Kiffy Calls Me a Hippie

Latest Salvation Army Finds

2011-09-12T14:12:00.000-07:00

On Saturday I made a trip to my local Long Beach Salvation Army and added these babies to my cupboard: two striped vintage mugs and two sunny retro dishes for just around 2 bucks. Score.

They even packaged my finds up gingerly in adult diapers (unused FYI)--just another reason why I love Salvation Army; aside from being helpful and housing the occasional treasure, S.A. is quirky (whether they know it or not).

Road tripping - Oregon

2011-08-29T18:07:00.000-07:00

Last week we made the drive from Long Beach, CA, up through central Oregon, and back down the Oregon Coast.

Can I just say that Oregon is awesome? We liked so much about it. For instance, the gas attendants there fill up your tank FOR you AND clean your windows, AND don't stick around expecting you to tip them. What!? Yeah, this is unheard of. At first I was a bit suspicious about all of this kindness (sad, I know), but it turned out to be a legitimate that's-just-what-we-do-in-Oregon sort of thing. As if this weren't enough to make Oregon steal your heart, there are wild blackberries pretty much everywhere just waiting to be picked and made into delicious blackberry shakes. Really.

I can easily say that this is one of our favorite vacations together to date.

More of what we liked:

Ashland, OR--A quaint town nestled near the woods with a lovely uptown area of Victorian houses and charming shops. They hold annual Shakespearean festivals--awesome. The English nerd in me wanted pretty badly to partake.

Seeing plenty of deer and elk. For some reason, this is always so exciting for me.

Camping on the Rogue and Umpqua rivers (Kiffy was in fly-fishing heaven and I had some of the best sleep feeling cozy in a tent).

Picking wild blackberries with Kiffy's aunt Bonnie

The best fish and chips in Newport, OR.

Climbing endless sand dunes.

Lighthouses galore

Misty beaches.

Ferndale, CA--Victorian town, hidden gem

Driving through the California Redwoods on the way home.

Crater Lake in all its glory

Mahalo, Hawaii

2011-08-05T22:01:00.000-07:00

Hawaii is great for many reasons: the weather, pristine beaches and lush vegetation, its diverse landscape and its wonderful people (though there are always the few angry locals with anti-haole sentiments, but let's not get into that).

What I especially appreciated this time around was its abundance of wild roosters (and chickens for that matter), the fact that 85% of the time I felt like I was in a scene from Jurassic Park and/or LOST, and most of all, I think, having time to just relax and read a lot without any distractions. Yup, I needed to be whisked away to an island paradise just to get some reading in.

Here is some of the beauty I saw:

Best in the West: East L.A.'s Mercado

2011-03-12T22:36:00.000-08:00

I'm a big fan of Sunset Magazine because it covers quite a few of my interests (gardening, travel, design, great food/recipes) as they pertain to the West (as in Western U.S.). I especially love the weekend & day trips they cover each month. In the January 2011 issue, the featured Southern California day trip spotlights the Mexican mall in East L.A. (El Mercado), which is close enough to home for me to make a quick trip, so I packed my camera, a few bucks for the delicious goodies I planned to eat, and hopped on the 5 freeway up to East L.A. for a change of scenery.

It was a splendid time! If you go, I recommend you take a stroll through the three different levels of tiny shops to explore all that El Mercado has to offer, which is a lot! You'll find an array of products ranging from moles, mariscos, spices, cheeses and sweets, to leather cowboy boots complete with crocodile heads, leather cowboy boots without crocodile heads, kitchen gadgets, piñatas, and felt bulldog statuettes ... yeah, even those! I wish I would have brought a few extra bucks for a pair of really cute leather huaraches I spotted in my size--something to plan for next time. Last, but not least, be sure to purchase a bag of fresh churros and an icy raspado--the flavor selections are endless--on your way out.

As a warning, do be discreet with your camera (if you take one); management there doesn't like photos being taken.

sweets & nuts

crocodile boots

la Virgen

This woman was eager for me to take a picture of this miniature Bible from her assortment of miniature books for sale. I tried to get her in the shot too, but she was shy.

aguas frescas

strawberry raspado

I'm walkin' here

2011-02-20T16:44:00.000-08:00

I thought I walked fast, but my pace has been beat.

New Yorkers are some of the speediest walkers I've come across. I'm telling you, don't get in a New Yorker's way. They have places to be, trains to catch, and don't mess around when it comes to getting to where they are going. From my observations, they aren't in the business of taking leisurely strolls (except for maybe on the weekends). Their legs are their transportation and they'll ram into you if, say, your shoulder falls into the line of their path. I speak from experience.

