The First of Three...

I just got home from the Linkin Park concert, the first of my three concerts for this week. Have I ever mentioned that I LOVE Linkin Park? They are definitely in my top 3 or 4, but actually in my top 2! And every time I see them in concert, I love them just a little more! And even with Chester having been really sick the past few days, they were rock solid!

Tonight was special, because Ian and I took his best friend Pavlo to the show...his first big concert ever! It's so funny to think of a kid going to his first big show at 18, when Ian started at about 3, but I guess it depends on the entertainment tastes of the parents! And anyway, last summer-ish my sis and I took Mary, who is 23, to her first show.

The best was Ian...a group of guys next to us tried to start a mosh pit, so Ian took me by the shoulders and moved me to his other side; he stood firm, with arms crossed waiting for one of them to give him a reason to fight. He was so protective, and was constantly watching me to make sure no one bumped me...for as much of a shit as he has been, he does have a few positive qualities.

Thank you to both boys for being funny and protective and for talking about EVERYTHING in front of me...and by the way, girls don't really like being called those things...

L.A. Olympics 1984, and what comes after...

I have no photos for this one, because the thing that motivated me to blog was the end of something that happened in a different life, although it was definitely my life.

My sweet cousin Bethy called me tonight and said, "I have something weird to tell you, and you need to know that if you ask questions my answers will all be...I don't know." She told me, "Jon S_____ was found dead last night at the Beverly Hills Hotel."

He was the son of my dad's younger brother's oldest friend. He was 50 years old. We met during the Los Angeles Olympics, and had a brief and wild thing. It was the 80's and life was about the party...the never-ending party. It ended when I realized he was battling addictions and that living 3000 miles apart wasn't working for either of us, and that any woman in his life would always live in the shadow of his deceased mom. And sadly, I respected my almost-husband's request to not speak to Jon...this is a regret.

When I think of Jon, I think of the Beverly Hills Hotel. I think of the first night we met, at Morton's, and being instantly so comfortable we were sharing food. I think of the champagne bar that was in BH, that we used to frequent, but which I can't remember the name of. I think of Bruce Springsteen. I think of the most lovely NY restaurants and bars and after-hours clubs. I think of the Quilted Giraffe. I think of excess. I think of how different his life would have been if his mother hadn't died of cancer so many years ago. When I think of Jon, I remember good times...I remember sadness at the end, and I will always remember what a special man he was.

My heart goes out to the family, and to all who knew and loved Jon. However, he is now with his mother, and will truly rest in peace.

OBSERVATIONS

Are you wondering about these photos? What they have in common? The answer is so obvious to me...but that's because all of these represent things that ran through my mind this morning!

Ian called me to tell me about "Rob & Big", the television show, that is in the second week of the new season. He had to tell me about Spiderman on the show and the "net gun" Rob bought and them paying an Elvis impersonator and seeing Big on a Vespa...yada yada yada; it was just so freakin' funny! It reminds me that I have a great kid! That he is twisted like his mama, and that he has a great sense of humor and of himself. He, too, is a major work in progress! In February we will be returning to Weight Watchers!

On the way to work, on Ventura Blvd, is a drive-thru Starbucks...I hate them/ I love them! When I had to get out of the car and think about standing in line, it was just as easy to make coffee at the office. But no, they did it to make me realize I am the laziest person on this earth!

And the pedestal is part of a huge secret I can't share, but I can't completely ignore! Those who have known me long consider me the black hole when it comes to secrets! I take them seriously, and they go no where! Anyway, last night I learned something about someone I love, that made me want to put her on this pedestal. She has given someone I love an opportunity beyond imagination, and I must salute her in this very simple way. When this information is share-able I will, and you will understand to need for privacy. You are the woman I aspire to be.

Happy Wednesday! And to those of you who have off Monday for MLK's b'day...I hate you!

Back Surgeries or Lobotomy?

I know I had back surgeries...scars to prove it! But last night I did something I've not done EVER! I craved waffles!

Ian and I climbed into bed to watch "Ratatouille" after he ate dinner, and when it was over he had to go on to the next part of the evening (friend drama). I realized I was hungry, so went looking for something to fill the gap. I opened the freezer and there were Ian's Eggo waffles...so nothing I would ever even consider! I don't eat carbs on their own ever. I must have protein to satisfy me. I dislike sweets. But they yelled at me and I caved! I nuked the butter. I nuked the syrup. I toasted the waffles crisp. I poured a huge glass of milk... and I ate 3 waffles! I'm sure I've filled my waffle quota for the next 5 years, but OMG they rocked my world!

So I guess tonight I won't eat the brioche bun for my burger, just so I can eat ALL of the sweet potatoe fries!

Just wanted to share a little piece of me! xo

A WHOLE MONTH...

It has indeed been a month since my last entry, and I am a clear flake! Wow, even without work, life was hectic...or, oh yeah, I didn't have the energy to even sit at a computer!

Even with my aches and pains, my December was heavenly and I loved seeing my friends...and January started off perfectly.

Today is my first REAL day back in the office (planning 6 hours instead of the previous 1-2), and I'm swamped! Will blog later with photos and notes and a recap of a great month!

Just a quick happy new year hug and letting you all know tha you have been amazing, and that my friends are the gift I've worked 45 years to earn! I love you all!

Another Restless Night

It's 4:20a.m., and I seem to see this hour often lately! I wake around 1a.m. and can't seem to get back to sleep...my legs ache, my bed is uncomfortable, the dogs are restless...and I can't find a good spot. So here I am making coffee, and hoping I can find a more comfortable spot then the one I'm in! And thinking I'm hungry so maybe I'll make b'fast.

But yesterday Ian took me for clean hair and a little retail therapy (his), and sweet Bucket came to visit! I'm so happy to report that her aunt's tumor isn't cancer, and that they will shrink it with radiation...not ideal, but certainly the better alternative!

Today my dear friend Janice is coming to take me out to lunch...and Colleen will come later for some comic relief.

Doctor tomorrow...shower in my future? Fingers crossed!

I am still slow, and taking everything slow! I can't even say it's killing me, because it isn't as if I have a choice...my body simply won't let me.

I hope you all have an ache and pain free day!
xo

Another Week in a Life...

Here it is Monday, December 3rd. I entered this hospital 1 week ago...how is it I'm still here? Well, surgery Monday. Surgery Tuesday. Wednesday didn't really exist. Thursday couldn't get out of bed without being dizzy...finally got some liquids other than IV. Friday still floppy..barely walked, and managed to poop(so proud). Saturday walked to the nurses desk, a little soft food and the day was over. Sunday walked 3 times around the floor and had my sweet mommy and daddy come visit...then my adorable devil-friend Colleen, and finally my bro and sis-in-law...and walked another 8x around.

And here we are at Monday again.The doctor will be in today and will tell me when I get to break out!

I feel great, but am slow. My hair is disgusting, and I'd KILL for a shower (and you know I would).

GUESS WHAT! Doctor was just here...I'm going home!