"In order to see birds it is necessary to become part of the silence." - R. Lynd

This morning I had a pleasant surprise. I parked on the 6th floor of the parking garage as I'm still trying to get exercise and noticed a lone pigeon wondering around. Most people hate pigeons, but I like them as I like all birds. I watched this pigeon and then noticed two others, but they were baby pigeons! I have never seen a baby pigeon before. I think they "nest" behind one of the concrete pillar-blocks in the garage. The babies are so cute and make little chirping noises because they wanted food. I didn't have anything to feed them, but I was able to get pretty close. Pigeons are not that bright and not afraid that much, so they didn't really move. The babies flapped their stubby wings and then went back behind the pillar. It was wonderful.

Hopefully, 4th of July plans are in place for all. I'm going to a BBQ, which will be fun. Most importantly, I'm sleeping in tomorrow morning and then working on packing up more stuff. Can't wait to move! So many people are moving out of the place I'm at.

I discovered this morning that I have lost 6 pounds since I started weighing myself. This is quite good news for me. I hope it turns in to 20 before I hit the first slump. The first slump is hard and depressing because your body has re-adjusted and you stop losing weight until you make even more changes in your lifestyle. I hate that slump. But, for now, I'm going down on the scale and that is great!

If anyone wants to check out my new digs, the website is
http://www.archstoneapartments.com/Apartments/California/Northern_California/Archstone_Monterey_Grove/

A cute little squirrel was running around the tree right outside my kitchen windows. Lou was enthralled and now I know who has been running across the roof (I thought it was a rat!).

So, my mid-probationary review went very well. My boss was very nice and complimentary. He explained to me why I was chosen to be the permanent RPAI not an over-strength, which was very nice to hear. He actually said I have a good talent and he wants to cultivate that. My areas for growth are on being more assertive in group settings and making sure I participate fully in site visits and dealings with clients. Both are things I would agree with, so it was good. He even kept my ratings, so I got a few above average.

Very happy about that especially since I made the decision to move over the weekend. I found the perfect place with everything I want and I can afford it. Money will not be flowing and I won't have much disposable income, but I will have a wonderful apartment and I think it will aid me in my pursuit of self-improvement and re-design on how I see myself. I move in late July and am already packing, since I'm so excited!

Weight loss is going slow, but at least it's going. I'm trying to balance enjoying food, enjoying eating out, and being healthy. Some days I do great and others not so great, but the important thing for me is constantly moving forward. I no longer beat myself up or dwell on the fact that I ate a sweet. I just move forward and get back to my good habits the next day. This doesn't mean I'm condoning eating awfully all the time, but I'm in the stage of growth and learning. I'm just done being so bogged down with little things in my life.

I'm relaxing and enjoying life more. I'm not sweating the small stuff. I'm working on not being stressed out about everything, but that's the hard one for me.

I had an absolutely lovely graduation weekend and I'm so great-ful for everyone that was able to share in the weekend activities. This is the first time that the ceremony really didn't mean anything to me; it didn't feel special or worthwhile. I would have enjoyed it more if I had just spent time with folks than sit through the boring ceremony. Plus, I didn't have any fellow students graduating with me and my professor didn't even show up to present me, so I felt quite out of place and bored. I thought it would be meaningful and provide some kind of closure to my Davis saga, but it really didn't. Anyhow, the day, other than that, was wonderful and I'm thrilled everyone took the time to celebrate with me.

Yesterday morning I was treated to a flight show by the three young falcons. At first, as I was walking in to work, I heard one of them and saw it flapping and occasionally soaring overhead. I just stopped and watched .... googling and oohing. Then a second falcon joined in and they flapped and soared together. As I continued walking, the third young falcon joined in. It is so amazing to watch them learn how to fly gracefully, how to soar, how to land, and how to be predators. I'm amazed.

This morning was a great morning as I'm finally seeing a bit of weight loss again. I get so discouraged, even thought I know I cannot lose weight quickly. I hate it when I stay at the same weight for days, but I understand that weight loss is a spiral, not an even progression.

I'm really enjoying working with healthier foods and finding that, surprisingly, I enjoy them and feel better when I eat them. I hardly get sick when I eat well and jsut feel better. I don't have these mid-day crashes from my sugar wearing off. As I start my food log once again, I can realize where the bad habits remain and what I can work on.

I just love Kashi food! Amazingly great tasting and healthy. I'm also trying to eat at home more because I can control what goes in to my food and how much. I'm really enjoying my home-made pasta dish:

1-cup whole wheat organics pasta from Safeway

While that's cooking, I make up the sauce:
1- onion
3- garlic gloves
1-tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1- bell pepper
3-4 tomatoes
seasoning
Spinach

It's a pretty healthy meal and I get the taste of pasta, which I love, and plenty of veggies and it fills me up nicely without being stuffed. I'm really trying to avoid over-feeding myself anymore. My latest x off the food list is salami. I realized I was eating too much of it and it is very unhealthy, so I've decided that salami needs to go.

Weight loss is such a pain, but it makes me a better person. I've eaten so poorly for so long that now I can really appreciate being healthier and how important it is. I don't have a clue how long it will take to reach my first target, but the process is the important thing. I just want to be healthy and I know I'm not right now. I was dancing this morning when I stepped on the scale!!!

Next Monday, I have my mid-probationary performance evaluation review meeting. Ekk. Freaks me out, but I'll just have to wait and see how it goes.

My new hobby is downloading songs from i-tunes. I got a gift card for $15 and got 15 new songs last night. It is so much fun and I just love having new music to listen to. Makes me in a good mood in the mornings.

