After we ate our feast of steak, lobster, 2 kinds of potatoes, and lobster bisque (oh.my.god.), we all were tired and full. But we powered through to midnight, complete with champagne & kisses. Han & I came home, but the others stayed over at Cathryn’s. My desserts were received well, although the cheesecake bars seemed to be better for breakfast this morning! I made pecan pie (my dad’s recipe) and cheesecake bars. I also did some sweet & spicy walnuts & pecans (not pictured).

Today has been a good day. Slept in a bit, finished my book (first one on the Kindle), watched some TV with Han, did some laundry, cleaned the kitchen, made the shopping list, went shopping, made dinner. It’s pretty ordinary stuff, but it was leisurely with no rush. Nice. And the best part? I have tomorrow off!

In lieu of posting any resolutions, because I haven’t resolved anything yet, I’m posting this image that is making its way around Facebook. It’s Woody Guthrie’s list of ‘rulins’ for 1942. I think it’s brilliant, and I’ve been reading it a lot. Enjoy!

January:
poetry feature at the Space Bar in La Mesa
Mike Spurgat’s farewell concert (and the basic end of Rock Band)

February:
Han & I open up for Whirlwind Company (Mindy Nettifee, Jon Sands, Brian Ellis, and Mighty Mike McGee)
purchase of our Tuff Shed
see Sarah Lee Guthrie (Woody’s granddaughter) & Johnny Irion at Oasis

March:
D in her debut solo performance at House of Blues
vacation in Cayucos, CA

April:
published in ‘Don’t Blame the Ugly Mug: An Anthology’ and attend the publishing party at the Ugly Mug in Orange, CA
Sandy visits (LM)
Mia visits (LM)
see Eric Taylor at Oasis

May:
death of John Kuhlken
buy the Dodge Avenger (aka Ginger)

June:
work conference in San Francisco, hang out with Laurel
Mom retires

July:
CD release shows for Acoustic Duo

August:
Live Out Loud poetry & music show at Oasis with myself, Daniel McGinn, Paul Suntup, Han, Stevie Harris & Josh Damigo
work retreat at Hard Rock Hotel San Diego
work trip to Colorado
Han’s mom & sister visit (Balboa Park, Sea World, D’s birthday party)

September:
take the train to Santa Barbara for an Acoustic Duo show
attend Daniel McGinn’s book release show at Beyond Baroque in Venice CA
see Ray Lamontagne at Copley Symphony Hall

October:
attend SD Troubadour’s 10th anniversary show
Sandy visits (LM)

November:
music season begins
turn 40
Ben & Sue’s wedding

December:
work conference in Palm Springs
birthday party
Star of India show
buy Hyundai Elantra (aka Lana)

The happening that doesn’t really have a place to note was that I traveled up to La Mirada about twice a month on average since the end of August when my dad went into the hospital the first time.  He started doing peritoneal dialysis, but developed an infection (peritonitis) that was very severe. After that was cleared up, unbeknownst to us, he developed an abscess in his abdomen and he went into the hospital again. Now that’s gone, and he’s doing better, but he still requires dialysis 3 times a week, for approximately 4 hours each time. My mom has become his full-time caregiver, so it’s actually probably good that she retired. My dad’s illness has been a big part of this year, and like I said, doesn’t really have a place in the above list. I’m happy that he’s doing better now, after what was a very scary and extremely emotional time from the end of August to November.

Tonight, we’ll feast on steak & lobster at Cathryn’s and hang out with 3 other couples. D’s going vegan in 2012 so I’ll learn some new recipes! I’ll try to write in the next couple days with some of my resolutions for the new year. Have a safe & happy time!

Here’s an excerpt:

A New York City subway train holds 1,200 people. This blog was viewed about 3,800 times in 2011. If it were a NYC subway train, it would take about 3 trips to carry that many people.

Click here to see the complete report.

December 5-7, I was in Palm Springs for a work conference. The hotel was really nice, but I basically hung in my room and worked (TA stuff) when I didn’t have work functions to attend. I enjoy this conference. It’s for managers and above at the company I work for, and they treat us very well.

On Friday, December 9, Han & I had made a plan for me to surprise my folks and drive up for the weekend. He had a lot going on and was going to be busy all weekend, including a gig out in Ramona. We decided that I would drive the truck and he would take Ginger (the Avenger). I drove to work, pulled into my parking spot, and the engine gave out. I couldn’t start it at all. After some hassle with AAA, they towed it from the parking garage to the dealer who told me that it was the fuel pump and that it would cost $1200 to fix it. It was Friday afternoon, and I just didn’t know what to do. The lady at the dealer said I could wait until Monday to decide. Sweet. I did have to go by because I’d forgotten to get my suitcase out of the truck before it was towed. Thankfully, I was able to get a ride from my friend, Tessa, at work.

