12.02.2008

Blurbs from Tampa

Yes, we are in recession folks!! But Cam and i try to do our part to stimulate the economy - like heading to Tampa, FL. Nevermind that huge bills are piling up in the in-box or that holiday shopping is just around the corner - there is fun to be had on the otherside of the country!! So here are blurbs and pictures of our romp in the sun and sand. Warning: these pictures may turn you green with envy - especially if you are knee-deep in snow.








Thrina, David, Cam and Sophia in "Beer-Can Island" - named after the litter of drunken local picnic-ers.












Peace, Love and Happiness!



















On the dock waiting for "Weezy" the dolphin to swim by.










Swamp things. This park is named Lettuce Park...or is it Cabbage Park? Which is it David??










Tampa-Bay Watch?







We really do wish you were here...











If you wish to see more pictures, visit our picasa albums.

11.30.2008

introducing a two-year-old trauma queen


the princess of the house turned two a couple of weeks ago. she's now officially a terrible two and her powers to create chaos and ear-shattering outbursts have more than doubled in strength. this terrifying capacity is only challenged in force and might by her shining smile and awesomely beautiful face that always manages to transform my frightful frowns. she's a very generous giver of hugs and kisses, and betwixt moments of tantrums - she's a very skilled clown who's energy is renewed solely by gleeful laughter. she'll sing and dance and chase you around if you are a willing audience; otherwise cover your ears and pretend to ignore her tantrums. the fat tears rolling down her chubby cheeks will try to turn you into mush, but you must resist. be strong. her outbursts do not last long. if you survive the obligatory display of her temper, she will reward you with a wonderfully breath-taking cuddle and the unfailing ability to make her smile.

11.03.2008

Downward Spiral


Nothin’ like a downward spiral to bring out the activist in all of us. The economy has packed up what’s left of its precious few and headed south for what seems like a permanent vacation. We’ve lost sight of brother charity and sister mercy; they are probably down south too, spiraling out of control, drunk on tequila bombs and panhandling the streets of despair. And let’s not mention the environmental pet. Mother nature has set it loose in its rabid condition after we failed on our promise to protect and nurture it. Out there, we are all fighting…for the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of those who disagree with our beliefs so we can flush them down the toilet.

Tomorrow, we have that great-almighty-fundamental right to choose what should be done to us and who should do it. And the great unrest has disturbed the sleep of many apathetic souls. It is predicted that off-the-chart amount of voters will take to the polls and cast their stones. There will be long lines. Computers at the ready and news networks poised to battle for front-row-and-center.

The excitement has been building up into a tumultuous wave here in the streets of Sacramento. For the past few days, those who think it’s okay to dictate the rights of the gay community have taken to the streets to support Proposition 8. This proposition seeks to amend California’s Constitution so it will state: “only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.” Since when did the constitution become a tool for discrimination? Hundreds of these equality-challenged people rallied the streets, holding bright yellow signs and screaming at people to vote yes. In one corner, 50 of them huddled in a crowd…and smack-dab in the middle was one blue sign held by a brave soul. His sign said “No on 8”. I rolled down my window and yelled “You’re my HERO!!” while briefly contemplating running-over everyone else. I figured it was the least I could do.

10.31.2008

Double, Double...Toil and Trouble




Fire burn and cauldron bubble.

Halloween has come and gone once more, and no lavish costumes cloaked this family.  Cam and I wore recycled costumes of halloweens past.  Sophia looked absolutely adorable in her little China Girl outfit - which was gifted as a pajama this past summer (thanks Aunt Jenn and Uncle Calvin!!)  It came in very handy - she wore it to three different Halloween parties.

Trick-or-treat? Most definitely treat!  Sophia got really good at holding out her bag to receive treats - and lots of them.  She has become an expert at opening up candy wrappers.  She ate at least two lollipops and a handful of skittles tonight.  Her hands were all sticky and her sugary sweet face full of smiles before getting ready for bed.  I hope she dreams of fairy princesses and babies dressed like pumpkins tonight instead of the scary monsters that made her cry.

We only got one trick-or-treater at our house tonight.  ONE!!  How disappointing.  Now who's going to eat the two big bags of leftover candy?  I'm thinking they will last till next halloween - but then again maybe not.  Nothin' like chocolate to warm my soul this winter.

