Thanksgiving

I found reason to give thanks.  Originally, when I started this week, I thought it would be hard.  You see, I'm in Louisville, Kentucky.  FAR FAR AWAY from my Thanksgiving traditions.  Emotions were all over the place. Upheaval.

But, somehow (Thanks be to God!), the week improved.  We celebrated Thanksgiving on Wednesday at work with a catered luncheon.  One of my employees asked what I was doing for Thanksgiving and wondered if I was going home or not.  I told her I was joining friends.  She was happy to hear this, and told me if I wasn't going anywhere then I was comin' to her house.  How sweet!

My Thanksgiving morning started with the joyful act of sleeping in.  Got dressed and headed to Starbucks.  Peppermint Mocha and Veggie Artisan sandwich.  Spent time working on my Believing God study.  A number of the patrons were Seminary Students (Louisville has A LOT of seminaries).  They were writing papers, reading commentaries, studying the Word, and discussing their classes.  It felt like a mini-Hallelujah moment.  Loved it!

After the Venti Peppermint Mocha and Artisan Sandwich, I drove to the Crescent Hill Reservoir.  This is supposedly the highest point in Louisville.  There is a walking path around the reservoir.  The architecture is Gothic.  The sound of water running isn't quite the same as the ocean, but I think it could be a place I go when I miss the sound of waves.  I hear in the summer it the only place where you find a breeze on the most humid days.  I walked 2.25 miles around the reservoir.  It was crisp.  My nose ran.  And I tried to jog!

I came home.  Cooked Acorn Squash Bake to take to my friend Doreen's house for Thanksgiving Dinner.  It took longer than planned to prepare both the dish and me for the evening, but eventually everything was pulled together.  I know Doreen from Summer bible study.  She is fun.  Tonight I met her husband Rocky and their dog, Maggie.  Sandra and her husband, Paul (LOVED the British accent), also joined.  Rocky's dad completed the group.  Goodness there was a lot of food and even better conversation.  A fun evening.  I missed people and my traditions from California, but tonight was definitely an enjoyable evening.  Definitely an opportunity to give thanks!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Home Sweet Home

I am newly returned from a two week journey which quite literally took me across the country and back home again.  My trip was a mix of mostly business and a long weekend for vacation.  My journeys encompassed Mesa AZ, Vista CA, and Amarillo TX.  Along the way I had stops in the following airports:  Louisville, Dallas/ Fort Worth, Phoenix, San Diego, and Amarillo.  Racking up those frequent flyer miles.  Hotels slept in:  Hampton Inn & Suites Chandler AZ, TownePlace Suites Vista CA, Paradise Pier Hotel at Disneyland, Ramada Inn Downtown San Diego, and finally Holiday Inn Amarillo, TX.  I must say.  My bed felt AMAZING when I slept in it Thursday night. 

Highlights from the trip: Riding Tower of Terror with my brothers (see picture posted on Facebook), Dinner and drinks at Downtown Disney (I think we found a drink Aaron doesn't mind consuming!!), Cold drinks on a warm Thursday afternoon talking to a good friend who I haven't seen in a long time, Heart to heart talks, hugs from my nephew, family dinner, Dinner at On the Prado (excellent food and drink, even better conversation), and time with my brother Micah before he deploys to Afghanistan. 

Then this last week in Amarillo, Texas, I attended an EHS (Environmental, Health, and Safety) Council meeting.  3 days.  2.5 days of meetings, discussions, and an overwhelming sens of "we have a LOT of work to do."  Sustainability is the direction where business must head.  Global awareness, regulations, social responsibility . . . the list goes on.  Anyway, we did take a moment out of the hectic schedule to head to River Breaks Ranch.  A fun evening of watching horse racing (I managed to never pick a winning horse), and a wagon ride (hauled by a John Deer Tractor driven by a cowboy). 

Even got to see a mini-cattle drive.  The ranch has been in operations for 101 years.  At its largest size, it encompassed 200,000 acres cover 3 states (Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma).  Today it is still a working ranch - 2000 acres.  The dinner included:  Beef Brisket, Biscuits, salad, beans, and the best peach cobbler ever. 
 





I arrived home Thursday night.  Being gone for so many days I took a cab to and from the airport, since this was cheaper than paying parking.  I didn't want to leave my car parked out front to say to the world, "Hey, I'm gone for a whole bunch of days."  So, I parked it in the garage.  Friday morning, I get up, get ready, and go down to the basement garage to head to work.  Did I mention this?  My garage is subterranean.  I climb in and start the . . . . choke, sputter, no sound of an engine revving.  I get out and "jiggle" (yes, that is an official term) the battery cable.  Climb back in, still no engine turning over.  The lights all come on, but this tells me only the battery is okay.  I call in assistance - a  tow truck.  The tow truck driver arrives and about panics over where the car is parked.  Fortunately, Balding Civic has a tow hook.  He was able to get the wench/ cinch? connected and hauled the car out of the garage.  Slow and difficult process.  He did a great job.  I may not be parking down there again.  I'm super paranoid now :o)

So, a few asked what my home looks like, so Friday morning, while waiting for the tow truck I took this picture.

