As some of you know, last year I participated in the Malibu Triathlon as part of the Disney team. I had a great time and it was very life changing. Though I am out of state, I had every intention of doing it again even though I am 3,000 miles away. I emailed one of the coordinators about doing it again and was shot down. Not personally, but a) it's only open to Disney employees and close family b) too many employees? Whatever. I think I need talk to Bobby I. about it. What's with that?!!!
I have been looking around this outdoorsy state for something. Still looking. :( I am pretty bummed. I guess there is a reason for it. Then again, maybe it just is what it is. That's too bad. I was really looking forward to it.
May 31, 2005
Birthday weekend
It started out with a cold. Nice, eh? I pretty much did nothing on Saturday except for a few errands. I did get a hanging rack for my clothes and managed to clean the kitchen and bathroom. I did clean the livingroom but ended up watching DVDs from Netflix. Nothing worth reporting there. Bad night sleep with lots of coughing.
Sunday morning, there was a marathon going past the church I have been attending so I slept in like a heathen. I was still feeling a bit crappy. I managed to pull myself together and get over to meet Carrie, Mary and Elissa for dinner and to see "Madagascar". Dinner was good. The movie was so-so. Ben Stiller, Chris Rock and David Schwimmer pretty much played into their caricatures of themselves. The penguins were hilarious. There could have been a whole movie about them. Better night sleep, but still too much coughing to feel rested.
Monday I also slept in, still not feeling that great. Got a little more of my house in order (cats should be coming in a few weeks... that's the excuse. Not just to have a clean place to live.) Then I decided that since it was the weekend to remember those who died for our country, I should do something instead of sit around and watch tv all day (I also had finished watching my three Netflix by this point and there wasn't much on in daytime tv anyhow...) I decided to have a bit of an adventure. I got out a book that Los had given me about off the beaten path places in Vermont. I called around and made my decision. I drove about 2hrs south on Route 7 to see Ol' Calvin Coolidge's birthplace and homestead. (pictures coming soon) On the way, I stopped at a flea market and got two books and a coin purse. It was a lovely drive down Route 7. Lots of green. Lots of trees. Lots of green. Did I mention the green? The weather was nice with a growing pile of clouds. I got to the homestead at about 4pm.
I had about an hour to walk around and explore the tiny Plymouth Notch village. (Is is a village? Not sure, but it was damn tiny.) Charming town nestled in the wee top mountains. There was a lovely pond nearby. Calvin Coolidge was our 30th president. Harding had died in office and Coolidge happened to be at his hometown when he got the news. He was sworn into office in the middle of his family's kitchen. He was fond of Vermont, so they say. There were only a few houses on the land I explored. There was also a small cheese factory. It is set to open for production this week. I am going back to check out the cheese, that's for sure. As I stood looking at the pond, I noticed there were lots of really dark, menacing clouds rolling in. Then the thunder banged through from one end of the cloud formation to the other. It was amazing to hear the thunder roll like that. (Yes, I have heard thunder before. It was just so cool to hear...) Anyhoo, I was mesmorized by it. I just stood out there watching and listening. Finally, I went into the gift shop for a couple of postcards and was on my way back home.
The drive home was also really delightful (pictures coming soon.) There were windy roads, rainy roads, straight roads, hilly roads and gorgeous waterfalls. These are all along Route 100, should you perchance want to explore it. I saw more green, more trees and some cows. No deer or moose, though there were signs warning drivers. I got home at about 8pm. I watched some telly and had another restless, coughing night sleep. But it had been a truly lovely day.
Sunday morning, there was a marathon going past the church I have been attending so I slept in like a heathen. I was still feeling a bit crappy. I managed to pull myself together and get over to meet Carrie, Mary and Elissa for dinner and to see "Madagascar". Dinner was good. The movie was so-so. Ben Stiller, Chris Rock and David Schwimmer pretty much played into their caricatures of themselves. The penguins were hilarious. There could have been a whole movie about them. Better night sleep, but still too much coughing to feel rested.
Monday I also slept in, still not feeling that great. Got a little more of my house in order (cats should be coming in a few weeks... that's the excuse. Not just to have a clean place to live.) Then I decided that since it was the weekend to remember those who died for our country, I should do something instead of sit around and watch tv all day (I also had finished watching my three Netflix by this point and there wasn't much on in daytime tv anyhow...) I decided to have a bit of an adventure. I got out a book that Los had given me about off the beaten path places in Vermont. I called around and made my decision. I drove about 2hrs south on Route 7 to see Ol' Calvin Coolidge's birthplace and homestead. (pictures coming soon) On the way, I stopped at a flea market and got two books and a coin purse. It was a lovely drive down Route 7. Lots of green. Lots of trees. Lots of green. Did I mention the green? The weather was nice with a growing pile of clouds. I got to the homestead at about 4pm.
I had about an hour to walk around and explore the tiny Plymouth Notch village. (Is is a village? Not sure, but it was damn tiny.) Charming town nestled in the wee top mountains. There was a lovely pond nearby. Calvin Coolidge was our 30th president. Harding had died in office and Coolidge happened to be at his hometown when he got the news. He was sworn into office in the middle of his family's kitchen. He was fond of Vermont, so they say. There were only a few houses on the land I explored. There was also a small cheese factory. It is set to open for production this week. I am going back to check out the cheese, that's for sure. As I stood looking at the pond, I noticed there were lots of really dark, menacing clouds rolling in. Then the thunder banged through from one end of the cloud formation to the other. It was amazing to hear the thunder roll like that. (Yes, I have heard thunder before. It was just so cool to hear...) Anyhoo, I was mesmorized by it. I just stood out there watching and listening. Finally, I went into the gift shop for a couple of postcards and was on my way back home.
The drive home was also really delightful (pictures coming soon.) There were windy roads, rainy roads, straight roads, hilly roads and gorgeous waterfalls. These are all along Route 100, should you perchance want to explore it. I saw more green, more trees and some cows. No deer or moose, though there were signs warning drivers. I got home at about 8pm. I watched some telly and had another restless, coughing night sleep. But it had been a truly lovely day.
