darn it all

I’ve already bombed out on NaBloPoMo, but I’ll try to make it up. Plus I think I have a good reason.

Here’s what happened. Yesterday, I went to the grocery store after work. Actually, both Target and the grocery store because Target is much cheaper on most of the staples. With the time change, it was already dark when I got home. I’ve also been having this strange numbness in my left thigh and it was acting up. There was still dinner to make and work to do. I sat down on the couch for a minute or two, and I felt my heart start pounding, my breathing became irregular and tears came to my eyes. I think I had a small panic attack.

Han sent me to the bedroom immediately to lie down and relax while he made dinner. I recovered quickly and am fine now, but it was weird. I already had a doctor appointment scheduled for Monday, but I just changed it to Thursday. I’ll be sure to bring up all of these occurrences then. Weird.

I got up and ate dinner, watched the baseball game and then I went to sleep around 9:30 pm. Like I said, today I feel fine, but I’m glad I could switch my appointment. So that’s my story of why I didn’t post yesterday.

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I also feel terrible that I didn’t complete all of my “haunted” posts in October. I even had something figured out for all the remaining days! I’ll try to slip them in throughout November, too, because they were good ones!

For Halloween, I was Bellatrix Lastrange from Harry Potter. It was all homemade but it worked. Here’s a group shot from a party I went to. On my left arm that’s extended is the Dark Mark, done in sharpie by one of my co-workers. In my right hand, I’m holding my “wand,” a stick from a tree in our front yard. This photo is also on Facebook if you want to see it bigger.

Okay, so here’s one of the things I was going to post for “haunted” and it fits in with what I did during the day of Halloween. It’s all the ‘reality’ ghost shows that are on: Ghost Hunters, Ghost Lab, Ghost Adventures. During Halloween day, I watched a marathon of Ghost Hunters. I just love it! And a week or two ago, I saw an episode of Ghost Lab from New Orleans that was really cool. They are both basically the same kind of set-up, but I’m a believer and these kinds of shows help validate that!

Until next time.

 

an extended break (with some pain)

It’s been entirely too long between posts for any self-respecting blogger. Sorry for that. What can I say? Life gets in the way much more than I ever imagined it might. Or I’m tired, or I tell myself there’s something else I should be doing. It’s a recurring story. What can I do to break the pattern?

That said, this won’t be a long post, as I need to get to bed. But a glimmer of me for you. For anyone reading (hi Mom & Sandy & Mia & Dad).

Han is on the road ’til Monday so I have some time to reflect and relax in different ways than when he is here. It’s not better or worse, just a different situation. I’m letting myself do some things I can’t (won’t) do while he’s here: have candles lit (he’s allergic to the scented ones) and watch guilty pleasure TV (ANTM re-runs anyone?).

Last week, I was home, inflicted by a good 5 hours in urgent care that resulted in some extra-strength ibuprofen and some vicodin to relieve some harsh pain from what they could only presume was some kind of muscle tear in my rib cage. I took Tuesday & Wednesday off, and had already requested Thursday & Friday off to go to Las Vegas with the Acoustic Duo. Instead, I stayed here and Han went to his gigs. It was for the best, but it was a bummer. But the rest was good for me, though I didn’t do much else other than watch movies, sleep, and try to book some shows.

The week before that, I was in Iowa for work. I enjoy going out there. I did pretty well with the travel too, thankfully. My co-workers were cool and we got along well. Our meetings were good, and what’s better than a summer night watching minor league baseball in Iowa? It wasn’t heaven, it was Iowa.

This afternoon I got a wild hair to “friend” a lot of folks from my high school graduating class. Next year will be the 20 year reunion and I had a major moment of nostalgia, just wanting to know what everyone is doing now, and more surprisingly wanting them to know what I’m doing. So I filled out some more info on my profile and posted some photos. Many have already accepted and written a note on my wall, and it’s nice. I can’t quite explain my shift in attitude, but there’s an interesting fondness I’m feeling for these folks, a true wish for their happiness and success. Maybe my jaded heart is softening.

In other news, our dear Barbara has taken off for Austin. At her farewell party that we hosted, I drunkenly sang “Miss Celie’s Blues” for her, a song that she & I bonded over very early in our friendship. It probably sounded terrible, and it ended in tears, but it was still a truly beautiful moment between us, and one that I’ll think of often. Many of our friends already have plans to visit her, and she’ll be back periodically to do some shows with Flan during his music season so I know we’ll stay in touch. I hope Austin knows what it’s in for.

I’ve made some small steps toward getting my health/weight on track. I’ve started the process of receiving phone consultations with a health coach. Our next talk is on Monday when we’ll discuss more of my weight loss goals and start figuring out how I can achieve them.

My dad is recovering from some surgery and I’m glad to say that he’s doing well. My mom’s getting ready to head back to school. They’re also remodeling the kitchen.  I can’t wait to see it! My sister’s doing awesome (best.sister.ever) in SLC with MT, T, and the new puppy Osi.

