She's a Rebel. She's a Saint

Tide

2011-07-24T10:47:00.000-07:00

I'm a relatively smart girl. I know how the tide works. I'm also not a religious girl, but I am spiritual. My dad and mom's cremains were both scattered at sea.

Whenever we go to the beach I always greet them quietly and say a few things. It's just my way, I've done it for 20 years. The tide could be way out and no matter what, when I greet them the tide always seems to come up to me. It always gives me a small comfort, like they are coming up to hug me.

Summer Berry Crisp

2011-06-27T09:39:00.000-07:00

I love summer because it means the promise of sweet, plump berries.

Recently we attended, and happily ate, at our friend's Glen & Sara's rib event "Ribocalypse II: The Ribture". We survived the Rapture and what better way to celebrate than with ribs, grilled corn on the cob, grilled veggies, picnic caviar and a triple berry crisp. Another friend brought the triple berry crisp which was SO delish! It went really well with the homemade peach ice cream Glen & Sara made, I must say!

Ah, here is a cross section of the crisp all warm and bubbly from the oven.

I made the triple berry crisp last night to share with dear friends. Thanks to Cara providing me the link for the recipe which you can find here!

Summer Bucket Fun List 2011

2011-06-23T11:08:00.001-07:00

My friend Stacie shared a link with me recently about a Summer Fun Bucket List. The blog inspiration came from Little Wonder's Days. It seemed like a great idea to put a visual on all of the fun things we'd like to cram into this summer.

Based on Little Wonder's Days we color coded ours as such:

Green: All Day
Blue: Half Day
Orange: 3 hours or less

Here is the list we came up with to make our Summer extra fun!

Life lessons from atop Two Bit

2011-06-22T09:09:00.000-07:00

It has been nearly 35 years since I've been atop a horse. Even then, when I was the tender age of 5, the horse was on an exercise wheel so it was a very controlled experience (probably a good thing for a 5 year old).

Maggie has ridden her friend Morgie's horse, Coal, a few times now. She looooves to visit and ride Coal. I don't necessarily have the same excitement level she does because I'm slightly intimidated by such a large critter and honestly, my allergies prevent me from getting ga-ga over anything that causes me so much sinus strife.

We were celebrating the summer kick off with a camping trip during opening weekend at Camp Shelly in South Lake Tahoe. We've camped there a few summers now and passed Camp Richardson Corral many times. This year, however, I thought to myself "why not take a trail ride?". We've always talked about checking it out and for some reason I felt that this time was the right time. A lot of changes happening in our lives (Mags to middle school/new school, me being laid off) so it felt like I should embrace something adventurous and new. If you must know, I'm often risk-averse with these sorts of things so deciding to ride a horse for an hour is not exactly momentous for most, but for me it's a step into a larger world.

When we arrived we were able to pet some of the horses. After the ride before us returned we were asked about our level of riding experience. Maggie got a horse named Foxy who was a former barrel runner. Foxy loved to break into a trot for no other reason than she could. One of the ranch hands there asked me my level of experience and I simply told him it had been a while and might as well consider me a greenhorn. He jokingly said my horse would be "Bonecrusher".. hee hee! Chris and I both thought about the scene in Auntie Mame where she has never ridden before but wants to impress her beau - Beuregard Jackson Pickett Burnside ☺ and her nemesis Sally Cato offers Auntie Mame a horse. When the horse is brought up it kicks in the trailer and is going bugnuts. Mame asks Sally what the horses name is and Sally, in her sickly sweet southern drawl, says Meditation.

Turns out my horse was named Two Bit. He was on the smaller side (I'm barely 5'3") and seemed sweet as could be. He was a little late to turn up because he had to take one more "smile break". I immediately identified with Two Bit. I have the smallest bladder in the world and always go (whether I think I have to or not) before embarking on adventure. Yes, in fact, I went TWICE in the span of time we arrived for our ride and saddling up. What of it?!?! I could barely get my foot up into the stirrup (that is QUITE a stretch, isn't it?) and probably made Two Bit uncomfortable trying to hoist my other leg over. Immediately I felt it was a big mistake. I became nervous being so high up and in such an UNCONTROLLED environment. I sought to calm myself immediately remembering that animals sense fear and tried to find peace in the saddle. Chris was taking photos and before I knew it we were off! He had to run up and hand me the camera, but I thought "how the hell am I supposed to hold the reins, grip this knob thingy for dear life and take photos?" Oh dear... I was in over my head.

I did attempt to take a photo of Maggie who was right behind me on Foxy, but only once. I was chanting in my head "where the head goes the body follows" and kept forward-facing most of the time. I was immediately behind the two guides, but one peeled off to bring up the rear.

Cody, our main guide, was a real cowboy, no joke. He was really cool, collected and had a slow-drawl. Cody rode a horse named Fat Boy. Immediately I think of the ice cream treat and love his name. Not to be indelicate, Fat Boy had a big arse. He was aptly named. The Sir Mixx Alot song "Baby Got Back" sprung to mind. You can take the girl out of Stockton.... Anyhoo, Back to Cody - he was wearing a plaid shirt like all the other ranch hands, but his cowboy hat just seemed to fit perfectly, not like a costume prop. He had leather gloves sticking out of his back pocket which seemed real cowboy-y to me for some reason. I had seen him earlier fixing a floor board on the porch and smoking a cigarette later around the horses. On the trail he had chew tucked in his lip and every now and then he'd spit off to the side. Normally smoking and chew gross me out, but something about it gave to the full experience and if I was in a brawl, I'd want Cody in my corner as he seemed like one BAMF.

All was well as we rode along and I tried to gain my confidence. The whole time I kept giving Two Bit pats near the mane telling him "good boy". Cody told me that Two Bit is good on the trail and will just plod along but if I wanted to try second gear to give him two hard kicks in the side. OMG... KICK a beautiful animal? I was so reticent to do this. I know that in the grand scheme of things Two Bit wouldn't really feel much, but the mere thought of kicking an animal kind of made me weak in the knees. I attempted it, but gingerly and Cody urged me on so I gave Two Bit two hard kicks and held on for dear life. I felt like I might bounce right off and if ever there was a time to feel some fear, surely now was appropriate. Two Bit caught up to Cody and Fat Boy and stopped. Did I mention yet how when I heard Two Bit's name I went all Stockton again and thought "Fiddy Cent"? Yeah, I don't know why, but it was rattling in my head making me giggle. At one point Two Bit stopped dead. I wasn't sure what was happening and in a couple of heartbeats I considered kicking him. So I gently kicked and nothing happened. Then Maggie told me that he was going #1. HAA!!! Glad I didn't kick harder. Nothing would upset me more than someone walking in on me going tinkle and kicking me. Finally Two Bit resumed his walk.

Behind me Maggie and Foxy were getting on fine and every now and then I'd hear Maggie giggle as I heard Foxy's pace quicken to a trot. There were two others in our group a mum and her 6yr old from Wales. The 6yr old, Lily, rides every weekend. I was feeling outclassed by a 6yr old for sure. In my head I just kept repeating toes up, heels down to keep my balance. I felt totally off kilter the whole time. Then... it happened... Fat Boy stopped short to presumably use the loo, but was taking FOREVERRRRRR. Now I'm thinking about Morty Ballstein in Zoolander trying to go to the loo. Apparently Two Bit was bored and nudged Fat Boy in the bum with his head, he may have even nipped him, but I couldn't see too well. When that didn't work, Two Bit turned around and trotted off of the trail right into the forest because he saw something tasty to snack! Holy crap!!!! What am I supposed to do now?!?! Though, full respect to Two Bit cos I'm a girl who loves to eat (check two - another thing in common).

Cody, ever the cool bad ass, just tells me to direct him with the reins, pull up and kick. He also says keep a firm grip on the reins as Two Bit is known for doing this.. he likes to test and will shake the reins out of his riders hands freeing himself from control to graze as he pleases. He says all of this so casually like this was not a crisis situation. Meanwhile I'm mildly freaking out in the saddle. I take a breath to calm myself, pull left on the reins, up and kick hard. Two Bit and I are back on the trail - huzzah! Meanwhile, that fat ass Fat Boy didn't even squeeze out a drop in that whole 4 minutes of mild terror!!! Cody explains that Two Bit is actually pretty wily for his size and people often underestimate him. They refer to him as "Small, but mighty". Hmm.... okay check 3, Two Bit. You and I are really starting to feel like a perfect match. Even though I'm not exactly confident now, once I do get footing in something I tend to be mildly cheeky as well. Often, people don't know the might inside of me unless I'm pushed.

So onward we go... up, up and up the trail where we get a spectacular view of Lake Tahoe. Cody is kind enough to offer to take a picture of Maggie and I on Foxy and Two Bit with our camera. He has to keep a wary eye on Fat Boy who has a proclivity for running off. Cody tells me he's had to walk back to the ranch at least once. Cody positions us so we're blocking Fat Boy in behind us a bit. Hopefully this keeps him in check. ☺

The rest of the ride is enjoyable and I'm finally feeling more comfortable with this new situation and lack of perceived control. Two Bit grazes me up against a pine tree and my left knee gets smashed between him and the bark - OUCH. Hey Two Bit, I thought we were friends! We begin our descent back to the ranch and instead of staying on the trail he trots right into the forest again, deeper this time and as I look back toward the trail it's nothing but pine tree and a wall of a manzanita. He begins munching again and Cody, once more, urges me to direct and kick. I yank up hard on the reins, but Two Bit doesn't stop his incessant snacking. As he leans farther down I start to feel like I'm going to go ass over teakettle over the front. Cody tells me to REALLY yank up hard and show him who's boss! I take a deep breath, yank up hard and kick him. Uh oh.. now we're heading right into that wall of pines and manzanita and I quickly adjust the reins when I spot a decent hole out. Back on the trail. ☺

We make it back and I hop off, Two Bit now bellied up to the bar (trough). I give him a pat, take his photo and he gives me a sidelong glance as I depart. Mags and I waited for Chris a few minutes. He took Darwin down to the beach to play while we were on the trail. Did I tell you that Darwin HATES horses?

Chris comes back and just before we leave I notice Two Bit is back at his spot on the posts to rest. I tell Chris about Two Bit who was busy scratching his eye on the fence post and when he heard my voice he stopped and turned toward me and then came around to where I was. I reached out to stroke his muzzle. He leaned in and closed his eyes. We stayed like that for a while. Eventually, I asked Chris to get a photo with Two Bit and me before we go.

Two Bit reminded me a lot about myself on our ride. Not just the constant-bathroom breaks or love of eating, but with my recent layoff I was feeling adrift and helpless, out of control. Also, by the way when you get right down to it.. it's PERCEIVED control, because nothing is really ever in our control. Two Bit taught me it's okay to meander and be out of control. He taught me that when I feel small, I can dig deep and be mighty. Two Bit reminded me to trust my instincts and believe in myself. He reminded me to just pull up on the reins (not just a clever saying, now I know what it means literally and figuratively) and KICK!!!!!!

Giddyap!

2,920 days (give or take)

2011-06-16T15:53:00.000-07:00

Today, after 8 years of employment, I finish up my last day at my job. This is the second time in my life being laid off from a job/company. The last layoff in 2003 lead me to this job which worked well for our family. For that, I am grateful. It also allowed me to become friends with a really awesome person, so I am grateful for that as well.

It is time for reflection and soul-searching. This year I will turn 40 so I have some existential musings going in my head. So far I only know what I do NOT want to do with the bulk of my weekday breathing hours. Hopefully the proverbial windows will open now that this door is shut and a path will shine before me so that I may travel upon it.

I guess I still have to figure out what I want to be when I grow up ☺

Peach Cobbler

2011-06-16T15:11:00.000-07:00

It's been a long, up and down week so last night I decided to make a peach cobbler on the fly. There is something special about fresh baked goodies that soothe a soul even if it's 90 degrees outside!

The recipe - MOM'S BISQUICK COBBLER originated from Cooks.com. I used fresh cut up white peaches (4) and also added ground cinnamon and ground cardamom to my cut up peaches, incorporated and let them sit for about 20 minutes before adding to the cobbler and baking.

Below is my augmentation of the original recipe.

Andie's Bisquick Cobbler

2T butter
1C Bisquick
1/2C sugar
1/2C milk
3C (4 medium) white peaches
Ground cinnamon to taste
Ground cardamom to taste

Turn oven to 375°F.

Cut up peaches. Add cinnamon and nutmeg to peaches, mix and let rest for 20 minutes.

Melt 2 tablespoons butter in 8 x 8 inch baking dish.

Mix Bisquick, sugar, and milk. Pour over melted butter. Spoon fruit over.
If using canned peaches, pour on some of the juice also.

Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes.

Everyone loved it! It would be a great camping dessert done over the campfire in a Dutch oven!

The Awakening

2011-06-15T12:38:00.000-07:00

The Daily Show is a tiny bit behind the curve, but still spot-on. I walked in on my husband about 3 weeks ago watching the unthinkable...... cable news shows broadcasting election coverage already. GASP!!!!!

Yes, it is JUST like this absolutely hysterical "trailer" starring TDS's John Oliver. Click link below to see the future 18 months of horror.

Indecision 2012: The Awakening

"I can feel my soul..... slipping away......"

Craft Hope: project 12 - Update!

2011-06-13T19:59:00.000-07:00

80 bracelets completed and ready to be shipped off to Craft Hope: project 12 tomorrow. YAY! Thanks to my daughter Maggie for helping me make some of these fab bracelets.

Mags calls this presentation a Bowl of Friendship (bracelet) Soup. ♥

International Yarn Bombing Day.

2011-06-12T21:10:00.000-07:00

June 11th was International Yarn Bombing Day AND Knitting in Public Day. I knew June 11th was fast-approaching, but yet I had so much going on that I left it to the last minute. Nothing like flying by the seat of your pants! I accomplished both feats yesterday - hooray!

I am not brave and growing up (even still) I'm a follow the letter of the law kind of gal. I would also tell you that I'm extremely risk-averse almost to the point of being allergic - itchy and hiccupy.

Yet, as I get older (and I will be turning 40 this year, but I refuse to consider this a "mid-life crisis" but existential musings) I have become more outspoken, ballsy and brash.
I do things according to how they make me happy and if I bring some sunshine to someone along the way, then all the better. If someone doesn't like me or my style - poo-poo sayeth I - just like Madeline.

This is my second yarn bomb. The first one I did under the cover of night. This one I allowed myself to be more bold. Also, I didn't really have a choice because hubby and I were going on a date... drive-in movie to see Super 8 (which was AWESOME... totally mint ☺) and we wouldn't be getting home until close to midnight.

