Blah Blah Blog

World Youth Day Here We Come

2008-07-08T11:43:00.000-07:00

Joseph and I leave tomorrow night for Australia.

http://www.wyd2008.org/

I am so bloody excited I could barely sleep last night (of course, it was 104 during the day and only cooled off to the mid 80s.....so it was HOT too)

Putting all the paperwork ito the binder makes it all so real. The passports are in the backpack, I've almost finished packing.......

Not only are we going to be with a few hundred thousand other 'pilgrims' and see the Pope, but I also get so see some good friends of mine, and meet (hopefully) a couple of other people I only know from online.

Happy Birthday Peanut

2008-05-20T11:05:00.000-07:00

Another birthday of Kaya's that we will miss . I thought it was going to be different this year, but her mother did it again.

When is she going to realize that a child is a child....not a pawn in some sick game :*-(

I hope Kaya has a wonderful birthday, and that she realizes just how much we all love her. I know she does realize that.

I have her gift bagged up and ready, for whenever........

Change in Plans:(

2008-05-18T20:34:00.000-07:00

We didn't get to see Kaya yesterday. Neither did her father :-(

After driving 5 hours to spend the day with her, Friday night Kaya's mother got angry and told J (I just found out he doesn't like his name mentioned....so) that they wouldn't be seeing Kaya for her birthday. I won't say just what I think, because it would be X rated:/ Suffice to say we were (And are) very disappointed to miss yet ANOTHER birthday. I have her birthday gifts wrapped and ready to give her whenever we do get to see her again. Pray it isn't long.

Since he was kept from seeing his child, J decided to go to a Giants game with some friends (he didn't want any family time....) Chris was working, so Joseph and I met up with Heather and Oceanna in Sausolito, and were able to spend a few hours with them, away from this unGODly heat we've been having here. Oceanna has the most adorable smile, and an even more adorable laugh. It was hysterical. I bought her a Curious George board book, and Heather was reading it to her. One line was something like "are you ever naughty?" and she laughed when Heather read it;-) Like she was saying who, me?

Anyway, even though we were very upset at being kept away again.....we did get to spend time with the beautiful Oceanna, and Heather. Heather is good people....real, honest, good.

Family:-)

2008-05-16T21:22:00.001-07:00

Kaya Michelle's birthday is on Tuesday.

The last 3 birthdays I noted with much sadness that we weren't able to be with her....that we didn't even know where she was for most of them, in fact. Those were very, very hard days for me.

This year, I actually got to go shopping for her birthday gift. We are going to get to see her again tomorrow.....that is twice in the last month! My heart is full :*-)

I wanted to get her the Kaya American Girl doll, but silly me didn't even realize they are only available through the catalogue (or at one of the 3 American Girl stores in the USA:/) Since I only found out last Sunday I would be seeing her, there wasn't enough time to order the doll. I am still going to order it, and save it for the next time I see her.

I do have a doll for her though. It is the Baby Annabel doll she wanted so badly for Christmas when she was living with us, 4 years ago. I bought it then, and it has been safe in her room. I will give it to her tomorrow. She may be too old, but I think she will appreciate it still. She is an awesome little girl.

If any of you reading this are praying people, could you ask that we are able to be a part of her life again? She needs all her family....and we need her. We love our Peanut.

Customer Service

2008-05-07T22:15:00.001-07:00

Normally, people post about bad customer service.

Today, it was good. Twice.

First, we had to upgrade our phone. I haven't upgraded in 2 years. (Hey, the phone worked fine up until yesterday! I don't need all the bells and whistles) Anyway, we head over to pick ut a new phone. Normally, I would get $30 off because I am a long term customer. Today they gave me $50 off, plus the car charger, earpiece and holder. I was expecting to pay over $200, and ended up paying a little over $100. W00t!

After that, Joseph and I headed over to the Apple store. His iPod quit working. The iPod we bought last year. The second iPod we have bought in the past 3 years. I was prepared to hear "you need to effect THIS repair, which will be blah blah blah dollars." After the last iPod, when the repair would have been a few dollars LESS than a NEW one, I was wary. Imagine my delight when Mr Trendy (Pete Wentz hair, multiple earrings/tattoos) told us the iPod was under warranty and did we want another one? Um, yeah.

Yep. Today was a good day....new phone and new 80G iPod......total cost, about $150.

It HAS Been That Long!

2008-05-06T08:45:00.000-07:00

I didn't realize it had been so long since I've blogged.

The past few weeks have been busy. Busy and exciting! On April 19, we got to see Kaya again, after the longest 4 years of my life. When Chris told me that Jason and Heather were going to not only visit her but bring her over, I couldn't sleep for the 5 or so days before. That week was insane. Not only were we getting ready for the rally at church, but I was so excited I could hardly stand it.

When Saturday came, I got nervous. Would she remember us? After all, she was only 4 years old the last time her mother took her away. A tiny 4 year old. Now, we would be seeing an 8 (almost 9) year old. I had a knot in the pit of my stomach. When Chris let me know ther were there, I walked out to the car, nervous as anything. I shouldn't have been nervous. She ran over to me, hugged me tight and kept repeating, "I missed you SO much" She was just as happy and loving when she saw her Papa and Uncle Joe again :*-)

Before they arrived, I ran over and picked out matching dresses for Kaya and Oceanna. Matching dresses for the granddaughters. I didn't think I would be able to do that :) I also brought one of her dolls from the house. The last time we all went to Disneyland, I bought her a Jessie doll, and I wanted her to have it. She remembered it too:)

She is amazing. She is a good reader, and loves math. I had to buy her a few books at Borders. Had to;-)

She held my hand for most of the day.....except for when I was holding Oceanna. Oceanna is a beauty, and no I am not biased in the least. *Smile* Kaya had only met her baby sister the week before, but they already have a connection. It warms my heart to see, truly. You can feel family.

