Peppy's Dream Moving Adventure Blog

After the long day I had yesterday, I was really hoping to sleep late today, which is why I was so disappointed when I was up at 7:30am and couldn’t fall back to sleep.  I decided to call Eric and even he was surprised to hear from me so early on a Saturday!

I told him that Marlene bought the round clip-on earring mirror and I thought he’d be disappointed, but he was very happy for me.  I had told him before that I could always make another and I guess he knows that.  He was happy to hear about the new projects I have, because he knows how much my crafting means to me.

I was out of the apartment by 10:00am.  I wanted to go to the post office to ship some stuff to Eric, but I had a return from a catalog and it was pre-paid by UPS, so I decided to send both items from UPS.  The problem is UPS is really much more expensive than the post office.  I could have sent it priority from the post office – in their free box – for less than $10.  This cost me over $14 – because I had to pay for a puffy envelope and it was over $3!

The thing with UPS is that if you need to track it, it’s worth it, but if you’re just sending something that’s not valuable or extremely important (and – in this case – it was neither), you’re better off with the good old post office.

After UPS I went to the dry cleaners to have my one set of black work pants cleaned.  I wear them about once a week – usually when it’s time to shave my legs.  I know, TMI, but it’s true.  If it’s time to shave and I’m feeling lazy, I’ll just wear my slacks and get away with one more day!
It’s hard to believe that it’s November, but it’s still quite warm enough to go without stockings.  I went out this morning and all I was wearing was a tank top with a light cotton jacket over it.  I had to take off the jacket before I even got to the car!

After the dry cleaner’s I decided to go to Target.  I had bought a black camisole there and it really fit and felt great, so I wanted to see if they had it in other colors.  I also wanted to see if they had more of the magnified reading glasses.  I wanted to put a pair in the car.

On the way, as I was driving down Clairemont Drive, I saw two young guys holding signs for a car wash for the local high school.  I decided to go and get the car washed, since it hasn’t been washed since Eric left 6 weeks ago.

There were about 6 or 7 kids and a few adults monitoring them.  They were all Mexican, and spoke mostly in Spanish, but they were SO nice.  Not only did they wash the entire car, including the wheels, but they also dried it completely and then washed all the windows with Windex – inside and out!  I couldn’t believe it.  They all worked so hard, and it was hot out.

They had Spanish music playing and one young man started singing.  The other kids were telling him to shut up and I said he had a beautiful voice and should never let anyone tell him to stop singing.  He told me he loved to sing and he just beamed when I told him I thought he sounded great.

When they were done (it was about 20 minutes), I told them all that they would go far in life, because they weren’t afraid of a little hard work, and they did a beautiful job and I could see they would be successful in anything they chose to do.  Now, they were all beaming.  The suggested contribution was $5, but I gave $7, because I had two singles in my wallet with a $5 and I thought they did such a great job.  I just thought they’d hose it down, wash it a little, and wipe it a little.  They really went all the way and the car was sparkling!  I know Eric would have been very pleased!

With my sparkling PT Cruiser, I drove to Target and found the same camisole in red.  I love wearing camisoles under certain blouses and dresses and this one was so comfortable, so I was glad to have another.  Unfortunately, they didn't have any more magnified eyeglasses.  I think with Target you have to grab things while they're there, because they change out their inventory often.

I also tried on a few jackets and bought one that is a black and white tweed with a belt.  It’s short-sleeved, but it’s heavier than some of the other things I wear around the office.  It’s strange that it’s short-sleeved, but I think that might be a California thing.  It’s a winter-weight, but it’s short sleeved.  That’s just weird to me!

When I got home I had some spinach and a veggie latke for lunch and then watched a little TV until it was time for my massage.  I wanted to do laundry, but I don’t have quarters!

My massage was at 2:30pm.  Leah has give me 3 massages before this and she is the best.  The last time I was there was with Ilene when she came to visit from L.A.  Leah gave me a great deal –- a full hour for $35, which is just amazing.  She is so wonderful and when my hour was up I could have just fallen asleep right then and there on the table.  I managed to get dress, pay her and drive home, but as soon as I got home I took a shower (to get all the oil off me) and then took a nap.  I saw the Little Drummer Boy leaving with his mother as I came home, so I knew there wouldn’t be any drumming, etc., while I tried to nap.  I was right!  I had a great nap and didn’t wake up until 7:30pm.

Now, I was rarin’ to go.  I had a veggie corn dog for dinner (I know, it’s not much, but the fridge is practically empty until I go food shopping!), spoke to Eric for a few minutes and then started on Marlene’s butterfly decoupage mirror.    I put on five CDs – all girls – and put it on RANDOM, so they would all mix up.  I had on Faith Hill, Kelly Clarkson, Celine Dion, Vanessa Carlton and Annie Lennox.

It was a very small surface that needed to be decoupaged, so it didn’t take me more than an hour to complete the project.  I have to look at it again when it’s totally dry, because I usually want to fix something or other, but – for the most part – it’s done.

The difference between the decoupage and jewelry mosaics is that there’s another step for the decoupage – the varnishing.  So, I still have more to do before it’s complete.

I examined it when it was pretty dry, added a few pieces here and there, and then let it dry for about an hour.  Then I put the first coat of varnish on it (spraying it inside a cardboard box on the balcony outside).  One good thing about San Diego is that you can varnish outside all year round.  In NY, I had to do varnishing in the unventilated basement during the winter months, because it was just too cold to work outside – the varnish needs to stay at least 65 degrees in order to work right.

I want to do a vase for Elsa with a wine motif, since she and her husband are really into wine tastings, and wine and cheese places, etc.  I’m not much of a wine drinker, so I can’t relate, but I thought it would be a great gift for her, and I know she’ll appreciate it.  I went through all my “food and drink” cuttings and was able to find enough to easily cover the vase, with probably a lot left over.  Now that I know I have what I need, that has to wait until after the commissioned work is complete.  I still have the yoga tray and mirror to do.

I can’t wait to see SNL tonight.  Ben Affleck is hosting, and he is always really funny on this show.  David Cook is the musical guest – the winner of this year’s American Idol and I’m a big fan, so it should be an all-around great show!

The only bad thing is that Amy Poehler isn’t on, because she had her baby last weekend (Archie Arnett).  I think she is ALWAYS funny and I love the characters she creates.  I don’t think she’s coming back to SNL.  She will be missed!

Tomorrow I have to go food shopping and get quarters, so I can do laundry before I head to the movies in the afternoon.  It’s a good thing I’ll have that extra hour for Daylight Savings.  I’m going to need it!

The Little Drummer Boy started drumming at 9:05am.  Then, I realized my alarm clock was wrong and it was really 8:05am.  That little bastard!  Sorry to use such harsh language, but I was still sleeping and his mother obviously didn’t remember it was daylight savings time, or she just didn’t care.  I was hoping he’d stop after 5 minutes, like he usually does, but – no – today he decided to “play” for 20 minutes, so I was good and awake by the time he finished.

I decided to call Eric and see how his day was going.  We spoke for a long time and had a really great talk.  He’s supposed to go back to work tomorrow, which makes both of us very happy.  He’s also getting settled in the apartment, although he doesn’t like it there.  I guess it will just have to do until either he comes back here, or I go back there to live and we find a better place.  It’s just temporary!

I got up and out pretty quickly, because I needed to do laundry and go food shopping.  I put two loads in and walked over with my cart to KEIL’S.    By the way, I heard a customer jokingly call one of the check-out girls “Mrs. Keil” the other day and he prounounced it “Keel.”  She didn’t correct him, so either it IS Keel’s, or she was just being polite.  I wanted to ask, but then I said, “Who really cares?”  I decided I don’t.

Anyway, after food shopping I put the clothes in the dryer and cleaned the apartment.  I cleaned Conrad’s cage, and vacuumed the entire apartment.  He’s always a little freaked out after I clean his cage and with Eric not here to hold him while I do it, he usually flies around and gets exhausted.  I always worry that he’ll end up behind the fridge or something, but so far, so good.

After the laundry was done I decided to lie down for an hour before heading out again to meet Melissa at the movie theatre.  I was really looking forward to seeing THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES.  The book was SO wonderful and I had a feeling, with the excellent cast, it would be just as great.

I stopped at PEET’S COFFEE AND TEA, because it was in the shopping center (and Starbucks wasn’t).  I got what they call a Freddos, which is their version of a frappucino.  I got a decaf mocha.  It was okay, but I still like Starbucks better.  I do have to admit the place was PACKED with customers, so they’re definitely competition for Starbucks.  I don’t know if they have them in NY, but I’ve seen them all over SD.

Melissa and I were supposed to go out to dinner afterwards, but she told me she had Chinese food last night and she was sick all night and most of the day.  She almost cancelled, but she really wanted to get out of the house and she was excited to see the movie, too.  It had been raining during the morning and early afternoon – at least San Diego’s version of raining, which means it was a very heavy mist that caused the ground to get wet and that’s about it.  By 3:00pm the sun came out and it was a gorgeous afternoon/early evening.

When we first sat down, Melissa asked me about Eric and I told her pretty much the whole story, until the previews started.  I knew most of the girls in the department know that Eric is in NY, but most of them don't know much more than that.  I appreciated that she asked, and showed an interest, and she was very compassionate and understanding.

The movie was so sweet and beautiful and I cried my eyes out.  I forgot to warn Melissa that I’m a HUGE crybaby and I knew I would cry during this movie, because I knew it was a very sad story.  I wasn’t wrong.  I was comforted by the fact that I heard other people sniffling (or schnuckling, as Audrey would say), and crying.  I went through about 4 tissues.

Everyone in the cast was excellent – Datoka Fanning, Jennifer Hudson, Queen Latifah, Alicia Keys, and Sophie Okonedo, with whom I was not familiar.  They could all be nominated for Oscars, as far as I’m concerned, but Dakota was amazing.

When I first read that she was going to be playing the part of Lily, I was a little disappointed, because Lily is coming of age and I thought of Dakota as being too juvenile.  Well, I was wrong.  She is growing up and did such a fantastic job.   There is so much emotion in her eyes, she can fill volumes with one look.  I was so impressed with how she brought Lily to life.

The story takes place in 1964 and of course I thoroughly enjoyed all the vintage cars, clothing (the dresses and costume jewelry were fabulous), and the furniture and accessories.  There was hammered aluminum and great 50s glassware – some of which I had in my shop.  It was beautifully done.

Since we didn’t go out to eat afterwards, I came back to the apartment and made some salmon and a salad – for tonight and lunch tomorrow.  I just put the salmon on top of the salad.  It’s delish!  For dessert I had low-calorie Yoplait raspberry yogurt mixed with fresh raspberries.  Yummy!

I watched EXTREME MAKEOVER: HOME EDITION.  It was about a family in Geneva, NY that has a boxing club for at-risk kids.  It was very inspirational.  Not only did they build them an unbelievable house, but they also built them a huge boxing club with every accessory you can imagine.

Next, I watched DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES.  That show is crazy, but definitely holds my interest.  There’s a lot going on this season, and the jump to five years in the future is sometimes frustrating, because you don’t know what went on the last five years, but they’re slowly but surely filling us in.

This was a pretty great weekend.  I sold two of my craft pieces on Friday night, finished another piece on Saturday (and got a massage) and saw a great movie today.  Now, I’m ready for another great week in HR!

I know, it’s hard to believe.  It almost NEVER happens, but this morning as I was driving to work it started to drizzle, then it started to rain – really rain!  It was raining hard enough for me to use my windshield wipers.  They hardly get any use at all here!

Next thing I knew, my gas light came on, and I was already running a little late (too late for Starbucks!), so I stopped at a gas station right by the office and filled up.  Thank goodness it already stopped raining (and there was an overhang anyway) by the time I filled up.

When I got to work, I decided I was going to park in the garage – for employees only!  It was almost 8:00am and I didn’t want to be late, and I was also nervous about walking down the hill with the ground being wet.  I slipped two times on Sunday – going down to the laundry room and then leaving the laundry room.  I banged my knee the first time, and my head on the door the second time!  Thank goodness I was more scared than injured.

Anyway, the thought of falling again on the slick ground just scared me, so I decided to park in the employee garage and then just give myself a pass (like I give to all the guests who come) which allows me to park for free!

I had a pretty quiet day at work.  The only excitement was when I was informed that I won 2nd prize in a costume contest that one department held.  They judged all the people who came by (so it really wasn’t ALL employees).  First prize was a guy dressed as Beckham, and he did look really cute.  Third prize was a woman dressed as Natalie Wood.  The funny thing is, I stood right next to her at the group photo and I had NO idea who she was!

I was so thrilled. They’re giving me some kind of prize tomorrow.  I’ll let you know what it is!
Here’s the email announcement they sent out:

…And a special thanks for all the people who arrived in costume.  The competition was fierce and only three could win. We saw Rachel Ray, Elvis, Natalie Woods, Pajama Girl, Britney Spears, A Jack in the Box, Princess Leah, a Pirate, a Raider fan, Borat, Zac, David Beckham, a Desperate Housewife, and a Cowgirl.

The votes are in and the winners are:  1st place goes to David Beckham!  2nd place Desperate Housewife and 3rd place went to NatalieWoods.  We will drop off your prizes tomorrow AM.  Congratulations to our winners!
     
Oh, there WAS one more thrilling thing that happened.  At around 4:00pm, Rosemary called me over to her desk and asked me what I was doing tomorrow night.  I told her it was my yoga night.  She asked if I’d be willing to miss it and I said, “Sure!  What’s up?”  She asked me if I wanted to go see MADONNA in concert!  I said “DEFINITELY!”  I’ve ALWAYS wanted to see Madonna in concert, but never had anyone to go with and knew her concerts always sold out immediately.

Rosemary bought tickets through a broker – and she won’t tell me how much they cost and won’t let me pay!  I’m assuming they cost a couple of hundred each, but I’m not sure.  We’re on the FLOOR and she bought them the night before the concert!  I’m sure glad I already voted (by mail), because now I’ll be busy partying with Madonna on Election Night!

I told Rosemary I’d treat for dinner, and pay for parking, but we’re also going out for Sushi on Friday night, so I’ll be treating on Friday night, too!  She is SO sweet and I’m still going to try to find out how much the tickets are and pay her back, but I’m SO excited.  This is amazing!

Meanwhile, the only drawback is – the concert is outside – in Petco Park, which is San Diego’s equivalent of Yankee Stadium.  Now, I know – it’s November – but it IS San Diego, so it’ won’t be freezing, but it does get chilly at night, so I’m really going to dress warm and wear lots of layers!

This started me thinking about my trip to NY.  Do you know I have NO winter clothes?  I don’t have heavy sweaters, or snow boots (it had better not snow). I have some gloves, which I just couldn’t give up, and a few coats (so at least I’ll have a coat!), but I told Eric if I need clothes I’ll just go buy them in New York!  No sense buying them here and lugging them all the way there!

When I got home I made a fast salad and the last veggie latke.  I spoke to Eric for a while.  He had a good first day at work and was staying in the apartment, so things sound like they are going well.

When I hung up I started working on the computer.  I had to address a lot of cards, because I have a lot of birthdays coming up, an anniversary, and the card for Jessica and Ken’s wedding (three weeks away!!!).

I’m so excited about the wedding.  I know Jessica and April are going to look gorgeous.  When they were here in January they showed me pictures of their gowns and they are magnificent.  It’s going to be a really elegant affair.

They’re not having a bridal party (which I think is lucky for all the cousins) – just a maid of honor and best man.  I’d MUCH rather be a guest at a wedding than in the bridal party – wouldn’t you?  There’s too much responsibility, and you all look alike, and there’s so much to do – you can’t just relax and enjoy yourself!  Anyway, Eric and I are both really looking forward to it.

Well, I have to go watch DANCING WITH THE STARS and figure out what I’m wearing tomorrow.  I know I can dress for work and change for the concert (Rosemary told me she’ll be changing into jeans), but I may just figure out something I can wear all day and all night.  The important thing is comfy shoes (flats) because we may be walking a lot, since we’ll park, then eat, then go to the concert, and warm layers, because even though it’s San Diego – it’s still November!

Sorry this is late, but I got home at midnight last night, and I was SO exhausted that I couldn’t even think about blogging.  Forgive me!

Yesterday was crazy.  It was POURING on my way to work.  Two days of rain in a row.  I kept calling it a “San Diego Miracle!”  If it wasn’t for the fact that we were going to the concert, I wouldn’t have minded at all, but we were going to the concert!

I was worried about the weather all day, even though I wore sensible shoes and my leopard rain slicker.  I had on several layers – I even brought gloves – but I did not relish the thought of standing in the rain.  I kept telling people, "You're not supposed to worry like this in San Diego!  This is why I left NY!"

There were a lot of people in the firm going to the concert – at least 10 that I knew of – and there were 4 of us in HR alone!

We talked nonstop about the concert all day.  Rosemary had yet to get the tickets.  Believe it or not, they were being Fed Ex’d from Arizona to the ticket broker in Point Loma, which is about 20 minutes from the office.

I told her that I could leave at any time, so we could go pick them up, park the car downtown, eat dinner and then walk over to PETCO PARK, the outdoor stadium where the concert was being held.

It all worked out perfectly!  First of all, by around 2:00pm the sun was shining and it was warming up.  I knew it couldn’t stay dreary for long.  This is San Diego!  It’s paradise!

