Abbie On: Life comes in waves... we ride.

Honesty is the best policy.
Abbie Berry

I’m sitting on my couch, alone in my apartment. The TV is on but I’m not listening to it and I’m not watching it.

I need to blog but I’m not sure about my topic.

I think I’ll just go with honesty.

I hope you don’t mind.

Honesty: I had a rough day.

Do you ever have those days when you’re in your own head and that’s the only place you seem to travel to?

Today: Conversations with myself. Lectures even. Making lists of things to accomplish. Things I need to say. Not knowing exactly what to do next, what I expect of myself. Protecting myself from what may hurt my heart. Trying to be honest with myself when that might be the thing that hurts the most.

Yesterday: A motivational experience. I attended a very cool event at the San Diego Sports Arena called “Your Best Year Ever.” There were six motivational speakers all of which had something worthwhile to share. The arena was filled with people of many different spiritual beliefs, all arriving with their own set of values. I appreciated everything that I was exposed to. I learned that change is definite but no change occurs without action.

No change occurs without action.

If I want change, I need to act.

http://www.yourbestyearever.org/

Tony Robbins is an amazing speaker. Terrific.

Contrast yesterday with today: Blech.

I don’t know about you but I accomplish tasks when I have a lot on my mind. I went to the Smog Check place, so now I can send in my DMV registration. Woo Hoo! My dishes are clean. My laundry is done. I have a fresh list of things I want to accomplish this week/month/year.
Yesterday + Today: Figuring out what I want in my life.

Tomorrow: Taking ACTIONS toward those things/dreams/goals.

The good news: This rough day is almost at a close. In an hour or two I’ll be asleep and it will be the start to a new predictable week in my life. It will be up to me to change that fact, make it unique in some way.

The bad news: I am alone in my apartment waiting. For my phone to ring. So that I may have a conversation with someone other than myself and until that happens it may be tough to fall asleep.

But: I am loved and that is enough.

For me.

Abbie On: Spending Rainy Days With A Cool Rider, a co-o-o-o-rider.

Abbie On
Abbie Berry

The rain.

A quick list if things I do when it rains:

Stay home and nest in my apartment. Put on comfy sweats and a tank top and relax on the couch.

Watch multiple episodes of Entourage on HBO. I love Vincent Chase and his crew. Especially Johnny Drama.

Read a book I’ve read before. I’m re-reading The Time Traveler’s Wife because the movie is going to come out in 2008.

Make dinner for my friends. Chicken, salad, rice and veggies. Brooke, thanks for joining us!

Cuddle with my cat. He’s fat.

Plan. Organize. Make a list of New Years resolutions/goals. It is the first week of January, right?

Watch movies that make me laugh. Old School. Wedding Crashers. Grease 2.

Call up an old friend I haven’t seen in a while. Sharlene. Mel. Jay.

Watch all 12 episodes of the first season of Californication on Showtime on Demand. This show is so well written. It is giving Nip/Tuck a run for its money on my list of favorite shows.

Write thank you notes for the Birthday and Holidays gifts received last month. I love this company and its products.

Get some extra sleep. The sound of the rain dropping outside. My cozy bed. Five pillows. My fat cat. My cell phone set to wake me up for work in the morning. A smile on my face.

Sweet dreams.

For me.

*You know it's amazing how many people have posted YouTube videos singing and/or lip synching to this song. Like the above example (not Abbie by the way) who also wants her C-O-O-L-R-I-D-E-R. *

Abbie On: Abbie Does the Birthday Thing and the Christmas (non Christmas) thing.

*She also makes me realize how I need to get it together and do more stuff, MAN she is full of energy.*

My Birthday

Abbie Berry

I love December.

I just had another birthday and they seem to become more and more different the older you get. Don’t you think? My birthday has always been important to me. I’m a December baby. We all wait another year for another birthday to come around, but I’ve always felt like I really was waiting for the whole year to go by since my birthday fell towards the end of December.

The reason I bring this up is:

1. I want my blogs to expose you to what I love about San Diego and the people who live here

and

b) I went out to dinner for four nights in a row with my amazing friends. Two of these dinners were at restaurants I had never been to before and I want you to know about them so you can go eat there too.

