It was a beautiful day and I was up much earlier than i intended.  I waited until 9:00am to wake Eric and then we started getting ready for our date with Susan and Andrew.  They had asked us for help picking up a TV stand from the store, because it wouldn't fit in either of their cars and the PT is perfect for moving stuff!

Before we left the house, my sister-in-law, Susan, called to say that my nephew Steven would be able to help US move a piece of furniture today!  I had purchased a beautiful round oak pedestal table for the dining room, but it was one of those things that WON'T fit in the PT, and Steven has a pick-up truck.

We made plans for him to meet us at the place at 3:00pm and off we went to run an errand and meet our friends.  I picked up our mail from the PO box and saw there were a few anniversary cards.  Wheee!  I love mail!

We got to Susan and Andrew's but Susan wasn't home yet from her own errand, so Andrew and Eric left in the PT and I stayed home with Chelsea, the cutest black poodle you ever saw.  For some reason, i don't get sick at Susan and Andrew's, even though other poodles HAVE made me sick.

I figured this out by going over for 10 minutes, then 20, then a half hour, then an hour, and have now stayed there up to an hour and have not had any ill effects.  I feel REALLY lucky!

Susan came home about a half hour after they left and they were back before long.  The four of us went to a great old-fashioned diner near their house called HILDEBRANDTS, which has great home-made ice cream, wonderful sweet potato fries, and lovely salads, amongst many other choices.

Susan and I both got Grilled Swiss Cheese on Rye and shared a Baked Goat Cheese Salad.  Eric got an Eggplant Parm hero (he said he's had it with chicken for a while) and Andrew got a Lemon Chicken wrap.  They were so sweet and treated us to lunch for our anniversary.  On the way out I convinced Andrew to get ice cream with me (Eric and Susan absolutely refused and I didn't want to be the only one!).  We both got a scoop of Cappucino Chip and it was absolutely delicious!

We walked down a few blocks on Hillside Avenue, because there are a lot of interesting stores.  Then, we got back in the car and took Susan and Andrew home and they jumped in their car so they could accompany us to the Consignment Shop where I found my table.  Steven was to meet us there at 3:00pm and they just wanted to see if they could help and hang out with us a while longer.

I am not going to name names, but I have a problem with this consignment shop.  I had my own consignment shop for 5 years and know how the business should be run.  Unfortunately, this is a non-profit to benefit a local historical society, and the "old ladies" who run the place are all unpaid volunteers who couldn't care less about ANYTHING.

Their rules are ridiculous and their attitude is even worse.  I had a problem with them the first and second time I went in there, but today it really got bad.  Let's just say voices were raised.

The first time I went there was the day I saw the table and bought it.

The second time was after Eric and I unpacked about 20 boxes in the new house.  We had several big boxes filled with unprinted newsprint which, if you've ever moved, you would know is SO much better than newsprint, because your hands don't get covered with ink, nor does anything you've packed.  Since Eric and I are VERY much into recycling, we didn't want to just put it out in recycling -- we wanted to actually give it to someone to use again.

I called the consignment shop and told them I had all this bubble wrap and unprinted newspaper.  They were SO appreciative.  They were having a flea market and said it would come in SO handy, since they'd be selling a lot of items in one day.  In the meantime, they told me that Tony would not be able to deliver the table, because he had just had surgery and was not able to go that far (this shop is on Long Island).  I told them I'd make other arrangements.

So, Eric put these two big, heavy boxes in the car and I brought them over to them.  As I said, this was the SECOND time I went to the shop.  My friend Susan also had two small pieces of furniture she wanted to sell, so we packed the PT with these two big boxes and her small desk and a small curio and off we went.

When we got there I brought in the first big box and they were all "oohing" and "ahhing" over how great the paper was.  I told them I had a second box and they said, "Oh, we don't want another box.  This is enough."  Now, Susan told me if that happened to her, she would have just said, "Okay" and put the second box back in the car.  Not me.  I told them, "Look, I brought this here out of the goodness of my heart, and you're going to take it.  I'm not bringing it back home and I have no other place to bring it."  And they took it.  And I'll bet they are glad they did.

So, today was the third time I went to this shop.  It was also the last -- I can tell you that.

What happened was partly my fault, but what ever happened to "The customer is always right!"  When I had my shop, that was definitely words I lived by and I ALWAYS made sure my customers were happy and satisfied when they left my shop.

I never even knew this shop existed, partly because it wasn't in this location when I left New York in 2007.  I found out about it from an old guy from Peppy's Dream who used to bring me a ton of furniture to sell in my shop.  I called him and told him I was looking for a round pedestal table and he said he had one for sale in this consignment shop.  I went there, saw it and loved it.  It was completely covered with lamps, plates, dishes, teapots, etc.  I could barely see any of the table, but I asked if there was any damage and I was told there was NOT.  That it was in EXCELLENT condition.

I wasn't going to bother them to remove everything.  First of all -- and most importantly -- I ASKED about the condition and they didn't say, "Let's remove everything and see." or "I'm not sure."  They said, "It's in excellent condition with no scratches." or something to that effect.

The second reason I didn't bother is because they're all old ladies and I didn't want to give them all that work.  The third reason is that the shop was very crowded at the time and they were busy taking consignment and helping other customers.  So, I looked over the rest of the table (the edges were okay, as was the pedestal), paid in FULL and made arrangements for it to be delivered (by Tony, the guy I know).  I told them I had JUST moved into our house and that I wouldn't be ready for delivery until mid-June.  Again -- they didn't say, "That's no good."  Or, "It has to be sooner."  They just said, "Okay."

They never called me to complain, but when i was there to delivery the paper and every time I would call them, they would tell me how important it was to get the table out of there.  I kept telling them that I had specifically told them mid-June.  Today is June 16th.  In MY book -- THAT'S mid-June!

So, anyway, when I got there the table was completely cleaned off, except for one lamp and a lot of dust.  I asked if they could dust it off and then I noticed a few scratches.  Two were pretty small and were the kind of scratches that add "character" to an older table, but the third was a long scratch -- about 5 inches -- that was pretty deep.  It really bothered me, because they had told me there were NO scratches.

Well, I'm not going to go into total detail, except to say that there was a lot of back and forth accusations, yelling, denials, throwing up of arms, and general unhappiness.  I finally left there WITH my table and a $25 refund.  They kept saying that EVERYTHING in the shop has damage -- it's a consignment shop and nothing is new.  I said it's not bad that it HAD damage, it's just bad that I didn't KNOW about it before I bought it.  They kept saying I should have asked them to remove everything.  I think it was THEIR responsibility to remove everything to make sure -- before they took their money -- that it was as described.

One woman said, "The woman who told you that is a volunteer!" as if that excused her mistake.  I said, "So, does that mean she's allowed to LIE to me?"  Then, the woman got indignant and said, "She didn't LIE." and I replied, "Well, obviously, she didn't know, did she?  If she didn't know, she should not have said.  Thank GOODNESS Susan was there with me when I bought it and again today and she was able to back up everything I said.

As I left I promised them that they would never see my face again.  I think they were relieved and happy to hear that!  Susan said she respects the fact that I speak up and get what I wanted, but she admitted that sometimes I DO go too far, because I get so upset and raise my voice.  It's just the way I am.  I wasn't screaming, but I talk loud to begin with and the madder I get, the louder I get.  I think she's dissatisfied with herself, because she doesn't speak up at all, but I'm dissatisfied with myself, because I get too upset.  I shouldn't let these things get to me, but I do.  Somewhere in the middle is the best course of action -- speak up, but don't "yell up!"

Anyway, my nephew came with his friend's little brother (because his friend flaked).  This kid was an adorable autistic kid of maybe about 13 or 14.  I never would have known he was autistic.  He just seemed like a goofy kid, but Steven told us -- right in front of him.  They helped us get it into the truck, followed us back to Flushing, and then helped us get it up the stairs.

We gave the kid $20 and Steven $40.  Steven didn't want to take it (he's so sweet), but we insisted.  The kid was all excited, because Steven told him I was on WHEEL OF FORTUNE.  That was the best part of the trip for him -- talking about WHEEL OF FORTUNE!

When they left we relaxed for a while and then went back out to meet our nieces and their husband/boyfriend for dinner at SUSHI VILLAGE for more -- ALL YOU CAN EAT SUSHI!  It was Jessica and her husband, Ken (the newlyweds) and her sister April, and her boyfriend, Hashem.

We had a great meal -- ate like there was no tomorrow -- and they treated us, too!  What a great day for us.  Eric said we should make up more occasions and get people to take us out.  Sounds like a good idea to me!

It really was a lovely anniversary.  I got to spend time with some of our best friends, got a new piece of furniture, saw my nephew, and then saw two of my nieces and "nephews."

I apologize to anyone who cares for not blogging anymore.  When I first got back I thought I would blog occasionally -- if something important happened, or if I had great pictures to post.  Unfortunately, I have been so busy and try to spend as much quality time with Eric as possible, which usually means NOT spending an hour a night on the computer!

So, this may be my last entry, but, Jimmy, if I ever DO blog again -- I'll let you know!

Second of all, the weather has been simply glorious – a little bit of San Diego, I dare say!  Warm, sunny, and not a chill in the air!

