| LOL! |
[Jun. 23rd, 2008|11:48 pm] |
| [ | Current Mood |
| |  tired | ] |
You Act Like You Are 22 Years Old
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You are a twentysomething at heart. You feel like an adult, and you're optimistic about life.
You feel excited about what's to come... love, work, and new experiences.
You're still figuring out your place in the world and how you want your life to shape up.
The world is full of possibilities, and you can't wait to explore many of them.
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| Hmmmmmm... |
[Feb. 24th, 2008|08:27 pm] |
| [ | Current Location |
| | home | ] |
| [ | Current Mood |
| |  drained | ] |
I don't know why I haven't posted here in, like, a kazillion years. I've been posting on MySpace. Well, when I find a minute or two to post, that is!
Let's see. Last weekend my office went to NYC. Since it was a business trip (we were doing site inspections at 6 hotels), we were split up... 2 or 3 people at each of the hotels. We started off in LA, after work, at the Renaissance Montura (which is at the airport). While it is an "airport" hotel (meaning "location"), it is really done up great! The rooms are nice and comfy. And we had dinner there. OH... MY... GOD!!! The food was awesome and BEAUTIFUL! I'm always a pain in the butt at these dinners with my food allergies, restrictions, likes, etc. My standard request is, "Would I be able to get a plain, grilled skinless chicken breast with some lettuce and tomato?" Yup, I'm THAT boring! And the desserts!
After that, we went to the airport and got an extensive tour of American Airlines Admirals Club and Flagship Lounge as well as experience their new 5 star service (they meet you at your car, have your boarding passes ready, take care of your luggage, speed you through a special security line (THAT alone is worth the fee!), and then escort you to the lounge. People, besides comfy seats, there are TVs, showers, a conference room (in case you need to have a meeting, or a VIP that requests privacy), and food and drinks).
Then, half of us got to fly first class on the red-eye there and business on the way back (that would be me!), and the others were opposite. Oh, and we were on different flights, too!
We were on the 11:45pm flight, so we arrived NYC about 8:15am. We got our luggage and were picked up and taken to our hotels (I was staying at the Essex House... on Central Park South). We had time to freshen up and get to the Peninsula by noon for a wonderful brunch and site inspection. I am not going to go into the descriptions of each hotel, except to say that they are all beautiful properties and I would recommend them ALL! Each hotel visit, including the meal, is about 2 1/2 to 3 hours. We get to see several room types, meeting rooms, lounges/restaurants, fitness/spa areas and learn some of the history of the hotels.
At 5:30pm we had a private art tour at the Essex House, followed by a champagne reception, site inspection, then dinner. This night was my favorite because I got to hook up with my nephew, his girlfriend and their friend who was visiting them. We just went up to my room and hung out. I don't think I was all that exciting because I was EXHAUSTED! Remember, I had been up since about 5:00am Friday morning, and it was now Saturday at 9:30pm! They stayed until about 11:30pm. Had I had 2 beds, I would've invited them to crash. I actually felt bad that they had to jump on a subway back to Brooklyn. And, I wish I could've had more time and got to go see where they live. Maybe next time!
The next morning, well... noon, was brunch at the Ritz Carlton Central Park. OMG... you would think that travel agents NEVER eat! Everyone ordered so much, and when it all came, the portion sizes where about 3 times what we expected! I ordered poached eggs and buttermilk pancakes with blueberries. Now, I haven't had pancakes in YEARS. There were 3. I gave 2 away. I was fine after about 1/2 a pancake, but we ended up sitting there for so long (talking) that, because it was there, I finished what was on my plate. BIG MISTAKE! There was just a bit too much sugar and I had a HORRIBLE reaction. Basically, I got sick. If anyone out there is familiar with side effects from gastric bypass surgery, there is a lovely little thing called "dumping" which happens when too much sugar goes through your system. You get sick, sweaty and need to lay down for an hour or two. When I got back from the restroom, the first group was on their site and we were waiting. By the time they came back, I REALLY was looking horrible! I felt bad, but asked if I could pass on the site (I've done a site there a couple of times in the past). I went back and slept it off.
