Thanksgiving

Our camera was dropped in the sand...so although the pictures are few, the memories are innumerable. The picture above is the headband I wore in honor of the holiday...a little orange bird among orange berries.

We started our Thanksgiving festivities by running 5k for the local 'Turkey Trot' at the beach. What's not to be thankful about that? Gorgeous weather, supportive family, strong, healthy body, the beach!?! Hello!!

The Mr. then played tennis. The ktbunch and I enjoyed the rest of the morning slowly--with delicious oatmeal. It's amazing how much I LOVE oatmeal. Really. Growing up, we often ate it for dinner because it was cheap and that was all we had. It was nothing special and rather blah. I am so grateful for that hearty oatmeal though. And those lean times in my life. It made an impression on me, even though I will probably never know the complete scope of it. It is one of the most nutritious foods one can eat.

I like to 'gourmet' mine up though; I add dried, frozen or fresh fruits like cranberries, blueberries, apples, whatever is on hand. Filling fats like coconut oil, butter or even almond or peanut butter. Favorite spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Vanilla is always a staple. Can't forget brown sugar! Now I use steel cut oats for more nutritional punch and sprinkle with wheat germ as well.

We were blessed with a complete Thanksgiving meal from Mimi's unexpectedly. How amazing is that? Oh and totally scrumdillyumptious!

Later we went to my Mother-in-Love's to hang out. We had no idea they were waiting for us to start eating! My two sisters-in-love and MIL had set the tables so lovely. It is such a blessing to live only 15 minutes away from family. The meal was delicious, of course. We visited for a little while and the middles and little played. We laughed and joked around.

Then it was time to leave to my aunt's house. It was a drive but what's an hour when you've road tripped across the country, right? Everyone from my side was there. My side has grown the past few years with a couple new additions; the next generation of cousins, two more boys. It works out great because Kurtis will now have someone around his age to play with. He was so good too as the older cousin of the two younger ones is not used to being around other kids very much. Kurtis took it in stride and basically ignored his attempts at shenanigans and toy control. I was proud of my gentle toddler.

I felt like I couldn't hug my grandma enough. She is getting older each day and mortality seems closer and closer. I owe so much of who I am to my grandma. She was always one of my biggest encouragers, when I was young. When she said it, I believed; knew I really could become all I ever wanted to be....."as long as I knew how to read". LOL

Of course the middles adore their two same age cousins, my nephews from my brother. They could care less about the holiday, the food and desserts, all they want to know is if the 'M & M's are gonna be there?'

My aunt already had her tree up and lots of Santa knick knacks out. It all looked lovely. She gave Birdy a TON of jewelry she didn't wear anymore. Little did I know that she has two huge jewelry chests filled. Birdy was really excited about it all though. Isn't that so sweet? My uncle has a mini-man cave in his bedroom. The guys enjoyed watching the game on his big flat screen in there. My aunt met my uncle while he was serving as a marine. My aunts would go on base every weekend to go dancing--they met at the club there, fell in love & the rest is history. I didn't really like him when we first met--he was so 'sporty'--needless to say we didn't have much in common. Turns out he's just a big ol' bear when you get to know him.

The evening wound down and it was back to our home. Our cluttered, well-lived-in and warm home. The home we've rented for the past 13 years. That's a long time to rent. A long time to be blessed with ridiculously cheap rent. Our home that is filled with reality. A reality that is filled with blessings beyond measure when you want to see it. Which I do. It was wonderful to fall into my cozy bed, layered with blankets that are just the perfect weight to make me feel secure.

I am blessed, of this I know.

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17

Adventures in Juicing

After the fasting detox I knew I wanted to incorporate the health benefits of juicing into my family's diet. They are not too keen on eating vegetables beyond carrots and the occasional broccoli but I figured drinking the veggies would eliminate the issue entirely. I imagined having a juicer would increase our nutritional intake by leaps and bounds and we'd all smile happily in our juice infused stupor as we guzzle down our green goodness.

