a_pinkmonkey

Working at 8

2009-12-11T15:31:28Z

Just a quick post before work. I can't believe I'm working at 8AM until 4:30P today. I really needed some free time today. Oh well, went to bed early so I would feel "fresh." Fresh still hasn't kicked in, but at least we don't have freezing rain. Been sending in resumes. Spent all afternoon filling out an application by hand only to have the fax bounce. sigh.

Black Friday at JoAnns

2009-11-28T02:03:14Z

All in all, it went rather well at JoAnns today. I had to get up at 4:30 (that's AM)to go Krispy Kream to get donuts for the gang at the store. Rolled into work at 5:45 (still AM) and greeted the head boss who was already growling. The CEO was supposed to show up today, but of course he will be in tomorrow, when the store looks like hell. Lucklily this is not my problem, being the minimum wage slave that I am. Most people were in fairly good mood, even though the lines were long. They were not as long as the lines at the superstore or at Target. OMG the parking lot was full at Target at 5:45 this morning when I blew in. I think it was harder to shop there after I got off work since my feet and back really hurt by that point. Retail is really a youngsters game. I bought $100 worth of flannel and canvas for things for bazaars and saved $250, so I call it a win, but now I is pooped. I also got a really cute book on crochet for babies. Hopefully something for the young master Nicholas will emerge from it. Been having fun emailing friends from HS on FB. Too much fun.

surely there must be something

2009-10-08T02:50:05Z

I am having trouble jogging my brain after a big day of work, but I thought I should post since I read. The next two days are off weeeeeee. Two doc apts. tomorrow will keep me from sleeping in, which is really how I like to spend my days off. Excited for Sat. since we're gowin to 3M A&S. I'm happy most of the household is going. Mr. Albright is very excited about entering the competition. We'll be rooting him on. There is a new family coming (( hope) who has a girl who is the same age as Miss G. I hope they will get along. I think we are turning Japanese for the day. Food now. Gotta nom.

When is my vacation?

2009-09-18T01:03:01Z

Yes, I'm back at work and it is every boring thing I remember it to be. Yes I feel very underemployed even though I am 100% more employed than I was yesterday. My boss is still bitchy and sick. Amuzingly, a girl I was hired with last time is now a manager. She is still a ditz, so that is funny. I don't envy her at all. She probably makes .50 more an hour than I do and she has twice the headaches.

Mom is coming tomorrow to help me clean. I think that I am going to try to purge my sewing room. Egad, but it has to be done.

I go now to socialize with my ofspring.

Why pirates wear eyepatches

2009-09-17T15:08:00Z

While at Acorn War I taught beginning pouch making, which seemed to attract many pirates and their children. Now I do have a prejudice against pirates in general, but I felt I was kind and understanding as a teacher, all things considered. However, the two pirate children in my class were both armed and under 10. The 8 year old took "please use this tool instead of your knife" after the third try. There was also a 6 year old who had a knife in a sheath around her neck. I guess her dad thought it was safe because it was small. He took over her project somewhere halfway through the class, leaving her to sheath and unsheath her knife over and over. The knife was tight in the sheath and she was performing this procedure right near her face. Finally I had to say something. What I really wanted to say was "I think that child is too young to have that knife unsupervised" but what I said was "I think that if you wax that sheath the knife will come out more easily". His response "But I don't want it to". Ok, so I need to be more direct "Well, she is unsheathing it right by her face and making me nervous." His response "Don't do that". I tried.

Today is the first day of work. Whoot. I have been trying not to drink so much pepsi at night and it has been helping me sleep better, so I feel somewhat refreshed.

Miss G went to band rental night last night and is now the proud possessor of a trumpet. I am so glad that our neighbor works nights.

I am getting ready to leave on a week's vacation next week. I need to start packing soon. Sigh. I also need to decide if I can leave the kids to their own devices during the day while viking_food_guy works.

Today is mixed

2009-09-11T00:53:56Z

I got a job at the evil empire, JoAnns. It pays minimum wage, but it is money coming in and it is in Hillsboro. I needed something to pay for the gold plated pig, who is still not feeling better. I don't want to have to take him back in, but I'm not sure what I am doing for him is enough. I really want to go out to dinner tonight, but we really can't afford it. whaa

I am excited to go to Acorn, but there is still much to do. I hope to see many of you there. I am teaching a pouch making class and cooking over a fire with period pots. I still don't know what I'm going to make. sigh,

a_pinkmonkey @ 2009-09-02T17:19:00

2009-09-03T00:36:08Z

Pets: Milford the guinea pig is sick. He as a large mass in his abdomen. He will need surgery. viking_food_guy thinks we should not spend so much money on a $30 pig, but he is sweet and I am soft. Miss G is quite upset. All part of life I guess.

