GOAL!!!

Salt Lake went a got a professional Soccer team after I moved away. I was a bit disappointed and jealous, it is one of the sports that I will actively support. They have always had the Jazz and that is about it, well unless you count the Grizzlies or the Buzz um er Stingerzz... must add the ridiculous zz's, oh they are the Bees now sans zz's.  I stopped liking pro-basketball the day they decided they needed more money and I have not ever been a big fan of baseball.

My Sis has season tickets for the Real SL , 3rd row right behind the goal. I was lucky enough to be able to go. It was a cold rainy afternoon and so not many showed up. But fun was had none the less. The game was against DC United  and Real SL played phenomenally.

Highlights included almost getting hit in head with a ball (how are those fingers Missy), not so hot chocolate, watching the clouds get darker and darker, sitting behind some of the cutest kids ever, seeing some pretty cute soccer players and spending time with my sis.

This pic is for my sister, it has her favorite.

Just after enjoying our not so hot chocolate and getting rained on. I miss hanging out with Melissa!

I think it is time to support my local team, ok not so local, the San Jose Earthquakes. I look forward to spending summer evenings with a sport I really enjoy.

The Sweetest

I was lucky enough to extend my recent trip to Utah so that I could meet the newest member of the family. My youngest sister had a baby girl a couple of weeks ago. I adore this baby! She is so sweet, calm and content. She is also beautiful which could be construed as favoritism, however I don't say that about to many newborns. I only wish that I lived closer so that she will know I am her favorite Aunt. Congrats to Emily and Jake, and welcome to baby I.

3 Year Old Twister

My niece wanted to play Twister recently. Since she is 3, her version is a bit different. I pick the colors and she does what ever she wants. Pretty entertaining though. I just like that in all of these photos that my other niece took her hair is always flying forward. 

And you can see that I indulged her in playing along. If you look close enough General Conference is on in the background. I think by the last session, entertaining the little ones became a priority.

Wet Dog Tail

Summer has come early to the Bay Area. It is hot and my apartment does not have air conditioning. As I sit here typing I am rethinking this whole post, this lap top is not cooling me down!

Yesterday afternoon I decided I couldn't sit in the house any longer. I was determined to get outside and read. Off to my favorite beach. Little did I know everyone else had the same idea. I spent over an hour in traffic just to get to a beach that is normally not that crowded. I didn't realize that San Francisco was also very warm. Usually it is not, so I was still in my jeans...mistake. There were a lot of people at the beach frolicking in the water, dogs running around and surfers.

I found spot laid out my blanket, rolled up my jeans, cracked open my book and hoped most people would be leaving soon since it was dinner time. 

There was a guy nearby with two dogs, they older dog would wander over and sit next to me, I didn't mind he was gentle and really wasn't bothering me. The younger dog was chasing a ball into the ocean, back and forth. An hour after I arrived, laying on my back and engrossed in my book the little dog decided that I was in his way and ran across my head. Yes MY HEAD and had the nerve to smack me in the face with its tail! Wet and sandy dog fur, blech. Needless to say my blanket was now covered in sand, I had sand in my hair, on my face, down my shirt and in my mouth.

He apologized profusely and I told him it was fine (I am too nice) and cleaned my self up. Then went back to reading and enjoying the cool ocean breeze that started to blow.

In relating this story to my co-workers they all has one question... So the Guy? Yeah they wanted to know if it was a "love match". No this is not some silly Chick Flick where a girl gets embarrassed and she meets a guy at the same time. This was at a beach outside of San Francisco, you do the math, he wasn't interested in me.

Anyway, other than the attention from the dog, spending my Sunday afternoon at my favorite beach with a good book is a fabulous way to wait out the heat wave. I think I may make it a regular occurrence.

Coming soon to the Green

I have been away and have a few items to post. So get ready to read about a new baby, hanging out with the sisters, Children's museums are not just for kids, playing twister, the lack of green thumbs, Soccer, Webkinz, Costco and the ever amusing are you man enough.
Sounds exciting doesn't it? OK I will try to make each post worthwhile.

Where Would You Like to Wake Up?

Fifty People, One Question: Brooklyn from Fifty People, One Question on Vimeo.

Once again my brother came thru with something cool. Seriously I love this idea. It really makes you think. My cousin Joy had a great answer to this and it made my remember all of the fun times we had as kids at Grandma Weaver's (Her Grandma) farm.