Third of all, my stuff arrived safely from San Diego on Thursday and went into a storage facility in College Point and into Eric’s apartment in Whitestone.  I’m not going to say it went off without a hitch, but at least everything was there and nothing was broken!

Fourth of all, we already found an apartment!  I know!  We move fast, don’t we?  We looked at two on Monday – loved the first, hated the second, and then went back for a second look at the first, and met the landlord – and we’re set!  We pick up the keys and sign the papers on Monday.  It’s actually a month-to-month, so there’s no lease, but there are agreements to sign, nonetheless.

I’m not going to go into detail until I have the keys in hand, but it is a great apartment and we’re very, very happy!

We ran a lot of errands and got a lot of things accomplished this week, but mostly we spent a lot of quality time just being together, sleeping, eating, and bonding.  I was totally exhausted when I arrived on Saturday morning and Conrad and I just needed some quiet time.  Eric took good care of us both and I pretty much slept on and off for 24 hours.  We didn’t leave the apartment on Sunday either, and finally ventured out on Monday to go apartment hunting and start running all the errands I had on my list.

It’s been a little hectic, because there’s so much to do, but since we’re both not working, we have all the time to do it, which has been a real luxury.

Meanwhile, Eric was absolutely right about hating this apartment.  It’s SO noisy.  The boiler makes an unbelievably loud banging noise when the heat is coming up.  The radiators hiss and sound like someone with asthma breathing.  He’s right next door to an electrical contractor and the vans load up every morning at about 6:30am, with slamming van doors, and guys talking loudly.  Not fun.

On the plus side, the place is warm, cozy, and clean.  There’s good water pressure, and it’s conveniently located.  On the bad side, the bedrooms are so small that they can only be used for storage and we have the futon in the living room set up as a bedroom.  It now holds my laptop and printer, too, along with Conrad on a trunk I brought from San Diego.  It’s a little cluttered in here, but at least we’re comfortable!

Lastly, after a week of “hibernating” and just being together, we finally got together with Susan and Andrew tonight and really enjoyed seeing them again.  It seems unreal that we’re back – and not just to visit!  We went to Uncle Bacala’s in New Hyde Park and had a great Italian meal.  We started with fried calamari and I had the shrimp risotto.  Eric had a chicken dish.  Andrew had Salmon Wellington and Susan had the tilapia special.  Everything was delicious!  We ended with cappuccinos (Eric had tea) and dessert.  Eric and I shared a cappuccino chocolate mousse cake.  Andrew had a cannoli and Susan had crème brulee.  Yummy!

We are looking forward to dinner with Geri and Larry on Monday.  We’re going to get very fat, because we will probably be meeting people for dinner once or twice a week for the next few months – until we get to see all our friends.  I’m really looking forward to it!  You all know how I love to eat out!

Tomorrow we’re going to BJ’s (which is like COSTCO in San Diego) and we’ll also do a few loads of laundry.  It’s nice to be getting back to doing these things with Eric, after doing them by ourselves for so many months.  It really makes a difference having someone with whom to share all the chores.

I don’t plan to blog every day anymore.  I spent about 1 hour on the computer this entire week.  I really only went on for 5 or 10 minutes a day, to check into YAHOO and FACEBOOK, but Eric’s watching the basketball game, so I figured I might as well catch up.  I really enjoy blogging, but I would much rather spend my time with Eric, so I won’t be as consistent as I was, now that I’m back in the Big Apple!

I jumped in the shower, got dressed, called them, and the next five hours were a blur.  I told the guys that there was a case of water in the fridge and to help themselves and that when it was time for lunch there were a bunch of places across the street to eat – and it would be my treat.
They informed me that they intended to be finished before lunch.  Well, they weren’t far off.  It was just a little after 1:00pm!

They had me in such a tizzy, because I was thinking I’d have HOURS to get everything packed that I had left until the last minute – like clothes, lamps, my printer, etc., etc.  We were all movin’ fast and gettin’ things done.  There was Chuck, who was sent just to pack – he packed up all the mirrors, artwork and breakable ceramics and glass.

Then there was the adorable, handsome, and very sweet Jason, who was the “kid.”  He did all the heavy lifting and must have gone up and down the stairs 40 times with his hand truck.

The boss was Jack – also the driver.  He himself will be driving the truck all the way to New York, so I’ll be seeing him at the other end.  He was really efficient and did a great job.  I highly recommend Mayflower for any moves, because this is our third and they’ve done well for us, so far!

Conrad was freaking out in the bedroom, because there was so much noise and Chuck was packing all the mirrors and art on my bed, so I took him and brought him into the living room, which wasn’t much better, but at least he could see me while I worked at my desk.

It was a whirlwind of activity for 4 hours, and then I was alone in an empty apartment with Conrad, my two suitcases and a few empty boxes.

The first thing I did was bring the DVR and remote back to TIME WARNER across the street.  That took about 5 minutes.  On my way back, I stopped into the McDonalds on the corner that I have passed HUNDREDS of times and never entered.  They had a big poster for their McCafe coffees and I decided to try one.  Unfortunately, they don’t make decaf.  Did you ever?  So, I came home empty-handed.

Next, I rang the bell of my building manager and borrowed his pliers, so I could take apart Conrad’s cage.  He was NOT happy about being in the little cage and I feel SO bad, because he’s going to be in there for a LONG, LONG time before he gets back into his regular cage.  At least I saw him eating and drinking, which is always a good sign.

I managed to get the cage apart, but it was a challenge getting all the parts and pieces into my suitcase with all the other stuff I have in there – clothes, shoes, toiletries, etc.  My small carry-on just has my pillow, some clothes, my make-up and will hold my laptop, too.

I took out the garbage and brought all the recycling down to the dumpsters, so the apartment was clean and empty.

The DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS were supposed to come and pick up the entertainment center by 5:00pm.  It’s now 4:24pm and no sign of them.  If they don’t pick it up, Bret will take care of it, so it’s no big deal.  I tried to sell it on CRAIG'S LIST, but no one bit, so then I listed it free under FREE STUFF on CRAIG'S LIST, and still no response!

Rosemary is coming to get me in ½ hour and I am taking her out to eat, since she treated me to HAIKU on Monday.  I thought it was the least I could do, since she offered to take me to the airport, and she lives about 25 minutes north of here.  It’s quite a trip for her, and then the airport is even further south, so I really appreciate it.  She’s a good friend!

So, the next entry on this blog will be from the Big Apple.  I am so excited.  I just want to be there already.  I can’t wait to see Eric! 

When I passed his apartment, I mentioned to the building manager that he had never done the final inspection, so he came over to do that.  He mentioned how clean and spotless the place was, even though it was cluttered with boxes and packing materials.  I told him that I didn’t even really need to do a deep cleaning, because I always keep up with it, and since I had company in the last couple of months, I was very much on top of things.

He said that I could save about $100 by cleaning the apartment myself, instead of them bringing in a cleaning service.  He said he thought the apartment was clean enough, but there was a list of items that needed to be cleaned and he went back to his apartment, printed it out, and brought it over.

After he left, I took a look at it and then promptly called him.  I told him that I was leaving TOMORROW, and wouldn’t have time to, “dust the ceilings, wash the baseboards, remove wax from the kitchen floor (I’ve never waxed the floor, so I’m assuming there is none), and wash the windows – inside and out.  I told him I’m clean, but I haven’t gone THAT far and I’m certainly not doing it today and I’m leaving tomorrow!  I don’t think ANY tenant washes the baseboards before they move out, do they?

Anyway, I COULD complain, because it was his responsibility to do the final inspection and perhaps if he HAD told me all the things that needed to be done, maybe I would have at least tried (but I doubt it – I’ve been pretty busy).  I guess I’ll just leave it alone and let them deduct the $100 from my security.  Meanwhile, the thing that got me the most on the list was the note: Do NOT fill in holes in walls.  I went around and spackled ALL the holes except for a few that I couldn’t reach.  What’s up with THAT?  I thought I was doing a great thing.  I guess people do a bad job (hope I didn’t!), so they’d rather not have you do it at all.

I got a call from the body shop in El Monte, CA.  The guy is SO nice.  He told me the final tally on my damage was $5,200, so I was pretty darn close.  It's amazing how such a small accident can add up to so much, but -- again -- it was just the way I hit the Yukon.  Anyway, I'm sure they're going to either raise our rates or drop us, because in two months I've managed to become their worst customer!

At about 3:00pm I went out to return the rental.  First, I drove through STARBUCKS and said goodbye to my “crew.”  One of the girls had told me that she was trying to think of a “trophy” to give me, and they gave me a venti cup with cute stuff written all over it.  I packed it and will display it proudly!  They also gave me my final drink free, but I gave them a $3.00 tip, so it just about evened out!

After that, I went across the street and drove through DEL TACO for the second and last time, because I was starving.  I got a spicy jack cheese quesadilla and then drove to the post office.  I had asked to have my mail stopped on the 8th, so of course I had mail delivered yesterday AND today.  I called the post office yesterday and they told me my forwarding request had not yet gone through (so efficient!), but they would have my mail held at the post office until the forwarding started.

