Cherish Your Life

" Embrace your uniqueness.

Time is much to short

to be living someone else's life."

Kobi Yamada

Cherish This Quote

"What you thought before has led up to

every choice you have made,

and this adds up to you

at this moment.

If you want to change who you are

physically, mentally, and spiritually; 

you will have to change what you think."

...Dr Patrick Gentempo

Sitting Bull

Life

~ Life with food.

A little peak at yogurt.

pinkberry!

Yogurt has been a refreshing

& nutritious treat for us

this summer.

My favorite treat was a

Pinkberry Fruit Parfait

that KK treated me to one

recent hot summer evening.

The coconut frozen yogurt was

delicious with the crunchy granola

and fresh fruit. The perfect twist

for me was adding the little chunks

of chewy mochi to the mix.

A perfect East-West fusion.

Try Pinkberry soon! http://www.pinkberry.com/

One sweet yogurt treat we have loved

over the years is this baked yogurt.

The recipe was in the Green Sheet

food section years ago::

SWEET BAKED YOGURT
INGREDIENTS
2 cups plain or vanilla yogurt

1 cup sweetened condensed milk

METHOD

Preheat the oven to 350°
Combine the yogurt and condensed milk

in a large bowl until smooth.
Pour the mixture into a shallow ovenproof
glass or ceramic dish.

Reduce the oven temperature to 300°
Bake uncovered for 15 minutes.
Turn off oven, leave yogurt in oven for
additional 15 minutes or until yogurt
has a soft custard like firmness.
Remove from the oven and cool.

Cover and refrigerate until cold.

Serve topped with fresh fruit, nuts,

toasted coconut, granola, if desired.
This is delicious without any toppings!

(do not freeze or microwave).

+ My brother, Dr B, has even been researching certain aspects of yogurt’s benefits to the body. Yogurt has attracted a greater amount of attention from nutrition scientists with studies surrounding a variety of potential health benefits, including regulating gastrointestinal health, protection against intestinal and vaginal infections, and overall enhancement of the immune system. Containing good protein and calcium, yogurt is popular for breakfast, snacks, and used in a wide array of recipes – everything from chilled smoothies to spicy sauces for veggies, chicken, or fish.

)))

~ Life with books.

Have you read

A Girl Named Zippy, by Haven Kimmel?

Bright Shiny Morning, by James Frye?

Summer of the Big Bachi, by Naomi Hirahara?

Explore Amazon.com for all your reading picks this Fall & Winter. Nothing like snuggling up in your happy place at home with a good book, when the chilly wind or freezing rain makes a trip to the beach impossible. When I was young, we’d go to the library every two weeks, & check out the maximum number of books. I remember reading late into the night, and becoming part of many adventures. Some in other countries, with various families or courageous groups of kids. Check our blog for our favorite reading picks for all ages. Most of the items on Amazon.com feature reviews by others, which have been very helpful in making selections. By the way, the number and variety of other products available on Amazon is endless & amazing. We have found everything from exercise equipment to almond nut butter at competitive prices. I head straight for Amazon.com every holiday season, & have never been disappointed.

)))

~ Life with family.

"The only rock I know that stays steady,

the only institution I know that works is

the family"

...Lee Iacocca

xox

A few little gems of inspiration to keep your spirits up::

"My grandfather once told me that there were two kinds of people: those who do the work and those who take the credit. He told me to try to be in the first group: there was much less competition.”

...Indira Gandhi via Charles Payne – KFI

)))

"The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing." …Einstein

)))

“The only stupid question is the one you don’t ask, DUDE!”

)))

Seems like a storm of stress and bad news lately.

The sound of rain is usually soothing, and music is always good for the soul. Here is a happy blend for all of you to enjoy.

Perpetuum Jazzile

Close your eyes & listen to the rain...

Rose

~ After returning to college to
complete her dream at age 87,
Rose shared these pearls of wisdom:
“We do not stop playing
because we are old;
we grow old because
we stop playing
‘The secrets to staying young,
being happy and achieving success.
You have to laugh and find humor
every day. You've got to have a dream.
When you lose your dreams, you die…
so many people walking around
who are dead, and don't even know it!
‘There is a huge difference between
growing older and growing up.
Anybody can grow older.
That doesn't take any
talent or ability.
The idea is to grow up
by always finding
opportunity in change.
Have no regrets”.
by: Rose, age 88…graduation speech.

