Saturday, January 31, 2009

January 31, 2009

Happy 33rd birthday, David Beemer.
I have no other way of contacting you to do my annual birthday wish. I lost your phone number and you haven't responded to my e-mail. I am hoping that you read my blog, but am not certain.
Nevertheless...happy birthday.
I tried.
I went to my aunt's this morning for another walk around Sloan's Lake. I don't know who is more motivating to the other--her or me. Of course, I am motivated to enjoy the sun and gorgeous weather. I love coffee, too, but wish she had a Peet's near her house. I like Starbuck's, but prefer the dark roasted, consistent coffees from Peet's.
I am listening to Juanes and mentally preparing for my yoga class. I have been determined in my practice and feel that I am reaping rewards from my attendance.
Have a lovely day. I am considering a 25 around the world, 25 random things about me, 25 about my family, or 25 places that I would like to go. It is all a work in progress.

Thursday, January 29, 2009

25 Things

On facebook, there is this list going around about 25 things about you. I know. I am on facebook, not addicted to it like some of my friends, but I have enjoyed seeing posted items. Some of my girlfriends are constantly on it. They don't respond to phone calls or e-mail, but they update their account daily with what they are doing, etc.
I was tagged, but while I am thinking about it, I don't know if I could list my 25. I mean, there is a lot about me that has happened in the last 3 years that could be under 100 things about me. I suppose I could do a sample of what I would say.
1. The worst phone call of my life happened on February 28, 2006. My life stopped, but then it had to restart so that I could make the other necessary phone calls. I think personally, that the phone call to Brian's parents was worse.
2. I work to travel. I want to go somewhere that I haven't been every year. I haven't decided if I should stay stateside this year or venture out.
3. I want to get paid to travel--I just haven't figured it out, yet. Any suggestions, please let me know.
4. I was named after a moment when my dad's band mates were harmonizing. The lead singer looked at my parents and said--you are so happy, you should name your next daughter, Harmony.
5. I want to work on a coffee plantation or vineyard at some point in the near future. I love coffee almost as much as wine.
6. I hate shopping. I get claustrophobic thinking about the mall or trying on outfits. I like knowing what I need and finding it quickly.
7. The same goes for my hair--I like showering and leaving. I am not interested primping or spending time with a dryer.
8. I embrace Eastern Medicine. I prefer it to western.
9. I am stubborn. I will self medicate or heal as opposed to going to the ER or doctor.
10. My simple spider bite evolved into 5 months of not being able to sit down because I am stubborn. I tried everything--tooth paste, epsom salt, tea tree oil, lavendar, alcohol, acupuncture, etc...
11. My doctor announced to his friends and one of mine that he had seen my ass. Quote, unquote...Nice, I know!
12. I prefer meeting natives as opposed to other tourists when I travel. I have no interest in a cruise for that reason.
13. You cannot outrun grief. It stays with you until you deal with it.
14. I love spending time with my sisters and enjoy that each of my relationships with them is unique and loving.
15. I have found that I enjoy writing as a tool to release my grief.
16. Taking a leave of absence for 5 months was the smartest thing I have ever done. I found my voice and my way back forward. Plus, I met interesting people and discovered 8 new countries. I love my passport!
17. I have consulted with 2 mediums in the past year. Both have been interesting and a tool to heal.
18. I think of Brian everyday and how my life is better because of him. I am so fortunate for Tom and Shari and their presence in my life now.
19. I look forward to the foundation we set up in his name and know we are giving back to the community.
20. I love meeting chefs. I have had several awesome meals from just talking to chefs.
21. I have realized that you have to let people make their own mistakes and be there to support them when they need you.
22. I love written communication and am sad that so many people prefer to text or e-mail thank you cards.
23. I believe in etiquette and am somewhat anal about it.
24. One of the best moments of my life was on a bus ride from Sydney to Melbourne. I met a fascinating lady who continues to be my friend.
25. I gotta say...I love red wine. I have been on the wagon this month and so I miss it, desparately. I cannot wait until the end of February for my adventure in Napa.
Thank to those of you that listen. I hope you enjoy my list. Again, I could keep going about things about me that you might not know.

Monday, January 26, 2009

snow...

