tapestry

Shake, Rattle & Roll

2008-07-29T16:53:00.000-07:00

Quake '08

Sorry folks, didn't feel a thing. I know it's crazy, but I'm disappointed. All my friends felt it, but I was driving the road and didn't even know it happened until someone in Dallas sent a text.

Painted the town RED

2008-07-28T12:48:00.000-07:00

Dad and Lois came to see me for a week for my birthday. I can't tell you how much fun we had.

We were in the audience of Deal or No Deal (held captive for 6 hours -- no deal), the Tonight Show. Explored Venice, Santa Monica and Santa Barbara (Dad's favorite). Hung out in Hollywood, drove through Beverly Hills and more.

Here's a pic of Lois and I on Venice Beach. And a pic of the mission in Santa Barbara. We had so much fun...did I mention that already?

Happy 4th!!!

2008-07-05T19:38:00.000-07:00

OK, so it wasn't fireworks along the Charles River, but still LA has a groovy July 4th scene. The options were endless. Fireworks in Malibu, at Marina del Rey, picnics here and there. I opted for a party at a friends house. (Truth be told, I'm pretty sure I was only invited because they LOOOVVVEEE my salsa recipe).

Nevertheless, it was a blast. Totally LA -- I even left with someone's business card that was basically a headshot and a website. It was actually really fun. Did I mention it was a mansion? My friend is a nanny and lives in the nanny house behind the pool house. It was a part of LA I'd never been to...Antonio Banderas is their neighbor.

But I must say this. The owners of the house, who own a TV production company, also grow their own tomatoes, strawberries, lemons and apricots. The woman even does her own canning...now that was unexpected.

desert life

2008-06-02T20:34:00.000-07:00

Signs of life in such a dry place. It's a blooming cactus. Personally, I think the plant is reaching for the sky to get a better look of the ocean. The picture doesn't do it justice...it's so beautiful here.

Santa Barbara Monastery

2008-06-02T20:25:00.000-07:00

Here a few picks from the monastery in Santa Barbara. It is such a beautiful place, but I have not grasped the discipline of contemplative thinking. I was absolutely stir crazy after 4 hours. Even still, it was good for my soul.

Here is a view from my car. The mountains before me, the ocean in my side mirror.

Solvang California

2008-06-02T20:19:00.000-07:00

The largest Danish population in the US. It was cute -- touristy -- felt like I was at a section of Epcot. But when I'm 60 I plan to come back and have a really good time here.

Hybrids and a Higher Power

2008-05-28T17:35:00.000-07:00

I made it to the monastery in Santa Barbara. It's beautiful! I'll post pics soon. Have you ever wondered what kind of cars a brotherhood of monks would drive? I have the answer....I saw them leave in a Prius. I was very proud of them.

Karen Morris, this reminds me of where we celebrated Easter a few years back...except in the mountains, on the ocean, with a gentle breeze blowin...not freezin' our tushies off!!

Quirky California

2008-05-28T07:43:00.000-07:00

I decided to take two days and go on a personal retreat. There's a monastery in Santa Barbara, but they could only take me one night, so I pricelined a hotel in the area. Of course I can't afford a hotel in Santa Barbara, so priceline hooked me up in the "outskirts" about 40 miles away in Buellton California.

That's right, Buellton. Perhaps you've heard of it? Their claim to fame is clearly marked on bulletin boards as you arrive....Buellton....Home of the famed Split Pea Soup. Wow. Split Pea Soup, really?

Of course I made a bee line right for the pea soup place and had a bowl. I can't say if it was good or not since it was the only time I've ever had it. But still, when in Buellton, right?

I'm going to swing by Solvang. The largest Danish community in America before I head to Santa Barbara, so stay tuned for some pics from Solvang. You won't want to miss out. Perhaps they are famous for Corn Chowder?

Phone Woes

2008-05-20T14:10:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for me the next few days, you'll have to email. My phone was submerged (don't ask, don't tell). But after some online research I should be good to go by Thursday morning!

THE VERANDA

2008-05-18T21:29:00.000-07:00

Here's a little place I made right outside my sliding door. I refer to it as, dramatically, THE VERANDA.

