My Year in Review

As the close of the year approaches, I am forced to think back at everything I experienced this year:

• A new job that I really like where I have put on several small events, 3 medium events, 4 large events and 1 Biggie-sized event.
  
• A new nephew that is the most adorable thing out there.
  
• The loss of a dear friend
  
• A new roommate who is beyond great to live with.
  
• Met a man with whom I experienced a great deal of love.
  
• A heartbreak where I experienced a great deal of pain.
  
• A wonderful reunion with many childhood and lifelong friends.


• Celebrating with 5 friends who had their first child, 2 friends who had their second and 3 friends (so far!) who will have their first in 2008.
• Celebrating with 2 friends who got married!
  
• Spent several days with friends from out of town.
  
• Climbed a tree 105 ft up then jumped off a platform onto a trapeze.
  
• Intense jaw pain coupled with migraines for the first time ever. (Had nothing to do with the jump)
• Successfully ended counseling after a long, hard, but very-worth-it process!

This might be the best year of my life so far... not because of any one of these particular circumstances, and maybe that's why it was so great. I learned this year that my circumstances don't define my satisfaction, happiness and contentment in life or myself. It's what I spent so many years searching for and finally realized that being content in who I am is seriously all I need. I am able to experience the fullness of the joy and love that come from circumstances, while also embracing the fullness of pain that comes. The difference is that I am no longer scared of the pain... I don't like the feeling... but I have accepted that this is part of life and it's okay and I'm okay, so why not embrace it? It's strange to still feel content even when circumstances hurt. I think one of the most (maybe, THE most) beautiful things God offers in life is to love others and let them love me through the pain, and rejoice with others and let them rejoice with me through the triumphs - and I got to do a lot of that this year! So, here is to a New Year that is guaranteed to be full of joy and pain... the next step to a beautiful journey!

I Didn't Think It Could Happen...

But it did - he just can't stop getting cuter.

I had to post this because I seriously might have the cutest nephew in the world and this picture proves it. And I don't have to be biased to see it... I just happen to be biased... which makes it even better!

Oh... he's standing all the time now too. Check out my sister's blog to hear/see more.

January '09 or Bust!

Here is a list of things I would like to do by January 2009 in no particular order. If anybody would like to help me complete them, I welcome your company (well, depending on who you are). Oh, and I'm sure I'll have more to add:

- white water rafting

- get my jaw fixed*

- go camping in the Sequoias

- go to Carmel, Ca

- go to London

- plan a reunion with college friends

- get a Mac

- get a better camera and take more pictures

- write more

- get a new mattress that's a lot more comfy

- visit my friend in Alaska when the baby arrives

- go to Napa

- learn more

- love better

*This one is a priority. I have an update, I just don't feel like writing about it right now. I will at some point.

Warning: I'm Going to Complain

If you've seen me lately and I look tired, it's because I am.

If you've eaten with me lately and it looks like I'm not eating right, it's because I'm not.

If you've been with me lately and it looks like I hold my face often, it's because I am.

If you've seen me yawn lately and it looks like I want to cry, it's because I do.

If I've spoken with you lately and it looks like I'm in pain, it's because I am.

Here's the thing: my jaw hurts badly. I've had problems with it for the past few years, but in the last 2 - 3 months, it's gotten progressively worse. It keeps me up at night, my shoulders and neck are in constant pain, I'm averaging about 2 migraines a week (some make me puke), I can't talk right because it hurts, I can't even open 1/2 inch so eating a sandwich has become impossible, the crunchiness of vegetables is unbearable, yawning feels like someone is stabbing knives in my jaw, my ear and my temple, I can't even freaking sing in the car! I just want to cry. :(

I've tried everything... nothing works. So, I'm going to see a specialist... hopefully it's repairable. For now, I just needed to complain. Thanks for listening.

Fall?

After 5 years of living in "sunny" California, this is one thing I have learned: When fall comes and it starts to get cold, don't get excited about the weather until the second time it gets cold because it always gets hot at least one more time.

A week ago I had on a jacket and a cute scarf with a huge smile on my face because fall was finally here. Today I have on a sleeveless shirt and jeans and I'm still hot.

A Little Piece Inside

I'm not the girl that things happen for. I don't mean that in a depressing or ungrateful way... things just don't happen for me. One of my best friends and I were at Disneyland recently, watching the parade. Things happen for her. We were discussing that if a "cast member" (D-land staff for those of you not familiar with the term) came up to us and said "we need you two in the parade," she would end up as Tinkerbell... the one that leads the parade atop a magnificent float. The one who every little kid looks up at and waves back, confident that Tinkerbell was only waving at them. I, on the other hand, would end up being the dancing fork in the Beauty and the Beast section; or I would be the back end of a two person donkey costume - with my back hunched over and my hair and sweat falling on my face while I walk for a mile without waving because I have to hold on to the person who is the front end of the donkey, a slightly better role. I know I have a choice here - to be envious or to be thankful that I am in the parade at all.

Here's something that did happen for me though - friendships. This doesn't happen for everyone the way it happened for me and I don't know why I was chosen to get this in life, but man I know I have some of the best friends (this includes family) in the world. Through them I experience so much love, so much joy, so much heartache, so much depth, so much genuine laughter, so much security, so much fullness in life! I have friends who I can be completely myself with, completely honest with and a complete dork with. They challenge me to love deeply and freely; they let me cry hard and go on angry rants knowing it will lead to healing. I have friends who I know love me and whom I love... no matter the distance, no matter the surrounding circumstances, no matter the "life stage." I will forever be grateful that this happened for me. Because of this, I am the happiest dancing fork/donkey's butt in the parade.

