tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57584310250572974982024-02-18T20:17:43.416-08:00California-Drivin'A girl's bucket list gets a hit with a drive across the US from East to West. Special correspondent, Emmylou, an English Spring Spaniel and lover of road trips near and far, will be along for the ride.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5758431025057297498.post-9736593407960147402013-09-07T11:12:00.001-07:002013-09-07T11:12:07.806-07:00Living the Dream (almost)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hard to believe all that's happened this year! I've just spent the past few minutes reliving the last 8 months reading prior posts. I arrived "temporarily" in Los Angeles on January 5th and moved here long-term on June 18th. WOW!<br />
<br />
I will be honest, it has not been easy. I miss my New England "peeps"... the impromptu meals around a table (or at the <a href="http://www.stonehouserestaurant.com/">Stone House</a> bar), walks with Emmy at Hammonassett Beach, swimming at Chaffinch Island Park, the CitySeed Farmer's Market (where I actually <i>know</i> the vendors), and lately, "seasonality". There's no Bishop's or Indian Neck farmstand here to be able to pick up Silver Queen corn or warm, beefsteak tomatoes. The clouds at sunset<i> indicate </i>that Fall is coming, but it's still 70 degrees when I wake up and only a bit cooler when I lay my head back down in the evening... I continue to adjust.<br />
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BUT, what <i>is </i>wonderful, is that I am working, in my field. Months ago I met a very talented, kind, warm, generous, supportive person who was willing to talk with me about working in SoCal. He made some good suggestions, offered up connections and was pretty amazing, for not knowing me! Fast forward four months and I am now employed at <a href="http://www.sapphirellc.com/">Sapphire Laguna</a>, in Laguna Beach, and the kind man is my boss, Chef Azmin Ghahreman. I can honestly that I have <i>never, in my life, </i>respected a Chef as much as I do him... and it only makes me want to do better. Chef Azmin has created an incredible team and culture at Sapphire... open, warm, welcoming, supportive. I enjoy the people I work with and, after a few challenging weeks, feel as if I am starting to get the hang of it. "It" is being an Office Manager - supporting a team of culinary, restaurant and school managers through billing, payroll, ordering, organizing and anything else that needs to happen. It's ALOT to learn - I am not a patient person (always wanting to get it right) and my brain has had to learn to think a bit differently - but I believe it is exactly where I am supposed to be at this very moment.<br />
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Located in Orange County, exactly 50 miles from where I live, with a view of the Pacific, it takes me at minimum an hour to travel each way (that's 500 miles a week). I use the time to decompress, call friends and sing. (haha!) I work 5 days a week, unless there's a need to be there longer and average 10 hours a day. This makes for a long week, but my body is adjusting and once I get back on firmer financial footing, I'll move closer... all part of the process.<br />
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Emmy now has a new pal in dog-walker, Garrett, who takes her out two nights a week for a long walk - providing me some flexibility to stay later at work if needed.<br />
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I spend Saturdays getting my ducks in a row, picking up a bit of food (I eat at least one meal a day at the Restaurant), going to the library, etc. I'm trying to get in the habit of making Sundays, "sun" days at the Beach - and also like to try to see my family, (Dani and Hannah are growing so quickly!) I've reconnected with LA friends, and have begun to make some new ones.<br />
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There are days when I can't believe that I am living here and others when I know I'm probably going to hate an 80-degree Christmas Day. But life for me is about change and being open to adventure... and this is certainly all that, <i>and </i> a bag of chips!<br />
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I guess you could call it "Living the Dream"... Cheers!<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtWD4F-T49t2V6UyAnLs0ch68ed9OoLuqgOl3i8oe2r2ccCMog01Ul_L9bodotLN3E6gTtinlrrw-Pl71cuRSFsCyjqsuuke83ZJoOD-S8OiEpq9upOZv4tNeF3SzQYoKQih4ktxj3vRM/s1600/grass+island.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtWD4F-T49t2V6UyAnLs0ch68ed9OoLuqgOl3i8oe2r2ccCMog01Ul_L9bodotLN3E6gTtinlrrw-Pl71cuRSFsCyjqsuuke83ZJoOD-S8OiEpq9upOZv4tNeF3SzQYoKQih4ktxj3vRM/s320/grass+island.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">East Coast - Grass Island, Guilford, CT</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhubLc44nry31VAru1-xJQupTgUjnWPr0xloGY5r5yCK0DkK8a8I5znsEKuP0Ld5PB6NFeldGVwJK71jXH0c1j26KdOcZEXb1bNEn9nlARwNKSuV4Udn82gtHIUwC2P4FUsvCaIbQZ7b80/s1600/crystal+cove.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhubLc44nry31VAru1-xJQupTgUjnWPr0xloGY5r5yCK0DkK8a8I5znsEKuP0Ld5PB6NFeldGVwJK71jXH0c1j26KdOcZEXb1bNEn9nlARwNKSuV4Udn82gtHIUwC2P4FUsvCaIbQZ7b80/s320/crystal+cove.JPG" width="241" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crystal Cove, Newport Beach, CA</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5758431025057297498.post-22314625302516259672013-06-18T12:18:00.001-07:002013-06-18T12:18:55.372-07:00Irish Twins Separated after 51 Years<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I hugged her goodbye and started to cry. Don’t know when I will see her again, my
light, my love, my heart, my strength, my SISTER. Rolled my bag to curbside check-in and by the
time I turned around she was gone. That’s when I started to sob. There's no one more important in my life.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We are Irish Twins.
