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Saturday, February 28, 2009

The Beach, Jack and Hannah


The Beach, Jack and Hannah

Today was Jack and Hannah's first trip EVER to the beach. I have been reluctant to take them, the other dogs, the sand, the ride there and back in the "house"...known to most as a crate. I was surprised by how good they were and how much they loved the experience. It was nice to see them enjoy something new...

This is a picture of the sea I took during our adventure...and close-ups of their faces. In the large picture, you can see the grains of sand on Jack's muzzle...Hannah pretty much has her "are you looking at me" face on...it was a great morning...

Friday, February 27, 2009

Friday

Friday...repeated
Friday and Saturday are becoming my favorite days of the week. I am not sure I had a favorite before...though there were the obvious not favorites...ie Monday...This week has flown, and yielded some excellent moments, along with difficult ones...which needed to happen to continue to move forward.
This is a picture I saw jumping out of the shower this afternoon...yes, afternoon...the morning held one too many conference calls, so afternoon was left for personal grooming. Another image that speaks to me...the difference in the colors and textures...though both being similar in nature...and as a bonus...I like the "pink!"

Thursday, February 26, 2009

The Family, minus Kris

The Family, minus Kris
Tonight my siblings (minus Kris), Father and I gathered at Umbria for dinner. The food was spectacular, the margaritas good, and the company fun...for a while. Funny how when you "Google" the word "Family"...the match comes up as "drama".

This is a picture of the Bay Bridge shot through the windshield on the the drive over. Shooting while driving is becoming my new favorite hobby...a little nutty, and very creative as potential shots are literally flying by you...and their is little time to "see", and "shoot" to get the shot you are envisioning. Wonder if shooting while driving is legal...don't think I will research that...just yet!

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Another Drive, a Different View

Another Drive, a Different View

You would think that by now I would know what a difference a day makes...I think I will have that tatoo'd somewhere on my body...so that I can consult it on an as needed basis.
This is a picture I took tonight while driving. I am loving my "purse camera"...it captured the almost night sky perfectly...and my mood which is almost as brilliant as this sky...



Tuesday, February 24, 2009

A Drive thru the Delta

A Drive thru the Delta
Today brought another drive to Antioch...usually I find driving to be a great time to sort and think, and was unfamiliar today with the clutter in my mind...and having more questions at the end of the journey, than I had at the beginning. As the saying goes...if you cannot say anything nice, do not say anything at all...and I think I will let today go at that.

This is a picture of a Sunflower Seed manufacturing plant. (Yesterday I purchased a "purse camera" and it came in very handy when cruising down Highway 12.) When I saw this "plant", it reminded me of myself...many pieces that have to work together to get the results expected...though the lucky "plant" must have a mechanic to assist...and I must figure out myself on my own...How about a nice frothy, tasty, hot cup of .........................., just kidding.......


Sunday, February 22, 2009

Sunday

Sunday

The rain began last night and continued through the day...I decided this morning that I needed a new TV...I am not a TV watcher, though it was recently pointed out to me that I really do not have a comfy space to relax and watch TV...and that was correct, I did not. Today I fixed that...and now am sitting watching my new Sony...on my daughter's futon...thinking that a dog friendly sofa may be next in order.

I spent part of the day thinking about Matt...and how his schedule is shaping up. This is a picture I took last fall (with a super zoom...!)...and yes, he scored the only goal in the game, something I still very much enjoy! Waiting to hear back from him reminded me that I was overdue in calling my Dad...which I did this afternoon...and we will have lunch tomorrow. Dad also invited me to join him, and 2 of my brothers later in the week for dinner...historically a male only event. So now...I am feeling pretty special...and hoping that travel will give me a week off to attend this gala event...New York, or dinner with the Men...either way a dynamite week...

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Saturday's Ride

Saturday's Ride
Another Saturday, and another discovery of a gift Sacramento has to offer that I was unaware of. Today held a bike ride along the American River Parkway...the scenery was beautiful, along with perfect weather, and my favorite...a fairly flat ride. The bike trail snakes along some of Sacramento State University, a place where I have some fond memories of parties I attended when I was 20.
This is a picture looking towards the river, including the walking/riding Bridge. The outline of the Bridge reminded me of the shape of the Philly Bridge...my Son, and good times in Philly that had he not moved there...I would not have had...

Friday, February 20, 2009

Weeks End

Weeks End
It is finally Friday night and the excitement of the week, and anticipation of what will be with work is over! All is all a great week, with a good balance of work, and the feeling that this is where I want to be.
This is a picture of Palm Trees next to the entrance of Casa DaVita...where today's meeting was held...and the vision for work is formed. It will be interesting to see what next week holds...and where this adventure will take me...

