went to a “local hangout” on Thursday night July 1st with some friends and my roommate.  It was lots of fun.  Dancing, hanging out drinks, not a bad way to start the 4th of July weekend.

Friday July 2nd- went looking for nightlife with my roommate.  We went to a “semi -local place” looking for dancing and to be social.  We stopped at one place and there were a lot of drunks at only 9:30 pm and very young people (20’s thru 26).  Damn I feel old.   Eventually went to one of our favorite “hangouts”.

Saturday July 3rd- went out with roommate and friends to Walnut Creek to hit a couple of our “hot spots”.  Ventured in and out of a couple of places Stadium Pub, 1515, Redux, before hitting the “last spot”.  It’s fun to watch “those” that are intoxicated and leave their credit cards behind, realizing that you have to drive their asses back to the place the next day to pick up their cards.  doh!  Had a very interesting evening!

Sunday July 4th- woke up to an interesting morning *smile* however- first July 4th in a very long time where I spent it alone until about 11 pm at night.  No Fireworks, didn’t watch the displays anywhere, kind of relaxing and quiet until the neighbors started lighting off their own.  Good thing we have a tile roof, no need to douse it with water to prevent bottle rockets catching the dry dry roof on fire.  Tile is the way to go.  Good Job landlords. My roommate came home around 11 pm and we started chatting about our day and drank lemoncello and Proscecco (YUM).

Monday July 5th- swam in the morning from 8:30 - 10 am.  Was going to go to breakfast with a few swim buddies but realized I was going to Pier 39.  Considering I got a really great tan from swimming in the morning, it was exceptionally chilly in SF.  Spent pretty much the whole “day” there.  Saw some sites haven’t been to Pier 39 in a long time.  A nice change of scenery.  You feel a world away when you are in another city across a bridge.  It’s a very bizarre strange fun feeling.

Talk about a very busy 5 days. Whew!  Is every Thurs- Sunday like this…….. maybe

Saturday July 10th- drove up to Sacramento around 7 pm to meet my Sacramento friends for dinner at 8:30 pm at my favorite place (yep, you guessed it- Tower Cafe’).  Dinner was great, got to catch up and hang out with some that I haven’t seen in quite some time.  Told them about my Divorce.  They were supportive and of course shocked at the same time.  Those that have been through a divorce are more supportive at first then those hearing about it from my mouth.  It’s quite a concept to understand when the words are coming from your own mouth.  (Does that make sense)??  Hung out in the evening with my friends at their place for some drinks and to celebrate Gina’s 26th b-day, played many drinking games until the wee hours of the morning around 3 am.  We played Spoons which I am close to the reigning champ, I still have my stealth ability and won numerous times coming in 1st or 2nd.  My years of skillz.  I love “spoons”.  Playing uno was a lot of fun too.  Many memories from that game.  My cousin and I played so many rounds of uno growing up in the late 70’s and early 80’s.  Can’t believe that game is still such a hit.  Makes me feel old but I really cherish that game when I play it.  It can be so conniving, strategic & mean if you want it to be.  But Karma is a bitch and it always comes back and bites you in the ass if you allow it or when you least expect it.  Today Sunday, I like to get my friend Practical gifts, so I took her shopping for things that she needed.  So, she is stocked for a while.  We had a great visit.  Her friend that was there was a hoot too.  She has a similar personality to me, she is a lot of fun.  You just have to meet her and you shall see.

Tuesday July 13th- one of social groups, we met up for Game Night.  I love board games.  I have such a fun group.  I tried different games aside from my usual “word” games.  Interesting.  I am better at word games is all I have to say.  The creative side where I need to draw things don’t really work after an 11 hour day either.  Maybe a normal shift, I would have produced better drawings and more creativity.

Friday July 16th- through one of my other social groups, a bunch of us ladies when to Campo Di Bocce in Livermore for some girl time.  My roommate and I went together and we had a great time.  Great conversations, good food, service was ok granted the size of our group.

Thurs July 22nd thru Tuesday July 27th- went to Vegas to visit with my Mom and “hang out” and be social, have a nightlife, take her to the strip, show her a good time with long periods of time hanging out in casino’s- lots of fun.  Do you really want me to mention to you what I did in Vegas?  Oh ok,…… you twist my arm….. actually NO- what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.  Therefore those that were with me know what I did and know that I am not scandalous and I was “a good girl”  Nah, I will give some snippets:

Thursday- didn’t go out, got comfortable and went to bed early.

