Thirty-Three in 09

"oh, there's no place like dum dee dee dum dum dum"

2012-01-08T13:00:00.000-08:00

Once upon a time, I told my brother that a friend of mine in Mexico referred to him as "ojon", or in other words, one with the big eyes. Once upon a time happened to be right after we took this picture. So then he graced us with the next picture, by "trying to make (his) eyes smaller."

any other stocking would pale in comparison:

Bellevue Botanical Gardens on a rainy night. Die hard.

Family Tradition: Sneaky Buy at Pike Place Market. Sister Tradition: hot drinks at Starbucks.

Weddings, Waves, and Tacos

2011-12-31T11:17:00.000-08:00

Loved having an excuse to go back down to Mexico (and add a few days to my winter vacation): the wedding of my good friend, Karina. Here is the happy couple at Destiladeras, Nayarit.

con mis amigas

My Mexican Family: the Hernandez

yes, it is possible to stay friends with your ex.
and use his surfboards for a week.

getting married anytime soon? looking for a reason to go back!

Gone Coastal

2011-08-30T20:50:00.000-07:00

forecast: cloudy days. real time: daily surprise of sun.

spunky fi and auntie dee

the many faces of nick. all cute. all loveable.
and kate's baby bump is already loved, too.

beachcombing with Lo

taking in the view with Grandma Jo

off to the farmers' market

our happy beach house

the nate and kates plus 3

best buds

It wouldn't be Christmas without...

2010-12-12T17:51:00.001-08:00

church Christmas parties

quizzical looks at Santa

being silly with coworkers

girls in red velvet

being with family

violin at the mall

caroling at a nursing home

spreading holiday cheer

playing the piano

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!

Free Tickets to the Dickens Fair

2010-12-04T20:58:00.001-08:00

Although we didn't see him until we left the building and headed for the parking lot, Scrooge was definitely in the house.

I don't know what I like more, the costume, or the look on that woman's face.

Ghost of Christmas past.

Tried roasted chestnuts. Pretty good--tasted more like potatoes to me. Once again, it's a toss-up: this guy's face or the roasted chestnuts.

One of these things is not like the others...

At one point I decided the name of the game was take as many pictures with as many characters as possible. Not as easy as you might think. This is, by the way, a pose.

As if there was any doubt, this is also a pose.

Freakin Awesome. The mask and the people in the mirror.

the story

2010-11-29T21:28:00.000-08:00

when i turned it on and it was at 8888. as usual. not in my class. not my microwave.

haunted part 2

2010-11-29T21:07:00.000-08:00

haunted

2010-11-29T20:51:00.000-08:00

While I'm at it...

2010-10-31T16:55:00.001-07:00

They are so sweet. Especially Sarah...

Publishing Party

2010-10-28T18:51:00.001-07:00

After a unit on Personal Narratives, we had a publishing party where students shared their stories. I am not supposed to share these, but I can't resist. They look so happy.

Pt. Reyes Part 1: Mountain

2010-09-26T09:42:00.000-07:00

Our view waking up:

A coyote keeping us company on the trail:

Hiking out the next day:

On our way down to the water:

Pt. Reyes Part Two: The Beach

2010-09-26T09:33:00.000-07:00

The hot sun was hitting the water--I could've sworn I was in Mexico...until my toes touched.

A little close to shore, and maybe it is only 1-2 feet, but still...this is a pretty perfect wave.

Angel's Camp

2010-09-05T22:51:00.003-07:00

Since my facebook days, I have slowly but surely been transitioning away from the blog. I do know, however, that I LOVE reading your posts, so I will try to keep somewhat current. Mom and Dad got a great little condo smack dab between the coast and Yosemite--what a great place to be with family:

my favorite shot of the week: i could look at this forever.
bowling, gold rush style.

andy, bowling like a pro.

what i look like to a baby. funny or scary?

not funny.

oh, how we love baby eve.

riding shotgun in a horsedrawn carriage: LOVED it.

good to spend time with andy, tottie, and eve.

what a nice little family!

my punk rocker. everyone humored the crazy aunt from california.

but i'm serious: this is dang cute.

no matter how many wrinkles or gray hairs i get,

i will always be daddy's girl.

who needs fireworks

2010-07-06T22:13:00.001-07:00

spent a few days camping on the sonoma coast with my friend shannon. beautiful views, easy hikes, a couple of warm days, fun neighbors. cant wait to do it again soon.

A Favorite Memory

2010-06-20T13:10:00.000-07:00

Can't think of anyone I'd rather play frisbee with.

Happy Father's Day, Jerry. Love you.

