Baby you can drive my car...

My nephew Thatcher just turned 15, but is already counting the days until he can drive. I have offered to give him a really good deal on my Passat wagon come his 16th birthday next January. That gives him just about a year to save up the money.
And, I believe I have found the car to replace the Passat.
It's the new CC by Volkswagen...and it's just gorgeous.
Yeah, so I've got just about a year to save up the money.

For Eliane

...which they sometimes do...

Mommy DEAREST!

(Read THE PREVIOUS DAY'S POST before reading this one)
I just went down to check the front porch and guess what?
There was a present there for me!
My sweet Mommy framed a picture of me with Gina and Allison and wrapped it up with a new Pez dispenser and some dark chocolate Dove candies!!
Wow!!

Do you know what this means?
It means my mother loves me AND...
that she reads my blog.
Not sure that it gets much better.

Routine play at home

I rarely use my front door. I am blessed to have an attached garage that I am able to drive right into, put the door down and walk directly into my home.

My front door is on the far opposite side of the house--and down two flights of stairs! I often even have guests come through the garage--it faces the guest parking lot--and it's just a whole lot easier.
But, every single night--without fail--at some point in the evening, I trek down to that door-- 'to check the front porch.'
(That is my doormat by the way!)

I turn on the porch light, unchain the front door and slowly open it up. I let out a little sigh as I pick up the realtor notepads and house cleaner's fliers and giant pink donation bags that accumulate out there. I check the plants to see if they need watering. I pick up the sticks and rocks and stray branches on the walk.
But here's the deal...
I really go down there each night with the HOPE that there is something amazing out there for me. A special package, a bouquet of flowers, a surprise gift...or, well...
I go to see if, perhaps, just maybe...someone might be out there waiting for me.
I know! Ridiculous, right? Have I just seen way too many movies?!

I'm not sure exactly what it is I'm looking for...
But I go down in hopes of finding it.
Every single night.

Investing in the Manny Market

This morning I got a text from my investment guy, Roy. It read, "Dodgers on verge of signing Manny." He often tells me this kind of stuff to avert my attention from the stock market crash du jour.
But it got me to thinking of how Manny's signing will not just seriously improve my world...in many ways, it could truly be just the stimulus that the economy itself needs to get back on track!
First off, I want to see Manny in Arizona. So does everyone else. Secondly, I want to see him at Dodgers Stadium--and so does everyone else!
Seriously, this is how I see Manny helping the economy in general:

Manny signs.

People IMMEDIATELY buy up the remaining tickets for Spring Training games at Camelback Ranch, which means more jobs for the people of Glendale and its outlying areas. It also means more people will book flights on Southwest Airlines, giving hours and money back to pilots, flight attendants, airport staff, etc. It means more customers for the hotels, motels, stores, gas stations and restaurants of Arizona. This means the valets and bellmen and waitresses and mini-market people retain their jobs and have more money! Which means that they, in turn, are able to take their family on vacation, or out for a meal thus causing OTHER businesses and OTHER areas of the country to have increased travelers and hotel guests and restaurant customers....etc, etc, etc.
And, did I mention that people will call Dodger Stadium and buy 2009 season tickets? Oh yeah! This means more peanut vendors, more beer guys, more people out there selling MANNY WIGS! Peanut company workers keep their job. Beer truck drivers too. Even the wig makers stay busy and make money!! And, then these people have enough money to take THEIR family to dinner, shopping, take them on vacation ....you see? It's the circle of life!
And it all starts when Manny's signiture graces that dotted line.
In some ways, of course, I am being a little bit silly. But, in many ways (manny ways?) I am not...
I can already hear the collective "YES!" from Dodgers fans when this is finalized and actualized and printable!
And, honestly, it could be the beginning of economic relief to the entire country!!
It truly just might be just the stimulus we have been waiting for!!
Stay tuned.
I will, by the way, be checking the Dodger website periodically throughout the night...I want to be among the first to know that Santa has arrived.
Hmm, that Roy is pretty smart. I didn't even checked the stock market once today...

Celebrate good times...come on!!

So much fun at our Anniversary Celebration tonight!

Have I mentioned that I love my job and the people that I work with??
SO much!
LIFE is OH so good!

I hear laughter in the rain

....and God knows I love to dance...

If you really want to be happy, nobody can stop you.

