Valerie's "Blaw Blaw Blawg"

"The German"- A Ten MInute Vimeo Short Video Made with Pennies!

2012-01-29T10:51:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas... Only in Rhode Island... Gotta Love Officer Tony

2011-12-23T10:53:00.000-08:00

Sounds of Summer Yield to the Lights of Autumn

2011-10-11T12:29:00.000-07:00

Hook 'Em, Horns!!

2011-09-11T09:32:00.000-07:00

Cow and Chicken "I'm ALIVE!!" Great Affirmation for Our Daily Sales Meeting!

2011-07-31T06:22:00.000-07:00

Remi Gaillard of Montpellier Related to Chuck Norris?

2011-07-17T18:07:00.001-07:00

Safeco Park Kid Thrills All to Thriller... Break It Down!

2011-07-10T09:25:00.000-07:00

Fabulous Collage Tool for Macs! Oo-la-la!!

2011-04-20T06:42:00.000-07:00

Posterino - Getting Started from Christoph Priebe on Vimeo.

Reflecting on College Life- Theirs, Not Ours!

2011-04-10T12:20:00.000-07:00

I think we are really loving having two kids in college... It just dawned on me that one of them is almost done- three quarters to go and one almost finished with her freshman year. My husband and I remain pretty simple with our requirements:
1. Stay safe and don't get arrested.

2. If you screw up and we hear about it from you first (before we hear about it from someone else, especially if they wear a badge) there will be no consequences from us. We may not be able to do much or anything about the consequences from the rest of the world, but from us- you are home free.
3. If you know that your sibling is going to do something really dumb/unsafe/high risk and you do nothing about it, including telling us- and we find out later that you did nothing and stayed silent, you will get ALL of the consequences they will get (instead of them receiving them) and all of yours, too. You ARE your brother's/sister's keeper- keeping them safe, right?
4. If you have a "B" average or above in your freshman year, you are on probation. Below that, you come home and above that, you are golden- at least for the next semester.
5. The bottom line is that there is nothing you could do that we could not "handle." We love you. The word "love" is an action verb. We will always listen. We will support you practicing your launching and also hanging out back at the nest. Be safe out there...

Happy Ending of 2010- It's All About Character, Loyalty and Courage

2010-12-29T19:12:00.000-08:00

The Pledge of Allegiance per Red Skelton- Inspirational!

2010-12-19T19:27:00.000-08:00

Caught in a Bad Romance- Satire!

2010-12-15T21:18:00.001-08:00

Opera Company of Philadelphia "Hallelujah!" Random Act of Culture

2010-12-05T17:35:00.000-08:00

The Story of Jonah told by a little girl and lasts 7 minutes- Bellisimo!

2010-12-04T18:13:00.000-08:00

The story of Jonah from Corinth Baptist Church on Vimeo.

Former General & Pilot is 100% Sure It Was a Missile Over Los Angeles

2010-11-15T09:15:00.000-08:00

U.S. Supreme Court Mulling Over Violent Videogame Restrictions as Banning Free Speech?

2010-11-06T05:04:00.000-07:00

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c

You're Welcome - Violent Video Games

www.thedailyshow.com

Daily Show Full Episodes

Political Humor

Rally to Restore Sanity

Italian Reverie

2010-10-23T18:43:00.001-07:00

Benvenuti in Italia! Spero che il vostro volo è andato bene. Io vi amo tutti! Ciao!
<3

Happy Halloween from Jib Jab

2010-10-23T18:36:00.001-07:00

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Space Launch with Sound! Starts at 1:30...

2010-09-05T10:10:00.000-07:00

Rudy Giuliani Finally Speaks Out About Ground Zero Site: Healer?

2010-08-19T11:30:00.000-07:00

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Massachusetts Indicts 9 for Contributing to Phoebe Prince's Suicide

2010-03-30T20:59:00.000-07:00

Mark Parisi's Rendition of the Teen Brain Rocks!

2010-03-24T09:00:00.000-07:00

Spring of 2010 household tasks:

-make final decision on college and pay deposit with parents' AMEX

-select prom dress and site of spring break where will take pal and parent

-plan senior trip with one set of friends

-plan second senior trip with other group of friends -plan mother-daughter trip and email plan to mother -reserve dormitory space -meet new college mates on Facebook -oh, yeah... drop by high school classes and do homework and eat.

