Jayne Says:

Down with FB

2010-05-29T20:22:00.000-07:00

Wow! In January I swore to write more, It is now May 30 and these are the first words I've written since then. Good reason though. Work, family, friends, life. A good one, better than it's been in a long time. Working on my book, it will be done soon, another good reason. One bad reason: too much time on fb and I'm not on it much..
MIss you, love you.
In Chico, visiting the outlaws, having a blast. Lovely weather, everything's blooming!

I'm Baaacccckkk

2010-01-24T01:00:00.001-08:00

Late at night, feeling like facebook has dominated my online writing. Technology is a strange and fascinating creature, luring you away to different corners of the digital domain.

Since I am now a fulltime teacher with a classroom of my own, my time seems not to be my own. All in all I'm doing fabulous for a first year teacher, in middle school, in a low income neighborhood. IN fact I love it.

Besides the low pay, the only downside is the week is tricky, it's a hard job to leave at the office. So, just getting son off to school, everyone fed and in clean clothes is achievement enough.

Writing, seems like that might be a summer love.

I missed you my blogfriends.
I promise to be more regular and more entertaining.
Love ya!

Catch me on Facebook but I Need to Write MORE!

2009-07-16T08:01:00.000-07:00

Georgia - Before I Forget

2009-06-22T10:01:00.000-07:00

SORRY no pics-took the video cam and am having a hell of a time putting the video on blog....

Yeah. Thanks to frequent flyer miles we made it to Georgia for ASA's first birthday.
A year ago he was a preemie in the hospital, hanging on for dear life, bless his little heart. Now he is a thriving, brilliant, cute little guy!
And, we got to meet EZRA, Vanessa's new addition. He's four months old and a gorgeous little Buddah bundle.
I love my nieces, although they feel more like sisters to me. They're beautiful and full of life and now they have babies...Sigh....
Uncle Joe, Titi Myrna and Uncle Jessie were there, too. And we got to meet Andrea's brilliant neighbors and friends.

It was Jake and my's first East Coast summer vaca. Awesomely brilliant.

Other Highlights: * Canoeing the Etowah River. Exploring Cave Springs, complete with real springs and cave. Coool, literally and methaphorically. Kennisaw Battlefield where one of the last Civil War battles took place. We stood where thousands of brave men died and shed blood. Whoa. Jake saw lightning bugs for the first time and I saw them for the first time in a long, long, long time. I missed them. Chris took Jake to the Myrtle Hill Cemetery close to their house. Andrea and Chris and Asa live in the former house of Doctor Moss, complete with treatment room. Supposedly he treated most of his patients in his downtown Rome clinic but am told that babies were born there, etc. Cool, creepy and creaky house!!!

Everything is so historic and haunted in the south, I love it.
It's also bloody HUMID!!!!!

And it's true what they say about southern hospitality. EVERYONE is so nice there.
Californians are just a big bunch of meanies...

Back to summer - swim team, playdates, xbox 360, reading on bed, late night bike rides and cleaning out this house that has been neglected all year...garage sale!!!

Next week it's Daddy's summer week off- camping in Gold Country and then Laguna Beach to visit the relatives.

Luckily gas is WAY cheaper this year than last...
Hope you're all enjoying the weather no matter what temp or humidity you're facing...

I've Been REally Busy

2009-06-20T14:55:00.000-07:00

this poster is awesome

2009-06-01T16:32:00.000-07:00

Now and Zen

2009-05-25T19:58:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day - to remember our fallen heroes. And the official start of summer season. For humans, it's not the tilt of the earth or the length of the day, it's the calendar. In three short weeks, the kiddies will all be off from school for ten long glorious weeks. I started my first blog here about summer and childhood memories.
This weekend was a classic in my opinion for my son.
Friday: short day, long playdate, capped with a trip to Skippolini's for pizza and funny little squishy eraser animals that are so in with the elementary crowd.
Saturday: playing G.I. Joe all day in Daddy's jeep, then the new Star Trek movie (two buttery fingers up!)
Sunday: nine holes of golf with Daddy, hours of swimming with friends at the pool including dodge ball in the baby pool. Throwing a ball and hitting people? Does it get any better? What is it about you boys.
We just finished eating Daddy's bbq on the patio and the boys are throwing baseballs into the dusk.
I got paperwork done, a top feeling in my book and I got the front yard looking spiffy. When it's clean, my little front yard becomes a moving Zen painting. The rock river winds around sprouting palms, bright yellow rock daisies with the overhead canopy of our gigantic mulberry tree, my favorite tree ever. When the weeds are tamed and the rocks are gracefully misplaced, it all comes together to create a little green paradise. It may not look like much to outside eyes but to me it is art in nature. It is mine and Mama Nature's.
Ahhh,,summer.

Now There Is No Excuse for Being Stupid

2009-05-21T17:24:00.000-07:00

http://www.openculture.com/

You Say It's Your Birthday

2009-05-12T17:31:00.000-07:00

Me, Dad and Paul, 1962

Couldn't bear going to work today. Tuesdays are my most challenging day so I took a sicky as they say in Oz. Luckily the principal of the school I'm at on Tuesdays doesn't read my blog...remind me to NEVER give anyone I work with my blog address.

Today was glorious. A beautiful morning of writing on my back patio, listening to the birds. Hershey kept rubbing on my legs, more than she usually does, I think she knew it was my special day.

Decided today was to be a productive day. I always feel better when my affairs are in order so the morning was for crossing things off the list.

My car: filthy, took it to the carwash: hey! they give you free car washes on your birthday. Bonus. I got to give the guys an extra big tip, I love doing that. Nice way to wake up on your birthday. Something unexpected cuz you're birthday girl? Sweet.

Went to get woodchips, not the most green thing to do but man, does our corner yard look like crap. After two plus hours of back breaking weed pulling, heaving 16 cubic yards of wood chips, blowing, rock arranging, dirt moving, etc., my yard looks gorgeous. Well, it's not the hobo yard anymore. I also found a dime and anyone who knows me well knows what that means. I have a thing about dimes, my Dad's favorite number-ten and the promise he made to me....

I usually don't like working there-it's next to the busy road and I always find dog poo. I love the constant parade of pedestrians past our side house but not the ones with bad dog manners. I have a big flat rock in there, last year a small breed dog used it as their regular toilet. Ewww and good lord! it's weird enough the dog did it but even more strange the owners let them. If my dog did that I'd be like, "dude! quit shitting on top of rocks in people's gardens." I guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, so to speak.
I'm planning to make a little sign that says "bee and black widow habitat - potentially harmful to dogs." Maybe that way they'll stay the fuck out of my yard.

Then I watched some tv while I had vegie burger and cheese puffs with diet coke. Yum. May sound wierd to you but yum to me.

Did a little reading, emails, paperwork, vacuuming. MAN! I got it going on!
Then, I took Jake to swim practice, yeah. First time this year. He's in the next age group and I think he's very happy about that. Alot less goofing off, too. Coach Garrett is such a sweetie, he was glad to see Jake again.

Now we're kicking back until the family gets here..I'm blogging as you can see.
Jake's tummy feels a bit funny, I think he might have pulled a swim muscle. Last year he got six pack abs from swim team. Time for me to get back to doing laps!!!

I got lots of phone calls from my favorite friends, tons of facebooks of course. My beautiful step daughter called and asked when she could see me. What a peach.

Last year this time I remember thinking, " just think, this time next year I'll have my teaching credential." Sweet. Dude.

Okey dokey. Happy Birthday to me. I feel blessed, happy, clean, orderly, calm, peaceful, loved, accomplished, prosperous.

This is my new year.

I love the smell of chlorine in the morning....

2009-05-10T00:52:00.000-07:00

I miss the beach but the pool is a great consolation prize.
another fun year of swimming, bbqing, hanging out with friends, swimming in the dark, parties, swim meets, movies in the pool, etc., etc.,
I'm co-spirit coordinator for the team which means double the fun this year.
A great, fun crowd of people who love to be outdoors, swimming, staying cool in the warm WC sun.

We'll miss the first big event as we're off to Georgia to see Ang, Vanessa and their babies...can't wait...

