Jenstarry in San Francisco

Changes in the Air

2010-03-01T23:58:00.000-08:00

Hi Friends and Family! I've created two new blogs... on tumblr...

arttherapystudent.tumblr.com (my experiences as an art therapy and mft student)

jenstarry.tumblr.com (exploring creativity in my daily life...)

Take a look... it's where I'll be doing most of my updates!

Encore, Las Vegas

2009-06-13T18:24:00.001-07:00

I had a little brother-sister bonding in Las Vegas this past week. Theresa came on Thursday and we got to catch up by the pool ;) It was a great way to kick of my summer! Now on to Greece!

Meow in the Mission

2009-06-09T00:38:00.000-07:00

Spotted on 16th and Valencia!
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Carnaval 2009

2009-05-27T22:28:00.001-07:00

Jess, Michelle, Me

Fairy Butterflies

Mid Dance Move :)

I made the boys' masks!

and the flower dresses!

New Roomie!

2009-05-12T21:20:00.000-07:00

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Spring Break: 7 Days in NYC with Kassey!

2009-04-13T22:31:00.001-07:00

Little Italy

La Mela waiter and random guy from Mexico City...Kassey and I know how to add a little color to an evening out!

Benefit Concert with Gabrielle!

Poet who wrote "Mountains for David"

Old haunt--Yaffa Cafe!

Cool buildings on St. Mark's Place

Shopping in Chelsea :)

Brunching with the beautiful people at Cafeteria in Chelsea

Waiting for brunch

Subway art

Times Square...dodging tourists to see a show

We saw In the Heights...last minute standing room at orchestra level... Kassey and I have the best travelers luck :)

Strutting in midtown with Sergio

I got to meet Sergio!

Flat Stanley!

Vote Solar Spring Equinox Party 2009

2009-03-30T16:30:00.001-07:00

Summer!

2009-03-17T10:33:00.000-07:00

This first grade drawing makes me long for summer!
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We Share!

2009-03-12T10:15:00.000-07:00

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Ego Boost

2009-03-02T12:53:00.000-08:00

Nothing like a note from a third grader on free dress day to give you a little ego boost :)
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Big Sur

2009-02-28T18:43:00.000-08:00

David and I went to Big Sur...it was supposed to rain, but instead it was warm, dry, and very beautiful!

Awakening Creativity Art Show

2009-02-22T10:42:00.001-08:00

During the month of January I participated in a workshop through ReImagine (www.reimagine.org) called Awakening Creativity. It focused on using creativity to integrate the different parts of your life (spiritual/physical/emotional). We completed homework assignments that included writing, art projects, creative adventures, long walks, and journaling. Once a week we met in small groups to debrief about our experiences and encourage one another. It was a really unexpected intense experience...in a good way. I made some decisions in my life that helped me move forward to enact my destiny and got to know some cool new people along the way. The art show was a compilation of the work we did and some photographs that chronicled the shadow and future portraits we developed as one of the homework assignments. One of the photos above shows books hanging from the ceiling. Each participant compiled their work into an old book as a final piece for the show. The theme for the show was "steampunk aesthetic" (google image steampunk if you are curious)...hence the weird outfit I'm wearing :)

Princess Playing Baseball

2009-02-22T09:54:00.000-08:00

Being an elementary art teacher has it's amusing moments. Like when I am brainstorming ideas with kindergartners and they come up with something such as a "princess playing baseball!". What can I say, i'm trying to encourage their imaginations...so here's my princess playing baseball... Ha!
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Emily's 21st at the Redwood Room!

2009-02-06T19:18:00.000-08:00

Meghan performs at Dolores Park Cafe

2009-01-16T20:14:00.000-08:00

My friend Meghan played at Dolores Park Cafe tonight. She was great!
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31st Birthday at Otis

2009-01-04T16:49:00.000-08:00

Las Vegas Wedding at The Ritz

2008-12-22T22:55:00.000-08:00

Signing the Ketubah

Shabbat Dinner

Dancing the night away...this was before breakfast but after a dress change

Jen-the beautiful bride and Kimia with her sexy red lips!

