So That Happened...

8.2 Thumbs Up!

Those who visit this space regularly know that my daily posting has dropped off somewhat this year, so imagine my surprise when I was catching up on e-mails after vacation and found out that this here blog was recognized by Blogged.com!

Isn't that something?  Now I have even more reason to get back on the post-a-day horse!  

I always think of this blog as something that maybe twelve people read (and those are people I know personally), so the thought of others enjoying it makes me smile.  I know that sounds odd to say being that this is out there for anyone to see, but it's true.  

Thank you very much for reading!  I appreciate it.

Happy Blogiversary To Me - Please Send Paper. Or Cake.

Today is the first anniversary of my blog. 

If you had told me two years ago that I would not only have a blog up on the intarwebs but that I would greatly enjoy having one, I would have told you you were full of rubbish and to sod off.  (Okay, that's just the London talking.) 

In all seriousness, I really like maintaining a blog.  It has provided me a wonderful outlet for writing, posting my various and sundry photographs, and otherwise clearing my head.  You have witnessed my growth as a knitter as I have posed questions and have shown off shared my various finished works.  I've met some of the nicest people you ever could meet, and have learned so much not just about others, but most of all, about myself.  Yeah, yeah - cue cheesy Afterschool Special music, I know.  Where's Blossom?  Sheesh.

I want to thank the person who got me into this curious world of blogging: Jen, who thoughtfully invited me to co-author Knee Deep (RIP) with her and with whom I went through the heterosexual women break up and make up phase, from which we emerged unscathed - helLO, we're in London with Lauren!  Thank you, Jen! 

Now that I am set adrift on memory bliss, I invite you to join me and go back to where it all began: my very first post. 

Enjoy!  And, really, send Post-Its or Moleskine notebooks.  Or CAKE.

Happy Fourth of July!

While remembering what this day is about, enjoy the sunshine, have a beer or equally cold and tasty beverage, crank up the grill, jump in the pool, and generally have loads of fun for us folks (i.e. ME) who have to work today. 

At least I'll be in yummy air-conditioned comfort.

Disney: A Final Thought

One more note on my Day of Disney with Lauren:

What a treat!  Disneyland takes your picture on the Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters ride and e-mails it to you for (here's the shocker) FREE.  When does that happen?

I'd like to add that when the ride first started, I sucked at shooting the targets and was way behind Lauren in scoring.  I even fired upon the Exit sign because I got carried away.  Suddenly, my game just gelled and I started smoking everything in sight.  Check out the final score!

That's right.  Space Ranger 2 REPRESENT.

"Firmanense sentados, por favor."

How much fun did Lauren and I have at Disneyland on Friday?  We brought our game faces to the park - faces covered with sunblock, you know, because we care about such things - along with hats and cameras and such, and hell, I even wore SHORTS in PUBLIC for the first time in like EVER, people.  I KNOW! 

But before I go on about our Day of Disney...

What Were You Thinking?

At first glance, this outfit isn't bad, per se, but it's certainly not something to wear for a day of sun and walking at Disneyland.  The skirt was a really heavy cotton, and the shoes were little kitten heels.  Being that it was already eleventy degrees when I took this picture in the morning and the skirt looked like it was already wilting from the heat, I did not envy her in the slightest.

Sweet fancy Moses, DENIM DAISY DUKES OVER BLACK LEGGINGS. 

I particularly love how these two girlfriends are a walking Glamour Do and Don't.  White strappy heels?  Really?  With wide cuffs, too?  Huh.

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Lauren and I headed straight for the Haunted Mansion first thing and it did not disappoint.  How could it?  In fact, there were some revisions that made the ride better than before if that's possible.  For example, there's a whole Dead Killer Bride section in the middle (sweet), plus the crystal ball with the oracle's head inside now floats in the air instead of just sitting on its stand. 

However, our glee was short-lived when we came upon this:

NO PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN, PEOPLE.  AT ALL.  Crestfallen doesn't even come close to describing our feelings.  Ultimate sadness.

We were somewhat appeased when we happened upon a ride brand new to both of us: The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh!

How cute is this beehive cart? 

We made our way through Big Thunder Mountain, Snow White, pit stopped for ice cream sandwiches and discussed Heather's latest post with children within earshot (heh, but I think they were Asian nationals so I don't think they understood us anyway), Star Tours (which is totally awesome and never fails to make me wear the biggest Cheshire Cat grin through its entirety), Buzz Lightyear's Astro Blasters (SO fun), picked up FastPasses for Space Mountain, lamented the loss of Captain Eo (if iTunes sold the CE songs, I'd buy them in a heartbeat), and made our way over to Disney's California Adventure...

