September Update

Amazing how time always seems to go by since the last time I posted something on here. Plus so much has happened that life has been in a perpetual overdrive since April. It's been quite a roller coaster, more like one of those extreme ones that I saw on Travel Channel that goes up at a 90-degree angle and comes back down at a 90-degree angle (no way in Hell will you EVER get me to go on one of those either!). It's also been more sweeping changes to deal with since April, some for the good, and some for the not-so-good.

I managed to make it through my second semester at Sac City College, although ended up just finishing off by singing in the choir and men's ensembles, while dropping the history class due to work and just because I wasn't into it all that much. I liked the professor and the content of the class, but it was too early for me, especially when I had choir until 10 the night before, then had to be up early the next day. Plus there was a lot on my mind as well that just distracted me from my school work, but then again, I was going to take the semester off as well. I just needed the break, but will continue the class next semester. However, it was a delight to sing the second half of Mendelssohn's oratorio, Elijah (just got the CD back and it was great!). Plus the new friends I have made in the SCC choir already feel like family to me, as well as our director, whose daughter was my first piano teacher.

In late May, we had a major upheaval at work with our upper management. While I cannot say what exactly happened, it all ended up being for the better, as we got a new store director and assistant director that actually care about the employees and don't treat us like dogs. They let us do our job (as long as we follow policy) and I feel like I can talk to them about many things. Plus in July, we also got a new general merchandise manager and he has been a godsend as well. I worked with his sister previously and he is just as fun to work with as his sister was. Plus we have several friends in common, love our Mexican food, and beer!! Granted that the district management doesn't decide to make more changes, it's going to be hard to say goodbye when I move to the Stockton area next year.

In late July, said good riddance to living in The Arbors in Antelope and moved to the Citrus Heights/Roseville area into a townhouse style apartment. I actually love it, and the surrounding area. Been able to walk about 2.5-3 miles in the area and not feel like I'm going to get jumped or shot at. It's also semi-rural in the area behind us, which is a lot like the area I spent almost most of my life around.

As for travels, didn't do as much as I would have liked to. Did a few random drives here and there, particularly along the river and have gone down to Rio Vista a couple times, looking for places I might want to stop and eat at in the future, or other parts I would like to explore more along the Delta. So far, Walnut Grove and Isleton seem to have a nice variety of restaurants and kitschy shops worth exploring. Then in June, Alison and I made my first (her seventh or so) trip to Vegas and it was quite an experience. So much to see and do and no wonder they call it "Sin City" (then again, it's funner to commit sin than confess it). Didn't go too wild, although did enjoy the strong drinks, reading by the poolside (basically "wasting away in Margaritaville"), exploring the shops in each of the major hotels, and the food. However, it's not cheap, so I probably won't be going back for awhile. Still, I'm happy with Reno and Tahoe (despite the fact there's not all that much to do in Reno, although Rum Bullions at Silver Legacy makes one great Bahama Mama!!). Then in August, went to Monterey with Alison for my 29th birthday and what a way to live it up before I turn the big 3-0 next August!! Left Citrus Heights at 6am and made it into downtown Monterey around 10am, then spent most of the early part at the Monterey Bay Aquarium (the seahorse exhibit was extremely fascinating!). Then too the seventeen mile drive through Pebble Beach into Carmel and talk about God's country right there. I've never seen anything more beautiful than that (next to Lake Tahoe). Had a very nice birthday dinner at Louie Linguini's, then ice cream at Ghirardelli's below (all while taking in a nice sunset and ocean view). Next morning, had a good breakfast at a little sidewalk cafe/coffeeshop, then went to Santa Cruz and the Mystery Spot and Boardwalk. The Mystery Spot is definitely odd, as there is some kind of gravitational force where a cabin was built there that makes for some weird stuff. Of course, the Boardwalk was quite fun as well (and the roller coaster there wasn't too bad). I do love being a kid at heart there (and getting a nice tan). However, it was really hard to return to work after that vacation.

Unfortunately, things haven't gone so well this month. My grandparents had both accepted my parents offer to move in with them, with my grandpa moving in in August, then my grandma joining them after her release from Manor Care. Well, Grandma did get released, but only stayed with them two days when I get a phone call telling me that she was in the hospital after an apparent stroke and that the prognosis wasn't good. What a sinking feeling, after a nice weekend, but after the support of friends, and another drive along the river, came to terms that she was heading to a better place, which she went to when she passed away on the 19th. While it was hard to swallow (and still is), a friend made a point that she basically came home to say goodbye, which could not have been a better goodbye, after spending a nice afternoon, playing the CD from the Mendelssohn concert, and a nice tri-tip dinner. But, this feeling of sadness remains and probably will for some time, even though we had a beautiful memorial service at our church for her last Thursday. And it was also great to see family I hadn't seen in a long time, or even friends of the family I hadn't seen in awhile either. Still, I really have nothing to look forward to with the upcoming holidays, as she and my grandpa were always there for them, plus half our other family now lives out of state now anyway. I wish I could end on a more cheerful note, but my cheerfulness just isn't there for now. But, will continue trying to think happy thoughts, especially with the cooler weather coming. Until the next time...