"BEE" LIEVE IT OR NOT

I am back from a recent trip to northern California to visit my mother and go to Reno, NV with my husband and mother.   For my husband it was a working trip, for my mother and I it was a gambling trip.  My mother plays video poker and I, of course, play poker.


We arrived on Thursday, September 9th at the Peppermill in Reno (Sparks) NV.  The Peppermill is always very accomodating with "free" rooms, cash slot play and food comps.  After checking into our rooms, my husband went to work at the Nugget for the Tailhook convention and my mom and I went to work in the casino.  My mother has always been very lucky playing video poker and she keeps a royal flush diary in which she has recorded all of her royal flushes over the years.  She now has 64 entries.  I left her on the machines while I went and played in a poker tournament.  When I returned from the tournament (for which I won chopped 4 ways) feeling very smug about my big win, I knew it would be overshadowed when I walked up to her and she started her sentence with "Chris you're not going to believe..." she had  already gotten a royal flush for $1200 plus several four-of-a-kinds that added up to over $3,000.


That was day one.  Day two, she decided to up the odds, being ahead she decided to play the dollar machines.  She started off by getting the four aces for $800.  She cashed out her ticket and came over to me and said "do you think I should play the dollar machine again".  I said "put another $100 in a see what happens".  As I sat one row behind her playing the quarter machines I look up to see her sitting and staring at her machine not moving.  A closer look at her machine revealed she was dealt a royal flush for $4000.  She was stunned and I just shook my head wishing that the video poker gene would be passed down.


She cashed out, I ran her money upstairs and locked it away in the safe.  She moved back over to the quarter machines while I played poker.  When I came back she said "you're not going to believe this...".  That's right another royal flush!  Three in two days. 


She played and played and played.  If I didn't insist she would not have gotten up to go the bathroom or to eat or drink.  She can sit at a machine for 12 hours or more.  She becomes one with the machine.


The third and final day, no royal flush, just a series of four-of-a-kinds that made her overall for the day up over another $1,000. 


We left the Peppermill on Sunday morning and she was up somewhere around $9,000.  An awesome display. 


You may think this is the end of the story, but you would be mistaken.  My husband flew home on Sunday night.  On Wednesday we ventured to another casino (Indian) in CA called Redhawk.  She was plus another $500 or so.


Done - NO - Thundervalley casino on Friday.  Another royal!!


Sunday, I went to play in a tournament at Thundervalley and she stayed home, I won the tournament (chopped for $500).  It's no royal but it's hard to do.


On Monday we take off for Cache Creek for an overnight.  Check in, start playing and she begins to lose.  What?  She turns in early and watches "Dancing with the Stars" that night.  I had had a big day playing poker and had won over $600 so I was pretty happy.  Next day, she hit it hard again and again, no luck - in the morning- by afternoon she is hitting four-of-a-kinds again and making a little comeback. 


We had already checked out of our room when by 5:00 pm I could tell she wanted to stay.  I called the VIP host over and asked if we could be comp'd another night, which they promptly did.  Check back in.


Finally on Wednesday she is doing well and making back some of the money lost the previous two days.  I held my own.  We went to dinner before driving home and as is our custom we played $20 more  in a machine on our way out.  Well she was doing well and I ran my $20 up to $50 and cashed out.  I was sitting watching her play and couldn't stand it any longer so I put my ticket back in the machine and played slowly trying to wait her out.  Then the unbeliveable happened.  My machine locked up and I looked at it and saw that a ROYAL FLUSH WAS DEALT TO ME!!!!!!!


Thank God I really do have the video poker gene.  Thank you, thank you, thank you - Mom.


She still is the all time video poker queen, there is no dispute, but I now have a little hope that the gene may be kicking in and my future is bright.

MRS. BEE'S WILD RIDE

As some of you know I just finished up another trip to Las Vegas.  This time I added a new adventure to my usual Vegas playbook.  While not in the category of  "The Hangover" this none the less was pretty exciting for me.

I flew in on Wednesday by myself because my husband was on a business trip and was joining me later that evening.  I made my way to my hotel (Paris) checked in, unpacked and set out to go play poker.  The weather was a balmy 107 degrees so walking down to the Venetian where I wanted to play would be impossible.  I knew there is a bus on the strip called the Duece (has a second deck) that goes up and down the strip and costs $7 for a 24 hour pass, but I had never used it before.  I considered doing this because the last cab I took for a two block ride (2am in the morning) cost $40.  Not wanting to be ripped off again I decided on the bus which stopped right in front of my hotel.  Got on and without any problems jumped off at the Venetian. 

I played in a 7 pm tournament and was knocked out around 9:30 pm.  My husband was arriving at 11pm so I needed to get back.  Again, I didn't want to walk by myself at night and it was still 100 degrees so I decided to jump on the "Duece".  Found the stop and the bus came by shortly after.  I had a great time riding, talking with nice tourists and reading the funny signage along the way.  My favorite was a tatoo parlor named:  " The Precious Slut".   Before I knew it we were heading north and I began to worry when I heard the bus driver say next stop Fremont Street.  For those of you familiar with Las Vegas, Fremont Street is the old part of Las Vegas, the one you see in the movies, where the Golden Nugget resides.  This part of Vegas is fun and they now have the "Fremont Experience" which is great if you have never seen it.  HOWEVER, comma, this is also a high crime area and a pickpockets haven. 

As the bus rolled to a stop the driver announced that this was the FINAL destination - everyone off.  WTF?  I need to go to the Paris Hotel now about 3 miles away.  I asked the bus driver if I had to get off (I was the only one left sitting on the bus) and he said yes.  I asked where the other bus was that I needed to go south on and he pointed toward an alley.  I reluctantly got off the bus clutching my cell phone and purse very tightly.  I started walking where the bus driver pointed and quickly figured out that it was a parking garage.  I decided to retrace my steps and go toward the crowds.  After some searching and walking admid what surely must have been a carnival act, but turned out was just tourists, I was relieved to find the bus stop in one piece and waited for the southbound "Duece".  It finally arrived and after boarding began to breathe again.  I enjoyed talking with a couple from Ohio who showed me pictures they took of themselves and Gordon Ramsey, who was in the restaurant where they were eating.  We exchanged tidbits of information, where to eat, what shows to see, etc.  This was fun for about 20 minutes then I wanted to hurry up and get back.  After traveling through a pretty shady part of town we reached the Strip again.  I looked at my watch and noticed it was now 11 pm.  Knowing my husband would be landing and wondering where I was I held my phone waiting for the call.   The bus inched forward and stopped every 100 feet or so and waited for 10-15 minutes for loading and unloading.  Agony. 

Then the call came.  "Where are you"? he asks,  "funny you should ask", I say.  I explain my bus ride and tell him I may be a little late.  "No problem, I will meet you at the hotel" he says.  What a great husband I have.  Then the bus inches forward - after an hour and a half later I arrive in front of Ceasars and walk across the street to my hotel.  I meet my husband as he walks in from the parking garage and all is well. 

The rest of the trip was great, some highlights include seeing  "LOVE" the Cirque Du Soleil act done to Beatles music - FANTASTIC!  Going to Primm outlets and acquiring a new Coach purse, cashing in a big tournament at the Venetian where I was the only woman and eating breakfast at one of our favorites Bouchon.

