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    Friday, December 30, 2011

    Day Off = Welcome Free Time!

    My last day of official On-The-Job Work was yesterday (Work is Closed today!), which means:
    I HAVE A DAY OFF!! Woo hoo!!

    What to do with myself? There are  SOOO many choices, I can't decide.
    :)

    I have cooking I can do and recipe research....especially now that I'm having to move to a more whole-foods, non-processed food diet - kinda the like the Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD) [think grain-free, lactose-free, sugar-free, etc.]. So I'm looking at various recipes geared for the SCD.

    Tangent Warning:
              Its very interesting to see how much I've improved health wise now that I've extremely limited my grains - no, I haven't cut them completely - in the last few weeks, plus I've upped my fresh veggies and fruit, and nixed refined sugar (except for a couple of splurges - like a chocolate or two on Boxing Day with Family :). Not that I've gone overboard with honey or molasses as alternative sweeteners right now. Just cutting the sugar. Its AMAZING how much of our (American) food products have sweeteners - we as a society have so gotten used to sweet things!
          Between the new diet, and going twice a week to see an Acupuncturist (who's also a Herbalist & Nutritionist - she does a blending of practicing Eastern & Western medicine basically, and I highly recommend her! Dr. Kathleen Albertson, L.Ac., PhD - OC Acupuncture), taking the ground Herbs (blend of Evergreen Herbs mixed by Dr. Albertson) in my tea, I'm definitely seeing positive changes. I'm sure some of it is due to the fact that I'm just getting "down time" at the Acupuncturist visits (yay for relaxation time :). One immediately noticeable change is that my Adult Acne (which has gotten worse in the last few years) has drastically improved! YAY! (Who knew/guessed that it was a reaction to bacteria caused by my body not being able to process certain foods/things? My dermatologist sure didn't!) Anyways, there's other benefits/reasons that I don't feel like going into on this blog posting, but this certainly is a good start. Hopefully will have a much HEALTHIER year in 2012! :)
    End of Tangent 

    Let's see, I could also spend time baking, since I never did do any baking of Christmas/Holiday cookies (I'll have to give away the majority of what I make, but the baking itself is fun - plus it smells wonderful :).

    I could spend some much-needed time sewing (way too many current projects to list right now :) - or Knitting. (I'm currently trying my hand knitting a Sontag or Bosom Friend  from an 1860 pattern...with a little help from someone who's already tried it and written her notes/translation to the pattern: posted here )

    Of course, there are a TON of flicks in the movie theaters right now that I really want to see. (Finally!! There was a long stretch of "eh, no really that interested in spending my money on that movie" - besides my being super busy :).

    My list of Movies currently in theaters (some for not much longer, some just released, listed in no particular order) that I want to see:

    1) The Artist;
    2) Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy;
    3) Adventures of Tin Tin
    4) Hugo
    5) Muppets
    6) Mission Impossible: GP
    7) War Horse
    8) J. Edgar
    9) My Week with Marilyn
    10) Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
         (Yes, I've seen the Swedish films - guess its time to see how the US version holds up :)
    and
    11) Puss in Boots (still playing in my local Cheap/$2 theater :)

    I started Movie Weekend last night with "Breaking Dawn: Part 1" (Yes, the current Twilight Movie - no judging! :).

    I think I may try to see the Muppets & Hugo today (since they've been out longer and have limited show times).

    So many things to possibly do! Love it! :)

    Monday, December 26, 2011

    Merry Christmas!

    At DCA on Christmas day by marcailgaelyn
    At DCA on Christmas day, a photo by marcailgaelyn on Flickr.

    Via Flickr:
    view from Paradise Pier across Paradise Bay (looking at the giant light up Ferris Wheel) in Disney California Adventure. :)
    - - - 
    Merry Christmas Everyone!

    Nothing like an impromptu family trip to Disneyland! (That's the nice thing about some of us deciding to splurge and get the Top-of-the-Line Premium pass that lets us in any day of the week - no "blackout dates").

