Are You Breathing?

Puddle Take Two!

2012-01-31T21:43:00.000-08:00

Internet there appears to be more to the puddle story than a drowned toy mouse hung up to dry.

"This morning when I came into the kitchen I found a large puddle next to the water bowl," says the Huz.

And by the next sentence, I can tell the Huz hasn't read yesterday's blog.

"As I stood there wondering where the water came from, Athena walked up to the water and says, 'Here let me show you what happened.'"

"Then she lifted the water bowl and dropped it back to the floor," says the Huz.

"Bong!" says the bowl, as water sloshes onto the floor.

"And that's how the water got on the floor," explains Athena Kitty, telepathically. "This time anyways."

Puddle

2012-01-30T20:28:00.001-08:00

The last few days I've noticed a lot of water on the floor near the water bowl.

"Where's that water coming from?" I wondered.

Then the other day, as I walk into the kitchen I see the cat fling the toy mouse in the water bowl!

Which still doesn't explain the puddle on the floor. The next part, however, does.

As the poor toy mouse lie drowning into the water bowl, the cat reached in the bowl, grabbed the mouse with her teeth, and flung the mouse onto the floor creating a puddle.

Another mystery solved!

Miss Representation

2012-01-29T20:53:00.000-08:00

Miss Representation is screening on Saturday February 4th at Carmel High School at 7 pm. For information click here.

Siri on Big Bang Theory

2012-01-28T21:07:00.001-08:00

Me, the Huz and my Mom and me are all fans of the comedy television show The Big Bang Theory.

This is a clip from Thursday's episode. It's funny!

Now of course we can't stop asking Siri questions.

"Beam me up, Siri," commands my Mom.

"Okay, stand still," answers Siri.

"Siri, you're driving me crazy," says the Huz.

"I respect you," answers Siri.

Internet, I think love Siri.

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo 2011

2012-01-27T10:01:00.000-08:00

Internet, I am estatic to report the American movie version of "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo," based on the book of the same title by Stieg Larsson is AWESOME!

In 2009, the Swedish film version was released. I saw it. The film was too long and too horrible.

So I wasn't planning on seeing the American version of The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. Afterall, I read the book. And the book was great! Why ruin it with another bad, long movie?

But then one of my BFF's says, "'The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo,' is the best movie out right now."

"Really?" I wondered. "Okay, I'm in, let's go!"

"No way!" protests the Huz. "I'm not going to see a movie with torture in it."

Though he didn't seem bothered by the torture scene in the latest Sherlock Holmes movie.

"Ahem, you know this is a torture scene, right?" I annoyingly point out.

"Yeah," the Huz concedes.

I figured then I'd have a credit to get the Huz to go see The Girl With A Dragon Tattoo. But no such luck.

Fortunately, my BFF's are into torture.

"This is horrible," says the BFF, as all three of us cover our eyes during the movie.

For folks bothered by torture wait for The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo to come to Redbox, otherwise y'all may need to self medicate after viewing it.

Sound of swallowing pill.

For those going out tonight, the American movie version is less graphic than the Swedish movie, I think. Besides it's way more exciting. I stayed awake through the entire two hours and 40 minutes of the latest The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo movie. Which is more than I can say for Sherlock Holmes, despite the loveliness of Robert Downey Jr.

"Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz."

The casting is excellent. Daniel Craig is perfection as Mikael Blomkvist. Craig is sexy, smart, charismatic and man enough to be saved by a woman. Guys, know, that in itself, takes balls.

Rooney Mara as Lisbeth Salander is where the American film really gets it right. Mara, is exactly who I saw in my head when I read the book. Need I say more. Well, yes.

Mara as Salander is weird, smart, fierce yet still retains all the sexual oomph to titillate audiences, as well as Mikael Blomkvist.

Snicker.

Even more important than either stars' individual appeal, is the their ability to make mad passionate love onscreen literally and figuratively. That they do! More than once.

"You need to stop talking," says Lisbeth Salander to Mikael during one love scene.

Internet, are you ready for even more exciting news?

The last two books in the Millennium Series, The Girl Who Played With Fire and The Girl Who Kicked The Hornets' Nest, are being adapted for American movies. The Swedish already made the last two books into films, which I'm not going to bother watching......

~~Filmfest.~~ More like Snoozefest.

Which reminds me I never finished the third book, The Girl Who Kicked The Hornets' Nest. I need to do that now. By the way, my favorite book was the second book, The Girl Who Played With Fire, in the series.

I am so looking forward to the next movie where audiences will learn even more about Lisbeth Salander, who manages to kill villains without actually having to, and her amazing super powers..........

The 100th Day

2012-01-26T19:47:00.000-08:00

100 Year Old Gio

Today, is the 100th day of school. That means we're more than half way to summer!

Yahooooooooo!

Weather Forecast

2012-01-25T20:56:00.001-08:00

Every morning the first thing I do is check the weather.

"High today of 68."

Wooohooo! Pretty good for January in Northern California.

I Covet Thy Lap

2012-01-24T22:46:00.000-08:00

Im surprised the Huz ever gets anything done with the way these cats boss him around.

The Book Thief

2012-01-23T11:51:00.000-08:00

The Book Thief, by Marcus Zusak, was my book club of two's very first book, that I picked, nearly a year ago. I just finished it.

Good thing my book club is patient with me. Of course, it is just me and the Huz who are in it and we all know the man has a lot of patience.....

I started the Book Thief Friday, and finished up the last few pages this morning after getting everyone off to school and work.

It was so good. I'm not sure why I didn't finish it sooner. Perhaps because I'm incapable of reading a real book?

The second time I began and finally finished The Book Thief I read it on my phone's kindle app. Obviously, I prefer electronic books over real books mainly because they're a lot easier to read in the dark.

Or maybe I was unable to finish The Book Thief, which is narrated by Death himself because it's à sad and tragic book.

The Book Thief is about the Holocaust. It's about the German Jews who were persecuted and the Germans who didn't go along with the hatred Hitler infused in Germany through brutality and fear.

Yes, it's a sad story but to quote Death himself, and the book:

I wanted to ask her how the same thing could be so ugly and so glorious, and its words and stories so damning and brilliant. None of those things, however, came out of my mouth. All I was able to do was turn to Liesel Meminger and tell her the only truth I truly know.

I said it to the book thief and I say it now to you.
I am haunted by humans.

If you love a GREAT story, and don't mind reading with a box of tissues, then I highly recommend reading The Book Thief.

Now what should The Book Club of Two read next?

Skater Guy

2012-01-22T20:00:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, Gio went to a roller skating party.

"Can we go buy some roller skates?" pleads Gio after the party.

"We can go look at skates," I say.

Of course, looking at roller skates turned into buying roller skates. Gio came home and immediately put on his new roller skates.

He's been obsessively skating around the house ever since.

Unfortunately, skating around the house isn't enough to satisfy his skating addiction. So, today, he somehow managed a skating miracle coaxing all of us out of our PJ's and to the skating rink.

"The rank opens in 30 minutes, how come nobody's getting ready?" wonders Gio.

"It's a skating RINK," I say.

But I guess he didn't hear me because 28 minutes later he says, "The rank opens in two minutes!"

Poor kid gets his ESL (English as a 2nd language) from the Huz.

Cat People

2012-01-21T19:58:00.000-08:00

With all the kitty pictures I post, it pretty much makes me one of those weird cat people.