When I went in today the woman was SO annoyed with the mail carrier, because she checked into it and said that a HOLD was already requested for my mail and she couldn’t understand why it was delivered today.  There was only one piece -- coupons from COSTCO, so it was no big deal, but I still don't want anything delivered.  I’ll still be here tomorrow when the mail is delivered and if I have any I have to call the supervisor.  It’s ridiculous, because I can’t ask the building manager to forward my mail to me if they keep delivering it, and I don’t want to miss anything important.  The post office here has just not been up to par, I can tell you that!

Next I drove to Pacific Beach and went down by the water.  PB was the first area that Eric I enjoyed when we came to San Diego, because the two RV campgrounds that we stayed at were both located there.  We loved all the great little restaurants, and the cool shops on Garnet and Grand.

I reminisced about our life here in San Diego.  I will never forget the time here and will cherish the memories.  This has been such a difficult year for us both, and I think it was the hardest of our lives, but for me it was worth it.  I am so grateful that I got to live here, and especially that I got to spend two winters here.  This was another dream fulfilled, and I feel very lucky.

After looking for the last time at the Pacific Ocean I drove back to Clairemont and drove through some of the canyons, so I could see those views for the last time, too.  Then, I went down to Mission Bay.  Finally, I drove to ENTERPRISE and returned the car.

The young man who drove me home was so adorable.  I told him that the reason I was moving back to NY was that Eric couldn’t find a job and didn’t like it here and got depressed.  I told him that he was now back in NY and had been working steadily and was much happier.

He started telling me that when he graduated college last year he started looking for a job and he was really frustrated and he started to doubt himself, and he got very down, and was unhappy.  He finally got the job with Enterprise and said, for now, he was very happy there.  He said that he could see how hard it would be for someone who just moved here, and couldn’t find work and he felt bad.

When I got back I just did more stuff around the apartment and then decided to walk over to KEIL’S for the last time with my little cart and buy some food so I could have a little goodbye party for myself tonight.

I got a six-piece sushi, some fancy potato chips, an Arizona Iced Tea, some cheese, and a tiny single portion of Hagen Dazs DULCE DE LECHE.  When I told Eric he laughed, because I told him I was having my own little party.  I really enjoyed it, too!

I watched two episodes of PRETTY WICKED, a new reality TV show that is very much like TRUE BEAUTY.  They got together about 10 vapid, spoiled, bratty, princesses who think the world revolves around them.  Just like TRUE BEAUTY, they also thought it was some kind of beauty contest, but it turns out that the winner (who will receive $50,000) has to show the most change in personality and actually become a human being.  It’s pretty amusing!

I watched HELL’S KITCHEN, and then started watching some other shows I had previously recorded.  I knew I was going to return the DVR tomorrow afternoon, so this was my last chance to watch whatever I could.

As I was watching TV I started packing.  When I went into my closet I realized that I never packed my skirts.  I think the story was that I wanted to weed through them first and get rid of a bunch that I never wear, but instead I just filled up a bin with all of them and packed it with the rest of the stuff.  I would have brought some of the skirts to the garage sale and sold them with the rest of the clothes, but I just plain forgot.  They were on the other side of the closet, which is closed most of the time (there are sliding mirrored doors), so I didn’t see them!

I started packing my two suitcases.  The small pink carry-on will have all my important stuff – Betty (my GPS), my camera, all my important papers, and anything else I want to keep close at hand.

All my make-up, toiletries and clothing will go in the bigger bag I’ll be checking.  I have my black winter coat, which I’m hoping I won’t really need, but I didn’t pack it, so I guess I’ll drag it back to NY.  So, I’ll be carrying my big suitcase (which is on wheels), my pink carry-on (also on wheels), my purse, my coat, and Conrad in his little cage.  I have a long strap for my purse so I won’t have to worry about carrying that, and I can drape my coat on my carry-on.  I will check the big bag immediately and will just need to carry my purse over my shoulder, Conrad and the pink carry-on to the plane.  Poor Conrad.  I’m anticipating that he will get tossed around a little as I’m carrying him around, but what can you do?

Here's a little story I've been meaning to tell: Do you remember the part in the classic book TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD where Boo Radley keeps leaving little presents for the kids in a hole in a tree trunk?  If you don’t remember, or you never read that book (or saw that movie) – get it out of the library or rent the movie today.  It’s one of the best books in the world (one of my all-time favorites) and the movie is, too!

Anyway, I’ve become the Boo Radley of Clairemont Drive.  Last year I blogged about Tess, who is the young girl (about 12) who lives next door to me.  She lives with her mom, whose name I can’t even remember.  She’s not very friendly.  Tess, on the other hand, was a little angel.  The only time we ever really talked was when we swam in the pool together.  She was so sweet and so friendly and I just fell in love with her.  I thought I’d get to have a friendship with this sweet young girl and thought about how great it would be to teach her decoupage, or talk to her about collecting.

Unfortunately, her mom was so cold that I never felt comfortable forging a friendship, and I never did.  Now, I’m leaving, and it still makes me sad, because every time I see her she is so friendly and sweet and her face lights up.  Her mom says hello, too, but she hardly makes eye contact.

They have a table on the balcony in front of their door with lots of pots of plants on it.  I saw that someone (I assumed it was Tess) was collecting white stones – smooth stones, like you’d find at the beach.  There were also some seashells.  One day, as I walked by, I stopped and took the stones, which were just lined up, and arranged them with the shells in a decorative arrangement on the table.  I don’t know why, but I was just feeling mischievous.

The next day, the shells were back the way they were before.  I arranged them again, this time in a different way.  They stayed that way for a few days, and then were back the way they were.  Two days ago I was packing and came upon a little candy dispenser that looked like a can of soda.  It had been one of the toys Ilene gave to the kids at Evan’s Bar Mitzvah, and I loved it so much, because I’ve always loved anything that is a tiny version of something big.  I decided it wasn’t something I had to bring back to NY, and I thought it would be fun to leave it on the table for Tess.

As I walked by to run some errands, I just left it there.  The next day, when I went out, it was gone.  I decided to continue leaving gifts.  I had no idea if she knew where they were coming from, but I kind of figured she knew.  Yesterday I left a Tasmanian Devil PEZ dispenser that Eric and I had purchased at the Pez Museum in Northern California.  I knew he couldn’t care less and would never miss it (I did keep my Yosemite Sam dispenser!!!!).

Next, I left a little purple purse made from an Asian inspired fabric.  Yesterday, I left a small black plastic Cocker Spaniel that my friend, Carole, gave me years ago.  I don’t think Carole would mind!

I figure when the gifts stop she’ll figure out it was me.  Every day when I walk by I see that the gift I left is gone, so she must be keeping them and I’m sure she’s enjoying them, too.  I don’t know why I do these things.  It just makes life more interesting, don’t you think?

I don’t know if I’ll get a chance to blog tomorrow night.  I may have time after the movers leave, and I’ll be sitting on the floor in an empty apartment.  If I don’t, I will fill you in on my move as soon as I can.  Wish me luck!

I worked on the computer, made some calls, packed, organized, cleaned, and then drove to Hillcrest for the last time.  I had a wonderful massage.  Leah is really fabulous.  It was so relaxing, and so therapeutic.  I hated for it to end, but it was over before I knew it!

I drove right back to the apartment, even though I did feel like driving around.  I wanted to go to Pacific Beach, for the last time.  I resisted, and just drove home.  I did have a lot I wanted to accomplish this afternoon, so I figured I’d better get back to work.

I had bought two rolls of plastic wrap and I wrapped two vintage suitcases containing display pieces (for jewelry).  It actually worked out great.  After they were covered with the saran wrap I could use the packing tape to wrap them securely.  This way there wouldn’t be any sticky tape directly on the suitcase, but they couldn’t be opened and they wouldn’t get dirty.

I proceeded to wrap two of my free-standing sets of drawers on wheels.  I have 6 separate sets of drawers.  I have them all filled, and will then wrap them all, so they will stay securely closed and will stay clean while being transported.  These are the drawers that I first used to get organized in my craft room in the house in Whitestone.  Then, when I opened the shop, I moved them all there.  When I closed the shop, I brought them home and we shipped them all to San Diego.  I have since used three of them as dressers in the bedroom and three of them as desk organizers in the living room, behind the desk Eric built me.

That desk was made of wood and we had upholstered it with green fabric and then covered the top with purple velvet with glass bead trim.  It always looked really pretty.  Between me and Eric, we really made a lot of furniture out of wood, boxes and fabric.  He's so handy and I do the designing and it cost nothing and looks great!  I took off the velvet with the glass bead trim that covered the top of the desk, shook it out on the balcony and folded it to ship.  I took the green fabric off (it had been stapled on) and put it in the wash.  I will be able to use it to pack, if I need to wrap something delicate!

I am now sitting at a bare wooden frame of a desk.  The apartment is less and less like home and more and more like a storage unit that I’m living in.  I have a few small boxes of chocolate soy milk, a few sugar-free 60 calorie chocolate puddings, and some condiments left in the fridge.
The kitchen cabinets are empty, except for all the breakables I have stored in there for the packers on Friday.