So we had a decision to make. But first, there was a party to be had. My 40th birthday party. Although my birthday was in November, we scheduled the party for Dec 11 because it fit people’s schedules and the weekend of my birthday had already been very busy. It was a lovely night. All my closest friends, great food, all arranged by Han. Toward the end of the evening, some friends got up and did some of my work. Matt Silvia sang a version of “Ode to My Hair,” Myran Vasquez read “Green Man” and wrote an original haiku for me, Cathryn Beeks read “Fire & Fiddles,” The Lovebirds sang a version of “Blues Drop,” Marcia Claire read “The Kind of Smoker I Would Be,” and Barbara Nesbitt read “The Fire Season.” It was amazing to hear them read my work; their inflections and tone. And I think, for them, they realized that it’s not as easy as it may look to read poetry. They were fabulous, and it was touching beyond words. They also showered me with gifts (wine, gift cards, journals). I can’t thank them enough. And Han, for putting it all together. What a great night.

I had already scheduled to take Monday the 12th off of work. I didn’t want to ruin the vibe of the party with me having to work the next day. It worked out very well, because Han took me to get a rental car, and I arranged to have Lucy (the Dodge truck) donated. I went to the dealer and let them know. Then I was able to go clean her out, grabbing every last shred of paper out of her. I do think I left last year’s holiday CD in the stereo. I hope someone enjoys it. It was raining like crazy, and I was blocking one of the mechanic’s from parking so I didn’t have a chance to say goodbye properly, but the time had come. She was a great truck, but we had put too much money into her over the last couple years, and it didn’t make sense to do it again. Jewish Family Services agreed to take her and so the era of Lucy is over.

The car situation was a bummer. And then, I got sick. I stayed home from work on the 13th, in bed, sleeping most of the day. I felt terrible. I rallied and went into work on Wednesday, and had to get reviews done, and other work stuff. All the while sniffling, coughing, sneezing, and wondering how I was going to get a car.

Well, I cashed in some stock, and Han borrowed some against a future project. We just needed to wait ’til the money was in our accounts to go looking. So I kept the rental car.

The weekend of the 17th was a good one. Not only was it my mom’s 68th birthday, but it was the annual Star of India show. Flan asked me to open the night with a poem so I wrote a new one that day and read it that night. It was a hit and as Flan said, “it set the tone” for the night. It was a great night. I loved hanging out with Barbara before she headed back to Austin. It was a show full of love and happiness.

On Sunday night, we went to a White Elephant party at Cathryn’s. We arrived in the middle of the gift exchange (we knew we’d be late), but we got to see many of our friends and it was really fun.

On Monday, the money was posted to my account. Han had rehearsal all day Monday & Tuesday. Then on Wednesday, I left work around 1:30 pm and Han & I headed for Carmax. We were able to get financed since we were going to make a down payment. I drove away from there in a 2010 Hyundai Elantra I absolutely love it! I will post a picture tomorrow.  After we got the car, we headed to Oasis for the San Diego Troubadour’s annual holiday party. It was really fun. The party is usually held at the home of the publishers, Liz & Kent, but this year, Oasis hosted it. Inside was a more formal listening scene (which is different than it usually is at the house), but outside there were 2 fire pits. We went to hang out around one with our friends, and then some spontaneous bluegrass kicked in. Chris Clarke, a guy on banjo, another guy named Beston, and Robin Henkel ripped through a number of great songs. It was a fine way to end the day.

Then on Thursday, I finished up some errands and stuff at home, then headed up to La Mirada for the weekend. That night, Mom & I went to eat at Red Robin. Then today, we went to Costco (terrible shopping cart drivers), Stater Bros, had lunch from KFC, then went to Office Depot and Target, then I went to pick up Pick Up Stix for dinner. Tomorrow, my dad’s family will come over around 4 pm and we’ll open some gifts. Christmas morning, I’ll open up gifts with Mom & Dad then head home and have Christmas night with Han.

Merry & bright.

The Truly Nolen guy came by and his estimate was Truly  Expensive. We’ll have to think about it. He did give me some good tips about baiting the traps we have. Haven’t seen any of them today or tonight.

As the day comes to an end, and I reflect on all the time I spent playing Angry Birds and watching television, I’m a bit disappointed in myself that I didn’t spend the time more fruitfully. But I did make dark chocolate chip cookies, and dinner for us. I ran to the post office and folded laundry. What more do you want from me, Saturday?

Looking forward to another day at home tomorrow!

Mice.

