Nevermore

I have an unnatural obsession with Halloween. Which considering I loathe scary movies, gore, etc is pretty odd... OK, maybe it isn't...Basically, I just like having an excuse to throw a party, eat candy and dress as ridiculously as possible.

Gwen has long had an unnatural obsession with seagulls. When she presented her plan to me this year, that we either be a seagull and a fish, or Angry Bird and a pig (one guess who got the awesome job of being the pig), I knew I had to talk some sense into her. I suggested both of us being Cleopatra and throwing a Mummy themed party, or being Snow White and the witch and having a candy apple bar. All of these suggestions were pronounced lame. Then Chasing Fireflies catalog came - our Halloween bible -  and the raven costumes looked perfect. Gwen could still get down with her bird weirdness and I could have an excuse to try a new Halloween theme for our party - Edgar Allan Poe!

Neveremore! Yes, I am aware that my winged fascinator is AMAZEBALLS and that Gwen's wig is ridiculous. It is Halloween, get on board!

I wanted to try and make a spooky gothic library... but things like having to go into work the morning of the party, and the fact that my backyard looks nothing like a library... kind of prevented that vibe from translating!

The "manuscript" page table decorations seemed cooler in my head I promise!

Skulls, ravens and books oh my!

Can you tell I ran out of time setting up, and started just snapping pictures in a hurry as people arrived? Horrible shots!

Dictionary... open to Edgar Allan Poe... oh the things I waste time on! I wish the cute little raven cupcake flags showed in this shot!

Jack O' Lantern pizzas

Spooky eyeball lollipops, marshmallows and chocolate fingers

We invited all of Gwendolyn's school class (thank god not everyone could come! although we do like you all!), her friends from church, and my friends with kids... it ended up being a bit zany in our backyard... especially by the bounce house. What is it about bounce houses that turn kids into demons? I swear, at one point I went to help a kid who was crying in the bounce house and it was like Skid Row in there. I wish I had more lights in the backyard (those twinkle lights, and votive candles sure didn't cut it) and that I was less frantic trying to talk to everyone... I would have loved to have gotten more (and better) photos of all the great costumes, and to feel like I actually chatted to some of you. Rather I feel like I was in a mad dash to race home from work in SF, set up and then I blinked and everyone was gone and my backyard was thrashed!

Army dude, Joker

Most adorable little Cinderella!

Tooth fairy, Easter Bunny, Santa... adorable!

Cat princess... my kind of girl... why only wear one costume?

Ravens

Skunk, cowboy... totally normal combo

Spider web and spider... amazing!

Lenore made all of her costume, even the clay jewelry. So impressed.

Stop it Rainbow Brite, stop it right now. I loved this!

Oh, did you notice the Englishman is NOT in costume? I cannot talk about my disappointment but he gets a pass... we will get to that later.

Came to our bird party and showed us up in their bird costumes - which were also homemade! Amazing!

Adorable!

Too gorgeous to be evil!

Raven or Liza Minelli? The wig makes it hard to tell!

And then some more pictures of us in our raven costumes... because well, because I love looking at myself, I mean my darling daughter! Happy Halloween!!

Fly little birdy fly!

It is like an awkward prom shot - if you want to prom as birds?

 We ended up having a great time, despite all my pre-party stress and are so glad everyone came! Major major props to the friends who came in from SF, adults who wore costumes and the Englishman. He did not wear a costume, which basically means we are not compatible daters - how can you dislike COSTUMES? - but he did pretty much save the day. He cooked the FOUR pizzas, refilled all the party food every five minutes, took care of all the drinks, trash, photos etc... and basically dealt with psycho party planning Bronwyn, who, let's be real, is not the best of all the Bronwyns. He also did not flinch when he arrived and Gwen and I were in costume, looking, let's say, pretty ridiculous. You're the best and I adore you - next year though the bar is going to be raised... you'll have to pretend to think our costumes are cool, be my party assistant AND come IN COSTUME!

*all photos filtered with VSCO cam app - "Spookier" that way no?

Dressing up

...is half the fun of going out!