I would however like to leave you with some lessons learned:

1.  Know which side of the street to catch the appropriate bus.

2.  Don't try to save money in Las Vegas.

3.  Wear appropriate shoes.

4.  No need to have a sweat shirt when its 100 plus degrees.

5.  Eat before getting on the bus.

6.  Take a bottle of water with you.

7.  Go TO THE BATHROOM before getting on the bus.

BEE SMART

I NAP... and other things I thought I would never do

I'm not sure when it happened, that corner you turn when all of sudden you are doing things that you laughed at when you saw your parents and grandparents do them.  I can remember as a child watching my grandfather nod off in his recliner in the middle of the afternoon.  I thought "how could anyone sleep right now in the middle of the day"?  Then in my thirties I remember seeing my father nod off in his chair while watching television during the day, sometimes while watching his favorite - golf.  Now granted that could have been from the cocktails and secondly watching golf is like, dare I say it, watching paint dry, so I chalked it up to that.  I personally have never been able to take a nap during the day even after a night or two of insomnia with only a couple of hours sleep.  But lately I have been watching "my stories" in the early to mid afternoon and find myself putting my head back and dosing for about 20 minutes.  That's it - my life is officially on the downslide. 


I have been fighting the age thing with my creams, potions, lotions, vitamins, hair color and fashionable clothes.  I do think the 60 and 70 somethings of today appear much younger than they did when I was a kid.  For the most part grandma and grandpas were white haired and wrinkled and moved slowly.  Today that notion is turned upside down as people are living longer and better.


But there are a few things I do now that I never thought would happen like:


1.  Bending down to get something from a bottom shelf and not being able to get back up without putting my hands on the floor to push.


2.  Getting out of bed two to three times per night to pee.


3.  Onions give my indigestion.  My grandmother's words haunt me now "I love onions but they don't love me".  I have a full appreciation of that now.


4.  My arms hurt when I blow dry my hair.


5.  Bifocals


6.  Memory - short and long term.  I make notes for everything.


7.  I get winded vacumn cleaning.  (Of course some of these problems could be rectified with weight loss).


8.  My feet, knees, back and neck are almost always in pain.


9.  There are things growing on my skin - brown, ugly blotches and tags.


10.  I have to clip NOSE HAIRS!  and I am a fairly hairless person who shaves her legs about once a month.


11.  I have grey hair other than on my head - enough said.


12.  I say things my mother says.  This may be the worst old age indicator.


13.  We tend to stay in at night, and are home before nine if we go out for dinner or a movie.


14.  I put my pjs on around 7pm.


15.  I have my television lineup memorized and the dvr set.


16.  I look forward to "Dancing With The Stars" as a weekly highlight.


17.  My doctors and dentist are so much younger than me.


18.  My 40 year high school reunion has come and gone.


19.  I can't wear high heels anymore and really never even consider it - and I have a pair of Crocs.

20.  Some words used in our household:  gas, gout, arthritis, snoring, icepack, heatpack, hemorrhoids, indigestion, cholesterol and too tired.


21.  and last but not least my "granny panties" are finally in line with my age.


Life really is an incredible journey that goes by so fast.  Seems like yesterday that we were a young Navy family.  We have made the most of everywhere we lived and had alot of fun along the way.  If there is a lesson to be learned about growing old, I think it would be is take advantage of the opportunities to do things when they are presented to you because there may never be a second chance.


So now I'm exhausted from thinking and typing and I need a nap.  Pay no attention to the time I posted this.


BEE  Young.

GUILTY PLEASURES

Everyone has them.   Most  of us won't admit to them.  The older I get the less I take myself seriously which frees up my ability to share things I never thought possible when I was younger.


Let's start with an easy one - Television.  I am an advid watcher.  Under the heading of guilty pleasures I would put:


Soap Operas - ALL MY CHILDREN & ONE LIFE TO LIVE (since 1970 and 1968 respectively)
    My theory is all actors start here.  There is an impressive line up of big names that have started here.  Tommy Lee Jones,  Kim Delaney, Sarah Michelle Geller, Ryan Phillippe, Mischa Barton, Kelly Ripa, Eva LaRue, Josh Duhamel, Hayden Panettiere, Tom Berenger, Nathan Fillion (currently Castle), Judith Light, Dixie Carter, Lawrence Fishburne, Faith Ford, Blair Underwood, Mario Van Peebles, Phylicia Rishad and Marcia Cross to name a few.


Daytime - REGIS & KELLY (again Kelly Ripa alumni of All My Children), THE VIEW, THE DOCTORS, all HGTV shows, and the FOOD NETWORK.


Reality -  DANCING WITH THE STARS, SURVIVOR, PROJECT RUNWAY, SHEAR GENIUS, DESIGN STAR, THE NEXT FOOD NETWORK STAR, TRAUMA LIFE IN THE ER, BOSTON MED, THE RACHEL ZOE PROJECT, THE APPRENTICE, TODDLERS & TIARAS (the worst of the guilty pleasures), and an occasional MAN VS. WILD.


Premium TV - DEXTER, TRUE BLOOD, BIG LOVE, WEEDS, NURSE JACKIE, THE UNITED STATES OF TARA, ENTOURAGE and one that just finished - THE TUDORS.


Regular TV -  MAD MEN, HIGH STAKES POKER, POKER AFTER DARK, WORLD SERIES OF POKER, WORLD POKER TOUR, (all poker shows), THE OFFICE, 30 ROCK, MODERN FAMILY, LOST (crap its off), CASTLE, THE GOOD WIFE, GREY'S ANATOMY, FLASH FORWARD, THE GATES, THE CLOSER, FLASHPOINT, ROOKIE BLUE, V, HOT IN CLEVELAND, RESCUE ME, LOUIE, RENO 911, & LAW AND ORDER (all of them).


Movies - I like a wide variety of movies from drama, to comedy the following is a list of Guilty Pleasure Movies:
CLUELESS, BEST IN SHOW, MR. MOM, MULTIPLICITY, X-MEN, IRONMAN, WEDDING CRASHERS, 40 YEAR OLD VIRGIN, SUPERBAD, THE HANGOVER, THE WIZARD OF OZ, THE NUTTY PROFESSOR (Eddie Murphy version), MAD, MAD, MAD, MAD, WORLD, ROUNDERS, GREASE, SOAPDISH, ROCKY, TOP GUN, CHRISTMAS VACATION, OLD SCHOOL, 4 WEDDINGS AND A FUNERAL, AMERICAN GRAFFITI, THE OMEN, GHOSTBUSTERS, BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA, PRIDE AND PREDUJICE, THE PRINCESS BRIDE, LEGALLY BLONDE, NAPOLEON DYNOMITE, SHREK MOVIES, THE IN-LAWS, YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, INDEPENDENCE DAY, BULL DURHAM, FERRIS BUELLERS DAY OFF, BORAT, and SWEET HOME ALABAMA.  There are many more, but just a sampling to see how diverse or perverse I am.


Other guilty pleasures happen every day.  Love to play on-line poker, sleep in late, stay up late, eat popcorn for dinner when my husband is away, shop at Ross on Tuesday to get my senior citizen discount, sit out on my deck and read a murder mystery when I should be doing housework, eat the crispy skin off the Costco roast chicken, reading the Star and the Enquirer at my mom's house, playing poker while my husband is working, and watching all the mindless programs/movies above instead of reading a good book, volunteering my time or in general doing something constructive with my time. 


In conclusion, I have probably wasted a lot of time on guilty pleasures, but I managed to help raise two great kids, keep a clean household and support my husband for 33 years without too many complaints.   So like another guilty pleasure of mine when I was a kid would say "WHAT ME WORRY"?