At one point, we were all going to Fenton's for ice cream. http://www.fentonscreamery.com/about_history.shtml As were walking there, I mentioned to Heather that when Kaya was with us, she had a scoop of ice cream every night. Heather laughed and asked Kaya if she was spoiled. Kaya looked up at me, smiled and said yes. Heather then reminded us that chidren aren't milk, and can't be spoiled;-)

We had a wonderful day. Absolutely wonderful. I am so thankful....to Jason, to Heather for bring us all together. Having my Peanut back was the best ever. I had so much fun being Nana again, and having my two grandchildren with me:)

Hot Hot Hot

2008-04-12T22:56:00.000-07:00

It was 90 degrees today.

That is too freaking hot for early April. Really it is. It should be 80, tops. 80 degrees is perfect weather, IMO. I am not sweltering, and I can wear short sleeves. My arms are not tank top ready (and most likely will never be) but wearing short sleeves without a coverup is huge for me;-) I am very happy in capris and tee shirts;-)

Joseph and spent about 4 hours at church, gettig read for next week's bigass rally/praise party. Wouldn't THAT be a good poster!? St Mary's Big Ass Praise Party and Rally. If I were in charge, that would be the poster;-)

People are getting stressed because of it. Stressed and crazy. Really, it will be fine. I am just too relaxed about this, compared to the past. Everyone knows what they are supposed to do. Joseph and the other members of he "band" have been practicing 3 days a week for the past month. (Joseph is in charge of music. The music will be awesome....and NOT all Christian rock. He told me that certain people need to realize that secualr music can be just as inspiring as Christian music. (I love my son) Some of the music he has picked out?
Lost And Found Social Distortion
The Sinner Left Alone
Sorrow Bad Religion
What A Wonderful World Joey Ramone
What's Going On Marvin Gaye
One U2 Achtung Baby Rock
Presence Of The Lord Blind Faith
Redemption Song Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros
Amazing Grace Dropkick Murphys
Lean On Me Bill Withers
Let It Be The Beatles
Were You There (When They Crucified My Lord?) Johnny Cash
Imagine John Lennon
I Saw The Light Hank Williams

Just Stuff

2008-04-07T21:51:00.001-07:00

We went down to Pismo Beach the week after Easter. While we were there, we took a day trip down to Solvang (and a trip to Mortensen's bakery...), then over to Lompoc, where we went to Mission La Purisima. I took this picture of Joseph while he was in one of the rooms at the misson. I am quite proud of myself, LOL. I think the picture turned out really well. I told him he needs to use it as an album cover;-)

Joseph had his first solo gig last night. He played at the Java Lounge in Sacramento, and did an acoustic set. He did really good, at least in this Mom's totally unbiased opinion;-) He even played a Beatles's song. He has such good taste:-D

A couple of his friends came up with Chris and me, and another couple friends were there too.

I recorded his performance, but I don't know how to get my video camera's dvd to work on my computer:/ If this thing works, it is from my regular camera. It is just a tiny snippet.

One of his friends recorded the whole thing. She is going to put it up on youtube I think, then I will share the link.

Fun Fun Fun

2008-03-03T16:43:00.000-08:00

I got back last night from a few days in Anaheim. I took a couple of the girls down to Youth Day at the L.A. Religious Ed Congress http://www.recongress.org/ Our youth minister told me last year we wouldn't be going, and the kids were SO disappointed that I took it upon myself to register. Joseph was supposed to go, but his band had a gig on Saturday.

Anyway, the Theresa, Audrey and I had fun. The workshops and rallies were awesome. We saw these guys: http://www.oddwalkministries.com/ Funny! After Youth Day was over, we went to Downtown Disney and had dinner then window shopped.

Friday we went to the Block at Orange to go to Steve & Barry's, then back to the arena and did some shopping, and stopped to talk to Fr Tony http://www.fathertony.com/ We've seen him a few times before and were so excited that Audrey got to see him. He said Mass Friday evening (the jazz Mass. Too cool) Friday after Mass, we met up with Karla, Corinne and Martha from our parish, and they invited us to dinner with them. The girls were tired so they just grabbed dinner at the restaurant next to our motel, and I got to go out with adults;-)

Saturday was Disneyland. It is so much fun to go with GIRLS. We did stuff I could never do with Chris and Joseph.....like wearing tiaras and sashes that say Princess;-) Do you know the reaction you get from people when you wear a tiara and a sash? I think I would wear it more often if I could get away with it, LOL.

This 'n That

2008-02-23T09:59:00.000-08:00

Zicam works. Joseph has a cold, but he is taking Zicam and it is already better. Chris started a cold, took Zicam and he is fine, and Thursday I felt like crap, so I started taking it. No cold! Woo hoo! Everyone I know has some kind of cough or cold, and I SO don't want one.

There is supposed to be humongous storm coming in tonight. Of course, the news makes it sound like the storm of the century, warning about flooding and what to have on hand if the power goes out. Peachy. Joseph and his band have a gig in Sacramento tonight, at the Java Lounge. Chris won't be going up because he still shouldn't be doing a lot of walking. Usually when the boys play the Java Lounge, I walk over to the record or bookstore, but if it is storming, I guess I will be listening to the music, LOL. I'm thinking I should put blankets and water in the car....just in case. I'll bring a book too;-)

I've started getting interested in Bento for Chris's lunch. http://www.bentoyum.com/
I think I will stay away from the Hello Kitty type containers for him though. Somehow, I don't think they would be well received;-) The idea is great though, and healthy.