Gotta love senior year...

My Cubicle - Yahoo! Video: Can Anyone Relate?!!

2010-03-06T21:58:00.001-08:00

My Cubicle - The best home videos are here

E-Secure Security Camera System

2010-02-13T10:05:00.001-08:00

Surprised Kitty (Original)

2010-01-24T07:06:00.001-08:00

Education for All

2010-01-18T19:44:00.001-08:00

What a wonderful PDA for the state of our California K-12 Educational System... Thank you, Miss Ali-

Twibbon Santa Hat!

2009-12-05T08:38:00.001-08:00

Ride Of My Life

2009-11-08T16:54:00.001-08:00

Wow! I wish I could do that!!

Archbishop Mitty Vs Bellarmine 10/23/09

2009-10-24T12:38:00.001-07:00

Happy Halloween!! Starring... Matthew!! and costar, Hilly...

2009-10-18T17:48:00.001-07:00

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

What the Heck is This About? Art Students Living in the Towers Before 911? From FederalJackDotCom

2009-10-13T05:30:00.000-07:00

Evidently, these art students had temporary construction passes to live in the towers for over a month with over 2 tons (?) of equipment before 911?

Dough a Deer

2009-10-06T22:11:00.000-07:00

See more funny videos and Funny Videos at Today's Big Thing.

Kitty Dance

2009-10-06T21:35:00.000-07:00

See more funny videos and Cute Animals Videos at Today's Big Thing.

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See more funny videos and Cute Animals Videos at Today's Big Thing.

Happy Autumn

2009-10-03T16:08:00.000-07:00

Happy Autumn to all... I want to decorate for Halloween, but some family people are objecting to this notion: "It's TOO SOON!!"

So, I just have to settle for a harvest theme in the back yard and we'll see how it goes for NEXT weekend...

High Jinks on the High Seas!! Teens Get Wild

2009-09-19T13:34:00.001-07:00

Water 360 Trick Landed! Go, Kiowa Jack!

2009-06-17T06:51:00.001-07:00

Senior Prom-o-Magic

2009-05-03T21:14:00.001-07:00

Of Course, You Planned the Dress to Coordinate with the Yellow Roses... Looks like you all are ready for a lovely fun evening...

Ever Had THIS Feeling?!!

2009-05-03T15:27:00.001-07:00

"Mom! Will You Be My Prom Buddy?"

2009-05-02T19:27:00.000-07:00

So, recently, our baby girl (almost 17) asked me if I would be willing to hang out with her while she did all of the "prep work" to assist her in attending her first senior prom. Even though she is a junior, this is the first dance occasion where she is not attending her own prom... because it is on the same night as that of the BF... Since he IS a senior, she graciously agreed to attend his... with his friends and their dates and GF's. Not a problem for an outgoing "nobody is a stranger" kind of young lady... However, this meant that she would be without "the usual suspects" (her girlfriends)... all of whom always get ready together... and so, she needed a "Prom Buddy." I was happy to "fill the void." My PB Mission: Assistance with... the Dress, the Shoes, the Hair, the Make-Up, the Jewelry, the Mani, the Pedi, the Prep for the "After Prom" Event, the Flower for the BF, the Final Funds (from her dad) and... oops... MY CAMERA... (again!) It has been weeks of intermittent "prep work," culminating in a marathon today... This afternoon, her dad and I admired our little lemon chiffoned, silver heeled, freshly coiffed, MAC'ed 5'10" chicky and her equally fine looking (and taller!) BF embrace, say their goodbyes and begin their evening... We just smiled back at them, held hands... and remembered... when we felt all of those "Prom" feelings... Now, I reflect on the fact that I enjoyed being the "Prom Buddy" about as much as I enjoyed my own proms... differently, but just as deeply... Besides that... we remembered that WE don't have to go out and dance 'til dawn! As it is... I think both of us are exhausted!!

Swine Flu Updates Directly from the CDC and Department of Human Services

2009-04-30T09:37:00.000-07:00

Puppies for Easter!!

2009-04-12T08:45:00.000-07:00

Nothing speaks for Spring like the frisky noises from... no, not bunnies.... But PUPPIES!!

In honor of the celebrations of Easter and Passover and Springtime... here is the preview of the new Presidential Puppy.... "Bo," bought by Senator Ted Kennedy for the First Family. Please note that he is dressed accordingly!!

