My favorite co-workers and friends, Mel and Jaz, treated me out Hokkaido's for lunch today. Talk about the mother of all buffets, this is the one! It is a Japanese buffet located in Foster City at the Bridgepoint Mall where the Ice skating rink is and is very inexpensive. Their food is served and presented exquisitely and the buffet stations are strategically placed so that they utilize both sides of the food bars. You've got your sushi of all kinds and is to die for, crab, stuffed oysters, tempura, soups, more than 10 different entrees, fruit, salad and dessert stations all at an affordable price. The gastronomic rule of eating at this type of buffet is to pace yourself. Make sure the foods that you eat mix well with a diet that you're used to otherwise, you'll be in the restroom all day with a sour stomach. Our conversation ran the gamut of work, holiday party and Casino's. Mel and Jaz are Diamond members at the Rio All Suite Hotel in Las Vegas and can literally request a hotel room at their convenience. I am a mere Platinum member and I'm less than six hundred points away from a Diamond. They are planning on a trip to Harrah's in Lake Tahoe sometime this month. I'm going along for the ride and haven't seen snow since my girls were 4 and 6, almost 18 years ago. With goodbye's being said, it was time to go.
I had a dentist appointment at 3:45 and had to go home to brush and floss my teeth after that big lunch. Dr. Naeimi at Gentle Dental in Daly City is a wonderful dentist. She really takes the time and care to explain what she is going to do as far as shots of novocaine to numb you to the health of your teeth and gums. Her assistant recreated a bridge for me last year to fill in a missing molar that I had. He shaped it so well that it feels like a part of my teeth structure. I told her about my RA and the medicines that I'm taking and seemed concerned about my health. Dr. Naeimi explained that since I hadn't been back in more than a year, my mouth developed bits of calcium deposits on random areas of my teeth. She didn't sound too happy with the x rays that she viewed and said that I'll need to come in every four months to have my teeth cleaned. I'm hoping that this won't be too expensive. For today, she did a deep cleaning on my right side and will do my left side next week. She also found a small pocket in the upper part of the gum where it had receded a few milliliters letting in the deposits and slowly eroding and causing bone loss. With the quarterly cleaning regimen, she'll make sure to put antibiotics there to prevent any infections. After my co-pay of three hundred some odd dollars, I saved a little over nine hundred dollars! I don't know what hurt more, the novocaine or the co-pay. I said my goodbyes and got an especially long winded goodbye from a "futch" (femme/butch) woman I haven't seen there before. She must have been hired to help take care of all the back log of patients that they receive. I definitely got a vibe that she was "family". After I said goodbye to the ladies behind the desk and they replied a short goodbye, she was turning off the Christmas lights and turned to tell me, looking beyond her Harry Potter glasses, "Goodbye now, drive carefully and see you soon". I mustered a Novocaine smile and said, "G'nite" and thought to myself, yep she's family.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Monday, December 10, 2007
Appointments this week
Yesterday the contract electrician for PG&E came by to change and ground the electrical outlet and brought it up to code to a GFI outlet. My daughter's kitchen downstairs will be receiving a brand new refrigerator courtesy of the PG&E weatherization program. The Energy Partners Program provides qualified low-income customers free weatherization measures and energy-efficient appliances to reduce gas and electricity usage. There are guidelines for qualifications . http://www.pge.com/res/financial_assistance/energy_partners/index.html She will be getting two doors, one exterior door leading to the backyard and one door leading to the garage. Those are in dire need of replacement. I will be getting a replacement window for my son's room and two doors, one leading to the backyard and one leading from the upstairs to downstairs. They will also be doing some caulking and weather stripping of the doors to prevent drafts from coming and going. It's a wonderful program for California residents that are at a disadvantage.
Tomorrow, I have a dental appointment for cleaning and checkup and on Wednesday is my RAtologist appointment for my next phase of medication.
Ever since the lowering of my prednisone, my "rhummy" has been giving me a lot of pain in my right hand, especially at the middle finger joint. Sometimes I can't even bend it or many times it favors the curled position. I took my blood test last week and he should have the results by now for this week. Today, my ankle is a little swollen and causing me to limp a bit. By the time the afternoon comes around, my body is fully "awake" and moving better. What a way to live! To have something like RA cause you to slow down and dictate your life to it's very essence. It is just unimaginable. I lead a very active lifestyle and slowing down to zero and in pain, I've taken a step back and can't dwell on what caused this vicious disease to enter my once healthy body. I can only put my trust in my RAtologist, take my meds, eat healthier and forge on with my life at a slower pace.
Tomorrow, I have a dental appointment for cleaning and checkup and on Wednesday is my RAtologist appointment for my next phase of medication.
Ever since the lowering of my prednisone, my "rhummy" has been giving me a lot of pain in my right hand, especially at the middle finger joint. Sometimes I can't even bend it or many times it favors the curled position. I took my blood test last week and he should have the results by now for this week. Today, my ankle is a little swollen and causing me to limp a bit. By the time the afternoon comes around, my body is fully "awake" and moving better. What a way to live! To have something like RA cause you to slow down and dictate your life to it's very essence. It is just unimaginable. I lead a very active lifestyle and slowing down to zero and in pain, I've taken a step back and can't dwell on what caused this vicious disease to enter my once healthy body. I can only put my trust in my RAtologist, take my meds, eat healthier and forge on with my life at a slower pace.
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Holiday party
last night was wonderful. Aside from the horrendous shopping traffic, accidents and stalled vehicles on the freeway, we finally made it to my friend's house. This year it was hosted by Gail who lives just above the 580 freeway in San Leandro. Ms G has a beautiful two storied corner home with tiered backyard garden which is often frequented by raccoons. She even has a framed paw print on the wall of a raccoon who sneaked in through the cat door to dine on some kitty food. I thought that was hilarious! It was potluck and there was a nice buffet for everyone. This same group of friends gathers once a year to rekindle, visit and talk about all that we've been doing for the past year. Some even bring their children. It is a group made up of mostly straight people or so I thought and that will come out later in this story as will the person.
My friend Norma and I got there late, as usual and they were already playing the white elephant game with Clint because he had tickets to a show that he had already made plans for and needed to leave for that. After settling in and greetings out of the way, it was time for a drink. I had one glass of red wine poured into a glass that was given by Gail complete with our names written on the flat part of the glass with a special marker. She also had a special aerator for the red wine to remove the tannin taste after first being poured. I didn't seem to taste any different, it was still good. After mingling, "talking story" and playing catch up, dinner was ready and enjoyed by the crowd. More wine flowed, dinner was finishing up and we commenced onto the white elephant gift giving event. Rules were made and off we went. It was a fun game. I ended up with a duck trivet, something that I needed since my newly remodeled kitchen did not officially have a trivet. As the evening was winding down, dessert and coffee were now on the table and people had to leave. We packed up "to go" containers for the rest of the left over food. While that was going on, I was talking to Gail and catching up on the year. She asked if I was seeing anyone. I told her, "Yes, I'm seeing someone and her name is Lynn". She looked at me in amazement and said, "I'm seeing someone too and it's Simone!" She was so giddy and elated for coming out to me and quickly added, "You're the first person I've told". She said that she wasn't even looking for this as a relationship and added that their pairing for the past two months has been beautifully blissful. I could see that she was very happy and had so much to say but because of setting, we were limited. After a big ecstatic hug and finally having someone to talk to of this new found journey in her life, I was glad that she could confide in me. From that conversation, I jumped to Sara and asked how her hubby Ronny was. She took me aside and said that her and Ronny was in the process of a divorce. I almost didn't believe my ears and thought for sure that their relationship would be a lasting one. I found out afterwards from Norma, that Ronny had cheated on her and had asked for the divorce. I used to think of this man as the sweetest and most quietest thing, now I don't know what to think. I could see the sadness in her face, the physical and emotional toll that she's going through and all this after losing her father to illness in the Philippine at the earlier part of this year. I gave her a big hug and offered my sympathies to her. After cleaning up, we settled in to the living room with the remaining women still there. The conversation ran the gamut of topics from Hersterectomies, colonoscopy, ailments, old paddle stories, Norma being a mean person in those days and still is, upcoming vacations, our lives and where we were going, nothing too intense and only scratched the surface. By this time, 11:30pm had rolled around and it was time to say our goodbyes. This time our hugs were longer and lingering and our goodbyes had a deeper meaning of friendship.