I hadn't even measured my piece. So fly-by-the-seat of my pants .. I just cast on and knit something and hoped it would fit. We arrived at our location at 6pm.. still very light out and busy-ish because downtown Livermore (and Livermore in general) was lively with the annual Rodeo. The parade had passed by earlier that morning and there were a lot of crowds and police presence.

My hands were slightly sweaty in that nervous way and my heart was beating fast. The location I picked to install was lined with motorist waiting to cross the intersection. Apparently I got a lot of stares.

Even more risky was the fact that there was a Police van parked one car up from my position. Still, I calmed myself, steadied my hands and worked feverishly. This is not something I would have ever dreamed of doing when I was growing up. My parents were very strict and not exactly impulsive people therefore I was never an impulsive kid or early adult. I wonder what they would say, were they alive.

Installation complete and I only hope it will last 24 hours and dare I dream... a week.

I've got the taste again to do more installations around town with my signature rainbowy colors. A lot of people might say "what a waste of time and yarn", but I'm a process knitter. While I do appreciate a finished project, it's the journey I enjoy. The gentle slide-click of my knitting needles, the feel of the yarn in my fingers and the way fabric develops before my very eyes. I'm making something, essentially, from two sticks and a piece of string.... almost something from nothing. Some others may say it's defacing public property. Well, in a way it is, but it's non-permanent and non-harming like spray paint or scratches or other graffiti. One snip of my scissors and my yarnbomb becomes merely a vestige of the tiniest yarn fibres floating away on the wind.

I hope people walk along, spot my yarnbomb and smile. If I can brighten up someone's otherwise dreary day or give them an unexpected splash of color it's been a good day.

Have I mentioned...

2011-06-10T17:42:00.001-07:00

that I am an ABSOLUTE KOOK for rainbows???

The photo of some cupcakes I made for a friend's birthday recently was requested to be shared on the Edible Rainbow Flickr group...

Well, while I was perusing with technicolor foods I saw this magical Jell-O creation!!!

Another turning point...

2011-06-10T09:18:00.000-07:00

Green Day is right....time does grab us by the wrist and directs us where to go. I have a hard time not asking why, but I think that's human. Yesterday was Maggie's last day in elementary school. I'm not sure when schools shifted from 6th grade starting middle school. In my day (uh oh.. did I just really type that like an old fogey?!?!) middle school was 7th and 8th grade.

Do any of you watch Modern Family? If not, you should. I think it's funny for everyone, but most especially if you're a parent. If you've seen the episode where Claire and Phil's middle child, Alex, is graduating 8th grade you'll get this ... totally. Yesterday, Chris walked up to me and gave me a good morning kiss. He stepped back and looked at my now-welled up eyes and said "hey, are you okay?" And I just squeaked out a tiny "yes". Then, with all the humor I could muster I said "Hysterical wife. Hysterical wife. Hysterical wife. Jackpot." ☺ I was welling up because this is the visage I was gazing upon before he walked up to give me that smooch.

This is, of course, in reference to the Modern Family episode "See you Next Fall" where Phil explains Claire is solid, but then falls apart the day after a family milestone and he is left to pick up the pieces. The only problem is... the day after Alex's graduation, he was supposed to go to Vegas with his former male college cheerleader buds. (Insert SNORT LAUGH here) therefore he kept trying to make her fall apart the day of the milestone instead. Heh heh.

I'm happy to say I have been absolutely tear-free today and I even managed to keep it together during yesterday's final 5th grade Survivor party. Yay! I guess I'll have to let you know about tomorrow.......

Life with Flat Stanley

2011-06-08T11:54:00.001-07:00

I am missing my friend Flat Stanley. My friend Michelle's youngest son Lewis (8) sent us his Flat Stanley all the way from Balbardie Primary School in Scotland!

For those of you who do not know about Flat Stanley it's a book by Jeff Brown (1964) about a boy who gets flattened by a bulletin board (but doesn't get hurt.. it's a children's story) which allows him to go on great adventures sliding under door cracks and the like. In 1995 the Flat Stanley Project was created by a teacher in Ontario by the name of Dale Hubert. The project encourages letter-writing, literacy and bringing our big world together by having school-aged children around age 8, color and send their Flat Stanley to someone in the world to learn about a new geographic location and community.

Originally the task was designated to our daughter, but the end of school year madness, school play and the like did not seem to lend itself to such an auspicious task. Enter yours truly who does not like to do things by half-measures. Flat Stanley became my shadow and he was tucked away with me at all times for chronicling his adventures. I was sad we didn't get a chance to visit San Francisco and take him to a baseball game, see the Golden Gate bridge or take his photo with other notable landmarks. Seems that our Flat Stanley brought a bit of Scotland's weather and our spring turned back to winter with big rainstorms precluding good photo-ops on his last weekend with us.

I was sad to package everything up and send Flat Stanley back to Scotland. He became part of our family. But all good things must come to an end and Dr. Seuss said "Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened". So that is what I will do... look back at our fun times and smile.

Here is a little video tribute I put together of our time with Flat Stanley.

Miles of Smiles

2011-06-07T08:45:00.000-07:00

I love driving through town running errands with my co-pilot, Darwin.

Darwin is our Labradoodle ... a big, cocoa colored, curly canine. He's never met a stranger. Well, I should say there are a few individuals for which he took umbrage, but it is very few. He loves to meet new people, push up against their legs and look up over his shoulder to show that he really appreciates the lovin'. We can't walk very long without someone coming up and asking us "what kind of dog is that?" or "may I pet your dog?".

So, too, is the experience while riding in our car. Darwin is a "front seat dog" when he's with either my hubby or I driving alone. If it's the whole family, he's in the back with our daughter hanging out of his respective window. Yesterday I went to the bank for work and asked Darwin if he wanted to go for a ride. Of course, he said yes. Also, my hubby taught him to find and bring us his own collar so he's outfitted for a road trip. How cool is that?! My hubby is awesome and so is Darwin!

I was driving to the bank feeling a bit melancholy because this is the final two weeks of work for me and I won't be doing this anymore. Well, I was lost in my own thoughts at a stop light when I noticed a woman pull up along side me very slowly... she was smiling ear to ear at Darwin with his happy face out of the window soaking up all of the smells rushing into his nose. Just seeing her happy smile lifted my spirits and made my morning brighter. It gives me such joy to see how much joy Darwin imparts on our world with his mere existence and foppish doggy grin. It reminded me of one of my favorite dog quotes by Milan Kundera:

"Dogs are our link to paradise. They don't know evil or jealousy or discontent. To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring - it was peace."

So I thank my dearest curly son for his ability to bring peace and joy to all in his path and for giving me glimpses of paradise along the way.

Baby Steps

2011-06-03T18:37:00.000-07:00

I'm growing up too fast. Wait, not me, my daughter. Today was her first school dance. At our school, the last Middle school dance (school is K-8) welcomes 5th graders as they get ready to enter 6th. This event has been the talk of the year. I have heard this dance discussed, ad nauseum, since August 28th, 2010.

Now the day is finally here. I offered to help chaperone the event and show up 30 minutes before the dance is to start. I had to bring something to M in her class and as I pass the girls and boys bathrooms each are filled with respective 5th grade boys and girls primping for the dance. The bell rings and students are to line up to enter the dance in the Multipurpose Room (MPR). All I can tell you is the area surrounding the kids was absolutely electric. The 5th graders were filled with so much energy. As I survey the crowd, they look as if they will absolutely burst from the anticipation. Also, the air is thick with the precipitate of different Axe cologne scents which settles into the back of my throat.

Once inside, it's dark. The strobe lights and colorful disco lights are going and the music is pumping. Who's got the 8-0-8? LVCS has got it in spades, baby! A 3pm dance doesn't seem as threatening as a dance held at night, but nevertheless as I look around I'm prepared to go Bobby Boucher (aka The Waterboy) on any boy that dares get too cheeky with my M.

I was just hoping there would be no kerfuffle and that no one would cry. SUCCESS! I worked concessions with another parent for a while.... we ran out of sodas about 1 hour into the 2 hour dance. When I replied we only had water, you'd think I had told the kids we only had bottles marked poison. M&M's, Corn Nuts, Skittles... almost all of the inventory was gone by the end of the night. I sort of felt badly for the parents of the kids who had made several trips to the snack bar... sorry for your neon-vibrating sugared up kid! By the way, is it normal for me to still see that strobe light flickering a few hours post dance? ACK!

My M had a GREAT time. A few times I caught glimpses of her up on the speakers dancing in front of the DJ with her friends. Joie de Vivre! She was quite giddy because 3 boys asked her to dance. I am not as giddy, but respect the excitement. It's times like this I miss my mom a lot. Though I dare she might have admonished me for letting M go at all. So, I feel like maybe I'm growing up alright, after all.

Things on my to-do list before the next school dance as I fear the queue of dance partners will only increase henceforth...... continue to build upper body strength and book an appointment the gun range to perfect my dead-eye.

Whooooooooo!

2011-06-03T08:45:00.000-07:00

I love my silly and super fun hubby.
I walked into the kitchen to prepare our daughter's lunch as he was preparing her breakfast. ☺

Craft Hope: project 12

2011-06-02T12:14:00.000-07:00

I've always enjoyed being crafty and I have a deep love for charity work especially benefiting children. I'm especially soft in the heart for orphans. I lost both my parents when I was young (dad when I was 18 and mom when I was 20). Of course, I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have had a wonderful life with both of them as long as I did. Compared to some of the very young orphaned children in this world, my life was easy.

I saw a TRULY inspirational video yesterday about Maggie Doyne of BlinkNow in Huffington Post's Greatest Person of the Day feature. When she was 18 and college-bound she decided to take one year off and set out in the world to see if she could effect some change. This young lady made me so proud and she's not even MY daughter. Her story touched my heart and I plan to donate to her charity. She's a living, vibrant example about how each one of us has the power to do something amazing in our world and effect real change in our community called Earth. I encourage you to read the story and watch the video if you have a chance. It brought tears to my eyes and put wind in my sails.

When I saw the call for Craft Hope's project 12 both my daughter and I knew we wanted to participate. What girl doesn't love to make a friendship bracelet? It's a small enough project with simple, cost effective materials and easy enough to do anywhere. It's been a great bonding time for my daughter and I. I appreciate how she gets that there is more than just her in this world and that she can do a kindly thing for a stranger in need. I call her my little Bodhisattva.

The deadline for turning in the bracelets is June 15th so we're in the final push to make more, more more!

We have a handful so far which were made with great love and intention.

If you're a crafty sort or want to revisit making friendship bracelets, please consider contributing toward this wonderful outreach project - Craft Hope: project 12.

Blessings

2011-06-01T10:13:00.000-07:00

I'm taking my own advice today and counting my blessings. When our daughter can't sleep sometimes I tell her "count your blessings" instead of counting sheep. I do this a lot on a regular basis, but lately I've felt a crushing weight on me. The month of May was wonderful, but peppered with strange and upsetting potholes in the road of life.

A couple weeks ago I returned from a fantastic family trip to Disneyland. A trip there restores my inner child and sense of magic. So I return to work on a Tuesday and have some small talk with my boss who then says "I can't afford to keep you." That was quite a blow to the gut. Business has been dicey due to the economy and effects of the recent quake/tsunami in Japan on a pass-through customer of ours. There had been talk of reducing everyone's salaries a few months prior so I was prepared for that or offering to go part-time, but I wasn't prepared to be the one to be cut loose, not after 8 years of loyalty and experience. I wasn't prepared to know that I would be eventually handing all of my hard work over to a temp who is staying instead of me. Basically I've been experiencing the Kübler-Ross stages at the top and half of every hour, sometimes even within 10 minutes. It's like riding a roller coaster.

I am no stranger to being laid off. I was laid off in 2003 which allowed me to find this job at 35% of my old dotcom salary. It gave me flexibility and freedom to work and nurture our then 3-year old. Eventually, I worked from home which came at a time just as she was entering Kindergarten. Now that she is on the verge of entering middle school I find myself at another impasse. Oddly, I'm having a more concentrated reaction to this layoff than the one in 2003. I'm almost 40 and know that my next work effort needs to nourish my soul as well as our bank account. Call it an existential crisis or "midlife crisis" (ew, wait, let's not), but if I have to work I know it needs to be something I will truly enjoy and that will give back to the community somehow.

So, I find myself noodling, taking any and all suggestions and advice from wonderful friends on my future and trusting that everything happens for the greater good. Still, there are times when I feel as if I'm the lowest common denominator. My boss told me my work is great and that was not his reasoning and I said "I know my work is good", because I do. I'm a hard worker and have been for 8 years totally unsupervised. I'm sure a lot of people would take advantage of a home-gig, but I'm always accountable for myself.

As I noodle about the future, I remind myself to count my blessings. I reflect each day on the things that really matter in life. Here is a partial list:

The nightly ritual my hubby and I have when we read in bed before falling asleep - foot, calf and back massage.
My hubby's preternaturally soft feet.
The way our daughter makes me feel as if I can do anything in the world, successfully.
Snuggling with our daughter.
How supportive my husband is during this tumultuous time. He is my rock, my True North and makes me feel safe.
The way our dog Darwin rubs himself along the sides of our bed so it feels like a shark is circling us and I get all anxious and giddy thinking he may jump up for a smooch.
The down-alternative mattress topper we bought a couple weeks ago that gives us a scooshy soft bed because our really nice pillow top mattress is 10 years old and hardened due to being encased in a hermetically sealed anti-dust mite casing. No more waking up with a sore back and hips!
Good friends. The kind that make you laugh, and break bread with and the ones you think are distant, but really shine through with words of wisdom at just the right time.
The way my hubby gets up in the morning and makes sure my extra blanket is pulled up over me so I don't get cold when he leaves the bed.
The way Nature always presents me with beautiful glimpses of wonder to remind me I am small, but if I open my heart and mind I will see amazingly incredible things.
Recently chaperoning a field trip and some school events where I was able to take photos and share with parents that couldn't be there.
Making people laugh or smile.
How ironically content and safe I feel when our daughter wraps her arms around me to give comfort.
Rainbows. Yes, as a child of the 80's I still love rainbows. I saw one after work the day I found out I was being laid off. I was a Trader Joe's and just finished getting dinner fixings. I saw the rainbow and it made me smile and then I cried because Nature showed me something beautiful to remind me.