May 29, 2005
California Part 3
Saturday, May 20
After Mom’s dialysis, she and I went for more shopping. I also packed up the rest of the stuff I had bought the weekend before with her. I totally overpacked, but was determined to not bring the second suitcase. Laziness, I expect. To me it is easier to ship it to myself then lug it around the airport, taxi and drag it upstairs. I managed to pile the last of my crap into two boxes. I also packed in my birthday presents. We had some really good (but intense) talks. I do miss being able to hang out with my family. Talking with them on the phone just isn’t the same. She arranged a shuttle to pick me up for the airport Sunday morning at 3am.
Sunday, May 21
The shuttle came at 3am. Sigh. The driver was a local man, in his 60s. Been driving for the shuttle company for 3 years. We picked up three other people on the way to LAX. I was the second one dropped off. The flight to Newark was uneventful. I snoozed a bit and listened to my music. The batteries died somewhere over the mid-west. I chatted a bit with a couple of the people near me. The movie was something really dumb, so I didn’t pay too much attention to it. When we got to Newark, I had about an hour to kill before my flight to Burlington. When I got to the gate, they asked for volunteers to be bumped. I signed up just after another lady did. They came about 30 minutes later to tell me they didn’t need to bump me, but during my begging, the woman who they were going to take said she’d switch! So I got a dinner voucher and a $300 flight voucher!! The new flight wasn’t for about three and a half hours, so I went around to the food court for dinner. I had some mediocre Portuguese food with the voucher. I read a bit and went to find the new gate. At the new gate, I chatted with two mom/daughter sets who had just returned from some tropical cruise. They were so tan. Scarily so. The flight attendant made an announcement for volunteers again. I thought about it but was concerned about work. I submitted my name and called Tom to double check with him. He thought it would be okay. So, about a half hour later, the attendant came to me with the news. ANOTHER BUMP!! She told me to go to the customer service desk with the flight voucher and they would give me a hotel voucher. I met Elaine, who was also a volunteer bump. She was returning from a trip to St. Martin. She is about 60ish, skin like tanned leather from so many similar trips. She was a hoot. We decided to see if we were booked at the same hotel, which we were. Waiting for the shuttle to the hotel was about 30 other people. We piled into the shuttle, packed in like sardines. People were pushy and tired. Lots of babies and luggage. We arrived at the hotel where Elaine and I decided to meet up after we explored our rooms. She invited me over to share in some drinking. She had a bottle of rum that she got on her trip. We cracked it open and had a little. I am not big on rum (unless it is Malibu rum with Coke), but I tried it. We went to the bar/dining room for dinner. We had vouchers, so dinner was free. Ha! We chatted about her family, trip and my adventures. When I got back to my room, I washed my chonies and shirt in the sink and hung them up to dry. I couldn’t sleep, I was so tired. I think I stayed up until 1am.
After Mom’s dialysis, she and I went for more shopping. I also packed up the rest of the stuff I had bought the weekend before with her. I totally overpacked, but was determined to not bring the second suitcase. Laziness, I expect. To me it is easier to ship it to myself then lug it around the airport, taxi and drag it upstairs. I managed to pile the last of my crap into two boxes. I also packed in my birthday presents. We had some really good (but intense) talks. I do miss being able to hang out with my family. Talking with them on the phone just isn’t the same. She arranged a shuttle to pick me up for the airport Sunday morning at 3am.
Sunday, May 21
The shuttle came at 3am. Sigh. The driver was a local man, in his 60s. Been driving for the shuttle company for 3 years. We picked up three other people on the way to LAX. I was the second one dropped off. The flight to Newark was uneventful. I snoozed a bit and listened to my music. The batteries died somewhere over the mid-west. I chatted a bit with a couple of the people near me. The movie was something really dumb, so I didn’t pay too much attention to it. When we got to Newark, I had about an hour to kill before my flight to Burlington. When I got to the gate, they asked for volunteers to be bumped. I signed up just after another lady did. They came about 30 minutes later to tell me they didn’t need to bump me, but during my begging, the woman who they were going to take said she’d switch! So I got a dinner voucher and a $300 flight voucher!! The new flight wasn’t for about three and a half hours, so I went around to the food court for dinner. I had some mediocre Portuguese food with the voucher. I read a bit and went to find the new gate. At the new gate, I chatted with two mom/daughter sets who had just returned from some tropical cruise. They were so tan. Scarily so. The flight attendant made an announcement for volunteers again. I thought about it but was concerned about work. I submitted my name and called Tom to double check with him. He thought it would be okay. So, about a half hour later, the attendant came to me with the news. ANOTHER BUMP!! She told me to go to the customer service desk with the flight voucher and they would give me a hotel voucher. I met Elaine, who was also a volunteer bump. She was returning from a trip to St. Martin. She is about 60ish, skin like tanned leather from so many similar trips. She was a hoot. We decided to see if we were booked at the same hotel, which we were. Waiting for the shuttle to the hotel was about 30 other people. We piled into the shuttle, packed in like sardines. People were pushy and tired. Lots of babies and luggage. We arrived at the hotel where Elaine and I decided to meet up after we explored our rooms. She invited me over to share in some drinking. She had a bottle of rum that she got on her trip. We cracked it open and had a little. I am not big on rum (unless it is Malibu rum with Coke), but I tried it. We went to the bar/dining room for dinner. We had vouchers, so dinner was free. Ha! We chatted about her family, trip and my adventures. When I got back to my room, I washed my chonies and shirt in the sink and hung them up to dry. I couldn’t sleep, I was so tired. I think I stayed up until 1am.
