Sweet Emotion

Shirt...prepare to be stained!

Worst Awkward Fashion Stage

Lunching outside with Babyhead I noticed that his shirt looked rather dingy. Well, that’s putting it lightly, especially if you say “dingy” with an English accent, the shirt was flat out stained. This was not shocking because bibs have become evil in Tavian’s world, but I was a little embarrassed about my failing laundry skills.

Going through his toddler wardrobe later I discovered many more badly stained items, pants that started to look more like leggings, and shirts that revealed his baby belly bottom. The thrill of going shopping for Tay’s new clothes put the trip at the top of my To Do list.

When I was pregnant I loved looking for baby clothes, especially shoes and things that looked like “real” clothes (not jumpers with teddy bears and ducks all over them.) Little man clothes. Now, clothes for Taivan is about ease, comfort, and colors that hide stains. Target and Old Navy are currently my best friends because I just can’t pay $30 for a toddler t-shirt I know will be covered in sand, drool, and apple sauce by the end of the day.

However, the thrill of shopping turned into a chill after a few trips. You see dear Blog, Tavian does not fall into the typical sizing for his age range. Not surprising considering I remember my mom constantly altering my clothes growing up, everything was either too short or too wide...karma, I roll my eyes at you.

But Tavian is right in between two sizes, pants are either too short or too big in the waist, shirts too tight or too baggy. After many purchases and returns I discovered these sweat pants with elastic at the waist and ankles. Yes, just like the ones you see senior citizens sporting on their mall walks. But their genius because they are tight enough not to fall down and he doesn’t trip over the legs...because they are elastic-ed to his ankles.

Oh dearest son, thank goodness you are adorable enough to over power your elastic sweat pants and baggy stained shirts. That doesn’t mean I don’t feel a little guilty every morning dressing you in such awkward outfits. If “lame” was in your vocabulary I know you would be scolding me about your wardrobe.

Playing at the park in his new trip/saggy free sweat pants

Worst/Best Movie

Becoming a mother completely changed my viewing capacity. Anything that has to do with children is a kazillion times more impact-full. I didn’t get why everyone loved Slumdog Millionaire, love story my tush! It was about the horrible living conditions, trauma, and abuse of three innocent children. The other night I saw A.I. on TV and I don’t remember crying that hard back in 2001.

But you don’t have to be a parent to be shocked, shattered, and sobbing while watching the movie Precious. Just ask the guy next to me, I bet he wasn’t counting on gasping and sniffing his way through this movie. Or anyone in the theater for that matter as we all collectively held our breath and cried out “oh no!” scene after heart breaking scene. No seriously, everyone in the sold out theater.

But a movie can only be this awful if it is only that good. Really, really good. The performances were just outstanding, some of the best I have seen in a long time. I personally don’t want to pay money to feel so disturbed for a whole night. Eli and I came home and immediately went into Tavian’s room to watch him sleep, so peaceful, so innocent. If anything I commend this film for being so moving, a slap in the face to make you grateful for what you have and a reminder that things could be worse. But if it’s a night of carefree entertainment you are looking for...skip this one.

Best Trick or Treater

I can justify blogging about Halloween three weeks after the fact because we just ate the last of our trick or treat candy. I say “our” because it really was quite the collaborative effort between the three of us to gather our bag of sweet booty.

Dressed as Evil Knievel Tavian set out to go on a walk with Momma and Dad. But this time we were telling him to go into stores and strange homes with a little bucket to collect candy. How very strange! But we only showed him a few times how to trick or treat before Babyhead had it down cold! I gave him the little paper pail, he would walk up, wait for the bowl of candy to be presented, select a piece, put it in his pail, walk back to Momma and hand it over.

At first I didn’t think we would be out for very long, that he would lose interest. But as the sky got darker, the houses got creepier, and the kids got crazier, we all got into the spirit of trick or treating. Eli and I would cheer when Tavian brought back the good stuff like Snickers or Starbursts and encourage him to try harder when he brought back Tootsie Rolls. After covering four whole blocks we loaded up Evil Knievel and headed home to celebrate our hard work with a Heresy's PB Cup...or two. Holding the little paper bag full of candy I was genuinely proud of Babyhead and his new found talent for taking candy from strangers. As if he had just won the Nobel Peace Prize, but he didn’t he just brought me handfuls of delicious candy, which is just as awesome!