Of course, it didn't exactly play out like that. I went to Target to get a juicer and begin our super foods journey. I was immediately priced out of the market. Well, it turns out my mother-in-love has had a juicer in her kitchen cabinet for YEARS. I've been married to her son for nearly 20  and I NEVER knew this? I guess some secrets are worth hiding. She let me have it.

Well, the machine works great! So great in fact that I went a little crazy the first night juicing everything in sight. Naturally no one was interested in my brownish, orange concoction of super 'green goodness'. I couldn't even play my 'authority' card and get the 11 year old to drink it out of fear of never playing a video game again!

Cups and cups of mutilated and sacrificed veggies stood before me in the form of frothy liquid. I certainly didn't want to waste it, so the next evening while everyone was too busy avoiding the kitchen to notice, I emptied the cups into the spaghetti I was making. The juice was the perfect color for it. No one knew the difference and I felt like a fantastic mom, boosting my family's nutritional intake with out having to beg, bribe or nag!

This week I was even more on top of my mom-game and went grocery shopping with a *list* AND a menu plan for the week.  One of the planned dinners was whole wheat spaghetti with ground Italian sausage, salad and bread with butter. Last night I went to work to see if I could create my own spaghetti sauce using strategically chosen veggies and my juicer.

I dug into my 25 lb bag of juicing carrots and went to work. The base was carrots but that left the juice very orange. I added a leaf of kale for aesthetics mostly but I also know it's a popular juicing ingredient right now too. That turned the juice into a darker color--I was getting closer. I tried broccoli, it helped with color but not a good choice as far as actual juice production goes. I almost forgot to add the actual tomatoes!

The color was achieved but now I needed to work on flavor and consistency. I added salt and pepper, fresh and dried oregano from my garden, multiple fresh squeezed garlic cloves and chopped onion. Almost there, but it was still too thin. Aha! I reached into the mushy excess that is left over from the vegetables after the juice has been sucked out of them and tossed a handful into the mix. It began to thicken. It needed just a bit more of something...Cheese! That was it! I added a handful of grated cheese and stirred it in. It melted and suddenly the 'sauce' was perfect.

I refrigerated it and used it tonight with rave reviews. We never got around to the bread or salad but I don't feel too guilty considering the spaghetti sauce was all vegetables, no preservatives or any other unnatural additives.

Yay for juicers!
And Yay for menu planning!

Detoxing

Source: lauraface.tumblr.com via Sarah on Pinterest

For the past six days I've been doing a detox fast. You drink a lemonade recipe and nothing else. It detoxes your physical body from toxins you have taken in via eating unhealthy foods.

The recommended length of time is 10 days. I've done it before and lasted about 3 days. This time I ended tonight, on day six.

It is a test for sure. Especially this weekend because we had a weekend full of celebrations--of course all consist of delicious food!!

Besides the food issue though--I realized what really needs to be detoxed is ME. My mind and heart. I am still a work in progress. My failings come blaring through in such disappointing and obvious ways.

The real cleansing I need is internal. My heart and soul need redemption. I am so grateful for a Savior that sees me not for what I am--but who he has designed me to be. Only he can do the real internal cleansing. He sometimes reveals to me my weakness in those moments when I am trying MY hardest to be strong. He is strong enough for me...when my need is greatest.

When we were overwhelmed by sins, you forgave our transgressions. Psalm 65:3

Is this what *Courageous* has turned into?

The lyrics below are a newly popular song by Casting Crowns. It's a great song...I love it. As I was listening closer to the lyrics, instead of feeling inspired I began to feel sad. It seems to be directed at men, meant to be inspiring.

What saddened me was the idea that the examples in the song lyrics of being *courageous* are actions that should be every day behaviors--but NOW it's considered *courageous* if you behave this way? Really?

Has society or Christianity, since this is directed toward Christians I believe, sunk so low that the idea of 'loving your wife and children' is now the brave thing to do, instead of the normal thing to do? Since when? And if so--then are true acts of bravery--facing evil, defending the defenseless, fighting for truth & justice, now limited to only super heroes? I mean if it calls for bravery, courage to love your wife then what does it take to stop a mugger from taking an old lady's purse?