Have a Springtime Chuckle!

SuperGirls!!! Fly Away!!! Summer 2006

2009-03-24T21:55:00.001-07:00

What a great time these two teens had, flying across their room and making all sort of RACKET!!

I Am Just Toooo Cooool for You.....

2009-02-15T11:50:00.001-08:00

Well.... It just always starts out like this... Two boys jockeying to see who is going to be the hold out for the big HUG! On the right, we have one standard 10 year old... on the left, a wily, savvy 18 month old... Who will win this dual of WILLS??? Let's watch and see who prevails.....

Friends... I Just Love Hamsters Doing the Hula Hoop!

2009-02-15T11:43:00.001-08:00

Well... what else is there to say? Better to have your hamster doing the hula than running around in those wheels in your head!! My hamster wears a pink tutu... and there is no end to the relaxation this visual can bring you. Ahhhh..... Relaaaaxxxxx.... That's rightttt... Now, take a breath........ and... again...... See? ...... Start to feel the shoulders relaxxxx.... Ahhhh.....

Facing That False Pride Obstacle ... Go, Dude!!

2009-02-13T20:01:00.000-08:00

Wow!! What might happen if you actually go to the tutorial center on your college campus, ask for help in figuring out how you can break out of the "solid B" grade on your English essays... You know you can write... we know you can write... you love to write... so, what is the hold up?

Ohhhh, that's right... There is that little teeny thing called "false pride." It doesn't sound pretty; but, there it is....

So, you grew up through that FP phase! Congratulations!

We are so proud of you!! Your challenge was right there in front of you, you met it straight on, and you triumphed... We don't focus on the grade, as you have heard before (!) but only to the extent that you did your personal best... You did that personal best, with your meeting your challenge, overcoming your obstacle and being blessed with an "A+" on top of all that... Okay, so go and snowboard at Vail all day, today... and all weekend!!xo

Post Holiday Season Reflections...

2009-01-18T22:00:00.000-08:00

What an amazing dozen of weeks it has been... The great moments included health, contentment among many, gratitude for our blessings and thankfulness for our family and friends...

Gladly, children were home, there were great connections with extended family members and reconciliations among many...

College people appreciate returning home, where the door is always open, and a safe harbor awaits.... Not to mention great food, treats, constant entertainment and other high school people competing for the best bathroom!! Thankfulness surrounds this season, full of reflection and hoping for peace and stability in the new year...

Buff Family Weekend 2008

2008-10-24T21:51:00.000-07:00

We Are Deeply Thankful for our Family Weekend...

That particular location used to be in our home; within our neighborhood, our community, our soccer fields, our family and our friends.... Now, our togetherness "lives" that reality in a new place: (GO, BUFFS!)

What a great time to be together, although it does not replace the nightly dinner together at the table, with the candles and music at play... We miss those discussions about politics & history & the gold standard & Socrates & the Sharks, the Earthquakes & the 49'ers. Now, we enjoy discussions about other things: Dad loves talking about math & other girlie-girl topics, as you can imagine!

We hope you continue having a great time, actually studying a bit, making friends from all over the land, and running your 8 miles a day... Please eat more protein and we'll see you soon.. xoxo

A Moment of Reflection and Gratitude

2008-09-24T20:50:00.000-07:00

I received two wonderful gifts this last week:

Gift #1: One marathon telephone call from Mr. College Freshman, responding to our simple text message: "Did you get the tickets?" (That took me a pathetic 16 minutes to type a text!) He was out running his 7-8 miles per day (News to us: Is he still in training?) and he wanted to chat... A few minutes with me, 15 minutes with his dad, and then the phone came back to me and we talked for 2 hours... I think I said 26 words... He talked about many things, most of which are "classified." At the very end of this call, Mr. Cool said "I want you to know that I couldn't really call and talk to you guys until I knew I was settled in here... not because I forgot about you... I love you guys..." Pinch me.

Gift #2: One email from a consistently-in-contact childhood friend... We met when I was 12 and living in upstate New York. We were part of group of pranksters who staged huge snowball fights, rode toboggans (standing up!) and played relentless games of Monopoly on snow days... We thought we were hilarious when we (while cleaning the church) answered the church's phone by saying "XYZ Church, God speaking." These guys taught me how to jump off the traditional "cliff" into Nyack Lake, how to flip baseball cards and how to "throw (news)papers."

