Still the one!

Dodgers...best record in baseball!
Yep, it still feels good.

Go Pens!

It's May 29th!

...and one more for the road...

Are words really necessary here?

...or here?

One thing for sure...I do know how to rock a birthday month!!

You really have a wonderful life!

I am so often making lists of places to go and things to do before I die, I sometimes forget all the great things I have already done! Here's a list of some of the greatest things I have experienced in my life...

I've seen both my children graduate from college!

I stood on the top of the World Trade Center. Rode in a Gondola in Venice. Bought my own home. Took a helicopter tour over the Swiss Alps. Stood in the Coliseum in Rome. Graduated college at age 37. Climbed to the CROWN of the Statue of Liberty. Had dinner on the Eiffel Tower. Was in a bar in Germany the last night of the World Cup. Cruised the Danube in Budapest. Bought a car and paid cash. Been to at least a dozen plays on Broadway and have enjoyed a Mozart concert in Vienna. I've seen Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and rode the London Eye. I shopped at Harrods in London and Bloomingdales in NYC. I had a drink with Greg Maddux. I wrote my blog from Prague.
I've been to Graceland, Niagara Falls, the very first Starbucks, Disney World, the Grand Tetons, Devil's Tower, Yellowstone Park, Mount Rushmore, and the Grand Canyon. I've seen the sunset on Puget Sound and Waikiki Beach and seen the sunrise in New York City and Cape May. I met Ned Colletti. I've been to the Smithsonian and the White House. I've walked on the Golden Gate Bridge and the Brooklyn Bridge. I've seen the Sequoias and Hoover Dam. I went to Spring Training the inaugural year at Camelback and was there to see the Dodgers sweep the NLDS against the Cubs.
I've had great beer in Brugge and Amsterdam. The best waffle in Belgium. An amazing nutella crepe in Paris. And enjoyed gelato in St. Peter's Square. I took a dozen pictures at the Ponte Vechio in Florence. I saw Michelangelo's David and the Sistine Chapel. I've been to the baseball stadiums of The Dodgers, Angels, A's, Giants, Diamondbacks, Padres and Yankees. Love this!
I have thoroughly LOVED all three of the jobs I have had. I have cherished, life-long friendships and genuine relationships within my family...and I am finally figuring out how important that really is. I am so lucky. I am so grateful.
So what do I still want to do?
Visit Greece, Spain, Portugal, Ireland, Australia...and eat my way through the rest of Italy. Go to Wrigley Field, Camden Yards, Fenway and Cooperstown. See the Dodgers go to the World Series. Buy the Porsche. Fall in love.

Heck, I'm just getting started.

Jolt 45

The only thing I love as much as baseball is music--if there is not a game on in my house, there is definitely music playing! And, since the Dodgers played early this afternoon, I decided to put the iPod on 'shuffle' as I worked around the house tonight. About 10 songs in, I stopped what I was doing and ran down stairs...Bobby Sherman was in my kitchen belting out, "Julie, do ya love me?"!!
I gotta tell ya, it is undoubtedly my favorite song of all time.
I was five years old when the song came out, and I vividly remember the day my dad brought home the single for me....my very first 45 record! I listened to that song over and over and over--until I actually wore out the needle on my record player (does anyone remember replacing needles?!) I SWORE Bobby Sherman was singing that song to me! And I remember CRYING the day I found out that he was married. (I was 8.)
Of course I still have that single--and the jacket with Bobby's beautiful picture on it. (Gina, can you name the B-side?) I actually have all my old 45s and all my old albums. Unfortunately, I no longer have a turn table....I'd probably wear out the needle anyway.
But, thanks to the iPod, tonight, in my kitchen, Bobby and I sang together LOUDLY..."oh oh oh Julie Julie Julie, do ya love me? Ahhh, Julie Julie Julie do ya care? Julie Julie are ya thinking of me? Julie Julie will ya still be there?"
I don't care what you say...tonight, I am sure he was singing to me.

"Bravery never goes out of fashion..."

William Thackeray

It's a beautiful day for a ballgame!!

