Last but not least, Dessert

Yes, there was also a fruit salad, but I felt that that was pretty self explanatory.  But just in case, here is the basic rundown.

Fruit Salad:  4 small white nectarines sliced fairly small, one small package of fresh blueberries, one large banana, a splash of lemon juice, and if the nectarines are too tart, a quick sprinkle of powdered sugar will bring it all together.

Now, Dessert.  Banana splits are easy, but this is better.  Pick your favorite toppings, I did!  While assembling your banana split bar for your guests to "Do It Yourself" while they are enjoying dinner, here's what how you prep!

Slice the inside curve of each banana peel.  Throw some white granulated sugar inside and spread it around a bit.  Shove some semi sweet chocolate chips into the banana itself.  I just pushed them in until it was flush again.  Put about a teaspoon or so of butter on the inside as well.  I broke it up into pieces so it would be even and melt nicely.  Wrap each banana in foil and place on a cookie sheet that will prevent dripping.  Bake at 350 until soft!  It took about 20 minutes or so.  While baking, I prepped the DIY Banana Split Bar.  I laid out a jar of Butterscotch topping, Freshly cut Strawberries with a sprinkle of sugar to make them gooey, and hot fudge prepped in the micro for it's 25 second warm up.  We had a container of cool whip and cool whip in a can, maraschino cherries, and rainbow sprinkles ready to on top!  I took the French Vanilla and Chocolate Dreyers Rich and Creamy Ice Cream out of the freezer a few minutes ahead of time so it was soft enough to serve.  Carrie made some large chocolate chocolate chip cookie thingies with almond that we broke into pieces.

We took the bananas and opened them up steaming!  Add three of any combination scoops of ice cream on the banana with a few pieces of cookies on the bottom and let each person put their toppings on to their liking!  They looked and smelled great!

ej

Lightly Fried Sliced New Potatoes with Thyme

Lightly Pan fried and sliced New potatoes with Thyme

Simple dish and absolutely wonderful! Have fun with this one! I kept it really simple, because the flavor of the potatoes is really enhanced by the few ingredients.

Ingredients:

•  New Potatoes (or Red potatoes)
• Fresh Thyme Leaves
• Black Peppercorns
• Kosher Salt
• Shallots
• Grape seed oil

 Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly pan fry largely chopped shallots in oil and add sliced new potatoes. Lightly salt at the beginning stage. When they start to get close to being done add coarsely ground peppercorns. Just before they are done pat away some of the excess oil and place in a baking pan, or baking sheet. I laid them in rows across the bottom of the pan, fanning them out so that while baking they would turn golden brown. Place them in a preheated oven for a about five to seven minutes, then sprinkle across the top with Thyme leaves and bake for another 3-5 minutes. Remove from oven and plate.

The potatoes tasted and looked great! The pepper and thyme potatoes looked beautiful on the plate, next to the asparagus and chicken!

ej

Asparagus over a bed of Sauteed Mushrooms, Shallots, Turkish Figs, & Roasted Garlic

Sautéed Asparagus Bundles over a bed of whole roasted garlic with sautéed mushrooms, shallots, and Turkish Figs

• Bag of Asparagus
• Grape seed oil
• Thickly Sliced Mushrooms (if you buy them prepackaged, buy at least two packages, to account for shrinkage when sautéed)
• At least 1 whole garlic bulb
• 4-6 shallots
• 4-6 Turkish Figs (they vary in size, use your best judgment)
• Package of fresh Chives
• Peppercorns
• Kosher Salt

In a small baking pan, drizzle oil and place cloves of garlic (peeled and prepped) and bake on 350 until soft and well roasted. Remove from oven. Meanwhile, sauté in pan shallots, figs, and mushrooms; prepare your asparagus during this time. (Feel free to add coarsely ground peppercorns and small amount of salt over the top of it all at this point).

Note: Asparagus has a natural breaking point, “bend and snap” for the perfectly edible spear.

When mushroom mixture is nearly done, in a separate pan lightly sauté asparagus. You want them to be just shy of a dente, so be careful. When they look like they’re almost done, cook them a few seconds longer until they’re almost, almost done! Then lay them out on a cookie sheet or plate. Take 3-4 asparagus spears and tie them with a fresh chive. I tied the chives with a half hitch, and then wrapped the chive around to tie another half hitch on the other side. You can make bigger bundles, but the chives are delicate. You can place the bundles in foil or in a pan and bake for a few minutes.

To serve, spread a few scoops of mushroom mixture on a plate and then place asparagus bundle on top! It will look and taste great! Too bad I left my camera in my friend’s car the day before!

ej

Citrus and Thyme Chicken

Citrus and Thyme Chicken started with the question: How did Matt make the chicken at the church Christmas party a few years ago? He mentioned he used citrus in the pan as he baked the chicken. Oranges, I believe. However, he said he really didn't remember. It was enough for me to get the ol' noggin' into gear and formulate a plan.


Ingredients:

Free Range Chicken Breasts

A Package of Fresh Thyme

2 to 4 large oranges (Really Depends on how many pieces of chicken you wish to bake)

2-3 Lemons

2-4 Limes

Whole Peppercorns

Kosher Salt

Grape seed Oil

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. While the oven is a-warmin' up, rinse and pat dry chicken breasts and set aside with a drizzle oil if you desire (I did). If the pieces are big enough and you're feeding a large group, or find out at the last minute that more than those who RSVP'd will be in attendance, cutting the breasts in half or in thirds will be okay. One a separate and clean cutting surface, use a sharp knife to slice all citrus (less one large orange) into about 1/4" thick slices. Layer all slices (less one orange) into a pan drizzled lightly with some oil, using the orange as your main foundation. Try and keep the lime and lemon balanced across the bottom of the pan to prevent one piece to taste more like lime vs. lemon and vice versa. After they are placed in the plan, lightly sprinkle Kosher salt over the slices. Take your single orange and zest it completely and set aside (if doing a large batch set aside two oranges, but zest only one). Then slice remaining orange and set aside. By this point the oven should be hot and ready to go! Place your chicken breasts on top of the bed of citrus and salt (I like to minimize salt, but do this to your liking). Cover with tin foil and bake for about 30 minutes. At about 20-25 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken, check on the chicken and if it looks to be close to done, grind coarsely peppercorns over the top of chicken breasts (I used a lot, as I love the robust flavor of freshly ground pepper) and add a sprig of thyme to each slice. Cover, and let the chicken finish cooking. Be careful not to overcook, as it may cause chicken to dry out. You may serve with or without citrus as garnish, or on a bed of slightly warmed slices of orange.

ej

Recipe Posting

I am always terrible with posting recipes, as I usually make things up off the fly as I feel inspired.  However, the banana splits were mostly based of a recipe I came upon by accident and in prime "Erika Fashion," I put my own spin on things, especially since the grill wasn't out like I had hoped.  The propane take was out, but the grill was nowhere to be found.  The other anomaly was that the range top did not appear to be working.  So we began to do all the cooking in the ovens.  Thank goodness for Taunya!  She lit the range top with a match!  Our hero!

I will try and post a recipe at a "thyme."  I need to try and recount the steps so I can get it right!

ej

Sleep Number Bed - Advertisement

I love sleeping on a sleep number bed!  It really is the best thing since sliced bread!  Absolutely incredible!  I sleep so well when I am here house-sitting!!!!  I literally, don't want to get out of bed, which is very out of character for me.  Someday, I may want to own one in my house.

ej

I feel bad...

