You Know You Grew Up in Azusa if...

I was just on Face Book checking in to see what is going on and I found a group called, You Know You Grew Up in Azusa If..., and I was laughing out loud. I could tell alot of the people posting on this group were alot younger than I am, but most of the posts I could relate to and they really cracked me up. Particularly references to Ms. Mohjer's English class and Mr. Dickhoff's science class at Foothill. One person wrote, " You knew you grew up in Azusa if you were a Trojan before you wore a Trojan." Lots of references to La Tolteca, Carmen's, Pup n Taco, the Roller Rink, Foothill Center and the Drive In. A few references to the Road Runner, sneaking through the nursery to get to the cemetery, Harry's Berries, the Foothill Dairy buffaloes, affectionately called Buff and Lo by my group of friends, (I think Jim named them that when he worked there) and of course, Aldolinos. And whoa, I also found out that Mr. Rocha is now the mayor, what a trip. Kind of a big loss for the students, he was a great teacher. You can click this link if you don't believe it: http://www.ci.azusa.ca.us/Directory.asp?EID=2

Anyway, if you grew up in Azusa this is worth a minute of your time just for the memories and the laughs. If you didn't most it it will not make sense. I haven't joined the group yet, but I just might have to.

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=65102478776&ref=nf

Have a great day!

Room B-6's Art Project

For the past week or so I have been helping Betsy with an art project her class is doing. The school is having an art auction to raise money and each class has to turn in a group project for the auction. Betsy decided to create a table with a tile top and have each child in the class decorate one tile. I went last Wednesday and helped in the classroom with the tile work, and it was really fun. Her students are adorable and they really got into it. David built the table and I painted it. The project will be complete on Thursday and I will take it in to Betsy's classroom and photograph it with all the kids on Friday. Here are some of the progress photos:

Betsy has 22 students, so the three empty places in this layout will be for tiles I made with the name of the school, the classroom and the year.



I was going to paint in the garage, but I had a little snag with the heater and the garage is very cold without it, meaning the paint gets to thick to work with. David said I could set up shop in the living room, since there is virtually no furniture and no one uses this space anyway. For the past few days this has been my painting studio.



I did not want to bore you with all the tile photos, but I wanted to include some of my favorites.

This was done by a boy named Gage, and I thought he did a great job, I especially love the antlers.



Olivia chose a flowering cactus, as the table has a desert theme.
Amber asked if this was a dinosaur, or a hill.



But I think my favorite was done by a girl named Skyler. She chose the bobcat, which I thought she drew very well, but my favorite thing is that she included the bobcat's dead prey and a rather large bone lying on the ground at the bottom. I thought of Michael because she put x's for the eyes on the mouse to indicate it was dead. While I praised her drawing when she showed it to me, Betsy, David and I had a good giggle about it later. You gotta love 3rd graders.

Jade & Sara

Jade and Sara are best friends. Sara was sick during all of Jade's birthday celebrations, and their were a few over the week of her birthday, so she came over on Saturday and brought Jade gifts she had carefully selected at the Dollar Store. They were laughing and carrying on upstairs while Betsy and I wondered what was going on up there. Finally they came down to model for us. I had to take some pictures, of course.

Among the gifts were, as you can see, very large sun glasses, a spinning flower, several puffy hair things, a plastic slinky, plenty of bling-bling necklaces, a plastic wall mural, which Sara is wearing as a dress held up by a silly bra that is far too large for Jade, but had the inscription inside that read, "you're a big girl now", ( I did not know you could find bras at the Dollar Store, but I might have to check that out), a couple of mouth pieces for the top and bottom teeth that were silver( in case Jade wants the hip rapper look on any given day.) and of course, the duck socks, complete with a little tongue sticking out. The duck socks were my personal favorite. (not sure why this photo kept loading sideways, but I fussed with it till I did not care, but it had to be included.)

I am telling you, with girls it is not a bit dull around here.

The Prayers are Working!

From now on I may be using this forum to make all my life requests. The prayers are working and I may be working soon too! I cannot believe that I have been unemployed for exactly nine months today, that's how long it takes to have a child for goodness sakes. Maybe this time the birth is me and at least I don't have to squeeze myself out of a birth canal, thank god. I just have to nurture this tender soul with as much love as I can and I don't feel the need to do it on my own anymore. It really does take a village. Thank you all for being my village.

I got a response from a job I applied for on Tuesday, which is a miracle in itself based on my experience so far this past year in the job market. The money is the best I have seen so far in this area and the job sounds like I can do it in my sleep. They will be conducting interviews next week. I wrote a dazzling cover letter, my resume is impressive, and I am more than ready to go to work, so keep praying for me, sending me your love and good wishes. I appreciate it more than I can express. I love each and everyone of you.