On My Bedside Table

This morning I finished this book. I really liked it... so much so that I kept searching the end to make sure it really was the end. I wanted it to keep going. I think there's a movie coming out this month based on this novel.

This evening I started this book. I hear it's good... and it's interesting so far.

I'll let you know how it goes.

Another Grocery Store Run In

So today I ran by the grocery store to pick up a few things for an event that's this weekend. As I'm walking with my cart toward the cash register to pay, a man (33 -36ish years old?) approached me and asks if I could help him with something.

He says quietly, "Can you help me pick out some flowers for me to give to a woman. I just want to let her know that I think she is beautiful."
Being the romantic that I am, I agree.
I ask all kinds of questions, "Are you dating her?"
"No."
"Does she know you?"
"No. Not really."
"Are these flowers a means to ask her out?" (if so... barf. I'm romantic... not cheesy!)
"No. I just want to tell her that I think she's beautiful. Really that's it. I'm just not good at the picking out part."
I think I made some dumb joke that went something like "picking out the flowers or picking out the beautiful woman?" I can't remember what I said but it didn't get a laugh... not even from me. I quickly change the subject - flowers.
So, I tell him to go with the pretty autumn-colored gerber daisies. Not too many as to overwhelm her, but more than one. And gerbers are cute and sweet... not a hugely romantic flower that could potentially scare her away. Yes, I analyzed the flowers. So he (we) picked out 5.

We get in line together... I let him go in front of me because he only had 5 gerber daisies and I had a cart full of things. He pays but continues to chat with me, so we ended up walking out together.
As we're crossing the parking lot I say, "Well, good luck with the flowers. I think she'll love them."
He replies, "Here. I want you to have them." He begins to hand them to me.
Very confused, I say "What? No! I like them but you should give them to her." ("her" never had a name.)
He smiles and chuckles and said, "I think you're beautiful and I was picking them out for you the entire time. I just wanted you to have what you liked."
I must admit, part of me wanted to roll my eyes and say "Gross! This was so cheesy!"
But... I couldn't help but smile. This was one of the sweetest, most sincere gestures ever. "Wow. Thank you. I don't know what to say... I'm very flattered. Thank you."
"Well, I couldn't pass up the opportunity."
I, of course, quickly lighten it up and start rambling about my confusion... I basically retold the entire walk to my car to him as if he hadn't been there. I'm such a dork.
He then says, "It was very nice to me you, ???"
"Andrea." I reply.
"Andrea, very nice to meet you. I'm Brandon. I'm going to go inside now to get my shopping done." He smiled the entire time he spoke.
"Okay. Have fun! Maybe you'll find another beautiful woman in there," I jokingly yell to him as he walks away.
He turns around, smiles and says, "I think you're it. I've never done it before and I doubt I'll do it again. I was shaking the entire time."
He pauses.
"Bye, Andrea."
"Oh, bye Brandon. Have a great day."

And that was it.

So now I have 5 gerber daisies sitting in a little vase on my desk. And every time I look at them... I smile.

Ugh...

My apartment was white. Now it looks tan.
My eyes were white. Now they're red. And they burn.
My car was gray. Now it's gray with a beige coating.
The air was clear. Now it has gray and tan flurries floating everywhere.
Streets were clean. Now there is a pile of ash against every curb.
My lungs were whatever color lungs are. Now they are black.

Here's why:


Yep... this is the air I'm forced to breathe. This photo was not doctored... it was taken on the freeway by my house. You are not seeing fog or clouds. You're seeing smoke and ash... a thick haze - constantly! You know it's bad when you can look directly at the sun in the middle of the day and the only thing that affects your eyes are the ash flurries.

All I want to do is step outside where it is 56 degrees with a clear blue sky and a bright sun and take a deep breath.

We're Surrounded!!

First of all, thanks for all of your emails, phone calls and prayers. I'm sorry if I haven't gotten back to you yet. I'm okay. My family's okay. And there is no extreme danger right now.

But it is crazy here! Crazy! I can't explain in words what it's like. At first I didn't believe it would get this bad (even made light of it)... but it did. The Orange County (arson) fire is very close to my house, now closer to my parent's. We can also now see the San Diego fire making its way north to us... it's a huge blaze in the distance. I came to my parent's house tonight to be sure they were okay. I couldn't believe what I was seeing as I was driving toward their house. So, I got out and snapped some pictures with my mom. These pictures were taken about a block from their house. Keep in mind that they don't capture the intensity of this fire at all!

Several friends have been evacuated and if it keeps up, my parents will most likely have to as well. The good news is that the winds have died down, so it's more likely that they won't. I've had one friend who lost his home in this fire. The damage it's done is just unbelievable.

It seems that everyone is in a state of shock right now; it's all people talk about and think about. It's sad really. However, as cynical as I am about the OC, it's been cool to see the community pull together in this. Some of the rescue centers are full, so people are even opening up their homes to complete strangers. Seriously, thank God this isn't worse than it is. It's definitely horrible to lose a home, I'm sure, but at least the people have remained unharmed. Please continue to keep us all in your prayers.

Ring of Fire

In case you don't watch the news and don't talk to those who do, I just wanted you to know that LA and Orange County are burning down as I speak. One wildfire is only about 5 miles from my house. We're okay though. The smoke smells, my eyes burn and you can see flying ash. And there are hurricane force winds which makes the fires difficult to contain. Yikes!

UPDATE: Now there is a fire in Ladera Ranch... a small city where I work. The fire is less than 1 mile from my office. We'll be fine. But the OC residents are FREAKING out right now. Firefighters are guarding the residential areas and don't forsee any structural damage. Maybe I'll get some outdoor seating at lunch today! :)

NEWEST UPDATE: Now I'm on fire.

My Blog is Oh-So Fun!

