What a happy month!

Jim found out that next year his shift will be days with three days off together!!! I wonder what it will be like to have a hubby home?? Here I have been thinking I had a sugar daddy.... things are changing.

Chalise has finished her Japanese Language 1 class and can't wait for the next.

Cameron put on a good performance at the Christmas Concert, where he played bass drum.

I passed my realty exam!

The best part of all is that we will be spending time with family soon and just soaking up the love and happiness. Not to mention the presents.

We wish everyone everywhere a safe and happy holiday!!!!

A Flash From The Past!

We went to Jimmy Black's Benefit yesterday and had a great time! I saw people that I haven't seen since my early childhood. It was so cool to reconnect! I had a lot of family that was there as well that I haven't seen for a long time, since they had moved to other states years ago.

There were lots of people. Musicians, fans and family that turned out for the event. All of the musicians had a chance to play, which made for an array of music styles. Of course we went over our time allotment. The park was very gracious to allow us to keep rockin into the night. Our numbers started thinning out once people could no longer feel their toes. They raised some money for the family, the film crew got some great shots and most of all....the Black family felt much love.











Jimmy's son Geronimo and a few musicians setting up.













From the left; Denny (Steelfingers, and my Uncle) Walley, Tom Leavy, Janet (my Aunt)











Jimmy's widow Moni and Uncle Denny at the shirt kiosk.




Last but not least...these are the grown up children that were in my earlier 70's pic. From left; Jared Walley(my cousin), Geronimo (amazing singer and musician, like his dad) , Darin (Jared's cousin who plays some wicked drums!).

Today"s Adventures

We started out with my doctors apt. It worked out good. I will be off my thyroid medication within two weeks! The surprising part is that my doctor is totally on board! Now, because of the meds, my anxiety is high which has increased my cortisol and the effects it has on me. I am a puffer fish! Hopefully, as soon as my thyroid dose goes down, so will my cortisol and the pufferness that is me.

To celebrate, the family and I went out to see Batman; The Black Knight! I loved the special effects! I have got to get me one of those tank/car/motorcycle things... I also loved how Batman made the semi flip over like it was doing a trick for a treat. I give this movie five stars ***** LOL

All-in-all, it was a great day!

New Update on the Jimmy Black Benefit!

Notice the price change...
The price includes admission into the resort!

Holiday Hilarity

I hate that there is always December Holiday stuff out before Thanksgiving, but....
Here is something I had to share. There are some curs words in this so, you may want to view it before sharing with others. This is Jeff Dunham a comedian and ventriloquist we just love. I hope you enjoy!



In case you want to sing along...


Dashing through the sand with a bomb strapped to my back, I have a nasty plan for Christmas in Iraq. I got through check point A, but not through check point B.
That's when I got shot in the a** by the US Military... Oh Jingle Bombs Jingle Bombs mine blew up you see. Where are all the virgins that Bin Laden promised me? Oh Jingle Bombs, Jingle Bombs US Soldiers shot me dead. The only thing I have left is the towel upon my head. I use to be a man but every time I cough, thanks to Uncle Sam my nuts keep falling off. My bombing days are done. I need to find some work. Perhaps it would be much safer as a convenience store night clerk. OH, Jingle bombs, jingle bombs, I think I got screwed. Don't laugh at me because I'm dead or I kill you....I kill you.

I have been tagged!

TYPE ONLY ONE WORD FOR EACH ANSWER. IT'S HARDER THAN YOU THINK!!!

1. Where is your cell phone? purse
2. Your significant other? sleeping
3. Your hair? annoying
4. Your mother? sweet
5. Your father? dead
6. Your favorite thing? music
7. Your dream last night? nothing
8. Your favorite drink? tea
9. Your dream/goal? health
10. The room you're in? kitchen
11. Your fear? time
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? beach
13. Where were you last night? home
14. What you're not? angry
15. Muffins/donuts? muffins
16. One of your wish list items? house
17. Where you grew up? everywhere
18. The last thing you did? read
19. What are you wearing? pj's
20. Your TV? off
21. Your pet? sleeping
22. Your computer? old
23. Your life? good
24. Your mood? hopeful
25. Missing someone? no
26. Favorite pastime? reading
27. Something you're not wearing? shoes
28. Favorite Store? Amazon
29. Your summer? HOT
30. Your favorite color? blue
31. When is the last time you laughed? yesterday
32. Last time you cried?
33. Who will/would re-post this? hmmm
34. Four places I go over and over: doctors, Ralph's, Henry's, Fresia
35. Four people who e-mail me? Karin, Debbie, Chalise, Mom
36. Four of my favorite foods? sushi, stir frye, rice, chocolate
37. Four places I would like to be right now: beach, on the water, in the mountains, desert
38. Four people I tag? Christine, Chalise, Michelle, Lenora.

