Love you for your brains ;)

So we're late to this party, I know, but we are SOO into The Walking Dead. We starting with Season 1 in early December and despite my declaration after each of the first 4-5 episodes or so of "I have a headache from the stress, I don't think I can do this," we sped through Seasons 1 and 2 on Netflix before eagerly recording (and speeding through) the New Year's Season 3 marathon (This brilliant "The Emotional Roller Coaster that is The Walking Dead…" pretty much reads my mind and verbalizes all my feelings). I wish we were this dedicated to things like managing our finances or health care or vacuuming.

So when the mid-season premier of Season 3 came around and fell just a few days before Valentine's Day I was inspired by this dad to make a cool Zombie Survival Kit to celebrate. And since I didn't get a write-up finished in time for said mid-season premier, I thought I'd save it and offer it now. You now have 1.5 days-ish to put something together as an end-of-Season3 gift and/or Easter Basket for a zombie enthusiast.  Sooo here ya' go.

Aside -- I have to say... this second half of Season 3 has been a bit frustrating; up-and-down, compelling then boring. I think what I loved about the earlier shows is (although as a general rule I REALLY don't like apocalyptic, end-of-the-world-y fiction... History Channel hypotheticals are ok) was that is was unchartered territory... I mean, what do you do when civilization is basically gone and you're about to get eaten every other second? The small victories were so good and I felt like we were slowly peeing back layers of characters. Now, I'm like, "dude let's get it on with Woodbury already and let the chips fall where they may. And why for the love of all that is holy has nobody just shot The Governor when they had the chance?" I did love the episode where Rick finds Morgan again, and Glen and Maggie's engagement, and the really sad goodbye to Merle (yes he was a jerk but could he have been rehabilitated if he'd stuck around long enough? Was his last act really unselfish? Did it not break your heart when Daryl found him and had to put him down? I was really hoping he would've taken the Gov. out and then the finale could be a really nice wedding episode...lame? If nothing else, please don't let Daryl wear sleeves. End Aside.

Ok, so. I made my darling a Zombie Survival Kit. I didn't reinvent the wheel, I'm sure there are other and better such kits out there, but here was my jam--I wanted it to be affordable and I wanted to incorporate items that E would actually use. And I wanted it to be fun... this isn't like, serious emergency prep here. So with that in mind you could basically put anything in a Zombie Survival Kit for your loved one and just come up with some goofy explanations for each item. Or you could follow that awesome dad's example and package candy in fun ways, Here's what I did:

• Socks (I try to replenish his stash every Christmas but since I missed it this year, V-day was perfect timing) - "For when you need to run like hell"
• Underpants (I can only hear that word in Cory Matthews' voice, and again, I make sure he gets some new pairs annually) - "For when the you-know-what hits the fan"
• Duct Tape - "You can never have to much," Bungee Cords (because we'd been saying we needed some for the car), a flashlight to keep in his glove compartment... all from the 99 cent store and things that are useful for survival
• Gatorade - "Avoid Contaminated Sources of Water"
• Lifesaver Mints - "Because I couldn't wrap Daryl Dixon"

• And because he's been threatening to buy a crossbow, I was totally stoked to find this mini one at Party City, and in a moment of perfect timing, found a Groupon for a local amusement park for unlimited laser tag, a laser maze, ropes course, rock-climbing wall.... So I told him it would be great survival training (only with no blood, hopefully).

There's some awesome ways to package this (a metal lockbox or nice backpack, maybe?) but in the interest of time and money I used plain craft paper and printed some labels. I wanted my writing to look like some hastily written memo to fellow survivors, mission accomplished? Oh, and red paint.

He liked it.