In case you haven't noticed, if you look to the right, I have some cool new features on my blog:

1. I have a weekly poll. Please check it out and vote.
2. I have a weekly photo. These will be random... some personal, some not.
3. I have an "I Dreamt Last Night..." section. This, I assure you, will be interesting - sometimes. Sometimes it will be quite funny. Other times it could bore you to tears.

Please enjoy my blog.

Oh, and it won't always be blue... I can only be blue for so long. I'm looking into other things.

Elizabeth Taylor's Wisdom

This is how I'm going to answer the "marriage" question at my 10 year reunion next week.
(I promise that this is worth the entire 22 seconds!)

A Fine Frenzy

Please listen (and watch... but most importantly, listen) because this is really good. It's a good song to cry with.

Love the music.
Love the voice.
Love the lyrics.
Love the emotion.
Love it all.

Men and Details

My friend, Alan, left a magazine at my house a couple of days ago. The magazine is called Details and it's to men what InStyle is to women.

I picked it up tonight to read an article and was thumbing through the pages to get to the actual article, only I couldn't stop thumbing because it smelled delicious. Like a beautiful man.

There must be several advertisements for cologne, but I wouldn't know because I'm not reading... I'm just thumbing... and sniffing.

Mistaken Identity

Tonight I went to the grocery store to pick up a few things (side note: I like grocery shopping at night because it's always so much less crowded). As the checker was scanning my items, a guy walked up behind me... he looked about 23 years old. Out of nowhere he says "oh god!" in a very disapproving way. I looked at him to see what he was talking about and I noticed him looking at me. I gave him a small grin... his response was sighing loudly and rolling his eyes. I was definitely caught off guard and didn't know what he had against me seeing as we were almost done checking out, so I just continued to pay and tried not to think about it.

Then he says loudly, "I hated you in high school."
I looked at him trying to figure out who he was. I didn't know him... I went to high school 2000 miles away. So I say, "what?" to be sure I heard him correctly.
"I hated you in high school," he says even louder without looking at me.
Pause. The checker looks at me as if I should respond.
As I gathered my bags I say, "I'm sure you are justified in your hate toward the girl you think that I am, however, I went to high school in Texas and graduated at least 4 years before you."
He looked at me and his face turned bright red. "I'm so sorry. Oh my gosh... I completely thought you were someone else. I'm so sorry."
I smiled and told him not to worry about it. As I walked off I heard the checker say, "that was probably the funniest thing I've ever witnessed in this job."

I don't know who the girl is he apparently still hates so much, but I think it would be funny to witness the interaction that would take place if he really did run into her. Poor guy... there was a lot of built up hostility there.

So Take A Look At Me Now

My blog needed a makeover, so I gave it one! It's blue.

I also added a few features, so take a look around. And who knows? There may be new surprises all the time!

A Game of Telephone

When my old roommate, Kathlee, moved to LA, she left a few things to "store" at my place because she didn't need them with her... however we get to conveniently use them. She left things like a kitchen table, a refrigerator, a cable modem, a microwave and a few other things. So the other day I get a voicemail from her and I hear her say, "Sorry for the late notice, but I need to come by tomorrow and pick up my table." I was a little bummed because I had a friend coming in town and I didn't want an empty dining room. But, it's her table and she's entitled to it. So I call her back and we chatted for awhile and again I hear her say, "I'll be by tomorrow around 1pm to pick up my table. So sorry for the late notice."
The next day I went shopping for a new table and put a table and chairs on hold because I didn't have a truck to take them home with. However, when I got home that night I found a really sweet note from Kathlee on top of her KITCHEN TABLE. I thought, "how sweet! She decided to leave it because she saw the beautiful bowl that looks so great on it, and the mirror that hangs on the back wall is the perfect backdrop for this table."
I checked my email that night before I went to bed, but my internet wouldn't connect. I tried to discover what the problem was and realized that our modem was missing. What? Why would our modem disappear? Then I realized... OOOhh... Kathlee must have taken our modem, not our table. Now how in the world did I confuse modem and table is beyond me.
The next morning as my new roommate, Cathi, and I were getting ready this exchange took place:

Andrea: "hey, I think I misunderstood Kathlee. She didn't take our table..."
Cathi interrupts: "She took our cable?"
Maybe it was the inflection in her voice, but this still has me laughing to tears. I didn't understand how I confused "table" and "modem" until then. Later that day I was at Target and was laughing out loud so hard while thinking about it, that I had to hold my phone up to my ear so that people would think that I was laughing at someone on the phone. I'm such a dork. BUT, c'mon... who calls a modem, cable???

What I Wish I Could Send

Dear woman at the restaraunt,

The reason why you're two year old daughter hit you was because everytime she tried to walk to the other side of the booth you would strong arm her against the wall and shout "NO!" No offense, but I would hit you too.

The reason why she couldn't answer you when you persistently asked, "why did you hit me? why did you hit me?" is because she's two and you clearly haven't shown her how to use her words.

The reason she was crying was because her mommy was really mean to her and she didn't understand why you were so disapproving... all she wanted to do was sit on the other side of you. I wouldn't tell you why I was crying either - you were scary.

Finally, the reason she couldn't "stop crying and sit like a lady" is because she is TWO... she's not a lady. And thankfully she doesn't know how to shut off her emotions. Keep it up though, and she'll learn quickly to hide them.