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Good Bye Ohio, Hello LA!

Good Bye Ohio, Hello LA!
Good bye Ohio, who this morning was filled with crisp, cold air, and snow flurries. I must say that of all the Airport’s I have had the pleasure of flying thru, Columbus may be my 2nd favorite...next to Seattle…uncomplicated, friendly Security, and a Starbuck’s that really is cozy…somewhere to get lost...

It is amazing that I have technically been in 3 States today, woke up in Ohio, flew through Illinois (with snow on the ground at O’Hare), and on to dinner and the prep for tomorrow’s meeting in Los Angeles, California. I may be spending many moment marveling that I am a part of this Team…I am tempted to pinch myself, though that seemed a bit silly…though perhaps I will try it later.

This is a picture of one side of the Mattel parking structure that shares space with the Doubletree...no doubt I am back in LA...where the priorities are loudly and clearly stated...

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Ohio, Day 3

Ohio, Day 3
We started early today...it was really interesting...and I think we did some good things. An interesting exit interview, which was lead by a magician...I learned a lot. Tonight we enjoyed a Sushi Bar...in Ohio...it was delicious...though my food was cooked! I did add the disclaimer that if they served oysters, I would be on board, sushi...not so much...
This is a picture I took from the car on the ride to dinner, while on a conference call, on mute, playing with "tag lines" that might fit our new Team...none of which I can publish. This has been a fantastic 3 days...tomorrow I fly to LA for our extended Team planning meeting on Friday. Friday night I get to go home...and enjoy all that has to offer...I am looking forward to my new work life...today it is great to be me...

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Ohio, Day 2

Ohio, Day 2
Ohio is a fascinating place...quiet, fairly flat, houses built in a much different style than California, friendly people, and as I was told today, if you put your arms out, they do not touch anyone.
Today was very interesting, and my new Team is high performing, leaders in their field, and pretty gosh darn fun. I learned that Never Lost accepts the following command...THOH...meaning "(get/directions to) the hell out of here!" Something that may come in handy in my future. Tomorrow will be a busy day, and then on to LA for "the Meeting"...and then home...to my safe and warm space...
This is a picture of a home near where we grabbed lunch today...a little bit of paradise...in Ohio...

Monday, February 16, 2009

Chicago Airport

Chicago Airport
I am in Ohio for the first time in my life. Odd thing is that my Mother was born here...and I know nothing about it. So far I have made it to the Starbuck's which impressively sports a beautiful view of the runway, including marvelous clouds, free internet, jazzy music, comfy chairs yummy yogurt, tasty chai and friendly people. Perhaps I will spend the week here and call it work...would anyone notice?!
One thing I noticed today as I arrived at the airport at 5 am, is that I have missed "seeing" the obvious "Airport Culture". So many people, rushing, jockeying and hugging their mobile devices, like they are "life" and may bring them the serenity we all crave...the number of Premier and 1K Passengers on United is frightening. Though I am excited about my new work opportunity, and truly believe it "matters", I had to ask myself what am I running from with this insanity of travel...I have some ideas...and as I am teaching myself to do...will reserve conclusion for a while...a giant step for me.
This picture was taken today in the Chicago Airport...as some of its inhabitants madly charge their devices between flights...very interesting...

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Off to Columbus

Off to Columbus
Tomorrow, 4 am makes the beginning of my orientation of my new position in work. I must admit to some nerves...and I decided today that they result from be "given" this opportunity instead of fighting for it, and the expectations that sometimes come with a gift.
This is a picture of one of the walls at the Alamo...exactly how I feel at the moment...with the small gift of the mailbox?/window...which will hopefully circulate enough air to breathe...
p

Saturday, February 14, 2009

The Oxbow

The Oxbow
I was lucky enough to have lunch today at the Oyster "place" at the Oxbow. I think this is my new favorite meal...raw oysters with a light oil/vinegar/pepper sauce, clam chowder as you have never had it before (verified with raves from an East Coast customer today)...steamed clams, potatoes, carrots and an amazing broth/cream based "soup" with bacon, a multi "white" grilled cheese/delicious bread sandwich and fresh lemonade...just lovely!
This is a picture of the bottom/side of the rowboat/dingy that hangs from the ceiling over the center of the service area. The colors are varied greens, reds, browns, and blues...all made perfect by the fact that the are multi-leveled, and in some cases peeling...and you know how I LOVE peeling paint...
This was the second time I have had this fabulous spread...and yes, the second time is as good, and in some categories of life better, than the first...