Benefit Update!

Update on Benefit...

The entrance fee for the event will be $20 for an individual, $30 for a couple or $40 for a family (including all children) There will be food and an auction as well as booths. Here is a link to the park with all the information about its amenities; http://www.thousandtrails.com/getaways/california/soledadcanyon.asp !

Childhood memories. Remembered in a time of loss.

Growing up I was exposed to a lot of great musicians and a lot of great people when I would visit with my Uncle Denny. Jimmy Black was one of those. He is someone in my childhood that I hadn't thought about in years. That is until I heard how sick he was. Jimmy crossed over last night at 11pm is what I am told. Being that he was in a German Hospital, I don't know if that was German time or ours.

My Uncle and a very good friend of his (Tom Leavey) were working on a benefit to help pay for the ton of hospital bills Jimmy had racked up with all his medical bills. This benefit has now turned into a memorial. Here is what Tom had sent to my mom;

Hi Everybody,
Jimmy Carl Black a dear friend since 1969 and fellow bandmate
(GERONIMO BLACK) is dealing with cancer of the lungs,kidneys, brain and
leukemia. To help his family with mounting medical expenses we are throwing a
benefit concert on Sunday December 7th. 2008 from noon til dark at Thousand
Trails Campgrounds in Acton, Ca. The location was found by Candy Zappa and Nolan
Porter who used it for a benefit last Sunday and when myself and Peter Lovio, a
member of Frank Zappa's 1st. band (The Blackouts) saw the natural beauty of
this venue we decided this would be the perfect place for Jimmy's benefit
concert. There will be many musical guests connected to The Mothers Of Invention
with several original band members. Also, Jimmy's sons Geronimo & Darryl
will be driving in from Jimmy's home town of El Paso to perform as the New
Geronimo Black. We will keep you updated with guests that will be appearing, but
we guarantee there will be many,many surprises and lots of great music. If you
had a good time during the 60s we're
gonna bring it back to you by celebrating Jimmy Carl Black's 50 years in
show business. Hope to see you all there.
Thanks, Tom Leavey

I have tried to post a picture that I am not sure will turn out. It is of the dads with their sons. Jimmy Black with Geronimo on the left, My Uncle Denny Walley and Jared in the middle and Tom Leavey with Darin on the right. Us kids were probably about two at that time.

I am going to do everything I can to go to that gig! It would be nice to see and reconnect with lost friends (and family) before we loose another one.

Fun

Well today I have a little bit of good news. The DRE (Department of Real Estate) just cashed my check and I can sign in to their web site! I still don't have an exam date yet, but at least something has happened.

Today we go to park day and the kids will dress up in their costumes and go from mom to mom trick-or-treating and we will have a pot luck of goodies. How fun! And the best news of all....I FEEL SOMEWHAT AWAKE! Maybe I will get to enjoy this day. :)

Dissapointment...or...new beginning

Maybe both. I can't say I am thrilled but, maybe I will finally figure out what is going on with my body. I had an appointment with an Endocrinologist this morning. I had been diagnosed with Hashimoto thyroid syndrome. Well...he scanned my thyroid today and said it looked like a perfectly normal healthy thyroid. My levels were normal except for the low TSH which would be right because I am on medication for hypothyroidism. So, he is switching me to a more accurate medication (the synthetic one) and then he plans on weaning me off. I am always happy at the prospect of NOT having to take medication. My concern is....I am already having problems with my energy (which is why they diagnosed me with thyroid probs in the first place) now, what is going to happen to what little energy I have left and why do I have so little? This is still a mystery. This new DR. said we will have to work backwards to figure it out. So, we need to rectify this mess before we deal with that one....but what do I do to stay awake in the mean time????? I have a life that I would eventually like to get back to. One that involves swimming and kayaking and hiking and biking and walking to hell and back. Not to mention the time I am missing out on doing those things with my kids! And there is the hope for a career....

