Athena

Wawawiwaaa...

Welcome back!!! To me. :) And to you, of course, whoever still wants to read my silly blog and "make benefit" of anything I write.

My goodness, it's been almost a year since the last time I wrote....Time's flying soooo fast, it's unbelievable! It's summertime now and I have never enjoyed Southern California as much as I do now in my 11 years here in the states. In fact, I think I've never enjoyed many things in life until I met you know who:) Yes, my life is so much colorful with Sean by me...my dreammaker:) From swimming in the ocean, to hiking, to morning coffees, to shoe-shopping, to playing on the weekends, to...to...to...many things I can't mention here;)

Today is Father's Day here in the US and happy daddy's day to all the young fathers I know! I hope you get a royal treatment from your wife and little bundle (s) of joy, don't have to mawn the lawn, or run errands endlessly. I hope you get the remote control all day long and watch sports all day long and to those who just had a baby, I hope you get a "break" today from changing diapers, and that you have your many relatives coming over today so they can "take over" the baby just for today. (Just don't get used to it after today though:)

I love my Dad so much. There are things that I wish I could give him today or yesterday or years ago that would make him happier, or more proud or make his life in his older days easier. There are always things that I shoulda, woulda, coulda done better for him. He has always been there for me. Raising me, spoiling his little girl, guiding me with his wise decisions, words, actions. I wouldn't be where I am without Dad's strong opinion and characters. I wouldn't be as grounded without him raising this spoiled little girl who wants her way, who tends to demand the very best of things in life. Poor dad always tried to fulfill my "princess commands". So today, instead of buying him a big new house, a boat, a new car, graduating from a Master's program or PhD (poor Dad always wishes that one day, one fine day, I will have my PhD. Hmm, yeah. I'm afraid it would be a very, very, very long time from now until I even think of pursuing that, Dad. Sorry. But I'm getting my MrS though? :))...we will just be having a lovely lunch, with lots of love from all of us. And a Home Depot gift card. Sweet Dad always has a big smile on his face no matter how simple the gesture we give him. To ALL DADS all over the world, I hope you enjoy your day, too:)

Okay, busy Sunday today so I think we have to run to the Home Depot now and get the gift card.

Until next time! And Happy Summer!!!

Early Fall Thoughts...

No matter who broke your heart, or how long it takes to heal, you'll never get through it without your friends. --- Carrie Bradshaw. Of course.

She would say,..."Later today I got to thinking about hearts that are broken everyday", if they still had the episode run. Actually, it is more of my voice. My own voice...when I think about what kind of hearts outthere that are not as fragile as my own.

How do they survive, first of all? Do they suffer as much as what mine has been suffering? Do they reminisce as much as mine does? Do they get wounded over and over again thinking that they should learn something somehow overtime? Have their wounds ever healed? Has it ever occurred to them to close the door in the effort of being safe forever? I surely know that mine is not the worst case in this madness. (Though it sure feels like one) I just don't know if there is a system in my madness. The feeling is so intoxicating I cannot breath or think without over-analyzing unnecessary glimpse of past thoughts. Shoulda. Coulda. Woulda. But didn't. (Then back to "So why are you elaborating things too much in the past hour?!" Maybe I'm addicted to it now. Maybe I'll get over it by thinking about it til I drop.)

I happened to have a very nice conversation tonight with a new old friend (yes, really.) who never fails to encourage me to be solid in a way that he never acknowledges...:) No matter what the season brings. No matter how many times the season has changed this year. Just knowing that you always have a friend to talk...who may only be...a couple-of-freeways away or a couple-of-miles or thousand-of-miles away..or of course, a phone-call away can indeed spring your spirit up!

It is now September...the leaves are due to fall off one by one, the green color should turn to yellow...to dark yellow, then on to the brownish yellow and sooner than you think it turns brown, dark brown and those dramatic-looking branches are visible to you again from your bedroom window. The wind will blow your hair, the brisk fall breeze will make you chill when you walk on the street to get your coffee in the morning... and groceries at night, and fall will soon arrive. Again.

Almost a year from now I will have lived the ups-and-downs of my life in LA and left the lovely snow in NY. The snow that would both make my feet frozen and my heart warm.

No matter how much the wind blowing against my face (or mind), how frozen my feet and hands feel from the cold weather, how overly tired my eyes rewinding things beyond my consciousness or unconsciousness, I can never have my lively energy back without the every warmth of the heart of a friendship I have been blessed to have from the friends I love.

