This Man.

I woke this morning, very early again.  I lay there thinking of all things my Dad taught me.  One in particular was my first fish.  Caught up in Big Bear.  We walked up stream.  Very early.  He said, "drop the line right there Leese"...I did.  Caught the biggest fish of the day.  German Brown Trout.  Bam. Take that players.  

I thought about all he went through to give us what he did.  He is a hard worker.  Determined and smart man. Very smart man.  I was am full of questions.  He tried to answer all of them.  Stood up for what he believes.  Still does.  Treats others with kindness.  Especially animals.  Guess that's where I get it from.  I also laid there missing him.  Missing both of them.  So I got up.  Poured myself a cup of coffee.  (New fav from World Market -Texas Turtle. or something like that...) It's super yummy.  Kitchen smells so good.  Oh.  I always sprinkle cinnamon in my coffee before brewing. Try it.  Yum.  

Annnyyyway.  I am off subject, because I can't stop feeling sorry for myself this morning.  Thank you hormones.  You can suckit.   Happy Fathers Day all you Daddy-o's out there.  I received my long awaited text from Bill this morning at 8.  He crossed the border.  That made me smile.  It said "we crossed I miss you."  His parents are beyond thrilled to be there.  That makes me more happy than words can describe.  I had a peaceful day yesterday.  Celebrated for my little cousin London. Big 2.  Best part of the party? Cake time. Blowing out her candles.  It was beyond the cutest ever.  Her little fingers were entwined.  She stood there with the most serious glare.  Right at the cake.  Her wish seemed big.  She blew em out. Looked around and smiled.  Made me tear up. jeeshh. Leese! (took one pic. camera died. yes loser moment)   Good times, caught up with family. Sat and chatted with each aunt.  My uncle.  Came home cleaned, worked in my yard.  Missed my Dad. Missed Bill.  Both kids had plans.  Me missing everyone.  haha. 

I hope this day brings afternoon sunshine.  Beautiful dinners or bbq's for all the Dad's. The little cards handmade or bought bring a smile to your face.  You deserve it.  

Hardest job in the world. Parenting.  Fatherhood. Motherhood.

Happy Fathers Day....

L- Crybaby.  

Toasting to Mission Guatemala....

My girlfriend Maria & Sweet cupcake Kaitlyn are packing suitcases full of clothes, toys, and any little tiny stuffed animal they can fit.  Tonight they depart.  Guatemala bound.  They will arrive just in time to put on "scrubs" to begin their day helping babies, kids and teens. The much dreaded, but long awaited for, surgery.  They will stay near the hospital.   Some people travel hours in buses, and walk another 5 miles with their children in carts just for the "chance" to be mended. I mean, what rolls through their heads as they walk?  What would we process if the shoe was on these feet?  Motherhood/Fatherhood all lies in the same category.   I am  sure they carry hopefulness.  While others need serious medical, some others need  hugs, back rubs, stuffed animals as they are awakened soon after the trauma ends... Last night we toasted with an amazing bottle of wine.  It started with Maria and I restaurant bound.  As we sat at the light we hear honking.  Lots of honking.  Finally we see Shelly.  She's waving away...We pull over. She hands Maria baby clothes she's purchased to send on the trip.  We persuaded her to try our new Fav restaurant.  She's on vacation.  She's a midwife. Her days are filled with most happy moments.  Helping bring well babies into the world.  So we gave her the address, switched our reservation around just a little...she changed and met up with us.  All within 30 minutes.  Too perfect.  Too good.  We broke bread, laughed, encouraged..envied...and cheered to safe travels and a peaceful heart while there. 

It's taking yourself out of the much habitual  normalcy.  You know our comforted daily life of "things".  Things that make life convenient.   I am one to speak, admitting my faults. After all, you know I am a hotel snob, and a germa-phobe.  Yes. True.  Wish I wasn't. But I am.  These things open my eyes to the word SACRIFICE.  Moving outside of my box.  My very safe world. 

Telling myself that one day.  Just one day.  I will make a decision to serve a mission.  Helping somewhere. Especially kids.  Whom I adore.  ONE week of my life.  Bucket list. 