My dream of dreams is to just be better. Maybe, just maybe...I will be weaned off this medicine and it will trigger something in my body to just go back to normal(well, normal for me). Then I can just go about my marry little way. :)

Progress...sort of...

I finally have all my paper work in order and sent off to the DRE! Now I have to wait for them to process my paper work and give me access to the online data, so I can pick an exam date and time. Now, I hope I don't forget anything....Yes, I am still going over the material, but...it is very dry and I have already gone over it, hhhmmm a hundred times. I just start drifting off in thought when ever I look at it.

We have our Refugee Camp trip this Friday! I think it will be very cool. Although, I will not be scheduling any more field trips until January. Just to much going on. Chalise and Jim's schedules will be changing. Holidays approach. Loads of stuff to do and get done. I will hopefully have training soon...then a new career. Still don't have a clue on how this will all work. I just know it will. :)

I also finally have an apt. with an Endocrinologist to figure out what is happening with my thyroid. Wish me luck. Hopefully I will have more energy and get all this straightened away and can move on and have a whole life.

STRESS

OK, I know I am so NOT alone in this...
I take a big breath and try to relax. I went to the doctor finally, told her what is going on...feeling tired a Lot, getting very frustrated in trying to get my life back. So, what comment does she have for me....do you have feelings of hurting yourself or not feeling like you are worthy of living? O-O...WHAT???? NO, I am pissed off that I can't do the things I want to do because I have NO ENERGY!!!! I want to live! Not to be some big blob! So, I see she rights..wait for it.....Acute reaction to stress on my form.... Well, I guess she doesn't think that anyone should have any feelings on fighting for their health and getting frustrated after fighting for oh....about three years intensively. I finally get to go to an Endocrinologist! I sure hope he is good. My Dr. did run some blood test that came back extremely weird. I have the lowest cholesterol in my entire life (I have type II which is a liver dysfunction that is hereditary, my numbers have NEVER been below 300) My TSH (some sort of thyroid stimulating thinging mabob was lower than ever and I am on meds for thyroid. I sure hope I can get this all straightened away. After all I am not getting any younger or any more patient! Hufp

Well all, sorry this couldn't be a more fun and positive post. But it is what it is...wish me luck!

Waiting Game

OK, I have been studying as much as possible and now it is seeming very boring. I hope I can remember at least enough to pass my test, which doesn't even have a set day yet. Saturday, I go for my Livescan. After which, I can send all my paperwork in to the board and wait for a date. Then I will have about two to four weeks until that date.

I have a field trip that I am trying to get confirmation on and am having no luck. I know another person was trying for the same trip and I have written her to see if she has heard anything about her schedule yet. The trip is for less than 20 days now an I have been waiting for more than two months for confirmation. I did receive handouts though.... I think the company was overwhelmed by the response they got. If all else fails and I don't hear from them soon....I will go to my plan B and send the handouts to everyone that had interest and they can go on their own if they choose. It just would have been cool in the group with the guide and all. :)

I am going to relax as much as I can today. If Cameron is feeling better, maybe we will go to Disneyland.

Just had to check...LOL

You Are Not a Wimp

In fact, you are an incredibly tough person. Your nerves do not get the better of you. You don't back down from challenges or intimidating situations. You love the thrill of conquer... so much so that it outweighs the fear of defeat.

http://www.blogthings.com/areyouawimpquiz/">Are You a Wimp?

Some Fun I got from a friend...

You Are a Heart

Your life philosophy can be summed up as, "Love like you've never been hurt." Your greatest wish is to have harmony in all of your relationships. You can't help loving people, even when they're incredibly flawed. You are a true romantic, and you are willing to give almost anyone a second chance.

What Hand Gesture Are You?