Yes, that is a Pussycat Doll, and yes, she makes me want to do more crunches

Ball Gowns in Vegas!

Besties!

Shopping the recession sales! (Waterfall at the Palazzo)

Vessel with a Myriad of Friends

2008-12-13T23:23:00.000-08:00

Nick and Stefan (the cute friends)

Kassey and John Caspian (the cultured friends)

Camilo and Kassey (the fun friends)

Nick, Jonas, and Denny (the Y-Camp friends)

Jennie and her LC eye makeup (the make-believe friend)

TV

2008-11-29T16:40:00.001-08:00

Look at those waves!
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Twitter

2008-11-29T11:13:00.000-08:00

So...I'm twittering...and I think you all should too...considering it's gonna be the "thing" after facebook. Plus, it's quick and easy!

Set up an account and then read this:

http://www.basbasbas.com/blog/2008/11/28/5-reasons-to-use-twitter-and-5-tips-on-how-to-use-it-right/

It will help you get started!

Field trip to the apple store!

2008-11-13T21:22:00.000-08:00

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Obama Wins!

2008-11-05T12:18:00.000-08:00

Thank goodness!

Yuppy Money

2008-11-04T18:37:00.000-08:00

My brother is all grown up and blogging about money... well, tips on how to save and use your money well...

http://www.yuppymoney.com

(it's listed on the bottom of my page now too)

Tagged

2008-11-03T16:17:00.000-08:00

Laura tagged me with these questions...

20 years ago: I was living in Marinwood, in fourth grade at Dixie Elementary School, and played with my mom's daycare kids every day after school.

10 years ago: I was a junior at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo but studying at Hunter College in NYC for the semester, waivering between becoming a teacher and a graphic designer, training for the NYC marathon, and working at Starbucks on 86th and Lexington.

5 years ago: Living in Portland Oregon, nursing a broken heart, teaching 4th grade in Ridgefield, Washington, knitting a lot because it rained so fricken much!, and making new friends like Theresa and Christina at Imago Dei church.

3 years ago: Teaching visual art at a charter school in San Francisco, living in a condo I bought with my brother in Marin, volunteering at my old high school youth group, and hanging out with new Marin friends like Kassey.

1 year ago: Still teaching visual art in SF--and now a lead teacher and Student Activities Coordinator, got my (brother's) dog Chatter, and started to plan my trip to Kauai with Nick and Kimia.

1 month ago: Started school--was seriously hard though after such an awesome summer traveling Mexico, New York, and Paris.

1 day ago: Brunch and furniture shopped with Kimia for her new place...and listened to some awesome new songs on my ipod.

Today: Taught my students about Propaganda Art in preparation for tomorrow's elections, went to yoga, and watched Gossip Girls and the Hills with Kimia

In 5 years: Hope I've met the love of my life and have a kid...either that or relaxing on a tropical beach somewhere :)

Theresa, Gary, and Kimmie...you've been tagged

Frida Kahlo for Halloween!

2008-10-31T15:04:00.000-07:00

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The Vacation Vibe

2008-10-22T21:08:00.000-07:00

So, this summer I spent a lot of time meeting new people and stumbling upon random fun experiences while traveling. When I got home...and reluctantly started working again...I made a vow to myself to keep up with the vacation vibe and continue to meet new people and be open to the random things that come my way. It's funny how when we are at home in our safe little lives it is easy to be closed off to interesting things that pass by us every day and not even notice them. Anyway, last Saturday night Kassey (my Mexico counterpart) and I managed to attend a random birthday party, get invited to a club opening, make some friends from Connecticut, France, and Morocco, and hear one of my favorite house remixes. Sometimes random fun can be the best kind of fun :)

I Believe!

2008-10-16T16:45:00.000-07:00

The cutest thing happened today with a couple of my fourth graders. We were drawing pumpkins and focusing on drawing what we actually see, rather than what we think we see. This is hard for kids sometimes so I told them it is all about your attitude. If you believe you can do it, then you probably can. Anyway, I left them to draw for a little while and I came back to find these drawings (see above). I guess I was right!