~ In the wake of recent iconic deaths,
try to see the ways in which they
lived, which proved successful.
Don't dwell on how they may have died.
Morbid curiosity is wasted energy.
Finding the keys to a happy and
successful life is priceless.

~ a sentimental journey

back...listen to our

wedding song... very

non-traditional.

good times::
The fab 4
Here, There, & Everywhere

~ thot for the day::
"Without ice cream,

there would be darkness

and chaos."

...Don Kardong

lifes a beach

IF YOU HAVE SUBSTANCE,

YOU CAN FLOAT THROUGH

THE SUPERFICIAL WORLD

WITHOUT BEING TAINTED BY IT

... Elijah Blue

“Successful people all have

one thing in common:

a childish streak.

They do whatever they like
with all their heart ”.

…Keiko Aoki

"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing."

…Helen Keller

!?!

sandcastles on my mind...
a happy place for sand crabs...dancin' on the beach...
we'll be back.

dis and dat

~ new blog for bargains !
follow Julia in her new

bargain blogging venture!

http://www.bargainbabe.com/

a"Whatever is bringing you down,

get rid of it. Because you’ll find

that when you’re free . . .
your true self comes out"... Tina Turner

~ Ask yourself:
Who is the happiest person you know?
Who is the most honest person in your life?
What was the scariest event you’ve been through?
Where do you dream of living?
What is the most annoying responsibility you have?
What is your earliest memory?
Who was your favorite teacher in elementary school?
What were 5 of your favorite things to do as a child.
What are your top 3 favorite foods?
Who would you like to be your next door neighbor?
What country would you like to visit?
What do you want to be doing in 5 years? 10 years?

To each answer, add why.

~ Australian researchers compiled a list of
7 habits of people with great memories:
1. Have fewer than 2 alcoholic drinks a day.
2. Watch less than 1 hr of TV daily
3. Read novels.
4. Do crosswords.
5. Eat fish
6. Drink tea or coffee
7. Keep a journal.

a "Well done is better than well said”

...Ben Franklin

P

So, what do you do on a

rainy, dreary Thursday???

zzzzzzzzzZZZZZ

b.q.

ya otter see this!

we love this video...
http://www.collegehumor.com/video:1750799

Daily Thought from RealSimple.com:
"We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures"
— Thornton Wilder

Yes, life is not so easy now.
Why dwell on the damaged part of your day?
Do you really need to attach that useless drama?
Either fix it, or forget it.
Don't give up, just move on.
We can all count our blessings,
but first we must remember what they are.
It should be crystal clear.
See them.
Hear them.
Touch them.
Love them.
Protect them.
Always.

b.q.

Basic Rules for Daily Living

~ a list we have posted in the kitchen:
1. If you open it, close it.
2. If you turn it on, turn it off.
3. If you unlock it, lock it
4. If you break it, admit it.
5. If you can’t fix it, ask for help.
6. If you borrow it, return it.
7. If you value it, take good care of it.
8. If you make a mess, clean it up.
9. If you move it, put it back.
10. If you use it up, replace it.
11. If it belongs to someone else,
get permission to use it.
12. If you don’t know how to operate it,
find out how.
13. If it’s none of your business,
don’t ask questions.
14. If it’s your responsibility,
get the job done.
15. If someone needs help,
try to lend a hand.
16. Find your genius, your passions,
your strengths, and live your life
with pride & courage.
17. Count your blessings. Always.
18. Turn that frown upside down.
b.q.

Whole Living

As life in this grand U.S.A. reaches

a very tough and chaotic climate,

be careful who you point the

finger at for your woes.

This is a bi-partisan fiasco,

and we are all complicit.

Time to nut-up, & stop being

a nation of ‘whingers’

Yes, everyone is feeling worried and confused

about how everything became so appalling.

It’s at a point where we need to step back,

& find our strength. The strength within.

Mom used to say,

"The more you do, the more you can do."

We can reclaim the our lives.

About 1 month after Mom passed away,

I came across a list of basic thoughts
which helped me gently re-focus.
Time to share…

10 Thoughts on Whole Living
(from body & soul ~ September 2005)
1. Imagination is a sense, not a gift.

We all have the inner genius to create.

2. Touch is a powerful healing tool;

use it lovingly & often.
3. Think of money as energy; use it to empower,

not control, your life.
4. A simple cup of tea can teach us

the importance of ritual.
5. Give deeply – whether it is noticed or not.
6. Find something sacred in your day, every day.
7. A daily walk can reengage your body & mind.
8. Before summer’s end, connect your soul to the earth

with a healthy, bountiful feast.
9. Allow your body to unwind every evening.
10. Passion does not get lost – just abandoned.
It’s never too late to find it again.

b.q.