My friend's family was like a "second family" to me. He and I have always chatted about twice a year. His parents visit my family whenever they are in town, and he stays with us for a few days, every couple of years. He wrote to say that he was reflecting on his life, back to "all of the great moments we all had shared" when he was visiting out here.

When I started to read this, I froze, wondering if he was ill. (He was not.) He recalled many of our wonderful schemes and adventures over these many years... and I smiled and reflected, too... Then, he just thanked me for my friendship, that we were always welcoming to him and our inviting him on all of these various outings over these last 30 years... I read these amazingly kind words and cried. Pinch me twice.

A Time for Letting Go...

2008-08-23T16:15:00.000-07:00

So... some of us are off to college! Some of us hung out at "Bed Bath and Beyond and Best Buy (did you know they merged?)" Some of us zipped through the high desert of Wyoming while others rattled around in "Old Paint!" There were a lot of high points in our adventure: too many to count... But, there was a great moment where the driver next to us cruised right through an EXTREMELY red light... and there were two motorcycle cops at the intersection, watching her scuttle right through. It was awesome!! Haven't you ever watched that happen and thought "Where is a cop when you need them?" Me, too! So, it was so rewarding watching them turn on their lights and chase after her! I don't wish misery on anyone, but this was just too much to take. I thought they could have driven faster ("Blue Buick Eludes Cops in High Speed Chase through College Town!") but, it was still a great moment! Great people, fine ribs, beautiful campus, perfect weather, nice dorm, used textbooks, fun with a son... and time to say goodbye and we'll see you at Family Weekend. Of course, we love our new black and gold flip flops!

I Miss My Brudder!!

2008-08-07T22:43:00.000-07:00

Hi Mattie...

It's your Hilly...

xoxo

Congratulations to Wildcat Matt!

2008-08-07T20:57:00.000-07:00

Such an exciting time! Here is the smile of an adventurer!! His baby sister is back in D.C. for 2 weeks at a national leadership conference... meeting other teens from all over the US and Europe, working very hard, having a blast and thriving... ("Mom, the Solicitor General spoke about...")

She and her brother have already started to "VideoChat" while she's been away... ("Mom! We're encrypted!")At home, we are getting down to the wire, preparing to take our "Baby Boy" to college... The other morning, I suggested that we go buy new sheets for his dorm room. He looked surprised and asked "Don't they have sheets, there?"

I tried hard not to laugh (with mediocre success) and said no. He asked "Well, do they have beds?" I said yes; they are extra long, though... "Well, then I want to take my pillows, definitely..." said the 6'1.5" Freshman... and still growing... You may have your pillows... Absolutely... And anything else you need... Anytime... Signed (with love), xoxooo

Your Parents

(who are thrilled for you and wistful and missing you, already, silently!)

One is "Off to College" While Another is "Off to DC"

2008-07-27T19:27:00.000-07:00

Frequently, very loving and attentive parents will ask me "This is our situation. What should we do?" I say "Congratulate yourselves that you are asking, at all! Now, I have some bad news: How in the heck should I know... We are all in this, together!"

Routinely, I am quite candid about how scary "raising children" has been, even so far, for us... As a 12 year old, when I lived in upstate New York, my friends and I used to toboggan downhill, standing UP, at NIGHT! (I have witnesses who are willing to testify that I always went first!)

But, that was NOTHING, compared to the terror and daunting nature of raising children, both toddlers and teens, in particular. I was working on a photo album today, for my college bound child... (He won't care, but if I don't do it, he will later say..."You didn't do that for ME!")... and he saw a picture of his father and I on the day we married... He said (tactfully?) "Wow- look at that happy couple, with dark hair and big smiles... before children started beating you down..." His father and I looked at each other and cracked up! His dad said "We are not beaten. You flatter yourself."

Another child (new driver's license/new used car/great sunglasses/braces-oops!) is preparing to go off to the East Coast for a leadership event in "Trial and Advocacy." We told her she may just seek to learn a few tips beyond the relentless use of "kissing up" and "wearing down." She is very loving, strong willed as he**, extremely thoughtful and detailed about showing it, while also caught up in her zest for adventure... We don't blame her... we give the permissions, hug her close and pray...

