The Last Day of January

Wow, it's the last day of the first month in 2009. Where did the time go?

It is gorgeous outside, even more so, since my neighbor has finally decided to trim his trees. I can see my other neighbors houses now and sunshine pours into my family room. No more lamps for awhile during the day time! Thank you, kind neighbor.

I'm excited for this weekend. Missy and I will probably go see "Marley and Me", since she is a bit under the weather again. That old yucky flu has captured her again within 2 weeks. She thought she beat it before but it grabbed her with a vengeance the second time around on Wednesday night. Her spirits are much better and I hate to have her cooped up for 4 days. We'll take the risk; a movie is pretty light weight stuff.

From there, the Wack (my new Mrs.) and I will be going to a new friend's house for dinner in the LBC. Actually, the Wack has been friends with him for several years, but I have recently made acquaintance with him. His invitation for dinner was so original, a minute and half video of him cooking on Facebook. I couldn't turn down that offer. He's already sent a message that the appetizer and desserts are complete. I like his style.

Since I'm no longer a football widow, I'll be enjoying the sunshine, salsa dancing at the Promenade with a few hundred of my closest salseros, tomorrow! And to end the evening, heading to a concert to listen to a musician from Ethiopia playing jazz with an Afro Cuban vibe.

As a recap for the month, I can't forget attending the grand opening of salsa at the Havana House. My dee jay buddy is doing great things to bring a little salsa to the folks on Monday nights. Thanks to Ms. G for carpooling with me to listen to the Latin Giants of Jazz at the Mayan on January 15th. It was an amazing night of Latin Jazz and salsa dancing. From that event, I met the beautiful Colombian who has made my heart sing again. Walking down Colorado Blvd will have a special place in my heart now; this will be a great journey. Ah, SC and our crazy middle of the night antics, including barely escaping the fight at Steven's Steakhouse and the funny "bicyclist" at TGIF...I'm still laughing. Thank you for wearing the pink "I LUV U Mom" shirt. You are a trooper! I can't forget the grand opening of La Terraza with Lucky 7 as the opening band, splendid.

Well I better stop talking and get to doing......

Cohiba's Grand Reopening

The doctor gave me different meds so I attended the reopening of Cohiba's in Long Beach with my good friend, Li'l Pony. It was on a Wednesday night so I didn't know what to expect. Cohiba's has been closed for salsa for a few months and tried various styles of dance including Reggae. I guess it never got off the ground. So Salsa czar, Albert Torres is taking a stab at bringing Cohiba's back to its glory days.

Approaching the door, we saw people leaving which is never a good sign. But we soon realized they were "looky Lous". However, there weren't that many dancers, but some of my favorites were and it made for a fantastic evening. It was one of the few times that I got floor space with some of LA's premium dancers.

So thanks Albert for taking Cohiba's under your wing and hope the dancers will come back.

6th Day of January & I'm Sick!

After a fabulous vacation during the last days of 2008, I returned to my first working day in 2009 yesterday. The day was good. I thought I would be hammered with calls, but it was an average day. I came home, had a little dinner, answered a few emails; life was good. That is until 3:30 a.m. when I opened my eyes, well one eye, the other was crusted over... NOOOOOOO! My sinus infection has started to attack other parts of me. So now, the 6th day of the year, I'm battling illness. I hate, hate, hate being sick. I want to spend my days off traveling or visiting friends. I guess I shouldn't complain; it's been a while since I had the "Ickness". How much "talk television" can I endure?

Farewell Sportsmen's Lodge

Friday night was the final farewell for Sportsmen's Lodge in Studio City. Sadly enough, I had only been there a time before in November. Although it's a ballroom in a hotel, the atmosphere was pure sabor! Many traveled far to come to this event, the ballroom was filled to capacity. With that, I saw a few faces from the past that I hadn't seen in over a year.

Johnny Polanco and Angel Lebron played their sets and the finale was both bands, at least 30 musicians on stage for the last hooray! Salseros danced for at least 10 minutes and then....it was over. Hugs and kisses for everyone. We put on our coats and made a single file line to get our cars from the valet. It was, indeed, a night to remember.

Thanks for the memories, Sportsmen's!

And One More Thing....

I received a very early morning text around 6 a.m. after just falling asleep at 4ish a.m. from....THE SANDWICH GUY! Ah yes, he strikes again!

Merry Christmas!

Merry, Merry Christmas

Greetings to one and all as I sit in front of my fireplace, reflecting that I made it to December 25. Count them 9 holiday parties in less than 30 days. My favorite was the unplanned Christmas Eve tamale party I snagged an invite. I "never" ate so many tamales or drank so many margaritas with shots in one holiday. Wait I forgot about Cinco de Mayo, but I digress....

