Peppy's Dream Moving Adventure Blog

I was awakened at 10:45am this morning by my cell phone.  I assumed it was Eric, but it was my friend, Artie, to whom I have not spoken in over 6 months.  It’s not that we had a falling out or anything, we just hadn’t spoken or emailed or texted or written or communicated in any way.  It’s not that unusual.  We’ve been friends for 30 years and there have been years when we didn’t speak to each other and we lived within a few miles of each other, so the fact that we didn’t speak and we live over 3,000 miles apart made it easier to understand somehow.

Anyway he called this morning and we spoke for an hour.  We caught each other up on everything going on in our lives – the good, the bad, the ups and downs – all of it.  It was so good to hear from Artie, and it made me feel really good.  That should be everyone's New Year's Resolution -- to get in touch with someone you love who has temporarily fallen off the radar.

As soon as I hung up with him I called Eric.  It was already 2:00pm in NY and he was probably wondering how late I was going to sleep!  It was great to talk to him (as always) and we both admitted that we weren’t doing anything more than hanging around our apartments all day.  I did some work on my typing project, organized a little (I had to take down three 2008 calendars and put out my new 2009 SHOE and PURSE calendars, which my friends, Geri & Larry, always send me.  I LOVE those calendars.  You change the page every day to reveal a fabulous shoe or purse.  Of course I love the high heels the best, and the vintage purses – the older the better!

I had some vegetable soup for lunch and then more for dinner.  I really need to do a food shopping!

I watched TV, including a two-hour DEAL OR NO DEAL New Year’s Day special.  It was pretty disappointing.  No big money won today!  I watched two episodes of ACE OF CAKES.  Have I ever talked about that show?  It’s a reality show about a Jewish guy named Duff Goldman who has a bakery in Baltimore where they make amazing cakes in any shape you can imagine – a car, a motorcycle, a plane, a basket of yarn with knitting needles, or a huge magnum of wine.  You request it – they’ll make it.  My dream is to someday have a cake from CHARM CITY CAKES (that’s the name of the bakery – the name of the show is ACE OF CAKES).  I don’t know what the occasion will be, or what shape the cake will take, but I’m determined to meet Duff and have one of his cakes!

Tomorrow my goal is to actually leave the apartment!  I’ll go food shopping and, if it’s a nice enough day, take a walk to STARBUCKS.  I’m hoping to hear from one of the temp agencies about work for next week, but I’m not too optimistic.  It may take another week or two, but you never know!  Temping – it sure keeps life exciting!

I had another pretty lazy morning.  I spoke to Eric 3 times, watched TV, cleaned the apartment and worked on my typing project.  I went out in the early afternoon to go food shopping.  I might not have gone if I didn’t really need food, because it was surprisingly cold out in San Diego today.  It was only 53 degrees and overcast, so I had to wear my brown fleece, which I bought in Sausalito.  Okay, it’s not even really a jacket, but it WAS chilly out!

Eric had suggested I give one of my friends a call, to try to make plans for the weekend, so I called Rosemary and left a message.  She called me back and we made plans to go see THE READER tomorrow.  She’ll pick me up at 2:30pm for a late lunch/early dinner, and then we’ll go see the movie at 4:30pm.  Afterwards, I invited her back to see the apartment.

Once I hung up with her I knew I had my work cut out for me.  The apartment is clean, it always is, but I have been packing and unpacking boxes and there was stuff all over the living room floor!  I had four boxes completely re-packed and ready to tape up.  I made a new list of boxes and wrote exactly what is in each one.  Then, I put them back in a hall closet where they were before.  I won’t have to take them out again until it’s time for them to leave!

I organized the rest of the stuff, either putting it in the back room (which is always a disaster) or making it look nice and neat in the living room. I store a lot of stuff in decorative wicker suitcases and have about 8 of them, which are all filled and ready to be put into a big box.  I just need the big box so, until then, they look great and I don’t need to move them.

I put away all my craft supplies, even though I probably will be decoupaging next week.  I usually keep a drop cloth on the floor and two drop cloths on the table, so it’s always ready for me to work.  I picked them all up and put everything neatly away. It’s fast to set up again, and I want everything to look nice for Rosemary!

Tomorrow I will organize my desk, clean Conrad’s cage, vacuum and dust.  I’m really happy, because I was just talking about the fact that not many people have been here to see the apartment and I’m glad Rosemary will see it before it’s all packed away.

I’m going to try to get to sleep at a decent hour, so I can get up early and get everything done before she picks me up.  I’d like to do a load of laundry, too.  Lots to do.  There’s nothing like company to get you moving and cleaning.  Eric and I always used to say that the house never looked better than when we were having company!

It’s not that I let the place get dirty, but I am perfectly capable of letting 5 or 6 pair of shoes hang out by the door, or letting papers build up on my desk until it’s a total mess.  Sometimes having a friend over is the perfect motivation to get you to do all the little things you put off on a day-to-day basis.

So, having plans for tomorrow kept me busy today. It made the day fly by and I never had time to take a nap!

I woke up at 9:30am and called Eric.  After that I got up and started cleaning.  I mean, I tore this place apart.  I usually clean one room at a time.  I’ll clean the whole kitchen – top to bottom, or take apart the bedroom, vacuum and dust, and put everything back.  Or I’ll take on the bathroom, or vacuum the entire apartment.  Today I did it all!  I tore apart every room, cleaned, vacuumed, mopped, dusted, washed, scrubbed, and organized.  This place is so clean, and I’m feeling great!

I was all ready for Rosemary.  I jumped in the shower, got dressed and was just putting the finishing touches on my makeup when she called to cancel.  She had a bad migraine. She had it this morning, but she took something and was hoping it would be gone by the time she had to pick me up.  Unfortunately, she still wasn’t feeling well.  She asked if we could possibly reschedule for tomorrow, if she was feeling better by then. I told her I was wide open, so we left it at that and hung up.

I decided since I was dressed and ready to go out that I should go out!  I started two loads of laundry, drove through STARBUCKS, and then decided to drive to an Animal Rescue Thrift Shop I had been wanting to visit.  It was a few miles down Clairemont Mesa Boulevard, which is right off Clairemont Drive.  It was very nice, well-organized, clean, and neat, but there was nothing much there at all.  At least nothing in which I was remotely interested.

I’m really not looking for anything, but if I saw something that I could use for my crafting, I might be tempted.  Anyway, I was in and out of there in five minutes, and drove back to the apartment.  I put some of my clothes in the dryer and brought the rest up to hang on the line.

Now, I was on a roll.  What else could I organize?  I took apart my entire linen closet, which is in the second bedroom. I refolded all the towels, bed linens and tablecloths and put them neatly on one shelf. I put my crafting materials on two other shelves.  On a third I put miscellaneous items, like the iron.  It looked fabulous!

What’s next?  I decided to hang my lithograph of Marilyn Monroe, which was damaged for over a year and, since she had been repaired, had been leaning against a wall in the living room.  I had three pictures over the couch, which I had hurriedly hung so I could get them off the floor.  Now, I moved them all around and hung Marilyn centered over the couch.

Off to one side, on the same wall, is my “Vlan! Du Berni” vintage liquor advertising poster.  On the wall next to the couch I put up a large framed picture of my Dad when he was 2 years old. It’s the cutest.  Next to that are two DOORS posters of Eric’s (they’re his favorite group).  Okay, so there’s no theme here.  I admit it.  I just wanted to get everything hung again, for the next few months, until they’re packed and shipped back to New York.

In the hallway I hung two Betty Boop items. One is a sericell of Betty standing at a white grand piano with Bimbo accompanying her.  The other is a picture my friend Leslie Cabarga drew when I performed as Betty Boop in 1991 at the American Bookseller’s Association’s convention at the Jacob Javits Center.

The place looks so great. I mean most of the rooms look pretty much the same as they always do, because I always keep things pretty neat, but I did put away all my crafting stuff, so when I start my next project I’ll have to bring it all out again.  My desk looks great, too.  That tends to get very messy with papers and I’ll usually take the time to organize it when I’m looking for something amongst the mess.

Anyway, I know I have a lot more organizing to do in preparation for my move, but – in the meantime – I’m definitely ready for company!  I’m hoping Rosemary will come tomorrow, and I’m going to invite the other girls over, too!  Maybe I’ll have a Girls’ Night at Peppy’s!

When I finally finished all my cleaning and organizing I relaxed and watched TV.  I gotta tell you I’m pretty exhausted.  I haven’t worked this hard in a LONG time!

I woke up around 9:00am and called Eric.  He had just finished a fast ride in  Cunningham Park and was hanging out at “the shop,” which is the bicycle shop he used to co-own, which is still a great success after 10 years.

I called Rosemary at around 11:30am to find out if she was feeling up to going to a movie.  She said she was much better, so we made plans for her to pick me up at 2:30pm and we would go out to eat and then see THE READER at 4:20pm.

We went to a shopping center in La Jolla and ate at a place called BJ’s which, unlike the discount warehouse store in NY, is a great pizza place known for their deep dish pizzas.

We shared a salad and a Spinach and Artichoke deep dish pizza, which was really amazingly delicious. We each took a piece home to have for lunch tomorrow!

THE READER is an amazing movie which takes place in a period of time between 1959 and 1995 in Germany.  It is about a relationship a young boy (15) has with an older woman (Kate Winslet).  It was beautifully filmed, and the acting was wonderful.  There is a young man who plays Michael as a boy (David Kross), and Ralph Fiennes plays him as a man.  I highly recommend it!

After the movies, we drove back to Clairemont, went through the STARBUCKS drive-through and then came back to the apartment.  I gave Rosemary the 5 cent tour, and then we just talked about the movie, and decorating.  Rosemary loved the apartment and all my knick-knacks, the artwork, all the shelves Eric hung, and the apartment itself.

She was impressed with the size of the rooms (they ARE big!) and loved the way I have it decorated.  I told her I was happy she got to see it, before it’s all packed up and gone.  This is a great apartment and I hope Eric and I can find something similar in Queens when I get back in the spring.

After Rosemary left I worked on my typing project.  I felt kind of guilty, because I didn’t work on it all weekend.  There’s no rush on the project, but I feel like I can’t start my craft project until the typing is done, and I DO want to get to the decoupaged box I am commissioned to make, so I need to finish typing!

I’m half hoping/half dreading getting a call from the agencies this week.  I do want to go back to work, but not before I finish all my projects!  I must get busy this week, in case they really do call!

I heard from three friends I don’t talk to or hear from very often, which was a great thing.  It was all very coincidental.  They all just decided to call today.  I was so happy to hear from each of them and it makes me realize that falling out of touch with someone does not mean that you don’t still love them, think about them, want the best for them, and need them in your life.  Sometimes we just get lazy and don’t communicate as well as we should, even though it’s now easier than ever with texts, emails, cell phones, Facebook, My Space, etc.

I always say that there are friends I've known for twenty or thirty years.  We may not talk for a year, but if I run into them, or they call, it's like we pick up right where we left off.  It's just that easy.  I'm not one of those people who keeps score of who called who last and who gets mad if I don't get a holiday card, or a phone call, or an email.  Sometimes people apologize to me for not keeping in touch and I just say, "As long as you're happy and healthy, then I'm good."  I know I'm not the best communicator.  I'm definitely NOT a telephone talker.  I would MUCH rather email someone at my convenience than have to sit and talk on the phone, but everyone's different!

Anyway, I had another bad allergy day today.  It’s really starting to get me down.  I mean, I can’t live on EMERGEN-C, DAYQUIL and NYQUIL for the rest of my life, can I?  I was relieved to hear that Rosemary took a box of tissues with her to her spinning class the other day, because her allergies were so bad.  I felt bad, but it was nice to know I’m not the only one.  There must be something about San Diego winters!

So, because I wasn’t feeling well all morning I got a very late start to my day.  I finally got out of the house at around 2:00pm.  I needed to go to the post office, drug store, and of course Starbucks!  I tried a new coffee today, which Rosemary highly recommended – an Espresso Truffle.   Yummy-yum-yum!  I DO have to stop these drinks, though, because they’re SO fattening!  I’m trying to lose weight and most of the drinks I get are at least 300 calories, which is a LOT!

It was a gorgeous day – I was able to run all my errands in just a long-sleeved t-shirt.  The sun felt great and made me feel a lot better.

I finally got a chance to upload the pictures of my latest creation (with the help of Katie, my web master) on my crafts blog.  If you’d like to check out Marlene’s ‘80s Earring Mosaic Mirror, click here: www.peppysdream.com/craftsblog

I worked on my typing project for a while today.  I’m happy to report that I will definitely finish it this week.  I only have about 25 pages left.  Wheee!  That makes me VERY happy, because then I can get to my decoupage project!

Today was the first day in weeks that I didn’t have to blow my nose over and over.  That’s not to say I didn’t blow my nose at all, but it was definitely a lot less and less frequently.  I took NYQUIL last night, which made me sleep very well and have some weird dreams.

I told Eric this morning, when I woke up at 9:00am and called him, that I dreamt I went back in time – to the early 1960s.  I was with a bunch of women, waiting on a line for something, and I felt compelled to tell them what was going to happen in the future – but not WAY in the future – just their immediate future.  I told them that Jackie Kennedy would make the Chanel suit and pillbox hat very big while she was in the White House.  What’s up with THAT?  Where do I get this stuff?

Then, in another part of the same dream, I was temping.  Temping in the past!  I had a boss who was wearing this loud, green paisley brocade jacket with shiny lapels.  He looked like he was about to do an act in Vegas.  I was sitting with another girl and she was punching out these cards, folding them along perforated lines.  I asked her what they were and she told me they were for a Rolodex.  I wanted to tell her that in a few years a Rolodex would be obsolete, because everyone would keep all their information on the computer, or in their cell phones, but I kept that information to myself.  Again – how do I come up with this stuff?

Anyway, when I finally woke up, it was a gorgeous day in San Diego, so when I got up I decided to take my little cart and go food shopping.  I walked there and back and it was so nice out that I only wore a t-shirt.  Fabulous!   I got a 12-pack of SNAPPLE (yay!) and a new 60 calorie, sugar free Jello pudding called Dulce de Leche.  It’s really good and only 60 calories per serving!  I usually have the Dark Chocolate, but I saw this and decided to try something new.  You know I’m a Chocoholic, but this is a nice change!

My favorite cereal was on sale -- Special K Chocolately Delight -- 80 cents off -- so I bought FOUR boxes!  That should last me a while!

When I got back I put the food away and then walked to STARBUCKS.  I got a sugar free Cinnamon Dolce non-fat latte, which is less fattening, but I just didn’t enjoy it as much as the Mocha.  I don’t think I’ll get it again.  I figure if I’m going to walk all the way there to get it, I’m going to enjoy it!

I walked back to the apartment.  In all, I walked 9,173 steps today.  Over 5,000 were aerobic steps (which means I was walking at a fast pace, instead of just walking).  I burned 206 calories and the walk totaled 3.32 miles.  They say if you want to lose weight you have to walk over 10,000 steps a day, unless you have some other form of exercise.

I DID have my yoga class tonight, so I figure I must have burned a few calories there.  There were 19 people in the class tonight – the most I’ve ever seen.  This class is extremely popular, because the teacher is so great and the class is so enjoyable.  Tonight, my mat was next to a little girl.  She couldn’t have been more than 10.  She was so cute.  I wish I could have taken yoga with my mom when I was young!

When I got home I watched the season premiere of THE BIGGEST LOSER.  Then I watched a PRIMETIME show called WHAT WOULD YOU DO?  Now that the holidays are over there is a lot more to watch on TV.  That’s good and bad.  Good, because I love TV, but bad because I have so much else to do and I’m easily distracted by a good TV show and you know how I love Reality TV!

I’m determined to start going to sleep earlier (than my usual 1:00-2:00am) and wake up earlier (actually get up at 9:00am, instead of going back to sleep after I talk to Eric!).  I am SO afraid that I’ll get a call about a job and be totally unprepared for the early hours and long days.  I’ve gotten VERY lazy over the last six weeks.  It doesn’t take long for your body to completely forget the schedule it was on for 10 months.

I only have about 20 pages left on my typing project, so I know I’ll be done by the end of this week.  That means that it would be perfect timing for one of the agencies to call with temp work for next week.  I just have to keep my fingers crossed and follow up with them.

Eric is actually hoping that I won’t go back to work and will, therefore, be able to pack up quicker and come back sooner.  It sounds good in theory, but I would feel guilty not working from now until I went back to NY.  I just think it’s important to have money coming in from both of us, since we’re now paying two rents.

It would definitely help if I was on unemployment, but I still don’t know how that will work out.  I really would like to go back to work for the firm I was working for.  That would be the best case scenario, but I don’t know if or when they’ll need me again.  In the meantime, I just have to get all my projects finished, so if I DO go back to work soon, I won’t have anything else to worry about!

Today was a day of ups and downs – literally!  I woke up at 9:00am, spoke to Eric, and then thought about my friend, Tifney, and how nice it would be to meet her for lunch.  I went on the computer and there was an email from Tifney, telling me she wanted to meet for lunch, but had to get her car washed, so she wanted to meet at a Shell station near the office where there is a great deli.  She called it our “Ghetto Car Wash Lunch.”

