Of course I'm worried. I worry about everything. It also doesn't help that I keep asking Shadow if Patti is okay when Shadow noses her. Patti is an old kitty, but it doesn't make it any better. Around 830pm she finally was walking better than she has been all day. I actually moved both carrier's into the living room so both cats could be in one, laying down side by side. At least Patti is still drinking water. I don't think she has had anything to eat all day, unless she did it when I wasn't paying attention. She is still trying to walk around, but she definitely can't jump up on anything. She did lay next to me for 2 hours before wanting back on the floor. Hopefully, this is just a bad day, and tomorrow will be better. I can hope, but I'm still worrying.

I finally had a quiet day. No cat talking, etc. Of course, I kept debating on what time to go to BART since I was getting there late and wanted to be able to find parking. Anyways, one final down, one more to go. I felt really awful about the Marketing final. I don't think I did as well on this one as the other one. Hopefully, it doesn't drag down my grade. I now just have to wait for my project partner to finish her part of the project, make sure everything we want is in it, and then e-mail it to the teacher. At least I know that is a good grade. Ugh! I'm nervous. Thursday is my next one, and a long day. In the afternoon my eyes get dilated, I'll go have lunch someplace, study, and then take the exam.

Tomorrow I'm in Walnut Creek. Will probably just find a coffee shop someplace to sit while waiting for Shadow, or I can go hang out at the bookstore. That may be a better idea. Tomorrow is a great day for laundry too.

Maybe I'll go into the city on Wednesday and study at the library. Or actually visit the Oakland library. I also want to drop off the canned cat food at Hopalong in Emeryville since my cats don't want to eat the Iams anymore. They both much prefer the Science Diet. Can't say I blame them either.

Friday I drive to Palo Alto to see the Theatreworks show. Maybe I'll go shopping for presents down there too since I haven't found anything for a few people yet. And yes, you are probably reading this right now. I never realized how hard it was going to be as my mind is somewhat a blank.

Time for bed now.

Today is the start of my vacation. I had too many vacation hours on the books, so I took off 6 business days to study for finals. I do have a plan, but next week will probably be the worst week to have taken off. Amazingly, I did get 90% of stuff done yesterday and everything else can wait until I get back. This doesn't count that half of my department are moving to their workspaces upstairs to the floor that I am on. I just hope they are easily moved and nothing is drastically awful.

I was suppose to take Shadow to the groomer today, but I received a call last night saying the groomer broke/sprained her hand. Hence, my appointment was cancelled. So, I looked on Yelp and hopefully can make an appointment at a cat groomer in Walnut Creek for Tuesday morning. Keeping my fingers crossed.

Yesterday I had an eye exam and contacts fitting. This is a new doctor near my office since I didn't want to go back to the other one in El Cerrito. It definitely made things easier, and I did like this new doctor. What through me for a loop is that my vision has changed. It used to be that one eye was better than the other. Well, both eyes are now the same, which means I need to get new glasses with the new perscription. The doctor gave me a new type of contact to try out. I guess they are a new type that stays moist longer. I really liked wearing them yesterday, so hopefully it is a type I can wear from now on. I go back next week for dilation and hopefully can order the glasses and contacts.

Now, it is time to eat and start studying.

Thought I would write a few things down that have been happening since I’ve been keeping a low profile these past weeks.

· The school term is almost over. I’m hoping to finish reading two marketing chapters today. Last night I found out that I received the maximum points on my 2^nd accounting exam attempt which boosted my grade to a high ‘C,’ so am extremely happy about that.

· I am hoping to come into SF tomorrow morning, go to the Farmer’s Market before going to the school library to study and finish writing a marketing plan paper on Blockbuster.

· The beginning of my online ordering of Christmas presents arrived. These were for my boss’. Yesterday I ordered a digital camera for my mom since she’s been complaining she doesn’t have a camera. Hopefully, it is easy for her to use.

· Still need to finish my picture submission on Shutterfly. Almost done and can get those Christmas presents wrapped when I get them back. Which made me think maybe I should do this for all my pictures from now on.

· Patti, the cat, is still mumbling as she walks and has begun to play with her water bowl too much. I actually had to dry out the food mat for a day because she splashed too much. She has also begun to stick her head in the refrigerator. All because I gave her a little turkey the day after Thanksgiving.

· I start my vacation on Friday, December 11^th, which will consist of studying and errands. Hopefully, more studying than anything else. Finals are on the 14^th, 17^th, and paper due on the 21^st, when I return to the office.

