evolving,carnival roadtrip...

Sharpies

2006-09-01T22:22:00.000-07:00

I just got a 24 pack of ultra, fine point Sharpie pens in every imaginable color on sale at Target.

-turquoise, caramel, periwinkle, pink and orange being my favorite.

Tampon Confessions

2006-08-24T16:32:00.000-07:00

Today Hamster and I went shopping. School clothes, tampons, and a gum ball machine. I also got a black silk ,knee length jacket with beautiful pink and rose colored flowers embroidered on it. I need a place to wear it-who wants to go out Saturday night to the city?
Check the flickr badge cuz' I've finally downloaded new pictures.

Confessions of the day:

My house is filthy. I haven't really touched it since I've been back and don't intend to until the mood strikes me.

My kid is spoiled. Today a gumball machine. He actually bought it with his allowance money but still....we just got back from yet another vacation at grandmas. Need to explain more?
I let him watch Spy Kids I and II.

I ate In-and-Out burger for lunch.

I laid down for a short nap or as my Dad calls it -Reflecting.

I looked at and thought about buying a $300 purse.

Hamster tested some make-up at Target and I just put it back. Don't buy the stick concealer from Loreal in buff beige.

It's 4:39 and I just made iced coffee.

Family Farm

2006-08-23T18:52:00.000-07:00

I've been back from the Family Farm for almost a week and just now found time to post. Never fear--- I'm getting my very own notebook that can travel with me from now on.

Hamster got sick within a few days of being there. I finally had to take him to the ER at 3 in the morning gasping for breath. Before the doctor even looked at him they gave him a neb treatment. So when the jerk doctor came and listened to his lungs AFTER the treatment he said his lung were clear and the cough sounded like croup. He's 6! Although there are cases of older children getting croup it's mostly in 3 or younger. I also stated this was Hamster's "typical" cough and not croup. After spending 4 minutes with us he gave us a RX for steroids. I didn't go to medical school but I thought there wasn't a medicine for croup. Dumb ass.

The day before we left we tried the twin peaks natural healer. His assistant is my mom's friend so we thought we would give it a try. Dr. Phil-yes that's his name lives in a Morten building in a small town. It's not really a town just a cluster of homes that once was a town. The building was full of dust, herbs, stacks of crap, paperwork and clutter beyond your wildest dreams. It would not have surprised me to see frog brains in jars and smoking test tubes. Out comes Dr. Phil in torn overalls, dirty and a toothy smile. He was jovial and I was trying to keep an open mind. I had my mom there and trusted her instincts. I also have learned enough life lessons not to judge a book by it's cover, judge people on how they look or judge health on mainstream ways.

He sat Hamster down to this electrical machine that had dials, wires and knobs. He proceeded to use this instrument that resembled a wood burner. You know the thing you etch wood with. Anyway, every time he would touch another finger joint the machine made a higher or lower pitched noise. Then to "balance his energy" Hamster held 2 metal cylinders while the machine went through another round of high and low pitched frequency noise. If my mom wasn't there or if his asst. Wasn't so normal looking I would have been long gone. Evidently he "cured" his assistants cancerous lymph nodes.
He handed me some familiar herbs, said his bronchial tubes were inflamed and his gut wasn't digesting protein properly. He also handed me some drops called Swamp Banksia to drop on his limbs and rub in.

My mom and I came home and quitey looked at each other -- I was thinking what was that?
I also thought about how desperate I was to make Hamster better, Badger's ordeal with Moomin in the hospital, and mothers in desperate situations all around the world regarding their children. I thought about how different one acts when one is desperate. I remember our sweet Vanna kitty when I first met her,homeless, hungry, pregnant and very skittish. How different from her true nature now that she is fed and loved and taken care of. The urban grit of the cities homeless isn't so scary to me anymore.

That's enough for now.....more Family Farm stories soon. Goodnight sweet friends.

2006-08-01T19:32:00.000-07:00

Off to the Midwest for 2 1/2 weeks....
Oh sure Marge, you betcha.

2006-07-26T17:15:00.000-07:00

It's the witching hour and I'm so very tired. I'm tired of the heat. I'm tired of housework. I'm tired of taking care of Hamster. I'm tired of the traffic noise. Ugh! Oogie! Ugh! Whenever I get this way I try to turn it around by thinking of all the things I'm grateful for.

1. Last night Carlos and I took BART ( I just love public transportation) to the Mission for dinner and Rita's, then we walked to a friends house. I love walking in the city. It doesn't seem as gritty anymore and as long as I don't see child abuse or needles hanging out of anyone's arm I'm fine.

2. Badger took Hamster overnight. Besides being a great title for a book.....
Sleepovers are magical at this age and Hamster comes home with all kinds of tales.

3. I went to the salon and had my hair done. Nevermind I could have fed a family of 6, I'm grateful to have this luxury.

I can't think of anything else at the moment.

