Sunday, October 28, 2007

10 sibs, 10 days: Multiple Choice Answers

OK, I know you've all been on the edge of your seats. So here's the tally of results from the 10 sibs in 10 days trivia contest.

1st place: Josefa with 22 of 26 right.
Tied for 2nd: Cefe and Anita right behind with 21 each. For question #16, see below, I gave Cefe a correct score (D). Anita also got it correct with "A".
MARIA AND BRIAN TIED FOR 3RD WITH 17 (I SCORED BRIAN AFTER THE ORIGINAL POST).

Answers:

1. Brian and Santa have recently remodeled their…
D. all of the above: guest room, office, casita (BRIAN WANTED YOU TO KNOW, LIKE GRANDMA, THEY CALL THEIR LITTLE HOUSE IN BACK THE CASITA)

2. Name Bonny and John’s favorite Mexican restaurant?
B. La Camanita, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THE CHICKEN MOLE ENCHILDA'S

3. Kenny had to wear an ankle bracelet for…
C. 2 ½ weeks, LESS THAN EXPECTED

4. Kevin’s car is a Honda…
B. Civic EX, THE UPPER END OF THE CIVIC MODELS

5. Who did I go to the gym with?
B. Steve, CAN YOU SAY BEACH VOLLEYBALL OUTSIDE THE CLUB

6. What school does Alana attend?
C. North Broadway

7. Who got a new hand-me-down couch set recently?
A. David & Robin, WE USED IT ALL ON MOVIE NIGHT

8. Which Horton is most likely to read a 3” book in a matter of days?
C. Nicky, IF SAMARA OR ALANA CAN IT'S NEWS TO ME, BUT ANITA ADMITTED "NOT ME FOR SURE"

9. Name Steve’s place of business?
C. UCSB Marine Science Institute

10. What does Susy claim is her busiest work day?
B. Monday

11. Which is an accurate John quote?
A. “We’re on a diet, but not strict about it.”

12. I bought Alana a new outfit in what colors?
C. Orange and Green, SHE MADE ME A PROUD UNCLE AND WORE IT THE NEXT DAY TO SCHOOL

13. Carson’s soccer team is…
B. Dragonfire, YOU GOTTA HEAR MARIA SAY YELL IT IE. "GO DRAGONFIRE"

14. Who is known as, “the heart of the Ghostbusters?
B. Cefe (STEVE NAMED HER THAT AFTER DAN AKROYD?)

15. Who has a lavender colored bathroom?
C. Maria

16. Who got a college degree in Theatre Arts?
A. Me - AND -
B. Peter
THIS ONE WAS A BIT OF AN ERROR ON MY PART, I DIDN'T REALIZE SUSY DIDN'T GET A DEGREE IN THEATRE. SO IT WASN'T "D", ALL OF THE ABOVE, LIKE I THOUGHT. SO I GAVE A CORRECT ANSWER TO ANYONE WHO CHOSE A OR B OR D, due to the confusion. If you chose C, sorry you're out of luck.

17. What family members live the closest to each other?
C. Bonny-Brian, according to my maps 1.2 miles.

18. While I was away Gia enjoyed…
D. all of the above: dinner at A-16, a fancy Italian Restaurant; a massage at Nob Hill Spa (LAST YEARS CHRISTMAS PRESENT FROM ME, FINALLY; peace and quiet at home

19. Dad, Josefa and I ate what type of lunch in San Juan Bautista?
C. German

20. Upon first meeting Elijah I gave him a…
D. all of the above: “one love” jumper; big kiss; blessing (AS IS MY TRADITION UPON FIRST MEETING A NEWBORN)

21. Recently Josefa lost and Johan gained…
B. 14 lbs, NOT "an understanding about BTU’s in Johan’s bedroom", WHICH THEY HAVE NOT GAINED AN UNDERSTANDING OF

22. On the trip I traveled about…
C. 1300 miles

23. In 10 days I ate at In-N-Out Burger…
C. 0 times, THIS REALLY STUMPED SEVERAL OF YOU, I made an attempt to eat healthy although I was craving burgers at the end

24. In reference to Dad’s wedding skits who did I call, “the Trenton of the outlaws?”
B. Steve, BECAUSE OF THE AMOUNT OF TIMES HE WAS ROPED INTO HELPING PREPARE THE SKITS, LIKE TRENTON.