Anyhow, this past January, I spent a week in New York with my former New Yorker friend, Kate. It was freeeeezing cold (like in the 20s freezing), but it was lots of fun. We bundled up and spent most of our time outdoors, walking really fast and doing touristy things--it was my very first time to New York. We ate lots of really great food--warm candied nuts from street vendors, pizza in Brooklyn, hot dogs, pasta galore, crepes, and homemade Jamaican food thanks to Sharon, who graciously played host to us while we were there.

Here are a few photos from our trip!

Various scenes from Coney Island. Dead in the the winter (for obvious reasons).

Us of Late

2011-02-16T01:13:00.000-08:00

Slowly, but surely, I'll be moseying my way back into the blogosphere. Welcome to post number one. Now for an update...

Me, I've been spending my days tutoring, schooling, and reading a plethora of American novels (fun) in preparation for my MA comprehensive exam (GUH--thinking of this exam makes me want to double over and hurl). Kiffy has been in a similar boat: teaching Microbiology things at CSULB, thesis proposing, and reading in his lawn chair in the sunshine.

We've also been driving around the newest addition to our family, our (my) new Hyundai Tuscon. She's a beaut! We drove her down to San Diego last weekend to visit with our dear, dear friends, Becca, Ryan, Gweener and Logan. Apparently, last weekend marked some anniversary of something navy-ish, so the Coronado navy base held this air "show," but it was really more like an air "demonstration"; there weren't any exciting, death defying stunts, just simple, um, fly-bys I guess is the word. Yeah, I saw a demonstration of planes flying. It was neat, but not exciting, but that's totally fine 'cause it was a beautiful day, we were with our buddies, and I snuck in a power nap on the cool navy base runway as planes hummed overhead and the crowd watched on with reverence and awe (not at me, but the planes). It was a fun getaway. We ended the day with delicious burgers, a bit of harmless gossip (which Becca and I are suckers for) and Ryan's famous milkshakes. Perfect day.

This weekend reminded me that my favorite seasons, spring and summer, are coming. I come alive in the spring and summer and I'm excited by the signs they're on their way.

Christmas Bests!

2010-12-17T15:40:00.000-08:00

This holiday season, Kiffy and I have been celebrating with some of our Christmas favorites. In the vein of Oprah, and because I'm in a very listy-slash-Christmasy mood, here are some of our Christmas bests.

Best Christmas Movies:

D: The Snowman

D: Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer

K/D: Home Alone

K/D: Christmas Vacation

D: Love, Actually

D: Pee Wee's Playhouse Christmas Special

Best Christmas Album:

K: A Charlie Brown Christmas

D: Mariah Carey!

Best Christmas Beverage:

K: Hot Cocoa and candy canes

D: Eggnog, but just a little bit...

Christmas Tree:

K: Douglas Fir

D: Noble Fir (but on the verge of converting to Douglas Firs?)

Christmas Song:

K: "O Little Town of Bethlehem"

D: "Happy Xmas War is Over" (the hippie in me), "Little Drummer Boy"

What are we missing???????

Showin' off the babe

2010-12-09T18:07:00.000-08:00

Richelle and Jason had a beeeeautiful baby boy with ten fingers and ten toes--he's perfect. His name is Triston Adam Divis. Just look at this face! So so cute. I can't believe Richelle and Jason are parents. Well, I can (and they will be wonderful parents); I'm just amazed by how life flies by so quickly and this little baby is already here. More photos over here!

P-I-Z-Z-A

2010-10-20T13:34:00.000-07:00

A dear friend sent this video my way. I watched, was disturbed, and decided this video deserves to be shared.

I guarantee this video will make you feel kind of weird inside (happy Halloween?).

Asian things and relaxation

2010-10-11T22:07:00.000-07:00

I've blogged before about how Little Saigon is an interesting little place with many hidden gems--delish boba places, pho places and whatnot. I might have even mentioned the cheap hour-long massages you can get there. Did I? Maybe, but you're going to hear about them again CAUSE they're just fifteen dollars for one hour! WHAT? Insane.

They may be advertised as "foot" massages, but foot massages they are not. They do seem a bit sketchy at first, but I assure you that if you overlook the sometimes dingy surroundings, disregard that you are in a room full of other clients simultaneously being massaged, know that the occasional smells of lunch being reheated in the micro will soon disappear with a few squirts of the Fabreeze (they are aware how distracting this can be to you as a client), you'll see that they are legit and will provide you with an hour of heaven that sometimes feels like hell, which includes peaceful nature soundscapes and a strong Korean man (or woman--in my experience the women bring the power a bit more) inflicting a kind of pain that only leads to feeling like jello for the next couple of days--always good.

I'm telling you, these "foot" masseurs know what they're doing. Those lucky few whom I've brought along with me (Kiffy included) often seem a bit apprehensive at first, but are extremely pleased they tried it out and often come back for more. Yep. I make a point to go monthly. In fact, I treated myself today and am feeling pretty darn fantastic.

