Caving, snorkling, stargazing...must be Hawaii!

I spent three weeks on the Big Island again this December. It was the first time I'd seen my mom in 2 months and my dad in 10 months, so this trip was far overdue!!

We spent most of the first week and a half in the water snorkling. The waters on the East side of the big island are not particularly known for their clear snorkle worthy water, but we do know some great places that rival any other spots I've seen in the rest of the islands. The Kapoho (Vacation Land) area, for instance, is a series of crystal clear tide pools. They are full of a kaleidascope of colorful corals and tropical fish. You need to be there when the tide is in, and be willing to swim in some areas only a couple of inches deep to travel from pool to pool, but it is so worth it! This area is a opehe preserve and fishing is strictly not allowed, but that makes it all the more wonderful.

Another great place to go, just up the road from Kapoho, is the warm ponds. While the selection of fish is less diverse than other areas, this natural warm spring was walled and resembles a swimming pool, but has a ocean inlet that feeds cool water in which is warmed by the geothermal springs. The water is rarely below 80 degrees.

We enjoy an area in Hilo called Richardson Center which is a cove protected by a sea wall a few miles from the Hilo bay and marina. This area is not a clear as others, but we have frequently swam with green sea turtles (honu) in this area. We saw several picasso triggerfish, also known as humuhumunukunkuapua'a, the Hawaiian state fish. There were Christmas wrass, a psychedelically colorful fish, yellow tangs, parrotfish, etc. This is a frequent stopover for tourists off of the cruise ships so there are often large groups visiting, and mom loves to talk to the newly visiting, sharing her island home with them. Someday, she will be a fulltime tour guide, I'm sure.

My dad and I went spelunking in a 2+ mile deep lava tube just outside of Hilo. The lava tube dates back about 100 years or so, and travels upward into the mountainside. It is about 15 feet wide, with a 25+ foot ceiling. After bouldering over a small cave in and ducking through an opening about 3 feet tall, we began the journey uphill, all the while imagining the 2500 degree lava that had once careened through this tube. We got about a quarter of a mile up and turned off our flashlights to truly experience the deep, inky blackness. There were no creatures that we saw, and no plant life, except the roots of plants far above us. There was some sort of powdery fungus on the walls, and it was very wet and drippy. It was a thrilling experience. I plan to explore more caves and lava tubes in the future. The photo is me just outside the opening of the tube.

We also took advantage of the 'Imiloa Astronomy Center, a fantastic museum and planetarium run by University of Hawaii-Hilo. We watched their presentations on Mauna Kea and Black Holes and enjoyed the children-centric hands on museum which had several areas dedicated to Hawaiian History. I love planetariums and this one was great. The young lady who was our host for the shows also walked us through what we might expect in the night sky over Hilo (if it weren't always raining!)

Red Bluff's M & M Ranch Restaurant

Boy, it seems I've been trying lots of local eateries this month. Today, for my co-worker's birthday, we went to M & M Ranch in Frontier Village (Old Cowtown, for those of us who've been here for a while).

M & M, in case you are a long time resident, is in the old Da Vinci's building. It has a clean, comfortable interior; nothing special. The food, however, was pretty great. I had the tri-tip vegetable soup which was full of thick sliced zucchini, carrots, celery and hearty pieces of tri-tip. My lunch was their island burger, a thick (really thick!) hamburger topped with a slice of ham, cheese, a pineapple ring and teriyaki sauce. This was a tasty burger! The patty was juicy, cooked perfectly medium, the ham was flavorful, not too salty, and the sauce was not overpowering. I would have loved a larger slice of grilled pineapple, but that is my only complaint. It took all I had to keep that nice, drippy burger from getting all over my clothes.

This was a keeper. My co-workers also seemed quite happy with their selections, some with breakfast foods like fluffy pancakes and a really lovely looking egg, spinach and cheese wrap, mounds of hash browns, and crispy bacon. One had a really nice tuna melt with toasted bread and pepper jack cheese. Everything looked great.

A Plethora of Ice Cream Choices: Leisert Ice Cafe

Red Bluff is one happening town when it comes to the urge for ice cream treats. Besides the Baskin Robins that has been here for years and recently remodeled, and Tommy K's, we are also graced with Leisert Ice Cafe on Main Street in the old Ry Del Shoes location.

Leisert is a gelato shop, featuring (what else?) gelato and sorbetto. They have a wide array of flavor choices as well as sundaes and treats. Despite some set backs in their first months, like a very public dispute with the building owner and some troubles with former employees, plus a very ugly economy, they offer high quality products in a lovely atmosphere. Now they will be serving lunch items like soup and sandwiches--very welcome if the weather decides to act like it is November.

It is gratifying to see that, despite a bleak economic outlook, businesses are still taking hold in our community. All the best of luck to our new businesses--here's to a fully filled main street!

Tommy K's Frozen Yogurt

The other night I went to a new business here in Red Bluff--Tommy K's 3 Alarm Yogurt. Our town has been without a frozen yogurt shop for a couple of years since Yogurt Alley closed, and so when this place opened up, we were so excited. Add to that the fact that it is the realization of a dream of a well-know local fire fighter whom was killed and I definitely feel the need to support this place.

It is an unusual place. You are given a cup and sent to the yogurt dispenser to choose from four flavors or swirls. They you can have at the topping bar. There are dozens of toppings to choose from: candy pieces, sprinkles, fruits, coconut, nuts, cherries, chocolate or butterscotch sauces, you name it. It was an overwhelming task to choose the right combination (I went with a raspberry yogurt with caramel pieces, chocolate sprinkles and strawberries). After you create, your masterpiece is weighted and you are charged 40 cents an ounce.

The price was reasonable, the yogurt was great and the topping choices were spectacular. I will be going back--what a great treat!

Ashland 2008

I just got back from Ashland Oregon, and had the priviledge of seeing A Midsummer Night's Dream on closing night. The show was very imaginative and beautiful, and the fairies were essentially portrayed as gay disco dancers which I thought was really cool.

The weather was what I always expect when I go to Ashland--chilly and rainy. I always feel cheated when I go in the Summer and it is hot in Ashland. It just doesn't seem right!

We had salted caramel hot chocolate at Starbucks and enjoyed a chilly but relaxing political discussion on the porch. The hot cocoa is soooo good. I just love this drink. However, our political talk encouraged another pair to begin a discussion that was, well, racist at best and downright infuriating.

We again ate at the Standing Stone Brewery, and enjoyed some hearty salads with grilled chicken and some honey cream ale, which was quite tasty. I just really enjoy the atmosphere.

We stayed at a really dumpy Econolodge, really run down, not terribly clean, etc. They did have a free breakfast with a waffle bar, but as I am insulin resistant, I cannot eat such sugary foods. It was nice to have a steaming cup of coffee as we had to leave pretty early.

I look forward to next season and enjoying a new set of plays and more great food in this cute little town.

Great news nationally, disappointment close to home

I am still grinning when I think of our president-elect and the change that is to come. Our country is in dire straits, and our civil rights are challenged at every turn.

Unfortunately, the state I live in, California, has embraced a constitutional amendment promoting discrimination and hate: proposition 8 passed (just barely). Gay rights have plummeted in our supposedly liberal state. I feel so worried for the families who are affected by this...are their marriages going to be annulled? It is going to court, so we'll see where this goes.

He won!! We won!!!

I am so thrilled and relieved that Mr. Barack Obama has won! He will be our 44th president. I was really nervous all day, worried that McCain would win, but no more. I am elated!

