Today's kitchen update

The cabinets were installed on Sunday and yesterday and they look BEAUTIFUL! I'm pumped. But today I'm even more excited because the guy came to measure for the granite and he told me that they'd be done TOMORROW! HOLY COW! So excited!!! My wonderful dad hooked me up with some awesome sinks and faucets. Seriously, I'm not going to want to leave this tiny little condo...EVER! I think that some of this stuff will be so nice that they belong in a big beautiful house!

I'm so thankful for my dad's help in getting the sinks and faucets, and for coming over and doing "dad projects." He's the best and never complains or grimaces when I ask him for help. Seriously, he's the BEST!

It's a hi-tech world! And a hi-tech kitchen!

The kitchen designer sent these to me yesterday - preliminary designs that turned out very hi-tech! I thought about keeping it all top-secret, but you really can't tell anything based on these drawings... all in all, it's pretty dang cool, though!

The kitchen process has begun!

Two burley men delivered the first two appliances today. YEAH!

I GOT A JOB!!!!!!!!!!

This afternoon, I got a call from the recruiter saying that "the developer" wanted to offer me the Director of Public Affairs job!!! I am so excited because I went through an EXTENSIVE interview process... I literally met with the recruiter twice and then six people at there. The recruiter told me today that they never expected to find a candidate with my degree of experience who would also end up being such a perfect fit with the company. I guess all the waterskiing talk with the CEO on Thursday really helped, ha!

I'm a little nervous because this job was so unexpected, but I know that God led me to it. I'm not looking forward to commuting outside OC, but having a company car will sure help! : )

I start on March 15. YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks to all my friends for your prayers and support while I've been on the hunt!

LOVE

Is it possible that my heart has moved to Colorado, even though I haven't even been to visit my new niece yet? My brother and sister-in-law don't send me pictures every day like I had hoped - ha - but when they come, I am baffled by how beautiful a newborn baby can be...

I'M RENOVATING MY KITCHEN!

Yeah, it is SO EXCITING to know that soon I will have a brand new kitchen! I have a small condo, but it's totally fine for this period in my life. Yes, I'd like to have a little more room and I'd love for my "office" to not be an end table with a laptop on it, but my place totally does the job. However, since Day 1 of living there I've hated my "condo cabinets" and laminate countertops.

I'm about jumping out of my skin, though, because I recently found a company in Anaheim that is closing out on some of their stock. I'm getting ALL NEW cabinets AND granite counters! The guy came to measure and because I can get such a great deal, I'm getting a new counter in my bathroom, too, AND new tile floors in my kitchen and bathroom, too. As soon as I have a finished product, I'll post pics!!!

This weekend, I went and bought NEW APPLIANCES, too! This is so exciting! Within the last year, I've gotten new carpet, new baseboards, new mouldings around my doors, and new paint. My place is practically brand new! Now I won't want to ever leave!!! If only I could magically acquire a bigger "office". : )

Went to Napa this weekend...

On Saturday, as we skipped out on the CRP convention, Jennifer, Susie, and I jaunted off to Napa. We first hit Domaine Chandon where I bought one of their delicious reserve sparkling wines. Then we were super lucky and got into Cakebread Cellars. They typically require reservations, but Susie sweet-talked them into letting us in. I bought an AMAZING reserve chardonnay. We found out there that they make 20 wines, but only sell 3 to the general public. We also went to a little vineyard called ZD Wines. I bought a yummy Riesling, although, I typically do not like sweet wines like that. It was smooth and mellow and slightly floral. I liked it. We finished our day at MUMM Napa, another great spot for sparkling wines. I left there with another great sparkling wine. I bought the Demi-Sec, which was really fruity, but not too bold in flavor. It was dry, but didn't have any kick-back on the palate. I highly recommend it, but it's a winery exclusive that you can buy there or online. We had fun there and ended up sitting at a table with two couples. What can I say, wine is all about making friends and enjoying the ones you already have!

2nd Interview

I had a second interview today for a job that I'm feeling pretty excited about. Keep your fingers crossed for me and say some prayers! On Thursday, it looks like I'll be having a lunch meeting with the CEO of the company. Yeah. It feels good to think I'm making progress in the job world. : )

Pics of Grey Mackenzie Johnson

I HAVE A NIECE!

