Sunday, January 25, 2009
Friday, January 23, 2009
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Through a Spotted Windshield
The wipers swish across the windshield as the drudge of traffic rolls hesitantly on in the falling rain. Huge trucks zoom by at breakneck speed, causing alarm as my car rocks back and forth and is buried in a veil of filthy mist. I sigh.
I average about 500 miles a week between work, family obligations and appointments, and that’s only if I don’t have anything going on during the weekend. I see a lot through my spotted windshield – a lot of ugliness in human behavior, a lot of stupidity. And an occasional glimpse of courtesy and niceness. On the average, I avoid 4 accidents a day simply by paying attention to others who are driving like idiots, and I hope that I am not an idiot that others have to avoid, although I do have bonehead moments. But I also see a lot of landscapes, some of which are beautiful. If I go the back way (the 118), I pass by orchards which for some reason remind me of the patchwork gardens in that ride at Disneyland. There are a lot of blue skies and pretty clouds. Sometimes someone has a dog who is sticking its head out of the window, dog lips flapping happily in the breeze, a thin line of drool following, or if the dog is little, hanging out in the space between the back seat and the rear windshield, basking in the sun.
Driving so much gets hard – hard on your body and hard on your soul. It is three hours of my life every day that I could be doing something else. It is adding to the ultimate destruction of the planet (as well as the padding of my rump). And it gets frustrating when the freeways get jammed and there is no end in sight. But I get to rock out when the music is good, and I get to talk to my mom a lot. Sometimes I just think a lot, too, but more often than not I think of sad things and turn the radio on to distract me.
I pulled into work this morning, grabbed my umbrella and trudged into the office, glad to have made it. And in a few hours, I will trudge back out, ready to do it all over again. Yet I am happy. I have no plans tonight, so I plan to go straight home, make something really nice to eat, and perhaps take a bath with the lavender soap I got for Christmas. A nice cup of tea, my favorite show, and a foot rub later, the Naughty Gato, the Dingo and I will curl up in nocturnal hibernation. Then tomorrow, I will get up and do it all again.
I average about 500 miles a week between work, family obligations and appointments, and that’s only if I don’t have anything going on during the weekend. I see a lot through my spotted windshield – a lot of ugliness in human behavior, a lot of stupidity. And an occasional glimpse of courtesy and niceness. On the average, I avoid 4 accidents a day simply by paying attention to others who are driving like idiots, and I hope that I am not an idiot that others have to avoid, although I do have bonehead moments. But I also see a lot of landscapes, some of which are beautiful. If I go the back way (the 118), I pass by orchards which for some reason remind me of the patchwork gardens in that ride at Disneyland. There are a lot of blue skies and pretty clouds. Sometimes someone has a dog who is sticking its head out of the window, dog lips flapping happily in the breeze, a thin line of drool following, or if the dog is little, hanging out in the space between the back seat and the rear windshield, basking in the sun.
Driving so much gets hard – hard on your body and hard on your soul. It is three hours of my life every day that I could be doing something else. It is adding to the ultimate destruction of the planet (as well as the padding of my rump). And it gets frustrating when the freeways get jammed and there is no end in sight. But I get to rock out when the music is good, and I get to talk to my mom a lot. Sometimes I just think a lot, too, but more often than not I think of sad things and turn the radio on to distract me.
I pulled into work this morning, grabbed my umbrella and trudged into the office, glad to have made it. And in a few hours, I will trudge back out, ready to do it all over again. Yet I am happy. I have no plans tonight, so I plan to go straight home, make something really nice to eat, and perhaps take a bath with the lavender soap I got for Christmas. A nice cup of tea, my favorite show, and a foot rub later, the Naughty Gato, the Dingo and I will curl up in nocturnal hibernation. Then tomorrow, I will get up and do it all again.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
A Brave New World
People who aren’t idiots did not schedule doctor appointments this morning. However, thanks to the wonders of the internet (and when I get home, the magic of DVR – the best invention ever in my opinion, but I digress), I just watched the Inauguration of the 44th President of the United States. With tears in my eyes, I listened to the new President speak about th
ings that were, things that are, and things that are yet to be. I have hope in our country for the first time in a long time, and I have hope that he will be able to clean up the mess and get us back in running order.
ings that were, things that are, and things that are yet to be. I have hope in our country for the first time in a long time, and I have hope that he will be able to clean up the mess and get us back in running order.The fact that he is a minority, although a wonderful thing for which I am proud, is not that of which I am most proud. I see a man who understands struggle, has lived the reality of non-traditional family life in America, and who looks out for the little guy. I have not felt that way about our leadership for several years, and I am, again, hopeful. Black or white, Democrat or Republican, rich or poor, we are but one country, nay, one nation, and maybe now we can feel like it again.
Photo from CNN.com
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Countdown to Mexico
In preparation for a trip in April, I want to lose some weight and exercise so that the people don’t try to push me back in the water at the beach and say to each other, “Honey, look, it’s dying!”