Actually the truth is, the food was delicious!  I had a Tuna Special on sourdough bread with sprouts, lettuce, tomato and avocado.  It came with a bag of chips and a drink.  The only drink they had that wasn’t carbonated was Lemonade, which was too sweet, but I just took a few sips anyway.

We sat outside at one of the few empty tables (this is obviously the place to go at lunchtime – get your car washed, eat good food – multi-tasking at it’s very best).  The sun was shining and it was so glorious.  I talked about how I’m so tempted to go back to NY earlier than planned, especially if I’m not working, but then I said, “Sitting out here in the beginning of January with the sun shining, is the only reason why I’m staying!”  Tifney had to agree.  The winter weather in San Diego cannot be beat.  So, for now, I’ll stay put, but I still think I could move back in March or April, rather than May!

Tifney is great and I always have a lot of fun with her.  Life with her is an adventure!  We laughed a lot, filled each other in on what’s going on, and then she was back to work and I was back to the apartment.  I was tempted to go to STARBUCKS, but I really needed to work on my typing project.  So, instead of taking a long walk and feeling good about myself for exercising, I typed for a few hours and felt good about myself because I’m almost finished with the book.  I actually finished the text and just have to type all the references, which are a pain, because it’s all names, dates, page numbers, etc., and then the Index and then “About the Author” and then – Fini!

I could sit for hours and type, type, type, because it doesn’t bore me or bother me, but my neck, shoulders and upper back get SO stiff.  I try to relax and sit in a good position, but it’s hard to maintain and I find myself tensing up and my shoulders are right under my ears. I complained to my massage therapist that I feel extreme pain if I have to reach behind my back – like if you’re zipping up a zipper – and she said it’s because the muscles that connect my arms to my shoulders are shortened, because they’re always in a forward position, because of my typing, and very rarely in a stretched or extended position.

She showed me some exercises to do to try to stretch those muscles and tendons, but it’s SO painful that I can only do it a little at a time.  Yoga helps, because inevitably we do one or another position that makes me feel that pain, but I just breathe through it and know it’s the only way to fix it.  Anyway, typing for more than an hour or two at a time is unbearable, which is why this project has taken me so long.

I should be able to finish tomorrow, which means that I can start my decoupage project at last.  I emailed the woman for whom I am making the box and apologized for not getting it to her sooner.  I haven’t heard back from her, so she either didn’t get my email yet or she hates my guts and never wants to speak to me again!  I’m pretty sure it’s the former, but I am so guilt-ridden because she gave me all the stuff to do the box before I left the firm on November 22nd and now it’s January 7th – six weeks!  I know she’s not in a rush for it, but I still feel bad.  It’s the old Jewish Guilt.  Oy!

So, tonight I was talking on the phone with my friend, Susan, and she fell and she banged her head (right by the eyebrow) and her ribs.  Thank God she didn’t split her head open, but she thought she cracked a rib.  I felt SO bad, because she was distracted by talking to me and now she had to make a trip to the emergency room.

I just hung up with her and she said she was in and out of there in about an hour, which is great.  They said the x-rays looked fine and she could have a slight crack but they don’t do anything except give you pain pills and something to breathe into, to make sure you keep breathing full breaths.  A lot of times you take shortened breaths when you have a cracked rib and it’s not good for your lungs.

They just told her to limit her movement and try not to cough.  I really am so worried about her and I hope she is able to get a good night’s sleep.  Oy!  More J.G. (Jewish Guilt!).  I hope you feel better soon, Susan!!

I didn’t do much tonight, other than type and watch TV.  I’m hoping to get to bed early and get out tomorrow for a nice walk to STARBUCKS, and then finally finish this book!

The first thing I did this morning, after I spoke to Eric, was call Susan to see how she was doing.  She is in a lot of pain, but resting comfortably and of course her husband Andrew is taking good care of her.  I had to NOT be funny, because she told me that laughing hurt a lot.  It’s funny, but the harder you try not to be funny, the funnier you seem to be!

I finally finished my typing project today.  Hooray!  It felt like I was working on it for months, but it was really just about 3 weeks.

I got busy typing this morning, finished the job, emailed it to my friend, and then got dressed to go out.  I wanted to get a flat on my bicycle fixed, so I can ride my bike.  Eric took the wheel off before he left for NY in September and I just got the flat fixed today.  Okay, so I’m not the most ambitious exerciser in the world!

I just figured that walking 3 miles to Starbucks was do-able, but I didn’t think I could make the 6 miles to and from the shopping center, but I knew I could easily ride it on my bicycle, because I already did it with Eric.  It’s pretty flat all the way, so it’s a very easy ride.

The bicycle shop fixed the flat for $12.  Eric told me to ask the guy to show me how to put the wheel back on and hook up the brake, and then he would talk me through it on the phone when I got home, which he did.  Eric is a great teacher and even over the phone he was able to explain it all, so that I could figure it out and get everything put together.

The memory box I am making will feature ticket stubs, invitations, photos, maps, and other memorabilia, but the girl told me her décor is red/white/and black in the room where she will keep the box, so I wanted to find some interesting papers to use.  I went to MICHAELS, but unfortunately, I couldn’t find anything.  The good news is I DID find some great stuff going through all my decoupage cuttings when I got home.  I have enough papers cut from magazines, catalogs, etc., to decoupage about 100 projects and still would have enough for more!  I have them all divided into categories – Animals, Asian, Art, Butterflies, Cats & Dogs, Flowers, Maps and Travel, Movie Stars, Cosmetics and Perfume, etc., etc., etc.

After I had all my materials together, I put down my drop cloths, put on my apron, and started to work.  I worked for about 2 hours and then had a bowl of SPECIAL K CHOCOLATEY DELIGHT for dinner while I watched UGLY BETTY.  It was SO great tonight.  It made me laugh out loud several times.  I love that show.  It’s funny, fashionable, and sweet – all at the same time!  I had tears in my eyes at the end.  If you watched, you know why!  If you didn’t, there’s no need to explain!

I’m planning to go for a ride on my bicycle tomorrow.  I hope I don’t poop out.  I’m very good at planning things and then pooping out.  I want to work on the box some more, and I’m having a sushi dinner with Elsa at HAIKU tomorrow night, but I should be able to fit in a fast bicycle ride in between.  At least I hope I can!

I had a pretty busy day today, except I didn’t get a chance to ride my bicycle!  I had to bring two packages to the post office and I knew I had to make a trip to MICHAEL’S (more on that later), so I decided to go in the car.

I stopped at STARBUCKS, then mailed my packages at the post office, then went to MICHAEL’S and then came home and did two loads of laundry and went to the bank.  I got my first unemployment check today.  Wheeee!  I haven’t been on unemployment since a six-week period from 1982-1983 and I worked steadily until 2002, when I opened my shop (which was still working, of course, but I wasn’t paying into unemployment).  So, I think I’m entitled, don’t you?  It’s not much, but it’s better than nothing!

I went to the website at which they require you to register, and I looked at all the job openings.  Unfortunately, there was nothing that fit me, so I have to hope the temp agencies come up with something, although I’ve heard they’re doing REALLY bad and no one is using temps right now.

After running all my errands, I cleaned a little, and then relaxed and watched a few decorating shows and ended up falling asleep for an hour.  When I woke up I took a shower, got dressed and waited for Elsa to pick me up for our sushi dinner at HAIKU.  I was very excited, because I haven’t seen Elsa since the holiday party and I really miss her.

We had a conversation going back and forth on FACEBOOK between a few girls in the office.  I told Elsa that I missed going to work with her, so she should pick me up in the morning and I’d just wait in the car until she got out of work, and then she could drive me home.  She said she thought she could sneak me into the office and I could hang out in the file room.  This went back and forth with Stacie saying no one would find me in there, because no one goes in there anymore, and me saying they could bring me lunch and a coffee from the coffee cart (which I really miss, by the way).  Then, I said it would be just like Anne Frank, but without the Nazis!  They really got a kick out of that!

Anyway, Elsa said things at work are very slow and they’re not hiring permanent, temp, consultants, etc.  Everyone’s cutting back wherever they can.  It’s not a good time to be unemployed, that’s for sure.

When Elsa came to pick me up she came up to the apartment.  It was the first time she’d ever been inside.  I’ve never been to her house either, but she has two dogs and a cat, so there’s a reason.  I told her I felt bad that she had never been to the apartment, after being friends for almost a year, but it’s just that when Eric was here he wasn’t really up for company, and once he was gone I just never had the opportunity to invite her.  I was embarrassed, because my laundry was all hanging on the line, but she said she was glad she got to see it, because she got a kick out of seeing all my pajamas hanging on the line – Betty Boop, records, and cereal boxes!

She drove to Haiku and we had the most delicious dinner.  We started with Miso Soup, Shumai and a Coma, which is deep fried jalapeno with cream cheese and spicy salmon.  It is SO delicious.  We also got a Spicy Crunchy Shrimp Roll and a spicy tuna roll.  We couldn’t even finish the last roll.  We were stuffed, but it was SO good!  We talked a lot and filled each other in on what's happening in our lives.  Elsa is a sweet, beautiful girl and I feel so lucky that I got the job I did, because I met her and we became friends.  She's smart, and funny, and a pleasure to be with.

When I got home I called Jimmy and we talked for a while.  I told him I was wishing I had some STARBUCKS and was tempted to go out and drive there.  He said, “Go for it!”  So, I did! 

As I walked to the parking lot I looked up and noticed that the moon was SO bright it was like a spotlight in the sky.  I stared and stared, because I just couldn’t believe how bright it was.  Then, a few minutes ago I read on YAHOO! that tomorrow is the “biggest, brightest full moon of the whole year.”  Wow!  Tonight’s was already REALLY big, full and bright, but be sure to look up at the sky Saturday night! You don't want to miss it!

I was through the drive-through and back to the apartment in 15 minutes and then had a great drink while I worked on my decoupage project for the next 3 hours.

So, as you know, I started my decoupage project last night and I was very enthusiastic about the results so far.  This morning, I woke up at 8:00am and was just lying in bed thinking about it.  Suddenly, something came to me.  I’m an idiot!

Last night, I started with the bottom of the box (which is like a shoe box) and put the lid aside, so it wouldn’t get dirty, or get glue on it.  All of a sudden this morning, I realized that I forgot to take into account the lid closing over the top of the box.  The lid covers the top inch-and-a-half, so everything I put at the top would be covered when the lid was on!  If the lid was off most of the time, or if the box would be displayed open, it wouldn’t be so bad, but she would only open it to put something in or get something out and it would almost always have the lid on, which means you’d see the middle of a picture and the top would be cut off!  Also, when I tried it, I found that having the pictures go all the way to the top made the box lid hard to get on and off.  That would never do!

I decided the only thing to do was start over.  I took some of the pictures and memorabilia that I had reproduced in color and made more color copies.  Then, I went to MICHAEL’S and bought another box.

This time, I put the lid on and drew a pencil line all around on the box, so I’d know where to start my pictures.  Then, I put blue painter’s tape all around the top, so it would stay clean.  The first box was all white, but this one was red, so at least the exposed, un-decoupaged top would be decorative.

So, tonight I completed the whole bottom of the box and just need to do the lid and the very bottom of the box (which you won't really see, but I decoupage anyway!).  Two things happened.

First, when I removed the painter’s tape (which I had already experimented with on the old box and seemed fine), the red paper on the box ripped in two places.  Then, when I put the lid on, some of the red was visible.  I realized that when I made my pencil mark I put my hand on the top, to make sure it was steady and I probably was pushing it down harder than it normally sits.  Oy!

I decoupaged a few pictures over the rips (which – fortunately are on the back of the box) and still haven’t figured out what I’m going to do about the red parts that show on the one side.  It’s weird, because on three sides it’s perfect and you can’t see any red, it’s just one long side of the box where the red shows.

I’m such a perfectionist, so it REALLY bothers me.  I’ll have to be very clever.  I hope I’m up to it!

Tomorrow I’m going to have lunch with Rosemary at a great Chinese restaurant on Convoy Street.  I know I’ve mentioned Convoy Street before.  It’s off Balboa and just about 3 or 4 miles from the apartment.  It should be called “Asia Town,” because every kind of Asian food you can imagine can be found on Convoy Street – Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Japanese.  It's a really fun neighborhood.

Eric and I went to two Vietnamese restaurants on Convoy and I think I went to another restaurant with someone else, but I can’t remember who or where (I'm really getting old!).  Anyway, we’re going to a place called IMPERIAL HOUSE, which she highly recommends.

I’ve only had Chinese food about 3-4 times in the last year-and-a-half, so I’m really looking forward to it!

So, I’ve been working on my project pretty much non-stop for the past few days.  Jimmy says I'm "DecouCrazy!"  He's so clever!  Anyway, it’s coming along fine, and I've pretty much resolved all the problems.  The only thing I have left to decoupage is the bottom of the box.  Then, I need to paint the ball feet black and attach them to the bottom, varnish the whole thing, then line the whole inside of the box with padding and black velvet, so it’s as lovely inside as out!

I didn’t do much else today, until 3:30pm I left the apartment to go to MICHAEL’s (third time this week) to buy black spray paint for the ball feet.  Unfortunately they didn’t have high gloss, just satin, and I want high-gloss, since the finish on the box is going to be high-gloss.

Then, I met Rosemary for dinner at IMPERIAL MANDARIN on Convoy Street.  We shared fried cream cheese and crabmeet wontons (amazing) and she had Kung Pao Chicken, while I had Kung Pao Shrimp.

Rosemary and I never run out of conversation, and we had a great time talking and laughing.  When it was time to go, we walked outside and looked up at the moon.  It was, indeed, even brighter than I remembered last night.  You almost needed sunglasses to look at it!

I drove through STARBUCKS and pointed it out to the girl at the drive-through window.  I told her to tell everyone inside to come look at the moon, because it was the biggest, fullest, brightest moon we’d see all year!

I pulled into a spot and called my parents in Florida.  They said they noticed the moon when they went out at 6:00pm, but they went outside (it was almost 10:00pm in FL) and they couldn’t believe how bright it was.  I said it was just amazing to me that it could be so bright in Florida AND in San Diego, but I guess I’m not very smart.

When I got home I called Eric and told him to look at the moon, but he said it was snowing hard and there were clouds all over.  I told him the moon was SO bright that you would probably be able to see it through the clouds, but he said I was crazy and went back to watching his football game!  He’s such a romantic!

After working on the computer for a while I was going to start working on the box again, but decided to wait until tomorrow.  I was pretty exhausted and figured I’d just wash up, get in my pjs, put on my fluffy robe and watch TV.  After all, it’s Saturday night!  There was a MONK marathon on all day today and I DVR’d all of them, so I can pick and choose some to watch.  There are some that I’ve only seen once – the first time they aired – and others that I love so much I can watch over and over.

I have absolutely no plans for tomorrow.  I need to do a food shopping, and I need to go to COSTCO to get gas and I also have a $3.50 coupon for KLEENEX tissues and you know I’ve gone through about 5 boxes in the last few weeks, so I really need them!

I had a VERY weird night’s sleep.  I had a long day yesterday – up earlier than usual and didn’t have a nap – so I was pretty tired when I started watching TV at around 9:00pm.  I knew I was going to fall asleep early, and I was actually happy, because I thought then I’d get up early and be able to do a lot today.

I turned off the TV before 10:00pm and fell asleep.  Next thing I knew, it was pitch dark, I was wide awake, and my nose was running like crazy!  I didn’t want to look at the clock, because that kind of gets my wheels turning more – if I actually know what time it is.  I blew my nose a couple of times and tried to fall back to sleep, but it wasn’t happening.  Finally, I looked at the clock and it was 12:30am.

All I did was take a nap!  My body is so un-used to me going to bed early that it just woke up 2 hours later!  Now, it was 12:30am, my nose was running and I wasn’t sleepy.  I decided to take two NYQUIL caplets, so it would dry me up and I could sleep.  I turned on the TV and watched about a half hour of SNL (very funny with Neil Patrick Harris, whom I love) before I fell back to sleep.

I woke up at 9:45am, called Eric and told him what happened.  I told him that even though I had a good night’s sleep, I was SO groggy, which is why I don’t like to take the NYQUIL.  He said, “If you’re still tired, go back to sleep!”  So, after I hung up the phone, I did!

I woke up again at 11:30am.  It’s pretty amazing how many hours sleep I got -- about two hours from 10-12, then about 8 hours with the NYQUIL, then 2 more!

When I finally got up I had breakfast (cereal), then worked more on my decoupage project.  The box is totally finished.  I applied my “Made with love by Peppy” label on the bottom.  Then, I sanded the giant wood beads I will be painting black to use as the feet.

I decided to ride my bicycle to the shopping center (3 miles each way), so I could get the guy at the bike shop to check the bike and make sure I put the wheel back on correctly, buy a bike rack for the back and a lock, too, so I could lock it up when I go into a store.