Friday- went to lunch with my Mom’s neighbors for her be-lated b-day party.  At Kings Fish house in Henderson.  Lots of good food.  My Smoked salmon and white bean soup was really tasty.  Great flavors.  Went out in the evening between two casino’s- The M Resort and Fiesta Station Casino and lost more than what I pay for rent.  Had to go home- good lord!

Saturday- walked 3 miles at the gym with my Mom and did some weights.  Wow, it has been since the 5th since I have swam, lots going on and I need to get back to the gym.  Hung out and decided it’s best not to go out…. (great idea)- it was.  Instead, my Mom had 2 couples of his best friends over for dinner.  That was a lot of fun.  Reminiscing over my Dad, discussions on what’s to come, teaching my Mom slang…. oh the words that she has learned.  Hopefully she wasn’t scarred for life over the visuals of what slang words we taught her.  Funny shit!!!!!  She looked terrified on some of the words.

Sunday- went out and gambled most of the day and did some shopping and driving around.  Even went to Church in the morning.  Won a good amount of money at the Venetian and the Palazzo.  Won some good cash playing at the Wynn and the Encore.  The Wynn always pays me back, they have some excellent penny machines there.

Monday- went back to the Palazzo to see if I could get a free night stay and they were all sold out of their promotional free rooms.  So, just played there while my Mom was at her volunteer job (4 hours) and won over $2k a mix of pennies and roulette (sp- I know) and then and picked up my Mom.  The beginning of the trip, I lost my rent check basically and pulled the remaining monies back because everyone knows that I play better solo without someone sitting next to me judging what I do and don’t spend when I play (tee hee).

Went home on Tuesday after lunch, had a great time in Vegas with my Mom.

Only worked a short work week Wed thur Friday- Why can’t all weeks be like that !!!!

I will post another for Saturday July 31st when I put together my annual State Fair get together!!  Who all went?????

June- whew- what an interesting month.  Lots happened.  Getting my social life back in check between Juggling with my friend Kevin, going to my old juggling group, getting back into my meetup groups, and going out with my new roommate.  All of it is all strange.  With a different idea of things.  People say you are gonna have start dating soon.  Dating??  EEEEKKKKK is all I can say.  Gonna have to go back to that?  12 years ago it was a different lifetime.  EEEEEKKKKK is the best word for all that can be described.

Planned my Mom’s 70th b-day party with my brother and his wife.  It was a success.  My Mom had a great time and I know she loved all the attendees and that all her siblings were present.  It was a great way to finish off the month.

My husband’s b-day was on the 30th, so it was weird not spending that day with him.  At the same time, I couldn’t be rude and not wish him happy b-day.  I guess I took the easy way out and sent him a text.

All of this is all strange and takes getting used to.  My family has been really supportive- immediate and extended.

Mother’s Day at cousin’s house was a nice break from all the chaos.  Of course my Aunt’s tried to make a love connection between my friend Kevin and my cousin.  My friend Kevin wants to chat with my cousin again but that probably won’t happen until Thanksgiving.  Not really sure how both felt but hopefully there was a little bit of an attraction.  Not really sure because I left the gathering early that Sunday.

It was great seeing the family.  I must say it was the largest family get together in a really long time.  More family was there than I have seen at any Mother’s Day gathering.  Really happy that my cousins were able to accommodate such a large group of people (55).  The only challenging part is the driveway to her home.  Parking is all over the place.  The food of course was EXCELLENT:)  YUM.

Work just flew by.  Really busy.  When you want time to fly by it can.  You just have to make yourself busy.

Memorial Day weekend was Crazy.  My last day at work was Wed May 26th, the 27th thru the 30th I was in Vegas for a wedding and to let loose.

Hung out with my Mom and my Aunt/Uncle on Wed & Thursday night, even had my friend Jennifer come hang out and we chatted on my parents back patio for a little over an hour.  Thursday, Jennifer and I went to one of our favorite eateries in Vegas called the Yard House in Towne Square (which is a very fun area)- lots of shops, eateries, an outdoor strip mall with high end shopping.  We enjoyed happy hour or at least made our own happy hour (got extremely tipsy and left with smiles on our faces) and then went to go see Sex and The City 2 because we are huge fans.  We had our opinions but we will not ruin it for you guys.

