Right Brained Gal

Facebook. The Ultimate Time Suck

I really don't need another thing to help me procrastinate, and as I have mentioned numerous times, I am terribly addicted to the internet.  I don't leave home for any extended time without my phone, ipad or net book.  I am covered for ten hours if the electricity goes out. Even though I am not a hardcore Facebook user, I have to admit that it has become my current day Rolodex and it's fun to reacquaint myself with long lost friends.  

I love seeing pictures of my daughter's friend's kids, my friend's grand kids, getting into political discussions, and keeping up with family members.  What I don't like is seeing my kid's stepmother's picture appear as someone I should be friends with. Since I have no willpower, I had to snoop look at her page (which isn't private) only to see she has posted pictures of my daughters and granddaughter.  Then I had to read the comments congratulating her on her great family and becoming a grandmother.  I know I shouldn't be so petty, and basically I do feel sorry for her because she never had her own kids and has to live with my x, but it still aggravates me.  I  guess acceptance is easier said than done.  And don't go on Facebook looking for trouble.

iAddiction

Like every graphic designer in the world right now, I am mourning the passing of Steve Jobs.  I have been in love with the Macintosh computer since I discovered I wouldn't have to be at the mercy of a typesetter any longer.  Not to mention the elimination of paste-up, exacto knifes, rubber cement and kerning. Most of the artists and designers of that era resented the computer, but I embraced the new technology and adapted quite well.  Not to date myself or anything, but this was my first Macintosh.
It looked like a bread box, the screen was small and black in white.  

I had been a graphic designer right out of college, until my first daughter was born, and then I took an eight year sabbatical to be a stay-at-home-mom.  Little did I know, that during those eight years, graphic design as I knew it, like Madonna, had completely reinvented itself.  I had to get my ass back to school and that is when I went to Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, so I could resume my career after my divorce.  At first, I thought it would be so much easier, but that was before I was introduced to the learning curve of Photoshop, Illustrator and Quark.  Thank God, all the computers were Macs and I cringe when I think how unpleasant life would have been, if the only choice for a designer was a PC.

I am so lucky I had a successful career doing what I loved.  My relationship with Apple was probably the best, if not longest one in my life.  Granted, I went through about 6 computers, always getting bored and looking for the new, upgraded version. But I was faithful to Apple and never gave Bill Gates the time of day. My ipod became my diversion when my eyes could no longer look at another annual report, and it got to the point where I started sleeping with it every night.   Once Al Gore invented the Internet, I never looked back.  Today, most of my life is consumed by the web and I can not go longer than a few hours, without having to google something, check my email and get bored to death by Facebook.  A day without internet access is like a day without oxygen. 

I owe it all to Steve Jobs, who came up with all the innovative ideas for the things I love, especially my new ipad 2.  Thanks for making my world a better, if not pathetic, place. 

Happy Birthday Vespa

 

Vespa is my daughter's dog, but she still lived at home when she got her, so the two of us bonded early on.  She is a Rhodesian Ridge-back and has the temperament and personality of Madonna.  Cold bitch most of the time, unless you happen to have some food in your hand, then she will work out a deal.  

I have to hand it to her, she went from slut to wonderful mother, almost overnight.  Because she didn't practice birth control and lived with a male Mastiff, she gave birth to 12 puppies.  It was heartwarming to watch her nurse those 12 adorable critters, without ever taking a break for herself. I thought nursing one kid at a time was exhausting so I personally expected her to take off with the Retriever down the street. Fortunately, she stayed and was a wonderful, caring milk factory mother to her puppies. That was the only time she let her ego take a back seat.  She didn't leave that spot for six weeks and her twelve puppies all grew up to be healthy, enormous, beautiful dogs, with the ridge growing down their backs, just like mom. 

Even though she buried her husband and some of her offspring, she still manages to remain young at heart.  She has even adjusted to my granddaughter and has accepted the fact that she is no longer the "top dog" of the house.  I love her more than anything and can't imagine my world without her.  