I'm rereading this post and thinking what a lame mom I am for saying --I'm tired of taking care of Hamster. It's just so exhausting to take care of someone else 24/7. But really it's the little things and it's not really the little things it's the relentlessness (is that even a word?)

For the 87th time do not park your scooter in the kitchen doorway.
Have you done the laundry chore?
Turn off the TV.
Brush your teeth.
Take your plate to the kitchen.
It's bath night.
Pick up your legos.
You spell salad S-A-L-A-D
I don't know if a sperm is the same size as a germ. (Followed by a further talk about "breeding", eggs, sperm, chickens, mommies, daddies, mommies and mommies, adoption, foster kids, breeding vs. adoption, how tigers do it and can I demo it----ending the discussion with what we started with and how it always starts-----I want to be a brother!)
Quit terrorizing the cat.
No we can't go to the park.

B gets home Friday.

Goodnight.

Breeding

2006-07-25T09:17:00.000-07:00

3 more days until Biscuit gets home! Which is fantastic since I'm fried. Stick a fork in me I'm done. I would never make it as a single parent and all of you out there who are- WOW! You are amazing!

Yesterday we beat the heat at PJCC with Badger and Moomin. Read about here. Tonight Hamster has a sleepover there and I am just thrilled to have a moment to myself.

I just ordered these shoes. Don't you think they are soooooooooooooo groovy?

Out of the mouth of my babe-

Hamster- Mom I want to be a big brother --Can you and dad breed?

Me- Um...

Hamster- I'll stay in my room and you and dad can breed.

Me- Breeding is what animals do, having sex or making love is what humans do.

Hamster- Can we just call it breeding?

I think he's watched to much Animal Planet.

job

2006-07-14T08:31:00.000-07:00

I've waited to long to post ...

Last week my dear friend of Gasp! 20 years came for a visit. Craig and I met when were 16! A lifetime ago. I dragged him to West Elm in Marin to check on some bedding, had coffee and dessert in North Beach, and he showed me the classic photo spot were you have the golden gate bridge and city behind you. We had so much fun and laughed our butts off.

On Wednesday Brian left for Tokyo. It was a sudden departure. He should be home in a few weeks.

This week some more guests arrived. Carlos, who was one of my bridesmaids, is here for a month. He only stayed one night with me but- he'll be back.
On Monday I went to pick up Seneca and the boys. We have only been friends for 3 years but we are super close. Even in the chaos with the kids we are still finding time to talk and vent and support each other. We are planning a trip to the beach, riding the BART to the city, and some water play in this dreaded heat we are having. I feel like I'm back in Austin.

The biggest news is : I GOT A JOB!!!!!!!!!
After 7 years of being a stay-at-home-mom I'm going back out...
It's a beautiful fit for me, our family and my career. It's at a place called Massage Envy.
I get to pick my own schedule, how long my shift is, breaks in between massages, and what days I work. It's also across the street from Biscuit's work and down the road from my gym. Finally I see long stretches of the day devoted only to me and my life. I'm so looking forward to this. It's been hard to navigate the waters of moving across the country, fighting depression, saving my marriage, raising Hamster and standing up for myself.

WHAT'S FOR DINNER MELMA?

fish tacos

Taking the 5 to friends and family

2006-07-06T09:00:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile.....

Hamster and I had a great time in LA. The drive down was uneventful, the 5 is fast but oh so boring. Hamster made a new friend from England, we went to the zoo, swam and to the park. The boys got along great. It was hot, so hot that it reminded me of summers in Austin. When I got back home to a cool 72 degrees I danced! I love this climate it almost makes up for the outrageous house prices...almost. Liz, of course, was most helpful fielding braniac questions and the endless listening that a 6 year old requires. Hamster learned to tie his shoes while we were there! So she sat through that several times.

After 3 days at Liz's with no Argonauts Ham and I went to the neighborhood Best Western. All was well until my car decided to engage the alarm system. Tis happened once before in the Grand Canyon were Biscuit McGuyvered a battery. This time the mechanic across the street disarmed the alarm system becasue his cousin used to steal cars. Nice. I didn't ask any questions and gave him 20 bucks and hug. I think I really freaked him out with the hug.

Friday morning we were off to Lin's for lunch. I was bit anxious because of the car thing and only meeting her once at Wolfcamp. All of which vanished after settling into her serene home. We had a wonderful lunch , a refreshing swim in the pool and great conversations. Her hubby was so sweet to Hamster. I was trying to avoid traffic so we left way to soon. I could have spent hours chatting.

Late that afternoon we arrived at my aunt's house. Our last stop before home. We had a great time and lazed by the pool all day Saturday. It was so relaxing. She is so sweet. I saw into my future....she has a teenage son. He had a whole gaggle of friends hanging out, eating junk food and swimming. In and out all day and night long. Crazy. I think it's comforting for her to know where he is and she's the "cool" mom for giving the wayward teens a place to hang. But dang it's chaotic.

