Sorry...

I have been really horrible about keeping this up lately. I am re-committing to updating my blog at least once a week. It's just been a crazy month or so for me with the new job and we had some recent not so good news about Jack Bauer Perkins. I will fill those of you in that don't already know later but suffice to say that Jack's cancer is back which just means we have to get combat ready again. Nothing we can't handle since we have already been through it but it just makes for a stressful experience right now.

But we are all behind him and next to him and there for him. I love you Dad.

FULL MOON OR WHAT?

I'm just trying to figure out why I feel like I'm a werewolf or maybe I'm thinking of Jekyl and Hyde. It's just been one of those mornings or was it evenings? I just called this physician's office for work and the very nice receptionist said, "I think today is just a bad day for him to talk. Must be a full moon." Ha, I can relate to that.

On another note, I had my second massage class last night. Very very fun. We give a massage and get one in each class. I'll leave you with a quote from the teacher last night. This was in regards to how sometimes the strokes go against blood flow. "The reason why we break the rules sometimes is because it feels good."

T Minus Five Days

Until I leave my job and start a new one. I'm happy for sure. But sad too. You can't be in a relationship (work or personal) and not feel some sadness about it being over even if you know it's the right thing for you. While there have been good and bad things about my job, it has allowed me to do and live where I wanted on my terms. It let me be there for my family when my Dad was sick. It gave me my confidence back after working at the entertainment PR firm where I was beaten up emotionally.

So yes, of course I'm happy to move on to the next, better thing. But I'm sad to leave this behind. Sad that the one big thing other than my love for my friends in LA that held me there was this job. It let me see some of the people I love the most far more often than I would have if I just moved to NY with a new job. But I will be back there someday. I can never stay away too long. I have been talking a lot about how much I miss LA. I'm not sure if that will ever leave me. I still talk about missing VA and I haven't lived there permanently since I was 24.

I like to think that maybe someday G and I will move back to LA. Back to Hermosa. Who knows. It's not that farfetched. I know it would be hard to be far away from my family again but I also know that G is my family. And we will someday grow that family. So how can I have everything? Someone needs to convince my sister to move to CA and then I know my parents would follow. So I'm putting it out into the universe that my sister's husband get some awesome opportunity in CA to start his own gym. And then we will all move there. :)

My parents can live in Loyalton and come to LA whenever the winter weather gets too bad. They will always have somewhere to stay and get to enjoy seeing their grandchildren whenever they wish. Okay universe, get going.

Let the Games Begin!

Tomorrow is G's birthday so in honor of it we are having a sports lovers game fest. Tonight it's the Mets, tomorrow the Mets and then Sunday the Giants. I will gain 14 pounds but the birthday boy will be having the time of his life so that's all that matters. I'm looking forward to the fun though since it is going to be a beautiful fall weekend here in New York and I'll be outside most of the time. Tomorrow we are taking a water taxi to the stadium for the first time which I'm excited about.

Things at work have been busy but that's to be expected since I'm leaving. Only one more week! I can't believe I'm going to start a new job that will involve me coming back to the west coast quite a bit. But this time to San Francisco. Watch out!

I'm out of practice

Things have been so busy here lately that I haven't written in a looooong time. For those of you that are still checking, I gave notice at my job! I am still here for now but will be starting at another agency in mid-October. I'm really happy and looking forward to my new gig. I'm going to try to get back into writing here more regularly now that I have gotten past the hump of interviewing like a maniac.

G and I are heading to DC this weekend to visit friends and family. I'm so looking forward to relaxing and see my SLY.

Weight Loss Saga Continues

At least now I'm actually exercising. But still, the pounds are not peeling off as fast as I would like. I think my $10 contribution is turning into a donation. But my newfound excitement over saving money for some trips will certainly help curtail by going out and spending money on food. Plus this past week we have been getting back into cooking which has been lovely. I forget sometimes just how therapeutic cooking is for me. J was here this weekend and it was great catching up with her and taking her to Canal Street with the crazy purse people. We also went to see Rent which I really enjoyed. I'm happy that after over a year of living here I feel like I'm being better about taking advantage about where I live.

This weekend G and I are going out to LI to hit the beach with one of my friends from UVA. I am in need of some serious beach time and what better thing to do in 90 degree weather!

Good Ole' Virginia

I'm back this weekend for SLY's 2nd birthday. I can't quite believe she is already two! Time just flies. It was nice getting up this morning for a walk with my Dad. I love that I will be totally exhausted and sleep deprived and that makes no difference if it means I'll get to talk and walk with him. I'm a lucky daughter. I'm just working away today getting my stomach ready for Lebanese Taverna tonight. I have to be mindful of the weight loss challenge though. I have my next weigh in on Monday. ayiiiiieeeee!!!!

Weight Loss Challengers Unite!

My friends E & J have talked me in to participating in a weight loss challenge. Everyone in E's family is doing it too so I have thrown my hat in the ring. The incentive is whoever loses the most weight will win the pot of money. We all put in $10 so the pot is at $70. Not bad as far as I'm concerned. Rules of starvation do apply so you have to lose the weight in a healthy manner. So I guess I will leave the laxatives at home. har har. I just started today so I'll let you guys know how it goes. I have until mid-August and then the results are announced.