California Part 2
Tuesday, May 17
I met Josh for breakfast at Chez Nous, on Riverside Drive. They have really yummy breakfasts there. Josh and I had a good time catching up. He was going to Star Wars Wednesday whereas I was seeing it Thursday. After Josh, I have a bit of a blank on what I did. I ended up meeting Annie for lunch for more Mexican food. Yum. She and I talked a bit about the triathlon this year, training, my life in Vermont and guys. I went to the storage unit again to finish packing up the crap. I took it to Staples to have them ship through UPS. I had two boxes of clothes, shoes and one of framed pictures. The people at Staples were really unorganized and unprepared for shipping services, though they advertise they do that. It took me two hours there because I had to help them pack my pictures. I got insurance on them because I feared they would crack in shipping. I met up with Doug and had a good time hanging out with him.
Wednesday, May 18
I met up with Wendy Lane and Lucy for brunch at Marie Callendar’s in Marina del Rey. We were there for about three hours! It was great seeing them. Wendy is still doing catering and acting gigs now and then. Lucy is a barista at a car dealership part time and also getting acting gigs now and then. Though I spent most of the time filling them in on my life in Vermont, we had a great time chatting. I then drove over to my company’s offices in Manhattan Beach. Yes, they have offices in Manhattan Beach, so why am I not working there? The cost of living is quite a bit higher in CA than VT. On my salary, I would have to get a supplemental job or two to be able to afford living in CA. Also there isn’t much space in the Manhattan Beach office. Plus, the big enchilada and his fiancé live in LA about half of the time, Vermont the other half. This also happened to be the week they were also having a big sales meeting with all the sales dudes to make plans. I was curious to see the office. Though the view of the ocean is great, it is a really small office. We have about 30 people in the Vermont office, and I don’t see that we would all fit in Manhattan Beach. (I can’t imagine what they pay a month for office space. Sheesh!) I met one of the sales guys I have only spoken with on the phone. That was good. I had plans of working from the office, but as with the whole week, that didn’t happen. There wasn’t a computer available or Internet connection available. I headed back to the Valley in the early afternoon, after stopping by Jamba Juice. Yum. This whole trip is about food places I can’t get in Vermont. Have you noticed? I got to Doug’s house and got ready for dinner. I had planned on people meeting me at Zach’s Italian restaurant on Cahuenga/Ventura Blvd. They have really great food. I love their garlic rolls. I had a nice turn out – Phoebe, David, Michael, VeAnn, Doug, Steve K., Stacie, Bryan, Kirk and Jen. More people I really wanted to see but didn’t have time to have a one-to-one time with during the trip. It was fun and festive. Afterwards Michael and VeAnn joined us at Doug’s for the spa. Sweet! Such a SoCal thing to do.
Thursday, May 19 SITH DAY
The morning has totally escaped me, other than Carrie and family showing up earlier than expected. They had spent the four previous days between Disneyland and San Diego. We chatted for a bit and we sent Carrie’s family on their way. Doug, Carrie and I met up with Steve S., Pete, Sondi and Lee at the Arclight theater in Hollywood. (Note - Arclight theater is one of the best theaters to see a movie in Southern California. Not to be a theater snob, but ut is important to me to see certain movies in certain theaters because of sound or screen quality. I know, I know. People in places other than SoCal don't really care about movies. But I do.) More people I missed and was glad to see. Sondi is one of the only chicks I know who loves Star Wars as much as I do. I know that’s one of the things that attracted her to Pete. They have a little girl, Hazel, who is about two now. We met another friend of Doug’s and went into the big dome to see Star Wars, Episode III - Revenge of the Sith. It was MUCH better than the first two, but not as good as 4, 5 and even 6 (Ewoks excepted.) George, George, George. What are you thinking? At least some things were wrapped up to pull in Episode 4, but there was some pretty crappy dialogue. Hayden did a MUCH better job in this one than in the last one. (And he looked pretty hot, for an evil dude.) I liked what they did with Darth Vader. Nice and violent. How appropriate. I was pleasantly surprised that there was no Jar Jar and the goofiness was kept to a minimum. A little too much of Yoda. Good special effects. After the movie, Carrie had a headache, so we didn’t tour Hollywood. We drove up to Ventura and stayed with my mom (dad still out of town) and brother. We had a mini-birthday celebration and went to more Mexican food. Carrie had never had fajitas, so she tried them there. More yummy food. I love Californian Mexican food. Sigh. After dinner and the mini-birthday, Carrie and I played a Zombie game Bob had given me. In the morning, we went to the beach to the Channel Islands Center. I could have stayed there forever. I love the beach. That is one of the top five things I miss most about California. I am glad to be close to Champlain Lake, but it isn’t the same. Being at the beach, sand in my toes, wind in my hair with the sound of the waves crashing upon the shore is as perfect as it can get for me. (Having a stud/surfer dude by my side would have made it even better….) Carrie and I had lunch with mom in the Marina Harbor Village and then we hit the road for LA. We didn’t have much time to see Hollywood because we had stayed in Ventura too long. But Carrie did get to see the gaudy shops, stars on Hollywood Blvd., and the hand/feet prints. We headed to Santa Monica through Beverly Hills, so Carrie could see Rodeo Drive. We met up with her family at about 8:30 for a really, really late dinner at PF Chang’s on 3rd Street Promenade. I love that place too. In Burlington, there is a place that is rather similar, called Church Street. Dinner was fun. Carrie’s family hadn’t ever had the chicken in lettuce as well as a couple of other items. We had a really nice dinner and I passed them back Carrie. I headed up to Ventura again to spend Saturday with my mom. I think I got in at about 11:30 and crawled into bed. So much running around all week left me really tired.
I met Josh for breakfast at Chez Nous, on Riverside Drive. They have really yummy breakfasts there. Josh and I had a good time catching up. He was going to Star Wars Wednesday whereas I was seeing it Thursday. After Josh, I have a bit of a blank on what I did. I ended up meeting Annie for lunch for more Mexican food. Yum. She and I talked a bit about the triathlon this year, training, my life in Vermont and guys. I went to the storage unit again to finish packing up the crap. I took it to Staples to have them ship through UPS. I had two boxes of clothes, shoes and one of framed pictures. The people at Staples were really unorganized and unprepared for shipping services, though they advertise they do that. It took me two hours there because I had to help them pack my pictures. I got insurance on them because I feared they would crack in shipping. I met up with Doug and had a good time hanging out with him.
