Rainy Days and Mondays…..And why does no one know about Fukushima?

Karen Carpenter’s death happened before I was of an age to be affected by the loss of great talent. Prince and George Michael however made me sad. Its odd to morn the loss of people we didn’t personally know. (Plus I was totally expecting to marry one of them when I was in High School— yes I know—but I was in High School, don’t judge)

But in a way we do know great artists, they spoke to us with music. You must have an ice cube for a heart not to hear Karen Carpenter sing “Rainy days and Mondays always get me down… “ and not feel at least a bit mellon collie.  I heard this song this last week and I admit I teared up.  I think our collective sadness over the death of talent is in part being deprived of what they might have shared with the world in the future.  And the other part of how they made us feel human, connected and not alone through their music.

It has been raining in SoCal, and based on the News coverage you think the apocalypse was upon us. Now granted Sothern Californian’s don’t do well in the rain. We can’t drive in it. It messes up our hair, melts our Botox and ruins outdoor activities.  For which we have come to expect as available for our enjoyment 365 days of the year. The rest of the world knows better; sunny days, great songs, good friends, happiness and love… all should be cherished because rain and Mondays are inevitable.

What I really don’t understand with all the news coverage about rain and Trump’s latest tweet, why no one knows about the Fukushima nuclear disaster?  I like to think I’m somewhat informed about current events, but when a friend mentioned it, I had no idea what he was talking about.

So here you go…. There was an accident at Fukushima nuclear plant initiated primarily by the tsunami following the Tohoku earthquake in March 2011. There is tons of details online if you want be more informed and alarmed. But basically the plant had a complete meltdown, the damage has yet to be contained and has been leaking 300 tons of radiation into the Pacific since 2011 every eight days. It is estimated that the radiation would take 3-5 years to hit the west coast. So now.

It is stated by the ‘experts’ the radiation levels would be low and highly diluted by the time it gets to the west coast. And this might be comforting if the damage was contained and the radioactive material was not still constantly dumbing into the Pacific, but they don’t know when this might stop, it is completely uncontained.

Anyone wanna borrow my Geiger counter? And I hope these goulashes are more than waterproof.

Come Sail Away…

Some people are drawn to the desert, some to the mountains, and others to the sea. I certainly enjoy all these types of terrains but its water that restores me.

I have lived my entire life in California and gratefully 20+ years minutes from the Pacific Ocean. Whether driving or walking if the ocean is in view, I will always take the opportunity to look at it.  It never disappoints.

Every New Year since I was 19 I make a new goal for the year. Its not so much a resolution as it is a proclamation. Instead of trying to give up something, I try something new. This year was belly-dancing. I’m by no means any good, but I did learn a new appreciation for those who are experts at this dance form. And maybe I burned a few calories. Bonus.

The previous year I set my intentions on the ability to do one pull up. It’s a very challenging exercise for women. And I must confess I’m still trying to achieve this goal. Along with speaking French. AGH.

Fifteen years ago I could not decide between sailing lessons or a stand up class. I flipped a coin, heads came up and well I have been doing stand up comedy ever since. And I am eternally grateful. Comedy has been the most amazing, magical journey more than I could have ever expected. It has given me the opportunity to travel the world, meet wonderful people and most of all help the world including myself laugh more. And trust me, we all need to laugh more. A lot more!

Since that coin toss somehow sailing has always still been lurking in the back of my brain waiting for its turn.  Life has a way of circling back to the things we need. Life has presented me with the opportunity to sail weekly with not just one but two sailing instructors. Looks like the stilettoes will have to sit on the dock while more sea worth footwear takes me around the harbor.

New Years showed up early this year for me.

Laura

 

It was the Shoes

No good story ever started with ‘while I was eating a salad’… True.

Well-behaved women rarely make history. True.

Great things never come from comfort shoes.

Crocs will never make any head lines, turn heads or get noticed except for being unattractive. Ok, not sure if this is universally true of just my truth.

But when recounting my most outrageous adventures, I can always remember the shoes I was wearing. It might be because I’m into shoes and this detail sticks with me, or maybe the shoes had a super power that advanced the adventure and mere commonplace shoes do not have this clout?

These gold beauties recently crashed a wedding. I don’t like to think of myself as an uninvited guest that is rude intrusive behavior. So we will go with I was a ‘surprise guest’ or maybe ‘bonus invitee’. Yes bonus celebrator on couple X’s special day. I never learned the names of the newlyweds. But I did toast to their happiness – cause if you’re going to crash a wedding, by all means immerse your self completely. Don’t hold back. The reluctant timid party crasher just doesn’t seem fitting.

I will confess I did not start my day with a to do list that included invading a private event. I did however plan to meet a friend for dinner in a swanky joint in Newport Beach. I arrived a bit early and took a seat in the lounge to wait. I could see the wedding reception in full force from my vantage point. Sitting alone enjoying a beautiful view of the Pacific and a few minutes of relaxing clam was not a bad was to spend part of a Saturday evening.  Two groomsmen in tuxes sauntered up to the bar area ordered drinks then turned to look out and then spotted me. Sharped dressed men are always attractive, so my view just became even better. They asked me why I wasn’t seating outside with the rest of the attendees. I told them I was waiting for a friend. Then one of them said while I was waiting in should dance with him. I politely declined his offer and they returned to the celebration.

A few minutes later he returned and this time was more insistent that I join him on the dance floor. He was stag at a wedding and really just wanted to dance. I have always believed that if you are asked to dance, barring creepiness or other similar factors you should accept. Dancing is more fun than watching people dance. So I joined the celebration. It was a very fun reception, truly a joyous event. I never did meet the bride and groom, but they looked as if they were very much in love and having a blast at their party. So to them—cheers. And to this pair of shoes- well done. I’m pretty sure it was the shoes that propelled me into this party.

Laura