Another perfect day at the happiest place on earth!
(Yes, we were there to watch batting practice!!)

Sincerely, there is nowhere I would rather be.

It was Eliane's first time at Dodger Stadium!

Joe and Stephanie were part of the fun...and OH what fun it was! The Dodgers were down 4-1 in the 5th and came back to WIN 5-4 in the 10th!! It was a GREAT game that included a total of 23 hits and a walk off walk! (Look it up.) It was extra fun to sing "Take me out to the Ballgame" tonight as half the crowd sang "Root root root for the DODGERS" and the other half were root root rooting for the opposing team--the Angels.
Buy me some peanuts and crackerjack--and a hot dog and a Corona--
...I can't wait until I can go back.

...on my way!

Coco's Terrific Trio

This morning at Coco's...

...and 15 years ago at Coco's...

A little busy this week...

... seriously having some important fun...!

Sweep Dreams!

If you ever want to know what truly makes me happy....

A very HAPPY Birthday

The day began at The Original Pancake House where I enjoyed bacon and eggs and country potatoes. If I am ever offered a 'last meal'...that will be it. With ketchup and Tabasco--and a big Diet Coke--it is the absolute perfect meal!

Allison, along with my Mom and Dad and Eliane--joined in the celebration and deliciousness!

Afterward, Eliane treated us to a pedicure...the best gift ever!
(And my toes are so pretty!)

Eliane and I went shopping afterward and then I had to head over to a quick meeting at work, where they brought me a chocolate caramel dessert with a candle in it--seriously incredible! While in Laguna we did a little more shopping and ended the night with giant Margaritas and chips and guacamole--the OTHER absolute perfect meal!
My mother gave me the shirt above...look closely at the bottom. Yep, it's a Dodgers blouse! So fun. We watched the FIRST PLACE, BEST RECORD IN BASEBALL Dodgers beat the Mets and called it a night. The absolute perfect day.
Back to reality--and Slim Fast--today.

May 19th

28ish

They say it's (almost) your birthday...

I walked into our staff meeting today to find a little pre-birthday treat...

And, since we were learning about and tasting our delicious new 'Summer Beverages', there was a bar--complete with bartender--at our meeting! (Went great with the cookies and cupcakes!)
...oh, and with the chocolates!

I've probably mentioned this a few times before...I really like my job.

...And, a (great) new twist on a (really great) old philosophy.

Earthquake!

OK...we just had an earthquake. I am SO not one to freak out...and, for the first few seconds, I just sat and thought, "oh, we're having an earthquake." For the next few seconds I thought, "oh crap, we're STILL having an earthquake..." But when it kept going, I actually jumped up and moved to a doorway--where for the NEXT FIFTEEN MORE seconds I stood there as I heard wine glasses rattling together, picture frames toppling over, and things falling off my bookshelves! My heart was beating...it seriously didn't seem like it was going to stop...house cracking, things toppling...ok, so I freaked a little!

Wow...wow...hope everyone is alright.
It's been a long time since I remember one like that...

Frisky business

In the canned food aisle of the grocery store this morning, I saw an older lady--about my height--attempting to reach the cans of soup stacked on the top shelf. I didn't want to insult her by offering to help, but, as she reached for the third and then the fourth can, I decided I could not watch any longer--I was sure that at any second she was going to be knocked out by the corn chowder or the tomato bisque...something was going to conk her in the head!

I said, "Excuse me...I am not very much taller than you, but may I help you get those cans?"
She said, "I'd love your help, dear! You may not be any taller, but you look a lot friskier!"

Frisky! YES--FRISKY! I'm telling you, it's my new favorite word.
It is just SO me!

Oh I helped her get those cans. And I've been frisky all afternoon.

London Cravings

My lovely friend Josh, a sweet bloke, is here on holiday from London...He donned his jumper and trainers and arranged a brilliant gathering of his old mates (including his current housemates) to enjoy a pint of warm ale aside bangers and mash and crumpets and biscuits...oh bloody hell...we enjoyed delightful pizza and beer!

