The Long & Winding Road

F* Cancer

debmats — Fri, 19 May 2017 15:46:53 GMT

Found at late yesterday afternoon that coworker & friend Toni had passed away from appendix cancer.

Oh damn.

NYC - February 7th through 11th - Part 3

debmats — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 02:39:35 GMT

Thursday - Snowpocolypse!!!

Wednesday had been sunny, mid 60's - shorts weather. Thursday, I awoke to all this white stuff falling from the skies. My plan was to walk up 6 blocks to the Jean Nidetch Center at 57th & Lexington for my weekly Weight Watcher meeting. For weigh in, I always wear shorts and a t-shirt - but that so didn't happen. Pants for the win! I mean 20 degree weather???? Trudged through SNOW - both piles on the ground and falling from the sky, and below freezing weather to the center, attended a good meeting led by Lisa and then trudged back to the hotel.

I do not have the right clothes for snow and 20 degree weather.

Joey had gone out to get bagels, so I had a cinnamon-raisin bagel with lox and cream cheese. Yum.

Joey went off to do his Gaiman meet up and so I was on my own. I had thought about going to the Tenement Museum and visit the Brown Building of NYU site of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire. I'd been interested in both since I'd seen and loved the musical Triangle
I'd started out, but decided not to go after all. It was too dang cold and I was miserable. I ended up doing a lot of shopping around Times Square instead (stores were warm). Actually didn't buy anything, just did a lot of looking.

Did take a break at Starbucks and had skinny peppermint mocha latte. Not one of my better ideas. Milk. Stupid.

NYC - February 7th through 11th - Part 2

debmats — Sun, 19 Feb 2017 18:31:09 GMT

Wednesday started out with a quick walk around the neighborhood. Walking up either 2nd or 3rd, saw a guy checking out his phone while walking his cute dog. Sure looked a lot like Josh Groban. I've seen pictures of his dog too. Hmmmm. Me, being me, did not ask him or say hi or anything. Just smiled as we walked by. Joey said he would have stopped and asked.

Brunch! Go!Go!Curry on east 53rd. YUM! Joey & I both ordered the Home Run Curry (curry over rice with cabbage and chicken or pork katsu, tempura shrimp, sausage and hard boiled egg). I got mine with pork katsu, Joey got the chicken. We both added natto (yum!) and I also got the fukuzinzuke. The place is named in honor of Hideki Matsui's jersey number (55) and instead of small, medium or large, you can order the walk, single, double, triple...

Now I want more curry.

Joey & I walked to the Imperial Theatre to see The Great Comet. Horrors! The part of Pierre would be played by Scott Stangland. Actually, I was okay with this - probably because I had on stage tickets for the show Thursday night. More about my thoughts of the show in a combined post later.

If I had checked my email that morning, I would have read:

Dear Telecharge Customer,

You are receiving this email because you have ordered tickets for THE GREAT COMET at the Imperial Theatre for Wednesday matinee February 8, 2017, 2pm performance. Please be informed that Josh Groban will not appear at this performances.

At this performance, the role of Pierre will be played by SCOTT STANGLAND. Mr. Stangland (Pierre Standby) is a New York-based actor and musician. Select theatre: Once (Broadway); Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 (A.R.T.); The Wheel (Steppenwolf Theatre). Select TV/film: “Vinyl” (HBO); “Crisis,” “Chicago Fire” (NBC); “Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story” (TNT); “Contagion,” and “End of the Tour.” Scott received his MFA from The Theatre Conservatory at Roosevelt University. Scott also plays in the band Youth in a Roman Field.
www.scottstangland.com.

WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO REMAIN AND SEE THE PERFORMANCE. Please stay through intermission. At intermission if you decide to leave and would like an exchange, you may see the ticket taker in the front lobby to have your tickets scanned out. Then email pierre@baselinetheatrical.com to request to be rescheduled.

If you do not wish to attend the performance and are interested in exchanging your tickets for another performance of THE GREAT COMET, you may use our Online Exchange tool:

• Go to your Order Status page (address attached)
• Click the “Exchange” button and follow the steps to select your new performance date and seats.
• Your exchange will be completed after you have selected new seats.

If you are having difficulty using this Online Exchange feature, contact:
Telecharge Customer Service
212-239-6210 / 800-543-4835 (9am-9pm EST)

If you would prefer a refund instead, contact Telecharge Customer Service at one of the phone numbers above for assistance. We apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause you.

Regards,

Telecharge Customer Service

Did a bit of shopping at One Schubert Alley & Theatre Circle and a snack at Mendy's Deli at Rockefeller Center (split pea soup & chopped chicken livers!) then back to the hotel for a quick break before dinner.

