I went to see an orthodontist today, because ever since my car accident a few years ago I have noticed that one of my front teeth has been slowly moving out of place. My regular dentist suggested I have it checked out to make sure there isn't something more serious going on. It turns out that it was very good advice, because it could eventually lead to nerve damage if untreated.
But, in order to correct the problem, I am going to have to get braces, as soon as possible. Braces...I am getting close to 40 years old and I am going to have braces like a freakin' teenager - As it is, I get carded now almost every time I go out, somehow I think this is going make it worse.
My brother is going to be so amused, he had to wear full braces for a few years as a teenager, and was quite irritated that I never needed them too. The funny thing is that when I was younger, I really wanted braces, because in my total stupidity, I actually thought it might make me cuter, since it seemed like the most pretty and popular girls had braces. But I got over it, and seeing what my poor brother had to go through, I was pretty glad that I hadn't needed them afterall. It never occurred to me that I would "get my chance" as an adult!
What is not yet known is if the ceramic braces will suffice or if I have to go full metal bracket...I suspect there may be a lot less smiling for a year or so if ceramic won't do the trick. Ultimately it is the difference between Braceface and Metalmouth, because I am pretty sure that I am not getting through this one without some serious teasing.
Smile!
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Monday, March 20, 2006
Rain, Sleet & SNOW!
I knew there was a big strom brewing, so I decided to rent an SUV for safety to drive up to attend the funeral. I left about 7 am, and was literally taken aback at how cold it was when I walked outside. I live barely a block from the beach and was only about a mile away when I realized it wasn't rain or hail sticking to the car, but freakin snow flakes! I started looking around to notice layers of snow on the ground between the orange trees. Slush started building up on the road in front of me and I just couldn't quite believe it!
I pulled over and got a shot of the snow falling and beginning to fill up a field. The temp gauge on the rearview mirror read 32 degrees!
Then, it mostly cleared up for a while but about 30 minutes later I came across several inches of snow everywhere I looked. I got some shots of that too (and will post all pics when I can) I had to get pictures, no one would believe that it was fully snowing in the coastal valleys of California, I barely believe it and I was right in the middle.
It was very lovely and peaceful. probably only because its so rare, but it sure was a beautiful view and a nice little surprise for a long and kind of sad drive. I used to go to the snow with my grandparents a lot, and I had them on my mind with the passing of my uncle, and it just seemed sort of appropriate, if completely out of the ordinary!
:O)
I pulled over and got a shot of the snow falling and beginning to fill up a field. The temp gauge on the rearview mirror read 32 degrees!
Then, it mostly cleared up for a while but about 30 minutes later I came across several inches of snow everywhere I looked. I got some shots of that too (and will post all pics when I can) I had to get pictures, no one would believe that it was fully snowing in the coastal valleys of California, I barely believe it and I was right in the middle.
It was very lovely and peaceful. probably only because its so rare, but it sure was a beautiful view and a nice little surprise for a long and kind of sad drive. I used to go to the snow with my grandparents a lot, and I had them on my mind with the passing of my uncle, and it just seemed sort of appropriate, if completely out of the ordinary!
:O)
Friday, March 10, 2006
R.I.P. Uncle Otis
My Uncle Otis passed away this week and I am heading up to the funeral services tommorrow. Otis was just a great guy, I loved to listen to him talk with the heavy Boston accent he never lost despite living most of his adult life in California. He made me feel so special, so loved and seemed to delight in becoming my substitute grandfather when mine passed away when I was 3. I sadly realize today that I don't know nearly enough about him, and still had about 8 million questions to ask him about my grandparents. Yet, one thing that I keep thinking about is how full and happy and long his life seemed to be. I suspect that he is a larger influence than I realize and may become one of many fabulous people I aspire to emulate. So, if you are so inclined, please take a moment to wish a good thought to his friends and family - and remember to ask and tell your loved ones the important things, while you can.
peace and love! - me
peace and love! - me
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
my brother is just the best
I have been meaning to post these for way too long now - my sweet brother sent me these gorgeous flowers for my birthday and these are the pictures I took of them
Thank you Brother Bear, they were a wonderful, unbelievably thoughful, unexpected surprise!!!