I Can't Unsee That

2011-05-17T21:02:00.000-07:00

Disneyland is one of my happiest places. Then there's the underbelly of Disneyland... the sallow, gritty and ridiculous. Things that I like to say "cannot be unseen".

I will preface by saying I don't think I'm better than anyone else, but then again, in some cases, I might have better judgement/inner monologue.

With that said here are a few things I saw at Disneyland this past weekend and cannot unsee and which I now share with you. Enjoy!

1. Workin for the man. This handsome canine was sniffing around parked stroller areas around Pirates of the Caribbean. I had to resist the urge to run up and snuggle him, as I was missing our dog Darwin terribly. I guess this is a sign of the times..... made me sad and wistful for the times when my parents took me back in the 1970's and 1980's.

2. You wanna be startin' something? A dad wearing a "pop star" LED light up sequin glove and texting. Though, I have to say .. maybe he was embracing his inner MJ... maybe he was fun. Nope, he was constantly having to yell at his two kids to keep up and had a very serious look on his face. The juxtaposition of the stern dad and whimsical fun glove were at odds. Also, it was kinda funny watching him yell at his son and beckon him with a flashing LED finger "Eddie, get over here!!!" Kinda cool, but didn't stick the landing.

3. Blackfoot tribe. EEEEW! There are so many reasons this is wrong I don't even need to tell you. I know the Land is pressure washed every night, but DANG. Do you even know how many people throw up, dump garbage, kids wipe boogers all over... not even funny. Not only is this eeky.... but look at the bottom of their feet. GROSS! I hope they showered before getting into their beds. BLECH!

4. Mickey Man? I'm all for whimsy... trust me! I'm fine with dressing up for Halloween or special parties, but this was just halfway between crazy and regular that it made me turn my head and snap the shutter. The front of the red shorts (which you cannot see) had big puffy white balls in front. This was just another paradox... normal or dressing up? It made me giggle with glee, but then kinda go "oooh" and wonder should I be worried?

5. Don't jack the Bugaboo. I've never actually seen this before. This man took a wheel of his stroller (not sure if it was a high end one.. my guess is yes as I don't recall our Graco having removable wheels of that caliber, but it WAS 11 years ago.. maybe the kids today have better). He toted this thing onto Mr. Toad's Wild Ride. I don't know... I don't trust EVERYONE at Disneyland, but I can't imagine a stroller getting jacked. Maybe he had cause. Again, one of those things that made me sad about the state of the world today.

Shutterbug-mania

2011-05-11T16:16:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day is bittersweet for me. I lost my mom in 1992 just a few weeks before turning 21. She did not get to meet her fabulous granddaughter (now 11). In ways my daughter has filled up a part of my heart left vacant by mom's passing.

My wonderful husband has made each Mother's Day absolutely fantastic for me. It's the little niceties that I appreciate.. getting to sleep in, he does the dishes and cooking. It's a really big treat to me.

This year my gift came early.... hubby is just as bad at hiding surprises as I am. It's a struggle each Christmas to wait. Friday night marked the end of a very long and trying week.... work-wise, health-wise (Darwin had some vet stuff and meds as well as girl child - allergy related sinus/chest infection + bronchitis), dropped a 25fl oz glass bottle of vinegar on my big toe (bye bye toenail in time for summer!), and some other glorious bits of life in technicolor. Just like Auntie Mame needed Christmas before Christmas, hubby thought I needed Mother's Day NOW. I opened a long-coveted (3yrs or more) digital SLR camera.

Now... everything and everyone is a photo-target. Darwin looks at me with disdain as I creep closer to him for a photo. I'm certain he thinks I've developed a "growth". Flowers, clouds, food, family, friends. CLICK CLICK CLICK! I can't help it. I was practically born with a camera in my hands. My dad was an amateur photographer with his own darkroom in the basement of his parents house... this is no surprise.

I thank my wonderful hubby for such a wondrous gift as well as his support, love and generosity, my daughter for her sweetness and light and our Darwin for his foppish adorableness and patience.

There will be no cheese served with your whine!

2011-04-09T13:39:00.000-07:00

(Thoughts from a Community Center registration line)

Ah summer registration time in our fair city, it's a heady time. Spring break has all but come and gone which means summer is right around the corner and it's time to think about how to keep your little darlings happy and not stuck in front of the boob tube for 10 weeks.

Our city has a fine Parks & Recreation program - Livermore Parks & Recreation Department. LARPD decided to do something different for early bird registration this year. Instead of opening registration on midnight via online (or, I guess, in person?) they held an early bird registration at the Robert Livermore Community Center (RLCC) from 9am - 12-pm today. It's also the same day that Camp Shelly camping registration opens. Hubby and I usually divide and conquer on this day. He goes to register for camping, I drop off Lil Bit at her Junior Ranger program, we meet at registration and then have lunch.

Today we met with a new process (someone had told me it's been attempted before?) which, admittedly, was rather klugy. All of the tables for various programs were around the conference room with one central line for registration. Hubby got in line shortly after 9am and I took over around 9:20am. I stood in line and finished registration at 12:22pm. Yes, 3 hours. Was it the most efficient? No. Was it time I would have preferred doing something else? Yes. Was it time taken out of my day to do something for my child? Yes. Is it easier to stay up until midnight and register my kid at 12:01am? Yes. Hey, guess what? That's being a parent. That's taking one for the team.

All I could hear were complaints about how long it was taking, how stupid the concept was, ad nauseum. I tell you what bugged me most... the older gentleman with the accent behind me who took off his sweatshirt and thwacked me in the head with it.... later he kept bumping into me or hitting me with the sweatshirt (now around his shoulders). I finally turned fast with my patented "Andie bag swing" and "accidentally" bumped him with it... I apologized and motioned with my hands, as well as asked for him to "please give me a little space". I mean, we were going to be in that line for at least 2 hours, I didn't want to marry him. Also, no matter how much you crowd me, we're not getting anywhere faster!!!

The woman behind me started complaining about her aching back 20 minutes into the wait. She kept huffing and puffing and muttering things in the way someone does in order to start a conversation and complain. I kept my nose down in my Kindle. A guy behind her took the bait and I heard her say "normally I'm an honest person, but I feel like I should just run up and cut in line and push someone out of the way". Really, lady? Really?

Keep in mind the doof she was speaking to had just literally reamed LARPD staff a new one because he couldn't bear the wait. Turns out the person he spoke to was the person in charge of setting it up this year. I actually talked to her a bit before I went in, lovely woman. Hey, here's the thing Turkey Tech (I forget what college shirt he had on), nothing ventured nothing gained. Someone had an idea to try to make something better, tried it, it didn't work out great. Remember that time you tried wearing a fanny pack or tried taking a "shortcut" and ended up lost? So, too, many great things are happy accidents. Penicillin, for example. Also, Thomas Edison said I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.

It was clear to me by the slight panic stricken look in LARPD-shirted docents eyes that this was not the plan they had in mind. Let's also bear in mind, this is THEIR Saturday too. People don't set out to screw up other people's lives only to be shamed and yelled at in a public place when they can do absolutely nothing about the situation until next year.
Another woman behind me called RLCC front office (literally the next room over) FROM LINE in order to complain. Really?

Here's what I think:

We live in a city where our Parks Dept offers a pretty amazing variety of classes, camps and the like at reasonable prices. I don't remember these things having grown up in Stockton.
If you're in line, presumably you have the funds to support your local Parks Department in order to keep your child entertained during summer. Be thankful you have the means to do this.
Registering displeasure at a process is acceptable, but yelling at someone creating a spectacle is NEVER acceptable. This is a fellow human being, after all who wasn't bent on destroying your Saturday morning watching baseball on the tube with your hand down your pants.
How many of the complainers in line have ever been to Disneyland, or waited on line for a pro sports game, or a concert or a theater show????

Was I thrilled about standing for 3 hours (1hr 15 minutes of which I KNEW the camp I was signing Lil Bit up for was already full.. so I was waiting in line to get on a waiting list for camp) on a Saturday morning? Notsomuch. Was I content to do such because it was for something my kid would enjoy? Yes.

I had my new BFF Tina Fey with me making me chuckle and guffaw every few sentences (read Bossypants, so funny!) It helped that Chris brought me a water and gave me a bathroom break, but with some social skills anyone can have that. In a queue you have to learn to build rapport with your queue-mates. The lady in front of me needed to get her little kids some snacks. Was I happy to hold her place? Absolutely. We're queue-folk, baby... I got your back.

Here's what I also had with me... perspective. If THIS is the worst experience one could hope for, we should all be so lucky. There are a lot of worse "worses", people!!!!

So here's my perspective - it was worse than a mammogram, but better than a root canal. Maybe it's years of being a long-suffering Cubs fan, but in my opinion..... there's always next year to get things right.

Redevelopment Agencies, the Forty Niners and You

2011-02-21T21:25:00.000-08:00

If you ask me I think redevelopment agencies SHOULD be cut right now. In case no one has noticed, the state of California is in a major budget crisis. Governor Brown is slashing non-necessary spending and I, for one, applaud him. That means the precious Forty Niners stadium plans might not receive $40M that was "promised them" to help defray costs building a fancy schmancy new stadium in Santa Clara. (See article)

Never mind that the residents of Santa Clara County voted DOWN subsidizing said stadium with their tax dollars and expect the money to come from the State of California. Never mind that they are all boo-hooing "but it was prooooomised to us BEFORE the budget crisis" and are scurrying to change the verbiage in the plans to make that point blatantly evident. Never mind that currently there is no public transit to said proposed stadium thereby creating MORE traffic and more dependency on fossil fuels. Never mind average people like yours truly can't afford the price tag to an NFL game (or rather don't want to because I have groceries and a mortgage to pay). Never mind the the industry itself is so bloated with money.. why don't the players and owners pay for it?!!?

Never mind that redevelopment money should be going toward the good of ALL California residents specifically our children by way of money toward the schools. If you don't like kids how about improving highway potholes? Who hasn't hit one of those little beauties while motoring down the 580 or 680 and thought their car was going to bottom out? Certainly if we MUST spend our state money on redevelopment, wouldn't it be better if it benefited all of us and not just a handful?

We have, as a society, lost our freaking minds. People moan about health care reform and taxes and the price of gas, but godforbid we don't provide a swank stadium for some overpaid "athletes". Sure you can say "but sports are a way of getting our mind off of the current state of affairs." You might even say that it helps us rally behind something together. Yes, I'm all for a united front and easing the burden of reality and heck, I even watched the Super Bowl this year for the first time in probably two decades. Before you poo-poo me, let me say I grew UP on football. As a child I lived with an AVID ... nay, RABID 49er fan. Not my dad, my mom. She was INSANE. However, I'm pretty sure even she (a staunch Republican) would be taking the same stance as I am were she still alive. Hey.. if The Stick was good enough for Joe Montana, why not for David Carr? At least Joe gave the Niners 4 Super Bowl wins and took them to 11 Championships. Just sayin'....

I hope Governor Brown doesn't give in and I'm sure if we good people of California can't cough up the $40M.. they'll find a way to fund it. I hope for the sake of propriety the whole project is put of indefinitely. What's wrong with what they currently have?

If you're still thinking of yelling at me for being un-American and anti-football (neither of which I am), allow me to put it to you like this.....

Let's say you're at the grocery store and you're in the check out line behind someone paying for their groceries with WIC food stamps. I'm not saying there is anything wrong with someone getting help when they are down. However, say later in the week you saw that same person at the mall buying expensive makeup at the MAC counter. Flash forward another week and you see them getting a mani/pedi WITH the spa treatment and nail decorations! How about later you see them getting an expensive haircut/color? I bet by now you'd be pretty upset wouldn't you? How could they afford all of that unnecessary and expensive cosmetic crap when WE are paying for those food stamps!?!?
Exactly.

Creativity!

2009-03-05T21:53:00.000-08:00

I've been working little at a time on a new blanket for Maggie. I've interspersed it with some socks, a knit along hat with friends and my Rainy Day Fingerless Gloves.

The blanket is to replace her original "Mommy Blanket" aka MB which was somehow gotten to and destroyed by the neighborhood kids during play :o(

Rather than recreate the old one from a pattern I purchased, I decided to create a unique pattern just for Maggie so it's 100% Mommy created.

Oh yes, when I was sick this past weekend I got creative in my beady way and made some earrings. I know, I know... I just really have a hard time "sitting still". :o)

Atta boy!

2009-01-21T14:47:00.000-08:00

I think it's fair to say that this time around as dog owners we're more confident and competent. Not only that but I think our boy Darwin is exceptionally bright. I think President Obama and family would enjoy a labradoodle!

Anyhoo, Chris has been working on newspaper retrieval and Darwin's been doing quite well for a couple of weeks. Here's our boy looking rather proud methinks!

Obamacupcakes!

2009-01-20T17:22:00.001-08:00

Per my previous post, here is our version of the Obamacupcakes!
Thanks again to Vanessa and Alpha+Mom!

Wow.. for more ode to Obama-cupcakes.. check this blog out!

Inauguration Day

2009-01-20T12:50:00.000-08:00

I have a feeling of profound patriotic pride today. So much so, that I proudly put our flag out.

It is a historical day in many ways. Maggie wanted to stay home from school to watch Barack Obama be sworn in as the 44th President. Thankfully her teacher put the broadcast on in class - yay!

I have alot of hope for the future and as I work I can see the flag billowing in the wind outside of my office and I smile.

Later, I will bake cupcakes and decorate them for today's occasion thanks to the idea of my friend Vanessa who is a super blogophile and always finds the neatest things!

Caveat Emptor!!!!

2009-01-16T15:15:00.000-08:00

I usually vote with my feet. If I don't like service or product I won't go back. After alll, we work hard for our money. We don't have a magic money tree growing in our backyard (as much as I wish I did).

This is the first time in my life where I've had such poor service, lack of goods. apparent apathy and obfuscation from a company I feel compelled to warn others.
DO NOT SHOP AT SAHALIE!

Chris ordered my Christmas pressies from them on December 12th. He got one smaller item but not until after Christmas. As for the other two... one was "staged for shipping" from December 26th until January 7th when it finally shipped. We are still waiting for USPS to deliver. Did I mention their shipping fees were userous? The last item has been "on the docks" for about two weeks now with no promise of ship date. He called Monday the 12th and asked it be shipped overnight immediately. They said they would.