Birthday Season

2009-05-03T20:33:00.000-07:00

Birthday season is upon me again.
Last night, my homegirls took me to the Claremont for a workout and a soak, then we hit the "new" Brennan's for roast turkey sandwiches, horse radish and Irish Coffees, or my fav, Hot Celtics or Sweet Janes as they were called in my drinking days. That's another story...

Birthday season, time to reflect...

I got a teaching credential, that's pretty big.
I spent lots of time with my Aussie cousin, that was big.
I'm in better shape than I was last year, that's huge, scuse the pun.

My favorite thing is my project though. I'm so superstitious that I don't even want to blog about it.
In my professional life, it is as important to me as teaching, in fact it's a form or teaching.

I'm sounding vague and uninteresting so I'll bid you adieu.
Happy Birthday to me....

Things Boys Like, part 246

2009-04-26T23:13:00.000-07:00

Things Boys Like, Part 246:

Sleepover with
Nerf Fights complete with pillow forts
Hell Boy Movie, popcorn, chocolate and grape soda
Staying up late
Playing DS download, Indiana Jones, in bed
More nerf gun fights in the morning
Xbox Nascar racing with complete unlock cheat codes Mom got from the internet
Cereal
Outside nerf fight
Monsters Vs. Aliens in 3d
A Hike to the Creek to see minnows, mud and cool trash
Peeking in the National Guard training center to see large men in fatigues standing in a very straight line
More nerf fights
Scootering on the street
Playing soldier in Daddy's Jeep
BBQ ribs, french bread and salad for dinner
Ice cream and pound cake for dessert
A warm shower
Another chapter of Diary of A Wimpy Kid
To sleep....
This is all in 24 hours or thereabouts
Life is good....

Early Summer

2009-04-21T22:43:00.000-07:00

Hot enough for ya?
The days are a bit much, but the hot nights are magic.
Jake, Cameron and Catherine soaked each other solid in a world class super soaker fight, then had popsicles. Could have sworn it was summer.
Can't wait for the pool to open...two more weeks, yeah!
And it's only April.

Coast Guard Cutter/Easter is Here!

2009-04-11T19:18:00.000-07:00

Boy Scouts went to Coast Guard Island today in the Oakland Estuary. Toured the brand spankin' new 2008 Cutter. Wow, impressive. The crew were beyond friendly, informative and the boys jaws were hanging open. The technology was astounding, the relative luxury impressive, the environmental improvements assuring.

Learned some political military info as well.
Did you know that the Coast Guard is the only branch of the military that is allowed to board any ship legally, especially an international ship? If any other branch of the military boards, it is considered an act of war. Hmmm... I am, as ever, conflicted about the military. While, I abhor war, I also am not an idiot. We do need, however sad it may be, some type of defense.
Look what's happening with the modern day pirate crisis in the Indian Ocean. Yikes. That is not going to turn out well. There are times, whether watching history or watching history in the making, when I yell out, go get 'em boys (and girls)!

But before I take away from the spirit of the season, Easter is here! I have complete and total spring fever, I want to be outside. I can hear the seedlings popping through the fresh, moist earth. I see and hear the birds in my backyard, busily making nests. the butterflies, birds, beneficial insects are returning to keep the cycle of life a turning. Every spring I feel a new sense of hope, of wonder, of the possibilities. As long as I don't watch the news or read the paper, I am happy.

Am looking forward to yet another year at the Tiffins with my bro and family. Bunny will be there (that is really her name) giving out treats and prizes. The big kids, who used to be the little kids, will hide the eggs for the now little kids that used to be the babies or the sparkle in Daddy's eye. The little kids go for their mandatory hike to Las Lomas park while the eggs are hidden. When they return, the carnage begins. Candy, toys and games, oh my. Us adults just smile and wave and sip our sangria.

Then when the Easter Baskets have been raided to satisfaction, they jump until they can't no more. Then we go home, thank the Spring Spirits and sleep with a smile on our faces.

Especially me, since it's spring break for me. A week of no work. Well, professional work. It's spring cleaning time.

Can't hardly wait

2009-04-07T18:36:00.000-07:00

Now that grad school is all done. Can't hardly wait to make my garden and yard a lovelier place to be.

Need to find, on the cheap, new furniture, plants, mulch, etc.

I want to make it even more of an urban oasis. As our summer plans to the Europe summer house have been thwarted once again, it's Walnut Creek under the valley oaks.
Could think of worse places to be....

Sunday "Church"-Hit the Trail

2009-03-29T15:55:00.000-07:00

The list from today's hike with Daddy, Jake and Cameron:

The beautiful stuff:
* Thousands of butterflies, they're migrating. Awe inspiring. Wish you could see them in the picture. You can see the dots in the second picture. The wind was taking them faster than I could snap them. I've never seen so many monarch butterflies in action. I felt like I was in fairyland.
* Blue tailed skink, an interesting looking lizard built for escape.
* Mission blue butterfly, more like lavendar, sigh.
*Countless wildflowers: lupine, sun cups, larkspur, popcorn flower, etc.
* Fuzzy catepillar, awww.
* Fresh, green leaves everywhere, on the valley oaks, the scrub brush, everywhere.

The gross stuff:
* Dead squirrel, coyote and norwegian rat,or bits of them.
* Scat-o-rama: horse, coyote, deer, dog (eww)

Willow Springs Pond was full of tadpoles, no frogs they're all hiding. Have to be there at night.

Ahhh, sunny, windy, blue skies, good work out, even the kids were tired at the end.

Spring Cleaning

2009-03-28T23:49:00.000-07:00

Spring cleaning. You know you've been busy when you're just happy to have a free day to do it.

Bonus: going through old photos, holy macalaney.

Wow! What a Day!

2009-03-14T21:25:00.000-07:00

Walnut Creek Little League opening day. Always a boost. The field at WCI was freezing but kept reminding myself how soon enough the kids will be roasting on the field.
After the uplifting ceremony and speeches, the head coach encouraging kids to "use their outside voices," I went back home for some last minute cramming.

Ron and Jake stayed on to eat hot dogs and hit some home runs. Jake did the home run derby and from the grin on my boys ears as they told the story, Jake did pretty well. Even got asked to pitch to the AAA boys. Two strike outs. That's my boy.

I'm so glad we stayed in single A. At 8 years old, you need to work on fun, form, teamwork and confidence. Not climbing up the ladder, so to speak.

Jake LOVES baseball and we want to keep it that way. We already burned out one son with baseball overload, we learned our lesson. There is no hurry, he'll tell us when he's ready.

I went off to Encinal High School in Alameda to take the Foundational Science CSET and it kicked my ass. I love the technology, ecology, nature and natural history of science, not the formulas and physics equations. But it's all part of it and I hope to fricking God I passed cuz I don't want to do that anytime again soon. 116 multiple choice questions and four essays. Yikes.

Then Jake had practice at IV.

Then Ali, bless her heart, had dinner waiting for us. Her and Jake wrestled, threw the ball and watched the As/Giants cactus game. Couldn't have picked a better godmomma.

Ok, Jake's yelling at me to come play. "always on the computer Mommy!"

I'm tired but today was very productive. I'll keep ya posted on my CSET results.

FROG POND HIKE

2009-03-13T22:54:00.001-07:00

Dusk. Backside of Shell Ridge. Lots of kids, grown ups and flashlights.
Frogs are funny, friendly creatures.

The only time they seemed bothered by our presence was when we first approached the pond.
When they first sensed us, the caucophony of frog song stopped. Once they decided we were friend, not foe, and probably just stopping by for a drink from the pond, they continued their happy jumping, swimming and singing.

The kids were in frog heaven. Big frogs (holy cow!), cute little frogs and a centipede or two. I hope we didn't scare them too much.

The sun set into dark and we continued to pond number two, skipping over horse number two on the way, ewww. Another rush of silence as we approached, then back to their surprisingly loud chirping.

Frogs really are cute with their big brown eyes and their funny sucker feet.

A great hike organized by Leslie and enjoyed by the Indian Valley kids.

Ribbit.

Wacko Jacko

2009-03-11T12:28:00.000-07:00

Last night when watching American Idol, showcasing Micheal Jackson, Jake asked,
Mommy why is he black in one picture and white in the other?
I'm still laughing.