God knows how, but I made the best dressed list! Photo stolen from SFLuxe

A month or so ago the Englishman and I went to the SF Symphony Opening Gala, celebrating the beginning of the SF Symphony's 101st year! It was a decision we made about 17 hours before the event... which meant I had no time to buy a gown. This caused IMMENSE stress in my life. If you have ever met me you know that I am completely neurotic, an intense stress case, and a complete perfectionist. Not having the time (or let's be real, this was upper echelon SF society business, so nor the fund's) to have the best gown there ATE AT ME! I want to say I had no less than three mini fits about what I would wear and how it would not be suitable. (And this is a conservative estimate to save face!)

Luckily, I previously purchased a dress that I thought I would want to wear one day, despite at the time not having a place in mind to wear it. It was really no where near fancy enough (or looking back) all that flattering of a dress on me, but it worked within the time constraints I had! I threw on some jewelry I already had, painted my nails while doing my makeup and grabbed an old - but favorite clutch from my purse collection (more on that another day).  The only thing I actually spent time on was getting my hair done. I am a complete moron when it comes to hair. I literally cannot even brush my hair without making it look worse than before I started. I have never had cool hairstyles, or gorgeous locks in any way shape or form. This has become a mini obsession in my life, and you should under no circumstances ever ask me about my hair. I will talk your ears off about all of my failed attempts at hair grandeur and all the things I still want to try. It is pathetic and apparently quite boring to others. I made an appointment to get my hair blown out and put in a poufy ponytail. My terms. This is the picture I showed the girl who did my hair.

So as to not grotesquely embarrass myself, let's just tell the reader's digest version of the story. My hair DID NOT look like this once it was done. I may have expressed my displeasure with my facial expressions and choice of verbiage. The hair was taken out and redone, quickly, another client was waiting for her appointment. It was then worse. I may have then taken it all out myself (there were 40 bobby pins - telling sign?) and paid (while majorly complaining passive aggressively - my specialty) and then left in a ginormous huff (oh, and then cried in my car). Yes, that was the version of the story formulated to NOT embarrass myself, thank you for asking. I went to change into my dress and do my makeup and had a huge problem. Clearly my hair was now producted up and in some places teased. I am still a hair moron at this point (and today as it stands). WHAT WAS I TO DO? I simply just put it in a ponytail, begged my boyfriend for reassurance and got in (the world's most expensive - thank you market pricing) Uber ever and off we went.

Once I was at the event I  forgot about my hair and had a great time. The Englishman could not have looked better in his tuxedo, and the music was gorgeous. It was fun to "dress up" and go out to an event that is a little outside our "normal" date night routines, and I enjoyed the evening thoroughly. Especially the run for macaroni and cheese and fries we did after the performance.

Best news? I made a best dressed list for my ensemble. Not sure how, but see for yourselves ladies and gentlemen.

http://sfluxe.com/2012/10/01/symphony-style-101/ (about halfway down the page)

(My mom says she would never have known that was me if she was scrolling through the list. Oh, and to stand up straight - I look a bit pudgy, and maybe it is time to start moisturizing my neck - it's looking a bit turkeyish. Thanks mom!)

Now, to prove that I am indeed not that awesome, nor making best dressed lists all the time... Here are more typical photos of the things what I wear out: iPhone dressing room pics!

Trying on dresses for the 7x7 Hot 30 SF Party - this was the selected dress

Rejected dress for the SF Zoo Fur Ball... too much leg, and one text recipient of above photo said I looked "hippy". Immediately turned off!

What I actually wore to the SF Zoo Fur Ball. Not a dressing room pic (bathroom, way classier!). I had worn this to work and then had a major dress snafu the night of the Fur Ball and had to go in my work clothes... perfectionist in me was NOT happy!

How the Fur Ball turned out... not so amaze in terms of other people's ensembles. Ended up glad I hadn't spent money on a new dress and necklace, my "work" outfit was perfect, especially when we left after less than an hour and went for dinner!

Trying on dresses for my 27th birthday party! This was the winner. One of my favorite dresses ever, can't you tell by my smirky happy face? 

Not for any specific event, but this firework skirt is one of my new fav pieces and I can't wait to wear it somewhere fabulous.

