Check the Box

Salutations!

Believe it or not, all of those boxes make me happy. Everything I own in this world, sans my car and cats, are in those boxes. Last night the movers showed up with my belongings ... woohoo! Now I have clothes again. Now I can find a job because I have the appropriate clothes to wear to an interview. Somehow I don't think the employer would take me seriously if I was wearing rolled up cargo pants and flip flops.

Speaking of jobs, I have an interview with an employment agency on Tuesday. Wish me luck!! In the meantime I am going to continue to submit my resume to prospective employers and cross my fingers. Mama needs a new pair of shoes ... heehee!

Someone else who needs your best wishes...Jack. Why does Jack need your wishes of luck? Because he will be lucky if I don't spank his bum when he comes down!

Be well,
Asya

Family Time

In each family a story is playing itself out, and each family's story embodies its hope and despair.
- Auguste Napier

Salutations!


Wow, I can't believe the weekend is already over. Where did the time go?! Richard and I started out the weekend with some family time. Friday night we had dinner with Richard's Dad, Eric and Porsha. We had some very special guests; Richard's Aunt Phyllis and Uncle Larry from Idaho were in town along with their sons, Andy and David, for a California vacation. We had a great time. Many laughs and smiles!

Group Photo

The Cousins

David and Andy

Bruce and Phyllis

Saturday Richard had to work so I continued to put our new home together. The cats weren't much help, as you can see...

It looks as though they are trying to blend into the background. I could post pictures from Sunday but they would pretty much be duplicates from Saturday ... heehee!

Saturday night Richard and I explored Camarillo and did a little shopping. Camarillo has a small town feel so we were eager to try out a local restaurant. We chose a yummy Mexican restaurant and ate Taquitos to our hearts content and our stomachs discontent. This particular restaurant is hosting a champagne brunch on Easter. Juevos Rancheros and champagne, does life get any better?

Sorry for the long entry but, in my defense, it is 1 entry for 3 days. Thanks for reading!

Be well,
Asya

US Tour Pics

Pictures from our journey:

Richard washing the windows with a smile. He received a generous $1 tip for his work.

Jack and Gussy vying for space

The benefit of driving East to West; beautiful sunsets!

Watch out!!!

Beautiful clouds
(Look closely, can you see the bug splatter?)

Gussy and Jack comforting each other in their kennel

Asya and some engagement goodies

Grandpa blowing out his candles

Our engagement pastries

Alien Jerky, make of it what you will

2007 US Tour!

Woohoo ... we have arrived in Camarillo! After 2,800 miles and 5 days we have all made it home safe and sound. We have no causalities to speak of unless you want to count the damage to Sweet Caroline; she suffered a cracked windshield and numerous dings to the hood.

Day 1: Due to a storm on the East Coast our first day of driving was difficult. When we left Reston, VA it was a cold rain storm but by the time we arrived in Maryland it was snow and slush. Very slow going; 50 miles in 2 hours. We persevered and our first night ended at Motel 6 in Toledo Ohio.

I think the first day was the most stressful on the kitties. Jack seemed to be okay but Gussy was crying up a storm. The poor girl was not happy. We are not sure whether she was more upset to be in the car or upset because she was stuck in a kennel with Jack.

Day 2: Good weather makes for good attitudes. We were all smiles on Saturday. We wore our St. Patrick's Day green with huge smiles. We left Toledo late in the morning and had to make up time.

Gussy and Jack did much better on Saturday. They slept most of the day but were sure to let us know when they were ready to be fed.

Day 2 ended in Council Bluffs Nebraska at yet another Motel 6.

Day 3: Once again our day started late morning. Lets see how early you are able to get on the road when you have to play a Tetras like game trying to get your luggage and cat kennel into a MINI.

On Sunday we made great time and distance. We met our goal of getting to Salt Lake City. The prospect of a warm bed and time with family was a great motivator. We rolled into SLC around 12:30a AFTER we were pulled over by Wyoming police for doing 82 in a 75 mph zone. Luckily they let Richard off with a warning.

Day 4: We spent the day with family in SLC. We had a birthday celebration for my Grandfather who turned 74. Happy Birthday Grandpa!! In addition to the birthday celebration my family surprised us with engagement goodies. Needless to say, Richard and I were surprised and happy.