Yahearrd??

2010-09-25T14:07:00.000-07:00

As you may know, my brother-in-law, Scotty--that standup guy--recently asked for the hand of his cute lady, Tristen. She accepted and their wedding day will be here in no time--Thanksgiving 2010! Needless to say, we had to get on their engagement photos stat, which proved a difficult task in itself; you see, Scotty is busy being a futbol star (for California State University Dominguez Hills) slash student slash pool boy, whilst Tristen is usually busy working long hours at her salon. I'm thrilled to be getting a new sister. Here's one photo from part 1 of their engagement shoot--see the rest on my photo blog.

A Lovely Evening at the Fair

2010-08-12T11:02:00.000-07:00

As per my summer tradition, I attended the fair last night. While there, I ate a hot dog as long (almost) as my arm and it was delicious. Aside from fair food, fair sights are my favorite part of this summertime gathering of folks.

Here is some of what I saw. There are a few more images on my my photo blog for your viewing pleasure.

Souvenirs

2010-07-30T17:01:00.000-07:00

The 'rents took a little trip to Scotland, England and Wales without Kiffy & me. Yeah, I was jealous. BUT I guess I can forgive them because they brought me back a box of these--French macarons from Laduree. I ate them for breakfast--ALL of them--every single one of them fashionable, colorful, flavory, and delicious. Best souvenir ever!

Hello, old friend

2010-07-29T12:15:00.000-07:00

First off, I know I've been MIA, but let's focus on the fact that I'm back, shall we? Second, check my photo blog for some new photos of Jay and Jana. I think you'll like them.

Lastly, I really like stop-motion and absolutely LOVE what PES does with it. Check out their clever "Western Spaghetti."

happy valentine's day!

2010-02-14T16:44:00.000-08:00

I'd be "LOST" without you...

2010-02-13T22:24:00.000-08:00

Because I'm obsessed and especially enjoy making Valentines...

Feel free to print these for that special nerd in your life.

photo of the day

2010-01-11T17:30:00.000-08:00

Yikes. Sorry for creeping you all out so much.

I think I do that often. I can't help that I like the creepy feel of this photograph.

My cousin Andy slipped a plastic mask over his face while he was driving (I

know, I know--masked driving isn't the safest) and I was able to snap this one just in time.

"check it out this" little baby

2009-12-12T11:11:00.000-08:00

He's so cute. His name is Klein. He belongs to this lady. If one is not enough, there are a few more photos of him on my photo blog.

Danielle Locken Photography

2009-12-03T22:34:00.000-08:00

I come bearing news (and I think it's good news).

In the wake of finding out that the domain name I had long been eyeing (grafiaphotography.com) has now been claimed, I've decided to take my photography business in a new direction by giving it a new name, and what better name than my own, right? Right?

Go check out Danielle Locken Photography and be sure to note that the URL is no longer grafiaphotography.blogspot.com.

For the month of December I'm offering a special on family and individual portrait sessions. $75 will get you a one-hour session with me at one location of your choice and a CD with all images from the session. This is the perfect time to get your Christmas card photos taken! I still have a few spots left, so email me at daniellelocken@gmail.com or ring me at 714-580-3111 to book a spot.

Also, be sure to become a fan of Danielle Locken Photography on Facebook and tell all your friends to do the same!

Phew. Okay, that was my little schpeel. Thanks for reading.

Love,

Danielle

sin city

2009-11-25T19:03:00.003-08:00

I didn't sin in sin city. I did, however, have a couple of virgin pina coladas, which were pretty fantastic. The cocktail waitress looked at me like I was a grandma (no offense to any grandmothers out there).

I also saw enough neon to hold me over for a few years.

help

2009-11-11T15:15:00.000-08:00

I'm pleading with you readers out there.
Someone, inject some sort of all-natural energizing and motivating something into my veins...
Schoolwork whispers in my ear, "time to work on me," but I just ignore its annoying little voice and find other things that need to be done--like dusting or slow-roasting chiles over the stove. Completely necessary.
It's that time of year again.

Pop Art

2009-11-08T16:04:00.001-08:00

strangers on this road we are on

we are not two; we are one

creeps of the month

2009-11-06T14:47:00.000-08:00

ventriloquist dummy

mad scientist

best HALLOWEEN songs?

2009-10-15T23:35:00.000-07:00

Kiffy came home the other day to find me listening to spooky Halloween sounds. He laughed at me and called me a weirdo (which I am, If you think about it--I mean, who listens to Halloween sounds like doors creeking, creepy organ music, werewolves howling, and creepy children giggling, just for kicks? I do. But I promise it's only a seasonal thing). I attempted to explain that I was constructing the perfect Halloween playlist. I've got my creepy soundscapes, but would like your opinion on other fitting songs that need to be added to the party portion of my playlist.