Yay!

Apparently, I am raising weird cat people, as well.

Shit Surfers Say

2012-01-20T00:01:00.000-08:00

The twitter account/book/tv show, "Shit My Dad Says," has inspired a viral series of "Shit ___________ Say," videos. Someone recently sent me, "Shit New Age Girls Say." It's really funny, and it already has almost 1 million hits even though it was only posted 6 days ago.

Then last night on facebook someone posted a video, "Shit New Yorkers Say."

Internet, it's safe to say shit is going viral.

Dude just the other day the BFF said, "We should make a, 'Shit Surfers Say,' video."

"Yeah, that would be sick," I say.

Looks like someone beat us. This video was posted yesterday. These surfers nailed it. But there are a few things we could probably add to spice it up.

They totally forgot:

I forgot my towel can I borrow yours?

I forgot my leash can I borrow yours?

You're girlfriend is hot, can I borrow her?

And so on........

Coolest Fort Ever

2012-01-19T20:51:00.000-08:00

Vinny peaking out from the coolest fort ever.

After school today.

"Mom, let's go to the fort," says Gio.

"Not today, I'm starving and I don't have any food," I say. "I need to go home and eat."

"But you said next time you picked us up from school you would take us to the fort," whines Gio. "That's not fair! Vinny has been to the fort and I haven't."

"Maybe we can go tomorrow," I offer. "I'll remember to pack a snack."

"I might have a snack for you," says Gio.

And by snack he means food without soy, dairy or gluten.

"I do!" says Gio excited.

"Really?!" I say. "What do you have?"

"Almonds," says Gio.

"Cool, we can go to the fort then," I say.

I was happy to take them to the fort because that meant I could go for a walk, too.

As I'm enjoying my walk I hear, "Mom come into the fort."

"I can't fit through there," I say.

Narrow opening to the coolest fort ever.

We'll hold the bushes open for you," offer Vinny and Gio.

"Oh alright," I say. "But don't let them go as I'm walking in."

Internet, I've been around boys long enough to know to set the ground rules ahead of time. There are less shenanigans that way.

"We won't," swear Gio and Vinny.

Once inside I could see why this truly is the coolest fort ever.

Vinny+climbing = happy.

Sibling Rivalry is impossible while climbing.

"Where are all the chairs?" wonders Gio.

End Piracy, Not Liberty

2012-01-18T20:14:00.000-08:00

Sign google's petition to Congress to express your concern over Internet censorship in the proposed bills Protect IP Act (PIPA) and Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) which aim to block illegal uploading of copyrighted materials such as movies and songs. Unfortunately, the bills could work against legal sites such as wikipedia, and blogs that link to other websites.

In other words our freedom to share information and distribute ideas freely could be blocked by the government.

Click this link to sign the petition telling Congress you oppose these bills.

In protest of PIPA and SOPA wikipedia is on a 24 hour blackout. Take action and sign the petition now.

Read more about PIPA and SOPA in the these articles.
Click here to read today's article on the issue in the New York Times.

Forbes interview with Rep Jared Polis and why he's opposed to SOPA

The Wall Street Journal (in support of SOPA and PIPA)

Brrrrr

2012-01-17T16:35:00.000-08:00

Ice Frosted Picnic Table

Just last week I was bragging about how warm it's been. Well, that's over, Internet. This morning there was frost on the beach!

Yikes.

I would have surfed, even though it was freezering on the beach, but the waves were pretty bad for how cold it was. So I drug the dog for a walk instead.

Happy Martin Luther King Day

2012-01-16T18:07:00.000-08:00

Prison

2012-01-15T23:06:00.000-08:00

Set me free why don't you baby?

Dinner Time

2012-01-14T21:24:00.000-08:00

And I'm not cooking or cleaning up the mess. Yes!

Friday Night

2012-01-13T20:40:00.001-08:00

It's Friday! Yippeee!

Vinny, Athena Kitty and I are thoroughly entertained......

Zip Line

2012-01-12T20:16:00.000-08:00

Today, we made a quick stop at a friend's house after school.

"I'm just going to drop something off," turned in to trampoline jumping and zip lining.

Wait? Zip line? Who on Earth has a zip line at their house? Fun people, that's who. Yes, fun people with giant yellow auras.

"So, do they need helmets to ride the zip line?" I ask.

"Oh no they're fine," laughs my friend........

I'm pretty sure all the zip line pictures I've seen have people wearing helmets.....

Vinny survived the zip line, but I'm not sure the bush is going to make it.........

Juneuary

2012-01-11T21:20:00.000-08:00

Californians frequently refer to the month of June as Juneuary. I have no idea why?

June is normally foggy, grey, and the temperature feels like a perpetual 49 degrees.

Whereas January in California, at least January 2012 has been sunny and warm. Sure, some of the mornings have been freezing, but by 9a.m., it's warm enough to go surfing.

At the beach the other day, maybe Sunday, someone said, "It's 73! Can you believe it?"

Then the same day the BFF tells me, "It was warm enough to lay out today."

I hope June 2012 is more like January, than June, minus the cold mornings and ocean freezer water. Then maybe we can just call it, er, June.

Mouse

2012-01-10T20:21:00.000-08:00

Super Hero

2012-01-09T20:54:00.001-08:00

Today's Super Hero cape is by babyblanket.com.

Shark Bite

2012-01-08T19:28:00.000-08:00

The Huz and I went on a surfing/lunch date today thanks to my Mom.

Thanks Mom!!!!!

The waves were really good.

Drving down Pacific Coast Highway, the Huz says, "I could go for a pastrami sandwich."

"Yeah, let's go to lunch!" I say.

Being near the beach the market is decorated in surfing decor. As we're standing in line I notice a surfboard hanging from the rafters. A surfboard with a faux large bite taken out of it, presumably by a fake large shark.

Great..........white.

"Look at that," I say pointing to the bitten surfboard.

"Non-surfers think that's funny," says the Huz.

Haha.

Kitty on Top

2012-01-07T21:14:00.000-08:00

"Mom, the cats are battling," says Gio.

"They're fine," I say. "Leave them alone."

"Why do the cats get to battle, but Vinny and I can't fight?" questions Gio.

"Because they're cats," I say.

Sick Day

2012-01-06T19:55:00.000-08:00

"Bark, bark, bark," coughs Gio, upon rising for school.

"Woah!" I say. "That cough sounds bad."

"Yeah," agrees the Huz.

"You better stay home from school today," I say.

"Wah!" cries Gio. "But I love school."

"You don't want to get all your friends sick," I reason.

But the crying song plays on and on, the wailing dooesn't stop til the break of dawn.

"But you can lay on the couch and watch TV all day," I entice.

"Okay," says Gio.

"Now where is the TiVo remote?" I say, starting to fret.....

Ten minutes later.

"Mom, FIND the remote, " whines Gio.

"I'm looking," I say.

But not finding the remote. :(

It's going to be a long sick day without TiVo.

"Hey, I have an idea!" I say. "We can watch Netflix on the computer."

"Wah!" cries Gio.

But as soon as Pink Panther episodes start streaming he's smiling and laughing.

And Luna Kitty likes it too!

Surf Art

2012-01-05T21:30:00.000-08:00

Art by Terri Woodward

The boys' art teacher drew this sweet miniature drawing of a surfer in a Thank You card. That's so thoughtful!