Friday, February 13, 2009

Water

Water
It is Friday...thank goodness. I am tired tonight, and not feeling too creative...that was pretty much sucked out of me this afternoon...and now it just feels good to be quiet. I have a need for water, met by time at the beach, long hot showers, and time in the tub with candles and Cowboy Junkies. The past few days have been filled with rain, and a bit of hail in Northern California. Monday I head to Columbus, Ohio...for work, and have been told that I may be missing my ass which is in danger of freezing off there...not such a bad thing!

This is a picture of a 'water fall' at the Alamo in San Antonio...I love the way the water dances, something I hope to enjoy when I have a bit more energy....

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Day One...

Day One...
I have said it before, and I will say it again...I am one of the luckiest women in the World. Today I unexpectedly had a tour of duty in my new position..."orientation" is next week in Ohio...so today was teach one, prior to doing one. I am prepared via prior positions (and motherhood), and am excited to feel as though this is what I may have been meant to do, at least at this point in my life.

Driving home tonight I marveled that I am paid to do something so interesting, challenging, that demands thought, the "right" words AND "matters". (I have a personal need regarding "mattering" that could actually be a novel in itself!)

This is a picture I took last weekend at the Alamo, in San Antonio. It was their "Hospital"...the bed look scary and uncomfortable...and a far cry of the standard of care today. It was interesting to see, and conjured up thoughts of Florence and those who have come before me...brave Women who gave of themselves and paved the way for others...including me....

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

elle 23

elle 23
As the saying goes, this is where it begins and ends for hair. I was fortunate to have been introduced to Leesa 8 years ago by my daughter, and her friends. They were concerned that my then current hair dresser made me look older than necessary, which I though was a unique concern coming from a group of 15 and 16 year old girls. I was ready for a change, and made my appointment. Leesa had several facial piercings, something that 8 years ago I found slightly scary...but the girls were right, she is a Master, and over the years we have become friends.

It has become interesting to me how everyone struggles with something... some have a heavier burden, none of us are burden free. Since I have some life experience Leesa does not, and she has life experience I am attempting to reclaim, we are a perfect match and no topic is off limits...making for a entertaining conversation, including laughter and tears. The frosting on the cake is that I leave looking better to myself than when I arrived.

Today's topic was "love"...not surprising. She is attending a relationship class and shared with me that "I love you" has nothing to do with passion, sexuality, emotionality, etc. Simply defined it means "I recognize and accept you for who you are, and...who you are not". Today's conversation was a little deeper than it regularly is...and gave me a full menu to consider...one of the many reasons I am grateful to call Leesa my friend...

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

San Antonio Bark

San Antonio Bark
San Antonio, like most Cities, has ordinary things that when looked at from a slightly different angle are quite fascinating. This is a picture of a tree trunk with beautiful peeling bark...the color crisp and the texture bumpy.
One thing I have recently noticed about myself is that I have moments of smoothness and moments of feeling bumpy...chemically speaking. I am learning when and what feels best, and am seeking to incorporate this chemistry into my every day life. I am wondering if it is possible to arrive at a place where most days are settled and the overall feelings are one of peace, joy, and fulfillment. I really do get the whole "no pain, no gain" theory...and "how difficult times can help us grow"...
Some day I am looking forward to not needing to gain, and being grown up...

Monday, February 9, 2009

Looking thru Wire

Look thru Wire
I am home from San Antonio...and too tired to load pictures tonight. In looking for something that was meaningful...this is perfect. I bought a book this afternoon for the plane ride home. I love browsing the bookstore, though have difficulty finding books I want to give my time to. I choose a book I had recently heard about...possibly ( I am hate to admit it) on Oprah. In some areas of my life I had had the same view lately as the Horse above!...looking thru something (maybe wire) though overall seeing pretty clearly. 10 pages in to this book, the author described me...and having seen that description helped to make the wire dissolve...one of the most worthwhile plane rides of my life...and there have been many lately.
I am looking forward to finishing this book...not all will apply, though that is okay...my wire is now down....

Sunday, February 8, 2009

San Antonio, Day 2

San Antonio, Day 2
Today was the conclusion of ASDIN...some really great presentations, continued to learn a concept or two...and had a great laugh on the escalator that spilled over into Starbuck's, and made me thankful that my days of watching "Big Bird and the Gang" are over...until perhaps I am lucky enough to share them with my "future?" Grandchildren.
Today I toured the Alamo, and several other sites in the City. This is a picture taken looking up at the Coyote Ugly Bar...and yes the bar looks as if it would be fantastic to dance on...next time with the girls!...and by the way, is there an age limit to tap the wood?!...memories of the Board Room Table, NYC, ANNA, in my last life...when I felt the obligation to answer to someone besides myself...and I was in "trouble"...again, I am off topic...
I love the flags...and the bricks...and the air, aura...etc...look for more pictures in the coming week...

