It's still Rock and Roll to me...

How much better does it get? You've got the Piano Man and the Rocket Man. Bennie and the Jets and the Stranger. Only the Good Die Young and yes, the Bitch is Back. There were Scenes from an Italian Restaurant and a Funeral for a Friend.
Captivating! Amazing! Absolutely brilliant!
Seriously, I smiled (see above) all night long...and sang just about every word of each of these incredible performers' magnificent repertoire. And so did Allison. (Chock that up to really good parenting...)

I had seen Elton John three or four times before. I believe the last time was around 1977, with my parents and Gina at the Universal Amphitheatre. That evening holds a special memory in our family's history. It was the night we showed up at a concert with tickets to the previous nights' show. Crushed and devastated (and 14 years old) my dad purchased tickets from a scalper right there at the site...and we enjoyed the show tremendously. (Thanks Dad! That was cool!) My Dad LOVES Elton John, and Elton would not have disappointed him last night. Though obviously detouring from the very high notes he used to belt out, he delighted the audience with songs from 'the day.' I always tell people that I LOVE Elton John-"pre-Can You Feel The Love Tonight." He thrilled me by singing ALL my favorite songs, including Levon and Tiny Dancer, and by not singing ANYTHING from Lyon King.

And Billy Joel? I had seen him just about a year ago at the same venue. But this was a completely different show. Billy not only sang his seemingly ENDLESS stream of songs I love and know by heart...but he sang Elton's songs as well. And vice-verse. We were privileged to experience pianos being played at their utmost potential. Unbelievable!
The two capped off the night--THREE AND A HALF HOURS LATER--with an incredible rendition of "Piano Man." There was not a person in the packed house that was not on their feet and singing every word at the top of their lungs.
Including me. And my daughter.
Seriously, how much better does it get?

Sing us a song, you're the piano men...

Allison and I will be there tonight!

Yo yo yo yo yoga...

I have been wanting to go to a yoga class for months. I don't know exactly what was keeping me. Fear? Insecurity? Uncertainty?
Oh yeah. All of the above.
I also thought perhaps I wouldn't fit in--that I would be a distraction! I am not the most limber person on Earth and I was afraid I might not be able to hold the positions or fall over! But so many of my friends have raved about the benefits of yoga--a toned body, loss of weight, increase in strength, amazing balance, and a sense of calm and well being--that I felt like it was time for me to try.
I desire all of those things. And more.
Here's the deal. I've absolutely run out of excuses to not exercise. I don't have anyone waiting at home for me. I don't have kids to cart around. My house is clean and my laundry is done. Actually I have nothing but free time. And I live a half mile from the gym.
And (from what I remember) I love being in shape!
So I went to Yoga class tonight.
My fears and insecurities were calmed immediately. I grabbed a mat and positioned myself in the back of the class. I began to stretch as I watched the people come in. I was not the largest person there, by far. I was not even close to being the oldest. And, once the class began, I realized that I was not nearly the least coordinated or inflexible. There was no pressure to perform, and, although I came close, I didn't even once fall over!
In fact, I did pretty well. It was an amazing workout and it felt soooo good!
So good, that I signed up to go to Pilates tomorrow morning.
...that is if I'm able to move.

Funny Face

I believe in pink
I believe that laughing is the best calorie burner.
I believe in kissing, kissing a lot.

I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong.
I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls.
I believe that tomorrow is another day
and I believe in miracles.
-Audrey Hepburn

Think 182

Things that crossed my mind today...

1. Both of my kids have Arnold Swarchenegger's autograph. On their college diplomas.
   
2. I never use a straw. Unless I am driving.
3. I understand why a person would give an ultimatum to someone who won't make a commitment.
4. I don't know how Lorilei resists kissing Luke.
5. I honestly do my best to live at peace with everyone.
6. I totally LOVE using every last drop of shampoo, lotion and toothpaste. I stand bottles on their head for days. And cut open the toothpaste tube.
7. I SO wish I had a garden. I really miss my roses. And my nasturtiums. I even miss the dusty millers.
8. The 100 calorie cookie packages have saved my life.
9. I have not been to Las Vegas since 1996. It might be time.
10. I love my friends who are (much) older than me. They never talk about being old.

Unpacking...