How cute is he? :)

 Some other ideas for your Zombie (Walker) Survival Kit:

• Trail Mix
• Canned Foods
• Twinkies or Top Ramen - "Shelf Life Will Survive Any Apocalypse"
• Batteries
• Nerf Gun or Water Gun
• Water Bottle
• Swiss Army Knife or multi-tool (he already had one or I would've added this)
• Band-Aids, Advil, vitamins or other first-aid supplies
• Gloves (gardening/work gloves?)
• Gas Card
• Road flares to keep in their trunk in case of emergency
• Hand Sanitizer - "Let's Be Real, Zombie Guts Are Not Sanitary"
• Condoms - "As Exemplified by Lori Grimes, Unprotected Sex During the Zombie Apocalypse Can Complicate Things" (do not take this as my endorsement for giving children condoms)
• Gift certificate to play paintball, go to a shooting range, take archery lessons or for one of those cool Zombie Run 10k races
• You could package small candies like M&Ms and Skittles in old (cleaned) prescription bottles, package Fun Size candy bars in BandAid boxes, or wrap up Fruit Roll-ups in a roll of gauze so that as they unroll it they find more treats
• This awesome shirt which probably accurately describes my fate in the zombie apocalypse

Have fun!!

best-of =

Like much of the nation (and world, I would presume), I've been trying to stay updated--and, which is more challenging, understand--the Supreme Court hearings this week on Prop. 8 and DOMA.

I can't pretend to be a legal expert or Constitutional scholar or even someone who has a significant level of insight on the legalities of these cases and the nuances that may sway a Justice towards one opinion or another.  All I know is that people are people and that marrying the person you love is incredible. Love and the declaration of marriage vows is something to celebrate, not discriminate.

And at the very least, to those arguing that gay marriage would open up a flood gate of couples wanting to marry for GreenCards/HealthInsurance/TaxBreaks/etc......people already do that. I don't agree with it, but it's their right. If Britney can have a 55-hour Vegas marriage and Kim Kardashian can profit off of that shame-fest...if skeezeballs can divorce a wife of 30 years to pick up with their 22-year old secretary...if a gold-digger can work her way through four 85-year old millionaires...if half of all marriages end in divorce--then we've proven that as a society we've already let the institution and sanctity of marriage disintegrate beyond recognition. Allowing committed individuals to enter into a loving, devoted union with equal protection under the law could only strengthen the institution of marriage and the "fabric of society," that thrown-around phrase that seems to have lost most of its meaning.

Anyways, like I said--I'm not an expert on these matters, I just try to Choose Love whenever possible in my life. So I've compiled these links to people who have commented on the subject in much more profound, intelligent, poignant and humorous ways than I ever could. Some are 140-characters-or-less, some are longer essays which I encourage anyone to find the time to read (I managed to contain my ADHD tendencies long enough and I'm glad I did), and in some pictures are worth 1,000 words.

Until then, I'll just keep hoping and praying for all of us to look into our hearts for guidance and perspective... and that we have the grace as a nation to realize when we're wrong and the courage and strength to set the course right.

"The Conservative Case for Gay Marriage (Jan. 8, 2010)" by Theodore B. Olson for Newsweek

I wish I knew the original source of this -

Damn that spider.

Well-said!!

Buzzfeed does it again. --> "The 60 Best Signs Against DOMA and Prop 8 at the Supreme Court (March 26, 2013)" via Buzzfeed

Presh!

Interesting perspective --> "Young Conservatives Push for DOMA Repeal at Supreme Court (March 27, 2013)" by Amanda Terkel for The Huffington Post

I remember watching this episode of Ellen... it's so refreshing that she broke so many barriers with her natural charm, humor and relatable nature.

"‘cause you cant stop the motion of the ocean, or the rain from above.
you can try to stop the paradise we’re dreamin’ of…
but you cannot stop the rhythm of two hearts in love to stay." - “You Can’t Stop the Beat,” Hairspray by Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman

Can I pimp my own tweet? Only because I don't want to search for this picture file and to whomever made this graphic, I luuurrvv it :) https://twitter.com/likeleila/status/166990474849173504 

As a sports fan, I have been so in favor of athletes speaking up on the right side of this issue and standing up for teammates and competitors who have or may wish to publicly "come out." Baltimore Ravens linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo and Minnesota Vikings punter Chris Kluwe particularly stand out (and I could only dream of having Kluwe's mastery of the English language)

For anyone who doubts that a same-sex couple can raise a fine, upstanding citizen. 