Art: Almost finished with orange dress. Will work on new Bayeux Tapestry embroidery at Crown. When all that is done I am going to start my new German dress for 12rh night.

House: Wall to wall disaster.

Health: My guts are telling me I need to give up soda and switch to iced tea. I am having trouble with this adjustment.

Kids: NEXT WEEK SCHOOL STARTS! I am letting Mr. I go to the park with his friend alone. This is the farthest I have let him go without an adult. I think that they will be fine, but I am still slightly concerned.

Husband: Brining and smoking meats for Crown. He has been trying to help me apply for jobs, but I am sure is frustrated by my natural lack of ability with a computer.

Job Hunting: Several of my friends have recently landed new jobs, which fills me with hope. I have applied for several recently, although I am still trying to get used to applying online.

Friends: I have the best friends. They keep me going in ways I don't think they even appreciate. Thank you all. I have been trying to make new friends in the SCA. I met a lovely foodie at fighter practice, but unfortunately I can't remember her name. I have also been showing around Mellisa and John, who just moved here from Maryland. They have never played in the SCA before, but seem the right kind of nerds for us. They went to revels on Friday, William Tell on Sat., I think they went to something on Sunday, but I don't remember, Fighter practice on Monday and our projects night on Tuesday. Can we say that they are very enthused?

Crown: I would like to go to the kids clothing swap on Sat. I know that there is a Laurel meeting in the afternoon. I would like to actually see some of the fighting this year, but I have committed to helping with the bake sale to benefit Dragon's Mist. I will be arriving on Friday early to help at gate and volunteer point.

Smjal Melk: I think the household is humming along. We will have quite a presence at Crown. I hope to get up the big hall for hiding from the rain. Food looks like it will be yummy as always. I really would like to get our banners up so that people will be able to find us. I still need to make my big banner and possibly some lighter ones to fly outside only.

A big rasberry to all of you who think I never post. We have a new computer and I will try to do it more often.

I'm not dead yet

2008-06-04T15:12:12Z

Yes, yes, lj says I haven't posted for 7 weeks, so I guess it's time to say hi to everyone. Last night celebrated some birthdays lestamore and jillwheezel, but I"m spelling it wrong (and she wasn't there anyway, but we raised a glass anyway) and my little bro. It was fun to see people in the middle of the week.

Went to June Faire last weekend. Pirates scare me. Had fun with my peeps and got to spend some time with folks I don't get to see often. Kids had fun on the forge with Grendel, who wins the most patient with children award.

More family fun tonight. My mother has scheduled a fancy dinner tonight with my brother. I'm scared - children and fancy dress dinners don't mix.

I'm hoping to get my hair done today or see fjorlief if she's feeling up to it.

This weekend - cleaning my garage. Oh joy.

posting 2 days in a row...

2008-04-13T15:52:08Z

nobody drop dead of shock!

The Milford report: Dog discovered the guinea pig. Very excited to stick nose in cage, which I would not allow. So he stood on his hind legs in the middle of the room to take a look and whined. The pig seemed to take this in stride. He came from a home where there was a dog before. The fight over mommy's lap will be the big one, but I swear the new guy is half as big as Carter.

Chores: Cleaning the garage so we can empty the storage unit. Needed to be done two years ago, but better late than never. You might say how can you waste a beautiful day in the garage, but have you ever tried to clean the garage on a crummy day.

Eve fun: Thatch! Be there and be Tiki!

parenting

2008-01-03T03:01:40Z

sigh. parenting is hard. life is hard. my honey is good. I think I will not be coming to 12th night this year which sucks like I can't tell you. I will be sewing my little fingers to the bone tonight, but I got nuthin for tomorrow, except more sewing. The children frown upon this. How many more days until school starts again?

I f.... deleted the post again!

2007-06-04T08:52:54Z

I'm up to my ass in pugs, and yet I miss my dog. Go figure. When he finds his way home things will be easier. For now I will have to be brave.

Sorry to all of my good friends who did not make it into my first round of thank you postings from last weekend. I had a technology failure and then I was overcome by narcalepsy (yeah, well, you try to spell it) and literally woke up to it being Sunday and yeah gods it's June.