P.S. Almost forgot my biggest guilty pleasure - hint - it has to do with a particular leather handbag.  For further insight see the blog below.


Leave a couple of your guilty pleasures for me to enjoy.


BEE HAPPY!

COACHMANIA

My obsession with Coach purses is legendary.  I have owned and/or carried nothing but Coach purses for about 20 years.  After a recent trip to a Coach outlet store, I came home and decided to organize and store them in my handmade amish cedar chest.  Out with the sweaters, in with the purses, who cares if the moths eat my sweaters, my leather babies needed a good home.  I have never really counted them before cause it's a number you really don't want to know or I might have to go to Coach rehab or worse STOP buying them.  I did count them and the range is somewhere like two per year.  Did you know they are lifetime warranted?  Anything goes wrong just send them in and they will fix it.  Love that, and I have done it, it really works.


I recently was visited by my two nieces, 10 and 13 years of age.  We gave the 13 year old a Coach purse for her birthday.  Then we took a trip to the Coach outlet store (there aren't any in Oklahoma) where they each purchased purses for themselves.  I had to wait until I was 30 something before I got a Coach purse, but now it is all the rage for the pre-teen and teenage set.  Didn't know I was so cool.  My nieces came into my bedroom and right away admired my lineup of Coach sneakers in all their dazzling colors.  I love sneakers (cause I'm old and can't wear heels - and they look stupid in a poker room), and enjoy matching my jeans, hoodies, Coach purses with my sneaks.  They were impressed.  I have hats, wallets, wristlets, laptop bag, overnight bags, makeup bags, jewelry bags, sunglasses and a coat.  If they gave out reward cards I would be a diamond/VIP member.  My Coach habit is out of control.  I do however, have a Coach pimp.  He enjoys buying them for me and enables me and my obsession.  He also owns several Coach wallets, shaving kit bag, carry-on duffle bag, briefcases, writing pad book, belts, and various other acessories.  If he goes with me to the outlet store (I never buy retail) I come home with at least one more purse or item then I would if I went by myself.  You may say I am spoiled, but he makes it up on his end with his obsession - WINE - for which we have a whole room devoted to and has it's own air-conditioning system.  I may have to store my purses in there soon.


I have started trying to buy only limited edition purses now, those that you rarely see anyone else carrying.  Look around while you are out, one in five women at a mall will be carrying Coach.  Seems like a good stock to buy.  They have good sales at the outlets, most will be 50 percent off retail with another 30 to 50 percent off for the outlet price.  Put the extra 20 percent special coupon on top of that and you have a bargain.  Monday holidays are best weekends for lowest prices.  I have been to outlets where they had lines outside the store and only let a few people in at a time because the fire code would only allow so many customers inside at once.  FANTASTIC.


Here's the best part about a Coach purse - it doesn't judge.  I don't have to slip it over my hips and hope that its doesn't make them look huge.  It's never too tight and doesn't shrink in the wash.  I don't have to wait to lose five pounds so it will fit.  They rarely go out of style and they remind me of horses because of its logo, leather and detailing.  I will never own a horse, that dream has passed but I am satisfied with my leather "saddlebags". 


I know it is indulgent, try not to judge, think of it as being cheaper than 20 years of therapy. 

COLONOSCO-BEE

Yes the time has finally come that all 50 somethings dread - the colonoscopy.  I have put it off for years sighting problems with moving, not having a doctor, "they checked it when I had my appendectomy", etc. but, I couldn't get around it anymore when a good friend of mine was diagnosed with colon cancer last year.  She has gone through her year of colonoscopies, chemo, nasua, all the usual stuff very bravely.  I am pleased to say that she is clear of the cancer but she has also been a pain in my ass until I finally sheduled my procedure. 

Two days before the procedure I was directed to only eat, white bread, white rice, potatoes (no skin), white pasta, chicken, pork or fish.  That was no problem, no one loves carbs better than I do.


One day before the procedure is THE CLEANOUT!  THIS is where I have the problem.  You must drink the most awful liquid imaginable.  They prescribed the "easy stuff" for me and you get to pay extra for it.  It tastes like ocean salt water gelatin with a hint of lemon.  Yummy.  Also on this day you can drink only clear liquids along with the ocean water.  Why didn't I eat that bowl of pasta last night at midnight?

I prepared the first of two liters of poop cleanse for my 3:00 pm feeding.  They will tell you to refrigerate it ahead of time because cold is easier to gag down than warm.  The first round I drank through a straw and drank it almost in one fell swoop.  I was very pleased with myself until the nasua hit.  Only 3 more rounds (every 15 minutes)  to go.  Every 15 minutes?  You literally can't get it down in that time.  I tried putting it in a frozen mug and chilling it, gulping it, sipping it, standing in the sun, sitting down, meditation, hypnosis, holding my nose, eyes open, eyes closed,  and on and on.  Bottom line, it all sucks. 

Now I am in my four hour reprieve before the next liter.  During this four hours I am suppose to drink more clear liquids and take a ducolax.  Ducolax?  What - just in case the poop cleanse doesn't work?  Well it does!!  As soon as I finished my fourth glass of the first liter I was running (not walking) to the bathroom. 

I am 2 1/2 hours after my last dose with and hour and a half to go and there is nothing left to give.  All systems are clear.  Why the second dose?  Are you looking for my intestines to fly out of my ass so you can look at them in person? 

I want a hamburger and french fries and I want them now!

The four hours is up and it is time for the second liter.  My plan works pretty well with the frozen mug and the straw.  I make it all the way to the end (spilling a few ounces here and there) while sipping white cranberry juice in between.  Sound the bells I am done with the worse part.  Now just let it do its thing, try not to eat and go in tomorrow. 

I will continue this tomorrow after the procedure, in the mean time have a piece of pepperoni pizza for me, or a cracker or popcorn - oh my kingdom for some popcorn.

Morning of -- waiting for my husband to get ready.  What do you wear to one of these?  I do know that maybe Depends might be a good idea at this point.  More later.

Got to the hospital early.  Everyone is extremely nice.  Blood pressure right on, all systems go.  The best part a warm blanket over your hospital gown while you are waiting.  The doctor comes in and tells you what is going to happen.  All I really hear is drugs, and you won't feel a thing. 

They are right, it was very easy and no pain involved.  Before I knew it I was in the car directing my husband to the nearest Carls Jr. for a mushroom and swiss burger and fries.  (The nurse told me to eat something easy for my first meal).  We get home, I try to turn off our house alarm and in my drugged up stupor miss a few numbers.  If you have ever witnessed my husband and our house alarm this was a very amusing moment. 

I ate every morsel.  Then I fell asleep on and off all afternoon.  Oh, by the way, the report was all clean and clear and "we'll see you in eight years".    Hopefully in eight years someone can improve the cleanse from hell potion you must drink for this procedure. 

How can we put a man on the moon and not be able to improve that stuff.  I am going to begin my new invention of chocolate peanutbutter shake colon cleanse and will become weathly and the most beloved citizen of the world.

Happy Eating!!

BEE-ING ON VACATION

We have had an exciting summer so far.  Beginning in early June, as you know, we went to Las Vegas where I played in the World Series of Poker.  That was followed up by a visit from our son and daughter-in-law.  We began our adventure as we normally do by enjoying San Diego in all of our favorite haunts and eateries.  We then went to the Padre game on the 4th of July, a departure from our usual 4th of July in Coronado, and then left there that evening for our expedition to Napa Valley.


