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    Tuesday, December 30, 2008

    New Year's Eve at Trico!

    My company is giving us a ½ Day on New Year’s Eve…and it is not one of our ‘normal’ holidays. (New Years Day is obviously one of the latter).

     

    Aren’t my bosses generous?

     

    Woo-Hoo!

    =)

     

    I’m SO glad we get to close early on New Year’s Eve. (Plus, besides closing early and getting the 1st off, we also get the 2nd off entirely. I’m so looking forward to a having Long Weekend that I can actually use to sew!)

     

    -=-Becky

     


    From: Lucinda Reeves
    Sent: Tuesday, December 30, 2008 3:53 PM
    To: Trico Employees

    Subject: New Year's Eve!

     

    To prepare for 2009, the Trico offices will close at 12:01 p.m. on Wednesday, December 31, 2008. 

     

    Cindy

    Monday, December 29, 2008

    Car Update (12/29/08)

    Nope, don't have my car back YET, but I did just get a call from my autobody shop with an update.

    (They are pretty good at getting me updates, I must say).

    Apparently they took my car for alignment on Friday, but it didn't work. They discovered some kind of structural bend when they got it back, which they fixed today, but now they have to take it back to get aligned...and the alingnment place won't get to it till tomorrow.

    So...I *should* get a call sometime tomorrow afternoon with a status update (and then they have to wash/clean it...and I can finally pick it up).

    I am SO close to getting my car back. Can't wait! =)

    Tuesday, December 23, 2008

    Zero Dollar Statements

    So, what is it with people not understanding a Statement of Account that shows they have a Zero Dollar Balance? (That they have paid in full for the period of time shown on the statement?!?)

    On the 16th we printed off Late Statements for my work (I work in a commercial real estate company that leases, well, commercial property) and mailed them out. Unfortunately, we didn't pull all the Zero Dollar statements that printed. My fault/oversight...and I am kicking myself for it, believe you me.


    So the next few days we kept receiving phone calls from confused tenants wondering if this means they don't have to pay for January. Really? (Same people wonder if they don't have to pay when there's a problem with the post office delivering our statements - which we have to re-explain are a courtesy only. Rent is always due on the 1st, with or without a statement. Check your lease agreement.)


    Anyways, we get to respond to the confused person that 'No, the statement dated the 16th does not show January charges. It just shows that you have paid in full through the end of December. Please disregard the statement as it was sent out in error and you'll be receiving a statement for January charges shortly.'


    (It gets real old real fast re-explaining that on various phone calls and emails, trust me).


    On Friday, we posted January charges to the tenants account and I printed off all 800+ statements and got them folded/stuffed/postage added and in the mail. (Fun job I have, huh? =)


    And begining on Monday/Yesterday, the confused calls started up once again. Some people were even wondering if they had been doubled billed! (People, please READ the data on the statements. Its fairly self-explanatory, afterall).


    I think I need more coffee if I'm going to deal with more of these type of people today. ;-)

    Monday, December 22, 2008

    random phone calls

    ok, this is kinda weird - I just got a call (on my cell) from a random person who had my number as a contact for something on craig's list...and I don't have anything listed!

    And this is the 2nd time its happened (different times - different items listed too)!

    Today was for a position listed on Craig's list. Earlier (last week?) was for a Washer that was available (for sale, I guess).

    Weird, huh?

    Hope they're just mis-dialing a number and my number wasn't (accidentally?) used for a listing or two. Cause that would just be freaky if my number is on a few listings on Craigslist and I didn't put it there!

    Car Update (12/22/08)

    Just got a call from my autobody shop with an update.

    Sounds like they're painting today (if I understood him correctly) and tomorrow they plan to work on/check the alignment. If THAT goes well, then there's a slim chance I may get my car back on Friday!!! (26th/Day after Christmas) Or else on Monday the 29th. Either way, its a few days sooner than the original estimate of possibly by the 31st.

    Woo-hoo!

    V. Excited!
    =)

    Wednesday, December 17, 2008

    Car Update (12/17/08)

    I just got off the phone from my Autobody Shop....and good news! The Insurance company has agreed with my autobody shop's estimate (which was higher than what their independent adjuster had initially written up).