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
big bad ugly
One of the greatest joys of an office stiff is to find that we have been granted the almost holy three day weekend. With all of our advancements in technology, why we haven't all moved to the four day work week, I cannot comprehend! But I digress.
Day 1 - big bad ugly, target, tour:
I was asked if I would be willing to video tape a surf contest on saturday that is called "the big bad ugly" it is called this because the weather usually really sucks this time of year, and the waves at this one spot do get pretty tall.
So I got my ass up at like 6am - which really is a crime on a weekend morning and dragged myself to get hot drinks before heading over to meet my friends and get to work filming. Although rediculously cold, it was a surprisingly clear and sunny sky, especially considering that the weather guesser said it would rain all day.
After filming for a few hours, the storm began blowing in around us, the clear sky gave way to thick dark clouds crowding in and we could actually see the rain falling out on the ocean horizon. When BAM, insane gusts of wind that were almost too much to stand safely in, huge raindrops that we realized were actually hail upon closer inspection, and just all manor of chaos seemed to just explode out of the sky.
Scrambling to get the electronic equipment out of the water and into a dry place while remaining upright, wrestling with my umbrella against the wind and trying not to fall into a puddle was probably quite a sight, however, it was when the wind brutally ripped the umbrella out of my hand, lifted it high over the spectating crowd and then into the ocean right where the surf competition was happening, that everyone is STILL talking about...
So, fully drenched, wind whipping my wet hair into my face, I made the executive decision to get the hell out of there and told my friend to meet me at my house. We tracked heavy, sandy mud everywhere while trying to get into the house, out of the weather, out of the wet clothes and into dry clothing!
It was at this point that we realized it was only 10:30 in the morning! So, we decided it was a good day for a shopping day at "tarjjjaaay" (Target) but on the way, it began to hail again and we noticed there was actual snow in our hills and we decided to stop at the local restaurant to get something to eat, take pictures of the rare snowy hillside and let the storm pass. It was there that we ran into one of the owners, who is also a friend, and is in the process of building a new business very near to the Target store (about 30 minutes away). We mentioned we were planning a trip out there as soon as we finsihed lunch and invited us to stop by the new place and take a tour of the progress they have made.
They are opening the new place on St. Patrick's Day - appropriate since it is an Irish Pub & Grill. After several hours in Target, a few hundred dollars lighter, and many cabinets heavier, we stuffed everything into the trunk and went to get some dinner. The restaurant we chose is right next to the new place, so we stopped in as soon as we finished eating.
The new place is very cool, it has an antique bar, sidewalk seating, a huge covered outdoor dancefloor and stage, a patio with fire pits and there is just a generally good vibe to place. Add that the owners have been good friends to me, good customers of my side business and have been working night and day to open on time, and it was hard not to be terribly excited for them.
Truthfully, I feel honored that they have shared so much of their dream with me. It was about a year ago that they told me how they have always wanted to own an Irish Pub and then in mid December that they told me that had purchased a new place and that they wanted me to help them. I did a walk through of the building when they closed escrow and here we are less than a month away from the grand opening.
That was day one of the three day weekend!
Day 2 - putter, build, build, build, organize
So, I spent Sautrday building the new shelves I had purchased the day before. My house is very old and the rooms are fairly small, my kitchen us an odd very narrow room with a tiny ancient stove, horribly dark and poorly designed cabinets, faded wood paneling walls, saved only barely by a beautiful bay window that has shelves built in for growing plants indoors at the end closest to the front of the house.
The shelves will serve multiple puposes, storage, decoration, hiding the hideous walls and lightening the room up a bit. It took me all day to put them all together and to get everything I had taken out of the kitchen back in, but I did manage to get it all done. I am quite pleased with the results so far, and very much looking forward to having more time to continue my early spring cleaning.
Day 3 - nada - tea, read a book - fabulous!
It is very rare that I allow myself to just "do nothing," it seems there is a never ending list of things I am always behind on at any given moment. But I decided to think of Monday as a "free" day. It was still pretty cold, but very clear and sunny. I drove into town and got a hot tea and then took out a new book and parked myself on the breaker wall on the beach and read for about 3 hours. It was just so lazy and lovely, and seemed so decadent. As always in a town so small, I ran into several firends and aquaintences along the way and ended up going in to our little bar to have an adult beverage and an appetizer with a couple of friends.