In case you wondered, Balding Civic is fine.  The Service Adviser at the dealership said it was "only" flooded.  Worked some bit of mechanic magic and in 5 minutes the car was back to me.  Sigh.  Was the $141 dollars to haul the car to the dealership REALLY necessary?????

Louisville - Home?

Settling in to a new home, a new place, a new job.  It is more adjusting than I planned.  I know it is one of the reasons why I am reluctant, STILL, to hang pictures on the walls and set up my home office.  Hanging those pictures and organizing my office are the final tasks, which, when completed, will declare, "I'm settled in Louisville, KY."  And, "I am home."

Home to me for 35.5 years (I started the new job in Kentucky exactly 3 days after my half birthday) was Southern California.  Born in San Diego.  Moved to Oceanside before I was 4.  Moved to Fallbrook the summer between 6th and 7th grade (Ugh.  Not great memories with those years.)  Moved to San Diego for 3 years at SDSU.  Back to Fallbrook, living with my parents for 1 year (you remember that 1st broke year after college - job hunting, poor with student loans no longer deferred).  Renting my first place - a small cottage in Fallbrook.  Then apartments in Vista, Carlsbad, and Oceanside.  And the final California rental - a Condo in Vista.  See, I never wandered far. 

Many of you requested pictures of my new house.  Confession.  I've been using my lack of a camera cable (needed to download pictures from camera to computer) as an excuse.  Truth?  Sending or posting pictures means I'm REALLY living here.  This is a permanent change, not a temporary sojourn.  This is not an adventure.  This is my reality.

Please don't worry about me.  I am okay.  I am settling in and adjusting.  The process is just longer than I ever imagined.  There are many things which I am enjoying in Louisville - Opening Night at the Races (launched Derby season), Louisville Palace (Summer Series - Old Jimmy Stewart Movies), Southeast Christian (church), The Irish Rover (Pub/ Restaurant), Heine Brothers (Coffee), New Friends, the best Lane Bryant ever, Bourbon 101class (OMG - Cherry Infused Bourbon - YUM!), and my neighborhood (gardens, wonderful houses, parks).


Eventually, I hope, one day soon.  Louisville, KY will truly feel like home.

Where were you?

Alan Jackson's song, "Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)," runs through my head as I sit watching Lifetime's 9-11 Special.  Haunting images fill the screen.  And I remember.  Do you?  Where were you?

I worked for Sony Electronics at the time as a buyer.  September 11 was a rare day when I arrived at work early; walking through the doors at 6:30am.  I was surprised to see a number of people gathered in the break room.  I joined them and stood in shock as I watched. 

There truly are no words to describe.  The emotions.  The fear.  The wondering, "What now?"  I distinctly remember trying to go about business as usual.  Send e-mails.  Order parts.  Call vendors.  All the while, checking CNN.com for updates and occasionally wandering back to the break room to watch TV.  Business as usual kept my mind occupied, but I didn't get much done.  I think eventually we were able to go home early.  I don't remember.  The tears came later . . . watching the images on TV, my computer.  Even today, I weep.  I experience the same shock, as I watch the day repeat through the videos of so many people who witnessed these events "live" in New York City. 

Much changed after this date.  Words express some of it - Security Lines, Buildings gone, War, Lost loved ones . . . but in reality, words are inadequate to capture the emotions, the consequences, and the significance of 9-11.

Where were you?

Lost Keys . . . Lost Mind?

Ginkgo Biloba may end up on my shopping list for the next trip to Whole Foods.  I believe my memory requires boosting UP!  I know some of you are thinking, "There is no way Emily forgets anything . . .  she is perfect and her memory is superb."  (Ahem - According to Web by E, arrogance and delusion could be a side effect of an over-tasked brain.)

Over-tasked.  Probably an understatement these days.  So much going on at work.  Starting to make major changes in the arena of healthy living - personal trainer, gym membership, and meeting with a dietician/ nutritionist.  Settling in to being "home" in Louisville.  Sigh.  Just a lot.

Let me recap for you my brain blank moments
          Thursday.  My boss (we shall call him M) is in town.  He offers to take my direct team to lunch.  We choose Olive Garden (got to love those salads and breadsticks).  As I left my office I grabbed my keys, wallet, Greenlee badge (so I can scan and get back into the building), and we are off.  We pile into two vehicles - M's rental car and T's (one of my direct reports) car.  I drop my keys into the side pocket, put the wallet on my lap, and wear the badge around my neck.  Lunch is tasty.  Conversation enjoyable.  Back into the cars and back to work we go.  Fast forward 5 hours.  M stops by my office to say good-bye.  About 15 minutes later, I start to get ready to leave.  Grabbing briefcase, water bottle, and . . . "Damn, where are my keys?"  I open drawers, dig through my briefcase, look under papers . . . no keys.  I pause a moment and sort through the memories of the day.  Trying to remember the last time I saw my keys.  LIGHTS GO ON.  PANIC SETS IN.  The sound of the keys dropping into the side pocket of the car.  M's rental car, which is he is currently driving on the way back to the airport AND rental car return.  Quickly I call him . . . he answers.  No, he hasn't returned the car.  Yes, he will come back.  Keys restored to their rightful owner.  YES!!!!
          Friday Morning.  Ready to head to work.  Grabbing my briefcase, water bottle, and . . . "Damn, where are my keys."  Once again, I'm digging through the briefcase, lifting up piles of stuff . . . no keys.  At this point, I know I'm going to be late.  So, I send in a text.  "I'm going to be late to work today because I lost my keys."  Sure, they are going to believe that one.  TOTALLY true though! :o)  Eventually, I do find them - after tearing the couch apart and finding them wedged into the far back.  God alone knows how they managed to find their way into that odd position.
          Saturday Afternoon.  Picking up dry cleaning.  Give the girl my receipt.  She goes and grabs my 4 items, hangs them on the copper bar by the register, and we take care of the payment process.  I take my card back and walk to the exit.  Pausing when I am about to push open the door.  I'm missing something - the DRY CLEANED ITEMS.  Yep.  Paid and then walked away.  I turn around and with much chagrin grab the items off the copper bar and walk back out of the building.