My Cross

2008-02-13T10:13:00.000-08:00

This morning after Mass, I was taking with Fr. H. He wanted me to help pass out some stuff but I told him I had to go home and take care of my husband. He asked why and I told him about Chris's broken leg. "That is your cross" he said. (with his adorable accent) I had to laugh because I have already told Chris that my penance is taken care of this Lent because of his leg;-)

February 9

2008-02-10T10:39:00.000-08:00

34 years ago, on February 9, 1974, 2 young kids, barely out of high school, drove to Reno one Saturday with his cousin and her best friend. Since neither one was old enough, his uncle had to rent the car they drove up in (a Ford Pinto, nonetheless!)

As they pulled into Reno, the car had a flat tire....right in front of the notary. The wedding license was procured while the tire was being repaired.

Off the group went.....the wedding was set for 3 p.m at St Thomas Aquinas Cathedral in Reno. Unfortunately, the room they had reserved wouldn't be ready until after the wedding! No worries! Being the young intrepid couple they were, the group pulled into a gas statino, where the groom and his best mand changed in the men's room while the bride to be and her maid of honor changed in the ladies room.

Soon, they arrived at the church and were married.

After the wedding ceremony, they headed to the Nugget, where the honeymoon suite was reserved.
The newleyweds retired to their room and the new husband ordered room service..champagne! When the champagne was brought up, the nervous bride hid in the bathroom, afraid they would check identification;-)
...................
So here we are, 34 years, 2 kids, 2 grandkids, more weight, wrinkles, gray hair (mine....though Miss Clairol is my friend) less hair (his) a few apartments and 2 houses later.
My pearl of wisdom: Don't give up! We have had hard times, we have had good times. Sometimes it has been easy, sometimes hard, sometimes darn near impossible, but here we are.

I'm Baaaaaack;-)

2008-02-09T22:16:00.000-08:00

Oceanna Rose

I can't believe I haven't blogged in months. I am bad...so, so bad. I will try and be better. Honest.

Let's see, what has been going on.

Short version:-)

In November, we finally got to meet Heather, Jason's partner. What a joy she is. She is the complete opposite of the crazy woman. We also got to meet the beautiful Oceanna Rose. I didn't want to put her down. What a beautiful baby, and so happy. Life seems to be going so much better for Jason, and I am so glad.

Christmas was nice. We went to Sheri's and got to be with family.

Chris has been working too much just like always. However, he is taking some unscheduled time off this next week. {Back story} A couple of weeks ago, Joseph and I were out of town, and he decided to climb the ladder (with NO ONE HOME) He fell off. He called me and told me he had fallen, but said it was just from the third rung, and he was sore, but ok. He wasn't ok. Last Tuesday he called me from work, telling me that his leg was really bothering him, so he was going in to urgent care. Come to find out, he has been walking around for 2 weeks on a broken tibia:/ The put a full cast on his leg. He will be in the cast until Feb. 19, then they will xray his leg to see how well he is mending. If he is healing well, they will put him in a knee stabilizer for a few more weeks. As it is now, he can't drive, but with the knee stabilizer, he will be able to again. Right now, he is living on the couch;-)

Joseph's band seems to be taking off. They have been playing a few gigs around Sacramento. In fact, they played tonight. Theyfound out a couple of hours before showtime that they were going to play! I guess that is one benefit of Chris's broken leg. If he didn't have one, Joseph wouldn't have been able to play, because we would have been gone for our anniversary. (34 years today!) I can't believe I am old enough to have been married 34 years:/ I'll post the anniversary thing tomorrow maybe;-)

Why was Chris alone when he climbed on the ladder? (dumb ass thing to do)

Joseph and I had the opportunity to go to Philadelphia. We visited the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, and got to meet an online friend of mine and her adorable son, Owen. How lucky we are to be able to do stuff like this! Homeschooing is great;-)

sarcastic? moi?

2007-11-09T23:25:00.000-08:00

You're Totally Sarcastic

You sarcastic? Never! You're as sweet as a baby bunny.
Seriously, though, you have a sharp tongue - and you aren't afraid to use it.
And if people are too wimpy to deal with your attitutde, then too bad. So sad.

How Sarcastic Are You?

the disgusteens

2007-11-04T20:20:00.000-08:00

Some pictures from the gig at Club Retro. The boys have been invited to play another show in a couple of weeks!

Check out the makeup;-) He also had on black nail polish. *sigh*

Proud

2007-11-03T12:16:00.000-07:00

Joseph and his band have a real gig tonight. Not at church, not playing in someone's backyard, but a real gig, at a real club.

It's at Club Retro, in Orangevale.

I will be going, even though he keeps warning me it will be LOUD. I will be a good Mom though, and hide;-) There is a coffeehouse attatched to the club, so I will sit in the coffeehouse with a book, and only go in when the Disgusteens are playing.

This club is an all ages club, with no alcohol/drugs/profanity. I think it is actually an offshoot of a church in the area.

I'm excited for my boy:-)

smoke gets in your eyes

2007-10-25T16:40:00.000-07:00

Weird.

The California fires are hundreds of miles from me here in northern California, but my eyes are burning. The winds have changed, and the smoke is being blown out over the Pacific, up the coast in into the Bay Area. It has been hazy here all day. I'm not complaining...much. I am thankful we don't have the fires here. I am just complaining because my eyes are burning, and I am sneezing.

Whine over;-)

Movie Review

2007-10-19T20:47:00.000-07:00

Joseph and I went to the movies this afternoon to see Across the Universe

http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070913/REVIEWS/709130301/1023

Roger Ebert gave it 5 stars, and I have to agree.
I loved it.