...where wine can be had!  Nothing like a little alcohol to make a Day of Disney that much more fun.  We made our second of three trips to Soarin' Over California (BEST. RIDE. EVER!) after our wine break, and it is there when I made a new boyfriend in the form of a chatty second grader named Zach.  His funny, older (by one year) sister, Megan, totally busted him by telling us that he was flirting because he only talks fast when he flirts, and by telling us about all of his former girlfriends.  Lauren I and were utterly charmed.

The Monsters, Inc., and Muppetvision 3-D rides at DCA are stellar, by the way.  LOVE.

The Matterhorn.

Walt and Mickey!

Sleeping Beauty's Castle, which has been krunked out in honor of Disneyland's 50th anniversary.  I'm not lovin' it.

Lauren on the Dumbo ride!  How cute is she with her pigtails?

Lauren in mid-flight.

New (to us, anyway) instructions on how to operate the Tea Cups.  I swore up and down that I could never handle the Cups again being that I'm old and stopped riding such rides once I turned 21 and had what you would call a "bad experience," but I didn't feel sick at all!  I just focused on Lauren's face the entire time, didn't blink and, voila!  No queasiness!

Lauren and I talked about, among other things, our love for sci-fi and Somewhere In Time, and how we miss the Submarines ride SO much.  Speaking of the latter, we became giddy over the upcoming Finding Nemo ride.  Can't. WAIT.

I love Pearl!  My favorite line: "You made me ink!"  SO CUTE.

Inside Space Mountain just before boarding.  I LOVE this ride, even if it doesn't have the loop that the Disneyland Paris one has, the loop which I was told by reliable sources that our Space Mountain was going to get when it closed for renovations years ago, the loop which I waited for with bated breath only to be totally DENIED.  I'M JUST SAYIN'.

Mushi Pillows + Disney characters = MARKETING GENIUS.  I'm in love with the Donald Duck one, and I'm not even a Donald fan.  I think it's because he looks like an egg and/or a Hello Kitty character.

Lauren and I at the end of the day.  Look, Ma - no sunburns!

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What I Learned After My Day of Disney

1. I can handle roller coasters and spinning rides like the Tea Cups even though I had myself convinced for years that I could no longer take them.
2. Free passes are super awesome - THANK YOU, AMY!
3. It's perfectly natural to declare every ride the Best Ride Ever, and to exclaim "Oh my GOD, that's SO cute!" every time you see an adorable stuffed animal, because we did that.  A LOT.
4. I can wear shorts in public and not feel completely humiliated.  Not like that's going to happen again any time soon, mind you, but it's nice to know the option still stands.

(The post's title is from the running audio loop of passenger ride safety tips, which plays while people board the rides.  It means 'Stay seated, please.')

Don't Don the Knotts, or, The Power of Fife Compels You

Oh, Don Knotts!  You must have been looking down upon our team, R.I.P. Mr. Furley, last night at trivia and granted us that extra boost to propel us to victory - VICTORY! - over the other 21 teams, including the fabulously named Don't Hassel the Hoff, for whom the Power of Hoff has apparently taken leave, and for that I must thank you profusely and give you mad props by way of posting this excellent Barney Fife photo.

Godspeed, Mr. Knotts.

The Birthday Round-Up

I had a fantastic birthday yesterday. 

I started the day by sending a birthday e-card to my college friend, Mike, another December 29th baby who is studying law in Chicago.  Received birthday wishes from Mom, as well as from my friend, Michael, who was off having a post-snowboarding beer in the lodge bar in Sun Valley, Idaho.  Because I know he'll be reading this - thanks for calling, Michael!

Later, Heathyr bought me lunch at Ye Olde Spaghetti Factory on Sunset.  The restaurant holds a special place in our hearts being that we would make food runs there during college.  Still do, obviously.  C'mon - free spumoni, everybody!  I sucked because I was late and she was on her lunch hour, but we managed to squeeze in lots of catching up and gossip over bread, Spinach Ravioli and the Spaghetti with Mizithra Cheese, which is also known in my world as crack because it is so addictive.  CRACK.

Attempted to go to Amoeba after lunch for some CD hunting, but the line to park was six cars deep - at 2 p.m.!  What gives?  I decided to give up the ghost for the time being and, because I was feeling particularly festive, and as if throwing a party for myself wasn't being festive enough, I bought myself a birthday tiara at Trashy Lingerie, and it was appropriately princess-y and vintage-looking.  I give the tiara two snaps up.  Bonus Celebrity Sighting: Jenny McCarthy walking out of Trashy as I was being buzzed in.  She looked fantastic. 

