Our quick weekend in Paris!

I confess - I'm back-dating this post. K and I spent a whirlwind weekend in LasVegas on the 13th and 14th. We spent most of our time on the strip -- I think we visited every single casino. Very, very impressive. They're each a complete, self-contained environment, with built-in sky and everything. And no clocks!

First Day

Going to Las Vegas for the weekend and then starting a new job Monday morning is probably not the wisest thing I've done in my life; however, I seem to be holding up okay. We had a terrific time in Vegas -- got home about 1 a.m. We saw the Cirque du Soleil (however it's spelled) that's at Treasure Island on Saturday night. It's mind boggling what the performers can do, and the show surrounding the stunts is a lot of fun.

Work today went well. I'm going to be learning a lot. Environmental Health & Safety changes as often as all our various lawmakers change their drawers. So, it's not just putting together programs, it's keeping them in compliance with all the various entities and their regulations.

That's all for now -- I'm sleepy, but I've got ballet class tonight, before I can sleep.

The only way to drink beer ... a Michelada!

I discovered this delightful drink in Nuevo Vallarta. This recipe appears to be a good approximation of what we enjoyed:

MICHELADA

1/2 lime, preferably a Key lime
Coarse salt
2 dashes Worcestershire sauce
1 dash Tabasco sauce
1 pinch black pepper
12 ounces beer (Tecate and Sol are good ones)

• Squeeze the juice from the lime and reserve. Salt the rim of a highball glass by rubbing it with the lime and dipping it in coarse salt. Fill with ice.
• Add lime juice, Worcestershire, soy sauce, Tabasco and pepper.
• Pour in beer, stir and serve.

Accordions and other things...

For some reason, I had it in my head that I had an Accordion Works rehearsal this evening. Oh yes, now I remember.... We had a rehearsal scheduled last Sunday that was postponed because of Halloween. No e-mails this week on what we'd be working on, but I still sanded down my fingernails and practiced everything in our repertoire*. I also e-mailed and phoned darn near everyone in the group to make sure there really was going to be a rehearsal. I must be the only person on earth either at home or on the Internet today!

In this day and age of $2.35/gal gasoline, I'd be foolish to embark on a 150 mile round trip without confirmation. Okay, even if gas were way cheaper, that's a long way to drive without knowing! I finally got a call back from our director's S.O. saying he hasn't yet figured out our upcoming rehearsal schedule, but no rehearsal tonight.

So, I'm all practiced up with no place to go!

*Current repertoire:

The Washington Post March
Bei Mir Bist Du Schon
La Valse d'Amelie
Fratres
Banana Boat Song (Day-O)
...and several original pieces

New Job!

I'll be starting back at the winery I used to work at on Monday, 11/15, as the assistant to the environmental health and safety manager. Basically, they tailored the requirements of the job to my skills and background and didn't advertise it as an opening. My benefits (medical, dental, vision and life insurance) start on December 1 along with my eligibility to participate in the 401k. I'll start accruing vacation from day 1 at the rate of three weeks per year. I'm immediately eligible for holiday pay. Here's the position summary: "Under minimum supervision to provide support coordination and project assistance to achieve and maintain compliance with Federal, State and Local environmental health and safety regulations."

Snorkeling near Nuevo Vallarta 10/15/04

Swimming with the fishies!

Feeding the fishies!

Dr. Perry's Halloween Party

Cat & I went to a party at Dr. Perry's home in Ventura. This picture below was taken by my sister, Jeannette, at her house.

We arrived at the "Perry Party" right on time (7 p.m.) -- my preference when attending a party, because I like to be settled inside as people arrive. We were chauffered up the VERY STEEP driveway by a hillbilly and his "sister" -- two of Dr. Perry's son's teenage friends. I can see why there was a shuttle; the driveway is so steep it's difficult to imagine walking up it! Because we were the first guests to arrive, Cat and I got a private tour of the place. It's perched on a steep hillside with quite a few of Ventura. We were unable to see the ocean, but Dr. Perry assured us it was out there where the city lights ended. I think the most amazing part of the tour was his closet -- he must have more than 100 pairs of cowboy boots!

A spooky pair!

He definitely designed his house with entertaining in mind. There was even a wood-fired pizza oven at one end of the kitchen! The only people I knew were Dr. Perry and his son; however, I got to meet some of his current staff. His assistant was there (dressed as a biker chick), as was his controller and wife (dressed as Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers). We chatted with many people, including a lady dressed as Barbie. Her outfit was quite cute and she was carrying an original Barbie box from her own childhood. She was around my age -- maybe 2 or 3 years older.