We took the 5 again and arrived home Sunday afternoon to a much refreshed Biscuit. He had an entire week of the house to himself and it does the body(soul) good.

2006-06-25T17:30:00.000-07:00

I've been busy being simple and laid back. This week was so much fun.

Tuesday: walked to neighbors for an impromptu tea
Wed: I turned 37! Took Hamster to a park with huge water bubblers to play in. Later that night Biscuit and I went out for dinner then watched the sunset over the bay and city.
Thursday: impromptu slip and slide with the neighbors-lunch snacks and lots of laughter
Friday: Another slip-n-slide sesh, all the kids are getting really good
Saturday: errands on my own , a nap! and packing. Ham & Biscuit went flying with our neighbor and his daughter. How cool is that? They took pictures of our house from above--coming soon to a flickr near you
Sunday: more packing and preparing for LA- Hamster and I are going to be stars!

WHAT'S FOR DINNER MELMA?

BLT and corn-on-the-cob

1st Monday of SUMMER VACATION

2006-06-19T17:01:00.000-07:00

My car went to the repair shop so Hamster and I stayed home. We sorted toys and renegotiated space-an act of moving crap from one area or plastic bin to another area or a plastic bin of a different size.

We are decompressing, getting ready for summer. Next Monday Hamster and I head out for our 1st roadtrip in CA! Wahoo! We are going to LA to visit friends and family.

I plopped the wee one in front of the telly way to much today. Mommy guilt.

wait....I spent 3 hours sorting toys, prepared 1 lunch and 2 snacks, and entered the craft zone to make birthday cards.

What's for dinner Melma?

Tacos

2006-06-15T17:42:00.000-07:00

The latest

Hamster turned 6! Yowza! The night before his birthday he finally decided to forgo training wheels on his bike. So symbolic- you're holding on tightly for so long then you hear

Let go mom, let go! and they are off....... down the block. It still brings tears to my eyes.

We had a simple Wild Animal Party because he still loves cheetahs. It was at our house and a handful of new friends came. Of course there had to be a learning curve about the environment so we played rescue the endangered animals and get them back to the nature preserve.
(small plastic animals held in a large spoon racing through balloons)

Only 1 more day of Kindergarten left.......

Bridesmaid

2006-06-07T09:43:00.000-07:00

Hey remember my male bridesmaid, Carlos? Well he is making news in corn country. He met and fell in love at my wedding, I love when that happens...anyway he moved to Iowa to live with my friend from college and is settling quite nicely in Des Moines. Please take a moment to read a newspaper article about his quest to bring compassion, education and gay pride to my home state. Yeah Carlos!! I love ya!

http://www.dmjuice.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060607/JUICE03/606070312/1115/JUICEARCHIVENEW

if I seem scattered

2006-06-05T06:36:00.000-07:00

Well folks......I've been feeling off when I wanna be on. I've been up since 5:30 AM!

Hamster's school had there big fundraising faire on Sunday which I volunteered for. Next year I'm the "chairperson" for the craft booth. It was fun and I enjoyed the atmosphere, after all I have carnie blood, but it was a long hot day. My new friend, who is my mom's age,is going to help me next year and we have some great ideas for future crafts!

The last 2 weekends before that we camped. Last weekend we went up by Eureka and camped out on our friends organic, apple tree farm. It was amazing! It is tucked into a brilliant canyon which has a year around creek in it, 2 orchards with wild flowers and 13 other acres to roam your little heart out. Pictures will be on Flickr soon.

This week is crazy:

Tues night I'm giving H's teacher a massage in exchange for babysitting. The 1st sitter I called which was a referral from a friend wanted $17 hour! GASP! I was grateful for the referral but there is no way we can afford to pay for a sitter at that price, go out to dinner and or a movie. Geesh!

Because of the above the guys will be responsible for making the cupcakes to take to school on Wednesday. Hamster turns 6!!!!!!!!!

PTA meeting, therapy appt and planning a 6th birthday party is added to this craziness this week.

Mix this with some heavy emotional gigs----Hamster told me last night that he needed a baby brother or sister to play with because kids would make fun of him is he played with his mom.
I felt his baby teeth to see if any were loose.
He put on another long sleeve shirt he had grown out of with his forearms sticking out.
He read the nighttime books to me not the other way around.
boo hoo- he's growing up to fast!!!!!!

The guys are up and so my job is calling.....

Gemini Sister

2006-06-02T15:26:00.000-07:00

One of my oldest and dearest friends had a birthday yesterday! Here are some of the reasons I'm glad she was born:

She is one of the best road trippers around
She can make a meal out of anything esp. beans, cheese and chips
she is a great mother
she is really funny
she notices the small things in life and appreciates them
she is a fashion diva and always wears the perfect outfit
she speaks out for dogs and is a foster parent to labs
she is laid back
she's a hipster
she is one of my very best friends and I love her-- happy birthday sweet friend!

today

2006-05-24T15:51:00.000-07:00

wonderful Target experience -- wish my homies were with me
Indian lunch buffet with hubby
animal planet TV viewing with Hamster
laundry, dishes and relentless picking up

Later we are off to Hamster's Spring Concert- 1st one ever! He's so excited because he gets to be "on stage and mom you & dad will be in the audience!" I remember how thrilling it was for me. One year when were practicing , I was about 8 or 9, Charles passed out. He was a bigger kid that was on the top tier and he got too hot because he was near the stage lights. There was a fury of changing the plans so it wouldn't happen the night of the show.

