Whew, Glad that's over

Whew, I am glad my wisdom teeth are Out and I do NOT Recommend this unless you absolutely have to have it done. Oh, and please if you need your wisdom teeth out, it is better to do it when you are younger as my oral surgeon repeatedly told me during our preop consultation. I finally turned to him and said, "Doc, do you have a time machine in the back? Because I can't change the fact my childhood dentist told me I had enough room for these suckers."

Thank goodness for Nitrous Oxide aka Laughing gas. It made me laugh and I also had a crying jag. Fun, Fun. I realize I much prefer being the caregiver instead of the patient, but I reached a point as the doctor was wiggling my teeth from their firmly ensconced home, that you just have to give into the process. I am now recovering with my ice packs, soup, and pain killers. My family is very attentive and so not used to seeing me down and out. (Well, maybe not so down and out, I made it to my computer, right?)

I would like to thank Muse Swings for this Christmas Spirit Award and would like to extend this award to all my bloggy buddies who share their spirit through good times and bad with grace and wit. Mazel Tov!


Happy New Year to you and your loves. I wish you all the best for a Wonderful 2009.

One Sentence Post - Liquid Diet and Drug Fueled New Year's Eve

In order to ensure a liquid diet and drug fueled New Year's Eve, please consider having all 4 of your wisdom teeth extracted at the age of 47 y/o the day before.

The Gifts of Change

Thank you all so much for your support, smiles, and sound insight re. my extraordinarily self indulgent post about this year's ChristMess. Sometimes, or very often actually, you really have to hit the wall to make some changes and I think this year did the trick for our family. I remember going to a Tony Robbins seminar twenty years ago and learning that people are motivated to change either to seek pleasure or escape pain. As you can see, I'm still learning. And I am delighted to say after several heartfelt discussions with my husband, Changes Are Afoot for any and all celebrations. So thank you again.

I am not an ungrateful boob and I do enjoy the company of our friends and neighbors, but I am owning the fact that if I can't give of something freely and for the sole pleasure of Giving, (which I frequently am lucky enough to experience), then I Ain't Doing It. Whew, that's feels good. Okay, therapy session over.

I would like to share of the abundance I was privileged to receive:

Our oldest son turning to me on December 23rd as we are trying to finish decorating the tree and saying, "Mom, we have enough ornaments on the tree, it looks great."

At work, a new patient expressing appreciation for my clinical support.

Reminding my husband who was fussing about me and the boys petsitting over Christmas for a friend and widow that this is what Christmas is about.

Our family having a lovely afternoon at the Aquarium of The Pacific in Long Beach and a great dinner at the Mandarin Chateau in Chinatown.

Enjoying the support, sharing, and wisdom of my blogging buddies.

Holiday Post mortem

Can I tell you how relieved I am Christmas is over? Gosh, I really worked myself up into a stress mess this year.

This Christmas was spent:

Listening to my partially deaf mother complain about the kids playing too loudly.

Watching my husband work his a$$ off making a gourmet meal for folks who would never invite us over because they "aren't gourmet cooks". (Gosh, I didn't realize we were so discriminating and such snobs, personally it think it is L A Z I N E S S.)

Never getting to sit down except to eat.

I turned to my husband after we had been cooking and cleaning for 8 hours straight (our own damn fault) and said, "I don't want to do this anymore".

Even our 13 y/o son who enjoys a house full of company said, "Mom, it's not fair to you and Dad to do all this work".

So put a fork in me, I'm done.

I am sorry to be such a Scrooge and I sincerely hope you had a relaxing holiday. (Whatever the heck that is.)

For my dear friends from the UK and Canada: Happy Boxing Day!
(I know this sounds way hypocritical after this bi+chy post.)

NORAD Tracks Santa

We enjoy watching Santa Claus on his journey throughout the World at the website of the North American Air Defense agency, NORADSanta.org. They have been tracking Santa by satellite and airplane since 1958.

I hope you enjoy these live pictures of the Jolly Old Elf and this puts to rest any doubt about Santa Claus being "real".

Our Evening in Hollywood "A Christmas Carol"

It was a wonderful evening at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood where we went to see a live performance of the play, “A Christmas Carol”. The Kodak Theater is in the heart of Hollywood and we got there early to walk around and check out the street scene. (Very different from our quiet little suburban outpost.) In front of Grauman’s Chinese Theater, we saw Yoda, Catwoman, and Charlie Chaplin posing with the tourists for tips. The area is full of restaurants and shops so we had dinner before the play at an Italian trattoria. It was “molte bene”, especially the thin crusted, wood fired stove pizza. Then it was off to the theater to sit my buns in possibly the same seat as Meryl Streep or Hugh Grant.

The venue is lovely; amazing acoustics, beautiful architecture with elegant sculptured wood panels and a mosaic of red on the walls. It is a suprisingly intimate theater for one seating 3500. The play was delightful despite some opening night glitches with the scenery and costume changes. There was one very memorable improvisation by Ebenezer Scrooge (Christopher Lloyd) after he wakes up Christmas morning and changes from his nightgown to suit and cape. Poor Ebenezer Scrooge had to go out to see Bob Crachit and his nephew, Fred with a zipper that just would Not Cooperate! Christopher Lloyd was wonderful, as was John Goodman as the Ghost of Christmas Present and Jane Leeves as Mrs.Crachit, Tiny Tim’s mum. Unfortunately, Gene Wilder and Jane Seymour were ill. Their understudies did a yeoman’s job as Jacob Marley’s ghost and the Ghost of Christmas Past. (“Who’s past?”…. “Your past, Ebenezer Scrooge”.) I love this line about how we all carry around our own past.