I hope I was able to answer the questions that your precious daughter could not.

andrea

My Drive to Work This Morning

My 25 minute drive to work every morning is quite eventful. Here is what I noticed about my drive today:

- 5 cars pulled out in front of me (3 of them got the thumbs up)
- I hit at least 12 red lights
- Witnessed 3 people run red lights
- I passed 8 coffee shops, 6 of which are Starbucks
- Saw 1 car in the car pool lane with only 1 person in the car (and there wasn't even traffic)
- 5 cars annoyingly blocked an intersection
- 1 fire engine passed with siren blaring
- Was puzzled by 1 driver brushing his teeth
- Laughed at 1 driver who sneezed (I don't know why I laughed)

And the best part about my drive to work this morning was the music. I'm stuck with the radio because my ipod was stolen and my cd player suddenly doesn't work. I get tired of all the morning talk, so I ended up on Kost 103.5 - the "love song" station. I would normally never admit that I have a preset to this station, but I LOVED the morning music today! Everytime a new song came on, I would go "YESSS!" and sing along. It defintely kept me smiling during my morning commute. Here is the list of songs I got to sing along to on my way to work:

1. "Rock With You" Michael Jackson
2. "Manic Monday" The Bangles
3. "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" Whitney Houston
4. "Someday We'll Be Together" Diana Ross & The Supremes
5. "Fire & Rain" Babyface (it's odd to me that Babyface covered one of James Taylor's greatest hits... James is much better.)

Is your morning commute as eventful as mine?

Another One Bites the Dust

My friend, Angel, has just joined in the great fun of blogging. You'll be sure to discover some of the best material ever read on her site for a few reasons. A) she's SUPER funny B) she was an English teacher and C) she has a precious family. So check her out! Oh... and I lived with her for three years in college so she has to be cool.

Huh?

Ummmm... poor girl.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JASON!!

This is my brother, Jason, and today he turns 30. So, I wanted to take this time to wish him a very happy birthday! He is a great brother and a great friend... always has been. I've always felt so proud to call him my brother.

My favorite qualities in him:
- He's super funny
- He's a great example of a man with strong character and integrity
- He's real
- He's a great friend to his friends
- He has an incredibly gentle heart
- His depth

My favorite memories with him:
- Taking pictures of each other when we were very young pretending like we were in the middle of something. The best pictures were of him pretending like he was a quarterback. I can't find it to post... sorry.
- Playing catch in the backyard
- Playing football with the neighbors in the front yard
- When we went to a Rangers game on a whim one summer when I was still in high school and he was in college. We bought tickets that were 12 rows behind the dugout and the Rangers were shut out by the Yankees, 22-0. We stayed for the entire game and ended up directly behind the dugout. No fair weather fans here!
- Listening and singing along to 80's love songs. It cracks us up everytime. I call him whenever I hear "Tonight I Celebrate My Love." That one makes us laugh that hardest.
- Our LATE night, deep conversations... we still have them every once in awhile.
- When he moved here about a year ago. I was more that thrilled!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JASON! I can't wait to share more memories with you in the many years to come!
I love you!!!

My Office

Things I love about my office:
1. I have my own and it's a large, spacious room.
2. The colors are very warm and I get to decorate it the way I want.
3. My office is in the back so it's usually the last place people go.
4. I have 2 windows: Out of 1 I can see trees and cars that pass or people that walk by, the other I can see a big field and trees.
5. I have a really big door.
6. It's in a clubhouse, so I'm surrounded by beautiful landscape and 2 pools.
7. I can park right outside; I don't have to shuttle in. (I had to do that at my last job... I know)
8. We get to control the temperature now.

Things I strongly dislike about my office:
1. It shares a wall with a men's public restroom and I can hear everything.

On the Brink

Do you ever get the feeling that you are on the brink of something big? It may not be big in the "big" sense, but it feels big to you. In fact, it feels so big that once you are able to wrap your mind and heart around it, it seems that it could be revolutionary for you.

Well, I'm in that place.

It's something that I recognized a few years ago, but in just the past few weeks I have become intensely aware of this thing in me... and I finally started to get it. It's absolutely terrifying (hence, the vagueness), but I'm beginning to see the other side of this so-called "brink."

And there I find hope.

And We Wonder What's Happening to Younger Generations

I was in a kid's clothing department at a store yesterday and overheard this conversation: (Note: Sierra is maybe 7 years old.)

Mom: Sierra, Oh my gosh! Look at these True Religion jeans. Oh, how cute!
Sierra: Oh wow!
Mom: You've GOT to try them on! They're only $120. Oh look! Look at all those cute Juicy outfits on the back wall. Look Sierra! Oh how cute!
Sierra: Oh ya! Look at the pink one! That's so cute, Mom.
Mom (in a screeching high pitch): Oh, Sierra, you are going to be the coolest one at school! I'm so excited!

Umm... sad.

Apparantly I was Tagged

The Rules:
1. I have to post these rules before I give you the facts.
2. Each player starts with 8 random facts/habits about themselves.
3. People who are tagged need to write their own blog (about their 8 things) and post these rules.
4. At the end of your blog, you need to choose people to get tagged and list their names.
5. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.


So here are the 8 random facts about Andrea:

1. I have 3 separate journals... each for different things. And I keep them fairly hidden because I caught someone reading it once.

2. One of my guilty pleasures is: The Simple Life. I think it's really funny. I actually don't feel guilty about it, so I'll just call it a pleasure.

3. I think I have the cutest nephew alive.


See... Told ya!

4. I have a thing for pens... I love a good pen.

5. My two favorite qualities in my favorite person: authenticity and accepting

6.I've never seen The Princess Bride. It seems that to some people, that's a really big deal.

7. Sometimes I make myself laugh out loud when I sing really loud in the car. Doesn't stop me from doing it though.

8. I'm told I roll my eyes all the time... not in a snobby way, but in an expressive way.


Okay... that's it! I'm going to tag Alissa, Shawna and Cathi.