The Office Updates...and more

I just watched the 4th episode of The Office, season 6 (thank God for DVR!) and I am so far loving it, but quite disappointed. Please note, if you have not been watching but wish to, here be spoilers. Go to www.nbc.com/the_office to catch up, then come on back to read.

So, Pam is at art school in New York, which means that we have seen her for minutes per episode. As Pam and Jim are my favorites, this is killing me! They are focusing heavily on Michael/Holly and Dwight/Angela/Andy--interesting stories, I'll admit, but now that J&P are engaged, I want to see THEM planning a wedding. Jim did meet up with Roy in this last one, got super paranoid about Pam's new friendships and life in NY and almost pulled the jealous boyfriend arrival at her dorm.

It is pretty painful to watch Michael and Holly together. Their awkwardness and utter dorkdom is so excruciating for me to see, but they are really very well matched.

Dwight is in serious pain in his socially retarded, inept jealousy and hurt at Angela and Andy's relationship. It is fun to watch his irrational fight for his woman.

All in all, I am completely sucked into it, and looking forward to this season. I just want to have it all NOW rather than wait a week per episode. I actually prefer discovering shows late in their run so that I can just rent the full seasons and watch them in sequence. Ah well.

PS. Still waiting for Harry Potter 6. I am so bummed that they are moved the opening. Yes, this came down a while ago, but I am still lamenting it.

Political Post

I don't usually post about political issues, because if you do read this (not many do, but hey), then you don't really need to hear about my politics, and instead should be reading about the adventures of my shoes. I know that is what you're really here for. But I had several conversations today about the ridiculous nature of Proposition 8 here in California.

The religious right seems to think that if a same-sex couple marries, it automatically nullifies their own marriage. How amazing is that? Who knew that a same sex couple was so powerful? Seriously, whose business is it if a gay or lesbian couple marry? Is it so abhorrent that all people should have equal rights? The right to comfort their loved one when they are in the hospital, to adopt your significant other's child, to get health benefits--that is a challenge to heterosexual marriage?

If you are against gay marriage, don't marry someone of the same sex.

NO ON PROP 8!! Protect freedom, protect the constitution...support love and respect, not hate and lies.

The Office--Season 5!!

I am so excited for this Thursday...not because it is the opening night of the Tehama District Fair, nor definately because it is a mere 3 days before my mom leave California for her new job...but because it is the season opener for the office!! About damn time. Did Jim propose to Pam? Did Angela break it off with Andy to get back together with Dwight? Is the baby Michael's? Will Holly figure out that Kevin isn't "special," just a little dopey? What's gonna happen? I am stoked. I am one of the 3 people in the country who actually watch the DVD commentary and all of the bonus material. I love this show!

Half-Blood Prince...DELAYED

I just learned that the 6th Harry Potter movie, Half-Blood Prince, has been delayed. I've read conflicting reasons all over the place; they want a summer release date to assure higher box office and longer run, things are taking longer and it won't be ready, they don't want to release this wholesome family movie at the same time that it's main actor is showing his nude bod on Broadway...I imagine all of these are plausible, but it seems like a lame thing to do, to give a release date, release a teaser trailer and then change the release to nearly 8 months later. HP fans are about as rabid as can be, so it seems like a dumb idea to piss them off, but whatever. So, the countdown banner will remain on this page, until the movie is released or I get tired of it. I guess I will just have to see Half-Blood Prince for my next birthday.

For those of you gaga over vampire movies, the movie version of Twilight will release on HBP's original release date in November.

Thanks for the info, www.mugglenet.com

The New Shoe Chronicles: Photo Journal

The New shoes have been photographed in their natural habitat, exhibiting behaviors that new shoes often do...


New shoes enjoying a cold beverage.

New shoes nap with a bear.

Decorations such as these hearts make the new shoes feel special.

The New Shoe Chronicles: Day 2

The shoes went to a pool party yesterday. They did not swim.



The shoes spent a good portion of the afternoon alone under the desk as the owner sat cross-legged in her chair. It was dark under there.

The owner wore the shoes without socks for a while, and while they looked good they were not very comfortable.

The New Shoe Chronicles: Day One

New Shoe Log: Day One

The owner needed new shoes, what with the fall approaching. It was the first pair of "real" shoes she had worn in several months, as during the summer she wears sandals, flip flops, and sneakers exclusively. The new shoes were found at Payless for about thirty dollars. These are their stories.

The new shoes are brown, mary-jane style with cut outs on the top, thick soles and stitching around the top where the sole and upper meet, sort of like Doc Martins. Truth be told, these shoes were chosen for that quality, and the fond memories of the 1990's that they evoked. Indeed, their owner had several similar pairs throughout high school.

They feel stiff, foreign. The owner almost feels like she is tripping with each step. The sole is so thick, she cannot feel the terrain beneath her.

Interesting observation: either the owner drags the outside of her heels when she walks, or that part of the sole is a little thicker than the rest, for it seems to catch with each step and feel like a small lump or bump. Can't tell.

The shoes look silly with the blue trouser socks the owner paired them with. In all honesty, it does not pay to choose your socks in the dark, for you will surely end up with a blue pair when you assumed they were black. At least the socks match each other. Her pants are long--she will make sure they cover the socks.

No one has noticed the new shoes, or the extra inch of height the owner gains from wearing them.

Check back for more exciting installments of "The New Shoe Chronicles"

What's Your Favorite Book?

I am asking people about their favorite books--I am trying to encourage the youth I work with to read more, and read a variety of books. It is great that they, for instance, love the Twilight series by Stephanie Meyers, or the Harry Potter series by JK Rowling, but it is so important to read other types of books, other genres. Here are some of the favorite books that have come up:

Like Water For Chocolate—Laura Esquivel
The Bearded Lady—Sharlee Dieguez
Rose Madder—Stephen King
Where the Sidewalk Ends—Shel Silverstein
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil—John Berendt
Prozac Nation—Elizabeth Wurtzel
A Midsummer Nights Dream—William Shakespeare

It has been fun remembering the great books I've read along the way, and some of the not-so-greats (I'm SORRY, but I don't get Hemingway). Please, if you have favorite books, leave me a comment. I would love to recommend your favorite book to the youth.

A tremendous, NATIONAL honor

One of our programs, the Tehama Co. Mentoring Program, just received the 2008 National Award for Innovative Substance Abuse Prevention Programs. This award is one of only six in the nation, and the only one in California.

I spent about two weeks in the beginning of this summer writing the application for this award, and along with my supervisor, and the mentoring program coordinator, will be going to Indianapolis, Indiana to accept the award. I am so stoked! What a great honor!

Ripped jeans to cute purse in one evening

So, my favorite jeans were finally unfit to wear in public anymore. The lower legs were still in really good shape, so I decided to utilize my pathetic sewing skills to make something out of them. I also had some scraps of pink lace, table covering from our Prevention Project 80's night. I decided to make a little clutch purse out of them.

I bought a zipper the same color as the lace, and matching thread. I cut a leg off at about the knee, and sliced it along one seam and trimmed off the bottom hem. I saved that to create a strap. I cut a piece of lace about a half inch larger than the denim on each side, lined it up over the outside of the jean and then folded it inside-out. I hand sewed both sides with a running stitch, then doubled back to make sure that it was strong. I then turned it right side out to reveal a rectangular bag. I then create a gusset by turning the corners up about an inch and tacking them into place. This helps the bag to stand up and to retain its shape once I cram all my stuff in it. I folded the excess lace over each side of the top and sewed that down.

Next came the really tricky part--the zipper. I used fabric glue to stick it onto the first side. Once that dried, I sewed over it with a running stitch. I then glued the other side in, carefully lining it up. That dried and I sewed that too. (Note: The zipper was originally too long for my project. I followed the package directions to shorten it).