Dicken’s classic tale and the performance were magical and helped me recapture the season’s spirit. The modesty and poverty of Dickens’ story are current and timeless. I cried when the Ghost of Christmas Future showed Scrooge a grieving Mrs.Cratchit and rejoiced at Scrooge’s transformation. (“I’m as light as a feather, I'm as giddy as a school boy…”)

I feel blessed that my husband and I can share our love of the arts and the enjoyment of being together with our children.

Thank you and please accept my best for Many Blessings of the Spirit and the Season to You and Yours,

Martha


"Business! Mankind was my Business!" Jacob Marley

Christmas Carol at the Kodak Theater

Christopher Lloyd, Jane Leeves, John Goodman, and GENE WILDER, Here we come!!!! Our Christmas treat this season is to take the boys to "A Christmas Carol" at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood. I'm very thrilled for the opportunity to see these wonderful actors in person at this venue. Each holiday season, our family attends a performance. In previous years, we've gone to the Four Irish Tenors and The Brian Setzer Orchestra Christmas Concert. Yikes, the time! Off to prettify for my trip to Hollywood.

Did your mama teach you that?

I know that I should know better and I usually know and do better, but sometimes, I just feel my "Jersey" coming out. (I grew up in New Jersey until I was 11 y/o.) The difference between people on the West Coast and people on East Coast is that the people on the East Coast will tell you to go to Hell to your face, out West they will likely gossip about you. Let's just put it this way, they are not used to polite bluntness. Like I said, I usually keep myself in line, but it must be the holiday spirit or some spirit making it self known, cause, JEESH!!
Okay, so here are my two examples which just happened. It's like I want to slap folks upside the head and say, "Did your Mama teach you that? Because if you she did, she's got some Splaining to do!!!"
I'm walking into my local branch of a Chain pharmacy and up pull two twenty something females, one of whom is smoking a cigarette. She throws the lit butt of her cigarette on the sidewalk, at my feet. And Merry Christmas to you too, I hadn't thought to put a smoldering cigarette butt on my list, but Heck, I am the Gal with Everything, Right? I said, "You dropped something, gee couldn't you have put it out?" She ignored me in the studied way of young adults and kept on walking. I overcame my disgust and borderline germophobia to pick up the lit cigarette and extinguish it on her windshield and tuck it neatly into the windshield wipers. Merry Christmas to you too.
Well, that's not the capper, I had more fun and games tonight at my husband's partner's Christmas party at his beautiful home in Pasadena. (I love Pasadena btw, and for you watchers of the Rose Bowl Parade, the viewing stands and parade route along Orange Grove Avenue are all ready!)
So, I'm at this nice party in chi-chi Pasadena and partaking of the beautiful buffet which included smoked salmon, ham, salads, rolls, and other yummies. In front of me, another guest, a medical professional no less, was also helping himself to the buffet with his bare fingers!! He scooped up the soft smoked salmon and ham with his Fingers !!! And the serving utensils were right there, sitting Right There, just waiting to be put to use. I made sure to cut my portion from the other side of the fish and meat. Wow, just Wow, the little kids at the party had better manners than this clown. The other guest at the buffet table and I were stunned.
I walked out to my husband who was talking to this man's wife and I said to her, "Your husband might want to use the utensils next time he goes through the buffet line." (I swear, I just freaking couldn't help myself. Of course I should have said something to the offending party, but I was rendered momentarily speechless, if you can imagine.) The wife smiled and said, "I've been married to him for 40 years, I can't change him now". Well, maybe you have, lady, and not to the Good.
Holy Cow! No harm done though (except if I get food poisoning or something), and it makes for a good story.

Thank you for stopping by and I send my best to you and yours for either civility or a good story, hopefully both.

Tertiary Mourning, Part Deux

I hope you breathe a sigh of relief as I spare you any more pithy comments. (At least for awhile.) It’s been very hectic between work (cold, flu, pneumonia, and RSV season) and the holidays. We still need to put the house back together after painting, attack the Mount Everest of laundry, start holiday food shopping and cooking, gift wrapping, and decorating. Our artificial tree is still safely ensconced in its’ box in the garage. Does the term “Deep Weeds” come to mind? It does for me. I was talking with my husband and we’re both fatalistic about it all. I mean what’s the point? It’s kind of like rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic and it takes away that we are blessed, thankful, and appreciative of our abundance.

There is sadness and sweetness of the season IRL and in blogland. I still have been ruminating over “Tertiary mourning” and how it changed and touched me as both a giver and recipient of this type of authentic and unexpected caring.

Twenty two years ago, I was a witness of tertiary mourning when I watched my mother embrace another mother, a stranger, who also lost her much loved and missed child. The beauty and terrible grace of that moment lives within me still.

It opened my heart and mind to the power of this gift, a simple embrace, an acknowledgement. My mother at that moment, was and still is, extraordinarily brave. I think when we reach out to provide comfort we honor our lost loves. I thank her for her example by not being afraid to be present during grief.

I know her son, my brother is proud.

Some Mornings

One Sentence Post: How to Ensure a Stress filled Holiday

In order to ensure a stress filled holiday, please consider getting your house painted two weeks before Christmas.

The Nursing Cap and Pin

After being a Registered Nurse for almost 27 years I've learned that:

The patient is the family, whomever that includes.

My most important skill is Listening.

I am not qualified to take away hope, Ever.

Charlie Brown Christmas In Blogland

Hello and Happy Ides of December. I would like to share the song by Mel Torme, "Christmas Time is Here", from the TV special, "A Charlie Brown Christmas". I have many fond memories of watching this as a kid with my late brother when it was a "TV Special" which meant it was an "Event" which included anticipation and planning. I hope you enjoy this stop on the Christmas in Bloggyland Tour and I thank Muse Swings for the invitation.