Click here to see more photos!

New Best Trader Joe’s Items

Bogle Merlot

73% Cacao Belgian Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds

Seriously Seedy & Nutty Wafers

Villa Italia Grapefruit Soda

Panko Covered Tilapia Filets

Soy & Flaxseed Tortilla Chips

The Love

Best 29th Rock Star Birthday Party

The 29th birthday party is a tricky one. You could either show your rising maturirty level with a classy wine and cheese party or you can give one last shot at a good theme party and make all your friends dress up in costumes. I choose the latter which lead to the Rockstar Party.

I have to say I am very proud of all my friends who got into the groove, swiped on the eyeliner, pulled on the leather pants, and let the hairspray fly. We fueled our rocker bodies with champagne and a spread based on food demands of real rockers, such as Jay Z’s desire for PBJ, Taylor Swift’s need for Kraft Mac n’ Cheese, Frank Sinatra’s request for jump shrimp cocktail, and Brittany Spear’s must have Pop Tarts. Guitar Hero was hooked up so everyone could warm up their guitar moves and rocker attitudes. Babyhead was very entertained by us all and Momma let him stay up late but denied his grabs for her champagne glass.

Bedtime was our cue to take the party to a whole new level...and a new location. The party appropriately continued at The Gas Lite karaoke bar. I took note of the stares at my pink curly mohawk, but didn’t care as we gathered around our reserved booth to pick our songs. I think everyone was just jealous that they didn’t have on shredded pleather leggings and glittery scarves tied around their heads.

I so L-O-V-E all my dearest friends for showing up to give me B-day wishes and endure the craziness of a karaoke bar. Our last performance of “Living on a Prayer” had the whole bar dancing and singing their best “Whoooooaaaaa-ooooooh”s into their air mics. Thank you to everyone who came to rock with me, it was a very fitting night to kick off my last year as a 20 something. Next year be prepared to get your wine and cheese on.

To see more rockin' Rock Star Party pics click here

Worst Computer Meltdown

The very wise and talented (and good looking) Mr. J. Timberlake once sang “where is the love?” Just a week after I blogged my praises for all things Mac and the devastation I would feel if anything happened to my little lap topper...something happened. I was in denial for a few days, hoping that maybe if I restarted my computer enough eventually everything on my desktop would come back. This was my technical analysis.

When I caved in and went to the Apple store the Genius Bar guy coldly gave me his analysis. “Your hard drive is dead, you need to be replace it but you will lose all of your data.” Gasp! “Data?” My beloved iTunes playlists, photos of Babyhead’s first day on this earth, slaved over websites, newly scanned paperless home office, my data base of design and DIY ideas, digitally preserved copies of my Grandmother’s hand written recipes, creative future blog ideas...are not JUST data sir!! It was then he told me I had to choose one thing to save from my computer, because he might only have one chance at saving something and I had to choose right then...but all I could think was “where is the love?”

Thank god I was in shock cause I might have started crying right in front of unsympathetic Apple store guy. Finally he said I could take it to a data recovery specialist but it could cost thousands of dollars. I said if there was a chance to save anything I will take it. I spent the next four hours still in shock wandering the earth, like I was homeless...I had lost my digital home. I tried to find some perspective, to empathize with people who really have lost everything in devastating fires or hurricanes. Situations where there are no specialist to take your life so it can be recovered.

The next day I asked my computer genius friend what I should do and he recommended a company called Computech to help my with my data recovery. And it was there...at Computech where I found the love (and it didn’t cost thousands of dollars.) My techy friend sat across the counter from me starring at my lap topper and assured me hope was not lost. Three days later they called and said my Mac had pulled through...a full recovery!

