ResoThings

This picture is a couple of years old but it encompasses my New Year's Resolutions. More athletic outings with the fam and friends.

Second to last day of 2008.
Time for the annoying self reflection and declaration of what will come next.

For me, it is all about getting in shape.
Physically, financially and all else that can be shaped up.

The last two years have been filled with graduate school and just kinda getting by. Enjoying it but not in the style I am accustomed to.
But it's been worth it. I love being a teacher. I love everything about it and in the long run there was no other path to take than that of the overworked, overtaxed in every way, student to get to where I am going.

SO, my New Year's Resolutions:

More athletic outings with the family. Back to golf at Diablo, tennis, biking, hiking, swimming at IVSC in the summer and of course dancing, yoga and kick boxing at home.

Get in big time shape. Do a mini triathlon. Join some kind of team: softball most likely or a training group.

Travel: Hawaii to see Vanessa, Georgia to see Andrea, Asa, Chris and the outer banks finally.

An out of town Christmas.

Somehow while doing all this pay down debt that didn't exist two years ago and finish last couple tasks for my credential.

Pray more for the healing of this country, financially, physically and spiritually.

AND finish my BOOK.

See, that's it. That's all.

I'm going to be busy.

Ninth Anniversary of Spinning Around

Tilden Park Merry Go Round is multicultural?

Jake putting together his enons of Christmas present models, planes, etc.
Jake the builder.
Waiting in line for our turn!

Carina read the Grinch, Jake read Twas the Night, complete with librarian style picture viewing. Me thinks we have our Christmas card for next year.

Fab-u Christmas so far.
Sight seeing with the Croker-Berrys in San Francisco in great weather, game night ("Would You Rather," i.e, would you rather walk around on stilts for the rest of your life, or pink roller blades) , walking around Berkeley, buying Cal shirts on sale, shopping for grog for New Year's Eve Bash, sleeping in, hearing the kids play, really enjoying my sonic toothbrush Santa Ron brought me, playing with Hershey the cat, getting excited about the New Year. Visting with my brother and family, hanging with family, just doesn't get any better.
And the ninth anniversary of going to the Tilden Park Christmas Merry Go Round. The first time when Jake was just six months old, spun around in his baby bjorn, eyes wide open. We were just happy he didn't spit up. Still feel the same nine years later.
We've spent most of those merry lit up nights on the carousel with Liz, Stella and family, some of my dearest and oldest friends. Stella is only nine months younger than Jake and adorable. I told her she should come over to play sometime and I would do her hair. It's gorgeous. Girly girl that she is, said with a big smile on her face, "OK!!!" We girls are so easy to please.
Two more days of 2008. It's been a good year, but 2009 is going to be awesome.

Merry Christmas To All

The stockings are hung, the presents are under the tree.
Santa has eaten his cookies, fed the reindeer and left Jake and cousins presents of their goodness.
I find Christmas Eve as magical as any night there is.
We sinners went to church, a lovely service of singing, the story of he who shall be named (Jesus) an amazing harpist and soprano soloist. I'm a fair weather Christian, even though it was stormy tonight and my soul feels whole after church. Especially when I'm accompanied by my family and my beloved cousin Carolyn and her family. Jake sang along to the carols; at Christmas, we know them all, and our new church has gone hi-tech: there are monitors on the columns, so no hymn book was necessary. My hands felt empty, so I held one anyway, even though I read the blessed words, karaoke style. As the church went dark and we lit our candles, I felt the light, I really did. I'm a believer, a believer in all The Light stands for.
We all enjoyed the ancient Christmas ritual and came home to start a new one.
Carina read the Grinch who stole Christmas and Jake read Twas the Night Before Christmas, both well read and well enjoyed. We've spent two lovely Christmas' with them and we'll miss them next year (unless we get to Australia) but we'll read our stories by the fireplace and think of them and all who we love every year.
Cuz that is what Christmas is all about. Love. Faith. Light. And Hope that we will feel this love and joy all year and bring it to others. And those that can't be with us here anymore are up there singing Gloria!
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.
Amen.

Celebrating my Home Girls

Ok, I've been busy.
My apologies to my regular readers.
Life has been going so fast, it's a blur.
Let's just say it's all good.....

