Ronald Takaki 1939-2009

Today my dear friends Mia and Todd lay to rest their father-in-law and father, respectively. 

I was not lucky enough to meet Ron. But he was an amazing man, scholar, academic, teacher, etc. 

From the many articles and Facebook comments and other comments I have read about him he made a huge impact on so many lives. It makes me happy to know so many people had someone like Ron in their life. 

Ron, you will be missed by so many. But you will live on forever.

Booo to California!

You probably know by now that the state Supreme Court upheld the ban on same-sex marriage. The one good bit of info is that the marriages already performed still stand.
I could go on a little rant. But you all know I believe in equal rights for all people. And I am very disappointed that Prop. 8 passed in November and I am disappointed in the court ruling.

Aren't we cute?

Click here.
I wish someone would have told me the tag from my shirt was covering the Red Sox! Oh well. :)

Lazy, lazy, lazy

I think I redefined lazy this weekend. It was nice!
I think I gave a new meaning to watching lots of TV and movies and sleeping in and napping.
Though this afternoon I did clean the house, go grocery shopping (which I absolutely HATE) and made a pretty yummy and healthy dinner.
I think I encouraged my laziness because I know that it will be a busy four days at work. I have been keeping up with my e-mail. So I kinda have an idea of what is coming.
I actually got the pictures from Boston off the camera and onto iPhoto. But that is as far as I have gotten. Coming soon.But let me wrap up my trip for you ...
Saturday morning was another lazy morning. Curt and I checked out of our hotel and drove to Cambridge. We got some coffee and scones at what seemed like a hip and busy place. While Curt was finishing up I headed to the Curious George store. There was lots of fun kid stuff there.

I bought a few things, but tried not to go too nuts.
After that we did some walking around. Walked through Harvard. Kids were moving out of the dorms, so it was busy for a Saturday.
I had to go to Dunkin Donuts for my old fashioned. Can you believe those jerks were out!!??!! So I just got a coffee.
After a disappointing trip to DD Curt and I did a little more walking and then found a place for lunch, Christopher's, which was pretty good.
There was, of course, a DD across the street so we headed over there after lunch. And they had my doughnut. So I bought two.
There are no DDs anywhere near where I live. You can do a search on the Web site and the farthest you can look is 50 miles, not one within 50 miles of me. Sucks! But maybe that is best or else I would be eating those doughnuts all the time.
Curt and I headed to the airport after that. We were on different flights within 20 minutes of each other. We happened to be in the same terminal. So we both checked in (and I paid 15 bucks for my bag--so lame!!!!--if they didn't have the liquid restriction I coulda taken my suitcase on). After check-in we headed to an airport bar before heading to security separately.
Our flights were uneventful and we got home about 11:30 p.m.
I promise pictures coming soon.
Boston is a cool city and Curt and I are ready to go back.

We're home

Just got home not too long ago. Will post pics and write about the rest of our trip in the next day or two.

Sleepy time!

Wicked cool!

(Written Friday, May 22 about 9:30 p.m. Boston time; posted Sunday, May 24 about 12:05 a.m.)