I got a call this morning from the guy who will be driving the truck.  He interviewed me about the move.  I told him there’s a flight of stairs here, but just a few in New York, and it’s not a doorman building or anything, so they’ll be able to unload me whenever they get there.  In some fancy buildings they have all kinds of rules about when you can move in or out and about use of the elevators, etc.  Thank goodness Eric’s building is a very simple one and he lives on the first floor!

I told him that most of the stuff is going into storage, and some of the stuff is going to the apartment.  I also told him that I have every box marked “STORAGE” or “APT.” so it will be very easy for them.  He said they’d pack all the stuff for the apartment first, and then put the storage stuff in the front, so they’ll unpack at the storage facility first, and then bring the rest to the apartment.

He told me he’d probably have my stuff in New York by next Saturday and said something about dropping off someone else’s stuff in Kentucky first.  Anyway, he seemed very efficient and he was very nice.  It’s good to know they’re all getting everything organized and ready.  I talked to the guy in charge of my move and told him that I just wanted to be sure everyone knew that I was flying out that night and needed to leave the apartment by 6:00pm.  He said there would be no problem with that.

The truth is, my flight is not until 10:15pm, but Rosemary offered to drive me to the airport and I told her I’d take her out to dinner first, so I’d like her to pick me up by 6:00pm.  I figure the worst case scenario will be that I can’t go to dinner and Rosemary will drop me off right at the airport.  As long as I make my flight, I don’t really care about the rest.

I worked the rest of the afternoon and into the evening, packing, cleaning, and packing some more.  You might ask, “How much stuff does this girl have?”  Well, let me tell you that I already have about 90 boxes and there will probably be more.  I just have a lot of stuff.  That’s all there is to it!

Tomorrow I have to return the car in the afternoon.  I may take a last drive around San Diego, to some of my favorite spots, since I have more than a half a tank of gas and I don’t have to have more than 1/8th of tank when I return it.  I’ll just take a drive through some of the neighborhoods in the afternoon and wind up on Balboa at ENTERPRISE.  They’ll drop me back off at home.

When I went to STARBUCKS this afternoon (after my massage) I told the girl at the window that this might be my last trip, as I might not get a chance tomorrow.  She told me she was trying to think up a trophy to give me, because I was one of their favorite customers.  She’s so sweet.  I told her I’d really try to come by tomorrow.

I feel a little sad, when I think about leaving, because I have enjoyed San Diego a lot, but I know I have so much to look forward to back in New York.  I can’t believe I’ll be with Eric again, after six months apart.  Sometimes I still can’t believe that we have been apart for this long.  In 26 years we were never apart for more than a week and now it has been almost seven months since he left, and four months since we were last together.

It will be a sweet reunion, and I’ve told everybody that I’m going to spend the first couple of days alone with Eric.  We need to reconnect and get to know each other again.  I want to be alone with him, spend some quality time with him, and then after I have a chance to settle down a bit, I can’t wait to see all my friends and family.  I’ve missed you all so much!

The bathroom is pretty empty, except for what I’ll need in the next 4 days.  The kitchen is pretty empty, including the fridge!  The dining room and living room are the “disaster areas,” as well as the second bedroom.  The good news is that I can relax and watch TV with Conrad and it’s not stressful or cramped, just relaxing and cozy.

Anyway, I woke up this morning at around 7:30am.  My nose was running so much that I couldn’t fall back to sleep, even though I was totally exhausted.  My head was stuffed and I felt awful.  I called Eric.  He got laid off from his job yesterday, and is now searching for another job.  I felt bad, because I know he really wants to be working, and I know it’s important for him to work, but I was kind of happy, because – selfishly – I thought it would be great to have him around when I get back!

He was surprised to hear from me so early.  After we hung up, I tried to fall back to sleep, but I felt so sick that I couldn’t.  I just laid in bed, dozing on and off, and answering the phone when it rang, and then finally got out of bed at around noon.

The insurance company called to say that the car was at the body shop, it had been appraised and the initial appraisal of damage was just over $4,000.  They still have to look at more stuff inside the car, so this was just preliminary.  I had said it would be $5,000, and my cousin’s husband, Kyle, said $3,500, so it was right inbetween!

So far, the process has been painless.  I got a call from the guy at the body shop and I told him that there was no rush and I wanted them to do a great job on “my baby.”  He assured me that they would and I told him when it was finished it would be picked up by the shipper and shipped to me in NY.  He said that was fine and it would be ready in a few weeks.

Next, I got a call from ENTERPRISE, asking me when I was returning the car.  I thought that was strange, but then the guy told me they had sold the car I was renting!  I feel sorry for whomever bought it, because it’s so economical and there are no frills in this car at all.  You have to roll down the windows manually and there's not even a mirror on the driver's visor.  Talk about no frills!  I told him I would be returning it in San Diego on Thursday and he said that was fine.  Now, I feel even more nervous driving it around, as I wouldn’t want anything to happen to it right before it sold.

I spent a few hours packing and then decided to work on a big project I had been putting off for – literally – over a year!  When Eric and I moved to the apartment, we opened up the box holding the giant mirror that hung in our living room and found that some of the mirrored strips that surround the main mirror had fallen off.  Thankfully, they had not broken, but they remained standing in a corner of the living room, with the mirror still in its box in the spare bedroom, for over a year.  I bought mirror adhesive, opened the box, reglued the two strips of mirror onto the frame, and now it just has to be re-packed.

At around 3:00pm, I walked over to the shopping center with my cart.  First, I stopped at the TIME WARNER office, which just opened about a month ago.  I told them I was moving and was going to bring my DVR box and remote over.  I just wanted to confirm exactly what I had to do, and I have to figure out whether to bring it over Thursday afternoon, or wait until Friday and do it while the movers are here.  I hate to not have TV on Thursday night (you know what an addict I am), but I also hate to leave it to the last minute.

Next, I walked to the mail box and then, on my way back, I stopped at SUBWAY for another $5 foot long Tuna with lettuce, tomato and swiss cheese – toasted!  Then, I went to RITE AID to get a travel size Listerine and hair conditioner, because I didn’t have enough to get me through the week.  I also bought plastic wrap, because I’m going to use it to wrap up some standing file drawers I have on wheels.  This way, I can keep the drawers filled and just wrap them so the drawers can’t open.  Then, I can put the packing tape on top of the saran wrap and not ruin the drawers.  It seems like a good idea.  I’ll see how it works tomorrow!

I also bought a case of water so I would have plenty of cold water for the workers on Friday.  I will also offer to buy them lunch – there’s McDonalds, Carl’s Jr., Mountain Mike’s Pizza, Subway, Mexican, and Chinese right across the street, as well as KEIL’S, where they can get deli sandwiches, so I’ll probably give them money and let them go across the street and get whatever they want!

Since I wasn’t going to STARBUCKS today (I wasn't up for the walk over, and I never got in the car), I decided to stop at a coffee place that’s right next door to RITE AID.  It’s called THE SAME OLD GRIND, which is a clever name, but that’s about all it has going for it!

I had gone there once when we first moved in, but the coffee was so weak and watery that I never went back.  The first thing that happened when I walked in was the guy told me their espresso machine was broken.  Nice.  I told him I’d just take an iced decaf coffee with mocha.  It only cost me $2.10, but it was so watery that I threw it out after a few sips.  I’m just spoiled by the best and that’s all there is to it.

When I got back, I had half of my sandwich and watched some TV, and then packed some more.  I had every intention of going to yoga tonight, although I’m not going to deny that I was a little nervous about driving to South Park in the rental, especially since I found out it’s being sold.  I took a nap at around 5:00pm, and when the alarm went off waking me to go to yoga, I just couldn’t get out of bed.  I decided to stay home and miss my last class.  It made me sad, because I DID want to say goodbye to my instructor, and a few of the other people who were there every week, but I felt better just staying close to home and working around the apartment.

I packed on and off all night long while I watched AMERICAN IDOL, DANCING WITH THE STARS and THE BIGGEST LOSER.  There’s really so little left to pack.  There are certain things I need until the very last day, and everything else is pretty much done, except for the things that I’m specifically leaving for the packers on Friday.  When I got hungry, I had the second half of my sandwich (just as good as the first half!).\

I have been worried that the packers might not finish in time on Friay, even though they’re supposed to come between 9:00am and 10:00am.  I have to leave for the airport by 8:30pm, because my flight is at 10:15pm, but now I’m pretty confident that as long as they show up on time, they’ll be finished in just a few hours.  I have most of the boxes stacked neatly against one wall in the living room.  There are a few in the back room and a few in the closets in the hallway.  There isn’t much furniture – my bed, my vanity, the couch, the chest/coffee table, and the folding table and four folding chairs.

I figure there may be moves where people have two or three bedroom sets, a dining room set, a living room set, etc., etc.  So, this shouldn’t be too bad.  At least I’m hoping it won’t!  There is a set of stairs which is a big pain, so that adds to the complication of the move, but I figure they’re used to that.

Tomorrow I’m getting my last massage from Leah at the LOTUS SANCTUARY.  She’s become almost a friend, because I’ve gotten 4 or 5 massages since I moved here, and she’s the sweetest person.  I really wanted to say goodbye, and I figured this was a great time to get a massage, since I’ve been working really hard, and I’m really stressed.  It’s a wonderful thing to look forward to.  I love a massage!