Friday checked into the casino on the strip where most of the family was staying.  I thought we would all be on the same wing but we were all scattered.  At least I thought we would be in the same tower but we were not.  Friday, my Aunt, my cousin and I ventured over to Caesar’s Palace for some Vegas Nightlife mixing.  We walked through the casino and looked around for Free clubs to engage in some dancing.  Found a couple of free ones.  Danced to this kick ass female DJ that was mashing up some great songs together.  Any which way you put it, Vegas is extremely expensive for drinks- 2 for $25, insane.  They were strong and put in a slightly larger glass if i had to justify it.  My cousin whom is 39 was mistaken for a early 20’s gal.  Love It!  We then ventured over to the other bar with free dancing which is the place I dislocated or slightly un-aligned two of my toes on my right foot.  The walk back to our Casino was still extremely uncomfortable considering I had approx 12 cocktails in me, I could still feel the pain in my toes.  Went to bed approx 6:30 am, is all I have to say.  Time flies living the nightlife in Vegas.  i love Vegas.  Really happy my parents moved there and I am able to enjoy my time there and get to know the city.

I will have to write about Saturday (the wedding ceremony, the reception, and the aftermath in a diff email).  An extremely fun evening.

a Juror on a Civil Case trial

35th Birthday 

Opening up of First Street Alehouse new bldg.  I still need to go.

Birthday party with my friends on Saturday April 17th.

The bomb drops on the 20th and I am not talking about “420 day for the Potheads”

Lots of changes to come.  For those that I mentioned what the bomb is please do not comment and keep this private. Thank you.

Thursday March 11th - Sunday March 14th my hubby leaves for Arizona for Baseball’s Spring Training.  I believe this was his 10th year going with his friends.  His two brothers went with him too.  Betcha they all had things to remember this trip by  Hmmmmm.

Friday March 12th, I had the ladies from my social group over for a Jewelry Party hosted by Premier Designs.  It was a small gathering with lots of  martini’s, good food and great friends.  I also took home some nice freebies of fun jewelry.

Friday March 19th, my husband invited his parents over for a casual relaxed dinner.  It was a very nice dinner relaxing in our new dining room.  We even ate on our China.  Salmon, roasted asparagus, and sweet potatoes were the meal for the night with a nice Merlot from Wente Vineyards, a local Livermore wine.  

Saturday March 20th I drove up to Sacramento to visit with my friends.  I was able to visit with Juli, Gina, my friend Jennifer from Las Vegas and a few other friends.  I drove up to Sacramento early so I can site see my old stomping grounds (Sacramento State, a couple of my old houses, stopped by Bruce’s house but he wasn’t home, went to Arden Fair Mall did some fun “me only” shopping, went and ate at California Cafe’ which my friend Jennifer introduced me to when my hair used to be died black back in 2002.  Then, I went to downtown Sacramento and went to one of my favorite shops “The Mixed Bag” on 24th & K St.  Bought a few mementos and little gifts for upcoming birthdays.  Drove over to my hair stylist, she had to re-do my red high lights since my old red wasn’t “red” enough.  I love it now.  Good contrast.  Afterwards, I drove to my friend Jennifer’s parents house in Natomas.  We were then off to one of our favorite eateries “The Melting Pot” on 15th & H St.  Not a great area but the food is always good at The Melting Pot.  We had many drinks before dinner and our conversations were very interesting and we had a great time eating cheese, drinking and eating more cheese.  No dessert was necessary since we had a couple of chocolate martini’s with dinner.  YUM.  We kept texting Juli to come join us after her 20/30’s social group b-day party was over with.  She picked us up at The Melting Pot and drove us over towards Lavender Heights since Jennifer wanted to take some pictures.  Before stopping at Lavender Heights we stopped by the 3 bars on R St.  One of them were cool.  All of them were all just bars with music playing and some wanted ridiculous covers for just a bar, no DJ, no dance floor.  Juli and I played some pool while Jennifer watched and we soon left after we started to do horrible.  Actually I was playing horrible and Juli was playing fine.  Always stop playing and never embarrass yourself any further, stop before you completely bury yourself, which is what I did.  :)  We  headed towards the Merc to get a drink, don’t know why we didn’t get a drink but we walked around surveying all the trannies and doing a little “people watching”.  Lavender Heights is the perfect place to do just that.  It was a hoot.  Jennifer wanted to stop by the local sex shop to take a peek at their items.  The cards are always fun to read, the toys, the lotions, etc.  Very informative too much stimulation for me since I had a good buzz going on from the drinks at dinner, so we continued to walk around and “people watch” and realized all the work done at “Faces”.  After half an hour after that, we walked back to our cars.  I took Jennifer home and drove to meet Juli at her house to spend the night. 