· Sunday is Dicken’s Faire with friends. Which means walking, milk and cookies, and fish and chips. Maybe I’ll splurge and buy something fun, though at the moment I am extremely poor.

· Least I forget, Shadow, the other cat is doing fine. She lets me hold her for at least 30 seconds before wiggling to be put down. Her grooming appointment can’t come soon enough as her fur is definitely matting more. I have the feeling she may receive a lion cut or something similar.

· The new cat food (Science Diet) is doing wonders for their hairball problems. Patti hasn’t had one in almost a month, and Shadow only once. I’m feeding them the kidney one since Patti’s officially old and her kidney’s aren’t so good anymore. Both are happy and that is what counts.

I’m probably forgetting to mention other things, but this is all I can remember at the moment.

Last night I wandered over to Ruby Skye for the group sales presentation for Peter Pan by ThreeSixty. A few interesting things I found out:

1. SHN has nothing to do with this production except being partners with ThreeSixty. ie. giving them their mailing list, help with group ticket sales, etc. Anything ThreeSixty can get from SHN, they are using.

2. The producers are English and were the only people talking at last night’s event. Only 2 of the 3 came as the London production re-opened at the O2.

3. The tent is being put up across from the Ferry Building at the Embarcadero. They are trying to recreate what they did in Kensington Park with a lot of audience interaction.

4. Besides San Francisco, they had also considered Chicago, but San Francisco won out due to a lot of considerations, including the CGI effects company is in the Bay Area.

5. The producers are very involved in this production, working with the city, etc. on every aspect of the set-up.

6. Supposedly ticket sales are already very good from their own lists, it’s supposedly been selling out in London, and they are using their own ticketing agency. It doesn't begin in SF until April 27, 2010.

7. A cast of 22, with the London leads coming over with the tent. The ensemble will be cast in the U.S.

8. No live orchestra.

9. The show is definitely geared towards families with children, so expect lots of little ones.

I admit that this show is making me curious and I think I’ll want to see it. Especially as it is sort of in the round, lots of visual effects, actors flying, etc. It will definitely be different. I’m already curious about the behind-the-scenes tour they will be offering. If you want to know more about the show, you can find it here: www.visitlondon.com/peterpan/plan/about-the-threesixty-theatre

I'll write about my last day in New York later, but I made it home safely yesterday. I was happy to see the sun when I landed at SFO. I was even going to wear my sunglasses when I noticed the frame had no glasses. I thought they had popped out on the plane, but it turned out it happened sometime on Sunday in New York as that was when I last was carrying them and I found the lenses in a bag I had packed into my suitcase. I must have been tired as I drove home since I missed the Hayward split after getting off the bridge, but it allowed me to backtrack through Emeryville so I could get lunch. I made it home by noon, cleaned up a bit, and then fell asleep with the TV on until 4pm. Left for class a bit refreshed at 530pm and came back again around 1030pm.

Shadow was happy to see me and Patti glared at me from the couch. Once I came home for the second time, Patti was in sort of a mood. Not sure as she has never acted like this. Around 1130pm she was asking to go out into the hallway, but I wouldn't open the door since I was already in my nightgown. As I was watching TV she continued to talk, sometimes out of my sight range and I could only hear her. I didn't think anything of it and we all went to sleep awhile later. Two hours later, I hear Patti somewhere in the apartment talking. Suffice to say she was at the door meowing to go out. I sort of yelled at her, she continued, I got up and tossed her away from the door. She glared, I went back to bed. A few minutes later she did it again, so I picked her up and carried her to the bed. She stayed until I fell asleep, and then a few hours later we did it all over again.

This morning she kept talking near me, around the corner, etc. Shadow was sort of staying out of the way as she didn't want to get in trouble. Still not sure what Patti's problem is, but I don't think she is dying, which was what I first thought as she jumped into the bathtub. She likes licking the water droplets after I take a shower. And if she can jump into the bathtub, I don't think there is anything physically wrong. She did get to go out into the hallway, but the door down the way opened to let their cats into the hallway. Patti was close by, and instead of coming back to me, she decided to walk to the open door and probably would have walked in if I hadn't stopped her. She did let the neighbor touch her, so we talked a bit.

Anyways, I hope Patti's mood has gotten better as I don't want to go through the night again like last night. Hopefully, she was just mad that I went away for a few days.

No matter where I'm at, I'm still on California time. Woke up at 930am, went back to sleep, woke up at 1030am. First one up too, thought when I came out of the bathroom everyone else was up.

