Japa Mala

A new way to create art

2011-09-29T22:27:00.000-07:00

Thanks Mac for helping to edit video 1.0 but dad wanted to upgrade to Animoto.

Indika's class project, metaphors & interpretive video:

day 218.365 Scaled back Reality

2011-04-02T09:20:00.001-07:00

day 218.365 Scaled back Reality
Originally uploaded by magmack

This is one of my favs from my 365 days.

Earth Day

2009-06-14T09:18:00.000-07:00

For her wonder project, Indika chose to discover a bit about Solar Energy.

Her booth at the school Earth Day fair, was a styrofoam and duct tape racetrack for the ten solar cars she had assembled.

Also noteworthy, I received a special thank you from Indika: "Dear Mom, thank you for helping me with my booth I would be lost with out you, and also for letting me go to a few booths: Love, Indika" I cried a little when I read that...so sweet!

Gaia day planting

2009-06-12T16:08:00.000-07:00

This is how it all began...

But as of Mother's Day, we have an herb spiral, veggie garden, some shrubs and various marigolds and nasturtiums for company and color to the budding seeds.

And of course the Redbud (poking in below-left) adds great height and color...yay!

I have a few more pix on flickr, and will add to it every so often cuz the garden changes daily. Let me just add that it was the best Mother's Day evah! May become our traditional family plant time form hereon out?!

Wysteria gets a home

2009-06-12T15:54:00.000-07:00

I think it was in April (the days are running together), Shawn designed, ordered all the materials for and then constructed the pergola in our front patio all in ONE week. There once was a pergola in this spot (pre-house remodel), but I really like this one better and not just cuz Shawn built it, but it turned out to be a much better design and it's prettier. Check out these before and after shots:

It makes a HUGE difference AND, the poor wysteria that has been flailing after being cut back to nothing for three years can finally reach up, out and over with it's beautiful winding arms which is green much of the year and even when the leaves fall it is gorgeous...so YAY. Strande, you've become a master at your carpentry!! I guess, all prep for the guitar making years to come.

Soon to be Middle Schooler?

2009-06-11T18:30:00.000-07:00

Indika Mackayla graduated fifth grade and as her version of the memory book assignment, she created a slideshow of her first six years at SDCCS. We loved every memory and friendship created on our journey through elementary school.

CONGRATS INDI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SDCCS Memories to New Soul by Yael Naim.

Directed by Indika

Been a while

2009-06-08T13:50:00.000-07:00

But not for lack of big things happening. Just the time to sit down and document. I'll start with the most recent; Shawn and I had our five year anniversary (May 28) and with wood as the theme, we exchanged these gifts:

My very own Redbud (I badly wanted this to add to our newly created garden space)

and his very own sushi set (pottery made dishes and wooden chopsticks)

Thanks, mom for watching the kids while Shawn and I slipped away for the evening.

I am working through pix from Indi's birthday (March) to mother's day planting (May) and lots more...fingers crossed I get it up before my B&W Photography class starts next week, otherwise it may be a while longer.

From my friend Eric...this will make laugh hysterically albeit feel slightly uncomfortable

2009-02-27T11:13:00.000-08:00

I even get teary eyed listening to him talk about BUDGETS!!

2009-02-27T11:08:00.000-08:00

HONK

2009-02-20T20:24:00.000-08:00

There is a buzz at SDCCS and it's not just because the entire campus is getting a much needed facelift by adding a new color to the buildings, various colors to the door and another mural! No, as aesthetically pleasing as this will be, the energy in the air is because of the Honk Jr. production. The story of the Ugly Duckling.

It is the awesome-ist and cutest production I've seen in a loooooong time. Maybe I'm biased because I have known many of the cast and crew (the kids) since Kindergarten or because Indika plays the Bullfrog- bursting on stage with with her little froglets and singing solo, but I don't think so. It. is. just. all around. delightful.

Mac is amazing as Ida, Ugly's mother (show above setting off to find her "different" chick) and Indika has truly found her theatrical voice. She is a fantastically funny Bullfrog:

Tomorrow is the final show (and my third viewing), and the clamoring is already out there for next year's production. Of course more shots are available and coming (as I sift and edit) on Flickr....enjoy! And Annie has actual video shorts...cuteness in action!

What a Pro!!

2009-02-17T11:31:00.000-08:00

I am late to report that our girl had a fabulous soccer season as a Purple Panther this past fall.

She really shined out on the field and she looooooves it, which really, is all you want for your kids.

After the official season ended in Nov 08, she then got called to participate on one of the All Stars teams during the month of January 09. It was slightly embarrassing when all the parents marveled at her ability, attitude and willingness to play at %100 (ok...I can't say it felt all bad ;), but what could say? It was true...she even had a slight cold and carried on through the four game weekend in San Marcos (which meant ALL day both days).

She really was a star...and already can't wait for next season!

Are the cousins here?

2009-02-15T10:45:00.001-08:00

That was Ry's mantra over the six days that we had some family out from MI. Andria (left) and Aliana (right) are my sister Kathleen's (middle) two beautiful girls.

Andria's boyfriend, Jason (now an official cousin) came with them and Indika was insanely giddy to have a live in playmate for a week ;)

Unfortunately, we did not have the best of SD weather that week, but that meant lots of SkipBo and getting to know our cousins from MI a little bit better.

We can't wait for your next trip out...in the spring or summer when we can get you guys out to the beach more. These are pix from our Nov 08 trip to MI, I still have to upload the too few I snapped while they were here. Andria, please send me a link to the hundreds you took while in SD.

A Christmas Woody

2008-12-26T14:02:00.000-08:00

( I couldn't resist):
Shawn worked for several hours on Christmas day to make Ry's hand me down Woody doll talk again via his pull-string.

Once he found success, he posted the instructions (a must read) to share his new found wisdom with other tinker-ers!
Way to go, Strande!

Here's a little video of Woody in action:

AND before he got onto the Woody project:

Shawn worked for several hours in our little shop out back (aka: the garage) over the three days proceeding Christmas to refinish an old door into a beautiful work of art/table! Check this out:

Amazing, right? I was stunned!

MI Trip

2008-12-23T15:58:00.000-08:00

We stayed at Jackie and Nick's place for the week...it was really great of you guys to open your home and let us disrupt your week AND to reconnect with you guys!

Obviously the girls had some fun; Sophie, Bella and Indika showing their softer side:
Friends, Steffanie and Jamie hosted a gathering of many old friends and memories...it was really amazing to meet all the kids that have come to be over the last ten years since I'd seen many of them:

Grandpa Allan and Grandma Lile hosted an early Thanksgiving dinner while we were there, we go to see most of the family at this event:

Uncle Chris let the boys (Ry and Joe) lay on him while Spiderman played for the 400th time. Ry is here showing off his Spiderman poses:

We even got a visit from Uncle Steve on our last evening in MI:

It was jam-packed but really a GREAT trip! Although it was nice for the kids to play in the snow ( snowman was even built and decorated with candy by Indika and Sophie),

hopefully we can visit again next SUMMER! So our bags will pack a little lighter! I have way more pix on Flickr just click here.

