Some Where Over the Rainbow

One of my close girlfriend and coworker was found dead on her bed this Saturday. The toxicology report has not been concluded, but she died in her sleep.

She had been having problems with her bf up until last Friday. I heard both her boyfriend and roommate stories and they're very conflicting. I don't know what, how or if I should do anything.

I'm so numb, I haven't slept or ate well in 2 days. People at work are blowing up my phone since everyone knows we were very close. I just wish they leave me alone. My boss thinks its best that I stay home today or even this entire week, but I don't think I can sit at home for
a whole week with the thought of her running through my mind.

I lost a bestfriend in 2001 from murder, I can't believe this is all happening again.

My thoughts are with her parents.. She was only 33 years old.

Mike suggested we make a trip to Santa Barbara for our 3 year anniversary. I've never been so
I was really happy with the suggestion. So, I surprised him by doing some research and reserved a tee-time at one of the best Golf Course in Cali. Sandpiper Golf Course sits right on the Pacific Ocean and the view was just breathtaking! He was super excited and I was happy he liked his gift.

For dinner, we went to Epiphany and enjoyed a six course meal before heading back home. We have a hotel room, but I really wanted to go back to my new apartment plus I'm still getting
over Bronchitis.

Just a year ago, I gave up on the whole idea of ever making it this far with Mike, but 2 years later, here we are and it's been such a great ride. Not often do you meet someone
who you feel so connected with and so comfortable with yet keep you on your toes at the same
time. I am truly happy.

Pictures

15th hole. The view!!


This is such a perfect shot.


Epiphany Restaurant

Been in Vegas two weekends in a row. You're bound to get lucky right?

First weekend was very spontaneous, I was invited by a couple of friends who I haven't seen in over 14 years!



Second weekend was with Mike and his entire family for his brother' wedding. I love his family. They are so awesome and so welcoming towards me.

$400 buck off of a $0.25 machine, oh yeah! I should have taken a picture when I hit 1000 coins!




This weekend was relaxed. Took my daughter shopping for school clothes. Mike spent the weekend and helped me clean the house and we watch baseball games.

Also, the I company I left last year and went back to just offered me a full-time position this past week. I expected it though, my boss is great and I work really hard. My reward? A new purse.
This company definitely has a lot of perks.

I've been a Red Hot Chili Peppers fan for as long as I can remember. I even have a tattoo of RHCP black asterisk logo inked on my lower back over 10 years ago. So when I found out Anthony Kiedis came out with a book, I immediately went and purchaseed one.

Scar Tissue is by far the best biography I have read. Not often does a book grab my full attention as much as this one. It's thoughtful, candid and entertaining. It also helped that I'm a big fan. I bouth this book on Friday, and I already finished it last night. It was bittersweet because I wanted to keep reading.

What really surprised me was that his drug used continued up until 2001 after "Under the Bridge" song came out.



A Must read.

Next Tuesday, my daughter Ploy will be graduating. I can't believe how time flies! She'll be starting middle school!
She's doing very well in school. She did get in trouble at school for cursing and was supposed to tell me about it but forgot, so the principle called me the next day. I think the principle blew it out of proportion and told me that she used the "F" word. Ploy later told me that she didn't say that at all. I think the principle was too harsh and by the tone of her voice, she was getting the satisfaction of tattle telling. I had a talk with Ploy calmly and that was it. I'm sure she hears it, it's not that bad, I'm just glad she is well behaved.



Me and Ploy on her birthday. My brother bought her Sprinkles. A lot of people say we're like sisters. Yeah, I agree

Last weekend, Mike took me to a Pala Mesa Golf resort in Fallbrook to spend some alone time and celebrate our 2nd year together. We don't have much privacy as of late since my brother moved in. We played golf, stayed in and had room service. It was peaceful and much needed. While driving home, we stopped by an outlet in Lake Elsinor and a farmer's market along the way.



This summer, Mike and I are planning on taking Ploy to her first Angels game. We're trying to plan more activities this year. We're currently taking up tennis and badminton. He's never been to Seaworld, so that's definitely in the works.