I made a new friend about 10 days ago and as fast budding friendships go, this is moving with "mucho sabor"! Since the inception, he and I have been inseparable all week. We met for lunch on Sunday which turned into "linner" as the time leapt from 2 to 7:30 p.m. Heck, why end it there, let's go dance in LA...and off we went ending our evening at 1:30 a.m. Monday was his birthday, so that's another excuse to bond. Our destination another salsa club in the area of course. Tuesday alluded us because of the blistering SoCal weather...yeah, it rained! But then came Christmas Eve, his invite gave me the tamales and the awesome 30 new compadres I made.

Sitting around the table swapping stories and tequila, I thought about had my previous family had embraced me like this, maybe I won't be single now. Ah but maybe it's good they didn't for I would not have these awesome experiences now.

So with that said, this was a December to remember with just a few more days to spare before we usher in 2009. I wonder if I can squeeze in one more party before.....

Raining in SoCal

What, is it possible? There's rain....yippy! But my dog doesn't like it so much. Sorry "Q".

Dancing til Dawn, Well Almost...

Recovering from another amazing night of dancing. This was a big night, celebrating promoter Rudy's birthday at our hot spot in South County. Three of everything, dee jays, salsa performances and bands, he went all out. Many traveled for this event. He even expanded the closing time to 2:30 a.m., unheard of in the OC. I did not get a chance to dance with the birthday boy, there were too many "salseras" this night. But I got a moment with my "two amigas" to celebrate him. Rudy is always gracious and humble, that's why we go there week after week.

However the absolute highlight of my evening was dancing with renowned salsero, Edwin Rivera. I saw him throughout the evening passing out flyers for an upcoming event this weekend. Sporting oversized sunglasses, it never occurred to me that he was, well "famous". I didn't hesitate to say yes, when he extended his hand to ask for a dance. I should have known, his style was impeccably smooth and unique. It was an amazing 7 1/2 minutes, thanks to band #2's improvisation of a song. I hugged and kissed his cheek as do with all of my dance partners and thanked him for the dance.

It was the Denny's debriefing that one of the "LA" salseros told me who he was. Wow! It's a dance I surely won't forget anytime soon.

Winter Is Nearing....

The weather is changing this week. For the first time, I pulled out my cape and gloves because it was chilly! Brrr... Believe it or not, Southern California does have seasons, they're just subtle. Sure it can be 75 degrees during the day, but it gets a brisk 50 degrees by midnight, I love that. Thinking of breaking out the flannel sheets this weekend. I even have the fireplace on to warm my toes. Hot chocolate anyone?

Yeah...Another Sandwich Guy Moment

After recapping with Mystery @ 2:30 a.m. about our evening, I settled in for an evening nap. My cell phone jingled that I had a picture mail. Hhmm, interesting....I knew it wasn't from Mystery or any other of my compadres. I didn't recognized the number at first, but I should have. The message simply stated information about his work and a picture. The words of course, in CAPITAL LETTERS.

I called Mystery back immediately. When is this guy going to stop? Isn't my silence enough? I'm not completely sure if the message was for me, but it did reference a conversation we had in February. What shall I do? I've ignored him thus far, but, like Mystery recommended, if he continues, I'll have to put a stop to it.

Sandwich Guy, I'm not going to change my mind.....

The Weekend

I went to a birthday party last night @ one my favorite salsa clubs. Funny, I as well as the other guests, arrived before the guest of honor and his girlfriend. This is never a good sign. He showed up about 20 minutes after I did, carrying his own birthday cake; I never did see his girl arrive but I spotted her a few minutes later. The party guests were split among the club so it was not a cohesive party. The cake was cut very late in the evening and there weren't many takers. People don't get it, cake is not the favorite choice at salsa clubs. Cookies, brownies, cupcakes that is easier to manage. They didn't play the birthday song until 1:15 a.m.; Li'l Pony and I were already at our cars as we dashed back for our dance.

Today, I went to an open house that my realtors were hosting. I haven't seen them, the dynamic trio in almost 5 years. It was certainly a nice moment as they each greeted me. Admittedly, I've changed, new hairstyle and appearance, but I guess my smile hasn't. I thought I would stump them by not putting on my "Hi, my name is..." Christmas badge. I didn't have to, they knew me as I recognized, they haven't changed much either.

During the reign of terror 2004, I learned a lot about the real estate business. Times were definitely different then from now. For every one home, there at least 10 buyers with cash burning in their pockets. Heck, I asked my former spouse not to get into the market so I had one less buyer to compete with. Searching, I looked at least 100 homes in 4 months, and made offers on at least a dozen; heartbroken when out maneuvered by $5k. However, in spite of the hustle/bustle of that time, I made real connections with these ladies. Sipping mimosas, I gave them the list of "demands" that I want for my final home, to be purchased within the next 6 to 8 years. "No problem!" each said, willing to make it happen for me. Sheila said it was a joy to work with me and that I was "special"; I feel the same about the dynamic trio.

28 years and counting....