Please accept my Best Wishes for much Health and Happiness this holiday to you and your loved ones.

Martha

P.S. I always wanted to be the Redheaded little girl in the Charlie Brown cartoons, but I suspect I was more like Lucy.

Sunday One Sentence Post - Song versions that should have never been recorded

I am recovering from hearing Celine Dion singing the John Lennon song, "So This is Christmas".

Saturday One Sentence Post

When my DH tells me he's a Grump, I don't disagree with him anymore.

Luckenbach Moon by Hondo Crouch with Jerry Jeff Walker

The moon last night was so bright it reminded me of a Luckenbach Moon. My husband recited this poem, Luckenbach Moon for me when we were first married during our Holiday "Sing for Your Supper". (A Sing for Your Supper is that you provide an entertainment for the assembled guests, including yes, sing a song,or play an instrument, or tell a story or joke, or recite a poem prior to being fed. It's alot of fun and very much in the tradition of Charles Dickens.)

I love all poetry and I thank my husband for introducing me to the wonderful tradition of Cowboy Poets like Hondo Crouch. I sincerely hope you enjoy our full moon and the beauty of this spoken poem.

Blue Christmas

This Holiday season, more so than in the recent past, is tinged with sadness for me. I don't know if it's the fact that it's the twenty fourth anniversary of my brother's death at age 24, my perimenopausal hormones, or maybe now that my kids are bigger, I finally have time and space for these feelings. Probably all of the above is the right answer.

I was very moved by this post from Mel about "tertiary mourners". Tertiary mourners are essentially strangers, people in the blogosphere or acquaintances, who abide and support people they really don't know.

I am tertiary mourner and feel genuine caring and connection. To mourn alongside someone whether they are close in distance or relationship doesn't matter to me. I honor our common humanity, offering a hand, a small gesture of comfort in dark times, the "kindness of strangers" as Mr.Tennessee Williams put it. It is a privilege and honor I do not take lightly, but I give freely.

The first time I was a recipient of tertiary mourning was twenty four years ago when 35 of my college classmates signed a sympathy card for the death of my brother and mailed it to my home. My parents and I were incredibly moved, still are even after all this time.

Thank you, dear bloggy buddies who have been my tertiary mourners also. You are supportive of my losses and sadness. You give me a safe place to lay my burden.

I think tertiary mourners are the Greek Chorus of our tragedy, our comedy too.

I have made a decision this year that I am not going to repress my feelings of sadness or grief. I will give them the light and attention they deserve and are due.

Here are two poems about Death that bring me peace.

Gone From My Sight
by Henry Van Dyke

I am standing upon the seashore. A ship, at my side,
spreads her white sails to the moving breeze and starts
for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength.
I stand and watch her until, at length, she hangs like a speck
of white cloud just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other.

Then, someone at my side says, "There, she is gone"

Gone where?

Gone from my sight. That is all. She is just as large in mast,
hull and spar as she was when she left my side.
And, she is just as able to bear her load of living freight to her destined port.

Her diminished size is in me -- not in her.
And, just at the moment when someone says, "There, she is gone,"
there are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices
ready to take up the glad shout, "Here she comes!"

And that is dying...

Death Is Nothing At All
by Henry Scott Holland (1847-1918),
Canon of St.Paul´s Cathedral

Death is nothing at all.
I have only slipped away into the next room,
I am I and you are you,
Whatever we were to each other, that we still are.
Call me by my old familiar name,
Speak to me in the easy way which you always used,
Put no difference in your tone,
Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow,
Laugh as we always laughed,
At the little jokes we enjoyed together.
Let my name be ever the household word that it always was.
Let it be spoken without effect,
Without the trace of a shadow on it.
Life means all that it ever meant,
It is the same that it ever was.
There is unbroken continuity.
Why should I be out of mind,
Because I am out of sight?
I am waiting for you, for an interval,
Somewhere very near,
Just around the corner, all is well

Los Angeles Fire Academy

Our older son's soccer coach is an instructor at the Los Angeles City Fire Academy and we were lucky enough to get a tour of the facility.

Here is Drill Tower #1 where they practice and train.

The Training tower on the right can be filled with smoke, flame, and heat with the use of the "Burn Rooms" and smoke generators seen to the left. The tower is a warren of dark rooms, confusing under the best of conditions.

This is the view from the top of the Drill Tower East towards the Verdugo Mountains, part of the San Gabriel Range.

New Firefighters or "Rookies" were there training on the large ladder used for high rise fires.

This is the classroom which has signs about construction, roofing materials, and includes the sign "We Risk Alot to Save Alot".

We all got to take a ride on the firetruck, with the Siren and Lights On! Whoo Hoo!

The menfolk were thrilled to smash up the junk cars on the lot with sledge hammers.

My husband landed a beautiful shot on this poor unsuspecting car hood.

It's always been a dream to get to sit in the back of the Ladder Truck with the second steering wheel.

It was a wonderful day and I really appreciated our soccer coach who gives of himself so freely to both children and the community.

Perfect Moment Monday

My Perfect Moment is short and sweet today, and it happened this fine Monday morning.

The boys leave for school at about the same time. This morning, they are all ready to go, it's time to say good bye before they walk/bike to school.
The three of us hugged together for not quite a minute and we relished the moment.
It doesn't get any better than this.

For more Perfect Moments, please visit a most Favorite blogger, Lori who is also an Inaugural recipient of the "Mother Teresa would be Proud" Award from another fav bloggerina, AntiBloggedy.

Thank you and I send you many moments to relish and cherish your loved ones.

Tagged/Random Meme

One of my most favorite bloggerinas Busted Babymaker tagged me for a Meme listing either weird or random facts about myself. Okay, I'm game, so here goes.