My friend Norma and I got there late, as usual and they were already playing the white elephant game with Clint because he had tickets to a show that he had already made plans for and needed to leave for that. After settling in and greetings out of the way, it was time for a drink. I had one glass of red wine poured into a glass that was given by Gail complete with our names written on the flat part of the glass with a special marker. She also had a special aerator for the red wine to remove the tannin taste after first being poured. I didn't seem to taste any different, it was still good. After mingling, "talking story" and playing catch up, dinner was ready and enjoyed by the crowd. More wine flowed, dinner was finishing up and we commenced onto the white elephant gift giving event. Rules were made and off we went. It was a fun game. I ended up with a duck trivet, something that I needed since my newly remodeled kitchen did not officially have a trivet. As the evening was winding down, dessert and coffee were now on the table and people had to leave. We packed up "to go" containers for the rest of the left over food. While that was going on, I was talking to Gail and catching up on the year. She asked if I was seeing anyone. I told her, "Yes, I'm seeing someone and her name is Lynn". She looked at me in amazement and said, "I'm seeing someone too and it's Simone!" She was so giddy and elated for coming out to me and quickly added, "You're the first person I've told". She said that she wasn't even looking for this as a relationship and added that their pairing for the past two months has been beautifully blissful. I could see that she was very happy and had so much to say but because of setting, we were limited. After a big ecstatic hug and finally having someone to talk to of this new found journey in her life, I was glad that she could confide in me. From that conversation, I jumped to Sara and asked how her hubby Ronny was. She took me aside and said that her and Ronny was in the process of a divorce. I almost didn't believe my ears and thought for sure that their relationship would be a lasting one. I found out afterwards from Norma, that Ronny had cheated on her and had asked for the divorce. I used to think of this man as the sweetest and most quietest thing, now I don't know what to think. I could see the sadness in her face, the physical and emotional toll that she's going through and all this after losing her father to illness in the Philippine at the earlier part of this year. I gave her a big hug and offered my sympathies to her. After cleaning up, we settled in to the living room with the remaining women still there. The conversation ran the gamut of topics from Hersterectomies, colonoscopy, ailments, old paddle stories, Norma being a mean person in those days and still is, upcoming vacations, our lives and where we were going, nothing too intense and only scratched the surface. By this time, 11:30pm had rolled around and it was time to say our goodbyes. This time our hugs were longer and lingering and our goodbyes had a deeper meaning of friendship.
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Savers
is another "thrift" type store and is only two blocks from me and what a convenience it is. I love it since I rarely buy clothes for myself because most of my money goes towards my mortgage, bills and my son. When I do buy clothes, I frequent Savers...a lot! Today is my "Paris" group's annual holiday party and I need something nice to wear instead of my usual jeans and t-shirt. I found quite a few things and carted them off. Going so early in the morning, you get your pick of the best things that they tagged and put up on racks and shelves. Plus it was purple tag day and everything associated with that was half off....Ka-ching! I did manage to get a few nice blouses, shirts, pant and shorts. Yes, shorts, being Hawaiian I wear shorts rain or shine, hot and cold weather...whenever.
It's a potluck party and I am making potato salad. It's one of the favorites among this crowd and easy to make. The eggs were done boiling by the time I got back from Savers and in went the potatoes. My "Paris" group that I'm referring to is my over 40 in age group of friends that I've known 20 plus years ago when I paddled Outrigger Canoes in San Francisco and have kept in touch since. Our particular demographic is that we are all 45 this year and try to celebrate with a big trip. At 40, five of us took a week long trip to Paris and Nice. Inspite of our differences, it was a fantastic vacation. This year was very busy with everyone going to school, work, laid off from work, starting a new job and other set-backs that we weren't able to secure a date or destination. We still have until the end of this month to vote on a destination. It might even be a trip up to Napa for wine tasting and spas or a winter casino trip up to Lake Tahoe. I don't know yet, but I'll bring it up at our event tonight.
Lynn is out shopping at the Flea market in Palo Alto and doing her part in the spirit of the holidays. This is the start of her concert week and ends next weekend, so she'll be very busy rehearsing. I am trying my best to stay out of the malls and doing my shopping online and taking advantage of those companies that offer free shipping. It's so much easier and less hassling than going out and fighting for parking, the gifts and the people. I just don't enjoy doing that anymore. My sweetie's last concert will be next week and I will be spending a weekend in Santa Clara, Saturday and Sunday. During that time, we'll exchange gifts, spend some much needed time together and celebrate the holidays. I'm looking forward to that time with her very much.
It's a potluck party and I am making potato salad. It's one of the favorites among this crowd and easy to make. The eggs were done boiling by the time I got back from Savers and in went the potatoes. My "Paris" group that I'm referring to is my over 40 in age group of friends that I've known 20 plus years ago when I paddled Outrigger Canoes in San Francisco and have kept in touch since. Our particular demographic is that we are all 45 this year and try to celebrate with a big trip. At 40, five of us took a week long trip to Paris and Nice. Inspite of our differences, it was a fantastic vacation. This year was very busy with everyone going to school, work, laid off from work, starting a new job and other set-backs that we weren't able to secure a date or destination. We still have until the end of this month to vote on a destination. It might even be a trip up to Napa for wine tasting and spas or a winter casino trip up to Lake Tahoe. I don't know yet, but I'll bring it up at our event tonight.
Lynn is out shopping at the Flea market in Palo Alto and doing her part in the spirit of the holidays. This is the start of her concert week and ends next weekend, so she'll be very busy rehearsing. I am trying my best to stay out of the malls and doing my shopping online and taking advantage of those companies that offer free shipping. It's so much easier and less hassling than going out and fighting for parking, the gifts and the people. I just don't enjoy doing that anymore. My sweetie's last concert will be next week and I will be spending a weekend in Santa Clara, Saturday and Sunday. During that time, we'll exchange gifts, spend some much needed time together and celebrate the holidays. I'm looking forward to that time with her very much.
Friday, December 7, 2007
I got approved
by my company's donation fund to the tune of $5000! That's such a relief for me to know that this payment will help me with my mortgage for the next two months. I was worried about this and now I can breath a little easier and know that this will carry me through the holidays. When I re-enter my employment in January 2008, I am so going to start contributing to this fund and what I could afford taken out of my paycheck and back into this fund. It is such a good thing for employees in need, like me. It seemed like everything started to fall into place and now I have to get my paperwork organized for next year. Tax time is right around the corner and as soon as my W-2 is online, my goal is to get my tax papers out in January. My bedroom is a total mess and littered with paperwork right now. I've got my shredder on one side and boxes holding receipts on the other side. My bed is has specific piles of paper, doctor, dentist, RA, grocery and miscellaneous receipts all bundled and ready to file away at the end of the month.
