Whiskey Stones

I am now selling online! Velity website coming soon!


www.velity.com

TIME MACHINE...ENGAGE!

Fast Forward.

Ok, so I am FINALLY going to start blogging again. And I am pretty sure NO ONE reads this. So i could make up all kinds of amazing things and pretend thats my life. But, Just in case........ I become insanely famous someday. I wont.

lets jump to the important stuff.

UPGRADES.

1. My home     (check)

2. My man       (check)

3. My education  (check)

4. My life       (check)

5. My income (working on it)

Well, I guess that sums it up! 

So for all you curious kids out there, I will elaborate on each topic.

1. I left San Francisco, and though i have really struggled with leaving my home behind, I have really started falling in love with my new home here in San Diego. I spent a short while in Arcata, but it really sucked for me. No one wore skinny jeans there. So it really made no sense for me to live there. San Diego is giving me all kinds of gifts. Including a tan!

2. So I divorced Aug 11. 2011. Out with the old and in with the new. As they say. Whoever "they" are. 

I now have a new man, a far better and sexier man, a old friend. He is just that guy i've been waiting for my whole life. I jokingly call my marriage "my starter marriage". It was only practice. 

3. I have finally started school again. after a long time, im ever closer to getting a degree. This makes me enormously happy. and hopefully some money.

4. My pieces all fit into one big puzzle called Life. However, lately, I have started my best role yet! Quasi-Stepmother. Yep thats right. Never thought I would be the one having a kid. BUT its kinda rad. My man has a five year son, and he is pretty darn cute!

5. ETSY to start. Velity.com to finish. So I am finally getting my art and various creations and collaborations with Landis rolling, YAY! Check out our store! Holla.

So thats the gist of it. This whole last year. Moving around, finding my niche, learning to parent, studying, creating. Life has been good to me. and really, it doesnt suck to be me.

Time, oh how I love and hate you.

It has been awhile since I last wrote much of anything on this blog. And at this point I do not know if anyone still reads it. But I sort of feel that though my words may go unread, writing it feels right and good and mostly, soothing.  I have spent the last two and a half years talking non-stop. Anyone can attest to it. Go ahead, ask, I dare you. Anyone. Even the girl at the shoe store knows my story.  She gave me a hug. On an positive note, I was there shopping for shoes for a date that night! 

My story is not unique. In fact, my journey is not unique.It can be just as ordinary as green grass and blue skies. But finding my way, has in itself been completely and utterly unique to me. After all, I had never been down that road, and now here I am standing at a crossroads, similar to Robert Frost's The Road Not Taken, and I must decide with path will lead me where I want, no, need, to go.


I had been profoundly hurt you see. That sickening pain inside the heart and all you want is to free yourself from its chains. It was like grief. Like someone I loved too much had suddenly died. Cut off. Just like that. My words became meaningless sounds, it no longer mattered what I said, no begged for. My heart beat like a slow dying drum. My eyes would not stop shedding those horrid tears, even when my mind told them not to. 

I was a wife. And my husband no longer wanted me. Anyone, who has stood in my shoes, knows EXACTLY what I am describing. Yet, I felt like I was alone. and no-one could understand my pain. None of my friends could relate. My brothers are all still happily married, save one. I just was out on an island. Alone, cold, tired, and scared. I wanted saving. I was desperate for it. but I knew, I had to save myself. So that is exactly what I did. I build myself a boat out of palms and I left that island behind. And I NEVER looked back.

I choose my path. A path many have taken before. The hardest one I had ever taken. I abandoned all that i knew and loved, my home, my security, my world. I had to. I needed to. 

I choose the path that lead my to San Diego. Into the arms of my family and friends. I slept on a dining room floor. I had very little money in the bank. I dropped off what I little I could fill my car with at my brother's house. and I uncurled from the fetal position I had spent so long in. 

I was going to make it. on my own. I was going to stand on my own and be proud of who I am. Yes, I had no home, yes I had no job, and yes, I had no money. But I didn't care. I had my friends. and I had determination. I was afraid all the time. I cried more than I wanted to. I talked to anyone who would listen. I felt insecure. But, I wanted to succeed. I didn't want to feel sorry for myself. 