Last weekend after surviving food coma, I had a wonderful lunch with my friend from high school. We meet at least once a year to catch up with the previous year's events. I drive to LBC to her house and we go over to the end of Pine Street and have lunch. We dined at Gladstone's one of my favorites, overlooking the Queen Mary. Our server was really cool too, sharing interesting tidbits from San Diego. I know it's random, but if you know me, people tell me things about themselves all the time.

After settling into our booth, ordering cocktails and brunch, we settled in for a long afternoon of conversation and laughter. Who knew that when we met 28 years ago among all the other freshmen meeting at Pius X that we would remain friends. We shared a lot experiences then, creating our own clique the "Palos Verdes group" not wanted to fit in with the others on campus, running the government our last 2 years as well as our yearbook. Our catch phrase..."Deadlines are for now, Tiara is forever!" We still laugh about it. Sharing dessert, we talked about our hopes and dreams for our future and what the world will be like for us.

We went to college, she UC Davis and me Chapman College, visiting each other every Christmas. I got married and had a child, she went on her path of becoming a teacher and an administrator. There were some lost years of not visiting, but we traded Christmas and birthday cards in the interim.

Losing my way during most of those years and now coming back strong & confident, it's comforting to have someone validate they knew you when. As I reminisced with her and shared my journey, she said to me with those blue eyes and Dentine smile, "P, you may have lost your way, but you never really lost..you! I know who you are!" I realized that now matter how many masks you wear during the course of you life, there are a few people who know the real...YOU!! You cant' hide from them.

The time went quickly, walking around the board walk, going back to her house, reviewing pictures from her Paris trip. She gave me a few books to read for the next year. I'll see her in a few weeks for dinner and when she meets Missy.

Giving her a big hug, then driving into the fog, I smiled just thinking about our next 28 years together.

The Return of the Sandwich Guy

I received a text message from..the Sandwich Guy. It was a simple message, "Was thinking of you today. Hope all is well with you". I looked at the message for a moment and thought, "Whoa, after 6 months of no contact from me, he still kept my number". At first, I was a little miffed that he would contact me after so many months. But then I thought, it's nice to know that there is someone out there that is thinking about you. I dismissed the "creepy" factor and just enjoyed that moment.

Thanks, Sandwich Guy for thinking of me.

The Time for Change Begins....

Obama is President Elect. Hillary is to be sworn is as Secretary of State. And now Caroline Kennedy is interested in the Senate seat for New York. A change is coming fast and fierce. What will happen next?

33 years

OJ was convicted today. There is something strangely funny about this whole thing. 1994 most of the country were glued to their televisions watching that infamous chase and then the trial of all trials! The world was split did he actually commit the crimes, the jury didn't think so. And then there was the civil trial where those jurors had the task to find him guilt; they weren't fooled by him. From there he was stripped of his worldly possessions, namely that house and try to live a quiet life. No more Hertz rental cars ads or "Naked Gun" movies.

Ah but he wrote the book, which I saw a copy of not long ago. I didn't bother reading any of it; I already think he did it. Hey this guy has a great sense of humor.

I wonder as he heard the verdict today did he think he would get away with it again. One's luck typically runs out evidently. I truly believe that he was trying to get his stuff back that he thought was stolen in the first place. But what he doesn't realize that he lost a civil suit and he's not allow to have any stuff.

There is speculation that there may be another trial. Can't our tax money go to something else? '

Admit dude, your luck has finally run out. Like the Barretta theme song says, "don't do the crime if you can't do the time. Don't do it". Ah, sing it Sammy.

Made It Thru

Well, I didn't know what this weekend was going to be like, whether I was going to be happy, sad, remorseful or bitter. Thankfully, I'm none of those things. I can't believe a year has past since the "breakup". To commemorate the occasion, I read a journal entry of that awful day. I can see the pain and heartache in the writing, me not wanting to let go of a perfectly strange relationship. But I can say, it's been a year and at least, I'm no longer wishing to be back with him.

It was a long journey, but after this past September I realized there were circumstances bigger than me or the relationship that it just wasn't going to work. I haven't seen him since May 8th in which I may say he didn't look so good. But after hearing that he spends most of his late evenings in several local bars, I now know, it's more than just the "trivia" things that got him down.

As for me, I spent the weekend with family and friends. Missy and I were one of the many who gave cash to the movie, "Twilight". Who knew vampires can look so good. The makers definitely left 'tweens thirsting for the sequel. I can imagine they will make all 4 books into movies. As long as the vampires look good, I'll fork over some of my salsa money to watch it. Ahh...to be 13 again, not!

Yesterday, Missy and I went to our young friend's 10th birthday party in the foothills. It was nice to see my extended family who live so far away in the IE. We got to catch up, which is always good and of course talk salsa! The food was great..thanks, Mom! And thanks to Mystery for the invite.

Yep, it's been a year and I'll discuss what it the "up side" has been like. But let's just relish in the moment that I got past one of the most painful periods of my life. Thanks Lost Boy, you didn't break me. And to all of those who held my hand during the darkest of days, you know who you are, THANK YOU and I LOVE YOU!