The attendent Rules:

1. Link to the person who tagged you.
2. Share 7 random and/or weird facts about you.
3. Tag 7 random people at the end, and include links to their blogs.
4. Let each person know they’ve been tagged by leaving a comment on their blogs.


Random/Weird Facts:

- I think having a salt lamp in my office has increased my energy level.

- I first experienced Deja Vu when I was 9 years old.

- I wonder how much water is in Water globes, you know the kind you buy at souvenir shops and Snow globes with the glitter snow. Anybody else ponder this question or just me?

- I have telecommuted for almost 8 years. I use a 55 cm fitness ball as my office seating. It helps my posture and relieved my neck pain from being on the computer so much.

- I earned two black belts in Tae Kwon Do and Hapkido when I was 39 years old. My two favorite weapons to train with are the Nunchuks and War Fans. The Martial Arts are a cheap form of therapy that results in a great butt and more peaceful outlook.

- I drink 6 to 8 cups of herbal tea a day, my favorite is peppermint tea.

- I am compelled to look for a four leaf clover anytime I come across a patch of clover. I have never found one, but I am still looking.


Whew, that was hard work. Hmm, my taggeess are: (Disclaimer, optional of course, who am I to dictate a post topic?)

Mrs.Spit

Renee

Kalei

Kathy

Judy

Annie

Are You Kidding Me?

"Let the center be your home"/Shiny New Etiquette Badge

Holiday Grab Bag

Hi, there and did you see it? Uh, Uh? My Shiny, BRAND Spanking New, Hot Off the Press, Etiquette Badge that says I can have tea with the Queen!!! I got me some Manners, oh, Yessirreee I do!! I got proof, now, how about that? All because I put pen to paper and wrote a letter, (mailed it too!). I'm so excited and want to Thank Our Inimitable Dear Mrs.Spit for this unique honor. If you care to join us, please drop by her place, typically on a Wednesday. All are most graciously welcome. It will be most delightful, I assure you!


I have been "tagged" by Annie and it involves a book, a most favorite thing. So here goes-

* Grab the book closest to you. Now.
* Go to page 56.
* Find the 5th sentence.
* Write that sentence as your title.
* Copy these instructions.
* Tag 5 other friends to play.
* Don't go looking for your favorite book, or the coolest one you have - just grab the closest one.

The closest book is the one I just blogged about yesterday, "The Book of Secrets" by Deepak Chopra. The fifth sentence on page 56 in this book is "Let the center be your home". Pretty cool stuff, hey? No wonder the book takes so long to read, I have to meditate after every other page.

I invite my fellow readers to play along including:

Are you kidding me?
Silver G
Ashley
maniacal mommy
Renee

Disclaimer: All tags are optional. They can be a little bit too much like a chain letter for me to shackle my dear bloggers with that responsibility. However, this is a fun, easy tag.

Now that business is complete, I have reflected on the meaning of this 5th sentence, "Let the center be your home" and I would like to extend my heart (my center if you will) to the homes of Mr.&Mrs.Spit and Sara and her family today. Thank you.

"The Book of Secrets" by Deepak Chopra

"The Book of Secrets-Unlocking the Hidden Dimensions of Your Life" is the first book I have read by Deepak Chopra. I am only superficially aware of his work and checked this book out of the library on a whim. Talk about Synchronicity.

This is an amazingly rich, insightful, and spontaneously thought provoking book in the truest sense of the word. I am a voracious reader, I can easily read 300 to 400 pages a day depending on the level of difficulty. This book is only 260 pages, but I have only read 145 pages in the last two months. That's right, a whopping 18 pages per week! It is written in a straight forward and simple manner. However, the ideas and examples in the book are like a rich dessert, you have to savor and experience them before proceeding.

One "Secret" from the Chopra book is about the Gift of Attention as a kindness. It helps me realize how reserved and guarded I keep myself sometimes, avoiding eye contact or interaction. I am trying to be more open and present in my day to day world, even if it's just acknowledgement with a nod or glance. In the virtual world, I am learning it's okay to send a comment to a blogger or email to a friend that says "Thanks" or "I care". Sounds simple, but it is a challenge.

I hope to finish this book soon, it's overdue at the library. It's so hard to rush through, I put it on my Christmas list. I am looking forward to making it part of my library, so I can continue to learn.

Best to you and yours and thank you sincerely for the gift of your attention.

"The Universe is in You." Dr.Deepak Chopra

Holiday Greetings from Out of this World

Today, I am participating in "The Secret is in the Sauce" Holiday Greetings. This is a fun blog whose goal is to share support and comments. They are spreading some holiday cheer today with great prizes including a $200 gift card to "Tar-jay" aka Target. No contests or silly games, your comments are your entry.

Being the science nerd I am, (daughter of an engineer, didn't stand a chance), I hope you enjoy these Greetings from "Out of this World".

A Frown in the Night Sky
The planetary conjunction of the Moon, Venus, and Jupiter on December 1, 2008. (Venus is the brighter planet on the left, Jupiter is on the right.)




The Space Shuttle Endeavor Lands at Edwards Air Force Base, November 30, 2008



I was cleaning out the flower beds in my backyard on a picture perfect Sunday afternoon when I simultaneously heard/felt BOOM BOOM. The windows of the house shook, the dog awoke from his nap barking, and car alarms started to shriek. My thought process, "That was an earthquake, no, a big car accident right out front, NO, It was the Space Shuttle landing". And sure enough, that's what it was, the rupture of the atmosphere caused by the friction of the nose and tail of the Shuttle entering the sky about 50 miles from my home in Southern California. Sincere Thanks to Jeff for this wonderful video which includes the sonic booms.

