DaWongz meet Kogi BBQ!!!

Natalie and Sammi
James and Stevie
Bradley
Angel's angels?!?!?
Spam sliders... Yummy!!!
Tony, save her a bite!
Nevermind... Grace has her own now!!! ;-)
Hank and James
Just chillin' under the tree...
... and at the back of the truck... THE END (Get it?)

On Saturday evening, April 25, 2009 - DaWongz (Tony, Grace, Natalie, and Bradley), Angel, and James came down to see me off before my Asia trip. But before I left, we "had to" make a Kogi BBQ truck run. It was DaWongz first time, so it made it more exciting... and it was right here in Torrance! How convenient is that?!?!? As you can see, mission complete! Tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and sliders were all gobbled up. I'm sure we'll be coming back to this location again, and again, and again. It was so close to home, we hear the Kogi calling us to come back!!!

Jesus Christ Superstar

Tony, Bobbie, & me
Wednesday, April 22, 2009 - We were blessed with another show, Jesus Christ Superstar, at the Civic Light Opera of the South Bay Cities in Redondo Beach. Prior to the show, I cooked for us. Colney, Bobbie, Tony and Hannah were able to join us for dinner this time. It was fun to have them over for a visit. It was even better this time because all the kids pitched in to help wash all the dishes in a timely manner. Thank you everyone for your help! This may encourage me to actually cook again! hee hee hee

Guess who we saw at the theater? Uncle Bill and Auntie Margie were quietly enjoying their season ticket seats, and of course, I had to go bug them!!! hee hee hee
Joanne and friends
Joanne* and I
Hank and Uncle Bill
Lourdes, Lourdes*, & Norma*
*It's been a while, but it was great to see my friends from my support group at the theater. I've missed a few of my weekly meetings, and we've been missing each other when I was there. Now, I know why... many of them moved to the Monday night meetings... and I didn't get that memo! Jill and I decided we're going to move over as well, since we are now officially done with our treatments. I can't get over how fast all of our hair has grown back. Doesn't everyone look so pretty? We are now in the Breast Cancer Survivor category!!! Yeah! PTL!!! God is so good, all the time!!! WOOHOO from the KOOKOO SOOHOO!!! ;-)


K-Earth 101 FM Radio's - Sunset Splash Party!!!
http://www.kearth101.com/
Stone Soul
Friday night, April 24, 2009 - Hank and I went to meet the folks of K-Earth 101 FM Radio. K-Earth sponsored their first 2009 Sunset Splash Party (poolside party) at the elegant Hyatt Regency Hotel of Huntington Beach. It was a chilly evening with palm trees swaying, music playing, and a beautiful sunset onto the Pacific's horizon (just before the clouds rolled in). The featured band was Stone Soul, a band of eight musicians that plays Soul from the 60's and Motown (http://www.casinoroyalemusic.com/stonesoul.html).
Samantha and Aishia
Lisa with Hank
Hank calls into the K-Earth on a regular basis to try to win prises. He was very excited to meet the crew, especially Samantha (Producer), Aishia (Account Executive), and Lisa (Co-DJ on the Morning Show and Showbiz On Demand). They actually remember him as "Hank from Torrance", especially since he had just called in this morning to save them from some crazy song!!! Hank loves this radio station so much, that told them he wants to work for them as his dream retirement job. And then, to Hank's surprise, Aishia gave him her business card! Wow!!!!! Hmmm, I wonder, is he really serious about this? Were they serious about it too? I guess that would be a great way to keep him busy and out of the house. Let's hope this will work out for you in the future, Honey!!! ;-)


Picture by Angel's iPhone
After the K-Earth's Sunset Splash Party, we were pretty chilled to the bone, so we went to warm up at Pho 54 in Westminster (on Brookhurst near Edinger) for some hot, yummy soup. Angel drove there to abuse me with his iPhone. He took this picture and sent it to many of you through email, via a program called FamCam. I didn't even know he was taking my picture, and I surely did not give him permission, but I am now officially his test subject. I just feel so used and abused... Again!!! I guess it worked Angel, because I got it in my Inbox as well. For some reason, Angel finds me humorous... I told him that I'm not, I just look that way!!! KooKoo, KooKoo, KooKoo!!!!! He should be thankful that his iPhone didn't break after that shot. Maybe God will bless him soon with his own permanent test subject (aka significant other). I know what I'm praying for tonight, I mean this morning!!! hee hee hee. God knows our heart's desires, may He bless you with yours. Have a great week everyone. Holy hugs and kisses. xoxoxo B.KooKoo

Easter Breaks are here.. yay!

