Dogs Dishes and Decor

Insomnia has struck again. It’s presently 5:18 am and I’m wide awake. I have an appointment for a physical at 10:15, so that will go swimmingly, I’m sure. Whatever. How do I properly portray my life without giving my health practitioner a front for seat to my insomnia, anyway? I will be procuring an Uber because my car is presently under four inches of snow in my driveway. We’re having some…

It’s 4:53 am as I begin this post. In college, I often awoke at 5 to work out, write papers, and just generally get things done without distractions. I lived in a sorority house with more than 50 women and distractions abounded in that environment — particularly for someone with ADHD like me. I found I could focus best when everyone else was asleep, so I adapted my schedule. I was raised by…

Yesterday I decided to go by the flip house and check the progress. One of the easiest routes to the neighborhood involves driving past the cut-de-sac where my mother and I lived after she left my dad in 1991. We lived in a two bedroom apartment in that cut-de-sac. While she did everything to make our home special — including buying me new bedroom furniture, I was so embarrassed we lived in an…

So, I started working for a construction company in September. I’m doing some project coordinating which looks a lot like my previous movie producing life — but with more light fixtures. The company recently bought a disastrous property in my friend’s neighborhood, and what started as kind of an office joke that I should buy it, now has me considering the purchase. While it doesn’t look like…

Since I last posted I officially moved to Michigan, my dad died, I made a movie, I moved my mom into memory care*… and I got a puppy. I’m still lost when it comes to my career overall, but I enjoy being a stay at home dog mom, so there’s that. His name is Neville, and we love him. This photo was taken in August when I brought Neville home. My grass was green, my hydrangeas were in bloom, and…

New Year Not New Me (Or I’m TRYING)

Okay, so my mother bought a new condo. It’s a detached situation, so it looks like a house. My stepfather is already planning jam sessions with his musician buddies in the basement since he won’t have shared walls any longer. (Pray for my mother; I think she’s about to have a panic attack at the prospect of it.)The new place has main floor laundry so she won’t have to walk up or down steps, which…

Long Lost Blogger Update (Or I’m Back)

After my lengthy absence, I don’t even know where to start. Since lockdown I have lost my beloved Boxer, Albus Lawrence, to cancer, my maternal grandmother and namesake, Gladys Louise, to dementia, and I had to move my dad into memory care after 18 months of caring for him in his own home. I will do all of them justice in due time by sharing their stories, but it felt disingenuous to not mention…

Countertops, Sewer Lines, and Spoiled Dogs (Or I’m Remodeling a Bathroom)

I’m baaaack.

Since being unceremoniously awakened by a swift kick from the dog at 5:30 this morning, I’ve sent 42 emails, made 94 phone calls, and now I’m feeling creative…

So here I am.

What I SHOULD be doing is taking down my Christmas decorations, but who wants to do that on a Friday morning?

I realize it is presently the 21st of FEBRUARY (details), but I don’t like taking down twinkly lights.…

Over-Thinking and Denial (Or the Dogs’ Toy Basket)

I should write something poignant and/or profound right now given my life circumstances… but I’m not in the mood.

Smarter individuals have said denial is an essential element of sanity after all. (No one actually said this as far as I know. It is more likely the bald-faced lie I tell myself so I can cope with reality.)

If you’re new to the blog, these “circumstances” include some hardcore adult…

Things to Think About (Or Real Estate and Stuff)

I’m back from Michigan… again.

I’ve made the trek to the Mitten State twice in the last eight weeks.

This last trip included a meeting with an estate planning attorney, four separate roof replacement estimates, a wedding, a baseball game, and meals with my parents (separately, of course).

See?

Front row at Comerica Park with my papa. 

Papa showing the contractors his fancy gutter guards.

My…

I Think I’m Adulting (Or Midweek Day Off)

Today a did a thing — a thing I don’t usually do.

I took the day off.

I got up at 5:45 this morning, and I made a list of everything I have to achieve before I board a plane to Michigan on Saturday.

Looking at the tasks I need to accomplish before I take off for Detroit felt like A LOT.

Picking up dry-cleaning, buying dog food, and getting a haircut could take up a whole day in LA by themselves,…

Of Insomnia (Or Family Stuff)

It’s after 11 pm, and I’m still awake — a state yet unaltered even after listening to a sermon podcast, a few carefully selected songs on iTunes, and an hour of Harry Potter on Audible. After all of my *valiant* efforts at relaxing, I gave up and got out of bed.

I really thought I was tired… but I guess not.

So, here I am now… pouring out my heart to the internet at nearly midnight on a…

Book Club and Babies (Or I Get Over Myself)

Yesterday I hosted book club… at my place.

That may not sound earth-shattering, but you must understand that I used to revel in hosting friends for a variety of reasons. From my first Friendsgiving of 15+ people to Easter for 24, I’ve always loved cooking for the people in my life.

As time has gone on, most of my friends have moved out of small apartments into homes with yards, and eating dinner…

Of Restaurants and Writing (Or Time For a Change)

Remember when I used to post regularly?

Yeah, I miss those days.

I miss writing in general.

I’ve let life get in the way of my creativity lately.

See, I took a job waitressing because I thought it would help me focus on my own personal projects… and because I can’t half-ass anything, I’ve ended up managing the restaurant. As time has gone on, I’ve taken on more responsibility there, and the…

It’s a rainy Sunday in LA. It’s the perfect day for staying home and making a big mess of bacon-wrapped food.

The sky is a deep gray, both of my Boxer boys are asleep, and I’m listening to country music while waiting for my grocery delivery.

I realize this makes me a bit of a contradiction. While I have somewhat of a down-home sensibility, I am also a spoiled Angelino, and I can’t bear entering a…

George Joseph (Or it’s Not 1999)

It’s 2019 now. I realize this isn’t news to anyone — I’m merely pointing out that 1999 was 20 years ago.

Also?

Prince’s single (and album) by that name will turn 37 this year.

Now that we’re all thoroughly depressed and feeling terribly old… want to hear what I did this NYE?

Too bad.

I’m going to tell you anyway.

I rang in the New Year on my couch watching Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire with…

New Baby Nugget (Or I RESCUED!)

So… I have news… belated news, but news nonetheless.

Albus and I have a new baby dog buddy.

Hes’s super skinny…

and he likes to sleep on Uggs.

See, three weeks ago Malibu and Ventura County were ON FIRE. I was sitting on my couch watching college football while looking at images of the devastation of the Woolsey fire, and I wanted to do something. The air outside my place was hazy and full of…