Lynn called me and told me about her hectic day at work. Poor thing, she sounds wiped out from her week. From a chorus mishap on Monday to not getting enough sleep to an angry Palestinian woman who disagreed with Lynn on her choice of holiday songs (Hanukkah) to teach her young child at a private school, has Lynn wanting to crawl back into bed for the rest of the afternoon. I don't blame her, I would too.
Lynn called me and told me about her hectic day at work. Poor thing, she sounds wiped out from her week. From a chorus mishap on Monday to not getting enough sleep to an angry Palestinian woman who disagreed with Lynn on her choice of holiday songs (Hanukkah) to teach her young child at a private school, has Lynn wanting to crawl back into bed for the rest of the afternoon. I don't blame her, I would too.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
My son the Chef
Last night I had my 14 year old son help me make meatloaf. We took 5 pounds of ground turkey and mixed it with eggs, bread, seasoning and some catsup. I had him mix all of that together, since my RA was acting up and my fingers weren't being too cooperative, mold it and placed it into a pan and put it in the oven for about an 1 hours and 30 minutes. After letting the meatloaf rest, we sat down to a great dinner. The meatloaf turned out fantastic, almost better than grammas! It was moist, tender and well seasoned. Add some turkey gravy, mashed potatoes and veggies and that's dinner. He was very proud of himself for making such a tasty entree and we gave him unending compliments because it was really good.
I met Lynn for lunch today so that I could collect a "white elephant" gift that she was saving for me and I exchanged a 3 CD package of nursery songs that I was saving for her. Lunch was at a place in San Mateo called Wing Fat. It's a hole in the wall just on the corner of 3rd Ave and their lunch menu is great and very inexpensive. I had the chicken curry and vegetables over rice with hot and sour soup. Lynn had the chicken and snow peas with hot and sour soup. She looked a little tired from her night because had gone to sleep early. Then her daughter and husband were talking in a bedroom adjacent to hers and woke her up at 1am. She quietly told them to whisper or talk at the other end of the house. Then at 2am, her dog woke her up and needed to be let out to the garden. Then to wake back up at 7am and get ready for work, she was tired and I could see the tiredness as we ate lunch. With gifts exchanged for white elephant and her needing to go back to work and my needing to go to the lab and get my blood work done, we were off and running. I have a standing order at the lab for tests and need to come in every month. Next week is my doctor appointment with my RAtologist and I'm hoping everything will go well into the next phase of my medication.
I met Lynn for lunch today so that I could collect a "white elephant" gift that she was saving for me and I exchanged a 3 CD package of nursery songs that I was saving for her. Lunch was at a place in San Mateo called Wing Fat. It's a hole in the wall just on the corner of 3rd Ave and their lunch menu is great and very inexpensive. I had the chicken curry and vegetables over rice with hot and sour soup. Lynn had the chicken and snow peas with hot and sour soup. She looked a little tired from her night because had gone to sleep early. Then her daughter and husband were talking in a bedroom adjacent to hers and woke her up at 1am. She quietly told them to whisper or talk at the other end of the house. Then at 2am, her dog woke her up and needed to be let out to the garden. Then to wake back up at 7am and get ready for work, she was tired and I could see the tiredness as we ate lunch. With gifts exchanged for white elephant and her needing to go back to work and my needing to go to the lab and get my blood work done, we were off and running. I have a standing order at the lab for tests and need to come in every month. Next week is my doctor appointment with my RAtologist and I'm hoping everything will go well into the next phase of my medication.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Wake up Call
at 6:30am! Who the heck is calling me so early? As I rolled over to the side of my bed to retrieve my cell phone, it is not a phone number I recognize. I flip open my phone and on the other side is the faint voice of my daughter, who is whispering as not to wake someone else up! I answer, "Are you OK? Where are you?" She replies, "I'm at my friends house, can you come and pick me up in Millbrae?" Not ready to leave the warmth of my flannel bed sheets, I ask "Can't they drive you home?" "He doesn't have a car" she softly whispers. I'm thinking that I would have thought about all the particulars before accepting an invitation to someones home knowing full well that I don't have a car and will need a ride home. "Can you pick me up at 7?" she states. I reply, "That's in a half an hour!" I gave in, "Yes, but I'll be a little late pass 7". She says OK and hangs up. Groaning like a grumpy old bear, I slowly get up out of bed and take my medication. It takes me a while since I have tremendous pain in my right hand at the middle and index finger joint. Christ! I can't fully extend my fingers without wincing and grimacing at the pain. Since the lowering of my prednisone, familiar aches and pains are coming back to me. I don't like feeling this type of pain since it has already left me immobile a few times several months ago before I started on medication. I was helpless.
Throwing my sweats on is easier to handle than my jeans and t-shirt at this time and I was out the door to pick up my daughter with her directions she had given me earlier. I can't believe my life sometimes and wonder if anyone else goes through similar acts as I do.
I find her waiting outside of an apartment complex and she climbs into the truck. Right away she could sense that I was upset and apologized. I didn't say anything to her and we drove the long silent 20 minute ride home. Because freakin PG&E is working on my street, my driveway is blocked and I have to find parking on another street. Thank goodness the parking goddess was with me and I had to parallel park the big truck. Because of the pain in my right hand, it took me close to 6 minutes to maneuver and finally park. Nani took note of my right hand and asked if I was OK. I replied, "No, my hand hurts". She asked if there was anything that she could do and I stubbornly said, "No". We started to walk home and I told her that she could go on without me because i would be a little slower. She quickly stepped up her stride and hurried home. As I watched her walk away, I could feel that she was very remorseful about what happened. I felt guilty that I made her feel that way and wanted to let her know that I'm not well. Watching her walk, I saw an image of me thousands of moons ago, a strong, sensitive and independent young woman.
************** addendum ************************
Before leaving for work, Nani apologized to me for not knowing about my pain from my RA and making me pick her up this morning and I apologized to her for my ranting episode. With apologies accepted, we gave each other the usual kiss on the forehead and a big hug. It felt better to make up than be a sour grape all morning. I'm glad we did.
Throwing my sweats on is easier to handle than my jeans and t-shirt at this time and I was out the door to pick up my daughter with her directions she had given me earlier. I can't believe my life sometimes and wonder if anyone else goes through similar acts as I do.
I find her waiting outside of an apartment complex and she climbs into the truck. Right away she could sense that I was upset and apologized. I didn't say anything to her and we drove the long silent 20 minute ride home. Because freakin PG&E is working on my street, my driveway is blocked and I have to find parking on another street. Thank goodness the parking goddess was with me and I had to parallel park the big truck. Because of the pain in my right hand, it took me close to 6 minutes to maneuver and finally park. Nani took note of my right hand and asked if I was OK. I replied, "No, my hand hurts". She asked if there was anything that she could do and I stubbornly said, "No". We started to walk home and I told her that she could go on without me because i would be a little slower. She quickly stepped up her stride and hurried home. As I watched her walk away, I could feel that she was very remorseful about what happened. I felt guilty that I made her feel that way and wanted to let her know that I'm not well. Watching her walk, I saw an image of me thousands of moons ago, a strong, sensitive and independent young woman.