I'm a little sad that Sophia probably won't experience the kind of Halloween I had as a child - at least not in this big city.  As a child, I remember leaving my house with my brother soon after dinner time, clad in crazy home-made costumes and pillow cases in hand, and hitting the streets with our friends.  We went all over, not worried about perverts abducting us or tainted candies poisoning us.  We were free to be kids and allowed to go places that heightened our imaginations, daring each other to knock at houses thought to be haunted, challenging monsters to appear from the dark.  We would circle the huge neighborhood at least three times, taking note of the houses that had extra-special candy.  After we were satisfied, we would all gather at the sidewalk and compare our loots.  Our delighted oohs and aahs would last until our moms' voices in the distance called us to get home and get to bed.  I hope the world that awaits Sophia will have that same carefree magic and safe enchantment that nurtured me as a child.




10.22.2008

Doing the Time Warp


The Discovery Channel, probably the only good reason to have cable – or a television for that matter. This is a channel that you can watch all day and not feel guilty. It’s a venue where you can soak up unending knowledge. It claims to provide you with knowledge of things you didn’t know you wanted to know.

So today, I found a new favorite show – Time Warp. It is a show that uses super-duper high speed digital camera. They film really fast things and they play it back at a really cool 1000 frames a second. At such extreme slow motion – things are amazingly different. A soap bubble bursting beautifully into minute little water sprays, a skipping stone spinning while bouncing off a body of water, fire-breathers spraying fire into the air. It was amazing. Definitely a breath of fresh air from all the newscasters squawking politics.

10.21.2008

ROCK my world



Sophia’s fascination with the world is growing by leaps and bounds. Now that things actually have names she can pronounce and remember, she often stops many times on walks, points at just about everything and says the name over and over. It is so wonderful to experience the world again through her innocent eyes. A flower is a great point of interest, whether it be a pesky weed, stately rose, or everyday daisy. Airplanes are magical, and she’ll stare at the sky, not only after the airplane flies out of sight but until the engine sound fades away. And while she’s looking up, she’ll point at the sky, say “sky!” excitedly. She’ll even say “blue” after you ask her what color it is. Every dog is named "Obi!" and every child is “Baby!!”, no matter if the child is older than her. But what fascinates Sophia the most are rocks….yes, rocks.

We’ll be walking along casually, and if there happens to be a rock on the ground, she’s at it like Obi to a squirrel. “Oooh, rock!!” she’ll squeal, picking it up twirling it round and round in her tiny hands. Sometimes, she’ll give it to me for safekeeping while she looks for more. Now, imagine what would happen if we walked by a field of rocks. Oh yeah, it would be like Christmas everyday. Sophia could probably spend hours sorting rocks if I allowed her. She’ll just sit herself down and play in her rocky world till the cows come home.

10.18.2008

casting my pebble, don't let my ripples throw you

Turn on the news these days, and you’ll most likely get an overdose of the McCain-Obama-Economy trilogy. With only a few days left before the big election, there is no escaping the political storm growing in your television, computer, radio, and most recently, in your house plumbing. There certainly is a lot of information out there, accusations and mud-slinging, by the candidates and by the media-pundits themselves. I try to inform myself, see both sides of the issue, watch the debates with an open mind, and even read all the pros and cons of the candidates. But everyone out there has an opinion – whether it be valid or not. My computer almost crashed while downloading the myriad of websites that are pro/con Obama and pro/con McCain. My brain is washed up after watching hours of news reports on pro-Obama MSNBC and pro-McCain FOX News. There is so much to learn and understand – the trick is to filter out all that information, weed out the myths from the facts. But in the end – what really matters is choosing the candidate who will steer the country in the direction that I am going.

And so… this is why I am voting for Obama:
Sure there are many things he is accused of, such as having radical friends (William Ayers and Jeremiah Wright come to mind), his alleged connection to ACORN (voter registration fraud), his possible Muslim faith (his middle name is Hussein, ergo he’s a terrorist), and his lack of experience (this is possibly my only dire concern). But the PROS are what really counts for me, and here they are:

1. Economic plan – Tax the very rich and help the very poor. I definitely make less than $250,000/year- so, of course this is a good plan for me. But more so, I am so sick and tired of wealthy big oil companies laughing their way to the bank while people like me are working crazy hours to make ends meet (Exxon Mobil’s fourth quarter net income last year was $11.66 billion… the company made $1,300/second in 2007!!!) Barack will tax these big oil company profits to help American families pay for rising bills.