We don't have Internet access at the hotel we are staying at in Boston. Not even Internet via non-wireless. So I will post this when I can.
Curt and I left Wellesley about 3:30 on Thursday. We got into Boston in good time.
We arrived at Fenway a little before 5 p.m. We met up with Kate and Jason. (Kate and Jason were in town to celebrate Jason's 35th.)
We hung out on Yawkey Way (a street that gets closed on game nights/days), doing some shopping, chatting it up, eating and hanging out. I had a Fenway Frank (actually I had two--one later on during the game).
About 6:30 we headed into the ballpark. Kate and Jason had seats on the Green Monstah.
Curt and I didn't have seats together because we bought the tickets separately. But after a couple of innings Curt texted me (or as Curt says is the correct way: SMS'd me) that the seat next to him was empty. So I moved over with him. We were able to pick Kate and Jason out across the way on the Monstah.
I have to say the spirit and love at a Sox game is pretty cool. I mean, these people live in Boston--a cool place. But their baseball means a lot to them. And Fenway is the oldest baseball park.
In the middle of the 8th inning everyone sings Sweet Caroline. Not sure what the obsession is with Neil Diamond or his song. But it totally rocks. And, of course, made us think of Dave from his "after party" when he wedded the lovely Jen. After the ceremony and dinner the cool kids headed to a bar and karaoke until the wee hours of the morning. Dave sang Sweet Caroline.
Anyway, the Sox won 5-1 against the Toronto Blue Jays.
After the game we met up with Kate and Jason and headed to a bar called McKeevey's or McGeevey's or something like that. (Now that I have Internet I looked it up--McGreevey's.) A bar that the old-time players used to hang out after games. Man, we really had a great time hanging out. We all get along so well. I wish we lived closer. :(
Curt and I were lazy this morning (Friday) and slept in and took our time getting ready.
We headed to Legal Seafood for lunch--recommendation from Kate (she and Jason had lunch there on Thursday). Curt and I both had the chowder (seriously good stuff) and the Lobster Roll. So much food and so good.
After lunch we did some serious walking. We walked through Boston Common and hit Quincey Market. It was warm. But we took our time walking and taking breaks. We watched people on the Swan Boats and a dog wading in the water. Saw some pretty flowers.
After that back to our tiny hotel room (we feel like we are in Europe--but hey, it's cheap!) and rested for a bit.
Then out to dinner at Vinny T's for an amazing dinner. We both had pasta. I had a yummy warm tomato salad with goat cheese. For dessert I had Limoncello on the rocks--good stuff. Curt had cappucino. I also ordered cheesecake. I shouldn't have. But man, it was good!
After dinner we sat at the bar and watched a little of the Sox/Mets game. Now we are back in the hotel relaxing.
Tomorrow (Saturday) we are gonna spend some time in Cambridge and then off to the airport.
Curt and I are already wanting to come back and spend more time here.
Oh, and I so love the way people talk around here. I could just sit around listening to the Boston accents.

Boston ... I couldn't think of a better hed

After a long day of travel I am in Boston, well, Wellesley, where Curt is having his training.

Tomorrow is Curt's last day of training. Then we will head to Boston for a few days. Tomorrow night is Fenway and we will meet up with Kate and Jason. 

My flight was pretty bumpy for some time. But other than that it was uneventful--how I like my flights. They showed Mall Cop--man, that was dumb. And then I fell asleep, so I wonder what happened?

I had lunch at SFO at a place called Mission Bar & Grill--in the American Airlines wing. I have to say that was the best service I have had in a long time. Customer service has gotten so crappy over the years.

I told the manager that it was amazing service and the hostess was awesome. He said I am not the first to comment on the service. He thanked me and told me next time I am there he will give me a discount. HA! Well, I think the last time I flew American I was in high school. But at the great rate I got out here to Boston I may be flying them again--plus they are partnered with Bristish Airways.

Waah-waah!

When celebrities complain about ANYTHING I start to get annoyed.

But when they start complaining about being beautiful ...

Jessica Biel is beautiful, yes. But I wouldn't say she is God's gift to beauty.

According to some story that was linked to my Yahoo she has some issues with being beautiful.

Is being too good-looking really a problem for an actress?"Yeah, it really is a problem. I have to be blunt."

Apparently she wants more opportunities. (Apparently her look is too modern.) I guess you can't help what you look like. But at least she isn't ugly.

Smoke coming out of the shredder is not good

Weekend started out with a great yoga class Friday after work. I was determined to get to the gym ... I missed my spin class Thursday night and I wasn't about to miss yoga.

After class Curt and I met Dad and Hilda for dinner at Sushiya. Good as always. And a nice dinner with Dad and Hilda.

Watched Grey's Anatomy after we got home from dinner. Most of that show was boring. The last, what, 10-15 minutes were crazy. I figured out John Doe about 2 minutes before it was revealed. I knew there had to be a twist in that story line. It just took me a little time. I had started to give up on Grey's. I actually can't stand Meredith and Derek, but especially Meredith. She is so annoying! I do have to say the ending was good and unexpected. I may give it another season ...

Saturday I hit the gym. Then a haircut. Then to Subaru ... got our manual, extra keys, tank of gas and a cargo cover for our trunk. Ike was the one who sold us the car. He was busy. So Wayne helped me. Wayne went over the manual with me and then sat in the car and pointed some stuff out. Very nice.