Fourteen months apart. Always “Kathy
& Erin”. The photos of us when we were little – so cute
– always together. Our parents divorced
before either of us turned five. It was
acrimonious at best – plus we were young and didn’t really understand. We got good at packing suitcases for a
weekend visits with one parent or the other. We tormented
each other in high school, liked the same boys, sang in the same choir, marched
in the same band… always together. She is one of the funniest people on the planet.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I went away to school for college, she stayed local. Our Mom died at age 39 – we were 20-21. I don’t know how we got through it, but we did
– with the support of family, but always, with each other. I began to travel to other parts of the world - but never for long - always back to her.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Our Father is out of our picture. It’s been over 20 years. We made choices as young women we felt were
best for us. Me first – her later. While packing up 52 years of memorabilia, I found a letter she had written to him in the
90’s - so straightforward and eloquent. SO brave and strong.<o:p></o:p></div>
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She says that about me now, as I move my daily life from one
coast to the other… 3,000 miles away - far away from dear, dear friends and
family and this world we have built, across the country to other family, a
different climate, way of living, no job at the moment. For some reason I can’t explain, it feels like the right choice – the next
chapter, but I don’t <i>feel</i> brave, as I
sit here with the crumpled, red, crying face.
For the first time through this six month process I feel the
tiniest bit scared, and lonely already – without her – my other half.</div>
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I love you Erin. Always. Forever.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5758431025057297498.post-1905015957017165702013-04-28T19:59:00.001-07:002013-04-28T19:59:53.019-07:00Answering a stranger's query<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As many of my FB friends know, I temporarily relocated to
Southern California earlier this year to work for a short time with a
family-member who needed an extra pair of hands for a few months. Much to my surprise, I’m finding that I like
it here (a lot!) and have been doing everything I can since late February to
find permanent work in hospitality/catering/event management.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I’ve come close a couple of times - with what I thought
was the ideal fit slipping through my hands recently. One of the things I learned in that particular interview
was that there was full team support and it was important to ask for help and
draw on the knowledge/experience of others. So this post is a bit of that...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A stranger (someone I've spoken to and emailed with, but not met) asked me this week what my “ideal” job was –
and this was my answer:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I am passionate for catering and
event planning. I love writing menus, pulling ideas together for rental,
decor, invitations, entertainment, favors etc. (and I'm really good at it!!)
I like soliciting sponsorships for fundraisers whose missions I am
aligned with (homelessness, hunger and services for people in need) I've
worked on galas for 1300, 14-day tennis events where I managed corporate
hospitality and a staff of 350, non-profit fundraisers with silent and live
auctions, and street festivals, coordinating food vendors, the health
department, signage, etc.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I take great joy in pulling all the
pieces together and producing an event that entertains people, enchants,
surprises and leaves them wanting more.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For most of my career I've been a
mid-sized to large fish in a smallish pond (New Haven, Connecticut is minute
compared to LA County). I'm a bit worried that I'm out of my league out here
- but I know that I am more than capable! I've been a personal assistant,
have cooked for friends and private events, worked for FTD, UPS (on a truck!)
and the US Census (I'm federally fingerprinted). I like to write and seem
to have a "style".<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I want a job with a company that
will support me, but also let me flourish. One that will trust me and can
be trusted. Someday I'd like to teach...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I have almost 30 years in catering/event
management/fundraising for non-profits.
I derive great joy from this work, and can’t imagine doing anything
else! I have a keen sense of how to deliver premier customer service. I will do everything in my power to ensure
that the client is pleased with the end result.
