Surgery Went Well

My Dad had his heart surgery on Wednesday and although very serious the doctor said it went with out any complications what so ever. He will be in the hospital over Christmas and so my mother is going to spend Christmas Eve over my sister's house. This is just one crazy Christmas for us all but in the grand scheme of things, plenty of great presents already received and enjoyed for this Christmas -- better health, a great job, and lots of blessings.

¡Ay, Caramba!

I was in Mexico having lunch with my friend Oscar and wouldn't you know it, there was a clown in the booth next to ours! Just a miscellaneous clown having lunch with her friends, who were not clowns. Of course my eyes were bugging out of my head! I have known Oscar for a while and although we always speak in Spanish, since I have known him so long he understands perfectly my level of Spanish and adjusts his Spanish to mine. I asked him to please ask the clown if I could get a picture with her, he said NOOOOOOO. He thought I was crazy. I begged as how many opportunities do you get like that in life. He still said NOOOOOOO and added again that I was crazy. I had to figure something out and fast!

When our waiter came up I asked in Spanish of the waiter that since I feel my Spanish is poor, would he please ask the clown if I could get my picture with her. He understood perfectly and said he would ask. He left and Oscar rolled his eyes, as if that mattered - you know how many times in my life I have gotten the eye roll from people LOL. Eureka, the waiter returns and tells me the clown said yes! I wanna pee my pants AND my heart is palpitating but I know it will be good to deal with the clown issue once and for all head on - nose to nose I guess would be the appropriate saying.

I go over and in Spanish tell the clown Merry Christmas and thank you for the photo. She says - in PERFECT English - you are welcome honey! My head is swimming!!! The crazy miscellaneous clown in Mexico speaks perfect English - and it gets better. The crazy clown tells me she wants to hold her bible in the picture and pulls out this HOT PINK bible and holds it up - don't believe me then look closely at the picture above. All I can think is that you really should not drink the water in Mexico as it must fuck up your head since this cannot be reality. As it all turns out, the clown was from Vegas (sure why not) and was there with her church on an evangelism mission. So of course now I am really afraid of the clown as I am thinking the crazy miscellaneous English speaking clown in Mexico is going to want to baptism me or something. Turns out she was very sweet. She did invite me to a meeting and gave me some literature - all written in Spanish.

I return to my table and Oscar tells me in Spanish that I am the reason Mexicans think all gringos are nuts. I wish I could disagree but I cannot. I told him it was not me that it was the water in Mexico. He did not buy my claim. Then to top this off - check out the picture one last time - how freaking good do I look in that picture???? Why didn't my picture with Sharlowe that I posted a little bit ago come out that good. Now I am sitting here wondering if I use this picture as my online profile picture what kind of gentleman callers is that going to attract??? Crazy, crazy, crazy -- my world is crazy. And regardless if you say clown or you say payaso - they still scare me.

I Am Worried

Got a call that they rushed my father to the hospital. He had a heart attack and although he is not in good health, he has never had heart problems. They did some tests and said he needed an operation to fix his heart. The operation has a 98% success rate and it will add years to his life. With out the operation he has 6 months. So he is having the operation on Monday at a hospital in Boston. I feel bad and it makes this strange Christmas that much stranger. I feel mostly for my mother. My father is in the hospital and getting excellent care but my mother worries so - all the time. I know I am just like her but she still worries even more than me.

Then there is that whole lack of emotion factor in my family. I love my family, you all know that but it is only my mother and I that are emotional. My father does not take care of himself so I have been expecting this call for years. I am good with my relationship with him. I do not want anything bad to happen but there are only two definites in life. It is all very strange, strange indeed. I think he will be fine, I hope he will be. I just hope my mother is too.

TOPS Christmas Party

At my weight loss we has a little Christmas party and it was fun. We did not over indulge too much but we did enjoy. We had some nice food, a gift card swap, and some laughs.

This is Robin and Mary is in the blue. I love Mary. She is from Ireland and is so sweet and inspiring. We all have a way to go on this road but it is good to have friends like her along for the trip.

This is Sharlowe. I know that you are not supposed to have favorites but she is my favorite! She is sooooo lovely! I cannot help it, if I love you then you know it. I have always been like that. I do not look good at all in that shirt! I have not gained any weight but boy is that an unflattering shirt. But I still love the picture because I love Sharlowe. Just before we had this picture taken I noticed have very short she is next to me. I told her that I was going to look like Santa Claus and she would look like one of my elves. And we do!

Some of the gals. We do our best.

I Am Under Attack

This praying mantis was in my house! I DO NOT want roommates and especially scary ones like this! It freaked me right out as I am still not over the trantula deck sighting that I posted before. I got the broom and swept it out the door and trust me he was none too happy about the eviction. I then grabbed my camera to take it's picture. The whole time I had the heebie jeebies so of course I then quickly went back into the house and locked the the door.

