Can't think of a title

But I know we've been busy. So here's what we've been up to.

Matt's pitch at SciFi went really well! They want to see a series bible and the pilot script which is excellent news. We're keeping our fingers crossed, hoping that this continues to grow. He's unfortunately not been able to get much work done as my sister has been in town this last week, and dad flew in on Friday. Katie's visit has been a good one. Lots of talks, lots of "explaining what it means to be a grown up" and things like that. But we've had fun too. Went to Santa Monica, dinners out, and reading Harry Potter. My job has kept me busy and tired, but I really like what I do, it comes with responsibility I've not had before which I have so desperately needed. What I have to adjust to is that this is a global corporation and our headquarters are in New Jersey - everything must go through them. I've only worked for small, independent companies before so it's taking a bit of getting used to.

Tonight it's dinner with Don and Cindy and tomorrow the family leaves. I'll be sorry to see them go, but we also need to get packing to move into our new place, and we can't do that with extra bodies here!

Summer is definitely here

Days are longer, food tastes better, the weather is warmer, and my allergies are kicking in. We were at The Grove today, had lunch and in the middle of shopping I just started sneezing like a mad-woman. We were going to see Shrek 3 but I couldn't get past the idea of just wanting to go straight home and sleep. Which is what I did. Came home and took a benadryl and slept for 5 hours. I just got up. I don't know how or when I'll go to sleep tonight!

Katie is doing well. Poor thing is so tired. Her last day of school was Thursday. I remember when school was done and all I wanted to do was sleep. Kind of like Jenny and Kevin, only they have a reason for needing sleep! There is the sweetest picture on their blog of Kevin and Patrick. You have to check it out.

We're moving!

So the story goes...

After graduation, Matt and I suddenly discovered we needed more space. He's writing much more, has many projects going on and needs quiet place to work besides the kitchen table. And I decided I'd like to have the table to eat at rather than dine over tv trays. So after a week of phone calls, we have accepted a price and are moving to a 2 bedroom apartment on the 4th floor of our building! :) We will make the move sometime next month. We should be able to move our current deposit to the new place, but we'll probably have to pay for parking which is a bummer. :( It will be an easy move, thankfully. No moving trucks, no boxes, or very few boxes. We are very excited!

I'm just not trying to think about the fact that we are paying twice as much for our new 2bd as our old one back in Washington...ugh...

Welcome home, Patrick!

Patrick Michael, born June 19, 2007 at 2:12am. Mom, Dad, and baby are doing great. Read more here! Pictures are courtesy of Lena who made a visit just the other day with her daughter, Hailey.

Clothes Shopping

When I was a teenager you couldn't drag me from the mall. I loved going shopping and seeing all the people. I loved spending money...mostly because it wasn't mine. Now days, it's hard for me to get motivated. But with a new office job and a worn out wardrobe, it was time...for the Sherman Oaks Mall.

Cindy and I braced ourselves yesterday afternoon as we walked into Macy's. The Sherman Oaks Mall is actually quite large and hidden. We wandered into a few over priced shops where a funny situation happened. Cindy noticed a cute sweatshirt hanging on a rack she couldn't reach (we're both vertically challenged) so the sales lady came over and said "You know, this is salvage." We both said oh, okay not realizing that "salvage" was the actual brand and the sweatshirt was over 200 dollars! HAH! We walked out and realized that we both thought that when she said "salvage" we thought resale. We got a kick out of that.

We had a great day shopping. We bought some nice summer clothes at Ann Taylor, we each got a pair of new shoes, and I got a new pair of sunglasses. On our way back to take Cindy home, we also stopped at Trader Joe's which is always fun. Thanks Cindy for a fun afternoon!

This weekend I had chores to do but I didn't do them. Tonight I had make-up chores but didn't do them. I'm way behind. Vaccuming needs to be done and the kitchen needs to be cleaned. And before you know it, Katie will be here...

In exciting news, Matt is pitching a show next week at NBC Universal at the Sci-Fi channel!!! How exciting is this? Less than 3 weeks out of school and already he's got a major meeting. I am so delighted and proud of him!