Actually, at that point, it was just mouse. But then, that night while he was out at a rehearsal, I saw 2 of them. They ran out from under this butcher block type table that is between the kitchen and the entry way, and then they ran back under it. Later I saw them come out again and run to another spot in the entryway, then one went behind the bookcase in my office.

The next day Han went & got traps. He had also seen one of them on the kitchen counter, and it ran behind the stove. My mom had told me they like peanut butter with birdseed. We didn’t have any bird seed so he loaded them with peanut butter. He put out 4 traps. And we’re talking the break-their-necks-kill-’em-dead kind of traps. Monday night, Han had rehearsal at the house, and I was in the living room with my feet off the ground.

I periodically went into the kitchen because I could hear it. At one point, I went in there and the trap was still there, but the peanut butter was completely gone. Little bastard. So then Han put a bit of cheese on the trap. I did the same thing, periodically going into the kitchen. Another time, I was walking more quietly, I guess, because I saw that little f’in’ mouse sitting just outside from the back of the stove eating cheese! When it heard me, it dropped the cheese on the counter, and skittered away. I was dumbfounded. Later that evening, though, I heard the unmistakable SNAP of the trap. I didn’t look long, but I peeked at it and yep, we’d got it.

The next day while I was at work, Han texted me that another one was down (at the trap by my bookcase). Good. We decided to keep the traps out just in case. That night, another one went down (kitchen counter again). We decided that if we saw another one, we’d make a call to a pest control place. So last night as I was making dinner, Han came over and stood next to me, but at this really weird angle. Before I could ask him what he was doing, I looked down, and saw another little f’in mouse come out from under the fridge. We put a trap there, but now 2 pieces of cheese later, still no mouse and the trap hasn’t been set. How do they do that? Those damn traps are sensitive.

So I called Truly Nolen today and they’re coming out to do a free inspection tomorrow. I have a feeling it will be expensive, but they skeeve me out so much, we have to do it.

You should know: we don’t leave food out. The house gets cleaned regularly. I hate this feeling of invasion, feeling paranoid about every little noise I hear. Just yuck.

Right after I wrote that sentence, I looked down and saw another one (or maybe the same one from the kitchen?) along the wall by desk (where my bookcase is). That trap we have set there isn’t springing. There’s no cheese on it anymore, but it must have some cheese juice or something because it’s spending some time on and around the trap. Maybe it’s not heavy enough to spring it? It looks small. It could be, and you must know how much I hate to type this, a baby. I don’t care. I want that trap to spring!

In other news, we’re recording our annual holiday songs/poems tonight which is good. And it’s December. How did that happen?

My 40th birthday was a great day. The day before at work was not so great. Nobody remembered or knew it was my birthday until our boss announced all November birthdays at a department meeting. I thought my employees might feel bad and bring me a card or something on Monday, but no. I’m still a little upset by that. But the day itself, Saturday the 19th, was great. I slept in, Han went to get us coffee, then we watched something we had recorded. Then he made this great brunch of scrambled eggs w/ parmesan, cinnamon rolls, potatoes, waffles, and bacon. I think we watched something else then. Later, Han took a nap, and I wrote the rest of my 40×40 list (last blog post). I don’t think I changed out of my pajamas ’til it was time to go to the gig. Han was playing a house concert gig with Flan and it was the last show of this house concert’s entire series. The hosts are hanging up their hosting hats. It was great, because I hung out in the ‘green room’ all night, chatted with Barbara, and drank wine. They made me a cake that they gave me at the intermission. It was all good.

And it’s set to get better. On the 11th, there will be a party with my talented friends performing my work. Han said they could read one of my poems, put on to music, or write something inspired by something I wrote. I expect it to be pretty cool, even if only one person does something. I’m looking forward to that. But before then, I’m off to Palm Springs on Monday for my annual work conference, then the Acoustic Duo is doing a holiday show, then there’s another Flan show. Busy December!

Death to mice!

9. Thrown a surprise party (and pulled it off) – It was for Han’s 40th birthday. We had plans to go to D’s play at JT, then have late lunch with his grandpa. But then, I’d also conspired with Marcia to take him to her place after lunch where all of our friends were gathered. She was supposed to meet us for lunch, but then she played having sprained her ankle and not being able to walk on it. She asked if we could stop by so she could see Han for his birthday. She also asked us to bring ice. Classic. We got to her place and I walked in first with him behind me and everyone yelled, “Surprise!” and he was!