You know those times when you try and do something nice for another person, or persons, and end up screwing up the entire situation?  Yeah, that was me today.  I gave up my ticket so another could participate, and ended up offending the person who offered me a ticket in the first place!  Then tried to renig on the deal so I could not offend the first, and felt bad for the second, only to have to probably miss because of work!  More than that, there is another side story, not worth mentioning here.  Oi vey!  Sometimes, when I think I'm trying to keep it simple, I really make things more complicated.  I cried in a dressing room today.  I got all choked up while trying on my $3 shirt I was considering for purchase.

ej

I stay up late at night looking for the right answer to all my many quandaries
All I ever conclude is that the answer is dependant upon the questions I ask
I don't ask why the grass is greener on the other side or how doves fly?
Or why we wear many faces, hiding who we are under metaphorical masks?

All I ask for, is to be understood
Making choices, for a greater good
Sometimes we may do things that we may regret
I decide to work and make today the best day yet

Today, I was far from perfect and I feel bad for choices made
I created a lot of chaos, in my bed today, I should have stayed

Week in Review

The weeks continue to improve!  Last week, my friends and I went to an Oakland A's baseball game.  I have very little experience with live professional baseball, but I have come to the conclusion that Diamond Seats are remarkable!  A friend of mine was able to get Diamond Seats.  Diamond seats are awesome, but to be front row center Diamond Seats????  Holy Cow!  Yeah, that's right.  We sat right behind home plate.  We had a great view of everything!  Including the players' butts!  Not that I noticed...

We were on TV the whole time!  I was glad I didn't pick my nose!  However, we were all shoving food in our faces the whole time!  I mean, hello????  The food was free!  Every section had their own server!  The menu was right there so we had to order right?  It was amazing.  Walking in, we saw Matsui!!!!  He was right there walking past us!  In butt grabbing distance!  That's how close he was.  I couldn't believe it!  It was Matsui!!!!!!!!!!!

At any rate, we had first rate parking and even the other Diamond Seats were envious of our seats!  As I was a few steps from the ladies room, a guy coming out of the men's room asked me how we were able to have those seats.  It was crazy!  Did I mention we saw Matsui???  The food was nothing to write home about, it's a ball game after all, but still, it was a great time!  We felt like royalty!  I was not rooting for the A's, but it was fun!  I liked the part where the A's got stomped!  I am not a fan of LA teams at all, but I am not an A's fan.  Besides, Kevin Frandsen (he is not ugly) and Hideki Matsui were on the Angels, so I was okay with rooting for them!

On Friday night I went to see "Kites" with my friend Diana.  It was my second time watching it and I loved it both times!  It's a Bollywood crossover film.  It's not the best movie you'll ever see, but watch it for the fun of it!  There were some really funny parts!  It's more of an action chick flick type movie.  Mostly romantic, but with some car chases in the mix, and some Mafia type stuff as well.  I liked it.  I also liked Hrithik getting down on the dance floor.  He's got mad skills!  At any rate, after the movie I met up with some other ladies and we attempted to go roller skating in Milpitas.  It closes at 11pm, but they stop letting you in at 930pm.  We were all a bit miffed!  Almost had our own skate party in the parking lot, except we would have all had to share one pair of blades between the four of us!!!

Saturday was jam packed!  I had to get up early for my test in San Jose for school.  I thought I was gonna get a ride from my cousin, but he never came home from the night before.  So then I was gonna take a 2 hour and 50 minute bus ride to SJ for my test!  I was not happy about that!  Fortunately, as I cried to Carrie about it, she said she would drop me in SJ.  I was so grateful!  My four hour allotted time for the test only took me 59 minutes!  Mattius and I were gonna drop over and play some basketball with some peeps before our bike ride at noon, but my buddy needed help moving.  So, Mattius and I went and helped he and his wife move. 

As soon as we were done moving things we headed over to Lake Almaden for a bike ride!  Mattius and I met up with Clayton, and Susanne.  It was awesome!  It was a nice casual ride and good conversation.  I forgot my water bottle, so I was not too thrilled about that.  Fortunately, there are drinking fountains along the way!  We passed by the ol' Camden building and I remembered all the many years I spent going to church there, then hit the wall at the end of the trail.  With that, we turned around and headed back to the car!  It was an easy ride.  I think we might try starting the trail a little further out next time!  Allegedly, it was 91 degrees, but we didn't feel it.  There was a great breeze coming through, and the sun was at our backs!  We took the southern route as well and the area is so beautiful that we just enjoyed the ride and the scenery.  Enjoyed a late lunch at La Vic's and then parted ways for a bit.

Susanne and I drove up to Fremont so I could grab my clothes for my house sitting stint, then rushed back to meet up with Mattius and his girlfriend to drop in on a friend's birthday party then head over to the Poor House Bistro for a blues concert!  John Garcia rocked it!  Actually, all three guys rocked it!  There were three acts.  They all came together for the last set and it was amazing!  Can't remember his name, but the guy on stage left was awesome!  He was more along the style I like a lot!  All of them were good, but I preferred his style.  He was kind of like a slower, bluesy version of Chet Atkins, kinda.  He was a country blues, but really clear and clean.  Chet Atkins but different?  Yeah, that.

It was a good time and the food there at PHB as always, was outstanding!  Go PHB!  We'll be back!  The hostess said I should come back for open mic night and do stand up...not sure I will, but it was flattering.

ej

Sunday Evening Dinner

So, I had this entire wonderful menu planned!  Here is what I thought happened:

Print out menu - Check!

Put printed pages in backpack - Check!

Print out Essay and Research Paper info for school - Check!

Put printed pages in backpack - Check!

Leave work with everything I needed for the weekend - Check!

Fast forward to weekend of shopping for ingredients for said menu...

Start the car to go grocery shopping - Check!

"Where's my menu?" moment in the car - Check!

Run back inside the house to grab my backpack - Check!

Toss bag in the car and leave - Check!

Get to the corner and decide to pull over and check backpack contents - Check!

"Dang it!  Can't find the menu plan!!!" moment on the side of the road - Check!

"Oi, gonna have to wing it" executive decision made - Check!

So, I purchased a bunch of ingredients that kinda sounded right, including my groceries for the week!

Fast forward to meal preparation time...

Decided menu is as follows:

Citrus and Thyme baked Chicken Breast with Orange Zest
Sauteed Asparagus Bundles over a bed of whole roasted garlic with sauteed mushrooms, shallots, and Turkish Figs
Lightly Pan fried and sliced New potatoes with Thyme
Fruit Salad - Blueberries, White Nectarines, and Banana
Dessert - Roasted Banana Splits

I purchased some figs as snacks during the week and decided to add them to the menu plans.  It was a big experiment!  I was pleasantly surprised at how well the mushrooms, shallots, and figs came together.  I didn't try the banana splits or any of the food while it was hot, but the overall consensus wasn't too bad.  Chicken was a bit dry, my fault for over cooking it (especially since I didn't realize the Asparagus wouldn't arrive until after six).  I'm sure I will find many more ways to improve it.  I definitely would like to add more orange slices to the bottom of the pan, and be a lot more careful with the Orange zesting.  It was fun to actually cook again.  It's been awhile.  I had a lot of help with plating and prepping, so thanks to all of those that helped.  I don't have many pictures, since I left my camera in my friend's car this weekend, but I will try and post some I took with my phone.

ej

Lessons Learned

It's been just over ten years since I made a decision that would alter my life forever.

What started off as me being kind of rude to the two young men at my doorstep on New Year's Eve in 1998, then hesitating for one more moment as one of the two cocked his head to say something [as I was revving to slam the door in their faces] I waited for what he would say.  I don't remember what was said completely, but I remember how I felt and what I was thinking.  I had no idea then what the impact of the course of the next few months would bring.