Basically it's a way to create a sitting area and not stare at a cinder block wall. Around the block, there was a "free" sign on a stack of wood, including these shutters. I just nailed them together, added a shelf (again free wood)....and my favorite $3 find at IKEA, the hanging candle holder.

I wish you could see the tree above. It's the sweetest persimmon tree. I just love sitting under it.

Next I want to get a rug, or some kind outdoor lighting. It has to be battery or solar though. Let me know if you have suggestions. And the next time you are in town, I'll pour you a drink and we'll sit in the VERANDA.

LA friends

2008-05-15T11:39:00.000-07:00

With all this talk about Boston friends, I wanted you to see a picture of some of my friends here in the city.

Just last night we grilled out and told stories from our high school years. They are so much fun to be with.

Reflections on Boston

2008-05-15T11:09:00.000-07:00

Oh, I was so good to be back on the East Coast. Especially in the Spring. Honestly, I don't even know where to begin.

When I arrived, it was cool and drizzling...and I loved it. I went for a walk, Dunkin' Donuts in hand, and stood under an awning in the rain. It felt as though I was smiling at Boston, and Boston was smiling at me.

Bostonians are a hardy people. The people I saw running around Brighton Center were unhindered by the rain...in fact, they didn't even pick up the pace. They simply go about their business. I love that.

What is it about the hard winter that makes Spring so special? I wanted to applaud every tulip...."You go tulip. You made it through the cold, dark winter. Push through that hard ground, it's your time to shine!!!"

And my friends...it was so good to see everyone. Catch up on all the good stories from work that I missed. Get the scoop on weddings I didn't get to go to, see friends that are pregnant...catch up on stuff that is otherwise passing me by.

And getting a weekend away with my bookclub in Contecticut. Those great New England little escapes. There's nothing like it. We laughed, walked, ate and raised a glass to old times. I'm so thankful (can you feel the gush) for these friends and places that have become a part of my life!!!

New Kids on the Block

2008-05-15T10:59:00.000-07:00

Yep the New Kids On the Block are back in business. And guess who got to see them up close and personal? Me.

It was my first "is your name on the list" outing in L.A. (Thank you Janelle for the invite!)

I was on the "list", ID'd and then even got to go in the pit to see New Kids take the stage. I was less than 10 feet away. It was fun. I'm so mad at myself that I wasn't a fan when I was younger. I didn't know the songs at all and didn't have an NKOTB action figure to tote along....but still it was fun to see a bunch of guys re-live their dream and have a good time doing it.

The event I went to see was the dress rehearsal for their performance on the TODAY show tomorrow...so tune in if you are a fan!

Signs of Spring

2008-04-08T15:44:00.000-07:00

Here's a question....what are your favorite signs of Spring? Honestly, what do you first notice about the season change?

For me, it used to be the trees budding. I love the thought of a tree lying dormant for a whole season...looking lifeless...and then all of a sudden you notice tiny buds. Sure enough there was life inside. I love it! I remember riding the 57 to work, staring at the trees, looking for signs of life.

Well, the signs of the season change is different here in L.A. The land of perpetual Spring. But I did notice a not-so-subtle difference recently.

The mountains are disappearing. I'm not exaggerating. A whole mountain gone. Some days, I can't even see a trace of existance! Is it haze? Pollution? I heard something about a 'marine layer'. Oh well, Spring is here and that's reason enough to celebrate, mountain or not!

Take Me Out to the Ballpark

2008-03-31T13:25:00.000-07:00

Ummm....I have a complaint to register with my Boston friends. The Red Sox were here this weekend and LOST to the Dodgers. What's up with THAT?!?!

Rosie Thomas

2008-03-30T20:37:00.000-07:00

I went to a Rosie Thomas concert last night. Oh, I do love Rosie. It's semi-depressing music with a sweet sound. She's getting married this summer and someone asked her if that meant her music would no longer be depressing. She laughed and said, "oh no, it'll be fine....I'm always depressed."

She's kidding though. It's not quite depressing, she more connects you with the struggle of life and that connection brings a little hope. I just love her music!

Depressing is Teddy Thompson. He followed her in the show. He's a hot brit (I mean really hot) with a old school country/folk sound. Truly OLD SCHOOL -- he sang Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard and Ernest Tubb....how a how a hot brit can pull it off is mind blogging. But depressing?!?!? Dude, I see meds in that guy's future!