    Sara called in the mid-afternoon and said that as their prior plans fell through, Jeremiah suggested that they travel up & go to Disneyland for the rest of the day...and they were letting us know in case we wanted to join them. Heck Yeah! :D

    So around 5pm my folks and I headed over to the Park. Turns out they were just getting in line for Toy Story ride and we might be able to meet up with them in time. Jeremiah and Chloe were outside of the line (Sara & Keely waiting patiently in the line) so C could "explore" and get some of her wiggles out (since she'd soon be restricted in line again :).

    As we spotted C & J, C was next to the railing of Paradise Bay, looking out over the water. I snuck up behind her and squatted down to be on her level. She turned around, and gave a squeal of delight! Then she spotted Grandpa & Nana - another squeal! Such a happy little 2 yr old! :)

    We rejoined Sara in line and eventually made it to the ride itself. (If you've ever been on the Toy Story ride, you KNOW its a long line - but well worth it! :).

    In line for Toy Story Ride :)
    In line for Toy Story Ride :), a photo by marcailgaelyn on Flickr.


    Another pic from in line at Toy Story (Lil Miss Active)
    Another pic from in line at Toy Story (Lil Miss Active), a photo by marcailgaelyn on Flickr.



     I got to ride with Chloe and we sat facing her mommy, daddy, and lil' sister Keely.

    Sara, Keely, & Jeremiah at Toy Story (Chloe is next to me)
    Sara, Keely, & Jeremiah at Toy Story (Chloe is next to me), a photo by marcailgaelyn on Flickr.

    Let me just say:  C *LOVED* the spinning of the carts. (She kinda got how to fire the toy guns - pull on the cord - so I helped her out, let her try it herself, and then helped her out firing again).

    Chloe's Score & My Score. (Not bad for either when you consider I helped Chloe some of the time :)
    Chloe's Score & My Score. (Not bad for either when you consider I helped Chloe some of the time :), a photo by marcailgaelyn on Flickr.



    After Toy Story, we grabbed some dinner in the nearby food court area. (Side Note: the Holiday Special - slice of Beef Pot Roast with Whipped Potatoes & sauteed Veggies...and gravy of course - was excellent! Kudos to the Disney Chef/kitchen staff! Only downside is that their unsweetened Tea somehow got sweetener in it, and it wasn't until I had them check in the back after receiving Sweetened Tea twice in my cup that they discovered that. At least I got to exchanged for a bottle of water, so I was good :).

    After dinner, we headed over to the Bugs Life area where we went on a bunch of Chloe-sized rides. She LOVED them! :) By this time we were getting close to the Evening Fireworks time (they go off at 8:45p), so the Cornthwaites headed off to the Main Park to get a spot to view the Fireworks and the rest of us headed to our respective homes. (Fortunately we had just debarked from the Tram when the Firework Show started so we DID get to see a good portion of it standing in the Tram/Parking Structure area.)

    What a wonderful end to our Christmas Day - impromptu family trip to Disneyland was a success!

    And now, on to 26th of December (Boxing Day) - another day of Family! :)

    Tuesday, November 08, 2011

    Moorpark Civ.War Event is still a Go (even w/ forecast of Rain)

    Just got the word - our event this weekend is STILL on, even though the Weather Forecast looks pretty dismal. (Rain and 60 Degree Temps. Brr! Get chills just thinking about it!)

    Hopefully the rain will hold off long enough that we can our gear/camps get set up BEFORE the rain hits on Friday. (Fingers Crossed!!)

