Christmas Sweater Party

Tis the season to be jolly...

Too much time had passed since our last party (one week) so Kristin and I decided to throw an ugly Christmas sweater party. The idea is to find the craziest or ugliest Christmas sweater you can. I couldn't find a cool enough mens sweater so I had to go into the big girls section at walmart to find a crazy sweater. Kristin, as always, looked really cute. We had a nice group of people come out for the occasion. We had good friends, fun drinks, tasty appetizers and games. It was a gloomy night in Phoenix so I built a fire in the pit outside. Kristin had so much fun that she doesn't remember anything.

Tailgating for the Browns

Aaron and I in at the stadium

The Dog Pound from Phoenix....

On brisk Sunday morning in December the sun rises over the mountains to welcome the Cleveland Browns to Phoenix, Arizona. This was the game I have been waiting for all year. The only Browns game that I get to see in person this year. (Unless the Browns make it to the Superbowl. Ha Ha Ha) It was tailgating time. Kristin and I gathered a group of friends to help celebrate this glorious event. Aaron and two of his friends drove in from San Diego for the weekend. The game started at 2:15pm so we started the festivities around 9:30am. We were playing flip cup and corn hole, grilling brats and drinking beer. Can you think of a better football Sunday? We had a blast all day long. Unfortunately, the Browns ended up losing at the last second of the game with a bad call in the end zone.

Thanksgiving fun...

It was a great surprise to Kristin and I that Tommy, Tonnette and Haley all wanted to come down from Las Vegas for Thanksgiving this year. We haven't seen them for almost an entire year so we were definately looking forward to their visit. Being Thanksgiving is a time to spend with family; Kristin and I also invited a few friends to our house whom were not fortunate enough to see their families for the holiday. What does all this mean? As you all know I love to cook, so I was pretty pumped to have to cook my very first Thanksgiving dinner for eight people. (At this point I would like to give props to my mom because she made cooking for large numbers easy.) I spent SIX hours cooking in the kitchen cooking for a meal that lasted an entire 17 minutes. All in all everything turned out great. Everyone loved the food and we didn't many leftovers.

After dinner we all played cornhole for hours. Adam and Rich (team six feet and over) could not be beat. Later that night we sat around the firepit and drank the night away. It got so bad that we ran out of firewood and we started burning whatever we could find. GOOD TIMES>

First Hosting Thanksgiving in the books...

More Birthday Celebrations in San Diego

Last Thursday night Jeremy, Buddy and I packed up and drove to San Diego. We stayed with Jeremy's brother Aaron who lives in Mission Valley. Friday night we went to Hartnett's surprise birthday party at the Strip Club downtown. It is a Steak place where you order your dinner but you have to cook the meat yourself. Interesting concept - but I wasn't a big fan considering I don't like to cook. So of course, Jeremy cooked my steak kabobs for me!! After dinner we all headed to another bar in the gaslamp district - Fleetwood. Then after that I really don't remember much ;-)

The rest of the weekend was filled with a lot of eating, relaxing and socializing. It was a great weekend that we are still recovering from.

It is nice to be back in AZ though, the weather here now is PERFECT!!!

Kristin is 30!!!

Jeremy did good!! He managed to coordinate all of our AZ friends to be at the same place, at the same time - without me finding out!! Not an easy job!!! ;-)

Jeremy and Aaron took me to Sandbar - which is this really cool bar in Scottsdale. There is a pool at the front entrance and the front patio bar has a sand floor with cabanas. It is as close as we get to a beach in Arizona ;-)

We walked in and "SURPRISE" - everyone was there. We had soo much fun!! Amy brought my favorite - a cookie cake - and Kate and Jeremy made me a birthday banner for everyone to sign. It was a fabulous party and I have to say that after that night I realized that we are definitely getting older, but not growing up ;-)

60 MILES, 3 DAYS - WE SURVIVED!!!

Thanks to everyone for your support!!! I could not have done this without you!! The Phoenix 3-Day had 2,200 walkers (a lot of them being Breast Cancer survivors) and we raised over $5.1 million. It was pretty amazing. It was also cool because all along the route there were people cheering you on, passing out water, popcicles, gum, ice cubes, anything really to keep you going. It was really cool to see the community come together to support everyone. It was definitely an amazing experience!!!