Thank you for your warm friendship:) Or a chocolicious Midnight Fantasy dessert, or a cup of cappuccino, or a drag of cigarette (or two) in a crisp early fall evening...

Cheers to life. And friendships around.

(Shouldn't we say, live life to the fullest again?) Hmmm.

Friends or Foe?

In the city of New York, I mean Los Angeles, the possibility of meeting new people is either an opportunity to spice up a pretentious scene over a martini and skinny cigarette surrounded by beautiful tanned moviestar-like people or...a bright red door to the beginning of a new chapter in life. Or so. Whether it's a bad chapter or a good chapter in life. It can be somewhat a beginning of something. Just be focused. Be present.

I'm talking about pleasure. Not business, as in business meeting with a new client, of course. Although, on some occassions, it can seem a little more like a business meeting.  I mean, who is this person I'm having a drink with? And why does everything we say is pretty scripted sounding? *Sigh* I need to go to the ladies room now! Maybe he'll go after another prospect. The meeting was adjourned. Until further notice.

Suddenly you'll find yourself talking to a new friend. Or he seems like a friends material at first. Wow, you think. This is incredible. I've never had this kind of connection with a new person before...you're talking all night long, covering all different things in life that should be covered (appropriately and accordingly) at the present time and you're looking back into their eyes and thinking...my new friend is different than the rest of them...he's so present... he's looking at you...into your eyes, your pupils even...he's amazing...he's not checking out that blonde girl behind you... and this could mean something good. OK, now stop right there.

My worst enemy: expectations. Forget about great expectations. Just expectations alone can be harmful to your precious being. Those expectations can be your enemy real soon. Once your new friend becomes a foe when they seem to jump to another chapter after he finishes the previous chapter with you for no apparent reason. And you had put all of your eggs in one basket and the basket dropped on the floor, leaving you with all the mess you need to clean up. By yourself. So stop having expectations at all. Until the sign is there. (I hope we can talk about the sign later when I know what kind of sign I will potentially see...I don't have the precise image just yet.)

I live and learn. In a hard way. Always. Multiple times, sometimes even over the same old story. And I thought I lived and learned, I said to myself one time. But I did the same mistake again! Tell me I learned something? Somebody tell me, please... I pray. Or more like, whispering to myself.

So, what is my point tonight? (This heat must have gotten me or something) My point is, you can always find a new 'friend' but be ready when they turn the table around and become your foe. It hurts for sure. But like one very good friend told me tonight, "Who likes a disappointment? Nobody. But that's how it is." That's the game, you either get happy or disappointed. And if you don't regret anything, then you'll win (and have enjoyed) the game too in a way. She's right. (As always:)

So as much as I dislike having or even considering having a foe in life, I guess you do need to set a line to stand up for yourself. A friend is someone you can trust. Definitely. We know that for sure. A foe, sadly enough, is the person of whom you cannot trust, feel uncomfortable by the way they make you feel (because they're good like that), who seems to be great at making you feel miserable, and may potentially hurt you. And you need not to be with them. Why do you even want to be with someone who hurts your feelings? You need to run away from them. Be their foe too. (That's harsh, isn't it?)

First and foremost destination: to the ladies room. Go powder your nose, pretty face!:) The night is still young.

Then...give your best, truest friends a group hug, the warmest one there is!

Moon River and Me...As Time Goes By.

Can't take Manhattan out of a girl. Even when the girl lives 3000 miles away from the splendid island.

What could be a better 'night in' alone than listening to Moon River over and over again, seeing Casablanca and Breakfast at Tiffany's over and over again, pouring Merlot over and over again into this antique crystal glass and...thinking nothing but living in the moment. Just like when I was in my New York apartment again. Aahh. It's great to be alone sometimes.

So I have been living in my new 1920s, NY-style apartment in this little happy town for over than three weeks now and am loving it every moment. Not only that it also has this cute castle-y roof on the top (of which I just realized today), the right-outside-the-window fire escape (of where I can waive at the Hollywood sign) and deep in character including the creeking sound of the stairs when you step on them, but it also has the ambiance of the ever-so-adorable classic-movies scene. Or, is it because I have been watching too much of those classic movies again? I mean, really, I think I am a girl stuck in the 50s.

Can't take classics out of me. Classic girl in search for a classic life. With all the classic hopes. And classic heartbreaks to go through. Classic story of me.

