Friday, August 18, 2006

FAREWELL EVERYONE
This week was spent packing, finishing my last week at B&N Kazoo, and saying good bye. All in all, it was a good week-filled with many laughs and no tears. It's strange, I thought I'd be more upset about leaving. That doesn't mean I'm not sad to leave so many wonderful people. I think because I've done this a few times, it's become somewhat easier to leave. The only regret I have is that there are a few people I won't be able to see. I hope they know that I have thought about them-it's just been such a crazy time and very difficult to slow down.
Today was my last day at work. It began well and then our district manager made a surprise visit. The mood quickly became very heavy. I'll be honest-I'm pissed that she turned what should have been a fun day into a shitty mess. There were a few bright moments-Tom gave me one of his beautiful photos, Becky baked two delicious cakes, Kat gave me a bag that had two gorgeous scarfs she had knitted (she knitted the bag too), and she and Mike P. gave me a card that contained kind words and another gift. I was able to convince a couple of friends to join me for a beer. My boss showed up and it was obvious he was frustrated. After a short time, he stood up to leave and began to shake my hand-a gesture that quickly turned into a hug. He told me that he tried to be a good boss and I felt compelled to tell him the truth. For all my grumblings, he has been a good boss. I can only hope that I will work with so many great people at my new job.
I am eager to get to California for many reasons, but mainly because I hope to stop and breath for a moment. I will try to go to the ocean next weekend so I can relax and tune into nature again. I desperately need that.
I have two days left in Michigan. Tomorrow I will spend part of the day with my family and the second part with friends. Sunday I finish packing and try to fit everything into my car. I am a little apprehensive about the drive, but also look forward to it. I really enjoyed driving to Florida earlier this year and am excited about this trip-despite everyone telling me how boring Nebraska and Wyoming are. I'm just looking forward to the beginning of a new journey. I have wanted to move to California for over 12 years and am so happy that it is finally happening.
Life is not about the destination-it's about the journey.

Tuesday, August 08, 2006

CHICKS RULE!!!
I finally went to see The Descent this weekend. I have been waiting for this film to be released in the U.S. for what seems like an eternity. It opened in the UK over a year ago and has been on DVD there for atleast six months. And I have been gnawing at the bit every day! It was worth the wait. Let's get one thing straight: that cheap rip-off, The Cave, is about...a cave! If you think that "descent" only refers to six women exploring a cave system underground, you are wrong! I have to be honest, I haven't seen The Cave. I don't have a desire to see it, but I'm telling you that I know this is nothing like that.
The Descent is only part horror film. What is truly scary/fascinating about this film is what happens to these women both physically and psychologically. The biggest criticism I have with horror flicks is how female characters are written. Most often they are screaming, useless bitches. Well these bitches rock! When they do lose it, it is only for a brief moment and it is completely understandable. Then they snap out of it and start kicking serious ass! I am becoming a huge fan of this writer/director, Neil Marshall. The only other film he has done that can be seen is Dog Soldiers. It is another fun ride!
I can't say that The Descent is "scary", but then there are few movies that can make me jump anymore. I did jump once in this one in a scene I had already seen! And there is definitely a squirming scene and some good gross outs.
I can think of nothing else to say except if this is your kind of movie, go see it. It's F-U-N. And don't we all need a little of that?

Thursday, August 03, 2006

I'M BACK!
Since I'm moving away from everyone I know and into the great unknown that is Northern California, I've decided that I should start writing on this thing again. I hope that someone will actually read it.
Yes...I'm leaving Michigan. Something I knew I would do before I came back. The plan has always been that this was temporary and I have to move on. I know that there are people who are sad to see me go, but I have sat on my ass waiting for something to happen for far too long. And I know my friends would hate to think I stayed only because of them and sacrificed my life to make others happy. The fact is that I have learned a great deal from reading The Art of Happiness. If you haven't read it-you need to. Even if you think that you are happy. It opened my eyes completely to what is truly important. I have passed it on to one friend and will hopefully get it back so I can share it with others. The Dalai Lama is incredible. After watching Kundun, I realized that if he can live a life of happiness, anyone can. So to the few readers who are sad for 'losing' me I strongly suggest you read the book. Might I remind you, though, that no one is losing me. I plan to keep in touch with everyone whom I feel is important. You'll know if you're on that list in a month!
But seriously, if anyone needs further clarification as to why I'm doing this, I recommend you read The Alchemist. If nothing else, it will show you that life is about the journey and not the destination. It is time that I moved on. I am very excited about what lies before me. To those who have touched my heart, know that you will be with me every step of the way.
I hope to maintain this blog to keep everyone updated. I look forward to your comments.