Happy Easter

I hope you all have a wonderful day and just think - Spring is finally really here - no more snow! 

In case you are wondering what this is a picture of, well it is the bar code from a bag of popcorn.  One of my many strange quirks is that I always read all the details of any package, I do not know why but I always have.  As I ate the popcorn I flipped the bag over to read a religious proverb from the bible.  How timely and how interesting.  Snack food with religious saying on it.  Hmmmm.  I am not even really sure what the pharse means or how it relates to popcorn.  Of course I am so curious and googled the company.  I never heard of this company before but the popcorn looked good to me the day I walked by it in the store.  When I looked up the company it is a snack food company based our of TN and their mission statement says they are a company, "Working in harmony in a God honoring, God fearing atmosphere."  How intriguing!  I don't know exactly why this is intriguing me so but I have never heard of a religious snack food company.  But like I said before, it is very timely to be thinking about religion.  Oh and the popcorn was very good too. 

Moving On Up

As I have said before, I do not like to go into financial details in this forum but I do need to say that I am feeling very positive.  I have worked really hard at lining up some good things changes and although I have gone down many dead ends it seems some things are finally coming into place.  I am am certainly not on Easy Street now but I am on Easier Street which is such a much better neighborhood than Sucks Big Time Blvd.  I feel pleased and proud.  I have a lot more work to do but I have made some head way.  2013 is absolutely go to be the turn around year. 

I Went for a Walk

I went for a walk during work and I like to look around.  I just went to the store and it is not like I have not done this walk a million times but see new things each time.  Sometimes I think that it is a cool aspect of me - sometimes I think it is a sign of ADD and find it upsetting.  But what ever it is, here is what I saw this time.

The snow just will not seem to stop back east this winter but when I saw this white flower and it was so perfectly round, I thought we here is San Diego's version of a snowball.

I see a lot of flowers, perhpas trite but I enjoy them and take many pictures of them.  I was especially happy with this lily as I adore my good friend Lily, I thought the colors were amazing and how timely with Easter coming up this Sunday. 

I don't fucking know about this one.  There is this shabby chic place next to my company and it is called the Urban Barn.  I poke around there sometimes but rarely buy anything as they are waaayyy too expensive and the owners are snooty bitches (how often do I say that about anyone of the ladies in Esco?) - anyway this is in the parking lot.  It is some type of prop as there is no back, it is just half a bell.  It just sits in their parking lot and I am obsessed with it.  I go up to it all the time.  I guess I could ask the owners the story, as I am dying to know, but as I said they as not very sweet and plus I think the stories I make up in my head as to what the hell it is are much more interesting than what ever the true story is.

Mexican Market

Last week I was curious and popped into the local Mexican market.  It is a large grocery store but it is just a locally owned store and predomenantly frequented by Mexicans.  I do not judge as I know many cultures eat things that other cultures find distrubing - it is all what you have and are used to.  But I will admit it still grossed me out.  Blow are pictures of chicken feet and beef lips.  I have no idea at all what recipe calls for those ingredients although I guess if I made soup from them then I could call it Talking Toes soup.  Honestly it seems like ingredients for voodoo.  Also I saw mice made out of lemons.  Sure they were super cute and clever although even though I am not in marketing, I do not think the thought of mice climbing around on you food is one that would normally be good for the food business.  It was an adventure though and I thought you would like to enjoy the pictures.

My Wish Was Granted

This week out of the blue I got an email from Kym with a picture of the Danvers Lechmere.  It totally made my day and made me so happy on many levels - don't judge me!  First, Kym thought of me knowing I would love it, second I did, I did love it and third it is black and white and kinda artsy on top of it all.  The funny part about it is that I think Marshalls is the only store on it still in business. 