Didn't have to worry about what to see since I already had my tickets or what to eat since I still had roast beef from the previous day. Had a lazy morning, and when we finally went outside it was a bit gloomy.

First show on the agenda was the matinee of Hamlet. Marie and I ended up getting in a shorter line trying to get into the theatre and found our seats without too much hassle. We had wonderful mezzanine seats too and I didn't use my binoculars too much, but as Marie said, we did want to see some up-close facial expressions.

The worst thing about the production, besides how cold the theatre is, is the lighting. Dark story, yes, but let's give it some light. Jude Law is actually pretty good, but I also think he fits the role perfectly. He doesn't have the added pressure of playing against type. I didn't like the dead king very much, and some of the lines were rushed, but overall a good production without much setting. And I had no idea what time period they were going for either. When I thought I had it figured out, something would occur to make it wrong.

In between shows we went back to the hotel to rest and then it was off to my show at Second Stage while Marie decided to check out the jazz show next door at the Hawaiian Tropicana Restaurant. I never would have thought to go into the place, but it turns out that this is where the local, up and coming jazz musicians come to play. Marie said that when she got there, a band was playing, and then other musicians would arrive to listen, instruments in hand. One bass player came and even set-up to join the jam.

I went to Let Me Down Easy, which was Anna Deavere Smith's latest one woman show about people telling their stories and all relating to something medical and wanting to be let down easy. There were a few celebrity stories from Ann Richards, Lauren Hutton, Lance Armstrong, and also regular people and doctors. It was interesting, powerful and funny. I don't know how she can change herself into being all these different people, but when she was done I was a little tired. Had a wonderful 3rd row seat too.

Marie met me afterwards so we could have dinner at a little French restaurant on Restaurant Row - Le Riverage. It was okay. Nothing really to write home about, but the people were nice. There were hardly anyone there too.

For a nightcap, we went back to the Tropicana and listened to the musicians as they ended their show at 12am. Then I just crashed again and waited for Sunday.

Thought I would write some things down while I remember what happened.

Landed at the airport early in the morning after dozing in-and-out of sleep on the airplane. Thank goodness for newer jets on Virgin America so I only felt one little turbulace bump when we hit NY airspace. I collected my $15 dollar bag, put away one purse, and then made my way on the AirTrain to Terminal 8 where Marie was suppose to be waiting for me. She actually had the bright idea to change plans and meet me in Terminal 4, where I landed. Since my cell phone was slowly dying, and I finally found good reception in Terminal 8, we did meet up and was able to catch Super Shuttle going downtown within minutes. Of course, I should have taken another dramamine, the driver got confused a bit, but we made it to the hotel and were able to check-in immediately.

After taking our time getting ready for the day, Marie and I walked to Times Square. The TKTS booth was still closed, so we walked to Junior's for food. They really do give you a lot of food. Hence, I'm still eating the roast beef I got. But it is really all about the cheesecake. It melts in your mouth and there is no graham cracker crust. After lunch, we did the theatre walk. Bought tickets to Hamlet, talked Marie into seeing Memphis, bought ticket to Let Me Down Easy and Finnian's Rainbow. Little did I realize I was introducing Marie to the thrill of discount codes. When we went to the Memphis box office, she really just wanted to know the running time, then ticket availability, then she decided onseeing the show, so I whipped out the code I had printed out. Amazement crossed her face since she got 3rd row Orchestra on the aisle at about 50% off. She later found out it was the same price if she had waited inline at the TKTS booth.

I should probably mention the nice guy at the Second Stage box office who was trying to help me find a show to see for Sunday evening and making recommendations.

By this time we went back to the apartment, met up with L. and then I crashed for 2 hours until Barbara called. We met up with Barbara for dinner. After getting Marie's hopes up with promises of a grilled cheese sandwich, they were soon dashed when we found out the place was closed and had to settle for sushi. Still good and not too filling before our respective shows. And it was great seeing Barbara.

Since we are in the holiday BC/EFA collecting, both Finnian's Rainbow and Memphis were selling things. I spent $20 on a characture drawn by a Finnian's cast member of the cast leads with signatures. It was really cut and one of those one-of-a-kind things. L. bought a few things which included signed playbills and the new Carols for a Cure. Memphis only had signed playbills and posters. We then went back to Junior's for dessert before going back to the hotel.