Where is the love? Well for the most part it is in your family, friends, and how you interact with the rest of the world. But in this technical age forms of our love are stored on a hard drive. So show your hard working machine some love and always back up your “data.”

Hello, I'm a Mac

Multi tasking on the Blackberry and Mac

It is scary sometimes to think how much my life is connected to such a small thing. Oh wait I’m not talking about Babyhead (although I heart him too) I'm talking about my little white lap topping Mac. But seriously, the thought of anything happening to my computer gives me a pit in my stomach. I am sure many of you can agree. We have put all our eggs in one hard drive. Our photos, memories, work, ideas, music, home movies, schedules, contacts, everything!! A whole life mixed together like a good margarita in one little machine.

Sorry if this is boring for all you PC’ers out there, but I just wanted to share some of my favorite Mac updates and how a glowing apple has made my life better.

Best Website Builder

iWeb

Two years ago I attempted to design a website through an online program, it was a disaster. So when it came time to design another website I got very nervous. Being a DIY-er and not having the dough to fork over to a web designer I started to explore some options. I clicked on the icon for “iweb” that I've had on my desktop forever, but never bothered with. Ten minutes later I designed my home page, easy as pie. The best thing about iWeb is that you don’t have to be online to build your site. An online program takes forever to load any changes you make, whereas iWeb is live and only publishes when you are completely done.

Once I sat down and really hammered out the site I was done in no time. A site I was actually proud to tell people to visit. I do give it up for real web designers though, now I know what it takes and you people are hard workers! But if you are a Mac-er and want to DIY a website check out iWeb.

Best Mix List-er

iTunes Genuis

What is genius about iTunes is that since each downloaded song is only $1.29-0.99 it’s no biggie to get a song here or there. Where as I distinctly remembering scrimping and saving in high school to buy the new Dave Matthew's Band CD. But before you know it a download here and there adds up people! This is why iTunes is genius cause your spending the scrilla without even knowing it.

What is also genius about iTunes is Genius. You pick a song from your library and then turn on the Genius function and a mix list is instantly created based on that song. I have always loved putting together song mixes, but sometimes it is nice to have someone else do it for you.

Best Web Browser Update

Safari 4 Top Sites

I once worked with a computer genius who could work the function keys like no ones business. Where as the normal person know basics like apple+c = copy and apple+v=paste, this guy knew every short cut for anything he wanted to do. He credited his master keyboard skills to pure laziness, that moving the mouse to a drop down menu and selecting an action was too much work...and one day someone will invent away to control your computer with just your mind. To him that would be the greatest day of his life, when his fingers didn’t have to move.

At the time I thought he was ridiculous and clearly a nerd, but when I updated my operating system and web browser to Safari 4 my own little lazy nerd surfaced. Safari 4 has a new function called Top Sites. With the click of an icon it brings up the last 12 pages that you visited. Why is this so wonderful? Because I no longer have to go to History or Bookmarks, drop down the menu and select the recent page I want. Plus it looks soooo cool, dude. My nerdy, little, tired, mouse clicking finger thanks you Safari 4!

Worst Letter

I didn’t know how hard it could be for a small business until I started one. Sure you know it’s going to take a lot of work, but it’s the American dream! You have a good idea and you think you can make some money off it.

Turns out that even if your business is not booming (or doing anything at all) there is a lot of time and money being spent just to stay legit. In the state of California there is quite a bit of fees and paperwork required just to say you are an LLC. I consider myself a pretty good citizen and wanted to accept the civil responsibility to run a company, so I filed with the state. But imagine if you helped an old lady across the street and then she flipped you off once you got to the other side. That’s what it feel like BOE!

So you could imagine my heart attack when I received two letters stating that my LLC has to pay over $400 in fees to “file” with the state and the money is due in a week. I tried to fall asleep that night, but all could think about was the little old lady (BOE) and all her stupid fees.

The next day before I tearfully wrote the checks I did a little investigating online about these fees. You could only imagine my next heart attack when I discovered that these very official looking letters were a SCAM! Thank the heavens that another good citizen put up a blog to warn people like me. The blog is appropriately called “Business Filings Division” which is the “source” of the very official looking scam letter. The blog linked me to the Secretary of State’s website which has a page dedicated to warning people about this rip off.