We drove the first evening to Ventura County, which turned out to be the perfect time to leave while everyone was off the road enjoying fireworks.  The three of us played a car bingo game for 3 hours.  The driver, my husband, never plays games but enjoys giving answers when he is not supposed too.  During home games of Trivial Pursuit and the like,  he will be in another room voicing answers inappropriately much to the chagrin of the players. 


We stopped over the first night and began our trek to Monterey the next morning.  Our first stop in Monterey was a winery which is my personal favorite for Chardonney's called Talbot.  You may have heard of the family they make clothes as well.  We had a great tasting there and then went to our fabulous hotel on Cannery Row overlooking the ocean.  Simply beautiful.  We ate dinner in the hotel that evening and got up the next morning for our next leg to Napa.


We made Napa by 1:30ish, checked into the Napa Valley Lodge, and struck out immediately for some wine tasting.  We went to about five wineries and then went back to the hotel to change for our remarkable dinner at the famous Buchon.  Buchon did not disappoint.  We had several courses of everything.  By the end of the meal (which was our son's birthday) we were bursting at the seams.  Food to die for and I literally thought I might. 


The next day we visited more wineries and the Napa Olive Oil Company.  Fantastic little old garage (which has been featured on the food network) converted into their sales office for the finest olive oil in California.  We also stopped at the CIA (culinary school) and toured and shopped.  We then headed out for a fabulous lunch to my personal favorite, Mustards.  I always get the Mongolian porkchop and the onion rings.  Bobby Flay even featured the Mongolian chops on "the Best Thing I Ever Ate" on the food network.  I could literally die a happy camper after that meal. 


Finished the day with more wineries (I am the designated driver) and drove to my mother's in Sacramento to spend the next two evenings before returning to San Diego.  Mom's house highlighted chicken marsala cooked by grandma Rose and the next day we went to Guy Fieri's restaurant, Tex Wasabi.  We played a two day game of dealer's choice poker which was fun, except for one non player watching PBS in the other room.  At least he couldn't call out any answers.


Back to San Diego and three days later they were gone. 


You may think the adventure ends there, but as we were dropping off our son and daughter-in-law we were picking up my sister-in-law and two nieces.  They actually overlapped by 5 minutes.

For the last week we have been on a San Diego harbor cruise, Coronado beach and shopping, (they went to Seaworld without me (exhaustion was setting in)), North Island Officers Club pool, Seaport Village, San Diego Wild Animal Park, Carlsbad Outlet Mall to go especially to COACH, out to eat several times and finally to a nail salon for mannies and peddies.  Everyone had a great time.


On Tuesday of this week everyone left.  My husband off to Washington D.C., my sister-in-law and nieces back to Oklahoma.


This month has been fun and filled to the brim.  Our home has been remodeled with family in mind.  The large kitchen is the center of love and creativity, especially when we have guest chefs (son, daughter-in-law, mother).  Everyone loves to be in there.  The "Hotel California" bedroom has two queens (non-smoking) and is already cleaned and made up for the next family or friends who come to visit.  Our home since 1985  continues to give us pleasure and memories that have been shared with all that are dear to us.


Today, with a quiet house and no one play with, I head off to my little playground.  Can you guess?  It's called Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino.  I will relax, play and say hi to some friends I haven't seen in awhile. 


Until next time, I apologize for being away from the blog for so long, but as you can see, I've been busy(bee).


Happy Summer.

CALIFORNIA DREAMIN'

Living in San Diego is the best.  I should know my husband and I have lived in all four corners of the United States and some areas in between.  We started out in Oklahoma, he from Norman, me from Del City (after moving there from upstate New York (Rome) where I lived my first thirteen years).  We met in the Federal Building where we worked for Naval Recruiting District in Oklahoma City.  Yes, the one that was blown up by Timothy McVey.  Luckily, we had already met, fell in love, married and moved away.  He will tell you it is the first time he saved my life.  Oklahoma is the hottest hot in summer, the coldest cold in winter, windy all the time, don't even get me started about tornadoes and ice storms.  Wicked weather.  Only hardy souls should live there.

After we married he left Pensacola, Fl. and we moved to Corpus Christi, Tx where he attended flight school and I attended Lamaze.  We were then sent to Beeville, Tx.  One road in and out, no McDonalds (just a Whataburger and a Walmart).  Actually the perfect place to be pregnant except for the 100 degree weather and 100 percent humidity.  I swelled up like a Macy's Day balloon.  

Then Eureka! we were sent to San Diego, CA to complete flight training.  We packed up the kids, dog and two cars and drove out.  What a beautiful place, sunshine all year long, with soft even temperatures.  We lived there from 1980 until 1990 when we had to move to Willow Grove, PA.  Willow Grove is just north of Philadelphia.  We arrived sans winter clothing but soon found out it would be needed.  The winters are both beautiful and cold.  The snow piled up so that our dog had trouble getting through it.  The summers were hot and sticky and when little league began we were still wearing winter coats.  What a shock from living in San Diego.

Two years later we moved again to New Orleans, LA.  Put the winter coats away and get out your white hand towel to wear around your neck to catch the perpetual sweat leaking from your head.  The heat and humidity are stifiling and the rains were biblical.  There was a constant influx of bugs.  Our dog began losing his fur and had skin problems.  If I had fur I probably would have lost it too, it was that bad.

Just when you think the next move would be better than New Orleans we moved to Jacksonville, Fl.  Hot and humid times two with a non-stop parade of cockroaches and palmetto bugs.  Yuk, I hated it!  Did I mention the snake in our swimming pool?

Next stop, Manassas, VA.  Oh, the beautiful countryside, Green, green, green.  Four seasons again.  What a relief from the heat and humidity.  I felt like I could live there the rest of our lives,  but of course the U.S. Navy always has other plans.

Back to Willow Grove, PA.  Loved it, had a lot of friends and decided this should be where we retire.  Had I forgotten about beautiful San Diego?  I think I did.  My husband convinced me that our home in San Diego was waiting for us so we packed up and drove to the west coast.  There were rainbows, unicorns, pots of gold and flowers everywhere as we drove in.  I knew I was home.

But, one final test, there was one corner we hadn't lived in so my husband decided to take a job in Seattle.  OMG, we lived there (me not so much as I commuted between San Diego and Seattle) for five years.  If I stayed too long in Seattle I found bits of moss and mushrooms starting to sprount from my body.  Rain, rain, and more rain.  Soooo depressing.  The people walk around with frowns on their faces.  Women don't wear make-up or do their hair.   I can't live in a place like that - so....my wonderful husband arranged  to keep his job but be able to work from our home in San Diego.  HALLELUJAH!!

San Diego is like no other city.  It is "America's Finest City".  Everywhere I go people ask me where I live and I say "San Diego", they always say "oh I love it there".

You can plan on anything outdoors i.e. picnics, weddings, garage sales and not have to worry about rain.  It stays an average 72 degrees in the summer and rarely gets below 50 in the winter.  No snow to shovel, no sleet to drive in, no humidity and no bugs.  Perfection.  But don't get any ideas, we are all full up and I'm not going to mention the "T" word (traffic) unless I have to. 

I will always live here, you can't pry me from our home and I told my husband he would have to drag me out in a coffin to move again.

So come and visit, bring your money, see our Zoo, Wild Animal Park, Sea World, Legoland, Padres/Chargers, The Hotel Del Coronado, Casinos, Balboa Park, the USS Midway, and on and on. 

