Christmas Eve eve

What a month it’s been! Good thing I had that lazy day to prepare for it!

December 5-7, I was in Palm Springs for a work conference. The hotel was really nice, but I basically hung in my room and worked (TA stuff) when I didn’t have work functions to attend. I enjoy this conference. It’s for managers and above at the company I work for, and they treat us very well.

On Friday, December 9, Han & I had made a plan for me to surprise my folks and drive up for the weekend. He had a lot going on and was going to be busy all weekend, including a gig out in Ramona. We decided that I would drive the truck and he would take Ginger (the Avenger). I drove to work, pulled into my parking spot, and the engine gave out. I couldn’t start it at all. After some hassle with AAA, they towed it from the parking garage to the dealer who told me that it was the fuel pump and that it would cost $1200 to fix it. It was Friday afternoon, and I just didn’t know what to do. The lady at the dealer said I could wait until Monday to decide. Sweet. I did have to go by because I’d forgotten to get my suitcase out of the truck before it was towed. Thankfully, I was able to get a ride from my friend, Tessa, at work.

So we had a decision to make. But first, there was a party to be had. My 40th birthday party. Although my birthday was in November, we scheduled the party for Dec 11 because it fit people’s schedules and the weekend of my birthday had already been very busy. It was a lovely night. All my closest friends, great food, all arranged by Han. Toward the end of the evening, some friends got up and did some of my work. Matt Silvia sang a version of “Ode to My Hair,” Myran Vasquez read “Green Man” and wrote an original haiku for me, Cathryn Beeks read “Fire & Fiddles,” The Lovebirds sang a version of “Blues Drop,” Marcia Claire read “The Kind of Smoker I Would Be,” and Barbara Nesbitt read “The Fire Season.” It was amazing to hear them read my work; their inflections and tone. And I think, for them, they realized that it’s not as easy as it may look to read poetry. They were fabulous, and it was touching beyond words. They also showered me with gifts (wine, gift cards, journals). I can’t thank them enough. And Han, for putting it all together. What a great night.

I had already scheduled to take Monday the 12th off of work. I didn’t want to ruin the vibe of the party with me having to work the next day. It worked out very well, because Han took me to get a rental car, and I arranged to have Lucy (the Dodge truck) donated. I went to the dealer and let them know. Then I was able to go clean her out, grabbing every last shred of paper out of her. I do think I left last year’s holiday CD in the stereo. I hope someone enjoys it. It was raining like crazy, and I was blocking one of the mechanic’s from parking so I didn’t have a chance to say goodbye properly, but the time had come. She was a great truck, but we had put too much money into her over the last couple years, and it didn’t make sense to do it again. Jewish Family Services agreed to take her and so the era of Lucy is over.

The car situation was a bummer. And then, I got sick. I stayed home from work on the 13th, in bed, sleeping most of the day. I felt terrible. I rallied and went into work on Wednesday, and had to get reviews done, and other work stuff. All the while sniffling, coughing, sneezing, and wondering how I was going to get a car.

Well, I cashed in some stock, and Han borrowed some against a future project. We just needed to wait ’til the money was in our accounts to go looking. So I kept the rental car.

The weekend of the 17th was a good one. Not only was it my mom’s 68th birthday, but it was the annual Star of India show. Flan asked me to open the night with a poem so I wrote a new one that day and read it that night. It was a hit and as Flan said, “it set the tone” for the night. It was a great night. I loved hanging out with Barbara before she headed back to Austin. It was a show full of love and happiness.

On Sunday night, we went to a White Elephant party at Cathryn’s. We arrived in the middle of the gift exchange (we knew we’d be late), but we got to see many of our friends and it was really fun.

On Monday, the money was posted to my account. Han had rehearsal all day Monday & Tuesday. Then on Wednesday, I left work around 1:30 pm and Han & I headed for Carmax. We were able to get financed since we were going to make a down payment. I drove away from there in a 2010 Hyundai Elantra I absolutely love it! I will post a picture tomorrow.  After we got the car, we headed to Oasis for the San Diego Troubadour’s annual holiday party. It was really fun. The party is usually held at the home of the publishers, Liz & Kent, but this year, Oasis hosted it. Inside was a more formal listening scene (which is different than it usually is at the house), but outside there were 2 fire pits. We went to hang out around one with our friends, and then some spontaneous bluegrass kicked in. Chris Clarke, a guy on banjo, another guy named Beston, and Robin Henkel ripped through a number of great songs. It was a fine way to end the day.