Pork Fest 2008

2008-03-30T20:32:00.000-07:00

I spent all weekend making batches of pulled pork for a transitional housing project this weekend. I made 20 pounds of pulled pork, I don't know even how much baked beans and 3 dump cakes. It was so yummy!

Here's the trick. I used pork shoulder (1.99 a pound at Costco) plopped it in a crockpot poured ROOT BEER on top and cooked it for 8-10 hours. It was so good. I just shredded it with a fork and then poured Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ sauce over it. Come see me and I'll make you some!

A Funny From the Farm

2008-03-23T16:45:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter! I just came home from a picnic at the park. It's sunny, blistering hot (but always a cool breeze). And even though Karen and my mom taught me better, I didn't use sunscreen and I have my first burn of the season. 'tis the season....Happy Spring!

P.S. I finally found a place that sells Magners!

You Know You Are in LA When.....

2008-03-20T11:37:00.000-07:00

Oh my goodness...I thought this was funny. I didn't grow up observing lent, so the concept was fairly new to me a few years ago when I gave up soft drinks for lent and lost 10 pounds (that was years ago, during my Dr. Pepper phase). I was telling a friend about it, when she shared with me that this year she gave up PerezHilton.com for lent. I laughed out loud....only in LA.

(Translation for my non-media friends: Perez Hilton is a totally trashy star gossip website, full of juicy celebs and the likes. True confession: I went through a mild addiction during the Paris Hilton arrest.)

Fillin' In

2008-03-19T21:26:00.000-07:00

I have job for the afternoons. I'm working at the Muscular Dystrophy Association. They haven't figured out I can do big-girl projects, so I'm a little bored....but they'll figure it before long. It's a three month assignment, filling in for someone on maternity leave.

Everyone is normal, the office is quiet and so far no drama....so it's nothing like Children's! I miss the gang, but I'll in beantown in a little over a month and COUNTING THE DAYS!!!!

things that make you go hmmm.....

2008-03-17T22:50:00.001-07:00

Wow. It's hard to really capture the....uniqueness....of this house. It's done in tiny mosaic pieces from roof to sidewalk. Someone has a lot of time of their hands. My guess it's an out of work actor. I'll guarantee you a drive by the house, if you'll come see me (hint, hint). Double click on the pic and get a look.

New Shoes!

2008-03-17T22:47:00.000-07:00

I'm getting in touch with my inner zebra.....

Back in the saddle

2008-03-15T08:22:00.000-07:00

My Old Self May Be Re-emerging (finally!)

Yep, I can tell I'm getting back into the swing of things. I'm reading, I pulled out my knitting stuff....I guess the last step is a tennis racket or bike and the Angela I liked in Boston, may have officially transferred to LA.

I thought the warmer weather here would make me swear off my knitting needles, but with so many of my friends having babies...I've jumped back in the yarn barn, so to speak. Look at this bunny I found (and fell in love with). Too bad the pattern is in a language I can't speak!

The Glass Castle

2008-03-10T22:06:00.000-07:00

It's a must read! I just finished it tonight. Oh my goodness. I can't decide...is it sad? is it sweet? Perhaps this book is the best description of bittersweet that I've ever seen. A memoir of a childhood spent in poverty, literally rummaging through trash for meals, but who was rich in love...love for family, reading and art.

I don't know what to think. Makes me wonder about the little girls I knew in Waco who slept under the kitchen table when it rained because their roof leaked so bad. Or the family I once knew who couldn't afford a lock and doorknob on their front door, but I once saw a pizza delivery guy dropping off 3 pizzas. Who doesn't have a doorknob and orders pizza? The mystery of poverty. Maybe they didn't need a doorknob because someone was always home. I always wondered.

The thing that strikes me most about the book is that it's so matter-of-fact. No blame, no self-pity...of course she was brought up that way -- to survive, to not feel sorry for herself -- but what strength of character to write a "tell all" book with such honor and dignity. Maybe she doesn't paint like her mom, or draw like her sister, but if you ask me this book, as well as her life, is a work of art!