"Oh dreammaker, you heartbreaker, whereever you're going I'm going your way..." (ok, I don't think I'm stalking anyone...anymore. ha ha)

So here's the real classic of me. Put me in all of those girly vintage dresses. I adore Audrey Hepburn. I wish I had all of her clothes from Breakfast at Tiffany's...or Funny Face...or Roman Holiday...or Sabrina...If only I could talk as divine as she did. (I would probably scare more people).

At times like this hour when my mind is drifting off (and heavy from the grapes drip) to how I ended up back in the city that sometimes sleeps sometimes never, what a year has this been for me but one thing that keeps me alive and feliz...I am thankful every moment for having all the great friends, especially, girlfriends I have in my life. Without them this moon river journey would drift me away from wisdom...

And as time goes by,....you (and I) must remember this:

A kiss is just a kiss, a sigh is just a sigh...
The fundamental things still apply.

And no matter how you feel...the facts of life keep moving on...

Moonlight and love songs
Never out of date
Hearts full of passion
Jealousy and hate
Woman needs man
And man must have his mate
That no one can deny

It's still the same old story
A fight for love and glory
A case of do or die
The world will always welcome lovers
As time goes by...

Oh yes, the world will always welcome lovers
As time goes by.

I love my little happy town Los Feliz. Encontré mi felicidad en usted. (I found my happiness in you!)

Los Feliz, Dahlink!

Hollywood! Watch for the next star born and shining in the neighborhood! *wink*wink* Griffith Park! Here comes the inevitable soul who loves to lie down on a blanket in the warmth of Sunday summer afternoons, sipping wine (or blended mocha!), eyes fixed on a great book, if not on the Sunday LA Times...

Los Feliz, the sparkling little village beneath the park.

Those cute little cafes patroned by loyal weekend brunchers like myself sitting with best girlfriends appearing vividly in my eyes. Especially after that one Saturday Irma and I did the whole girls' day out thing in this cute little village. Being a chic cosmo girl, she introduced me to those amazing vintage-clothing little boutiques, fabulous furniture stores I cannot afford but maybe can copy the style a little for my next living space, divine emerging-designers clothing shops, rare-and-rich-for-their-collections little bookstores, delicious Starbucks on the corner we certainly didn't miss. And having the great feelings of being able to walk around these temptations with other contenders in the field is one's lively living style and awesome support system, as my Ima stated. I concurred 100%!

So it only took us an hour and a half to find my next dream place in the village. Though the dream place is not a castle with multiple bedrooms and french doors or french maids. It is just a cozy little nook for me to love, live, and learn again...in my next new chapter of a journey to, what we hope is, happiness.

Ima and Ano, thank you for being there for me while I was bouncing off the walls finding my new little pad in the cheery neighborhood.  It is a New York style living in the city of angels. Never thought I could have another piece of NY again here, space wise! Old brick buildings, 1920s charm, window ACs, fire escape stairs, and walking distance to entertainment, dining, shopping, and perhaps...love?! Hmm. Maybe it's a wishful thinking! Maybe it's the "Sex and the City" episodes again.

Now, now. Not that exactly.

(What's next on the list in that little black book, dear girlfriend? Let's have dinner at my place, girls' weekend getaway only.)

Dating. What a Game.

I feel excited. I feel adored. I feel beautiful. I feel divine. I feel wanted. I feel thrilled. I feel nervous. I feel like a woman.

The glow. The joy. The "sweep-me-off-of-my-feet" feelings. The slow dance under the moon. The sparkling of the city view. The twirling and the Hollywood kiss. The dine and the wine. The music and the chemistry. The moods created only for you, when they chase you, when they look into your eyes for seconds, minutes, without even a blink. You're smitten. "Where have you been all my life?", you say half consciously.

Darn those looks. Darn the chasing.

And the dropping. And the ending. Abrupt ending.

Just when you find yourself gazing at stars, bumping to things and smiling too much, just when you think the times shared so nicely and lovely, feeling like someone in love, then comes something that is ready to drop the shoe from nowhere and crush you to pieces...

"You're the nicest, you're wonderful, you're so sweet, you're beautiful, you're sexy, you're cute, you're almost perfect..."

Then the death penalty. "I like you, I am attracted to you. Nice spending time with you. But I am afraid I am not the person for you. I wish you the best and thanks for the time we had together." Suuure. They'll vanish in thin air and never return your calls as if you had never met. Leaving you gaga. "What just happened?" "I thought we had something". "We do." "So? What's the problem?" (Ah, even worse.) Sadness hovers. Hopefully leads to feeling mad (because you know that's the time when you're actually healing and almost ready to let it go). You wake up feeling sick for days, depending how genuine and sincere your feelings are for the person. Reminiscing from the bad or good dreams or... was it the reality? Can't quite tell after so many of them flashing through your mind all day, all night. Until one morning you'll wake up and say, "F*ck it".

