Something about losing to this girl by 1 point! She just learned Carcassonne and likes it... A LOT A BIT!

One Liners from Mom

I'm not sure what happened or maybe I do know but my mom is evolving in her age. Evolving how you ask? She is getting a sense of humor. Well a better one anyway. My dad called and invited us to lunch with them and my cousin. Alix and I won't turn down free food and it's more time to play "get to know Alix" for them. So we went to Olive Garden on Saturday afternoon for a late lunch.

We were all discussing what we were getting and even discussed appitizers. I mentioned getting the Fonduta to which my mom said, "that sounds like a fungus or a disease, I'll stick with the articoke dip." Okay for my mom that's funny.

So then a bit later she looks at my cousin and asks him what he had ordered within his sampler platter and he said chicken strips, fried ravoli's... to which she cut him off and very seriously looked at him and said, "who comes to an Italian resturant and orders chicken strips?" *cracks up* His reply was, "they're Italian chickens." Okay this is great stuff.

As we're eating salad the discussion once again comes up about my mom being in labor for 43 hours. Alright, I'm stubborn, it was warm I didn't want out, give me a break. We were talking about how old my parents were and Alix mentioned her dad was 70 which totally took my mom aback and then came up the discussion of Alix being adopted and how her parents were really her true mom and dad since she had been with them since she was 4 months old. My mom's reply to this, "ehh, that's alright being in the womb is overrated." *falls down laughing*

Nice mom... good stuff.

Coat 1 of the entire platter is now done... next coat 2, then some sponging then carving out the bricks... and then and then and then... u get the idea

Finishing up the trip and Updates of sorts



Well we landed at Stateline (Primm, NV) around 1:30am Wednesday night/well Thursday morning on March 12th/13th. We checked into our room and I had to do a little happy dance. It was an awesome drive over Hoover Dam at night, they are doing some major construction on it and it was neat to coast through there. We got to see Vegas from the other side and it was as beautiful as ever. It was a $150 cheaper to stay at stateline so we decided the extra 40 minutes was worth it and we could always drive back in if we wanted to. We woke up the next morning, grabbed some lunch and headed to Old Navy to do some shopping. We also decided to stay another night, neither one of us wanted to be back in the car even though it was only 4.5 hours till home. We deserved a break and it was only $24 to stay there a night. We shopped for about 3 hours in the mall, went back to the room and laid around the rest of the night. It was perfect. The next day we got up and packed, grabbed some breakfast, hit a couple of caches and hit the road. I don't think that drive has ever seemed so short to me. I barely felt like we were even in the car. 4.5 hours vs. 16 hours is huge. I was so happy to make that last trek down the Tehachapis and bring that girl home. We walked into our apartment and unloaded the car... we were finally home. *huge sigh*



The next couple of days were of us laying around, napping and getting groceries. Saturday I was hell bent on getting her a kitten, it's all she's talked about for months so we went out to the animal shelter, 2 Petsmarts, the SPCA and then to Petco where we found the little tiny grey kitten. Alix instantly fell in love with her so we adopted the kittenbaby. We shopped around the store and then picked her up when we were finished to take her home. She was very shy and scared. It took a few days and a lot of attention but now we can't keep her off of us and she is a spoiled baby. Her name is Ash... she is a petite smokey grey kitten. She fetches really well and has a pretty funny personality.

So Monday came too quickly and back to work I went. Not as bad as I thought but work is work and I'm lucky to have the job I have. Unfortunately, on Wednesday I got sick. I couldn't take any time off and just had to work through it. It just kept getting worse and worse... finally the pain was too much and no sore throat gets worse and worse unless something is wrong. I went to the doctor the following Monday to find I have strep throat. The doctor was surprised I could breath since my tonsils were basically touching, ewww. I had to get a shot and it sucked. Now 3 days later, I'm finally starting to feel a little better.

Last Saturday consisted of us going to Color Me Mine with friends so Alix could finish our rainbow mugs and work on our toothbrush holder. I worked on my platter a little more which is finally coming along. I'll take a pic of it soon to update it. Sunday we spent a nice Easter at my mom and dads. I was surprised that my parents came and sat outside with us and joined in on the conversation, it was really nice. I can tell my mom wants to get to know Alix better and that makes me happy. We're going to start having bowling nights again so we can hang out, I'm looking forward to it. My mom really wants to be apart of my life and I do too, its nice that she really does only care about my happiness :)

Alix seems to be settling into CA pretty well and her flip flops have probably never seen so much of the outside this consistantly. Usually the weather back East is still pretty cold and rainy, so she's enjoying all of the sun and being in shorts all of the time. I couldn't be any happier that she's here. Everything is fitting so nicely and that just makes my heart smile all the time.

Almost to Nevada... we welcome this eve :)

Just a whole lot of open road and beautiful skies. I'm saying New Mexico is where this was.

You could tell we had been on the road a long time... Alix's hat would get higher or shift from left to right. You know its bad when your hat gets restless. We were in Arkansas for this one.

That little bridge we crossed from Memphis, TN into Arkansas. It was pretty cool.

So a big part of this trip was also about trying new foods. I'm in areas I'll probably never be in again. These are fried pickle chips which I happily dipped in ranch. HOLY HELL THEY ROCKED! mmm They had a bit of spicy seasoning in them too. I would love to know how Miss Polly made these.

mmm... chicken and waffles with a side of mac n cheese. Damn those people in the south can cook.

Miss Polly's Soul Cafe - Love, Peace and Chicken Grease.

Welcome to Beale St. in Memphis, TN.

Had to stop by here briefly, didn't have time to take the tour but it was still pretty cool.

Okay this was offically the weirdest thing we saw in one of our millions of stops along the 40. It self heats... WTF???