In life it's the little things people do that make life magical.

Please Don't Feed The Wildlife

2012-01-04T15:54:00.001-08:00

Nadia Dog has reached the age where she is unable to process human food. How do I know this? From the many piles of vomit I have shop vacked the last two days.

So please don't feed the wildlife. Thank you very much.

It's Panoramic Dude

2012-01-03T21:25:00.000-08:00

So my new phone has a panoramic feature built into the camera. Hmmmmmm? I was hoping for a better result.

It does look better if you click on the picture. But I'm definitely, going to shoot for a better result next time around, such as panning for a shorter time.

New Year Resolution 2012

2012-01-02T10:37:00.001-08:00

I'm certain I've made this resolution before, only to quickly forget it. But this year, I'm ~~cereal~~. Serious. About my resolution. I hope.

My 2012 New Year Resolution is to organize SOMETHING, ANYTHING, for at least fifteen minutes a day.

Fifteen minutes of organizing a day may seem brief to Martha Stewart, but that's one hour and forty-five minutes of organizing a week. Which seems like a lot. To me.

Ready. Set. Organize!

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T20:14:00.000-08:00

Internet, last night the entire family awake at midnight to cheer in the New Year. Our new neighbors kept us awake. Not with noise, but with fun, games and margaritas.

"Please, baby Jesus, let everyone sleep in tomorrow," I prayed as I fell asleep last night.

Internet, Baby Jesus was listening. The Huz and I woke up at 8. Vinny rolled out of bed around 10:15. And Gio got vertical just before 11.

We eventually made it to the beach, just after our neighbors, same neighbors, around 2 p.m. Just in time for burgers by Mojo Burger, THANKS, and a few choice waves.

Mojo Burger made burgers for everyone at the beach.
Internet, how sweet is that? Super sweet.

The waves were fun enough, the kids played in the water.

2012 is off to an epic start......and for that I am grateful. A to the Mend.

Happy New Year's Eve

2011-12-31T18:48:00.000-08:00

This song,"One Night Stand," by the Pipettes pretty much sums up how I feel about 2011. It's nothing personal 2011, I learned a lot, but I don't love you and quite frankly we're through.

"You're just a one night, well one year stand, to meeeeeeeeee," I sing.

Goodbye, and good riddance 2011.

Purrfect

2011-12-30T20:30:00.000-08:00

Internet, notice the absence of sibling rivalry in this photo.......

New Phone!

2011-12-29T23:43:00.000-08:00

Internet, I got a new cell phone. It. Is. AWESOME!

I loved my old phone. Stuck with it as long as I could, especially the last month or so. Only dropped it a few times. On carpet. In two years. That's basically like not dropping it at all.

The old phone is sooooo slooow compared to the new phone. Oh and the new phone actually works, so that's a major bonus.

I can actually call people, if I want. Though I will probably just text anyways.
Did I mention I love the new phone!?

Camp Out

2011-12-28T21:29:00.001-08:00

This morning, after surfing, I check my email and find a message from Hubby saying, "We found Thena!"

"I didn't know she was missing," I say to myself, feeling anxious.

Quickly, I open the email to find a picture of Athena Kitty snuggled in Vinny's sleeping bag.

Phew!

Carmel River Beach

2011-12-27T21:43:00.000-08:00

Boxing Day

2011-12-26T19:45:00.001-08:00

Boxing is one way to wear out a puppy, er, child.

Happy Boxing Day!

Little Wood Guitar Sugarland

2011-12-25T15:16:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas to you and yours. May your holidays be blessed by angels.

Merry Christmas Eve

2011-12-24T15:51:00.000-08:00

"Ho, ho, ho!," says Santa, on his wave.

Wishing everyone a magical Christmas Eve.

Gingerbread Boys and Girl

2011-12-23T21:48:00.001-08:00

Today Sucked

2011-12-22T20:44:00.000-08:00

Here's how the morning began:

"Mommy will you get up?" asks Gio.

"If you turn on the heater," I bargain.

"Mommy can you bring me the Throw Up Bucket!" squeals Gio from his bed.

I bolt out of my bed, into the bathroom for the empty trash can, thanks Hubby, then to Gio's room just in the nick of time.

"Baaaaaaaarf," says Gio, into the bucket.

It would have been fine if Gio only barfed once. But he barfs two, three, four more times.

I was busy working myself into a lather, when Hubby says, "You Need To Go Surfing. Now."

So I did. But when I got to the beach I feel worried, so I make like E.T. and phone home, "How's Gio?"

"He just threw up, again," says Hubby.

This is all too reminiscent of Vinny's appendicitis for me. Yes, I'm still traumatized, go ahead and judge me.

"Have him jump up and down," I say, wanting an immediate appendicitis test.

"What?" asks Hubby.

Then Hubby slowly says, "He. Just. Threw. Up."

"That's okay, have him jump up and down," I say.

"You need to go surfing," commands Hubby.

"Well, can you at least feel his tummy to see if it's painful?" I ask nicely.

"Okay," says Hubby. "Does that hurt?"

"No," says Gio.

"Did you press really hard?" I ask.

"Yes," says Hubby. "Now go surfing!"

Update: Gio seems to be feeling better. He's keeping down liquids, and he's eaten some toast and oatmeal. Phew!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Angels Are Real

2011-12-21T20:32:00.000-08:00

The angel on the left really knows how to push my buttons, but I still love him......

Sleigh Ride

2011-12-20T19:58:00.000-08:00

I know it's Christmas when I finally go on a sleigh ride....................

Street Hockey

2011-12-19T17:18:00.001-08:00

Gio's discovered hockey.......

"Let's play a real game!" says Gio, tired of passing the ball back and forth. "You try to get the ball from me!"

Christmas Card

2011-12-18T07:55:00.000-08:00

The thought of ordering Christmas Cards is exhausting enough, let alone actually mailing them out. Which would never happen. This will have to do. Merry Christmas!

Turkey Vultures

2011-12-17T23:01:00.000-08:00

The other day, I took Nadia Dog for a walk through the sand dunes, after a quick surf. We'd only been walking five minutes when suddenly I realize we are being watched. I look up and see seven giant Turkey Vultures surrounding us.

I'm used to Turkey Vultures flying overhead, in circles, over dead bodies, but being with them at ground level is unnerving.

The Turkey Vultures were way bigger than my thumb. In fact, I'm almost certain the Buzzards were bigger than me. And those massive birds were definitely bigger than the Nadia Dog.

"Come here my little pretties," caw the Vultures.

For a moment, I worry the Vultures might fly off with me and my little dog, too.

But they were probably more interested in the dead sea lion carcass causing a stench on the beach, than me and my little dog.

Clash of the Catans

2011-12-16T07:44:00.001-08:00

Poopy Poetry

2011-12-15T22:29:00.000-08:00

Most of the time having a bathroom connected to the bedroom is a wonderful thing. Like when I need to go in the middle of the night.

But when I'm trying to sleep, and others are doing their "business," wrestling me away from my perfect wave filled dreams, I wish the bathroom was in another state.

"That was like a giant canon ball," says Gio from MY bathroom. "My butt is the canon and my poop is the ball."

Barely awake I repeat what I hear as if in a mystical trance, "Your butt is the canon, and your poop the is the ball?"

"Do you even get it?" asks Gio.

What's not to get? It's too early for poopy poetry.