Had a lovely dinner at El Cocotero with Joey, mat_t and his Kevin!!! Haven't seen Mat since the last trip to NYC in November, 2015 and had only heard about this Kevin =)

T'was wonderful to spend time with them, getting to know Kevin and munching on some yummy antojitos: Degustacion/Sampling (Bite size crispy arepas, crispy yucca, tostones and four sampling toppings of: Shredded beef, chicken, reina pepiada and dominó).

I had the hallaca (Venezuela style corn tamale, stuffed with a stew of chicken, beef, pork, olives, raisins and capers, wrapped in banana leaves, served with venezuelan’s style potato salad) More Yum!

We chatted until there was nobody left in the restaurant except one other table of customers (we were not the last out!) and the staff was tidying up - well after 10pm and both Mat & Kevin had to work the next day.

NYC - February 7th through 11th - Part 1

debmats — Sat, 18 Feb 2017 01:24:37 GMT

Ever since I heard that Josh Groban was going to make his Broadway debut in Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812 aka The Great Comet, I really wanted to see him in the show. He'd only be in the show until July, so it was better sooner than later.

Come January, trektone offered me free space in his hotel room, as he was going to be in NYC for a Neil Gaiman reading and signing (Norse Mythology). After a bunch of working around work schedule, I took him up on his generous offer!

So the journey to NYC started with an OMG early flight to LaGuardia. 5:55am flight, so I needed to be at the airport at 4am. I ended up getting a great discount via SpotHero - basically 4 days of parking at Fastrak for the price of a one way taxi ride. I set 4 alarm clocks (2 iphone, 1 fitbit, 1 kitchen timer) so I would get up in time. It would have probably been easier to just stay awake all night.

Uneventful flight. Had to change planes in Chicago. Got in a little late, so I ended up missing my shuttle. Why they would expect me to be ready for pick up at 4pm when my flight wasn't even scheduled to arrive until 4pm, go figure. Caught the 5pm shuttle and was dropped off at Pod 51. There were 4 of us in the shuttle and the driver, Michelle, was very talkative. (Trump & religion, egads)

Just enough time to see Joey, dump off my stuff and grab the subway to 42nd Street. Joey had a 7pm show and got off a stop before me. Me? I had thoughts of trying to catch the 7pm Beautiful show, but I got lost in the drat station. I took a scenic tour of the Port Authority bus gates and the other floors, until I finally figured out how to exit to the street.

Decided to wander around the Theatre District, try to get my bearings and find dinner. Ended up having a grilled shrimp burger, salad and a Brooklyn Brown Ale at Bill's Bar & Burger at Rockefeller Center. I think I've eaten at a restaurant in this same location like 30 years ago with Karen on our first trip to NYC. Note to self: the ale was a bit too bitter for me.

Walked back to the hotel - it was a little over a mile from midtown. Really convenient location!

Birthday!

debmats — Mon, 09 Jan 2017 17:08:34 GMT

Happy FABULOUS Birthday, lilacfairy!!!

Thanksgiving 2016

debmats — Mon, 28 Nov 2016 05:10:56 GMT

Thanksgiving was busy and I was feeling more tired this year. 37 people this year - less Shoji's (they'll be back next year) and more friends for a change.

Alani & Kyle slept over the night before - they made 4 pans of finger jello. Less kids this year (mainly Joshua & Mikayla), but there were just a few yellow ones left by the end of the night. (only because Miya doesn't like lemon)

Kyle & I walked Julie's 11th Annual Gobble Gobble Not Trot 5K at 7:15am. Alani slept in.

We had da usual. Carol brought over a cauliflower cheese dish that was very tasty. I didn't even get one spam musubi. Turkey, mashed potatoes, rice, baked yams, cranberry sauce (canned & home made), brussel sprouts, Hawaiian rolls, duck, chow mein, fruit salad, lumpia, egg rolls, char siu, inari & futomaki, spanakopitas, gravy...

Ruffles & onion dip - definitely a guilty pleasure. Unfortunately it was on the far side of the table. (fortunately?)

Art is looking very fragile. He's been sick a lot this year and on oxygen. as needed, for his COPD.

Bruce & Sharyn were supposed to come, but Sharyn came down with something. He's now eating through the multiple pans of Marshmallow Treats that she normally brings.

Nobody brought kaki (persimmons) this year. Claudia said that the squirrels got all the ones on her tree.