And to turn this around, toward women--am I really making a great sacrifice by being faithful to my husband and loving to my children? In other words, I am going *above and beyond* by following through on my vows & duty. SINCE WHEN?

Does your boss really need to thank you each & every day you show up at work? You get PAID to do that, you are doing him no favors by being there! Just as being married has perks and being a parent has perks.

Sure, no one is saying being a Christian or doing the 'right thing' is a cake-walk--but come on! Do we really need a pep talk to love our spouse & kids--cause is it really that horrible and that hard of a thing to do? Is it a behavior that is *scary* & truly requires courage to follow through on?

Cause I don't think it is. No one has ever had to give me a pep talk to stay faithful or not abuse my children. It's the natural thing to do, what was expected, not something extra ordinary.

Now remaining married under duress or less than ideal circumstances--sure that took more effort and diligence--but it certainly didn't require courage. Nor did loving my children, it may take extra patience but not courage.

I feel that some of the messages we are sending in the name of "Christianity" are very lost and mixed, at the very least.

I don't want my kids to think they are doing something extra ordinary when they choose to do right. They are doing the EXPECTED thing. I don't think it takes courage, in these days to remain married, love your children & serve God...I think it takes self-discipline, dedicated purpose and mission.

Stepping out in faith may take courage--but I don't see loving your family as an act of faith. Most people enter into marriage willingly & under most circumstances have an idea of WHO they are marrying.

Being a man 'meant for so much more' implies living a life of passion and purpose, knowing your mission and following through to fulfill that mission, in the face of evil and darkness. Having a spouse by your side, can help make that journey more comfortable, certainly. But that also involves mutual benefit.

How bout acting BRAVE when you are alone and there is true risk involved!?! Being a soldier in battle-actually facing an enemy, requires bravery. Intentionally living to avoid temptation to do wrong--doesn't require bravery but self control.

Facing death for the good of all mankind--now *that* was courageous!

I mean, really guys? You're better than this, right?

People will notice

We were all at the park today while the Mr. was across the street for an audition. I noticed a lovely woman with a pre-school aged son. She sat on a bench watching him play, initially. Then she began pushing him on the tire swing. They were having a conversation that was basically about making friends. She told him what a good job he did introducing himself and gave him suggestions on other ways he could make new playmates on the playground. It was reminiscent of conversations I used to have with oldest around the same age.

Oldest was staying close to the kiddos while I did a little writing. Later I moved closer to them while he relaxed under a shady tree. The middles, the toddler and her son were all playing nicely together. His mother eventually approached me to compliment me on how nice my children were with her son and to play with him. She was very sincere. I told her I thought it was because they were used to having a little brother around and also their older brother was a good example.

"Well, they all must have got it from somewhere." She said referring to me.

"Thank you." I responded, accepting her compliment.

She inquired how I felt about the age gaps. (oldest is 7.5 years older than #2 and #3 is 7 years older than the toddler) I told her , honestly, how much I really loved it, actually. Admitting how over whelmed I felt when the middles were younger being only 2 years apart. Plus, what a great help older kids are to younger ones.

"So..I have to ask then, what is your secret for such wonderful children? you've obviously done a really great job," she finally said.

I smiled, unsure how to answer. Do I say what I really *want* to say? Do I beat around the bush? Do I really have an answer to give? After a split second hesitation I finally decided to just go for it and respond how I honestly felt like answering.

"Well, if there is a secret, if I'm being honest, I know everyone can't do it but I really think it's due to homeschooling," I smiled. "I mean, I really love it. I tell everyone that I think everyone should homeschool. Life is just so short and your children have such short childhoods, it's so great to be able to spend all that time together. And since they are together so much, I think they realize, they've got to make it work because all they have is each other. I mean they have outside activities but for the most part, we're together most of the time. And when you are together so much, everything is magnified but you can address issues right then and there and really be on top of it."

