Back to Reality

Last night was my first night back to work making the reality that vacation was indeed over more real. It occurred to me last night that I have only 6weeks left of my contract at LGH. Almost momentarily came the crushing awareness of all that needs to be done before I head west for the winter and the realization that I am still jobless as of Oct 6th. While I don't feel that finding a job will be difficult ( I spoke to the Director at San Antonio- my cali hosp. who said in no uncertain terms they want me back, but don't know if they'll need me when I'm ready to be there.) I know there are plenty of jobs in Cali, but that they may just involve more then the 3block commute I enjoy now.

Melanie and Jamie are set to move in to the house indefinitely in Nov. I am sooooo grateful to be leaving the house in their very generous and capable hands. It's just that I have procrastinated getting the house painted and the bathroom done (really is that any surprise to any of you who know me well?) and now I need to add packing up the entire house and moving it to the attic to the list... YIKES!!!! (this would be a good time to mention that before I left for vacation I signed up for a lot of overtime again... I AM a glutton for punishment) The good thing is that I can take a week or two after my contract to tie up loose ends before packing up the Uhaul (I'll be taking my bedroom with me this time) and hitting the road.

If you think of me please pray for endless energy and motivation, I don't foresee a lot of sleep in my future!

UTOPIAN LOVE STORY II and other Cali Anecdotes

Alright- first things first. I'm home. I arrived back in Lancaster at about 1pm. This trip, although it did involve a delay, was much smoother then the trip getting out there (but really- could it have gotten much worse- I think not!!!!!!).

I do have a funny anecdote for all you ladies who feel like the years are ganging up on you.

At the Quince reception Saturday night long after the dancing had started, I noticed a young 20 something dancing with a 6year old. They were being goofy, he was swinging her around and flipping her every direction. I had seen this guy earlier at Maribel's for appetizers and cocktails so I knew he was family. He and the little girl were very entertaining to watch. I had been foregoing dancing because I was helping my pregnant friend Debbie chase her very energetic sons jade(4yrs) and Nicholas(2years) around. I was swinging Nicholas around as we walked across the dance floor on our way back to Debbie when we were intercepted by the young man and little girl. He introduced himself as Adam and asked if Nicholas and I would like to dance with them. I said sure, when conveniently the little girl, ( I later learned was named Zoe) said "I don't want to dance anymore" so Nicholas, Adam and I were left. When again conveniently, Debbie came and got Nicholas. Adam asked if I wanted to dance, I agreed and we began dancing. After a quick conversation I find out that he is 24, and is Joey's (Maribel's husband) cousin.

For the rest of the evening it was like white on rice friends. I stopped dancing and sat down he followed. I went to get a drink, so did he. I went to the bathroom, he waited. This lasted until about 11pm when could no longer take it and decided to leave. I said thank you for dancing and told him I needed to go pack. He asked if he could have my number. Not really wanting to give it out I decided to pull the age thing and said " you understand I'm 30?" (for those of you keeping track, I turn thirty in 5months) To which he responded "WOW, You look good for being THAT OLD!!!!!!!!!" "Its really not that old" I said.... Mission Accomplished!!!!!!!!

UTOPIAN LOVE STORY II (alternately entitle Fill in the blank CORN_____)

FLAKE! I have to admit this is hard for me to write, simply because my pride is huge.... but here goes.
I spoke with David on Saturday afternoon while en route to Maribel's. I was calling to say thank, knew he was working and was hoping to leave a voice mail. When he answered the phone, I was near speechless. Long story short- we made plans to go out for another glass of wine Sunday evening before I had to head to the airport. We talked about a time and decided that he would call me sometime on Sunday to make arrangements (he was going to be in San Pedro and would be driving back) I was sooooo incredibly nervous that I can't even really remember how the conversation went- but I do know that he was equally as excited about us getting together again so much so that he was going to find out if the place we went to Friday was open and pick a new place if it wasn't.
Sunday rolls around and I have this knot in the pit of my stomach thinking it's not going to work out (I usually get those, I think it's a subconscious way of not getting to excited). when at 4pm he hadn't called I knew that it was a no go (and I refused to call him!), by 7pm he hadn't called, by 9pm when I'm on the way to the airport- still no call. He FLAKED!!!!!
As sad as that is (and believe me, I was sad- and more then a bit confused) the worst part is, I love the his haircuts and totally plan on going back to him.... can you say AWKWARD!!!!!! In an effort to smooth over any tension that may occur when I walk in there next (believe me, I don't want any bad feelings between me and person taking scissors to my head!) I sent a text saying No sweat, that I'd see him in Oct for a haircut.
And that truly is the END of my UTOPIAN LOVE STORY.