************** addendum ************************
Before leaving for work, Nani apologized to me for not knowing about my pain from my RA and making me pick her up this morning and I apologized to her for my ranting episode. With apologies accepted, we gave each other the usual kiss on the forehead and a big hug. It felt better to make up than be a sour grape all morning. I'm glad we did.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Santa bell ringers
are out in full force. I visited Pak-n-Save this morning to do some grocery shopping and just before leaving the store, I heard the familiar ringing bell. {Ring, ring, ring, ring, ring } There she was, giving everyone that passed her whether they gave money or not, an upbeat cheer or spirited salutation with a warm, genuine smile. As I put a few dollars in the trade mark tin, I noticed she was a little older, had the Santa hat on and sported the red apron, looking like Santa's elf. What really attracted me to her was her joyousness at being out there and collecting contributions on a cold and dreary, rainy day. As I put my groceries into the back of my truck, I overheard her talking to herself saying, "Thank you for Christmas, thank you for this day". She was in a state of constant joy and very comfortable with herself. At that moment, I envied her for volunteering her time, her spirit and pure joy in helping and being thankful. If I think that I'm at my lowest point, I think about others that are less fortunate that I am. I am very thankful for this day.
Monday, December 3, 2007
Cooking
It's one of the few things that I do enjoy. I love cooking for my family and friends, not often and when the mood strikes me. Most of the time, it's whatever is in the "fridge", out of a can, in a box or right out of the bag. Life's simplest pleasures, i do enjoy. I'm not sorry that i can't put it in a take-out bag and call it "McMom's" so that you will eat it, but you take what you get in my kitchen. I went through a remodeling last year in my kitchen when my brother and I agreed to this arduous task. Believe me, If I had to do it over again...."DON'T HIRE FAMILY" even if it's out of the goodness of their hearts. This particular endeavor took 8 months and now it is finally done, partially. At least the granite counter top, sink, faucet and new cabinets are in. We still have some sanding and painting to do but that will come in time. I am very glad to have my kitchen back after constantly going downstairs to my daughters little apartment and raiding her kitchen or the frequent trips to McD's, KFC and J-Box. I enjoy opening my new cabinets and looking in to pick out what I want to snack on. I don't have high hopes of my family recipes handed down from my mother to me to be passed onto my kids. They don't seem too interested in retaining the knowledge of old recipes. My son has helped me prepare the Kalua Pig and has watched me make Salvadorean Pupusas from scratch. He might be the "chef" in the family because he does enjoy cooking for himself and he's very good. Will they carry on my tradition of cooking? I can only hope.
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Choral concert season
is in full swing and I can attest to that by being invited to a women's group from Walnut Creek by Lynn and her daughter Camden. It was an interesting concert more so than the usual ones that I've been attending with Lynn. Her director is the same man, very cute in the gay boy circle and partnered with a jealous older man. Hmm, we'll see how long that relationship will last. Conductor boys are prissy little things that need constant attention and primping. They are the darlings of the choral world.
The melodious sound of the guitar player was so soothing that I fell asleep every time he played. The concert was wonderful with similar twists to that of Lynn's chorus group. The finale was "Silent night" and done in a circle around the crowded church pews. It wasn't as throaty or had that deep womanly sound like Lynn's group, now there is a women's chorus. All in all, a good concert. Afterwards, a reception was thrown in the back room with cookies, cakes, veggie plates and wine. I was looking for coffee to keep me awake on the ride back over the Bay Bridge but one small glass of wine will do. Someone recognized me from my old outrigger paddle days, it was an old friend I used to co-ed with. I hadn't seen Bobby in 15 years and he still looked the same, a little heavier and a lot less hair but still had a great sense of humor. He introduced me to his 2ND wife, Lauren, who was also part of the concert as a dancer with her troupe. We talked about old times, the people we knew and where they are, the amount of drinking we used to do and trouble we used to get in to. How during camp outs he would sing a song but could never remember the words to the ending. That was the good ol days. We exchanged phone numbers and will hopefully keep in touch with each other. That was the highlight of my day. I was a bit tired from the reduction of my medication and am feeling the effects of it. I'm now at half a tablet of prednisone every odd day until I see my RAtologist on Dec 12Th for my third phase of the medication bout. I keep thinking healing thoughts.
The melodious sound of the guitar player was so soothing that I fell asleep every time he played. The concert was wonderful with similar twists to that of Lynn's chorus group. The finale was "Silent night" and done in a circle around the crowded church pews. It wasn't as throaty or had that deep womanly sound like Lynn's group, now there is a women's chorus. All in all, a good concert. Afterwards, a reception was thrown in the back room with cookies, cakes, veggie plates and wine. I was looking for coffee to keep me awake on the ride back over the Bay Bridge but one small glass of wine will do. Someone recognized me from my old outrigger paddle days, it was an old friend I used to co-ed with. I hadn't seen Bobby in 15 years and he still looked the same, a little heavier and a lot less hair but still had a great sense of humor. He introduced me to his 2ND wife, Lauren, who was also part of the concert as a dancer with her troupe. We talked about old times, the people we knew and where they are, the amount of drinking we used to do and trouble we used to get in to. How during camp outs he would sing a song but could never remember the words to the ending. That was the good ol days. We exchanged phone numbers and will hopefully keep in touch with each other. That was the highlight of my day. I was a bit tired from the reduction of my medication and am feeling the effects of it. I'm now at half a tablet of prednisone every odd day until I see my RAtologist on Dec 12Th for my third phase of the medication bout. I keep thinking healing thoughts.
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Things that make me feel better
and one of them is coloring my hair. It's time to do that when my gray hair starts to frame my face and I look like those recess monkeys, I am SO vain. Lynn and I have often said, "When do you think we'll stop coloring our hair?" I replied, "When hell freezes over or when they don't make Nutrisse anymore!" We both agreed in unison. At 40, looking in the mirror isn't a matter of "Do I look still look good". It's a matter of how many more new wrinkles have cropped up overnight and are visible or the new age spot that I've been calling a "beauty mark" that has turned another shade of brown. I can see the ageing process has begun slowly. Not so much the pillow bags under my eyes but my hair. It used to be really long, past my waist until I got it cut off about 6 inches on my trip to the Philippines in Feb of this year. My hair had grown to different lengths of various strands and a good salon was recommended through a coworker friend and trusted the woman who had my "hair" in her hands and besides, she was very cute. Being of Hawaiian/Tahitian descent, my hair is very thick and wavy. In the words of Lynn's daughter Bryn, she voted it officially "ruffly". After she washed and combed out my long, dark, tangle mane she proceeded to put my hair up in sections and carefully measured and cut. I could see in the mirror that she took great care and effort in handling my hair and my emotions as I watched my curly locks fall effortlessly on the floor. I haven't cut my hair since I was 14 years old and the birth of my children, my hair grew longer and I let it grow. My friends and co-workers have always asked me if I would cut it and this seemed like a better time than any. The whole cutting process took about 45 minutes and then she tackled the job of french braiding my hair. NO ONE has ever done that to my hair and I was surprised and shocked that it could be done! I had a pedicure, massage, facial, ear cleaning, shampoo, cut and braid all for $25.00us. I gave her a big tip because she was worth it and she bought me a "red horse" beer. I kept my braid in for two days before I loosened it up again and saw how short it was. My hair had fallen to the middle part of my upper back. Very short and something that I've gotten used to. I emailed Lynn telling her that I cut my hair and told her that she now has longer hair than mine. Her hair falls past her waist as well. Being a Caucasian woman from the South, she has very smooth, straight brown hair and has said a few times, "if you cut your hair too short, I'll divorce you!" Which is all in fun, I know she loves me too much to do that. I'm rambling here but yes, I love to color my hair because it definitely makes me feel better and gives me the lift that I need sometimes when my life spirit has dropped a few bars. It's what I crave among other things.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Walking on glass
and ready to leave her employers. That's how Carmen feels at work right now. I drove her to work this morning again since I have nothing better to do at 4AM! We talked about her vacation week and how fast it went. During this time, she seeked out a lawyer at Glide Memorial church in San Francisco to aid her in getting her car back. She seemed very positive that the outcome of the meeting was what she was looking for. Hopefully, she will hear back from them next week Monday. In the meantime, she still has to take public transportation to and from work and gets relief from her friends with vehicles. She is still uneasy about her work and how a failed audit might be her downfall. Carmen has back up plans just in case she is laid off or worse, fired. Her 401k might be able to help her out for a short time and she's keeping her avenues open for an offer. The ride coming back home is always long, it's about a 40 minute drive back to my house and I use my cruise control on the return leg.