Do you need any more proof?  I think I've lost my mind.  The question is . . . will I remember the Ginkgo Biloba?

Champaign and Martinellis

Summer road trip. Louisville to Champaign, Illinois and back again. What's in Champaign? Well, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. It is the Twin Cities after all. More importantly, it was where I was meeting the Martinelli family for the weekend.

The Martinellis are friends from California. They serve in Campus Crusade for Christ. I spent Thanksgivings, dinners, game nights, Community Group, birthday parties, and countless hours with David, Diane, and their kids. I've missed them all. It was such a joy to be with them.

Memorable events: Conversation, playing school, Ms. PacMan Tournament (I ROCKED!!!), fellowship, giving winning Birthday presents (you never know with a 11 year old and 9 year old - I haven't been those ages in a LONG time!), laughter, and encouragement.

The journey home was much slower. Leaving loved ones and heading into a BUSY work week. The traffic on I-65 didn't help either - yes, there was traffic. Accident slowed us all down to a 2 mile/ hour CRAWL. Took an extra hour to get home.

Sweet memories. Champaign and Martinells.

Dreaming

Last night/ early this morning, I dreamed. I know, this is not abnormal. All of us dream. The variable is whether or not we remember the details of the dream. I'm sure there are studies which could give us the % of how many of our dreams we remember. I anticipate this % is small. But all of us can attest to the fact of remembering the details of a dream. Their themes vary, the topics range, and the details are concise or blurry.

I've personally awakened screaming due to the nightmare of a male voice calling to me from outside my window (yeah, that was a REAL fun one to remember). I awakened shaking my head because the dream was that weird - come on you know what I'm talking about: purple trees, people from your life who don't even know each other suddenly being best friends, etc. And then ones which make your heart melt . . . where you wake up yearning for the dream to be reality.

Yep. I had one of THOSE dreams last night. A special someone. A romantic day. The feeling of being loved, desired, cared for . . . as if I was the only woman on earth. Sigh - da*n dream.

I know it was only a dream. But, these always stir up a deep yearning, for the dream to be a reality. And so, I continue to hope . . . and dream.

Mama Bird

May I introduce to you a Northern Cardinal, female. Native bird to Kentucky. I didn't know her face until today. I heard the chirping of birds outside of my office window for the last week. I knew a family had made a home.

This morning I noticed 2 small mounds on the walk by the window. I took a closer look and realized they were 2 of the baby birds - featherless, helpless, alone. They'd fallen out of the nest. Pushed out because the nest was overcrowded? Wind? Predator? I don't know the cause - just the end result.

One was dead. Another still moving. I couldn't hear a sound, but I imagined a whimper. I stood by my window and yearned to weep. Life and death. I know this is a frequent occurrence in the life of birds, but today it struck a chord. You see, it's been a tough week - stress to the point of heartburn, and many moments of frustration and anger at the apparent incompetence of others. Suddenly, things fell into perspective - I've allowed my job to became one great ball of stress. I can't let it control my life. As silly as this may sound, seeing the dead baby bird and its brother/ sister struggling to stay alive, I felt my perspective realign.

A short time later, I saw movement out of the corner of my eye. Mama was flying. Chirping a call. Searching for her lost ones. And then a surprise - the baby bird moved. Her very body responding to the call of her mother. Struggling to move and make a sound. Mama heard the cry of her young. And flitted about - determined, searching, calling out . . .

At this point, my heart was sad. I couldn't watch anymore. I closed the blind and walked away. I'm not sure how the story played out. Later in the afternoon, when I looked out, the only baby bird left was the one dead from the beginning. I heard the sound of chirping in the tree. I'd like to think Mama and Papa bird figured out a way to get baby bird back to the nest. This is my happy ending. I know what the reality is . . . but the truth will not be spoken here tonight. I like my happy place where it is.

Thank you to this photographer for the use of his picture from the web.
http://i.pbase.com/o6/74/498174/1/71332666.0zbCa6tB.IMG_4062640jpcurv.jpg

Dear God . . .