Grey Mackenzie Johnson was born at 1:25pm today! She weighed 7.74 pounds and apparently looks just like Danny, who said she even has a "butt chin" just like him. : ) Shannon's mom and sister were in the room with them and their midwife was, too. They lucked out because on Monday's Kaiser has a Nurse Midwife on duty, so she delivered Shan. Danny sounds exhausted and said that they're trying to get released right away so that they can take the baby home today. They video'd everything and my parents flew out last night, so I'm expected a crap-load of photos tonight! : )

My Going Away Fiesta - Jan. 11

Leaving Sacramento was surprisingly harder than I thought it would be. I was so fortunate to have made some true friends during the craziness of the campaign. As folks would pack up and start to head out, we frequently threw going away lunches or happy hours. I wanted to do a dinner at my favorite Italian restaurant and then head to Simon's, a pretty popular political bar, one where we all started going when we became friends. It was really neat to see so many friends there and people who I will really miss and hope to keep in touch with for a long time...

Julie, the press secretary. She and I traveled together to most of the events. She kept me sane most times that I wanted to go nuts. She is brilliant and has a huge career ahead of her. I am so thankful to have met her, especially because she is a Christian, too, and we were able to really be there for one another.

Ani, Jennifer, and I.

I love this couple. Lisa and Matt Page are a wonderful and fun-loving couple. From hanging with them in Yosemite, to goofing off at dinners and lunches, to New Year's, they are always up for a fun time and have such amazing capacities for friendship. I'm looking forward to seeing them in February when I head up to Sacramento for a visit!

My pal Schmidty. I was really suprised that he came out because he's a bit on the cantankerous side, but having him there meant a lot to me. I miss his craziness, for sure!

My roommate Erin. She was in true "single and ready to mingle" form that night! HA!

The picture brings joy to my heart. Macedo and the Bizzer.

Josh and Christy Get Married! - Jan. 7

Two of my pals from Fuel got married a couple of weeks ago and I was so happy to have been there to witness it. They are good friends of mine and I couldn't be happier that they found love and are creating a life together!

Waiting for his bride with Justin, our pastor. They did this cool balloon release thing during the ceremony, which was really sweet. Especially in light of the fact that Josh proposed during a hot air balloon ride!

Yeah, they're Mr. and Mrs. Underwood!

Rebekah and I. All of our friends have pretty much left Fuel. They've gotten married and we've graduated on. : )

Inaugural Ball

After the election, the majority of the staff stayed on to help plan the inaugural activities. It was a very wonderful month and a half. It gave us all the opportunity to slow down, relax, and process after the campaign. There were a number of activities over two days with the culmination being the Celebrating the California Dream Gala on Friday, January 5. Clare and Jennifer were both in Sac for it, so we got to boogie together! We even ended up on the stage at one point - shocker, I know! All my girlfriends and I from the campaign went on major crash diets and I was so pumped to get to wear my favorite dress again (the one I wore to the President's inaugural ball in 2005). Donna Summer and Paul Anka provided the entertainment, then there was a sweet ass DJ playing tunes until late into the night. I had a blast and will post more pics as soon as I get them!

How fun to have my best girls from OC there with me!!! Clare and I and another friend ended up at Denny's late that night. Finally, we were able to eat and let the gut go! : )

Donna Summer rocking her tunes and Maria and her girlfriends on the stage being the backup dancers.

Me and Monica. My roommate from the campaign.

Me and Genevieve, my roommate during the inaugural committee. So glad that she lives around the corner from me in Tustin Ranch!

I HAVE ANGER IN MY HEART

The Office was a re-run last night. Boooo.

CONGRATS ROBIN AND JONATHAN!

On Friday morning, Robin and Jonathan welcomed Travis Walker Ayers into the world! He was 7 pounds 13 ounces and was 20” long. Here are some of his first photos!

Looks like he's going to be a little blondie!

Mackenzie (my God-daughter) is going to be such a wonderful big sister!!! Here she is getting to hold her baby brother (with help from Robin!).

I'm so proud of Robin. She's a WONDERFUL mother. She's patient, loving and supportive, and a strong woman. She knows what she wants in a family and she and Jonathan are creating it every day. She's a great partner to Jonathan and supports him in achieving his dreams. She works very hard, even when it's not fun, so that she can have the home life that she deserves. She teaches her children love and respect and values, but most importantly, she teaches them to love the Lord. I can't wait to go and visit and see her and meet little Travis. I know he'll grow up to be a wonderful man someday and that he'll appreciate everything he has in this world because of things he'll learn from his mother and father.