I was home by 5:30pm and decided to make a big batch of chicken tortellini soup, since it seemed like the perfect end to a slightly chilly day. When finished, I ate a big bowl and watched Sunday night TV and promptly fell asleep on the couch!
It was definately one of the nicest, most relaxing weekends I have had in a long time. Again, why can't we go to the four day workweek?
Ciao!
Day 1 - big bad ugly, target, tour:
I was asked if I would be willing to video tape a surf contest on saturday that is called "the big bad ugly" it is called this because the weather usually really sucks this time of year, and the waves at this one spot do get pretty tall.
So I got my ass up at like 6am - which really is a crime on a weekend morning and dragged myself to get hot drinks before heading over to meet my friends and get to work filming. Although rediculously cold, it was a surprisingly clear and sunny sky, especially considering that the weather guesser said it would rain all day.
After filming for a few hours, the storm began blowing in around us, the clear sky gave way to thick dark clouds crowding in and we could actually see the rain falling out on the ocean horizon. When BAM, insane gusts of wind that were almost too much to stand safely in, huge raindrops that we realized were actually hail upon closer inspection, and just all manor of chaos seemed to just explode out of the sky.
Scrambling to get the electronic equipment out of the water and into a dry place while remaining upright, wrestling with my umbrella against the wind and trying not to fall into a puddle was probably quite a sight, however, it was when the wind brutally ripped the umbrella out of my hand, lifted it high over the spectating crowd and then into the ocean right where the surf competition was happening, that everyone is STILL talking about...
So, fully drenched, wind whipping my wet hair into my face, I made the executive decision to get the hell out of there and told my friend to meet me at my house. We tracked heavy, sandy mud everywhere while trying to get into the house, out of the weather, out of the wet clothes and into dry clothing!
It was at this point that we realized it was only 10:30 in the morning! So, we decided it was a good day for a shopping day at "tarjjjaaay" (Target) but on the way, it began to hail again and we noticed there was actual snow in our hills and we decided to stop at the local restaurant to get something to eat, take pictures of the rare snowy hillside and let the storm pass. It was there that we ran into one of the owners, who is also a friend, and is in the process of building a new business very near to the Target store (about 30 minutes away). We mentioned we were planning a trip out there as soon as we finsihed lunch and invited us to stop by the new place and take a tour of the progress they have made.
They are opening the new place on St. Patrick's Day - appropriate since it is an Irish Pub & Grill. After several hours in Target, a few hundred dollars lighter, and many cabinets heavier, we stuffed everything into the trunk and went to get some dinner. The restaurant we chose is right next to the new place, so we stopped in as soon as we finished eating.
The new place is very cool, it has an antique bar, sidewalk seating, a huge covered outdoor dancefloor and stage, a patio with fire pits and there is just a generally good vibe to place. Add that the owners have been good friends to me, good customers of my side business and have been working night and day to open on time, and it was hard not to be terribly excited for them.
Truthfully, I feel honored that they have shared so much of their dream with me. It was about a year ago that they told me how they have always wanted to own an Irish Pub and then in mid December that they told me that had purchased a new place and that they wanted me to help them. I did a walk through of the building when they closed escrow and here we are less than a month away from the grand opening.
That was day one of the three day weekend!
Day 2 - putter, build, build, build, organize
So, I spent Sautrday building the new shelves I had purchased the day before. My house is very old and the rooms are fairly small, my kitchen us an odd very narrow room with a tiny ancient stove, horribly dark and poorly designed cabinets, faded wood paneling walls, saved only barely by a beautiful bay window that has shelves built in for growing plants indoors at the end closest to the front of the house.
The shelves will serve multiple puposes, storage, decoration, hiding the hideous walls and lightening the room up a bit. It took me all day to put them all together and to get everything I had taken out of the kitchen back in, but I did manage to get it all done. I am quite pleased with the results so far, and very much looking forward to having more time to continue my early spring cleaning.
Day 3 - nada - tea, read a book - fabulous!
