Breathtaking...
Friday, February 27, 2009
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Turning the page...
on the Bush years!
What a day! After 8 years of bad decisions, embarrassing ideas and a whole lot of problems -- a new day has dawn. It's not to say our new President is not going to have his hands full with cleaning up this mess. It's just nice to feel hope again. And it's good to know the power is with someone who has the confidence and the smarts to lead us properly.
Proud to be an American -- again!
What a day! After 8 years of bad decisions, embarrassing ideas and a whole lot of problems -- a new day has dawn. It's not to say our new President is not going to have his hands full with cleaning up this mess. It's just nice to feel hope again. And it's good to know the power is with someone who has the confidence and the smarts to lead us properly.
Proud to be an American -- again!
Friday, January 09, 2009
REALLY???
Today is just one of those days...
I couldn't sleep this morning. I was up at 4 am and was watching a TIVO'd SVU episode and waiting with bated breath to check my balance in my bank account as I am BROKE and today is payday.
At 5 AM I check and alas, there is not check deposit. WTF, I think! I need money!
I get on with my morning and pull out my favorite t-shirt to wear as it's Friday, but what the HELL is on the front of it? Some alien splatter was all over my beautiful shirt and I had to go the clothing piece number two.
Amazingly, there was no traffic so I thought my bad karma was over. Work was fine.
Payroll said the check would be cut and I would have it in my hands. WRONG. I am leaving at 3 today and was just notified I need to go to our other building to pick it up, but my 3:15 appt is the opposite way -- see where THIS is going??
And to wrap things up, my beautiful, newly filled water bottle spilled all over the front of me. When that wasn't enough, I went sit it back up and it spilled again over the inch of me that was dry. I am now wearing what looks like the escaped fashion victim from a salvation army drop box. BAD BAD BAD!!!
I couldn't sleep this morning. I was up at 4 am and was watching a TIVO'd SVU episode and waiting with bated breath to check my balance in my bank account as I am BROKE and today is payday.
At 5 AM I check and alas, there is not check deposit. WTF, I think! I need money!
I get on with my morning and pull out my favorite t-shirt to wear as it's Friday, but what the HELL is on the front of it? Some alien splatter was all over my beautiful shirt and I had to go the clothing piece number two.
Amazingly, there was no traffic so I thought my bad karma was over. Work was fine.
Payroll said the check would be cut and I would have it in my hands. WRONG. I am leaving at 3 today and was just notified I need to go to our other building to pick it up, but my 3:15 appt is the opposite way -- see where THIS is going??
And to wrap things up, my beautiful, newly filled water bottle spilled all over the front of me. When that wasn't enough, I went sit it back up and it spilled again over the inch of me that was dry. I am now wearing what looks like the escaped fashion victim from a salvation army drop box. BAD BAD BAD!!!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
SCAM ALERT
Acai Berry, Slim Tea and all of the other "trial" for $4.95, etc...
DO NOT DO IT. There are all sorts of scam sites, fines and fees that these companies are hiding in their fine print. I ordered the Slim Tea and minutes later, Alex told me to cancel. A week later, I not only had a $69.95 charge, but a $19.95 charge for something called Fit Factory, something I did not sign up for. It also took weeks to get this stuff removed as their phone number don't always work!!
This has happened to myself and three of my friends who live all over the U.S.!!!
If it's too good to be true, it probably is! AVOID THIS!!!
DO NOT DO IT. There are all sorts of scam sites, fines and fees that these companies are hiding in their fine print. I ordered the Slim Tea and minutes later, Alex told me to cancel. A week later, I not only had a $69.95 charge, but a $19.95 charge for something called Fit Factory, something I did not sign up for. It also took weeks to get this stuff removed as their phone number don't always work!!
This has happened to myself and three of my friends who live all over the U.S.!!!
If it's too good to be true, it probably is! AVOID THIS!!!
Thursday, December 04, 2008
Eternal Memories
It’s been nearly two years and while I never actually spoke of my mom’s death on here, I figured seeing that next week would be her 77th birthday and that a few weeks later is the second anniversary of her death, I thought I would make a simple entry on her behalf:
Thru pictures, I thought my mother had been a movie star – my father, too! I was often confused seeing them in the hideous polyester 70’s smocks in my own reality, but then looking at pictures of them when they were younger in their beautiful clothing, beautiful looks and best poses, I was sure they’d given up their careers to be our parents. My mom looked like a beautiful actress from that time period – a starlet with dark hair, dark, twinkly eyes, flawless skin and a beautiful smile. When she wasn’t smiling, she looked like Ingrid Bergman, a look we all came to know.
My mother’s life was tough as was our life with her. She was mentally ill and it took its evil toll on every facet of her life and our lives. You wanted to hate her sometimes, but you could see the terrible struggle of a woman who truly loved her family, but who also was tugged and pulled by the power of illness.
But that wasn’t all her. She was also extremely gifted: she could draw, paint, and played the piano like nobody’s business. A self-taught piano player who later was in lessons with a superstar piano teacher in Chicago, my mother saved every penny in the early 1950’s to save for her own piano – the piano that is still at my dad’s house and someday I will somehow get here to L.A.
She was also a hero. My brother once fell through a plate glass door nearly severing his finger and maiming his arm. My mother carried him almost two miles to a hospital. This is one of the many times where she played doctor, nurse, cook, maid, problem-solver, etc.
My mother loved her own children, but even more so, her grandkids. She never held back on her time with them and taught them to cook, how to clean up after themselves, and loved taking them on adventures. There wasn’t anything she wouldn’t do for those kids.