It was a gorgeous day – 67 degrees – and the sun was shining.  All I wore was my bicycle jersey and bicycle shorts and it was perfect.  I rode straight to the bicycle shop (QUALITY BICYCLES in the Clairemont Town Square shopping center) and got all set up.  He also put a reflector on the bike rack for me, in case I ever ride at night (which I don’t anticipate but, hey – you never know!).

When I left there I rode to STARBUCKS.  It was very interesting, because the CHARGERS were in the playoffs today and EVERYONE in San Diego was inside watching TV.  The streets were pretty deserted, as were the stores.  I knew the CHARGERS weren’t doing well, because I kept hearing people screaming as I was riding my bicycle past houses, and it didn’t sound like cheers, but screams of disappointment.

When I spoke to Eric, he told me the GIANTS lost, as well as the CHARGERS.  Oh, well.

Anyway, as I was riding to STARBUCKS it was starting to get a little chilly, because I was riding on the shady side of the street.  When I stepped into STARBUCKS it felt like they had the heat on.  I was going to get a hot drink, but I figured then I’d have to sit there until the whole thing was finished, so I got a frappuccino, which I could hold as I rode back.  I sat for a few minutes and enjoyed the drink and then got back on the bicycle.

I actually put my drink in the pocket in the back of my jersey, which worked out great!  I had my cell phone, keys, and other stuff in a small bicycle bag which is strapped to my new bike rack and I wore the lock in a circle over my head and shoulder, which the guy at the bicycle shop told me was the easiest way to carry it.  It all worked out great!

When I got home I was tired, but also exhilarated.  The ride really felt great!

I had my leftover Kung Pao Shrimp and rice for dinner and then varnished the top of the decoupaged box.  It really came out beautifully.  I have to do the sides, and then the bottom.  I need to paint the ball feet black and then have the holes drilled in the bottom of the box to attach them, and then I will line the whole inside with the black velvet, so there are quite a few steps left.

Decoupage is much more time-consuming and complicated than jewelry mosaics, because there’s so much “finishing.”  With my jewelry mosaic projects, when the jewelry is glued, it’s done.  No varnishing, or painting (at least not afterwards), no lining, etc.  So, decoupage projects tend to take a lot longer.  I really want this to be well-varnished, because I’m hoping they will have it for many, many years to come and I want it to look great!

Tomorrow I am having lunch with Stacie from work.  I haven’t seen her since the office party a month ago, but we talk on FACEBOOK all the time, so I do manage to stay up-to-date on what’s going on with all the girls.

Tonight I watched EXTREME MAKEOVER: HOME EDITION, DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES and DVR’d the GOLDEN GLOBES, so I can watch tomorrow and fast forward through the speeches if I don’t know or care about the person.  For me it’s all about the fashion!

I got an email from an old college friend, Robin, who lives in Jersey.  She had written to wish me and Eric a happy new year and find out how we’re doing.  I felt bad writing back and telling her the whole saga of the last year, but she wrote back right away and was very sympathetic, but also REALLY happy I’m coming back in the spring.  It IS very gratifying that so many people are happy we’re coming back.  It makes it that much easier to know there are so many friends waiting with open arms for us.

Anyway, Robin asked if I’d like a visitor and I told her DEFINITELY!  So, she’s planning to come out for a week in February.  I am SO happy!  We’ve been friends for over 30 years (we went to college together) and she’s so much fun to be with.  I’m already planning all the fun places I’ll take her, and the great restaurants we’ll go to.

I told her to be prepared to gain weight, because I’m going to take her to all the places Eric and I take our friends when they come – HAIKU for sushi (in Pacific Beach), THE BIG KITCHEN (in South Park) and THE WAFFLE STOP (on Hotel Circle) for breakfast, TASTE OF THAI (in Hillcrest), and THE STUDIO DINER (open 24 hours right here in Clairemont) for good old diner food!  I can also take her to a great Vietnamese or Chinese restaurant on Convoy Street.  And then there’s Little Italy!  Oh, we’ll be eatin’ out alright!

I also told her I’d take her to the zoo, Mission Bay, shopping in Hillcrest and La Jolla, and to my yoga class on Tuesday night.  She’s very excited about that.  Robin was a professional dancer for many years and still loves to dance, but now she’s really into ballroom.  She told me she’s going to find a place that teaches West Coast Swing, which is what she’s into right now, and we’ll go together.  That’s something I’M very excited about!  I told her I’ve been talking about taking ballroom classes since I got here, but never got my act together!

It’s wonderful to have something great like this to look forward to.  Can you tell I’m excited?

Before I tell you about my day, I must show you what I consider to be the best and worst at the Golden Globes last night.  I looked online at the best and worst and my favorite dress of the whole night was actually on one of the WORST lists, so it’s all according to taste, obviously.

Anyway, my favorite dress of the whole evening was worn by Miss Golden Globes herself – Rumer Willis.  The color was dramatic -- a deep purple -- and so much nicer than black, the fit was perfect, and the detailing was extraordinary.  It had that little bit of bling and sparkle at the waist, which of course you know I loved.

My worst was worn by someone I do not know.  All I know is the color was horrendous (a mustard yellow) and the shape was ridiculous.  If I told you that I whipped this thing up, you’d have no problem believing me – and I’m not a designer and I don’t sew!  Not only is the color bad, but it doesn’t fit well, isn’t flattering, and doesn’t make any sense.   There's actually a line goint from her crotch down the center of the gown, which looks like it needs a good ironing.  PLEASE correct me if I’m wrong!

There were many great gowns on the red carpet last night, but those are my very best and worst.  I won’t bore you with the rest!

So, on to my day.  I cannot believe how warm it was in San Diego today.  They say it’s the Santa Anna winds.  I know I’ve mentioned before that everything that happens in San Diego is blamed on the Santa Anna winds – allergies, warmth, cold, rain, wind, sun, fire, mudslide, etc.  It’s the catch-all for whatever happens here!

Anyway, I woke up and the sun was just beaming in the windows.  I opened the door and it felt remarkably warm.  I don’t want to rub it in, especially for those of you who are in New York or thereabouts and suffering through the cold and snow, but this IS my last winter here, so forgive me if I am REALLY enjoying it!

I met my friend Stacie for lunch.  We went to Soup Plantation, which is very popular with the firm I was working for, because it’s just 5 minutes away.  We had a delicious lunch of soup and salad.  Stacie is working on something creative and I’m helping her.  That’s all I can say right now, not only because I don’t want to jinx it, but because she doesn’t know about my blog, and I don’t think it’s fair to say.  I will give more details when it’s appropriate!

After lunch we drove back to the office and I got a coffee from the coffee cart for the first time since November.  It was as good as I remembered!  It’s not STARBUCKS, but it’s made fresh by the sweetest girl (who is getting married in May) and it’s still very yummy!

After I left Stacie I drove to La Jolla to do a little shopping.  I didn’t buy much – just some cute black and white folders in STAPLES.  It’s not that I need them, I just couldn’t resist!

After that I went to the bicycle shop near me, because I owed $1.31.  I know, why bother?  It’s just that they were very nice to me and I felt bad, because I didn’t have enough money with me when I went there yesterday on my bicycle, so I thought it was only right that I give them what I owed.
Then, I headed to COSTCO, just so I could fill up with gas.  It cost me exactly $20.02.  The price has gone up a little, but it’s still MUCH better than last year!

After that I headed home and spent the rest of the afternoon working on my project.  I varnished several sides of the lid and box and painted the ball feet black.  I was going to use spray paint, but they didn’t have any at MICHAEL’S and I had black acrylic paint in a tube, so I just painted them using a brush.  It took all of 10 minutes and they came out GREAT!

I have more varnishing to do tomorrow and I also have to varnish the feet.  Then, I am going to bring the box and feet to ACE HARDWARE, because a young man there told me he’d be happy to put the feet on for me, for a few bucks.  If Eric was here, of course he’d do it for me, but he’s not, so I’ve got to count on a handyman at ACE!

I spent another hour on the phone with my friend, Robin, who is coming to visit for a week in February.  We are both SO excited, we’re like silly little girls.  I keep telling her all the fabulous places I’m going to take her, and we keep talking about how great it’s going to be.  Robin and I can talk for 5 hours without stopping, so I told her we’re both going to be hoarse after all the talking we’ll be doing for a whole week!

I meant to go food shopping today, but I just never left the apartment again, so I really must go tomorrow.  I don’t have much in the house at all.  I will definitely do that, and try to get a lot more done on my decoupaged box.  I can’t wait to give it to Kristin.  She’s going to flip!

It was 80 degrees today.  I mean 80 degrees in January is unusual – even for San Diego!  The normal temperature for this time of year is about 65 degrees.  The record for this day is 83, so we didn't beat the high, but it's still very hot!  I’m not sure why, but it’s probably those Santa Anna’s again!

I just heard on the news (as I’m typing) that it will stay this warm for the next 7-10 days.  I’m not complaining, mind you.  I’m perfectly happy!

Anyway, I was working hard in the apartment today -- scrubbing the tub, vacuuming, etc., and schvitzing!  I had no idea how hot it was outside until I started varnishing my project.  When I opened the front door and went outside, I felt it immediately.  Wow!  I wish it was going to be like this in February, when Robin comes for a week, but it will probably be back to a normal 65-70, which I’m sure will feel just as good to a girl from Jersey!

I worked on my project and did stuff around the apartment until after noon and then I ran a few errands before heading to HILLCREST to get my color touched up.  John thought I was getting a haircut, too, but I told him I’m liking it a little longer, so if it starts to get unmanageable I can always come just for a haircut.

After I got my touch up, I had an appointment with one of the owners of HAIRSPRAY (it’s a husband and wife team) to get my eyebrows shaped.  Annie has a reputation as being an eyebrow wizard and she did an amazing job.  My eyebrows are extremely short and thin, from years of over-tweezing.  I tried to let them grow in during the last 6 weeks, because I wasn’t working and didn’t really think it showed too much, but the only hairs that were growing in were in all the wrong places and growing in the wrong direction.

Annie trimmed them, plucked, waxed and I came out of there looking great, if I do say so myself!  The best part was there is an adorable dog (I’m not sure what the breed is, but it looks like a black and white pug, if there is such a thing).  This dog is so quiet, gentle and sweet.  He is the owner’s dog, Bugsy, and he is sometimes there when I go.  I’ve always been nervous about getting sick, but – knock wood – it hasn’t happened yet!

Today when I was laying on the table and she was behind my head, working on my eyebrows, Bugsy must have come up the stairs to the second floor, looking for “Mommy.”  I didn’t hear a thing, but she started talking to him.  She told me if I put my legs in a “v” he would jump up and lay on me, which I did and he jumped right up.  I couldn’t see him, but the feeling of him laying on me, with his head on my chest, and me petting his little head, was SO sweet!

He started licking my hand and it was a strange sensation, since I couldn’t see him, and I'm so rarely near dogs!  Then, after a while, he turned and faced the other way and the weight of his little body was on one of my legs.  When I was done, I sat up and he turned around and gave me the sweetest look.  She told me he was 12 years old and she rescued him 2 years ago from being put down.  He really made such a great impression on me, because although I’ve seen him before, I was never “up close and personal” with him before.

Anyway, I seem to have great “doggie experiences” at HAIRSPRAY, which advertises itself as being “A High Energy, Snob Free Salon.”  And that it is!

After leaving, I drove to Los Panchos, the Mexican drive-through place John recommended last time.  I got 5 fish tacos and a cheese quesadilla and it came out to $6.58.  I ate one fish taco and one piece of quesadilla and then watched TV, varnished, and relaxed until it was time to go to yoga.

I don’t know if it was an especially strenuous class, or it was the weather, but I was sweating a lot in class tonight.  The class was really great, as always, and I feel stronger and more stretched every single week.

When I got home I had another fish taco and another piece of quesadilla.  I still have 3 more fish tacos and another piece of quesadilla for tomorrow!  It’s really good stuff.  No wonder poor people are so fat.  You can eat REALLY delicious, but fattening food, for so little money!

Speaking of fat, tonight I watched THE BIGGEST LOSER.  That show is great and it’s very exciting this season.  They keep throwing in new challenges, and changing up the rules, etc.  They’re always trying to make these shows different and keep it interesting for the audience, as well as shock the contestants.  I heard there are a lot of changes on AMERICAN IDOL, too (which premiered tonight).  I will probably watch that tomorrow morning.

I have a lot of errands to run tomorrow and then I’m having dinner with a woman I met through Jimmy.  They met through work, and she lives right here in San Diego.  When Jimmy came to visit last fall we met up with Marti and had lunch together.  We’ve been trying to get together again ever since, and it looks like tomorrow night’s the night!

It was definitely cooler today than yesterday, but still pretty hot.  I must reiterate what I said yesterday – definitely not complaining!

I was up three times this morning before my 9:00am call to Eric.  Fell back to sleep each time, but it was still annoying.  After I spoke to Eric I started varnishing again, but I wasn’t happy with the varnish I was using.  I had started with one type, but ran out and started using another type.  It just wasn’t as glossy and glass-like as the first, so I decided to stop using it and go to MICHAEL’S and buy another can of the first kind.

I thought about riding my bicycle, but I also had to go to Hillcrest, and La Jolla, so I figured I’d just do all my running around in the car (well, I guess that’s “driving around”).

I ran all my errands in Clairemont, including MICHAEL’S to get the varnish, and then headed to Hillcrest.  After I was done in Hillcrest I was going to visit Gili Anna in La Jolla.  Good thing I called first.  Turns out she’s on vacation until January 17th.  You go girl!

I came back to Clairemont and went to Rite-Aid and did a food shopping at Keil’s.  I had just enough time to do another coat of varnish on my project before I had to turn around and go back out again to meet Marti for dinner.

Unfortunately, the two varnishes did not mix well.  It turned into a “crackle-type” finish.  It actually looks really interesting, but it’s only on the front of the box, and not on the whole box.  I was freaking out a little, and thought about spraying the rest of the box, so that the whole thing would have that effect, but since I had already finished some of the sides with the first varnish it wouldn’t have been consistent.  I figure it looks good and there’s really nothing I can do now, except start over, and I’m definitely not doing that!

That's one thing about art -- you never know exactly how it's going to turn out.  It's exciting, but nerve-wracking, too!

I met Marti for dinner at 6:00pm at a restaurant a few miles away in a little shopping center on Balboa.  It’s called Mr. Fish & Chips Seafood.  It’s a very simple place with about 8 tables.  You go up to the counter and place your order and when it’s ready they call your number and give you a tray.  I got the scallops, shrimp and fish with onion rings, cole slaw and a Diet Peach Snapple.  It came out to $11.53.

Marti got fish and onion rings and brought her own water, so it was less than $10.  This place is a bargain and the batter they use is amazing.  I swear those were the best onion rings I ever had.  I felt bad that Eric isn’t in San Diego, because he LOVES a good onion ring!  Too bad we didn’t know about this place before he moved back!  I ate my shrimp, and all the scallops and onion rings except one each, and didn't even touch my piece of fish (flounder?).  I brought it home for lunch tomorrow!

When I got home I worked on a few different projects, and played around on the computer.  I’m on FACEBOOK now, and I am re-introduced to new people every day.  Today I heard from one of my really good friends from college.  We didn’t actually go to college together, but we met through people who attended and worked on shows together.  It’s been a long time and it was great to hear from her.

I also found out my cousin and her husband are on FACEBOOK and we connected that way, too, even though we email all the time.  It’s really fun!  All the girls from work are on FACEBOOK and we keep in touch several times a day that way.

It was Jimmy who introduced me to FACEBOOK.  I joined on his recommendation and I’m glad I did.  I remember, years ago, when my nephew moved to Tampa, he joined MY SPACE and told us all to join, so we could communicate.  I joined, uploaded a picture, and the next thing I knew I got a message from a total stranger telling me I was really beautiful and he wanted to get to know me.  I got so scared I immediately canceled.

It’s very different now.  You can’t get onto someone’s page and find out anything about them unless they confirm that they know you – and want you to be able to view their page.
You can search for old friends and if you find them you send them a message saying that you want to be “friends” and if they want it too they’ll confirm.  It’s that easy!

There’s still lots about FACEBOOK that I don’t know or understand, but I do know it’s a fun and easy way to connect with old friends.

So, I watched last night’s 2-hour premiere of AMERICAN IDOL tonight and it was as entertaining as always.  There are a few singers you see that you know are going to go all the way and it’s exciting to think that you’re seeing their careers from the very beginning.  That’s what’s so exciting about the show.  You’re there, with them, from the very beginning, seeing the raw talent and watching them soar, or sink.  Sometimes it’s heartbreaking, but the real talent always rises to the top!

I know if I was within the age range for the show I definitely would have auditioned.  I wish they had shows like this when I was a kid!  I don’t know if I would have made it, but you know I would have tried!

There was another 2-hour episode on tonight, so I have more talent to judge tomorrow!

Okay, so I can finally talk about what I’ve been working on this week.  I didn’t want to say anything until I was sure it was a “done deal” and it now seems definite.  One of my girlfriends from work spoke (on Facebook) about a contest they’re having for the Grammy Awards called, “My Grammy Moment.”  They’ve had it for the past couple of years.  Last year, a woman got to play her violin with THE FOO FIGHTERS, which was pretty cool.

