It's Always Something

Today was New Year's Day and I refused to start 2010 with negativity. After such an emotional New Year's Eve, I was more than happy the next few days of our So Cal trip would be busy with family. First on the agenda- The Tournament of Roses Parade. My brother and faux sis-in-law (aka FSIL) live blocks from the parade. Although all 10 of us had planned on getting up early on New Year's Day to get good seats, only myself, FSIL, G, and Bstarr (with some help) were up at 7am. We packed up the stroller and started walking... a LOT of walking. Apparently, everyone in Pasadena had waken up earlier than us. The streets were CROWDED. Who said attendance was down 30%??? We ended up walking about a mile before we found us a spot. Hungry, hot, and grouchy we waited for the parade. After battling other spectators to keep our view clear (with the help of the Pasadena Police Dept.) the parade finally commenced. At that moment, the long morning instantly paid off. What a view! Sadly, a...

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...

Halloween landed on a Friday this year. When I was a little kid, one of the best parts of Halloween was wearing your costume to school. Although, one of my most tormented memories in school happens to be from our Halloween costume parade. As my 3rd grade class took a spin around the playground in our costumes, I swear I could hear the older grades poking fun at my princess Leah costume with mask and all. That night, before the Halloween Festival at school, mom was kind enough to get me a new costume. I emerged that evening as another princess, but the kind in a fancy golden dress and no mask. Who knows if any kids were making fun at me or whether it was all in my head. All i know for sure, is that mom made it better. *smile* Bumble Boo! Pocahotness + The Good Witch On Halloween night, one of Brookie's classmate's father hosted a Halloween party at his house. We played games, had a costume contest, decorated pumpkins, and went trick or treating. Brooklynn has SO much fun...

A family pumpkin carving night has been a tradition ever since Brookynn's first Halloween. On this day, we spend hours and hours designing and carving our masterpieces. Stencils are not allowed. Everyone must carve their own pumpkin. No one is allowed to stop until the entire pumpkin is carved and lit. It's been a great way to spark creativity, enjoy eachother's company, and stay focused on a task until completion. Brookie's favorite part- pumpkin guts! I decided to make Pumpkin Jack from A Nightmare Before Christmas this year. Brooklynn created a pumpkin pirate. Pumpkin Jack O' Lantern Arrrrrr! A Pumpkin Pirate

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...

We woke up early this morning at 5am. We started breakfast @ camp, cleaned up the site, and were on the road home by 9am. But it didn't stop there! We dropped Boo off @ the doggie salon to get all cleaned up from camping, grabbed coffee + books with a friend, unloaded the camping gear, played some Wii Sports, picked Boo up all fresh and clean, refilled dad's gas, then headed to Livermore to return the truck. Wiiiiiiiiiiii! Once we reached the parental units' house, it was finally time to REST. The units were BBQing, the Giants game was on, and I was making myself comfy in the recliner. As I TRY to fall asleep, I am bombarded with family stories, questions, followed by random thoughts of the laundry and dishes waiting for me at home. Arrrrrgh! It's ALWAYS something! Mmmmm... bacon burger + curly fries.

Boo's POV of campsite. Goodnight!

Today we celebrated my BFF and Blynn's god-mother's birthday. Opposed to the previous birthdays, we decided to stay very mellow this year with brunch and a morning hike @ Stinson Beach. Although this wasn't an all-out rager , I particularly enjoyed spending quality time with a friend I haven't seen much lately. It was great to catch up, see what old & new, and have the opportunity to enjoy each other and nature. No frills. No fancy entertainment . No extravagance . Just us. @ Fred's Coffee Shop before the hike The leap for joy. The happy dance. Passed out! Happy birthday, to one of my oldest friends. xoxo

Four Giants tickets- $100 One churro- $5 Two hot chocolates- $11 Four beers- $24 Watching fireworks with good company + kiddos after a Giants shutout victory- Priceless. Happy faces on kiddos & in the sky! Happy Independance Day, America!

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)

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!

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!