Five minutes later the phone rang.  It was my insurance company, calling to interview me.  I told the whole story, and then they got the towing company on the line and I gave them permission to move the car to a body shop very close by.  I am letting the insurance company handle the whole thing, so I don’t have to deal with anything at all.  It was a very pleasant experience.  GMAC did a great job with my last accident, and – so far – they’re doing a great job here, too.

After I hung up with her, I called the auto shippers and told them that instead of picking up the car Thursday in San Diego, they would be picking it up someplace south of Los Angeles after it had been repaired.  They said that was fine and I just had to let them know when and where.

Next the body shop called to let me know they had my car in El Monte, CA., and they needed to get my approval to appraise the vehicle and then they’ll get back to me with the total.  The guy was SO nice and everything went SO smoothly, I was kind of dazzled by all the efficiency!

Tifney texted me at about 11:15am to tell me she would be a little late, because our friend Nancy was going to join us.  Nancy is the woman who trained me when I worked a half shift with her for three months, and my other half was in HR.  She sits right next to Tifney, which is how Tif and I became friends.  I’m friendly with Nancy, too, and we’ve been out to lunch with Tifney and Ailien a few times.  She’s a doll, too, and I thought it was so nice of them to drive the 10 miles to Clairemont from Del Mar, just to have lunch and then drive back to work!

We went across the street to HOMETOWN BUFFET, which Tifney likes a lot.  Eric and I went there twice before we were warned off the place by Jimmy, and I haven’t been there since, but it wasn’t bad and we had a lot of fun.

They dropped me back off a little before 1:00pm and I did two loads of laundry and packed all afternoon.  Then I showered and got dressed to meet Rosemary for dinner at 6:00pm.  She picked me up and we went to Pacific Beach for sushi at Haiku.  I told the woman who owns the place that it was my last visit, because I was moving back to NY.  She actually remembered that Eric is there already – and I guess she kind of figured it out because I’ve been there at least 5 times without him, and I was always there with him before he left.

We had a delicious dinner and Rosemary was SO impressed by the fabulous gourmet rolls they have.  We started with a COMA, which is the deep-fried jalapeno with tuna, cream cheese and some other great stuff, on a bed of salad with a delicious dressing.  We also had edamame.  We then had two rolls.  A DYNAMITE roll, with salmon, crab and crunchies on top, and another roll (we both couldn’t remember the name!), that had shrimp tempura with other stuff.

We couldn’t finish, and Rosemary took home the leftovers for lunch at work tomorrow.  I know she’ll love it just as much the second time around!  She insisted on treating me, which was so sweet. 

They brought over a martini glass filled with cut fruit and toothpicks, which was so sweet.  They're all really nice there, and I'm really going to miss their amazing food!

Rosemary offered to take me to the airport on Friday night, so I told her if I had time (if my move ended in time), I’d take HER out to dinner before she dropped me off.  I told her we have to find a place that won’t mind my having Conrad in his little travel cage.  Once I pack his cage, I’ll have to put him in the travel cage and he’ll be there until we get to New York!

I think his cage just snaps apart, so I’m going to try to take it apart on Friday and, if I can do it, I’ll pack it in my big suitcase, so I can put it back together again in NY and he’ll be back in his house on Saturday.  If not, then I’ll have to ship it, and Eric and I will probably go buy a cage, because he can’t possibly stay in the little travel cage for a week!

After dinner we went to STAPLES, so I could pick up a dozen more rolls of packing tape.  I have now spent about $100 on packing tape.  Isn’t that crazy?  Rosemary told me I’m lucky, because I haven’t bought any boxes or bubble wrap, or tissue, or anything else like that, so I guess $100 for packing materials isn’t that bad.

When I got home I worked on the computer for a while, catching up on my blogging, and then watched DANCING WITH THE STARS and MEDIUM.  DWTS is really exciting this year.  There are actually 3 or 4 contenders, but I believe Gilles is going to win.  I’ve been voting for Lil’ Kim, because it’s so amazing to me that this little rapper from Brooklyn, who spent time in prison, is do graceful, so elegant, and so studious, devoted and dedicated to the whole process.  She takes it so seriously, and she’s so sweet.  I’m loving her!  I don’t know if she can win, but she’s got my vote!

It felt kind of sad, because I knew I wouldn’t be back very soon.  It was wonderful to be here in California, because for the past year and a half I got to see my cousins a handful of times and that was very special.  They very rarely come to NY and sometimes when they do we can’t all get together anyway, because their family is far upstate and they may not be in my vicinity at all.  So, it was wonderful to get to spend a few weekends with my cousins, and I love them all very much.

I went to Joe and Miguel’s apartment and got to meet Leo, their new beagle puppy.  He is SO adorable.  He’s shy, so he doesn’t come near you when you first come in and then he kind of teases you, and runs near you, and then runs away when you try to pet him.  He finally warmed up to me and I got to pet his sweet head and feel his velvety ears.  His coloring is so cute.  He’s got brown, black and white and he’s just precious!

Joe and Miguel gave me a fabulous gift.  They looked at my website and found a vase I had decoupaged with butterfly pictures.  Miguel took all the pictures from the vase and photoshopped it into the shape of a butterfly, which looked really beautiful.  Then, they printed it out and joe took it to a place that transferred it onto a t-shirt!  So, I had a t-shirt with an art piece that Miguel had created, using art from MY decoupage!

I just loved it and was so touched, because I knew it must have taken a lot of time, energy and talent to put it all together.  I can’t wait to wear it and promise to post a photo when I do!

As usual, they also gave me a STARBUCKS card (they know what I love!) and Joe wrote on the inside that it was to be used at the airport on Friday night.  Perfect!  They think of everything!

We went to our favorite place for brunch – The Alcove, which is a great outdoor place with lots of tables with umbrellas and delicious food.  They brought Leo, so I got a chance to see him a bit more.  He’s a good boy and didn’t cause any trouble while we ate, although Miguel had to hold the leash the whole time, and I don’t know how he managed to eat, but he did!

We had a great time.  It’s always wonderful to see them.  I love these boys so much.  They’re so sweet and wonderful, and funny, and great to be with.  Joe and I go back about 30 years, but even though I’ve only known Miguel for a bit more than a year I love him, too.  They’re the best!

They treated me to a delicious meal.  I had the salmon quesadilla, with fresh fruit and an iced tea.  I couldn’t finish it, so I got to bring it home with me and had the rest for dinner!

After our meal I drove back in Miguel’s car with them to their apartment and then got in my rental (black Chevy Cobalt) and drove home.  I was kind of paranoid and made sure there wasn’t a car in front of me or in back of me for about 200 feet!!!!  I didn’t hit much traffic and was home by 4:00pm.

I thought I’d be so tired that I would take a nap, but it never happened.  I started unpacking and doing things around the apartment.  I played with Conrad for a while.  I was so worried about him while I was gone, but of course he was fine.  Birds are great, because you can leave them for 3-4 days without worrying, as long as they have enough food and water.  I was wondering if he was lonely, because I was gone for so long, and he’s used to having me around a lot, but I don’t really think birds have a concept of time, so I didn’t feel TOO guilty!

Anyway, it felt good to be back in my own bed, and I got a good night’s sleep without any assistance!   Even though I had the accident on Friday, it turned out to be a great weekend.  Ilene and I accomplished exactly what we set out to do.  I got to see my cousins and spend some quality time with them.  I got to see Joe and Miguel, and got a chance to meet Leo.  I definitely would rather NOT have had the accident, but even though I did, the weekend wasn't ruined and everything worked out okay!

Ilene had set up two tables with tablecloths, and she put her stuff on one and I had my stuff on the other.  We put the rest of the items on the ground, in boxes and in bins.  We had everything you can imagine – toys, clothes, games, knick-knacks, brick-a-brack, art (including some of my decoupaged pieces), small pieces of furniture, CDs, DVDs, VHS tapes, sundries, make-up, perfume, etc., etc., etc.

We made a great team.  We would help each other with sales, and ask each other prices if someone came to us with an item.  It got really busy and we’d be selling like crazy.  Then, it would slow down for a while and we’d get to reorganize, and hang out, then another crowd would roll in.

It was pretty hot out, and I had slathered myself with sunscreen, so I didn’t get sunburned, as I usually do at every garage sale I have.  I also put a visor on at one point, because the sun was so strong.

Ilene was running around with boundless energy, but after a few hours my back was hurting, my feet were hurting, I was hot, and I was tired.  It made me feel very old.  I hate when something makes me realize how old I am.  I’m 51 and sometimes I just don’t remember that fact!

At one point, Ilene mentioned that I needed to go pick up my rental car.  Enterprise was only open from 9-12 on Saturday.  It was 11:40am!!!!  I jumped into Kyle's car with him and Elise and they raced over to Enterprise, which was less than a mile away (thank goodness!).  I completely forgot and if Ilene hadn't mentioned it I wouldn't have gotten the car and would have had no way to get home on Sunday!!!!  Ilene had already offered to drive me home on Monday, because she and Tyler were going to Disneyland for his birthday, but I really didn't want to make her drive ALL the way to San Diego!