Babysitting Holiday Style

2008-12-12T12:09:00.000-08:00

So our family coops babysitting with three other families every month which amounts to lots of really cool side effects. Not only do we get to have our kids taken care of by good friends, but because this is an every weekend occurrence, all these kids are more like cousins than simply friends. We babysat on Dec 6th and we had just gotten out tree for Christmas so the kids helped decorate it, make new ornaments (from Micheal's) and ice the sugar cookies.
This event was not without its hiccups, but it was still lots of fun!
Even Strande got in on the decorating in the end and discovered he's quite the cookie artist!

We ended up with glitter glue and sprinkles pretty much everywhere, but also some lovely and "original" cookies and ornaments:

O Yeah!

2008-11-09T09:42:00.000-08:00

I'm still in shock! Thanks to everybody who joined us at the Yes We Can Potluck Nov 4th...it will be an evening to remember always! Not only did we share in a historical moment of change for our country, but yummy dishes were a plenty and young kids got just as excited about politics as their parents. I have to note that Daleth's green chile dish was by far and away the tastiest and most gourmet...too bad it was gone before the champagne was popped!

btw...Shawn and I both ordered our free stickers from MoveOn.org of this print...let me know if you want me to forward the email for a free sticker?!

From MO: These commemorative stickers mark Barack Obama's historic victory and were designed by groundbreaking artist Shepard Fairey—the same artist who designed the world-famous, iconic "Hope" poster for Obama.

1 week from tomorrow...

2008-10-27T12:15:00.000-07:00

We might discover a new tomorrow!

Can we please?!

2008-10-22T09:08:00.001-07:00

LESS THAN TWO WEEKS from discovering our next President elect...I am supah nervous, so I looked back at February's post...when I was going crazy over Hillary and Obama...I decided this was worth re-posting:

Still in progress...

2008-10-16T22:38:00.000-07:00

but I felt the need to renovate our blog. A gradual transformation is forthcoming.

Benches

2008-10-15T10:03:00.001-07:00

Benches
Originally uploaded by magmack

Are now available for lounging on the lower deck! This gets us down into our backyard. Shawn constructed these pups Sunday afternoon.

Now it's just a step up from the yard....I love it! Thanks Strande...you're da best!

Backyard from July 2007 to today:

2008-10-13T14:55:00.000-07:00

It is AMAZING! (And yes, this IS up to date)

One more Palin bash...

2008-10-12T10:16:00.000-07:00

From Lauren's blog:

"If you become VP, it's Canada for me"

This is hysterical!

Come on!

2008-10-12T10:06:00.001-07:00

Obviously one VP candidate has a much better grasp on the issues:

There should be no doubt!

Thanks, but no thanks, McCain!

2008-10-12T09:56:00.000-07:00

There is NO WAY she should he a heartbeat away from the Presidency....so scary. Thanks Maite for the Sunday morning reality check!

Mr Magnus

2008-10-11T16:59:00.000-07:00

TURNS THREE!

He is a fully functional little man now in so many ways...and just a crack up!

We love you Ry!
This is him at his school celebration. We also had the blow out bash at home...I took a few more pictures at the school and the house party...he was very into showing his tongue at school ;)

My bday gift and gift to the environment

2008-10-09T14:14:00.000-07:00

(again slightly behind- my bday was Aug 26th)
Not only did I get to enjoy a fantastic evening out with friends at the Toronado, but Shawn then surprised me by taking the day off from work (very unlike him) to take me and the kids out for lunch and then to Performance Bike for this:
I LOVE my bike! Ridden to all my local haunts...pottery, yoga and the odd coffee shop. And yup, attached to the back is a carrier for the boy. Ry and I have been to the parks and library via my pedal power...which was tough at first...that boy is heavy!

Neveda City

2008-10-08T13:59:00.000-07:00

Albeit a wee bit late in sharing...I wanted to post some pix about it anyway. We were there at the end of July. Our first trip to Uncle Larry and Aunt Jean's home and the first time we met many of Shawn's cousins...big and little ;) Of course the main event was Joan's 70th birthday!

It was a jam-packed three day weekend. We arrived Thursday evening, Friday was the surprise party for Ms Joan and from then on it was lots of swimming, scootering, looshing and even a soccer game. Click here for a look at a good chunck of the pix I snapped on our trip. Happy birthday (again) mom/grandma Joan!

Catchin Waves

2008-09-21T18:10:00.001-07:00

Catchin Waves
Originally uploaded by magmack

and lovin' it!

Shawn has managed to visit quite a few shorelines on his most recent staycation. Here he is at OB for the first time. Ry and I joined him that morning to play in the sand.

Front gardens are D-O-N-E!

2008-07-20T11:17:00.001-07:00

Front gardens are DONE (take II)!
Originally uploaded by magmack

I am happy to report that all flagstones, river rock, pebbles, lobelia (blue moon), creeping thyme and various grasses have been laid in BOTH front garden beds.

It seems like I ought to be able to check more than one thing off the list for this one, but at the very least I love the new colors and smells that will greet people as they come to our house. A vast improvement from the dead grass and weeds!

The end of SIDE!

2008-07-20T08:53:00.000-07:00

I thought this day would never come! I didn't even want to blog it at first for fear of jinxing it! It is has now been many days since Ry has nursed.

It was a gradual (very gradual) end to what my son calls, SIDE. (Originating from my saying "that side's all done, you need to nurse on the other *side*.") He was fightin' it a bit over the weekend and I thought all his pestering would make me cave...then a series of things happened:

1. Our neighbor was riding his scooter with Indika and of course Ry wanted to join in, but two wheels is hard for a two-year old.
2. We had a playdate with a friend from Ry's school and Julian had a three-wheeled scooter.
3. It hit me...he's a big boy now and can ride a three-wheeled scooter. But big boys with scooters don't have side.
4. Ry agreed, big boys with scooters don't have side. We went that day and got this boy his very own Spiderman scooter:
Since the scooter bribe, he has mostly accepted it and actually sleeps better at night. In a way it's sad, but I think I can work my way through the end of the Side era;)

JG Graduate!

2008-07-20T08:44:00.001-07:00

JG Graduate!
Originally uploaded by magmack

Indika made it four weeks solid of Jr Lifeguard training. Friday was her graduation day. She even came away with a medal for "most inspirational"!

We are so proud of you, Indi!!

btw...after five days/week of 8:30am to 12pm beach time, you'd think she'd be tired of the sand and ocean, but she is a total beach bum and would love it we spent everyday at the beach for the rest of the summer.

I'm sure we will be make it to one of the many seasides in San Diego a few more times before summer's end (we are so spoiled).

Happy Bday Strande

2008-07-06T08:14:00.000-07:00

Today's the day, but when our friends were over on July 4th, a "traditional bday boy bite from the cake" allowed Eduardo to push the entire frosting covered marble madness right into Shawn's face! You can see here that Eduardo is very proud of his work...
Happy birthday Shawn/Dada! We love you!!

I think he might of even enjoyed that bit of frosting up his nose ;)

Indi is a JG

2008-07-02T15:38:00.000-07:00

Feeling out the waves...

Indika began her Jr Lifeguard (JG) training last Monday (6/23). So every morning we get her over to Mission Bay for an 8:30am start time. It is awesome to see the sea of yellow, red and blue as all the JG's start the morning as a big group to stretch out and announce the days events.

But today was Cove Day. Which meant a field trip (via parents) up to La Jolla Cove. Next Weds it's an OB Day and then the last day will be at La Jolla Shores. Even though it does wipe her out...and let me tell you, it's pretty darn hard to tire this little chica out, Indika has absolutely loved each day.