I finally got done with my 401k paperwork and mailed it out. We'll see what kind of relief they'll be able to give me. This weekend will be my final task of getting my information out to Sarah, my loan gal to see if refinancing will be possible for me in the wake of the "Californacation" crisis in the sub prime loan areas. Lynn called instead of texting, she misses talking to me and because of her reductions of minutes, she has to watch it or else her cell phone bill will match that of her paycheck. Lying on her bed at home is where she is. It's been a long week for her after dealing with a co-teacher who seems utterly useless in her classroom, noisy kids and choral rehearsal. I get tired just talking to her about her day. Next weekend starts her winter concert season with a well known women's chorus on the Peninsula. I'll be going to a holiday party where the theme will be a white elephant gift. My friend Marilee will be flying in from Atlanta that weekend too so it will be hellishly busy. Sometime next week, I will be driving up to Sacramento to see my other daughter Pua who is at the Crest wood center for the mentally challenged. She was diagnosed at 16 with schizophrenia and depression and is now on medication and is currently her best advocate. Her case worker is an idiot male who seems to have no time for her and it oblivious to her needs as a young person. She is a wonderful poet and her pencil art is beautiful. Her writings are morbid thoughts about her voices, people that have done her wrong and death. For one so young, she welcomes death and I imagine that it's not too far behind her.
I finally got done with my 401k paperwork and mailed it out. We'll see what kind of relief they'll be able to give me. This weekend will be my final task of getting my information out to Sarah, my loan gal to see if refinancing will be possible for me in the wake of the "Californacation" crisis in the sub prime loan areas. Lynn called instead of texting, she misses talking to me and because of her reductions of minutes, she has to watch it or else her cell phone bill will match that of her paycheck. Lying on her bed at home is where she is. It's been a long week for her after dealing with a co-teacher who seems utterly useless in her classroom, noisy kids and choral rehearsal. I get tired just talking to her about her day. Next weekend starts her winter concert season with a well known women's chorus on the Peninsula. I'll be going to a holiday party where the theme will be a white elephant gift. My friend Marilee will be flying in from Atlanta that weekend too so it will be hellishly busy. Sometime next week, I will be driving up to Sacramento to see my other daughter Pua who is at the Crest wood center for the mentally challenged. She was diagnosed at 16 with schizophrenia and depression and is now on medication and is currently her best advocate. Her case worker is an idiot male who seems to have no time for her and it oblivious to her needs as a young person. She is a wonderful poet and her pencil art is beautiful. Her writings are morbid thoughts about her voices, people that have done her wrong and death. For one so young, she welcomes death and I imagine that it's not too far behind her.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Sleeping Beauty
It's 2:15pm and I'm still in my PJ's! How wickedly delightful. Actually, it's plain insane. I've got so much to do today and all I've done so far is get my 401k papers signed and wait for the postal girl. I text'd Lynn this morning at 11 something which is about the time I woke up after staying out last night until 3am with my coworkers! That was a lot of fun. What was supposed to be only three of us turned out to be 8 of my coworkers that showed up. I did have one beer and french toast with blueberries. Everyone had the gamut of a full breakfast, eggs, hash browns, toast to a soup and sandwich. All we talked about was the trials and tribulations of work. I can see that the environment never changes. We said our goodbyes, hugs and kisses hopefully I'll see them in January 2008. Coming home to an empty house, besides my son, is lonely if you don't have your sweetie there to greet you when you come home. In my case, if Lynn and I ever live together, I'm not sure if she'll approve of me going out with my friends after work at 1am or jetting off to London for dinner while she is at work. There's still many things that we talk about and how it will affect us and of course there are compromises and situations and we talk through them and work them out.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Mid afternoon
I finally got out of the house and went to my place of employment where I am currently on sick leave because of my Rheumatoid Arthritis. My job has a "welfare" system for it's employees, if we fall victims to illness, financial burden, destruction that diminishes our capacity to work, they help us out with monies donated by employees into a fund where we never have to pay it back. It's a donation deposited by employees and it's there for who ever has need. And right now, I have need because I am falling behind on my monthly mortgage and other necessary utility bills. There is paperwork to fill out, printouts from my payroll and my doctors verification that I need to submit in order to be approved for this "donation". I'm crossing my fingers for it. In the meantime, I'm getting my documentation for my loan and what I qualify for since I am no longer making the money I used to make when I was gainfully employed. I'll be submitting that tomorrow. It was nice to see everyone at work. The airport is really slow right now and flights are not as full. It's a good time to travel. Unfortunately my flight benefits are restricted because of my illness, which means, I'm not able to travel for "free". I was at the airport for quite awhile and got invited to our "beer breakfast" which happens when everyone is off from work at 1:00am. We frequent an establishment called "Peter's cafe" and it's open 24 hours except for Mondays. It's true that some of us do have a beer or two and it has to be off the table by 1:45am because of the liquor laws. It's usually our time to get together and talk about the evening and how it went.
Nani came home tonight rather early from her job. She usually doesn't get home until after 11:00pm. She did go to work today and received her check which she was not too happy about because they missed a few of her sales and did not show up on this check. I feel her pain, because she is a hard worker and really wants to make it in this job of selling vacuums but to get a check for $152 dollars after two weeks working 10 hour days? C'mon now, give these kids a break. This isn't the slave days....pay them! She was gracious enough to give me $90 dollars of it which will go towards gas and a ticket she recently got parked on the wrong side of the road. I can taste that beer right now.
Nani came home tonight rather early from her job. She usually doesn't get home until after 11:00pm. She did go to work today and received her check which she was not too happy about because they missed a few of her sales and did not show up on this check. I feel her pain, because she is a hard worker and really wants to make it in this job of selling vacuums but to get a check for $152 dollars after two weeks working 10 hour days? C'mon now, give these kids a break. This isn't the slave days....pay them! She was gracious enough to give me $90 dollars of it which will go towards gas and a ticket she recently got parked on the wrong side of the road. I can taste that beer right now.