Birthday dinner #1

Rama - 327 Fourth Avenue

This was my first time to Rama, a Thai restaurant located in Downtown San Diego. My friend Michelle knows the owner and thought it would be fun for my birthday. (Thanks Michelle!) When you arrive, you’ll walk down a long hallway to the back and then be greeted by the host/hostess. The décor is elegant and cozy. The booths are covered with a sheer drape which gives an illusion of privacy. The food was delicious. We had Tom Yum soup, Kratong Tong (little cups filled with peas, potatoes, chicken and curry) and Eggplant with Beef. The service was terrific as well. I’ll give this one four stars.

Birthday dinner #2

Turf Supper Club – 1116 25^th Street

Since I blog about Turf Club all of the time, I’ll spare you. I love this place and I make a mean steak! Thank you to Johnny for having dinner with me.

Birthday dinner #3

The Yard House – 1023 Fourth Avenue

Big thanks to all of my friends who came out to grub at Yard House which is also located in Downtown San Diego. Brooke and I eat there pretty often. The food is yummy and some of the dishes are quite unusual. For instance, the California Roll appetizer is actually one very large sushi roll. But The Yard House is famous for their beer. They claim to have the “largest selection of draft beer.” I recommend the Blue Moon. If I’m going to drink a beer, that’s the one I want.

Birthday dinner #4

Mister A’s – 2550 Fifth Avenue, Twelfth Floor

Ok people. It was the first time to Mister A’s for the four of us who dined there that evening. This place is high class and a special occasion destination. When the elevator doors open on the 12^th floor, your Mister A’s experience begins. As you sit in the dining room, you look out upon the City of San Diego. The airport, the Bay, Downtown. It was a clear night sky and we could see all of beautiful San Diego.

We had specialty cocktails. My drink was called something like “A relaxing afternoon.” It was blue and had blueberries and raspberries floating in it and it tasted like fruit juice.

We had appetizers. I ate rabbit. That’s right. I ate the Easter Bunny. But it was tasty.

We had Lobster Tempura and Scallops. We had Prime Rib.

We had dessert. Three of them.

It was an amazing meal with three amazing people. Thank you very much for such a special evening.

Christmas Day

So, not only was it my birthday recently, but it was Christmas for many people as well. My boyfriend and I are Jewish and I thought I’d tell you how two San Diego Jews spent Christmas Day.

It went something like this:

We slept in.

We worked out at the gym in his building.

We went for a jog/walk. Ok, so we walked A LOT. I’m a whimp.

We walked around Seaport Village. Seaport Village is pretty touristy. Shops, ships, restaurants and other things to see.

We took a pedicab to Kansas City BBQ. This is the place where they filmed the famous scene in Top Gun and that’s what this place is known for. The food was good and it was cool to look at the movie memorabilia on the walls.

We took a cab back to his place where we played Xbox. Woo Hoo! I love Guitar Hero and Rock Band. I love to pretend that I play lead guitar for Bon Jovi. I’m crazy like that.

During our Christmas Day adventure we happened upon many puppies and dogs out for a walk and many people wishing us a Merry Christmas. As we said “Merry Christmas” right back, I wondered what other Jews were up to. Were they out pretending to be San Diego tourists as well?

It was a great day.

For me.

Abbie on: Lists, Lists, Lists, Lists

Abbie On: liking restaurants that don't have websites (or it's just a lucky trend we stumbled upon with this entry).

Abbie Berry

I love to eat. Who doesn’t?

My favorite places for grub in San Diego:

1. Turf Supper Club - 1116 25th Street, San Diego, CA 92102

I love the Turf Club. The place is usually pretty busy and you may have to wait for a table but it is so worth it. The drinks are tall and strong. The service can be questionable but I go in with low expectations. The menu is limited. Steak, Chicken, Burger, Mushroom or Salmon and you grill it yourself on the community grill. The only other edible menu items available are garlic bread, a small salad and cheesecake for dessert.

The place is decorated with artifacts from the race track. The booths are tiny and cozy. The food is tasty (and I make a mean steak). The jukebox is always going strong and the last three times I was there, I heard Prince’s Purple Rain. Grab a few friends who like to grill and head over tonight.