Juuuust to be sure I gave the SOS a call to verify that I didn’t owe them money. Yes, they confirmed that I had been a victim and really the LLC filing fee was only $25 and not the $239.00 that was demanded of me in the fake letter. My only hope is that other small (or barely visible) business owners catch this blog off their Google search and save their hard earned pennies to pay the little old lady and not some crook who sits around making up official sounding things like “California Corporations Code Section 17060.”

Blog-a-Thon

Dearest Blog,

As you probably have suspected from my prolonged absence, I admit I have been spending my time with another website. For the last several weeks any moment I have had outside of chasing Babyhead around, has been creating another site. You should feel jealous because I think it is a good one. But please know that it is purely business and you my dear Blog are for pleasure.

To further my home organization business I created www.brightlivingnow.com

Don't worry it is finished now and I can turn my attention back to you. So to compensate for lost time we'll have a Blog-a-Thon.

Best Trip to Colorado

Summer has always been my favorite time in Colorado. I tend to make more trips there during the winter however to be with family during the holidays. But that ususally has meant a little more stress traveling, finding warm clothes to bring, and

being cooped up inside.Over labor day weekend the three of us headed off for the Mile High City to visit family and I could attend my 10 year high school reunion...go Farmers (yes, the mascot was a farmer.)

We were blessed with absolutely beautiful weather and overall just a fun, relaxing time. Many thanks to my dearest friend Linda for giving us her basement to stay in so we could avoid a stuffy hotel. Plus, even though she works a gazillion hours a week she found time to make us feel special with fresh flowers, sweet candles, and even travel size baby products.

Babyhead had such a great time becuase there is so much more room to run around. Bigger houses, bigger yards, bigger parks and even though he is just a little guy he needs big spaces to run. We also had some real quality time with my family, especially for Tavian to see his Grandpa Al (my dad) and his great grandparents who we call GG and G'pa. It was fun to dig out toys that I remeber playing with at my grandparent's house to entertain Tavian. Despite all the toys however, he really enjoyed placing the drink coasters all over the room and then collecting them, sitting on the lazy susan and spinning around, and plunking on the piano keys.

Grandpa Al and the big tractor.

Swinging with GG

Hanging with G'Pa

Click here to watch Lazy Susan video

One afternoon my dad took us to the Golden Farmer's market. It was such a beautiful day and location. There was a little stream that all the kids were playing in so we took of Babyhead's shoes and let him squish in the mud and feel the cool fresh water. No joke up stream there was a guy panning for gold...for real.

At the market we gathered ingredients to make dinner including handmade garlic penne, colorado poeaches for dessert, fresh basil, garlic, tomatoes, and sweet corn for an interesting twist on a brushetta. Not only did we have a great dinner, but we supported some local vendors and filled our tummies with organic yumminess.

Best New Blog

This blogs creator is my bestest, wonderfulest friend Rachelle and Babyhead's Auntie Rachelle. She has turned her frugal talents into a very entertaining and informative blog. Check it out and subsribe...or don't and just be lame and broke.

Savvy Sexy Saver Blog

Best Summer Cookout

On the Bright side of the family I am the only granddaughter. I spent all our family gatherings with 5 boy cousins and my brother. At times they all had cooties and at times I didn't mind so much. My cousin Aaron is the closest in age to me. We knew each other as kids, but our adult lives have limited our time spent together. My dad has been bragging about the summer cookouts Aaron and his wife Kim would host on the weekends. He would enduce from me "mmmms" and "oh my gosh"s with his deiscriptions of delicious BBQ, homemade ice cream, and sitting around the fire pit. So prior to our trip we arranged to have a cookout at aaron and kim's while we visited. Little did I know what an amazing dinner we were in store for.

