Wordless Wednesday

Patio Demo

So, since we do nothing easy or in order, we had a second project start before the kitchen was done.  As much as we entertain, we were ready to get our patio done so we could really use that outdoor space well. The trend here in Southern California is to have a rain-tight patio cover with lights, fans, tvs, and comfortable living room-type furniture. So that was our plan!

Bye Bye Old Patio cover!

Being a Kid

We all have memories of being a kid. Some good, some bad, but mostly we just remember 'things'. Amirite? I was lucky enough to have a great childhood; I know some aren't as lucky. I wanted to share some of the random things that I remember from being a child. I suppose some of them will feel quite tame nowadays, but hey! that's what happens when you're getting closer to 50. Ahem. I grew up in Southern California and in the mountains of Colorado, so some things might be specific to those areas but I'll bet there are many that are universal, especially for someone around my age.

Things I remember from my childhood:

• We lived on a cul-de-sac and I remember riding bikes long into the evenings, especially in the summer. The greatest part of this memory, though, is that we would practice 'tricks' on our bikes. Standing on the seat, not holding the handlebars, that kind of thing. And, of course, no helmets.
• Watching the fireworks at Disneyland from the corner next to my house.
• Having a crush on the neighbor boy who was a few years older than me. 
• Playing "Pong" on the tv in the basement and thinking it was the coolest thing in the world that we had a video game in our very own house.
• Not having cable and needing rabbit-ears to get even a passable signal way up in the mountains. We watched scratchy tv for so long that I was even used to the static!
• "Party line" telephone lines. We didn't have one, but many of my friends did. That certainly put a damper on talking on the phone for hours for us as teens. 
• Getting a box of Twinkies (or similar treat,) was a BIG DEAL in our house, and saved for a special occasion. Certainly not an every day thing. 
• I thought that disco was the coolest thing/music EVER, and wished I was (more than) a few years older so I could go to the bars and dance like that. 
• I lived about a 1/2 block from my elementary school and don't remember my mom ever walking us to school. (I'm sure that she did at least a few times when we were in kindergarten, but I have no memory of it.) Granted there were at least a half dozen of us from the same cul-de-sac all walking at the same time, but still. (And that's totally ok!)
• We didn't have a cafeteria or hot lunch program at my elementary school. A few days a year we would have a special lunch day that you could pre-order McDonalds. Later, after moving to Colorado, I loved being able to buy hot lunch. Hmmm. Now that I think about it, maybe that is where my dislike of sandwiches comes from!
• One time, in the winter when the mornings were still dark, I thought someone was following me as I walked to the bus stop. Turns out it was just the paper guy doing his route. 

What random things do you remember from your childhood? Share them in the comments!

Rain!

It is raining in Southern California. Actually, it's been raining for about 24 hours and supposed to rain for much of Wednesday too. Unless you live on the other side of the world you've heard about our drought. It's pretty bad but after today we can finally exhale a little.

I really should have taken a picture and texted it to Tracey. She didn't believe me that it actually rained here. I could have used a visual for this post, too. Bad blogger, I guess.

Libby has been perplexed by this all day rain. She usually loves to hang out outside most of the day, chasing birds and making friends with the people that walk along the horse trail behind our house. Hanging out inside has made her act really funny. She has followed me around a lot, slept in places that she's never slept before, been hyper and playful. The funniest thing though was this morning when I knew that she had to go to the bathroom but it was raining pretty hard and she wouldn't go out. I grabbed my shoes and an umbrella to try to coax her out. She was not fond of the umbrella (which was good. I was not about to become that dog mom.), because she didn't like the sound of the rain on the fabric. I had to walk out in the squishy grass before she would go. That started a trend, obviously, and now it seems that if it's raining she won't go unless I walk her out. This isn't looking good for the rest of winter.

Maybe tomorrow I'll take a couple of pictures and post them. I know that most of you are totally laughing at us Californians and our 'big rain storm' but when it's all you get? You take it. And take pictures of it!

