Thank you, Ms. Hepburn

Well I got the pedicure/foot massage, watched forensic files, took the bubble bath, snuggled with the pupp and lots of studying done. Never quite got to my book, but I think it will have to stay on the back burner until I am done with this class. Que sera sera. Friday was a nice relaxing evening at home, snuggling with the daughter and watching an Audrey Hepburn marathon, our favorite classic movie actress. Saturday was filled with studying and homework followed by a lovely afternoon nap. Glory be to God. Today however, my bubble was busted thanks to the Broncos playing like crapola and the Bolts playing like it was the super bowl. I remain a class act though, and congratulated the SD fans on their win. Uuugh, I think I need a hug. Now, I write a letter to the broham, drink some pear tea and get ready for 60 minutes. Another week of chaos will soon ensue...

WEEKEND PLANS

WHAT SATURDAY AND SUNDAY MEAN TO ME... IN A NUTSHELL AND IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER...

THAT'S ALL SHE WROTE, FOLKS.

Friday Eve

I think the image speaks for itself.... This is how I have felt every night this week, getting back into the regimen of work, school, kiddos, sleep, and finding time to "pay the water bill," let alone wash my hind quarter.... I wish one could learn through osmosis. ;-P

If only I looked as cute lying upon a pillow of text...

a Day of New Beginnings

Keeping it short tonight... Started working back on the old job today and it was interesting to say the least. Lots of changes, some good, some not-so-good, but overall I am just blessed and happy to be gainfully employed once again. Contextually speaking, I am back in the virtual classroom as well. The procedural calisthenics are out of the way and today being the first day in class, I already have boatloads of educational shenanigans (per se) on my calendar. I believe I have chosen my goals realistically though and look forward to continuing my "edumacation." The thrill of the educational hunt is ripe and in my scope... so readers, keep strength and courage in your prayers for yours truly, I need all I can get.

Roller Girl

What a weekend! I find myself saying TGIS, thank God it's SUNDAY! Friday evening was filled with wine, great company, fabulous conversation and a little slap and tickle. Saturday morning I awoke at said company's house a bit disoriented. A face splash of water combined with coffee-a-go-go and I was enroute home by 7 am. From there it was a whirlwind of brownie baking, crepe paper and balloons, housekeeping and preparing for an afternoon of 13 year old roller derby queens. Watching them made me miss donning on my old pink-wheeled skates with flourescent pink laces. I wonder what happened to those things, anyway? Indeed I see an adults-only venture to the rink in the near future....

This morning I woke up to a houseful of teen's cooking pancakes, waffles and sausage, sided with OJ. I grabbed a cup o' Joe and made a hasty escape upstairs to my private domain. Today will be strickly football, laundry and relaxation as tomorrow begins a new job and my first new class. On that note..... GO BRONCOS!!!!

To All Oenophiles in the House....

Word of the day...

"Bacchus, n." A convenient diety invented by the ancients as an excuse for getting drunk.

And now for the quote of the day:

"Actually it only takes one drink to get me loaded. Trouble is, I can't remember if it's the thirteenth or fourteenth." -Mr. George Burns

Winds of Change

The past weekend was, for all intents and purposes, a party of one. Amazing how a road trip can change one's perspective on so many things. I have decided SL is a complete gausch and may very well be givin his walking papers in the very near future. But I digress..... a few shutterbug moments out in Palm Springs but nothing Earth shattering as I had hoped. For a desert full of beautiful scenery, I just couldn't get my mojo right and the photo's I got left much to be desired. As did the rest of the trip, actually.

There seems to be a foray of new things coming my way. Previously mentioned, I start my degree program next Monday. I am also happy beyond words to report I am once again gainfully employed. The indicative signs of better days ahead is well appreciated. I have a whole new perspective on things and anticipate a plethora of new adventures on the horizon of 2010.