Where would I like to wake up tomorrow? I don't know there are so many places. For memories sake my Aunt Kae's house in the bedroom downstairs, summertime, windows open, smelling the fresh air, waking up to the jets fly over (yeah I know, but it is a throw back to my childhood), spending the day laying under the quilting stand, watching the needle and thread create a masterpiece, then to finish with homemade bread and jam.

Where would you like to wake up?

If you can't view the video click on the link.

Is there a little Wild in all of us?

My Brothers are cool, they just are, I can't explain why. I am lucky to be related so I can be cool by association. We have a lot of common likes so we send links to each other when something catches our eye. 

This morning I received  this link from David. Now we are BIG fans of the book Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak  . As a kid I would pour over the pages, reading and re-reading the adventures of Max. Drawn in by the illustrations that made me want to visit that far off place, so when the movie was announced I was a bit skeptical. Can they really capture the fantastical nature of the book? It wasn't even going to be animated. However this looks promising, plus with Arcade Fire supplying the music for the trailer it is a bonus.

Go here and take a gander.... 

Will I see it...just maybe.

Sprightly

I purchased some Daffodil's at Trader Joe's on Saturday $1.29 for a bunch. They were all tightly closed, but by Sunday morning a couple had bloomed. It made waking up blissful.

Now they have all bloomed and they smell delicious. They have made me want to be out and watch the season change to spring.

She knows me so well

Message from Melissa:

I think I found your next bed set. It's very...you. I really like it!

Love Ya!

My response:

Wow! I always thought that I was against flower bedding but I really like this one. It has the colors I like and Dahlia's. Plus I could incorporate into what is already going on in my room.

Oh if I weren't poorish.

Melissa:

See? Who knows her sister...who knows her sister? That's right! I know my sister!

So yeah, she possibly knows me better than I know myself. Anyway yesterday I took a trip to Pottery Barn to see it in person. Before I make a big purchase I like to dwell on it for a while. However I neglected to notice that it was an Internet only purchase. But the trip was not all in vain. I saw this Platter and fell in love. It was on sale...bonus. I couldn't resist it. I can't wait until the next gathering of friends.

Amusement

My brother posted this link on Facebook today. You must check it out for a chuckle, especially if you have ever had the double exposure picture taken that was popular during the 80's or the school picture with the lasers.

My favorite is Wayne and Jeffery if you scroll down you will find two photos that made me laugh out loud. It looks as if they are terrified of the photographer.

Also there is a portrait of a kid with a turkey...was it taken at Sears?

Have fun perusing and maybe just maybe you have a photo that will rival what is posted.

HEMA

I had  seen this before a while ago, but my Brother Brian recently sent this to me and I thought I would share.

HEMA is a Dutch Department store and they are very creative. Click on the link and watch for a few minutes. If I lived in the Netherlands I would totally shop there all of the time, just because this is pretty cool. Their Computer Graphics/Marketing team are genius.

3 years today

I moved into the Green. It was rainy soggy day but I was so pleased to not be living on the street at the time. It hasn't always been happy but the past 2 years have been very good.

I never thought I would stay this long in the Bay Area I was originally going to give it 2 years and now I have been here 5.  Sometimes I think about moving closer to family just so I can spend my vacation time somewhere else. But I do love this place and really love it when I get to show it off. 

I was reading this post I wrote a year ago and it wraps up how I truly feel.

The Green has hosted many friends and family and I hope that they have felt welcome and loved.

Demetri Martin - Parking Fight

Important Things with Demetri MartinWed 10:30pm / 9:30c

Power - Parking Fight

Joke of the Day
Stand-Up Comedy

Free Online Games
More Funny Videos

I find Demetri Martin rather funny and have been enjoying his show Important Things. I hope you find this amusing.

Sunday Mail

No one expects to get mail on Sunday but I was lucky enough to get a delivery.

I am sick again or still, I don't know if this is the same cold that never went away or just a new one. Oh Joy.

This morning I woke up in a fog, not being able to breathe, my head hurting, I felt that I needed to take it a bit slow. Awesome A-gril kindly offered to teach my primary class, with a little persuasion on her part, I returned to bed with a prayer on my lips for her. Taking over a primary class at a moments notice is not easy and this year I am privileged to have a few interesting children that make teaching a bit of a challenge.

She was thoughtful enough to take some cards with her for the kids to make get-well cards. It really brightened my day.

Now if this cold would go away, I could have a great nights sleep.