We went to see Wicked last Friday and it was amazing!! We both enjoyed it.

Things are going well. One day at a time.

Mike and I had our ups and downs, but lately, things have been great. Both of us are making progress and effort to work hard on our relationship.

He surprised me at work today and we went to lunch at Chipotle. After work, he surprised me again with two tickets to the Angels game knowing how badly I've been wanting to go. And what a great game it was too! Angels kicked some serious behind winning 16-3 against the Twins.. Free Hooters wings!!

It was a perfect date. No romantic restaurants, just the two of us sharing a cup of beer, a couple of hot dogs, and cheering for our beloved Angels. Nothing beats that!



So simple yet so perfect... Thank you Mikey

Nothing fancy, Seafood dinner in Malibu. You order at the window and pick it up yourself. He gave me my first Build-a-Bear and named him Chone Figgins after my favorite baseball player.

So simple and yet so meaningful.. I wouldn't have it any other way.

We're still taking baby steps to rebuilt our relationship..
Future looks as bright as ever.

Hope everyone's well.

I know it is a bit too soon to talk about Halloween, but this is what Mike suggested our costume be for this year...




But he wants me to be the plug and he'd be the socket. That's why I love him, his sense of humor is just as twisted as mine.

Paulina and I have a new ritual on Friday right after I get off work. My friend introduced me to this new frozen yogurt place in the heart of West Ho! I'm completely addicted! It's all natural frozen yogurt with fresh fruit toppings! I can't get enough of this stuff!!! It's my favorite. Mike laughs every time I said that. He thinks I have too many favorite things.




Too bad they don't have a website just yet. Parking is pretty horrible too. I got a parking ticket my first time there.

Address: 868 Huntley Drive, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Cross Street: Huntley and Santa Monica Blvd.

Maybe I should take advantage of our full size gym in the office. I still go home at 4pm everyday.

oh well..

I had the best time. I lost my camera the first night there and lost my ipod while at the airport. I seriously think that the security people stole itwhile I was checking in. I still had a great time though. Took lots of pictures from another camera and went to Gay Pride 2006 on Church street on Sunday. Amazing people and amazing place. Can't wait to go back next year!

Going to be in Toronto from June 23 to June 28. Can anyone from that area tell me what the weather is like there? I just want to know how to pack properly.

I woke up with a sore neck and tightness all over my shoulders today. Some days are pain free but most days are not. It's been like this for over 8 years from a nasty car accident many years ago. I took 3 Advil and tons of vitamins (like magnesium for muscles & Cod liver oil for bones) this morning and the pain is manageable right now but some day it doesn't help at all. I'm looking into acupuncture since I don't know how long I can keep this up. I used to live on 2000mg of painkillers before I sought treatment so I don't want to go back to that again.

Does anybody ever have experience with Acupuncture before?

It's great not having plans. Staying at home and not wanting to go out is great sometimes. Last weekend, I spent the weekend at Mike's. We did absolutely nothing. Cooked with and chilled with his brothers since his parents are out of town. I helped him took care of his 95 year old grandmother. Helped her changed her diapers, got her dressed and cooked for her. She was very grateful and I was more than willing to help. She was embarrassed that I had to do that but I didn't mind one bit. Better me than Mike. I left Sunday to pick up Ploy from her dad's and got a call from Mike's parents thanking me for all I've done, told me they love me and really appreciate helping grandma. I love his family like my own. Really.

Ploy is having a tough time accepting that she will be going to a different school next year. I told her that she's special and very smart and this is the best thing for her, but I guess leaving friends is hard for her. What a mom to do? I told her that if she doesn't like that new school then she can come back. But her current school doesn't have a magnet program anymore due to lack of funding so I hope she will like it. She's friendly enough. Orientation is this Friday and I'm taking her.

My friend gave me eyelash extensions today. He's a hairstylist so I don't have to pay anything. How much does it cost anyway? Well, it turned out very well and I'm very happy with it.