I'm Just Thinkin'

Just wanted to share some random things going on in my head and/or heart:

• I really want it to rain. I know all my friends in TX are tired of it, but I'll trade you for a week!
• I have some really great friends... friends that let me just be who I am no matter what that may look like... they don't try to change me... they let me just be. I think this is a very sweet gift in life that I never want to take for granted.
• I think it's strange how some people think that being at work means that they work. Seriously... I'm sometimes amazed at the thought of how much could actually get done in a day if everyone actually worked.
• I want to be better at Spanish so I can talk to my friends, Walter and Jose, at work. They are so sweet, they're some of the hardest workers I know and they try so hard to speak to me in English (they do really well!)... but I feel terrible when they apologize because they said something wrong or can't remember a word. I've asked Walter to teach me a new word or phrase everyday.
• I know a lot of people say this... I actually mean it too... I really want to travel more.
• I guess I can do or can imitate funny voices because the 6th person in less than 5 months just told me that I should do voice-overs for animations. Maybe I'll make a voice-over reel and send it to all the big wigs in animation movie land. Then I could make lots of money and travel with all of my wonderful friends to Spanish speaking countries where it rains and siestas are okay. Aw... you get it?
• I've been thinking a lot about a certain fear that exists within me. I feel the need to come up with something clever and poetic to share with you about it so that I can remain in my head and think I'm dealing with it. But, instead I think I'm just going to let myself accept that this is a part of me today. This is hard for me - to live in the present. I'd rather talk about it than actually feel it... but it's only by letting myself accept it and embrace it (for now) that I will ever be able to release it. And I'd rather this... no matter how difficult it is... than to remain numb and nurture this fear within.

Thanks for listening.

And another...

My wonderful friend whom I miss terribly has recently joined Blogland. Click here to check out Kristyn and the entire Holleman clan!

So Sad...

My video ipod was stolen out of my car. Nothing else... just that.

It makes me sad... and angry... and saying things to myself like "it's okay, it's just a thing" isn't helping right now. So, I'm just going to be sad and angry for a bit and I'm okay with that.

I'm Back

But more importantly, my sister and her husband have joined the blogging world! Check them out!

I'll post more later... I'm waiting on pictures.

Look... I'm Sorry!

I've been extremely busy lately and haven't had the time to update! And the little time that I do have, posting a blog hasn't been priority. As soon as my event is over on the 4th, I will update... Promise!

My Dad

Today my dad had surgery to remove his thyroid along with a mass larger than the size of a softball... in his neck! Gross, I know. He's doing great! It looks like he had his throat slit in a gang fight, but I'm sure it will heal nicely.

After today, here's one thing I know:
I love my dad on morphine.

Gross!

Yesterday as I was pulling into a parking lot I saw a man running. And I thought "he looked naked." Then he turned the corner and started running toward my parking spot and I thought "Oh gosh. He is naked!" Then immediately said something out loud like "Gross. Eww. Sick. Why?" Then I saw 2 police turn a corner and run after him behind the shopping center. I don't know what ended up happening and I was okay with not checking it out. I had seen enough.

It's not everyday I see a naked man running around. I know I'd be fine not seeing him again... ever.

Hard Fall = Hard Laugh

Today I watched a 30-ish year old man walk out of Starbucks. Drink in hand. Ray bans in place. Diesel Jeans fit just right. And the I-think-I'm-so-hot-and-everyone-is-watching-me-right-now-and-thinks-the-same-thing attitude that explains his "type." As I watched him walk away I was thinking how that attitude and world view is such a turn off, and suddenly...

HE FELL HARD!

He missed the curb and fell straight on his stomach... in the middle of an empty parking spot, then stood up as fast as he could and walked away as though nothing happened, leaving the now empty coffee cup lying on the pavement. I couldn't stop laughing and neither could anyone else in the area.

Do you laugh when you see someone fall?

Wanna know...

What's been going on in my world lately? Here you go:

- Finished reading Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert (A-)


- Halfway through reading Plan B by Anne Lamott (so far I like her first one, Traveling Mercies, better)



- Went to an indoor shooting range with a few friends where I shot: a 22 (boring), a 45 (scary), a 9mm(perfect), a 9 mm rifle (awkward) and a 12-gauge shotgun (ouch! but VERY enjoyable).


- Purchased 3 new albums - Patty Griffin, Brandi Carlile and Miranda Lambert. So far Patty's is my favorite. But the others are great too.

- Called my sister to tell her Happy Birthday!

- Kathlee moved out - sad! Cathi moved in - glad!


- Going to Palm Springs this weekend and I'm SO excited!

How Rude!

I think one of the rudest things I see people do is leave their shopping carts wherever they feel like it. To me, it literally screams "I am too important and too good to place my cart in the cart-lot where it belongs"... and I HATE self-entitlement. I watched a woman today struggle for 3 minutes to be sure the cart she was leaving in between 2 cars would stay balanced and not roll off or hit one of the cars. She could have walked the cart to the cart-lot (which was only 3 spaces over), walked back to her car and start driving off in that amount of time.

Later I went to pull into a parking space only to discover that a cart was sitting in the middle of the space! So rude! Then when my shopping was complete, I went to pull OUT of my spot only to find out that I couldn't pull out because there was a line of about 20 carts behind me and the poor kid was off collecting others that people were too important to put where they belong.

He shouts "I'm sorry!"

I almost shouted back "No, I'm sorry. People are so rude for not putting them where they go... and now you're stuck cleaning up their mess."

Instead I just said to myself "Just think of it as... job security."

Tuesday's Tribute (on Thursday) - Luke

How precious is my nephew, Luke?! He is now 7 weeks old... man, time flies! I got to visit Alissa, Greg and Luke last week for a few days in Tyler, TX and I LOVED getting to know him! I held him every chance I got... I even loved changing his little diapers. He's one of the most content babies I've ever known - hardly ever cries! I'm so proud of Alissa and Greg - you wouldn't ever know they're first time parents! Leaving him was so difficult; it's hard when the reality of what I'm missing hits!


