amid the stars

what a wonderful feeling... to get all dressed up, sit amongst others in gowns, suits and tuxes... enjoy a fabulous meal and endless glasses of wine, dancing the night away to a live orchestra band that never missed a beat as the stage spun with a glowing dome of shimmering lights above. it truly was an event.

the awards show lasted 4.5 hours, so yes... a bit long, but there was some good commentary through it all and plenty to take in. Of course, I'm really not on top of who's who or have even seen many of the shows that were awarded, so I really couldn't list off many names to you all... but it was the creative arts Emmy awards that we attended, in which it was all of the behind the scene people who were being recognized. But regardless of names or the TV glamour, being all dressed up amidst the ambiance of it all, I felt like a star... and really, if you all would have seen Laura, I could confirm that she was glowing... Her long emerald green gown (a fabulous market find) was perfect, she looked fabulously famous.

so yeah, just the story to add to my Hollywood life. I do have to laugh at the fact that next week we'll be camping in the woods with the bears in Yosemite national park... so we'll hang up the dresses and pack the old t-shirt and blue jeans. Oh I just love the variety that California brings.

someone pinch me

yeah, I've come to wonder sometimes if I just need to be woken up.... as if the life I'm living is really all a dream.

this past weekend for example...

Friday I spent with Dan. We enjoyed the evening at the Getty Museum, which if you don't know or haven't been, it's really a creative's paradise, it's own fantasy land so beautifully design, "so smart" as I'd often describe it. Dusk is definitely the perfect time to go too, as you can see the sun set over the ocean, the light reflecting against the mountains, just as the city's skyline begins to lighten up.

Saturday was a trip with Laura and Fern (one of Laura's interior design clients) up to Big Bear Lake.... in which we were able to experience almost every type of weather imaginable on the drive up. It was so great to leave the city where the temp was over 100° and see a rain storm (one of the great things I miss about the midwest). It was a wonderful taste of fall and the views were most spectacular.... the lake as clear as glass, the reflection of the mountains covered with evergreens. Amazingly enough, Fern so happens to have a place up there that's the perfect little ski cabin if you could ever imagine one. All of this just a two hour drive out of the city... not bad, especially when the very next day I was enjoying the sun and the sound of the waves as I rollerbladed along the coast. gotta love California.

oh, and not to gloat... but this coming Saturday, Fern invited Laura and I to join her to the Creative Emmy Awards. Yes, the real thing, red carpet and all. We have a great reason to get all dolled up, wearing beautiful gowns, to sit in a booth amongst the TV stars. crazy I know.

ouch... did you just pinch me?

becoming me

to beat the heat (it was 101 today) I walked to the $3 theater to see Becoming Jane which if you are unfamiliar, was the movie that told the life story of author Jane Austen. It was good. I still love the "Pride and Prejudice" movie much more... and that probably set my expectations high.

I did come home wanting to write, wishing I could be good at it, understanding words and how they can be paired together so well to create elaborate statements or capture such true emotions and thoughts.

Of course, and this blog is a good example, I struggle to write well, but I must say, I'm proud of my small attempts and am glad I do so....

I love dates

... I'm talking about the kind you eat. There was a box of them in the kitchen galley at work as they were left over from the amazing warm pecan date tart that was just tested.

I decided it would make a good post title though because Laura just said the other day that she hates dates.... and I'll let you know she wasn't really referring to the kind you eat.

It made me think about how similar the different meanings to the word date really are. Dates look awkward, brown and mushy in appearance... a good visual representation of that awkward and uneasy feeling of a first date. Of course, after you get over the notion that it is a bit sticky, once you take a bite, you can realize that they are quite sweet, especially if you found a good one.... as there are a few varieties out there.

accomplishments (?)

In my post below you'll find the words to a homily I wrote and gave to the St. Catherine's of Sienna Church community. I was a senior at Drake and it was the last Sunday before graduation and Fr. Jim asked if I would give the homily for the senior farewell mass. I remember being in finals frenzy and most of my time was actually being put into the preparation of this homily, it was almost a bit nerve wrecking as I didn't think I'd have much advice to give, but I do remember being very well pleased with the whole experience.