    Send some warm & dry thoughts my way, won't ya? (Weekend's challenge: stay healthy / don't get sick! :)

    Guess I better get cracking on those food items as I'll definitely need them this weekend!!
    -Becky


    EMAIL UPDATE FROM EVENT ORGANIZER:
    -----Original Message-----


    From: Ed Mann (Event Organizer)
    To: Massive Email List

    Sent: Tue, Nov 8, 2011 11:52 am

    Subject: Moorpark Reenactment Update





    My fellow reenactors,



    The Rotary has decided to go forward with the event this weekend. Yes, the weather report is not promising, and everyone is well aware of that, but the problem is that critical personnel on the Rotary's side will be missing the following weekend, so come what may, the event will take place as scheduled.



    The good news is that rainfall in Moorpark always seems to be different than what LA gets. Last weekend, the rainfall was 3/4 inch in LA, but only a third of an inch in Moorpark. The ground at the site is very good at wicking up rain, so the Rotary is optimistic that the problems with the weather will be minimized. Currently, no rain is expected at all until very late Friday night, so this should aid setup. Even then, who really knows at this point with weather predictions just what will happen and when? I understand that Sunday is supposed to be clear.



    So, now it's on to Moorpark. C'mon out and join us for the weekend.



    Ed Mann

    Monday, November 07, 2011

    Welcome Home Duncan Project

    Duncan Ellis HoogeveenVelociraptor Welcome MessageFlash

    Welcome Home Duncan, a set by casketgirl on Flickr.

    My friend Heather (@Casketgirl) recently had her baby boy...2 weeks early!! Mom is doing pretty well & is home from the hospital, but baby Duncan is still hanging out in NICU trying to recover from some mystery infection. Boo!! :(

    So, to help keep everyone's spirits up, they've decided to ask for Photos Welcoming Duncan Home - and thus was born the "Welcome Home Duncan" Project!

    Your task, should you choose to accept it (and I sincerly hope you WILL), is to take a photo of yourself* with a "Welcome Home Duncan" sign and send it in to Heather/Casketgirl.

    *Or a picture of any of the following (with a Welcome Home sign):  Children, Co-Workers, Pets, Garden Gnome(s), Action Figures, etc. . ;-) Be Creative! :)

    Email your Pics to "heather@pritchett.org" with the subject "Welcome Home Duncan".

    Thanks!

    -Becky

    ---
    Via Flickr:
    Our newborn son is hanging out in NICU trying to recover from a mystery infection. To keep our spirit's up we've asked friends and family to share some photos welcoming him home.

    Saturday, November 05, 2011

    November 5th - Guy Fawkes & the Gunpowder Plot (remembering 1605)

    The Conspirators

    Remember, remember the fifth of November, 
    Gunpowder treason and plot. 
    We see no reason 
    Why gunpowder treason 
    Should ever be forgot! 




    Guy Fawkes, guy, t'was his intent 
    To blow up king and parliament. 
    Three score barrels were laid below 
    To prove old England's overthrow. 





    Guy Fawkes

    By god's mercy he was catch'd 
    With a darkened lantern and burning match. 
    So, holler boys, holler boys, Let the bells ring. 
    Holler boys, holler boys, God save the king.






    And what shall we do with him? 
    Burn him!

    Bonfire Night



    Rhyme copied from: http://www.bonfirenight.net/remember.php
    Images from various places on the web.



    If you'd like to see how Guy Fawkes & the Gunpowder Plot have left a legacy (besides Bonfire Night) for modern times, check out this page: http://www.bonfirenight.net/traditions.php
    (Fun trivia :)

    Wednesday, November 02, 2011

    Jane Austen Evening 2012 Tickets NOW on sale!!