I’m not afraid of hard work and understand the importance of clear
communication and developing relationships with the team and the client.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Some of you would say that I’m well-spoken, can do
anything, have a good sense of humor and a knack for creating a warm, welcoming
environment. I describe myself as a
people-person, with strong knowledge of food and menu planning who loves to
train and excite staff about the work we do.
Multi-tasking is a forte; I’m a good problem-solver and know how to share
and delegate responsibilities. I’m operations driven – in other words, I like
to know how it’s all going to play out before it does (<i>and </i>can troubleshoot quickly and efficiently when it doesn’t!)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I am a good, kind, generous person who values honesty,
integrity and ethics above all else.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My goal is to stay in Greater Los Angeles – particularly
between Long Beach and Manhattan Beach. (what’s called the “South Bay”). Orange County is a possibility if I can wrap
my head around a lengthy commute. I’d go
further north (SFO) or south (SAN) is was the absolute perfect thing. Freelancing is also an option.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So, as I continue to search the web, volunteer for events
to create possible contacts and think positively, I ask for your
assistance. <b>Will you share this on your
page, helping me reach out to more folks than I can imagine? </b>I <i>know</i>
someone out there is looking to add me to their successful business!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">SIDE NOTE: I spent
my most recent birthday with family I had never been able to celebrate with
before. In his toast, my Uncle quoted
from the day’s horoscope. It went
something like this and I’ve looked at it every day since… <i>“Set attainable work-related goals.
Professional achievements will give you a sense of security that will
make your home life better, too. Your
powers of visualization get stronger each time that you use them, and you’ll
use them often over the next seven weeks to picture the life you want…”</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My seven weeks are up, but I’m still visualizing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5758431025057297498.post-7445443264233442022013-03-31T11:22:00.000-07:002013-03-31T11:22:00.074-07:00I ate a donut<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I've been here 85 days - 12 weeks - 3 months - an eternity and yet, not long enough.<br />
Some day sit seems as if I've just arrived - things to still see and experience (thus eating a donut from the Torrance Bakery earlier this week), but missing my peeps a bit.<br />
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The whales are gone, helicopter activity seems to have slowed down, a friend's baby second daughter has been born, a family member is learning to walk, cruise ships have come and gone, chemo is now part of another's weekly regimen, I had a birthday, have listened to some great music, eaten some lovely food... the world continues to turn.<br />
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The past month has been all about looking for permanent work. I've decided that I want to try to stay in SoCal for awhile. Lots of opportunity (competition too). Interviews with small businesses, food service and party rental corps. There are a number of irons in the fire - one in particular I am hoping will catch. I'd be proud to represent this company based on the quality of their product and values. Fingers crossed.<br />
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IF I find full-time employment in the hospitality field, and can earn what's required to manage cost of living in Los Angeles, the next step is figuring out how to move my East Coast life to the West Coast becomes the next big challenge. Sell, donate, consign, pack, ship - most likely in a very short period of time. Is it even possible???<br />
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Happy Spring! (and stay tuned...)<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5758431025057297498.post-65196805231150808982013-02-09T19:01:00.001-08:002013-02-09T19:32:18.437-08:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;">I hear it before I see it - the <i>whup whup whup</i> of the blade as the helicopter approaches the neighborhood - spotlight shining on rooftops and alleys, searching. It circles a couple of times, often accompanied on the ground by squad cars, who have cordoned off a block or three - then disappears into the night. Flashing lights dim and then, the streets are business as usual. Just one of the adjustments to my new, temporary home in San Pedro, California.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxF7YMU4n8xNBYvY-d-ocspqosYQGxoIcsE_seimIl04aWnWv8u-_Cq6AXDiHv5YDG8NHZKWr_rxVw5TCqhPg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Don't get me wrong. I feel perfectly safe - five floors up with a view of the action from my terrace; as well as on the ground, where almost everyone I've encountered has been kind and nice - including the SPPD foot patrol. It's all good and I'm really happy to be here.