Good grief. Switched from Old Blogger to New Blogger and while I have relatively no experience with the OB version, and haven’t really posted with NB yet, I can’t get the sign in right!!! Tried to post a comment on Kizz’s blog and couldn’t sign in. . . forgot my password, forgot I had to use my complete email address. Oy Vey.

So, home from the BIG TRIP and last week was just a blur. Getting unpacked just sucks. Getting laundray done and groceries bought and cats fed and life back in order just didn’t happen in the 1 day I had after SuperBowl Sunday. GO COLTS! HUZZAH PAYTON!! So I spent the week just chasing my tail. Work was busy, thank goodness, but that left me wiped out. I’m trying to catch something. Some funk that is hovering over my body. Luckily I’ve been taking the vitamins and immune boosting stuff by the wee fistfull, so only bits are getting in on the attack. Itchy and scratchy eyes nose throat. Am allergic to my cats again. It’s as if I walked in and had 4 new pets…ugh. Hopefully it’ll just go away soon.

Yesterday the Movie Club conveened and we saw Notes on a Scandal. At 10:15 a.m. on a Sunday.

The acting…yes. Fine. Deliciously meaty roles for both women. Bill Nighy is spot on as usual. But let me just say, that if I’m getting up before 11am on a Sunday, and it doesn’t include mimosas or food with hollindaise sauce I’d better get to laugh. This is NOT that movie. And I still think Helen Mirren is taking the gold guy home.

That’s about it from me today. Must go weigh in, then head to work for about an hour to help clean the salon. The BIG GUY from Vidal Sassoon Adacemy is coming in for a visit. The way people are walking around all glassy eyed and stupid, one would think it was Vidal himself. Something big is going down with our company…I think it has something to do with our school. Time will Tell…

So happy to be home. Got in around 3:30pm yesterday. Getting up at 4am, getting to the airport, checked in, thru security and to our gate was still faster than getting thru 15 miles of Friday pm 401 traffic back up. Apparently there was a crane incident yesterday, and it took us an hour and a half to drive what took 15 minutes the week before. Carsick was an understatement…ugh. double and triple ugh.

Have so many things to write about, but getting ready for the BIG GAME today. Have to go to WalMart for foodstuffs for the bar then on to watch the Colts take home the shiney shiney. I’m hoping.

Glad to be home.

Let’s talk just a minute about customer service
We have been here for almost a full week, eaten lunch every day at a different place each day, paid too much for lunch that was, late, semi warm to cold, too expenxive AND we had shitty service from our waitstaff. I swear, we’re all so over it it’s not even funny. We pay way too much, 15-20 plus at lunch for crap. then we have to shovel it down our throats to get back to class on time. OVER IT.

The whole idea of going to a market getting stuff for eating cheap did NOT work out. there isn’t anything around this area, and if there is, it’s a cab ride and I just wasn’t prepared for this. Next time, and I’m already planning on a next time, I’ll do better. Live and learn.

Yeaterday’s class was awesome. I learned another haircut, two in fact, that I can come home and put directly on the heads of clients. happy happy joyjoy. So that was good. Maegen woke up feeling human again, thank goodness. No one else got the funk. She and I did some shopping after class. Went to the Gap, the Fossel shop, a few other places that were muy expensive and came upon a California Pizza Kitchen. So good. and our waiter Paul, was Fabulous. Happy Boy with great smile and great customer service. SO GOOD.

We wound up in the hotel lounge having a vodka and cranberry…or three and fell into a heavenly sleep that lasted until the sun came up. The first time anyone has slept thru to a normal hour. . . just in time to get back to central time zone, but whatever. we’re happy.

Today’s class, we think, holds two haircuts for us. but maybe not. We do get to meet a new teacher, who some people have met before, his name is John. Everyone says he’s fab. Someone may get their haircut, I’m voting for maegen to ge hers cut. Time will tell.

Tonight, we’re doing a group dinner at a “nice” place on the pier. The Lobster. Rachel Ray ate there on one of her travel shows. Then hopefuly to ride the feris wheel on the pier, buy some souviners and back to the room. Our room looks like we’ve been testing bombs in here. We are going to get our stuff together for tomorrow morning’s check out and be gone.