Birthday Girl

2010-06-09T19:03:00.001-07:00

Pretty Grandma
Pied Piper

Lucky you are mine.

in case you wondered what i look like

2010-05-30T20:08:00.000-07:00

my friend dawnae took some pictures of me today on a sunday walk:

i still don't brush my hair.

i still wear jeans and hoodies whenever i get the chance.

easy on the makeup. heavy on the laughter.

pacifica makes me smile. are you coming to visit this summer?

A day away down in Santa Cruz Mountains

2010-05-16T20:15:00.000-07:00

Good to be in the green...

My new and very cool friends: Sarah and Ruth

Driving back up the coast, you know I wouldn't miss an opportunity like this. And of course I bought probably the sweetest pint of strawberries I've ever eaten. In less than 12 hours.

Love you, Mom

2010-05-09T12:58:00.000-07:00

You are a pretty lady,inside and out. (Pretty is as pretty does, remember?)

Lucky to have you as my mom.

Kauai

2010-05-05T18:57:00.000-07:00

Last week the parents invited me to join them in Kauai. It was so wonderful, and I, of course, did not want to leave. Snorkeling, hiking, surfing, eating delicious food, and settlers, of course. Here are some shots:

Relaxed and Happy
I think we all decided this was the best shot of Lo and I. Mom and dad snorkeled, we tried to get a good sispic. And then we snorkeled.

A favorite memory: playing frisbee at Waimea Canyon Visitor's Center. Look at that grassy field.

Isn't Hawaii beautiful?

Dancing

2010-05-04T21:04:00.001-07:00

Too young for me?

king's highway

2010-04-07T22:19:00.000-07:00

i don't know why i had previously always made the SF/LA track on the 5. this time i took the 101, and was awestruck by nature's bounty in such a short stretch of highway. strawberry (and broccoli and artichoke and lettuce and tomato and garlic) fields forever.

Easter Sweetness

2010-04-04T23:33:00.000-07:00

candy

those eyes

post-candy crazies

2010-04-04T23:21:00.000-07:00

how my aunt lynne managed to keep this much order with so many kids and so much candy blows my mind.

shortly thereafter, it was tough to find a little one whose mouth was not bulging with candy! the aftermath:

summer and sam

mirielle and macey

lindsay and sam

(i don't even really like sweet candy, so there's no excuse for whatever this is that i am doing!)

my favorite angelinos

2010-04-02T11:28:00.000-07:00

kel's pregnant

they bought a house

kelly and hyrum make me happy

Slim Shan

2010-04-01T22:33:00.001-07:00

Part one of my looong weekend down south: Ventura with my pal, Shannon. We hiked Two Trees for a nice view of the city. I hiked, she floated. What would it feel like to hike without 50 pounds of my bodyweight?

I am unintentionally focusing on our weight difference so heavily (no pun intended), because when I look at these pictures, it just makes me chuckle. And then it makes me want to go to the gym and eat lettuce.

God loves us every one. And even though she is skinny, I love Shannon, too. So so much. I'm lucky to count her among my friends.

Good luck charm

2010-03-14T12:37:00.000-07:00

Thank goodness for tax returns--I finally was able to go to Nordstrom's and get the strawberry charm I've had my eye on for months now. Made everything else this week a lot easier to take on.

Do you know what this says?

2010-03-12T08:39:00.000-08:00

As I have shared previously, I have a guarded but great respect for graffiti. Yesterday I was talking to the librarian at one of my schools, and he was telling me about how some of the boys like to practice graffiti on white boards. You might not think it's an okay thing. I, of course, think it's wonderful. Especially when said 8th graders got all excited about writing something as cool as...

Hint: It is my name.

Welcome back, old friends.

2010-03-09T21:52:00.000-08:00

Although all this earthquake and tsunami talk has me tossing and turning, being in California does have its privileges. Sweet and juicy privileges.

Playin' Around

2010-03-07T21:39:00.001-08:00

Thanks, Stacey and Dave for letting me hang out with your kids last night. Once we got the boys to bed, Summer and I got a little silly.

desperately seeking heat

2010-03-03T07:31:00.000-08:00

no i did not take this picture. it was the only one that could explain the kind of heat that i am craving. hot. dry. can't sleep at night heat.

Would you go surfing alone

2010-02-28T20:17:00.000-08:00

in an ocean like this? Summer, please come soon.

Hikes with Lo

2010-02-26T22:45:00.001-08:00

The Sun came out when Lo was in town. I sure miss my hiking buddy.

Academy of Sciences

2010-02-20T22:51:00.000-08:00

Lauren came and visited me over President's Day weekend. Santa Claus got us tickets to go to the somewhat recently renovated Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park. This is the amazing, natural, climate-saving, miracle-working roof.

Liking my new camera. Thank you, insurance. Hello, little frogs.

Lo checking out the fish.

This is one of the only pictures we took together. Having such a young and pretty sister keeps you humble.