I pulled up the word document that it was saved in tonight as recent conversations and church this morning had me thinking about many of the things I remember referring to. So I read the gospel and my own words again, over two years later, and now I can't help but wonder, have a really accomplished anything?
Yes, I'm using my degree, as I have a great job working as a designer for a great magazine.
But what about accomplishing the works of God? That one's tough. and I have to wonder, are we ever really suppose to know if we've actually accomplished this?

I've allowed myself to believe that impacting just a single someone's day, whether it's a large act of kindness or a simple smile, or just being an everyday example of Christ is a way in which I can slowly start to accomplish the works of God.

Upon realizing that it was 2 years ago now that I was questioning these things, for a moment I was in shock, feeling disappointed as I haven't gotten very far... but then I thought about the people I've met since then, and while I really don't know if I've made a difference at all, I do know that I've learned a lot from the people I've met and the relationships that have continued to developed and really, it's all a bit like baby steps as I continue to learn more about myself, my talents and the best way in which I can give back and accomplish the works of God that he has set out for me.

I will say that it's also interesting to re-read my words in regards to my home at St. Kate's, as it really was a wonderful place for me, and moving away from it, I find myself yearning for that community again, but as I'm questioning what church is for me, through my quest to find it, I do believe the questions, doubts, and new church going experiences are helping me to discover the Lord on a different level, even though sometimes I maybe frustrated with it all and feel I've drifted away.... in the end, I know it's all going to help me find God on a deeper level.

Homily for May 8th, 2005

St. Catherine's of Sienna

Gospel Reading: John 17:1-11

I have become very familiar with the gospel that Fr. Jim just read, after reading it numerous times this past week as I am truly honored to have been asked to prepare the homily for today. So I’m going to start by touching on a few of the things from the gospel that really meant a lot to me.

The one line that really stuck out for me was when Jesus said;
“I glorified you on earth by accomplishing the work that you gave me to do.”

Accomplishment… a word I can currently relate to. In one week I, along with other seniors here today, will receive my degree. We have successfully completed the education we came to Drake University for.

While I am proud of this accomplishment, I can’t help but think about the accomplishment that Jesus was referring to.
That is, performing the works that God set out for him.

Knowing that a lot of changes will be taking place in my life, as I complete one stage and begin to start another, I’ve been thinking about this a lot.

I would love more than anything to accomplish the work of God.
I have currently been struggling with trying to understand exactly what it is He has planned for me to do.
Can all the hard work I’ve put into receiving my degree actually be used to accomplish the work that God has in mind?

While I was in El Salvador, I actually had a conversation with Father Jim about this. I was addressing my concern that I know that God had blessed me with an artistic talent, but found much frustration with the idea that I couldn’t use my talent to help those in need.

I wanted to do so much, but felt so helpless and uncertain of how I could even attempt to make a difference.

It is very interesting how God works. The very next day, the ten year old daughter of the lady with whom we were staying with had some crayons and we enjoyed each other’s company by coloring together. I drew for her two pictures of these beautiful flowers that her mother had on the table. She was so thrilled about the picture I was drawing, that she would actually take it away from me and run into the other room to show her mother and bring it back so I could continue to do more.

That evening, I was able to speak with Bob Cook and during our conversation; he realized I was the artist the young girl was talking about.

Even though he was unaware of the thoughts I was struggling with, he went on to comment on how wonderful my talent is, stating that art highlights the beauty in the world and this brings happiness to others.

While I still don’t know for sure what I’ll actually be using my degree for, his words provided me with the reassurance I needed to hear.

Personally, I know I like the gratification of directly helping someone…
but I’ve come to understand that we aren’t always going to see the impact of our work.

I do believe that it is important to have that desire to do God’s works though. As it is said in Thomas Merton’s “Thoughts in Solitude,” a prayer to God,

“I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing.”

With this in mind, I can’t help but think that God has a plan for me…
even though I don’t know what or when, at some point in my life,
I’ll be able to accomplish the works he has set out for me.

I did realize that there are probably moments that we are doing the works of God but are unaware of it, or may not realize the effects until a later time.

For example, two summers ago, thanks to all of you, I was able to attend the Campus Ministry Leadership Institute in Ames along with Katie Schmitz and Chris McDonnell.

We were the first group of students to attend the CMLI camp and we went in with the goal of really building up the community here at St. Catherine’s and increase student involvement.

Well, it was just this past December when we had 75 students show up for the 9 o’clock p.m. student mass that Katie and I couldn’t help but look at each other and smile. It was great to see all the hopes we had for this place were actually taking place.

