well.

What are your big plans for the weekend?

Amy Winehouse: 45th at Night

on MTV tonight...check it out if you can!

So slip on your cutest cocktail dress, grab the
eyeliner, hairspray and a smoke and watch as
this skinny white girl rocks your ass off!



"Meet you downstairs in the bar and heard,
Your rolled up sleeves and your skull t-shirt,
You say "Why did you do it with him today?"
And sniffed me out like I was Tanqueray.
'Cause you're my fella, my guy.
Hand me your Stella and fly.
By the time I'm out the door,
You tear men down like Roger Moore.

I cheated myself,
Like I knew I would.
I told you, I was trouble,
You know that I'm no good.

Upstairs in bed with my ex-boy,
he's in a place but I can't get joy.
Thinking on you in the final throes,
This is when my buzzer goes.
Run out to meet you, chips and pitta,
You say "when we married,"
Cause you're not bitter,
"there'll be none of him no more"
I cried for you on the kitchen floor.

I cheated myself,
Like I knew I would.
I told you, I was trouble,
You know that I'm no good.

Sweet reunion Jamaica and Spain,
We're like how we were again,
I'm in the tub, you on the seat,
Lick your lips as a I soak my feet.
Then you notice likkle carpet burns,
My stomach drops and my guts churn,
You shrug and it's the worst,
Who truly stuck the knife in first.

I cheated myself,
Like I knew I would.
I told you, I was trouble,
You know that I'm no good.

I cheated myself,
Like I knew I would...
I told you, I was trouble,
You know that I'm no good."

BUKOWSKI...

"Woke up this morning and it seemed to me,
that every night turns out to be
A little more like Bukowski.
And yeah, I know he's a pretty good read.
But God who'd wanna be?
God who'd wanna be such an asshole?
God who'd wanna be?
God who'd wanna be such an asshole?

Well we sat on the edge of the river,
the crowd screamed, "Sacrifice the liver!"
If God takes life, he's an Indian giver.
So tell me now why, you'll tell me never.
Who would wanna be?
Who would wanna be such a control freak?
Well who would wanna be?
Who would wanna be such a control freak?

Well see what you wanna see. You should see it all.
Well take what you want from me. You deserve it all.
Nine times out of ten our hearts just get dissolved.
Well I want a better place or just a better way to fall.

But one time out of ten, everything is perfect for us all.
Well I want a better place or just a better way to fall.
Here we go!

If God controls the land and disease,
keeps a watchful eye on me,
If he's really so damn mighty,
my problem is I can't see,
well who would wanna be?
Who would wanna be such a control freak?
Well who would wanna be?
Who would wanna be such a control freak?

Evil home stereo, what good songs do you know?
Evil me, oh yeah I know, what good curves can you throw?

Well all that icing and all that cake,
I can't make it to your wedding, but I'm sure I'll be at your wake.
You were talk, talk, talk, talkin' in circles that day,
when you get to the point make sure that I'm still awake, OK?

Went to bed and didn't see
why every day turns out to be
a little bit more like Bukowski.
And yeah, I know he's a pretty good read.
But God who'd wanna be?
God who'd wanna be such an asshole?"

-Modest Mouse

"300"

is my new favorite movie :



and Gerard Butler is my new boyfriend.



Craig knows. He's fine with it.

If you get a chance, GO SEE THIS FLICK!

.

Good Fud + Candy

Here are some shots of the yummy food we've been
eating and enjoying these past few days:

steak and artichokes...

grilled artichoke goodness...

shish-ka-bobs...

calamari po-boy with string
fries and salad...


and here's a great song too!

"candy told me nothing really matters anymore
when I ask her what she means, she says I oughtta know

candy says she's made arrangements
for me in the sand
candy says she wants me with her
down in candyland

candy says she wonders why we try
I couldn't think of what to say
I hadn't already replied
candy says I'd like it where she is
she says it's an opportunity I don't want to miss

candy says she's made arrangements
for me in the sand
candy says she wants me with her
down in candyland
candy says she wants me with her
down in candyland

candy asked me if she died
if I could go on
of course I said I couldn't
and of course we knew that's wrong
but candy, I said, candy no you can't do that to me
because you love me way too much
for you to ever leave

candy says she's made arrangements
for me in the sand
candy says she wants me with her
down in candyland"

-Morphine

Summer Project

is this:



Along with Bob's Plans, Craig has agreed to help. I'm super excited, as I've never built anything like this before.