No more barren walls...

2008-06-29T17:34:00.001-07:00

We finally have our shelves!!

I haven't even completely filled them yet...but they already warm up the room so much that I am taking my time. This (like every other project we decide to undertake) took longer than expected. When we decided to have Kit build us pine shelves...he was done in four days, but then came the priming and the painting and then each shelf had to be sanded along the edges cuz the paint made the shelves too snug.

In the end...who cares?? I l-o-v-e them!

June/July MI Birthdays

2008-06-28T16:56:00.000-07:00

So I have almost made it an entire year posting birthday accolades to my MI family. I'm a little late this month so I am gonna go for a June and July black and white combo:

June Birthdays:

Isabella- June 8th; Indika and Bella are only 3 months apart. Indi can't wait to see you on our next visit (probably this fall)!!

Cathy- June 9th; standing at the left, she is married to my big bro, Jim! And she is a wonderful chef!!

Jim- June 25th; I used to call him Superman; recently I keep seeing James Callis on the credits for Battle Star Galactica. Which, Jim, if you have not seen, you have to rent them now...it's a really great series!

July Birthdays:

Marcia- July 9th; sitting on the left--cracking up (her usual state of mind). Happy bday, Chia!!

Alicia- July 15th; Laying (usually with a book) with her son, Alfonz.

Alaina July 23rd; looking gorgeous in her sparkly make-up. This is a shot my sister sent of her getting ready for a dance. You're so grown up!!

Tony- July 25th; If I had the money I would by the new Iron Man action figure for you...he has a room full of them!

Happy birthday family back in the mid-west! Miss you all and hope to get out there soon!! xox

Bench and Boxes

2008-06-02T11:54:00.000-07:00

The day after we return from our camp trip, Shawn sits down and designs a couple planter boxes and a bench for the back deck. Cool, you say (as did I)...well let me just add (in his typical never say die/Norwegian style), he then undertook to scrounging for left-over decking wood, whipped out the table saw and five hours later...viola...
Beautiful, no? Today back at work he says "he's glazed and delirious" (go figure?). Don't worry Joan, we'll get him to bed early tonight!
ps...Ry (already taking advantage of the new hiding space) is adding the few final touches with his pull string drill.

Laguna Time

2008-06-02T07:55:00.001-07:00

We camped for the first time in years this past weekend. It was (as expected) a nightmare to pack for such a trip and at night it was cold, cold, cold! But overall the feelings we left with (aside from exhaustion) were absolutely relaxing and jam-packed fun.

Indika was off exploring and imagining in the woods surrounding the campsite...we saw her only for meals and bedtime. Ry solidified his budding friendship with Silas...two very verbal and active little boys that play beyond their years (so cute). Shawn got to strum some chords with friends and get his Walden back on...as he often would with his family growing up.

As for me, the fact that time almost goes backwards out in the woods...just makes me happy (and I loved the shared meals...yum, yum and it spread out the cookin'). I snapped a few more pix of the wild country...and I know Caroline and Emil captured some moments too. Thanks for the invite, Annie...we are already looking forward to this as an annual event.

(Hopefully it's not so fricken' cold next year...although, I wish I would have captured a mummified family tent shot...but my fingers were too bloody cold to hold the camera)!

Potty Time?!

2008-05-25T11:53:00.000-07:00

Let me start with, boys are so very different from girls in every way! Learning to use the potty is no exception. I bought Ry the wondrous Peter Potty when he was 18 months old hoping to get things going. Nope...the Peter Potty was just a place to play with water.
It wasn't until last month (at two & half years) that he even showed any interest in playing around diaperless. Then completely outta nowhere and totally on his own he decided he would pee in the potty and even did the deed one time...this was back in April (happily at the potty with Mr. Incredible!)...

As of today, he is back to the diaper and wants nothing to do with the potty. Maybe when he's three??

Domesticated

2008-05-24T09:43:00.000-07:00

You know you've been at home with the kids a while when you decide that the apron is what you want to bid on at an Art Night auction held at your daughter's school. It is a seriously beautiful, handmade piece crafted by my talented friend, Amy (Poppyheart). At least with my new apron I can claim "Domestic Goddess" as my current profession of choice ;)

I'm Bored

2008-05-18T19:56:00.000-07:00

Often my ten-year old's phrase of choice. If we do not have an agenda for the entire day...she is bored. Today was H-O-T and aside from the in and out of the pool on the deck, we had a completely lazy day. Shawn and I can't get enough of those, but this poor girl just kept tellin' me she was bored. That is until I uttered the idea..."you could always clean up the house"...then she found lots of things to do. Gotta love her!

Two Friends

2008-05-18T19:37:00.000-07:00

Our good friends' one & a half year-old, Silas, came over for a babysitting night trial run last night...Ry and Si played almost the entire time...it was a total "scream"...here is a bit of their pool time fun:

I think I was prepared for the worst and when it turned out to be so easy I kinda had to laugh to myself thinking back at Ry's younger years...he was (and still can be) very high maintenance...in the end, Ry taught me the fine art of distraction. And let me tell you, Silas loved all the new distractions at our house. Bring that boy over anytime!

Guitar Man

2008-05-14T20:52:00.000-07:00

You may have seen Ry's ABC's last December using only vocals. Well here is Ry today with his latest rendition of ABC belted out while strumming his guitar...

ah one, ah two, three, four five (as Ry says as a prelude to every jam session):

Not exactly Bread, but a whole 'nother level of cute ;)

Happy Rhea Day...

2008-05-11T11:25:00.000-07:00

aka: Mothers' Day!
To all you goddess mothers out there amongst my sisters, friends, moms and grandmas! Hope you enjoyed a semi-peaceful mamma day!

ps...it's almost 1pm and I've already gotten a cooked breakfast (plus the clean-up), a chic-flick and dad is now out with the kids at the park.

I love mothers day!

April bdays

2008-04-09T13:02:00.000-07:00

I didn't have to post March, because our Indika is the only family member born in the month of March?! As for April we have my eldest brother, Dave...always the joker...this is from Christmas 2006...they guy in the baseball cap.

And Grandpa Allan & Grandma Lile, here with six year-old Indika:

Happy birthday to you, you live in a zoo, etc!! ;)

Indika Mackayla Turns TEN!

2008-03-18T06:59:00.001-07:00

I wish I could find my scanner to share an image of day one, but such is life...here is Indi at about 17 months...always a character!
Chatting on (what was then) the latest technology, the cell phone! ;)
Balboa Park at 2 1/4 (or close to that):
Warner Springs Fall 2002, looking at the horses with mama:
Indika Ballerina in early 2003...Ms. Vernetta Days.
Sydney Australia, Indika and Dad at the Victoria Mall (almost seven here):
At Sea World last month comforting brother Ry from the scary polar bear growl:
She is a jewel with a ready smile and HUGE heart. We are super blessed to call her daughter/sister. Happy Birthday Indika! We love you soooo much!
ps...check out more photos from the Corvette Diner dinner...it was plain old greasy sugar-filled fun! What more could a ten-year old ask for? (rhetorical question;)

Happy Birthday Aida!

2008-03-17T10:08:00.001-07:00

Cannot believe it was almost nine years ago we met Aida and her family at what has been dubbed "Pooh Park" on Sixth Ave. A day apart in age, Indika and Aida have shared many birthdays together. Here are a few years I could find on the old PC.

