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A Left Coast Evening View - 07/26/10

I just got around to posting today's Words of Wisdom. I really like this one and I completely agree that it is our response that paints the next moment. I will have to dream on that one! Today, I spent some time testing videos on an iPad - what fun! It sure didn't seem like testing! Of course, I followed a methodical approach and uncovered a few things, but I am looking forward to applying some new approaches tomorrow. Maybe I'll find a terrific bug! Terrific news that BP's CEO is no longer at the helm. No worries, I'm sure he walked away with a huge amount of money and unlimited benefits for the rest of his life. One thing is for sure - he will have plenty of time to hang out on his yacht! Such is life in the big city. Time to say "Good night, Ann!"

Sweet dreams!

 

07/26/10

Good morning, World! Here I am awake at 5:15 a.m. on a Monday morning, all because my cat decided to reject a hairball and then react skittishly while I tried to put her on the bed so I could clean up her mess, in the interim, spilling the big water bowl, soaking her cat food, etc., etc. So of course, Murphy's Law comes into effect and that pretty much defines my morning. But, even this cannot distract the fact that I will soon be joining the army of cars along the freeway, over the bridge and into the Golden City by the Bay for my first full week of work. My lunch has been packed since yesterday afternoon, even though my daughter Angie stated:  "You're weird." Yes, I am definitely weird! Yesterday consisted of more errands followed by a small BBQ with Debbi and the girls in attendance. It was nice to see Debbi - I do miss her already, but, I know she is in good hands with her talented staff surrounding her. I am next in line for the shower, so I must get ready.

Peace, love and happiness!

 

07/25/10

The morning heat index is already on the rise as Acoustic Sunrise streams into my morning brain - deja vu all over again! My life is slowly moving back to normal. Next step is to start looking for a place to live - bittersweet to say the least. The building where I work is completely made of brick - not good in a city that is waiting with bated breath for the next "big one." In the meantime, I felt a "little one" on Friday and that was more than enough. Not sure if being on the top floor is a blessing or a curse. (When the walls come tumblin' down!) This is one of those times when I have absolutely "no" control over the situation, but I can garner "some" control by mentally mapping an escape route and making sure my cell phone is charged and in my possession at all times! I am glad to hear that the storm did not wreak any more havoc on the Gulf Oil disaster. Prayers to the families of those who lost their lives entrapped within a tunnel that led to a Love Parade event in Germany. My heart is very, very big this morning, my eyes weepy as I read the good and bad news that is constantly before me any time I turn on my computer. Funny, I just heard the DJ on KFOG say she was also crying after the five song set she just played. Perhaps, it was the music, but I must admit there is so much to celebrate. Every moment, every memory future and past, every person at this moment beside you, every person who touched your life in one way or another, every opportunity arising before you, every step you choose, and the world going 'round and 'round - how blessed are we!

Peace to you.

 

07/22/10

Wow! It has been 15 days since I last wrote in my blog! It seems like a blur! I had a wonderful vacation with family and friends. I was blessed to drive once again through the Blue Ridge Mountains, and of course, experience the fantastic views from my brother's property! Plus, I drove into and across Snowshoe Mountain and deep into the Appalachian Mountains, my home, sweet home. If you have never experienced it, you might add it to your list. So much to remember!  But alas, it is already 9:30 p.m.  and this woman is heading to bed in a few minutes. There is a world out there, and I am loving and grateful of every moment, dearly! I feel so blessed to have a job, sorrowful for those who continue to struggle, and HAPPY that jobless benefits have been extended for a while. I am so appreciative of my time spent this past year doing a small part to help non-profit organizations. I remain humbled, but clear of heart - yet another blessing of growing older, and another reason to celebrate. There is always something to celebrate! Perhaps I will find time to share more in the morning light, but probably not, as time is of the essence as I commute into the city. The journey has begun, the end result to remember and honor the GOOD work - that is my goal and please keep me in-check!

Peace.

 

07/05/10

What a weekend! Hot, hot, hot and fun, fun, fun! The grandkids totally enjoyed the fireworks in the city park last evening, and of course, swimming in the pool during the day as the temperature was over 100 degrees. Today is a day of last-minute packing as I prepare for my trip to my hometown. I love going "home." It brings me peace and allows me to reflect on that little girl, that crazy and testy college student, and the young woman that I was in that little town. My philosophy has always been that nothing happens by chance and everything happens for a reason. Your choices are not random and the path before you is the one you chose, so you are exactly where you need to be at every moment of your existence. I exist, therefore I am! I read today that BP has now reached the $3b mark in recovery costs. Unfortunately for all of us, it remains a recovery operation and there does not seem to be an end in sight.   There are so many people trying to make a difference, including those who are working diligently to remove the Kemp’s ridley sea turtle eggs from the Gulf Waters, an attempt to save the species from yet another tragedy.  “In 1947, as many as 40,000 females came ashore on a single day to the turtle's major nesting beach in northeastern Mexico. Their eggs were considered an aphrodisiac and were gobbled up by the tens of thousands in Mexico. Adult ridleys were accidentally caught by U.S. and Mexican shrimp trawlers and drowned. By 1985, biologists counted a total of just 702 ridley nests left on the coast. The marine reptile was going extinct.”  Recently, the numbers of turtles had grown exponentially with nests appearing on Padre Island, the Lone Star beaches and in Mexico.  But, because turtles must rise to the surface to breathe, and because their nesting spots are in shallow waters near the shoreline, the prospects for their survival are at risk.  Of course, this is just one of many heart-rending stories, and there are many stories to be told.  Many stories portray the good work that is being done and we cannot lose focus of that.  We all have an opportunity to make a difference.  We exist, therefore we must!