Wednesday, May 18
I met up with Wendy Lane and Lucy for brunch at Marie Callendar’s in Marina del Rey. We were there for about three hours! It was great seeing them. Wendy is still doing catering and acting gigs now and then. Lucy is a barista at a car dealership part time and also getting acting gigs now and then. Though I spent most of the time filling them in on my life in Vermont, we had a great time chatting. I then drove over to my company’s offices in Manhattan Beach. Yes, they have offices in Manhattan Beach, so why am I not working there? The cost of living is quite a bit higher in CA than VT. On my salary, I would have to get a supplemental job or two to be able to afford living in CA. Also there isn’t much space in the Manhattan Beach office. Plus, the big enchilada and his fiancé live in LA about half of the time, Vermont the other half. This also happened to be the week they were also having a big sales meeting with all the sales dudes to make plans. I was curious to see the office. Though the view of the ocean is great, it is a really small office. We have about 30 people in the Vermont office, and I don’t see that we would all fit in Manhattan Beach. (I can’t imagine what they pay a month for office space. Sheesh!) I met one of the sales guys I have only spoken with on the phone. That was good. I had plans of working from the office, but as with the whole week, that didn’t happen. There wasn’t a computer available or Internet connection available. I headed back to the Valley in the early afternoon, after stopping by Jamba Juice. Yum. This whole trip is about food places I can’t get in Vermont. Have you noticed? I got to Doug’s house and got ready for dinner. I had planned on people meeting me at Zach’s Italian restaurant on Cahuenga/Ventura Blvd. They have really great food. I love their garlic rolls. I had a nice turn out – Phoebe, David, Michael, VeAnn, Doug, Steve K., Stacie, Bryan, Kirk and Jen. More people I really wanted to see but didn’t have time to have a one-to-one time with during the trip. It was fun and festive. Afterwards Michael and VeAnn joined us at Doug’s for the spa. Sweet! Such a SoCal thing to do.
Thursday, May 19 SITH DAY
The morning has totally escaped me, other than Carrie and family showing up earlier than expected. They had spent the four previous days between Disneyland and San Diego. We chatted for a bit and we sent Carrie’s family on their way. Doug, Carrie and I met up with Steve S., Pete, Sondi and Lee at the Arclight theater in Hollywood. (Note - Arclight theater is one of the best theaters to see a movie in Southern California. Not to be a theater snob, but ut is important to me to see certain movies in certain theaters because of sound or screen quality. I know, I know. People in places other than SoCal don't really care about movies. But I do.) More people I missed and was glad to see. Sondi is one of the only chicks I know who loves Star Wars as much as I do. I know that’s one of the things that attracted her to Pete. They have a little girl, Hazel, who is about two now. We met another friend of Doug’s and went into the big dome to see Star Wars, Episode III - Revenge of the Sith. It was MUCH better than the first two, but not as good as 4, 5 and even 6 (Ewoks excepted.) George, George, George. What are you thinking? At least some things were wrapped up to pull in Episode 4, but there was some pretty crappy dialogue. Hayden did a MUCH better job in this one than in the last one. (And he looked pretty hot, for an evil dude.) I liked what they did with Darth Vader. Nice and violent. How appropriate. I was pleasantly surprised that there was no Jar Jar and the goofiness was kept to a minimum. A little too much of Yoda. Good special effects. After the movie, Carrie had a headache, so we didn’t tour Hollywood. We drove up to Ventura and stayed with my mom (dad still out of town) and brother. We had a mini-birthday celebration and went to more Mexican food. Carrie had never had fajitas, so she tried them there. More yummy food. I love Californian Mexican food. Sigh. After dinner and the mini-birthday, Carrie and I played a Zombie game Bob had given me. In the morning, we went to the beach to the Channel Islands Center. I could have stayed there forever. I love the beach. That is one of the top five things I miss most about California. I am glad to be close to Champlain Lake, but it isn’t the same. Being at the beach, sand in my toes, wind in my hair with the sound of the waves crashing upon the shore is as perfect as it can get for me. (Having a stud/surfer dude by my side would have made it even better….) Carrie and I had lunch with mom in the Marina Harbor Village and then we hit the road for LA. We didn’t have much time to see Hollywood because we had stayed in Ventura too long. But Carrie did get to see the gaudy shops, stars on Hollywood Blvd., and the hand/feet prints. We headed to Santa Monica through Beverly Hills, so Carrie could see Rodeo Drive. We met up with her family at about 8:30 for a really, really late dinner at PF Chang’s on 3rd Street Promenade. I love that place too. In Burlington, there is a place that is rather similar, called Church Street. Dinner was fun. Carrie’s family hadn’t ever had the chicken in lettuce as well as a couple of other items. We had a really nice dinner and I passed them back Carrie. I headed up to Ventura again to spend Saturday with my mom. I think I got in at about 11:30 and crawled into bed. So much running around all week left me really tired.
California Part 1
It’s been a very busy two weeks. I have to back up to Thursday, May 12 to begin my journey.
Thursday, May 12
It was hard to work. I had so many things to try to task out or wrap up. I sent my clients an email saying they could talk with Tom, which was a big mistake. Poor Tom. He was bombarded by my clients the whole week. One of my clients who would call me three times a day, called Tom about the same amount of time. Sigh. Little did I know… I got home and worked on packing. My plan was to pack a suitcase inside a second suitcase and only take the basics. I would be in bed by 11pm. Well, that didn’t happen. I packed too much stuff and thought it was a great idea to start printing pictures at midnight.