I would and could have something more. Something better. I just needed time and patience and a strong will.

And then, it happened. It all became.....ok. I no longer cried. I no longer felt angry. I felt.....good. I felt happy. But mostly, I felt like myself again.

I had been changed. I am not the girl that was once married. I was now a woman. Divorced, but a woman nonetheless. 

Then something even more unexpected happened. Like Bilbo finding the Ring of Power....I found love. Honest, true, and no strings attached kind of love. It was perfect. 

And now, two and half years after I found out that my Ex wanted another girl, I no longer care. In fact, I am glad it happened. You read that right. GLAD. You see, I had been with someone who wasn't a good fit for me. He wasn't the man I needed and I just didn't know any better. But now I do. 

And now, Life is good to me. and I am happy.

Zoo Newz

So Jeff and Aly have been keeping me very busy lately and spoiling me rotten! NO JOKE.

I have been wanting to post all my recent adventures but I now have limited time on the computer. So I will be falling behind a bit. But here is my first entry since arriving what is supposedly sunny San Diego.

The World Famous San Diego Zoo!

Well, really there's not much to say other then, it is the BEST zoo ever.
 While we were there all the babies came out to play. I saw a baby gorilla, hippo, small mammal thingy, koala, and (my favorite) a baby panda!

Check out the pics!

Very difficult to get a photo of this baby.

Baby is on left of mother's head to right of rock.

 

This is actually the baby one.

 

Grrrrrr.

Baby small mammal thingy.

The baby is actually the one in front. It was getting dark so it is difficult to see.

out of touch

I have been trying to adjust to my temporary life in San Diego.

Soon, I will tell you all about it.

The Long Drive

Tomorrow evening I begin my three day drive. To San Diego. Did you know it takes three days to get there? Well, it does. 

Day one: A short trek down to Jonathan and Bree's home in San Jose to have an overnight visit with the boys. I love those kids and I cant wait to get in some last minute playtime. And hopefully some cute pics! 

Day two: The longest day of the journey, traveling 5 hours to Burbank, but not before a Starbucks break in Kettleman City! I will be visiting my family and getting to see my niece and nephew! I dont see them much and so im very excited to spent time with them. And hopefully some cute pics!

Day three: Onward to San Diego I go! could be 2 hours, could be 10. You never know in LA. how long it can take to get out! But then I will reach my new home, well for the next 6 months! and I get to see my friends and play with baby Harlem Jujubean! And some cute pics!

WISH ME LUCK!

A JOB A JOB!

I got a seasonal job as a UPS driver helper. I get to deliver packages, be outside, talk to people, and have a great workout. Im greatful for the job.

Here are my stats for today:


In and Out of the truck: 512
Walked up then down flights of stairs: 225
packages delivered: 366
hours worked. 10.5

Carrot Cake

My parents are  celebrating their 28th wedding anniversary and was asked to make a cake. So, i did. It is carrot with pulp, golden raisins, and walnuts. Cream cheese frosting.

the photo isnt the best because i took it with my cell phone.

World Series!

Giants have won!  

and now endless honking and screaming has begun outside of our apartment. but well worth it. Even though I am still a Padres fan (not sure why), this is still a huge and exciting plus Dan likes the Giants now, so its pretty sweet. Even City Hall has been lit up for the last week with orange lights.

*honk*honk* *scream* *honk* *woot* *YEAH* *honk*

 I have a feeling this will go on ALL night. Go Giants!

NY Times Article

Cupcakes!

Nadia and I worked together to make Red Velvet cupcakes with cream chz frosting. These are a test for my niece Stella's first birthday in a couple of weeks.

Only a few have stamens since I didn't want to waste them.

The Ten Year Adventure

July 1 2000

July 1 2010

Cake...again.

Another cake I made. This time for my parents, grandparents visit to San Jose.

Top tier was Vegan Carrot cake with fresh carrot pulp, golden raisins, and glazed pecans. With cream cheese buttercream frosting.

Bottom tier was Vegan French Vanilla. With vanilla buttercream frosting. IT WAS SOOO GOOD.

(The frosting and fondant was not vegan.)