Ask and You Shall Recieve

Today looked much brighter as I woke up to sun shining in the window and a beautiful blue sky framing my plants. Yesterday I erased Lorna from my life in all the ways I am able, no pictures left on my computer, no plants, no pieces of her to remind me of the pain of losing a sixteen year friendship that I treasured. Then Amber stopped by and made me laugh all afternoon. Jade is home this week because her father is out of town which is always a pleasure, I talked to both Raym and Josh, and Mom and Ginny, the love is rolling in providing the exact result I was hoping for. I feel so loved and cared for, how could I possibly feel bad about anything.

It is a new day. I am smiling and filled with hope and love.

Since that request worked so well, now could you all pray for me to find a decent job asap?

Turning Pain, Anger and Hate into Love

I have been struggling this week with pain, anger and hate. I am beside myself with it and no matter how many times I repeat my blessings, which there are many, the gratitude seems to abate the negative feelings for only a short time, then my busy brain floats a thought into my consciousness and I am enraged all over again. My recent landlords refuse to give me back my deposit making bogus claims against me and my tenancy. The first day I wrote down all the hateful things I was feeling and then destroyed the paper, I responded via email with my honest opinion of them and the claims they were making and that helped. I am left with the decision of taking them to court, and walking out with a judgement against them, but no money, as I am sure the reason for this action is because they simply do not have the money to return to me and it sure does not help me pay my final bills and give me a bit of cash to work with as I look for a job. Today I have destroyed the tree I tend in her honor and all the ceramics I have at my disposal that remind me of her/them.

I simply don't have time for this in my life. I feel like a fool for trusting people and wonder what is wrong with me. Then I have to remind myself that there is nothing wrong with me, I just have to be more cautious with my heart and my trust, everyone does not deserve it.

I am asking now for your loving prayers and good wishes to help me through this horrible time. I am clinging to every positive thought I can muster up and somehow I felt if I made a public plea to those I love the most, your loving energy will come to me and fill me up, leaving no room for any pain, anger and hate, only love. Thank you.

Happy Birthday Kathleen!

I spent the morning digging through all my photos thinking about Kathleen and wanted to post a few of my favorites in honor of her birthday. I have had some of the most fun in my life hanging out with Kathleen, she is funny and smart and caring and I feel so lucky to have her as my sister. I often wish we lived closer to each other so I could see her more often, but then I see how happy she is in Washington and wouldn't have it any other way.

Kathleen sent me this photo after Raym visited in 2007.


This is one of my favorites! Kay went to Halloween that year as Barney and made the costumes. I thought they were they best costumes I had seen in a long time and laughed really hard when Kathleen sent them to me. I have the both of them framed in matching clay frames that Kathleen and Kay sent me one year for Christmas. They are packed away at the moment, but before now have been on my bedroom shelf so I could see them everyday, and they always make me smile.

This is my hallway photo of Kathleen and Kay taken at David and Betsy's wedding celebration in Reno just after we were all in Maui. I love this picture of them, and it reminds how strong their relationship is and how happy I am for both of them.

This was taken in Maui when Michael Kathleen and I took a walk. That was a fun day despite the high sticky temperature. This is one of my favorite pictures of that trip.

I miss you my sister friend, and I am hoping you had the best day ever. Happy Birthday!

The Little Things

Well, so far I have been lucky with the snow. I am convinced it is purely my will keeping the bad weather at bay, I am , after all, powerful beyond measure. There have been many days when I woke up to a snow dusted world, only to have the sun come out and melt it all away. But I was completely tickled when I came out on this day and snow was still on the ground in a perfect shadow of my truck where the sun had not yet reached. Yes, I am easily pleased by simple things.

Sparks: Pros and Cons so far

Pros:

1. There is a real feeling of spaciousness here, something I have been craving for awhile.
2. Everyone is so friendly, I mean strangers on the street smile and say hi, whoa, what planet am I on.
3. There is no traffic, these people think they have a rush hour, please! They have a rush hour like LA has bad weather.
4. You can park anywhere, anytime, even Costco in the middle of the day on Saturday.
5. The price of real estate is ridiculously low, I can't wait to find my little house for $650 a month.

Cons:

1. It snows, the high today was 42, brrrrrr.
2. When you check Craig's list for job postings, you are thrilled if there is more than one.
3. I have not found the multicultural part of town, it is very white here.
4. I miss lots of hugs from Raym, Josh, Dustin, Mom and Ginny.
5. It's not home yet.

Girls

For the first time in over 30 years I am living in a house where women are the majority. I started my period the day I got here and the three other menstruating women followed close behind, go figure. There are lots of good things about living with girls that I am discovering. Everything smells good. I have yet to enter Jade's or Jazmin's room to find the smell of old socks or last night's beer lingering in the air. I have not seen or heard ESPN. Everyone helps with the dishes, which frankly is such a treat for me. There are lots of candles everywhere. And never in my wildest imagination would I find my 15 and almost 18 year old sons cuddled together on the bed watching TV. I thought this was so cute I had to take a picture.