But her Catch 22 was when one illness seemed to lie dormant, a bigger monster was waiting for her. I knew when I moved to L.A. that her forgetfulness was becoming more obvious, that her gait seemed to be thrown off and that her eyes were starting to look dimmer. Every visit home seemed to give more clarity to that fact and when I called her doctor that fateful day, I knew what his answer would be. My mother’s diagnosis of Alzheimer’s threw us all into such a frenzy as we’d just moved on from one big illness.
After things had gotten so bad and she was placed into her wonderful, loving nursing home, we knew time was becoming more precious and anything that we’d known before, mostly the bad stuff, made way for a new peace and understanding of our mother who was slowly fading away.
I saw her for my last time on Thanksgiving of 2006. Alex had come home with me for the first time to meet my family and we’d spent every day at the nursing home. I am so grateful they met each other.
Our final moments were quick and sweet, with a hug that felt so deep and soulful, but left me with deepest, heaving weight in my heart for the weeks leading to her death. I knew deep down it was all imminent.
She passed the day before the new year.
There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think of her: sometimes it’s happy, sometimes it’s sad. Sometimes it’s guilty and other times it’s just breezy, like she is here with me.
I feel like the best gift you can give a parent is a to live a good, solid, interesting life, full of love and light. Every day I hope I am doing a good job.
Losing a parent is going to happen to everyone – appreciate them and all of their idiosyncrasies while they are here.
'I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life” – Maya Angelou
Miss you...
Marilyn Zalokar December 11, 1931 - December 30, 2006
Thru pictures, I thought my mother had been a movie star – my father, too! I was often confused seeing them in the hideous polyester 70’s smocks in my own reality, but then looking at pictures of them when they were younger in their beautiful clothing, beautiful looks and best poses, I was sure they’d given up their careers to be our parents. My mom looked like a beautiful actress from that time period – a starlet with dark hair, dark, twinkly eyes, flawless skin and a beautiful smile. When she wasn’t smiling, she looked like Ingrid Bergman, a look we all came to know.
My mother’s life was tough as was our life with her. She was mentally ill and it took its evil toll on every facet of her life and our lives. You wanted to hate her sometimes, but you could see the terrible struggle of a woman who truly loved her family, but who also was tugged and pulled by the power of illness.
But that wasn’t all her. She was also extremely gifted: she could draw, paint, and played the piano like nobody’s business. A self-taught piano player who later was in lessons with a superstar piano teacher in Chicago, my mother saved every penny in the early 1950’s to save for her own piano – the piano that is still at my dad’s house and someday I will somehow get here to L.A.
She was also a hero. My brother once fell through a plate glass door nearly severing his finger and maiming his arm. My mother carried him almost two miles to a hospital. This is one of the many times where she played doctor, nurse, cook, maid, problem-solver, etc.
My mother loved her own children, but even more so, her grandkids. She never held back on her time with them and taught them to cook, how to clean up after themselves, and loved taking them on adventures. There wasn’t anything she wouldn’t do for those kids.
But her Catch 22 was when one illness seemed to lie dormant, a bigger monster was waiting for her. I knew when I moved to L.A. that her forgetfulness was becoming more obvious, that her gait seemed to be thrown off and that her eyes were starting to look dimmer. Every visit home seemed to give more clarity to that fact and when I called her doctor that fateful day, I knew what his answer would be. My mother’s diagnosis of Alzheimer’s threw us all into such a frenzy as we’d just moved on from one big illness.
After things had gotten so bad and she was placed into her wonderful, loving nursing home, we knew time was becoming more precious and anything that we’d known before, mostly the bad stuff, made way for a new peace and understanding of our mother who was slowly fading away.
I saw her for my last time on Thanksgiving of 2006. Alex had come home with me for the first time to meet my family and we’d spent every day at the nursing home. I am so grateful they met each other.
Our final moments were quick and sweet, with a hug that felt so deep and soulful, but left me with deepest, heaving weight in my heart for the weeks leading to her death. I knew deep down it was all imminent.
She passed the day before the new year.
There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think of her: sometimes it’s happy, sometimes it’s sad. Sometimes it’s guilty and other times it’s just breezy, like she is here with me.
I feel like the best gift you can give a parent is a to live a good, solid, interesting life, full of love and light. Every day I hope I am doing a good job.
Losing a parent is going to happen to everyone – appreciate them and all of their idiosyncrasies while they are here.
'I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life” – Maya Angelou
Miss you...
Marilyn Zalokar December 11, 1931 - December 30, 2006
Saturday, November 29, 2008
SAVED
As most people who know me know, I hate hard candy. Besides not being anything remotely pallet satisfying to me, I have always had a total fear of choking, something I was just discussing on Thanksgiving Day when presented with some French hard candies.
Today we ran to Costco and then I did trader Joes run. Nothing eventful at all. We were hanging around the house. E called me and I was talking to her when the phone died out. Just as I was waiting for her to call me back, I saw my vitamins and figured I would pop one while waiting.
I have been taking vitamins for years. It seems the more organic they are, the horsier they become. But like most things, you grow used to the size of the pill and know what to expect. I have grown so accustomed to these particular, horse sized pills that I typically don’t drink anything until afterwards – I just pop one.
As soon as the pill hit my throat, I knew it was bad. It fell right onto my windpipe and I immediately felt the air stop, the blood rush to my face and panic setting in. I was in our kitchen and Alex was in the living room. I drank a little water but that only seemed to exasperate the situation. Those seconds felt like an eternity and since I could not speak, moan or scream and was too panicked to move, I started hitting the counter with my hands as hard as I could.