Indian Valley Hiking Club

2009-03-06T20:28:00.000-08:00

Mud, coyote scat and sticks.

Connor said it was the best hike ever.

The boys ran down the hill while us girls took the switchbacks.

The rain made everything clean and green.

On my top ten list of great places to be; Shell Ridge amongst the prehistoric shell fossils, raptors and old oak trees, almost to the clouds.

I'll Be Back - A List

2009-03-01T10:05:00.001-08:00

Ron, Jake and Jake's buddies are watching Terminator. I think that is possibly the greatest boys movie ever. I feel a list coming on.

Great "Boy" Movies (but girls like 'em too, well some girls)

1. Terminator
2. Die Hard
3. Any movie that has a meteor hurling towards earth, a volcano blowing up, a wall of water sloshing to shore, or other natural disaster
4. Road Warrior
5. Transformers
6. The Matrix
7. Enter the Dragon
8. Legend of Drunken Master
9. Spiderman
10. Goldfinger, arguably the best Bond film ever
11. The Wild Bunch
12 Star Wars 4,5,6
13. Speed
14. Gladiator
15. First 3 Raiders movies
16. Aliens

Think I need to go put the toilet seat down.

Berkeley Punks

2009-03-01T09:29:00.000-08:00

Ok, so, I've been spending way too much time on the facebook group, Berkeley punks 1978-1982.

So freaking fun. Hundreds of old photos. Seeing old friends, bands I loved, memories floating to the surface, sometimes rocketing. Like, why haven't we done this sooner?

Liz is having so much fun with her daughter, showing her pix of her Dad, aka Paul Mondello, on stage at the Keystone Berkeley, etc.

Ok, so, Monday night 99 cent shows at the Keystone Berkeley, Pyno Jams. What a hoot.
We were so young. I had a crush on the bass player, the crazy artistic type I've always been attracted to. I thought he was so cool. This is what he looked like:

Glory Days

2009-02-28T14:23:00.001-08:00

Facebook is like a drug, can't get enough.
Reconnecting with old friends, it's a blast.

Going over the glory days of growing up in Berkeley/SF.

Super cool fun.
Just when I start to feel old and boring....I get a call.
More later....

WELCOME EZRA ORION

2009-02-26T23:03:00.000-08:00

Congrats to Vanessa and Matthew in Maui.
Ezra is here.
Will get pix soon. He's very, very cute and I can't wait to cuddle him this summer.

Hurray!

Almost done.....

2009-02-26T22:51:00.000-08:00

Vejigante Mask Jake and I made. Paper maiche and lots of it. For Jake's Puerto Rico report. Coqui!!!

Had my exit interview at C Uni.
Man, they raked me over the coals, and like they weren't gonna pass me? yeahright, wouldn't look good on their already dwindling numbers. But whose numbers aren't dwindling these days?

So, now I just have to do another shitload of paperwork,

(as long as I don't have to write another blasted paper; I'll fill out forms and make copies till the cows come home, just please, no more papers, reflections, writing about how the California education standards, relate to the Cal teaching standards relate to how I will accommodate every single child at every single second-I'm a damn good teacher and I love it, but writing about it, incessantly, for hundreds of pages?FOR FUCKS SAKE already- one of my favorite quotes again by the late great Frank Zappa- " writing about music is like dancing about architecture")

where was I?

Oh yeah, so more paperwork, goes down to HQ in OC, sits on someone's desk for a week or two which means three and THEN they apply to the Cal Teach Comm.

Then, I will have a party.
When I get my actual credential, I will have a big party.
When I get my own classroom, I will have a big FUCKING party.

Sorry about the cuss words, but you know me.

Rest assured, I know how to turn it on and off. Like a light switch.

Love my long term sub job. LOVE it. Go to work happy. That's a good thing.
Hope you can say the same. Hey, in this day and age, any job is good.
Peace be with you.

Balloon Boy

2009-02-21T10:22:00.000-08:00

Ok, so, like I said, we're science geeks.
We're all jazzed about the Maker's Faire in May. It's where science inventors show their gadgets. It's a favorite of our favorites, the Myth Buster boys, Jamie and Adam.

Jake wants to create something to show at the Maker's Faire. I doubt we'll arrive with something by March 19 but God bless him for trying. He's trying to create a dirigible, aka a blimp toy that runs around the room on a battery and balloons.

So we go to Safeway to buy some balloons. There is almost no one there late on Friday night. An extremely tall man, I'd say almost 7 feet walks past us, we both notice him.

We're about to check out and Jake lets go of the balloons. Disaster. We remember the tall guy. We find him and he very kindly reaches up and easily grabs the balloons.

This kind of stuff only happens to us.

Coraline in 3-D

2009-02-21T10:17:00.001-08:00

Awesome special effects, amazing style, decent story line, cool lead girl who is bored and lonely, scary parents, the AbFab creators, what more could you ask for in a kids movie?
I give it two big toes up.

OMG Why do I love AI?

2009-02-18T20:03:00.000-08:00

I'm not talking about Artificial Intelligence, I'm talking American Idol. I admit it, I can't get enough.

Happy Valentine's Day Part 2 Jake Saves the Day

2009-02-14T18:34:00.000-08:00

We had a big fun family Valentine's Day planned.

Jake's sleepover buddy got picked up at 10 a.m. and we started to get ready. I did the usual "clean up your room" chant, especially messy after two lively boys staying up till one occupied the room.

Jake looked up at the ceiling and said, Mom, there's something wrong with my ceiling.

Gulp. Some faint shadows. Doesn't look good, like storm clouds over a trailer park. But never fear, I live with McGyver, the handiest man on the planet.

Yes, you guessed it. We have a leak. Some pesky valley oak leaves decided to wiggle their way under a roof tile and allow rain water in. Now, while I worship rain water, I want it to keep it's holy self outside my delicate house.

Our family day turned into getting out the ladder, loppers, gloves, green bin, Black Jack roof tar, and the umbrella. We all pitched in, excuse the roof pun, and cleared the leaves from the roof and the gutters (eww gross), patched the loose tile, sealed all the flashing on every pipe in the roof from our solatubes to the vents, cut away branches, palm fronds, you name it. Jake even held the umbrella on the roof for Daddy when it began to rain so he could finish the sealing.

Our roof is officially fixed. We are ready for the blessed storms that are about to pound us. And not a moment too soon, have you seen the satellite picture?

Ron rewarded Jake with $20 and said, dude, if you hadn't been so observant, that small leak that's fixed and will dry quickly, could have turned into thousands of dollars of dry rot repair. Good job buddy! Jake was very proud but his pride quickly turned into, can we go to Toys R Us?
He's really into TechDecks right now, the tiny skateboards you play with like hot wheels.

Now we're watching the Universe on the History Channel. So freaking cool, we are science geeks.

Our Valentine's Day was hard work, but we're all proud of ourselves and each other. When we Lugos (Leckys) pitch in, we get it done. An entire roof fixed and sealed for an $11 can of Black Jack. My husband is the coolest man in the Universe.

Happy Valentine's Day

2009-02-13T17:41:00.001-08:00

My family, Yosemite.

A friend who is studying for her masters in divinity, asked our book group to participate in an interfaith housing activity.

A housing community in Concord, for low income families, run by the interfaith group, puts on activities for community improvement.

We came in, with our kids, and decorated cookies and made darling Valentine's cards.

The kids were just like any other kids in the fact that they were bright, sweet and smart. The only difference: they don't have a lot of money. They don't all have computers in their apartments or DSs or Wiis in their rooms. They don't wear juicy or seven jeans, their clothes come from target at best. None of them had cell phones. Most of them only have one parent, have never been on a plane, been camping, sailing, or skiing. They aren't on little leagues or competitive soccer. They don't frequent museums or zoos. They can't have sleep overs with their friends cuz there's no room and no extra food. Just wanted you to think about all that.

One girl, who made an amazing Valentine's card, Victoria, wants to be an artist when she grows up. I was humbled by her multi media collage of a card as I made my accordian heart man. What a talent.

I felt good to be doing this activity, I felt good to be exposing my son to helping others. We did alot of that this Christmas season: cards to wounded soldiers, make a wish donations, etc. I felt good to be helping kids to make cards for their parents/friends for Valentine's Days. Most of them do not have the layers of art supplies and creative outlets like our kids do.