    So, the Insurance will pay for basically the $5.5K (I'm rounding) for the repairs, and I'm paying my $500 deductible...and for a new tire (or, rather, a portion of a new tire since they estimated for 30% wear and tear. Which means I am only paying like $60 instead of $180).

    I gave the verbal approval to go ahead and start work on my car to get it repaired. And if there's no suspension damage, then I should theoretically get my car back on the 31st. (This timeframe is of course counting in the fact that the shop is going on Holiday Schedule soon). If, however, there is suspension damage, then it'll obviously take a bit longer for me to get my car back.

    But I'm glad that I've finally got a timeframe and things are moving along. Yea!
    =)
    (And I now have a copy of the Estimate in my hands - picked it up off my work fax a moment ago)

    Christmas Tamales!

    Each year one of our vendors, Cesar (of Ces-Ga United Business Solutions), brings in home-made Tamales as his Christmas present from his company to us. And each year everyone in the office EAGERLY awaits the arrival of these oh-so-yummy tamales.

    He usually brings in a couple varieties - one chicken, one pork, and one sweet/dessert one. I'm not too keen on the dessert one, but I LOVE the chicken and pork varieties.
    =)

    And there's usually home-made salsa and some form of cream (fresh and/or sour) involved too.


    Well, TODAY is the day for 2008. Christmas Tamales should be delivered any moment now...and we're all planning on having Tamales for lunch today! =)

    And look at that! Cesar and his Tamales JUST arrived (as I was about to press Publish on this posting)! How wonderful is that?!? =)

    I'm off to eat Tamales!

    I'm just a-tingle with anticipation. ;-)

    Monday, December 15, 2008

    a Functioning Sewing Machine

    It's official, my sewing machine is back at home, after being serviced (in who knows how long), and working as good as new! It is SO *WONDERFUL* to have a functioning sewing machine again.
    =)

    Ok. Really must go to bed now!

    Cheers!
    =)

    Christmas Cards...are DONE!

    Just excited that I'm officially DONE with Christmas Cards for the year! Yea!! (Last batch is sealed and ready for the post office...to be mailed tomorrow morning).

    That's it. =)

    'You can go about your business' now... 'Move Along'
    ;-)

    Car Update (12/15)

    So, I did talk to my autobody shop and Insurance Adjuster today (around my lunch break).

    The estimate from the appraiser has been written up, and the autobody shop has a copy and they're coming up with a different estimate amount (higher) than the appraiser. (Of course!) So they're currently going back and forth on the details (via fax I'm sure) to negotiate out items that make up the total estimate.

    I'm supposed to get a call back with an update tomorrow morning from the autobody shop. (Yea =).

    As for the Autobody Shop, they've got a good reputation, and my family has used them the last few times we've needed a car fixed up (and they've done a good job, haven't overcharged us, etc.)...so we trust them/their judgement on how much work its going to take to fix a car.

    Right now, I'm probably looking at around $5,000 to fix my car. (Good thing I just managed to put away the $500 deductible amount with my last paycheck, so I got that part covered at least! Whew! =).

    Getting back into the busy flow of things

    So, after kinda being thrown out of my 'normal' routine (as well as gearing up for the Holidays - Yea Christmas!) by my Car Crash last Tuesday, I'm finally starting to get back into the swing of things. The weekend was packed with running errands that I didn't get accomplished during the week. But I did make sure to get some 'hanging out' time in as well.

    Friday night unfortunately was shot for getting anything done, as I ended up working till 8pm. I was SWAMPED. But at least things that needed to be done were done, and certain items that needed to be mailed were dropped into the post box outside for Saturday morning pick up. Whew!

    On Saturday morning I finally got my sewing machine in to a repair shop (it had broken down on me during my 1950s project - mid project at that). Funny enough, the entire reason I was exiting the freeway at that particular exit on Tuesday (when I got into the car accident) was because I was on my way to take my sewing machine in to a repair shop to have it looked at (and hopefully dropped off for it to be repaired). With the accident, however, that got put on the back burner. And it obviously needed to be serviced after the accident (no matter that it was giving me problems before the accident). So as of Sat morning, I my machine was dropped off to get serviced (Tension adjustment, & 8 point tune-up), and I did a variety of other errands that have been on my 'to do' list. Including getting my nails done. Yea! =)
    (Of course, I kinda forgot to keep my keys in an easily accessible place for when my nails were done and still drying...so I ended up walking over to a book store and browsing...and getting some Christmas shopping done...while I waited for my nails to dry enough to dig my car keys out of my pocket! lol =).