This year it’s kind of a rip-off, because you don’t actually get to perform LIVE.  You create a one-minute video singing or lip syncing to I KISSED A GIRL by Katy Perry, which will play during her performance at the Grammy Awards.

Anyway, Stacie said she wanted to do it, but thought they wouldn’t be interested in a mother of two.  I told her that’s EXACTLY why she should do it, because most of the entry videos would be from tweens and teens who would be standing in their bedrooms.

I told her if she was nervous about it, I would direct her!  Elsa volunteered to shoot it with her camera.  The song is three minutes long and Stacie and I agreed that the last minute is the best part.  I blocked (which is like choreography, but it’s movement, rather than dance) the whole portion of the song and we worked on it today.  Elsa filmed us, so she could practice with the camera and Stacie did a great job.  She picks things up fast and moves really well.  She’s also very outgoing.  She should have been a performer!

I was interested in finding the perfect location to shoot the video, so I have been “scouting locations” around San Diego for the past few days.  I just knew we had to do it in an unusual spot – not inside someone’s house.  I found a great place in a shopping center, using an escalator, which I thought would be so interesting, but I went to talk to the management of the mall and they said, “Absolutely not.”  They were very nice about it, and I kind of knew they wouldn’t let us, so I wasn’t surprised.

I ended up finding a much better location in Hillcrest.  I was driving to look at the store window of a store that I thought would be fun, because it’s a vintage store and they have gorgeous mannequins in the window, dressed in vintage clothing.  As I was driving there I saw a young girl painting one of those transformer boxes.  (You may remember that when Eric and I first arrived in San Diego I photographed all the transformer boxes and put them on the blog, because I was so impressed with them.)

Anyway, it was a HUGE one and she was doing a design with black and white checks with a huge red heart in the middle.  In the middle of the heart was a woman’s eye, with long eyelashes.  It was PERFECT!

I took a picture with my cell phone and sent it to Stacie and talked to the artist, whose name is Hillary, and I told her that I was going to shoot a video in front of her work on Sunday.  She was very shy and didn’t say much, but I could see she was flattered and seemed happy.  I gave her my card and told her if she was interested in seeing the video when it was done she could email me and I’d send her the link.

So, today I met Stacie and Elsa at 12:45pm and we just drove over to the parking lot where I used to park my car when I was working in the office and we put the CD into my car and rehearsed for ½ hour.  Stacie has great moves, and she’s gorgeous, and I knew she’d do a great job.

I gave her a “script” which had the lyrics with all the blocking typed in, too, so she didn’t even have to write anything down.  I told her she needed to rehearse it 100 times before Sunday and she said that wouldn’t be a problem.

When it’s uploaded, I will put the link here, so you can all watch it and vote for her.  Wouldn’t it be AMAZING if she won and we all got to watch her video play on TV during the Grammy Awards?  There are going to be three winners.  If you go and watch the ones that are posted so far, they go from bad to worse.  There were only 1 or 2 that I thought were “half decent.”  So, I think she’s got a great chance!

She is going to wear all black with a faux leopard shawl that I lent her (it’s actually corduroy).  Leopard always looks sexy, plus it’s a very vintage look, and Katy Perry is ALL about vintage.  That’s why I like her so much!

After working with Stacie and Elsa I left and drove to a shopping center in La Jolla (where I found the great escalator location!).  It’s right by a DSW shoe store and I had been in there a few times drooling over these purple satin platform ankle-strap shoes I REALLY wanted.  Every time I went, there was just one pair of 6.5 left and I told myself if they were still there today, by golly, I was going to buy them.

I talked to Eric on the phone right as I was parking the car and I told him where I was headed.  He was very happy for me and was glad I was going to purchase them and told me to call him as soon as I left, to let him know if they were still there.  I actually did better than that.  They were still there and I took a picture of one foot wearing the shoe and sent it to him with my cell phone.  He loved it!

After that I came home and put the black ball feet on my decoupaged box.  First, I went to ACE HARDWARE and bought four screws, nuts, and washers.  Then, I came back home and put it all together.  I used hot glue and the screws to apply the ball feet and they came out great and will never fall off.  Those things are on for good!  I was so proud of myself, because that is a part of the job I would always leave to Eric.  He’s so handy and he can fix anything, or put anything together and he always does those kind of projects.

Now, the only step left is to line the inside with black velvet.  That gives it a really finished look, and is also very luxurious!  Kristin is SO excited.  She can’t wait!  It will probably be finished over the weekend and I can give it to her next week!

I have another project to work on.  Elsa gave me some great pictures of her trip to Europe with her husband, Stephen and I’m going to make her a “photo collage.”  I’m actually using a rectangular frame I have.  I’ll glue all the pictures and other decorative paper to the glass and then put it back in the frame.  It’s not going to be reverse decoupage, where you put the pictures on the back of the glass.  I am going to glue the pictures right to the front and then varnish it, so that it will not be covered by glass when it’s done.  I find that unless you have non-glare glass (and this isn’t non-glare) it doesn’t look as good to put the paper on the back as it does on the front.
I’d like to do a project for each of my girlfriends, before I leave San Diego.  Then they’ll always have something to remind them of me!

Tomorrow I’m having lunch with Tifney.  The office has a half day tomorrow and Monday off, so she’s meeting me here in Clairemont at 11:30am.  (They always get ½ day before a day off.  Isn’t that a cool perk?)

I’m not sure where I’ll take her yet, but there are at least 3-4 nice restaurants in the Clairemont Town Square, so we’ll probably go there, unless she wants to go to another neighborhood.  I’m up for anything.  I just love Tifney’s company!

Kaja turned 95 today, but I didn’t get to wish her a happy birthday, because every time I called her phone just rang and rang.  Finally, I called the nursing home where she lives and told the woman I was very concerned, because I hadn’t been able to get in touch with her.  The woman said, “Of course you can’t get in touch with her!  She’s been at her birthday parties all day!”  That’s my Kaja!  She’s the most popular person in the entire nursing home and she has so many friends – both on staff and other people who live there.

She has a very active social life there.  She does arts and crafts, gets her hair done, plays games, listens to performers, and has all her meals with lots of other people.  It has kept her active, happy, and as sharp as a tack.  I know I’m only 51 and I’m already losing my memory (it’s scary sometimes), but Kaja is 95 and knows exactly what’s going on.  She still remembers to send me a card for my birthday and anniversary, and every once in a while my phone will ring and it’s Kaja checking up on me!

I can’t wait to get back to NY so I can see her again.  Eric and I visited her while I was in New York in November, and it is always great to see her.  When she sent me my birthday card in December she sent me a sheet of paper telling me to wear Orange this year.  She’s really into numerology, and palm reading, and will tell you what colors to wear to make things happen for you.

Apparently, orange is a color of fascination, attraction, encouragement and success!  It increases the blood supply to the brain and stimulates appetite (that I don’t need any help with!).  It is also the king of creativity and imagination and gives vent to a person’s creative juices.

I remember when my sister Audrey came to visit us once at our house in Whitestone and I took her across the street to meet Kaja.  Kaja did a reading for her and told her that she should wear pink.  I don’t remember why, but she’ll tell you what your numbers mean for the coming year, read your palm and tell you what colors to wear.  Kaja’s amazing!  I always tell people she’s mystical and magical.  My darling, Kaja!

I went to lunch with Tifney today.  They had a half day at work and she picked me up a little before noon.  We drove over to the Clairemont Town Square and went to Chili’s.  I had a delicious salad with grilled shrimp and Tifney got buffalo chicken sandwiches (they’re little, so they give you four).

My salad was really good.  It had lots of veggies and greens, corn, pico de gallo, cilantro, along with big grilled shrimp.  Yummy!

After lunch we went over in the same shopping center to MICHAEL’S, because I had to buy something to complete my decoupage project.  When Tifney dropped me off back at home I turned around and went back out, because I wanted to return the magnified mirror Susan and Andrew gave me for my birthday.  The alarm on the mirror woke me up again at 5:18am this morning.  It hadn’t done it for a week or two, and I thought it was okay, and then all of a sudden it did it again.  The guy at BROOKSTONE said someone was playing tricks on me.  I told him I live alone, and then he said it was “even spookier.”

Anyway, I exchanged it for another style of mirror that doesn’t have an alarm clock and was able to get something else, too, because the mirror I returned was really expensive.  It had all these bells and whistles, but all I really need is some good magnification, so I can see myself when I put my makeup on.  I love my new mirror and I also got a shower radio, which I'm going to send to Eric.

After that I wandered around the mall a little and then headed home.  I worked on my project for a while and then took a nap for 2 hours.  When I woke up I worked on the box some more.  I lined the entire box with black velvet and some very thin foam, so it's plush and beautiful inside.  It is now complete and I will give it to Kristin sometime next week.  I’m very excited, because I think it came out great.  I have to photograph it and put it on my crafts blog.  I’ll let you know when I do!

After I was done I had dinner (a veggie burger and a salad) and I watched GHOST WHISPERER. There were some great guest stars and cameos.  First of all, Dan Castellanata played a ghost.  He had just one scene, but it was pretty funny.

Then, Bitsy Schram, who used to play Sharona on Monk, had one scene.  It’s pretty sad, because apparently she left Monk because she wanted more money and this is the first time I’ve seen her in ANYTHING over the past 3 or 4 years!  If that's really the reason she left, that was NOT a great career move!

Teri Polo had a scene right at the end of the episode and it’s clear she’s going to have a recurring role this season.  I do like that show, because I’m interested in any stories about ghosts and life after death.  I find the show entertaining and it's very sweet.

After that I watched Monk.  It was SO good – really funny, as usual.  As I was watching, I saw a commercial for a huge 3-day antique show on the Del Mar Fairgrounds.  As it happens, I have absolutely no plans for tomorrow, so I’m thinking I just might go!

I haven’t gone antiquing since Eric and I went to Ocean Beach (which was a fabulous day).  It will be a gorgeous day (as usual) and nice to walk around and look at lots of old stuff.  That’s my idea of a good time!

What a great day!  This morning, I got a phone call from some friends in NY who forgot about the time difference, so they woke me at 7:30am.  I muttered something about waking and me and said to call back and hung up and went back to sleep.  I woke up again at 9:30am and called Eric.

Then, I called my friends back, left them a message, and jumped in the shower.  I ate breakfast, worked on the computer for a little while, and was out the door at about 11:30am to go to the Del Mar Antique Show.  It took me about 15 minutes to drive to the Fairgrounds in Del Mar (where the race track is, and where Eric and I also saw EARTH, WIND & FIRE this past summer).

The parking lot is HUGE, but there’s a shuttle you can take that drops you off right by the entrance.  I thought it was an outdoor show, but when I got there I realized it’s indoors.  All the food vendors are outside, and they have lots of tables and chairs outside, so everyone goes out to eat lunch, but otherwise the whole show was in a huge building.

I got there a little before noon.  Admission was $8, but I got a 50% off coupon online, so I got in for $4.  Parking was $9, so I already spent $13, before I even got to the first booth!

It was a fantastic show with tons and tons of costume jewelry (I thought I died and went to heaven), vintage clothing, furniture, artwork, ephemera, china, crystal, knick-knacks, bric-a-brac, tchotkes, and decorative items.  Anything vintage or antique you could dream of was there today.

I didn’t bring much money, because I’m not working and I didn’t want to spend a lot, but I ended up spending all the money I had, charging one thing, and then going to an ATM in the building and getting MORE money.  Oy!  It was just too much fun!  I had spoken to Eric before I went and he told me to buy anything I wanted, because he wanted me to have something special for Valentine’s Day.  That’s my guy!

I ended up getting a turquoise and white vintage cotton dress that fits perfectly, except that it needs a hem (I tried it on in the bathroom at the antique show).  I also bought a gorgeous turquoise and silver clutch purse that matches great.

I got a really nice gold and blue stone vintage costume bracelet, which will go great when I wear my blue jeans.  I found three vintage paper labels that would have gone on a candy or some other box.  They’re so gorgeous and I will make color copies, so I can use them for decoupage.  I just love that kind of art work and there is so much I can do with them, just by making color copies!

Sorry the picture's blurry!

The piece in the picture above that looks like a giant brooch is really something to sew on a pillow or purse.  It's fabulous and I got it for a song!

These girls looked so adorable, I immediately fell in love with them!  I asked them if I could take their picture and they happily obliged!

I also bought a few other little things (a chartreuse silk "New York Empire State Building" hankie for $2), and a few gifts for friends, so it wasn’t “all about me.”

I got the cutest little Asian-inspired satin purses for my little cousin Elise’s birthday.  She’s having a “Candyland” birthday party, which I think is the cutest idea.  These purses are envelope-shaped and have a snap closure and then a zipper inside.  They come in all different vibrant colors.

Elise is having her party in February and when I saw these I thought they’d make perfect little party favors for all the little girls.  I immediately called Ilene and sent her a picture with my phone and she called back and said Elise liked them, so I bought two dozen.  They came a dozen to a package and were so inexpensive.  I know they’ll be a big hit with all the girls.

One woman had a table covered with jewelry and there was a big sign that said, “EVERYTHING ON THIS TABLE – 50 cents EACH).  I took a bowl and started throwing in rhinestone pins, clip-on earrings, and beautiful crystal earrings.  I had about 30 pieces, but I edited it down and spent $10 and she gave me a few extra.

Then, at the booth where I bought the blue/white vintage dress, I started telling the woman that I do jewelry mosaics and she immediately pulled out a bunch of boxes and bags of miscellaneous jewelry and told me to see what I liked.  I made a huge pile of pearl necklaces, rhinestone pins and earrings, beaded clip-on earrings, etc., and then she asked what I wanted to pay for it.  It was at least a pound of jewelry and it was all great stuff, so I told her “$15,” and she said, “Fine!”  She also told me she had tons more at home and would call me and I could meet her to buy more.

The most I spent on any one item was $25, so I really did get great buys, but boy it sure does add up!  I’d really like to go back tomorrow, because it’s the last day and they’ll probably “slash prices,” but I don’t know if I’ll have the energy.  I’m going to be up very early to direct Stacie’s video, so I have to go to bed at a decent hour.  She and Elsa are picking me up at 8:00am!!!!

I walked around the antique show for almost 6 hours today.  When I left it was almost 6:00pm.  I was home in 15 minutes, got undressed, looked at all my wonderful purchases and then relaxed for a while.  I had eaten lunch there (garlic battered artichoke hearts – OMG!  They were SO good) and had an iced coffee, so I don’t really feel tired, because of the caffeine, and I hope it doesn’t keep me up tonight.  I might have to take two TYLENOL PMs and go to bed early, to make sure I get a good night’s sleep!

It was a truly wonderful day.  I would rather spend a day at an antique show than on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, or Fifth Avenue in New York.  Looking at old things makes my heart palpitate and gives me such a rush.  It’s my true passion, and I never tire of it!

I was up at the unusual hour of 6:45am this morning, so I could get ready for Elsa and Stacie to pick me up at 8:00am.  They were right on time and we headed to Hillcrest to shoot Stacie’s video performing "I KISSED A GIRL" by Katy Perry for MY GRAMMY MOMENT.  We parked the car in a little lot that was right next to the transformer box where we were shooting, so the car was just a few feet away.

I helped Stacie put on her false eyelashes, and then picked out some of her mom’s fabulous vintage costume bracelets for her to wear.  She wore a black shirt and black jeans and sneakers and my vintage corduroy leopard shawl.  She is gorgeous and her red lipstick and blonde hair looked fabulous.

Her husband had put the portion of the song on a CD about 20 times, so we could do take after take.  Elsa set up the camera on a tripod, and we started.  People were driving by and watching us film and they kept clapping and giving us the thumbs up.  They loved it!  I was afraid Stacie would be inhibited by the people, but she wasn't at all.  She's a pro!

Stacie did it over and over and each one was perfect.  I couldn’t believe how great she was doing.  She’s not a performer and except for some shows she did in school years ago, she has never been on stage.  She was a natural!  I didn’t have to give her any tips.  She followed the blocking and choreography I gave her, but added her own twist on a few things and really made it her own.

Elsa did a great job filming.  Stacie did it about 5 times and the last one was absolutely perfect.  I said, “I don’t think we need to do anymore!”  She and Elsa watched it and we all agreed it was great.  We packed up, and went down the block to a deli for breakfast.  We had done it in less than an hour and we were really happy!

We had a lot of fun.  Elsa and Stacie work together, and I was working with both of them in HR for the last 3 months I was at the firm.  I really miss both of them and it was great to do this project, because we got to spend some quality time together.

I told them I was so happy we did it, because after I go back to NY they’ll always remember me.  They said, “How could we ever forget you?” which, of course, made me feel really good!

After breakfast, they dropped me back off at home and I did stuff around the apartment.  Stacie was going to work on getting the video uploaded, so we could start voting!

Stacie wrote me this evening and told me the video had been uploaded and approved and was now ready for viewing and voting.  If you’d like to see her submission and vote for her (multiple times) click here:  STACIE'S VIDEO!

You can vote over and over again, so please do.  You don’t have to watch it every time.  Just click on the link and click to vote!  THANKS!

