I Remember

Max saw this photo on my desktop and commented.

I remember that day!
I remember those exact clothes!
And I remember those people!

Except for that handsome devil in the middle!

The Circle of Perspective

We left Alameda, CA,  in May of 2012.  The kids and I have returned almost 5 years later in April 2017.  My feelings towards the San Francisco Bay Area are completely different than they were when we left.

2012:  I was so sick of this little island of Alameda.  I was tired of liberalism.  I had been exposed to it and believed in it for nearly two decades.  I had lived in California all my life.  Political Correctedness was all I knew.  California folk were all I knew and I was bored.  I wanted to explore the other parts of the country.

Although I lived in metropolitan cities most of my life, I felt like a naive country bumpkin.  I didn't know diversity in that everyone in Northern California had the same ideals.  I remember in 2008, walking through a street festival, two old white ladies sat at a humble table with a banner that promoted the Republican Party.  I thought to myself, "The balls on these two!"  For them to quietly, but overtly show their conservative support amazed me.  I felt like the pussy, never venturing out of a comfort zone.

Michael got orders to go to a new duty station in Tampa, Florida, and I was so excited to leave the West Coast.  I was finally going to see conservatives on their turf and see what it was like to be a true minority.  Yes, I'm a Pacific Islander and considered a minority in America.  A Filipino in California, however, is in the majority.  I couldn't wait to see rednecks and observe how they act.  I was braving uncharted-to-me territories.  I was really traveling.

2014: I was sick of Florida.  What I had not accounted for in seeing Conservative lands is the lack of excitement for new things.  The selection of organic produce and products is scarce.  Their museums did not have controversial exhibits nor were they interactive enough for children.

The Latin cuisine was uneventful.  I had heard about Cuban sandwiches and loved the Cuban restaurant Versailles in Los Angeles.  Their specialty was a roasted garlic chicken.  I thought that being closer to Cuban culture would wow me and give me the thrill of experiencing exotic cultures.  It felt anything but exotic.  A Cuban sandwich feels like any other toasted deli meat-filled sandwich.  One exciting discovery, however, was their version of empanadas.  With a thinner and fried crust, it surpasses the baked, doughful ones from the Filipino American bakeries.

I also was sick of being bitten by mosquitos and no-see-ums.

The allure of observing Republicans in the wild lost its lustre in the first half-year.  You pretty much get the idea when they open their mouths and spew thoughts.  They're not dumb; just different but not complexly so.  And the same could be said of liberals - they're not complexly different than the conservatives.

Michael now got orders to Washington, D.C.  and the promise of quality museums sat on the horizon.  There was bound to be more diversity and maybe a different kind of conservative to observe.  There might even be pockets of liberals that I could identify with.

2017:  I finally came to terms with the fact that I'm a Hippie at Heart.  There's no denying it.  I love organic products, recycling, podcasts, and unplugged children.  I also do not appreciate frigid temperatures.  Virginia, Maryland, and DC, have the terrible combination of cold winters and humid summers with mosquitoes.  April and September are the only two months in which the weather is perfect.  The other ten months are as miserable as being sick with a fever during a 3-hour architectural history final in an air-conditioned auditorium.

The museums were alright.  The only one that we frequented regularly was the Smithsonian's Natural History Museum.  The American Indian Museum was cool also, but its highlight was their cafeteria.  There were living history museums / farms, but the kids were not interested in visiting every one because they were so similar to one another.  Places and parks were also faaaar away from one another.  When I think of DC, I think of lots of driving.  Poor Michael thinks of lots of driving in traffic.

Michael's recent orders sent us back to Alameda.  And I am basking in the temperate weather and the plethora of things to do and learn here.  It has only been 3-1/2 weeks since we arrived and we may be bathing in the honeymoon phase.  We see how long our enthusiasm lasts.  I have a feeling it might last a while.

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Blast from the Past - Monster Truck Rally

I found other pictures from Michael's phone that brought back memories!  For Max's 4th birthday, Michael took Max to a Monster Truck Rally!  I was so excited for my little boy because I had always wanted to go to one of those events.  I almost tagged along!  But this was really meant to be daddy-and-son time so Simone and I did something else that day - probably tea. 

They had a good time and Max's ears were well-protected.  He still mentions the outing and is constantly playing with is monster trucks, crashing them into each other repeatedly.  

They threw an RV into the mix!

Buddies

Who Is 7 Years Old?

Who turned 7 years old today?

That gal!  Michael and I have been so busy working on the bus that we could only spare a couple hours to celebrate Simone's birthday.  We took her to the beach (finally) and she and her brother thoroughly enjoyed what is to be our last trip to a Florida beach.

Bus Visitor

Michael has been working so late in the bus.  Last night he was there way past midnight, but he was not alone.  As he was running wires for the electrical system, he saw a little creature from the side of his eye.  He grabbed him and put him in the kitchen for the kids and me to find the next morning.

After the kids and I observed him for a few minutes, we took him outside to set him free.

Despite his the abolishment of his boundaries, he did not move.  Instead he made a movement ... a bowel movement.  He must have been too freaked out to do anything else.