The one thing I felt uncomfortable about is that they KNEW we were there to help them, like charity. These kids exist on so many handouts and on so much less than so many American kids, it must get uncomfortable. I've never been on that side of the fence and I thank God every day I'm not although lately, with the economy the way it is, I feel like it could be a reality. Pretty efing scary.

But back to the point. I think these kids were a bit uncomfortable. Maybe it's my paranoia but I felt a bit sheepish, like a trespasser, like we were strangers invading their meager but safe and comfortable home.

Hmm..., maybe I just felt guilty that I've been whining about money so much lately....while we are in the thin of it these days....I should just shut my mouth and be grateful.

Food for thought.
Either way, what we did was of the best intention and the kids are not the worse for it.

Happy Valentine's Day. I am grateful for the love I have in my life.
My family, my kids, my friends, my community.

Hail This Glorious Day

2009-02-07T17:57:00.000-08:00

It just happened. Saturday, February 7, 2009, 5:55 p.m.
My son is laying on his bed and reading a book. Now you might not think this is a big deal and he has done this before, however, today is different. Two things make this moment miraclous.

One, he did this all on his own.

Two, it isn't a primarily picture book.

Thank you Captain Underpants.

POLAR BEAR PLUNGE 2009

2009-02-01T13:25:00.000-08:00

"Holy frick, that's cold!!!" said Jake.
Actually I think his words were aghhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!

It's February 1, 2009, it's 57 degrees outside with a chill wind which brings the air temperature to about 49 degrees at 10:00 in the morning. The pool water is 51 degrees, even colder than the San Francisco Bay.

Who wants to go SWIMMING?

Obviously, we do. And when I say we I mean I went in too. I have to wait for an email for photo proof but I swear on my wool sweater I did it. And it was freaking cold. I'm just glad I didn't yell out an obscenity. My body was on shutdown, I couldn't talk if I wanted to. And I've been in some cold water.

These Indian Valley kids (and parents) are HARDCORE! One kid even swam a lap, lengthwise. Jake did it shortways and I don't even know how he did that. Yikes. I jumped in, jumped out, three seconds tops.

The coolest part of the whole thing is the club builds a sweat lodge and makes hot chocolate for the recovery. No whip cream please, it's too cold.

The sweat lodge was awesome, complete with steam. Seriously cool. I mean warm.
It was nice to be back at our pool, even if my head still aches and my ass is still frozen.

The home made sweat lodge, a luxury indeed.

Close the door!

The Motley Crew, before the plunge....har har.

Zack, Niko, Nathan and Jake make popsicle toes.

Ready, set, HYPOTHERMIA!!!!

Prayers to Brigid

2009-01-28T22:42:00.001-08:00

Prayers to Brigid....

On the Upbeat

2009-01-25T20:26:00.000-08:00

WE ARE ON THE UPBEAT!!!

President Obama,
doesn't that sound nice.
I heard the term "ex-President Bush" and I giggled with glee.
He's already kicking some ass from returning abortion RIGHTS, emphasis on RIGHTS to economic tasks, foreign policy, etceterah. Hurrah!

We got some rain, hurray, hurray.
Last week, everything seemed so dry. Finances are dry, Mother Nature is Dry, outlook is DRY.

But, pray for rain, rain of every type. Rain in prosperity, rain in peace, rain in the garden.

Last upbeat and it is an actual upbeat or backbeat.

We're jamming again. Got the mic, stand and PA back, finally, hope the borrowee put it to good use. The living room is full of cords, black boxes, guitars, and drums. YAHOOWEE!!!

Son thinks the mic is the cooolest toy on the planet. I agree. My voice sounds way better amplified with a twinge of reverb.

We can play, all together, 18 wheels on the big rig, all together. Jake on sticks, mommy on rythym and vocals, Daddy on lead.

We are about to rock, salute us.

S. Ridge for the Soul

2009-01-14T08:59:00.000-08:00

Mount Diablo to the East in the background and the third ridge, our destination

Mount Tam to the north

It's beautiful up here....as if we're almost to the clouds

What a great place to go to school

The Happy Hiker Himself

After I picked up son at school, begged me to go hiking up on S. Ridge. Ran home, changed clothes, grabbed a water bottle and camera and off we went.
We bumped into some friends who were taking a jog on the low side but son wanted to go to the top of the ridge.

Off we went. And it's straight up, all the way. Good for my training. Burning thighs and pumping heart.

It's amazing how a good hike can just wash away the stress and worry.

My son loves to be outdoors, always has, he's a nature boy since the first time we took him camping on the Russian River. Couldn't wait to get in the dirt and explore. Couldn't even walk yet.
He wants to start a hiking club.....

Coolest toy this year - the Roomarang

2009-01-07T15:24:00.000-08:00

The coolest toy this year is the roomarang.
And it costs under $3. You can get it at REI or amazon.

It's a tiny piece of flimsy plastic shaped just the right way. Throw it directly in front of you, in a vertical position and it will come right back to you. It's so hilarious and fun, it's like it has a life of it's own. It just does not want to go away from you.

And you really can throw it inside and it won't wreck anything unless you have a giant house of cards on your coffee table.

SHOOT, can't upload the photo. Just google it. It's not that interesting to look at. It looks like a giant, colorful, partial asterik. Uhhhh....

Just get one.

Done

2009-01-07T15:20:00.000-08:00

I'm finally done with student teaching.
The first half was interesting, educational and enjoyable.
The second half, torture. Minus the other amazing art teachers and the subbing I did from time to time, it was agonizing. Why? Don't ask me. I'm done with it and minus having to write it up for my credential application, I don't ever want to talk about it again.
Besides, it'd be downright mean. And not interesting. And that wouldn't be in the spirit of punkrocksoccermom.

ResoThings

2008-12-30T09:10:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-29T19:33:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-24T23:59:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-21T22:30:00.000-08:00

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!!!

2008-11-16T16:36:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-14T20:06:00.001-08:00

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

2008-11-13T22:34:00.001-08:00

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 !!!

2008-11-11T19:29:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-09T17:23:00.001-08:00

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

2008-11-05T20:19:00.001-08:00

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.

2008-11-04T20:08:00.000-08:00

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

Best Halloween Ever

2008-11-03T23:04:00.000-08:00

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

2008-10-29T21:11:00.001-07:00

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

Halloween Part Ten

2008-10-28T18:30:00.001-07:00

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!!

2008-10-18T19:39:00.001-07:00

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

2008-10-18T12:23:00.000-07:00

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....

2008-10-15T23:06:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-14T13:06:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-03T12:04:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-26T08:52:00.000-07:00

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

the King of Suck

2008-09-26T08:35:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-21T01:40:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-19T20:24:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-17T20:24:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-09-16T08:18:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-07T00:06:00.001-07:00

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

See You Later Leanne

2008-09-06T19:55:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-01T11:03:00.000-07:00

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

To Rob and Anne

2008-08-31T07:32:00.001-07:00

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

2008-08-27T22:10:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-27T21:53:00.001-07:00

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

2008-08-20T14:01:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-20T13:59:00.001-07:00

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

2008-08-17T21:13:00.001-07:00

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.

There Goes the Summer

2008-08-17T16:35:00.000-07:00

Seems like just yesterday I was putting "Here Comes the Summer" by the Undertones (one of my fave 80s bands ever) on my myspace (is that redundant?)
Now it's one week and a handful of days until school starts.
It's been such a fab summer.

Today we went to the A's game and even though they got walloped by the White Sucks (13-1) it was the perfect summer day. We had fab seats thanks to the A's baseball camp son did this summer. Close to third base and in the shade. Almost caught a foul ball.

I must say though, the best part about summer is how active I've been.
Been swimming 18 laps (1/2 mile) everyday. In training for a mini-triathlon, the only way I'll ever get in shape again. Must train for a goal. If I can easily swim the half mile in the pool, I'll be able to do it in the freezing cold water of the Bay. I am literally intimate with the cold water of the bay. From my years of windsurfing, I've had cold Bay water up my nose, down my throat and in every other orifice. Eww.
Looking forward to next summer when I complete the mini triathlon. Will mean I'm back in shape. It's definite motivation: A) I don't want to make a fool of myself, B) I want to finish the dang thing and C) I don't want to drown.

