Hands down best movie ever.

Just looking at this makes me laugh out loud.  Seriously funniest part.  Well, there's more.  But this one made me howl. In the theater, in my house, any where I see it.  HAHAHA!

Whatever you say "STOOVE".  It's STEVE. What are you an appliance? No I'm a man. You're a flight attendant.  That is absolutely correct.      HAHAHAHA!

 

 

 

 

This morning while getting ready for work, Kali called me into her room to catch a couple of the BEST parts.  I still wail with laughter.  I cry with laughter.  Wowza.  Best actress right there. Best movie.  I can watch this movie over and over again.  Mimicking their words.   

I am now seated at a desk.  Working with invoices, numbers and customers.   Someday I will own my flower shop.  For now, I will play my Pandora.  On my Opus Classical station.  Thankful for working.  Even though my teen girl is home waiting for me to run her around later...I am here.  Thankful.

Peace out players. 

L

Family Vines. My Godmother. Sharing my Great Grandmother. "Grandma Lala"

This morning during my attempt to clear the summer haze from my eyes, while beginning  the work in my fiberglass world as I know it, I receive an email.  From my Aunt.  She's also my Godmother.  She also lives in Illinois. It's message SUBJECT:  My Toastmaster Speech.  It's topics and contents share our amazing, sweet, loving, Great Grandmother. Her Grandma.  If this type of stuff bores you, read no further.  If gushy family ties, and warm and fuzzy things tickle you like they do me..I LOVE THIS STUFF.  It's my family vine.  Read on players..... or not. up to you.  I think you should though. k? 

From my Aunt Cece. Speech for Toastmasters-

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN: 

You know the other evening while joining my train pals, I heard someone in our group talking about getting an obscene phone call.  There was a great seiousness to their voice and normally, I am quick to add something to anything but I refrained.  I had a story - so instead I relived my memory in my mind and could not help but crack a smile and laugh.  You see, my little grandmother and I spent a lot of time together before I married (I married at 36 years old).  So I would visit her frequently in her Norwalk California home.  

And on one of my visits to my grandma's house - upon arrival she started telling me about her encounter with an obscene phone call.  I, of course, was very concerned since she lived by herself.  So she proceeds to tell me that this man on the phone called and said, "I'm playing with myself..." in a very low subdued voice.  My grandmother replied, "GOOD FOR YOU, I AM TOO!"  -Side note from me, Lisa...I love this! haha

Welcome Mr/Mrs.  Toastmaster, Fellow Toastmasters, and Toastmasters guests.

My Grandmother - Eulalia Salas Romero

Born in Las Vegas, New Mexico, February 12, 1916.

Her parents were Fernando Salas and her mother Cruz Salas.  Her father a Spaniard - her mother a New Mexico Navajo - their marriage mix was very indigenous to this time period in the Southwest.

When I came into this world she was all of 4' 7", beautiful, and the tiniest little lady you ever want to see with a limp due to a car accident.  Well, I loved my Grandma Lala. - Oh, I didn't tell you?  They called her Lala, but I called her Grandma.

You see despite my grandmothers' very rough beginning in life in 1916 - she probably could have been a real mental mess.  Stories she told of being abused by the orphanages that she was placed in when she was young then to being sold at the age of 14 years for marriage to a 30 year old foreigner from Portugal (our grandfather).  Needless to say, the marriage did not last long since the foreigner (my grandfather) was a womanizer, but my grandmother still turned out to be the most amazing person I knew. 

She was a total advocate of education (she only schooled until the 4th grade).

She would turn a boring social event into a festival of fun and laughter.  She danced on the floor and pulled family- and neighbors out to dance.  She was always the Queen of the Ball.  (At picnics when she would see that the restroom lines were long for the women she would block off the door to the men's restroom to let the women use it..) -another note from Lisa. MY KIND OF WOMAN!  Boom.  We always knew that she would be our savior.  