This afternoon I worked on a couple of projects and took a nap, too (after all, I WAS up early!).  I also photographed my completed decoupaged box, but when I uploaded the photos to my computer, I wasn't happy with the way them came out, so I have to do it again tomorrow.

I wanted to put away the NY Empire State Building hankie I bought yesterday, but it was really wrinkled, so I decided to set up the iron and ironing board and iron it.  I did it and then got one of my three small wicker suitcases that holds my hankie collection.  I have no idea how many hankies I have, but I’d guess it’s around two or three hundred.

Instead of just putting the ironed one in there and putting the suitcase away, I started ironing more, and spent the next four hours watching an AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL marathon (first season – which I had never seen before) and ironing hankies.  As I ironed I divided them up into categories: all-over printed florals, embroidery and lace, subjects other than flowers (animals, geishas, ballerinas, etc.) and graphics (plaids, polka-dots, stripes, etc.).  I ironed every one in the wicker suitcase.  I was exhausted and stopped at around 9:00pm.

I have two other suitcases filled with hankies.  Am I REALLY going to start ironing and categorizing all of them?  Am I nuts?  Maybe.  I do have to completely clean the apartment over the next three days, because Tifney is coming over with her son on Wednesday night.  We’re going to MOUNTAIN MIKE’S across the street for dinner and then they’ll come back here to hang out and have dessert.

I want the apartment to look great and because I’ve been crafting, it’s a big mess again.  So, I have a lot of cleaning to do.  Do I really want another big project – ironing all the hankies?  I have to see how far I’ll get with this before I give up.

After the ANTM marathon, I watched EXTREME MAKEOVER: HOME EDITION and worked on the computer for a while.

I had a really great morning and it was a lot of fun.  Now, I have to promote Stacie and make sure she gets enough votes to win this thing!!!!

As usual, the alarm went off at 9:00am and the first thing I did was reach for my phone, so I could call Eric while he was at lunch.  Unfortunately, my phone wasn’t working.  Oh, it was on.  There was my wallpaper picture of Conrad Birdie, looking as adorable as ever.  It was the keypad that wouldn’t work.  I pushed every button on that phone and it was just dead.

The only button that worked was the red one that turns the phone off.  I turned it off, and waited a few minutes.  Then, I turned it back on.  All other buttons – still dead!  Well, this was a dilemma.  How was I going to let Eric know I couldn’t call him, if I couldn’t call (or text) him to let him know!

I turned on my laptop and was about to email Jimmy, to ask him to call Eric to tell him to call me, when my phone rang and it was Eric!  I told him what was happening.  He has been telling me for the past few weeks to go buy a new phone, because my phone has been doing all sorts of weird things.

I did go to the AT&T store last week, because I thought all I needed was a new battery, but they’re $50, and you can buy a new phone for less, so I knew I wasn’t going to do that.

It was REALLY hot out again today – over 80 degrees, so I knew I wasn’t doing any walking or bicycle riding today.

I left the apartment this morning, drove through Starbucks, and went back to the AT&T store and bought a new phone for me and for Eric.  It was buy one, get one free for this SAMSUNG model.  It’s nothing fancy – believe me, it’s probably the cheapest phone they sell, but we don’t do more than text and call, so who needs more?  It’s a lot smaller than the phone I now have, but not as flat.

I paid $40 for mine, and get $30 back, so it ends up costing $10.  Eric’s was $30 and we get $30 back, so it’s free.  Then, I had to buy a new car charger, because of course they’re different than the one I already own.  It comes with the house charger, but I always charge my phone in the car, so I knew I had to buy that.  That was $30, too!  They get you one way or the other!

Here’s another weird thing.  I had to get another 2-year contract for me and Eric, which is no problem, except they charge you about $100 for that, and then discount that amount, so you’re getting it free, but you have to pay tax on the $100, instead of the amount you actually pay.  So, I ended up paying a little more than I thought, because of the tax.  I tell ya – they get you coming and going!

Here’s another complication.  This morning, after I got my phone to work, I went through all my phone numbers and typed them into a list on my laptop – just in case the phone died and they couldn’t retrieve it.  I thought it was a good thing to have anyway, in case I ever lose my phone.

So, the guy told me he transferred all my contacts from my old phone to my new phone, and then he deleted the old phone, because I told them I would donate it (they send them to soldiers in Iraq, which I thought was great).  Then, I notice that it only transferred ONE phone number per person, so if I had three numbers for one person, it only transferred ONE.  It’s a good thing I made that list at home, because now I have to add the second and third numbers to everyone’s contact list.

When I was done there (I was there for over an hour!), I went to the tailor to get my new vintage dress hemmed.  She’s going to use the fabric to make me a belt.  It will be ready on Friday!
Then, I went to STAPLES in Pacific Beach to make color copies of the beautiful vintage labels I bought at the antique show.  They came out SO gorgeous.  There was a problem with one color copier and some of the copies didn’t come out great, but I said, “Don’t throw them out!  I’ll use them!”  They kept making copy, after copy, until they got 10 perfect, but they gave me all of them, so I ended up with about 25 copies for the price of 10!!!  The girls were so nice about it.  I told them I cut them up for crafts and they thought they were beautiful, too!

After STAPLES I stopped at the SALVATION ARMY THRIFT STORE to see if there was anything good for crafting.  I saw a gorgeous chaise lounge that was only $90.  It was fabulous and I loved it, but of course I’m not going to buy something like that and then have to ship it back to NY!  I would have loved that!  Unfortunately, there was nothing else interesting, so I got back in the car to drive home.  On my way to the car, a cute guy working for the thrift store said, “Hi, pretty girl!” as I walked by.  That just about made my day!

When I got home I started a load of laundry and started cleaning the apartment.  I also filled out the rebate forms for my phone and Eric’s phone, so I can mail them tomorrow.  I have to go to the post office.  I wanted to go today, but they were closed, because of the holiday!

I decided to take a nap around 4:30pm.  I was tired and it was so hot.  I was lying down and had all the windows open, but all of a sudden there was the noise of construction going on in one of the apartments right behind my bedroom window.  It had been going on all day, but stopped for a while.  I almost fell asleep and then what I think was a wet wheel or some sort of electric saw kept going on and off.  I was lying there, tired and wanting to sleep, and it kept going on and off, on and off.  Finally, I closed all the windows and managed to take a nap.

I ironed more hankies tonight.  I must be crazy!  It’s a never-ending project, because I have hundreds of them, but I DO enjoy looking at each one and dividing them up into categories, instead of having them all stuffed into three wicker suitcases.

I didn’t watch much on TV tonight (there wasn't much on), so I worked on the computer a lot and kept voting for my friend’s video.  I have watched at least 20 or 30 other entries and hers is easily the best.  Most of them are pitifully bad.  Some are okay, and some are horrific.  Hers is GREAT!  Fantastic!  Superb!  Wunderbar!  Adorable!  Sexy!  Cute!  Sweet!  You must go and vote!

http://www.cbs.com/specials/grammys/moment/video_player.php?vid=390

I have no plans for tomorrow, but I am planning to go to the post office, and clean the apartment, so I’m all ready for Tifney and Josh on Wednesday night.  I’m excited to have company!

I know today was an historical day in the United States – and the world – but the inauguration played a very small part in my day.  I am extremely happy that Obama is our new president, and I’m very confident that he will bring change to this great country of ours – Lord knows we need it!  It’s just that I’m not much into long speeches and stuff like that.  As I told my mother, I’d rather watch a good decorating show!

Anyway, I woke up before my 9:00am alarm, and I had a bad headache.  I waited until 9:00am and called Eric.  I should have gotten up, taken Advil and gone back to sleep, but I was so tired and felt so lousy that I just went back to sleep after we hung up.  So, what happened?  I woke up again at 10:45am with a WORSE headache.

I got up, had my cereal with two Advils and my other pills, and worked on the computer until my headache went away, which took about an hour.  Then, I cleaned the bathroom, took a shower, got dressed in my bicycle clothes and headed to the post office to mail a package to my little cousin, Elise.  I was kind of in a hurry, because it was already 1:00pm.

When I was about 4 blocks from the apartment I realized I forgot to put on my helmet and gloves.  What?  That is SO weird.  I know bicycling is not a routine for me, but I still should have remembered my helmet and gloves.  Unfortunately, they were in the second bedroom, and the bicycle was right by the front door.  It seems lately if something isn’t right in front of my face, I forget it.

I thought about turning around, because I knew Eric would kill me if he found out I was riding on the street (even though I pretty much stay on the sidewalk the whole time) without my helmet, but I just kept going.  I rode the 3.5 miles to the post office and, as I rode up to the building, I realized I also forgot my lock.  What?  Yes.  I forgot my lock, because it was with my helmet and gloves.  Am I senile, or what?

I could not believe it.  I didn’t know what to do.  Should I ride my bicycle home and come back in the car?  I decided to just bring the bicycle into the building, but leave it in the lobby and keep an eye on it while I stood on line.  I had everything ready to mail my package, so I was only away from the bicycle for a few minutes.  I really didn’t think anyone would steal it, because I think Clairemont is very safe, but you never know.  Anyway, I was out of there in a few minutes and rode to Starbucks.

I was able to keep my eyes on my bicycle while I ordered and waited for my drink, and then called Eric while I relaxed and drank my iced decaf grande non-fat mocha.  I found out today that you don’t have to add “latte.”  It’s just a “mocha.”  Well, excuse me!

After my drink I headed to Keil’s.  I wanted to get some sushi for dinner.  It only took a few minutes and my bicycle was still there.  Even though I was able to leave it three places and it wasn’t stolen, I will still remember my lock from now on.  Just don’t tell Eric I forgot my helmet, gloves and lock, because he will not be happy with me!  Fortunately, he doesn’t read my blog, so unless one of you squeals on me, I’ll be fine!

When I got home from my 7 mile ride I was feelin’ pretty good about myself!  I got my mail and there was a gift from my cousin, Ilene.  She had sent me the cutest Betty Boop charm for my cell phone – and she didn’t even know I was getting a new cell phone when she mailed it!  I immediately put it on and it looks SO cute!  It also has a light that flashes when your phone rings.  It’s amazing!  I love it!

I also got a card from Eric, which was really sweet.  I am a total card person – I’m always looking at cards in stores and buying cards for people and sending them.  Eric never buys cards for anyone but me (that’s my department) and he only buys them for special occasions.  I get one for Valentine’s Day, our anniversaries (we celebrate two different dates) and my birthday.  Other than that, he’s not much of a card person.

I sent him a lot of cards when he went to NY, because I knew he wasn’t feeling well and would be missing me a lot and I wanted to show my love and support.  I told him a few times that it would be nice to get a card from HIM and he finally sent me one today.  It was really sweet.  That’s the thing about Eric, he always writes the sweetest things in the cards.  He takes a lot of time picking out a special card and then he’ll write very romantic stuff inside, but he just doesn’t do it very often!  So, getting a card from him today was really special and it made my day!

After reading through all my mail and calling Eric (for the third time today) to thank him for my card, I took a nap before yoga class tonight.  I had the weirdest dream that I had a car accident.  It didn’t involve another car, but I drove straight into the front doors of a building.  I don’t know why I did that, but in my dream it was unavoidable.  The people who owned the building were so nice and were filling out forms for my insurance and were putting information down that would make it better for me.  I was thinking how nice they were, because it was definitely all my fault.  I mean, the door didn’t hit my car, did it?

Anyway, when I woke up, I thought, “That was weird!”  I got dressed in my yoga clothes and headed out the door.  I had a wonderful, relaxing class, where we meditated on what “inauguration” means, and how important new beginnings are for all of us.

When I got home, I had my six-piece sushi.  It was worth waiting for!  I watched THE BIGGEST LOSER, which is one of my favorite reality shows.  I am usually eating dinner while watching it, which really makes ME the biggest loser, but – hey – I rode my bicycle and did yoga today, so I think I am doing okay!

Tomorrow, I will be cleaning a lot, because I want the place to be “picture perfect” for Tifney and Josh.   They’ll be here at 5:30pm.  I also want to do laundry and go to Keil’s to get drinks and dessert for them.  Josh is a great kid and I know he’ll be happy to see Conrad again, since he “bird sat” for him for the two weeks I was in New York and Florida.

Thursday, I’ll be bringing Kristin her decoupaged “engagement box” and I’m so excited for her (and everyone else) to see it.  I know she’s going to love it, because it came out SO great.  I’m going to post the pictures on my CRAFTS BLOG, but I want to wait for her to see it before I do.

My next project is a decoupaged collage I’m doing for Elsa of her trip to Europe with her husband, Stephen.  I’m going to start working on that this coming weekend!

I was up before the alarm this morning.  I just relaxed in bed until 9:00am and then I called Eric. 

After we hung up I got started on my day.  I had breakfast, worked on the computer, and then started cleaning.  I vacuumed, cleaned Conrad’s cage (it’s a never ending battle against poop and seeds), and dusted the apartment.  I cleaned the bathroom yesterday, so that was done.  Today, I cleaned the kitchen.  It really doesn’t take much, because I keep up with the bathroom and kitchen on a day-to-day basis.  You really have to, don’t you think?

Anyway, when I was pretty much done I took a shower and got dressed to go food shopping.  I put in a load of laundry and walked to Keil’s with my little cart.  I got some Nestle Tollhouse break-apart cookies to bake for Josh and Tifney but also bought Ben & Jerry’s “Cinnamon Bun” ice cream, which sounded De-licious!  Other than that, I just picked up all my veggies to make salads this week, and some drinks for my guests.

They didn’t have any cases of Diet Lemon Snapple, so I just bought a four-pack.  When I got back, I put everything away and then put my laundry in the dryer.  I watched some TV as I continued organizing and getting the apartment company-ready, and then I picked up my laundry, and threw out my recycling and garbage.

The apartment looked great and I was just going to relax until Tif and Josh got here at 5:30pm when she texted me and said Josh wanted to come earlier, because he was hungry (kids!).  So, she left work at 3:00pm and was going to go home (she lives about 20 miles south of here) and come back with Josh.  So, she got here at 4:30pm, instead of 5:30pm, which was fine with me!

We went to MOUNTAIN MIKE’S for all-you-can-eat pizza and salad bar.  They have that every Monday and Wednesday for only $7.49 per person (does not include drink)!  You just can’t beat that, can you?  Okay, so maybe I don’t eat $7.49 worth, but Josh is a growing 14-year-old boy, so I know he got his money’s worth!

I had a plate of salad and two small wedges of veggie pizza (that doesn’t even equal one slice).  Tifney had the same as me.  Josh had a plate of salad and 5 slices.  He tried the “Hawaiian” which had Canadian bacon and pineapple.  He had a slice of veggie and two slices of pepperoni.  Then, he had a slice with barbecue chicken.

He really enjoyed himself!  When we got back to the apartment, we had some of my fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies.  Okay, so they were just break-apart, but they WERE freshly baked!  I also opened the ice cream to let it soften and we sat around talking.  I think Josh was a little bored.  After all, he IS 14 and we’re two women sitting around talking about work, men, and decorating, but he was happy when the ice cream was served!

The Cinnamon Bun was absolutely delicious.  Today was VERY bad for my diet, but I’m going to get back on track.  I really would like to lose a few pounds before Robin comes for a week on the 6th, because I know we’ll be eating out a LOT and I plan to take her to all my favorite places in San Diego, so there’ll be no dieting that week!

After dessert, I showed Tifney and Josh the box I made for Kristin.  They both loved it.  Tifney thought it was a great idea to have something like that to keep your memorabilia in.  I save all the ticket stubs from shows, concerts and other events I go to and I’ve never had a good place for all of it.  Maybe I should make one for myself!

It seemed like hours had gone by, but it was only 6:30pm when they left and they had just been here for two hours.  They have work and school tomorrow, so I knew they wouldn’t stay very long.  It was a lot of fun, but I was exhausted.  It’s not that it was such a long day (or night), but I think all the food and then the sugar made me crash.

I cleaned up the kitchen and dining room and then worked on the computer for a while.  Then, I got into bed to watch American Idol.   It was just about 8:00pm and I felt my eyes closing.  I closed my eyes for a few minutes and the next thing I knew it was 9:00pm and I was wide awake.  A one hour nap sure did give me my second wind!

I watched AMERICAN IDOL and then worked on the computer and blogged before watching LIE TO ME, which premiered tonight.  I like the concept, which is that there are professionals who can tell if you’re lying or telling the truth just by your facial expressions and the way you touch your face, etc.  One of the stars was in THE PRACTICE, which was a show I really enjoyed, so I figured I’d check it out.  Hey, we all know I need to watch more television, right?

Tomorrow I am delivering the box to Kristin.  I can’t wait to see her reaction.  I’m hoping to bring it to HR, so I’ll get to see all the girls.  It’s been quite some time for some of them.

Then, this weekend I’m going to start my project for Elsa.  I’m really looking forward to doing that.  I am happy to do some crafting while I can, because when I start packing I doubt if I’ll have the time or energy to do any more projects and I know when I first get to New York I won’t be able to do anything for a while there either.  So, I’ve got to craft whilst the crafting is good, if you know what I mean!

