Reflections on my Run

Global warming is alive and well in southern California! I made the mistake of waiting until 10am to go for my run today. My apartment is always freezing in the morning since I only get afternoon sun, so I'm always trying to figure out exactly how warm or cold it will be once I get out into the sunshine. Gees, it was hot! I debated wearing a short-sleeve shirt or a singlet. I opted for the singlet--Thank God! I know I shouldn't complain. I do genuinely feel for my family and friends who are dealing with the crappiest winter in years back east. And I am truly grateful that I can do my winter runs in shorts and singlets. But it's human nature to whine, so I gotta find something to complain about here in paradise. But, something happened today to make me forget about the heat and make this run one of my favorites. As I was nearing the corner to make the home stretch, there was a guy walking his dog. A BIG guy with a LITTLE chihuahua! That always makes me laugh! But the piece de resistance was that little Fifi was dressed in a frilly, ruffled, bright hot-pink dress! How classic is that?? I think it takes balls for a man to walk a dog dressed like that! I ran the rest of the way with a huge smile on my face--it made my day! I can't wait to see them again!

Wetlands Tours

I volunteer at the wetlands near my house as an educational tour guide. When schools send kids on field trips, I teach them about the wetlands, their purpose, and the plants and animals that make that area their home. I've toured kids from 3-year olds through high school seniors. Most of the kids are pretty cool. I've wanted to adopt a few of them, and I've wanted to push a few over the cliffs. Actually, I've probably wanted to push more of their teachers over the cliffs. A few act like it's their day off and they want nothing to do with their unruly classes. That annoys me. Anyhow, I took a group of high-schoolers out today. They were good and they managed to complete their plant research project, do some restoration weeding, and go on my hike. The hikes are the best part, getting out into nature. And we are entering into the best time of the year--all the plants are coming back to life after being dormant during the late summer, fall and early winter. Everything is green, the wildflowers are starting to bloom, the fragrant purple sage is coming back to life, and lots of animals are out and about. Today we saw tons of rabbits and ground squirrels, lizards and cormorants, great blue herons and snowy white egrets (my personal favorite!) But best of all, the highlight of the day, holy crap, we saw a coyote!!! It was a treat because coyotes are not usually out during the middle of the day. He watched us, and even followed us for a while--fortunately he was on the other side of a fence. One of the girls asked "Can he climb that fence?" And while I know he can, I said "Let's hope not!" No need to induce mass hysteria among high school girls! But we were safe and everyone was happy that we got to see him. That coyote, while keeping an eye on us, was doing exactly what we were doing--enjoying another flawless, sunny, 75-degree winter day in Southern California!

My New Year's Resolution

I flew across the country last week for Christmas. Those of you who have read my blog, or know me, are aware of my bad luck with air travel. After losing my luggage 11 times, I only do carry-on whenever I fly now. I like to sit in the front of planes, on the aisle, so I was boarding zone #4 when I left home. Because of that seat assignment, I was the first person forced to check my bags at the gate, checked though to my destination--not to pick them up in the jetway. I was teary and close to hysteria. All of the Christmas presents I bought for my family were in that bag--and, with my luck, I never expected to see it at my destination. To make matters worse, when I got on the plane, there was enough overhead space above my seat. And, I spied the boarding pass of the guy next to me--he had zone #3. What's up with that?? Hes' right next to me. Why am I #4 and he's #3? I was not happy. Well, I made it to Columbus and, like a miracle, my bag actually arrived with me! I almost started crying again! It's been years since I've seen my suitcase on the baggage carousel. A few days pass, my vacation is over and I'm happy to be heading home. This time I was boarding zone #5. The same crap happened! I was forced to check my bag at the gate again. For the record, my luggage has ALWAYS been lost on my way home after Xmas. Always! It's one of the main reasons I started doing carry-on only. This time the guy next to me had boarding zone #2. Zone #2!! I was zone #5--and sitting right next to him! Seriously, what's up with that?? And there were 3 huge, empty overhead bins. They could have loaded at least a dozen more roller bags. This time I wasn't just not happy, I was livid! Miraculously, once gain, I got my bag. At this point, you may be wondering why I titled this blog "My New Year's Resolution." Here's why: I am OBSESSED with beating the airlines at this game. How do they load a plane? You would think back to front. But no, on my way home, the entire front of the plane was full, the back was full, and the middle, where I was sitting, was the last to be loaded. What kind of sense does that make??? None! I must figure out this game, I HAVE to win! So, I'm busy strategizing and coming up with some plans. My New Years Resolution is to beat the airlines at this game. It's my new goal for 2011!