She was the most thriftiest person I knew and she knew how to save a bundle (born during the Great Depression period.)  Washed and kept containers that fast food came in.  Mended and re-used clothing- anything to save a penny.  But on holidays she would shower her grandchildren with gifts.  I always felt bad for my Uncle Bobby (her only child from her 2nd marriage), because their Christmas tree was full of gifts until Christmas Eve and when they were all transported to our house for her seven grandchildren that she managed to spoil.  

Oh, and could she cook up a storm.  Flour tortillas, rice, beans, American -food as well- she seemed to master everything and everything was made from scratch - note from Lisa- I remember the hard candy in dishes in her living room. Stuck together.  But so yummy.  

One recipe that I never got from her was a cookie recipe called Biscochitos.  I just recently learned the recipe and also learned more about my grandma. It was recipe that was indigenous only from Southern New Mexico; again, another piece of my genealogy research to add to my notes.  It also confirmed that this was a Spaniard recipe originally from Spain and was shared with the New Mexico Navajos when they merged in the Southwest. 

I could only imagine what her life was like before I was born.  But based on all of the stories she told us, some good and some bad.  My favorite was when she would arrive at a Famous Night Club in Los Angeles and because she was such a frequent quest- the band would strike up a tune "The Lady in Red".  As she danced on the clear dance floor of this famous spot that was built over a pool of water with fish below.  I can only envision how endearing it looked.  I learned recently that this place is still in existance.  The sad story I will never forget besides the others I mention, was her limp was caused by a car accident and a jealous boyfriend.  She had to have her shoes custom made to keep one heel higher than the other.  

When my grandmother passed away in 1992 and all of her possesions were distributed, all I asked for was her rolling pen from my uncle - the one that made so many tortillas.

I was in tears (oh, yeah I also inherited her tears- something that was common to my little grandma). 

Did you know that the New Mexico flag's color yellow symbolizes Spain and the red insignia represents Zia the Native American symbol for the sun?

Her endurance of life itself said so much about her. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

So there you have it folks.  A little family history of your fwend Weesa.   I love this stuff so darn much. 

I do remember my great-grandma Lala.  Funny little lady.  We would visit and run out back to see the train go by, counting them while looking for hobo's.   We'd watch her wash her hair in the sink by laundry room.  She'd bet on horses with her little radio in kitchen.  She'd feed us and laugh the whole time we were there.  

She loved and partied like there wasn't a tomorrow.  She was a tiny little lady.  She has always been missed.  We often talk of her while we gather. 

Thank you Auntie Cece for sharing this.  And while you dig into our ancestry, please know, YOU ROCK! 

That's what up for Wednesday....

Cheers

LS

Laughter. It's good.

I certainly don't want to offend anyone.  Ever.  So don't get all crazy and offended if any of these strike a nerve.  K?  K.  Come on, this is funny shiz right here.  I love Will Ferrell.  Always have, always will. 

And laughter?  It is so good for the soul. 

Boom. 

Happy Monday Bonday.  I am back to serious work mode.  It's on.  Turning the work wheel.  I scrubbed my house from top to bottom yesterday.  Talk about a great feeling.  You ALL know that feeling. Yes, you do.  Feels so good.

Kali had an early ortho this morning.  Official grill retainer installed.  Lisp in full swing.  Anything for a solid good grill right?  Lisp and all.  Booya.

Cheers, go get em worker bees. 

Love,

Silly head.

It was a blast Mom.....