This summer I've: played a damn good game of softball with all the guys from husband's work, hiked into the Grand Canyon, walked ALOT, played tennis at Indian Valley, the backboard at Walden and at the WCTC, rode bikes, danced at parties, to the (actual) B-52s in San Francisco, danced in the living room and beat the crap out of the punching bag. We even had a roomarang Olympics, United States vs. Australia in the family room. It feels so good to be active again, it's good for the body, mind and soul. I sleep better, eat better, feel better, look better, have more energy and feel excited about the future of being one fit chick again.

sing a song

2008-08-12T11:06:00.000-07:00

There is nothing cuter than listening to a little kid sing along to his ipod when he thinks no one is listening.

Our Very Own Mini Olympics

2008-08-11T13:51:00.000-07:00

Swim Team rules. It's the hippy jock sport. I think it might be my Son's sport:
in swimming, you get to swim, which is just about Jake's fav thing to do; you only have to perform for a short time, then you can goof off for a while and finally, it's cool to have f**ked up hair.
At the beginning of the season, Son was afraid to swim in the Time Trials at our home team pool. Yesterday he got in front of hundreds of screaming fans at the Walnut Creek Swim Conference and he and his team got SECOND PLACE in the freestyle relay. More exciting than a pool full of money.
My throat still hurts from screaming gooooooooooo. It's brilliant, watching sports with a vested interest.

Cousin Leanne is here (another reason to celebrate) and got to see Saturday morning's events, individual freestylye. Son did ok, but he has a good strong stroke. Form over finish they say at this age. (Although not at conference but there's always next year.)
I think he's got a bright future. And so far, it's this Mom's favorite sporting event to watch.

Now, off to watch the United States kick the sheet out of ze french and their big mouths. Bring it frogs. This is the freestyle relay, the Elvis of swimming events. Our president sure can't get shit done but our Olympics team is on fire.
Go USA!!! Go Australia!!!

Picture above (Jake and coach Matty, who is poetry in motion in the pool and a great coach) Conference pictures to come.

Sticky Song

2008-07-29T10:23:00.000-07:00

You know how a song gets stuck in your mind sometimes.
For a long time it was "Fernando" by Abba, ummm.
Then it was "here comes your man" by the Pixies.
Last week it was "warthog" by the Ramones.
Right now it's "Left Behind" by Aqualung. Achingly, hauntingly stuck in my mind.
Feelings of abandonment encapsulated by a lovely voice, piano, guitars and drums.
The magic of music, getting in your veins like a drug, pullng your mind to "that"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Li2xawjw6-4&feature=related
place.

Green Biatch

2008-07-24T14:10:00.000-07:00

What will I do when I'm done with my credential? What will I do with the free time at the computer? Instead of writing about pedagogy and Bloom's taxonmy and teaching strategies for English as a Second Language (btw, I'm teaching secondary art but I still need to know how to teach English.....) I'm going to blog. Blog, blog, blog.
Green Biatch needs to get up and running...
here's a sample of the flavor:

Sorry, long blog.
Green Biatch wants the world to be more green and curses the toxic offenders but....as much as she wants the world to be green...she wants everyone to stop proclaiming how green they are. Gwyneth Paltrow only feeds her kids organic vegetables. Hey GP, does that supersonic jet you travel on dozens of times per year from London to New York run on used cooking oil? did-n-think-so. I saw a friend of a friend featured on the AP about her green life and how she dries fruit. There was an adorable photo of her and her daughter drying a whole box of plums. She waxed on about how green her family is. It's all really great but...REALITY CHECK. The dryer she was using was made of toxic plastic and exported from China. Seen the smog in china lately? Know how much oil a tanker uses to get from China to here? The carbon footprint on the dryer could only be erased by eating only the plums from her backyard for the rest of the year. And I don't mean just snacks. And seriously, your kids may eat the plums once or twice, but a whole tree of them? Get real, this isn't the depression...and guess what? Your kids know it's not the depression. they know they don't have to eat dried plums all the live long day. They know you can afford to get them goldfish crackers and other kinds of fruit that don't add to their regularity in the bathroom.
I think all these celebrities (and regular joes who get featured on the AP) should say, hey, I'm not really that green. You should talk to the guy who doesn't own a car and shits in a composting toilet and buys mostly local and the solar panels on his house have been there since before Leo Dicap had em. Talk to him, I'm trying but I could be alot better. Don't waste your time on me, me, me.
I don't want to knock any efforts to go green. I just want to knock those who bleat on about it in silly ways.
One of the best ways to go green: plant trees. Plant trees in your yard, donate to urban greening organizations, national forests. Take care of the trees we have. Trees not only cool the earth but they prevent erosion, keep the ground water table running, provide habitat for animals and oh yeah, they give off oxygen. We're losing forests at a scary rate. Buy recycled content paper, not recyclable, there is a diff ya know. I'm not impressed by a full recycling bin, I'm impressed by what goes IN IT. Buy only paper products from sustainable forests. We can use things on the earth, we just have to replace it.
I have to go water the three incense cedars I just planted in my yard. They're young so they need extra water in the summer. By next year, they should be fine on their own in the summer. I've named them: Jacques (Costeau), Rachel (Carson) and John (Muir).
I'm writing a book where the trees of the world come alive and they're pissed. I don't think any publisher will print it.
Maybe I'll blog it.
Later biatches. Stay cool, stay green.

Great American Road Trip

2008-07-11T15:09:00.000-07:00

The Great American Road Trip. Grand Canyon and back.
We're off with the Berry's of Australia, over the top to have them on our Great American road trip.
Walnut Creek to Lone Pine. Coolest rest stop ever with beautiful sandy, shady creek in middle of desert. Lone Pine has a Jake's Saloon, bought a t-shirt. Stayed at Best Western and peed in the pool. Mt. Whitney at night, bats and low flying airplanes.
Death Valley. HOT. duh. Surreal, like another planet. Was named for some of first survivors saying "goodbye death valley!" upon their rescue.
Hoover Dam. Huge. Hot. duh.
Vegas baby. What happens there stays there. Ron won on slots, peed in Excalibur pool. Smoked indoors. Surprise visit from coolest brother ever and coolest niece ever.
Spongebob 4d ride, won prizes at the arcades for kids. Walked alot. Hot. Duh.
Grand Canyon lives up to it's name. The Yavapai Observation Station is now one of my favorite places on earth. We hiked into the canyon, didn't just look over the edge like most visitors. Breathtaking adventure. Stopped to let mules by. More importantly, we hiked back up. Hot. Duh. Awesome ranger presentation on Mountain Lions. Shooting stars, bats, coyotes, owls.
Jake picked out coyote puppet, named Canyon and hasn't let go of him since.
Goodbye to Berry's sad to see them go. they're off to Utah, we're back to Walnut Creek.
Route 66. Lunch at Ludlow Cafe, the most depressing city I've visited for a long time. Poor route 66, should stay in the history books, not the travel books.
Can't drive anymore, so Ramada Inn in Bakersfield. Peed in the pool. Hot. duh. Made a free waffle and them home via Highway 5 past the stinky cows. Think I'll eat vegetarian tonight.
Best moment: seeing the Grand Canyon for the first time. Jake telling me he wants to be a Park Ranger when he grows up. Being with my fav cousin and our families.
I love this country.
Next time, to the coast. Where it isn't hot. duh.

Venus and Serena

2008-07-03T08:35:00.001-07:00

As I am the summer "coordinator" of the Indian Valley Swim Club tennis court, I figured I should play a bit more. What's not to love about smacking the ball around the court. I have two tennis racquets, both Wilsons a racquet brand that has always fit me. My newer racquet is the "same" that Venus uses. So it seemed only fitting to name them Venus and Serena as they use Wilsons as well. My newer racquet is Venus because, well you figure it out.
10 S N E 1?
Tennis and swimming, I am such a white girl from Walnut Creek.