A Traveler's Journal

Yosemite Log
Camp Date: 05/02/2010

 The beginning has arrived. While entering Yosemite National Park, snow was evident on ground. I had concerns about the cold. Only night will give me answers.  Large area of park has burned into a barren wasteland of black stumps and death. No life reported.

Upon entering the Valley, check in occurred and set up in campground commenced. Wildlife report: One rather obese squirrel, many colorful birds, and no skeeters. This trip may be successful. Just waiting for additional voyagers to arrive before embarking on our next mission.

Yosemite Log
Camp Date: 05/03/2010
Day two in our voyage to seek out strange new worlds. Next mission is to explore the region known as Upper Yosemite Falls. 3.5 miles, strenuous. one way. I worry if my crew can survive such an arduous task. I know they will follow me into death if I ask, but I wonder, will it come to such extremes? Only one way to find out.

Captain Daniel I Johnston, First Officer Catherine M Shipman, Chief Engineer Jeff Colwell, and Lieutenant Alyn Nelson. 

The team headed out, prepared for the days mission. Water: check, snacks: check, ponchos: check, walkie talkie: no. Oh well. The day has progressed well and we have observed strange new life forms. However, most impressive was the thundering falls and the never ending switch backs.

View of Upper Yosemite Falls at Middle Cascade.  

After what seemed like days, but only hours in real time, our team has split. Chief Colwell and Lt. Nelson have fallen into enemy hands. We have no choice but to continue on in hopes of completing the mission. Only God can save them now. 

 View from Upper Yosemite Falls trail. Thats our ship in the background on the left. 

Yosemite Log:

Camp Date: 05-04-2010

Our crew has reassembled.  What I thought were enemy hands was merely a rest time. We utilized this day  to debrief our findings from the day prior and resume our investigation of the surrounding natural area.

We used what the natives call "bikes" to carry us around this strange yet beautiful valley.

 Capt Johnston and Lt Nelson discuss the findings.

Thus far we have discovered such wonders known as: Half Dome, El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, Three Brothers, Bridalveil Falls, and something called a Black Bear.  Tomorrow our research shall take us to Mirror Lake and Snow Creek. Supposedly the most difficult hike in all of Yosemite Valley. I will be the judge of that.

Searching for Three Brothers.

 Yosemite Log
Camp Date: 05-05-2010

Day four may be the most difficult mission I have yet to embark on. Mirror Lake to Snow Creek. 12 miles round trip. Never have I hiked this long. May prove impossible.  

During complicated mission, seen many waterfalls, two avalanches, but none of the so-called Black Bears.  The trail endless. Up and up. No end in site. May yet be a death mission. We have turned crew back. Capt Johnston and I will continue on in hopes of new life forms. 

 Crazy high up the Snow Creek trail. Most challenging trail got NUTHIN on me! Ha! 

Mission complete. Success. Contact made with local lifeforms. Two runners. One male, one female. Apparently this planet is made of people who like to run up extremely steep trails. Odd creatures.

Yosemite Log

Camp Date: 05-06-2010

This will be my last entry. Mission is complete. Success. Discoveries made. This has been the most challenging and rewarding mission yet. Many new voyages will come. This will stay forever.

 Crew is released.  

See all photos here:

Yosemite Valley 2010

 

A Piece of Cake!!!

So my newest hobby, besides knitting, is cake decorating. I took a basic class that taught me some buttercream flowers and stuff. I thought that I don't really need a class to learn this stuff. That's what Youtube is for! So. I thought I would be really bold. I skipped gum paste, modeling chocolate, and royal icing decorating and went straight to fondant.

So I really had NO idea what I was doing. BUT, for my first time, with no lessons, I think I did pretty good. There is clearly room for improvement. But hey, its ALL homemade. well, that's not entirely true. The cake is from a box. But the baking part I already know how to do. Vegan cake is my specialty. But the decorating part was new for me and so all the icing: buttercream, royal, and fondant, is all made from scratch.

So here is my step by step progress.  NOTE: Nadia made the teddy bear! Her very first attempt ever and it looks awesome!