Today I walked through the halls of work--OH so happy to be there. I LOVE to say Good Morning to every single person who walks by me. And I say their name. It makes them smile.
It makes me happy.

I'll admit it--I feel my best when I am at work--I am doing what I was made to do--no doubt! I love working as a team and accomplishing our goals together to satisfy our guests.
It makes me happy.
Someone always tells me I look nice or stops to give me a hug or ask when the Dodgers are going to sign Manny. These people know me. I feel loved, valued and appreciated there. I feel productive.
It makes me SO happy.

There are a lot of things going on in the world today that can take away our joy, if we let it.
Don't let it. Please don't let it.
Happy is such a better, easier, less painful way to go through life...it makes it so much more enjoyable too! Sometimes you'll have to choose it. Sometimes you just have to make the decision to BE happy.
I pretty much do this every day. Always have.
When all else fails...(or on a mandatory day off!) here's a few ways that I help myself stay happy...Try some! I promise...Life is so good!
1. Put on some music and SING and DANCE!
2. Put on a funny movie or TV show and LAUGH!
3. Sit in your jammies, read a book and relax!
4. Smile all the time! It feels so good!
5. Help others be their best! Compliment people! Encourage them! (This feels SO good!)
6. Go out with friends. Stay IN with friends! Laugh and sing and dance with friends. Great friendships have kept me alive all these years!
7. Be grateful! Look around at what you have and know how good you've got it. Yep, I have a 10 year old car and a house that's worth $150,000 less than what I paid--and I love them both. My home is beautiful, safe, warm and perfect for me. My car is reliable, Dodger blue and PAID FOR!
8. Stay busy! Watch an old movie. Call a friend. Go for a walk. It feels so good! Clean out a cabinet, your dresser--make a trip to the Goodwill! Organize your old photo albums, go through your files--throw things away! A clean house is a happy house.
9. Forgive someone. Forgive everyone. Cut the cord on any old relationships that still hold you back. Throw away his letters and delete those emails. Leave the hurt on the other side and cross the bridge to the future! It's beautiful and so freeing!
10. Keep going--and keep living--one day at a time. Challenge yourself to be happy in spite of the economic and financial situation of the nation. When I realize that there is still so much good and that I've got just enough money to make my mortgage again...
well, it makes me happy.
You are loved...
And you make me happy.

Let the games begin!

It's warming up in Glendale...
How BEAUTIFUL are these shots?!
And I'll be joining them in just a few weeks!
Lucky me!

And the winner is...Trisa!

Yet another birthday celebration tonight...for my friend Trisa! It was a combination birthday/Academy Awards party...and it was spectacular! We dined on amazing appetizers, champagne, coq au vin (seriously!!) and angel food/chocolate mint ice cream cake! It was an incredible dinner with such good friends!

Trisa LOVES Hugh Jackman and Laura was kind enough to frame a photo of him as a gift.
(And, HELLO!! he was the host of the Oscars!!!)

Me, Trisa, Shadi and Laura

And Trisa's adorable son, Jason!
Each time I enjoy a night like this, I am reminded of that fact that four years ago...
I did not know any of these people...
and, now, they are among my favorite people in the world!
Life is good!

Happy Birthday Laura!

What a JOYFUL birthday celebration with Laura and her family and friends last night!
(We had almost lost the cake...you can see it was sliding off the plate!)

Laura's adorable daughter, Jackie!...husband, JoshelinWe danced all night!
Laura's daughter, Paige, had made up a routine for a talent show to "Let's Dance"...
she was trying to teach me the moves.
I have never been able to learn routines (one of the many reasons I could not be a cheerleader)
I just made Paige laugh while I made up my own Lady Gaga moves...
Laura's son, Koben took center stange and showed us how it's REALLY done!Her oldest daughter, Brittney wisely chose to be a spectator.Then, the night was complete as Laura's nephew, Tyler (who is taking ballroom dance classes) led me in dancing to "At Last"
(I know, I have a good life...)

Happy Birthday DEAR friend!!

Font worry...be happy!

Manny things to think about...