In the words of Rachael Ray...

Yumo! These burgers are so so declicious. I made them last week and they were a big hit with my guy.

Turkey burgers with grated zucchini and carrot
(From Real Simple Magazine)

3/4 pound ground turkey
1 medium zucchini, grated
1 medium carrot, grated
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 large egg
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 slices crusty bread
4 small leaves Boston lettuce
4 tablespoons mayonaise (optional)
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice (optional)

Heat broiler. In a large bowl, combine the turkey, zucchini, carrot, garlic, thyme, salt, pepper, and egg. Form the mixture into 4 patties. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties, turning once, until no trace of pink remains, 4-5 minutes per side. Meanwhile, place the bread on a baking sheet and brush with the remaining oil. Broil until golden and crisp, about 1 1/2 minutes. Transfer the bread to individual plates. Top with the lettuce leaves and burgers. If using, combine the mayonaise and lemon juice in a small bowl and serve with the burgers.

For extra zest, rub the bread with the cut side of a peeled, halved garlic clove immediately after removing the bread from the oven.

Feeling ill

I suppose it was silly of me to think that I wouldn't catch Matt's cold. He got sick after all the family left and the stress died down. He was pretty sick for about 3 days and I woke up yesterday with a tingle in my throat and all sneezy. Thank goodness for airborne. But last night I came home, fixed dinner, and then went to bed at 7. I couldn't keep my eyes open. Naturally, I woke up at 4am. More airborne, maybe some chicken soup for breakfast, and then before work I'll stop by Walgreens to get some more airborne so I can work today. Maybe even go home early.

On Tuesday evening, we headed over to Don and Cindy's which was great fun. They have a wonderful home out in Sherman Oaks. So much character! I especially love how the only way that you can get into the DG office is through the second bedroom. They seem really happy with their new jobs and new home. Cindy, is, as ever, a fantastic cook and Don is fabulous griller. She marinated some steaks and cut up some fresh veggies, and Don took them to the grill. Yummy! Rian was also there with another guy (and his name escapes me now), they brough wonderful sausages from the Farmer's Market. It was a perfect night for sitting around outside, eating our yumtastic dinner and drinking a few beers.

Saturday Mary and I (if I'm better) go out for an early morning hike in Pasadena. I've been told to wear clam diggers and water proof shoes as we cross a stream several times. She said most of it is flat (thank goodness because I have no stamina) and it's absolutely beautiful. I'm really looking forward to it.

Next Saturday evening, Katie arrives for an 8 day stay. We're looking forward to seeing her and having her here. I know that Matt will be in classes a few days a week so I've asked for some time off to get home early so she's not by herself all day long. I suppose this seems like bad timing to get a new job, but I really like what I do (so far) so it's best to just be adult about everything and get through these busy times. I do know that Katie wants to check out a few colleges in the area which will be fun, and she wants to go to the beach. It's also her vacation, so I don't know how busy we'll be when she's here.

Graduation Pictures

AFI Faculty

Getting ready...

Our graduate!

Guess who showed up at graduation?

He's done! (well, almost)

Matthew graduated today! It was a very entertaining ceremony with wonderful, charismatic speeches and a fabulous surprise arrival by an A list celebrity. We had so much fun with our family and friends.

Details to come. I'm exhausted.

He's not officially done, though >:( Summer classes have officially started and he won't get his diploma until September...but he's ALMOST done! I'm very excited to have my husband back (almost)!

It's official!

I'm working at Ajilon Finance/Office at the Burbank Office. We place candidates in the office (administrative) and financial (accountants) sectors. I really like my co-workers. They are so much fun and even have "dance-offs" every few days to boost morale and keep the energy going. The best part is that I feel like I'm working with these people, not for them. And even though it's a global company, it feels small. There is so much resposibility, which is very exciting. And there's several things I don't know yet, which I will have to be trained on next week. I put in a 12 hour day yesterday just so I could learn everything I could from the previous woman who's last day was yesterday. I'm excited but nervous about Monday. I'm sure I'll be ok. It'll just take me a little time to get used to all the paperwork I'll be pushing around.