Uno, Dos.....Quince

Ana, Maribel, Josie, me and Jody

Today was the Quincenera of my good friend Maribels daughter. For those who are unfamiliar with a Quince, it's the Mexican version of a "Sweet Sixteen" only it happens at the age of 15 and involves a church service. This happened to be my first Quince and the last big shin dig of my stay here. I certainly was not prepared for all the festivities of the day.

The church service began at 12noon. It is Catholic and almost entirely in Spanish. The service basically in essence is a commitment ceremony for the girl and her parents, consecrating herself in womanhood to the church (or at least that is what I gathered from what little Spanish I understand). The ceremony mimics that of a wedding, complete with attendants, both male and female. The service lasted about an hour. Following the service the "court" (the official name), hop in a limo to go take pictures and in this case, return to the parents house for snacks and drinks with the rest of the extended family and a few guests.

The reception (again, much like a wedding reception) started at 5pm. So around 400, the court jump back into the limo and cruise around arriving slightly late in order to make an entrance in front of the 200+ guests. A full course dinner is served around 6pm followed by a presentation by the "princess and her court" which involves traditional dances and "the passing on of youth" to a younger sister or cousin. After the presentation, the Father of the "princess" gives a toast and the cake (again, exactly like a wedding cake) is cut.

After the formal presentation is done, the real party starts. This Quince had a live band that alternated with the DJ that was also there. There is every type of music and dancing- Salsa, Meringue, ragatone, hip-hop, banda, instrumental....etc. You get the point. The dancing lasts into the wee hours of the morning. I called in quits at 1130pm, while my friend Maribel and her daughter Franceska were still tearing up the floor- After all, I need to do laundry so I can get all my stuff (which seems to have grown enormously) packed. I still have one crazy full day before I hop on the plane tomorrow night.



*stay tuned for part two of UTOPIAN LOVE STORY.........

Hair Today- Gone Tomorrow

(Alternately titled Utopian Love Story)

Picts of the new do'

I had wanted to go to the beach today. That was my original plan. One of my goals for the trip was to get my haircut. I usually drive to Long Beach (an hour away without traffic- there is ALWAYS traffic here). But the price of gas as well as the price of haircuts (not to mention color) has risen while my budget has shrunk. My sister gave me the name of the guy that cuts her hair. I tried to make an appointment in the beginning of the week but unfortunately he was booked- bummer! They did put me on the cancellation list- in the slight chance he had and opening. Amazingly, David called Wednesday with an opening today at 1:30pm. Although I was sad the my beach plans were squelched, I was excited that I would be getting a new Cali do.

I arrived at Utopia (the salon) slightly early not knowing what to expect. David wasn't there yet. The salon was this trendy place purple walls, brushed metal fixtures and mirrors, flat screen panels on the walls, and independent art work scattered about. I was greeted by a tall thin girl, with bright pink chunky hair, sitting behind a chest high desk. I knew that this was a full service salon, so as I expected, the receptionist asked if I wanted a drink. I declined and waited for David. David arrived shortly after me. In his 30's, he is slight shorter then I, with a shaved head (wearing a hat) and a gotee. He had tattoos on both arms and a very warm smile. He took me to his station, and we discussed how I wanted my hair cut and colored. He obviously new what he was doing, telling me that he thought putting in low lights was better then highlights and giving his opinion on hair length. He began doing my hair and we talked about everything under the sun, from travels, to family, to music...etc. He gave me a tour of the adjoining spa, including showing me the art work he had just bought for his house.

While he was cutting, we began talking about wine tasting (if you know me well, you know that I am a wine fan, and enjoy wine tasting). He told me about a new place down the street, stating that if he didn't already have a client he would go with me when my hair was finished- but unfortunately he did. "Nice gesture" I thought "but I was already going to give you a big tip anyway, no need to act like you were going to ask me out." While he was blow drying my hair, he began looking around. Soon he was obviously looking to the front of the shop, and checking his phone. I apologized for taking so long, knowing that we were running late because we had spent most of the time talking. "No" he said, "my next client is never late, and she not here. It's almost worrisome."