At 7:00pm we had a site and dinner at the Four Seasons. Even though it was raining (the misty type of rain), I walked over there. Oh... I forgot to say that I'd pulled out my cane (thankfully!) and had been using it the entire time. The cold and dampness really did a number on my arthritis. I now KNOW I cannot move back there. Anyway, before I took my nap, I did some meditation and prayed a bit asking that my pain be taken away and that I could be cane free for the remainder of the trip. When I woke up, not only did I feel better (from being sick), but my joints hardly hurt at all! That's why I decided to walk... without the cane! Anyway, this goes down as the most awesome dinner! Our reps are all great, but I ADORE our Four Seasons rep! She's awesome! After dinner, we all went down to the bar to hang out. All I am going to say about this is that I was really happy to meet my co-workers' friends/relatives, but disappointed (disgusted) by a few of my co-workers. Maybe it's because I do not drink? Whatever.
The next morning was a 9:30am breakfast and site at The London NY (formally the Rihga Royal). It's AMAZING because this hotel looks COMPLETELY different. Almost as if they totally gutted the building and re-did the entire building. One of the cool things is the general manager lives there with his 2 English Bulldogs, who have become the mascots of the hotel!
There was one more site, at the Omni. But, it was optional and seeing as I stayed there for a bout a week a few years back for work, I passed on this one. So, I went back to my room planning on taking a short nap, but couldn't sleep. I checked out and had the bell captain hold my bags and I walked over to Broadway and 55th. I went into Deepak Chopra's place and was going to get a shirt (they only offer small and medium!) and found a beautiful necklace... but it was $120.00 (just a little too steep for me). Then, next door... Ray's Pizza! Whoooo-hooooo! I ordered a slice (cheese, not heated up) and a small diet coke. Ok... for the first time EVER... I could only eat 1/2 a slice! OMG! Normally I automatically order 2 slices. I was feeling great about ordering only one... and now, I could only eat 1/2 a slice? What's going on??? I wrapped up the other 1/2 to take with me for the flight. I sat there a little while, people watching (Late Night w/David Letterman (Ed Sullivan theatre) is across the street and Diddy's "Bad Boy Productions" is next door). Believe it or not, I ended up throwing the other 1/2 slice out (along with the 2/3 of soda that was left).
I THREW OUT RAY'S PIZZA?????? What has happened to me???????
Anyway, went back to the hotel and caught the car service to JFK.
I'll have to come back to write about the flight.
Anyway, as the line from "The Wizard of Oz" goes...
"THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME!" |
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| memories... |
[Jul. 27th, 2007|02:57 pm] |
| [ | Current Mood |
| |  thoughtful | ] |
Well, I just heard that Drew Carry will be taking over as host of "The Price is Right". He seems like a good pick.
My stream of concienceness set in. "The Price is Right" is filmed at CBS on Fairfax. One account I worked on was located one floor beneath their set. The ceiling would rumble when they'd be driving the "brand new cars" on to the stage! Another account I worked on was all about game shows (and, they have their own network!;-)). A few years ago Richard was going to be on "Hollywood Squares" (taped at the same studio complex as "The Price is Right"), so I asked one of my clients if she could get me tix. Not only that, she hooked me up with an all access pass! My friend, Liz, has a friend who's worked on Suares for years... she also got an all access pass. We had no idea each had done that! We end up arriving at the same time, and, just as we're going through security, Richard arrives! He was happy to see us and had us come back to his dressing room to hang out while he got ready. They tape 5 shows in one day... I think they tape 3 shows, break for lunch, then the last 2. Anyway, the exec producer of the show comes in to welcome Richard. Liz and I must've looked like deer in headlights. "Mr Winkler... these are my friends. This is Kat, and this is Liz." He shook our hands, had a warm smile and said hello. YES... Henry Winkler! We then had to go take our seats and promised we would come back at lunch time. If you've never been to a taping of a game show (or a sit com), it's so hard not to blurt out the answers like you do at home! Anyway, the first shows were taped and we were cracking up! We went back and there was a nice lunch set up for the cast and guests. Milling around were Don Rickles, Whoopi Goldberg, Caroline Rhea and Kennedy. Cool, huh? Anyway, Liz and I get our lunch and are waiting for the elevator (because we were going back to the dressing room) when Henry Winkler came up behind us, put his hands on our backs (gently, so we wouldn't jump and freak out!) and said, "Liz. Kat. I hope you're having a good time! It was a pleasure meeting both of you." The elevator door opened, he held it for us as we told him how much fun it was and how nice everyone was. We said goodbye and the door closed. Once the elevator started to move we became teenagers... "OH MY GOD!" Yes, we not only met "Fonzie", but he remembered us! LOL! Then we went back and spent the rest of the lunch break with Richard and had a blast. We decided to leave after he had to get back to the set. Out in the parking lot
I'll finish this later... |
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| It's My Birthday!!! |
[Mar. 29th, 2007|09:29 am] |
| [ | Current Mood |
| |  happy | ] |
I have today and tomorrow off! Woooo-hooooo!