10. performed at the National Poetry Slam at The Note & Subterranean Café in Chicago 1999 – I was on the Laguna Beach national slam team that year with Mindy Nettifee, Buzzy Ennis, and Paul Suntup. It was also my first time to Chicago (and not my last!) I remember bits and pieces about the trip, riding the “L,” the venues, just the adventure of it. At the Subterranean, I tried to go ‘off-page’ and recite my poem “Portrait” by memory. I’ve never been an off-page performer, but if I was going to bring it, this was the place. I totally froze up. But Charles Ellik was in the front row, and I saw him rooting me on, “Come on, Lizzie, you can do it.” And I did. I finished, and I think we won, beating  Winston-Salem and Knoxville. Then I believe we partied there for a while. For the last night, going to the Chicago Theater for the finals was amazing.

11. hosted a house concert for 8 years – The namesake of this blog, Meeting Grace, was the house concert series I started in March, 2000, in my house in Golden Hill. The years that the series took place are some of my best years so far. They were the ‘golden years’ of house concerts when they were just becoming popular. I hosted some amazing artists, and really truly loved doing it. When I had to move from the house, I took some time off, but then took up the series again in Normal Heights. Those were also some incredible, memorable shows. But then, it was time to hang it up, pass the torch, whatever you want to call it. It was a great run, and I feel like I secured a place in the history of San Diego acoustic music. Not too shabby.

12. have had major surgery (right knee) – I’ve blocked out a lot from this experience, but in a nutshell, I tore my ACL in my right knee and severely damaged my cartilage. I had arthroscopic surgery first and then I had reconstructive surgery. The first surgery was in early 1994, shortly before my graduation from UCSD (graduated on crutches, yo!). Then the reconstructive surgery was in October of that year. Thinking back, I think the surgery may have changed the course of my life. I had to move back home for recuperation in the summer after graduation because I didn’t have a place to live or a job. My mom was in Spain so my dad and I hung out all summer. But I was a little stir crazy and had no idea what I was going to do. Then, a friend from college was going to look for a place for us to live in SD and I was going to move back and try to find a job, so that’s what I did. Who knows what would have happened if I hadn’t had that summer at home?

13. set up a poetry hotline in San Diego in the mid-90s – After I moved back to San Diego, I got more involved in the poetry scene. I ended up in a small collective of sorts that called itself Ink & Voices. I don’t really recall the specifics of what we did, but we tried to create a community for poets. I believe there was a newsletter that published local poets, and I set up a hotline which was a recorded message that had all the poetry events going on for a week at a time. I paid for it and updated it. I was like the Rosie (of SD Dialed In) of poetry, but before there were blogs. I had poets send me the information about their readings, I kept up with the weekly and monthly series and who they were hosting. It was a definite labor of love, and I think it worked for the time.

14. sang on stage – with all my talented musician friends, I am very shy when it comes to my own singing, but I love to do it. But there are some instances when I’ve gotten up the courage. Han & I once sang “Leather & Lace” at a Java Joe’s open mic. I sang Nanci Griffith’s “Cradle of the Interstate,” also at open mic at Java Joe’s, and dedicated it to Han when he was going to be going out on the road. I’ve also sang Maria McKee’s “Life is Sweet” with Han backing me up on a Native American prayer drum. That was super cool. I think I was opening up for Dead Rock West and Han maybe did a set, too. That was at Twiggs. Another time, I’d gone to see Eve Selis at Humphrey’s Backstage Lounge, and she had me come up and do “You Are the Light” (Lone Justice).  By the way, except for “Leather and Lace,” these were all done a cappella. The one time I’ve sang with a live band was in 2009 at a conference for work. They had a live karaoke band and I sang “Son of a Preacher Man.” That was such a rush, and I think I stunned my co-workers. People still bring it up to me.

15. hiked & camped in Utah – here’s another one that seems very out of character for me now, but I was young and still figuring out what I liked. I was in college, I think it was my sophomore year, and I signed up with a few friends to go hiking and camping in Zion National Park over the President’s Day holiday. This was serious. Full-on heavy backpacks, powdered food, sleeping on the ground, shitting in the woods kind of camping. We drove to Utah in a van and camped the first night. I remember that first night was really nice so we didn’t put up the tent. The next day we hiked, and I believe the hike in was about 6 miles. I believed it rained off and on throughout the day. We found a spot to camp and made camp. The food was weird. I think I had my period, too, and there were jokes made about bears finding us (what was I thinking?) I remember that I apparently snored like a fiend (my early sleep apnea) and my friends were terrified of me and for me. They said I sounded like a train rushing through and then I would stop breathing (which is what happens with apnea). However, I survived and we hiked out the next day. Again 6 miles, but this time uphill with major switchbacks. I don’t know how I did it. I do remember when we got in the car, we drove to St. George where we stopped at McDonald’s and those chicken mcnuggets were just about the best thing I’d ever eaten in my whole life. Needless to say, I’ve not been camping like that again.

