My last boyfriend was from Zacatapec, Mexico (the reason for my 'I don't date esl' rule). On our first Valentine's Day I decided to get him a card en español, which was very easy to do in my hometown of Oxnard. Because we had only been together since December, I found myself searching for any card void of the words "amor" or "esposo". I finally settled on a card with a black and white picture of a sailboat with red edges, and a short message. It didn't have any cartoon animals, bright red hearts, or lip prints, so I figured it was a good choice.
I took it in to work with me on the day before the big day, to have my friend Ralph look it over for anything gooshy or overly heartfelt that I had missed.

After his hysterical laughter had subsided, he said:

"Lisa, you can't give this to him."

"Why not??"

"Because it says 'To my favorite Uncle on Valentine's Day!!!'"

It's a little dark, and we can't remember what song was playing.

But check out the fierce pigtail swirl by Sadie!

It's a Shirley - Beggs face - off at Pine Summit!!!!

Something in the Water

Yes, it's blurry

This is a picture of my front door taken while the room was relatively dark, aka why my apartment is so cold.

Much harder.

-In what episode does Jerry make mention of his sister?

Seinfeld Trivia

-This guy refers to himself in the third person. What is his name?

-Why does he slip and fall in the locker room?

-He and Elaine attend a benefit- who is performing?

Are we done with these yet, or are they still funny?

"Hello pretty lady, Wow, you seem to be so cute & irresistible girl. Can I be your friend? I am sorry if I bothered u but, Like to hear from you soonest. Sami"

I shall title this... ping-pong

Our Sectional Conference

was held this week at Pine Summit in Big Bear. The speakers, senimars and ping-pong sessions were just what we all needed. More to come...

Big Business in a Small Town

The Shirleys must have seen the signs of fatigue in our faces, because they very kindly offered to take us to Starbucks on the second day of the conference. And although I very much appreciated the dining hall's coffee-from-concentrate for its never-ending flow, the green and white mermaid brought me much happiness.

Pumpkin Squares. Beautiful? Yes. Delicious? Could be.

I will be a party to it, I will go to great lengths to prepare it, but I cannot and will not accept squash as a dessert.

Wild

They seemed to be docile,

as they grazed on ziplocked citrus.

The male clearly the ringleader,

the female failed to usurp control of the main foodsource,

but was easily tamed by Goldfish.

Next time you need blood drawn,

do it in the Cali desert. We had an hour to kill, but we did so in style.

Even Worse?

WELL LIKE YOU KNOW I WORK AT COZY HOME AND I WORK TUESDAY THRU SATURDAY, SO WHEN I WORK I DONT GO OUT AND ON MY DAYS OFF I CHILL WITH THE FAMILY. I HAVE MY HOMMIE AARON COME VISIT AND I REALLY DONT GO OUT ANY WHERE CAUSE I REALLY DONT KNOW ANY ONE HERE IN HEMET AND THE FEW I KNOW ARE MARRIED AND CANT GO OUT. THEN WHEN IT COMES TO AARON WE JUST CHILL AT THE PAD. THAT IS WHY I HOPE YOU WILL COME AROUND SO WE COULD CHILL TOGETHER OR GO TO DISNEY LAND TOGETHER. WELL YOU ARE VERY PRETTY AND I CAN TREAT YOU LIKE THE QUEEN YOU ARE!! I CANT GET PAST YOUR BEUTIFUL EYES AND LOVELY SMILE. I WANT TO GO OUT WITH YOU AND YOU WILL LEARN IM A GOOD GUY AND IF YOU KNEW MY PAST YOU WOULD THINK IM A GOOD MAN!!!
GET BACK AT ME
JAVIER

Sebadoh -- Flame

Dear Creature,

You have not agreed to my ground rules, nor have you heeded my warnings, and now it's time for me to send someone up there. I gave you plenty of chances. I did my best to ignore your scurrying. I pushed the thought of attic vermin down to a quiet spot in my subconscious. I did little more than bang on the ceiling on that weekend when you had...um...company. But now, the long stints of gnawing have troubled me. It can't be good for whatever is keeping my roof on. It was a stretch from the beginning. No one thought that it would work out. I don't even really like animals that much.

It's over.

It's not me.

It's you.

"The Christian is not only bound to avoid certain evils, but he is responsible for very great goods." --Thomas Merton

Somebody recently called me a lazy poster. That somebody should watch out. Often times when I don't have any recent pictures...I post old ones, and I do have some lovely shots of said someone with blue hair.

The Getty

Brother Party Crash #2

Saturday night after the baby shower we went over to my brothers' house and crashed the Beaty and the Geek/ birthday party (it was planned by the birthday girl, a friend from Dave's old church). We arrived during the gameshow, which I never fully understood, but it was entertaining to see my brothers all geeked out. We found out that it was a theme party at the last minute, and Sarah did her best to look like a geek by bringing along The Adventures of a Letter and sporting pigtails and her house key pinned to her sweater. We spent most of the party on the couch singing along with the radio and taking fuzzy pictures of ourselves. Go figure.

Another Sarah Wonder

Never been to a party planned by Sarah? Well you should really get yourself on the guest list, because they're doozies. Sharon's baby shower was a tea complete with handmade scones, lemon curd and clotted cream, cake and fruit tarts from Gelson's and, of course, tiny sandwiches.

We'll miss you Paulwentzellsons!!

-

My dad was born on March 5, 1943. Today I will quietly celebrate his voice and his lessons and his love which are here though he is not.

Sushi Mac

Create Your Own


Kelly and I crashed a few of my brothers' parties this weekend. On Friday we went to Sushi Mac where the menu cruises by on a conveyor belt, and the thudding beat of techno music blares without apology. It's cash only with a line of people at the door. Bob wanted to set the camera's timer for ten second intervals, then send it on the belt, but I was afraid it wouldn't make it back to me.

The Wrong Way

Even if you are "looking for a help mate", don't do it on myspace. And don't send strangers in other states messages like this:

I first seen your smile and the beauty of your eyes, I could only imagine sharing some time with you, and having you near. For friendship first and Possibilities we may see, together we will never know, unless we be true. Will you take my friendship offer, Will you open your mind, Can we say Hello to one another, and start a friendship divine. I am here saying, I want to know you more. I saw you at a glance, and to the day I wished for a dance. to stare at your smile and your beauty, to be Lost within the falling stars. My dreams were set high, my Love and honor swept deep. To your presence i will sing, to your honor I will be. Everything all the time, into eternity

It's creepy.

What a difference a blade makes

Before

After

Fashion Island

Last stop on the California train was Orange County. We hit up fashion island, and bought absolutely nothing. We oohed at the koi, danced in the toy store, and ate at the California Pizza Kitchen.

San Diego

I took tons of pictures of hippopotami and such at the zoo, but here's my favorite shot of the day:

Point Loma

Not a bad view to wake up to, huh? Thanks again to Steve for being so gracious!

No amount of mental squinting can correct the farsightedness of my mind's eye.

March