I think the weather is terrible right now. I know that this is what it is supposed to be like in January, but I miss the sun. I have been spoiled this past winter. I miss the days of endless sun and no snow.
Today, I awoke to winter. It isn't too bad--the snow factor--but it is cold. I went to yoga instead of spending too much time outside. I returned and decided to walk to Safeway. I am trying to stay committed to being more green in my life. So far, 2009 has been promising in that regard.
I purchased a few items and and went to the Starbuck's satellite kiosk in the Safeway. It was cold and so I needed to warm up on my way out. The guy handed me my coffee and told me that his register was messed up and so he would get my coffee. I offered to tip him, but they cannot accept tips at this store and so I told him to stop into the Bull and I would buy him a drink. I suppose I will continue to pay it forward at this Safeway. Remember, another cashier bought me my onion. Gotta love it!
I went to the Nuggets/Jazz game last night with Jimmy. It was a great game. The Nuggets appeared in control and dominant. I was surprised that the game wasn't closer based upon the stats. I believe the Jazz had more rebounds and the same amount of blocked shots. I hope to go to another game and sit courtside. Plus, having a few drinks would be nice, too. My wagon is almost done and I feel fantastic. I have went to a few nice dinners and drank coffee as opposed to red wine. I will remember to not drink coffee at Elway's since it was lukewarm--both times. I do miss nice dinners and am excited to dine at Fruition soon and Elway's of course.
Be well...

Sunday, January 25, 2009

young jayhawks

I watched the second half of the KU/ISU game yesterday. I was optimistic when I saw the score and that the Jayhawks were up 13 points. I had the sound on and was organizing something and so not glued to the tv. I heard the announcers say the score and how one of the Cyclone's players had 38 points. I wondered how this would happen and blamed it on the Jayhawks youth. They are a young team, still trying to find their team rhythm.
I must say that it is frustrating to watch them come off such a high last year and return to lackluster play. I know. I know that they are young and I respect Bill Self as a coach. I wish they looked better.
In other news...the weather is no longer amazing in Denver. It is gloomy and quite cold. I stil am trying to walk or enjoy the outdoors. Yoga this afternoon was filled with people. I did enjoy the rare occasion of yoga on a Sunday afternoon. I enjoy having Sunday off. I wish there was someone that would be interested in taking my shift and giving me one of theirs. I know that Tiffany goes to Breckenrdige every Sunday and Jimmy refuses to work this shift this anymore. I suppose I am stuck for the time being. I will hopefully, enjoy more yoga on Sundays in the future. I have been able to switch shifts a few times in the last few months.
The wagon stops next Sunday. I am looking forward to it. I intend to keep my productivity up for 2009. I have slept wonderfully and accomplished a lot while on the wagon. I will miss the movies...

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Here comes the sun

The weather in Denver has been amazing. I love 70 degree weather. So much, in fact, that I walked to and from work today. I feel so energized.
I guess 2009 brings many opportunities for promise and growth. I met with Nick today and discussed the rebirth of the Brian Thompson Foundation. I stepped down in 2006 for emotional attachment issues. We had a fantastic fundraiser on the anniversary of Brian's passing. I traveled and wanted to distance myself from life for awhile.
Welcome 2009...new growth, rebirth and opportunity. We are restucturing, simplifying and making it work. We truly want to give back to the community and do it in a way that honors Brian. We are in the idea phase, but there is ample enthusiasm and passion for it. I see positive outcomes and am glad to be part of it. I suppose there is writing in my future or editing. I believe that there are many resources out there for us to utilize and benefit from.
I have been talking about it, making it real and trying to gauge people's reaction to it. My boss told me it was a cute idea. Cute, eh? Am I a teenager? It is infuriating to me. We have a wonderful proposal and that is your response. I think it is motivating me to make it the best possible thing it can be.
If I rant about this a lot, please be patient. Thank you for listening and enjoy the sun.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Goals of 2009