Sunday Brain Sparkles

My wonderful brainiac Brother, Dr B,

recently e-mailed this to me.

ENJOY!

VERY Interesting Stuff

In the 1400's a law was set forth in England that a man was allowed to beat his wife with a stick no thicker than his thumb. Hence we have "the rule of thumb"
-------------------------------------------
Many years ago in Scotland , a new game was invented. It was ruled "Gentlemen Only...Ladies Forbidden"...and thus the word GOLF

entered into the English language.
-------------------------------------------
The first couple to be shown in bed together on

prime time TV were Fred and Wilma Flintstone.
-------------------------------------------
Every day more money is printed for Monopoly

than the U.S. Treasury.
-------------------------------------------
Men can read smaller print than women can;

women can hear better.
-------------------------------------------
Coca-Cola was originally green.
-------------------------------------------
It is impossible to lick your elbow.
-------------------------------------------
The State with the highest percentage of people

who walk to work: Alaska
-------------------------------------------
The percentage of Africa that is wilderness:

28% (now get this...)
-------------------------------------------
The percentage of North America

that is wilderness: 38%
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The cost of raising a medium-size dog to the age of eleven:
$ 16,400
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The average number of people airborne

over the U.S. in any given hour:

61,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Intelligent people have more zinc and copper in their hair.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The first novel ever written on a typewriter:
Tom Sawyer.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The San Francisco Cable cars are the only

mobile National Monuments.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Each king in a deck of playing cards represents

a great king from history:

Spades - King David
Hearts - Charlemagne
Clubs -Alexander, the Great
Diamonds - Julius Caesar
------------------------------------------------------------------------
111,111,111 x 111,111,111 = 12,345,678,987,654,321
------------------------------------------------------------------------
If a statue in the park of a person on a horse has both front legs in the air, the person died in battle. If the horse has one front leg in the air the person died as a result of wounds received in battle. If the horse has all four legs on the ground, the person died of natural causes.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Only two people signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, John Hancock and Charles Thomson. Most of the rest signed on August 2, but the last signature wasn't added until 5 years later.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q. Half of all Americans live within 50 miles of what?
A. Their birthplace
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q. Most boat owners name their boats.

What is the most popular boat name requested?
A. Obsession
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q. If you were to spell out numbers, how far would you

have to go until you would find the letter "A"?
A. One thousand
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q. What do bulletproof vests, fire escapes,

windshield wipers, and laser printers

all have in common?
A. All were invented by women.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Q. What is the only food that doesn't spoil?
A. Honey
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q. Which day are there more collect calls

than any other day of the year?
A. Father's Day
------------------------------------------------------------
In Shakespeare's time, mattresses were secured on bed frames by ropes. When you pulled on the ropes the mattress tightened, making the bed firmer to sleep on. Hence the phrase......... "goodnight, sleep tight."
------------------------------------------------------------------------
It was the accepted practice in Babylon 4,000 years ago that for a month after the wedding, the bride's father would supply his son-in-law with all the mead he could drink. Mead is a honey beer and because their calendar was lunar based, this period was called the honey month,

which we know today as the honeymoon.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
In English pubs, ale is ordered by pints and quarts.. So in old England , when customers got unruly, the bartender would yell at them "Mind your pints and quarts, and settle down." It's where we get the phrase "mind your P's and Q's"
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Many years ago in England , pub frequenters had a whistle

baked into the rim, or handle, of their ceramic cups.

When they needed a refill,

they used the whistle to get some service.

"Wet your whistle" is the phrase inspired by this practice.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
At least 75% of people who read this will try to lick their elbow!
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Don't delete this just because it looks weird.

Believe it or not, you can read it!

I cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg. The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid Aoccdrnig to rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoatnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit a porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Amzanig huh?