Thursday the 15th he called and it was still "staged" and no shipping info. Additionally they kept telling Chris they don't have a way to track a package. WHAT?!? When he finally spoke to a manager they said they weren't sure it was even in stock anymore since it had gone on sale since the order over a month ago. Apparently a call to the warehouse to see if something is in stock is sort of a difficult task for a company that sells goods and ships "since 1972". The sad thing is the amount of apathy and lack of motivation the customer service people had toward us. No one was willing to think outside of the box or take it upon themselves to research further. They simply said "sorry that's the way it is".

The other thing they told him was that they were overwhelmed this holiday season and caught off guard. I'm sorry but in this economy a smallish company should be GRATEFUL for the business and be prepared to serve their customers at 110%.

My poor hubby was fraught my Christmas pressie was not only late but apparently never shipping. I told him to cancel it because it was not worth this daily aggravation. So there it is. Sahalie stinks. If you like anything in Sahalie, simply look it up because I found other items on other sites. BTW, he ordered my replacement gift last night and this morning got a shipment notification. How hard is that?

So if you value your dollar, want good products at decent prices without being gouged on shipping (not that you'll ever GET the item anyway) then DO NOT SHOP AT SAHALIE.

Happy New Year!

2009-01-15T15:58:00.000-08:00

Well, I've let quite a while pass between postings. Let's see a bit has happened. My 37th birthday, Christmas, New Year's, we got a new puppy!

So let's focus on the furry one. It all happened so fast one November afternoon. One minute we were walking past a neighbors house and their German Boxer was outside and I admired her mentioning a dog would be great save for my horrible newly developed dog allergies. The dad mentioned a friend of his is severely allergic to dogs and has labradoodles.

Next thing you know I'm on Google searching labradoodles and found a bunch of sites, but was drawn to one in particular, Brasken Kennels. We weren't actually thinking about a new puppy until Spring of 2009, but Kristen and Brandon happened to have one puppy left from a recent litter. So in an effort to ascertain if we were truly going to have no allergy problems, we planned a visit down there to play and get a sniff test.

Kristen and Brandon were just the nicest folks. Right away you can tell they are "good people" and care about their pups and the parents. We got to play with a pup from their very first litter, Jack and he was our litmus test. I got in there and took a big whiff into the nape of his neck and I made sure to touch my eyes and nose without washing my hands just to see if I'd have a reaction. To our happy surprise neither Maggie or I had a problem! That's when we met him.... Orange Collar Boy.

Let me just say there is truly nothing cuter than seeing 6 week old puppies bounding toward you in their clumsy roly poly way. Orange wasn't as overtly friendly as a few... he wasn't the alpha but he wasn't a pushover either. He played with us for a while and when it was time for us to go, he waddled over to the fence to give us a sniff goodbye when none of the other puppies had. Ahhhhh true love had smote us!

Well, two weeks later we left Disneyland.. one of the first times I've ever seen Maggie EAGER to leave Disneyland and head home.... all because we were on our way back up to get our pup whom we lovingly named Darwin.

Darwin has given us alot of joy and we're so excited to be dog owners once more. It's a blast having a puppy and watching him grow and grow. Add to that Chris and I have dicussed (though not definitively yet) that a sibling for Darwin might be a good idea down the road. Never say never!

Here are a few photos of our Darwin.

The Art of Racing in the Rain

2009-01-15T15:39:00.000-08:00

One of the best reads ever! This is a wonderful book and I highly recommend it to everyone .. especially if you are a dog owner. It's touching, funny and poignant.

Mr. Charles Alexander

2008-11-03T17:11:00.001-08:00

This man moved me to tears. This is what it's all about.

NO ON 8 - Oppose discrimation and support separation of church and state

2008-10-30T13:36:00.000-07:00

Money from a religious group in another state is the primary funding source to change OUR CALIFORNIA CONSTITUTION! I think they should stay in THEIR state and have their laws, but leave MY STATE LAWS alone!

I urge you to say no to bigotry, hate and ignorance by voting NO ON 8.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9T7ux8M4Go

Star Wars is life, the rest is just details - A New Hope

2008-10-30T09:17:00.000-07:00

I'm rarely political outside of my own personal bubble save for the little things I choose to share. So much is at stake this election. I have to say that in the primaries, I wasn't opposed to McCain. He certainly would have been the better of the two in 2000, but something happened along the way.

Since I'm a major Star Wars geek, I'll use some Star War references to help explain my feelings. The McCain of 2000 and early primaries 2008 was like the free spirited kid-Anakin Skywalker - full of ideas and promise, but something happened on the way to the Presidency during the general election.

Cut to: the moment that Anakin Skywalker finds his mother dying at the hands of the Sand People. Cue music crescendo and... **POW** a nut goes loose and things start to get hairy... the lines between good and not so good get blurred, the means to the end become slightly askew. I had hope he'd get back on the rails, but then we get the Rogue Diva and never before have I NOT connected with a woman in my life. She's so different I'm not even sure I can find an adequate Star Wars character by which to compare her. Darth Maul.. well they both have painted faces, but wrong timeline... maybe she's more like Emperor Palpatine. After all she's gone rogue and once in a campaign rally referred to it as the Palin/McCain ticket. These are the dark times... the Clone War era, if you will.

Cut to: Princess Leia as her ship is being attacked by Darth Vader. She places information in R2-D2 which is later viewed by Luke Skywalker.

These are the words that I think are the most germane to the time.....she says:

"This is our most desperate hour. Help us Obi Wan Kenobi, you're our only hope."

Yes it is our most desperate hour and I've got my eyes fixed on a ray of hope and his name is Barack Obama.

I believe in HOPE over fear and UNITY over division

2008-10-30T07:43:00.000-07:00

A New Hope

Vote for Pat Finger?!

2008-10-29T12:39:00.000-07:00

Maybe I have the mind of an 11yr old boy. So what? Undeniably funny.

Amy Poehler, genius!

2008-10-29T12:20:00.001-07:00

Well, Tina Fey and Amy Poehler are great friends... and both fantastic entertainers. At least they both give me a chuckle and make me feel better.

Catching Up

2008-10-28T10:11:00.000-07:00

"Life moves pretty fast.." yes, Ferris had it right. So much has happened in the past couple of months. I suffered a wicked blister on the bottom of my foot during a compass hike (somehow it ended up competitive), celebrated Chris' birthday, learned to play chess at the tender age of 36, visited the new and improved California Academy of Sciences, celebrated 15 years of marriage with my groom, enjoyed a week in Mexico with the fam, trick-a-dooring at school, night before Cal-UCLA game party, Haunted Halloween hikes, corn mazes, TB test for volunteering at school, running like a hamster on my treadmill, running in Veteran's park with deer to keep me company, donating to the Obama campaign, putting up red ribbons at school with awesome families and getting ready for Halloween. Oh yes, and I was a magicians assistant in Mexico! :o)

Here are some photos from Mexico. Click to enlarge.

Happy Birthday Chris

2008-09-09T10:25:00.000-07:00

Today is my hubby's birthday.

He still has that boyish impishness to his face when he crinkles up and smiles. I love to hear him laugh. I wish I had magical powers to give him anything that he wants for his birthday and every unbirthday. For now, I'll just give him all of my love.

Maggie and I are lucky girls to have him.

Love you, babela. Happy Birthday!

Omnivore's 100

2008-09-05T15:32:00.000-07:00

Thanks to cousin Brandon on this one...

Everyone is doing it these days, so now its my turn. Pass it on.

Here are the instructions:

1. Copy this list into your blog or journal, including these instructions.
2. Bold all the items you’ve eaten.
3. Cross out any items that you would never consider eating.
4. Optional extra: Post a comment here linking to your results.

The Very Good Taste Omnivore’s Hundred:

1. Venison
2. Nettle tea
3. Huevos rancheros
4. Steak tartare
5. Crocodile
6. Black pudding (BAM tried to get me to eat that.. I knew better)
7. Cheese fondue
8. Carp
9. Borscht
10. Baba ghanoush
11. Calamari
12. Pho
13. PB&J sandwich
14. Aloo gobi
15. Hot dog from a street cart (I’m counting the ballpark here)
16. Epoisses
17. Black truffle
18. Fruit wine made from something other than grapes
19. Steamed pork buns
20. Pistachio ice cream
21. Heirloom tomatoes
22. Fresh wild berries
23. Foie gras
24. Rice and beans
25. Brawn, or head cheese
26. Raw Scotch Bonnet pepper
27. Dulce de leche (as in the latte from Starbucks?)
28. Oysters
29. Baklava
30. Bagna cauda
31. Wasabi peas
32. Clam chowder in a sourdough bowl
33. Salted lassi (Timmy's in the well?)
34. Sauerkraut
35. Root beer float
36. Cognac with a fat cigar
37. Clotted cream tea
38. Vodka jelly/Jell-O
39. Gumbo
40. Oxtail
41. Curried goat
42. Whole insects (unintentionally, things move fast on a Vespa)
43. Phaal
44. Goat’s milk
45. Malt whisky from a bottle worth £60/$120 or more
46. Fugu
47. Chicken tikka masala
48. Eel
49. Krispy Kreme original glazed doughnut
50. Sea urchin
51. Prickly pear
52. Umeboshi
53. Abalone
54. Paneer
55. McDonald’s Big Mac Meal
56. Spaetzle
57. Dirty gin martini
58. Beer above 8% ABV (at least I don’t think so.. I would probably be dead.. very lightweight.. we Asians can’t process the hooch)
59. Poutine
60. Carob chips
61. S’mores
62. Sweetbreads
63. Kaolin
64. Currywurst
65. Durian
66. Frogs’ legs
67. Beignets, churros, elephant ears or funnel cake
68. Haggis
69. Fried plantain
70. Chitterlings, or andouillette
71. Gazpacho
72. Caviar and blini
73. Louche absinthe
74. Gjetost, or brunost
75. Roadkill
76. Baijiu
77. Hostess Fruit Pie
78. Snail (once and if you put anything in butter/garlic it’s palatable)
79. Lapsang souchong
80. Bellini
81. Tom yum
82. Eggs Benedict
83. Pocky
84. Tasting menu at a three-Michelin-star restaurant
85. Kobe beef
86. Hare (had braised rabbit once)
87. Goulash
88. Flowers (nasturtium)
89. Horse
90. Criollo chocolate
91. Spam
92. Soft shell crab
93. Rose harissa
94. Catfish
95. Mole poblano
96. Bagel and lox
97. Lobster Thermidor
98. Polenta (once and hated it)
99. Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee
100. Snake

34, not too bad?

I don't think I can stay here if it's going to be this hot

2008-08-28T16:45:00.001-07:00

I finished my "Disneyland queue knit project" yesterday. I always like to bring a little knit project to whittle away in the queues at Disneyland. I created this little chapeau for Maggie. It's a pattern I've adapted .. I replaced the single Knit Rib with a bobble for fun and more texture. This is made with Noro Silk Garden though I forget what colourway.

Maggie was so excited it was done, she didn't care it was 75 by the time she left for school wearing it (it's 103 today... bleh)

Third Grade

2008-08-26T09:11:00.000-07:00

Special day today... today is my mom's birthday. She would have been 72.

Today is also the day that my baby begins anew at school and enters 3rd grade.

It was exciting (and a wee bit disorienting - see "looping") lining up for first bell in a new line, with new classmates and walking to a new classroom! Our school "loops" for 1st/2nd grade and 3rd/4th grade which means they have the same class/teacher/classmates for two years.

Maggie's teacher is Mrs. Pennybacker and meeting her first thing in the morning I knew we had won the lottery. She greets the kids every morning with a handshake as they walk in to start the day off right. Our class mascot is The Bookworms! Which is right up our little family's alley as we are certified book nuts.

Speaking of books... I am reading the most quirky, amusing book right now. I highly recommend this book!

Now, back to our regularly scheduled programming.... The year promises to be an incredible one filled with new ideas, new learning and .... cursive! Haa! We sure miss our 2nd grade teacher Ms. Rivas but Mags already found her and gave her a hug on the first day.

What was really cool was waiting to see Mrs. Pennybacker after school... a couple of newly minted 5th grade gals popped by to see her and asked Maggie if she was in her class. When Mags said yes, they both heaved an emphatic "you're soooo lucky.. you're going to LOVE HER!!!" You can't get a higher endorsement than tween girls, in my humble opinion.

Still, a little part of me is the tiniest bit sad that we're inching into the "upper elementary" years and soon ... middle school. Sigh. Time really does fly when you're having fun.

click to view larger

Happiest Place on Earth

2008-08-25T08:13:00.000-07:00

Shakespeare had it right when he wrote "Summer's lease hath all too short a date". Where did the time go?

To celebrate the beginning of a new school year, we had a last summer hurrah in the Happiest Place on Earth or as Maggie says "we're home" :o)

Here are a some photos from our fun times in Disneyland and DCA. Click to view larger.

Babes for the Brave - Flo, Liberty & Drake

2008-08-19T08:22:00.000-07:00

Save for the remaining itty bitty lace skivs I'm knitting for Flo... ze Babes et Dude are feeneeshed. I must say I find them tres jolie and I'm very excited to be sending them imminently.

Below are a few photos of the Babe friends. I was a little miffed at myself that Dude Drake's shirt doesn't close, but he looks so surfer I figured that was cos he wants to show off his surfer washboard abs. I should probably give these kids some noses. I almost always forget that part.

Maggie presents Babes for the Brave!!! YAY!

~ Fin ~

Babes for the Brave - Meet Drake

2008-08-15T10:57:00.000-07:00

Mags loves to name the Babes for the Brave. I think she has a good eye for naming their personalities! We introduce Drake!

This is the last of the 3 Babes for the Brave I am knitting for this first batch. Drake just needs some clothes as you will see.. I'll be working on that next! Yes, that is Drake above behind a wild fig plant that has sprouted in our garden :o) How very cliche, I know, but innit it cute?

I had a hard time coming up with a mouth cos I'm used to making heart shaped girl-babe mouths! I think his expression is pretty good though. Maggie likes him so much she'd like me to make a Dude for her next! I'm rather fond of his unruly surfer-dude hair.

At any rate, I hope Drake, Flo & Liberty make some kids happy. These are pretty addictive to make so I'm sure I'll be making more to send to Ronni after I finish some other projects. Wouldn't it be wonderful if like Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium... the Babes and Dude come alive?

And as Mr. Magorium says...... Your life is an occasion..... rise to it!

Update - August 18: Made clothes for Drake over the weekend .... though he's a surfer dude and hip, he loves to keep current on scientific discoveries.

Let us eat cake!