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's been a fairly easy adjustment - literally welcomed by ALL of my West Coast family within five minutes of arriving in the Western Veterinary Group parking lot. Checked Emmy into the kennel for the night and headed off for a quick bite at the Hot 'n Tot. So good to see everyone, and to meet our "newest", six month old Hannah.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij3fnymrtgzkHsF_vY1GPzsCm5zSOjhPVSmv9ndqZwanmY1wKsXF75rhuoOBKrgfa5GWROt4t7QQQrrb2j2NI8qFX8lFccSIp4dRuWLLaDEozzUze8BUftx5PZ0d3CawAYHadAaCtOSIU/s1600/hot+n+tot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij3fnymrtgzkHsF_vY1GPzsCm5zSOjhPVSmv9ndqZwanmY1wKsXF75rhuoOBKrgfa5GWROt4t7QQQrrb2j2NI8qFX8lFccSIp4dRuWLLaDEozzUze8BUftx5PZ0d3CawAYHadAaCtOSIU/s1600/hot+n+tot.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">After a quick salad (which I was craving after days on the road), my Uncle helped lug some boxes into my new digs - a fairly new, industrial-style studio loft with concrete floors, granite counters, floor-to-ceiling windows and a view of the harbor. Southern exposure, a spacious terrace and fabulous "California" closet complete what feels like the perfect Pedro pied-a-terre. Left to settle in... I unpacked a bit, make the bed and try to sleep. Hard without Emmy by my side.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwlQG0_Zpu0lh1YbjnScmt7XjhOD7QHGsPrDV9Q7SYnNBUkVrNnRaWbkvdclodpwvY93ILAB5rA6BPmLcJfSW9ArBDPlth56hbKCJVH0-PDzhQK9Vw8aOMmnxT0qxxq5_0741VVTYOqJY/s1600/bkfst+buddy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwlQG0_Zpu0lh1YbjnScmt7XjhOD7QHGsPrDV9Q7SYnNBUkVrNnRaWbkvdclodpwvY93ILAB5rA6BPmLcJfSW9ArBDPlth56hbKCJVH0-PDzhQK9Vw8aOMmnxT0qxxq5_0741VVTYOqJY/s1600/bkfst+buddy.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-size: large;">Day one - what has become a weekend tradition - breakfast with Uncle Norm at a hidden jewel... each local, small, and great food. Haven't been disappointed yet! A quick tour of the 'hood, introduction to main streets, landmarks and a bit of history to help understand where I've landed. Grabbed the pup and had another quick tour of where I'd be working. Spent the rest of the day shopping and cooking for the week.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The last five weeks seem to have flown by - and have been so fun! Finding my way around was a challenge for the first ten days - not wanting to always depend on the GPS, I tried, unsuccessfully at times, to find my own way. But learn I have, and now only get lost when I <i>want</i> to. </span><span style="font-size: large;">(I </span><i><span style="font-size: large;">did</span></i><i style="font-size: x-large;"> </i><span style="font-size: large;">hit a wall at the end of week five and have been told by a number of friends who have relocated, that this is normal...) </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDwOgVGqWdFypAsdA6VWzWjwXz2fBKM9Qm1ku1H7rriqoPFmE4nWOhU3WJ_r6IpjDJPCKzlRQJC7nrYTS0F6wgSMmRbXZxrHr-wJRwCQXTQcNhues5MKNzYfkBUr53DCOcflVuViUEbk8/s1600/shipcruise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDwOgVGqWdFypAsdA6VWzWjwXz2fBKM9Qm1ku1H7rriqoPFmE4nWOhU3WJ_r6IpjDJPCKzlRQJC7nrYTS0F6wgSMmRbXZxrHr-wJRwCQXTQcNhues5MKNzYfkBUr53DCOcflVuViUEbk8/s1600/shipcruise.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-size: large;">Work days are spent trying to support the staff of Western Vet Group in any little way I can - not a huge contribution, but interesting to me, this business of a multi-doctor (5+) practice, with a support staff of techs and front-of-house client managers who take great pride in what they do and how they serve their community, through providing extraordinary animal care to all sorts of pups, cats, birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, snakes and more!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Days off provide me with the gift of time to discover the area around me, get to know family I never see, catch up with West Coast friends in <i>their </i>time zone, investigate places to walk leash-free with Emmy, and delve a bit into the area's art and food scene. (more on the latter in the next installment) I've seen dolphins frolicking in the surf, cruise ships from around the world, caught my first glimpse of the "HOLLYWOOD" sign, continue to cook a bit, watched a movie crew set up for filming in the street below, and do my best to reach out to dear, life-long friends back East (and around the world) on a daily basis via FaceBook, email and FaceTime.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">As I sit on the terrace, watching the sun slip into the western sky on the eve of my 52nd birthday, I am grateful for these opportunities - to travel a bit, spend time with family, learn about something new, and ponder the possibilities for the future... cheers!</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5758431025057297498.post-54853969052146048742013-01-06T10:47:00.000-08:002013-01-06T10:47:14.006-08:00With or without a Clay Bean Pot<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I have recently been reminded how much I love beans… not the
steamed green kind, or soupy sweet baked variety – but a good ol’ wholesome,
creamy, garlicky, cumin-y pot of Mexican beans.
