Alright, enough's enough! I need to get back on track. I've sort of let many things go the last three weeks or so. I haven't been watching my diet too closely -- although I think I look amazing. That amazing look won't continue if I don't get back on track. I have piles of papers lying around...It seems like I get rid of one pile and three more show up...Frustrating! AND I haven't meditated in forever. That is something I need to do again. I feel a bit off balance. So starting today, I will eat better, clean up those damn piles, and start meditating again. Hopefully, I will find what I did with those divorce papers. Hm, wonder if I actually took the time to put them in a file? I guess we'll find out soon. So I figure it shouldn't take me that long to get back on the right path. It's not like I've been on some alternate path for that long. Best to nip it in the bud!

Over the crappy, rainy weekend, I went to Monterey with A. We walked around the mall. I love that mall. Now anyone who knows me knows that I HATE shopping. Now don't get me wrong, I do! But there is something about that mall I love. One of the best stores there is...The Apple Store (can you see the heavens parting, sun shining down, and hear angles singing? I can). Anyway, went in and gawked at the iPad 2. In true A style she tried to get me to buy it. I had to remind her that I have a hard time buying a pair of jeans if they cost $20. She said that it didn't matter, I was getting a stipend next week and it's a great way to spend that money. I think I may go back in a few weeks and get it. While at the mall we ate at Lalla's -- super cute place by the theater. Then we saw Bridesmaids.  It was funny.

We then came back into town and had dinner with J. Dinner was fine. You never know what you'll get at some places here in town. Someone's idea of a chile relleno was a split chile with a meat sauce over it. Yeah, it should be stuffed with cheese, coated, and fried. Not sure what the cook was thinking. At least the rice and beans were good. And while we did this A's significant other was at a bachelor party...with a stripper...who apparently didn't need hands to pick things up...even say a lollipop...from the floor

So what are some things that I have learned this Memorial Day weekend? Most agree that Freedom is not free, dead mice CAN leave a blood stain, and dandelions can create their own forest. I almost took pictures of two of these then decided that one was too gross and the other I was too embarrassed about.

So the mouse story...I live a block away from fields. And every now and then, when they are picking or plowing a few escape into my house...BIG mistake. Well, it happened again. I had noticed a few droppings. At the time I thought they were just crumbs. They were scattered here and there. Then upon further review I realized what they were...EWWWWW! So I quickly cleaned and sanitized all affected areas. I then promptly reset some traps. One was placed on the counter -- I know, gross, but if that's where he's going, that's were I'm putting the fucking trap. Anyway, I set it and sat down on the couch with Samson. About 20 minutes later, I hear it snap. Now, I am terrified of these things as they can go off whenever. So I just figured it was a new one and it must have slipped. It was 2:30 in the afternoon for crying out loud, and mice are nocturnal animals. When I finally did get up to reset it, I saw it. YUCK, the head and beady little eyes! And what else did I see? BLOOD! Eck!!!!!! So being the stupid independent woman that I am, I finally mustered up the courage to get a plastic bag and throw the poor guy away. Then I had to clean up his DNA...EWWWW! Just to make sure he was the only one, I have set more traps. I hope this is the last of this topic!

I have been looking out my office window daily at my garden. Of which I have just realized that a sunflower is growing where a cucumber plant should be. But that's a story for another time. The garden is coming along fine, probably would be better if the days were a tad bit warmer. However, along the sides a dandelion forest appeared. It was terrible. The dandelions were actually bigger than any plant in the garden. They were at least two and a half feet tall. So I finally drug my ass out there and pulled them all. Now, please realize that the roots still exist and most will crop back up again, but for now they are gone! If I am fast enough I can place some weed block on the ground and 'landscape' the area. This requires me to buy some weed block. So not sure what my chances are. Hmmm, a Magic 8 Ball would come in handy about now. 

As I sit back and recuperate from the operation last week, I find myself reflecting upon the year and the lessons that I have learned. So in no particular order here are my lessons for the year...
1) Panda knows how to give the stink eye.
2) You do not need to have a 'special someone' in order to enjoy Valentine's Day. (Okay, I bought Samson on Feb. 13 -- Go for it Dr. Freud).
3) Not everyone is aware of the 'no double dipping' rule in public....Isn't that right Juan?!
4) I was a Carbotarian, not a vegetarian.
5) I LOVE boneless skinless chicken breast.
6) Ask and ye shall receive...in reference to surgery last week.
7) If a dog is barking too much on TV, Panda will indeed become insecure, stand up, and pee on that spot -- yup, even if it's on the couch -- learned that one this morning!
8) I can salsa and shimmy like no one else! -- Thank you Zumba
9) One child can make or break a classroom.
10) I deserve to have HBO!
11) I DO NOT like Morphine or Vicodan -- Which has lead me to my next lesson...
12) I'd make a terrible druggie.
13) Cupcakes are REALLY important to some people.

Stay tuned, there are a few more days left in the year. I will add to the list if needed.