But in honor of my homegirls I must blog this before it gets too far away.
Last night was so amazing. I felt like a spoiled princess.
My friends of 30 years plus had our annual Christmas get together, just us girls.

First of all, Mia announces she's picking me up in the limosine she has for the night, a friend's business she's got a line on. No effing way. Yep, I sat in a limo last night and rode backwards there and back.

This year we met at Ingrid's the foodie of our group. She has a lovely little house in Richmond Heights she shares with her new groom of 4 months.
She prepared the most amazing dinner. Seven courses of non stop mouth magic. I swear to God it was better than any SF eatery I've been to in years. Not only was the food amazing, but her house is so warm and inviting and being surrounded by my oldest friends, it's just overwhelming.
I am so blessed to have such strong, funny, sweet, open, wonderful women in my life that love me unconditionally.
And Ingrid's cooking is just icing on the cake. Scuse the pun.

Highlight of the night: our circle of love (don't be a perv)

Truffle oil and sea salt dressing.
The Pinot Gris we drank with the zucchini soup served in acorn squash bowls.
Coffee Liquor Tortoni

Life is good.......
Thank you Ingrid and all my homegirls.
I love you more than carbs!!!

We're Number One!!!

The Firecrackers did it, they really did it!
Walnut Creek Soccer Club Division II U9 CHAMPS!

They ran, passed, assisted, kicked, scored, took fouls, fell down, got up, encouraged their team mates, and kicked some serious you know what!!!

Our boys just hit the ground running, from the first game yesterday.

The championship game was nail biting: they scored, we scored, they scored, we scored.
Double over time and Ian, our star player, and nice kid to boot, scored the winning goal in a sweet long lob right over the goalie's head.

What a game!!! Every kid worked hard and did their best and look what happened.
The biggest trophy, yeah!
( I think it was a good motivator to see the first and second place trophies sitting on a table during the game, they really wanted the big one!)

Love these kids: Cody, Jake, Jeremy, Lewis, Jack, Lucas, Andre, Marshall, Owen, Ian, Nicky.
Jake's been friends with most of them since kindergarten...I can't wait to see what these kids do down the road...sigh.....they're so adorable.

Jello Biafra

Just hearing his name puts the reality of our economic struggles into perspective. Yes, we as a country have it tough right now and there are alot of people suffering but are most of us suffering for our televisions, ipods and fancy cars? I swear to God I'm going to try and not complain about my lack of money as long as there is food in my child's belly and a roof over our head.

Here's an event from Alternative Tentacles that Mark forwarded:

Hello, everyone!  Sorry to invade your inbox so soon again.  We want to tell you

about an upcoming taping of Ian Svenonius's show "Soft Focus" on VBS.tv, which

will take place in San Francisco.  Ian Svenonius will interview Jello Biafra as

well as Alan and Richard Bishop of the Sun City Girls in front of a live

audience.  It's free to attend the taping, but space is limited so you will have

to RSVP with your name and e-mail address: http://www.viceland.com/softfocussf/

Here's my reply to Mark:

OMG, I wanna go........

The last time I saw him was at the Cinder Block 10th anniversary party (about ten years ago) when Green Day played and he was actually nice and polite!

When I asked him if he was on polite pills these days he was like, "was I rude to you the last time I saw you?" and I was like, "it was on KALX dude, I was interviewing you for the fundraiser and you ripped me a new one cuz you thought I was a cheerleader cuz I had blonde hair and was pretty...your words" (and he got on me about "my Daddy's credit card" when I called him on AT) "....and I called you a hypocritical asshole cuz you were judging me on my looks and you had no idea I was a poor single parent child of liberals. You just needed someone to yell at, as always."

We laughed and I told him I'd give a thousand bucks for a tape of that interview. He said if he ever got a hold of it, he'd sell it to me for five hundred.
Anyway.....
Jello Biafra is nucking futs and I love/hate him.
Love his thoughts on media literacy and that is my dream teaching job, teaching kids to mistrust the media. And use it for the pursuit of liberty, justice and the real American way.