Yo-yo dieting and a lack of discipline have been major problems for me pretty much my whole adult life, but today, I commit to myself to do this once and for all. Not just for the trip, but for my overall health and state-of-mind as well. I have been watching this show, “10 Years Younger,” and have come to the realization that I, too, like the masses, am getting older (and have certain materialistic needs, but that is another blog). Now, I don’t think I look old for my age, but I do think I have let myself go and the one resolution I made for myself was to take better care of myself so that I look and feel better. What this show does is take these people, some of whom have really sad stories and are a complete mess, and helps them change by doing such things as having their teeth and skin fixed, helping them pick out more flattering clothes, and updating their hair and makeup. For these people, the benefits are beyond cosmetic help – they regain their confidence and feel like they can operate not just on a normal level, but on a strong, confident level. I want to feel like that.
So today I start at ground zero. Day One. The beginning. No more Jimmy Dean sausage, no more Twisted Sister. (And if you get that reference, you are my new hero.) Diet, exercise, a little pampering, and no more excuses. Normally I would go celebrate with a cheeseburger, but today, GRAPES! I always did know how to party.
Yo-yo dieting and a lack of discipline have been major problems for me pretty much my whole adult life, but today, I commit to myself to do this once and for all. Not just for the trip, but for my overall health and state-of-mind as well. I have been watching this show, “10 Years Younger,” and have come to the realization that I, too, like the masses, am getting older (and have certain materialistic needs, but that is another blog). Now, I don’t think I look old for my age, but I do think I have let myself go and the one resolution I made for myself was to take better care of myself so that I look and feel better. What this show does is take these people, some of whom have really sad stories and are a complete mess, and helps them change by doing such things as having their teeth and skin fixed, helping them pick out more flattering clothes, and updating their hair and makeup. For these people, the benefits are beyond cosmetic help – they regain their confidence and feel like they can operate not just on a normal level, but on a strong, confident level. I want to feel like that.
So today I start at ground zero. Day One. The beginning. No more Jimmy Dean sausage, no more Twisted Sister. (And if you get that reference, you are my new hero.) Diet, exercise, a little pampering, and no more excuses. Normally I would go celebrate with a cheeseburger, but today, GRAPES! I always did know how to party.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Star Sighting: Sydney Poitier
I can now add Sydney Poitier to my list. The star of such classics as "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner," "To Sir With Love," and "They Call Me MISTER TIbbs!" apparently goes to the same medical center as I do.Whenever I see celebrities I never acknowledge that I know who they are, but he caught me looking and smiled at me. I thought that was nice.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
2008 Photo Rodeo
The Best of 2008
A haughty sea lion under the pier at Pismo Beach.
A haughty sea lion under the pier at Pismo Beach.
Sumo Tour '08! The first time in L.A. in 27 years.
On the road to Vegas.
Beautiful Mammoth Lake.
Gentler than a lot of people I know.
Foul-tempered fowl.
A giraffe micro.
My bad-ass turtle Jethro.
My first Lakers game.
The Naughty Gato strikes in 3, 2, 1 ... Friday, January 9, 2009
Another Shaker
We had a bit of a jolt last night at 7:50 Pacific. It was originally thought to be a 5.0, but I heard somewhere that it was a 4.5er. Since my complex was on rollers, it was an odd back and forth kind of thing. Being a SoCal native, earthquakes have never bothered me much, but the gato sure got scared!
The Old Dingo and I were having some pizza with Naughty Gato laying on the other side of the table. All of a sudden he jumped up and the table started rolling and for a moment I thought it was just his fat arse causing the movement. When I realized it was a quake, I grabbed him so he wouldn't freak out and hurt himself, then after a few seconds it stopped. He then proceeded to his food bowl and ate like nothing ever happened. What a funny pet.
At any rate, nothing broken, nothing maimed. I hope no one else suffered any damage. California dreamin', see.
The Old Dingo and I were having some pizza with Naughty Gato laying on the other side of the table. All of a sudden he jumped up and the table started rolling and for a moment I thought it was just his fat arse causing the movement. When I realized it was a quake, I grabbed him so he wouldn't freak out and hurt himself, then after a few seconds it stopped. He then proceeded to his food bowl and ate like nothing ever happened. What a funny pet.
At any rate, nothing broken, nothing maimed. I hope no one else suffered any damage. California dreamin', see.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
A New Year - A New Blog
Welcome to my new blog! I was out of the saddle for some time, but wanted to get back into it as life has had a lot of ups and downs lately. I am a big proponent of top 10 lists, but in the interest of time, today’s will be a Top Five.
The 2008 Top Five (in no particular order)
1. The election of our first African-American President of the United States. I think his election goes way beyond race, though. The masses (of REAL people, NOT Wall Street people) have been clamoring for change for some time, and our voices have been finally heard. I think a huge message has been sent about how the everyday Joe feels unrepresented by his government. It is the proudest I have been of our country for a long time and I can’t wait until the Inauguration.