Big love and thanks to the whole Heim. You guys swooped it, helped when I really needed it and disappeared before I could say thanks. Connor and Liaden thanks for help with keg, ice, music and pics. Hope recovery is going well.
elfreda there was pole dancing at the boy's party and your boy missed it again!

</div>pets: two old pugs are a lot like toddlers and my house isn't babyproof anymore. They were very popular at June Faire. In fact I was
          disappointed to note that many people were more interested in the dogs than they were in the Viking display, but we did our best.
          I did take exception when a lady actually lifted one of the out of the pen to love it up, without asking. Do these people have
          MANNERS! That did not result in my dog escaping, which he did. He felt he had to release himself on his own recognisance, due
          to an extreme need that I wasn't taking care of and he just wanted to stretch his legs. So now the children are ok with demos, but
          the dog isn't. I just can't win.

June Faire: Overall, LOVED IT! Want to go back next year. Maybe find a spot for our tent that isn't directly in the sun all day. (How did
          that work?) Maybe brought too much stuff, but felt display looked good. Not enough little G food, but she was ok with locally obtainable
          hot dogs and snow cones. Boy was very happy to be Grendal's assistant for the day and took his duties very seriously. I am still
          worried he was being a pain in the ass, but I have faith that Grendal's a big boy and can take care of himself. Saw many friends
          very briefly, which was better than faire in the grove, where I think we talked to more of the public, but we saw no one. The sun
          wasn't quite so fierce, our set up was more complex and we got there much earlier. I hope to be done demoing for a while. Fun, but
          hard work. Now I'm ready for a few just show up and relax type events. HA

Fight Practice: Sewing circle of doom is a go. I am also going to try to put in an appearance at the DM gathering on Fri.

Family:Mom is having dinner with brother unit for his birthday (I wasn't invited). Brother unit asked me to watch dogs for Sat.
          and I ended up with them until Mon., so not eager to spend more time at that dinner. Bro going through a selfish phase that he may
          not see the other side of for some time. Mom tried to lay trip of [she] felt responsible for him being a selfish asshole. I refrained from telling
          her yes, you didn't show a dazzling example to the contrary, but did point out, that he is a big boy and is making his own choices. When
          she started on the genes path, I referred back to my previous statement, followed up with the corollary that no one is responsible for
          genes. I also restrained myself from pointing out that I have the same genes as my brother, and yet refrain from the type of behavior
          being discussed, thus I thought proving all of my points, but you can't use logic when arguing with my mother, especially if she's had
          a margarita.

OMG LJ has sucked out my brain. I wanted to kill time until midnight and now it is 2. This is so going to hurt tomorrow. Hope I know
          my name tomorrow. Just call me pink monkey. Glad my husband doesn't read this!

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dreams do come true aka my friends rock

2007-05-30T03:17:19Z

I am writing this post before I have read anyone else's, so if it is repetitive I am sorry. My friends rock. I have the best husband in the world. Finally one of my crazy plans became reality and it was as if nothing could stop it. I put the greatest man I ever knew threw the worst kind of hell I never imagined and instead of running away cursing my name he made me pancakes showed me how much more he loved me than I ever expected. Ever since then I have tried to show him how grateful I am and have only made a drop in the bucket.

Then I had a dream.

Then I had a plan.

Then someone let the monkeys out and things got out of control and I would have fallen flat on my face and spent a lot of my husbands money (again) on something he didn't want and it would have been crap and no one would have been happy.

But then ..... little fairies came with sparklie wings and saved my fat ass and I CAN'T THANK YOU GUYS ENOUGH. All of my friends need thanking and I am trying to make cards, but I am also despirate for sleep, but I need to do thanks NOW, so thanks to
dancegal
for being the wedding coordinator and all around wrangler of cats, corraler of my mom, wearer of the PINKEST apron dress, and introducer of the idea that I needed a PLAN! Thanks to
jillwheezul
head costumer, my battery recharger, weaver of faboo trim, german pug disiplinarian and beer maiden, we would have looked plain and pleatless without you girl. Thanks to Merideth, who is continually a joy to get to know, better each time I see her. She was always in the right place at the right time with the practicality and logic and calm. I drew great strength from you sweetie. I can't wait to see your wedding!ksenia THANK YOU SO MUCH SWEETIE. I think I would have barfed or passed out without you and Merideth taking care of me. I felt like all of you were helping me like a retinue and I never intended for that to happen, but apparently that is what I needed, so I am thanking you now. I am so grateful. I was so whipped at one point on Sat. night I couldn't even lift the diet coke to take a drink because it was too heavy. THAT's tired!
deb
fjorlief