Sorry it's been so long!

It's been a busy few weeks. G and I went to Spain for my good friend M's wedding. Then I was just at our family reunion down in NC at the beach. I managed to spend some time with all my family and see my friend S a few of the nights which was great. All in all I have been spoiled with vacations and am now having a very tough time getting back into work. I'll manage somehow.

As for Spain, I cannot say enough how great of a time we had there. M's wedding was incredible but even more so was getting to see and experience Spain again. I had forgotten just how much I truly love the culture and lifestyle of that country. Sitting in a cafe having Manchego cheese, drinking vino tinto on the Plaza de Santa Ana, going topless in Conil. I think in my next life I need to be a Spanaird.

My family reunion was equally enjoyable since it's always nice to see all my cousins and immediate family. I spent a lot of time just soaking up SLY and seeing how fast she has grown. She is almost speaking in full sentences now which came as quite a shock from last month even. It all happens so fast. But that's life I suppose. We just have to remember to slow down every once in a while, sit in a cafe and enjoy the people walking by. I vow to do that more often moving forward.

Ah, wedded bliss. The anniversary weekend was incredible. G went all out. We went on this great cruise around the island of Manhattan seeing all the beautiful architecture while sipping on champagne and eating brunch. And then dinner. Let's just say I don't think amazing does it justice. I decided this morning that we should treat every day like it's our anniversary. So happy anniversary again honey. I love you.

Happy Almost One Year Anniversary!

June 10th is our one year wedding anniversary. Yes, we dated for 8 years before we got married, yes, we already passed the 7 year itch, yes, I still love him more than anyone in this universe and beyond. Thank you G for being a wonderful husband. I love you with all my heart.

I love you because:

- you love me despite and maybe because I'm crazy
- you still make the same jokes you did back in 1998 and I still laugh hysterically to the point of tears
- for some reason you believe in me no matter what, even when I'm being mopey and incapable of making choices in my career that I know are good for me
- you let me be the non-implentor
- you help me to relax (what does that word mean again?)
- you eat my cooking even when I have red-peppered something to death
- you are one of the funniest most sarcastic human beings on the planet but deep down you are all mushy just like me
- when we stand facing each other and I don't have heels on then I fit right underneath your chin
- you are warm and kind and all the things I could want in a husband
- you genuinely try to remember about putting the toilet seat down
- you always ask me if I want the booth side of the table at a restaurant
- you let me have the window seat on the plane
- you could get in a car with me going no particular direction and we don't have to talk we can just enjoy being with each other
- you are my other half
- you are all the things I wish I could be

Baby Baby Baby!

I'm back in NY now from what I like to think was a very successful baby shower thank you very much. And thank Mom very much. And thank everyone else who helped us put it all together. And thank H for getting pregnant so we have an excuse to get together to eat pink cupcakes! H looked radiant in her beautiful dress and got a lot of great gifts. I can't wait to see the baby's room now that she has all the fun bedding in it!

New York has been lovely the past few weeks. I have been enjoying that feeling spring brings of wanting to shed a layer of pounds and clothing. It's yet another fun thing about being on this coast again. This morning I was discussing some of the things that make NY well NY. Here are a few fun tidbits:

- if you are waiting in line, people in NY say you are "waiting ON-line" (mental note to not make fun of G anymore for saying this since he can't help it, it's how they do it here
- coffee regular - means you want coffee with milk and sugar
- when you get a bagel from H&H bagel you ask what is still waaaaahhhhhrm (insert accent)
- if you are a guy, no matter your age and you are purchasing something at a deli, coffee cart, etc. then your name is BOSS (how cool is that?)
- when you refer to a freeway you don't say the 405 like in LA or I-95 like in DC, you say it's name so it's The Van Wick or whatever

Once again proving I am a fountain of useless knowledge.

Heading Home

It's funny how no matter how long you don't live somewhere you still consider it home. They say home is where the heart is. Then I must have three hearts. One in Virginia, one in California and one wherever G and I might be at the time. I guess I will eventually have four since New York is quickly becoming a place that I love.

This weekend I'm going back to Virginia for my friend H's baby shower. I'm really looking forward to seeing all my ladies from high school and spending time with my folks. I am blessed to have come from such a great place. I know we Virginians are snobby about our homeland but hey, what can I say, it's really that great. If you've ever spent a day driving down Rte. 29 or floating down the James River drinking beer you know what I'm talking about. There is something about our fair state. The history, the rolling hills. It's like slipping into a warm bath and letting it sink into your skin. I may not live there but I carry it with me wherever I go.

Madre, Maman, Mama, Mommy

As mother's day approaches I thought to myself, oh no! I need cards! I went to the Duane Reade near my house last night to pick some up. As I got to the counter, the woman laughed and said, three cards? I had to explain well there is my mom, and the there is my left coast mom, and then there is my sister. I am blessed with knowing so many lovely moms. Life is good.

In the spirit of my last post, here's to you #1 Mom!