Guess who came to visit me during his Easter break?!?!? It's my long lost semi-adopted son, Bradley!!! Thank you Auntie Grace for sharing your son with me!




Edgar Degas

I had an opportunity to spend a day with my friend, Olivia, and what a fabulous day it was! We started our day off with a big delicious breakfast, we went to church, went to Taylor's school for the Meet the Master's train-the-trainers art lessons, and attended the 5th grade assembly to learn about the French artist Edgar Degas. We had no time for lunch, but I always manage to sneak in a few snacks! We did all this, prior to Olivia being presented with the Outstanding Community Member Award. For the many years of dedication to serve, you really deserve it!!! CONGRATULATIONS OLIVIA!!!!!


It's been said that laughter is can heal many things. I'm not sure if there's any proof to that, but it was fun getting together and testing it out. Ada invited us as her guest at the Laugh Factory in Hollywood on Friday, April 17, 2009. There were three comedians during the hour and a half show. We enjoyed the show, but having our own little group made it more enjoyable. Here's the link: http://www.laughfactory.com/.


Connie, Mike, Ada, and Patty

Derrick, Kathy, Hank, and myself



Kristen was on her Easter break this week. We were blessed with having her spend a few days with us. Kathy baked us some delicious Amish Friendship Cinnamon Apple Bread, and she gave us a "starter" for us to make more, along with a recipe that takes 10 days to make. Yikes!!! I don't cook or bake, remember?!?!? Thank God Kristen was here to help Sammi mixed up a big batch. They baked a whole loaf plus a few dozen cupcakes. The two girls always manage to have a ton of fun whenever they get together.

We had checked out all of the art and crafts displayed in the 37th Bunka-Sai Japanese Cultural Festival at the Ken Miller Recreation Center in Torrance. We enjoyed walking through their tranquil Japanese garden.

Although Anthony is busy attending UC Irvine, he came back this weekend to participate in the Kendo demonstration. Way to go, Anthony!!!

Here's Norm, Derrick, Eric, and Hank as they were driving off to play poker at Mitchell's house. I sure hope they let my hubby win!!!


Faith UMC had their second Coffee House event this Saturday, April 18, 2009. They showcased many musicians, including the students and bands from their music ministry. They had massage therapists available for free demos, but you can also purchase time slots in half hour increments. Stevie, Ally, and myself really enjoyed the wide variety of desserts and drinks. We really enjoyed the variety of music, but mostly we enjoyed running into many familiar friendly faces.




Jordan, Ally, and Stevie

Ed, Michelle, Eva, and myself

Amy, Stevie's guitar instructor.




We're back at TGI Fridays after church. Did you know that on Sundays, they have half-priced specials on their appetizers?




Here is our Women's Bible Study Group... I've enjoyed learning from each of you throughout the years. Thanks for being there for me through my life's highs and lows. Life can be challenging, but it's more bearable when you have a great God-centered support group. I'm so glad we moved our study time for during the day. We've been having so much fun planning our lunches after our studies. It has been so much fun and so yummy!!! I'm looking forward to our next meeting.

Happy Easter!!!

On the evening of Saturday, April 11, 2009, Angel got some tickets from Stephanie to see Tragedy, a band that plays Bee Gees music. They were playing at Downtown Disney's House Of Blues. Since I love the Bee Gees, I was very excited about hearing their music played live, just like those good ol' days. Hank and I met up with Angel and James in Cerritos, when Angel hit me with my first shock of the night. Turns out that Tragedy plays the Bee Gees songs in Heavy Metal style!!! OMG!!! Although I don't really care for heavy metal music, we had decided to go see them anyway. After all, I do want to support Barry Gibb and his songs. (For those who knew me way back when, he's my ex-husband... But, that's a whole another story, and a lifetime ago).
House of Blues
We had arrived early to the House of Blues, when I found my second surprise of the night... There were no seats for us at all, not even bar stools! OMG!!! We had to stand the entire time! An opening band played for the first hour. I was amused by their outfits for a while, but I really had difficulty understanding their songs. Finally, Tragedy came on, playing some of the songs I knew, but with a major twist. I tried to sing along, but it was hard for me to hear myself think through the heavy metal music. I guess I'm just old before my time.
Tragedy
Thank God, Hank found a spot on the counter of the bar for me to lean on. I was surviving pretty well, considering my feet were killing me (not a good time to break in new shoes). After a while, I had to sit down. Fortunately, I'd found a chair right outside the entrance between the bar and the restaurant, so I was still able to hear the music, muffled. ;-) After a few songs, Hank came out to check on me. After a few more songs, Angel and James followed. We ended up walking around for a bit through Downtown Disney.
Yummy strawberries!



