California 2011

Where does the time go?!?

Seems like I just got back from California, and was having a really hard time getting back on schedule, but it's really already been 3 weeks! Yikes! (addendum: WAS 3 weeks, when I first started writing...coming up in 4 now...since we've been so busy house hunting, I didn't get to finish this!)

I had a great time, and really needed to be 'home' and reconnecting with friends and family. Tho I love my new life in SC, it's hard being away from your network of friends and what has been your entire reality for so long. I tell ya, I never felt more popular than since I moved away! hahaha...

I had a very busy, but FUN schedule!

As per usual, I got my bags and rental car, and headed straight for the beach! :) The weather in SC during the Summer is miserable, and to see blue skies, but cool temps just makes me giddy!!

I went to Balboa penninsula, and took some pics, but not for long. I headed to my friend Frankie's in Laguna. We walked the beach and caught up over some frozen yogurt.

Then to Danielle and Malcolm's where I would be staying. They took me out for Mexican food, and I was in heaven!! :)

The next day I was up and running..breakfast with my Starbucks friends, off to Redondo to see Sharon and Jerry with Bonnie, then back to OC for a Fair preview!

Friday morning was the infamous 'bike to get coffee' episode, where I fell into the wall, and spilled coffee all over myself, undoubtedly giving some commuter a great laughing start to their day! LOL funny!

Then out to Riverside to get Rick from the train station, because of course it was "Carmageddon" that weekend! We caught up, saw his parents, and got a little nap in (on cloud beds) before our Licorice Pizza reunion! So much fun! Lots of old friends showed up! We laughed A LOT!! So great to see everyone.

I can't believe I stayed out until 1:30, and I was whining! hahahaha Guess I got old at some point.

The next day was back on the road to San Diego! I spanned 4 counties this trip!

Met with friends the Curran's for lunch in Oceanside, and more catching up! I hadn't met their (beautiful) kids yet!

Had some photo fun with Kim, (she took this rather flattering photo of me) and was off again to see Flicka and family in Escondido!

                         

 

Spent some time hanging out there, laughing, taking pics, and eating a fabulous meal Tom cooked for us, before heading out to Julie's for the night.

 

Had fun at Julie's with the kids and their friends in the party kitchen, telling stories and watching Adam's post wisdom teeth-pulling video! HA!

I always sleep SO good at Julie's house. I don't know what it is... but the futon and the open window, combined with the sheer exhaustion, and being with family all must add up....zzzzzzzzzz :):):)

Next morning with Julie and Greg, then back up to OC for a nap, early dinner and the OC Fair!

Went with Malcolm, Danielle, Catie, and Laura to meet up with sister Joanna!

Got some photos, rode some kid rides with Catie, and cruised the exhibits. Got to see Danielle get another ribbon for her baking!

Monday was my last full day, and after a nice morning walk, and easy morning, Danielle and I met with our former Spanish teacher Andrea Kustin-Mager for lunch in Laguna. We had a lovely afternoon catching up, and laughing over great food. When that was done, I let out a big exhale, as all my commitments were done! I had so much fun seeing everyone, and still had more to see that night, but my travels were over.

That evening, Phil and Tracy came over, then Leslie and Dennis, and our great old friend Curtis!! So nice to see everyone! Malcolm grilled some awesome Mexican fare, and we all ate outside and then had some Baskin-Robbins ice cream cake!! How cool is that?! :)

Aren't you just tired reading all of this?!?! lol  This is definitely one of those "I need a vacation after my vacation" times.

Even so, what a great trip, awesome weather, awesome friends, awesome family, awesome memories!

I have to say, flying Southwest was just fine, and there's nothing like flying out of smaller, closer, airports. Orange County and Charleston were easy to get through security, and easy to get in and out of.

Thanks to everyone who made my vacation so wonderful!

I love you all!

XOXO

I know, it's been an age again since I've written.


I'm sorry, but I kept thinking something was going to happen and I was saving myself! lol
Well, now I have a lot to report, and as usual, I am playing catch up!