When my haircut ended, he walked me to the front of the shop, I payed and was ready to leave when he said "Let me sweep up and lets go have a glass of wine." I made some comment about drunk haircutting being the next extreme sport and we were off. The place was only about half a block away and was empty when we got there (by now it was 3:30pm). I ordered (he payed) and went to a cozy little table in the corner. We talked and laughed like we had been friends since childhood (believe it or not I DO get extremely nervous on "dates" so that is amazing). Before long it was 5pm, and time for his next appointment. After a discussion about wanting his next client to cancel so we could continue hanging out, he called the shop to find out that they weren't there yet. Our excitement was only short lived because they called him back almost immediately to say that she had just arrived. We walked back to the salon, said goodbye, gave a quick hug and went our separate ways.

That is the end of my Uptopian Love Story:-(

Needless to say, i can't wait to get my haircut again.

Working Hard or Hardly Working??

Monday before leaving for the beach we helped April move into her classroom. Here are April and Sheli flexing their big guns.



Shortly into the move an argument started. The point of contention being whether or not Sheli was really taller then April. The only way to be fair about it was to take a picture of them standing back to back. April and I were right, Sheli is taller. April is 5'8" 3/4 while sheli is 5'9" 1/2. With all the height I could muster, at 5'3" 3/4 you still only be able to see my forehead if I were in the picture too!

ahhhhhh the beach........

We just got back from a two day beach holiday. Filled with sand, surf and a lot of sun. We body surfed, boogie boarded and got "saved" several times by a few over zealous lifeguards. True Story- Sheli and I were out on the boogie boards. The water was rough and choppy (west coast waves are huge in comparison). There was even talk of a rip tide. We were laughing and having a grand time when a life guard swims to us and tells us to grab on to the "can" with one hand and he'll pull us in. A bit confused, we

look at each other. The life guard suddenly gets an embarrassed look on his face and

says "Or you can put your feet down and walk to shore." We laughed so hard as he walked back to the beach, while we continued standing in the chest high water.

I did have a bit of an accident though (no life guard in sight then). The water had gotten a lot more choppy and the waves were coming in right on top of each other. Boogie board in hand (or rather attached to my hand) I came up for air, and then dove to avoid another wave. The unfortunate part is that I didn't have a good enough grip on my board. It got ripped one way and I the other, pulling my arm in directions it was never intended to go. While under water I felt it pop. When I was finally able to get to my feet, boogie board still attached at the wrist, I could barely move my arm and was in a lot of pain. We got out of the water and sat for awhile. I can use my arm now, but it still hurts to lift it over my head. After that debacle, we ditched the boards and body surfed instead (I figured the water was cold enough to act like ice and at least numb it).

To answer Julie's question- Yep it is always "hopping" here. It's a weird sorta feel here. Everyone is doing something, passionate about something, but it's really laid back too and definitely always a good time:-)

Birthdays. Weddings and shopping- oh my!

SATURDAY & SUNDAY

My vacation has been a whirl wind since I got my luggage saturday night. I woke up early on satuday despite my previous lack of sleep and utter exhaustion (darn time change and jet lag). My plans for the day were pretty low key. It was April's 31st birthday. She wanted to move her things back into her classroom (she is a high school english teacher) in the morning and then we were going out to hear a band play that night. When we got to the school we found the janitors waxing her building. She wouldn't be able to move in until Monday. That was just fine with me- I'm not really into manual labor on vacation- April, on the other hand, was quite frustrated. What better way to soothe some irritation on your birthday then with some RETAIL THERAPY? Am I right ladies?

We unloaded the things that couldn't stay in the car and hit the mall with a vengance (actually it was more like Target, Ulta- i love makeup and accessories, Kohls, a short stop for a pedicure and then the mall). After uloading any unwanted (and wanted) cash I had laying around it was time to go home and get ready for our evening out.

We set out for La Habra (30 minute drive) and arrived fashionalby late at a sports bar where some of April's friends play in a band. There were about 20 people there to celebrate. I had unfortunately forgotten my ID, couldn't get in and had to drive back to get it..... ooops. The night was fun, but ended much later then either of us anticipated, not to mention that we picked up another person to take home- Crazy Lilly... the name says it all.

Sunday also proved to be busy. After church we had Aprils birthday meal- taco's and ice box cake.... mmmmmmm. Then headed back to Ulta (okay- I can justify this. I didn't get all that I needed, including Aprils b-day gift. They are having major sales and free gifts that started yesterday so to maximize our free gift potential we went twice) I took a quick nap at home and before I new it, it was time to get ready for the wedding (actually past time to get ready I had to skip a shower).