Speaking of Boys

2008-06-23T14:25:00.000-07:00

The G.I. Joe stage that many (most) boys go through is very un-PC these days but I think it's harmless for the most part. From a psychological perspective, it's the eternal quest for good over evil that is at the root of most boys army play. Not death and destruction. Is it any worse than little girls playing house or dolls? No. Some parents freak when their girls play super femninine games. But a girl is nurturing, not learning how to be submissive or oppressed. They're children, let them play.
By the way, that's Ron playing army soldiers with Jake. They spent forever lining them up, then knocked them down in about 2 seconds. Being a girl, I thought it was silly. They, being boys, thought it was hilarious.

Swim team - Jake won his first ever heat in freestyle. Did I mention that? It's the Aussie in him.

"A Bunch of White Boys from Walnut Creek"

2008-06-21T17:03:00.000-07:00

Get over yourself with your snobby psuedo-intellectual, hyper-liberal pomposity.
I didn't know that the more diverse your city was, the smarter, better, cooler, more compassionate you are. Ok, fine. How many people of color live in your neighborhood? Really? I don't think so. Last I checked it was a bunch of white boys/girls from North Oakland Hills. How many kids of color are in your kids AP classes? Ok, other than Asians.
I'm sorry you think we're so "white." Last time I checked you were white, too. So you have some Eminem CDs, wupdedu you are so down with the street yo.
And doesn't equality include white people? I don't need no caucasian guilt, which is what I think you're suffering from.

Lordy, stop looking down on suburbia. We get it, YOU think we're a bunch of Coors drinking, war loving, wife beating, environment killing, gun toting, gay hating, Bush loving, republican, family values, racist arseholes.
Do your research dimwit. We're primarily democratic here. Ok, I'm done.
Suck it.

Summer Raiders March

2008-06-21T13:26:00.001-07:00

Happy First Day of Summer! Which officially started at 5:00 pm, Friday but today is the first official day.
Now that I am on teacher schedule the summer is even sweeter. I thought the first week of vacation would be a relief but it was more like running to catch up. Things had to be done, things that had fallen by the wayside like haircuts, carwashes, the scary large pile of paperwork that was starting to grow legs, arms and a voice and the dirtiest fridge in CCCounty, belated cards (remember those things, you write in them and put on stamp on the outside?) to friends who have lost loved ones or had birthdays, graduations, etc. It feels so good to get it done.
The son listens to "Raiders March" incessantly and now knows the difference between the sound of a trombone and a trumpet. Very cool that he loves orchestral music so much. Another reason to love Indy or should I say John Williams.
He won his first freestyle heat today- oh yeah! I could hear his confidence grow. Wish I'd had that when I was his age. He swam clean, smooth strokes, didn't try too hard. The turtle and his wisdom: slow and steady wins the race.
Ron and I are off on a date tonight our 11th anniversary today. Eleven years ago, on summer solstice on a Saturday, we made our commitment of love and partnership. Reflection in ten words or less: It's been bumpy but never boring, full of love & fun.
Tomorrow, we march on into our 12th year, taking one day at a time. Love isn't easy but it's worth it.

Great Fashion Memories (GFMs)

2008-06-10T15:32:00.000-07:00

I wore a pair of high heels for about two hours today and ohmydogs are killing me.
Give me my chocolate laceless Allstars immediately! or my ugg slippers or my Tevas or my tennies or any other comfortable shoe that's nearby. Stat!

Great Fashion Memory (GFM): For most of the 80s, every big party I went to, I wore a pair of vintage, black velvet, stileto heels where the toe came to point about the width of a pencil. Talk about suffering for fashion. But I looked hot! F*** me pumps we used to call them.

Another GFM: about a million years ago, when Ali was my roomy, (who by the way, has almost always had the good sense to wear sensible shoes; but she's required by law, hahaha) I was getting dressed in my little black dress to go to a show in the city. I think it was X at the Kabuki.

The dress was gorg, the earrings were decided, hair done, makeup applied but I was stuck on the shoes. I couldn't decide between the high heels, or the short heeled comfortable boots. The heels looked better but I was planning on dancing and I didn't want sore feet. I lamented, I changed, I stood in the mirror, I fretted.

Ali came in, after hearing me sigh one too many times, and I told her my dilemna. Usually she would say something along the lines of: "wear the comfortable shoes, dumbass bitch." But that night she was feeling generous. She said, "I know how you feel, you want to look sexy but feel comfortable at the same time." Well that was supportive, but it didn't help me.
Exasperated I replied, "Well shit, if I wanted to feel comfortable and sexy at the same time, I'd stay home and play with myself."

I wore the heels.

Story Poles

2008-06-10T12:44:00.000-07:00

On Homestead, there's some crazy looking 50 foot poles with red sparkly streamers on top of a house.
As we drove back from the pool, we were speculating: circus coming to town? crazy person inside? artist's statement? bird deterrant?
Nothing so exciting, they're to show proposed development.
Another multi-level residence replaces a single family dwelling.
I was hoping for the circus.

Indiana Jane

2008-05-26T11:15:00.000-07:00

We got the fever,the Indiana Jones fever.
Jake and I have begun to create the Lost Jungle in our way back yard, as we call it. It's the tree filled (and weed and dead branches) space between our yard and the neighbors. It really looks like the Lost Jungle, a place to explore, watch for booby traps and find treasure. We are like Imagineers, figuring out our next scene.
Right now it's dark-Jake and Colleen are bravely exploring with the scary blue flashlight. Watch out for the poison dart-throwing Stone Idol (painted cardboard box).

Reminds me of the Haunted Houses we used to do at Kyle's school Halloween Festivals. Each year was a different theme. I don't know who was having more fun-the kids walking through or the grown up tour guides. The year we did Egyptain Tomb I played Indiana Jane, complete with fedora and khakis. I had a bit too much fun with the role, my dream job.
I may get my dream job yet. If I could just get out of the library.

Best scene of IJ4:
After Mutt realizes IJ is not an old fart lecturer but an ass kicking scholar: "You're a teacher?"
IJ: "Part time."

Best Day Ever

2008-05-11T12:03:00.000-07:00

Didn't care if I only had 5 hours of sleep or that I had a cold coming on.
It was one of the Best Days Ever.
Jake pitched for the first time and rocked the mound for a whole inning. Three strike outs. One was after he threw three balls and came back to throw three strikes IN A ROW! Even the other team had to give it to him. They started swinging the bat after that. Lordy I hate it when kids just sit and wait for bad pitches and a walk. Swing the bat damnit! Play ball!
Then Ron and Jake went to a Boy Scout event-a Dad and Son thing. I tidied up, ate a chicken salad, played with Hershey (the cat) and watched the Nanny Diaries. It was ok but getting to watch a whole chick flick by myself in the daytime is pure indulgence.
Then off to Ali's house for rockin party! Fabulous food, Asian in theme, Ron bbqed chick and steak. Everyone brought a yummy dish, we brought a cooler full of Pacifico, Tecate and lime and soft bubbly for the kids. Paul picked out the most delish strawberry and custard cake with beautiful rainbow candles that Colleen, Conlan and Jake brought out in the dark. Happy Birthday to me!
Then we danced, danced, danced. Jam session with Ali's amazing percussion collection, we even had a break dancing competition. If Ali's dj-ing, it's a party! We raised the roof, the roof, the roof is on fire.
Ok, my fingers are tired from the big weekend, no more typing.
I'm going to gaze on my Mother's Day/birthday presents, cards, flowers and Ron already blew up a picture of Jake's first time on the mound and framed it. And I get to look forward to jewelry classes with sister Jeane and etc., etc., etc.
I am the luckiest girl in the world....

B-52s Fun Plex

2008-05-10T17:23:00.000-07:00

San Francisco, The Independent, Jayne's Birthday weekend 2008...
Highlight: Too many to choose:
*Seeing the greatest party band ever in a small venue?
*Being out with some of my favorite people on the planet?
*Singing along with Cindy to "Give Me Back My Man?"
*Ahhh-ing along with Kate to "Planet Claire" and seranading my brother with sister Jeane and laughing so hard I almost peed? Sister Jeane and I can ahh like nobody's business.
*Singing along with Fred- "slap it, whack it, wear it out!"
*Screaming, "tin roof rusted!"
*Almost getting puked on by drunk guy in the audience?
*Falling prey to Marky Neutron's shocking pranks?
*Getting my B-52s t-shirt from Marky Neutron?
*The grilled scallop in my potato leek soup at Catch restaurant?
*Peeing in the bushes?
*Almost getting stuck in the Divisadero DMV parking lot but thank goodness for Paul Andretti's driving skills over the German ivy and under the Australian bottle brush tree we were free?
what a perfect night, it felt like 1985 again......dancing, seeing epic show, drinking vodka, getting in trouble with the car, laughing till I pee, being with me best mates, etc.
If only my body felt like 1985....