I have a thing for suitcases and have quite a few displayed throughout my home. They are symbolic of so many things to me---travel, adventure, a new journey ahead--and I love how you can close it up and take it with you. They also always remind me of how very little I really need when I go on a trip.
Having returned so late Monday night from Arizona, I didn't feel like unpacking when I got home. Instead, over the last few days, I have just been taking out what I need, as I need it...and then putting it away in the right place. The dirty clothes. My makeup. A couple of pair of socks. Last night I took out my jammies and a t-shirt. Today the last few items were taken out of the suitcase. Some were hung, some folded in a drawer, a few belong under the sink. My Camelback souvenir pennant and magnet are waiting on the kitchen table...I will find a place for them tomorrow.
Four days later, the suitcase is empty--the clothes and items from the Arizona trip finally put away. It will be ready to be filled again--with different items--when the next trip approaches.
I couldn't help but kinda see this as an analogy for my life. My 'suitcase' was full to the brim with stuff from my former life. Over the last four years I have slowly 'unpacked' all of this, being careful to put everything in its proper place. It's taken a little longer than I thought it would--and there are a few things that are not quite in the right place yet--but I'm getting there. Everything has been unpacked. The baggage has been handled, sorted, and put away.

And the suitcase is ready to be filled again. Ready for travel, adventure and new journeys.
I just need to figure out where I'm headed.

Nighttime sniffling sneezing coughing aching stuffy head fever so you can rest medicine

One thing I didn't plan on bringing back from Arizona was a head cold.

I used to tell people that I never get sick, but I have to admit, in the last few years, I get sick at least once a year. And I freaking hate it. I am not good at taking it easy or relaxing and I'm just not a rester (sorry Nana.) Oh sure, I take a nap in the afternoons once in a while...but that's only so I can go out at night! This forced laying on the couch--because my head is aching, my ears are plugged and I can't stop coughing for five minutes--is for the birds. It's driving me nuts.
Of course, I will remind you that I HAVE NEVER CALLED IN SICK ONE TIME IN MY WHOLE LIFE! That's thirty plus years of working. Through two pregnancies. And, lately, quite a few head colds.
And I'm not about to start now.
I'm doing the Day-Quil/NyQuil thing, drinking lots of water (with Emergen-C) and I swear I've sucked down a full bag of cough drops. I'm finishing up a bowl of Hot & Sour soup and am now seriously considering taking the medicine prescribed by all the guys I work with: a big shot of tequila.
They swear that one shot--(which you have to admit does assist in a good nights' sleep)--is just what the doctor ordered!
And, really...let's be honest...have you ever checked the ingredients in NyQuil?
Yep. Tequila and food coloring.
And, I swear tequila is cheaper.
I'll let you know how it works.

Relatively Happy!

I spent the weekend with these two beautiful women! They are my cousins, Robin and Sherri and they are absolutely phenomenal! We laughed, we cried (tears, tears, tears), told stories from the past and created a new tradition for the future: GOING TO SPRING TRAINING!!
I must thank these girls for providing me with one of the most enjoyable weekends of my lifetime!
Can't wait til next year!

Stairway to (more) Heaven

The last day of my Spring Training weekend landed us at the stairway to the Angels' Diablo Tempe Stadium. It was an absolutely spectacular day--weather wise, company wise, and, well, it was all about baseball!Yep, Manny played today. Bonus: my high school friend, Bill, lives in Phoenix and met Robin and me at the game!
Bill is a HUGE baseball fan too!
Greatest weekend ever.

Is This Heaven?

This was one of the BEST days of my whole life!! I literally CRIED tears of joy...it was a dream come true to be at a Dodgers Spring Training game!! Here are a few of my 82 pictures from today's experience at Camelback Ranch. My cousin's Robin and Sherri--true Diamondback Fans--even donned Dodger digs just for the day!

That's Robin's boyfriend, Dave and Sherri's husband, Mike who joined us in the adventure!

And what a BEAUTIFUL place! I don't think I have smiled so much since I was in Italy!
I was SO SO happy to be at Camelback!


Oh yeah, this is heaven...

I'm going to Camelback!!!!!

I don't think I have ever been so excited to go somewhere!!!
There will be photos.

Even more fun in Arizona!

Fun in Arizona!

Spring Entertaining!

With my beautiful cousin, Robin, in Arizona!

Flew in this morning and Scott (above) was on my flight!
Scott works at Montage and is here for Spring Training games too!And I also ran into my friend, Chrissy!
My cousin's adorable son, Joe!We played Wii Bowling...(I scored 220!)
Then we went REAL bowling!!Robin and Dave!
Bowling is so great...you can eat and drink while you are playing!!Had a little Mexican Dinner, watched a couple of movies...
yeah...life is good.

If you build it...

I'm on my way.

Happy Birthday Sharel!

That's affirmative!

Ride Away!

...that's the plan.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Green Day

Ray...a drop of golden sun...

Tonight was Ray's casino night birthday celebration!
We played a little blackjack and a little roulette, and thoroughly enjoyed a magnificent spread of home-made Mexican food! Oh, and had a couple of delicious Margaritas too...So much fun!

