Whole lotta shaking going on

Been living in northern California since February 1996. Over the past almost 12 years, never once had I been present for an earthquake of any sort. Or more appropriately stated, I have never felt one. That all changed last night when one hit with a 5.6 on the rictor scale. Apparently the biggest one since the 1989 quake which shook everything to high heaven and messed a whole lot up.

Upon return from yoga, I was walking up our flight of stairs and the 3 cats we have did their usual routine of running to meet and greet. As I approached the top step all 3 looked and me and bailed. Two ran for the bedroom, one for the kitchen. 30 seconds later there was a rumbling sound, then the shaking of glassware and pictures on the wall. It felt initially as if a very large truck had just driven past. Then it kept going, much longer than when such a shake is caused by a vehicle passing by. I just stood there thinking "Is this an earthquake?", certainly not moving or knowing what else to do. Eventually it stopped and I walked through the rest of the house to find Little Green under the kitchen table and she didn't want to come out. Sammy and Zamie joined us and it was just strange. Looking out on the street from the window, there were several neighbors who had come out to check out the damage and commiserate with others as to what the heck just happened. Nothing major but it is indeed the first time I ever felt the tremors.

Miss B had just been to the library and was driving when the whole deal took place. The artist/neighbor across the street from us had a quick chat with her that it was the first time in her last 20 years in the neighborhood that she had actually felt something. Interesting huh? Reports state today that this could point to more severe activity in the months to come. Only time will tell on that one.

Meanwhile, our former landlord now co-owner David is busy storing water and food under the back staircase he had built a few years ago. He always says, if the big one hits, he wants to be standing on these steps. I may elect to go outside but since we are on solid bedrock, I'm thinking we will be okay! Let's hope so!

Wrap Up

First off, big shouts out to Misty and Ted on the rock and roll wedding of the century! It was a fantastic ceremony and every ounce of it screamed "This is SO M&T!". From the table assignments, to the chuck taylors, to the playlist, it all was just a wonder evening and a great way for them to start this next chapter in their lives together. Surrounded by such support and love, what more can you ask for really!

Miss B and I were fortunate enough to do a reading during the ceremony. It was "Somebody" by Depeche Mode. I recall being in college and writing out every word to memorize and sit in my room stoned off my gourd being all sad that I just wanted to find someone, just like the song said. So this took me way back. Miss B had a bad case of laryngitis but the minute she saw her name on the program, it was time to go practice the reading in the bathroom. She was going to sit this one out but that changed very quickly. We felt very honored to be asked to do something so special for two people we adore so much.

List of super fun things from the weekend:

1. Asking Lisa J how her grandmother was to which she replied "Great now that she is on lithium!" and it's true!
2. Ethan's dance off's with Ted's niece. They must have had at least 10. Those two can dance!
3. The cupcake tree.
4. The multi-religion infused ceremony with no religion at all.
5. Jeff the appointed officiant. He brought it on ceremony day! It was clear he knows them so well and did all the right things to make it an extra special day.
6. The playlist and dancing all night long--literally!
7. Wearing a tuxedo. Thought it would be too butchy but it actually turned out to be a great idea! It was fun with tails and everything.
8. The open bar.
9. A's song about the army on the car ride home. If only the lyrics could be duplicated. No one seems to be able to put it together.
10. Wedding at the Great American Music Hall--HELLO! How could that not be on the list?!

All the best to you two Misty and Ted!

That very same weekend we attended a yoga workshop with John Friend, www.anusara.com the guy who developed the type of yoga we practice. It was on Saturday and Sunday, two-two hour sessions each day. Let's just say we were completely exhausted on Sunday but it was totally worth it! We were in the mixed level courses as we haven't quite mastered the art of the poses as other veteran yogis. But what was really clear is that it really isn't about mastering at all. It's about being in the moment and living where you are, when you are there. John's dharma talks each day before the sessions began were heartfelt and prolific without being too shambala and culty. And let me tell ya, there were some folks there who were drinking the kool aide full force. But really he's just a regular guy who knows a lot about what yoga can do for you. One of the best moments was getting up the guts to do a drop back. He demonstrated with the biggest guy in the room and two of the smallest girls who totally held this dude up. Once I saw that, I was in! It was extremely liberating and can't wait to try it again. It most certainly took my practice in a new direction and can't wait to learn more! We were so sleepy from all the activity of the weekend we both took Tuesday off to catch up. I thought I could power through but that simply wasn't happening. I was exhausted beyond belief. Yikes.

Last Friday night the Bear in Training and I went to see The Jesus and Mary Chain. As stated in the post below, I never thought this was going to happen. The next thing you know, I was zipping around the interwebs and saw they were going to be here! I immediately called TBIT and tickets were ordered! They played everything and then some. Started off a little slow but rocked it all the way through. So so good! Even picked myself up a new t-shirt which was then worn all weekend long. Would see them again in a minute. Jim and William have still got it! My favorites were from Honey's Dead, best album of the century in my book. I wanna die just like Jesus Christ. I wanna die on a bed of spikes.

Finally....

I get to see this band live and in person on Friday night at The Fillmore. Hooray! Will write more to tell you all about it. It all started many years ago on a bus going from the Magic Island to Banjul when Lou let me borrow her tape. She handed it over and said "You are about to get very angry!". Not at all, I loved it!

Go baseball go!

It's that time of year again you all! I really don't care about baseball at all during the year until the playoffs. The fun, the fabulousness of it all! Since the Brewers didn't cut it, I am rooting for the underdogs of the century, the Cleveland Indians. Although their mascot is not the most PC thing I have ever seen, they are a good ol' midwestern baseball team with lots of talent. To top it all off, they beat the Yankees and anyone who does that, well I am with them!

Things we did at Salt Point:

1. Hiked along the ocean front.
2. Watched seals sun bathing on the rocks.
3. Watched cormorants dive for fish. (They are a fun black bird that can go underwater for up to 20 minutes!)
4. Watched a great DVD on the sea life of Salt Point at the information center.
5. Sat on the beach at Horseshoe cove and ate lunch.
6. Basked in the sun at the same beach.
7. Hiked into the redwood forest along the Rhododendron trail.
8. Ate countless numbers of smores. Well, I had two and B had, well, more than that.
9. Cooked yummy food around the camp fire!
10. Played 20 questions while waiting for dinner to cook.
11. Set the tent up in seconds flat. (We could totally be on the Amazing Race!)
12. Had the campground to ourselves on Sunday night. There was one other couple there and they were on the other side of the facility!
13. Took a "short cut" to Healdsburg on the way home which actually took us an hour longer. The road was wind-ful and one lane in many many places.
14. Drove on a one lane bridge.
15. Drank beer.
16. Giggled. LOTS!
17. Saw amazing sunsets.
18. Shot a roll of "film" with my camera only to discover it wasn't loaded. So essentially I took 26 snaps which are all captured in my mind but no where else. Next time.
19. Hung out with a family of deer who meandered past our campsite and didn't even notice us.
20. Relaxed!

Photos to follow. B did have her camera (the digital one) and it captured pics.

What am I doing this weekend?

Going camping here--at Salt Point! This will be the third time Miss B and I travel to Salt Point for a weekend of sitting around the campfire, giggling, and hiking. Can't wait! Stories to follow...