What is it? Me? You? Your past? Your present? Your future? Cultural indifference? Religion? Prejudice? Sure. Whatever they say. Whatever it is, they'll never tell you the truth. Most of the time they try to say it in the nicest possible way not to hurt your feelings.

You know what I hate most about dating? The very beginning and the very end, when it ends, of course, if you're the unfortunate soul, aka the dumpee. Both events always seem so artificial enough to make you swooned, crushed or mixed, though we love hearing them saying wonderful things about you, love them adoring me...but just when you think it all may be perfect, you give in, return the adoration, start to pick up feelings stronger, and it quite seems that it's when the shoe drops.

Hopefully it ends with a happy ending so when the shoe drops, it doesn't hit you in the head, instead, we hope it's a glass slipper that fits only in your right foot, that perfectly matches with your other foot.

Like the Cinderella story, my version, of course. I know. I shouldn't believe in the fairytale fiasco anymore, but somehow, I know that there is a prince charming, okay, maybe not a prince, but a charming gentleman, a true man, not a boy, obviously not with his white horse, (in my version he can wear something white, just not white pants, please!) who doesn't begin and end with cunning words only to give you false hopes, but truly, genuinely begins and begins and begins, only and only and only with the sincerity of all kinds of beautiful words about you. And you and you and you only. The one who will be twirling me and giving me true Hollywood kisses under the stars...with no ending...

In the meantime, feel free to hit me in the head for a little wake-me-up! And oh, be blessed to have great girlfriends who are always there for you! And Bliss Spa.

Love you, girls:)

Feeling a Little Jackie O.

Yes, me.

Never thought that I would be crazily enjoying politics as much as I have been lately!

I read, read, read on and on and on...confusing but yet sexy.

Maybe it took a delightful invitation to the Election Night Party that got me hot in my seat to read all about the free quality preschool proposal in California! Maybe it's all about the California four-year olds' future for better education. Maybe it's all about caring for the children. Maybe it's about dashing all excitement to see how the campaign was going.  Maybe it took a very warm-hearted politician to introduce me to the sensational political world...I caught myself to be in all moods to talk about any political issue and of course I don't know much, but miraculously, the motivation is there.

Interesting and sexy. The one that shouts "rah rah" and "yes yes"...

Intrigued to know? Just wait and see.

In the mean time, I left my "Yes to 82" pin somewhere down the line last night...

And I had only two cocktails but with a lot of eye-gazing silent conversations...

It was one amazing and memorable Election Night Party. Just "Say Yes to Children".

Nonsense of the Night...

Tonight feels so nice...summer weather is really here...although a bit warm inside the house, but as I leave the big window open in front of my computer I can feel the cooler air drafting through it, giving me the nice summer breeze in the valley...and I feel like I could be sitting here for hours. It is the first night I realized that a summer night is really beautiful here in LA. It's dry, not humid, and the night temperature in the valley in summertime is cooler than daytime---of which I am glad since I'm not home during the day!

My New Yorkers, you should really plan to come here sooner rather than later! I know the weather in New York is perfect at this time of the year, but perhaps you want to avoid the sticky and humid July or August by being on the gorgeous westcoast coastline and lay your butt here on the warm sand of California , in the breezy and cool ocean temperature of Malibu, Santa Monica, Laguna Beach, Dana Point, San Diego....anywhere along the coast. I know I've said it bizillion times that I will come to NY to visit since the beginning of the year, but believe me, I will! I left my heart there with you, how could I not allow myself to feel the old jubilant feelings again there!:) I even had some sweetdream/nightmare one night...me getting out of the subway on 53rd and 5th! Except that I was in my PJ and it was freezing cold with lots of snow?! Figure that one out. A mix of sweet and sour...wearing a PJ on 5th Ave...hehehe...I would make a false fashion statement on the swanky New Yorkers image.

Speaking of fashion, did you know that guys fall into two camps?