Just after the sun set a little further down the road. Oh so pretty.

This is a Tenn. sunset... this pic doesn't do it justice...

This was a park in North Carolina that we decided to stretch our legs and find Alix's 1st cache. Dropped off some travel bugs and picked one up. It was fun :)

This is us driving down the i85 s in Virginia toward Durham. I decided this was a good time to unload the couple pics I had and blog from the road. Now I'm going to get back to Donkey Jungle, I have some bananas to grab and pegs to climb!

Here is a great view of Alix's childhood home. We got to spend 2 comfy nights here. Strong winds and sideways rain like we'd never have in CA. It was a wonderful sunny crisp day that said goodbye to Alix...

Just gotta love the shadows from all the trees, it really was a wonderful place to stay.

This is the view from Alix's old bedroom. Basically, she grew up in the woods. Its so very pretty and relaxing... the previous 2 pics are of the outside of the house.

This is the worlds largest dairy store. It's in CT where Alix grew up in Wilton. Its the cutest place ever with some of the most amazing foods. It's called Stew Leonards. This was the band that was playing above some of the dairy stuff. They have many acts but this was my favorite.

Getting ready to leave Phoenix... next stop, BOSTON, MA. :) Now I'm supposed to get some sleep HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

And the trip begins, here is my view outside of Bob Hope Burbank Airport. We board in about 40 minutes... here we goooooo :)

Today Does Not Exist

I have a very close family now, nothing like I've ever experienced before. It consists of a Denise, a Jenn, a Courtney and a Patty. These girls mean a lot to me and I'd throw myself in front of a wild animal for any one of them. We all have our times in life when we go through things. Each of us has a fairly high spirtual belief in the universe and things that just can't be explained. So today, February 29th hits me in a different way and I think it does for them as well.

I had a rough day, without going into too many details, it's a Friday and it's 4:30pm and I head home with a few tears crawling down my face. I was very much looking forward to just going home and falling a sleep. I was worn down, torn down and just done. I had the option to go play games but I just didn't have the mind set for it. I was sad because I did want to go but I wasn't feelin' it and knew I should just go home for now. I fell a sleep for a little while and woke up to a Patty asking if I wanted to come over for Pizza. The idea of going to Pattys and sitting around the table sharing stories like we all do so well sounded nice. So I got up took a shower and did feel a little better.

Without spilling too much of everyone elses crappy day, it was interesting that we all had such a "weird" day. I walked outside to talk to Alix and I could see inside Patty's house. Courtney had this sad/distressed look on her face, Patty was being Patty-like and making us a wonderful dinner all the while hustling through the kitchen, Denise was sitting in a chair using the web we all love so much as a distraction and Jenn, well Jenn was being Jenn :) We must look like quite the group of misfits at times but we all bring something important to the table and standing outside looking in, I could really see that. It brought this really warming feeling over me and I just had to smile.

So standing there I decided that Today Does Not Exist. This is a fun concept if you give it a chance. If you had a great day of completing tasks/work or anything else, it was basically a free day and it's almost like Gnomes came and did the work for you. If you had a bad/horrible/off day then when you wake up tomorrow, it didn't exist and all is washed even. Either way you come out with a positive feeling.

I was just ready for the feelings of the day to be gone. I think some others were as well. Darla and Vanessa showed up a bit after that, Patty got called out to work and we all sat around the table eating pizza and just enjoying one anothers company. I loved it (well minus the fact that Patty had to leave).

Thanks girls... I love you and I'll miss you.

8 year olds and pitching lessons

I have been VERY competitive in sports more of my life than not. I don't like to lose and I hate not being the best at something. It's my secret and I work at not letting my "temper" get the best of me. I put that in quotes mainly because I've worked very hard to not be THAT girl anymore. I'm pretty much low-key and mellow now and my body loves me so much for that :)

So today I will be going to a 10 and under softball game to help out a pitcher who is 8 years old. This is very common. Being bred for softball in Bakersfield isn't new. I run across people looking for private lessons more often then you might think. As I do not coach high school ball anymore, my 14 hour days have ceased and I can enjoy the sport a little more. I miss it terribly, don't get me wrong but it doesn't consume my life for 6 months either. Okay, who are we kidding, it was more like 10 months. It would have been 12 but cold and rain does slow us down. Anyway, I've seen some of these parents with their girls and it still amazes. More than ever they are teaching that "must be the best" attitude and it's going younger and younger. Sometimes I think the parents want the bragging rights that their child is the most talented more than anything.

I enjoy helping though, it's fun and it keeps me close to softball which is a love I will never lose. Something about walking out on to a freshly chalked field and an untouched mound that gives me the shivers every time. I have a love for the sport... I wonder how you teach that??? I think some of my players got it over the time I had them but how does one completely inspire for the love of the game? I kinda like not knowing and just doing what I do best, teach the game I grew up with and love so much. Not everything has to have an answer, some of the most miraculous things are those left unanswered.

Play ball... *smiles*

It still amazes me how much she pays attention to me... I love the uniqueness of the Orchid, they are quite beautiful and as my likes change, it's nice to know that she loves me enough to note the little things because they are important to me :)

That one moment...

There are things we do in life that sometimes make us sit back and really see ourselves in the center looking around at the 360 deg moment that is starring at us right then. Not sure what I'm talking about? If you've had them, you know and you'll also understand that words can't truly describe how this moment overtakes your mind/body/soul. I will try my best though to convey the one I have when I fly to Boston, my last one will overcome me next week and I'm perfectly okay with that...