Holiday Program Take 1

2011-12-14T22:18:00.000-08:00

The boys with my Mama.

Tonight we went to the first night of the boys' school HOLIDAY Program.

When we arrived in an untimely, but not late, fashion the usher says, "There are no seats down here, you might want to try the balcony."

"Try the balcony?" I repeat confused. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Anyways, Uma Usher was just being negative, or following theater protocol, because there were plenty of seats in the balcony.

"Phew!"

"Hello, down there!"

Despite being far away, I could actually see Gio quite well thanks to my high powered binoculars that I happened to have in my purse. Just kidding, but I wish I wasn't.

I really could see Gio, but I'll be able to see him much better when my $20 professionally recorded DVD arrives in a few months.

Which leads me to my next question. Why do people record the Holiday Program, FROM THE BALCONY, when they can buy a professionally recorded DVD for $20?

Hello iPeople, the iPhone is great, but not as good as a professional video camera.

Anywho, tonight brought tears to my eyes. I was estatic to be at the Holiday Program this year. Remember last year we didn't make it because the Huz and I were with Vinny at UCSF Children's Hospital not having any fun at all, and missing Gio horribly.

A few days ago Gio asks, "Are you guys coming to the Holiday Program this year?"

"Oh, do you think we aren't coming because Vinny was sick and we had to miss last year?" I ask.

"Yeah," answers Gio. "But at least Nana and Aunty Ri were there."

"We'll be there I promise," I say, knowing the odds are in our favor this year.

Life can be traumatic, but we all survived, though we have some scars, both physical and emotional.

"What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger."

Or drives you to prescription drugs, alcohol and cheap. But nobody ever mentions that do they? Wait. I think I just did. Don't worry I'm not going all Amy Winehouse on you, I'm just taking the edge off, so I don't fall off the edge of this thing we call life..............

And on that note, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and a Cranking Kwanza to you!

Carmel By The Sea

2011-12-13T20:58:00.000-08:00

This is one of my favorite places in the entire world!

Yoga Girl

2011-12-12T21:11:00.000-08:00

Here's Hubby's take on yoga class: "Cute girl, cute girl, cute girl, cute girl, cute girl, ugly guy, cute girl, cute girl, cute girl."

That pretty much sums up this video, which I find especially clever and hilarious. The video is by the same folks, Fog and Smog Films, who made, "Whole Foods Parking Lot."

Oh and guys, "You're welcome."

Fix It!

2011-12-11T22:40:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite Saturday Night Live skits, "Fix It!" perfectly describes how I feel about my cell phone right now.

"Fix it!"

Please.

Thank you. That is all. Carry on.

Streets of Bethlehem

2011-12-10T21:42:00.000-08:00

"Keep it moving people!" shouts the Roman Centurion. "And if you see a guy claiming to be 'the king,' let me know. I'd love to talk to him."

These Romans are so pushy!

"All hail Caesar!" shouts the Roman.

"All hail Jesus," shouts the crowd of believers.

Tonight, we went to the Streets of Bethlehem, a live re-telling of the story of baby Jesus, in Salinas.

And so did EVERYONE else. :0

Pancake Breakfast

2011-12-09T20:05:00.000-08:00

"We're going to the pancake breakfast tomorrow," insists Gio.

"I'm not going anywhere," I say. "I'm watching the Pipeline Masters. Or going surfing. Or both."

"I'm not going ANYWHERE tomorrow either," says Vinny.

"Huh?" says the Huz.

And by "huh," he means he's not going anywhere, too.

"Well, if you don't go to the pancake breakfast, then I'm not going to church," threatens Gio.

Miracles

2011-12-08T20:54:00.001-08:00

We played in the sand.

We watched the moon rise.

And the sunset.

It. Was. Freezing.

"Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!"

And on the way home, we got stuck in traffic.

BYOB

2011-12-07T22:14:00.000-08:00

Bring your own bags!

I can barely remember what I'm picking up at the store, let alone bring the bags into the store. That's if they're in the car in the first place, right?

Normally, I tell myself, "when you get home put the bags back in the car."

But what's the use of putting the bags back in the car, with the groceries still in them?

I'm not sure how many reusable bags filled with cereal, rice cakes, Patron, and sunflower butter are in the garage right now?

Days Later

"I know I bought frozen waffles," I say to myself, rummaging through the freezer. "Where could those gluten free waffles be? Oh where, oh where could they be."

One Week Later

"Honey, I found the waffles," I say. "They're in the garage."

"I think they're okay," says Hubby inspecting the box. "It doesn't say they have to be refrigerated on the package."

"That's because they go in the freezer," I say sadly. "That's why they're called FROZEN waffles."

"Right," says Hubby, seeing my point.

Flannel Christmas Sheets

2011-12-06T21:21:00.001-08:00

"I put the Christmas sheets on the boys' beds today," I say to Hubby.

"Wow!" exclaims Hubby. "You're like a real mom!"

"Almost, except I put them on upside down," I say.

Marcel The Shell With Shoes

2011-12-05T10:12:00.000-08:00

"We won't fight unless we're provoked." Marcel The Shell

One of the funniest people I know posted this on facebook. I'm still smiling...........

Risotto

2011-12-04T19:23:00.000-08:00

Today I made risotto with baked zucchini. Well, I made my portion with zucchini, the guys take it plain.

I never even knew what Risotto was until a few months ago. I thought it was a type of pasta, but it's made from Aborio rice. Internet, do you know what that means?! It means it's gluten free and I can eat it!

Anyways, as I said I was introduced to the makings of Risotto a few months ago, when Gio's first grade class made it during school. Making Risotto is easy peasy when there are 20 kids to do all the stirring.

But when it's just me, well there's way too much stirring.

"How much stirring?" asks the Internet.

Stirring, stirring and, yet, more stirring. And just when I think I'm finished, more stirring, stirring, stirring. At times, it seems the stirring will never end. But after an hour and a half or so the stirring ends.

"Wow that is a lot of stirring," says the Internet.

Tell me about it.

Today was the third time I made Risotto, and it was by far the best. Risotto is a lot of work, but it's worth it. And besides, the two big guys I live with LOVE it.

"Mom, this Risotto is the best ever!" raves Vinny.

Yes, the words of praise keep me stirring, as the Risotto song plays in my head.

"You stir me right round, baby right round, like Risotto baby, right round, round, round."

WTF?

2011-12-03T22:33:00.001-08:00

Why the face?

I have a feeling we're going to have a lot more WTF as Vinny inches closer to teenhood. I hope I don't take all of his face making personally.

Couples Therapy

2011-12-02T20:20:00.001-08:00

Today, I picked the boys up from school. As soon as they got to the car, they we're screaming at each other. It. Was. Bad.

Then they started hitting each other. More than normal.

I tried to call the Huz to have him pick up Gio, but, of course, he didn't answer his cell.

"That's it!" I say. "We're going to the beach."

"I don't like the beach!" screams Gio.

I ignored him, and drove straight to the Pacific Ocean.

There was some whining, at first, but after five minutes the boys forgot their squabbles and were back in love with each other.

Phew!

Lady Gaga Sugarland

2011-12-01T02:07:00.000-08:00

Holy awesome sauce, Internet. Last night, Sugarland performed with Lady Gaga at the Grammy Nominations Concert. Sugarland and Gaga gave a memorable performance of Gaga's, "You and I."