Parts of it brought tears to my eyes. It was beautifully done, IMNSHO. The actors were well cast, and the music was incredible.

Go see it!

Shelly's review: A MUST see, most especially if you are a Beatles fan! Even if you aren't, the movie is fantastic.

8 HOURS?

2007-10-03T21:32:00.000-07:00

I had to take Chris's car in this morning after Mass. The right rear tail light hasn't been working, even though he has replaced the bulb, the socket AND the fuse.

I took it in about 8:30 and they were to diagnose it. (We had an appointment...) I saw 1 car ahead in the garage. They told me they would call me as soon as they did the inspection. I walked down to the coffee shop and had coffee and a (REALLY GOOD) blueberry croissant, then I went to a couple of thrift shops. (SCORE! I found a vintage cream colored beaded sweater for 4 dollars!)

As I sat in the town square at noon, listening to the "entertainment" (read: cheesy singers with karaoke like accompaniment) I thought I would call and ask about the car. Unfortunately, they CLOSED for lunch. So, I waited until a little after 1. The girl then told me they were done with the inspection, and she would call me back with the estimate. She DID call me back....a little after 2. (It only took her an HOUR to call me back) She told me what needed to be done and how much it would cost. Did I want it done? UM, HELLO??? YES. That IS why I brought the freaking car in. TO BE FIXED.

Ok, so it is now 2 pm, and I have had the car there since 8:30. Really, there is NOT a whole lot to see downtown that takes much more than an hour:/
I called Joseph (again) and told him I would be at the library with my book. (at least they have soft chairs)

He rode his bike over and met me. The garage called again a bit after 4 to tell me that there was a wrong socket in the car, so the light will still not work properly until the socket is replaced. Do I want them to ORDER one? No thanks, Chris can get one at the Volvo dealership tomorrow....thanks SO much for taking care of my problem. Not that they did. $300 and they really didn't so crap. FIX the problem, people. That's what I told you to do.

I won't even get into the scary rent a cop they have in the library (either a bull dyke or a transsexual...either way, very unhappy) That is another post for another day. I spent 8 hours downtown....waiting for my car to be repaired.....and it still isn't.

saturday

2007-09-29T21:46:00.000-07:00

We took a short drive today. We ended up in this little town near where I grew up, and went into some antique stores. One had some really cool stuff from different places around the bay area. I kept looking for any advertisments from the gas station Chris's uncle Jack ran, but didn't find any.
What I did find was an October 1965 issue of 16 Magazine. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/16_Magazine It tells all about "The Beatles girlfriends" and how to style your hair like Pattie Boyd (George Harrison's wife) It also has articles about Sean Connery and the Dave Clark 5 ;-) I read 16 Magazine every month when I was a young teenager. (That is when I decided I was really going to marry Paul McCartney.) I wish I had saved them, LOL. Between 16 and Tiger Beat http://www.sunshineday.com/neugast/gallery/tigerbeat.html I knew everything I needed to know;-) Maybe that is why I still read People .

I also picked up a couple of old cookooks, and an old (empty) box of C&H powdered sugar....with the recipe for the frosting my mom always made on it. I see a cake in my future;)

We stopped at Sunvalley Mall on the way home. They have an H&M there, so I of course had to go look. Chris found a pillow at Brookstone that I seriously want him to get. It's almost $100, but it is supposed to help with snoring. If it only cost $100 to help him stop snoring....and I might have a better night sleep.....it would be SO worth it.

I also went into the Disney Store. Hello! It's the Disney Store! You all know about my Disney obsession, I'm sure. Anyway, Disney now has this designer line. Overpriced, IMO (but then I AM cheap) I look and drool, but don't buy. Until today. They were having a sale, with an extra 40% off the clearance price. I found a pair of jeans with Minnie Mouse on the leg (looks hand painted) http://disneyshopping.go.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/DSIProductDisplay?catalogId=10002&storeId=10051&productId=1210854&langId=-1&categoryId=11870 They were on sale for $19.99 with an extra 40% off...and a dark denim jacket with some of the princesses on the back (looks handpainted as well) ,http://disneyshopping.go.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/DSIProductDisplay?catalogId=10002&storeId=10051&productId=1210186&langId=-1&categoryId=11874 marked at $24.99....again , with an extra 40% off. I ended up getting both for less than $30! Score!

Ok, so I am a 52 year old woman, wearing Disney. You know what? I don't care. I like it, and have gotten to the point that I really don't care if it is "appropriate" or not.

bye bye barry

2007-09-26T11:05:00.000-07:00

Tonight is Barry Bonds' last home game with the Giants.

Joseph and I are going to go. Chris can't, because he has to get up too early tomorrow morning.

Say what you will about Barry, but he has been mighty entertaining for the past 15 years here;-) I don't know if he took steroids or not (you know how I am about giving people the benefit of the doubt...) Even if he did, I don't kow that steroids give you better hand/eye coordination. He still had to hit that little round ball coming at him really fast, with a long stick.

I sure can't do it. (I am the strike out queen if I play baseball)

Maybe I'll dig out my Dad's old Giants jacket tonight. He would have gone to the game.

is it friday yet?

2007-09-25T20:33:00.000-07:00

It's back to the old grind of Tuesdays. Guitar practice for Joe at 2:30, then CCD (or Faith Formation as it's now called) from 3:30 until 5.

I'm teaching a combination 5th/6th grade class this year, so it will be different. There just weren't enough kids signed up for either a 5th OR 6th grade class. As of today, I only have 10 kids total, but of course that may change in the next couple of weeks. People are notorious for signing up at the last minute, even after classes start.