2008-08-14T09:01:00.001-07:00

Cake is what we ate... indeed! Sure it was 95 out yesterday and not really good baking weather, but Mags asked to have meatloaf for dinner and I usually try to honor dinner requests when feasible and it gave me a good reason to kill two birds with one stone and finally use our new cake pan! This is the Giant Cupcake pan by Wilton.

So that little pan, makes THIS wonderful cake!

Babes for the Brave - Meet Flo

2008-08-13T16:06:00.000-07:00

Flo is done! Now I just have to make up the Dude and add some clothes and I can send them to Ronni!

Babes for the Brave - Meet Liberty

2008-08-12T14:20:00.000-07:00

One down, three to go! I have one of the Babes for the Brave finished, the next is ready to be assembled and I only have the legs to knit for the Dude before assembly.

I found some sumptous Cashmerino by Debbie Bliss on Saturday while visiting my fave yarn shop in Pacific Grove - Monarch Knitting. I picked a lovely pale yellow to make soft blonde hair.

Meet Liberty! My hope is she gives a wonderful little girl a lasting friend which to tell her fears, secrets and hopes. I hope Liberty will give that little girl just one more iota of strength to fight cancer.

Napkins for Earth!

2008-08-12T14:02:00.000-07:00

Indulging in my need for sewing has added benefits.

Supporting local economy by buying lovely fabrics at In Between Stitches
Perfecting my sewing skills
Indulging my anal-retentive side with order and detail
Providing clothing for the donated Babes for the Brave
Making our own earth friendly reusable shopper totes (imminent project)
Possibly finding something cool enough to sew for Maggie!
Cloth napkins to lower our carbon footprint!

If nothing else, I feel like such a girl! :o)

Sew irresistable

2008-08-04T16:01:00.000-07:00

Because I cannot seem to get the gather stitch right (one thread always snaps) I've taken to indulging the anal-retentive perfectionist side and have pinned pleats. Oh my how delightfully detailed this minutiae! I thought I was finished Friday night, but a little Sunday afternoon jaunt to Joann's proved otherwise. Maggie found this delightful lace edge to put on the end of Jessie's Tea Time Frock.

Yes, I also got inspired and made 8 new double sided napkins last night using Spring Petal Party Farmer's Market line by Sandi Henderson for Michael Miller. We're having some good friends over for fish tacos tonight and I wanted eco-friendly napkins to dress up the table :o) Wow... this sewing stuff is worse than heroin. Though this is supposition on my part as I could never stick a needle in my vein, but I CAN stick a needle through (repeatedly, and at high velocity) some fabric!

Old Tyme fun at Great America

2008-08-03T11:06:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we visited Great America for the first time in about a decade. Our last trip Chris and I were "childless". I can remember my folks taking me and letting me bring a friend which is what we did yesterday. Maggie invited her friend Lindy. We had a really good time. Pictures to come later, but this one was sure fun to do with Maggie. Chris calls us Saloon Sally and Nasty Nell. I didn't realize those props were real! The gun was surprisingly heavy!

So here we are a couple of saloon desperados armed and defending our right to booze and gambling.. or something. Who knows?

Another dark rabbit hole!

2008-08-01T16:15:00.000-07:00

Well, what can I say ... I am Alice following the White Rabbit (fiber arts). Because of these Knitted Babes need clothing I'm teaching myself to sew since I dont' want to knit every item of clothing. Each little piece I sew is getting better with experience.

Then I found In Between Stitches and I fear my return to normalcy and a singular fiber craft is over. They have the most divine fabrics.. my favorites like Amy Butler, Michael Miller, Anna Marie Horner. Its intoxicating the way yarn is. I am a Muggle drawn to the Dark Arts.. fiber arts.....not just one now, but two! And when you buy Fat Quarters (square 1/4 yard fabric pieces) it seemingly harmless. Just look at these little rolls of fabric art! They practically jumped into my waiting arms needing a home!

So far I've only sewn little clothes for the Knitted Babes, but as my confidence grows so do my aspirations.... I dream of making napkins and placemats... special linens for our tea garden... hankies... pillows... bags! ARGH! Even the little piece worked quilts are starting to look tempting. CURSES! Anyhoo... making something from nothing (essentially) is liberating and exciting. We'll see where this rabbit hole takes me.

Here is a photo of the latest couture I have sewn for the Babes.

You say tomato, I say yess!!!

2008-07-31T15:44:00.000-07:00

Summer is finally having it's effect on my delicious little red beauties. For weeks I've watched as tiny yellow flowers full of the promise of rich red fruit emerged into tiny green marbles and now into yellow... yellow-orange and deep crimson red, juicy orbs of joy. The vines are finally heavy with ripening tomatoes and I'm giddy giddy giddy! Of course like most things it's feast or famine.

I found myself rationing the very first smallish red tomatoes. I would pick but not eat one until I saw another about ready on the vine. Why so parsimonious? I don't know really... there are so many on the vine, but the first sweet fruit of summer is so special. Now the vines are cranking out deep red tomatoes every day and I'm beginning to struggle to keep up. However, my mom-apparent Karen (she is my honorary mom) gave me the grand idea of storing tomatoes for use when they are no longer popping off the vines.

So I got to work .. washing and coarsely chopping them. I arranged the pieces on a piece of wax paper on a baking sheet and popped in the freezer. Once they are frozen I will put them in a container in the freezer for use in sauce later! Mmmm.....

Oh they are so beautiful and tasty. Look how plump and red!!! You can't get tomatoes like that at the market and I promise you they are salmonella free in my organic garden :D

P.S. though I occasionally dabble in vegetarianism, I have to say there is nothing more delectable (to me) than a BLT with lettuce and tomatoes from my garden.

Scrumdiddlyumptious!

It's a Big day to be Maggie!

2008-07-28T20:06:00.001-07:00

What a spectacularly great day to be Maggie!

Yesterday Maggie tested for rank up to Yellow from White Belt. After six months in karate, she was the first to rank up to Advanced White belt in March which meant she was ready to test. I hate to brag, but I'm gonna... cos she was the first in her level of all boys :o)

Today was the Belt Ceremony. Maggie and her fellow classmate Javier both earned the Judges Choice for Best Student as well as their rank up to Yellow Belt. On the way home she said that all of those months of hard work was really worth it to earn that medal and Belt. :o)

To view Maggie demonstrating her Kata and earning her medal, please see video links at the bottom of the page :o)

Next comes the Library reading program! This program is two months during summer and challenges the kids to read 100 books during summer. Last year Maggie was picking small readers and this year it was chapter books mostly worth 2 - 3 books a piece (ranging 51-101 pages). So, a mere hour after earning her Yellow Belt and Best Student award, she was accepting her 100 books medal at the Library.

We're so proud of Maggie. To quote that song by Luce... "it's a pretty good day.. i'm lookin' forward to tomorrow..."

Wild America Redux - Bullock's Oriole

2008-07-28T11:53:00.001-07:00

Perhaps we have a pleasant garden for a drop in, but today marks the second time in a few weeks that we've had unusual bird experiences. Three weeks ago we had a Cooper's Hawk land in our mulberry tree for a morning feast.

Just a few moment's ago as I was working Maggie looked up and said "look at that bird!" I look out of my office window and see a gorgeous bright yellow and black bird. perched atop one of our copper tiki torches. So after some sleuthing I decided to call our WONDERFUL Livermore Parks and Recreation Ranger Office. After having a great laugh with Peggy, Ranger Patti helped us identify what we saw based on our description. Maggie had a wonderful description of a black crown and a small beak with white and black stripes.

Isn't nature grand? I'm thinking of having our front yard named a birding preserve. Heh heh. Behold...... the Bullock's Oriole!

Babe Couture

2008-07-25T22:08:00.000-07:00

Jessie needed a travel frock.

I've got you, Babe

2008-07-25T14:10:00.001-07:00

It's not that I have too much time on my hands, it's just that I can't stop them from moving. Toward that end I made another Knitted Babe for Maggie. Please meet Jessie.

Jessie comes with her very own cowgirl skirt which will eventually have a little horse motif at the bottom and a new top in a cream colour to match the fringe. Alas I could only do so much last night.

I'm not sure why Jessie is so much smaller than Kate. Poor Kate's melon reminds me of that kid in So I Married and Axe Murderer.. that things like Sputnik! Oh well, each Babe is unique. I also wrestled with my sewing machine and brains to make the little blue dress which is probably good for Jessie, but slightly small on Kate.

I'm looking forward to knitting a couple more Babes for the charity Babes for the Brave which I mentioned in an earlier post. Maybe with all of this practice my sewing skills may very well improve! (I hope.)

Thoughts on Write and Wrong article by Anna Quindlen

2008-07-24T14:35:00.000-07:00

I just read this article entitled Write and Wrong by Anna Quindlen in our copy of Newsweek.

As I read it.. I became outraged. For one, how long does it take for a "central office" to review a book? Based on the timeline it seems they had over two months to review. Secondly ANY teacher, especially a 27 year vet, who gets psyched to educate students, is worth their weight in gold.

So I started thinking back.... 20 years ago my Honors American History teacher sat on the edge of his desk on the first day of school and said "I don't care if any of you want to learn, I'm just here for my pension".... what is THAT teaching kids? Obviously that apathy had a lasting impression. In my Honors Economy class our teacher showed us the movie "The Gods Must Be Crazy" to demonstrate how Coca Cola had permeated itself in the far reaches of the world. So what? Did that inspire anyone?

At least Heermann was having her students READ the book and not just watch the movie adaptation. As far as the racial slur in literature...no one is banning that use of the word on the street and I've heard that slur being used as casually as "dude" in certain circles. Why is that acceptable? If words are used responsibly in the context of the story, tone and setting, so be it. Censorship has gotten out of control.

There may be other facets of the story we don't know, but anything that shakes ANY kid - at risk or not - into learning and opening their minds up to the possibility that they can shape their own destiny is valuable and necessary.

Incidentally, prior to this article I did not know this book existed. I only knew it was a movie and didn't see it cos well, I'm not a big Swank fan. Now that I know there's a book I will be reading it.

Spectacular Bleu Cheese Dressing

2008-07-22T10:48:00.000-07:00

The hubby and I love a good bleu cheese dressing. I was compelled to make some homemade bleu cheese dressing last night and found a very tasty recipe indeed.
Bon appetit!

Blue Cheese Dressing
From AllRecipes.com submitted by Luckyme9

INGREDIENTS

• 2 1/2 ounces blue cheese
• 3 tablespoons buttermilk
• 3 tablespoons sour cream
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 teaspoons white wine vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder (can use fresh cloves)
• salt and freshly ground black pepper

DIRECTIONS

In a small bowl, mash blue cheese and buttermilk together with a fork until mixture resembles large-curd cottage cheese. Stir in sour cream, mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and garlic powder until well blended. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

FOOTNOTE

Whole milk may be used in place of buttermilk for a milder flavor. Dressing may be refrigerated in an air-tight container for up to two weeks.

Babes for the Brave

2008-07-22T09:27:00.000-07:00

Batman has the Bat Signal... knitters have the Knit Signal.

Cancer pisses me off. It took my dad when I was 18 and by proxy (in the form of a heart attack) took my mom two years later. I have fought back in ways that hopefully help others. I've knit chemo caps, I've donated my hair to Locks of Love along with Mags two years ago, and we just participated in the LIVESTRONG Challenge in San Jose. I guess it's my way of feeling less helpless in the world and give a little something of myself.

I recently saw the Knit Signal in the form of a post on the Knitted Babes blog. The call for Babes for the Brave switched on another light in the attic and gave me another way to help raise arms against that formidable bully, cancer. If you are a knitter, I urge you to consider knitting some Babes as well.

Knitted Babes by Claire Garland is a treat and you will have a whole world of wonder at your fingertips. You can create wonderful lasting treasures for that special little someone in your life (or a bigger someone!) as well as for adolescent/teen girls fighting cancer by donating to Babes for the Brave. It also serves another purpose... my incessant need to keep my fingers moving and knitting as well as diminishing my recently questioned out of control yarn stash :o)

LIVESTRONG and knit on!

So Sweet Tank v2.0

2008-07-21T10:54:00.000-07:00

Three years ago I made a tank top for my sweet. She loved it so much and wore it until it was a belly shirt. Now the tank keeps her favorite teddy bear fashionable. I remember making that tank cos it was right before some minor surgery. Being the worry wart I am I kept thinking I wanted to finish it before surgery so Maggie would have something special from me "just in case". Yes, a morbid thought, but hey you never know when your number's up.

Here is the original tank...

and now three years later (my how time flies... le sigh) .... So Sweet Tank v2.0

Picnic Caviar

2008-07-21T10:43:00.000-07:00

Yes, good food and good friends = fun. Below is a little recipe that everyone seemed to enjoy. It is from the July/August Vegetarian Times. Also, check out Chris' grilled fish tacos and tequila lime aoili sauce as well as world famous magaritas.

Picnic Caviar

Ingredients

1/4 cup Rice vinegar
1/4 cupVegetable oil
1 tbs Sugar
2 cloves Garlic, minced (2 tsp)
1/2 tsp Dried oregano
1/2 tsp Dried basil
1 15-oz can pinto beans & black beans (I changed the recipe here)
1 1/2 cups Fresh corn kernels
1 Red, yellow, or orange bell pepper, finely chopped (1 cup)
1/2 Small red onion, finely chopped (1/2 cup)
1 2-oz Can diced green chiles with liquid
1/4 cup Chopped cilantro

Preparation

1. Whisk together vinegar, oil, sugar, garlic, oregano, and basil in large bowl.
2. Stir in black and pinto beans, corn, bell pepper, onion, chiles, and cilantro. Season with salt and pepper. Refrigerate 1 hour before serving.

Tiny Bubbles

2008-07-18T19:58:00.000-07:00

Update.... this is not the best bubble solution .... quite. Far be it for me to say something negative about Trader Joe's, but one thing about their dishsoap is.. it takes alot of soap to keep the bubbles going. I may try this bubble recipe again but with a different brand of dishsoap. Let me know your results!

I love bubbles. We are having a little gathering of friends and food and I knew I had to have a bubble machine. I had one before but it broke :o( Thankfully Target was clearancing some, but no bubbles. What to do when you're without bubbles? Make some! Here's the recipe...

Potpourri

2008-07-17T13:28:00.000-07:00

Today's entry is a potpourri... food, nature & knitting.

Food.
I made this delightful little summer squash soup. It's totally fat free (except for the parmesan cheese on top) and vegan (ditto cheese on top). Recipe will be at the bottom of this entry.