</div>

</div>

Brilliant new idea

2007-04-17T15:57:52Z

I've got a new idea for event fun and its as hot as my pants! Several of us non drinkers, namely jillwheezul and dance_gal were talking last night and we were trying to come up with some sort of diversions other than watching drunks in the evenings at events. SOOOO, the Sober Cardplayers Association has been born. This club won't always be about cards, but in commemoration of our name, we will have a card game to commemorate our name. The diversions will always be period in the inspiration and although drinking will be permitted, it will not be the goal of the activity. All my friends and friends of my friends are welcome. The first meeting will take place at my cabana boy party, where the boys will be serving the drinks to the players hopefully. We will be playing a cardgame with taro cards that jillwheezul suggested, but I can't remember the name of exactly, so if you have an extra set that are used for playing, or an extra small table and chairs, or an extra cabana boy, bring them over.

On a more somber note, the doc is changing my meds, so I am probably going to start gaining weight again unless I strive very hard. It's only 9 and the battle is already raging. sigh.

I have to start packing for the first camping outing of the year this weekend and I don't have a firm babysitter for the kids. Ugh.

But I have a dog.

SCA Questionaire

2007-04-11T22:31:38Z

yoinked from hleleanorsdress
Finally a game I can play too!
1. What/when was your first event?
May Crown 1993 when Barak became King. I mugged a customer in the Mill End store when I worked there and said "I know you are one of them, show me how to find the SCA." Luckily she was also new and we went to a heraldry meeting, hooked up with some nice folks from Dragon's Mist and headed for Crown. Set up the tent , which I actually didn't know the final shape of, in the rain and dark, but there was mead and good company in the end and all was well. I was hooked.

2. What was your first war?
It was probably a West War. I remember my husband liked fighting in them much better than tournaments, because he didn't feel everone was watching how badly he was doing.

3. What is your favorite part of an event/war?
First thing in the morning, when there is a fog and all of the modern traffic noises have died down. You look out and see a sea of period tents and fire pits. That is when the illusion is real for me. MMmmmmm.

4. What A&S skill/talent do you have or wish you had?
I wish I was a blacksmith. I love banging on things with hammers. That's why I like jewelry making, its like tiny blacksmithing.

5. Why did you choose the elements of your Coat of Arms/device?
Red was one of the VG colors and is special to me. Yellow is the happiest color in the world and gold is close. The tree of life is a very old and important symbol in Viking culture. I chose oak because it comes from my Mistress' arms. Goats have always had a special place in my heart. You can't help but love them, even though they are absolutely infuriating creatures. They are total trouble makers, but they aren't evil, they're just curious. They are very generous and giving, but because of their very nature, they make you work to enjoy their bounty. In the end, you love them in spite of themselves. Stinkiness and all. That's pretty much me.

6. Favorite SCA song?
The fur song that Ulf sings, especially the little dance he does.

7. Favorite garb?
My laurel hat. I felted the wool part at my second St. Hildeguard, where I spent a week living the real medieval life for the first time. The wire work I applied right before my ceremony at a very strange time in my life. The front part has popped off and needs to be fixed. I even love that.

8. Best advice received/given?
Always take an opportunity - to teach, to learn, to listen, to advise, to pee etc.

9. What is one thing you would like to change about the SCA?
I would like to shift the focus more toward historical research and recreation, but I try to lead by example toward that goal everyday. It's a long road.

10. Why do you do this hobby?
I'm a history major and a costume junkie. What else would I do with my spare time?

Tiki Ready

2007-04-05T23:02:26Z

Well girls I have been shopping too much this week, but we are TIKI READY. The cabana boys will be well equipped (aren't they always) to start the camping season off right at my May Crown party with plenty of glasses, lamps and decorations (who doesn't like a 6ft tall fuesha palm tree). Another SCA dream destroyed by yours truly. Can't wait.

V day so far

2007-02-15T21:34:47Z

Finished my orange dress finally!!! whoot!

