End o' Week Musings

I've got a rainy day feeling again la la la! Yes, there's moisture in the air, which is nice because the damp leaves smell like autumn.

Saturday I was quite productive. I took my old computer stuff to the e-waste roundup and then mom to buy candy making supplies and grocery shopping. Late in the day I headed out to Adelanto for my friend and photographer co-worker Eric Reed's birthday party. It was a pretty drive heading into the desert.

Eric took top honors in the Pasadena Occasional Doo Dah Parade photo competition, so I definitely had to make his event. The food was wonderful-- all vegetarian Indian/Middle Eastern, plus there was plenty of beverages and a crowd of tables and chairs underneath twinkly lights in his garden. There were a few people I knew there and I met some really cool people too. All in all it was a nice evening. The sunset was gorgeous! - and the drive home was pleasant.

Sunday my mom and I made chocolates and dipped pretzels and marshmallows in chocolate. She also made some fudge. We didn't make as many treats as we did at Christmas time last year, but we made enough to share with lots of our friends.

I went to Disneyland Monday with my friends Byron, Carin and Megan. We made sure to hit the Halloween-themed attractions- the Nightmare Before Christmas bedecked Haunted Mansion and the Galaxy Ghost revamped Space Mountain. We also went on a clutch of other rides and did a little shopping. We ate at the Blue Bayou, the restaurant inside Pirates of the Caribbean, unfortunately it was too late for its famed Monte Cristo... Carin had crab cakes, Megan went for the short ribs, Byron noshed on the chicken and I relished the jambalaya.

My entree was sooo spicy hot that even the waiter didn't think I'd finish it. I did-- I was very hungry, as I only had ice cream for breakfast (do I know how to have fun or what?) and I ate it all. I had to cool my mouth with a soft sourdough roll with extra butter and a big glass of water!

We meandered through the Park and saw the wonderful pumpkin carving display. I spoke with one of the carvers and he told me that he was a sketch artist for Disney. He explained that he was carving the pumpkins without a pattern because the ink just smeared and made a mess when he drew on them. Instead he referred to a drawing and worked freehand. There were all kinds of pumpkins- Jack Skeleton, Yoda, Mickey, Stitch....

Tuesday I went to the specialist for my back. She said I was doing everything right and all looks good. Now we're just working on the pain, which often wakes me up at night (like I'm not wired enough, try hanging with me when I haven't had enough sleep for several days!). Wish me luck with this!!

Wednesday I interviewed Gerry from the band Philm. They are going to tour with Halford and will be in L.A. in December. I like their music- it's metal with some surprising genre influences.

Thursday I took chocolates into work and also to my Polynesian/Tahitian dance class. Boy! Did I see a lot of happy faces! It's so rewarding to do something simple and please so many people.

Next week promises some good adventures. My mom and I are going to a Victorian fashion show and tea Saturday, then I have dance rehearsals and my office Halloween party.

In rotation: Upground, Danse Macabre, David Olney and Tribe of Gypsies.

Photos we got 'em: A couple of fun pet pics and me posing with the pumpkins at Disneyland.

Thought o' the week: Fun comes in many packages. It doesn't always have to be something big and splashy to make you feel like you're having a good time. Of course I thoroughly enjoyed my day at Disneyland, but I also liked making chocolates with my mother. We chat and laugh and make what could be to some a chore, a special day.

You are the biggest factor when it comes to fun. Your attitude can make it or break it. Life is too short to wait for the perfect moment to let go. So savor as much as you can- whether it's a nibble or plateful. Start today- go- now- have fun...

Keep on rockin'

Mickie