Ok I Will Admit It

I am sad that I will not be in MA for Christmas. I am super happy about my new job and it is going well, so I know that I have a huge blessing to be happy for but I have never not been with my family for Christmas. They are completely nuts but I love them for it. When do I ever complain or fuss about my family? When do I ever say this sibling is fighting with that one or someone is causing drama? That just is not my family and I am incredibly fortunate for it. While I was at the boss' Christmas party yesterday there were other east coasters that were laughing and joking about how happy they were not to go back for Christmas because it was too much work and too much of a hassle. I felt bad for them that that was their view of their family. I know I am lucky that I was able to go back all these previous years and although I am far away I don't think it ever really dawned on me that this could ever possibly happen. Seems I did not think the one through too much.

Anyway I wanted to be cheered up some so I went down to Mexico last night and hung out with Oscar. It was fun of course but he asked if I was going to Boston for Christmas and I told him that I could not. I told him it was ok because maybe I could go in February for a longer period of time or can save money to go in June for my niece and nephew's high school graduation. He invited me to his house to spend Christmas with his family. He has nothing but he has his family and so it meant a lot to me. I actually cried. I have gotten a lot of nice invites like that so far and again, I am lucky for that. I do not know what I will end up doing but regardless of what it is, I will appreciate the gifts that I have received in my life, like my family and friends. Still doesn't mean it doesn't make me cry.

Movie Review: Submarine

This movie came out earlier this year but I did not get a chance to see it in the theaters so I watched it on dvd last night. It was so good. I have had an odd week so and seeing this movie completely saved it for me and made the week end on a good note. It is a coming of age story about Oliver Tate who clearly is an odd young man but still like everyone else is doing his best to figure out this crazy ride called life. It is quirky and strange so I am not sure how realistic but it was still sweet and funny. Everyone just does their best and so even if a bit unrealistic the point was still well done and well received. I made me smile and I enjoyed every bit of it.

It got great reviews and it was written and directed by this guy who was in this really funny British sitcom called the IT Crowd. He is funny on the sitcom but I think this, the first movie he wrote and directed, shows how insanely talented he is. Everyone thinks I love Mexicans but I have always been in love with the British. The only downfall is I see all these great movies and shows and yet it is hard to find anyone that ever knows what the hell I am talking about. I cannot be the only person watching these things. Guess that is what my blog is for.

What a Pisspot!

Hi There. Well my week is still shakey and today I was just so annoyed. I am trying to right things but it is just a challenge. Things heated up a bit at the office - nothing too bad but I did raise my voice which makes me unhappy. Then I went to the post office at lunch and it was a zoo so I left. Driving was a nightmare - people honking at me and everything. Just nutty. I have been making bad eating choices. Then I went off to Zumba. I love Zumba, you know that. I wanted to just shake it all off and exercise and feel good. The class was so helter skelter! The instructor kept forgetting the steps and really seemed like she was just making shit up. That made it hard for me to follow and so I did not feel like I was getting a work out which was making me even more annoyed. I hung in there for 30 minutes and my annoyance was just not subsiding. I got my gear and got the hell out of there right in the middle of class. I knew there would be a call later and there was - which just means someone cares. The instructor who is always so nice to me called because she was concerned. I did not take the call but felt guilty so I called her back. I let her know my day was challenging and then since the class was all over the place it greatly annoyed me and so I left. She quickly agreed about the class and apologized.

I felt bad - I really did, but sometimes when I just cannot make things stop I do the only thing that I can truly control which is myself and I leave. Matt would probably have told me that I have the choice not to react with annoyance to things in the world but I truly don't have that power. I sincerely did my best to thwart all the little craziness but then I just gave into it. I do feel better now - actually I feel exhausted and look forward to a really good deep sleep and much better day tomorrow.

Oh Mr. Blue

I was kinda sad today. I don't really know why but I just kinda was. I know that I have not figured out a steady schedule for exercise to go with my new job and that is bugging me. I also know that exercise keeps a happy level of natural happy chemicals in your brain. But I am not sure. Tomorrow there is a party at my weight loss group and I am ready for it but just have not been giving it my all. I also have a crush on a straight friend and that is so making me feel like and 8th grader. We used to work together and I did not like him at all when we worked together. He is the complete opposite of me, in just about every way. But we stayed in touch somehow. He was unemployed while I was unemployed so we hung out a couple times and it went from there. And now I have this weirdo crush. Then to top if off, I was describing him to a friend and how odd this crush is to me and as I described him it dawned on me how eerily similar he is to my ex. Boy that was an unsettling thought. Perhaps it is all the Christmas carols. Christmas carols are so beautiful, I just love them but they me feel so sad. This is for real, nutty. I know they are supposed to be joyous but joy translates to sadness for me because their beauty is so overwhelming. I am sure I will shake this, I just have to exercise regularly, stay away from the donut shop, just enjoy having a good friend and stop playing Christmas carols. Ahhh at least I have a to do list for this week.