Love You

2010-02-13T22:20:00.001-08:00

Band Night

2010-02-10T09:03:00.000-08:00

Last night we went to watch the youth play in the All Pacifica Band Concert at Terra Nova High School. I'll be honest. I was expecting uncomfortable seats, a drawn-out program, and out of tune music. I was SO wrong.

With Melody and photo-shy Sam

The Ron Schneider Music Foundation funds all the music programs in Pacifica, saving them from cuts and promising great programs. Last night, the chairman showed up, and was so gracious, staying long after signing autographs and taking pictures with the kids.

Can you guess the theme song? Can you believe most of these guys are in MIDDLE SCHOOL? Band is definitely cool in Pacifica.

2010-01-31T14:43:00.000-08:00

I recently got put to work at church. I am officially the Young Women's Secretary. Since their are only four young women, I guess I'm there to balance out the numbers?

Sam, Mariah, Melody, Susan Tan, Kira

Cheesecake

Twins!

there will always be something i do not like about a picture of me...why hasn't anyone ever told me that ponytails are not a good look for me?

Welcome back, Sun.

2010-01-31T14:34:00.001-08:00

Driving home from church is so nice on sunny days. This is what you see on either side of Sharp Park Road.

doppelganger week on facebook

2010-01-31T13:48:00.001-08:00

For those of you who facebook, this week tons of people are using a doppelganger photo for their profile picture. I have heard several different things from several different people, so have been rotating. Yesterday I put this one up:

I just heard from a friend in Mexico. She says I look gorgeous.

I'm not going to say one single thing.

hip action

2010-01-30T22:15:00.001-08:00

Something to smile about.

My cousin Brian did some serious dancing this weekend. Check out these moves. Check out me getting busted for videotaping. I quote: "my bad."

Serendipitous

2010-01-18T08:34:00.000-08:00

I've always believed that serendipity was when something you needed came around at just the right time and place, and ended up being even better than what you could have hoped for. My life has been full of change and the unexpected, but rarely in the past 8 or 9 months have things happened smoothly, magically, serendipitously.

Until I recently stumbled upon herb tea with soy milk.

It is the most wonderful part of waking up. It is warm and creamy, there is no dairy, no caffeine, and it hardly costs anything! Perhaps the best part of my new morning drink is that it came about serendipitously.

2010, please say there is a new wind blowing.

Happy New Year

2010-01-10T21:13:00.001-08:00

Wishing everyone the best. May all your dreams come true. A camera's in the pipeline.

Hope it don't fall into the sea...Part II

2009-12-18T17:39:00.000-08:00

I woke to the sounds of helicopters and opened the blinds to see 10-story cranes coming from...the ocean? Apparently these oceanfront apartments just got a little more oceanfront.

And here I thought the rent was cheap because they only came with half-refrigerators and hot plates. So glad I care about having a stove!?

I was talking to Deb and Jerry on speakerphone about food storage, and Dad says, "We're just counting on you getting swallowed up by the ocean if anything happens." As the newspaper article says, "When it's time to go, you go."

See for yourself: www.ktvu.com/news/21993281/detail.html

Crosswalk

2009-12-16T19:45:00.000-08:00

I made the mistake of wearing heels for 12 hours straight yesterday, and my legs are so tired today! As I started my trek to the train station, I was complaining in my head about the cold, the questionable characters, the smells, my tired legs, and just wishing I was home already.

In the space of a crosswalk, I passed an older woman running across the street to catch her transfer, a woman with no legs in an electric wheelchair, a young woman pushing her way across the crosswalk in a wheelchair, and a young mother holding a baby in one arm, holding the hand of a young toddler, and then calling after her young son to stay with her.

Boy, did I learn my lesson.

I've got a riddle for you...

2009-12-14T22:14:00.000-08:00

An interesting conversation was had by my bus driver and an older gentleman in the middle of the bus wearing a Santa cap and carrying a rolling file box with a label reading "The Magic Man." The ride consisted of several "riddles," where the bus driver would essentially make up a mathematical story problem over the intercom. No one really got into it all that much, but that might have been because The Magic Man was giving each problem some serious thought. Here's how one of the "riddles" played out...

BD: How many days until Christmas?

TMM: That's a tough one.

BD: I'll give an all-night free transfer pass to the first person who can tell me how many days til Christmas.

TMM: I know it isn't 14, 'cause that would be 28. And it can't be 15, 'cause that would put you all the way into 205. (Yep. Two Hundred Five.)

Thankfully, The Magic Man finally got his free transfer pass, because if a horse starts out with 20 apples in his bucket, eats 10 for dinner, 6 for breakfast, and 4 for lunch, he ends up with no apples.

