Make him an offer he can't refuse...

Pic of the Week

Rooftop chill with a friend.  What a view.

What's going on?

I watched The Social Dilemma (highly recommend) and decided to take a break from Facebook for a minute.  I logged out on all my devices and honestly didn't really miss it.  I logged back in to check something one day and could feel my blood pressure rising within about 2 minutes, so I think I won't be checking in there much moving forward, and definitely not before the election is over.  It's too contentious with no reason.  Ya know? 

I have quite a load of tutoring students these days.  About half of them are in-person, but the company I work for has put safety guidelines in place, so if families decide to do in-person tutoring, it has to be in a shaded outdoor space and both the students and tutors are required to wear masks.  It's actually quite nice and the families I tutor for have some amazing views in their backyards.

I went to the hardware store this week to pick up some pliers so I could switch out my very old shower head, and while I was there decided to pick up a pot for a plant, but the garden center didn't have any terra cotta pots.  None.  What?  That's right.  NONE.  So weird.  Also, an animal of some kind had pooped in a tray of ground cover.  What a trip to the store.

This week in jobs I'd never imagine having - I went to an observation for what amounts to an extension of my standardized patient job, it's just that these exams are more invasive - teaching students how to give a proper testicular and prostate exam.  Such fun!  Pay's good though.

What I'm reading

Lots of moving tribues to RGB (while also fuming at the blatant hypocrisy of the Republican party in fast-tracking a replacement.  And I just keep thinking, "Hey Christians, ya know who Jesus didn't have any words for?  Gay people.  You know who he had a lot of words for?  Rich people and hypocrites." *sigh*)

What I'm watching

My roomies made a plan to watch this one as they'd never seen it, so I joined them.  I saw this one a few years ago, but didn't actually remember a lot about it.  Interesting film.  We also looked up lots of fun trivia about it.  For example, Marlon Brando wanted Don Corleone to look like a bulldog, so he stuffed his cheeks with cotton wool for his audition and then during filming he wore a mouthpiece that is now on display at a museum in Queens.

Smoky eyes

Pic of the Week

Battle wounds from a fairly epic meltdown of a 7-yr-old this week.  Comes with the territory, I suppose.

What's going on?

We can breathe! Air quality seems to be back to normal.  I was in Utah over the weekend missed the worst of it, but there were still a couple of smoky days when I got back.  Glad things are clearing up.

Been a pretty normal week. Work, food, new cat in the apartment (not mine, but he's pretty cute).  Not doing much other than that these days what with the Pandemic and all.

Terribly saddened by the news of RGB's passing.  Her life and legacy are truly inspiring. 

This week's post is pretty light.  Not a lot going on around here.  

What I'm reading

This is a troubling look at history from the viewpoint of the people who were marginalized, enslaved, massacred, etc.  Important stuff to know, though.

Audiobooks on road trips

Pic of the Week

Stopped for lunch in Barstow and the Arby's was only open for drive-through orders, so I had to go to the gas station next door to use the bathroom.  This was on the bathroom door and made me laugh.

What's going on?

Happy Labor Day!!!  I was going to go hiking, but when I arrived at the trail head a somewhat surly park ranger informed me that all of the trails in the area were closed due to the heat (it was, like, 80 degrees that day, but had been in the triple digits over the weekend).  Any other hike would have been at least an hour drive away and not guaranteed to be open, so I went home and washed my car instead. 

Not much else going on this week.  Work, farmer's market, getting back into an exercise routine, etc. I drove to Utah this weekend for a niece's baptism and had a grand old time.  It was really nice to get out of LA since the entire west coast is currently under a dark cloud of ash and smoke.  Not looking forward to driving back into that.  Looks like it should clear up a bit by Wednesday, though.

I got my hair cut while in Utah. (Thanks Brianna!).  My hair's been growing out for about a year and a half and it just felt like time to go short again.  Changes all around.

What I'm watching

Apparently there's some controversy around this one. The lead actress, Liu Yifei, apparently supports police brutality and oppression in Hong Kong.  Part of the film was also filmed in the region of China where the government is detaining and oppressing ethnic Muslims.  So, not great PR for this film.  But I watched it before I knew all of that.  I've heard some mixed things about the movie, but overall I really enjoyed it.  

What I'm reading

A look at mass incarceration in America.  It seems like if you read this and aren't completely infuriated, you need to check yourself and read it again.

Also saw this gem on Facebook and thought it was quite thought-provoking:

My kids are watching "Les Miserables" tonight and I can't help but think there are a lot of people who love this story and would absolutely hate everything about it if it were set in modern day.

A convict imprisoned for minor theft highlights the plight of the poor and the inequities of the justice system. A single-minded police officer whose insistence on the letter of the law creates injustice.

An impoverished woman whose #metoo moment ends with her disbelieved, cast away from society, further impoverished and forced into prostitution, where she is taken advantage of and ultimately wrung out until dead by upper class johns and the justice system.

These injustices lead to an ultimately failed riot by young people, that is nevertheless held up as an exemplar of the Kingdom of God that is coming.

Even the minor villains are small business owners who are working hard to achieve riches at the expense of the people around them.

And in all of this, the heroes, the only people who provide any help to one another:

* An ex-convict on the run from the law

* a lying churchman who extends grace

* a young rioter

* a prostitute and her child

* a homeless child (also murdered by state violence)

All of this in an unapologetically spiritual, inherently Christian story in which every prayer is answered save one: Javert's prayer that the convict be placed behind bars again.

