Where the sun leaks in

When arms float on their own!

2012-01-09T12:44:00.000-08:00

In this episode, we see Eric helping his younger school mates with a project on muscles and how they are affected by fatigue. This is all part of a comprehensive school study on the body and all it's interesting functions. Remember that?

As the kids go through different projects, they have to enter their discoveries in their composition books, and include a detailed drawing and written description of the experiment, their observations, and their predictions or inferences.

This project is definitely bringing home lots of, "Mom. I bet you didn't know..."

It's best to just agree and admit that I don't know, because I probably can't remember anyhow. (Mom, am I doing it right?)

As a side note, Eric has gotten so tall!! And doesn't he serve as a great distraction while counting down the seconds?

Erin Questions Santa's Objective

2011-12-20T10:33:00.001-08:00

Dear Santa,

All I want for Christmas is to know how you pay your elves. I mean, you're probably the only obese stalker for everyone in the world, who forces rare magical creatures to make toys 24-7-365, in the coldest place in the world. What do you feed them?

Do they have their own constitution, health insurance, or schools? What are they fed in those frozen wastelands? You probably pay them below minimum wage to keep your gut full, to keep warm.

Do you properly take care of your deers? do they even like to pull a fat guy and billions of toys around the world in one night? Any why don't you give homeless or poor kids gifts? Are you classicist, and are all of your elves dieing from their illegal and diseased conditions, leaving you less "gifts" (to hand out, I presume she means, to the poor & homeless kids)

Unsincerely,
Erin

Mediation for the future!

2011-11-07T13:47:00.000-08:00

Those of you who are aware of my own (slower than the speed of suck) pursuit of mediation and restorative justice, understand why I'm so proud of Eric!

Trillium Charter School is a progressive educational experience to say the least, when the kids can become certified mediators for their schoolmate's issues. Resolution tools are so important in the adult world, so I'm elated that my kids are growing up knowing that mediation is the right approach.

Basically, for those of us who are used to just getting our asses kicked at school during a debate, this means that Eric can now assist two or more students who are in the middle of a situation which requires back and forth negotiation. Mediators are keeping things from becoming physical in a rash moment of frustration. "A neutral party who assists in negotiations and conflict resolution"

During this process of becoming neutral party mediators and occasionally having their own situation mediated by a schoolmate, these kids learning who to turn to for help in case the need arises, in case teacher involvement isn't the only necessary tool. And they're learning how to compromise! My gosh, can you imagine if this was the standard in the public school system?! Rational human beings with a sense of accountability walking the earth!

Now if only I could get the kid to take out the trash and pick up all the dirty clothes off his bedroom floor...he'd probably "mediate his way out of that."

In addition, Eric is now using Evernote to organize his lessons and display what he's been doing in class. Take a peek, if you have an Evernote account!

Until next time, get organized and negotiate. All the kids are doing it these days!

Legend of the Claw! ... and other household commentary

2011-10-24T13:23:00.000-07:00

Wow, this year has been something else. The kids have really entered full-swing into that realm of, "Hey mom, bet you haven't heard this story...", which is usually followed by another rendition of that camp-fire favorite, The Claw. The old folded paper fortune teller is another one that Erin was convinced I had never heard of. Until I made one for her! Sometimes I find that it's better to feign memory lapse, so I can hear the best and latest version of whatever falls into the, "Mom, I bet you didn't know..." category.

This post is intended to generally re-cap of this year for all those busy relatives and traveling friends:

Darian has entered high school, with the enthusiasm of a sleeping bear. Transitions into new grade levels are very easy for the kids, since Trillium offers mixed grade classes and mentoring throughout the age groups. With so many changes at the school this year, Darian is still able to run most of the tech, and is still pretty angry about an eventual switch from Linux to Windows. Don't even get him started!

This year, he's been involved with more of the Portland techie community, visiting events such as DorkBot "People doing strange things with electricity", and the Ubunto 11.10 Release Party.

He's taller than the fridge (no he will not cut that hair), just turned 15, he's stronger than an ox, and I'd dare say quite a bit smarter than one too!