Both of these teenagers have told me, privately, ("You know, Mom...") this last week, the EXACT number of days (accurately, because I already counted, but I didn't tell them!) which they have together until they go their separate ways... and how many days they will be together before the "Off to College Odyssey" begins... That will be one day, later this month. Sometime along, I will tell them about their shared anticipatory loss of each other. We are so very

fortunate... We are the grateful embracers of the "Crazy Times."

Baby's Changes I Almost Forgot to Mention...

2008-07-20T20:42:00.000-07:00

I almost forgot to mention that the little boy who was so worried in the last photo (post before last) smiled in this next one, which was taken a few seconds later, after he heard me say "Hey there, Zama Zama!"

Going off to college, with only a few weeks left. I put a bunch of freshly laundered bath towels in a bag for one of your "Off to College" boxes. I folded them, like I always do, placed them gently into the clean storage bag, and cried... I guess I'll have to break down the boxes in the side yard ;-) and do something interesting with all of the soccer balls and various pieces of this and that... Even though you are 6'1" and 170 lbs, I still see this little guy... Thankfully, you never read this, much less know about this blog, so I can say to others that we really can miss them, terribly, all along the way... even when they are driving us OOOM's!!

In Honor of the British Open's Final Round Today!

2008-07-20T20:07:00.000-07:00

Wellllllll... Now that we had a chance to play a wee bit of golf... guess who smacked a golf ball into a tree, which ricocheted off multiple branches within ONE tree and landed here... Of course, we left a note with our name and number and then stopped by, later, so we could actually meet the owners of the windshield... They could not have been more gracious.... Have you ever met anyone who actually did this? Neither had we! Now, THAT makes for an expensive afternoon... I love playing golf with my husband and making new friends with others, including a few trees ;-))

Apple iPhone 3G Launch Reminds Me...

2008-07-12T19:42:00.001-07:00

Well, some teens say "I think adults don't like us," or "Why don't the checkers help us?" "Are we INVISIBLE?!!"

After experiencing numerous encounters (for positive reasons) with Apple Stores, both of my teens and many teens connected with peers, girlfriends, clients, neighbors, other pals... have united in a cry: "We are visible here!"

Starting out as an unhappy infant... ("I don't like this angle!")...

Becoming a happy teen customer... (check out the next blog!)...

Ya just gotta wonder!

What A Flying Hard Head!

2008-07-06T04:20:00.000-07:00

So, the saying goes, "It's your 18th Birthday... You're a Legal Adult..."

What a bunch of noise is that! Actually, it is more like:

"You're 18. Congratulations. You have just been plunged into a legal abyss: you are not financially able to take care of yourself, your judgment is controlled by good logic, interrupted by whim, and you have all of the duties and obligations of an adult..."

Wow..." Ever heard of a "Legal Fiction?" Here is one: based on political decisions made during the Vietnam War...

Moral of the Story? Stay in School, Slow and Steady Wins the Race, Launch Deliberately and Avoid having to make apologies later... ;-)) I wish I was as smart today as when I turned 18, because, when I was 18, I knew everything.... no, really.... I did.... oh, yes, I did...... ;-)

So.... The Name.... of the Game... Is....

2008-06-09T19:35:00.000-07:00

WOW...!!!!!

Considering the humiliating fact that I am a very marginal-special-needs-blue-parking-tag type of athlete, I am shocked (and awed!) by how much I have enjoyed taking photos at soccer games over the last 14 years. No, I only took photos for the last 4 and videos for the last 2... But, it has FELT like 14, several times...

But, it boils down to this: this is SOMEONE ELSE'S sport (not mine) and these are HIS goals (not mine) and if HE wants to continue to play (or not)... my own soccer photo days and editing weekends are quietly fading into the sunset...

I took this picture last year, at the end of a brutal tournament, where a certain team prevailed... that was one of their shining moments, just like my letting go of this shall be an opportunity for one of mine... :-))

The Juggling, Sailing and Sharing of Feelings!

2008-05-25T17:36:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful trip! Where else can we sail along, listening to the wind and the waves... and the soccer ball... and the incessant talking of an adolescent, who wants to share his feelings about his life as a teenager... He has a lot of words and emotions to share.

My biggest question is... How does he do that juggling?