At 4:00pm we all left.  Rosemary and I both drove our cars to my apartment.  I put my car in the parking lot and got into her car and we drove to the ticket broker.  We got the tickets (she would NOT let me pay – nor do I know how much they cost, because they were prepaid when we got there).

Next, we drove downtown to PETCO PARK and parked in a lot about 2 blocks away.  Then, we walked to a local sports bar (which was right across the street) to get dinner.  There are a lot of great restaurants in the Gaslamp Quarter, but we didn’t want to walk the 5 or 6 blocks each way.  Rosemary wasn’t wearing as practical a shoe as I was!

We had dinner – I had a veggie sandwich, which was delicious, and Rosemary had a burger.  The food was good and the service was great.  The tickets said 7:30pm, so we got there around 7:15pm.  There weren’t many people there at that time, and there’s no opening act, so we wondered when she would start.

We stopped before going to our seats and bought t-shirts – I treated to dinner and bought Rosemary her choice of t-shirt, since she wouldn’t let me pay for the ticket.  I bought a t-shirt, too, which I promptly put on (not only did I look cool, but I figured it would be an extra layer of warmth, even though I didn’t really need it!).

There were big screens on the stage behind the performers and the band and they had gorgeous graphics, or funky pictures (she even used some of Keith Haring's art!).

We hung out, talking and looking for our friends (we found 2!) and we were really impatient for it all to begin.  We were also wondering about the results of the election (even though we were pretty sure of the outcome).

There were two really tall girls standing right in front of me (just my luck!).

Madonna did not start until 9:00pm!!!!  So, we were hanging out for an hour and a half before the concert even began.  The good news is – it was perfect outside – not windy at all, and not a chill in the air.  I had on my layers and I was just fine, but there were a lot of girls walking around half-naked!

The only way I could really see -- and take great pictures -- was to stand on a chair!

There really were a lot of interesting people at the concert, ranging in age from about 7 to 77!  There were a few drag queens completely done up like Madonna in different eras of her career – the bride in “Like a Virgin” and the cone bra from the Blonde Ambition tour.  They looked pretty fabulous!

Finally, it started.  From the moment she came out, the music did not stop – and she hardly had a moment off stage.  She was amazing – dancing, singing, playing the guitar.

She is such an amazing performer.  She may not have the best voice, but she puts her heart and soul into every number and has such enthusiasm.  I always thought Madonna would have an attitude, but she was so sweet and funny.  You could see her playing off of and interacting with all her dancers and you could tell they were friends, or at the very least had a great working relationship.

She was totally stoked because Obama won and she kept saying how happy she was.  She actually did an entire number where everyone was wearing Obama t-shirts, and she had the giant poster (that red, white and blue one, which I love) on three big screens.  She’s totally into Obama and she said it was the happiest day of her life!

I don’t know how it would have worked if he lost, but – hey – we didn’t have to worry about that, did we?  Meanwhile, we didn’t even know who won until Madonna told us and the crowd went CRAZY!  I can say I’m one of a few thousand who found out the result of the election from – Madonna herself!

I felt lucky that I voted by mail, because I didn’t have to worry about running around in the rain – or having to do it before the concert.  I am not a very political person, but I just want to say how thrilled I was that Obama won and what high hopes I have for the future of these great United States.

Anyway, Madonna looked great, even though she’s a little too thin and veiny for my tastes, and her costumes weren’t that exciting.  She wore red gym shorts with sneakers and knee pads, then blue gym shorts, then purple gym shorts.  I was saying, “Enough with the gym shorts!”  Then she wore these weird black pants for a few numbers.  There were a few numbers where she wore a pretty black dress with very colorful ribbons and that was my favorite.

She played a lot of her best hits -- putting a twist on some, so they sounded new and exciting -- and also played a lot of songs from her HARD CANDY CD.  Some of my favorites were VOGUE, BORDERLINE, SHE'S NOT ME, YOU MUST LOVE ME (from EVITA) and LIKE A PRAYER.

She also played RAY OF LIGHT, LA ISLA BONITA and INTO THE GROOVE.  There were 23 numbers all together.

She played for two full hours.  When it was over, the crowd filed out of the stadium in such a calm and orderly fashion.  I was very impressed.  We walked to the car and Rosemary drove me home, dropping me off at midnight.

I came upstairs, washed up, said hello to Conrad, and got right into bed.  I didn’t even open my mail.  I was so tired.  I don’t know how Madonna does it.  We’re the same age, and she was so amazing and energetic.

This was my favorite part of the show -- it was a combination of Greek, Hungarian, Gypsy, and Klezmer!

She sings and dances and she never even seems out of breath.  I was exhausted just watching her for 2 hours!  I love her!

When the alarm went off this morning I felt as groggy as if I had taken a sleeping pill, even though I didn’t.  I dragged myself out of bed, showered, dressed and managed to get out in time for STARBUCKS, which was a relief.  It was a gorgeous day.  I got to work and we spent a good part of the morning reliving the amazing night we had last night, and exchanging stories, since we all hadn’t met up there.

At lunchtime I got in the car and drove about 7 miles to MICHAEL’S in Encinitas, because I offered to pick up some supplies for a project we needed for a job fair tomorrow.  I had printed up some 11x17 posters and they wanted them mounted on foam core with stands so they could set them on a table at the job fair tomorrow.

I drove there, shopped and got back in an hour.  I then put them all together with spray adhesive and it looked great.  It was kind of quiet in the afternoon and we were all telling stories of our youth.  The girls are all so funny and so friendly and once in a while we all sit and talk for a few minutes and talk about our childhoods, or school, or something like that.  It was fun.

I cut out at 4:30pm, because I was exhausted and I had to stop at the shoe repair and dry cleaner’s before I got home.  When I got home, I just wanted to take a nap, but instead I called Eric and we spoke for 45 minutes.  He’s really happy to be back at work, and he went food shopping and picked up some basics for the apartment and he told me tomorrow he’s going to BJ’s with his sister, to get more.

He’s also meeting his friends John and Mark again tomorrow night.  He told me it will probably become a “regular Thursday night thing.”  I think he likes to meet with them, because it’s just the guys and he says they talk about music and sports, etc., and it doesn’t become “the Eric show.”  Eric says he knows his friends love him and care about him, but he feels like if he sees them they will just want to talk about everything that’s been going on, and try to help him, and he says he really doesn’t want to do that, and doesn’t need anyone else’s help.  He IS working on this on his own and he’s doing a great job.

I think if he explained to his other friends that he doesn’t want to talk about himself, they’d be happy to talk about other subjects, but he’s afraid to hurt their feelings, so he’s just not seeing most of them, which really makes me sad.  Anyway, I’m glad he’s seeing Mark and John, because he really enjoys their company!

When I got off the phone with Eric I downloaded all the pictures from the concert on my camera and got them ready to put on the blog.  Then, I blogged for last night, and tonight.  I made myself a big salad with a veggie burger (no bun), and then I watched Susan Lucci get eliminated on DANCING WITH THE STARS.

Now I’m going to close, because I’m going to bed early.  I may be Peppy, but I’m no Madonna!

I tried to watch the finale of TOP DESIGN last night, but I fell asleep!  That’s how tired I was!  I woke up this morning feeling a lot better than I did yesterday morning.  I didn’t have time for Starbucks, so I finished my little tin of INTERNATIONAL FOODS mocha and had coffee cart after lunch!

When I stepped outside the apartment this morning, there wasn’t the slightest chill in the air and the sun felt so great.  It’s November 6th and I’m in paradise.  This is what I wanted my whole life.  I know I was here last November, but we had just arrived and I really didn’t have the feeling of seasons changing the way I do this year.  I just appreciate it SO much and love every single day I get to spend here.  I don’t know what the future holds, and where we’ll end up, but I’ll always be grateful that I got to spend 2008 in California!

It was a very quiet day in HR.  Things have really slowed down and Elsa and one of the other girls were at a job fair today.  The woman I work with left after about 2 hours, because her son broke his finger and it turned out they had to operate!  So, I just asked around and begged for work, which they really appreciated.  I managed to keep busy, but it wasn’t easy!

I left at 4:45pm to go to my appointment.  I was happy to report that Eric’s doing great – working, socializing, food shopping, and settling well into the apartment.  When Eric’s doing well, then I’m doing well, so I’m feeling great.

When I got home I made some salmon and watched the rest of TOP DESIGN.  I wasn’t too happy with the winner, although I think he’s very talented.  It was a great show.  Now that it’s over, I’m happy to report that TOP CHEF starts next Wednesday, so I’ll have another great reality show to watch!  It’s never ending, isn’t it?

After TOP DESIGN my Mom called.  Then I called Eric.  He had just gotten home at 11:00pm NY time from his “night out with the boys.”  He had a great time.  He told me all the stuff he bought at BJs – all the staples he’ll need to make great meals.  I was so proud of him, because he didn’t buy any crap – sugary sweets or fatty meats, etc.  He’s a very sensible eater and he said he wants to continue the healthy way we lived here and in NY before we came here.  We occasionally eat something fattening, or not so healthy, but it’s usually out of the house.  We try not to bring anything “bad” into the house.

I’m going to have sushi with Rosemary tomorrow night.  This was something we planned 2 weeks ago.  The Madonna concert was a last-minute thing!  We might see “W” if the timing works out.  I’m not dying to see that movie, but I’m easy and she expressed an interest in it.  I’d much rather watch James Brolin as W than the real W!

This week really flew by for me and I can’t believe tomorrow is Friday already.  Except for tomorrow night, I have no plans for the weekend, but I have lots of crafting to do, so I’m hoping to get motivated and get some projects done this weekend.  I really want to be able to finish most of them before I go to NY in 16 days!!!

I have absolutely no excuse for not blogging last night, except for the fact that when I got home at 9:00pm I was exhausted!

I had a great day at work.  Elsa’s back from sabbatical, which is great.  I had a lot of projects to keep me busy.

It was the other temp’s last day, since the other woman on sabbatical is coming back on Monday.  Boy, time flies.  It really didn’t seem like a month went by since both girls left, but it has.  I'm a little nervous about my future, because the temp replacing Elsa is gone, and the temp replacing the other girl is gone, and I don't know how much longer they're going to need me.  Rosemary invited me to be her date at the Holiday Party, which leads me to believe I'll be around until the end of the year, but who knows?  They may tell me they don't need me in HR anymore and put me someplace else in the firm, which would be okay, but I LOVE it in HR and I want to stay!

I spoke to Eric a few times today.  He is really doing great.  The package I sent him arrived safely and he really liked the present from the RV guy.  He bought Eric a type of fanny pack that buckles in the front and has two hydration bottles in the back, along with a pouch his phone, wallet, tire kit, etc.  It was really nice, but I wasn’t sure Eric would like it.  He loved it and really appreciated the kindness of a total stranger to think of finding something he would use and enjoy.  It was great!

Anyway, I was so excited all day, because Rosemary and I were going for sushi and she was taking me to a new place a little north of Del Mar.  We were going to try to see W, but it wasn’t playing anywhere at night.  Isn’t that weird?  They only had two daytime showings of that movie!  I guess only seniors are interested!

We looked at the list of movies and saw MADAGASCAR 2 was playing.  I saw the first one and it was really cute.  Rosemary was saying how much she loved the first and that it was one of her favorite animated films.  I said, “If you want to see M2, I’m up for it!”  She was really surprised, but I told her I was always up for a laugh and I knew we’d have fun.

We left at 5:00pm and took her car to Bernardo Center Drive to a place called AKAI HANA.  It’s huge and there are three sushi bars!  We sat at a little table in a big dining room and had miso soup, gyoza, shrimp shumai, a spicy tuna roll and a spicy shrimp roll.  Everything was very yummy and we thoroughly enjoyed it.

Rosemary and I have so much to talk about, because we’re still getting to know each other, so we can tell stories of our past for years before we’re all caught up.  She’s really smart and funny and I thoroughly enjoy her company.

After sushi we drove south a few exits to go back to the movie theatre where we saw MAMA MIA with Elsa.  I think we were the only people over 10 who didn’t have kids with them!  It was really funny, but at one point I was having a hard time keeping my eyes open, which hardly ever happens to me.  I had to really concentrate on staying awake until the feeling passed.  By the time we left I felt more awake, but I was yawning a lot and knew it wouldn’t be long before I was asleep.

The movie was really cute and all the regular voices were back – Jada Pinkett Smith, Ben Stiller, David Schwimmer and Chris Rock.  Alec Baldwin played the voice of a “bad lion.”  They even mirrored his facial expressions, so it really resembled Alec!

After the movie Rosemary drove me back to my car and I drove home.  When I got home I didn’t have the energy to start blogging.  I just got undressed, washed up, got in my PJs and got into bed.  I was probably asleep before 10:30pm.  I have absolutely no plans for the weekend, except to relax and craft (and do laundry and food shopping, of course) and I’m really looking forward to it!

I slept until 10:00am.  That’s pretty amazing, considering I am usually up by 7:00am.  I DID wake up once during the night, because Conrad was making some sounds.  He never does that, and I don’t know what was going on, but I did manage to fall back to sleep.

The first thing I did when I woke up was call Eric, because I figured he was wondering where I was.  I usually call him on Saturday mornings by 8:00am, since I’m up pretty early and it’s 3 hours ahead in NY.  Unfortunately, he didn’t answer the phone.  I had no idea where he was, but I just turned on the TV and watched some shows I had recorded.  I watched BOSTON LEGAL and KITCHEN NIGHTMARES.  Then, I called Eric again.  This time he answered.

He had been mountain biking with his friend Jay and our niece’s boyfriend, Hashem.  Eric rode with Hashem when he first got to NY, but I don’t think he’s been mountain biking since.  They took a trip to Saxon Woods, which I think is in Conneticut, where Jay lives.  Eric said it was really wet, but they had a great ride anyway.  He said Hashem is really enjoying the mountain biking, and he did, too.

I was so thrilled to hear that Eric had been riding, because I knew that meant he was definitely feeling better.  After riding, he and Hashem went to his sister Rachel’s (Hashem is Rachel's daughter, April's boyfriend), and Hashem set up an email account for Eric.  Eric doesn’t even have a computer, but Hashem thought he should have an email address.  Eric sent me an email, and I wrote him back.  It was pretty thrilling!

Eric told me he wanted to buy me a new computer for my birthday, because he knows my computer is an “antique.”  I told him I just ordered one and that Andrew is going to be setting it up for me.  He was so happy for me!  I told him my plan was to bring the old one to NY, have Andrew transfer all my documents to the new computer and then give the old one to Eric, so he can learn how to use it and get used to it.  I was teaching him last year, when we were traveling in the RV, and he was doing really well, but if you don’t practice, you forget everything.

I know Hashem will help him get set up and will show him how to send emails, so we can communicate in a way we never have before.  Eric said, “Hey, I’m 52 and I managed to live this long without a computer.”  I said I understood, and it wasn’t important that he learn now, but wouldn’t it be fun to send emails back and forth?  He agreed that it would, so he’s excited about having my computer.

After I hung up with Eric I did some stuff around the apartment, talked to my cousin Ilene for a while, and then finally got out into the beautiful sunshine.  It was amazingly warm today – I think it must have been close to 80 degrees!  It felt so great.

I went to the dry cleaners, then to my dressmaker.  I bought three new jackets for work and they all need to have some alterations.  Then, I went to Michael’s to buy some craft supplies.  Then, I stopped into Burlington Coat Factory to look at suitcases, but Rosemary called and said not to buy one, because she has one for me.  I told her they were all $50, but I’d rather borrow hers and take her out for more sushi.  I’d rather spend the $50 on a great meal than on a suitcase I’ll probably never use again!

So, now I’m set for my trip.  I have my little pink carry-on suitcase on wheels and I’ll borrow Rosemary’s to check in at the airport.  I’m glad I’ll have room for all the clothes I need to bring.  After all, we’re having a party, so I need an outfit for that, we’re going to the theatre on Monday night to see BILLY ELLIOT, so I need an outfit for that, then we’re going to the wedding, so I need an outfit for that.  I also need clothes for every other day I’ll be there, although I’m sure I’ll be repeating a lot.

I was walking around Burlington Coat Factory for the first time.  I had been in there a few times before, but never really walked around the whole store.  I saw that they have a Petites section, so I decided to look at clothes.  I saw they had Petite jeans, and I haven’t bought a pair of jeans in about 15 years, so I decided to try some on.  I actually found a pair that fit great and I bought them.  I know – it’s amazing!  They’re from a company called JEANSTAR and they’re called “Elle” – stretch mid-rise classic bootcut jeans.  They’re so dark they really look black, and they fit great and don’t even need a hem.  The best part is – they’re a size 6.  I really never dreamed I’d be a size 6.  I’m so thrilled!

Now, I have a pair of pants to wear around the city when I’m on vacation.  I’m actually going to go back to Burlington Coat Factory to see if they have the same size in a different color.  I also got a black silky blouse in the Petite section, which I can wear with the jeans, or my black slacks, or some skirts I have, too.

When I finished there I went food shopping at KEIL’S and then came home and started two loads of laundry.  I started crafting at around 8:30pm and worked straight until 11:00pm.  I worked on the yoga hand mirror and tray that I’m creating for Marlene’s daughter.  She owns a yoga studio in Fresno and Marlene thought it would be a fabulous gift for her.  I think they’re both coming out really great, but neither is finished yet.

