ENGAGED!

As of this last Sunday the 19th, I am now officially girl with Feyonce’ in tow!

Obviously, the past few months have been so difficult and while we have been taking time off and planning a trip in a few weeks, I was a little shocked when Alex asked me if I could take last Monday and Tuesday off. His words, not mine, “We NEED to get away.” Hardly one to say no that, I wistfully took the time off. But where were we going?

When I asked our plans, with a little, “heh heh” under his breath, he said to pack clothes to hike in and dresses to go out in. Hmmm.

We left on Sunday morning for a drive that seemed like we were heading north up the coast. When we turned onto the pike that read, “Yosemite,” I thought we were heading for a camp ground and got really quiet.

Sometime I will write about my last camping experience, but let's just say it is NOT my idea of 'getting away.' More about that another day...but for at least a ½ hour, I was dismally quiet as Alex kept giggling and saying, “Aw...what's wrong??”

Then as we headed up through the mountain passes, I started thinking out loud...”Is this where you are going to throw my body after you kill me?? I mean, really, no one would EVER find me here if you threw me to nature.”

More laughter.

The we started to see mountains and gasp – water falls that just rushed out of the mountains. I started going picture crazy when Alex reminded me there was a lot more to see...




After being in awe of my surroundings, we arrived at our destination and I started to really cry – in happiness.

The Ahwahnee (website words, not mine):

The Ahwahnee shines as Yosemite National Park’s distinctive Four-Diamond hotel.  Known for its magnificent façade, and architecture, The Ahwahnee was specifically designed to highlight its natural surroundings, featuring Yosemite Falls, Half Dome and Glacier Point.  The destination of queens and presidents alike, The Ahwahnee offers a perfect balance of history, hospitality and elegance.



Kids, this place was more than I could have ever bargained for as a little “getaway.”

We dropped our bags off as our room wasn't ready and started wandering around the grounds. Everywhere we walked, there was something new to be in awe over – mountains surrounded us whist within each mountain there were more waterfalls. Streams were nearby and redwood trees that looked like they reached heaven.
After having nature moments for a ½ hour, we sauntered into the Ahwahnee bar. We each had a glass of the Ahwahnee wine, when I decided to brave it and go for a real cocktail: the El Capatini:




El Capitini – The First Ascent (Classic Size Only)
Absolut Vodka, Cointreau & Pomegranate - “Topped Off” with celebratory Champagne, Sugar Rim & Orange Twist Climber’s Knot This drink “ROCKS”.  Created by our bar staff to commemorate the first ascent of El Capitan fifty years ago in November 1958.  The climbing party included Wayne Merry, the founder of the Yosemite Mountaineering School.   Served with a keepsake carabineer.


Dudes, this drink was NOT for the wusses. A few sips of this and I was a whirling dervish. I was sucking in the great outdoors and all her beautiful natural landscape, laughing with my man and deciding that even I should not continue drinking this...and then Alex said, “our room is probably ready, let's head back to get ready for dinner.”

We headed back and walked down a little woodsy path to our room, absorbing the beauty around us when suddenly, Alex turned to me, started to kneel down as he slid a ring on my finger and said, “Will you be my wife?”

Me: (choking up) YES YES, YES (tears!!) YES!!

The ring fit perfectly. Then the real crying started. Was I dreaming? I couldn't believe it!

Alex then said, “This ring was my mom's engagement ring...she gave it to me for you and only you. You will hear the whole story over dinner.”

It was as if all of these happy emotions, sentimental feelings and a vision of a lifetime had all wrapped themselves up in this little ring and I could not stop staring at it. And now the man who will be my husband was giving it to me.

The more I looked at the ring, the more it made me cry. Tears of joy. Tears of honor. I went to call my Dad – which was a feat in itself as there was little to know phone reception and I was crying like a banshee. As I was talking to him, I heard a familiar, “MAMA” and looked over to see Alex's sister C and one of her little guys sneaking into nearby cottage. She and her brood were going to surprise me for dinner!

That night at our beautiful dinner in the most amazing room in the lodge, C told me that her mother loved jewelry and over then years had gotten some crazy, brilliant pieces but her engagement ring (which W had gotten her in Italy almost 40 years ago next month) was her favorite piece and she'd given it to Alex for me.

I couldn't be happier -- on every level this life is pretty darn beautiful.

Here are some highlights of our beautiful place of engagement!

Loss

This is something I NEVER wanted to write – and didn't think I would for many years:

This Friday, it will be a month since the world lost Zora.

Where do I begin?

Zora was Alex’s mother – and mother to Alex’s wonderful sister, wife to their dad and Nana to three of the cutest little boys you’ve ever laid your eyes on. She was also a friend to so many, you couldn’t even count. Everyone who knew Zora understood the groundwork: unconditional, friend to anyone she spoke to, and helper to all.

I will never forget when Alex said to me, “I can’t wait for you to meet my mom…you’ll love her.” In some instances, this would be the greatest red flag to a girl and in my experience it could mean that the umbilical cord has not been cut or that Mama has great hold on Junior. I was a little nervous and cautious but knowing and trusting Alex, I was open. Then I met his mom – and understood.