We’re all about ready to get home….not to the snow or the ice, but to home. I think Larissa (who is a newlywed) is dying to be with her husband, Maegen just about came out of the bed because her kid finally taked to her on the phone, Kasie is missing her cat and me…we’ll I’m justmissing all of you.

Till then…

The end of day two. well, the third day of the trip, second day of class. Tuesday. Time is blurry here…the days, the minutes, the everything. But we’re getting used to it. Today began as yesterday did…at the crack of ass. all of us awake around 4 or 5 a.m. Lying in bed, just awake until one of us says…are you awake? and we all chime in, GOD YES. DAMNIT!!! Then we lay in bed and watch tv and laugh about how stupid it is that we’re awake, and we wait for the sun to come up then I go walk on the beach. Larissa and I walked today. Maegen was feeling off and Kasie was already showered. She get’s that done ahead of time. Anyway, the walk was great. The weather was a little overcast, a little chily, but compared to home still paradise. We actually walked on the beach today. the sand was soft, gushy under our feet. The seagulls were flying in, Out beyond the breaking waves floated a pelican that was I swear, as big as our bed. Just floating along, waiting for some breakfast. There were bird prints in the sand. Photo op. Nice way to begin the morning.

Maegen, come to find out wasn’t just tired from our adventures with Rusty’s Sun Shack, but is truly sick. She left class at noon and came back to the room. I’ve got her drugged up, got her some soup, and tylenol p.m. for us all. Hopefully she’ll feel better tomorrow, we’ll all get some sleep, and the bug that she has isn’t contageous. ugh. I’m armed with zinc, airborne, vitamins and cold pills. Plus I just finished eating some crazy good sushi, with so much wasabi that whatever it is, won’t survive from the spice!! (the sushi was good, but not as good as Sandobe in NYC)

Our class was a great lecture this morning given by Tina. She was raised in Europe. Denmark to be exact. She’s AMAZING. I have a huge case of hero worship right now, and cannot wait to be able to post pics of this woman. She’s a living cartoon character. With style and funk and grace. I would TOTALLY drink the red kool aid if she told me to. Ker flop. SO FREAKING COOOL. After lecture, we did our work session. I had a seventy year old woman and did a great cut. I’ve taken pics of all the cuts and wil post them here when I can. Then we went to lunch, which was just a stupid flop. it was raining and no one wanted to “get wet” so everyone ate at Hooters, which is right under our school. It sucked. and WHY did I follow the crowd? I knew better. I was prepared for the rain. It was ok. but NOOOOOOOO I had to spend twenty stupid dollars on a crappy lunch. STUPID. I am trying to bless that and let it go. the sushi tonight was so good, it made up for it. but you’re damned crazy if you think tomorrow i’m not doing what I want! haha.

So back to our afternoon session, and it was mostly lecture, with a video presentation that outlined hair, hair dressing, hair styling from the fifties thru present time. As well as how all of that worked in with Vidal and his vision and his inspiration. It was cool. Mia Farrow. Rosemary’s Baby. classic Vidal. Then they, Tina and Sally did two haircut demos for us. Pretty cool. One was totally creative, cutting edge and dramatic. I wouldn’t be able to do it for another million years.I started taking pictures of her shoes. Really. She gets these shoes custom made when she’s in London or some other fabulous European place. Ker Flop. Kool Aid. Sally’s though, was one that I can see using in the salon. Commerical. It was nice. The afternoon really felt like it was dragging, though. We were all glassy eyed after that.

Back ot the room to check on Maegen, still yucky, then out to dinner, and here I am. All the girls are asleep, and I’m writing by the light of the laptop. Hopefully the sleeping pills will kick in and we can all rest.

Tomorrow….what will it bring? I want to venture out of the walking zone that I’ve been in…I’d like to see more. Next year, I’m coming early so I can go into Bev Hills and melrose and sightsee a bit. But this year, I’m doing what I need to do. Learning ways to make me more money this year so I can stay longer next year.

I’m kind of blabbering. I’ll close with this quote from Vidal himself:

“Haircutting simply means design. And design comes from within.”