Alex wasted no time as I know he saw my panic as I was banging like a crazy person on the counter. Without a moment to lose, he hit me on the back and then grabbed me and performed the Heimlich maneuver. I felt the pill come up and threw it up in to the sink. And then I breathed in like I had never done before. Then I cried.
I have no idea what I would have done had he been down the hall in the shower or worse, not been there at all.
It’s been a few hours and every time I think about it, I get choked up – the “what if’s.” One of my worst fears WAS the worst. Much worse, it got me thinking about folks who take these monster pills and have no one there to help them in cases like this one.
Today it was scary. I am SO shaky and freaked out but my amazing boyfriend was my hero. Today I am so thankful.
Today we ran to Costco and then I did trader Joes run. Nothing eventful at all. We were hanging around the house. E called me and I was talking to her when the phone died out. Just as I was waiting for her to call me back, I saw my vitamins and figured I would pop one while waiting.
I have been taking vitamins for years. It seems the more organic they are, the horsier they become. But like most things, you grow used to the size of the pill and know what to expect. I have grown so accustomed to these particular, horse sized pills that I typically don’t drink anything until afterwards – I just pop one.
As soon as the pill hit my throat, I knew it was bad. It fell right onto my windpipe and I immediately felt the air stop, the blood rush to my face and panic setting in. I was in our kitchen and Alex was in the living room. I drank a little water but that only seemed to exasperate the situation. Those seconds felt like an eternity and since I could not speak, moan or scream and was too panicked to move, I started hitting the counter with my hands as hard as I could.
Alex wasted no time as I know he saw my panic as I was banging like a crazy person on the counter. Without a moment to lose, he hit me on the back and then grabbed me and performed the Heimlich maneuver. I felt the pill come up and threw it up in to the sink. And then I breathed in like I had never done before. Then I cried.
I have no idea what I would have done had he been down the hall in the shower or worse, not been there at all.
It’s been a few hours and every time I think about it, I get choked up – the “what if’s.” One of my worst fears WAS the worst. Much worse, it got me thinking about folks who take these monster pills and have no one there to help them in cases like this one.
Today it was scary. I am SO shaky and freaked out but my amazing boyfriend was my hero. Today I am so thankful.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Imagining things just a little differently...
Today I went on an emergency hike (a light one since I am still slightly gimpy) with a good friend who was having the rottenest kind of day – you know, one of those 'holy crapshoot, if I don't get out into the woods I may combust" kind of things.
She and I got to talking as we always do, about how if you had your choice of day jobs (not the fantasy ones like being a full-time, highly paid screenwriter, an ice cream taster for Ben and Jerry's, having your own cooking show or hell, a starlet with nothing to do but be pretty, get prettier and find ways to maintain pretty -- I could go on for hours and haven't even gotten to my science nerd / astronomy / paleontology fantasies), but real day jobs that you can REALLY do.
I noted that besides my purely condensed hate for my commute and the fact I still do like my present day job, I would still travel the distance for my fantasy jobs -- mine being doing massage 2-3 days a week for a reputable chiropractor – and the other two days? Being a dog walker. For real. Oh, I would throw in there an occasional class or maybe an extra job if need be, or I could even thin out my fat butt to teach fitness classes again (a big love of mine) but I think those would combine two things I love and give me more time to do other things I neglect. The last thing I want to do these days after sitting in front of a computer is to come home and sit in front of the computer to write. And it wouldn't be forever...but it'd be a fun, temporary change!
But this would all have to fit together in a way that made sense and since I do have debt, it would have to work monetarily.
But a girl can dream.
She and I got to talking as we always do, about how if you had your choice of day jobs (not the fantasy ones like being a full-time, highly paid screenwriter, an ice cream taster for Ben and Jerry's, having your own cooking show or hell, a starlet with nothing to do but be pretty, get prettier and find ways to maintain pretty -- I could go on for hours and haven't even gotten to my science nerd / astronomy / paleontology fantasies), but real day jobs that you can REALLY do.
I noted that besides my purely condensed hate for my commute and the fact I still do like my present day job, I would still travel the distance for my fantasy jobs -- mine being doing massage 2-3 days a week for a reputable chiropractor – and the other two days? Being a dog walker. For real. Oh, I would throw in there an occasional class or maybe an extra job if need be, or I could even thin out my fat butt to teach fitness classes again (a big love of mine) but I think those would combine two things I love and give me more time to do other things I neglect. The last thing I want to do these days after sitting in front of a computer is to come home and sit in front of the computer to write. And it wouldn't be forever...but it'd be a fun, temporary change!
But this would all have to fit together in a way that made sense and since I do have debt, it would have to work monetarily.
But a girl can dream.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
The Iraqi’s have $80 billion dollars and we have swill….
So here we are again, watching the DNC, and I am back in tears – I am moved. Obama is making me hopeful. He is making me think. I believe him because, quite simply, he not only gets it but he’s been there. He has seen the true middle class first hand. He has worked with people who were truly down and out and watched them crawl out of their holes. There is something so sincere and deep down heartfelt about his approach that I can’t imagine that we are going to have ANOTHER 8 years of selfish, rich, clueless people that are going to wreck us. Our economy can't take it. Our people can't take it.
I have so much hope. I hope others feel this resonating in them, too.
I have so much hope. I hope others feel this resonating in them, too.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
No Excuses...
