Five years ago this August/September, I travelled Europe with one of my best girlfriends. Though we hadn't seen each other for probably a year (after she ditched CA for a gig in Germany), I hopped a plane and reunited with her at the airport.
We travelled for just about a month, hitting Weisbaden (Germany), Milan, Barcelona, London, Paris, Amsterdam and Crete (Greece). It was the most fun month I have ever had in my entire life. And it came at the perfect time, when I was trying to remind myself why I wanted to keep going after the most painful event I would ever go through (losing my dad).
The trip taught me that not only is there an entire world out there, waiting to be explored, but there is a world full of wonderful people that are all waiting to meet you.
We travelled at a time when rumors of worldwide anti-Americanism were rampant. Thanks to my buddy GDub, we had successfully bullied our way to pissing off most of the globe. I was warned by numerous friends and family before my travels that I would be getting many the stink-eye from my European counterparts.
It was much to the contrary. We were welcomed, with open arms, by nearly everyone. Perhaps they found me more interesting because I was travelling with a beautiful Korean woman and it threw them off. Or perhaps it was because of the "IMPEACH BUSH" pin I wore proudly on my travel backpack. Whatever the reason, we were anything but shunned. (Heck, we even had this experience: while sitting at a little streetside cafe in Paris-which is notorious for snobs-a beautiful Parisian woman walking by stopped at the window we were sitting next to, looked at me and said, "You are a very beautiful woman." I don't think that has EVER happen in Cali.)
Anyway, the point of my rambling is this: It has been five years. It is time for a redo. It is GOING TO HAPPEN in the summer of 2012.
I know the more you talk about it happening, the more likely it will happen. The more you dream it, the more you will do it. So this is my commitment... No matter how much more money goes into the Shack, I will put away enough to make my Euro dream come true. Hopefully I can talk my fabulous Korean BFF to come with me, and I know a few others that have shared their interest in the trip.
So, let's throw some dollars in a jar, start the planning, and show those Euro's what CA has to offer!
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Sunday, May 15, 2011
A call to my neighbors...
Over the past weeks, I was privileged enough to participate in events celebrating the men and women who are out in our communities, everyday, keeping us safe.
While I enjoyed the camaraderie, it is disheartening that we must gather each year at the California Peace Officers’ Memorial Ceremony in memory of law enforcement members whose lives were taken much too soon.
This year, we honored the lives of eleven officers who unknowingly went to work one day and never returned home. These officers were making routine traffic stops, serving warrants and helping stranded motorists. They were doing their job, protecting our families, keeping our roads safe and enforcing the laws that ensure our state can operate.
As we witnessed the families, one by one, placing a rose on the monument in honor of their lost loved one, we were reminded of the true nature of a peace officer’s job.
I am fortunate enough to work closely with the Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC), the largest statewide association of public safety members in the nation. These are 62,000 of the men and women who work to protect us on a daily basis. I have learned, though our work together, just how important it is to have a functioning public safety network. Without these brave men and women, who we often take for granted, we could not live the lives we do. Of course, many of us bemoan about the unfortunate instances of being pulled over or getting into trouble, but the truth is that these officers work, selflessly, for you and me, everyday.
While you and I go through our daily routines, it usually never crosses our minds; the fact that we are able to live our lives without fear. The fact that there are perfect strangers out there keeping an eye on us. The fact that, in the unfortunate circumstance that we have an emergency, we can pick up the phone and call for help. This week, these facts were front and center.
Many of us recently read about the possible cuts facing Sacramento’s police force. As a lifetime resident of Sacramento, this scares me. I take comfort in knowing that if I need help, I can count on someone to be there. I feel safe knowing that I am a phone call away from assistance, if I need it. The threat of dozens of police layoffs is simply unacceptable.
Two weeks ago, law enforcement officers from throughout the state hit the halls of the State Capitol to urge lawmakers to continue to fund critical public safety programs. Although it is hard to believe that policymakers would even fathom putting our safety in jeopardy as part of political games, this is a harsh truth. I understand; times are tough. We must all do what we can to tighten our belts, but we must take care to pay attention to cuts that would endanger our families. Officers face layoffs, patrol cuts, the elimination of community policing and departments specifically tasked with taking control of the growing meth problem in our state, among other things. We need officers on the streets. It is not fair to play games with the safety of our communities.