The college bound son is submitting his applications to a University near you, which is not rocket science, but oh the details! Hard to believe in less than a year there will be one less offspring leaving dishes and socks around the house. The daughter reaches her teenage years tomorrow which will be celebrated with a whole new bedroom theme (unbeknownst to her thus far) and a family dinner, followed by a roller skating party on Saturday.

In the spirit of the diva's bedroom revamping, I also have begun a bedroom re-do, my artistic diection favoring a Breakfast at Tiffany's/Classic Hollywood theme... details to follow. So for now, I will sign off and open up the Singer and continue the creation process.

Buttons and Belly's

The week's almost over and many good things have come out of the hours. First and foremost, the decision to resume my education has been set in stone, all paperwork has been submitted and my expected start date is Nov 16th. I have been blessed to spend a lot of time with the offspring this week between school events, dinners at our seldom-used dining room table and even a few puzzles have been pieced together. Why is it that one single piece is always missing when you are done? The Jebediah of the jigsaw must have something against me finishing a puzzle and enjoying it with all 500 pieces locked in place. Moving along...

Today I spent a lovely afternoon con mi madre. I could not get my sewing machine to work but being the seamstress she is, mamasaan got it up and running in no time flat. Next stop was the fabric store where I bought over 20 yards of textile for projects put off for far too long. YAY for the old fashioned hobbies.

This evening I went to dinner with SL and enjoyed the most delish Japanese Teppanyaki at Shogun Kobe. The dinner would not be complete without a drink called a Samurai, served in the belly of a token Sumo wrestler. It now sits fondly on my mantle overlooking the livingrom domain. I think I may have overdone it because now all I can think about is SLEEP!

Kensheeewaaaaa!!

Lions, Hyennas, Meerkats and Warthogs..OH MY!!

Sunday dawned later than the norm, sleeping in and waking up next to a warm, snugglie teddy bear and enjoying a hot mug of Jamaican brew. It is pretty rare for this mama to endulge in an evening at home with a special someone with no pitter patter of children's feet running amok or playing Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew sleuth lurking in dark corners.

The evening was spent with the parental units, my offspring and myself. We broke bread at Fillipi's and were astounded by the Broadway performance of The Lion King. If you have never seen the live play version, I highly suggest this to be aded to your bucket list, calling it a performance to be reckoned with is a severe understatement.

Here it is Monday evening.. headaches, fever and sore throats seem to be ruling this hen house, so I shall call it an early night. I have a most delish cup of tea with clover honey, a furry dog and a Turner Classic movie starting. Who will win the battle for Sadie Thomspon's soul? Let me see what talents Miss Rita Hayworth brings to the 1952 screen gem production.

Fashion Police, part II

In the spirit of my last post, I will continue with a piece I wrote this past weekend while enjoying another Burbank visit. What a marvelous few days spent with the schmoooopsie. Girl talk, random IKEA treasures, hours lost in the bowels of a used book store and aimlessly wandering through The Village pondering the true meaning of life. (Incidently, I have not come up with the magic answer...) Add to this an outdoor Starbucks where I planted my arse with an LA Times and a post it pad for the following...

First in the line of sight, a mocha-skinned sista, scarf-covered headwrap, oversized shades and a yoga mat rolled up under her arm. She pulls her goggles down her nose and with bored eyes, inspects the ugg-booted vixen next to her. The look on her face blatantly testifies that the furry moccasins are soooo yesterday. She pushes her specs back up and walks off, her rear end in desperate need of spanx under her yoga pants.

Out exits a gal with flaming red hair, tattoos and a Starbucks cup, probably filled with an extra pretentious chai-something-or-other. At the crosswalk she decides her shoes aren’t worth the blisters so she promptly takes them off, tosses them in her shoulder bag and proceeds to cross Palm and stroll with abandon down San Fernando. Apparently this is her turf and the sidewalk rubbish knows better than to mess with her 10 piggies.