Camping

2006-05-22T20:56:00.000-07:00

Cali's largest state park
rain
frantically setting up tent
& campsite
bedding
snuggyness
oh the view
I forgot: condiments, snacks and a few other items
raccoon rasslin'- where one attempts to scare off creature with loud noise
or banging of whatever is handy
Hamster performed his first raccoon rasslin'
really funny when immediately following your raccoon rasslin' you hear the next campsite down raccoon rasslin'

long hike in open fields mixed with lush trees by creek valley
observing gophers grabbing grass for their nest then precisely covering their hole with loose dirt

long family nap in the heat of the day
ZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

great fire
then
rain
falling asleep to rain
peeing in the rain
waking to rain
all of the family snuggy in the tent
raining
drifting in and out of sleep

packing up in pajamas

home to a shower

How was your weekend?

Caulder's Cruz

2006-05-15T07:40:00.000-07:00

Well, hello there. Guru Soul Sister has been in town and I haven't made the time to blog. Now it's Monday and things are getting back to normal. Whenever someone visits I seem to go on vacation too.

Friday we took the BART into the city to visit the Museum of Modern Art. It was amazing!!!! What a cultural day. I LOVE doing stuff like that. Caulder's work is on display right now. Some of you might be thinking who is that.....but you do know him you just don't realize it. He did that modern mobile thing with weird teardrop shapes.

Saturday Soul Sister wanted a trip to Santa Cruz. We left mid-morning and didn't return until 11pm!!!!! Santa Cruz is hippie and surfer central. Two of my favorites things.

We shopped:
1 pair of Smartwool adrenaline socks
1 pair of Frida Kahlo socks for mom
1 pair of exiquisite peek-a-boo toe shoes in cherry red that I put back. Sigh. They were after all $200 which might be fine for everyday practical shoes,but not for going out once a month shoes
A new bag!!!!!! Chocolate brown and light purple, outdoorsy, practical and oh so camper hip!

We drove to Capitola for dinner at a Mexican seafood (also 2 of my favorite things) joint called
Margaritaville. Really groovy mermaid motif and several girls gussied up for prom.

For Mothers Day's we went swimming at PJCC then back home for some Mediterranean food.

What's for dinner Melma?

Turkey patty- ground turkey, zucchini, carrots, red onion cut up really small and saute' in olive oil all mixed with Heinz 57 sauce

corn on the cob

Later Friends....

What's for dinner Melma?

2006-05-11T19:51:00.000-07:00

Guru Soul Sister is here and cooking a mish mash. Which means a little bit of whatever needs to be used.

Roasted Red Peppers

Steamed Brocolini

Cottage Cheese

Grape Tomatoes

Sparkling Water

Gender role cat cooking stir fry.

2006-05-07T21:10:00.000-07:00

This morning the family went to see Lifabulous' new cat at the Meet & Greet Brunch for Monarch. Pictures will be up soon.

Hamster and I went to see Hoot a little movie about how some kids saved the owls from the nasty big wigs at a corporation!!!! Yeah the kids did it !!!! Saving mother earth! !!!!
BUT.....the mean kid who beat the main character up was abundant and dumb.

I don't know how I feel about that.

I started thinking about other kid movies and books that portray the "bad kid" as "fat and dumb" I've lived several years thinking I wasn't smart BECAUSE I was large. Mmmmm I think I just figured out where I got that from.

At sunset we rode bikes up to the neighborhood park. Bisc just got a new one- ooh la la.
We finally all have bikes.
It might just be the next sport for our quest to get fit!

There was some sporto dad with his 2-ish daughter clutching princess' at the top of the jungle rope while Hamster and I kicked around a football he had found. Of course I adore my child, and I would never change a thing but both of us looked at each other second.

What if?

I then tried to be the slick sporto mom teaching Hamster to put is fingers on the white lace part to get a better grip. Or to keep his eye on the ball while he dropped it to kick. His foot would know where to go.

What's for dinner Melma?

broccoli, carrot, chick pea stir fry. With some pot stickers thrown in almost to late.

The last of the white rice.

Sesame Ginger Soy, Thai Peanut, or hot chili------- sauce choice.

Milk, Pelligrino, hot tea Guess who had what??? ha ha

I chased all of this with an iced ginger & honey tea to aid digestion. yummy.

What's for dinner Melma?