  Serving a mission.  Helping the unfortunate that live in areas where climbing the highest plateau of monetary, isn't really even worthwhile. It's more survival mode.  It's more of growing things to survive on.  It's actually a place where life and death run so close.  Health and our every day lifestyles are something they might not even know exists.  I would like to fill my gratitude tank one day.  Doing just this.  Helping put a smile on a child/teen that is sick.  Or mending.  Giving back a big smile and a shared hug.  True love.  True form of helping. 

A quote I read:  "In the end, each of us will be judged by our standard of life, not by our standard of living; by our measure of giving, not by our measure of wealth; by our simple goodness, not by our seemingly greatness."

Hope everyone is enjoying their Saturday morning.  I woke early.  Enjoyed every sip of coffee while the house stayed quiet.  As I end my blog, my sweet cat Abbie is nibbling on my leg.  She's also made two leaps up to my desk top.  In my face.  Back to the ground.  In my face.  Yes.  She loves to eat. (Too chubby)  She also likes LOVE.. WHEN SHE WANTS IT. And right now folks, she is hunnnngrry....

Go make a difference today.  Somewhere.  Alone, or with those you adore.  Never spend too much energy with those peeps that drain the goodness from you.  Life's too fast.  Feeling blue?  Walk the beach.  Cry...or sing...let it out.  Go play.  

My heart sings for Maria and KK today...and prayers tonight.  Booya you awesome chicks. 

www.mendingkids.org. 

Muah

XO

This girl.

My buddy turned 24 today.  Well...I think just a  few more years older. HA!   She's a nut.  Smart.  Fun, witty and super daring.  She's the one that pulled us into the funnest trips I've ever been on.  Cabo.  Last year.  It was rockin.  This picture taken at The Office.  Sittin' in the sand, sipping Margarita's.  It was 2 fo 1.  Bam.  That's how the day rolled out.  This is just a sample. 

One of the wildest departures out of any hotel we've been to.  Ever.   A force to be reckoned with right there.  Look at the kids.  The airport was another story. HAHAHAHAHA! 

And here you see the fine art of holding Bill up.  Yes for some reason the Earth was tilted.  Don't know what happened.  Strange.  This is one of the pictures I look at with a huge grin.  Priceless memories with friends that went by so fast. 

Happy Birthday Kyoko!  Hope this day treats you good.  Here's an ice-cream truck because Seal Beach doesn't allow them.  Rude.  Because they aren't the least ghetto.  HA! 

While packing my car for another trek to work and dropping Kali off for Soccer Training I receive a text from "Mom".  When she sends me these pictures I can only be grateful for mugs or any gift given with pictures...it's a reminder of us.  I responded "Mom I wish I lived closer to share a cup-o-Joe with you...I miss you..and love you".  No response yet. haha.  She must be busy in the garden.

I love you Mom.  I love you Dad. I miss them. More and more every year.  Especially as I age.  Especially as I look around.  Some is envy.  Some is frustration.  Most always understanding.  No other way.  My entire life.  Chin up. 

Click:  Dysfunction can open.   I really wish I had those parents that wanted to come visit me.  Or the parents that expressed themselves more.  Or the parents that yearned for us more.  Or the parents that were different.  In many ways.  But they aren't.  I am learning to accept that.  It actually made me who I am.  I think.

I work hard.  I am a good Mom.  I am loyal.  I am strong.  I am me.  And I thank them for that.  Especially knowing they did like all of us do....What we think is right at the time.   

Don't for one second get me wrong.  They are the coolest, sweetest, loving people I know.  Good people. They are.  I just miss them.  Especially today. 

Clunk:  Can Closed.  

Happy Friday everyone.  Kali started Soccer Camp today.  School ended yesterday.  After her 2 meltdowns, tears, doors being shut abruptly without wanting my consoling. Thanks to Finals.   A visit to the ortho with good news. Braces coming off next week.  She wants to surprise Gianni.  So cute.  School year over.  Bill off to Mexico to share the moments with his parents while he and they can.  Fathers Day special treat.  It makes me smile with tears.  Such a good Son.  We have cute things in store for him when he returns.  We had a nice date night last night.   I kissed him good-bye this morning, super dee duper big strong hugs.  Long ones.  Praying he departs, and arrives back home safely.  I will miss him.  A lot.  Time to tend to my yard, house and liver.  lol!  