Down home

2008-02-19T12:01:00.000-08:00

Well, I'm in my Motherland for a few weeks. Texas, that is. And just in case I get disoriented, there are signs everywhere to remind me where I am. For instance, I can get my burger "TEXified" at Burger King for 60 cents. Really....TEXified?!? Oh there's TEX's used auto parts, Central Texas pawn shops, Lone Star oil change...and the list goes on. While we may be nice people in the South....we sure have TEXified our state pride and it's getting out of control!

Wow, I don't sound like a native anymore...it's a good thing I'm back for a few weeks!

CALGON! TAKE ME AWAY!!!!

2008-02-14T16:57:00.000-08:00

I've been babysitting for the past three days, while my friends are out of town. HOW DO MOTHERS DO IT??!?!?! My back hurts, my feet hurt, I wrote about 1,000 valentine's for Malia's school, we got rear ended in my friends' mini-van (barely -- it's not that bad), I flooded the laundry room and I can't even count how many time outs I've given.

Our time together ended with them getting muddy in the backyard, so I stripped them and hosed them off in the backyard. That's when Nathan wanted to show us he could pee in the backyard. Of course Malia had to do it too. You guessed it, Issac jumped in on the action. I'm proud to say I'm the only one who didn't pee in the backyard today!

I'm off to Texas tomorrow for staff training. I'll be blogging from there for two weeks.

STAR SIGHTING!!

2008-02-08T17:07:00.000-08:00

OK, so this isn't super-star or anything....but it meant a lot to me since I used to be the biggest ALIAS fan ever! I was at Westside Pavillion in between Landmark and Barnes & Nobles when I spotted....Victor Garber. That's right Alias' best spy-daddy. I tried not to be obnoxious about it, but being a novice, I totally did a warp speed double-take to get a good look. Oh well, I'll get better!

I'm baaccckkk

2008-02-04T14:21:00.001-08:00

I know, I know..it's been awhile. Go ahead, harass me. I deserve it! In case, you've forgotten what I look like, here's a pic of me taking a picture of myself in my GIANT floor to ceiling mirror doors. What is it with California and their love for mirrored doors? You asked for it, you got it...pictures of my room....

And here's where I work. Notice the shrine to Boston. I took pictures of letters from all over town and made my own Boston sign. Can anyone guess where all the letters came from?

No Pain, No Gain

2007-11-18T10:10:00.001-08:00

I finally went downtown. I can’t believe I’ve been here so long and never ventured that way. Of course, this won’t be a shock to those who know me best, my favorite part was riding the bus and subway. All of you were right, the bus/subway crowd is very different in LA compared to Boston. Even still, it was a taste of the Beantown that I still consider home.

What is it about the bus that I love so much? I remember a specific day I was going work when I was especially exhilarated by the trip. It was when I sat shoulder to shoulder with a guy named Charlie (everyone knew his name because he spoke loudly to himself in the third person everyday). He was the nicest schizophrenic I’ve ever met.

I remember telling Anne-Terese that I felt so alive in Boston, especially on the bus, because it felt like I was really a part of a community- a real community not divided by race, economics or even mental health. I remember saying that I was living the life I want to live when I literally rub shoulders with the mentally ill and others who are so different from me. Of course I know that’s exactly why most people don’t like riding the bus. I don’t know why I’m wired this way.

Anyway, I had forgotten about that conversation until yesterday when on the bus I met a guy named Dwayne an artist/homeless man. He was super nice, just a little lonely. We chatted for awhile and I felt alive again. And I went to the Grand Central Market downtown and mixed it up with every race possible! It was awesome. I crave diversity. It was good for me to remember this, since West LA is diverse in race, but not economic status. I have to make sure I get out of this area regularly and experience LA for the diverse crazy place it is.

All this to say, I was a little melancholy yesterday missing my friends in Boston, but also energized by remembering what makes me love life. The day can be summed up by a quote I saw yesterday painted on the side of a building downtown, “In this world there is a painful progress, longing for what lies behind and dreaming for the future.”

Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder

2007-11-08T10:23:00.001-08:00

I hope it's true that absence makes the heart grow fonder. Yep, I know...you haven't heard from me in awhile. You would think this is the point where I humble myself and say I don't have a good excuse, but that wouldn't be true!