When I was finished I watched some TV and worked on the computer.  I am creating place cards for the dinner party in New York.  I’m not going to give away what they are, but they’re useful and decorative – and I’m embellishing each with decoupage.  There will be about 40 people at the party, so I’ve got my work cut out for me!

I’m starting to get really excited about the trip to NY.  I can’t wait to see Eric, to see all our friends, to see my family at Thanksgiving, and to see Eric’s family at the wedding.  It’s really going to be a great holiday and a sweet reunion with my darling husband!

I didn’t accomplish much today, I’m sorry to report.  I woke up around 7:00am, because it was REALLY windy out.  I don’t know if it’s the famous Santa Anna winds they’re always talking about.  Anytime we have any weird weather, it’s always the Santa Anna winds.  They blow fog in, they blow cold air, they blow hot air, they’re responsible for all the fires.  Those darn Santa Anna’s!

Anyway, not only was someone’s wind chime going crazy, but something on my window kept banging.  It’s never been that windy before, so I never noticed it before.  I opened the window and the screen seemed loose, so I tried to fix it and I might have, but I won’t know until it's windy tonight while I’m trying to sleep! 

I watched a lot of decorating shows that were on today and that I recorded last night.  I spoke to Eric, and some friends, and did some crafting.  I finished the Yoga hand mirror and put the first coat of varnish on it.  Unfortunately, there were some air bubbles (can I blame THAT on the Santa Anna winds, since I sprayed it outside?), so I have to try to sand them out before putting the second coat on.

I also finished the tray, but I haven’t varnished it yet.  I started working on a project for the party on the 22nd.  I want to give each guest a little favor, but I knew with 40 guests I couldn’t do anything too elaborate, and I also knew it couldn’t be big, heavy or breakable, since I have to get them to NY.  I finally came up with the perfect solution, but my first attempt this afternoon was dismal, so I may be back to square one.  I’ll have to see what it looks like when it’s completely finished.

I kind of like having a lazy Sunday.  It prepares me for the week ahead.  I always hated having a busy Sunday, especially being out late on a Sunday, because I felt it set the tone for the whole week and I’d probably never catch up.  My laundry is done, so I’ve got clothes for the week, my food shopping is done, so I’ve got lunch and dinner for the week, so I’m pretty prepared.

I can’t believe it’s now just two weeks until I go to NY.  Wow!  Time really does fly!  I feel like I’m not prepared.  I still don’t know who is going to take care of Conrad while I’m gone.  I don’t have my big suitcase (but at least I know that Rosemary will be bringing it to me soon).  I haven’t started packing.  I don’t know what I’m wearing to the party and I don’t know what I’m wearing to the wedding.  Sounds great, eh?

I guess two weeks should be enough time to get it all together.  At least I hope so, because that’s all the time I’ve got!

I made myself some fresh salmon and a salad for dinner tonight and lunch tomorrow.  Then, I watched my Sunday night line-up – EXTREME MAKEOVER: HOME EDITION and DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES.  Things are really heating up on DH.  LOTS going on and it’s all really fun!

Tomorrow I’m back to riding to work with Elsa.  I’m looking forward to it.  I’ve really missed her.  It hasn’t been bad driving myself to work, and I really don’t mind at all, but it’s a lot more fun to get picked up and dropped off, and have Elsa’s company on the way to work.

The first thing I did this morning was knock over an almost-full bottle of Snapple all over my night table as I turned off the alarm.  So, I had to run and get some rags, and proceed to remove everything from my night table, then wipe the glass top and remove it and take off the fabric that covers the table and wash that, and wipe down the wall and rug.  Good times!

Today was the first day I was picked up by Elsa, and it was good to travel to work with her again.  She was telling me all about her trip to Europe – through Italy and Germany, with trains, planes and automobiles – even a bicycle ride through the Italian countryside!  It all sounded fabulous.

Today was the first day back for the other girl who was on sabbatical.  She had been visiting family in Manila, and she said it was really hot, humid and buggy.  Doesn’t sound like she had as much fun as Elsa!

It was pretty quiet at work.  The big boss went home sick.  Rosemary was out sick.  One of the girls was out at a conference.  Another one of the girls left early to go to a ball – yes, a military ball!  In a stretch limo!  Wearing a gown!  And her husband was wearing a tuxedo!  So glamorous!  I can’t wait to see pictures!

The highlight of my day was talking to Eric a few times.  He was going out for a night ride by himself in one of the local parks.  I cannot tell you how happy I am that he is back to riding.  I think it is so important to him and the fact that he’s feeling up to it, wanting to ride, and getting out there and doing it means he’s feeling much better.  That makes me so very happy.

Anyway, back to work.  There wasn’t much to do, and when I’m not busy time tends to stand still, so this became the longest day of my life.  I started yawning in the early afternoon, because being bored makes me tired.  I was asking around for work, shredding, and doing anything I could to keep busy, but there really wasn’t much.

By 4:00pm, there were only three of us left in the office!  I really wanted to leave and go home and take a nap, but I had to wait for Elsa.  We finally got out of there a few minutes before 5:00pm.  As we were driving home, Elsa was telling me more about Europe and I felt my eyes closing.  I really had to concentrate on NOT falling asleep!

When I got home, I got undressed and got right into bed.  Usually I would call Eric, but he told me he’d be out riding and to call him at 7:30pm my time, which would be 10:30pm his time, because he knew he’d definitely be home by then.  So, I set the alarm for 7:30pm.

I slept like a baby and woke up to the alarm.  I immediately called Eric.  He said he had a great ride and was lucky to be off tomorrow, because it’s Veteran’s Day.  Those union workers get every holiday off.  I’m jealous!  He is getting up early and going riding with a friend tomorrow, so he’ll be out there again.  Great news!

After I hung up with Eric I had a salad with more salmon and watched DANCING WITH THE STARS.  I so enjoy that show.  I really want to take some ballroom classes.  I have to check out the schedule at a place nearby.  I actually bought black suede swing/jitterbug shoes and they are SO comfortable and pretty cute!  Now, I just need to get out there and do it!  I know I won’t start before I leave for NY, because I just have too much going on in preparation for my trip in less than two weeks, but when I get back...

After dinner, I put another coat of varnish on the yoga hand mirror.  It’s almost done.  Tomorrow night I’ll varnish the matching tray.  On Friday Marlene is supposed to come and pick up the yoga mirror and tray, the butterfly hand mirror and the bejeweled tissue box and perfume tray I made a few months ago.  She saw them on my website and fell in love with them.  She saw the perfume tray with the jewelry all around the border when she was here, but she said she didn’t have a place for it.

She emailed me yesterday and said she can’t stop thinking about both pieces and just has to have them.  I emailed Gili Anna and told her that I have to pick up the tissue box.  She said she still has it (thank goodness) and she has money for me, because she sold one of my mirrors.
Marlene will be picking up all her pieces on Friday evening.  She has become my best customer – okay, my only customer!

I will start working on her bejeweled mirror when I get back from New York.  She’s really excited about that.  When that is finished she will have five of my bejeweled pieces and one decoupage piece, plus the two decoupage pieces she commissioned for her daughter.  I’d say that’s a great client!

I’m going to sign off now.  I want to watch BOSTON LEGAL and get to sleep at a decent hour.  Sometimes the nap can throw me off, but I already feel like I can fall back to sleep.  Why am I so tired?

I didn’t spill anything this morning, so I feel I started the day on a positive note!  I had a pretty busy work today.  I think the girls knew I had nothing to do yesterday and were trying to keep me busy, which I actually appreciated.  The day went by fast and everything they ask me to do is easy and pleasant, so who could complain?

I went out to lunch with Tifney.  She is a lot of fun.  We went to Soup Plantation, because I told her I was on a diet and didn’t want to go back to the Italian place.  Have you ever been to Soup Plantation?  It’s not great for dieters!

First of all, it's a buffet-style all-you-can-eat place, which I didn't know until we got there.  When you walk in, you take a tray and proceed down a super-long salad bar line.  It’s one price for everything -- $11.50.  Then, you can get your choice of about 6 soups, 3-4 pastas, muffins, biscuits, and that’s not even discussing desserts!

I had a Ceasar salad, which I know is not as good for you as regular salad, but it was one of the first things and it looked so good.  Then, I looked at all the soups – creamy soup after creamy soup.  The only non-creamy was the chicken noodle and since I don’t eat chicken, I didn’t get it.  That was a mistake.  I should have just taken a bowl of broth and left behind the chicken and noodles.  Instead, I got a bowl of cream of mushroom.  It was super-delicious, but just as fattening, I’m sure, as a bowl of pasta!

I didn’t have any bread, or any dessert, but I still didn’t feel super good about my choices.  I also didn’t eat more than $4 worth of stuff, so I felt pretty stupid paying $11.50.  That’s a place to go pig out – all you can eat!  You can try all of the soups, have as much salad as you want, try all the pastas, and then have all the desserts!

I’m so happy, because Tifney is going to take care of Conrad while I’m away.  She has 7 finches in a cage and she loves birds, so she’s happy to do it for me.  I forgot to tell Eric when I spoke to him, and I know he's concerned about Conrad, too.  He was off today for Veteran’s Day (let’s hear it for all our Veterans!  THANK YOU!).  He went mountain biking by himself and then visited Jerry at PEAK MOUNTAIN BIKE.  He had a great day off!

When I got home I watched DR. PHIL and had some low-fat cottage cheese with cherry tomatoes.  Then, I left the house at 6:30pm, went to my yoga class (which was as great as ever) and then came home and watched DANCING WITH THE STARS.

It was brother/sister night!  First Lacey Schwimmer, who dances with Lance Bass, danced with her brother, Benji while Brad Paisley sang.  Then, Derek Hough and his sister, Julianne – who had her appendix taken out just two weeks ago – danced to GREAT BALLS OF FIRE.  They were both unbelievable.  All I can think of when I see these brother/sister teams is, “Their parents must be kvelling!”  If you don’t know what kvelling is, it’s Yiddish for “bursting with pride!”

Unfortunately, Maurice Greene was eliminated, although he WAS my least-favorite of the remaining 5.  He does a great job, and he’s a great man and a fantastic athlete, but he was the weakest dancer in the group.  Now, it’s down to the final four and the semi-finals are next week.  I just love this show!

After DWTS, I watched another favorite of mine – Eli Stone.  It's one of the few non-reality shows I watch (HEROES and DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES are two others).

Today at work I went online and bought a pedometer.  I had one a long time ago, and it really made me aware of how much (or how little) I was moving each day.  They say you should walk 10,000 steps a day in order to lose weight.  I figure the only way to find out how much I’m walking is to get another one and see how I’m doing.  I think being able to gauge your progress and see the effect of increased exercise, is a great motivator.  I can’t wait to get it in the mail!

I had a great day at work, but that’s nothing unusual.  There was lots to do.  I did a special project for the girl who does payroll.  They are giving out RALPH’S gift cards to all employees (Ralph’s is a big supermarket chain in San Diego).  It’s supposed to be money to buy a turkey, or the fixin’s, but of course you can use it to buy whatever you like.  I don’t know how much the cards were worth, but I guess around $20.

I had to put together envelopes with gift cards for each department in the office.  There are over 300 employees, so it was a big job.  Then, the paychecks arrived (or the stubs, really) and I had to put the checks with the gift cards for each department.  It’s easy work, but it’s something the girl in payroll is too busy to do, and I’m happy to do that kind of work and make someone else’s life easier.

I do a lot of projects like that and I don’t really mind.  I know it’s not challenging my brain, or showing my true talents, but – hey – I get paid the same if I’m filing a document, stuffing envelopes, or typing info into a database.  I just like to keep busy and know I’m making a contribution.

We got a donation of a box of business-related books and we integrated them into the Training Library, which is right by my desk.  I never really looked at it before, but it was very interesting.  They have books, cassette tapes, VHS tapes, CDs and DVDs on various subjects  – finance, management, communication, organization, sales, and customer service.  Some of the books are about dealing with negativity or difficult people.  My favorite was entitled “When Strangling Is Not An Option.”  Sometimes it does get that frustrating working with a difficult person.  I’m so lucky, because everyone in this group bends over backwards to be pleasant.  It’s amazing!

I spoke to Eric a few times today.  I called him at lunch and then again in the late afternoon.  I wanted to remind him that today is our niece, Ashley’s birthday – she’s 13!!!!  She’s the youngest of all our nieces and nephews.  Eric really bonded with Ashely since he was staying at her house for the first month he was in NY.  She was a big help to him when he needed information on the computer, and he even took her to the movies, which is something he never would have done before.  It’s great that he got to know her and has spent some quality time with her.

On the drive home, Elsa told me about the holiday party.  I am so thrilled that Rosemary asked me to be her date.  There will be about 600 people there – all the employees plus a guest.  They try to change it up every year and this year they’re doing things a little differently.  They’re not focusing on music with a DJ or a band (and I AM a little disappointed by that), because they said most people don’t dance and the rest are just trying to be heard over the music.

This time, they’re having a DANCING WITH THE STARS style show with four couples performing.  I think that will be fabulous!  They’re also having a section with casino games (which they do every year and which is always a big hit).  They’re having a classical guitar player, or something like that, as background music.  It’s really all about the food and everyone mingling and having a great time.  I can’t wait!

When I got home I jumped in the car and went to Michael’s.  I had to return something and I had a 50% off coupon, so I wanted to see if there was anything I needed.  Since the girl in HR who recently got engaged finally gave me the box to decoupage for her, I decided I’d better buy another can of varnish, so that’s what I got.  I’m so practical!

This beautiful young girl gave me mementos of her engagement and other romantic dates she had with her fiancé and I made additional color copies of some of the items, so I could use them more than once.  The best part is, I actually know her fiancé, because they met at work!  He works upstairs on the floor where I worked for the first 6 months I was at the firm, so I kind of knew him and I didn't know her until I started working in HR!  I can't wait to get started, but I told her it would not be until I got back from NY in December.  She said there’s no rush and she’s very excited!

When I got home I called Eric again and we spoke for a few minutes.  We both can’t believe we’ll be together in less than two weeks!  It’s been such a long time, but time flies and I’m starting to stress about the trip.  Rosemary is bringing the suitcase for me to borrow tomorrow.  I must start packing this weekend!

I made myself a salad for dinner, and another for work tomorrow and then watched last night’s episode of THE BIGGEST LOSER.  It’s down to the final 6 and it’s getting very dramatic.  Some people really are cutthroat and play to win, even if it’s at the expense of other contestants.  I’ve never been that kind of a competitor.  I guess if it gets you the prize it’s worth it, but sometimes I think they must be embarrassed when they watch this on TV and see how they act.  I know I would be!

After THE BIGGEST LOSER I watched AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL and then STYLISTA, which is a new show on the same channel, which is produced by Tyra Banks.  It’s about a bunch of kids in NY who are competing for a spot as an Associate Editor at ELLE magazine.  More reality!!!
Tomorrow I’m driving to work, so I can go to my appointment afterwards.  I’m going to try to get out early enough to stop at STARBUCKS on my way in.  I’ve missed my early morning STARBUCKS runs!

I DID get up early this morning and got out early enough to hit STARBUCKS before work.

My allergies were really bad today and my nose was running – a lot.  I was blowing and sneezing again.  I expressed my dismay and one of the girls said it was the Santa Anna winds.  Everything that ever happens in San Diego is blamed on the Santa Anna winds!  It’s suddenly very cold – it’s the Santa Anna winds.  It’s turns very hot – it’s the Santa Anna Winds.  It’s very foggy – it’s the Santa Anna winds.  I have a stomach ache – it’s the Santa Anna winds.  I got a flat tire -- it's the Santa Anna winds.  Well, I don’t know if it really IS the Santa Anna winds, but I wasn’t having much fun this morning.

I stayed pretty busy all day – working on projects for almost every girl in the group.  I did some filing for the girl in payroll.  I put together some Recruiting Packets for Elsa.  I did more shredding for one of the other girls and made two WORD documents “look pretty.”  I’m really good at that.  You give me the text and I’ll make the page look like a million bucks.  I did two documents and they both looked great!

The day went by very quickly and, before I knew it, it was 4:30pm.  I left with Rosemary, because she brought me a big black suitcase on wheels, which will be perfect for me to check at the airport.  I’m so glad I didn’t have to buy one!  I walked with her to her car and she drove me to mine and gave me the suitcase.

I brought my GPS, Betty, with me, because from my appointment tonight I was planning to go to La Jolla to see Gili Anna and I wasn't sure how to get there from the north, since I'm usually coming from the south.  Marlene, who is coming tomorrow to pick up her yoga hand mirror and tray and butterfly hand mirror, also wants to buy my bejeweled tissue box and the bejeweled mirrored vanity tray I made months ago, so I needed to pick it up.

Unfortunately, something was going on in La Jolla and the traffic was NUTS.  There was a lot of police activity.   It’s a good thing I had Betty with me, because they had streets closed and made us detour and without Betty I never would have known where the hell I was or how to find Prospect Street, where Gili Anna’s shop is located.

I finally got there after about 40 minutes of traffic. The good news is I found a great spot right away.  It was great to see Gili Anna.  She’s so sweet and beautiful and her shop is always a treat for the eyes.