The invite for #3 at the park:
If I could locate our scanner (%#*) I would scan the Puppet Show with Big Joe which was #4. Anyway here is their 5th birthday at our house, cuz we were rained in from the park:
And so cute...the girls at their 6th birthday Tea Party:
The Seven year-old ceramics painting party:
Look at the 8th birthday party at our house...I can't believe what our living room was like just two years ago:
And of course the Nine year-old sleep-over:
We look forward to many more birthday celebrations to come...happy TENTH birthday, Aida!!

Back at it...

2008-02-27T20:53:00.000-08:00

Shawn is at it again...thank goodness.
Last summer he designed and built our fabulous deck, as many of us know and have already enjoyed.
On New Years Eve he added (with me as the stone donkey) a beautiful stone patio to step down onto from the deck, not to mention keep the dirt away from the house. It is the perfect spot for grilling and any fire-pit celebrations we might enjoy (someday;).
Now he is at again, to provide our backyard with a lovely lower deck bordered with benched seating just down from the stone patio. This will not only give additional visual beauty, but gets us sitting down IN the gardens.
Of course we still have to design, rototill and plant, but that will be much more enjoyable as we sit on the benches on the edge of the lower deck, sipping coffee with the kids playing either on the deck or the yard space we cleared away last weekend...lots of weeds to chop and pull, but we've made some serious headway!
--
Ladies especially, I will be having you over for some food and kid playtime to pick your brains about which plants you see where...you all have such varied and wonderful garden knowledge which our backyard desperately needs. Thanks already to Annie for her ideas about a couple trees and climbing Potato Vines...these are coming!

What time is it when an elephant sits on your fence?

2008-02-20T18:47:00.000-08:00

From one of Hillary's speeches today:

"It is time to get real," Clinton said, "to get real about how we actually win this election... It is time to move from good words to good works -- from sound bites to sound solutions."

If that last sentence isn't a sound bite, then Hillary isn't a Weeble.

Time to get a new fence.

So nice to see you guys!

2008-02-20T10:57:00.000-08:00

Ry and I drove up to Vista (N County) yesterday to visit with some of mama's friends from her "working" days. I love that I can stay home and focus on raising my kids at this moment in time, especially when it allows me the time to visit with my friends from what now seems like another life.
We ate at our former usual "working lunch" spot; I once thought was called the Middle of the Block or MOB, cuz that's how Stacy introduced it to me...it's actually called El Ranchero. Lovely atmosphere and food...highly recommend if you ever view Vista.

Nan and Stacy were my guides (for seven years) into what was a whole sub-world of planning, coordination and professionalism. Couldn't have asked for better friends/mentors for such a big task!
After lunch we perused the Vistacado Parade Mural which is apparently the longest mural in the world, painted in beautiful detail along the back of this block of buildings in which El Ranchero is centered (hence the name MOB).

(Ry still getting to know mama's friends, even though he's been to lunch with us before.)
--
I often think of my time working in the world of transportation or CTSA. It was always about allowing elderly and individuals with disabilities to remain connected to their communities. Stacy and I both helped to create the STRIDE, San Diego web site, which links (hopefully) people to the most appropriate transportation service. It is at least a semi-tangible legacy to those seven years of work as the CTSA. My mind is formulating ideas about using photography to help reinsert myself into helping the cause...gotta incorporate my newest passion. You can check out the rest of the images from that day here on my Flickr pages. Looking forward to our next lunch this Spring!

Mail Time

2008-02-16T16:47:00.000-08:00

I received a package in the mail yesterday. It's always refreshing to get mail that is not a bill anyway, but to get a package not ordered or for any particular occasion...whoa, put a huge smile on my face! Thanks to my sister Jackie for this lovely tile:
Apparently (as in the note) this was a bday present never sent, but it is PERFECT for our kitchen!! Thanks again, sis and namaste!!

Such a big girl!

2008-02-10T10:07:00.000-08:00

Indika Mackayla set off on an eleven hour bus ride up to Northern California this morning. They will visit Sacramento and spend two days in Coloma to learn about Gold Rush country.
While waiting to load up the bus (which Indi noted was past the scheduled time), there was lots of buzzing kids and parents rushing around for final hugs and checks that their kids were fully prepared and checked-in.

Knowing she would be gone for 4 WHOLE DAYS; I really got choked up, but managed to show the happy/excited face for her.

Luggage loaded and on the bus! Equipped with TV screens and a backpack full of activities and music, not to mention one of her closest friends, McLean. She may not want to come home ;)

I know she will have such a great trip with all her friends, teachers and parents we've come to know as our wonderful SDCCS community! But STILL, I can't wait to see that girl again when she arrives back home on Valentine's Day!

If this man asked me to die for my country, I would.

2008-02-10T08:02:00.000-08:00

The blog is dead

2008-02-09T09:30:00.001-08:00

YES WE CAN

2008-02-05T16:41:00.000-08:00

After voting today, came the waiting. To pass the time, I talked with friends, watched some news and did some searching online. I ended up listening (again) to this song rendition of Barack Obama's Yes we Can speech. It made me cry with hope.

I hope we can have a President Obama!

This will melt your hardened heart

2008-02-02T19:29:00.000-08:00

Her name - Yael Naim - is swirling in the media after appearing in Mac ad. If this doesn't make you happy, kill yourself.

Compleannos de Febbraio

2008-02-01T08:56:00.000-08:00

Happy birthday to the February babies...that are now either tween or teen.

Zach, nephew # 7 was born just as I entered into my last year of college. Here he is (on the right) with little brother Alfonz. He is twelve this February 15th. Enjoy that last year before you're a full on teenager.

--
Emily (here with dad, aka my brother, Dave) was born a few years before Zach, making her niece #6. She will be fourteen or fifteen (I know terrible, but it's hard to keep up) this February 15th, which means it might be your "golden birthday". Too old for Disneyland??

Buon compleanno mio famiglia!

Them's fightin' words

2008-01-30T21:28:00.000-08:00

Obama has speeches dating back to 2002 on his website. If you really want to get fired up about this election and his campaign, read this one from him in October 2002 speaking out against the Iraq war. Hope springs from despair.

I WANT OBAMA...

2008-01-26T17:04:00.000-08:00

to be the democratic nominee for the 2008 presidency!

AP: "COLUMBIA, S.C. - Barack Obama routed Hillary Rodham Clinton in the racially charged South Carolina primary Saturday night, regaining campaign momentum in the prelude to a Feb. 5 coast-to-coast competition for more than 1,600 Democratic National Convention delegates." (Read more)

YAY South Carolina!! Come on, Californians...on February 5th- vote Barack Obama!!

4th Grade Veggies

2008-01-21T08:29:00.000-08:00

Last Friday, Daleth and I brought in some hummus, lemons, limes and salt to season the veggies we harvested from the 4th grade garden. It warmed my heart to see so many kids excited about eating fresh vegetables. More pics are posted on the Green Room.

The total experience was like a birth of sorts, seeing nothing out there and then the raised beds were built, then planted and now harvested.

ps...thx Shawn, we wouldn't have boxes for the garden without your carpentry skills (& your total submission to the coven)!

The lone carpenter who came back to strengthen the boxes. Originally constructed by Shawn, Alan and Pepe...thx to you too.