2006-05-05T16:58:00.000-07:00

Fish Sticks from Costco which are more like 2x2. They are surprisingly tasty and more like fish fingers from the old country- per Biscuit
Frozen Roasted Vegtables from Trader Joes
Organic Salad Mix from Costco

I wish I could say I was a gourmet cook every night but I'm not. Tonight I'm doing what's easy. It's one of those kind of days.

Let me just say- I LOVE THE WEATHER HERE!!!!!!!!! In Texas the days would be getting hotter and hotter with less and less relief at night. But not here, it stays perfect. Actually today was a bit overcast until now which is fine with me. A cool breeze is blowing and I'm just happy- so happy with the weather!!!!

TGIF to ya'll

Cleaning

2006-05-03T17:00:00.000-07:00

Mom, Nurse J, Martha , and a few tips in Real Simple are my cleaning Gurus. They have taught me the short cuts, preferred cleaning supplies, and helpful hints I have used over the last several years. I have fine tuned their ideas, out of necessity, after having Hamster to keep from going mad. It takes an incredible amount of organization to keep the house and our lives running smoothly and spiritual.

I have been on a cleaning frenzy lately. Today I cleaned our bedroom and bathroom. I absolutely love the feeling of a clean room, especially the bed and bath. It makes me want to have a bath using yummy smelling bubbles , climb into fresh sheets and grab a good book. What a lovely thought. Mmmmm......

I'm also settling in more as I clean. I put up a hippie scarf on the closet window , our beloved babysitter gave me several years ago. It feels more and more like home these days. I also cleaned out back and set up Hamster's tent. It's a really small backyard but we made the best of it. We also have the camp chairs set up.

What's for dinner Melma?

Chicken Cutlets

Mixed Green Salad

Steamed Asparagus from my neighbor

and the seasons go 'round and 'round...

2006-04-30T19:59:00.000-07:00

We are experiencing a change in season. It's sunny,bright and warm here while the coast and city are shrouded in fog. I have a sense of renewal or rebirth in the area since I'm seeing it in a whole new light. It's not miserably hot, the shade offers comfort and the nights are still cool. I am SO getting used to this.

This week seemed busy. Thursday was take your kid to work day, Hamster came back with a backpack full of nifty gifts, my favortite being the scented erasers. Bisc's friend was in town so we went out for Indian food which I 'm really starting to like. Friday B had to work so I took "the friend" out to the proverbial Half Moon Bay. I always take guests out there. It's scenic and short , you get to see the ocean and there is decent grub. Friday the lads went for a pub crawl while I stayed with the wee one. Then Saturday the lads were off to the city for some big time adventure. Meanwhile , I stayed at the homestead because Hamster had a sleep-over guest.

I'm writing goofy, I'm tired.....

What's for dinner Melma?

Guru Soul Sister's Spinach Orzo Salad
-fresh/organic big leaf spinach
-orzo
-toasted pine nuts
-capers
-tomatoes
-kalamatta olives (sp?)
-fresh mozzarella
-Parmesan cheese
-olive oil
-balsamic vinegar

bread-crusty chibatta (sp?)

cantaloupe

water/milk/tea--Guess who had what???/ tee hee

2006-04-25T20:32:00.000-07:00

Some random thoughts because I feel the need to post. I received a wonderfully supportive email from my aunt in corn country and spoke to a few friends over the weekend that they really did read this. I feel so loved! Speaking of love, I went to the most wonderful wedding over the weekend. It was at Aslimor which is between Monterey and Carmel. Another beautiful CA destination just a few hours from here. Biscuit and Hamster were unable to attend so I got an indulgent night by myself. I had a really nice time seeing the love birds and catching up with my dear friend KK. Then Sunday morning I went down to the beach and spent an hour and half walking, sitting, and reflecting on my life. Being-- it does the body good.

Can I just tell you how much I love my kid? He is so dang cute right now. He has started reading, bedtime is no longer me reading scientific fact books about which clouds are which , but him stumbling along reading The Giving Tree. He also started using adult slang which sounds something like this:

"That was a really good book, I say" Where did he get that? I say???? funny
"Mom, does this shirt look cool?"
"Well.....that's not right, but you did your best mom" After I handed him a Transformer I couldn't transform

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my dear friend Melma. It's her special day!!! I'm so glad she was born.
1. She's a great listener
2. I used to show up at her house in pj's and hang out for hours.
3. She is no nonsense and tells you like it is.
4. She taught me not to sweat the small stuff
5. She's funny.
6. And beautiful-inside and out
7. Has 2 great kids.
8. Loves me and my quirkyness.
9. Like when I ask what's for dinner, where did she get the recipe , where did she shop, what plates is she using, does the whole family like it???? etc... etc... I actually ask everyone this in hopes of getting new ideas.

So in honor of her I going to start MELMA'S DINNER. I'll do a little ditty about what I had for dinner at the end of each blog. So now I ask you- What's for dinner?