She may have a chip on her shoulder, but you would too if you were named after an Italian scooter.

When Bad Things Happen to Good People

It's always sad when you hear that an acquaintance has died of cancer, especially when she was only 53 years old. Heartbreaking, because she was in the process of fulfilling her lifetime dream and only days away from opening a top-notch restaurant, in the middle of Los Angeles. Devastating because of the two sons and lover she leaves behind. 

She was an incredible cook and baker and I got to know her through her Pasadena bakery, many years ago. I adored her pastries, cookies, cakes, sandwiches and was heartbroken when she had to close shop. She had many ups and downs in her life, but she was finally enjoying it to the fullest, doing what she did best.  In just a few weeks, she would have been on top of the world, ready to exceed the the expectations a whole city placed on her.

It's things like this that send you an important message.  Life is short. Life is hard. Life is not fair. Life happens to everyone. It's sad to go out when you are at the top of your game.  But then, it's sad to go out anytime. 

The restaurant will open, it will be successful, but it won't be the same.

I Need to Do This More Often

The rains bring a fabulous sunset. I live half a block from this, and I hardly ever take advantage.  I know I have had a broken knee, but even before that, I seldom walk to the beach to see the sunset.  Before I lived here, I was so envious of the people who could come here to escape the pressures of the world.  Now that I live here, I never seem to have the time. 

Promise to self: I will start making every minute count and enjoy all the gifts in my life.  Starting immediately. 

October at Last

Today is the first of October and it actually rained, accompanied by thunder and lightening. Who says we don't have seasons in Southern California?  We may not have the changing of the leaves and the cool, brisk weather, but we certainly have pumpkins. Pumpkin Spice Lattes, pumpkin cupcakes, organic pumpkins, range free pumpkins and pumpkin cookies. This year, because of Hurricane Irene, there is actually a pumpkin shortage.  Luckily, it is mostly in the Northeast, but I am sure the prices will double in California out of sympathy for our fellow Easterners.  Kind of like how gasoline prices go up 20 cents a gallon right before Labor Day weekend.

There are so many recipes I want to try using pumpkin, but I have officially declared October "National Diet Month."  Four whole weeks before the Halloween candy starts clogging the arteries.  There is no time to diet after that, as Thanksgiving is not too far behind.  And I won't even get into Christmas.   

I'm Free At Last

After six weeks, I am now able to walk on my own.  Without the help of crutches. My knee has healed and I am able to walk with a slight limp, mostly due to the brace I still have to wear.  I'm lucky I didn't do more damage, but I sure as hell hated being unable to put any pressure on my left leg.  It's not like I had to stay home the whole time, but it was extremely annoying, not to mention, physically exhausting. Almost everything you do in life is altered when you only have one leg, and there is no way you can do grocery shopping on your own.  I did go to a market that had carts you drive around, thinking it would be fun.  I gave up after I drove into a bread display, then hit a male employee below the belt, all because I forgot how to stop the dam thing.  It was easier giving up eating, than trying to maneuver a supermarket.  

I can't believe how many strangers would stop me to ask what happened. Yea, like you really care.  I wasn't in the mood to reveal my stupidity. Nothing exciting, as I was walking on a wet floor, with slippery flip flops, causing me land on my knee and ass simultaneously.

Luckily it was my left leg, so I was still able to drive.  Unfortunately, I hit the rear view mirror with my crutches, causing it to break off from the windshield. I actually replaced it myself, but not without a few malfunctions, including glueing the whatever, on the wrong side. I'm lucky I didn't take out the whole windshield with my skills.  

Being on crutches is humbling. Since you can't carry things in your hands, you have to be humble and ask people to help you carry things, hold open doors and not run into you. It's hard for a self-sufficient person to have to ask for, instead of giving help...but on crutches, you have little choice.