Chatted with Mich - she's doing her first marathon this year. Asked her if running that first mile got any easier. She said "no". *sigh* If I can get through that first mile, I'm good.

WorldCon 2016 - Prologue Part III

debmats — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 05:29:32 GMT

Tuesday, August 16th:
Breakfast at the free buffet. The attendant, she is one of the cheeriest morning people I have ever seen!

Loaded up Tammy's car and after dropping the guys' cars at their place & getting coffee, we headed out to Kansas City.

I did my usual, and slept in the back seat. We stopped in Columbia for lunch at the Flat Branch Pub & Brewing. Got to watch Olympic Volleyball! Tried their Brown Ale, twasn't bad 3 out 5. Had a salad with grilled salmon. Tammy had a grilled romaine salad. I'd never heard of grilling lettuce before.

I slept the next two hours until we reached Independence, then we passed the KC Royals stadium and arrived in Kansas City. Checked into the Marriott. Hmm, no fridge - they were out and it's no longer a medical necessity. On to Plan B. We picked up our registration packet and hit Costco - not sure in what order. Joey had managed to get on an earlier flight, so he'd be joining us for dinner.

Dinner - Cork & Cleaver. It was an early birthday dinner celebrating Kev's 40th! First BBQ meal of the trip, though I had the PORK OSSO BUCCO // roasted apples, polenta, braising jus, parsley relish instead and it was yummy. We shared cheese & charcuterie plate, a fried cheese curds and pickles, and red cabbage. I think Kev & Joey got the ribs platter, somebody got the chicken and somebody got the steak? Dessert included the creme brulee and the butter cake

Our host was very knowledgeable and gave us the skinny on the various restaurants in the area - she was even willing to get us reservations. Nice lady!

Went upstairs to check out the gym, but it closes at 10pm. It's got attendants and all. Got a quick look around and that was probably the last time I made it to the 22nd floor. Did a lot of hall walking this trip.

WorldCon 2016 - Prologue Part II

debmats — Mon, 29 Aug 2016 03:57:03 GMT

Monday, August 15th: New Day!

Christopher had to work. Boo!
Kev drove me all the way to Alton, IL (okay, 30 minute drive) to Olga's - one of my favorite chain restaurants. I used to go all the time, especially in high school and college. Then all the CA restaurants closed *sniff* and the only way to get my fix is to get Kev to take me there. There is ONE Olga's in Illinois and after that you have to go Michigan. I had my original Olga, an Olga Salad and a piece of spinach pie. YUM!!!

Not sure how long this place will stay open - the Mall is half empty.

Kev had work to do, so I bravely went back to the treadmill. No running, but I did walk 3+ miles. I would normally have done my walking outside, but Missouri? It's HOT and HUMID - plus I don't know the area, so won't walk at night. Nope nope nope.

Tammy!

Dinner at our favorite Ethiopian restaurant, Meskerem! Love their injera.

WorldCon 2016 - Prologue

debmats — Mon, 29 Aug 2016 01:43:37 GMT

Sunday, August 14th: Dang! I managed to sleep through THREE alarm clocks! I was awakened by K calling my on the landline to say "she was waiting out front - where was I???" AUGH!!!!!

Thankfully: 1) I was packed and ready to go, 2) I can get up, get dressed and be out of the house in less than 10 minutes, AND 3) Oakland Airport is less than 10 minutes away. I also lucked out because I had been gifted with TSA Pre-check (actually both ways).

Nonstop flight to St Louis was okay until I managed to spill my cup of spicy tomato juice all over me. *SIGH*. Met Kev & Christopher at baggage claim, got my luggage and stomped off to the bathroom to change clothes. My blue & white t-shirt is toast.

Late lunch at St. Louis Bread Co. (aka Panera). Did a bit of snack shopping (DP!!!) and then off to Homewood Suites for two nights. Nifty - two bedroom suite with living and kitchen areas.

While Kev & Christopher went off to check out the pool, I hit the gym, specifically the treadmill. I had decided to walk half a mile, run a couple of miles and walk until I hit my daily fitbit goal. Well, bad things come in threes, so somewhere, about a mile and a quarter into the run part, I glanced up at the tv to my left. OOOH Olympics!!! BAD! Do not distract myself - I know better! I stepped on the side of the treadmill and wiped out. Felt like slow motion even - falling down, splat and rolling off the treadmill onto the floor. Skinned RIGHT knee and right elbow. At least it wasn't the poor left side. The immediate, "hope nobody saw" reaction. Got up, checked for more injuries (none, just sore) and then got back on the treadmill and walked a little over three miles. I did remember to put on the little thingy that would have stopped the treadmill if I had had it on when I fell.

