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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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