Months ago, like many of my friends and family, I didn’t pay attention. But now I recognize the necessity of public safety and the absolute risk officers take daily, for my loved ones and me.
I urge my community members to come together to find solutions to California’s budget issues without sacrificing the safety we take for granted. Putting our safety on the line is not the answer. The danger on our streets is real, as we saw the last week when the families of our fallen heroes mourned the loss of eleven lives. We can work together to be part of the solution.
While I enjoyed the camaraderie, it is disheartening that we must gather each year at the California Peace Officers’ Memorial Ceremony in memory of law enforcement members whose lives were taken much too soon.
This year, we honored the lives of eleven officers who unknowingly went to work one day and never returned home. These officers were making routine traffic stops, serving warrants and helping stranded motorists. They were doing their job, protecting our families, keeping our roads safe and enforcing the laws that ensure our state can operate.
As we witnessed the families, one by one, placing a rose on the monument in honor of their lost loved one, we were reminded of the true nature of a peace officer’s job.
I am fortunate enough to work closely with the Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC), the largest statewide association of public safety members in the nation. These are 62,000 of the men and women who work to protect us on a daily basis. I have learned, though our work together, just how important it is to have a functioning public safety network. Without these brave men and women, who we often take for granted, we could not live the lives we do. Of course, many of us bemoan about the unfortunate instances of being pulled over or getting into trouble, but the truth is that these officers work, selflessly, for you and me, everyday.
While you and I go through our daily routines, it usually never crosses our minds; the fact that we are able to live our lives without fear. The fact that there are perfect strangers out there keeping an eye on us. The fact that, in the unfortunate circumstance that we have an emergency, we can pick up the phone and call for help. This week, these facts were front and center.
Many of us recently read about the possible cuts facing Sacramento’s police force. As a lifetime resident of Sacramento, this scares me. I take comfort in knowing that if I need help, I can count on someone to be there. I feel safe knowing that I am a phone call away from assistance, if I need it. The threat of dozens of police layoffs is simply unacceptable.
Two weeks ago, law enforcement officers from throughout the state hit the halls of the State Capitol to urge lawmakers to continue to fund critical public safety programs. Although it is hard to believe that policymakers would even fathom putting our safety in jeopardy as part of political games, this is a harsh truth. I understand; times are tough. We must all do what we can to tighten our belts, but we must take care to pay attention to cuts that would endanger our families. Officers face layoffs, patrol cuts, the elimination of community policing and departments specifically tasked with taking control of the growing meth problem in our state, among other things. We need officers on the streets. It is not fair to play games with the safety of our communities.
Months ago, like many of my friends and family, I didn’t pay attention. But now I recognize the necessity of public safety and the absolute risk officers take daily, for my loved ones and me.
I urge my community members to come together to find solutions to California’s budget issues without sacrificing the safety we take for granted. Putting our safety on the line is not the answer. The danger on our streets is real, as we saw the last week when the families of our fallen heroes mourned the loss of eleven lives. We can work together to be part of the solution.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
I do!
Over this past weekend, I was lucky enough to attend a beautiful afternoon bridal shower for a couple of my best girlfriends. Their wedding is next month and I couldn't be more excited to celebrate their love for one another. And before we do that, there is a bachelorette bonanza weekend ahead of us that is sure to be a party to remember.
All of this wedding talk has really gotten me thinking about, well, weddings.
I have been a long time believer in the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" mentality, Hence the boyfriend (not husband) of 4+ years. However, as we get older (well, he can be considered "old" at the ripe age of 32, while I am still considered "just a kid" at 28. Right?) the pressure to take the plunge has increased exponentially.
I am ambivalent about marriage for many reasons. First (again) why mess with something that works? I don't feel any sort of pull to conform to what others think I "should" do. If I "should" get married, than I should be able to tell those who I think are crazy fools for getting married that they "shouldn't" get married. Trust me, I've fought that urge on a few occasions. Funny how those tables simply can't be turned. (To any of my friends who read this - I am definitely not talking about you, of course.)