Oh.My. I know. It's been way too long. I have plenty to say, to share and even show but I am in the process of downloading pics, finding the time to put them together and also get caught up!
So at best, expect something new by September!
A few things:
I just read the man that wrote, "100 things to do before you die," did indeed die -- at the age of 47. Such irony.
My little car was dead ALL summer long. Just got new life breathed into her old body -- new radiator. Not cheap, but for what it's worth, she's practically NASCAR in her Toyota clothes.
I think I am in that place where I am about redefine my life and (ulp) -- organize. I am feeling a little unsituated and it's time to get rid of stuff and be a little more minimal. Or at least just get rid of some stuff.
We found an answer to Kitty and her Exorcist-like bouts of hissing and biting to staff members when getting her nails clipped. A sweet 19 year old girl at Petco put a cone on her head. Sweet Jeebus! Most.hilarious.thing.evar. While she was pissed off as hell, it worked and voila -- seconds later nails her clipped and there were no prayers needed and no evil looks thrown my way!
I finally saw "The Matrix" last night. I KNOW! It was a ridiculous movie to not see and while I had seen pieces of it, I'd never watched it all the way thru. The Arclight is doing a Sci-fi series so we were able to watch it on the big screen. I am happy to have been able to put all of the pieces together and wow -- what a spectacle. Now I understand the hoopla...from 10 years ago.
Sigh. Much more to come but for now, watch this:
So at best, expect something new by September!
A few things:
I just read the man that wrote, "100 things to do before you die," did indeed die -- at the age of 47. Such irony.
My little car was dead ALL summer long. Just got new life breathed into her old body -- new radiator. Not cheap, but for what it's worth, she's practically NASCAR in her Toyota clothes.
I think I am in that place where I am about redefine my life and (ulp) -- organize. I am feeling a little unsituated and it's time to get rid of stuff and be a little more minimal. Or at least just get rid of some stuff.
We found an answer to Kitty and her Exorcist-like bouts of hissing and biting to staff members when getting her nails clipped. A sweet 19 year old girl at Petco put a cone on her head. Sweet Jeebus! Most.hilarious.thing.evar. While she was pissed off as hell, it worked and voila -- seconds later nails her clipped and there were no prayers needed and no evil looks thrown my way!
I finally saw "The Matrix" last night. I KNOW! It was a ridiculous movie to not see and while I had seen pieces of it, I'd never watched it all the way thru. The Arclight is doing a Sci-fi series so we were able to watch it on the big screen. I am happy to have been able to put all of the pieces together and wow -- what a spectacle. Now I understand the hoopla...from 10 years ago.
Sigh. Much more to come but for now, watch this:
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Some new things and Bada Bing
Hello darlings. Here are some new products I love, a new show I love and my old / new favorite thing to do workout-wise besides the (zzzz) gym!
1. Peroxide: A zillion uses but the best one? Your toothbrush. For real. Not only can you clean your toothbrush but swish a little peroxide (watered down a bit, please) in your mouth before brushing and seriously, your teeth will feel a million times cleaner (not to mention, it kills many bacteria if you feel like you are catching a cold or the like AND does make your teeth whiter…)!!
2. Cetaphil antibacterial bar: This stuff is amazing. I don’t like regular Cetaphil lotion-y stuff as I feel like there is also leftover residue on my skin (and it also has an ingredient that is not to my liking), but not this bar – it is like magic. Seriously. Try it on a washcloth…it will change your life.
3. Vitamin E oil, Trader Joes: Not only does this oil moisturize to a WHOLE new level, but if you’re like me and get those weird bumps on your legs (some people get them on their arms), this stuff will help it. Totally affordable at $3.99, especially since you only need a tad.
4. Moroccan Oil – For your hair. Thanks to fabulous Hair Guy Hal, I have stumbled upon a product that makes my hair talk. What does my hair say? “Oh thank you kind lass. Because of this bitchin’ product, I feel shiny, smooth, moist (ha ha – mooooist) and strong!” While it is a strong $40 price, this stuff will last you a YEAR. Just like they used to say about Woolite, “A penny (or in this case, 50 cents) a capful for the look and feel you loooove.” A little dab goes a LONG way and really gives your hair…sheen. I love that. Did I mention the scent? THINK BEACH.
As for the “Bada Bing…” I am IN LOVE with “The Sopranos.” Mr. A was able to get me the first few seasons and I am completely addicted. I am really glad I missed the boat and was not addicted when it was on because there is NO WAY I could have waited between episodes and / or seasons to see what would happen next. So now we have gotten into this routine of watching just one and getting so sucked in that I am up until 1 AM getting thru two or three. So amazing. Tough to watch at times I will admit but mostly just unbelievable.
And what is with these mafia movies / shows eating and drinking and making you crave big honking vats of pasta, “gravy” (as Pauly Walnuts says) and tons of wine?? OMG. I think I ate a whole garlic clove last night whilst starting Season 3.
As for my favorite new thing to do besides the (snooore) gym, it’s Balboa Park. I forgot how gorgeous the grounds are, how peaceful the walks can be and how nice it is to be outside and one with nature. And it’s a helluva walk. And now that the hellacious heat has calmed its wonky ass, it’s back onto the path and into the green. If you’ve never been, there are also walking grounds within the park that include a beautiful lake, little pedal boats and people picnicking all around who actually CLEAN UP after themselves. Nice.
