Giving Thankz

Happy Thanksgiving Y'all! See you after the break! XO, wzgirl

I've Got Finals!

And, I'm cramming.



My final 2 quilt blocks are due tonight - for my last beginners quiliting class (although I still feel like quite the newby). It will be such a relief to be finished with this class. The Fridays from 6-9 pm was getting a little old to be quite honest.

The top two pics are of the "Mother's Dream" block. I really love how it turned out. My sister helped me choose the colors. The sewing went pretty well - but there were a whole lot of "intersections" and that got a bit tricky. The "Mother's Dream" is my most red block of them all.

Below is the beginnings of the last square. The "Basket". This one is probably my least favorite of them all. Its just a little prissy or something. I kinda rushed through it a bit & messed up the points at the top/bottom edges. I could give a rip, actually, it is DONE-ZO...and that is a very good thing. I may end up doing something different to replace the basket - or I may live with it as is.
We'll see........


Final-Final.....

Tonight we'll look at all of our blocks together & choose the background fabrics to "sash" them into one piece. I've got my eye on a couple things...we'll see what the teacher thinks.

Next up - Bai Jia Bei. I'm ready to start cuttin' & sewing that bad boy. How hard can it really be, right?

I'm all warmed up now.

Bring it.

6 Months Under Our Belts

Today marks the 6 month point. We've been Logged In with the CCAA since 5/15/06. 6 months! These "anniversaries" have been feeling a little silly to me lately - but 6 months feels significant enough to give pause.

So...woo hoo, I guess.

All things considered (or speculated upon), we'd better keep our seatbelts fastened because who knows what lies ahead on this unpredictable roller coaster.

Stoked!

It is time for the annual Not So Silent Night concert & WE GOT TICKETS!!!!!!!!!

Check out this lineup:

The Killers
Modest Mouse
The Raconteurs
The Shins
The Silversun Pickups

I haven't paid to see a show in AGES due to the generosity of my sister who shared the sweet perks she received when she was working. Lemme see, I got to see U2 twice, Depeche Mode, Tori Amos, Madonna, Elton John, B-52's, Missy Elliott, Alicia Keyes, Motley Crue...for free...box seats & beer included...oh, yeah, and PARKING....all thanks to my sis.

This show, though, this show is worth the $45/ticket. So many great bands. Although, I'll admit that I'm not toooo sure about Modest Mouse - aren't they an "O.C." band? When I heard that the Silversun Pickups* were part of the lineup - it was a done deal for me. So, I sat right by my computer, credit card in hand and got our tix as soon as the clock ticked 10am this morning!! Woo! Hoo!

Imagine my excitement when I got home this evening and found out that the concert is now sold out. I am soo glad that I didn't drag my feet on this one!

I'm feeling luckier every second!!

Maybe this will be my lucky week??



*If you haven't heard the Silversun Pickups - check out their single "Lazy Eye". It is awesome. If you are a fan of Billy Corgan, and the Smashing Pumpkins, you might really like these guys. Try it, you might love it!! Click here for a little bit about the band, if you're interested......

Panda in Boxers

I think that my Secret Pal has been reading my Amazon Wish List!!

Have you heard about this book, yet?

Zen Shorts is a very special little book written and illustrated by John J Muth. I'll admit that I am a total sucker for watercolor illustrations - but the ones in this book are so sweet that you just want to savor each one. The main character, Stillwater, is a Zen Master Panda that teaches three siblings three classic Zen-esque lessons. It is called Zen shorts - because these are short stories within a larger story. Makes perfect sense considering kid sized appetites, dont'cha think?

This book is refective in nature and delivers meaningful although not preachy messages about forgiveness, materialism and letting go. I'd imagine that it would be a great springboard for those kid-to-parent-life-lessons-sort-of-conversations that are bound to be in any parents future.

Or...of course...you could just look at the pictures!





Turns out that Jon J Muth has also illustrated one of my all-time favorite children's books: Stone Soup.

Hint, hint - Secret Pal - Hint, hint!!

Thank you so much for the terrific gift, Ms. Pal-e-o!! We really love it! XO

30-Something Questions

I saw this Meme at Nicole's House this morning and then over at SBird's Place this afternoon. Looks like a fun one so here goes:


1) What side of the heart do you draw first?

Right

2) Can you dive without plugging your nose?

Yes...but it's been a while. I used to spend entire days during the summer at the community pool. Later I was on the swim team.

3) What color is your razor?

Pink?

4) What is your blood-type?

I should know this - especially being a Red Cross volunteer and all. But, I don't. I have very difficult veins (ask my phebotimist mother) so I've only donated blood a few times.

5) Who would you want to be tied to for 24 hours?

Take your pick from #15 below. I think that John Cusack would be my first choice, though. We could talk music & he'd keep me entertained.

6) What is a rumor someone has spread about you?

I honestly cannot think of anything - I guess try to avoid scandal.

7) How do you feel about carrots?

I like pretty much any vegetable. I love carrot juice. I also love cooked carrots - steamed, of course. But, I do not love carrot cake.

8) How many chairs at the dining room table?

Four. We have a very old dining set & the remaining chairs are just a little too unsteady to place around the table.

9) Which is the best spice girl?

My friend, Irena's, Daughter is the BEST "Spicy Girl"!!

10) Do you know what time it is?

"It's Time to Get Ill" - know the reference??

11) Do you know all the words to the Fresh Prince song?

No, but I do think that Will Smith is a hottie.

12) What would you do if you were stuck in an elevator?

Push all the buttons. Over and over.

13) Whats your favorite kind of gum?

Sugarless Bubble Yum.

14)T or F: Alls fair in love and war.

NOT True.

