It's Always Something

The swine flu is the pig pandemic right now.  Everyone is going crazy over it and taking extra pre-cautions by wearing masks, washing their hands, covering their mouths and nose while coughing and sneezing.  By gawd even the president is appearing on national television reminding us to do so, keep sick kids home, and use something called a "sick day" at work if you have any symptoms of being... sick.  LOL. B* came down with the good ol' flu this weekend.  I started to wonder if she felt sick on Thursday because you can usually see it in her eyes; however she discounted it as being tired.  Sure enough she was down for the count by Saturday. By her request, we spent most of Saturday "cuddling" and nursing her back to health.  By Monday morning, according to B*, love had healed her. *big smile* By Tuesday morning, I was down for the count where I was then cuddled with and nursed back to health with love.  Who would have thought being sick would feel so good?

Personal white pizzas made with ricotta and Parmesan cheese. Chocolate chip cookies.

Now I was sitting waiting wishing That you believed in superstitions Then maybe you'd see the signs But Lord knows that this world is cruel And I ain't the Lord, No I'm just a fool Learning loving somebody don't make them love you. Must I always be waiting on you? Must I always be playing your fool?

Every couple of weeks or so I treat Bstarr and myself to a little pampering with mani/pedis.  Since I am responsible for passing down the big feet trait to her, I assume the responsibility of helping her take care of those things. Plus, these "girls-only" days will become a tradition we do together throughout the years.   Boys will come and go.  Friends will, too.  But one thing that will always remain the same is a girl's need for a good mani/pedi! (above: french for me) (hot pink for the Brookster)

B* and I welcomed another new addition to the family- Mary Jane.  She's a 1966 Volkswagen Beetle with a 1300 cc 6-Volt engine.  She's only had one owner and she is saweet!  (above: 92k original miles!) When we took Mary Jane to B*'s soccer practice, the coach thought it would be fun to see how many girls we could get inside.  All 9 girls on the team fit! LOL. I have been talking about getting a bug for over a year before I finally bit the bullet and purchased one.  Although she's in perfect condition right now, there are a few things custom things I will do to make her mine.  Then in 10 years, she will become B*'s.  For now I will be painting her a two-toned green and cream.  B* has decided that when Mary Jane is passed over to her, she will paint it two-toned cotton candy pink and white.  Seriously.  How is this my child?   In any case, when I drive Mary Jane I feel like SO good.  She makes me feel free.  Free of sterotypes.  Free of materialism.  Free of expectati...

Dear Manny, Thank you for taking the time to accompany us to New York.  I am glad that the trip coincided with your visit to the new Yankee Stadium.  Not only did you ensure that Brooklynn had an incredible time, but you also acted as our tour guide, concierge, and friend.  I wouldn't have been able to give Brooklynn this memorable experience without your help.   I have always been lucky to make some spectacular friends whether it be from school, athletics, parties, or work and I am glad to know that I can add you to that list.   Thank you, again.

Although we had set some aggressive plans for today, this morning I let Brooklynn sleep in.  It was our last day in New York and I had thought that our trip would seem longer if we took our time rather than rushing.  To my dismay, taking our time put a little wrench in our morning. Everyone seemed to be a little "off" as the day started a little bumpy as we made our way to the ferry. However, the turbulence didn't last long.  Once we realized the line to the Statue of Liberty was way too long, we made our way to Wall Street. The security to get into the New York Stick Exchange is rediculous. I thought it must be nice to work there, but it was brought to my attention that any job that requires THAT much security is too high profile and dangerous.  I'm fine with being low pro. =] While we ate lunch, we got an authentic Rescue Me show from the real firefighters of NYC.  A nearby building was on fire and 5 NYFD engines came to the rescue.  I swore I felt a little sick fro...

How wonderful!  This morning we awoke to hot chocolate, a double tall vanilla mocha, and breakfast.  Awwwwww.... Today I only had to work until noon (thanks, Mike!) and I was able to meet up with Brooklynn at the MET in Central Park. By the time I got there, she had already taken her fill on another museum, purchased her souvenier, and was ready for lunch.  I had New York pizza and beer on the brain but it required a fair amount of walking to get to Ray's, so Brookie got her favorite snack in New York thus far- a hot dog from the hot dog cart.  Don't ask... After a nice stroll through Central Park's Strawberry Fields, we made it to another New York fave of Brookie's- the subway.   "XOXO, Gossip Girl" (above: Upper Eastside.) (above: becoming very comfortable on the subway) After delicious Ray's pizza (totally recommend the white pizza, yum!) we made our way back to the hotel where we all took a nap before the big night.  Although the nap was quick and shor...

(above: bed buddies- Brooklynn & I) The alarm came too quickly this morning.  It would have been nice to sleep in until 8am; however today was my first day at my new job. We all got up, got ready for the day, and headed off to breakfast at Moonstruck right around the corner from our hotel. It was colder and wet today, so rain boots and an umbrella were required.  After the lovely breakfast, I was walked to my new offices in New York at Spire Vision off 34th and Madison Ave.  After a tearful goodbye, Brooklynn moved on to discover New York City and I ventured upstairs to discover my new colleagues.  While I encountered meeting after meeting, my thoughts wondered off thinking about Brooklynn's first day in New York.  Thankfully, I received many pictures and updates about her tour of the American Natural History Museum, her walk through Central Park, and the conversations she carried throughout the day. I was reminded several times today that  Brooklynn is a special, curious, and ...

Brooklynn has been counting down the days until her Spring Break New York trip for over a week.  She had a busy itinerary planned: Natural History Museum, Bronx Zoo, Broadway, Central Park, and the Statue of Liberty.  Accomplishing half of this list will be amazing.    Home for the next 4 days. =] I don't know about you, but when I was a kid, flights to Hawaii or Florida were TORTUROUS.  5+ hours with only books??? Brooklynn is lucky to fly Virgin America to New York.  In addition to the plane's funky lounge decor along with it's personal TVs per passenger, she also had her iTouch, Nintendo DS, Barbies, and coloring books for the ride.  You know, only the necessities. Forget sleep.  This girl was UP the entire flight and enjoyed every minute of it. Since we didn't get to our hotel until almost 8pm, we decided to keep things mellow tonight by not making any plans and seeing where the Big Apple took us.  We walked around town, visited Grand Central station, and ended up a...

I woke up this morning with the urge for a mini-road trip and brunch.  Destination- Santa Cruz's Crow's Nest.  An amazing restaurant hidden in a marina where we watched sailboats come in and out of their piers.   (above: I'm loving the lighthouse in the distance) (above: B* watching the sailboats go by.  She'd love Vancouver, then!) (above: Mmmm) There is nothing like enjoying the ocean on a pretty day. Amidst the rain and cold weather, today managed to be a perfect 65 degrees at the beach. Gotta love California!

Working from home has given me the freedom to be more available to Brooklynn.  Something Brooklynn LOVES.  Along with volunteering in her classroom, picking her up after school, and being able to watch soccer practice, I also get the chance to chaperone events like her first grade field trip! Brooklynn was ecstatic. Never left my side.  *sniffle* My group consisted of 4 kids: Brooklynn, Xotchil, Richard, and Edward.  Both Richard and Edward hung out together, while the two girls remained my shadow for the day. All of the kids were very well behaved. (above: me, Brooklynn, and Xotchil on the bus) The San Mateo History Museum When you first enter the San Mateo History Museum you will notice the pretty ceiling above that it decorated with many signs of American freedom- eagle, freedom torch, the American flag, etc.  The kids sat in a circle directly under the ceiling and had the opportunity to lay back, look up, and discuss the freedoms they have in our country.  One of the rare things we...