Tonight I went back to Stacie’s video a bunch of times and voted, voted, voted.  She has moved up to one of the videos “Fans Are Watching,” but we have to keep voting if she’s going to win.  Don’t you want my friend Stacie to win?  Please?  Keep voting!  Just click here (over and over):
http://www.cbs.com/specials/grammys/moment/video_player.php?vid=390

I know, I’m obsessed, but this is important to Stacie, so it’s important to me!

I didn’t do much more this morning than vote, vote, vote, over and over.  The deadline for the first “voting window” to decide the Top 20 Participant Videos ends tomorrow at noon.  Then, if she gets into the top 20, we vote for the Top 10 until 1/30/09.  Then, if she gets into the top 10, we vote for the Top 3 until 2/6/09. Then, if she gets into the top 3, we vote to decide the Grand Prize Winner who gets $5,000 and that ends on 2/9/09.

I know, I know, that’s a lot of voting!  It’s just that I’ve watched so many of the other videos and none of them is NEARLY as good as Stacie’s, and we’re all doing this – all the HR girls, and lots of the girls in the office, and all their friends and family.  All the girls from work who are on Facebook are talking about it and it’s very exciting.  I figure staying on the computer for hours at a time clicking “vote” and “refresh” is the least I can do for a friend!

So, I finally left the house at 2:00pm.  I went to COSTCO to get gas ($1.99 a gallon) and then drove to Del Mar to give Kristin her box and visit the HR girls.  I’ve put pictures on my crafts blog and you can check it out by clicking here: www.peppysdream.com/craftsblog.

Everyone in the office LOVED the box and I even got another job!  One of the other girls wants me to make a similar box for her sister’s 40th birthday in March!  I knew I’d get more work when the girls saw how great it came out!

After I spent an hour talking and laughing with the girls (just like old times), I left to go shopping and kill some time before my appointment at 5:00pm.  I spoke to my friend, Robin, on the phone.  We’re both so excited about her impending visit (in 2 weeks!) and we’ve got a million plans.  I scheduled massages for both of us for Saturday afternoon (she’s arriving on Friday night).

I also spoke to Eric for a while.  I told him that I called the moving company today and they're going to email me the contract.  The good thing is that when Eric was moving the guy came to estimate the cost and he did an estimate of the stuff that I'd be shipping back, so he doesn't even need to come here!  He also told me the rates go up after May 15th (it's more expensive to move in the Spring/Summer), but I told him I'd definitely be moving back before then.  It's exciting to have the ball rolling and start planning my return to New York!

After I hung up with Eric I drove to a shopping center right nearby my appointment and went into MARSHALL’S.  I swear, that’s the first time I was ever in that store in my entire life.  I really liked it!  They have a lot of cute decorative stuff.  I actually found a box to decoupage, which was a really pretty laquered box, but it was chipped in a few places.  It was marked $12.99, but there was a 15% off Customer Appreciation sale going on.  I figured I could probably get a little more off, because it was damaged.  It ended up the manager gave it to me for $8 ($5 off!), plus the 15% discount, so – with tax – it ended up costing me $7.33.  I was thrilled!

I’m not sure what I’ll do with it yet, but I figure I’ll show it to Michelle to see if she wants it for her sister.  I’d much rather do that box than another photo box, because the photo box was actually very difficult to work with, but this is real wood and would be a lot harder to put feet on, without Eric to drill through for me.  The cardboard box was very easy to poke holes through for the screws, nuts and washers.

After my appointment I came home and made a big salad with spinach, avocado, tomatoes, snap peas, croutons, and salmon I cooked yesterday.  I actually make enough for 3 or 4 meals, and just portion out what I want.  It’s easier than making a fresh salad every single time and it keeps for 2-3 days.

While I was eating, I voted.  Then, I just sat and voted.  Then, I watched a little TV and then I voted.  Then, I watched UGLY BETTY and then I voted.  It’s now almost 11:00pm and I’ve been voting on and off all day long.  I’m REALLY hoping that she makes it into the top 20.  If she does, I’ll be at this for a few more days, at least.  If not, well, at least I’ll know I tried!!!!

OMG!  How excited was I when I woke up this morning at 8:00am and started voting and saw that Stacie had moved up significantly on the “most watched list?”  I only stopped to call Eric at 9:00am, eat breakfast, and answer emails.  Otherwise, I kept voting.  I voted until 11:30pm last night and knew we only had until noon today to get her into the Top 20.

She kept moving up, and up, and up and ended up 7th in the Top 20.  Voting ended at noon and the Top 20 was announced.  She is SO excited about this, as is everyone else involved.  I kind of think it may be the most exciting thing that’s happened to her in a long time.

Stacie is adorable.  She’s smart, funny, beautiful (as you can see from the video) and she’s a great girl.  She is the mother of 2 young boys and is one of the senior managers in HR.  I have been so impressed by her from the time that I met her.

When she mentioned that she wanted to do this, but thought no one would want to see a 37-year-old mother of 2, I told her that’s EXACTLY what people would want to see, and that I REALLY thought she should do it, and I was willing to direct her, if that would convince her.

The rest of the videos were exactly what I predicted – unprofessional, amateurish, silly, over-the-top, or completely unwatchable.  Only 3 or 4 of the Top 20 are any competition at all.  The problem is that the first step to winning is by votes – so the 20 that got the most votes were in the Top 20 and it had nothing to do with talent.

The further the competition goes, the more the judges are involved and the less it has to do with voting, although we still need to vote until the end.  Anyway, I voted, and voted, and voted some more until noon.

Well, it worked!  The entire office has been voting, along with all my friends, and all Stacie’s friends, and the friends of all our friends in the office.  We have sailors on board ships out to sea voting.  We have parents of school mates voting.  And I’m hoping I’ve got YOU voting!

Now that she’s in the Top 20, we’re voting to get her into the Top 10.  It’s fun.  We email each other, communicate on FACEBOOK, text each other, and call each other.  Jimmy texts me or emails me to let me know he’s voting.  I’ve been getting emails from other friends letting me know they’ve been voting.  I sent an email to 80 friends at the beginning of the voting process, and then sent it out again today, to ask them to keep voting.

After she got into the Top 20, I figured I could relax this afternoon, leave my computer for a while, and go out in the afternoon.  It rained last night, so the ground was wet, but it was a lovely day. First I went to COSTCO, because the other day I just got gas.  This time I went inside and got Kleenex tissues (I had a $3.50 off coupon) and I got chocolate soy milk, too.  I also had lunch!  There was spinach ravioli (super yummy), veggie burrito bites, swiss cheese on crackers, salad with a light Ranch dressing, and 7 layer dip with beans, sour cream, guacamole and salsa on chips.  I could have purchased each thing I tasted, because it was all delicious, but I resisted.  I figure eating it there is okay, as long as I don’t bring it home!

After COSTCO, I went to pick up my dress at the tailor.  She did a beautiful job and it fits perfectly!  Can't wait to wear it!  Then, I went to MICHAEL’S.  I had two “50% off one item” coupons that expire tomorrow.  I walked around trying to find something to buy, but I couldn’t justify anything, so I ended up handing the two coupons to two women waiting on line at the check-out.  They were very grateful!

After that, I hit Starbucks and then headed to KEIL’S.  I was able to get a case of DIET LEMON SNAPPLE, so I picked that up and went back to the apartment.  I carried my drink, my dress and my purse and picked up my mail.  Then, I went back to the car with my cart and brought back the soy milk, case of Snapple, and tissues.  I unpacked everything and called Eric.

I feel so bad, because he has a bad cold.  He told me he was going to rub some VICKS on his chest and take some NYQUIL and go to sleep.  My poor honey.  I hate the smell of VICKS, but he swears that it helps.  I’m kind of glad I’m not there right now, because his apartment is going to stink of Vicks and also he is the biggest baby when he’s sick.  I always say Eric could have his arm hanging by a thread and he’d just ask for a bandaid, but when he gets a cold, or is sick in any way, he just can’t handle it.  I know a lot of men are like that, and I just never understood it!

Anyway, I’m glad he has the weekend to relax and feel better and doesn’t have to get up at the crack of dawn and commute to work with a cold.

When I went through my mail, I saw that I had something that belonged to one of the other tenants.  This has happened before (I often wonder who's getting MY mail).  Anyway, since it was just two apartments down, I decided to walk down there and deliver it.  The door was open, so I knew someone was home.  I rang the bell and a young man answered.  I asked him of the person whose name was on the mail lived there (a woman).  He said yes and I told him that her mail was accidentally put in my box.  Instead of thanking me, he held up the envelope and said, "Is this all of it?"

I was shocked and annoyed.  He realized immediately that he had said something stupid, but before he could apologize, I said, "So you think I brought you some of the mail and kept the rest?"  He apologized and I just shook my head and walked back to my apartment.  People!

I decided to relax for a while.  I watched some decorating shows on HGTV and started falling asleep, so I took a nap.  I woke up at 6:00pm.  Then, my cousin Ilene called.  Talk about adventures!  There are very few people I know who have more wonderful adventures than Ilene. 

First of all, she is a pro at entering contests – all kinds of contests.  Radio contests, magazine contests, TV contests, internet contests – and she usually wins!  I can’t name all the things she’s won, but I know she won an expensive car, tickets to tons of shows, amusement parks, etc.

Just recently she got tickets to see ELLEN and of course she got to go during the "12 days of giveaways" shows that Ellen does at the holidays.  They got all kinds of great electronics, including a big flat-screen TV!  She’s just very lucky, but also knows how to have fun!

She called tonight to tell me that she’s going to be eating dinner in HELL’S KITCHEN tomorrow.  Eric and I LOVE that show.  It’s one of our favorite reality shows.  If you’ve ever seen it, you know that they have an actual restaurant in Los Angeles on the reality show and the contestants have to cook food for customers.  Sometimes it doesn’t turn out very well, because people can wait hours to be served, but most of the time they get great food and it’s free – and the best part is they get so see a show being filmed and meet GORDON RAMSEY!!!  I have such a crush on him!  I told Ilene she has to let me know if he’s as handsome in person as he is on TV.

When Stacie, Elsa and I were rehearsing for Stacie’s video, they said they were having so much fun.  I told them that, speaking from experience (because I’m at least 10 years older than either of them), you have to make your own adventures.  You have to bring some excitement into your life – in any way you can – in whatever way makes you happy.  It could be taking a class, learning a new sport or craft, entering contests, or joining a club.

Everybody’s different and enjoys different things, but if all you do is go to work, go home, and you never vary your day, stir it up, mix it up, or try something new, life will get very boring very fast.

Anyway, Ilene is a perfect example of keeping life exciting.  She is the mother of three and has a very busy job, a bustling home life, and a full schedule, but she always manages to throw some fun in there and keep life exciting.  I love that about her!

For dinner I had more of my lovely salad with salmon.  Fridays are one of my favorites nights on TV, because I love GHOST WHISPERER, MONK, and PSYCH.  I got to watch all of them tonight and enjoyed every minute.

Gena Rowlands guest-starred on MONK and in the show her son was named Paulie.  That made me smile, because she is in one of my favorite movies about a parrot named Paulie.  Then, I realized that Tony Shalhoub is ALSO in that movie and I made the connection!  I know they had the character’s son be named Paulie as a tribute to the movie of the same name, which was made in 1998 and also starred Jay Mohr, Bruce Davison, Cheech Marin and Trini Alvarado!

Tomorrow I’m going to a movie with Tifney and her son, Josh.  She has a friend who stars in an independent film.  It’s really a documentary about a bunch of biker chicks who take off on their Harleys for Graceland, but it’s all for a good cause!

The movie is called TWENTY WHEELS TO MEMPHIS.  I was excited when Tifney asked me to go to the movies, because I had no plans, and she’s so much fun to be with.  Then, she told me what the movie was, and I was intrigued, because I have always loved motorcycles.  Then, when I found out they ride to Graceland, I was even more interested, because Eric and I LOVED Graceland and dream of going back there some day.

We had no idea how much we would love Memphis, and what an impact Elvis’ house and the tour would have on us.  I always loved Elvis Presley movies, but was not a huge fan of his music.  You just cannot go to Graceland without falling in love with Elvis.  Eric and I both felt it.  It’s just an amazing place and a really touching and moving experience.  I recommend it highly.  Memphis is also home to BEALE STREET and was the first place we ever tasted Red Velvet Cake (Elvis' favorite), so it has many wonderful memories!

So, I actually have to get up and out early, because Tif is picking me up at 11:30am.  We’ll go to Encinitas, where the theatre is, and have lunch before the movie.  I’m excited!

I was up late and woke up early again today – way earlier than I needed to be.  I’m really not getting my beauty sleep!

I tried Eric a few times, but he didn’t answer the phone.  I figured he was in a VICKS and NYQUIL-induced stupor (I was right!).  I DID hear from my friend Marygrace, and we had a great time catching up.  I really miss my friends in NY.  When I talk to them, and then think about going home and actually getting to see them, it really makes me happy.  Hear that, NY?  Peppy’s comin’ home!

I spent at least an hour voting for Stacie (on and off while I answered emails, checked out FACEBOOK, and had breakfast).

I finally talked to Eric and he said he was feeling better, but was still very much “under the weather.”

I started to get ready for my day out with Tifney.  I wasn’t sure what to wear to a biker movie, so I just wore my black jeans, a red camisole with a black sweater over it and my red patent leather sandals.  I also wore a fabric purse I bought in New Orleans which has pictures of skulls and roses all over it.  I figured it was biker-appropriate!  If it wasn’t so hot out, I would have worn my black leather biker jacket (which is really Eric’s).

I needed to get some cash, so I walked across the street to CITIBANK and took out some money.  As I was walking back to the apartment I saw Tifney and Josh pull up.  I had asked all the girls to get me boxes from the office and Tifney brought me three, so we left Josh in the car and threw them in the apartment before heading to Starbucks.

Once we all had our drinks in hand, we headed north on I-5 to Encinitas (about 20 miles).  It was supposed to rain all weekend, but it was such a gorgeous day.  We had a nice drive and got there a little before noon, but the movie started at 1:00pm and we didn't think we had time to eat, so we decided to just hang out with all the bikers in front of the theatre, buy tickets, see the movie, and then eat lunch afterwards.

The historic La Paloma Theatre was built in 1928 and has great character, including Spanish-style architecture, mosaics, tile work, and details.

I got to meet a lot of the Girlz to Graceland – the 10 women who rode their Harleys from San Diego to Memphis and back in order to donate their time and toys to children at a homeless shelter called PRESLEY PLACE.

The movie didn’t start until almost 1:30pm, but it was just an hour long and held my interest the entire time.  I know traveling across the country is an adventure, but doing it on a bike is something I don’t think I could do.  Not only did they ride in 118 degree weather (you should see the “sunglass tans” they all had), but they also rode through thunder, rain, and cold snaps.  At least they slept in nice motels or hotels every night!

The camaraderie and sisterhood they experienced, right from the start, was apparent and was a beautiful thing to see.  One of the girls is ill with cancer and was only able to ride part of the way with them.  Unfortunately, she now has stage 4 cancer and was unable to attend the filming today.  The movie is dedicated to her, and it was very touching.

After the movie the Girlz got on stage and did a Q&A and they raffled off some prizes to raise money for their friend.  Then, we left and went down the block to a pizza place for lunch.  By now, I was starving.  Tifney and I split a salad with grilled shrimp and a “macaroni and cheese with lobster” appetizer.  It was the perfect amount of food and the mac and cheese with lobster was SO good.  Who would ever think to put those two things together?

After lunch we drove back to Clairemont and they dropped me off.  I had a wonderful day and it was another great adventure in San Diego!

Tifney, and her childhood friend, Jett, whose idea it was to drive to Graceland, and who inspired the movie!

When I got back to the apartment I called Eric, but he told me he just took more NYQUIL and was falling asleep, so I told him I’d talk to him tomorrow.  Then, I started watching another reality show I love – PETER PERFECT – where this famous hair stylist, Peter Ishkhans, goes to failing businesses and helps them create an image and style for themselves AND their businesses.  It’s a great show and he’s such a cutie!

The "Girlz to Graceland" after the movie, answering questions from the audience.

Unfortunately (or fortunately – however you look at it), as I was watching my eyes started to close so I took a nap.  I didn’t wake up until afte 8:00pm.  My sleeping routine is so off-kilter right now!

I had a bowl of cereal for dinner (Special K Chocolately Delight) and continued to vote for Stacie.  I have to get up early again tomorrow, because I’m going to the Farmer’s Market in Hillcrest with Elsa and Rosemary, and then we are going to La Jolla for lunch and a movie (Revolutionary Road).  Should be another fun day with friends.  What could be better than that?

I was up at 9:00am and out by 10:00am to go to the Farmer’s Market with Elsa and Rosemary.  First, Elsa came up to the apartment with five boxes from the office.  I now have three from Tifney and five from Elsa, so that should get me started!

Rosemary arrived and took Elsa’s spot in front of my apartment to park her car and jumped into Elsa’s car with me.  We drove to the the Farmer’s Market, which is on Normal Street off University Avenue in Hillcrest.  We got a great spot, because someone was just leaving as we drove up. 