Bored, we left him and went inside the house.  When we went out again, he had left,  I bet that's the last time he'll visit the bus!

What the Weather?

Florida Winter is weird this year.  Or maybe it's weird all the time.  When it was Autumn, we didn't get the windy downfall of leaves and seeds as we had last year.   But it wasn't that the trees were evergreens.  They're deciduous!  And they're late!  It's one month left of Winter and now they decide to let go of their leaves.

Maybe the trees are defective because the trees haven't signaled its branches to make seeds.  Last year, we were inundated with the little balls.  Maybe we'll find them in the Summer ...

2013 Halloween Decor Outdoors

Last year, I felt a little bad that the kids' Halloween decor was so subpar.  This year, I wanted to step it up - not a lot - just  a little bit and with some input from the kids.

Max had made an Autumn-themed wreath in Gymboree.  It fit our decor beautifully!

Sparse webbing, but we were working on it.

Simone's pumpkin on the left and Max's on the right.
The baby pumpkin comes from Max's Gymboree art project

I love to be scared by zombies!

I let the kids take big swaths of webbing and decorate trees.  Here's what Simone concocted ...

Can you see the scary web?

Simone is very efficient when she's decorating

Max and Simone were actually more concerned about people coming to see their work.
They kept screaming, "Come see our zombie heads!  Zombie heads, everyone!  Zombie heads!"

I took the first green web/bow around the tree and tried to make it look more menacing.  Michael cleaned the shop vac's filter downwind in (my) hopes that the dust and dirt would latch onto the web.  It didn't turn out as rustic as I had hoped.  The web looked straight out of last year's Halloween clearance aisle at Target, which it was.

Delightfully, the kids took the hanging web blob and fastened it to the mailbox!  They also added a little touch of zombie to greet anyone or anything entering our mailbox.

Boo!

We had a great afternoon decorating and then playing in the said decorations.  The kids attempted to get caught in the webbing.  At one point, Simone took my camera and started taking pictures herself!

Heeellp!

Max the Fly looks quite happy to be ensnared!

But not for long because here comes the Giant Female Floripino Spider.

Max, the Sailor Man

Michael and Max had their own Daddy and Me time when Simone and I went to tea.  Michael chose an excellent activity for them - canoeing!

Michael took Max to the military base nearby and rented a little canoe.  After watching a video, they launched their boat off a rather tall (3-foot) pier.  Michael got in first and then Max, who bravely and cautiously scooted to the front and eagerly paddled.

I'm ready to go, Daddy!

Max is truly a water baby, he didn't have a seat belt on and was rather fearless about being so close to the water!  They two were only rowing for about 30 minutes, but in that span of time they were able to visit two beaches!

Land ahoy!

Argh!  Where are my gold doubloons?!

Michael taught Max how to rest by placing his oar across and in front of him.  Apparently, he thought it was so fun to rest that he did it about every 30 seconds.

Whew!  I'm taking a breather.

Back to the grind.

Max did so well out there and Michael came home beaming about the bravery of his son.  Simone was very impressed too and asked when her turn would be.  Frankly, I'm excited myself to try one of these little boats.  

Good job, little sailor!

Simone's First Day of 1st Grade

On Monday, Simone's school invited all students to meet their teachers for the new school year.  Simone was a little excited and was curious to see what Ms. Whitley would be like.

When we got to the school Simone started feeling nervous.  She clung to me and stayed quiet.  Once in the classroom, she tugged me close to her and whispered in my ear, "I'm more nervous than I thought I would be."  She was also disappointed that none of her old classmates she liked were in her present class.  I, on the other hand was excited for her to be with a teacher who had previously been teaching 4th grade!  I hope this gives Simone more challenge.  Max was also excited to see Simone's classroom because lounging on a shelf was a stuffed Pluto dog from his favorite show "Mickey's Club House: Road Rally."  Max asked to have it and wailed when I said he couldn't.  He insisted, "Yes, I can!"  Waaahhhh!!!  We left the meeting with Max crying, "Pluuuttoooo!"

The night before school was calm and I finally got my act together and got Simone to bed on time at 7:30pm.  The two kids were still hyped up, however, so I allowed them to sleep in the big bed until they fell asleep.  Part of getting back to the school year routine is for me to get to bed on time.  If I don't get up early enough, the kids get rushed with their breakfast and everyone is frazzled.  Max isn't going to school yet, but he always accompanies his big sister for drop-off and pick-up.

Simone was much more relaxed this year compared to last year's experience.

Simone is actually smiling on her first day.

Max is ready too

Simone wanted to take a picture with all her supplies.

Simone was very brave and never teared up.  She did want me to stay longer than we did.  I'd say we were with her for about 15 minutes.  I introduced her to her new classmate Emiylah who sits across Simone.  They were both nervous and ignored each other.

Max was super brave, approached Simone's teacher and asked,  "Can I have Pluto?"  And to my surprise, she gave it to him!!!  I assured Ms. Whitley that it wasn't necessary and she responded with, "Girl!  Do you know how many stuffed animals I have in that back cupboard?!"  As she was getting Pluto, Max turned to me and said, "I told you she would give it to me!"  I had to admit I was wrong and Max was doubly happy!