I had decided 2 months previously, that I was going to turn over a new leaf and avoid drinking alcohol and other bad habits I learned in college.  It wasn't a lifestyle for me.  The competitive spirit within me was never satisfied with drinking one when the the guy next to me was drinking two.  If he could drink two, I could drink two more above him and faster!  And so the pattern went on as such:  Whatever "he" could do I could do better, and so on and so forth.  I was already making changes in my life and looking for what I called "real people."  I used that phrase often in the next two months.

What started off as mild curiosity, and appreciation for these two young men to want to share information about their beliefs and that on NYE, they had not invited me to a party to get wasted and to "rock on," was a good start to my goal of meeting "real" people.  When they didn't return my call the next day, I remember feeling disappointed that these new people were flaky and it actually made me feel a tinge of sadness.  I remember how excited I was when they returned my second call!

We eventually started meeting on a regular basis.  I learned a lot of interesting information, and for a good bit of time, that's all it was to me:  interesting information.  As I started to read the scriptures they suggested and made efforts to pray and to know if what they were sharing was real and true.  Even before I really knew it what was happening, my life was changing for the better.  I started making better decisions in my life and seeing the world differently.  I saw myself differently.  Even so, I still wasn't sure about the whole "Christian thing."

After nearly two months of research and prayer and lots, and lots of support from the new people I was meeting, I finally had that moment of realization...and made the commitment to join the Church that I know was restored to the earth by a Prophet of God and is Christ's church on the earth today.  I have never regretted the decision to be baptised.  It was a long and difficult road to change my lifestyle and to discover who I am within this world as a member of Christ's church, what and who I stand for, and where I want to be in throughout Eternity.

Now, over ten years later, I am still a strong (at least I work hard to be) and faithful member of Christ's church, and my testimony has not faltered.  I have made mistakes, but the power of the Atonement has been a constant friend to me, and Repentance has shown me how important it is to stay close to our Heavenly Father.  The Holy Ghost as my companion through my life has always reminded me of my Father's love.

I'm so grateful for the knowledge I have gained and continue to gain each day.  I have a strong testimony of the power of prayer, and how we can grow in our faith by being faithful and diligent each day.  Obedience is more than just doing as the Lord would want us to, but it's about being humble and meek.  Humility is not weakness, it is strength entering your body and into your soul.

ej

A few Bike Party Pics

Living on the Edge

So much going on these days! School is going well. Just did well on my final last week and found out that I will be going full time again at work (which started yesterday). It's not exactly the work I would like to be doing, but it's all good! I still do my regular job in the mornings then help out another department in the afternoons. Cold calling...not my fave.

I went to bike party on Friday night. It was so much fun! (pictures to come later). We rode out about 8-9 miles maybe then back about the same. We did some karaoke too! We probably rode for a total of about 20 miles in the end if you include getting to the start line and back to the car. We enjoyed a late night meal at La Vic's and then headed home! We had no idea we were going to take the scenic tour of South San Jose. LJ was struggling to follow the signs home for some reason. We made it home that was the important part!

On Saturday morning, I shot a nice little music video. It's silly, but I loved it! It was silly, fun, and about my friend lagging on me...well, sorta! Here it is for all to see! It's unedited and still rough, but for now, this is what I have time for!

Enjoy!


This song was inspired by my friend Breaking Dawn. She is a friend and and a scholar! Haha!
ej

New Skills - "numb" chuck skills, bo staff skills...

Some friends of mine asked me to help them with the re-painting of their swimming pool. I said "sure, why not?" I have no regrets, despite I thought I was gonna pass out a few hours into it! LOL! It was pretty warm yesterday and I found that chiseling with a pretty thick dust mask, safety glasses, plenty of sunshine, not enough water, and wearing mostly black clothing, made for a challenging activity! Clearly, I'm not as young or spry as I once was. I'm a bit out of shape, soft in the belly, and yeah, overweight, but dang!

As soon as the sun had gone down, chisel work completed, bottle of water consumed, cool water splashed on my face (two times), and a moment in the shade and cool of the garage, I was good to go. We patched up the pool floor and I learned how to have the perfect consistency of patch-it cement. It was amazing how easy it was to spread when the consistency was right! I learned a lot yesterday and will continue my learning today and tomorrow. I think all my woodworking projects out in the GDI shop have helped me become a proficient plaster-er of pools floors.

Not sure I plan to have a career in it! It is not the easiest work I have ever done, that's for certain. I'm excited to help out my friends and make a little cash in the meantime.

ej

Full Week

Well, I enjoyed a very full week. Between work, studying, and organizing my "room" I have kept quite busy. I got pretty much all my reading done today while at the beach for an activity. I have no idea what exactly the activity was, but I read while sitting on log near the waterline. I had some wonderful music playing softly, with the sound of the waves overlaying the sounds of the beach.

Had an amazing dinner in Santa Cruz at a place called Lillian's. I highly recommend it! I enjoyed my meal very much and the service was impeccable! We met an off duty hostess at the beach and she even called in our reservation for us!!! Wonderful in all respects!

I'm sleepy. Time for bed.

ej

House Sitting Fun

Well, I helped Grace house and dog sit for some friends this past weekend. I did some studying, but got the bulk of the reading done while Grace and Jess did the shopping at Lucky's. I'd like to thank the built in coffee shop at Lucky's for the wonderful table and chair accommodations with the built in chess/checker boards. I got so much reading done during the "shopping" experience it was incredible.

We watched "New Moon" more than once, revisited a movie from the past called "Project X," and drank Choc Soy by Silk and it was absolutely divine. We even ate stuft crust from Pizza Hut. Yummy!!!

School is moving along. Talked to my mentor yesterday and had some good laughs. I'm silly, may I just share that? I'm silly. Sometimes, I'm silly...by accident. No, as you were...silly by accident most of the time. I keep thinking I will grow out of it!

Still working on my student loan stuff, but I think it is finally coming round! Here's to a good school term! Salud!!!!

ej

School is now in session!

Well, I started back to school on the First of April. So many changes have been made in order to accommodate my school effort. I quit a job to make time for studying and "class time." That was a big decision for me, as it lead to a lot of other choices. Here is a list of changes stemming from one choice made in my life:

I went back to school and then...

1. Quit a job (I still have one though)
2. Gave notice and moved out of my apartment (I quit a job, so now I can't afford the same amount of rent)
3. Moved in with my cousin Henry who lived one exit away (hehehehehe)
4. Sold my Jeep...
5. Got a free bike and Pete fixed it up and it runs!
6. Bought a bus pass for Alameda County Transit (Still need one for the South Bay though)
7. Started school
8. Applied for every random scholarship I could apply for, and even wrote a few essays
9. Began Volunteering once a week
10. Sold a bunch of things (iPod shuffles, skateboard, iPod Nano, etc.) so I could make some extra cash to do my best to stay up with bills
11. Turned off my Blackberry to save $30 a month
12. Cancelled my gym in LG

There are many other changes I have made, but those are the biggest ones. It is a lot to take on, but I am on my way to finishing my education! I can't wait to really build some momentum!

ej

New Mantra

About a month or so ago, my office manager handed me a fortune from a fortune cookie. It was the day I was to hear back about a job that I wasn’t even sure I wanted. It said “Today is a chance to try something new.” At the time, I figured she gave it to me in case I got a job offer and accepted it. I ended up not taking one job, not getting another job, quitting a job, and enrolling in a teaching credential program. Phew! A lot happened all at once!

I thought about the day she handed the fortune to me yesterday when it fell out of my wallet as I went to pay for something. I remember thinking about what I thought it meant. As I reminisced, I considered the direction I chose and in which I am headed. In some respects, it will be an exigent road filled with excitement; on the other hand, the road to success will be smooth as molasses. I am looking forward to the journey and the challenges. I’m not going to lie, a few of the challenges I am facing right now give me some anxiety, but it will pass. Haha!