Ok, can you tell I'm stuck at home with elementary kids and I just drank a gallon of Diet Coke?
Ack...
Will try to make it.
Love,
Jayne

I Love My Mommy

This is us in Yosemite for her 70th celebration, on a hike to the falls. (Jeane, Colleen, Mom, Ron, Jake in front, I took the picture, Kyle and Paul were checking the score).
Her nickname is "Yosemite Samantha" cuz it's one of her favorite places in the world. You can see my bro Dave, peeking thru us in the background.
She's coming soon for a visit, yeah. She's too far away, but they're happy and lucky, living near the beach in Oz.

It's so nice to have a Mommy to be loved by. Sigh....I love my Mommy.

I LIKE TO MOVE IT, MOVE IT !!!

Listening to LOTS of You Am I: took this on my phone when I saw them at the Bottom of the Hill last year. Love the lead singer.


Actually enjoyed Madagascar 2, guess it helps to go with 2 eight year olds. But I actually laughed out loud several times. Gotta love those penguins.

We had a generally relaxing weekend with minimal kid invasion. A soccer game, a sleepover, some next door neighbor playdates and Mommy got to sleep in TWICE..
Four day weekends are beautiful.

Poor Daddy got a tummyache but luckily Mommy was there to get his medicine, saltines and seven up.

Still can't seem to get through the piles-piles of leaves, piles of paperwork, piles of bills, piles of papers to write (when will I be done?), piles of dust, piles of laundry, piles of castoffs. I sort the castoffs into so many piles. The good piles for hand me downs to good friends. The Salvation Army pile. The recycling pile that can't go in the bin, etc., etc., ETC>>>> Sometimes I get so tempted to just throw it all away but then I know the green fairy will come and sprinkle something nasty on my house.
I swear to God I'm going to get through these piles before the holidays set up.
Time is running out.
Better move it, move it.

Smile and wave boys, just smile and wave.

Florence, California

Last weekend, my brother, my step-brother Rob and several other friends placed dear Mom II with Dad in their beautiful resting place. The Westwood Cemetery is an amazing and unique place. Go to Wikipedia or Google it, it's worth a look.

My Dad used to walk me there after a Westwood Village lunch. We loved this place because of it's bizarre urban location (nestled inbetween skyscrapers, hidden and silent), it's occupants (where do I start? Marilyn Monroe-Joe D. chose it in the 60s for it's relative obscurity, Dean Martin, Truman Capote, Jack Lemmon, Roy Orbison, Frank Zappa, on and on).
Because my Dad became so ill quickly, he hadn't decided on his final resting place. We were all in denial I think. No, we were full of optimism and unprepared.
After my Dad passed, my poor stepmother was so worn out and grief stricken, it was all she could do to get through the service.
As I was driving around Westwood that sad and heavy day, (I didn't know what else to do), I drove past the entrance to the cemetery, it's easy to miss. I decide what better place for me to cry than a cemetery my father and I used as a walking destination. As soon as I got out of the car,
I knew it all at once that this was where he was supposed to be. Into the office I went.
As if dealing with the death of a parent isn't surreal enough, go try and price burial plots. The staff was lovely but it was depressing.
I gingerly approached Mom II and suggested she think about it. Afterall, his ashes couldn't stay on the mantle forever. He needed a resting place to honor his memory and help her and all of us to heal.
She loved it. She and I both knew it was perfect in every respect for not just him but her. Their beloved Westwood, surrounded by the creative people they loved.
Which brings us up to speed.
Sorta.
I chose this picture cuz I knew it'd make Mom II laugh, as she was a writer of sorts. And she loved his movies.

Our little gathering was simple and sweet. We touched the marble square holding my Dad's plaque with Florence's to come soon. The ashes were in. They are now together forever, as always.
We all walked around and looked at gravestones, plaques and repeated over and over how perfect it was from the sanctuary where they lay to the people there to the setting to the everything.
As we walked back to the garden wall I noticed a large headstone.
Rodney Dangerfield, one of my Dad and Florence's favorites. His headstone read:

RODNEY DANGERFIELD
There goes the neighborhood

I hope the spirits talk at night.

I hope there's a heaven where we all meet again where we're not sick or old.
I hope there's something beyond this beyond where good people continue to love.
All this love we feel and share on this earth can't just go away, it just can't, I can't believe that.

I feel so deeply for my step brothers and sisters. They've lost both their parents in such a short time. I'm speechless.

God Bless my Mom II, may she rest in peace.

To Jeff and Sara Lugo

This is long overdue. I finally found my pictures, will be ordering some official photos off the web soon.