The first day was rough but I was well rested so I made it but feeling sore. The 2nd day was almost unbearable. The tempurate dropped really low Friday night and all we had were sleeping bags and thin tents. We all froze and got maybe 4 hours of sleep. We got up on Saturday and walked 21 miles - we had an almost record high for November of 96 degrees!!!! The last 5 miles I really didn't think I could finish but luckily my teammates pushed me through it. They would not let me get on a sweep van - and I am so glad they didn't because I would have been really upset making it that far and not finishing. Sunday, the last day, my body was pretty much numb so the last 16 miles didn't even phase me!! Jeremy met me at the finish line with a much appreciated massage gift certificate!!

Buddy's 2nd Birthday

Yes - that is right. We had a birthday party for our dog. Buddy loves nothing more than to be surrounded by other dogs, humans and toys - so we made sure he had his favorite things at his birthday party. His friends Gus, Boston and Mac came over and played in our backyard while we sat and had frozen drinks with our neighbors Misty and Matt.

Bocce Tournament

We had a Bocce Tournament on Saturday - the theme was "Surrender the Booty" and everyone dressed up like pirates (or at least they were supposed to). It was a day of bocce, drinking games and BBQ - is there anything better?

The night ended at Oasis - the neighborhood cowboy bar - with shuffle board playing and karaoke. Who knew you could have so much fun in Goodyear, AZ ;-)

LOST PUPPY

On Monday Jeremy went for a jog and noticed a lost pug puppy wandering around in our neighborhood. Jeremy came home, grabbed some hotdogs and we went to catch the little guy. He was really skinny and scared and blind in his left eye, but we managed to catch him and bring him home. We gave him a bath and water and food. We named him Sam since he didn't have a name tag on. Buddy tried to play with Sam but Sam kept nipping at Bud so they pretty much stayed away from each other. It took no time for Sam to warm to up to us and he wrestled with Jeremy all night.

The next morning I called my vet to see if anyone had posted a Lost Dog flyer and sure enough, his owner posted it up there the day before. So his mom came and picked him up that evening. Turns out he escaped under the back gate three days before we found him. Poor little guy had been without food and water in the 105 degree heat for three days. I wouldn't have minded having him around a little longer but I think Buddy was happy to have his house back ;-)

Vegas Baby!!

Tuan-our chef

The Crew

Over Labor Day weekend, Jeremy and I went to Las Vegas to celebrate our 4 year anniversary!! Our friends Jen & Andrew and Angie & Jason joined us as well because their anniversaries are right around the same time too. We stayed at the Las Vegas Hilton - in the newly renovated side. The MOST comfortable beds EVER!!! They ruined me, I will never sleep that good again!!!
We got there on Saturday and I hung by the pool while Jeremy took a nap. I pretty much slept the whole drive to Vegas ;-) Then the six of us went to Benihana's for dinner - see Tuan our chef above!! Then we went to the posh Foundation Room at Mandalay Bay for the rest of the night - so much fun!!! Let's just say we had to put Jeremy in a cab at midnight to go back to the hotel b/c he drank a bottle of saki at dinner!!
Sunday night Jen and I went to the Justin Timberlake concert - which was AMAZING!! Then we went out to the new club at Luxor 'LAX' and Angie and I got in the VIP lounge of Stavros Niarchos and Brody Jenner!!
Very fun weekend with friends and celebrities!!!