Then on Thursday, I finished up some errands and stuff at home, then headed up to La Mirada for the weekend. That night, Mom & I went to eat at Red Robin. Then today, we went to Costco (terrible shopping cart drivers), Stater Bros, had lunch from KFC, then went to Office Depot and Target, then I went to pick up Pick Up Stix for dinner. Tomorrow, my dad’s family will come over around 4 pm and we’ll open some gifts. Christmas morning, I’ll open up gifts with Mom & Dad then head home and have Christmas night with Han.

Merry & bright.

the countdown starts

That would be the countdown to 40. I’ve seen other blogs that put lists of x number of things they’d like to do before they turn x, but I thought I’d turn that around and try to come up with 40 things I’ve done in my 40 years. So let’s get started. These are in no particular order.

1. I’m a published poet – I may not be as active as I once was, but I believe my name is still known in some circles. And it’s not over. If I ever get myself a bit more disciplined about the whole thing, there could be more publishing spots in my future.

2. Flashed in public so that only one person saw – I must admit this is a unique talent of mine. It happened more than once, usually at The Ould Sod, a bar I used to frequent nearly every Wednesday for a number of years to see my friends play music. At its peak, there was no other place to be in town. It was always packed and always a good time. I stood in the middle of the bar and Han would be at the front near where the band was. And I’d do it and only Han would notice. Maybe a couple people saw out of the corner of their eye, but it was so fast they wondered if they’d really just seen what they thought. It’s a fun trick

3. Have 500 hours of massage training – I made the decision to attend massage school (Mueller College) when I was terribly depressed by my job at the time. I thought I would make a  career change. I did the classes and paid for it as I went. I think it took about a year and a half. I graduated but never took the final steps of taking the national exam and getting my license. When I really thought about the life of a contract massage therapist, it seemed like a life that I was not prepared for. But Han gets the benefits!

4. Vandalized public property – This is not one of my prouder moments, but it was so out of character, it seems worthy to include. It was in college, with a group of friends. Were we drunk? I don’t remember. We stole a piece of public art that was on a stick and stuck in the ground. It was a carving of a bird. Large. How did we get it back up to our dorm? I don’t remember who did it, but one of us called security anonymously and said where we’d put it (in the laundry room on a different floor). I also remember, around that same time, we somehow got into a building being constructed and messed with the tools and stuff. Like I said, not a good thing. I remember feeling really terrible about the bird. I’m sorry, bird-artist and construction people!

5. Owned a cat – My dear little Shug. I got her when she was a kitten, I don’t remember the year, but I was living in my apartment on 4th Ave in Hillcrest. She stayed with me until I moved in with Han who is allergic. I gave her to a nice family. About a year after I’d given her to them, they contacted me to say they couldn’t keep her anymore. We briefly thought about taking her back, but we couldn’t do it. I don’t know what they ended up doing with her, and I honestly don’t want to know. She was a good kitty, if sometimes a bit crazy. I miss my Shug.

6. Am friends with my family – I like this one. I know so many people who do not get along with their parents or siblings. I know some that do, but it seems like the majority of folks don’t get along with their family. I’m lucky that I consider most of my family, and especially my immediate family, to be friends. I like hanging out with them and catching up with them. They’re good people with good hearts. I’m glad to know them.

7. Have met 2 of my musical favorites: Lucinda Williams and Gillian Welch – I met Lu at The Mint in Los Angeles. My friend, Lisa Sanders, is friends with her and she introduced us. Lu was drunk as could be so it wasn’t the ‘dream meeting’ I might have imagined, but that’s how it is. I saw her again, although didn’t have any interaction with her, when Han & Lisa opened up for her up in Reno. They opened the show and it was awesome, but then Lu stayed on her bus for an hour or something. People started to leave and they announced that the show was cancelled. Then she came out and started playing. People slowly started to drift back in and she played a great show. It was a very surreal, rock ‘n’ roll experience.