I typically take a Red Eye flight to see her. The plan is that I will sleep on that flight so I'm not so shell shocked when I get into Boston. Unfortunately, that NEVER happens. While everyone is snoring around me, I'm sitting there tapping my foot. I try, I really do but I'm too damn excited. The first time was the worst, I fell a sleep and when I woke up and looked at the time, it had been 20 minutes. Wow... only 5 hours and 20 minutes to go... shit damn. The one flight where I tried a sleepy agent put me to sleep for 45 minutes *smacks head* so you see I'm like that kid that wants to run up and down the isle of the plane basically.

The upside of being awake? Yes there is one. We cross a few times zones on this flight and when 3:00am our time hits, it's 6:00am there and basically its sunrise time on the Atlantic. So the transfer of dark to light is very quick and to watch the sunrise on the clouds is pretty damn amazing. It's a magical hour for me really, the day is starting a new and I will be in her arms shortly. There's that moment while I'm sitting there looking out the window and watching each little ray of sunshine shoot out amongst the sky. Almost like it's shining through me and warming me all a glow inside. I get that smile on my face and my heart goes a flutter. Twitterpated, it's a wondrous thing.

It's always about the little moments. I love them so.

You can't set these moments up, they just happen. Oddly enough, you're typically alone at the time they do happen. I don't think everyone can experience them because they are too busy getting through life instead of enjoying it. Drinking it away or killing time till the next weekend...

$1.00

So last night I went to the dollar store to get some hangers because apparently we have a SHIT TON of clothes! I'm on a tight tight budget but I don't mind because it means she'll be here and we'll figure it out. So anyway, I was looking for something to put on my door for St. Patty's Day. They had some clover garland so I decided to spend the dollar and get it.

I smiled the entire time I put it around my door. It's really a wonderous thing how a dollar can do so much for your heart. :)

Scary Faerie

I got the urge to sketch a faerie, she's pretty rough but not bad (I think) for my first attempt. Yes I know I have my work cut out for me and using charcoal probably wasn't my best idea either. Lesson #1 learned :)

Why do we...?

So I was heating up my lunch yesterday and I wanted to put ketchup and mustard on my bread to make orange bread for my hamburger. I knew I had ketchup and thought I had remembered seeing mustard in the fridge at work. So I went to pick up the mustard... it had expired... in July... of 2003!

Okay gross. Here's the funny part, what did I do with the mustard after seeing it's almost 5 years expired? I put it back in the fridge! I've seen plenty of people do this. I've done it. Do we think it might be okay the next time? Is it too hard to throw in the trash? *laughs hysterically* Who knows but I thought that was funny. I did end up throwing it away by the way.

Sink of Dishes

So each night I put something or things away and get that much closer to being organized and clean. Two of my favorite things. The kitchen was the first room I put together (shocker) and continually fill the counters up to put other things away. It's quite a cycle but it's working. I hadn't really thought I was getting very far until Denise & Jen came over and said I had done a lot. I spent most of last night grouping stuff together so it wouldn't be so out of place. I hung up some more clothes, threw out some more trash and made sure my lunch was packed for the day.

Monday night I made my dinner and cleaned. I had yet to do dishes and decided that I should do them each night before I go to bed. I happily stood there on my new kitchen mat and washed each dish by hand, stratigically stacking them in the little rack in the sink. I wiped down the counters and cleaned the stove. I smiled while I washed each dish. Now I know this won't last forever but like everything else I'm experiencing, I'm appreciating everything in a whole new way.

I've always loved/appreciated everything in my life but it's different this time. I'm thankful for where I've been and what I've had and where I'm going now.

*Phew* It's Monday already?

What a crazy/wonderful/tiring/loving/magical/funtagiously awesomest great time. The past 4 days have been great for so many reasons. My mom and I got closer last Wednesday, her curiousity got the best of her and now she is quite happy that Alix and I are so happy together. Valentines/Moving day was great.

Jenn & Denise came over and did this most fantastic blessing/ritual through our house. Jenn was very thorough and I could really feel the blessing. I watched them go over our home, protecting us and putting all of their love into it. I walked down at one point to get my family and I was standing there shaking a little. I could completly feel it. It made me all smiley inside and when I walked back in, I got the exact same feeling. Every time I walk in, I can feel it and I love it. It really does feel like a home. Everyone got everything moved in a few short hours, it was awesome. The washer/dryer were a bit of a challenge but overall it went well. My dad offered to buy the first groceries which was awesome cause money will be tight for awhile but you can't exchange the happiness I feel for some green paper. We got home at 11:ish pm from the store and my parents were wiped out. I sent them on their way and happily put all our groceries away. I had a lot to do before I left for the airport. Her flight got in at 1:10pm. I put the groceries away, moved some boxes to make a path, took a shower and next thing I knew it was 12:20 and I needed to GO! I left for the office to pick up some stuff, got back into my car and she was in at 12:39pm! WTH! How is she 30 minutes early! So I hauled ass and pulled up about 2 mintues after she got her luggage, so at least she didn't have to wait long. Sorry baby :)

We got home and she looked around our home. She liked it :) YAY! I figured she would but sometimes you just have to worry. Poor little sickly kitten though, she was tired and I was beat so we called it a night and hopped into our bed for our 1st night in our apartment :)

Friday we had to get up kinda early cause she had an appt. with a temp agency. I was a zombie, a very sore zombie. I went back home, waited for our new stove to be installed and then went to get her breakfast and a sonic and pick her up. I was beat tired but we had lots to do. We came back, changed and headed out to get A LOT of stuff we needed for the homestead. I had quite a migraine building so we went home and I took a nap so we could head to the Valentines Dance at 6:00pm

She looked so adorable. Still sickly, she was quite the trooper and I really appreciated it. The dance was at the Holiday Inn downtown and it was very nicely done. It was just big enough but not so big that you couldn't find a person if you thought you had lost them. The food was pretty yummy and the night went over fairly well. We had our picture taken and I already made a shadow box frame out of it. We went home got some meds and curled up together.