Why I Don't Take My Kids to the Beach

So often you hear people that live in wonderful sounding locales say that they never do the thing that makes that place so appealing. Like here. Southern California is known for it's weather and it's beaches. The weather, yes, we rarely hit freezing in the winter, but in the summer it's rarely below 90 during the day. Which for you might mean that it's a "Hit the beach" day. For me? This is what it looks like.

6:45- My alarm goes off. Get coffee. STAT.
7:00- Wake kids up.
7:15- Drink coffee, check facebook.
7:45- Eat yogurt. Wonder why I don't hear the kids.
8:00- Realize kids went back to sleep. Wake them up again with stern warning. Begin to make lunch.
8:05-8:50- Herd children, gather food and drinks.
9:00- Call #2's friend to see if he can go with us.
9:30- Decide to leave. Realize #1's friend isn't ready yet.
9:45- Finally leave house.
10:00- Pick up #1's friend and get on freeway.
11:00- Drive into parking lot of beach.
11:15- Finally settled on the sand, think "That wasn't so bad."
11:20- Pull out Kindle and read. Children do as they wish, especially since we're right next to a lifeguard tower.
12:00- Feed the kids and self. Resume reading.
1:20- Attempt to nap.
1:45- Gather children and stuff. Walk to car. (We have to leave early because #2 starts football practice today. Sigh.)
2:00- Leave beach parking lot.
3:00- Finally get on freeway.
4:00- Finally return home. Collapse. (But only for a short time because we have to be at practice at 5:30)

See what a nice day at the beach got me? An equal amount of time in my car in traffic. THIS is why my kids haven't been to the beach here all summer. And! Why we will not be going again unless their father can drive us and we plan on staying longer than 3 hours.

I Hate Our School

Yes, you heard me. I am disgusted with some of the things that are happening in our school, our district, and across our state. Over in LAUSD there have been dozens of arrests of teachers and other school employees for sexual misconduct. I know that is making national news, so you can at least see how bad it is in our state. But what about our district and school? Lots of things, really, but the proverbial straw that broke the camel's back has been placed, I believe. And it's not just me. One of my best friends had a 504 meeting today for her child and got ZERO accommodations for the child. ZERO. What good is a 504 if the child doesn't get any help?

Lest you think that I'm only mad for a friend, it goes way beyond friendship. My children are being left behind and they are top performers. My boys are scoring "advanced" in all areas of state testing, on the honor roll, have never had any discipline issues, and yet they come home and cry that they are so bored. Not the regular kid mantra, but real tears for having to trudge along with the lower-middle of the class and never, ever, EVER being challenged, save for a few times over the course of the time spent at the local elementary school. This doesn't even tough some of the 'teaching methods' that some so-called teachers are using. You'll be shocked. I know I was.

There is so so so much more to the story and I fully intend on telling it. Telling it ALL. I'm beyond caring who knows how I feel or what I think. Our schools are broken, from the top, down, and it needs to stop. I have a few thoughts about that too, and maybe I'll even get to that, but first I will detail the ridiculousness that is happening in our California schools to my children. And we're in a top performing district in a nice neighborhood. I can't imagine what is happening in other communities where there are less resources.

So, before I dive in and actually tell you what's been happening, tell me what you would do. Seriously. What would you give to me as options? What options would you explore for your child? What advice do you have for me, oh Wise Internet People?
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Water. That's the Secret.

You may recall that a couple months ago, (Has it only been 2? Holy cow it seems like 6,) that I bought season passes to Knott's for the kids and I. Our ridiculously cold spring and a less-than favorable schedule has only given us 2 days to go so far. That ended today.

I splurged, (a whole extra $15 per person!) to buy the passes that also get you into the adjoining water park called Soak City. It's finally warm enough to go, so off we went, arriving at the park about 11 this morning.

Honestly. We had such a great day! It was just the 3 of us, and with the water and the slides and the wave pool there was no room for bickering, fighting or punching. Can I get an Amen?

