Temperatures were ridiculously high this past weekend. Who says that global warning is a fallacy? To get away from the heat, we went out to Bunker hill. It was about 78 degrees there with a cool ocean breeze…. what heat wave? We hiked around and looked at all the army bunkers from the 30’s. It was pretty cool at first, then it got a little freaky when we walked through this long, dank, tunnel, with horseshit in it. The beach was crowded, but still beautiful. Nigel even ran towards the waves and started having one of his schizophrenic episodes.

Sunday, we escaped to the Emeryville green. It seems like it is still an East Bay secret, though it’s been around for a while. Temperatures were a lot cooler there as well, but I accidentally laid out on the grass a bit longer than I wished. Nonetheless, I got burnt (and I rarely get burned), and I’m downing advil to kill the pain. The hubster didn’t get any tint of color there… which is weird because he is white as can be. Anyway, as someone exclaimed, I was very stupid, stupid, stupid.

Composing has been all over the place. It has been ideas here and there, notes scattered, not organized, and pretty much a mess on the piano. But just last night, I finally came up with a theme. Not just a musical thought, but a thought and feeling in itself. It will be written for piano, cello, violin, and will describe something very personal. I even came up with a title, but thought it was too cliche to attach to the music. I may revert to a generic one, but not sure yet. In early June, I looked forward to summer break, but didn’t realize the battles that I would encounter, both personal and with others. At first, I felt hopeless and rushed to grab the white flag. Then I realized that there are no quick fixes to anything. So instead, I have taken a couple steps backwards. Try again and let some things go.

I am very relieved though, that Pigpen is coming to town next month. I haven’t seen her since our friend’s wedding last year. Pigpen always gives it to me straight. So hopefully, she can straighten me out! and why the name Pigpen? if you meet her, just look at her feet. Even after showers, they just become that way. The hubster was amazed by this anomaly when he first saw it with his own eyes.

Nigel got a military haircut on Tuesday. I think he was a little down about it, but hey, I keep telling him that it’s just hair. Although, I think the cut not only cut his fur, but also some of his brain. Last night at puppy jr high, he was the brat from hell. Or, he has dog ADD. We couldn’t even get his butt to sit down.

Although I love my little pup, I am a concerned parent. I believe that our little guy has reached his maximum intelligence capacity. As we teach him one new trick, he forgets the other. It gets squished out of his brain as new material comes in. He is very lucky that he is still cute!

World Cup was on Sunday and we had a little gathering of folks. Although Italy seemed to be the favorite, we were rooting for France. It would have been a better retribution for Zidane if he had just held his temper after the titty twister. If they had just won the World Cup and then afterwards, head butted the Italian dude, all would have ended well. At any rate, we’re a little bummed out that it’s all over now. Until next time…. four more years!!

The hubby and I just got back from Chicago this past weekend for his sister’s wedding reception. The reception was at her new In-law’s home in Belvidere, Illinois (about an hour away from Chicago). About 200 hundred people showed up and there was a beer truck, a DJ, four different kinds of barbequed meats, and massive illegal fireworks. Plus, the twin nephews got drunk off an alcoholic fountain punch and had instant hangovers. Everyone was in their kilts again, but w/out the fancy shirts this time…. it was hot and humid.

I have never been to the midwest before, and I must say that it was a bit of an eye-opening experience. As much fun as we had there with the two families, I must say that I am glad to be back at home. I am a total wimp when it comes to humid weather, and I love being around hills, mountains, and the ocean!!! Plus, I love vegetables and fresh produce. The politics is a lot different, and I can’t tell you how many American flags we saw over there. The cherry on top was when we passed by a home with the American flag painted on their entire two car garage. So, I made sure I didn’t bring up politics with ANYONE. I just realized even more, that we live in a bubble. Other than that, the it was great fun and was only sometimes awkward to be the only Asian person around.

Our little guy, Nigel, had to stay home and was he stayed with the hubby’s co-worker who has three dogs. Nigel now has a girlfriend named Bella. She is older, but they weigh the same. And damn! We missed him like crazy!! This was the first time that we traveled and was worried about anything at home.

Chicago was a lot bigger than I expected it to be. I guess I’m just used to little San Francisco. The people there were great, and I was just fascinated with the Chicago accent. We went to Billy Goat’s Tavern, where the “Cheeseborger” skit from SNL was taken from. I ordered a single Cheesburger and of course it was replied with, “Double’s better, double for you.” I didn’t argue, just ate my double cheese with pickles.

I’m so glad to be home though. I love our weather out here, I love our food, and I love the diversity of people and culture. Though, I do not love the cost of homes. We looked at some of the real estate out in Rockford and DAMN, we could have bought a freakin’ mansion w/the money we spent on our little condo here. Oh well, it’s all about location, I guess.