Our beloved eldest, Jeff, married his high school sweetheart, in the most beautiful wedding at the Kensington Unitarian and Mira Vista Country Club. I've never seen him so happy.
Congratulations. May you live happily ever after.







Jake Lugo, little brother and ring bearer. He can't wait to be called "Uncle Jake." Uh, I can wait to be called grandma.











Jeff gave his groomsmen silver flasks as thank you presents. Ron's was inscribed:

"Best Man, Best Dad, Best Friend"

Sniff, sniff.







I was in charge of the butterfly release. It went beautifully. You should see the professional pictures. Sara and her bridesmaids were knockouts. Jeff and his groomsmen were studly.




















Darn it! It's fuzzy! When they made their entrance (Mr. and Mrs. Lugo) it was so damn cute. They had the best wedding dj eva who made the wedding party's entrance like the royal procession. It was spectacular! Poopy Uncle Oscar stepped in front of me to add to the funky picture.

WE DID IT!
ALL HAIL THE NEW CHIEF!!!

Best Halloween Ever

Halloween Parade at school. Jake was the cutest, I mean coolest little grim reaper you ever saw. He was nervous about carrying his scythe cuz of the no weapons policy but we agreed it wasn't a weapon, it was a methaphorical symbol of the end of life. Or a farm tool.
Fun party in class at the end of the day, glad to be there.
After school, some quick downtime and healthy snack before the sugar avalanche.
Then to the Fehrnstrom's for a quick hello at their All Hallow's Eve gathering. Lots of good food, company and mostly girls.
So, off to the Persons' where Jake met up with the BOYS. We ate pizza and salad then went on the trick or treat rampage around Lakewood. We got sprinkled on which made the night extra spooky and fun. Falling leaves, dreary rain, decorations and lights, jack o lanterns, little ghouls everywhere, what could be better? Jake's friends all had pillow cases but Jake stood fast to his traditional plastic pumpkin. Good on ya Jake.
Then to the mansion. Man is that place cool. After a couple go arounds with Mommy, Jake and Cameron ran through it alone. The haunted path around one of the cooler historic houses in Walnut Creek. Awesome. Leather face scared the crap out of me as the did the troll under the bridge. A real stone bridge mind you with a real troll. An amazing WC tradition that will make me cry when Jake no longer wants to go.
We met up with the rest of the gang, saw tons of friends from school, even some of my students from my stint at WCI. Way fun.
Then home to meet up with the neighborhood pal and to trick or treat the street and then: maximimum candy ingestion.
What a haul.
Jake said it was the BEST HALLOWEEN EVER!!!!

Crazy Hair Day

We had so much goop and spray on the boy, you could smell him coming.

Halloween Part Ten

We are lucky enough to live in the community where the fabulous Youngers put on yet another fabulous event-pumpkin carving at the lake.
Yes, that picture shows about 70 pumpkins that were freshly carved on the beach at Lake Lakewood. What a beautiful sight, the colors of the glowing jack o lanterns backed by the setting sun with families running around, enjoying all the treats and friendship that our hood provides. Bill stood behind his cauldron of minestrone that everyone contributed to. Sorry, it wasn't for vegetarians. What's Halloween without a little meat eating? Moo ha ha.
A truly beautiful night that I look forward to being at each and every year.
Thanks Bill and Julia.

WE Brought It!!

Totally scary, we did about 500 kids/parents.
Lots of screams, some tears and lots of laughter.
Dracula's Castle was the hit of the Fall Carnival.
Thanks to everyone who participated, especially those who have lost their voice like me.
It's hard work scaring kids.....

Moo Ha Ha, I'm the Mistress of the Dark

Our scary house last year...


About ready to embark on our school's First Annual Haunted House. And who is the evil brains behind this dastardly event? Yours ghouly, the Mistress of the Dark.
Spent the better part of yesterday setting up, we have the coolest parents at our school. I was most worried about the wiring/electrical cords and all, but we have a journeyman electrician on hand who rigged everything up. All I had to do was label my lights/cords/moving dracula and he did the rest. What a gem.
This year's theme is Dracula's Castle and we're ready to traumatize some kids. The stage is set, literally and figuratively.