The strap was made by fashioning the jeans hem into a loop and sewing it in. It seemed a little weak, so I added some glue to strengthen it. I then cut the button off the jeans and sewed it to the outside of the bag for decoration.

I love how it turned out. It is so roomy for its size and very cute. I am now using the other leg of the jeans to create a bigger bag--and using the back pockets and the change pocket as inside pockets for the inside of the bag. If it turns out well, I will let you know!

Bagel Lunch Box

Okay, so this isn't a craft so much as a clever use of an item that I have always thought shouldn't be thrown away--the plastic container that blank cd's come in. You know, the thing with a spindle in the center and a plastic lid. I saw this done on another blog, so I am not the inventor, merely the girl sharing the love with you...

These things are about the same size as a bagel...and bagels have holes in them...and bagels are great for sandwiches...do you see where I'm going with this?

To protect your bagel, first make your sandwich (I'm partial to turkey, cream cheese and sprouts, but use your imagination), then skewer it onto the cd spindle (please, wash the box first!). Lock down the lid and there you go--crush proof storage for your lunch! Mine had a plastic cd shaped divider that I placed on top of the sandwich, then piled chips on top of to keep them separate. Just make sure to open the box upside down to avoid spilling the chips.

This will be GREAT on my next flight--and can be used for other items I'm sure. Donuts also have holes...

Did I mention how much of a nerd I am?

I just wanted to add a disclaimer about the countdown that you will be seeing here for the next few months--I am a giant Harry Potter nerd. I've said it before. I am not proud of it, but it is true. I can have hours long philosophical discussions about the wizarding world, argue intelligently about the merits of specific types of wands or the value of different spells over others. I am intimately familiar with the characters' lives. It is a sickness.

I had only watched two of the movies until last summer, when I started reading the books. I finished #6 at about the time that #7 (a masterpiece) was released. I am actually glad that I came to Potter late in the game--I can't imagine how painful it would have been to wait years for the next installment.

I was sort of disappointed in the 5th movie. I can give you a long diatribe as to why, but if you really want to know, you'll have to just ask. I am really looking forward to the next movie.

Thus the countdown banner.

Career Opportunities in IT from Cisco

I work with youth who are preparing for the future, planning to go to college, trade schools or right into the workplace. I always encourage youth to try higher education, and discuss career paths that are well suited to a young person's interests. There are several careers that I highly recommend to the youth that I work with, as they are growth industries and bound to fetch a good living. One such career is in IT. What is really great is that Cisco Systems, a company widely known and respected in computer systems and technical support, offers IT certification.

Cisco certification

This certification is offered in three professional levels, associate, professional and expert, and in six different paths; Routing and Switching,for professionals who install and support Cisco technology-based networks in which LAN and WAN routers and switches reside; Design, aimed at professionals who design Cisco technology-based networks in which LAN and WAN routers and switches reside; Network Security, directed toward network professionals who design and implement Cisco Secure networks;
Service Provider, aimed at professionals working with infrastructure or access solutions in a Cisco end-to-end environment primarily within the telecommunications arena; Storage Networking, for professionals who implement storage solutions over extended network infrastructure using multiple transport options; Voice, directed toward network professionals who install and maintain Voice solutions over IP networks.

Employees at companies such as Budweiser and DreamWorks have taken part in Cisco training. And with academies in dozens of cities throughout California, any area my youth plan to move should have one nearby.

Blue Sky!

It was pleasant, clear and nice outside for the first time in a month. There has been a delta breeze which has blown the smoke out of our part of the valley. I was pleased to see blue sky out the window today.

Over the weekend there were two firefighters killed, both from Washington state. One guy was 18 years old and on his first wildfire. Very sad.

Walk for Alzheimers Awareness

As you may know, my mom works for the Red Bluff Adult Day Respite Center, a day care of sorts for folks with brain impairments, including Alzheimer's Disease. My great grandmother also suffered from this disease, one that literally robs you of your self. The people mom works with and my gramma truly lost what made them, them. And from their point of view, they lose their spouse, loved ones, friends and home because they don't remember them. It is so painful to see mom's clients, from week to week, fade out. One woman begs for her husband to come pick her up, only to cry and panic because she doesn't recognize the man who arrives--she remembers him as a 30 year old.

Alzheimer's Memory Walk

The Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk® is the nation's largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer care, support and research – and it calls on volunteers of all ages to become champions in the fight against Alzheimer's. There are walks in more than 600 communities. A typical Memory Walk is a 2-3 mile walk held on a weekend morning in the fall.



By teaming up with the Alzheimer's Association, you can walk with a purpose – and move us closer to a world without Alzheimer's. Together, we can MOVE a nation.

Bravo, Firefighters

After a month of wildfires raging throughout the north state, we are finally reaching levels of containment. Our firefighters, and those from other areas (I've seen guys from Chicago, and heard that we have some from Greece!), have done a marvelous job, and should be commended. There were very few structures involved, and people were moved out of harms way. We even had a fireman rescue a baby bear cub. How great is that?

I am more than a little annoyed at the enormous waste of money the Prez and Gov's fly-over cost. It was not necessary, and the funds it took to pull off could have been used to buy more firefighting equipment, add to the firefighter's pay, or whatever have you.

I am so proud of my little brother for working for the fire department here, and for aspiring to be a firefighter. He is brave and strong, and will be a great one. Plus, chicks dig firemen!

Happy Bastille Day!

Bastille Day is an independence day in France, marked with celebrations and parades...

July 14th is also very near and dear to my heart because it is my birthday! I am 31 today. Funny, doesn't seem like I am a "thirty-something" but here we go. I had always held 30 up as the point where you become a grown up, but now I think maybe the magic age might be 40. I mean, come on, I am nowhere near grown-up. I like Harry Potter more than any one person should be allowed, I live to color (though I can justify it by calling it "art"), I bought a car because it was a "pretty pretty Mustang" etc. I am so not grown up.

My dad says that 40 wasn't it, nor 50, so maybe we are grown ups at 60? Who knows.

My very cool coworkers are taking me out to lunch today--Thai food. I never get to eat Thai because no one in my family likes it. I also could have gone for Mexican food, but the Mexican place that I like puts a hat on your head and sings to you on you birthday. I am so not feeling the hat.

I guess the only thing that I would really like for my birthday this year would be for my dad to come home and cook dinner--swiss steak. But not this year. I guess I'll have to go to Hawaii for lucky number 32.

More about Zenni Optical!

I told you earlier in the week about Zenni Optical, an online prescription glasses company. They've been featured on Fox News:
http://www.myfoxwghp.com/myfox/pages/Home/Detail;jsessionid=EBE608CA931F2CA78F3EC273FF9A8D8C?contentId=5835241&version=3&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=VSTY&pageId=1.1.1&sflg=1

With prices like theirs, with glasses starting at $8, what a great choice if you need new glasses.

I checked out their site:ZenniOptical.com, and found a huge selection of frames, with single vision lens, sunsensor (potochromic)lens, tinted sunglasses lens, bifocal lens and progressive lens. The Secret to Zenni’s Low Prices is that they sell only their own manufactured frames direct to the customer, with no middlemen and virtually no advertising budget. Check them out--I'm sure you will find what you are looking for. And check out their spot on Fox News.

A sense of humor about death

I am completely nutso about a show called Dead Like Me. It is a dark (very dark) comedy about Georgia (George) Lass, an 18 year old girl who was hit and killed by a toilet seat dropped from Mir space station. Instead of "moving on" she was chosen to stay behind as a reaper, in her old home town. She is part of a little gang of reapers, and basically her afterlife is all about assignments, paperwork, deadlines, generally the business of taking souls. Oh yeah, then she has a day job as a temp. That's right, even in death you must work to eat and live.