Erin is regularly seen pilfering through my closet for clothes that didn't fit her before this summer. The girl has grown into my shirts, shoes, and socks. While this may seem a novel concept for some time, I'm certain many of my belongings will eventually become lost, or sewn onto other objects. Now that she's 13, I suppose she expected something magical to happen in her life, which would mark the event. Alas, it's quite a bit like being 12 or even 14. Hell, on some days, it's a lot like being 36.

Erin is doing very well in school, and is continuing her interest in animals of all kids. She's also keen on weaponry, and is plotting against me to obtain a shuriken for Christmas. Frankly, I'm going to look the other way.

The girl is observant as ever, and takes time to detail the hormonal manifestations she sees in her friends. Logical to the bone, Erin just doesn't get why they're so grumpy, and why they can't get past it all.

Eric's class is working hard on developing reading skills and presentation. He's got more pressure on him this year, as he's observed that he's the tallest kid in his 3-4-5 grade level. As an "upper classman" this year, I've encouraged him to lead others in the right direction, and he spends a lot of time encouraging other little mentors. Eric is still climbing the walls at 11 years old, and I hope he never stops! I sincerely think the child has a future in physical comedy, as witnessed by this video. It's dark, but watch for the end...

In short, this year has proven challenging on many fronts, but we're supported and cheered on by a vast community of friends and family who constantly remind us of our place in their lives.

From Collages

Hastings on nonviolence: Outside our comfort zone

2011-08-15T14:46:00.000-07:00

Hastings on nonviolence: Outside our comfort zone: "We gathered at the Ground Zero Center for Nonviolent Action for a memorial for Sr. Jackie Hudson, OP, a Dominican nun who was part of a grou..."

Hastings on nonviolence: Establishing intent

2011-05-31T09:28:00.000-07:00

Hastings on nonviolence: Establishing intent: "Some years ago in Michigan a few nuns cut a hole in a fence that surrounded Williams International, the corporation making the Cruise missil..."

International Women's Day 2011

2011-03-08T12:34:00.000-08:00

A bit of history from the International Women's Day website:

"Annually on 8 March, thousands of events are held throughout the world to inspire women and celebrate achievements. A global web of rich and diverse local activity connects women from all around the world ranging from political rallies, business conferences, government activities and networking events through to local women's craft markets, theatric performances, fashion parades and more.

Many global corporations have also started to more actively support IWD by running their own internal events and through supporting external ones. For example, on 8 March search engine and media giant Google some years even changes its logo on its global search pages. Year on year IWD is certainly increasing in status. The United States even designates the whole month of March as 'Women's History Month'.

Too catch a glimpse of the rest of the world, visit Reuters International Women's Day pictorial slideshow.

And now I would like to brightly acknowledge the women in my life who have made a huge difference in the world, and continue to influence me personally.

First and always, Mom. Miss Sally Ann Dicks (Osner) is the reason I exist today, and that was no easy job! I remember her working a man's labor job at the Co-op to support my older brother and myself. Mom successfully raised 4 children, and took care of lots of other people's kids in the process. I distinctly remember the friends I've had over the years looking toward my mother as the go-to person for solid advice and a good laugh if needed. Mom put herself through college, she's been a writer, a talented free-lance makeup-artist, a labor worker, a baby-butt changer, a puppeteer and Sunday-school helper. She can sew her own clothes, sniff out even the tiniest lie, and make the best stew in the world. When her beloved father passed away, Mom gave a solid hand of support to her own mother, and did not flinch. Mom taught me to take care of my own, and to not be afraid to jump in a truck full of my belongings if a several hundred-mile excursion was necessary to make that happen. We are pioneers of our own making. Mom has helped me through the best childbirth experiences and the worst attempts at pretending that I "know-it-all", and I thank her for being the fortress she is. I cannot imagine what I have not learned from my mother, because she's simply part of my bones.