I was barely home at all until dinnertime. Today was busy....even before guitar/CCD.

It was nice this morning, so Kathy and I went out for coffee after morning Mass, then I had the meeting at 10 in the rectory about money issues for WYD. (And some concerns we had about money management in the youth group. *Sigh*) I don't want to be mistrustful of the youth minister. I really don't...but things are going on that are making me question:(

I was out of the house from 7:45 until 12:45, then from 2- about 5:30.
Nothing got done in the house that I needed to do. All this crap with the YM/WYD is keeping me from what I need to do around the house. I have SO MUCH to do around here. All the stuff we brought back from Pismo still isn't put away:/

Thank God Joseph is a responsible kid, and gets his schoowork done without me telling him what to do.

say cheese

2007-09-21T21:09:00.000-07:00

We went and had our family picture taken tonight for the church pictorial directory.

Olan Mills is doing the pictures. We get a free 8x10 (and a directory). I ended up spending $200 on a package though, including a solo shot of Joseph that I will use for his school pictures this year.

We picked one family pose, one of Chris and me, and the one of Joseph. I actually liked a couple of the poses. I HATE the way I look in pictures, but these aren't bad.

We should get them in about four weeks. Maybe I'll post one when we get 'em.

hail yes;-)

2007-09-20T09:39:00.000-07:00

Yesterday as I was coming out of Target, I happened to look towards the north, and the sky was dark. I called Joseph and had him go out and bring the things in off the line. Good thing I did!

About 20 minutes after I got home, we had a huge (for us) thunderstorm. Thunder, lightening and hail. It was impressive;-) The hail only lasted for a few minutes, but the thunder and lightening continued for about an hour or so. We got some much needed rain too. I opened the front door because it smelled so good outside.

It is still showery this morning.

I love the smell when it is raining.

fun on sunday

2007-09-17T09:37:00.000-07:00

RAIN played in Lodi last night. We went (of course!) Joseph and went to 10:30 mass since we wouldn't be there at 5:30. I got a laugh because I guess we are known for being at 5:30. 10:30 is different;-) We had people asking us if we were going to be there in the evening as well. Since Derek wanted to go to Lodi with us, his mom Kathy dropped him of at church for the 10:30 mass as well.

When we got to Lodi, Mark A. told me he had a present for Joseph and me. He had tee shirts made for the 4 of us who went to Liverpool. I thought it was very sweet. The shirts have the boy's logo on it, and "Liverpool to Lodi...I'm there" Tam and I changed into our shirts before the show started. I discovered the shirt was a real conversation starter, LOL. I had people stopping me all evening.

It was nice to talk to the guys in a relaxed place. I hadn't really had a chance to hear about how they felt about the Liverpool shows (beyond being blown away). Joey came out to talk to me before the show, and he told me about his and Claire's trip to London. Sounds like London was just what they needed:-)

He was telling me how much it meant to them that Joseph and I went over to Liverpool. He said that when he walked backstage at the Empire and saw us standing there, he was so happy. He said it meant the world to him to see close friends there.

The shows were fun (as usual) After the last show, Ralph sent Mark A. out with some food scrip for me (they get some coupons so they can eat) He wanted to make sure I ate;-) If he doesn't see me put food in my mouth, he thinks I don't eat;-) I think it is sweet. They take care of me.

Australia Here We Come (next year)

2007-09-14T11:26:00.000-07:00

A couple of us got tired of waiting for the Youth Minister to actually DO something about making the reservations/arrangements for World Youth Day, and made our own flight/hotel reservations.

God love her, the YM has been online looking for stuff, but (at least IMNSHO) she was concentrating more on the side trip her her husband wants to take to Cairns (her whole family is going......that is a whole other story:/) than our trip to WYD.

She had been looking at a 3 bedroom house for us to rent in Cairns.....and who do you think would get stuck on a sofa in the living room? Joseph. The mom of the other girl who is going really didn't want to pay the extra $700 or so for a trip to Cairns. Neither did I....and my portion would be $1400! We are going for WORLD YOUTH DAY.

Anyway..... we went to the travel agent at AAA and booked our flight to Sydney and the hotel. We will be in Sydney for 11 days, in ONE place, instead of moving at least twice like Jo had us doing. I think it will be better for everyone. Joseph and I have a room, Theresa and her sister have a room (her mom can afford to send big sister now that the price has come down), and YM and her family can either have their own room at the hotel in Sydney, or do the moving she originally picked. It's up to them.

Joseph is very thankful he only has to share a room with me now, and not be stuck in a house with 6 women/girls....and 2 bathrooms.

Even better....the travel agent called this morning and got us a better price on our flights! She has just saved me over $500! Woo hoo!

I can get excited for the trip again. I was almost dreading parts of it before:/

Some Liverpool Pictures

2007-09-10T20:22:00.000-07:00

1. Me
2. RAIN at The Cavern Club
3. Joseph singing at The Adelphi Hotel
4. John, Paul, George, Ringo and Joseph;-) (Taken on Mathews St. in Liverpool
5. Joseph and "Uncle Ralph" backstage at The Empire Theatre.

Baseball and Burgers

2007-09-08T23:03:00.001-07:00

We went to the Giants game today. I really like games in September, because I can go to San Francisco and not wear a sweater! Ok, so the Giants lost (to the dreaded and evil Dodgers) but it was a beautiful day, I got to see Barry Bonds up to bat, and best of all, got to eat garlic fries and have a cold Bud.