She visits her family, which is falling apart after her death. Her mom and dad divorce, and her little sister knows that George is still around, is obsessed with toilet seats, and is generally having trouble coping, which leads the parents to seek psychiatric help for her.

George's appearance has changed, so she is unrecognizable to the living, and that means she can interact with family without being detected. She takes a job at the temp agency that she worked at for all of a couple hours before her death. She makes a family of the misfits of reapers that she works with. And she has to deal with the moral issues surrounding the taking of souls.

This show is great, a masterpiece. But Showtime (the network it originated from), in its infinite wisdom, pulled the plug after just two seasons. Now the makers are teasing all of us with an upcoming movie, which has had so many canceled opening dates, I am beginning to wonder if it is all a lie. Wouldn't it be great if networks actually saw the value of great shows in time to save them, rather than axing them and pissing off the myriad of fans? Anyway, check it out. Box sets are available, it is playing on Mondays on HD Net, and had run on the CW and SciFi. It is sure to pop up on a network near you. Then you can be one of us, that mourn the death of Dead Like Me.

Binoculars, anyone?

I live in some beautiful country. I do. Northern California, when it is not choking in smoke, is lovely, with our mountains, rivers, lakes, stunning views. I am in the market for some binoculars, and I am excited about the Nikon Monarch ATB from Optics Planet. They are sleek and high quality--what more would you expect from the Nikon brand?

These lenses are 100% Waterproof/Fogproof/Shockproof Ultra-rugged, rubber-armored, with a roof-prism design. They feature extended eye relief and central focus for viewing convenience and are fully Multicoated lenses for bright, clear images.

Optics Planet offers the full line of Waterproof Nikon Binoculars. You can receive a $50.00 gift card with purchase of any Monarch Binocular.

God talk for the new millenium

I have been capturing episodes of Joan of Arcadia on DVR. When the show first came out, I was still attending a Christian College, and I liked this show for making religion feel more approachable. I still feel that way, but I am so exhausted with a show with so much tragedy and drama. I mean, how can one family field so many tragic incidences?

I enjoy the characters Grace, Glynnis, and Adam. Joan is rather whiny and irritating. The two favorite incarnations of god for me are the preppy cordouroy guy and the spiky haired guy. It is a fun show, anyway.

A new direction for Stem Cell research.

I am a firm believer that stem cell research is the wave of our future. Honestly, the only way that we will find cures to diseases and injury, like paralysis is research in this area. I am a firm pro-choice proponent. Always have been. I was raised in a household that taught that my body belongs to me, and is no one's business but my own. However, conservative forces have put all the stops on research via fetuses. I am excited about a new prospect in step cell collection and research, via menstrual blood. Yes, icky, but hear me out. If we can cure these diseases, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, osteoporosis...awful diseases with no cure as of yet the squeamishness about menstrual blood should not factor in it. How can we argue with any type of research, no matter how taboo the source? Here's an article, from CNNMoney
"Press Release:
Taking Control: Future Therapies for a Host of Serious Diseases May Be Found in Women's Menstrual Blood

July 07, 2008: 01:28 PM EST


OLDSMAR, Fla., July 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- With today’s hectic lifestyle, where most women are juggling careers, family, relationships, and a host of activities, the idea of possibly facing a serious illness in the future is not something that readily comes to mind -- especially when a woman is in the prime of her life. But what most women don’t know, is that the key to treating a number of possibly life-threatening diseases that she, a parent, a sibling or even her children may face in later years, such as osteoporosis, heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, may be found within her own body -- in vital stem cells, which can now be harvested from her own menstrual blood.

Now, thanks to the revolutionary research and technology of C’elle, a service dedicated to providing women with a safe and easy method of collecting and preserving stem cells found in her menstrual fluid each month, even the busiest woman can take control of her future, right in the privacy of her own home. With C’elle’s non-invasive collection process, menstrual cells are processed and cryo-preserved (stored at a very low temperature) for potential cellular therapies that may be used in the future. These self-renewing cells one day may even be used for sports medicine or cosmeceutical treatments, such as anti-aging therapies.

"C’elle enables and empowers a woman to take control of her future health, and possibly of those genetically closest to her, in a fast, painless and stress free way," said Michelle Kay, Marketing and Sales Manager for C’elle. "We live in exciting times, as science and technology are discovering how extremely valuable menstrual blood stem cells really are, and the enormous treatment potential they represent for future therapies. C’elle’s ongoing research is supporting these promising findings."

For more information about C’elle, please call 1-877-892-3553 or visit www.celle.com."

I am excited at this new possibility. I really see it as a win-win for everyone. Pro-life and pro-choice can co-exist in the pursuit of cures for these problems and diseases. It is exciting and empowering that women may be able to provide this life-saving option for themselves and their families. I hope that this technology proves to meet these expectations. It is easy, it seems, to participate.

X-Files returns?

I just saw a television trailer for a flippin' new X-Files movie. What the bloody hell? I thought we were done with the 'files. I'm not dissing the show--I was a fan. The truth IS out there, I know it. But hey, that was a LOOOONG time ago. I just cannot imagine what else there is to say. Plus they killed my very favorite villian--the Smoking Man. Loved him.

Whatever. I'll probably see it. I'm a sucker that way.

My Sight is not 20/20

Friends, it is time for some new glasses. Don't get me wrong--I love my current pair. But they are getting a little wonky, falling apart. Plus, I am pretty sure that my prescription has changed slightly. New glasses are so expensive, so I am stoked to have found Zenni Optical. Visiting zennioptical.com is going to save me loads of money, since they sell direct to the consumer, with no middleman. How perfect is that?

Check them out. Even if your eyesight IS 20/20, you're sure to find something fashionable.

Happy, uh, 5th of July

I didn't look at the clock until just now, so I realize that it is no longer Independence Day. It was a little less exciting than 4th in the past. Due to the fact that nearly half of the state in on fire, they have postponed the city display until September, so we enjoyed a few safe and sanes in the front yard and called it a day. We did get to view some illegal aerial fireworks from the people the next block over, but I am pretty sure that they were tracked down by the roving FD folks.

We have had some really great news--my mom has been offered a job in Hawaii...she will be moving in the next month or so. I am excited for her, but feel a deep sense of loss at the same time--my best friend and mom is moving out of state. I will be lonely. It also means a huge shift in responsibility for me, as I will be buying their house here and taking it on. Wow, grown up stuff. No longer a renter, but full fledged home owner!

Workin' hard in hard workin' clothes

I have blogged about these guys before--LA Police Gear has tough clothes suitable for those hard working law enforcement folks or for those of us who like to do some outdoor recreation in tough clothes. Check out their sale here, 5.11 Tactical. To sweeten the deal, they are offering free shipping. Right now, while everything is expensive and driving to our nearest mall (30 plus miles away) costs an arm and a leg, online shopping is a very attractive option, especially when shipping is free!

I've said it before, but traversing the lava fields, or climbing Mt. Lassen, takes tough clothes that won't rip easily. One product I like is those pants that have zip off legs--pants when you need them, and shorts when it's too hot. I like that 2 in 1 factor.

The Big 5-0

My blog is 50--50 posts old! Its a birthday post!

I took youth from my program to the movies--that is what they chose to do with money that they had raised this spring. We saw the movie Zohan--I was mortified to watch this film with youth. Within the first minute and a half, there was naked butts, and a fish being caught in one...sex at every turn. It was gross. I was beyond embarrassed. So, hey, PG-13 has a very broad array of allowable themes.

