I’ve had a lot of fun catching up after we returned home from our trip back east. Last night, I was back in studio for the first time in 3 weeks for my weekly radio show, the half-hour I bogart from Jack Rice, who is a very cool guy and an exceptionally patient individual (you have to be to deal with me, just ask David). This morning, I appeared on NBC 7/39 with my regular segment, Stepping Out With Barbarella, I’ll post a link to that video as soon as it goes up on the station’s archive page. And Sunday, looks like I will appear on KUSI with the lovely Kristen Cusato, to bid my friend farewell, as she is moving back east. I’m trying to think of something fun for that. But blah, blah, what else is up?

Tomorrow night is Kettner Nights, and I’ll be down there by my man’s side, answering questions about his photography, which is hanging at Jett Gallery. Saturday is just crazy-packed, I’m filming a bug festival (for my next NBC spot), attending a picnic (to see a dear friend who’s visiting from L.A.), and then a party (for another dear friend, whose birthday is the same day). At some point, I was hoping to go down to my mother’s house (she’s out of town, visiting family in New York) so I could take advantage of her pool and jacuzzi. But I don’t know when I’ll have a moment. That’s the only downside to all this fun and wonderful stuff I’m caught up in right now — not a lot of downtime. At least last week I spent just about every evening in, hanging with my man in our quiet abode. Seriously, I have no complaints. I’m living the life I’ve always dreamed of. My Fairy Godmother deserves a raise.

So! We’re back home, and already bustling with activity. Yesterday I worked, went to the zoo to check out their new Backstage Pass program, a VIP behind-the-scenes tour (fed a rhino by hand, and fed and pet a kangaroo, saw the baby cheetah, and am still geeky about the whole thing). It was sweet, and I have video and pics I need to get up soon so you can see just how sweet it was. Like I said, still geeky. But outside of that extreme enjoyment, I worked from dawn till dusk, and by 9:30 p.m. (when I’d finally finished my work for the day), I passed out and slept like a rock. And of course, was up by 7 a.m. and at it again (there’s a lot to do). But today, despite the errands and tasks, the laundry, shopping, and organizing of my office, and all that shit, I think I’m going to squeeze in some time and treat myself to a pedicure. These tootsies are in dire need, and I could use some laid back pampering time.

His show at the Granary Gallery is this Sunday, and we’re going to have a good number of friends in attendance. I’m sure it will fly by, right into the after party, which I’m particularly looking forward to. Needless to say, but here I go anyway, I’m proud of my beh beh.

I can’t believe I’ve been out of town for almost a full week! Two nights ago, I hosted Reader Radio from inside a car parked on the wharf in Sag Harbor, overlooking the water and the Princess K (a $30 million yacht that is a vision to behold). I love technology. Working from the road is sweet. David and I spent four nights at my aunts’ place in Sag Harbor, and had a lovely time, so relaxing, great conversation, everything you want when you’re skipping town to get away from the hubbub. Their home is gorgeous, their garden even more so. Guess that’s what happens when you have a landscaper in the family (my uncle Jimmy). David did some cooking, I did some drinking, and we all did a lot of laughing, most of which was a result of razzing Aunt Diane for being temporarily handicapped — the Irish laugh in the face of tragedy, it’s how we cope with shit.

Yesterday afternoon we hit the road and the ferries to Martha’s Vineyard, where we are now. Spending the next week and a half at my in-laws, to celebrate my mother-in-law’s birthday, and to attend David’s annual exhibition at the Granary Gallery. We had a week of sun in Sag Harbor, but it looks like nothing but rain here on the island. Most people, beach people, might be bummed about that. But you see, I live in San Diego, a beach town that sees maybe 44 days of precipitation a year, most of that like random spittle. So I’m ecstatic. The land is verdant, the flowers fluoresce against the green when the glare of the sun is obscured. The perfect backdrop for one who enjoys sipping coffee and reading a good book. The read right now is The Adventures of Kavalier & Clay, and once I got past the first pompous and overwrought 100 pages, I got sucked in to an expertly woven story. Now I’m enjoying it very much, and can’t wait to discuss it with the book club (dork alert).

And now, I’m going to join my man in town, because we need to stop by the gallery, and we have some accouterments to acquire for Ency’s birthday gifts. Later, I’m going to sneak away to a quiet corner and do some reading.

This Saturday morning, I fly out east, and won’t return to San Diego until the end of the month. First Davie and I are going to visit my aunts in Sag Harbor (a pretty little town on the Hamptons), and then we are headed to the island of Martha’s Vineyard, to stay with David’s parents. While there, he’ll have his annual gallery exhibition at the Granary. I’m looking forward to a little downtime, even though I’ll be working while on the road, hosting Reader Radio from abroad (that’s every Wednesday night at 7 p.m. on KOGO, by the way), continuing to make calendar selections for Your Week, and, of course, writing my column. Still, I won’t be distracted by all the other stuff that fills my days here in San Diego. And when I return, I will renew my segment on NBC’s morning show, Stepping Out With Barbarella, next to air on July 9. While on the road, I intend to blog more thoughts and goings on. In the meantime, though, for up-to-the-minute Barbisms, I am a frequent Twitterer, as you can see in that little box up there to the right. But my Twitter home page is RIGHT HERE.