Some time during this activity, my sister called to wish me Happy Birthday and to tell me that she just had her first ultrasound, and that she and Baby #2 (who is six weeks along) are both healthy.  SUCH a relief.

Went back to Amoeba and was able to park - yay!  Searched high and low for various things but didn't find anything, so I walked out empty-handed.  Don't you hate it when that happens?  I do, and after coming back a second time and everything, too.  Oh, well.

I then hit up Knit Cafe, the first of the three yarn stores I hit up in the afternoon in a futile effort to find Premiere yarn by Classic Elite.  I tried Stitches from the Heart and Yarns Unlimited on Pico next, and was totally shot down.  Dammit - I really want to make this scarf, y'all, and it looks like some greater power doesn't want me to.  Shit. 

After all of that mess, I got to the pub early to get some food before everyone arrived.  The very nice owner bought me dinner, so I went big and ordered the steak.  I would have gone for the Filet Mignon, but I thought that would be pushing it.  I also had Vodka Tonic #1 of the night.  I'm just sayin'.

Many friends came from points near (uh, down the street) and far (Newport Beach - thanks, Pavan!) to celebrate with me, and for that I will love them forever.  The tiara was on, presents were, well, presented, cake with candles to blow out was brought out (although I let the ice cream melt like an idiot and it was taken away before I could finish), and the food and drinks were moving.  And I made it through six Vodka Tonics - woo-hoo! 

Alas, there were no bar fights.  No Fatric to be seen, no rolling up of sleeves, throwing of glasses or pouring beer on some bitch's weave.  'Sokay: there's always next Monday!

Happy Birthday to Me!

Hooray - it's my birthday!  I'm feeling particularly good about the upcoming year.

Here's what various astrology sites have to say about being born today:

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Psychic Chat

Your Birthday Forecast - December 29 - Focus on the bigger picture as you continue to live fully each day, and keep your visions forefront in your mind. Helping another or volunteering will involve hard work and extra time, but your Capricorn sense of commitment will revel in the gifts that come from giving of yourself on a personal level. A surprising turn of events could make you more financially independent, for you'll begin to reap karmic payback of past losses. Make time in your schedule for more fun to restore balance on a personal level. A new home or vehicle may soon come your way, as your spirit guide the Antelope will inspire new ways of moving in the world. If you meditate with white and red candles to boost your intuition, you'll discover a brand new way to access an old dream. New friends or additions to your immediate family will help you express yourself in a more loving, nurturing manner. Your lucky months are April and September. Your lucky numbers are 1, 5, 16, 28 and 29.

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Los Angeles Times

Today's birthday (December 29). Freedom is your creed this year. What gives liberty to your soul is integrity (without it, you would be imprisoned by guilt). Your honesty is richly rewarded on all levels in January and February. Loving partners and friendly alliances lead you to money in March. Many exciting dates are featured in June. Leo and Aries are passionate about you. Your lucky numbers are: 13, 10, 54, 39 and 2.

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I take all of this with a grain of salt, but I must say that the phrase "karmic payback of past losses" may be my most favorite ever.  Take that, Past Loss Bitches!  A new home?  Woo-hoo!  I'll gladly take a new home.  And I guess I'll be fighting Jack and Meg White for all of the red and white candles in the city.  Finally, I'm really amused by how each site provides different lucky numbers.  Heh.

Happy Birthday to all my December 29th peeps!  Let us revel in our collective bitterness over getting the Christmas/birthday combo gifts and not being able to have cool birthday parties as a kid because all of your friends are out of town for the holidays!  You never really get over those things, do you?  BECAUSE I HAVEN'T.

Merry Merry

It's in the mid-70s here in L.A. - decidedly non-Christmasy weather.  But then, it doesn't get very cold here to begin with.  Still, I know I along with my girlfriends can't wait to break out the scarves when the temperature reads 70.  Because, scarves!  They're pretty!

I'm heading out of town for the holiday weekend to the much cooler climes of the Bay Area, where my golf-happy brother-in-law, pregnant (yay!) sister and adorable niece reside.  I know I just saw them over Thanksgiving, but I really can't wait to see them again.  It's never soon enough. 

I hope Santa is good to you this year.  May you score lots of loot (I know that's not what the season's about, but you know what I mean), talk to someone you love on Christmas Day, play some A Charlie Brown Christmas in the background, and eat until you have to undo the top button of your pants.