The P man gave me the smallest ipod I've ever seen and was hurt because I didn't jump up and down when I saw it. All I could think was "I lost the last one because it was too small and this one is smaller than a piece of bazooka gum." But it is Svava pink, and is engraved "Happy Vanlentine's Day PinkMonkey" which is too cute. It has very few buttons, which means I can't get lost in the menues and I've been attached to it most of the day when I haven't been at...

Little G's School...egad were we that hyper on Valentine's day? And that was before the cookies and candy came out. What cracked me up is when the kids started handing out their cards they started chasing each other around the room, instead of trying to put things in their boxes. It was a hoot. I even got a V card "To G's mom" - too cute.

The man made tempura and pink noodle ramen. He's a peach. The bitch is that this has been such a shitty week, that I really can't get that bam chicka wah wah feeling up. I'm totally PMSing and I may be starting a depression jag too, lord knows I'm justified. At least I scored on giving him good prezzies though. He needed some good glass making tools. I was going to try to go to Bullseye, but they didn't have them. So I said shop for yourself. They came in the mail on Tuesday. On V day I gave him heart shaped measuring cups and measuring spoons. Utterly useless and very cute.

sorry this got lost in the either until today.
funk funk funk

tofu on the beach

2007-02-06T00:36:03Z

Today I had a very serene day planned. I was going to drive to the beach with a book on tape playing, walk the dog, and set a needle laden piece of tofu adrift on the waves. Ha. Of course I had made the mistake of feeling sorry for myself earlier this weekend because I couldn't roust up any company for this journey, so the universe gave me some. Little G was barfing at the movies with her aunt yesterday, so when she said she was sick this morning we had to believe her. So whala, company for the car "are we there yet", "I'm bored", "can we go home". Only one time did she really turn grey and I was worried she'd be sick, but it was the dog that threw up in the Calvin and Hobbes book, I didn't know he was a fan.

So for all you Japanophiles next weekend, there is a celebration to honor you hardworking needles and pins, back in the day when they were expensive to make, they were put in a block of tofu at the local Shinto temple to honor their hard work, then they were buried by the priests in the cemetary or wrapped in cloth and set adrift on the sea. Since we don't have a Shinto temple handy, I opted for the ocean. I think next year we may do the whole thing at the beach. who hoo

Zaphod got nothin on me

2007-02-01T17:27:20Z

Don't you hate it when one part of your brain ain't talking to another part of your brain? I have been very excitedly awaiting monkeybung's arrival to my house, since she hasn't been out before, and maybe a few others to boot, including maybe jillweezill and one of my CERT friends who might be a newbie in disguise. I was even going to roast a chicken for the occasion, and ya'll know how often I cook. So plans are progressing. Meanwhile, another part of me, let's call her "V", has been preparing for a certain parent meeting that takes place every two months and which she can't duck out of because she is the Secretary. She remembers that the are on the same day and at the same time when she reads the sign she had put up yesterday to remind parents when they dropped off their kids this morning that there was a meeting this morning. I guess my message finally got through to myself. There isn't enough Duh in the world.

So the short answer is if you were coming over tonight, if you come over after 7:30 you'll be fine.

Three things

2007-01-16T05:24:18Z

My husband did this on his blog and I thought it was cool. Tell three things no one knows about you. So here goes about me. I love lighters as Americana artforms, although I detest smoking. I actually like pickled pigs feet. I was in the flag corp in high school.

Back Home

2006-08-21T00:53:22Z

We have arrived back home. My mom is here for the week working, so my sewing room is now a guest room. I've only been here about two hours, but I want to scream. Why is Oregon so hot? CA was quite nice. Thanks for keeping me in touch with my nearest and dearest.

Last Day in Cali

2006-08-19T00:44:54Z

We are once again watching the kids next to the pool. Have I mentioned how much they like the pool? I think they will miss it when we go back. Ugh, two days in the car. whoo and fucking hoo. Tonight we are going out with the in-laws for Asian fusion food at the E & O Trading Co. I guess there are a few benefits to hanging out with the rich. I certainly got my fill of them today. We went to Sonoma and since neither of us drink wine we visited all of the historical landmarks. I had forgotten how much I hate California history. I got my fill of it in school. I also have no patience for poorly written historical narrative, of which there was an abundance. On a whim we went to Jack London's house which was actually cool. I saw hiw wife's house, house of happy walls, which was cool. The better half and the boy went to see Wolf house which burned just before completion. It had 15,000 sq. ft., 26 rooms and nine fireplaces, which is five more than the in-laws. What's with the fireplaces, it never gets cold here! The big W. Craftsman though, droool. For lunch we picnicked in the park and had cheese, bread and salami, my mom's favorite kind of lunch. For desert we had yummy gelato, mine was pomegranate. Now I'm all dressed up in my funeral clothes and ready to try to keep the children from imploding before our 7:30 dinner reservations. yeah me. BTW does anyone know what happened to fiber and fletching?Oh yeah, I found a pirate monkey t-shirt at paul frank this week. heehee