My computer crashed...dead...a fatal blow to every file and program I had. Anyway, the Geek Squad restored it for me so I am now back in business as far as emailing goes.

And then there's this thing called day time minutes. Yep, I would have called, but I ran over my minutes last month and learned an expensive lesson about keeping my yap shut! With the time difference anyone I talk to in Texas or Mass will be daytime minutes. Good news, I've upped my plan so I can gab away (for the most part).

All that to say, I love you dearly I've just been in no-woman's-land as far as communicating goes. I promise I'll be better!

Crime in LA

2007-10-16T08:49:00.001-07:00

For all of you who have been concerned about my safety in the big city of Los Angeles, do not fear. As you can see I have a professional protector --- Batman. Sometimes I wake up and he is standing watching over me. Sometimes I see him running through the house with cape and mask, but sans everything else (and I do mean everything).

When he’s not fighting the bad guys, he also has a flair for the creative arts. You can see on the countertop and on his body, the work of art he created with my tube of toothpaste.

I certainly want to give a "shout out" to all the moms I know. After staying with my friends for awhile I certainly know how rewarding and exhausting family life can be. But I have good stories to tell. Their three children have kept me in stitches!

Dancing with the Stars

2007-10-11T10:29:00.000-07:00

This is sooo LA...but a friend of a friend's cousin is a professional dancer on Dancing with the Stars and he got us tickets to go Monday night to the live show. So look for me. We are supposed to wear cocktail dresses and everything. How fun is that?!?!?

I'm hoping Joey Fatone will be there....Karen, I promise not to make a fool of myself!!!

Viva la Wendy!

2007-10-04T21:32:00.001-07:00

I'm heading to San Antonio in the morning for Wendy's wedding. Wendy and I have been friends since 1988 when we met in the freshman dorm at Baylor. Since then we've run into all kinds of trouble (can anyone say 'Tijuana'), traveled the world and once drove 200 miles out of the way to get a piece of tiramisu that was supposed to the best. Sound like a nut doesn't she?

Besides seeing Wendy and meeting the love of her life, I'm looking forward to the rehearsal dinner. It's going to be on one of those dinner boats that go up and down the river. I've always wanted to do that. OLE!

Here's a pic of where I'm staying..... just kidding. It's the Alamo!

Best of Both Worlds

2007-10-03T13:14:00.000-07:00

I just got 'lost' on the 101. It was meant to be though. I was driving along and saw the exit for Malibu, made a big dash for it and found myself in the mountains. Oh, I love mountains! Big, huge, rocky mountains. They were beautiful. I felt a world away from city life. This tiny little highway I was on (honestly, I don't even know where I was) led me between them, then through them and right into the sea.

I can't really remember a time when I've seen mountains literally fall into the ocean. I squinted and pretended I was in Greece. It really was beautiful -- the best of both worlds. Hopefully I'll get 'lost' tomorrow too!

Seasons Change

2007-09-17T12:38:00.000-07:00

My Boston friends tell me the air is getting crispier and Fall is in the air. Really? Hmmm....

I just don't know how to tell the change of the seasons here. It's still beautiful and sunny with a constant gentle breeze. But Fall? No way. How will I know what to do? Do I start wearing orange? Do I buy a pumpkin pin and wear it on my shirt? Without the trees turning colors, and Green Mountain's Pumpkin Spice coffee, I'm afraid my season compass is off kilter.

Someone call me and let me know when it's time to start shopping for Christmas, otherwise I may be on the beach and never know it's coming!

P.S. I saw a lemon tree today. It was so exciting...I don't think I've seen one before.

Country Club

2007-09-13T22:36:00.000-07:00

Yep, I'm joining a country club. Actually, I'm starting one...but it's not what you think.

The thing about LA is that the whole world is here. So far I've had both a French guy and a Russian lady ask me for directions and I've heard about 10 different languages. I've even driven through Little Ethiopia. I knew this would be one of things I would like most. It's really fun for me. I love it!

So, I'm starting a country club (so far it's just me and Lisa, but we'll invite others too). We are going to learn about a different culture each month and then go find the authentic ethnic area in LA that represents that country and have dinner. I guess it's like book club without the book.