Mini Clip Games

2008-01-20T20:19:00.000-08:00

Indika wanted to share this with her friends. This is a family blog, after all. A game she discovered over the weekend (thx to Isabel) called "Kindergarten".

Kindergarten

Take care of all the babies in your kindergarten.

Play this free game now!!

From Indika: This game is awesome! If you like this game you'll probably like a ton of other games on miniclip.com.

p.s. this game is for kids only, and adults if you really want to play it.

Very Interesting

2008-01-20T20:14:00.001-08:00

Very Interesting
Originally uploaded by magmack

Shawn is actually the one learning how to build guitars, but I borrowed his book for a 365 photo. Didn't end up using this one for a 365 entry nor did I realize it would turn into this. That is the beauty of spending just a "little" more time on Flickr.

I found they have a black and white tool that lets you drop color back into any of the elements on the image. SO COOL!

For you Eduardo: School 2.0

2008-01-16T20:58:00.000-08:00

I believe Lauren said there was a certain Pink Floyd song you really dug. The wall will come down, and our kids will tear it down!

Cumpleanos de Enero

2008-01-16T17:30:00.000-08:00

January Birthdays include: Sophia (grandchild #12) will celebrate her bday tomorrow (the 18th). Hope it's a scream, Sof!

--
Anthony (grandchild #1), standing on the right next to his brother Jesse. What are YOU doin' a week from Friday (the 25th), Anthony? I still cannot believe you are almost 30! I remember watching you pee on grandma's dress while getting a diaper change like it was yesterday. --
Gary (Marcia's hubby) holding the newest member of their family, Mi Oso, that very cute puppy. Happy belated (the 14th) birthday.
--
Nick (Jackie's hubby) is celebrating another year as I write this. TODAY (the 17th) is your day. Happy bday to you, happy bday to you, happy bday dear Nick, happy bday to you!
--
And finally we have Chris (Alicia's hubby) Sorry we missed ya! Happy belated (the 3rd) birthday to you too, Chris!

Feliz Cumpleanos, familia! xox

ps...happy birthday to Mac (the 17th) & Aitana (the 15th) too. Both have entered into their double digits...VERY BIG DEAL/GIRLS!

Full Focused

2008-01-10T12:12:00.000-08:00

OMG...this is so funny. An old friend googled me and found my Full Focus TV Cameo :

(you can fast fwd to minute 7 for the "me" part, but you don't need to watch the whole thing)

I thought this would be one of those lost moments. But this is apparently part of my online profile. As I told Shawn, looking back at this I see what a "greenie" I was!

Ode to D40

2008-01-05T16:01:00.000-08:00

While perusing the various sites I frequent in blogdom, I read Emil's post about what a holiday season has been had and I have to agree...I L-O-V-E my new camera! My photographic skills are nowhere near on par, but I had to share the photos at the end of my lens when Emil snapped the image of me photographing Ry at the park.

At this point, the scope of effects seems endless. But as I read through the Nikon Guide to Digital Photography with my morning coffee I am hoping to get up to speed (I know bad pun), on the whole ISO, aperture, filter effects, etc., and then slowly, expand on my subjects (not to mention my family is tired of being on the image end of that D40). Either way I am having lots and lots of fun with this.

Obama Mama

2008-01-05T14:12:00.000-08:00

I have always liked Barack Obama since I heard him speak at the 2004 democratic convention. He blew me away then with superior oratory skills and I remember thinking, "Who is he?". Now that I know him a bit better, he's totally got me...especially since his win in Iowa and watching his victory speech at (ironically enough) the "W" Obama caucus party. I completely felt it when he said we will look back at "this as the moment" when government changed and "hope replaced fear". I am an Obama Mama, but Lauren, I will be purchasing the "Got hope?" Obama t-shirt in black. Next stop...the White House, baby!

ps...Shawn's play on words for the day: GO-BAMA!

ABC's

2007-12-26T17:21:00.000-08:00

So I had to wait (w/ bated breath) for Santa to bring me a memory card for my phone in order to share Ry singing (almost completely) the ABC song. A true Costco moment; December 22, 2007. My favorite part is"...h, Y, j, k," etc. ...so cute:

Thank you Santa!

Aptera Redux

2007-12-23T13:33:00.000-08:00

I should be ashamed of the unbridled lust I have for this "car", but then, I should be ashamed of a lot of things.

The company is right here in Carlsbad. A mere $500 refundable deposit reserves one. I can feel the hot caramel dripping from the corners of my mouth...awghlmphhahhh.

Even my morning coffee...

2007-12-13T20:15:00.000-08:00

...reminds me that x-mas is just around the bend and the fact that I am no where NEAR ready. As I grabbed the half & half from the fridge, I caught a glimpse of its expiration date...12/24/07!
I just thought, "oh fuck...happy christmas".

More holiday fun?

2007-12-13T19:21:00.000-08:00

Another annual stress filled endeavor.

Procrastination doesn't even begin to describe my approach to the whole holiday card business. But (heavy sigh) as of today I am that much closer to getting these (damn) things out the door.

Anyway I just had to share the finalists for the 07 family holiday cards (cuz this is actually the fun part). Woo-hoo!

Oh and happy holidays (right?).

Santa's little helpers

2007-12-11T17:39:00.000-08:00

Some would say I've been naughty, but good and evil are not absolutes.
I'm absolutely sure of one thing though, I'll take whatever toys these elves are making.

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1316052016

7 things about Lydia's husband

2007-12-09T16:24:00.000-08:00

Here are seven things about me you might find helpful should you ever find yourself stuck in an elevator with me.

1. My ex-wife's sister's girlfriend once pulled a butcher knife on me; and my wife once threw a television set at me. Lesson: There are times when home ownership isn't worth it. A 3-way that doesn't involve sex is one of them.

2. I could make a scotch and water before I could do long division. And no, I wasn't a slow math learner.

3. I experienced true Buddhist enlightenment when I was having dinner with my ex-wife. I remember saying to her, “you have always been there - you will always be there.” It was at that precise moment that I decided to move on. A word of advice to you kids out there – if, after 5 years your relationship is a nightmare, don’t try to fix it by getting married. Hold on while I wipe off the sad clown make-up.

4. My father was married 7 times. I met his seventh wife when I was 35. Her name was Kiki and she was 25 at the time. I hadn’t seen my father since I was 5, and the meeting was set for a casino in Carson City, Nevada. I’ll never forget him handing Kiki a wad of $100 bills and telling her to “go play the slots while I catch up with my son”. Thankfully she wasn't hot, because at 10 years my junior, she could have been.

5. I moved 5 times in 1 year. Do you now how difficult it is to carry a double-size futon mattress up 2 flights stairs by yourself? When I moved out I lowered the frame- which I had assembled in the apartment - down the fire escape. The people on the street below were transfixed as though I was tight-rope walking over Niagara Falls, that is until the frame fell on their small dog, crushing it. Okay, that last part was a lie, but the fact that I thought it tells you something about me.

6. While at Cal Expo, the California State Fair, I urinated next to Johnny Whittaker, the guy that played Jody on Family Affair. I’ve had pee anxiety ever since.

7. And about that elevator, I’m claustrophobic.

Matt, tag, you're it.