~~I have no memory of where we went to dinner...~~
We went to dinner at Dewey's. I think we got three pizzas: Don Coreleone, Green Lantern and the Bronx Bomber? It could have been the Edgar Allan Poe.

Did walk across the street to the CVS store to pick up a few things. Clerk was surprised at the city...

Stuff I've done this summer...

debmats — Sun, 28 Aug 2016 08:17:40 GMT

This summer, I have done the following:

Karen & I danced at Alameda's Obon

Dim Sum at the Hong Kong Lounge with Thuy, Michael, Ariel, Thuy's brother & niece

Had my 27th annual celebration breakfast of surviving the first six months with the City

Family Vacation

Seen Theatreworks' The Confederates

Seen Ghost Busters with Sean

Karen, da Kidlets and I had dinner with Claudia & Kenji and danced at Placer's Obon (in memory of Auntie Asako & Auntie Nobuko)

Finding Dory with Alani

Celebrated Sean's birthday at The Melting Pot

Gone to an A's vs Mariners game with Karen, Christine & John. A's won 6-3!

Had dinner with a bunch of Volleyball friends - Janice, Liz, Karen S., Karen M.

WorldCon

Sick sick sick - the joys of Con Crud

Family Vacation 2016 - Part III

debmats — Wed, 10 Aug 2016 00:29:55 GMT

Thursday, July 14th: Heat & humidity got me, so I ended up only running a bit over a mile, walking the rest.

Met up with cousins Darrin, Satomi, Joey, Scotty & Akemi at Dave and Busters for lunch and yakking. Darrin was still conscious, he'd just gotten off shift. Pokemon Go was a major discussion point for kidlets and their cousins. I played DDR for the first time in ages.

Had just enough time for a quick nap and a bit of shopping before meeting cousin Scotty for dinner at Gomen Ramen.

Friday, July 15th: Slept in. Brunch at IHOP. Then, drove over to LA Shoji's in Playa del Rey for the day. Hey! It didn't rain this year! Kyle & Aaron got in their annual tennis game. Alani ended up in the pool courtesy of London. Jam Session! Karen pulled out her fue (Japanese style flute), Aaron pulled out his trumpet and Aly pulled out her Dad's recorders. Luc pulled out his flute, but didn't play it. It needed a bit of cleaning which I did, and I think it needs a few new pads. I did play it and the recorders. fun!

Saturday, July 16th: On the road by 10am. Home by 5.

Cancer Sucks

debmats — Mon, 08 Aug 2016 18:15:46 GMT

Cancer has claimed yet another cousin. Rod passed away this morning at 2:24am from Stage 4 colon cancer.

Damn.

08-24-16: San Jose Mercury News obit

Family Vacation 2016 - Part II

debmats — Fri, 05 Aug 2016 00:03:33 GMT

Disneyland!

Monday, July 11th: Opened up the park and hit all the E ticket rides by 10. Space Mountain (now Hyperspace Mountain with Star Wars battle scenes), Star Tours, Pirates, Indiana Jones, Haunted Mansion and Runaway Railway. Splash Mountain was down both days we went.

Tony Roma's for lunch and a break until 5. There was definitely swimming and a nap.

Alani, still tired & sore from her week of Bike Camp, decided to rest in the room. We did CA Adventure for a bit, then Karen went back to the room. Kyle & I went back to Disneyland and closed out the park. Watched the Paint The Night Parade, some fireworks. Only a 20 minute wait for the Nemo ride. Space Mountain was down, we ended up going to Downtown Disney for dinner at La Brea Bakery. Kyle had a bread bowl of clam chowder - this seems to be one of his current favorites. Wandered around Downtown Disney (Kyle & his Pokemon Go - along with a gazillion other people playing)

Tuesday, July 12th: Kidlets slept in until noon? I got up early and braved the humidity and the heat to jog a couple of miles. (Around the block is a bit over a mile). Joined Karen in the pool afterwards - she was swimming laps (mile +) and we had the pool to ourselves.

Lunch at IHOP. We did a bit of shopping at Downtown Disney and Costco before heading out to Irvine to have dinner with the Yasui's. No CFH (cousin from hell aka Sy) nor her older brother - he's under the weather, but his wife was there. No broken ceiling fan this year.

Wednesday, July 13th: Went to CA Adventure at openers - rode the new Soaring Around the World (it's funny when the smell of oranges permeates the air when the elephants are throwing dirt around) - did a few more rides and then - More Disneyland! This time with the LA Shoji's! Aly, Luc and London met us in the park. Splash Mountain was still down.