As it is mentioned in the Gospel, Jesus talks about his experience of sharing the word of God with his disciples.

I am so grateful to have this place to belong to. It is here that we are able to share the word of God as a community.

As the disciples in the first reading gathered together to pray, this is the place we can gather and pray.

When I first came here four years ago, it was through your welcoming smiles and kind words that encouraged me to get involved… and I am so glad I did. Through all the Sunday morning gatherings and various other visits during the week, I’ve truly come to feel at home.

While the refreshing sense of hope I get each Sunday is my favorite part, I can’t help but appreciate all the moments I have been able to come here in search of answers.

It’s through these moments that I have been able to share in many great conversations about our faith, leading to many great friendships,
and the desire to know more about God.

In the Gospel today, Jesus states this as being eternal life:
knowing God, the only true God.

What an accomplishment that would be…
to understand God at a personal level, experiencing the perfect love of God.

Through Jesus Christ, we are allowed to know God as our Father
¬—a Father who loves us completely and unconditionally no matter where
we are in our lives.

Whether you are just beginning to understand who God is or are looking to know Him more personally, I like the words that Fr. John Grace shared with us at one of the retreats held here this winter,
“I believe in a God who believes in me as I am right now!”

It is important to see the compassion of God, a Father who will not abandon us in our times of struggle.

We need to recall though, that as a Father, we also need to glorify Him. Jesus demonstrated this with his obedience and willingness to die on the cross for us.

Through His prayer to the Father, in the Gospel today, Jesus speaks of being glorified. He first mentions that he has glorified the Father, and then asks for the Lord to glorify him.

He then prays for his disciples, for it is through them that he has been glorified.

As Jesus goes on to pray for the disciples, he understands that they belong to God. It was God who gave them to Him. He was blessed with their fellowship to share the word of God with and now he was praying for them,
Asking that they could be one in Him.

It is at this point that I want to pray for the community of St. Catherine’s. God has blessed me with this place and I know that you all are from God.
As Jesus stated that he will no longer be in the world—as we celebrate His Ascension today, I can’t help but think of how shortly a few of us will be leaving this place.

I want to thank you for all you have done for me these past few years. St. Catherine’s will always hold a special place in my heart. It is my home away from home and I know I’ll be back.

Thank you.

goofy pleasures

there are somethings I do during the day that afterwards I just have to smile and shake my head at myself. For one, yesterday morning while heading to work, I definitely smiled and said "hello Theo" out loud as I approached my car. I know, it's odd. But I just gave him a bath the day before and he looked so cute in the morning sun.

then the other night, and this happens more often then I probably would like to admit, I spent part of the evening in my closet (along with Laura's), planning out new outfit combos that I can wear. I'm so excited about some of the new possibilities that exist now that I live with Laura.... now only if we wore the same shoe size.

where's my motivation?

I don't know if it's just me, but it seems like I go in and out of slumps. I realize I haven't posted in awhile, and trust me, I've been meaning to, I have plenty of things to catch up on and thoughts to share, but I've been lacking the motivation to sit down and type away. I realize that I even have a few posts that I've started as drafts and haven't yet taken the time to finish. (they are good ones too... if I ever get around to them)

I guess it just goes in spurts. just like this last weekend, I figured it was about time we started making some of the changes we've been talking about in our apartment... and that we did! we painted the bathroom, spray-painted some hardware, moved things around, and finally took a big load (a tub full) of stuff to the thrift store. We are making progress and it just took a little motivations to kick start it all... and now we already have plans for what projects we'll tackle this weekend again.

I've even noticed these ups and downs with my work. A week or two ago I was completely pumped, stayed late and designed away, getting to completely re-type set the recipes with a new font. It was great! But recently, I just feel worn out, uninspired shall I say. Maybe it's a bit out of frustration due to office politics. who knows. maybe moving on to a new issue will help too. I'm done with thanksgiving, let Christmas begin already.

and while I'm on the topic of motivation. I'm trying to find that desire again to exercise and work out like I use too. I'm starting to get back into it, but I find myself just being more tired. how did I manage before? There were days I'd do two a days back in Des Moines. Of course Laura reminds me that I have a busier social life here, which is true, so I don't really want to complain, but I still hope I can find my motivation again.

hey baby let's go to vegas

... or shall I say Arizona.

most Angelenos know that it takes about 4 hours to get to Las Vegas... unless you hit bad traffic. Well, it took Laura and I 15... and traffic wasn't an issue. Pretty much we got distracted, we blame it on the trains, found an outlet mall and before we knew it, we were approaching the Arizona borderline.