I was ready for her to gently begin to walk away and smile politely but she stayed put and responded sincerely. We continued our conversation talking about the weather, our desire to go to the snow this season and the fact that she's from New York. I told her how I recognized the conversation I over heard her having with her son earlier, from conversations I used to have with oldest on how to make friends. She recommended a website for condo vacation rentals by owners.

I left feeling so encouraged. It's nice to hear compliments like that, right? It's reassuring. It was a great highlight of a wonderful day. And reminder that people are noticing, not that that is why we choose to parent well, but it's good to remember when we're tempted to NOT parent so well either.

Of Course, I'm thankful...

Aren't we all? It goes with out saying, right? ...or does it?

November seems to be official 'month of giving thanks'...or Santa won't bring you anything but a lump of coal!

That sounds horrible, doesn't it? But it DOES seem that way sometimes. Right before the big holiday, we feel all humble-like--oh we better be sure to get our thanks in so we won't feel guilty next month when we start the holiday crunch and frenzy.

Sometimes being thankful doesn't need to be announced for the world to see what a great person you are. So filled with humility and righteousness. What about all the other months of the year? All the other days and moments of those days? What about the times you're feeling less grateful and more resentful? Or the time when your cup really IS half EMPTY and your thirsty enough for a FULL glass of water. Are you, am I, thankful then?

Am I thankful when I'm not sitting in front of a huge baked bird and a table full of foods to feast on that I don't normally eat?

This year, quietly, I have really attempted to BE thankful, not just say I am. Some days I have been successful in my attempts. Others--I have failed miserably, worse, it's often in the same, predictable ways.

I want to acknowledge, daily, what I am thankful for. From the minute I wake up I attempt to look forward, with delight even, to my day. It's a challenge when the day stares back with grey, foggy, cold eyes. When the day appears to offer nothing but yesterdays worries that grow into tomorrow's set backs.

For me, that's when I take a look back...for all that it's worth and I place my trust in a man who promised to never fail. A cheesy and sometimes obligatory glance reminds me of a savior that I need. To carry me through this day and the next, beyond the pains of the past that mingle with the fatigue of the present. I trust all leads to the delightful future. Because the past, no matter how dark, is never permanent.

I have had days where all I can muster is being thankful I can breathe.  Moments I'm not even thankful to be alive but if I must--at least I can breathe this life. Days that turn into weeks where I wonder if I will ever over come my habitual failings--I am thankful for the grace to start again tomorrow. Other days are carefree and I want to break out in a song and dance like they do in old black and white films and I believe my life must have always been this charmed.

But mostly, I look around me beside my own failures, I see these other amazing human beings...my children...who love me unconditionally and I feel a piece of God's heart gripping my own and I know that I AM LOVED and for that, I am most thankful.

Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.Be joyful always;pray continually;give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. I Th 5:15-18

Happy Halloween

Another Festive Fall Evening has come and gone. Last minute, we added exterior lights and garden fencing with 'spider webs' along our walk way. We also brought one of our 'porch' swings and tiki torches from the back yard. We really like to hang out in our yard together and greet the Trick R Treaters. The Mr. downloaded some festive music to have as background. Old favorites like Monster Mash, horror movie theme songs, Thriller and the theme from Disneyland's Haunted Mansion.

If you've read my blog for any amount of time, you know I like to be crafty...OR perhaps you've randomly clicked on posts in October--then you'd know I prefer us all to dress as a *theme* and we (which means primarily ME) make our own costumes. THIS year my children decided to thoroughly REBEL & choose individual, unrelated characters. I am impressed by their creative choices though. I like to think they get that from MOI'!

This is a pic of oldest. He fashioned his costume, this year. after the DJ's in the TRON movie, Daft Punk. (his friend also created a similar costume so there were two of them) He created the helmet from scratch, using the interior of a bicycle helmet as the base, adding cardboard and paper mache to create the shape. He & his friend heated, shaped and added the plexi-glass visor then battery powered lights on the interior. I hand sewed another strand of lights around the collar.