2. The environment – Anyone who wants to protect the environment gets my vote. Obama has a history of introducing legislation and voting for issues that protect the environment. These issues include banning the US export of mercury, strengthening fuel economy standards, increasing the use of clean, renewable energy, creating 5 million green-collar jobs. I trust him to carry these environmentally sound principles to the next level.

3. Service – A lot of my free-time is dedicated to volunteering, and I applaud anyone who believes in Einstein’s quote: a life lived for others is a life worthwhile. Obama’s plans include expansion of the Peace Corps and Americorps, and establishment of programs that will give retired Americans, youths, and college students the opportunity to volunteer.

4. Affordable Healthcare – Anyone and everyone should be insured. Right now, 46 million Americans (including 9 million children) have no health insurance. As a result, many kids and adults don’t get the health care they need. While each candidate’s healthcare plans seem all talk and no substance, I like Obama’s plan better. His plan ensures insurance affordability via a mix of private and government plans. Employers are to either insure employees or pay a tax toward a national health plan. And how would this plan be funded? Big oil taxes of course.

5. Education – As Aristotle said, education is the best provision for old age. Americans really must do more to ensure no child is left behind. Obama’s plan is very ambitious, starting at the very earliest: 0 – 5 year-olds, creating grants that will promote readiness for kindergarten. He plans to address the drop-out crisis, expand afterschool opportunities, and create the American opportunity tax credit among other things.

This is by no means a complete list. I like Obama for the things he stands for and for the things he does not. I believe that both McCain and Obama only want to serve the country to the best of their abilities. However, Obama is advocating for issues that matter to me.

10.13.2008

Christopher Columbus: hero or genocidal maniac??


Each year, on the second Monday of October, Americans celebrate Columbus Day. It was declared an annual day of celebration in 1934 and is usually observed by parades, department store sales, and a day-off for government employees. In Elementary schools, children cut slivers of black and brown construction paper to fashion their own replicas of the Nina, Pinta and Santa Maria. Then they repeat that cute rhyme learned by all second-graders: "In fourteen-hundred and ninety-two, Columbus sailed the ocean blue."

From their history books, elementary and high school students learn that Christopher Columbus discovered America. They are given visions of a brave and valiant hero who challenged the unknown sea. Nowhere in their history books or their curriculum are they taught the real truths: that he did not discover America but the Caribbean, that he spoiled a peaceful land, that he murdered natives in the name of God, and that he tortured, enslaved, and authorized the complete annihilation of the Arawak Indians.

Traditional lessons of Columbus do not include the history of the natives and the land he conquered. Numerous details are removed to give a sanitized version of Columbus as an explorer, navigator, and discoverer. However, there are historical documents, including Columbus' own diary, that reveal a very different person. From his numerous letters and reports, we learn that what Columbus wanted most was gold and he was willing to do anything to seize wealth that belonged to others.

Another historical document that tells a different history is the journal of Bartolome de las Casas, a Spanish missionary who participated in the conquest. His journal entries give numerous eyewitness accounts of how Columbus and his men treated the natives with repeated mass murder and torture. Las Casas tells how the Spaniards "grew more conceited every day" and how they refused to walk any distance, preferring to "ride the backs of Indians" or be carried in hammocks by Indians. "In this case they also had Indians carry large leaves to shade them...and fan them with goose wings." Their sense of power over the natives led to absolute cruelty. They "thought nothing of knifing Indians by tens and twenties and of cutting slices off them to test the sharpness of their blades."

The discovery of the New World was not for human progress as students are led to believe. For Columbus, it represented life without limits and unbridled freedom. He lauded himself as the admiral of the ocean sea and unleashed a reign of terror upon the inhabitants of the island that is now Haiti. One day, in front of Las Casas, Columbus and his men dismembered, beheaded, or raped 3,000 people. "Such inhumanities and barbarisms were committed in my sight," he says, "as no age can parallel..."