Proud to be a Californian--for now

I am so glad to be a Californian, where it is now legal for a same-sex couple to marry. Friends, everyone who wishes to should have equal right to marry the person they love, and enjoy the rights and priviledges that comes with marriage. They should have the right to say "we're married"

I am hoping that this November's right-wing plot to create a constitutional amendment in favor of discrimination and hate is overturned. Please, if you support the ability of one person to legally and publicly declare their love for their significant other, sign the Human Rights Campaign petition to KEEP same-sex marriage legal. Go to the Human Rights Campaign site for more information:

A Little TLC from Kashi

I am sometimes a little behind in the times on various products, but I have hit the Kashi Bandwagon in a big way over the past year. I love that most things are TLCs (Tasty Little Crunchies, Tasty Little Chewies, Tasty Little Crackers, Tasty Little Cookies). What I am a big fan of is the Frozen Entrees. They are made with the Kashi-promised 7 whole grains, but in neat and unique meals, both containing meat and vegetarian, like Lemongrass Coconut Chicken and Lime Cilantro Shrimp. The meals and the flavors are very light, but I feel so self-satisfied knowing that I ate something so good for me. It justifies my afternoon Snickers bar.

Everything is Expensive for a college student

I remember vividly the day that I had to take over my own car insurance payments. That was scary--and expensive. I was in college, and had no idea what to do about insurance, just that I had to have it. Today there is cost u less insurance to smooth the way for students. Cost U Less Student has some great resources for new drivers, and their parents, and offers free price quotes. Their insurance prices are so low, you can afford them as well as your books, your top ramen and the 40 espressos it takes to stay awake during freshmen psych. So you whipper-snappers head on over to Cost U Less Student today to get the low down on low cost car insurance.

Rest In Peace, ET

My cat, ET, whom I have had since I was 17, died last night. She was my only companion while I lived by myself in Humboldt County, my goofy and opinionated cat, and really my first personal cat. We'd had family cats in the past, but she was mine, and with good reason--no one else liked her. She had this siamese-like yeowl and was stubborn. She actually ruined 3 different toasters by peeing in them--I'm still not sure how she did that. She was all white except for a calico tail and a brown and black spot on her head. My friend Theresa says that she stole another cat's tail, so the cat hit her in the head with it, causing the spots. (Theresa's a weirdo). She used to steal bagels, and would eat any kind of bread as well as the occasional apple or cucumber, but she hated wet cat food. She was also a big fan of vegan cheese.

She had been really sick for a long time, and this morning I found her in the garage. I'm gonna miss that freaky little cat.

Who wants BOOTS?

I am a big fan of boots, having grown up in the grunge era, where docs were king. Work Boots USA doesn't carry docs, but they have an extensive assortment of work boots. They carry brands like Converse (I didn't know Converse did work boots--they are pretty cool looking too), Corcoran, Wolverine, and Rocky, to name a few. I am partial to the Rocky brand, as they carry several styles that are similar to the docs of my youth. Most impressive is the wide variety of styles Work Boots USA carries--there are boots for literally any need, from rugged boots necessary for ranch work, to dress boots that look great but still have the comfort and durability needed to get the job done. They also have a variety of women's styles.

Weird Weather We're Havin'

It looks like rain when you get up, but turns sunny and warm--but not too warm--as the day wears on. It is not hot by any means--not like it was a few weeks ago. The weather is WEIRD.

My parents are in Hawaii now. Weird weather there is actually normal. It is no big thing to have a major rainstorm every day around 4, or to have a chilly day followed by a balmy night. They had been in drought for a few weeks prior to my mom going over there, but it began raining in earnest almost as soon as her plane touched down. We have dubbed her the Rain Goddess, since she has had that effect on the island numerous times. They ought to pay her for her rain giving services!

Better Vision for Your Outdoor Summer Recreation

Here's a source for those looking for binoculars, telescopes, digital cameras (or binoculars for your digital camera) sunglasses and more to make your outdoor activities so much clearer. I know when I go to the coast or to Hawaii, a great pair of binoculars makes all the difference in my enjoyment of the scenery.Those of you who hunt, they also carry Rifle scopes, so here's your vision-related supplies as well. I personally enjoy a different kind of shooting--using a camera. They carry top quality brands, including Nikon and Canon. Most orders over $29.95 qualify for free shipping.

If you are into birdwatching, astronomy, hunting, or photography as hobbies, this is the place to go. Vacation travel may not be in the cards this year, but with telescopes and binoculars from Optics Planet, I can enjoy the scenery right here in my own back yard.

Happy-dappy June!

I am in utter disbelief that it is June! My mom is in Hawaii (with my dad, who's basically a full-time resident now), so I am super jealous. But the weather here has turned, it is extremely beautiful, so I am glad to be in Red Bluff at the moment.

They took the ugly metal screens off of the windows at my office, so there is sunlight streaming into the room--of course it also highlights just how dirty the window are, but I hope they leave the stupid screens off, because it sure is nice to turn off the fluorescents and just work by sunlight.

Within the next couple of days I will post a couple of how-tos that I have been holding onto while I waited for pictures. They are good 'uns. Later, y'all (and by y'all I mean the 2 regular readers that I have and the countless others that stumble upon my blog hoping to find something good. Sorry to disappoint!)

Bought and Sold by Earthlink

I just cancelled my Earthlink account, after 6+ months of not using it (and now I have DSL and loving it). When I signed up for the Earthlink account 3 years ago, I received an email address, but since I already had a yahoo account, I never used it. I'll repeat that: I NEVER used the Earthlink email account. For anything. Ever.

Can anyone explain to me why this email address that I never used has more than 100 spam messages in the inbox? I never signed into any website, signed up for any program, or ordered any product using this email account, so the only way that it could have been added to any spammer lists is if Earthlink itself sold it. Funny that they were charging me 22 bucks a month for the account when they were making money off this email address that I never used. That is lame.

Ever gone back and read your diaries?

I did, and it was a weird and enlightening experience. To see who I was so long ago...for instance, I just read the diary I was working on when I got my current job, 6 years ago. It is funny, when I saw the job announcement, I wasn't too excited about the job, then I interviewed and was certain that I didn't get the job, and secretly hoped that I wouldn't because I didn't think I was completely qualified. I read about, and re-lived the day that they told me I got the position, and showed me my office--that was the part I emphasized, not the people I met, but that I had an OFFICE (a word that was underlined about 6 times). I can't believe how childish I sound, when I thought I was so mature back then (I was 24 at the time).

I even read some of the stuff I wrote in high school and college. I was so full of angst. How very 90's of me...

Pickle it up!

I just had lunch at Mr. Pickle's Sandwich Shop. I am a huge fan--really tasty sandwiches. Their menu is great. I had the Golden Gate today, a warm chicken sandwich with jack cheese, teriyaki sauce, jack cheese and veggies. So yummy! It is drippy, so you have to assume the hunch position to eat it or wear it home with you.

There are lots of interesting options--I might try the Got Beef next time (roast beef, pastrami, and melted jack cheese) or the Hot "T" (hot turkey, melted pepper jack, baja and cranberry sauces). There are many sandwiches that center around avocados, but alas, I will not be able to experience them (deathly allergic to avos). They also offer warm fresh chocolate chip cookies, a wide variety of chips and all sorts of drinks.

My niece likes their mascot, a 6 foot tall pickle in a chef's hat. The place, which opened a few months ago next to the new Starbucks on Adobe Rd. is usually packed, though on a weekday around 1:30 or later it seems to quiet down. The first time I went, on a Saturday around lunch time it was a zoo--but everyone always greets you as you walk in, no matter how busy they are.