25. Who worked at Pinnacles National Monument in their youth?
A. Josefa, I DIDN'T KNOW THIS UNTIL I CALLED JOEY IN HOLLISTER WHILE I WAS APPROACHING THERE.

26. Who said to me, “I’m more addicted to reading your blog then I am my reality TV shows?”
B. Rayna, BY PHONE

Thanks for playing, this was so much fun for me. Now it's Josefa's turn; I know Rayna and Maria have questions waiting in the wings. Joey, let me know if you wanna come up for a jazz show or I can invite your in-laws as I alluded to.

Saturday, October 27, 2007

Stories from the firestorms of October, 2007


360 DEGREE VIEW

MONDAY DUSK:

Not supposed to leave the house due to bad air from fires and smoke.

Stir crazy forced to listen constantly to radio fire news, to see if we need to evacuate.

Had to get out.

Walking the dogs, we cross the street and climb a hill with a 360 degree view of the skies.

Eastern sky so bright blue it thinks it’s a normal day,

Juxtaposed to a southeastern puffy dark thick grey cloud rising boldly from the Escondido fires.

I feel scared it might be near my sister who’d gotten the “prepare to evacuate” notice.

Turning left the northern sky curls then thins the grey clouds into long strips that look like city smog.

Turning west toward the ocean the orange sun can’t break through hazy filters of brown and rust.

Looking south beyond our house toward the lake, the sky is brown where a fire was recently contained.

A Somber Sight.
A Variegated Sky.


MONDAY EVENING:

Once the two fires closest to us were contained, I no longer had to listen intently to live fire coverage. Relieved from constant vigilance, I felt compelled to use my energy to help others.

Drove to a nearby evacuation center.

Given a bright yellow, “How May I Serve You?” volunteer button, I do art with kids then wander over to a huge room where people are clustered in groups on the floor preparing to spend the night. I walk around visiting with people, help set up cots, and hand out pillows and blankets while standing in the center with a 360 degree view of the room.

Doors on the east wall open as new evacuees enter looking haggard and a little lost, towing young kids clutching pillows for security.

Scanning north a Mexican family of six sit together on the floor, look at me shyly and I smile warmly.

Northwest, a young couple at a table angry and worried about their parents, who were here, but went back to the evacuated house to get their sister’s car.

The west wall houses a stage and giant television showing wildfire coverage that most people watch.

In front of me toward the west at a table is a big blond mother of four. At lights out the mother calmly but firmly says, “Lie down right now” to her pouting 8 year old who doesn’t want to sleep on the floor.

Southwest, a woman helps her 90 year old mother take insulin. One toddler in blue pajamas racing around the entire room swipes an apple off the backpack of a 70 year old woman obliviously staring at the news from a lounge chair.

On the south wall a young couple asleep in each other’s arms with no bedding but a jacket under his head.

On the east wall three Asian teenage sisters share one big blow up mattress, and an older Asian man, formally dressed, bows graciously to me.

We set up a cot for the 90 year old woman who tells me with bright eyes, “This is the second time I evacuated. As a child I was evacuated from a flood, now from this fire. I guess I’ve come full circle.” I want to tuck her in like we used to do Mom but just smile instead. Then they turn out the lights and I feel sad to leave.

A somber room.
A variegated sight.