Thank goodness we got there in time and in just about 15 minutes I drove out of there with my black Chevy Cobalt and was back to the sale in no time!

Ilene is so amazing at multi-tasking that she actually made lunch for the whole family – pizza – while still selling at the garage sale.  How DOES she do it?  Elise, her six-year-old daughter was selling fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies at an adorable lemonade-stand type booth.  People were buying cookies, shopping, and I think they really enjoyed our sale!

I got rid of most of my stuff and Ilene said I could leave whatever didn’t sell and she would sell it at her next sale, which made me very happy, because the last thing I wanted to do was bring any of it back to San Diego!

I completely crashed at around 2:00pm.  We cleaned up a lot of the stuff, packed up bins and boxes, and got most of it into the backyard.  Then, I just had to lie down on the couch.  I needed a nap SO badly.  I tried to rest a little, but then Ilene’s sister Karen arrived with her son, Jason who is 7.  I told them I HAD to nap for a while or I would die, so the kids played in the backyard, Ilene was doing stuff around the house, and Karen read on the couch next to me while I slept for about a half hour.  I really felt better when I woke up and was grateful for the rest.

I wanted to treat everyone to dinner to thank Ilene and Kyle for their kindness and for everything they had done for me – including the garage sale, having me as a guest in their home, and saving me when I had my car accident!  We were all so exhausted that we decided to order in from California Kitchen, which is a restaurant I love with a great menu, rather than go out.  We actually ordered online.  Ilene took everyone’s order, clicked on each item, then they totaled it and we were able to pay online!

Then, Karen and I jumped in her car and drove over to the restaurant.  All I had to do was sign my name and carry out the shopping bag of food.  It was so easy and convenient!

When we got back we all sat around the table and enjoyed a delicious meal.  There was seafood, salads, pasta, pizza, soup, and Ilene even made fresh-baked brownies a la mode for dessert.  I don’t know how Ilene does it.  I know she’s a few years younger than me, but she has the energy and stamina of a 20 year old! I kind of think it’s because she’s a mother, and when you have three kids you just get used to going, and going, and going.  I call my friend Geri “Buni,” because she’s got so much energy she's like the Energizer Bunny, but I think I should start calling Ilene “Buni”, too, because she’s got just as much!!!!

After dinner, a bunch of us jumped in the car to take Evan to a Bar Mitzvah in Brentwood.  He was dressed up in a 3-piece suit and he looked SO handsome!  We drove over there and I saw this huge building and thought it was a catering hall.  Ilene explained that it was someone's house.  It looked like Leonard's of Great Neck to me (you New Yorkers will get that reference!!!).  It was the hugest, fanciest house!!!  There was a bouncer at the entrance and Evan had to give his name and the guy checked his list and allowed him to entry.  I was SO impressed!!!

When we got back, we had Ilene's delicious dessert, and then I just hung out with Ilene and Karen for a few hours.  Then, I said I simply HAD to get in my pajamas and go to bed.  I was totally exhausted.  Just to be sure I had a good night’s sleep I took two NYQUIL.  My nose was very stuffed, so I figured it would help me sleep, and clear up my breathing for a while.

Ilene’s 16-year-old son, Tyler (Happy Birthday, Tyler!!!) was kind enough to give up his bedroom for me, and I really appreciated it, because I was able to fall asleep (thank you Nyquil!) and got a great night’s sleep.  It was a really great day and I felt like Ilene and I had accomplished so much.  We had a lot of fun, had a few laughs, made a few bucks, and got rid of a lot of stuff we just didn’t need anymore!

I got the car packed with all the stuff I was bringing to my cousin’s house for the garage sale on Saturday.  I got everything in and then remembered I had the two round end tables with the fabric covers.  I tried to get them in, but they wouldn’t fit.  As I was trying, I was noticing that scraping them against the boxes was causing them to disintegrate and leave sawdust on everything, so I figured it was best that I didn’t bring them, because they weren’t really sale-worthy anyway!

I left them right by the dumpster, so if someone wanted them they could take them, or the building manager would put them in the dumpster, if he so desired.  I decided to keep the round glass tops, because it’s something easy to pack with other framed art and I could use them as a table top on any kind of base, so they were worth keeping.  I completely forgot that I wanted to bring my folding table, so we’d have extra table space, but it turned out we didn’t need it, so that worked out, too.

When I was done packing, I showered, dressed and drove to Hotel Circle for my Allergy Focus Group from 12-1:30pm.  It was the smallest focus group I ever participated in.  I don’t know if that was due to lack of participation, or they only needed a few.  I kind of think it was the former, because at first they were offering $80, and then when they called to confirm they told me it was $100, so I guess they were desperate!

They had a nice lunch served, along with snacks, and there were four of us and the interviewer, who asked us all kinds of questions.  I gather that it was specifically for people who use Allegra, because that was the basis of all the questions.  I’ve been using the generic Allegra for about 3 years, so I fit their requirements.

We got out promptly at 1:30pm, I picked up my $100 cash, filled up with gas, and got on the road at about 2:00pm.  I figured I’d be in L.A. by 4:00pm, unless I hit a lot of traffic.

I had some great CDs with me, but I listened to the radio for a while, drinking my STARBUCKS (which I had purchased on my way to the focus group), and making great time.  At around 3:00pm, I started to hit traffic.  I had gone about 70 miles in one hour, and now I figured it might take me another hour to go the other 50.  The traffic was pretty stop and start, so we were just rolling along, then stopping, then rolling along, then stopping.

The next thing I knew, I hit the guy in front of me.  I have NO idea how it happened.  I wasn’t going fast at all, and the first thing I thought was that I was hit by the guy behind me (again), because I have rear-end paranoia!  That was not the case.  I had rolled into the guy in front of me, but because he was in a giant Yukon, my bumper went right underneath his truck and it smashed the grill on my PT like it was made of tin foil.  I didn’t know this until we pulled over to the shoulder and I looked at it.  I was SHOCKED, because I thought it would be even less damage than when I was hit from behind a month ago, and I was hit pretty hard!

It was just my bad luck that instead of hitting another car, and just bumping, with no damage to either car, I hit a truck, and his bumper was slightly damaged, while my grill was smashed.  Well, I’m going to make a long story short.  A highway patrol officer showed up, we exited (we were just about 100 feet from the next exit, so it was very convenient), drove about 4 blocks off the exit into a residential neighborhood, the cop interviewed both cars separately, they called a tow truck for me, I emptied my car, and waited on the street for Ilene’s husband, Kyle (my knight in shining armor), to come and rescue me!

After the tow truck arrived, the highway patrol officer left.  When the tow truck came and took the PT, I was left sitting on boxes on the street with my suitcase.  People were driving by, stopping to ask if I needed help.  I looked like someone had thrown me out and I was left homeless.  They were so sweet and I explained that I was waiting to be picked up.  People are so kind.

Meanwhile, I hadn’t gone to the bathroom since noon, and now I REALLY had to go, but I couldn’t ring someone’s bell and ask if I could use their bathroom and leave all my stuff on the street, so I just sat there, waiting for Kyle.  He got there a lot faster than I dreamed he could (since I was 20 miles south of L.A. and it was Friday night rush hour traffic).  He picked me up and dropped me off at a theatre in L.A. where Ilene’s friend’s daughter was performing in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST.

I went to the bathroom (ah, sweet relief!), and then sat down with Tyler, Evan, Elise and Ilene (Kyle went home after dropping me off).  I sat through the first act, but I was so stressed, exhausted and tired that I told Ilene I didn’t think I could stay for the second act and Kyle rescued me once again by coming to pick me up.

I got back to their house and he had unloaded all my stuff into the house and onto their porch.  He was SO great, and so sweet and supportive.  I really was so grateful for his help.

I got washed up and into my pajamas.  I had spoken to Eric so many times during the whole afternoon and he was so upset.  I really felt bad, because I was fine and I hated to upset him, and he was frustrated because he’s so far away and he feels so bad already that I’m dealing with the whole move by myself, and now he felt even worse, because this happened.  I told him the only thing that mattered was that I’m fine, and I’m coming home in 7 days!

When Ilene and the kids got home we relaxed for a while and then they set up the pull-out bed that inflates in the living room and I settled in for the night.  I was comfy and cozy, but unfortunately, I was so overtired, stressed, and exhausted that I didn’t sleep very well.  I tossed and turned, thinking about the accident, about Conrad at home alone, about Eric in NY worried about me, and about everything I had to do before I left San Diego.  It wasn’t the worst night’s sleep I ever had, but it certainly wasn’t the best!

It was easier than I thought and he didn’t seem to mind being in there too much.  I drove across the street, because it was faster and easier than walking all the way there with him bouncing next to me.  They checked him in, examined him (as much as you can examine a parakeet) and then clipped his wings and his nails while I waited outside.  It was over in less than a half hour and cost me just over $100.  Combining that with the price of his “ticket” and you know how much I love this bird!!!!  I could probably buy some kind of cockatiel or parrot for $250, but I am SO devoted to Conrad!

When I brought him home he jumped right back into his cage and started eating his treat, so I knew he was okay.  An hour later he let me pet him like nothing had happened, so I guess he’s not mad at me, and no worse for wear!

