It's Always Something

Darn... I forgot to get a picture of the birthday boy! LoL!

Purple w/ flowers (@ $5 each!) for Brookie Fluorescent yellow for me. Yes, I'm still rockin ' the 80's while I can. =P

For tonight's movie, Bstarr chose to see Pixar's anticipated UP! We were joined by Jeff, big Jeff, and Jazmyn. I have to admit, I teared up during the first 15 minutes as the movie ran through the lives of an old married couple from their first meeting, to their marriage, to her death. While I watched this animated movie, I thought about my own adventure and how I longed for it to be just like the couple in the movie. I wonder if there is still time to add on to my love story. Jazzy & Bstarr Her next highly anticipated movie for Friday Movie Night... New Moon!

Dear Jeff, You and I have been through so much together since we met in 1998. Over the past 11 years, you have been my best friend, my worst enemy, my confidant, and support system. You have been there with me in the best of times and the scariest. And I have stood by you during your greatest accomplishments and your defeats. Although we have both begun to experience life differently in the past few years, I am confident we will always remain the same- close friends. I do not know what life has in store for you and I, but I remain hopeful and grateful everyday when I look at Brooklynn. Only two wonderful people could create such an amazing little girl. Let's concentrate on giving her everything we want for ourselves- happiness, stability, tenderness, and time. Happy 36th birthday + 8th anniversary.

Today I hung out with an old friend. It's nice to be reminded that everyone goes through life-changing experiences and that support from your friends and/or family is crucial to your mental survival. Whenever you go through an anti-social acceptance experience, it is easy to doubt and blame yourself. Sometimes it makes it difficult to hold your head up high when you feel judged by your peers, community, and family. It really is a shame that people will make unfair and negative judgements on a situation they have never experienced themselves. I promise to not be one of these people. (me, pia, + kitty)

Lately, I had been getting a little discouraged with my new work-from-home gig. It's been a little over a month since I started the new job and things weren't moving as fast as I had hoped. I was starting to feel disconnected from my colleagues/office in New York and I had also gotten a bit lacksidasical. And, as I do every so often, I was beginning to have doubts about my skill, my intelligence, my competency, etc. When I'm in this mood I tend to pull away from social situations even more. I haven't spoken to my girlfriends much, haven't called Mentor in some time, and I haven't visited family much either. Today I met an old friend from my industry for lunch. As always, I started off uneasy about meeting up in a social situation. I thought of at least five different reasons to cancel; however I had already canceled our lunch the month prior so I was stuck. Lunch it is. After the initial small talk we began to discuss what makes us happy, our families...

Zocal0 (zoe- cal-o) n. - the main square of a town. Today I met with the owner of Zocalo Coffeehouse in San Leandro, CA (www.zocalo.com). Tim is an ex-Apple executive who made a shit load of money. He purchased the 4,000 sqft coffeehouse for less than $100k 5 years ago. Last year, he recently remodeled the place for $300k. Ouch. However, the place is gorgeous. Tradtional coffeehouse upfront, kid area in rear, and attached yoga studio in back, recycle bins, post-consumer recycled plastic cups, etc. This place incorporated so many ideas I have for my own cafe. It is inspiring. I met with Tim to discuss his coffeehouse experience and hopefully get a look at his business plan. He explains that he hasn't made a dime in profit in 5 years. But he doesn't care. He LOVES it. Our discussion only reaffirms that the dream I am chasing will be worth it. It's funny how I know that my dream will require sacrifice, hard work, long hours, and little profit yet I can think of nothin...

I wish people could be more like our pet dogs.   Dogs are loyal, loving, and obedient.  They have basic needs, don't require too much fuss, and are always happy to see you.  They go wherever you go and are are pleased about it.  They are always concerned about your well-being and would put themselves in harm's way if it meant keeping you safe.  They love you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, and they don't care how much weight you've put on or off. They know how to cheer you up and they never make you sad. They celebrate your happiness and listen to your fears.  They don't lie, deceive, or manipulate. They don't take you for granted.  They don' care about your mistakes or remind you of them.  It doesn't matter where you've been, just that you came home.     We love you, Boo Peeps!