If you have any suggestions as to what our first country should be, let me know!

Fashionista

2007-09-10T11:44:00.000-07:00

OK, you can stop laughing now. Fashionista may be a little too over-the-top, but even still it turns out I may be a trendsetter here in L.A. No, really, stop laughing.

One of my biggest fears in moving here was that no one over a size 2 would even talk to me. Much to my surprise everyone has been really nice…even chatty with me. Sometimes too chatty. When I moved to New England, one of the things I had to do was toughen up a little. Now I need to soften up a little. People here will talk to a tree (I’m serious…I saw someone talk to a tree) and they’ll talk to me too.

So far I’ve met Morales, the guy who works at the car wash. Shaunda*** (there was more to her name I just can’t remember); who was so nice she offered me a job at the mall. And Omar and Mattie, the couple who bought my car dolly and then proceeded to move my stuff in the storage room for the next hour.

But the ones I’m most proud of was this super diva who stopped me at the Getty to ask me “Who is the maker of your bag?” It was a proud moment…not where did you get it…but who is the maker. She literally cringed when I told her I got it in Chinatown in New York. Oops…you can take the girl out of Texas, but not the Texas out of the girl.

And then there was the model type woman who was following me all around a jewelry store wanting to see what I was picking out because “I had good style”. Ahh, yes…perhaps I’ll make it here in LA after all.

Move over Dunkin' Donuts...Randy is in town!

2007-09-09T09:32:00.001-07:00

Oddities everywhere...

The Getty

2007-09-06T09:40:00.000-07:00

Much to my dismay, L.A. has been freakishly hot for the past week. So when the weather returned to normal, I hopped out of bed and made a run for the The Getty. I've been dying to go there. I tried when I visited in Feb, but was turned away due to parking issues. I got over my fear of rejection and finally got to go yesterday.

I didn't even get to see half of it. It's HUGE!

The gardens were beautiful, the art amazing.

It really is a great way to spend the day.

Here are a few pictures...

Now by gardens, I'm not talking roses and pansies.

I'm talking cactus gardens. As it turns out, I moved to the desert. I must have slept through the class where we learned this in school, because it has taken me completely by surprise. I see flowers I've never seen before, I'm noticing the subtle differences in colors and I may even be able to skip a day between washing my hair (I love dry weather!). Here are some of my desert flowers I'm growing to love...

Berried Treasure

2007-09-04T17:42:00.000-07:00

OK, I admit it. I've been on the Dunkin website at least twice since I've been here. I miss it. I mean REALLY miss it. I looked on the store locator -- not a D&D for at least 50 miles. It won't let you search past 50. ugh!

I'm still making peace with the loss of iced coffee, but move over Dunkin' there's a lady in town. PINKBERRY. Need I say more? It really is all the rave -- and for good reason. So here's a deal that can't be beat. Come visit me, and I'll buy you a pinkberry!

http://www.pinkberry.com/html/pbmain.php

Happy Labor Day!

2007-09-03T15:32:00.000-07:00

Hey all you workers out there, kick up your heels -- it's LABOR DAY!!! Go ahead, pour yourself a fruity drink and enjoy the day.

As for me, everyday is a holiday when you are unemployed. Just kidding. I've actually been working very hard. I've been here 6 days, have had two interviews and have another one tomorrow. I'll keep you posted on the outcome, but so far I'm encouraged. One job sounds perfect (with one red flag -- do we words "on call 24/7" sound like a red flag to you?). It's as a Director of Housing a.k.a Residential Life Coordinator for an Arts Academy in town. I think I would love it, but am unsure about this whole on call thing. I just don't know.

But for you my friends, get off the computer and do something fun...it's YOUR day!!!

Now entering Cyberspace

2007-09-02T19:20:00.000-07:00

As if moving coast to coast wasn't a big enough change...I have decided to enter Cyberspace. Since my new venture into LA is guaranteed to offer new stories, new pics and, dare I say, embarrasing moments I thought I'd try blogging as a way to keep up with everyone.

Here a few pics from the trip. It really was a great trip. I have a new appreciation for truck drivers...especially those who drive through the desert! The Grand Canyon was AMAZING!! I honestly don't know how to describe it. The pictures just don't do it justice.