Peace.

07/02/10

I have a job! What great timing! Now, I can breathe a bit easier, but my heart remains very sad for those who have seen their benefits end without any further help from Congress. Republicans and Democrats continue to spar, all at the demise of the unemployed across the country, simultaneously occurring as economic advisers warn of an impending 'double-dip recession.' The White House is trying to veto $800 million in cuts to education programs, but funding the Afghanistan war remains high on everyone's agenda. Here in California, the ‘Governorator' has reduced paychecks for all state employees, forcing them to work for $7.25/hour for the month of July. One state worker is quoted here: 'It's a sad day when the boss wants to make his employees collateral damage in a budget dispute.' It seems like our priorities are skewed. What are we fighting for, don't ask me I don't give a damn, next stop is (fill in the blanks). Where does all the money come from and who will pay for it? All of us, of course, but especially our children and our children's children! But alas, the House and Senate have already packed their bags so everyone, just enjoy your long weekend. If you need anything, just go to a local shelter and pamper yourself for a while until Congress recovers from its long vacation. Or, maybe you can sit on a street corner and panhandle so you can feed your family over the long weekend. Seriously, there are a lot of needy people out there, so please, don't assume. Please spare an extra dime and a smile if you can this weekend. There are so many of us in dire straits right now.

Peace out!

 

06/29/10

Awakening, I stretch into the morning, my coffee almost ready, my body full of anticipation, meaning it is time for me to go for a run and find balance and a harmonic existence. It is good to see that the temperature is a few degrees less than yesterday's 102. Now is the time! I'll be back! I am back! I ran just under 3 miles and feel much better after some breakfast, more coffee and a nice, long shower. Anna is down for her morning nap, but the house is filled with the voices of the Little Men who play race cars on the floor, imaginations soaring and each glad to have someone to spend time with, kindred spirits in a dress rehearsal of the living. How much to absorb and how quickly that future moment will become the 'now' and this moment, 'then.' Oh lovely, General Petraeus vows a long-term commitment to war in Afghanistan. I am not sure if that is a good thing or a bad thing. How about a commitment to end the war via peaceful solutions for all involved! I guess that's not going to happen either, but I can dream! Across the world, more and more countries are feeling the pressure of a global, financial meltdown. There's more to the picture than meets the eye! I would put my 401k in a very secure place (under your pillow!) until and if and when the market finds balance. Balance is good! Buddhists believe that achieving balance requires contemplation on four aspects: knowing, being, becoming and giving. According to one Buddhist website: When all four aspects of knowing, being, becoming and giving are in harmonious balance, then the soul will be at peace with itself and in harmony with others. This state of practical soul-consciousness has been termed 'jivan mukti' or freedom in life. Yes, freedom in life. I think I better start practicing.

Peace.

 

Hey hey, my my

Rock and roll can never die

There's more to the picture

Than meets the eye.

Hey hey, my my.

 

Out of the blue and into the black

You pay for this, but they give you that

And once you're gone, you can't come back

When you're out of the blue and into the black.

 

The king is gone but he's not forgotten

Is this the story of johnny rotten?

It's better to burn out cause rust never sleeps

The king is gone but he's not forgotten.

 

Hey hey, my my

Rock and roll can never die

There's more to the picture

Than meets the eye.

 

- Neil Young

 

06/28/10

What a busy and fun weekend! I spent the weekend with Doug which allowed time for reading, a nice Tapas dinner in the city, a walk on the beach, and time in the sun before heading back to triple digits here in the valley. Now, it is time to focus on the week ahead and try my best to remain productive, and find a job! All eyes of the GOP are upon Elena Kagan as the Senate Judiciary Committee begins nomination hearings. This is going to be quite interesting! While the rest of the nation remains focused on the Gulf Oil crisis, loss of benefits, homes and jobs, Obama is trying to "keep an eye on those larger issues that are going to define his presidency." He sure has had his share of defining moments thus far! I am sorry to hear that a tropical storm is expected to wreak havoc on the Gulf Coast today which means the oil will be dispersed rather quickly to other outlying coastal areas. The effects are most apparent to those who inhabit the area. Some unemployed Gulf Coast residents are hoping to find work on an oil clean-up crew but instead are discovering that it is not an easy task. “When you talk to BP representatives, what they tell you is, they are working directly with the workforce (Louisiana State’s Workforce Commission). And then when you go to the workforce, the workforce doesn’t have an idea of what’s going on or what BP is talking about.” Sigh, bureaucracy-in-action!  I must get busy, too!

Peace out!