So sweet! He loves his arms by his face!


This was my favorite... holding him while he sleeps.


Yay! I got to see some of his first smiles! Check out his
dimple... love it!

I miss him so much!

Thursday's Thought - Walls

Walls are built to keep everything out and anything in. I think this is why we sometimes build them around our heart. When we do, we are able to keep out any pain, anger, sadness, rejection, heartache - you know, the "bad" stuff that might come our way. This is good, right... I mean, isn't this the point? Well, when you think about it... by building walls we also keep away all the "good" stuff too - all love, joy, acceptance, happiness, fulfillment, peace, etc. Not only this, but we've now trapped in the "bad" stuff that came before the walls did... after all, they provided the tools to build it in the first place.

So it seems that by building these walls, though we may be able to avoid pain, we avoid so much LIFE! I wonder what would happen if we chose the journey that gives us the tools to break down these walls. Maybe we would learn to accept anything that comes our way, even if it includes pain. I wonder if we didn't have these walls, if we would be able to not live in fear of the "bad" stuff. I wonder if then, these realities - the pain and the joy, the heartache and the love, the stifled and the freedom... will remind us we're alive! And just maybe we will be able to let go of our tendency to control reality and rest in the freedom that allows us to just... be.

Tuesday's Tribute - Alan

I decided to pay a special tribute to someone or something every Tuesday.

This Tuesday's Tribute is for one of my favorite people in all the land: Alan.

Let me tell you a little bit about Alan. If I had to describe Alan in only three words, they would be: Loyal, Witty and Intelligent. He has a very unique life story - one worth knowing. He is an "aspiring writer," but I know he's going to make a living at it one day - he is incredibly gifted. He's one of the wittiest people you'll ever come across... extremely funny! I like making him laugh because a) he has a great laugh and b) he's a tough audience in that he only laughs if it really is funny. He's one of my favorite people to people-watch with and he hates grammar mistakes as much as I do. He's exceptionally authentic (which is a quality I value in anybody). My life is definitely richer with him in it.

Let's take a look at my sweet friend:

Blonde Alan... so hot.



Our sunglass ad.




I posted this one especially for him.



And this is my absolute favorite picture of Alan... it's so him.

Love you, Alan!

The Oakland Craze

This is hilarious! I love Bubb Rubb!

The Best Invention

Yesterday someone asked me what I thought the best invention was. At first I said the internet - for obvious reasons. I quickly changed my answer, "Wait, no! The computer! 'Cause without the computer you wouldn't have internet plus you get all the other handy things." The more I thought about it, I realized that without electricity you wouldn't have a computer and so on. I decided to stick with the computer before I spun around too much in my circle of thought.

But then I got a massage last night. And I decided that that was the best invention ever - a massage. And I'm stickin with that one!

What do you think the best invention is?

This made me laugh my Ask off

Click here to hear a 3 year old's warning to monsters

Mistakes that make me sad

Tonight I made a terrible mistake. I was craving kettle corn, so I popped some. With great anticipation, I extended my arm toward the bowl and picked up a few fingers-ful of the warm, fresh corn (have you ever tried to just eat one at a time? doesn't work.) At first bite, I thought "hmm... that wasn't very sweet." So I reached in again expecting a burst of sweet-and-salty deliciousness... and again, it wasn't what I wanted.

I realized I popped regular popcorn... this realization quickly led to a pout from my bottom lip.

My favorite part of the day

At my job, in the absence of our "front desk girl," I may have to deal with a resident who walks into our office (which is in a clubhouse) now and then. I often have many ridiculously time-wasting conversations. So here is what happened today:

Resident walks in with her 4 year old son. Andrea rises from her chair in her office where she was focusing intently on the task at hand and makes her way towards the resident to welcome her. (It is important to note that Andrea's office is in the VERY back of the clubhouse.) As she moves into the lobby, the following conversation occurs:

Andrea: Hi, How are you?
Resident: Hi, yes. We have swimming lessons today at this clubhouse. Is that at the pool?
Andrea (inwardly): I'm gonna go ahead and let you figure that one out.
Andrea (outwardly): Umm... yes, it is.
Resident: Great, thanks! Come on Hunter. I guess it is at the pool.

Time wasted!

I'M AN AUNT!!!

My sister and her husband (Alissa and Greg) had their baby - Luke Gregory Melton! He was born on Wednesday at 3:30 and weighs 8lbs, 1 oz and is 20 3/4 inches long - BIG baby (he was originally due on April 1)! I was in California still and was an emotional wreck because all I wanted to do was be with my sister (I have an event this weekend I have to be at). She had a very difficult labor and was in alot of pain (almost 24 hours in the hospital before he was born). He wouldn't move even though she was contracting every 3 minutes for 45 sec to 1 min. So they finally induced before she got drugs in her body which I guess was just horrifying! She was finally able to sleep some after they finally got drugs in her poor body. The greatest thing was that my mom called me while she pushed so I could hear it all. His cry was so beautiful... and she says all the pain was worth it as soon as she saw him! Though I was sad I wasn't physically there I was so glad to be there over the phone. He's beautiful and healthy and has the cutest dimple! I'm going out in a month to help her out (we're all taking turns!) so I'm sure I'll have more pictures!

The Best Dream Ever... as I see it

Last night there were these awful and dangerous people running after me . I was running away from them really fast so they wouldn't kidnap me... I didn't know why they wanted me but something in me knew I had something they wanted. Suddenly, from around the corner Jack Bauer appeared on a shiny black horse (full speed) with a gun drawn at the people chasing me. He called my name and then grabbed me and mounted me on the horse with him and we took off. He took me home (which, by the way, was a much nicer house than I have now).