Aaron had smoked and slow cooked the brisket and ribs for 8 hrs, that kind of TLC creates amazing flavor and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. He used his custom built meat smoker which he made out of spare parts including an exhaust from a semi truck. I pointed out how eco-frirendly he was, and he said he "just like to make stuff." I laughed as I poured more home made BBQ suace on my fourth helping of brisket.

The rest of my plate was filled with a tomato, cucumber, and onion salad and everything had been grown in their own garden! I cried a little as I took a bite of tomato, happy because it was so sweet and tender, and sad because this is not how my store bought tomatoes taste at all.

Next to my salad was a perfectly baked potato with all the fixings including real bacon pieces and butter infused with parsley. And just when I said "I can't eat another bite" for the 8th time my Uncle Dave busted out the home made ice cream...strawberry, vanilla, chocolate. No more needs to be said, expect compliments to my uncle for mastering my Grandmother's ice cream maker and our master Colorado cookout chef's Aaron and Kim for their home grown and innovative cooking.

Chicken encounter at Aaron and Kim's house

Exploring the coop...no we can't have chickens at our house.

What is a goat? Like a big kitty?

His trucker name is Babyhead Bandit

Click here to watch Fetch & Goats Video

Worst Airline

American Airlines has been our favorite airline. In our pre-Babyhead days we were rolling in the frequent flyer miles, offered warm cookies and milk in our upgraded first class seats, and happily trotted through Platinum Status in the security line. But those days were traded in for the joys of parenthood, and when we did decide to travel I looked to my old friend AA.

Weeks of planning went into making our 2 hour plane ride as easy as possible. There was no way Tavian would sit still so I decided to bring the car seat on the plane. Maybe trick him a little to think he was in the car and not free to about the cabin once the seat belt light was off.

The trip out of LA was executed flawlessly. The gate agent changed our seats to the front row so we could use our car seat, just like AA said was their policy when I called them 2 weeks before our flight. Tay had an OK ride, but what can you do he is a madman.

On our return we expected the same routine at the airport. Oh silly, silly momma who thinks she can travel with her toddler and have no problems. The gate agent would not change our seats to the front row so we could bring on our car seat. Even when we explained to her and her supervisor that their Customer Service and LAX branch followed the policy of moving small children to the front row, these AA workers did not care. The two agents just looked at me blankly I tried to hold my squirming child and beg them to help us make this flight home easy on us and the passengers around us.

Once on the plane sans carseat, I was sweating, stressed, and very frustrated. I asked the flight attendent to help me since the gate agent wouldn't even assign us 3 seats together and there was someone else in our row. Again staring blankly at me as Tavian thrashed in my arms, she assured me the woman would move if I asked her myself. Totally flushed, I asked the woman to change her seat with Eli's so we could sit together. She said no, with some lame excuse about needing to be close to her bag in the overhead.

Needless to say I did not stop Babyhead from throwing his Goldfish in her direction, nor did I apologize when the Hungry Caterpiller book drop and land on her foot. After an hour, she finally traded with Eli. American Airlines, we had a good run...but times are different now and I am breaking up with you. If I wasn't so busy with a madman Babyhead, a new

website, and taking forever to blog...I would write bad reviews about you emphasizing that you are not family friendly!

Best New TJ Items/Store

There are 3 men I love the most in my life, I will not put them in order because sometimes that changes. So listed alphabetically they are Eli, Tavian, and Trader Joes. The latter I have never met in person, but we have weekly encounters. TJ, my life wouldn't be the same without you and now that your brand new store is closer to my house, my life is also complete. Here are just a few of the latest reasons why I really, really, really love you.

Mini Chicken and Cilantro Wontons

Salsa Authentica

Spicy Ranchero Egg White Salad

Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Bites

Worst Design Star Season Finale

You had me at the blank room challenge Dan. You were my favorite the whole season. But they don't call it show business for nothing, it is a business. Antonio was just a more exciting TV personality, but his designs weren't even close. For all you who felt the pain during the Design Star season finale as Antonio beat Dan for the chance to have a show on HGTV, I felt it too. The world can be an unfair place, even if you have the perfect color pallette and can build your own entertainment center.