Saturday, February 7, 2009

San Antonio

San Antonio
I am in San Antonio at the Annual ASDIN Meeting...looking forward to seeing sights tomorrow after business is finished...and frustrated that the picture I took last night cannot be uploaded to Blogger...and that I missed posting yesterday...with my schedule that is coming up I am thinking I may miss more days...so may need to "extend" my year!
This is a picture taken last year, in Salt Lake at the ASDIN Meeting...Mary, Dr Brescia and I. Dr Brescia "co-invented" the AV Fistula that I have been studying and teaching about for the past 2.5 years...it was an honor to meet him, and thousands of Renal Patients have benefitted from his work.
Hopefully tomorrow I will have a great picture to post...as I set out to explore this Town...tonight it is networking, and "enjoying" a invitation only dinner...what fun!

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Kate

Kate
Today feels like Friday...tomorrow I am flying to San Antonio. It will be my last time with this Group...and the meeting should be fun. There will also be some time to enjoy the sights, and hopefully see some interesting art, and take some fantastic pictures.
Today I was able to organize my life a bit more, something that is feeling really great, and becoming the norm instead of an intermittent thing. One more room nearly clean and closer to the goal...
This is a picture of my British Shorthair Kate. She is 4...and weighs twice as much in the Winter as she does in the Summer...and it really is weight, not hair. Tonight she is perched on a box spring that is being picked up in a bit by a friend and her husband...she is enjoying her few minutes of seeing the World from a spot above...I am enjoying having one more thing off my list...we both win!

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

A Lone Tree

Lone Tree
Another day, another run, more work, more satisfaction, new challenges , new joy, and a few personal decisions...not a bad haul for 14 hours.
This is a picture I took at the park...one lone naked tree in a peripheral forest. I felt a bit bad for the tree, and thought it might enjoy it's 7 minutes of fame.
Tonite began the process of packing and setting the house for my trip...I have not traveled since January 1st...and feel a bit out of practice...though should be in tip top shape by the end of the month...

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Today's Ramblings...

Today's Ramblings...
Today seemed to ramble by. Not drag, not fly...just ramble...actually pretty comfy. The house is still quiet...and still comfortable...friends who have been through this with me before, are here again...and work will continue to provide my needed distraction.
Words and how they are attached to each other seemed to have extra meaning today...I was told I was interesting...something I take pride in...and do not doubt...though occasionally wonder if this continues to be a good thing...still under evaluation!
This is a picture of a tree that I took in Santa Fe last June. I am not exactly sure why I choose this picture today...I love the density of the bark, and how something that is whole, has more than one look. I also loved the karma of Santa Fe, the clouds, the mountains, the "art", the jazz bar, the dancing, and the secret cigar haven on the way to the bathroom, sitting in the Square, devouring a hot dog that tastes amazing...
I am learning that a trip down memory lane is sometimes a nice diversion...and helps me frame my future...it is easier to know what you know, than what you don't...does this make sense to anyone!!!???



Monday, February 2, 2009

Some Days...

Some Days Rock!
Let's face it...some days rock, and some do not. Today rocked... I usually can pull it together, and it still surprised when that happens in an effortless way...I know this will not be a permanent phase, though I will take it when it comes with thankfulness...
Tonight my house is quiet. My lovely charming daughter has moved out again...though most of her possessions remain in her room. This has happened several times before, and this time is by far the easiest and most peaceful for me. It is time for both of us to continue our individual journey's, though we both know that we are forever woven together, in a way that is special and unusual being Mother and Daughter...she is an amazing person, and one of my life's most important gifts.
This is a picture I took tonight of the Sacramento Community Center. I continue to be amazed at all Sacramento has to offer, and though I have been in this Center many times before, including my Son's High School Graduation, an evening with Josh Groban, Congressman Matsui's Funeral, and various other events, this is the first time, I have seen it in this light...


Sunday, February 1, 2009

Red House

Red House
As I continue my search for a new home, yesterday's trip to the Beach held extra fascination in this Red House. I am not sure what attracted me to it, though I loved the red, the view, and how it hangs on the cliff. I think this represents a different path than I am on as of today...the travel from this house to an airport for work would be difficult...though perhaps in the future when I can spend time not working for money, and solely enjoy painting and shooting...running dogs on the beach, and basking in front of a real fire.
On that note, I did buy a lottery ticket yesterday, and should probably check to see if this life has begun for me...and I just missed it!