Cheers folks!  GO PLAY.  

Be kind to animals along the way.  

Just me.  Blogger for life. 

What's up Wednesday....

I am very sure that anyone of you that know me will say that I adore candles.  More than my kids. Kidding. Settle down.  I am kidding!  haha. No, seriously I love them.  

I light candles almost daily in my house.  Sorry Firefighter friends, and spouses of such.  They are crazy dangerous.  I know sillies.  I am crazy like that.  I live on the edge. I light candles.  And love love love them.  Guess what today is?  Bath and Body Works' biggest sale of the year.  You read that right folks.  Starts today.  Go get yourself a candle called BOARDWALK.  You will die, go to Heaven, kiss all the sweets we've let loose up there, and come back.  Here.  To your living room. That might be dirty.  Or a kitchen that needs some scrubbing.  This candle will make you smile.  Takes all the dirt away.  Trust me.  LOL!  Lotions too.  Don't get me started on those.  Kali and I are nuts.  Yes, we are lotion-heads.  My bathroom/bedroom counters speak it.   No need for showers in our house fellers, just step on in and lotion up.  HAHA.  Kidding.  Head there today.  Look for a coupon on top of their killer sale.  Go today. Because by the weekend it might be picked over. 

Sneak peek at the tiles we I searched and FINALLY found at a pool tile company in FL  After searching numerous stores, like 10 stores for this tile, in and out of places.  As I would explain to the owners, workers..etc.  "I am looking for a Starfish Tile...like an actual cutout.."  And would get handed painted sea life.  Tile engraved...so on and so on....So discouraging.  I would leave that store, head to the next.  Asking the same question.  Over and over again.  One place referring me to the next.  Until my search on the big wide web found this awesome place.  Now, to pray over the tile guys who shall make this happen. (they shall be blessed over the kitchen and bar sink for us to stare at and smile..over and over..)

Why do I post this cheesy love picture of us?  Just because it makes me smile every time I see it.  We took it about 5 years ago.  In the wintertime.  I love kisses.  I love kissing him. He loves me.  He tells me daily. He is thoughtful, giving, loyal, silly with me, PATIENT, patient.... and super smart.  Oh.  And he lets me pick out whatever crazy tile I might like. He's good like that.  Plus he makes a mean Margarita.  Seriously.  That's what's up for Wednesday players. Kali's wrapping up the school year.  Crossing fingers she gets her braces off today.  Crossing fingers, toes, and anything that can be lucky.  Sad to say I don't think they are ready.  But I keep my opinions to myself.  We'll let Miss. Knowitall Ortho Dr. Tell her so.   

Booya!  

Just me. 

Kindness. It does matter.

Just to get something off my chest.  Yittle chest that is.   whatev.

This morning while standing in line at Starbucks, after being greeted as I walk in the door, with the always cheery, sweet and KIND peeps that work there... "Good morning Lisa"....  These "kids" blessed in the ripe age of maybe 23...greet me and are swamped.  Daily.  Sweetness beyond.  Always.  Smiles to keep the room lit.  Just on their energy. It's my ritual. I wonder if the ritual draws me in because of KINDNESS.  And just a good vibe.  There isn't even music in this Starbucks. It's just filled with the natural coffee loving folks like me.  And them.   The good folks. Hardworking.  Peaceful.

dun. dun. dun.  All of the sudden "Lady Grouch" walks in.  In line.  No smile.  Which I totally get.  duh..we haven't had our morning fix yet.  So ok.  She gets to the register.  Orders her drink. No please. No Thank you's.  No smile. Nada. .... this is how she rolls.

The meanie: I also want a muffin with that.

The sweet girl:  Would you like for me to warm that for you?  (smiling the whole time)

The meanie:  No.  Well, only if you don't use a microwave.  Only if. 

