Delirium

I should be asleep. Really. Four a.m. will be coming quickly. (5 hours and 20 minutes left...) I just can't seem to get off this computer. Why is it that I think I am putting off the responsibilities of Monday, by not going to bed? I am just making it worse. Why am I still on this computer when I could be asleep?
Will I be angry with myself when the alarm goes off? Yes.
Will I regret this post in the morning? Yes.
I'd better just shut down before I start rambling....

Getting Lost

I am kind of a geek. I am really looking forward to the Lost premiere tonight. I read a review in the USA Today that I liked:

http://www.usatoday.com/life/television/reviews/2009-01-20-lost_N.htm

I agree with this quote,"Lost is going to be complicated no matter what; it's your choice as to whether you enjoy the complications or let them drive you nuts."

I, personally, am along for the ride. I trust the writers to take me on a fantastic journey (even if it doesn't make sense.) I love this show.

Spring Fever in January

So.... California is having GORGEOUS weather. It's been in the 70's for a week in NorCal. I flew through Burbank this week while it was forecast to be 90 degrees. It is amazing! Everyone is outside as much as possible. A friend of mine played hooky from work and went to Santa Cruz instead. (I wanted to do the same today, but I decided to stay home and fulfill my existing obligations. Lame.)
I have been flirting with the idea of a move to Chicago (among others) recently. After experiencing their 10 degree weather this week (twice!) I knew that I don't really want to do it. The unfair advantage California has, with this unseasonable heat wave, makes me never want to leave. The hills are that fresh bright green and it really does feel like spring. I need to keep reminding myself that it's only January.
The heat motivates me to be more active. I crave the outdoors on days like these. I am grateful to be off of work one day to enjoy it. As soon as I am done with a few things here, I am heading outside.

Sunshine on my shoulders

How is it that a bit of sun makes everything better? This morning I was driving from my parents' home to my home in the bay area. I haven't been uber excited for a new year, but I think that maybe it was all that winter weather getting me down. The drive along 80 was perfect. I had the sun on my face, no traffic, and sweet tunes. Before I knew it, I was grinning like a fool, all by myself, in my car. Life is good and my life is exceptionally good. "Sunshine on my shoulders make me happy...." (FYI: Although this a fine tune, it wasn't the sweet music I was listening to today. It doesn't matter. Sing it to me, John.)

There's no place like home

Nevada City firehouse, originally built in 1861
(this picture was in LIFE in 1962)

firehouse December 18, 2008
(from my iphone)

Looking down Broad St. 1930's - 1950's (?)

Broad Street December 18, 2008

Fun postcard for Broad St

Again it's December 18, 2008

This place doesn't seem to change much, and that just the way I like it. It's California's Gold Country. I am proud to know and care about the history of Nevada City and Grass Valley. My favorite way to spend a day is eating a pasty while strolling along Broad, Main, and Mill Streets. I am happy to report that my Christmas holiday included this ( and much more.) My mother was born and raised here, as was I. I hope I can keep the magic of G.V. & N.C. alive for the generations to come.

Auld Lang Syne

The time from Christmas until New Years is usually reserved for recalling the past and looking ahead to the future. I will be at work for those six days, so I will post my musings now.
I have been incredibly blessed with lively, spiritual, and caring girlfriends. In fact, I seem to have lived with at least one of my closest friends for the last ten years.
I would like to express gratitude for these wonderful women in my life. You have all helped shape who I have become.

(Rachelle, I am sorry I don't have digital pictures of us. That's what we get for being friends for so long!)

Steph and Sabrina

Diane, Tamera, Steph

Emily, Diane, Steph (Caribbean cruise)

Cindy, Laura, Corene

Corene, Bec, Molly
Molly, Lauren, Corene, Aly (Costa Rica)

posing (ugh, embarrassing) Heather, Caisa, Bec (Hawaii)

Heather, Alyson

Tara, Heather, Alyson

Marisa, Tara, Amanda

Tara and Amanda

Tara

Heather


Amanda, Heather, Marisa, Tara (last Christmas)

Tara, Amanda, Marisa, Heather (Croatia)


For the last three years I have had a close-knit group of girls on whom I have come to rely. This year ( and especially the last month) has brought about much change. Although things seem a bit empty to me now, I know that this is really just a clean slate for me to start anew.
Here's to fun memories, new beginnings and uncharted territory!

My Pretty Woman moment

No, not to worry - I am not a prostitute in a Cinderella story. I am just another victim to opera.

As Edward says in Pretty Woman, "People's reactions to opera the first time they see it is very dramatic; they either love it or they hate it. If they love it, they will always love it. If they don't, they may learn to appreciate it, but it will never become part of their soul."

I have been to the opera in Vienna with my mother (Don Giovanni and another one of which I can't remember.) I loved the opera house and the storytelling.


But last night changed me,
I went to La Boheme in San Francisco. Here is a little snippit:




I absolutely LOVED it. I already knew the beautiful music by Puccini, but I didn't know the meaning of the lyrics or remember the story. The whole event was a pleasure.I may not have looked like this

but it's how I felt.

My first foray in the kitchen

I feel almost like a grown up. Last Sunday, I cooked my first turkey and made my first batch of mashed potatoes. We still had leftover turkey that I picked from the carcass (Eeww.) I couldn't let all this food go to waste, so I decided to make soup. I felt like my mom.
I made a chili with the dark turkey and a broth based rice soup for the white meat. I must say they both were so good. I have never made homemade soup. Ever. I just used what was in my fridge and cupboard. (Since it was Sunday, I couldn't go to the store.) My soups were quick and easy to prepare. I am amazed. I feel like a just passed a little milestone.
I know many of you are married and fix real meals all the time, but my life is a bit different. I rarely prepare a full meal for myself. I enjoy hummus and celery, jasmine rice and curry sauce, and edamame. Those are my staples. Most Sundays I collaborate with my friends to make a combined dinner.
Now I feel like when the time comes for me to plan meals, I can do it. It isn't going to be too hard. I think I'll even enjoy it.