After I came back Curt and I headed to REI to check out racks for the Subaru--for his bike and snowboard. Then had beers and a late lunch at Ben & Nick's. 

Today I lounged this morning, did some knitting. Watched The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. Interesting movie. He was cute when he was a little old guy, but was like 7 years old.

Then I did some cleaning, bill paying, worked more on my house project: Filing away all important papers correctly, organizing and shredding old stuff. The shredder was having issues. Paper really got gunked up. And I ran a lubricant through it before I started. At one point there was some smoke coming out of the shredder. I figured that was a bad thing and stopped. Looks like I may be buying a new shredder. Got LOTS of stuff to shred.

I am so loving this song

Crazy Possessive by Kaci Battaglia--I LOVE THIS SONG! It totally cracks me up.

A good laugh over a true idiot

So sometime back I wrote about Chad Johnson and him wanting to legally change his name to Ocho Cinco.

Well, it is official, but there is a clincher.

This so cracks me up. When filling out your paperwork to legally change your name make sure to make two words truly two words.

Ho-hum

Life has been busy and not that exciting. (Is that possible? Apparently so.) That is why no recent posts.

I did start to learn to play Mission Impossible on the guitar in class Tuesday night. I also keep mixing up my strings while reading tabulature. I always get thrown off. When holding the guitar--the top string (deepest) is No. 6 string and the bottom is No. 1. I tend to mix them up and then am not sure why what I am playing sounds so weird.

That is the most exciting thing going on right now.

Next week will be really exciting when I head to Boston to meet up with Curt (and Kate & Jason) Woo-hoo! (Kate, I will call you back. Life has been a little crazy.)

I got to meet Hungry Girl!

Lisa Lillien, aka Hungry Girl, came to an East Bay Barnes & Noble to promote her new recipe book, 200 under 200 (200 Recipes Under 200 Calories).
Alicia and I went to see her this evening. And I ran into Jennifer and Ricki there, too.
They had lots of yummy snacks, Pop Chips, samples of Fiber One, Vita Tops, etc.
So Lisa came out and chatted just a bit and then took questions. And then there was a raffle. Neither Alicia nor I won anything. But we still got lots of goodies.
After the raffle she signed books. Alicia got there early and got us seats. So luckily they did the book signing in an orderly fashion and I got mine signed pretty quickly.
Lisa is so nice and friendly and funny! Her personality is fun in her daily newsletters. But I think she really shines in person. So glad I got to see her.



Top pic: Me posing with Lisa, aka Hungry Girl. Second pic: Lisa's new recipe book. Third pic: My autographed book!

Happy Mother's Day!

I meant to post this earlier today. But today ended up being a busy day (see below). Anyway, Happy Mother's Day to all the moms and moms-to-be-out there.
I feel very lucky to have the mom I do. She made many sacrifices for my brother and me (especially while she was a single mom). I will never forget that. My mom is the best example of a great mom.
Check out what I made our moms and Grandmas for Mother's Day.
On behalf of moms and moms-to-be Curt and I made a donation to Brighter Beginnings, which gives new mothers the support and resources needed to give their child a strong start in life.
Hope everyone had a good day.

New car

So this weekend was the first weekend Curt and I went looking for new cars. Our lease is up next month on the Volvo and we decided we didn't want to buy it.
Yesterday, we looked at Nissan Muranos. I wasn't a 100% sold on them. Today we went to Subaru. We test drove a Forester and an Outback. I was leaning toward the Forester. But factors weighed out and we decided on the Outback.
I said I didn't want to buy a car today. And what did I do? I bought a car today. Even though I was hesitant to buy the car today I am very excited about our brand new Subaru Outback. (I am a little sad to say goodbye to the Volvo--but it was almost 4 years old and was starting to have issues.)
After our purchase we went out to celebrate with some food and drinks. Especially since we were at the dealership for almost 5 hours. And we were at the Nissan dealership for about 3 hours yesterday. So the house definitely got neglected this weekend. Oh well.
Wanna see pics of our new car?

It is so sporty and fun! And its AWD, so no worry about putting chains on when we go to Tahoe in the winter.
Are we yuppies or what?