It is very rare that I allow myself to just "do nothing," it seems there is a never ending list of things I am always behind on at any given moment. But I decided to think of Monday as a "free" day. It was still pretty cold, but very clear and sunny. I drove into town and got a hot tea and then took out a new book and parked myself on the breaker wall on the beach and read for about 3 hours. It was just so lazy and lovely, and seemed so decadent. As always in a town so small, I ran into several firends and aquaintences along the way and ended up going in to our little bar to have an adult beverage and an appetizer with a couple of friends.
I was home by 5:30pm and decided to make a big batch of chicken tortellini soup, since it seemed like the perfect end to a slightly chilly day. When finished, I ate a big bowl and watched Sunday night TV and promptly fell asleep on the couch!
It was definately one of the nicest, most relaxing weekends I have had in a long time. Again, why can't we go to the four day workweek?
Ciao!
Things in my pocket
Recently, I have unconsciously started the habit of folding things up and placing them into one of my pockets, most often my jeans. By itself, this isn't so bad, especially when its money, it's like your washing machine becomes the magical ATM, but moments ago I made a grim discovery. I was placing my hands into my back pockets as I began a chat with a co-worker and my fingers encountered a papery substance that I then pulled out. I discovered a condensed wad of been through the machine pressed and dried pulp. At first, I chuckled and thought, "oh look, I have accidentally washed something!" and then the realization hit, "oh shit, what did I wash!?"
I conduct a fair amount of my side business networking in my non office hours, and often get potential client phone numbers and email addresses via small pieces of paper that are easily found to scribble quickly on. I do this so often, that I literally have absolutely no idea what or who may have been on this little mashed up wad. Just the deduction alone of trying to figure out, when I last wore these particular jeans prior to washing them will take many more minutes than I have in any given day.
A few times, when this has occasionally happened on the past, I have been fortunate enough to have been able to ever so carefully seperate the pressed sheets and if the implement was a ballpoint pen, recover what was written. The item I found today, sadly, is unrecoverable. The overwhelming feeling that I have lost something important is drving me a little crazy but the idea that I may let a client down or have lost precious business is just making me ill. Argh!! Yet another bad habit I must conquer! :O)
What really floors me about this is that I can't seem to get the most basic cleansing of the most superficial spots on my clothing in my washing machine, yet a carefully folded piece of paper trapped inside of two pieces of clothing comes out pristine.
Unfreakingbelievable!
I conduct a fair amount of my side business networking in my non office hours, and often get potential client phone numbers and email addresses via small pieces of paper that are easily found to scribble quickly on. I do this so often, that I literally have absolutely no idea what or who may have been on this little mashed up wad. Just the deduction alone of trying to figure out, when I last wore these particular jeans prior to washing them will take many more minutes than I have in any given day.
A few times, when this has occasionally happened on the past, I have been fortunate enough to have been able to ever so carefully seperate the pressed sheets and if the implement was a ballpoint pen, recover what was written. The item I found today, sadly, is unrecoverable. The overwhelming feeling that I have lost something important is drving me a little crazy but the idea that I may let a client down or have lost precious business is just making me ill. Argh!! Yet another bad habit I must conquer! :O)
What really floors me about this is that I can't seem to get the most basic cleansing of the most superficial spots on my clothing in my washing machine, yet a carefully folded piece of paper trapped inside of two pieces of clothing comes out pristine.
Unfreakingbelievable!
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
the extra large football game
At first, it was a little hard for me to get excited about a superbowl that did not include the Raiders, but I found reasons to support the teams that were going.
Seattle is near and dear to my heart, my Aunt and her family live there and I have visited many times. In fact, I was there visiting a few years ago when they demolished the old superdome, making way for the new one, which seems to have inspired the team.
And Pittsburg is a neighbor to the town where my Stepdad grew up, and he is passionate about the Steelers. My stepdad is a really cool guy, and there isn't much that he really gets excited about, so I was just excited for him.
So, I went into the game feeling like it would be nice if either team won, and it would be a little sad for the losing team. It was a decent game, and I was correct, it was good that the Steelers won and a little sad that Seattle didn't. But the real bummer, is how much controversy has been flying around since. I have seen many stories about how the rules need to change, that Seattle got robbed, that Pittsburg should feel a hollow victory, etc. Since I would have been happy either way, I feel impartial - yes there were some questionable calls, but I am not a referee and I don't have access to the video footage they do, so I have to trust them to do their best. It isn't good for anybody, to Monday morning referee. Instead, why not focus on how to make improvements going forward.