Saturday morning that alarm went off too early again. We had to get to IKEA though because we needed a couch. After some super yummy Jack Daniels chicken in Valencia and a lot of traffic we made it to IKEA.... lots of hours later and ANOTHER migraine and we were on our way back home with a couch and a lot of other fun stuff for the home :) Dinner with the family was cancelled, so that was nice because we were beat down. I was drained from Migraines from the past 2 days. We cuddled on the couch, ate some food and watched TV. That was one of the best nights ever.

Sunday came way too quickly and once again we were rushing to the airport at 11:30am. This time though, I was ready to kick her on the plane (well not really, never really) because when I see her in 15 days it's because I'm in Boston to pick her up and we head on our drive to CA. These 7 months have gone FAST. It didn't seem like it at the time but since we started these flights every 2 weeks to get her situated, it's been flying. She has no more free weekends and I'm spending all my time getting everything settled so we can fill the house back up when we pull in.

So many wonderful things that were, are and will be. I love my time with her. No matter where it is. No more hotels, no more airports, well except to Bora Bora *winks*, no more watching the clock, no more countdowns till I see that smiling face because each night, she'll be here. Right where she belongs.

My card from my mom and dad... I found it this AM when I got up to go to work. :)

I think Atomic Betty is kinda full but she is ready for moving day!

Petty Picky Pessimistic People... PISS ME OFF!

Alright this one is ranty because I've had nothing but wonderful days for the past ??? (so many I've lost track). I'm going to write this out and then it will be done, no dwelling, no festering, just letting go in the nice afternoon breeze.

Petty People. Don't they realize they are the root of their own disgust? Because they choose to be so damn negative and controlling, they are truly responsible for their pettiness.

Picky People. How can you be soooo damn picky? So much in fact that people don't want to be around you anymore. You can't pick up on it though because you are so self involved that you can't even realize it... *shakes head* It's sad really.

Pessimistic People. If you're going to live this life seeing that glass constantly half empty and annoyed with anyone who doesn't do things EXACTLY as you do, then I probably don't want you within my energy anyway.

My advice is this; stop being so selfish and acting like a baby who throws a temper tantrum when she doesn't like the way things are going. Learn how to work with people instead of against them. You are in for a long, tough life otherwise and for that, I keep positive thoughts that one day you may wake up and realize, there are things much more horrible in the world and what you find "horrible" is equal to a -423 on the gauge of horribleness.

All done... now I go pack :) YAY!

Wednesday

HOLY SHIT.

The End.


Just kidding but for real for real. All of the sudden I have "oh" so much to do! Today I get my hairs cut (especially since last night I was told I look like a hippy). Then I have to come back to storage and tag all my stuff to be moved out to the apartment. Then I get to go home and pack up my car and move anything else that's left into the garage. Then I have to attempt to sleep! Tomorrow is work/girl flies in/moving/Valentines Day! I'm SO EXCITED I COULD SPIT SUNSHINE!

Alright back to work I go... later!

Our new shakers for the apartment! Thanks Lynn & Shannon :)

Where to go from here...

So many things coming up. I've basically finished packing. I have set my appointment to pick up the keys to our apartment on Thursday at noon. I have ******* ****** can't exactly say because a certain little girl will read this but I'm getting set up for her arrival on Thursday as well. My friend Jenn has agreed to come by and do a home blessing with Sage to cleanse it for us and I'm super excited about that. Each day brings me closer and closer and I'm feeling pretty darn good about it.

I feel like I can expand my artist side even more. I know my mind is becoming more at ease because I want to learn new things. There is a Faery Fundraiser coming up and I want to work on some pieces for that as well. There is also a SPCA type show coming up and hopefully I'll have a new kittenkid soon that I can photograph for that :) There is also a Garbage Blanc (White Trash) show coming up and I'm trying to figure out something to do for that because it sounds like fun.

The first thing I'll probably move into the apartment will be the drafting table Jenn gave me :)

3:35pm

So everyday about this time it's basically time to wrap up at work. This involves printing off the machines, typing up any last reports that may need to go out before I walk my butt through that door, emailing or faxing, billing something, feeding my yard kittenkids, cleaning up my desk(s) (yes I have multiple), laying out samples for the next day and a few other whosey-ma-whats-its. My world begins to shut down and my time with Alix on the phone begins. As darkeness falls each night, something new is happening, an overall feeling of satisfaction. Our life is setting itself to begin very soon. Before it was months out and seemed like forever and a day away. Now... well now it's basically a day away. Each day brings us quite closer, we have so many mini countdowns, the time literally is flying by. I smile every morning and pop out of bed because at the dusk of "this" day, I am one more day closer to her and THAT is always a most wonderful feeling.

Lately, more and more people have been commenting on how hard it must be to have the one you love so far away. And as much as I agree, this time has taught me many things. I have learned to walk on my feet again, find some really interesting stuff out about myself, I've made some new incredibly awesome friends and have put myself in a position to have her easily walk into our life. Here are some things to look forward with us:

February 14th - We get our apartment; She flies in for the weekend
February 17th - She takes her last business trip to Boston
February 27th - My birthday that I keep forgetting about
March 5th - I head to Burbank for my last flight to Boston for awhile...
March 7th - We head to CT to stay with her parents and possibly NY on the 8th
March 9th - We head toward Spin in DC, then to Kristin in OK
and from there we'll end up back in CA around the 12th???

Weather will play a huge roll in our drive across the U.S. I'll do most of my blogging from my phone. Should be pretty cool. Things may change a bit but we're really looking forward to all of it.

I'm having one of those centered days today and it feels great... just thought I would share.