Today I'm off to Runyon Canyon with Chandra and her dog, Capone. Then I get my haircut. Afterwards, I'll head home to get Matt and we'll be off to Sherman Oaks to help Don and Cindy unpack. I can't wait to see their new place!

Tomorrow much cleaning will be had. Matt's parents arrive Tuesday evening for graduation, and my Dad arrives Tuesday afternoon. I don't want this place looking like it does now...piles everywhere...

Busy and tired

Saturday I spent with Kari M. who is getting married next October! I hadn't seen her since I got back from my 3 week NW rondeveau last month, so there was much catching up to do. Her friend Jenny was in town from San Francisco, so the three of us plus Amanda and Sonia got together for high tea in Pasadena to see the ring, discuss options, suggestions, and have a girly day. We did some window shopping in Old Town Pas, going into Tiffany's, a Japanese paper shop, bought some clothes at H&M (my new favorite store), and got caught up on all our stories. I did not go out for drinks that night as I was getting exhausted and had a busy weekend ahead of me (we also went to Target at 8pm - best time to go).

Sunday Matt and I went to my friend Marie's wedding. She and her new husband, Eric, are celebrated in chic style. We had never been to a Jewish ceremony before, so that was very interesting and fun to boot. It was at the Sky Room in Long Beach, which has a 360 degree view atop the building in a fabulous restaurant. Each guest was assigned at a table, and each table was named after their favorite movies. Matt and I were assigned to Young Frankenstein along with a few other young married couples. We had a blast. The wine was flowing, the music was hopping, and the food was incredible! The newlyweds were so cute. Marie and Eric had been waiting for this day for so long. It was wonderful to finally see them as, officially, husband and wife.

Monday we headed out to Venice Beach for a BBQ with Mary and Ben and other close AFI friends. We headed out to the beach, had a bit of alchohol, and ate good food. We brought a salmon pasta salad, hard cider, and burgers. Someone brought these chocoloate chip cookie-bars that were simply amazing melt in your mouth awesome. I couldn't eat enough, but after 4 my stomach decided IT had enough. Matt left early to go to another party, and I stayed behind to catch up with Mary.

For those of you who don't know, I got a job! It's not official yet, they are still processing paperwork. But, thanks to Gina Nicole, I am working at a staffing company. We place temps, temps-to-hire, and direct placements in the financial and administrative sectors. More details to come when the position becomes official.

Matt graduates next week. I can't wait! I am so proud of him and all his accomplishments. He is ready to move on to the next phase in his career and both of us can't wait to find out where we're headed next. :)

And, finally, WELCOME to Don and Cindy! We're so excited you're close by!

LOST

1. Is Charlie really dead?

2. With the ending between Jack and Kate, is next season really what Ben eluded to? The beginning of the end?

3. Who is Naomi?

4. Why do we have to wait 6 months for the next new episode? I'm going to go crazy!!!

Minor grievences

1. I can't stand Time Warner Cable. We always have to power cycle our cable box and internet at least once a day. What am I really paying these people for? Can't they use my money to make sure our electronic connections work without constant interuptions?

2. Driving in L.A. can make anyone crazy. Drift over into another lane without your turn signal on, and there's no problem - it's accepted. But put your turn signal on, and everyone just speeds up to pass you. What's that about?

3. Being so tired. I know it's due to a lack of exercise. But everything I want to do in this town costs money. Yoga raised their prices, I don't have the time for bootcamp with my weird schedule, so I guess it's Yoga or Pilates at home. If I could just get my butt moving...

4. Summer is on it's way along with forest fires. What wonder this will do for my allergies!

5. Job rejections over email. That is just taking the easy way out! What wusses.

Ah, Memories

Watching TV with The Simpson family at the FOX lot. Good times!

Weekend with the girls

Friday....I don't remember what I did on Friday...I think we stayed home and just hung out.

Saturday was fun. I went to visit Liz in San Gabriel and we had a lovely lunch at my new favorite spot, Wild Thyme Cafe - they have the best zuchinni bread! We talked and talked and talked some more, catching up on stories that seemed to have happened years ago when it had only been a few months. She's off to an Alaskan cruise later this month but we've sworn to get together more often - none of this "every few months" business.