Josh with Allison, Jordan and Luke
MIND THE GAP

THE CRAVE STAFF circa 2003
Dana, Jana, me, Josh and Francisco

And Dillon and Oscar...OH SO fun to see these people!

My two favorite London-loving blokes!

Only former Saddleback Staff truly understand the incredible JOY of walking around with a pitcher of beer in your hand!

...that's Ben, one of Josh's housemates. He told us he actually used to LIVE in America--in Kentucky. We told him that Kentucky was not actually America.

With dear friends Tara and Nicole...the evening was a smashing success! These are all people I have known and loved through my days of working in college ministry.

Blimey! Let's not forget amazingly artistic Annie, who is hosting the boys while in America!
Bobby, Quid, Loo, Fishmonger, UNDERGROUND...
it was a wicked night!
Cheers!!

It's (almost) my birthday!

And THIS might be the best birthday card I've ever received!

Birthday Celebration #1

Dinner with Stephanie and Joe...so fun...so delicious!

Joe's birthday was yesterday...mine is still a few days away...and Stephanie's is in September!
But a shot of Patron makes the celebration work no matter the day!
And GREAT, long-time friends make EVERY single day amazing!
Life is good.

It's mine

And maybe someday I'll have the necklace too...

...I'm happy again...

Seriously, it's amazing what a 9-2 Dodger win (over the Phillies!!)
can do for me...

Somewhere in my youth, or childhood--I must have done something good.

A few Childhood Memories
Stolen from another's blog.
(How cute am I in this picture? Bangs and all!)


What is your best childhood memory? Listening to Vin Scully announce the Dodgers' games with my dad on the portable radio.
What was your favorite book? It's a tie: James and the Giant Peach and Henry Huggins.
What was your favorite food? Pork chops and orange sauce!
What music most takes you back to your childhood? Carol King's Tapestry album.
Did you have pets? Oh Lord, yes. A constant parade of cats, dogs, hamsters, mice and fish.
What were your favorite games? Kerplunk, Battleship, Probe, Aggravation, Barbies.
Favorite bedtime story? My dad's story about the rabbit at church taking the quarter to buy carrots for his children.
Favorite TV shows? Brady Bunch, Partridge Family, Happy Days, Laverne and Shirley
Where you popular? Oh yikes! No need to answer this one.
Did you go to camp? Only once. I was on a rope swing over a gully and fell in the gully.
Did you play sports? Played softball...second base. I was always #6 for Steve Garvey.
Did you ever cheat on a test? Yes. In Biology Senior year. I cheated off Mike Johsz.
Most magical part of your childhood? Christmas! I believed in Santa til I was at least 12.
Best vacation of your childhood? Oh, all our camping trips to Zaca Lake, Crazy Horse Camp Ground and all the KOAs! Our month-long trip across the US in the motor home was really great! Saw every National Park, Monument and every Howard Johnson's restaurant from here to Montreal...and back!
What mementos do you still have from your childhood? My Bobby Sherman lunch pail, my 8th grade bowling trophy, my mouse collection, and all my albums and 45s...

A dream is a wish your heart makes...

...of course, it's my wish for me too.

Shopping Glee!

Armed with gift certificates, an American Express card and a little extra cash, and donning sensible shoes and easy-to-remove clothing--along with my own personal shopper--I spent most of the day at the mall. Yes, shopping. And I LIKED it! We started at Nordstrom and worked our way through at least a dozen different stores! Who knew it could be so great?!

I came home with bags of every size and shape, containing new (totally stylish) jeans and a (darling) sundress and (very cute) black shoes and (several great) shirts and (LOADS of new) tanks (one in every color!) and six new unmentionables (probably my favorite treat of the day!) Oh, and...Season Seven of the Gilmore Girls!! (favorite-next only to the undies!)
Remember all my previous posts claiming how very much I really don't enjoy shopping? (Target and Home Depot don't count.) Well, I am taking it all back! (The words...not my new stuff!) Cause I had a blast! I didn't even mind taking my clothes off ten times today. And, everything seemed to fit...and actually looked pretty good. I can't wait to wear my new outfits...
It was a good day.
Special thanks to my personal shopper, Ms. Allison Hibbard, who provided me with ongoing assessments, reactions, opinions and feedback--along with quick witted jokes, remarks and anecdotes--all wrapped up with the much-appreciated ability to assist in the carrying of the bags.