------------------------------------------------------------------------

YOU KNOW YOU ARE LIVING IN 2008 when...
1. You accidentally enter your PIN

on the microwave.
2. You haven't played solitaire

with real cards in years.
3. You have a list of 15 phone numbers

to reach your family of three
4. You e-mail the person who works

at the desk next to you.
5. Your reason for not staying in touch

with friends and family is that they

don't have e-mail addresses.
6. You pull up in your own driveway and

use your cell phone to see if anyone is home

to help you carry in the groceries.
7. Every commercial on television has a

web site at the bottom of the screen
8. Leaving the house without your cell phone,

which you didn't even have the first

20 or 30 (or 60) years of your life,

is now a cause for panic and you

turn around to go and get it.
10. You get up in the morning and go

on line before getting your coffee.
11. You start tilting your head sideways to smile. : )
12. You're reading this and nodding and laughing.
13. Even worse, you know exactly to whom

you are going to forward this message.
14. You are too busy to notice there was

no #9 on this list.
15. You actually scrolled back up to check that

there wasn't a #9 on this list.

~~~~~~~~~~~AND FINALLY~~~~~~~~~~~~

NOW U R LAUGHING at yourself.

Go on, send this to your friends. You know you want to!

b.q.

Monday Musings

A tragic and insane train wreck occurred close to our home last Friday. It is painfully numbing and shocking; how could this happen? Our heartfelt sorrow & strength to all families & friends of the victims. A tremendous thank you to the brave first responders, who did an exceptional job. Embrace the sunlight a little more each morning. A reminder that you never know what will unfold, once you open your eyes to start each new day.

…Obviously…
~don’t ever get any YES! moments by trying to

hurt someone else.
…Realize…
~vampires can’t enter your home, & suck your blood…

unless you let them in.
…Remember…
~life is what happens, while you are making p l a n s.
…Discover…
~to embrace life is to l i v e. darkly backwards = e v i l.

~ discarded lavender cuttings…I rescued a few.

I welcome Autumn!

b.q.

Happy Humpday!

I could very well feel like this dear Lady.

I am dealing with a very evil person today.

A wise attorney told me that I am

"dealing with the devil".

However, because I know that this particular 'devil' has nothing, & I am blessed with a great life + Family...who gives me unconditional support & silent tokens of their love, such as this...

I can choose happiness, always.

b.q.

Go Lightly With Laughter

" Life is a succession of moments.

To live each one is to succeed. "
— Corita Kent

(as seen on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno)

b.q.

T.G.I.F.

As another whirlwind week ends,
I find myself relieved, exhausted,
& looking forward to a 3 day weekend.
There is only so much one can take
of the day-to-day work drama.
Weary, but content with the
love I feel around me every day, I know that
it’s the little gifts of kindness that
often propel us through an exhausting week:
C.F. bringing a delicious melt-in-your-mouth
meal of stuffed shells to share, while her kids
played in the Jacuzzi. Plus, preparing a
lip smackin’ steak & grilled corn dinner
for me yesterday, when I went to watch her kids,
so she could attend “Back to School” night.
My other daughters surprising me with
my favorite Starbucks Caramel Frappaccino
on a 100+ sweltering day,
& other little treats through the busy week.
Our darling granddaughter leaving a
handwritten card for M.A.N., thanking
her Popi for the jacuzzi.
My amazing grandson telling me
that he loves me, & enthusiastically
offering his bed for me to sleep in,
so I could stay at his house last night.
My M.A.N. telling me he’ll climb the stairs
behind me, late at night,
so he can catch me if I fall.
Thankful hugs to all of you, with love.
Yes, Life is good, & I choose happiness.

“When we feel love and kindness toward others,
it not only makes others feel loved and cared for,
but it helps us also to develop inner happiness and peace.”
DALAI LAMA

b.q.

A Smile of Note

M.A.N. took a day to join his buddies,

P&Son, on a fishing adventure.

The destination was a secret pier,

& they left at 3:00 A.M.

Now, P. always takes his son on their fishing trips.

Son is confined to a wheelchair,

with many challenges. P. must have

the care & accommodations for his son down pat,

because the only comment I’ve heard,

is that it just takes a little longer, coming & going.

A Dad’s unconditional love & commitment;

a treasured gift.

Early start, the trip was a go.

However, due to an unusual occurrence,

this trip took a bit more time. They encountered

an unanticipated difficult search for live bait.