You are the Sense of Touch

You are a highly sensitive and easily moved person. You love to get as close to other people as possible. Human connection is very important to you. You are also likely to be an animal lover who loves animals as much as humans. In fact, you like almost anything soft! You have expensive taste in clothes and furniture. It's all about the fabric.

Which of the Five Senses Are You?

You Are Japan

You enjoy being part of a group. Having a good reputation is important to you. You get along well with others. You don't openly criticize or insult anyone. You like to co-operate, and conformity is fairly important to you. You love your culture and country. But when you're by yourself, you may have some very eccentric hobbies or interests!

What Country Are You?

Wow! I came out sappy??? LOL

LA Fair

Well, we had to be there extremely to early but...we had fun. There was a garden area that was so nice. It had mock yards. Some with pools and others with gardens. This one had a water fall to our right and a garden to our left. The middle was a big chess board that had the piece to play. So, the boys played a game while we relaxed in the shade. It was very peaceful and cool! I could have just staid their all day and took a nice long nap. :)

My energy has sliding downhill quick. I might have to give in and go be a guinea pig once more and who knows what they will have me do...

Neighborhood Humor

My son went out to play with neighborhood kids last night. He came back all frustrated....I asked him what happened and he replied,

The kids were using cuss words at every other word and they didn't even use them correctly!

(mom rolling on the floor with laughter)

son: (said under breath) And I wasn't even allowed to correct them....

I just about lot it completely..LOL

Progress...Can we go back on vacation yet???

I have been going to school for a Realtor's License. I took the first course test last night and was a little disappointed that I only passes by three. On the bright side, I have tons more time to study before the test that really counts! I am sure I will do better by then. One course down, two more to go. Then the antagonizing wait for my test date. I do feel a bit good about my self, I finished this course in half the time allotted.

On another note...I am in the middle of booking a great field trip (Dr. Without Borders), but haven't received confirmation on the date they are giving me or the time. I am loosing my patients...

Can we go back on vacation yet?

A Day Off...

Just a little time to stop and smell (or gander at) the flowers! How pretty are these? Our sunflowers are taking off but our roses....aren't producing any buds. This is our only bit of land that will grow anything except ferns. In the patio in back only ferns and bamboo grow. Just not enough sun. Even some shade plants died on us. To bad I can't plant in our little sunlit spot some veggies. Ya see, that little spot is in the front and the gardener's spray there. What they spray depends on the day of the week and if they are the same gardeners..a story for another day. Today we are taking in the beauty of flowers and relaxing. :)

Modern Conveniences

We just replaced our ancient fridge and dishwasher. It is amazing to me. I can now see what is in my fridge. Not to mention I can stalk it with more than a couple days of food (I have teens). It also makes ice and gives me filter cold water! Imagine...no more ice trays. The dishwasher actually cleans the dishes and I can barely hear it working. I feel like I am finally in the 21 century. :) Still, I can't help to think....as we get older the odder the things we get happy about.

Disney!

We are finally able to go to Disneyland again! We have the cheaper annual passes and had been blacked out for a while. I am so excited to go on the new Toy Story Mania ride and see the new House of the Future! Yeah! Hope you day is magical!

Just how much dry information can you handle????

OK....my brain hurts! Did you know to pass your realtor's exam you have to know a little bit of conveying. With base and median lines, etc.... and geometry and algebra? Not to mention loans. I figured you would have to know the contracts that you would be using, but....? As they tell me, I won't use half of this stuff. Makes me feel like I am in high school all over again. Hopefully this will all work out. But for now....my brain hurts. LOL

Lifestyle Transitions

Well, it seems life is only going to get more hectic...

I guess I better get use to it. :)

A break in the storm...

Today went well. The case involving homeschooling gave us a good ending pronouncing that it is indeed LEGAL to homeschool here in California! Yeah!
I had my interview and signed up for classes. Well, if you can call it that. They are at home study with the option of going to class. No attendance mandatory. So, one more door I have stepped through. Now I am at least in the hall on the way to the water cooler.
After my interview, I picked up Cameron and we went to the beach to meet some friends and Chalise. We had a nice time at the beach. It was nice to go there and unwind after such a hectic (and stressful)week. I hope life is calm for at least a little while. :) I will need to study....