Catty-corner to me is a pavement prophet, standing in his pulpit in front of the Halloween store. He is preaching the good word to sinners leaving the store with bustling bags promising an evening filled with slutty pirates, serving wenches, Jon Gosselin impersonators or Tarzans in a loincloth. He speaks on the Lord’s resurrection and reminding us the literal term for redemption it “to buy back” in which souls cannot.

Next is a trendy motherista of two. The older child carries a supersized strawberries and crème frap (which incidently requires both hands to hold) and a backpack with a transformer stealthily rearing his evil head to innocent passers-by. Child number two is chilling out in a designer stroller and is completely invisible save for an orange and black striped baby bootie. Mom carries an Urban Outfitters bag with her goodies and, for the crumbsnatchers, a pink handled shopping bag from Justice, a trendy children’s boutique.

Suddenly, a 6 foot-something Adonis emerges looking like he has just stepped out of a calendar. It has been years since I have seen a specimen of this caliber and I wonder if I could put him on layaway for a time when I don't have a special guy in my heart.... If only my camera were ready. A blue convertible a few dents passed bruised carries the typical California girls. It screeches to a halt to appraise this dreamboat. As they pull away on the green light they giggle and sing the Gloria Naynor hit “I will survive” which I hope to be true because the driver appears to still be mastering the inner workings of the stick shift.

Even the elderly lady pushing a walker has on bedazzled support shoes and her walker is decked-out with red bows. She nods her head to me in friendly greeting and I reply in kind. Fancy that... the elderly person is the only one who extends a friendly nod. Apparently manners and signs of respect are old school characteristics not found in generaion "WHY??"

Burbank is indeed the grand poobah of cutting edge fashion folks, so bring you’re "A" game or risk the crushing blow of cutting eyes from the real movers and shakers of downtown suburbia. Have no real fear though, they may shoot an annoyed glance your diection but it will be done on the down low... they wouldn't want those gestures to be mistaken for a friendly adiou...

Unchartered Territory

Another week has passed according to my calendar. Not much to report… rather slow week, since tightening up the purse strings. Over a month without income… so my mind is a scope with finding a great employment opportunity centered in the crosshair. In the upcoming days I have a tentative plan to take a ride back to Burbank and attending the last few water polo games. I am also looking into returning to school sooner rather than later to earn my next degree. Big decisions in my future so stay tuned. Since I have a lack of interesting personal news I thought I would share a piece I wrote a few weeks ago....

Tuesday, 9:30 am. I sit decompressing at a new local coffee hut. Unfortunately this coffee has never seen the likes of Seattle and I cannot tell if the paper cup or the tar brew tastes worse. Trying to distract myself, I look around at this morning’s guest list and am flabbergasted. It is not even Halloween yet and I am scared beyond words at the fashion faux paus surrounding me. Disclaimer: I am no fashion gendarme. I am guilty of bad judgment calls a time or two (hundred). These are the offenders and I swear on a stack of bible’s these are actual people….

Exhibit A: mid 50’s age male, fire engine red slacks about 5 inches from the floor, resting comfortably on his upper ankles. Blue Superman T-shirt with matching ball cap and fanny pack. He walks in chugging a pint of milk on his nacreous lips, with white stunner shades as if trying to be incognito. I think Clark Kent got old and is making cameo appearances around town.

Exhibit B: elderly Asian woman, age undeterminable due to beautiful youthful skin. She has wounded eyes that tell a tale of many tough years under her belt. I can only smile at her wearing a “wessside” shirt complete with the 3 fingered hand gesture. She was too cute for words, with her chunky 4ft 10 or so frame, ordering green tea.

Exhibit C: middle aged male wearing an avocado colored dress shirt and an outspoken yellow and paisley tie which is fighting a losing dual with a gray hounds-tooth jacket. The still-wet-from-the-shower hair has been neatly combed over a large patch of baldness. Ahhh denial. I am guessing he is some sort of law enforcement due to the almost-disguised walkie talkie radio aiming for concealment on his hip but not covered because the jacket is about 2 sizes to small. He orders a black coffee, extra hot, largest size possible. I’m thinking… stakeout tools??? Maybe I should call one-adam-twelve on this fashion offender.