Whenever I make them I think of friends @Betsy McNair and @Sonia Banuelos
de Sigenza, who I’m quite certain are the queens of beans – theirs simmering in a
traditional clay bean pot.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I ordered some with breakfast in Williams, AZ at the Pine
Country restaurant a few days ago.
Seemed the right accompaniment with scrambled chorizo and eggs – they came
with a hot, flour tortilla and an ounce of fresh salsa – had forgotten how good
that they could be!<o:p></o:p></div>
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First breakfast in my new neighborhood was a trip to the Omelet
and Waffle Shop with my uncle, Norm. He
feasted on fab waffles and griddled spicy Italian sausage, while I had my “usual”
– corned beef hash (by which most breakfast place benchmarks are set – and an
homage to friend @Rob Gale), scrambled eggs with cheddar <i>and</i> a side of beans… since I could.
Soooo tasty!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Laying in supplies for the coming week left me meal planning
as I shopped. I wanted to cook things that were healthy, easily reheated and
comforting. A roasted chicken was a must
– and why not add a pot o’ beans to the mix?!
Pink Pintos, boiled and soaked for an hour or so to tenderize, then
drained; sautéed a bit of onion, garlic & carrot, added the beans back in
along with more water to cook fully.
Halfway through I added some cumin and a bit of sea salt and pepper.
(waiting until the beans are mostly cooked before adding the salt ensures that
they won’t harden or end up tough). I let
them simmer for a while longer until creamy.
This is a vegetarian version – but adding some kind of pork would up the
flavor quotient…<o:p></o:p></div>
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This morning’s breakfast featured the beans, sans eggs (but <i>with</i> chicken!), topped with queso
fresco, fresh salsa and a sprinkle of cilantro.
PERFECTION! </div>
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Stopped at two bowls,
but it wasn't easy. These beans will
reappear during the week in a tortilla with cheddar for lunch, as a side dish with dinner or
even a midday snack as I learn a new skill and need some brain food to keep
going. Flexible, cheap and easy.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So, whether you’re in southern California; Puebla, MX; Santa
Cruz in the Bay area or New England, make a pot of beans. Ideal for a wet,
cold, snowy day – even without the clay pot!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5758431025057297498.post-40560651031475994832013-01-04T09:54:00.000-08:002013-07-23T08:16:38.780-07:00Almost there!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
My last two stops - Santa Fe, NM and Flagstaff, AZ were exactly what I had hoped. From Amarillo, straight (and I mean straight/flat) across West Texas, to the land of mesas, gulches, arroyos, Tejano, nopales and jackalopes - Santa Fe, (which I hadn't visited in over 10 year). A soak at one of my most favorite spas, <a href="http://tenthousandwaves.com/">Ten Thousand Waves</a> and dinner at <a href="http://www.pasquals.com/">Pasqual's.</a> The former, a hot tub under the stars in bitter cold and an altitude of 7,000+ feet - heaven; the latter, sharing a community table with interesting dining companions from Denver, New Orleans, Sarasota and Oklahoma City. Incredibly enjoyable - and a bit raucous.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1EArvJpQ-9mcm1eHg4M9zW7nsk4Pb5XMrHa1Ne9IbuQ2Okt4ir-hhm7R1pTVaHG88HBGunn2A-CCWCpcYMRX7yq6_OMw1MGiKk1toZ7n1f3UzzOo5uyXlNWOGCeTLcBS9lF26U4WE1X4/s1600/wlcm+NM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
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A quick stop at <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/baja-tacos-santa-fe">Baja Taco</a> for a breakfast burrito the next morning, shared with friends in the know via text (and a tradition, in my opinion, that can only be beat by the ones eaten at sunrise at the Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque), a zip with Emmy around the Plaza and then in the car to Flagstaff.<br />
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Quite the drive, that. Twelve to fifteen miles between exits, freight trains with containers stacked two-high, 60-70 cars long winding their way west; the opportunity to "save 50% on meteorites" and crossing the Colorado River. Best sighting? An American Bald Eagle - sitting at the top of a tree as I drove by! Incredible to be as close as I was...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjAblGhwHABEDpUBO2k6g07ep9LW-FAYebkWAY1IYuWvMSdaBOBS1zlXLssIvjHCdrP6NtOMaX39GojLK32HenKzuUv5WTRcIZbkuFEq7Od1Z60qKrRACWJEeSYhwKKbFW5KvaZqfFw0c/s1600/family.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjAblGhwHABEDpUBO2k6g07ep9LW-FAYebkWAY1IYuWvMSdaBOBS1zlXLssIvjHCdrP6NtOMaX39GojLK32HenKzuUv5WTRcIZbkuFEq7Od1Z60qKrRACWJEeSYhwKKbFW5KvaZqfFw0c/s200/family.JPG" width="150" /></a>Had a great visit with Alison Mitkowski, Ethan and their five-year-old son, Grant (along with Bo, a yellow lab who loved Emmy so much he practically licked her fur off, and a ginger kitty - who spent alot of time at the <i>top </i>of the draped and whose name seems to change daily.) Nice to be welcomed into a home of friends after many nights in a hotel, around strangers. Alison and Ethan relocated from the East Coast almost four years ago. They had visited often and realized it was where they were<i> happiest</i>. Fast forward to consulting work for A and a position with the Sherrif's department for E. I learned alot about their take on area and culture during our conversation. Thanks for the hospitality!<br />