Here is the list:

@ Secure Holding Cube
@ Secure Moving Truck
@ Call Temp Agencies to set appt.
@ Rent out room
@ Transfer all accounts to the boys
@ Get 2 new tires
@ Pack
@

So now you can refer to it as necessary, yes I know there is more but we'll start here.

Pouty Face & Balance

Okay, so this morning Alix left to go back to Boston for another business trip. She will be back in 10 days. Next Thursday, Valentines Day, she will be back here and we will be in our apartment. Oh yeah, you read that right OUR apartment. Which just reminded me to call the cable company and PG&E... okay, we will have cable next week between 3-5pm and PG&E is in my name, ta-da!

I'm trying to be all positive and crap but today, today I will be sad and that will be okay. Tomorrow I will get out of the "grey" and into the color and be in a much better mood. I'm allowed to miss her, how could I not? She's so wonderful and here is an interesting ephiphany I had driving home Friday night from San Francisco...

I've spent a better part of the past couple of years searching for something, something that was important to me; Balance. It is hard to achieve and nearly impossible to maintain but the idea of such a thing in life makes me strive that much harder for it. I love those days when I feel completely centered and there are more of them now then ever (okay shut up, I know today doesn't count). Anyway, we were driving back to Bakersfield and talking about our astrological symbols and some designs to do at Color Me Mine. Now my symbol is tattooed on the back of my neck, not the Fishie one but the H looking one. And I know her celtic symbol but I never thought about her True symbol. Here is where the "funny" part comes in, her symbol is the Scales. Her sign is the suppose to be the most balanced of all the symbols.

So in my search for Balance... I find a Libra... *nods* Yep Yep... interesting how the universe does that kind of stuff.

Over the past few days...

Well hello there. What a hell-of-a week for real. Tuesday I decided it would be a good idea to get sick. I thought, "hey Alix is back from her business trip this Friday, I should get sick." So I did. *smug face* So I got this gross cold with a side of icky cough and pretty much put myself in an awful situation at work being as it's the end of the month. So I would come home everyday and lay in bed like a vegetable and talk to Alix on the phone. I got like 10 hours of sleep a night and magically now it's Thursday and I feel pretty damn good. I'm glad cause the girl flies in here at 8:30pm tomorrow and I need to be well and well rested.

Another ephiphany we had on Wednesday night was to move into our apartment the weekend of her next visit home from her business trip! I mean really, it would just save another charge on the credit card when we could be comfy in our own home! YAY! I just have to check the place out but I have to wait till the previous tenent turns in her keys. *SHEESH HURRY UP ALREADY* So that's probably what I'll be doing tomorrow on my lunch :) It's kind of a cute way to spend our first Valentines together as well... setting up our new place for our new life together... awww. Don't ya just wanna puke? *giggles* We're pretty damn excited!

So that's been my week and now I just realized... I'M MOVING IN 15 DAYS! WOW!

Step 3 of the Platter




Step 3: Painted brick parts of the platter with one coat... hard to really say how long because I was chatting with friends but I'd say about 45 minutes.

1 month to go...

Alright so basically it's a month till my birthday. So for those of you that don't want to think -- it's 2/27/77 (*eh hem* 'Nise!) The past few birthdays haven't gone over so well, ESPECIALLY the last one. I mean I hear some people don't take them so well but I REALLY didn't like my 20-10 birthday, which is what I had referred to it as.

Over the past few months I've had a lot of time to reflect. I find myself looking over my life and while there are some things I wish I could have done differently, they all have led me to this point and therefore I can not regret them but I've grown, found more of who I am and love life more than ever. Now even luckiler than all of this? I have been given the blessing of a very wonderful girl who understands my soul, my quirks and makes me believe in myself when sometimes I don't want to. I've always been a cheerleader of my partners, friends and family but it's really nice to have someone lead me into myself with gentleness and caring, she is my biggest cheerleader and it's nice.

Which leads me to my premonth birthday blog of today. I never loved 30 up until a couple of months ago. Would I want to do my 20's again? Nope. Then I wouldn't be where I am today... 'a lot a bit' loved by my matching soul, a little more balanced and really embracing the who that makes me, well me.

I love Alix.
I love my friends and how each one is a part of me in some way and are helping to evolve me even more.
I love my family, every one of them, even the ones I don't know yet. (yes you can laugh and yes my family is that big)

Some people give their thanks around Thanksgiving but sometimes we need to do it when the mood inspires us. If you're reading this, chances are you've inspired me in some way and I can't thank you enough for being a part of my life at some point.

"We are only as great as the people we surround ourselves with." ~a

Switching Muses

Okay, so last night I got the transfer on to the platter. I have also decided that what ever muse inspired this idea, is tag teaming with someone else... doubt. I was/am really gung-ho for this project but it does change from one day to the next. I sat there last night and starred at it after it was done and then looked at the actual color photo. I thought this would take me 6-8 times out but with the detail of the bricks... it could be MUCH longer than that. In all actuality, until I start it, I have no idea what this is going to entail but I will figure it out soon enough because I start tomorrow night. I'll upload a pic as soon as I can get enough light, the transfer is pretty light and hard to see on the platter and I didn't have Nikki last night.

Step 2: Finished sketching the picture, traced the back side, then transferred to platter. 45 minutes.

Platter a la Red Sox aka The Long Term Project

So I decided I'm going to paint a Red Sox Platter. Not just any ol' doodle, oh no, I have to go big. I'm going to transfer one of my own photos from Fenway Park onto a platter. I know this is going to take A LOT of time but I need a challenge. I've been slacking in the art department. I've taken some really great photos, no I'm not bragging on myself but I have some good ones alright, get off my case, sheesh. I've sat on them long enough and this is getting me ready for 2 upcoming shows in town... I'll get to those later though.