I'm Home.

I love to travel. But more than that, I love coming home.

pug sleeping on purse...so cute!


I had a great time in San Diego with the girls, it was so
good to see them. I always have fun with Amanda +
Rachael no matter where we are.



I also got a wicked sunburn. It will soon be a killer tan,
but for now, it sucks. I sunscreened, but apparently after
5 hours at the beach, spf 30 is not good enough applied
just once.

I did meet this cute ass bulldog near the beach...


totally worth the burn.

One afernoon I spent on the boardwalk and pier on Pacific
Beach, the area I stayed, and got some good photos. I also
saw some dolphins swimming and playing, it was amazing!
It's the perfect place for people watching - something I love.
You can rent out these cute little places on the actual pier
to fish, or relax. Or whatever.







the shots aren't too great, but you can see the dolphins if you squint...





Overall, I had a blast. But there is nothing like coming
home, especially to Craig-faces. He is taking such good
care of me and my sunburn, I love him so.


(this photo is from last summer, but we're cute, so it's ok)

D.I.A.

Denver International Airport has REALLY fast
internet... I love it, as I have another
20 minutes or so before my connecting flight
to San Diego.

The morning has gone smoothly, although I
always feel a little sad as I'm being dropped
at the airport by my SWEET ass baby Craig. He
is just so sweet and supportive of me and my
adventures, it always makes me smile to know
that I have him to come home to.


***FOR CRAIG:

I love you baby, you're a baby.

xoxox, a.

Yay, San Diego!

I'm going on a mini holiday in a few days and I'm
so excited! I can't wait to see my best friends!
And, I'm also excited to eat a lot of food, lay on the
beach and by the pool. It's been a few years since I've
been to SoCal so I'm looking forward to returning for
a short visit.

I will miss my sweet baby Craig terribly... for 3 days.

Good Times...

This weekend was nice and mellow. I had a running date
with Lori and Kelli on Saturday afternoon, then Craig and
I had a date on Saturday night. Sunday morning, Craig
picked Angus and his friend Ben up from a sleepover.
We had some pancakes, bacon and coffee, then headed
out to some yard sales. I didn't find anything great, but
Craig found a 'tool' of some sort and Angus got a cool,
old typewriter. Ben also got a "spy case", which is an old
briefcase. Later, we had some delicious Indian food for
lunch. It was a good weekend all in all.

Here are some photos my friend Kristen took while in town...
Craig is dusty from baking bread and Bombs is trying
desperately not to bite Kristen's face.

Empty...

is what our camera now is.

And this is what has been captured the last week
or two in the Blanragg household:

(baby during finals... he needed a siesta.)

(bombs at the park... he just did a lot of running.)

(me...being cute and loving our wall.)

(angus at the dog park... blowing bubbles and being a kid.)

(baby showing me how much he loves me... by braising some short ribs... and
making delicious polenta on the 1st try.)

(strawberries... they're in season, what can i say?)


I have to say it again... I am so lucky to have people
in my life that love me and care about me and how
I feel. There are times when I feel like I've had it up
to here **points to imaginary line above head** and
I want nothing to do with anyone. But then I realize
that I am fortunate as hell just to be here, living, and
I know my cry-baby-ness is just me being a brat... and
whatever is bothering me that second will pass- like
bad gas, it always does.
(now THAT needs to be stitched on a pillow somewhere.)

That's my rant.

I feel lucky and loved and I have no reason to complain
about the petty things...

at least tonight anyway.

I Know What I'm Doing Tonight...

One of my favorite shows, America's Next Top Model,
is coming to an end tonight for the season. I have
been back and forth on who I think should / will
win. In the beginning I liked Renee the best because
she was sassy...then she turned into a bi-otch! Jaslene
is pretty, too thin for me, and Craig says she sounds
like she has 2 tongues in her mouth, but I'm not sure
she should win. And then there's the "mail order bride",
Natasha. She's cute and weird and has a fairly good
attitude, despite all the smack talking that takes
place. Anyhoo, I'm super excited for the finale, should
be full of drama!

POTLUCK!

Woo-hoo, the girls and I decided to have a
potluck, no theme, this week... what should
I bring?

I hope someone brings this.

If Love Is A Red Dress...