DK turned 12 and has spent the last month visiting Han’s folks. She’s up in Washington now and loving it. Han’s sister took some photos of her after doing her make-up and she looks 16. It’s pretty crazy. But she was really able to capture her personality. She’ll start 7th grade at a performing arts school in September. I hope she excels.

Do check out the flicks link and the flickr stuff. Both have been recently updated!

So much for a short post! I’ll wrap it up for now. Until next time!!

 

the Sunday edition

Sleeping in a bit…Denver omelettes with toast, hash browns and bacon…reading in a recliner…a cool shower…

That’s my Sunday so far and there’s not a thing wrong with it. I’ll be here with the family the rest of the afternoon, then I’ll be heading back down to San Diego in the evening.

Last night, we went to dinner at Panda Inn which was pretty good.  After that, we got home and took our requisite family photos in front of the house.  By the way, Sandy looks great.  Slim and smiley. I told everyone these would be my “before” pictures.  Now to create a program and stick with it.

Later, Sandy & I went to the store for a 6-pack of Coronitas, then I tackled the garage.  I went through some boxes of old clothes (my old tennis uniforms!), but also found some old pictures from when I was 4-H, plus a bunch of my old concert shirts.  One is of The Cure, I’ll see if DK might want to wear it.  Then I shuffled back & forth between Sandy & Dad chatting on the back porch, to talking with Mom in her room.  It was a pleasant evening.  T was happily playing on his DS.

Got a text from Han before I went to bed saying the Acoustic Duo gig that night had gone well, which I was glad to hear.  That’s all for now…until next time, consider everything I’ve written about in this post to be my daily joy.

 

how I rang in 2009

Once upon a time on New Year’s Eve, 2008, my friends Matt & Joey (a girl) had a party to celebrate their new home together and of course, the new year. Han & I and many of our closest friends gathered to drink, graze, rock, roll, talk, laugh and overall be together to cross the threshold into 2009. Did I mention there was also a photo booth?

Han & I had a room that was a 3 minute walk away so we wouldn’t have to worry about the amateurs out that night. I had made sugar-and-spice candied walnuts and pecans to bring over. I wore my hair in pigtails and drank Karl Strauss Red Trolley ale from a keg all night. Did I mention there was also a photo booth?

Han didn’t drink much, some champagne and a little bit of Jameson. He rocked the drums in the sound-proof garage while I mingled from room to room, always finding someone fun to talk to or cheers with. Did I mention there was also a photo booth?

Han & I took some photos together rather early in the overall timeframe of the evening. They are good photos of us, rather tame in their composition. Cathryn had created the photo booth outside on the patio. A beautiful red curtain as a backdrop and a room divider on the side for some privacy from the party. The camera was digital and had a timer or you could just find someone to snap the button. It also had a flip screen so you could see the photo that would result and thus pose as you saw fit. It seems nearly everyone made their way over to the booth during the night. Some of us more than others as the night wore on and the drinks kept going down. The results are crazy funny and only speak to the complete abandon we all seemed to be feeling as we ushered out what was such a sorrowful year for so many of us. These photos that are emerging on Facebook and myspace are awesome, if not slightly embarrassing and unflattering (for me). But they capture a shared evening that was beyond any doubt a most awesome beginning to the year.

But the photo booth was not even my favorite part of the evening. It happened probably around 11:58 pm. Han & I were standing outside with another friend of ours. Across the patio, I saw some of our other friends. People we’ve come to know and love on new levels in 2008. I turned to say something to Han when the most amazing thing happened. Those friends all made their way over to us, saying, “Now we’re in the right place.” When I thought back on that moment yesterday (and again even now), tears fill my eyes. The fact that they all happen to be women (aside from Han of course) is another marvel to me and fills me with complete bliss. As we counted down, I felt such relief, and great anticipation for a better year. And with this group around me, with these shared feelings, the energy was palpable and amazing. And then it was midnight in San Diego. I kissed Han, and Cathryn, and Marcia, and Barbara, and the Becky. And in that moment all seemed right with the world.

Things only got better as we went around to Matt & Joey and other friends to offer our well wishes with warm hugs and kisses.  So thank you my dear friends for being there for me and for each other to get us through that bitch of a year. I am so excited to see what 2009 has in store for all of us.

And with that, I give you a photo that will surely go down in history, our Charlie’s Angels pose…happy new year!

 

una chica en Chico

We’ve arrived safely in Chico and are hanging out in our gigantic room.  The internet is so helpful.  I found these rooms online, king jacuzzi suites for only $100 each.  There are two rooms in each suite.  In one room is a microwave, sink, fridge, table w/ chairs, TV and small desk.  In the other room is the bed, another desk, TV and the bathroom (w/ jacuzzi style tub).  What a deal!