Zora was like a light force in the Universe. She walked through her life helping, giving, laughing and smiling whilst her goodness was being spread. She was more than Alex could have ever described and yes, I did love her, instantly.

There was no fear of her. She accepted me quickly and when I was put under her wing, I felt like I was in the position of honor.

When I saw Zora and Alex together, I understood. They were as close as a son and mom could be. The two of them could hang around for hours. They talked all the time and they were really good friends. Old pictures of Alex being a little boy dictate this as well. There is a great picture of them from a few years back – they are about a foot apart and Alex’s hands are out in a talking manner and Zora is laughing. It is exactly as they were.

Zora and I always had poignant conversations -- about people, about ghosts and horoscopes, about our lives. I loved when she spoke of her kids and all of the light they brought to her. She knew them in the deepest personal way. Alot of parents lose sight of who their kids really are, but even as adults, she knew both of her kids on a whole other level. They were close friends beyond just being mother and child.

She understood people in general, and as her daughter said, she looked at the good in people -- not that she was naive, but that her focus was on the good parts.

The first Christmas after my mother died, Zora and Alex’s father W invited my father and I to their home in Vegas. My dad is not a person that has ever been guested by strangers, but I assured him he would be comfortable.

Zora not only was the best hostess, but she went out of her way to make Yugoslavian foods that my father hadn’t eaten in years along with enough Potica (Slovenian walnut bread) to send to my siblings.

My father was also touched that Zora brought out my old love of cooking / baking and were like a team in the kitchen…we were literally on the lockdown for hours. But it was never work. We chatted. We laughed. We even cried once or twice. And I learned a great deal in those times behind the scenes…and my father, who again, rarely stayed with strangers, had the best time. He felt at home and laughed with them and enjoyed every minute on his adventure.

The weekend of Father’s day, we were supposed to go visit Zora and W in Vegas. The Monday before (June 15), Alex’s sister called saying no one had heard from Zora all day.

This might seem odd for most, but again, Zora had 100’s of friends…she could be anywhere. But there was something deep down that felt wrong. After W made some calls, we found out she’d been in the hospital ½ of the day. What.the.fuck?

Alex drove out the next morning. I stayed back thinking I would be going out there the following week to help her get back to normal. I thought it was just a little stroke and there would be rehabilitation. I thought I would just be around to help nurse her back to health. I just assumed she would be fine in a few weeks.

By the time Alex arrived, I’d already bought a ticket to fly out. There was a feeling of urgency every time I spoke with another family member. Alex’s sister, whose brood was sick, was also caring for her new 6-week old baby but made the trek with her family.

I can only say those were the two cruelest days I’d ever experienced and watching her family was heartbreaking. When I looked at her two children, who were both the loves of her life, I just wished I could take all of their pain away…

She died the night of the June 17th at 10:22 PM.

The days that followed were just utter craziness. No sleep. A memorial in Vegas. Rushing home, going to work with my head in a dark bucket and trying to digest the emptiness. Tons of flowers, cards and phone calls came. Friends came around and listened, cried and helped SO much. The memorial in L.A. at our house was beautiful, especially when Alex’s sister delivered the most heartfelt, tear-jerking speech about her mother. Our little home was at full capacity. We expected 80 people and got about 130. Neighbors who were virtual strangers came to tell stories of her and her ways of getting involved and helping. Friends cried, family held each just a little closer. Stories were told. There was a little laughter and a lot of tears, along with food, drink and so many desserts, some I’d forgotten about until the next morning…

And then it was quiet.

I had just said a few months back to Bunnie, that the day something happened to Zora, it would be the worst thing her family could go through.

This doesn’t even really cover it. There is SO much more to say.

Having lost my own mother, I know how hard this all is, but with terminal disease, your mourning comes out in different moments, and when the time comes that they are taken from you, there is a strange feeling of peace. You’re sad, but you know it’s inevitable.

This was not anything close. She was only 63. She was so present. She was so involved with so many people in so many ways. She was so full of life, light and love.

While I am so grateful for the time I had knowing her, there was so much more I wanted to learn from her. I am happy that my father and sister and a few close friends knew her and adored her, too but I wanted my other family members and friends to know her. Her children were not through getting great advice, telling her their secrets, laughing with her or getting fed from the best cook on the planet. They weren't through with any part of her. Her friends weren’t done laughing with her, playing penny slots, cooking, getting real estate advice or just advice in general…

I think everyone feels robbed. I know I do.

The Gish Sisters

Early screen stars Dorothy and Lillan Gish with their mother, early 1900's.



The Gish sisters in their teens...

Ziegfeld girl circa 1915

Breathtaking...

These make me happy...

this is the best bad day lifter evar...

Kingsford Goes to the Beach - Amazing videos are here

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!

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!!!

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!!!

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

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.

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.

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.

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:

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.

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

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

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 :)

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

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