I met Gillian after a Belly-Up show shortly after Han had hung out with her & David Rawlings up in LA with our friend, Matt. We chatted for a bit in a group with our other friends. I was a bit star-struck. Then a few days later, I decided to go up to LA to go to a poetry reading where my friend, Mindy Nettifee, was featured. It was in Tarzana and my dad decided to join me. Well, I’ll be damned but who should walk in to the reading but Gillian with Sara Watkins (of Nickel Creek). They performed a short set and for a bit of the reading, Gillian was sitting next to me! I read during the open mic and she heard me read. I think I said something about having met her recently at the Belly-Up and about Han. I have no recollection of what she said, but it’s still a great story

8. Found someone to make a life with – Of course I’m talking about Han. It’s a precarious life, not one that is rooted in routine or common things. Half the things on this list wouldn’t have been possible without him! We come from different backgrounds and have different philosophies about some things, but with other things, we are in sync. He makes me laugh every day, and his talent overwhelms me. I want so much to do whatever I can to help him, and know that he would do the same for me.

Okay, that’s all for now. More on the list tomorrow as the countdown continues!

11-11-11 plus 1

I had the day off yesterday, which pretty much meant I stayed away from silly things like computers. I did make sausage & biscuits for breakfast. And then made crunchy parmesan chicken for late lunch. Yummy. We had a friend over for a brief visit, then had a client meeting (who also happen to be friends). I did some laundry, and we watched some shows (our DVR has decided to just not record some of the shows we have set up to record-irritating).

Then, it was time for the evening events. First stop was downtown San Diego, Hard Rock Cafe, for an appreciation event for our dear friend, Cathryn. Han was the first one on so it was a tough crowd. The area in front of the stage was packed with what looked like high school students visiting San Diego, complete with the waitress yelling out the specials as Han is singing. I don’t know how he managed to pull off a good performance with this woman yelling, “MUSHROOM BURGER!” right in front of him, but he did. Then we had to rush away to La Jolla to attend Eve Selis’s CD release show. The Acoustic Duo were special guests and it was a very good time.

This morning, Han left town again for a few more shows with Flan, tonight in Fresno, then tomorrow and Monday in SF. I also left town, came up here to my folks’ house. Went through some stuff in the garage, then went to pick up Dad at dialysis, then me & Mom went out to dinner at Cha-Cha’s. I stuffed myself and it was good! It was an early birthday dinner (1 week to go!) Then we came back to the house and I began to doze in the chair so I decided to get myself up and update this thing!

That’s all for now. Pretty basic “here’s what I did today” stuff but at least it’s something!

November

Hello November! My 2nd favorite month simply because this is my birth month!

The month didn’t start too well, though. We had to take our truck to the shop, again. It had a dead battery due to clogged fuel injectors or something like that. But it’s all better now, although the pocketbook took a bit of a hit.

This month should be filled with activity. Han’s on the road a bit, then music season starts up, my 40th birthday(!), plus trips up to my folks’ house. Not to mention that work is still pretty busy, and of course the holidays are right around the corner as they say. I still have to watch my 2 Halloween movies (Practical Magic and Hocus Pocus)! Don’t start showing Thanksgiving stuff yet in the stores or on TV, or even worse, Christmas stuff! Take it down a notch, retail world!

This post isn’t very interesting, but it’s NaBloPoMo, and I didn’t want to miss the first day!

Thanksgiving Eve

The weekend with the parents went well.  On Saturday, we had lunch at The Fish Market.  I liked what I got, but it was a bit of overkill on all the fried stuff.  Live & learn. I did insist that they tell the waiter it was my birthday, so they came & sang and delivered a delicious little cake.  I had to share it with everyone because it was so rich.  From there, Han took DK to her friend’s birthday party, so Mom, Dad & I went to Extraordinary Desserts and drove around Little Italy.   Then we came home and basically just sat around watching the Food Network.  They left around 4 pm or so to go to their hotel.

That evening, an Acoustic Duo gig fell through, so Han & I had the evening to ourselves, which was actually a pleasant surprise and a welcome relief.  We’ve been busy!

On Sunday, Mom & Dad came over again.  We watched more Food Network and chatted, then went to Eddie’s Place for lunch. Boy, cheese steaks are filling!  Then we went back home for more lounging, and they left around 4 pm again.