Reminds me of all the haunted houses we did for Kyle's school. I would do anything for that kid but helping to raise money for his school by putting on a haunted house, well I'd pay them to do it. We even got on channel 2 the year we did our Harry Potter house.

Let's hope this new venue is as big of a hit. If we raise some money, bonus. If not, the kids will have a blast. And the parents, too.
Happy Halloween, will report on the outcome later.
Moo ha ha....

Jake's "stabbed-o-lantern" 2007
You gotta love boys and their imagination...





Today's theme song" Work to Do" by Average White Band.
Got so much done today, I feel satiated. Ready to pour myself into bed not from drinking but non-stop productive activity.
Best thing I got done: painted the refrigerator and washing machine boxes for the Haunted House this weekend. That was bugging me. Now I have 4 gigantic dark grey boxes on the lawn that I know will make my neighbors wonder, "what the fuck is she doing now?" Trying to scare little kids, that's what I'm-a-doing. An extremely important mission in my book. Halloween is king in our house so watchyourback, moo ha ha.

Wish I could be one of those em-effing gurus who just take it chill cuz they know they're going to get things done.
Not me, I stress. But I'm trying to change: today I breathed, danced and sang as I did those mundane errands and that thing called work. Groceries, check. Laundry, check. Change bed sheets, check. Catch up on email, check. Sort bills/paperwork, check. Haunted House tasks, check. Homework, check. Awesome dinner, check. Watch some of the debate, check. Read Encyclopedia to Jake, check. Clean up, check.
Blog, check.
Go to bed, check.

Happiest Place on Earth

Disneyland....I still remember when my Dad took me to Disneyland when I was small. The magic is still there. I have to admit I got teary eyed on the submarine ride, which was my favorite as a young girl. The colorful coral and fish dancing around the beautiful mermaids, that was my dream world when I was little. My father rarely held my hand but he did during that ride, he knew I was in awe and he wanted me to know he was right alongside me. I didn't hold Jake's hand but I watched his open mouth as we submerged into the depths of Nemo's world. It was beautiful.
What fun we had with our cousins from down under, especially on the river ride and soaring over california. Those Disney imagineers really know how to bring it.
Two hilarious notes: we got stuck on the Jungle Cruise: had to back all the way out of it! I felt sorry for the toddlers who had to see the animals standing still, hope it didn't spoil anything for them.
And, we were in the front seat of Indiana Jones (one of my top 3rides) ready to go and the house lights came on, we had to evacuate due to technical difficulties. Yikes, we had some wierd ride mojo, made me worry about the plane ride home. HOWEVER, it makes for a great story that not many other people can boast.
Have YOU gone through the Jungle Cruise backwards at Disneyland? Well I have.
Gotta make this short, too much to talk about.
Fun was had by all.
Now I gotta go to work and pay for it all.
Here we go!!! (Peter Pan ride still awesome)

Pictures/To Do Lists/Digressions/Depressions

Jake and Jayne at Birney Falls -Daddy takes it all in on digital vid

Digital photos are so cool.....I'm glad I live in the digital age...

Unfortunately, organizing my photos is still on my perpetual "to do" list, like cleaning out the garden shed or ripping out those junipers or painting that wall. Now on my to do list: organize photo albums, paper and digital....

You know what I'm sayin'????

I was trying to find my favorite photo of Florence, my dear step-mother who passed away.
It's a picture of us in front of the Marc Chagall installation in Italy, way back when. She looked so young. It was the Brady Bunch goes to Europe. A month with the eight of us. I kept waiting for Paul the oldest to get hit in the head with a surfboard or for Marc, the youngest to disappear. If you're a Brady Bunch fan, you'll get that. I'm digressing as I'm very sad right now but I don't want to go into it right now.

So, I'll digress again...

Here's to parents and children. Above is one of my favorite mother/son photos from one of our annual camping trips with the Wendt/Perez/Warner etc., clans.

RIP Florence Maggio Lecky. Say hi to Dad. I know you're up there playing tennis, listening to Mozart, making pasta for everyone and reading books without glasses. I love you Mom Two.