The unique closeness of the planets of Venus and Jupiter and our moon, witnessing and sharing in the homecoming of our astronauts from Outer Space reminds of how vast our wonderful Universe is and how blessed I am to share my small part of it.

Peace, Health, Happiness to You and Yours, Martha

Perfect Moment - Navigational Aid for the Spirit

Inuk - Shuk Wooden Box and Jade Pin from Canada

Inuk-Shuks are stone figures built to resemble humans. Inuk-Shuks (Inuit word meaning "In the image of man") can be found along Canada's Northern Shores. Originally built as navigational landmarks and to aid in caribou hunting, today they are a symbol of respect for the land and the people of the North.



Thanks for Giving Recipe for a Perfect Moment

1. Take one blue and out of sorts 47 y/o female.
2. Add the poignancy of the Thanksgiving holiday and anniversary of my brother's death.
3. Routinely check the mail on Friday, a white package awaits!
4. Open package with beautiful Inuk-Shuk wooden box and jade pin from the incredibly kind, thoughtful Mrs.Spit.
5. Perfect Moment arises, enfolds, and embraces me.
6. Express my gratitude and appreciation for the gift of friendship and caring.
They are treasured.

Recipe notes: I would like to acknowledge the persuasive power of See's Chocolates in facilitating this perfect moment. Please note that my beautiful new jade pin is pointing Northeast towards Mr.and Mrs.Spit's home.

To see what else is cooking up in the Perfect Moment Kitchen, please check out my inspiration for this and many posts, dear Lori. Thank you so much, Martha

Little India in Los Angeles

Greetings this beautiful Sunday. My husband took me to Little India yesterday in Artesia, California. It is so great to have so much cultural diversity in our fair city. We had lunch at Ambala Dhaba restaurant and it was the best Indian food I have EVER had in my life. The curry was so flavorful, the basmati rice incredibly fragrant, and the Naan (Indian flat bread) was just delicious. My husband loved his Goat curry (no, honey, I will not be making that at home!!) and the boys their tandoori chicken. It was such a treat. The picture above was taken outside of a traditional Indian grocery with a display of the crysanthemums that are strung together for decorations for celebrations. We then did a little shopping including buying yards of bangles to give as gifts to our nieces and friends. The clothes and jewelry are ornate, heavily embroidered and jeweled, it's almost overwhelming. I wish I had the opportunity to buy and wear a sari, but not this time. Everyone in Little India was very nice and helpful (gosh, what a change from the indifferent snotnoses that staff most stores), but there was a feeling of sadness in the community related to the Mumbai terrorist attacks. I will continue to pray for tolerance and acceptance. We are all from Mumbai.

In Memoriam - My brother Jim

Yesterday, November 27th was the 24th anniversary of my older brother, Jim's death. He has been gone now as long as he was alive, twenty four years. I miss him terribly, he was my protector, my best friend, my source of unconditional love and support. I hope he knows how much I will always love him and try to honor him with my life and love.
He is with me still.
I love you, Jimbo, never forget. I miss you, bro.

Thanksgiving Toast - 101st Post

One of the daily exercises I work on and more than occasionally struggle with is to adopt an "Attitude of Appreciation". The Thanksgiving holiday is a good time to reflect on this and here are some things of which I am infinitely grateful (in no particular order)-

Rain, Sweet Rain - I am enjoying our first rain in 8 months. After days of relentless sunshine, the gray and overcast skies are cozy and refreshing.

My Nursing career/avocation - I am appreciative of the privilege to help my patients and families regain their health and well being.

Letting Go - I am so thankful that I am learning to let go. Whether it's dealing with disappointment or anger with my parents or learning to forgive myself, I am (along with my family and friends) experiencing the benefits of this.

My Pets - Abigail and Charley Barley are the best four legged buddies. They are my officemates, exercise partners, and therapists. They are a continual source of amusement and unconditional love.

My Family and Friends (of which I consider you one) - They center, nuture, and support me. Even when we disagree, they are my rock, my life. They know this because I'm theirs.

Thank you for sharing in my 101st post and the gift of your time and attention.

Perfect Moment Monday by Proxy

Good Morning and Happy Monday to you!

Today, I would like to share a Perfect Moment that happened to our 13 y/o son. Our son, D. is in 8th grade and one of his classes is an elective, "Student Services". He works in the school office as a receptionist and runs campus errands for the counselors and staff.

He was walking on air when he came home a week or so ago and related the story of how a school counselor requested he get something out of her car trunk and gave him her keys. He told me how good it felt to be trusted. His happiness at this recognition reminds me what a gift it is to be considered trustworthy and how he deserves this so much for being responsible and kindhearted.

It is especially joyous to watch our son's transition into manhood and how he makes his way in the world. Scary, but wonderful.

Thank you and for more Perfect Moments, please visit Lori and her Perfect Moment Minions of which I am proudly one!

Show and Tell - Threading

I just love being a woman and all the grooming requirements that go along with it. No, really I am very low maintenance in my whole beauty routine except for a few things which include Threading to keep my eyebrows in check.

A dear blogger, Lori requested information about this method of depilation. (Gee isn't that a Fun Word!!) Thank you, Lori for the topic request. (I love requests and I will post my ghost story soon.)

I am blessed with a healthy set of eyebrows, dark hair, and fair skin. The eyebrows of some women stop growing or Never Grow Back after removal. (This isn't always a good thing, witness the little old lady with the black painted eyebrows and blue tinted hair, whew, I digress.) My eyebrows are not in this category (thankfully I guess) as they grow akin to a corn crop. I have subjected my brows to plucking (owie, owie!), waxing, and now, my forever method of caring for my Brows, Ta-da....Threading!