16. know 2 Cy Young Award winners and a member of a World Series championship team – This one kind of blows my mind, but I know Randy Jones (1976 National League Cy Young with the San Diego Padres) because he was on a radio show with Tim Flannery and I got to know him a bit when we’d go down and hang for the show. He’s a very nice man. Of course, I mentioned Tim Flannery, who is the 3rd base coach for the San Francisco Giants (2010 World Series champions). I’ve known Tim know for about 10 or so years, and consider him a very close friend. And finally, I also know Jake Peavy (2007 National League Cy Young with the San Diego Padres). Jake no longer plays in San Diego, but when he was here, he was close with Flan and that’s how we got to know him. He’s an awesome guy and I wish him all the best!

17. recorded 2 spoken word CD’s and published 5 chapbooks – in the fall/winter of 1999, Han and another friend brought some recording gear over to the Meeting Grace house in Golden Hill, set up a microphone in a closet, plied me with Jameson whiskey, and I recorded my first CD, “A Wing & A Prayer,” which was nominated for Best Local Recording at the 2000 San Diego Music Awards. The artwork was done by Han’s friend, Jason Cox, and it was absolutely beautiful. I put my heart & soul into that CD. It was also Han’s first production effort doing it on his own. Everything about it was amazing,  including the CD release, which was held at Dizzy’s. Acoustic Duo played, as did Gregory Page, and that’s also when I met David Beldock. It was awesome.

The 2nd CD, “A New Leaf,” was much more low-key, but still a great time. I recorded a bunch of The Game pieces that had come from the private version we hosted in late 2005, early 2006. The Game is now a public event that Cathryn hosts, but the private group was awesome. I recorded it in Han’s studio of course, and Tim Flack made copies of it. I sold it here and there at different readings. No fanfare with a release or anything like that, just wanted to capture audio versions of those poems.

My chapbooks: Familiars, Naked Wrists, Complicated Skies (Inevitable Press), Baseball Poems, 12 Windows

18. know Grammy winners – this is another one that blows my mind. Dennis Caplinger is a master of banjo, dobro, fiddle, mandolin, an amazing picker. He is the recipient of two of those awards. Then there’s Gavin Lurssen, Mastering Guy extraordinaire. He also has a couple (maybe more by now) for his amazing work.

19. traveled internationally – when I was a kid, my mom, sister & I would travel to Spain almost every other summer. I remember when I realized that it was a very special thing, “You mean not every kid gets to do this!?!?!?” On the way to Spain or while there, we also traveled to Holland, also a small jaunt into France, but it’s always been Spain that’s had my heart, more specifically Barcelona and the Costa Brava. I would love to go back again someday soon.

I’ve also traveled to Jamaica. That was for work (see # 39) to cover the inaugural Reggae Marathon. We (other writers/reporters) were put up in an all-inclusive resort in Negril (can’t remember the name). That was an amazing trip.

20. make splendid chocolate chip cookies and deviled eggs – I’m not a great cook. I can follow a recipe alright, but I don’t have the flair for just knowing what to do. Except for deviled eggs. I just have a way to know exactly how much mayo & mustard to put in. And my chocolate chip cookies? Forget about it. I think it must be in the way I mix the dough. I mean, what else could it be? Same ingredients. I also don’t keep them in the oven too long. Like meat, I take them out and let them “rest” just for bit until I remove them from the cookie sheet. Delicious!

21. have been drunk in several major cities – speaking of Barcelona…although my drunkenness really took place in Playa de Aro. But I haven’t limited my intake to only wonderful foreign places, I’ve also supported the good ol’ USA. Of course San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Austin, and the ultimate town for such nonsense, Las Vegas. We’ll leave it at that.

22. have gone topless on the beach – Ah, Spain. Lots of stuff goes on there! This happened one of my last trips, it’s been since 1999 that I was there. But I think it was the trip in 1995 when I first did it. It’s quite common there, and I was feeling confident. I didn’t get in the water that way, just lay on the beach to soak up the sun without getting those pesky swimsuit lines. Ah, youth!

23. taken a road trip with my dad & sister – This trip was epic. I believe it was the summer after my sophomore year in college. We drove through Montana and up into Alberta. We stayed overnight at a place in Canada called Waterton and we all got drunk at a bar called the Thirsty Bear. The next day was tough, but it was all awesome.

24. had high school “glory days” – I was very into athletics in high school. I was named “Athlete of the Year” for my senior year along with other accolades. I remember telling my boyfriend in my junior year that these were the best years of our lives. He always said he hoped not. I was wrong, but I still enjoyed high school very much. I was involved in sports, I had superior grades, and I had great friends. Though I don’t want to go back to those times, I’m glad I enjoyed it and made the most of it.