I am an Anti-CEO

I'm a teacher by profession now but I prefer to be called an Anti-CEO.

the King of Suck

Note to "president" bush. Shame on you. This is your fault. We're heading into depression and it's your fault. You should be treated like a naughty school child with a time out. No, fuck that. You're old school, let's go old school. You deserve a spanking of the worst kind. It's time to get out the razor strap. Several years ago when we all started to really see your ways, I tried to stay out of it, be unemotional. When people would spout on that your policies were getting ,us into deep trouble, I concurred, tried to stay neutral to keep my peace of mind and said, "well, the only consulation is he'll end up being the worst president in the history of the United States." Well, my thought came true but it is in no way consoling.
I'm pissed. Pissed and sad. The largest bank collapse in U.S. history. A debt never seen before. Thousands dead and we're no safer from terrorists than we were before. (Oh, we are? then fucking prove it. Young men and women have lost their lives in "our" name, I want proof they didn't die in vain.) Housing prices down, no buyers, no lenders, lots of sellers, layoffs, businesses collapsing, bankruptcies, kids going hungry, people with no health care, shall I go on?
Shame on you president bush. You're not even worthy of capital letters. You and your advisors should hang their heads in shame and apologize. You are the King of Suck.
Don't even get me starting on the CEOs of this country. They walk off with their hundreds of millions to their country club and their house in St. Tropez while we wonder how we're going t pay for all this. This is when I'm glad I'm a somewhat religious person. Because the thought that there just maybe, possibly be a place called hell, where the absolute sinners go, not the innocent sinners, but the knowledgable sinners go, I can sleep at night knowing that you will burn there for eternity. Wow, told you I was pissed.
But having said that, and being a somewhat spiritual person, I forgive them. The Phoenix always rises from the ashes and so shall we. Just without your useless help.
Go Obama.

Sorry But they Suck

Staying up late reading magazines, what a fun luxury. Get to sleep in tomorrow, first event of the day doesn't start until 12 noon so I'm staying up late, a-reading and a-writing.
SO, have to get this off my mind.
I know I'm supposed to stick up for my sistahs around the world whenever (if that were entirely true I'd have to stick up for Sarah Palin, eww gross).....but what's the deal with Sara Silverman and Diablo Cody? They are "my" spokespeople? Women for thinking women?
I donut think so. Not this pop culture peasant.
They're both all over the media and they suck!!! SS is being hailed as "walking a brilliant razor thin line between satire and cutting edge comedy." What? She's an unfunny fucking potty mouth. Now those of you who know me know I can swear enough to make a sailor flinch. Fuck is a beautiful word and I don't know what I'd do without it. One of my nicknames is "Alice in Wonderland with a Trucker's Mouth." But shit, at least I try to be humorous or I keep it in some kind of context. She is so unfunny. I've tried, I want to like her. A foul mouthed female comedian? That is soooo my cup of tea. But she sucks!!! It's like the emperor has no clothes... Here's one of the jokes that has made her so "important:" if you have AIDs, make lemon-AIDS." Not only is it foul, IT"S NOT FUNNY. I'm not being PC here or anything. It's just that if you're going to take on a life threatening disease with no cure, at least BE FUNNY. She sounds like me and my brothers on a rainy day when we were bored in the 70s and we knew my parents weren't listening. Only entertaining for us and no one else. "Shut up scrotum bag; you're the king of the turd nerds., etc. We sounded like idiots and so does Sara Silverman. I am so irritated that not only is she so popular but the press is making her out to be some kind of comic genuis savior. Gimme a break.
And Diablo Cody. Ok, Juno was cute but jeez, DC is not the second coming of feminism. OHMYGOD, (ohmyblog, the catchphrase of Juno is funny? Why? Again, no context. Maybe if she was blogging when she said that...oh anyway...I'm just so annoyed) Her column in Entertainment weekly is just a way for her to wax on about the bad pop culture she can finally admit she loves and not be laughed at. Which is fine, like what you want, but she is NOT the spokesperson for what is cool. If that were true, we'd all be wearing Back Street Boys t-shirts. She, too, waxes on and is so trite and cliche and all that is ok but not if you're acting like you are the know it all, the keeper of what is cool and funny and what is not. I think the female lead in Juno was a brat, not funny, not clever, just a brat in a bad situation who made a good decision at the end. "The modern tale for our time," no way. Just a story about a dumb ass teenager who got herself pregnant and was lucky enough to have a good family/support system that didn't leave her out on the streets or in an abusive relationship or extreme poverty nor was she hooked on crack. Now that's a modern tale.
Thanks for listening to me. I try not to be acidic these days, I try to be positive and LOVING. (Just look at my previous posts, I gush about flowers.) Thanks again, drop me a line.

