Aunties Forever

"Never have children, only grandchildren."
Gore Vidal (1925 - )

My sister Petra and I have our own version of the above quote. Our version reads, "Never have children, only nieces and nephews." Only we don't mean NEVER, we just mean not in the near future. We are supremely blessed with our niece and nephew (with one more niece on the way) and have decided that we are SOOOOO good at being aunts that we shouldn't try to push ourselves to be anything else than what we are.

(pictured: My niece Jazmyne and I being awesome at Christmas!!!)

X-Games

I'm not sure how many of you know that my mom is cool, but she is... both of my parents are, actually. Come to think of it, I may be the only uncool person in my family. I'm more of a nerd... I mean, I do have a blog! hahahaha okay so back to my cool mom. She is so hip that she buys tickets to the X-Games and has been a faithful fan for years. (I know she's pretty awesome! I tried to warn you.) So this year, she let her not-so-hip daughter join her. We (along with my very cool cousin and his son) watched the motocross and I (nerdily) wore earplugs. The jumps were spectacular and the beer was pretty good. I had a great time... but I don't know if I'll be going back soon. The X in X-Games stands for Extreme and for good reason!

Below is video of an "extreme" crash into a camera man... I thought I had watched this man die and started crying, BUT he is fine and still happily committed to his job at ESPN and the X-Games so now there is no need to cry.


On a complete side note, the X-Games were held at the same stadium that the Galaxy play (I saw Victoria Beckham/Posh Spice)... being there made me want to watch a pro futbol/soccer game. If anyone is interested, let me know.

Oh yeah!! AND I saw Chad Lowe in person and he is super cute. He was walking into the bathroom so we didn't get to spend a lot of time together, BUT I'm sure our future is bright (or nonexistent, I get them confused sometimes.).

Best Carne Asada Ever!!!

While I was in Mexico I was treated to the best carne asada of my life. A special shout out to Will, a crazy Mexican who can grill with the best of them.

Los Angelitos

(pictured: Gringos y Los Angelitos)
This past weekend the lovely Brockhaus' family (Amy & Andrew) planned a trip down to Los Angelitos, an orphanage just east of Tijuana, Mexico. The home houses mostly girls from the ages of one year to almost eighteen. It was started by a retired gringo named Ed Perry with his retirement money. To check out more about Los Angelitos and to find out how easy it is to help or visit please click the following link. Los Angelitos ... then come back and read about the latest love of my life.

(pictured: Me y mi amor)
In the course of the day I had a fabulous time... and (OF COURSE!!!) fell head over heels for each of the kids. But one in particular stole my heart completely. His name is Jesus and as you can see from the picture he loves me too! He loves to play with trains. He has a tendancy to leave ketchup on his cheek for hours at a time. He is quick to trust and a fabulous cuddle-bug. I have been trying to convince my parents that I need a new brother. (I HAVE wanted one my whole life.)... BUT I don't think they are buying it. Retirement is just around the corner and I think they can smell freedom. However the next time any of you run into my dad if you could ask how his son Jesus is... well that would really help me out, I think he is halfway there. He (like his daughter) is a sucker for a cute child.

(pictured: Red Rover, Red Rover send Aaron right over)
While I was cuddling with Jesus and playing with trains and Barbie dolls the older girls played Red Rover, Red Rover for hours. They totally ate up the attention and the competition. Amy Brockhaus is the perfect ringleader for such activities. She is like the Pied Piper of children. In fact, once she is done with her credential I plan to move into her district so my future children will get the best teacher in the world. I'm pretty sure that the day was fabulous for everyone involved! I know it was certianly one of the best days I've had in a very long time. I might be addicted to those precious babies.

(pictured: Lisbet, Enrique, and Jesus)
After a day full of fun and games we ate a lunch of hot dogs, Doritos and Coke... basically the ideal meal for any kid I know! The ketchup remained on Jesus's cheek for the rest of the day. (I found it completely endearing.) I can't wait for our second date... perhaps he'll wear mustard.


Don't worry I'll be posting stories and pictures of beautiful children very soon... in fact, I'll probably be trying to convince you all to make room in your calendar to visit with me and perhaps even make room in your home for a well-deserving child. I'm also working on a newsletter that I will post here and send out to the Los Angelitos mailing list.

A Thousand Splendid Suns...

is the most lovely and sadly sweet book I have ever read!

PLEASE read it... please. please. please.

I hope he writes at least one book a year... my life changes EVERY time I read one.

Name Game

1.YOUR REAL NAME:
Melissa

2. YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (first 3 letters of real name plus izzle.)
Melizzle

3. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (fav color and fav animal)
Blue Giraffe

4. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, and current street name)
Gail Via Mil Cumbres [apparently I'm starring in a telenovela with that name!)

5. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first name, first 3 letters of mom's maiden name)
Gaamemck (jajajajaja that sounds like a sneeze)

6. YOUR SUPERHERO NAME: (2nd favorite color, favorite drink).
Green Coffee sounded lame so...
Green Iced Double Tall Soy Latte (the sound of it instills fear in the hearts of criminals everywhere!!!)