Again, not purchased for a specific event, but I can already tell, whatever event they show up at - they are going to kick ass and take names.

GGB

Sometimes you stay up till 2 am preparing for your daughter's Halloween party and you just want to punch a baby in the face when your alarm goes off the next morning at 5 am.

Then you get to work, look out your window, and see this... and things seem to just be a lot better.

I love you San Francisco. You sunny, gorgeous beast.

*Photo filter with VSCO cam app on my iPhone*

Posey for President (and other such amazingness)

“Baseball, it is said, is only a game. True. And the Grand Canyon is only a hole in Arizona.” 
― George F. Will

Baseball takes up a Grand Canyon sized portion of my heart and my free time. 

I love it. I love the "thwack" of a bat meeting a ball, the smell of stadium food, the fog rolling into AT&T park during night games, and I love the crazy twists and turns that happen season long every April-October. I especially love and adore the San Francisco Giants. The team, the stadium, the crazy personalities (of both the players and the fans), the orange and black, McCovery Cove, the history, Bruce Bochy and of course Journey. I love the Giants enough to participate in things I usually think are lame: Wearing flats (comfort is key at baseball), wearing baseball hats, eating food that has been prepared with questionable sanitation and hygiene, chanting along with groups (I love yelling "Marco Scutaro" to the tune of Marco Polo as well as yelling all my boy's name and nicknames), dancing in public to songs like the Jersey Shore theme song, waiting in lines, using public bathrooms, and high fiving strangers. My love for the Giants knows no bounds... have you seen my Facebook statuses? All sorts of cliche Giant's love there: Posey for President! Yes, we Cain! Pandomonium!

I woke up this morning STILL smiling about last night's game. Now, before we move on to the positive... let's get one poor sportsmanshiply type thought out of the way. Did anyone see Verlander's dirty smirk last night? During the third inning, about to face the Panda, having just given up another run, Jeff Jones (Tiger's pitching coach) approached the mound and Verlander (not the worst idea since Verlander was not playing to his abilities - even if he had nothing insightful to say, it could have helped quiet the crowd, and given Verlander a chance to compose himself). He was "greeted"  by a look from Verlander that clearly said "Sit down, I got this". Except that HE DIDN'T!! Panda then hit a two run home run. Oh Verlander, take a few days, get some pants that fit a little less tight and try again ok?

Smirk didn't work. Sorry I'm not sorry!

Now on to the positives! 

Did you know the Giants are just three games away from becoming World Series Champions AGAIN! 

This season has been amazing so far, and although I would LOVE for them to win it all (only three more games people) I have to say I couldn't be prouder of what we've accomplished this year. So, in honor of my Giants, their great season, and their (hopefully soon to win) World Series run... here are some highlights (and in true Giant's form some torturous "lowlights" as well) of their 2012 year! I have bolded the most important of the important items for your reading convenience!

March 9, 2012 – In a spring training game, C Buster Posey returns to action for the first time since the injury which ended his 2011 season.

April 10, 2012 – Barry Zito pitches a complete game shutout against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field for his first shutout as a member of the Giants. The game is the Giants' first win of the year after an 0–3 start.

April 13, 2012 – Matt Cain pitches a one-hit shutout in a 5–0 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates. The single hit by opposing pitcher James McDonald is the only baserunner allowed by Cain in the game.

April 15, 2012 – Closer Brian Wilson is diagnosed with a season-ending elbow injury requiring Tommy John surgery.

April 25, 2012 – Pablo Sandoval sets a franchise record with a 19-game hitting streak to start the season. The streak will ultimately reach 20 games.

May 7, 2012 – RHP Guillermo Mota tests positive for a PED and is suspended for 100 games. Aubrey Huff returns to the roster to take his place.

May 29, 2012 – Melky Cabrera sets a new San Francisco Giants record with 50 hits in the month of May. He would finish the month with 51 hits, tying the Randy Winn for the Giants' San Francisco record for most hits in any month.

June 5, 2012 – Freddy Sanchez has back surgery, ending his attempts to come back from a season-ending injury in June, 2011.