My grandmother Louise Choat (Dicks) is the single most purposefully energized person I have ever met in my life. I have seen the greatest love pass between two people, while I looked toward my grandparents. This woman is a beautiful, intelligent, hardworking woman who made herself do better at every turn. She has been the assistant vice-president of a bank, she raised two sturdy women, she is and always has been an artist, and she's never once let me believe that I could not do what I set my mind to doing, without complaint. Even if it was learning how to peer out from behind her leg as a child, and speak directly to a store clerk in Pegues department store, circa 1980-something. The above picture includes the women of the Choat family, from left to right: Aunt Shirley, Myrtle Stone (Choat), Aunt Lois (I call her Aunt Virginia, and will not stop), Louise, and her gentle oldest sister, my Aunt Marie, who is holding her first born. From Louise, I learned manners, style, and how to apply my intelligence as a woman of worth. And, we happen to share the same color of eyes.

My baby sister Marcy is a spritely ball of intelligence and wit. She's brave, compassionate, and logical. I remember carting her around as a baby, pretending that she was my made-to-order doll. Of course she was, right? The years we've spent growing up apart due to our age difference, and her older sister's want to travel have not dampened our friendship. This woman is that person whom I will always turn to when I need reassurance that everything in the world can be approached with logic and decency. Thank you for letting me paint your toenails in one long swipe, and for tolerating me while I put every plastic barrette in the house into your wispy little-kid hair .Thank you for always including me without question. And thank you for reminding me to keep doing it right.

Aunt Tanis taught me creativity and color! She may never know this, but the fact that she worked in a salt mine for years, and could still build herself a home with vibrant color illuminated me as a child. Tanis is and always has been a creature of beauty and bold spirit, and I am glad she is my mother's sister. There are few people in the world with whom we can share every ridiculous tid-bit of life, and receive zero judgment. There was never a furrowed brow. This simply is an Auntie's place in life - to accept her niece's spillage of "look what I did" with amazement, somehow convince me to tell my mother what I should, and offer the best chocolate chip cookies the world has ever seen.

Lori Anderson (Becker) has been by best friend since I tripped into Central Christian high school at the age of twelve, on very fashionable crutches. We have been through boyfriends, serious family tragedy, Nebraska choir performances, and regurgitation of wheat-thins. The miles have not stopped our connection, and I truly believe that she knows we will wind up in the same skilled nursing facility. Lori was Darian's first babysitter, and took great joy in feeding the child blue juice to see what color would later appear in his diaper. This is perfectly fine, as she allowed me to cut her younger sister's curly hair into surrealistic formations for years. Above all, Lori has provided my life with stability when I was down, and allowed me to offer her the same when she needed it. Wish you were here!

Michelle Anderson, otherwise known as my formidable Faux Wife # 1 (married by the Voodoo Doughnut priest), has taken what life has placed at her feet and created something better. Something creative and groundbreaking. She will travel the world, building the life she chooses to walk though, and nothing will ever again, stand in her way. Michelle will write down her experiences, and as she maps out her path, the rest of us will watch in awe as she follows her bliss. Of this, I am convinced.

Dr. Sarah Holloway, otherwise known as my formidable Faux Wife # 2 (also married in the same ridiculous fake wedding in a doughnut shop) has become an icon of integrity and perseverance to me. She has a massive heart of compassionate that never fails to remind me: the world is a good place to be in, so long as we're doing our part to make it so.

I just can't name all the women who share some part of my life or who have influenced me to think consciously, and dream of huge ideas. Caitlin, the North Carolina homesteader (yes everyone, I'm serious); Rose Grech, my dear friend and world traveling environmentalist; Holly Bynoe & Nadia Huggins, for reaching into the world with something to say; Anei Birdlo, the wandering musician; Catherine, my adopta-sister in Washington who dedicates her spare time to the service of others; Mrs Folks, my 2nd and 3rd grade teacher who told me to go into the backyard and scream until I found my voice; Elisa Lazo de Valdez, for literally sharing your dreams; Grandma Marilyn Osner, for raising 7 kids on a Kansas wheat farm; Grandma Meme Boyington, for being a sweet, southern voice in my mind; Erin, Aimee & Jessica, my creative, beautiful, and inspiring daughters; Dr. Rachel Cunliffe Hardesty, the Restorative Justice mentor of my life - thank you for biting back!

"I believe that hate and our desire for violence largely arises from the frustration of unmet needs. If we can respectfully listen attentively to one another we can collaborate to address critical needs not just for social justice but also for social connection. This is the foundation for sustainable life, locally, nationally and globally." - Dr. Hardesty

2010 Bucket List Complete!

2011-01-05T12:30:00.000-08:00

This year the little family achieved quite a bit, learned interesting viewpoints, and explored some bravery.