I’m thinking I will change the fortune to fit my personality. According to Master Yoda, “Do, or do not. There is not try.” I say, do your best. Want to “try” or do something new? Do it. Not sure if you’ll like it? Do it once at least, then you’ll know! Here are a few of my favorite quotes:

“Perhaps fear held them back when they should have gone forward.” – Lancelot to King Arthur (First Knight)

“You can’t love people in slices. You take them for the good and bad, together.” – King Arthur to Lancelot (First Knight)

“Not scared.” – Jordan Bettencourt (the meaning is a condensed version of first quote from Lancelot)

Now, for my edited fortune cookie:

“Today, is a chance to DO something new.” – Erika J. Freeman (adding to my list of Mantras)

My Sister Came for a Visit

My sister, Suzette, came out for a visit last week. We had a nice time. It was an opportunity for she and I to get to know one another. We didn't do much as far as sight seeing is concerned, but we hung out and spent time with our cousin Rick as well. Glad we had some time to chill out and relax!

ej

p.s.
She's all grown up now! She can read real books, has a CDL, old enough to drink, spit, and swear, and is very outgoing. I'm way more reserved than she is! Hahaha!

Busy Week

Okay, so this is my first week of working only one job in who knows how long and I have been busier than ever! I thought I would have more time to hit the gym. Wrong. I thought I would have more time to clean house. Wrong again. I even thought I would have time to take naps or something. Wrong, yes, wrong again. Where does the time go? How did I get anything done while I was working two jobs??? Beats me, that's for sure!



So far since I have become half-employed, I have learned to take the VTA Express bus from Fremont BART to downtown San Jose, and that the 218 on AC Transit will get me to the gym, the Fremont Main Library, BART Station and Sweet Tomatoes! Okay, okay. Sweet Tomatoes is right next door to gym, but then so is Big Cinemas! Woot! Who needs a car when you can take transit??? All I need to do is buy a pass! That is the tough part. Even though it is cheaper on the long term, coming up with the initial $140 pass is tough! I know something will work out though! Then I am all set! When the bike gets in working order then I am really gonna be on the go!



Not only have I learned to get around, but I have also started volunteering at the Storehouse in Santa Clara. It was so great to be able to spend time helping out people in need. I also had an opportunity to use my Spanish language skills! Whenever Spanish speaking individuals came in, the Meeks (a husband and wife team that are in charge of running the place) sent them my way. At one point, I was filling two family orders at once, and both of the orders were not only in Spanish text, but both of the individuals picking up their orders spoke very minimal English! It made me motivated to become more fluent again! Don't get me wrong, I understand quite a bit and can communicate somewhat effectively, but not nearly well enough to consider myself fluent by any stretch of the imagination. Since I am now responsible for the Safety Meetings with the installers on Wednesdays at GDI, I will have to up my Spanish speaking game with them as well! They have been awesome these last two weeks though! Correcting my Spanish when I mess it up! Haha!



Even with the challenges that have been coming my way, I feel so optimistic and motivated about my the path I am on! School will start before I know it! I have the next few weeks to pack and move my things.

ej

Language Learning

About a month ago, my co-worker and I decided to make a "deal." Neither of us believes in gambling, but we wanted to make a deal, a challenge of sorts. Not against each other, but against ourselves I guess you could say. I typed up a contract and we both signed it, along with our "witness" person, Tricia (other co-worker). We're such geeks!

Edith is from Mexico City, Mexico, and speaks both English and Spanish fluently. She's been studying Punjabi for several months now, almost a year! She decided to start learning Punjabi because she has friends that speak it and thought it would be a fun challenge. I am from America, so I barely speak American English. I have a fair knowledge of Spanish, speak amazing Spanglish, took a semester of Hebrew in college and attended synagogue for several months, and my French, well, I can hold very basic conversation. But truthfully, I can only speak American fluently. I am pretty good at picking up languages, so even though she has a year under her belt, I figured; I would be able to catch up to her!

Our agreement is as follows: Edith, will learn enough Punjabi to be able to read a children's book with comprehension. I will learn enough Hindi to do the same. We have chosen a book called "Spot's Birthday Party." I am working hard on learning to understand the characters and to have a decent vocabulary. She's ahead of me, as she already understands the Punjabi characters, but I have a stronger vocabulary in Hindi. She can read the letters, but doesn't know the words. We have both worked together to help each other out when we have questions, so it's been a fun little activity for us.

I have really enjoyed the journey so far! Hindi is so different in sentence structure and their characters are completely different from both the Germanic language English that utilizes the Latin or Roman alphabet, and the Semitic language Hebrew utilizing the Hebrew alphabet. There are a few similarities I have observed between the characters of Hebrew versus Hindi, and that may be purely coincidental (I have yet to research these similarities). It helps me either way. It also helps that Hebrew is guttural, since it is also present in Hindi.

I have checked out a few items from my local library to assist me on my trek. I figured the best way to read a children’s book is to learn as a child does. I have been watching Baby Hindustani videos, “Learning the Hindi Alphabet” and “Exploring Hindi.” They teach you nursery rhymes, fun songs, and ways to associate sounds, letters, and pictures. I probably have the vocabulary of a 1 year old at this point, and the comprehension of a 6 month old, but it’s progress.

ej

Brandon aka Easy Money

Man...

It's really difficult for my mind to grasp that he's really gone. He was going to be 31 years old this year and I was just thinking a week or so ago that we hadn't chatted in a long time. He was my karaoke Tambourine Man! I am not sure what to make of all the emotion. I feel sad.

My life has been at a crossroads for a few months now. Contemplating going back to school has created a lot of extra work for me mentally and emotionally. Should I stay working both jobs and still try and get into School? Which one should I keep if I do go back to school? How much is medical coverage if I decide on one job over the other? Should I accept this job offer or that job offer? Should I just say "no" and stick with my initial plan to work one job? Should I give up my apartment and choose a life of utter poverty to go back to school? How can I be a better support for my family during this time of crisis? Is Brandon really gone? How are the kids going to react if I decide to quit? Will they even care? Will I miss them too much to leave? How will I pay the bills? Did I dream about Brandon, is he really gone???

Brandon...

What a great kid! I don't know that I have ever been in his presence when he wasn't smiling. Even when he was sick and in pain he still smiled, at least whenever I was around. I remember last year he had been in the hospital and I had happened to send him a text and didn't know he was in hospital. I could still sense his cheery sense of humor as we exchanged texts. Even when he was explaining why he was hospitalized, I could still hear optimism. I could hear him smile as we communicated. It made me smile.

With Brandon gone and his funeral coming up this weekend, I can't help but forget my worries for a moment. Be easy, Easy Money! I'll see you on the other side!

ej

Blessings come pouring in...

The following post has been saved in my 'Drafts' for awhile, but it is finally time to put it "out there."

I want to thank my friends that have supported me through this difficult time. Prayers have been answered, and though the struggle to learn how to live and understand the circumstances will remain, it has helped me to better understand my role with my family and the role they will play in my future.

My trip to Fresno a few weeks ago was a quick one! (yeah, Sommer, I was in town) I wish it had been under better circumstances, but my next trip will be planned and Sommer....you are on my list of people to see! Since you actually follow my blog!!! I miss you my dear, sweet friend!

Back to my trip...

I have struggled with the circumstances of why the trip was necessary. I was happy to make the trip and the sacrifice was minimal, as I would do it again in a heartbeat. My struggles have not been because of the trip itself, but the position in which I found myself. I felt awkward, and unsure. Not familiar territory for me. I normally take time to process emotion and sort out whether or not it makes sense to be moved or not. In this case, I had approximately 4 hours of awake time to process before having to be before family and friends to face the concerns and issues we were faced with. I love my family. I may not always know how to embrace them with love, or we may not always be able to spend time with one another, whether it be for financial reasons, clashing of personalities, or personal conflicts; whatever the reason, we have always come together when in crisis.