The threader takes a piece of white, cotton, surgical grade thread, holds it and rubs it across your brow to remove the unsightly hairs one row or even one hair at a time. It is less painful and traumatic than waxing. It originated in India and Persia and has gained quite a following, at least with this beauty consumer. More and more salons are offering this service and it can also be used for other parts of your body if desired. (Yeah, right like anybody desires a "bikini wax".)

This news video provides an excellent overview of threading. For more fun and games, please visit Mel and the other bloggers at Show and Tell. Thank you so much and sending my best for painless beauty to you.

Hiking with the Bison at the Silent Movie Star Ranch

I am happy to report that there are no disasters either natural nor manmade to expound upon today. So at the request of my delightful cousin and workout buddy, I would like to share a wonderful hiking and sightseeing spot in Northern Los Angeles.


Here is Hart Park, one of my favorite nature areas near our home. Hart Park is the former estate of silent movie star, William S.Hart who donated his home to the County of Los Angeles for a park.

William Hart's estate was called "La Loma de Vientos" or "Place of the Winds". (So True!)

This is the front of Mr.Hart's home which is open to the public as a museum featuring Mr.Hart's wonderful collection of Western Art including Remington sculptures and Indian crafts.

This is the rear of the home which was built during the 1920s.



A small herd of bison call Hart Park their home. They are the descendents of the bison brought to the Park by The Walt Disney Company to film a movie.


Thank goodness for sturdy fences. Actually, the bison (Not Buffaloes), are very used to the presence of humans, don't bat an eye when you visit them.)



This is one of my favorite hiking spots and I appreciate you sharing it with me today. It's great to be a tourist in your own backyard.

Firestorm abated/Political storm brewing

"May you live in interesting times." Chinese Proverb

Thank goodness the fires are contained and the recovery phase has begun. The destruction and scope are hard to comprehend. Almost one thousand homes gone, some houses burned within minutes, the fire was that intense. I can't help thinking "that could be our home", (gee, nothing like that pyschological mindgame, transference). Seeing folks lose all their worldly possessions including their pets (incredibly heartbreaking) certainly makes you realize how fragile attachments are to "stuff". Fall in Southern California is wonderful, the cooling of temperatures, changing of leaves, and wearing of sweaters. The skys are gloriously clear due to the powerful Santa Ana winds which move out the smog and clouds. These deadly winds fuel and spread the sparks. I am now beginning to associate my favorite season with flames and vigilance. I am hoping for rain which we desperately need and will help reduce fire risk. However, rain will also stimulate brush growth, providing more fuel for the next fire season. Doesn't Mother Nature have an ironic sense of humor??

As the fires subside, another storm is brewing, the political one pertaining to Proposition 8 in California restricting marriage to a man and woman. The election is over and the passage of Proposition 8 has created a huge cultural firestorm here. Even in my quiet little city, there have been large, vocal, and vehement protests on both sides of this issue. There are continued protests and boycotts and now, of course it is headed to the California Supreme Court. My neighbors who displayed political signs had their houses egged, toilet papered, and air let out of their car tires. (Vandalism is horrible especially when it comes to free speech.) Neither side is backing down and this issue will be slogged out on the streets and courtrooms for a really long time. I admire Spain and Canada for addressing same sex marriage in a much more civilized and unified manner. In spite of the passage of Proposition 8, it is amazing that 48% of voters voted Against it and that this dialogue has been started nationally.

Thank you so much for reading today, best to you and yours for calm weather and politics!

Time Lapse Video of Sylmar Fire

Here is a time lapse video of the fire that has been burning in the mountains south and east of us in Santa Clarita. The air quality is poor today and you can smell the smoke in the air. At least we aren't getting rained with ash. We are totally fine, miles away from the fire. I drove past the burn area and it's sad and disconcerting to see houses and trees blackened or just gone. I love it here, I wonder why humans live here, and I think it's because we walk around in a protective cocoon of denial. It must be the only way any of us can function. Thank you all so much for your well wishes, I really appreciate it.

Fire Nearby

There is a wildfire 5 miles south of our home in Santa Clarita, California. The helicopters and Super Scooper Water dropping airplanes are flying overhead. (Gee, doesn't this sound familiar, like a month ago? Sigh...) Luckily the wind is blowing the smoke away from us, but you can see it on the ridgeline. I am mentally packing our evacuation even though it very, very unlikely as I do not live in a "burn area" and the fire is far away (by fire standards, that is.) It's a reflex to start preparing, kind of like a sneeze or going under a desk when there is an earthquake tremor. (Another bonus of living in California!!)
It feels surreal because as this mental gathering is occurring, so is the normal Saturday. The kids are still asleep, my husband is referreeing a soccer game, and I am doing chores. It's beautiful outside, 65 degrees, sunny, crystalline blue sky with no clouds.
Mother Nature in California provides gorgeous mountains, The Pacific Ocean, wonderful weather, incredible flora and fauna, and the immutable fact that She is One Who Must Be Obeyed.
I will hold good thoughts for the families that have lost their homes, our Firefighters, and of course, our wildlife. I will also pray for rain, we haven't had substantial rainfall in 8 months.

"Men plan, God/dess laughs." Unknown

Blog Love/Meme

Today, I have "Blog Housekeeping" to attend to including responding to an award, (aw, gee, shucks, totally nice) and answering a Meme all in one fell Post! I love to multitask, don't you?? But first a disclaimer: If I tag you, it's optional. Also, if I did not tag you, consider yourself tagged if you want to play along. Most importantly, I love All the Blogs I read, or well, I wouldn't read or comment, now would I? Of course Not! So without further Ado---

I am flattered and suprised by the "I Love Your Blog" Award from MommaVal.
Thank you so much to the Academy, you like me, you really like me! Uh-Oh, wrong speech. This is the first time I have ever dealt with this type of honor and here are the guidelines:

Part of accepting this award is:
Displaying the award. (See above)
Linking back to the person who gave it to you. (Here's a shout out to MommaVal!)
Paying it forward & nominating 7 blogs. (See below)
Leaving comments on their blogs telling them they’ve received one. (Will do)
Enjoying the award. (Consider it done.)