I replied to Kym and let her know that I loved it and I only wished it was of the Woburn Lechmere Package Pick Up entrance.  Bing!  In like two seconds I get a reply with two pictures of the Woburn store - one of the package pick up entrance and one of the mall entrance.  Again I was happy on many levels - one I wished for something and voila I received it, two it was both entrances to the Woburn store when I only wished for one, and three, of course, I thought of all the awesome people I met there and how much I loved it.  Paula, Lisa, Kym (of course), Kerrie, Mister Matt, Jane and many more -- going there to apply for a job is one of the best decisions that I have ever made. 

I really do my best to look for the brightside of everything and although this is an awesome post and I did not have to look to far for a brightside, one downside did still pop up.  Damn who know that Kym was a Genie and could grant wishes like that!  I am second guessing myself and wondering if I wasted my wish but NAH I am totally happy with my with my wish and that it was granted.  Kymberly Rose you are the best!

Gone Fishing

I am determined that 2013 is my comeback year.  2011 was unempolyment - 2012 was employment and learning a new field but financially only treading water.  2013 I am gonna make more momentum and not just tread water.  I have made some accomplishments already but I was wondering why things are so tight still and then I thought about eBay.  I have not posted in a while and I know I cannot live off of the money but it certainly helps.  I still had plenty of stock so I decided that I had to post some of it.  It gave me the fever and although I did not have to get more stock I went on over to see what I could find.  I had a good haul finding shirts that I thought would resell but then as I was digging - WOW - I fished out a Burberry.  I love, love, love Burberry and it resells so well - especially since I only paid $3 for a sexy, hot springtime number.  It is small white and pale purple - guess plum in the right word - checker shirt and would look so good at Easter dinner.  Ebay helps finacially but I thought about it and it is a positive way to spend my time.  It helps me help myself but also I love hunting for and getting a bargain, I like buying things, and then I love seeing how the stuff does after I post it.  I good addition to my comeback year - yay!

Happy 5th Anniversary!

Woohoo - I started this blog 5 years ago!  Can you believe it?  I know I just celebrated my 900th post and even with my computer troubles I still keep them coming.  I really started this as a lark and man how time does fly!  My neighbor got a new car and this is a picture of them temporary plate.  Of course it totally facinates me as it is Escondido surrounded by all sorts of bling and in the sun it is just blinding.  I thought it so fitting to post this picture for my anniversary as I continually find exciting things around Escondido and that speaks to me always being on the lookout for the best in everything regardless of what most people think.  Yes some days it is hard to stay postive but most days it is very easy to and this blog proves it. 

I Got Picked

I went to jury duty for the first time in CA last week and I got picked!  I could not believe it - I was so suprised.  There was like 300 people in the jury pool.  I never win any type of lottery.  It was a criminal trial and took three days.  Such a process - so much paper work and stuff - seemed annoying on the surface.  I thought it a trivial trial as it was a criminal case involving a the theft of an iPad from one of the casinos.  It was only gone a few hours and then returned to its owner unharmed at all.  There must have been other stuff going on though as when we brought the verdict back of guilty the defendant cried.  I am not sure what I thought of the whole process.  Seemed like some good protections in place and I know a lot of countries do even offer a fair justice system so I am pleased we do but it kinda seemed a little nuts too.  Perhpas a bit twisted for the intitial intent but I was glad to serve.  A bunch of people were like right off the bat - he is guilty, he is guilty! - so they would get tossed off the jury and they did.  I see it like voiting - I do not always feel my vote counts but I am sure as hell going to do it since I know not everyone in the world has the right to do so.  It will be good to return to work though. 

On This Day in the USA

First let me say if you knew how long it took for me to make this post you would definitely know that I can be verty persistent when I want to be!  As for the post itself, this past winter have been a very stormy one.  Even out here it is has frequently been very cold and rainy.  Today the sun was out and so I went bounding into the yard to take advantage of it.  I know I walk through the yard everyday so you probably are wondering how I can explore my yard so regularly and still find new and exciting thing -- guess that is the upside of not having a good memory, everything is always a new adventure.  Well I noticed some really pretty purple flowers that I had not seen before so I took a picture of them and then sat in the sun, enjoyed and texted them to friends and family to also enjoy.  Below is my picutre as well as the picture responses that I got back in return.