Under Columbus's governorship, 50,000 native people died within a matter of months. By 1508, over three million people had perished from Columbus's campaign of brutality and sadism. Some historians, who have an ideological duty to tell the whole truth, see the destruction of the natives as the most massive act of genocide in the history of the world. Samuel Eliot Morison, a Harvard historian and the most distinguished writer on Columbus, tells about the enslavement and the killing: "The cruel policy initiated by Columbus and pursued by his successors resulted in complete genocide."

These facts are omitted in the telling of the story of Christopher Columbus. History books given to students in the United States relate the heroic adventure without the massive bloodshed. They celebrate Columbus Day without knowing the path of destruction he led. In Denver, the American Indian Movement of Colorado has been protesting the Columbus day Parade. Its members have gathered support from policy makers to change the curriculum from a sanitized hero-worship version to a more inclusive lesson grounded in research and historical documents. As a result, some Denver public schools are updating its history curriculum to encourage discussion of the competing sides of Columbus's story. In following this example, the nation's largest teachers union, the National Education Association, have also organized protests to make changes in their history curriculum to include the history of the natives.

It is a wonder that in the land of America, where slavery is denounced, human rights are exulted, and equality is in constant check, a slave-trader and genocidal maniac is exulted as the first American hero. Those who take the responsibility to educate themselves and actually delve into the research to uncover the truth about Columbus know better than to celebrate Columbus. To teach Columbus as a hero to students is to justify the atrocities he caused. It allows children to quietly accept the lesson that conquest and murder stand for human progress. To honor Columbus is to celebrate his legacy of greed and arrogance. It shows to the rest of the world that something is amiss in the American value system.

The telling of the history of Columbus must, at the very least, include the true stories that have been ignored for centuries. The discovery of America is not only from the viewpoint of the discoverers but also from the natives who were there first. Their stories are just as important, if not more, in the birth of the New World. Students need to know the disturbing nature of what in truth is being honored on the second Monday of each October.

9.20.2008

phantom limb syndrome


It’s only been a little over 24 hours since my two better halves boarded a plane for Canada and left me alone and lonely in this city of sacrament. I miss them so much. I missed them even before they left. Now I am here with too little to do and too much time. Sleep escapes me. Who wants to sleep when things go bumpity-bump in the night and no-one is here to help me shoo away my scary imaginings. Obi gives some reassurance, but not much. Especially when he starts barking at an empty room and I wonder if he senses something I can’t see. That’s when I turn the TV volume a little bit higher and pretend to laugh at the silly shows.

When I got up this morning from a pretend sleep, it was exactly 3:30 am. In exactly 1 hour I had to be at work. I looked at the coffee maker, wondering how to operate it. Cam always started the coffee, always made sure there was fresh energy brewing before I spirited myself to work. As for my cell-phone, it’s missing again. It could be under the cushions, or under some messy stack of papers, or right under my nose!! But I couldn’t find it without Cam’s help.

My legs feel bare without some tiny arms clinging to them, tugging at my shirt and exclaiming “Up! Up!” The tiny hall is too quiet without the Sophia Bear beating the walls with her wooden spoon.

I think I am suffering from phantom limb syndrome…the emotional kind that runs in families. I feel handicapped without them. Their absence is tugging painfully at my heart. I know, it will only be for ten days, but it’s still hard. Right now, I have to re-teach myself the basics of living alone – lock doors, eat healthy (stay away from McDonald’s), clean up, and put gas in the car. While I wait for these 10 days of loneliness to pass, I have to stretch out my thoughts and practice skills I haven’t used, like reading a favorite book, writing in my journal, and socializing with non-family beings. I might even find the time to dust off those painting brushes and let loose at a blank canvas. Who knows, I just might uncover a part of me that has not seen the light in a long, long time.

9.18.2008

Yellow

If you have a child, know a child, or know of someone who has a child…then most likely, you have heard of The Wiggles – those 4 singing-dancing-wiggling guys dressed in colorful star-trek outfits. I first saw them about three years ago. There they were, 4 grown men prancing about and singing a duck/rooster song. My first thought was: “Are your kidding me!!” What right-minded child would watch these men who clearly looked uncomfortable dancing to silly nursery rhymes. But lo and behold – the children around me were mesmerized.