And finally.... this is still fabulous and also needs to be made into an actual Broadway production.

Snow Day

I enjoy snow like, once a year. So when my bro-and-sister-in-law invited us to join them on a drive up to the mountains a few weeks ago for Sofi to see her first snow, we were like "I guess because I haven't seen snow since last November" "YesOhMyGoshHowCuteWillThatBeAndWeCanGetPie." I should mention that Julian, the old-timey mountain town we visit every year or so is famous for its apple pie. Also, I don't really care for pie. But it's the spirit of the thing and E likes pie, so....sold.

And Sofi did not disappoint. Seriously she is the most agreeable child. Our outing mostly consisted of finding a small patch of dry-ish pine needles for her to sit on (nobody remembered to bring a blanket or plastic for such purposes) and handing her snow. Oh, and some nice people let us borrow their sled for a few minutes.

So until next year's snow...  :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

The eyelashes on this angel!! I die.

 

Public Service Announcement: Viva los Mariachis!

San Diego and Tijuana Friends - I'm very excited to play a small part in Mariachi Week, the culmination of months of hard work by volunteers and the San Diego Opera.

This week you have opportunities to see free mariachi performances by groups from the world's largest student mariachi program—I'll be at Seaport Village on Wednesday and the Museum of Art on Thursday—and if you are interested there are still limited tickets available to Cruzar la Cara de la Luna, the West Coast Premiere of the world's first mariachi opera. Details are available on the SD Opera website below. I really encourage you to take advantage of this unique event and support these awesome students!

ENCOURAGE OUR STUDENTS-

ATTEND A FREE MARIACHI WEEK PERFORMANCE

If you have tickets to Cruzar la Cara de la Luna, we highly recommend you arrive at least one hour prior to the performance to enjoy one of these great student groups. If you don't have tickets yet, click here to buy your Cruzar la Cara de la Luna tickets!

As a music lover, you can have a huge impact on our next generation of musicians, simply by attending a FREE performance by one of our local high school or college mariachi groups this week during “Mariachi Week”. For full schedule, clickhere!

• Mariachi Chula Vista on Tuesday, March 12 at 5:45pm at the Otay Ranch Town Center
• Free Mariachi Celebration at National University  Spectrum Academic Center on Tuesday, March 12 at 5:30-7:30pm
• Montgomery High Aztecas on Wednesday, March 13 at 5:15pm at Seaport Village
• Bonita Vista High Mariachi on Wednesday, March 13 at 5:00pm at the Westfield Plaza Bonita Mall
• Mariachi Night at the Museums on Thursday, March 14 at 4:00-6:00pm. 
• Here’s your chance to enjoy a private after-hours visit to view masterpieces - with live mariachi! The museums will stay open until 6pm and each will feature a different mariachi group and a special art exhibit related to Mariachi, Music or Mexico. Tickets are $2 at the door (free at the Timken and Museum of Man). 

These talented students are not only excellent musicians, they’re wonderful performers who’ll put on an entertaining show– guaranteed. And mariachi music is fabulous –alive and joyful with a depth and passion that echoes opera. Real mariachi goes as much beyond the music you hear in your local restaurant just as opera goes beyond “O Solo Mio” – see a performance and you’ll understand!

If you can’t make it out during the week, come down to the San Diego Civic Plaza on March 16, where our region’s top mariachi groups will give free performances from 12:30 to 6:30pm.

PS - Happy Birthday Mom!! Love you!! (Imagine that all the region's mariachis are dedicating "Las Mananitas" to you at this very moment :)

Recently

Some recent thoughts.....