That evening, Rock Band was performing at House of Blues with 13 other local San Diego artists.  The show was broadcast live on KPRI from 8-10 pm.  Rock Band was on at 9 pm so they had a prime spot.  And they rocked those people!  There were 850 people there, so says the hostess, so it was a good night. Everyone was really on.  I had quite a good time and was thrilled with the reaction everyone had.

Monday morning, back to work.  All weekend it was cold & rainy and it pretty much stayed that way.  After work, I did the grocery shopping while Han & DK were out doing clothes shopping for her.  I had to work on my TA class, so they brought home Vallarta Express, yummy Mexican food.

Yesterday was another busy day at work and here at home.  Han is working with different clients, DK was a friend’s house. I still had grading to do. We ended up having Swedish Meatballs (somewhat homemade, but with a sauce packet), which were good, watched some TV, and suddenly it was 10 pm!  Typical.

Today at work, a girl brought in her homemade pumpkin cheesecake and it was divine!  Most everyone took off at noon, but I stayed ’til 2 pm.  Then I took advantage of my extra couple hours to look for something nice to wear to our holiday party and/or in Las Vegas the week after, but to no avail   But I came home and finished my grading and started some laundry.

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and I plan to wake up and watch the parade.  I’m thankful for my family, and am glad they’re all healthy and happy.  I’m thankful for Han and DK.  They round out my life and have given me many things that I thought I might never have.  I’m thankful for my friends, far & wide, many of whom I haven’t spoken to in a while, but I know that we could fall into conversation and a bottle of wine with ease.  That’s a precious thing knowing that’s out there.  I’m thankful that I’m here.

Thirty-fine

Yesterday was my birthday and it was a great day!  It started in the morning with Han.  He gave me a card and a box of See’s Candies that he had hand-picked for me.  Then he gave me another card that had a gift certificate to DG Wills Books, an awesome bookstore in La Jolla.  There was a good story to go along with it.  Han got down there the night before just past 7pm.  The owner, DG, was there talking with someone and had forgotten to close up, so when he saw Han he started to say he was closed but then recognized Han and said to come in.  When Han told him he just wanted a gift certificate, he asked who it was for.  When Han told him, “It’s for Lizzie Wann,” DG said, “Wow, it’s old home week!”  When Han told me that, I couldn’t believe he remembered me.  I did a reading there, it must be 10-12 years ago! It was awesome.

So then I went to work and was serenaded not once, not twice, but six times by various contingents of my co-workers.  I got 2 bottles of wine, a gift card to Borders, a gift card to Outback Steakhouse, and various odds & ends from other people (in the bag of birthday).  For lunch we had Buca di Beppo brought in (delish!) and for dessert, a chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream cake!  Wow!  It was also another co-worker’s birthday so it was a double shot of birthday fun.

When I got home, there were beautiful flowers from Mia.  So thoughtful!  Plus a card from DK with an iTunes gift card, score!  Later DK was off to see the new Harry Potter movie and Han & I went to Red Lobster where we feasted!  As an appetizer we had lobster-artichoke-spinach dip, very decadent.  For our entrees, I had the lobster & shrimp pasta and Han got the steak & lobster special.  Both came with salads and of course, plenty of helpings of the cheddar biscuits!  For dessert, I had cheesecake with strawberries and Han the apple cobbler a la mode.  Wow!  We came home and just relaxed.  I was full and happy and fell asleep early, before DK even got home.  But it was a wonderful birthday!

And today, it will keep going!  My parents are on their way down to San Diego as I type.  They’ll be spending the weekend here which is great, but sadly, the weather is not. It’s rainy and cold here, but I hope it won’t dampen their spirits.  We’ll be heading to the Fish Market for lunch (including Han & DK).  It will be yummy!  And tonight the Acoustic Duo have a house concert in Oceanside.  Should be another great day!

some catching up

I totally get why some folks don’t like posting every day because they don’t feel they have anything exciting to share. That’s how I feel practically every other day of the year!  But I’m happy to say that I have missed posting because I’ve been so busy! I’ll try to catch y’all up…I left things at Thursday.

November 11:
It was a typical work day, nothing too exciting. The big news was the cruise ship Splendor getting tugged into San Diego.  It was all over the news.  Everyone made it seem like they were some kind of heroes.  On Conan, he made a joke about the fanfare the cruisers got while in Chile, 33 miners were going ‘what the hell?’