I'm really enjoying this summer, being able to hang out with my guys. It's nice that they're a little older and we can do these kinds of things without strollers or diapers or crying.

We rode the water slides dozens of times, almost drowned floated in the wave pool, ate perfectly acceptable cheeseburgers, and drank cherry colas. There was not one fight. Not one! And now, 4 hours after we got home, they are still playing nicely together. (The fact that they're still up is a totally other issue. Shut up.)

Now I just need to figure out a way to bank roll the gas and parking fee for every day of the week so the fighting will continue to cease and mama can keep the peace around here!

Just Curious: Killing Me

I know all the quack talk about "prices are higher in Europe" and that other things that we buy are way more expensive, but, Seriously? This is the most I've ever paid to fill up my van...by $10 or more! And this was taken last week. Luckily, I only have to fill up every 10 days or so.

So, what are gas prices in your area? I'm seriously considering moving just because of the high gas prices here. Convince me that I should be your neighbor.

Shhhhh! It's a Secret!

Later today I'll be taking the boys out of school early. I never do this. We'll come home quickly for a pit stop, then we're going to head to the OC.





We're getting season passes this year-the first time that we've ever done something like this. Honestly, for season passes, they're really reasonable, and it's a place that if their friends don't have their own pass it doesn't break the bank to just go for the day, either.

I'm so excited, I'm jumping out of my skin!

Pepsi Refresh Project

The Pepsi Refresh Project is starting up again and I am super excited to announce that there is now a project that I'm behind.

A local friend and pastor started a small ministry at his small church that makes a BIG difference. Actually, I happened to be there when it started.... Let me start there.

Last fall we went to visit a church because a friend had just been named their new head pastor. One of his big goals is to be real and relevant in his community; to let the community see the church working among them and making a difference. During church once a month he sends the church members out in teams to do special projects. That first Sunday there were about 4 teams: one to go to the hospital, one to hand out bagged lunches in local parks, one that I don't remember, and one with quarters and laundry soap to head to the local laundromat to do laundry. That was the group that I was in.

At first the people were skeptical. Who are you and why are you trying to do my laundry? But we knew that we were doing the right thing. Luckily, that first day we were able to help about 10 families to get their laundry done for free!

Have you been to a laundromat lately? Yikes that's expensive! And if you are stuck using the laundromat in the neighborhood that we were in, the money that you're using could also be some of your grocery money for the week, too. It's been such a success that they want to expand the laundry program in the coming year.

That's where the Refresh Project comes in. Pastor Jason's "Love Through Laundry" project is up for voting as of today, January 3, 2011, at 6 am EST.

HERE'S WHERE YOU CAN HELP:

Go To RefreshEverything.com and vote for "Love Through Laundry".  Remember, you can vote once a day, so please remember to do so!

Share this project/post on Facebook and Twitter! Please help me get out the word to hopefully win this thing for the people in my community.

(Since I'm writing this on Sunday night all of the links aren't ready yet. I'll update them in the morning if I can/need to.)

UPDATED: This is the link to go directly to the Love through Laundry page. Vote! Pass the word!

Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!!! for your help with this! Spread the word!

Sunday Shots-Memorial Day Weekend

Huntington Beach, California, May 30, 2010.

Spontaneous

Last week I received an email from my friend Steph about a contest on her local radio station. She had entered and would I mind sending an email to help her win? The contest was for moms who needed to "cut the cord," or let go of their children. Uh, yeah, Steph is the poster child for this.

[In a nutshell, Steph's daughter just started college and she followed her to campus on the first day. Being one of my best bloggy friends I hope that she doesn't mind me spreading that around. You know I love you girl!]

On Thursday she found out that she had won, and with my help, as they had read part of my email on the air! Each winner was allowed to invite a friend to go out for a night on the town, complete with a limo ride, dinner, and club-hopping in downtown Boise.

Yep, Boise, Idaho.

Anyway, after some phone calls, planning, and pleading it was settled that I would be the one to go with her. So off to the airport I went early on Saturday morning to fly through Denver and get to Boise by mid afternoon. Only to get on a plane less than 24 hours later to make it back home the next day. But I'll get back to that part.