Trials and Turbulence

When it rains it pours they always say and boy it sure seems to be pouring down right now. There will be a verdict on a court case that could effect homeschooling as we know it on top of many other hot spots. Almost everyone I know is involved in some sort of drama. Why is it always rationalised that someone else's feelings always count more than your own? I have never understood it. You know, like when you are upset about what someone keeps doing and when you voice your opinion you are told that it is just their personality or something similar. Does that mean you are not allowed to have your feelings? Or that you are wrong for having your feelings? I seem to be subjected to this quite often and have caught myself saying something similar to a friend of mine and then think to myself, how wrong I was to stuff their feelings. If someone is pissing you off, you should be pissed off. We are human after all and our feelings are there for a reason. Now my family is going through this all at the same time as our friends and all while I am stressed out about our life changing in major ways. I am not dealing with change well at all right now. There just seems to be something in the air.....turbulence.

An Ever Changing Life

Well, yesterday we went to the Muzeo. It was a very nice museum. It was a bit confusing on how to get to the museum from the parking structure and then they had told me there would be docents throughout the exhibit that we could ask questions. I never did find one docent. The exhibit was nice (Jane Goodall; Chimpanzee) but seemed fairly small.

My husband attended a meeting of lawyers and drivers about a class action against one of Jim's former employers. He seemed to think that it went well. He is looking forward to changing his work shift at the end of this year. We are looking forward to him being on days.

I on the other hand, started looking for an at home job. A LAGITAMENT one. With no tier structure or sales. Something that I can do to supplement our income. It has been thirteen years since I was employed....do you think anyone will even look at my resume? I would love to be financially independent, but again... I am not a sales person. :) Just not in my blood. We shall see what comes along.

Calm before the storm...

Lately I am feeling like it is the calm before the storm. I have about a week and a half with not much on the calender and then....chaos irrupts. It really isn't that bad, but feels that way. Cameron is back from camp and now I have both kids back at home and things feel normal.

In between the camps we went on a field trip to the J.Pual Getty Museum and took advantage of one of there many amazing lessons, Body Language. It was very cool to see how the art work told a story by the way the bodies were positioned and the stories went from one work of art to the next. Very cool. I do love the Getty though. The grounds are just so beautiful and the cafe has actual good food (though a little pricey). It is a shame that it is so far from us. I was hoping to have pix to share but my daughter forgot to take any and I haven't received any from anyone else yet. This Friday we go to another museum called the Muzeo. It is in Anaheim (much closer) and has Jane Goodall's Chimpanzee exhibit at present. This will be my first time at this museum, as it is pretty new.

There is just so many fun things coming up I am feeling a bit anxious. Chalise turns in a decorated cake to the OC Fair this Saturday. We need to go to that fair! Then there s the CHN Expo, the picking up the cake and see how she placed, then....a Food Show! Oh, this food show looks like so much fun! We have never been to one but have watched challenges on tv. They will have a cake challenge and food from top restaurants. Not to mention Duff, Marry Ellen and Geof from Ace of Cakes will be there. Chalise loves that show and is inspired by Duff and the crew. I hope we see them somewhere walking about. Are blackout day will be over so we can again run and play at Disneyland. Then Chalise starts back up going to classes. This time (hopefully) at IVC, she has registration yet. She will be there three days a week. Cameron will be starting drum lessons about the same time. I can't believe summer is almost over and we only have been to the beach once! What a shame. We need to move closer to the beach! OH, and we need to still go to Raging Waters in San Dimas! That place is awesome! I guess you can see why I am a little anxious....right?

This morning though, we are helping a neighbor plant some flower. Well, I guess that is enough for this morning....

Time goes by with new adventures

My daughter returned with wonderful tail of her time at sea. The two biggest highlights are the bioluminescent plankton and all the wonderful playful interaction of her sea mates. She didn't even tell me about the fish disection where they found the male fish had testis half the size of his entire body! LOL But that is what happens when you have spent over a year volunteering at the aquarium. She had such wonderful adventures.

Just as we are getting all settled into our normal routine, Jim decides he wants to get our painting done. We have been painting the interior of the house. All except the kids rooms. So, we are almost done. Two more days go by and I don't have most of the "stuff" that is misplaced back to where it belongs.