The Not So Windy City

I got three calls today to check in on my because people are hearing about the crazy Santa Ana winds. I have not been too good with the news lately so I do not know where it is effecting but all is good here. There has been no winds at all this week. My wind chimes go nuts when the Santa Ana is blowing but nada. It has actually been a very cool and damn fire season which is good news so I would welcome the winds as they warm things up. But even better news, as I said three people called to make sure I was ok because they were concerned - how sweet is that? It made me feel really good!

I'll Be Home for Christmas

The holidays are coming and I really do not have the money to travel - plus I just became a regular employee today at my company - hooray - but I figured I still would ask if I could get some time off around the holidays. I seemed if I didn't ask the answer was a no but if I asked perhaps it might be a yes and I could some how scrape the money together. I have no reps off and the supervisor will be in so I asked my boss. He said no and told me know as it would just be to busy. I said, " No worries - can't blame a guy for trying - I will definitely be here". So I will be having my first California Christmas. Should be interesting. Considering that I already got an amazing gift - my job - I am still looking forward to it. I already have some local invites too so it is all good. My mother already knew I would not be headed back east for the holidays but I still let her know that 100% definite I would not be there so don't be expecting any surprises. Plus on the brightside, I don't have to worry about getting trapped in any snow storms like last year. Regardless I am still so thrilled for Christmas!

Fighting Illiteracy is Expensive

Sometime ago - either late spring or early summer of this year I lost my wallet. I went to the gym and then to the store and when I got to the store my wallet was gone. I retraced my steps, checked with the desk at the gym and nothing. I then cancelled all my cards and just have no idea what happen to it. Annoying yes but not too bad I was thinking. Last week I suddenly get a call from the public library about over due materials. I have not been to the library in ages and so thought - oh no. I went down to check it out and it turns out that in October someone used my card and checked out "Midnight: A Gangster Love Story" by Sister Souljah and "Red Hats" by Damon Wayans. Since those clearly do not run the gamut of my usual reading fare then I suppose that you can tell my wallet was indeed stolen. Although I cancelled immediately all my credit cards, I totally did not think about my library card. Because I have no police report of the incident, I had to pay $57 - ugh. Although they both got good reviews on Amazon - doesn't it seem awfully high for titles like that. Oh plus I am sure that I am a complete racist as it is fitting to me that those stereo typical titles would interest a thief.

It makes me uncomfortable that my missing wallet went all this time and finally something happened with some of my cards. Perhaps someone just finally found it. All in all it could be worse and I do feel good as reading is fundamental and I have just made my 2011 donation to the fighting illiteracy in the USA. Lucky my that I have a thief on my hands that happens to be a member of the literati but I am paying it forward in some strange way. Plus not to mention how very happy I am to know that "gangsters" fall in love too. Touching to say the least :)

The Sun Returned & More Art is Discovered

The sun came back today thank goodness. It has been a very cold and chilly autumn here in SoCal but that is good since it has been wet also (wet is always good but especially during fire season). But today was warm and sunny and very enjoyable. As I was out and about, I found this strange art. I am not sure what to make of it but it surprised me and also intrigued me. It surpised me as I have never seen it before and I have been by the place it is located a million times and it is very hard to miss, so I don't know how I missed it. It intrigued me as it so looks like one of those heads on Easter Island and you know supposedly aliens built those. Perhaps I never noticed this before because aliens just came and built it last night? Whatever the case I was super thrilled today was sunny, warm and filled with newly discovered art.

Black Friday Madness

I never participate in the Black Friday craziness - perhaps it is PTSD from all those Black Fridays that I worked at Lechmere but I just staaaaay away! This year I was tempted though as Salvation Army was opening at 7am and giving a 75% off coupon to the first 75 customers. I figured it would be a good chance to restock my items that I am resell on eBay so I went down and joined the madness - and madness it was!

I was excited as I scoured the whole store and felt I did very well find stuff that would make me money. The craziness came when getting in line to pay -- it took over an hour. The register was only giving 50% off not the 75% so the cashier was manually figuring out an additional 25% to take it off by hand. I am not a math wiz but from all those days of my own cashiering, I instantly knew this was not right. 50% off the total and then an additional 25% off the 50% discounted total is 62.5% off the total price not 75% off the total price. First off this is still a great deal because it is off Salvation Army prices, secondly there is no tax at Salvation Army and it is usually 9.75% in CA, and thirdly Salvation Army is a charity - I am not about to cheese down the price at a charity!

I will be kind and only say that the lady behind me was a bit kooky however it did dawn on her too that they were doing it incorrectly. I explained that she was correct and what they were doing wrong but that I just wanted to pay and leave so was not going to challenge it. But then she asks if I would still explain what they are doing wrong as I explained it so well to her! I was like oh noooooooo! She begged please. I reminded her that it was all still a great deal and stuck to my guns refusing to say anything. If I was at Kohl's or Target, etc I would fight tooth and nail for a nickel owed to me but Salvation Army? No thanks I have had enough murky karma this year and am not looking to sign up for anymore. Hope you all survived!