Stay for a couple weeks then you must leave, you probably wouldn't like to live here anyway we have EARTHQUAKES!  ha ha.

GOOD NEWS BAD NEWS

The good news is I had a blast in Las Vegas, the bad news is I didn't cash in "The Ladies Only" No Limit Texas Hold'em event (with six men) at the World Series of Poker (WSOP) this year.  This is the fourth year I have played and with each year I feel I am a better player than the year before.  I trained seriously this year, played in a lot of tournaments with a good percentage of success.  I felt ready.  There were 1050 players from around the world.  Many top professionals (Kathy Liebert, Linda Johnson, Evelyn Eng, Pam Brunson, Vanassa Russo, Vanassa Selbst, etc. and celebrity/pros Jennifer Tilley, Shannon Elizabeth, Tiffany Michelle, Cheryl Hines).  My table had Barry Greenstein's girlfriend and he came over to give her encouragement and find out how she was doing.  He told her "not to play like a girl".  I used to like Barry Greenstein. 

There was commotion at the table next to mine where a "man" player resided.  He was acting out and generally being a real jerk.  The final straw came when he placed a tampon on the table to use as a card protector.  The floorman was called as the women complained at the outrageous inappropriate behavior.  He was only given a two round penalty but was told he would be out if anything else happened.  They (WSOP) then provided all the women at the table with a free massage.

I played nine hours and outlasted 3/4 of the field.  I finished two hours short of continuing to day two.  The last three to fours hours I was card dead (very bad cards).  I was never able to make any big moves to pick up more chips.  At last I got Ace Jack suited on the button and the table folded to me.  It was just the small and big blind to act.  I pushed my short stack in.  I wanted a caller but when the big blind insta-called I knew I was in trouble.  She had Ace King.  Her hand held up and she had me covered and I was out.  I was upset that I finished short of my goal but at least this year I didn't go out with the best hand.  I don't think I could have done anything differently except maybe for one hand.  I am trying not to beat myself up over it and remind myself that it still was a good showing.

I talked to Pam Brunson after being knocked out (Doyle Brunson's daughter and she remembered me from last year and was so sweet).  She was knocked out much earlier than me.  In fact so were most of the other people mentioned above. 

My husband cheered from the rail and gave me updates on other people for all nine hours.  He walked back to our room (about a half mile) twice to get me things I needed.  I don't know what I would do without his kindness and support.  He gives me good advice and encouragement.

The Rio/WSOP has made many improvements since last year the biggest being the room.  It is three times the size of the one you've seen on tv in years past.  So much more room and better organized.  No more long lines, etc.  The Poker Kitchen (food court) is right across the hallway and the bathrooms are very convenient.  During the women's they even closed down the men's bathroom and opened it up to women only.  They have a big stage at one end for speakers and have the bracelets for all the events displayed across the back of it.  As the bracelets are being won the winner's photo is added in the display.

The rest of my weekend consisted of playing live til  four in the morning, getting up three hours later and starting over.  I played in a big tournament at Ceasars ( a two day event) and came in 30 out of 184.  I would have done better but went out when my Ace King was beat by Ace Eight (eight on the turn).  That was tougher to take than the Ladies event.  I played nine hours there also.  Then I went back to the Rio after playing nine hours and decided to play in an 11pm event in which I cashed - coming in 10th.  Finished at 4am, no sleep but it was worth it.  FINALLY!!!

Overall it was a great and fun trip albeit the outcome.  I want to thank my family and friends who continue to cheer and encourage me and listen to my sad stories when I get knocked out or take bad beats.  I always feel like I might quit immediately after being knocked out when my mind is numb and my body is tired from concentrating and playing for so long.  But that just lasts until I sit down at the next poker table.  It is a cruel, frustrating sport but I can't think of anything I have more fun playing.  I have made many friends and learned valuable life lessons.  I will continue to play as long as I am having fun and as long as I can make enough money to keep me going. 

In the mean time our nieces are coming in July for a week so I will take the opportunity to be a good aunt and teach them how to play (as long as they bring their pennies).

SHUFFLE UP AND DEAL

BEING ALIVE

My husband and I recently attended a charity event/auction that was held by a friend of ours.  The charity was for a program called "Being Alive" and they are the HIV/AIDS program established in San Diego.  Our friend is the program manager of Being Alive and works extremely hard in this endeavor without much staff and with very limited resources. 

The event she put together was very well done.  It was held in an old, beautiful hotel called Park Manor where the top floor opens up to the outside and the view of the city, Coronado and the airport was spectacular.  She had delicious food, drinks, and a acrobatic troop that rivaled some of the Cirque teams that I have seen.  She was able to secure donations for auctions (artwork, baskets of goodies, Padre tickets) so that everyone would have a great selection of things to bid on.

Many last minute problems occurred that she handled so well that if I hadn't been aware would never had known anything was wrong.  When her auctioneer couldn't make it at the last minute she filled in and did a fantastic job. 

During conversations in the past  I asked her how difficult is it to raise money for HIV/AIDS these days.  She told me that in the best of times it is difficult to raise money for a disease that many people turn a blind eye to, or that have prejudices toward, but in this economic climate it is almost impossible.  She also said if I had a picture of any child (starving, injured, etc. ) to show the money is easy to raise, but no one wants to see a picture of an AIDS patient, 

I admire the difficult job she is doing and her willingness to continue when times are tough.  Without people like her to do the difficult work who amoung us would? 

I am proud to have her as a friend and admire her for never giving up. 

JOB WELL DONE!

SICK AND TIRED OF BEING SICK AND TIRED

When I returned from a great trip to Sacramento, where my daughter, two cousins and my mother and I enjoyed a long weekend I was exhausted and became sick.  Still don't know exactly what it was/is only that I had a fever, aches, headache, sore throat, fatigue, insomnia, no appetite (a sure sign I'm sick or dead), and a dry cough.  I dragged around for three or four days before I took some antibiotics stored away in our medicine cabinet thinking it might be strep throat.   After five days of drugs I began to feel better.  I began getting dressed and cleaning up and acting human again execept the sore throat and cough lingered. 

I finally made an appointment with the doctor and went in to get a strep test.  Negative.  She gave me cough medicine with codeine which helped me sleep at night.  It's been four weeks now and even though most of the symptoms have gone I still have a sore throat and cough.  Enough is enough. 

My husband is so sweet and such a good nurse.  He made me stay on the couch and brought me an assortment of eats and drinks.  He even made me homemade bisquits when I didn't feel like eating anything.  He wouldn't let me sleep in the other room when I was coughing and kept him awake all night.

Now I am on the mend (still have a sore throat and cough) but much better, but now my husband is sick.  He travels frequently from the west coast to the east coast and with his sleep deprivation and jetlag he caught something.  I don't think its what I had/have but, bless his heart, he has some kind of crud.  The problem for him is he still has to travel - every week for the next four weeks. 

I don't mean to whine, cause this is just some pain-in-the-ass illness, but it's been a month and I am ready to go full steam ahead.  He has rested this Memorial weekend trying to get ready for another trip tomorrow.  When he was in the Navy, he served 26 years.  He only called in sick - twice! 

We are both pretty healthy and don't get sick very often.  I choose to believe this will be our one time this year crud and be good to go for the rest of the year.  I am, however, impatient and am TIRED OF BEING SICK.


To all of you - take your vitamins, get enough rest, exercise, eat right and WASH YOUR HANDS.  Also if you are coming to our house bring a bottle of hand santizer and a facemask.