VS-10-26-2007

Friday, October 26, 2007

The Fires: Escondido



See the lady with the white hair. I was driving pass an evacuation center on Tues. a.m. to selfishly see if my bank was open, they were closed on Monday. Somehow I saw her little dog that looked like Toto and she was talking to a volunteer in an Orange Vest. I asked if she was Ok, and she kept saying that she left her purse in her home because she had to evacuate so fast. She asked the guy to go retrieve it. I would say she was 10 miles away from home. I told her I was going to run an errand but I would be back to see if she was Ok. 20 min. later I came back with my 8 year old. She was fiddling in her car with her dog, so I wanted her out of the smoke, even though Escondido wasn't that smokey, it was HOT! We sat in the "Christian High School" evacuation center around the corner from my house for about an hour, when the volunteer came back and said, "sorry they won't let me in." I could tell she was worried. She got separated from her neighbors and was just alone. My 13 year old joined us and finally I asked, don't you want to come to my house with the air conditioning and I have little dogs and lots of kids running around. She agreed! I had my 13 year old drive with her...yes she still drives at 86 years old. She ended up staying with us for 3 days, 2 nights and what a blessing she was to have. I guess I could've picked up some "crazy old lady" but something (someone) brought me to her!!! She told my 8 year old that she could be her adopted granddaughter and without her knowing, I cried. Come to find out she is a military wife, her husband passed away 6 years ago and her children are all out of state. She told me she was catholic and her children went to Catholic School. I talked to her 58 year old daughter in upstate New York, and she was grateful. I told her I couldn't imagine my mom or dad being in this situation and although the evacuation centers do all that they could, it isn't like sleeping in a HOME. A day later my husband drove his motorcycle to her home, watered it down and then my daughter grabbed her purse for her. They locked the doors behind them and brought her purse to her. She left at 7 am this morning and I cried. I think we will be seeing her again. NEEDLESS TO SAY: My mom intervened on this situation and I feel her presence wherever I go.

Anita



Saturday, October 13, 2007

1977 RickyNiniAltie

RickyNiniAltie - 1977

I love this picture for so many reasons. We are obvously mauling each other and having fun in the girls room. Nini was 14, I was 12 and Altie 7. Notice the red lamps that don't match teh checkered bed spreads, limited wall hangings, Nini's greasy hair, Altie's little afro, my very '70's clothes, which are back in certain circles. We had so much fun playing with each other and jumping on those series of beds. Who recalls the order of the girls' beds? (Anita, Maria, Cefe, Josefa?). I know Joey's was closest to the upstairs and also the firmest.

Before long Amari and Alana will be the same ages as their parents were here.

Thursday, October 11, 2007

Answers to Cefe Trivia (UPDATED AGAIN)

Maria won with 27 1/2 pts., Anita had 27, Susy 3rd with 26. Congratulations, that was a close contest between the sisters.

Cefe wanted to thank everyone who participated and took the difficult challenge. I, personally, am disappointed with my tied for 4th place (with Peggy) performance. Maria will receive a special gift from Cefe and is entitled to create a new trivia game. You go 'riga!

1. What was Kenny's nickname at St. Mary's?

KANNUCK (maybe he looked like a Canadian)

2. What festival did Peggy & David attend for several years in Ashland, Oregon?

OREGON SHAKESPEARE (OSF)

3. What club did Bonny & Brian join a few years ago?

GOURMET COOKING CLUB

4. Where did Susy & Steve go on their first "unofficial" date?

THE PINNACLES NATIONAL MONUMENT

5. What degree does Sean have his Masters in?

MASTERS IN CATHOLIC EDUCATION (IN PROCESS)

6. Besides California, name two other states that Cefe & Dave lived in.

OREGON AND FLORIDA

7. What present did Dave give Maria on Mother's Day in honor of her friend Terry?

BLUE POTATO BUSH which is a tree of purple flowers

8. What is Joey’s favorite "animal”?

BUTTERFLY, CAT, HUMMINGBIRD are all accepted

9. Who is Kevin's favorite Saint?

FRANCIS OF ASSISI

10. What much wanted gift did Peter get for his 10th birthday?

A DOG (HEIDI)

11. What famous person does Anita look & act like?

RACHEL RAY

12. What is Ricky's confirmation name? If you put his first name in front of it what singer does he become?

MARTIN, RICKY MARTIN

13. What is Altie's middle name?

HE DOESN’T HAVE ONE (TEXTED ALTIE), BUT CRAW ALSO ACCEPTED AS HE CONTEMPLATED TAKING ON PART OF DAVID'S NAME TO CREATE Alton CrawFord.