We made it just in time for the evening fireworks, so I took a few pictures before we hit the road. Taken from my point and shoot camera, I thought these had some neat affects. I especially like the last one, which I think resembles a flower.

After we left Disneyland, we were looking for a cozy spot to warm up at, so we ended up having a late night snack at a Vietnamese restaurant called, "Pho 54," in Westminster (on Brookhurst near Edinger). This place is one of James and Angel's hang outs, so they knew the employees. My soup was quite delicious and hot, it filled up my tummy, and it made me happy, down to my soul... Sounds familiar, huh?... Sounds like that book series titled, "Chicken Soup for the Soul"... Hey, it works for me!!!


Since our kids are teenagers now, Hank and I are able to go out on our own again. It's been fun checking out places, shows, restaurants, etc. To those parents with young children... Don't worry, your chance will come someday, soon enough. Time really does fly, especially when we measure it by our kids. However, if you can't wait until your babies become teens, babysitting is available in Torrance, for the right fee, of course!!! Many, many holy hugs and kisses!!!!! ;-)



HE IS RISEN!!! HE IS RISEN, INDEED!!!
YES, JESUS DIED ON THE CROSS FOR US, HE RESURRECTED THREE DAYS LATER,
SO THAT WE CAN HAVE A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD!!!
PRAISE THE LORD!!! HAPPY EASTER!!!

You'll never guess what happened to us, well to ME, actually. I've always known that God has a sense of humor. But, He really got me this time!
=====>About a week ago, Big Bird died, for an unknown reason. He was one of two pet water turtles we've had since the beginning of the year. On Good Friday, the other turtle, Grover, was missing in action (MIA). Grover probably really missed Big Bird, so he went searching for his buddy. He managed to hop the wall on the back of the aquarium, and escaped! I was worried for him, but what I really didn't want to deal with is having the stinge of a dead turtle in my house! I searched for him on Friday and Saturday, but found nothing. I thought I saw a glimspe of him on Sunday morning, but I didn't have time to investigate before Easter service. After church, I rushed home, but couldn't find him. But I was sure I saw him a few hours before!!! So frantically, I searched for him again. Finally, I found him, but I'd almost stepped on him!!! I was so relieved to find him alive and well, and with a very hearty appetite! Grover has now been renamed as AWOL (Absence WithOut Leave).

=====> Did you see what just happened?!?!? God used AWOL to retell the story of Jesus' death and resurrection!!! I still can't believe I've witnessed a reenactment of the Easter Story through my turtle!!! I just wonder what God wants me to do with this story....... Well, SURPRISE!!! I guess I've just shared it with you!!! I hope you'll be blessed by it, knowing God is in control over everything. God knows how to get our attention, one way or another!!! He is our Creator, our Maker! Praise the Lord, for Jesus lives!!!

Nice cup, Dave!

What's in the pink bag, Derrick? I really like what's inside! Hurray to Kathy for winning the Easter drawing!!! Let me know when you get tired of your new toy, ok?

We had decided to attend South Bay Community Church (SBCC) for Easter service. Amazingly, they had five services (two on Saturday night, and three on Easter Sunday). Following the Sunday services, they had a great games for the kids to earn their Easter eggs and to learn about God at the same time. They also offered tons of good food and snacks for everyone. Although I miss attending Ambassador Church on a regular basis, I feel really blessed to have been a part of the SBCC family. (www.southbaycommunitychurch.com)

SBCC has started a new series called, "The Dark Night." The first message talked about death, how God's people need not be afraid of it. Jesus taught us that death is not forever. We shall rise again with Christ and ascend to our heavenly home for all of eternity. He has taught us how to live in this Earthly world, and gave us a small glimpse of what God has in stored for us.

Darkness can be conquered with Light. We can help bring The Light of Jesus to people who need a bit of light (hope) for future. SBCC is having a food drive ministry, called Operation Daylight, The Ministry of God's Pantry. We have an opportunity to share with our neighbors, and church members too, who are struggling in these hard economic times. I pray that God will bless the people who gave so generously, for He knows our hearts. I pray that He bless the recipients of the love behind the food, may the food nourish their bodies, minds, and souls. May we seek His will for our lives, for He knows our needs and our desires. All this I pray in Jesus' name, AMEN!!! Happy Belated Easter and God bless you!!!