Things that Are Awesome

Sorry in a listy kind of mood

1-Flowers, that look good and smell good.
2-Being in, on or near the water, especially kayaking, windsurfing, swimming.
3-Playing with Jake and/or Ron in the backyard: soccer, looking at clouds, I dont' care.
4-Listening to kick ass music, live or recorded, I don't give a shit.
Add to that, driving fast and listening to kick ass music. Like a dog sticking it's head out of the window.
5-Really intense yoga class, don't do it enough. It can make you cry, good and bad.
6-Watching a hilarious comedian, like Jim Breuer's "party in your stomach."
7-Doing art, drawing, painting, model clay, animation, making jewelry.
8-Laughing. Any kind of laughing.
9-Disneyland. I'm like a 5 year old when I'm there.
10-My family and friends. Totally at top of list.

Blessings or Things I Love

Feeling kind of blue today, got some bad news about my step-Mom, she's not well. When you're feeling down, it's a good time to count your blessings.
Things that I love in my life:
1-Picking up Jake after school, I love seeing his face even though he's not always excited to see me. It means he's having a good time, which is cool.
2-Reading a good novel, especially young adult fantasy like Harry Potter.
3-Watching a good movie like the World's Fastest Indian or a fun tv show like Entourage with a good snack as company.
4-Swimming laps, towards the end of them anyway, always feel charged up.
5-When my house is clean.
6-Staying up late talking with Ron.
7-Cuddle/tickle time with my family.
8-cuddle time with my cat. She gently swats my face with closed paw when I stop petting her, never had a cat do that before. Love her...
9-Getting messages, post cards, etc., from friends/family I haven't heard from in a while.
10-Getting some good writing done. Am working on a project I feel quite happy about that doesn't have to do with school.

That's it for now.

Weddings, Baby Showers and Vegas oh my!

Jeff, the oldest, is getting married, can you believe it?
Ron is his best man (awww....) so off to Vegas they went. Ten twentysomethings and Ron.
Oh my.
I picked four haggard menboys up from the airport Monday. They looked tow up from the flow up.
Jeff said he just wanted to go home and sleep. I won't tell you the other stories I heard. What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Please.

Ingrid and Dave got married in one of the most darling weddings I've been to in years.
Ingrid was breathtaking, her cowboy husband complete with morning coat and a straw. A beautiful rambling Piedmont "mansion" with a garden designed by Thomas Church. If you're into landscaping you'll say wow! As the sun set, they lit the floating candles on the pond and we heard tales of fighting bucks in the glen and snowy egrets in the trees. I love being around my homegirls, especially at such a happy moment as this.

Baby shower at Julia's mansion on the lake for Kymberly, the cutest pregnant woman I have seen maybe ever. I love these new Walnut Creek friends. They're funny, warm and open. I won one of the games, the prize was a bouquet of white roses and wild flowers. I accepted them like a beauty queen, with tears in my eyes, thanking the mom to be and the hostess and promising to fulfill my duties. Got a good laugh out of that one.
I think that goes to the top of my list of favorite things to do. Making my friends crack up.

"Sleep" Over

WHY DO THEY CALL IT A SLEEP OVER, they don't ever sleep.

See You Later Leanne

Son and I drove to the airport to catch cousin Leanne on her layover between Seattle and home/Sydney for one more hug. Can't believe it's been a month since we picked her up on her way in.
We had such a lovely but short visit on her way in, sigh. Chihuly at DeYoung, SF waterfront, Va De Vi under the giant oak tree, the Roomarang Olympics (Jake and Leanne representing Australia won), a nice walk up to Heather Farms, Indian Valley swim and meet, Puerto Rican rice, we managed to pack a fair bit in, in a short time.
Leanne has such a sweet, calm nature about her, a good aura if you will. She has been one of my favorite cousins since we were in footie pajamas with our teddies, watching scooby doo on Saturdays. She's family and feels like home.
A touch of melancholy set in on the way home from the airport. That's the problem about loving someone. It sucks when you say goodbye.
Better to say See You Later.