• Came across this video earlier this week. It's absolutely stunning (I thought it might be cheesy but I stand happily corrected).  I consider myself to have somewhat of a spiritual connection to threatened sea animals (that they don't know about), so this had me completely captivated. What must have gone on in order to create this is pretty mind-boggling when you think about it.  "Mantas Last Dance"

• Some very cool dudes who I've had the pleasure of talking some Padres baseball with via Twitter have started Padres Public, a superblog if you will, and being a professional in the marketing field (I guess technically you could call me that) I was compelled to respond to the recent discussion about the lack of good game day promotions.  Don't get me wrong, I've stuck with the team win-lose for the last 29 years and I'm not going anywhere, and I'm not one of those fans who only goes to the game on  Free Tee-Shirt Night (also, I have a bone to pick about why they only give out XXL shirts which are of no use to me), but for a team that has to compete with so many other entertainment options in this city - and the product on the field hasn't been enough to sell out games in the last few seasons - then it would serve them well to crowd-source some of these awesome ideas about what fans want to see at games. When you have only so much disposable income you want to get the most out of your experience, so although I'd go to every home game if I could, I have to be selective (and as you can see if you read through the comments, I apparently only care about good deals on ballpark food). 

• On that note, baseball is back!!!!!

• On a semi-related note - this. Can anyone help a nice girl with  big  moderate/realistic dreams and a willingness to work hard to move up in the world?  #AllIWantIsAJobICanFeelGoodAboutAndAFixerUpperHouseAndMyHusbandsAdorableBabies

• I have a reunion/anniversary coming up in a few weeks.... dunDunDUN. I was one of an amazing groups of girls who comprised the Charter Members of Alpha Gamma Delta's Delta Tau Chapter at Chapman University in March 2003. Which is great... but it also means I'm old.

However, I'm totes-def excited to see lots of familiar faces at our celebratory picnic and even got my custom-shirt on for the hubs when I saw this and he agreed to wear it. I found a local screenprinting place and had a similar design done in different colors that were more "him (aka - not lime green)."

• Also upcoming - for the second year we're going to see hot elite tennis players at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells (Palm Desert area). Unfortunately we weren't really as on-the-ball as we should've been so the seats aren't exactly where we would've liked and we couldn't find any hotels that weren't really sketchy-looking or $300+ per night (also, I'm really cheap) so we're making the drive up-and-back in one day, but we're totally looking forward to it and I feel super-blessed to be able to go on a little adventure (as much as San Diego is a pretty ideal place, I need to leave it once in awhile) and to have found another activity I enjoy with E (I didn't know anything about tennis when we got married 4+ years ago and now I'm a big fan). 

• I didn't my project done in time to post in the Pinterest Challenge but I'm hoping to finish it this weekend.... and because I have a half-dozen yellow paper lanterns leftover from E's tennis birthday party (which I still want to write up for the benefit of anyone trying to host a tennis-themed party because there's not nearly enough ideas out there) I'm planning to do some lantern re-vamping so that they can be used for the aforementioned Alpha Gam picnic and then finally passed on to Baby Sister who like most college students is trying to decorate an apartment with hand-me-downs and DIYs (I wish I had a pic of their ombre paint chip wall!). So expect a summary when that's complete  :)

• I used to watch a lot of CMT, but having changed viewing habits (aka - we DVR and Netflix everything so I don't do much channel-surfing) I wasn't aware that this had happened back in September and serendipitously noticed somebody mention it on the Facebook a few days ago.... Emmylou Harris and Mumford & Sons on CMT Crossroads. It's a match made in musical heaven and I've been enjoying the videos all morning. Do yourself a freaking service and take a listen. :)

• Finally --- TMI Alert --- I also broke a blood vessel in my eye this week from a migraine-induced vomiting-sesh on the side of the road... it looks so much worse than it feels so aside from E looking at me like I'm some pitiful creature it's not too bad, with the exception of not wearing contacts and feeling a little scratchy. But I think it's kind of WalkingDead-chic, if you're going for the walker look, that is. #IdTakeAnArrowFromDarylAnyDay