Girl Scout Hookey

I have LITERALLY not had a Girl Scout Cookie in at least five years. Actually, probably closer to 10. And though I remember how delicious they are, I am pretty sure I will never have one again. Way too much fat, far too many calories...just totally not worth it.

In past years I have always PURCHASED a box or two each time I encountered a cookie stand--at the bank, the market, at my front door...I'm just nice that way, ya know?
(Yeah...the sad eyes of a Girl Scout...)
Then I'd just take the boxes to a friend or bring them to work.

But not this year. So far this week, I have walked past THREE sets of cookie pushers. When asked if I would like to purchase a box or two, I have simply said, "No thank you."

(Though I have wanted to say, "Have you seen my ass?" OR
''Have you noticed that I have gained 10 pounds since I saw you here last year in front of Ralphs?")

And it's the mothers too, ya know? THEY are the ones who give you the guilt look!!
(DO NOT make eye contact with the MOTHERS!)

That is...until tonight. As I drove into the Ralph's parking lot earlier this evening, I immediately saw that both entrances were obstructed by Girl Scouts, their banners, their cookies, and their mothers! As I walked toward the store, I saw the Girl Scouts preparing to pounce!
But rather than say no to them, I quickly decided to take a new approach. When the little begging voice pleaded "Would you like to buy some Girl Scout cookies?"
I very calmly said, "No thank you. But may I make a donation?"
The girls looked at the moms who--in unison--said, "SURE!"

No, I don't need the cookies...but it's nice to be nice, right?
As I handed each of the girls a $5 bill, I said, "You eat a box for me, ok?"
And it made them smile. Yeah, worth it for sure.

PS My friend Sonja GENEROUSLY brought me a box of Girl Scout peanut butter chocolate cookies the other day. I graciously told her that I do not eat them, but she insisted that I take them. I immediately put them in the mail to Hawaii. I know that Sarah and her family will love them. (Do they have Girl Scouts in Hawaii?)

One more thing...Sonja claimed that she has eaten several boxes in the last few weeks.
These are for you Sonja.

Summer Lovin'...

Summer 2006
Zermatt, Switzerland

Summer 2007
Prague, Czech Republic

Summer 2008
Kitale, Kenya

GREAT FULL day...

My friend Sonja emailed me this morning letting me know that she and our friend Katherine were meeting for lunch today at Montage. When I told my boss that my high school friends were coming in for a visit, he absolutely insisted that I sit down and join them! What a treat! I so love the people I work with. I truly love my job.
And it was literally one of the most enjoyable lunches I've had in a really long time. Refreshing, relaxing, rejuvenating...I love my ageless friends--and our timeless friendships--especially when served up with a plate of assorted pastries! (Yes, the chef wrote "Class of 81" in chocolate on the plate!)
I was so happy as I drove home...because despite all the CRAP going on in the world these days--Life is good.
Here are a few other 'good' things I am grateful for tonight:

1. One month from today, baseball season will be in full swing. (Pun intended, Allison) Between now and then, I am going to Camelback Ranch (YEAH!) and the Angels camp in Tempe. I'll be at Opening Day for the Angels, as well as the first Angels/Red Sox game of the season! And, Opening Day for the Dodgers is a month from tomorrow. Oh yeah, I'll be there too.
   
2. My friend, Eliane is flying in for a visit on my birthday in May! We'll be going to the Dodgers/Angels game while she's here and I just know that she will want to help me clean my garage out too! (Honestly, I am not sure which I am more excited about...)
3. Today I received a beautiful, hand-written note from a guest, thanking me for assisting her while at the resort. She wrote, "You bring light and beauty everywhere you go and I felt lifted because of you." Wow. Had to share that. Have I mentioned I love my job?
   
4. I'm sitting here in my jammies, feet up, enjoying a couple of Eggo waffles slathered in blueberry jelly while listening to Charley Steiner's play by play from Mexico. (Cuba is winning.) I am quite grateful for the MLB channel which most definitely helped eased the pain of the off-season this year.
5. I'm about to make a cup of tea, wrap up in a blanket and take in the new episode of Gray's Anatomy. And I will most likely be crying my eyes out before the night is over. Sobbing out-loud to a television progam is one of the greatest advantages of living alone. Of course, eating Eggos for dinner while watching baseball is another good one...

I know that I really have a wonderful life. I truly have everything I need. And I am grateful.
In fact, tonight, I consider myself the luckiest girl on the face of the earth.
Well, pretty close.
Life really is good.
And these damn desserts were too!!

sign of the times

What a GREAT Dodgers game!