So we made the best of it, got directions from the lady at the gas stations, which apparently the interstate was closed down due to a flood (who knew... I would've expected that to be a problem in the dessert) So we drove along what was marked as the scenic route, too bad it was already dark. We headed over some winding roads, threw coins over the edge of a dam... and found a small roadside bar for dinner and drinks.... which ended up being more enjoyable than expected as this place had Karaoke. The locals were very much into it, belting out some good ol' country tunes. Terry wore a cowboy hat, buckle, boots and all... Cooper was in a hawaiian print shirt and took Laura for a spin on the dance floor, and then there was a guy with a classic mullet, which is all that needs to be said about that. the place couldn't have been more perfect to gear us up for the rest of the drive. luckily our hotel was Ok with us checking in at 3:30 am.

a little buzz

today I was in the 111:30 testing which was for our wine and spirits column.... a story for this december on punches. They were great (and all spiked) ... and I was able to return to my desk with a little buzz. So wonderful.

right now I have that same wonderfull buzz.... acutallly I can honestly say I'm a bit further gone. I lvoe it though. Tonight I was able to go out and enjoy dinner and drinks with a good ol' college friend. Tanner Stranskey was in LA for work (he's with Entertainment Weekly). It was so great to see someone whose face was so familiar though my college days. We caught up on our places with in the magazine world and raised our glasses to the adventurous lives we've come to live.

joys of being an adult

after a saturday afternoon of rummaging through estate sales and prop sales, stopping at a gas station for soda drinks and ring pops... oh, and those yummy gummy worms (or octopuses)

getting off of work at 3pm on a friday afternoon to come home and enjoy a glass of wine (or two)

scheduling a weekend trip to Las Vegas, specifically choosing to stay in a fabulously pink room (because why not)

buying a new pair of slipper red shoes for no specific reason other than they make me happy.

enjoying ice cream in my coffee and a piece of cake for breakfast.

staying up late to play games of disney DVD scene-it... while also enjoying a bottle of wine, or wonderfully strong margaritas

to be a designer

first off all, I just have to say, I love my job. Not only do we have summer hours right now in which I get every other friday off, but today was my friday in the office and I took a two hour lunch break to return to my desk and have my boss tell me to head home at 3pm. wonderful, I know.

don't get me wrong, there are the days I stay late or go in early... and the amazing thing about a creative job, I'm always looking for and finding inspirations in my everyday activities... flipping through magazine, going to the bookstore... sounds like liesure, and really, it's part of what I do.

I must say, beyond the great benifts of working at a corporate office like Conde Nast, I really do enjoy what I do. I am a designer, that is my title and as my boss reminds me, it's a good one to have right now... because that's all I need to do, design. I must admit, I'd love to be in charge, making the decisions, having a say in how it's done. but my time will come. until then, I'll design.

I expressed that I love my job, and for one, I say this now because I feel I finally am realizing my role in it. I am a designer, and my new boss is the first design director that I've worked with that has a REAL passion for it. He loves to talk about it, he dresses it, he knows a lot of people who live it. He came from New York, and everyone who works in the magazine world, knows that NY is the place it all happens. I've never had any desire to work in NY, but my new design director almost makes me wonder about actually doing it some day. He just got back from presenting a new logo for Bon Appetit and I saw in him this new energized enthusiasim. He described how great it was to be back in NY, surrounded by that competitive drive. He knows his stuff, has worked with some great designers, and well... I'm going to learn a lot. I will say, I may not completely agree with at all times, but I feel every designer, regardless of their medium, feels their way is best. He did tell me that I should work in NY sometime, that I'd do really well there... I took this as a great compliment.

My previous experience at Better Homes & Gardens allowed me to be on set and grow as a creative in my photography direction.... and don't get me wrong, I really do miss it. But it will have it's time and place again, and right now I'm learning to rediscover my passion for design. so it's all good.