I guess I'll take a happy bus driver over a grumpy one any day, but I am still very curious about what was in that file box.

The Spoken Word

2009-12-12T16:39:00.000-08:00

Back in October, I lost my camera. In November, my camera was stolen. Being robbed is a very disconcerting feeling, among many other disconcerting feelings I've experienced this month: a pay cut, almost drowning, losing love, an emergency room visit involving a speculum. Enough said. It's been a hard month. All this to say: no pictures=no blog?

Heirloom

2009-11-15T10:45:00.000-08:00

I am the oldest of many grand-daughters. (If I were a clever blogger, I would have counted how many.) Most of them are married and mothering, and perhaps that is why they have mastered the recipe.

Grandma's Buns.

When we are all together, there is always plenty to do in the kitchen so that the buns and the pie-making (oops! did i just expose another genetic anomaly?) are best left to the others. This weekend, however, I had a surprising amount of free time with guests coming for Sunday dinner. Yeast was on sale. Flour was on sale. Oats were on sale. Even butter was on sale. It was a sure sign. On my last packet of yeast, I think I got it right.

On to the brussel sprouts.

Camoflauge

2009-11-10T18:47:00.000-08:00

Last night I was surfing with all my gear (see previous post). As I was walking out to the water, someone told me I looked like a seal. (I've decided to not overanalyze that.) So I'm out in the water, and there is quite a lull. Out of nowhere, about 3 feet in front of me, pops up this little black spotted seal, much like the one in this picture. I just smiled, waited, and hoped there wasn't a shark nearby. After about a 5 minute stare-down, my little seal friend went on his way. I spotted him soon after, hanging out with another seal. I thought to myself, "Good. He finally found his buddy." Lo and behold, guess who came back to say hello? Couldn't shake him. It's official: I'm sharkbait.

Cat Vomit

2009-11-07T09:26:00.000-08:00

There are plenty of great waves in Northern California. The dilemma has been deciding if I like surfing enough to endure a lengthy state of cold and discomfort after only 45 minutes in the water.
So when a coworker offered to pay me $100 if I'd feed her cats and clean up, among other things, their vomit, I knew exactly how I was going to spend the money.

Yes, I do like surfing in Northern California.

Friends in Town

2009-10-22T18:14:00.000-07:00

And then I lost my camera.

Happiness in a Box

2009-10-21T18:24:00.000-07:00

Three cheers for nieces and nephews.

Quick Fix

2009-10-13T20:46:00.000-07:00

to a long day at work: New shoes waiting on my doorstep.

My Tribe

2009-10-11T17:53:00.000-07:00

I sure do love this movie. I find myself wishing on a pretty regular basis that I was part of a tribe, or something like that, with brown skin and beautiful, thick hair.

So, I got to thinking about this whole idea of saving your tribe. And I got to thinking about all the things that need saving in our tribe. I guess I'm really glad I have a church to provide structure to that. And I have a lot to learn from little Pai--patience, love, belief in self, sacrifice.

I still wish I had brown skin.

Happy Bobbin'

2009-10-04T21:49:00.000-07:00

Driving into the city to meet up with some friends, I was confronted head-on with some of my least favorite things about city-life: Traffic. Scantily-clad youth participating in some sort of self-destructive rite of passage. Vomit. Bad smells. Thankfully, I got the car parked, locked up, and we headed over to the park for some good times...

Peace, Love, and Dahlias.

Dusk in the park.

Jewels and Kat, soaking up the atmosphere.

Reppin' on MUNI.

It took us a while to get there, but Hardly Strictly Bluegrass at Golden Gate Park was worth it. We made it in time for a great little concert by World Party. Outside. Free. With lots of Happy bobbin'. I much prefer the happy bobbin'. It's a good sign that I don't care how silly it looks--rites of passage be gone. Happy bobbin' live on.

Santa Cruzin'

2009-10-04T21:40:00.000-07:00

My pal Juleen flew in for a long weekend. We took advantage of some great weather and drove down the Great Highway to Santa Cruz:

Juleen and the Local Art

Strawberries, of course.

Communicating.

"Hope it don't fall into the sea"

2009-09-27T19:47:00.001-07:00

After a weekend of sleeping, churching, and cooking spicy food (think garlic, ginger, curry, tom yum paste, lemongrass) with the hopes of feeling better, I flipped on my good friend PBS to find that the programming surrounding a much looked-forward-to miniseries about National Parks:

http://www.pbs.org/nationalparks/

was so inspiring, that I couldn't stay inside one minute longer. I pulled on a hoodie and cap, hopped into Sugarplum, and drove for about 5 minutes. Just in time to see this:

and this:

Yep, Lauren. They are all self-portraits. I'm that talented.

