day 274: The first transport is away and MNF

My cousin, Git, and her brother-in-law, Tim, came and loaded up the boxes I had been packing. I know that it’s rare to have a loving and supportive family and I feel more fortunate to have a LARGE loving family. I’m so thankful to Git for taking some items home. As soon as they left the first thing that popped into my head was, “the first transport is away! the first transport is away!” I know: very nerdy.

This evening I met with Irene. We have never talked sports….not really. I think we’ve mentioned it, but soon realized that we were on opposing teams in the NFL. As long as I cheer for the Dodgers and she cheers for UCLA then we’re all good. Well, this Monday was the Mecca for sports. Denver was playing Monday Night Football and the playoffs are happening. Irene forewent our plans for a Vietnamese restaurant for a microbrewery in Silverlake. She’s so awesome. I know that I’ll see Irene sooner than later, because she’s from NM. It’s always nice to have friends from ‘home’ when you’re so far away.

That night I didn't take a picture of Irene, but I love this one from a few weeks ago.

day 254: suzie homemaker

If not anything else, I've become Suzie homemaker. I have a scheduled life of getting up early working out, working, lunch, more working (or looking for work) and dinner (at a decent time). Occasionally I have events that cut into this schedule, but for the most part that is my day.

The dishes I prepare now are so delicious (not to toot my own horn, but...), because I have time to marinate, chop and prepare. I also have time to research and shop. I don't know what I did before. I ate because I knew I had to and when I had time. Now, I decide my menu for the week based on what's on sale at the market. Every kitchen should have a spice rack, fresh veggies, garlic, your fridge should have necessary condiments, fresh basil, mint and (because I've been eating a lot of fish) fresh dill.

I've also been trying to hone my native food skills although the health aspect of this is not ideal. I probably nullified my killer workout yesterday morning in one meal. I made a five bean soup and I wanted fried bread with it. I will admit my first attempts at this haven't been successful. Mistaking baking soda or powdered sugar for baking powder yields a crispy cracker. Now after a couple of months, well it's edible. I'm not saying that I will be on the fried bread line at the family reunion or that I would subject anyone to trying it, but for now, it's satisfying my appetite.

day 226: Renee

Today, my little cousin, Renee, came into town. We walked to the Belmont and caught up with our lives. I love when family comes to visit.

day 203: twinkle time

We went to Americana at Brand (basically a different version of The Grove in Glendale) to see Twinkle Time perform. The kids were mesmerized, it was hard to get any emotion out of them other than bewilderment. :) I'm sure the conversation at dinner was filled with smiles and laughs. This is another preview. I have so many pictures to proof.

day 202: kristy & steven

This is a preview of the photo shoot I had with Tim, Kristy and Steven. I will post more pictures, but aren't these two kids adorable, and Tim, too. :)

day 066: redondo beach

My cuz/sis, Renee, her boyfriend and her two little boys came to Disneyland for Spring Break. I couldn't meet up with them at Disneyland, but today they came up to Redondo Beach. So I took a drive down to the South Bay.

It was kinda chilly by the beach and I had to dig out a winter coat that I had in the trunk of my car. It was the only thing I had. I should've taken that picture. I know. For those of you back home, it snowed. Weather is all relative. :)

Thanks, Renee! For waiting for me. LA traffic can be crazy!