After that, I headed to Starbucks, but not my usual drive-through in Clairemont.  I went to the one in Hillcrest, so I could buy some coffee for me and John and it would still be hot when I delivered it to him.  He really appreciated it!  He touched up my color and then gave me ANOTHER haircut, because the back and sides were still a little too long.  I think it’s absolutely PERFECT now, and I want to take some pictures, so I can bring it to Emily back in New Hyde Park, and she’ll be able to recreate this for me.

It is so hard when you find a stylist and colorist who does your hair perfectly.  John is that guy.  He is SO talented, and he’s also a lot of fun and FULL of interesting facts and information, with stories to last a lifetime.  He’s done a lot of traveling, and had many great adventures!

When I got back from my touch-up I just had time to take a shower and get dressed before it was time for my 5:15pm appointment in La Jolla.  We had a great talk and I gave her a thank-you card, because this may be my last face-to-face with her.  I told the shipping company they could pick up my car starting anytime on the 9th or after, so they may come on Thursday and, if they do, we’ll just do a phone session, which is fine with me (and her).

When I got back, I touched up my make-up, changed my shoes, and got ready for my “date” with John.  He took me to a place called VAGABOND KITCHEN in South Park, which is just a few blocks away from THE BIG KITCHEN.  I’ve been wanting to go there for a long time, and many people have recommended it, but Eric and I just never had a chance before he left.   I’m so glad I got a chance to experience it before I leave!

I wore my red floral dress with a black cardigan, black purse, and my purple satin ankle-strap shoes, which I SO adore.  They just make any outfit special!  He picked me up at 7:00pm in his black convertible with the big white stripe down the hood.  I’m so bad with cars, I don’t know what kind of convertible it was, but it is a real sports car and I felt like a million bucks in it (even though it was 7:00pm and the top was up!).

We drove to South Park and got a spot right in front of the restaurant.  It is absolutely beautiful.  There are quotes painted on the dark green walls, in different languages, and lots of Moroccan-style lamps and furniture.  The artwork was very interesting, too.

We sat at a table for two with a banquette on one side (where John sat) and a high-backed seat on the other.  John got a Vodka Gimlet and I got a Cosmopolitan.  We shared a salad with goat cheese and an appetizer of deep-fried “beignet” with cheese and seafood inside.  Both were delicious.

For our main course, John got salmon, which came in a bowl with a white sauce and new potatoes and other vegetables.  I got the Moules Frites, which is something I adored at Waterzooi, the Belgian Bistro we enjoyed in Garden City.  I was just telling Eric that I can’t wait to go back there with our friends who first brought us there and here I was having mussels that were just as delicious.  They were in a white, creamy sauce with onions and garlic.  John and I shared the fries, too.

We were so stuffed we didn’t have any dessert or coffee.  We got back into John’s car and he gave me a nice tour of some neighborhoods in San Diego.  We drove through South Park, then North Park, and then some neighborhoods that I wasn’t familiar with, including University Heights, which is where he lives.  He rents a beautiful Mission style house on a gorgeous block in a neighborhood that has houses right on the edge of a cliff.  I could NEVER live in a house on the edge of a cliff.  I’d just worry all the time that the house was going to fall right off the edge!  His house is on the other side of the street, so it’s much less expensive, and doesn’t have as good a view, but I’d certainly feel safer on that side of the street!

He showed me where he used to work in a salon in Old Town (where I’ve been many times), which was above a Mexican restaurant.  We drove around until we reached Clairemont and then he dropped me off at home.

I have SO much to do tonight and tomorrow morning.  I have to pack for the weekend, do a load of laundry, and pack the car with all the stuff I’m selling, all before I go to my allergy focus group at noon.  They’re paying me $100 to discuss allergy medicines for an hour and a half – and they’re serving lunch!  Then, from there, I’ll be driving to Los Angeles.

Tomorrow night I’ll be attending a performance of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST with Ilene and her family, which is starring the daughter of one of Ilene’s good friends.  I met the whole family at Evan’s Bar Mitzvah, so it will be fun to attend -- and I love Beauty and the Beast!

Saturday is the garage sale and we’ll be up at the crack of dawn preparing for a long day of selling, selling, selling!

Sunday, I hope to have brunch with Joe and Miguel, and then drive to Costa Mesa to see Marlene and Buddy for the last time before I leave California.  I do not plan to blog until I get back to San Diego, so there will be no entries for Friday, Saturday or Sunday posted until Monday.  Try not to miss me too much!

Then, at 7:30am, the guy downstairs was very noisy, and it took me a while to fall back to sleep.  When the alarm went off at 9:00am, I was exhausted.  I called Eric, we spoke for a few minutes, and then set the alarm to go off again at 10:00am.  I had to be out of the house by 11:00am to go to the luncheon in HR.

I got there on right on schedule and we had a really great time.  I got a cryptic email from Elsa this morning, telling me to “pretend I like tequila,” which I knew had something to do with April Fool’s.  The girls in HR LOVE to have a good time and take every opportunity to have fun.  Whether it’s Halloween, a birthday, or April Fool’s Day, they are always thinking of something!

The first thing I noticed when I got to HR was a trail of small plastic wind-up animals on the floor all around Stacie’s desk.  Then, I looked into Michelle’s office and saw about 100 empty plastic water bottles standing all over the floor.

I later found out that Stacie bought a bunch of crickets and put them (in a box) in the ceiling of Karen’s office, so that they would chirp and she’d wonder what the hell was going on.  I don’t know if they ever did chirp, because she was told they’d only chirp if they were calm, and I guess being shoved in a box in the ceiling got them nervous, because they were totally quiet while I was there!

Now, it was finally time to go into the HR conference room.  They had ordered in from OGGI’S, a great pizza and salad place.  There was a big spinach salad with goat cheese, and a Greek salad, along with a vegetarian pizza, a pizza with pepperoni, and garlic knots.  They apologized for the “San Diego” pizza and said I’d soon be eating NY pizza again, but I told them I had absolutely no problem with the pizza in California, and enjoyed it from many different establishments!

On the conference table they also had a small bar set up.  There was a bottle of lemon-flavored vodka, tequila, and a bunch of shot glasses, along with a blender.  They also had lots of cups lined up for some kind of drinking game with quarters.  I found out very quickly that they were trying to fool Karen, the boss, into thinking we were drinking on the job.

They asked who wanted a shot of vodka, and several of us took shot glasses and Mary Kate filled them up with the vodka, which was really water.  When I did my shot, I made a face and pounded on the table and then said, “Lemony!!!”  The whole room was laughing, mostly because they knew I was acting, but Karen was very nervous.  You could see she was uncomfortable, because this was certainly against the rules, but at the same time, she’s good friends with all the girls, and I think maybe she kind of thought it was a joke.

Suddenly, Stacie yelled, “April Fools!!!!!” and everyone burst out laughing and Karen was VERY relieved!  As always, we had a lot of laughs and it was a great lunch.  They even gave me a doggie bag of salad and a garlic knot to take home for dinner!

The girls also gave me a gift bag with souvenirs from the firm.  When you’ve worked there for six months you get an aluminum travel mug (it’s really fancy) with the firm’s logo.  When you’ve been there a year you get a canvas and leather portfolio with a pad and pen.  They gave me those items in a tote bag made from CAPRI SUN juice packs.  You know those bags – they’re not boxes, but more like a fabric/foil bags and some ingenious person made them into a tote!  It’s SO cute and colorful.  They knew I’d like it, because they know I’m totally into recycling!

They also gave me a beautiful card, which they all signed.  They wrote the sweetest things in there and I was really touched.  They all said they want to come to NY to visit me, and want me to come back to SD to visit them.  When I think that I only worked for the firm for 10 months, and only worked with them in HR for about 5 months, it really means a lot that they took the time to do all this for me.  Most of them are on FACEBOOK and we promised we’d all keep in touch – and Facebook makes it so easy!

After I left I drove straight back to the apartment, changed, and headed out again to get a pedicure.  My toes were a mess and I really needed one!  It’s always a very relaxing process for me, which I thoroughly enjoyed.  When I was done, I told Tina, who has been doing my manicures and pedicures at HAPPY NAILS for about a year, that this would be my last time, since I was moving back to NY.  She just looked at me, giggled and smiled.

It seemed like such an inappropriate response, so I said, “Do you understand what I’m telling you?”  She smiled, giggled, and nodded, so I guess she did!  Anyway, it was not the response I was expecting.  I know she really liked me, because she was always so happy when I made my appointments, or when I walked in the door (I’m easy, and a big tipper!).  When I told Eric, he was laughing, and he said she probably had no idea what I was talking about.  I’ll never know!

After that, I drove through Starbucks and then came back to the apartment to pack some more.  I worked for a while and then watched HEROES and took a nap.  When I woke up, I had my Greek salad and garlic knot for dinner and watched LIE TO ME (really excellent, as always), AMERICAN IDOL (happy with the elimination results) and AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL (kind of happy with the elimination results).