Florida Vaca

Me and Waller at the Piano Bar
The inside of the resort, it was very much like a Vegas hotel
Waller and I surfing at Universal's City Walk




I arrived in Jacksonville Thurday night to visit my friend Jennifer Waller who I used to be roommates with in San Diego. She won a sales contest at her job which was a weekend in Orlando at the Gaylord Palms resort. And, she took me as her date! Thursday night we went out in Neptune Beach for dinner and drinks at the Lemon Bar right on the water. Friday we got pedicures and headed over to Orlando. Friday night her company had a cocktail hour and awards dinner at a very cool steak restaurant at the resort. We then went to a piano bar and closed that down. Saturday we went to the Mall Millenia which had the largest Macy's I had ever seen!!! Saturday night we had a great dinner (again paid for by Jen's company :-) at an Italian Bistro and then we were treated to a night out at Universal to see the Blue Man Group. It was a very strange show, but entertaining, I think. (I was confused as to what was going on the whole time).

I got to visit Emily, my sister, while I was there. We had lunch and then Em took me to the airport. My flight was delayed so I didn't get home until after midnight - but it was worth it. It was a fabulous weekend!! Thanks Waller!!!

60 miles - are you crazy?

I know it sounds crazy, but I have signed up for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day walk to raise money to find a cure for breast cancer. Me and my team (which includes Angie, Amy, Kate and Rachel) are going to walk 20 MILES A DAY FOR 3 DAYS and sleep in tents for two nights. The walk is the first weekend in November. I have to raise $2,200 and so far I have $400. If you have any spare change, you can go to my fundraising website and donate to the cause at: http://www.the3day.org/Arizona07/koravec
Wish me luck during the next three months of training and fundraising!!

Mysterious Rash

Jeremy had a high fever last Saturday and Sunday. While we were at our layover on Sunday in Chicago, Jeremy noticed a few red splotches on his wrist. When he woke up on Monday he had a rash all over his body. On Monday the doctor said that it was an allergic reaction to something. He went back to the doctor on Tuesday when it got worse. They took x-rays, consulted doctors at other hospitals and came up with a diagnoses that a virus was causing his previous fever and his immune system is overworking to fight it which is causing a chemical imbalance which is creating a full-body rash. We are still unsure of what is going on exactly but poor Jeremy started his new job this week so he can't call in sick!! More updates to come on the mysterious skin condition.

Zub's Wedding/Padge's B-Day

Last Friday Zub and Jim finally tied the knot!! The wedding was in Boardman, OH and the majority of the attendance was University of Toledo alumni which was fun - it was like being back in the Greek village - except for the fact that the majority are married and quite a few have kids. Zub turned 30 at midnight so we continued the party at the lounge in the Holiday Inn (hotel, motel, Holiday Innnn).

Saturday night the Pi Delts went to dinner for Padge's 30th birthday!! We went to Delmonico's in Independence and then went to the Bone Yard in Broadview Heights for the after party.

Jeremy and I are back in Arizona recovering from the whirlwind trip to Ohio!

BJ's wedding and Mom's B-Day

Jeremy and KristinTrish, Sarah and Kristin

Mom's Birthday

Jeremy and I flew into Cleveland Friday night around midnight and immediately had to put on a sweatshirts - the 70 degree weather was too chilly for us as we are used to temps in the 100's. We drove down to Columbus on Saturday where our good friend BJ (apparently we now call him Jay) was married. We had a great time hanging out with the Columbus crew and I finally got to meet the offspring - Avery and the twins, Duncan and Jackson. They are all adorable!!!

Sunday morning we woke up and had a nice breakfast at the Arthur's and we headed off to Cuyahoga Falls for my Mom's B-day party at my parent's house. The whole family was there including Grandmothers, cousins, aunts and uncles. We played bocci and cornhole until 10pm!!
More Ohio updates to come!