Despite the challenges ahead of us (collectively), the blessings have and I know, will continue to pour in. I can't speak for my family, but for me...I feel stronger and more sure about my role as a daughter, an older sister, a cousin, a niece, and even a grand-daughter.

"I am a Child of God. Rich blessings are in store.

If I but learn to do His will,

I'll live with Him once more."

Does this mean that all the challenges and past concerns and struggles will disappear? No. This will only help us on our road to progression. Even from a distance, love can be felt and shared.

ej

Well...

I didn't get the job I interviewed for, but that's okay! Regardless of that outcome, I have decided to give notice to my job at the Group Home. I have really enjoyed the work I have been able to do with the kids there. I have learned tremendously and have gained some invaluable experience. This is a difficult demographic to work with and I have found that I am well suited for it. There are some issues within the employment I have had in the GH and it is time for me to move along. Finances will be difficult as I decide my next steps, but I know it is the right thing to do.I am contemplating going back to school. Not sure how that will all pan out, but I am going to do it! It's the only way I can get what I want. Even though I am capable of doing it now, the world tells me I need this stupid bit of paper to say I can. So, I conform. Off I go to see about college.ej

Big Day

Today's a big day. I don't know what the outcome of my interview will be, but I am praying that it is in the affimative. Keep your fingers crossed. Knock on wood. Say a little prayer for me. Positive thoughts my way. Whatever!

ej

Time

I am finding I want to spend more and more time alone. I work. I gym. I work. I drive. I attend activities. I sleep. I work. I run errands. I work. I gym and take classes. I drive. I sleep. My down time is spent driving, or sitting in front of my laptop watching/sleeping to various movies. I should be spending time cleaning my apartment, or preparing meals. I admit it...I am lazy. I don't want to clean. I don't want to prepare meals. I feel like I do those things at work and I don't want to repeat them at home. Especially, as I come home alone. I'm tired. This entry has a lot of "I" and "I'm" in it and I don't care! It may not be my most upbeat and positive entry or moment, but this is what it is at present.

ej

I learned something today...

Muslim women wear a "hijab" on their heads which means "veil," and the long dresses they wear are called "jibab" which means "long dress." =) Thanks, Amani! I always learn so much from you when we chat.

ej

San Francisco (Photo Entry)

All Izz Well

We watched "3 Idiots" this weekend and it was awesome! Definitely getting it when it comes out on video! LOL! I nearly fell out of my seat laughing! I went with six other people, so it was a treat to share it with others. You have to see this movie! It will crack you up!

ej

Paa

Went to watch "Paa" last night. I even took two people with me. It's rare I can get people willing to read subtitles. =) It was a great movie!

I have been working a ton lately and in need of a break. Thought I was going to get one this weekend, but ended up having to work NY's day (7am-3pm) shift. It was pretty chill, but it meant going to bed early the night before.

I worked a double shift on Christmas Eve/Day (3pm-830am) and I must admit, those kids were great. Some of them said it was their best Christmas ever. It was so moving to see these kids light up. They have such diverse and sad backgrounds. One Resident, was crying and in depression mode when I came on shift. Christmas was never an easy time for her. By the end of the night, she was engaging with the other kids and happy as can be. We did a craft project, sang christmas carols, and went to dinner. We even allowed them to open up one present (pajamas) and the kids were so excited they all ran to their rooms and put them on!

Later in the evening, just before lights out, a neighbor came to the door and said "Santa is running late, but he'll be here in an hour." I had already talked to this person a week or so ahead of time and knew they would be coming by. The kids heard those words come from the door and became excited. They all wanted to stay until "Santa" came. Let me remind you, these kids range in age from 13-18. When the neighbors...ahem...Santa returned, there was candy, 4 different flavors of hot cocoa mix, fuzzy warm socks, lip gloss, nail polish, fancy shampoos, lotions, and a lovely card! The kids were so excited! They couldn't believe that someone would do something like that for them. It was great to see.

I make it a goal to be able share with them my "light," or the "light of Christ" with them. To be a positive example to them and show them the good things in life. However, on Christmas Eve...they showed me that light. I was very moved, and touched by the whole experience. I was very emotional that night after they were all in bed, and as I left the next morning, started to feel overwelmed with emotion. I dropped off one of the kids at the light rail, and as I drove away the tears began to fall. It was amazing to see their faces, the light in their eyes, and to hear the words of gratitude come from their mouths. Moving.

ej

Life is Flying "Bye"

Life is moving by so quickly! I wonder sometimes how I fill my days? It's Tuesday, and I feel like I am always busy, but yet, not sure where all my time goes! I certainly know where all my money goes!

I have been grocery shopping in two weeks! I have been living off of Sweet Tomatoes salads to go, and whatever munchies I can get at the Group Home, or off the roach coach at GDI. LOL! Not the healthiest of meals sometimes!

Having fun though! Monday FHE usually, Swim class on Tuesdays, Volleyball on Wednesdays, so I never have a dull moment. Thursdays are always booked with something, and Fridays the same. This week: Triple Date Friday! Yay! It's gonna be awesome!

ej

London Dreams

I am in absolute love with my apartment location! I just hope that when my lease is up, I won't have to move again. *keeping my fingers crossed* I went to Naz8 to watch "London Dreams" on Friday and it was great! Salman Khan was fantastic! I also really enjoyed Ajay Devgan's performance. Overall, it was a way fun film!

It was great to be able to see a film like this on the big screen and so close to home! I guess I could take the BART to San Francisco, but half a block down the street is so much more convenient. =) This week, who knows what I will see! I just know that it will be awesome!

ej

Week Full of Disoveries!!! I'm no Magellan, though!

I am a huge fan of foreign films. I just enjoy them and I don't always know how to find more of them. Not everyone is into foreign films...in fact, very few people I know watch them. My friend from Sweden and his wife are foreign film fans. So, between them and my own netflix experiences we enjoy email conversations, movie exchanges, and dinner conversations about them. Conversations that we can't enjoy with just anyone! So, normally, I watch them alone, and I am perfectly fine with that.

I have recently made some wonderful discoveries and I am nearly going through the roof with excitement. Rasputin's, has a fine selection of used and new Foreign films. They are inexpensive, and pretty well organized. This makes me very happy indeed. Very near my apartment there is a Cinema that plays foreign films. I have yet to go the the Cinema, but that fact that I have made this very recent discovery is so wonderfully exciting! But wait! It gets better! In the same plaza, is a wonderful used book store! Again, another of my favorite things! I am always on the lookout for a fun, charming used bookstore! I plan to attend the cinema tonight and watch the ever so handsome Salman Khan in a Hindi musical "London Dreams!"

Cool bonus points about my apartment's location:

*A member of my ward lives right across the hall from me (he's my HTer)

*I live near The Hub which translates to "I love Trader Joe's!!!" and of course Target, where I buy Silk Choc Soy for the best price in town, as well as the household items I cannot purchase at TJ's!

*I live kitty corner to a community center, where I can take fun classes for a very nominal fee

*I am also kitty corner to a local park, where the Tennis courts are lit until ten o'clock every night, there are three practice/hitting walls, and a great field for many sports! And, the basketball courts are lit as well!