14. Name the small Hawaiin Island that Brian, Santa and Jade lived on.

LANAI

15. What is Brendon's favorite sport to play?

FRISBEE GOLF OR DISC GOLF

16. As a toddler, what was Trenton's favorite Sesame Street character?

ERNIE

17. What is Shahera's main nickname?

SHUSTI

18. What is Clint's current job?

COUNTY SHERRIFF

19. Name one of Rivi's all-time favorite broadway musicals?

LES MISERABLES, GYPSY, RENT, A CHORUS LINE ARE ACCEPTED

20. What sport did Quinlan play from age 5 to 12?

BASEBALL

21. Geoff & Rayna's friends Jason & Karin recently had twin daughters. What are their names?

JENNA AND KENEDIE (ACKNOWLEDGE THIS WAS A TOUGH ONE BUT GOOD REASON TO CALL RAYNA)

22. What city did Chelsea go to for sea camp this summer?

SAN DIEGO

23. What did Rochelle recently become?

A VEGETARIAN

24. What musical play did Johan have the lead in?

THE MUSIC MAN

25. What special event, in August, did David Horton celebrate?

COLLIN'S 1ST BIRTHDAY

26. Name 2 sports that Samara played in school last year.

WRESTLING AND TRACK AND FIELD (ALSO ACCEPTING CROSS COUNTRY WHICH SHE'S DOING THIS YEAR)

27. What was the last play Nicky was in?

HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL (ALSO ACCEPTING SUESSICAL WHICH WAS RECENT)

28. What is Alana's favorite book series?

JUNIE B. JONES

29. What is Carson's favorite TV show?

MYTHBUSTERS (also accepting the channel Animal Planet)

30. What Disney character did Ariana dress up as, last Christmas, when she sang?

LITTLE MERMAID

31. What is Amari's favorite Sesame Street character?

ELMO

32. In what country was Claire born?

NEW ZEALAND

33. What word does Dave Damitz' first, middle & last name initials spell?

D.A.D., THE A. STANDS FOR ALLEN

34. Name the company that Gia just started work at?

BARNEY’S NEW YORK

35. Name at least two vegetables that Sally is growing in her wonderful garden?

CHARD, LETTUCE, BELL PEPPERS, PEPPERS, AND SEVERAL OTHERS (TOMATOES ARE A FRUIT)

36. Who are the two newest babies in our family?

ELIJAH FORD AND LAILA MARYLAND

Tuesday, October 09, 2007

Questions re: 10 sibs, 10 days California Trip


These questions relate to my trip around California in which I visited many of my siblings in the first week of October. Please answer the questions by submitting an email in the following way: A, B, A, D, etc. Deadline is October 17, opening night of the San Francisco Jazz Festival. The winner receives 2 free tickets to selected shows (www.sfjazz.org). Tickets are transferrable, ie. if Josefa wins she can gift them to hear in-laws or Fr. Ron Shirley. I had much fun preparing these multiple choice questions while on the road. I hope you enjoy them, all in good fun, as much as I did.