Admission is free, but the prices inside are higher than you’d think.  I guess everything is organic and fresh-picked, so you are getting what you pay for, but you kind of think the prices will be less than the supermarket, and they’re not.  It was a really nice Farmer’s Market with tons of organic produce and lots of other great food to try or buy.

There was all kinds of fresh, organic, no preservative hummus, jams and jellies, cheeses, dips, and salsas, and we sampled them all!  They also had jewelry, crafts, clothing, soaps and decorative items.  I bought a piece of cheese and three grapefruits.

We sat and had “breakfast” – a tamale (mine was sundried tomato) and then had hot chocolate and coffee as we continued to walk around.  When we were done, it was about noon and we had been there for two hours.  Rosemary’s sister and her friend also joined us for a while, so we were a group of five walking around, enjoying the beautiful weather and all the colorful displays.

We got back in the car and Elsa dropped us off at my apartment and went home, but Rosemary and I got into her car and continued on to La Jolla Village Drive and saw REVOLUTIONARY ROAD. 

It was a beautiful movie, but very depressing.  I love the 1950s and really enjoyed the cars, clothing and décor, so that was great.  Kate and Leo did a wonderful job, but it is a sad story.

After the movie we went back to BJ’s Pizza, where we had gone last time before the movie, and we had the exact same lunch – a salad with grilled shrimp and the spinach and artichoke deep dish pizza.  Both were as delicious as we remembered!

Rosemary and I could talk for hours and hours and never run out of stories to tell each other.  I guess when you make friends with someone later in life you can spend the rest of your lives trying to fill each other in on all your adventures, escapades and experiences.  She’s had a very interesting life, and has had many different jobs in many interesting places.  She’s a great storyteller, so it’s always fun to hang out with her.

After dinner she drove me back to the apartment.  The first thing I did was call Eric.  He’s feeling MUCH better and is ready for the work week ahead of him.  I’m so glad his cold is better, because it’s horrible to have to go to work when you’re not feeling well.

Then, I started voting for Stacie again.  Jimmy said I should keep posting the link, so my friends and family can continue to vote (the Top 10 will be decided this Friday!!!), so here it is: http://www.cbs.com/specials/grammys/moment/video_player.php?vid=390.

I would SO appreciate it if you could all continue to vote, and also send the link to your friends and family and ask THEM to vote.  This is a big deal for us, and I’d like to see her go ALL THE WAY!

Before I begin today's entry, Jimmy said I should keep posting the MY GRAMMY MOMENT link at the top of my blog, every day, so my friends and family can continue to vote for Stacie (the Top 10 will be decided this Friday!!!), so here it is: MY GRAMMY MOMENT.  (You know Jimmy is always right!!!!)

So, today is the 22nd anniversary of the day my mother-in-law Adele died.  I loved her so much and still miss her a lot.  She died on a Monday, too, so it was particularly poignant today as I thought about that sad day, twenty-two years ago.  When I spoke to Eric he said he was thinking about his mother, too, and I said the best tribute we can give to anyone is to keep remembering them and thinking of them fondly after they’re gone.  That keeps them close to us.

Adele was a lovely, sweet woman who loved me as much as I loved her.  Instead of thinking I wasn't good enough for her son (as lots of mothers do), she actually thought Eric was lucky to have found me, and often told hiim that.  She knew he was a wonderful man and would make a great husband, and she was happy he found someone who truly wanted to make him happy, too.  I hope she is looking down on us and is proud of all we have gone through this past year, and the fact that we are still so much in love, and very much together.

I was thinking about my own Mom, too.  I feel so lucky to still have her in my life.  I called her today and told her how much I love her, and how beautiful and sweet she is and what a great mother she is and has always been.

My mother devoted her entire life to my sisters and me, and my Dad.  She never had a real career, she never had any passions or hobbies that took her focus off us.  We were her life.  She loved music, and the theatre, and she and my father were very well-known in their community because of their charitable work, and participation in many clubs and organizations, but she was always there for us.

Now, even though I am 51 years old and my mother is thousands of miles away, my mother is still always there for me.  She calls me to see how I’m doing, and is very supportive of me and Eric.  Instead of worrying about me, and making me have to console her, or comfort her, she constantly asks me how I am, and when I say “I’m fine,” she says, “I don’t worry about you!  You are a beautiful, independent woman and I know you will be fine on your own until you can be with Eric again.”

When I get a job, she says, “They’re lucky to have you.”  When I sell a piece of artwork she says, “I’m sure it’s fantastic!”  My parents don’t have a computer (yet – we’re working on it), so they can’t go online and see pictures and keep up in that way, but I send my mom cards, and postcards, and she does have a little device that allows her to send and receive emails, but there’s no internet connection and it’s text only – no pictures.

When I tell her my friends invited me to dinner, or a movie, she says, “Who wouldn’t want to spend time with you?”  That’s what she’s always like.  She builds you up and makes you feel great.  Isn’t that what our mothers are supposed to do?

I love to send her and my Dad jokes, which she will then read to him.  They love that and there are always a million jokes going around the internet, aren’t there?

Anyway, after I spoke to my Mom and Dad, and voted for Stacie about 500 times, I did two loads of laundry and then went to the post office on my bicycle.  It was only 55 degrees today (I say that with a note of apology to those reading this in colder climates!), so I had to wear a jacket, but the sun was shining and it felt good on the sunny side of the street.

This time I remembered my helmet, gloves and lock, so I was well-prepared.  I mailed a package at the post office and then headed back towards home and stopped at STARBUCKS.  I got a tall hot mocha, instead of my usual iced drink and enjoyed it outside while the sun was shining.

As I was sitting there, this young girl got out of a car and approached me, asking me if I go to Starbucks all the time.  I told her I did and she asked if I would buy a $20 Starbucks card, because she needed gas and didn’t have any money.  I waited while she got a receipt from the cashier proving that there was $20 on the card and I bought it from her, even though I don’t need it, because I felt bad that she had no cash.  When I told Eric the story, he felt sorry for her and said, “I guess she needed gas a lot more than she needed coffee!”  Is that considered a good deed for the day?  At least I know I will use the Starbucks card, but I still felt guilty spending $20 when I already have an automatic reload card!

After I got home I relaxed and watched TV, had lunch (hummus with cucumber and snap peas) and voted for Stacie, and then took a nap.  I have been snacking on the piece of home-made Garlic Chedder cheese I bought yesterday at the Farmer's Market.  OMG!  It is SO good.  You don’t even have to chew – it just melts in your mouth.  This is dangerous!  After all, I AM the Cheese Queen!!  I just have to make sure I don’t eat the whole thing in one day!!!

I forgot to mention that for breakfast this morning I ate one of the organic grapefruits I bought yesterday at the Farmer’s Market. It was so sweet, it tasted like it was sprinkled with sugar.  I loved it.  I don’t know when I last had a grapefruit – it could be 20 years!

For dinner I had a salad and another piece of cheese (I told you it was dangerous!).  There’s a new show on TV tonight – TRUST ME on the TNT channel – starring Eric McCormack and Tom Cavanagh.  Of course I am a fan of Eric’s, because I loved Will & Grace for years, but I am also a big fan of Tom’s, because he starred in a show I was a huge fan of – Ed, which was on for a few seasons where he was a “bowling alley lawyer,” which meant he was a lawyer who left the big city, moved back to his home town and bought a bowling alley, but continued to practice occasionally.  It was a great show.

Tom is also the father, played completely in flashbacks, on ELI STONE, which is another show I really love.  So, I was curious to see these two boys in a new setting, with new characters, and it sounds very interesting!  Unfortunately, I was so busy voting, playing on FACEBOOK and watching TRUE BEAUTY (another great reality show) that I never got a chance.

I wanted to catch Jay Leno at 11:35pm.  Mondays are my favorite night, because he does HEADLINES, which I really enjoy.  So, I guess I’ll watch it tomorrow.  Ahhhh, the luxury and loveliness of DVR.  How did I ever live without it?  I know VCRs were cool, especially when they first came out and you had the luxury of leaving the house when your favorite show was on, but we’ve come SO far since the early 80s and DVR has just fueled my television addiction.  My only problem is that you can only record two shows at a time.  When will they up that to 3 or 4?

Today was not very productive for me.  Except for getting some exercise by riding my bicycle, doing laundry, and mailing a package, I didn’t accomplish anything – except for voting for Stacie which, of course, IS very important.  I wanted to work on a craft project today but never got around to it.  I want to start Elsa’s project, but she is supposed to give me more pictures and memorabilia, and I’d like to wait until I have it all before starting.  I hope I can get it from her tomorrow!  I need to get crafty!

Vote for Stacie (the Top 10 will be decided this Friday!!!): MY GRAMMY MOMENT.

I went to bed extraordinarily late last night (almost 3:00am) and when the alarm went off at 9:00am I was having a glorious dream that Eric was kissing me.  It was so sweet!  I called him, told him I was half asleep, told him about my dream, and hung up to go try to continue it.

Of course that didn’t work.  I couldn’t fall back to sleep and then my wheels started turning.  Oh, my wheels.  They spin and spin and I think and think and go off on tangents and come back and find something new to spin on and on about.  Does anyone else have those thoughts – either at night (preventing you from falling asleep) or in the morning (preventing you from going BACK to sleep)?

My wheels turned towards AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL.  I was watching an episode last night at around 2:00am.  They have a marathon every Sunday on OXYGEN and show an entire season in one day.  I sometimes record it and then see which cycle it is and delete the entire thing, but there are some cycles that are particularly worth re-watching.  There are even some cycles that, for some reason, I’ve never seen, or I’ve just missed certain episodes.

Cycle six was the one shown yesterday. (Tyra refers to them as “cycles,” rather than “seasons.”)  This cycle had Jade, a woman so full of herself, so over-confident, so in-your-face competitive, that you hate yourself for even watching her, but you can’t help yourself, because you just have to know how it’s going to turn out.  The good news is – she makes it to the final 3 and is then eliminated.  Nothing like seeing someone get their due!

Anyway, I started thinking about myself and how I would act if I was on ANTM (yeah, maybe in my NEXT life).  I would be one of the girls in the house who was supportive, who helped the other girls, who tried to give them confidence.  There ARE those girls.  You do see girls with a heart, who care about others.  They want to win, but they don’t want to see others beaten down in the process.  Why is it that some people can only feel good about themselves by making others feel bad about themselves?

I realize I have always been the type that wants everyone to succeed, maybe sometimes to my detriment.  It's not that I don't want to win, or do well, it's just that I want EVERYONE to do well and I want to be the best!  A perfect example is when I was on WHEEL OF FORTUNE, way back in April of 1988.  It was the daytime show, and if you won that day you got to compete the next day, too.  In reality, “the next day” was about a half hour later, after you had a chance to change your clothes and they figured out who you were competing against next.

There was a lovely woman named Debbie who was competing against me in the second show.  I ran into her in the bathroom, and in her cute southern accent she said something like, “I’m on the next show with you, but you solved every puzzle and I’m so scared.”  And me, in my usual supportive manner, said, “If I can do it, YOU can do it!”

And guess what?  She did!  Oh, I solved the first puzzle, but I’m pretty sure she solved every puzzle after that.  And SHE won a car!!!!  There wasn’t a car available (long story) in the first show I filmed, but there WAS a truck in the second show and instead of ME winning it, SHE did!  I wasn’t bitter.  Oh, I wanted to win – believe me.  It has always bothered me that I didn’t win a car for Eric, but I had a fantastic time.  To this day it was one of the greatest adventures of my life.  I went home with my head held high, because I had not only won the first day, but it was a “clean sweep,” because I won every single puzzle on the first day.  You don’t see that very often in ANY competition!  I also won over $13,000 in fabulous prizes!!!!

Another example of my non-competitive nature is the fact that when I used to audition for shows in NY, I would often help other girls with choreography.  The procedure at most auditions is that they would teach you a fast routine, then call in a group of girls and have them dance, weed out the best, and call the next group, and so on and so forth.

While we were all waiting outside, we would of course be practicing and there were always some who couldn’t pick up the choreography, or weren’t sure how to do a specific step.  I was the one who always helped them.  I would sometimes get a group of girls behind me and I’d do the routine over and over until they got it.  I’m not saying I ALWAYS got the steps myself, and sometimes there wouldn’t be anyone to help ME when I was floundering, but if I could help someone else, I would.

I remember once a girl asking me why I was helping and teaching, when one of those girls might get the job instead of me.  I just said, “The director is looking for a specific type.  I’m either it, or I’m not.  I believe we should all do our best and may the best man win.”  I have always been a big believer in fate.  If I didn’t get it, it was for a reason.  I never really dwelled on a lost role or part, there was always another audition right around the corner.

Well, I never “made it.”  For me, making it would have been performing on Broadway.  THAT was my dream when I was performing in High School, College, and was always my goal.  I never wanted a recording contract or dreamed of going on tour in a concert.  I never wanted to star in a movie, or on TV.  I just wanted to be on a Broadway stage, making people laugh (or cry) and feeling the energy that you get from an audience.

I DID do that for many, many years, Off-Broadway, Off-off-Broadway, in regional theatre, summer stock, community theatre, and in nightclubs and cabarets around Manhattan.  I had so many great experiences, but maybe I never made it to Broadway because I didn’t have the “killer instinct.”  That’s not to say that you have to be a bitch (or a bastard) to make it, but maybe what some people lack in talent they make up for with determination, drive, ambition and a competitive nature.

I know there are some Broadway stars who are the nicest people in the world.  A great example is Greg Jbara (currently starring in BILLY ELLIOT), who I know would help anyone he could in any way possible.  He actually won an award as the “Nicest guy on Broadway,” or something like that.  His talent made it unnecessary for him to tear others down, or step on people as he climbed the ladder to success.  He had the talent.

I know I’m talented and I always had a lot of confidence, but maybe I didn’t have enough talent to make it without clawing my way to the top.  The problem is, I don’t have it in me to do that.  So, here I am, 51 and still wishing someone would offer me a part on Broadway.  Even in the chorus.  I don’t even dance or sing anymore, but I’d still like it to happen.  Hey, I can dream, can’t I?

On to my day today!  I was working on a crazy project.  Let me tell you about it.  Have you ever seen those tissue boxes that Kleenex makes that are fancy ovals with great patterns, instead of squares?  The first time I ever saw them was at my sister’s house in New Paltz.  I made such a fuss over them that she bought me a couple of boxes for the RV.

I kept buying them when we got to San Diego, and I saved each and every one, because I thought they were such a pretty shape and the patterns were so nice and I wanted to try to do something with them—you know: reduce, reuse, recycle!

The other day I found them in a high cabinet in the kitchen.  I hadn’t bought any in a while and I completely forgot about them.  I had 28 and ended up using 25 of them to make the legs of a table.  It’s very unusual looking and very pretty, and I thought it would be great for a kid’s room.  I don’t have the table top yet, but at least I have the legs!

So, I decided all I had to do was put them in a pretty pattern and then hot glue the boxes together, but they’re so light that they weren’t very stable.  They’re hollow when there are no tissues inside, so I decided that I needed to put something with weight in the bottom boxes, so that they would be more stable and wouldn’t fall over.

I didn’t want to spend any money, so I decided I should use sand – from the beach.  I told Jimmy and he told me it’s against the law to take sand.  It makes sense, because I guess everyone would be filling up their sand boxes with beach sand, so I do understand, but – hey – all I needed was a big ziplock bag, so I went ahead and did it!

Here's a picture I took today at Mission Bay:

I drove the car down to Mission Bay and put a big zip-lock bag in my backpack.  I walked along until I found some nice, clean, dry sand and I filled the bag up.  Then, I put it in my backpack and walked about a mile—back and forth to the car.  I texted Jimmy with the message “I’m a sand stealer!” and went to STARBUCKS.

I had really felt the weight on my back and when I got home I weighed myself without and with the bag and realized it was 7 pounds.  I divided the sand into five smaller zip-lock bags and put a bag in the bottom box of each leg (there are five legs, which kind of make the petals of a flower, if you can picture it).  Then, I hot-glued five boxes together to make each leg.  I haven’t yet glued all the legs together, because I think I should wait until I have the tabletop.  I was going to use a round tray I have, but it’s not big enough.

It looks like some of the patterns are right next to each other, but it is just an illusion in the photograph.  I made sure they're all staggered and no two of the same pattern are next to each other on any of the legs.

After I finished that project I decided to watch some TV and maybe take a nap before yoga, but my nose started to run and run and run and then run somemore.  I was blowing, and blowing, and blowing.  My allergies have been pretty good the last couple of days, so I really didn’t understand it, but it made me feel so sick.

I finally fell asleep at 5:30pm and woke up at 6:30pm but didn’t feel like going to yoga.  I was afraid my nose would start running during class (it’s done that before, and it’s very uncomfortable), and I felt very groggy.  I knew I could take a pill to “dry me up” but it would either make me speed (not good for serenity yoga), or make me drowsy (not good either).  So, I just decided to skip yoga this week.  I just paid for 10 more classes, so I really do have to make sure I go every week, because I’m really only planning to be here around 10 more weeks!

