Eddie's 40th Birthday - Special Guests Elvis and Jerry Rice

We had an incredible kick-off to Eddie's 40th. First, we somehow managed to choreograph a successful surprise party. Thankfully, I had a lot of great helpers that kept our plan mum. He was shocked! Elvis paid a visit to the party and very appropriately sang, "Viva Las Vegas" since we were leaving that day at 12:30p for our flight. 40ish friends and work colleagues shared in the celebration. It was a blast for everyone. For the birthday boy, he was sincerely surprised and so touched that all the managers had chipped in for the Elvis surprise. We ate a little at our potluck, but then we had to leave to head to Vegas! I had planned the trip as a surprise gift, but he already knew. However, he didn't know I hired a sleek sedan to pick us up at the airport - total surprise. We weren't disappointed once we arrived either. We won $400 in the first few minutes on a slot machine. Better yet, the next day after my run, I decided to take a walk. I saw a sign that Jerry Rice, the greatest wide receiver of all time, was signing autographs in 15 minutes at a store in the hotel. What?! I walked there, and sure enough, there he was! Thankfully, Eddie had woken up in his nap and headed down to meet him together. We had a wonderful trip and it's not even Eddie' real b-day yet.

Eddie walks in and SURPRISE!

Elvis singing "Viva Las Vegas" and Eddie sitting center front.

Elvis working the room.

Eddie sang "Hound Dog" and pictured here strutting some moves.

Now Eddie's really in the groove.

I was giddy when presenting Eddie his b-day cake.

Our guests cheering Eddie on!

Eddie's 40th - a totally unforgettable event!

Elvis and us.

Jerry Rice and us.

Simba - The Lost Dog

On Saturday mornings, I meet with my awesome running coach for longer runs. This weekend, we met up at Rancho Santa Fe, a quiet slightly inland community lined with trees, rolling hills, and soft dirt terrain. We finished our 9 mi run when a dog with a collar stopped to stare at us. Initially, I thought perhaps it's owner was around the corner, but when the dog stopped by again, it was clear that she was lost. I called to her, and she came to immediately. She had a collar, but no tag. As soon as I opened the car door, she jumped right into the passenger seat. Dogs can get fearful if they're in a small space, so as I reached for my GPS, she barked at me. My running coach and I tried to get her to the back with no success. Fortunately, a nice man walked by with a rottweiler who graciously assisted us with coaxing her to the back where I could safely enter my car and drive her to the Human Society. I met up with what looked like a Pet Police Officer who knew the dog since this was the second time she was lost. Simba also had a chip so they could identify her and the owner. I hope her owner takes better care of her this time. I didn't' eat until 2 hours after the ordeal and had to detail my car and return the leash borrowed by the man with the rottweiler. Boy what a day. In between, I made a pot roast in the slow cooker, which turned out fantastic.

Simba, 11yrs old