Dear God,

Thank you for the food at El Tarasco Mexican Restaurant. Mexican food in Louisville! I'm not so sure how I feel about the cheese sauce on the Carne Asada Burrito, but it contained perfectly marinated and grilled steak. And the refried beans were not from a can.
The chips were tasty, but I suspect the salsa might have been Pace's Hot and Medium - 2 bowls so the diner decided which "temperature" their taste buds could handle. The meal came with a salad. I had to laugh. It was literally a bed of sliced head lettuce with two spoonfuls of salsa fresca on top. The salsa fresca was, quite honestly, delicious - cilantro, onion and tomato were an explosion of flavor in my mouth. The lettuce just interfered. But, I ate the lettuce - vegetables are good for you, even if it is mostly water. Anyway, I tried their Happy Hour $1.99 lime margarita. Well, it was mostly lime margarita mix and minimal tequila, but it was refreshing.

So, God, I think I may have found a restaurant which will satisfy a small portion of my Mexican Food Cravings. Certainly better than the chain restaurant Qdoba. Let's just say, I know we are supposed to give thanks for all things but . . . YUCK!

Now, God, we've had this conversation before, but I figure it is time to have it again. Why do I keep attracting short hispanic men? I thought the waiter was sending me a vibe, but I had hoped it was just because he was friendly :o) Then, when he asked me to write my phone number on the back of the bill, the vibe became EXTREMELY clear. God, it is nice to know he considered me attractive AND had the courage to ask me out. I am flattered. I thanked him and said no. I left him a generous tip, though.

Just so we are clear - I'd like the man who you bring into my life to be taller than me (I'm only 5'5" so this really shouldn't be that difficult), speak English (Bi-lingual is acceptable. In fact, I'd be jealous since I think knowing a 2nd language is GREAT!. But, Lord, we both know I talk fast and I talk a lot and a relationship won't work if he doesn't understand me.), and well, the rest I'll leave up to you (but I reserve the right to let you know if I need to add some specifics to this list.)

And, not to complain, but it does feel like I've been waiting a long time for "Mr. Right" to come. I recognize you are the Master Matchmaker, and we are on your time line, BUT . . . I'd REALLY appreciate it if you'd introduce us sooner rather than later.

So, just to summarize:
- Thanks for the Mexican Food today.
- Thanks for the flattery of someone asking me out.
- Please introduce me to Mr. Right (remember - taller and speaks English) soon.

Lots of Love,
Emily

P.S. Thank you for letting me make my requests known. Abba Father does know best, so I add this prayer - Not my will, Lord, but your will be done.

Rain

It's raining AGAIN in Louisville, KY. "Rain. Rain. Go away. Please come back another day." And to top it off it is cold. I had to move my trash can to the street in the rain for the 3rd week in a row.

WHINE. WHINE. WHINE.

Even the locals are telling me this is excessive rain. Sigh. Hope it stops soon. I miss the sun.

On a plus side. Opening Night at Churchill Downs was fun. I went to a new church on Sunday. Enjoyed the service. I'm not so sure about the Singles (30-mid40s) bible study group which meets at 10:45am. My first impression was not a good one, but I will give them a 2nd try. Maybe it was an off day. Perhaps those women gossiping at the check in table won't be at the welcoming table next week? Here's hoping!

And a positive note to look forward to: Third Day Concert on Thursday night!

Tornado Warning - Basement Dweller

I'm sitting on the cold floor of my basement. I'm thinking I really should get a folding chair down here. And some blankets in a storage bin. I hauled the one off my master bed, but the floor is not exactly clean. So, I'm experiencing my first Tornado Warning in my new home. My new emergency public alert radio is programmed to warn me of specific weather events - flood, fire, tornado, hurricane, etc.

So, as I write this blog, I have 41 more minutes to go until the Tornado Warning "expires." No sirens sounding in the Louisville area, which means there isn't one sighted in the area. In case you were curious: A tornado watch is just to let folks know to be on the lookout for a possible tornado in the area whereas a Tornado Warning is a notification that a tornado has been seen or picked up by radar.

I know this is a boring blog, but it's my life.

I LOVE SPRING

This blog is sadly lacking something . . . PICTURES! Spring is literally blooming all around me in Louisville. I know we Southern Californians like to believe we have seasons. But, let me be the first to tell you - we really don't have spring.

Here in Louisville - trees, bushes, and flowers are blooming. It is a cacophony of color. Words are insufficient. Pictures would be better, but I can't find my transfer cable thingy which lets me move pictures from the camera to my computer.

I walked today in Seneca Park, which is at the far eastern end of a larger park called Cherokee Park. Seneca Park is ringed by a path intended only for walkers or runners. Nothing on wheels. So, one's stroll/ power walk/ running stride is not interrupted by the call of "On your left!" The loop is 1.2 miles. I walked two times. Enjoying sunshine, breeze, the sounds of voices, and watching the various sports in play on the field. The sports were quite diverse - LaCrosse (I think this might be a big deal out here. I'm going to have to figure out the rules.), Kick Ball (yes, even I was surprised to see adults playing), Flag football, Soccer practice, and tennis.

Spring makes each day wonderful. I sense, though, a need to enjoy the weather when it is nice. Rain and wind occur frequently in the spring. Followed by HEAT and HUMIDITY in summer.

Loving Spring!

