Sun, Sand, & Sensational Settings

The sun rises over ocean and begins to gleam into the bedroom on my face.  The day begins with my older pup laying in the corner on her dog bed just a snoring away.  Sometimes, its harder to decipher which is worse, the dogs or the husband’s snoring.  

The beach just 6 blocks from house

I climb out of bed and begin to wonder (like Maria from “Sound of Music”), What will this day be like?  I wonder?  What will my future be?  I wonder?

Quickly off to the shower and then get the girls ready for a morning walk.  As I am outside, though it’s 54 degrees you feel the temperature rising quickly.  All roads point to it being 77 degrees today by 11 am.  

This will be my last day off before I start my new job with a new concept.  The work load should be about the same but learning the new concept is going to be my adventure.  So today is all about capturing the day...carpe de um.  

We chose to begin the day with a scrumptious meal from a corned beef restaurant right in our apartment complex.  Probably the best corned beef I had prior to a place in Michigan.  

After our breakfast, we had some basic errands to run. Then we began with a tour of homes that had open houses.  Honestly, its amazing how little you get with you money and depending on what you are looking for.  We discovered that if you want space, you live further from the ocean; vice versa for views of the ocean or simply convenience to the water, smaller space.  Hmm, tough choices.  

By mid afternoon, we chose to take a drive around the neighborhood.  May I just say that when it comes to diversity, truly amazing town Long Beach.  Key West, San Francisco and others have nothing on the sheer bulk of what is offered here.  

By 4 pm, time for a late lunch and we chose to have Pho.  What, Pho you don’t say.  Best I have had yet and rated 4 1/2 stars on yelp with 250 reviews.  WOW.

After wards, just a quick ride to the beach and a nice stroll.  Then off the crib for a walk with the girls (our huskies) and a basic whine down before my new day with Olive Garden.

My adventures are small but each day am growing more and more in love with not just the west coast life but the culture and diversity.  There really is a huge difference between coasts.  Everyone should experience it at some point in their lives.  As everyone who knows me, there is always room at the Inn.  

Gather the women folk as we a headin' out west

The day began with your typical, "Ouch, where did that come from?  This isn't my pillow...wait where am I?"  No, not the who did I sleep with last night and why don't I remember a thing but staying at a friends house and realizing that all of your worldly possessions are on a moving truck headed west.  You?? Your in someones guest bed realizing that it's not yours and your freaking out (but only for a second).

Cinzia and John (humans);
Sarah Leigh & Taylor Mae (canines)

Yes, it's officially "D"day when my huskies take their first and only plane ride trip and I say good bye to Nashville and begin a new out west.  I bound myself out of the futon and had a shower.  FYI, ever notice that when you feel alone, or just what ever, a nice hot shower and snap you back.  If not, that's how I felt and this isn't about your experiences but mine.  LOL :)
My great friend Herb made an amazing omelet that became a fritta.  We actually had a chuckle over that.  Some may even say a guffaw.
Then with a lickity split maneuver, it was back to the condo for a round up of tid-bits and pack up the girls.
So as you can see from the photo, I was not alone in making this all happen today.  My wonderful friends John and Cinzia assisted me to the airport.  The above photo was taken as we got them out and headed into the airport.  Yes, a tear was shed by Cinzia and Babatu for different reasons;  Babatu's was because his girls would be out of his control and in the "BELLY OF THE BEAST" airplane and Cinzia because her tuabab was leaving.  Now don't get me wrong, I will miss Nashville for the friendships and such but the city was not a Calling for me.  Nothing wrong with that just know who you are and find that location.  I loved Chicago and missed it dearly when we moved.
Finally, it came time to turn over the girls and I was a bit more emotional than I was anticipating.  Yes, I realize logically they are dogs and they should be fine but my heart was breaking because I would not be there to protect them should luggage fall on their kennel or during turbulence.  Worst yet, the dreaded landing when 50,000 tons of steel come barreling down a cement runway and bracing to stop.  I kept sending them metal telepathy (like aquamam) "You are fine, you'll be ok.  Both your Dad's love you and we will see you soon.  Honest..." The flight was a bit choppy for take off and the landing was not as bad as I described in my "vision" but none the less, it was a landing.
So, the day came to an end with a strong hug for the girls and my man at the airport.  We got into some traffic (Ha, ha, some traffic) and it took an 1 1/2 to get from LAX to our house (22 miles) but we are safe and secure in our home.  Our new life begins...NOW!!

As I lay here in bed, I am thinking of my life here in Nashville; the people I have met, the food that I have consumed and most importantly, the life I began to set up.  All of this is about to change for at 6:30 pm Thursday, the engines will erupt into a thunderous sound and begin propelling me to my new life in Long Beach, California.  Wait, what?  Who are you and what is this about?  OK, let me start from a basic beginning.  Stand by for the proverbial back story....
Once upon a time, in a far off land...Oh wait, sorry, that's one of my favorite television shows on ABC airing Sundays (shameful plug).  My story begins with me being from humble roots in Rochester, NY where I was raised with my family.  It was a nice childhood, then, like most households, my parents got divorced and my mother moved us to Baltimore.  I finished my adolescence there where I received my pastry degree.  I moved to Charlotte, NC were I began my career but I got burned out in the industry.
Now to understand me, you need to understand I am a true Sagittarian. According to ganeshaspeaks.com, Sagittarians are fun loving, care free individuals that live life to the fullest.  Thus, this is my story.  Correction this will be about my journey.  For example, I just turned 40 in November and I decided to buy an SUV.  My care that I traded in was only 2 years old (purchased brand new) but  my reasoning was you only turn 40 once and I wanted a better technology package.  Honestly, the SAG in me was more enamored by the new car bug.  But I digress, I am missing the point of this new journey.
So, back to the laying of bread crumbs to follow the story/journey I am creating.  I am leaving for my new life in a short time.  I have two dogs that may (please, you know they will make an appearance or twelve) be discussed along my travels.
For now, I lay here thinking what is in store for me.  I do believe that the good lord above lays out our paths for a reason and we must follow them; similarly as Dorothy was supposed to but we tend to stray the path.  If you continue to follow me I am sure I will dab a smile on your face.
This evening was a great close for me as I was able to spend it with two dear friends Herb and Antonio.  Upon my arrival at their house, my room was very nice but I did mention that there were no chocolates awaiting my turn down service.  We all had a quick chuckle then magically Antonio presented me with a box.  Now before you start judging me, I was only kidding.  My dear friends know that and I am quite sarcastic.  It's the dry sense of humor us yankees have.
Anyway, we decided for a casual meal at O'Charlie's and it was quite tasty.  I had a Sierra Tilapia with rice and broccoli.  For all my weight watcher friends, it was "point worthy".  Finally, I dashed back to the condo to let my girls out for the evening and returned to my friends for an episode of Scandal (ABC thursdays after Greys Anatomy).  They asked if I liked the show, I quickly said I have never missed an episode and if I do, I have ABC player on the Ipad to ensure I catch up.  LOL
Now, as I me down for the evening, I begin to ponder all the people I have met here in Nashville.  A great city but I will admit, limiting on things to do.  I used to live in Chicago where there was always something.  Nashville is a great place for families and raising of kids...I um, don't have kids.'
I will sign off with this, though the day draws to a close, the memories never fade.  I use this space to reflect on what has been learned and what is to be gained.  Tomorrow is a new adventure and I can't wait to begin a new.