October - Catching Up

The final quarter of 2017 has been a blurr.  

I came back from my vacation from Texas in October and decided I would move to TX during the first quarter of 2018 and really thought it would most likely occur in February or March at the latest. 

The first person to bring up my moving there was Helen (Liz's mom).  After we spent a couple of hours visiting and we were saying our goodbyes she said that I was like one of her kids and when I was ready to join the family in TX I had a room to stay in while I was settling in when I moved there.  It was totally unprompted and Dave was quick to say he didn't say anything and it was meant to be.

Sunday, Liz, Briana, and I went exploring and I saw a model home which was beautiful and had everything for 315K.  I kept thinking the man was joking but he showed me the price list and I was surprised; Liz explained I was from CA.

By Tuesday when I went sight seeing on my own I said a little prayer and asked for a sign to let me know if I should move there.  I of course negotiated that I would need a job offer; but quickly said if I am supposed to be here I will do it but I just need time to prepare.  

Wednesday, I visited the Bowler's and it was so fun to see this sweet family.  My heart was touched when Rowdy told me he wished I would live there in Justin, DFW, or Roanake.

The way I made the decision was when my friend Jon told me I needed to go mail my post cards and not return until I made a decision.  He was trying to get his drivers license as he moved there from Indiana/Chicago.  It was Friday and we were going to a Rangers game.

So off I went to mail my postcards and in the post office a lady struck up a conversation with me.  She had moved there from CA and told me what a great decision it had been for her and her family, how great the schools were etc. etc. etc.   I then headed to the gas station and a lady approached me to ask me how I liked my car.  I was driving Liz's Expedition and I loved it.  I explained I liked it a lot but that I was borrowing it as I was visiting.  This led to a conversation about how she and her family had moved from CA and how much they loved it.  I was already thinking I wanted to move but thought "I get it Liz's mom, Rowdy, and two total strangers were telling me how I should move there".  So I called Dave to tell him I was doing it and for him and Liz and their family to discuss it as a family as they had offered to let me live in their guest home until I got a job and had a place to live.  I think Liz called or texted me later to say it would be great.  While I was in the parking lot I logged onto Facebook and the first advertisement was for quotes for moving companies and I signed up for it.  They started calling and quoting.  I quickly called my youngest niece and told her of my decision and plan.  Her initial response was "WHY?"  I explained it would be a good opportunity and she proceeded to tell me she had three questions.   

1.  What about the Angels ?  They play against the Rangers so I will go to those games.
2.  What about Disneyland ?  I am in the middle of Disney and Walt Disney World.  We can go together!!!
3.  What about the holidays ?  I always try to take Thanksgiving week off, I will continue to do so and will just have to buy an airplane ticket.

As you can see, I had quick responses for those and then asked her why she was grilling me.  She promptly responded that she would support my decision but that she was getting me ready for when I told her mom.  Don't ask me why, but I feel this incredible need to get my sister in laws approval when I am about to do something.  Maybe it is because she has known me since I was six and I see her as a maternal figure.  As difficult as it was to make this decision and then tell my family I know it is the right decision.  I am so thankful that both my nieces were super supportive and encouraging - even though it will be hard to adjust to not being two hours away by car.  It will soon be three hours by plane plus a one of three hour drive from the airport.   

Things I was able to accomplish before the 31st - move out of my storage unit to another one in OC for a 1/3 of the price and size.   As well as recycle a Halloween costume. 

semi full

almost empty

empty by 10/31/17

Happy Halloween!

November - Catching Up

Once I returned from Texas I began applying for jobs online.  I received many responses and many no thank yous.  I had a few phone interviews and there was one call I received about a position I had not seen and had I seen - I may not have applied.  As it turns out, this was the one position I was the most interested in at the time.  

I also received a call from another headhunter and the position was interesting to me but they were disappointed I was not already in TX.  So I explained I was actually going to be in the area the following week - I quickly searched for tickets on Southwest and purchased a round trip ticket for $95.  

So with a few days notice I took a week's vacation and off I went to TX.  I had to leave for LAX at 2 AM so I did not sleep.  When I arrived in TX it was raining and cold.  I loved the weather and feeling cold.

I did have one meeting with one position that I am still very interested in.  It is not manufacturing, it is in banking and the management team was very pleasant.  I thought they were a group of people who I would enjoy working with and spending time accomplishing goals. 