I was standing in a long line at Staples yesterday...minding my own business. I was wearing a Dodgers tee shirt--yet still minding my own business--when the guy in front of me said,
"I heard they signed Manny."
I said, "What?! In the last 15 minutes??!" I check the Dodgers website five or six times a day and had just looked at it before I ran to Staples...there was no way! And there was REALLY no way I wanted a dork holding office supplies to be the one to break this news to me!!
I pulled my phone out of my bag to see if there were emails/text messages/voice mails for me...I KNOW I would have a few (dozen) people who would have already contacted me about Manny if it had truly happened. NOTHING.
In the mean time, the guy says, "Chill Dude...I was kidding. I just wanted to see if you were really a fan."
Really? My mind was racing and wondering if I really needed the ream of paper I was holding.
I decided to just say, "OK" which (since my most recent stint in therapy) is my favorite answer to just about everything. No need to defend myself or tell him he's an a**hole. I just smiled, nodded and looked away.
But he didn't stop "Can you explain the infield fly rule?"
For the love of GOD, dude, put your pencil sharpener and your glue sticks up...
on the counter, pay for them and get out of my face!
But there was no way that I was going to say anything at all to this pencil-purchasing pain in the neck. I just raised my eyebrows and shook my head. No answer was my answer.
He kinda chuckled (barf) and turned around.
Ridiculous, right?

By the way, I can, indeed explain the infield fly rule and love to do so with anyone who is truly interested in learning more about the beautiful game of baseball. But I certainly would not waste my breath proving my knowledge to a sad man buying glue sticks at 3 in the afternoon.
Especially one who messed with me about Manny.

PS No matter the outcome with Manny--whether he signs with the Dodgers or not--I will continue to love and support the team, follow and ENJOY each game, and wear my Dodgers tee shirts often...and with pride!
And mind my own freaking business.

I have heard this said quite often…but have only just begun to use the phrase myself.

I am never quite sure if it is supposed to mean,
“It’s hard to explain, but I’m OK with it…”
OR if it actually means, “I am completely helpless and I have no idea what’s going on with the situation, but I want you to think that I'm totally accepting of the way it is.”
Let me assure you that if you hear ME saying it--it's the latter.
I guess I always view those words as a cop out of sorts. When someone explains something to me and ends it with "it is what it is", I think they're saying that they know the situation is probably not going to change, and they're gonna try to get over it.
So is it actually a healthy way of (at least sounding like you are) accepting that which you are unable to change? OR is it really just giving up? Seriously, I wonder.
I have always been one to over-think and over-analyze situations. I dissect, tear apart, evaluate and re evaluate everything. I like to fix things--I like to work on things and make them better. I am rarely happy with the status-quo and I do not give up. Well, not easily.
To me, "It is what it is" does NOT mean you are happy with the way things are.
It means you've accepted (for now) that they are not the way you wish they were.
There are current situations in my life that completely defy definition. I've (temporarily) accepted them, but I will never stop trying to fix them and make them better: my home's current lack of value and my complete inability to re-finance. Dealing and relating to certain family (and former family) members. Job insecurities. A lifetime battle with my weight. Then there's the question of why I am still alone after four years and, what I am going to do with the next FORTY years...
In an attempt to explain to you the absolute irony in the fact that these situations are actually incredibly difficult (if not absolutely impossible) for me to understand, you will (now) hear me say,
“It is what it is.”
Then, I guess it's up to you to figure out if I am really ok with it or if I feel completely helpless about the situation.
Oh yeah, I already told you...
it's the latter.

You picked a fine time to feed me Lucille...

Allison is making the rounds--seeing family and visiting restaurants!
Tonight we had dinner with my family at Lucille's!

With Bum and PapaCousin LoganLogan and Thatcher and Aunt JoojThe most incredible chocolate cake ever!

Welcome Home Allison!
No more beans and chapati!

She's BAAAACK!!!!

After seven months in Kenya (and 30 hours of travel time home!)
Allison has returned!

Soooo good to see her!
We'll be making up for lost time over the next few days!

Facehook

It starts out innocently enough. Old acquaintances saying hello and catching up. High School friends sending old photos.
Then it becomes an addiction. Logging on every couple of hours to see who's baking cookies and who's no longer in a relationship and who finally got married to their husband of 12 years!
But, eventually, it becomes an obligation. Where are all of these friends coming from? Must they keep sending me things and asking for things and inviting me to things? More importantly, who are all of these people? How many would come to a party if I invited them?
Would they show up at my funeral?

Many of them look like this too...which is ridiculous.Take 4 minutes to add a photo for the love of God! Especially when I have no idea who you are!!

