Tuesday, February 20, 2007

My much needed California vacation

I have been home from California for a week now. It's hard to be home...in the cold, back at work (even though it's a new job), no one to give me back rubs, no lazing on the couch and napping in Henry's lap...but I suppose the fact that only happens every 6 months makes it more special...right? It was a very nice vacation filled with much needed relaxation and some fun excursions too. Here are the highlights!

One day, just to get out of the house, Henry and I headed to DownTown Disney (Disney's outdoor mall). We made a stop at LEGO Land and after browsing and reminiscing over childhood toys, Henry and I sat door (on miniature stools) and got to work on building.

Henry is very focused on his building his car.


Henry's car and my far superior hover craft


My other man

One of our planned day trips was to the Getty Villa in Malibu. The villa specializations in Greek and Roman artifacts. The Villa is so cool because the architecture is based on an actual ancient Italian villa that was uncovered. The Getty villa acquired most of the artifacts as well as architectural elements; ceiling reliefs, pillars, and most amazingly all of the original marble. One part of the museum is a 40x15 hallway all made of marble- floor, walls, pillars....all marble. Henry and I just stood there and tried to figure out the cost of a space that large made entirely of Italian marble...mind boggling.



there are 4,000 pieces in this floor pattern!


taking a break outside


Henry and I saw this pillared alcove that was clearly missing its perfect Greek statue, so we took it upon ourselves to fill in the empty space.


Henry drew this! There was a "family activity room" where you could use dry erase markers on blank urns...everyone was very impressed with his artwork.


To avoid rush hour traffic we made a pit stop at Santa Monica Pier. At the pier it was cold enough for Henry to wear the scarf I made last year. And I thought he'd never use it!


We also made another trip to Seaworld since we had free tickets. There was more dolphin feeding, a lame Shamu show (since he attacked a trainer last fall) and the best thing ever....feeding bat rays!!! No pics turned out, but it was awesome!


my Squishy sea cucumber


Henry surprised me by taking me to this restaurant called Orange Hill. They have notoriously over-priced, not-so-good food, which is why we didn't eat there. But they have an equally notorious view. So Henry's idea of sitting on the patio by the fire while sipping wine and smoking a cigar (him not me) was perfect. The view was gorgeous!
Our last evening together was spent at Morton's Steakhouse for dinner. It was an amazing night...such a great experience that it will get its own blog entry soon enough. But til then, doesn't Henry look great in a suit!
I already miss being out there. The first day I was home and stepped out to below zero weather, I thought, that's it...I'm moving out there tomorrow! Well who knows if that'll actually happen...I enjoy myself so much when I'm out there, I may eventually just become a California girl!

Thursday, February 01, 2007

You Heard It Here First

I got the job! That's right folks, I am furthering my retail career by becoming a Customer Service Team Lead. I wonder if my "office" will still be the closet under the escalator.
But seriously...this is great. It comes with a substantial pay raise (50% increase of what I was making before) so I feel like I will finally be being paid for all the work I've been doing. It's also a great step towards being accepted into the executive training program in June. So yay for a job!!! It will be uncomfortable around there for a few days since I was chosen over some people that have been with the company for a long time, but they simply weren't the best candidate for the job. Luckily I leave for Cali in 3 days and people can settle into the news while I'm gone...and when I get back I start making the big bucks*!



*big bucks is a relative term. Since $12.00 is the most I've ever made (other than bartending) this is the big bucks.