Yellow Polka Dots

I have a lot of jackets/coats for a girl with a very small closet. I decided that I was in need of a black trench a few months ago but I didn't want to spend a lot of dough. I recently saw one a Target and it was reasonably cheap. It is pretty cute plus I love the green with yellow polka dots liner.

On a side note one of the buttons is already lose. Sad to admit I no longer remember how to sew a button on. Yes I know pathetic. My Mother showed me how long ago but really have not had a reason to practice. Masha has offered to teach me so hopefully I will no longer be inept with a needle a thread. 

Kitchen Art

The kitchen in the Green is a blank canvas. White walls, white appliances, white cabinets and white tile counter. For the past 3 years I have looked for something to help it out. The rugs on the floor bring some color, a few knick knacks and dishes help out but it was still bland. I was busy working on the living room and my bedroom so the kitchen was neglected.

I recently ventured into Ikea and found some prints that I liked, picked up a few cheap frames and another picture for over the stove that was only $6, what a steal. $24 later there is some color in the kitchen.

I would love to paint and should have long ago but I am lazy and really would rather have someone else do it. 

For now the kitchen feels better.

Happy Heart Day

I am not a big fan of Valentines day. It feels forced and commercial to me. I prefer to receive flowers, candy or a teddy bear (O.K. not a teddy bear) when you are not forced by a Holiday to give it. It is much more sentimental for it to come out of the blue.

When I was a kid Valentines day was fun, in fact most Holidays in our house were. My Mother loves Holidays! She would go all out and make each one a fantastic affair. Cupid would leave us a little gift and a box of chocolates or candy. We would make sugar cookies and give them out to friends. The house would be decorated with read, pink and white.  I loved it!

When did I become a Valentines day Scrooge? Who knows most likely in my early 20's, with bad forced gifts being given on the Holiday, watching girlfriends hang onto a guy long enough to get the flowers or chocolates. I think it turned me off to the whole notion of  receiving flowers, I don't even like roses all that much. It was around that time when my friend Carrie and I started celebrating "single awareness day" by making cupcakes and making sure our single friends were covered with love for the Holiday. 

This year the scrooge has ebbed a bit, with a Mother who will always remember a card and a little something, My lovely Sister Brooke who, like my Mother, loves Valentines, and Beautiful Amber who not only creates a gorgeous card but sends a kit of cards for me to send out.  They have slowly worked on me over the years to look at Valentines day as not a day for sappy lovers but a day to let the ones you do love know.

Who knows maybe next year I will get in the spirit and send out Valentines, we will see.

Happy Heart Day....Give yourself a Hug from me.

On a side note...I wore red yesterday and someone commented that I was dressed for the Holiday. I quipped I didn't know Presidents day had a particular color. Yes I didn't realize Valentines was today. I was wearing red because I look fabulous in the color. 

Ray Lamontagne - Be Here Now (BBC4 Sessions) [HQ]

Absolutely Stunning! I love Ray, I really do. He has soulful quality, his voice is so warm.
Sometimes when I am really stressed out, I play this song. It helps me breathe just a little better.
A portion of the lyrics below...

Don't let your mind get weary and confused
Your will be still, don't try
Don't let your heart get heavy child
Inside you there's a strength that lies

Don't let your soul get lonely child
It's only time, it will go by
Don't look for love in faces, places
It's in you, that's where you'll find kindness

Be here now, here now
Be here now, here now

Grandma Julie turns 95...

Happy Birthday to a Grandma who loved to kiss my cheeks, gives me hugs, helped me appreciate Grapefruit Juice and living in Northern California. She is still living in her own place, married again at 90 (see there is hope for me yet), and is always dressed to perfection.

I love you Grandma!

Happy New Year -Lunar/Chinese that is

Due to my line of work I was wished a very Happy New Year today several times.  This is the time of the year when I change from a Scorpio to an Ox. Yes one of the least sexy signs of the Chinese Zodiac. 

However this is the Year of the Ox and I was reminded that it will be a great one for me. I don't really buy into the Horoscope or Zodiac but at times for a good giggle they are fun to read.

So as an Ox my traits are as follows: Leadership qualities, dependable, great organizers, loyal, patient as well as strong and responsible. Posses strong work ethics and display their creative sides, especially when it comes to decorating their homes. Reliable and logical, usually turned to for suggestions and guidance. Honesty and eye for details prove their worth. Also stubborn and very far from being emotional.

Very interesting in some aspects very far from my Scorpio descriptions. Thank goodness I really don't live my life according to what the Zodiac says I am supposed to be, even if it is flattering at times.

So I will make this a good year whether or not it is my year.