The sweet girl:  Oh, we don't...we use a little oven for our food. (still smiling)

The meanie:  ok.  fine.  (proceeds to pay, get her money, step out of line, no thanks no nada...walks away)

dun. dun. dun.  Moments later, she walks back to the front of the line.  Bag in hand.  Muffin in other.  

 

The meanie:  This is terrible. I want my money back. I told you I didn't want it microwaved.  

The sweet girl:  We don't use microwaves, but I will give you the refund, no problem.  (still smiling)

The meanie:  This is the most awful muffin I've ever had.  It's just terrible.  

The sweet girl:  No problem, we just want you happy.  How's your coffee?

The meanie:  Well, I haven't got to enjoy it yet, because I stand here returning this.  

The sweet girl:  Bright red race.  Still smiling.  

 

My thought for you today.  Treating others in society with rudeness will get you no-where.  Do you hear me folks? It seriously won't.  It just won't.  mk?  Kindness will open doors, smiles will open doors.  

Stuff like this sours the environment, and fills a room with disgust. I know some of you are guilty of the whole process of saying pleases, and thanks you's.  You are human.  You might forget.  Or maybe if you are normal like me with hormones that kick our asses at times...you too guys, don't sit there like you have no chemicals that make up your bodies. lol.  Sometimes it isn't easy being kind. Or respectful.  Force it.  Just for the moment.  There is no reason to be rude. 

 

Maybe you weren't taught this mannerism.  And that's ok.  Take my advice.  You're welcome.  lol

Starting today people....try to look at the person that is SERVING you with some dignity.  Maybe a little bit of respect?   They are working.  They aren't mooching off society.  They are working.  Where ever they are.  Working.  Who cares if it's a restaurant or fast food.  They are working.   Be kind.  Be appreciative.  Tell them so.  They want/need to hear it.  

That lady is miserable.  And trust me, we all know a few of those, right?  Right.  We do.  Pray for them.

Kindness starts with me.  Kindness starts with you.  Smile. 

Now I feel better.    If I made you think about that for just one minute of your day? Good, I've done my job.  

Happy Tuesday folks. Made my last school lunch this morning.  2 more breakfasts' to cook.  4 more books to turn in.   2 more early mornings of driving sweet cheeks to escuela.  I am so close.  We are so close.  

 

Summertime folks!  Long days, green grass, concerts by the pier, yummy ice-cream, fresh fruit, chilled wine and lots of sunshine!  XO

 

Be kind.  Be thankful.  Life is hard, but so good. And Karma is a beyatch.  Mean lady might stub her toe today. lol. 

  P.S. If you want something to make you smile. Cry.  And smile some more.  Watch this:

Jeweller Top Marriage Proposals: Isaacs Live Lip-Dub Proposal 

 Yes. I am a fool for proposals.  Love them. 

 

 

Lisa ( Kind feller) 

Live with passion.

Another Sweet 16...And while Miss. Kali celebrated with her gurrrlfwends at Kobe's for Nicole...Her parents and bro headed to the big Mother Ship.  Also called The Queen Mary...and we kissed Friday night into the sky!

And, I have another new small camera.  I have a few now.  Duh.  Who doesn't carry a camera around EVERYWHERE she/he goes.  At all times. Time to learn to work it.  Or at least how to ask someone to take these action shots.  So sit back folks and just look at these candid shots. 

Laughter is good for you, right? 

You can say/think whatever you want here. Maybe there was a bug on the ground? hmm.  Well, actually to the photographer....Did we say ready?  um, don't think so.  But it's ok. Thank you.  I still love it. and love you for taking them.  or course silly.

Ink-n-Iron.  The sillies have arrived. 

i told you so. 

Mama and the boy. 

Oh. And lots of beautiful girls. Everywhere.  With super high heels on. Can you say sacrifice for beauty?  You know those doggies are a'hollering by sundown.  Well, ok, mine were. 

Fatal.  Great booth spot again this year.  Fatal is on Fiii--rrrrrrrr!!! 

Three Musketeers. 

What?  Why?  Every time I see this sign it cracks me up.  Seriously funny stuff right there. 

Friday nights line up.  TSOL...and Suicidal Tendencies.  Right dab snap behind our booth. 

See? 