    After I got my various morning/mid-afternoon errands done, I headed up to Fullerton to hang out with the Henlseys. Or, more accurately, with Maegen & Rhiannon, since Chuck was away at a game for the weekend. =) I brought stuff to make dinner (since I DO like cooking for others) and we had a nice time hanging out, me cooking dinner, and then decorating the tree. In the background we either had Christmas music on or a Christmas themed movie. =)

    And since I was the 'tall' person there, I got the honor of putting the Angel on top of the Christmas tree. (Of course, even I wasn't tall enough to tackle that person without the assistance of a chair ;-).

    And for those of you who are curious as to what dinner I prepared...

    I slow cooked some Chicken in white wine, onions and garlic. (I browned the chicken & sauteed the onions/garlic first =). I also made mashed potatoes and cooked carrots (the latter was served with a bit of garlic salt). And of course, since the broth/juice from my cooked chicken makes an excellent base for a gravy...I made a gravy to go with the meal.
    =)

    After dinner we put on "Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day", a cute movie that Maegen & I had both seen in the theater and were looking forward to seeing again. And we did enjoy the chance to sit and watch the movie. Although truthfully I was a bit distracted at times during the movie, since Rhiannon was playing nearby with some Nutcrackers, and I got involved in playing with her and the Nutcrackers. (Couldn't resist! =) She is my adorable honorary niece, afterall.
    =)
    So, while it was a late night, I had a great time and was glad that I had taken the time to relax and hang out with friends.

    Sunday I made it to church (even with a bit of a dehydration headache) in the morning and afterwards I got to hang out a bit with my folks (and have lunch with them), which was nice.

    We talked about a variety of things, including a couple of options regarding my car (once I find out the damage from the Ins. adjuster and get the autobody car estimate), some present ideas for family members, and some ideas for the HCA (www.historicalcitizens.org). And then I was back on the road and running errands. Well, only one errand really was accomplished that afternoon - JoAnns. The one stop I didn't get done on Saturday. But I needed to go there (especially since I had some 50% off coupons expiring that day). Fortunately/Unfortunately - depends on how you look at it ;-) - I didn't end up spending money on any fabric (which would have been the best use of my coupons). But that's ok. I got a few things I needed, and I've decided to use linen (which I get elsewhere) on a few upcoming projects instead.

    I had meant to also go and pick up a Christmas tree for myself (my apartment) and get my Christmas Decorations out...but I ran out of time. I just ended up fixing some leftovers for myself and getting to work on my Christmas Cards (which I really wanted to get in the mail as soon as possible). I managed to get almost 60 done (about 2/3 of my entire list) while White Christmas was playing in the background. After that, I gave up on Christmas cards for the night. =) (Which means that tonight's goal - Monday night - is to finish those remaining 30 something cards).

    Whew!

    And today, if I can manage it on my lunch break, I'll be calling my Ins. Adjuster (and possibly the autobody shop?) on my lunch break. I think I'll leave running errands till tomorrow (or at least after work) - hopefully the rain and resulting craziness (drivers) will have died down by then.

    Ok. Back to work for a bit (at least until my lunch break! =).

    The rain brings out...tenant Roof Leak calls

    Right now, the phones keep ringing with more and more tenant calls (complaints) cause of the rain. What fun! And a great way to kick off a Monday Morning!
    ;-)

    Either a roof is leaking (which tends to happen around a skylight, or where someone installed their own sattelite dish and didn't have the company seal up the holes in our nice roof properly, or just there is wear and tear on the roof and this heavy rain is making any leaks noticable, etc.)...or the drains aren't doing their job and water is starting to flood into a unit (under the door and soaking carpet, etc.).

    Yes, the fun phone calls that I and other office (admin) staff get to deal with on rainy days.
    blah!
    =)

    This is going to be an interesting work day....

    I am...Kaylee (Which Serenity/Firefly Character are you?)

    This probably doesn't surprise anyone that knows me...



    =)



    Which Serenity (Firefly) Character Are You?