Besides giving me my tissue box, she gave me a check (because she sold one of my small mirrors) and gave me back the rest of the items.  She said maybe this woman will buy more (and she probably will) and she said she’s moving a lot of things around.  She has had them for more than 6 months, which is longer than I ever held anything on consignment, so I didn’t mind at all.  I took back two compacts, two small mirrors and the tissue box, which is all she had left.  She sold 4 of my pieces, which is pretty good!

I asked her if she was busy after she closed the shop, because I saw a sushi place right down the block and I offered to take her out to dinner.  She said she already ate (a late lunch of pasta) and was not hungry, but she’d have some Miso soup with me.  We sat down and she got Miso soup and a small bowl of rice and I got Miso soup and a spicy tuna roll.  The place was pretty empty, which is unusual for a Thursday night in La Jolla, but it was after 8:00pm by now.

AFter we finished our meal, the waiter came over with another plate.  The two Mexican sushi chefs (yes, they were Mexican!) made us a roll with tuna and salmon, but it was so artistic and beautiful.  The waiter presented it to us as a gift from the chefs!  We both thought it was so sweet of them – and it was so delicious!  What a treat!  The check came with two Andes Candies (which we both love!).  I left them an extra big tip.  It was my first time at this place, but I would definitely go back.  The food was great and they went that extra mile to make a great impression.

Unfortunately (again) there was just as much traffic heading out of La Jolla as there was heading in and a 10-minute trip took me another half hour.

When I got home, I set up all the pieces I brought home on my chest/coffee table, so it’s all on display for Marlene tomorrow.  It really looks beautiful!  I took some pictures, but it’s too late to upload them tonight.  Maybe tomorrow!

I had just gotten home when my Mom called.  She’s really the cutest thing and I love talking to her.  When I hung up with her I watched UGLY BETTY.  Ralph Macchio is a new love interest for Betty’s sister.  He’s not young anymore, but he’s still cute.  Speaking of Ralph Macchio, I read that Will Smith’s son, Jaden, will be making a remake of THE KARATE KID!

So, tomorrow is Friday already.  This week really flew by.  I can’t believe I’m flying to NY one week from tomorrow.  To my New York contingent – I will see you soon!!!!!!!!!

I barely got out of the apartment on time this morning.  I got so used to leaving on my own schedule that I forget to look at the clock and tend to dally a little in the mornings.  When we got to the office, Elsa bought me coffee.  She’s so sweet!  I had bought her coffee the other day, to welcome her back to the office, and she reciprocated this morning.

I was very busy all day long.  I’m working on a big file job – sorting resumes from 1999 through 2007.  Everything prior to 2006 gets shredded.  2006 and 2007 are being boxed up (by me) and sent to storage.  2008 stays in the files.  It’s a huge job, but I love this sort of thing.

I also worked on projects for a few other girls, along with my regular responsibilities  So, the day flew by quickly.  I spoke to Eric at lunchtime, and then again when I got home.  Then, I took a nap because I knew Marlene was coming with her boyfriend and wouldn’t get to San Diego until about 9:30pm.

I woke up at 8:00pm, cleaned up the apartment and got ready for their arrival.  She was right on time at 9:30pm.  She LOVED the tissue box, which she had previously only seen on my blog.  She also bought the mirrored tray with the jewelry mosaic border, and two of my small bejeweled mirrors that stand on a table.

She and her boyfriend both flipped from the yoga mirror and tray and the butterfly mirror.  They were so impressed with how I had customized the pieces for her daughter and just couldn’t get over it.  I was pleased with how they came out, and was so glad they were, too.

We had a great time talking and getting to know each other.  She’s really a great girl and I enjoy her company.  Her boyfriend is very sweet and he is very patient with her, because I’m sure he’s not interested in jewelry mosaics, but he drives her almost two hours each way just to see me and pick up her merchandise!

They left a little after 11:00pm and then I watched GHOST WHISPERER, which was so sad that I cried through the entire episode.

Tomorrow I am working on my place cards for the Greenberg Soiree.  I’m very excited.  It’s something I’m crafting myself, but it’s small enough that I can make one for everyone and take it to New York without worrying about it breaking, or taking up a lot of room!

I also have to go food shopping, pick up clothes I had altered at the dressmaker, and do a lot of laundry.  I am going to start packing, too – at least figuring out what I’m going to take!

I’m so excited about my trip and can’t believe that in one week I’ll be on a plane flying to New York!

I'm starting with pictures of my latest creations, which I was too tired to post last night.  Today's blog will follow! 

After creating the bejeweled hand mirror for Marlene, she commissioned me to make some more pieces, including a hand mirror and tray for her daughter, who owns a yoga studio in California.  I love doing pieces like this, because I am creating something around a theme specifically for someone.  I'm taking something they are passionate about and making it into art!

As you can see, this mirror, made of Ivory Pyralin (an early plastic that looked like ivory), had seen better days -- but who can blame it when it's almost 100 years old!  Remarkably, the mirror itself was in excellent condition. What I love about it is it was made in the early 1900s, and has lasted all these years, but no one wanted it because it was so ugly looking.  I used paper to beautify it and give it a new lease on life!

Same story with this yoga tray (which I photographed after I glued the first picture on!).  It's from the same period -- early 1900s -- and will now look beautiful for a long, long time!

Here's an ad I found for a set that resembles this very closely.  I guess when they were new they looked like ivory and were quite beautiful, but they stain and discolor and don't have the same appeal.

I had a great time with these pieces, partly because I am a huge fan of yoga.  I only wish I lived close enough to her studio to go and take classes there!

Besides the yoga tray and mirror, I had made another hand mirror for Marlene, this one with a butterfly theme, which I have already shown on the last entry of this crafts blog.

Marlene was interested in some other pieces, which I completed months ago and which were on consignment at GILI ANNA'S beautiful shop in La Jolla.  Marlene had seen them on this crafts blog and told me she was interested, so I picked them up from Gili and brought them home.

Last night, Marlene made another trip with her boyfriend, Chris, and visited me to pick up my latest creations, and the pieces she saw which I got from Gili.

She ended up buying two of my absolute favorites -- the bejeweled tissue box and the bejeweled mirrored tray.  I put my heart and soul into those pieces and I'm so glad they went to someone as beautiful, sweet and inspirational as Marlene.

Marlene is as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside.  She always has something positive to say -- whether it's on the phone, in an email, or when she comes to visit.  She brightens the room when she enters.

I also love her, because she's a "glitzy glamour girl" -- just like me.  She loves to sparkle and shine and that she does -- so beautifully!

I am thrilled that she is so happy with all her purchases and I hope her daughter loves the yoga mirror and tray, too!

So, here's today's story.  I had gotten my paycheck back in the mail from Citibank, because (after depositing a check once a week for 10 months) they decided they didn't want to accept a check for "Peppy Greenberg."  My legal name is on the account, but I've been depositing checks as Peppy for 25 years!  I was flabbergasted.

I called last night and they said I should have my nickname added to the account.  No problem.  So, I went to the bank this morning and they told me that I had to see a customer service person -- the teller couldn't do it.  The guy was busy with some people and was nice enough to tell me that it would be at least 15 minutes, so I decided to go to the post office.  I had to tell them to hold my mail for the two weeks I'm going to be in NY.

When I got in the car my phone rang.  I was hoping it was Eric, because I had called him and gotten his voicemail.  I figured maybe he was out riding.  It wasn't Eric.  It was an automated machine telling me there was "suspicious activity" on my charge card and if I could verify it.  It was a charge today at Target in Westbury for over $400.  Now, it could very well have been Eric, but I hadn't been in touch with him, so how could I know?  I told them (by pressing keys) that I wasn't sure if it was right or not.  Then, I went to the post office and filled out the form to have my mail held.

On my way back to Citibank I stopped at STARBUCKS.  I had to have SOME fun, didn't I?  With my non-fat mocha latte in hand, I went back to Citibank.  I sat down with Gustavo and he told me that although he could put a note on my account, it really wouldn't help unless I deposited the check with a teller.  If it was deposited at the ATM it goes somewhere else and they're not going to look for notes, they might just reject it -- as they did this time.

I explained my frustration and he understood perfectly.  I told him I've been Peppy for as long as I've had that account and I've ALWAYS deposited checks made out to Peppy Greenberg.  I also told him I've been depositing checks from this particular company (the temp agency) for 10 months and couldn't understand why they chose this time to reject it.  He couldn't explain it.  It's just bad business.

I told him this could have been disastrous, if checks had bounced, but -- luckily -- I have "Checking Plus" which means they automatically loan me money (up to $12,000) if there's not enough funds in my account, so I never have bounced checks. 

He agreed that it wasn't fair, because he said someone named Charles could deposit checks made out to Chuck, and someone named Robert could deposit checks made out to Bob, but I couldn't use my nickname without a chance there would be a problem.  He suggested that I get my paycheck directly deposited (which is not a bad idea) and also suggested that, from now on, instead of depositing checks with the ATM that I come into the bank on Saturdays to deposit with a teller.  It's a bit of an inconvenience, but I'll do it to avoid further problems.

When I got out of the bank I got a call from Eric.  He told me he had gone to Target with his sister, Rachel, and had a problem with his card because he tried to use it once for himself, and once for her (and she was paying him back with cash).  He tried to call himself, but since my name is the major cardholder they wouldn't accept his SS # or any other info, so I had to do it.  He's so sweet, because he didn't want to bother me and he didn't want to upset me, so he tried to resolve it himself (which I REALLY appreciate), but he couldn't.

Anyway, I was quite relieved to find out it WAS him, so I called and had the "hold" lifted and everything was fine.

After that, I went to the shopping center and got some stuff at MICHAEL'S (I had another 50% off coupon) and then picked up three jackets I had altered at the tailor.  She does such beautiful work.  Now, I have plenty of clothes for work!

I went back to BURLINGTON COAT FACTORY and tried on more jeans and bought two more pairs!  Now, I have one pair that's black denim, one pair that's very dark blue denim, and one pair that's a more faded denim.  They all fit great and don't need any alterations, so I'm thrilled!  I also bought a pair of shoes that have three colors in suede -- black, dark grey and light grey.  Since two of my new jackets are grey (one's a tweed and one's a grey fabric) I thought they'd be great.  They're really fun and comfy and were only $12.99!

When I got home I watched some TV (KITCHEN NIGHTMARES and some decorating shows) and then did two loads of laundry.  Then, I posted an entry to my crafts blog (which is the text and pictures above).

I got my OMRON Pocket Pedometer Model HJ-112 in the mail today!  It was easy to set up and I already took 383 steps just walking to the laundry room and back!  I’m loving this thing already!
You have to take ten steps and measure how many inches it is.  Then, you program it into the pedometer, along with the time and your weight.  The only problem is, it says it turns off automatically if no buttons are pushed for 5 minutes.  Well, I took it off and haven’t used it for hours, but it’s not turning off!  At this rate, the battery will probably die in 2 days!

I started working on a project for the party next Saturday.  I’m trying to make a little favor for each guest.  I know – I’m crazy since there are about 40 people coming.  It’s just that I love to do this, and it’s really not a big project, it’s just that making 40 is a challenge.

I started around 7:00pm – and I put on 5 CDs playing “random”, so they’re all mixed up, and I worked until the CD player stopped, meaning every song on every CD had played – which is almost 5 hours!  I had on two MICHAEL BUBLE CDs, two JOSH GROBAN CDs, and MICHAEL FEINSTEIN, so it was all guys, all classics and all great music to decoupage by!

At around midnight I stopped and I only made 14 of the 40 I will need.  I guess I’ll have my work cut out for me tomorrow!  I really want to finish tomorrow, because the only nights I’ll have free are Monday and Wednesday and I need to pack!

I started taking clothes out of the closet and putting together outfits, but I don’t want to put everything in the suitcase until the last minute, so things don’t wrinkle.  I’m pretty sure Eric doesn’t have an iron, so if I need it I’ll have to borrow from someone, so I am hoping nothing gets too wrinkled!

I’m exhausted and I’m going to bed.  I really did a lot today, and I know I’ll be busy tomorrow, too.  I have to go food shopping and try to finish 26 more favors!  Wish me luck!

I don’t know WHAT was going on, but I woke up to the loud voices of the people who live downstairs.  I never heard them so loud before – and I’ve been year a year!  (It’s actually exactly a year that we moved in on the 26th, which – last year – was the Monday after Thanksgiving).

Anyway, I kept my eyes closed and refused to look at the clock, trying to fall back to sleep.  They were SO noisy, so loud, talking and laughing.  Finally, when I realized it wasn’t going to stop and I wasn’t going to fall back to sleep, I looked at the clock.  It was 6:58am!  What?  Are you kidding me?  What the hell are they doing up so early on a Sunday?  What are they being so noisy about at 6:30am on a Sunday?

I decided to call Eric.  He was just leaving to go on a ride, so we hung up quickly.  He said it’s been raining a lot, so he couldn’t ride the woods, but he was going out for a nice long road ride.  I was so happy.  He’s really back, my Eric.  He’s got the fire again – riding whenever he can.  I guess he needed the New York weather and the New York woods to get him back, but he’s finally there!

I decided it was much too early to get out of bed, so I watched SNL again.  I watched the whole thing last night (Oh, I forgot to mention – I didn’t shut the TV off until 2:00am, so I only got about 5 hours sleep).  Last night’s show was SO funny that I had to watch certain parts again.  It was also great because Beyonce did two numbers and I LOVE her.  She is SUCH a great performer, with a fabulous stage presence, a gorgeous body, beautiful clothes, and an amazing voice.

Her band is all women and they’re fantastic.  Justin Timberlake made a guest appearance on the show.  He was supposed to host next Saturday, but he had to cancel, and I guess he was available this week (along with the real host – Paul Rudd), so he was in two sketches.

Paul Rudd was funny, too.  I really enjoyed the show and still didn’t delete it, because I just might watch it again!

I finally got out of bed, but I just did some stuff around the apartment, including folding clothes from my clean laundry and putting stuff away.  I wanted to go food shopping, but I wasn’t motivated to get out of the apartment.  I just hung around and then decided to start working on my special decoupage project for the Greenberg Soirée.  I worked for a few hours and then felt tired, so I decided to lie down and take a nap.  Unfortunately, it was the middle of a hot afternoon in San Diego and everyone and their brother was out and about, so it was pretty noisy.

When I got up I finally took a shower and went food shopping.  It was 83 degrees out, which is unusually warm for this time of year.  It’s usually around 70 degrees in the fall.  It really didn’t feel bad, even though I walked to the supermarket with my old lady cart.  I wore my pedometer and I am happy to report that walking there, going up and down the aisles and walking back was over 2,000 steps.

I guess it’s not as hard as I thought to do 10,000 steps, but 2,187 steps only burned 48 calories (are you kidding me?) and was only .79 miles.  I knew I wasn’t walking MILES, but I honestly thought I burned more than 48 calories doing that.  Anyway, at least I’m aware of how many steps, how many miles and how many calories, so I can work on increasing that and decreasing my caloric intake.

I spoke to Eric a few times today – after his ride, while he was at his sister’s house for dinner, and then when he got home.  He’s such a pleasure to talk to these days.  His attitude is positive, he’s in a great mood, he’s excited about my visit, and he’s looking forward to the party, too.  It’s all good!

I had some organic vegetable broth with some rice and almond cracker snacks (which are a healthy alternative to potato chips).  They’re from Blue Diamond and they’re really good.  They’re pretty low calorie, too, because a serving is 16 crackers and it’s only 130 calories, with only 35 calories from fat.  They’re called Nut-Thins, which of course I was saying out loud to myself all afternoon.  I love plays on words – like the restaurant Eric and I used to go to called the Garden of Eating.  I used to love to say it – The Garden of Eating.

Anyway, I worked for many more hours, but still have about 10 of my decoupage projects left.  I put in another 5 CDs and listened to a lot of them, then turned it off to go food shopping and then listened to them all over again until they stopped.  This time I had all groups, but with female lead singers – The Pretenders (the singles), Fleetwood Mac (greatest hits), Dixie Chicks, and a double Blondie Greatest Hits.

I stopped to eat dinner (more organic vegetable broth with some tuna) and watched EXTREME MAKEOVER: HOME EDITION.  It was a particularly touching story about a mother and father with three boys who adopted 8 more boys – 5 brothers from Haiti and three more at-risk kids from the inner city of their neighborhood – Toledo, Ohio.  They were all squished into this little house.  The father is a hero firefighter and the mother is fighting a serious illness, which could end up killing her.

These boys were all so close – from such different backgrounds, different countries even, different colors, but they all loved each other and were so close.  It was a beautiful thing to see.
After EM I worked on the project some more.  I had been varnishing each one as they were finished and kept varnishing into the night.  I hope to complete them tomorrow night, and get crackin’ on some packin’!  I really haven’t done more than make some piles of clothes on my bed, on a chair, and on the couch in the living room.  It’s funny, because having the borrowed big black suitcase gives me the freedom to overpack, which I will definitely do.  If I have to take this thing to NY, I might as well take it full!

I know this week is going to fly by.  I only have tomorrow and Wednesday to get things done at home, because Tuesday I’m getting my hair cut and colored and then going to yoga and Thursday I have my regular appointment, although I do get home at 6:30pm.  I also need to fit in a manicure and pedicure (after I’m done with the decoupage!).  If I don’t get a chance to do it this week, I’ll have to do it Saturday in New York and I’d rather not waste the time, if I can avoid it.