2008-05-13T14:25:00.001-07:00

Sent from my iPhone "Just Because I Have Learned How!"
Valerie Houghton:-)

Isn't This the Sweetest Face, Ever?

2008-05-13T13:30:00.000-07:00

So... when did this all change? From this little sweet face with the flat little voice to the angular closely shaven face with the "I'm taller than you" deep voice... the soccer ball is still the same... and so is the sweetness. He's a smarty pants prankster, random fact quizzer, math whizzer, perpetual arguer and negotiator. He threatens to go to law school...

He'll be turning 18 soon, leaving for college in the fall, all fired up with his OPINIONS about biofuel, history and politics, while eagerly anticipating his "first opportunity to vote" in November! He is planning on registering as a Republican, just like his dad!

Thank you to our own wonderful long term family therapist (You know who you are!) for helping us get through several periods of parent/child rocky waters, when our little darling could not hear us (the PARENTS, sigh!) and/or when his little sister was driving him nuts... So far, so good...

We will miss you, sweetie... We love you very much, whether you're off with your friends, away at school or draped all over the house. We'll keep the light on!

We Love Our Teenagers... No Kidding!

2008-04-28T21:36:00.000-07:00

So...

Several years ago, we had a visit from a high school friend of mine, whereupon our son asked "Was my mother a hippy?"

My old friend has always had a wicked sense of humor, gave me an evil grin... and said "Oh, Yes..."

What a crock...
I was a preppy before we HAD preppies...

Thanks to my old, dear pal, my son LOVES to periodically remind me, "Mom, you were a hippy!" "And Dad went to UC, Riverside!" WONDERFUL... What can I say?

Our oldest is almost 18, his little sister is almost 16... both taller than me and our son is almost taller than his dad, (at 6'2.")

We (the "parents") just celebrated our thirtieth (30th!) anniversary... and I cannot even begin to describe our celebration/ cards to each other... much less our handmade card, with photos, with handwritten notes, from these two sophisticated Catholic High School students- one a jock + geek, the other a creator + PSAT geek... and they are so close and have such fun together, it is worth everything, every day...

So, if you ever wonder what is going on the last 18 months of your child's high school? I am here to tell you only about our experience ... and we would not have missed a moment of it...

Thank you to our own family's therapist, who met our children when they were small and was, over the last few years, upon numerous occasions, able to help them through periods when we were "not listening," and help them to refocus on their family's values, our daily shared time, and reassure them about our beliefs and absolute steadfast belief in them...

We knew she would not try to be their "pal," nor throw us under the bus... and we were more than happy to write the check to the person to whom they would be able to listen... when they could not hear us... They can hear us, most of the time...

I wish I was as smart, today, as I was when I was 18... because , at that age, I knew... :-))

We are so grateful to our family therapist and all of our blessings...

Mattie, we will miss you and playing "History Channel Olympics" and/or "Trivial Facts Olympics" and/or "How to Subvert Saying Grace."

Our love, with Emotions... Feelings ... and arm waving Passions!!!

Your Parents

What a Wonderful Year

2007-10-09T20:41:00.000-07:00

What a Summer!! The "Teen Crowd" begged us to be able to "Stay Home" this summer!
We had to listen to them, this time ... We knew this was coming... and we have spent our "free" time doing the following "Teen Concierge Activities": Pick up friend/Take to other friend's/take to lunch/pick up other friend/soccer soccer/drop girls off at mall or maybe.../soccer soccer/... we should make a movie?/soccer soccer soccer/ Oops, one of you forgot her purse/ipod/sunglasses/make-up/money/ and "What happened to my phone?/camera?/laptop?/sunscreen?/do you think I should do my nails in "Zebra Stripes" with a light coat of glitter?" (Wow... we used to use "Sun In!")
More soccer soccer soccer/travel/soccer soccer/travel/soccer soccer... and so it goes... TWICE!! Thanking our blessings- and wishing you, yours... What a wonderful year...

Best Pranks on the Planet

2007-08-10T22:17:00.000-07:00

Okay.... Now, I would love to have heard the conversation which preceded this resulting bit of folly. I can only imagine the chatter after the big BOOM BOOM sound. Was it a simple "Woops..." or more like "OMG!" or what...EVER?
I nominate this for BPOTP!

You have GOT to be KIDDING...Right?