And so we ALL know.... I missed Kali.  Badly.  Bill and Kris laughed like it was funny.  So go ahead and roll your eyes too.  Whatev.   It always makes me more happy to see my kids happy....but the feeling of missing someone isn't a bad thing.  Especially your daughter.  Your only sweet pea.  Each day I loved to read her texts'.  Trying so hard to "not check in so much", as I was told on Sunday evening.   Her view first morning...I won't caption each picture.  Just a sneak peek at what I got to see.  Oh the love of being a teen. Carefree.  Swimming. Laughing.  New friends.  Old friends. Best friends.  Life as they know it.  Hair.  Bathing suits. Trading Suits.  Sunblock. Lip Glass and chapsticks.  Ice Creams. Hikes.  More laughter.  Fast showers. Like Max 5 mins.  Sharing flat irons.  Charging cell phones. New restaurants.  Para-sailing. More laughter.  Life for a week on the island.  Enjoy these smiles.  I sure did.

First day. 

Hi Bodie. 

UHHMERICA!

The D family treated the girls to The M Restaurant.  Her explanation was everything us.  Everything good food.  Good vibe.  She said "Mom, we HAVE to go back there"!  I assume they have good wine.  Or she wouldn't mention to me.  haha.  HAHAHA.  kidding.  no I'm not.  well, kind of.  HAHAHA!

She is her Mothers Daughter.  Snaps of dinner?  4th of July Dinner?  Fried Green Tomatersss. Sure.  Here you go Mama.

Happy Independence Day 2012

Kell, Kee, Mitchell, Bodie and Mac Dut.

While she was away, my week was everything abnormal.  Yes, I decorated.  Yes we got alot done.  One day we worked, a couple we didn't.  The sun didn't shine until Thursday.  UGH! I enjoyed an awesome lunch with Kyoko, and headed back to the dock to catch whatever sunrays I could.  I actually needed it.  The gloom was quite depressing.  For some reason this week just wasn't what I had in mind for The 4th of July. Everything was just so different.  While I laid there reading my Martha Stewart Magazine....(not being sarcastic either...lol)  I came across this poem that I will share with you.  I believe Mommies and Daddies fall under this category.  Parenting in general.  Missing them.  Receiving little gifts. Summer.  Camps.  I hope you appreciate the meaning :  By the way Martha's mag's always have yummy food, and super good stories.  So go buy one.  Soon. Or else.  kidding.  

"THE LANYARD" By Billy Collins-

She gave me life and milk from her breasts, 

and I gave her a lanyard.

She nursed me in many a sick room, 

lifted spoons of medicine to my lips, 

laid cold face-cloths on my forehead, 

and then led me out into the airy light

and taught me to walk and swim,

and I, in turn, presented her with a lanyard.

Here are thousands of meals, she said,

and here is clothing and a good education.

And here is your lanyard, I replied, 

which I made with a little help from a counselor.

Here is a breathing body and a beating heart, 

strong legs, bones and teeth,

and two clear eyes to read the world, she whispered,

and here, I said, is the lanyard I made at camp. 

Adorbs.  Right?  Made me tear up.   

I am aware she wasn't at camp.  I am aware she didn't bring me back a lanyard.  I actually didn't get anything. I wasn't expecting anything.   Not even a heart shaped rock, that I kind of thought would blossom from her trip.  But what we experienced was her first long trip away from us.  She has never been one to travel away from us, spending the nights places.  She just never has.  But she loved this trip. It was like camp.  Experiencing all things good.  Life at 16.  Fresh ocean air.  Spending 5 nights on a boat.  Hiking with friends, while laughing so hard at times, they'd almost become breathless.  Summer.  July.  Sixteen.  Away from home.  And to hear these words when I picked her up today.  "Mom, it was a blast".  Makes another paragraph in Chapter 16, all the sweeter.  Trust me, all the sweeter. 

Thank you from the bottom of my big ol' heart to The D fam bam for making this memorable trip just so perfect, perfect, perfect for them all.    It is because of you.  It really is. 

Have a great rest of the wierdest holiday week/weekend ever. 

Go PLAY HARD, and PLAY FAIR PLAYERS!

Lots of love to you, and you, and you....

Muah,  xo

One happy Mommy. 

Is that corn under there?