2. Mamma Mia - 1932 Balboa Ave, San Diego, CA 92109

This place is run by an authentic Italian family. They must be a family of seven or more. They run around the place speaking Italian and barking orders. If you call to make a reservation, you may find that you still have to wait for your table.

The restaurant looks like a little house. They also have a small patio on the side of the building. Plan ahead: You need to bring your own bottles of wine. The service is terrific. The owner treats you as if you are a guest in his home. All of the women are “Bella” to him and don’t forget the kisses on the cheeks! The food is scrumptious. Enough said. Don’t forget to try the Tiramisu.

3. Ono Sushi -1236 University Ave., San Diego, CA 92103

Ono Sushi is trendy and right in the heart of Hillcrest. They recently remodeled their bar to make it more spacious. You can sit at the sushi bar, at the cocktail bar (which has a small adjoining patio) or in the restaurant. If you’re sat in the back room, there are two special tables where you can cuddle up with your date. They even have pillows for you. If cuddling up at dinner sounds good to you, this is the place to try it. The service is great. Some of the staff has been there for years. This is the best sushi in San Diego. Make sure to order the Ono Sushi Roll. I also love the seaweed salad. In fact, I want some right now.

4. Lotus Thai – There are two locations: 906 Market Street, San Diego 92101 and 3761 6th Avenue, San Diego 92103

I can go to this place one a week and never get sick of it. Both locations have a beautiful interior. I personally feel that the service is better at the downtown location and the food is better and more consistent at the Hillcrest location. I prefer to mix it up. The appetizer platter is the way to go. The soups are yummy as well. My boyfriend loves the Lemongrass chicken and you can always go with the classic Pad Thai. The atmosphere is peaceful and you can’t go wrong dining with a big group or on a date. Try the chai iced tea.

5. Pepe’s Italian – 1830 Sunset Cliff’s Blvd., San Diego, CA 92107

Another family run restaurant. My first visit was probably nine years ago. At that time, they served the entrées on paper plates and the beverages in paper cups. The plates are now plastic but the food is the same. When you walk in, you seat yourself. The place is small but quaint. Pepe’s in owned by a family and the mother is an artist. The walls are decorated with her paintings of beach scenery. The menu varies from pizza to pasta to specialty items. I suggest the beef ravioli. They aren’t open every day, so make sure you call ahead before you head over. (619) 221-1926.

Yummy.

For me.

*Photo Courtesy of Pepe's Italian Webpage*

Abbie on: Those things we all miss from childhood. Alternate Headline: Abbie on smurfing a smurf with a smurf list (good thing we scratched that one)

She Makes the Lists the Whole World Reads
Abbie Berry

The top five things I miss most from my childhood:

1. My LiteBrite.

When I was a little girl, I could sit for hours in front of the TV with my LiteBrite. It was Fonzie, Richie, Joannie, Chachi and me with my LiteBrite. The 1980’s version was a white and black uniquely shaped box. I plugged the multi-colored pegs into the small wholes in the front of the box to make my colorful creation. A light bulb was housed in the middle and my creation could be lit up by plugging in the box. I loved this toy. I even begged my parents for extra pegs.

I was a single child at the time and I was absorbed in my own world as I sat on the carpeted floor in my mother’s apartment. I made shapes and designs and kept myself busy for long periods of time.

You can make your own LiteBrite creation here:

http://www.sfpg.com/animation/liteBrite.html

Apparently, Hasbro still makes LiteBrite but the look of the toy has changed. This children’s toy is great for any child with a creative mind.


2. Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour.

According to my research, there are only three locations that still exist. The one in Mira Mesa closed in 2006.

I grew up in Los Angeles and I remember many birthday parties at Farrell’s. We had ice cream sundaes and we played games. The employees wore red and white striped uniforms, sang songs to us and rang a bell for special occasions. Farrell’s was the place to be on your birthday.

3. Saturday morning cartoons.

I watched cartoons while I played with my LiteBrite. I miss these cartoons. There’s something very different about the cartoons they create these days. I suppose it’s the way that the animation has become so advanced that makes it look so unlike our “old school” cartoons. There is something almost innocent about the cartoons we grew up with. I especially loved: Superfriends, Scooby Doo, Flintstones and The Smurfs.