Lil' Sarah is one of my closest friends out here ( I say little because she barely stand 5foot tall). She and Brian have been together for 6years. Of course we met at work where she was an extern and is now an RN. Their wedding was outside at a country club and had a tahitian theme. It was beautiful! I have never been a fan of light colored tux's but I must say, they may have changed my mind! I got to see a few people from work and had a good time. The sad part about out of town weddings is (besides feeling oddly envious) is that you don't get to spend anytime with the friend getting married. This struck me as I ran to give Sarah a hug and realized that I would be gone when she got back form her honeymoon. I left just as the dancing was starting (you know I'm tired when I don't stay for the dancing!) to head into work to see some people.

Specifically- I needed to see Maribel. She is another reason for this vacation (more like and excuse). Her daughter Franceska is turnign 15 and is having a Qunicenera. My invite got lost in the mail (seriously- not just an excuse. I know this because I got a call asking why I hadn't responded yet). The big shin dig is next Saturday evening and I needed directions. Before comign to Cali, I had heard of Qunice's but never knew the amount of time and money that went into them. They cost as much as a wedding and need just as much, if not more planning! It was fun to see people that I worked with. I had to answer the same question over and over. "When are you coming back?" To which I answered "I don't know." I am hoping have a real answer to that question soon!

Today and tomorrows plans are simple. BEACH. April's friend Lourdes has a house on the beach. After loading her room, April and I are heading down there for some bike riding, body surfing and sun soaking. This white girl needs a tan.... I glow! Sheli will be meeting us this evening for our little getaway.

Excuse me- does anyone know the way to Cali??

Everything went as planned until I tried to leave the state of PA on Thursday. I worked until 3am Thursday morning, went home to pack, went out to breakfast with a friend, and then cleaned until Lori picked me up at 3:30pm (yes I was exhausted but thought I had a 5 hour plan ride to Vegas to catch up on sleep).

I arrived at Harrisburg in time for an early check in. During my check in I was told the my flight from Harrisburg to Philly was canceled. In order to make my Philly flight i would have to head to Philly by way of car. The airline gave 2 gentlemen and I a taxi vouture and sent us on our way. After two hours on the road (lots of traffic) we ended up at the departing flight deck at Philly, only to find DisneyLand size lines and a slew of canceled flights. Luckily, mine wasn't canceled, only delayed- 6hours. After standing in line, the young guy in front of me and I decided this couldn't possibly be the line for us. We developed a strategy- I was going to be our place holder, while he scouted out what exactly we were in line for and where we needed to be. Our plan worked. Since neither of our flights were canceled, he just needed to check in and I already checked in just needed to check my baggage, standing in a line that doubled over on itself 4times for get re-booked made no sense. So we high-tailed it to the other end of the terminal and began biding our time in another line. When I got to the counter, I explained to the already frazzled girl what had happened, she said she could get me to vegas, but not out of Vegas until the morning. I asked if I could be re-routed and she said "you need to go and get in the long line back at the other end of the terminal to be re-booked." AHHHHH- the line I had just fled! I walked back now having more time then before to kill and got back in the end of the line. About half way through a representative from the airline came over asked what I needed. I explained yet again the situation (with slightly more irritation). After reviewing the flight schedule he said my best option was to take the delayed vegas flight and then get rebooked when I get to to Vegas. Absolutely sick of standing in line (if only I knew what the future held) I went out to the sky cap and checked my bag, hit the girls room, found my gate and headed to a little Bistro and wine bar and had a large plate of pasta and two glasses of white wine.

Fast forward 4 hours. Waiting to board the the plane in Philly, there was almost a riot. It was wall to wall people. people trying to fly stand by arguing with people who had seats, airline workers threatening to call security of people don't stop crowding the desk and me going on 35 hours with out sleep. When the seat/boarding debacle finally ends I find myself in an isle seat beside a young business man. Determined to sleep, I ask the flight attendant for a blanket before the plane ever leaves the gate, I am freezing, and have goose bumps everywhere. The answer "we don't have any blankets." So I try to get comfortable and think about laying on the beach and the hot sand. but to no avail. I was not meant to sleep. I asked a second flight attendant thinking maybe the first had it out for blonds- nope still no blankets.

The business man beside me and I start chatting about our flying experience today. He is coming from Shanghai going to San Fran where he lives. He gave me the dirt on the airline we are flying. It seems there isn't enough pilots so flights are always canceled or delayed, people are always assured they will get a standby seat, rerouting, re check in, and a lot of waiting..... it is then I begin to get worried about my luggage.