Yes, one camp is for the ones who wear good jeans and the other is for those who don't. I can't help but notice this. It's true! Check them out. I recently had a conversation with one of my girlfriends on the phone this weekend and we came across to the same agreement. Our experiences have proved us that we can't help but looking at how good (or bad) a guy's fashion sense is. Especially if that guy is the person we like or kind of like, or even the one who is on the brink of a dislike category, or even guys we are not acquainted to at all. Like the cute guy standing in the line in front of you, but sadly to say, does not have a fashion sense at all. Thus, I feel sorry for such beauty to be washed away by bad fashion skills. We have this big hope that he will fall on the #1 category, the one who has mastered the art of the blue jean. This may seem stupid and shallow. But I have to be honest. You have to be honest. Isn't chemistry listed at the top of the list? Don't you have to be attracted to the person in order to pursue? Aha. See, I'm not the only one. I am sure guys categorize the girls into more than two camps!!!

So, in my opinion, if the guy you're hanging out with does not wear the camp #1 jeans, I won't be able stop myself to feel a tad off inside. It's that ick factor. I know, it's bad, since you should not judge the book by its cover. But I won't be able to help it! Of course, it will be hard to tell them what you think on the spot (good thing that I have never experienced this awkwardness though, I wouldn't quite know how to say it *knock on wood*, but I have seen some unidentified victims all the time). Overtime, of course, the inner beauty will count more than the outer, and I think I would be happy to do some internship work with the person in the blue jean department when the time is right.  It's not about the brand per se, you see. It's a lot to do with the fit, the wash, the length. All those subtleties. Wouldn't you agree, camp #1 boys? (I am sure you would...because I trust you can distinguish the way you look in the #1... or the #2 pair. Afterall, you know it when you look that good!).

Anyways, enough of my pretentious little being. I blame it on too much sun in LA!

For your information only, none of my guy friends has ever fallen into the #2 camp category, thank goodness. So, you guys all passed with flying colors! I'm so proud of you! ha ha ha:) And yes, I will tell you right on the spot if you accidentally fall into the #2 camp, and I'll forgive you!

Then again, nobody is perfect. Let alone worrying about what kind of jeans the person is wearing, hoping that he or she will soon turn out to be a great companion is already tricky enough! Why sweat the small stuff, right?!

I need to sleep now and perhaps I may end up wearing bad jeans on Fifth Avenue in an hour...the ones that are hanging up all the way over my waist, baggy on the hips, narrowing down on the ankles, and show how huge my derriere looks!!! Whoaaa!#$!%!

Enough gobbledygook.

BITCH!

Thanks!

That's what you should say when they call you a bitch, girlfriends. Because you are a Babe In Total Control of Herself.

I laughed so hard when I read this philosophy from my good old dear friend Julia's blog, after another good old friend told me to read her recent post. Sure enough tonight I just had to do it and couldn't help myself to copy and paste it to my own. Just a quick mental note to self that life is a bitch and sometimes it pays when you are a bitch, for a good cause, of course. For those of you who can relate to what this whole piece of bitchology means, I know you are one of the people who know what they want for themselves in life, know how to get it, and know how to stand up for themselves when life is a bitch to them.

Never bitchy to others, but do think like a bitch.

Confused? Just read on.

BITCHOLOGY

When I stand up for myself and my beliefs,
they call me a bitch.

When I stand up for those I love,
they call me a bitch

When I speak my mind, think my own thoughts
or do things my own way, they call me a bitch.

Being a bitch means I won't compromise what's in my heart.
It means I live my life
MY way.
It means I won't allow anyone to step on me.

When I refuse to tolerate injustice and speak against it, I am defined as a bitch.

The same thing happens when I take time for myself instead of being everyone's maid, or when I act a little selfish.

It means I have the courage and strength to allow myself to be who I truly am and won't become anyone else's idea of what they think I "should" be.

I am outspoken, opinionated and determined. I want what I want and there is nothing wrong with that!

So try to stomp on me, try to douse my inner flame, try to squash every ounce of beauty I
hold within me.
You won't succeed.

And if that makes me a bitch ,
so be it.
I embrace the title and am proud to bear it.

B - Babe
I - In
T - Total
C - Control of
H - Herself

B = Beautiful
I = Intelligent
T = Talented
C = Charming
H = Hell of a Woman

B = Beautiful
I = Individual
T = That
C = Can
H = Handle anything

Yes, I can pretty much handle anything at this point. I've gone through painful journeys, routes, paths...enough that I can say to you I will be okay even if you try to tell me that you are the next person who may hurt me. 'Coz then again, what's a delightful feeling without knowing what a painful feeling is! The pain doesn't scare me. It's like music to my numbness. But don't take me for granted just because you don't know what you want but yet you advance on to taste my beauty. Because once you do, I will never turn my head around. I know I have a soft spot for a melodramatic moment. I can't help it at times and it's all because I am a woman with feelings. Sensitive feelings. But at least I know what I want and, I want what I want, and there is nothing wrong with wanting what you want. I stand up for my beliefs.