Okie, dokie, so here goes.....Drum Roll please, And the Nominees for the "I Love Your Blog" Award are in no particular order-

The Life and Times of KimboSue
Beth at Taking Chances
Lori at Weebles Wobblog
Mrs.Spock
Heather at The Joys in My Life
Cara at The Bear and The Comedian
Mrs.Spit Spouts Off - Lifetime Achievement Award as I believe she has received this award previously.

I was also tagged for a Meme by Mrs.Spock. (I know, busy, busy. This is great when you are suffering from Blogger Topic Deficit Disorder, to get tagged and stuff.)

Now here are the rules for this Random Meme: (Gosh, so many rules.)

1. Link to the person who tagged you. (That would be Mrs.Spock, Done!)
2. Post the rules on your blog.(here you go)
3. Write six random things about yourself. (Don't laugh, okay?)

- I have lived in fourteen homes throughout my life including eight different ones while in college and single.
- I am an incredible packer and mover of household contents. (see above random fact)
- I get my eyebrows threaded to prevent Unibrow. (Once you have your eyebrows threaded, you will never go back to waxing or plucking.)
- I have a salt lamp which generates negative ions in my office.
- I cry everytime I hear my son play "Over The Rainbow" on the piano.
- I saw a ghost thirty years ago when I was a camp counselor in high school.

4. Tag six people at the end of your post. (I am just going to invite the same folks listed above for the I Love Your Blog Award if they would like to play along. I cannot link anymore websites, I have to get back to work!!)
5. Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.
6. Let the tagger know your entry is up.
7. Thank you sincerely for any randomness or blog love that you have to share.

Veteran's Day at Disneyland

Our family went to Disneyland on Veteran's Day this week. It was alot of fun and the fellas enjoyed it tremendously.


Cinderella's Castle in the process of being decorated for the Holidays.


Here is the Haunted Mansion. This ride used to be one of my favorites but they completely updated it into "The Nightmare Before Christmas". It seems like one big marketing tie in now.


The Small World ride was closed which is a Tragedy of Epic Proportion for me. Is the "Small World" song stuck in your head yet? "It's a world of laughter, a world of fun, la, la, la, la,la,la, It's a Small World After All...". (Um, sorry, I couldn't help myself.)


"Buzz Lightyear here, I command you to have a Great Day! Over and Out, Star Command!"

Cross Pollination - Guest Blogger Welcome

Here is my delightful guest blogger today to talk about a not so delightful topic! It is one however to which I can especially relate. Please guess who this blogger might be and Thank you! I have a link at the end of the post if you would like to see my contribution to the Great Cross Pollination of Blogs.


It’s a well-known fact that pregnancy causes a woman’s olfactory senses to spike off the charts. Various studies conclude that pregnant women can detect and smell specific odors at a weaker concentration than nonpregnant women.

It’s also a well-known fact that men produce offensive odors. Sure, we all produce smells. But, men just seem to do it at a much more highly-offensive level and rate. This, combined with the above fact, just does not make for a good combination. I live with one man – my husband. He is wonderful, no doubt about it. But, LORD, he can produce some caustically odiferous matter in the bathroom. I’m telling you…I can smell *it* even if I’m on a different floor of the house. Especially now in my “sensitive state.”

One way he deals with it, is by lighting a match. He seems to think that this act alone takes care of any objectionable stench. I’ve tried countless number of times to explain that striking a match merely produces a sulfur-covered offensive scent. To no avail. He’ll light a match, close the door, and let the whole thing simmer for hours – until I need to use the bathroom and am faced with the Wall Of Stench, making my eyes water and my stomach turn.

What could I do but turn for help to our dear friend, Mr. Google. And, wouldn’t you know it, there’s an entire episode on MythBusters dedicated to the smelly occurrence, including the ever contested “lighting a match.” My DH adores MythBusters. Would watch episode after episode if I let him - all the blowing ups, and explosions, and rockets, and guns. So, I knew he would listen to these guys.

Finally, my Dear Hubby can acquiesce honorably. He now opens a window, lights a candle, and flushes multiple times. My highly sensitive snout can co-exist with his over-active digestive system. I wonder how our Dear Martha handles it. She’s got THREE men to contend with! Perhaps she’s lucky and they all smell like roses.


If you would like to track down my post for the Cross Pollination, please click Here and thank you again, Martha

Cross Pollination Blog Post - Holding pattern

Hello there and if you are looking for the Cross Pollination post, well, that makes two of us!! I am waiting for the email from my match and I will post it asap.
Thanks for your patience and I hope my match posts my blog entry for today or this whole thing just went Ker-plueey for me. Mostly, I hope everything is okay with my match.
For some Cross pollination, please check out Geohde blog for the list. I wish you a wonderful day, thank you for clicking over.

Rudeness Rant

I am on a Rudeness Rant these last few days. Is it too much to pick up the phone and let someone know if you and your family are coming for Thanksgiving after being invited three weeks ago? I know they are busy, (I am dripping in sarcasm here), but geez, my DH and I would like to get planning, cooking, and shopping. I'm ambivalent about calling them to ask them about their plans. My Dh and I feel like the ugly date stood up on prom night.