Lunch at the Holly Jolly- home of Alani's favorite turkey sandwich. Kidlets were able to say hello to one of their teachers. While they were chatting, I was following the teacher's adorable toddler - he was fascinated by the ceiling fans of all things.

Spent the afternoon in CA Adventure.

Dinner at Tony Roma's.

Closed out the park

Family Vacation 2016 - Part I

debmats — Mon, 18 Jul 2016 22:57:01 GMT

Friday, July 8th, immediately after work (and work has been crazy the last few months), loaded up Eeyore II and took off for Los Angeles. T'was me, Karen, Kyle and Alani. Gayle was still recovering from her concussion. Traffic was bad until we cleared Livermore and then it was a straight drive down to Burbank. We stopped for dinner and soft serve ice cream (Karen & Kyle's favorite) at Fosters Freeze somewhere south of the 152 interchange. Checked into Hotel Amarano - Karen picked it because it is very close to Universal Studios. This was to be our home for two nights.

Saturday, July 9th: Spent the day at Universal Studios. Got there early enough that there was just a short wait for Harry Potter & the Forbidden Journey. It's a cool ride, but I get motion sick on it. The spinning, up/down motion plus the 3D visuals - I just can't handle all that INPUT. I have the same problem on The Mummy, Transformers 3D and also Star Tours (to a lesser extent) in Disneyland. The Jurassic Park water ride is more my style. Kidlets road most of the rides as single riders, so they got to ride whatever as many times as they wanted. Karen & I found a bench and people watched.

Spent much time in Hogsmeade - lunch at the Three Broomsticks. For a theme park food, the meals at the Three Broomsticks are very good (roasted chicken, corn and potatoes) and very reasonable. Kidlets like the butter beer. It's just way too sweet for me. (think butter rum lifesavers mixed with cream soda plus more sugar). Kidlets got new wands at Ollivander's. If you find a magic symbol in front of a store window, you can cast a spell with your wand and something happens!

Enjoyed the Waterworld show this year. The Walking Dead walk through was on the same level as Great America's Halloween Haunt.

Had dinner at Bubba Gump's and stayed out on The City Walk until late.

Sunday, July 10th: we met Lorie for brunch at Bob's Hawaiian Style Restaurant again. Then we went to Sakura-ya for a manju fix and followed that up with a visit with Auntie Hey. She's doing well and seems to be content at the assisted care home. Her only complaint - they can't get Time Warner Cable and thus NO DODGERS GAMES. My aunt has been a Dodger fan as long as I've known her. She's hard of hearing, so listening to the radio doesn't work.

Checked into Anaheim Plaza Hotel, our usual hotel. (Karen & Kyle LOVE the Olympic size swimming pool) Their free Wifi sucks. To get any work done, I had to use my phone as a hotspot.

Dinner at Rainforest Cafe!

In Memory of Asako Kimura (1925 -2016)

debmats — Wed, 15 Jun 2016 00:08:03 GMT

This past weekend, Karen, Alani, Kyle and I drove down to Gardena for Auntie Asako's memorial service. She was Mom's older sister - the 6th of 9 kids. Gayle had been planning on going, but she fell off a chair trying to fix a stuck blind and gave herself a concussion on Wednesday. Oy.

Growing up, she'd correct our grammar, our etiquette, etc, so we called her "Auntie Proper". I think this was a more Karen and Gayle thing. Half the time I called her "Auntie Oscar" - I don't know if I picked this up from my older cousins or not, can't remember.

It is her fault that we individually wrap marshmallow treats.

She was a very kind and caring woman. She'd "do" things for you, rather than say something to show you she cared - just quietly support you. Karen called her "The Observer". When Mom needed care, she was over all the time, keeping Mom company, making her favorite foods, showing her love. She was there with me when Mom died.

She had a smirk. It would come out when she observed her daughter having a disagreement with her own teenage daughter. Mostly it was "may your daughter be just like you" karma.

I miss her.

Obituary from LA Times 06-14-16

Debbie Does See Jane Run

debmats — Sun, 05 Jun 2016 21:33:23 GMT

Since January 27th, I have been running, all be it, very, very slowly. My new nick name is Tortoise. Hopefully speed will come with practice.

Thanks to the Zombies to 5K Training Program, I successfully ran my first 5K race - See Jane Run. I had my personal best time for three miles of 47:42, in fact my first mile was 15:20. I have never gone that fast. I need to find a way to pace myself at the start - I started out way too fast for me to last 3.1 miles. So, even though I slowed down after the first bit, I still managed to run faster than I'd done.