In about 15 minutes, I will be hooking up w/Joe and we're gonna take a drive on up to Santa Barbara. Have no idea why I feel like going there, or what we're gonna do when we get there (knowing me, have lunch and then hop in the car and come back!). But, one of my FAVORITE things to do is a "road trip" with a friend or two!
We pick out some "road" music. This morning I've come up with a theme for our trip... which goes along with they way I want to look at life this year. It is,
"IT'S NOT ABOUT THE DESTINATION. IT'S ABOUT THE JOURNEY. ENJOY IT!"
LOL! Just as I typed that the phone rang. We're NOT going to Santa Barbara after all. AND, we're not taking my red PT Cruiser. We're doing something we used to do in the early '80s. The "NO DESTINATION/ LET'S JUST SEE WHERE WE END UP" road trip! This is even BETTER! And... we're going in his red Mercedes convertable. (You'd never guess his fave color is blue and mine green by our red cars!).
He also brought up a great point about me the other night. I used to live somewhere and then, after a few years, pack up the car and move. But, whenever I've moved, it's usually to a different city or state. And, I usually know maybe one person. It's an adventure. A challenge. Exciting. I haven't had a major move in over 11 years. There's NOTHING tying me here (oh... except my job... all the doctors... peeps I know). If you're my friend, no matter where I am, I am still your friend (and usually I see ya more if we live far away!).
So... gotta get ready for today's portion of my journey!
By the way... I LOVE that all of you are a BIG part of my journey and that I'm part of yours! |
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| 2007... so far, so good! |
[Jan. 2nd, 2007|04:59 am] |
| [ | Current Mood |
| |  content | ] |
Well, this new year has got off to a lovely start! I woke up New Year's day feeling well rested, refreshed and happy! What? Me waking up like that? Usually it's, "Ugghh... do I HAVE to get up NOW? I'm so exhausted!" So, it was NICE waking up on the first day of a new year... on a Monday (the first day of a new week) feeling like that. Hmmm... I'm sure not having to go to work figured in that equation somewhere, but the thought didn't cross my mind until just now!
I grabbed my two bags of laundry from the night before an headed BACK to the laundromat. One bag was still semi-damp clothes from the night before (I'd picked a bumb dryer... 45 minutes and everything was still damp). The other bag had the few pieces of clothing that were fabric softener stained (my sis suggested using warm water to dissolve the soap), so I re-washed them and found 2 GREAT dryers! What an exciting year so far, huh? ;-) Actually, the sun was out and I felt great so it didn't bother me at all!
I then grabbed a bagel on the way to the exercise studio. It's actually closed, but one of the instructors offeres a free class for anyone who wanted to start the new year off in a healthy way! We had a blast! Her music was from the "Dreamgirls" movie soundtrack and the Beatles' "Love" cd. It was cool... in addition to the "regulars", one gal brought her boyfriend and another brought her husband and daughter. And, one of the traditions in her classes are that on holidays, no push-ups! ;-)
I got home and one of my friends had called. She was in the area and asked if I'd like to hang out. I've hardly seen her this past year (we all seem to be work-a-holics), it was really nice just to hang, talk and laugh. We went to this diner right around the corner and were both laughing that neither of us was hungry. She just had a diet coke... I was rude and ate my poached eggs and toast in front of her! After that, we drove around trying to find those orange pylons and yellow "caution" tape... Staples didn't carry them, but suggested Osh. We couldn't find Osh, so tried another hardware store, but they were closed so we canned the idea. For now. No... you don't want to know!