Fair - English Chamber Orchestra;Donald Fraser;José Luis Garcia - AUSTRALIA: Advance Australia

Fair - English Chamber Orchestra;Donald Fraser;José Luis Garcia - AUSTRALIA: Advance Australia

To Rob and Anne

Ron's work buddy Rob married his sweetheart Anne under the trees in Stern Grove, one of the most magic places in San Francisco. Colorful hearts on strings dangled over their heads in the light breeze as the minister spoke of their love and friendship. Anne's gown was beautiful, Rob's smile was huge. During the speeches there wasn't a dry eye in the house when Anne's father broke into tears as he recalled how much he's loved her since the day his "beautiful daughter came out."
We danced into the wee hours of the night, especially Son, who was the life of the party. He's always loved to dance but been a bit shy in public about it, but not last night. He danced with the groom, the bride, but not the flower girl, much to his lament. Uh, oh, ladies man in the making. Son tried to get her attention but she played hard to get. We told him she's not your type if she doesn't want to play. I think she was just shy or having an off night. Jake was having an "on" night. It's beautiful and strange at the same time watching your son grow up in front of your eyes. I'm so proud of the way he can go into a strange setting and make it a night to remember, grabbing the most of the moment. That's what life is all about.
Another top ten moment, dancing with my son and husband at the Trockadero Clubhouse, celebrating the union of two incredibly nice people.

The Springs in Summer

OMG.
Ron and I had a heavenly weekend. This place was so fabulous I don't even want to give out the name. No two night minimums. No throngs of city peeps trying to be fabulous.
We soaked in the mineral tubs under the stars at night, in the private baths, sans clothes in the day. We soaked in the hot tub, swam in the pool (did my daily half a mile!) hiked to the waterfall. We ate the best organic sushi I've ever had. We stayed up late drinking beer and talking, just talking like we used to, under the stars on the lawn until the sprinklers chased us off. We didn't mind getting wet. I love my husband and I love the Springs in Summer.

May Nature Be With You

Last Friday, son and I did one of our traditional field trips before school starts. I was craving Muir Woods so off we went. Being a Star Wars fan, I told Jake that the Battle of Endor was filmed thereabouts. Man, was he stoked.
To me Muir Woods is a heavenly, ancient grove of tree spirits. The rangers post a quiet zone in the cathedral grove of trees to help ensure that people "get" Muir Woods. We got it all right. From bubbling Redwood Creek with baby salmon and trout to the massive heights of the old beauties, we got it. Even with throngs of summer tourists. We even spotted a grey fox, woodpecker and three baby deer. Most unusual was the alarming amount of people who were there for the Star Wars appeal.
See the pictures above. Enjoy. And may the Nature Be with You.

Click the pictures once to get full view. On the stone fence, that's a bundle of ladybugs keeping warm. Sorry about sideways/blurry pic. Darn blogger is hard to figure out photo arrangements. I was so afraid I'd delete the wrong one. Note to blogger.com: make pictures easier! Help with the captions please!

Squishied

Warning! Random photo placement! Don't waste brain cells trying to connect them. Love, your art mcfarty friend, jayne



As we were watching the A's get SPANKED and Jake and his pal were eating their lemon squishies, we decided that was the new term for getting your ass kicked. Squishied. And now we can't stop saying it.
You have been squishied.

Vichy with my sweetie

Am so looking forward to heading up to the hot springs with my sweetie, thanks to Uncle Paul and Aunty Jeane.
I don't even care if it rains.

Swim Team

Walnut Creek Swim Conference 2008.

Top Photo: Awards Night Indian Valley Swim Team. Coach Garrett was so well spoken and thoughtful when he spoke about Jake while receiving his award..."Jake loves to swim, he was in the pool when we got here for awards night! He loves to swim butterfly and does laps of it at practice, which is hard, we all know that and it showed during the medley at conference. Good job Jake."
Thanks Coach Garrett and all the other awesome coaches who gave positive words, yelled go! at meets and helped the kids to have an awesome summer in the pool and on the deck. Confidence, strength, community, friends, fun is the name of this game.

Next two photos: Drew, Boris, Jake and Sam, a winning combination; both Indian Valley Relay Teams. The Mighty Flying Hawks!

I feel like Debbie Phelps. Just wish we had her sons endorsements.