Just to re-cap the year of 2010:

Darian became the Tech Support apprentice at Trillium this year, and in so doing has fallen completely in love with Linux systems.
Eric discovered that school is actually not so bad, especially when every lesson plan is focused on preparing Jeremy's 3-4-5 class to colonize Mars in 2030. Thanks, NASA! Check here for the exciting class Launch Preparations.
Erin suddenly grew into a woman-girl creature with am incredible knack for sewing made-up creatures, furry hats, traditional kimonos, and even Darian's pants.
We visited Ireland, which was further away from home than I've ever been in my life, for the purpose of actually going back home. Funny how that works. My Picasa Photo Album is linked here for your perusal.
Spring/Summer of 2010 showed us that we're actually braver than we might think. Bikes became a chosen mode of urban transportation, and we discovered that we're good at it! Viva la Portland!
Finishing school at Portland State University is actually within reach for me these days, and I'll be looking at a possible dual degree in Sociology and Criminal Justice (focus on Restorative Justice). And some Spanish, too!
In the span of 2010, we had many, many visitors from all over the world, thanks to CouchSurfing. Our wall map now has pins marking the homes of people from:

Russia
Kenya
Germany
Denmark
The Czech Republic
France
Both sides of Canada
Brazil
Costa Rica
Israel
Sweden
Ireland
Thailand
England
South Africa
Scotland
Australia
New Zealand
Austria
And traveling musicians from all across the nation, spanning every state!

Overall, this year has been one of introspection and pushing ourselves a bit further with ideas we'd been walking around with for quite some time. Inspiration has come from far and wide, and we hope to return some of that to the world as we go about together!

"..Let us go forth, the tellers of tales, and seize whatever prey the heart long for, and have no fear. Everything exists, everything is true, and the earth is only a little dust under our feet."

4th Grader Thrills The World!

2010-10-21T13:22:00.000-07:00

The 3-4-5 classes at Trillium Charter School will take on Portland's own version of Thrill The World, this Saturday at Pioneer Square, followed by a proper Zombie Walk.

The dance this year is October 23rd, Saturday, at 4 pm

Here's an official run-through at school yesterday.

Here's the scene caused last year in 2009 - Oh, how I love Portland...

Eric is the tall kid right in the middle on the video linked above, wearing an off-white shirt with orange short sleeves.

See you downtown at the square on Saturday!

Don't pick on my niece.

2010-05-21T10:00:00.000-07:00

School Bullying - What does it mean to you, and how far would you go to protect your child?

This keeps coming up lately (even in my kid's alternative school), and it's a serious concern that leads to assaults, suicides (bullycide), and at the very lease - emotionally scarred kids who battle depression and self-esteem issues. Why don't the schools listen and get busy doing something about it? What stops an educator from taking all the necessary precautions against school violence?

A sadly typical feeling among adults tends to be that it's all part of life, and to be expected. Some still hold to the idea that kids should develop a thicker skin and learn to cope with their problems alone. Learning how to take control of situations of choice is one thing. Learning to effectively deal with other people's choices for your life is another beast entirely. "It takes two", is another sentiment that doesn't always ring true in every situation, but seems to be a popular way of white-washing a situation which requires adult intervention.

Still not sure about taking bullying seriously?
Then read about Phoebe Prince. And Megan Meier. And Jared High, and how he literally fought for his life, and was ignored by school officials. Jared's assailant wasn't just a mean-spirited kid with some nutrition imbalances. He was known for assaulting other students, and had landed one in the hospital previous to his violent attack on Jared.

Not a pleasant scenario, but this has become reality for many families. Loss of a child for any reason is crushing to a parent, but in situation that could have been prevented, or when unnatural levels of stress have been created by fear from supposedly safe places such as school, a parent has to begin to question their community. It's also not ok for educators to look the other way, hoping the problems will sort themselves out. Where else should a child turn when they cannot resolve a repeatedly abusive and sometimes life-threatening confrontation with another child? It is unthinkable that educators, parents, and community officials would turn a blind eye, only to lament the horrific outcome of their apathy in the aftermath.