So far I've got:

"Weird Science"
"Dead Man's Party"
"Rock Lobster"
"Ghost Town"
"Thriller"
"Love Will Tear Us Apart"
"Head Over Heels"
"The Monster Mash"
"Somebody's Watching Me"

Herein lies my problem. My list is so sad.

beisbol, shmeisbol

2009-10-13T14:15:00.001-07:00

Some of you may agree that baseball games are ... well ... boring. Please forgive me if you're a fan, it's just that they are soooooo loooooooooooooooong and slllloooooooooooooooow. Things are looking up, though! I found a way to pass the time I spend at baseball games rather pleasantly.

Kiffy loves baseball. It's a trait passed down from his father's side. My brother and his girlfriend are insane Doyer (Dodger) fans. So naturally, at the Dodger game, Kiffy, my brother, and my brother's girlfriend have a wonderful time. I, on the other hand, have a wonderful time for other reasons--'cause I get to eat LOADS of junk (It was the best).

Sitting in my nose-bleed seat with no room for my lanky legs to stretch, my mind is in a completely different place from the company I keep. I'm sure a few die-hard Dodger fans (like the ones we pass on our way in who beg for extra tickets) would like to smack some sense into me if they only knew I care nothing for baseball.

I pass the time by planning out my meal for the night (Dodger Dog--check. Nachos--check--but I have to share with Kiffy. Frozen lemonade--check), then eating my meal, and watching beach balls bounce through the crowd.

Had you been there, you might have heard me asking, "What's the score," "Who's up?" or "What inning is it?" I didn't know. And I didn't really care either way. I was happy with my food and my company.

a visit from gramma

2009-09-30T23:34:00.000-07:00

Get out your red pens and open up your ears. School House Rock enlightens grammar-starved minds and
makes good music. Can I get this on my Ipod?

Now that we've had a quick review, let's practice, shall we? To echo the words of my eye doctor,

"One better, or two better?

Three, or four?

Again?

Three? Four?

About the same?"

Go to it:

1. The man who/whom I almost hit with my car was riding a bicycle.

2. Dunder Mifflin Corporation bases its/their decisions on extensive research.

3. Someone on the chess team left their/his or her Trapper Keeper on the table.

oh gnome!

2009-09-25T00:02:00.000-07:00

A bit creepy, a little heartbreaking, kind of funny, and very nostalgic. I never knew this would be the fate of David the Gnome, but I guess eternal life as a tree is only fitting for gnomes, and it ain't a bad way to go either. Apparently, this is the very last episode of the TV show I loved as a kid, and a heavy episode it is. This is just a small clip.
You may cry a tear, as did I--I'm just sayin'.

tea time

2009-09-12T23:45:00.000-07:00

Lady Toni Donovan hosted an afternoon tea for the ladies in our family (although some gentlemen decided to crash it).

It was a beautiful afternoon--my eyeballs were inspired and my taste buds were satiated. There were yummy treats, beautiful outfits (hats were mandatory), an array of tea cups and saucers to choose from, and lots of feminine chit-chat.

I gorged myself on too many scones and delicate finger sandwiches--not very ladylike--but, oh well.

summer love

2009-09-10T00:22:00.000-07:00

Some very sweet people right here.

Check le photo blog

for more of this duo.

don't tell Kiffy...

2009-09-03T17:05:00.000-07:00

I was looking through his CD collection as I was updating my ipod and found something I thought you might find interesting. It was an ATB CD (you'll remember them from the tune below).

This is how I know we're one another's perfect match. There's nothing like good/bad techo beats that make me feel like I'm soaring through a jungle.

Don't ask.

I have a husband who enjoys the same and I'm sure would understand exactly what was meant by that last bit. I can just picture us growing old together, sitting on the front porch in our rocking chairs, watching the sun as it sets, CD player at
our feet blasting "Don't Stop."

Sweat-tember

2009-08-31T22:03:00.000-07:00

THINGS I LEARNED ON THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL:

1. It's difficult to fit my new lunch bag into my backpack--a total disappointment.

2. Wyatt from Weird Science is the new Medievalist in our English Department. WEEEEEEEEEIRD!

3. Budget cuts = sweaty classrooms = sweaty Danielle & sweaty Kiffy.

4. Furlough days = me getting gypped.

stay-cation day 2

2009-08-27T22:29:00.000-07:00

One trip to The Container Store, two organized sock drawers, (I don't know if these first two should be included as official stay-cation activities) one matinee, and a couple of never-ending pasta bowls later, and we've come to the conclusion of our stay-cation. As promised, it was quite eventful.