Exhibit D: 20-something female, predictable SDSU student. She wears hoop earrings the size of drink coasters, tiny shorts declaring her booty to be juicy, strappy tank, also with a declaration, “Yes, They are REAL!” A wool winter scarf doubled around her neck and snow boots completes her ensemble. Just for the record, San Diego is currently experiencing a heat wave and although it’s not even 10 am, it is a very humid 85 degrees already. She orders an iced latte because, and I quote, "It's soooo hot today!" Seriously? Try removing the winter neck scarf and Uggs!

Exhibit E: next is what appears to be a mid-40's business woman a few sunburns past beautiful. She stands statuesque in her Badgley Mischka sling-backs and an ebony Donna Karan skirt and jacket set. Her makeup attempting flawless, but failing due to the humidity in the atmosphere. Her hair is pulled tightly back into a bun which I suspect is a do-it-yourself-facelift. Peeking out of her Louis V purse is a trashy romance novel with the clichéd Fabio-esque character emblazed on the cover. Even cultured folk enjoy a tacky fable from time to time.

Exhibit F: a young brotha, appearing to be in his high school years, stereotypically dressed in baggy jeans, I am guessing about a size 40 around an actual 30-ish waistline. His trousers hang roughly halfway down his derriere and I imagine A-Team Underoos to be his draaawz of choice. The white T-shirt is only outdone by the silver plated chain link worn over it. I wonder if this jewelry also doubles as the lock for the Big Wheel he rode here in on. Tray Sheik, dude. Mister T called… he wants his bike lock back. “I pity the fool!”

I decide I have seen enough of this freak show and begin packing up my gear. In strolls what I assume to be a female. I only see “her” from the back as she has already approached the order counter. The haircut is a stylishly-clipped Bob and the attire is casual: Levi’s jeans, pink long sleeve blouse, open toed beaded sandals and a frog book bag. The patron turns around and low and behold, the face is unequivocally masculine. Full makeup, complete with lip gloss and rouge, does not distract from the protruding adams apple, bobbing like it is seeking its water tub counterpart for upcoming holiday festivities. This was no testament to genetics.

My mother always told me that one must accept people on their own terms and I have no ill regard for the visions before me at this locale. If anything, I find this afternoon quite humorous and a breath of fresh air on an otherwise depressing day. My guardian angel must have sent me here for an attitude adjustment. I thank this cherub because lately my smiles have been few and far in between.

Keep on Keepin on...

Photo: Burbank hills looking east through the foggy drizzle.

The week has varied from sweet to bitter depending on the day. Early in the week I made a quick overnight jaunt to visit of one of the most sincere, uplifting people in my little world. Her boy wonder was gone on business so there was none of his treasured Neanderthal advice this time around; his urban cowboy character was missed. After homogenizing my nagging cough via multiple servings of apple tea and female bonding, we called it an early night. Nic crashed out and I settled into a super fluffy bed with a new book, the steady rainfall outside served as my background music. The next morning I found myself awfully sedentary in her comfy home reading a book and snuggled in a cozy robe, the drizzle still fogging up the Burbank sky. Begrudgingly, I headed home.

