Sweaty Sidewalks

We live in beautiful sunny California (well really it's been a little rainy, cloudy and windy, but you get the idea).  Our apartment complex has been doing a lot of upgrades.  You would think this is a really great thing because it makes everything look nice.  But, that's all it does...it's so superficial!  We have beautiful new tile in our lobby, brand new sidewalks all over, beautiful landscaping, a gym that is open 24 hours a day, and on and on and on.

Except:  It took 2 months to finish the tile so we couldn't use the lobby or the elevator, there aren't any ramps to the sidewalks so using our stroller is a PITA (not to mention they sealed the sidewalks with something funky that makes them look all sweaty...I don't like it), the entire outdoor area has smelled like a farm full of cow manure and my allergies have flared up, and the treadmill at the gym has been broken for about a month.  Last time I checked we haven't missed a rent payment.  Not sure why the treadmill is still broken!  And I want new sliding glass doors...not these old, loud, ugly 1970's ones.  Sorry for complaining...I just want to own a house already.

We went out to dinner last night to one of our favorite restaurants, Fish House.  Yummm...sushi and seafood!  You probably remember my crazy pregnancy craving (well one of them)...I still can't get enough of that stuff, but we still have 11.5 bottles left!  It just doesn't seem as good at home.  The kids were fantastic at the restaurant.  They each sat in a high chair and played to their hearts' content while Chris and I enjoyed dinner and conversation.  We got home just in time for baths  and bedtime.  It was really wonderful.

Until...Cooper woke up at 1 am and whined and fussed until 4 am keeping both of us awake.  Oh, man, that was awful.  He's still trying to cut his teeth, so he's not a very happy camper these days.

I've been reading Heather Armstrong's blog, dooce.  Both her and her husband quit their jobs because she makes enough from her blog to support their family.  Quite amazing if you ask me.  Anyhow she is pretty entertaining, but my favorite stuff is about her dog, Chuck.  She has a 'daily Chuck' picture and they are usually quite funny...including her commentary.  Her latest post is about the Chuck calendar she is selling to give all proceeds to the Humane Society.   The pictures are hilarious!  Our dog would never be so patient.

She has inspired me to take more pictures of Scout.  We used to do that before we had kids...but we sort of have other uses for our camera these days.  In honor of our nearly forgotten dog, Scout, I give you this recent photo (obviously she lost something under the couch and is too big to actually get under the couch):