When I woke up I didn’t feel hungry, but I was thirsty, so I heated up a mug of organic vegetable broth and just drank that while I voted for Stacie on the computer.  Then at 8:30pm my phone rang.  It was Kaja, my friend in NY who lives in a nursing home and just turned 95.  She was still up at 11:30pm.  We talked for over an hour – and the whole time I was talking, I was voting for Stacie!  It’s becoming so natural for me that I can do it without even thinking!  Anyway, Kaja told me that she was just moved into a nicer, bigger, private room and that she is still unpacking.

She told me all about her 95th birthday (January 16th) and how she got 50 cards, 8 bouquets of flowers, and phone calls from Switzerland, Canada, Norway (she’s Norwegian), and all over the United States (including me from San Diego, but I never got hold of her, because she had FOUR parties that day!).

She told me a story about a couple her parents knew in San Diego and told me I should get in touch with their son, who is a doctor here.  I took his number and promised her I would!
Kaja is magnificent!  Here she is – 95 years old – and she’s up at 11:30pm and thinks to call ME and fill me in on everything going on in her life.  I simply adore her.  She asked about Eric and was so happy to hear that he is doing so well and she can’t wait for me to come back to NY in the spring.

I promised we would take her out to lunch at a diner nearby (in Melville), which is her favorite place to eat.  She told me that someone took her to the Miller Ridge Inn for her birthday, which is a very fancy place, and she said it was very expensive, but she told me she’d prefer the diner!  She’s so cute!

Anyway, when I finally hung up I just started blogging, because I had so much to write about today, and then I watched THE BIGGEST LOSER.  Very intense, as usual!

Tomorrow I am meeting Elsa for lunch and she will give me the rest of the pictures and memorabilia that I will use to create an art piece for her and Stephen that will always remind them of their 2008 trip to Europe!  I am very excited to get started on that!

Vote for Stacie (the Top 10 will be decided this Friday!!!): MY GRAMMY MOMENT. 

I started working at my first (and last) temp job last year on January 28th.  I was hoping I’d still be working there now, but – hey – things don’t always work out the way you planned (and I should know!).  At least I had lunch with Stacie and Elsa today, although I forgot to mention this fact to them when I was with them!

We had a fun lunch today.  I picked them up at the office and we went to a place called RED ROBIN in a nearby shopping center.  They couldn’t believe I had never eaten at a RED ROBIN before.  I told them I never even HEARD of a RED ROBIN before!  I guess you could compare it to APPLEBEES or TGIF, or CHILIS, or RUBY TUESDAY, or any of a thousand other boilerplate restaurants with the same menu, décor and appealing, young, friendly wait staff.

Elsa and I had an APPLE HARVEST CHICKEN SALAD – “Fresh field greens tossed with juicy grilled chicken, diced apples, candied walnuts and Goat cheese. Topped with sliced apples and a dijon vinaigrette. It’s sophisticatedly fun. Better than the Farmer’s Market.”

Hers had chicken, mine didn’t.  I’ll tell you one thing, they don’t cater to the vegetarian or pescetarian, because I don’t think they had one seafood dish and every single one of their salads had chicken in it, but I guess with a name like RED ROBIN Gourmet Burgers, I should have known.  I had to order my salad without chicken, but at least I saved $2!  I don’t know if it was better than the Farmer’s Market, but I did enjoy it!

Stacie got some kind of chicken wrap.  After lunch we went to pick up Elsa’s driver’s license at a nearby 24 HOUR FITNESS.  Someone had found it in the parking lot and she didn’t even know she lost it, so she was pretty lucky!  And after that, we drove to STARBUCKS and Stacie treated us all.  It was really fun and a nice outing.

After I dropped them back at work, I came back to the apartment and finally started working on Elsa’s decoupage project.  She had given me more memorabilia and I thought I finally had enough to start working.

It was a really easy and fun project, because all I was doing was covering a board, which would then go into a frame with glass in front.  So, there were no lids, no hinges, no ball feet to attach, and no complicated corners.  I had photos, business cards, maps, and ticket stubs from their trip to Germany, Spain and Italy.  I also added other little pictures I had cut from magazines and catalogs to help decorate.

I am pretty sure it’s done, but I always have to walk away and come back again to be sure.  There’s usually one or two little things I need to add, but I’m letting it dry overnight and will give it the final once-over tomorrow.  Then, all I need to do is varnish it and it’s done!

I spent a lot of time voting for Stacie today, too.  I voted all morning (except when I was applying for a job online at a MARRIOTT HOTEL), until it was time to go pick up the girls, and I voted a lot when I got home, too.  I voted after I was done decoupaging, and before, during, and after dinner and TV!

We were all talking at lunch about how this voting has become an obsession, but the truth is there’s only now to vote.  If we don’t vote now, she won’t get into the Top 10, and then we won’t be able to continue voting to get her into the Top 3.  I told Stacie that I’m SO hopeful that she will make it all the way, but if she doesn’t at least I know I’ve done all that I can.  She is so appreciative of my love and support and this has really created a bond between us that definitely did not exist before.

Before this competition she was my superior at work and a friend, too, but this has taken it to the next level – maybe two or three levels.  We always had fun at work and would enjoy having lunch together occasionally, or going to the coffee cart together.  Doing something creative with someone, getting together with Stacie and Elsa to rehearse, to record the video, and now emailing and talking on FACEBOOK about it, has definitely brought us a lot closer.

I already have a great bond with Elsa, because we commuted together almost every day for 10 months, and then worked together in the same department, and socialized a lot outside the office, too, including with our husbands.

I have developed a strong bond with Rosemary, because we have been socializing and spending lots of quality time together and also sat near each other at work, so our hours at work were spent talking all day.

I now have a bond with Kristin, because having created that box for her and her fiancé brought us closer together, and she, Liz and Stacie were the only girls who I could actually see all day as we sat at our desks.  Everyone else was either behind a cubicle wall or in an office, but Stacie’s office looked right at my cubicle and Kristin’s desk was right across from mine.  Rosemary was within hearing distance, but I couldn't actually see her.

I didn’t think I’d have people to miss when I returned to New York, but I find now that I definitely will.  It makes me sad, because I almost didn’t WANT to make friends here.  I knew I wouldn’t be staying and tried to keep myself in a shell and make sure I didn’t put down any roots.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t help myself, because these girls are so sweet and beautiful, so friendly and supportive, and so much fun to be with.

Eric is always so happy when I tell him I’m going to be with Rosemary, or Elsa, or Stacie, because he knows how much I loved working with them, and he’s so glad that I have friends here to keep me company until I come home.  He knows he is surrounded by family, and has many friends who are there for him if he reaches out, so he appreciates that I have a small support group here, too.

I watched AMERICAN IDOL tonight.  They were in Salt Lake City and there was some great talent tonight, including the son of Alan Osmond – the oldest Osmond in the group. David Archuletta, the runner up from last season, is from Salt Lake City, so we know they grow great singers there!

Last night when I spoke to Kaja at length, she gave me the phone number of a long-time friend of hers who lives in San Diego.  I don’t know why she never mentioned him before over the last few years, but I called him today and he called me back tonight.  We talked for almost a half hour.  He and his partner live in La Jolla and they both work in the medical profession.  I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation and I think he did, too, because he said he’d be calling me soon to make plans to get together.  He is just getting over the flu (so many people here are sick!), and he sounded terrible, but I could see we would have a lot to talk about, and have a lot in common.

Tomorrow I will finish Elsa’s project and varnish it, too.  I am seeing Tifney for lunch on Friday and if it’s done I can bring it to Elsa at work and present it to her there.  That would be fun!

Fridahy night I’m going furniture shopping with Rosemary.  When we went to the movies on Sunday she took me to WORLD MARKET to check out a dining room set she had her eye on.  I fell in love with it, so she was going to measure the room and we’re going back on Friday night to see if it’s going to work in her house.  I’m so excited, because she’s lived in this house for almost a year and hasn’t really started decorating many rooms yet.  Her living room is done and it’s great, but the dining room is completely empty.  I told her I would help her months ago, and I’d like to know she’s on her way before I leave San Diego!

Vote for Stacie (the Top 10 will be decided by tomorrow at noon!!!): MY GRAMMY MOMENT.  http://www.cbs.com/specials/grammys/moment/video_player.php?vid=390.

I woke up at 9:00am, called Eric, and then started voting.  It’s down to the wire.  The results will be announced tomorrow at noon and we’ll know if Stacie made it into the Top 10.

In between votes, I varnished Elsa’s decoupaged picture.   When it was dry I put it in the frame.  It really came out great and I took some pictures, which I will post on my crafts blog and then put the link here.

I didn’t do much all morning except vote and work around the apartment and I decided to go for a walk to Starbucks in the afternoon.  As soon as I got outside I knew I didn’t want to walk to Starbucks.  It was SO hot out.  It was 77 degrees today, so I decided to drive thru Starbucks and then go down Balboa Avenue to Pacific Beach (about 4 miles) and walk along the boardwalk.  It’s not REALLY a boardwalk, because there are no boards – it’s all paved, but I had a great walk anyway.

This group of guys and girls were having a great time, playing bongo drums and moving to the beat!

Everyone was out today.  There were lots of sunbathers and some people were even swimming.

These beautiful daisies were growing outside someone's apartment:

There were surfers, and Frisbee players, and football throwers and catchers, and parents with strollers, and people walking their dogs, and lovers holding hands, and people pushing seniors in wheelchairs, and lots of people on bicycles.

This guy was feeding the birds and had a lot of new friends!

There were people sitting outside eating and drinking at some of the restaurants that border the path. 

There were skateboarders and inline skaters and even a few old-fashioned roller-skaters.

Yes, everyone wanted to enjoy this beautiful hot January day in San Diego.

This beautiful boy was with his father and grandmother.  I asked if I could photograph him, because he just looked so sweet and peaceful.  They obliged and here's the result:

I know I’m rubbing it in, for those of you who are freezing on the East coast right now, but remember this: I will be there with you next year, so I HAVE to appreciate EVERY single day I have here in paradise.  I have to talk about it, and show you pictures, too!

When I got back from my walk I had just enough time to vote a few times, open my mail and then jump back in the car for my Thursday evening appointment.  All went well there and then I came right home again.  I spent the rest of the evening voting and watching TV (American Idol, Hell’s kitchen, and some HGTV decorating shows).

Tomorrow I will be leaving the house by 10:30am, because I’m delivering Elsa’s picture to her at work before picking up Tifney for lunch at 11:30am.  Then, I will go visit Gili in La Jolla and kill time before I meet up with Rosemary to go furniture shopping and have dinner.  Should be a fun day!

VOTE FOR STACIE!!!!!
In the “MY GRAMMY MOMENT” VIDEO CONTEST
http://www.cbs.com/specials/grammys/moment/

Then watch her winning video on the
51st Annual GRAMMY® Awards
Sunday, February 8th, 8:00pm!

I woke up at my usual hour and spoke to Eric, voted, showered and got dressed to go to the office to give Elsa her collage, give Stacie the sign I made, advertising her Grammy Moment (see above), and have lunch with Tifney.  I got there at 11:00am.

A funny thing happened: the receptionist (who I am friends with) gave me the pass you need to clip to your shirt in order to gain access to the office.  I didn’t even look at it.  I just clipped it to my shirt.  When I saw Tifney she started calling me “Pepper” and then pointed to the pass.  Instead of “Peppy”, Nancy had typed “Pepper Greenberg.”  Oh, well, it’s just another variation on a theme!

Elsa came upstairs to get me and brought me down to HR.  She LOVED the picture, as did all the other girls in HR.  I keep telling them that I can teach them to decoupage, because it’s so easy, and the big boss said she wants to make it a teambuilding.  The office has teambuilding outings every so often (remember I went to the go cart racing?) and they thought it would be a great idea to learn decoupage.

If you’d like to see more, visit PEPPY'S DREAM CRAFTS BLOG.

After I saw all the girls I went up to see Tifney and also walked all around the floor to say hi to everyone.  One of the guys is always making Mix CDs and has already given me two.  Today he gave me his latest, which includes Kelly Clarkson, Britney, Katy Perry (singing Hot ‘n Cold), Christina Aguilera, Madonna, Rihanna, and Lady Gaga.  It’s really great dance music and I thoroughly enjoyed listening to it while I was driving around this afternoon!

Tifney had collected 4 or 5 more boxes for me, so she helped me carry them to the car.  Then she and I went back to RED ROBIN, but this time Tifney and I got onion soup and house salad.  I haven’t had onion soup in a long time.   It was yummy.

I knew the MY GRAMMY MOMENT Top 10 were going to be announced at noon, so I told Stacie to call me.  Suddenly, I got a text, which simply read, “Top 10, Baby!”  I was SO excited!  After lunch we went back to HR and congratulated Stacie.  Everyone was SO happy!  That’s when I gave her the poster I had created and told her to make color copies and give them out to everyone.  I said, “Now’s when the real campaign starts and you’ve really got to sell yourself to get everyone to vote.  Put those up everywhere you can, and pass them out to everyone you see!"  She’s not as outgoing or as self-promoting as I am, so she was embarrassed, but I told her if she wants to win, she’s going to have to do it!

She later emailed to tell me she handed it out to all the teachers at her son’s pre-school and gave a bunch to her mother to bring to the hair salon!

After I left the office I sat in the parking lot in my car and called Eric and then Jimmy.  Then, I drove to La Jolla to see Gili Anna.  I was planning to spend some time hanging out with her, and then drive back to meet Rosemary for dinner, but Gili had everything all over the place and was busy rearranging her stock.  I picked up two bracelets she had re-strung for me, paid her, and left.

I went to the CONTEMPORARY FINE ARTS GALLERY around the corner, which I had been wanting to visit for a while.  They were featuring an artist whose work I greatly admire.  His name is Anton Arkhipov and the first time I saw his work was when I went to the wineries with my cousin, Audrey.  They had some limited edition prints of his for sale in the winery and I was so impressed with the whimsical, colorful nature of his work.  If you'd like to visit his website, and see his work, click here: ANTON ARKHIPOV.

The woman who worked in the art gallery was so nice to me and talked to me at length about his work, his life, and his career.  I was so impressed with his artwork and fell madly in love with one picture that shows a man and a woman on a bicycle.  Of course, I could relate to it, but also loved the colors, and composition.  Too bad it was over $13,000!

After the gallery, I came back to the apartment and relaxed for a while until 4:30pm and then I drove back to La Jolla Village Drive to meet Rosemary at WORLD MARKET where she was going to buy a dining room set.  The set was on sale and the sale ended tomorrow, so we were lucky we decided to go today.  She got a table, with a built-in leaf, six chairs, and a buffet.  The set is really beautiful, in a dark wood with a pedestal table and an X design on the back of the chairs, the pedestal legs and on the buffet doors.  It’s really pretty!

After that we walked in the same shopping center to DAPHNE’S for Greek food.  I had a shrimp platter with rice pilaf, tsatsiki, pita bread, and a Greek salad.  It was so delicious and I emptied my entire plate.  Rosemary had the same plate with calamari instead of shrimp.

Then, we both went home.  I had been out and running around since 10:30am and was pretty exhausted.  I came home and started voting.  I have another whole week of voting ahead of me, and I hope I can count on my family and friends to join in.  This means a lot to me, and I know if something is important to me, it will be important to you.  So, thanks in advance for your support!!!!!

VOTE FOR STACIE!!!!!
In the “MY GRAMMY MOMENT” VIDEO CONTEST
http://www.cbs.com/specials/grammys/moment/

I didn’t do much today.  Oh, I did two loads of laundry, went food shopping, drove thru Starbucks and visited Hillcrest, but it was pretty uneventful overall.

I drove to Hillcrest and posted my VOTE FOR STACIE! sign on the transformer box where we filmed the video, so if Hillary, the artist, came by she would see it, as would all the passers-by.

I also handed out a black-and-white flyer to the girl at the window of my drive-thru STARBUCKS and asked her to put it on the bulletin board.  We’re kind of friendly, so I’m hoping she did it for me.

I took another black-and-white one and posted it on the bulletin board at the STARBUCKS around the corner from the transformer box in Hillcrest. 

I had also gone through my closet and picked four vintage dresses that I don’t wear anymore and tried to sell them at WEAR IT AGAIN SAM and FLASHBACKS, but both places rejected all four of them.  That hurts!  I know they’re nothing fabulous, because otherwise I would have kept them, but they’re definitely nice.  I told Eric I think they get a thrill from rejecting people’s clothes!  I guess I'll either try to sell them with the rest of the stuff I'm not bringing back to NY, or I'll just donate it all!

After that I just got back in the car.  My mission to post the VOTE FOR STACIE poster had been accomplished and I had no other reason to stay, except to end up spending money on something somewhere, so I just came back to the apartment.

I just relaxed around the apartment for the rest of the afternoon and evening.  I watched TV (last night’s MONK and lots of decorating shows), worked on the computer endlessly (including many votes for STACIE!) and took a nap (although why I was tired I’ll never know!).

So, I have nothing interesting to report, no great stories to tell, and no adventures to regale you with.  I guess I have to hope tomorrow is more interesting!