I suppose that since I worked on New Year's Eve, albeit briefly, I didn't really focus on what I hoped to achieve in 2009.
First and foremost, I want to be positive in my life. I mentioned the older lady that I waited on a few weeks before the new year. Her resolution was to be nice. As simplistic as that sounds, it works and is more difficult than you would think. I respected her decision and decided to utilize it within my resolutions as well.
I want to travel (big surprise) to somewhere that I have never been before. I dream of international travel, but I have never been to New York or Boston. I might stay stateside for most of 2009.
I want to get the foundation up and running again, but on the new terms that we establish. I thank you all, beforehand, for listening, offering suggestions and help. Thank you, Hailey, for offering to assist us in a previous comment.
I do need direction and help. I know the premise of what we are trying to do, but we still need to decide what it is we hope to achieve from it as well. I love the idea of it and see the possibilities of greatness for not only us, but the community too. I could further my cooking skills as well through this process.
Mostly, I am excited for 2009 and what it will represent...change, growth and opportunity. I am dedicated to furthering my yoga practice and eventually becoming an instructor. I believe that my art class will be a late spring addition, but that too, will release my creativity which is fantastic.
I am determined to not purchase cable. My Starbuck's cup said that on average--people spend 29 hours per week watching the tv. This is pathetic! I love Fx, but cannot support being sedentary while it is gorgeous outside or there is more to learn in life. When I traveled, I rarely watched the tv. Once and a while, I would watch Friends which was entertaining in other countries. It made me reflective of my life in the States and missing my family in friends. I read the entire trip and felt resourceful in finding new things to occupy my time besides my thoughts.
Enjoy the day. I need to ponder more resolutions and decisions...

Sunday, January 18, 2009

The power of thank you

I am thankful for my job even if I don't particularly love working Sunday. I always have. Even when I first began bartending at Bull, I had a brief interlude of enjoying brunch like normal people.
Still, I enjoy my job.
I left for my trip and abandoned my shifts and my co-workers. I do not apologize for that. I learned so much about myself, healing and about releasing things I took for granted. When I returned, I had a new person that worked with me on Sunday. Honestly, it was a period of adjustment, but it worked. Then, she left and now I am with a new person, yet again.
I recognize that I am not the most easy person to work with. I like things a certain way, preferably--mine. However, I do thank my co-workers for their help and graciousness with me.
Today, we were busy when I signed off. I knew it, too. I knew that it wasn't the best situation to leave my co-worker in and so I continued to stock and tried to help her without getting in her way or suggesting that she couldn't handle it. I knew she was frustrated with me and the situation. I left even though I had wanted to visit with my friends, but couldn't watch how things were playing out or get in her way.
I suppose it has stayed with me because I try to think of how it could have turned out better. I think had she said--thank you, I wouldn't still be thinking about it. She was busy and I know that. I guess it made me realize how powerful thank you can be and is.
Speaking of--my friend, Kelly, had a lady's luncheon at the Bull and so she made cheese cake. She brought me a piece which I shared with Steve. It was a great piece of cheese cake. And, Melissa, one of my co-workers made peanut butter cookies. I decided not to share that. They were fantastic.
Be well. Thank yourself for listening to my endless rant...

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Dinner at Elway's

Still on the wagon and still resisting the wine factor in meals.
Tonight, I went to Elway's with Jimmy and had dinner with Tiffany and Sharkey. We shared chicken, brussel sprout hash (with bacon--Steve--even you would like it!), au gratin potatoes, mac and cheese and crab fried rice. It was a dinner of sides for me and some protein for others.
I asked for coffee at the end of the meal and was served luke warm coffee. It was awful, but I understand the whole coffee in bars thing. I cannot tell you how many times at the Bull, I suggest going to Starbuck's as opposed to drinking our day old coffee. Occasionally, I will brew a fresh pot, but I still feel that our coffee is sub par.
The evening was pleasant, filled with great conversation. The only thing missing, was the glass of Rapture Cabernet. I suppose it will taste amazing come February.
I made plans for my trip to Phoenix. I think our girl's weekend is coming together quite nicely. I think that we will be hiking a bunch, and then barhopping to some of my favorite places in Phoenix. I need to check into spas, too. I know that there are plenty in Phoenix, but I want it to be a memorable experience in a good way. I have suffered from some of my massage choices...see massage in Argentina for instance!
Nevertheless, I am well in life. I have many projects that are all positive. I have free time and considered volunteering somewhere. Now, though, I recognize that the foundation that I helped establish in 2006 is starting over and a great time to get involved and make it right. We are in the idea phase which is exciting, frustrating and overwhelming. When I know more, I will talk about it. I know I need help and sounding boards. If you are interested--let me know, thanks.

