It's Always Something

I couldn't have asked for a more special gift every year than her. As we star gazed tonight, I found my sign in the skies. Virgo Virgo is the sixth Sign of the Zodiac, to be exact, and that's the way Virgos like it: exacting. Those born under this Sign are forever the butt of jokes for being so picky and critical (and they can be), but their 'attention to detail' is for a reason: to help others. Virgos, more than any other Sign, were born to serve, and it gives them great joy. They are also tailor-made for the job, since they are industrious, methodical and efficient. The sense of duty borne by these folks is considerable, and it ensures that they will always work for the greater good. ...

Sometimes I can be so spoiled. As part of my birthday celebration this year, we had the wonderful opportunity to attend the Green Day concert in Sacramento. Although the drive was longer than you would want to attend a concert, it was WORTH IT. Both Brooklynn and I had the time of our lives. I am also happy to say that this concert helped fuel the interest of guitar for Brooklynn. Green Day Brooke and those damn bunny ears! Franz Ferdinand opened for the Oakland band. Good idea to bring the binoculars! We had a sexy face contest: Ummmm, Mr. Greg's sexy-face is, errr... not sexy! Billy Joe solo. SUCH a good concert! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

We arrive this morning at 8am to donuts and coffee at the shelter in Hayward. As we wipe the sleep from our eyes, we begin to setup the items for today's back-to-school event where we will be giving 250+ backpacks packed with school supplies, school-aged clothing, while feasting on BBQ'd burgers and hot dogs for the kids. The goal is kick off the school year in a positive way for these kids who have more reasons to ditch school than go. The kids start to line up around the corner. Ashley (Brooke's volunteer mentor) sets up the computers to capture the feedback from the kids and families on how to improve assistance available to the families. Brooklynn works the backpack room where she helps kids pick out the perfect backpack. The courtyard is where all the kids and their families could enjoy music, food, and mingle with one another like a real community. Brooklynn was such a hard worker and enjoyed herself SO much, that I had to force her to take a break and eat lunch at ...

I have always felt strongly that volunteering is an important part of helping to shape Brooklynn's identity. By doing so, I feel it teaches her about selflessness and humility, gives her confidence, and shows her other realities. Her volunteer interests include nature, the elderly, and less fortunate families. Family Emergency Shelter Coalition (FESCO) is an organization we have worked with for about a year. It is a Bay Area non-profit organization that offers assistance to displaced and less fortunate families by offering food, clothing, shelter, school supplies, household items, job training, parenting and life skills, etc. It is an organization dedicated to acting as a community for those who don't have one. You can learn more or volunteer at www.fescofamilyshelter.org Today, we got together in Castro Valley to pack 250 backpacks for children living in the shelters who are going back to school next week. This event always reminds Brooklynn that even her hardest days ar...

Today Brooklynn started guitar lessons in hopes that by the time she is in high school, she is a decent guitarist. Nana was nice enough to give Brooklynn an old guitar she had laying around. Since Brookie is a lefty, we had to restring the guitar for a left-handed player. The pick guard now lays on the wrong side, but it doesn't seem to bother her. She has names this guitar "Dawn" for it's "colors of the sunrise". From here on out, I promise to encourage her, expose her, and support her guitar endeavors. I have signed up to take guitar lessons with her for encouragement, have started taking her to concerts with live musicians, and will always take the time to practice with her. I even listen to countless hours of Miley Cyrus music and refrain from slitting my wrists while doing so. Oh, the sacrifices we make for our kids. Good luck, Bstarr!

While I was busy in New York, Brooklynn was back at home in Theatre Camp. Here she prepared for her first role in a play, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory where she starred as Grandma Georgina. One of the challenges I find as a parent is finding that one thing the child really likes and sticking with it. Brooklynn has taken a liking to the stage after seeing both Wicked and The Lion King, so she thought she might want to try the theatre. (Brookie's script. Three lines!) (Brooklynn as Grandma Georgina) (proud nana and Boo Peeps)

As I have said before, I am ever so fortunate to have the opportunity to travel to New York for work every other month. This city is amazing! So many things to do and see. People bustling by with places to be. An undiscovered gem around every corner. (The always amazing Central Park) A large industry conference brought me back to NY this time. A jam packed week of business and pleasure was worth every minute. Here are some pics a nd a list of places I visited during this month's trip: - Babbo Ristorante for happy hour - Landmark for breakfast - the movies to see Funny People (and sleep!) (squishing heads w/ Rod @ the New Yankeee stadium- BoSox vs The Yankees) (the crowded, yet cozy, Westville (EV) for dinner) - the uber hip Coffee Shop (Flatiron) for lunch - Sarabeth's (Upper East Side) for brunch ( the intimate and swanky Village Vanguard (WV) jazz club) (The Guggenheim museum) (Turtles @ The Museum of Natural History) - Central Park - Manhattan Apple Store (insanity here) ...

I haven't played M:tG in many moons, but tonight I got to play again for the first time in 10 years. Whoa. Needless to say I was majorly rusty and added no value to the game except entertainment and stalling time. Regardless, I definitely miss playing and wished I never gave it up...

Today we accompanied the Nakamuras clan + uncle Kenny/auntie Amy/Gavin to a farm in Castro Valley. Brooklynn and I often dream of living and working on a farm, so any time we have the chance to visit one is exciting. This will be our first time gathering fresh eggs straight from the chickens! Yummy! This is Jenny, the farm girl. She is SUPER nice. She answered tons of questions that Brooklynn and I had about farm life, the animals, etc. 1 dozen fresh farm eggs for $3. What a deal! Trivia: Did you know that each chicken lays 1 egg everday ? Brooklynn , like most little girls, has always had a fascination with horses. I would love to put her in riding lessons some day, but Jeff and I disagree tremendously on this matter. Until we are able to come to an agreement about it, she goes without. In the meantime, she enjoys watching them, feeding them, and grooming them whenever possible. Gavin's toes must have been tasty! The farm life appears to be filled with simplicity and n...