I also found an area I would consider living in:  The Lofts at Watters Creek.  They are lofts above stores.  I initially looked at an apartment in another area but I fell in love with Watters Creek.  It had a small town feel.  Kind of like a movie set of Gilmore Girls, or a Hallmark Movie. 

I have to say I did take advantage of Southwests 2 checked bags for free.  I took all my clothes that I thought I could live without.  Interestingly enough, I have three pairs of jeans and I only have one in CA and I am missing my jeans.  You know I am serious about this move as I left my Angels jerseys in TX - all three of them.

When I returned back home I had mixed feelings.  I was sad I was leaving TX and wanted to be able to go back for Christmas.  However, as we got closer to CA and once they announced we were about to land I looked out the window and as I saw LA I thought the next time you see this sight you will be living in TX and coming back to CA to visit.  That thought made me sad to think that I was leaving the state that I have called home since I was six years old.  

After I returned from TX I worked a couple of days and then headed to Vegas for the weekend with Cindy.  We went to see Harry Connick Jr. with her cousin Kristy.  Unfortunately, I had the flu and was so sick and slept all night and day.  Kristy and Cindy convinced me to try to go to the concert and I was glad I did.  Mr. Connick never disappoints as he is such a talented musician.  I have had so many great trips to Vegas with Cindy and while I may not be able to do road trips with her in the future I can always fly in and meet her there. 

I went to work on Monday and then I was off for Thanksgiving in Palm Desert.  It was great to be with the family.  It was a small group but a great group just the same.  I know I can not miss this holiday ever.  

My moving to TX was a topic of conversation and I kept telling people it would be sometime in January to March.  Little did I realize that my move would be coming sooner than I ever imagined.  The thing I enjoyed most about Thanksgiving was that I was able to go on a walk with David and Spencer.  Seeing Laura realize that Chase was there for Thanksgiving was priceless.  Of course getting a hug from Natalie.  And making plans with Elaine and Ken to go see Gabriel Iglesias for Ken's birthday on December 14. 

So as you can see November was just busy as could be.

September 2017 Catching Up

September was a fun month and I was able to see a lot of long time friends.  

While I knew the Angels would not make it to the playoffs I still believed.

I wore my Angels jersey on the first casual Friday and realized I had also been using an Angels lunch bag.

I also made a friendly wager/agreement with our MN office that if by some miracle MN did not make and the Angels did - they would need to wear Angels gear and vice versa.  They sent me a Twins t-shirt.

I enjoyed cheering for MN during the playoffs.  I went on to cheer for Houston and was very glad when they won.  I know I should have been cheering for the home team but who would want to do that. 

Earlier in the year, I agreed to go to Dallas for the DM concert with my long time friends Garth and Liz (and their respective awesome spouses) that I went to many concerts with in our young adult days..  It was so stinking hot with my boots, jeans and 3/4 long sleeve shirt.  I had to take off my boots, socks, rolled up my jeans, also rolled up my sleeves and somehow put my hair up.  Once I did that I loved every second of the concert and it went by a lot faster than I thought it would.  
I will say this Dave Gahan is 55 but he just looks so much older than his age.  Or do I just say that because I think I will be there sooner than I can imagine and will I look that old too? However, he can still shake his bootie and move like back in the day and the fans still yelled and loved every second of him shaking it!!!

The main highlight of the night for me was when Martin Gore who is 56 sang "Somebody".  Such a beautiful song.  
     Someone who'll stand by my side
     And give me support 
     And in return
     He'll get my support
     He will listen to me
     When I want to speak
     About the world we live in
     And life in general
     Someone who'll help me see
     Things in a different light
     All the things I detest
     I will almost like


While he too looked older too - I still enjoyed listening to his voice which I thought sounded beautiful and the beautiful lyrics above.

When we left the venue I saw this van and asked the driver if I could take a picture.  It pretty much sums up me:  40's are fabulous and I am still chasing DM with my friends!

On a more somber note we came across this on Sunday on a drive by a cemetery by where I was staying.  It impacted me and a few days later I was out on a walk and I went to the same spot and took a picture.  Don't ask me why but I kept thinking how lucky am I to live in the country that I live in.  How grateful I am for the men and women who so unselfishly give up their lives to serve and protect this country.   As I looked at his birth date I thought I was just a kid when he was born but a few months later my mom became very sick.  When he was 26 he gave his life in Iraq.  I don't know much about this man but he really made me reflect and grateful for his willingness to serve and protect.  