Viking Quiz

2006-08-18T05:58:36Z

On the Valhalla quiz I struck out. Apparently I need to read the sagas more.
Impressive! You obviously know nothing at all, I even couldn't imagine somebody failing as hard as you. If you're planning suicide, ensure that you do it properly.

3903 other people got this result!
This quiz has been taken 6595 times.
58% of people had this result.

Star Trek Quiz

2006-08-18T05:47:51Z

Ok. First, no one said this quiz was so freakin long!
Second, I CAN'T BELIEVE I GOT TROI!!!!!
You are Deanna Troi
Deanna Troi 80%
Chekov 70%
Beverly Crusher 60%
Will Riker 55%
An Expendable Character (Redshirt) 55%
James T. Kirk (Captain) 50%
Mr. Sulu 50%
Uhura 40%
Geordi LaForge 40%
Leonard McCoy (Bones) 30%
Spock 22%
Mr. Scott 20%
Jean-Luc Picard 20%
Data 7%
Worf 5%
You are a caring and loving individual.
You understand people's emotions and
you are able to comfort and counsel them.

More adventures in Cali

2006-08-18T05:34:20Z

I'm all snuggly next to my honey after spending most of the day with him and now I'm so wuffy I'm not sure I remember what we did. We had lunch at dim sum again today with grandma, who then took the kidlets to work with her. They got to see a kid with his liver out of his body, which was a little much for g. They did get to wear scrubs and looked to cute. While they were charming the operating staff, we went to the asian art museum in SF. It started out with Ganesh and many buddas, moved into chinese vases and robes (can you say embroidery), a few korean scrolls of bamboo, which i liked and then went into changing exhibits. The love affair between east and west. Very colonial, which I don't really care for. There was a screen with Portugese guys wearing kimono fabrics for their western clothes and lovely Japanese people snickering at them in the corners. Ladies wearing maple leaves on their kimonos which were cool. I looked in their giftshop as long as in some of the galleries. There was a fabulous book on korean clothing, but it was 95. Ack. I did get a book for the kids on Buddist animal stories and one on Japanese fabric rapped packages. Oh, I remember what we did this morning. We went to the market by the Marin Civic Center. FABULOUS veggies and fruits. We blew a bundle, but my honey turned it into fabulous dinner tonight. i found the PERFECT silk jacket at one of the stalls for only 60, P said I looked good but there was no way we could afford it. Sigh. After the museum we ran to the Whiskey Shop, which only had a half an hour left before they closed. We came away with one scotch to keep and one to share with a special friend. Then we blasted back here to have dinner with the grandparents, who mentioned that they just bought a place in Mexico, to go with their mansion in San Rafel, and their palace in sisters at the black butte ranch. More money than sense, but they won't pay for parking. Go figure. On the project front, I only have about 5 more patches to do, then I have to go back and put their inner circles on, but hopefully that won't take that long and then I will be freeeeeeee. My mom will be sleeping in my sewing room for a week when I get back. I think I am going to take that time to unpack more of my house.

today poolside

2006-08-17T04:39:15Z

Today I had an awesome day. I just finished looking at some pictures of a polish event that looks like it rocked. I wish I had millions so I could go to such events and make all the merchants happy. On the home front, we took the kids to the temporary aquarium and natural history museum, which was smaller, but cool. Then we had some great sushi, and little g even asked for octopus. I nearly died of shock. On the way we found a paul frank store, which was full of monkey stuff. Then we found a monkey statue on the street. Then we went to the Goodwill in San Rafel. mmmm...rich people. I got a chico's overshirt, a silk blouse and another poly blouse that is one of my favorite colors. All for less than 20 bucks. I want to go back tomorrow without the children. he he. We also went to the Whiskey shop, but the kids were not into it. We'll be going back there tomorrow too. I saw a three story high fabric store, but since my vow makes all of that just torture, we didn't go in, but next year mwha ha ha.