Like making sure the Raiders are at the Super Bowl next year - heh heh :)
Seattle is near and dear to my heart, my Aunt and her family live there and I have visited many times. In fact, I was there visiting a few years ago when they demolished the old superdome, making way for the new one, which seems to have inspired the team.
And Pittsburg is a neighbor to the town where my Stepdad grew up, and he is passionate about the Steelers. My stepdad is a really cool guy, and there isn't much that he really gets excited about, so I was just excited for him.
So, I went into the game feeling like it would be nice if either team won, and it would be a little sad for the losing team. It was a decent game, and I was correct, it was good that the Steelers won and a little sad that Seattle didn't. But the real bummer, is how much controversy has been flying around since. I have seen many stories about how the rules need to change, that Seattle got robbed, that Pittsburg should feel a hollow victory, etc. Since I would have been happy either way, I feel impartial - yes there were some questionable calls, but I am not a referee and I don't have access to the video footage they do, so I have to trust them to do their best. It isn't good for anybody, to Monday morning referee. Instead, why not focus on how to make improvements going forward.
Like making sure the Raiders are at the Super Bowl next year - heh heh :)
Friday, February 03, 2006
When I grow up, I want to be him
The Dali Lama seems to me to be the most peaseful and truly joyful man. Just looking at the happiness radiating in his face makes me smile. I would love to have that serenity and that kind of pure joy.
Monday, January 30, 2006
Why I live here
I woke up yesterday morning in a quiet mood, wanting to do something other than stay at home, but not up for much interaction with others. It seemed like a good Sunday for breakfast, so I called my best friend and asked her if she felt like meeting me. We went to a nicer place that has Sunday brunch past 11am, complete with a grand piano and player and mimosa's. Since were close to my favorite hiking spot, we decided to head out there and do a little walking. It was just an amazing day out there, partly sunny, partly foggy, very still and calm, and so full of beautiful colors, almost every shade of blue, green and grey one could imagine. We walked along the bluff for a while and then found a spot to just kick back and watch the waves - which were huge and spraying water everywhere as it hit the rocks ashore. All told we were probably out there for about 3 hours, and it was just so good for the soul.
Next we decided to drive out to a spot on the other side of the county where you can take a back road out to a cliff that looks out over the entire county in every direction, it was breathtaking. Even with the fog rolling in, there was an incredible beauty to being surrounded by and slightly above marshmellowy clouds. It felt a little bit like stepping into heaven. (see picture above) I think in the future though, it might be better to make that trip in a four wheel drive, as opposed to a Honda Civic. :)
Next we stopped at the grocery store on the way home to get some salad and other items to complete what I had at home to make dinner. To my shock, it was only 5:30pm when I got home. We did all that I described above, and all the driving in between in like 5 hours, and it felt like I had been to 2 different countries. Just one of many reasons that I love living here, that you can do so much, see so much, have so many adventures, in just one day. :)
Friday, January 20, 2006
Holy Canoli!
How did it get to be the end of January already? Time hasn't just been flying, its been evaporating! This will be the first weekend in several that I don't have family visiting, I am not away visiting family or that I am not too ill to go anywhere. I feel like if I blink, its going to be Christmas again already, and I will have no idea how I got to 2007.
I had intended to take a real vacation during the week between Christmas and New Year. You know, the kind where you actually go away, somewhere relaxing and maybe even tropical, with those fancy umbrella beverages and really tan smiling people wandering around...But although I had time off from the office, I had been given good reason to believe that I had better use that time to find new ways to generate income and certainly shouldn't spend any more money...So I didn't go away.
On the bright side, just not commuting to and going into the office was a nice little break, and I somehow managed to stay fairly cheerful even with the threat of losing my job upon returning. On the less bright side, it does not appear that I was given the correct facts which is mostly a blessing but also a bit of a bummer (all things considered), and I find myself fully embedded back into the daily grind without the benefit of a much needed and dreamed about get-a-way.
Which is probably why I got so frelling sick as soon as I returned to work, a person can only do and take so much before the body says "uncle"! This is a nasty flu that's been going around, it lasts a good couple of weeks, so make sure you are taking your vitamins and washing your hands.