After the half way point, the route loops back to the start. About two blocks back, I saw Joycie. By the time I got almost to the 3 mile point, Joycie had caught up with me, because she wanted us to get our "finish" photo together (she actually jogged a bit! I take about 3-4 steps to her one). Photo taken, she started passing me, and I couldn't have that, so I found a bit more energy and raced for the finish line. I won. She says she let me. Evil BFF. =)

It's been an interesting few months. The final week of training in March, I wiped out pretty good. The sidewalk attacked me! Really! I managed to skin both knees and my left forearm - the last time I had done that much damage I must have been in grade school? Two weeks later? I re-skinned my left knee and left forearm. Ugh. I think I'm going to have a pretty big scar on my arm as a souvenir.

I'm tired, but I'm feeling accomplished. Until this year, I had never run a mile let alone 3 (actually my personal best is 4.08 miles)

Joycie is now talking about walking the 1/2 marathon...

Edited 06-09-16:
Final time: 50:04 minutes. 16:09 pace
I placed 37th in my age group, 668th for my gender and 719th over all. =)

Joyce's final time was 50:22 minutes. 16:14 pace
38th in our age group, 673rd for gender and 724th over all

debmats — Fri, 13 May 2016 16:39:02 GMT

Oh Damn. Lost another friend to cancer.
Remembering Allen Byrd - dear husband to BFF Julie.

Obit

Dad

debmats — Tue, 10 May 2016 19:05:02 GMT

Thinking of Dad on his 90th Birthday

Went to the chapel on Saturday. Added an orchid for Mom as it was Mother's Day, but didn't think about adding a rose for Dad's 90th. I usually add something special for the "decade" birthday. *sigh*

Relay for Life - In Memory of Mom

debmats — Fri, 06 May 2016 06:58:44 GMT

As of 11:25pm tonight, I have finally managed to send out my annual "please support me" email for Relay. Relay is in 9 days, nothing like waiting until the very last second. *sigh* I did manage to post it on FB on Sunday.

Getting through Mom's birthday was harder than usual this year. Mother's Day is this Sunday and the barrage of ads for the holiday have really gotten me down. Plus, Auntie Asako (aka Auntie Oscar) passed away early last Tuesday morning (still haven't dealt with that yet) and the news that we will soon be losing Allen (bff Julie's husband) to cancer is just hard to handle. This week has been just really hard and I just want to crawl into my cave.

Today was our Cinco de Mayo Taco Salad Bar fundraiser. I was running around for almost 4 hours, so I am fried. We raised over $500! Last month's Ice Cream Social raised over $400 and we're doing a Bake Sale next week. I'll be making peanut butter blossoms and something else and Foxy has graciously "volunteered" to bake some cookies too.

The teens from TAB will not be spending the night again this year. There was a bit of a disconnect - the two guys who were supervising TAB transferred over to the Senior Center and the new guy just started in January. No time to build a relationship with da Teens. Maybe next year. I've got the night shift pretty much covered between me, Karen, Kyle and Sandy.

If you'd like to make a donation, click here to go to my donation page

Debbie Does Zombies?

debmats — Thu, 18 Feb 2016 06:55:29 GMT

One of my goals for 2016 is to be able to "run" (aka jog - probably slowly) a 5K. The last few years, I've been walking See Jane Run 5K with Joycie, Laura & Noah. It's a Women's Half Marathon/5K/Kids Race. Last year, Ron walked with us, and as only Noah is shorter than I am (and he's usually riding in a stroller), I ended up jogging bits and pieces to keep up with them. They're all at least 6 inches taller than I am and I have a SHORT stride too!!!

I have been doing lots of walking these past three years. Most days I walk at least 3 miles.

So, I am on week 4 of the Zombies to 5K Training program. Not for me, just a simple, couch to 5K training program. No, I need the added incentive of running away from Zombies. Week 1 had me "running" intervals of 15 seconds. Weeee! Plus free runs of 5 minutes (choice of walking, running or both). In the beginning, I was mostly walking, then I graduated to running a block here and a block there.

Tonight, I managed a solid 15 minutes straight - through the rain, and puddles up to my ankles and did I mention the wind was blowing a lovely 18 mph (Grand to Westline and back to almost Kitty Hawk) I jogged just over a MILE!!!

This is an 8 week program and then I get to practice until June 5th...

