Saturday, October 25, 2003

It’s snowing ashes outside! The fires are so bad right now all over Southern California! Outside looks and smells like a giant ashtray. Everything is covered in ash; my pool has an entire layer of the junk. I’ve never seen it like this before, even when the fires have been closer. We’re supposed to go to a wedding today, outdoors. I’m not sure if I want to go stand outside in this, it isn’t good to breath in all of this smoke. I can’t imagine what a mess it’s going to be for the wedding couple. If she has a white dress, it will most definitely be gray by this evening. Hopefully things will turn out well. It was originally supposed to be up to 101 degrees today, I thought I might actually get some sun. It’s more like 70 degrees because the smoke and ash have completely blocked out the suns rays. It’s really weird; the sun looks like a neon pink fireball.

I’m watching the Breeder’s Cup on TV today, first time. It’s so interesting, I can’t believe I never paid attention to horse racing before. That female jockey, Julie won her race today, which they said was the first time a female won in The Breeder’s Cup. Good for her! They just had the first ever “dead heat,” just now. How exciting, the winners get to share two million dollars.

I better get ready for the wedding; wonder if I have anything gray to wear?

Thursday, October 23, 2003

I just took a refreshing swim in my pool! It had been a while, but the weather is so nice for October, the water is 82 degrees! I just love Indian Summer (yeah, so does Bustamante-JK!) I can’t ever remember it being so nice at the end of October, it’s wonderful. A helicopter made several circles over my backyard, I’m sure that was just coincidence, but I may have to start wearing my bikini (no way, it’s just not the same.)

That obnoxious candidate Bill Wyatt (William Tsangeres,) is running for President. I got an e-mail from him today that proves he’s on the ballot in Missouri, the “Show Me” state. Then I thought hey, the “Show Me” state would be perfect for me! Think of all the jokes that could come out of that one! Anyway, I think it’s great that he is showing that anyone can run for office. He’s right about the fact we tell our children, as we were told,” You can be anything you want when you grow up, even President.” After we grow up a few years we realize that would never happen. I thought about running earlier before the Governor’s race was over to keep the momentum going. Then realized, I need to get back to work! Besides, people would really think I’ve gone off the deep end and consider me crazy (now, now, I know some of you may already have gone there.) Anyway, I have decided to look into the Santa Ana City Council. It just so happens that there is a position available for 2004. I’m going to check into it soon. Who knows?

I received an e-mail today from Curt Renz, in Illinois. It started with “Hi Cousin!” I don’t think we are related, but it is fun to read all the e-mails from possible relatives. My closest known relative that I keep in contact with is in Indiana!

Wednesday, October 22, 2003

I just spent the entire day cleaning and doing laundry! My place was such a mess; I couldn’t stand it any longer! I still haven’t found the bottom of my desk yet. I have so many papers and campaign related things lying all over the place. I need to sit down and organize everything, put together a little book. I have received all the sample ballots from each district, all 80 of them! I was expecting one sample ballot, I didn’t realize because our names were in a different order in each district, that they were going to do this.

I had a good day at work yesterday trying to get back into the awing of things. Most people walked in and joked that “Hey, there’s a new bartender!” Things are getting back to normal. The jokes will be endless I can tell. I gave the change back to the wrong customer once and I heard,” That’s why Arriana got more votes than you.” Then there’s the standard question I only hear a dozen times a day,” Has Arnold called you yet to help him out?” It’s all in fun; we have a good time with it.

Tuesday, October 21, 2003

I can’t sleep! I’ve been awake since 3:30am for some reason. Monday was back to normal, that’s for sure. My new credit card terminal is programmed wrong, I had the wrong ink ribbon for the cash register, an employee quit but didn’t tell me about it, etc………….it was a Monday! If I could just quit worrying about everything! That’s why I can’t sleep; I lie there and think about all the things that need to be taken care of.

The Anniversary party was a success. We had a busy evening; everyone had plenty of food thanks to Barry, Leisa, Allen, Dino, and Caren. A couple of Effen vodkas, along with a shot of Jagermeister and I was feeling just fine. It was funny, about a dozen new faces walked in all at the same time around 10pm. Apparently they were from L.A. and took a bus on a pub-crawl, we were stop number 5 in Orange County. How fun!

Sunday I didn’t do much, still tired and trying to catch up on everything! Barry and I did go shopping, crossing two picket lines at Albertson’s and Ralph’s. If you’re not from here let me explain: The three major grocery stores are either locked out or on strike over the fact that their companies want them to pay for some of their health care. Most people have to pay some or all of their own health care; I pay close to $500 a month for Barry and myself. I’m not too happy about not being able to go to my favorite store, Vons, which is right down the street. All the delis are closed, so no good lunchmeat for Barry. I didn’t want to go to the store where I know everybody; it would be too uncomfortable when (and if) this strike ever ends. They had coupons for free eggs, pumpkins, and sodas, along with a $20 off of a $100 purchase! We put out food during parties and Monday night football at deva’s, and I needed to go shopping! Anyway, it wasn’t bad; I think because Barry had a crutch they were nicer than usual. They even have security guards on duty because of the problems they’ve had. I don’t think anyone should have to worry about violence when shopping for food at a local grocery store! Good news is that one of my patrons got a job as a cashier at Vons, paying almost $18 an hour. That’s pretty good!

Well, I’m going to try to get some rest, looks like I will be working today.