I didn't sleep much from Philly to Vegas nor did I actually have a flight booked from Vegas to to LA. Luckily, the man, whose name I don't know, was kind enough to talk most of the way. Upon arriving in Vegas, before getting off the plane, the flight attendant made an announcement that all those who had missed their connecting flights would need to go back out through security down to the check in on the first floor to get re-ticketed. Now, call me crazy or lazy, but I am now almost 40hours without sleep. Wouldn't it have been better costumer service to meet us at the gate? Those of you who have ever been to Vegas know that the airport is huge and it was a hike to get back out front. Thankfully the line wasn't quite as long this time.

I had been re booked on a flight leaving Vegas at 7am. I inquired about my luggage, being told that it would meet me in LA.... I began to worry more. I also asked if there was any way under heaven I could get a blanket, unfortunately they don't carry blankets at check in I would have to get to my gate (which wouldn't be posted for an hour) and find the man handing them out. I wondered around noticing the the airport here looked more like a homeless shelter with people sleeping on benches, on the floor and against walls.... at least they had blankets:-). I finally found my gate and the man with the blankets and slept for two 2hours on a bench with about 500 of my fellow travelers.

7am came around slowly. People began filtering in around 530 and it was hard to sleep. I headed to Starbucks for a decaf coffee and scone. Ahhhh, I thought, the end is insight. The flight from Vegas to LA is only an hour and I think I slept most of it. When I stepped off the plane all I could think of were pajamas and a bed. April was circling the airport waiting for me. I would be home in bed by 10am California time (that's 1pm PA time- Almost 48hours without solid sleep- if your counting).

Baggage claim was a mess. There were miscellaneous bags everywhere, some in rows with numbers on them some just scattered. My heart sank even further when I was the only one from my flight left standing by an almost empty carousel- no suitcase, no pajamas, no sleep..... on the verge of a breakdown. The baggage claim lady was quite confident that my luggage was on the next flight arriving in a half an hour, however if I left it would take them at least a day to deliver my suitcase to me. April parked the car and we waited.... but no luggage. I cried. I filed a claim and was told again, it would be on the next flight.... my mental health was more important to me then my clothes (not much more :-). We left, with the understanding they would call me when it arrived.

I settled into be at my parents house around 11am. At 5pm I woke up to no call. I called the number they gave me and didn't get an answer. I tried and retried and retried. When someone did finally answer, she said it hadn't been found but there were at least 500 bags they hadn't logged yet (I saw them, I would say there were at least 1000). She ran to look and called me back. Thank the Lord it was there! Instead of having them deliver (I like knowing where my things are, so please US Air, keep your hands off it) which could take a few days April and I headed back into LA at 11pm. Finally at 1AM this morning, I fell asleep in my pajamas and am ready for my vacation to begin.

I have great pict of the piles of luggage but forgot my camera cord.... I'm hoping to run to ciruit city to pick on up today- so check back for pictures!!

Vacation- The Endangered Species

Yesterday I was in a tearful panic due to a miscommunication with a house sitter. To make a long story short- it wasn't going to work for her to stay here and 11 days is too long to leave the boys without someone to love them. I'll be the first to admit that having dogs does hamper ones ability to pick up leave and trying to find someone to stay with my precious (no comment dad) little pups 5 days before a planned vacation (in which the non transferable/non-refundable ticket costs $500) is enough to send this girl into a tizzy!

By 6pm Friday I had called everyone I knew (and some that I didn't) asking if they or anyone they knew to be even remotely trust worthy would be willing to house sit. I believe my words were "even if its your moms cousins sisters uncles stepson who's visiting from El Salvador." With no definite answers, knowing the how hard it had been to find the first house sitter (seems most people I know are going on vacation the same week!), I was ready to make two phone calls, the first to my family telling them I wouldn't be coming, the second to the airline begging them to give me my money back or even better to let me transfer the ticket to different dates (even though it would mean I would miss the wedding, my sisters birthday and the Quince, anytime in Cali would be nice).

Thankfully, just as I had resigned myself to my California-less fate, my phone rang. A sweet girl from work (who I had left two messages for earlier in the day- two messages in an hour don't equate to phone stalking do they?) called to say she would be willing to stay for a week, with Laura taking over the last couple days (Laura you are always a life saver!!! thank you for helping even though that weekend is CRAZY for you! I owe you big!!!!) Excited and relieved I made plans with her to come over and get acquainted with the dogs and the house tonight. If she would have been here in person I probably would have jumped on her and hugged her.

Crisis Averted, Vacation Saved!!! Now it's time to start packing!

PS- isn't that the cutest picture of Sid? I couldn't sleep one afternoon before work (shocker) and looked down and saw him... its a little blurry but is still sweet.