    January 2010

    Tix for the upcoming Jane Austen Evening 2012 are NOW on sale! Hurry & buy your tix if you want to attend - this event usually sells out within days of the tix going on sale! It is THE Jane Austen/Regency event for SoCal/LA County! :)



    I just bought my tix for the Tea & Dance (both portions of the evening). Better buy yours quickly as I hear they might already be 1/2 way to sold out!
    Hope to see you there!! :)



    Event Date: Sat, January 21st, 2012

    Location: Pasadena Masonic Lodge (Pasadena CA)

    Be sure to check the website for more details! :)



    -=-Becky

    www.HistoricalCitizens.org

    http://www.cgwcostumers.org/





    Me, January 2010




    ---------- Forwarded message ----------

    From: Dance & History

    Date: Tue, Nov 1, 2011 at 6:11 PM

    Subject: Austen Evening Tickets Now On Sale





    Jane Austen Evening Tickets Are Now On Sale

    To purchase tickets, go to the website at http://janeaustenevening.org/

    Tea + Dance tickets are $55. Dance only are $30





    You are on this list because you attended one of our events, or subscribed at lahacal.org, walternelson.com or victoriandance.org. You may unsubscribe by clicking the link below

    Walter Nelson

    Saturday, June 18, 2011

    CGW Goes to Harry Potter 7.1 (Nov 2010)

    DSC02974DSC02964DSC02965DSC02966DSC02967DSC02968
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    Via Flickr:
    Pics from the CGW Event "CGW Goes to Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows Part 1" on November 19, 2010.
    (I forgot to post these sooner :).

    ---

    Well, I *finally* got around to uploading my pic from the "CGW Goes to see the Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows Part 1 Movie" event last November.

    It was such a great time - we got a good number of people who showed up *in costume* no less, and of course lots of people staring at us (and occasionally asking us to take pics with them and or them telling us how 'cool' it was that we came in costume). We certainly enjoyed ourselves and especially the Picture Session afterwards (as evidenced by some of the fun posed photos we took in this set).

    I'm certainly looking forward to the NEXT event, though of course I'm sad that its the last one. After all...."It all ends 7.15".

    For More Details on the upcoming July 2011 event, check out our CGW event page: http://www.cgwcostumers.org/events/Event_20110715_HarryPotter.htm
    (we also have an event page on Facebook - so find us and click I'm attending if you're joining us!)


    p.s. you do NOT have to be a CGW member to attend, so bring your friends! :)

    Friday, May 27, 2011

    Anyone want to re-purpose a kitchen item?

    Attn: Any of my creative engineer-minded friends.

    I have a cheap hand-mixer I bought a few months ago but need to get rid of now. (Yes, you definitely get what you pay for!)  The motor is still working fine but its the *Beaters* that failed me! (Who would have guessed?!?) The plating is flaking off AS I MIX THINGS – NOT GOOD!!.  Hence I’m no longer going to use this product to make any food items and its just taking up space now.  

    Here's the thing:  I hate to waste a perfectly decent (though admittedly cheap) motor when it might be re-purposed for something else (& *far more creative*).   If *YOU* have a possible use for it, please let me know and I’ll get you the hand-mixer (sans beaters :) – you can have the fun of disassembling it for parts!

    :)

    Thursday, May 26, 2011

    Memorial Day Weekend is almost here!

    DSC00267Garden Grove Historical Society's saved historic housesDSC00264DSC00266DSC00268Strawberry Festival
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    Via Flickr:
    pics from the Strawberry Festival in Garden Grove, CA. (Saturday, May 29, 2010).
    ---------------------------------------------------------------


    And THAT means....Garden Grove Strawberry Parade & Festival!! YAY!
    *Kermit arms*
    :)

    Its a fun little/big municipal fair and its been going strong since 1958!! They have the BEST Strawberry Shortcakes (not to be missed)! Its always a treat to take a few hours and wander around, eating Fair Food, seeing what's for sale in the booth, etc....and Admission is FREE. :)

    For more info on the GG Strawberry Festival: http://www.strawberryfestival.org/

    My Garden Grove Strawberry Festival 5/2010 pics: http://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbec/sets/72157624267693192/

    (If you want to see pics on Picasa instead, my Picasa Album: https://picasaweb.google.com/rebecca.thelin/StrawberryFestival2010?feat=directlink or
    Strawberry Festival 2010
    )