Mile 2

2009-09-21T20:19:00.001-07:00

of my run around the neighborhood

Confession

2009-09-20T19:06:00.000-07:00

I talk to the ocean.

Is it worth it?

2009-09-19T17:43:00.000-07:00

I don't know a lot about antiques/collectables or how to research and get accurate information. Some of you do. If I paid around $180 for this 1920s Cal-Tile Table, did I get worked? Do antique people try to pull fast ones?

My Sister and I have a Game

2009-09-06T16:46:00.000-07:00

We like to try and figure out which side of the family we most resemble. The Hatfields and the Otts both have their strong suits, so it's definitely more of a curiosity thing. And let me just say from the get-go, that both seem to have genes for aging quite gracefully.

Here are two pictures. I think both carry a strong resemblace. If you care to play, I'm inviting you to join the game.

This is my mom's mom, Grandma Jo. Late 70s.

This is my dad's sister, Aunt Mary Lynne. Early 70s.

Any guesses on what I'll look like in about 40 years?

Did you know

2009-09-06T16:21:00.001-07:00

that when I was a little girl, I used to live very close to where I am currently living? I have decided that I am not a city girl, and am happy to have come to the decision that I belong on the peninsula. (Duh. Water on both sides.) And every time I cruise down El Camino Real, I vividly remember two places:

1. The Baskin Robbins where we would go after Family Home Evening every once in a while, and where, on one summer's Monday night, I witnessed my first car accident. A teenage boy with a very 1970s car and very 1970s hair--bloodied and broken after crashing into the huge post that held the old BR logo.

2. Going into this nursery with my parents, my aunts and uncles, my grandparents. The other day, my Uncle Jay asked me if I liked to garden. I said, "sure," because I've been renting for the past 15 years and don't have strong feelings one way or the other. "You're definitely a Hatfield," he replied. Well, the nursery is still here. I remembered it being such an exotic wonderland inside, so yesterday I took a little field trip.

Same sign. Not so same prices. Expensive nurseries: definitely not Hatfield.

This is pretty exotic, right?

It must've been fascinating at 30 inches.

Backpack Giveaway

2009-08-23T20:51:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, my coworker Jane and I helped out at a community event giving free backpacks to kids. We also recruited members of the community to get involved and volunteer in public schools.

I made a graffiti wall for people to share what they have to offer:

Earlier this week, this woman got chastized at a meeting for interrupting me. She was basically just really excited about her new support group, Love Not Guns. When they asked her to stop talking, she just hugged me for about 30 seconds and apologized for interrupting. I guess she practices what she preaches.

We were right next to the zoo table. I'd never seen a hedgehog. My guess is that these cute kids hadn't either, although I was definitely more excited about it.

City Car Share

2009-08-23T20:39:00.001-07:00

Although I'm still fleshing out* how I feel about my work at an SF CBO*, I do have access to some interesting things. For example, City Car Share lets you make a reservation online for a car, and then you are registered electronically in a power box stored in the windshield. You pick it up at a location of your convenience, use your fob* to get in and out of the car, and fill it up with gas (they give you a code) if it goes below half empty.

I love Toyota Tacomas, and so when I had my first service project and had to haul wheelbarrows across town, I was all over City Car Share. Well worth the walk to drive the truck instead of a van.

*If these sounded like strange and unnecessary ways of saying things, welcome to my new world.

Staircases

2009-08-23T20:35:00.000-07:00

Public schools might not have a lot of money right now, but at this middle school, they've got some pretty sweet staircases:

When life slows down, maybe I'll start taking straight pictures.

Counting my Blessings

2009-08-16T09:51:00.001-07:00

I haven't settled into a place where I can have meaningful exchanges with people at church, so, because it's Sunday, I would just like to share a few things on a religious note:

My last month in Mexico was a difficult stretch financially. I made a total of $40. (And that was because I was going in to work with the agreement that they didn't have to pay me. I prolonged the stretch portion of a class into yoga, et voila!) I received my deposit back from my apartment, and it was $200 less than what I expected. That $40 dollars was a day's worth of gas for my drive north. I needed it. But I was also about $80 behind on tithing. I made the decision to pay and "let the universe take care of the details."

I have wonderful friends and family. And they have all, very non-assumingly, been so generous with their homes. My friend Silvia let me be a part of her Long Beach life for a week! I stayed in Kelly and Hyrum's guest room for a month! My aunt and uncle are letting me stay here in Hillsborough (which, if you don't know Northern California, is beautiful) for as long as I need. I began to panic as I search for a place, because affordable has not been comfortable, and vice versa. I was in a dilemma of whether to share an apartment with some girls and be able to save over $500/month ($6000 a year!) versus what I would pay in my own place. Until last night, a posting magically appeared on Craigslist for an apartment leasing in the coastal town where I want to leave for even LESS than the rent of the shared apartment! I haven't seen it yet, and I don't even know if "this is the place," but I really felt like God has been listening to me and answering my prayers in His own quiet way. Perhaps it has been a coincidence, but I believe it to be directly connected to the law of tithing and to answered prayers.