Happy Thanksgiving

Yesterday my boss told me that they want to convert me from a temporary employee to a regular one on 12.01 -- how awesome is that! I have only been there a month. The lady in HR said it is unheard of. I was already thankful for having made an extremely challenging year into a good one plus for having the support of so many that love me but now I am over the moon thankful! This year is going to end on such an incredibly high note I cannot help but be appreciative and thankful.

My Zumba instructor invited me for Thanksgiving dinner today which I am thrilled about. There is nothing better than a home cooked meal. I hope that all of you have a wonderful day also with your loved ones and see all that there is to truly be thankful for. Enjoy!

Movie Review: Another Year

Mike Leigh is my favorite director. His movies are astonishing! I understand and appreciate why epic tales of romance and valor, like Greek gods, are so immesnse and mezmerizing. They give a larger sense of importance to the universal condition but how many of us truly experience tales like that in our own lives? Mike Leigh can take the ordinary happenstance of living and make it epic, that resonates so much louder with me. First off he never has too many characters and we all know I hate if there are more that 3 or 4 characters to truly follow. It just allows me to connect more completely. Then he takes a snapshot of life and shows a monumental experience via the ordinary daily experiences that we all have. That makes a true epic tale.

Another Year does exactly what Mike Leigh does so well. It brings you interesting and complex characters in an seemingly ordinary world and shows you an extraordinary story. Life is made up of so many little battles, tiny wins, small triumphs as well as minor heartbreaks, trivial setbacks and mini obsticales that you become immune to them and do not recognize them. Nor do you fully see how together they form a life and tell a powerful story. Another Year both recognizes them and displays them. I loved this movie. It spoke so loudly and clearly to me. It made me see and appreciate the epic stories in my own life that might not seem so epic.

Now I See.... And Smell

I have encountered a problem with my new job. It is the first one but it is a big one, or more appropriate - it is a whopper. The problem is that there is a stupid burger king right next door! Everytime I go outside I can smell it! Ohhhhhh it smells so good and I know it tastes good too but it is so bad for you. It is total torture, especially on Whopper Wednesdays when I know you can get a whopper, fries and drink all for only $3.49. Upside is that I cannot smell it while inside the building AND if that it the only problem I have encountered thus far, well then things are going very well!

Present, Past and Future - All in One

What a week - things are on a roll all over! I just know this year is going to end 1,000 times better than it started. On Monday at my weight loss meeting, I released another 4 pounds yay! I also gave the presentation that night. Members of the group volunteer and each week someone gives a presentation on a healthy theme. Everyone knows how much I love to talk and I make my presentations fun and interactive but what really rocked about my presentation is that afterward I realized my fly was open the entire time! What a goof I am! Luckily either my polo was long enough that no one could see or the ladies were too polite to say anything. Either way a silly win, albeit it a win!

I also found out that Adam Ant is coming in February to San Diego - hmmmmm! I am sooooo intrigued! Seems to be perfect timing as I had a large amount of scores on eBay last week. A stop watch I bought for $8 sold for $85 and a burberry shirt I got for $5 sold for $55 as well as some good results on a couple lacostes and a piece of fiestaware. So I might splurge as I am sooooo curious. Adam Ant was the first concert I ever went to where I went because I wanted to go and where I paid for my own ticket. One part of me thinks it would be so fun but another part of me is not so sure I want to see the aged version of Adam Ant. I am not thinking the aging process has gone well for him. He certainly cannot look as good as he did in the 80's but hey who does? I am not usually so superficial when it comes to singers but so much of his act was based on his look. If it turns out I do splurge there will definitely be a review, so stay tuned.

A Review: The Glass Menagerie

The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams is my all time favorite play. I have posted in the past about a version I saw over in Coronado a bit ago and now I got the chance to see it again in San Diego. Truth be told, I love it so much that I would go see a production even if it was put on by third graders. I have been on a bit of a theater splurge lately and so I could not resist getting a discount ticket. It was playing in Old Town San Diego at a theater I have never been too so I was all excited.

The theater itself was great and I loved the stage and the seating but my admit I was disappointed by the direction. The kept Tom too remote. I know he is writing the play and narrating the play but he is a major part of the play. He is in the thick or it and key to the actions that unfold. His presence is mandatory. In addition Laura was played as childish not child-like. Laura is extremely shy and was extremely sheltered but there is nothing childish about her. Amanda, her mother, even comments in the course of the play itself that "still waters run deep and that child broods too much". Then of course there is Amanda herself. She was the best played character in the play but of course that character is such a tornado of a character, it would be insane to play it any other way.

