Browse Author: beakatude

A Real Swamp Band

swamp band

A few years back on a camping trip, we were taking a hike up a really steep trail in Big Sur.  There was a small group of us that fell behind and was about to give up until Ryan decided to start a pretend Swamp Band.  We all chose instruments as we hiked up the trail and repeated the mantra “Swamp Band plays in the swamp”.  It got us up the mountain and we had a good chuckle.

Well, last night, I went to a special work dinner held by our managers and they had a real swamp band playing for us!!!  I’m sure that’s not what they call themselves but my manager’s daughter plays the violin and she’s part of a band that plays in various clubs.

swamp band 2

They were complete with a girl on spoons and a guy playing a tub bass guitar made of a wash tub, broomstick, and rope.  It was awesome.  They played rather well and I couldn’t help smiling the whole time.

Here are photos from the evening.

It’s a Masaya Birthday!

Paragon

The Masayas’ birthdays are only 2 days apart so there was a little dinner on Monday and a big Happy Hour on Friday.

Americano

They had a pretty good showing and I even bumped into an old friend from UCLA there! By the end of the night, we were all a little tipsy since the drinks were flowin’ and there was a lack of food.  Afterwards, we met up with the Bangs at Hi-Dive for a tasty burger and fries.  Surprisingly, I’m feeling pretty good this morning but I think I might give the birthday girl a call today to check on her.

Here are photos from last night.

Mr. Grumpy Pants

Mad

Little J came over for dinner with his parents and boy oh boy have the Terrible Twos arrived early! Maybe he’s teething, maybe he’s still sick, or maybe he’s just plain grumpy. All I know is that he’s got the tantrum down solid and showed off his skills today. He clung to Michelle, cried intermittently for no reason, and didn’t eat as much as he usually does. My favorite move of the night was the Super Turtle Tantrum, which entails crying while curled up in a ball with his head down on the floor. I was too slow with the camera today and didn’t get a photo of it. He’s smart enough to even place his hand down between the floor and his head for extra padding.

Koa and Crying J

Koa would come by to console him but that just made him madder. I guess he doesn’t like his ears licked.  He apparently knows how to say he’s mad by giving out a big faker cry and saying “Maaaa!” (That’s a drawn out “mad” without the “d” at the end.)  I couldn’t help laughing at him and it was pretty cute but his parents are not happy with this turn of events.  Hopefully this will be a short phase in their life.  But in the meantime, if you guys need to drop him off for a few hours, holla at me.  I can take the whining.

Basil Kit

Basil in an Egg

It’s a new year so it’s time to plant some new seeds.  I found the coolest little seedling kit and couldn’t resist getting one.  It’s a ceramic egg complete with soil and seeds inside.  With a tap of a spoon, it cracked on top and I carefully opened it up to reveal its contents.  Isn’t it cute?!  I even found the perfect little medicine cup for watering it.  It says that the soil should last about 5 months before I have to break the whole thing open to transplant it to a real pot.  I hope it lasts that long.

Happy 2009!

Happy New Year!

I actually got the day off today so I decided to update my theme for the new year.  Last night we went out to Jillian’s for some drinks and dancing.  They were raffling off diamond necklaces but I didn’t win.  This morning I watched the Rose Parade on TV while I tidied up the house.  It’s great to have a random day off in the middle of a work week.

As I contemplate the events of 2008, I must say that I’ve been pretty lucky.  The economy really took a nose dive but I wasn’t directly affected.  In fact, my job is steady as ever and I got an unexpected albeit small bonus check when I got back from Christmas break.  I’m still trying to shake this cough and squeaky voice but the health of me and my entire family is stable.  Mommy retired earlier this past year and Johnny got engaged.  I got to ski in Utah for the first time and sailed in the Caribbean Sea too.

Here are the Best, Worst, Faves, and Not-So-Favorites of 2008:

Best Summer Festival: Fillmore St. Jazz Festival

Worst Summer Festival: Festival of Sail (or Festival of Fail)

Biggest Accomplishment: Learning to sail without getting seasick

Biggest Disappointment: American Airlines

Most Surprising Meal: Luce

Most Disappointing Meal: Michael Mina

Favorite Outing: Nike Women’s Half Marathon with Joy and Brother

Least Favorite Outing: Trying to get back to the hotel from Snowbird…2 buses, a light rail, and shuttle.

Coolest Moment: When a sea turtle popped his head up out the water just 2 feet in front of me in Hawaii

Yuckiest Moment: Catching Fifth’s Disease back in February

Worst Moment: When I realized that I had double-booked myself for two weddings on the same day.  Oops.

snoopysnowcone

Favorite Christmas Gift: Snoopy Snow Cone Machine from Joy and Brother

Worst Christmas Gift: None.  They were all appreciated.  Thanks!!!