I really feel this is why school bullying policies and programs get pushed under the rug. Models for school programs do exist, they just take some attention and perseverance. That is the key factor. School district employees and city officials will continue to turn their heads and consider school bullying an issue for the individual school counselors and parents to take care of. If this is the general response from governmental agents, who then upholds the system of no tolerance? What about language and cultural barriers between parents who cannot mediate their own situation? Where can the student turn who has her supposedly anonymous bullying report read directly to the accused, breaking confidentiality and any chance of safety net?

Parenting is a good place to start with our own kids, since we ultimately cannot change the behavior of other people. Simple principles of living, regardless of where you gain them, teach very basic modes of existing with others. These are some of the things my kids get to hear from me on an almost daily basis:

It's not ok to harass another human being into mind-bending states of depression.
If you think for a moment you're doing something wrong to another person, you are!
If you've been asked to stop making another person uncomfortable or angry, it is your responsibility to acquiesce that request. Immediately.
Accountability is key.
Understanding that not everyone will get along with you, it is also your responsibility to not place yourself into situations that are openly negative or confrontational.
We're all different. Never assume anything about another human being's life.
If you've done something wrong to another, retaliation or anger is not an option. Reparation is your duty, and should be approached willingly and without question. Own your actions.

Parenting is different everywhere, but through any place in history, it's easy to consider how poor parenting has negatively shaped the minds of the next generation. Sadly, laziness of the mind and lacking morality lends a very heavy parental hand as to how kids labeled as "bullies" turn out. It's a never a bad time to consider how your openly voiced opinions effect a young mind, good and bad.

Ideally, a no-tolerance policy backed by anti-bullying laws would function much like a multi-faceted restorative program. Essential to the process of healing is the open communication lines between those effected, and those offending. Interestingly enough, when inspected thoroughly, those roles become blurred and are never as black and white as previously thought. But again, any restorative justice program requires persistence. Dedications to the kids and their lives through adult interaction and peer mentoring programs.

Hate has no place in intelligent society, and breeds out of control kids who are likely to take the opinions of their parents into a very raw mind, which is yet undaunted by social consequence. This mind is ready for action at the drop of a hat, and will work hard to impress an oppressive parent who never doles out affirmations. Imagine how angry that young mind is, and how quick to strike out against the weakest target it is. Hate-crimes are some of the worst violent offenses on juvenile crime records, striking out at the economically distressed, the queer kids, minorities of ethnicity and culture, and the kids who obviously have an appetite for books above social interactions.

Depression is not always avoidable, but in the case of school bullying, it can certainly be assisted by recognizing the problem for what it is, once and for all.

A Cute Little Girl Takes on Germs...and Wins!

2009-11-16T21:25:00.000-08:00

Lately, Erin has been all about the Germs. Bacteria. Diseases.

This is not to say we're raising a burgeoning hypochondriac. The girl is honestly into putting things into petri dishes, just to see what grows! We had a lengthy discussion about the fascinating world of the Black Death, and how likely it is to come back again. You see, Erin is knee deep in the fungus of her Germs Class at Trillium Charter School, lead by Miss Nina (the amazing!). Take a moment, if you will, to bask in the glory of the Ten Deadliest Plagues, or just see if you can answer these simple questions:

1.What is it called when a weakened form of a disease is introduced to provide immunity to the body?

2.What is the organ in the throat full of lymphatic tissue?

3.What are pathogens?

4. What is an organ in your left side that eliminates old blood cells?

Need help? Darian and/or Erin will assist you, while Eric is more interested in the healing arts.
Redneck Yoga anyone? A little Mork & Mindy Couch-sitting? It's definitely time to decompress when a 9 year old is leading the family in stretches. Maybe this will catch on, and Eric will be a mighty instructor one day, maybe not.

Meanwhile, have a great Fall, and get outside!

...and cover your coughs!

Charter Schools, Anti-Psychotics, and Oxford Commas

2009-09-14T22:25:00.000-07:00

Critical mass was nearly achieved at the house this summer, with the eldest boy watching his younger siblings. While they were able to follow their chore charts (mostly) successfully, we did have to hand out the occasional threat of bodily harm, followed with a most sincere apology.