1. Brian and Santa have recently remodeled their…

A. guest room

B. office

C. casita

D. all of the above

2. Name Bonny and John’s favorite Mexican restaurant?

A. Las Camanitas

B. La Camanita

C. La Camaria

D. La Bonita

3. Kenny had to wear an ankle bracelet for…

A. 6 weeks

B. 6 months

C. 2 ½ weeks

D. as long as Nicole Richie

4. Kevin’s car is a Honda…

A. Civic DX

B. Civic EX

C. Accord

D. Porsche 911

5. Who did I go to the gym with?

A. Altie

B. Steve

C. Anita

D. John

6. What school does Alana attend?

A. Escondido Grammar

B. Rincon Middle

C. North Broadway

D. Bien Venido Del Norte

7. Who got a new hand-me-down couch set recently?

A. David & Robin

B. Rick & Gia

C. Kevin & Sally

D. Kevin & Kelly Sonnikson

8. Which Horton is most likely to read a 3” book in a matter of days?

A. Samara

B. Anita

C. Nicky

D. Alana

9. Name Steve’s place of business?

A. Coastal Commission of San Diego

B. Coastal Research Center

C. UCSB Marine Science Institute

D. Linda Vista Closed Road Co.

10. What does Susy claim is her busiest work day?

A. Thursday

B. Monday

C. Tuesday

D. Everyday

11. Which is an accurate John quote?

A. “We’re on a diet, but not strict about it.”

B. “We’re not on a strict diet.”

C. “We’re on a strict diet.”

D. “How can I be on a diet with Bonny’s cooking.”

12. bought Alana a new outfit in what colors?

A. Pink and Blue

B. Red and Orange

C. Orange and Green

D. Red, White and Blue Stars

13. Carson’s soccer team is the…

A. Dragonflys

B. Dragonfire

C. Fireballs

D. Balls of Fire

14. Who is known as, “the heart of the Ghostbusters?”

A. Steve

B. Cefe

C. Peggy

D. Amari

15. Who has a lavender colored bathroom?

A. Anita

B. Sally

C. Maria

D. Brian

16. Who got a college degree in Theatre Arts?

A. Me

B. Peter

C. Susy

D. all of the above

17. What family members live the closest to each other?

A. Maria-Shahera

B. Peggy-Maria

C. Bonny-Brian

D. Sean-Me

18. While I was away Gia enjoyed…

A. dinner at A-16, a fancy Italian Restaurant

B. a massage at Nob Hill Spa

C. peace and quiet at home

D. all of the above

19. Dad, Josefa and I ate what type of lunch in San Juan Bautista?

A. Mexican

B. Hamburgers

C. German

D. Basque

20. Upon first meeting Elijah I gave him a…

A. “one love” jumper

B. big kiss

C. blessing

D. all of the above

21. Recently Josefa lost and Johan gained…

A. 13 lbs.

B. 14 lbs.

C. 8 lbs.

D. an understanding about BTU’s in Johan’s bedroom

22. On the trip I traveled about…

A. 800 miles

B. 1000 miles

C. 1300 miles

D. 545 miles

23. In 10 days I ate at In-N-Out Burger…

A. 5 times

B. 2 times

C. 0 times

D. 10 times

24. In reference to Dad’s wedding skits who did I call, “the Trenton of the outlaws?”

A. Geoff

B. Steve

C. Dave D.

D. Chuck Wear

25. Who worked at Pinnacles National Monument in their youth?

A. Josefa

B. Kevin

C. Me

D. Kenny

26. Who said to me, “I’m more addicted to reading your blog then I am my reality TV shows?”

A. Rivianna

B. Rayna

C. Cefe

D. Kevin

Thanks for playing!

Sunday, October 07, 2007

10 sibs, 10 days: Wrap-Up

Finished my sibling tour of California on Saturday night. What a trip it was.

Travelled about 1300 miles, slept over 8 nights, saw 9 siblings (didn't catch up with Sean yet, ironically, even though we live in the same town), 6 out-laws, 10 nephews/nieces, 5 great nephews/nieces and Dad.

Overall I fell thankful for a safe trip, one with little drama and much visiting including lots of listening and sharing. It was a very positive experience and I am rejuvinated to be back home. I billed this as 10 sibs and it was so much more - including seeing all the extended family and some friends along the way. I feel blessed, lucky and unique. Who else can say they have family all up and down California and lay claim to such an adventure. Someone asked me what the impetuous for this was and I didn't have the chance to respond. This came about when I got to thinking what kind of vacation I wanted to have, while Gia needed to work, that wouldn't cost too much and would include people that I love. It was all that and more.