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Day Seven - anxious to arrive, and grateful to have had the opportunity of the past week to travel as I did. After a quick stop in the historic town of Williams and a tasty breakfast at the <a href="http://www.pinecountryrestaurant.com/">Pine Country Restaurant</a>, I was ready to hit the road, once last time, finally leaving bitter cold (and many inches of snow in AZ) for the warmer climes of California. <br />
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Down, down, down - towards sea level again! Fleeced peeled off and windows open we headed southwest to our final destination, the South Bay area of Los Angeles.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5758431025057297498.post-3939072779035109442013-01-02T08:21:00.003-08:002013-01-02T08:21:54.133-08:00Regrouping<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It's morning in Amarillo, Texas and we're regrouping. A mere four hours from our next destination - Santa Fe, New Mexico - we're taking an hour or two to reset the car, pay some bills, finish Emmy's "Paw-di-cure" and pull out more socks.<br />
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It's been COLD, the entire trip. For those of you who thought "oh! you're headed south, it's gonna be warm", look at your map. While I <i>am </i>taking one of the southern routes, it's through the <u>northern</u> parts of the states where winter, as us New Englanders know it, still exists. It hasn't been above 35 degrees since I left Connecticut in the snow - and that wind, "sweepin' down the plains" in Oklahoma? Frigid. The next two days have us heading up the mountains of New Mexico and Arizona - increased elevation = chillier weather. The high in Santa Fe upon our arrival is predicted to be 27, with a low of 5!! So no sitting by the pool for me...<br />
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Yesterday we made a stop in Oklahoma City. As a Connecticut resident, I wanted to pay my respects and represent Newtown citizens at the Memorial. Not sure what I expected, but it was really lovely. So well-done - makes me think that Sandy Hook school could be a similar site. A place of memory and reflection.<br />
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As we continued across the plains, it was a challenge to keep driving without stopping - Mel Tillis at the Sugar Creek Casino! Cherokee Trading Post - see live Buffalo!! (for the record, from the highway, it looks like a convenience store with a huge fake Teepee in front) But one of the coolest thing we saw was windmills! 15-20 of some of the biggest propellers I've ever seen - had to be 200' in the air, with blades half that size... and <i>then </i>I saw another set in the distance on the opposite side of the road. Really cool!!<br />
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Coming from the Northeast, I forget how much space there is in the rest of the country... miles and miles of open land, dotted with cattle and the occasional llama. Was wishing it was night so I could enjoy the wide open sky filled with stars.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ4AoPTVNdqsN-ibQXzzM1QRQNTqW1rq1iQb2hN72siAX0FB_65eRA7D5hwzrycCI3-XI_PSaeiczvUHa3oHmodJmPKwtrcRjPunkuaTvxfxeRc8qkWMtuRN0pHTXrnfLkmInKtg1_nL4/s1600/tex.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ4AoPTVNdqsN-ibQXzzM1QRQNTqW1rq1iQb2hN72siAX0FB_65eRA7D5hwzrycCI3-XI_PSaeiczvUHa3oHmodJmPKwtrcRjPunkuaTvxfxeRc8qkWMtuRN0pHTXrnfLkmInKtg1_nL4/s200/tex.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
Landing at our La Quinta for the night meant dinner. Decided to "ask the locals" and ended up half a mile down the road at the Country Barn, replete with its own "Big Tex" for great brisket and ribs... even the few bites of white bread Texas toast tasted good!</div>
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Next stop? New Mexico! Santa Fe, we're comin' for ya!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5758431025057297498.post-29193404678290585992012-12-31T19:28:00.000-08:002012-12-31T19:28:22.430-08:00Boots, Juice, Chicken, Hawks and Mountains<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We are now more than halfway to Los Angeles. Three days of 8 hours or more in the car, climbing mountains - Blue Ridge; counting hawks (26); crossing rivers (today it was the Mississippi and maybe the Arkansas?), and collecting states - have added Tennessee and Arkansas to the list.<br />
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Spent some time in Nashville, where I walked south Broadway at night with scores of NC State fans as they got ready for the "Music City Bowl" game; made a quick trip to the Farmer's Market this morning finding fabulously fresh and spicy tomato juice, and Memphis en route - where we caught our first glimpse of the Mississippi and ate GREAT fried Chicken via take out from Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken. (Sweet Potato Pie on deck)<br />
