Welcome to California!

Long time no write...

2010-10-19T21:35:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends and Family,
It has been a long time since my last entry. I can't even remember all the things that have happened. I wish I would have kept up with my blogging.

It is October and it definitely feels like fall here in southern California. It has been cool, grey, and rainy. This is not typical for SoCal. I'm over it. I'm ready for some sunshine.

Julie is having weight loss surgery on November 1, 2010. I am so excited for her. I had my surgery on December 23, 2009 and have lost 135lbs. Wow! Is that possible? I still have about 30lbs. to lose. My goal is to lose that weight by my next appointment in January. I haven't been exercising and I know I won't make my goal unless I get moving. I need to get motivated and back on track.

I will be in Ohio from Nov. 11-14. I won't be coming home for Thanksgiving and really wanted to see my family (especially Julie after her surgery). I will also be home for Christmas (Dec. 18-Jan.1). I am looking forward to going back to Ohio.

I hope to be writing again soon!
Emily

Ohio- The Heart of It All

2009-08-21T12:17:00.000-07:00

I have had a wonderful time in Ohio. I was so blessed to have had the time to visit with my friends and family. The time has went by so quickly and I thought it would be good for me to reflect on my visit. This will be very boring for most of you to read but it's what I need to do.

July 23-27 Greenville (stayed with parents/Julie visited that weekend/went to ER for ear)

July 28- Indiana (for my dentist appt.), parents drove me to the Butterman's house and spent the night.

July 29-30- Trip to Holmes County, OH with my circle girls. We had a great time as usual!!!

July 30-31 Butterman's (Julie came to pick me up Friday night and took me to Columbus)

August 1- Julie and I went out to dinner with Scott and some of his friends to North Star Cafe, Gallery Hopped, and went to Level

August 2- Family Reunion in Middletown, OH (met baby Rachel)

August 3- ran some errands, cleaned Julie's house

August 4- SISTER DAY! Pedicures, Haircuts, Dinner, and Kenny Rogers Concert at Ohio State Fair

August 5- met parents in West Jefferson to take me back to Greenville

August 6- Dr. Patel- ENT appt. in Greenville

August 7- Parents drove me to Julie's house

August 7-9 Weekend in Toledo to visit

August 9- drove to Lima, picked up Ginny, Cook-out at Virginia's, back to Columbus

August 10- Ginny and I went shopping

August 11-Ginny and I went shopping and met Julie for Lunch

August 12- relaxing day in Columbus

August 13- Ginny and I prepared dinner for Julie, Janice, Jen, and Scott

August 14- Pedicure, Ginny's Haircut, Lunch with Scott, Dinner at Casa Lu Al in Lima with Catherine's girls

August 15- Swimming! Finally Game Night at Amanda's

August 16- Visited some friends, ate at La Charreada, took Ginny home, drove to Columbus

August 17- Ran errands for Julie and made dinner for Julie, Ashley, and Sam (went to visit Breanna's and see her new apt.)

August 18- Parents came to Columbus- Dinner at Planks 1/2 price pizza YUMMY!!! Went back to Greenville

August 19- Drove to Lima, picked up Ginny, ate lunch, stopped at Catherine's, said good-bye to Ginny, went to USV, saw some kids and Phyllis, dinner at Viva Maria's in Ada with Circle Girls, went to Zimmerly's and Peterson's to visit.

August 20-took Uncle Ted to lunch at the Elks and went out to Gail and Hazel's to pick up veggies

August 21-Colored hair, went to the bank, laundry, packed, and helped make dinner for Mom, Dad, Julie, and Scott.

I want to thank my friends for rearranging their schedules around my visit, the Butterman's for their hospitality, my parents for driving me around like I was a kid, and Julie for allowing me to do a clean sweep on her bedroom closet! I also want to thank everyone for their friendship. It is going to be very hard for me to go back to California.