I get home again, and there's a message from another friend... saying that she did something she thought I would be proud of! Well, that really intrigued me! When I finally got a hold of her, I found out that she finally stood up and said, "no!" to some people (very good friends of hers) that (in my opinion) have been taking advantage of her friendship for a couple of years. Sorry to be so vague! But, none the less, I was happily surprised that she finally had enough! It made me feel stronger seeing someone else be strong!
When I finally sat down to blog the day, the phone rang and I got distracted. When I got back to the computer, I was just too tired to type. BUT... I did a search and found 2 peeps that I (and my family) have always considered family and requested them as friends!
I have to say, I am really enjoying this year so far. I woke up this morning pretty much the same way as I woke up yesterday. Only now I'll get ready for work, be on my way, go to aerobics after class, then meet a friend for a quick bite and come home (usually that ends up being about 10:00pm... my long days start again!). Maybe I'll get to get my car washed during lunch (all the car washes, except the one I resolved NEVER to go to again, were closed yesterday). Or, not. :-)
I'm in a VERY good frame of mind. I feel strong. I feel all the possabilities around. I am officially out of my rut.
Hope everyone else is having a good year so far! |
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| Christmas comes but once a year... |
[Dec. 26th, 2006|04:55 pm] |
| [ | Current Mood |
| | exhausted | ] |
... and what a nice and wonderful couple of days it was! I decided that I was going to bake something to bring everywhere I was going. I got a family favorite recipe from my Mom that I have never made before... and never have even tried! Our family calls them "Hello Dollys", tho I've also heard them referred to as "Magic Bars". They consist of butter, graham crackers, walnuts, chocolate bits, coconut and condensed milk. They LOOK fabulous! Don't think that I have incredible will power for never eating them... I an deathly allergic to nuts! I know, why would I make 4 batches of something I couldn't even lick the spoon from? Well, if you've ever had any weight to lose and LOVE cakes, cookies, etc... I just figured if I made and brought something I couldn't eat, I'd satisfy my wanting to bake and give something, without eating all of it myself! ;-)
ANYWAY... first stop: Christmas Eve at Joe and Tim's! This annual small, intimate gathering, which at one point was just 4 or 5 of us, has grown to about 20, plus their 5 dogs! As always, the house is warm, inviting and Christmas is everywhere! Oh, this is the first time they did not have a "real" tree... but, they now have this gorgeous 12 or 13 foot that is pre-lit. Ah... but it comes with a freakin REMOTE CONTROL!!! You can have just white lights on... or colored lights... or both! It's the bomb! Anyway, dinner was prime rib and after dinner Greg brought out his guitar and Joe passed around lyric sheets and we all sat around singing Christmas Carrols (and, we ALL need to keep our day jobs! LOL! just kidding!). Buster (the smallest of the 5 doggies) was exhausted and came to sleep on my chest most of the night (some of the "newer" guests were a little jealous that one of the dogs would go to just one person for an entire night and feel so comfortable to fall asleep on them! They don't know I go waaaaaay back!). Then, the silly requests started and then a wonderfully silly thing happened, which I think will become a tradition... the song "Partridge in a Pear Tree". Everyone would sing "On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me... a partridge in a pear tree. On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me..." and, this is where the fun began! We each picked a number (day), and every time that line came up we would be the only person singing... and acting... it out. Let's see if I can remember who sang what... Marilyn had 2 turtle doves; Joe had 3 french hens; Mary had 4 calling birds; Joey and Anne had 5 golden rings; Vickie reluctantly had 6 geese a laying' Yvonne had 7 swans a swimming; I had 8 maids a milking; Tim had 9 ladies dancing; Brian had 10 lords a leaping; Hiroko had 11 pipers piping; and Amy had 12 drummers drumming! When we each sang our lines we would try to act it out... so when I sang, I looked like I was milking a cow! It was so much fun! A couple more people showed up (Renee and her mother), so they joined Anne and Joey with the 5 golden rings (we decided that part is the crescendo of the song!). It was so much fun and we were cracking up so hard we were crying! I didn't leave until about 2:30am. It was a great time!
Christmas morning I called my Mom and both my sisters and got all of their machines! I was bummed! I went back to sleep and about 45 minutes later was awaken by my nephew calling (ANY time I hear from him is a miracle! ;-)). So, I got to talk with him, his girlfriend, my Mom and both my sisters. Come to think of it, the only ones I didn't get to talk with were my 2 brother-in-laws! They sounded like they were having a great time. Ah, but no snow in Buffalo for Christmas this year!