In my household…the Wiggles ROCK!! Sophia’s favorite song is Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, but she calls it “Up Above” and tries to dance to it just like the ballerinas in the video. Her second favorite song is “Big Red Car” and she's got the moves down. Not a meal goes by without a Wiggles song being sung. Numerous Wiggles videos now line our shelves, and Cam and I are forced to watch them. I must admit I have come to love those colorful dudes, and I find that I enjoy watching their videos long after Sophia has lost interest.

So, who are these mature, professional-looking men, and what insanity drove them to wiggle to children’s songs? I heard a rumor that they were a failed band that found success in children’s entertainment. Actually, there is some truth to that. The blue and purple wiggles were in a little-known band called the Cockroaches. The blue, yellow, and red wiggles were classmates in an early childhood development class. In their pursuit to become teachers, they became good friends and decided to put together an album of children’s songs. More than a decade later, they’ve almost conquered the world of children.

Recently, Greg the yellow wiggle was replaced due to a chronic condition called Orthostatic Intolerance. Again: “Are you kidding me??” It almost sounds like a joke. Why? Because Greg is towering tall - his height has become his own downfall. Ha ha ha. I’m probably the only one laughing. But seriously, I’m sad to see him go. He was my favorite.

9.13.2008

Car: 1 Obi: 0


While Cam, Sophia, and I were enjoying ourselves in Colorado, our faithful dog Obi was in the care of some friends here in Sacramento. These friends of ours watched Obi many times before. They had kids that loved playing with him and I’m sure Obi enjoyed the table scraps they gave him despite our protests. They generally took good care of him, and in return we paid them $15 a day. The only problems we’ve had were the dog leashes. Each time, we left Obi with a nice $50 retractable leash. And each time we got him back, the leash returned broken beyond repair. After losing two expensive leashes, we decided to leave him with a cheap one – and even that was destroyed!

Nevertheless, we prefer them over taking Obi to the kennel, which costs $20 per day + tax. Obi also picks up bad habits from the other kennel dogs and we don’t know what horrible thoughts go through his mind while stashed in a cold 4’ X 6’ concrete cage.

This time however, something bad happened. Towards the end of our trip, I got a call from a stranger, asking if I was the owner of a dog named Obi. “Yes,” I replied cautiously, wondering if it was a prank call and at the same time panicking with horrible images of an accident racing through my mind.

“Well, I have your dog,” the lady said. “His leg is badly wounded. “
It turned out Obi managed to escape my friend’s house through a window that was slightly opened. From there, who knew what happened. He had crossed a major road that was 6 lanes wide and ended up some few miles from my friend’s house. The Good Samaritan who found him cleaned up his right front leg, which had a large gaping wound. Thank goodness she found him. And I am so, so, so grateful that 2 years ago, Cam and I decided to get Obi those cute tags engraved with his name and phone number. Without it, Obi would still be lost.

Obi came home with a wrapped up front paw and loads of pain killers and antibiotics. My friends were very sorry of course, and they did pay $300 for the emergency pet hospital. Now, about two weeks and hundreds of dollars in vet bills later, Obi is so much better. It was a challenge getting him to take his pills. A nice mouthful of chicken tenders and bacon sure helped the medicine go down. He also had to wear his cone collar a few times. He kept running into things. It was quite funny.

We still don’t know what happened to Obi that day. Why did he escape? How did he get his wound? The vet speculated that he was hit by a car considering how deep his wound was. I like to think that gallant Obi was sitting contently when he heard a damsel dog in distress. Without a moment to lose, he tore open the window with his powerful jaws and ran to save the day. Maybe the damsel dog was stuck on a manhole, and maybe there was a huge car coming. And maybe Obi hesitated a little before heroically rescuing the damsel dog and pushing her to safety. Maybe he took too long sniffing her before getting himself out of the way. Maybe, just maybe.

I still have to pay my friend the pet-sitting fee, in addition to the vet bill. This is turning out to be a very expensive deal. In retrospect, maybe the kennel would not be such a bad idea for next time.

9.03.2008

Sophia's return


Sophia went back to her day care today after almost 2 weeks of traveling. She’s always so good about waking up early and getting into the car to be driven to a place far from home only to be left in the hands of somewhat unfamiliar faces. Sometimes she cries when we set her down in front of other kids who are also crying or whimpering. And sometimes, she’s just too sleepy to care and sits down and stares at her breakfast while mom and dad kiss her good-bye. But most of the time, she recognizes some of her playmates, the few toddlers there who have been with her from day one and have grown with her since she was six weeks old.