Flourescent orange w/ flowers for Brookie Flourescent pink for me. What?  The 80's are back!

Now, I am by no means a Grateful Dead fan, or "deadhead" if you will.  BUT... there are some things you must experience in life while you an and a Dead concert is one of them.  Let's face it, the members aren't getting any older.  Garcia has already passed.  So, I decided to partake in The Dead concert with some friends.  And I'm glad I did! The constant hum of music being played with no distinct start nor finish between songs.  The smell of marajuana being passed, offered, and smoked filled the air.  Laughter and dancing surrounded you. Covered by the twinkle of the stars above.  The colorful ensambles predominantly hand-made vs. store bought.  The creativity. The individualism.  This was like no other concert I had experienced before.   It felt as if you were hanging out in a friend's backyard on a lazy Sunday.  It was perfect. Although the weather was cold, we all managed to keep warm with plenty of beer and smiles.  I am still not a big Grateful Dead fan, ...

Although Mother's Day can be considered as another "Hallmark holiday", I can't tell you how much I appreciate being spoiled with love each year on my designated day.  This year, was especially enjoyable and meaningful considering the recent things I've experienced the last two years.  Sleepless nights. Agonizing over decisions. Second-guessing myself. Regret. Confusion. It all comes along with being a parent.  And when I look at how happy my daughter is and how much she loves me, I know I am doing something right.  my arts & craft my flowers  my special gift Today was picture perfect.  A simple picnic at the park where I was able to fall asleep under the trees while Bstarr and daddy played frisbee.  After the peaceful afternoon, Brookie and I drove MJ to Livermore where we brought my parents dinner.  Since my mom never accepts any gifts from me, and my parents  would  never eat any food I cooked nor go out of their comfort zone to experience new restaurants, b...

This year for Mother's Day, I thought Bstarr would enjoy the fondue experience, so we headed to The Melting Pot in San Mateo.  "Enjoy" was an understatement.  Brooklynn had the absolute time of her life.  Fondue may just replace her previous favorite dining experience- teppanyaki.  (above: cheese fondue as appetizer) (above: seafood, chicken, prime rib, and filet as entree) (above: smores fondue as dessert) It was one of the best family dinners I have had in a very long time.  The wine, food, company, and conversation couldn't have been more enjoyable.  If only every day were Mother's Day! Cheers!

(above: the sliders reminded me of the little guys from the movie *Batteries Not Included.) After a long day (two soccer games + a Giants game), I was able to take a 30 minute nap before heading out to dinner then another night with HWP .  Dinner at Billy Berk's was entertaining as we kept our server guessing (I must have changed the bottle of wine order 3x), asked for bacon Brussels sprouts which was NOT on the menu, and had a tough time deciding between  artichokes or broccoli.  However, the most entertaining moment of all was watching our server attempt to uncork our screw cap bottle of wine.  Funny.

After two soccer games in the rain this morning, B* and I were able to make it to the Giants vs. Rockies game by the top of the 5th.  Bundled up to withstand the rain, we watched our beloved team lose to Colorado.  Actually, scratch that.  I watched the Giants lose, B* watched the fans, video screens, concessionaires, Lou Seal, etc.  She had such a great time at the ball park she's definitely looking forward to the next game- where there will be fireworks.  LOL. I'm glad we stood the rain and went to the game.  It was a great Saturday together. Go, Giants!

xoxo

Today I went to brunch with the sis-in-law, the Gavinator, and friends of SIL.   We decided to meet in Fremont at Le Moose's crepe cafe where we got down with the food.  We ordered 4 different types of crepes (including my favorite breakfast one) + smoothies + dessert crepes.    The food was delish as always and as usual makes up for the slow service. This crepe cafe, and many others, gives me the inspiration to serve crepes in my own cafe. The kiddos. My smoothie (coffee, of course!) I began spending more time with the SIL ever since she had the Gavinator. Although she has been a part of my brother's life for MANY years, we had never gotten to know one another.  It seems having kids has given us the commonality to kindle a friendship.  I am enjoying getting to know her and my nephew.  Now if only I could hang out with my brother sometime...