The only really good thing that came out of this, is the fact that my doctor gave me a form for a HANDICAPPED PARKING PERMIT.  You have no idea how much that means to me.  Forget about being able to park closer to where you are going, I am excited because I don't have to put money in the meter and you can park anywhere for free. I WILL NOT GET A PARKING TICKET FOR THE NEXT YEAR. Since the average ticket in Santa Monica is $65.00 you can imagine the money I will save.  Not that I am irresponsible or anything, but parking meters and I just don't get along.

Umami Burger - The New Hype

Vegetarians need not read any further. My daughter decided to forgo her mandatory trip to In-N-Out Burger on her last visit to LA and insisted we go for the trendy  Umami Burger. It is the latest craze in town, for those of us who are still eating meat.

 We both got the SoCal Burger which comes with butter lettuce, an oven-roasted tomato, american cheese, caramelized onions, and their house spread.  The house-ground beef was divine, deep on flavor and a few notches above our beloved In-N-Out, but so was the price. It was ten dollars compared to three, but really worth it.

We went for the side order of pickles for 5 dollars, and skipped the fries.  In case you're wondering, Umami means the fifth taste.  Don't ask me what the first four are. 

Things I Would Never Say Out Loud (But Wish I Could)

I am a person who never would intentionally hurt someones feelings or provoke an argument.  But there are times when I really have to bite my tongue.  Also, for the record, please don't discuss politics with me.  Here are a few things, I would love to say out loud: 

1. Seriously, the reason your daughter wants nothing to do with you is the fact that you were a terrible mother.  Showing up late and drunk for her high school graduation was just one of many embarrassments you put her through. 

2. You're not going to let him be an only child on purpose, are you? 

3. You spent $30,000 to make your face look ridiculous?  You look weird, not younger. Not to be rude, but your neck gives you away, anyway.

4. I do not like cake balls.  They are disgustingly sweet, and that is coming from a someone who has a insatiable sweet tooth.

5. Your baby is not going to make a fortune as a child model.  Please save yourself the $2,000 they are trying to get you to pay for a professional portfolio. It is just a scam they pull on everyone in Los Angles, who has a baby.  Period. 

6. Social Security is not a Ponzi scheme, please know all the facts and don't believe everything you hear from the Tea Party.

7. It's really not flattering for a 50 something woman to run around town in her workout clothes, with her fake boobs hanging out. 

8. You are an amazing woman. Why on earth would you stay in a relationship with someone who is degrading, selfish, mean and shows you no respect?  You know there are many people who will help you and your two little boys.  It breaks my heart to see you being treated this way when you are so successful in your own right.

9. Please get on medication and stop making everyone, including yourself, miserable. You wear people out with your drama. 

10. Why don't you teach your children some politeness, respect and discipline while they are young, so they don't grow up to be entitled and self-absorbed with no manners, decency or kindness towards others?  See number 11.

11. Will the media please stop promoting the most worthless family in the world, the Kardashians?  They have made millions with no discernabl­e talents, other than a sex tape.  I was so sick of hearing about that obnoxious wedding and I can't wait to hear about the divorce. They are everything that is wrong with this country. 

Adele

  I love Adele and wonder why she isn't more popular in the US. She probably doesn't get much press because she's more of an artist than a media whore and her life is not outrageously fraught with sensationalism. 

Adeline, 7 Months Old

She just keeps getting cuter and sweeter and more loveable.  It is so wonderful being a grandmother. 

Dean and Deluca

Ever since the days of Felicity and Ben, I have been fascinated with Dean and Deluca.  The first time I ever set foot in the store was in Napa Valley, California, right in the heart of wine country.  It is a smaller version, but it still impressed me to no end.When I went to New York City I made sure I introduced my sister to the one in SoHo and she literally had to drag me out so we wouldn't miss the train. I was disappointed on my recent trip back East when I realized were not going to be able to make it to NewYork City, but the disappointment abated when I realized they had a Dean and Deluca right on M Street in Georgetown. Not that Dean and Deluca was the only reason I wanted to go to NYC, but it was right at the top of the list. My body, my wallet and my scale are thankful that we don't have D&D in Southern California.  After an emotional week, it is nice to think about the simple things in life, like cakes, cookies, candy and pie.  