Melma's Dinner:

Brushetta, my version: Tomatoes with the gross seeds and juice washed out, fresh basil, garlic-sometimes roasted but not tonight , salt and pepper. Mixed up and put on sliced baguette with a hunk of fresh mozzarella on top. Broil to bubbly hot.

Asparagus, from my neighbor: tonight I flash fried it then steamed it the last few moments. Not as healthy as steaming but oh so good.

Pink Lady apple slices

1% milk

Pimp-a-rific

2006-04-18T20:31:00.000-07:00

OOh my blog has bright shiny new gizmos. I'm so excited. Badger came to the rescue and helped with some link love. I wrote code for the first time, it's only html but still--how exciting. Now ya'll can click on some of my blog friends and see just how nifty this can be. Moomin and Hamster had a great playdate once again. They are so well suited for each other, which brings joy to my heart after leaving some great friends in Austin. Both have wild imagination and great manners which makes for a good playdate.

You are my sunshine

2006-04-13T15:34:00.000-07:00

Yeah, the sun is out! Hamster and I played at the park for 3 hours! He climbed trees, made a "river" in the sand box and played lightsabres with several kids. He is now in the bath and we are having a friend over for a craft playdate. More Easter crafts to hang around. My neighbor told me that of the last 46 days 41 have been cloudy and rainy. So today we celebrate the sun. I was begining to doubt the Bay Area's claim to fame for having a great climate. WAHOO!!!! Honk if you love the sun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Playing School

2006-04-12T18:43:00.000-07:00

For the last two days Hamster and I have been playing school. This was one of my favorite childhood games. I would spend hours setting up a schedule, creating "work" to do and teaching the lesson. It was enhanced by 2 very special items 1. old worksheets in that purple color(remember that?) from my beloved grandmother who was a teacher 2. A teachers lesson plan notebook that I bought at an office supply store (which I still have in my memeory box). I've tried doing lots of writing, because I feel Hamster needs improving in that area. Alas, just like his dad he wants to do math. We counted by 2's glueing popcorn kernals on paper.

I also menu planned for the holiday weekend, shopped at Costco and Safeway-ugh! I hate shopping. Now I'm cooking chili and corn bread, while listening to KGSR from Austin. Hamster helped with the corn bread and Lifabulous is coming over to eat and pick up the tax CD. Have you done your taxes?

Fancy Feet

2006-04-11T16:00:00.000-07:00

April 018
Originally uploaded by bluepeacestudio.

This weekend was lovely. Friday night Hamster had a sleepover and I had the house to myself. I'm still in a funk so Saturday I read all day in bed. This book was fantastic. It's about Ruth Harkness the first person to bring a panda to the US in the 1930's. She was a socialite but then would go on these adventures to China. Living in the wild hunting pandas. I guess I can relate to her duality of living her life because one minute I want to shop for new shoes and the next I want to camp in a hut on the beach.

Saturday night I drove to Oakland to stay with Lifabulous and go see Mandonna. The all boy tribute band to Madonna. Really great/silly/creative show. It's wasn't to crowded and I found a drink I could cope with. I have a lot of vices but alcohol isn't one of them. I never get gussied up and I love my feet. It's one part of my body I REALLY like. Even tho' I was driving Lifabulous nuts with all the pictures I think this one turned out great.
Sunday was a great loungy day. Out to breakfest, shoe shopping and then back to read, hang out and watch mindless TV. Ahhh back home at 9:30 pm

Hamster at the cottage

2006-04-04T21:32:00.000-07:00

Hamster at the cottage
Originally uploaded by bluepeacestudio.

This weekend we went to Mar Vista cottages. Biscuit's mentor parents were here and we wanted to take them someplace special. I highly recommend this place for a romantic get away or a family adventure. The cottages were built in the 1930's. The 9 acres the 12 cottages sit on have a pond, chickens, two goats, bunnies and an organic garden you can forage in. Rena the owner and caretaker is sweet as pie and was very patient with Hamster. She introduced Hamster to Luis, the grounds keeper, who let him gather eggs, feed the goats and play with the bunnies!!!
The hubby and I got into a huge fight and father-in-law was not feeling all that well it was still very magical for me and Hamster.

Love Fest 1999

2006-03-27T11:11:00.000-08:00

Love Fest 1999
Originally uploaded by bluepeacestudio.

7 years today!!!!! Some of my favorite memories

11 family/friends staying at our house pre wedding. We had to have a schedule for showers posted to the bathroom door. Some of which overlapped and we all made jokes like "I can't go pick up so and so from the airport because I need to shower in 20 minutes"

Mum (Biscuits mom) hand washing her knickers (underwear) and hanging them out to dry on the bush by the front door.

We also had a schedule for cooking dinner and we scheduled his sister to cook on the day she was arriving from Scotland.

There was a bullatin board with all numbers and info on it. Sometimes someone would ask and there would be 1/2 dozen people yelling "Check the board!"

My mom and I planted Jasmine in our front flower bed which continued to grow along with are marriage.