The rest of the week was filled with water polo games, job searching, catching up on letters to my sibling and of course, never-ending errands. Lots of quality time with the little girl in my life, as she was enjoying a vacation from school. Shopping, board games, movies, biking and hiking filled our days. Friday one of the boys on my team dropped by with a breathtaking dozen long stem red roses, he stated they were for a happy 8 week anniversary. Hmmm, a bit scary but they were sweet and a nice sentiment nonetheless. I foresee this guy being an intellectual downgrade and with no mind stimulation, no physical stimulation is possible. I require a relationship with equity and frankly, this one does not have it. (Thus the bitter reference)

Moving along… Friday and Saturday night were spent quietly at home, stitching, reading and tailoring new slacks filling my evenings. Today I woke up, my hair dancing from static in the air and the taste of disintegrated cough drops lining my cheeks. A few shots of Blue Mountain brew later, I find myself listening to my 80’s playlist, reminiscent of the topic of conversation Tuesday night, sans the Martika reference. Tomorrow I have two promising job interviews before noon, then MY BELOVED Broncos are playing the inherently inefficient Chargers, so let the rivalry and shit talking commence, as there are people invited from both sides of the challenge. Let the best team win and the loser fall like “toy soldiers.”

Serenity in the midst of chaos.....

A beautiful day indeed. The weather was finally cool and crisp, the way fall should be. After sleeping in a bit (9am.... late but not too lackadaisical) trudged to the gym for what turned out to be a great workout. The weigh in was positive, lost a few pounds. After this I came home, still bursting with energy... My daughter and I grabbed the dog's leash and our sneakers and headed to Chollas Lake. We enjoyed time together, just hiking around, taking pictures (see above) and feeding the ducks in the lake. Such simple pleasures in life, but so overlooked.

A quick drop off of Amelio (we have now dubbed him the ghost chaser, today he incessantly barked at a blank wall and chased something that we could not see.) We did some fruit and veggie shopping at the farmer's market, came home and prepared dinner together. I did the fish and veggies, she made fresh cornbread. So here I sit, in my zen-full living room, relaxed as though I haven’t a care in the world. I think I will just enjoy it for what it is and worry about life tomorrow.

To top off this evening, we are going to cozy up on my bed and watch a classic film, Gone With the Wind (1939). Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh are inviting me to come hither. But.... "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn."

RI-COLAAAAAAAAAAA

Early Saturday morning I rise at 5am. My throat hurts so much it wakes me up from a deep sleep. I feverishly hunt in every nook and cranny for a cough drop to put out that fire.. nightstand, medicine cabinet, desk drawer, even an old purse... no luck. For lack of a better resolution I went to my vanity sink to fill my water cup and out of the corner of my eye I spot a lovely sight. 5.. count 'em....5 Ricola cough drops in my jewlery tray. The red and white wrappers seemingly smiling at me saying "Nicole sent us". As I think back, the last cold I had was last winter and my galpal Nic gave me some of these heavenly relievers. Wowzer. Although you have moved onward and upward to greener pastures, you still got my back girl. I love you dearly and my throat thanks you.

Catching Up

A whole 7 days has come and gone. It has been a ridiculously busy week. This is what happens when you are creating a recipe who's ingredients are a homecoming nomination, visitors from other area codes, maintaining active in job seeking, lots of booze.. oh-throw in car repairs and you have this week's special. Although my young man lost out on the crowning glory to the token football jock, he still had a fab time and has lots of great memories of the night. Once this was complete, the partyness began with the "homies" from LA. What a great weekend indeed. Reminded me of old times before kids, mortgages and spouses. Began Friday night and carried over until Sunday morning with the infamous drink, Hair-of-the-dog. No luck on a new job yet but several possibilities in the making so I try to maintain a positive 'tude. Been getting my sweat on at the gym and hope I will see a difference soon. Had to take a few days off after a 225 pound chunk of man decided I would make a great cushion to his drunken stumble. HAHAHA.

Ahhh memories, filled between the pages of my mind....

A few examples of common phrases heard after a great party:

"Where's my hat?"

"Why does my side hurt and where did this bruise come from?"

"Anyone seen my cloths?"

"Who took that picture, everyone who was there is in the shot!"

"I think I kissed someone..."

"I did WHAT???????"

"Blackmail material goes BOTH ways dude!"

"I only have one shoelace."

"Sorry I broke your metal stool."

"Where's the Advil?"

"I drank that, too?"

BONUS: "I have an APP for that!!!"