2007-08-10T21:55:00.000-07:00

Wow! What a crazy time: Kidz,Dogz,Catz, Have you had that FEELING lately... it's just a bit too much? Of course, we'd love to drive you teens to the beach... Of course, we LIVE to go to three-day-soccer-tournaments in the central valley in August while we skip our annual family vacation in Tahoe... on the water... on the golf course... on the jet ski...
But then, I remember that we have less than 365 days with both children living at home. Then, I really get shaken when I figure out that in about 1100 days, both children will be launched into College Land.
Wow! Let us pause and inhale the moments and thank our Lord and the Universe-with-its-Infinite-Sense-of-Humor...
Embrace the "Crazy Time"...

A Time for Life and a Time for Death

2007-04-26T21:45:00.000-07:00

What a tragic mass murder at Virginia Tech...My heartfelt prayers go out to the families and friends and the community there in that beautiful lttle town. There are no words to comfort the survivors of this vicious and senseless slaughter of lives and souls and innocence.
People ask "How can this happen?" or "Why us?"
There is no rational understanding; no spiritual justification.
I refuse to remember the name of the monster who did these acts.
When I was an undergraduate nursing student at The University of Texas at Austin ("GO HORNS!") I walked by the Tower of Texas several times, every day. We were free to go up to the top and I remember studying for a Chemistry Final with an old pal while up at the top. There was no net, no bars, and no shooters. But, all of us, back in 1973-1977, remembered a man named Whitman who had used that beautiful site to shoot students, back in 1966.
Although I knew about that event, including the year, the name and the number of victims, I never felt a residual horror of that violent day.
I pray that same peacefulness triumphs in Virginia, as well.

Stop Racism Today

2006-12-18T01:08:00.000-08:00

Holiday Hugs

2006-12-17T10:30:00.000-08:00

Have Some Holiday Hugs!

Let's Dance!

2006-12-10T21:20:00.000-08:00

Let's Dance! Promote holiday happiness and release your inner dancing kitty...

Cheery Christmas Prep

2006-12-10T20:20:00.000-08:00

Happy December, 2006...

Such a beautiful moon, as we prepare for the winter holidays! Finding the perfect recipes, choosing the perfect gifts and planning the perfect occasions? You bet! A teenager asked me today,"Isn't it boring to have Christmas with babies?" "Weren't we boring, then?"

I cracked up, saying "No! It is SUCH a blast! Everything is new and exciting!" Babies' eyes are wide with wonder and excitement. They love the stories, the lights, the wrapping paper and the familiar gatherings of people who love them well.

A little boy I know, used to call Christmas trees, "Pretty Pretties!" And let's not forget all of the other little things... I hope we all will rediscover our wonder during this holiday. Peace on Earth and Joy to you...

Tip Off for Teens

2006-12-04T23:11:00.000-08:00

Zoom! Zoom! Zoom! Zoom!

So... every adult we know has said "What WERE you thinkin'?" for getting a used 2002 Audi TT for our 16 year old son ... Gotta tell you that both his dad and I drove sports cars when we were 16, with manual transmissions and mine was a ragtop (Datsun 2000), while his was not... I got zero tickets and no wrecks...

Why have we done this?
This teen is very responsible, gets excellent grades, excels at challenging sports, does a lot of community service without fussing at all, is generally kind to his sister and to us (meet the parents) and is cautious (although he times his jokes for when I am drinking my milk, I swear).

Do the work, earn the treats. Any questions?

My-Oh-My... What a Surprise!

2006-11-16T20:19:00.000-08:00

Did you hear the story about the healthy 52 year old guy who had a heart attack without any chest pain? No... It is not Chuck Norris, although our teens LOVE that one!

And, you can only guess what saved him! Thank you to the alert and fabulous firefighters at Fire Station #6 in San Jose, California and the wonderfully gifted cath lab and ICU staffs at O'Connor Hospital.

So... Here are lessons (from Friday, the 13th of October) :)

*Real Men CAN have heart attacks on tennis courts without pain and/or shortness of breath (even if they can run like bunnies and play as a 4.0!)

*Real Men CAN ask for HELP at the firehouse nearby (versus going home to "rest," where they often die!)

*Real Men CAN head for the firehouse "because I thought if there was a REAL problem, I didn't want to hear you say: 'So, Sweetie! What the hell were you thinkin'?'"