Ten Years

It was ten years ago today that everything changed.  I know there are millions of stories circulating the internet about what people were doing that day, memorials to those who lost their lives, and a recap of the day, with actual footage from the Today Show as it was broadcast on 9/11.  Watching it all over again brought back all the memories and sadness.

People in California were far away from the devastation, but that doesn't mean we weren't concerned and feeling the pain.  I remember watching the news 24/7 because we had televisions at work, and of course the internet.  I was exhausted from compassion overload.  One of the doctors from the hospital where I worked, was on the plane that crashed into the Pentagon, which brought it home on a personal level.

Like so many others, my whole life shifted an few months later, and I had to reinvent myself and make changes to my world as I knew it. I think the prevalent emotion was fear, and no one was spared. The collective vulnerability made us closer as a nation and people were actually compassionate towards their fellow man, at least temporarily. I went to New York City with my sister a few months later and was deeply touched by the flowers, teddy bears, love notes, photos and broken hearts that covered the sidewalks, around what used to the the two tallest buildings in the city.  I was overwhelmed by the kindness of the locals, something I had not experienced in all my years of going to NYC to visit my in-laws.  It was eerie and emotional, but up close and personal,  had much greater impact. The photographs made you realize that so many people from all walks of life, never came home that day, and died a horrendous death.  I hope that we as a country, never have to go through this again.

Little Tokyo

One of the advantages of living near Los Angeles is the fact that you have access to so many ethnic markets, such as Woori Market in Little Tokyo.  It really is a Korean/Japanese market, offering the best of both worlds. I went here this summer with my daughters and loved the fact that everything was fresher and cheaper than any of the regular Von's or Ralph's.  They have Whole Foods quality produce, at 1/4 the price.  Not a big fan of fish with their eyes still in, but they do have some of the freshest fish in town.  They stock the basics--seaweed, rice, ramen, kimchi and pickled-everything-else, teas, and produce--and there are separate stores inside Woori, including a kick-ass bakery, mini restaurant, and the mandatory kimbap lady.   I felt like I had died and gone to Mochi heaven.  So many choices, so little time.  For those of us who like seaweed, they have every variety you could imagine.  It definitely is a taste you have to acquire.  No Asian Market would be complete without a Hello Kitty product or two or thousands.  I didn't buy these, but the packaging sure was cute.  Of course there are fresh flowers, since we are only a few blocks from the flower mart.  This is probably the largest market I have ever been in, and you have to spend at least two hours to see and sample everything. Definitely worth the trip.

Once Upon a Time

I live in Santa Monica, but I never see anyone famous, like all my friends claim they do. So imagine my surprise this summer, when I ran into the star of The Smurfs Movie, hanging out at Santa Monica Place. He was taller and more attractive in person, than on the big screen.  Trust me, the movies don't do him justice.

 I was with both of my daughters and granddaughter ( who, had she been another year older would have been impressed) and was delighted that my days of sitting through endless childrens' movies, has been passed on to the next generation. Now my daughter can spend a small fortune while being tortured for two hours, eating over-priced popcorn and sneaking in bottled water. Although, knowing my daughter, she will bring her own free-range tofu nuggets, washed down with natural coconut water.  

Not that I was totally miserable while trying to immerse myself into an irritating plot, surrounded by hundreds of hyperactive kids on sugar highs, having to get up at least twice to hit the ladies  little girls room, but it did seem equivalent to sitting in a dentist's chair. With gum underneath.

The best part was that after a few months, you were able to purchase it on DVD (in our days it was VHS) allowing your children to watch it at least another 200 times.  I think my youngest daughter broke her sister's record of seeing ET 225 times, by watching Annie at least 500 times.  To this day I cringe if I hear "the sun will come out tomorrow". 