My son has a wonderful opportunity to go away to camp for two nights with a friend. So, he is going. I will be "one less" again. I am so glad they are having such a great summer! How much fun. But I can't help to wonder..."when do I get to go away and have fun?" I would love to do all of the things my kids are doing. But if I went, I wouldn't fully enjoy it because my mind would be on all the things I could be getting done at home. No, I think my away time will come when the kids have moved out and it is just back to being Jim and I. Then of course I will probably want him to come with, so..? LOL

One Less.....

My daughter left on a schooner this morning. She will be gone for five days. The one she is on docks at Long Beach next to the Aquarium of the Pacific. (http://www.americanpride.org/) She will have a ton of fun and learn quite a lot. I wish I could have stowed away....

While she is away my son and us will play. He has plans for us. We will be going bowling today as well as miniature golfing. Tomorrow we will be heading to the beach! We will have tons of fun. It just will be a little weird with one gone.

Second Half of our Vacation

We left Tombstone AZ after staying there for two days. Our next destination was Sedona, AZ. On the way back through Phoenix we stopped to see my dad's tomb plate. He's remains are at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona. It is funny, when you think of Cemeteries that hold the remains of our Veterans, you usually get a mental picture of grass and white headstones as far as the eye can see. This place is a desert, no grass in sight and no white headstones either. They have the flat grave markers instead even though there isn't any grass. (Most Cemeteries now use the flat markers so that they can just ride the mower right over everything.) We still got the same feeling though with all those markers and knowing what they gave up so that we could, well you can fill in the blank with your own thankful thoughts...

It was a nice drive to Sedona, lots of open spaces. Sedona is where my dad last lived and I took a drive past his old house. I was thinking that it would have sold and been torn down to make a newer, more modern house, but it was still there. If you ever go to Sedona you will find that the red color in the earth there is breathtaking. No pictures can do it justice, but after a couple of hours, it looses the aaawwww factor. We had heard about the vortexes that are in the area and had to check it out for ourselves. The vortexes are where there is minerals in the earth that make a type of magnetic field. People have all types of ideas about these areas. We took the animals for a hike to check one out and see what (if anything) we would feel. Well, we definitely were hot! You could feel a little something....almost like static but no shocking discharges.

The place we were excited to go to was Slide Rock! Oh, that was fun! It is a national park, so we couldn't bring the animals. It is a stream that meanders down moss covered rocks that make a natural water slide. There were a few places that you could dive into nice deep clear pools. A few of the dive areas were 10ft high. Here are a few pix of the kids and Jim having fun.

On our way home we swung through one of my old stopping grounds, Jerome. It is a mining ghost town that I have wonderful memories of. Of course, it still looks pretty much the same. We had lived in what was once a miners house. It was nice to visit and share my memories with my family.

What a fun exhausting trip!

I had been tagged!

Five Snacks I Enjoy:
-chex mix
- cheese
- dark chocolate
- salsa and chips

- Five Things On My To-Do List Today:
- get the house under control
- update my blog
- figure out Cams Bday gift
- walk the dog and I

Five Things I Would Do If I Were A Billionaire:
- buy a house with a yard
- travel
- plant a nice garden....
-
-

Five Jobs I Have Had:
- dry cleaner counter
- Ralph's wrapper
- Receptionist
- Insurance clerk/transcriptionist
- Admin. Assistant

Five of My Bad Habits:
- stressing over things I never use to
- expecting to much out of myself
- yelling
- not taking as good of care of myself as I should
- getting REALLY frustrated with other people

Five Places I’ve Lived:
- California
- Arizona
-New Mexico
- Florida
-

Five Random Things:
-I have no idea what my dvr is catching right now
- I have a rash from the heat in Arizona
- I haven't had much time to catch any tv shows
- I rarely watch movies....where is the time?
- I like to shoot any weapon that won't land me on my behind....

Five People I Tag:
-Chalupa
-Debbie
-Michelle
-The other Michelle (not sure if she actually reads my blog LOL)
-Christine

Our Arizona Vacation!