Today, those friends of hers were very excited to see that she has returned. They squealed her name in delight and rushed over to see her. “Phia! Phia!” they said as they huddled over and hugged Sophia before she could even get both feet on the ground. And there they were, three toddlers plus Sophia, in a tight little group hug. It was the cutest thing and I wish I had a camera to capture the moment. It is so nice to know that Sophia is loved, by her peers, almost as much as she is loved by mom and dad.

Memoirs from a red state


We returned home from Colorado Springs feeling like we left our hearts. Although we are back to our familiar corners where we can stretch out our giant paws and scratch our furniture and not worry about the mess we make, Cam and I feel like we belonged more to Colorado Springs. We’ve returned to Sacramento only to breathe unhealthy air and suffer sniffles and sneezes throughout the day. We’re back to endure eternal rush hour in sweltering heat and rude drivers on the verge of road rage.

If you have never been to Colorado Springs, consider this a giant billboard urging you to visit. The mountains are so close, you can see them while lying flat on the ground. The occasional rains on the mountains brings such cool breezes, there is no need for A.C. If you are an avid cyclist, Colorado is probably the best place to bike. Parts of the interstate even have dedicated bike-lanes!! If you have ten things to do at ten different places, you can get them done in one day and still have time to do ten more. That’s because there’s practically no traffic there – the highways are big and wide with multiple lanes and so few cars. You can drive from metropolitan high rises to rustic old western saloons within 30 minutes. And the air is so clean. Cam’s persistent dry cough disappeared within a couple days of getting there, and my mysterious throat allergy mysteriously vanished. But the thing I love the most about Colorado is the beauty of it all. There are rocks there that are so red and orange you wonder if some interplanetary traveler put them there.

But, like all things in life…there is an existing dark side to this bright colorful state. Within its square boundaries, Colorado houses many gun-toting, NRA-touting, Bush-loving, right-wing conservative yahoos. It is a red state afterall. With 9 electoral votes, it has voted for the RED team 9 times out of the past 10 presidential elections. Certainly, it is a foreboding state for a blue girl like me. But for this coming election, polls say it is neither blue nor red. In fact it is a swing-state WHITE (why not purple???) Maybe Cam and I should go there to tip the balance a little. Cam did suggest that the next time we visit, we should go to James Dobson’s Focus on the Family Visitor Center and post Obama/Biden stickers on the bathroom stalls.

It really doesn’t matter to us that Colorado is red or blue or purple. What matters is that there are so many things there that we love. And as we got ready to leave, we often wondered why we couldn’t just stay.

9.01.2008

My thunderstorm

It rained, it thundered, it lightning-ed. I got wet, I got splattered, I even got singed. The thunder was so loud, but I couldn't cover my ears. I was rooted to one spot, although I tried so hard to escape. The house probably shook, and the temperature - though hot at times- was very cold. That really was some thunderstorm - and it all happened inside.

Everyone else's thunderstorm did happen outside, and I enjoyed it for just a moment, my head lifted to the sky and drinking in the grace. Complete with rolling thunder, big full bellied clouds, and a gazillion raindrops. After much dancing and cavorting under the white, gray, blue, and dewy dew, I entered the house where an angry darkness was glooming. My sister, my dad, my mom, and even my elusive brother were there in the kitchen brewing up a nasty storm.

I tried so hard not to get caught up in it, but it was inevitable. I was family, I had to do my part. My dad, the authoritarian and king of stubborndom, thought he could still control the thoughts, ways, and means of his flock. But we little ones have grown up. All of us, with our own earned wisdom and evolving dreams, have flown far from his grasp. One of my sisters, however, still struggled to be free. My dad often brutally disapproved of her choices. In the storm, he tried to gather us to rally against her and her choices. I refused. I defended my sister at the risk of breaking my dad's heart. Everyone in the kitchen were yelling, at each other and at me. I learned to keep quiet and listen, and listen, and listen. I waited for the calm that approached but never quite landed. There were tears, lots of tears.

