After a bit of thinking and planning it looks like I am heading back to Philly!! I'm considering a house in Northern Liberties, Fishtown or the Art Museum section. Looking to be in a new place by Sept 1st!

Ruperts new baby brother...TWINS!!

Is anyone going to this??!!...

http://www.kimmelcenter.org/events/summer-solstice09.php

Let me know!

XoXo!!

Sole Food at the Lowes in Center City, it was nicer than I expected. I had raw oysters to start then had my favorite the Chillean Sea Bass, it was topped with crab meat meat and rested on a bed of greens, YUMMY!! Due to my tooth I skipped dessert, but it's OK I'm still enjoying chocolate I have here at home :)

Did some unexpected shopping today, that was nice. Went to Bath and Body Works since they are having their huge semi-annual sale. Got a bunch of foaming hand soaps, and a few other things, I'm a big designer perfume fan so I don't much care for their body sprays, but everything just smells soooo good there! Who knows maybe I'll go back and get some sprays they are nice and light for the summer time.

Got a few outfits and a dress at one of my favorite stores and was gifted the Micheal Kors bag that I've been wanting...BONUS!!! I love my job! Tomorrow I continue my shopping at the KOP Mall where I'll get a new Micheal Kors wallet and sun glasses, some make-up, perfume and few other things and will be gifted again with SHOES SHOES SHOES!!

Other than that nothing else to report. I miss my honey, he's still sick, but getting caught up with his geek-ery, so that's a good thing :)

PLEASE let me sleep tonight, I have a busy day tomorrow with lunch, shopping, dinner and then work stuff.

And then I'll be doing it all again on Wednesday!

KTHNXBYE...

Wow, I have so much catching up to do. Seems that when things are going well, I lack at posting. the weeks have been kinda running into one another, and the weekends have been fantastic! Not sure where to begin really.

I guess I'll just skip a whole bunch of stuff....

This weekend Will and I spent in the city, I have not spent a weekend away from home in ages! I usually prefer to sleep in the comfort of my own home and my own bed, and usually can't sleep well anywhere else. Well, I did sleep!! Yay!! And very well too.

Friday we went to dinner in town, then over to the Franklin Institute for the Star Trek Exhibit, that was fun. No picture taking was allowed 9he tried, but got caught after taking a few), but we had pics taken. Will bought me a Tribble!! Ohhh, my Tribble is the cutest!! Then he conn-ed me into going on the Star Trek Simulator Ride, ohh geez! I knew it was gonna flip upside down, let's just say I was terrified, and leave it at that!! Went back to his house and took a four hour nap, lol. It was naptastic! then watched a movie, then back to sleep!

Saturday we met up with friends old and new for dinner at Pastoral, my favorite Korean restaurant, this was after a HUGE breakfast/lunch of rice and beans, pork, a potato balls!! We weren't very hungry at dinner, but it was still fun and tasty too :)

Then for dessert we went to the Naked Chocolate Cafe at 1317 Walnut Street. OMG FABULOUS!! So much chocolate! If you have not been, well then GO!!!

After parting ways with everyone we headed over to Ulana's for what turned out to be a short stay, between my tooth aching and his cold of doom coming on, I don't think either one of us was really feeling it, so we went back to his house and tried watching a movie but ended up having sleep-a- thon part II.

Today I came home. Rupert missed me and was happy to have me back :) I was happy to see him as well. He loves the Tribble!! I took a few pics I'll get them uploaded eventually.


Tomorrow I'll be having dinner at Sole Food, been wanting to check out that place for a while. It's a Fusion / Eclectic seafood restaurant and I just love seafood!

Tuesday I have work stuff and a shopping spree at Macy's, that'll be fun. I have my eye on a Micheal Kors handbag, wallet and sunglasses, MAC make-up and some summer clothes.

Wednesday more work, but I also get to spend a few hours at the Spa at the Lowes in the city, that should be nice and relaxing! I'm gonna get the 90 minute massage, a wrap (not sure which one yet), hair (color, trim and styled) facial and make-up application and whatever else they have to offer.

In other news I need more dental work done. I am going in Thursday for a root canal, it'll be my first and I am a little nervous, but my dentist is the man! And I feel pretty comfortable with him, so I am sure all will go well. In the meantime he prescribed me some pain pills so they'll help me get by the next few days.

Had another awesome fun week/weekend. And looking forward to another :) We saw Angels and Demons on Friday, and then saw Star Trek on Sunday, went to the World Live Cafe for the first time (first time for me). That was fun. Had Pho in China Town, that was a big disappointment, me thinks I'll stay with Pho Ha on S. 11th street! Shopping at Macy's Friday and Sunday, and a few other spots, and uhhh, wow I can't even remember everything we did. I do have to admit I have seen more of my city this month then I have in all the years I have lived here!