Take Me Out to the Ballgame

2008-05-04T17:51:00.001-07:00

Scout Day at the As Stadium. "We" won 3-1, an exciting game against the Texas Rangers with home runs, a fight between the coach and blue behind home plate and lots of eating crap. We like the new pitcher, Greg Smith, he threw at least 10 strike outs.
The Scouts got to march around the stadium and wave to the crowd, pictures above:
Jake and Pack 43 friends, Jake with something smurf colored on his face, marching on the field and our Pack Leader Paul and Ron concurring that this is the closest they will ever come to playing on a major league field.
We danced, sang, dot raced, clapped, whistled, waved, asked the umpire why he forgot his glasses, made new friends, sat with old friends, dripped relish on our jerseys and rooted for the home team.
It's gonna be a great summer.....

I got to go WINDSURFING!

2008-04-29T06:38:00.000-07:00

I have been overwhelmed with work, school and responsibilities.
But on Sunday, it all melted away. After 8 long years of not being on a board, I got to go windsurfing. It felt so good, I even made my first jibe. (Blew my first tack though, go figure....)
Being on the water, powered by the wind, just me, the water and the air, I was whole again...this is my church.

The Invention of Hugo Cabret

2008-04-21T21:49:00.001-07:00

Every now and then a book comes along that is so simple and perfect and magic that it makes me think of a million different things when I read it and I never want it to end.

The Invention of Hugo Cabret
by Brian Selznick

This book goes on my permanent children's book shelf, along with A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, The Little Mermaid, (illustrated, the original version, pre-Disney), Snugglepot and Cuddlepie's Adventures, Trumpet of the Swan, The Secret Garden, Calvin and Hobbes, Harry Potter, etc.

The Nifty Fifty

2008-04-19T13:48:00.001-07:00

The Walnut Creek Rotary teamed up with Pack 43 to paint a fifty states mural on our playground. Us scout parents and the rotary gentlemen did the majority of the work but the kids pitched in. There's the picture of Son to prove it.
While I was happily covering Lake Eerie with torquise paint, another parent who was happily painting said, "I'll be damned if I know which state I'm painting!" We all laughed and concurred. We were geographical nincompoops. It's odd how hard it is to memorize the 50 states. Maybe it's because we don't use the information much - when's the last time I said, "hey, honey, can you put your finger on Kentucky, it'd be a big help!"
Ehh, you get my meaning.
At least I know where California and Mexico are....

Everyone's a Critic

2008-04-17T18:24:00.001-07:00

My brother said my blog had too many words.

FFT - Old Faithful Junior

2008-04-13T12:24:00.000-07:00

Family field trip, Calistoga.
I love this town. The smell of grape vines, mud and hot springs water make the air smell like the Goddess' perfume.
I love being surrounded by spas, aahhhh. Even though I had nary a treatment, just the thought of all of the massages, mud baths and herbal scrubs going on around me makes me feel relaxed.
After a beautiful drive past green hills (that will soon enough turn "California Gold" ahh, you mean brown), happy cows, sprawling oaks and birds flying back North, we reached our destination, Calistoga.
Supposedly, Calistoga was named long ago, when a drunken politician tried to call this area the Saratoga of California (saratoga is a famous hot springs in New York in case you diddin know) but it came out in a slur: Cali-stoga. Hence, the name was born. Another reason I love this place. It was named during a drunken speech.
While we were lunching at the local taqueria, scores of just-massaged people came in with red faces and swept back hair. Lucky peeps.
We visited Old Faithful, my first time there. One of three regularly erupting geysers in Da World. Very cool. A fabulous geography, I mean geology lesson, a great water show, a walk thru the bamboo maze and getting drooled on by fainting goats. This field trip is rated a solid A. No snack bar or it would have been A plus. Husband loved the diagram of how geysers work. He just loves a good schematic or illustration that explains something scientific or technical. My cool husband is a closet geek.
Son picked up a little wooden pocket knife, burn engraved with Calistoga Old Faithful, very old-school boy souvenir, love it. I picked up a snow globe to add to the collection. A geyser snow globe, a definite new genre in the snow globe collection. Must post a photo soon of our snow globe collection. Maybe after we pick more up this summer.
I love family field trips, am compiling a book of them. Don't know the title yet: maybe: Family Field Trips that Don't Suck.

Future Baseball Stars

2008-04-13T12:19:00.000-07:00

The trees are budding, the birds are singing and the clocks have been pushed forward. Must be....baseball season.
Son started his first year of Little League and I swear it's more fun than a day at the Coliseum or whatever its corporately called now.

He's a pretty good player...can make the throw from third (his favorite position) most of the time, fields his plays and gets on base due to his hit, not errors, again, most of the time. Best of all, he loves baseball, as does everyone in his family...

Our team this year is the Baltimore Orioles and Jake's #5, Cal Ripken. (For all you baseball stat fanatics, his number was 5 before he retired and came back). Now he's fascinated with Cal and really looks up to his famed reputation as Old Faithful. Hey, two references to Old Faithful in one day!

Husband had field prep duty this week-all the Dads seem to like this job: raking the infield, watering down the dust, marking the lines with chalk. I think next week I'm bringing my boom box with baseball park organ music and crowds cheering to give them the full effect.

Husband drove our little electric scooter, Buzz cuz we live close enough. I drove Son in the limo cuz he's a star. Actually he's seven and I drove because I want to save his energy. Two hours of baseball in 86 degree weather. Bring on the gatorade! We ran out of chalk and had to go across to the other field. Chalk weighs ALOT but BUZZ to the rescue. The boys on the team thought BUZZ was the coolest. When Son rode it around the field after the game, they thought he was the coolest.

We didn't win, but the boys had fun and gave the other team a run for their money. Our team is a bit rag tag but improving in spades. I'm glad Son's on a team not full of stars. I love watching kids get better at something they're learning. One of our players, made a killer catch and he smiled for about five minutes straight. I thought his face was stuck. CUTE! The other team had alot of good players and from the coaches comments, they better play good. No smiling on this team. Yikes dudes, they're second graders. Lighten up! Baseball is for playing, not assaulting. Here it comes, another cliche: Baseball is not whether you win or lose it's how you play the game. And what's for snack afterwards. Goldfish and gatorade. yay.
Go Orioles!!!

Excuse me While I Gush

2008-04-03T21:27:00.000-07:00

I love my kid so much....

all day I did spring break house duties: laundry, cleaned the car like it hasn't been cleaned in two years (what the f**k was on the back seat?), I even cleaned out the glove box, (I know I'm going to get better gas mileage now) worked on some school work, tidied, organized, did an art project and all day he played with his buddy from next door, going between going outside to play football, then inside for xbox, then outside to play baseball, inside for xbox, outside for play structure, inside for xbox, outside for bike riding. They were a virtual see saw of playing. At one point, Jake said, I love spring break. He reminded me of Dash in "The Incredibles" when he says "I love this family" with a tired, happy sigh. Jake even looks a bit like dash, minus the fast feet.

I love spring break too. We've done field trips, bike rides, play dates, visits, sleep overs. Today was a no plan day. Days of no plans are a huge rarity in this house, it's liberating to attack the day with nothing. I must admit at first it makes me uncomfortable, as if I don't make each day off a huge adventure, I'm wasting it. But in the effort to be more like the Buddah, I am trying to have more of these days: they are crucial, gorgeous, relaxing, productive, happy.

We just watched the Nancy Drew movie. I was disappointed but anything Nancy Drew is cool with me. Emma Roberts was actually a decent choice but as usual the script smelled like old sweaty penny loafers.