In addition to the poor direction, the actors were horribly cast. The actor that played Tom was clearly smitten with John Malkovich's portrayal of Tom in that he mimicked it exactly, even right down to that extremely annoying and odd cadence that John Malkovich always speaks in. The actress that played Laura just was unforgivably lost. Laura gets her heartbroken and her innocence shattered, like her special little glass unicorn was shattered into being a normal horse, but she does not have a breakdown and hysterical fit over it. Laura is much more intense and internal. You should feel Laura's heartbreak in your own timorous heart but that does not mean you need to see it with your eyes. It is not what truly transpires. Every character in that play has heart break and although it is a stage play, you do not see it - you experience it.

All that being said I am so happy I got to go. I would definitely check out other productions at this theater. As a matter a fact I heard that they but on an amazing Christmas show so I will probably be back very soon. And although this production failed, I was glad to see the directors try different avenues. It made it curious for me. But I do wish that they stuck with Laura's heartbreak as a mechanism to break mine as opposed to over production. The words are there - each one perfection by Tennessee - just let them do their work.

Oh Phooey

On this past Friday I was up early (believe it or not). I was checking my emails when I saw an article that said it was National Corduroy Day on 11.11.11 and everyone was supposed to wear corduroys - so I did. I have one pair of corduroys and they are one of my most favorite pair of pants. I purchased them in 1999 after I lost over 100 lbs. I remember how excited I was when I purchased them as I was excited that they fit, looked great and them made me feel slim. All these years later and I still have them but have definitely gone through periods in which they did and did not fit.

So I went to my draw and pulled them out and was excited that they fit and felt comfortable. I got some more weight loss to go but for me it was an amazing reminder of the work that I have accomplished so far.

Off to work I went in this outfit feeling very good about myself and happy. I looked around all day both in and outside of work and no one else had corduroys on! I started to feel I was the victim of a hoax. I did think it could be more because I live in Southern California but it has been chilly lately - I swear it has. I wondered perhaps if there were people out there taking pictures of video of the goofballs that actually wore corduroys that day - but I could not find anyone spying on me. Bottom line - I have no idea about this National Corduroy day thing - real or not real (although we all know that everything we read on the internet is true, right?) - but what I do know is that I looked good, felt proud and had an awesome day!

On Saturday I then saw that it was National Pizza Day and I thought to myself - that is a enough this BS - LOL

So Far, So Good....

I do not like to post to many specifics about my job pro or con as it is not a good idea. Things that I say (even positive things) might be misconstrued. What I will say in order to keep everyone up to date is that my new job is off to a great start. I am so very pleased and things have really fallen into place regarding working. I am so happy about this.

Ending the Week with the English Beat

I went and saw the English Beat last night and what a way to end a fantastic week! How lucky would I be to have every week be like this past week! They were awesome and one of the very few bands left from the 80's left on my "to see live in concert" bucket list. Neelam says I need to go to Home Depot and buy a bigger bucket. It was just the original lead singer with new musicians but they were tight. He must live around here as I see them listed a lot and they are a popular live act. Tickets for their shows usually go for like 40-50 bucks but I got a groupon for 15 so I just could not pass it up. Plus they played right here in Escondido, outdoors at the intersection of Grand and Broadway. It was a beer, wine and cheese street festival for local companies so everything just added up to the fact that I had to go - kismet perhaps? Or more just that I am such a townie. But I always become a townie wherever I live.

They sounded great and the crowd was so into it. The night was a bit cool but the band really heated things up with all their great songs. I know they play live a lot so they were completely with it on stage - sounded awesome and were there to have fun. With a vibe like that going forth into to the crowd, it was impossible not to enjoy.

Week One

I finished my first week and things went exceptionally well. I feel welcomed and happy to be there. There will be a lot of work to do but I am excited about that too. If every week goes like the first week then I will be thrilled!

And not only did it start off well but I joined a weight loss contest. Everyone employee that wants to enter puts $100 into the pot. You then have 8 weeks to lose 5% of your body weight. If you do not lose 5% of your body weight then you forfeit your $100. If you do lose 5% of your body weight then you get your $100 plus your share of the forfeited pot. So example last time 6 people joined. 3 lost the weight and 3 did not, so the forfeited pot was $300. Divided by the 3 winners means those that lost got their $100 back and an additional $100 - OMG! I cannot afford to lose 100 bucks so I am excited as I know I will do what I need to do to get my money back which will intern help me toward my weight loss goal! Any extra money is just icing on the cake - please excuse the high calorie metaphor.

To Reach the Unreachable Star

After having a successfully completing a fantastic first day yesterday - filled with excitement, hope and a lot of promise, I went over to the Lawrence Welk Resort to see "The Man of La Mancha". I had never seen it nor had been to a show over at Welk but I got a discount ticket and figured it would set me off on a good step with it's timing and my new job. The Welk is literally 10 minutes from my house and although curious, extremely curious, I had never made it over there. It is a senior living complex with condos, timeshares, restaurants, golf, a theater, etc. I was figuring the theater productions would be on par with the North Shore Theater and that is exactly what it was like.