CA - Ahh the sun is out and I have purple flowers in my yard!  Who knew?!?  So made me happy.  I do cherish what I have.

MA - This is from my neice and although it looks bright and sunny, man that is still a lot of snow left hanging around.  I am impressed that it is still so white and still looks pretty.

ME - Judy sent this picture from a family getaway with her boyfriend Paul.  Love the pine trees, the snow looks pretty and that frozen lake is amazing - very nice regardless of the season.  It does look a little brrrrr but she and Paul had an awesome time so how could the day be any better?

NY - Matt had a little pre-birthday celebration and went into the city to see Spiderman on Broadway with his good friends Carlos and Beth.  On their adventure they stopped by the Doughnut Plant -- mmmmm sounds like heaven!  Everyone knows my obsession with doughnuts.  This is how the wall there is decorated and it certainly is giving me some great ideas of how I need to redecorate my place.  I am so glad Matt got to enjoy such a fantastic outing all around for his upcoming b-day.

FL - My friend Travis sent this pic from Ft Pierce as he took a walk along the beach.  Not sure what is a better way to spend your day - a walk on the sunny, warm beach in FL or a ride in that awesome boat on the bay for whoever those people are in that boat.  Regardless sounds like a great day for participants and observers alike.

900 - Holy Crap

This is my 900th post - how nuts is that!  The west coast journey continues and I just keep putting into words all the rambling thoughts and experiences that pop into my head.  And people keep coming back which amazes for me!  I write this for myself - it makes me happy and is a positive thing to do.  It is not like I have a million hits but I don't need that - that is not the point.  This super cool idea that Judy gave me has some how morphed into an accomplishment and man the things I have been through.  I am so happy and pleased and proud of myself.  Thank you for caring enough to check it out! 

Is This Really a Problem?

I love British tv and the series the Inbetweeners was awesome.  I loved it.  It was so goofy and raunchy and just completely funny.  In the summer of 2011 they released a movie based off the tv show and it was the biggest ticket seller of the summer for the UK.  I have been dying to get a hold of the dvd as the movie was never released here in the USA.  Finally in January 2013 it was released on dvd in the states and although it was on the top of my netflix list, I had to wait 2 months to get it.  It came today and I was more than excited so I popped it in but it does not play.  I clean my player regularly and also cleaned the disc but no luck - what a let down!  I have had other problem discs so I called netflix to complain.  The lady was super nice and yes I agreed that she was correct in that the vast majority of discs do not have an issue but I pay 100% of the time so I told her I want the discs to work 100% of the time - she could not refute that.  I wanted to at least get a credit but did not finagle that.  She said she will track down a replacement and send it out so I do not have to wait another 2 months but I am still bummed!

Truth be told although disappointed I wish it was my biggest issue in life as if it were then I would consider myself very lucky and probably not even have called.  I just want some laughs to forget the annoying big issues I have so I will wait and just enjoy it that much more when I finally get to see this movie.