Friday, May 13
It’s 3am by the time I get to bed. I get back up at 4am to shower and get ready for Mark who volunteered to take me at 5am to the airport. Mark drops me off by about 5:15. I checked in and waited. The flight to Cleveland was uneventful. I had purchased noise reduction headphones which made a world of difference. I listened to CDs Doug had given me. In Cleveland, I had about an hour wait before the next plane. I called Helen for a quick “hello” and got on the plane to LA. I sat by the window next to a couple from Cleveland on their way to a sister’s wedding. We didn’t talk much, and all snoozed. The movie they showed was “Sideways”, highly edited for G audiences in the plane. For example, one of the characters is moaning about not having sex and says something about wanting to get F#$%ed. They changed it to “loved”. The other swearing dubs were silly. And they totally did away with the naked guy running down the street. I arrived at LAX and took the flyaway to Van Nuys. Flying into LA, I was sad to see how ugly and brown California was, compared to Vermont. I took the Flyaway shuttle to Van Nuys and was greeted by VeAnn. We went to her house but stopped by the Del Taco first. THAT was exciting. Real, California, fast Mexican food. Ah, the Del Beef Burrito. Yum. Michael joined us on the ride to my parents’ house in Ventura. It was surreal being there. Almost as if the last 7 months had been a dream. I was so glad to see my mom. We chatted for a bit and then was joined by my brother. We at at Andrea’s Seafood, which was really yummy. After VeAnn and Michael left, I had a nice time chatting with my brother and mom. But boy, was I pooped.
Saturday, May 14
I met my high school friend, Liz at a little breakfast coffee shop. I think we talked for about three hours. It was really nice catching up with her. I went shopping with my mom and got a bunch of spring clothes. (Thanks, Mom!) I also found a pair of black boots (that I had been looking for for ages…) on sale. Gail joined us in the late afternoon. Bob introduced me to Dan and the five of us went to dinner at a great Japanese restaurant. (Dad was out of town…) It was great seeing Gail. She gave me a sent/candle thingy for my birthday (we share the same day.)
Sunday, May 15
I drove down to Van Nuys for church. They had a Pentecost service and I saw lots of people I knew and missed. Some of the kids were there too. It was great seeing Billy Jo, Jamie, Monica, Rachel and Jennifer. After church, we went to Michael and VeAnn’s. Stacie joined us for a swim at the neighbor’s pool. We had a blast. I haven’t laughed that much in ages. It felt so good to laugh like that. Stacie is a hoot! We even put on a show with Jennifer and her boyfriend. It was hilarious. Sunday night we were joined by a few of the neighbors for dinner. Randall and his girlfriend Jude also joined us. It was so nice to catch up with them too. The whirlwind continued throughout the week…
Monday, May 16
I was suppose to go swimming with Annie and then breakfast. That didn’t happen. I went to my storage unit to see if I could find the spring clothes and shoes. It was overwhelming gazing into that void, so full of crap. I began looking at things and asking myself “why of why did I store that?” In thinking back about the packing of the storage unit, I know I didn’t know if I would be at the job for more than three months. Here, seven months later, I can’t think about moving that stuff into my current apartment. There’s just no room. I only had about an hour before meeting VeAnn and Mark for lunch, so I was really only able to uncover the clothes I was looking for. I shoved them back into the storage unit and met up with my lunch date. I hadn’t seen Mark for over a year, so it was really great to see him. He works for an educational branch of Intel and travels the world. Sounds glamorous, but from how he tells it, it is lots of time on the plane and in a hotel conference room. Still… the frequent flyer miles he must be gaining…. After we met up for lunch (Mexican food, of course!) I went back to the storage unit. I stopped by Staples to get some boxes for shipping. It was painful and hot pulling stuff out, opening boxes and I still had other things to do with the day. I took a break for the day and headed to Van Nuys. I stopped by Disney Online first to say hi to a few people. I saw Mari, Cathy, Teresa, Sherri, Josh and a few others. I can’t believe it’s been a year since I was there! Josh and I made breakfast plans for Tuesday. In the evening, I stayed at Michael and VeAnn’s house. Rebecca and her husband Brian joined us for dinner. I was so happy to see them too. I am glad I could spend time with them. Dinner was really yummy too.
Thursday, May 12
It was hard to work. I had so many things to try to task out or wrap up. I sent my clients an email saying they could talk with Tom, which was a big mistake. Poor Tom. He was bombarded by my clients the whole week. One of my clients who would call me three times a day, called Tom about the same amount of time. Sigh. Little did I know… I got home and worked on packing. My plan was to pack a suitcase inside a second suitcase and only take the basics. I would be in bed by 11pm. Well, that didn’t happen. I packed too much stuff and thought it was a great idea to start printing pictures at midnight.
Friday, May 13
It’s 3am by the time I get to bed. I get back up at 4am to shower and get ready for Mark who volunteered to take me at 5am to the airport. Mark drops me off by about 5:15. I checked in and waited. The flight to Cleveland was uneventful. I had purchased noise reduction headphones which made a world of difference. I listened to CDs Doug had given me. In Cleveland, I had about an hour wait before the next plane. I called Helen for a quick “hello” and got on the plane to LA. I sat by the window next to a couple from Cleveland on their way to a sister’s wedding. We didn’t talk much, and all snoozed. The movie they showed was “Sideways”, highly edited for G audiences in the plane. For example, one of the characters is moaning about not having sex and says something about wanting to get F#$%ed. They changed it to “loved”. The other swearing dubs were silly. And they totally did away with the naked guy running down the street. I arrived at LAX and took the flyaway to Van Nuys. Flying into LA, I was sad to see how ugly and brown California was, compared to Vermont. I took the Flyaway shuttle to Van Nuys and was greeted by VeAnn. We went to her house but stopped by the Del Taco first. THAT was exciting. Real, California, fast Mexican food. Ah, the Del Beef Burrito. Yum. Michael joined us on the ride to my parents’ house in Ventura. It was surreal being there. Almost as if the last 7 months had been a dream. I was so glad to see my mom. We chatted for a bit and then was joined by my brother. We at at Andrea’s Seafood, which was really yummy. After VeAnn and Michael left, I had a nice time chatting with my brother and mom. But boy, was I pooped.