However, today we did bike to 7-11 for Slurpees. I guess if we count working, going to school, and running seemingly pointless errands as the necessary evils of our stay-cations, and throw in some fun here and there, it seems our lives can be perceived as one perpetual stay-cation, can't they?

Maybe not.

And maybe next time we'll just go camping.

stay-cation day 1

2009-08-13T18:18:00.000-07:00

We are broke. So, we'll be having a stay-cation this summer.

Kiffy hates hybrid words, by the way (he told me so when I brought up having a stay-cation this year), but I think they are clever. Stay-cation, stay-cation. Ever since he agreed to this so-called stay-cation, he says I've been over using the term. He's right.

Day one consisted of once again taking advantage of our close proximity to Little Saigon. We dropped some big bucks and had 15 dollar hour-long massages. You might be thinking this sounds a little sketchy. I did too. And maybe it is a little bit. But, alas, it was legit and strong Korean men do give great massages. We both had a fine, relaxing time, and isn't that what massages are all about anyway?

To top off our luxurious day, we got some delicious chicken McNuggets to fill our bellies as per Kiffy's request. A fine day, indeed!

Stay tuned to see what day 2 has in store for us. Ohhhh, exciting!

band meeting

2009-08-11T14:11:00.000-07:00

our place or yours?

Pretty Amy

2009-08-10T18:50:00.000-07:00

I need more models. Any takers?

happy birthday, ma

2009-08-09T20:40:00.000-07:00

Fun day. Inclusive of pozole, carrot cake and cousins! Here are a few cousins. There's more to glimpse on my photo blog!

perks of teaching in Little Saigon

2009-08-04T18:13:00.000-07:00

BOBA smoothies on a boiling day! I've acquired quite the taste for those strange-textured little tapioca pearls. Remember when Boba became the hip thing to drink? The hype over Boba has died out some since cupcakes and fro-yo have taken it's place, but there will always be a corner in my heart for Boba. Doubleplusgood!

Ladybugs

2009-05-25T13:54:00.000-07:00

the unreasonable dreamer in me is always thinking about the next exciting trip we can take

2009-05-21T13:46:00.000-07:00

If I didn't have Kiffy to bring me back down to earth and remind me that my big dreams are a little too excessive for our penniless state, I'd probably be sleeping under a freeway overpass somewhere in Los Angeles.

BUT, this time we've come to an agreement that in T minus 365 days we'll embark on the road trip of our lives!! The planning is officially underway.

The plan is to take one month next summer and drive cross-country so we can explore the good ole' USA.

We figure it's about 3,500 miles, give or take a few, from California to the East coast. We're not quite sure of the routes we'll take yet. But I do know that I plan on eating fried green tomatoes, stopping in as many podunk towns as possible, and seeing Coney Island.

Any suggestions of must-sees we shouldn't miss?

I'm looking forward to the open road. Until then, we'll be packing this baby with our spare change to keep the dream alive!

A twitch of the scalp

2009-05-19T11:40:00.000-07:00

I have one. 27 hours without sleep and counting . . .

Question: at what point does lack of sleep become dangerous?

And they will have children with beautiful eyes

2009-05-17T21:30:00.000-07:00

For more, check out grafia photography!

My sentiments exactly

2009-05-12T17:37:00.000-07:00

Analyze this!

2009-05-12T14:56:00.001-07:00

"Children's Games" by Brueghel

The poem by William Carlos Williams about the painting by Brueghel:

Children's Games

I

This is a schoolyard
crowded
with children

of all ages near a village
on a small stream
meandering by

where some boys
are swimming
bare-ass

or climbing a tree in leaf
everything
is motion

elder women are looking
after the small
fry

a play wedding a
christening
nearby one leans

hollering
into
an empty hogshed

II

Little girls
whirling their skirts about
until they stand out flat

tops pinwheels
to run in the wind with
or a toy in 3 tiers to spin

with a piece
of twine to make it go
blindman's-buff follow the

leader stilts
high and low tipcat jacks
bowls hanging by the knees

standing on your head
run the gauntlet
a dozen on their backs

feet together kicking
through which a boy must pass
roll the hoop or a

construction
made of bricks
some mason has abandoned

III

The desperate toys
of children
their

imagination equilibrium
and rocks
which are to be

found
everywhere
and games to drag

the other down
blindfold
to make use of

a swinging
weight
with which

at random
to bash in the
heads about

them
Brueghel saw it all
and with his grim

humor faithfully
recorded
it

Love this kid for various reasons . . .

2009-05-11T17:31:00.000-07:00

one being that he does what I say

mary

2009-04-22T20:03:00.000-07:00

Today I was able to photograph little Mary Lockhart. She was so adorable in her strawberry outfit. She was smiling lots and was such a good model.

a day in the life

2009-04-09T15:02:00.000-07:00

Today consists of translating Beowulf from Old English into Modern English and that's about it.