I have a confession...

I am letting you know...this is hard...that I really, really like Harry Potter. That's right. I am a giant Harry Potter nerd. I have read all of the books a couple of times now, watched the movies countless times, listen to www.mugglenet.com podcasts and check the site at least a couple times a week to see if there is any new Potter news. I sometimes even find myself pondering the wizarding world. It is sad, pathetic. I know it. I am seeking help.

Update re. Creating a Pro-Drug Environment

I met with the Tobacco Committee yesterday and we discussed the tobacco tents. Apparently folks had to purchase one full price item and then received a big ole' bag of "sample" cans, basically half can sized. The amount that one person received was basically equivalent to 3 whole cans of the stuff. Make of that what you want, but that really worries me.

Cool Clothes for Warm Weather

As you may know, my second home is on the Big Island of Hawaii. I am planning to visit in June, and see the new vent of the Kiluea eruption. Such expeditions require sturdy footwear, cool breathable clothes, and strong reliable flashlights, since the best show is at night. I actually found a site that provides all of the above, with really low prices. It is a military and police gear supply company called LA Police Gear: BDU Pants

I especially like these pants--durable, lightweight. I understand that they are created for military use, so obviously they can stand up to the rigors of lava fields. I am looking forward to being appropriately outfitted for the lava!

The Wiz of the West

The performance day of Missoula Children's Theatre's Wiz of the West was yesterday. Bravo to the actors--about 50 kids were cast in the show and did a phenomenal job. This is a project of the Tehama County Arts Council, and one member of our board of directors, Danna, coordinates it. She did such a great job. We are truly lucky to have her support.

Getting Clean and Green

My friend (and boss) Amy has begun using Shaklee green cleaning products in her home. She was worried about the amount of chems she was using around her adorable 4 year old son. Shaklee's stuff is natural, organic, and environmentally safe.

Turns out, Shaklee has been around since the 1950's. The company has been dedicated to natural methods and sustainable products. The company's products are the cleaning products of choice for a variety of environmental expeditions, including the Wild Dolphin Project. Get this:

"Shaklee is the first company in the world to obtain Climate Neutral certification and totally offset its C02 emissions, resulting in a net zero impact on the environment."

Amy likes how the products smell, and they do a good job. She is particularly fond of the fabric softener. She bought the Get Clean Starter Kit, which includes a bunch of products; dish soap, laundry soap, scouring paste, fabric softener, hand soap, etc. If you want to check it out, visit Shaklee's website. I am ready to make the switch!

Thanks, Amy, for the info.

Creating a Pro-Drug Environment

So, those of you who know me, know that I work in Prevention. I run Friday Night Live, a youth leadership club dedicated to preventing alcohol, tobacco and drugs and their related problems like teen pregnancy and violence. We work on projects that we call "environmental prevention." Essentially, EP projects challenge the cultural norms that drinking/drug use are necessary to having a good time, or somehow essential to our community and cultural celebrations. We have worked on projects aimed at using events like Cinco de Mayo as an excuse to drink. Many alcohol/tobacco companies co-opt these events, which originally have strong cultural meanings (like Cinco de Mayo) and make them the debauchery holidays. They pollute our community landscape, and give youth the impression that drinking/smoking are the only things to do in such situations.

Thus is the case with the Red Bluff Round Up. Our rodeo is a longstanding tradition of tough men and women competing in a tough sport (not my thing, but very popular nonetheless). Somehow, this sport has become synonymous with chewing tobacco and beer. So much so, that the scoreboard is sponsored by a smokeless tobacco company, one of the large sponsors is a beer company, and barriers and barrels, decorations, etc. are covered in these advertisements. Those in attendance cannot get away from the ads. We are essentially telling kids who like rodeo that you can't participate in this sport without these products, creating a community and social norm that it is the thing to use when you watch or compete in rodeo. And we wonder why kids use these substances?

The smokeless tobacco companies go a step further, and during major fairgrounds events like the Round Up, will erect these pop-up tents at nearby convenience stores to give away product coupons. Doesn't sound too bad, right? A coupon that, in order to receive it, you must show proof of age, a coupon which will save you a dollar on a product that you were going to buy anyway, right? Sure, except that the law prohibits the giving away of these products, or the giving of "coupons" for the full amount of the product. The coupons are required to be used one per purchase. But the company folks come in and tell the store owner "they can use multiple coupons for one can" or the like, so folks are getting free product. They also are required by law to post a licensed security guard at the tent to check ID, but rarely do so. They also have their product name emblazoned on their tent, so thousands of passersby get a view of their logo.

These companies also will tell store owners where to place their products for maximum sales, fully ignoring state laws in the process. In California, tobacco products are prohibited from being self service. They must be behind the counter and the clerk must get it for you. The companies will insist that they place them in prohibited locations, sometimes offering incentives to stores that give the product/product ads prime in-store real estate.

I just warn parents to talk to their kids about alcohol and tobacco, to refrain from using these things in front of their kids, and to counter the social norm that alcohol and tobacco use are okay.

Starbucks

So, we all know that Starbucks has a bad rep, being corporate and ruthless in their takeovers of small markets and such. My most favorite Lewis Black bit is about the Starbucks with a Starbucks across the street, in the same building as the first one. He claims that the only people who would need that kind of Starbucks saturation would be Alzheimer's patients. I would disagree with that--there are Starbucks that are smelly, grimey or otherwise undesireable which warrant another option. There are also days that require another cup of coffee, incognito (I mean, who wants to go back again and again for a fix from the same all-seeing barista? Caffeine paranoia, anyone?). But this is not why I needed to write to you today.

I like the "vintage" Starbucks cups. They are marketing their Pike's Place Roast in honor of their original store in Seattle (opened in 1971 for anyone who cares). They have rolled out the original, double tailed mermaid design in brown on their cups, all of their promo signs are written like cafe chalk boards, and there are these cute green cup spout stoppers that you can get. Those are completely unnecessary and wasteful, especially if you are (and you SHOULD be) using your own cup. But I love little details and gadgets and these are cool nonetheless.

Here's the thing about Starbucks, though. First of all, I am adverse to spending $4 on a cup of coffee. I just can't justify it, especially when regular food is now a fortune and you have to be a millionaire to fill your car's gas tank. I have been getting just brewed coffee, but even that, at a buck seventy-five, is pricey when you consider I can make it myself for mere pennies. Second of all, I go through cycles of not being able to tolerate their coffee. It is so darkly roasted that it tastes scorched to me, and I am not happy with it. I drink espresso elsewhere and it is rich, chocolaty and not BURNED. But at Starbucks, they pride themselves in this roasting style.

But I love to sit there in the squishy chairs, slowly sipping a cup of joe, talking with my companion, whomever they may be (oh, who am I kidding? It will be mom). It is amazing that Starbucks has built an empire on selling a stimulant drug in an environment for relaxing.

Okay, gotta go get a cuppa.

Brie and other random loves

I love Rouge Et Noir Brie. It is a California company and the brie is creamy, sweet and so tasty. We put it on crusty bread from Raley's--I think its called a pugliese bread.

I love cheap, fruit flavored wine. There is one in particular, Fruitezia, that has a tropical flavor. It is slightly carbonated and a little tart.

I like pepsi, and Red Robin burgers, and mochas from Starbucks. I love Simply Orange juice.

There you go. I think I have the munchies.