25. done solo road trips to Texas, New Mexico, and South Dakota – rather random spots I suppose, but TX and NM were for poetry, and SD was for work. The first trip was New Mexico. I went to Taos for the Taos Poetry Circus in 1997. I remember that I stopped in Sedona on the way there. The whole trip was magical.

I flew to Texas, but got a rental car. I went to Austin for the Austin International Poetry Festival in 2001. I put a message out to a poetry listserv I was on, and maybe a house concert one, too, asking if there would be anyone there who would put me up. Again, this seems out of character for me now, but at the time, it was amazing. I met a woman named Nancy who lived in Driftwood. Her home was amazing (except for the compost toilet!). She let me come and go as needed and we became friends. I wish I could remember her last name. She came to visit me in San Diego a couple years later. She was cool. Anyway, the AIPF was amazing. I read at Ruta Maya Coffeehouse, BookWoman, and Waterloo Ice House. I also explored Austin, I just drove around and got to know the city. I went see “Down from the Mountain” at an awesome little theater on or near the UT campus. I drove out to Luckenbach and explored the hill country. I went and sat alone awhile and watched hawks soar at Pedernales Falls State Park. My subsequent visits to Austin have not diminished my love for that town. Austin rules.

My solo trip to South Dakota was for work (see # 39) to cover the Mt. Rushmore Marathon. I stayed at the Alex Johnson Hotel in Rapid City. I covered the marathon, but I also took advantage of my location and I put some miles on my rental car. I visited the Crazy Horse monument and, of course, Mt. Rushmore. It was October, and it was extremely beautiful. Great trip!

26. use a C-Pap machine – as I’ve previously noted in this post and on this blog, I have sleep apnea. I finally did something about a few years ago and got a C-Pap machine. I didn’t use it for a long time because I didn’t like it. But I’ve started using it regularly now and it does help. It’s still not at all sexy, but I can stay awake during the day.

27. make a living using my degree – I don’t know how many people can say this these days. My degree is in Literature/Writing and my job title is Content Director. I work with words every day, either writing them, editing them, or managing them somehow. And I love it. And I am paid well to do it. Who knew? I consider myself very lucky.

28. trained dogs as part of 4-H – this took place when I was a kid in Idaho. My sister started it We had a poodle named Tippi and Sandy joined 4-H and competed with Tippi in dog shows doing obedience and showmanship. I followed suit with my own poodle, Corky. He was not as good a student as Tippi and I never got the awards that Sandy did, but it was a good time. We did a lot of dog shows all around southern Idaho. They were good dogs. I imagine I learned a lot about discipline and such from the competition. And I learned a lot about dogs. I love dogs and wish we could have one. Maybe someday!

29. have used all 7 letters in one play in Scrabble – my mom, sister & I used to play Scrabble a lot. I mean the old school way, using the board. We’re hip though, so now we play on Facebook. Plus I play a lot of Words with Friends on the iPhone. It took quite some time, but I’ve done it (more than once): used all 7 letters for a word. It’s big points! Sadly, with some of the competition I have out there, I need at least 1 7-letter word a game just to keep up!

30. performed spoken word at San Diego Open Air amphitheater opening for Jewel (Soul City Café) – This was a crazy experience. I guess I applied for this and somehow was selected. It was me and another spoken word artist (Nafeesa Monroe) and I think a musician or two. And yes, I got out there on the stage of the Open Air Amphitheater and let my poems fly. It was 2003.

31. have a loving, supportive family – maybe this goes without saying, but it shouldn’t so I’m saying it. Without the love and support of my amazing mom and dad and sister, I couldn’t have done all these crazy, wonderful things. My extended family, aunts, uncles, cousins, are also pretty damn cool, as well as my “in-love” family (Han’s side).

32. helping to raise a young woman – I don’t have kids of my own, by choice, but I’m helping to raise Han’s daughter, D. Over the years, there have been some trying times, but I know that my influence touches her, even if in small ways. She is becoming an incredible person, and I’m happy to be part of her life.

33. own a car – one that I paid for myself, my 1999 Dodge Dakota (“Lucy”) is all mine, twice over. I paid off the loan a few years ago, but then had to re-finance it when I was having some money issues. But now, I’ve paid it off again, and that truck, that’s been owned by my dad and my sister and has had more than its share of repair, is paid for.