4. Girl scouts.

I was a Brownie and a Girl Scout and I’m very proud to say that I am still close friends with a few of the girls I grew up with during that time in my childhood. We sold cookies and calendars. We went camping. Our moms were our leaders and ran our weekly meetings. We did projects for the community and earned badges. I remember going to a nearby assisted home for the elderly during the holidays and singing songs for them.

I miss being a little girl. I miss my little green uniform. (My mom kept my sash with all of my badges on it).

5. Sleepovers.

They just aren’t the same. Imagine eight sleeping bags decorated all over the carpeted floor. Teddy bears, blankets and little girls in pony tails. We watched Grease over and over until we couldn’t stay awake. We ate pizza. We talked about boys and told each other secrets.

Sleepovers were the best.

Now, we hurt the next day if we sleep on the floor. No more Teddy bears. We still watch Grease over and over. We still eat pizza. We still talk about boys.

But it’s still not the same.

For me.

Abbie on: Giving Thanks for Scott Baio being 45 and Single

Abbie Gives Thanks
Abbie Berry

I went to see Pauly Shore tonight. I’ve loved him since I was 18. I won’t tell you exactly how many years that is, but just know it has been quite a long time. In college, my girl- friends and I used to listen to his comedy act and watch his movies.

He’s the Weasel.

Pauly Shore is almost 40.

Scott Baio is 45 and single.

When I was a little girl, I looked forward to watching Happy Days. I loved Fonzie and Chachi.

But, I feel like I was watching Happy Days, The Facts of Life and Family Ties yesterday.

Where does all the time go?

Sometimes we need to slow down and realize how valuable these passing years can be.

Since this is the week for thanks and gratitude, I want to say that I am grateful for everyone in my life that I am sharing experiences with.

“Life is short.”

As trite as that may be, it’s a valid statement.

Thank you for being a part of my life.

Thank you for trusting in me.
Listening to me.
Teaching me.
Entertaining me.
Enlightening me.
Loving me.
Sharing this very interesting life with me.

Buuuddddy!

You make every day worth discovering.

For me.



*Editors Note* Over and out.

Abbie on: what's on her mind.

*Editor's Note* She's afraid she's gone a little downer but the truth is Abbie never disappoints when it comes to making a point or making you think. Read on. *

What's on her mind : Abbie Berry

This is what I heard this week:

“Anything meaningful takes work.”

Sometimes I forget that as I move through my day to day world and then suddenly I’m reminded when the loss of something worthwhile becomes a possibility.

Have you ever wondered what life would be like if you didn’t care what happened or how it happened? There would be no dream, drive, dedication, decisions, results, surprise, sense of accomplishment or disappointment.

No disappointment.

No sadness.

No loss.

But do we care about absolutely everything we do and how much do we care about it all?
How do we value this?

Qualify it?

Quantify it?

Especially when loss is not always a loss and a gain can also result in a loss.

Relationships are like stocks and bonds. Investments.

Right?

Some are of higher value—a bigger stock, which would obviously create a bigger risk. The greater the risk, the larger the gain. The reward. The payoff.

We take a risk when we open ourselves up to someone we care about.

We take risks every day. Do we not?

I personally can’t imagine life without these risks.

Lately, I’ve been having conversations with people I know about this exact thing. So many people I know are having a hard time with this exact thing. How do you know when to invest the time and when to cut your losses?

At what price do you sell?

I’m cataloguing my stocks and bonds and categorizing the risks involved.

How much do I know about my own portfolio?

My portfolio?

Ok, enough analogy and metaphor.

If something is worth it, it takes work and I’m getting back to work now.

Life is about risk.

For me.

Abbie on: the most important relationship a girl, scratch that, a HUMAN BEING can have

* Editors Note* Tell that to my husband who was busy rubbing his temples last night begging to know WHY, WHY I insist on turning the TV to A Shot at Screwing Tila Tequila after she's screwed a bunch of other people on national television. "I'm just perusing, sheesh, it's not like I watch this crap TV." "Then turn it off." "Hold on, that guy says some other people were messing around! OH SNAP!" After last weeks crazy fire this and that, Abbie returns triumphant, though too busy to catch up with her ever so important friend, the DVR. (And no I DON'T DVR Tila Tequila's love muffin fest, but I do DVR The Hills, because I am a bad person, a bad.... bad, person.*

Abbie on: her relationship... with her DVR...and Nip/Tuck.