Aside: As you know, Headless Dad doesn't get the whole blogging thing. Getting him to get on board with me going to a city that I've never been to before, to meet someone that I've never met before, to party with people that I don't know, and somehow make it home in under 24 hours was a MAJOR feat all on it's own. You know, all you internet people are murders, right? This is no blogging conference with 1000+ people in a city where I can take care of myself. No, this was relying on strangers. To say that he was skeptical is putting it mildly.

Meeting Stephanie was like getting together with an old friend. We picked up where the emails and blog posts have left off, and fell into a comfortable conversation. After a few hours of catching up it was time to get ready to head off in the limo.

A pre-limo cocktail!

We were carried around town in a Hummer Limo. Complete with champagne! Niiice!

Yes, there were shots involved. The other winners and their friends were a lot of fun!

You know you're close to Utah when: (Excuse the grammar. Seriously. I can't help them.)


Thanks to Kate and Mix 106 radio for giving me a great excuse go to Boise and meet my pal for the first time. (More of Kate's pics here.) It was so fun to meet you, Steph. Thanks to you and G for the great hospitality, and for helping me cut the cord, if only for a day!

Oh! And for those of you keeping track, my trip home started out scary. My flight out of Boise was delayed for an hour, making me scared that I wouldn't make my connection in San Fransisco. All was ok after making a mad dash from gate 70 to gate 85 with little time to spare. (Good thing I've been getting in shape. I ran all the way and thought, "Wow! This would have been much harder if I hadn't been running lately.") Then, on the approach to LAX I was greeted by this:

The Station fire in the Angeles National Forest. As of today it has burned more than 85,000 acres, with no containment to speak of, and more hot dry days to come. It is about 40 miles from us so all we have is the smoke, but it's awful. Welcome home! *cough, cough* Add to that another fire burning about 40 miles east of us and it makes for quite a smoky morning. I don't think anyone would say I was wrong to skip my walk this morning, do you?

A Benefit of Living in Southern California

I'm usually pretty clear about the fact that I don't love living in Southern California, and there's many reasons for that. However, I'm here today to tell you that there are some benefits. (I know!) There are also benefits to having a husband that is on call 24/7- he makes really good friends on those overnight jobs; friends that want to take us out to have fun.

On Wednesday evening we had the great fortune to have been invited to Angel Stadium of Anaheim to see the Angels host the Boston Red Sox. I'll get to the game in just a minute but Oh Man, we had the greatest dinner before the game.

We met Headless Dad's business friend and his wife at The Lazy Dog Cafe near the stadium a couple of hours before game time. Happy Hour Pomegranite Mojitos for me (I'd never had one before...y'all were holding out on me. Summer yumminess in a glass. Seriously,) beers for the guys, and a cosmo for my fellow wife-in-attendance. I had the Maggie's Snake River salad: BACON, (hello, anything with bacon is yummy,) cranberries, candied walnuts. (Don't talk to me about calories, folks, it could have been worse.)

Once we got to the game we only had to wander for a moment to get to our seats. (If you want to see exactly where we sat, click on this, then click on section 111. Oh my word.) Our seats were right behind the dugout. Honestly, Vladimir Guerrero stood in front of us for half of the game, and we could have set our beers on the dugout. Well, if they allowed that sort of thing. After a slow start for the Angels, they beat the Red Sox, 8-4, in an entirely-too-short game. With seats like that you want to linger a little longer. We even made the jumbo-tron in the first inning-a first for the headless couple!

So, see? There are great benefits to living in Southern California. I'll take nights like that any time! My only regret? That I didn't bring my camera. (I know, "bad blogger!")

Just in case you're wondering: I was not paid for this post. My husband and I were guests of another couple for this evening and I loved every minute so much I had to share my experience. I'm a good blogger that way. However, if you are a business owner or PR person in Southern California feel free to contact me to write about your product at my review blog.