Road Trip Adventures

Prelude to the road trip
The road trip began much later than planned - 4 hours later in fact. This may not sound like much, but when you need to drive 400 miles to Flagstaff, a delay like this throws the whole plan off. The delay wasn't any one's fault per se - except perhaps my optimistic self. I assumed that since family and friends could pack, drive, and unload a moving van filled with my belongings from a 1 bedroom apartment, professional movers would surely be able to load a moving van in 3-4 hours. I'd be VERY VERY wrong. They arrived at 9am and were not finished until 3pm. Good grief!

Part 1: Vista, California to Flagstaff, Arizona
Anyway, Mama and I headed out around 4pm. Arrived in Flagstaff after midnight with one stop in EXCITING (if sarcasm could drip off letters this page would be dripping) Needles, CA at a Denny's for dinner. I must say, I love the I-40 and 75 MILES PER HOUR! Anytime the limit dropped to below 70 it felt like we were c r a w l i n g down the road.

Meet Nuvi Garmin. Our companion for this entire trip. Nuvi was mostly our reference to make sure we didn't get off the beaten trail. The trip itself was simple through Missouri - stay on I-40. But, I noticed through Corona and up into Victorville, she kept trying to direct us off the I-15 to side roads and highways. When we stopped for gas off the 15 (pass Barstow), I pulled Nuvi closer and looked at her menu settings. A voila - the setting showed to avoid highways. She was trying to dump us on to old Highway 66, which would explain why she kept calculating an arrival time of 1:30am. I thought she just was converting to Mountain Standard time. So, glad I knew to stick with the main highways and avoid all diversions.

Part 2: Flagstaff, Arizona to Amarillo Texas
As part of a last minute side trip, we decided to see the Grand Canyon. Neither of us had ever been there . . . so side road trip! :o)


This picture doesn't reveal the beauty. Although I am not the photographer, I did stand in the exact spot where the image was captured. Colors, depth, wind, echoes, birds soaring, the wonder at the power of wind and water to carve and sculpt the details of this canyon.



Now the disadvantage of a trip like this one is the 5 hours added to the day's driving plan. 1.75 hours to the Grand Canyon, 1.5 hours walking and exploring, and 1.75 hours back to Flagstaff to start the journey to Amarillo, Texas. The time to drive from Flagstaff to Amarillo is close to 9 hours with NO stops. But wait, I forgot the time change, which jumps us ahead 2 hours. We didn't arrive in Amarillo until 1:30am. All I can say is that my Mama is a patient person. The truth is I was so tired I turned into a bit of a *itch!!!

New Mexico and its painted deserts are exquisite.
However, the squalor and poverty revealed in the run down houses, motor homes, and trailers made the journey on the I-40 an interesting one in contrasts. Natural beauty and man's disappointments. I wondered about the stories at each of these run down spots. Was it someones effort to eek out an existence? Or the last spot where they just gave up? Sadly, most of these areas were Indian Reservations. It appears the bright lights of the various casinos along this route failed to lighten the burdens of these individuals.

Part 3: Amarillo, Texas to Springfield, Missouri
Slept In! Didn't get up until 10:20am. Felt like a human being again. We went to Cracker Barrel for breakfast. Mama's first time. Customer service shines at these restaurants. And as long as you avoid grits, breakfast is tasty.

Switched from I-40 to I-44 somewhere on the road from Texas to Oklahoma. Texas was, well, flat and boring. Oklahoma surprised me. Lots of green hills. Farms. Cows. More cows. And trees. And many Indian "Nations." The homes residing on this land are like palaces compared to the squalor witnessed in New Mexico. Interesting differences. Perhaps in Oklahoma they've learned to share the wealth better?

And on I-44, I experienced a first. Let's just say, a patch of grass, a tree, and a hillside along I-44 somewhere between Tulsa and Springfield are all very intimately acquainted. (Fill in the blanks of this story.) And ironically, just over the next hill, a gas station. Sigh - there were so many hills before that one, which I crossed over EACH one anticipating deliverance and experienced disappointment instead. My patience skills just weren't strong enough! :o)

We arrived in Springfield by 10:30pm. Early compared to all our other nights. Met a nice man at the Front Desk, who obviously had a long day! Told funny stories about guests who demanded a lot for their $69.99 per night stay at a La Quinta in Springfield, Missouri. He told us, he looked them in the eye and said, "This isn't the Ritz Carlton." Gumption.

Part 3: Springfield, Missouri to Louisville, Kentucky
Blustery day. Fought the wind through Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky. Beautiful country. Farms. Land. Homes. Lakes. Ponds. Trees. Grass blowing. Peaceful. No adventures.

Mama did opt for Cracker Barrel again in Springfield. She wanted to try the Wild Blueberry Pancakes with Wild Blueberry syrup - ALL from Maine! I think she is hooked on the down home southern cooking and quality customer service.

Arrived in Louisville at sunset. Louisville greeted Mama as we drove over the bridge from Indiana into downtown - shadows of buildings against the blue sky twisted with orange and reds. Quite a showoff!

Stopped first at the new rental in Chester Hill/ Cherokee Gardens neighborhood. Dropped off the boxes which traveled all the way from from California to Kentucky. Almost home. Just waiting for the movers to arrive. Delivery window is Thursday 4/7 through Saturday 4/9. Isn't it great they get a 3 day delivery window!