OMG Today had been amazing. I was treated to a young falcon flight this morning as I walked into work. The falcon was perched high on top of the City Hall structure and cacking, as I think it wanted food or was frustrated. It flapped and took off. Amazing to watch it flap and soar and flap and soar. Then as I walked back from Starbucks, the facilities managers were taping off the walk in front of City Hall. Sure enough a young falcon was perched right at eye level checking out the interior of the building. I never thought I would get amazing birding at City Hall.

Off to Monterey for the Employee Recognition Event.

Two more days!!! I cannot wait until my Dad and Aubrey arrive. I'm so excited to see them and for the festivities of the weekend. Time just flies by (except at work, hehe).

All three falcon chicks have now fledged. It's a bittersweet time for all us
"falcon-actics." We are very thrilled to have 3 successful fledglings, but sad to not have them around ot observe. Of course, I'd rather them be flying around free and wild, but they were so amazing to watch. I'll have to wait for "season 2."

The weekend was so crazy for me as I was house-sitting and getting all these loose ends tied up prior to graduation time. Still have much to get done tonight and tomorrow, but I like to keep busy.

Visited the Mendez's in Brentwood over the weekend, which was lovely as always. I miss spending time up there, but the drive drives me crazy! I cannot stand Vasco Rd. Got my piano music, but then I banged my little finger into the door frame yesterday, so I cannot play or do much with it currently. Hopefully, it will heal quickly. I ordered a nice music book and am trying to clear some space in my apartment.

Pretty much feeling comfortable with not moving in the near future. I, instead, want to focus on putting money in savings,s o I can build some cushion, a nest egg, etc. It just makes the most sense to me. I have enough room for me and Lou and do not need to be worrying about extra rent money each month, needing new furniture for a larger place, moving expenses, etc. I'm working on balancing out my current lifestyle. Who knows in a week, I'll probably be back to wanting to move.

Hiko, the male juvenile falcon, fledged this afternoon. Rather, he was pushed off the lower ledge by his sisters. I was looking at the cam and at my spreadsheet. I kept watching the 3 juveniles and Clara sitting up high and glanced away and back to see that there were only 2 and the camera was panning the city. From the posts, apparently, Hiko was nudged off by the girls and fell 3 stories (from the 18th floor) at which point he caught himself and started flying. Clara was amazing. She was right underneath him when he fell and flew under him until he safely landed on a tree. She was back with the girls in about a minute and Hiko did a great job on his first flight. So amazing and humorous. This is not the norm for a falcon's first flight.

Happy soaring Hiko!!!

I am so excited about my upcoming graduation and the ensuing weekend! Time has flown by so fast. I remember when I was registering for graduation back in April and now it is here. I have so much to get done between now and then, but it is nice to be busy on occasion.

This past weekend was amazing as Claudia and I trekked up to Santa Cruz for the peregrine falcon release. It was so lovely. I have picture, but need to take the time to upload them. The juvenile falcon we got to watch is "Little G" the offspring of George and Gracie in SF. She was so beautiful and wonderful to watch. I could just sit and watch these amazing birds all day long. Plus, I absolutely love the coast; it feels like home to me. I will live on the coast some day.

I have a direction at work. Post probation, I am going to start on the Analyst classes so I can get my certificate and then possibly an Analyst position. I just have to bide my time right now.

I'm thinking a lot about moving to a one-bedroom apartment. There is a complex I really like and it on a wonderful bike trail, so I could bike at least on the weekends and possibly even some evenings after work. It is just hard for me to commit to the extra rent money each month. I'm torn.

Mother's Day for me kind of sucks. We are bombarded constantly with advertising about this and that for mother's day and not having my Mom to celebrate with sucks. I know I'm not expressing this the most eloquently, but oh well. The day was just a drag. I took an hour and a half walk, but that didn't even pick me up. I did wish Mom happy mother's day and bought some alstromerias in her memory. And thanks Dad for the lovely ecard with beautiful thoughts on Mom. All I can think of is that is it weird when half of your parents is no longer around, but Dad, I love you and appreciate you all the more.

Got to see a real live peregrine falcon today!! Amazing. He is one of the tame ones that the Santa Cruz Predatory Bird Group has and he just perched all through the session. We got to hear a few calls from him and just watch him. Regal and awesome. I was thrilled! Then I ran in to an old co-worker and we chatted a bit. She's doing a lot of the advertising/merchandising relating to the falcons. Neato.

Found out my probation is in fact a year, even though my offer letter says 6 months. Frustrating!

This week has been nice at work. I feel like I'm made some accomplishments on my assigned tasks and I'm very pleased. Plus, I think my supervisor is pleased as well. Anyhow, I'm very glad it's Friday because I need a break! It was hard getting up this morning and I'm glad it's a short day.

Got some new-used furniture for my place free from a friend, so I'm enjoying re-arranging my place and trying to economize on space and give it the most open feel I can. The apartments I've always wanted to live in have a deal going on that I could *afford* but it would leave me with no extra money for savings or anything. Think I'll wait until August and see if the rates get any better.

Lou is bored and I REALLY want a balcony for her to enjoy. She just wants me to sit and play with her, but I'm home so little that it's hard. I love that cat, but I don't know that I always provide the best home for her.

Well, time for me to grab lunch! I'm hungry.

PS- The falcons are amazing. I've learned that they are a top predator, so they don't really have to worry about being eaten. However, these two have defended their territory more than once. What I would give to witness that. The chicks are growing fast and it's so amazing to watch. I'm captivated by these amazing creatures.

PSS- I predict a Melinda-Jordin show down for American Idol. I hope Melinda wins because she has the best voice by far, but I think Jordin will win because she is commercial, young, and has "star appeal". We'll see.....