...some times I am filled with so much love for my son I feel as if my whole body wants to laugh and lift off the ground.
I am the luckiest mother in the world. Sometimes I thank my husband for giving me Jake and allowing me the space and time to enjoy every second I can. I learned with the step kids that all too soon they're gone and on their own and they barely come to visit.
Sigh....

yaD slooF lirpA

2008-04-02T07:03:00.001-07:00

April Fool's Day is a high holiday in our house.

We got Daddy good this year, better than last year's moving his car. Figured we'd better just confuse him and amuse him this year rather than give him a stroke. He really thought his car had been stolen. oops. luckily we caught him before he called the authorities.

2008:
*put a large rubber iguana in the fridge
*unscrewed lightbulbs-that one drives people cuh-razy
*set the table with cat food
*put a toy snake on the doormat
*turned the chairs upside down
*dressed the pillows with bras
*my favorite: Hershey's chocolate milk powder in the toilet=ewwww! looks real, flushes easily-makes people wonder, did I do that?
Next year we're going to hide all his underwear.

April Fools Facts:
My favorite April Fools of all time is few years ago, in Australia, the BBC announced it had invented "smell-o-vision" and would be sending it out over the airwaves. Supposively dozens of people called to report the success. What a bunch of arseholes.

The fool card in the tarot deck does not represent foolishness but the ability to cast away worries.

WISDOM OF THE DAY, maybe the year:
To quote one of my favorite children's lit authors, Avi, in the gold Newbery winner, "Crispin The Cross of Lead," when Bear the minstrel is apprenticing Crispin, "lose your sorrows and you'll find your freedom."

Earth worms are people, too

2008-03-31T14:10:00.000-07:00

Every year I resemble an earth worm more and more: pale and chubby with bad eyesight.
After doing some yard work with son, I noticed the earth where the earth worms were was rich, loamy and soft. The harder clay dirt was worm free. Now, either earth worms are very smart and only go to the good stuff or they make the bad stuff better.
Either way, earth worms make the earth a better place, pun intended.
Here's my ode to earth worms:

Oh wormy in my garden green
seems that you are hardly seen
I thank you for the work you do
Sorry the boys cut you in two.

All You Need is Love,

2008-03-30T12:13:00.001-07:00

We're having a Beatles renaissance in our house. Again. We let Jake watch "Across the Universe" and he was hooked. Not just on the soundtrack but the Beatles in general. He even read parts of my Mojo Magazine "Beatles 101" issue. We watched (embarassing confession here) American Idol's Beatles nights. They didn't trash it too much...loved Chakizi's rendition "She's a Woman." Seriously it was brilliant. With the fact that it's American Idol.
Listening to lots of Beatles is a blessing and a curse for me.

Blessings: it's damn good music, some of the best ever written and performed, it's absolutely timeless. I have worshipped the Beatles since I can remember. I remember laying in bed at night, when I was about Jake's age, 1969 or so, upper West side, New York City, listening to Yellow Submarine over and over and over, unable to fall asleep unless I was listening to it. Mesmerized by "Only a Northern Song" I tried to make meaning of the words as I fell into the rhythm and melody. I imagined what it would be like to really live on a submarine. I dreamed of marrying one of the Beatles, sitting backstage during a concert, watching the girls scream for the man who loved ME. (another embarassing confession but in my defense, I was only 6 or 7)

Curse: it was my Dad's favorite band and listening to many of the songs I haven't listened to since before my Dad passed away is bittersweet. My grief pangs modulate, sometimes days go by with no thoughts, sometimes I still cry like a baby. Memories are coming to the surface, simple memories of my Dad singing along to the Beatles in the car. Amazing memories of when he played "Let it Be" during a sermon when rendered speechless by a particularly bloody day in Viet Nam. His congretation had discussed it the previous Sunday during coffee hour and my Dad agonized all week on what to say. His congregation was overwhelmingly anti-Viet Nam war and they wanted answers from their spiritual leader, my father. He had no answers to soothe them or himself about the senseless war that was killing innocent people and children on both sides and for what. He let Paul McCartney speak for him. It was a major turning point in my life, that day in church. I was woken to the power of art and music, human suffering and compassion. It was one of my Dad's last sermons in that church, he turned his work to protesting the Viet Nam war, working for Clergy and Layman Concerned and writing a book called "They Can't Go Home Again" about draft evasion, even appearing on "60 minutes" after he visited Viet Nam. Amazing. Again, the memories are bittersweet. I hate him not being here, I hate the fact he never met Jake, I hate the fact I can't talk to the smartest person I ever met. I hate the fact that Sunday nights have felt empty since he got really sick and couldn't do his sunday night calls, I still sometimes, for a brief second, think he's going to call.
See?, the tears are starting to fall as I type. That's the problem with loving someone so much. When they leave, there's no place for that love to go. Maybe the love is in my tears, rolling down my cheeks, evaporating into the atmosphere. Better out than in I always say. Times were when I thought I couldn't take it, the loss, the hole in my life, that pain in the gut.

Some people perish from grief, afraid of love and loss. Not me. I wipe my tears, get up, and give as much love to the people around me as I can.

Now, how did I get from American Idol to this? It's my brain on blogs.

Girlfriends by Candlelight

2008-03-30T09:44:00.000-07:00

Ali's house, perched on the Oakland hills. There was no better place to be during Earth Hour. Not just because she has house with the killer view to see the lights go out but because my bestest and oldest girlfriends were there (sans Lauren and Mia, boo-hoo).
Earth Hour is once a year, lights out for an hour to globally reduce carbon output by millions, maybe billions of cubicsf. Lorna said she and Jovan play Earth Hour but call it "Castle Night" and have great fun playing it. What's not fun about turning out the lights, your dark house filled with candlelight? At our old house, we played that alot, cuz PGE had issues, but yes, now it's a game. And last night it was a serious lights out, to save the planet...

The view was impeded a bit by fog but I'm sure the GGB lights were out and after reading the morning paper, sure enough, the lights were out on the GGB, Coit Tower and many, many other places. We could see the dark space that is usually the Oakland Coliseum, or whatever corporate name it has now. Why don't we do this everynight? Do we really need to light up an empty coliseum? Go green baby...
Off went the lights, on came the candles, as we drank martinis, local wine, ate Ingrid's delicious Morroccan chicken and just talked. The words flowed about breakups, marriage, kids, politics, vaginas, work, art, weddings, you name it. I don't know if you're lucky enough to have a group of amazingly intelligent, beautiful and funny friends like me but they're more precious to me than anything in my jewelry box.
Moment of the night was when Vicky produced the spectacular photo album of Ali's
40th river rafting party. The album represented years of hard work and I mean that literally. What a great event: in gold country, a community camp out, big trip on the river. Nadine was pregnant, Jake was still a little guy so we stayed behind and toured Sutter's Mill, a must for California history.
Second moment: singing Liz Happy Birthday with a Trader Joe's chocolate mousse cake.
Third moment: the great debate: Hilary vs. Obama: ideals vs. reality? Very interesting.
Here's to the Berkeley Girls, long may we run.

Heritage Night a Moomba

2008-03-28T16:38:00.001-07:00

As I mentioned in earlier blog, Heritage Night at IVS.
Here's a picture of our table and Jake's "stockman" costume.
Notice Jake's shark tooth necklace and jar of Vegemite.
The hit of our table was giving people a whiff of Vegemite and telling everyone that Mommy used to put it on her toast....lots of eww, cool, gross, can I smell it again comments.(I've unfortunately lost my taste for it-me old mate Patrick Tracey, when I forced him to eat it many years ago, donned it "monkey vomit")
The kids loved picking up our stuffed kangaroo, koala, platypus and wombat, loved the "gum tree" full of koalas holding Aussie flags and loved reading "Snugglepot and Cuddlepie," "Big Rain Coming," "Australian Wildlife" and all the other great books. We even had a didjeridoo in the center. Fair dinkum!
Heritage night was a moomba (good time/party) with food, books and artifacts from around the world. We had an awesome steel drum player from Trinidad, he even played Waltzing Matilda for us-now that's something you don't hear everyday.
Sara Hare, our cultural goddess at IVS really outdid herself again.
Now it's time for:
SPRING BREAK!!! Thank you God, Allah, Jesus, Buddah, Bridget, the Tao, and anyone else who moves the sun and moon...