As always, I still managed to experience the interesting. I'll have to go all the way back to December 1 to catch it all up, since I wasn't very diligent in recording the holiday events this year.
Annual Holiday Parade:
I think this was the most festive and definitely held the most true holiday feeling I had all season. There is something good about wrapping up, standing outside among your community, drinking hot chocolate, singing cheesy songs and watching little kids have a blast. It was however, really cold, so we were about to call it an evening when we ran into some friends, which led to a fun night out, where I ran into several more people I know, met some very nice new folks and re-connected with a friend from college I didn't even know lived here. It was all just very holiday.
Annual Lighted Boat Parade:
I love the boat parade, it is probably my favorite holiday happening, but certainly one of them. It was little this year, not very many boats, but still so beautiful to watch the lights glide across the water. We tried something new this year, and went to a small wine and cheese event a local wine shop was putting on that has a large window right on the water parade path. It was fun, and the people were very nice, but I felt a little too removed from it all. Much like going to a baseball game and sitting in a luxury box, you are just too far away from the real action. Next year, I think we will have to go back to outdoor viewing.
Annual Locals Holiday Party:
I think its quite safe to say that a good time was had by all. There was much merriment, dancing and local bonding. There is video evidence, 2 hours of blackmail worthy footage, and I somehow ended up getting volunteered to edit it - since I am one of the few people who has a clue about what should be removed to protect the innocent and the wicked for that matter. I can safely say that if it were to get out in its present state, I am safe, as I was both only drinking lightly and was wisely avoiding the camera like the plague :)
Christmas with the family:
It was nice to be home at Christmas and to be with my family. As always, every plan changed, chaos ruled and drama occurred, and yet, it was still lovely. I felt like I actually got to spend some real quality time with each set of parents, with my brother and with my grandma. Grandma is really losing it now, she can't remember what my name is or how I am related to her, but she seems to still be able to recognize that she knows and loves me, at least. It is a sad disease in many ways, but I have to say that she seems generally happy, doesn't seem to miss what she is missing and that is a comfort.
Two gifts that I received were really special to me and must be mentioned:
a) my great grandmothers pasta maker from Italy
b) the epic "rock star" suit I have been begging my father to give me for 20+ years
New Years Eve:
I decided that NYE was the most perfect occasion to wear the jacket of the epic rock star suit mentioned above. It is amazing how a piece of clothing can create a feeling, something about that jacket is truly magical and that is how I felt wearing it. It is not so much that any one thing particularly special happened, it was just a whole evening of joyful occurences. I love that end of the year, new beginning feeling, it is the best!
Last, but not least, my birthday:
I was still pretty ill and just not feeling very festive about it this year and even with that, my friends and family made it very special. My brother sent me a beautiful bouquet of flowers that just made my day, my co-workers took me out for a great lunch, both sets of parents got a visit in and some friends kidnapped me to champagne brunch on the following Sunday. What more could a girl ask for!!
And on that note, I am signing off and heading out to my weekend. Have a great weekend all!!
I had intended to take a real vacation during the week between Christmas and New Year. You know, the kind where you actually go away, somewhere relaxing and maybe even tropical, with those fancy umbrella beverages and really tan smiling people wandering around...But although I had time off from the office, I had been given good reason to believe that I had better use that time to find new ways to generate income and certainly shouldn't spend any more money...So I didn't go away.
On the bright side, just not commuting to and going into the office was a nice little break, and I somehow managed to stay fairly cheerful even with the threat of losing my job upon returning. On the less bright side, it does not appear that I was given the correct facts which is mostly a blessing but also a bit of a bummer (all things considered), and I find myself fully embedded back into the daily grind without the benefit of a much needed and dreamed about get-a-way.
Which is probably why I got so frelling sick as soon as I returned to work, a person can only do and take so much before the body says "uncle"! This is a nasty flu that's been going around, it lasts a good couple of weeks, so make sure you are taking your vitamins and washing your hands.
As always, I still managed to experience the interesting. I'll have to go all the way back to December 1 to catch it all up, since I wasn't very diligent in recording the holiday events this year.