*I am within walking distance of Hooters (I hear they have good wings, though I have never eaten there), BART station, and Big 5

*I am a hop, skip, and a jump...or less, away from a shopping plaza where I can enjoy Foreign Film Cinema, Sweet Tomatoes, Panera, 24 HR Fitness, Used Book shop, and many other things that just give me more choices.

ej

Full Day, no Full Week

I attended my first TDM yesterday for work and it was long and...well, it was long. I also was able to get off work an hour early and thought I had the night to myself. I forgot that I was dancing with my friend David, but I was happy to do it! Oh, and not only did I get off work early, but my boss let me fill up my tank on company money! Oh yeah!!! My tank is not small, since my car is not small, so it was great!

I chatted with my neighbors for a bit after work and enjoyed their company a great deal, and was able to shower before dancing! David and I danced the Rumba, Cha Cha, of course the Waltz, East Coast Swing, Tango, and I started learning the Lindy Hop. It was awesome! I haven't danced in so long! I look forward to doing it again!

ej

Canoe Team Practice

I have been practicing with a canoe team in San Jose out of Lake Cunningham and it has been awesome! I am not sure if I will compete this upcoming season, but I sure hope that things work out that way! It's been a blast so far and Carrie is planning on coming out in a few weeks. She actually came today, but took pictures instead. Here are a few pics!

Quick not very exciting update...despite the fact that a lot has happened

Wow! It has been awhile since my last post, so here it what is going on…

I am loving my apartment, and still unpacking boxes from time to time. Things are coming along. By the time my lease is up in March, I should be all unpacked! One could hope, at any rate. I have a calling in my ward as the Chorister, and that has been cool. I get so nervous to be up in front of the congregation every Sunday leading the music, but I’m sure that will lessen as time goes on. I finally have my bread machine up and running! It was up in the closet while I got the kitchen together, but now the wonderful smell of fresh bread baking fills my apartment.

I have become a great fan of a television show. My friend let me borrow Season 1 of “How I Met Your Mother,” and I have not been able to stop being excited about it. I am now finished Season 2, and look forward to Season 3 with great anticipation! I am genuinely excited about this show. Shocker, I know! I dislike spending time in front of the tele when there is so much to be done otherwise. This show, for me, is an exception. I only wish I had all four seasons to watch at any time I wished! LOL!
I have started working out with a Canoe/Outrigger team in San Jose. We practice at Lake Cunningham and it has been awesome. I have always wanted to do Crew or Rowing, but it is super expensive. This is a slightly different, but much more cost effective way to pursue that dream, LOL! To work out in the off-season, it doesn’t cost a dime, but the gas to get there. This week, Carrie will be joining me to give it a go! So exciting! If I decide to compete, and make the Open team, I will let everyone know! I am a Novice, but if I can prove myself, the coach said he would put me to compete in the Open, since they really don’t have enough for a Novice team anyhow. That would be sweet!

Getting Settled

I have been in my new apartment for a week and loving it! It is still partially buried in partially filled, and completely filled boxes, but that’s okay! My room is mostly together, the kitchen is pretty much together, and the living room…well, the living room is what it is. My patio is the keeper of empty boxes, taunting me and constantly reminding me that I need to break them all down and take them to the recycling bin. To be honest, I haven’t technically been that far yet! (Thanks, Josh, for taking out all those other boxes and trash out the other day)!

I have started attending Highland YSA and it’s been swell! I have been working really hard to stay focused on my goals, and also balance it out with plenty of good times, and meeting new people. I am not great at meeting new people, and have been working hard not to go into shy mode. I smile, I laugh, all at the appropriate times, for the most part, and I have even been playing board games! Board games are not my favorite thing in the world, but I am doing my best to have a good attitude about it all!

I am ready to start hitting the gym again! I have a few options though. I can drive down nice and early to San Jose and hit the gym before work. Or, I can work out at the location near my house and drive down to San Jose afterwards. The only thing I worry about is traffic. The later I leave for SJ, the higher the risk for mucho tráfico! I will have to get it all sorted! This also means my bed time needs to be strict and regular again – 2030 hours every night! I’ve done it before, and I will do it again! I am so much happier when I am physically active and in good shape.

I have been running about lately playing football with the kids, and I think we are playing soccer next week, but it is not quite the same. I need more than that to reach my goals. I have been talking to Sin a lot lately. She is running 17 miles now on her long run days, in preparation for her marathon. I am not sure I want to train for a marathon again; I just don’t have the time with commuting and such, but perhaps a half-marathon. Mary and her husband have been training for half-marathon and it sounds really doable. Even Carrie and Greg are making a go at running! I would like to get back into my college condition. I would say high school condition, but that would be too big of a stretch right now! Perhaps after I reach my college condition, I can make a goal of my high school condition! LOL!

A few of my new friends are interested in learning to play Rugby, so I am excited to go out to Stanford and start playing! I haven't had the courage to go it alone, so it will be nice to have some backup! I have been dying to play! I have only played a handful of times and half the time we were running drills or just playing "catch." Hopefully, we get out there on a rainy day! Nothing more fun than a game in the mud!!!

ej

My Fremont Poem to Amy Lou Freebush

Oh, Fremont! The city of Trees
Riding, Hiking, up to Mission Peak
The air is cooler by five degrees
Is mild weather not what one seeks?

I will commute down to San Jose
Working two jobs until who knows when
Hoping for a raise to ease my way
I work for peanuts until then


It's all about perspective for all to end well
A tale of chaos and insanities left to tell
I may have my moments as I move along
But, my faith in happy endings keeps me strong

ej

To: Amy
It isn't my best work, but it was all the inspiration I had for today. =)

I am moving...

Yes, I am moving again. This time to Fremont, CA!!! I am so stoked! I have been "living" in Fremont for a few weeks, but I will become an official resident, with an official address on Monday! I am so grateful for Carrie and her Uncle for letting me crash at their place the past few weeks, and for those that were so willing to let me stay with them as well.

My new place is small, but so perfect! I will post pics up as soon as I get a bit more sorted.

ej

Feeling frustrated

Feeling frustrated...

I put a deposit down for an apartment last Friday, and still haven't heard if I have been approved yet! I got a check from one of my employers, and the check came back as insufficient funds! Argh! Now, I have to go and put a ton of money into my account, so my checks don't bounce!!! Ahhhhh!!!!!!!! Not the happiest moment of the year, but I am not too bummed! I have the cash, so I am gonna put it in the bank! I can do this!!!

ej

Gearing up for Labor Day Weekend

Well, I am gearing up for house-sitting this weekend! Carrie and I will be having a grand weekend enjoying the house with air conditioning if we want it, and enjoying quiet time! I am supposed to go up to The City on Saturday to meet up with some friends from good ol' Central High School! It should be a great reunion! They are all my tennis friends from back in the day! I am so excited!

ej

Long Fun Weekend

Well, as always, I am having fun! Even though I am tired a lot, I am doing a lot! I have been working really hard to get a proper amount of sleep, and to get a proper amount of exercise in every week. I have also been working on the food I eat. I am not a terrible eater, but I have been trying to eat more regularly (I struggle with this, because of my wicked busy schedule), and to maintain good eating habits. Even if you eat well, if you don't eat consistently it is not good for your metabolism. So...I make the effort.

This will be my last week teaching Adrian and Desiree! =( They start soccer on the same night I am teaching them tennis. They have been really great, and their parents are very pleased with their progress. This makes me happy, especially, because they plan to start again in November. I look forward to teaching them again.

I attended the YSA Conference this past weekend in Oakland. My favorite speakers were Steve Young, Richard and Nan Hunter (dear friends of mine), and the one guy who's name I can't remember, but he was the guy that is a doctor of mental health. He shared quite a few gems from his line of work and was very entertaining.