Youth Acting Workshop

As part of the build up to our Missoula Children's Theatre (MCT) residency week, the Tehama County Arts Council hosted a Youth Actors Workshop. On Saturday, nearly 30 kids in kindergarten through 6th grade joined us at the Tehama County Department of Education. The workshop leaders were high school students and veterans of MCT's past. They hosted a series of theatre games in an effort to build confidence and teach some audition skills.

The event started off with a game of charades, which started out as just an activity to pass the time, but as the children arrived it became an excellent icebreaker, and an opportunity for the kids to start getting on stage. Then they were split into 3 groups and participated in creativity games, movement exercises, and volume and enunciation. The youth leaders were great, patient, informative and very supportive. They also were very clear about the possibility of not getting cast in the play, and that they should not be discouraged, but to try again the next year.

I am thrilled to be a part of any opportunity to encourage the arts for children, and loved that this was a youth driven project! We will definitely pursue this project again next year--some of the kids there would like to see it happen every weekend!

Missoula auditions for this year's production, The Wiz of the West are Monday, 4/21 at 3:30 at the Vista School gym. Performances are Saturday, 4/26 at 3pm and 7pm.

Local Food, Trying New Restaurants

For the past several weeks we have been eating out more than usual--we have been extremely busy and either don't find time to grocery shop, or are too exhausted to cook what we have. It's okay, since I have gotten to try a variety of new-ish places in town.

We have eaten lunch at the new Cowgirl Cafe a few times. This is the place on Main St. that used to be Red Rock Cafe, and before that, The Feedbag. They focus on burgers and other hearty, "cowgirl sized" fare, or at least that is how their pancakes are described. I really loved their green chili cheese burger. It was a well seasoned burger on a toasted bun and topped with jack cheese and an ortega chili. Really tasty, and huge! I was also a fan of their patty melt, and they put it on sourdough for me instead of the rye it usually comes on (I HATE RYE BREAD!) Apparently, Cowgirl Cafe is a franchise, and there are others like it all around California. The theme is really appropriate, this being cow country and all, and I am sure it will be packed solid when the Red Bluff Round Up starts next weekend. The decor is very rustic, with barbed wire and rope motifs framing the old rodeo posters and western accoutrement adorning the walls. I particularly love the horsey next to the front door which serves at their mailbox. I am always disappointed that they serve Coke products instead of Pepsi, but have really liked what I've seen so far.

We also have eaten at Carlito's. This one is in the spot Francisco's used to be in. Man, do I miss Francisco's, with their tasty white sauce on their chili rellenos...mmmmmm! But Carlito's has impressed me as well. First of all, when I walked in with my 16 month old neice, she was handed crayons and a placemat right away, which curbed a tantrum. At my first visit I ordered Chili Verde, and it was wonderful, tender and juicy and perfectly seasoned. They also remembered to leave the guacamole off (I am deathly allergic to avocados, and I always tell servers that. I have actually had restaurants forget to hold it, scrape it off my entree, and cover up the green residue with sour cream. So then I eat it and spend the rest of the day in a Benedryl coma). The second visit I had Pollo al a Crema, which was very good, sort of tart and creamy, with nice vegetables and a sauce that was really tasty on rice. I did not like the chips on the table, however. They tasted as though they were cooked in really old oil. The salsa was good, but the chips were terrible! The restaurant's decor has not changed much since the building's Francisco's days, as it still has the beautiful mural of prominent Latino figures on the back wall, bright colors, etc.

I love food, so as I try various places, I will report to you.

Prom Project Update

The Prom Project has now held 2 boutiques, and they have been a smashing success. We have given away about 20 dresses, and still more keep rolling in. We actually received 8 dresses and a big box of jewelry just today. It has been unreal, how supportive people are of the project.

It is so neat to see the girls shop for their formal wear. They are all so surprised at how nice the dresses are--I guess they assumed we would have old grandma dresses and thrift store cast-offs to offer, so we hear a lot of exclamations of "Wow, these dresses are really nice!" I am so honored to be a part of this project. I do the prevention education portion, and all of the young people have been really good listeners, asking questions and participating. I know they are just doing as a means to an end, but I hope at least some of the info will sink in.

New Opportunity: Getting Paid for My Opinion!

Who knew that there were people out there that want to pay for my opinion? Sure enough, Pay Per Post does. I was so completely skeptical about such a thing--getting paid to blog, but I did a google search on it anyway, and found Pay Per Post. It was pretty easy to sign up for, although I really got a crash course in how my particular blog worked--I had to learn about RSS, and how to add things to the HTML, etc. I feel so smart! Let's see if I get paid to blog.

I am so looking forward to researching new and interesting products, websites and services that I might never have known about. I am also really looking forward to paying off my insurmountable credit card debt with the proceeds of posting. I am really enjoying learning about new blogs through Pay Per Post as well--I always check out their Blog of the Day, and aspire to one day be one! These are people who get paid to blog.

So, every now and then, I will get sponsored to discuss products and services that I would be talking about anyway. I love to review stuff, but anything that I get compensated for discussing, I will let you, my readers know about. But, hey, if you are a blogger, check out Pay Per Post, and get paid to be opinionated! I will let you know once I get my first paycheck if it is worth it to get paid to blog

The Prom Project is Up and Running!

We kicked off the Prom Project yesterday. The boutique looked beautiful, as we decorated conference room A in teal, orange, yellow and lime (sounds awful, I know, but it matched our comfy orange lounge chairs and throw pillows). We had a small turnout for the first day, but as it is a minimum day at the high school each Monday, we figure kids just went home and forgot about us. We had a lot of support from the media! The Red Bluff Daily News, Redding Record Searchlight, and Channel 7 all came out and did pieces. The RBDN had us front page, above the fold, and ch. 7 had us on the 11pm news (and I hope the news today). The Searchlight only publishes the Red Bluff section twice a week, so we look forward to their piece as well.

Because of the buzz created, we have been inundated with calls and visits of people donating more things, asking to be a part of the project, and just sharing their prom stories. The other blog, My Prom Story, has been so well received. It has been amazing having so many people share their prom experience, and wishing this year's prom-goers a great time.

Note: The photo above is from the RBDN article.

New Project!

At work we are hosting the Tehama County Prom Project, an opportunity for foster, homeless, and other teens in need in our communities to get formal wear and accessories for that very important teen rite of passage--the PROM. We have been collecting dresses, suits, shoes, jewelry and bags for several months now and have amassed a stock of close to 150 dresses. Mens wear was harder to come by and we have fewer offerings for the gentlemen, but we still have a few choices, including a tuxedo rental and some rental discounts.

In addition to receiving beautiful formal wear, the youth will be participating in a Prevention Lounge, and place set up to provide prevention education and safe prom tips to assist the youth in making healthy decisions come prom night.

Along with the Prom Project, we have started a new blog called My Prom Story, and have invited people to share the good, the bad and the ugly (dresses) from their prom. The blog site is www.mypromstory.blogspot.com and it has been such fun to accumulate the prom stories. Starting Monday we get to begin giving the formal wear away. I am so excited for these young people!

Non-Shakespeare Fun in Ashland

Lithia Park is a beautiful attraction in Ashland. With a roaring creek running through it and lovely vegetation, it is a very relaxing place to hang out. You will invariably run into interesting characters around the park, musicians, jugglers, folks practicing fencing...

Festival actors hold talks in the park for free, and prior to most evening performances is the Green Show, a fantasic dance show. There are also fairly low cost attractions that are put on by OSF, like backstage tours and play previews.

The shopping opportunities are amazing. Their are several highly eclectic shops, specialty foods stores, bookstores, vintage clothing stores.

If I were an outdoorsy type, I'd ski at Mt. Ashland, or hike or raft. But I am not. So I haven't.