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Stars Concert

2008-10-06T21:57:00.001-07:00

I went to see Stars at the Fillmore with Kassey and Kimia. It was sold out so we get posters!
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4th grade weaving

2008-10-05T09:18:00.000-07:00

The kids were so proud of themselves! Part of the project was to use colors to symbolize values. So, each weaving represents things that are important in each kid's life.
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Film in the Fog

2008-09-28T14:07:00.001-07:00

For Kassey's birthday this year we watched An American in Paris outside in the Presidio...with a yummy picnic :) Happy Birthday Kassaundra!

Saturday Night at Otis

2008-09-25T22:22:00.001-07:00

Just a fun night with some friends :)

8th Grade Expressive Self Portraits

2008-09-21T16:42:00.000-07:00

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Spring Awakening

2008-09-14T18:38:00.000-07:00

My dad took me to see Spring Awakening this afternoon-what a great musical!

Play this Youtube video to see a cool collection of the songs performed at the Tony Awards. Laura--you would love it!
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Final Pool Party of the Summer

2008-09-13T22:43:00.000-07:00

The cutest dogs ever!

2008-09-04T22:46:00.001-07:00

Don't worry Kassey, I'll resume my blogging about being thirty, flirty and thriving after this post. I couldn't resist!
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My new classroom

2008-08-31T14:47:00.000-07:00

So, this year I had to move across the hall to another classroom. This is it- a little bare but by the end of the year it should have lots of creativity on every wall :)
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Dinner Party with Henry and The Braglias

2008-08-18T16:05:00.000-07:00

Me and the Braglias

Michael and I

I think Kassey survived her interview...

The best photo yet of Nick and his dogs :)

Henry and I :)

Last Friday evening my mom had us all over for dinner. She finally got to meet the Braglias and coincidentally Henry was in town...so he got to meet the guy who sent me to Paris! (and say thank you in person!)

Back in SF

2008-08-18T16:03:00.001-07:00

I'm back in San Francisco... We went to Qool the other night at 111 Minna. Henry just got into town too!

Guelaguetza

2008-07-21T09:08:00.000-07:00

Kassey and I are in the free section at this dance festival in oaxaca. Amazing view! The circle in the middle of the photo is where the dancers will be.
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Paris

2008-07-15T18:28:00.000-07:00

I went to Paris this summer to research a bit about study abroad programs and to visit my friend Henry. These photos show what a beautiful city Paris can be...

Jet lagged in front of Notre Dame

My first croissant of the trip :)

My tour guide in front of the Louvre.

Enjoying the ferris wheel...amazing views of the Eiffel Tower and Louvre.

I'm in Paris!

Henry and I sitting and talking along the Seine River.

The best croissant and cappucino in Paris

Posing in front of Notre Dame

Marie Antoinnent's cave in Versailles

Bisous Bisous

We had an awesome time at Versailles...

What can I say...the photo says it all :)

Sunset from Fair Harbor Ferry

2008-07-01T20:18:00.000-07:00

I arrived in New York, took a train to Bayshore, and am now on a ferry to Fire Island. Tomorrow I plan to spend the day on the beach and visit with the Braglia Family.
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The Beach

2008-07-01T14:46:00.000-07:00

I spent most of the day hanging out on the beach in Fire Island with Gary- with lots of business talk about future study abroad programs!
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Chatter

2008-06-30T07:05:00.000-07:00

So I'm off to new york (after spending a week with my dog!)
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Summer day

2008-06-25T23:16:00.001-07:00

I walked chatter at sunset today and marveled at what a beautiful county I live in.
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Vegas 4

2008-06-16T12:14:00.000-07:00

On our way to the nightclub Tryst at the Wynn, Nick and I passed by Paris :)
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Vegas 3

2008-06-15T01:26:00.000-07:00

We had dinner for my dad's 60th birthday at Buchon in the Venetian and then went to The Mix to dance. Here are Kathy, Tatiana and I.
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Vegas 2

2008-06-14T03:06:00.000-07:00

Oh my goodness. We saw a Britney Spears impersonator and Perez Hilton at Blush in the Wynn!
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Vegas 1

2008-06-13T15:53:00.000-07:00

Nick and I are by the pool at mandalay bay enjoying the sun.
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Sailing in the SF Bay

2008-06-11T17:46:00.000-07:00

It was the last day of school and I couldn't think of a better way to spend the evening--sailing on the San Francisco Bay. It was a beautiful evening and we each got a turn to drive the boat. Thanks to Dahlia and Andrew for a great idea!