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<a name='more'></a>While Emmy is a fairly easy traveling companion (and has learned to sleep sitting up), her sense of humour leaves a bit to be desired. She doesn't "get it" when I chuckle at:<br />
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<li><span style="text-align: justify;">The two water tanks on the hill marked "Hot" and Cold"</span></li>
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<li style="text-align: justify;">The thought that if I had a few farthings hanging about, I might actually <i>buy </i>the Cokeville Speedway that's For Sale for Rob and Mike</li>
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<li style="text-align: justify;">me, when I pass a field full of solar panels and think "Oh! a Solar Farm!", only to be followed 50 yards later by a sign that says "Solar Farm"</li>
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<li>Names of local attractions, like ""Toad Suck Park", "Pig Trail Scenic Parkway" and Bucksnort Trout Ranch". You can't make this stuff up!</li>
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As I welcome 2013 from a La Quinta in Fort Smith, Arkansas, I can't predict what's next (other than a trip to 10,000 Waves in Santa Fe). What I <i>have</i> been reminded of recently is that <u>I am incredibly lucky</u>. Despite what I believed were hardships in my life recently - they don't compare to what others have gone through. It sounds simple - even cliche - but I am healthy, have the support of amazing friends and family and the opportunity to figure out, once again, who I am and who I want to be.</div>
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So - grab at the coming year and get ready! I am.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5758431025057297498.post-84534896138810270382012-12-29T18:54:00.001-08:002012-12-29T19:02:16.742-08:00(S)no(w) Delay<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
They say that timing is everything! Hours before I had planned to depart the East coast for the West, Freyer, a nor'easter, decided that he wanted to make an appearance. Those of you who know me know that I<u> very rarely pay attention to the weather</u>. I mean, I live in New England, it's different every minute, if not every hour - so why bother?!<br />
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I'd spent a lovely evening with close friends, saying "see you in April"; had a very rough night's sleep and after taking a quick peek at the radar this morning, it occurred to me that I <i>could</i> wait a day, get some sleep, enjoy the storm cuddled on the couch, knitting... But then, I was born in New England - a few flakes couldn't slow me down. So we packed up the last of the boxes into the car; assigned a few last minute tasks to those staying behind; grabbed breakfast with Joey and hit the road by 11 am - just as the first flakes started to fall.<br />
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It was a very easy day - hopefully an omen of more to come. Made great time through five states - no real traffic to speak of, snow ended by Exit 8 on the NJ Tpke, spent a small fortune on tolls ( over $25 between CT- MD)crossed the Delaware, Susquehana and Shenandoah rivers (and yes, I <i>did </i>sing), missed the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley due to darknesss, made two stops - mostly for Emmy and landed at the Staunton, VA Best Western by 7:45pm.<br />
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We're checked in, both fed, Emmy's sound asleep, I'm watching trashy tv and perusing tomorrow's schedule. Next stop - Nashville! (dining suggestions??)</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5758431025057297498.post-68770934398424728022012-12-21T08:18:00.005-08:002012-12-21T08:18:58.690-08:00Beaches, Maps and Gyros<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I love to drive. No, really. I think it's in my DNA.<br />
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As a child in the 60's-70's I remember lots of "long" trips in the car with my father:<br />
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<li>Two hours to NYC where on the way in we would stop in the Bronx at a White Castle for a sack o' sliders and then, after walking around Rockefeller Center to see "The Tree", hit the Baronet/Coronet Diner on the upper East Side for exotic Greek treats - Gyros and Baklava.</li>
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<li>Barely waking up on a summer Sunday morning, to be packed and ready to go at what I now refer to as "o'dark thirty" for the ride to Misquamicut Beach in Rhode Island, where by 8am the car was parked directly adjacent to the sand. My sister and I spent hours building sand castles, swimming in the surf (the "real" ocean - no Long Island Sound beach, this); eating salami sandwiches on white bread and ultimately getting so sunburned that no amount of Solarcaine could help. (oh, how we suffered, lobster red - shivering with sun poisoning!)</li>