Take care - be well.

WSOP POKER DREAM

I know it's probably silly but my latest "hobby" poker has turned into something of an obsession.  I have literally been playing poker since I can remember.  My grandparents and parents played regularly on Friday nights when I was growing up in upstate New York.  I used to watch and wait until someone had to go to the bathroom and then was allowed to fill in.  I was no more than six years old.  I was always fasinated with it.  Throughout my childhood and adulthood we played for pennies and no one ever allowed me to win.  My dad was a particularly good poker player and taught me well.  He was also responsible for elevating my son's game, so much so that  by the time he went to college he used poker to make his spending money.   I, like most of the country,  really got excited when Chris Moneymaker won 2.5 million dollars and the bracelet at the 2003 (WSOP), World Series of Poker, Main Event after qualifying online through PokerStars in a $39 satellite.  The World Series Main Event went from 839 entrants that year to 2,576 in 2004 to 8,773 in 2006 where the winner, Jamie Gold won over 12 million dollars.  Chris Moneymaker is generally credited with starting the poker revolution which inspired an unprecedented amount of people to learn the game.  Dreams of winning the poker "lotto" inspired young and old alike.  The young used computers to see and play more hands in one year than a professional poker player played in about five years.  The learning curve was amazingly fast.

That was not, however, my learning curve.  My son began teaching me no limit Texas Hold'Em and gave me books to read.  We played at home heads-up or with a group when possible and spent time watching every poker show on television and talking strategies.  We played online, he for money, me with "play chips" just to practice.  Soon I was winning so many play chips I felt comfortable with the structure of the game.  One day my son said "mom its time for you to go to the casino and play in a real game".  I said "oh no, I'm not ready".  He said "yes you are let's go". 

I was so scared that I would do something stupid but found after watching a few hands and folding that I was ready.  I won $50.  I was hooked and haven't looked back.  After conquering the fear of sitting at a table and playing against strangers, my son said "let's go play a tournament" .  It was only $16 to enter and again fate struck and I made the final table beating out about 100+ people and was paid $125.00.  Of course now I thought I was indestructible. 

Think again, the saying goes "Texas Hold'Em takes 10 minutes to learn and a lifetime to master. "   Anyone who plays semi-seriously will tell you that the saying is very true.  It is also one of the most cruel and rewarding games you can play.  It will elevate your blood pressure and make you crazy in ways you never thought was possible.  It teaches you patience, humility, and that there are no friends in poker.  You also have to learn how to manage your bankroll and know what levels to play.

I am a good average amateur player who aspires to continue to move up.  I am having success playing tournament poker and feel comfortable playing with anyone, even professionals.  Just over this last month I have played four tournaments and have won or cashed in each of them.  That's a pretty good record.  I am currently "practicing" for my big upcoming event at the World Series of Poker (Ladies Only Event) which I have played in for the last four years. 

June 11th, noon, my event begins at the Harrahs Rio Casino in Las Vegas.  I have not made the money on previous attempts but am hopeful this is my year.  There will be approximately 1200 entrants and you have to be focused, play good and have a lot of luck. 

My husband, who doesn't play, is my biggest cheerleader and best support.  He stands on the rail and watches for hours pumping his fist and encouraging me for hours on end.  He pays my way in every year for my Christmas gift and gives me extra spending money.  How did I get so lucky?  My son, who has been there when he can, is my coach.  If he is not there, he stands by to take my calls during breaks to give me strategy and encouragement. 

Whatever way it goes this year, I am ready to go, do my best, and have the time of my life.  Never thought at this age I would feel the sense of competition I felt when I was an athlete in high school, some 40 years ago.  My blood is pumping, my mind is working, and I am anticipating great things. 

Keep me in your thoughts.  I will let you know how it goes. 

BETTY WHITE HOT

Just when you were getting tired of the same old 20 somethings flaunting, flirting, fighting, fornicating, and forcing me to gag, in rides Betty White.  This 88 year old television and movie actor/comedienne has been around the block a few times.  She began her career in television when she starred in her own comedy show in 1952 -1955 called "Life With Elizabeth".  She was co-producer on this show and won her first Emmy for it.  Throughout the 1950-60s she starred in more sitcoms, commercials and then she began a game show journey.  She was dubbed "The First Lady of Game Shows" exhibiting her playing prowess and bubbly personality with each show.  She began playing "Password" in 1961-1975.  She fell in love with the host Allen Ludden and married him in 1963.  They met previously on Jack Parr's Tonight show where they were both guests.  He proposed twice before she married him.  They were together until he passed away in 1981.  They never had any children.  

An active animal rights activist and spokeswoman, she devotes a large part of her life to donating, rescuing, getting legislation passed, building shelters and supporting all forms animal rights issues.  She has been a member of the board of directors for the Los Angeles Zoo since 1974 and served as their commissioner for eight years. 

In the 1970s after a guest appearance on the "Mary Tyler Moore" as Sue Ann Nivens - The Happy Homemaker (femme fatal) she was so popular it earned her a job as a regular cast member and subsequently two Emmy wins.  The show ended in 1977.  Betty stayed busy with many other sitcoms and television appearances until she landed the golden role as Rose Nyland in the "Golden Girls" in 1985.  The show ran through 1992 and she won one Emmy and was nominated every year.  Once the show ended she guest starred on numerous shows without much fanfare until her stint on "Boston Legal" in a reoccurring role as Catherine Piper, gossip, blackmailing murderess secretary.  This role displayed her comedic talent in the bizzaro Boston Legal office where she more than held her own with the likes of William Shatner. 

In 2009 she made her presence known in the blockbuster movie "The Proposal" with Sandra Bullock.  Her portrayal of Ryan Reynolds grandmother was a comedic clinic.  The two scene stealers where she fits Sandra in her wedding gown and where she fakes a heart attack are classic.

So it should come as no surprise when this past Saturday SNL enjoyed its biggest ratings since John McCain paired with host Ben Affleck and Tina Fey was doing Sarah Palin in 2008.  Her hosting came through a ground swell campaign through Facebook when the public demanded that Betty White be given the hosting honors.  She not only was hired but blew the roof off the place.  She showed not only can she get down with the young comediennes but also raise the bar on sketch comedy with her brilliance.  The "Big" girls turned out for her (Tina Fey, Molly Shannon, Amy Poehler, Anna Gasteyer, etc.) to help honor her place on their court.   Mother's Day eve was the perfect time for her appearance. 

Her opening monologue was done entirely by her, a honor reserved only for those that can handle the pressure.  Her skits were classic going between yesteryear -Lawrence Welk, to the Scared Straight jailhouse mama, scaring the homeboys with her "grandson"  Kenan Thompson.  Her NPR skit "The Muffin Lady" a takeoff  of the classic Alec Baldwin "Schweaty Balls" was funny on its own merits but also because of the content vs. her age.  No one knows how to do that better.  Funny stuff all. 

Betty White's enduring popularity proves that with talent, experience, and hard work you can have a wonderful career in a fickle profession where most people last 15 minutes.

Throw in her Snickers commercial and you got one WHITE HOT BETTY.

BEING NEILSON

For those of you who don't know what being a Nielson Family is let me explain.  They are the Big Brother of your television watching experience.  They extract watching information from a select percentage of people and compile statistics as to what we are watching.