This week:

Monday: Is MINE, mine mine mine!! For cleaning, post office run, maybe laundry and all that good stuff.

Tuesday: Going to Molly's it's her B Day! Then may be going to the first viewing of Terminator in KOP, depends on timing and such.

Wednesday: Dentist for tooth repair/possible root canal! :( then going to a Skate party in the North East for Candi's Birthday!

Thursday: Another me day, may get a pedi, and whatever else needs to be done. Or possibly another city day. Not sure yet.

Friday: Probably off to the city again, then back here to prep for Saturday!!

Saturday: Drac's Ball!! Yay!!

What else can I say?! I have nothing at all to complain about. I have had an awesome couple of weeks, met an awesome guy, and work and business is going quite well. I'm even trying to get on the ball and plan at least a weekend trip for next month.

I couldn't really ask for anything more at this point. I was a little worried when I first came back home from AZ, but everyday that passes I am reminded of how fortunate I have been and am. I always say that everything that happens in this life happens for a reason, and I truly believe that and live by that rule.

I came back from AZ stronger then when I left, I think deep down that was my goal, to gain happiness and take away the sadness that was in my life, it wasn't actually going to AZ that did that for me, it was realizing that my true happiness is here, at home, with my friends and those who love me. It was right here all along, I guess sometimes we all just need a reminder of that. I say it all the time and I'll say it again... I have the most wonderful friends a girl could ask for :)

I guess we all have our ups and downs, I was lucky to only have had one real down time period in my life. I was in a funk, but I am out of it now, and now I know the signs. And I know what I need to do and when to do it. My friends all have a better understanding of me now, and they got mah back!! and that's a pretty amazing feeling, that I am thankful for each day that goes by.

I have learned to focus on the good things in life, and keep going forward I am truly blessed in this life, and the best thing of all is that I realize it. So may don't and they let all the good little things pass them by as they worry about all the negative things in life. At least once a day you should stop and smell the roses, realize what and who you have with and around you and be thankful for them and all those little things that makes life so amazing. and it will make all those little things you don't like seem so much smaller, after all they don't deserve your attention nor energy.

OK, I'm done being tacky now :)

Thursday:

Wow, so I had a fantabulous day!

Finally got to the zoo! This was actually my first trip where I got to see everything I wanted to see, and I had a camera with me, so I got to take many beautiful pictures. I was a little worried about my photographing abilities with the camera I have been using, but I had no problems at all. I'll be posting a ton of pics tomorrow. (they are posted on MySpace)

Had a good time with Molly, I think we needed a day like this, you know just the girls, we had lunch in China Town at what I think is quickly becoming one of my favorite spots to eat in China Town, this was my second time there and the food is wonderful.

I spent the rest of the evening in town with Will, had a blast. went to HardRock cafe, then over to maco's on South, did a ton of walking, and acted a fo' (I love saying that) Ohh, I even learned a new urban term! It started raining and that sucked :( but it was still fun :) Took the scenic route back to the train, it would have been nicer if it wasn't raining, I really love that whole area and the houses. So maybe next time it won't be raining!!

Well, that's about it for me right now, I am gonna have a snack and watch some TV or read until I drift off. But it was a truly wonderful day and a great evening so I wanted to share.

Friday/Saturday...

I had an amazing weekend :) It couldn't have been any better. I am exhausted, but very happy :)

I can't think of anywhere we didn't go this weekend! Hardrock Cafe,ChinaTown for Pho! The Art Museum for the CeZanne exhibit, the tavern place on 17th and Sansom (forget the name) with their uhhhh, lite meal?! More on this later, lol.

China Town again, where I got lots of shrimp balls! I'm sure our waiter just loved me :) then to the National Constitution center, a bit more of old city, ice cream! YUM! and Penns Landing, where the prom kids were thoroughly entertained ;) then Manny Browns for lots of beer, jack and we shared a "dirty hoe", all with a reading from "A letter From The Lord" all inclusive with a follow up call! In the event you are wondering, the lord is NOT available after 11 PM on weekends! But you CAN leave a detailed voice message!

So to keep this brief I had a fantastic weekend!

Picture post coming soon!

Again due to the weather I am going to postpone the picnic, I'll have a new date later in the week or next week. The forecast is still showing rain for Saturday and after raining for the past two weeks the grounds of the park would be muddy and we would not be able to take full advantage of the scenery and walking trails the park has to offer.

