AHHHH....

Despite today's pressures to make ends meet, there's one indulgence I simply can't give up...massages. Now, don't get me wrong - I'm not talking about once-a-week or even monthly rubdowns. If I'm lucky, I'll be able to treat myself to an every other month massage at Burke Williams. Yes, there are less expensive places to get a massage, but I really think you get your money's worth at Burke Williams. Not only do you have the benefit of a relaxing massage, but you can spend an entire afternoon letting your worries melt away in the sauna, steam room and mist room, or simply enjoy some uninterrupted peace in the quiet room. Some people run or go to a therapist to unwind. I go to a different kind of therapist to chill out...a Burke Williams massage therapist. AHHHHH...

Hooray for Opening Day!

At last, my five-month baseball hibernation is over. Lee and I can get back to what's right in this world (at least to us)...Angels baseball! In some regard, my Angels addiction was treated in mid January, when my Mom took us on the Angels fan cruise to Ensenada. However, I still found myself staring at the walls, because there was no baseball on TV. At least with the new MLB Network, I was able to get an occasional fix of pre-season game highlights, so I didn't fall into a complete state of depression.

"Experts" predict the Angels to win their division again this year, but not by the runaway 100-win record they did last season. Since the Athletics have beefed up their staff, the race for the West should be closer than ever. Angels are expected to finish with at least 84 wins with the Athletics in close second (I hope this is true, so my friend, Nathan, "shows me the money." Otherwise, I'll have to pay up.). This week's homestand should be a good indication of how our respective clubs' seasons will go.

The Angels have more wins this year in preseason than any other club, and have been touted as having the deepest roster in baseball. I really hope this is true, because if we can't make it to the World Series with 100 wins, I'm not sure where 84 wins is going to put us.

But don't worry...I always have hope. More surprising things have happened!

GO HALOS!

Fantasy Floral Designs

It's been close to 4-1/2 years since Lee and I were married, but it feels like it was yesterday. Aside from marrying my love, some of my favorite memories from the day were our flower bouquets, table arrangements and cake decoration.

I recently ran across the new-and-improved website of Fantasy Floral Designs and I'm still amazed at how gorgeous Amanda Heer's work is. Her eye for floral design is unparalled and I'm looking forward to the day when I can refer her to another bride or use her services for another one of life's events (birthday, baby showers, etc.).

Business As Usual

Don't miss the 2009 Laguna Niguel Chamber Business and Community Expo on Saturday, April 25, from noon to 6 p.m. For more information, visit the Expo's website.

I'm the sole member of the PR committee for the Expo, so help me look good (ha ha) by spreading the word and attending!

Thirsty for Moore

With my recent attraction to all-things vampire...well, not all things - basically Twilight and True Blood, my friend turned me onto the books of Christopher Moore. Not all are vampire-related, but the ones I've enjoyed the most are. I've just drained "Bloodsucking Fiends" and now moving onto my next victim, "You Suck." Moore's satire isn't for everyone, and definitely not for the faint of heart when it comes to explicit material. Of course, my corrupt and sarcastic mind thrives off of his humor, which always leaves me thirsty for Moore. Can't wait to sink my teeth into the latest novel, Fool (not vampire related, however).

Also a favorite - A Dirty Job

You're Looney

If you're over the age of 12, please stop showing me your love of Tweety Bird, Betty Boop, Yosemite Sam, the Tasmanian Devil, Tinkerbell, Snoopy, Goofy, Donald Duck and Mickey Mouse. Whether it's your car, your clothing or your tattoos, leave the cartoons to the kids, OK? You're "Looney." That's "Knott" the "Walt" thing to do, once you hit puberty. Enough said.

P.S. If you have a nickname like Tweety or Snoopy, you're probably in a gang and I don't want to know why you have that moniker.

This Is No April Fools Joke

Yes, it is April 1. No, this isn't a joke. In case you've been living under a rock, effective today, the CA sales tax rate has increased 1%. Thanks, Arnold. You should've stuck to your day job. Wait, you weren't good at that either.

For more information on the sales tax hike, click here.