Nature.
We have this gorgeous sunflower we started from seed. It's amazing that that tiny little seed sprouted and was an adorable little seedling and is now taller than I am. Yes, I know, surpassing my height is not difficult by any means. Chris pointed out the little loops of pollen. I decided to get artsy fartsy and see if I couldn't capture a little world of wonder. Click to enlarge for detail.

Knitting.
I had long forgotten about this Knitted Babe I made for M!. My first attempt was stuffed at the bottom of a toy chest and I eventually got rid of her. M! was quite upset but I reminded her that she was shoved down there, out of sight out of mind. Not to mention, she was my prototype and not the best work I've done. Yesterday M! brought Kate out onto the lanai for some summer reading. Since she had been paying some attention to the poor thing I decided to make a new top for her which Maggie asked for me to knit. She took Kate on her expedition with Dad and her friend to the Tech Museum today.

Summer Squash Soup

1 box of organic vegetable broth
1 large carrot, chunked
1 large zucchini, chunked
1 small yellow crookneck squash, chunked
½ medium onion, sliced lengthwise
1 medium tomato, chunked
½ C coarsely sliced crimini mushrooms
½ T herbs de Provence (or to taste)
Salt/Pepper to taste

Pour vegetable broth into a saucepan and heat. Add all other ingredients. Bring to a boil, and then reduce to a simmer for 20-25 minutes. Serve hot!

Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese on top if desired.
Serve with crusty bread! Bon appetit!

Makes 8 Cups

Knitted Babe Couture

2008-07-17T12:02:00.000-07:00

Some of Kate's Collection

Winner winner!!!

2008-07-15T13:45:00.000-07:00

When we finished running the LIVESTRONG event we had time to peruse the "village" and made a stop at the KGO News Radio tent. KGO is our fave local news radio station when we aren't listening to NPR. It's home to Len Tillem (a loyah) who gives free legal advice on weekends, Michael Finney consumer advocate and Dr. Dean Edell among others.

There was a raffle to win tickets to see Lewis Black Let Them Eat Cake tour. When I saw my beloved scribbling our personal info on this raffle entry form I knew he wanted it bad. Why risk inviting MORE junk mail? Heh. Because he loves Lew so much I doubled down and entered too.

Imagine my surprise when I got a letter in the mail today from KGO. All I could think was "oh no.. here comes the solicitations already!" Heckno, techno... I won two tickets to see Lewis Black live in August! WOO!

One of my favorite bits on hunting by Lew.

LIVESTRONG

2008-07-13T16:36:00.000-07:00

LIVESTRONG Challenge San Jose CA - A journey

We awoke at 5am to NPR. Though not fully awake, we give our bodies fuel for the event.... Bircher Mueslix for Andie & Mags, two pieces of 12 grain toast for Chris. We are on the road by 5:45am. Lance and the 100 milers followed by 65, 50 and 10 mile cyclists began between 7:30am - 7:40am. We 5K runners started at 7:45am on the dot.

It was an amazing sight .. so much yellow... people doing the event as survivors, in memory of and in honor of participants. Thousands of people from different walks of life... all united for a single cause. Kick Cancer's Butt! It was amazing to see and hear Lance Armstrong speak in person. The entire experience was truly inspirational. We look forward to participating next year perhaps in one of the cycling slots.

Maggie and I wore In Memory Of bibs on our back for my dad. 2/3 of the way through she asked me what my Dad would say if he were there. I was caught off guard, but finally said that he would be proud of us. We were cheered on by folks on the side and police officers and fire fighters. A nice feeling to be cheered on by everyday heroes. We crossed the finish all holding hands. One pair of gals came up to tell us that they were feeling pretty tired but that they saw Maggie and she gave them the incentive to push through :o).

Thank you to those of you who supported our team and helped us not only reach, but exceed our personal team goal in fundraising. It was an amazing experience and we are so lucky to have been a part of this event. Here are just a few photos from the morning.

it's the end of the world as we know it

2008-07-11T08:09:00.000-07:00

...and i feel fine.

last night my dearest and i had a date night. we went to see hancock which was a pleaser. i mean, will smith is always a fave and i've had a crush on jason bateman since he was derek in silver spoons. i digress..

after the movie we were walking downtown and two little emo boys were coming toward. i saw one working up a big loogey and spitting. disgusting, but whatever, right? move on... move on...

well, as we walked closer and they were just in front of us, the little jerk did it again. let me just say that he was not very old, he'd be lucky if his dodgeballs had dropped yet. they couldn't be more than 13-15. pimply faced. i said "dude, you shouldn't spit on the sidewalk".. he and his buddy dogged me the entire time they passed by and as a "parting shot" both worked up and spit a loogy.

it was at that moment i wished i had hancock powers so i could bend them in half and shove each of their heads up their own bums. i don't know, i know i never acted like that nor did any of my friends in our formative years. if i did something i knew to be wrong and an "adult" corrected me i would have been embarrassed and said sorry and skulked away. but point is, i wouldn't have done that cos my parents would have filleted me later so i knew better.

i'm pretty sure i'm not an "old lady", but my pondering make me realize i'm slipping into that demographic .... the ones that have to mediate as the "adult" .... cos the next generation is hopefully enjoying retirement. i wonder what is happening to society on the whole. what about common courtesy and respect? saying please, thank you and excuse me. my mom used to quote (i forget who) that manners are free.. everyone can afford them. what about caring about one's actions on society?

meh. maybe my knitting and a piece of hard candy will make me feel better. heh heh.

the incredible edible egg

2008-07-09T12:19:00.000-07:00

Question: can you fry an egg on the sidewalk in summer?

Answer: yeah, well.... sorta

Yesterday was a warmish 110 degrees. So it hit me .. that childlike curiosity of whether or not we could fry an egg on the sidewalk just like the movie Father of the Bride.

First we gathered our egg.. a "nice medium brown" (segue, read Lulu Atlantis and the Quest for True Blue Love for more thoughts on eggs and how they fit just right in the palm of your hand and could be full of surprises .. even a fairy crown).

Then Maggie took a rock to crack the egg and gently deposited it on the sidewalk.

After that, we waited.... and waited

.... and waited

It seems Hollywood Magic is deemed so for a reason... there was no immediate sizzle and frying of the egg as seen in the movies. Actually it sat for a mo until the fluid albumen dissapated and left only the thick albumen (egg white) and vitelline (or yolk). Say, who said you couldn't learn something new every day! Isn't this a dandy little diagram of the chicken egg? :o)

So Maggie decided to poke at it a bit and try to break up the thick albumen from the vitteline to see what happens. Chris pointed out that the dried leaf she used resembles a fried piece of bacon. Hey.. bacon and eggs on the hoof, what could be better?

Scrambling the egg seems to have done the trick a bit because the yolk actually did appear cooked..... NOT that any of us were willilng to try it out... well, Chris doesn't hold with the likes of eggs and well, being the paragon of the ultimate mine-shaft canary when it comes to food poisoning I would not dare press my luck, let's not even mention the 5 second rule applies about 1,000-fold.

What a fun little science experiment to give a little wilted joy in the confines of the blazing hot sun.

Book Review: Lulu Atlantis and the Quest for True Blue Love

2008-07-09T12:18:00.000-07:00

Lulu Atlantis and the Quest for True Blue Love by Patricia Martin (ISBN 978-0-375-84016-6) "had me at hello".

Actually, the cover is what got me. The cover art captured my attention at our local library. It was on the "new books" shelf in the children's library.

The story is intended for 2-4th grade children, but I have to tell you.. if you have a big soft grown up heart get this book for yourself. It's a quick read though 228 pages. The characters are adorable. Maggie and I shared reading this book. When I read out loud to her I like to give each character a voice and these were F-U-N! I pictured Yogurt Skunk sounding like a cross between Lou Costello and a Good Fella. I imagined Lulu's best friend Harry (a top-hat wearing daddy long leg spider) to be somewhat of an English gentleman with a gravely voice.

The bottom line is it's a wonderful story of friendship, sacrifices, heartache, joy, secret ingredients and yes... True Blue Love.

I encourage you to check it out at your local library or just pass GO and buy it. In our case we did both. It's one of those books that we will read and re-read.

Wild America

2008-07-08T13:48:00.001-07:00

This morning I was plugging along at work and saw a commotion in the tree. It was a large bird, but it wasn't black so I know it wasn't the usual crow. After I saw it hopping around a bit I realized it was a raptor... some sort of hawk.

In it's talons was breakfast. He was hopping around on the branches trying to keep a hold of his quarry and balance on the branch. Finally he found his center (ooom) and Mags and I watched as he defeathered his breakfast. First came the poofy downy feathers... then came the larger grey feathers. I'm not sure what it was.... but I'm guessing breakfast might have been a mourning dove or a mockingbird.

We watched from my office window for quite some time. It was as if Discovery HD was on in front of us.. in our yard! I snapped some photos and was pleasantly surprised that the images came out rather clear for being taken 40 feet away through dual pane windows with an eastern exposure at 7am-ish! :D

In speaking with my dearest friend Mandy, who is a Wildlife Biologist, she said it looks like a Cooper's Hawk! Apparently they are not commonly sighted in our area and since he was comfortable dining in our mulberry, he may come back. Goody! To view photos, click to enlarge!

Tropsicles from Vegetarian Times Magazine

2008-07-07T16:06:00.000-07:00

Looking for something fun to make and eat during this heat wave? Here is a tropical treat that's sure to please everyone. It's healthy, tasty and also vegan.

Bon Appetit!

Tropsicles

Coconut milk and banana give these ice pops a creamy consistency without dairy or soy. Be sure to puree the mixture until very smooth so resulting pops don’t contain crunchy buts that may be too icy for sensitive baby teeth.

2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
1 large banana, sliced
3/4 cup light coconut milk
1/4 to 1/2 cup agave nectar
Puree all ingredients in blender 1 to 2 minutes, or until mixture is smooth.
Ladle into ice pop molds, and ffreeze at least 4 hours. Run molds under warm water to unmold.

Vegetarian Times Magazine

Summer Nature Camp is here!

2008-07-07T13:38:00.000-07:00

That is mini-me's favorite summer activity, bar none. It is a week long outdoor Bacchanalia devoted to creek walks, hikes, games, stories, one overnighter under the stars and dirt, dirt, dirt!!! The kid is a certified tree hugger extraordinaire and finds close examination of insects and various flora / fauna to be the ne plus ultra.

This is the kind of program where you watch the camp counselors grow up too. Each year we get to see alot of familar faces. Summer Nature Camp has become Mags "Cheers", if you will. When she walked in for this morning for the first time this summer they greeted by cheering her name and big hugs. That's a pretty darned good feeling.

It's going to be hot hot hot (plus 100, people!) so we invested in a small scale Camel Back. Coated in a nice shelack of spf 45, armed with the dromedary hydration station, healthy lunch and hat, we hugged toodles and I wished mightily I could go with her! Ah the lazy fun days of summer as a kid. Good times.

Pow Pow!

2008-07-05T21:09:00.000-07:00

Another Independence Day come and gone. My dad would have been 77 this Independence Day. For years he convinced me that the fireworks, the day off for everyone... were all for him :p Every year we make fresh strawberry shortcake cos that was Dad's fave. It's also the 16th anniversary of the hubby and my first date!

We spent the day with good friends at their block party. It was a little slice of old fashioned goodness with good food, good drink, liars dice, make your own ice cream sundae's, splashing and of course fireworks.

Happy Birthday America and Happy Birthday, Daddy.

The good list

2008-07-03T21:50:00.000-07:00

Kids laughing, splashing at the pool, sparklers, starry nights, the smell of my gardenias, watching a lazy copper-coloured dragonfly grace our pond, hummingbirds at our feeder, warm snuggles with Lil Bit, listening to Chris read to Maggie, tiki torches on our lanai, the smell my tomatoes plant give off when I pull the vines back to see if there are ripe fruit, watching Mags sleep and gently touching my cheek to her warm chubby cheek, home pedicures with my lil gal, playing Super Mario Bros on my DS and Chris teasing me for getting all jumpy and moving around like it's going to help Mario jump over that crevasse, peanut butter and homemade olallieberry jam sandwiches, BLT's with lettuce and tomatoes from our garden, Maggie's toesies, laughing with friends, rubbing feet with Chris, warm summer nights, a good book, drive-in movies, running, knitting something fantastic.

May your days be filled with wonderful things that make you smile :o)

Happy Independence Day!

On my list

2008-07-02T10:46:00.000-07:00

Telemarketers, Jehovah's Witnesses and pull-string pinatas are on my list today.

Telemarketers:
Every morning at 10am I get a call from unknown number/name. I pick up and hang up and they call back. I've left my phone off the hook, let the machine pick up etc. Today I picked up and waited for the click and someone to say hello (stupid machine dialers.. why isn't there a code verification for phones!?). Someone finally did say hello, in the background I could hear many others calling their victims, and I simply said "remove me from your list, goodbye" and hung up. I wouldn't mind people doing their jobs except we're on the donotcall.gov list! It burns me that political calls are exempt. Poo poo!

JW's:
Next, 30 minutes later as I am trying to work, my doorbell rings. I see it is someone I don't know or have time for and hear the rustle of paper. I look outside and the whole street is crawling with people in clusters.. men with men and women with women.

I open the door, see the publication "Awake" which is a Watchtower publication. I calmly and deliberately take the publication and walk to my big recycle bin. A group of them is clustered near my house and my neighbors house. They were frozen like deer in headlights. Seeing "a live one" come out of their target door is unprecedented. It's as if they don't know what to do... go about their business or try to corner me. Apparently my swagger suggests they should leave me the heck alone, but not before they see me recycle their "reading material". :o) I heard a slight "ooooh" from one woman as in "oh no she di-n't" Oh YES. I DID! And to make the point clearer I saw a water bottle on our fence (not sure how that got there) and recycled that too.

Also, if they really believe that only 144,000 people go to heaven, why recruit "competition" door to door? Of course, I've read that they believe that is the sweet spot number of the "elite" JW's who get to recreate earth at the "second coming" while the rest of the peons just get to be reborn back to the "glorified earth", what.. to start again? Sounds a bit like Hitler's "master race" to me .... or.. if you like we can put a Marxist spin on it... the bourgeoisie controlling the proletariats .. the haves vs the have-nots. Shouldn't a better earth be a unified and egalitarian earth? My sweet hubby probably would have invited them in were he here. He's always interested in hearing these things as an Atheist.