34. taken a road trip in a semi-truck – when I was a little girl, my dad was a long-haul truck driver. One time I remember he took me with him on a trip to Colorado. I’m sure there’s a lot I’m forgetting, but the one thing I remember is that we stayed in a motel that overlooked a drive-in movie place and you could stay in your room and still watch and hear the movie, through the radio or a speaker or something. We had pizza and watched a drive-in movie from the comfort of our room. And then in the morning, we loaded up and were off again. That was awesome.

35. published songwriter – I believe I have 2 songwriting credits out on different albums. “For Lillian” which is a co-write with Han is on Acoustic Duo’s 4th album and on Rock Band’s only album. “Boomerang Love” is a co-write with Han and Tim Flannery and appears on Rock Band’s album. There is also a 3rd uncredited contribution. “Waiting on a Friend” which is on Tim Flannery’s album “Highway Song.” I’m even registered with BMI, you can look me up!

36. helped bring poetry slams to San Diego – after my Laguna Beach experience (see # ), I wanted to bring that excitement to San Diego. I set up independent events at Java Joe’s and the Ould Sod, until one of my friends, Robt O’Sullivan Schleith, decided to do it for real. He set up a weekly reading that was for slams, got it certified, and slam teams from San Diego began going to nationals.  The slam is now run by Elevated. I went to the reading one time and was super impressed by the crowd and the intensity. I saw a couple people from ‘back in the day’ who remembered me. That was nice, but it was never mine. I just helped it along.

37. completed a Rubic’s cube side with my feet (4th grade) – Is this a talent? I’m not sure, but it’s what I did for the talent show in 4th grade. It was just in the classroom. I remember that I went up to the front of the class and sat in a chair and manipulated the cube with my feet. People watched, but it was going to take some time so other people got up and did their talent as I stayed up there. Totally random, right?

38. keep my hair natural – And what hair it is! It’s become my symbol, trademark, whatever. I like to say, “It just grows out of my head this way.” It’s curly, grey, and long. I just don’t think about doing anything with it (coloring etc). I love my hair and I’ll let it do whatever it wants.

39. worked in a bookstore, flower shop (1 day), and been a magazine editor – dream jobs – Yep, dream jobs. I’ve had ‘em! I worked at Crown Books my sophomore year of college. I loved it so much. When we had to close, I would actually go around and straighten the books, vacuum, whatever needed to be done while my co-workers lounged about and made fun of me for actually working.

I worked at a flower shop for one day in high school. It was during the prom season and they were short-handed. I remember putting pins in the rose heads so they would stay upright. Look out, Frankie. I might come calling for a job someday!

I was the editor of Fitness Runner magazine from 1999 – 2005 or 2006. That was an incredible experience. From planning what articles to include in each issue, to finding writers for those articles, to working with the art director (Cathy Grawin) for hours on end to put the magazine together, I was thoroughly satisfied with every issue we put out. It was for the magazine that I got to travel to Jamaica (see # 19) and South Dakota (see # 25). And I made a terrific friend in Cathy. She is a wonderful, positive influence in my life.

40. was a contributor to Next… Magazine – as part of my indoctrination into the Southern CA poetry scene, I spent a lot of time in Orange County, but I lived in San Diego. G. Murray Thomas asked me if I would be the San Diego correspondent for Next… I don’t recall the number of years I contributed, maybe 2-3? But I wrote reviews, kept a calendar etc. I guess it was the next step from the hotline (see # 13). Plus I met so many amazing writers who are still at it today, tearing up the poetry world in a most triumphant way.

1. I’m a published poet – I may not be as active as I once was, but I believe my name is still known in some circles. And it’s not over. If I ever get myself a bit more disciplined about the whole thing, there could be more publishing spots in my future.

2. Flashed in public so that only one person saw – I must admit this is a unique talent of mine. It happened more than once, usually at The Ould Sod, a bar I used to frequent nearly every Wednesday for a number of years to see my friends play music. At its peak, there was no other place to be in town. It was always packed and always a good time. I stood in the middle of the bar and Han would be at the front near where the band was. And I’d do it and only Han would notice. Maybe a couple people saw out of the corner of their eye, but it was so fast they wondered if they’d really just seen what they thought. It’s a fun trick

3. Have 500 hours of massage training – I made the decision to attend massage school (Mueller College) when I was terribly depressed by my job at the time. I thought I would make a  career change. I did the classes and paid for it as I went. I think it took about a year and a half. I graduated but never took the final steps of taking the national exam and getting my license. When I really thought about the life of a contract massage therapist, it seemed like a life that I was not prepared for. But Han gets the benefits!