Carnaval 2008!

2008-05-26T14:20:00.000-07:00

My school participated with the Mission Cultural Center in the 2008 Carnaval Parade. We all learned a salsa and merengue dance and performed it while walking down 24th St and Mission St. I had a lot of fun and so did the kids!
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Kindergarten creativity

2008-05-06T10:38:00.000-07:00

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Kathy's 30th Birthday

2008-05-06T00:11:00.000-07:00

Here are a few photos Kassey took at Kathy's 30th birthday in SF.

Mexico City with Kassey

2008-05-06T00:07:00.000-07:00

Puppy Slideshow!

2008-05-05T22:07:00.000-07:00

Sams for Nicks bday

2008-04-27T20:38:00.000-07:00

We found ourselves on a boat dancing to Rhianna and Timbaland. Happy birthday Nick!
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Chatter's Puppies!

2008-04-20T22:25:00.000-07:00

I got to visit chatter and her puppies today and they were so cute! Chatter was so happy to see me she hugged me for 45 minutes. She was such a mellow mom- Niece would be proud!
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Rilo Kiley

2008-04-20T14:08:00.001-07:00

Thursday night I went to go see Rilo Kiley. It was a great show!
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Art Class

2008-04-17T18:09:00.000-07:00

My 4th and 5th grade students did a series of lessons to learn about John James Audubon and watercoloring. We put them up in the classroom and they are so proud of themselves!
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Lava Flow for Laura

2008-04-01T07:10:00.000-07:00

Here it is Laura!
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Hawaiian Rat Tail

2008-03-31T11:23:00.000-07:00

While we were on yet another beautiful beach we discovered Nick had enough neck hair to make a ponytail!
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Plumeria

2008-03-30T11:18:00.000-07:00

Every morning on the way to our car there are plumeria blossoms on the ground. Here Kimia and I are pretending to be Hawaiian native girls. Ha!
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Secret Beach Day

2008-03-30T11:09:00.000-07:00

Here is Nick enjoying Secret Beach when he and Kimia first arrived.
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Orchid & Sunset

2008-03-26T18:33:00.000-07:00

Maybe I should come back here in the summer...
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Yoga at Bodhi Tree

2008-03-26T15:55:00.000-07:00

I practiced some vinyasa yoga in Kapa'a this morning, nursed a little sun burn and enjoyed a passion fruit lemonade and Dal at the Blossoming Lotus Cafe. The class was at Bodhi Tree Yoga at the top of this building.
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Hawaii Paintings

2008-03-25T17:32:00.000-07:00

I spent an hour watercoloring some orchids. I've always wanted to paint them yet never have... Funny since they are my favorite flower! Well here are the first two- I would like to do some abstractions next.
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Arrived in Hawaii

2008-03-25T11:38:00.000-07:00

So I'm sitting here at the resort islander on Kauai by myself and loving my vacation. I arrived last night to my hotel room just in time to see the season premiere of The Hills (and im not ashamed to admit that I love that show), got my coffee this morning, practiced some yoga, and even got some chips and salsa to have later with seltzer water and lime. The weather and water are gorgeous and people are friendly and helpful.

Next time the kids drive me crazy at work, I have to remember this vacation and re-appreciate my time off :)

I'll keep you posted...
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Turn your head to the right...

