Star Struck in SoCal

One more day down and just a half day to go before I'm on my way home!!

Another busy day followed by an extensive work tour before changing for dinner. We all met in the front of the building to gather before catching a ride for dinner.  While waiting, we watched a very famous actress (whom I will refer to as JG), her friend, and one each of their children disembark from their car. She was casually dressed in mom attire and held a glass of wine. Of course I was stealthily taking pictures. Unfortunately they came out a little fuzzy.  Can't post them publicly as I have to respect her privacy especially as a guest of my company. But it was exciting to see a real movie star in the flesh!!

We then left for dinner at Bubba Gumps, which I've only been to once years ago.  Big group but dinner was surprisingly fast. Even wound up with a souvenir glass!!

Now I'm back in my room, watching Chopped, and settling in for my last night in SoCal.

Monday and Martinis

Monday in Cali was busy but fun. Spent all day in session with a break in between for lunch - a Mexican themed lunch with homemade tortillas and salsa. Tried nopales, that cactus cooked thing.  No thanks - icky.

The day over, the group of us (about 20) loaded up in a bus and made our way to Tech One Cooking School in Long Beach.  We broke out into groups and prepared an Italian dinner, complete with salad, stuffed chicken, homemade fettuccine alfredo, and tiramisu.  Plus some nummy lemon drop martinis.  Bus ride home evolved into a song fest either due to those martinis or simply our personalities. Was a fun experience!!

Sisters and SoCal

Even though I'm still battling my cold, this weekend was pretty full.  Saturday met up with sisters Erin and Julie, niece Ella, and step-mom Arlene for lunch. Was a great time catching up with everyone and breaking bread at local Castle Rock hotspot Parkers.

Today I headed out for California for work.  Arrived around 730pm, met up with some more work pals, and made our way to the lodge. Checked in, found my room, and discovered a nice card from the So. Cal GM along with a fruit and cookie VIP platter - plus milk in the fridge!!  Hung up my clothes and now I'm relaxing watching the boob tube before my nighttime cold medicine kicks in.

Will be a busy three days before returning home on Wednesday evening.  May also include a trip to Disneyland, a place I've never visited. Hit Magic Kingdom in Orlando years ago but never the CA location. It's always great when a work trip includes a little fun!!

TGIF!!

Ahhhh finally Friday.  Yesterday I tried to make it through work but only lasted until 11am when I drug my sorry, sick ass home.  Slept all day and returned to work today, which was better but still coughing and congested.  Ugh!

Taking off for sunny Cali on Sunday for work so this crud better be gone by then!!!

Cough, Cough, Grumble, Grumble

Yesterday I spent surfing the couch all day. Have been battling nasty congestion which I believe is due to bleach overload on Sunday cleaning those bathrooms. See what cleaning gets a person???

Slept a lot and watched a lot of old movies - The Strange Loves of Martha Ivers, Of Human Bondage, and Anna Karenina.   Good times but I'm ready to return to the living today. Actually have a regular doctor's appointment set up this morning which is good timing for being sick.

Here's to better health in the future!  Good news is I lost 8 lbs since the start of the competition!!

Stinky, Sweaty Sunday

Oh Sunday you have worn me out!  This morning I woke around 600 and began cleaning the boys, now my, bathroom. Could not bring myself to take a before pic as it was so bad.  Kudos to a new tool I ran across at Ross and grabbed - a pumice stone toilet and shower scrubber. Could never have gotten the job done without it.

Once done cleaning, I then redecorated, adding a fresh shower curtain, drapes, and pictures. Moved my makeup,  hair and shower products over from my bathroom.  Done with first bathroom I then moved onto my master bath.  Again the pumice came in handy as I cleaned and scrubbed.

It all turned out great but I am beat. No shower, no brushing my teeth, sweaty and stinky!  But definitely accomplished a lot today!!

Nest May Be Empty But Life is Full!

October is here along with the rain. Guess on the bright side of things it means mowing of the lawn won't occur today.

Baby boy Sam is moving out today. Got his own rental house and is packing up and leaving thus an empty nest. And you know what?  That's okay, in fact awesome. Happy both boys have become independent and have left mama's house.  Will be quieter here but if you know me at all, you know I will keep myself busy!

Today my first born Jordan and his wife Candy and I met up for lunch at the cow deli. Was great catching up with those two.  Afterwards we hit a few thrift stores then I scooted on over to Goodwill then Ross.  When done, made my way to Sam's new pad.  Oh the memories it gave me from when I moved into my first apartment (well, after my college apartment.)  Cute little house and he should have it set up soon with Batman decor.

So now my mind is moving toward creative possibilities for the house. Will do some serious deep cleaning on the boys bathroom and move my makeup into there.  Do some painting and create a serious craft room in one bedroom: the other bedroom may just be my "dressing" room.  Will keep me busy with all the possibilities!

Speaking of busy, I've learned from personal experience the signs of a true craftaholic are as follows:

• The tips of your fingers are always healing from glue gun burns;
• Your floor is always sparkling from the remnants of glitter;
• Your form of muscle building is scrubbing the kitchen counter to remove paint drips and E6000 glue;  
• That cute t-shirt is now a splatter painted rag because you were so anxious to begin crafting you couldn't stop to change;
• While shopping your eye no longer catches the latest fashion but instead bargain basement baubles that could be repurposed into an amazing art project.

Here's to new adventures awaiting me in my empty nest!!