Life Goes On

Oh interwebz, how I do miss you.

It doesn't matter that so few people are reading, I miss writing. There are so many things I want to say, so many moments during the day when I think, "I really should write that down and blog about it later." So many pointless meetings when I sit with a notebook, stare at the blank page, and can practically feel my fingers on the keys, fluidly blogging... writing so much about so little... yet, somehow purging myself of thoughts, feelings, and emotions that belong on paper, not in my head.

Think back many years ago... remember a video game called "Breakout!"... one of the 'bonuses' in that game was breaking the ball into three different balls... remember? If you were really good, you could break them again. Suddenly the screen was awash with balls... bouncing around, you spinning the paddle back and forth keeping as many as possible in the air. Because, for every single ball you could send back into the ether, you could break one more block... you could get just that much more ahead in the game. But really, at the end of all that madness, if you could just focus on one ball, and keep that one in the game, you could continue playing... the others, well, they were just bonus.

So, for a few seconds, you bust your ass juggling all those balls... until they start dropping, and you realize, all you really need is one... you choose which you are going to follow, and that becomes the ONE. The Important One. The others are great if you can keep them up, but in the end, that One is what matters. That one is what keeps your game going.

I've managed to keep more than one of those balls in the air, and I'm attempting to add a few more. Work seems to be at least two balls just on its own. Having the title of "mommy" carries a couple of its own balls (yes, funny, my kid is a boy...). Life outside of "mommy-in-chief" also requires a bit of juggling (although, happily, fits neatly around everything else... love my friends, and my CSB for their flexibility, and seemingly timeless appreciation).

My game is still going.
I have (at least) one ball still in the air. And, the game continues to progress.

With my job, I am learning how to keep several balls in the air, and yet walk away at the end of the day... knowing those balls will be there waiting for me after my second cup of coffee in the morning. With my personal life, it seems to be a little easier to juggle a couple of things at once (although I slip on occasion), maybe because I'm getting used to having those balls there (again, how many jokes can be made about the boys in my life?), and I'm getting better about keeping them moving in the right direction.

Bottom line? I'm happy. And, although I'm concerned about the balancing act, I am pretty proud of myself for keeping as many balls moving as fluidly as I have. I really never thought I could do it.

Level up.

(ok, NOW make your testicle jokes... you sick, sick people.)

Nero's Last Post

For a couple of months now, I have been meaning to dispose of the remains of Nero.

Obviously, after growing season, he wasn't looking too healthy. Despite all my efforts, when the weather turned cold, Nero went "dormant." That's how I explained it to ShortBus anyway.... he's hibernating... sleeping... maybe he'll wake up in the spring. And, if not, we'll get another tomato plant. It's the circle of life. He's seen Lion King & Bambi, he knows how it works.

But, Nero has a special place in my heart. More love and effort has gone into this stupid cherry tomato plant, than any other plant I've ever owned (note to self: make a call and get back the Ficus that comes in second place...if it has survived). It is the only plant I have ever owned that has had a name... a very cool name. So yes, it has been tough to bring myself to dump him in the bin.

The other night I was sitting on the porch, looking at the brown sticks, twigs, and leaves that make up the once thriving plant, and I notice that Nero has left us a message.



I know it's silly, but that symbol, whether real or imagined, touched me. The ShortBus thanked him for every little tomato he picked, and I talked to him every time I watered & fed him. Maybe Nero knew and appreciated how much he was loved, and just maybe, the love of a little boy, the crossed fingers of a hopeful mommy, and a bit of plant food made some kind of magic elixir that a little plant appreciated... even if it was just for one season.

The Not Quite Famous

When I was 16, I was in a shop on Height-Ashbery... I turned around abruptly, and ran (nearly face first) into the chest of some guy. Only, he wasn't some guy... and it took me a second. I looked at him, and knew he was familiar (and REALLY cute)... but who... oh wait... Yes, I do know you.... Mike Patton.

You probably wouldn't recognize the name... even though you might know Mr. Bungle (no?), or Faith No More. Yes, he is one of many "not quite famous, but almost" people I've sort of met. I say "sort of" only because the brief moments I've had with all these "not quite famous, but almost" folks, aren't ever introductions.

And, let me say, right now, if you live in LA, I don't care who you've met, it doesn't count. If you live in LA, and you've met 436 famous people, I'm not impressed... in fact, if you live in LA and have never met anyone famous, that might impress me. But, really... "I've lived in LA for eight years and have met a TON of actors..." meh. It sounds good, but, I don't think it counts. I guess it's not necessarily the "who" so much as the "where." If you are somewhere random, you get more points than if you are somewhere "duh."

Yes, Mike Patton, Geddy Lee, Amanda Palmer, Donald Gibb, Tiffany, Angelo Moore (the list goes on)... odd run-ins, in odd places, at odd times. Not impressive by any means, but good enough for me.