2008-03-16T00:42:00.000-07:00

Saturday night I went out in North Beach because Jason Helms was in town. We went to Nan King for dinner and Specs for drinks. Kassey:I wished you were there! And sorry about the photo, I don't have time to figure out how to rotate it...
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Ring mountain

2008-03-13T21:46:00.000-07:00

I got the afternoon off of work today and took this absolutely beautiful hike in Marin.
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Fairy Dust

2008-03-10T19:40:00.000-07:00

Today I read my kindergartners a story about a little girl who pretends to be a fairy. Then I taught them about the shape of a star and how to use watercolors correctly. After they were finished coloring the stars, they painted the negative space. I told them that if they finished and used the art supplies well, maybe a fairy would sprinkle some fairy dust on their papers tonight. Looks like they used the supplies well!
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Hiking with Mom

2008-03-09T20:19:00.000-07:00

Since I came back from San Diego on Saturday night it felt like I had another whole weekend on Sunday. My mom and I went hiking in Tennessee Valley and Nick and I had my dad over for an impromptu Day Light Savings Party.

24 Hours in San Diego

2008-03-09T19:42:00.000-07:00

Kimia and I had a great time in San Diego this weekend. I took an evening flight after a conference for the Arts in Saratoga and landed in SD around 7:30pm. Five minutes later I was downtown San Diego at the W hotel. I met up with Kimia, Brandon (high school friend) and his wife Larkin at the rooftop beach bar. We had a great time telling stories and enjoyed the cool ambience. I swear the music was playing off of Nick's itunes--I recognized every song! After a couple drinks we went downstairs to the restaurant (Rice) and shared a delicious dinner...closing the place down at 12:30.

The next day Kimia and I had coffee, got ready, had brunch and then shopped at some really cute boutique shops in Little Italy. We found some really good deals and had a great time talking to the store owners and trying on clothes. Later in the afternoon we sat outside in the W's lounge and entertained ourselves for 3 hours doing nothing-well I was practicing learning how to use my new Crackberry (I can blog from it!!! And take amazingly decent photos!) The waiter ended up giving us our drinks for free--I think he was amazed by how well we could amuse ourselves. At about 6pm we took a cab back to the airport and headed back to San Francisco.

2008-03-09T16:39:00.000-07:00

This is chatter acting like a tired pregnant lady on Sunday afternoon. You would think she was the one who went for the two hour hike today-but it was me!
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Dog Show

2008-01-27T18:16:00.001-08:00

Me and Summer (8 years old)

Me with Summer, and Madison
Nick with Summer, Madison, and Tia

Nick and I went to the dog show at the Cow Palace to see Foxfire Golden Retrievers win a bunch of ribbons. It was really fun to see all the beautiful dogs and hang out at the Foxfire and Starchaser bench. I loved cuddling with Summer and the rest of the dogs. They are all so friendly and cute! Also, Nick was a celebrity as "Chatter's Dad"--ha!

Roxy

2008-01-27T18:08:00.000-08:00

Nick and I took care of his friend's Golden Doodle Roxy this weekend. She was a bit of a naughty dog but her cuteness made up for it :)

SF Symphony

2008-01-26T23:29:00.000-08:00

I went to the San Francisco Symphony with my dad last night to see Mahler's Symphony No. 1 in D major. No photos...I wish I had some though because it was quite comical walking from our car to Davies Symphony Hall during a torrential downpour in heels. We got absolutely soaked despite a huge umbrella. I survived though and actually had a great time listening to the music. My coworkers made fun of me for taking the tickets (my principal offered them to me) because they though it was nerdy or boring...but iI took the tickets because I had never been and I like to do things that are new. I love theater and concerts and the opera is cool too, but I wasn't sure how I would feel about classical music for 2 hours. What stood out to me though was that you could listen to the music and daydream at the same time. I just sat there and noticed things about the music at leisure while thinking about beautiful things in my life. So, it wasn't boring or nerdy and I think I'll do it again some time :)

Dinner at The Slanted Door

2008-01-13T14:44:00.000-08:00

What a memorable evening at The Slanted Door. I have such beautiful friends and was so lucky to share this exquisite evening with them. My dad gave us wine from Kokomo and our waitress paired each variety with the dishes we ordered-hence the donzens of glasses i nthe photo with Kathy! Kassey and Jessica gave me the most amazing princess cake and I swear, I almost cried when I saw it! I felt very loved by my friends this whole weekend and every time I look back I see that I must be thankful for the fullness of the life I have and everything God has given me.

My 30th Birthday at the W Hotel!