So not only am I excited to be part of what's to be a really new look for Bon Appetit, I do love the fact that I work in food. I just registered today for a Professional cooking class. yes, the real deal, I'll get a chefs jacket and everything. It starts this september and meets every tuesday night for four hours... for a total of 20 weeks. I'm so excited. I must laugh at the fact that my boss was a little disappointed that I was taking a cooking class instead of a design course... but he doesn't cook, and wouldn't understand it's pleasures. The food editors though (aka, the test kitchen ladies) are thrilled.... after I posted the blog about my short cakes, they've known me as the baker... I tend to ask a lot of questions too, so I'm thrilled to be able to take a hands on class and learn for myself.

So yeah, this is what I do. and what's so neat about it all, is that I can honestly say, I don't think it's what I'll do forever. I am very much satisfied with it right now and will continue to build into it and learn from the opportunities that it presents.... and being so young and inspired, I realize that there's plenty of time to enjoy it and build on these experiences that I believe will lead me to some of my wildest dreams in the future—we'll see.

until then, I'll design.... (making cards, t-shirts, and cookies for pleasure)

catch and release

I just watched this movie tonight. Laura signed up for Netflix, so there's always a new movie around to be watched.

There's one line in the movie when she's with her fiance and they just spent an amazing day together, he mentioned that he had something to say and she replied... will it make me happier or sadder then I am right now. He said sadder and she replied... don't tell me.

it's interesting to think about the things we may not actually know about those who can be so dear to us. shows how easily we too can keep things hidden or covered up. are we so worried about what we are suppose to be to someone, that we dare not reveal too much in fear of crushing that image or hurting them? but really, aren't we then limiting ourselves to who we are ourselves?

a free moment

tonight I actually had some time to sit down and well, blog.... but also catch up on e-mails and read through other blogs I frequent. Lynette just so happened to post about the amazing chocolate cake she had for her birthday, tempting us all to stop by and have a piece. We'll as much as I wish I could, Portland is too far away. But to tempt you all in a similar way, I actually had a moment to bake tonight too... this time an orange-walnut cake, a recipe from work that will appear in the October issue.

you know it must be a silly joy, when I have an urge to bake for no special occasion, just my own desire to do so and proceed to fullfill it when I have a long list of other things I should accomplish first... oh-well. I'm sure I'll agree it's worth it when I have a piece of it for breakfast in the morning.

it's like a roller coaster

life that is.

or at least I think it should be. you maybe surprised that I'd say this because, well... I freak out on roller coasters. I don't know why, but I hate the feeling of being in a cart taking me down steep plunges and upsidedown loops. I know it's fear that developed when I was a little kid and I've never really gotten over it. I get all nervous and tense just waiting in line, worrying about what's to come.

I was just recently drug onto a rollercoaster ride at Disneyland... and yes I freaked out. In the end I survived, and will admit it was kind of fun too, mind you my eyes were closed and I was screaming the whole way. But I smile and laugh about it all now, so it was completely worth it.

Kendall Payne sings a song called Rollercoaster that describes this figurative definition of a roller coaster and how it relates to life. I find it to be so true.

I have to say for myself, there are times I freak out, whenever something new approaches the horizon, I'm a bit afraid. Then there's those moments of slowly climbing to a top peak, unsure of whether it's a big drop or a fast curve, so much anticipation building up... and then the times when I feel like I'm constantly spinning around the same circles.. to then hit a steep fall, with a brief moment to catch my breath. In the end I can look back and realize just how exciting it truely makes life.

Of course I will admit, I'm the type of person who particularly likes the leisurely rides that float down a river or more so, a farris wheel... even the carousel. But I'll say right now, I like the roller coaster ride of life, not knowing what's around the corner or the top of a hill. All of it going by so fast that there's really no time to even question it.... just going with the flow.

I will say though, I'm lucky to have people in my life to encourage me to jump on and most importantly, be there with me.... holding my hand through it all.

I'm awesome.... remember

these are the famous words of my friend Pat, they became the phrase for the weekend he came out to visit in mid-June. Of course it was repeated enought that it's become blog worthy... (and I promised him that it would be one). So as I've been pondering how to shape it into a good post, I've realized just how relavent it has become.

It seems that I've been having conversations recently with many of my friends who are applying to or looking for new jobs. It's so inspiring to surround myself with friends that are so motivated and passionate about what they want to do. Not just interested in a job for a paycheck, but wanting a job in which one can thrive in and enjoy. Know the things one is good at and loves to do, why this or that would make a perfect fit, whether it's a company or freelance gig, realizing that we are... well, awesome.