I Heart Babyhead and Bowling

Best Babyhead 

Our days our like roller coaster rides.  One hour we are laughing, playing, loving...the next hour...don't touch that, yucky, whining, NO don't touch that! Serious menltdown by flinging down on and crying into the floor.  You are ok Babyhead, give Momma a hug she is sorry you got mad, but you are always putting your hands in the grossest stuff. Then...Laughing, playing, loving.

It has to be said our lives are getting more interesting everyday...and more exciting, more exhausting.  But the moments in between the fits, the floor flailing, the whining, the refusal to eat, the food throwing, and heart-breaking frowns about not getting his way...Babyhead is a magical, wondorous, love-you-so bad-it-hurts Extravaganza.

Here are some "I Heart You" moments...

Yes dad and son are like twins...we can't go anywhere without multiple people pointing that out.  Good thing his hair is coming in more...in cute little blonde curls.  HA! 

Hello creature. Isn't this world place crazy? Who are all these big people making funny sounds at us all day? I do really like that lady over there, but she keeps saying "Momma" over and over, give it a rest lady sheesh.  Hey, where's that paper thing they strap to you butt? Whaaat? You don't have a diaper? OMG. That is so cool, well I'm going to go play in your food now...text me sometime, we'll stay in touch.

I am very busy right now. I still have to fill this bucket with sand, then try to eat some, go down the slide ten times, and randomly run around waving my hands over my head shouting Babyhead babble at everyone in the park.

Please, I am in my pajamas lady.  Have some decency with the camera. There is a time and a place.

Worst

We have all laughed at it.  You've laughed. I've laughed. We have all seen it. You've seen it.  I've seen it.  But have you lived it?  Have you ever been that person?  The person at the bowling alley who gracefully glided up to the lane, bowling ball in hand poised to be sent down to demolish twelve helpless white pins at the end...you let your arm swing back and instead of the bowling ball releasing in front of you...it slips from your fingers and sails behind you.  The thud of the ball landing behind you barely drowns out the thud of your ego crashing into the depths of bowler's shame.

As of Saturday night I can say...yes, yes I have been that person.

Best Date Night

Despite the fore mention tale of cheek blushing emabarassment from a misdirected bowling ball...the rest of the night was a blast! Eli and I landed G'ma as a babyhead sitter for the night and we headed to Westside lanes.  It was the first time I have ever gone bowling with just one other person.  We started the night off right with a few diner-style cheeseburgers while we waited for a lane to open up.  Washed down with some french fries of course.  Once our multi-colored shoes were tied on and balls selected it was game on.

My favorite part of the night was now relaxing I found bowling to be. I really understand now why The Dude abides. Bowling holds your attention to the task in front of you so you forget about the stresses of the day, did I remember to get more milk, I hope Tavian is sleeping well. Instead you focus on form, get a good swing, release with a straight follow through, go ball, go ball, keep going straight, oh, is it a strike? No the ball is curving, no, don't go in the gutter, ok whew at least I got 7 pins...get the ball again and do it all over.  All of my emotions were rolling down that pine floor, hopes hanging on each pin and how many of them will fall.  And when it is a good one...its good!  Seeing every pin fly through the air brings a rise of excitement and emotion that can only be expressed by pumping your fist in the air and saying "yessssss."

So if you are looking for a diversion from your weekend routine of fancy-schmancy restaurants, over priced wine bars, waiting in line to get into a lame club, or being disappointed with the newest big hollywood release...I recommend ordering up a drink and some fun competition at your local bowling alley. 

Best refreshing tip to stay hydrated

Obsessed might be a good word to describe my new relationship with water infused with lemon and cucumber slices.  If I make up a pitcher by the end of the day I have consumed the entire thing.  So cool and clean, but yet subtly tart and refreshing.  Serve at your next gathering and you'll have to refill the water before the beer!

A Willow Deeply Scarred

It took me awhile to finish this post..."A willow deeply scarred, somebody's broken heart, and a washed out dream."- MJ, Man in the Mirror

WORST

If you have ever took a ride with me in the car, been given a mix CD, attended any party that I threw, heard my ringtone, saw the inside of my high school locker... than you heard, saw and felt the magic of MJ.