I'm aiming for last weekend of May. I'll keep everyone posted. If anyone wants to do something else as a group that day, shoot me an email and we'll do that instead!!

Due to the weather we see it best to change the picnic date to Saturday May 9th, all other details remain the same...

Picnic details so far...

As some of you already know I am arranging a get together picnic for SATURDAY May 9TH. Were gonna have it at "Fort Washington National Park" It's a beautiful park with over three miles of walking trails and much more. Here's the link with park info and directions...

Time:
12 Noon until....

Location:
Fort Washington State park;
500 Bethlehem Pike
Fort Washington, PA 19034

We will be:
Location:
Militia Hill Pavilion
It's near the entrance to the park.

http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/fortwashington.aspx


This is a non-alcohol picnic, those of us who wish to go out for drinks after (we) can. One of the or actually the main reason I am doing this is because one of my best friends is recently recovered, sober 90 days! We're all very proud of her and would love to do a gathering every month that she can actually attend :)

I do need to know who can attend. On my end we'll be bringing the basics...Burgers, hot dogs, chicken, rolls, buns, condiments, and all of that stuff. What we'll need others to bring would be sides, salads, beverages (sodas/water) fruit/veggie tray stuff like that, so please let me know here or in a private message if you will be coming, bringing a guest and what you will be bringing.

...going quite well in my world right now. It's been six months since I have been back from Arizona, Still working on my apartment, but I am nicely settled in now, and feel comfortable. Kinda wishing I had a bigger place though, so I could have some dinners/gatherings here. But if the first floor apartment ever opens up, I have first dibs on it, and will get a great deal since I fixed up this apartment, and will do the same to that one ;)

Work stuff is going well also, and finances are getting a bit better. I'm pretty lucky to be able to maintain living on my own, with the way the economy is. most people are room-mating and such. that's just not a good option for me. I read so many horror stories about room-mate situations, and don't care to be one of them, lol.

the picnic is coming up this Sunday, I'm excited :) sadly a few close friends won't be able to make it :( Barb and her family will be at Disney for the entire week starting Saturday, and then there are a few big event sin the city this Sunday as well. But there's always next time ;) looks like 30+ will be showing up though, so that's good. Including an old friend I have not spoken to in a while, just due to lack of communication. She worked with me at my old job as my accounting assistant. She's engaged now!! And I'll get to meet her Husband to be, and we'll get to catch up on things.

I decided against my own better judgment and sent R. an invitation, mostly because I miss the kids, well they're not "kids" but you know what I mean. I want to see his daughter and son-in-law, I miss them!! So hopefully I'll get to see them. As far as R. goes, I am gonna take any kind of friendship slow. And most likely won't communicate much with him at all.

I am going to Drac's Ball and hope to see many of you there :) I have to go get my outfit, well the bottom half of it anyway, so tomorrow I may take a train to the city, I'll be near South Street if anyone wants to meet up for food or a drink, let me know! It's not often I venture into the city alone these days since I usually have a ride there, but I do like taking the train sometimes, it can be kinda peaceful :) And I love Penns landing so I may stop there and chill for a bit.

Makos on South Street (3rd Floor) Starts at 9pm, we'll be seeing my friend Ilyssa off to Europe!

Check out her personal web page here...

www.djtotentanz.com
DJ Totentanz, a Philly-based industrial DJ.

Let's send her off in style!

And yes! I intend on keeping everyone pretty busy ;)

XoXo!
Desto!

I'll post another update closer to the date.

Who's going!!??

Picnic details so far...

As some of you already know I am arranging a get together picnic for Sunday May 3rd. Were gonna have it at "Fort Washington National Park" It's a beautiful park with over three miles of walking trails and much more. Here's the link with park info and directions...

11am until....
Location:
Fort Washington State park;
500 Bethlehem Pike
Fort Washington, PA 19034
(215) 591-5250

http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/fortwashington.aspx

We should have a spot with a BBQ reserved by this afternoon. If anything changes I will keep everyone here posted.

This is a non-alcohol picnic, those of us who wish to go out for drinks after can. One of the or actually the main reason I am doing this is because one of my best friends is recently recovered, sober 90 days! So this is in honor of her achievement! We're all very proud of her and would love to do a social gathering every month that she can comfortably attend :)

I do need to know who can attend. On my end we'll be bringing the basics...Burgers, hot dogs, chicken, rolls, buns, condiments, and all of that stuff. What we'll need others to bring would be sides, salads, beverages (sodas/water) fruit/veggie tray stuff like that, so please let me know here or in a private message if you will be coming, bringing a guest and what you will be bringing.

XoXo!
Desto!