Maybe it is a conceited way to view one's self, but as we encourage each other while one pulls together a resume or prepares for a job interview, I know that a confidence in one's own abilities is so important, there's an ambience to it all. They say first impressions are everything, so don't ever doubt yourself, truly believe that you are awesome... and go after what it is you want to do.

Of course, I will say, it's not always easy. It does require motivation, and LOTS and LOTS of patience... waiting for that right moment, meeting the perfect contact or taking the time to get the experience one needs before moving forward.

So thanks to all of you, who inspire me, encourage me, and make me realize my own passions and desires. And in return, I'll say to all of you.... you are awesome.... remember that!

where to begin

I finally have internet and can sit with my computer in lap on my own couch. I've been waiting for this moment for so long, a chance to relax and update my blog... it seems I have so many thoughts to catch up on. But as I sit here now, I can't even think of where to begin, so many events to talk about and even specific blogs I've promised to post... and I hate to leave you hanging, but I think it's not going to happen tonight, as a movie seems so much more appealing, less effort is involved.

soon though, I will post again

moving on... in

As I quickly was throwing things in boxes as I prepared to move, I realized that this was the 13th time I'd be moving in the past 6 years. Seems pretty crazy, really. One year is the longest I've ever stayed in one place, and that was at the Lexington, just before I moved out to LA.

Moving is always a good time to sort through everything, pairing down as need be, reflecting on the time spent in the space. It was almost sad to see the things come down in my studio, it really was the perfect place... well perfect for the 6 months I was there... as it really was a bit too small.... but it was just what I needed for that time. As I finished cleaning out the place and saw it empty as it was when I first arrived, it was like finishing another chapter of my life.... really, my life as book could definitely be broken up into chapters according to the place I lived. 1124 N Gardner was a good chapter.

And right now I'm so excited about the new apartment I'll share with Laura. Seriously, I cannot imagine a more perfect place for us. It's so happy and everything we'd ever want right now. We haven't completely even finished settling in yet and I've never felt so at home at a place before.

Of course it's great to live with Laura, whose similar style pairs perfectly with mine. She's so great at making it all come together... she's already found the most amazing dining table and chairs, I was so glad to help her wire the ornate chandelier that sparkles with such de-light, and I'm anxious to see what she'll pull together for the corner with the bookshelf... and of course we are going to have a fun DIY project for the bedstands she's designed for us to make.

of course I'll post some pictures soon so you can see for yourself.

quiet shouts of joy

I honestly have to admit, there are moments in my day where I just have to chuckle at myself. It's quite a pleasant feeling. I'll just be thinking about the day, what's to come or reflecting on what just was, and I can't help but get all giddy... my dimples are probably as deep as they could be because a wide smile will appear on my face. It's the moments that I realize this is my life, so crazy and exciting..... I see it as my own little shout of joy to the Lord because I know just how blessed I am.

in brief

After an amazing weekend with Andrea over memorial day, the next evening I found myself walking down the streets of cute little Culver City to meet my high school friend Pat for drinks. He was in LA for an interview.... so of course I was convincing him to move to the west coast.

Two nights later Laura had VIP passes to watch the Pirates of the Caribbean 3 at the El Capitan Theatre along Hollywood Blvd. Talk about an amazing movie going experience.

Saturday morning I was up early in my car driving down Interstate 5, along the ocean coast, on my way to San Diego to see Gina and Jeremy. Nothing like seeing good friends in new cities. They were there to run the marathon and I was glad I was there to support them along the way... I knew from experience that mile 20 was a bitch and so there I stood for almost 2 hours, cheering none stop encouraging everyone along.

Headed home to meet up with Laura and Dan for an amazing meal at none other than Purans, finishing the evening all plopped on my bed learning the rules of blackjack.

An interesting time at work as we all patiently try to figure things out. Nothing like conversations about typefaces and photography to get a designer excited about what we do. and of course, I can never complain with breaks consisting of amazing dishes of food.

After a disappointing lunch of seeing some of the worst apartments Laura and I have seen yet, a rent sign went up just at the right time for us to take a look. One day later, we wrote the check and now have a new place to call ours.

Started to pack last night and we have a big truck reserved for Sunday, before you know it we'll be all moved in. Of course before then we'll be down in Venice for happy hour drinks with a friend of Laura's and oh, of course, the Disney DVD seen it match-off I have with Dan.