15) Do you have a crush on anyone?

I sure like John Cusack. I also like Sayeed on LOST. As a teen I loved Ralph Macchio. Billy Corgan is a rockstar that I heart.
Oh yeah, and Brett Favre!!!!!!!!!!!

16) Do you know how to use some words correctly, but not know the meaning?

I'm usually pretty accurate - but I LOVE using my Thesaurus/Dictionary to check sometimes..

17) Do you like to sleep?

When I was in grad school I remember thinking a LOT about sleep & how much I was missing. Not so much these days. I much prefer getting up early & not wasting my morning -- on the weekends, that is!

18) Do you know which US states don't use Daylight Savings?

I think Arizona?

19) Do you know the song Total Eclipse of the Heart?

Bonnie Tyler. I used to have the 45. I also vividly remember the video.

20) Do you want a bright yellow 06 mustang?

Nope. I love my car & wouldn't change it unless someone gave me a free Prius.

21) What's something you've always wanted?

To be a mother...to parent a child.

22) Do you have hairy legs?

Nope. But I once had a razor-fast with a bunch of roommates. That was interesting!

24) Would you rather swim in the ocean or a lake?

Definitely ocean. Can't stand lakes - too slimy. Love the ocean. Love the sand.

25) Do you wear a lot of black?

Yes. With colorful accents, usually.

26) Describe your hair.

Changeable. Currently, it is growing long but cut in layers - so that my natural wave can be encouraged. Dark Brown. I gave up the highlights about a year ago - I was so bored with that look.

27) Do you have Entomophobia?

I'm not afraid of bugs - I just don't like them that much. Especially the slimy ones. Like the Tomato Horn Worm!!

28) Are you an adult?

Yes, I am over 18, if we are taking this literally. But, I think that is poor use of a meme question.

29) Where are your best friends?

Usually right there when I need them.

30) Do you have a tan?

Not anymore...but I'm gonna get one in Mexico!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

31) Are you a television addict?

Yes...but I can quit anytime.

32) Do you enjoy spending time with your mother?

Absolutely.

33) Are you a sugar freak?

Nope...although for some bizarre reason I ate more Halloween candy this year than I think I have in the past 5-6 years combined! This "Paper Pregnancy" is not doing a THING for my waistline!

34) Do you like orange juice?

Only fresh-squeezed. I can't stand the stuff that comes out of a carton!! Eww!

35) What sign are you?

I'm on the cusp of Virgo/Libra. I feel that I relate to aspects of both.

36) What color is your Cell Phone?

Silver...but I'd LOVE one of those pink ones!!

37) Where do you wish you were right now?

* On my way to China to meet my daughter for the first time - like Jessi

* Or back home from China and on maternity leave like Mary-Mia, Beth and/or Karen!

* Since the CCAA is still working on getting through dossiers logged in August 2005 and we are LID May 2006 that trip is a ways off. Sooo...I guess that I'll settle for a tropical vacation to the Yucatan.


Anyone else interested in participating?? Let me know, so I can come check out your list, too! XO

Feelin' Closer to Mexico EVERY Day!

Today JZboy and I traveled over to the annual Dia de los Muertos Festival in the Fruitvale District of Oakland.


It was a gorgeous, blue skied day...just perfect for a street festival. And, it was HUGE. There were TONS of people - many were in their Sunday finest!

The sights, sounds, smells and celebratory energy were incredible. A group of Aztec Dancers captivated us with their feathered headdresses and costumes adorned with skulls. We inhaled their smudgy sage smoke as they moved in unison to soulfully pounded drums. What a sight. Here is a glimpse of the feathered finery:
There were so many incredible altars made by families and various local organizations. It was a bit emotional at times looking at these very personal and political creations. Homage was paid to Frida, Cesar, Grandma & Grandpa...very beautifully, I might add. Here are a couple of altars that I found especially vibrant and moving:



I wish that I could attach some soundbites of the diverse musical bits that we experienced. There was the incredible drumming, some fun Mariachi Bands (my heart breaks a little when I see those guys in their matching suits) and our ears almost bled walking past the poorly calibrated sound systems blasting highly distorted tunes from the local Mexican Radio station.

The afternoon was capped off perfectly when we happened upon the Ballet Folklorico dancers. Nice music - great style.


This afternoon really got us really excited about our vacation to Mexico!!!!!

Arriba! Arriba! Andale Pues!!

Ten Reasons Why I ((Heart)) Terry Gross

Terry Gross is the NPR Queen


1. She has met (& subsequently kicked the ass of) Gene Simmons.
2. She looks NOTHING like her voice sounds
(my apologies to those who haven't seen her pic, yet).
3. Her familiar, frequent and very genuine little laugh.
4. She inspires me to read stuff I'd normally pass by.
5. Her interview with Joan Didion made me cry.
6. She manages to find a way to relate to anyone - from Jerry Lewis to Jim Jarmusch... John Updike to Miss Manners...Nancy Reagan to Lou Reed. Terry Schiavo's husband.....Neil Young, too.
And, let us not forget - Dennis Hopper...hmmkay??
7. She finds a way to make her interviews with such diverse people to be equally important & relevant.
8. She is one Tough Cookie.
9. She makes my commute after a very long day of work....tolerable.

10. Because she is an absolute Mensch.


Did you know that most of Terry Gross' guests were not in the studio while she was interviewing them? She usually interviews via Satellite! Wow!! And, did you know that she refers to herself as a "coward"?? What? Why???? And, did you know that Terry Gross is only 5 feet tall? Didja know that she is married to a guy named Francis Davis, a jazz critic for the Village Voice?

Pretty cool lady - in so many very interesting ways.

XO