Tour given. Boxes moved in. Plants watered and put into temporary locations until their stands arrive. Off to the hotel.

Road Trip ends here . . .

Thank you to the following sites for the use of their images
Road Trip: http://www.gpb.org/files/RoadTrip.jpg
Grand Canyon: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ZdaN-wQFlx_CtHIJ6e7-RQw1cAplFDo-5OQV6U0dZPQXTHIF-EuHzoW8VskszbIa1ei2dKdK-wdivOxhWziaTBqVBuhBatD9INHlV84UyyLy2cP-5Vp5afgLTUtuq4EVUIQ1asZn9yM/s1600/GrandCanyonLookingWest.jpg
The End: http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lOSKZ_Iccr0/R3JJRtarqYI/AAAAAAAABPw/UgivLgmv-hA/s400/the-end-bb.gif
New Mexico: http://departments.weber.edu/hp/RMATA/NEw%20Mexico.jpg

Snow and Moving

Well, I experienced my first spring snow. I found this image online. I seem to have forgotten my camera cable to be able to upload pictures from my camera. Snow in March came as a shock. Especially, since 5 days ago it was 75 degrees and the flowers and trees were in bloom. I must say, though, watching the flakes drift from the sky to the ground - it was beautiful. And it is ALL melted now, except for a few spots in the shade.

This weekend I read. I felt like I'd been wasting my brain on TV, so I decided to read. Just finished The Distant Hours by Kate Morton. The local Borders was having a closing sale, so I was able to purchase the hardback book at a discount. I had read her novel, The Forgotten Garden. She is a bit of a formulaic writer. She blends past and present and her stories seem to always involve a mystery of some kind. But, I'll give her this credit, her endings are not ones I would anticipate, so she keeps me guessing.

I move this next week. Yep. It is official. The packers come on Tuesday to box up my personal belongings. The movers will show up either on Wednesday or Thursday.
Yes, you read that correctly. The movers gets a two day window. Supposedly, they will confirm their actual pick up date on Tuesday. The movers will come and pick up the furniture and the boxes on one of those days and then they head east to Louisville. My poor brother (and current roommate) will be without furniture. He was trying to figure out a way to schedule his own furniture delivery, but since I don't know until Tuesday, he can't really schedule any deliveries. So, he will be without furniture for a few days - sorry Bro!!!
On Thursday, at some point (again depending on when the movers show and how long it will take them to pack up the truck), my mom and leave on our road trip from Vista to Louisville. YEAH! Our stopping points are Flagstaff, Albuquerque, Amarillo, Springfield (Missouri), and then Louisville. Of course, we are going to beat the moving truck. The delivery window is April 7th through 9th. 3 days! Lucky them :o)


Thanks to the following sites for the use of their images
Spring Snow: http://blog.loaz.com/media/blogs/timwang/ubc-spring-snow-flower.jpg
Moving Day: http://www.therealestateblogster.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/moving-day.jpg
Road Trip: http://www.gpb.org/files/RoadTrip.jpg

Things I miss . . . and like

So, I decided to keep a running list of things I miss since I'm living in Louisville . . .
- Carne Asada (grilled Steak from Qdoba Mexican Grill does not cut it)
- Trader Joe's
- Friends
- People who stop at stop signs and lights (seems to be a higher volume of people who run them here in Louisville)
- People who merge onto the free rather than stop (Rachel warned me)


And things I like in Louisville . . . (see, I'm giving you glass half empty AND half full)
- Brisk winter/ early spring days. They are invigorating.
- Brick buildings
- My job
- My church (FABULOUS music)

Deja Vu

I experienced Deja Vu while driving from the Louisville Airport to the hotel. While digging in my bag to find my wallet, I looked up at the city around me. Suddenly, I felt as if I'd been in that exact spot before. In moments like that, I wonder . . . is the Matrix real?

And for those of you literary types - I know I spelled Deja Vu incorrectly. I'm writing on my Mac and I still haven't quite figured out how to mark the letters with accents.

Thanks to the following website for the use of the image.
http://1800taxicab.com/images/cabcotaxi.jpg

Searching for Home (also called a rental)

Let me just say that the whole process to find a home in Louisville, Kentucky has been exhausting. I've searched Craigslist, Googled more rental websites than I can count, driven down random streets, e-mailed, called, and scheduled walk thru appointments. This past week I found my ideal neighborhood and a decent house. Hardwood floors, an actual WC (water closet, aka a closet with a toilet), central air and heat, small front and back yards, garage, washer/ dryer hook up, 3 bedrooms (one for me, one for guests, PLUS an office), and room for entertaining.

Yesterday, I received a fax copy of the lease. Imagine my surprise when I read the Lessor does not provide A/C. What?!!!! Only the itty bitty little window box A/C units to cool 6 rooms and 2 stories - yeah right! With the Kentucky heat and humidity - I'll be miserable. Then I thought, "Maybe I can make this work." Buy some portable A/C units. Use the ceiling fans a lot. How bad can it be?