Saturday, May 14
I met my high school friend, Liz at a little breakfast coffee shop. I think we talked for about three hours. It was really nice catching up with her. I went shopping with my mom and got a bunch of spring clothes. (Thanks, Mom!) I also found a pair of black boots (that I had been looking for for ages…) on sale. Gail joined us in the late afternoon. Bob introduced me to Dan and the five of us went to dinner at a great Japanese restaurant. (Dad was out of town…) It was great seeing Gail. She gave me a sent/candle thingy for my birthday (we share the same day.)
Sunday, May 15
I drove down to Van Nuys for church. They had a Pentecost service and I saw lots of people I knew and missed. Some of the kids were there too. It was great seeing Billy Jo, Jamie, Monica, Rachel and Jennifer. After church, we went to Michael and VeAnn’s. Stacie joined us for a swim at the neighbor’s pool. We had a blast. I haven’t laughed that much in ages. It felt so good to laugh like that. Stacie is a hoot! We even put on a show with Jennifer and her boyfriend. It was hilarious. Sunday night we were joined by a few of the neighbors for dinner. Randall and his girlfriend Jude also joined us. It was so nice to catch up with them too. The whirlwind continued throughout the week…
Monday, May 16
I was suppose to go swimming with Annie and then breakfast. That didn’t happen. I went to my storage unit to see if I could find the spring clothes and shoes. It was overwhelming gazing into that void, so full of crap. I began looking at things and asking myself “why of why did I store that?” In thinking back about the packing of the storage unit, I know I didn’t know if I would be at the job for more than three months. Here, seven months later, I can’t think about moving that stuff into my current apartment. There’s just no room. I only had about an hour before meeting VeAnn and Mark for lunch, so I was really only able to uncover the clothes I was looking for. I shoved them back into the storage unit and met up with my lunch date. I hadn’t seen Mark for over a year, so it was really great to see him. He works for an educational branch of Intel and travels the world. Sounds glamorous, but from how he tells it, it is lots of time on the plane and in a hotel conference room. Still… the frequent flyer miles he must be gaining…. After we met up for lunch (Mexican food, of course!) I went back to the storage unit. I stopped by Staples to get some boxes for shipping. It was painful and hot pulling stuff out, opening boxes and I still had other things to do with the day. I took a break for the day and headed to Van Nuys. I stopped by Disney Online first to say hi to a few people. I saw Mari, Cathy, Teresa, Sherri, Josh and a few others. I can’t believe it’s been a year since I was there! Josh and I made breakfast plans for Tuesday. In the evening, I stayed at Michael and VeAnn’s house. Rebecca and her husband Brian joined us for dinner. I was so happy to see them too. I am glad I could spend time with them. Dinner was really yummy too.
May 26, 2005
Okay, I owe you blogs
I have been gone for a weekish, and have lots to write. But I have not forgotten you. Coming back from CA, I have sooo much going on this week. But since it is a three day weekend coming up, I am sure I will be able to catch up on my posts.
PITY PARTY
Sunday is my birthday. Though I am grateful I had a mini-celebration with my brother, mom and friend Carrie when I was in CA, I am not really looking forward to this Sunday. Nothing happening. Nothing. Nobody to celebrate with. Nothing to do, other than take me, myself and I out to a movie and dinner. Boo hoo. Makes me sad.
PITY PARTY
Sunday is my birthday. Though I am grateful I had a mini-celebration with my brother, mom and friend Carrie when I was in CA, I am not really looking forward to this Sunday. Nothing happening. Nothing. Nobody to celebrate with. Nothing to do, other than take me, myself and I out to a movie and dinner. Boo hoo. Makes me sad.
May 12, 2005
About people, vacation and music that moves me...
My friend Steve's wife, Melinda McGraw is guest-appearing on ABC's Desperate Housewives. She was on last week, and it looks like she will be on this Sunday too!! Way to go, Melinda!
I have major vacation brain. I did a load of laundry last night and began packing. I have so many clothes and shoes I want to bring back, that I am trying to pack a suitcase within a suitcase. I have a bunch of suitcases, so why buy a new one? Then on the other hand, it might be worth it. It is going to be a long day, mentally at work. I have so much to do work-wise and I am constantly thinking about California. I am so excited to go. Tomorrow morning, Mark G. has offered to take me to the airport.
Sad news from my landlord. His sister-in-law has a brain tumor. She's in her 60s, and is a breast cancer survivor. It's so sad. I am thankful that cancer doesn't run in my family, and grateful for my health. Wow.
You know how you have songs in your life that are attached to specific moments or times? Or songs that just move you? I have too many to name, but I was just listening to some Itunes and there are a few tunes I love to play and replay. If I am in an ass-kicking mood, I tend to go for Green Day. If I am in a mellow, sensitive mood it might be Motzart, Josh Groban or some jazz. I really love the soundtrack from the Rocketeer. Today I have been on the phone so much with clients that I haven't been able to listen to my music. :(
I have major vacation brain. I did a load of laundry last night and began packing. I have so many clothes and shoes I want to bring back, that I am trying to pack a suitcase within a suitcase. I have a bunch of suitcases, so why buy a new one? Then on the other hand, it might be worth it. It is going to be a long day, mentally at work. I have so much to do work-wise and I am constantly thinking about California. I am so excited to go. Tomorrow morning, Mark G. has offered to take me to the airport.
Sad news from my landlord. His sister-in-law has a brain tumor. She's in her 60s, and is a breast cancer survivor. It's so sad. I am thankful that cancer doesn't run in my family, and grateful for my health. Wow.