Drama and Karma

Tonight was election night at my weight loss group.  I had already announced that I would not be available to be leader again because I could not balance my own weight loss needs and the needs of leading the group.  What I did not tell them is that a minority of the group made the expereince hell for me.  A few of the old ladies were just nasty - really into the politics, gossip, and stiring the pot.  Well one of them has been treasurer for years and years.  In order for you to be able to run for an office then you need to get nominated.  When I went in tonight, I asked a friend to nominate me for treasurer.  My friend's eyes went wide and she said, "Oh you are bad".  Well she did not nominate me and the group was stunned!  As the gasp went around the room the  all I could think was somehow, suddenly I became part of a bad tv reality show on Bravo.  But as they thought I about the idea, I quickly added that I had said I wanted to remain active in the group but just could not invest the time needed to lead the group.  I also discussed how I could update the books and put the ledger into excel and could give every member a print out of where the finances stand.  So vote came down to between me and her.  As the secretary counted the votes it was so dramatic and the room was silent and then wham, she announced that I was the winner.  In my head I was like OMG what did I just do???   I know that I can be treasurer but then I was like - what the hell karma is coming my way for taking this old ladies position? - especially since it was such an out of the blue action to everyone.  The thing is that even though I gab a lot - I can keep my mouth shut.  Hopefully the karma is from her being a bitch and the last laugh will not be on me.  But I hope even more that now that I am past the stress of being leader that I can just get back to why I am in the group in the first place - to lose weight.

Strangeness

There are lots of strange looking things out here and yesterday was a strange looking Saturday but it started a long time ago.  Back in 2004 I became friendly online with someone through ebay named Travis.  We shared a comon interest in the World's Fair.  I was living in MA and he was living in DC.  He is gay also but it was never sexual and still isn't so I just want to get that out of the way.  We just shared a bunch of emails and talked about interests we both had in common.  We had stayed in touch on and off over the years but I have not heard form him in a while.  He contacted me a couple weeks ago because although he has never been to San Diego, he is thinking about moving out here.  We talked and texted a lot last week.  I always knew he was kinda odd but yesterday it dawned on me that he is very odd.  Yes I do love the broken ones but while a puzzle being broken in 50-100 pieces is very good to me, well 1,000 pieces is just too much.  Although Travis is very nice he is much closer to the 1,000 piece level.  He way over thinks everything.  I know I am a bit odd in that I do not give too much thought as to what things "really mean" - I take a lot at face value and that is just fine with me.  It is not to say that I am not perceptive, as I am actually very perceptive, I just don't spin my wheels in that that particular mud pit.  He definitely does and to a very great degree.  He takes it to like six degrees for example - Well I can't do this because then this person may think that and might do this which would then to make that happen and effect this other person who would then do this --- ugh it just hurts my head (and can only imagine it hurts his too).  He is in FL right now and if it gets too intense and is no longer fun then I will just let him know.

Also yesterday was the nicest day out in ages.  My friend Carla wanted to go to the beach and ride bikes which I was not too sure about as I knew there would be a lot of people out so we decided to go for a brisk walk instead.  She has 3 dogs and ended up bringing one of them which is fine with me but the one she brought has severe issues.  It is a recue dog that she works a lot with because it has an extreme phobia of the world in general but especially people.  We got to the beach and the sign said you cannot walk dogs on the boardwalk.  She was surprised that I did not know this in advance although I remindered her that I do not own a dog so it is not something I normally pay attention too.  So we returned to the car and decided to try the embarcadero instead.  The dog was super happy about returning to the car!  On the way over to the beach as we crossed the street the dog was so scared that it crapped right in the middle of the crosswalk.  I felt bad it was so nervous but Carla said she needs to do things like this to help the dog.  Plus I almost pissed my pants watching Carla have to go back into the middle of the busy street to pick up the dog crap.  Once we got to the embarcadero it was fine as there was no dog ban but it was not as scenic and the dog remained in a constant state of panic.  The whole time it was just terrified and so the entire walk was about the dog and its phobia.  Two and a half hours of the dog being freaked out of its head.  It started to stress me too.  Plus the dog is super cute and so people want to come interact with it which is the last thing on earth that the dog wants.  I still enjoyed the nice weather and getting some exercise but it was not relaxing at all.  Not to mention on the way back Carla's truck started to act up. 

Strange day indeed but now it is Sunday.  My new computer is fixed and I will get it back in the middle of the month but in the mean time I can still do some basic things online with my old computer (just barely but I can) and so I have made this post and now am off to the gym to burn some calories and forget all the weirdness of yesterday.