Kiffy is busy doing mad-scientist things in his lab.

And now that we've completed all ten seasons of Friends, we don't know what to do with our lives.

we're on a boat!

2009-04-01T13:46:00.000-07:00

Had a little photo shoot/bike ride day with Anne Bench today. We had lots of fun!

we call this one "ANTARCTICA"

oh snap!

isn't she lovely in tiger stripes?

tamales for me

2009-03-30T19:45:00.000-07:00

Today my mother and grandmother made tamales and atole. MMMMMM! The two accompany one another really well. Dinner was spectacular!

Being Mexican means Kiffy and I get free tamales! A whole bag fullovem! Come over and maybe we'll eat 'em up together.

Joshua Tree through the new lens

2009-03-30T18:55:00.001-07:00

Where the Wild Things Are

2009-03-26T14:08:00.000-07:00

Watch the trailer here!

SPRING BREAK 2009!!

2009-03-26T13:29:00.001-07:00

HOLLA. Right now, I feel the way these silly sunburned college kids from (perhaps) the Midwest do. I'm not in Cancun checking out scantily clad bodies or sipping beach-themed cocktails. But, it's spring break. Time to have time to do things I love. We're headed to Joshua Tree for some camping fun. We'll commune with nature and regroup amongst the jumbo rocks and pretty flowers. Ahhh, I'm so happy. I feel the stress melting away already. Kiffy, I'm sure, feels the same way.

word of advice

2009-03-23T12:50:00.000-07:00

To those who own a camera, NEVER EVER attempt to clean dust off your sensor/focusing screen/mirror on your own. Let someone who knows what they're doing take care of it. You just might break something, as did I, and want to kick yourself in the neck, as did I. Learn this lesson the easy way and take my advice.

King Cake!

2009-02-26T17:40:00.000-08:00

I had my first taste of King Cake today in honor of Mardi Gras.

Yup, interesting day.

I never knew there was such a thing.

It's a pastry-like cake filled with cream cheese and apple goodness and decorated in green, gold and purple sprinkles, the official colors of Mardi Gras. New Orleanians, or those who participate in the OG Mardi Gras festivities, (it hasn't always been about winning beads in very bad, dirty, dirty ways) hold this very special treat near and dear to their hearts.

There's even a little baby baked into the cake. Not a human baby, (that would be disgusting, of course) but a miniature, plastic, human baby. The lucky person who finds the baby in his slice is made king or queen for the day and is also responsible for providing the next King Cake.

my inner nerd

2009-02-10T18:33:00.000-08:00

An abstract for a paper I wrote for my comics class (yes, I'm taking a class in grad school on comics) on Watchmen was accepted to an academic conference--The Living Text 2009--at CSUF. I've got mixed feelings about it all.

On the one hand, I'm very excited to know that my hard work is taking me places and I'll have the chance to have my work heard. I mean, this is what grad students are supposed to do. I sort of feel official now. On the other, I'm frightened of speaking for 20 minutes in front of a large group of really smart strangers, turning beet red, looking like I can't breathe, sounding like I have a Birmingham accent because It's impossible for me to breathe, etc.

These are all valid fears because they've happened to me before. I'm hoping that one day all of these things that happen to me when I get really nervous will never happen again because I'll somehow get over my fear of speaking in public to my peers or superiors.

Strange, but this never happened to me when I taught ESL. I think it was because I spoke English and my students, well, didn't.

Old Elvish

2009-02-05T17:54:00.000-08:00

Don't ask me why, but this semester I'm taking a course on Old English among others. Sure, it's a dead language, but it has its benefits--one possibly being the ability to sound like I speak Elvish.

My poor husband. He's got a geek for a wife. Anyway, Mel's got the right idea in this little video.

mushaboom

2009-01-20T15:23:00.000-08:00

Red mushrooms with white spots. We saw these babies on a hike. They don't just exist in Super Mario Bros.

top secret camping

2009-01-19T21:50:00.000-08:00

We packed our packs and took a long drive up the coast to Big Sur where we camped, hiked and communed with nature. On one of our last hikes we discovered a top secret campsite beneath a few redwoods, nestled atop a cliff that overlooks the ocean. If you glimpse the photo seen here, the campsite was hidden away in the trees on the cliff above the waterfall. It looked pretty perfect as it was complete with a glorious vista and the accompanying soundtrack of crashing waves, which we decided will either sing us to sleep or keep us awake, but either way, we plan to make a reservation in the near future for this super exclusive campsite. Want to come?

umbrella

2009-01-16T15:26:00.000-08:00

RIP hansel & gretel

2008-12-13T18:30:00.000-08:00

In my version, they die in an earthquake. So sad. Look at the devastation.

not your average bored game

2008-12-09T21:42:00.000-08:00

This is my homage to Balderdash, my favorite game in all the land. It trumps Settlers (I'm not big on intense competition), Scrabble, Signs, etc. I think I'm going to lug it around with me wherever I go and attempt to make people play with me as often as possible until I get sick of it.