BAD . . . according to the people who chimed in on Facebook and a few people who I talked to in Louisville (my massage Therapist at Massage Envy and the buyer/ planner at work).

So, I called the property manager and said, "Please clarify." Well, I was much more eloquent, but you get the point. He called back. "I used an old lease form. The property does have central A/C." YEAH!! HIP HIP HOORAY!!

I scheduled another walk through tomorrow just to be sure . . . :o)

Thanks to the following web location where I found the image used in this blog:
http://sevicklaw.typepad.com/wills_estates_trusts/Home%20Tax%20Benefit.jpg

Some Louisville Firsts

Today, was filled with Louisville firsts (for me anyway) . . .

• Went for a walk. And experienced the odd feeling of never warming up. Typically, in Southern Cal, one sheds the jacket after getting warmed up from the walk. Not here. It was COLD - gloves and the fleece stayed on the whole time. 45 minutes. I feel great!
  
• First Traffic jam. Driving on Taylorsville Road. Typically, this street flows smoothly, so imagine my surprise when I came to a stop and stayed there. TRAFFIC! It only lasted for 2 blocks and 5-10 minutes. Turned out there had been an accident (no injuries). Traffic diverted to the other lane and we eventually got moving again.
• Completed my first solo presentation for the ISC (Integrated Supply Chain) conference call. I probably talked 1000 miles a minute, but I communicated all the necessary information.
• Drank a bottle of Stella Artois (well, I started this yesterday, but since I didn't write then, I added it to today's list
• Cooked Mexican Food - Chicken Fajitas. Thank goodness for Whole Food Market which supplied the Bell Peppers (red and yellow), the Fajita mix (a little spicy), the Jar of Salsa, Organic Tortilla chips, and the Stella.
  

And a thanks to the following location for supplying the image I used in this blog:
http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ5i3foCptXG-tLCVeKizhUQc1gC-gwfGL3RhCG81nXG0EE3g1e&t=1

Louisville Home

Louisville home. What will it look like? Where will it be located?

I found a neighborhood this last week called Chester Hill. It is is between two Louisville communities called Highlands and St Matthews. It a neighborhood with coffee, galleries, and a bookstore all within walking distance. I thought I found the perfect place last Thursday. It is 3 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, 2 stories, a small backyard, basement, a garage, and a front porch. In a great neighborhood for walking. Close to work, downtown, Louisville, and Frankfort Street (which I'm told has great restaurants and pubs).

Then today, I checked out a condo. It reminds me a lot of the one I lived in at Vista. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, plus a den. Lots of windows.

Here is the break down of positives and negatives for each property
Positives
- @ The Chester Hill property: The community where it resides, 3 bedrooms (1 for me, 1 for guests, and 1 for the office), hard wood floors, simple yard, it is a house - no sharing of walls or floors, lots of space . . .
- @ The Condo: 2 full bathrooms, a large room for the kitchen, living room, and dining area (great for entertaining and visiting with visitors while cooking), well decorated (great paint colors), felt homey, compact space, washing and dryer included with the rent. Low heating/ cooling costs ($90-$120/ month) and water included, easy access garage

Negatives
- @ The Chester Hill property: Cost to heat and cool (due to the 2 stories and old building/ windows - $300-$400/ month), upkeep of the yard is my responsibility, since it is a larger property it will require immediate purchase of some things (which although are needful and long term investments, were not part of my original budget - waster & dryer, additional furniture for the living room and dining room), the .5 bathroom is actually only a toilet and it is in a closet (a real WC!!!) close to the kitchen which is where people will need to wash their hands, the garage (steep driveway - possible problem with ice and rain) . . .
- @ The Condo: Not close to any community. Will need to drive to everywhere. Smaller space. Not any close walking areas (that I saw anyway).

I don't intend to rent forever. My plan is for a year and then find a place to buy. So, I could always rent the condo (save money, etc.) and then buy later in the neighborhood which I like. Of course, as a friend pointed out, the Condo could leave me feeling isolated.

What to do?!!

Fire Alarms

Confession. Whenever I see a Fire Alarm, I want to pull on the handle. One of my weird quirks. I became aware of this twisted side of myself about a decade ago. Whenever I walk by one, a little voice in my head says, "Go Ahead, pull it!"

What does this say about me, I wonder?

Louisville - Week 1

This is my first official post from Louisville, Kentucky. I sit on my striped coach in the Homewood Suites watching Truman Show and writing. This week didn't begin as I expected. I arrived Wednesday night, picked up the car, hauled the suitcases, checked in to the hotel, unpacked the bags, climbed into bed, and spent the rest of the night coughing and groaning. Spent Thursday and most of Friday in bed with the flu - 101.7 fever, aches, coughs, runny nose, and those delightfully entertaining fever dreams. Haven't been that sick in a LONG time. I wish it had picked another time besides day 1 and 2 on the job :o)

So, since Wednesday, I've figured out which side of the couch is most comfortable (right side), was reminded how expensive Whole Foods is (missing Trader Joe's already), utilized a whole box of kleenex by myself, and returned the rental car to exchange it for another - check engine light came on.