Day Two was eventful. We all woke up at the crack of ass. This time difference is Killing us. I woke up around 3am yesterday, 5am our time. which is normal. I usually wake up when Phil comes to bed then I go back to sleep. Welllllll, that didn’t so much happen. We were all awake, just waiting for the sun to come up! Three of us took a walk down to the ocean, on the Santa Monica Pier….some of you will recognize that from the LOST BOYS. Love that movie. Love it. The pier looks much smaller, but the ferris wheel is there, all lit up and pretty. I’m on the lookout for some vampires! anyway, we came back got showered packed all our stuff and walked to class. It was amazing. Our two teachers are just the grooviest, coolest, women. I have crushes on both of them. I’ll get some pictures of them and post that when I get home…still can’t do it on this computer. anyway, we had lecture, and took notes in the morning. (jamba juice for breakfast) and had a mini break for coffee and a banana, then we had more lecture and didn’t break for lunch till almost 1. STARVING we were. The afternoon brought us a room full of clients, and we all did a haircut. it was awesome. Really formated like the school I went to, so the routine was familiar. nice. My girl was asian, longer hair, but I did a good haircut on her, she liked it, I liked it, bada bing. me and Maegen were counting down minutes till Happy Hour!! on the Promenade there are little places everywhere, with outdoor patios and heaters for the nighttime. We drank most of our points and by 7pm were pretty freakin tipsy. but it was 7 PM!!! Hell no were we going to go back and go to bed. that would just be stupid. So. . . yes. we went back to the pier, to Rusty’s Sun Shack. and Diego proceeded to get us a little more drunk. fabulous. We were home and in bed by 9. I believe I did some drunk emailing….I know I posted a comment on Kizz’s blog that is just some rambling shit. sorry Kizz. delete that if you can. I have no idea how.

This morning, Larissa and I went down to the actual ocean, walked on the sand. That’s not as easy as one thinks. It’s gushy sand. lots of working out on the ole glutes. there were tons of birds, seagulls (reminds me of the Rescuers and cracks me up everyytime I see one) there were little seagull prints in the sand. yes. pictures were taken. Back in the room now and it’s time to start getting ready. I’m thinking it’s a day to shop, sparingly.

I’m doing ok on the points for weight watchers. Walking everywhere is such a nice built in blessing. Digging it. There will be no weigh in for me this week though. I’ve done well with money, eating as cheaply as I can, but then I turned around and blew it on beer. I’m a donkey. I miss cheap stuff. THis place is like NYC, nothing is under 10 bucks. seems like I’m hading out 10 bucks everytime i turn around. anyways, the palm trees and the sound of the ocean totally make up for it. Paradise ain’t cheap.

I have to go get in the shower….another day!

Ps. no sighting of Luke Perry. I really havent left a 3 mile radius, but I have hope in my heart. Maybe he likes the santa monica pier…..the vampires did! OOOOOOh, that’d be even better.

good Lord we were on the plane for a thousand hours today. We left OKC at 11am. flew to Memphis, (hey Elvis) ate, changed planes and flew for FOUR FREAKING HOURS. yes. four hours. All to save a buck or two. The HELL??? i know. I know. it’s nutso, but whatever. it is what it is. Coming home we fly to minniapolis for craps sake! We got into LAX right on time, got our luggage, Maggie picked us up promptly, and here we are. So freaking nice. Palm Trees!!!! of course it’s dark, so who knows how fabulous the view will be tomorrow. We immediatly found a place to have a cold beer. I totally could have had a million, but didn’t. Tomorrow is literally the first day of school. We’ll see how it goes.

methinks that I cannot load my digital camera onto this laptop as it’s old software bla bla bla fishcakes. who knows. We’ll see what the week brings.

Till then….I can’t figure out how to do some fancy stuff yet, post links etc. Let me play awhile on the new machine and hopefuly the posts will become more exciting and spell checked!!

The countdown has begun.

I leave Sunday morning, destination HOLLYWOOD. well, not Hollywood exactly. nor 90210. But Santa Monica and the Holiday Inn that is on the beach. We’ve got a room with a view. Tee hee. We’ll see how it goes. 5 girls. Two beds. One rollaway. We’ll just have to see how that works out.