With the right group of people, you can have yourselves hours upon hours of stomach-toning fun. And who doesn't want to play a game that will simultaneously work out your ab muscles? It brings out the wit in your friends, giving you reason to love them all the more and has the potential to boost your self-concept and make you feel funny.

Kiffy thinks this last reason is why I love it so much, and he's right.

nostalgia

2008-11-12T14:58:00.000-08:00

Is it possible to have nostalgia for a past you've never lived through?
I'm sitting in a Starbucks trying to study, but they're playing a bunch of oldies and my mind is wandering. For instance, right now they're playing "Why Do Fools Fall in Love" and I feel like I should be in a poodle skirt. Not that I particularly have a desire to live in the 1950s. I don't dig containment culture, cold war and the fear-mongering that went along with it. But there are some things I get nostalgic about. Lounge music does the same thing for me. Strange, I know. "The Girl from Ipanema" can be playing and forget it--I feel like I belong in the 50s hosting a cocktail party. I don't particularly associate these times with happiness or traditional values once had. Or do I?

the world feels a little bit different

2008-11-06T10:44:00.000-08:00

I'd like to extend a virtual "Obama pound" to everyone out there in cyberspace. Personally, I'm thrilled the White House will be home to the sharp looking Obama family. We're living in a world where one no longer has to be rich, white, and male to become the president. The world feels different to me.

listen up, Mr. T has something very important to say

2008-09-03T11:28:00.000-07:00

I know their day has come and gone, but in anticipation of the next day of mothers, let us consider this very educational/inspirational video. Perhaps we'll take away something very important and be sure to always treat our mothers right! Treat Your Mother Right

summertime in Yosemite

2008-08-05T23:13:00.000-07:00

OC fair

2008-07-26T10:56:00.000-07:00

I'm a sucker when it comes to the fair. I love the over-stimulating environment it offers my eyes, ears,
nose, etc--the aesthetically pleasing bright colors, the obnoxious pumping of techno beats, the smell of deep-fried everything, heart-attack-inducing everything, and the opportunity to indulge in a few fair sweets. I'll even risk my life and the life of my beloved husband on an extra-wobbly and sketchy fair ride for the sake of a thrill and a good time. And although I've already been--twice--I'll probably go again with you if you ask me to. County fairs are just so "American" and definitely sites to be seen, heard, smelled, and tasted. Plus, the people watching is top-notch.

This is Bailey, a little beggar child we happened upon at the fair. Bailey was starving. For only 14 cents a day, we could have fed her a well balanced meal for up to 5 months. Instead, we opted to feed her funnel cake.

Anne, bothered by the surplus of attention a starving Bailey was receiving, claimed she, too, was starving and needed funnel cake to suffice.

Kiffy, however, swiped Anne's funnel cake and crafted it into a makeshift mustachio!

And Callie, in a fit of sibling rivalry, just smiled . . . As of now, Callie and Anne are no longer on speaking terms. It is terrible! It's terrible.

oh, the anticipation!

2008-07-19T11:58:00.000-07:00

The Road by Cormac McCarthy is one of my favorite American novels and it comes highly recommended by yours truly. It tells the tale of a man and his young son in a post-apocalyptic world in which they attempt to survive. Among other things, it tells of the good and evil in people and the lingering presence of hope in even the worst of situations. I hope this film is faithful to the novel it's based on. Either way, I'll definitely be seeing this one when it finally comes out. Read The Road, tell me what you think, and then see the film, maybe.

yippeeee!

2008-07-10T22:07:00.000-07:00

This is the latest! I was accepted to graduate school at Cal State University, Long Beach for my master's in English Literature and I'm feeling pretty pleased as punch and very relieved! I've had a few very brilliant English professors at CSULB over the years and I feel privileged to get the chance to study with them again. This is something I've always wanted and I'm excited that I get the chance to make a dream come true for myself. It will definitely be tough trying to balance work, endless writing, and a life, but I'm confident I'll make it all work. Besides, Kiffy's schoolwork ethic helps to keep me from straying from what I need to get done. He's a maniac when it comes to school, but in the good maniac sort of way.

I begin this fall. Wish me your best!

salton seagoers

2008-06-22T13:53:00.000-07:00

Strange things take place in small towns. My cousins and I took a trip to the Salton Sea and stopped off at some pretty amazing and strange places along the way.

