Pages

Friday, September 21, 2012

Endeavor

I'm not sure I've experienced a more American moment than watching the space shuttle fly across the sky.
Other locals took way better photos-it looks like a smudge from my iPhone photos. Worth the multiple sweaty trips to the office roof with the suite mates.

The ship is massive, as was its NASA escort. I feel so lucky to have been able to catch a glimpse. Definitely the highlight of my day, and probably the random air conditioner guy that was also on the roof.

Saturday, September 8, 2012

Animal Lover

Everyday I am asked for a dollar for food, a bus ticket, coffee, whatever.

Everyday I say no. I hear them call me a "regular." I see their glazed-over eyes and hear their tripped out nonsense. I see their hours somehow mirror mine. I see cell phones and am furious that people heading to Starbucks are duped and donate.

I see their animals, puppies and kittens on leashes and my heart breaks for the irresponsibility of pet ownership. I question if they really are homeless. I see the fatigued animals, sweltering in the nearly triple digit heat and become depressed, falling down the rabbit hole of the possibility that this exists here and on an exponential scale.

I don't dispute mental illness but I detest laziness by able-bodied people. Mostly I'm infuriated by the prospect of these 20somethings lack of work ethic.

Cats and dogs are domesticated here and require food, water, and shelter. I understand the need for companionship. Again, is it responsible if you truly are without a home (and not a faux-bo, as a friend has dubbed it) to have a pet?

Against my better judgment I went to PetsMart after work to buy a particular dog owner some food, who asks me every single day for money and occasionally something for the puppy. I bought a few cans of Science Diet and hauled them to and from my office on my various outings yesterday. Of course, the day I do it he isn't there. But it's in my office to try again next week.

If it isn't obvious by now, I am an animal lover and would take all of them home with me if I could.

In the past few months, our home has had a homing beacon on it for lost animals. More than a few times, Scott has heard "I rescued a cat/dog today." I like to let it hang there for a moment because he doesn't share my love for being the neighborhood shelter.

The funny thing is 2/3 of the recent occurances have happened over my lunch hour when I'm home--of course at the end when I'm on my way back. I've sat in the gutter (in a skirt, of course, makes for a better story later) for 40 minutes trying to coax a kitten out from under my car. Just yesterday, a dog was in the middle of the street and I pulled over, praying it would have tags (yes! amen!). I called it over, wrangling to get access to the tags (in a dress, again) and thankfully was able to quickly locate the neighbor who'd left their gate open.

The bottom line is I want animals to have a good home. I know I can't solve the problems of abuse and neglect or provide homes for all, but if I can help a few along the way at least selfishly  know I've tried.



Friday, September 7, 2012

4 Years Fly

One of my favorites from September 7, 2008. The best day of my life. Not only for marrying my best friend, but for sharing it with the friends and family who traveled to be there, stand beside us, and kick their heels up on the dance floor. Our parents for blessing it and our siblings for supporting us. We are so lucky.


Our happiness aside, I'm sincerely depressed by the news of Amy Poehler and Will Arnet's split. PLEASE WORK IT OUT!

Monday, September 3, 2012

Happy Labor Day

I think every Labor Day weekend we encounter some kind of clusterF situation and yesterday was no different. But the issue is now about 98% resolved and we can enjoy the remainder of the weekend, starting with this:
Nutella French Toast, recipe found here.

Saturday, September 1, 2012

Bowling

Tonight my parents were finally able to cash in their 2011 Christmas gift with us-a night at the Hollywood Bowl, featuring John Williams, Maestro of the Movies, conducting the LA Philharmonic. It was magical! We had such a great time, it was worth the 10 month wait.

I'd have to say the most magical part of the evening was when John said it was the 30th anniversary of ET and he called Steven Spielberg to see if he could use the final reel of the film while they played. Watching the last 15 minutes of the movie with the theme behind it was simply magical and pretty much the epitome of any movie-going experience I've ever had. The audience was swept away in the cinematic elements.

The evening was also paid a big tribute to the Star Wars fans in attendance with equal time for for the Dark Side and the Alliance. Probably the closest I'll ever get to a convention with these people.