Our 4th Of July...Independence Day was different. Everything about it.  Was different.  Although we didn't plan anything at all, I look back now and wish I would of coordinated at least the traditional BBQ...or at least stuffed Sunflowers in a jar alongside The American Flag.   We did manage to put up our new vintage American flag. We shopped all morning, and continued our decorating efforts well into the late afternoon.  Randy and Carmen called asking if we'd like to hang, do something..."anything"...just hang together.  We were stoked.   Kris, Lizo and Bucks joined us, which made my afternoon all more enjoyable. At least being with family felt closer to a holiday.    Something about this holiday landing dab snap in the middle of the week was odd.  And our sweet pea away made things feel especially different.   This flower stared at me all afternoon.  (I promised myself I wouldn't text, call, or check-in with Kali until she reached out to me.  She didn't each day until very late into the afternoon/evening! HAHA)

While Bill and I were out and about purchasing more goodies for the love-shack and trying to agree on Dinnerware, and my favorite choice of "big bowls"...I seriously have a problem with eclectic cool bowls.  I heart them.  My cousin Mindi sent this picture of her little sugar plums.  My little 2nd cousins. Tucked up at the tip of California.  I love America too.  This made me smile so big.   Ohh. The days when I would could dress Kali up. 

Spend time with Mom and Dad on the water with overcast skies on the 4th?  Sure!

Because these two lovebirds snapped us out of our nesting  mode. 

Happy Birthday America.  God Bless our troops that allow us these moments.  Thank you, thank you, and ohhh so many thank you's. 

Bill ordered Coconut Shrimp.  (First of all, shame on us for heading to a restaurant on a holiday...sad for them, good for us...well kind of)  As he's tearing into his dinner, Carmen says "Hey look you guys, is that corn under there"?  I know it sounds nerdy to laugh now, but that shiz is funny right there.  Presentation means nothing here players.   It's how you find it while eating.  Just another day on the water...hahaha!

And big CHEERS (glasses clink together) to a great afternoon, fun dinner...and more silly memories with The Reynolds.  xo

Getting ready to head across the street to the beach.  And if I'm not mistaken, Kris has inherited my sometimes "honey badger, cheesy smile" here. HAHA! Little beach tradition.. if possible to watch fireworks at QM and HB Pier. Sooo gloomy we hope to see whatever. And what would soon really scare little buddy here.   Safe in our arms, but shivered until we got back home.  No likey fireworks.  I mean, what dog/cat does? 

Mr. Sun.  Did. Not. Peek. At. Us. All. Day. Long. Lame. Shame on you.

The beach was different too.  The whole vibe for that matter was way off.  Ya, thanks calendar for giving us that holiday so awkwardly.  ka-BOOM! 

The two leading boys in my life. 

I did sip a very good wine though.  Thank you Bill.  Thank you wine glass on the sand.  COULD NOT, WOULD NOT...SPORT A RED SOLO CUP ON THAT HOLIDAY!!  Nope. 

Remember this girl?  She sent us a picture of them.  Yesterday.  And it said "miss you".   I miss her too.  Alot. 

Hope everyone enjoyed that sliver of a holiday.  It was gloomy on the beach. It was super hot in Havi (from what we hear...)  But we are extremely grateful for the holiday and what it means.  Freedom and the rights we have.  Those are the doors of opportunity that will open for all of us. 

Be safe....

L

Any picture. I'll take it.

I was watering last night, and received this.  Made me smile.  So big. 

And this.  I can only imagine what fun they are having.  Thom and Cindy have 5 Teens on that boat.  Cheers to them. [clink..glasses touch].   

Today will allow me a mani/pedi...car wash...and more shopping.  Oh.  Also avoiding the "checking in" with Kali.   I've put my scissors away for now.  No clipping little wings. Just waiting for any picture she wants to send.  

