Don't Move

Hold still! I think found it......

Otters Holding Hands

"These humans act like they've never seen anyone hold hands before?" says Sea Otter Sam. "We do it all the time, yeah, yeah. Yeah we do it all the time."

"Humans are so full of themselves," comments Sea Otter Shelley. "They probably think they're the only species who hold hands. Pfffffff."

Otters Holding Hands

"These humans act like they've never seen anyone hold hands before?" says Sea Otter Sam. "We do it all the time, yeah, yeah. Yeah we do it all the time."

"Humans are so full of themselves," comments Sea Otter Shelley. "They probably think they're the only species who hold hands. Pfffffff."

Lovely

A perfect night for a walk on the beach.

Being Erica Season 4 Premier

Being Erica Sexy Season 4 Promo.


My replacement exercise, since I haven't been surfing for 4 months and 1 day, not that I'm counting, is walking really fast on the Nordic Track. Actually, I consider it running, because I do work up a sweat. I'm certain NO ONE works up a sweat walking, hence the running, but if anyone saw me they'd probably call it walking.

"Yep, she's walking!"

Whatever.

Anyways, in my perpetual endeavor to keep myself entertained without the Pacific Ocean's aid I have struck Canadian Television gold! I found an AWESOME show on hulu.com, "Being Erica."

Internet you can actually watch all three seasons of Being Erica on Hulu! And you best hurry because episode 1 of season 4 premiered last night!!!!!!

"What are you watching?" asks my Mom.

"Being Erica," I say. "You won't like it."

"What's it about?" asks my Mom.

"Therapy," I say.

"Bleh," groans my Mom.

Let's time travel back to the first episode of Being Erica, which introduces Erica Strange, a 30-something whose life hasn't turned out the way she hoped it would. Erica's in a dead end job, and relationshipless. She's just not living up to hers, or anyone else's, expectations. Erica's in the fast lane to Nowhere.

"Vrooooom to Crash!!!!!!!"

Enter Dr. Tom, Ph.D in Metaphysics, specializing in time travel psychotherapy.

When Erica commits to "working on her life," with Dr. Tom, she gets more than she bargained for. Dr. Tom's version of therapy is sending Erica back in time where she gets a do-over on all of her biggest mistakes and greatest regrets.

It turns out, time traveling is hilarious. Erica hurls between present time, the past and the future, spilling coffee, wine and cocktails, crashing cars, and looking feverishly insane as she casually plays off her follies.

Unfortunately, for Erica fixing her life is more complex than making a different choice here and there. Through her time travels, Erica learns being true to herself is challenging, and she can't fix other people's problems, only her own.

Being Erica is captivating, humorous and insightful. Internet, it's like free therapy!!!!


I read this is the fourth and final season of Being Erica. :(

"Say it ain't so!"

Though rumor has it there's a U.S. version in the works. It's hard to imagine the U.S. version of Being Erica being better than the Canadian version.

There's something AWESOME about Canadians. Erin Karpluk, who plays Erica Strange, is amazing, brilliant, hysterically funny and fully girl and guy crush worthy. I especially adore her slapstick "I Love Lucy," inspired humor.

Erica Strange is surrounded by plenty of hot Canadian co-stars, who frequently take off their clothes. :p Read: Erica's leading men, to which there are plenty, walk around topless.

Canadians make television with women in mind.

But don't worry guys, Erica and all her BFF's are hot!



While "Being Erica," tackles heavy topics such as loss, grief, and betrayal, it does so with the perfect blend of humor and tender hearted-ness to form an entirely entertaining package. Read: Every episode has me laughing and crying.

But don't take my word for it, watch the first episode of, "Being Erica," right here and judge for yourself.

Bed Time Routine

The kitties are only 11 months old, but they have the bedtime routine down. I wonder how much longer until the kitties are able to wake up, make breakfast, pack lunches and get the boys off to school?

Carmel Beach Sand Castle Contest 2011

Captain Jack and 1st Place Winner.


Of course, King Neptune surfs!


Herbie Hippocampus


I don't think this fish could get any Puffer.





iSand.


Too sunny for Frosty today. Phew.





Sea Star


Extreme Sand in Your Shoe.

















Who lives in a pineapple under the sea???

Ode To The Sun

Hello Sun? Can you hear me? I neeeeeeeeeed you. Bad. K. Thanks. Bye.

Stop Thief!

Lucky

This is a great reminder for me. Thanks B!