Sergio
I can't believe I'm going to name a topic after a man, well I should say boy. He is my daughter's ex-boyfriend who has seemed to "creep" back into her life. My daughter Nani, came home late last night from her job of selling "Kirby" vacuums. A half an hour later, she said that she was going out and that she'll be back. I know, mom's aren't supposed to worry, she's over 21, but with this boy, I do. I live in a two bedroom, one bath house upstairs with a finished basement one bedroom, one bath complete with kitchen, downstairs. Nani rents from me and lately with her employment being next to nothing, so are the rent checks. Nani was with this boy for about five years and everything was "lovey dovey". Nani was working at Safeway and is a very energetic, outgoing and beautiful young woman. Sergio was working as a butcher and a complete opposite, quiet, likes to go fishing, doesn't like to be in a crowd type of guy. Nani was attracted to him because he was sweet and told her everything that she wanted to hear. They did everything together as a couple, trips, events and parties. A few times they would come home in a drunken stupor and have these big arguments which my son and I were able to hear from being upstairs. One of those times, my son was listening in on their arguments and heard his sister cry out because Sergio was pushing her around, came and got me and we both took off downstairs with crowbars to tell him to get out of the house. About a year ago, Nani and Sergio broke up because Sergio was seeing another woman. And how Nani found out was from her best friend Rachel, who found Sergio on a "my space" website doing impromptu things with the woman. Well, word got back to Nani who confronted Sergio and all hell broke loose. There were slamming of the doors, cursing at Sergio, him trying to make up, blah blah blah and he was out of the picture. Nani ignored his calls and visits and eventually he faded away, until now. She didn't return last night and I'm hoping that she made it to her job this morning. If he F**ks her up on this job, she's going to have to go live with him because I'm not going to take this bull crap anymore. His stupidity, selfishness, jealousy and "won't take no" attitude pisses me off. All the time that we have lived here in this house, he was staying here. No wonder because he was still living at home with his mother, so why not come over here and live at my g/f's house. He didn't have the sense to contribute to the household when he would take showers, eat dinners, use up electricity while playing his video games here. Yes, he was a freeloader! I guess guys don't have a sense to feel guilty or that they're intruding on someones household. I did let Nani know, my say in that he was staying over too often and he needed to pay something. So he did, by taking Nani out to dinners, football games and wherever she wanted to go.
That breakup was the best thing that ever happened to her, she got her life back. Her three close g/f's gathered around her and supported her by giving her a "breakup" party. She travelled to Las Vegas during the summer for a bartending gig at the MGM. That never would have happened if Sergio was still in her life because he would have made her feel guilty and she wouldn't have the chance to go. Lately, he has been showing up at our house. He doesn't come inside because he knows that he is not welcomed here anymore and I have made that perfectly clear to Nani.
The morning is almost gone and here I am ranting about a subject I don't like. It's time for a beer.
That breakup was the best thing that ever happened to her, she got her life back. Her three close g/f's gathered around her and supported her by giving her a "breakup" party. She travelled to Las Vegas during the summer for a bartending gig at the MGM. That never would have happened if Sergio was still in her life because he would have made her feel guilty and she wouldn't have the chance to go. Lately, he has been showing up at our house. He doesn't come inside because he knows that he is not welcomed here anymore and I have made that perfectly clear to Nani.
The morning is almost gone and here I am ranting about a subject I don't like. It's time for a beer.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Procrastinator
that's what I am. From the dictionary: "to put off till another day or time; defer; delay". That's what I did today. I put off doing anything with having to get the paperwork together for my application refinancing my home loan AND gathering paperwork for my employee help department. It's my own damn fault for being lazy. I did cook dinner, that was productive. I sifted through the mail, productive and I finally cleaned up the piles of "crap" in my bedroom, very productive. In fact, I just consolidated and made a bigger pile of crap and hopefully, I'll finish that one up tonight. I don't know what I'm going to do when I finally do go back to work which I'm due back on Dec. 15th and I really need to tell my doctor to write me in for Jan 2008 instead. I'm not feeling December at all! Dinner tonight is another Hawaiian dish, Chicken Luau. It's made of a few simple ingredients and very easy to make. That should last a few days in my household. I've got my crock pot out and have been using it steadily for simmering meat and soups.
I texted Lynn earlier. It feels funny not talking to her several times a day and she has to conserve on her minutes because of her cell phone bill last month. I don't blame her, I'm on Sprint and she has Cingular so we don't have the mobile to mobile thing. I don't think we are going to do the hot tubs tomorrow. I'm going to lunch with my friend "D" in Foster City. "D" is a beautiful African American gay man. He just turned 45 and has not found "Mr Right" yet, but he has a lot of "Mr Right Now's" that would like to take him home for an overnight. He does not look over 40 and has many young men in their 20's pining after him. I enjoy his stories of getting picked up at a local shopping mall or at his gym. He's very picky and looking for a long term commitment. As with most gay men in their 20's and 30's, your as good as the next man that walks through the door. The men in their 35 and 40's start losing that thought but then they go through the whole mid life crisis thing and then revert to trying to be in their 20's again and that's another drama dynamics. Once in a while, he does some chasing. Rarely, does he ever bring them home. He is a good man and I hope that he finds a good man just like him.
My daughter just got home awhile ago from her job. That's another story.
I texted Lynn earlier. It feels funny not talking to her several times a day and she has to conserve on her minutes because of her cell phone bill last month. I don't blame her, I'm on Sprint and she has Cingular so we don't have the mobile to mobile thing. I don't think we are going to do the hot tubs tomorrow. I'm going to lunch with my friend "D" in Foster City. "D" is a beautiful African American gay man. He just turned 45 and has not found "Mr Right" yet, but he has a lot of "Mr Right Now's" that would like to take him home for an overnight. He does not look over 40 and has many young men in their 20's pining after him. I enjoy his stories of getting picked up at a local shopping mall or at his gym. He's very picky and looking for a long term commitment. As with most gay men in their 20's and 30's, your as good as the next man that walks through the door. The men in their 35 and 40's start losing that thought but then they go through the whole mid life crisis thing and then revert to trying to be in their 20's again and that's another drama dynamics. Once in a while, he does some chasing. Rarely, does he ever bring them home. He is a good man and I hope that he finds a good man just like him.
My daughter just got home awhile ago from her job. That's another story.
love letters long ago
My darling Lynn belongs to a women's chorus and is a mezzo soprano. She would take a few trips cross country and abroad to compete with other chorus's. Most of those trips I have joined her being a "purse holder" and enjoying the rapturous music that makes my spine tingle with delight as the angelic voices surge forth my inner spirit swimming in the quietness of me. Already knowing that the first few days are "chorus crap" usually dealing with the "divaness" of it all and fine tuning compositions, it can be utter madness. The women, the hair, the makeup, chatter, cattiness, sing and more singing, and the pissy little man (or woman) they call conductor, I can block most of it out. That's probably why I join Lynn about a day before her actual concert and miss the few days of sleep that I could be getting while at home. Before she leaves, I would go to Walgreen's and however many days that we are apart, I would get that many little romantic Hallmark cards with beautiful pictures and sayings on them and then write in my words of support and love while she is away. Some of the times she can't always call me because of her schedule or she may be tired from the days events and activities. With the cards and they're dated, "Read on Sunday/Monday etc, you get the picture. After writing my proclamation of love for her, I would see her off at the airport and often give these letters to her before she boards for her flight. I would have one for the airplane ride there and the rest to read for every day that we are away. I often thought about sending her an actual letter, addressed and sent by "snail mail". But the thought of someone opening it and reading it sets fear in my heart. Probably the thought of it sounding, well, mushy. Corny, huh? Romantic? Yes, I am a true romantic being a Pisces and she an Aries. We are very compatible in life and love. We talk every day as if we are really living with each other and hope to one day. Most woman would have hit the road and in search of a "sure thing". I recently asked her if she still has my letters and she said that she has kept every letter that I ever gave her, postcards from my travels and my poem that I wrote during our early courting days. "Sentimental you", she is and I love her for that. At my age and what I know now and how I feel in my heart, I will wait for her and she for me. It will only be a matter of time.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Hella addictive
blogs are! I can't believe that I'm still up at this hour posting widgets!! For gosh sakes! One link led to another and so on and so on. I keep finding these really kewl sites with wonderful gadgets to add to my blog, it's unfair I tell you.