So, if you made it to the end of that--you can ditch out of church after the sacrament! I had the English ward (singular) in my stake's time wrong, so my choices are Fijian, Tongan, Samoan, Chinese, or Spanish. Hasta luego, amigos!

Perks

2009-08-11T21:25:00.001-07:00

When I was a teacher, I got three months of vacation and the free shirts were terrible. Now, I'm not a teacher. I get three weeks of vacation, that I have to earn 6.75 hours at a time, but at least the shirts are nice.

(shameless self-portrait, i know. give me a break, people. i am alone! no, i'm not alone. i have dressy.)

Dressy

2009-08-11T21:18:00.001-07:00

A few weeks back, I posted about not being so much of a dog person. As life would have it, I am now dog-sitting a very sweet dog, and I am being very kind and very attentive, but it is still an adjustment.

Dressy has interrupted a number of my most recent phone calls, and I wanted people to be able to put a face with the dog. I also wanted to show off my new shirt that has my two most favorite colors from the 4th grade.

My New Job

2009-07-28T17:50:00.001-07:00

On Thursday, July 30, I will be starting a new job. My title is School Resource Coordinator. I will be providing support to 5-6 needy schools in San Francisco Unified. I will be working more with administration, teachers, parents, community members, corporations, and volunteers. Hopefully I will get to interact every once in a while with some kids. It is a non-profit called San Francisco Education Fund. If you are interested, check it out:

http://www.sfedfund.org/

Here I go again.

Coonfeed 09

2009-07-25T17:26:00.000-07:00

Altough I have been back to Iowa several times since, this was my first coonfeed since 1980. What is a coonfeed? Well, in Iowa, there is a lot of corn and beans. And racoons like corn and beans. And farmers don't like it when racoons eat corn and beans. So, there is such a thing as coon huntin'. My Grandpa Dale is a Coon Hunter. He has always had Coon Dogs until he got sick a while back. And in July, just when the corn is coming in, my mom's family has been having an Ott Family Coonfeed for many years.

The boys went golfing and so we all headed over for a cycle class at Uncle Harold's gym.

Yes, I ate racoon. It tasted like Spaghettios. I don't really like Spaghettios.

Me and my Grandma Jo

The Coon Hunter: Grandpa Dale

inching northward...San Francisco

2009-07-17T13:09:00.000-07:00

My fabulous friend, Tracy, has soooo many talents. She is the go-to girl for a kick-ass wedding dress. (I am going to plug because I want to. She is starting a business resizing, refitting, revamping, remaking vintage or family heirloom wedding dresses. did i mention how talented she is?) She showed me her 1900s Victorian townhouse that they have gutted out and restored amazingly, walked me through some cool neighborhoods in SF, and talked me down after the post-interview panic attack.

A run early that morning at Sawyer Lake. Thanks, Uncle Jay.

I went back again today, got a bench halfway through my run, and just told God how thankful I am for all the blessings I have in my life. I have amazing friends, loving family, health, and opportunities. Although I may be in a current state of unrest, I am grateful.

A Day in LA

2009-07-11T22:18:00.000-07:00

Just in case you think I am holed up, applying for jobs all day. I do get to see and do some interesting things:

Surfing in Manhattan Beach

What the...

For personal reference, I was hoping to catch the very handsome firefighters in the shot. Alas.

Almost makes the traffic worth it.

Happy Birthday, Kel

2009-07-11T22:02:00.000-07:00

I seem to be in LA every year for Kelly's birthday. Might just have to make that a tradition. This year, Hyrum threw together a fun rooftop BBQ.

The Grillmaster

Coconut Cupcakes

It was a nice night.

Check this out

2009-07-02T21:46:00.000-07:00

Chatting with a pal tonight, I was reminded of this amazing documentary I saw last year with my mom. You can't miss it. You can probably check it out at your library. Or do what I did--buy it on Amazon, and when you're done watching it, send it to a friend. What I love most about this movie: it brings you to tears and gives you hope at the same time. We could all use a little more hope. Check out the trailer: http://www.spike.com/video/wardance-trailer/2911720. God bless these children and God bless us to be grateful and to always have hope.

I miss you, Mexico.

2009-06-29T19:30:00.001-07:00

Three For One

2009-06-26T23:57:00.000-07:00

A Dodger Game with Shannon,

A Tribute to Michael Jackson,

And a Fireworks Show!

