Larissa's "when she feels like writing stuff" page
description..Um, read the title :)
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Obviously it has been awhile. I learned a few days ago a friend and co-worker passed away. Keith, was my old second-level manager who gave me guidance, coached me and really believed in me. Keith, showed me things, explained things to me and contributed to who I am in the work force today. I saw him a week ago; he expressed his gratitude and appreciation for working with me. I expressed mine. Keith was retiring and going to move to Indonesia, a place that he loved. I am sorry that he is gone, I express my condolences for his family and hope Keith rests in peace.
I learned this evening that a co-worker and friend of my dear friend, Tristian, lost his life at work by getting electrocuted. I send my condolences to his family.
What did I learn from this? The crap that I'm going through is TRIVIAL and not worth the boiling blood, the stress, the anger, the breath that I have given it these last months. I need to really value my life, my situation, my love, who/what I have and myself. Life needs to be appreciated and respected. We need to love who we know, what we've gone through and who we are.
I'm really relaxed . I love it! I've been coming home from work earlier, working in the yard, then hopping in the hot tub then finishing up my work after the sun goes down. Today I did the same, but jumped in the massage chair after the hot tub. I'm loving it!
So, wrap up a couple weeks...
For Easter weekend, my Ma's family came out to celebrate my Grandmother's 80th Bday and partake in a family reunion. THis was the first ever on my Ma's side. It was nice. All my Aunts and Uncles (all 7 of them) were here to celebrate. We were in Carmel, where my Grandmothere lives, for the reunion. We had a good time visiting and hanging out.
Easter we barbequed carne asada and had tacos. MMM, my favorite next to tri-tip. It was nice to have everyone over celebrating Easter at my house. Just the other day I found a left over egg. Good thing it was one with candy and not a hard boiled one!
Last weekend I went to Scottsdale, AZ. to visit a friend of mine, Dennis. I hadn't seen him in 12 yrs! I dated him for 2 wks. back in 10th grade! I had the biggest crush on him, but when he finally liked me, I was turning gangsta...that's why it lasted only 2 wks.
We had a rockin time! We pretty much drank, ate, laid around, read, played in the pool and hot tub and drank and drank! We went to a few bars, watched the UFC fights, went dancing and enjoyed the nice sun. We did some catching up; definitely not 12 yrs worth. He's an awesome guy, but unfortunate, lives too far away. Oh well, it was a very fun trip and I'm glad I took it!
This week has been busy as usual... I don't think I'll see any low time. Oh well, Imma crackin! May is going to be an insane month for me! I have my final class, crap duties on the weekend and of course work, work, work. I start softball in a couple weeks too.
I finally finished my book, "One Shot, One Kill". I think I purchased this book like 6 yrs. ago :). It's a great non-fictional book of short stories about different snipers in various wars, combats, etc. There are some amazing stories! Onto my next novel... not sure what it will be. I have a few laying around that I've started some time. I've been reading more self development books.
Ooh's - I'm going to finish the evening with a movie, The Forgotten, which has been in the Netflix package for about 2 wks!
Boo's - This is my last weekend before I my 7 day work weeks begin... - I came home from AZ to find Jada's paws cut up? Both of her lil paw on her arms (the upper pad) were torn? It looks like she tried to jump on something? She's better now
Ah's - Jager means hunter in German...it was one of the first British rifles to be used for sniping. Hm...is THAT why I like Jager so much? - You are what you eat is really true...there has been studies on worms that show the consciousness of one animal is inherited when another animal eats it. "That's why humans are so evil and crazy". Lol! We're eating crazy animals! Ha!
Ha's - Wow! I don't have one. Apparently I need more laughter in my life!
With the recent merge at work, I've got my plate double stacked. Yes, I know.. I'm lucky to have a job. I'm not complaining, just discussing my life :).
I headed out of work around 4 today to run to my body shop. Apparently the guys that put my car back together after the old man smacked into me, put the roof handgrips on wrong. After the body shop, I ran to the piercing shop for my qtrly stock of nose rings. Ha! I lose these ALL the time!
I got home and did a couple things around the house, then chatted with my friend, Chris. I felt like heading over to Lake Anderson (my secret relax spot). It was such a nice day! My friend lives nearby and was telling me about a nearby lake. It's a small one, but it's about 2 miles away. Around 700 I decided to take Jada for a walk in search of the lake. It's a nice, little lake. There are a couple of trails around it, which make for a pleasant walk.