I’m a little worried about work.  Things have slowed down considerably and I know they may not be able to keep me in HR much longer.  If they can find another position in which to place me, that would be great.  Otherwise, they’ll have to let me go and I’ll have to let the agency know that I am looking for work again.  That would stink, but – hey – I have to be grateful that I had this steady gig for 10 months – and I am!

2.                 Finally dozed off and Conrad has one of his “fits” at 4:35am.  Toss and turn until the alarm goes off at 5:50am.

I had another sleepless night and when I woke up I was definitely in pain.  It wasn’t too bad, and I knew as soon as I took Advils I would feel better, but it was still tough getting out of bed.
I had to drive to work, because I was leaving at 4:30pm in order to get to my hair appointment at 5:00pm.

One amazing thing I found out today.  If you look at my blog for yesterday, it says that Conrad had one of his fits at 4:35am.  Well, today I found out we had an earthquake yesterday morning – at 4:35am!  I know this because my friend said she felt it and looked at the clock and then she heard it on the news.  Another girl in the office said she didn’t feel it, but woke up and looked at the clock and it was 4:35am.  So, the earthquake woke them all up – but not me.  It was Conrad who woke me!  At least now I know why he goes crazy.  He’s sensing something that’s too small and sensitive for me to feel!  It's funny, because Jimmy had suggested that maybe that was the reason for Conrad's fits, but I didn't think it was true.

Anyway, I had a great day at work.  I got a lot done and finished a huge project I was working on where I had to shred all the resumes from 2005 and earlier (they went back to 1999) and boxed up 2006 and 2007 and organized 2008 in the files.  I was hoping to finish it this week and I actually finished it today – and was only in for 5 hours yesterday!

I did manage to accomplish two personal things at work today.  First, I called our insurance company, because I got the green form back from DMV for the RV.  I thought I’d need to fax and then mail it to them, but they told me they could just take the information over the phone and would send me out a new policy tomorrow!  That was easy!

Then, I rented a car from ENTERPRISE (my favorite rental company) for my stay in NY, because Eric said he didn’t want me driving his “bomb” and this way I’d be able to run errands, etc., while he was at work.  So, we’ll pick it up Saturday afternoon and return it on Tuesday, the day before I leave.  I want to try to get a PT Cruiser, but it’s no big deal if they don’t have one.

This afternoon I worked on a couple of other projects for different girls in the group.  It’s very quiet in the department, because one girl is in NY at a conference, three others are in CA at a conference, and another was working from home.  So, there were only the 6 of our usual 11.  Still, there was a lot to be done and I kept busy until the moment I left.

I got to HAIRSPRAY in record time and got my cut and color.  As usual, John is full of great anecdotes and stories.  He’s a fun and funny guy, and he’s a very talented stylist, too.

I ran out of there after he was done and made it to yoga with time to spare.  I sat in the car for a few minutes and spoke to Eric and then I went inside, changed and enjoyed the class.  I really think the stretching helped my pulled muscle as I haven’t taken an Advil since this afternoon, but I feel okay right now and don’t think I’ll take one tonight.

The minute I got home I varnished the last of my party favors.  They're all officially done.  At least that’s one less thing to think about!

Tomorrow night is packing night!  I have to get all my outfits together and try to figure out what I’m going to wear each day.  I figure I can do laundry in New Paltz while we’re there for Thanksgiving, so I’ll have clean clothes for the rest of the trip.  It’s perfect, because we’ll be there exactly mid-way between the day I come and the day I leave!

I had a salad for lunch, and another salad for dinner, and I watched DANCING WITH THE STARS.  They had three young couples competing (ranging in age from about 11-13) and they are just amazing.  I realize that all the dancers on this show must have started at that age, but it’s just so unreal to see little people dancing in such a sophisticated manner.  I love it!

I was so relieved that Lance Bass made it to the finals.  I’ve been voting for him since the beginning.  I always loved him in NSYNC and he’s doing a great job on DWTS.  I was sorry to see Cody get eliminated, because he’s adorable, but he really wasn’t such a great dancer and didn’t deserve to go to the finals.  So, now it’s down to Warren Sapp (Super Bowl champion), Lance Bass, and Brooke Burke.  Any of them could do it, but I think it will be Brooke.  That’s my prediction!

After DWTS I watched ELI STONE, one of my favorite non-reality shows.  I love it because they have musical numbers and it’s about a guy who has visions.

Oh, I wanted to mention that I wore my pedometer to work today and walked 5,323 steps.  They say that’s a good number for moderate activity, but I’d have to do TWICE that if I actually want to lose weight!  Meanwhile, 5,323 steps only burns 136 calories and equals a little less than 2 miles.  I never would have guessed I walk two miles just going around the office, but I guess it all adds up!

It seems unreal that in 4 days I’ll be back in NY after a year and 3 months.  It’s going to be so great to see my darling Eric, all our friends and family, and get to celebrate Jessica and Ken’s wedding.  The closer it gets, the more excited I am!

This morning I was doing things around the apartment, getting ready to go meet Elsa on the street, when she called to say she overslept.  So, for the third time this week I drove in.  Not that I mind, but I miss Elsa!  I wanted to stop at STARBUCKS, but there was no time.  I DID get a coffee from the coffee car this morning, which was delicious!

I had a busy day at work, but a lot of fun, too.  Most everyone’s back tomorrow, so it will be crazy, but for today it was pretty quiet!

When I got home I went to the dry cleaner’s to pick up a black sweater set that I am taking to NY.  Then, I went another block to a nail salon where I go to get my eyebrows waxed.  I have never done anything else there but get my eyebrows waxed, but it’s very convenient.

Unfortunately, they told me to come back in a half hour and I told them I couldn’t.  So, I just went home.

I made salmon for dinner with a salad, and made enough for tomorrow’s lunch and tomorrow night’s dinner.  My fridge is officially empty.  I used up all the veggies and there’s only SNAPPLE, my Brita filter and condiments!

I watched THE BIGGEST LOSER while I ate dinner and then I started packing.  I pulled everything out of the closet that might work and then whittled it down.  I still haven’t put everything in the suitcase, but at least I’m getting close!  I tried on a couple of outfits and know I can pare down even more.  No need to overpack when I can repeat outfits over and over (as long as I can clean them inbetween!).

Then, I cleaned Conrad’s cage.  I usually do it every week, but this time I let it go a little longer, because I wanted it to be super-clean when I brought him to work tomorrow.  It’s going to be so much fun for everyone to see him and to have him with me at work, but I’m still nervous about giving him to the woman at work, just because her son is only 14 and they have a dog, too.  I hope my baby will be alright!

I watched AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL.  It was the season finale and the girl I wanted to win actually won.  I was thrilled.  She’s gorgeous and she has a great, interesting personality.  Another reality show over, for the time being.  TOP CHEF just started, so of course there’s always another to take the place of the one that ended!

I cleaned the apartment a lot, too, because I figure I should leave a clean house when I go away.  It’s no fun to come home to a dirty apartment!  Tomorrow I’m doing laundry and will do all the linens, towels, etc., so everything will be fresh and clean when I get back.

I emptied the recycling bin and got the garbage together to bring to the dumpster tomorrow morning.  I still have tomorrow night to get everything finalized.  I also have to pack up my computer, but I think I’ll wait until Friday when I get home from work to do that.

I am going to give my laptop to Andrew on Saturday night at the Greenberg Soiree, and he is going to transfer everything to my new HP laptop, which I had shipped to his house, so he could set it all up for me.  I will be without my computer for several days, so I won’t be able to blog (unless I go to someone’s house and do it!).  So – be prepared – if you don’t hear from me for a few days, it’s just because I’m unable!

I knew it wasn’t going to be fun for Conrad to travel to work with me, but I had no idea it was going to be so horrifying and traumatic for him.  First of all, his cage is made of metal and it’s got lots of loose parts (the doors that open and close and lift to change his food, etc.).  All the loose parts were vibrating and making a lot of noise.  He likes to sit on his swing, and it was swinging all over the place and he was just holding on for dear life.

When I went to STARBUCKS (Well, you know I had to stop at STARBUCKS!), I leaned over to get my purse and knocked his food tray into his cage.  Good times!

I finally got him to work and parked in the employee garage, because I didn’t want to have to walk with him all the way from the parking lot.  Oh, I forgot to mention it was SO foggy out that you couldn’t see 10 feet in front of you, so driving was especially precarious.  All I could think of was that I was going to get into an accident with my parakeet in the car!

When I was walking with him, it was damp and chilly, instead of being bright and sunny, which he actually might have enjoyed!

I brought him upstairs, put him on my desk and went back down to the car for his little table, his seed, and my lunch bag.  When I got back I got him settled on my desk.  He was totally freaked out.  He’s always skittish, shy and quiet, but that was amplified and magnified by the experience he had coming to work.

All I had to do was look at him and he started shaking.  I was so upset, because he was mad at me.  I swear he was.  He seemed to be saying, “Why are you torturing me this way?”  And I didn’t have a good answer.  I just had no other choice!

I sent the girl who is babysitting an email this morning, asking when she wanted me to bring him up to her desk and I get an "instant reply" that she’s out of the office today!  Okay, that’s great!

I find out that she called in sick, but one of the guys in her group gave me her cell and I was about to call her when she called me.  She said she would come in and pick him up, even though she pulled something in her back.  I said I pulled something in MY back, too, and it wasn’t a big deal.  I thought Conrad would be fine staying on my desk overnight.  It’s quiet and dark and he’ll just sleep anyway.  I definitely wasn’t bringing him home and making him go through that again – twice!

It was definitely a very entertaining day, having Conrad at my desk.  Not only did he keep me entertained, but everyone in the office who came by thought he was beautiful – his periwinkle color astonished them.  Most parakeets are green, or a regular blue, but he’s so unusually colored.  He’s a beautiful boy!

By the early afternoon he was eating and drinking, so I knew he was feeling better.  I kept busy all day, filing, working on a big mailing for the girl who does medical benefits to send to all the employees, and processing resumes.  The day flew by.  I left a little before 5:00pm and went to my Thursday appointment.  It was great to tell her how excited Eric and I both are to be together again, and how we're looking forward to all the great things we have planned.

When I got home I just dropped my stuff on the floor and turned around and went to the laundry room.  I had put everything right by the door so it was all ready.  I did two loads and came up and ate my salad and salmon while I watched TOP CHEF (how appropriate!).  It takes place in NY this season, and I love the exterior shots of Central Park, Rockefeller Center (including Radio City) and Times Square.

One of the girls in HR is in NY right now, at a week-long training session, and she saw the play with Katie Holmes and John Lithgow (I don't know the name) and also saw WICKED.  She loved both.  I was so happy she got to see some great theatre while she was in NY.  I really believe Broadway is the true New York Experience!

I went down to throw my stuff in the dryer and hung some of the other stuff on my clothes line.  It will be dry by tomorrow and there are a few things I’ll throw in the suitcase before I leave.
I am trying not to pack too much, but that’s almost impossible for me.  I don’t travel much, but whenever I go anywhere, I am notorious for taking much too much clothes.  I just don’t want my suitcase to be too heavy.  I heard checked luggage can’t be more than 50 pounds.  I also have my carry-on, but that’s for my laptop and other stuff I don’t want to check.

Tonight I was working on the table arrangements for the Greenberg Soiree.  Thank goodness my parents and Eric’s parents did the table seating for our wedding, because it’s a frustrating task.  We only had two tables of friends at our wedding (although we had about 4 or 5 tables of sisters, brothers, and cousins (we both have a lot of cousins our own age), so we had a lot of our contemporaries there.

Anyway, I was trying to do 5 tables of 8, but I couldn’t get it to work, so I called Guillermo, the manager at the restaurant.  He said he could do different sized tables.  We discussed, I rearranged, and I’m pretty happy with the way it turned out.  I realize that you can’t put everyone you want together, and that you can’t sit with everyone either.  I just hope everyone realizes that they should get up and mingle and don’t have to be glued to their chair all night!  I did my best and hope everyone will have fun.

It’s going to be hard to have a real conversation with everyone, because there are so many people and it's just one night, but I feel the most important thing is just to see their faces, give them a hug and a kiss, celebrate our friendship, and let them know how much they all mean to us!

I went down to the laundry room one last time to get the linens and towels out of the dryer.  I wear my pajamas with a jacket over it.  It’s dark and there’s really no one out anyway.

I can’t believe I’m leaving tomorrow night.  It’s finally here.  A trip I’ve been thinking about, worrying about, dreaming about, and now looking forward to so, so much.  There’s a lot to be happy about – the party, BILLY ELLIOT on Broadway, Thanksgiving at my sister’s house, Jessica and Ken’s wedding (really, the reason I’m going to NY right now), but mostly I just want to see Eric’s face.  I just want to hold him and feel how good it is to have him in my arms.  I’ve really missed him more than I can say.  I’ve been strong, and I’ve done what I had to do these past months alone, but the truth is – I’m really not complete without him.

The thing I noticed most last night was how alone I felt.  It really made a difference that my little Birdie wasn’t there.  Conrad really is good company and if you’ve never had a bird you may not believe it, but they’re great pets!

When I woke up this morning, the first thing I thought of was that he wasn’t here, and I prayed he was okay at the office.  I started thinking about all sorts of horrible things that could have happened to him and freaked myself out.

I got showered, dressed, and almost finished packing.  I know I’m still grossly overpacking, even though I put more than 5 things back in the closet last night.  I still have a few things to take that are still hanging on the clothes line.  The suitcase closed easily, but I was told it can’t weigh more than 50 pounds.

I tried to weigh it on my scale, but it wouldn’t register.  So, I got on and picked it up.  I don’t know how accurate it was, but it read 170.  I weigh 125, so that means the suitcase weighs 45 pounds.  I figure even if I’m off by a few, I’m still okay!

I am going to try to put my laptop in the case inside my little pink carry-on.  Then, I have to put my jewelry (I’m bringing some great costume stuff), my make-up, my camera, Betty (I wouldn’t feel comfy traveling without my GPS, even though I know NY!), and the CDs I need to give Andrew for my computer.  If it doesn’t fit, I’m going to have to pack my pocketbook and make the computer case into my purse, so I can carry that and the pink rolling carry-on.  Oy!

I usually blog at night, after the whole day is finished, but now it’s only 7:07am and I’m typing this, because I don’t know how much time I’ll have later.  I decided if I post it before my flight then at least I’ll have my last day at work posted, and then the whole story of the flight will be included in Saturday’s blog.

It’s confusing, I know – but think about how I feel?  I want to keep up, and know this is an exciting time to actually read what I’m up to, but I’m going to be without my laptop for a few days, so it will be tough for me.  I’ve really gotten into the habit of blogging, but I have to say that it’s really a great thing to do, even if no one else reads it!

Journaling has never been something I’ve been into.  I have friends who keep journals and they always say how helpful it is.  I think the best part of this journal/blog is that when I forget something I can go back and find it and confirm something, or remember where we were on a certain day, or what state we were in when I bought something.  It’s all there for me, and it’s nice, because my memory gets worse each day.

It seems I can remember the details of my youth so much better than what I had for lunch yesterday.  I remember when my grandmother was alive.  She spent her last few years in a nursing home in Manattan Beach, Brooklyn, and she really enjoyed it.  She had been a widow for so many years and was pretty lonely, so having a great social life really perked her up!

Anyway, she would tell me all these wonderful stories about the day she met my grandfather (at a dance) and their first date, and could reminisce for hours and remember every detail.  At the same time, she could never remember Eric’s name and used to say, “How’s your hubby?”  She also used to ask me about my house all the time – how many rooms, how was I decorating.  I used to wonder if she really didn’t remember any of it, or if she couldn’t think of anything else to talk about.  She was the sweetest little thing (yes, I looked tall next to her), and I still miss her so much.

So, I am supposed to find out today at work if they need me to come back after my vacation.  I knew it was imminent, because thing have slowed down considerably and if it was MY firm I certainly wouldn’t be paying someone to read articles on YAHOO!

I know I had that breezy job for 5 months where I read novel after novel, but they had to have someone in that position, whether they kept me busy or not.  Now, I’m just an extra set of hands (and sometimes a brain) for the department, and if they don’t need me, they don’t need me.

I decided it’s a win-win situation, because if they don’t need me I can stay in New York a few extra days, or go see my parents in Florida.  That would be fantastic, because I miss my Mom so much and know she would be thrilled to have me for a few days.

If they DO need me back, I’m hoping I can make it last until the end of the year, because this is the best time to work in an office!  I’m still going to the office party with Rosemary, no matter what, but it would be nice to still be working there!

Also, there’s a possibility that they may need me in another group, which would be fine, but not as great as staying in HR.  Every day in HR is lovely and I know I can’t be that lucky someplace else!

Well, I’m going to close, for now, because I have to go meet Elsa.  I will have a few hours when I get home to pack my laptop and figure out if everything fits.  She’ll be taking me to the airport and I’m going to ask her to pick me up at 7:00pm.  I’ll be there by 7:15pm, but that’s okay.  I’d rather sit around and drink my STARBUCKS and read a trashy newspaper than stress because it’s busy and I’m having a problem with Security!

I’m back!  It’s now 5:27pm.  I had an okay day at work.  I was kind of stressed, because I was going to find out if they needed me or not when I got back, and I was anxious to find out.