New Summer wardrobe...a few hundred dollars (Hey, no one really needs to know but me.)
and GG season seven! Did I mention season seven?!
Lunch at Nordstrom (oh and a belt too!)...$30
Spending the afternoon with my daughter eating and laughing--and feeling kinda pretty--PRICELESS.

I haven't unpacked anything yet...I really like the site of all those bags on my dining room table!
But, of course...I have already watched two episodes of the Gilmore Girls.

Yep, I'm a girl...

While helping a friend choose a few things for her wedding, I stumbled upon a whole website of very cool "wedding cake toppers." I love the idea of them being a little more personalized and kinda unique...and, I have to admit, I am actually encouraged by the fact that I like them at all.

I like the thought that MAYBE...just MAYBE...somewhere deep down inside, there MIGHT just be a tiny little bit of romantic hope left in me.

I thought this one (above) was my favorite...
til I saw this one (above)...LOVE this one...
How perfect is that?

But then I saw this one. Oh yeah!! This one is the one for me!!
Oh, but wait! Oh yeah, it's not for me...and, being a bit more traditional, my friend didn't really like any of these.
...but I might just have to save this website...you just never know, right?

As good as it gets

After an extremely exhausting day at work, I rushed home to shower and change clothes before meeting my son for Mother's Day dinner. The Dodgers were winning on my drive over to the restaurant and losing by the time I got there. They tied it up just as we were seated only to LOSE it right before our dinner came. Long day became even longer.

As we ate, my son began talking about his new job. Along with the rest of the world, over the last several months--even with his Bachelor's Degree--he's had a hard time finding work. He has a terrific part-time job which he really loves, and has now taken on a full-time job (yes, in addition to the other job...that's my boy!)...but, unfortunately, it is not exactly his dream job.
Not even close.

My mother, always wanting everyone to be happy said to him, "Well, I know you are going to find the greatest job in the world one day soon...one you really love!" She knows that I hate when she says things like this--mostly because she is usually referring to the illusive amazing man who is "going to come into my life at any moment." Truth is, there is no way that she can know these kinds of things.
But without a flinch, my son replied,
"You have to be happy in the room you are in."
Wow. Talk about simple wisdom. How true is that?!
Rather than wishing or hoping or dreaming that something BETTER is going to come along...you have to be happy right now. With what you have. With what you do. With where you are.
I am so proud of my son.
And I thought about this the whole way home.
Cause I know that I have an incredible life. And, honestly, the only time I ever feel sad or depressed is when I think that things should be different. That I would be HAPPIER if only...

Instead, I need to admit that if this is as good as it gets...well, that it's pretty damn good. Even when the work day is long. Even when the Dodgers lose.
I have to be happy in the room I am in.

Tonight, for Mother's Day, in addition to dinner and beautiful flowers...
my son gave me an incredible gift.
Now THAT'S my boy.

So mothers be good to your daughters too...

I love this woman!

Spent "Mother's Day Eve" with my beautiful daughter! She gave me a new Dodgers blanket which will now take the place of that Santa Claus blanket I wrap up in every night!

Gina and OUR Mother--as well as our father--enjoyed dinner with us too. (It was a tad bright out there!!!) I will be working tomorrow, and have dinner plans with my son...
Happy Mother's Day--emphasis on the "happy"...

Manny who??

...but don't give yourself away

Thoughts from the middle of the night...

I have (finally?!) realized that I can not control anyone else's thoughts, actions…or feelings...

No matter what I do.

No matter how nice I am.

No matter how good my intentions are.

No matter how many times I call to remind them how much I care...

And I can’t make anyone like me. Or make them happy. I can't.

Though I sure do exhaust myself trying...