My mother, a fine woman, used to tell me "no one is better than you and you are no better than anyone else.... we all take our pants down to sh*t". Not just pretty words. They are wise and true.

I don't mind people having their personal beliefs, just don't come to my door or call my house uninvited to push your agenda. As Jack Nicholson said once "go sell crazy somewhere else... we're all stocked up here". Pfft.

Pull-string pinatas:
Who invented this? They should be tied to a string and bobbed up and down avoiding the stick. Pull-string pinatas are pointless.... as my friend Butterflychica says "may as well just give the kids the candy". Thwacking the heck out of a paper decorated cardboard or balloon to get to the third tier candy is FUN, PEOPLE! Why take away life's simple pleasures and replace them with politically correct, "safe fun". BLERG!

Worst Person in the World

2008-07-02T08:26:00.000-07:00

Any Keith Olbermann fans out there???

We are fans of Countdown and the amusing reparte of Keith on Bill O'Reilly. Prior to seeing this clip of Bill O I found him to appear unstable... like he could crack at any minute. Yes yes, I know what you're thinking... all of us have job stress and have lost it, but there is something not right there. Also, I think BillO is a certifiable nutjob espousing hatred, intolerance and ignorance. Not everyone can fit THAT bill.. heh heh... no pun intended.

There are many YouTube clips with the "full Monty" of BillO dropping the f-bomb and it's funny but something about the bleeps from Countdown makes it funnier for me.

Unfortunately the embedding feature is disabled, but you can view it here. It really makes me want this shirt......and yes, I doctored that too with flowers cos this is a family blog.....

Berrymania

2008-06-30T11:44:00.000-07:00

Another successful berry-picking season for Rosendin-kind! This year we went a little earlier in the season and the berries were much firmer, but still sweet. We managed 10 and a half pounds. There were still loads of unripe berries with the sweet promise of tomorrow :o) I guess if time allows and the urge hits us we have the opportunity to go back for more!

We had a lovely dinner at Carpos and Mags and I enjoyed our olallieberry shakes. Mmm.. Sunday was spent doing this and that and making some jam. We reserved a few pounds of fresh berries to be used later for other delights. Yay!

Mediterranean Pasta Salad

2008-06-30T10:10:00.000-07:00

Last night we enjoyed a fine grilled steak, corn on the cob and Mediterranean Pasta Salad. I picked the tomato and basil from our garden just as I needed to add them to the dish. Our fresh picked basil packed quite a fragrant punch!

I humbly share this recipe with you. I modified one I found on-line. Forgive my kluge "measurements" as I have begun the metamorphosis into my mom's way of cooking. Measurements are a "pinch of this", "enough to fill the hollow of your palm" for that. Life is too much fun without measuring spoons!

Mediterranean Pasta Salad

8oz cooked rotini pasta
1/4 C finely chopped red onion
1-2 persian cucumbers, thickly sliced
Handful of pitted, halved kalmata olives
Handful of fresh chopped basil
1 medium tomato, chopped
Crumbled Feta Cheese
Vinegar
Olive Oil
Salt & Pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients and let marinate in the fridge for an hour.
The fresher the ingredients the better the taste! Feel free to increase or decrease ingredients as desired. Serve chilled.

Bon Appetit!

progress

2008-06-28T11:03:00.000-07:00

I am giddy because our limited edition poster "Progress" by Scott Hansen finally arrived last night! Glad we ordered when we did as it's now sold out. Since we were out getting Mags ears pierced we missed the delivery but found it this morning when we took a peek at a new morning glory.

This is the first time in our voting lives either of us has felt passionate about a candidate. When we saw this poster, we fell in love with the artwork and the meaning. We look forward to hanging a little bit of historical progress in our home.

Yes we can.

ain't that a kick (holes) in the head

2008-06-28T10:52:00.000-07:00

After a rocky try on the first attempt and proclamations of "never ever ever" wanting them, Maggie decided 8 months later that she did, indeed, want pierced ears after all. She was very brave, not a peep. She was very proud of herself later and pleased with the results. Another milestone for our baby. ***sigh***

a little piece of americana goes dark

2008-06-27T16:19:00.000-07:00

Summer berry pickin' time is here and each year we make our pilgramage up the 1 to pick olallieberries just north of Santa Cruz. We finish up sticky and stained and giddy about our haul. What doesn't get eaten in route will eventually end up in our world famous olallieberry jam. It's world-famous, trust us :o) If there's enough left over we make olallieberry ice cream. Maybe this year I'll reserve some for a berry crisp.

Usually we stop and hit the beach in Santa Cruz and play. Sometimes I get to visit a yarn shop :o) As far as eats.. well, we have our faves... one year we stopped at Carpos and had yummy eats and olallieberry shakes. Occasionally we hit the Upper Crust Pizza for a slice of pesto pizza and often end our evening with tilapia fish and chips and a pint of Seabright's finest. Don't worry... Mags has a pop :o)

If we aren't too sun-tired from berry picking and surf fun, we hang out until we can catch a movie at the Soquel Skyview Drive-In. Well, we used to...... Sigh. Like most great slices of Americana this too has gone the way of the Do-Do. After some research I found that the land was bought by some medical developer. As Eloise would say Poo Poo!

Well, I guess we could always bring the portable dvd player, park near the ocean and watch a movie! :o) We'll be sure to have some ice cream..... Let's hope this landmark stays put!

Gorgonzola Pear Pasta

2008-06-27T08:35:00.000-07:00

Occasionally I crave meat and lots of it. Other times I crave simple vegetarian dishes.

Here is a simple but delicious meal that is a favorite in our home.

Gorgonzola Pear Pasta

2 pears, skinned, sliced into wedges
1 sweet onion, sliced into thin wedges
5oz of Gorgonzola (or 1 tub of crumbles)
1 package of pasta (we like farfalle - bowtie)
Olive oil
Grated or shredded Parmesan cheese

Bring pot of water to boil for pasta and cook while preparing onion/pear mixture.

Prepare onion and pears. Heat olive oil in pan and add onion. Saute until translucent then add pears. Saute pears and onion on medium-low heat adding more olive oil if necessary. Cook until lightly browned on all sides. Turn off heat.

When pasta is cooked, drain and add to the pear and onion mixture, mix lightly and add Gorgonzola. Mix well.

Serve hot with shredded or grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Bon appetit!

Bountiful Garden Update

2008-06-26T17:37:00.000-07:00

Each day I look in our garden I am amazed at the beauty of growing our own food.

A few things we bought already as plantlings, but our scallions, carrots, corn and lettuce are all seed-grown. We started those in a little seed greenhouse back in March.

I just came in from picking some sweet 100 tomatoes and some lettuce. Oh happy day! It just makes my heart swell with joy to see this bounty of goodness. All organic :o)

We have a few bell peppers growing, jalepenos and ambrosia melons. The corn has several ears getting bigger by the day. I wonder if you can hear corn grow? I hope our zucchini make a comeback and produce.. I worry cos I removed one of three and replanted the two about 2 weeks after planting them. It may have been too traumatic :o( My cukes are sorta hanging on but I saw one baby cornichon and if I get one for my salad I'll be a happy girl.

Last weekend Maggie and I picked our first harvest of lettuce and I had the BEST BLT on the planet!! We grilled some burgers Sunday night and enjoyed lettuce from our garden. Can't wait to put our tomatoes on there too.

Below is a sampling of our garden for you. Mmm... have a taste.. it's organic fresh picked!

Haiku of the day

2008-06-26T16:12:00.000-07:00

Cupcakes and ice cream
Candy, soda, frosted flakes
Fruit Loop cavities

crunch

Technicolor what?

2008-06-25T19:48:00.000-07:00

As we left a delicious dinner at Anita's Taqueria, we had to drive around back to get back onto Railroad Ave. In the process we had to pass the front of the Good Time Tavern where we were forced to wait because a cab was double parked while waiting for a fare thus blocking our egress.

We patiently waited and in the process saw a youngish feller lumber out of the front door with his pint glass. He ambled over to the curb where he proceeded to tilt his glass and emtpy the 2oz of beer left into the gutter. It was a comical sight as he swiped at it like he was getting sand out of the glass. Still the cabbie parked and just as I was about to lose it and honk the horn (because he could have pulled to the side.. why are so many people selfish tossers?) it was then that we noticed the young man smacking his lips, gulping repeatedly and turn red in the face. I said "uh oh... looks like a dry heave!"....

Ah... what a beautiful night... Maggie had an outstanding test run on demonstrating her kata at karate, she is up to 35 out of 100 books in the library program, we had just eaten a satisfying meal at one of our fave restaurants and now.... we get to see a Technicolor Yawn. Chris said "that's no dry heave!" Though we all knew what was happening we couldn't look away (and not just because we were still STUCK behind this selfish cabbie!), but it was almost in slow motion and the kid's face was a sight to behold. I only wish I had my good camera with me cos you just don't see a multiple booze barf like that too often when you're boring folks like us. No less on a Wednesday night at 7pm!! We were just in the right place at the right time.

I simply turned to Maggie and said "did you see that?" she said "yeah" (all grossed out) and I said "I'm adding guys like THAT to the list of boys you shouldn't date" to which she replied in her "no-doy,-mom" way "Yeah, NO WAY!" Good girl.

Haiku! Why, thank you

2008-06-25T11:26:00.000-07:00

Blank paper calls whoosh
Ink pen whispering loudly
Poems must be eaten

(splash)

Yes, you too, can have fun with Haikus. Just find yourself a copy of this little beauty and you could make long since passed Masaoka Shiki (the Japanese writer who coined the term Haiku) proud.

Sometimes days are just like that

2008-06-24T15:24:00.001-07:00

Most days are great, but I'm sure you mom's (and dad's) can appreciate this Baby Blues.

Size matters

2008-06-19T19:26:00.000-07:00

I recently visited the market to get a carton of my fave "house"vanilla ice cream... Dreyer's Grand Vanilla Bean. With real flecks of vanilla bean!

I paced the aisle searching for a good long time til I realized it was still there, but the package was different. I'm a very visually tuned creature. I buy the same things all the time, but if the packaging changes, I'm totally befuddled and lost. Such is the case with my delightful Vanilla Bean.

Only it wasn't just a redesign/color... I discovered something more nefarious. Dreyers not only changed their carton from white to brown, they also shrunk the carton from 1.75qts to 1.5qts in the process. Meanwhile the price is the same.

Those clever little marketing monkeys. Change the package and give them less for the same amount no one will notice!!! Well, I've got news, Dreyer's .... THIS knuckle dragger noticed! When I'm done with that carton I'll boycot Dreyer's. I suggest you do the same.

Here's the size comparison and yes, in some cases SIZE MATTERS. Pardon the carton, but we had already washed/recycled the old one and I had to pull it from the recycle bin and smooth it out just to get a look-see to confirm my suspicions.

SUCK IT, DREYERS!!!

Farewell "Kind Eyes" Tim Russert

2008-06-13T13:21:00.000-07:00

I am really saddened by the news that Meet the Press Host Tim Russert died this morning at an all too young age of 58. We love watching MTP and listening to his very calm voice and diplomatic moderation. Even when he was turning the heat up on his interviews, he was always calm and respectful. This election will not be the same without him. He appeared to be a very kind-hearted man, for that we coined the term "Kind Eyes" and once in a while "Sparkle Eyes" because of his election coverage glow.

"Life moves pretty fast...."

2008-06-12T09:24:00.000-07:00

"...if you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."

Ferris Bueller had it right. Life does move pretty fast.

Days like today make me realize the importance of each moment. Why, just yesterday I was pregnant with Maggie... walking up Boot Hill twice a day cos I read that walking gets labor moving. I read that spicy food did too so the eve of her birth we had just finished stripping wallpaper off the kitchen of our newly moved into home (2 weeks). The nesting instinct is not a joke, no mistake! I shook lavish amounts of Cholula hot sauce on my tostada that night and 2 hours later I was in labor. Heh.

Life is fast paced and I don't always take the time to slow down and live in the present. "Never wish time away" says my friend Big Andy. I take cues from my Maggie... there is an older couple with a huge rose garden which is on our walking path to/from school. Sometimes we stop and well, cliche as it is.... smell the flowers.

Today is the last day of second grade for my Bodhisattva. Maggie is a wonder to me. She is everything I wish I was and hope to be. She is kind, intelligent, altruistic, empathetic, brave, strong and beautiful inside and out. I am blessed to be on a great journey with her ...this adventure called life.

Now.. a few photos of the last day of second grade....

Is breakfast ready yet?

Daddy hookin' up the bacon and eggs request

Ooooooooh yeah!

Looking delightful on the last day of school

Me with my hero

Be the change

2008-06-09T15:03:00.000-07:00

Gandhi said "be the change you want to see in the world". Not just inspirational words, but words that CAN be true if we dare.

Maggie and I were almost sideswiped by a woman driving a van leaving the gas station last week. She was going entirely too fast and swerved into our lane. Maggie was sitting on that side of the car. It scared the bejeebers out of me and my blood was boiling. Not only did the idiot almost kill us, she then cut me off in the middle of the intersection. I was so upset and ranting about people. What has happened to society? I was talking to Maggie about the newsstory I heard about the 78 year old man who was run down in Hartford. Not only did the motorist who ran him down flee, but other motorists ignored him as did pedestrians. Even worse, some of those pedestrians simply stood over him, never once offering him help or calling 911. I really don't get it. How am I supposed to explain that codswollup to my 8 year old? Well, sometimes we don't have to... sometimes they explain to us.

I realized my jaded perspective when Maggie said to me "You know, Mommy, I'm going to get a meeting together with some of the other second graders. We're going to change the world!"

That was the shake of the shoulders I needed. Sometimes I forget we can be the change. Even if the goal is lofty, it is a cause worth fighting. I have my little ray of sunshine giving me hope. She is the candle and the mirror reflecting the light.

Be the change.

Here is something additionally inspirational

Talent

2008-06-06T21:27:00.000-07:00

Mags and a couple of classmates performed their karate Kata for the school talent show. Too bad the memory chip wasn't in all the way but we got most of the demonstration.

Bee kind

2008-06-03T09:23:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Chris got his new Newsweek and as is the custom in our house, the minute we get a publication the first thing we do is remove all of the blow-ins and other inserts which thins out our periodicals quite nicely.

One of the inserts was super cool so we kept it and plan to do as it says. It was an ad from Häagen-Daz about saving honey bees. It is a pressed page with bee-friendly wildflower seeds. You simply plant the page under a thin layer of soil in a sunny spot, water and keep moist.