2008-01-13T13:58:00.000-08:00

New Year's Eve

2008-01-13T13:45:00.000-08:00

For New Year's Eve we went over to Kimia's house for some cocktails and itunes...nothing fancy, but being with awesome friends is one of the best ways to ring in the new year!

Kassey was still in town--yeah! We both love Benefit 10!

Nick and the ladies...

Brunettes have the best hair :)

Toast to the New Year--the best yet!

A James Dean moment (Nick doesn't actually light up-ha!)

Visit to Arizona

2007-12-29T22:49:00.001-08:00

Last weekend I visited Laura in Chandler, AZ. My godson Andrew celebrated his 3rd birthday with his friend RT and I was able to go to the party. Laura, Jen and I went to dinner and then to see P.S. I Love You...have to love those Irish guys! The next day Laura and I relaxed at the spa and then had Mexican food and saw The Golden Compass. It was great relaxing, seeing the Vehrings, and meeting Andrew's cousin Adalyn for the first time.

Chatter's First Christmas

2007-12-29T22:48:00.000-08:00

Chatter had a blast with her new stuffy from Santa. She carried it everywhere and loved making it squeak! She also had a great time with Claire and Charlotte and their cousins. They got her to jump up on their laps and snuggle. Who can resist that face!

Christmas Dinner

2007-12-29T22:47:00.000-08:00

This Christmas Nick and I decided to have an intimate dinner party for some of our friends. We served champagne with cheese and bread for appetizers (compliments of Andrew) and honeybaked ham with veggie side dishes for dinner. Kathy brought two pumpkin chiffon pies for dessert and even made fresh whipped cream. Kassey was a last minute addition because of her change in travel plans which meant we also got to have her brie and pesto dip :)

After dinner our guests opened their gold wrapped "gifties" and somehow the evening morphed it's way into a dance party...maybe it was one of Kimia's playlists--on that new ipod of hers--that really got the party started. Chatter jumped in the pool--in solidarity with Kathy...a.k.a. the life of the party...and Rich locked himself in Daisy's cage in order to behave himself.

All in all it was a great time and worth all the effort during this busy holiday season :)

Kassey Visits

2007-11-28T13:48:00.000-08:00

Kassey came back to visit just before Thanksgiving and we went to North Beach for a bite to eat and Dragonbar for some good old fashioned top 40 dancing!

Chatter at School

2007-11-05T21:27:00.000-08:00

I promised my reading class I would bring Chatter in for a visit... they loved her! Every day since then I have at least one student ask me if their "baby" was back... sadly dogs aren't really allowed at school, so it will be a while until I bring her back.

Halloween at Hogwarts

2007-11-05T21:12:00.000-08:00

Here are some photos from the Halloween at Hogwarts all-school event. The kids had a great time and thanks to Kathy who came to school to help me! Photos include Harry and Hagrid, Professor Trelawney, and various other magical creatures :)

Halloween

2007-10-28T15:25:00.000-07:00

Nick, Kimia, and I dressed up as Perez Hilton (from perezhilton.com), Kim Kardashian (one of Paris' ex-best friends), and Paris Hilton in jail...see above...

Concerts

2007-10-28T15:10:00.000-07:00

As a concert buff it is sometimes hard to keep track of all the concerts I've been to. My musical adventure began back in high school when my dad would bring me to the Fillmore to see old bands still kicking and has morphed it's way into an eclectic mix of true favorites and exposure to new sounds...below is a list I've compiled of all the shows I've been to...feel free to comment if you and I have a band in common...and check back often because I'm sure the list will grow :)

Alanis Morrisette (2)
Allison Krauss and Union Station
Bat for Lashes
Ben Harper
Black Keys, The
Bob Schnieder
Bravery, The
Cary Brothers
Cold Play (2)
Corrine West
Cranberries
Dave Matthews Band
Death Cab for Cutie
Dixie Chicks (4)
Dolores O'Riordan
Eagles (2)
Eisley
Family Force Five
Fiona Apple
Fray, The
G Love & Special Sauce
Hot Tuna (2)
Imogen Heap
Ingred Michaelson (2)
Jack Johnson
Jason Mraz
Jefferson Starship
Jessie Baylin
John Mayer
Joshua Radin
Magic Numbers, The
Mandy Moore
Mat Kearney (3)
Matt Costa (2)
Matthew Dear
Michelle Branch
Mute Math (4)
No Doubt
Norah Jones
Pat Benatar
Patty Griffin (3)
Paula Cole
Pete Yorn
Regina Spektor
Ryan Adams
Shania Twain
Shiny Toy Guns
Si*Se (2)
Sixpence None the Richer
Slip, The
Stars
Switchfoot
U2 (3)
Zap Mama

