I'm taking a break after working for fourteen years at the same company so I can decide what I'd like to do next. I'm not even sure how to describe this time off. I loathe the word "funemployment."

Brunch at Chow with friends visiting from NYC was a good start to the week. I had Chow's delicious ginger cake with pumpkin ice cream for dessert after my breakfast. Breakfast dessert.

P odcast Re:Sound #253 on Naked Came the Stranger is a must-listen for writers.

From wikipedia: Naked Came the Stranger is a 1969 novel written as a literary hoax poking fun at the American literary culture of its time. Though credited to "Penelope Ashe," it was in fact written by a group of twenty-four journalists led by Newsday columnist Mike McGrady.

I subscribed to ZYZZYVA to read Suzanne Rivecca's "Ugly Bitter and Strong" because I liked her essay in The Sun "People Are Starving." She is an incredible writer and I'm jealous of her ability to describe her mental state and feelings with such clarity.

I went to 40th Birthday celebration for non-profit organization W.O.M.A.N. Inc. where I bid in a Silent Auction for the first time and won jewelry from Cheyenne Cannon. There was a wonderful singer at the event Maria Jose Montijo.

I went to an open house on Buena Vista, because I happened to be passing by. The realtors were gracious enough to let me take a peek inside this $4,500,00 mansion even though I was in my running gear ("You're not the first"). It was a gorgeous home, full of light and beautiful period details, including a secret bookshelf.

I attempted Tomatillo-Sauced Enchiladas with Spinach and Mushrooms by Rick Bayless. I wasn't 100% happy with them, maybe because I used Tomatillo sauce from a jar.

The Mexicali Chop salad at Real Food Daily was one of my favorite salads when I lived in LA. I tried making this at home this week. I got close. It involves a lot of chopping!

I read Graceling (Realm Book 1). Fun page-turner.

I discovered @shockproofbeats on Twitter. This thread pulled me in (warning: strong language).

I went to see a documentary called "Lies & Miracles." It was by my friend, Nancy Margulies. The subject of the film, George Landau, was a child when he was sent to a Siberian Labor Camp during WWII. He was present at the screening for Q&A. He told us he was worried for our grandchildren. He told us not be complacent. He told us again and again to "Please vote."