 I also took time to go the George W Bush library.  This year I have gone to two presidential libraries and I was going to try to do the Ronald Reagan and the Ford Library before the end of this month.  I am not sure that I will make it but I need to try. 

So I have known Liz since about 1989 and Garth well I am sure it was at least sometime in 1992.  I have so many fun memories from crazy things we did back in the day.  I have to be honest we sometimes made comments about how we would all have to live on the same street when we were married with children.  Well they are not on the same street but they are in neighboring cities and in the same family ward.  It is bittersweet when I see them in pictures together.  It makes me happy that we are all still friends and that they are having fun times together - and sad that I am not there.  They both have beautiful families and I enjoyed getting to know them during this trip.

I also had the opportunity to see this cute little family.  I can't believe that little baby I would sometimes hold is so grown up.  Rowdy certainly was an answer in a way to a prayer I had earlier in the week.  
He is such a good older brother.  There are a couple of other siblings.  
Celeste and I went on a bike ride which was fun but I also had a slight vision of me ending up in the ER for a second.  The bike I was riding had no brakes and it was more of a tricycle which would not go the direction I wanted it to go when I was going fast down a hill and trying to turn.
On another day that I took a walk I came across this beautiful path.  I love roads like this where the trees create an awning.  I just enjoyed that walk so much and wished someone was with me to enjoy.  So I did do a Facebook Live and though of how my dear friend Dina L in UT often posts pictures of beautiful places on her walks.

I also went to a farm and there was this pumpkin.  Liz and I had to have our picture taken.  I am so fortunate that she is my friend and I don't think she or her family realize how much of a positive influence they have been in my life.  So, so, grateful for all the amazing individuals I am fortunate to call friends.   

So there you have it, a little peek at my TX vacation.  I also went to a baseball game with my friend Jon.  However, that may be it's own post.

August 2017 - Catching Up

I have to think that August was a pretty mellow month and spent doing what I enjoy most - going to Angels baseball games.  

I was able to see my good old friend Mike Napoli.  This shot reminds me of the days I joked and took too many bootie shots for my Christmas card saying it had been a good year.   Did you know that Mike is #191 in home runs with 261?   He is actually tied with three other players.


I went to quite a few games hoping to see Albert hit #600 and missed it by a game or two.  However, Lisa S and I were there for #610.  Which was super exciting to be there for a part of baseball history.  I will say one thing I dislike about Angel fans.  The ones who complain about how AP can't run and what a waste of money he was.  Sometimes I want to say, I am sorry - what is your name and how much of what he has accomplished have you accomplished?   Can you run as fast as him? Besides, he just had a good agent and the Angels took a gamble.  While he may not have given us what was expected he has brought a lot of excitement and I proudly wear my Pujols jersey. 


I have continued using essential oils and love that I have them available at the tip of my fingers these days.  I also started a new program and it has by far been my favorite meal supplement specially the shakes.  I love them and they don't mess with my stomach as others have in the past.   I have continued working out but it is a struggle to get healthy.  However, I am not giving up and will continue my journey.   I enjoy receiving my packages on a month basis.  It reminds me how I am focusing on taking care of me first.  

There was two more games I was able to attend with my good friend Sharlene C.  I met her at CSU Fullerton.  While we don't see each other all the time.  We always seem to pick up right where we left off.  No hurt feelings, no expectations, other than to just enjoy each other company.  What a blessing that is to have friends like that. 

So I went to the game where it was the Nolan Ryan Bobblehead night and had to purchase three tickets to ensure I had a bobblehead for me and the two biggest Nolan Ryan fans I know.   

I was also able to attend the game where Vladimir Guerrero was inducted to the Angels hall of fame.  I wore my Guerrero jersey.  I enjoyed watching him play and appreciated his talent and humility.  I wish more professional players would learn from him and Torii Hunter.  During that game I thought of all the games I have been fortunate to attend at Angel stadium and Spring Training.  

 Lastly a shot of the sign that kept track of Albert's home runs.  He ended the 2017 season with 614.  I suppose one could say he should aim for 16 more in 2018 and become #6.  

July 2017 - Catching Up

July was a blast with Universal Studios, an early birthday family celebration for Esther, the OC Fair and just having fun with family and friends.