1. Peroxide: A zillion uses but the best one? Your toothbrush. For real. Not only can you clean your toothbrush but swish a little peroxide (watered down a bit, please) in your mouth before brushing and seriously, your teeth will feel a million times cleaner (not to mention, it kills many bacteria if you feel like you are catching a cold or the like AND does make your teeth whiter…)!!
2. Cetaphil antibacterial bar: This stuff is amazing. I don’t like regular Cetaphil lotion-y stuff as I feel like there is also leftover residue on my skin (and it also has an ingredient that is not to my liking), but not this bar – it is like magic. Seriously. Try it on a washcloth…it will change your life.
3. Vitamin E oil, Trader Joes: Not only does this oil moisturize to a WHOLE new level, but if you’re like me and get those weird bumps on your legs (some people get them on their arms), this stuff will help it. Totally affordable at $3.99, especially since you only need a tad.
4. Moroccan Oil – For your hair. Thanks to fabulous Hair Guy Hal, I have stumbled upon a product that makes my hair talk. What does my hair say? “Oh thank you kind lass. Because of this bitchin’ product, I feel shiny, smooth, moist (ha ha – mooooist) and strong!” While it is a strong $40 price, this stuff will last you a YEAR. Just like they used to say about Woolite, “A penny (or in this case, 50 cents) a capful for the look and feel you loooove.” A little dab goes a LONG way and really gives your hair…sheen. I love that. Did I mention the scent? THINK BEACH.
As for the “Bada Bing…” I am IN LOVE with “The Sopranos.” Mr. A was able to get me the first few seasons and I am completely addicted. I am really glad I missed the boat and was not addicted when it was on because there is NO WAY I could have waited between episodes and / or seasons to see what would happen next. So now we have gotten into this routine of watching just one and getting so sucked in that I am up until 1 AM getting thru two or three. So amazing. Tough to watch at times I will admit but mostly just unbelievable.
And what is with these mafia movies / shows eating and drinking and making you crave big honking vats of pasta, “gravy” (as Pauly Walnuts says) and tons of wine?? OMG. I think I ate a whole garlic clove last night whilst starting Season 3.
As for my favorite new thing to do besides the (snooore) gym, it’s Balboa Park. I forgot how gorgeous the grounds are, how peaceful the walks can be and how nice it is to be outside and one with nature. And it’s a helluva walk. And now that the hellacious heat has calmed its wonky ass, it’s back onto the path and into the green. If you’ve never been, there are also walking grounds within the park that include a beautiful lake, little pedal boats and people picnicking all around who actually CLEAN UP after themselves. Nice.
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
I didn't think I would care so much:
As my days start early, this morning I was leaving the house after a nice big cup of joe and my mind set for my drive.
Our street is very cute: lined with trees, cookie-cutter houses, occasional kids but mostly, a lot of birds, squirrels and other natural habitat.
I was assembling my drive music when I noticed a slew of squirrels playing tag and running into the middle of the street. As always, I waited until they all ran by and started to drive when my car started doing a "thump thump thump."
My first thought was a bad tire but of course, I then realized that one of the squirrels hadn't hustled enough and met my tires. I had turned the corner and looked over to see his little squirrel legs in the air, flailing and pining. I drove away and started crying immediately. Why wasn't I more careful? OMG, I killed something.
I called Mr. A and started to really sob into the phone. I told him to please call animal control and could barely speak. He said he would but would first walk over to check this guy out first.
Mr. A called a few minutes later and said, "Where did this happen??" I explained again (it was only a few houses down) and he assured me there was no squirrel.
I responded in tears, "Can you look for brain matter?" "Did a neighbor take him in??" The thought then crossed my mind that Mr. A put ME out of my misery and did something to the squirrel to make it quick. He assured me there was no squirrel, he had not played God and that there wasn't any body matter anywhere on the street.
With that said, I began to breathe again but am in fear this little guy is going to come back and get me. Poor little rat.
"A squirrel is just a rat in a cuter outfit"
Carrie Bradshaw
Our street is very cute: lined with trees, cookie-cutter houses, occasional kids but mostly, a lot of birds, squirrels and other natural habitat.
I was assembling my drive music when I noticed a slew of squirrels playing tag and running into the middle of the street. As always, I waited until they all ran by and started to drive when my car started doing a "thump thump thump."
My first thought was a bad tire but of course, I then realized that one of the squirrels hadn't hustled enough and met my tires. I had turned the corner and looked over to see his little squirrel legs in the air, flailing and pining. I drove away and started crying immediately. Why wasn't I more careful? OMG, I killed something.
I called Mr. A and started to really sob into the phone. I told him to please call animal control and could barely speak. He said he would but would first walk over to check this guy out first.
Mr. A called a few minutes later and said, "Where did this happen??" I explained again (it was only a few houses down) and he assured me there was no squirrel.
I responded in tears, "Can you look for brain matter?" "Did a neighbor take him in??" The thought then crossed my mind that Mr. A put ME out of my misery and did something to the squirrel to make it quick. He assured me there was no squirrel, he had not played God and that there wasn't any body matter anywhere on the street.
With that said, I began to breathe again but am in fear this little guy is going to come back and get me. Poor little rat.
"A squirrel is just a rat in a cuter outfit"
Carrie Bradshaw
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
SIX THINGS THAT HAPPENED LATELY
1. He was born. Oh yes. Mr. McLean Patrick is here in the world with the most adoring fan base already. But I can’t share this story until his Mama Bunnie does, but that was the best thing that has happened in a long time.