In the eye of the storm when things were momentarily still, I looked at my mom and dad and felt a great sadness. Their world and my world were so different. I have struggled to understand their logic, their reasons, their customs. It was difficult for me, how much more for them? They have travelled so far from their niche to see their flock again only to find the strange worlds they have settled into. For one or two of us, he tried to herd back to his island, where everything was perpetually green. The futility he must have felt when he realized he no longer had that power.

I tell my dad that we were all okay. I tell my mom not to worry. We were all grown up now. No need to tell us to come home.

8.27.2008

colorado dreamin'


So, on my second night in Colorado Springs, I decided to turn on the news. I don't pay much attention to the sad-whackedout-rabidly violent stories reported by the evening news team ... my faith in humanity needs no further challenge. But there it was, some great news that perked up my soul, and it came straight from the KKTV meteorologist. "Chance of a thunderstorm tomorrow," he said as he gracefully passed his hand over a map of the city. Chance of a thunderstorm? Seriously? In the Summer? How rare is that? But no time to ask questions, I have to concentrate, and listen to this messenger dressed in a fine gray suit. He said the rain would come sometime in the afternoon, followed by a cold front that will chill the warm evening like a shivery surprise.

Summer rain... how deliciously rare. When was the last time I felt rain? It was so long ago, I could hardly remember the feel of wet drops on my skin, or the refreshing smell of dewy dampness, or the scrumptious sound of rolling thunder and gushing downpour. Ahhh, summer rain, sweaty monsoon, glorious storm...I can hardly wait to feel right as rain. I'm going to count down the minutes...starting now.

sages of long ago

My mom is 75 years old. My dad is 82. And right now they are in their bedroom, and I could hear them talking about life. They are talking about the house, and the changes they wish to make if they only lived here. They are talking as though they have many, many more years to live. And I think to myself... wow, don't they realize how old they are?? 20 years from now, my dad will be over a hundred...and yet, he is thinking about picking apples from a tree he has yet to plant.

My parents seem to get so much older each time I get to see them... which is about once a year or less. Time has battled with them mercilessly. They both have gout and arthritis and cataracts and withering bones. Yet, their spirits are mighty and strong. My mom stares at her knobbly aching joints and says, "you are not slowing me down today," as she hobbles to the kitchen with her cane to chop some fish. My dad, who can barely see through his cataracts, just fixed the TV that was on its way to the trash.

Together, they watch the DNC which is going on in Denver. My dad yells at the democrats, declaring their incompetency (he's a bleeding heart republican), and my mom just laughs. She then says, "time for your medicine," and she lovingly applies the eye drops and they go through their medication regimen together. They have been married a very, very, very long time. They have been through so much together... (they survived me and my teenaged years). And I could see, through their quiet ways... that they so love each other.

8.22.2008

9 Lives and Beyond


Wookie, my beloved cat of 15 years died on a Tuesday night. It was April 15 2008. She now lays about a foot under the roots of an orange tree in our backyard. Wookie was the best furry sidekick a girl could have. She never left my side. Even on the days when I was too busy to pet her or even glance at her, she was always ready to come and sit by my side, gently perched against my shoulder, and purring me peacefully to sleep. She definitely endured some major illness during her last few years. There were many close calls when I thought she was literally heading towards that proverbial light. But she always got better. Wookie proved that cats DO have nine lives. This time, when she got really sick, I knew she had finally cashed in all her life tokens. Her final days, I held her as long as I could and provided her with as much comfort as possible. Her last final hours were spent in my arms and I could only hope she felt comforted. I feel sad that in the last two years, I had literally pushed her away from my side to make room for the dog and the baby. But in her final years, she seemed healthier outdoors, eating the grass and cavorting in the sun. Wookie was the only cat I ever owned, and she will always have a huge place in my heart.

Obi: Jedimaster



If you haven't been to our home, then you haven't been properly sniffed by Obi ... and you can consider yourself lucky. Let's just say, he tends to greet you in the wrong places...with his ever curious and quite imposing nose. But he means well, he's just trying to get to know you.