Next is the fact that it is so sublimely unfair that I should be able to marry a Shupasaurus, when I have friends who cannot legally marry their heart's desire, simply because of their sex. Come on, I can marry a Chris Dinosaur and a dude can't marry a dude? If only the Prop 8 people knew I found a loophole in their "next thing will be people marrying animals" theory.
Furthermore, why, when I have so many house projects, would I want to throw thousands of bucks into a one day shindig. I am more than content with having the occasional impromptu backyard gatherings celebrating my life, my Shupe and my fabulous friends. Hell, I spend enough already trying to keep that damn wine fridge stocked! (Ok, it's mostly my fault that it is looking so sad, but I digress.)
Oh, and there's the fact that I have real moral concerns with wearing diamonds, the mainstay wedding accoutrement. I know, there are other options, but many people feel a wedding isn't a wedding without a rock. No to mention that I've put my "right hand" ring on my left hand before (by accident!) and it just feels all wrong.
Now, I ask, why the rush to the ring? I know it's the norm, but I must say I fall out of the "norm" box on a lot of my stances, this being just one.
So, even though I know there is already a pastor waiting in the wings to officiate the big day (thanks for the continuous offer, Melissa), for those of you who have been on the Shupasaurus/Chels wedding bandwagon, I respectfully request you pick another perfect couple to cheer for. I'm sure there's one out there somewhere. ;)
All of this wedding talk has really gotten me thinking about, well, weddings.
I have been a long time believer in the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" mentality, Hence the boyfriend (not husband) of 4+ years. However, as we get older (well, he can be considered "old" at the ripe age of 32, while I am still considered "just a kid" at 28. Right?) the pressure to take the plunge has increased exponentially.
I am ambivalent about marriage for many reasons. First (again) why mess with something that works? I don't feel any sort of pull to conform to what others think I "should" do. If I "should" get married, than I should be able to tell those who I think are crazy fools for getting married that they "shouldn't" get married. Trust me, I've fought that urge on a few occasions. Funny how those tables simply can't be turned. (To any of my friends who read this - I am definitely not talking about you, of course.)
Next is the fact that it is so sublimely unfair that I should be able to marry a Shupasaurus, when I have friends who cannot legally marry their heart's desire, simply because of their sex. Come on, I can marry a Chris Dinosaur and a dude can't marry a dude? If only the Prop 8 people knew I found a loophole in their "next thing will be people marrying animals" theory.
Furthermore, why, when I have so many house projects, would I want to throw thousands of bucks into a one day shindig. I am more than content with having the occasional impromptu backyard gatherings celebrating my life, my Shupe and my fabulous friends. Hell, I spend enough already trying to keep that damn wine fridge stocked! (Ok, it's mostly my fault that it is looking so sad, but I digress.)
Oh, and there's the fact that I have real moral concerns with wearing diamonds, the mainstay wedding accoutrement. I know, there are other options, but many people feel a wedding isn't a wedding without a rock. No to mention that I've put my "right hand" ring on my left hand before (by accident!) and it just feels all wrong.
Now, I ask, why the rush to the ring? I know it's the norm, but I must say I fall out of the "norm" box on a lot of my stances, this being just one.
So, even though I know there is already a pastor waiting in the wings to officiate the big day (thanks for the continuous offer, Melissa), for those of you who have been on the Shupasaurus/Chels wedding bandwagon, I respectfully request you pick another perfect couple to cheer for. I'm sure there's one out there somewhere. ;)
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
On Friends
I apologize, dearest blog readers, for my whine-filled last post. April is a hard month for me, but that doesn't mean I need to cry to the seven of you fabulous people that read this blog. Please forgive me.
In an effort to change my whining ways and try to tough out the rest of this (horrid) month, I'm going to focus on the great things in life. To start out this positive mojo kick, I want to give a shoutout to some of the most important people in my life: my friends.