I think this is going to by my new spot. The surroundings remind me of my old neighborhood. When I was a kid, my two neighbors, Ashley and Molly and I would wander around the nearby fields, climbing trees, swimming in ponds and creeks, finding rocks and collecting anything that looked cool. I miss those days.
When I got back home around ~830, I made dinner, poured me a beer, grabbed my laptop and parked it on the deck. I just finished up my work for the day. I need to get crack-a-lackin because I've got some commitments coming up that are going to be eating up my time!
I just planned a couple short trips before my commitments...one trip to Phoenix to visit my friend from HS, Dennis. I was so in love with him in HS :P. I haven't seen him since 97! I have another trip down to visit my friend, Tristian in Oceanside. I will swing by my brother's house in San Clemente as well. Then, dooms time for 5 wks...
I really need to get to bed.
Oooh's: - My arm is almost 180 degrees!! I have a couple more graston sessions left! I'm SOOO Stoked!
*Phew*... my body is sore and I'm tired. I hope to make this quick so I can hit the sack and get an early start for Monday am, I have a long week.
I had a long week last week with a really ugly day on Wednesday. The weekend was very productive, which has made me as tired as I am now :).
Friday, I went to the San Jose Legend's short track races. It was fun to watch, very loud and very quick. They had a tri tip dinner and drinks after the race. I enjoyed visiting with folks and hanging out.
I went on the El Toro hike on Saturday morning. It was a short hike (~1.5 miles) and had a 1400 elevation in a short distance. The weather was beautiful and the view from the top was amazing. I'm glad it was such a nice and clear day!
The rest of Saturday I spent working in my yard; removing weeds and planting veggies. Saturday night I stayed home and made tacos. Mmm...carne asada tacos! It was such a beautiful day I had to BBQ :).
Sunday I spent in the yard again. I bought more plants. I moved some plants around, planted more and installed the irrigation. I need to purchase more emitters, since the ones I have won't really work for what I need. Hopefully I can pick some up tomorrow.
I went to the batting cages in the early evening.. need to start practicing again for the season coming up. I was a little worried about my arm, but iced it when I came home. I think with a little more practice than normal, I'll be ok :).
Ok, bills are paid, laundry and dishes are done...time for bed!
Oohs: - I was smiling pretty good this weekend; some people are quite charming!
I had a nice weekend, but wish I could have relaxed a little more. I love being productive, but definitely could have used some more relaxing.
I was able to get some yard work in early Friday evening. I finally setup my drip for my birch trees. Yea!! Friday night I spent with my new friend, Scottie. We went to Gordon Biersch and enjoyed a dinner and some Marzen. We spent the rest of the evening slurping down more Marzen, learned a little about each other and messed around with the guitar. Ok, I didn't, he actually played. I did learn two chords though, E and A. Unfortunately I didn't spend enough time to build up the much needed finger calluses. Ha! That sounds wrong ? :P
Saturday, I celebrated my friend, April's bday. She had a BBQ and had some yummy chicken, tri-tip, potato salad and mac'n'cheese. Yes, Mac'n'cheese, the poor, caucasian family's pasta. For dessert we had cherry and apple dump cake. The cake was interesting, but too sweet and filling after porking down the bbq.
I had begun my Saturday evening with 2 buck chuck a fire and the movie, Mr. Brooks. My friend, Chris, called me and wanted to hang out; he was spending his Bday alone :P. We finished the red wine, let the fire die then went downtown to Legends. It ended up being another Jager and Sierra night.
Sunday, I met up with my friend, Julian, for some fish tacos at Rosy's . Larissa doesn't really like fish, but decided to be brave and order up the tacos that so many people rave about. Well, I didn't really like them and wish I had gotten the shrimp cocktail instead.
The rest of Sunday was spent in the yard and the kitchen. I finally pulled out my weed bed! Pretty much my entire front yard was covered in weeds :). I planted a few roses and set them up on the drip. I still have more bulbs to plant.. I hope there is some sun coming! I don't want to be planting in the cold, windy weather.
After sun down I started a Mediterranean soup in the crockpot, made a Mediterranean chicken dish, Kotopoulo Me Tiri Provio Kai Vasiliko. The dish is simple with only basil, salt and pepper and goat cheese. I added garlic and onions to make it more tasty. I also made some garlic and olive oil couscous. I finished my kitchen evening with strawberry shortcake, mmm. I usually use angel food cake instead of short cake, but I didn't want to run to the store and angel food cake requires so many egg whites! I found a shortcake recipe in my baking book, so made that instead. It was good.