My step mom collected, dried and made the pot-porrri things you throw at the bride and groom!

My uncle who is my god parent, mentor and beloved friend got his "right to marry" over the internet for $5.

There was a 90% chance of rain for the day and it held off until the very end when we ran for the limo.

Everyone dancing kalligh (sp?)which is Scottish country dancing and laughing because none of us knew what we were doing even after the dance lessons.

B and I walking through the sculpture garden by ourselves right after the ceromony to appreciate the moment, then walking back to all our friends and family talking and having a good time...

I statements

2006-03-23T08:35:00.000-08:00

I've been in a funk. The honeymoon is over with this move. My marriage has been at a low point. I've had a family crisis. I'm a food addict. I'm worried about Hamish and his school. I hate my kitchen in this rental. I miss Austin. I miss my friends. I want a job, but am scared. So... there you have it. The venting, the purge. I worry to much about being witty and smart on this blog when I really just need to write. Fuck it.How do you deal with disappointment? By forgivness and gratefullness. I am grateful to have this adventure. Some people never move or experience living in another state. I am grateful that we did it, are doing it. I do love the area and the experiences I get to have for myself or with my family. We did it and are not finacially ruined. We sold our house in Austin and now are on our way to financial security. We are debt free!!!! Yeah!!!! We owe nothing to nobody!!!! We even own our cars!!!! We even have a CD. This is really big. I came from simple beginings and I was a classic american thinking debt was a way of life. Suze Orman would be proud. Heck I'm proud.I'm grateful to have faith in my husband and our commitment to each other and Hamster. On March 27th we celebrate 7 years!!!! We will make it!! It's a dip in the roller coaster but we will turn it around to head to the top again. I am grateful that my mom and dad are strong ,supportive parents. Finally!!!! We, as a family are close, even though it doesn't always feel that way. And we will make it through this last crisis dealing with my brother. I am so proud of my parents rallying together for support and working as a team even though they have been divorced for almost 25 years! I wish my dear,sweet brother rocovery and success! I'm trying to be grateful for resources for my addictions. I'm still pissed I have to wear my addiction every day. I tried to see a new therapist, she sucked. So, I'll keep trying. My insurance won't pay for the intensive obesity treatment. This reeally pisses me off since they will pay for lab test, medications and care for obesity related problems. God forbid we try to be proactive in our wonderfull medical carein this country. I'm grateful that Hamish is only in kindergarten, not Harvard, and he only has a few more months. I miss the snugginess of Primavera Montessori with the wonderful teachers, incrediable parent involvment and the organic garden to forage snacks from. He is smart and will survive. I'm grateful that I have a kitchen. Better yet, I'm grateful to walk out of the kitchen into the dining room which has my new dining table and chairs. We were in a bijoux bungelow in Austin with no room for a big table. Statistics show kidds do better in school, stay off of drugs and lead happy healthy lives when they sit down at the table for dinner. Oh the joy!!! It's not the expensive Tuscan one I wanted from a cute shop in Hayes Valley. But I'm on a learning curve of spiritual enlightenment and it doesn't matter what the table looks like as long as I have my family gathered around it. How many of ya'll can recall times when your extended family was gathered around the table, drinking coffee, laughing at family stories and watching others pick at the left overs? At the time, I knew it was special but never imagined it ever ending. Hamster just woke up...on to mommy duties. More later.

Shark in shark underwear

2006-03-22T17:09:00.000-08:00

Shark in shark underwear
Originally uploaded by bluepeacestudio.

rainy day fun

2006-03-04T19:17:00.000-08:00

Today I:

Got out of bed at --oofta 5:30 AM! to shop the farmers market in SF.
Bountiful
Beautiful
Purple cabbage
Artichokes
Pomelleos (sp?)
Asparagus (which I have convinced Hamster to eat by pretending they are trees and cutting down, later realizing this does not support my enviromental passion of saving the forest. So changed it to>>It makes your pee a fun color)
Honey candles for a gift
Curry dip
Spinach bread
Butter Lettace
Romaine lettace
Cilantro pesto paste
Iris'
Gerber daisy
Pussy willows 8 feet tall a sassy for Hamster
Pastry and organic coffee

Home to Hamster
veggin' with the TV and book
To the park to play basketball
Back home to sleep, nah -made puppets, put on puppet show for the cats
Attached mop heads to Hamsters feet to dust the floor! Clever mommy.
Now I'm passing the time before I pick up my little brother at the airport in San Jose ( why the fuck doesn't Southwest fly into SFO!)

All this, after a week from hell. I was reminded that I really did marry Archie Bunker in 1872 from the old country. Oh how I would love to sic (sp?) (my spell check comes up with a pop up blocker )(So I will continue to misspell and put annoying(sp?) shit in quotes) all the femminists I have recently met on him. GRrrrr.