Falling asleep at 8:05am is not good after being up all night playing on my laptop searching for widgets to spice up my blog. Geez, and then to get up again at 9:30am to take my daughter to work. What is my world coming too? After coming home, I give Lynn a call on her cell and she doesn't pick up probably because she's at work. She said she won't be answering her phone or calling out because she went over on her minutes and needs to conserve them, at least until the end of the month. It won't be an easy task for her because she loves to talk on the phone. I have a little breakfast, watch T.V and fall asleep on my recliner for a few hours. I wake up to the blaring rap music noise of my neighbors across the street at 1:45pm. I don't have anything else to do today but call the dentist and make an appointment for a checkup which will be December 11th. I call Carmen to see how the cast party went last night and she said it was awesome. The woman who hosted the party lived somewhere in San Francisco with a grand view of the Golden Gate Bridge. They pot lucked and had a great time, I missed out on a good party. As much as I would have liked to have join them, I needed to rest and to be home. I'm glad Carmen and Mama had a good time. I was supposed to take mama to the doctor's but she said that her ankle was OK and wanted to clear out the computers in her apartment. Carmen said that she was still in her room, in her pajamas and didn't look like she was going to do anything today. I told her to call me if they needed to do anything. They still don't have a car and hopefully Carmen will see that lawyer this Wednesday and the issue with her car dealership to get that resolved.
I sent a text message to Lynn courtesy of http://www.killsometime.com/TextMessage.asp/ . Made some tea and watched my favorite gal, Judge Judy.
Making dinner for my son is pretty easy. He eats anything that I make and he's a very good cook himself. At least I know that he can be self sufficient. It's breakfast for dinner tonight. Eggs, hot links and rice. Yummy.
Falling asleep at 8:05am is not good after being up all night playing on my laptop searching for widgets to spice up my blog. Geez, and then to get up again at 9:30am to take my daughter to work. What is my world coming too? After coming home, I give Lynn a call on her cell and she doesn't pick up probably because she's at work. She said she won't be answering her phone or calling out because she went over on her minutes and needs to conserve them, at least until the end of the month. It won't be an easy task for her because she loves to talk on the phone. I have a little breakfast, watch T.V and fall asleep on my recliner for a few hours. I wake up to the blaring rap music noise of my neighbors across the street at 1:45pm. I don't have anything else to do today but call the dentist and make an appointment for a checkup which will be December 11th. I call Carmen to see how the cast party went last night and she said it was awesome. The woman who hosted the party lived somewhere in San Francisco with a grand view of the Golden Gate Bridge. They pot lucked and had a great time, I missed out on a good party. As much as I would have liked to have join them, I needed to rest and to be home. I'm glad Carmen and Mama had a good time. I was supposed to take mama to the doctor's but she said that her ankle was OK and wanted to clear out the computers in her apartment. Carmen said that she was still in her room, in her pajamas and didn't look like she was going to do anything today. I told her to call me if they needed to do anything. They still don't have a car and hopefully Carmen will see that lawyer this Wednesday and the issue with her car dealership to get that resolved.
I sent a text message to Lynn courtesy of http://www.killsometime.com/TextMessage.asp/ . Made some tea and watched my favorite gal, Judge Judy.
Making dinner for my son is pretty easy. He eats anything that I make and he's a very good cook himself. At least I know that he can be self sufficient. It's breakfast for dinner tonight. Eggs, hot links and rice. Yummy.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Come and gone
yes, Sunday has. I woke up 8:30am took my medication and made some malt-o-meal for breakfast along with some toast and a cup of tea and read the Sunday paper. I don't look at the ads anymore because I can't afford anything in there, so I read the paper which is even more depressing with all of the media focused on politics, the senseless war in Iraq and the ever popular global warming. I'm mulling over the idea that I have to pick up the Evan's in a few hours to see the final production of "Stardust and empty wagons" so I call them to see what time they will be ready for pickup. Carmen doesn't answer her phone so I call mama Diane and she picks up. They are getting ready to leave the house and take BART to Glide Memorial Church in San Francisco. Carmen comes on the phone and says that she'll meet me there at the Theatre. I agree and go back to eating my breakfast and reading the paper. I called Lynn's cell phone and it's off. She's probably on her way to church too and left a message. Turned on the T.V and nothing was going on there and went back to bed. This was about 12:45pm and I woke up at 2:20pm! The play starts at 3:00pm!! Geez, I take a quick shower, jump into my clothes and take off for the Brava. Just as I leave the house, Carmen calls me to see where I'm at. I tell her that I'm on my way and she says that they missed the bus at 24th and Mission and to please pick them up. So I get there and pick them all up. It seems like they've been fussing at each other all day, Carmen and her mother. We made the play just in time and it was a packed house. The play was very emotional (it always is) and you could hear the audience weeping. The cast was exceptional this being their last day. Intermission came and I caught up on missed phone calls from Lynn and "D". I left a message with Lynn on her home phone and "D" was getting ready to pick up Stephanie for drinks in Burlingame. After the play ended, the audience was very generous with their applause. Actual Katrina survivors got up on stage and there was another round of applause for one special woman, Lavinia Strong Lundy, who is 105 and still walking strong and being a survivor of Katrina. She looked incredibly wonderful for 105 years young! Carmen asked if I was doing anything after the play because she wanted to attend the cast party with her family. I politely excused myself from that and felt that I needed to be at home for some "alone" time. They would get a ride home from Amber, one of the woman in the play. Not wanting to cook dinner and knowing my son at home was hungry, I picked some "Micky D's" and brought home dinner. Chuck was very happy and hauled off his dinner to his room. I enjoyed mine in front of the T.V. watching the MTV show Tila Tequila. It's too bad for Brandy, I thought she would have been in the top 2. It will be an interesting show when she meets their parents. Won't want to miss that!
Lynn and I chatted our usual g'nite chat for awhile. We talked about how we have piles of "crap" (clothes, mail, stuff) around our homes and how it piles up and we just don't seem to have time to take care of it. Life gets in the way and the piles get bigger until you just put everything on hold and take the time to whittle the "crap" pile down. It's a never ending process. Once we do live together, we promised that there wouldn't be as much "crap" as there is now. Hopefully we would have both downsized our homes and "crap" significantly before doing so. She is giving herself two years time before divorcing her husband and finally moving out on her own. I'm sure hubby is ready to leave now since he is dating beyond the rings of his marriage mainly because he's not getting his needs met at home in other words...sex. He forgets many times that he has a family at home and a dutiful wife that he neglects often and that was even before I arrived into the picture. Lynn said if he were more attentive, she may not have seeked elsewhere to fill the emptiness she was missing. But hubby being a guy and Lynn following her urges, here they are, in a house separated on opposite ends living under the same roof all for the sake of their children. Luckily, they're living amicably. On the other hand, after my husband found out about Lynn and I, we were constantly at war with each other to the point of verbal attacks when he would come home from work or just about any small argument would set us both off. Staying together for the sake of the kids was not an option. It was not a good environment for the kids and I had to do something. My father's probate had finally come through, I told him to get out, proceedings began and divorce was imminent. I moved with my kids to another home and he moved in with his off and on g/f. It was the best decision that I could make and the kids and I are very happy. No more volatile arguments or tension when he comes home because he is no longer in the home...our home. So this is where Lynn and I are at, 8 years later and definitely not in a hurry to move in with each other as most couples tend to do in their early years of courtship. We talk about how things in life will affect us and what will we do, we plan, we organize and we savor the day when that does happen, when we actually will be living in one house, under one roof as a couple.