The good news is I now feel I'm returning to normal. :o) Went to a movie tonight. Saw No Strings Attached - not recommended, but the soft pretzel was tasty. I did, however, manage to embarrass myself. While placing the cup of Sprite into the cup holder, I managed to squeeze off the lid and out spurted Sprite onto the floor. Fortunately, no one was sitting in the vicinity of the "Sprite Wave." A classic move.

Tomorrow - more exploring of Louisville, seeing a property in the Highlands, reading the relocation package details (makes my head hurt just trying to figure out the details), probably a nap, and then perhaps Pasta for dinner.

Off to bed . . .

Louisville, Kentucky

I've been waiting for work to making the official announcement, before I publicly shared the big news in my life. At this rate, though, I'm probably going to actually be in the new job before the "official" word is released. Ah, the wonders of corporate bureaucracy.

So, pending a surprise in my background check, I am starting as a Plant Manager in Louisville, Kentucky on Thursday, February 17. My last day of work in Vista, California is this Tuesday. I fly to Kentucky on Wednesday.

In anticipation of some questions:

• Different company? No. Same company. The job is a promotion.
  
• How do I feel? Super excited. Looking forward to the opportunity and new experiences.
• Am I packed? Not yet. For this first phase, I'm only bringing clothes, some books, and my Mac. I won't pack up the condo until I know where I'm living.
• Where will I live? Someplace in Louisville. I found a neighborhood I like - the "artsy" section of Louisville called Highlands. There is a street there named Bardstown Road and even a pub called The Bard's Pub - Got to love it! I am seeing 2nd floor duplex this coming Saturday which is in the neighborhood - fingers crossed! :o)
• What about my car? Balding Civic (204K miles) is going to be hauled across country. I expect a new car will be needed at some point this year, but I'm hoping my Honda has a another few thousand miles in it!
• Who will move me? I received a relocation package. Movers to move my stuff are part of the deal.
• Is my e-mail going to change AGAIN? Nope!. Thank goodness for gmail, which doesn't care where you live.
• Any ideas for church? Yep. I actually visited one when I went out to interview. I'm hoping it will be a new community for me to be a part of.
• Isn't this quick? ABSOLUTELY. Corporate contacted me on January 17 to be see if I'd be interested. Interviewed on January 31. Accepted job on January 31. Starting on February 17.
• What will I miss? Real Mexican food, family, friends, The Fields (my church), and 70 degree weather in February.

Stay tuned for updates from the California girl in Kentucky.

Gold and Brown Shoe - Ode to Fall

Today I was a near miss. Living proof of the wisdom to watch where you walk. While walking (okay I was striding proudly - clicking . . . clacking) to a meeting, I slipped. My feet slid right out from under me. Fortunately, a flip chart stand saved me from a total wipe out. I recovered with a "Ta-Da."

But, seriously, this could have been bad. From the expressions on the faces as it was happening, they were worried. God bless Dianne, she stood posed ready to catch me. Fortunately, this wasn't necessary.

I love these shoes, but this is the second time they've done me in at work. I resign myself to the fact they are a "going on a date" or "out for a night" on the town pair of shoes. These brown, gold, shiny, and sparkly shoes must be retired. You see, they just don't get along with the flooring at work. So, rather than jeopardize my physical well being or set back our days without injury score from 790 days to ZERO, I recognize these shoes are no longer an "approved for work" pair.

Before we go . . . in the shoes honor, I wrote a poem.

Gold and Brown Shoe - Ode to Fall

Gold, Brown
Shiny, Sparkly

Wearing you, I . . .
Walk
Talk
Fall?

Gold, Brown
Shiny, Sparkly

Wearing you, I . . .
Dazzle
Travel
Fall?

Gold, Brown
Shiny, Sparkly

Wearing you, I . . .
Stride
Slide
Fall?

Wearing you,
Gold, Brown
Shiny, Sparkly
Shoe

Goodly

A friend of mine, T, invents words. His most recent is one that I cannot type here lest my PG rating bump to PG-13 :o) Currently, the invented word he uses most frequently is goodly. A personal favorite of mine. I'm blogging about this word in an effort to get it added to the English Language. You see, this week we discovered that Merriam-Webster Dictionary editors add a word to their dictionary based on usage (primarily from print sources). So I figure if I can get the word out (ha ha), there is a fighting chance to increase "goodly" usage and attract the attention of the editors. Please refer to http://www.merriam-webster.com/help/faq/words_in.htm?&t=1294288096 for supporting evidence. Readers, I know this is a long shot. But, why not stretch your creative muscles and figure out how you can incorporate "goodly" into your every day written and spoken communication?

Wait, a minute, hold the presses. Cease your fingers from posting and shut your mouths from talking. I'm surprised to report that goodly is already in the dictionary. It is an adjective with the following definitions: 1. pleasantly attractive and 2. significantly large, considerable (a "goodly" number). I'll have to check with T and see if these definitions adequately define his version of "goodly." I believe they may not fully capture the depth of his meaning.

If not, then I propose another excellent idea. Merriam-Webster also has Open Dictionary, where people submit words and definitions online. http://nws.merriam-webster.com/opendictionary/. Perhaps T can submit an alternate definition for "goodly." I mean, after all, DVDs are released with alternate endings; why not something similar for a word?

Words are goodly :o)