Great idea. This expression is one of shock and awe (with wild-eyed gratitude!)

Mouse On My Tummy - Cute Kitty Love

2006-11-01T23:25:00.000-08:00

Mouse On My Tummy - Cute Kitty Picture

Sooo, What a Crazy "Trip It's Been!"

2006-11-01T22:16:00.000-08:00

Just so you know,
I've been out of the office and almost out of....
I've had a recent reminder about how fragile life can be... not MY life, but the life of one of the VERY DEAREST to me. So, I thought I'd send you a laugh and a hug, at the same time. And I hope everyone remembers Jonee Mitchell singing: "... laughing and crying; it's the same relief!..."

My Cubicle - Yahoo! Video: Can Anyone Relate?!!

2006-11-01T21:56:00.000-08:00

MSy Cubicle - Yahoo! Video: ""

Just My Favorite Animal!

2006-10-24T20:31:00.000-07:00

You are Such a Thoughtful Listener...

2006-10-08T18:49:00.000-07:00

"You Are Such a Thoughtful Listener..."

"Can't you just read it in their face,

from the kindness in their eyes,

even though in every case,

they wish they could only BE more wise..."

We always take our work very seriously, but we cannot afford to take ourselves too seriously. I just love his sweet expression, don't you? Are we speaking with kind words? Listening with kind ears?

Now, THAT little guy knows how to REEELLLAAAAXXXX!

2006-10-08T15:22:00.000-07:00

So, Who Needs Family Therapy?

2006-10-08T11:58:00.000-07:00

Funny Videos

So, What's This All About?

2006-10-03T13:29:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Valerie's Blawg..

Since everyone laughs at how I trail off my sentences with the phrase "bla bla bla," it is only natural that this could only have one name.

I'm actually originally from a place not too far (that would be "faw") from Boston. I love Boston and everything about that town! But, ... I digress...

Actually, I have a cast of characters who are helping me to write this for you (that would be "Y'ALL," from my years in Austin) and we're going to invite you to help steer us in the direction that interests you...

I'd like to talk about a few items on my mind:

1. I am a Democrat and I like Laura Bush. I am married to a Republican who still likes to give me a hard time about Jimmy Carter. It's not about the party, it's about "What have you been doing for us, in your role as a public servant, LATELY?" Show me more integrity, less dental work. I admire good dental work, but that's not my "everything"...

2. I do not believe that our beloved country is immune from Post Partum Depression. Even England, with their socialized medical system, has public health nurses that go out into the community and check on new mothers and their babies. I respect the fact that some public figures have written about their own experiences with this disorder. They have done wonders for many families, by talking about lives and their journeys through this often shrouded disorder.

3. I am so annoyed by how the media generally portrays therapy/therapists. I understand that there is new annoyance on the horizon! My favorite movies' portraits of "Therapy Land" (my name for it) are: Ordinary People and Good Will Hunting... What are yours?

4. I watch people all of the time. We all do. Do we really see each other? Do we watch each other with kind eyes? How difficult would it be for us to shift our focus?

5. Do you know how most people first encounter a legal setting? They usually first experience it as a child... either through the divorce of their parents or someone else very close to them. What do they see, through their childlike eyes? What do we show them? And what can we do to raise the bar?

Have You Ever Seen THIS From YOUR Your Teen?

2006-09-20T22:30:00.000-07:00

Dear Sally ...

...The (14 yo) daughter got her BRIGHT BLUE orthodonture installed... the parents are OVER fifty (that translates into a bit fatigued by 9) ... and at dinner last night, the child/teen said she had prepared a POWERPOINT PRESENTATION about why she believed she should NOT have to attend school today. MUSIC and everything... even her older (16 yo) brother was supportive! After all this jazz....the parents turned her down. They hate that. Guilt, heart twist......Or could it be chest pain? Dementia, et tu?

So, they gave her the Jamba-Juice-Love-Treatment. It broke their parental hearts how much the "BLUETOOTHBANDS" were hurting. Even Mr.CoolBro broke a sweat.

Parental take-away:

Our teens' needs are parallel to the needs that they had when they were toddlers. Teens = Toddlerhood 2nd x around.

We spent their babyhoods, toddlerhoods, childhoods and teens WITH them... so... guess what... they need us... still. These teens are getting ready for their launch and we are on CALL. Ten... nine... eight...