Because of you:

I can shop better than any woman alive

I care so much about others sometimes it hurts

I believe in myself

I love with my whole heart

I am brave and know that I can do anything

I never get sick of taking care of others

I know the power of a really amazing hug

I can cry and know that it will make me feel better

I know saying I love you to someone every time I speak to them is not dorky, it's just right

I am special - at least to one person in this world

Thank you mom for being there for me every moment of my life. For being the rock of our family. For being you. You are truly an amazing human being. I love that as I get older you are more than my mother. You are my friend.

My Dad

I was just reading a friend's blog who lost her father to cancer a few years ago so I thought I would give a shout out to my father here.

Because of you Dad:

I have a spring in my step

I have to get my eye brows waxed bi-weekly

I know what love is

I love history

I have all kinds of cheesy one-liners like busier than a one-armed paper hanger

I enjoy the simple things life has to offer like my walk to work

I know that there is no point to complaining (no one would listen to me anyway)

I see the good in people first before anything else

Know that every day I thank god or Allah or Buddha or whomever for you. Every extra moment I get with you is precious to me.

It's Spring!

Well it feels a teensy bit more like it anyway today. I'm wearing a cute new skirt from G's Mom. Things are good here. My friend H from high school was here over the weekend and we did the town up. You should have seen her haggling with the the purse bargainers down on Canal Street. We went to check out the world trade center site as well. I swear I get all choked up every time I see it. That just will never sit well with me. Not that it ever should but you would think upon my fourth visit I could get through it without tearing up.

We went out to yet another very yummy Mexican restaurant last night with G's family to celebrate his Dad's bday. Who knew there would be so many yummy Mexican restaurants in New York? LA still takes the cake but I'm getting much more impressed by the Mexican scene here.

SLY does New York!

She came, she saw, she kicked some big apple butt. That's right, my lovely niece was in town this past weekend with her momma and my parents. We had an amazing time and I think SLY really loved NYC. She took the bus, subway, you name it. She was totally fine with all of it and didn't bat an eye. We all knew she was an out of towner though since she waved and said hello to everyone. :) I was particularly excited since we took her to this cute place called Alice's Tea Cup which she seemed to like. They sprinkled fairy dust on her as we were leaving and my mom got her a fuzzy pink magic wand. I think next time I'll just get one for myself too.

This week I'm trying to lay low since my best bud H from DC will be in town next weekend. I will be playing tour guide again which as you all know I love. It's fun because you get to do and see things you would otherwise not do or see since you wouldn't want to be thought of as a tourist. God forbid! So now I will get to spend the next few days coming up with a tentative schedule of events. G is sitting there shaking his head at how insane I am but hey, what can I say. I'm a planner. I refuse to feel bad about it.

Tonight we are going out to dinner with G's family since it's his sister's bday. I'm looking forward to spending more time with them. And they always pick some yummy place to go. I hope all is well with those who read this and that you are having a great spring so far. Love and miss you mucho!

"We don't accomplish anything in this world alone ... and whatever happens is the result of the whole tapestry of one's life and all the weavings of individual threads from one to another that creates something."
--Sandra Day O'Connor, first woman U.S. Supreme Court Justice

Just thought this was an appropriate quote for me today. I am feeling more and more how everything is inter-conncected.

For some reason, I feel like today is one of those days I will remember for the rest of my life. Like a corner was turned. I'm shedding the weight of winter and not looking back. Spring is making me feel more awake, alive, fearless. I forgot how great it was to feel Spring. Living in LA you don't really notice the change of seasons very much. Being back on the East coast means I get to have that awakening again. Ah, it's good. Life is good.

Where in the world is Perkidiablo?

Sorry for being MIA for the past few weeks. Work was uber busy and I had lots of bday celebrating to be doing so was remiss in writing. Lets just say I had a fantabulous birthday complete with this awesome new "laptop bag that so doesn't look like one because I'm a hip new yorker" purse you see in the photo. I was spoiled all around by family and friends. Then over St. Patty's day my good friend I came for a visit and we trekked all over the city. I now know more than I ever wanted to know about bargaining for faux purses on canal street! :) We also attended my friend N's engagement party which was lovely. The food was incredible.

Work has been busy but I'm still finding time to play with friends. Tonight G and I are going to some cocktail party being thrown by Rolling Stone magazine. I guess there is free booze which cannot hurt. I am feeling more and more at home here in NY which I'm happy to report. I guess it just takes time for even a change lover like myself to acclimate to a place so big and full of energy. It's hard not to get swept up in it all sometimes but I'm trying to keep myself as grounded as possible. Cooking chicken fajitas the other night helped that. I guess Mexican has really become my comfort food. LA will always stay with me or perhaps it's because my mother loves Mexican so much that I'm surprised I was not born Mexican.

I want to be domesticated! We got our new rug for the living room last night. I love all 5 by 8 feet of it. I'm really digging the blue and brown action. I think we are going to get some blue/white pillows for the couch that will look great with it. I made meat loaf for dinner last night. I really do sound like a 50 year old getting excited about rugs and meat loaf! :) Heck with it, I'm happy so that's all that matters right?