First off as soon as you walk into the lobby you are in the Lawrence Welk museum - what a thrill and a treat! I have been to the Liberace museum, the Roy Rogers museum, and now can cross off the Lawrence Welk museum -- boy the bucket list gets shorter by the day! These pictures are from the museum but the lighting was dim and I just had my camera phone so I apologize for their quality - plus how creepy is the one with Lawrence himself, love it! The theater itself was great - not a bad seat in the house, incredibly top notch stage values and an extremely professional sound system. The actors were wonderful -lively, passionate and talented. If you have been to some of the wonderful shows at the North Shore, well they delivered the same intimate entertainment. I am so excited and look forward to more shows here. As I said it is 10 minutes away, they always have discount tickets available on Gold Star Events (thanks Kym for introducing me to that), and free parking. I am in heaven with all these wins!

As for the show itself, well it is a musical theater classic and now I know why. Certainly a classic work of literature too but you know I just adore the theme of refusing to see anything but the good in world regardless of others deeming you insane for it and being steadfast and unwavering to that view regardless of the challenges it brings. I love that, I really love that. I know we all have our trials and tribulations to deal with but unemployment got so bleak for me - and I had to manage the intense fear on a daily basis. I did my best and appreciate the support of my family and friend during those dark days. But to come through that trial and have landed such an exciting job that fits so perfectly and then have a terrific first day, well let's just say these lyrics touched me deeper than they may have touched most in the audience . I know my tears were happier than most as well.

"To try when your arms are too weary

To reach the unreachable star

This is my quest, to follow that star

No matter how hopeless, no matter how far"

Day One - Yay!

I got so many text, emails, cards, and calls supporting me for today, my first day. I am pleased to report it all went very well! Certainly there is a lot of work to be done and I thought I would be in charge of a group of 5-7 but am in charge of a group of 15 - but I am excited. They were very well organized, welcoming and professional. I feel so positive and energized. I am excited to start this new chapter! Very, very excited!

Happy Halloween

I had lots of Halloween pictures to post but seems my blog is playing tricks on me and being a pain in the ass. But I managed to get this one up. I went to my weight loss meeting tonight and they had a dress up party - although no candy. I got this silly Roman outfit at Goodwill for 2 bucks and it was completely sealed and never used. I had the mask from when I went to New Orleans so it all came together very nicely and turned out to be lots of fun -- even though I did not lose any weight this week. Hope you all had a fun Halloween too and I hope that blogger fixes it problems so I can post all about my first day of work tomorrow - yay. Also special thanks to all the messages of good luck that I got today regarding my starting tomorrow. You guys are terrific. I am so excited - it feels like Christmas eve and not Halloween.

PS Blogger fixed it's issue so I was able to post a picture with me and the weight loss ladies :)

Happy Birthday

10.31 is Oscar's birthday so I went to see him recently. I have not seen him in a while just because things got busy for us both. It was really good to see him and hang out. He is a good man. I gave him a couple nice shirts I found while looking for eBay items to sell and some spaghetti oh's - he was thrilled with both of them. That is his friend Omar in the picture and it was really nice just to hang out and enjoy. We had a fun night with made me happy as I know he had no other plans for his birthday.

Spooky Time

Halloween is just about here - eeeeek. I love Halloween since it is so fun. Although trick or treating got post posted in MA because of the snow. That has to be the worst Halloween prank ever! Apparently Mother Nature has a devilish side. Below are some pictures I took recently while definitely thinking of the creepy night to come.

2 Pictures, 1 Day

Both of these pictures were taken today. Brrrr I sure am glad I am in SD. Although I can remember a couple Halloweens and Trick or Treating in the snow with my costume over my winter coat. Ahhh what is a little winter weather and freezing temperatures when it comes to free candy!

BOSTON

SAN DIEGO

How Perfect

It is getting closer and closer to day one of my new job - yay - but look!!!! I came across this sign today so I am definitely all set! I absolutely know this job is going to go great but mail postcard??? How perfect would I be at that job! Hell I wish I could get back pay for all the mail I have already sent.

Of Mice and Men

I got a free ticket (yay) to see last night a stage version of "Of Mice and Men" over in Carlsbad. First off, I really like Carlsbad - especially the village. It is upscale without being stuffy - like a super low key La Jolla but not quiet as bohemian crunchy as Encinitas. I would totally live over there in Carlsbad as the village is loaded with cool bungalows, garden style apartments, second hand shops, nice restaurants at all price points, and fun bars. I had never been to this particular theatre and did not expect much but I did know it was a professional production and not a community player type deal - still you never know. Boy was I pleasantly surprised! It was a great theatre! Nice set up, probably about 100 seats so real intimate, excellent stage, seating, and sound. All well beyond my expectations.

