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!!!"

Top 10 recession woes:

1 Dieting is easy because you cannot afford the luxury of Cherry Garcia or Chunky Monkey

2 Two-buck Chuck replaces your favorite fine wine.

3 Top Ramen becomes a dining staple.

4 You begin pricing non-used household items and host a garage sale.

5. Lotion/toothpaste tubes are cut once squeezing no longer works.

6. The nickel and dime treatment is all your gas tank gets.

7 You run out of mini trash can liners (i.e. Vons bags) because you have not shopped for groceries.

8 You have more free time to hit the gym; it's already paid for.

9 It is music to your ears to learn ripped jeans and faded t-shirts are actually in style.

10 You find yourself cavorting in clearance racks in the back of the grocery store for some undiscovered treasure.

BONUS: You find a use for that random can of tomato paste in the back of your cupboard.

Perilous Pandemonium

A fabulous Sunday with my best buddy. Even though we were washing cars, doing laundry and cooking, we enjoyed a day of female bonding together. Our Broncos won (YAY!!) and the Sunday dinner was delish. Today I was reminded how truly blessed I am. Seeing those four smiling faces around my dining room table enjoying a simple Sunday meal, swapping tales, goals and jokes.

Now the weekend comes to a wrap, I am feverishly detailing the week's schedule. The next five days promise a jam packed itinerary of appointments, job interviews, gym workout and an active social life. Hopefully this time next week I will be enjoying a glass of Muscatto on my balcony, watching the sunset, feet propped up. I have my Reebok's pumped up, let the chaos begin....

PERK BABY PERK

Random thoughts for today

What does one do when they are presented several options, all of which they are interested in, but for different reasons? Does one sit down and write out an old fashioned list of pros and cons? Do they follow their heart? Do they try each option out one at a time and weed out the undesirables? Or perhaps cast all options aside and start with a fresh batch? When one attempts to sway with heated rhetoric while the other contains a history within itself, which holds more weight?

I have never been a person to make snap decisions about any issue of importance; in fact I am quite the opposite. I have lost countless hours of sleep over major choices in the thoroughfare of life. I find myself in the position to discard components of my life as a snake sheds his skin, but with this scenario comes an epidemic rebirth of past affiliations, those I am weary about allowing back into my inner psyche. Sometimes the right choice is not the easy one.

What does it mean when the "wrong" choice repeatedly emerges and casts doubt to its standing as the "wrong" choice? Does it ever become the right path? Is repeated evaluation a sign of something that is ultimately meant to be? These are the uncertainties that make my conscience scream at me.

Wake Me Up When September Ends

It's been a week since my gainful employment has not been so gainful and in a word it sucks. I pray to the powers that be that with October there are more than falling leaves and the annual hunt for a last minute costume. I aim to be one of the currently unemployed 12.2 million in Californication to find legitimate wages, perferaby sumplace where I can make a difference in this tainted world. With this endeavor comes a formitable armada of resumes and an overflowing levy of calls. Until then I keep plugging away, looking for work as a needle in the proverbial haystack.

Current blessings are decent health, fabulously smart children, a roof, a full belly (perhaps 2 full) and a new love interest on the horizon, one who is a breath of fresh air-all substance sans the flash. I must admit I anticipate the day we snuggle up seeking warmth and not fighting for the best posible fan coverage on these sweaty autumn nites (it was 103 today uuugh). In any economy, chivalry costs nothing. I have a tight circle of dedicated friends and family, relationhips that have survived the test of time through misunderstandings, relocations, child rearing, marriage, divorce and differences of opinion. These are the people who tell you what you need to hear not what you want to hear. So here are my shout-outs: Nicole and Niko, Eric, Goldie, Nicole S, Chuck, Steve and Zee.

Despite financial setbacks one must never overlook their true fortunes nor have to be reminded of them from the inside of a chinese cookie. The silver lining with fall comes scarves, boots and my favoite accesory-tites. Oh how I love my variety of those ditties. It would be pure fabulosity to don these favorites as I skip off to a job each morning.

And now, I close the laptop, brush the choppers, call for my faithful furry companion and get some shut eye. Soon this lone ranger will be riding with a new posee of coworkers and kicking up dust all over the new frontier.

Calm AFTER the storm

Friday was an armada of activity so when Saturday morning dawned I was rather lethargic and motivated only after 2 doses of espresso. Let me backtrack a bit....