THE SALTON SEA
What was once a happening seaside resort town is now a ghost town with a few strange residents still living amidst the stinky sea.

SALVATION MOUNTAIN
This was our strangest stop and my favorite. Salvation Mountain appeared in the Oscar-nominated film, Into the Wild, and so did its maker, Leonard Knight. He is a strange old man, yet also very sweet and especially determined. He's been working on this piece of art for 24 years and living in a very small trailer, without electricity, on the grounds. I don't know how he stands it out there in the summertime, with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees (it was about 120 degrees when we visited). He was really excited when we showed up and asked if he could show us around. This man just wants to share his mountain and his message of love with as many people as he can.

He builds his mountain from hay bales and adobe and adorns it with objects he finds in the desert like tires, tree branches, car parts, and other junk. His mountain includes a "museum" with pictures and news clippings of the mountain plastered to the colorful walls. People bring him paint and help him out as he's in his 70s. This man is awesome. If you're up for something wacky, I recommend checking Salvation Mountain out.

andy's BBQ birthday!

2008-05-31T21:34:00.000-07:00

complete with hamburger art

and creepy faces

james, kiffy

mom, daniel

colie, christopher

ashley, stella

toni, mia

daniel, micheal

so, who wins for best "creepiest" face?

the ranch

2008-05-19T15:11:00.000-07:00

We took a short trip to the ranch (June Mountain) this weekend with Mark and Kate Lockhart and Kate's pregnant belly to celebrate our freedom from school for the summer. We were there for about 24 hours and had lots of fun. I followed Kate's lead and ate like a pregnant woman. We stopped by Denny's on the road there and ate heart-attack-inducing grand slam's for breakfast, and Connie made us some A-mazing potatoes, creamed corn and ribs for dinner that night. We also ate delicious gas station candy. It snowed. The boys fished. I snapped what few photos I could without my fingers going numb. Oh, and we sat in the spa. Lovely.

misery

2008-05-18T17:32:00.000-07:00

This is how I feel about finals:
(That's yours truly on the bottom right)

milhouse van houten

2008-05-18T17:08:00.000-07:00

tristan & isolde

2008-05-12T16:40:00.000-07:00

Honestly, need I say more? Yeow ...

meet barkley, the 13 inch beagle

2008-05-12T16:27:00.000-07:00

She enjoys tug-o-war, sunbathing, fetch, and cuddling. Though she doesn't belong to us per se, she probably should. My parents are her rightful owners, but Kiffy and I probably love and play with her much more and are therefore her better friends. Seriously, who needs human babies when you can have doggy babies?

The dogs as children bit is a joke. Relax. We'll have babies, just not for 15 years.

field trip

2008-04-29T08:24:00.000-07:00

I took a few of my students from my ESL class on a field trip to the Long Beach aquarium. They loooooved it. It was pretty cute seeing how excited they got. They are all international students from either Vietnam or South Korea studying abroad. Most of them hardly travel out of the areas where they're living in California, so I figured I'd show them around a bit. After the aquarium, I took them to my favorite Mexican restaurant, Pancho's, a little hole in the wall I've been going to since birth. Everything on the menu was rather foreign to them. It was good practice for them to order in English and they loved the food. It was a fun day. Pretty long, but overall it was an interesting experience.

I'm really enjoying teaching ESL. I learn a lot from my students as well. Por ejemplo:

In South Korea, all men must serve in the military.
The legal number of children you can have in Vietnam is 2.
Karaoke is an American-modified word derived from the Japanese words "kara," meaning empty, and "okesutora," meaning orchestra. A favorite pastime of Vietnamese and Koreans, and especially my students, is singing Karaoke.
They sure know how to pose. Especially the Korean students. I felt pretty boring with just a smile to offer up to the camera.

hike day!

2008-04-25T15:07:00.000-07:00

The weather's been so nice lately, so we felt like being real adventurous and rode our bikes and found a pleasant little place to hike around. The El Dorado Nature center. Don't knock it 'til you try it (again). I was skeptical at first, seeing as the last time I had been there I was a five year old or so, but this nature center is not so bad. There are really pretty flowers blooming this time of year, and if you're into turtles, lizards, ducks, squirrels, bunnies, and bugs, there's lots. I give it a b+ for the peaceful trails (if you go when it's not so busy) and pretty flowers.

hello!

2007-10-19T00:20:00.000-07:00

We just made the move from Huntington Beach to Long Beach, and so far we're loving where we're at. We're much closer to school (it's practically across the street) and we're in a great neighborhood with lots of character. We managed to find a very cozy, very little cottage to rent for ourselves via Craig's List. It's nice, as it feels more like a home than our last apartment. Oh, and it comes with a yard! Unheard of!