Black Friday sale?

I admit it. I was one of those people who went shopping on Black Friday. In my defense, I only go after 6:30pm. I've been going at this time for about 5 years now. The stores are open until 11pm or midnight, but by dinnertime, most of the crowds are long gone, parking is easy and there are no lines at the check-out counters. Most of the sales associates are friendlier and chattier because they aren't so harried by that point. Christmas spirit abounds--and the big sales and deep discounts last until the store closes for the day. This year the mall was busier than in the past few years, but not enough to be annoying. Hopefully, it's a good sign that increased consumer confidence bodes well for a better 2011. So, I buy a few Xmas gifts, and I'm home before 8:30pm. The next day I realized I bought something for my aunt in a large--she wears a medium. I must have been distracted and picked up the wrong size when I was debating which color to buy. Dang it! Knowing I don't have the patience for the mall on a weekend, I decided I'd go back Monday morning at 10am and switch it out for the smaller size. No crowds, in and out, easy. It was easy--it was also 25% cheaper than on Friday! I mean, I'm not complaining about getting it for less money, but Black Friday is supposed to be the great sale day. Huge discounts, right? And they offer better discounts 3 days later?? What the heck is up with that?? I may have to rethink my shopping strategy next year.

Windy weather

I know I've mentioned it before but I really, really, really hate wind. We've had gale-force gusts for a few weeks now. It happens every year, and I hate it every year. I have a few large planters on my patio. They have been toppled over every day. And they are 4-foot tall trees in 5-gallon buckets! I keep rocks on top of the dirt to prevent the squirrels from digging in them and burying nuts. The squirrels are messy little critters and I got tired of sweeping up after them, hence the rocks--it pisses them off. But now when these plants blow over, the rocks get scattered all over the porch and it is a pain in the ass to pick them up every day. My neighbors stopped by on Thanksgiving to ask if someone was throwing rocks at my windows. Then today I was in the dining room when I heard that familiar crashing sound, and everything blew over in one huge gust of wind. So I'm out there early this morning in my pajamas and robe, swearing, out loud, all by myself. Kicking the rocks out of the way, SWEARING, and moving all the plants. And even though I want calm, still weather, at least the wind chimes sound pretty.

The Bandwagon Effect

Ever since the Browns came back 10 years ago, I have been a member of the Southern California Brownsbackers Club. Every Sunday morning during football season you can find me at my local Brownsbackers bar, religiously. There is a small, faithful group of us who have shown up every week, win or lose. We look forward to seeing each other, having a few beers, and watching the Browns play. We have our seats--we're a superstitious lot, so when we win, we wear the same shirt and sit in the same seat every week. If someone doesn't show up, and we win, they can't come back the next week as we won't take a chance and upset the balance of the universe. We understand that our actions out here directly affect what happens on a field 3000 miles away, and we accept that responsibility. The Browns beat the Saints and the Patriots the last two games, and every freakin' bandwagoner showed up at OUR bar today! I don't like it. None of us did. People we've never seen before crowded into our seats. I think we lost because two of the guys were not in their regular seats! Bad karma. To make matters worse, the really loud annoying guy who stands up on every play and desperately needs some kind of medication was there. We thought he'd been permanently eighty-sixed last season. After a full period of overtime, and a lucky touchdown as time ran out, most of us had the same thought: hopefully the bandwagoners will jump off and we can get our bar back next week. Go Browns!!

Sheer boredom

I have finally reached my limit on what I can do while unemployed. I am way beyond bored. Yes, I have basic things to do everyday. I go to the gym, read the paper, walk at the beach, or go for a run, and the house is pretty clean, but I am antsy and restless all the time now. I used to love doing crossword puzzles. I do at least 3 or 4 every day and I'm starting to hate them, but I can't stop. It's like a horrible addiction I can't shake. And I don't know of any Crosswords Anonymous meetings I could attend! I'm sitting at the computer just to avoid that crossword puzzles book that is sitting on my coffee table. I guess I could read a book since I just went to the library the other day, but I feel too antsy to sit still much longer. I could go for a walk, although I've already been to the gym today, and it's 90 freakin' degrees outside--on November 3rd! What's up with that?? The bottom line is that I'm open to suggestions on combatting sheer boredom. I've run out of ideas.