2. I have been sleeping. This might not seem like a big phenomenon to anyone, especially since I just wrote of a newborn and his mama, but trust me when I tell you, it’s a miracle upon miracles when I am not just taking naps, but I am going to sleep, staying asleep and even sleeping in!
3. We went to the most fabulous dinner this past Saturday at a French restaurant called, Brandywine. This was just NOT your typical restaurant: it was old school, small and quaint and could have been romantic had the other patrons been a little quieter, but in my wildest, decadent dreams, I could never have fantasized a more delicious dinner, with better company, with the most utterly fabulous staff. The waiters, maître d' and everyone else on staff were in very dapper suits and said things to one another like, “Sir, Table 6 seems to need another napkin. Would you be so kind to get them one?” “Oh yes, sir. I will get Table 6 that napkin. It would be a pleasurrre to help.” Um, yes. For real. But they were never snobby and in fact so friendly that you felt homey and comforted. The scallops I ordered were perfectly done in a perfect sauce with spinach and mushrooms. And I ate the mushrooms which I would avoid at ALL costs NO MATTER WHAT but there was something a little special about them so I went for it. Worth eating fungus for this five star dinner.
Brandywine
22757 Ventura Blvd
Woodland Hills, CA 91364-1334
Phone: (818) 225-9114
4. My darling father was in New York again this past weekend. He just impresses me with his ease when it comes to “going with the flow.” You can take the man out of the city, buy you can’t take the city out of the man. Seriously – for someone who’s been suburbia-bound for 35+ years, his “city-ness” turns on and he becomes “one of them.” I love hearing his excitement at the people, the stories of the folks he’s spoken to on the busses and trains and his all around take on “the” city in our country. I wish he could be in that environment all of the time. It’s SO him and in our blood. My sister took a bunch of pictures of him at the hot dog stands as this seemed to be the place to be. Lots of talk of sports and politics, two subjects my dad loves to talk about.
5. I heard gunshots in the wee hours of the morning the other night. Seriously – and then heard police / squad cars followed by ghetto birds. It was about 3 am and I thought I might be going crazy. Not so. The following morning we got a call asking if we knew why the freeway closest to us was closed down and / or why the SWAT team was out. Turns out some dude got mad at his girlfriend and starting shooting at her. Nice. And it turns out it was much further away than expected so either it is SO quiet that I heard it or SO loud where it happened that I heard it. Either way, they finally caught the perp the next day but the whole thing is just freakish.
6, My new Sigg water bottle. Okay, I need a moment to explain and geek out. I hate drinking out of plastic and obviously, walking around with glass containers is out of the question. Sigg water bottles make my dreams come true. They are SOOO cute to look at (and come in 144 varieties, though they were on Oprah and are getting scarce) and can be found at your local Whole Foods (though again, it took three different WF to find them and the variety was down to 4). But they are good for the environment, have a really cool screw top and keep your water cool, not cold (good for someone like me who only likes water room temperature). They are also mostly break resistant, easy to clean and the taste is SO much better than anything else on the market. Some people might find $22 a lot for a water bottle, but I find it worth every penny. You can read about them here: http://www.mysigg.com/index.asp
2. I have been sleeping. This might not seem like a big phenomenon to anyone, especially since I just wrote of a newborn and his mama, but trust me when I tell you, it’s a miracle upon miracles when I am not just taking naps, but I am going to sleep, staying asleep and even sleeping in!
3. We went to the most fabulous dinner this past Saturday at a French restaurant called, Brandywine. This was just NOT your typical restaurant: it was old school, small and quaint and could have been romantic had the other patrons been a little quieter, but in my wildest, decadent dreams, I could never have fantasized a more delicious dinner, with better company, with the most utterly fabulous staff. The waiters, maître d' and everyone else on staff were in very dapper suits and said things to one another like, “Sir, Table 6 seems to need another napkin. Would you be so kind to get them one?” “Oh yes, sir. I will get Table 6 that napkin. It would be a pleasurrre to help.” Um, yes. For real. But they were never snobby and in fact so friendly that you felt homey and comforted. The scallops I ordered were perfectly done in a perfect sauce with spinach and mushrooms. And I ate the mushrooms which I would avoid at ALL costs NO MATTER WHAT but there was something a little special about them so I went for it. Worth eating fungus for this five star dinner.
Brandywine
22757 Ventura Blvd
Woodland Hills, CA 91364-1334
Phone: (818) 225-9114
4. My darling father was in New York again this past weekend. He just impresses me with his ease when it comes to “going with the flow.” You can take the man out of the city, buy you can’t take the city out of the man. Seriously – for someone who’s been suburbia-bound for 35+ years, his “city-ness” turns on and he becomes “one of them.” I love hearing his excitement at the people, the stories of the folks he’s spoken to on the busses and trains and his all around take on “the” city in our country. I wish he could be in that environment all of the time. It’s SO him and in our blood. My sister took a bunch of pictures of him at the hot dog stands as this seemed to be the place to be. Lots of talk of sports and politics, two subjects my dad loves to talk about.
5. I heard gunshots in the wee hours of the morning the other night. Seriously – and then heard police / squad cars followed by ghetto birds. It was about 3 am and I thought I might be going crazy. Not so. The following morning we got a call asking if we knew why the freeway closest to us was closed down and / or why the SWAT team was out. Turns out some dude got mad at his girlfriend and starting shooting at her. Nice. And it turns out it was much further away than expected so either it is SO quiet that I heard it or SO loud where it happened that I heard it. Either way, they finally caught the perp the next day but the whole thing is just freakish.