Have fun players.  I will post again on Thursday..unless something wild and crazy pops up and you must see.  Or hear about.  Until then, go play. Be good.  Don't litter, and always always treat your animals with respect.  Remember their delicate ears tomorrow.  (unless you live by the beach or mountains...)You know those freaks that like to ignite bombs in the city?  Ya, those guys. They do exist.  They scare the nuts out of our animals.  

 

p.s. she just text-ed me.  "good morning mom, I slept super good last night".  And "everyone is asleep but me, I should wake them up?" haha.   I said "do it, you're on vacation haha".   She won't. 

 

Happy 4th America.  

 

Leese

The birdies. Their weekend.

We kept Friday very simple.  Just the way we planned.  Our normal stop into Sunset Pasta, same spot, same seat,  different dish...and it was delish.  Greeted by name by the sweetest people in Sunset.  Seriously, good vibe in there.  Meanwhile X-Games was on the flat screen, right in front of us.  Good wine, amazing food, and watching this.  Kris and Lizo were there.  Of course we I lol were text-a-thon back and forth...They know me, bring on the pic's.  I can never get enough. Ever. Ever.  So much in fact I think I searched the screen more trying to spot these two birdies in the crowd.  Silly me I know.  Go ahead, roll your eyes. 

They had great seats, good company, and watched Ronnie Renner break a record.  47 Foot jump over the bar. IS. INSANE. SERIOUSLY AMAZEBALLS. 

Saturday held concert moments for Kali.  A Hawaiian festival, with Tristan and his family.  The group was told to dress "Hawaiian"....This is the start of the concert/event.   oh yea and...brace free smiles.  Both girls lost those tracks 2 weeks ago.  Woop woop.

She said the energy and feeling of this place was nothing less than awesome.  Hawaiian people have a way about kindness.  Mix my little one in there?  You bet!

And these two sillyheads?  Of course!

And this is what happens when boy likes girl.  And girl likes boy. Boy finally convinced that face painting is ok.  That he should go along like everyone else.  Flower on my face?  Why sure!    

Because these girls really think it looks hot!I know girl on right sure does.

Well, at least I know her smile speaks leaps and mountains.....

Sunday morning Kali said "Gianni is picking me up and taking me to his house to make us breakfast".   Stuff like this makes me melt.  How cute is that?!  How cute are they?! Can I get a big awwwww?  I love Gio. Plus he's blessed with the perfect Mom  who snaps just as many shots as this Mom.  Bam!  They are doomed.  HAHA!

After breakfast this place would soon be whispering "come play" to them. 

So 2 car loads, ice chest (holla to the Mom's that pack lunches and snacks right?) and Sunglasses sittin' on smiles.....

Brought them here.  Laguna Beach.  Summer 2012. 

The other important guy in her life picked her up.  

So she could pack for this.   Longest time planned away from us.  Kali is at the island with Mac and Kell for 5 days.  Sleeping right there.  On a boat.  Sunshine, smiles and many many memories.   Guess what?  I was a mess this morning. 5am.   And last night.  What is wrong with me?  Bill and Kali lectured me last night at dinner.  I heard something like this:  Blah. Blah. Blah.   She is my little buddy.   I am learning to let her brave wings fly.  That she must get out there and enjoy moments.  Without me.  I know to prep for the day she leaves me for good.  But for now players?   I miss her.  I guess I miss the schedule.  My buddy. So excited for her too!

How are you preparing for the 4th?  We are not planning anything.  Come what may.   Come what will.  I do know it will be different this year without the little birdie with wings that are growing.   No picture of Happy Birthday America and lights on her bike. Or sparklers that we quickly light on the patio just because.  We are alive.  She is alive. Healthy.  Having fun. On the island.  I shutter with excitement when she sends me pictures.  Of anything.  Especially when my kids are able to enjoy this Earth and Country for what we stand for.  FREEDOM. It is the land that I love. 

Cheers  XO!    to a mani/pedi?  I think so. 

 

Oh.  And yes Pandora..."I AM STILL LISTENING".

GOD BLESS THE USA!

L