I have this silly desire to be as close to the band or stage as I can.  I just do.  Punk Rock, Classic Rock, Jazz, whatever.  Get me to the front.  Well, of course, the Mosh Pit was growing by the minute.  But my curiosity always gets the best of me.  And so I muddle my way to the front.  Crazy fun stuff.  Kris and friends danced moshed in there.  His Mom, stood by, observing.   Laughing, dancing.  Enjoying every minute I could listening.  I love love it. 

Some of the things I catch. I love. Simplicity.  Keeping it real.  I mean who doesn't love an old truck?  Where has it traveled?  Who did it carry?  Are they still with us? Do they wonder where their old truck is?  Do they think of it?  I can say it was proudly displayed for us to admire.  And for that I thank them.  Wherever they are on this Earth or sky.  Cool stuff right there. 

Yes. I must agree.  Well, most of us.  Right?  Can't speak for those that can't/didn't/won't. Or able to, maybe someday.  Pray. 

After scooping up Kali from Mac's, we proceeded to make our way through In-n-Out, rolled into my house.  I made everyone sit in my living room at the coffee table, moving away my gazillion picture frames just to sit with everyone.  Kind of neat when your family is all back together.  Midnight.  Safe.  Healthy.  Able. Smiling.  Fun stuff.  Reminiscing of the fun that we all shared.  Different places.  Different people. Saying "Good-nights" to each-other, knowing we'd be back up in a few hours with more visits to make, parties to attend, celebrating the life we are given.  Our niece Raquel is going into the Air Force to play on their Volleyball team.  Talk about AWESOME!  Talk about exciting (well, until the tears start to fall from Sandra ..(mommy) and makes us all cry...happy tears of course...but still..)  So proud of Miss. Raquel.  I admire you more than I can put into words.  Go get em brave, brave, brave girl.  Yesterday was her 18th Birthday.  First born.  Going away.  3 things we celebrated.  Birthday.  Graduation.  Air Force.  These are the days....

Those big beautiful brown eyes.  Ready to take on more than we might ever get to experience.  So proud.

Dream the impossible.  How true this is. 

Our other niece.  Regina.  Kali and Regina are 2 months apart.  Buddies.  Growing like weeds.  Well, beautiful vines. 

Natural sweet beauty. 

We visited with family for a few hours, changed our clothes...and headed back to Ink-n-Iron.  This time Kali in tow.  She people watches, cracks up with her Mama. And is always the perfect companion to help.   Fatal booth was rocking last night.   It still amazes me.   So stoked. 

Ok, now for the GREAT STUFF sillies.  When we got home last night, I walked into more appliances installed.  2 priorities here.  Wine chiller in. Check. 

Cappuccino/espresso machine in.  CHECK! 

And here what you see folks is something I have envisioned for many many years.  Well, like 6. I am talking many moments of "hun, when can/will we get to be able to finish?"  I knew the priorities $$.  I had to.  I kept dreaming.  I kept quiet.  We planned.  Drew it out.  We would sit on the dock and pencil in our heads what we wanted.  Look at this!  Look.  And for those that really know me, I appreciate this more than the sun and moon.  Kidding. not those two important things in my life. Now I am talking crazy.  ha.  I am not a material girl. I am pretty simple. I think I am.  Bill might say otherwise, somedays, but, heck, so not true.   ha.   No seriously. I am so excited.  So thankful.  So ready to cook, toast, and have many fun summer nights, watching the sun go down.  With friends and family.   Just wanted to give you all a sneak peek-a-boo.   Happy Sunday folks.  Kali is meeting with her study partner...Kelly.  Getting ready to close out the year.  Finals, books, yearbooks, last project.  All things end of school year.  So glad it's finally this close.   Tomorrow I will work in the media room for a lil, while kids hand back those heavy books they've hauled around for the many months of school.  Bill and Kris are back at The big' ol ship today.  I chose to get my chores done early.  Blogging now.  Dinner layout in a few and Trader Joe's here I come.  hope everyone stayed safe this weekend.  I love this weather.  Not hot. Cool mornings to snuggle.  Kali and I actually went on a super cool long walk this morning.....Enjoy the nice perfect afternoon.   Cheers to you all.  