Then, in the afternoon, Liz had invited me to join her family at her house. They had the entire house decked out... from one of those huge snowglobes on the front lawn that you plug in to have the snow blow, to a soap dispenser in the shape of an old glass red ornament! Every nook and cranny had something Christmas-ie in it! And, there were even a few "Martha Stewart-esque" touches! Very welcoming and warm! Eddie had the Nintendo Wii... so I was transfixed watching everyone playing golf! It's very cool. OK... now, I have seen some spreads before... but there were, oh, 11 of us and (not counting snacks and desserts), this is what was served(and I sure I'll forget some)... turkey with stuffing (ooops... used condensed milk rather than evaporated milk! LOL!); honey-baked ham; stuffed shells; butternut squash soup; cornbread casserole; sweeet potato casserole; mashed potatoes; tamales (she had 6 dozen!); dinner rolls... and more! OMG! For dessert there was an ice cream cake; pumpkin pie; apple pie; boysenberry pie; and the Hello Dollys. It was soo much fun sitting around talking and laughing! I'm feeling full just remembering it! ;-)
The only place I didn't make it was to Vickie's. I am so bummed about that. I will call her today and see how it went. I saw her, her Mom and brother (Joey) the night before at Joe and Tim's... so we all got to spend some time together... and, I'd given her a batch of the Hello Dollys as well!
This upcoming work-week consists of Wednesday and Thursday... then we're off Friday not to return until Tuesday! I really want to get stuff done in my apt before the new year!
Anyway, I hope that everyone has been enjoying the holiday season with people they care about and love. After all... that's what it's all about! |
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| Christmas Song |
[Dec. 20th, 2006|01:52 pm] |
| [ | Current Mood |
| |  silly | ] |
oh, no! back to exercising for me!!!
Christmas is coming,
The shockala teapot is getting fat,
Please to put a penny
In the old man's hat. Christmas is Coming
from the Christmas Song Generator.
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to make matters worse, i added my real name. ok, ok, ok... i get the point!
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| "My double vision always seems to get the best of me... the best of me!" |
[Nov. 28th, 2006|09:56 am] |
| [ | Current Mood |
| |  nervous | ] |
| [ | Current Music |
| | Foreigner's Double Vision" (not really, but I'm humming it) | ] |
Well, another new doctor today, this time an ophthalmologist, confirmed that I have not gone crazy! I do, indeed, have double vision/cross eyes. The good news... my eyes are super healthy and with my Rx (same for the past 2 years) I am a perfect candidate for lasik. But... I didn't go there for that (just yet). Turns out I have strabismus and have to go to yet another specialist! I'd never heard of strabismus. It's usually found in kids. It is when both eyes cannot clearly focus on a single object. Sometimes there is a "lazy eye" involved. All through my life I've noticed in pictures that one of my eyes is not centered... slightly closer to my nose. There's never been a problem. Until now. There are two ways of correcting the double vision... the first is with new glasses that have prisms in the lenses. Without totally understanding this yet... I think the prisms help train your eye muscles to move and focus correctly. The other way is surgery. Which is what they suspect I will need. When I got back to work, exhausted by thinking I now have new issues and more doctors, I mentioned this to my boss. He said he had this when he was a kid and had the operation in 3rd or 4th grade. Then, he freaked me out... he said they actually take your eyeball our and either snip or tighten the muscle and then replace your eyeball. EEEEEWWWW!!!!!
So... my advice to everyone:
Be healthy! Exercise! Eat properly! Drink a lot of water! Get enough sleep! And, most importantly... DON'T GET OLD!!! |
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| Where, oh where, shall I live? |
[Nov. 26th, 2006|12:14 pm] |
| [ | Current Mood |
| | calm | ] |
Well, my sis told me about this website that takes all this info about what you like/not like and formulates the top 20 cities that match your criteria. It's www.findyourspot.com. Check it out. (since I live in LA, I thought it was funny that I live so close to a few of them!)