I must say, I am incredibly lucky to have a amazing group of friends. I have had some tough times over the years, but my friends have always been there for me, no matter how grumpy, sad, lonely, boring and occasionally just plain nuts I've been. My friends would show up, good wine in hand, and let me be as much of a pain as I can be.
Even as of recently, I had a pretty rough day, complete with sick puppies (no, not these guns, but an actual sick puppy), work craziness and emotional stress, and my friend didn't even hesitate to offer to ease my mind with some good wine, and even a punch in the throat to whoever it was causing me the grief. Now, that is friendship.
We have an understanding: when someone is hurting, you help. If you're hurting, you can ask for help, anytime, anyday, no matter how inconvenient.
A couple weeks ago, a friend of ours had an unexpected, sad event happen to his family. After the initial tears were shed, our friends wasted no time getting together to figure out a way to help that friend and his family in their time of need. Within 24 hours, we had collected a nice chunk of change to help them through their hard time. Even though some of us are, how do you say, "unemployed," and others of us struggle to meet mortgage and house bill demands, we put our own stuff aside and got together to help. Not just any friends would do that.
On top of all of this, my friends even still like me after all the bitching, crying and (eventually) bragging I've done about my little shack that could. And let me tell you, I've talked/whined/grumbled/shouted about that place A LOT!
Hell, they even put up with the millions of "look how cute my mangy mutts are" pictures. I'm even beginning to bug MYSELF with all those pictures.
So, to you, my friends, I say from the bottom of my heart, Thank You. Without you, I don't know where I'd be, when my next fun adventure would come, who I would turn to or who would go wine tasting with me this weekend.
I love you guys.
In an effort to change my whining ways and try to tough out the rest of this (horrid) month, I'm going to focus on the great things in life. To start out this positive mojo kick, I want to give a shoutout to some of the most important people in my life: my friends.
I must say, I am incredibly lucky to have a amazing group of friends. I have had some tough times over the years, but my friends have always been there for me, no matter how grumpy, sad, lonely, boring and occasionally just plain nuts I've been. My friends would show up, good wine in hand, and let me be as much of a pain as I can be.
Even as of recently, I had a pretty rough day, complete with sick puppies (no, not these guns, but an actual sick puppy), work craziness and emotional stress, and my friend didn't even hesitate to offer to ease my mind with some good wine, and even a punch in the throat to whoever it was causing me the grief. Now, that is friendship.
We have an understanding: when someone is hurting, you help. If you're hurting, you can ask for help, anytime, anyday, no matter how inconvenient.
A couple weeks ago, a friend of ours had an unexpected, sad event happen to his family. After the initial tears were shed, our friends wasted no time getting together to figure out a way to help that friend and his family in their time of need. Within 24 hours, we had collected a nice chunk of change to help them through their hard time. Even though some of us are, how do you say, "unemployed," and others of us struggle to meet mortgage and house bill demands, we put our own stuff aside and got together to help. Not just any friends would do that.
On top of all of this, my friends even still like me after all the bitching, crying and (eventually) bragging I've done about my little shack that could. And let me tell you, I've talked/whined/grumbled/shouted about that place A LOT!
Hell, they even put up with the millions of "look how cute my mangy mutts are" pictures. I'm even beginning to bug MYSELF with all those pictures.
So, to you, my friends, I say from the bottom of my heart, Thank You. Without you, I don't know where I'd be, when my next fun adventure would come, who I would turn to or who would go wine tasting with me this weekend.
I love you guys.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Oh, April, how I loathe thee...
Well, it's that time of year again. The dreaded April.
One would think that it would be a month full of fun, as the sun finally begins to shine and dreams of spring break dance in our heads.
But not for this gal. April has, sadly, been notorious for bad news. And it's not just for me. This month has been filled with unfortunate events, the passing of friends' loved ones and extremely random bad news. It's only the 14th and I am already wishing it was time to flip the calendar to May.