August 22- My flight leaves at 6:30am out of Dayton. Scott is going with me. I am so glad he is coming. After looking at my time in Ohio, I think I need a vacation!!! LOL!

The Boys Are Back

2009-08-01T20:57:00.000-07:00

I have been in Ohio for a little over a week and this might just be the most exciting news that I can share from the Midwest. I went out with some friends tonight. We went to dinner, shopped at the gallery hop, and went to a new bar/lounge called Level. I was very impressed. The place is swanky. Julie and I were sipping a cocktail and singing along with the music videos. One of our new favorite songs by Lady Gaga was on "Paparazzi." We were watching the video and low and behold the Sunset Striplets aka Snakes of Eden are in the video. I nearly shit a brick. I just can't seem to get away from my boys. This is definitely the high-light of my trip thus far. Good Luck trying to top that! I hope you enjoy the video as much as I do.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQJ9Vi8GLok

Happy 4th of July!

2009-07-05T04:57:00.000-07:00

I had a really nice day. My friend, Natalie and her 3 kids came to my place. We had enough food to feed an army (hamburgers, hot dogs, baked beans, potato salad, poor man's caviar (salsa) with chips, chips and dip, watermelon, bing cherries and blueberries, apple pie, red velvet cupcakes, and my special cake that looks like a watermelon). Really enough food for an army!!! We went to the beach and then the pool. It was a beautiful day. I finally got into the Pacific Ocean. It was a little rough for me and knocked me down. But I got up and got out! LOL! We then went back to my place and played a few games, had some snacks, and went back to the beach to watch the fireworks. We could see many firework shows to the north while waiting for the fireworks in Redondo Beach. The firework shows were great. It's the first time I ever seen fireworks at the beach. The only negative was that we were freezing. I don't ever remember being cold on the 4th of July but that's what happens at the beach. It wasn't crowded. However, we had a place staked out and were sitting on our beach blankets when a large group of 20 people with chairs came and sat right in front of us. There's a whole frickin beach and they literally sat in front of us. If you didn't know you would have that we were with them. I guess some people have night vision problems. Oh well, we could still see the fireworks and had a great time. Happy Birthday America!!!

The Battle of the Appendix

2009-06-14T20:57:00.000-07:00

Around 7pm on June 4, 2009 I started to get a stomach ache. As the night went on I got sick, had a fever with chills and just kept feeling worse. Finally, at 3:30am I called my mom and dad. I told my mom my symptoms and she thought I had an appendicitis and should go to the ER. Despite feeling awful, I cleaned up the house, took a shower, shaved my legs, packed an overnight bag and drove myself to the ER. I had a cat scan and was later told I had an appendicitis. Go Dr. Mom! The doctor said that he would be contacting a surgeon to have it removed that day. About 9am I was taken to my room and waited until about 3:30pm to be taken to the OR. My friends Dee and Yasmin came to see me earlier that day and when I came came out of surgery Dee was waiting for me in my room. I was released on June 5, 2009 at 11am. Dee took me home and took care of me over the weekend. I am doing well. I decided to go back to work on Thursday and Friday for half days. What a mistake! I felt awful by the end of those days. Well I've had a restful weekend and will be returning back to work tomorrow for the whole day.

PS I was going to post a picture but they were all disgusting! YUCK!

Snakes of Eden Update

2009-05-26T22:18:00.000-07:00

I just thought I would let everyone know that "Snakes of Eden" were on the VH1 show "Daisy of Love." They were only on the first show and were kicked off.

My current landlord is in a local rock band. I decided to look at his pics on facebook. He only has 4 pics and wouldn't you know one of his pics is of him with "Snakes of Eden". WEIRD!!!!!!!

I'M MOVING

2009-05-26T21:44:00.000-07:00

Okay don't get too excited. I am not moving back to Ohio yet. I have decided to stay another year in sunny California. I have been looking for a new apartment closer to work for months. I have had the hardest time finding a place that I can afford, in a decent neighborhood, closer to work, and that comes with a frickin' washer and dryer. I guess people in Cali don't mind going to the laudromat but I've been over that since my college days and hated it then.