Friday was my best friends' 39th birthday. We started at dinner and made a pit stop at my place to change before heading to the "casino". Little did she know I had a whole birthday party waiting for her at our local dive. The look of surprise was priceless. What memories..... Saturday was pretty much relaxing aka recovering. I was able to spend some time with the new guy I met SL, just chilling listening to music. It was a nice evening, time very well spent. A gentleman by far, some potential for being a keeper. But as the saying says... time will tell. And now it's Sunday. MY Broncos won and the Chargers LOST YAY!!!! Sorry Boltz fans. My evening consists of kid-mom time, a hot chamomile tea and another good night's sleep.... Tomorrow begins the job search once again.

"Takes a licking and keeps on ticking."

Becomming the master of one's own fate can be challenging, distressing and cause an avalanche of uncertainty. Hoping an emotional investment will pay off, praying for patience. Crossing your fingers that you won't regret your final decision. If you do find that 20/20 hindsight, that there is wiggle room to fine tune the situation to becomming a positive choice in the long run. The price to pay can cause a heavy heart but a wise and circumspect individual will assess all factors.

I now find myself in the triage phase of life, trying to find my momentum again and get resestablished in the job market. Regretfully, I had to decline the promotion with my company and resign all together. A tough decision that affected my sleep for days on end. In the end, the other priorities in my life had to be put back in their top ranking slot. Although I am a bit knocked off course, I will persevere and rise above it.

For now, I shall salvage the weekend, as it is my best friend's birthday and she truly deserves a stress free, celebratory night. I remind myself that I am blessed to have so many irreplaceable people in my life and remove my name from the guestlist at this pity party. Monday morning, the job search begins full throttle and this too, shall pass.

Technicolor

Today was a tough day. My emotional traveling took me all over the map. By 4:30 I was screaming "Mayday!" and heading home with a heavy heart. This economy is surely taking its toll on yours truly and I would be my last dollar there are many more individuals in my same situation. Indeed it is a Hard Knock Life.

I find myself having second thoughts about the new promotion offered to me in the corporate office of my company. On one hand I need to be home, caring for my children. On the other hand, I have bill collectors kissing my bumper daily and a son about to start college in 11 months.

I have been counseled on this matter and offered financial assistance until I obtain new employment in San Diego, which to most would seem to be a prayer answered, problem solved. But for myself, I treasure independence and self sufficiency and the cost of this help is a huge helping of humble pie ala mode. It's gut check time, kids.

The nice thing about today was coming home, being able to provide groceries for my kids, gas in my car and a bottle of two-buck-chuck for moi. As I start sipping my happy juice, I take a step back from the emotion of the day and enjoy a long standing, but forgotten treasure: coloring with my daughter. Life is like a box of crayons-some days you get broken wax and other days you get perfect hues.

TACOS Y MEMORIAS

As I was rushing out to start my week the cheerful voice belonging to one of my favorite people in the world was on my phone. Hopefully by this time next week my tushie will be up in Los Angleeeezie and we will be reunited back in the same office! You have always been the voice of reason and sanity in the workplace, I hope to reply in kind once I am up there. I have to say, I look forward to sharing a glass (ok, let's be real here.... a bottle) of wine with you and "the boy" in the very near future, I am crossing off days on the calendar with much anticipation! In the spirit of you, I made tacos tonight, even though.... "IT'S NEVER ABOUT THE TACOS!!!!" A Nickism for life......

p.s. the Labia situation has been resolved, all is well in the land of the family "Jewels" tehehe

Weekend Sumarized

What a weekend! Friday was serene at the homestead. Some cherished quality time with the little lovebug herself, my daughter. Saturday morning arrived with a fabulous ride around my favorite island with the same little lovebug. From there on out, the weekend was a blurr of activity. Saturday night was a party at the Chico Club for A's birthday. Sunday morning dawned and the preparations began for the Labor Day fiesta. Nacho dip made, chairs washed off, cooler filled. Although the entire crew was female, save one very sweet FWB, we had a glorious afternoon. There were tarot cards read, dominoes played and billiards galore. Oh... and one MUST love the lime jello shots. :) Female bonding at it's utmost! I am blessed to have such a wonderful, eclectic group of chics in my life! Thanks for coming ladies!

p.s. The only thing better than lime jello shots is leftover bbq chicken with all the fixin's