Last weekend the girl came into town and I took her to Color Me Mine, she had never been and her coloring side was wanting to come out. I bought her this Veggie Tales Coin Bank to paint. Now anyone who has done this, knows how detailed these projects can be. Being her first time out, I thought this one would be a pretty challenging one for her but she took it like she takes most everything else in life, with a smile and a lot of determination. 3 trips to CMM, a total of 10.5 hours but she got it done and it looks damn adorable. She went pretty damn detailed for her first run and I couldn't be more proud. One of the nights while I was sitting there, I was starring at these huge platters they had and I thought how cool it would be to transfer one of my photos on to one. Immediately the one on the brick wall came to mind. So I bought a platter. Tonight I went to Michaels to get some tracing paper to sketch it on and then I will copy it over to the platter. I'm suppose to go to CMM again on Saturday night, so I'm hoping I'll be able to start painting it then.

So here is my progress so far:

Rough Sketch & Actual Photo

Closer view of sketch...

Day 1: 40 minutes to sketch

Now off to bed before the queen has my head!

Christmas 2007 in CA :)

Jen working on a portrait for friend :) Look even her hair matches... oh she's good!

The creepy cookie!

More baked goods..

Baked goods...

New Bakeware :)

My artsy work space...

Arty lets me to my artsy space.

She had to wait so long at the alter...

Our Story…

One night as the stars looked down upon the land they noticed two of their dreamers were unhappy. So much in fact they had almost completely lost their inner glow. They were so dim, in fact, the stars were alarmed at how they had almost overlooked them once more. As they gathered together and discussed who had been watching them, sadly, the two had just slipped through the stars' eyes night after night. Worried they had lost the two for good, the Old Wise Moon gathered them up and as he spoke the stars looked up to him in great awe.

"You see little stars, sometimes when you have the constant dreamers from such a young age, you may take for granted their souls will always shine bright to easily watch from above. Now as you have seen their natural glow and love for life can attract someone who may not quite be the right match for them but is intrigued at their ability to believe in things greater than can be explained by science and logic. They try to make everyone around them as happy as they are but sometimes it just doesn't work out. As they do not like to fail, they stay where they are and hope for the best. Unfortunately, the hope becomes dimmer and dimmer as does their own inner glow. They never notice it, constantly trying to fix the wrongs and holding up two people can be very difficult for one little empty soul. Be glad you noticed their last little bit of hope. There is always time for a change. I must insist each of you spread amongst them, of course watching others as well, but take special care for these two. Their wishes have not been selfish and it is time they ask for something for themselves. Let us hope they catch the falling stars we send in their paths."

The stars did as they were told with great speed and very much care. While one has only known the blue waters of the Pacific, she took this night to walk outside and look up. Smiling for all the stars in her view twinkled in delight and shimmered in her heart. Small warmth near her heart grew and grew…

…along the East Coast, a girl threw her hands up for the last time. She walked out on to her deck and leaned against the railing. She wanted something more but felt so stuck she had no idea what to do. Something pulled her head toward the sky. Living in the city she couldn't always take advantage of the stars but tonight was different. She smiled at them like they could smile back, she forgot how much she enjoyed the night sky. She felt a little better inside, something felt right about being out here and she too, could feel warmth near her heart.

The stars, thankful for the luck of the night, took the opportunity to send the last little push each of them needed. Two very special stars took it upon themselves to shoot across the night and sacrifice life in the sky to turn into their destiny… a wish.

With the most eerie mirrored affect, each star took off with all their fierce and might to burn so very bright and at that very moment both girls took a deep breath, closed their eyes and made a wish…

Bragging Rights Come Whether You Win By 1 or 100, Great Game Babe!

Hello little witch...

4:00am, Texas Hold 'Em, Fried Chocolate Wontons & New Friends

Friday night I spent the better part of the evening helping to set up for a Yard Sale Fundraiser for the Bakersfield LGBTQ. Wow that was a lot of stuff but kinda hard to really set up for a yard sale till the day of, so we did what we could and headed home around 9:00pm.

Enter 4:00am on my clock. Now mind you, I have seen that time on my clock many a time in the past couple of months. We typically like to go to bed around 6:00am so 4 is about a drink break or something... but to get up at this time? That's a whole other kinda can of worms. I pried myself out of bed, got into all my comfy Boston gear (afterall they had a nice win the previous night) and headed to grab donuts for the gang. I got there about 5:15ish. Zombie like I started moving stuff around and getting things into workable areas. Around 6 we had a few guys looking at things... but for the most part it was scarce. We had weird rushes throughout the day but overall we made some great money and had fun. I walked around snapping pics of the house and yard for the Halloween party. I have lots of ideas but I figured it would be easier to have reminders in front of me. Jenn and I are suppose to meet at some point to work stuff out.

I got home about 2:00pm, took a shower, got comfy in bed and decided a nap was in order. I hadn't heard from my friends, so I didn't know if Texas Hold 'Em was in the cards for the night (yes bad pun intended). About 5 I got a txt asking if I was still meeting them for dinner and to hang out. I crawled out of bed, got ready and headed out the door to Casa Munoz, mmm Mexican Food. We had a good dinner and I showed Jenn some of the pics I took of the house. We went by the store to get some drinks and snacks and off we went to Patty's house.

What an adorable little house. Imagine if you will (just do it) walking into a cottage type house with wooden floors, candles perfectly placed and lit, music playing in the background and 2 of the cutest girls cooking together in the kitchen. I was introduced to Courtney and Patty. Patty was making fried chocolate wontons and Courtney was putting powder sugar on them... all I can say is mmmmmmmmm. I enjoyed quite a few of those that night.