Dixie Chicks with Dad

2007-10-25T21:42:00.000-07:00

I went to a Dixie Chicks show with my dad and met some of his fan club friends.

Brandon's Wedding

2007-10-24T20:54:00.001-07:00

Brandon Gill got married and Kimia invited me to be her date to the wedding. We stayed at the "W" hotel (fancy!) and enjoyed the beautiful decor, fluffy feather pillows, and oh so hip atmosphere. When I arrived, Kimia picked me up, we had brunch, and then got mani/pedi's...it was so relaxing I almost fell asleep :) That evening we arrived at the wedding (late--oops!) and mingled the night away. We saw Adam Bagley and Charlie Schaunwasser and had so much fun catching up and dancing to our high school favorites.

Rich's Birthday

2007-10-17T21:30:00.000-07:00

Rich and Roy's birthday was a charmed evening. We went to Osha for Thai food and sat at this long table that fit everyone. Then, we went back to Kathy and Rich's hotel room and had some cocktails and birthday cake--with cream cheese frosting...yum! Later, we went to Dragon Bar in North Beach/China Town for some top 40 dancing...the power went out and came back on just before we arrived so we got in for free and there was no line! Kimia and I requested Britney's new song and the DJ played it for us because he liked our dresses! Ha! I figured if you are going somewhere to dance to top 40 music, you have to hear Britney, Rhianna, Beyonce, Timbaland, and Justin Timberlake...and guess what? We did :)

Limantour with Kathy & Chatter

2007-10-09T22:51:00.000-07:00

Kathy and I spent the day at Limantour Beach in Point Reyes. We had never taken Chatter to the beach before and she went absolutely crazy in the water. It was as if nothing existed but her and the waves. In all my years as a Marinite, I have never experienced a more perfect day in West Marin.

Spontaneous Dinner with Kathy & Rich

2007-10-04T22:14:00.001-07:00

On Monday evening, Nick and I went up to drop some stuff off at the breeders in Petaluma and met up with Kathy and Rich at a new Mexican restaurant in downtown. It was a fun spur of the moment get together and we even got to start planning Rich's B-day party...

We got a dog!

2007-09-28T17:55:00.001-07:00

Her name is Chatter. She is actually Nick's dog and I just get to put up with her hair shedding all over the place...but she is really cute and she likes to press her face up against you and cuddle. Nick got her from a breeder and she is six years old. She used to be a show dog but for the last few years she has been passing those award winning genes on to other lucky puppies :) The breeder named her Chatter because she makes these little growling noises (friendly growls) when she wants to tell you she likes you...Nick might change her name, but we aren't sure yet...

Edison BBQ

2007-09-24T18:21:00.000-07:00

My first school activity as Student Activities Coordinator was an all school BBQ. The school provided hot dogs and the families brought pot luck side dishes. The kids had so much fun... While I was passing out plates a bunch of the elementary kids told me that this was the "best day ever"--so cute! Next is our Halloween at Hogwarts Celebration on Oct. 31st. Until then, I'm working on the school fundraiser and would like to organize a Jr. Academy art club...

First Week Back

2007-09-02T20:33:00.001-07:00

It was the first week back at school and the kids were cute for about 15 minutes...and then it seemed like the summer never happened :) Back to the grind as they say. I did happen to burn the candle at both ends and go to see Patty Griffin at the Great American Music Hall on Wednesday evening, Zap Mama at the Fillmore on Thursday night, and Kaskade at DNA Lounge on Friday night. That's a lot of late nights in a row, but it was worth every minute. Nick and I also went to a beautiful wedding in the Santa Cruz Mtns. on Friday and I will have photos to post later.