A Wicked good time

I saw Wicked last night. Went with Malcolm, Monica and some of her friends.
It was an amazing show. Man, those women can sing.
I felt myself smiling most of the show.
The Orpheum Theatre is gorgeous. And you get off BART and the theatre is right there.
I had a really good time. So glad I went. It was worth it for a long day and today as another long day (with little sleep).
Now, I am gearing myself up for a show when we are in London next year with my mom and Fred. I really want to see Avenue Q. Sounds hilarious!

Fingernails

So according to my guitar teacher my fingernails on my left hand are too long. At first I thought that was untrue. But I realized they are getting in the way of me holding down the strings correctly. I made a reference to Dolly and told him I will cut them, which I haven't yet ...

I think it was the first day of class my instructor told us that there was no way Dolly Parton plays the guitar, at least not with her left hand. You can't hold down the strings with nails that long. Right hand, they can be as long as you want.

Which is what I have issues with. I don't like the idea of having my left hand nails much shorter than the right. But you need them shorter on the left and longer on the right to strum.

My nail dilemma may get in the way of me becoming a great guitarist.

Also at one point I went to "powder my nose." When I came back I put lotion on my hands--I hate that dry feeling after washing my hands. He had commentary for that, too.

He actually cracks me up! His style is a little gruff and rough. But he is totally nice. It is hard to describe.

Last night he was talking about Eric Clapton and then asked us if we had heard of him. We all laughed. He said, you would be surprised when I have talked about him before and students don't know who I am talking about.

Anyway, guitar is coming along. Much harder than I imagined. But I am learning the chords, learning how to read tabulature, learning a few songs, and will soon be able to play to Blues well. :)

Princesses and pink and purple

Today at the end of my yoga class the instructor Sean said he would be gone next Tuesday because he is taking his 3-year-old niece to Disneyland with other family members. Suraya, another of my regular instructors, will be subbing.
I was asking Sean after class if his niece was into princesses. He wasn't sure. I assured him that she is likely is and that she loves pink and purple. (His niece lives in Sacramento, so he doesn't see her too often.) He was asking me where he should go to buy something for her ahead of the trip.
I told him Target has one aisle that is just pink. I said anything pink, purple, princessy, feathery, sparkly she will like.
I remember the first time I met my niece, Madison, who is now 11. She was 2 1/2 and Curt and I went back to Missouri for a family reunion. Great time to meet the family, eh? Curt wanted to take her back a gift but wasn't sure what to get her. He asked me if I would buy something. I gladly took the task on. And I went straight to that pink aisle at Target.
I got her those sticker earrings, a purse that was pink and had feather boa on it and some other stuff. When we got to Ed and Marilyn's Curt introduced me to Madison and a little later told her I had a gift for her. She followed me, plopped herself in the middle of the kitchen and gladly excepted all the pink, sparkly, girlie gifts. And I think I had her hooked, lined and sunk right then and there. :)
I have to say I still appreciate pink and purple--though my favorite color is blue, esp. cobalt blue. I love boas--and I think every girl should have a boa or at least a scoa. I love sparkly stuff--I still use body glitter for special occasions. :)

Other focuses

I have been so focused on Go Fit Girl! that I have neglected my personal blog lately. I got really excited about the health and fitness blog after I posted a guest post by Jen and three other friends agreed to write guest posts.
Anyone else interested in writing a guest post is more than welcome. Just let me know the topic, write it up and e-mail it to me. If I get enough guest posts I would like to feature one a week. So get thinking of ideas and writin' ladies!

MarsEdit

I am using a nifty feature to write this post. From one window I can update all three of my blogs: this one, Go Fit Girl! and Gimme Some Treats (well, sometimes Joey needs a little help posting since he ain't got no thumbs).

If you maintain more than one blog or Web site I highly recommend it. And it is only 30 bucks. Totally worth it. A private developer came up with MarsEdit.

Weekend

Another relaxing weekend. Got my knitting project done, which I have been working on for almost a month. Ready to be mailed off.

Last night Curt and I had dinner at Sushiya with David, who wants me to let you know that he is really cute. It was a good dinner, as always. It's always fun hanging out with David.

Today was Lexie's ice skating party at Oakland Ice. And you know me, I didn't skate. But I had fun hanging out, playing some games, chatting it up.

Have a good week!