What we've been up to lately.
2009 to 11/01/09
Feb. 6, 2009 - Cloud 9 Vaporizes
If you have a good job, in this economy...you're lucky. Count your blessings everyday. What a mess. I had the best job yet and it all vaporized in an instant. I knew things were slow, but I kept busy upgrading things around the office and having 7 years of experience here, I could quickly turn around typical projects, help everyone around, accept the lack of holiday parties, bonuses, and raises as needed. But nothing is typical when budgets are cut in half, you're then always over budget, and no new work is coming through the door. So on a rainy Friday (which is rare here in SoCal) I'm packing my 22 file boxes of notes, books, paperwork, etc. What a bitch. Lugging it all out to my car, saying goodbye to everyone, and driving off into the rainy cloud-covered sunset, I'm off.
Feb. 13-16, 2009 - IBR in SF
IBR in San Francisco was ok. Don and I ventured up there for a long weekend. Unfortunately it rained almost the entire time we were there....hurricane-like actually. Our first trip without a rental car and flying into SFO for once. Bart got us to City Hall where we caught a cab to the host hotel. Luckily my iTouch helped us find good eats in the neighborhood. We had to buy umbrellas and try to stay dry all weekend. We made it to a few parties and had some fun. Unfortunately we got a call on Sat. night telling us that our best friend in SoCal had passed away...what a bitch. After fighting an infection on a toe for 9 months, following breaking an ankle getting out of an SUV, the infection spread and diabetes didn't help. His heart finally wore out. Damn. We think of him often. So now we're bummin' around SF and trying to have a good time in the rain. Oh well...at least we're not sitting at home.
Feb. 24 - Mar. 1, 2009 - VA Trip
I ventured home to Virginia to visit my Mom and help her through her surgery for a clogged artery. All went well and it was great chilling with her and hanging out. I even found a healthy pizza place called Pizza Fusion.
Apr. 13, 2009 - Back To Work
I got lucky and landed a job at an interesting company that specializes in legal work, forensics, and such concerning earthwork. If your house is moving and cracking, give me a call...we'll figure it out, for a fee.
April 18-24, 2009 - Mexican Riviera Cruise on Norwegian Star
Back on an RSVP cruise down the coast for a week. Lots of fun, sun, parties, alcohol, sight-seeing, and new friends. In Cabo we spent the day poolside at a hotel "Niki Beach Club - Melia" and pigged out on fresh tacos and drinks. In Mazatlan we went to a private house for a shrimp buffet with music, poolside. In Puerto Vallarta we took a tour of the city and a Mexican cooking class at Senior Frogs. Good food and alcohol. Always fun to pig out on fresh Mexican food and drink with warm weather and a fun ship to party on all week.
Back Issues
After fighting back pain for months, doctors, physical therapy, etc., I finally figure out what's wrong...too much sitting and not enough correct stretching and exercising. I actually think I crushed my back while moving my boxes of books out of my office when I got laid off. I could hardly move for the 2 months I was off. It always amazes me how doctors can't figure much out and physical therapists don't know enough to do much good or answer many questions. Luckily I love the internet and reading and figuring things out, so after much reading and buying a couple books on Amazon, I finally figured out what to do and it's working. When my back is in pain, I just stretch it out, exercise it a bit and all is well for a day or two. Maintenance!
June 12, 2009 - Don Laid Off
Damn economy caught up to Don. Now he's bored sitting at home having fun on facebook and such. We're laying low, not buying concert or play tickets, etc. Eating at home more. We've actually lost 30-40 lbs. eating better and staying home. Recessions can do that so I've heard. We're feeling better and getting healthy. Yeah!
Fall Is Here - 2009
Enjoying the tourists leaving, cooler weather, etc. Just wish it would rain sometime.
Check out some of my photos on my Smugmug site.