    Your results:
    You are Kaylee Frye (Ship Mechanic)
    Kaylee Frye (Ship Mechanic)
    90%
    Dr. Simon Tam (Ship Medic)
    85%
    Malcolm Reynolds (Captain)
    70%
    Zoe Washburne (Second-in-command)
    70%
    Derrial Book (Shepherd)
    70%
    Inara Serra (Companion)
    65%
    Jayne Cobb (Mercenary)
    45%
    River (Stowaway)
    45%
    Wash (Ship Pilot)
    35%
    Alliance
    35%
    A Reaver (Cannibal)
    0%
    You are good at fixing things.
    You are usually cheerful.
    You appreciate being treated
    with delicacy and specialness.

    Sunday, December 14, 2008

    Christmas Cards...in progress

    Well, I FINALLY started on my Christmas Cards tonight. This year I'm (only?) sending out 90 or so Christmas Cards. Each year I seem to average around or just shy of 100. Wow!

    As of a little while ago, I'm about 2/3 the way through.
    Whew! Good Start, but I think I'm going to call it a night on Christmas Cards and go to bed.
    I'll finish the rest tomorrow night (and get the ones that are done in tomorrow's mail! =).

    Thursday, December 11, 2008

    BiolaSWClubPic-Oct2001-funversion


    BiolaSWClubPic-Oct2001-funversion
    Originally uploaded by marcailgaelyn

    Was in the mood to be distracted, so I started browsing some of my old photos (posted on Flickr), and I came across this fun one from College - a favorite of mine.
    =)

    Enjoy!

    (And see if you can spot me! It's like Where's Waldo...with Becky! =)

    oddities (musings on driving post-car crash)

    I gotta say - its kinda weird driving an almost idential car to mine/the one I had an accident in on Tuesday. (I'm borrowing my mom's Ford Escape - which is the same kind of car that I drive...we just have different years and car colors).

    I drove a couple of blocks yesterday afternoon to get myself some Starbucks coffee and it was definitely strange to be driving around in that car. (Or driving period).

    Today wasn't quite as bad, but still definitely odd - especially since I had to drive the 405 Fwy to get to work.

    But I *am* at work today (even if distracted).

    Wednesday, December 10, 2008

    the new microwave arrives!

    just letting y'all know that I finally have a new microwave installed...that actually works!! (Yes, I tested it out by heating up some water).

    Yeah!!!

    After a bit over a month without a working microwave, it sure is nice to have one again.
    =)

    update (post car crash)

    Didn't get much sleep last night.
    Decided (upon a friend's recommendation) to just stay home today to rest and take care of things. Good thing, cause with not getting much sleep last night I needed extra time to sleep this morning).

    I called Irvine tow truck company where my car ended up overnight around 7:50a, so they could release my car to the autobody shop (who contracts with another tow company - and they'll get my car towed to the autobody shop). They were ok with me giving a verbal release of the car to be picked up by my autobody shop. (yea)

    Called the Autobody Shop next (so just before 8am) and gave them details. (The tow company's lot location, my car's make/model & liscense, etc.).

    Then I went back to bed and slept for a couple of hours.

    Got up around 10am (Still groggy) and then got myself some food, listened to the message from my landlord (saying that the microwave will be installed sometime early this afternoon), and then called my Insurance company.

    So, just before 11am, I got off the phone with the Insurance Company. That was relatively painless, actually. Gave my details, got my claim number, and was told that I would hear from/have an adjuster out to view the car in about 2 business days. (Could be worse).

    Then I called my autobody shop to let them know the timeframe for the adjuster to come out (since they requested that info, if I was told by the insurance co).

    Called work after that to check in. Spoke with Sophie, gave her my update, and asked if they needed me. She, of course, said no. Things were quite enough, so go ahead and take the entire day to get things done.
    =)

    And that's it so far.
    Going to do laundry and take care of some things here at home. (And wait for the contractors/installers to arrive for the new microwave installation this afternoon).


    And for all of you that have sent me well wishes and (virtual) hugs...THANK YOU!!!
    =) Very Much Appreciated.

    Tuesday, December 09, 2008

    In a Car Accident (12/9)

    Yes, you read correctly. I was just in a car accident earlier this evening.
    On my way home from work, so around 5:40pm, on the 405 So., in between the Jamboree and Culver exit.