6, My new Sigg water bottle. Okay, I need a moment to explain and geek out. I hate drinking out of plastic and obviously, walking around with glass containers is out of the question. Sigg water bottles make my dreams come true. They are SOOO cute to look at (and come in 144 varieties, though they were on Oprah and are getting scarce) and can be found at your local Whole Foods (though again, it took three different WF to find them and the variety was down to 4). But they are good for the environment, have a really cool screw top and keep your water cool, not cold (good for someone like me who only likes water room temperature). They are also mostly break resistant, easy to clean and the taste is SO much better than anything else on the market. Some people might find $22 a lot for a water bottle, but I find it worth every penny. You can read about them here: http://www.mysigg.com/index.asp
Monday, April 28, 2008
Oh Mundane Monday...
What a fun weekend…
Saturday we duded up and headed to Chateau Marmont for din-din. Really. I can’t even joke. It is just as amazing as I’d always envisioned it, just as fabulous, glamorous, etc. I mean, yes, you can go to drinks at Bar Marmont, but sitting in the ultra-sheik garden with candles everywhere, the beautiful building in front of you and fabulous people surrounding you – it just doesn’t get better than that. Not to mention, you really forget you’re in the hectic world of Sunset Blvd.
The rooms inside proved itself to be every bit as spectacular as one would think and there was just a really cool, old vibe flying around in every area.
Our dinner was delicious as was our company. Damn me for never taking pics! My only regret was the 5 inch stilettos I donned for the night. For no reason except walking like I might fall, Mr. A needed to walk me to the bathroom like I was a hip-replacement patient. But sitting was just fine.
And I know this is just a “me” thing, but the bathroom was one of those bathrooms every girl only WISHES she could have. The lighting made me look soft and perfect.
Yesterday I started out great – ran to the store, did some errands, yadda yadda when suddenly I got nailed with the worst headache EVAR. Like the kind that makes your eyes tear just because it’s throbbing so bad.
I ended up in bed for 5 hours and even (ulp) watched, “Georgia Rule” which was the disaster of the movie with Lindsay Lohan (movie she got in BIG trouble for), Jane “lay off the plastic surgery” Fonda and Felicity Huffman.
I won't lie--this was not the best movie I've ever seen, but it was not the worst either. The movie was strangely amusing even though the plot was muddled, creepy/dark and the unexpected twist kept me watching. While I can’t give it a thumb up, I won’t give it the finger either. But this all could have been my cloud of pain so don’t trust my review.
Afterwards, we did a long awaited Easter dinner with Mr. A’s sister and her lovely family. And I am in love. Darling Baby Boy C cooed at me, loved on me, let me hold him all afternoon and was just darling. I have loved that kid since meeting him a wee 1 ½ hours after his birth. He is now 6 months old and a whole lot more boy than he was in September, being a preemie and all. We are bonded. Oh and hi, the food was so tasty (Yugoslavian cuisine) as was the company.
By the way, did I mention it is HOTTER than HADES outside?? And it's snowing in Chicago??
P.S. hi Kelly :)
Saturday we duded up and headed to Chateau Marmont for din-din. Really. I can’t even joke. It is just as amazing as I’d always envisioned it, just as fabulous, glamorous, etc. I mean, yes, you can go to drinks at Bar Marmont, but sitting in the ultra-sheik garden with candles everywhere, the beautiful building in front of you and fabulous people surrounding you – it just doesn’t get better than that. Not to mention, you really forget you’re in the hectic world of Sunset Blvd.
The rooms inside proved itself to be every bit as spectacular as one would think and there was just a really cool, old vibe flying around in every area.
Our dinner was delicious as was our company. Damn me for never taking pics! My only regret was the 5 inch stilettos I donned for the night. For no reason except walking like I might fall, Mr. A needed to walk me to the bathroom like I was a hip-replacement patient. But sitting was just fine.
And I know this is just a “me” thing, but the bathroom was one of those bathrooms every girl only WISHES she could have. The lighting made me look soft and perfect.
Yesterday I started out great – ran to the store, did some errands, yadda yadda when suddenly I got nailed with the worst headache EVAR. Like the kind that makes your eyes tear just because it’s throbbing so bad.
I ended up in bed for 5 hours and even (ulp) watched, “Georgia Rule” which was the disaster of the movie with Lindsay Lohan (movie she got in BIG trouble for), Jane “lay off the plastic surgery” Fonda and Felicity Huffman.
I won't lie--this was not the best movie I've ever seen, but it was not the worst either. The movie was strangely amusing even though the plot was muddled, creepy/dark and the unexpected twist kept me watching. While I can’t give it a thumb up, I won’t give it the finger either. But this all could have been my cloud of pain so don’t trust my review.
Afterwards, we did a long awaited Easter dinner with Mr. A’s sister and her lovely family. And I am in love. Darling Baby Boy C cooed at me, loved on me, let me hold him all afternoon and was just darling. I have loved that kid since meeting him a wee 1 ½ hours after his birth. He is now 6 months old and a whole lot more boy than he was in September, being a preemie and all. We are bonded. Oh and hi, the food was so tasty (Yugoslavian cuisine) as was the company.
By the way, did I mention it is HOTTER than HADES outside?? And it's snowing in Chicago??
P.S. hi Kelly :)
Monday, April 21, 2008
Our Earth Day tribute
This weekend marked the first weekend I believe, in my life, that I spent planting things. No, not bombs or anything of the like, but I did indeed participate in re-planting, planting and buying seeds. The irony is, we did this but had no idea it was Earth Day weekend and / or that we were actually participating :)
Let's just say that I once had a cute balcony covered in flowers and months later, my one lone survivor was Loni, my pretty planted bush plant who now has found a new home in the ground in our backyard, and who started to sprout the most beautiful purple flowers.