I have a few things to wrap up for work tomorrow...I'm getting an employee to help me out. We recently merged with a larger group and will be doing a lot of cross training and work, so this is a good time for a helping hand. Yea for help!
Ok, I must head to bed now.
Ooh's: - I have another night home alone!
Boo's: - My lower back has been killing me all weekend!
Ha's: - Wow, this is sad. I have no funny for the weekend!?!
Ah's: -Trader Joe's Vienna Lager is actually Gordon Biersch's Marzen...and...it's cheaper. http://www.chow.com/stories/10947 -If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute with lemon juice and milk
So, it's kind of been an icky week. My friend, Janelley, passed away last Thursday. Janelle was diagnosed with gastric acid reflux back in November, then found out she actually had cancer three months ago. Janelley was suppose to find out the cancer grade, possible next steps, etc. last Wed. Unfortunately she went into the hospital on Sunday and passed away on Thursday. She had stomach cancer that had already spread to her lymph nodes giving her hours to live.
Janelley's funeral was today. She has so many friends that loved her and her through her lively, wild life. Janelley will be remembered as a cheerful, goofy, loving lady. Janelley will be in our hearts and deeply missed. We love you, Janelley.
I was finally able to work in my yard this weekend. I planted some calla lillies and hostas, pulled some weeds and cleaned up my veggie garden. I have a lot of cucumber, lettuce and spinach plants that I will be transplanting soon. I LOVE the spring and summer time; I'm going to have fun this year!
The weekend was good. I saw The Last House On The Left with my friend, Jeff . It was a good movie, but not the greatest. I had movie popcorn for dinner, mmm :P.
Saturday, I hung out with my girlfriends creating a memory poster board for Janelley's funeral. The five of us spent five hours on it. It turned out awesome! While it was sad putting it together, it was nice to re-live the memories of hanging out with Janelley! Even if the poster board turned out crappy, it was nice to make it together.
So, semi-produtive weekend, I'm ready for more!
I think I'm going to watch a movie now then hit the sack...
So, I've been 'ok'ed' to work out by my Doc. So I went to the new 24 Hr Fitness near my work. Very nice gym and yea, close to my work. Lifting again is fun, exciting and depressing. I did triceps and back today and had to use lower weight since I haven't lifted in ~5 mths. I pushed myself hard and hopefully didn't lift incorrectly.
I also just got my Chiropractor to help me straighten my arm out. I'm about 5-7 degrees shy of full extension. My physical therapist wasn't able to get the last out and wanted to put me in some type of brace that locks my arm at a 180 degree angle. My Chiropractor will be doing ART and Graston on my arm for the next 3 wks. He did it today and I saw an immediate ~2 degree result! Of course I need to keep it up, keep with the weights on my arm (been walking around with 5lb ankel weight on my wrist) and straighten my arm as much as possible. I have softball around the corner and want to be ready with NO more injuries!
Work has been a bit hectic. I've been working a lot of long nights, but yanno, like everyone is saying- you're lucky you have a job. Yes, I am and I'm grateful. I have a feeling these next few months are going to be busy, busy. We just merged with another group so will be having a lot of TOI sessions, new process, tool and project work. We're also moving close to the final stages of the PDU standardization project I've bene working on. It's exciting, but busy :).
I went up to visit my friend, Ttan last weekend. It was nice to visit and hang out; we haven't done that in awhile. We went to a new casino, Redhawk, on Friday. The casino was nice, but seems to not have the greatest ventilation system; we all had red eyes when we left. I played $7 on some slots, bought a cigar, a shot and one drink. Yea, wasn't like Vegas :).
Saturday we went for a nice walk/hike on a nearby trail. The weather was superb! We took the two doggies (I brought Jada with me). They both get all crazy when other dogs pass. Ttan and I probably looked like bad, dumb mothers who coudn't control their dogs :P.
We bbq'ed tacos (mmm) Saturday night. A day/night of beer, Jager and red wine (I've recently started drinking it) along with UNO and chit chatting.... it was fun.
I was hoping to watch a movie tonight, but it's too late. I will have a good night sleep!
Oohs: - I get to LIFT again! And Feel GOOD!
Boo's: - Another long night at work, spent almost 5 hrs on ONE spreadsheet!
Ah's: - The key to properly growing corn-> ensure your soil is around 6.0-6.5 PH, soak seeds for 24 hrs prior planting to begin germination, water atleast 1"/wk. after the tassels appear, pick corn ~2wks after silk appears
Ha's: - Jada now sits on my lap like she's a kid. She likes sitting on my lap :P