I must confess, I did use my television as a baby sitter more than I would like to admit. But at least by letting them watch movies, you cut out the middle man -- the toy commercials. I'm sure knowing every song from Annie, also came in handy while partying in college.

Did I mention that this was pre-Barney?  How lucky that my parenting was in an era where one of your few choices was Sesame Street.  We did not have the numerous product placement children's shows that are available 24/7.   Something my daughter will not be able to escape.   Ah, justice.

It's Good to Be Back

I hadn’t planned on staying from away from my blog for so long.  I though a short hiatus was needed, but the longer I stayed away, the harder it was to come back. I guess you could say I had writer’s block of epic proportions. It’s not like I didn’t have the material, just not sure how far I wanted to expose my vulnerability. 

This was supposed to be a great summer as a time to get back into the swing of things.  Chemo and radiation were behind me. I finally grew my hair back, with an added bonus of some curl. I was on a steady diet of yoga, meditation and lots and lots of greens. I had even eliminated my sugar addiction by eating lots of fresh fruit. Of course, just when you think things are going your way, the universe decides to use you as its personal piñata.

I was getting stronger and actually diluting the pool of melancholy that is so much a part of my DNA, when all of a sudden I tripped over a shoe and broke my toe. I learned that there is nothing you can do for a broken toe except tape it, and I stoically went about my life with a small limp. 

 Miraculously, it healed by the time I left for a three week vacation back East, to visit my sister and her family.  But then I was hit with a serious chest infection and spent a lot of my time in Florida, in bed, coughing my guts out.  With a little help from a vpack, I recovered in time to drive back to Maryland, but not before getting a speeding ticket in Virginia. Thanks asshole cop. May karma kick you in the ass for your pathetic role in life.

Once back home, I tripped and sprained my ankle. It was painful, but a sprain didn’t KEEP me down, just SLOWED me down.  For about a month. 

 A week after my ankle was back in full commission, I slipped on a friend’s floor and broke my kneecap.  So now I am in the 4th week of a 6-week stint on crutches. Needless to say this is not my best summer, and luckily I am back on anti-depressants or it would be ugly around here. I have also retired my super, slippery flip flops and will start wearing sensible shoes, most of the time. It pisses me off that all these women can wear 5" heels and I can't even walk in flip flops.

After all the physical abuse I have taken from the ground, not to mention the verbal abuse from the voices in my head, I felt I needed a break from documenting my not-so-much fun-all-the-time life. I am not a complainer by nature, nor do I like to ask for help, but I will be relieved when I no longer have to rely on friends and can get around on my own.  My friends have been beyond wonderful and I am sure they will be as happy as I am when I can use both legs again. I am grateful that it's just a little crack and I don't need my whole knee cap rebuilt.  

Luckily, here in Southern California, summer is really just getting started so I can make up for lost time, and enjoy the fact that most of the tourists have left and the beach is still a good place to hang out.    

Only in Santa Monica, can someone hobble on crutches into CVS at night, only to be approached by a homeless man, asking to buy him a bottle of rum.  What ever happened to "can you spare some change"? No matter what, there is no place else I would rather live.

Will We Ever Get Along?

What is happening to our country?  How heartbreaking is it to see people you are supposed to respect acting like spoiled, hateful little brats?  Why are we collectively so full of hatred, anger, entitlement, and entirely unreasonable?  Why is it everyone's fault but your own?  We elect a president, then immediately tear him down and make him the enemy?  Why can't we get along?

It feels like we're all all back in middle school, complete with the raging hormones.  On the brink of puberty where misery prevails and self esteem is mauled. It is the worst time in a person's life and few escape unscathed.  Bullying becomes the norm.

We are evolving into those people who we pray our children never become.  How can they grow up to be productive, caring, compassionate individuals, when they have the leaders of the supposedly greatest country in the world, as abhorrant role models?  If you don't get your own way, take hostages.  If you are right, they have to be wrong.  Sabotage others so that you can get your point across.  Every discussion becomes an argument. 