I am a plumber - a little job update

For the time being, I'm working for my dad. I have had a ton of interviews, but no offers yet. I'm not in full-fledged freak-out mode, yet. That's next week. Pray for me to have patience and perspective.

So far, this has afforded me the opportunity to make enough money to pay my mortgage and have some down time. My dad is so wonderful to me. I can't do this forever, though, because I would go crazy with the quiet... I know, you're thinking "Darrol, quiet?!?!" But at work, he's all business! Insane!

NYE

Celebrated NYE in Sacramento this year. We went to Streets of London, a british pub, that hosted a party at 4pm, so we could party with folks in Great Britain. It was loads of fun, and nice to have the celebration done with in the afternoon! TV cameras were in the bar, and just before 4pm, the place got packed! It was really fun and a different way to celebrate the new year.

Me and Matt Green getting ready for the toast.

My roommate Erin. I love this pic!

It's mock-midnight! Yeah!

A few of us at Streets.

After Streets, a few of us went to dinner and then to a party at Lisa's friend's house. Lisa is one of my fav coworkers. We had a great time and I love the date stamp on this pic.

MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION

WHAT ARE YOU DOING NEXT?

Answer: I don't really know, yet. I've been interviewing in Orange County and have an offer in Sacramento. Right now it's out of my hands. I feel like I did well in some of those interviews, so we just have to wait and see if the fit is right!

Until then, I'm hanging out up here in Sac and working on the inaugural committee. I use the word "working" very loosely. : ) Actually, it's quite bittersweet because all of the people who I became close with are leaving or have already left. So, I'm using this time to really enjoy their company and be thankful for all the wonderful opportunities I've had so far!

Sarah's Going Away Party

I'm very proud of my friend Sarah. She's been picked up by the McCain campaign already and is going to be their Deputy Director of Strategy. She is brilliant and will be the next Karl Rove! She proved to be my sanity on many ocassions here on the campaign and I miss her already.

We did a going away happy hour for her on Thursday night. Lots of fun people came and toasted her farewell.

Sarah is tall. Much taller than STJ and Clarke.

My friend Sarah.

The four amigos.

Yosemite Trip!

A couple of weeks ago, some friends from work and I traveled up to Yosemite for a long weekend. As shameful as this is, I as a lifelong Californian, had never been, so I was anxious for the trip. Bismarck, a coworker and friend, planned the whole trip and we called him the Camp Director all weekend. He made sure we did a bunch of hikes, went on tours, and had a fancy dress up dinner at the Ahwanhee Hotel.

When we first arrived, we had lunch, then went on a walk to Mirror Lake. It was really a nice and quiet hike/walk. The lake really gives a great reflection and it looks like the mountains are coming out of the water. This is our group. Bismarck, Sarah, Jennifer Clarke, Matt and Lisa Page, Julie, and I. Yes, I know how to set the timer on my camera! : )

Sarah, Clarke, and I. The three amigos!

On Day 2, we decided to take a hike to a waterfall. I wanted to kill everyone on it. It was a 1.8 mile hike each way and throughout those 1.8 miles, we went 1000 feet straight up. This is 3/4 of the way up looking at the bottom of the falls.

My success photo!

The girls at dinner. The Ahwanhee was beautiful and the food was amazing!

We played board games and drank wine at night. On our last night, Bismarck and Sarah had a racoon on their balcony that wanted to play, too. Or maybe he just wanted the licorice.

We woke up to snow on Sunday, and lots of it. It was really beautiful and we enjoyed seeing Clarke run around in it in her PJs. Guess they don't get a lot of snow in Texas where she's from. : ) It was coming down really hard, though, so we left right after breakfast and took the long way home. Thank God we were able to find an In & Out on the trip back!

Lisa's Birthday

Lisa celebrated her 30th birthday in early December, even though her birthday came and went in October. I drove up to LA to visit with she and Steven and it was really fun!

Lisa and Jenny - still celebrating birthdays together 25 years later!

Mr. and Mrs. Fox were there, too!

The birthday girl and her party-planning hubby!