I swear, each time I log on...there are more and more requests!
TEN OTHER requests?? Come on already!So many things to add, accept and sift through...
Updates, gifts, flair, girlfriends? They're multiplying
Drinking request? Likeness quiz invitation?
Really?

Today's was just out of hand.
Requests for hearts, candy hearts, world peace?
Willy's sweet shop?? A pillow fight request?
Let's FACE it. It's a bit too much now.
I can't hit IGNORE fast enough.

Love, actually

So I decided to go out...and so glad I did. Above with GREAT friends, Cathy and Perry! Perry and I have known each other since we were seven and eight years old!
It was SO fun to spend time with them!

Luscious chocolate souffle.

And my wonderful high school friend, (and my 2009 Valentine) Sharel!
There were no roses, no romance, no candlelight or champagne.
Just a night full of love, actually.

The first Spring Training Game is 10 days away!
LOVE that!

You are loved...

A lucky Friday the 13th...

Just another great night out with the girls...

a little dinner at Opah (OK...a lot!)

Ellen and Laura and their ever-increasing-in-alcohol martinis!

Seriously...one glass of wine each!

OK...maybe two.
After dinner, we went to see "He's just not that into you."
I could relate to SO much of it that tears silently streamed down my face through most of it.
Of course, it could have been the wine.

Valentine's Day?

I walked into the market today and was nearly strangled in the HUNDREDS of balloons that literally filled up the front of the store. In between the malay of balloon strings were DOZENS upon DOZENS of roses and daisies and tulips--all wrapped in bright red paper with bows and ribbon. Racks of love-themed cards filled the aisle and heart-shaped boxes of candy lined the shelves.
I went in to buy hairspray and a banana, and found myself entranced by a barrage of love offerings. And then, of course, I was face to face with the thought of not having anyone to buy any of these things for.
I sent Valentines to my son, my folks, a few friends and my nieces and nephews (my 15 year old nephew, Thatcher told me he LOVED his Strawberry Shortcake Valentine!) I received two beautiful Valentines from great friends...
but it's still kinda weird, right?
This will be my fifth Valentine's day alone.
But I guess what's really weird, is that it feels just fine. I was kinda stoked with the thought of not having to find the right card or the perfect gift for someone. I actually don't even have to think about Valentines Day again. This year, it's really just Saturday to me.
Seriously, there won't be any tears.
I have to work during the day anyway...so that takes up a good chunk of February 14th right off the bat. Graciously, my good friend, Ann, sent me a gift card for a massage--and I booked the appointment for Saturday afternoon! That's MY kind of LOVE!
I think I'll pick up some Chinese food on the way home and spend the evening in my "heart" pajamas with Will and Grace and Ben and Jerry. Both delicious and full of LOVE.
I will head to bed, sleep well, and wake up bright and early on February 15th--
otherwise known as Sunday.
So, along with the hairspray and the banana, I went ahead and bought myself a dozen roses. What the hell, right? They are gorgeous, smell amazing and they make me so happy.
And, by the way, it is Valentine's Day.
Life really is full of love you know...
and it will, indeed, proceed...

In-N-doubt

My LONG-TIME, wonderful, (tho Yankee-loving) friend Cathy and I met this afternoon to visit our friend, Jan, in the hospital. Jan is doing great, but soon after our arrival she began to tell us how much she was craving an In N Out Burger.She went on about the cheese and the onions and the fries! Of course, having had surgery yesterday, she is not allowed to partake. But, for some reason, just talking about cheeseburgers with fries was making my mouth water! I looked at Cathy and, without saying a word, I could tell she was thinking what I was thinking.

I must tell you that it's been YEARS since I've been to In N Out. My son worked there when he was in high school and I am pretty sure I haven't been there since then. Not because I don't want to...I just can't do it! The calories, the fat, the cholesterol...it's just not worth it!Needless to say, the SECOND we walked out of the hospital, there was NO doubt in my mind where we were headed...and there just happens to be an In N Out across the street from the hospital. I swear I could smell the fries from the parking lot! Yum!

We ordered our burgers--mine with extra onions please--and some of those delicious fries! OH--for the LOVE OF GOD--was that burger delicious! I savored and audibly enjoyed every single bite! Amazing. Incredible. And-YES-absolutely worth every calorie!
It will be years before I have another, I promise you that.
But, I swear it was one of the best meals I've had in years.
No doubt at all.