    I was attempting to change lanes (from the 3rd lane from the right to the 2nd lane from the right) in order to exit at Culver, when I hit the car ahead of me. As it was stop and go traffic, at least it was a relatively low speed accident (no air bag deployed in my car), but I was quite shaken, and my car is currently not-driveable since the front driver side corner is all smashed in. I barely managed to get it to limp off on to the side of the road.

    After CHP arrived a while later, a tow truck finally arrived, and towed me home. I got to get my stuff from my car, and then they took my car to their lot, where it will wait the night until morning. I'm still have to call my insurance company and have them contract with the lot to take my car to an autobody shop. Now, I wanted AAA to take my car to this place in Orange that my family uses - its very reputable and such - but there was no way the towing company was going to attempt that anytime that night. Too many accidents and too much traffic. They told me that they wouldn't be able to get to towing it to my autobody shop for like 2 hrs. So I gave in and had them drop me off home and take my car to the lot.

    My dad brought me dinner (since I'm on his way back home) and my mom brought her car so that I can use it tomorrow to get to work. (And since my dad was here, he drove my mom home). Gretchen then came over and kept me occupied so that I wasn't thinking about the accident and everything. (Thanks Gretchen! Really appreciate it =)

    So now, I'm trying to clean up a bit, and then go to bed. I'll call the Insurnace company first thing in the morning. I have no idea how much or how long its going to take to get my car straightened out. But I shouldn't think bout that right now. Important thing is that I (and the other people involved in the crash) are ok physically. No one was injured. Whew.

    Ok. and now I should go to bed.

    Sunday, December 07, 2008

    Let's Remember Pearl Harbor!






    Don't forget! Today is the Anniversary of the Attack on Pear Harbor (Dec 7, 1941), "a date which will live in infamy".

    With this attack, we Americans officially declared ourselves part of WWII.

    Please take a moment to remember those who died (both military and civilian) during the attack.



    Dept of the Navy - Naval Historical Center:

    Pearl Harbor Raid, 7 December 1941 --

    http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/events/wwii-pac/pearlhbr/pearlhbr.htm
    http://www.history.navy.mil/faqs/faq66-1.htm



    Wikepedia:

    Attack on Pearl Harbor

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attack_on_Pearl_Harbor

    Infamy Speech


    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infamy_Speech



    p.s. - an interesting Side Note: in 1941, December 7th was a Sunday...just like it is today (2008).

    Oh, and FYI - all images used in this blog post were found online (from the links I've included in this blog post)

    sewing/progress update (1950s outfit)


    Just finishing up the last of my tulle petticoat right now. Had a setback yesterday in my sewing when my machine broke on me.

    Spent like an hour trying to fix it, but I eventually gave up. I'm going to need to take it in. Something is wrong and causing the needle thread to catch on the works down where the bobbin is. Also, was having difficulty in catching the bobbin thread when attempting to pull it up so I could sew. The needle wouldn't return all the way to the right position. It'd get almost there, and then stop...and not pull up the thread. Needless to say, I was frustrated and had a setback in my 'quick' sewing projects that I had left for Saturday.

    Eventually I remembered that my roommate Jill had a machine boxed up, and I asked her if I could use it. She graciously let me borrow her machine, a Shark Automatic (with the basic stitch functions at least), so I could finish my projects for today. Yea for my roommate! =)

    So, that's my status report. Finished my belt for the dress, and got really close to done with the tulle petticoat, but was just too tired last night (after 10pm) to be productive at sewing, so I'm finishing it now. Need to stitch down the pinned tulle to the base, then add in a waistband (haven't cut & interfaced yet), and add in my hook & bar closure. And then I'm done and can get ready.

    I was hoping to be able to get ready in time that I could wear this outfit to church this morning, but looks like that's not going to happen. Oh well.

    At least I should be done with the outfit in time to wear it to the Movie, my original goal, and that's the important part! =)

    We're meeting at 1:15pm outside the theater (movie starts at 2pm), then headed to Clifton's cafeteria (place has been in business since the 1930s) for an early dinner afterwards. What fun! =)

    Ok, must get back to sewing so I can finish and then get started on my hair/makeup, etc.