I am freaking out! This is amazing. Two of my favorite performers sharing the stage. How am I ever going to go back to sleep?

Juggling

2011-11-30T19:47:00.000-08:00

Yes, Internet I married a juggling man. Wait. That might be a bad thing, now that I think about it. Oh well, his aura is a nice shade of yellow as he juggles fruits of orange and green.

Moves Like Jagger Maroon 5 Ft Christina Aguilera

2011-11-29T21:06:00.000-08:00

"Have you seen the video for, "Moves Like Jagger?" asks Hubby, playing the video. "Christina Aguilera is in it."

"Isn't that the song Adam Levine (Maroon 5) sang on Saturday Night Live awhile back?" I ask.

"Oh, I LIKE it," I say. "I like what Adam Levine is wearing. I like the song, too."

Internet, I've never seen a tattoo shirt like Adam Levine's before. That's a shirt, right? It certainly looks like he's wearing a tight shirt.

"Yeah, Christina Aguilera is wearing a really big hat," says Hubby, disappointed.

"The video is only half way through, who knows, maybe she'll take it off," I say.

"No, she doesn't," says Hubby, sadly.

Here's the Saturday Night Live version.

Twilight Saga Breaking Dawn Part 1

2011-11-28T00:34:00.000-08:00

The other night the Huz and I went to see Twilight Breaking Dawn Part 1!

I loved it!

The Huz not so much.

"The beginning (wedding) was sooooooooooooo slooooooooooow," complains the Huz.

The movie itself teeter totters between a B- and a B+. Sure, the Vampires' make up is over done, especially compared to Bella's au natural look. The acting is anything but great. The romance is over the top and makes me throw up in my mouth a little. Yes, it's ridiculous that Jacob rips off his shirt showing off his hot body just as the movie begins.

But the story of Twilight Breaking Dawn, is awesome for several reasons. One, it's not a typical fairy tale with a happy ending. Bella doesn't get married and live happily ever after. Instead, Bella gets married, has a horrible pregnancy, and in the end she turns into a monster.

There's a lot of truth in that, Internet.

Second, Bella finally claims her power, doing what she wants instead of what Edward and Jacob tell her to do. Amazingly, Jake and Edward continue to love Bella even when she's amazing, powerful, in charge, bossy, grouchy, feeling ill and not looking her best.

In other words, they accept Bella even when she is a real woman.

Go Bella!

Don't worry guys, Edward and Jacob don't sacrifice any of their monsterliness in the process of yielding to Bella's power. Breaking Dawn solidifies the charismatic alliance between Bella, Edward and Jacob, which is built on trust, respect, and love.

Lastly, Jacob finally imprints on SOMEONE, and finds his soul mate. What a relief that is. And who deserves it more than Jacob? Well, we all deserve to find our soul mate, the same amount, but still.

While I adore the Twilight novels, the Twilight movies are campy, and overly dramatic causing the audience to burst out into laughter at the movie's most dramatic moments. And this is where the movie magic begins.

Watching any of the Twilight movies with an audience is like seeing it with hundreds of your best, drunk friends. There are no filters. And there's plenty of witty, indulgent and inappropriate commentary at the movies most serious moments.

Twilight Breaking Dawn, is worth watching because what the movie lacks, the audience more than makes up for in entertainment. The Twilight movies could be this generation's Rocky Horror Picture Show. As soon as viewers start showing up in costume and breaking into song, that is.

The Muppets

2011-11-27T16:00:00.000-08:00

Last night we took the boys to see, "The Muppets," movie. Internet, normally, I don't take the boys to see children's movies in the theater, ever since the whole lice debacle, anyways. It's too risky.

But the Muppets are so inspiring, I broke my own rule. Hopefully, I won't itch to regret it.

"Honey, can you check my hair?" I ask scratching my scalp. "My hair feels itchy."

And now back to our regularly scheduled movie review of "The Muppets."

Anywho, "The Muppets," movie was entertaining for both kids and adults. Big people will especially appreciate all the 80s jokes and music. I did, anyways. Though I have to admit I was a bit worried The Muppets was going to be a dud for the first twenty minutes of the film.

The main problem with the beginning of The Muppets is that it had only one Muppet with far too many campy, sappy, singing, dancing humans. That's just the wrong human to Muppet ratio in a film titled, "The Muppets."

Also, normally I love Amy Adams, but neither she nor Jason Segal had any chemistry in this movie. Together or apart, in my opinion. Maybe because they were trying to HARD to be cute and/or funny like Muppets, but they were NOT.

As "The Muppets," progressed the movie picked up all the usual Muppets along the way, including Gonzo, Animal, Fozzie Bear, Kermit the Frog, Ms. Piggy, Beaker and many, many more. There were also cameo appearances by David Grohl (Foo Fighters), Selena Gomez, Jack Black and other Hollywood stars.

The soundtrack to, "The Muppets," was fun, including Muppet classics, "Rainbow Connection," and "Mah Na Mah Na." Though there were a few songs, sung by humans, that made me wish I had packed my earplugs, such as "Am I A Man Or A Muppet," and a few others not worth mentioning.

The boys loved, "The Muppets," though they would have preferred more scenes with the Swedish Chef, and "the torekey."

"My favorite scene was when the Swedish Chef blow torched the refrigerator," says Vinny.

Overall, Vinny and I collectively give the movie a B.

Soundtracks

2011-11-26T23:27:00.001-08:00

I am laying in bed, listening to waves pound against the sandy shore, and my Husband snore.

There's a third song playing in the house. It sounds like falling furniture, and pouncing tigers.

"Thud!" bangs something from another room.

"It's probably just the cats," I tell myself underneath the covers.

Arm Rest

2011-11-25T22:29:00.001-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T21:12:00.001-08:00

Thankful for my amazing life and all the wonderful people I share each day with......

Are You Smarter Than A First Grader?

2011-11-23T18:02:00.000-08:00

Scene: The Huz, aka The Perpetual Teacher, and Gio, the boy wonder are at the grocery store.

"Daddy, look Star Wars!" says Gio.

"No, I'm not buying it," says The Huz.

"Star Wars Mad Libs," reads Gio out loud. "What's that?"

"I'm not getting it for you until you know what an adjective is," says The Huz.

"I know what an adjective is!" insists Gio.

"No you don't," says The Huz.

"Yes, I do," says Gio. "It's a word that describes something."

"What?!" exclaims The Huz in surprise. "Okay, what's a noun?"

"A person, place or thing.....or an idea," answers Gio.

"What is a verb?" asks the Huz.

"It's an action word," answers Gio.

"How do you know all this?" asks The Huz.

"Mrs. McAdams, of course," answers Gio referring to his AWESOME first grade teacher.

Next up: Are you smarter than a first grader?

Hopkins Marine Station, Pacific Grove, California

2011-11-22T16:14:00.001-08:00

Love

2011-11-21T21:02:00.001-08:00

Simon Makes Waves

2011-11-20T22:07:00.000-08:00

"Mommy, will you go with me to the library to get a book?" asks Gio, before bed.

"Sure," I say.

"Let's read some books back here," says Gio.

"Okay," I say.

"Don't you love it when a child reads to you?" asks Gio.

"Yes, I do," I say.

"Let's read 'Simon Makes Waves,'" says Gio.

"................My mom is a great surfer," reads Gio from the book. "She catches a lot of waves, almost as many as my Dad."