My 20 are:
Ventura, CA
Santa Barbara, CA
Portland, OR
Las Cruces, NM
Little Rock, AR
Baltimore, MD
San Jose, CA
San Clemente, CA
Washington, DC
Corvallis, OR
Eugene, OR
Honolulu, HI
Oakland, CA
San Francisco, CA
Fayetteville, AR
Gaithersburg, MD
Monroe, LA
Shreveport-Bossier, LA
Valencia, CA
San Diego, CA
Medford, OR
Salem, OR
Frederick, MD
Kailua-Kona, HI |
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| Bond. James Bond. |
[Nov. 18th, 2006|05:47 am] |
| [ | Current Mood |
| |  bouncy | ] |
OK... i HIGHLY recommend "Casino Royale"! It is awesome! And, this is coming from a gal who is NOT into action/adventure flicks. Just the first 15 minutes got me exhausted! Oh, and in case you're wondering, the new Bond is FABULOUS!!! My only gripe is that it's a wee bit on the long side. Other than that, two thumbs up! |
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| Shaken. Not stirred. |
[Nov. 17th, 2006|02:10 pm] |
| [ | Current Mood |
| | excited | ] |
A benefit of working at a movie studio? Occasionally getting to see some flix! This morning, at 9:00am, I get to see "Casino Royale" on the lot in a nice, comfy screening room. Sweet! |
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| Support Groups |
[Nov. 12th, 2006|07:49 am] |
| [ | Current Mood |
| | determined | ] |
Over the past 10 years or so, I've belonged to a few different support groups. Having an obsessive/compulsive personality, I always dived in, head first, into the deep end. And loved it. I am also an incredibly loyal person... so I would be about as close to 100% with everything in the groups. Which is cool and helped change my life MAJORLY!!! Then, I took my little toe and tapped it on the shores of the "real" world. Will I be able to take what I've learned and be able to participate in this "real" world? At first, I'm out there with a strong conviction in all I have learned and how I have made all of these lifestyle changes. So, stopping by the meetings for support slowly becomes less and less as I get into participating in the "real" world. I'm doing ok. Get more involved in more things. Life is good! I'm strong and KNOW what to do! Meetings become a thing of the past. Something fondly remembered. Something I also start thinking, "how in the world was I able to get to 3 - 6 meetings a week? I don't even have time to get my car washed anymore?" Then, the pendulum starts to swing the other way. I slowly start slipping into old habits. I foolishly think, "oh... glad I caught myself before it got out of hand". But, I don't do anything about it. So, I didn't really "catch" myself, did I? I noticed. And why didn't I do anything about it? Because I'd become too wrapped up in the "real" world. I eventually take that sad, uncontrollable ride, the dreaded downward spiral, back to where it all began. I feel like a failure. I screwed up. Again. What the hell was I thinking? Why did I ever think that I could go it alone? So... after the self mental beating, it takes a while, but I build up the humility and courage to go back to these groups. I loved these groups. The people knew me, supported me and gave me unconditional love. But I had turned my back on them and left. Will they even ALLOW me back in?
I started going back. A meeting here and there. Always sitting in the back. Always sneaking out early. I feel I'm a spy who's there undercover. I keep pretty much to myself. I have discovered if someone approaches me, I'm fine and back into the swing of the program. But, I cannot seem to approach anyone. I feel like I was/am a traitor. I'm hesitant about wanting to really commit to it again because I don't want what happened before to repeat itself... I do NOT want to waste people's time and energy when they could be helping someone who won't throw it all away.
I guess I should get my butt of this pity-pot before I have a red ring, huh?
Here's what I WILL do today... I will go to a meeting and I will walk up to someone I don't know and say, "Hello... I'm Kathy. How are you today?" Sounds simple enough, huh? Well, it's pretty scary to me. But I think I need to connect with people again. This never feeling good enough is a crock and takes up sooooo much time and energy. All it really does is builds the protective wall around me. And makes me more isolated than before.
So I say to anyone reading this...