Thanksgiving 2015

debmats — Sun, 29 Nov 2015 03:27:41 GMT

It was a crazy two day feast - we had 41 people on Thursday & 23 people for leftovers on Friday. Had several people cancel at the last minute - sick was the main reason *sigh*. Also had two people show up sort of unexpectedly. (well, sort of unexpected. Ah the joys of family dynamics.)

Couldn't get da kidlets out of bed for the 7:15am Julie's 10th Annual Gobble Gobble Not Trot 5K walk, so went by myself. Surprised to see BFF Joycie, Laura & 3 year old Noah so we yakked and walked and actually ran a wee bit (Noah had LOTS OF ENERGY). Actually, Noah walked the entire 5K.

Usual eclectic menu - turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, cranberry (canned & home made), rice, sushi, spam musubi, spanakopitas, egg rolls, lumpia, char siu, fruit salad, roasted yams, grilled veggies (asparagus, mushrooms, peppers, onions, and zucchini), kale & quinoa salad, shirae, chow mein, scalloped potatoes, honey baked ham, duck...

Lots of home made pies! Natina brought her Grandpa's favorite - banana cream pie and also a chocolate cream pie. It's hard to believe that Michael has been gone for 7 years now. Guy (12) and Flynn (10) made lemon meringue pies, totally from scratch. Yum! There were also pumpkin, apple, berry, and pecan pies.

Da kidlets made 6 pans of finger jello - and by the end of the day, people were eating the remainders. That's a hell of a lot sugar.

The light sabers and swords came out and there was a massive battle in the front yard. Even the big kids got involved. No, not just talking about the 16 year olds: Kyle & Brendan - but their 49 & 47 year old cousins. Aaron & Byron were fighting back to back, taking on all comers. Can I just say that 8 year old Maeve is extremely fierce and her 5 year old sister, Ciana, is scary with the Darth Maul double light saber?

Thursday, the last people left around 11. Final clean up done and I was home by 11:45. Friday, I didn't get home until 10:30. Lots of yakking and looking through photo albums.

In Memory of Nobuko Alyce Shoji

debmats — Sun, 20 Sep 2015 06:38:14 GMT

April 4, 1920 - September 11, 2015

Auntie Nobuko was "Auntie Nice". She was the 4th of 9 children on Mom's side. She was married over 50 years to Uncle George (he passed away around 1990?). She had 4 sons, 5 grandkids and 8 great-grandkids.

Spent lots of time at her place on Sherman Island. T'was always interesting driving along the levee to their place. Actually, I think the scariest ride I'd ever had was zipping along the levee with my cousins. (at night, with the fog coming in)

She always made fried won tons, layered finger jello and mochi.

Auntie was the only aunt who failed the "name the baby photo" game at the Los Angeles Family Reunion. She got her own kids wrong.

My sister Karen, Auntie Nobuko, Auntie Clara, cousin Patty and I went to Japan in 1998. As we touched down at Narita, Auntie Nobuko said "By golly, we made it!" This was her very first plane ride.

When we were planning a trip back to east to attend her grandson's wedding in Buffalo, NY, I asked her what she'd like to see in NYC.
"I'd like to see the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building and the Lincoln Memorial".
I replied "Uh, Auntie, the Lincoln Memorial is not in NYC"
She said "I know, but I still want to see it"
So, we ended up going to Washington DC too.

Auntie Yoshi (aka Auntie June), on the left and Auntie Nobuko on the right. Get the two of them together and they'd be up to no good. Cousin Lucy and I gave up trying to keep up with them on Reno trips.

Sasquan - Worldcon - The Voyage Home - Day 2

debmats — Sun, 06 Sep 2015 22:49:54 GMT

Tuesday, August 25th:
I had given Joey a choice: he could sleep in or he could go with me back up to the Memorial a 7am. (when it was officially open again). He decided on sleep.

I drove over the bridge again and was up at the Memorial at 7am. Nobody else was around. T'was peaceful. Had time to wander through and around the Memorial. Visited the Veterans Memorial, the newest entry was from Afghanistan. I knew Sam Hill's crypt was near by and finally found it, down the hill from Stonehenge. (I had to google it). Had thought about climbing down to the crypt, but 1)There was no path, just rocks & 2)I was by myself. I later found out there was a road I could have taken. Oh well.

Brunch at Petit Provence in The Dalles, OR. I had the Risotto Cakes & Eggs: Slow simmered risotto rice with sautéed bacon, asparagus, mushrooms, red onions, and fresh basil, gently formed into patties, lightly breaded and grilled to perfection. Topped with two poached eggs. Served with Provençal Potatoes & Butternut Squash. Joey ordered the Cheesy Polenta Bacon & Eggs: Creamy polenta made with cheddar and parmesan cheese, topped with crisp bacon, and two poached eggs, finished with fresh chives. (Looking for a vegetarian option? Swap the bacon for sautéed spinach and mushrooms.) Joey had the spinach & mushrooms added in too. We split the two dishes for a great breakfast! Joey + bakery = many baked goods going home with him. The macaroons were adorable - chicks, otters, and unicorns!