Put my fathers artwork up today, I received a couple of pieces back in October. I framed one, still need to frame the other. I was unsure if I was going to display it or not, but I have. I feel good about it. I may not have known him, never met him and never will now that he's gone, but at least I have a part of him here with me.

I still have not read his book, just like a book about the "incident" I held onto that for over ten years and never read it. But I think I am ready now...

I think I made a post here a few months back with a bit more about the artwork and book...

Took mark Anthony to his Vet today, this is the vet he's been going to for all eleven of his years. I am no stranger when it comes to vets nor am I new to taking care of medically needy cats. Mark Anthony has Hyperthyroidism, this is very commonly found in older cats. I've had a cat with this condition before, but he was also diabetic and suffered from CRF (chronic renal failure) So in his case we did not treat the thyroid since so many other issues were already being treated. Anyway he lived another good four years even with all the issues, he was 14 when he passed. I've spent a lot of time and money on vets, and I have been able to build decent relationships with quite a few.

I've also had cats in the past with cancer and other terminal illnesses, so I am no stranger when it comes to talking to vets and learning everything I need to learn for each pet, and how to take care of them. I've done everything from daily pills, injections, special diets and even Subcutaneous fluids

I did not like the vet I went to today, he knows I am taking care of Mark Anthony now, and he has no clue as to if I have any experience with cats in his situation. He was not a very warm doctor, didn't talk to me about Mark Anthony's condition. I asked all the questions I thought I should ask, like his weight and what his weight was when he was last seen. I mentioned that he is shedding a bit more than I think he should be, blah blah blah. I didn't think he was very helpful, I told him of M.A.'s new diet of dry Science Diet and canned Fancy Feast and Purina Pro plan, he had no nutrition advice and no comment at all actually.

You see, I am not just allowing M.A. to take up residency in my home, letting him use a litter box and eat his meals here. I am trying to provide a good, happy and healthy home for him. I'd like to know his history, I'd like some advice of anything I can do to help him be healthier and happier during his older years. What did I get? Nothing, zilch, nada!

I have a feeling I'll be taking M.A. to a new vet in the future.

Well, I just got my first letter from L. It was pretty sad :( but what else should I have expected. I hate seeing a friend down and hurt. Considering where she is I shouldn't have expected anything less.

I'll write her back tonight, I'll try to cheer her up, even though I am sure that is not possible. There is so little I can do to help her now. All I can do is support her from a distance, go to court if it's needed and of course take care of Mark Anthony and make sure that he has the best life he can, I know that would make her happy.

It's not much, but due to the circumstances it is all that I can do.

I'm sure she'll be happy to hear he is going to the Vet, and that he's all fine and dandy :)

She is hurt that she has no home to come back to. I can understand that in a way, but I doubt that house and that neighborhood would ever be a home to her again. I think that a fresh new start would be the best thing for her.

Just like when I purged everything I owned and moved cross-county with 6 suitcases and Rupert, I came back in September with less than I left with. But I had an opportunity to start fresh and new, and I can say this, there isn't much better than a fresh start.

I had the support of all my friends, and within one month I was back on my feet and independent again, and living in a much better place and all and all, much much happier.

She is now in fear of being away for the long haul. I don't think people are being completely honest with her, and keep telling her that everything looks good. It doesn't, it really doesn't. And I wish I could take all of her pain away, I wish I could make everything better for her, and go back into time and change things, but I can't. All I can do is offer her my on going friendship and support.

THE RULES: I'm not going to tag anyone. Feel free to steal and do this meme if you want. Just re-post this as your name followed by "ology".

***********FOODOLOGY***************

1. What is your salad dressing of choice?
This always changes for me. Right now it's Poppy Seed dressing. an old back up for me would be French. I usually go for a little something different when there is a good selection. Another all time fav of mine is Green Goddess from salad Works, but I don't really care much for their salads.

2. What is your favorite sit-down restaurant?
I have several if your talking three to five star then any of the Steven Star restaurants i.e. tangerine, Buddakan, Continental, Morimoto...Comfort food would be Pho Haa, Lake Side Deli for Dim Sum before they closed :(...

3. What food could you eat every day for two weeks and not get sick of?
PHO! And I have!

4. What are your pizza toppings of choice?
Mushrooms and green peppers

5.What do you like to put on your toast?
Butter or fruit spread of some sort

***********TECHNOLOGY***************

1. How many televisions are in your house?
For the first time in my life, just 1! ha! And it's a small one, lol...

2. What color cell phone do you have?
Purple

3. How long would it take you to look up who invented the Rubber Band?
a few seconds??

4. Have any idea how many Megahertz your computer has?
2.33mhz memory??

***************BIOLOGY******************

1. Are you right-handed or left-handed?
Right

2. Have you ever had anything removed from your body?
all 4 wisdom teeth

3. What is the last heavy item you lifted?
cat litter, I'm on the third floor so it's actually annoying when they add in 5lbs free!!