I have had an annual pass to Disneyland forever but haven't for the last two years.  Sometimes I even purchase a Disney pass for the best Disney Buddy Natalie.  However, now that she is not near why have a pass or buy her one.  Well, unless it is a Universal Studios pass.  Laura, Natalie and I finally made it to Universal Studios to experience Harry Potter together.  Chase was brave enough to join us on this grand adventure. 

We celebrated Esther's birthday a little bit earlier at Spencer and David's place.  It was fun to see everyone and just celebrate   Gary, Ron, Stacy, Ken, Spencer, David, Chase, Laura and I were there.  

I finished the month by going to the Orange County Fair with Sharon and Wendy.  We had so much fun and took some fun pictures.  I am so lucky to have Wendy and Sharon as friends.  When I moved to Bostonian Manor I didn't realize how many blessings would flow into my life. and they are two of them 

 

June 2017 - Catching Up

One thing I am realizing is that I have a lot of great ideas for blogs come up but I don't make time to post them and then I forget about them.  


June was a slow month as I don't seem to have taken many pictures that month but it was still a month with a lot of fun. 

I did take my silly pictures at the movies of me doing what I do best.  Some of the pics were liked a lot and the one to the right seemed to have the most likes.  I must say I can't believe I did this as I dislike anything to do with sharks.  I was traumatized about the ocean and sharks with Jaws.  


Cindy talked me into going to see Queen.  I wont lie I was hesitant as Freddy Mercury is no longer part of the group and I thought I was going to see a cover band.  However, Adam Lambert did not disappoint.  It was not Freddy but Adam was better than I expected. 

I love a good concert and it is a plus when it is at the Hollywood Bowl.  The weather was perfect as well as the company. 



 A few nights later I was fortunate to have dinner at one of my favorite places with my dear friend LaRae P but I didn't take a picture.  It was great to catch up with her and have a good time.  I am so happy she is so happy.  A week later I went back to my favorite place where the waiter let my party know I had just been there.  This time I was having dinner with people I have known since junior high.  It has been great reconnecting with people from my younger years.  

 I was able to attend the Dodger vs. Angels game with the Camp and I had an opportunity to take this picture of the machine Kershaw.  He is incredible. 
The best part was having a camera man ask me if I had been getting many calls/texts.  I looked at my phone and said no and he went on to tell me how he had panned in on me a couple of times during the game and one of them was actually on tv.  I of course had to put it out on FB and my favorite DJ did video it on his phone.  See I really do get on the big screen by just supporting my team.

May 2017 - Catching Up

It has been a while and so much has happened and I can't remember it all now so I am going to do my best to bring you up to speed.

May - Natalie E graduated from Emory and it was a great trip.  This girl has grown up too quickly and has become an amazing young woman.  Such a privilege to be able to attend her graduation.  This was an amazing trip full of priceless, lifetime memories.  








I arrived the day before the family and was able to attend the New York Mets vs. Atlanta Braves game at Sun Trust Park which was having their Inaugural season.  Unfortunately, the game was postponed due to rain.  However, I went and waited until it was officially called due to rain and went back to the hotel.  Natalie and I agree it counts as a visit to the stadium.

We went to Inman Park in the East part of Atlanta and I loved this building.  We had some yummy popsicles from King of Pops.  Which I did not take a picture of but you can see their awning on the picture to the left here.   

Afterwards Natalie took us on a tour of Emory and what I thought was going to be a little walk turned into a long walk and I was hearing pumps.  We then came upon the statue of Mooney.  I have been a good student of Spencer's as I posed his pose.  I felt accomplished in that I was wearing heels and balancing on my left leg.  Something I would not have been able to do a few years ago. 




On Saturday, we went to breakfast at Flying Biscuit , which was a super great venue.  We then went to the  Carter Library which I really enjoyed.  I had an ah-ha moment when I thought "wow this is part of history and I remember being a part of it".  Side note is that Jimmy Carter is one of my favorite presidents for personal reasons which are for another time on a different post. 

The big day was on Sunday ; seeing Laura pin the cap on Natalie made me tear up.  I looked over to Elaine and she was tearing up so I had to not look that way or I was going to lose it.   I saw lei's at one of the entrance and I couldn't help but get one for Natalie as she had purchased one for me when I graduated from CSUF.  

I was also able to finally see Billy Joel this month.  All in all May was an amazing month.  One of my favorite pictures from this month is here.  I have this as my phone screen and on my desk at work.  I love my family and friends.