Pirate Master

Has anyone seen this show? Jeremy was flipping through channels last night and started watching this reality TV show "Pirate Master". It is like Survivor but everything has to do with pirates. They live on a ship and they search for treasures and they even dress like pirates. I think it is a little hokey but Jeremy was obsessed and stayed up until 3am watching every episode online until he was caught up on the season. His new mission in life is to get on the next season of "Pirate Master". So if any of you know where auditions are, let him know! Ahoy!

Bye Eric!!

Our friend Eric, a.k.a. REI camping guru, got a promotion with Richmond Homes and moved to Denver. Here are some pics from his going away night out last Friday. We will miss you, Eric!!!

Sweet Victory

I am proud to announce that our sand volleyball team "Chuck Norris All Stars" won the league tournament last night - we went undefeated through the bracket in four matches. We play in a co-ed fours league and our team consists of me and Jeremy and our friends Nick, Kendall and Jen.

In the middle of the tournament, a sandstorm picked up and it downpoured for a good 20 minutes. Luckily it cleared up and we were able to play the final game! We won a trophy and $30 to the clubhouse!!!

Back in Action

So we sucked it up and bought the exact same camera that we lost last week. This has not been a lucky month for me with the cameras. Our first camera (which we had since our wedding) fell victim to a spilled beverage at our last bocci tournament a few weeks ago. So then we had to buy a new one to replace that. Then, as mentioned in a previous blog, the new camera was stolen in San Diego last weekend. So - we had to buy the same camera and memory stick all over again. Hopefully this camera decides to stick around for awhile!

SJP's "Bitten"

So I found the one store in all of metro Phoenix that carries the new Sarah Jessica Parker's clothing line and it was in the most ghetto mall ever!! Anyway, I was expecting her clothes to be a little more funky but they were all something you would get at the GAP. Mostly t-shirts, jeans and button-down shirts. Cute stuff but just very casual. The only store that carries her line "Bitten" is Steve & Barry's. Just a little FYI for you 'Carrie' fans.

Buddy's Buddies

Buddy, Boston & Gus

Buddy's best friends in AZ are Gus (pug/chihauhau) and Boston (jack russell). They live a street over from us and Buddy LOVES them. They can play all day together. Well, they have been out of town in Montana for the past four weeks with their mom, Misty. Today they came over to play for the first time in a month and Bud was so excited he couldn't contain himself. They just left a few minutes ago and Buddy is passed out!

Some 4th of July pics

The Boys taking a break from Cornhole
Me and Hartnett
The Bay full of patriotic people

I was able to get some pics from Hartnett from the 4th of July. Check out the picture of the bay - there were SOO many people there all day!!

Lost Camera

So the fourth of July was a ton of fun at Mission Bay. Jeremy brought our cornhole set which we played pretty much the whole day. It is an addicting game - I must say. Then we headed back to the tent to chill and I discovered that our new digital camera was gone!!! Either we droppped it, somebody misplaced it, or it was stolen. Which ever it was it is GONE!! And such a bummer because we just bought it two weeks ago!!

So needlesss to say - I have to wait until Hartnett sends me some of her 4th pics to post on here.

P.S. it is super hot here right now - it has been around 110 degrees here lately. In this kind of heat we have been doing things indoors or in a pool!!

San Diego Vaca

Me and Jer at the top of La Crosse looking over all of San Diego
Hanging out in the lawn at the Fall Out Boy concert

Jeremy and I have been in San Diego since Friday on a little vaca. The weather here has been absolutely perfect - 78 degrees and sunny everyday. We are staying with Jeremy's brother, Aaron, at his apartment in Mission Valley. We have been hanging out at the beach, playing corn hole, we went to the Fall Out Boy concert on Sunday night and Pasta night in Pacific Beach last night. Today we took kayaks out into the ocean around the La Jolla Cove. We saw seals sunning themselves on the rocks and while we were rowing around in the ocean we came VERY close to a sealion and leopard sharks!

Tonight we are just hanging out and getting ready for the Main Event on the Bay tomorrow - 4th of July celebration!!!