No big plans for this weekend. Might do camping but Mike's taking me to Puddingstone Hot tub up in San Dimas Mountain. It's going to be very romantic. Then going to Magic Mtn. on Sunday. Bleh. Anyone have plans? Wanna come with?

Ploy got accepted to one of the top magnet school in West Los Angeles! What a surprise mother's days gift! I'm super super super proud!!!

True Religion Jeans/Clothing Sale going on this Friday thru Sunday, 10am - 8pm. Who's with me??? No one?? Then I must go there myself! :P

Work is great. The company I interviewed with a month ago finally decided to offer me employment. However, the current company I'm working for really likes me so they countered offer with $10,000 more a year plus immediate medical benefits if I decide to take the offer staring Monday, May 15th.

What do you think I did???

With working 2 jobs (for now) I rarely have the energy to do much else. So last weekend, I requested a day off at the restaurant to ventured out to my friend Vicky's wedding and a friend's Birthday! I haven't seen Vicky & Joe for awhile and seeing them on Saturday on their nuptials was very pleasant. I don't know anyone so perfect for each other. Vicky is so fortunate to have find Joe, who is so wonderful and loving. Unfortunately, Mike had another Birthday to attend so we didn't stay long.

Then I went to a club with my brother and friends for another one of my friend's Birthday. Haven't seen them in awhile too so I was glad to be there and they were so happy I even showed up. Had so much fun dancing (my only form of exercise). I did too much dancing though and in heels so my feet are in pain as of right now. STILL!


The perfect couple

Me and Mike

Me and mtnsurfer I LOVE that shirt!

Friends = Family

My brotha from another motha

Job is going amazing VERY well. They really like me here (According to the Controller, herself)and the General Counsel/VP says that I will become his right hand person.. I got my own office overlooking the Century City high rises, and only work 7 hours a day. It's just plus plus plus!!!

Mike and I are going to a friend's wedding this Saturday. I went hunting for a dress and found a great green halter dress for only $54.00! So I had enough left over to buy myself a new pair of white, Fornarina pumps!! They are super comfortable and beautiful!!! Although I'm sort of torn though.

This is what I bought:


I also LOVE this one!! Just picture it in green and white vs. black and white


Do you think it will be too matchy with the dress? should I just keep the first pair??

Work forced me to stay in LA yet again. Can't take any time off because it's crutial that I manage the newly formed finance department at the new company. Supposed to go to Tahoe and meet up with clearbright but that was out the window. Sorry! NExt time?
So Mike and I took a short trip up to Mtn. High on Sunday and boarded for 6 hours non stop until my legs just couldn't take it anymore. It was a great release to a hectic week.

The slopes and snow wasn't as bad as I thought. We both had such a wonderful time and being that it's literally 45 minutes away from Mike's house. We're going to make a trip every weekend from now until all the snow melts away.

Here are some pictures..



I'm getting a lot better


You can see patches of dirt but I LOVE boarding with just a shirt on! fun.

UPDATE:

Ploy gets some sort of award practically every month! I'm running out of room on the fridge to put it all up. ahahah I think I'm going to designate a wall just for it. I don't think I can afford to buy all the frames for it though. REally, I love the fact that she is so passionate about school. I'm lucky...

I became close to all the co-workers at the corporate office so it's tough to leave all of them. I became especially close to one guy who recently broke up with a girl he was in love with who happen to work for the same company and he would come and vent to me all the time. For Valentine's Day, he spent over a $1000 on flowers for her and thought that she was the one but came to find out that she was nothing but a golddigger. Anyway, non of my business but he found out that I was leaving and sent this to me on Friday.



Seriously, this thing is huge. It's taller than my fireplace! It was tough carrying this thing home and luckily, there was a vase at work to put it in. The arrangement was just so extravagent. I never received anything this nice from anyone and I was just in awed. A nice little card says,

"I guess in life, one has to go thru some hardship to finally find those special people we want to be around. I may have lost a relationship with one but gained a good friend with the other. Wishing you the best in life."

Touching..