2. My engagement. Ok, not as big a deal as the presidency per se, but important to me. I love the Dingo and together we are very happy. My friend and I were talking about how there is the nerd and the free spirit in the relationship, and I determined that I am definitely the nerd. The Dingo has shown me what a truly loving, respected, and cherished relationship can be like, and that is something I simply have not had before.
3. Gato! So I got this cat, see, and he is me in feline form. He looks so innocent and sweet when he sleeps. And then he wakes up – God help us all! The creature has perfected the art of doorstop sproinging, human stomach landing and scalp biting and is a prolific waste producer also. If there were cat roller derby, he would be involved. Best of all, he is a world champion wrestler and biter of toes!
4. The Lakers. My grandfather is such a huge fan that when he was sick in the hospital, he would not take his morphine until the Lakers game was over. When they went into overtime, I thought he was going to faint, but he sent the nurse away until the game was done. This season I was able to take him to his first Lakers game ever at the Staples Center. Since he is in a wheelchair, we got better seats than the tickets were for, so that was awesome. While we were waiting in the Facilities area, they gave him a free t-shirt and magazine, too! He was like a little kid when the game started, yelling, banging his noisemakers together, and pointing that ridiculous foam finger. What a great time we had. He didn’t get out of bed for the next two days.
5. Going back to school. I like where I work, and I am happy that I have a good job, but I have come to the realization that I want to do something else. Last semester, I started studying Criminal Justice and am transferring to Rio Hondo for Spring semester to get my certificate in Forensic Science. It will probably take three semesters. When I started, I was worried about getting back into study mode, but discovered that it is much easier this time around than it was for my first degree. My life had become so stagnant, and halfway through the year I realized I had done none of the things that I wanted to, so here we are. Today I go to orientation and meet with a counselor since there is no way in hell I am taking English or Math 101 ever again. No, thank you!
On a more serious note, there were some bad things that happened, too, but that is for another day. I hope to focus more on positive things this year and try to learn from the negative. Although it has been really difficult and there were times when I felt my sanity slowly slipping into the abyss of madness, things are good today, so I am running with it. Actually I am kind of chubby, so I’m not running anywhere, but would you like to mosey with me?
The 2008 Top Five (in no particular order)
1. The election of our first African-American President of the United States. I think his election goes way beyond race, though. The masses (of REAL people, NOT Wall Street people) have been clamoring for change for some time, and our voices have been finally heard. I think a huge message has been sent about how the everyday Joe feels unrepresented by his government. It is the proudest I have been of our country for a long time and I can’t wait until the Inauguration.
2. My engagement. Ok, not as big a deal as the presidency per se, but important to me. I love the Dingo and together we are very happy. My friend and I were talking about how there is the nerd and the free spirit in the relationship, and I determined that I am definitely the nerd. The Dingo has shown me what a truly loving, respected, and cherished relationship can be like, and that is something I simply have not had before.
3. Gato! So I got this cat, see, and he is me in feline form. He looks so innocent and sweet when he sleeps. And then he wakes up – God help us all! The creature has perfected the art of doorstop sproinging, human stomach landing and scalp biting and is a prolific waste producer also. If there were cat roller derby, he would be involved. Best of all, he is a world champion wrestler and biter of toes!
4. The Lakers. My grandfather is such a huge fan that when he was sick in the hospital, he would not take his morphine until the Lakers game was over. When they went into overtime, I thought he was going to faint, but he sent the nurse away until the game was done. This season I was able to take him to his first Lakers game ever at the Staples Center. Since he is in a wheelchair, we got better seats than the tickets were for, so that was awesome. While we were waiting in the Facilities area, they gave him a free t-shirt and magazine, too! He was like a little kid when the game started, yelling, banging his noisemakers together, and pointing that ridiculous foam finger. What a great time we had. He didn’t get out of bed for the next two days.
5. Going back to school. I like where I work, and I am happy that I have a good job, but I have come to the realization that I want to do something else. Last semester, I started studying Criminal Justice and am transferring to Rio Hondo for Spring semester to get my certificate in Forensic Science. It will probably take three semesters. When I started, I was worried about getting back into study mode, but discovered that it is much easier this time around than it was for my first degree. My life had become so stagnant, and halfway through the year I realized I had done none of the things that I wanted to, so here we are. Today I go to orientation and meet with a counselor since there is no way in hell I am taking English or Math 101 ever again. No, thank you!
On a more serious note, there were some bad things that happened, too, but that is for another day. I hope to focus more on positive things this year and try to learn from the negative. Although it has been really difficult and there were times when I felt my sanity slowly slipping into the abyss of madness, things are good today, so I am running with it. Actually I am kind of chubby, so I’m not running anywhere, but would you like to mosey with me?
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