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<li>Then there was the trip to Chicago - driving west from Connecticut, one adult and two little girls, straight through. I honestly don't remember that we stopped to rest - 14 hours... singing show tunes... the Music Man's "Gary, Indiana", as we passed through this depressed steel town to visit the extended family of aunts, uncles and cousins. (and yes, a pilgrimage to another White Castle - do you see a theme here?)</li>
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My grandparents were avid travelers - world wide - in the 60's when that was a true luxury. Grandma in heels and pearls, Grandpa in a suit an tie, jetting off to Europe, bringing back wooden shoes and Dolls of the World to add to our collection. But we drove, and a blank US map was around to help us memorize the states and figure out where we'd been/were going. I think about that map today, and how many states I've traveled to/through. While I'm not sure that I'm able to complete the Mountain time zone (apologies to Erica and the states of Montana, Wyoming, North/South Dakota, Idaho), I'm looking forward to coloring in Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Arizona.<br />
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I've made treks alone (and/or with the dog) to Wisconsin and South Carolina - enjoying the time in the car; the freedom to stop and explore; the vastness of the mid West. But those trips were chump change compared to the 3,000+ miles I'll be logging. My M.O. is to drive until I'm tired - but finding lodging, especially with the pup, is often a challenge. A friend has recommended that I set goals of reaching particular places so I can make reservations - I think I will. (Thanks, Lisa!)<br />
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I'm not going to rush - taking six days seems doable and allows for a swing through Nashville and maybe Memphis; a wave to Bill and Hill's Little Rock; a stop at the Oklahoma City memorial; good grub in Texas; a soak in a Santa Fe hot tub; a visit with a friend in Flagstaff and rolling into LA county in daylight on or around January 4th.<br />
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Time to load the iPod, pack the snacks and print the trip tik - I've only got a week left!<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5758431025057297498.post-44662122512993959032012-12-16T08:43:00.000-08:002012-12-16T08:43:01.021-08:00Breathing<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It's starting to set in - I am actually leaving my home for a few months.<br />
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I <i>have</i> been known to shake up my world every decade or so - usually with everything in a truck going ahead of me. This time it's temporary - maybe 3 months.<br />
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Packing for a different climate and preparing for someone else to live in your home during this time comes with it's own set of challenges! (which some of you have experienced first hand) Personal photos on the walls/shelves have to come down; closets and cabinets need to be cleared and stored; which clothes and household items to ship/carry/leave must be determined and dealt with, and of course, <i>some </i>cleaning has to happen - it's a bit overwhelming.<br />
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I've also started to say "see ya'" to friends - hard. Sure, it's my emotional state with everything that's going on in my immediate life and around me causing me to tear up so easily (thoughts to those in Newtown, CT and beyond) - but difficult nonetheless. I'm reminded of how lucky I am to have this core group of amazing people in my life - many for almost 30 years - and how grateful I am that they are willing to store boxes, foster plants, absorb some of the food in my freezer and support me emotionally on this journey.<br />
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SO, 9 days before Christmas, surrounded by different types of boxes this year, I will try to squeeze in some last-minute handcrafted gifts to show my love and appreciation, try to make headway on the long list of things to be done before blast off and keep reminding myself to BREATHE.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5758431025057297498.post-51621291815796978882012-12-13T13:19:00.001-08:002012-12-13T13:19:31.740-08:00Countdown to California... 16 days 'til departure <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It's happening - I'm relocating to San Pedro, CA for a few months to do a little work with my cousin, Michael, in his veterinary practice, and spend some time with my West Coast family. The last time I blogged, was when I attended Michael's wedding to Shanna in September of 2009, which I tied in with a drive up PCH through Big Sur to Santa Cruz.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I will be driving cross-country, via the southern route, I-40. I expect to take about a week, driving a minimum of 6-8 hours a day. As of today, the route looks like this:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hope you'll come along for the ride!</span>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1