Photos above are of Kaskade at DNA lounge.

Mandy Moore @ the Fillmore

2007-08-24T23:13:00.000-07:00

Nick, Kimia and I went to go see Many Moore at the legendary Fillmore last Wednesday night and it was so much fun. We were about 10 feet away from the stage and I actually got a video of her song "Extraordinary" but the blog is having trouble uploading it...maybe later. I will be honest and say that Mandy's music is VERY fun with a couple of drinks--we sang along to her songs, yelled out requests and acted like die hard fans :) She did sing my request (cover of Umbrella) and Nick's request (Candy) and then blew us all away with her new song Gardenia...I will say that it was awesome live.

Below is a list of Kimia's favorite moments...some of them are inside jokes but I have to post them to at least make myself laugh...

Memorable moments:

-- Getting a half wave from Mandy!!!!
-- Feeling really deep and connected to her while she sang Gardenia (I
really do like the song)
-- Bumming a ciggie from John O'Riley (Mandy's drummer) and getting dissed
by the Filipino guitar player
-- Acting like dorks in front of the bartenders who had zero sense of humor
-- Interpretive dancing to Paula Cole (she played after Mandy)
-- Do do DO do do... Dawson's.....
-- Drunken shopping spree at the ticket box office (what the hell did we buy
tickets for?!)

To answer Kimia's last question, we bought tickets to: MuteMath, The Bravery, Zap Mama and Matt Nathanson--oops!

Shakespeare in Tahoe

2007-08-20T19:50:00.001-07:00

Last Friday I went to see Taming of the Shrew in North Lake Tahoe. The stage was set up right in front of the lake so you could see a beautiful view while watching the show. The show had some modern twists and a lot of physical comedy which made it really funny. It was a great way to end my summer off...back to school on monday :(

Kassey's Moving to Mexico City

2007-08-20T19:31:00.001-07:00

Last Thursday evening we had a going away party for our friend Kassey. She is moving to Mexico City for a year to teach English and we had to send her off with a few Margaritas and lots of hugs :) The fun part is that everyone from our MPCC small group (which has retired after a good run) came so it ended up being like a little reunion. Highlights included hearing about Michael Conrad's new girlfriend Carly, seeing Chris Gruener in a pink shirt, talking to Nina about the breastfeeding song her brother wrote, and learning more about Lily's new pharmacy school program. Oh yes, and then there is Andy the "new MCC intern" and finally, Katie Hess is my hero and she knows why :) On a sentimental note, Ben Kerns receives the award for "most effort to attend" because not only did he drive here after a youth event but he also knocked on many doors to finally find the party while his 9 months pregnant wife, Katie, was waiting at home! Kassey definitely felt the love from the Kerns family!

Ingrid Michaelson

2007-08-19T13:05:00.001-07:00

Last Wednesday evening Kimia, Susanna and I went to go see Ingrid Michaelson open for The Magic Numbers. She performed acoustically and her voice sounded beautiful in the Great American Music Hall. I especially liked her song "Boys and Girls" because of the way she compares how fragile one's physical heart can be with the vulnerability of an emotionally open heart...

She's the one in the blue shirt with little black glasses...

Oh yes, and earlier in the evening we went to the Red Velvet Lounge for a little fundraiser and met San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom...wish I had a photo of that!

Steve Shimmin's Birthday

2007-08-13T11:36:00.002-07:00

Last Wednesday night we went out to Qool at 111 Minna to celebrate Steve's Birthday...and Kassey's exciting plans for Mexico... We danced to house/electronic music and had Thai food after at Osha...yum!

Last week of summer...

2007-08-13T11:12:00.000-07:00

So it's my last week of summer and I'm trying to relax and live it up all at the same time. Have a concert and a daytrip to Tahoe planned. Must finish organizing my room and buying that dishwasher we need. Also have a couple movies to watch, a blackberry pie to bake and a Margarita going away party for Kassey to throw. Oh yes, and a job description to write as the new student activities coordinator at ECA. Photos to come and fun to be had during the next school year, right?!