"Jack, how did you know where to find me?" I asked.

"CTU has been tracking you, Andrea. I've personally been waiting for this day." he replied.

Then we kissed in my living room.

About 10 minutes after my alarm went off I said out loud, "I just kissed Jack Bauer." And had a really good laugh.

Andrea Petty look-a-like

Okay... occasionally I have been told that I look like Jessica Simpson. I have never thought I looked like her at all, and I don't really like her public persona (that's all I know though) so I've never wanted to look like her. But then today somebody sent me this picture... and I actually had a freak out. Even my mom got confused and thought that I sent her a picture of me - she didn't realize this picture isn't of her own daughter! The funniest part about this particular picture is that the caption under the picture (it wouldn't transfer over) said: "Jessica Simpson is so plain these days." Ha ha ha ha!

Cold office... warm body

I think there is some American law that says that every office space must be extremely cold so as to provide one more reason to make employees want to bolt. Our office is always cold. The temperature is set at 72, but our thermostat is in a ventless room that houses our printer, copier, computer server, and other heat generating electronics; naturally it's several degrees warmer in there. So, while our electronics remain comfortable, we FREEZE! To prove to you how cold it is, I put a pic of a man, uh... Joe, who works with me in the office. I have a space heater by my feet and another space heater that oscillates throughout my office to keep me warm. But it's still not enough. So today, in a last ditch effort, I brought my heating pad to work with me. Yes, my heating pad with a sweet 1973 looking slip cover (orange, maroon, yellow floral pattern) - it's awesome. And I'm finally warm! I look like a complete idiot because every 10 mins I'm moving my heating pad to a new location on my body that suddenly shouts "Over here! I'm cold!" So, I obey and place grandma's heating pad on that location. I am warm; I am happy; and I have prevailed once again over their attempt to make me uncomfortable.

The Big Mystery

So, I come to work this morning at 8:20 (a little later than usual)... either way, I'm usually the last one here before our receptionist arrives at 8:30. However, today I am all alone - and I have no clue why. Where is everyone? Is it a holiday that I didn't know about? no. Was there a meeting that I forgot? nope. For the last hour I've been trying to look for clues. It appears my boss,Sue, was here earlier because her computer is turned on. Joi and Tanya's computers are off so they haven't been here. Nobody's car is here so it's not like they all left together for a Starbucks run. I kinda feel left out... but I don't know from what. What do I do? Oh... our receptionist just walked in. He doesn't know anything either. So now it's me and Jeff... which fortunately makes me feel safer. I must get back to playing detective. I'll keep you updated (as if you really care). If you never hear from me again... dial 911.

Welcome to the 21st Century!!

I have finally entered the 21st Century. For the last 2 years I have not had cable, which means that I've had "bunny ears" to help me get only fuzzy pictures of the major stations (abc, nbc, fox - the rest were not clear enough to watch). Well, yesterday we gave in and got cable installed and I am so excited! I don't know what to keep the channel on! I went from 3 choices to over 100! Maybe in 2020 I'll get TiVo!

Seriously?

Check out this article:

http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/homepage/abox/article_1596265.php

What??

Headaches... as I see it (or not)

I have been getting headaches everyday... bad ones! It's been going on for probably a month now. I've gotten so used to it that I forgot it was abnormal. On Monday I realized this is not normal! I could have a serious issue - a brain tumor, a really bad sinus problems, back issues, jaw issues - I started having a mini freak-out. Instead of rushing to the doctor, I decided to do some research. So starting Monday afternoon I documented everything I ate and did. I don't have a heavy caffeine intake so I knew it couldn't be that. Was it something I ate? Was it just bad sinuses? But I don't have other sinus symptoms. I was convinced it was because of the tension in my back and neck... but I've always had that ever since I broke my coccyx (tailbone) in college.

Aha! Finally, I found a pattern! But it didn't make sense. The pattern was this:
2pm - Headache would set in
3pm - Ibuprofen
4pm - I want to comfort myself from the pain so I go to our break room and just sit and rub my head... specifically my temples.
5pm - I would leave work rushing to get home so I could rest my head
5:20 - Arrive at home unable to do anything with this headache
6pm - Finally, my headache is gone!

That's how it has been everyday!! However I think I discovered the problem last night! I got these new vitamins and was reading the back of the pill bottle. Only I couldn't read it... it was really blurry! So without thinking I continued to stretch out my arm, bottle in hand, until it was at a comfortable distance to read. Logic set in! It's my eyes! I no longer have 20/20 like I have always had and this is causing my headache (mixed w/ the dumb fluorescent lights in my office! Hate em!). So I decided to make a doctor's appt to confirm my diagnosis. I'm excited I discovered the problem (I think!) and I'm excited to pick out a cute pair of reading/computer glasses. The best part is... I was my own doctor! I didn't have to have a bunch of tests run, blood work, doctor's appts, etc in order to discover the issue. I just used my head (no pun intended)! Uh-oh... I hope I didn't just jinx myself by speaking too soon... what if it actually is a brain tumor?

My 3 Day Weekend

I had a great weekend! Here's why:

Saturday:
- slept in til 9:30 then Natalie came over at 12 (side note: I am so thankful for Natalie. Her friendship is one of the most important things in my life.)
- We laid out for a couple of hours. While laying out, we chatted - and with Natalie, "chat" means that not only did we "catch up," we talked about the deeper parts of our hearts in regards to current events in our lives, pains in our lives, joys in our lives... the good, important stuff. We sipped on delicious pomegranate juice blends from Starbucks and snacked on Pirates Booty and honey wheat pretzel sticks. We read magazines. I got ink on my stomach from the magazines so I got frustrated and threw my magazine down as if I was punishing it. We listened in on the conversation between 2 men that were nearby. They talked about sports, retirement plans and housing costs. It's funny to notice the difference between our conversations!
- We went to our respective places and got ready. I then went to Natalie and Adam's house, our friend Gene joined us for a quick bite at ESPN Zone at Downtown Disney and then we saw Breach. It was an okay movie... slow at times, but I'm glad I saw it.