It was a day that made me miss my Dad though. My Dad was a GIANTS FAN. All caps. He lived and breathed Giants baseball. I grew up watching/listening to the Giants play whenever they were on. I remember summer days with my Dad...him with the transistor radio on (with or without the crappy earpiece) I remember when the Giants were on tv, that is what we watched, no matter what else was on. I'm sure it pissed me off then (I might have missed THE MONKEES!!)...but that is the way it was. I remember going to games with him, and hearing my mom complain about the games they went to. Dad would NOT leave until the end of the game, no matter how badly the Giants were losing. "They might RALLY!" My Dad was an eternal optimist;-)

He would have loved today. They honored an old pitcher, and there were some of THE NAMES sitting there....Willie Mays, Willie McCovey. Names I knew from the time I was a little girl. He would have been thrilled to know Joseph was there, wearing his Giants jersey and wearing his cap inside out and backwards...a rally cap. He would have laughed to hear ME, when the Giants were down 2 runs at the time, and Chris asked me if I was ready to go..."NO! They might rally! " I had to stay until the last out.

I am my father's daughter after all.

London

2007-08-30T11:45:00.000-07:00

We took the train into London on Tuesday with Tam (And Mark A. but he rode first class, LOL) At Euston station, we parted ways with Mark, then rode a bit farther with Tam before we parted ways was well.

When we got to our hotel, we freshened up and ran down to catch the ( double decker, of course) bus for our tour around London. I really, really wish we had more time in London.

I can't even describe the feeling of seeing ALL THAT HISTORY. Oh my. My camera (and Joseph's was working overtime) We did get off the bus at Buckingham Palace to get a better look. Again, WOW.

St Pauls Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Tower Bridge, Trafalgar Square, Picadilly Circus, Big Ben........

We walked from our stop at Hyde Park back to hour hotel, about 2 miles, I guess. (We were across from Kensington Gardens.......)

I have had THE BEST TIME.

Seriously.

I hope we can go back soon, and spend at least a week in London. A day is NOT enough:)

Back From Liverpool (Part Three)

2007-08-30T11:14:00.000-07:00

End of Part Two.

Part Three.

Since the Mathew's Street festival was cancelled, Monday was a free day. The boys went on a private tour of Forthlin Road (Paul's house), Mendips (John's Aunt Mimi's house) and Strawberry Fields. When they were at Mendips, they went into the vestiule where John and Paul used to sing (apparently it has great reverb & acoustics) They had the door cosed, and started singing. (They sang This Boy) Ralph said it made HIM teary eyed. When they opened the door, thethers in their group (publicist, etc) were crying, as was the lady who lives in the house and takes care of it :'-) Just listening to them talk about it made ME cry. (Yeah, I was in tears a LOT, LOL)

Joseph and walked down to Albert Dock and went into The Beatles Story. http://www.beatlesstory.com/

SO much stuff there! George's first guitar, suits, letters...Oh my gosh.

When we walked into the Lennon room, there in the middle of the room in a case...were a pair of John's glasses. You could stand and look through them.....to see the world through Lennon's eyes. The feeling I got walking in there was.....I don't know. I was overcome with emotion, and started sobbing. I looked over at Joseph, and he was crying too. After that room you went into the White Room...with the white piano....and listened to Imagine. I am tearing up just thinking about it.

Wow.

Wow pretty much describes my feelings from these few days;-)

Monday night was another concert at The Empire. This one was in honor of Liverpool. There were a few bands, but the best were The Searchers ( I heard Needles and Pins....LIVE!) and Gerry and the Pacemakers. Ferry Cross the Mersey...and Don't Let the Sun Catch You Crying. Oh my gosh, those two songs were songs I sang over and over as a kid :-) I got to meet Gerry Marsden later on at the Adelphi :-)

Speaking of The Adelphi, there was a VIP party there later that night. THAT was beyond incredible. So many people, so many experiences!

There were lots of impromptu performances.

Joseph got to sing:) There were a group of people gathering with guitars, and they handed him one. I got pictures of THAT too;-) It was so.freaking.cool. He got a really good reaction, too. His "uncles" were proud :-)

We didn't get back to our hotel 'til after 3!

Early nights were not the norm. At all. Joseph and I were laughing about telling his friends that I had to go drag him out of the bar so we could go home;-P He was in listening to music.

Back From Liverpool (Part two)

2007-08-30T10:53:00.000-07:00

End of Part one.
Part two.

The Cavern Club.

The Cavern Club! My friends played THE CAVERN CLUB. Ok, so it's not the original Cavern Club (that was torn down, but this one is right next to it) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Cavern_Club
Any Beatles fan worth their salt knows all about the Cavern.

Sunday morning, Joseph and I went to Mathews Street and walked up and down, and back and forth. I did some souvenir shopping of course. I must say, The Beatles Store at 31 Mathews St. is spectacular;-) It is where Astrid Kirchherr's photo gallery was located . http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astrid_Kirchherr

We met up with the others at The Cavern to see Rain play. THAT was THE most surreal, emotional experience. MY Rain, on the stage at the Cavern Club. Wow. We took a bunch of pictures. It was oppressively hot and sweaty, but way.too.cool. Seeing their faces reacting to being ON the stage brought tears to my eyes. Steve was mouthing to Joseph "OH MY GOD".

After the performance, it was back to the Aldelphi for more fun

End of Part Two.

Back From Liverpool! (Part One)

2007-08-30T09:49:00.000-07:00

(Pictures to come later on today...)

Awesome. Simply awesome.

I already want to go back.

We got into London last Friday (the 24th), but that was pretty much a lost day due to jet lag. We had room service for dinner, then went to the lobby for a drink. (Wine for me, Coke for Joseph. He has fallen in love with English Cokes...)

Saturday we had our first experience with both The Underground and English trains...both were great, really. Easy to find out where you need to be. Riding the train to Liverpool, lines from A Hard Day's Night kept running through my head. "I ride this train regularly, twice a week." "Please Mister, can we have our ball back?"