Lynn and I chatted our usual g'nite chat for awhile. We talked about how we have piles of "crap" (clothes, mail, stuff) around our homes and how it piles up and we just don't seem to have time to take care of it. Life gets in the way and the piles get bigger until you just put everything on hold and take the time to whittle the "crap" pile down. It's a never ending process. Once we do live together, we promised that there wouldn't be as much "crap" as there is now. Hopefully we would have both downsized our homes and "crap" significantly before doing so. She is giving herself two years time before divorcing her husband and finally moving out on her own. I'm sure hubby is ready to leave now since he is dating beyond the rings of his marriage mainly because he's not getting his needs met at home in other words...sex. He forgets many times that he has a family at home and a dutiful wife that he neglects often and that was even before I arrived into the picture. Lynn said if he were more attentive, she may not have seeked elsewhere to fill the emptiness she was missing. But hubby being a guy and Lynn following her urges, here they are, in a house separated on opposite ends living under the same roof all for the sake of their children. Luckily, they're living amicably. On the other hand, after my husband found out about Lynn and I, we were constantly at war with each other to the point of verbal attacks when he would come home from work or just about any small argument would set us both off. Staying together for the sake of the kids was not an option. It was not a good environment for the kids and I had to do something. My father's probate had finally come through, I told him to get out, proceedings began and divorce was imminent. I moved with my kids to another home and he moved in with his off and on g/f. It was the best decision that I could make and the kids and I are very happy. No more volatile arguments or tension when he comes home because he is no longer in the home...our home. So this is where Lynn and I are at, 8 years later and definitely not in a hurry to move in with each other as most couples tend to do in their early years of courtship. We talk about how things in life will affect us and what will we do, we plan, we organize and we savor the day when that does happen, when we actually will be living in one house, under one roof as a couple.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Sleep
I love it, I crave it, I want it but can't always get it. My life has been so busy since being off from work and I don't always get to sleep in. This morning, Lynn and I are going to Watercourse Way and we have room number two. The drive to Palo Alto is always nice but with the gas prices inching higher and higher, it makes me want to stay home. Lynn and I rarely get a chance to go out because of your children's school schedules but we manage to find the time like this morning. Our appointment was for 10:50am and we were right on time. The woman who escorted us to our room was new and had to give us a briefing before she left us to our own devices. We couldn't wait to shut the door, lock it and now have a nice hour and a half of tub time. This room is particularly warm and inviting. There are dimmer light switches for a more romantic mood as well as sound for the one channel in this room. At the time of this writing, we were being serenaded by melancholy music from Ireland. It was very Celtic. Aside from small talk, we got undressed and skimmed down to our "birthday suits" ( you could do that when your lovers) and plunged slowly into the hot tub which was very hot but not scalding. This hot tub could probably hold 6 people comfortably. There is a dry sauna which is wonderful for that congestion in your body. Once you get the jets going in the tub, this is probably the most fiercest tub out of all of them. The jets are very strong in this room and is aimed at your middle to lower back and shoulder areas. Can we say heaven!
Well, small talk leads to small kisses, then deep kisses and soft caresses. After an hour of foreplay, lovemaking and cool down, an hour and a half is not that long. We had time to shower and enjoy each other's company at a slower pace than our usual hour long tub time which is too short and right when your in the middle of a climax, here comes the incessant knock at the door. "10 minutes!" Which we both reply in out of breath voices, "OK". Now the question is, do you stop, leave your loved one hanging and get dressed? Or would you go for it and love her for all she's worth? I agree, we chose the latter.
After hot tubbing, we always have incredible appetites and usually a good lunch at Whole Foods is the kicker. We love their salad and food bar which is wonderfully healthy, a bit expensive but always filling. I turned our conversation to a morbid subject of refinancing my house which is due in February 2008. I am one of those millions of people that got into the 'interest only" loans but, in my case, with substantial money down. For the first two years, I enjoyed a relatively low monthly mortgage payment and this year because of deferred interest rate expiring, it has now doubled my payments to an instrument that I can no longer afford. A good friend of mine, Sarah, is a loan officer and hopefully, she can give me some numbers and wake me up out of this mess and find a good loan for me. If not, I will have to sell my home and try to recoup any losses and possibly try to move into a mobile home or manufactured home in Daly City, Sunnyvale, Mountain View or rent an apartment. Lynn seemed sad at this prospect because it would mean that I would have to uproot my son from his school in Pacifica. We left it at that and will hope for the best next week. Now, Lynn was ready with my "honey do-list".
We made our way back to her house and today we put up her decorative Christmas lighted colored balls that we hung in front of her house. When the sun goes down, these lights are on a timer and light up when it's dark. They are beautiful! All the colors of the rainbow. We hung little plastic candy canes and ribbons on her neighboring trees. It was very festive and she seemed quite happy to get that done since her family rarely participate in the decorations now that her two daughters are older. As the coolness of the afternoon wore on, we sat down to her homemade pumpkin pie and a cup of coffee while watching the lesbian comedy show with Sabrina Mathews and a few other women comedians. They had me laughing so hard, Lynn would just look at me when I yelped so loud. The light of day was fading slowly away as we watched the remainder of the comedy show from her bed, entangled in each others arms and legs, comfortable, warm and quiet. We fell asleep tired from our day only to be awaken by her dog, muffin, barking away. Startled, we woke up, delivered our long hugs and slow kisses. This is the hard part, it's the time when I leave her to back to my home.
Well, small talk leads to small kisses, then deep kisses and soft caresses. After an hour of foreplay, lovemaking and cool down, an hour and a half is not that long. We had time to shower and enjoy each other's company at a slower pace than our usual hour long tub time which is too short and right when your in the middle of a climax, here comes the incessant knock at the door. "10 minutes!" Which we both reply in out of breath voices, "OK". Now the question is, do you stop, leave your loved one hanging and get dressed? Or would you go for it and love her for all she's worth? I agree, we chose the latter.
After hot tubbing, we always have incredible appetites and usually a good lunch at Whole Foods is the kicker. We love their salad and food bar which is wonderfully healthy, a bit expensive but always filling. I turned our conversation to a morbid subject of refinancing my house which is due in February 2008. I am one of those millions of people that got into the 'interest only" loans but, in my case, with substantial money down. For the first two years, I enjoyed a relatively low monthly mortgage payment and this year because of deferred interest rate expiring, it has now doubled my payments to an instrument that I can no longer afford. A good friend of mine, Sarah, is a loan officer and hopefully, she can give me some numbers and wake me up out of this mess and find a good loan for me. If not, I will have to sell my home and try to recoup any losses and possibly try to move into a mobile home or manufactured home in Daly City, Sunnyvale, Mountain View or rent an apartment. Lynn seemed sad at this prospect because it would mean that I would have to uproot my son from his school in Pacifica. We left it at that and will hope for the best next week. Now, Lynn was ready with my "honey do-list".
We made our way back to her house and today we put up her decorative Christmas lighted colored balls that we hung in front of her house. When the sun goes down, these lights are on a timer and light up when it's dark. They are beautiful! All the colors of the rainbow. We hung little plastic candy canes and ribbons on her neighboring trees. It was very festive and she seemed quite happy to get that done since her family rarely participate in the decorations now that her two daughters are older. As the coolness of the afternoon wore on, we sat down to her homemade pumpkin pie and a cup of coffee while watching the lesbian comedy show with Sabrina Mathews and a few other women comedians. They had me laughing so hard, Lynn would just look at me when I yelped so loud. The light of day was fading slowly away as we watched the remainder of the comedy show from her bed, entangled in each others arms and legs, comfortable, warm and quiet. We fell asleep tired from our day only to be awaken by her dog, muffin, barking away. Startled, we woke up, delivered our long hugs and slow kisses. This is the hard part, it's the time when I leave her to back to my home.
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