Spent the night at Juli’s.  Her cats were cute and they brought me leaves in the middle of the night to show me how much they care “little gifts”.  

Sunday Morning, Juli and I met Nicole and Jennifer R. at Charlie’s in Citrus Heights for breakfast.  The food was really delicious and worth the 10 minute wait for a seat.  I asked Juli if we could eat at a “non chain” a little Mom and Pops Place.  I love those types of places.  The nostalgia of the uniforms, the waitress sense of humor, the wall decorations, the menu options, really unique and a good change from all the damn chain restaurants that lose their appeal of being a unique restaurant.  Afterwards, we said our goodbyes and as they drove away in their car, I drove back towards Sacramento to visit with one last friend that could fit me in.  Yep, you know it……. Gina.  She never lets me down and always has time to squeeze me in.  But before I headed over to her place, I went to Target off Broadway Blvd to pick up some Polo Shirts.  Women’s Polo Shirts are really hard to find and I needed more than the 1 bought at JC Penny at Arden Fair Mall and I wasn’t going to pay another $17 for one.  I was able to buy 3 more at $10 each.  A good buy with great Spring colors.  Finally, I headed over to Gina’s place, we hung out with her for over an hour to chat and catch up.  A lot has gone on with her and I.  Lots to share.  Sat at a picnic table under the trees on a nice sunny day at a park off 8th & W St with views of a pond and families eating lunch nearby and children playing across the way.  Finally headed home.  Whenever I go to Sacramento, it’s always jam packed and back to back with events.  I need to see my friends, I love my friends, I love spending time with them, engaging, relaxing, having fun, catching up and I don’t mind that it’s a crazy busy weekend.  

Friday March 26th, my hubby and I drove up to Truckee to spend time with his parents and one of his brothers.  We got up their late on Friday night, hung out and went to bed.  Yesterday (Saturday) we went to Reno after breakfast.  I played penny slots while he bet on College Ball.  His first team lost while West VA won buy over 4 points so he has to go back to REno within 120 days to pick up his winnings.  I on the other hand won over $450 on pennies.  Quite a successful day.  We had a good time.  Reno was sunny and pretty but who would know, we were inside the whole time.  Drove back to Truckee and were able to watch the last 8 minutes as West VA took over Kentucky.  It is exciting if money is riding the line.  Today while my hubby and his brother went skiing at Squaw Valley, my father in law stayed back to pay bills while my mother in Law and I hit the streets to do some shopping at the Bass Outlets and downtown Truckee.  Bass Outlets always has good deals and their shoes are super comfortable, durable and are super soft leather.  Didn’t buy any shoes, bought a bracelet, a set of earrings, and a summer top and polo shirt for my man.  I just can’t buy buy buy for myself anymore.  I have to buy at least a little something for him.  I love my man! Headed back to the Cabin and prepared food for everyone a bit later.  Drove home, got home around 8:15 pm, even stopped by the grocery store to pick up a few items, so I don’t have to do that tomorrow.

Damn, logged into the internet to check to see if need to go to Jury Duty tomorrow.  Crossed my fingers.  Doh.  I gotta go in to Jury Duty tomorrow in Oakland.  Contacted my boss and I covered my tracks on Friday just in case I had to go on Monday.  Meaning, I did everything humanly possible to get the work off my desk and completed so that whomever took over while I was gone only had to do things that were pressing for Monday.  Orders, calls, a couple of reports, that’s it.  Hopefully. 

I only worked Jury Duty one other time in my life, not actually worked and stayed but my number got called, waited in the room and then was asked to leave.  Hopefully that will happen tomorrow.  Hopefully I can leave by noon.  Still gotta get up at the same time- 5:30 am to leave house by 6:30 am to get to Oakland Superior Court by 8:30 am.  Need to pack some snacks, fruit, so I am not starving.  I can’t remember, do I even get a chance for lunch?  Wonder how that works.  Prepare for the worst.  Pray Pray Pray for me that I only have to attend for 1 day.  Pray Pray Pray for me all. 

Good Bye March.  It was fun.  Time to move on to my Birthday Month.  Lots to look forward to in April Everyone.  CHEERS.

Left to go home on Super bowl Sunday.  My husband picked me up at the airport and we went straight to my friend Kevin’s new apartment in San Ramon to watch the big game on his huge projector screen.  That is really a way to enjoy the game.  It was like 15 feet long by 8 feet tall.  It was a huge screen and quite lively, felt like you were at the game.  We left exhausted.