You can disagree without hating, you can put compassion above greed, but most of all, you can be kind to your fellow man.  We are all in this together, and all of us are hurting one way or another.  I remember when the earthquake hit Japan, and how kind and compassionate the people were to each other, even while standing for in line for food and water.  Maybe, we as a nation need some humility.  Will it take a disaster to pull us together?  How far we have come from the team spirit we all shared after the attacks of 9-11.  I doubt if we will ever be able to pull together again.  No matter what. I hope I am wrong, but I have lost all faith in my fellow man. 

Carmageddon Part 1, Over and Out

If there is one word that most residents of Southern Californians fear, it is gridlock. For a population that collectively considers their car as their second home, an extra five hours stuck in traffic on a weekend, is intolerable.  It was enough incentive for 90% of the population to not drive at all for 53 hours.  

It was a time to dust off the bicycle, use public transportation, leave town, plan block parties, frequent local stores and restaurants.  But most of all, the unthinkable-- actually stay at home!  There are rumors that there is going to be a jump in the birth rate next April, but other than that, I think all reminders of the suffering we had to endure has diminished.  But just like childbirth, our memory will be refreshed next year when they have to do the same thing all over again.  Stay tuned for Carmageddon Part 2.

I personally loved the fact that Santa Monica was peaceful without an additional 1 million weekend visitors.  It made for a wonderful weekend.

Seal Beach, California

I have been so busy this summer and the fact that it stays light so late, makes it hard for me to find time to blog. The fact that I sprained my ankle three weeks ago, and I still can't walk on it for any length of time, has also put me in a less than cheerful mood. I have been spending some time in Seal Beach, a place where I used to live before I moved to Santa Monica, and I enjoy the contrast.  Seal Beach is a little known beach town, in between Long Beach and Huntington Beach, and has managed to keep it's charm. I was able to hobble around this weekend and take some pictures to share.  This first picture is the view from my very dear friend's house, the reason I spend so much time in this community.  Every time I visit, there is always a party, no matter what time or day it is.  When you are lucky enough to live right on the beach, you feel obligated to share it with others.  The beach is never that crowded, mainly because it is off the beaten track and there isn't much parking, so it's a great place to spend a relaxing day.  Right next to the beach is the most darling Main Street you will ever find.  The fact that it has five Irish Bars in a three block radius, makes it a natural for St. Patrick's Day.  They block off the street and the local police serve coffee and offer taxi's to anyone who needs one. Most people need one.  There are lots of great restaurants, but Walt's is the best of the best.  It has been in business for at least fifty years and is still going strong.  Great seafood. If you are ever in the vicinity, you should definitely eat here.
My all time favorite pizza, Z Pizza, is a chain, but they don't have very many, so it's a real treat every time I am in the vicinity.  I guess there is a reason they call it "Mayberry by the Sea."    One store I love, is the Temecula Olive Oil Company.  They have the best olive oil, vinegars and olives.  All of my favorite things.  I even drank some vanilla-fig vinegar with a chaser of citrus olive oil.  I know I will go back and buy them.
It really does take you back in time.  Every time I visit, I feel I have gone on a vacation far from Los Angeles.  It also has a pier, and there are always fishermen hanging out.  They actually catch fish and on any given night you can walk by and see the fish swimming in buckets full of bloody water.  Grosses me out.
 This is the view from my friend's balcony.  It's a hard life, living right on the beach.

Illustration Friday - Stay

The topic for this week's Illustration Friday is STAY.  How appropriate because here in Los Angeles we are being told to STAY HOME, STAY OUT OF YOUR CAR, and STAY OFF THE FREEWAY.  Next weekend the 405 freeway is going to be closed for 54 hours, causing the mother of all traffic jams.  Since Southern Californians see humor in everything, it is being referred to as Carmageddon.  I don't think too many people are going to be laughing when it takes them five hours to go somewhere that normally would take 1 hour.  I guess you could say this is our snow storm/hurricane/tornado inconvenience.  Only we have gotten three months warning. But that still won't stop most people from being stupid.