As for the production - it was great, really well acted. Of course I felt an immediate connection as it is set in Southern California during the great depression, which is not too different a story from today, but moreover the two leads (pictured above) were top notch. Although it is a very sad story of a touching friendship, trying times and a difficult decision. I think the writing of the stage adaptation could have been beefed up a bit to effectively drive home the emotions behind everything leading up to the horrendous final action but still these two leads gave it their all with the words they were given to use. I could still feel the desperation, disappointment, loneliness and heartache very clearly. It is not too difficult having lines to deliver like, "A guy needs somebody to be near him. A guy goes nuts if he ain't got nobody". Sparse and yet sharp - so Steinbeck. Yes I know they are Steinbeck's gritty words but they don't get full time to disseminate and resonate within the time constraints of a play. However they still got their punch in as it did make me cry and I am even thinking about paying to go see it again. Regardless, I will definitely keep posted on future shows put on by that theatre company! What a great night out.

In the Middle, In the Middle

Heard that silly jimmy eat world song today and it made me chuckle as I remembered a long ago memory. It did not make me nostalgic, just reminded me that I was once silly and still am silly. I am ok with that. Actually I very ok with that as I know my friends are too. But then I looked around on the internet and followed up with an email that I should not have. Nothing bad or lengthy and I am sure definitely destined for the spam bin. I don't mean to talk around the topic and say nothing at all. But I know I am. Although yes I too use the delete button at times - I am certainly glad there is no true delete button in life. There is no need really, plus if there was then I would be a goner for certain. In the middle, in the middle - LOL, serious LOLs.

Why is this Man not the Face of Burberry?

Better question: Why is this man not my husband? There is nothing not perfect about Will Young. I just love him. I know I sound like a silly school girl but he is perfect. I love his voice, his look, his hair, his humour, his talent, his accomplishments - just amazing. He won the very first of these signing talent tv shows and is still releasing #1 records. I suppose I will be content that videos for his new songs have finally been unblocked for viewing in North America but man it just kills me to know he is touring in the UK right now and will not be coming to the USA. It is just insane, he is so fantastic. I know everyone thinks I am all over Mexicans but just one call from Will and my bags are packed and I so ready to start working on my British accent. I can drink tea, I like tea. Truthfully I am happy with a lot of the things I have done with my life - but that trip that ended up being a solo one to see him perform live at Wembley -- that is a memory that I cherish.

On Display

I get my butt out of bed early each Saturday for my 8:30am Zumba class. I do not like exercising that early so although I am cranky, I have fun. This past Saturday after Zumba I cleaned up and went off to man the TOPS table over at the local Health and Wellness Expo. I met up with the ladies and told the visitors of my recent weight loss success and the benefits of a group supporting my efforts instead of going in alone. Oh and I also passed out nail files with TOPS logos, which people accepted like they were gold bars. People go nuts over free crap. The ladies were so excited to have a guy there to appeal to the cross demographic. Thinking back on it, I supposed I should have worn my sash!

At the same Expo my Zumba teacher has a stand so it was very convenient as I could go over and promote that as well. She also was putting on a demo and although I had agreed first to man the TOPS table, they begged me to do Zumba also as once again, I am the solo prized male of the group. I truly know what an endangered species must feel like. I did not mind doing it but I was in my street clothes so was a bit reluctant, however they were very forceful and I really had no choice in the matter. It was fun. We did two numbers and I worked up another sweat. The rest of the morning everyone was like hey there is the Zumba guy. I told you I am becoming such a townie. The attention made me feel good though. Plus I burned even more calories and good a free re-useable shopping bag from another one of the vendors. Yay.

As for this week weight - I stayed the same. Sometimes that is a win and for last week it definitely was a win, staying on track and keeping my focus on where I want to be. Yes I am not positive that does an demo of Zumba for 200 is truly my vision of where I want to be - it certainly was not a bad place to be.

Just in Time for Halloween

Eeeek. Although I love finding new art around town to take pictures of --- how scary is this statue? I have seen it like 100 times and each time I just cringe. It is titled Evolution and it is just so beyond me. I finally had to break down and take a picture of it but I just hate it. The only time I have seen her look good is when sometimes people dress her up - like last Christmas when they put her in a santa suit. Well I guess beauty is the eye of the beholder - although clearly the only eye this would appeal to is Sandy Duncan's bad one.

2 Obsessions for the Price of 1

I have written many times how much I like manhole covers and have posted several pictures. I am really not sure what the fascination is all about, but I just go with it. I do frequently look down as I am walking but not because I am being careful not to trip and fall - it is because I am looking for treasures. I can't even tell you how many times Michelle has chided me for picking up stuff in the street. Not all the treasures I have to pick up though, especially when it comes to manhole covers. I came across the one above just recently and was tickled pink. I have not seen one like it before here in Escondido - yes we all know I am also obsessed also with discovering and taking pictures of random art around town. I love how industrial this one is - sturdy, tried and true. But then there is that pattern! The pattern is also very industrial and yet mesmerizing - it kinda freaks my eyes out like an optical illusion. And then surrounded by the roughness of the street - it just all works for me and I love it.