I consider my love for Michael Jackson part of my personality.  So when I looked at my BB and saw a message from Natalie "OMG poor MJ" my heart dropped to my stomach.  As I watched the CNN coverage of the UCLA Medical Center, and could hear the helicopters flying nearby, I realized how much I took MJ's presence for granted.  He has always been apart of my life, my culture and I never dreamed that he would be gone.

His immortal range of creativity and talent made him feel, well...immortal.

That day I watched the news for 6 hours and since then the only other day I watched the news for that long was the coverage for Michael Jackson's memorial.  I thought my heart couldn't feel any heavier than the day he died, but I was wrong.  My splintered heart completely broke in half as I watched the tears of a little girl who just lost her father fall onto the shoulders of her comforting family on national TV.  MJ was always a figure of soul, rock, and moves, but that day I realized he was also a father...a parent.  The loss of his life was felt by the world, but for his children their father is their world.

On June 25th...when the news was finally over and fans were standing vigilant at memorial sights all over the world...I rocked Babyhead to sleep and sang "Man in the Mirror" softly and sweetly. Taking in the power of the lyrics and replaying the many times over my life I sang my heart out with MJ, every "Uh," "Ow," and "you know it."

All I can say is I love you Michael...rest in peace, I will miss you.

Just a little gem I came across and decided to share.  This photo is from the Wheat Ridge High School 1999 Talent Show where I lead a group of girls to an MJ inspired dance routine to "Smooth Criminal."  Complete with black fedoras, smoke, laser lights, and even a few pyrotechnics on the final "Ow!" of the routine.  Yes, that is a young CB on the far right, hand in the air like ya just don't care.  And yes I was that serious about my tribute to MJ dance. I was living the dream of a little girl who watched her "Michael Jackson Moonwalker" video 382 times.

Surf City

WORST

Eli loves this show called "On Surfari." It is a documentary style show about a couple (who now have two kids) and travel the world to find surf breaks.  They are two of the coolest people I have ever seen, especially since both of their babies have been born and raised in this see-the-world-and-surf lifestyle.  The couple amerce themselves in the local culture in between surf sessions so you get to learn about different places and people.  

Recently they visited a place called the Popoyo Surf Lodge in Los Salinas, Nicaragua.  We were watching the episode and Eli said "I'm going to go there."  Several weeks later after much more research Eli and his best friend from college were on a plane with their surfboards to Managua.

But he was gone for 5 days and Babyhead and I missed him terribly.  So even though I couldn't be happier for him that he was able surf his heart out and experience a new country...it makes the Worst list because 3 isn't a crowd in our house.

BEST

Luckily Eli returned from his trip in time for us to celebrate our second ever Father's Day. Of course he wanted to spend it eating pancakes and playing in the ocean.  Especially since he found Tavian a baby wet suit which has been his dream for his son since Babyhead was in the womb.  

With tummies full of pancakes we headed to the beach, pulled on our wet suits (yesss I finally fit back into mine...yahoo!) and got our feet wet.  Really just our feet, despite the wet suit Babyhead is not quite used to the ocean yet...it was more about wearing them all together!

Eli's parents, Fran and Henry joined us at the beach. Fran bought the two fathers "Dad's' Sodas"  and my gift was a home made chocolate cake.  Edible gifts are the best!!

Wet suit on and ready...

Eli experimented with Tavian on the boogie board.  His mission if for Babyhead to catch a wave before the age of 2. God help me!

A well deserved nap on the way home.  Tavian usually rests his hands behind his head when he is in his car seat...hilarious.

Home is where the heart is

Yesterday I got in the Murano and drove up to Pacific Grove in Monterey. A home needed my help and I was on the way.  Our good friend the honorable Captain of Special Forces Patrick Flood is taking a break from his deployments to Afghanistan and scored himself a nice little home in PG where he can study hard as he attends the graduate school here.