Loni has been with me for years. In the beginning he was the most majestic looking plant but as time would have it, he would die and come back, and die and come back again. This time, he has a new permanent home. He is surrounded by Herculean-like plants that I believe will give him the strength to keep going. I have also made a vow on this pre-Earth day weekend to give him my time and extra care. Hopefully, this will be a good spot for him.
I also replanted some beautiful, boppy looking gerber daisies that Bunnie gave me, who started out looking they were doing the death dance from Dance Interpretation 101and now are sitting boldy in their pot.
Mostly, me and Mr. A decided that since we both love herbs, tomatoes and the like, it would be a good time to test our farming skills along with some catnip for our furry child…stay tuned
Let's just say that I once had a cute balcony covered in flowers and months later, my one lone survivor was Loni, my pretty planted bush plant who now has found a new home in the ground in our backyard, and who started to sprout the most beautiful purple flowers.
Loni has been with me for years. In the beginning he was the most majestic looking plant but as time would have it, he would die and come back, and die and come back again. This time, he has a new permanent home. He is surrounded by Herculean-like plants that I believe will give him the strength to keep going. I have also made a vow on this pre-Earth day weekend to give him my time and extra care. Hopefully, this will be a good spot for him.
I also replanted some beautiful, boppy looking gerber daisies that Bunnie gave me, who started out looking they were doing the death dance from Dance Interpretation 101and now are sitting boldy in their pot.
Mostly, me and Mr. A decided that since we both love herbs, tomatoes and the like, it would be a good time to test our farming skills along with some catnip for our furry child…stay tuned
Friday, April 11, 2008
Great quote!
“Ninety-eight percent of the adults in this country are decent, hardworking, honest Americans.It’s the other 2 percent that get all the publicity. But then, we elected them.” – Lily Tomlin
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
What will become of them?
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/texassouthwest/stories/DN-polygamists_08tex.ART.State.Edition2.466ebcd.html
I was driving in this morning and listening to Robin Quivers and Howard Stern. They were discussing the news, specifically the 401 (as of this morning) young teenage mothers to baby aged kids that were found on the polygamist compound in Texas.
Upon arriving to work I kept reading. It’s not just horrifying on a moral level, but looking at the pictures of some of the residents of this compound in their 1800’s-era pioneer dresses with hair down to their feet – I just start to wonder – what will become of them?
Living in their isolated world that seemingly believes that everything else but there is full of evil, how will those 400 women and children blend into a society that is certainly laced with evil, but also progressive ways of thinking as well as living?
I was driving in this morning and listening to Robin Quivers and Howard Stern. They were discussing the news, specifically the 401 (as of this morning) young teenage mothers to baby aged kids that were found on the polygamist compound in Texas.
Upon arriving to work I kept reading. It’s not just horrifying on a moral level, but looking at the pictures of some of the residents of this compound in their 1800’s-era pioneer dresses with hair down to their feet – I just start to wonder – what will become of them?
Living in their isolated world that seemingly believes that everything else but there is full of evil, how will those 400 women and children blend into a society that is certainly laced with evil, but also progressive ways of thinking as well as living?
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Change will do you good….
I am not sure if has something to do with being a Scorpio, with being a believer in the strange and ominous ways of the land or if the Lunar Eclipse back in February really did a number on everything or if there is just some other interesting cosmic entity in the air, or hell, if the Full Moon last week REALLY was that strong…but everything feels like it’s changing – in a good way.
I am not sure if it has anything to do with some really interesting books I have been reading lately or the fact that life has been serving me some really interesting moments and opportunities as of late, but man – I feel touched, focused and strangely ethereal by this really cool energy.
Many people I know have been noticing – some things have started; some things have ended (for the better in the long run) and some things are slowly being ignited but mostly, the good euphoric vibe is just creating a good solid change. And whether things are in a state of disarray right this minute, as always, when the chips fall as they may, I think we are all in for some wonderful surprises.
P.S.
I forgot one other BIGGIE:
The Vernal Equinox is a time of balance. These are the days we welcome the light and plant new seeds towards the magical things we want to manifest in the future. According to some legends this time also reflects upon the past and atoning for the mis-deeds of our previous year. Letting go of the things no longer useful or productive to our happiness.
Remember this time is all about:
rebirth
renewal
resurrection
liberation
letting go
sacrifices
choices
responsibility for actions
I am not sure if it has anything to do with some really interesting books I have been reading lately or the fact that life has been serving me some really interesting moments and opportunities as of late, but man – I feel touched, focused and strangely ethereal by this really cool energy.
Many people I know have been noticing – some things have started; some things have ended (for the better in the long run) and some things are slowly being ignited but mostly, the good euphoric vibe is just creating a good solid change. And whether things are in a state of disarray right this minute, as always, when the chips fall as they may, I think we are all in for some wonderful surprises.
P.S.
I forgot one other BIGGIE:
The Vernal Equinox is a time of balance. These are the days we welcome the light and plant new seeds towards the magical things we want to manifest in the future. According to some legends this time also reflects upon the past and atoning for the mis-deeds of our previous year. Letting go of the things no longer useful or productive to our happiness.
Remember this time is all about:
rebirth
renewal
resurrection
liberation
letting go
sacrifices
choices
responsibility for actions
Thursday, March 13, 2008
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