Gio pauses, "that's the other way around for you and Dad."

Monterey Peninsula

2011-11-19T18:24:00.000-08:00

Going on a date with the Huz, no time to write. I will say today was awesome. These pictures were taken in Pacific Grove, California. The Huz and Gio just missed getting blasted by the ocean spray.

Rock Climbing

2011-11-18T20:02:00.000-08:00

The boys got out of school a few hours early, three days this week, due to parent teacher conference.

To my relief, both conferences went well. But the boys have some things they will be working to improve. Overall, I'm am so proud of them! Good job, guys. I rewarded them, today, with some rock climbing at the beach, which I secretly benefited from, as well.

Children's Jacket

2011-11-17T19:53:00.000-08:00

I made the mistake of bringing Gio to the mall. Taking Gio shopping is expensive.

"Mom!" says Gio. "Can I get this jacket? Pleeeeeeeeease"?

"It's ninety-five dollars," I say, showing him the price tag.

I didn't bother mentioning it was 50% off. Or that I had a 30% off coupon.

"But it has a hat!" pleads Gio. "And gloves."

Eventually we came to an agreement and got the jacket.

Bathrobe Jacket.

Surpringly, the jacket doubles as a bathrobe. With so many uses, Gio's going to wear out the jacket, before it actually fits him.

And when Gio grows out of the jacket, Luna will be happy to have it for a bed.

Skater Girl

2011-11-16T20:45:00.000-08:00

Belinda Jasmine. Photo by One True Mind.

Great friends are fun AND inspiring!

Surf Art

2011-11-15T18:14:00.000-08:00

Internet, this is what happens when the decorating is left up to the Huz. Though in all fairness I did decoupage the skateboard with surfing pictures.

The King of Anything

2011-11-14T22:00:00.000-08:00

The Line Up.

Sometimes I am just not in the mood for unsolicited advice. Blame it on the tide. Or my yellow aura, which takes on an attitude of juvenile defiance when someone tells it what to do.

The other day, at the beach the BFF and I were discussing which peak we were going to surf. I brought two surfboards, and I was debating between paddling out on my 5"7', designed for smaller waves, and my 5"10', better suited for head high plus sized waves.

"Where are we surfing?" I ask. "If we surf that peak, I'm taking my bigger board out."

"Yeah, let's go to the bigger peak," says the BFF, amped.

That's when Surfer Joe, decides to offer his help. We didn't ask Prince Not Charming to come to our aid, but he must have sensed our girly helplessness.

"You should paddle out way down there, by the rocks," offers Surfer Joe. "It's an easier paddle out down there."

I ALMOST didn't say anything, but Surfer Joe should at least be able to follow the conversation if he's going to interrupt it.

"Thanks," I say. "But I've been surfing here for twenty-five years. I know where to paddle out."

Surfer Joe wasn't listening though.

"Well, it really is a lot easier if you paddle out down there," says Surfer Joe, pointing furiously towards the rocks.

Sensing the pointlessness of trying to convince Surfer Joe we "girls," knew what we were doing, we ignore him, and paddle out, me on my bigger surfboard.

I'd been sitting in the lineup for a little over five minutes, when Surfer Joe paddles up to me from the south, huffing and puffing. He was just getting out to the line up, and, of course, he felt the need to converse with me, again.

"Wow, you two paddled right out without any trouble?!" says Surfer Joe, surprised. "I guess you've done this a few times."

"Yep," I say.

And that reminds me of this song.......

Monterey Bay Sunset

2011-11-13T20:30:00.000-08:00

Tonight, as I was running around doing laundry, cooking dinner, sweeping and mopping floors, barking out orders, "Pack your lunches," I saw something miraculous outside.

I grabbed my camera and quickly ran out the door, wishing I had enough time to drive to the beach for the spectacular sunset.

"Tick, tock, tick, tock, ding, ding, ding," buzzes the vanishing Sun's timer.

Oh well, tonight the view of the setting sun from the tree house, will have to do.

Marina State Beach Snack Bar

2011-11-12T19:38:00.000-08:00

I don't feel bad for exposing the great surf at Marina beach these days. The place is hardly crowded, after two shark attacks, in four years in practically the same spot.

The left breaking wave, where the shark attacks occurred, looked pretty fun today, between the close out sets. A handful of brave surfers ventured into the water.

The left bowl used to be named "dredge bowls," or something like that, I think. But since the shark attacks it has a new name. Snack Bar. That's definitely a name I won't forget.

Happy Birthday Weekend Huz!

2011-11-11T19:29:00.000-08:00

"Okay, boys we need to get home for Daddy's birthday," I say, on the playground.

"Oh it's Stefan's birthday?" asks a friend. "What did you get him?"

"A skateboard," I reply.

"A skateboard?" asks my friend puzzled. "Wait, whose birthday is it? Vinny's?"

"Stefan, the Dad," I say. "We have a ton of skateboards."

"Oh! So he collects skateboards? " she says, even more confused.

"No, he rides them," I say.

"Did you buy him a helmet, and elbow pads, too?" asks my friend, laughing.

"No, we have loads of pads, and skateboards," I say.

"Why do you need more than one skateboard?" asks my friend.

I didn't know we needed a reason to have tons of skateboards, but I gave her a few, for the fun of it.

"Well, Vinny likes to ride the longboard," I say. Then we have two surf stiks, and our regular skateboards, plus a bunch of others."

And I'm pretty sure my explanation only made sense to me.....

"But our favorite skateboard, right now, is the new one," I say. "I rode it at the skatepark today. It was soooooo fun!"

"You went to the skate park by yourself?!" asks my friend. "Without the kids?"

"No, I met some friends there," I say. "And we had the place all to ourselves."

Happy Birthday Weekend Honey! Keep skating!

Photo by One True Mind.

Monterey Peninsula Sunset

2011-11-10T17:28:00.001-08:00

Photo by Belinda Jasmine.

Another lovely sunset thanks to the BFF, from her beach cottage.

Twilight, Breaking Dawn Part 1

2011-11-09T23:05:00.000-08:00

The moon is full tomorrow night, but that won't stop me from howling at it right now.

"Owuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu!"

All the howling is probably the reason I find it hard to sleep when the moon is full, or close to full.

Speaking of howling, the next Twilight movie is coming out soon isn't it?

Hold please, while I Google it, just a little bit.

And now we return to our regularly scheduled programming.

Yes! Twilight, Breaking Dawn, Part 1 is coming out November 18th.

Yeeeeeeeew!

The fourth book in the Twilight Series, Breaking Dawn, is my absolute favorite in the Edward, Bella, Jacob, triangular saga. Why?

One, there's the very surprising twist. Two,Bella finally realizes her power. Eight, you-know-who will be running around like Wolfman Six Pack Abs, without his clothes, due to his man to wolf transmutations.

Sounds like fun to me.

Man Vs. Nature

2011-11-08T20:18:00.001-08:00

Internet, I was driving over a bridge today, when out of the corner of my eye, I notice the reflection of the smoke stacks on the slough.

I stop immediately in the middle of the bridge, engine running, jump out of the car with camera in hand, completely forgetting to put my car in park, oops. At least, I did remember to set the parking brake.

Inspiration is intoxicating.........