You know how you have songs in your life that are attached to specific moments or times? Or songs that just move you? I have too many to name, but I was just listening to some Itunes and there are a few tunes I love to play and replay. If I am in an ass-kicking mood, I tend to go for Green Day. If I am in a mellow, sensitive mood it might be Motzart, Josh Groban or some jazz. I really love the soundtrack from the Rocketeer. Today I have been on the phone so much with clients that I haven't been able to listen to my music. :(
May 10, 2005
More people on tv I know...
Tonight's Gilmore Girls had special guest, William Thomas, Jr. He had a few lines. Way to be, Bill!!! It was great seeing him.
Ah, the live of a Californian.
Ah, the live of a Californian.
It's been a week since my last post...
... and I am damn busy, so lay off! Here's a recap of the week.
Last week I had the opportunity to see Savion Glover (dancer, director, choreographer)perform at the Flynn. It was a great oppportunity. I had a pretty good seat. He performed with a jazz quintet and, in the second half of the program he was joined by three other dancers. It was neat hearing and watching him play off the musicians. He was a musician. I don't want to be cheesy and say it was magical, but it was really cool. I wish more people appreciated dance. He is so damn talented. I remember YEARS ago seeing him in Tap, which starred Gregory Hines. He has a really interesting style to his dancing. It's raw and wild. A little crazy at times. Very controlled at other times. There were times when he looked so serious and other times when he looked like he was really enjoying himself. It was so much fun to see.
Bowling - we lost the last game, but got pizza and I got a really nice compliment from the winning team. The winning team we played two times. It was a mom, dad, adult daughter and son-in-law/boyfriend. Pretty serious players compared to us. I rarely saw the daughter smile. After they got their trophies, I went up to them and congratulated them. The mom said to me that she thought I should get a prize. I asked,"What for? For being the most obnoxious and spastic?" She said,"Er...um, no. For being the most... how can I describe it?" Her daughter chimed in,"Most enthusiastic?" "Well, that's close, but not quite what I was thinking." (I know they thought I wa a spazz.) Then she said,"It was really fun watching you each week. You have so much energy [ed note: ADD!!] and it was always a kick to see what you would do." Ha ha ha ha ha ha! Awe, that was niceish of her. True, if it wasn't holding the ball up like a trophy, or petting it and asking the spirit of Ralph Machio to help out, I would put a style to my lunge or something. One woman said,"It must be really fun to work with you." (Which, I am sure, it is. Right? ha ha!) It was a fun night. I also got my ball (photo coming soon.) Now I am in the big league.
On the whole, the week was pretty uneventful. In fact, work was so busy, that's all I could think about. I dreamed about work. I did have a strange dream last week where I was going to my class reunion (really happening this year). Kenna (from high school) and Angie (from college) were about 12 months pregnant (both have multiple children in real life). They were folding laundry which was attached to a gymnasium where the reunion preparations were going on. But when I went into the gym, there were a bunch of old basketball alums. Some of them I knew from high school, others it was just understood they had gone to my high school. Then it all went down hill from there when I was accused of stalking one of them. I was brought out into the laundry room where box upon box, file upon file was placed on a table with "evidence" dating back YEARS of my apparent stalking. Even empty bags of chips and reciepts from hotels were presented as evidence. It was embarassing. With the class reunion coming in July, I am curious to see who will be there. My posse and I are planning on being there. I don't expect to be able to take much time off of work, but I really want to go. I am in touch with a few of the gals from high school.
Last weekend - I worked on Saturday for about 7 hours and Sunday saw a bunch of movies, including "This is the Army" on DVD, "Upside of Anger", and "Crash". "Upside of Anger" was really well done and Kevin Costner wasn't too annoying. I thought the acting was pretty good. But "Crash" was excellent. Great story about racism and redemption. It had a great cast, good story, and took place in Los Angeles, though there really weren't many scenes of LA.
California - I am leaving Friday for CA. I can't wait! I am so excited to see my friends, family and cats. I miss them all so much. I like it here, but it's just lonely. I miss being able to go over to a friend's house to hang out, watch movies, go out to eat.... I know that will come in time.
Spring - Spring is here. Today is a GORGEOUS day out. I wish I wasn't in an office.
Last week I had the opportunity to see Savion Glover (dancer, director, choreographer)perform at the Flynn. It was a great oppportunity. I had a pretty good seat. He performed with a jazz quintet and, in the second half of the program he was joined by three other dancers. It was neat hearing and watching him play off the musicians. He was a musician. I don't want to be cheesy and say it was magical, but it was really cool. I wish more people appreciated dance. He is so damn talented. I remember YEARS ago seeing him in Tap, which starred Gregory Hines. He has a really interesting style to his dancing. It's raw and wild. A little crazy at times. Very controlled at other times. There were times when he looked so serious and other times when he looked like he was really enjoying himself. It was so much fun to see.
Bowling - we lost the last game, but got pizza and I got a really nice compliment from the winning team. The winning team we played two times. It was a mom, dad, adult daughter and son-in-law/boyfriend. Pretty serious players compared to us. I rarely saw the daughter smile. After they got their trophies, I went up to them and congratulated them. The mom said to me that she thought I should get a prize. I asked,"What for? For being the most obnoxious and spastic?" She said,"Er...um, no. For being the most... how can I describe it?" Her daughter chimed in,"Most enthusiastic?" "Well, that's close, but not quite what I was thinking." (I know they thought I wa a spazz.) Then she said,"It was really fun watching you each week. You have so much energy [ed note: ADD!!] and it was always a kick to see what you would do." Ha ha ha ha ha ha! Awe, that was niceish of her. True, if it wasn't holding the ball up like a trophy, or petting it and asking the spirit of Ralph Machio to help out, I would put a style to my lunge or something. One woman said,"It must be really fun to work with you." (Which, I am sure, it is. Right? ha ha!) It was a fun night. I also got my ball (photo coming soon.) Now I am in the big league.