Hi! I'm Kathy. How are you doing today? It's nice to meet you! |
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| (no subject) |
[Oct. 26th, 2006|06:38 am] |
| [ | Current Mood |
| |  rushed | ] |
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| Ameicans are becoming stupid-er by the day! |
[Oct. 12th, 2006|12:09 am] |
| [ | Current Mood |
| |  frustrated | ] |
Ok... this coming Monday is a "Hallmark" day where we honor our bosses. And it's driving me crazy. Why? I am the one in the office who gets the cards (birthday, get well, etc) and have everyone sign them. Ooooooooo! Anyway... all the signs in the stores and on the cards say "Boss's" Day. ARRGGHH!!! It should be "Boss' ", with the apostrophe after the last s without adding another s. I'm not the best person in the world to point grammatical errors out... but either America just doesn't give a sh*t anymore or their spell check is on the fritz. Or... I may be wrong??? |
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| San Diego |
[Sep. 24th, 2006|05:37 pm] |
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| | content | ] |
Well, just got back from a great weekend in lovely San Diego! Most of my office left at 6:00pm on Friday (right after a hell-ish week... and a disgustingly busy Friday)in a big Yukon (and others drove on their own) to be at the Westgate Hotel in downtown by 9:00pm. We were meeting the GM and the staff for drinks and heavy appetizers. Well, we were exhausted when we got there, but the "heavy appetizers"... oh my god!!! On Friday nights the hotel has, what they call, a seafood buffet. Now, before you go "ewww" like I did (as in I'm allergic to shellfish and just don't like it), it was the BIGGEST FREAKIN' BUFFET I've ever seen! Besides every imaginable seafood (including sushi to lobster), there was prime rib, roast beef, chicken, and roast pork. There were a kazillion salads, cheese and crackers and the desserts... don't even get me started! Let's just say that a fraction of the dessert potion of the buffet was a HUGE chocolate fountain and a chef preparing customized crepes! OW!!! Too bad I can't eat most of that stuff! Anyway, there must've been 4 or 5 staff members there. I am HORRIBLE at remembering names if I meet everyone at once! They had plans for our Saturday... a breakfast, a sit inspection of the property and then a 1 hour catamaran ride. I had said that I wasn't going to go on that because I wasn't certain that I could get in or out of it. Well, when the reps heard that I wasn't coming... well... they wanted to make sure that I would come. They called up the catamaran place to see if/how they could accommodate me. Now, I really DID want to go... I just didn't want the "drama" of having to be helped on and off. Ya know? I'm getting better and better and stronger and stronger... but I just didn't feel like needing to need help. So, I was still on the fence. So, they said that I could go there and if I was uncomfortable, the shuttle would take me back. Now, I know these spaces cost at least $50.00 a pop so I didn't want them to waste it. So, the bus comes. The freakin' stairs on the bus were way to big/steep for me to get on! I told the rep that I was sorry, but I didn't want to go. Then she, and some others, said, "C'mon... we'll help ya on and hoist you up". Uh... that was the confirmation. No, thank you. Hope you all have a great time! I stayed behind, read the paper in the lobby and then went across the street to the big mall (which I cannot remember the name of) to check out the movies. I went to see "Hollywoodland", but ended up seeing "The Illusionist". HIGHLY recommend it! Oh... while there, I decided to get a diet coke and popcorn ( I rarely, if ever, get anything at the movies). I asked for a box to carry everything (oh... I was using the cane this weekend, since I was in unfamiliar territory. Well, the concession stand was up one level and on the opposite side of the multi-plex. I wasn't able to carry it. (should've got the pretzel instead!). I asked if someone (an employee) could help me. They asked me to wait. I knew the previews were already on. I waited. This nice guy that was in line asked if he could help. I thanked him, but said I was going all the way to the other end. He said it was not a problem. We took the elevator and talked about movies. He was sweet, and cute... and gay! (natch!) But, that made me feel so good that there are kind, caring people in the world! So, on my walk back to the hotel I bumped into 1/2 the gang back from the catamaran ride (they loved it and now wanted to go SHOPPING!!!). So, it's about 2:30pm and I'm walking back to the hotel, in a pretty good mood. I noticed this homeless couple across the street. Don't know why, but I yelled over... "Excuse me? If you can come over here, I'll give you something". The woman came over and I gave her $10.00. Until now, I couldn't figure out why. Now I realize... because that guy helped me out, I wanted to help someone out too. So simple, but took me over 24 hours to figure it out! I went back to my room (which, by the way, was HUGE, gorgeous and over looked the city (mall) and the Coronado Bridge.