June 12, 2012 – Madison Bumgarner hits his first major league home run while striking out 12 batters. The previous Giant to hit a homerun and throw 10+ strikeouts in a game before Bumgarner wasMike Krukow, who was announcing the game.

June 13, 2012 – Matt Cain throws a perfect game with 125 pitches thrown and 14 strikeouts. Cain's 125 pitches is the most pitches thrown in a perfect game and his 14 strikeouts ties Sandy Koufax'srecord for most strikeouts thrown in a perfect games.

June 28, 2012 – LHP Madison Bumgarner throws the first shutout of his Major League career against the Cincinnati Reds. It is the fourth game in four consecutive shutout victories, the first three against the arch-rival Los Angeles Dodgers.

July 1, 2012 – OF Melky Cabrera, P Matt Cain, C Buster Posey, and 3B Pablo Sandoval are named to the NL roster for the All-Star Game, each starting for their respected positions.

July 10, 2012 – OF Melky Cabrera is named MVP of the All-Star Game played in Kansas City, going 2 for 3 with a home run, 2 runs scored and 2 RBI as the National League routs the American League 8–0. Matt Cain, the starting pitcher for the NL, pitches 2 shutout innings to earn the win. 3B Pablo Sandoval breaks the game open with a bases-loaded triple in the first inning. C Buster Poseycatches 5 shutout innings while drawing a walk and scoring a run.

July 13, 2012 – LHP Madison Bumgarner becomes the leadoff pitcher in the starting rotation, swapping spots with Tim Lincecum.

August 15, 2012 – OF Melky Cabrera is suspended for 50 games after testing positive for elevated levels of testosterone.

September 2, 2012 - The Englishman met my parents for the first time ever, as well as one of my siblings... a perfect day for me, Giants, family, love!

September 15, 2012 – OF Angel Pagan sets the Giants' San Francisco-era record with his 13th triple of the season at Arizona's Chase Field, breaking a record jointly held by Willie Mays and Steve Finley.

September 21, 2012 – C Buster Posey is named recipient of the team's 2012 Willie Mac Award.

September 22, 2012 – The Giants clinch their second NL West title in three years with an 8–4 victory over the San Diego Padres at AT&T Park. Sergio Romo gets Mark Kotsay to line out to Angel Pagan for the final out.

October 2, 2012 – The Giants defeat the Los Angeles Dodgers 4–3 at Dodger Stadium, eliminating the Dodgers from postseason contention.

October 11, 2012 – The Giants defeat the Cincinnati Reds 6–4 at Great American Ballpark, winning the NLDS 3 games to 2. The Giants become the first National League team of the Wild Card era to come back from a two-game deficit to win a five game postseason series, and are the first team overall to do so by winning the final three games on the road.

October 22, 2012 – The Giants defeat the St. Louis Cardinals 9–0 at AT&T Park to win Game 7 of the NLCS and the National League pennant. Matt Cain pitches 5 2/3 shutout innings as the Giants break the game open with a five-run third inning highlighted by a bases-clearning broken bat hit by Hunter Pence. In a driving downpour, Sergio Romo gets Matt Holliday to pop out to series MVPMarco Scutaro to end the game. Scutaro tied an LCS record with 14 hits in the series. The Giants outscore the Cardinals 20–1 over the last three games to come back from a 3–1 series deficit and tie the 1985 Kansas City Royals with six consecutive wins while facing elimination in the same postseason.

October, 24th - The Giants defeat the Detroit Tigers 8-3 at AT&T Park to win Game 1 of the World Series. Barry Zito again was on fire, and Pablo Panda hit three home runs.

And now, a ton of Giants photos from the last year!

Rally nails.

Future Giant.

Won the pennant! Going to the World Series!

Who cares how awful you look when the Giants are winning!?!

Oh, and last night I watched the game from afar. The Giants haven't lost a game of the 17 I have been to all season, so, in case we get to a game six and are back at AT&T park, I am saving my money to be there to help them win in the end! 

But even at home I was wearing my orange pants! Only cupcakes (in the bag) can get me excited enough not to cry not being at the actual game!