On the whole, the week was pretty uneventful. In fact, work was so busy, that's all I could think about. I dreamed about work. I did have a strange dream last week where I was going to my class reunion (really happening this year). Kenna (from high school) and Angie (from college) were about 12 months pregnant (both have multiple children in real life). They were folding laundry which was attached to a gymnasium where the reunion preparations were going on. But when I went into the gym, there were a bunch of old basketball alums. Some of them I knew from high school, others it was just understood they had gone to my high school. Then it all went down hill from there when I was accused of stalking one of them. I was brought out into the laundry room where box upon box, file upon file was placed on a table with "evidence" dating back YEARS of my apparent stalking. Even empty bags of chips and reciepts from hotels were presented as evidence. It was embarassing. With the class reunion coming in July, I am curious to see who will be there. My posse and I are planning on being there. I don't expect to be able to take much time off of work, but I really want to go. I am in touch with a few of the gals from high school.
Last weekend - I worked on Saturday for about 7 hours and Sunday saw a bunch of movies, including "This is the Army" on DVD, "Upside of Anger", and "Crash". "Upside of Anger" was really well done and Kevin Costner wasn't too annoying. I thought the acting was pretty good. But "Crash" was excellent. Great story about racism and redemption. It had a great cast, good story, and took place in Los Angeles, though there really weren't many scenes of LA.
California - I am leaving Friday for CA. I can't wait! I am so excited to see my friends, family and cats. I miss them all so much. I like it here, but it's just lonely. I miss being able to go over to a friend's house to hang out, watch movies, go out to eat.... I know that will come in time.
Spring - Spring is here. Today is a GORGEOUS day out. I wish I wasn't in an office.
May 03, 2005
Recap of the weekend, bowling and...well, you know...
Though Thursday, the Gallactic Gutter Gals lost, we had a good time. The team we played against was a fun team. This week is going to be the last game of the season and league. I get a ball and bag for my efforts. I am really excited about that. We also get pizza. Should be a fun night.
The weekend did not avail itself to anything fantastical or really that memorable. Sad, as it is only Tuesday and I can't think of many things I did this past weekend. I did some errands, tried to spend money but couldn't find what I wanted, saw a movie or two and went to Carrie's house to talk with her family about coming to CA. I did see The big screen version of "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy," with Elissa, Rocky, Mark and Carrie. It was entertaining. I enjoyed it. I don't think I liked it as much as the British radio show from the 80s. I remember that being hilarious. Stilll, it was enjoyable. Oh, I also dyed my hair. Not to worry, I didn't go Tori Amos red or Lindsay Lohan blond. It is dark burgandy red. I thought about going blond, but the upkeep for the eyebrows alone would drive me nuts. I went to the same place I got it cut. Wick's wife, Megan, goes to school there. Melissa, my stylist, did a fabu job.
I would like to take a moment to mention that I woke up at 6:30 this morning, no alarm. That is becoming more and more the norm for me. If you could see how dang bright it is in my apartment, you would understand. I feel like it is noon. So freakin' bright. I need to get some dark curtains, but I can't find any. I have been looking for months. Mabye I just need to buy some fabric and do it myself. I just want it a little darker. I suppose those who hate the gloom and darkness of winter just don't get why I am having such issues with the light here. It's just brighter here. I like sunshine, don't get me wrong. Enough of this tangent. It's going nowhere.
So, at Carrie's house, we talked a little bit about the trip and where they could go when they were done with Disneyland. They are staying in Disneyland for 4 nights. Maybe it's the jaded Californian in me, but I think after they are there for two days, they will have had their fill. They might go down to San Diego. That would be cool. I hope they do. San Diego is so beautiful. Carrie will join me on Thursday and Friday for Hollywood stuff. That'll be fun. I am so excited about going to Ca. I am geting booked up, being the social butterfly that I am. I am even making swimming dates with a few of my triathlon peeps. I haven't been swimming much, which sucks. I need to step it up, but I only have two weeks before visiting with them. I am also planning on working a day or two when I am there.
Best be off to work.
The weekend did not avail itself to anything fantastical or really that memorable. Sad, as it is only Tuesday and I can't think of many things I did this past weekend. I did some errands, tried to spend money but couldn't find what I wanted, saw a movie or two and went to Carrie's house to talk with her family about coming to CA. I did see The big screen version of "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy," with Elissa, Rocky, Mark and Carrie. It was entertaining. I enjoyed it. I don't think I liked it as much as the British radio show from the 80s. I remember that being hilarious. Stilll, it was enjoyable. Oh, I also dyed my hair. Not to worry, I didn't go Tori Amos red or Lindsay Lohan blond. It is dark burgandy red. I thought about going blond, but the upkeep for the eyebrows alone would drive me nuts. I went to the same place I got it cut. Wick's wife, Megan, goes to school there. Melissa, my stylist, did a fabu job.
I would like to take a moment to mention that I woke up at 6:30 this morning, no alarm. That is becoming more and more the norm for me. If you could see how dang bright it is in my apartment, you would understand. I feel like it is noon. So freakin' bright. I need to get some dark curtains, but I can't find any. I have been looking for months. Mabye I just need to buy some fabric and do it myself. I just want it a little darker. I suppose those who hate the gloom and darkness of winter just don't get why I am having such issues with the light here. It's just brighter here. I like sunshine, don't get me wrong. Enough of this tangent. It's going nowhere.
So, at Carrie's house, we talked a little bit about the trip and where they could go when they were done with Disneyland. They are staying in Disneyland for 4 nights. Maybe it's the jaded Californian in me, but I think after they are there for two days, they will have had their fill. They might go down to San Diego. That would be cool. I hope they do. San Diego is so beautiful. Carrie will join me on Thursday and Friday for Hollywood stuff. That'll be fun. I am so excited about going to Ca. I am geting booked up, being the social butterfly that I am. I am even making swimming dates with a few of my triathlon peeps. I haven't been swimming much, which sucks. I need to step it up, but I only have two weeks before visiting with them. I am also planning on working a day or two when I am there.
Best be off to work.
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