Ashland part 2

During my last trip to Ashland, culinary experiences were nearly as important to me as theatrical ones. I took my brother (the other theatre geek in the family) with me, for our almost annual trip together. We had lunch one day at Pilaf, a spectacular poly-ethnic restaurant. I particularly enjoyed the Mediterranean selections, including fabulous pita bread and hummus, and so many of their selections are vegetarian, and so healthy. Really tasty food, and my brother, a confirmed meat-and-potatoes person, was satisfied. The restaurant was closed for a while, but their website says that they will be back up and running.

We had dinner at Standing Stone Brewery. That was fantastic, despite the long wait to get a seat. The atmosphere was exhilarating, with live music, beer brewing paraphernalia adorning the walls and the noisy, talkative clientèle. We had a beer sampler, a cute tray of shooters containing their 7 brews, arranged from lightest to darkest. Their Honey Ale was sweet and refreshing, and my favorite, though the stout was particularly interesting, strong and complex. That was my bro's favorite. The food was great, too. He had buffalo burger, and I ate yellow thai curry. Both dishes were strong enough flavors to really stand up to the beer.

We had another lunch at a little deli on the main drag, but I forgot the name of it. Its a shame, since it was such a great little place. We had hearty soups and some really tasty sandwiches made with excellent bread and cheeses. Attached was a little culinary shop featuring hard to find spices and condiments, a wide selection of wines and other treats.

In the next installment: What else to do in Ashland

Ashland

I am practically salivating to get to go to Ashland and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival this year! I want to see their Midsummer Night's Dream. It is difficult to justify the travel costs, the membership and the tickets when everything is so expensive and I am struggling to save money and pay down debt, but Ashland and OSF really rejuvenate my spirit.

Last year I saw The Rabbit Hole, a beautifully done drama about a family coping with the accidental death of their toddler son. It was heartrending and funny, and the tragedy was dealt with in a very real manner, and with a light touch rather than being over the top. It was staged in the New Theatre, which I love. It is so intimate that it makes me feel like we are in the know, we are part of the action. I have always loved black-box staging. The first show I saw there was Macbeth, and it was brilliant! They pared it down to bare-bones, with a mere 6 actors in the cast, no set besides a round stage with a blood pit at the center, plus thrones and other items brought on as needed. It was staged in the round, so actors entered and exited right next to you. During fights, actors would dip their hands into the pit and mark their opponent with blood. No weapons were used, just the pantomime and the blood, but it couldn't have seemed more realistic. It was magnificent.

We also saw On the Razzle last year in the Angus Bowmer Theatre, and I must say, I was a little disappointed with it. It was a farce, with mistaken identities, crooks on the lam, and young lovers trying to elope. All the makings of a great comedy, but it just felt hollow to me; it was over the top with the acting (yes, I realize a farce ought to be over the top--this was cloyingly so) and overdone. The set, I must say, was magnificent, as were the costumes. I just didn't really enjoy this show.

More later on my Ashland favorites!

Graffiti Follow-Up

I had to find it again, but a couple of years ago I ran across this amazing website, called Graffiti Archaeology, which has matched photos of various locations and the evolution of the graffiti found there. It is truly amazing. Check it out!
http://www.otherthings.com/grafarc/
There is one photo series in particular that is a train tunnel. The first photo taken in 1949 shows a train actually coming through it. Through the years it is fenced, then walled, all the while being covered in graffiti. A few pictures even depict some of the culprits/artists. Amazing stuff.

Graffiti=Art?

In the Hawaii Tribune-Herald, there was an article recently outlining a new rewards program for tipsters informing on graffiti taggers. The issue of graffiti has reach epidemic proportions in some areas of the Big Island, frustrating public officials and local business owners and costing a considerable amount of money to cover it. The taggers are becoming more and more bold, leaving larger tags in more prominent areas. It is an issue in Red Bluff too, with gang rivalry being expressed in tag speak. I studied graffiti a great deal for my master's thesis, and note the destructive nature of such vandalism as it instigates violence in some cases. But I also see the beauty of graffiti.

I have always been mesmerized by boxcars covered in tags, the cryptic messages, the color gradations, and the flowing design of graffiti. It is beautiful, and created using just a couple of colors and the difficult-to-control spray can. In Pahoa, there used to be a wall lining an alley (on the side of JoMaMa's, across from LaQuin's) that was a designated graffiti spot. Many local youth artists would create this cacophony of color and design. It was one of my regular pilgrimages to visit the wall, take a picture and see how it has changed. There was very little graffiti in other parts of town. The last time I was in Pahoa, the wall was white; the lovely little graffiti tradition had been lost.

Graffiti can be a major hot-button issue. So, yes, discourage the destruction of public property. Place bounties on tagger's heads if you must. But give these artists another venue to display their work. I can't say that it will eliminate their need to exhibit in more dangerous and visible locations, but it will give them a legitimate location for their work and it will not deprive the rest of us the opportunity to marvel at such gritty, interesting art.

The Great Trash Debate

Trash is the big topic in my two home towns. The Red Bluff Landfill is going to reach capacity in the very near future. It's phase two section will open at that time, which is supposed to last us until 2025. In Pahoa (Hilo) Hawaii, my other home town, the county wants to bring in a wheelabrator plant to incinerate trash and turn it to energy. It is meeting with lots of roadblocks, with arguments from the plausible (it will create more air pollution) to the ridiculous (with an incineration plant, people will stop recycling). Frankly, as far as the pollution is concerned, the trash run-off water seems to be a graver concern, and the pollution would be minimal, certainly far less than our active volcano puts out each day.

I wish that recycling was more of a priority to the average person, and that we could get away from all of our plastic use--plastic NEVER goes away. And it can only be recycled once, so those plastic grocery bags need to be reused--and reused and reused, as many times as possible. I refuse to take them at the store, but clerks always try to put stuff in them. I suppose they are easier to use than reusable bags or paper. I actually had clerks at Wal-Mart get frustrated with me, once for having to use my bags, and once because I refused bags and had her put everything back in the cart (I had left my bags in the car and bagged when I got out there). I have even had them put things with their own handles into bags for me--like gallons of milk (trying to get away from them too--plastic).

Big Island Hawaii makes recycling very difficult for the average person. You must carefully sort all of your recyclables yourself and drive them to the waste transfer station, but they don't take certain things (we tried to recycle glass liquor bottles. They would not take them). There is no home pick up (in the Puna district, anyway). People are lazy--we don't want to go to all of that effort, most especially since the government seems less than motivated to encourage it.

Victorian Homes

Red Bluff has an abundance of beautiful Victorian homes. In fact, one of our service clubs does a home tour as a fundraiser each year and showcases such homes. From my office window I can see a beautiful home, with its gingerbread trim and classically Victorian lines. Such homes are regularly depicted in paintings and photos here. Unfortunately, there are some formerly lovely homes that are rotting as they stand, or have been lost forever due to fire, decay or "modernization." It is tragic that such losses happen.

In Eureka, where I live for a short time and where many a happy family vacation took place, is the home of the Carson Mansion, a breathtaking marvel in Victorian design (it is the green beauty above). This Northern California wonder is used by a men's club and in unavailable for tours, so I have never seen the inside--which makes it all the more intriguing!

Many people, no doubt, have seen the Postcard Row of painted ladies in San Francisco. They are featured prominently in the opening of the 80's TV show Full House. San Francisco has an abundance of magnificent Victorians as well.

Anytime I am in a new town, I try to take in all of the home styles. It is amazing to visit the "old town" portions of various towns which have unique historic architecture.