It hasn't always been this way. It is the most unfortunate anniversary that this April 30th will be five years since the last time I saw my pops. He drifted out of consciousness at our house after a tedious and heartbreaking battle with cancer. The doctors gave him six months to a year, he barely made it through four months. It is hard to fathom that it has been five years already. I still miss him as though it was yesterday. Things have gotten easier, sure, but there are so many things I wish I could share with him. I mean, I am not sure anyone would have been as proud of the home improvement project we have embarked on as he would. As friends get married and have babies, it's a pretty sad thing to know that if that happens for me, he won't be there to celebrate (or kick me down the aisle to hurry things up in the marriage department). He was always the one trying to marry me off to the first taker. Thanks, pops.
Since that dreadful day five years ago, April has proven to be a consistent bad news month.
There have been DUI's for friends, serious car accidents ending up in hospital stays, extremely scary premature births, deaths of family members and neighbors, and many other bummers.
I apologize for being such a world class bummer factory today, but I figure if you get out the bad vibes, the good vibes will move back in. I'm just hoping I can make it through the 30th without having to see a shrink. Or emptying my wine fridge.
I say we go ahead and skip right to May. Sorry, April birthdays, better luck next year.
One would think that it would be a month full of fun, as the sun finally begins to shine and dreams of spring break dance in our heads.
But not for this gal. April has, sadly, been notorious for bad news. And it's not just for me. This month has been filled with unfortunate events, the passing of friends' loved ones and extremely random bad news. It's only the 14th and I am already wishing it was time to flip the calendar to May.
It hasn't always been this way. It is the most unfortunate anniversary that this April 30th will be five years since the last time I saw my pops. He drifted out of consciousness at our house after a tedious and heartbreaking battle with cancer. The doctors gave him six months to a year, he barely made it through four months. It is hard to fathom that it has been five years already. I still miss him as though it was yesterday. Things have gotten easier, sure, but there are so many things I wish I could share with him. I mean, I am not sure anyone would have been as proud of the home improvement project we have embarked on as he would. As friends get married and have babies, it's a pretty sad thing to know that if that happens for me, he won't be there to celebrate (or kick me down the aisle to hurry things up in the marriage department). He was always the one trying to marry me off to the first taker. Thanks, pops.
Since that dreadful day five years ago, April has proven to be a consistent bad news month.
There have been DUI's for friends, serious car accidents ending up in hospital stays, extremely scary premature births, deaths of family members and neighbors, and many other bummers.
I apologize for being such a world class bummer factory today, but I figure if you get out the bad vibes, the good vibes will move back in. I'm just hoping I can make it through the 30th without having to see a shrink. Or emptying my wine fridge.
I say we go ahead and skip right to May. Sorry, April birthdays, better luck next year.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
What a difference a year makes...
I am excited to share with you all our big anniversary today...
One year ago today, I put an offer in on the Discoball Speakeasy! Only six short months after that, I had keys in my hands! And only two and a half months after that we actually moved in! It has been a long road, but I couldn't be happier with how it (eventually) turned out. I love my house. It is a shining star in my life. And I am so proud of the work that Shupasaurus and I (and our band of awesome helpers) have put into it.
As a special bonus, we had family come into town this weekend (for Mama Irvine's Big Six Oh! Birthday Bash) and get to see my house. These are the family that don't make it up to Sac often, so it was so exciting to show off my house to them and have them see, in real life, the work that we have done.
I thought, since this blog was started to share with you the trials and tribulations of homeownership, in honor of the occasion, I would show you loyal blog readers some of the before and afters of the shack. Brace yourself, you might not believe some of these...
And CHEERS TO CHANGE! Here's to moving forward and having a blast growing up.
One year ago today, I put an offer in on the Discoball Speakeasy! Only six short months after that, I had keys in my hands! And only two and a half months after that we actually moved in! It has been a long road, but I couldn't be happier with how it (eventually) turned out. I love my house. It is a shining star in my life. And I am so proud of the work that Shupasaurus and I (and our band of awesome helpers) have put into it.
As a special bonus, we had family come into town this weekend (for Mama Irvine's Big Six Oh! Birthday Bash) and get to see my house. These are the family that don't make it up to Sac often, so it was so exciting to show off my house to them and have them see, in real life, the work that we have done.
I thought, since this blog was started to share with you the trials and tribulations of homeownership, in honor of the occasion, I would show you loyal blog readers some of the before and afters of the shack. Brace yourself, you might not believe some of these...