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Frost/Nixon

Since I am on the wagon, I am movie friendly.
I have seen Slumdog Millionaire, Milk, Doubt, Revolutionary Road, The Curious Case of Benjamin Buttons and Frost/Nixon. Of these, by far, Slumdog Millionaire is the best. It is uplifting, colorful and well-acted.
The Curious Case of Benjamin Buttons is long, but I am a romantic at heart. I cried and cried and truly enjoyed the movie. Of course, I am a Cate Blanchett fan as well as Brad Pitt. Plus, it took place, predominantly, in New Orleans which is a wonderful city. I could go on and on about the food factor in that city.
I enjoyed Frost/Nixon immensely. It isn't too long and it was interesting. I suppose I like the idea of the underdog and when Nixon does break, I felt bad for him. The actor did a great job of establishing his power along with his vulnerability.
I was disappointed with Doubt and Revolutionary Road. I know that Kate Winslett won a golden globe for her protrayal of the housewife. I thought it would be better. I like Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslett. They do a good job and it is a nice time piece. It isn't awful, but I felt it almost would have been better as a play. I don't know. Maybe I was distracted by how bored Jimmy was during this movie.
Doubt reminded me of going to church. From the get go, I was bored by the sermon. It was well acted, but when it ends, it was surprising that it was over and really cold. Everything about the movie, was bitter.
I would like to see The Reader. I have no idea what it is about, but I am intrigued by the name and know that Kate Winslett won an award for this movie as well. I need a break from the theatre, though. I have eaten too much popcorn lately...

Thursday, January 8, 2009

right equipment

2009 is a great year so far.
I have been working and I have retained a good mood. I know, for most of you, this is unbelievable, but for whatever reason, I am in a great mood. I enjoy work and am able to not get involved with the petty bull shit associated with restaurant jobs.
Yoga has been a constant in my life and again, I am registering for an art class at the end of the month. Life has multiple opportunites and optimism has stayed.
Today, at work, I waited on the lawyers, a friend of a friend and all of my tables were drinking. I, of course, appreciated that aspect of it. It wasn't busy and my final table lingered over martinis. I was a little annoyed because I wanted to be able to leave work early, but decided to continue to wait on this table of four men. Two rounds later and they ordered. I'll admit, they were entertaining, but I wanted them to speed things up. They wanted to be chatty with me.
One of the men noticed that I have a ring on my ring finger. He said--oh, so you are married. I explained that no, I wasn't married, but that Brian had bought me the ring and that is why I wore it. They said--oh, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. But, you have the "right equipment" to meet someone else and you have a great personality. I cracked up and didn't fully know how to respond. I have never heard it put that way.
They provided me with a good laugh and a nice tip. I guess patience is a virtue.

Saturday, January 3, 2009

2000 Twomey Merlot

On New Year's Day, I had a wonderful evening with my aunt, Bryn. We had a nice meal at Elway's and afterwards, I decided to toast 2009 on my own.
When I lived with Brian, we began a wine collection. I have added to it and initially felt guilty about drinking bottles of wine that were ours. I realized that it was foolish since the wine was turning.
Anyways, on New Year's Day, I opened a bottle of wine that Brian had received from my friend, Paul, at Paul's wedding. I met Paul while living in Phoenix and although we were only acquaintances, we both ended up in Denver and eventually, I was living on his couch with Vegas and Dave, and one of his employees at Whirled Peas. He also was the one who convinced Brian that he should ask me out. I will always be grateful to Paul for that.
I felt it was fitting to begin 2009 with this bottle and it was spectacular. Of course, I am back on the wagon until February, but I have fond memories of the Merlot, how it became my possession and again, a beautiful memory of my life with Brian.
Thank you for listening and enjoy your day.

Thursday, January 1, 2009

happy 2009

I worked this morning...it was nuts.
I arrived, ate some eggs and tortillas (which the kitchen knew I needed) and then got slammed with people. Overall, my sales were $1475. Thankfully, I retained my good mood.
I know. Anybody that knows me, knows that I am impatient. Today, for whatever reason, I kept it together. People were great and understood that we were busy and tha no, I can't stand by you and keep your coffee filled. I had this one customer that I like sit in my section. Honestly, I think he was embaressed by his friends and how unreasonable they were. I don't even need to say anything.
As it continued to flood with people, I became slap happy. My one table ordered 4 bloody marys and 2 mimosas. As I dropped them off, I knocked three of them into each other and spilt them on me and one of the girls. This guy followed me up to the well and handed me twenty bucks. He explained with--you are going to have a great day.
Later, a group of 11 showed up with their own needs/wants. I tried to appease them, but know it lacked, somewhat. I cleared the table and drenched myself in strawberry puree. Seriously, you could have eaten off my legs and what I had collected from my shift.
Overrall, I was happy, made great money and have polished off some wine to celebrate 2009. I am on the wagon tomorrow...