We pulled into Lime Street Station, and it was about a 3 minute walk to the Adelphi Hotel http://www.adelphi-hotel.co.uk/Britannia_Adelphi_Home.html, where we were supposed to stay. Why do I qualify that? Because the hotel had my date of arrival wrong, and had cancelled my room:/ ( And it was sold out for Saturday...) All I can say about that is thank God for receipts;-) I found out later that my room wasn't the only one wrong. The tour company realised what had happened ( I still don't know if it was their mistake or the hotels, but I digress...at least I know it wasn't MINE) and booked us into the Feather Hotel http://www.feathers.uk.com/feathers/index.htm which was about a 5 minute walk from the Adelphi (and a better choice, according to my friends who were at the Adelphi)

Anyway, after we got the room all sorted out, I got to visit with Katy from the forum. When we were at the tour table, I turned around and saw her sitting in the lobby, but after a quick hug and hello, she left us to get settled. I bet she wondered WTH was going on,with me running up and down the stairs, then taking so long to get back, LOL.

Meeting Katy wasn't like meeting a stranger. It was like seeing an old friend I hadn't seen in a long time. Katy is a delight. I am so thankful we finally got to meet in person after all these years! The only sad part was that Sarah was supposed to come as well, but she couldn't get out of her village (because of road construction) to catch the train:( Oh well, I have no doubt I will get to see Sarah too....maybe next year;-) Katy, thank you for taking the train to see me!

After a shower, Joseph and I headed to The Empire http://www.bbc.co.uk/liverpool/localhistory/journey/lime_street/empire_theatre/theatre.shtml to see Rain play. The Empire is where The Beatles played their last Liverpool performance in 1965. What an experience! The boys were well received....they got a standing ovation. (One of the Liverpudlians said no one gets a standing O at The Empire) I cried watching my boys on stage at The Empire.

Backstage, the guys told us how much it meant for us to come over and see them.

We headed back to the Adelphi after the show. There were different Beatles groups playing in various bars, and it was too much fun talking with everyone! I met Freda Kelly, who worked for NEMS and was the secretary of the first Beatles fan club! She was SO freaking interesting to talk to. Living history at it's best :-D

I met so many people. Joseph did as well. There was Val (a friend of Steve's) and her nephew John. Joseph and John hung out together all night. Val actually invited us to stay with her our next trip;-) I also ran into people I know, LOL. Who would have thought;-) Linda from Seattle was there, and a girl I haven't seen in about 5 years, also from Seattle.

It was surreal. I still don't know that I have processed it all.

End of Part One.

ENGLAND HERE I COME!

2007-08-22T21:23:00.000-07:00

Joseph and I leave tomorrow evening for the UK.

Saturday we go to Liverpool to see the boys play. They will be at the Empire on Saturday, the Cavern Club Sunday and the Mathews Street Festival on Monday. I will see my friends play where The Beatles played! It is surreal to me.

I can hardly believe it.

I am also going to meet two of my Brit forum friends. How cool is THAT?!

I will post pictures when we get home.

I hope I can sleep tonight;-)

A Princess Lives At My House

2007-08-20T09:26:00.000-07:00

At least according to a little girl Chris heard Sunday;-)

Chris was out front washing the car yesterday morning when a mother came walking by with her (about) 4 year old dd. The little girl stopped at the end of our driveway and was asking her mom if they could "go up to the house and see the princess". Mom told her that there really wasn't a princess who lives here, but the little girl was adamant that there was.

Chris said mom was explaining that the princess was just the lady who lives here dressing up for Halloween, and that she (I) only dress up for Halloween. "How do you know?" was the little girl's reply. LOL!

Mom finally redirected her dd, talking about my nice fence and pretty flowers;-)

I was going to retire Snow White for good, but I guess I have to pull the costume out again this year;-)

I told Chris I was a princess, and now there is someone else who thinks so;-)
He has to believe me now.

Goodbye is a Hard Word

2007-08-15T23:14:00.000-07:00

I've spent the past day packing up the house in Pismo Beach. The car is loaded...and there is a load for Chris to take when he comes down in a week.

Joseph and I went to Mo's for dinner http://www.mosbbq.com/index.htm then window shopped on Pomeroy in Pismo Beach. I also went walking on the beach and found more shells.

After all the complaining I did last year when this first happened, I am so sad to be leaving this little place. It feels like home, and I am sad to be leaving. I come down here, and I can feel my blood pressure lowering.
I love walking on the beach, with the water lapping around my shins. I love the smell in the morning...the trees, and the ocean.
I will miss the bunny who lives outside our kitchen window, the birds who congregate on the deck, and the deer who wander onto the property. I will miss the hummingbirds who buzz my head as I am filling their feeder.

I will miss the clam chowder at Splash Cafe whenever I get the urge.

I love the funky little shops around here. I can go into Susan Branches store in Arooyo Grande whenever I want! http://www.susanbranch.com/
(I bought some of the neatest stuff for the new grandbaby there)
Now, it will be a trip to go to the store.

I am going to miss this place.

I will have to drive down for a visit....

Stressed? Moi?

2007-08-13T22:06:00.000-07:00

I am SO looking forward to my Liverpool trip. I can't wait.

