Birthdays and More!

So, when I last wrote, it was a normal Monday in the life of Jen. I went home, watched some television, ate dinner, and was sitting on the couch with Denise when my stomach started to feel unsettled. I decided to go to bed early in the hopes it would settle down. In about an hour I was running to the bathroom... that went on for the rest of the night. I don't think I will eat tofu with broccoli and pine nuts ever again if you know what I mean. ;)

Anyway, I was sure I had food poisoning until the chills/fever/aches set in. I resigned myself to the fact I had the full blown flu. It was awful. I have not felt that horrible in a long time. I couldn't even make it to work Tuesday or Wednesday, and Thursday and Friday I only went in for half days. My body felt so beat down and exhausted. Lucy was SO understanding and even told me to go home when I came into work to rest. She just wanted me to get better. Best. Boss. Ever.

So, on Friday we go up to Sacramento for Denise's Birthday weekend. Great timing for the flu huh? At least by Friday I was eating normal food again and no longer had a fever. We got up there around 9 PM, and some ladies were over at Katy and Becky's house. We just sat around, had some wine, and passed out.

Saturday was the big day. Unbeknownst to Denise, there was a party planned in her honor for that evening, so we had the job of distracting her all day. Becky had come up with the excuse that she had a baby shower to go to at 4 PM. She did a great job, got dressed up and everything. So, after she left, we threw around ideas like going golfing, shopping, etc. Instead, we just ended up going to Costco to get a doggy bed for Baron. Denise kept saying, "Well.... what are we doing tonight?" "Should I call some friends." Everyone kept being very nonchalant and saying that if she wanted to call people that was fine and that we were willing to do whatever she wanted to do. Denise started to get a bit pouty, and while Katy and her friend Sandra decided to go to the grocery store after Costco (of course they were stalling) Denise and I stayed in the car. She was starting to get a bit upset. She didn't really know if she should call people, what was going on, and I think was a bit hurt that it seemed like no one had planned anything. I hated seeing her upset but I knew I had to keep me mouth shut and that in a few minutes, she was going to be a very happy woman. :)

We pulled up to Katy and Becky's house with Denise non the wiser. Everyone had parked down the street, so she didn't see any of their cars. We walked inside and everyone of course yelled, "Surprise!" Denise said she figured it out when she saw the streamers in the house, so really about 2 seconds before everyone yelled. hahaha! It was really fun. Katy grilled steaks, chicken, and a veggie burger for me. :) The food was excellent and everyone sat around talking and catching up. Some of their friends have kids, so they left the party early, while the rest of us set up chairs outside at the table to start a rousing game of poker. The game lasted for hours, Katy was first out as always, and everyone proceeded to get a bit tipsy. In the end, I WON the whole game and walked away with $80.00! It was a good night. After that, due to my drunkeness and still weak body, I stumbled into bed and was out in seconds flat. A bit later I was awakened but two drunks (Denise and Becky) trying to get me to go in the hot tub. I said I only would if Katy did (knowing there was no way) and went back to sleep. I guess they were up for awhile more causing a raucous, but I slept through it all.

On Sunday we slowly wandered around the house and eventually left at around 3:00 in the afternoon to go to Apple Hill. Apple Hill is about a half hour from Sacramento and is known for it's Apple Orchards and the pies that come from them. Did we stop at a little bakery for a bit of pie and coffee? Of course not because there are wineries there too and we needed to get in some tasting before they closed!! LOL We had some excellent wine (a really amazing port that was $30.00 a bottle but totally worth it) and it is quite beautiful in the hills of apples. Afterwards we rushed back to Sac for some sushi because we were all starving. When we got home we were all so wiped out we could barely play a friendly game of poker (Denise is obsessed:) before going to bed at 10 PM!!

Monday was a casual day of lunch and laundry. We left to head back to LA around 4 and arrived at 10. It was another wonderful weekend with those ladies and I think I want to go back for MY Birthday now. Who knows what they will think of for that. :)

Since I was sick last week, and off Monday, this week at work and home has pretty much been a game of catch up. We leave for the Hot Springs tonight (Friday) and come back Sunday morning. Ugh.... I can't wait for next weekend when we do nothing. Will we ever learn....

Stay tuned next week... same bat time, same bat channel. toodles!