Sammy chose to be a MIME, inspired by an old fashioned circus style act we saw at the County Fair. It was convenient that we were able to find the shirt, newsboy style cap and "suspenders" at the thrift store. The suspenders were actually two different elastic belts. The bowtie is a hair tie. I already had the theatrical make-up. People passing out candy would tease him by forcing him to talk, to which he kept replying, "Mimes don't talk!"

Birdy made her costume at a sewing class she took at the art studio the past six weeks. The dress was originally a men's long sleeve shirt. She altered it to fit and added a couple stripes. We found the wings at Dollar Tree and spray painted them black. We created antennae from jumbo size pipe-cleaners and pom-poms hot glued to a head band. I also did her hair in a make-shift 'bee hive' do. We also added a few little bees glued onto the dress for extra emphasis. We purchased yellow & black striped tights that she wore with her black chucks. She crocheted yellow chains as shoelaces to match.

We purchased this crocheted Angry Bird (a video game that involves shooting birds at obstacles and pigs) beanie for Kurtis from our trip to San Fransisco a couple weeks ago. We used it as inspiration for his costume. We kept it fairly simple by purchasing a pair of red sweats and red shirt from Walmart. I used yellow felt over his shoes as bird feet. I especially like his treat bag.

Again, I used felt and created the pig character from the video game. I did something different and hand sewed it together. It was fairly simple. Of course we all thought he looked fantastic--everyone else thought he was Elmo. <eye roll>

A friend and his son came by as did my brother and his family. We made chili and hot dogs and brownies. No one was too interested in the brownies since they had all that candy. More for me!

My nephews costumes were; "Smalls" from the movie the SandLot and a "shrunken adult". Well, my brother, the good sport that he is, dressed up too. He was a "giant kid" and insisted on playing the part all evening. He had a back pack, skate board and Nintendo DS he kept pretending to play as we walked the kids around the neighborhood. (I thought he looked like many of the college students I see every day. LOL) I could NOT stop laughing when I saw my brother. He's such a crack up. His wife was a good sport too--she doesn't usually dress up at all--dressing up as a little girl.

The neighborhood had a passive-aggressive vibe this year. A bunch of homes were decorated BUT had all their lights off when dusk arrived, the undeclared but universally understood time to start Trick R Treating. Many blocks only had a couple homes passing out candy. It was weird. You'd have one friendly home welcoming children, then three dark then another friendly one. We had to walk blocks and blocks just for a decent handful of goodies.

A few homes went all out with "Haunted Houses" which were really horror-ific displays of gore. We avoided those, of course but they attracted large crowds. There were plenty of 'drive-in' families this year too. (families that drive into the neighborhood, park & go Trick R Treating) I don't mind, really. I like being a friendly face.

One home was really in the neighborly spirit. They were passing out candy from their porch and from their connected garage they had a DJ playing fun party music. I think the DJ was the dad of the family, possibly even the grandpa! Their drive-way served as a dance floor. I had so much fun as my middles took to the 'stage' and began to strut their stuff. Initially they started dancing as a joke, I think, doing silly moves. The DJ got excited and started playing even more upbeat dance music to accommodate them and they began to 'really' dance. A crowd formed and they basically had their own dance show going on, even Kurtis got in on the action. We must've stayed there, dancing for at least 15 minutes. I think we could have stayed there all night but my brother is not much of a dancer. He and the wifey enjoyed the 'act' from the sidelines. That was my favorite part of the evening and left me with warm, fuzzy feelings for my neighborhood.

While we were canvassing the neighborhood, the Mr., oldest and our friend Forrest were back at home passing out candy and offering a bit of frightful fun for the older candy beggars. 

Celebrity Crushed

I’ve loved Jimmy since I first saw him on Saturday Night Live, even if I could hardly remember his name. He’s not a big muscle-man stud. He’s not particularly a heart throb. He is really funny though. I have always been attracted to guys with good humor. His movies often flopped but still I found his humor attractive. I imagined in real life he was probably very much, if not exactly like he was in film and television, a quirky, but loveable, funny guy.