    Later!

    Thursday, December 04, 2008

    Current Sewing Project: 1950s outfit

    So, I'm doing a quick project so I can wear a 1950s outfit on Sunday to White Christmas (showing at the LA Theater - see my previous blog posting in November =).

    Well, Colleency was nice enough to loan me a dress so I don't have to start from scratch (with basically a week to make an outfit). Yea for Collency! =) You rock! So all I need to do is make a belt and a petticoat (with tulle) to make the dress 1950s. And of course accessorize, accessorize, accessorize!
    =)



    Maegen loaned me one of her set of pearls (her grandmother's I believe she said) and a pearl bracelet (which she made), and I have a little black velvet headband hat (with black feathers) that I'll be wearing. And of course some gloves (white with black polka dots - also loaned by Collency), stockings, heals and a nice hairdo/make-up will complete the picture! (I might even have a small purse that will work with this outfit too).




    What would really be nice is if my recently ordered book, How to Handle Long Hair -- Recreating Glamorous 1950s Hairstyles (http://www.amazon.com/Handle-Recreating-Glamorous-1950s-Hairstyles/dp/1934268720/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1228418453&sr=8-1 ), arrives in time for me to try out one or more of the hairstyles and see if any will work for Sunday's outing.

    I'm so excited about Sunday.
    =)

    Which means today's goal for my Lunch Break Errands: purchase supplies (such as tulle) needed at JoAnns...so I can get started with cutting & sewing tonight!

    Microwave Update

    As of this morning, I received an email from my landlord saying the mircrowave he ordered has arrived!

    Yippie!

    (Of course he never mentioned to either my roommate or myself that he ordered a replacement microwave. So this is great news.)

    Now we just need to schedule a time when he can come over to install the new microwave, and Jill & I are back to having access to a fully working microwave. Yes! (It has now been a month since we've had a microwave at home).

    V. Excited, if you can't already tell.
    =)

    Wednesday, December 03, 2008

    a Busy Thanksgiving Weekend - Part 1

    Where to start?



    Well, the day before Thanskgiving (Wed), I got off work early (yea for work closing early!! =) and was able to go home and start my baking. I had LOTS of items (cookies and such) on my list of "to bake"...of course.
    =)


    I baked all the rest of the afternoon/evening, with a brief stop to run out to the store to pick up more flour (didn't realize how low I was until I was in the middle of baking) and another break to cook/reheat some leftovers for dinner. (Still no microwave, so need to be creative in re-heating).

    Cookies baked that afternoon/evening:
    2 batches of Pecan Cookies (Great Grandma Florence Thelin's recipe =)
    1 batch of Pumpkin Raisin Cookies
    1 batch of Lemon Squares (made from scratch with freshly grated lemon zest & squeezed lemon juice...of course!)

    The Pecan Cookies & Pumpkin cookies took a long time to bake, since both of those were baked at lower temps and would therefore take longer to bake all the way through. Plus there's the whole frosting the pecan cookies (and making the frosting) and topping with a whole (i.e. non-broken) pecan half (preferably before the frosting sets ;-) which can take a bit of time.

    The only batch of cookies I didn't get made that night, which I wanted to do, was the batch of Chocolate Chip cookies. I was a little bummed, but I wanted sleep too.

    Thursday morning, however, I was determined to bake them... So I did. =)

    I was a bit late with arriving in time to help out with Thanksgiving Dinner (mid-day meal) prep, due to baking, getting ready for the day (I wanted to look nice - so I gelled, blow-dried and hot curled my hair before setting it in a 1940s look...it looked awesome by the way!), and making sure I had everything since I was planning on being gone for the next day. After the family Thanksgiving party, the plan was for me to join up with some friends in LA for the Enigma (UCLA) Thanksgiving Party, to which I had earlier been invited (Thanks Riz!). And since the next day (Friday) I'd be hanging out at LosCon35 manning the Costume Repair Station and then watching my friends perform in the Lux show that evening, I was able to get permission to crash on the couch at the FIRM that night (Thurs) so I wouldn't have to drive home late at night and come back in the morning. (Thanks guys! =). Anyways, that meant I had to pack for my time away as well as just my Thanksgiving day stuff, and that of course took a little time to think through and grab the items I might possibly need (and throw it in the back of my car with other stuff currently residing there ;-).