Sunday:
- My dear friend, Alan, came over around 2.
- We had a delicious (late) lunch while watching Steel Magnolias. I cried my eyes out. He teared up a little too.
- I made cookies and he ate 7/8 of them
- Alan is an incredible writer, so I read some of the stuff he's been working on most recently. I cried at one of them, laughed at another. We also made fun of this guy's short story that's in a Creative Writing workshop Alan is taking - it was one of the worst, most incredibly inappropriate thing I've ever read. And the grammar was horrible which is a HUGE pet peeve! All this to say, we had great fun at this guy's expense - we're so much better than this guy! :)
- Alan and I then went to Starbucks where he made changes on a short story he wrote and I read Blue Like Jazz. This is one of the best books I've read! I highly recommend it if you haven't already read it! I'm almost finished and I love it - I'm learning so much from it and it's fun to read! Anyway, this book was causing me to think about the complexities of my life... and life in general... which I began to voice to Alan (of course). This started a one hour conversation about the difference between "doing" and "being" and about the walls we (humans) put up to protect ourselves because we don't feel worth loving. Sadly this leaves us missing out on love, because we don't let others love us - including God. Great conversation...

Monday
- Went to Natalie's house
- We spent the day at Disneyland - haven't been in awhile. We had a lot of fun! We were both in mellow moods, so it was actually quite relaxing.
- Had dinner at Islands
- Went back to her place where we researched stuff on the computer and watched a little tv.
- I went home and was in bed in time to get a full 8 hours of sleep!

What did you do?

My Team... as I see it (and now you)

I just wanted to introduce everyone to my team... I love my team! In case you didn't know - I am the Events Coordinator for all of the Ladera Ranch special events - and I LOVE it! We are all so different but the team chemistry is great... we laugh alot - which is important to me.

(front to back): Sue (my boss); Joi; Cheryl; Tanya; Andrea

ps - Sorry about the image # on the bottom - our photographer puts that on for obvious reasons and I was too impatient to wait for the "real" ones.

Valentines Day... as I see it

Happy Valentines Day to all! This is an awkward holiday to me... here's why:

If you're single, it doesn't affect you much except when people ask you:
them: "so what are you doing for Valentines Day?"
you: "Uh... nothing, really."
awkward silence.
them: "oh. well don't worry, sweetie. Mr/Ms Wonderful will come along someday."
you (inwardly): "a) not worried; b) don't act like you think I should have what you have"
you (outwardly): awkward laugh

If you're newly/kinda dating/hanging out with someone...
girls: should you expect something on this day of "love?" I mean, do you set the day aside just in case he wants a Valentine. When he does, do you get him something? Is he going to get you something? What if he doesn't and you do and he reads too much into it and breaks it off with you? Are you ready for that? If he does get you something and you don't, then you feel bad and can't enjoy it all because you think he might think you are no longer interested in him.
guys: do you do something? This is a lot of pressure for you. It's your first Valentine's Day with her... but what if it's the last? Okay... so you want to do something that tells her you really dig her. But what if it's too much - what if you do a super nice, romantic dinner and flowers and the whole shebang? Is she gonna read into it too much - I mean, you're not giving her your heart, but what if she thinks you are. Or what if she just freaks out in fear and runs out of dinner with you. So, you decide to tame it a little... but this is a lot of money. What if it ends up not working out with her in a couple of weeks. You don't want to spend this much money if it's just gonna go down the drain in a couple of weeks. So you just say "hey, wanna hang out tonight or something?" Let's face it - she's gonna leave you anyway.

If you're married:
Whatever has happened in Valentines past, must have worked because you're still together. But let's face it... it's not easy coming up with something annually that's new and expresses your absolute adoration and unconditional love for your spouse. And who plans it? Usually he does, but remember when she did? That was nice. But he can't ask because that's not spontaneous and now she knows you don't want to plan it. So maybe she'll offer, but what if she doesn't? And what are you going to get her? You can't afford more jewelry but you don't want her to think you love her less this year. Aha! You've had your eye on that plasma screen tv for awhile (who cares the cost!)... hey, she watches tv too - she'll love it! So you're set. Now, missy, what are you going to get your husband? Last year he gave you that beautiful diamond necklace and you got him boxers with hearts on it and that book about how to love you. Even after all your apologies you still feel bad so you have to go big this year. Maybe that stupid plasma screen he's been talking about will do... wait - it's too expensive...

Thus, I've decided to look at Valentines Day like any other day. And if something happens that's special, then I'll be able to appreciate it without all the anxiety and "what if's". (But secretly I'll just hope).

My Voice... as I see it

So... this is my first post on my first blog ever! I'm excited... and somewhat nervous because there's still so much to learn about the blogging world.
I feel the need to talk about the purpose of my blog. My blog exists to let you into my world... as I see it (hence the name). That sounds like a mission statement - it wasn't intended to be, but maybe I'll keep it as such because it sounds so professional. Over the last couple of years I've learned that not only do I have a voice - I have a voice that matters... at least to me, and that's all that matters. That is why I'm excited to share bits of me with you. I hope to make you laugh, make you cry and make you think. Because that's what I do in my world. So, here's to my voice, my world and my blog. Enjoy!