Great moments included but weren't limited to the following:
Cozy Cup with Dad
Watching the sunset in Tujunga
Dinner out with Bonny and John
Playing with Jade
Distributing wine, beer, dried 'cots and artichokes (while they lasted)
Having lunch with Alana at her school
Hanging with Anita in the middle of the "work" day
Movie Night! at the Horton's
When Susy's student said, "Are you the 10 sibs, 10 days brother?"
Late night cafe drinks with Steve and Susy
Chai lattes with Steve near the beach
Laughing with Susy over the way Thich Naht Hahn drank his water (mindfully)
Travelling on a beautiful dirt road near Panoche to Hollister
Catching a glimpse of Kenny riding his new bike to the cannery in the early morning
Walking around and having lunch in San Juan with Dad and Joey
Joking around with tall Johan
Fixing the remote control in Hollister
Shooting hoops with Altie
Seeing Altie and Rachelle do well at co-parenting
Watching, for the first time, as Elijah opened his blue eyes
Listening to Amari call me "Uncky" and say "I wuv you"
Sharing stories and eating lunch with Peggy at the mall
Ham dinner with all the Sacto gang (including Terrica, Ariana, Laila)
Finding out about Rivianna being cast in 3 plays
Watching Carson play soccer
Videotaping Maria yelling "Go Dragon Fire!"
Hearing Cefe jiggle over breakfast
Slipping Quinlan a 5-spot
Hitting golf balls with Kevin
Coming home to Gia

Thank you to everyone for being so gracious with your homes, for cooking, sharing your lives and for all your love. I LOVE YOU! Now come visit me (I have free Jazz tickets).

Look for a new multiple choice questionnaire based on this trip coming soon to a blog near you.

Saturday, October 06, 2007

10 sibs, 10 days: Homeward Bound

Still in Sacramento this Saturday morning. Heading toward home later tonight, will stop off in San Rafael and possibly Mill Valley to catch the Film Festival.

Hung with Amari all Saturday morning, he calls me Uncy. So easy-going and adorable, I think I finally used up all the digital camera's space. Rochelle came over with the baby, "little bootie" and I got to meeet Elijah for the first time. Promptly blessed his big head and kissed him. He was sleeping the whole time.

Later Peggy and I went shopping in downtown and I got two pairs of jeans (2nd one was cheaper). We had latte's and later ate a snack and beer samples. It was great to get out for some quality Peggy-time. She kidded me that we weren't done talking about her.

Saturday night we had a big ham dinner here at 1633. Attending were: Peggy, Altie, Me, Cefe, Rivianna, Quinlan, Maria, Dave, Carson, Terrica, Ariana, Laila, Rochelle, Amari and Elijah. The babies slept alot. We cooked, ate, yapped and scored the 36 Orderly Questions from Cefe. Will publish answers and winners soon. Great time here, and sad to leave.

Heading to see Carson's soccer game now, and pick up Quinlan on the way.

Looking forward to being home and seeing Gia late tonight. Although Kevin's been calling to keep me in the Rafael for Sunday, we'll see.

I'll be posting a wrap up message, photos and a multiple choice "travelling trivia" contest soon.

Friday, October 05, 2007

10 sibs, 10 days: Hollister-Sacramento

Before today, 5 down, 5 to go. Now in Sacramento and having spent the evening here with Peggy only 4 await. I wonder if Kevin and Sean will be available.

Had a great day today with Dad and Josefa. We went to replace the remote control (finally) at the Gilroy store and then proceeded to quiet San Jaun Bautista for a german lunch. It was terrific and we enjoyed weiners, sauerkraut and beer on tap. We walked around main street and the Mission nearly 50 years to the day when Vertigo, which was film in part there, was released. After some refection we realized Josefa who was born that year may not have been in tow with Dad, Mom, Kenny and the Twins since filming was likely the year before. When I asked Dad if he wanted to go see Jimmy Stewart, he said, "no, but I'd like to see Kim Novak, she's still younger than me." The story goes that when they were here in '57 Dad went up to Stewart chatted about them both having sets of twins and asked for an autograph. Stewart double checked the back to make sure he wasn't signing a check and was gracious. Novak was more private and sat seperately. Joey and I agreed it was time to revisit the Hitchcock classic. SJB was having several film related events this weekend and we were there before all the action in the sleepy tourist town.