Conrad was fine overnight, but was still skittish and neurotic.  I brought him up to Tifney at around 2:00pm and he was the hit of Marketing Communications!

I worked hard until the moment I left and got hugs from all the girls.  It’s not too sad, because we’ll all be together at the office holiday party on the 13th.  I heard from Rosemary today.  She’s in Seattle for the weekend, but she was dying to know if I’m coming back or not.  I told her what they told me:  They won’t know until after the 15th, so it’s wait and see.

I spoke to my parents and asked if they’d like a visitor.  They were thrilled.  I confirmed what dates were good for them and then I went to ORBITZ.COM and made my reservation.  Now, instead of flying back to SD on Wednesday, the 3rd, I’ll leave Thursday afternoon, the 4th, and go to Florida.  I’ll come back Sunday morning on the 7th.  Then, I’ll fly back to SD on either the 8th or 9th.  How wonderful to extend my vacation!

One of the girls showed me how to print my boarding pass (I never did that before), so I'm all set!

When Elsa dropped me off I went to Citibank to deposit two checks and then I walked to KEIL’S to get some ready-made sushi for a quick and easy dinner.  I’m exhausted and know I won’t have any problem sleeping on the plane, unless I have a crying baby next to me.  Let’s hope for the best!

When I got into the apartment, Conrad's "babysitter" started texting me with pictures.  She said he was fine on the car ride home and her son is so excited (he's 14).  Here's a picture she sent with the caption "Conrad's Vacation."  As you will see, his cage looks small next to the big one she has for the seven finches they own!

I have a little bit more organizing and packing to do and then I can relax and watch TV until it’s time to get picked up.  I won’t be back on the computer until I’m in NY, so I’m going to close and say, “See some of you VERY SOON!!!!

My flight went off without a hitch.  Elsa picked me up and drove me to the airport.  She dropped me off and I did the outside check-in, which cost $2 (plus a $2 tip), but was well worth it since I was having a hard time maneuvering the two suitcases on wheels.  I was lucky that my laptop in the laptop case fit great into my pink carry-on on wheels, so that worked great.

I was through security, got my STARBUCKS decaf, non-fat, mocha latte and bought the book WICKED and was seated by the gate by a little after 7:30pm!!!!!  My flight wasn’t until 9:00pm, but they started boarding us at 8:30pm.  I was exhausted and really looking forward to sleeping.

I was seated by the window in a three-seat section right in the middle of the plane.  The two other seat-mates were two guys.  One was a retired Navy guy who is now overseeing a shipyard in Point Loma – flying back and forth from Maine every few weeks.  I never really spoke to the other guy.

I closed my eyes and felt myself drifting off but, guess what?  There WAS a crying baby in front of me!  She was absolutely adorable, so I couldn’t get too mad and thank goodness she soon drifted off to sleep, so I could, too!

I just woke up for orange juice and Terra Sweet Potato chips and then went right back to sleep.  I was up for the first hour, slept for 3 and then was up for the last hour.  We landed and were off the plane by 5:00am.

I had to wait about 20 minutes for our bags to start going around the carousel, but mine was one of the first out!  I called Eric and he left his apartment to come pick me up.  There was a little confusion, because Jet Blue Arrivals said gate 4, but I was at gate 5 (who knows why).  Thank goodness for cell phones, because I told him exactly where I was and he came to get me.

It was so good to see his face.  He looks really good and is wearing his hair a little longer these days.  It’s still very short, but it was always practically shaved, so it looked different – and I liked it!

It was cold out, but it didn’t bother me as much as I thought it would.  We drove straight to the apartment and I got the tour.  I think it’s fine and he’s got it set up nice, but he hates it and says he’s going to start looking for another place as soon as I go back to SD.  I have to admit, it wouldn’t be my choice for an apartment for both of us, but I think for now, for him, it’s fine.

I was so exhausted, so we just threw my stuff down and I got undressed and took a nap with Eric.  We set the alarm for 10:00am, because we had errands to run and had to go pick up the rental car.

The rental also went off without a hitch and I was actually able to rent a bright blue PT Cruiser.  I love being able to rent one of them, because I’m totally comfortable in it and know where everything is!

After that, we came back to the apartment and napped again.  I really felt exhausted, but his apartment has a lot of weird noises, and I’m not used to them, so I found it hard to really get to sleep.  There's a parking lot right next to the window by the bed and there are some vans there with ladders on top.  The ladders vibrate in the wind and make a sound that sounds like a gate slamming -- over and over and over.  It was making me crazy.  They gave us ear plugs on the plane -- I may try them tonight.

At 4:00pm we woke up, showered, dressed and went to VINO at 5:00pm.  They had it set up so nice in the back room and all I had to do was go around and put the decoupaged bookmarks, which were place cards AND a favor, on each setting.  It was hard to figure out where to put everyone, but I hope I did a good job and everyone enjoyed whomever they were sitting near!

There was a table of 6 (it was supposed to be 8, but unfortunately Geri and Larry are sick and were unable to attend), a table of 8, a table of 14 and a table of 10.  It worked out great and where Eric and I were sitting we could pretty much see everyone in the room.

We had a delicious meal of a house salad, spinach ravioli, and then a choice of salmon, Cornish hen, or veal scallopini.  They also started off with baskets of fresh-baked bread with a blue-cheese spread, and bruschetta.  They put their famous French fries on each table.  They’re sliced super thin and are really crispy and delicious.  I think everyone enjoyed the food – I know I did.

For dessert there was a Napoleon that was creamy and delicious.  Guests were drinking coffee, tea, or cappuccino.  It was such a lovely evening and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.
It flew by so quickly and before you knew it people were starting to leave.  We had guests come from New Jersey, Mt. Kisco, Mahopac, Brooklyn, Long Island, Manhattan, and Queens.

There were friends from PricewaterhouseCoopers, my cabaret days, from Peppy’s Dream, friends from my college days and Eric’s childhood friends.  Three of my nieces attended – the bride – Jessica, and her fiancé, Ken, Stephanie and her date, Patrick, and April (her boyfriend couldn’t attend, because he was on his way to Toronto!).

I had a wonderful time, and I know Eric did, too.  It was exactly what I had hoped it would be – a way for us to see all our dear friends and get to give them a big hug and kiss.  We both had a wonderful night.  (Pictures from the party will have to wait until I get the laptop back!)

When we got home, we were both totally exhausted and went right to bed.  Again, I had a little bit of a hard time sleeping, even though I took some SIMPLY SLEEP to help me along, because of the noise.  We both slept until noon.  Yes, noon!=

Eric didn’t have any hangers for me to hang my clothes, so he set up his clothes line (yes, he has one here, too) and I just draped all the stuff that could wrinkle over the line.  It’s a bit of an inconvenience, but it’s the best we can do.

I was supposed to give Andrew my laptop last night, but in all the excitement, I forgot to bring it to the party, which is why I’m able to blog about my trip and the party!

We are leaving Eric’s apartment in about an hour to go to Susan and Andrew’s and drop off the laptop, so I definitely won’t be blogging until I get it back (I’m hoping on Tuesday!).

I am happy to be in NY, even though it’s really cold.  I just feel like I have so much packed into each day that it somehow doesn’t feel like as much of a vacation as I’d like.  I think once I get past Tuesday (I have one doctor’s appointment on Monday and two on Tuesday), I will be more relaxed and can’t wait for us to go to New Paltz to be with my family.  Then, I’ll really relax and enjoy myself!  I'm so looking forward to the wedding.  After all, that's the REAL reason I'm here right now.  I certainly wouldn't have chosen to come back in the winter for any other reason!

Until I am back online, I love you all, and will be back soon!

Okay, so it’s really Tuesday night at around 11:25pm, but I haven’t blogged since Saturday so, officially, this is Sunday’s blog.

I can finally show pictures of the party favors/place cards, although I'm ruining the surprise for Geri and Larry, who were too sick to attend, and will get theirs when we see them next week!

Each bookmark was custom-designed for each guest and I tried to make the theme meaningful to them.

Here are the pictures from the party!  I feel bad that there are some people I did not photograph, but it was a busy night!

The bride and groom, Jessica and Ken, and our friends Laurie and Keith.

John, Rosemary, Ricky & Ted.

Elaine, Brian, Andrea & Mark.

Scott, Marybeth, Liz and Stan.

In the foreground, Debbie, Bill and Marygrace.

This one's very dark, but that's Andrew and Eugene across from Dutch and Susan.

Ken, Jessica and April.

Laurie and Keith.

Liz and Stan.

Marybeth and Scott.

Marygrace & Bill.

Mike and Peppy.

Stephanie and Pat.

Anyway, I believe I left off blogging on Sunday morning.  To continue: On Sunday, at around 3:00pm Eric and I finally got out of the apartment and over to Susan and Andrew’s, so we could give Andrew my old computer.  I got to get my first look at my new laptop.  It's really beautiful!  My old one is all black, but this one has a silver keyboard.  Very fancy!  I showed Andrew what I needed to be put on the new laptop, and we talked about what Eric would need (not much) on the old laptop, which I am going to leave with him in the hopes that he'll learn to use it and email me!  We stayed for a short while and then headed to Melville to visit with Kaja.

It was so great to see Kaja.  She will be 95 in January and she is sharp as a tack, full of life, and still so beautiful.  It was a joy to spend some time with her.  She is so grateful for everything and puts out such positive energy.  She is magical and mystical and wonderful and I love her so dearly.  I am going to try to get back out there by myself, before I leave NY, but I don’t know if I’ll manage.  It was a lovely few hours we spent with her.

After we left we were both starving, because we hadn’t eaten since breakfast (even though it was at noon).  It was now 8:00pm and we decided to go to our old favorite diner – the OMEGA in New Hyde Park on Lakeville Road.  I had a tuna sandwich and a bowl of chicken consommé (no chicken in it – just the broth) and Eric had a BLT.

Then, we went home and Eric got ready for work the next day.  I had trouble sleeping again, because of the banging outside.  We have no idea what it is, but it is definitely annoying.  I took SIMPLY SLEEP, and it does help, but it makes me sleep late and feel SO groggy in the morning. 

Although I was exhausted, and I took the pills, I slept fitfully, because I would awaken from the noise of the radiator (banging and a really weird “breathing” sound) and the banging that goes on outside the apartment.

Eric hates this apartment and wants to find another ASAP, and I really can’t blame him, because the noises drive me crazy and I can’t imagine living here and dealing with that on a daily basis.  When I come back in the spring, it will be to much better living conditions!

I didn’t sleep well on Sunday night, either.  I took more sleeping pills and hardly heard Eric leave for work in the morning.  I had set my cell phone alarm for 8:00am, because I had to leave by 9:00am to be sure to get into the city and park for my 10:30am allergy doctor appointment.

It was really hard getting out of bed.  The pills make me very groggy in the morning.  I did get out on time, drove into the city (what a strange sensation that was, driving into Manhattan for the first time since July 2007!  I went over the 59th street bridge (the only way I ever go into the city) and got there in record time.  I was in the city by 8:40am, and headed downtown.  The doctor’s office is on 22nd street between Lex and Third.

I wanted to try to find a spot on the street, but the signs are SO confusing.  Now, they don’t have meters anymore, it’s all the Muni Meter and I’m not sure how they work.  There would be three signs stacked one above the other.  One had information about street cleaning.  Another said “No parking 7:00am – 7:00pm exept Sunday.”  The third said “Pay at Muni Meter, etc.”  I couldn’t figure out of the spots were legal or not.

I decided to go to a lot.  I pulled in and saw $15.50.  That was more than I wanted to pay, but – hey – beggars can’t be choosers, and I’d rather overpay then get my car towed or get a ticket, because I’m too dim to understand the parking rules.

I walked about 2 blocks to the doctor’s office.  It was actually rather mild out.  It must have been in the 40s, and with the sun shining it didn’t feel bad at all.  It’s always worse at night, when it’s dark.

When I got to the doctor’s office it was completely packed and I thought I’d be there all day, but I was actually out of there in an hour.  Throat looked perfect.  Nasal passages – fine.  He didn’t make me do that really annoying asthma test where I have to blow really hard into a tube until I feel like my head is going to explode.  Wheeee!

I told him I was basically there because my prescriptions had no more refills and I figured since I was in town, I’d see him, and let him see me!  He gave me a new prescription for my Allegra and the Rhinocort Aqua and I was on my way.

Unfortunately, when I got back to the garage the guy asked for $32.  “Thirty-two dollars!,” I exclaimed.  Well, it turns out it’s $15.50 a HALF hour.  What a rip!  It’s more expensive than the Broadway area!  Anyway, I paid the $32 and just figured it wasn’t a bad deal with my $10 co-pay to see a doctor these days for only $42.  At least we have medical benefits!

I wanted to drive around the city and look at everything, but I also wanted to get home ASAP, because I knew when Eric got home we were just going to turn around and go back into the city for BILLY ELLIOT and I wanted to be ready, so he didn’t have to rush.

I drove past the Rockefeller Center tree, but I forgot how early it is and the scaffolding was still all around it, because they’re still putting up the lights.  I remembered that they don’t light the tree until after Thanksgiving.

I drove back over the bridge and was home in record time.  I came back to the apartment and got everything ready to put on after my shower, and then I took a nap.  I decided to wear the exact same outfit I wore on Saturday night, since I thought it looked good and it was very comfortable.  It’s a black-and-white dress with an empire waist that Eric bought me at Anthropologie in the mall in SD before he came to NY.  I love it!

When Eric got home I told him I thought he had time for a nap, so we did lie down together for about an hour.  Then, I showered, and he showered and we got dressed and left at 5:00pm.  We were in the city and parked by 6:00pm.  The show is at the Imperial Theatre (which, by the way, is the same theatre where DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS played, so Greg is back in the same spot he was last year!).

There is a parking lot right next door, so we parked there, I picked up the tickets and then we went to dinner around the corner at a nice Italian place called SOPHIA’S on 46th Street.  We started with baked clams and then both had delicious pasta dishes – Eric had spaghetti with seafood and I had bow-tie pasta with salmon.

We finished with coffee and shared a piece of tiramisu.  It was lovely and we had a great time.  As we were walking back to the theatre we passed the stage door and a guy was standing there with a BILLY ELLIOT jacket on, so we knew he worked there.

I told him that we were coming to see the show tonight and wanted to come backstage afterwards to see two friends who were in the cast, but they had no idea we were there.  I asked him to please let Greg Jbara and Merle Louise know that we were there and would see them after the show.  He kept repeating, “Peppy and Eric Greenberg, Peppy and Eric Greenberg,” so he wouldn’t forget.  He was really nice.

We went up to our seats.  They were really great in my favorite spot – the front mezzanine.  The only problem is that there’s absolutely no legroom, so it was one of those situations where Eric’s knees are practically under his nose.  I felt so bad, but he said he was fine.

Okay, so now I have to try to explain how unbelievable this show is.  How fantastic the cast is.  How brilliant the music is.  How clever the costumes are.  How funny and touching the story is.  How amazing the actors all were.  How unusual and creative the blocking, choreography and sets were.  It was one of the greatest shows I’ve ever seen – and I’ve seen a lot of shows!

Eric and I both cannot recommend it highly enough.  It’s just an unbelievably unforgettable night of theatre.  I have seen Greg on so many TV shows and saw him perform as Andre three times in DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS.  He was also so funny and cute in IN AND OUT (with Kevin Kline), but this is such a drastic change for him – such a challenging and different role.  We were so impressed.

He plays Billy’s father, who is a miner in England.  There’s a one-year strike and everyone in the small town is suffering.  Billy’s mother died and the father is struggling to raise his two sons – one who is grown and is also a miner, and the other who is 11 and has secret dream.

The two stories are intertwined so beautifully – the struggle of the miners on strike and the story of a boy trying to be himself – and if you’ve seen the movie (which was also a big hit) you know how great that was.  Just imagine the singing, the dancing, and the drama of a great orchestra bringing it all to life – live on stage.  It’s an amazing night.

After the show we went backstage and were told by the manager that they were expecting us and we should go stand onstage.  There was another couple waiting there.  The guy looked familiar, but I couldn’t figure out who he was.  I know he was a Broadway star, because someone else was talking to him about a show he was in and what a shame it was that it closed so soon.  I think his name was Frank and he was very tall with dirty blonde hair.  Any guesses anyone?

After a few minutes, Greg arrived and then Merle was right behind him.  Merle is in the ensemble, but is understudying the role Carole Shelley is playing – the grandmother, which is one of the leads.  We hugged and kissed them both and they were both so surprised and happy to see us.  Merle was explaining to Greg that Eric and I decorated her apartment and Eric and Billy built a fantastic custom wall unit in one room.  Greg was bragging to Merle that we had spent New Year’s Eve at his house with his family and friends in Los Angeles.

We talked about the show – and I know I was gushing, but I just couldn’t help it!  I told Greg he was so different in this role, it was such a stretch from the man I know he is – gentle and loving.  The father really has that underneath all the dirt, coal and pain he has experienced losing his wife and struggling to keep his family going.  He was actually scary in certain parts, when he gets angry with his sons.  He was so happy when I told him that, because I know this was a very different kind of part for him.

We got to meet some of the others in the cast, but didn’t get to meet the young man who played Billy Elliot.  He is really the star of the show – he’s in almost every single scene and is constantly dancing.  That’s why they have three young men and an understudy rotating in the role – it’s one of the most demanding on Broadway and they’re only 13!