4. Have you ever been knocked unconscious?
Nada

************BULLCRAPOLOGY**************

1. If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die?
No

2. If you could change your name, what would you change it to?
I'm fine with my first name, now my last name is the issue, NO ONE can pronounce it correctly...GRRRR!!!!

3. Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $1000?
HELL YEAH!! I LOVE hot sauce! That would be a truly easy task, bring it on!

************DUMBOLOGY******************

1. How many pairs of flip flops do you own?
Two

2. Last time you had a run-in with the cops.
A VERY long time ago, thank you ;)

3. Last person you talked to?
Bob

4. Last person you hugged?
Bob and Potato when they were leaving today

**************FAVORITOLOGY****************

1. Season?
Fall.

2. Holiday?
???

3. Day of the week?
???

4. Month?
October


***********CURRENTOLOGY*****************

1. Missing someone?
No

2. Mood?
mellow, winding down

3. What are you listening to?
Silence, total silence...

4. Watching?
Nothing yet, I am sure I'll watch something soon though. Maybe a Lifetime movie I recorded! LOL!!!

***************RANDOMOLOGY*****************

1. First place you went this morning?
...this afternoon, PetSmart

2. What's the last movie you saw?
Beverly Hills Chihuahua, and I LOVED it!

3. Do you smile often?
Yes, I'm silly like that :)

4. Sleeping Alone Tonight?
Yup, well Rupert and Mark Anthony will be around...Mrrow!


***************OTHER-OLOGY*****************

1. Do you always answer your phone?
No

2. Its four in the morning and you get a text message, who is it?
Uhh, that would be No One! I'm sleeping at that time and my ringer is on silent unless I am using the alarm.

3. If you could change your eye color what would it be?
I'm happy with what I've got, thank you

4. What flavor do you add to your drink at Sonic?
While I was out west I never went to one, not sure if they have them here, but if they did it would be something blue or red.

5. Do you own a digital camera?
Yes

6. Have you ever had a pet fish?
Oscars (they are the greatest), cat fish, tetras, a few different Cichlids, and some algae eaters...

7. Favorite Christmas song(s):
Ohh Christmass Treeeeee!!!!

8. What's on your wish list for your birthday?
No clue

9. Can you do push ups?
I'll try later, then get back to you on this

10. Can you do a chin up?
No clue

11. Does the future make you more nervous or excited?
excited

12. Do you have any saved texts?
no

13. Ever been in a car wreck?
A few small ones, mostly involving deer, and one involving a crazy Jamaican in North Philly.

14. Do you have an accent?
I don't think so

15. What is the last song to make you cry?
Let's skip this...

16. Plans tonight?
ZZZzzzzzz....

17. Have you ever felt like you hit rock bottom?
Nope

18. Name 3 things you bought yesterday.
cat food, cat litter, groceries

19. Have you ever been given roses?
yeah, it's been a few years though :(

20. Current worry?
Nothing really. Ohh Mark Anthony, but he'll be going to the vet this week :)

21. Current hate right now?
Those who do not value friendship, and take others for granted, and don't appreciate anything in life...

22. Met someone who changed your life?
Yes

23. How will you bring in the New Year?
Hmmmm....I've got a while to go for this one.

24. What song represents you?
No clue!

25. Name three people who might complete this?
Hopefully someone else is willing to share. Please?

26. Would you go back in time if you were given the chance?
Nope, not at all. I rather go forward and see what life hands me next. Everything in that past happens for a reason and puts us where we are today.

27. Have you ever dated someone longer than a year?
Yes...4yrs, 12yrs, 4yrs.

28. Do you have any tattoos/piercings?
Yes

29. Will you be in a relationship 4 months from now?
Don't know

30. Does anyone love you?
Yes, my friends luv me! :)

31. Ever had someone sing to you?
Yes

32. When did you last cry?
been a while, but if you count movies, uhhh...often, lol. You try watching the Notebook...OMG! I cried after the first 20 minutes and didn't stop until the end.

33. Do you like to cuddle?
Yes

34. Have you held hands with anyone today?
No

35. What kind of music did you listen to in elementary school?
Classic rock, new wave, old school rap....

36. Are most of the friends in your life new or old?
I have some that have been there more than 20 years and others that are newer.

37. Do you like pulpy orange juice?
I like "some" pulp