When I got home, Han’s acoustic partner was over and they were rehearsing for that night’s gig, a tribute to Neil Young. There was a small amount of time between C leaving and when it was time for us to go so we hung out and watched TV.  We went down to Dizzy’s around 8pm.  People were just settling in and the show was about to start.

November 12 is Neil Young’s birthday, so our friend, Chuck, who runs Dizzy’s, put together this 5 x 5 show, 5 artists each covering 5 Neil Young songs.  Sven-Erik Seaholm was first and he killed it on “Cowgirl in the Sand” sitting at his piano.  The Acoustic Duo was on next.  Han was still not feeling very good, but they still delivered.  They did “Roll Another Number,” “Harvest,” “Albuquerque,” “Helpless,” and “Harvest Moon.”  The crowd loved ‘em and it was a great vibe in there.

On their 2nd to last song, “Helpless,” they invited the other performers up on stage with them.  It was cool!

The next performer was Lisa Sanders, who is a dear friend. She’s great.  She invited Han up to play guitar on “Rockin’ in the Free World” and he smoked 3 different solos that literally brought the crowd to their feet at the end of the song.  It was totally thrilling!  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q21G7OoO7B4

Shortly after that, we left and came home. I worked on Han (by that I mean massaged) for a bit and then we went to bed.  That’s a pretty typical routine.

November 12:
Last Friday, we had our department holiday lunch at the Brigantine. It’s become a tradition, though in years past, we’ve done it the Wednesday before Thanksgiving.  Yummy food and it’s a good way to chat with the co-workers at an informal gathering.  After that, I went home and Han & I had a nice evening at home.  He made a pork loin and we just relaxed.  It seems like a really long time since we had an evening just to ourselves where were both feeling good.  It was very nice.

November 13:
Music season returns.  In the morning, it was the Madres breakfast (with delicious bacon!)

    

And later that night, it was a house concert at John & Pattie’s:

  

Since it was so crowded, I spent my time in the ‘green room,’ but there were still some photo opportunities:

     

From there, it was back to Flan’s for another hang-out time.  It was great.  Greasy tacos, great conversation, and a groovy jam.

   

November 14:
Slept ’til noon on Sunday, then rolled over to Cathryn & Jonny’s for their pre-holiday get-together.  It was a Mexican theme and we supplied the chips & salsa.  I even bought chicharones!  It was nice.  I was the first one there so I got a chance to talk with Cathryn for a little bit.  Then when everyone else started arriving, it was more difficult to have one-on-one conversations.  Plus there were quite a few people I didn’t know very well.  Han left around 5:45 pm to go to rehearsal and I left shortly thereafter.  Came home and relaxed, did some grading.  Ended up being pretty mellow.

November 15:
On Monday, Han’s brother got here from Washington to work on acoustic & vocals on his band’s record.  I went grocery shopping and then came home and made dinner.  Did some grading.  It was pretty hectic, but it went well. 

November 16:
Took a half day at work to take care of some legal stuff I had to do.  Han had a cool session.  He recorded Ingrid Croce being interviewed for a podcast with the San Diego Troubadour.  Later, his brother and the guys came in and worked.  I did the same as the night before, grading, made dinner.  We watched “Glee.”  I thought Gwyneth did a great job!  Although I hate that “Umbrella” song so I could have done without that as the last number.

November 17:
Han surprised me when I got home and asked if I wanted to go out to dinner.  I said, yes, of course!  We went to El Zarape, and I had delicious shrimp enchiladas.  Han had chicken fajitas.  DK was over at a friend’s house near that neighborhood, so after dinner we went to pick her up.  When we got home, it was nearly 9 pm!  Thus ensued the TV watching, dozing off part of the evening.  Later I worked on Han a bit, then went to bed.

November 18:
At work, I’ve been involved in a program called “Discovering the Leader in You.”  It was good.  One of those things where you get out of it what you put into it.  Today was the last day and so in mid-December, we’ll have our “graduation.”  I really enjoyed the women who led the meetings/roundtables.  One of the things we had to do was a 360 review where your manager, direct reports, and peers had to fill out a survey about your leadership skills.  It was daunting at first, but then it was okay.  I feel like I have a lot to learn when it comes to leading people, but I have a good idea of what I can do now.