Once in a while, we caught the kids trying out new and exciting ways of changing the story when asked what happened that day, but I'm certain that we know everything we need to! Most certainly, at the top of the kid's lists: they're tired of eating our massive crop of zucchini, and beans. But this is my way of combating the constantly hungry child. "Mom, I'm hungry again!" is met with a pointed finger leading toward the Bottomless Crockpot.

Today, at Trillium Charter School, we've returned to the land of social ineptitude; the realm of discomforting stares and squealing friends who have missed each other all summer long. I have to admit, I've actually missed some of the half-grown faces I'd grown accustomed to peering into last year, looking for a sign of recognition. Or planetary foothold. Whatever...the kids have great hats at Trillium.

I'm really into the idea of the new rooftop garden this year, and wonder what will be grown in it? Meaning, I wonder what the intention will be, and which high school-er will toss in a little extra seeds of his/her own. Don't act like you never did!

Those of you who know us well, will know that I've been on a crusade for years, trying to find a good school for the kids, as well as the proper medication for my most awesome girl, Miss Erin. She's come a long way, and doesn't let something silly like Pediatric Bipolar Disorder affect her.
Her medications are delicately balanced, so without them, she will have a difficult time. With them, she still feels the rough edges of the world, and learns to take her falls just like any other kid. Read more on Pediatric Bipolar Disorder here:

Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation
Juvenile Bipolar Research Foundation
The Bipolar Child - Dr Demitri Papolos and Janice Papolos
the Genetics of Bipolar Disorder

Another very cool achievement last year, was that Mr Eric can now read! Thankfully, his suggested "touch of Autism" that I choose to leave officially undiagnosed, has gifted him with math skills that are a force to be reckoned with, and his self-esteem has taken a launch in the right direction. ADHD doesn't scare that kid. Concerta seems to have settled well with him, balancing the previous battles associated with short-acting medications and the school day. He can stay focused for much longer than before, and I can't help but consider that his age is helping as well. Hopefully, one day he won't require any medication at all, and will continue to eat the right food, and surround himself with people as epic as his family.

Darian, meanwhile, continues to grow, and as of September, is now exactly as tall as his momma. In a few months, I fully expect to be looking upward into his nose, as he bellows about his nagging hunger. For the record, his hair is now as long as his seemingly infinite measure of patience with the slew of off-sets in his house - CouchSurfing, Mondo Croquet games, group discussions over the use of the Oxford Comma sibling mayhem, young parents, 4 cats, and a lot of impromptu visits to the weirdest events Portland has to offer.

While we search for a house closer to the school, we're working some pretty ruthless hours; Benjamin at his downtown food cart - weather permitting business, of course - and myself, as a secondary educational regulatory expert (Sounds much cooler than it actually is). I'm still school-bound, bet getting ever closer to that degree which will allow me to work in the Restorative Justice field!

Overall, I think we're going to have a really good year.

A Day in the Life...

2008-11-12T14:38:00.001-08:00

While this sure as hell isn't a Mommy Blog, I'd like to share a typical day in the life of a (more-or-less) single parent of three elementary aged children. I've been at this for so long, it didn't even enter my mind until recently, what happens from a horrified/fascinated viewer's perspective.
So here we go.

6:45 AM: The alarm sounds, and I remove the skinny 8 year old child off my arm, who has been resting there, fitfully all night, because one of the cats shat upon his bed.

6:47 AM: Begin the process of waking up the inhabitants. This includes stepping over various CouchSurfers, forever tolerant of our morning routines. So each child is addressed according to wake-up preference. The eldest prefers to have his face touched a bit, so as to not startle him. The girl just needs to have the atmospheric pressure in her room shift on a minute level. So I open her door. She wakes with a gleam in her eyes! The youngest is similar to the oldest, but a presentation of food needs to be made within 10 minutes of emerging into the awake realm, lest a person find their arm being chewed upon. No kidding.

7:00 AM: Mom jumps into the shower, leaving the door ajar, since people will be coming in to take their smelly, concentrated morning piss, whilst I shampoo my hair. They do this, no matter what I say, you understand. Why fight the inevitable?