So I also met Kat & Alisa and Mel & Rhonda. We all settled into introductions, thank goodness there is never a test after meeting 6 new people. Everyone grabbed food, drinks and headed to the table. As some people had never played before, there was a short explanation of how it was played, blinds and betting. As I "helped" with some of the terms, I was labeled a card shark. Which is very comical since I am far from being a person who likes to gamble. I have dealt the game many a time (hence the reason I know it) I've watched it for countless hours and do enjoy the aspects of it but for me to actually play, not so much. However, on this night, it sounded like a lot of fun and I'm all about having fun.

I won the first game and then it was on... Patty had her eye on me lmao So we played for awhile and they have a fun house rule that if someone says something really funny you can tip them a Nickel. I got tipped a quarter once, sorry Denise for flicking you in the cheek but you were being mean! *giggles* Around 10ish the other 4 left and we stayed to play more, ordered pizza around 11 and spent a very good time just getting to know one another. Patty and Courtney are simply wonderful people and I'm glad I was lucky enough to meet them. I look forward to more nights hanging out.

Finally, around 1:00am we decided to call it a night. So much FUN! I headed home with one of those really good fuzzy feelings inside :)

Tumbling Back In

So life is funny. So many up and downs. Some days your the dog and some days your the hydrant. I've been trying more and more to step out of my self and look around me, at me, through me, you get the idea. The universe is a grand thing. The people you meet at those particular times, it's all laid out, you just don't know it yet. Simple choices like what to have for lunch or leaving 5 minutes later for work, it's all mapped out. Like one big game and we're the bits moving on the evergrowing board. I like the idea of it even as scary as it is sometimes.

Birthday, Baseball in Boston and Being In Love


So Thursday night (Sept. 27th) my dad dropped me off at the airport around 7:30pm. I had more than enough time to check my bags, take my shoes off, my lappy out, my dvd player, my art pencils (oh yeah, you read that right, the metal tin angers the machine, so out they come) and rings, change, watch, etc, etc, etc. At least I only have to do this once... or so I thought. So I got redressed, reset my bag and headed to good ol' Gate 3 to wait to board.


Viva Las Vegas! Enter McCarran Airport in fabulous Las Vegas, NV. I have learned the flights well over the past 2 months and I like this airport for the most part. So I headed to gate B20 because that's where my connection terminal always is. I usually have about 30 minutes to get from one side to the other. So I took my time walked over and my gate said "Columbus." Okay. That isn't Boston. So I walked to the screens and my gate had been changed... to C23 which is very, very, VERY far away and I had 13 minutes to get there. I jogged. I literally ran through the airport. I always wondered why people did that. I get it now. So I got to another security checkpoint because it was that far that I had to leave one terminal to another and I had to strip down AGAIN with about 4 minutes. I walked through and beeped. I had Alix's birthday present in my pocket and forgot to take it out, so they had me put that and my bluetooth in a small container and go through. I shoved every possible thing I could in my pockets and bag. I asked the security guy if I'd make it and he looked at me and said, "HURRY." I had to take a short train and run down another corridor but damn it, I made it. I sat there for 10 minutes and caught my breath and finally cooled down. I started to empty my pockets and realized I didn't grab her ring or my bluetooth out of the extra container! I pushed the call button and since we were still waiting on a maintence thing, I was told to go to the gate and see if they can help. The girl said I could go back. I asked, "are you sure I can go all the way back to security?" She looked at me and said, "run." So I gave my name and did just that. I ran down the corridor, took the train, ran to security, got my stuff, ran back to the train, back to the corridor and back onto the plane. The flight crew saw me coming and asked if I got her present (I had explained to them what it was I left), when I showed them the box, they all clapped and cheered. Which left me in a weird spot because when I turned to walked down the isle of the plane EVERYONE was starring at me. Hi, embarrassed much? So I sat back down, even hotter than before and did a HUGE sigh of relief. And I thought it would be safer on me than in a bag! Even funnier part, we still didn't take off for another 30 minutes after I got back, one of our pilots wasn't even there yet. We left an hour late... geez.

So I slept a little more than last time but not much. I was hoping to get at least 3 hours because I had some shopping to do when I got in town. We landed and got held up because there was another plane at our gate. Really? She's right there and I'm stuck on this plane. This landing was a little more interesting. You fly over the city out over the water to land in Logan. It's pretty neat actually, you get to see the coastline for pretty far and the views are simply breathtaking. The area is just beautiful. This time though, I knew we were getting close and we started to circle down but you couldn't see a thing. The clouds were super thick. It was like we could land on those, kinda nerve racking. So he circles lower and into the clouds we go, next thing I know, I see the run way and we're down. Wow, good job Mr. Pilot dude :)


Ginormous airport hugs are great! All dressed for work, she looked adorable as always. I even got a special pink frosted donut with sprinkles, mmm. We got my luggage and headed to work. I took the car and headed to a parking lot to plan my route. I found a fun party store, went grocery shopping and found my way home easily. Well that would be the last time it would be so simple. I got home, put the groceries away and decorated her room. I laid down for a bit and thought I should probably set an alarm in case I fall asleep. Well apparently, in that thought, I fell a sleep. Next thing I know, it's 3:50 and I'm suppose to leave at 4 to go get her. SHIT! I ran to shower off and left by 4:15pm. I headed to where I thought I was suppose to go... but I was lost. I tried to call her but no answer. (Okay this is funny because anytime I call her, she answers, even if it's to tell me she has to call me back. Now that I'm in Boston, no answer). So I just kept driving knowing that she would call when she could. Now it was like 5 till 5:00pm and I was serverly lost. She called and I had no idea where I was, the navigator in my phone chose now not to work so I was fucked and my lappy was dead... wow. I finally found a point where she could get me back toward her. Apparently, I zigged where I should have zagged. *giggles* It's funny now but I was so sad that I was so late to get her. So I had to let her go when I got to the tunnel because I had to drive under the city (that's so cool) and I thought I had it under control. Nope, got lost again. Only for about 15 minutes this time. Found my way back, called her from the parking lot and down she came with a piece of cake for me that the people in her office got her. And let me tell you, after the past 1.5 hour I just went through, that cake was well received.