Ke11y Slater Wins 2011 Hurley Pro at Trestles

It looks as if 39-year-young Ke11y Slater is well on his way to a mind boggling ELEVENTH world title after winning his third event of 2011. In typical Slater fashion, he pulled a nine out of his wetsuit, in the last few minutes of the final at the 2011 Hurley Pro at Trestles for today's win.

"How does he do it?" asks a world title-less pro surfer.

Parko, Taj, Rob aka Jesus, and Cheyne Horan I'm talking to you!

I'm certain it has something to do with the number eleven, Ke11y, in his name. And to think I thought 8(Sl8er) was great. Yes, it's the number eleven and the coconut water. In fact, I just drank a gallon of Zico Coconut Water, myself.

"Burp......."

It seems as if Slater's only competition is Owen "Avatar" Wright, who towers half a foot over Slater, not counting his blonde locks. The two have met up in the last three finals, Slater 2, Wright 1.

Four events are remaining in the world surfing title race, next stop France, beginning October 4th. Slater Worshipers put on your bibs, I sense a perpetual fountain of drool, Slater's real fountain of youth, by the "I ♥Ke11y Club." And by "I ♥Ke11y Club," I mean the surfing media, the surfing fans, and especially Slater's fellow pro surfers, who stand around scratching their heads each time Slater pulls a win out of his magical bag of tricks.

Andy Irons is rolling over in his grave, right now. Though, I do believe he is at least attempting to work his competitive spirit through Owen Wright, who is nipping at King Ke11y's heels......

Happy Birthday!

Guess who turned 6 today?!

Finders Fee

"We have the best kitties in the world," says Vinny.

"Yeah, and I found them!" claims Gio.

Sunfish?

"Hey Vinny, come here," I say. "We found a dead fish. It kind of looks like a sunfish."

Vinny came over to check out the deceased fish, whatever it was.

"It must have been sick because I don't see any wounds on it," Vinny surmises the fish's unfortunate end.

"Maybe," I say. "Okay, let 's head back to the car."

"No, we have to give it a proper burial, otherwise its ghost will be restless," says Vinny.

While some religions wouldn't care or even believe in this poor fish's ghost, I'm glad my son does.

Coastal Cleanup 2011

Today, on facebook someone posted, "It's Coastal Cleanup Day!"

I quickly rallied the boys, "Let's go clean up the beach," even though the house is a mess.

I have my priorities in order. And at the top of my list are my kids, especially since I can't surf.

In my mind I thought, "This is a great opportunity for the kids to learn to take care of our Mother Earth.

Yeah, right.

"I don't want to go," says Vinny.

No surprise there.

"Thanks for sharing, and you're still going," I say.

I googled Coastal Cleanup 2011 locations, and learned there was a site at our very own beach in Marina.

Score!

The instructions were simple, BYOB (bring your own bucket) and gardening gloves.

Suddenly I found myself slamming on the Teach My Kids To Do Good brakes, "Screeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeech!"

"Honey, we need buckets and gloves!" I say.

"We have buckets, but the kids don't have gloves," says Hubby, after rummaging through the maze, we fondly refer to as the garage.

"Could you go get some, please, so I can finish getting ready?" I ask.

"Sure," agrees Hubby.

"I'll go with him," offers Gio.

*******Thanks to the Huz for going to pick up gloves, and he did it fast!*******

We made it to the beach about thirty minutes after the Coastal Cleanup began. We checked in, and began searching for trash. There wasn't a lot of garbage, but there was plenty of whine.

"Is our time up?" asks Gio.

"How much longer?" asks Vinny after 15 minutes.

"The next log I find I'm going to have a seat and eat my snack," says Vinny.

"Where did you get the snack?" I ask.

"When we checked in," replies Vinny.

"I'm going to join bro bro on the log," says Gio.

"We've walked so far, we've come upon another beach," says Vinny. "It's time to go back."

"We aren't finding anymore trash, it seems like beach cleanup is over," says Gio.

Wanting to make this an teaching moment I ask, "Why is it important to clean up the beach?"

"Because trash kills plants and animals," says Vinny. "Plus, you get screen (video game) time."

Apparently, my kid has his priorities in order, too.

Brothers

"He hit me," whines Gio.

"He hit me first," says Vinny.

Five minutes later.

"Stop making that noise," complains Vinny.

"Owoooogaaaaaaaa," continues Gio. "Ahhhhhhhhhhh."

Vinny glares at Gio.

"What?" asks Gio innocently. "I'm just singing."