So, we got another snow in January, and it was fun, but this time we had ice the next day, and while it makes for pretty pictures, it's pretty dangerous too. We ended up having 3 'snow days' of no work. (Chris had 3, I had 2)

My hunt for a new salon was on, and I was going on interviews and searching in earnest. It really is different out here, and I was excited and then disappointed with some options. Others were good, but too far away, and not exactly what I needed. People don't realize all the factors involved in moving. They just know when I move, and don't know the planning and painstaking that go into the decision.

January marked Chris' Birthday, and my 3 year Anniversary in SC!

Then it was Happy Valentine's Time!

There is nothing really pretty outside this Winter, so I had to make my own pretty inside to take some pictures. Even the Botanical Gardens had cut WAY back!

More than I have ever seen. I guess the snow/cold was too much?

Something that keeps coming up for me even before I left CA, was the idea of teaching hair or representing a hair color/product line. Since moving here, the message has become stronger, and I have heeded the call. I became open to it, and started looking into it, figuring that if I was meant to, the doors would open.

There are a group of educators here in SC that do the CEU (Continuing Ed) classes I take here to renew my license. Everytime I see them, I think THEY have what I want! I want to be THEM! Great energy, multi-line representation, Good hair, PRACTICAL applications, fun approaches! I want that! So, I found out that they will let you shadow them in their salon, and I made an appointment to do just that. It was a fun, but long day, as I had to get up at 5 to be in Charleston by 8:30.
I spent all day with them, asking questions, watching and talking about hair and teaching. I found out some things, and hope to work with them at the end of the month as an assisitant for the Hair Show in Charlotte! We shall see. I'm staying open to it, and researching.

I searched some more, and there were a couple of conversations with my salon owner that let me know the end was near, but it came down to her finding out I was unhappy that she hired an hourly employee when we didn't have shampoo at the back bar, or retail to sell our clients. She let me go that day, and I was glad to go.
Within the next 3 hours, I had an interview, and a new salon to go to! :) It was all divinely guided, I'm sure, and it worked out perfectly!
I moved my stuff in the next day, and I will NOT look back!

The new salon is great! Professional atmosphere, 6 stylists (including me), massage, facials, nails, and even tanning! Here is the website if you want to see! It's called "High Maintenance Day Spa & Salon"!! :)
http://www.hmdayspa.com/

Chris and I are going to move for sure this time. We are looking to rent a house, and that is going to take up most weekends looking. I'll let you know when we find something!

All part of the "Better" plan for 2011. I'm really hoping my business takes off here at the new place. I will be much more proactive now that I am proud of my shop!
When that is good, everything falls into place.

We are off to Beaufort this weekend, for a little family fun, and I will see my photo friends. Maybe a little photo excursion!
Spring is starting to spring here, and the trees are blooming!!  I think I will do a separate post for that! They are so beautiful!

I love and miss you all. I hope to set some California Summer plans in motion soon! Maybe I will see YOU in July!

XOXO

Coffee Date?

Hey all!

I learned about 'Virtual Coffee' from MadelineBea's blog.
I thought it was such a great idea to post a quick catch up on Tuesdays over coffee.

So, if we were having coffee this morning, I would tell you about my friend KJ who passed away suddenly last week. 

He was a good friend in High School, (we went to Spain together with a school group as seniors) and even tho I haven't talked to him in about 6 years, I always considered him one of the funniest, smartest, kindest men I have ever known. I was so shocked and saddened to hear of his passing, and these are the times when I wish I were in CA so I could attend his services and give a hug and my condolences to his wife and family. 

Rest In Peace KJ, you were loved and admired by so many. He will be terribly missed.  

It's sort of fitting that it's raining these last couple of days, and the season is finally starting to change.  I am SO ready for some cooler weather!

Besides, I like taking 'after the rain' pictures.

I'm starting to walk again every morning. I feel so much better when I do, and I get to see how nature is changing.

Work is up and down.  I haven't heard from the Picture People place yet, but I am focusing on hair and marketing that.  I will start doing Brasilian Keratin treaments this week, and that should take off once a couple of people do it. It's that good! :)

I am also making a 2011 photo wall calendar of some of my nature pics!  They will be $20.00 and that will include shipping to wherever you are.

Leave me a message if you are interested (and your email if I don't have it) and I will get in touch with you. 

Here is the cover:

That's all I've got, I'll get us another cup, and then you can tell me all about what you're up to!  What are you up to?