I was impressed with how down to earth Steve Young is. He shared a story about how he was changing his daughter's diaper in the men's room, and since they don't have changing tables in the men's room, he perfected an athletic technique for changing diapers. He sits against the wall, using his legs as a changing table. LOL! He said that a man walked in once and gave him a bewildered look, and as Steve exited the men's room, baby in tow, the man had waited and asked "Are you Steve Young?" LOL! Hahaha!!! He said that sometimes, he wishes he could just say, "No." But told the man he was, and that now he would always have an image of Steve Young changing a diaper. It was terribly funny, especially to hear him tell this story and how his voice kept cracking when he got excited. He was such a normal, down to earth guy and was surprisingly refreshing to hear a speaker like that.

This conference was awesome! We were encouraged to use our cell phones to participate in the conference. There were over 2000 YSA in attendance, and just over 1600 in the main auditorium. We were able to participate in polls, answer and ask questions to the speaker, all through the use of our cell phones. Even during meals, and during the dance, you were able to text requests to the DJ or to others on the dance floor, and they would be displayed on the screen. So great! So great!!!

I stayed up in Fremont all weekend with the girls, and Uncle Dean! Haha! Go Uncle Dean! Uncle Dean is Carrie's uncle, but we call him Uncle Dean. He's way chill and a killer card player. I look forward to hanging out in Fremont again! If anyone knows Brad's last name, hook a sista up!!!

ej

Ashland Flashback

I was sitting here at work listening to Elton John's, "Skyline Pigeon."

Fly away, Skyline Pigeon fly
Towards the dreams you left so very far
behind
Just let me wake up in the morning
To the smell of new mown
hay
To laugh and cry, to live and die
In the brightness of my day

It made me think about my trip to Ashland a few weekends ago. I remember we were sitting in the restaurant, and my Uncle Roger and I started talking about Mary Poppins. I told him that I remembered him buying me Mary Poppins as a kid for my birthday, and we started in on Mary Poppins trivia. He and I taught my Aunt Carolyn and...I forget who else, our mad skills on MP trivia! It was awesome to find out that MP was also one of my Uncle's favorite movies. It definitely is my favorite movie of all time! It's absolutely magical!

ej

Weekend in Ashland, Oregon

Weekend

I am recovering from an amazing weekend with my family! I am still awaiting pictures from my aunts and uncles, but I still have plenty to share. We all came together to celebrate my grandfather’s 80th birthday! The weekend was amazing from start to finish, and I haven’t had so much fun in a long time. It was also nice to not have to work graveyard shifts all weekend! I am still smiling, and it’s Wednesday.

We all arrived at the hotel around the same time on Friday evening and I got to meet my Uncle Jim (for the first time), and my cousin Jimmy (for the first time, he’s 13), as well as my dad’s Fiancé. I immediately fell in love with Jimmy. He is an amazing kid! And, since there was some confusion on where I was to sleep, I stowed my luggage in my Aunt Carolyn’s room and put on my girl clothes for dinner (I was wearing my baggy t-shirt and shorts for comfortable traveling).

When we were all freshened up, we all caravaned over to a farmhouse just down the way from the hotel. It was so great to all be together, and to watch Jani (my grandpa’s wife) come, somewhat tumbling out of the doorway, doubled over in laughter and excitement, as we all approached the house. My grandfather was still unaware that we were all gathered to celebrate his birthday. As we marched into the house to the house that was filled with the sound of the “Gypsy Kings” and filed into the living room, it was so much fun to watch my grandfather’s face, as each person was met with the same reaction…”surprise and delight.”

After we had all said our “hellos” and hugs were shared, the house took on the loud hum of 17 adults and children engaged in conversation. Even though I was dressed for dinner, I couldn’t help but join my cousins in a game of catch, both baseball and football. My feet were muddy, and I got nice and sweaty, and I did my best to be as graceful as possible. Hehehe!!! My aunt Miriam was out there playing catch with us, and did a fine job!!! She has a great glove hand, and her throwing arm wasn’t too bad either!!! It was just awesome to see her out there! Thank goodness for boy cousins, because catch is one of my all-time favorite pastimes! I worked up quite an appetite!

We all went to dinner and it was great! I sat at the end of the table with all the cousins and had a blast. They are all so cute, and so bright! Must be a Freeman thing. =) The cutest part of the dinner, was Kamryn. She’s the solitary great-grandchild. She was my dinner buddy, and it warmed my heart every time she smiled, or patted me on the shoulder. Of course, I sang and played with her, fought the urge to bite her chubby cheeks, all those good things.

We spent Saturday at the farmhouse hanging out playing lots of catch, three flies up, eating, playing more catch, listening to music, eating, searching for baseballs in swampy fields filled with land mines left by the grazing cows, and riding horses! Yeah, I rode a horse! It was amazing to ride a horse you have no idea!

Truth be told…I was almost in tears with fear right as I was preparing to mount my steed. For the first few trips around the arena, Uncle Jim led the horse. When it was his turn to ride one of the horses, Leslie, the horse lady, told my Uncle Fred (who was gonna do the leading now), that I could do it on my own. I had a mini panic attack!!! Me? Ride a horse? By myself??? Holy cow! She must be on crack! Well, I did it. I did not want to appear soft, and I secretly really wanted to. I rode that there horse around the arena, around the barrels, and around the pole thingies that were like Slalom skiing but different. In fact, towards the end, I knocked one down. =) It was awesome!!!

Few awesome moments of note: Surprising my grandpa when we all walked in, Aunt Miriam playing catch with all of us, my Aunt Julie getting out there and doing her thing playing catch too, horseback riding (it was totally rad), watching all my cousins, uncles, and my dad play three flags up while the ladies sat in the shade drinking their wine, and a few of us nursing a bottled water on the front porch, late night swimming with the cousins and uncles, sitting on the back porch waiting for the coals to turn white and listening to Uncle Roger’s stories from high school about humiliation and redemption! I wish I had a video camera for that one! So funny! And of course, last but not least, the very long toast to Grandpa, where each generation, in order of birthright, shared their favorite memory, thoughts, or gratitude for Grandpa. It was very touching, and every time my grandpa shared an insight, or though in response to someone, he made me feel normal. =)

ej

p.s.

I also bought a bat for only $15!!! And the coolest bball shorts ever! No sales tax rocks my tube socks!!!

It's been awhile

Well, the days have been flying by so quickly, and several times I have tried to type up a blog. Each effort has beent thwarted by Time. I start a post, but don't save it as a draft. So, here is to turning over a new leaf, and here's to a "quick" update on me.

I am probably working my last weekend of graveyard shifts. I got a promotion and raise, officially as of 05 July 2009. I am now Assistant Facility Manager for the teen group home. My roles vary widely, and I will quite possibly be the "run between houses" guy [gal]. I have the opportunity to work with the higher risk youth as their Case Manager, perform Intakes for all new residents, as well as any retro intakes for current residents, and I am also the person responsible for all the recreational activities. I have enjoyed the new responsibilities, and all the many things I have learned.

My friends and I have just attended a third New Kids on the Block concert. It was fantastic! Each show has been very different, and equally entertaining. We were upgraded again, and had amazing seats! It was so much fun, you really have no idea. I love Jordan! Hahaha! What I would give to be able to play some basketball with those guys! LOL! For some reason, that is what I would want to do if I had a chance to hang out with them. Weird, but yeah. I love shootin' the rock!