Much kindness from me to you.  

(speaking of kindness.  i arrived home very late last night...to a super cute candle holder, and photo book from a friend, and attached was a little thank you card on my porch.  I often leave little gifts of love with appreciation for things people do for me, or especially love passed onto my kids.  I marinate in it. I seriously love kind loving people.  and so she was thanking me, for giving them love(Fatal Shirts)...and other kind little things.  She commented to me on Friday while in passing.."Lisa you are so kind".  Well to me?  It makes a full circle. I can't tell you enough peeps. Be kind to others. It always makes it's way back. Wouldja trust me here? mk. cool. )  

XO.  Happy Sunday. blehk! haha.  Just kidding. Time for me to focus on my week.  

Booya. 

Tid bits of SPLENDOR.................

I had a chance to meet up with "Thee" Soccer Mama's last night.  We did a yoga class, ran on the beach, cleaned up and headed here.  Nah, just kidding.  Sillies, we had our normal full day of getting work done, just to get here.  Sit and have a drink.   Work out first?  Come on.   Minus a couple chickie-doodles.  We missed them.  We laughed. Hard. We got teary.  We got caught up on life.  Our daughters.  We have 1 graduating.  One starting to drive.  Another has her permit.  One trying a new sport. One walking into full high school boys drama life....  All good girls.  Super good, hard working girls.  We all agreed.  It's thanks to these ladies right here.  Raising them is our job.  We feel pretty darn good about it thus far.  Can I get an Amen?

Our annual Ink-N-Iron is upon us today, tonight, tomorrow and all weekend long.  Poor Billy Boy works from 10am til midnight, just about everyday.  Me?  Oh. I show up to see the good bands.  And give him big hugs. And yummy kisses. Oh and rock out like a twenty year old.  Would you look at the headliners?  Seriously....Suicidal Tendencies? TSOL? Pennywise? Come on.  Stop it.(as I roll my eyes all sassy...) YOU KNOW WHERE THIS GIRL WILL BE PLAYERS.  Kali has another Happy Sweet 16th Celebration to attend tonight.  Poor Kali.  She will miss some good punk rock bands.  I know she is sad about that. Really sad.  HA! Happy Friday Peeps!  Have fun. 

Eat good.  Play hard.  Play fair.  And never ever ever litter.  Because that just makes me really sad.  Booya! XO

Things that make me smile.

While in my office this morning I receive an email from my cousin Andrea.  It's an email with pictures of this sweet-tart.     

"Good bye 1st Grade", say's Ava-Doodle-bird.  This little chick is a crack up.   A spirit to lift the clouds. Always.  I used to tell Andrea she should be in commercials, or movies.  She's witty.  She's wise.  She's hysterical. She's smart and so so cute.  Bye-Bye 1st Grade.  

Faaahgetta boutit. 

The littlest things can make you FEEL awesome.  Do it.  Plant some flowers. Pick flowers, put in and around your house.  Even in a glass. Who cares. Do it.  Help a friend.  Smile at a stranger.  You never know what someone else is battling. 

I'm imagining this baby donkey jumping out of 1st grade.  How cute is this? Made you smile?  no prob. You're welcome.  

Please take the time to sign the petition below.  It basically keeps creeps that take Mommies and Wives from their families out of commission from carrying guns around when they are a capable freak, or mentally out of whack.  Yes, they do exist.  And yes this creep took Christy and many others away.   Though she will forever live on.  Thanks to her hubby Paul and kiddo's.   Take a moment to sign.  It can only help.  

https://www.change.org/petitions/support-christy-s-law

Talk to you later, for my regularly scheduled program.   Blogathon-schmogalon. 

Muah XO

Mom...She might not like that.....

I laughed so hard when I seen this today.  It's truly real.  Who takes a bite right out of a Kit-Kat like this?  Good stuff.  I love to laugh. I like silly things.  