Time is Ticking

Well my time is flying now as I get closer and closer to my start date. Just over a week away and I am thrilled. Sure I am getting nervous and anxious - as it is normal when starting a new job. But mostly when I think about starting yet another new chapter, I get butterflies in my stomach. I am going to rock though as that is what I have decided.

In the meantime I have continued job searching, to be on the safe side, and have a phone interview and face to face interview set up this week with two different companies. I also continue buying and selling on eBay, which although not making me rich - definitely helps. The hard part about buying is not buying for myself. I do not want to spend my profit before I make it plus I truly have enough stuff. Still I could not pass up these clocks. I seriously have a clock fetish. I absolutely do not need anymore clocks but they were $2 each (with no tax - yay) and so now they are mine. You should hear how loud all the ticking is in my house with all my clocks but I love that sound. Plus how super cool looking are these. And before you go there - I don't want to hear any cracks about me and all my clocks and yet still always being late LOL.

Life is Sweet

Things are certainly on the upswing and I cannot wait until 11.01.2011 to start my new job. I am just thrilled. I am not making excuses as I am in control and responsible for my life and myself but honestly the last couple of weeks were so hard to keep focus on my diet and exercise. I lack of focus showed and I gained 6 pounds. However I got that tiger by the tail again and tonight when I weighed in, I lost those 6 pounds and so am thrilled. I am focused and motivated again. It certainly does help that I want to look my absolute best for 11.01. I mean I am going for wow and it is only 2 weeks away. OMG 2 weeks and I will be off on this exciting new adventure. I am gonna work this mother out! Can you tell how excited I am????

I Am Such a Townie

Look! As I was out and about today, I found a new mural - yay! Well it is new to me - I have no idea how long it has been up. I love going about my average day and discovering art - you all know that. And every time I think I have seen it all up pops something else. I get so excited, especially when it is good art like this. It is a visualization of Escondido circa 1920. Just look at it, I love it. It makes happy that my city is beautiful and I can keep finding art hidden all around. Now I am going to work here too! I am such a townie - too funny. I cannot help it as there are so many sterile communities out here but mine has character and discovering new beauty around all its corners is just another one of its charms. I swear I stood in front of this huge mural - which is much larger than my photo - like I was in the Louvre.

Direction

I came across this compass while out and about around town this weekend. First you know how excited I get when I find something new and exciting to take a picture of - I have photographed just about everything here LOL. Secondly I think it is so perfect and fitting. I have a new direction that I am headed toward and I know it is going to become something great because I will make it something great. As I continue to putting all my energy into turning things around for myself, I will admit the light gets a itsy bit brighter each day. I am so excited for my new job!

Question

Do you really think pigs are happy that this restaurant sells bar-b-que ribs? Just curious.

Hallelujah!

Great news today - I finally scored a terrific job at a great company today. I am very, very excited. I cannot wait to start this new chapter of my life. It is local company that handles 3rd part benefits administration. New industry - lots to learn and a lot to be thankful for. I have worked so hard for this and really feel that I have made something good happen and want to keep it going. A whole bunch of YAY's!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Great Signs and Updates Too

More pumpkins and more initials - awesome! I am taking these as a good signs. I have so much going on! I have had 3 interviews as of late with 3 companies and a follow up interview on Thursday. I am trying to work all aspect and all angles. It is a lot of work with so many pieces in motion but, I am feeling very hopeful and excited. I am staying on top of everyone of them as well as staying on top of yet another potentially great lead that I have an in on but may or may not materialize. I so have my fingers crossed! Please do the same for me. Please!

Regarding diet and exercise - I did not lose weight last week but I did not gain either. I admit that my focus has been low in this area. I am doing my best to regain that focus and find a balance. It is mandatory to do this as I do not want to lose any ground and when I get a job I would need to find that balance anyway in order to keep moving in the right direction.

And listen to this eBay win --- I have been buying clothes on the cheap and selling them for profit as you know. Well one shirt I got is a Marc Ecko that was new with tags for only 4 bucks so I snatched it up. As I was prepping clothes to post, I noticed the tag has a Macy's return label on it so I decided to swing by Macy's to see what would happen if I returned it. No fuss, no muss, no hassle whatsoever, they just scanned that label and said would you like a credit back to your visa or a store credit. Since it was not my visa, I of course asked for the store credit and so they gave it to me as a gift card in the total of $52.24 --- win, win, win! I am thinking I will post the gift card on eBay as gift cards do really well and I will be able to get at least $45 - all in all a good investment. PLUS I have a second shirt, a Liz Claiborne, that I got for $3 in the same scenario -- still has tags on it and one of those Macy return labels. So now I have to go back to Macy's and see what that one is worth. YAY.