Since we are staying at a suite hotel, there is a mini kitchen where we have been having tea, warming up food, etc. And I think I got the better deal in sleeping on the soft couch rather than a hard bed. Besides, I don't hear the snoring from where I'm at.

I should probably start with the cat sitting since I'm sure there are at least 3 people who want to hear about my advertures.

Firstly, they miss the excitement and their mommy. Connor was his ever vocal and loveable self. Even Zoe was getting a little vocal as she was missing her mommy very much. Friday night was interesting as they both greeted me at the door. I was able to get them fed, fed the gp which I'm sort of afraid of in that it took me awhile to put the dried grass in the cage, etc. as I was afraid she was going to bite me. Anyways, all went well and I spent an hour there. Connor never shut up, btw. The entire time he kept talking. When I was ready to leave and I opened the door, he decided he wanted to come with me. And off he went. Thank goodness two kids were running at him, so he stopped, looked and then went back in. Geez. Just what I needed, running after the cat and thinking, somone is going to kill me if he runs through the outside door. Day 2 was better and I stayed for about 2 hours. Even Zoe stayed out to watch me etc. And today, they were better since I came earlier, around 2pm. I'm getting used to the GP, really I am. This afternoon Zoe decided to lay in the computer chair and Connor couldn't get close enough to me. He climbed in my lap numerous times. Glad I don't have to go back tomorrow as I have this image of Connor sneaking out again.

And I have to write something about Breeders' Cup on Saturday. All I can say is Zenyatta had better win Horse of the Year. She was in the Classic, and won. The first filly/mare to win it. (She's a 5-year-old and this was going to be her last race whether she won or not.) The race was wacky though when Quality Road decided he didn't want to load into the gate. He was one of the last horses to be loaded, and the starters did get him sort of in, but then he kicked off his rider and broke through the front. Hence, the rest of the horses had to be unloaded and he was scratched from the race. Of course, this is nothing new as he is a trouble maker and always has a loading problem, but this was the worst it has been and to have it happen for this race. Geez. This had to have been the best race field ever - Summer Bird, Mine That Bird, Einsteen (my personal favorite), Gio Ponti, Regal Ransom, Rip Van Winkle, and those are just the horses I know in the field of 13.

Of course, I can't forget the other races, and there were 2 horses that came back to uphold their title from last year. I love seeing the European horses coming over to race as this is usually the only chance I get to see them race. And since they race on turf/synthetic tracks exactly as they have at Santa Anita Park, the best race against the best. Thank goodness jockey Julian Leporeaux came over as well as he won 3 races. And congrats to local horse California Flag and Joe Talamo who won the Sprint. I guess this makes up for Joe not riding in the Kentucky Derby since his horse was scratched. Next year Breeders' Cup is at Churchill Downs, which may not have the same feel as it did in California. Churchill hasn't moved to synthetic dirt yet. Many of the Eastern tracks still race on dirt and are very adamant in not changing. Oh, well. I'm sure the European horses won't be making the trip out as they have for these past 2 years. But one of the best things they kept repeating, and I'm sure the Oaktree Meet wants Breeders' Cup to return, is that no horses had spills and everyone came back sound. Even I didn't do my usual crossing fingers that everyone come back safely. A little part of me wished I had been there to see Zenyatta win, but I don't think I could give up my up-close and personal with the TV.

As most everyone who knows me knows, I have vertigo all the time and motionsickness when I least expect it. I've always just pushed it off as, I feel the earth move or buildings move, and I try not to have a job that forces me in an high-rise building. (Yes, currently on the 14th floor, but you'll never find me working on the 30th.)

I'm reading the Kristin Chenowith book, A Little Bit Wicked, and she talks of having Meniere's Disease. Now, I've never heard of this before, but from what she has gone through, and what I've gone through, and I think I probably have this, though my doctor hasn't said so in so many words. My doctor has explained the whole inner ear thing to me, and says I have the fluid imbalance which is part of the symptoms, but it would make me feel easier if he had just given the name to me.

"Ménière's disease is an abnormality of the inner ear causing a host of symptoms, including vertigo or severe dizziness...associated with a change in fluid volume within a portion of the inner ear...The symptoms of Ménière's disease occur suddenly and can arise daily or as infrequently as once a year. Vertigo, often the most debilitating symptom of Ménière's disease, typically involves a whirling dizziness that forces the sufferer to lie down. Vertigo attacks can lead to severe nausea, vomiting, and sweating and often come with little or no warning..."

And if that doesn't describe me, I don't know what does.