Channel Islands Sunrise

2011-11-07T06:11:00.001-08:00

The BFF just sent me this picture of today's sunrise of the Channel Islands. It's so pretty I have to share it, Internet. Enjoy.

In other news, the waves should be contestable, good even, for the Rip Curl Pro at Ocean Beach in San Francisco. Yew!

Kelly Slater Wins 11th, Again

2011-11-06T12:27:00.000-08:00

In melodramatic fashion, Kelly Slater has won an 11th World Surfing Title, again.

Slater beat Miguel Pupo, 19, and Gabriel Medina, 17, in a 4th Round Heat of the Rip Curl Pro at Ocean Beach in San Franciso, California, today in challenging, mixed up dumping conditions.

The combined ages of Slater's challengers didn't add up to Slater's 39-years-young, leaving me wanting some of that Fountain of Youth Kool Aid Slater's been drinking.

A blundering mathematical miscalculation by the Association of Surfing Professionals prematurely crowned Ke11y Slater with an 11th World Surfing Title last Wednesday.

Kelly Slater in his post win interview on winning 11, again:

"It (11th) was confirmed the other day, are we sure now?"

"There's been more than a few people saying, maybe that was Andy(Irons) messing with me the other day. You know it just might have been. There's something cosmically happening."

Fall Back

2011-11-05T21:02:00.000-07:00

Sadly, Daylight Savings Time, and his sexy seemingly longer days, are coming to end tonight. The bad news is the days will seem shorter because the sun will set one hour earlier. The good news is we get to set our clocks back one hour, gaining an extra hour of sleep tonight, assuming "we" go to bed at a decent hour.

Another benefit is the sun will also rise one hour earlier, which is great for working surfers wanting to dawn patrol before heading to the office. Even non-surfers will appreciate going to work when it's light outside, instead of in the dark.

"Daylight Savings, puhleeeeeeeease don't go!" I plead.

"Sorry I have to, darling," says Daylight Savings Time. "But don't worry I'll be back next year from March 11, 2012 through November 4th 2012, except in Arizona and Hawaii.

"Yipeeeee!" I cheer.

Kelly Slater Wins 11th World Surfing Title Not

2011-11-04T15:50:00.000-07:00

Kelly Slater has not won his 11th World Surfing Title, yet. In an unsurprising turn of the tide, Kelly Slater needs to win one more heat at the Rip Curl Pro Search at Ocean Beach in San Francisco, California, to claim his 11th world surfing title.

In the words of Homer Simpson, "Doh!"

Apparently a calculation error was made by the Association of Surfing Professionals. This is what happens when surfers are left to do the math.

Ironically, Kelly Slater himself is the one who discovered the mistake last night.

From Kelly Slater's Twitter Feed:

Can you read this comment from Mark? The calculator at @aspworldtour must be broken. I'm not the world champ yet!

I'm not joking. I have not won the world title yet. I still have to win another heat! Give those shirts and hats back!

Hang on to that KS10 gear if you have some...just in case. Haha.

“@_Cod: @kellyslater sweet, my KS10 shirt is still in style then.” Yes it is, buddy.

@onphyr If I get 9th here, 13th or less at pipe and @RealOwenWright wins both and we drop 2 results we're dead tied both carrying a 13th.

@aspworldtour isn't gonna be happy with me or this but realized last night and confirmed just now with them. Only honest thing to do.

In all seriousness, there may be an honest mistake or computer glitch and we're getting to the bottom of it now.

@aspworldtour thank you. We all make errors. Maybe I made one going public but on the bright side it will create bigger interest.

We11, at least Ke11y Slater has a sense of humor.

Kelly Slater Wins 11th World Surfing Title

2011-11-03T21:30:00.000-07:00

Wrap up of Ke11y Slater's 11th World Title.

Don't yourself ask, "Will Ke11y Slater win 12 world titles?"

Ask yourself, "How many world titles will Kelly Slater win?"

It's like my friend texted me yesterday, "Kelly Slayer again? Geez he's some kind of alien. Not human."

Pretty much.

Kelly Slater Wins 11th World Title

2011-11-02T14:53:00.001-07:00

Minutes ago, Kelly Slater, 39, won his 11th World Surfing Title at the Rip Curl Pro Search in San Francisco at Ocean Beach. Slater clinched his historic 11th world surfing title on the one year anniversary of surfing legend Andy Irons' death.

Slater trailed Daniel Ross in most of their Round 3 heat. With four minutes left in the heat, Slater plucked a head high right-hander garnishing a 7.6 after seven turns, including finishing with a layback in the shore pound.

Ross attempted to answer back pulling into the barrel of an overhead left hander, but the wave shut down on him, and Ross was unable to make it out of the tube.

"How does Slater do it?" wonders Hubby. "How can someone win eleven world titles?"

"He's got to be pretty anal retentive," I say.

That and Kelly Slater is the greatest surfer to enter the ocean, ever.

I almost went to the Rip Curl Pro at Ocean Beach in San Francisco, today, but I surfed instead. Sure, it would have been AWESOME to be on the beach when Ke11y Slater won his 11th World Surfing Title.

But the waves were so fun. Honestly, I'm glad I didn't go. I'm a surfer first, spectator second.

Congratulations King Ke11y!

Shark Attack Aftershocks

2011-11-01T22:21:00.000-07:00

The aftershocks following an earthquake are similar to the terror that strikes fear in the hearts of surfers after a shark attacks one of our kind. I call this Shark Attack Tremors, though I'm sure there's an official psychological diagnosis for this such as, post traumatic stress disorder, or something.

Regular surfers, such as myself suffer from Shark Attack Tremors. And if I were the only surfer suffering from Shark Attack Tremors, the anxiety wouldn't be so bad.

Yesterday, while surfing, an alarmed surfer next to me says, "What was that?!"

I look up, and about 150 feet out to sea, I see a large grey fish swimming towards us in a wave.

"Uh, that thing looked big and wide," I say nervously, getting ready to paddle for the shore. "What was it?"

"It was probably a dolphin," says the Surfer.

"Are you sure?" I ask in disbelief, wanting desperately for him to be right.

But he didn't answer me because he caught the next wave. About fifty feet away from me a dorsal fin pops out of the water.

Then I see four or five more dorsal fins, and I say, "Phew, dolphins," to myself.

But just because there are dolphins around, doesn't mean the "landlord," isn't lurking in the nearby watery depths. I sit on the inside of the surf, duck diving wave after wave, for a minute or two debating between going in or catching one last wave.

The waves weren't very good, and no waves are worth being bitten by a shark or worse so I turn around and ride the white water wall of shame in on my belly.

Unfortunately, today wasn't any better.

First I got a text message, saying "I hear it's foggy, sounds sharky to me."

"Stop," I text. I was planning on surfing.

Then right before I paddle out another surfer says, "I can't believe you're going out there by yourself after that shark attack."

There are two other people out there," I say.

"Oh, but still, you're crazy," says the Surfer.

"Thanks," I say sarcastically.

Turns out foggy, wind jumbled surf is lonely with only two other surfers. Especially when one of the other surfers is a shark attack survivor himself.

Internet, those are not good odds.

But it isn't just us regular Surfer Joes who are on hyper shark alert. Professional surfers suffer from Shark Attack Tremors, as well. Today, during a professional world tour surfing event at Ocean Beach in San Francisco a competitor paddled in with approximately five minutes left in his heat.