The following weekend Saturday Feb 13th, I attended my friend that I have not seen in close to 4 years, her sisters baby shower.  Yeah, yeah, it was her sister’s baby shower and I did bring a new book and a small gift but I have also known my friend Camille for over 13 years, so before she moved to New York, I had seen her and her sister off and on for 10 years.  It was great seeing all of them- all the 4 ladies.  time has done well with everyone.  Unfortunately, I left the party with a huge sinus headache.  Went home and was sick with a really bad head cold all day Saturday night and all weekend long through the first part of the week.  My husband was my savior and was a real trooper and took care of me.  Providing me fresh squeezed OJ twice a day for 3 days.  Went out and got Bagels and cream cheese from Noah’s Bagels on Valentine’s Day morning.  I was a pooper and didn’t open the beautiful card he gave me for two days because I wanted to be well enough to kiss him once I got the card.  I should have opened it sooner, it probably appeared that I didn’t care.  I felt bad if I hurt his feelings.  He was even kind enough to make me dinner on Valentine’s Day.  I love him.

Friday the 19th, I went out with my women’s social group in Livermore, CA.  We went to see Valentine’s Day.  It was really good movie and I loved how there was over 16 famous celebrities in it.  There was not RAVE reviews but I really loved it, the plot, the meaning and the feeling behind it.  I really liked the movie.  Of course I needed a tissue on more than one occasion.

Tuesday Night (tonight) was Game Night, part of my Meetup.com social group (yes another social group).  I brought my new game Blokus and many had fun playing it.  It’s a fun strategy game.  I brought another new game called Mad Gab but a more quieter environment is needed to play and with 35 attendees, this wasn’t the place to play Mad Gab.  Maybe in the future.  

The only events going on this week is Friday- my neighbor is having a Southern Living at Home Party.  Saturday is a free day.  Sunday I am going to see my cousin and pick up my guitar where he was able to keep the vintage value (35 years) to replace and fix the strings and tune it up for me.  Afterwards, I am getting 3 of my friends together to play Mah Jong at Pyramid Ale House at 2 pm in Walnut Creek.  That should be interesting.  Hopefully they stick us in a corner somewhere since the game is only noisy when the tiles are being shuffled around.  

February was eventful with ups and downs.  Looking forward to what March will bring.  In the back of my mind, I know that lots of fun things are yet to come…………..

My SVT Catheter Ablation surgery on my heart on Thurs Nov 18th was a successful.  I haven’t had any episodes since then and I can’t wait to lead an active lifestyle again.  My follow up visit indicated that the SVT is gone and it’s safe to try for children now- woo hoo!

Home Remodel is completed except for a few finishing touches such as crown molding and curtains.  The new space is beautiful and it feels like we’ve had that space the whole time since being married.  It feels like it’s always been part of the house.  

Thanksgiving was a huge hit with the family.  Lots of people, lots of food was brought, lots of love was shared.  I really loved opening my home (finished or not) to my family.  My Mom’s parents really instilled the power of family get togethers and I love that my husband and I like to entertain to family and friends.  Our home is also more accommodating for larger parties  That was the whole intention.  Plus, there is an extra bedroom and bathroom which is away from the rest of the home.  A private little casita set aside from the family room.  

Work has slowed down which brings more opportunity to update databases that are long over due.  More opportunity to do reports that will help my job be easier come the New Year.

My company sent a co-worker and I to an event in Los Angeles.  We were in the gifting suite area for the celebrities passing out our product (as gifts) and meeting celebrities.  It was a blast.  It was a once in a lifetime opportunity and I felt so lucky that I could go and represent my company.  The topic was hush hush for a while to prevent animosity.  There were jealous ones but what can you do???

This Friday, I am flying to Vegas to spend a quick weekend with my Mom.  I hope to see my friend Jennifer while I go to Vegas.  We are suppose to have lunch on Saturday somewhere, it will be a good chance to catch up since I haven’t seen her in a while.  Then my Mom and I leave bright and early on Sunday Dec 20th and drive back to my house.  My Mom will be spending her Christmas week with us.  Lots going on this next week and I have a lot of wrapping left to do. YIKES!

I still have to decorate the tree and we got our tree on Saturday.  I’m a bit of a procrastinator right now.  The tree is huge and our 3 strands of white lights just barely made it around.  Hopefully I will get motivated after I post this blog.

New Year’s news forthcoming- really exciting and will write next time so I can update all the stories.  I’m sure there will be stories.

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freaky!!!!!