Funny incident= Well, to me...  Kali had a project partner come over yesterday to finish up a project that was handed to them by a lame teacher with 1 1/2 weeks of school left.  yes, you read that right.  LAME.  Seriously why?  With Finals, and everything else in the mix.  Hand em a project.  It's on the Holocaust.  Sad.  True.  Real.    Anysshhhway.... Kali's partner, sweet girl.  From Romania.  Looks like a Kardashian.  Super quiet.  Super sweet.  Walking into our fun loving, free-spirited, cat/animal loving, candle lit house.  With Reggae playing in the background.  I proceed to make Kali's fav smoothie.  Kali walks into the kitchen, and whispers.."Mom, don't assume that EVERYONE likes smoothies"  The look on my face was probably priceless.  I mean seriously, who doesn't like smoothies?  All organic, frozen yogurt mixed with Organic Strawberries, Raspberries, banana's, blueberries and almonds..?  What? She might not like it?  m.k.   Whatev.  If she doesn't, she doesn't have to drink it.  So I serve that along with a chickpea salad mix (From Trader Joe's).   SHE DIDN'T DRINK A LICK.  NONE.  AHAHAHA.  So, listen up players, NEVER assume all kiddo's and folks will like smoothies.  Ever.  Got it? 

I've seen a gazillion and 1 signs such as this.  For some reason, this one kept my eye.  It's adorbs.  I especially like the "ALWAYS KISS GOODBYE".    So true.  So real.  For you never know when that last kiss will be left or given.   Hope everyone is doing well on Humpday.   We celebrated Christy's Birthday last night at Tantalums.  Sad, bittersweet moments.  It especially melts my heart when I see her 3 kids walk in the room with the concrete souls they've had to plant deep. Like where's their Mom that planned so many events? The eye of the party.  The spirit that filled the room?  Gone.  I can't imagine. I really can't.  I really really can't.  Kiss your loved ones.  Alot.  Often.  And never ever forget to say too many I love you's.  If you have a hard time saying it, write it.  Leave it.  Often.   Go have fun sillies.  Enjoy life.  Be kind to animals.  

Love your friend that makes smoothies for sweet beautiful girls that "probably-didn't" like it.   Silly me. 

Leese

Hun, I HAVE a hat on!!

Our Friday night was a quiet, settled one.  While Mr. Sun was playing the June Gloom game, we walked over to Starbucks on Saturday morning (Thank you Bill..because I know how much you love to spend on $$atte's when we are so close to installing our own...lol)  While we sat there, deciding on "what to do"...a little light went off...We must pick out the rest of the tile pieces, lighting...and other little errands. Especially while Mr. Sun hid.  Kali was home working on an English Project...(poor her.) We jetted around town.  We visited with some neighbor friends, and headed back home around 6.  With my quest to try a restaurant that my friend Donna has told me about over and over.   Why didn't I really absorb in my veins just what she was trying to tell me?  This restaurant has L.I.S.A. written all over it with a huge sharpie.  I mean, fancy calligraphy pen. lol -Bill and I jump in Jetta, stop and fuel up...the whole time he's wearing Dickie Shorts, Fatal Sweatshirt, Fatal Hat and Flip flops.  No worries, right?  He has no idea where I am taking us. Neither do I really. Wellp.  His chicks idea  would soon be swapped with a sign on the front door that read:  DRESS ATTIRE, MEN MUST WEAR ...basically, you better look good.  Or else.  And of course sillies, no flip flops or hat.  Not to mention Fatal Garb.  Plus I am wearing jeans...and sandals.  But you know that feeling, like a 5 year old that is just told the Ice Cream machine broke?  That was me.  I snatched his hat off his head, while cracking up, licked my hand to quickly prop up his hair like a 5 year old.  nothing wrong with a fohawk, made from spit by yo girl now is there?  nah.  Step on in.  To which I did. With my sweet schnazzy tone ME:  Hi, there's 2 of us.  THE LADY:  Do you have reservations?  ME: No I'm sorry, it's our first time here. THE LADY:  ummmm (meanwhile, fohawk boy is standing off kind of like looking the other way...) We have a table available on the patio.  ME: Perfect, we'll take it (I would always MUCH rather be outside.  Especially with a heater, and trees?) Yes please.   THE LADY:  No problem, follow me.  Silent walk to the table.  Fohawk boy following.  ME:  Wanting to crack up so bad. "Thank you so much".