Abbie Berry

Lately, I can’t watch more than 30 minutes of television without falling asleep. It’s sad really. Sometimes, I’m asleep within five minutes. I mean try watching a movie with me. It’s more like watching a movie while I cuddle up with a blanket beside you and gently begin to snore.
(I even fall asleep at the movie theater. It’s pathetic).

Life is funny like that. Time gets away from you.

I graduated from Grad School last May but I find myself busier than ever. I go and go and go and before I know it, I still haven’t accomplished all of my goals for the day and I’m exhausted. I watch ten minutes of something and I’m dreaming. (The only people who should be jealous of this horrible disease I have are people who have a really hard time sleeping. It’s a beautiful thing that my couch is so comfortable).

I’m not really complaining. I’m blessed to be this busy with a full-time, paying job, a social life, a special group of friends, working out, teaching 8-year olds about being good little people and my DVR.

I love my cell phone. I have an Ipod. Thank goodness for my laptop, but my DVR I cannot live without.

Ok, so I’m talking about my relationship with my DVR. When I think back to the VCR days, I cringe.

Those of you who know what I mean, this blog’s for you.

As I write this, my DVR is 85% full and anything over 50% just won’t do. I need a vacation from my life just to catch up on my favorite shows.

I’m a writer -- an artist and I feel this huge amount of guilt when I’m worried about catching up on my shows instead of taking the time to write or read something that might inspire me or might teach me something new. Not to say that all TV is worthless. Most of the shows that I watch definitely make me think about the things I write about. In fact, many do.

But I write about love.

I just have to admit it. I have a relationship with my DVR and it is not ending anytime soon.
(Although, I do think I have to cancel my Netflix account. Since I can’t stay awake, the movies are just sitting at my place, waiting to be watched. This is not economically efficient).

Does anyone else feel this way?

Addicted and guilty?

Are you also counting the days until the Season Premiere of Nip/Tuck? I can’t wait to see what Dr. Troy has been up to and if you watch, you know what I mean.

Now, I have to come up with a plan that will keep me awake long enough to catch up.
And I need that same plan for the rest of my life as well.

Any ideas, please share and if you have suggestions for shows I need to see – beware you will be feeding the fire.

This is one fire we haven’t been hearing about on the news all week.

Sleep and TV.

My DVR.

For me.

And finally! Abbie on...repairing a friendship.

*Editors Note* It has already been an unusual week both for San Diego and for My San Diego. Needless to say with all the fires and news coverage and evacuations, it might feel a little like the worlds gone HECTIC and there's not a lot of time to sit down and read. OR, the worlds gone hectic and that leaves nothing but time to read, think, talk and wait. On that note we've decided to continue with our weekly features and that includes our once postponed new feature "Abbie on...". And while Abbie is our resident relationship expert, she starts out her article with a bit of a surprise. Because while "love is everything" to her and "break ups are the worst" she's not just talking about the guy, she's also talking about her friends. I'm not going to bring up the current Lauren/Heidi debacle (okay I just did) but just to let you all know, Abbie's been through it, healed from it, and now she's here to share it with you. Take a break from the fire coverage.*

Abbie on... repairing a friendship.

I thought I’d start off by saying that I spend quite a bit of time thinking about love and relationships. I’d like to call myself an expert but that’s probably impossible. The truth is love is everything to me. It is woven into all aspects of my life: my family, my friends, my teaching, my writing, my apartment and my passions for words and expression. I consider myself lucky because I have love in my life and an abundance of love to give.

Is it not the reason we are all here? Without it, what a lonely existence we would all lead.

This all being said, break-ups are the worst.

I was watching this past weeks episode of Grey’s Anatomy and Meredith said something like this in one of her voice overs during the show:

“There’s one thing in life that is for sure besides death and taxes. Hurt. You’re going to get hurt or hurt someone else at some point in your life.”

Now this, I am an expert on.

Yuck.