So we headed home, up the stairs and into her room she went to find some signs and balloons while I stayed in the kitchen to make dinner. I love to cook, so much fun :) I left her to set up my lappy so we could watch some of the cartoons I had recorded, among some other things. By the time I finished, she had that thing wired through her Xbox 360 that played through her computer and the tv or something. I dont' know really but it was cool and all ready to go. We enjoyed dinner. We were laying in bed listening to music and I was fiddling with her fingers and it dawned on me that it was a good time to just slip the ring on. So I reached over to the night stand and fiddled with my phone (actually getting the ring) and slipped it on :) Fast forward and it was 3:30am before we knew it.


Woke up around 11ish and laid around for a bit, decided if we wanted to get out, we'd have to get moving and finally left the house around 3:00pm. Went to a great gaming store, killed some time, she showed me Harvard Square, areas she's lived, places she worked and some back stories to go with it all and I loved it. We headed back to get my camera, a bag and then headed to a parking lot so we could catch the T to FENWAY! We took this one as far as we could and then had a fairly short walk to the stadium. I had the best time listening to everyone with an accent. That city knows how to love their team and it was awesome. We walked through some of the coolest areas and neatest buildings. I was so in awe I literally forgot to take pictures. Alix learned quite quickly that I wander. If something catches my eye, I go right to it. She turned a few times and I was gone... oops. *Sorry baby but thanks for being so patient and finding me with a smile every time* She also found that holding my hand made it easier to keep track of me *giggles*


So before we actually entered Fenway, she took me to a super cool team store and bought me a sweatshirt and t-shirt! YAY! They are super comfy awesome! THEN... oh yes, we entered, in my opinion, the most historic ball park EVER! The brick, the green monster, the history, the love for the game... wow wow WOW. That ballpark has a feeling like nothing from the West coast. The energy in that place is AMAZING to say the least. We shared a hot dog and some chicken and fries, so great. The stadium is small but very cool. We had pretty good seats and I had the best time just taking it all in. The one thing that had me constantly commenting on it? Alright, if you've been to games you know they have the people who walk up and down the isles selling, sodas, ice cream, pizza or whatever. Okay, Boston wins. They sold "Hot Soup." Oh yeah, they sell New England Clam Chowder and crackers. Made perfect sense after I thought about it but it cracked me up for awhile. I have a pic, it's not great but you'll get the idea. Every time I tried to take one, someone would stand up or she would turn. So you're stuck with the one with my thumb in the corner.


Great game! They came back to win 6 to 4 that night! Big Pappi came up and tanked one at the Green Monster to insure it in the 6th (I think). It was great. You know what else is super fun? Singing Sweet Caroline. They turn the music down at certain parts and it's "all crowd" singing. It's giving me the chills just typing about it. So great, great GREAT! I took some pics around the park and that will be a great memory for a long time. I can't thank you enough baby for sharing your birthday, city and Fenway with me. We walked around for a bit afterwards, tried to play pool downtown but it was way too packed so she decided to take me to her arcade.


I've heard about this place from her and Spin many-a-time so I was really excited to see it. Okay, this place is HUGE. It has so many giant screen tv's all along the wall, games, batting cages, pool tables, bar... and the best jalapeno salsa chicken sandwich. I have a new love for Alcohol induced Tea :) We played a few games of pool and headed home. Happy Birthday Baby Girl!


Slept in, of course. Went out for a FANTASTIC breakfast/lunch. Mmm, I like waffles. Went to the mall, went crazy at Old Navy and I got a new Boston lid :) There was a pretty park on one side of the mall. So beautiful and it had cooled down quite a bit. It was too late for me to make dinner so we decided on pizza and wings. We set the lappy up in the kitchen and watched Pokemon. Loved it! Back in the room we watched one of my fav comedians which she loved. To the point that she went and bought his DVD when she saw it :) *SPARKLE-LY* I made a giant cookie, cut a big piece into a bowl and put vanilla ice cream on it. Ate that in bed while watching tv. We laid around for our last night together for this trip, I packed up and we headed to bed.


Ooops, oops and oops. We forgot to factor some things in and I missed my flight. So I got re-routed and ended up with a layover in Phoenix. I was suppose to be home at noon and got home at 7:30pm but at least I got home.

This trip was a lot harder. As I'm sure each one will be till she can finally be here for good. I'm going with the notion that anything worth having is worth waiting for. I will stay positive and it's nice that she won't let me be sad for long, always there to comfort and pick me up. Each time everything flows a little smoother and becomes more natural.


It was hard to say bye to that cool New England air and that girl that has a piece of my heart but it always gives me something to look forward to because each time we do come back together, I know what it means to really feel love. Not the store bought fly by night kind but the grips at your soul and makes you smile from the inside kind. The one that you thought was only in books... oh yeah, that kind *smiles* Deeper and deeper, this girl gets me... so much that when I struggle with words, she can say it for me. When those eyes look at me... they look into me but they don't scare me, they don't make me fear what she sees because I know she loves me for exactly who I am and have longed to be. Thank you Alix.

Aww, we're so cute! Birthday at Fenway, YAY!

Outside the mall.

Black & White of the outfield

Painted near one of the entrances above the hot dogs

There's the Clam Chowder Girl!

Ahh... there it is, Fenway Park *blinks*

This is what one does with a little unexpected 5 hour lay over in Phoenix... I wish it was longer ;)