In late April, I found the perfect place. It was in Hermosa Beach (3 houses from the ocean). I couldn't see the ocean but from the street I could hear it. The only negative is that I would have to park on the street and parking by the beach in the summer and on weekends can be almost impossible. I submitted the application and the witch (and trust me I am being extremely nice) couldn't get my credit score because I have identity theft protection. All she had to do was call a number, press a few buttons, and VOILA! But NNOOOOOOOOOOOO! Long story short, she didn't do it, yelled at me for getting her in trouble with her boss, and I was heart broken.

You know the saying all things happen for a reason. Well it has come around full circle and given me a big hug! I decided to look on Craigslist in the wee hours Saturday morning. I saw a posting. Looked good. I emailed the lady. I woke up about 8am checked my email. She told me to call her. I called and left a message. She didn't call back. Oh well! But wait...Monday morning I received another email stating that she had accidentally given me the wrong phone number. I called her, went to see the place, and it is mine. It is wonderful! It is on the beach and has a washer and dryer. It is $300 more than I am paying now but I think it's worth it. If I go out onto my balcony and turn my head to the left I can see the OCEAN! I am planning on moving the week of June 21st. My new address will be:

211 Yacht Club Way Apt. 201
Redondo Beach, CA 90277

Don't you love the name of the road. It sounds so beachy! If anyone wants to come and visit let me know!

Snakes of Eden

2009-04-27T01:02:00.000-07:00

Okay so Julie and I saw the Sunset Striplets aka Snakes of Eden at Griffith Observatory a few weeks ago. Julie saw a preview for a new show on VH1 called "Daisy for Love" and who is trying to win the affection of Daisy... that's right! The Sunset Striplets!!! It turns out they are from Sweden and everyone thought they looked like girls. HAH! I'm not the only one that did a double take. I feel like Julie and I knew them way back when...

TV Land Awards

2009-04-26T17:44:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

Last Sunday I went to the taping of the TV Land Awards. It is airing right now 4/26/09 8pm. The award show was at the Gibson Amphitheater at Universal Studios. I had a great time and saw many celebrities. Here is a list of the celebrities that walked in front of me.

Neil Patrick Harris- Hosted the award show (got a picture of the back of his head)
David Faustino- Bud Bundy- Married With Children
Tim Allen- Home Improvement

Richard Karn- Al Boreland-Home Impovement (got his picture)

Alex Kingston- Dr. Elizabeth Corday- ER

Kellie Martin- ER and Life Goes On

I hope everyone is doing well! Love ya,

Emily

Star Studded Afternoon

2009-04-07T22:39:00.000-07:00

Julie came out to visit me on April 4th. We are having a great time together. We went to Laguna Beach (Orange County)on Sunday. On Monday, we went to Redondo Beach Pier and saw a young beached seal. We think he is okay. We did some research and found out that they like to sun themselves and sometimes their mom goes out looking for food from 2 to 24 hours. Today we went to J. Paul Getty Museum. While we were there we saw Cedric the Entertainer. Julie and I were walking into the North Building and I saw this guy talking to a guard. I looked at him and then said to Julie, "I think that's somebody famous.... like Cedric the Entertainer." Julie tried to get a look at him but only saw his backside. Once Cedric left she asked the guard if that was him and he said "YES!" Then we decided to go to Griffith Observatory. It took us about 1.5 hours to go 21.5 miles but it was worth the drive. It started to get cloudy (not good observing weather) and we had to drive around to find a parking spot. We finally found one and started to walk to the observatory. I noticed this compact murder black car with spray painted gold tires. On the car it said "Snakes of Eden" but I thought it said "Shakes of Eden" but then I got it. There were 5 very interesting people piled in the car. Julie and I went on our way and later saw the interesting people from the car in the cafe eating brownies. I thought the 3 blonds were girls but as I looked closer I realized only a man could have arms like that. Julie and I couldn't believe our eyes. First Cedric and now a band called "Snakes of Eden aka Sunset Striplets" were in our presence. Julie tried to take a few pictures but once again only got their backside. I had to search for this pic online. I thought it would add a little something to my blog. WHAT A GREAT DAY!!!! I will keep you updated on the rest of our vacation together. P.S. My mom had partial knee replacement surgery today in both her knees. She is doing well. Please keep her in your prayers. Thanks!