I just think it's a great idea and a wonderful way for a company to be proactive about the world environment.

Check out the website (click the honey bee heart to the left) and see how you can help the beeeeeees pleeeeease :) Winnie the Pooh would, so can you!

Summer music for kids of all ages

2008-06-02T15:36:00.000-07:00

I am one of those people that has a pretty varied musical palette.

I like everything ranging from G. Love & the Special Sauce, Van Halen, Mozart, Harry Connick, Jr., John Fahey, Dean Martin, Glenn Miller, Baguette Quartette, Coldplay, Ella Fitzgerald, Me'Shell Ndgeocello, Louie Prima to ambient Yoga music and Om chant. I also used to say I liked it all except Country and Rap, but in some cases I even like small doses of those genres depending on the theme, lyric and setting.

At any rate some of our favourite summertime (and anytime music) to burst forth from our iPod are goodies found from Putumayo Kids. Actually, I enjoy just about any Putumayo CD, but there are three I'd like to suggest for you and your family.

Putumayo Folk Playground

Putumayo World Playground

Putumayo Dreamland

Dreamland is one of those CD's that I get all new parents. One of our fave songs is Naima by Angélique Kidjo accompanied by Carlos Santana. I always use it in some form of opening or closing meditation when I teach kids yoga or do yoga with Maggie.

Folk Playground has some terrific songs. One of my faves is Sheep. Maybe it's because I'm a knitter. Maggie's is Roller the Coaster. It's a wildly optimistic tune full of hope. It doesn't surprise me that she loves that song.

World Playground is just fun and funky. It's really hard for me to pick a song on there, but if I had to.. I'll pick two... Bongo Bong and Zichronot M'Africa. I just love this album for the simple fact that music is intrinsic to all children all around the globe. It just feels like unity to me.

I hope you have a chance to check out these CD's. The links I provided above have samples. If you don't want to buy the CD's, maybe your local library will have a copy. Though, in my humble opinion, I think it's a good investment for you and your family.

May your evening be filled with joy and music.

Color me happy

2008-06-01T21:59:00.000-07:00

I love to color. It was one of my favourite things to do growing up.. and since I'm still growing up.. I still love to color. There is nothing quite as heady to me as a freshly opened box of crayons and a blank piece of paper or blank coloring page.

Maggie and I enjoyed a burst of co-op coloring in her new Hello Kitty coloring book. Yes, I also still love Hello Kitty. HK is the only feline I've ever adored and not had an allergic reaction.

Why not pick up a coloring book and crayons and enjoy some inner child fun?

Head and shoulders above the rest

2008-05-30T15:13:00.000-07:00

If you've never been to Etsy you should mosey on over. It's a wonderful place to find hand made goodies.

If you're not a DIYer or even if you are a DIYer but you want something handmade which isn't in your DIY-genre check it out. This is the case for me ... I'm a knitter, but I can't really sew. Well, I reckon I COULD sew if I applied myself, however I lack the patience to practice and improve. My mom was a fantastic seamstress, but maybe it's one of those things that skips a generation or in my case just manifested into a different craft. All the same Etsy supports my theory those who can, do and those who can't... buy!

I love the idea of supporting a fellow craftinista. One of my faves is Precocious. She makes fabulous bags and now... headbands :) I've been faithfully wearing my felted satchel bag that I knit a couple of years ago, but we had some wicked heat +100 about two weeks ago and I quickly realized that boiled wool against bare skin on those days just isn't comfy. I needed cotton and I needed it bad! There it was... the sling bag! I worked with Andrea (she is well named too :D) and got to select from a variety of Amy Butler fabrics and we collaborated on "The Andie". I absolutely love, love, love - j'adore my bag! (Any Eloise fans out there? You get me.)

So next I inquired about headbands. I noticed in Precocious' profile something about headbands. Now I don't have a very circle-headband friendly HEED. I have a flat head or something, who knows! So I usually opt for the C-shaped headbands, but cute ones are very difficult to find. I mentioned the idea to Andrea and she noodled on it. A few days later she surprised me with the news that she made a couple of prototypes, et voila!! Headbands!! Now let me tell you I also have a very sensitive noggin when it comes to headbands on account of my spectacles. Not only are these headbands abso adorable, they are comfy as all get out! There I am below in one of my new headbands.

Long live the entrepreneurial spirit and super talented craftinistas!

Interesting "Norm-isms" for today

2008-05-29T12:50:00.000-07:00

Thursday is my favorite day of the week because it's the promise of Friday which leads to the weekend.

I enjoy D&J. What? Josh is lovable and funny, Drake is self-centered but often funny and Mags and I adore Megan for her sinister intelligence.
<------I also enjoy ....which is a show on Nick about three teen friends in Australia who become "cursed" as mermaids and change into mermaids when they touch water. I just hope that punk kid Zane will finally learn to be a good guy.

I was taught never to take food or drink from a stranger. Yet, in NYC, people answer the ad for a "flavor tripping party" on an apartment rooftop. The star of the party is the "Miracle Fruit" which has a protein that binds with the taste buds the effect of which is essentially like slipping a sugar sock on the tongue. Miracle Fruit turn acidic things sweet. Lemons taste like candy, wine tastes like Manischewitz, goat cheese like cheesecake. Interesting concept and the cat that hosts these party discovered it while searching for diabetic-friendly recipes for a friend. While it sounds cool, I guess I'm old fashioned and like my taste buds just the way they are.

The Baskin Robbins York® Peppermint Pattie Brownie Sundae packs an astonishing 1,610 calories and 222g of carbs (74% RDA)!!!! I know you're saying "Andie, don't be buzz kill", but DUDE!!! That's the almost the entire total caloric intake for an adult in a day! BLERG!!! Kind of brings new meaning to "a moment on the lips, a lifetime on the hips"!! Make no mistake I'm not a food nazi cos I've never met an It's It I didn't like, but phew!

The average human head weighs about the same as a roaster chicken.... or 8 pounds. Now that's finger lickin good. For more interesting facts consider reading Mary Roach's book "Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers".

Share the Road

2008-05-28T09:44:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Chris came home and told me "I have a funny cycling story to tell you". Well, after he told me I can tell you... I didn't find it funny. Not funny one bit.

For whatever reason unknown to my mind, sometimes people on the rural roads of our area... any area if you ask cyclists.... find it amusing to pit their half ton or more of automobile steel against a 15 pound carbon fibre bicycle frame. Keep in mind that these cyclists are human beings clad in nothing but foam atop their melon for protection. Why is it? Why do these people do such things?

Since Chris has been cycling for the past 6 or 7 years, he's encountered a lot either first hand or by word of mouth. Among the encounters ...cyclists have been charged head on by pickups, clipped with side mirrors, had hot dogs thrown at their back, been shouted at and called "faggot" among other colorful epithets. One of the women that rode for his company's cycling team in Austin TX was killed by a motorist in a hit and run during a one of her rides.

Once, Chris' encounter was with a woman charging sidelong down her dirt driveway toward him and the oncoming group of cyclists in her SUV... WITH her young daughter in the front seat. They called CHP and she denied everything, though there were 20 witnesses. Why does law enforcement take the side of automobile drivers? Doesn't it make her at fault for charging through her driveway and gate into oncoming traffic whether cyclist or car?

Now back to our story...Chris told me a guy buzzed him about 8" off of his shoulder during his Tuesday ride. As a friend tells me (also a cyclist and EMT) something like that can be the difference between life, life in paralysis or death. The kid fishtaled to a halt and Chris along with the guy he was cycling with went up to the guy and asked what he was doing. Chris told him "you could have killed one of us" and the kid said "I will kill one of you". What gets me about this mentality is I bet that kid is "Pro Life". I'm making assumptions, but I've lived long enough to know his ilk.

So it was during this part of the story the Italian blood in me begins to bubble up and I'm ready to go Michael Douglas in "Falling Down".... seriously considering going out on that road and waiting at lunchtime for that kid. A steady stream of obsceneties poured forth from my mouth (don't worry Maggie was showering and unable to hear this story or my potty mouth). I think my words are still (homage to A Christmas Story) hanging over the San Francisco Bay. The audacity of someone threatening my husband.. Maggie's dad! I can see how people commit crimes of passion, really I do. I do look good in orange and it's one of my favorite colors, but I prefer not to wear it for 30 or more years. Incidentally I do know the name of that woman in the SUV and where she lives.

Cyclists are tax payers and they are techincally driving a vehicle on roads paid for by their tax dollars, they are not "target practice". Cyclists are road warriors out for fresh air and exercise. Cyclists are sons, daughters, fathers, mothers, husbands and wives. Cyclists are human beings.

My mom, eloquent woman that she was, told me two things in my life which I can still hear.

"No one is better than you and you are no better than anyone else. We all take our pants down to shit."
"Manners are free... everyone can afford them."

With those pearls I leave you with the following requests... please:

Treat people with respect and courtesy.

Value human life.

Share the road.

Mambo Italiano

2008-05-27T16:59:00.000-07:00

Last week I had a joke grenade dud. It was not from lack of trying but rather my recipient's lack of focus. And believe me, I'll admit when one of my "pearls" is well, a grain of sand instead.

I forget her name .. something ending in "etti" or "icci" etc... but I made the joke we Italians enjoy making (some, I should say) and I said "that's a great Irish name!". Of course I knew it was not Irish... I knew it was Italian, but she replied to me, deadpan.. "it's not Irish, it's Italian". Fehgehdaboudit!

It seemed moot to me at that juncture to even try to salvage the joke, but I was fraught that a fellow Pisano, didn't get it. Now, my mom always said that in our family village in Genoa, Italy some of our distant cousins had red hair, freckles and green eyes. There was talk of Irish blood and possibly bloodlines back to the Vikings! Though no one can really prove it. My mom herself had auburn hair ('til it greyed), green eyes and freckles! Hmmm.. curious!

I do have a fondness for Irish music come to think.. jigs, reels and airs. If only I could make a celtic fiddle sing! If that's your cuppa, let me introduce you to Maeve Donnelly. Chris took me to see her at the Freight and Salvage on Valentine's Day. Fantastic! It was heady! Maeve really worked over those strings like well .. you know that scene in Waking Ned Devine where the whole village is at the pub, millions of pounds as good as theirs and the band is playing... fiddler going nuts .. everyone in the pub held captive in silence until during his crescendo he finallly breaks a string..(mark 3:02 - 4:08 -and don't worry the old bitty got what she deserved) ....then an uproarious cheer. Good times. Also.. what a name! Maeve Donnelly.. now that's an Italian name!

When my mom married my dad in her heady quest to "Save the Vowels!" she was rewarded with a truncated last name to which I was ever grateful during those years of No. 2-pencil-bubble-your-name-standardized-tests. 11 letters to 3, pre-tty... pre-tty good! Interestingly enough I have a scads of freckles on my nose and cheeks!

I also consider the two halves of me... good food, I must say - Italian and Chinese. Chris' dad ponders why I do not cook Chinese food to which I always reply... smart Chinese people know it is easier and cheaper to get good takeout! Of course, Chris having that Basque/Mexican/French Canadian lineage.. we've got some pretty good food there.. cheeeeeeese... Mmmmm...

Still it is interesting to think about.... Irish blood could explain alot... I mean, I've never met a potato I didn't like.

Sláinte!!!

Band of Brothers

2008-05-26T20:05:00.000-07:00

Today we remember and honor the fallen warriors who have given their lives for our enduring freedoms.

Shakespeare said it well and provided the name of the amazing series Band of Brothers:

We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
For he to-day that sheds his blood with me shall be my brother.

Thank you Band of Brothers and Sisters for giving the ultimate sacrifice whether the cause right or wrong.

And I raaaaan....

2008-05-25T19:04:00.000-07:00

Well, more precisely.... WE ran. Mags and I went out for our LIVESTRONG training run this morning at Sycamore Grove. It was a wonderful morning.. so much different than last week's run at 86 degrees around 10am. This morning around 11am it was a glorious low 60's and a delighful cooling breeze with some cloud cover.

Maggie is learning to pace herself so she can run longer. To be sure she can run fast as a cheetah, but I'm teaching her how to keep her pace moderate to endure longer running. She can easily clock me when she decides to pour on the coals. She may have a future in cross country methinks.

She is often less ambitious than I prefef, but she's a kid after all... and really who does want to expend more energy than they have to when it's not "just for fun". Still, I feel compelled to challenge and encourage her to push herself because I know she is capable of so much. She only wanted to go 2 miles today, but we ended up going 5k after all!

Along the way we decided to enjoy a respite in the sycamore trees and listen to the wind rustling the leaves and all of the sounds we miss when we're not focused. So we had our little moment of Zen where we listened to the grass rustle with lizards and snakes, buzzing of flies and dragonflies. We were lucky enough to see two gopher snakes, one in a hole .. his head not visible, but seemingly thick about 2/3 down his body with lunch. Another gopher snake simply stuck his head out of the hole, tongue flitting about smelling around.

It was a satisfying workout. On the way home Mags asked me to play the "classics".... which to her is our 80's music.... There we were .. a couple of gals after our run with the windows and moon roof open on our Slug Bug.. wind blowing in our hair as we listened to Boston's "More Than a Feeling" and her next favorite... (and a perennial fave of mine) "Mr. Roboto" by Styx.

Thank you very much-o, peanut, for another fantastic training run.

Be the change.

LIVESTRONG

Bountiful garden

2008-05-25T13:29:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we drove up to see Chris' folks in Clear Lake. We had a groovy time hanging out, scoping out their garden, eating, yakking with them and Chris' sister, Michelle.

When I mentioned interest in asparagus, not only did they send us home with 6lb bag of their fresh cut asparagus... they also dug up a root ball for us to plant at home. Dad gave us some explicit instructions, most of which I remember.. hopefully Chris remembers the rest, if not, we'll call Dad back. That root ball must be 40lbs! I'm so excited! I can hardly stand it.

So, the heat last week was very good to our garden ...

This photo was taken May 12th.

Just a mere 10 days later after 4 days of solid 100 degrees the garden burst into this...

Taken May 21st

Our fruits/veggies: early girl tomatoes, sweet 100 tomatoes, basil, green bell pepper, jalepeno, scallions, eggplant, cucumber, zucchini, corn, carrots, baby mescalun lettuce, canteloupe, strawberries and grapes. Maybe I'll end up with a booth at the farmer's market .. heh heh... We planted the corn, scallion, carrots and lettuce from seed. We also planted sweet peas from seed as well as sunflowers and those are all happy as well. Excitement!!

Good reads....