"I was just sitting there, and I was waiting for a wave," says Pro Surfer Dusty Payne. "It was the biggest fin I've ever seen in my life coming straight at me. The waves are terrible. I wasn't going to stay out there and get bit by a shark."

Some people on twitter seemed to think Payne saw a dolphin. But trust me it's a lot easier to say, "Oh it's just a dolphin," when standing on dry land.

"I've seen dolphins," answers Payne. "It wasn't a dolphin.".

I'm not saying it wasn't a dolphin, but I'm not saying it was. Fear plays tricks on the mind, but fear also keeps us safe. I'm with Payne. I'd rather impotently ride in on my belly than pay rent to the "landlord."

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T19:50:00.000-07:00

Hubby took the boys trick or treating, while I stayed home and answered the door.

"We didn't get any trick or treaters," says Hubby, when he got back.

"Yes, we did!" I say. "We got four."

"How was trick or treating?" I ask.

"We saw teenagers," says Vinny.

"We're they scary?" I ask.

"Yeah," answers Vinny. They were wearing clown masks."

Well, I'm glad it's over, and now I'm putting on my pj's and going to bed.

But, someone doesn't want Halloween to end.

"I wish it was Halloween all over again," says Gio.

Then two minutes later Gio says, "I wish Halloween was fun. It's just walking around doing nothing."

Marina Shark Attack

2011-10-30T20:16:00.000-07:00

The best time to get back in the water after a shark attack is right away. For some surfers that means surfing the same day as "the incident," as one surfer referred to the attack not wanting to say"shark," while in the ocecan. For this surfer it's surfing the day after "the incident."

Is my eagerness to get back in the water because I'm dedicated to surfing? Or is it because surfing is my crack?

Answer: "Hello my name is Wendy and I'm addicted to surfing."

I text my BFF, "Surfing?????"

"Yeah!" she texts back.

Fortunately, she's a surfing crackhead, too.

"Yay!!!!" I text.

Surfing is better with friends, especially after "the incident."

Lady Gaga and my surf stoke were drowning all shark fears as I drove to the beach. Unfortunately, the first thing I see when I pull up to the beach is the shark warning sign, and an official U.S. Fish and Wildlife vehicle, complete with an officer staring out to sea, presumably looking for menacing sharks.

My balloon of surf stoke was quickly deflated as the memory that I share my playground with a bad mama jamma, the great white shark, bludgeons my brain.

Before I could change my mind, I quickly put on my wetsuit, sunscreen and waxed my surfboard.

"How are the waves?" asks an approaching Surfer.

"I don't know," I say. "I didn't look at it. I'm just paddling out."

The waves were small, but fun. My friends were out. And we didn't see any big fish. I'm glad I surfed. Besides, I hadn't surfed since Wednesday, and I needed a fix. :)

Marina Shark Attack

2011-10-29T17:38:00.001-07:00

I just got a text from Monterey Bay shark attack survivor Todd Endris, updating surfer Eric Tarantino, today's Marina State Beach shark attack victim, status.

"Eric is doing fine...........Should be out in several days."

Yay!!!!!! This is great news! I'll be keeping Eric in my thoughts and prayers.

Marina Shark Attack

2011-10-29T11:43:00.001-07:00

A second shark attack in four years occurred at Marina State this morning at approximately 7:20 a.m. This is an account from a surfer, Paul M., that was in the parking of the beach where the shark attack occurred.The shark attack victim's first name is Eric.

"Brandon and Eric were the first ones to paddle out this morning. They each caught one wave. They had been out for about ten minutes when the shark attack occurred. No one actually saw the shark attack from the beach. Brandon didn't see the attack. Eric (the victim), we think he saw it (the shark). Eric made a comment made a comment later that he saw it (the shark)......... Eric yelled, 'shark,'" to Brandon, and at that point they paddled in together. When they got onto the beach, Eric was holding his arm as he was running towards the parking lot, indicating that there was an injury."

"At that time, everyone in the parking lot assumed it was a shark attack. 911 was activated immediately. Eric was able to walk under his power all the way up to the parking lot, but people were kind of helping him along. In the parking lot Eric laid down and surfers grabbed towels and applied pressure to all the wounds."

"He had a wound on the neck, maybe with a two inch gash. And then he his right forearm had wounds. There was about a two inch gash on the top of the forearm, and two larger gashes, on the wrist area. One was maybe four inches, one was about six inches. They were pretty deep with muscle exposed. They were pretty good sized gashes."

"After about eight minutes the paramedics arrived, and they took over. There was a lot of blood on his arm, neck and wetsuit, but by the time his wetsuit was cut away the bleeding had been controlled. The wounds weren't actively bleeding."

"The paramedics stabilized him. Eric was conscious the whole time, he could respond to questions. The ambulance took him to the airport. And they took him by helicopter to San Jose."

Surfing After Shark Attack @ Marina State Beach

2011-10-29T10:20:00.001-07:00

I'm going out! That shark is long gone.

"You're crazy," shout several surfers.

"I'm going to have the waves all to myself," says The Brave Surfer.

No way am I going out there, Internet! I have a sick feeling in my stomach just watching my friend out there.

Fortunately, he made it back in without incidence.

But when he came in he had this to say:

"I was okay until that seal started jumping out of the water. Then I thought that bad boy (the shark) is still out there."

"Yeah, but you didn't even come in right away after the seal started jumping out of the water?" I ask perplexed.

Internet, all I know is I'm not surfing Marina Beach. Ever. Maybe.

Shark Attack Marina State Beach

2011-10-29T08:15:00.001-07:00

Click here for an eyewitness account of the shark attack at Marina State Beach October 29th, 2011.

A second shark attack occurred this morning at Marina State Beach. I don't have any details, but I was told the person was bit on the shoulder and taken to a hospital. Praying for that surfer.

Update:
I just spoke to the lifeguard who said the surfer, Eric Tarantino, "is going to be okay. He had puncture wounds to his arm and neck,
deeper in the arm than the neck."

Update:
The lifeguard said, "the victim's friend didn't know Eric got attacked until he yelled, 'Shark!'"

The lifeguard continued "He was able to paddle in own his own."

By the size of the bite mark on the surfboard the lifeguard estimated the shark to be between 12 and 14 feet.

"That shark is probably out there right now,"says a Surfer staring out to sea.

"Yeah," agree all the surfers standing around watching waves peel down the beach.

Too Cool For Drugs

2011-10-28T20:16:00.000-07:00

It's Red Ribbon Week at the boys' school.

"What is Red Ribbon Week," I ask.

"It's where we pledge to not drink drugs," answers Vinny.

"Oh, did they give they give you that bracelet?" I ask.

"Yeah," answers Vinny.

"What does it say?" I ask.

"`Too Cool For Drugs,'" says Vinny.

"What are drugs?" I ask.

"Those things doctors prescribe that are bad if you take too many," answers Vinny.

Christmas In October

2011-10-27T21:51:00.000-07:00

Internet, Christmas has come early this year. At first I thought Madison Avenue was up to it's old marketing tricks. Today, when I saw Christmas trees at the mall, I figured THE MAD Men & Women were fooling me into Christmas shopping.

But then someone made me a perfect fitting purple knit hat with flower buttons sewn on it. That in and of itself is AWESOME, right?!

Later, I came home to find another perfectly fitting purple knit hat for me! Two purple post-surf hats in one day can only mean one thing. It must be Christmas .