We packed up our animals and luggage and headed out on the road on June 6Th. Our first stop was Tombstone. We checked into our pet friendly Best Western after a 10 hour drive. As we got acquainted with our new surroundings we felt right at home seeing a mural on the wall of someone who reminded us of a friend of ours named Tommy. This hotel had a fabulous restaurant, Ranch 22, attached that had gourmet food at a decent price.

Rich in history and characters. There was a lot to see and do, we started out with, what else, the old Courthouse Museum (we are homeschoolers after all) then a gun fight! It was a funny, yet informative show. Right after the first show was over there was an other one starting. This time it was a trick riden, rope wranglin, and whipping good time. We were dazzled by Texas Kate who had won a trick riden world championship in the past. She astounded and then floored us when we found out she is in her 50's and still doing all these tricks! Just amazing.

As you can see Jim was having loads of fun. So I asked Texas Kate for some Bull Whippen tips. Wouldn't you know it, I wound up leaving with a 8ft bull whip. Watch out, I may just learn to use it!

Next up was a trolley ride tour to get a lay of the land, so to speak. It was a very informative tour and had some nice twists to it. We even had western Elvis on board for a short while. Uhhn uhn. He wasn't dead, just lives in a ghost town. LOL I have to let you in on a little tip. If you by the trolley tickets, they give you a discount on most of the other attractions and even a few restaurants.

So, can you guess what we did next? After all this excitement we were famished! We mozied on over to the OK Cafe and dug in to some yummy grub. The kids even opted for a genuine Sarsaparilla. MmmMmmm Now that we were refreshed and full, it was a good time to get in some walking and check out the stores and of course the saloon. It had the original beautiful wood bar! We even got to drink the actual whiskey that Doc Holiday had a liking for.

The shops had an array of merchandise and not many that carried that normal cheep souvenir stuff either. One store even had fudge! We found a few good bobble's for some friends and ourselves and headed to.....Boot Hill. On our way out the door, we were distracted by the beginning of the reenactment of the famous OK Coral gun fight. They lead you straight to the coral where they have the rest of the reenactment for only $15 per person.

At one of the shops we were told we would find some interesting grave stones at Boot Hill, the only one we found amusing was this one. After that, we headed back to the hotel and the pool.

Here lies George Johnson
Hanged by mistake
1812
He was right
We was wrong
But we strung him up
And now he's
Gone

This was only our first day out of three.....More to come.....

Chinatown Field Trip in LA

We had a very exciting time in Chinatown last Friday. We were given a walking tour explaining some of the buildings and how the immigrants started their new lives in America. It was funny to see that they had re-opened a former French Hospital that had a Joan of Arc statue and memorial in front. The Chinese had left the statue/memorial there and takes care of it to this day because Joan of Arc was important to the French. We also were treated to a temple. Beautiful temple, such gorgeous workmanship and the incense smelled so good. We got to go inside and experience it all, some even lit incense.

After the walking tour we had luch! The food was good and they even had a show. We saw a traditional fan dance and ribbon dance and were told about the hierarchy of the Imperial family down to the Imperial Guard. They had asked a person from several tables to dress up like the family. :) Then there was a wonderful balancing act and a funny magician. It was all very good!

A smaller group of us decided to go shopping after all the festivities and the teens ( and one young adult) decided to try the Century Eggs. Century Eggs are fermented duck eggs and they are so purple they are almost black. I didn't even have the courage to smell one, by my daughter was one of the teens to try one. Ugghh I staid away from her for a while.

If you would like to see the pictures you can go to share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8AZuG7VuzZM2NQ You might have to copy and paste it in your address line. Some of the pictures there are from an earlier field trip to Tucker Wild Life Sanctuary. These photos are courtesy of Karin. Karin is kind enough to take them and she is the other half of the field trip excursions we put together.

A Midsummers Night Dream

We went to my kids friend's play. He had worked very hard all year to get to do this play and his little brother got to do a little part in it as well. They were very good, everyone, but my daughters friend really stole the stage! He got to play a boy playing a girl and he made it so hysterical! We couldn't have laughed or clapped any harder. They did the Shakespearean play set in the 70's...so of course the Village People made an appearance. :)

New Happenings!

We have a new addition to our family! A cute little kitty Chalise named Maneki as in Maneki Niko which is Japanese for beckoning cat (or lucky cat). She has been keeping us all entertained. Jade (our dog) can't wait until Maneki is comfortable enough to play with her.