I started teaching privates (tennis) and that is going well. I have a seven year old, and a ten year old. Their parents are totally great! They do not try and intefere with the teaching, but are active and interested in their children. It's been a joy to work with them so far! I have been dying for a match, so I need to hit up some people soon to play. Good thing I will have more time on my hands soon!

ej

KDFC my serenity fix

I let the kids listen to what they want to listen to most of the time, but I am a woman of many interests, especially in music. I love variety. I love classical music! Sometimes, I just can't take day in and day out of the pathetic excuse for hip hop and R&B (so they call it, but Rhythm and Blues is so much more than what kids think it is these days), so I have moments where I switch the radio to KDFC. In the San Francisco Bay Area, it is the premiere classical music station. You enjoy the wonderful sounds of music spanning centuries! =)

One of the kids had the audacity to exclaim, "This isn't real music!!!" Was he kidding me? He has no idea! Wolfgang, Claude, Antonio, Johann, Antonin, Ludovico, and countless others would roll over in their graves if they heard this kid say that! (Although, Ludovico is still alive, so he wouldn't roll over, but he'd probably fall over).

I have enjoyed the fact that the kids finally stopped erasing my station setting in the van. It makes me feel that they respect me enough to keep it there. The only thing I have not enjoyed at the house, is the fact that they misplaced one of my PS2 games. I wasn't angry, but I was disappointed in them. To show my disappointment, I had to take the PS2 and all the Rock Band equipment home yesterday. I didn't want to do it, but I knew it was important for them to learn. Just like, the other day, I wasn't really angry with one of the kids, but I had to use my "authoritative" voice when I asked her to close her bedroom door because she was on restriction. Ugh! The adage "it's gonna hurt me, more than it hurts you," is definitely true, even though I already knew it did. I have definitely experienced that more in the last few months than I have in a long time.

So many great kids, with not so great opportunities, that don't always see that an opportunity is there, and even if they do, they don't know how to follow through and make the necessary changes. Their lives have not allowed them how to learn to succeed, just survive. It makes me sad sometimes, but I try and leave it in the car when I get home. Usually works. =)

Life is moving along...

ej

A few quiet moments

Yesterday, I had to run to Rite Aid with a few of the kids to pick up a prescription. While there, we decided to get some "Thrifty [Rite Aid]" ice cream. The cashier was a doll and hooked the kids up with extra scoops, free of charge! So, all three of us sat on the curb next to the van and enjoyed the treat before returning back to the house, and of course, after discarding any evidence of the said ice cream...we even had to do a face check, since some of us had ice cream on our faces. LOL!!!

While sitting, we enjoyed a nice cool breeze and a warm sun. We chatted happily, and even had several quiet moments enjoying the ice cream, the company, and simply to just have a few moments to ourselves. When you're a teenager, living in a group home where there are six residents, and one, two, and even three staffers in the house all there at any given time, finding a few moments can be a challenge. Those types of experiences are what make my job so wonderful.

ej

Basketball was fun!

I played in a basketball touney this weekend. It was a good time, but I was sure tired! I played on the "Tiburones 408," and for the "Flying Capuchins." It was a small tourney, but I had a good time. The Tiburones were made up of kids I work with, and they were cute. They never gave up, even though they were clearly the underdogs. I was impressed with how some of the guys played against them, and those that had bad attitudes about playing against the kids showed some true colors. I was so happy to see the kids playing though, it really warmed my heart. They never gave up!!! They got their butts trampled on, but never gave up, or stopped smiling.

ej

Espe Chips and more!

Got off my shift at 0700 hours and went immediately home to change and freshen up. My Ninja got there around 0745 and off we went. She had wanted to go down to my hometown for some nachos, so a month ago we set a tentative date. For her she has a husband and kids to work around, and I have, well, I can do almost whatever I want when I want, so when the date got closer, we finally knew we were going to take the trip. So, I called my cousin to let her know that I would be in town for lunch. I asked her to let the familia know, so that I could see some of them. I had to give them the warning though, that I would be super tired, since I was coming straight from a graveyard shift.

It was a fun drive! I love my Ninja. She is one of my dearest friends and we don't always get so much quality time to talk and listen to music, and just relax. She was awesome and did all the driving, and we stopped whenever we wanted to, whether it was to get munchies at the Fresno Costco, or drive around just to see the houses. Fantastic! I gave her the tour of my hometown: the library where I used to read reference books, and Archie comic books, and the Orosi Memorial Hall, where all the big stuff happened (except for New Kids performing), and the tennis courts where I first learned to play like Pete Sampras and Boris Becker (well, kinda...), and of course, Midway, where we marched for the Pre-Harvest Festival to Ledbetter Park in Cutler!!!

We enjoyed the Espe Chips (short for La Esperanza Chips, which are essentially Chile Verde Nachos). I ate way too much junk food that day, and was on very little sleep, but had a great time. In order to keep my Ninja safe, however, I had to change out of my blue colored clothing so that we could check out the R-N Market. In a town where "red" is a dominant color and there is a valid concern for one's safety if not appropriately representing said color, I just happened to have extra clothes.

I would not move back to my hometown, as it has become more dangerous and I have changed the direction of my life a great deal, but a small town has its benefits! I was able to share some of my stories with my friend (all good ones though, nothing too crazy). I have very fond memories of my grandmother's home. If I had the money, I would buy the lot and rebuild the house in its original form, and replant the garden just as she had it.

ej

I got rear ended!!

So...yes, I was rear ended today. I'm not sure how often these sorts of things happen, but I have the honor of being a part of it!

I was sitting in the [work] van at Classic Car Wash, when I felt a jolt! I had been rear ended and had to go out and investigate. As the gentleman and I looked at our cars, we found that the van had received the damage. The detail team said that I would receive a free car wash, and they would also touch up the bumper. Actually, I'm not really sure exactly what was said. Dominic, the driver of the other car, "translated English to English," and then asked "Gratis?" I understood that and was very satisfied.

There is more to this story than meets the eye. After a few day mystery of "stolen" items from one of the group homes I work at, the missing shower curtain and hooks were "discovered." Thanks to getting rear ended "at the car wash [singing in the style of Rose Royce]" I was able to locate the missing items and install them at the new group home on my shift Friday night.

There is always a reason for certain events to take place. Friday's incident reminded me of an experience I had when I was about 10 or 11 years old.

My sister and I spent time in Scotts Valley (used to be a part of Santa Cruz) with our Great Grandmother for a few weeks almost every summer. As always, I was an early riser and would set the table for breakfast. As I brought out the Cheerios, I noticed on the front that there was potential to win a gift certificate to Foot Locker and thought to myself "wouldn't it be cool if there was one of those inside?" At that point, I had never won something like that, so I moved along. As I was finishing up a place setting, my elbow bumped the open cereal box and Cheerios went flailing all over the carpet. As I began to clean up the mess I had made being a klutz, I noticed a long card wrapped in plastic. I remember my chest swelling with excitement as I turned it over in my hands and read what it had said. I felt like Charlie from Willy Wonk[er]'s Chocolate Factory, but instead of the Golden Ticket, I had a Gift Certificate to Foot Locker. We didn't have a lot of money growing up, so being able to go into Foot Locker and actually walk out with a purchase, was a dream I had never imagined. It took a lot for me to control my excitement, but I placed the certificate next to my place setting and waited patiently for my grandmother and sister to wake up. I related the story to them over breakfast and told them that I believed I was meant to knock to box of cheerios over, so that I would be able to discover the gift card. We were soon to be picked up by our parents, and it would have probably not have been much use to our grandmother.

I remember how proud I was to walk out of the Foot Locker after my father asked the cashier to authenticate the certificate, before I began my shopping. When my father decided it was legit, the search began. I chose a pair of shoes that had a price tag of $70!!! I had never dreamed I could own a pair of shoes that cost so much! They were my favorite color, black - Reebok Blacktops. They were basketball shoes and I wanted so much to be like Michael Jordan! So, I bought two Nike Jordan t-shirts for $15 each. I marched out of that Foot Locker in my new kicks and was so proud that I had on "fancy" shoes. One of the big highlights of my childhood. Knocking over Cheerios!!!

ej