Later we visited the St. Francis Retreat Center and had fond memories of the retreats and events we'd attended. There was a priest retreat going on and we witnessed the grounds post '06 fire, a first for me. Did some gift shop buying and headed home. I took several pictures and some video clips I'll share later.

Nice to be in Sac. and hang with Peggy, Altie and Amari tonight and just watch TV which I haven't done much of this week. Amari is adorable and very loving. Tomorrow Peggy has dinner plans for the entire family here and I look forward to seeing everyone including Elijah for the first time.

Wednesday, October 03, 2007

10 sibs, 10 days, 10 friends

Writing from Hollister, at Pat's house. Arrived from San Diego via I-5 and Panoche Road. This small road has 11 or 12 miles of dirt but is beautiful. I will add pictures later, and also have some small video clips to show you all. Started off day with Susy making me one of her specialty scrambled in the pan eggs. Rayna called just before I left and said, "I'm more addicted to your blog then my reality TV shows." Susy and I got a good laugh out of that one. I drove like hell and arrived in Hollister in time for dinner with the Sniders, Dad and Kenny.

Now just hanging out and heading to Sacramento tomorrow. Will update from there, and looking forward to meeting Elijah for the first time.

Peace!

Tuesday, October 02, 2007

10 sibs, 10 days: USD

On the campus of Univ. of San Diego, the beautiful Catholic one on the hill. With Steve and Susy, just finished the talk by Thich Naht Hahn. It was a wonderful speech, one lesson we all appreciated was about holding your anger and fear close to your heart like a woman would hold her child. He also spoke about how psychotherapists can only deeply listen when they have compassion for their own suffering, which was fitting for Susy.

Now were in living in the moment, as the great "Thay" (teacher) preached, so we're enjoying hot drinks in the campus cafe full of students at 10pm while composing this.

Started my day at Nini's and had lunch with Alana at her school. It was quite different than the experiences that I'm used to living in my SF-Haight Ashbury-Adult-Gia-BMW (bike, Muni, walk - as Steve just said - see still in the moment).

Spent some time at the beach, alone, napping, reading, swimming the cold Pacific before having dinner at Schroeters of salmon and zucchini salad.

I felt a little like I knew people when after the lecture we ran into a student of Susy's who asked if I was the famous "10 sibs" brother. She got this information when Susy told my story about visiting 10 sibs in 10 days during her lecture on stress-hardiness yesterday.

Monday, October 01, 2007

10 sibs, 10 days: Movie Night



From Escondido, this Monday evening following movie night which I hope will be a new tradition at the Horton's. We watched an inspirational movie in a tent on a large screen with couches and all. Great time! I instantly thought of how Rivianna would like this. Will have to come back again for a 1st of the month, or 1st Friday?

Picked up Alana at school today, with Nini. She's so darling, in SECOND grade, and full of ideas. We listened to hip-hop music in the car. Later went clothes shopping at Nordstrom Rack and the health food store.

Got to see Nicki and Samara and hang with them outside where the weather is perfect here. We BBQ'd but Anita and I got distracted and I got blamed for burning the seasoned carne asada. What's new?

Regardless, I'm having such a good time here in SD that I just decided to stay an extra day in order to hang with the fambam and go to a lecture from Thich Nat Han with Steve and Susay on Tue evening. I'll make up for it by driving straight to Hollister on Wed morning.

10 sibs, 10 days: San Diego

I can't believe it's already Day 5.

Writing from Steve's office in Carsbad, and waiting for Nini to pick me up to meet up with Susy for lunch where she is working a long day with a few breaks in between. Steve and I just got back from his gym, Frogs, which where we had a nice workout. Put it this way: this gym is so San Diego it has a beach volleyball court outside that is part of the gym. Afterwards we had chai latte's and quiche at some hot spot in Leucida. Good Times!

I got in to the Schroeters around 10pm last night and we chatted until midnight. Snoozy had to work early today and late into tonight. Apparently she is front-loaded during the week on sessions, etc. Sounds like a good schedule to me if you can get the occassional 5 day weekend.

OK, Nini finally arrived and off we go!