more later... i will edit... |
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| Why is it... |
[Sep. 20th, 2006|03:51 am] |
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| | take a guess! | ] |
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| | tired | ] |
| [ | Current Music |
| | fruity cheerio's commercial | ] |
that whenever I try to connect with people (support groups, either weight loss surgery or OA, to be exact), I leave and immediately go and buy CRAP to eat? Granted, I cannot eat all that much or certain things, but I still can eat some things that are not "good" (ok... I should really say, "not the best nutritional choices")? Why? I guess I keep hearing people talking about how this or that curved their HUNGER. For some reason, it gets me pissed off, because it's never been about "hunger" for me, it's ALWAYS been about "emotions". I guess I go to these groups to meet up with people I have something in common with, so I won't feel so "alone" in this "journey". Then, when I don't, I feel even more secluded and call on my old buddy, "not the best nutritional choices" food. And that serves absolutely NO purpose at all... and only makes me feel even crappier than before. HA! Thankfully, I am already in therapy! And, she already thinks I'm depressed. So, there ya go! :-) I'll be ok. Just going through a phase, I guess.
Anyway, this particular group is part of my hospital's bariatric center... meaning, the one that I should've been going to for the past 15 months. They actually have 2... one for pre-ops/post-ops w/in their first year (2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month) and the other for post-ops over one year out (3rd Tuesday of the month). There were 6 other women there, and the facilitator. Two were the "know it all" types, who dominated the discussions. Ya know, the ones who have an answer to everything and if anyone tries to chime in, they say, "I'm not finished yet. Please wait until I am done." But they are NEVER done. What I DID like is that one of the women, and the facilitator, would occasionally catch each others' eye and roll our eyes and look like "help me! help me!" I stopped by the facilitator's office afterwards and asked if all the meetings were like that, or if they are a little more structured. She said she always has a topic, but sometimes the meeting takes on a life of its own. Sometimes, if she feels the majority of people are getting something out of it, she'll just let it fly. She added that she knows it's not for everyone. I asked for her card and what I like is that she has an e-mail address that she encourages us to use if we have any concern/questions. I also asked her if, even tho I'm over a year out, if it would be ok to go to the other meetings as well (and seeing as I missed out on, what I refer to as, the "basics"). She said that would be fine. I need to get connected... someway, somehow. But... I've gotta stop eating crap afterwards!
OK... gonna catch a few more zzz's before I have to wake up for work.
Ciao! |
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| A quick note |
[Sep. 18th, 2006|05:25 am] |
| [ | Current Mood |
| | thoughtful | ] |
Hi Dad,
Just wanted to let you know that we all think about you all the time and miss you very much.
I'm doing much better and am able to walk again. I have to use a cain from time to time and there's still a bit of pain every now and then, but I can get around. Work, as usual, is crazy (but I still love it... mostly because of the people I work with). I, as usual, have gotten behind in my bills (well, just the medical ones). I had an oil change the other day. I've had this GREAT mechanic for the past few years. He really thinks my PT Cruiser is a great car and perfect for me. There's something about him that reminds me of you. I think the fact that he's honest and looks out for me (where my car is concerned!). I'm doing ok.
As you know, "JA" got married this year. Her husband is wonderful and perfect for her... and a musician! :-) They love each other so much and are very happy together. The wedding was beautiful... and you were a part of it. She's also got a job that she likes a lot and is really great at. She's donig ok.
And "JE" seems to be doing well, too. I was just thinking how you actually met the man she married. He's also wonderful. Must be a saint to be w/her for this long! (ok... cheap shot... i take it back). She has some aches and pains, and still has a heart of gold, but a "Jeckyl & Hyde" way about her. I don't talk with her too much about her job, but she must like it, or she wouldn't still be there, huh? She's doing ok, too.
"R" is now "D" and has a great girlfriend who has been very supportive. "D" is like a buzzing bee... always busy and hard to catch up with. He seems to know what he wants, and seems happy. The rest of us are getting there. He seems fine, too.
And then there's Mom. She's found, well, religion. It has brought her much happiness and peace. Plus, she is part of a busy, loving and caring community that looks out for one another. Hey, better than joining a gang, huh? :-) She's really nervous about going to Italy with her sister. I now know where I get the trait of being a big baby/scardy-cat about new things. Ah, but once we do something, it's "no big deal". Guess that's part "drama queen", huh? She's doing ok, as well.
One thing we all share is how much we miss you. I know you are with us all the time, and that brings me much comfort.
Well, just wanted to let you know I'm thinking of you. We all are.
Love,
"K" |
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