I surrender. I give up! I’m letting go...

And I feel better already.
Of course, I hope you do too.

STILL the best medicine!

"It's (STILL) time for Dodgers Baseball!"

"Hi, everybody, and a very pleasant Thursday evening to you, wherever you may be. The Dodgers and the city of Los Angeles and all of California and for that matter, all of baseball, still shocked and stunned over the suspension of Manny Ramirez.
We'll have more to say about that a little bit later on --
but no one man stops baseball ..."
-- Vin Scully

Dream on!

BEST record in baseball!!

The Dodgers now have the best record in baseball at 19-8, the largest current lead in baseball at 5 1/2 games, they are 11 games above .500, and--they are PERFECT (11-0!) at home!

I know this is gibberish to some of you...but no apologies today...
It's absolute HEAVEN for me!

PS Note to my Diamondback-loving cousins--thank you for Orlando.

Garden my French

It only took about three full days of cleaning, gleaning, and scrubbing with meaning...as well as rigging up a 100-foot hose to come up the stairs from the garage, through the kitchen and living room and outside to power wash the patio...but it was worth it!
Then a quick trip to Target for a new outdoor rug, a few flowers and some seat cushions, and...

VOILA!
Ready for dinner (and drinks) out on the veranda!
Come join me!

Karibu James!!

This is James Juma and he has just moved here from Kitale, Kenya! James has been a great friend--as well as driver, translator and protector!--of Allison's for YEARS while she was in Kenya!! I had heard wonderful stories about James from Allison and so many others, and was so blessed to have met him when I was there last year. And SO happy to see him today!

James has been trying for many years to get a visa to come and go to school in California. It took much work--from the other side of the world--and it has finally happened! James is living with an amazing family here in the OC and will be attending community college beginning this week! I have invited him to come to see Montage later this week AND to come to my home for an Italian dinner. He's never had Italian food! There is so much he has yet to do!And, the bonus to the day was seeing many of the folks who were on the Kenyan trip with Allison and me last Summer. Chris was one of the people who stayed six months with Allison, and Georgia is one of the nurses who lead the mobile medical units. These are such great people!Since we are trying to help aclimate James to California, I thought he needed a beautiful new blue shirt to get him started! I asked if he'd like to go to a baseball game someday too...
oh man, he has no idea what he's in for.

Feliz cumpleaños, Lisa!!

So...after working, coming home and changing clothes and going to Cori's graduation party, I came home, changed clothes again and headed over to my friend Lisa's 40th birthday fiesta!

(I had to try one in each shape...so delicious!)

Much of the Montage gang was there to celebrate with Lisa too.
I assured Lisa that 40 is just the beginning...and that the best is yet to come!

Congratulations Cori!

My beautiful niece, Cori, graduated from Cal Baptist University today! She received her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and will start her Master's Degree in the Fall!
Allison and I were so happy to be able to join Cori (with sister, Chantel) for the post-ceremony festivities this afternoon!

Rome where you want to...

While listening to the iPod on random, "O Sole Mio" came on. My friend in the car with me said, "What the hell is this?"
I took amazing pride when I told her, "It's from a CD I bought when I was in Italy!"
Let me tell you that I LOVE LOVE LOVE saying those words...and these too:

"When I was helicoptering over the Swiss Alps..."
"When I had dinner on the Eiffel Tower..."
"I was in Germany the last night of the World Cup!"
"Remember when I wrote the blog from PRAGUE?"
"I secretly took pictures in the Sistine Chapel."
"I ate gelato while watching pope speak in St. Peter's Square..."
"We ate at Gundel in Budapest...
"I took the Da Vinci code tour at the Louvre in Paris...
"...the Belgian waffle I had in Belgium!"
"...the amazing beer I had in Bruge!"
"While we were at the Mozart concert in Vienna..."
"...the streusel I had in Rodenberg..."
"....and the chocolate we ate throughout Switzerland!"
"O Sole Mio"??
It's the song that the accordionist played as we rode a gondola through Venice.


Damn, I love saying that.