But I’m not going to tell you some gut wrenching story about an ex-boyfriend who broke my heart. Instead, I will tell you this:

An amazing thing took place not long ago. I repaired a friendship that had been tattered for over a year.

Break-ups are never pleasant but when one of your closest, best, special girl-friends break-up with you it hurts just as much.

Sharlene was one of my closest San Diego girl-friends. We worked together and played together. One day I came home to find that she had broken-up with me via email. She explained her reasons, she asked me not to contact her and told me she wasn’t sure she would ever be ready to talk to me about it.

I had mixed emotions at first. I wrote her a reply that I never sent. I was sad. This hadn’t really ever happened to me before.

She deserved an apology from me but I didn’t call for a long time. When I was finally ready, I left her a voicemail that she didn’t return.

Six months ago, I went into her work (she works at a restaurant) and apologized to her. She heard me out and even though I asked her to call, she never did.

Then I found out she was moving to Chicago. I wondered if we’d ever get the chance to repair the damage. I needed to try to make it right.

See, I was over every ex-boyfriend, but I wasn’t over the loss of Sharlene.

We used to have fun together. I could tell her anything. We would laugh and talk or hours. She was there for me when I was going through a rough time. We gave each other advice about our careers. We shopped in each others closets. We went out downtown, we went out for breakfast, we shared almost everything. (Including the time that she ate all of our rolled tacos before I had a bite and then passed out on my futon).

Soon after finding out that she was moving, I went into her work with my family. I decided to approach again. This time, she was receptive and open. We talked for a little while and she agreed to have dinner or a drink with me before she moved. We only had a week.

It was awesome to sit and talk to her about her life. My life. Catch up on what we missed in 14 months time. We learned that we both had grown so much. I was finally able to explain my side of everything, say my apologies but she had already forgiven me.

Then fate stepped in.

The day before she left for Chicago, I went out to dinner with my boyfriend and a few of his friends—to a place we had never been before. She was there with her entire going-away party clan. We were both genuinely happy to run into each other.

It was a make-up that I never expected and I am blessed to have her back in my life. We text and call just like old times. She is happy in Chicago (I wish she were here in San Diego for selfish reasons) and I am happy for her.

She even told me that she loves me again.

Nothing better than that.

For me.

As you might be able to tell we're pushing back ABBIE day

Tomorrow is relationship day and Abbie will get her feature up. Today became fire day because I watch a lot of CNN. We'll wake up tommorrow and give Ms. Abbie her due. Plus, we're probably going to have a whole relationship day. If there is one thing San Diego is good at (according to most national polls) it's dating and relationships (and having really cute people, well the second most cutest people behind Miami).

This week it's all about Abbie & we begin Halloween(Fest)

I have two major goals in my quest to be a grown up, the first is to get a job that I love and the second is to over decorate my (bazillion dollar) house during major holidays.

I'm working on it (both the loving job AND the cheesy decorations), this year being the year I bought a crap load of purple lights and stuck them up all over the outside of the house. (Of course my across the street neighbors have been in some kind of 3rd grade copy cat war, I buy paper spiders they buy paper spiders, I buy a smashed witch for the garage, they buy a smashed witch for their garage, I buy a crap load of purple lights...last night I peeked out the window and saw their... crap load of purple lights.)

Anyway, Halloween takes preparation and provides for creativity (lots and lots of creativity) and in San Diego, Halloween provides for AMPLE celebration opportunities. We're gonna start all things Halloween this week (yep, bust out your sexy costumes, dress like the tart you've always wanted to be and call it a night). You've only got so much longer to walk the long walk in Balboa Park or check in at the Haunted Hotel in downtown (but will you check out? oooooooo).

Also this week: All about Abbie! Abbie is a writer/ future contributor who will be sharing her thoughts about love and relationships in a weekly feature for My San Diego... Your San Diego. This week Abbie will tell us all about her San Diego (Wednesday) and we'll learn more about her during the week. Look for her article next Monday!

On a more personl note, I'm feeling less "ooo, snarky, snarky, witty comment about San Diego" this week then I have in the past. I don't know if it's because Fall is here, or maybe because my house is a mess, but my brain has been wandering the last few days, so bear with me.

On to the show...