Obi is wonderful dog, a loyal friend, a gentle babysitter, a stalwart protector, and a playful sidekick. He wasn't so fine-tuned when we first adopted him four years ago from the SPCA. Back then, he was a rough and tussle padawan who was whining in his lonely cage. All he needed was a good happy couple like me and Cam to train him and lure him away from the dark forces of shelter-hood. He was surprisingly easy to teach. He is a very smart dog. He quickly learned that running like a lunatic, jumping on furniture, and peeing on the carpet were the quickest ways to get kicked out of the house. Within a few months after we brought him home, Obiwan earned rightful place in our jedi council – and he certainly had the potential to master his powers. His drawbacks are squirrels. Obi has learned to go potty on demand, do crazy and fun tricks for visitors, and even managed to avoid digging up my garden. But oh boy, those squirrels have special powers. They just shake their furry little tails at Obi, and all bets are off. Some days, it’s fun to watch Obi try to sneak up on these vermins and actually attempt to catch them. Other days, not so fun – especially when you are the unsuspecting bystander at the other end of the leash. All in all, Obi has mastered his way into our hearts and we certainly could not do without him.

8.21.2008

My ZEN Bear



It is hard to believe that she is already 21 months. She is so lovely, so happy, and so golden. Nothing in this world phases me anymore. I could be having the worst day at work, with patients crashing and machines blowing up and co-workers conspiring against me, I could care less. Because I just think of her and realize that I am the luckiest person in the world to have such a beautiful, wonderful, child. When I come home, her delighted smile and her arms wrapped around me melts away any negativity that manages to come home with me. She calls out "mommy" and my heart still flutters with joy. She can now say "hi mommy/daddy", "bye-bye mommy", "no-no Obi", and count "one-two" She sings "Up Above" (Twinkle Twinkle Little Star), and tucks her baby doll to sleep with a kiss and a "night-night". She can jump into the pool and come back up all by herself (with a life vest of course), and swim a good distance to either mom,dad, or the pool steps. She can even take daddy's cell phone and call mommy behind daddy's back. She is now running and jumping, and it won't seem too long before she's practically getting into a car and driving away from me. She is growing up so fast and learning so much, and I don't want to miss a thing.

Superduperman


And now, without further ado...I introduce to you my favorite superhero:

Part jock, part mad scientist, part chef, part philosopher, possibly part fish (he is curiously well versed in aquatic issues), and most definitely all superhero. My husband, the mighty keystone of this arch family. He battles the conundrums at work all day, comes home to pick up the baby from day care, takes Obi to play with his canine friends, shops for various necessities for our home, and still has time to cook an elegant meal by the time I get home. He is my prince, my best friend, and I can’t be the beauty without his bronze. When I am lost, he is my North Star. When daily waves become choppy, he is my lifeguard. He is my kite to the stars and my anchor to the ground. How was I ever so lucky to find such a wonderful man?

Well, after so many failed relationships, I made a list of the qualities that I value in "the one". And Cam was 10 for 10. So, the first chance I got, I hit him with my club and I dragged him to my cave…LITERALLY. Fortunately for sad ol’ me, Cam decided I was the answer to a wish he once made upon a shooting star. From the very first date, which was 7 years ago this month, the forces of divinity and nature shook hands, Yin and Yang twirled in harmony, cats snuggled with dogs, and the planets came into perfect alignment with the stars. Life was AND is good. We will be married 5 years this month and my Superduperman continues to meet my everyday’s most quiet need. I LOVE YOU honey!!!

8.20.2008

3...2...1...blast off!!!

Sometimes, late at night, I stare at the computer screen, looking into the vast and ginormous digital space of webbers and bloggers. I'm looking for something to inspire me, some video or picture to make me laugh, to make me wonder, and -most of the time- something to put me to sleep. And there I found bloggers with wonderful words of wisdom. They wielded words like light sabers, complete with powerful imagery to precisely slice away the tiniest cobwebs of a dusty mind. These BLOGGERS really have something to say, sharing bedtime tales to other insomniacs to help them dream of a better place. Their letters to the world certainly give hope to a planet that definitely needs a change. And I thought, "wow...I can do that" or rather "I wish I can do that...." And so... WHY NOT! I'm going to start my own blog and maybe, just maybe... end poverty, and world hunger and bring about peace in the middle-east, and possibly curtail global warming. And while I'm at it, find a cure for cancer!! Unfortunately... this blog in not that blog. Maybe this blog has a potential to be far-reaching, earth-changing, life-bettering, and peacefulsleep-making. But for now, in it's fledgling little start, it is just a letter to my friends and family --- nary a note...a memo to show them the miracles happening here in my household. So, Enjoy!!!

the zen warriors