We like to entertain and are both good cooks who take pride in putting out a delicious spread. My husband, K is an excellent cook and knowledgeable about wines,part of his many charms) and I bake too, (my apple tart made with Apple Jack Liqueur and phyllo pastry is just a little slice of heaven.) However, rarely are our invitations reciprocated, folks say, "I could never compete with you two", even though we make it very clear we Are NOT Picky and happy with take out from the local pizza place. We have learned to be okay with this and we like to share our home just for the joy of being together.

However, I am suprised people can be so self centered and inconsiderate, and it just Frosts My COOKIES when they can't manage the most simple of courtesies. No one has to remind us to RSVP for any invitations. Have etiquette standards just been pitched along with simple civilities like eye contact and a "Thank you" or "Your welcome" instead of "No problem"? I didn't know friends, customers, or neighbors were a continual source of problems!

Okay, I'm done now, I feel better. Thank you for your indulgence in listening and wishing you nothing but politeness, gentility, and civility coming your way.

Working towards more Polite Union!

I am glad the election is over and I hope folks can get back to being "Polite" instead of "Political". Hey, I'm sorry your ____________ (fill in the blank - your candidate, proposition, etc.) didn't get ______________ (fill in the blank - elected, passed, etc.) Gee, now can we stop fussing at each other? I have seen a side of some people I don't really need to ever, ever see AGAIN. However, despite some flashes of ugliness and intolerance, it's wonderful to see folks engaged in the process and inspired by this election's place in history.

“Democracy is the worst form of Government except all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.” Winston Churchill

We Voted

Good morning and I just wanted to share with you that my DH and I both voted this morning. Our sons joined us in the polling booth. It is a historic day and our children have been engaged in this election and were thrilled to see how the democratic process works for citizens.

This was the first time I have EVER seen a line at my local polling station. We were there a few minutes before the polls opened at 7 am, and there was already a line of approximately 30 people. Amazing. We waited for 25 minutes and chatted with neighbors. We will await the results along with you and our fellow citizens. I can only hope that this will be a clear victory with a "Righteous Wind on our backs".

God Bless America, Martha

Perfect Moment Monday - Closet Cleaning

About twice a year I make an effort to get in our boys' rooms and closets and get rid of outgrown toys and clothes, and all the other detritus that accummulates. (Gee, the whole house actually, but I can only manage one room at a time!!)

This past week, the 10 y/o and I sorted through his stuff. (He was less than thrilled to do this as he would rather be playing, imagine that.) He did get into the spirit of things when he turned to me with a worn out shirt and said, "This has had it, Pitch." His echoing of my sorting phrases just cracked me up and made me appreciate how blessed I am and to enjoy the little things, even doing chores.

Thank you for sharing in my Perfect Moment and for more Perfect Moments, please click on over to Lori's blog.

Off to clean more closets and corral another perfect moment or two...

Show and Tell - Halloween and Villians Dolls

Here are my Halloween and Villians Dolls. My favorites are the Cruella De Vil and Ursula dolls. Jake Skellington and Sally from "The Nightmare Before Christmas" are also special. I don't have many newer dolls in my collection, but these dolls made me laugh and I like to display them this time of year. Thank you for sharing in my Show and Tell today.





I always loved Harlequin from Batman Comics and the Halle Berry as Cat Woman doll was SO Cheesey, I just had to have it!!

Happy Halloween from The Teletubbies

Pet pictures

Here are some pictures of my best four legged buddies, Abigail, our Manx cat and the dog, Charles Barkley aka Charley Barley. They love each other and provide each other with amusement and in the case of the cat, much annoyance too! Best to you and your loved ones with wet noses and warm fur.


Abigail and Charley napping together.





Abigail loves her little brother and newest toy, Charley.



Abigail says, "Talk to the tush".

Halloween Dog Parade participant

600 dogs participated in the Long Beach Dog Halloween Costume Parade last weekend. I just love this little fella with his chariot complete with Ken doll.

Please check out Lalist for more cute dogs in embarrassing costumes. Thank you!

Perfecto Momento Monday - Pumpkin Patch

Hello on a Monday and hoping it's a perfect day for you and yours.
I incorrectly typed out Perfecto and I went with it because I like how it sounds. Plus, I am very fond of slang for some reason...
We took the boys to Lombardi Ranch to pick out pumpkins yesterday. It was a beautiful Sunday and I just enjoyed our time together. I hope you like the pictures, you can tell the weather is just awful here is SoCal. Just kidding, the weather is so freaking nice here, it's Boring. Thank you for stopping by, I appreciate it.

Crazy World

Hello and I hope you are doing well. It's been weird here the last couple days where I find myself wondering about human nature and the meaning of it all. A couple of things have triggered this including a pipe bomb was found at a city park 4 miles from our home. This is a park where the boys have played soccer. Unbelievable but I have to believe it. I am so thankful no one was hurt, not the city maintenance worker who found the bomb or the Sheriffs who responded and detonated the bomb safely.

I am also so saddened by the senseless, preventable suicide of a 14 y/o boy who was bullied at an area high school. What a nightmare, my heart breaks for his family and friends and I want them to know they are not alone. My husband and I are going to talk to our sons about this to help them understand. Suicide is among the top 5 causes of death among boys aged 11 to 24 years old. What a crazy, f'ing world we live in.

I am going to hug my children, treat my family and friends, (neighbors and strangers too), with a fierce love that belies all the hatred and vitriol in the world. Thank you.

More Halloween Haunt Pictures from Hart Park

Halloween Haunts at Hart Park

My cousin and I enjoyed our hike at Hart Park, not only for the fresh air, exercise, and visiting the Bison herd (I will post pictures about them soon), we also got to see the great Frights from the Haunt Festival held last weekend. In the land of underemployed set decorators, holiday decorations can get waaay over the top here. I have a neighbor who belongs to CalHaunts and his house is worthy of the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland! I hope you enjoy and that you have fun getting ready for Halloween too!