Yesterday was Mother's Day. To keep my brain occupied, Mary and I headed over to BJ's Brewery in Burbank and then to the Los Angeles Autry Museum to see a fashion exhibit. Lunch was wonderful - berry cider and fish tacos - I couldn't beat the company. The exhibit was nice but small. So we went to the store and got some wine and cheese, but she couldn't find a parking spot. So we rescheduled "wine-o day" for later this week.

Thanks to all who called and sent emails yesterday to make the day a little easier. Much appreciated.

Thoughts

...of Mother's Day. I'm just in denial that it's on Sunday and going to a museum. I was a dutiful daughter (and in-law) and ordered flowers.

...of Matt with his impending graduation and overwhelming thesis.

...of Jenny and her pregnancy, for her to get a few nights of sleep without waking up in the middle of the night.

...of all my interviews and hoping that I get the job here.

...of a man that I have never met, only know through his blog (I wish you peace and strength).

...of Lena and her beautiful garden.

...of (California) Kari and her newly engaged self.

...of Stephanie Paige and Patrick, and their impending move to New York City.

Honesty

I have 2 job interviews tomorrow afternoon. It's awkward being a temp and calling your agency with this information. The (wonderful) lady I work with at the agency, Melissa, was at lunch so I left a message with the receptionist detailing my situation. I explained that I had 2 interviews and wanted to be honest, that they are in the afternoon and seemed like Thursday was the only day I could come in to interview. I don't know what Melissa will say. I was planning the whole time to "call in sick", but figured honesty would be the best policy. She and the agency have been so good to me and so understanding and flexible. I feel terrible about possibly ending the assignment early, but then again, isn't this what being a temp is all about? Being flexible and working with schedules? Gah, I wish my conscience wasn't so sensitive and I could just let things slide. I hate to worry. It's a waste of time. I just wish I could practice that policy.

In other news, the fire was smoldering this morning. No homes have been damaged, but over 600 acres burned.

Send water!

Griffith Park is on fire. It's getting close to homes and the main street, Los Feliz Boulevard. We went up to the rooftop to see the flames, and there's a huge plume of smoke rising just above the AFI campus. We can hear helicopters from our apartment heading over. This is all over the news and the panning shots show the entire park on fire. There hasn't been rain in months and the fire is picking up on all the dry brush and moving very quickly. I don't think we'll have to evacuate, but check here for updates. News just reported that it's out of control and there's several hot spots all over the park. The temperature right now is 83, and we're expected to have weather in the 90's tomorrow. Cold weather is expected by Thursday, which will be too late. There is a zoo in this park, along with horse trail rides and many forms of wildlife live here too. Mostly birds and coyotes. I hope they make it out ok.

Chin up

I have another interview on Thursday so here's hoping something works out.

It's interesting working reception at a company like FX. Some people treat you wonderfully and say hello and look at you. Others don't give you the time of day and seem to walk on airs. The "important" people, I don't mind. But the assistants? Come on, man. There is a guy who walks around here, literally, with his nose in the air. I understand that he's in his own head and trying to cover his butt. But really, come on. Get your head out of your ass and treat the gal who's the first face your clients see with some respect. Can you tell there's no way in hell I'd ever want to work this job? I can see why they have a high turn over rate.

I have, however, been getting quite a few compliments on my work here, which is calling people when packages and visitors arrive. I met the receptionist here a few weeks ago when I temped for a mass mailing project. I asked her for some more envelopes and she turned around, bent over, and HELLO!!! Thong! Yuck. Ew. So inappropriate (in my opinion). One woman here even remarked how I obviously like to stay "covered." Heck yeah. My underwear is my own business. No one else's!

Looking up

Two interviews! One tomorrow with another agency and Wednesday with a real estate financial firm. It's amazing how just one response is a huge confidence boost.

No more applications today. I've sent out 12 and gotten one response. That's how competitive it is out there.

More good news though! Matt has signed a contract for writing work and will get paid in installments as he completes the work. Very exciting!