Berry Love

2009-06-25T19:26:00.000-07:00

Being in LA is great. I was just telling Lauren yesterday that the only thing better than going to the farmer's market is being able to walk to the farmer's market. As my days are filled with looking for jobs, applying for jobs, and finding ways to stay motivated while everyone tells me there are no jobs, you can only imagine my delight while on one of those "stay motivated" walks, two nice guys offered me a flat of berries for three dollars. That's enough to brighten even the wariest of eyes. For a brief moment. And now I must go, because I am on one of those "stay motivated" breaks. Happy June.

How Things are Made

2009-06-24T11:44:00.000-07:00

Since being back in the land of a hundred television channels, i've been initiated into the how things are made craze. Here's my contribution after a couple of fascinating field trips:

Mazatlan is world famous for its shrimp. I thought this was because of something in the ocean chemistry. On my journey to many of Mazatlan's secluded surf spots, I came across these. Shrimp farms, less than a mile from the ocean! Apparently, the floating gadgets oxygenate the water, making the shrimp bigger.

About 30 years ago, Hyrum's dad bought his friend's zipper factory in downtown LA. This past weekend, I finally got a tour. (Kelly has probably done this a million times, but as always, was a good sport. She even posed for a few pictures.)

I'm not really a dog person,

2009-06-23T12:39:00.000-07:00

but on a street like this,

who could resist?

Dad

2009-06-22T10:56:00.001-07:00

Thanks for all you do and your quiet support of what I do, no matter how crazy it may be.

Yes

2009-06-19T19:17:00.001-07:00

I am definitely back in California.

Moving North

2009-06-19T13:18:00.000-07:00

24 hours of driving to the border--you can only imagine the images I could post. Here are some favorites from when I 1. had my camera, 2. was not driving, or 3. was not asleep in the hot car.

Empty the car, Load the car, Empty the car, Load the car...All in the name of drug traffic. I guess I'll comply. Just keep the gun down.

Rosarito Graffiti

You spend over an hour waiting to cross the border in Tijuana. An interesting, if not repulsive, use of a shopping cart.

The infamous US border. Stepping it up a notch.

First Stop: Sinaloa

2009-06-18T22:06:00.001-07:00

The stories I could, but won't tell about Sinaloa. We have some wonderful friends there, and it is hard to see how the corruption and selfish decisions of others can take away the freedom of good people. Here are some happy pictures of the good times:

Climbing for Coconuts

Making Friends with the Locals

Enjoying the "Fruits" of Uriel's Labors

Blenia, sharing coconut meat with me.

Checking out the Surf

Goose Egg

2009-06-02T20:10:00.000-07:00

Oh, Andy and Tottie. Even though I have to go to Farmers' Market blogs to see pictures of my niece, I still love you. Almost as much as I love this picture!

Rain is in the Air

2009-06-02T18:08:00.000-07:00

The plants are trying to not be so bashful.

Fresa

2009-05-27T14:15:00.000-07:00

Did you know that on my mission, my nickname was Sister Berry? (Yah-guh-duh...is the "beautiful" Russian translation.) In Spanish, fresa is someone who likes things a certain way...a nice certain way. It also means strawberry.

I don't know if it's because some of my earliest memories are roaming through strawberry patches...or because my favorite toy was Strawberry Shortcake...or if it's because June through September, I've got every imaginable juicy sweet berry on the brain.... But I can't stop buying things with strawberries on them!

and it's only May 27th.

Michoacan

2009-05-22T18:36:00.000-07:00

Just when I think I need to be laboring away in my day-to-day, I realize I'm falling deeper and deeper into ruts and negativity. So I took a 12-hour 4-bus adventure down to Michoacan in search of surf and renewal.

After a white-knuckle ride through some mountain curves, the bus made it down to flat ground and miles and miles and miles of beaches.

Why are all the good waves in Mexico lefts? All the same, it was great surf.

All beach and no ice cream? no, thank you.

I'm sure one of my photographer relatives could have done this justice. The last sunrise on our way back home.

A Tribute

2009-05-16T20:00:00.001-07:00

Four years ago, I was hit by a Pepsi truck. (Contact me for boycott details.) After some very frustrating months, I was written a check for "total loss." I don't do change very well, and that was my very first car. My dad was good about teaching me how to take care of things, and so I was certain I would never be able to find a suitable replacement, especially in Mexico. I just wanted my Corolla.

Fast forward to Thanksgiving 6 months later. I am at a loss for many of the details due to an altered mental state. All I know is that I was driving down State Street in Orem, and I saw her. A mirror image of my first car, only purple. (Actually Spiced Plum. Actually...Sugarplum.) A thorough once-over by the reliable Uncle Buzz, a quick trip to Wells Fargo, and she was mine.