Just when I think the bickering will never end, it's suddenly quiet.

"Hey, will you give me a boost up, and a push?" asks Gio.

"Sure," says Vinny.

Nick Vujicic and Bethany Hamilton

Today, I went to see the neurologist with all my fingers and toes crossed that he'd release me to surf again.

He. Did. Not.

I spent some time pounding my fists, and kicking my legs, while crying, which sounded just like this, "Wahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! Boohoooooo, and pooooooooor me!"

Then I had a realization.

I told myself, "It's time to stop trying to figure out when you can go surfing, again. Your erroneous expectation is creating false hope and major let down. You're becoming difficult to live with. And in case you haven't noticed, I'm stuck with you."

I continued on: "You need a new mantra, and here it is, so write it down in your smart aleck phone, because, trust me, you'll lose the post-it note; I will surf again. I just don't know when."

And now it's time for some sweet inspiration!

The other day one of my Mom's friend posted a video of a guy, Nick Vujicic, who was born without arms and limbs.

I find him very inspiring. What I heard him say was, "I'm not here to show you someone worse off than yourself.....I'm here to show you hope in God's love."

In my mind, of course I changed God to Goddess, but that isn't the point. The point is God Is Love.

Check out Nick surfing with Bethany Hamilton in the video below. Viewers be warned it's inspiring.

Go Red For Women: Just A Little Heart Attack

This video presented by Go Red For Women, featuring Elizabeth Banks humorously depicts an over achieving super mom having a heart attack.

Heart attacks are no laughing matter. But let's face it, we all learn better, when we are having fun. Heart disease is the #1 killer of American Women, but it doesn't have to be. Check it out!

Spelling Words

Gio brought got his first spelling list this week.

Fortunately, Gio could spell all the words with his eyes open and with his eyes closed.

"Wow, he's really smart," says Vinny.

Next, the instructions read, "Write the spelling words without looking at them."

"Okay, Gio spell pin," I say.

"That's easy because you're telling me the word," says Gio.

"Well, how else are you supposed to know which word to spell?" I point out.

But that didn't stop Gio from trying to guess which word to spell next.

Gio wrote each word correctly.

"He aced the test!" exclaims Vinny.

Then came the hard part. The instructions read, "Put a star next to all the words you spelled correctly."

That's a lot of stars.

"I can't make a star", whines Gio in frustration.

"Sure you can," says Hubby. "I'll show you."

Hubby proceeded to show Gio how to make stars.

"Mine look stupid," cries Gio.

"They don't have to be perfect," I say. "Just do your best."

After some crying, and a time out he made ten stars for ten words.
"Great job!" I say.

"They look weird," says Gio.

Honey, I Shrunk The Cat's Legs

Godspeed (Sweet Dreams) Dixie Chicks

"Why are you crying!?" interogates Hubby.

But before I could answer he says, "It's because you are listening to that sad song!"

"It's not a sad song," I protest. "It's a kids' lullaby."

"Yes, it is a sad song," insists Hubby. "There's some sad story behind that song. Wiki it."

So I wiki'd, "Godspeed (Sweet Dreams)."

Turns out, Hubby is right. Hmmmmm. I've said this too many times today.

Here's what I learned from SongFacts.Com

Godspeed (Sweet Dreams) was written by Radney Foster for his son, whom he lost in a custody battle. Foster wrote the song for his son, who would soon be moving 5,000 miles away from him. The song would serve as a reminder so his son would always know his daddy loved him.

Foster recorded the song 5 times in a row on a cassette for his son to listen every night. Foster didn't think he'd record the song again after that, but when his manager had a baby Foster gave him a recording of the song. His manager LOVED the song and insisted it go on Foster's next album. Later the Dixie Chicks did a cover of "Godspeed (Sweet Dreams)," and that's when I first heard the song.

For the complete interview of Radney Foster by Shawna Ortega of Song Facts, click here .

"Wah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" I sob. "You were right."

"I knew it!" shouts Hubby. "There's all this sad energy behind the song, and that's why you're crying."

Ben and Jerry's Schweddy Balls

"Hey have you heard of that new Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream flavor Schweddy Balls?" I ask.

"That's a joke," says Hubby.

"No, Schweddy Balls is the name of Ben & Jerry's newest ice cream flavor," I say.

"It's not really a flavor," insists Hubby, again.

"Yes it is," I say. "I wonder what the ingredients are? I'm going to google it!"