Jack and Gussy were also happy because they didn't have to spend the day in the car. That makes 4 of us!!!

Day 5: We spent the day in SLC. We had lunch with Grandma Peggy at Noodles & Company. Afterwards Richard and I went for a walk around Sugarhouse which is always enjoyable. The area is rich with SLC and personal history.

For dinner we dined with Mom and Daddio at McGraths at Gateway. YUMMY!


Day 5: We departed SLC mid morning and headed for California. We arrived in Camarillo around 8:30p. It is definitely a strange sensation to arrive at a place you have never seen but you now call home.

Check out those gas prices!!!

Our first night at home Gussy ran away and Jack attempted to do the same. Fortunately they are both too scared and love food too much to go far.

A special thanks to our 2007 US Tour sponsors:

One stop shop for yummy food and fabulous people watching!

The Big and Tasty is also big and messy but oh so tasty!

In addition to leaving the light on they also provide you with towels so rough you take off the 1st two layers of your skin. But they do allow pets and for that I am thankful.

Ready For Take-Off

Hello Friends and Family,

I just spoke to Richard; he is at LAX, on the plane and ready for take-off ... woohoo! T-minus 4 hours and 35 minutes until he arrives in DC. I can't wait until we don't have to fly to see each other every month.

This morning the movers picked up my belongings. It took me 5 days to pack and it only took the movers 30 minutes to load the truck. So depressing! It is a huge relief to know the packing and moving is almost over. Anyone want to come over for an unpacking party?

A big hug to Christine and Pabel for helping me pack last night. Christine, thank you for pointing out that even Bree Van De Kamp isn't always perfect ... heehee! You will be happy to know I did my very own "misc" box!

Tomorrow Richard, Jack, Gussy and I plan to hit the road after the morning rush hour traffic. No point in leaving super early and burning out early. We will try to update our blog along the way but I can't guarantee anything. A lot of motels don't offer WiFi. It would seem we picked a good day to depart being as the DC Metro area is expecting a wintery mix Friday night.

Be well,
Asya

So Long, Farewell, Auf Wiedersehen

Well it is official, I am now unemployed. Friday was my last day at Capmark and I although I am excited about the future I am completely stressed about being unemployed. Maybe I can procure myself a job at a certain Sprint / Nextel store ... heehee!

Last night my friend, Christine, hosted my going away party. We had it at Rock It Grill in Alexandria. Rock It Grill hosts karaoke nightly from 9:30p to 1:30a. We are talking about American Idol karaoke. These people rocked! I can only imagine that those who chose to sing felt like a rock star at that moment. Imagine you are up on the stage, singing to your hearts content and the entire audience is singing with you and people are on the dance floor dancing. It was truly amazing.

I was extremely sad to say good-bye to my friends last night. My life is richer because of them and I will miss them deeply. Here are some pics from last night. Be thankful you can't hear our horrific rendition of "Sweet Caroline" ... heehee!

Christine - Maya - Asya

Don't cry Kim!!

Danielle & Asya

Brooke & Asya

Melyssa & Asya

Pabel & Asya

Our attempt at singing "Sweet Caroline"

Christine & Asya

Packing Casualty

Ladies and Gentlemen, please stand back ... we just had a packing casualty in Virginia.


This is what happens when a kitty sticks his nose where it doesn't belong. Naughty Jack. Tsk Tsk!

Moving On the Mind

I would like to give a huge cyber hug to Mr. Rose, Eric and Richard for putting together all of our new furniture this past weekend. THANK YOU!!!

Richard and I both have moving on our task list. This past weekend Richard began his move into our new apartment. As previously mentioned, Richard's Dad and brother helped him put together the furniture we bought. Not sure when Richard will officially become a Camarillo resident but it should be soon.

I spent the weekend packing in preparation for my move next week. I am so tired of packing!!! You all know how it is, you start packing then you get distracted by the photo album you were about to pack. Before you know it an hour has passed and you are still looking at the same photo album, taking a walk down memory lane. Then I finally get the box packed and my tape eating cat decides it is snack times so he starts eating the tape that is holding the box closed. UGH, bad Jack!

As of today there are only 11 days until Richard, Jack DC, Gussy the Hussy and I pack up the MINI and hit the open highway. Two cats, 2 humans, 1 small car and 2800 miles. Yeah, it will be fun. I call shotgun!