He was suddenly left on his own to move into a new house and try to make it his own.  But they were in need of help...of my help, both Flood and the house.

We are about 42 hrs into the project and it is going well.  Flood is able to envision this house as his home with every box we unpack.

Back in LA, where my home is, my heart misses being there. To hold and kiss my two boys and extra kisses to the little one. So before I went to sleep tonight I watched a few movies of Tavian to make me feel better. 

BEST

Color coding Patrick's ties and folding them perfectly to fit in his top drawer.  When you open it a blast a fabulousness hits you as you stare at all the colors and patterns neatly coordinated.  It is just one of those moments in life...

Also I did not junk out on food during my 5 hour drive by myself on Thursday.  Usually I convince myself that since I am on the road I deserve an In n Out cheeseburger with fries.  It will help me get through the next hour.  BUT not this time baby!  I made it on packed-from-home strawberries, nectarines, and yogurt.

WORST

It is very cold up here as I am cuddled under  three blankets while wearing a hooded sweatshirt to asleep.  Another long day tomorrow but the results will be sooo good brotha!

Mother Nature

Lately my attention has been caught by the amazing-ness of nature.  And lately I have been making up my own words to describe things by adding "ness" to the end of any word I choose.  Since my second Mother's Day is coming up I wanted to reflect on the the reason why I am even a mother in the first place...Mother Nature.

BEST OF MOTHER NATURE

First...obviously the best experience I have had with Mo Nat (my cool abbreviation for Mother Nature.) Tavian Babyhead.  Who's latest hobby is sweeping.

PHOTOS

The first time I really took a beating from a wave when I was learning to surf was the beginning of a deep respect for mother nature.  The power of that wave crashing down on me, holding me under the water, flipping me over and over again like I was in a dryer, made me realize how helpless us little humans are compared to her.  But as you can see in these photos taken by the talented Clark Little...and courtesy of my email-forwarding great aunt Nancy...Mo Nat has such beauty-ness too.

SKIN CARE

Although I tend to give a little eye roll when I hear the term "Recession-ista" I also tend to be proud of myself when I realize I am being one.  I love the idea of being glamorous and saving money at the same time. So when I was picking up my fav brown rice spicy tuna roll from Vicente Foods and noticed that the local Pharmaca was having a "spa day" with FREE mini facials and massages...I convinced myself I had time to go.  Totally worth it!  Yes it was a great facial, yes it was a great massage, and yes it was free!!  

My other motivation is that I have been wanting to find a good skin care system that 1) I can stick with the same product and be happy with the results and 2) that I can easily buy again once I run out.  The "spa day" also included many-a-product reps to give you many-a-samples.  I was waiting for my mini facial turn when a very energetic rep from a company called L'uvalla struck up a lively and educational conversation with me.

She really took the time to explain the process that their products go through that are truly all natural and organic (so I was told...and totally bought into it.) Not to mention they are made in the south of France and Europe has a stricter code for a product to be called organic than the USDA (or so I was told...and totally bought into it.) 

What I DO know is that I need to take better care of my skin and I DO know that our skin absorbs whatever we put on it into our systems.  So it is just as important to put natural things on my body as it is in my body.

But being the Recession-ista (eye roll) that I am I went with the free samples that the rep offered me before I splurged for the whole system in full size.  I hope it is the facial product-ness of my dreams.

WORST OF MOTHER NATURE

Going along with the aforementioned awe and humbleness that comes with the reality check of Mo Nat's power.  While we were attending an outdoor birthday party for our adorable friend Myles Wilkas, I forgot to spray myself down with sunscreen.  Leaving me with two pink shoulders and a self-smack to my forehead for my forgetful silly-ness.  Don't worry Babyhead was completely covered in SPF.

A simple fact I try not to say out loud...is that things are not as physically easy with each passing year.  This last passing year since Babyhead has ruled the roost has been even more evident.  But yes, working out is harder, yes I am more stiff and soar than ever, and yes you can roll your eyes at me for complaining about this at 28 years old...I would too. Darn you Mo Nat! (fist wave in the air)