This morning, we did some sight-seeing in Redding.  We visited the Sundial Bridge and it was spectacular!  I took some photos but I’ll post a more professional one here:

It was designed by the Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava.  He has various other structures in Spain and then this random one in Redding.  It’s quite impressive.

Redding is really lovely and the weather was beautiful, warm and breezy, just right for a morning stroll across the Sacramento River. From there, we headed south toward Chico.  We already knew where we were eating for lunch as the guys had eaten there last time they’d been in town, the Sierra Nevada Brewing Company’s Taproom Restaurant.  YUM!

We ordered a taster platter of beers to share between the 3 of us, most of which were quite good.  For lunch, I had the fish & chips and they were delicious.  Han had a Montana patty melt and C had gumbo.  We were all happy & stuffed.  Good thing we have some time ’til we have to head out to the next gig.

Speaking of gigs, the one last night went okay.  It was not very well-attended and the hosts were stumped by this anomaly.  We made the best of it and of course, the Acoustic Duo wow’d the folks who were there.  We also did well in CD sales.

Before the show, they fed us.  Roasted chicken, salad, apple slices, brie & bread.  It was tasty, and bonus, brownies for dessert.  They gave us the leftovers to take with us, too.  We left the salad & chicken in the fridge at the room in Redding.  It just doesn’t travel well.  But I enjoyed an apple and then some brie on bread for breakfast and am getting ready to enjoy another brownie.
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In other news, LA is burning and it’s no damn good.  I spoke to my mom and though they are safe, the sky is choked with smoke and ash.  I hope it’s over soon.

 

yes we did

 

peace

It’s not a great shot but here’s what I wore for Halloween…my department at work dressed as hippies.  Several people asked if I was in costume.  I may not always have the attire, but I definitely have a hippie attitude most of the time. 

The dress is vintage, probably ‘66 or so and was worn by my grandmother and then later by my mom.  It’s 100% polyester but otherwise, I thought it was awesome.  Beads & bag from Target.

Don’t forget to vote tomorrow if you haven’t already.

 

a distraction

I have so much to recap but instead of not posting because I don’t have the time to explain all the fun I’ve been having, here’s a distraction.

I found this meme here and thought it looked like fun.  If you want to do one yourself, here’s how:

• type your answer to each of the questions below into Flickr search.
• using only the first page, choose an image.
• copy and paste each of the URL’s into the mosaic maker over at FD’s image maker.

The questions:

1. What is your first name?
2. What is your favorite food?
3. What high school did you attend?
4. What is your favorite color?
5. Who is your celebrity crush?
6. Favorite drink?
7. Dream vacation?
8. Favorite dessert?
9. What do you want to be when you grow up?
10. What do you love most in life?
11. One word to describe you.
12. Your Flickr name.

1. Hues of Green on Spring St., 2. it’s not real lobster but it’s still really good, 3. peek-a-boo, 4. National Geographic behind the scene, 5. At World’s End, 6. Summer drink, 7. Blanes, Spain, 8. day 73: creme brulee, 9. The Meaning of Love…, 10. Raccoon Family, 11. snowflake melting on my coat, 12. Joseph Boyd and Elizabeth (Lizzie) (Christie) Boyd and Family

 

as promised

 

cracked windshields and flat tires

That’s just part of my week. Somewhere along the freeway, a rock chipped my truck’s windshield. I heard it happen but I couldn’t see where it had hit. A couple days later, I noticed two parallel cracks rising from the base of the windshield on the passenger side. They came up perfectly symmetrical and then curved together toward the driver side, one taking the higher route. After some inspection, I saw the spot where the original damage was done. A quarter size star about 1/4 or 1/2 an inch from the base of the windshield. star
Another day and a third crack had started its ascent, further away from the others, striking out on its own path. damage
Yesterday, the two twin lines intersected and the point where they crossed gave off a beautiful shimmer in the sun.

Meanwhile, the tires on the passenger side of my truck slowly began to lose air. I noticed this probably on Monday or Tuesday. I had been to the dump on Sunday so I’m thinking it might have happened there. So yesterday included a trip to Discount Tire where they repaired both tires for free (yay!). They both had small holes in them. And today, a new windshield is being installed on my lovely Lucy (that’s the name of my truck, yes I name my cars, is that weird?)

I missed Poetry Thursday this week. Not for lack of trying, but for lack of time. I started a piece while at the tire place, but didn’t finish. The rest of my evening was spent at a local bar in Carlsbad listening to my sweetheart’s rock band. It was hot but the rock was cool. Some gals from work came to the show and it was great to have them see me in that element and to have them hear the band. They seemed to enjoy themselves and the music quite a bit. After the gig, I went for the requisite post-gig Mexican food and brought it home.

I have become slightly obsessed with the new Ryan Adams album, “Easy Tiger.” Han bought it while he was on the road and I’ve confiscated it. I’ve listened to it probably 5 or 6 times already in the last two days and have bits and pieces of his words stuck in my head when I wake up in the morning. As Han said, it’s been a while since an album has really gotten stuck on us.