"My heart is empty.
Your eyes are dark.
Once we were hungry,
Now we are full.
These chains that bind us,
Can't beat these chains.
If love is shelter,
I'm gonna walk in the rain.
You were my angel.
Now, you are real.
So like a stranger,
Colder than steel.
The morning after,
You know what you bring.
If love is a red dress,
Well, hang me in rags.
Away.
There goes the fairy tale.
Lord, ain't it a shame?
In all this comfort,
I can't take the strain.
If we played even,
I'd be your queen.
But someone was cheatin'.
And it wasn't me.
I've laid it on the table,
You had something back.
If love is Aces,
Give me the Jack."

-Maria Mckee

What'cha Eatin'?

Mother's Day just passed, what did you have?
What did you have for lunch?
What's for dinner tonight?
What have you been dreaming about, but haven't
had the oppurtunity to have it for whatever
reason?

I love to eat and I love to cook and try new
things whenever possible, so I'm curious, what
have you had lately that is delicious
and worth talking about?

For Mother's Day, I wanted to make something sweet since
Craig was in the kitchen baking bread and making the
place smell great with that. Then, I spotted the book
I got baby awhile back, James Beard's American Cookery.
After thumbing thru that, I found a recipe for Pineapple
Upside Down cake that looked easy and delicious... and it was.

Here's the rundown of the recipe:

warm butter in the pan that will be used for the cake.
add brown sugar, evenly coating the bottom.
add desired fruit ( i used pinapple AND strawberries since
they are in season ).
add cake batter and bake.

It was pretty good... good enough for Craig and I to eat
almost an entire cake while having our evening tea. The
other 2 ( i made 3 total ) were for the ma's in our lives.

Since Craig did the shopping today, I will make us dinner.
On the menu:

pork cutlets
white rice
roasted sweet corn
green salad
fresh bread (craig is a pro!)

FLAHSBACK!!!

I was doing some stuff on the 'puter this morning and I was
THRILLED to come across this photo, circa 1987-88ish:


(those of you that know me well know that i am not a
natural vixen with black hair... i'm a brown haired gal.)

This is my sister Lydia and I on a family vacation years
ago in California. We were on the Venice Beach Boardwalk &
I'm not sure what's up with the outfits... it was the 80's.

Scratch That!

I was mistaken, I do not work this weekend.
I will sleep in as long as the phone does not
ring @ 730am or Bombay's snores aren't very
loud. What are the odds of either of those
NOT happening?

It's Been A Long Week So Far...

I'm glad it's Thursday, but seeing as how I
work Saturday this week, it feels like Wednesday.
On Sunday, I'm having my mom and sisters over
for Mother's Day Brunch. I'm looking forward to
it because my nieces and nephew will be there as
well. I don't get to see them as much as I'd like
because we all have different schedules. This
weekend will be the perfect time to catch up.

Craig and Angus will be in Espanola hanging with
his mom for the afternoon. A busy day for all of us!

Together... again.

I just love this song:

Together

"You and me forever
We belong together
And we'll always endeavor
Throughout any type of weather

You want everything to be just like
The stories that you read but never write
You gotta learn to live and live and learn
You gotta learn to give and wait your turn
Or you'll get burned

You wrote our names down on the sidewalk
The rain came and washed 'em off
So we should write 'em again on wet cement
So maybe people a long time from now will know what we meant

You want every morning to be just like
The stories that you read but never write
You gotta learn to live and live and learn
You gotta learn to give and wait your turn
My only concern

I'm adding something new to the mixture
So there's a different hue to your picture
A different ending to this fairytale
When the sunset into which we sail

You want everything to be just like
The stories that you read but you can't write
You gotta learn to live and live and learn
You gotta learn to give and wait your turn
Or you'll get burned"

-The Raconteurs

Otter Babyface

One afternoon last week Craig had like 11 Otter Pops 'cause
it was hot outside. I suggested he have some wu-der.



he is SO cute.

Early Bird-ing It...

We had dinner around 5pm this evening. That is fairly
early for us, lots of times we eat between 7 - 9pm.
Anyhoo, we were both hungry by the time we got home,
so we headed over to Cervantes for some dinner and this
is what we had:


cheese and onion enchiladas with over easy egg, red chile,
beans + rice with peppers.


combo #2: chile relleno, beef taco, carne adovada, cheese
enchilada with red and green chile, beans + rice.
We also had some sopaipillas with honey.

The pics look a little on the darker side because
Cervantes has really dim lighting. The lounge area
is where we like to eat because of the vinyl booths
and televisions. Also, Sweets gets to smoke in the
lounge area.