I love ANTM, and I love Tyra.  She’s the real deal.  On last week’s episode, one of the models threw another model “under the bus” and was really out of line.  Although she takes great pictures, and is absolutely gorgeous (I loved her up until that point), Tyra put her in the bottom two and explained that “you don’t take another girl’s money.”  What she meant is that you can be as competitive as you want, but don’t do something intentionally to make another model get eliminated.  I really respect that she did that, even though I wanted the girl to go home and Tyra gave her another chance.

So, I can't believe it's really April 1st!  Today is the anniversary of the day I opened my shop in 2002.  This year has flown by so quickly and I can’t believe I’ll be heading home in just 10 days.  Lately, Eric has been so happy, so light-hearted, with such an easy laugh.  It makes me so happy that he’s doing so well and feeling so good.  We both don’t know how much longer he’ll be working, as a lay-off still seems to be hanging over his head, but we discussed it and said the only thing that matters right now is that we will soon be back together again.  He said that when we’re together, everything will be great, and we’ll be fine.  I know he means it, and that means the world to me.

Anyway, the first thing I did this morning, after I spoke to my darling, Eric, that is, was to go on the computer and start changing our address to our new PO Box.  I was able to do it in certain cases, but in other cases (credit card and bank) they won’t let you use a PO Box, so I just used our friends’ address, which we had used before when we were traveling in the RV.  Since I haven’t had a chance to tell them yet, and I know they read my blog – hey, guys – you may get mail for us again!!!!!  Sorry about that!  The truth is, the banks and credit card companies send me everything via email anyway.  They just need a real billing address.

Next, I went to usps.com to try to change my address online, so my mail would start getting forwarded.  Of course, I wasn’t able to.   I had originally tried last Wednesday, 3/25, and when I wasn’t able to do it I went to the post office.  They told me that it probably wasn’t in the system yet and to wait a few days.  I figured waiting until this morning was long enough, but of course it STILL wouldn’t let me.  It was saying that they were unable to process my request because one of the addresses was a business address.

So, back to the post office I went!  I told the woman there what happened.  She told me that a lot of people have problems doing it online.  I had taken the form that needs to be filled out the last time I was there, so had just filled it out at home and brought it with me.  She took it, but told me that it takes up to 10 days for it to be processed, because it gets sent to the main office in Los Angeles.

I told her “I’m moving in ten days!”  Now, I’m really worried, because I wouldn’t want the post office to continue delivering my mail after I leave.  The good news is I asked for the mail to be stopped on 4/8, and I’m not really leaving until 4/10, so I will see if I get mail on Thursday or Friday.  If I do, I’ll have a chance to go to the post office and get the problem resolved.  She also gave me the number of the post office here and told me to call next week and ask for a supervisor, to see if the request had been put through.  Just another in a long line of things to take care of before I go.

After I got back from the post office (and Starbucks!), I started packing.  I got a lot done today, and I can actually see the light at the end of the tunnel.  Today I actually started pulling boxes out of closets that are already packed from our last move, just to be sure they are taped closed, and to make sure I have the right information on the box, including the box number and whether it’s going into storage or to the apartment.

I worked until it was time to go to yoga.  It was a great class and I really needed it.  My stress level is definitely very high right now and the serenity yoga is just what the doctor ordered!

When I got back from class, I made myself some tuna (unfortunately I have no bread, crackers, wraps, or anything else to put the tuna on, so I just had it with some cucumber.  Hey, don’t feel too bad for me, it was pretty good!  I watched a little bit of AMERICAN IDOL, then changed over to the elimination on DANCING WITH THE STARS.  I was happy with the results.  Next, I watched THE BIGGEST LOSER.  Not so happy with that elimination, but it IS a game, and they’re all really playing it now!

I’m very excited about tomorrow, because I’m going back to the office for the luncheon HR is having in my honor.  It’s so sweet.  All 10 girls will be there, and it should be a lot of fun.  I might walk around a little afterwards, to say more goodbyes, if I can get someone to go with me.  They have a rule about a non-employee walking around the office by themselves, so I have to have a “babysitter.”  I’d like to say goodbye, although I probably could come back one day next week.  I really won’t have that much to do, because I’ll probably be all finished packing!!!!

I’m also supposed to go back to Karaoke with Marti tomorrow night, but I’m kind of afraid to go.  The last two times I went I felt lousy for a day or two afterwards, because of the cigarette smoke.  It really bothers me.  It gives me “the asthma.” 

I already told Marti that we should go in separate cars, because I don’t want to stay long, but I’m wondering if I should even go at all.  I have such a big day on Thursday, and I’m leaving for the weekend on Friday and I’d hate to deliberately cause my allergies to be worse than they already are.  I really, really hate cigarette smoke and I think that in the two times I’ve been to this bar I’ve breathed in more cigarette smoke than I have in the last 10 years!

Well, I guess I’ll figure it all out tomorrow, depending on the kind of day I have, and how badly I want to sing.  The KJ invited us tomorrow because they’re filming singers for their website or something and she wanted us to sing.  I know Marti’s really excited about it, and I hate to disappoint her, so maybe I’ll go for an hour and then just get the heck out of there!

I drove through Starbucks (how I missed it yesterday!) and then drove to PACIFIC BEACH.  I first stopped at the SALVATION ARMY.   I wanted to find out how to get them to pick up a piece of furniture I want to donate.  It’s the entertainment center I actually bought from them last year.  I tried to sell it by putting a poster up in the laundry room, but I figure if I can get them to come pick it up, I might as well just give it away, rather than putting an ad on CRAIG’S LIST.  I have found from experience that a lot of people from Craig's List say they’re coming, but don’t show up, and I’d rather not deal with that.

After I got the information from the Salvation Army, I went to STAPLES and bought six more rolls of packing tape.  I’ve now spent about $50 on packing tape!  It’s a good thing I had all the tissue and paper from our last move, and got a lot of boxes from different people.  So, the packing tape is my only expense – so far!

When I got back I spent the rest of the afternoon packing until Rosemary picked me up for dinner at 6:15pm.  We went to IMPERIAL MANDARIN, our favorite Chinese Restaurant on Convoy.  We had our usual – we shared fried wontons and she had Kung Pao Chicken, while I had the Kung Pao Shrimp.

Rosemary told me about a group she went to with another girl from work where there’s a medium who helps you connect with your angels.  I thought this was very interesting as I am very interested in angels and believe they are all around us, helping us and guiding us.  I believe that our angels are all the people we love who have passed.  They continue to love us and support us on the other side.  We had a long discussion about our different views on this and other similar subjects.  Rosemary is the one I went with to see Charlotte, the psychic, and she and I are both very interested in this type of thing.

Rosemary also told me that she and her sister, Lisa, whom I have met several times and is also really sweet, would like to come visit us in NY in the spring of 2010.  I was so excited about that.  The thought of having a San Diego friend visit in NY made me very happy.

We thoroughly enjoyed our meal and each took home enough leftovers for lunch tomorrow.  Delicious AND good company!  It was a lot of fun.

After dinner we drove just a few blocks to TARGET, so Rosemary could pick up a few items.  Then, she dropped me off back at home.  I’ll see her again Wednesday, at the HR luncheon.

When I got in I started blogging, and then watched DANCING WITH THE STARS and MEDIUM.  I really had the urge to do more packing, but it just makes too much noise and isn’t fair to my neighbors.

Tomorrow I have to make another trip to the post office.  I tried for the second time to register my change of address online.  The first time it didn’t work and I went to the post office.  They told me that it was because Eric had just gotten the keys and it might not be in the system yet.  I waited 4 days and tried again today.  I’m going to try again tomorrow, but if it doesn’t work I’m going back there with the hand-written form filled out.  Sometimes the old way is still the best way!

It was much cooler today, overcast, and a really nice breeze was blowing through the open door and windows.  I got a LOT done – packing until I had no more packing tape!  I’ll have to go back to STAPLES tomorrow to get me some more!

In the meantime, since I had no more packing tape, I started organizing the spare bedroom.  I moved around the boxes that have been sitting there since the day we moved in (they contain chandeliers, mannequins, lamps, and tons of knick-knacks I haven’t touched since I got here!).

On one side of the room I have all the stuff I’m taking to the garage sale next weekend, and I got that a little more organized, too.  I was watching a marathon of AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL all day, and I was thrilled to realize there were actually a few episodes in this cycle that I had never seen.  I really love that show.  I love seeing a girl transformed by make-up and creating art with her body.  At the same time, it’s also interesting to see the most beautiful girl you can imagine take terrible pictures.

There’s really an art to it.  You can’t just be beautiful and create great photos.  It’s not the photographer’s fault – or expertise – either.  It’s really all about the model.  She has to give the photographer something to work with.  It seems like such a glamorous career, but when you see how they have to do a shoot right after a long plane ride, or pose in the ocean when the water is 50 degrees, it doesn’t seem quite as glamorous.  It’s hard work, and if they’re paid $10,000 for the day, they very often deserve it!

I didn’t take a nap, so at about 9:00am I was exhausted and my eyes were closing.  I decided to go to sleep and hope for the best.  Well, the best I could do at that hour was three hours.  I was up at midnight and there was nothin’ I could do about it!  I worked on the computer and watched more TV and fell back to sleep around 3:00am.  I tell you, this sleep cycle thing has got to right itself when I get back to NY, or I’ll be driving Eric crazy!