Time on my Hands

This afternoon I went into town to submit my application to volunteer at the local Planned Parenthood office. I not only need something to do, but our President has inspired me to get involved and give back to my community. I figure I could get pretty passionate about a woman's right to choose and helping young women who are pregnant, scared and feel so alone. I know a bit about that. They tell me the application process takes about three weeks, so I will keep you posted as we go.

It was indeed a bright sunny beautiful day, and despite the fact that I still had to wear several layers of clothing, I was really grateful.

It was snowing in Lake Tahoe today and the radio announcer told me that I80 was closed through Donner Pass until further notice. This was my view of that storm as I drove down Vista to the freeway, and boy was I glad I ordered good weather when I had to go over Donner Pass. It is an interesting landscape here becasue the valley is so brown, even most of the houses are some shade of brown or tan so everything sort of blends together. However when the sun is out and the sky is clear, the contrast between the dull brown landscape and the crystal blue sky is striking. They have wonderful cloudscapes here too, and the snowy blue/black of the mountians, a constant backdrop, looks almost like a movie set it is so unreal. I am finding more beauty everyday.

Today

Today was Jade's actual birthday, so Betsy took the day off, Jazmine and Jade left school early and we all spent the day shopping. I don't think I have ever been to so many stores in one day before. We left the house at a little after ten this morning and just got home about half an hour ago. The company was delightful, but my feet and back are sore from all the walking and standing. I really wore the wrong socks. They did have a cool place in Meadowwood Mall with comfy chairs and couches where I sat and read my book for awhile. Jade had soccer practice at 4:30, so to kill some time, Betsy drove me around some of the neighborhoods in Sparks where I might want to live and that was fun for me. We had lunch at a sport's bar called Bully's and dinner at Jack in the Box before we met David and went to see He's Just Not that into You. I found the movie both pathetic and really sad. I had a hard time stopping the tears and I figure it is due to the fact that I am over tired and so far away from being in love with someone that it is just too depressing to watch movies like that. It reminds me that for the last nine years my best friend has been a homeless man, the only person on earth I have ever felt really got me and despite the fact that I have known for a long time we have no chance of any future together as a couple, I really miss him. He can always make me laugh which I could really use right now. I am going to write in my gratitude journal right now which always makes me feel better, then go to bed. Tomorrow is another day, I hope the sun is out like it was today, shining and simply beautiful.

Slight Overreaction

I guess I had a slight overreaction yesterday, as the snow storm lasted about an hour and then an hour after that the sun came out and the snow was gone. I felt rather silly getting so excited, but oh well. New life, new experiences. I was rather pleased actually, and really grateful that I did not live in Michigan, or Ohio or Vermont. This is the view out my bedroom window.

I took some pictures of my room yesterday to let you all see what I see everyday. I love my room. Everything fit like it was made for the space which made me feel like it was one more sign from the Universe that I am in the right place at the right time.

Part of my new routine is making my bed everyday, something I have not done since I was a kid. It's interesting how this little thing makes me feel so good. Who knew?

When no one is home I can turn on iTunes and hear it in the whole house. It's great!

I am hoping you all have a great day. I intend to.

Yikes! It's Snowing!

I woke up this morning to snowfall. And I have to say it is pretty weird to live in a place that snows. I bet it will be even weirder when I have to go to work in it, but I am ready with bricks in the back of my truck for weight, scarves to keep me warm and I even have a pair of waterproof boots I bought when I went to Boston in the winter. I am, however, wearing more layers of clothing than ever before in my life.

The snow did not stop these crazy birds from having their breakfast

at one of Betsy's many bird feeders.

A New Day

Yes, I am living in Sparks. A sentence I never really would have expected to type in my wildest imagination, however, I am optimistic about my life here and that is what really matters. I feel very safe and loved living here with David and Betsy, although after a week, it stills feels like I may be on vacation and heading home soon. Then I wake up in my room surrounded by my favorite things and realize oh my gosh, I am home.

Saturday everyone came over and we celebrated Jade's 15th birthday. As always with this group, the evening was filled with laughter and fun.

I met Marika, Jeremy's girlfriend and she is just a delight. She and Jeremy seem good together, so I am happy for both of them. Jeremy will graduate in May and Marika will also finish her masters at the same time.

Amber brought Kevin, and she seems to really like him. He got the stamp of approval from everyone in attendance, except maybe Jenn who seemed kind of skeptical of Amber and her choices in men.

Jenn and Richard are still going strong. Jenn is ten months away from finishing school and pretty darn happy about it as one can imagine.

Jenn and Richard brought this blow up birthday cake to decorate the space, but Jade did not get to keep it. According to Richard they have had it for several years and pull it out for every birthday celebration they attend.

This is the view from one end of the table while we played games. I am behind the flash in the window, hehehe.

This is the other side, duh.