Got home and the boys were just wrapping up their session.  Then shortly after they left, Han announced that he had to go out for a while.  That’s why I have time to finish this monstrous catching up post.  You see, tomorrow is my birthday.  He’s out getting me something.  Though I’m not sure what, and I don’t think he knew really either.  You see, I don’t really want for much.  I don’t covet anything.  Sure, there are certain things I’d like to have but they’re bigger ticket items and not realistic right now.  I believe at work, we’re having lunch brought in.  And tomorrow night, Han & I will go out to dinner to my choice, Red Lobster.  Then Saturday, Mom & Dad are coming and we’re going to the Fish Market.  YUM!  I guess I’m into seafood lately!

I guess the thing I’d like most tomorrow for my birthday is to not have to be in charge of anything and to just be taken care of.  I know that won’t be true at work (my to-do list is very long!)  I have, in the past, taken the day off from work, but I didn’t this year.  The co-workers tend to make the birthday person feel kind of special, even if only for a little bit to sing and have cake.  But I need that right now.

I will try to post tomorrow but won’t promise.  Until next time!

vamos Gigantes

Well, it’s that time of year again.  The challenge to write once a day in November.  I’ll give it my best.

The big thing today is that the San Francisco Giants have a chance to win the World Series tonight.  Why do I care?  Because I happen to be among a circle of friends who know the 3rd base coach, Tim Flannery.  And it would just be one of the coolest things ever to know someone who was part of a World Series championship team.  We’re all pulling for him.  Go Flan!

Another thing that’s going on is that Han’s grandfather passed away a couple weeks ago.  His memorial gathering is happening this Sunday, and then he’ll have military honors in early December.  He was a nice man and he will be missed.  It’s tough on Han, of course, with his father also going less than a year ago.

This month is also my birthday month.  I’m good with it.  It’s been a pretty tough year, more financially than anything else, but with the financial woes come some low moods.  The good thing is I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.  It’s still a few months away, but we should be shaping up pretty good.

For Halloween this year, I was the one and only Janis Joplin.  It was the best $10 I’ve ever spent!  Behold!
(This was taken at work with my friend, Tessa, who was a ‘steampunk.’)

teen sleepover survival

Last night, DK hosted a sleepover with 4 of her friends to celebrate her 13th birthday.  The theme was Movie Night.  Han & I went to the store and purchased popcorn and movie candy, plus some pizzas they could make themselves. DK’s mom provided the cake and some Hello Kitty plates & cups.

The girls arrived around 2 pm and after some music-playing and chatting, it was presents time. After presents, the girls left for the very conveniently timed Clairemont Family day at our nearby park that included carnival rides, live music, and plenty of opportunity for checking out boys.

During this time, Han & I were sequestered in the studio having a marathon of “The Wire.”  When the girls returned, it ws reported that 2 of them had gotten sick from one of the rides (sad!)  But they cleaned up and were ready for the party to continue.  Han & I basically left them alone, coming out of the studio on occasion to check on them, especially if we heard more unusual shrieking than usual, loud banging, or were outright called to come out.

I have to say, it was tough for me to handle.  I was happy to be in the other room.  When one of us would go out, we’d come back and have to just take a deep breath.

We had ice cream cake at midnight (when it officially became her birthday), and then Han & I went to the bedroom to ride out the rest of the night.  He still checked on them throughout the night, finally going to sleep around 3 am when they had ultimately tired out – after drama, crying, laughing, texting, popcorn & candy-eating and movie-watching.

This morning, Han & I (Han mostly) made blueberry pancakes & bacon.  Then, we headed back to the room to let them get themselves ready for their folks to get them.  At one point, I came out and there was a candy trail from our back door to DK’s room, alternating between mini-candy bars and red vines.  Then, one of the girls asked if I wanted a hug. A bit much to take, but then they cleaned up really well and their parents came to get them one by one.

Overall, DK said she had a good time, and she said she didn’t think she would feel anything but that actually, 13 does feel different.  Indeed.

past & future, now

A rough work week.

Sleepover with 5 teenage girls for DK’s birthday.

Padres re-play. Sleep.