A Day at the Races

We went to the local fair yesterday and watched some horse racing. I don't understand how all of the betting works but Gary ended up winning $150. We are saving it to use on our honeymoon in September. It was a lovely day to be outdoors. We walked around the fair and ate lots of bad-for-you fair food. Yum!

I am currently focusing on job hunting and I'm having some difficulty with it. There are just so many things I have an interest in doing. It's hard to focus in on one specific goal. I had an interview on Friday and I think it went well. I made it through to the second interview. The trouble is that I'm not sure I would take the job if it were offered to me. It's administrative and I'm not sure it would help me to accomplish any of my goals to take it. I don't want to get stuck in another dead-end job.

Obsessive Compulsive Cat

Since moving to California, my cat Toulouse has been meeting creatures he has never seen before. One day, I found him chasing a lizard. I grabbed the video camera and got some footage of it because it was so funny. He had never seen a lizard before. After a few minutes, I scooped up the lizard and sent him outside. Well, the lizard continues to make appearances in our home and Toulouse just loves him. Over the past few days, he has become obsessed with finding the lizard. He sits at the front door for HOURS waiting for the lizard to return. Gary and I can't coax him away. We've tried treats and all of his favorite toys. All he wants to do is wait for the lizard. We're starting to think he might need a kittie psychologist.

Heart Trouble

Another thing that made the past week stressful was that Gary was undergoing several tests for his heart. It looked like there might be a problem. And then losing R.G... But we recently got all of the test results back and Gary is fine. It was so scary to think about losing him.

Now, I have switched gears and I am job hunting. The hard part is that there are so many things I take an interest in. I would be happy doing any of them. It's really hard to narrow my interests down and focus on one particular goal. I have a job interview tomorrow but I have lost enthusiasm for it. It will be good interview experience, though. I'll let you know what happens...

Forever Young

One of Gary's good friends passed away yesterday very unexpectedly. R.G. was only 39 years old and left behind his wife, a three-year old son and a three-WEEK old baby. He had a massive heart attack yesterday morning.

When people talk about R.G., they invariably say how kind and friendly he was. And "generous to a fault." I only had the opportunity to meet him twice. The first time was at a Heather Combs concert. He was just so easy-going and friendly. He immediately took me aside as if we were old friends and jokingly advised me to get a pre-nup if Gary and I got married. The second time I met R.G. was at one of the restaurants he was a partner in. You could tell he was just so happy to have his friends there and to be able to entertain them and give them a good time. He bought me a cucumber martini.

I know R.G. meant a great deal to Gary and to so many people. An article about him ran on the front page of the Business section of the local paper today. While I was reading the news story, the song "Forever Young" by Alphavilla came on. It seemed so fitting. R.G. was a man who truly enjoyed life and tried to live it to its fullest. He made every moment of his short life count. And those who are left behind will have the difficult task of going on without his warm and generous presence.

My prayers go out to his family and friends and the many people whose lives he touched.

It's Hot in Here

Like the majority of the nation, we are experiencing a heat wave in our little town. It is currently 106. I am told this is very unusual. Hardly anyone in town has air-conditioning. Many businesses have chosen to close as I am sure trade is down since no one really wants to shop/eat in unventilated and un-airconditioned stores. Our home does not have any air-conditioning or fans. We leave the windows open all night to cool off and then go into lockdown mode in the morning. All windows are shut and blinds are closed. It's dark but not sweltering. But the heat is really getting to me. Is there relief in sight? I think we may go see "An Inconvenient Truth" just to be in air-conditioning.

Long Tall Texan

For my birthday in May, Gary got me tickets to see Lyle Lovett. We went to the concert last night. It was so great! I love Lyle! He has such a great voice and draws on so many musical traditions. Country, jazz, bluegrass, blues, gospel... It makes for a really good show. I think Gary was impressed too. In the next few months, we'll be seeing Death Cab for Cutie and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. I have a few must-see artists. Tom Petty is one of them. I also try to always see Tori Amos and Keb' Mo'. I may have to add Lyle Lovett to that list. I also found out the Brian Setzer Orchestra will be coming for a special Christmas show. I saw his Christmas show in Denver a few years ago and it was great. There's nothing like a good concert to put you in a good mood!

Job Hunt

Well, now that the festivities are over and I am settling into married life, it's time to really focus on my job hunt. I am very anxious to find something. I've been sending out resumes since I moved to California but I haven't gotten a single interview. It can get you down. I know everyone has been there. Luckily, I'm not in financial dire straits but I would really like to be working again. I don't want another library job. I'd like to teach at a community college or work in a museum. And, if that doesn't work out, it would be nice to work at some sort of non-profit. Most of the jobs I would like are difficult to get because those institutions tend to hire from within. Grrr... In the meantime, I keep trying to network. Hopefully, something will turn up.

On another note, check out the new "plain and simple" book by Ellen. It's called "WHAT JESUS SAID" and it is great! When is that girl going to start publishing and making some money?!!

Wedding Recap

Well, it was a wonderful day. My mom really gave us the day of our dreams. Everything went just about perfectly. The weather was great. Music was on cue. No one fell down the stairs during the ceremony. (Especially me!) Gary's vows were especially heartfelt and wonderful. My mom walked with me down the aisle. The reception food was great and our friend Heather played several songs for us including our first dance song. She was joined by fellow band members James and Janese. And we were surrounded by friends and family which was really the best part.

It all goes by so quickly. You spend a year planning eight hours and then it's over. I think we have all been experiencing post-wedding letdown. Especially since Gary and I have chosen to wait until September to go on our honeymoon. But we couldn't have asked for a better wedding day. Now, it's on to settling into married life. Scary!

A New Beginning and a New Life

I have lots to say but I'll have to get back to you. For now, I offer photos compliments of Princess Genevieve:

Wedding Photos by Genevieve

Crazy in Love

Well, this is it. I'll be signing off for a few days. While I get married.

It's finally here. I had a bachelorette party in the city last night with some friends. It was great seeing everyone. High school friends, college friends, Denver friends and even a new California friend. My friend Sonya even showed up and I haven't seen her in about five years. She looks great. I wish we could all get together more often.

We're about to leave to go check into the hotel and then it's off to the rehearsal/dinner. At 3:00pm, I'll be a married lady! I'll tell you all about it when things die down. Wish me luck!