The forgotten bdays

2007-12-09T07:51:00.000-08:00

Before I get myself too much deeper into the holiday frenzy, I wanted to give the Decemberists (not the band) their due. It's hard to be born in the same month as some people's savior or while other people focus on the rebuilding of the second temple, etc. There are lots of presents to buys, cards to send, decorations to hang; the list is endless until the new year. Ultimately, many of those born in December are forced to celebrate in January.

So Happy Birthday to...
Joseph....nephew #14, born just under a year before Ry. He's gonna be three this month and this picture IS out of date.
--
Alfonz...nephew #13 born on the same day as his Uncle Chris.
--

Andria, niece #4. I earned several babysitting dollars when she was little.

--
Christopher (left) with "another" girlfriend; brother just a 1 & 1/2 year older than me and ultimate playmate growing-up for a tomboy like myself.

From all of us to you, Lauren!

2007-12-07T19:03:00.000-08:00

We know how much the holidays must make you miss Iowa, Miss Iowa, so here's a little something to put a chill in your bones, and your bones in the spirit of Christmas.

http://www.scroogeyourself.com/?id=1231034214

I'm it...(finally)!

2007-12-05T16:06:00.000-08:00

1. Link to the person that tagged you and post the rules on your blog.
2. Share 7 random and/or weird things about yourself.
3. Tag 7 random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs. {or less if I already tagged pretty much every blog you know!}
4. Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

ok...I haven't been avoiding this. Truth be told when Lauren tagged me I had every intention of getting it out there, but because I didn't put it on a list...it didn't get done. This brings me to...

No 1: I make lists for EVERYTHING! Whether it's groceries, parties, things that have to get done that week/day...whatevah...I have a list for it.
No 2: I come from a family of NINE children. I am number eight and I have four brothers and four sisters. Let's just say I was allowed to be pretty wild and unchecked as a child...this probably contributes to the (as has been said) long leash given to my kids.
No 3: I was a cheerleader in high school. Yes rah, rah and all that...one chant that still haunts my thoughts at times..."Rock on Reds to the right, to the right, etc."...this brings Shawn immeasurable joy for a couple of reasons. Just goes to show ya what a small (although massive) suburb I come from. I really just wanted to be a gymnast, instead I got a short skirt and a coach that often gave me side glaring looks for "not contributing my all".
No 4: I constantly re-arrange things in my life. I can only come to the conclusion that I cannot handle static/too much routine. From furniture to varying routes to and from school or the grocery store...I am always exploring a "new way". I have to say...my kids are fascinated by an old room looking like new when the couch is turned at yet another angle by mom.
No 5: From the ages of four to eight or nine, I would have waking dreams, scaring my siblings with their severity at times. I would sleep walk/talk with my eyes open. Wake-up and the dreams would carry on in my head. I only remember this vaguely now and I also remember when they just stopped. Funnily enough, both my kids talk in their sleep.
No 6: Ry was a difficult baby to birth. After several hours since my water had broken no contractions had begun...so the lovely mid-wives thought perhaps Castor Oil would give Ry that kick-start he needed. Nothing happened until they moved us from our private and large birthing room to the hallway closet (seriously smaller room) with a shared bathroom. The bathroom part is important because that is where I spent the next half an hour conducting my own private orchestra...the oil did nothing for the contractions.
No 7: In keeping with the foot theme I've read in many of the taggees' posts, the second toe on my right foot is disproportionately longer than the rest and this phenomenon is only on my right foot.

As for tagging: I am left only with our friends Ruth & Mark to tag while on their Amazing Trip Around the World. And because I know he has a few, the self-deputized Japa Mala poster...Shawn (formerly Noggin Log).

Thanks (albeit late) for a great day!

2007-12-05T12:03:00.000-08:00

We were too fast to sit and enjoy dinner and so I cannot share what a beautiful turkey Shawn roasted on the bbq...but you know it's good when this is what's left...
I was also stunned by the aftermath of cooking what amounts to meat and potatoes....every nook and cranny of the counter top was covered by pans, bowls or splattered remains.
But in the end, it was worth it! Grandma Joan, Grandpa Allan, Grandma Lile, Scott, Kim, Kevin and Gabe joined in and made overeating another one to remember!

Happy belated Thanksgiving!

(Where's Indi?? She finished her meal before I even sat down...let alone got the camera out...I swear she was there too)

I covet this car

2007-12-02T14:49:00.000-08:00

Dear Santa,

As someone with a trademark ride like yours, I'm sure you would agree that the wheels, like the shoes, make the man. I've been a pretty good boy this year, so if you're still scratching that pink little pate of yours trying to figure out what to get me, just have one of your elves go online and check this out: http://www.aptera.com/

And at 300 mpg even reindeer might think twice about hitting the sky-way.

I always knew she was a puppet

2007-11-29T21:38:00.000-08:00

SPOTLIGHT SHOW: Cinderella

"Performed by Puppet Express and Weaver's Talesthis audience favorite is back by popular demand! After years of development, Cinderella finally arrived at the Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater and audiences cannot get enough of it. Listen close and you will hear a familiar voice. That's Kimberly Hunt from the KUSI News Team performing the voice of the Fairy Godmother! Don't miss this exciting production of Cinderella."

NOTE: THE PUPPET SHOWN LEFT EVEN LOOKS LIKE HER!

I don't know why, but as newscasters go, she has always annoyed the hell out me (and Shawn).

What women want

2007-11-23T11:35:00.000-08:00

We saw this commercial on TV lastnight while waiting for the post-Thanksgiving dinner bloat to subside. The setup nearly gave me a stroke...thank god it was a joke.

I still think a pedicure business run by a bunch of hunky dudes would make money hand-over-foot.

Shawn (deputized poster)

Halloween Madness

2007-11-01T13:28:00.000-07:00

Began the day here...in total costume gear...
then there....what could be cuter?
then here again...look at those 4th grade girls...
finally, ended up over at Halloween Central...Burlingame...
Halloween is a seriously cute (but busy) day!

November Birthdays

2007-11-01T10:54:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday, Nicole, Hannah & Steve!!
Left to right...Marcia (holding Indi), Andria & NICOLE...or as I referred to her when she was a troublesome toddler...Nicki, Ticki, Tavi! Nicole, now twenty-three will be twenty-four on the 24th...hey it's your golden birthday this year!!
HANNAH (on the right) with brother Trevor Christmas 06! Hannah will be (I'm guessing) twelve on the 5th.

And of course, Uncle STEVE (Shawn's bro)...he will be paying us a visit next Thursday! We'll just leave it that he's Shawn's younger brother.

Pledge!

2007-10-28T11:50:00.000-07:00

I'm thinking maybe the Jog-a-thon post got lost in the fire frenzy. This is a call for pledges or lump sum donations for Indi's school (SDCCS). Pledges would be at a per lap basis (i.e., $.50 per lap/ up to 40 laps) & to be fair we want you to know Indika ran 36 laps last year. Thanks to those who already called us to pledge Indi's big run for the school! xox

Albeit a Pledge to Earth, I thought this was a great image created by the kids at the Harvey Milk Civil Rights Academy in San Francisco.

Finally...fresh air!

2007-10-26T22:02:00.000-07:00

There is no way to function as a family without access to the outdoors...this picture says it all for me when I walked outside and smelled the morning dew and nothing more.

Ry was close to insane with cabin fever...taking mom right to the edge with him...and is it just me or is having the WHOLE family home all day like 1000x the work?? The sheer volume of dishes and things strewn about made it feel like gremlins were living here too.

ok...enough ranting...back to the happy place...