Hit a home run this Valentines Day!

The talk at lunch today was what to get your girlfriend for Valentines Day...
Flowers? Chocolates?
A day at the spa?
Nice, delicious and relaxing, but kinda cliche! Right?
What I would like for Valentine's Day is so much more rewarding than any of those things! It also won't die, melt, make you gain weight, or force you to see naked, overweight women.
It's more personal...oh so pleasing, full of passion...and well, quite possibly perfect.
Well, for me anyway...The gift?
Tickets to Opening Day
Just THINKING ABOUT IT makes my heart beat.

Put a ring on it...

Ange being temporarily back in town was all the reason we needed to have a Mexican fiesta and impromptu dance party tonight along with Courtney and Ryanne!

Map Pressed

Wouldn't it be great if you could go to Map Quest and get directions from WHERE YOU ARE to WHERE YOU WANT TO BE?
No, not driving directions--
LIFE directions!
This morning I was on Map Quest trying to figure out how to get to a friend's house. My address always comes up as my automatic starting point--all I have to do is fill in the destination. Today, as I began typing the address, I started to think about where I am really headed. Where AM I going? In life? In my job? My finances? In love??
And, WHERE DO I WANT TO BE?
So--back to Map Quest--the starting point said my house and in the destination I typed: "Happily Ever After"...that's where I want to be.
So how awesome would it be if I could hit 'enter' and actually have the steps mapped out for me?

Go back to school
Take this job
Stay on straight and narrow
Accept promotion
Move to_____
Meet wonderful man (at_____ on ______.)
Take new job role
Put money in _____stock.
Watch it go crazy and earn all your money back
Buy Season Tickets to the Dodgers
Get that damn Porsche
Marry that wonderful man
Travel to every baseball stadium.
Live Happily ever after....

Just tell me where to go and where to turn and how long it will take me to get there!

The majority of my life was totally mapped out for me...every step of the way. Didn't need directions...there was no doubt where I needed to go and what the next turn was.
Not long ago I found myself at a new starting point. And I had no idea where I was headed. No Map Quest, GPS, compass, smoke signal or Boy Scout could have helped me at that time. I was just freaking lost. I had to find my way out on my own.
Four years later, I know where I am.
Now I just need to figure out where I'm going.
And how to get there.

Something I am just learning how to do...

Words that make my heartbeat...

Pitchers and Catchers report in five days...

Life really is good

It's been a great week.
I think I might just have the best job in the universe.

Promises promises!

I promise.

Death Whoa

I am not sure how I ended up on this "death" site today...but, once I was there, I thought, what the heck? I'll find out what day I am going to die! I just answered a few simple questions and, VOILA--the date of my demise was soon revealed! I have to say I was pleasantly surprised to see that I will be living well into 2064, which will make me over 101 years old! (Well, yes, of course, I absolutely DO believe that this is completely accurate!)
This, folks, is exactly the reason I am trying hard to keep myself in really good shape! I know that I have YEARS of blogging left ahead! As well as many, many years of working and skiing and dancing and singing and traveling and eating to look forward to! And I hope like hell to be driving (my Porsche) to Dodgers Stadium--right up until this date! (I just hope Manny signs before then!) I want to be living fully, loving deeply and laughing a lot right up to August 21, 2064!
I feel better already! What a young woman I am!
Click here to find out what YOUR personal day of death will be!

And the winner is...

One of the best parts of blogging is 'meeting' new people.

Protege has been reading and commenting on this blog for several months now. I have never met her in person--in fact, she lives in Denmark! I'm not even sure how she even ended up on my blog--though I am sure I will find out today--and I am so very glad she did. Protege is a gifted, talented and entertaining writer and I have SO enjoyed 'getting to know her' through her brilliantly-written stories, thoughts and musings.
Today, she gifted me with the Marie Antoinette award (for "keeping it real") and a few very kind words. Honestly, I am honored.
Though Protege lives in Denmark, she grew up in Sweden. And perhaps, therein lies our connection. No, I am not Swedish nor have I ever been to Sweden. But I did drive Volvos and Saabs for 25 years.
Tack själv, dear Protege!

Words that very rarely come out of my mouth...

"DAMN, that was a good
football game!!"
(What Super Bowl REALLY means:
baseball season is imminent!)