7:10 AM: I jump from the shower in a towel, toothbrush still in my mouth, while somehow being able to direct carpet traffic. Socks must be found, 4 cats are screaming in vain for breakfast and attention, hair ties are hiding on various doorknobs, there's a child with a mohawk IN the fridge (I'm not kidding), the girl is pilfering though my closet, while the eldest generally does a near perfect rendition of a granite statue. He's kind of cute and helpless, yet irritating due to his size and ability to block the hall. Meanwhile, the foreign guests of my house sit back and leisurely drink coffee, soaking all the mayhem in. I love it.

7:30 AM: Breakfast somehow makes it into the mouths of the inhabitants. Please realize that this includes no standard held dear to ancient breakfasts around the planet. No tea and boiled egg in our house. There's usually home made spelt bread loaves on the stove, or Clif bars hidden in drawers. Coffee is made, poured into a thermos, the suppliments to the vegetarian lunches served at the alternative school, Trillium, are shoved into the bags of the carnivorous boys. They canot live off of hummus alone. Someone generally loads up the dishwasher and feeds the 4, sometimes 5 felines in our house. Shoes are applied to feet (hopefully), bags are hunted and eventually grabbed, coats and scarves utilized, and we're off!! Notice, gentle reader, how the mention of the children's teeth being brushed is not addressed. This is where I pick my battles.

7:45 AM: We've arrived in St Johns neighborhood to retrieve the teenage son of my dear faux wife, and begin forcing Clif bars and conversation on him. He appears to have been coached through this, because his face is choosing to smile. This isn't a usual part of our morning, but when need arises, we flex our schedules to make it happen!

8:00 AM: Traffic is getting heavy at this hour. We dodge commuters and pedestrians, bikers and skateboarders in the rain and fog. Sometimes, along the way, we drop off our rent and mail. Not today. Screw that.

At each stoplight, I sign a check, and then another check, as the eldest son hands them to me, and tells me what to write on them. What he's doing, is helping me decide which package of school photos he doesn't want me to purchase. So we have package 'A' for all children involved. At the final stop, the afore mentioned mohawed child is instructed to partake of his ADHD medication, which is stored in the glove compartment of the car. This allows for maximum time use on the useful pill that God gave us, thankfully. Yes. God made Vitamin R. While doing this, the child decides to ask me (per morning ritual) what the glove box is for, and why we call it that.

The guest child does not break his foggy morning silence.

8:15 AM: With a careful turn into the neighborhood off Killingsworth, my children are disbursed through the gates of Trillium. I watch as the last pair of mismatched argyle sock legs disappear into the building, and then attempt to make my leave of the street-side. Not so, because the other parents have deftly blocked me in! Waiting. Curling eyelashes while smiling and waving. And waiting. Hair goes into a chopstick. YES!! First gear engaged, thank you Mrs. Green for moving your VW.

8:20 AM: The guest child is taken onward to his destination further into the northwest district. Sometimes I think I'm funny, so I tell him to "tuck and roll", which doesn't even elicit a response. I watch him lumber up to the school. Kid is seriously a foot taller than me.
I can prove it.

8:30 AM: I continue along my trek, by taking a detour up into the West Hills of Portlandia, to grab a freaking awesome coffee from my friend, the Espresso Arts magician. She gives me this opportunity to take a few moments to drive through the lush greenery and falling leaves as I wind my way further up into the gorgeous landscape. I can drive a stick shift in 4 inch high stilettos, mind you.

8:45 AM: The drive down 26. Yes. This is not delightful, but the Colbert Report is...

9:10 AM: Finally, I sit down to my desk and use the nifty system to clock in my presence. Then we load up all the programs and sites I use daily, including Twitter. This sensory overload somehow keeps me sane. I listen to Pylon and Joan Jett. I answer phone calls from brokers who have lost their educational certificates, and assume I can produce them out of my arse. They could NOT afford the fee on that maneuver.