And CHEERS TO CHANGE! Here's to moving forward and having a blast growing up.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Five Bucks? I'll Take It!
Something super exciting happened this weekend at the Speakeasy...
We had... A yard sale.
Yep, a good old "Set all your junk on the lawn and hope someone finds a treasure" yard sale. As far as I can recollect, I have never, in my life, had a yard sale. If there was one during my childhood, it appears to have been blacklisted from my memory. I am very thankful for this fact.
Now, I totally understand that some people have found million dollar paintings, rare coins and other "diamonds in the rough" at yard sales and swap meets, but to me it just seems tedious and like WAY too much work, rummaging through other people's junk. Now that we live at the discoball shack, I have opened up to the idea of antique faires, but that's pretty much the extent of my desire to bargain shop.
But, after our sales adventure this weekend, I have a whole new appreciation for the yard sale.
Not only did we meet almost all of our neighbors (some of whom even tried to butter us up by BUYING something), we actually sold a lot of our junk. We also ended the weekend with a nice wad of cash (yeah, grocery money!) Of course, after clearing out the contents of the garage for the sale, it now seems as though we have more stuff than we started with (explain that one to me!)
But here's the thing I realized that really made the weekend interesting: People will buy anything. I mean it. ANYTHING.
Not working weed whacker? Five bucks? I'll take it!
Golden jeweled statue of a Thai goddess that hurts my eyes to look at? Five bucks? I'll take it!
Ugly ass purse that was a gift with my makeup at Macys? A dollar? I'll take it!
Used (old) vacuum that's really old and used? Ten bucks? I'll take it!
I was shocked. There really is a person for every weird and useless item! And they will PAY to take it off your hands! Who would have thought such a thing?! I had a real junk-purge epiphany. I usually just throw everything away (except what's recyclable, of course). Now I realize that I can just put it on a table outside, throw up a "Yard Sale" sign and people will PAY ME to take it off my hands. Woah.
Oh, and the added double-whammy bonus? It's pretty good entertainment while sitting out front, getting tan and drinking light beer.
Looks like I'll never be broke, or thirsty, again!
Here here!!
:)
We had... A yard sale.
Yep, a good old "Set all your junk on the lawn and hope someone finds a treasure" yard sale. As far as I can recollect, I have never, in my life, had a yard sale. If there was one during my childhood, it appears to have been blacklisted from my memory. I am very thankful for this fact.
Now, I totally understand that some people have found million dollar paintings, rare coins and other "diamonds in the rough" at yard sales and swap meets, but to me it just seems tedious and like WAY too much work, rummaging through other people's junk. Now that we live at the discoball shack, I have opened up to the idea of antique faires, but that's pretty much the extent of my desire to bargain shop.
But, after our sales adventure this weekend, I have a whole new appreciation for the yard sale.
Not only did we meet almost all of our neighbors (some of whom even tried to butter us up by BUYING something), we actually sold a lot of our junk. We also ended the weekend with a nice wad of cash (yeah, grocery money!) Of course, after clearing out the contents of the garage for the sale, it now seems as though we have more stuff than we started with (explain that one to me!)
But here's the thing I realized that really made the weekend interesting: People will buy anything. I mean it. ANYTHING.
Not working weed whacker? Five bucks? I'll take it!
Golden jeweled statue of a Thai goddess that hurts my eyes to look at? Five bucks? I'll take it!
Ugly ass purse that was a gift with my makeup at Macys? A dollar? I'll take it!
Used (old) vacuum that's really old and used? Ten bucks? I'll take it!
I was shocked. There really is a person for every weird and useless item! And they will PAY to take it off your hands! Who would have thought such a thing?! I had a real junk-purge epiphany. I usually just throw everything away (except what's recyclable, of course). Now I realize that I can just put it on a table outside, throw up a "Yard Sale" sign and people will PAY ME to take it off my hands. Woah.
Oh, and the added double-whammy bonus? It's pretty good entertainment while sitting out front, getting tan and drinking light beer.
Looks like I'll never be broke, or thirsty, again!
Here here!!
:)
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