I always thought it was such a mystery.  I never knew anyone who was a Nielson family, then lo and behold, I received an invitation in the mail.  I had visions of getting paid handsomly for watching tv.  So I filled out the application and about a month later they sent me an invitation.  I was very excited with the prospects of earning money while sitting on my butt watching tv. 

So we all know the addage right?  If it seems too good to be true...

Well my packet arrived in the mail last week to be used from May 6-13th.  I thought they would put some sort of device on my tv and track what I watch.  Not so easy.  Since we have five televisions, I received five packets.  For each television you have to manually write in what you are watching, who is watching with you, the time, channel, date (in case you are watching something you DVR).  You have to fill out separate things for things your DVR.  You have to fill in all the stations on your televsion and personal information in each packet.  Jeez.

You must do all of this for each television you are watching.  Here's the best part - my dreams of getting rich while watching television - $3.00 in crisp new one dollar bills.

...it probably is.

FLYING THE FREAKIN SKIES

I travel  frequently.  Since 9-11 it has become very difficult security wise and since the economy downturn the airlines are making every effort to drain you of your last dime and strip you of your last shred of dignity. 

I have learned most of the security rules and I no longer wear a pullover sweatshirt because of the time they made me take it off and my shirt underneath rode up around my mountain region.  Not a pretty site.  Always wear socks (even with sandals).  I know this is a fashion don't but walking barefoot on the nasty carpet that everyone else with bare feet have tread makes me break out in a rash and run for the Triactin.  Your jewelry should be carefully planned.  Real gold is the only way to go - it doesn't ring the bell.  Costume jewelry should be stored in a ziplock until you get through the scanner.   Make sure you put your laptop in a separate bin, this is also true of DVD players.  Half the airports will tell you that it isn't necessary, but just a sure as you don't they call you out on it.  Don't try to get through with liquid makeup, they will toss it.  They used to toss mascara, lipgloss in pots, any creams.  Now you should ziplock any liquid solid or otherwise under 3.4 oz. or they will strip search you.  Don't wear clothes with a lot of zippers or similar metal devices.  My 81 year old mother has to go through secondary because she had a hip replacement and rings the bell.  For most people this would be a pain in the ass, but she enjoys telling her surgery story in excrutiating detail to anyone who will listen.  Also she truly likes being searched - don't ask.

HAVE YOUR LICENSE AND BOARDING PASS OUT!  How many times do I have to get behind the two people in the world who don't know that and it takes ten minutes for them to find it after putting it away.  AAARGH! 

Don't try to line up in front of me, unless you are first class, handicapped, or have a seat/section they are announcing.  Southwest has finally stopped the craziness of lining up two hours prior to the flight by making you get an A,B or C time slot and lining up appropriately.  Even then people will try to squeeze in feigning ignorance.  Ignorant no, self serving - yes.  When storing your carry-on overhead don't crush my Coach bag with your avacado green Samsonite leftover from the early 60s.  Don't take your shoes off and allow me the pleasure of smelling your feet, keep your elbows on one armrest (each person gets one), don't crank up your Ipod so that I can hear your head banging music, don't bring  garlic fries on board for your snack (I personally made this mistake), and if you do use a DVD player select your movies carefully.  I don't want to watch "Girls Gone Wild".

Babies/children have a whole new set of rules unto themselves.  It would take too long to write about.  Short answer, bring something for your baby to drink, snack and play with.  Make sure their poopy diaper has been changed before boarding.  Don't let them kick the seat in front of them.  I love children and babies but until they are around 15 I think they should be crated and flown with the dogs and cats.  JUST KIDDING - NO LETTERS PLEASE (not really, I kind of mean it). 

When ordering drinks - don't spill on your neighbor, especially hot coffee.  If I'm reading or snoozing don't try to talk to me.  Don't put your blow up pillow on my seat and lean over to sleep.  I barely let my husband that close to me when I sleep, I certainly don't want you in my space. 

When the flight lands don't jump over me to get your stuff overhead.  We will all end up getting off within ten minutes of each other anyway.  When picking up a checked bag wait two seconds til it gets past me to pull it off the carrier.  I can't step back  because there are people directly behind me trying to lean in to retrieve theirs. 

Now for the extras:  More money to sit on the isle, window and exit row, more money to board before others, more money to check bags (ALOT more money), more money for drinks, snacks and boxed (yuk) lunches, more money for being overweight, more money for overweight luggage and now apparently, on one airline, more money to use the restroom.  I have a solution for that and it entails letting the flight crew clean up a mess on isle one.  How stupid can you get?  There has to be some human rights issues being trampled on there.

So if you can get through all that and still have luggage on the other end, and arrive semi-on time congratulations!  I'm thinking next time it might be fun to take the train.

WEEKEND REGRETS

I'm 58 years old, Italian, and blessed with people around me who love to cook, eat and drink.  I love all the wrong carbs; bread, pasta, potatoes...  We love to gather in the backyard start with margaritas, guacamole, chips, salsa, throw on a steak or ribs, open up some fabulous wines, put the Eagles on, and eat, drink and be merry. 

Today I suffer because we had such a day yesterday.  We have been trying to diet, we start out eating our healthy cereal in the morning, take our vitamins, etc.  By lunch we go to Burger King cause we are out and I love their hamburgers and, of course, french fries.  By supper we are firing up the grill.  To be fair I did fix some baby yellow squash and a salad but I ate way too much stuff while drinking wine prior to eating dinner.  That's when the trouble happens.  I don't know what happened to me but I am the lightest weight drinker ever.  My mother, son, husband, daughter-in-law and friends can all drink me under the table.  I drink two glasses of wine and I am impaired.  Three to four glasses and DO NOT LET ME USE SHARP UTENSILS!

So last night I drank too much.  Today I can't eat anything but crackers, I don't sleep well so I am way tired, and my stomach is singing a chorus of "Wipeout".  I am leaving on a trip tomorrow and trying to do laundry, pack, clean the house,  run errands, etc.  I am not doing any of those things well.  No telling what I have packed.  My husband is perky and hungry, I want to push him down.  He is working, eating, and exercising.  Blah.

Once again I say:  "I'M NEVER GOING TO DRINK AGAIN"! ...(at least until next weekend).

OH DOCTOR!

I was really fortunate today to be given Opening Day tickets to the Padres game.  My three friends and I got there late by my husbands baseball clock but we made it easily into the stadium before the first pitch.  It began to rain as we rode the escalator up to our section.  I thought this was a bad omen and more importantly I was having a good hair day and it was about to be ruined.

We made our way to our seats right after the National Anthem and the Marine flyby. My seat was very wet and dirty from the dust that had been there from the previous sunny, warm weather that we had been enjoying.  Thank goodness I am a good patron of Barona Resort and Casino because the hand wipes came in very handy to clean my seat.  Why did I decide to wear my white jacket? 

Just as the first batter for the Braves came to the plate the clouds parted and the sun came out.  Another omen?  As a matter of fact I believe it was.  The Pads came out to show off today and stir up the crowd.  They were up 1 zip by the end of the 3rd.  The 4th inning all hell broke loose.  They scored a record breaking 10 runs and I was in the gift shop when all this was going on.  Don't laugh you know I always need a new hooded sweatshirt (just in case it started to rain again).  Got back for the 5th and the fun continued.  They couldn't do anything wrong and frankly the Braves couldn't do anything right.

Final score 17 to 2.  It was fun to see the new talent, fun to see the 19 hits, fun to get free t-hirts, fun to see Tony Gwynn Jr. hit one off the wall, fun to see the optimism in the stadium and just a great day to be in San Diego and have some "fun under the sun".  Can't wait to take in more games. 