Recently a friend got us tickets to his late night television show. I was SO excited I mentioned it on my Facebook status. My friends commented on my excitement, not realizing how much I adored Jimmy. We were going to be able to hang out in the green room backstage. Maybe I would be able to get a glimpse of him, up close and personal.

I blow dried my hair and wore my Easter dress, even though I know most women would wear jeans for a late night out. I wanted to look respectable so I wore my glasses. It draws attention to my eyes. Plus I can’t see that well at night.

 I felt like a groupie and was just as excited. We drove to Hollywood and didn't even have to wait in line. We went around to the back entrance. We checked in with a guard and my friend dropped her friend’s name. We were on the ‘list’. We walked right in. The hallway was lined with pictures of ‘Jimmy’ with various guests. I was confused. The hallway must house pictures from the network’s big shows?

I didn’t see any other pictures except from the show. It wasn’t the Jimmy Fallon Show it was the Jimmy Kimmel show!!!!! That explained why my friends were so confused as to why I was so excited. In my mind I kept thinking Jimmy Fallon when it was really Jimmy Kimmel!

The show was as amusing as it could be for someone I had no desire to see. We had good seats and were even treated to an outdoor concert by Cypress Hill accompanied by the wafting scent of marijuana and a bunch of grown adults dressed as hooligans. We were in the very back. I had no interest in getting any closer to the extremely loud speakers.

I noticed right away that next to us, in the back was ‘Starbuck’ from one of my favorite SciFi shows, Battle Star Galactica (remake of the 1980’s television show). I couldn’t believe it. I didn’t get to meet Jimmy Fallon but my husband and I took pictures with the fracking coolest viper pilot the universe has ever seen!

Over Coming Writers Block

Since I've been back at school myself, I have a lot of writing assignments. All related to English, either analyzing great literary works or attempting to create one myself. :-)

Of course once it's assigned, everyone, at some point, will experience what's known as writer's block; you stare at a blank screen (these days most type on computers, right?) and you've got nothing. The thoughts are slow and laborious. You can't get your to do list out of your head and before you know it your home is spotless, you've revamped your entire closet but your screen page is still blank.

Frustrating for sure.

I have realized a few tips that have helped me over come this dreaded race against the deadline. Maybe you will find them useful too.

1. Write: that probably sounds funny since writing is the problem you are having, right? The thing is, don't try to write about your topic or subject matter, allow yourself to free write whatever comes to your mind. This helps to clear the mental clutter and get your brain focused.

2. Hand write: my oldest son suggested this and it was AMAZING! The motion of writing with your hands is fluid and seems to use a different part of your brain than typing. Just as your hand flows freely across the page, so will the thoughts.

3. Don't write: yep. Step away from the computer or page and do something else. Preferably outside. I have "written" some of my best work while watering the lawn, riding my bike or going for a run. Seriously. Once your mind has refreshed itself, return to the page and see how much easier it is. I promise.

4. Create something else: again, step away from the page. Often I will allow the deadline to dictate how I *should* be spending my time. My heart wants to sew or crochet but my mind reminds me of that due date. I sit there trying to force something that I'm just not feeling. However, I have recently begun to do the opposite. When feeling the crunch, I will purposely participate in a completely different creative pursuit like sewing or crochet. I won't focus on what I should be doing, but simply enjoy the process of creation in the moment. I have found that when I return to write, ideas come easier and better. I was stuck on piece and feeling frustrated. I called it quits and worked on a sewing project instead. I almost felt guilty. After I finished sewing, I was struck with inspiration and was able to finish the piece in no time and it was even better and livelier than when I had started it earlier. I am now convinced that creativity breeds creativity!

There. I know they seem to all contradict each other, don't they? However, everyone's creative process is different. I have found each of those ideas to work for me at different times depending on the situation. I hope some of them are new and helpful to you too.

Anniversary Adventure 2011

This year (Oct. 3rd) was our 19th wedding anniversary. We didn't have big plans but the Mr. was invited to *work* a Dinner Detective Show at the franchise in SF. (he works the local franchises regularly) We used that opportunity as an excuse to get away & call it an 'anniversary trip'. We had no idea it was also a big marathon weekend!