The second and third picture is from Friday when we went to the Museum of Making Music. Which was an amazing tour we took through the history of music. I saw instruments I never even knew existed! At the end of the tour we got to play on instruments that had headphones attached to them. So, you were the only one to hear how good (or bad) you were doing. You could go all out without the risk of embarrassment.

Celebrate LA!

We were not even aware of this celebration, we live in Orange County. Evidently it is a big deal. It is a celebration to recognize volunteers in the LA County area that have put in a huge amount of hours. How did we come to find out about it? Well, we volunteer at the Aquarium of the Pacific. Chalise and Cameron are being awarded the Presidential Service Gold Award for their volunteer time at the Aquarium of the Pacific. The celebration is held at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena! Imagine that. I plan on bringing my camera and sharing the goings ons. I know there will be bands and food, and awards. Not sure what else yet.

Page 123

The Rules:

1. Pick up the nearest book of 123 (or more) pages. Two for the Dough by Janet Evandovich

2. Open the book to page 123 and find the 5th sentence. I'd never use it but it didn't seem complicated. To bad you didn't ask for sentence three, which is "Kiss my hairy white ass". LOL

3. Post the next 3 sentences. I leaned forward, firmly pressed the gadget against Eugene's butt, and hit the go button. Eugene gave a short squed and crumpled to the floor like a sack of flour. "My God", Kitty cried, "what have you done?"

4. Tag 5 people.ChalupaSkams LittleMermaid@yahoo.com ??? I don't have five people

What Time Are You?

You're 6:49 a.m.
You're the time of day right around sunrise, when the sky is still a pale bluish gray. The streets are empty, and the grass and leaves are a little bit sparkly with dew. You are the sound of a few chirpy birds outside the window. You are quiet, peaceful, and contemplative. If you move slowly, it's not because you're lazy ? it's because you know there's no reason to rush. You move like a relaxed cat, pausing for deep stretches that make your muscles feel alive. You are long sips of tea or coffee (out of a mug that's held with both hands) that slowly warm your insides just as the sun is brightening the sky.Like this quiz? Send it to a friend.
16% of the people who took this quiz got the same evaluation.

I have been Tagged!!!!

Name 11 people you can think of right off the top of your head. Don't read the questions underneath until you write the names of all 11 people.

This is a lot funnier if you actually randomly list the names first ..... No cheating.

1. Christine
2. Jim
3. Chalise
4. Cameron
5. Ellen
6. Karin
7. Ivan
8. Rebecka
9. Nathan
10. Debbie
11. Farrah

How did you meet #4? I gave birth to him

What would you do without #6? Scream, she is really helping me out with a project we are doing.

What would you do if #2 and #6 were going out? Get a divorce!

What would you do if #5 confessed He/She loves you? I would be glad, she is my mom

"Who is #10s Best Friend? Her hubby probably

Have you ever eaten around #1? Yes, we are foodies!

Do you miss #2? Ya, he works tooooo much!

Who is #11 dating? No one yet, she isn't allowed.

What do you think of #3? She is amazing!

What do you think of #9? He is such a cutie and sooooo funny! XD

What would you do if #4 and #7 were dating? Ummm, be in a padded cell.

Would you marry #8? Uh, no.

Do you love #10? Ya, but not in a gay way. tehehe

Ever slept in the same room as any of the numbers? Yes

BEACH DAY!

We had ourselves the first beach day of the season! It was so nice to lay on the sand and snack from our picknet basket of goodness. The water to was to cold for me, but the girls jumped in for a bit. Cameron made himself a new sand Pokemon with tentacles. Then we strolled along the beach and down Main St. On Main St. a man was handing out "free" flattened pennies with the ten commandments pressed into it. The kids later threw them into the fountain.

We were very hungry by then and asked the police officers which restaurant was a good deal with good food. They gave us a couple of suggestions and we wound up at Fred's Mexican Bar & Grill. The food was good and they had a party atmosphere that we would have enjoyed, if we hadn't been so tired. The price wasn't to bad, especially since we shared plates.

It was a fun exhausting day.