It's been eons!

Cheers!

Hello all!

It has been a very long time since I last posted. I log in from time to time to see if there is still any interest; and to my humbled surprise, I still see many, many readers coming in to read my posts. I do thank you very, very much for your visits. Below is a quick rundown on the past 18 months.

So what has been happening? A lot! I've left my Academic Director position for a much lower paying teaching position across the bay in Berkeley. And I couldn't be happier. While I've gained a lot of knowledge as a director, it just wasn't worth the stress working for a tyrannical boss; and a tyrant she was. I'll just leave it at that.

I'm also embarking on a career change. I have returned to university to earn a graduate certificate in paralegal studies. That's right. I'm leaving education for law. It's quite a leap. I've already been hired as a part-time paralegal, I must say I really enjoy the sleuthing. Several lawyers whom I've networked with have told me that I have the skills to be a great lawyer and that I should pursue law school. I definitely have an interest, but I don't think I want the stress (and additional student loans).

HOUSE UPDATE

My house! My lovely vintage house! I have made quite a few upgrades to the home. The painting project is finally completed! Before, it was a drab white house with gray trim. I've since painted it red.









I've worked most in my backyard. After the hardscaping and new fencing, I began designing and building my vegetable and fruit garden boxes. I also have a very nice butterfly and hummingbird garden. Of course, being a gardener means having a potting bench. My parents came up during their Christmas vacation and, together, we built this amazing (and amazingly huge) potting bench for all my gardening needs.






ANTIQUE PURCHASES

Of course I made quite a few antique purchases in 2017-18. I had been looking for an antique patio set and finally found one at Alameda Pointe Antique Fair. It's from the 1950s and it just made the perfect addition to my patio. Next on my antique shopping list is antique patio dishes/plates. I've seen them out there at various antique flea markets. I'm also looking to get a small tiki bar.



I purchased a few items for my kitchen. A glass set and toaster from the 1950s. I got these at an estate sale in Berkeley for a grand total of $8. I love finding antiques on the cheap.

Now here is my most prized acquisition from 2017. It is an antique Moroccan chandelier. It matches the chandelier and sconce in my bedroom, only this one has three dragons. It is absolutely beautiful and I love the way it lights up my living room.

File this one under "odds and ends". I wanted to dress up my coffee table, so I bought this magazine featuring Rita Hayworth; one of my favorite actresses who is the inspiration for my having red hair. I'm also looking for two more LIFE covers of Lauren Bacall and Alfred Hitchcock.









TATTOOS

I actually had to ponder for awhile. My last tattoo post showcased my affinity for Alfred Hitchcock. I kept thinking, "did I have any tattoos between Hitchcock and my latest tattoo?" I had to look at old pictures in between to see if I had any additional work. I couldn't believe that there was a two and a half year gap between tattoos. My latest tattoo is a traditional sugar skull in memoriam of the late, great Prince. I've always loved his music since I was a wee lass of 6 years. I still continue to enjoy his music to this very day. I wanted to keep it subtle. My cousin, who is a die-hard Michael Jackson fan, has two MJ portrait tattoos. I didn't really want a portrait so much as I wanted more of a tribute. So I asked my artist to include his famous symbol and a reference to Purple Rain. Everything else I'd leave to his discretion as far as design and color. I'm happy with the result.  This one sits just below my left elbow.


So that is all for now. Yes, I've had my ups and downs the past 18 months, but as always, I remain resilient. No need to reflect on the difficulties because I've had so many more positives to be proud of. Until next time...I'll try to keep updating. Perhaps a new post on my upcoming weekender to Los Angeles. Ciao for now.