How in the world have I lived without this?
I SO get to be the hot dog!

Brown paper packages tied up with strings...

I have a dayton Ohio

When I was growing up, the Dodgers biggest rivals were the Cincinnati Reds. Those match ups were among my very favorites to watch...Johnny Bench, Joe Morgan, Davey Concepcion (sign of the cross three times please) and...Pete Rose!!

MAN, I loved THAT team!

One of my LIFE GOALS is to see a game at every baseball stadium in the country. At this point, I'm about 23 short of that objective.
Today I got ambitious and decided to move a little closer to my goal by booking a trip to Ohio!
Why not, right?
Truth is, I was planning a trip to visit my friend, Eliane in Dayton and, while choosing the date, I suddenly thought, why not book the trip around when the DODGERS are going to be in Cincinnati?!

And so I did!

I will attend a game at my EIGHTH ball park--The Reds' Great American Ball Park (on Pete Rose Way) in Cincinnati, Ohio--in late August.

I will be the one in blue.

So Manny great shots...

I know it's been four months of craziness...
but I can't help it...I like the guy!!
And I am SO excited that he'll be playing in Arizona when I am there!

Sweet dreams are made of these...

I'm sure you've heard the news...it was a very good day in Dodgertown! Let the games begin!!

And, as a bonus...I was able to score tickets to the upcoming
Angels/Red Sox, Angels/Yankees, and Angels/Dodgers games...
Sweet Dreams indeed!

March forth!

Celebrated Casey's 21st birthday today!

The whole team!

Met Allison for dinner at BJ's and ran into LONG time friends Jamin and Kristin and their kids!
Allison and Jamin have been friends since fifth grade!So so so good to see Jamin!
And SOOOO good to see my daughter! We were even able to enjoy a DRINK together!
(Are we starting to look more alike or what?!)

I have missed Allison...SO very nice to sit down and catch up a bit. Glad to know now she's just a few minutes--and one pizooki--away...

In my virtual shopping cart tonight...

Did a little internet browsing tonight...(the only way to shop!)Helloo? How cute is this??

And how perfect are these??

TWO cup holders!! I think I need a couple of these...

Could probably live without another hammer...but how cool is that handle?

THIS is what I really want...don't you think I need it to take to Spring Training?

Tell me something good...

"Have you heard any good news today?
I wanna hear what you have to say,
wait 'till I get to the count of three,
and tell me all the good news you have for me, one-two-three!"

Quite possibly, the only other person who can remember this song is my sister Gina, but I am singing it to myself right now...cause I am feeling miserable today.
Everything from being back up weight-wise, to having numerous friends and family members out of work and/or unable to keep up financially, to stupid Manny Ramirez who is quibbling over playing baseball for $45 million while the rest of us are working our a**es off for $10/hour!
All of it has put a black cloud over my mood this morning. A 'rain cloud' over my head--as we say at work. My heart is hurting too.
I just called my mortgage company to see if there is ANY way for me to get my house payment lowered. After 25 minutes of Automated Annie, I finally got a live person who said, "Can you call back on Thursday? All our systems are down."
Seriously? Thursday? Thanks a lot.
My stomach hurts. Constantly. No matter what I eat. No matter what I don't eat.
It's 9:30 and I am still in my pajamas. I need a shower and another cup of coffee.
No, I need some good news!
So, have you heard any good news today? I wanna hear what you have to say! Wait til I get to the count of three--and for the love of God--tell me something good!
One Two THREE!

Must love blogs

So you remember that I am on a mission to meet my fellow bloggers, right? A few months ago I met Shannon and before that I had the privilege of meeting Mary...both people I had previously only known "virtually"!

Tonight I met Sarah!!

We have been reading each others' blogs for a couple of years now and I was overjoyed when Sarah said she'd be in town and wanted to know if we could meet! Our 'quick visit' at Golden Spoon turned into a most enjoyable two hours together. Among many other things, we talked about family, food, Gray's Anatomy, and, most especially, our common love for the beautiful game of BASEBALL!

How did we find each others' blogs? Quite simple really.
Sarah is my daughter's ex boyfriend's older sister's friend from high school!
And now, much more simply put, Sarah is my friend.

Meanwhile, back at the Ranch...

Despite all that's going on (or not going on) with Manny...
It is Opening Day at Camelback Ranch!!

It is a beautiful day in my home when I hear Vinnie say,
"It's time for Dodgers Baseball!" (Honestly, I teared up today.)

Take ME out to the ballgame!
I will BE THERE on the 22nd AND will be at the Dodgers'
game against the Angels at their stadium on the 23rd.
"...let's get back to this one..."