Disclaimer

2006-03-03T12:36:00.000-08:00

Let it be known in Blogville that I, Super T ,am a human being and will make mistakes. Spelling, grammar, and inappropriate ramblings. Please be kind while sharing your discontent. So much of my life I share my thoughts, then with education see the error of my ways. Be nice. It takes me a long time to realize my thoughts might hurt someones feelings and I'm more than willing to listen . I have trouble expressing myself in words and it might come out as rude or thoughtless. Be kind. I want to be free in Blogville, especially my own. My blogs big reveal to my family and friends is coming up. So, that said , I go to document my life adventures as I experience them. Let me rejoice and learn in the process.

Great Book

2006-03-02T14:46:00.000-08:00

Perfect Madness -Motherhood in the age of anxiety. A great read if you too are a neurotic,overwhelmed,confused mother.

Finding God

2006-02-28T20:30:00.000-08:00

Hamster at the tidepools.

A private poop...

2006-02-24T10:09:00.000-08:00

Awoke from fitful sleep at 5:30am because Hamster is in our bed AGAIN. I followed Brazelton's advice when he was a wee man hoping to skip the family bed. Nothing is wrong with having a family bed, it just wasn't right for our family. We made it almost 6 years and now we have it.

Had coffee- must get more 1/2 and 1/2.

Biscuit asked if I would wash his coat for Tahoe- boy I wish I could hand someone my things to do,if even for a day and when I got home it was all done with dinner planned, shopped for, cooked and clever conversations and intelligent questions about my life at work.

1 hour discussion on the phone with mom- Mom! my rock, my lighthouse on foggy days, my mentor, my cheerleader. She says I give to much, think to much about really basic stuff. I put to much pressure on myself to be a good mom. So many other mamas just do it and I ponder, agaonize about how I'm presenting the chore/task/idea to Hamster and if it's the "right" way, will it make him a good person, will he need therapy etc.
Our discussion then lead to me whining about making dinner, calling the family to the dinner table only to be sitting there alone, waiting for them to get there asses there. She said and I agree with her, that I should just go ahead and eat. But my mind wanders to 1. A family that eats together is better off. The kids do better in school. They don't do drugs
2.It's one of the few times we are all together.
3. I worked hard to make this family snugginess, it's important to me.
So where does that leave me- sitting at the fricken' table myself not accomplishing the goal.

A HUGE, HUGE issue for women, moms or primary caregivers. If I had the energy,time I would put tags in here about that post on Badgers, about a friend that suggested reading on just this sort of thing. I promise I will get to that soon. It makes for a much more interesting read.

Aunt Flo has just come to town and I'm cranky, and vulnrable, and raw, and tired and all I really want to do is poop alone. Yes, poop alone. It finally occured to me today to tell Hamster to leave the area. Why did it take me 5 1/2 years to figure that one out. I'm entitled to a private poop.

In the forest

2006-02-23T15:06:00.001-08:00

Today Hamster and I went for a hike in the forest and built a bug house. It consisted of gathered moss for the floor, sticks, leaves, 1 flower, and a nut shell for a bug bed. I wish I had the pictures but I'm still navigating flickr. I've been hesitant to write with out the tags.

Tags, tagging... are there other games you can play on blogs. Dodge ball, Red Rover oh I see an entire blog on this alone.

I'm back on the job search. Dang! it's hard after 6 years, being new to the career and the area. I hate this. I just want a job. It takes forever to research places and make sure there legit, change the cover letter to reflect the job and get them attached or printed out. I have the computer part almost down it's the constant interuptions from Hamster. He's out of school this week. I would like to see my husband do his job with constant interuptions and distractions.

We are off to Tahoe for the weekend. I've never been. It will be so much fun to play in the snow. Hamster added snowman stuff to the list hat, carrot, button eyes, and "those black things for his tummy"

Tonight I want to check my fellow Woolfcampers (there should be a tag here) and see
how their blogs have evolved since camp. For now I am off to pack, organize and try to de-plunk Hamish from the TV. He's been there over an hour.

philosphy and theology

2006-02-21T08:14:00.000-08:00

La la la happy little morning at the house.
Getting ready to have an adventure at the tidepools la la la
Biscuit getting ready to bike into work la la la
la la la Super T drinking coffee, poking around the blogs wishing for more time to read posts, figure out tagging la la la

Hamster from the other room "Mom, do you believe in God?"

BAM! Now? I have to answer this question NOW? This is it? Today is the day you wonder? Why?

This is one of those parenthood gigs They don't tell you about. You are happily going on with your life and a question, a moment of learning, a moment of spiritual education, a moment of sharing, that has so many levals is offered up to you. You're suppose to keep it simple and straightforward. I want to share my opinion but leave enough room for him to create his own. Oh geez....

-Put your shoes on Hamster, I will show you in the tidepools.

My horoscope for today

2006-02-20T07:28:00.000-08:00

A sudden interest in the unknown will occupy your mind and satisfy your curiosity.

My 1st blog

2006-02-18T14:50:00.000-08:00

smell my armpit