I learned some new tricks about the most direct and least congested way to get there, found a great parking lot and more importantly a secret eating spot you can go to before going into the stadium that's good, clean, fast and more importantly cheap.  Don't ask me where the eating spot is because I've been sworn to secrecy. 

So you go Padres, I'm ready for the season now, you've got me excited along with the rest of the stadium and I'm sure all the viewers watching on tv.  The next game is Wednesday so we get to bask in this glow for 1 1/2 days.   Keep up the good work (don't make me regret buying the new sweatshirt).

PLAY BALL!

BUZZ OFF

Couldn't resist.  Buzz Aldrin was eliminated from Dancing with the Stars tonight.  All I can say is there is mercy.  Poor old guy, American hero and all but between he and Mama mia (Kate Gosslin) I had to avert my eyes when they took their turn on the dance floor.  They really should have been eliminated together on the first night. 

The cast of this seasons show is terrible.  I like to watch this particular reality show but with every episode I have noticed they are "producing the reality" more and more.  Give me break, everyone is mad at their partners and are threatening to quit.  Quit ramping up the fake drama and just do what the show does best...put on outrageous costumes, hair and make-up and entertain.  As reality shows go this used to be one of the better ones without the degradation  that comes along with "The Bachelor", "Wife Swap", "The Nanny", "The Biggest Loser", "Hoarders", "The Housewives of..." "Little People", etc. (except when Heather Mills threw a leg - ok I made that up but you know you were waiting for that to happen).

Reality shows are quickly becoming too unrealistic.  This is the beginning of the end - mark my words.  These shows are a cheap way to put voyeuristic programming on the airwaves without investing much in the way of time, money, creativity or production.  The godfather of reality (Jerry Springer) allowed us to view the dirty laundry without getting arrested for tresspassing.  When Mark Burnett got into the game he raised the bar with "Survivor".  It became an instant hit as a summer replacement show and went on to become the most watched summer show of all time since the Sonny and Cher show.  It has been on the air since 1992 and has had sixteen successful seasons.

Even Jerry Seinfeld has gotten into the game.  "The Marriage Ref" uses the same format but is trying to use comedy and star power to push this one through.  It's difficult to watch and a waste of talent.  Is this where the talent goes if they can't get on Dancing With The Stars?

Reality tv has changed our viewing habits, vocabulary and water cooler discourse.  I think at first it was fun in a naughty, something different kind of way, but now its getting old, tired and not so real.

I am hoping that television finds the money to be able to write and produce real shows again.  I don't have much hope though when the main objective for most of the contestants/reality show personnel are only in it for their 15 minutes and a chance to make money once the show is over with appearances, books, a show of their own (rejects from the Bachelor/Bachelorette).  These people basically work for free in contrast to the millions, that say Charlie Sheen makes for "Two and a Half Men".

 The premium channels are doing a great job with well written/acted series. (Sopranos, True Blood, Dexter, In Treatment, Nurse Jackie, The Tudors, Weeds, Big Love, and many more)   Even some non-big four networks are producing some great award winning series i.e. "Mad Men" on AMC. 

There may be a place for all these venues to live happily together in tv land, but I for one long for the good ole days of watching great shows with great writing and great acting.  If that is too much to ask then "vote me off the island". 

VANITY FAIR?

I think not.  Salacious, base, perverse, sell-out.  What happened to the high class magazine that was about and for real women?  Are you kidding me?  Putting Tiger Wood's bimbos (nicest word I can use) in this magazine with a intro on the cover and  treating them to a photo shoot where they were dressed, given expert hair and makeup people and posed in a professional way digusts me  I'm sure they were treated like royalty.  Why?  Isn't that what the "Enquirer" and the "Star" are for?  Vanity Fair has fallen from grace and put themselves in the same category as celebrity rag.  The story inside is secondary to what the cover is all about.

The sisterhood should rise up and not buy this trash.  There is no good that can be accomplished by continuing to keep these women in the news.  It hurts his wife, children and the game of golf.  I am sick and tired of "the Tiger Woods women" getting more than their 15 minutes of fame.  Asking for apologies - are you kidding me?  When did bad behavior need to be rewarded with apologies?  No one is ever reponsible because they are "victims".  Bulls--t!  They all knew what they were doing and gave no thought to what they might be doing to a real woman and her family.  Trust me, I don't blame just them, Tiger is one of the biggest jerks ever and he deserves all the bad things that can happen to him now.  But that doesn't give a free pass to the women who were part of the freak show.

I have a real problem when women do bad things to other women.  It's hard enough being a woman and taking care of a husband, children, family and finally ourselves.  I know we have come a long way since the "burning bra" days, but we still have alot of battles to fight.  Sleeping with another woman's husband should never be tolerated and at the very least rewarded.  I rage about women perpetuating our "lower class status" by continuing to do things (porn, stripping, escorting, etc.) that degrade the nature of our gender.  We will never be taken seriously or treated equally until this behavior stops.

I know this blog doesn't really reach many people (yet) but I ask that you to not support Vanity Fair or any other periodical or medium that treats women in such a disrespectful way.

"I FEEL THE EARTH MOVE UNDER MY FEET..." Carole King

Oh San Diego, everyone wants to live here.  There is good reason for that.  We are "America's Finest City", we have the best weather, beautiful beaches, mountains for skiing, a variety of ethnic cuisine, best parks, museums, and the best zoo.  We are in close proximity to Disneyland and Hollywood without having to live in Los Angeles.  We  have some very fine wineries and you no longer have to drive to Las Vegas to go to a casino.  You can plan picnics, outdoor weddings, or any outdoor activity and know that 99% of time you are going to have a sunny day.  (99% may be a bit high, just making a point).

So how then do we keep everyone from moving here?  Our dirty little secret is:  EARTHQUAKE, FIRE, MUDSLIDES.  Yesterday was Easter and at 3:40 pm PST we were watching tv and getting ready to go to the movies.  Just as I was putting my laptop away the house started rumbling.  I looked at my husband, who was on the phone with his mother in Oklahoma, and mouthed "earthquake".  We sat for a moment waiting for it to pass as it normally does after a few seconds, but it kept building in intensity. We then decided not to stay in the house and went back out on the back patio where the quake turned into a rock and rolling type movement.  It seemed to go on and on and it was actually difficult to walk.  We found out later that it indeed lasted approximately 45 seconds.  It was 7.2 in strength which is .2 larger than the Haitian quake.  It was centered in Mexico near our border.  The aftershocks have continued throughout the night and at times were quite intense.  They say that we can expect another 6 pointer sometime in the next six months. 

We were lucky, no damage to the house other than some crooked pictures, but after just putting the house back together when a burst pipe destroyed virtually the front part of our home, I can tell you I was very scared. 

We have managed to sidestep the fires, (even when our own canyon was burning), mudslides when the hill we live on was washing away and now the earthquake.  We feel very fortunate to be able to live in San Diego but there is a price to pay once in awhile.  These are the times we hear  from our friends and family on the east coast who say "how could you live in a place with earthquakes".  To be fair, they probably call because my husband is notorious for making calls to people in the middle of winter when we are drinking margaritas in December on our patio in eighty degree weather, and he knows they are having "the snow storm of the century".

So now that you know that if something seems to good to be true...but knowing that we may have to battle the occasional earthquake, fire or mudslide, there is only one thing to say, and Dorothy said it best - "There is no place like San Diego" err I mean "home".