We survived a slightly tense trek from the airport to the Hotel...once we found it since we exited the subway too early (dejavu' NY!)...we were thrilled upon arrival to discover our reservation had been CANCELLED. Being familiar with adventure we were only  a little bit annoyed. The Mr. needed to start rehearsing w/ the cast he'd never met before so we headed toward the show hotel and confidently thought we'd figure something out once we got there.

The next leg of our trip was interrupted by an Occupy San Francisco protest. It was so strange. We were in a decent area and a few feet over the air and energy changed and suddenly I noticed vagrants, graffiti and abandoned businesses. As we were walking, traffic stopped and a large swarm of people, carrying protest signs and shouting protest slogans, came marching down the street. The hairs on my arms stood on end. On our side of the street a small band of black men shouted anger filled slurs and hate toward the protesters and, it seemed, toward America in general. They shouted things like; "Death to America!" and "America is Dead!" They had a large cardboard sign but I did not want them to think I was staring at them so I was not able to read what was written on it. They were wearing some sort of robes but they did not look clean cut.  On the other side of the street were "Christians" holding large signs referring to the sin of homosexuality. I don't remember exactly what was written on it but their faces...the ones holding the signs, looked very bland. Not approachable at all and easy to ignore--bored maybe? I'm not sure...

We hiked up a big hill (isn't that *all* of SF?), decided to hop onto an over stuffed trolley car and finally arrived to the location of the show and that hotel was sold out--booked solid. I tried to find openings online to no avail. I enjoyed myself anyway, watching the Mr. in action for the show. I'd never seen it before and had a great time. It helped that our friend/franchise owner's girlfriend came along, so we sat next to each other. The show included dinner--that was nice. Our table was filled w/ other friendly guests of the evening. They had a great time and when the show was over and we revealed we were related to the "owner" & "detective"--they were so excited & said that made their night even *better*. (the exact quote was F*^&*#@ AWESOME!)

During the middle of the show I decided to check with the front desk again, tell them our cancellation-sob-story, smile big and beg if necessary. Turns out they had a cancellation but it was a smoking room and even though it was 9:00 pm it was not ready yet. The woman at the counter was nice and gave us a discount. It still ended up being more than we planned since our cancelled reservation was part of a "package". The room was very luxurious and lovely and we were happy with it...especially since our only other option was spending the night in Denny's!

The next day we headed toward the Wharf. We'd been here before a few years ago but for a full weekend--and had a great time. We ate a nice brunch at the Boudin Bakery. The weather was cool but nice. No trip is complete without a walk around Ghiradelli Square and free chocolate samples from the Ghiradelli chocolate shop. We wanted to bring bread, cookies and chocolate back home to everyone BUT we thought the airport still had security rules of no food. We found out too late we were wrong & it's only liquids you can't bring on. :-( We walked around & window shopped---exactly what I said I did NOT want to do. Funny how that works out. The Mr. wanted to see the sea lions...again. I figured once you've seen them--you've SEEN them and had no desire to repeat the experience.

We picked up a few minor souvenirs for the ktbunch back home and before we knew it...it was time to head back to the air port. I was sad to end our trip so soon. We took a longer ride on the trolley car back to Union Square. We had time to check out the grand opening of a museum. It was mainly Japanese art--very interesting sculptures in a style I had never seen before. They looked like giant wax rocks encapsulating a cave inside. Once sign said they were irreplicable. Amazing!

We finally figured out the BART. We were almost to the airport just as a Raider game was finishing. I'd never seen so many fans in one place. It was as if the whole world was dressed in black and silver. The Mr. was so excited to see that. It was a bummer we couldn't have gone to a game...I'm not really sad about that. haha.

We arrived at the airport dutifully on time just to have our flight delayed and delayed again. We almost missed it because they never announced it was even boarding. Good thing for us they DID call us by name over the loud speaker. We were the *last* people to board the plane!

I've come to accept that my life will never go exactly as planned...so it's a good thing we're always up for adventure, no matter what we do. It's what gives my life 'character'....I believe.