7. YOUR IRAQI NAME: (2nd letter of your first name, 3rd letter of your last name, any letter of your middle name, 2nd letter of your moms maiden name, 3rd letter of you dads middle name, 1st letter of a siblings first name, last letter of your moms middle name)
Eagcgkm

8. YOUR WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mothers middle name)
McKim


9. YOUR GOTH NAME: (black, and the name of one your pets)
Black Snoop


I know I know.... I should blog real blogs, BUT sometimes these little games are fun. :)

My First Bath in ???? Years

I can't remember the last time that I took a bath... it's been years, BUT this week I finally took one... with BUBBLES and everything.



I got to sit and read my new book The Country Under My Skin a memoir by a woman from Nicaragua. I love disappearing in another world, another life. I certainly wasn't born into a time or situation that allows me to be a revolutionary... at least not one who trained with Castro... but in a bathtub I can imagine it all, a good book allows me to live it all, at least for an hour or two. I thought I would write about a grand adventure, but I guess not falling asleep and drowning in the tub is as grandiose as I got this week.

internet access

Okay....

quick update:

I moved in with my grandmother in Solana Beach last week. It's a pretty big adjustment, since I also started two new jobs at the same time!!! Life is an adventure.

I should get internet installed this Friday SOOOOO expect some blogging this weekend.

(I am currently stealing internet at my local Panera Bread.)

:) I will be back in my internet addicted state VERY soon.

PS I took my first bath in years this week. Without the internet to distract me, I had time to sit in the tub with a good book. Pretty nice-uh.

Happiest Place on Earth

My sister Rosie and my niece Jazmyne were in San Diego visiting this past week and it was such a blast. We all loved having uninterrupted time together. The highlight of the week was a trip to DISNEYLAND!!!! Our family has always had a fondness for Mickey's homeland so these trips are a tradition of sorts. Wednesday morning we loaded our backpacks with snacks and water bottles (93 degrees!!!) and packed into Mom's minivan. Disneyland opens at 8:00 am and we were there by 8:30 ready for a FULL day of fun.

Our first ride of the day was Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. It was a hit with all of us! (We loved it so much we rode it twice.) Please note my Mother's hand gesture in the picture. She is pretty hardcore for an old broad. ;)

We also LOVED Splash Mountain! Joel and Jazzy got soaked in the front.










Petra and I were extra cute having Sisterly Splash Mountain Fun!











I spent the day patiently looking for my own Prince Charming...

















Butt I only found some Pirate's Booty.... (jajajjajajaa I crack myself up.) The search continued for true love...

















NOPE!!!! NOT HIM!!! No man should ever wear a mesh shirt.... NEVER EVER!!
















I did find love with my new friend Flora. Joel, Jazzy, and I hung out in the petting zoo talking to all of the animals. Flora was the smallest and sweetest of all the goats. We were very sad to part with her. You can tell she is fond of me too by the way she leans towards me. We love to cuddle.






All in all it was a fabulous day. It ended with one of the best fireworks shows I've ever seen AND I drove us home in under an hour... I know I'm good!

[If anyone ever needs a family to go to Disneyland with, we are available and interested!]

Dog vs. Cat

Why I am a dog person....

A Dog's Diary

7 am - Oh boy! A walk! My favorite!
8 am - Oh boy! Dog food! Yummy!
9 am - Oh boy! The kids are up! Playtime!
Noon - Oh boy! Out in the yard! Love it!
2 pm - Oh boy! A ride in the car! Whoopi!
3 pm - Oh boy! The kids back from school! More play!
4 pm - Oh boy! Playing ball! Wahoo!
6 pm - Oh boy! Welcome home Mom!
7 pm - Oh boy! Welcome home Dad!
8 pm - Oh boy! More Dog food! Yummy!
9 pm - Oh boy! Tummy rubs from master on the couch! The best!
11 pm - Oh boy! Sleeping in my master's bed! Can't beat it!


A Cat's Diary

Day 183 of my captivity - My captors continued to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while I am forced to eat dry cereal. The only thing that keeps me going is the hope of escape, and the mild satisfaction I get from clawing the furniture. Tomorrow I may eat another house plant.

Today my attempt to kill my captors by weaving around their feet while they were walking almost succeeded. Maybe I should try this at the top of the stairs. In an attempt to disgust and repulse these vile oppressors, I once again induced myself to vomit on their favorite chair. I must try this on their bed.

Decapitated a mouse and brought them the headless body in an attempt to make them aware of what I am capable of, and to try to strike fear into their hearts. They only cooed and condescended about what a good little kitty cat I was. This is not working according to plan.

There was some sort of gathering of their accomplices. I was placed in solitary confinement throughout the event. However, I could hear the noise and smell the food. More important, I overheard that my confinement was due to my powers of inducing something called "allergies." Must learn what this is and how to use it to my advantage.

I am convinced the other captives are flunkies and maybe snitches. The dog is routinely released and seems more than happy to return. He is obviously a half-wit.

The bird, on the other hand, has got to be an informant. He speaks with them regularly, and I am certain he reports my every move. Due to his current placement in the metal room, his safety is assured. But I can wait.

It's only a matter of time.