On the positive side, after much tail chasing and much ado with the Apple Genius at the Apple store, who come to find out was not so much a genius as let’s say…..a short bus rider, aaaaaand another 90 bucks on ye olde credit card, the laptop is wifi capable, so updates will be forthcoming.

All together now….HUZZAAHHH.

I haven’t done laundry. I work tomorrow. I’m doing home hair tomorrow night for a lil extry cash, and I leave on Sunday.

I just want to go curl up on the couch and play with my kitties. But whatever…Luke Perry is out there awaiting some stalking from me and damned if I do it in dirty clothes.

I have had several topics to write about, whirrling around in my head. I even wrote one out, added some nice pics, and flop. deleted it right off the computer. I felt so defeated after that, I just shut her down and went to bed. But…I thought I’d just throw out what I’ve been chewing on and can munch on it later.

1) T.R. Knight. What an amazing actor. When someone has to work with opposition, such glaring and disgraceful opposition, and the work itself is graceful, and full of quiet dignity it is a true testament of his skill that I forget about the nasty. I watched the scenes last week, when Burk and George are discussing George’s father in detail, and Burke mentions that now is the point where he needs Faith. If needed, Burk would send up a prayer…..and it was beautiful. But deep inside, this actor if full of hate and disgust. And I know Isaiah Washington has apologized and is now in counseling. We’ll see. So many people just hop right into the therapy/counseling/rehab bus after they screw up, it’s like absolution. Maybe it’s my turn for a little faith? eh?

2) Saw two fabulous movies last weekend. Little Miss Sunshine and The Queen. Run, don’t walk to your nearest rental place and get LMS as soon as you can. Get the biggest spoon, and just scoop it in fast fast fast. It’s that good. Really. I could go on and on, but just see for yourself. Nice Hooray out to Abagail Breslen for her Oscar nom as well as the others that the movie picked up. As far as The Queen. . . A. Maze. Ing.
Truly amazing. One forgets it’s not really Her. She’s totally taking home the golden naked guy. My money is on Helen Mirren. Delicious.

3) Weight Watchers is going quite well. Down 6.5 lbs. Happy for that.

4) Heading to L.A. on Sunday. Well, to Santa Monica actually. Studying for a whole week at the Vidal Sasoon Academy. Creative Cuts. 9-5 Monday thru Friday. Our hotel is right on the beach, let’s hope for nice weather as I am just dying to start my mornings with a beach walk. Sigh. However, I’m totally not geared up for it yet. Shopped a bit last night, haven’t packed anything. Can’t get the software loaded on my laptop to enable me to function wifi style. I’m desperate for that so I can update and email all week. ugh. Still working on it. Either way, I’ll let you know how goes it either during the week, or when I get home. There are bound to be some stories there!

5) Very excited for the 4th Traveling Pants book. Bought it at the Target last night. Annoyed, though that this one is hardback. For craps sake. If ALL the others are tradepaper, then just keep it up!! For those of us OCD enhanced book collectors out here….that really jacks us up.

6) And Lastly….I would like to go on record as saying that my favorite Japaneese actor was ROBBED of his Golden Globe last week. Just Robbed. I know Jeremy Irons is fabulous, bla bla bla. But this guy, I love him. It’s a great show. Finally something new, different. Check it out. Yatta!!!!!


That’s about it. Will check in when I can. Happy weekend’s to all.
Ciao

HOT! HEAT! HOT HOT HOT!!!
Good GAWD we have heat. finally. I came home from working out and did the Happy Dance for the heat! We’re all singing praises to the heater and to the vents. The cats have found warmth on top of the microwave (yeah. i’m going to have totally retarded kitties) and Stormy decided to lay his fatass out on top of the computer, just as I was finishing up an email to DD. Silly boy.

Tomorrow I have appointments!!! And I have evening plans!!! Movie club with MLynn and Nan. Very excited. It’s looking like Dreamgirls for us. Huzzahh.

Happy happy end of week, from this very warm and cosey house.