When it was time to go it was pouring raining, so we offered to drive Merle home to her apartment on  89th and Broadway.  We said our goodbyes to Greg and hurried with Merle to the car.  We dropped her off and drove back to Queens.  By the time we got back into the apartment it was 12:30pm.  I felt SO bad, because Eric gets up at 4:30am!  He kept saying it was worth it, because it was such a great night.  That made me really happy, because I thought so, too!

Eric went right to sleep last night and I have no idea how he got up the today, but he did and was out the door on time.  I slept until 10:00am!  I got dressed and ran some errands.  I had to go to my old dressmaker (she was SO happy to see me!) because the belt I wanted to wear with my outfit for the wedding needed to be fixed.  I also wanted to buy a tie for Eric, because I forgot his in SD and he needed one for the wedding.

Then, I went to Rite Aid (which used to be Eckert and before that was Genovese).  I needed a magnifying mirror.  I have one at home and didn’t bring it, because I didn’t think it was a big deal, but I’m so blind I can barely put on makeup without one!  I just kind of guess where my eyelashes are and swing the wand around and hope I get some mascara in the right place!  I bought a small 10x magnifying mirror.  It’s a little scary to see yourself that close up, but at least I can put my mascara on without poking myself in the eye!

Next, I drove to Forest Hills, because I had an appointment at the dentist for a cleaning and then a dermatologist appointment.  The two offices are about 10 blocks apart, so I parked about halfway inbetween.  First I went to the dentist and got my cleaning and then I hit the dermatologist and got some prescriptions.  I may be almost 51, but I’m still breaking out like an adolescent!

I was out of there by 5:00pm and headed to New Hyde Park to pick up my laptops from Andrew.  He did such a great job, and I am so appreciative of all his help.  He got both laptops set up perfectly – one for me, and one for Eric.  The new one is really luxurious compared to my old one, but I’m still using the old one now, because the new one doesn’t have internet yet!

I was supposed to go out to dinner with my nieces (including the bride), but they cancelled, because she said she had too much to do for the wedding), so instead I went out to dinner with my friend Kris, and Susan came along, too.  We went to Asian Moon, a great Thai place in Garden City.

First, we picked up Kris and got a tour of the house she’s renting.  It’s really amazing.  The people who own it put SO much money into it and I guess they figured now wasn’t the best time to sell, so they’re renting it until they do.  The kitchen itself must have cost $50,000.  It’s huge, with gorgeous tile floors and granite countertops, fabulous lighting fixtures, etc.  She’s got a finished basement and the whole top floor is a master bedroom suite.  It’s great!

Asian Moon was pretty crowded for a Tuesday night.  We ordered Shrimp Dumplings, Cold Sesame Noodles and Edamame and then I had Shrimp Pad Thai, Susan had sesame chicken and Kris had Moo shu Chicken.  Everything was tasty and delicately spiced and seasoned.  Delicious!  We had a great conversation and could have stayed for hours talking and laughing, but I wanted to get home while Eric was still up, so I could spend some time with him before he had to go to sleep.

When I got home at 10:30pm he was still up, but fading fast.  He fell asleep by 11:00pm and then I got on the computer and blogged.  I’m still catching up, but I should be back on track soon!

Eric was up and out on time, as usual.  We were both hoping he would get out of work early and we'd get an early start to New Paltz, but that didn't happen.

I woke up at 9:00am and left the house at 10:00am for my pedicure at SUNSHINE NAILS in New Hyde Park, which now resides in the spot where my shop was!  Where SUNSHINE NAILS was there is now a small convenience store.  I meant to go inside and check it out, but I was in such a rush.

It was great to get a pedicure at Cindy's shop (SUNSHINE NAILS -- 2217 Hillside Avenue in New Hyde Park).  They treat you like royalty and they do such a great job.  The shop looks great and she's even trying to sell some furniture and decorative items on consignment, like I did.  I don't think she's doing well at it, but it's just because she doesn't have things arranged to look their best.  When I come back in the spring, I'm going to go in there and whip things into shape!

After my pedicure, I headed back to the apartment.  I felt guilty not stopping into the Vet's office, the picture framing place, or the sign shop, to see my old friends, but I knew it would take time, and lots of explaining, and I just wasn't in the mood.

I went to CASCON to pick up a cheesecake sampler, a pecan pie (Rich's favorite) and a pound of cookies (for tonight) and then went to Calamita (the tailor) to pick up the belt Anna had fixed for me, which I needed for the wedding.

Then, I went back to the apartment and packed my little pink and black suitcase for the trip.  I didn't need to take much as I usually wear the same thing coming and going and just needed to bring my toiletries, my pillow, my pajamas, and clothes for Thanksgiving.

Eric called to let me know that they were standing outside waiting for their checks and he couldn't leave until they came.  That's the boss' way of making sure the workers don't leave early, because they know they're not going home without their checks.  Bastard!

He did manage to get his regular bus and was home by 3:30pm.  He showered, got his clothes together and we were out the door by 4:00pm.  We figured even with bad traffic we'd be in New Paltz by 7:00pm.

Lenae was making panninis in her pannini maker and was serving her homemade spinach soup and we were so excited!  I tried to stay up with Eric, to keep him company, but there's nothing like a car ride to get me napping!  I fell into a deep sleep and woke up just as we were exiting the thruway.

We reached their house at about 6:45pm and everyone was there.  Lenae, Rich, Keri and Ed all looked great and they were a sight for sore eyes.  Eric and I realized, except for me seeing Rich in San Diego, we haven't seen them since July '07, which is WAY too long.  Keri and Ed just keep getting more and more beautiful and they're so great.  We're proud of both of them.  Lenae and Rich did such a great job with them and they're both reaching their full potential, which makes us all proud.

Lenae set out trays of cheese, ham, sauerkraut, avocado, tomato, pesto, etc., etc. and had two types of fresh-baked bread (which she had purchased) -- garlic and seeded wheat.  We sliced the bread and each made our own sandwiches, and then Lenae put them in the pannini maker and we were in heaven!

Mine was mozzarella, pesto, tomato and avocado.  It was SO good.  The cheese gets all melty, and the bread is crisp and toasted.  I love grilled cheese (as you all know from reading this blog for so long) and this is taking it to another level!  I told Eric I'm definitely buying him one of these, because he loves anything between two slices of bread, and if it's toasted -- so much the better!

We enjoyed our soup and panninis and talked, catching up on all that had been going on in all our lives.  Then, we retired to the den and watched some TV.  Keri and Ed got dressed and went out, because -- apparently -- the night before Thanksgiving is the biggest social night of the year for young people.  Who knew?  I don't remember that when I was young, but then I don't remember much at all!

Lenae and I watched STYLISTA.  She was pretty horrified by the whole show, because even though it's a reality show about working as a junior editor for ELLE magazine, it's mostly about a bunch of back-stabbing, bitchy young people who could not be meaner or crueler to each other -- on camera!  I love it, because I just enjoy seeing people at their very best and very worst, but Lenae thought this was the worst of the worst -- yet we watched the whole thing!

Eric had worked all day, so he was pretty bushed and went to bed pretty early.  Then, Lenae went to sleep.  I went into the room where we were sleeping and Eric had been watching basketball, but he fell asleep, so I changed the channels.  THE KING AND I was on, but it was getting to the end and I knew I'd be crying like a baby (it's one of our favorite movie musicals and we saw Yul as THE KING on Broadway before he died), so I changed the channel and just watched Leno instead.

I turned the TV off at about 1:00am.  It was such a great night.  It seems like we never left NY and San Diego just seems like a dream when I'm here.  I can't believe I'll be going back there next week.  I almost wish I didn't have to go.  I'm getting adjusted to being back in NY already!  I do have a lot of loose ends to tie up, before I can come back here to stay, but I'll be working on it as soon as I get back!

Eric and I both slept well and woke up around 10:00am.  Rich was out exercising, Ed slept at a friend's house, and Keri and Lenae were still sleeping.  We just relaxed in bed and talked and then decided to get up and shower.  Soon Rich came home, Ed came home, Audrey arrived from Albany, everyone else got up and Rich made omelettes for everyone.  He put out all the ingredients he had and I went around and took everyone's order.

Then he whipped up a fabulous omelette for each of us.  Mine had mushrooms, tomatoes, onions, garlic, pesto, goat cheese and scallions.  It was so gooey and delicious.

After breakfast Keri and I went out to pick up a few items for Lenae, stop at STARBUCKS (of course!) and go with Keri to pick up her car at a friend's house.  I dropped her off and went home with my coffee.

It seemed like just moments after breakfast when Audrey put out all the snacks she had brought.  It was like we were having tapas for lunch.  There was couscous, eggplant tapanade, olive tapanade, and a spicy bean dip.  Lenae also made a spinach dip in a hollowed out loaf of bread, and some ranch dressing.  There were all kinds of chips, crackers and celery to dip into all the wonderful choices.  We sat around and ate and talked and laughed.

Lenae had told us about some old videos she had put onto DVD from when Keri and Eddie were babies.  They sounded so funny and we all wanted to see, so Lenae put them in and we watched for about an hour.  They were hysterical.  It was so great to see everyone looking so young, and get to see Keri and Ed when they were babies.  Those were such great times.  Our mom and dad looked so young, and we all looked so different.  I had short hair with a kind of mullet in the back -- not my best look!

After a lot of laughs, we turned off the videos and Lenae got busy cooking.  We sat down to a delicious dinner.  Lenae is the best cook and every Thanksgiving here is a feast.  She had stuffing made with sausage and squash and she hollows out the squash and puts the stuffing back into the squash, so the presentation is simply beautiful.

The turkey was so moist it was falling off the bone.  I usually don't eat meat, but I had to have some!  Her mashed potatoes were fantastic (as always) and the broccoli, which is a recipe from Rich's Aunt Felicia, was to die for.  If every parent made their broccoli like Aunt Felicia, kids would be eating it by the bushel.  I'm not sure exactly what the recipe is, but there were bread crumbs involved!

Lenae also made fresh apple sauce from fresh-picked New Paltz apples.  It had chunks of apple in it and it was sweet and delicious.  We all stuffed ourselves silly and thoroughly enjoyed every bite.

Then, we cleaned up.  It was quite a team effort.  Washing all the dishes that couldn't go into the dishwasher, filling the dishwasher, clearing off the table, and putting everything washed away.  Everyone was busy and we got it done in no time.

Then, we sat down for the traditional Thanksgiving game of cards -- Scott's Granny's Game, which is a type of Rummy.  It's always fun and challenging, because everyone plays really well.  Lenae ended up winning.  It's a funny game, because there are seven hands to play, and you can win several hands and still not win in the end.  We play with some of our friends back in Queens and it's always a fun night.

Keri and Eddie's friends started to arrive while we were playing cards.  It always seems that their house is the place to be on Thanksgiving and all the kids congregate here.  I shouldn't really call them "kids," since they're now all over 21, but they still seem like kids to me!

After the seven hands of cards we were ready for dessert.  Eric and I brought a cheesecake sampler and a pecan pie and Keri got a pumpkin pie from her boss at work.  We also picked up Ferrero Roche chocolates when we went to the Super Stop and Shop this morning, so we had those, too.  Those are simply the best candies in the world.  They melt in your mouth and then add a little crunch at the end!

Now, as I sit here typing, I'm telling myself that I'm so full I won't eat for a week, but I know I'll be snacking again before the night is through.  It's a good thing I don't have to worry about fitting into my outfit for the wedding tomorrow, because both outfits I'm thinking of (I haven't really decided which I'll definitely wear) will still fit, even if I gain a pound or two (which I definitely have done in the past few days!).  It's so sad that I was so disciplined in San Diego, trying to lose weight and come to NY looking thin, and I'm going to go home weighing 5 pounds more than I did before, because I'm so undisciplined and have that "I'm on vacation!" mindset, which is really bad.

This afternoon Rosemary called from San Diego, just to say "Have a great Thanksgiving" and to tell me that she put me in as her guest for the Office Holiday Party, which will take place on Saturday, December 13th.  I'm so excited, because everyone tells me what a fantastic night it is and how they go "all out" to make it an unforgettable event.  I'll probably wear the same outfit to that event, and then the same outfit again to the Bar Mitzvah I'll be attending on the 20th in Los Angeles.  My cousin Evan is having his Bar Mitzvah and I'll get to see a lot of my side of the family, which will be really great!

Eric and I will be leaving pretty early tomorrow, because we want to get back to Queens, pack for the wedding, check into the hotel, take a nap, get dressed and then go across the street to the place where the wedding will be held.  I'm very excited and can't wait to see all of Eric's family tomorrow night and see our beautiful Jessica as she weds her groom, Ken!

I give Thanks that I am here with my family, and that I am with my darling, Eric, who is feeling so much better.  I give thanks that I have wonderful friends all over the country who love us and care about us and only want the best for us.

Before I close, I have to tell you all that my sister thinks my readers need to "get a life" and can't understand why you all get such pleasure from reading my blog and knowing what I had for breakfast.  I told her that it's your way of keeping in touch with us, and staying close in our lives, even though we are so far away.  She doesn't understand it at all, so I thought maybe some of you could comment here, in my blog, and explain it to her, if you can.

I am always grateful to know that there are so many of you out there -- in so many states and even in Canada -- who religiously read my blog.  I thank you, and want you to know that as long as you're interested in reading, I'll keep writing!

We meant to get on the road from New Paltz to New York early.  We really did.  Of course we didn’t leave New Paltz until almost noon!  We woke up at a decent time, but by the time everyone else got up, and Rich got back with the most fabulous muffins and bagels, and we all sat down and had breakfast, it was almost noon!We also hit a lot of traffic going home (which we didn’t anticipate), so we didn’t get back to Queens until almost 2:30pm.  We packed quickly, got all our things together for the wedding, and headed out the door a little after 3:00pm.

We were staying at THE HOLIDAY INN on Old Country Road in Carle Place on Long Island, about 20 minutes from Eric’s apartment.  The hotel was right next door to the place where Jessica and Ken were getting married – I mean right next door.  The parking lot of the Holiday Inn was connected to the parking lot of CHATEAU BRIAND CATERERS where the wedding was taking place.  It was so convenient and I was so happy I could have skipped to our room!

Our room was on the first floor.  We had a king size bed and the room was pretty basic otherwise.  There was an iron and an ironing board, which was great, because Eric’s dress shirt got very wrinkled in the move to NY and I wanted to iron it before we took our afternoon nap.

Once that was done we both took a nap and woke up around 6:30pm.  I showered first and while Eric was in the shower I decided what to wear.  I had brought a few changes with me, because I wasn’t sure what I would finally end up wearing.  I ended up with a skirt that has a cream-colored satin slip with a black lace overlay.  It’s very full and looks vintage, but it’s not.

I tried three different tops on, but ended up wearing a pink sparkle sweater set with rhinestone buttons.  I thought it looked great.  I topped it off with rhinestone and black satin shoes, a rhinestone bracelet, rhinestone earrings and a rhinestone necklace.  Think that’s enough rhinestones?  You thought wrong!  I also had a fabulous vintage rhinestone purse with a rhinestone handle.  I was truly glittering, but it still wasn’t as dressy as some other guests at the wedding.  There were plenty of people in diamonds and ball gowns walking around and they all looked fabulous.

Anyway, Eric looked very handsome in his yellow/gold dress shirt with a yellow/gold and blue tie (which I just purchased for him) and his gray suit.  We walked across the parking lot to the CHATEAU BRIAND and arrived a little before 8:00pm.  We were told to go upstairs to the Studio on 3 for family photos.  Everyone was there.  It was so amazing to see all 4 of Eric’s sisters, their spouses, and all our nieces and nephews with their assorted boyfriends, girlfriends and spouses.

It’s a big group when they all get together, and Ken’s family was also there, so it was a huge crowd!  There was a lot of hugging, kissing and admiring going on (everyone looked SO beautiful), but then our attention was turned to Ken and Jessica who were posing for pictures.  They both looked so beautiful and I almost started to cry.

Jessica’s gown was magnificent.  It was a strapless delicate lace with crystals in the lace that made it sparkle as she moved.  At the waist was a satin cummerbund that tied in a sash in the back that flowed down to the floor and met the train in the back.  Since Jessica’s colors for the wedding were fall colors – golds, yellows and chocolate brown, I had bought her a big vintage brooch to wear on the sash where it tied in the back.  It was her “something old.”

Here’s the bad news – I left my camera on the bed at the hotel.  Eric offered to walk back and get it, but I figured everyone and their brother was taking pictures, so it might be delayed but eventually I’ll have plenty of pictures to share!

April, her maid of honor, also looked fantastic.  Her gown was chocolate brown strapless matt satin with another gorgeous pin in yellows, golds and browns on the sash at her waist, but hers was on her hip, not in the back.  They all held yellow roses with other yellow flowers mixed in.

There were two adorable twin flower girls and a handsome little ring boy.  Ken had a “best woman” instead of a best man, an older, long-time friend.  She wore a sparkly gown in a bronze, so their colors all blended beautifully.

After all the family photos were done, we were all told to leave the room and go down to the chapel where the wedding ceremony was being held.  That’s where we had more reunions with cousins and friends we hadn’t seen in a long time.  We finally sat down and then the ceremony took place.  It was short and sweet and very touching.  I kept thinking of Jessica as the cute little girl in her party dresses at the holidays, and how she has grown into this beautiful woman, who is now making a life with this wonderful man.

