day 101: so cal

I love living in So Cal, and I think this image illustrates why. I'm trying to take advantage of the beautiful weather.

I went to the Bonnie Hunt show today and Danny Huston was the guest. He plays William Stryker on Wolverine, but he's also John Huston's son and shared some stories.

day 100: 100 days

I'm starting the 100 push ups challenge today. I know. Crazy. I'm doing it on my knees, though. Maybe the next round I will start with the full push up. My friend, Heather, is suppose to join me in this challenge. I admit my upper body strength is lacking, and I can't wait to strengthen it.

AND... I'm on day 100 of my blog!! yeaaaay! I started this on Inauguration Day filled with so much hope. Although my situation has changed since that day (for the better), the hope I had has not dwindled. I just have a different outlook on life. You have to look at the situation you're in with a positive perspective, which I admit is difficult at times, or you will spiral into a deep, dark hole. Trying to remember that things happens for a reason is f*cking hard when it seems like everything is going wrong.

As I've said, every time something happens to me, I find out that someone is in a situation worse off than I am. Even the day I got hit by the car, I talked with a woman, found out that her husband was laid off, they had two kids in High School and she wasn't sure if they could send them to college let alone put enough food on the table. After hanging up on the phone, I yelled out "I got hit by a freaking car! Can't I feel sorry for myself for five minutes??" (hahaha) What I have learned by being unemployed is about the human connection everyone needs. It seems like when I tell someone I was laid off that they are more generous with the details of their personal life. And, maybe, because I'm not too busy to listen, they talk. Whatever it is, it has renewed my perspective on life. I know I will get through this time in my life, because I have the support and love of friends/family to get me through the tough days or to remind me that we're all working for food. Thank you! xoxox

Highlights from the past 100 days
day 001: inauguration day

finding out I was getting laid off and the people who helped me through it.
day 008: pass-out-dena
day 009: Bergamot Station
day 010: down the rabbit hole
day 011: feeding the wolves
day 012: getting away
day 019: he's just not that into you

time to get back into the gym, and reminder that at least I have my health.
day 015: clean bill of health

my last day at work
day 025: unemployed

my birthday
day 035: The gift & 34 km

finding kindred spirits in these tough times.
day 042: the tow truck guy

remembering that there are bigger issues out there than not having a job.
day 044: same-sex marriage vigil

a day that is filled with so much happiness
day 055: sunny days sweeping the clouds away

first major meltdown, I don't think any day has been as bad as this day.
day 060: meltdown

I wasted day 69 on this...hahaha jk ;)
day 069: unexpected obstacles

found out about identity fraud.
day 072: painting

self explanatory so beautiful
day 073: Huntington Library

a Photoshop action discovery and reading an inspiring article. A day when good ideas collide. :)
day 076: beach

a day when a bad series of events collide. the day I was hit by the car on my bike
day 077: series of intersecting lives and incident...

unexpected gifts are the best! :)
day 081: awesome gift

I worked out all day: started at the pool, went to the gym and then for a run in the evening.
day 085: pool

Congrats to Tim, Mark, Steven & Kristy. :)
day 098: adoption

day 099: vintage jaguars

My neighborhood has been peppered with vintage Jaguars lately. I don't know what year or model, but maybe someone can help. I know that my neighbor owns a 1980s model, but this one is classic. :)

I went to the Ellen Degeneres show today, and this was taken as I was walking back to my apt.

day 098: adoption

Tim & Mark officially adopted Kristy and Steven today, and I was so honored to be invited to the courtroom proceedings.

It was a chilly morning, but the overcasting clouds provided the right light to photograph. We arrived early to the Children's Court House in Monterey Park, CA, at 8:15am. In a large waiting room, we chatted with Tim & Mark's friends and family. Grandma and Grandpa were on hand, as well as, various aunties and uncles for the ceremony.

Steven pointed out two roof drains to a room full of architects and asked, "what are those two things?" We laughed and said, "you may want to rethink that question? Do you want the long version or the short version?" Kristy was fighting a cough while dealing with getting her molars, but she handled it well.

As soon as we caught up with our lives, we were called into the courtroom. We listened to the judge as he awarded all rights to these two beautiful children to Tim and Mark. There was not a dry eye in the room. We posed for pictures and then had a wonderful lunch at Luminaria's Restuarant.

Congratulations Tim, Mark, Kristy & Steven!! this also means Auntie Prue is available for babysitting. :) (no fingerprints required)

day 097: cabernet savignon

Last night I caught up with Joanna. Bianca went to Minnesota for a conference. What was suppose to be an early evening turned into a late (midnight) night.

Being unemployed I have my ups and downs and I get so consumed in what is happening with myself that sometimes I need to be reminded of the bigger picture. Thank you to Joanna for reminding me of this.

day 096: heal the bay

This morning I volunteered with Heal the Bay and cleaned-up Santa Monica beach. Before I met up with the wonderful team of volunteers, I felt like riding... 40 miles of riding. When I got home I scarfed two burritos and two bottles of water. Thankfully Joanna came over and brought BarBQ with her, so I also inhaled that for dinner. :)

Please pack out any trash from your visits to the beach. Thank you. :)

day 095: security

While I was waiting to be let into Irene and Michael's apt, I noticed this key on the handrail. Strange place to leave a key for someone. They didn't even try to hide it under the mat.