They seat us on a patio that over looks this grassy area with trees and white Japanese bulbs that hang from the tree.  Jazz playing, and a heater at our table.  We still aren't out of the clear quite yet.  Fohawk/Fatal boy wants his hat back on.  I say, not yet.  Let's just make sure the coast is clear.  We both look at each other with amaze-balls of this place. 

As you walk from the main restaurant, that is very pretty with stuffy rich people, the walkway leads you to this place.  A little garage called "Il Garage"-  In Italian...The Garage.  A man singing Italian music while playing an instrument, fine wine being served, meanwhile I check out the garden in which the chef's pick their herbs from.  Can you say "fantabulous"?!!

Fohawk/Fatal boy still at table probably wondering where I went.  Snapparrazi....time!

So this place is called Park Ave./ Il Garage in Stanton Ca.  Basically for my local peeps, Garden Grove.  On Beach Blvd.  Snap-dab in the middle of the city.  So flippin awesome, funny and super cool! I love you Donna-Roo.

Check it out players. I promise you, what Donna was telling me all along should have been a sticker slapped on my forehead.  But make reservations.  And dress the stuffy snazzy way.  Yes. Go.

This is fantabulous looking right at you. 

So now the funny part.  I go back to get my partner in crime. holey jeans. yes.  Drinks ordered.  Delivered.  I hand him his hat, we laugh super hard.  Smile at our super cool server, and tell him we'll be right back...gonna go check out the garden...~

Drink in hand.  Appetizer ordered.  Can't kick out Fohawk/Fatal boy now....

                         And why I didn't get a picture of him?  I really don't know.  I wish.  He is always so handsome.  No matter what.  He was hesitant on going in. Hat, no hat, no sweatshirt...glamorized. We've done it all. We do it all.  But for some reason that night, I thought...you know, our money is green, they can set us on the patio.  We'll stick in the corner.  I have torn jeans, we love to eat good food, life is fast.  Sorry Park Ave.  We were a little grungie but we'll be back.  Maybe a little fancier next time.  

Our appetizer was the Iceberg Lettuce Wedge.  Delish.   We ordered their Maple Salmon served over brown rice. Wow. Can you see the lights hanging from the trees behind us?  Sigh...

All week long Gianni had a day planned for Kali. More birthday celebrations.  This time by someone that really means the world to her.  He texted me to let me know of his surprise. Sunday morning he'd be scooping her up for a day of fun...and just that he did.  8:30 AM Sunday morning, they were off....To the Happiest Place on Earth.  This guy....This guy....amazes me.  His way of manners, his gentleman outlook.  The way he treats her.  The kindness and caring way.  Spent the day with her best friends, and Kali....all for her!

So you know I ask her to check in through her day...part of me being a little nosy, but mostly to capture shots of their day.  Moments that I store.  Memories that she will look back on.  Gio amazes me.  He has an amazing girl too. I can say that right? haha

And so she sent me pictures.  Mac and Kell did too.  It makes my heart sing when I see my kids happy.  And when another person goes out of their way for them, my heart sings louder.   He did make her a very happy girl.  Their plan was to stay until 10.  To capture the firework show.  I kind of smiled inside, wondering if they'd be able to make it...that's a long, very long day....he brought her home by 8:30.  Ready to start their last couple weeks of school.  It's gonna be tough.  She has 2 projects to complete, tutoring, meeting groups, homework, appts.  and practices.  She was frazzled when I picked her up today.  I reminded her of the end of EVERY school year.  It's always the finishing stretch.  The anticipation.  The struggles of making the perfect grades.  The social aspect of everyone buzzing around of who's doing what....It just gets crazy.   I hope everyone has a great week.  It's been a gloomy one here in Southern California, that's fo sho!  Talk about trying to kick start the day....my coffee Starbucks latte really never kicked in today.   Be safe, enjoy the little moments and what you are handed.  Remember, someone out there always always always has it far worse than you.  They do. It's true.  Keep positive.  Be nice and good to others, I promise you, it does come back around.  Cheers!  XO