Next we moved to another HUGE room where they had the cocktail hour.  There was so much food it was amazing and we each had several plates of sushi, Italian, and other delicious appetizers and buffet dishes.  Here’s something that thrilled and amazed me – they had iced tea!  You never find that at weddings or other catered affairs and I usually have to drink ginger ale or seven up all night, which I really don’t like, but it’s better than nothing.  I was so happy with the iced tea that it really made my night (I know, it takes so little to make me happy!).

We sat with Eric’s Aunt Gloria, whom we had not seen in a year or two, and her daughter, Gloria, and husband Glenn, whom we had not seen in 5 or 6 years.  It was great to catch up, and then the cocktail hour was done and we were all instructed to move to another room (there was a lot of going from room to room, and there were at least 5 other affairs going on at the same time, so it was a bit confusing).

Jessica and Ken had the cutest candy bars with the guests’ names and table numbers on it, so you’d have a nice treat and know where to sit!  At each place setting was a tiny brown and white box that said “Fall in Love” scented leaf soap.  Since they gave you chocolates with your seat number, the favor was two tiny leaf-shaped bars of soap that smelled absolutely delightful!

We were seated with the bride’s parents (Eric’s sister Rachel and her husband, Robert), and Eric’s three other sisters, Robin (and her husband Brian), Susan (and her husband Steven), and Ellen (her husband, Rich, couldn’t fly up from Florida).  Also seated at our table were a neighbor, Tony, and Robin’s best friend, Stacy and her husband, John.  We knew everyone well, so it was a great table and we all had a lot of fun.

We had salad, then a lemon sorbet to cleanse the palette and then were offered our choice of Chateau Briand (of course!) and Shrimp Scampi (sliced filet mignon topped with a porcini mushroom sauce and served with prawns sauteed in white wine, garlic and butter), Chateau Briand (sliced filet mignon topped with a Porcini mushroom sauce), Chicken Alla Vittoria (Sauteed boneless breast topped with fresh asparagus spears, imported sun dried tomatoes and wild mushrooms in a light calvados wine sauce), Red Snapper Oreganata (filet baked with white wine and butter topped with spiced breadcrumbs), Portabella Mushroom Lasagna (homemade lasagna noodles layered with sautéed portabella mushrooms, and imported freshly ground Parmesan cheese in a traditional béchamel sauce), or Eggplant Terrine (layered and baked in plum tomato and basil sauce).

I had the red snapper and Eric ordered the chicken.  The food was really good and everyone really enjoyed their meals.  We had time between each course to walk around and say hello and Eric was really a social butterfly.  There were so many people he had known all his life – friends, neighbors and relatives – and he took full advantage of the opportunity to reconnect with them all.  It was wonderful to see him having such a great time.

I was enjoying people watching and looking at all the beautiful women dressed to the nines.  There were lots of gorgeous cocktail dresses, gowns, and fabulous purses, jewelry and other accessories.  I love to look at people all dressed up and looking their best and a wedding is the best time to do that!

At one point April and the “best woman” made speeches.  April’s was really funny and clever.  She talked about the fact that she and Jessica shared a bedroom for about 25 years.  They get along remarkably well and really are best friends.  It’s a beautiful thing to see.  They really truly love each other and get along so well it's hard to believe.  They don’t seem to have any of the problems getting along that most sisters have (including me with mine!).

The wedding cake was another feast for the eyes.  It was white, and cream with a fondant covering each of the four layers and an intricate design hand-painted in white.  There were chocolate brown ribbons on two layers, which again highlighted the color scheme of the night.  It ended up being a carrot cake inside, and it tasted as delicious as it looked!

We all danced the night away to the great music being played by the DJs.  They really got everyone up on the floor.  I haven’t danced that much in a long time and I had such fun with Eric, and also with all my nieces and nephews.

Melissa was there with her husband, David.  She looked so beautiful in a black and white dress and you’d never know that she had been through hell with surgery and had been so very ill for so long just a few short months ago.  Her recovery has been miraculous and I was so happy to see her and get a chance to catch up with her and David.

Our niece and nephew from Florida, Scott and Michelle, were there and Michelle came with her boyfriend, Justin.  Scott's wife, Jaime, had to stay home with her two babies.  Michelle looked fantastic, and I was so happy to see her again.  I had seen her and met Justin last September, when Eric and I visited them in the RV.

Stephanie, Melissa’s sister, was there looking so glamorous and beautiful, too.  She was wearing a brown dress, which fit in with the evening’s theme so nicely.  She also had rhinestone-encrusted sandals, and we were comparing our sparkly footwear!

Jason, Stephanie and Melissa’s brother, looked handsome in his suit and bow-tie, and he’s a true enigma with his Mohawk!  He’s a steamfitter – just like Eric.  I had so much fun watching him dance all night.  He’s a great kid and he definitely knows how to have fun.

Our nephew, Brandon, was up from Tampa with his girlfriend, Dorsi, whom we had never met before.  She is so beautiful and sweet and really funny, too.  They make a great couple!  Brandon looked so handsome.  I was really kvelling from all of them!

Susan’s three, Steven, Anthony and Ashley, were also there.  I've really missed them a lot, because I got to see them very regularly since they lived just a few blocks from the shop. It was wonderful to have 11 of our nieces and nephews, and their spouses, boyfriends and girlfriends, all there.  I so enjoyed all of them.  They’re so handsome and so beautiful and so sweet and they were so happy to see me and Eric and we were so happy to see all of them.

I love my nieces and nephews so much.  They mean the world to me, and I know they mean so much to Eric, too.  I hardly ever get to see my sister’s son and daughter, Keri and Eddie, which breaks my heart, because I adore them, but I used to see all of Eric’s sisters’ kids all the time. 

Now, Brandon lives in Tampa, and Michele and Scott are in Ft. Lauderdale, and since I’ve been living in San Diego, the only ones I’ve seen were Jessica and April, who came to visit last January.
It was so very wonderful to be with them all at this joyous occasion and get to see them all dressed up and and as happy as can be.

The night flew by and the party ended and Eric and I were one of the last to go (since we only had to walk back across the parking lot!).  When we got back to the room it was after 2:00am.  Eric fell right to sleep, but I watched TV for a while and didn’t turn it off until 3:00am.  Then, I tossed and turned a lot and didn’t get a great night’s sleep.

April and Jessica had told us to come downstairs to the free continental breakfast at 8:30am, so I set the alarm for 7:30am, but I wasn’t very optimistic about making it!

It really was a wonderful, wonderful night and I don’t think anything could have been better.  It was a perfect wedding and Eric and I totally enjoyed every minute!

I tossed and turned all night, even though the bed was super-comfy and I had my own pillow.  I got up at 7:30am, took a shower, and went down to the continental breakfast with Eric.  No one showed up but April, and I think she only came because she knew they had asked us to come and she felt bad!

Eric ate a little and went back to the room to go back to sleep, but she and I talked for about ½ hour.  I had a slice of toast, some orange juice and a piece of some kind of breakfast cake.  It wasn’t much of a breakfast, but – hey – it was free!  Then we each went back to our rooms to rest and relax before checking out.

We all checked out at 11:00am and I even got to see the bride and groom again before they headed to Puerta Vallarta!

I noticed a sign that said 70% off designer handbags – Prada, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, etc., so Eric and I went downstairs to one of the meeting rooms, thinking maybe I’d find something for my birthday, but the prices were out of this world.

I saw a magnificent little velvet Chanel purse – just big enough for a wedding or other affair – and it was $2,500.  Yes, you read right -- $2,500.  And that’s supposed to be 70% off?  I looked at lots of other bags by big designers – Ballenciaga, Chanel, Gucci, Prada – and most of them were over $1,000 and some were over $2,000.  I think that is insane.  I can’t imagine how much these bags cost at retail – if this is supposed to be a big discount – but I just could NEVER spend that much on a purse, unless my last name was Trump or Hilton!

We got back to the apartment and relaxed for a while before we headed out to run some errands.  We were hoping to look at an apartment this afternoon, but Eric’s sister wasn’t able to arrange it, so we’ll probably go one night this week.

At around 3:00pm we stopped at the BLUE BAY DINER (our old stomping ground) and had lunch.  I had a grilled cheese (what else?) and Eric had a BLT (again – what else?).  If nothing else, our lunch choices are very predictable!

Then, we went back to the apartment and got all the laundry together.  Eric dropped me off at the nearest Laundromat (which is about 4 blocks from our old house!) and I did all his work clothes and all my dirty clothes.  I watched KING OF QUEENS on TV, read the DAILY NEWS and made a few phone calls.  When it was all dry and folded I called Eric and he came to pick me up.

He had showered while I was at the Laundromat and now I showered and we got dressed and headed to Sea Cliff to have dinner with Geri and Larry who had missed our dinner party last Saturday because they were both sick.

Geri and Larry were celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary and we were so happy to be here together so we could celebrate with them!

We went to their beautiful house, which is always a thrill, because it’s filled with beautiful works of art and is decorated so beautifully.  Geri is the official “Queen of Boop” because she now has more than most everyone I know – except for Sergio in New Orleans!!!!

She recently purchased a large doll dressed as a cowgirl.  Besides Boop, another passion of Geri’s are cowgirls and she loves cowboy boots and vests and leather and all cowgirl accessories.  This doll fit her to a tee!

She also got a Pirate Boop doll, with Pudgy dressed as her buccaneer, and another where Betty is dressed as Billie Holiday, complete with the white flower in her hair, holding microphone in a gorgeous red gown, sitting on a stool with a leopard seat!

There was one of Betty on Valentine’s day in a gorgeous dress opening a bouquet of roses in a white box, and several others.  Her collection is so magnificent and is displayed so beautifully.  Of course, I left my camera in the suitcase at Eric’s apartment, so again I could not document all the great things we saw!

Geri and Larry took us to a sushi place they go to regularly called SHIKI JAPANESE RESTAURANT on Glen Street in Glen Cove, NY.  They said their food was really great and that they were very friendly with the chefs.  They usually sit at the sushi bar when they eat there, so you really get to know the chefs well and they will create dishes just for you!

Larry did all the ordering, since they have a lot of favorite dishes.  We started with Miso Soup, Shumai, and a dish called Dynamite, which was very spicy!  Then we got a lot of rolls – a Snow White roll, a Royal Dragon roll (which they created and named!), a Wasabi Lobster roll, and a Shiki roll.  I can’t tell you what was in all of them, but I CAN tell you that they were all fabulous!

I don’t know if they always serve this elaborately, or if they just went all out because they knew it was Geri and Larry’s anniversary, but they served some of the rolls on top of giant sculptures made of crushed ice, with lights inside that glowed on and off!  They carved butterflies out of carrots and the numbers “30” for their anniversary!

They brought us a dish they created especially for us, and served it “on the house” to wish Geri and Larry a happy anniversary!  It was such a special night filled with delicious food, great conversation, and wonderful stories.

It has been a year since we saw Geri and Larry, when they met up with us in Vegas last October, but it seemed like we saw them only last week.  It’s been that way with a lot of friends.  Since we email all the time, talk on the phone frequently, and they keep totally caught up with my blog, it’s as if we are totally connected and it doesn’t seem like there’s any lost time between us.  It’s a good feeling.

After dinner, we went back to their house and they had the table set for dessert.  Larry is an unbelievable chef and baker and he made one of his specialty desserts – a pumpkin cake with crushed pineapple.  It is to die for.  He made a big one for us to enjoy at their house, and a small one for us to take home!  He’s the best, our Larry!

Geri used her Betty Boop plates, and had the forks and spoons in little red and white mittens.  In the center of the table was Betty wearing a sexy Christmas outfit holding a stick with mistletoe over her head.  It was so cute and festive and perfect for the holiday season!

We really ate and ran, because Eric wanted to get home at a decent time to get everything ready for a bike ride tomorrow.  He hasn’t had a chance to ride at all since I got here last Saturday and was hoping to get a ride in tomorrow before it rained.

When we got home at around 10:30pm, he immediately started working on his bike and getting everything ready and I started to blog.  I needed to complete yesterday and today, so I really had my work cut out for me!  I wanted to download all the pictures I took at Thanksgiving, but it’s 1:20am and I’m just finishing, so it will have to wait!

SORRY THIS BLOG IS LATE.  I HAD SERVER PROBLEMS FOR 24 HOURS!!!!!

We had a very lazy day in Whitestone today.  Eric really wanted to get a ride in this morning, so of course when he woke up it was raining.  He groaned and moaned and then came back to sleep for a few hours.  We woke up around 10:00am and just stayed in bed, watching TV for a while.  Then Eric made us cheese omelets and toast with jam, which was all really delicious.

Then, we got back into bed and relaxed and watched the football game.  We were taking our niece Melissa and her husband, David, out for dinner at 5:00pm, and I needed to go to CIRCUIT CITY to buy the VERIZON WIRELESS USB modem, so I can have wireless internet with my new laptop.  I bought the USB modem there last July, for my old laptop, and have had great luck with it, so I decided to go for the same thing.  They’re shaped much differently now, and it’s white instead of black, but it costs the same (free with rebate + $60 a month).

After CIRCUIT CITY we stopped by Susan and Andrew’s for a while, because Susan left her umbrella in my car last Tuesday and I wanted to return it to her and see them for a few minutes before dinner.

This picture of Susan, Andrew and Chelsea was actually taken last Tuesday, when Susan and I went out to eat with Kris, but this was the first chance I had to upload it!

Doesn't it look like the hand in the picture is petting Chelsea's head?

Their son, Daniel, was in from Washington, D.C., where he currently lives.  He is a law student.  He’s such a handsome young man, and so sweet and funny.  I’ve only met him a few times, but each time I am so impressed with him, but it’s really no surprise as Susan and Andrew are such a lovely couple.  It just makes sense that they’d have a great son!

We left there a few minutes before 5:00pm and drove to SAZZIO’S ITALIAN KITCHEN on Hillside Avenue (just about a mile down from where my shop used to be).  Melissa and David were waiting for us when we got there.  It had rained on and off all day long and was coming down pretty hard when we arrived.

We had seen Melissa and David at the wedding, but they were unable to attend our soiree last Saturday, and we wanted to spend some quality time with them, so we decided to meet for dinner.

We started with a spinach and artichoke dip, baked in their brick oven and served with foccacia bread and tomato salsa.  They also gave you carrot sticks, instead of just bread, so although it was still fattening, it was a little less so!

Melissa and I both had soup and salad.  She had a spinach and mini meatball soup with a Ceasar salad and I had pea soup with a Zola salad, which is mixed greens tossed with gorgonzola cheese, walnuts, grilled shrimp and drizzled with vinaigrette dressing.  It was huge and I brought most of it home with me!

Eric had chicken ravioli in a smoked porcini mushroom sauce with a touch of cream, and David had chicken cutlet parmigiana.

We had a lot to catch up on and it was really great to see them both.  They’re a great couple and we’re so glad their lives are getting back to normal and that Melissa is finally feeling better.  She’s looking forward to getting back into kick boxing, which is a passion of hers.  She was unable to do it for six months, due to her illness, but she’s getting clearance from her doctor this week and hopes to start again next week!

We really enjoyed the food, but we were so stuffed we really didn’t have room for dessert.  We all shared a piece of cheesecake and had coffee and tea.  They were headed over to Susan’s for dessert, because it was Eric sister Ellen’s 57th birthday, but we couldn’t stay, because of the dog (Nibbles) and my allergies.

We stopped by to say hello and left after 10 minutes.  We got to see Ellen, Michele and Scott for a few minutes and some of the other Greenberg clan.  The Ft. Lauderdale crew is going back to Florida tomorrow or Tuesday, so we probably won’t see them again before they leave.

When we got home, we started watching TV and before 9:00pm Eric was fast asleep.  I was happy, because I know he works so hard and getting up at 4:30am is not easy.  This way, he’ll get a good night’s sleep and start the week off right!

I started working on the computer (I was still working on the old one but I installed the modem on the new one and plan to start using the new one tomorrow!) and answered emails, blogged and resized all the pictures I took at Thanksgiving.  They didn’t come out that great, but here are a few, so you can see the family!

Audrey, Keri, Ed and Rich

My sister, Audrey, and my nephew, Eddie.

Audrey and Eric.

Our beautiful Keri Theresa

Lenae's delicious cornbread, sausage and squash stuffing

At one point Lenae and Rich's friends came over to say hi, before going to their own Thanksgiving dinner.  Here's Lenae and Pat!

Here's Lenae filming me photographing her!

I also have one picture of Jessica and Ken’s chocolate bar table card and the soap favor.  Melissa gave me a disk of pictures from the wedding, but of course I couldn’t get it to work on the old or new laptop.  I'm going to ask Andrew to help me.  I was able to view all the wedding pictures as a slide show, but unable to download any of them, so I could resize them and use them on the blog.

BTW, I already ate the Dark Chocolate and Raspberry bar (all by myself) and I'm almost finished with the second (Dark Chocolate and Cranberries).  YUM!

Anyway, we really had a great, fun-filled weekend with lots of socializing with friends and family.  Things ar going to be a lot more relaxed for the next few days, because there are no more doctor’s appointments, affairs, or holidays.  I can just be with Eric and see friends in-between.  I’m really looking forward to it!