We still count ourselves lucky & needless to say because of the fresh air Ry had a trip to the park today and Indi (thank you Merrill) had a lovely day in PB and then at the tidepools.

Note to self: help end the Iraq War

2007-10-25T20:12:00.000-07:00

I saw this short video and it reminded me of my lack of contribution towards ending an unjust war that I have to accept partial responsibility for because I did nothing in the first place. Now it all seems so overwhelmingly out of control. Helping spread the word about these peace gatherings will be at least something for today...

Check it out here in San Diego...it will be held at noon downtown across from Horton Plaza.

Fires; Day Four

2007-10-25T08:22:00.001-07:00

Other than going insane from lack of fresh air, we are still not in the real throws of the San Diego County fires. Here is what it actually looks like outside this morning...It's deceivingly beautiful and oh, so inviting, but the SDAPCD, forecasts today as "unhealthy". I am gonna have to find a way to get these kids some form of running time...may be time to hit the bookstore or better yet, IKEA!

Speaking of IKEA, I bought some fabric there recently & have used it to keep myself busy over the last few days...here are our dining rooms chairs before:

Here are three out of six, post lots of cursing to pull out old staples, fitting the corners, etc...

I love it...on a side note this was the last bit of this fabric at the store...just under two yards and it provided me enough material to re-cover all six kool-aid stained white-blah chairs.

ps...the multi-stained couch is next...displayed below along with Ry's impersonation of Al Bundy (last night):

Fire Update

2007-10-23T08:15:00.000-07:00

Oh how I wish it were a snow day instead of a fire day. I remember waking up in a haze with mom in the living room watching the news, wondering why she wasn't bustling around the kitchen to make us all breakfast while getting ready for work. Then I would look outside and see snow up to the window sills and the realization would bust through the veil of sleep....it was a snow day.
--
Here is Indi and her cousin Isabella enjoying the snow during a x-mas 02 visit.
Snow-days are way better than what we are experiencing right now because:
1. You can still go outside in the snow
2. After going outside you come in to a warm cup of hot cocoa, feeling refreshed
3. The snow is gorgeous as it lays a blanket over everything
4. You're not cursing you husband for getting rid of the AC during your house remodel
(JK), seriously it could be worse for us right now & I am thankful that it is not.
--
Hey family & friends! Thank you for all the love & concern. Wanted to let you know that North Park (our home) is still only affected by smoky air and we remain many, many miles away from actual flames. I will post any changes here so if you're wondering about us...just check back in. xoxox

Gardens at the Coop

2007-10-22T15:56:00.001-07:00

It was a garden bonanza that took place on Saturday...more on the SDCCS Garden blog. Shawn arrived at 7:30am and worked until 2:30ish mostly working with Alan (then Pepe) to build raised beds. I got there at 9:30am and there was already 15+ people hard at work.
I just have to say I am in awe of what 30 or so people can accomplish with a bit of organization (Annie & Amy) and know-how (the landscape architects, the various carpenters, etc.) that came together to give SDCCS some colors both flowery and structurally.

Stuck at home

2007-10-22T13:45:00.000-07:00

Cuz we are stuck within the confines of our house due to the fires it is free-range time on all media, including me and the PC. I have been meaning to post my most recent or ongoing movie favorites to give you all ideas for your Netflix (or other) movie queues. If you haven't already, check out:

The Fountain, this on is out there in terms of continuity, but it really does come together in the end and Hugh Jackman and Rachel Weisz are very believably in love...yes a love story.
Fay Grim, Parker Posey is awesome in this & we discovered it is actually a sequel to a older film called Henry Fool...this too is quirky, but a movie for both he and she.
Nacho Libre, not intellectual (at all), but totally hysterical...we let Indi watch it too and she loves it. Another Jack Black goodie...
Equilibrium, very much a Sci-fi film, but even I found this enjoyable....of course I am a huge Matrix fan...& Christian Bale is always worth watching.
Broken English, another Parker Posey film. But it's really the director's style that makes this one.

I could go on, but I'll just add that I'm dying to see the sequel to Elizabeth...which is Elizabeth, the Golden Age. I love Cate Blanchett and she was brilliant in the first...I can only imagine the second will be just as good if not better.

Let me know if there are any films out there that I can add to my queue!!

SD Fires: for us so far...not so bad

2007-10-22T08:25:00.000-07:00

As I finished cleaning out all the beds and sweeping up the last of the fallen leaves yesterday evening on our front patio, I began to smell "a smoky wind"....I knew from the Cedar Fires a few years back that I had just cleaned the patio in time for ash to fall all over it. If you look close you can see the flecks of ash already...as of 8:30 this morning on this patio tile...

Normally, those Santa Anna winds are a nice warming trend to the weather, but when it comes to fire I am wishing them away...especially for those families evacuated.

To let all the folks outside SD know that although the fires are burnin' in several parts of our County, our little neighborhood of North Park is only affected by poor air quality at this point. Fingers crossed that this is as bad as it gets for us until those fires are under control. Click this link from KPBS (compliments of the arredonald blog) to get more info about the fires burning around SoCal.

Grandma & Grandpa, Aunts, Uncles, etc...please pledge!

2007-10-21T19:01:00.000-07:00

On Novemeber 15, 2007, Indika will be running her little (but now long) legs for as long as she can to earn money for her classroom and school funds. It is to be the second annual Jog-a-thon at SDCCS. PLEDGE NOW!

This is last year (06) and fyi she ran 36 laps.
---
You can pledge per lap (up to 40) or one lump sum of any amount. And I hate to pre-commit anybody, but grandpa Allan, grandma Lile & Joan, you will be here during collection week (Thanksgiving) so you may as well tell us now how much you want to pledge. Shawn and I are each going to give $.50 per lap...just drop a line, make a comment or give us call Uncle Dave, Tony, Jim, Chris, Steve, Aunt Kathy, Alicia, Jackie, Marcia, etc., etc. and we'll add you to the pledge sheet!

----
Just a cute pic...this is Indi, age six playing in MI's metro beach where I played at that age...
Help support my school, pleeeeeeeeease!!

Birthday Blogs

2007-10-11T20:02:00.000-07:00

Happy bday to my sister, Jackie! She is hiding behind her husband, Nick cuz she is prego with her third baby, Joe. (This is the most recent photo I have with your face in the picture, Jackie). Joe is now almost three...I think I need some more pics, people.
For several months now I've been meaning to blog happy birthday wishes to my family and of course "post-crastinated" over the last several months. So because I come from a family of nine...in theory, you should see one or more bday wishes every month but May...oddly no May babies in our family.This is Joseph, Isabella and Sophia...three little cuties. I'm sure you all did somethin' extra-sweet for mom on her special day! Here's a bit of fun for ya, Jackie:
The 1966 Libra is considered the Sociable Psychic; The 1966 Libra has a big heart with an address book to match. You have profound insight into human foibles and can see the promise in even the most flawed character. On some deep level, you believe that everything in the Universe is somehow linked, and you seek to understand this connection. This enlightened attitude earns you lots of friends from various walks of life. You're not one to divide the world into saints and sinners; as far as your concerned everyone has value, and you treat people accordingly.
This was the year that the US Dept of the Interior published its first rare and endangered species list, spurring a brand-new conservation movement. You have a strong investment in a complex, varied world and seek to promote peoples individual talents whenever possible. You'd make a wonderful guidance or career counselor. A strong religious bent could draw you towards spiritual work. You're always willing to help in any capacity. Nobody could accuse you of being a prima donna.
You have a tendency to worry, which drains you of valuable energy. Part of the problem is that you are extraordinarily intuitive, and can sense danger before it occurs. Practice relaxation techniques like meditation and controlled breathing as a means to keep anxiety at bay. As you get older your hunches will feel more like a blessing than a burden. It's all a matter of learning to go with the flow.
Kind and considerate, you need friends who are convivial and outgoing. Your greatest challenge is to live in the moment. Too often, you undermine your own happiness by worrying about the future. Your biggest strength is your sympathetic nature. Use it to connect with a wide variety of people. The more people you know, the more convinced you are that the world is a beautiful place.