4. Vandalized public property – This is not one of my prouder moments, but it was so out of character, it seems worthy to include. It was in college, with a group of friends. Were we drunk? I don’t remember. We stole a piece of public art that was on a stick and stuck in the ground. It was a carving of a bird. Large. How did we get it back up to our dorm? I don’t remember who did it, but one of us called security anonymously and said where we’d put it (in the laundry room on a different floor). I also remember, around that same time, we somehow got into a building being constructed and messed with the tools and stuff. Like I said, not a good thing. I remember feeling really terrible about the bird. I’m sorry, bird-artist and construction people!

5. Owned a cat – My dear little Shug. I got her when she was a kitten, I don’t remember the year, but I was living in my apartment on 4th Ave in Hillcrest. She stayed with me until I moved in with Han who is allergic. I gave her to a nice family. About a year after I’d given her to them, they contacted me to say they couldn’t keep her anymore. We briefly thought about taking her back, but we couldn’t do it. I don’t know what they ended up doing with her, and I honestly don’t want to know. She was a good kitty, if sometimes a bit crazy. I miss my Shug.

6. Am friends with my family – I like this one. I know so many people who do not get along with their parents or siblings. I know some that do, but it seems like the majority of folks don’t get along with their family. I’m lucky that I consider most of my family, and especially my immediate family, to be friends. I like hanging out with them and catching up with them. They’re good people with good hearts. I’m glad to know them.

7. Have met 2 of my musical favorites: Lucinda Williams and Gillian Welch – I met Lu at The Mint in Los Angeles. My friend, Lisa Sanders, is friends with her and she introduced us. Lu was drunk as could be so it wasn’t the ‘dream meeting’ I might have imagined, but that’s how it is. I saw her again, although didn’t have any interaction with her, when Han & Lisa opened up for her up in Reno. They opened the show and it was awesome, but then Lu stayed on her bus for an hour or something. People started to leave and they announced that the show was cancelled. Then she came out and started playing. People slowly started to drift back in and she played a great show. It was a very surreal, rock ‘n’ roll experience.

I met Gillian after a Belly-Up show shortly after Han had hung out with her & David Rawlings up in LA with our friend, Matt. We chatted for a bit in a group with our other friends. I was a bit star-struck. Then a few days later, I decided to go up to LA to go to a poetry reading where my friend, Mindy Nettifee, was featured. It was in Tarzana and my dad decided to join me. Well, I’ll be damned but who should walk in to the reading but Gillian with Sara Watkins (of Nickel Creek). They performed a short set and for a bit of the reading, Gillian was sitting next to me! I read during the open mic and she heard me read. I think I said something about having met her recently at the Belly-Up and about Han. I have no recollection of what she said, but it’s still a great story

8. Found someone to make a life with – Of course I’m talking about Han. It’s a precarious life, not one that is rooted in routine or common things. Half the things on this list wouldn’t have been possible without him! We come from different backgrounds and have different philosophies about some things, but with other things, we are in sync. He makes me laugh every day, and his talent overwhelms me. I want so much to do whatever I can to help him, and know that he would do the same for me.

Okay, that’s all for now. More on the list tomorrow as the countdown continues!

Today went well. I helped Dad make breakfast (chocolate chip waffles & bacon), then he & I did some errands. We went to the bank, post office, to get gas, and then we went to the grocery store. It was the first time he’d been to the store since late August when he went into the hospital the first time. I was really happy for him. He had the walker and he took breaks when he needed to, but he powered through and it was awesome to see. After we got home, I did some work, got gas for Mom’s car, and then we had lunch (breaded pork with asparagus and mashed potatoes).

I came back home to San Diego and watched a couple movies, “Silence of the Lambs” and “The Hours.” Now it’s time for bed.

Then, it was time for the evening events. First stop was downtown San Diego, Hard Rock Cafe, for an appreciation event for our dear friend, Cathryn. Han was the first one on so it was a tough crowd. The area in front of the stage was packed with what looked like high school students visiting San Diego, complete with the waitress yelling out the specials as Han is singing. I don’t know how he managed to pull off a good performance with this woman yelling, “MUSHROOM BURGER!” right in front of him, but he did. Then we had to rush away to La Jolla to attend Eve Selis’s CD release show. The Acoustic Duo were special guests and it was a very good time.

This morning, Han left town again for a few more shows with Flan, tonight in Fresno, then tomorrow and Monday in SF. I also left town, came up here to my folks’ house. Went through some stuff in the garage, then went to pick up Dad at dialysis, then me & Mom went out to dinner at Cha-Cha’s. I stuffed myself and it was good! It was an early birthday dinner (1 week to go!) Then we came back to the house and I began to doze in the chair so I decided to get myself up and update this thing!

That’s all for now. Pretty basic “here’s what I did today” stuff but at least it’s something!