Annual Holiday Parade:
I think this was the most festive and definitely held the most true holiday feeling I had all season. There is something good about wrapping up, standing outside among your community, drinking hot chocolate, singing cheesy songs and watching little kids have a blast. It was however, really cold, so we were about to call it an evening when we ran into some friends, which led to a fun night out, where I ran into several more people I know, met some very nice new folks and re-connected with a friend from college I didn't even know lived here. It was all just very holiday.
Annual Lighted Boat Parade:
I love the boat parade, it is probably my favorite holiday happening, but certainly one of them. It was little this year, not very many boats, but still so beautiful to watch the lights glide across the water. We tried something new this year, and went to a small wine and cheese event a local wine shop was putting on that has a large window right on the water parade path. It was fun, and the people were very nice, but I felt a little too removed from it all. Much like going to a baseball game and sitting in a luxury box, you are just too far away from the real action. Next year, I think we will have to go back to outdoor viewing.
Annual Locals Holiday Party:
I think its quite safe to say that a good time was had by all. There was much merriment, dancing and local bonding. There is video evidence, 2 hours of blackmail worthy footage, and I somehow ended up getting volunteered to edit it - since I am one of the few people who has a clue about what should be removed to protect the innocent and the wicked for that matter. I can safely say that if it were to get out in its present state, I am safe, as I was both only drinking lightly and was wisely avoiding the camera like the plague :)
Christmas with the family:
It was nice to be home at Christmas and to be with my family. As always, every plan changed, chaos ruled and drama occurred, and yet, it was still lovely. I felt like I actually got to spend some real quality time with each set of parents, with my brother and with my grandma. Grandma is really losing it now, she can't remember what my name is or how I am related to her, but she seems to still be able to recognize that she knows and loves me, at least. It is a sad disease in many ways, but I have to say that she seems generally happy, doesn't seem to miss what she is missing and that is a comfort.
Two gifts that I received were really special to me and must be mentioned:
a) my great grandmothers pasta maker from Italy
b) the epic "rock star" suit I have been begging my father to give me for 20+ years
New Years Eve:
I decided that NYE was the most perfect occasion to wear the jacket of the epic rock star suit mentioned above. It is amazing how a piece of clothing can create a feeling, something about that jacket is truly magical and that is how I felt wearing it. It is not so much that any one thing particularly special happened, it was just a whole evening of joyful occurences. I love that end of the year, new beginning feeling, it is the best!
Last, but not least, my birthday:
I was still pretty ill and just not feeling very festive about it this year and even with that, my friends and family made it very special. My brother sent me a beautiful bouquet of flowers that just made my day, my co-workers took me out for a great lunch, both sets of parents got a visit in and some friends kidnapped me to champagne brunch on the following Sunday. What more could a girl ask for!!
And on that note, I am signing off and heading out to my weekend. Have a great weekend all!!
Saturday, January 07, 2006
Happy New Year and all that
Happy New Year!!
I haven't posted much because I took a vacation from work between Christmas and New Years Day, it was good to have a break, its been a while since I have taken time off. Then my parents were down here visiting and I got the flu the second day they were here and have been more or less down for the count since, so I haven't been on the computer much in the past 2+ weeks, for the first time in years! But, I think maybe it was good to take a break from it too :O)
I haven't really made any resolutions, but I do have high hopes for this year and a few tentative plans for things I would like to accomplish. So, cheers - here's hoping its the beginning of a great new year for all and that all our hopes and dreams come true!
Monday, December 19, 2005
this is not me
while showing a client some sample picture options, one came up on the screen that caused everyone in the room to turn and look at me. I sware, this isn't me, but for those of you who know me, it is a little creepy isn't it, how much this resembles me??!!
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
blog neglect
Iknow, I know, I have been a bad blog keeper.
Mostly, I just haven't had very much free time, between the holiday and travelling for work a lot lately, blog time has been sparse. Additionally, we have been going thru a lot of org changes and dramas at work recently, and I am hestitant to write too much publicly about it.
I will try to be better :)
Mostly, I just haven't had very much free time, between the holiday and travelling for work a lot lately, blog time has been sparse. Additionally, we have been going thru a lot of org changes and dramas at work recently, and I am hestitant to write too much publicly about it.
I will try to be better :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