Excerpt from "Your Birthday Sign through Time".

Garden at SDCCS

2007-10-05T08:17:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to see the beautification of the campus that is now the home for SDCCS. This picture is borrowed from the newest blog discussing just that...Amy & Annie have done so much behind the scene work on this already and NOW (thx to Emil & Annie) there is a blog to record and share it all...it is so damn exciting! I am on the "Garden Committee" for several reasons, but one very selfish one is cuz I want to get inspired and hopefully come away with some new ideas/experience for (what I would like to see become) our backyard oasis here at Villa Terrace. I mean just look at the attention this needs:

This is pre-remodel and deck addition, but you get the idea...

Anyway I am already inspired by the SDCCS Oasis Blog. Check it out! http://sdccs-oasis.blogspot.com/

Ry's Blue Musical Party

2007-09-25T11:14:00.000-07:00

Can't believe he's TWO!
Thank you to everybody for sharing in Ry's big day (and for all the cute gifts)! I think Ry really felt like he ventured into a Blues Clues musi-cal with all his friends. It also worked out to be a beautiful day and that meant we got to try out Shawn's new bbq.

Seeing the Blue pinata get whacked was a bit much for Ry in the end, not to mention slightly scary for the adults trying to keep kids from getting hit, falling off the edge of the deck or as you can see from the picture, (Shawn with chair) trying to keep the bat away from the windows.

We got to see Ry blow out his very first candle...all by himself...he was a total ham all day! The older kids even sang the BC version of happy bday...it goes like this:
Ry, happy Birthday to you
We'll have a great day too-ooh
Everybody play
Cuz its Ry's special day
Happy Birthday!
(Blow out the candle)
I have to write this out for you cuz I forgot to video the whole thing. Wait, you see that Lauren has her camera...alas, she forgot to open the lens cap...check out her Ry bday post...it's hysterical.

You couldn't ask for better group of girls to fawn all over the bday boy...(thx to Indika for some great photos).
And of course the whole Blues Clues experience wouldn't be complete without Blue's house...I Martha Stewart-ed an old box in the garage and voila...

Thanks again everybody!! It was lots o' fun! Check out more photos on Flickr.

ps...happy bday to Chloe, Bidane, Isabel & Don too...it's been an eventful month...glad we shared it with such good friends.

Some Summer of Love

2007-09-07T11:48:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone that journeyed over to the spread some love...it was SO much fun that I forgot to even take photos....bad, since everybody looked so very cool in their sixties/seventies groovy-wear!

I did manage to get it together a bit (like eight pictures with these being the only ones that turned out) when people started to dance...

It was a night of peace and love, baby...and lots of DJ's. The music flipped back and forth between sixties and disco...both inspired different people to move.

Our living room was transformed into the dance floor and hey, I see Eduardo's wig! Check out Larry!

Wait...now Shawn has the hair amidst all those swinging arms and hips. Go, Megan!

For those that couldn't make it and are desperate for a deck photo update....here is the morning after (plus a little clean-up) on the deck...

BTW...sorry for being so out of the bogger loop, but I have several excuses including the above party...and let me just say they were ALL GOOD! Peace out...

Progress in Iraq?

2007-09-07T11:47:00.001-07:00

This video totally captures "state of affairs" in that Shite (I mean White) House with regard to Iraq...among other issues. It's short and a crack up! Compliments of MoveOn.org.

Tahoe 2007

2007-09-06T16:20:00.000-07:00

This is where we spent Labor Day weekend 07...thankfully (for us) it meant that we missed the better part of the San Diego heat wave!

Indika and Ry were SO happy to explore this more than fifty year old cabin on Lake Tahoe. It really is a getaway. We arrived late Friday evening and left Monday morning, but the two full days in between felt like a true vacation. We also got to spend some quality time with Grandma Joan, Uncle Larry and Aunt Jean.

The ducks were also happy to have us...Indi and Ry kept them well fed.

Uncle Larry brought his new boat and we got a few trips out on the lake and Shawn even braved some very choppy water on the water skiis...go dada!

We've been able to enjoy Tahoe now for three out of the last four years...thank you, thank you Grandma for inviting us up every year...can't wait til summer 08!!

New Blog

2007-07-25T14:22:00.000-07:00

Our friends, Mark & Ruth are on a travel extravaganza over the next several months. Check out their Amazing trip around the World updated via their blog. I am SO jealous. Although happily, we just received Ry's passport and our family is now (at least) prepared for an international trip. For now, we'll travel vicariously through Mark & Ruth's posts (also linked to the right as a blog bead).

Deck floor DONE...

2007-07-22T14:50:00.000-07:00

Over the past few weekends, my warrior husband has continued on his quest to ready a deck in our backyard to give us the outdoor living space so necessary when living in a climate like San Diego.
This was four weeks ago...

then as of three weeks ago, the joist and blocking was completed...

then Shawn began laying the deck floor...

As of TODAY (July 22, 2007), Shawn has finished laying all of the planks that make-up our deck floor and OMG...it is frickin' awesome!!

The kids are already enjoying being able to run out the living room doors into much safer terrain! I am so happy not to have to step down three feet to walk out back, but with this BIG beautiful deck, I am now looking forward to some outdoor living!!

You can see more deck photos on Flickr. Thank you, Shawn...you ROCK!!

Potter Craze

2007-07-21T10:50:00.000-07:00

We made it to the Warwick's Harry Potter book release party last night, involving lots of caffeine and sugar for the kids to stay up WAY past bedtimes just to be one of the first to get our hands on the final adventures of Harry Potter.

Our house still has some catchin' up to do before we read number 7, but it was well worth it to experience the frenzy of all those who could not wait to read what would happen next!

Ironically, Indi and & Isabel got their books before their Harry Aficionado friends, Aida & Mac. Happy reading, everyone!!

FIRE!

2007-07-19T05:43:00.000-07:00

Shawn and I woke up this morning to a neighborhood full of barking dogs, including some distant sirens that seemed to be getting closer and closer. It being only 5:15am made all this seem very eerie. Shawn investigated and found that the vacant house next door was on FIRE. To add to the drama, the house had been tented for termites yesterday, so the firemen couldn't get in the house to be sure the fire was completely out until it was cleared by a fumigation expert.

Shawn dared me to get a picture of our community firemen for the blog and so I went out and offered these guys some coffee...they even posed for me.

Finally, it was all basically wrapped up by 10:30am...

Luckily, there didn't seem to be any damage beyond the attic next door and Indi even got fireman's autograph!