    Thanksgiving with the family was great. Good food + good company = great times! =) Plus, it was nice to see my grandparents (especially since Grandpa's not doing well right now, and if I'm being realistic he probably won't make it to another Thanksgiving). I arrived around 1pm, and while the food was just about ready to serve, the grandparents hadn't arrived yet. They were still stuck in traffic, so the rest of us got to chat and keep the food warm as best as we could. =) Soon enough, the grandparents arrived, the greetings took place, a blessing on the food was said, and we all tucked into our scrumptious food.

    Dinner at my family means a Turkey, stuffing/dressing, mashed potatoes, homemade gravy, yams, creamed corn (everyone's favorite!!), green beans, fresh baked rolls, cranberry salad (another of Great-Grandma Florence's recipes) and home-made pies! Such yummy dishes.
    =)
    Fortunately, I was able to refrain from stuffing myself, even though all the food was so yummy its kinda hard not to overeat.

    Since we were at my folk's place this year, instead of all trekking down to Escondido (San Diego County), we got to use their new CA Poppies China (a reproduction of one of the sets of China used on the Santa Fe Rail Road, if I recall correctly). They're really pretty, and since they're reproduction of a Railroad China set, they're smaller sized than 'normal' china. Which is kinda cool since they all fit better on the table AND it means you can't overload your plate as much.
    ;-)

    But I digress. As we leisurely ate our meal, we chit-chatted and in general had a good time covering a variety of topics in our conversation. (Not that I can recall any right now, mind you =). After dinner, my dad got a chance to show off his new flatscreen tv (to his folks and sister) with a showing of The Alps video. (http://www.amazon.com/Alps-Blu-ray-Michael-Gambon/dp/B001BEK892/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1228352291&sr=8-1 ) I must admit that this is a pretty cool video to see on a really good tv. Not only is the picture quality good on the tv, the video itself was filmed in IMAX *and* its Blu-Ray, so you KNOW that the resolution is amazing! All in all it was pretty neat to watch the gorgeous Swiss scenery as it flashed by on the screen.

    Soon, though my sister (Sara) and her hubby had to leave for their next party, which was back down in San Diego with Jeremiah's extended family. After a family photo was taken, and a round of goodbyes had been made, SaraMiah departed. Next, Tim and Monica got to show off their photos (and photos taken by others) from their trip to Argentina earlier in the year. After viewing the photos, they too had to take off so they could join up with Monica's family Thanksgiving, and another round of goodbyes was made.

    Not too long afterwards, I too made my goodbyes and headed up to LA to join in with the Enigma Thanksgiving (already going on, but I was just joining in when I was able to). When I arrived, there wasn't much parking (sorta expected that), but after circling the nearby streets for a bit I eventually found a not-terribly-*too*-far-away parking spot and made my way to the party. They were just serving dinner when I arrived. What great timing! =) I wasn't terribly hungry since I had only eaten a few hours earlier, but I did make a small plate and snack on a few items to tide me over till dessert.

    I gotta say that the party was a lot of fun. I only knew a handful of people, but I did get to introduce myself to a number of Enigma people (or friends of Enigma) and occasionally someone, like Jen K, did remember to introduce me first. =) I even got to chat about costuming with one of the other gals there (who is interested in doing a costume for a Cthulu game that's coming up in January and wanted ideas for an outfit).

    When the dessert came out, there were a couple of pies (including a yummy Lemon Meringue), a brownie creation (not sure what it was, but it was yummy) in a cast iron skillet, and my various cookies/treats. We definitely had plenty of dessert! And I got complimented on my desserts. (Yea! =)

    And while the party was fun, it was a long day, and when David said he was interested in heading back to the FIRM (he still had stuff to work on to get ready for the Lux Theater show the next day) I decided to leave at the same time and give him a ride. Back at the FIRM, I got to chat with him while he got things together for the show, and also with Graydon when he arrived, and eventually we all called it a night. (Whereupon I got to crash on the couch...which is a very comfy couch, btw. Thanks guys! =)

    And well, that's the end of my Thanksgiving Day, so I'll end Part 1 here. =)

    (I'll continue with my weekend at LosCon in another post...later tonight most likely)