We left Simone as the Principal started her welcome speech.  Simone did not object but also was not joyous.  She started to work on her "All About Me" sheet that Ms. Whitley gave the students.  I miss her already!

Max on the other hand has his mind on his new friend Pluto.  I'm sure, however, that he will be asking to pick up Simone earlier than scheduled.

Zoo Trip in the Wagon

We had not been to the zoo since the beginning of the Summer and now the vacation is almost over.  I had to get the kids there before our schedule shrunk!

Back in June, Simone had asked me if it hurts lizards when they have to let go of their tails.  I told her we should ask a biologist the next time we went to the zoo.  I also asked her to write about it.  Here was her page and drawing:

"Dear biologist, I have some questions to ask you.
1. Does it hurt when a lizard lets a predator chop off its tail?
Huh"

So our first stop was to the "Discovery Zone" where they house their amphibians, arthropods, and reptiles. 

 

We had a fun time discussing the reason some frogs are brightly colored.  Simone already knew it was to warn predators that it was poisonous.  This information stuck in Max's memory because a few days later, upon hearing that a tiny frog was hiding in one of our jalapeno peppers outside, he asked, "Is it blue?"

They were not sure if the chameleon was real and Max dared to touch it.
Simone kept her distance

The kids were interested in the exhibits, but were very cautious.

We unfortunately did not come across a volunteer informant.  The zoo was overrun with day campers and their teenage counselors who seemed more interested in their smartphones.  But not to worry, the bird show was starting nearby!

We high-tailed it - or rather I hightailed the kids and the wagon to the nearby stadium whose show was starting in 10 minutes.  We made it in time for the kids to enjoy their lollipops.  Simone preferred to stay in the wagon until the music started.  Loud noises scare her and she had to scurry under the wings of her mama (pun intended).  

What I loved about this show was that it was different from the one we saw previously!  We got to learn new information about the habits of owls, vultures, and eagles, the last of which I didn't know preferred fish over small birds and mammals!

It was a sweltering hot day and I was thankful that the kids had the wagon to shade them.  They also didn't have to exert so much energy.  I however exerted a lot of energy pulling them and was glad when they asked to go home after only one train and one roller coaster ride.  Thank goodness we have a year pass and go whenever we want for as little time as we want.

Hopefully next time we'll encounter a biologist!

Goodbye Sam's Club

Since about 2006, we've been big box warehouse store members.  When we were in California, we went to Costco because it was convenient to our home.  Here in Florida, there are both stores and we enrolled in Sam's because of its proximity to our house.  While we did save money being members, I've seen the savings wane over the past year.  The reasons have been numerous:

1) Max potty trained and no longer needed diapers after 6 months into our membership.
2) Simone enjoyed washing her hands and was tall enough now to turn on and off the faucet.
3) Sam's Club has very little organic choices. Correction:  They have only 1 organic choice.  Carrots.
4) The Commissary at the military base nearby has more organic choices: Strawberries, mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, celery, blueberries, jelly, peanut butter, yogurt, milk, and tofu, to name a few!
5) The Commissary has something Sam's Club does not - Kale!
6) The particular Sam's Club that we frequent does not have a gas station, one of the advantages of having a membership.

I would go to Sam's once a week and found myself not really needing anything.  Or if I did need something, it was usually just a loaf of bread, which is something I can get at the Commissary.  It is a few cents more at the base, but I save money that money on gas.

I've contemplated Costco and even traveled to one to see if their selection was worth it.  They did have organic beef - whatever that means - but that sole grocery item is not worth the 30 minute trek.

It feels almost scary to not have access to a big-box store - as if I'm going to miss out on a deal.  But as I look at the picture above and see what Sam's has to offer, I feel better because many of the selection there is not healthy.  We did stock up on toiletries before our membership ended, but it won't last us a whole year.  Luckily we have the Commissary.  Next year might be a different story if we're not near a military base.

For now, au revoir, Sam!

Caterpillar Action

While harvesting some basil, I found the lone caterpillar had grown and was very active in the afternoon.  I carried out each kid one at a time to allow them more time to investigate and to allow me an extra hand to film the action.

Science Beyond our Backyard

I went outside to see the progress of the caterpillars and found out that our tiny row of carrots were not enough to sustain their appetites.  They razed the leaves and have either gone to search for more leaves (luckily not the basil) or have been eaten since they essentially ate their camouflage.

I did find one caterpillar that looked like he had been the runt of the group because he was as big as the others were when I last saw the big bunch.  

I don't think we'll be able to see these guys metamorph in their chrysalises.   :-(   

That's ok, really.  We still get to see science around our neighborhood.  Today, while riding their bikes around the neighborhood, Simone spotted a lizard that was flaring its red throat flap while hanging out in the middle of the sidewalk.  I told Simone that he was trying to attract the ladies.  "See how red my throat is, ladies? I'd make a good father!"