Short visit with the Columbia Gorge waterfalls - Multnomah. I think we also saw Oneonta Falls and Horsetails Falls.

On the way to Spokane, the drive through Portland was a pain, so we decided to drive around Portland. After leaving the Gorge, we took 205 to highway 5. Drove straight down 5 with the option of stopping if we saw something interesting. Did stop at the Weed rest stop so Joey could take more pictures for his Feed adventure. The views of Mt Shasta were still a bit smokey.

Stopped in Redding for a quick dinner (Joey went to In-n-Out, I went to Taco Bell). Stopped for gas one last time in Williams. Got to Berkeley around 11:30, dropped Joey & his stuff off, and then got HOME at 12:03am.

Sasquan - WorldCon - The Voyage Home - Day 1

debmats — Sun, 06 Sep 2015 22:15:18 GMT

Monday, August 24th:

Finished packing up. Breakfast at the the hotel buffet.
Brought the first load of stuff down to the car. Check the tire again, still hadn't been able to figure out where the heck the drat tire pressure reset button was. Tires were fine. Decided to keep an eye on the tires, but disregard the the tire pressure warning icon.

Time to say good bye to Tammy & Kev. Dropped them off at the airport. *sniff*
Came back to the hotel and finished packing up the car. Definitely a game of tetris! There was much more stuff - more books, more booze, more cd's, and souvenirs.

Stopped by a wine & spirits shop on the way out of Spokane. I made it out of the store with just a bottle of Columbia Gorge Gewurztraminer. Joey picked up a couple bottles of Rye (bourbon?).

Skies were still brownish. Yummy late lunch in Kennewick at Sushi Mori. Chirashi and a spicy tuna roll for me, Joey had Udon and something else.

We got to Biggs Junction a little bit before 7pm. Did a quick trip over the bridge and visited the Stonehenge Memorial. There was a family up there, flying kites. Made me wish I had a kite to fly too. Walked around for a bit and took a bunch of pictures.

Checked into the Three Rivers Inn (across the street from the truck stop). Got my walkies in by walking back and forth along the two main blocks of town. Pretty skies due to all the smoke. Dinner at Subway. I had been debating between Subway & McDonald's, not a whole lot in Biggs Junction.

Did have a short chat with Joey on the differences between an extrovert (him) and an introvert (me).

Sasquan - WorldCon Day 5

debmats — Mon, 31 Aug 2015 05:13:52 GMT

Sunday, August 23rd:

Friends of Liad breakfast at Sante! 13 of us, including Ariel! Kev, Tammy, Elaine, Thuy, Michael, Ariel, Kathy, her son, her husband, Cynthia, her husband, Harriet and me.

I had the Spinach Morning Bun again. Yum.

Did some shopping at the Artists' Collective. I poinged over a photo and that's part of what Kev got me for my birthday =) I saw some lovely raven serving bowls and was debating on whether to get one for Sean for Christmas, but Kev decided to get one for Sean for his birthday. We were able to watch the artist who made the bowl while she worked on a dragon.

From the Artists' Collective, we went into the connecting Book Shop (Auntie's) and the game shop (Uncle's). You'd have thought I had bought enough books... nope. Oh well.

I did a quick run through the Art Show back at the Con. I bid on a necklace, cool sphere of the milky way, but was out bid by ONE DOLLAR. Oh well. Final chats with Elaine & Thuy. Maybe I'll see them at next year's WorldCon in Kansas City?

Dinner at Wild Sage Bistro with Kev, Tammy & Joey. Oh yum. I know I got a salad, but can't remember which one. I did have the duck - Pan seared, hazelnut brown butter, house gnocchi & seasonal roasted vegetable sauté, cider gastrique, which was more yum.

I know that we split 3 desserts among the four of us, and huckleberry compote was involved.

Soon to Be Famous Coconut Cream Layer Cake: Coconut genoise cake, mascarpone-coconut cream filling, lilikoi sauce

Clementine Pound Cake: Almond flour, fresh clementines, grand marnier zabaione, orange gastrique

and I can't remember what the third one was.

I did 5K on the treadmill after that meal.
Packing. More alcohol from Joey's stash (really liked the LH Gewurztraminer)