It's Always Something

So many lows in 2009. Financial hardships. The decision to divorce. Friendship woes. And heartbreak. On the flip side, 2009 also brought numerous highs. Music. Inner strength. Creativity. Love. And most important of all, it was another year spent getting to know Brooklynn better. The Highs-- Thankfully, I was able to take Brooklynn to New York this year. New York left quite a positive impression on her. 2009 was also the first year she had a busy schedule. Monday-Saturday she concentrated on school, guitar lessons, and Chinese language lessons. She read one book a month and enjoyed her video games and drawing. We also made sure that together we cooked, read, and drew/painted. On our weekends together, we'd spend our time at concerts, museums, the theater, and hikes. Brooklynn and I started The Bstar Project in late 2009, as well. Although it's been difficult to get dedicated volunteers, we are SO grateful for the few that committed their time. Aside from Brooklynn, I w...

i miss you.

i miss you while on the road.

i miss you.

i miss you.

i miss you.

i miss you.

This holiday season has been filled with so much heartache. Being good all year, hoping and wishing to get what you've always wanted yet experiencing the disappointment on Christmas day. The ironic thing is that when the dust finally settled late Christmas Day, I realized that I was surrounded with exactly what I had asked for- people who love me. Love shouldn't be forced. You shouldn't have to plead or beg for it. You shouldn't have to withstand torment in order to experience the joy. Love is there when you need it. It is more important than friends, than image, and money. It is the reason you make decisions. It is the reason you get up in the morning. It is truthful and pure. Mom- You are the rock that I will never measure up to. You provide and hold this family together. You are strong yet so fragile. Everyday I strive to be more like you to show Brooklynn what it means to be a strong and independent woman. Dad- You have powers unparallelled. You believe in me wh...

This year, rather than have a birthday party we decided to take a few of Brookie's friends to the theatre to watch A Christmas Carol. If you recall, Earlier this year Brooklynn had the opportunity to see Lion King on Broadway in New York. To continue her appreciation of the arts, we decided it was time for another play. Mila, Jazmyne, Brooke, Maddi, + Max Aunties Shirley + Liberty as chaperones. Thank you to auntie Shirley who helped me shuttle the kids to/from San Francisco's American Conservatory Theater. And to auntie + godmother Liberty for coming through with the Jack-in-the-Box right before the performance. The play reminds us that the true meaning of Christmas is to love and take care of eachother year-round. In support of that, Brooklynn + I talked about the importance of The Bstar Project and it's mission to do just that. She's beginning to understand the bigger picture. It warms my heart. Thank you all for such a wonderful time. We hope you enjoyed your day at...

As birthday tradition goes, the family goes out to dinner on the actual birthdate. The restaurant is the choice of the birthday celebrant. Brooklynn usually picks Beni Hanna. This year however; she picked fondue because she had so much fun at La Fondue on Mother's Day. At Simply Fondue, we had our own private room to dine, open gifts, and sing. We enjoyed a 4-course fondue meal including salads, 2 cheeses (cheddar/pesto + pepperjack), grilled + boullion meats, and 2 deserts (banana fosters + chocolate fudge). The entire experience lasted 2.5 hours! Needless to say, we were stuffed! As Brooklynn proclaimed this the best birthday ever (as she does every year), we all rolled our fat bellies outta there and headed home. Every year she becomes a more beautiful + inspiring person. Not a day goes by where I am not proud of her + her progress. Happy birthday, Brookie Bear!