This month has been (and continues to be) jam packed.
August so far: July 30 - August 4 we were in Pismo Beach (we took Joseph's friend Derek with us)
August 4 we drove from Pismo Beach to San Francisco to meet some people in Haight Ashbury
August 5 was concert practice beofre and after church
August 7 after guitar lessons, I drove back to Pismo to start packing up the house.
August 9 I drove home and picked up the rental for the trip to Oregon
August 10 we drove up to Oregon for FIL's funeral on Saturday. (It was niceto see lots of people I haven't seen in a while)
August 12 we drove home, and Joseph had concert practice after church (which we missed) (**There is a whole lot of drama going on with certain youth group members and the youth leader too....not a good time:/)

Tomorrow Joseph and I will drive BACK down to Pismo and finish packing most of the stuff up
We drive home Thursday
Friday is Chris's birthday, and he and I will be going to a work function while Joseph has the final run through for the concert.
Saturday I will be at the church all day, decorating and setting up the baskets for the raffle. Saturday night is the dinner concert.

Monday the 21st I am going to a jewelry party.

Then....Thursday the 23rd we leave for the UK!

Yes, I am just a wee bit stressed:/

** I haven't even gotten into the youth group drama. Suffice it to say there are kids who are thinking about dropping out because of the youth leader and her daughter. Joseph is one of them.

IT'S A GIRL!!!

2007-08-07T22:41:00.001-07:00

We finally heard from Jason.

I have a new granddaughter! Oceanna Rose was born on July 21. She weighed 6 lb, 9 oz.

I am in tears, I am so happy:-)

No pictures yet....he will send them soon.

RIP Hal Fishman

2007-08-07T22:21:00.000-07:00

I just got down here to Pismo Beach tonight to start packing some stuff up. I always watch KTLA news when we're here.

Hal Fishman died. He was the anchor of the 10 o'clock news. He had been on tv for something like 40 years. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hal_Fishman

He always did a commentary at the end of the news. Joseph and I called it 'Bitchin with Fishman'

There will be no more Bitchin with Fishman.

RIP Hal.

GRRRRRR

2007-07-31T10:29:00.000-07:00

I haven't been able to get into my forums since yesterday. I am at the Pismo house so I don't know if it is this computer or what.

Color me frustrated:/

The Deal of The Day

2007-07-28T13:21:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Joseph and I went to Big 5 Sporting Goods. He wanted to get a rash guard. (He doesn't want to worry so much about sunblock when he's swimming...)

Anyway, they were having a sidewalk sale. I love sidewalk sales. Actually, I love sales. Period. What did I find, but a pair of Doc Martens, for less than $30! Woo Hoo!! Even better was they had a pair in my size. I snapped those bad boys up before anyone else could grab 'em. They will go with me to Liverpool next month;-)

After an extra 25% off, they ended up costing $22.50. I am seriously thinking about going back and getting another pair (they have some wicked dark blue ones too)

On The Road Again

2007-07-24T23:19:00.001-07:00

Joseph and I head home tomorrow. Well not really home, exactly, as I have a jewelry party to go to . Cousin Sheri is having a Park Lane party. http://www.jewelsbyparklane.com/

I went to Lyndsey's party a couple of weeks ago. This stuff is nice...but expen$ive! I spent almost $150 last time.

We'll be back here next week. I think Joseph's buddy Derek is finally going to come down with us. I don't know if I am all that happy about that, either. I will have to watch him. I just found out he SMOKES. Joseph said he doesn't do it around him, but still.....this boy is really rebelling, and I am just thankful Joseph thinks the stuff he is doing is stupid.

FYI....raising teenagers is as hard (if not more) that raising little ones:(

...

2007-07-23T22:04:00.001-07:00

I'm playing around with the page. I imagine I will do it until I find something I really like. Knowing me, this could take a while;-)

We got up at the butt crack of dawn this morning to come down to Pismo Beach. Chris is back down here for 10 days, then he comes home. We are contracted to this house until the end of August. We were contracted until the end of the year, but managed to get out of it. We will be back and forth all month (at least until Joseph and I go to LIVERPOOL!) to get all the stuff we have collected here over the past year.

I need to do some major decluttering at home to be able to fit some of this stuff:/ The only question right now is when will I have the freaking time to do that? We have to go to Oregon in a couple of weeks for Roy's service, the youth group's dinner concert is August 18, then Joseph and I leave for England on the 22nd.

I have a feeling we will have (more) boxes in the garage for a couple of months....

Rally

2007-07-22T23:25:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the diocesan rally for high school kids. It was up in Placerville at the fairgrounds. http://www.diocese-sacramento.org/Home_news/CanYouHearMeNow_060407.html

http://www.diocese-sacramento.org/family_youth_young_adult/youth_ministry/CanYouHearMeNow.html

It was a lot of fun, but SO tiring! A small group of us went up Friday night to help set up, then yesterday was the event. (It actually lasted 2 days, but our youth minister didn't want to camp out) It was our Bishop's idea. He was there and stayed overnight (albeit in a RV instead of in the horse barns, LOL)

The speaker was terrific, and the music was good.

Our youth group cooked and sold hot dogs and hamburgers for dinner, with the proceeds going towards our trip to World Youth Day in Australia next year . http://www.wyd2008.org/index.php/
I was impressed by our kids. The worked their butts off cooking and serving for about 4 hours! I got a giggle out of the girls, especially. They were THRILLED to be cooking. They all put on aprons (I brought up a bag of aprons....I collect them) and cooked their hearts out.

We left about midnight or a bit earlier, after the Benediction and music. I think all the kids (well, except for maybe one or 2) got something positive out if the day. Joseph met some new people, and had a grand time. We got home at about 1 a.m. after we took some of the girls home. I was totally ready for sleep at that point. My bed felt better than normal.

I'm Baaaaack

2007-07-22T23:09:00.001-07:00

I can't remember the password to my old blog, so it will be no more.
Onward to new things!
I hope to actually keep this one up. No promises, but I will try.