This bitch takes risks.

Summertime...

...And the livin' is easy
Fish are jumpin'
And the cotton is high...

Happy long Memorial Day Weekend!

Happy barbecuing, happy gorgeous days bathing in the sun and on the beach, happy daydreaming while basking, and perhaps some of you will even get intoxicated by some summer love...then the living should be easy.

As the summer starts to kick in, the weather gradually jumps even hotter here in LA, especially the valleys. As my old tweed and wool suits desperately need to be replaced by light cotton (or silk?!) ensembles instead, I feel a bounce of excitement as I approach the sunnier days. Don't know why I am so excited everytime summertime comes by. Must be the sun and the images of the never-ending playtime I can do on weekends in this hot season. I know I hate to bathe myself in the hot sun, for the melodramatic reason that many other races do not understand why. I do NOT want to get any tanner than I already am. Please. When people get this nice golden tan when they bake in the sun, I get this burn, with a deep-reddish-pink-mixed-with-brown combo that turns into completely different color after I take a shower...a darker shade of super duper dark grayish brown! Ick. Don't get me wrong. I loooooove the ocean. I just don't like to "tanner" myself in the hot sun that can notoriously damage your skin anyway. So, if you want, we can go to the beach when the clock is close to the time when the sun sets, when the sun is not at its full-fledged energy shining on you, grinning or smirking at me.

Yes, summertime can definitely thrill me for no apparent reason. One time the reason was being in love. So maybe that one. Then, maybe it's also because of multiple thoughts of buying more of those summer dresses and shoes. I am always excited when it comes to spring and fall with the leaves blooming or falling and all. But with summertime, you just can't deny yourself that it's actually playtime altogether. Whereas spring and fall are more melancholy in the beginning then captivating toward the middle and end, in a very seducing way. Summertime is the teenage kicks of all of the four seasons. That is why, no matter how my spring looked like before, I know this summertime will be both stimulating and delightful!

Well, for whatever the reason may be, I know for sure that I am willing to make the upcoming summertime the best season of all here, if not in NY. I miss New York soooo much, like crazy! So I'm thinking of flying there sometime in July now. Maybe for one week or something. Perhaps for the extravagant fireworks displayed in the evening of picturesque Manhattan sky...as the whole city "celebrates" my birthday...Hmm. That would be quite nice. Very tempting. I am really taking this thought as a serious consideration. That would be a memorable celebration of the year to me;)

I miss the classic movies at Bryant's Park. I miss the acid jazz, bossa nova concerts at the museums (having wine, of course). I miss the subway and its hot air and my drops of sweats, due to the delayed arrival of the express train. I miss walking for blocks in summer, wearing flipflops. I miss hailing the cab when I get too tired to walk again. I miss going into random cafes in the village, Soho, or throughout the city. I miss feeling hot and sticky. I miss shopping at Bendel's after work, during lunch...(I wonder if shopping at Bendel's is mainly motivated by  the sweetness look on the beautiful-and-chic brown and white colored stripes on its adorable shopping bags), I miss wandering around Fifth Ave,  windowshopping-red. Plus, not to mention, the occasional margarita drinks on Fridays, that lived up to my bonding standards between the company and me!

Downtown LA looked like a ghost town by 2 o'clock this afternoon as I grabbed two chicken fajitas from McDonald's. (After seeing too many options with too little brain to absorb, Mc Donald's was the winner of the day---I had not known that they had had the fajitas there before). Cheap and fast. I went back to my office to eat at my desk and we called it quits for the day at 3. So no wonder nobody was around on the streets of downtown at that hour anymore! It seemed like noone wanted to stay. Ah. I forgot. We are all accustomed by the corporate America's way to leaving early on the Friday before a long weekend. Of course they all left without turning back, not even to the food court, eager to enjoy the three-day weekend as fast as possible. Well, and so did I. As excited as I have been about the new job, I quickly cleaned up my desk and headed to the door, found my car and drove away, looking forward to summer days...

Facing the start of easy playtime. The start of summertime weekends with a kick of freedom in the air.

Happy summer, everyone! Do it right, dahlink. Work hard. Play hard. It's a good balance, all for the sake of your dignity...

...One of these mornings
You're going to rise up singing
Then you'll spread your wings
And you'll take to the sky...