9:30 AM: I am verbally assaulted by a man from the apparent depths of his personal testing anguish, when he realizes he's proctored himself. The facts are stated, the instructions are reviewed, and still, he fights. Damn, he's tenacious. But, still what a cheese-head. I smile, and contact Travis, who is very similar to Max Headroom in his elusiveness), to have him re-set the test that Mr. Grouchy-panties "f@*ing better not have to retake". Done. I have regulated.

10:00 AM Remember to call in the kid's appointments to have the eldest child's cast removed in 2 weeks, the youngest needs his meds reviewed, and the girl would like to talk to her therapist about her new school. Done.

11:00 AM Documents are typed, Arizona Real Estate has it's supposedly completed paperwork organized and the the realization hits. There's missing paperwork. No harm done, Miss Education Specialist at the agency is a damn great lady, jovial too!! My head is clearing, and I'm beginning to feel the oncoming of a sunny day.

So, while I'm tying this at 5:38 PM, I'm thinking of the homework I have in front of me. Waiting. I've given Michelle my list of paintings for a permanent dwelling at Gina's place, called Numinosity, taken a look at the web sites necessary to make a road trip happen very soon, and have assessed the damage to my psyche. Not Bad!! I think we will have pasta and home made sauce tonight, along side the last surviving zucchini from the garden. As long as the raccoons haven't gnawed on it first.

Good evening all.

Bike Onward, Portland!!

2008-09-10T11:04:00.000-07:00

This is cool. http://bycycle.org/

Alas, it would seem we're still trying to do the commuter thing, and figure out how to transport the kids to their school at Trillium. I'd love to hear from other parents who have somehow figured out this family transit system beast, especially those who have managed to do it year round, and within more than a few blocks radius.

Does anyone know what happened to Portland's idea to get with the rest of the globe on a Bike Share Program? Treehugger has the latest information I've been able to come across thus far, which shows that the program has not only been met with uncomfortable sideways glances, but also downright pessimistic mud slinging. Who will maintenance the bikes? What will prevent them from being stolen, as in the infamous Yellow Bike situation in PDX?

Seems the homework just needs to go in. Get in the saddle, citizens. According to Treehugger, "Renting bikes is definitely one of the most successful PSSs (Product Service Systems- access over ownership) in Europe"

If Barcelona can do it, then why can't we? Parisians love it too, and extoll the virtues of seeing their city via bike.

"The French have embraced communal bike ownership, according to my informal survey of my fellow Vélibiens, as have other Europeans. A culture of Vélibistes is emerging. The camaraderie — a French word that seems to have been invented in anticipation of this new cult — among the riders is entrancing. Riders advise one another on where to find the nearest Vélib docking station, where to park if one is full, and how to find the best routes around the city. When they speak of Vélibs, Parisians smile, even those like a waiter who admitted not having ridden one".

Our beloved Portland has been voted the most bike friendly city in the states, so why hasn't the bike share program taken off? "After eight months of reviewing potential contracts "aimed at finding a company to provide the service and maintain a fleet of rental bicycles," Portland, Oregon has put its bike-share plans on hold due to nagging logistical and funding issues", says Treehugger.

More to come on this.

Meanwhile... Are you into Grass Polo? Take a read into the article written on the newest version of bike polo, from Portland's own Dabby McCrashalot!

Portland has chosen National Parking Day on September 19th, to show off four (that's 4), on street bike corrals at these locations:

On the south side of SW Stark at SW 10th (map) at Ace Hotel
East side of SW 3rd Ave at SW Pine St (map) at Bijou Café/Stumptown Coffee
South side of NW Couch St at NW 11th (map) at Powell’s Books (back entrance)
West side of SW 9th Ave/SW Park Ave at SW Salmon (map) at Southpark Seafood Grill and Wine Bar

The money for these new corrals comes out of the city’s Bike Parking Fund (which developers pay into when they opt-out of bike parking code requirements). Read more here!!

Couchsurfing Podcast hits Idealist.org!

2008-08-27T18:37:00.000-07:00

This is the amazing story of two fellows who donned tuxes and started around the world for charity. I'm thrown off my quiet little foundation and compelled to spread the story.
Doug and Heath, you are amazing people. Truly Amazing.

The fact that they're tied into CouchSurfing gives me a massive rise - it became a tool for activating dreams and helping worthy causes.

www.tuxedotravels.com