Beautiful California

2009-03-25T22:41:00.000-07:00

I haven't taken the time recently to go to the beach or see the ocean. Well today after school, I went to Palos Verdes. Palos Verdes borders the southern part of Redondo Beach. It has beautiful views of the shoreline, Santa Monica Bay, Downtown LA, mountains, planes departing LAX, and the Pacific Ocean. I couldn't believe I could see as much as I did. This is the first time I stopped at this lookout. It was very hazy so the view wasn't the best but still very enjoyable. I took some pictures and sat on a rock. I felt so relaxed. I hope you enjoy the view as much as I did today.

P.S. I had to watch my step. There weren't any guard rails and one little slip... and KERSPLASH!

Just another day!

2009-03-25T22:06:00.000-07:00

Well I'm finally writing another blog. It just doesn't seem like I have anything interesting to share. I am starting to get attached to my students. There is one boy in particular. Every time I walk into the room his face lights up. I feel so blessed that I can make that kind of impression of someone else. He always gives me a big hug and wants to sit next to me. I consider him my biggest fan. I am starting a fan club in case any of you want to join. LOL! Anyhow, today he just couldn't stop giving me hugs. His hands were all over me. I would put his hands back in his lap and say "Keep your hands to yourself." Well speech time was over and I was walking the group of kids to OT. On our way down there, the little boy said, "I want to touch your boobs." I wanted to say, "Just what do you think you were doing during speech." But I simply replied, " (his name) NO!" Biggest fan or biggest pervert? Just kidding. If his parents only knew.

Say that again?

2009-02-06T04:58:00.000-08:00

I thought everyone would enjoy this story.

I was at school in one of my classrooms working with a little boy (age 4). We had just finished speech and were sitting in the book area. I was reading him a book while he sat on my lap. When it was time to clean up he stood up, turned around and said. "I like you. Take your shirt off." Yep he doesn't need speech services anymore. I understood that clearly.

Alaska meets California

2009-02-04T00:26:00.000-08:00

My college friend, Kathie and her co-workers came to California last Thursday to attend a feeding conference. Kathie and Sarah stayed at my place. We had the best time. We ate at Islands, Old Tony's on the Pier, and Huntington Beach Brewing Company. We went pier hopping, made a road trip to the O.C. and spent some time at Huntington Beach and Laguna Beach. The shopping was great, the views were amazing, and the time we spent together... priceless. I have found some really great places to spend time and show my guests. I hope everyone comes to see me.

Winter Spring Summer or Fall?

2009-01-27T18:03:00.001-08:00

Okay! True or False? I went and bought flowers today and planted them in a basket on my patio? True! That's right. It is January 27 and I am planting flowers. If that isn't crazy enough. One of my co-workers said that winter was almost over. Well according to the calendar we have two more months but who can tell with this gorgeous weather. It was cold this morning about 45 but it warmed up to the low 70s. Okay I know that I am making everyone jealous but I just can't believe this weather.

Welcome to my blog!

2008-11-05T20:40:00.000-08:00

Hello and welcome to my blog. I think most of you know that I moved to California in August. I have some great stories to share and thought that blogging would be a great way to share them. Some of the stories won't be that great but I am also using this as a journal so that I can look back at this experience and smile. I hope you enjoy these stories as much as I have enjoyed living them.