Apparently, once a year, the local Buddhist Monks

pay a price ( not sure how much) for the privilege

of praying for the lives of the bait fish.

After their prayer ceremony, the bait fish

are released back into the ocean waters.

This made for many unhappy fishermen.

All I could say was, “ All life is precious”.

Despite the bait delay, M.A.N. did

catch one nice Halibut.

He also pulled up a sand shark & a stingray,

which were released. I wish he would’ve

remembered to take pictures with his cell phone.

Maybe next time.

Here’s the Halibut we’re having for dinner…I was cleaning it at 11:00 PM, but decided to reconstruct a bit, & take the picture. So, this reminded me of summers at my cousins’ home in Huntington Beach. Uncle I. would go deep sea fishing, & bring home huge tunas. Auntie T. would have to clean them on the kitchen floor. She would give us all small knives, & we’d sit around the massive fish; slicing off tender chunks of fresh sashimi, & enjoying a little feast, while we watched Auntie T's swift cleaning process. Memories with a smile.

b.q.

T.V. Then & Now

Recently, our cable was out for a day,
which meant no computers, no TV.
The computer downtime was
the most annoying.
This seems to happen a little
more since they converted to digital.
Anyway, I started asking the Family
what their favorite TV shows were,
when they were kids, & now.
A spur of the moment topic for the mom blog.
Actually, nobody has time to watch TV
regularly now, but here’s a sample of
what we’ve enjoyed through the years:

THEN [as KIDS!]
m.a.n.: Lassie, Rin-Tin-Tin, Sky King
b.q.: Mickey Mouse Club, Flipper, National Velvet
Dr. B: Superman, Twilight Zone, Star Trek
c.f.: Gidget, Punky Brewster, Silver Spoon
or Facts of Life
bb: Blossom, Punky Brewster, Batman
or X-men cartoons
dd: Saved By The Bell, Blossom, Doug
kk: Rugrats, Boy Meets World, Sesame Street
(especially Elmo)

NOW
m.a.n.: Football, Cops, The Unit
b.q.: E.R., Mad Money & Fast Money, '08 Olympics!
Dr. B: [doesn't watch much TV.
Busy doing brain research at UCLA]
c.f.: Everyday Italian, Ace of Cakes,
dd: How It’s Made, Family Guy (sometimes),
bb: Friends, Intervention, The Soup
kk: Intervention, KTLA news, Cops

Occasionally, it's nice to enjoy watching
a recent movie released on HBO
or other premium channels,
or pick a favorite with the On Demand feature.
Discovery always has great shows.
The Food Network has a yummy variety.
Despite the 100s of channels,
I don't really see my Famliy
watching much TV these days.
Life is too busy ~ that's our reality show!

b.q.

Life + Hope

Struggling to get ready to face the new week,
I reflect on this sunset of January 1, 2008.
I decided New Year’s evening,

that I would believe in this:

A GREAT '08.

This was the vision from our back yard,
as the very first day of the year

became a memory...
and why there is always HOPE.

b.q.

My M.A.N.

M.A.N.~ my 1 & Only Husband’s initials.
And, what a MAN he is.
My partner in life, love, anguish, work,
& wacky adventures for over 35 years.
Very proud Father of our 4 amazing Daughters.
Thrilled as a Grandpa, blasting through
a daily Bowflex routine; gotta stay in shape to
keep up with our 2 incredible Grandkids.
A self-made man, successful General Contractor,
boat & camping lover, sports nut, fixer of all things,
Neighborhood Watch "Captain",
friend to many, foe to few.

He did come with a ton of horrible w/t baggage.
A product of a miserable & deprived childhood,
stuck with a fake back stabbing family,
that still pretends to be attached to each other
in some bizarre fashion.
bakayaros.

Full disclosure:
He still smokes outside, even though his dad is dying
from a cancer eating up his lungs.
He snores like a Harley without baffles.
Won't let our dog in the house.
Hasn't completed restoring my '69 Ford Mustang.
Refuses to eat any form of seafood
(traumatic fish stick episode as a child).
Can't seem to complete our
home improvement projects, even though
he is a top notch General Contractor.
It's a good thing he had his feet covered,
when I met him.
He is generous to a fault.
Has no character judgement.
He's absolutely a lunatic magnet.

Regardless, my MAN is a keeper.
He loves & protects us, works until he drops,
never gives up, & always steps up for our Family.
Love you always, my MAN.

b.q.

The Last Lecture

The somber news of Dr. Randy Pausch's death yesterday was a striking blow to everyone. A great man, a great legacy. If you haven't watched & listened to his incredible Last Lecture, take time to make it part of your life today. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji5_MqicxSo&eurl=http://download.srv.cs.cmu.edu/~pausch/

To the Pausch Family: We send you heartfelt condolences, compassion, and strength.

Go in peace, Dr. Pausch. You are free.

b.q.