And the thief is not transformed by prison, which makes him only more desperate, more dangerous. He is not transformed by justice. He becomes a better man, a functioning part of society because of mercy, and because he is invited into the community of faith. Love, faith, kindness, mercy. Justice and rule of law bring only injustice and death in this story.

I wonder in that world if each of us would be cast in the role of villain or hero. Food for thought.

Am I nesting?

Pic of the Week

Teaching the kid I nanny how to do boondoggle.  The tradition continues.

What's going on?

I am officially moved in to a new apartment!  And I'm thrilled about it.  My room is cozy, my roommates are chill, and my kitchen is huge.  Also I have a bathtub now.  Albeit a tiny one.

Honestly, this week has been all about settling in.  Unpacking, organizing, hanging stuff on the walls, finding places for all my crap, cleaning, cooking, and enjoying the new digs. It's been nice to have a project to occupy my hours and keep me busy.  I'm basically done, so now it's just time to sit back and enjoy.

What I'm watching

Some language in this one, but the writing and the acting are incredible.  I'm not a huge Reese Witherspoon fan in general, but I think she's great in this.  

What I'm cooking

Peaches and Cream Puff Pastries.  My good friend Tara sent me these on Instagram and I decided to go for it.  I was NOT disappointed.  They turned out so tasty, and they were very easy to make.  Highly recommend.

Goodbye, covered parking. Hello, free laundry.

Pic of the Week

This hibiscus flower is in the front yard of the kid I nanny.  It's as big as my face.

What's going on?

Welp.  This is it.  It's my last week on ol' Lucerne Ave.  I spent some quality time getting moved into my new place this week.  The woman I'm taking over from moved out halfway through August and was fine with me moving stuff in early, so I've been taking my time and stretching out so it's not a crazy disaster of a day on the 1st.  I was originally going to build a big loft bed situation for a queen bed, but then ended up getting a free double bed with a bed frame included! While making plans for my giant queen loft bed, I found a piece of plywood by our dumpster and set it aside. I decided to put it to use as a headboard and spent a whole day painting and getting it all purdy.  I'm VERY pleased with how it turned out:

I also did a little painting on the walls to add a pop of color and personality:

I think it's going to be a delightfully cozy little space.  Assuming I can fit all of my stuff into it.  Time to downsize a little, methinks.

What I'm watching

This is a delightful little romp on Netflix.  Short episodes great for taking a mental break for a hot sec.

What I'm reading

Good thoughts in this one.

What I'm cooking

This recipe that has nearly 19,000 ratings and close to 5 stars. First time making lasagna and it was a success!  So tasty.  And it turns out, lasagna is easier than I thought! Even though this particular recipe is a bit more involved than most.  Totally worth it.

HEAT WAVE!!!

Pic of the Week

I sprouted an avocado pit.  Just for fun.  It takes about 15 years to get an avocado tree that will bear fruit, but even then it's not likely to be edible fruit.  Even trees that produce edible fruit are generally carefully cultivated and take 2-3 years.  This is just for a fun little plant to add to my ever-growing collection.

What's going on?

I started a nannying job this week for a 7-yr-old boy named Jack.  It's just part-time whenever the mom needs extra help.  He's a cute kid and we've had fun together so far.  He loves playing the Wii and wanted to teach me how to play Super Mario.  I haven't played a Mario game in YEARS, so it was fun to get back into it.  We also did some science projects, read, played with LEGO and generally palled around.  

I picked up a brand new bed this week!  It was free.  I rented a U-Haul and decided to take a couple of big/heavy things from my room over to my new room while I had the vehicle for it. originally was like, "I can handle this just fine on my own!" but then decided to ask a friend if he was available to help and was SO glad I did.  It would have been a HUGE pain in the butt to haul it all by myself.  It's excited to get the first of my things into my new room.  I'm excited to settle into a new space. 

We're in the middle of a heat wave at the moment and I am NOT enjoying it.  I feel like I'm always sweaty.  Plus California is on fire so our air quality isn't great.  It's quite an end to the summer.

What I'm watching

Former First Lady Obama's speech from the Democratic National Convention this week.  Do yourself a favor and watch it.  This is one for the history books.  "It is what it is."

Desk goes under the window.

 Pic of the Week

I had plans to build a big old epic queen-sized platform loft bed for my new room, but then a friend connected me with a friend of hers who is giving away an entire, basically brand new double bed for free and so that's what I'm doing instead.  So I nerded out with a measuring tape and some graph paper and this is the furniture arrangement I'm leaning toward.  

What's going on?

Not much happening around these parts this week.  I started packing up my room even though I'm not moving for another 2 weeks.  Just channeling some of that energy while I've got it.  Basically all that means is that I'll be living in a federal disaster area for two weeks.  

In some somewhat surprising news - at least for me - my plants are all thriving.  Seriously, they look great.  

I bought a jigsaw and a palm sander this week.  Originally to help with building The Bed™, but I also genuinely enjoy building things.  I had so much fun building my bookcase last year.  I'm not terribly good at it, but I enjoy it, and the more you do something, the better you get at it.  ALSO, people around these parts are always leaving scrap wood around at building sites and back alleys and the like, so I think I want to start picking that stuff up and building things out of it.  Small things like little bookshelves or desks or night stands or whatever and selling it as a little creative outlet/side hustle.  We'll see if that ends up happening.  I often have plans like this that don't pan out.  😂 If nothing else, I now have a pretty decent set of creative tools.  :)

What I'm watching

Re-watching this classic.  Can you believe it's nearly 20 years old?! And it really holds up. :)

What I'm listening to

This podcast has an incredible series called "Seeing White" that I cannot recommend enough.  Go forth and listen.