Update...

Can't believe it's been a month since my last update. Frankly between not having much to say and being in sort of a haze it's probably a good thing. It's also been a challenge mentally lately, as I have been experiencing a great deal of trouble reassimilating to life back here. At the end of the day, it's not so bad but I honestly feel like one does after a break-up...a little lonely, disoriented, confused, sad and living in my own head instead of out in the world where the sun shines. Luckily, after an extremely emotional and challenging week, I feel like I am back on track and ready to get on with the task at hand: stay busy, make money and get the hell back to Europe!



I spent the first two weeks of the year house-sitting which is fun at times, because it's like living in a hotel. The house was big and beautiful with three little kitties to keep me company and access to a computer, big comfy bed, wine cellar, etc. On day 2, however, as I was firing up my car to go to work, the clutch went out. So, I just thought, "Okay Universe, what the ....." Well, the "U" heard my plea I guess and as I looked to my left, the Honda CRV parked in the driveway just sort of winked at me and summoned me over. The owners of the house were kind enough to let me drive their car until I could save enough to repair my car. Of course, it was a whole month's rent, but who's counting! So, back to house-sitting. It can be fun, but it is also tough because your crap is scattered everywhere, you can't really leave at night and well, it's just not your place. But, it allowed me to postpone paying rent for 2 weeks and for that I am eternally grateful.

I then moved in to my new diggs in Lafayette, home of the resevoir, The Round Up and CHOW, the place into which I poured my heart and soul for almost 3 years. I found a little room to rent from Lisa, my supermodel/super mortgage broker flat mate, who owns a condo here in town. I did this because at the time the powers that be at CHOW were hinting around at hiring me back...however the powers that are decided that I was not a good fit there anymore and did not extend an invitation, as it turns out. So, I have no real choice but to live here. At first, I was having regrets/second thoughts...etc, because I could live at my dad's for free and have access to a great computer/windows live et al (I miss my friends from overseas and it helps to be able to talk to them!) but I am really starting to fall in love with this place, as it is nestled in the middle of a patch of redwood trees and easy access to the freeway. Lisa is a total sweetheart and at only $600 a month plus utilities...well, I can't really beat it. My little dorm room is perfect for me, and I have even created this crazy sleeping chamber out of the alcove that is meant to be a closet. It's grand! I haven't slept so well in quite some time and it reminds me of being in a bottom bunk or in a tent which of course, means I am in heaven somewhere in my dreams. Of course, the walls are covered with maps so I am inspired at all times.

I also started a new job at a place called Piatti, which is down the street from the P & P in Danville, or as I like to call it...the land that time forgot. (More on that later..) It is an old standard, which has been around for almost 10 years and serves great Italian-inspired food using local ingredients. www.piatti.com I finally stopped my training yesterday and so now I am working two full time jobs and should be back in the black by the end of the month. Of course, I will need bi-weekly massages again and fortunately there is a massage therapy place right across the street from my flat so it will be easy! So, Piatti is good...people from Danville seem to be quite easily impressed so my ability to bullshit comes in handy. They are also lost in a fashion time warp of members only jackets and snake-skin pants, which gives me great fodder for keeping my mind occupied as I drone my way through endless days of slinging pizzas and opening bottles of wine. I recall how I was living in Danville 13 years ago and was inspired to write a letter to the editor of the Contra Costa Times begging that they hire a local fashion writer to "release people from the bonds of spandex and blue eye shadow." That writer turned out to be me...and I have to say I had absolutely no impact on them what so ever, for you can still see the Burt Reynolds Smokey and the Bandit mustache bandied about and huge bleached-blonde hair trying to fit it's way through the door. Again, amusement for me and that is all that matters. I just have to catch myself before I let out a great guffaw in the middle of the dining room the next time I see a table full of comb-overs and gold pinkie rings...don't need to get fired before I start... Oh, and as for P & P...well I got a bit of a promotion and now I just bar tend full-time. I'm starting to get a good regular crowd and shamelessly promote myself for more business. If you are reading this and live in the area, stop by! I work Valentine's night which should be off the hook. All singles only at the bar for dirty martini's and other fare. I'm making a Cupid's Arrow of pomegranate and vodka. Yum yum.

As for my love life...hahahahahahahaha, well, of course there isn't one. Which is another reason that Danville will be good for me. There is no one in town under 50, and if there is, they are married with 17 children and sell houses. I won't even be tempted with it and this will help me focus even more. Plus, I am still hooked on someone from my travels...not in a weird obsessive way, I just miss a certain someone and I can't get him off my mind and no one even comes close. Frankly, I don't see how anyone could...my guy is close to perfect in every way and I can't be with him and so I just work and try to forget. Of course, I won't forget the time we spent together but I'm certain he has already forgotten about me. Oh well, the life of a gypsy isn't easy..but it's my life and I wouldn't have it any other way. Ciao...