I found the Schweddy Balls Ice Cream Ingredients on the Ben and Jerry's website:

Fair Trade vanilla ice cream with a hint of rum and is loaded with fudge covered rum and milk chocolate malt balls.

"Oh my gosh, malt balls, ha, ha, ha, ha!" I laugh.

"I'm definitely not trying that," says Hubby.

"Who would want to eat an ice cream named "Schweddy Balls?" I ask.

"Alec Baldwin," answers my Friend.

Apparently, the Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Schweddy Balls Ice Cream was inspired by a classic Saturday Night Live skit. Check it out below.

And even though I'm lactose intolerant I'm definitely going to try Ben & Jerry's Schweddy Balls. I'm sure they'll be tasty. :p

Mohawk

One of Gio's friends had a mohawk at school this week.

"Mommy can you make my hair a mohawk?" asks Gio.

"Sure," I say.

Then I gooped his hair with gel and proceeded to style his hair into a mohawk. I nearly ran out of breath telling him, "Hold still. Don't move an inch. Hold still. Don't move a muscle."

Gio never did manage to hold still for his coiffing, but somehow I managed a makeshift mohawk that he adores.

"Awesome!" Gio says looking in the mirror.

"It's not really a mohawk," says Gio. "It's really a hair blade, and if you touch it, it will poke your finger. Touch it."

I reach over and touch his Mohawk, "Ouch!" I feign.

"See I told you," says Gio.

Only a boy can turn a hair-do into a weapon.

Homework

Today I was smart.

"Mom can I ride my bike," asks Gio.

Not until you do ALL of your homework, AND pack your lunch for tomorrow," I say.

Yesterday, I made the mistake of letting Gio ride his bike before doing his homework. Then I spent the rest of the night saying, "do your homework."

He finally did his homework this morning, right after packing his lunch.

Oh bother. Mine and Hubby's bother to be exact. Nagging is truly my favorite part of parenting. Honestly, couldn't kids just "do it," the first time we ask? Or even the second or third time?

Then I wouldn't have to be The "did you do your _________," Police.

Yours truly,
The Broken Record

Goldilocks and the Three Bears

Somebody's been sleeping in my bed, and she's still there!

Friday Parody (Tuesday)

Internet I just had a light bulb moment. It's Tuesday. I was thinking it's Monday, Monday. But no it really is Tuesday.

Suddenly I feel energized. This calls for a song. About Tuesday. Tuesday is my favorite day of the week, today.



Note: Thanks to YouTube and its Internet stars for making this post possible.

Fort Ord Public Lands

The coyote is at the end of this road, but too faraway to see. Darn.

"Hey do you want to go for a 1 hour hike at Fort Ord Lands," text my neighbor. "Without kids."

I had already been to the beach for a 30 minute walk with the boys, but I text back "Sure!"

It wasn't until we got to the trail head that I remembered I'm not much of a hiker, or a fan of poison oak, rattle snakes and ticks.

"Are there snakes out here?" I ask.

"Uh, yeah," answers my neighbor. "We're in the wilderness, remember?"

"Right," I say.

Silly me.

About 20 minutes into our hike my Neighbor says, "Hey, look a Coyote!"

"He's pretty big," I say nervously. "He's not going to attack us, right?"

"Probably not," says my neighbor, who begins stomping her feet and clapping her hands to shoe the coyote away from us and our dogs.

"Are you sure that's a coyote?" I ask.

"Oh yeah, I'm sure," replies my Neighbor.

"Do you think there's a pack of coyotes nearby?" I ask nervously.

"I hope not," answers my Neighbor.

We survived the hike without being attacked by wild coyotes, though every time a leaf rustled behind me, I turned around quickly ready to fend off an assault. Internet, I should probably just stick to the beach.

If you haven't been out to Fort Ord Public Lands, you'll find a splendid beauty packed with 80 miles of hiking, biking and horsebacking trails. The trails are fairly wide, so it's easy to avoid the poison oak. And it's a great escape from the coastal fog.

For trail maps and more information click here.

Del Monte Beach

Good Boy!

A good dog is a tired dog.  This rule applies to kids, too. Today's exhaustion was brought to Gio by playing in the beautiful and magnificent Pacific Ocean.

P.S. This works on big people, too

Maryland Vonda Shepard

I can't believe it's only been a week since we saw Vonda Shepard open for Sugarland at Shoreline Amphitheater......... "Maryland," is the perfect song to unwind this Friday night. Enjoy. I know I am. :p

Babies

I love babies! Especially when they're in full on cuddle mode.