Friday, May 30, 2008

Hanging in there

Sorry for the bullet list, but I just can't think right now.
  • 3 cats on 3 different kinds of food. PJ on wet food because he has bad teeth, needs to gain weight, never mind he's also on inflammatory meds for his chronic pain in is vertabrae that fused together; Quinn needs a high fiber diet and has to lose weight; Bean is still young and healthy...how are we supposed to manage this, especially when we're out of town for the next 2 weekends?? Kind of panicking here.
  • Work is very hectic and busy, but at least the days go by fast. I barely have time or energy to blog these days.
  • We're going to Solvang this weekend which will be a welcome escape from the busy city. Next weekend I'm taking a few days off work and we're heading up to Napa for Matt's cousin's wedding. We're sharing a hotel room with his aunt and uncle from Washington which I'm looking forward to as we hardly ever get to spend time with them.
  • Katie went to her senior prom a few weeks ago, still waiting for pictures...
  • Must get back to work, loads to do, but at least now we're moved in.
  • Oh, and I'm back under 160 pounds! Just 15 to my goal...
  • One more thing - Did anyone else watch the season finale of LOST last night? WOW.

Friday, May 23, 2008

Who really enjoys moving?

We move our offices today. Finally! After 2 weeks of packing and putting up with co-workers asking me for stupid stuff, we'll finally be in our new office. It's really pretty, and I will have natural light coming into the reception area. Before and after pictures to be posted this weekend. Unfortunately I do have to go back to work tomorrow morning but it will just be me and my boss, and we're going to get things put away. It should only take a few hours. That way when I go back to work on Tuesday, I can be more organized and help everyone else get settled.

These last few weeks I've been blessed with very patient friends and family, and I have to single out my husband. What a trooper. I've not been easy to live with and I made a promise that after this weekend, I'd seriously work towards being happier and not bringing my job home with me. Part of that will entail 20-30 minutes of quiet time when I get home.

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Um, I remember this but not really...

(Photo courtesy of Paige. l-r: Paige, Cindy, me, Mary)
I don't remember the last time I went roller skating. Well, now I do because a few weeks ago, Matt and joined Paige, Mary, Don, and Cindy at Wump Skate, a fantastic once-a-month themed roller skating event where you can skate to your hearts content. Read Paige's blog for more details. I can't wait to go back, it was a blast! My favorite part was when Matt said "Oh, I suck at skating, I'm going to have a horrible time." Yeah right. The man is a natural!
One of the most interesting parts of skating after at least 10 years of not putting on skates, was the feeling of my mind and body trying REALLY hard to remember what to do, and I'd have moments of bliss, where it was like muscle memory, and then I'd suddenly get out of it and nearly fall on my butt! It was awesome!

At peace...for a little while

Do you ever have those moments where you get fantastic news and then the right song comes blaring over your car speakers as you're driving home from work? That happened to me on my way home today. I can't share the good news just yet but it does have to do with a project that Matt's working on. After all this time, it feels like the both of us are on the cusp for this new decade, I feel like everything is slowly but surely finally coming together.

And it feels really good!

Friday, May 16, 2008

Overwhelmed and overloaded.

  • Relieved though, because the landlord is going to take care of that awful cat-peed-on carpet in the next few weeks. Soon we'll be able to have friends over again. I can't wait! I have requsted that they treat the wood underneath, or let me do it. I don't want to have to go through this again.
  • Our office is moving upstairs one week from today. I'm so sick of packing and it makes me cringe of the thought of moving into a house this fall or winter. No more boxes, please!
  • Work is very stressful with all that I am responsible for - including packing up all the office files. Luckily we're getting all new furniture. I should lose about 5 pounds in the next week from the stress. Not the best way, but it will get me off the this plateau.
  • Tonight Matt and I are going to see his favorite group play in West L.A. The Proclaimers - 500 miles anyone?
  • Sunday includes a much needed bike ride in Venice Beach with Cindy and Mary. Anyone else want to come?
  • And did I mention it's supposed to be 100 degrees for the next four days??? Thank goodness for central a/c.

Sunday, May 11, 2008

Scientology

Well, what an interesting way to spend Mother's Day.

A friend of ours came to visit from Seattle. She has been part of my life for many years now, and she happened to be in LA overnight on her way back from a Mexican Cruise. She has been studying and learning about Scientology for many years now, and decided to stay overnight at the Celebrity Center, just 4 blocks from where we live. She invited us to brunch along with her godson, Chris, and that's just what we did today.

I spent the afternoon at a Scientology Center.

It wasn't what I was expecting, and yet in many ways, it was.

First off, the architecture was beautiful. All the rooms were very welcoming and open, beautiful furnishings, and the "ora", if you will, was very positive and calm. Everyone seemed friendly and welcoming.

BUT.

And that's a big BUT.

L. Ron Hubbard is everywhere. On nearly every wall, there's some sort of explanation about his methods, about dianetics, the difference between dianetics and scientology, and how one is extremely separate from the other. We got to try out an e-meter, which consists of the tour guide asking questions to help you pinpoint sources of stress and negativity in your life. I was very protective of myself the whole time, not really wanting to open up because I honestly felt like they were trying so hard to sell this to me. And I wasn't interested. Of course, I was happy that our friend wanted to share this with us, she was so happy and excited. And I guess that's really what the afternoon was all about - being open to something that I may not understand, and spending time with someone who has been very influential in my life.

Saturday, May 10, 2008

Tired but having fun

This last week has been such a blur! Paige is here now and I think we've gotten together every single day this week. It's been so much fun having another Washingtoninan here, and showing her around town.

I realize that I haven't posted any adventure type photos for awhile, but believe me when I say the most hysterical video is on Cindy's blog right now. It sums up our wekeend celebrating Don's birthday.

Tomorrow is Mother's Day. I've been struggling with my thoughts and feelings this year quite a bit, trying to figure out if what I'm feeling now will ever go away, will ever slightly subside. Last night I had a "let go"crying fest, talking about my dreams where she had visited me, what I missed about her, and that it's just not fair that she's gone, trying to work through all of this. I also know that I have grown leaps and bounds from this, it is a profound experience, affecting all aspects of my life. Selfishly, I wish she was still here, but honestly, I am just relieved and happy that she is finally at peace. I would love to be at peace, but what I have discovered is that those of us who are left behind will find peace when it's time.

Monday, May 05, 2008

It's May?? Already??

Seems like just yesterday I posted this!

On Friday Don turned 30. And surprise! Nathan and Jessica, 2 very dear friends from Washington, showed up at lunch. Sneaky Cindy had arranged the the whole thing and watching Don's expression of "holy crap!" was really fun. We celebrated the whole weekend with lots of beer, barbecuing, gaming, guitar hero, and ended with seeing "Ironman" at Sherman Oaks ArcLight. Added bonus: Paige moved down! She got a roomshare in Valley Village just 1 block away from the community garden that Katy belongs to. It's a great place for Paige, and I'm just really excited that she's here.

Weekend plans include ripping up the carpet in the bathroom. There's enough cat pee to smell up the whole place and I'm just sick of it. So, I'm calling my landlord this week and letting him know that this is what we're doing, whether he likes it or not. I just can't take it anymore. First thing Saturday morning, I'm off to Home Depot to get a decent knife and suggestions on what to do. I also need to figure out if the floorboards are saturated, which they probably are, and how to get the smell out of them. And is it worth it to replace the carpet or just cover it with area rugs until we move? Ideas? Suggestions?

P.S. Lena, thank you for your email, you are so sweet. Sorry I haven't responded yet, but I will! xo