This month she also reached an important milestone: 99,999 miles. Today I was finally able to get around to some of the pampering I had promised her. The ding in the windshield is fixed. No new brakes needed. Tires are good. Alignment: check. Suspension, go for launch. She is superCorolla.

That is why I love you, Sugarplum. You're my partner in crime. You've gone places where no Corolla has ever gone--and I am very sure of that. (We were spinning wheels in a salty shrimp flat not too long ago...) And you keep going like nothing. We are a great team. Thanks for supporting me through all my adventures. Happy 99,999!

Belated

2009-05-11T10:39:00.000-07:00

Swine flu and cancelled vacations changed my plans *a bit*, but I couldn't improve on how this year's birthday turned out...

Lauren gave me a massage at midnight, and then woke up early the next morning to make me my favorite breakfast.

Settlers? On my patio in Mexico? With my family?

It was a very happy birthday.

I love you, I do

2009-05-10T07:02:00.001-07:00

Happy Mother's Day

Somewhere in Mexico, Part 2

2009-05-07T15:24:00.000-07:00

This is probably one of the most beautiful beaches I've ever been to in my life. Still quiet and undeveloped and hardly any garbage.

Someday I'll show you the movie Lauren made with these photos of me snorkeling. For now, just download Tokyo Drift from 2 Fast 2 Furious. Don't Worry Bout It.

I hope I got the genes for aging gracefully.

im laughing WITH you

2009-05-06T19:00:00.000-07:00

i don't keep a journal,

2009-05-06T18:24:00.000-07:00

so this will have to do.

it wasnt the endorphins, i had already taught a spin class (my last at the hotel for now) and surfed for 3 hours.

it wasnt my bike. although i love her, most mexicans have nicer bikes than i do, and most mexicans prefer not to bike, if you get my drift. i bought my bike the summer after my freshman year at BYU (read my blog title and do the math), working double shifts at the days inn as a bedmaker (promoted from housekeeping) and night receptionist so i could afford the latest thing...a mountain bike. without shocks. it has been kept outdoors in a humid, salt-air, hot sun setting for about three years now. it definitely wasnt my bike.

it wasnt the weather. it is really starting to get hot.

it wasnt the company. my 3 surfer girl friends decided to reroute to maui after swine flu became an issue, and the bay has been anything but bustling ever since.

it wasnt out of boredom. i should be studying for an exam, cleaning my bathrooms, cooking meals (since my family left, i have been existing solely on the frosted mini wheats they left in their absence), and visiting teaching (since i've finally, after 4 years, been given an assignment. and i leave in a month).

it was because i just started to break down. warning to all male readers. a combination of losing work and paying rent in the same day, beginning to worry about the jobs i am supposed to be looking for, and pms.

and at just the right moment, a good friend who always knows the right things to say to me, sent me an email and told me go out and do something fun.

so i threw the bike in my trusty sugarplum (whom i love as much, if not more than my bike), drove to the nearest resort/ghost town, and rode my bike for hours through the empty roads that lead to the empty hotels with a sea-breeze blowing in my face and the sun setting over the hotels' horizon.

and even if it didnt last forever, and even if i came home to everything the same as when i left...

go out and do something fun.

Pila del Rey

2009-05-05T19:56:00.000-07:00

More adventures...some 4 X 4 action took us up the mountain, through guanabana orchards (see http://www.killerplants.com/herbal-folklore/20040126.asp...which we picked and ate Sunday morning) to a very off-the-beaten-path set of ceremonial carvings.

Ixtlan del Rio and Chacala

2009-05-04T18:37:00.000-07:00

When the family came to visit (yay!), one of our first "adventures" was a drive into Ixtlan del Rio, some ruins just outside of Guadalajara. We finished a long day off with some seafood at the beach.

Cooling off and checking out the view.

Three girls enjoying some shade and (un)edible seed-pods.Dad and Danny: good buddies

Swine Flu

2009-05-04T13:09:00.000-07:00

I've never liked to choose sides, so between the conspiracy theorists (yes, they exist in Mexico) and the hypochondriacs (myself included), I can only say that I am fine and do not feel in danger.

Chiles Rellenos

2009-05-04T12:55:00.001-07:00

My former colleague and forever friend, Sylvia came to visit not so long ago. Two things I will remember:

Her neverending search for the best chile relleno in town.
Our horseback riding adventure up into the mountains.

Surf's Up

2009-04-15T13:48:00.000-07:00

Hanging out with some birds

Ripe for Climbing

2009-04-14T08:09:00.000-07:00

Great Trees

2009-04-14T07:39:00.000-07:00

Sculpture at Four Seasons Punta Mita
The Real Thing

For more information: http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/kapok.htm

Work...

2009-04-14T05:39:00.001-07:00

Sometimes, it just so happens that during naptime, I have to go out to the patio and read. This is where I was yesterday...