BAKING THE CAKES: STRAWBERRY WITH STRAWBERRY PIECES AND CONFETTI

 MAKING THE BUTTERCREAM FROSTING.  CUPCAKE TIER GETS CARAMEL BUTTERCREAM, AND STRAWBERRY TIER GETS VANILLA WITH FRESH CUT STRAWBERRY PIECES.

BOTTOM CUPCAKE TIER: CRUMB COATED!

MY FIRST HOMEMADE FONDANT, KNEADED AND READY TO BE ROLLED OUT.

CUPCAKE TIER COVERED IN FONDANT. IT WAS EASIER THAN I THOUGHT, BUT NEXT TIME, I WILL COLOR THE FONDANT. WHITE IS BORING!

 STACKED AND READY TO DECORATE!

STARS ARE READY! i ALSO MADE BEARS, AND RIBBON. 

 NADIA WORKS ON THE CAKE TOPPER! 

MAKING A BOW IS A LOT HARDER THAN I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE!

BUT IT TURNED OUT PRETTY, BUT NOT GREAT. 

FINISHED BEAR!  I CALL HIM LOGAN BEAR. (COS THAT'S WHAT I CALL LOGAN)

FINISHED!  ITS FOR THE NEW BABY BOY, CALLUM!

ONE MORE.

THE END.

Hiking Mt. Tam

So after living in San Francisco for three years, we FINALLY decided to Hike Mt. Tamalpais. Which is right across the Golden Bridge in the Marin Headlands. We have always heard that the view is extraordinary, 360 degrees. So with Danny home for 5 days, which he really needed, we figured it would be a great practice hike for our big trip to Yosemite.

We drove to Pantol Ranger Station and got super lucky with the ONLY free parking spot left. It would be a 4 mile hike to the top, then 4 miles back, with a total elevation change of about 1500 feet.

on the hike up, Dan checks out the view.

Dan spotted a really big snake making its way across the trail. It was pretty big, at least 4.5 feet. It was moving really slow and sticking its tongue out. It was pretty cool.  We are not too sure what kind it was, but since there was no rattle attached we didn't feel it would attack us. But we kept a safe distance anyway.

The flowers were blooming everywhere and you could see new growth on the pine trees. Lots of birds and the weather was ideal. Sunny, but breezy, and not a cloud in the sky to obstruct our view!

When we reached to top of East Peak, we had some snacks and rested. There is a Fire Lookout at the very top. We could not go in, but you could walk around it and gets views from Napa to San Jose. (Danny swears he saw the hangers at Moffett Field) The elevation doesn't sound too high, but considering we basically started at 0, then it felt pretty impressive.

We tried to get some good pics but since we had to scrabble over large rocks, there wasnt really a path or anything at the top, we couldn't quite get a pic with us in it. Our backs were to the Fire Tower and we just perched on any somewhat flat surface. There were around 6 other people sitting by us, so I tried to find a shot with no-one else.

The view to the north, looking into Napa Valley. This was about 500 feet below the actual peak on the trail.

The view to the south. You can see San Francisco on the left side. The pic really doesn't do it justice. It was beautiful! I could have sat there for hours, but we stayed around 20 mins. We knew it was getting late and had 4 miles to go to get back. In fact, the first 2 miles we pretty much jogged.  By the 6th mile, I was tired and my legs were feeling stiff. Danny did not bring a sweater and he was cold! He forgets that its not Maui, this is San Francisco!  Always bring a sweater, even if its sunny.

We got back to the trail head around 6pm. It took us about 4 hours, but we went to two visitor's centers and watched a freakin snake take its sweet time to get across the trail. Plus, we had snacks at the top. So really, we only hiked for 3 hours, and rested for 1 hour. (Danny kept track on his Cadio Trainer app on his DROID)

Total elevation change was just shy of 1500. It was a pretty easy hike. But at least I know my distance.  We are going to try to hike Upper Yosemite Falls in May. Its gonna be tough, but Im excited!

 At the end of hike, which breaks into a pretty meadow. Both tired and cold. Ready to go out for dinner!

Casey at the Bat

Today I played as a sub for my friends co-ed Softball team, the Rumrunners. I was a little bit hesitant since 1. I can't throw 2. I never played before...like, ever. 3. I bat left- handed (yeah its weird) and 4. really I had NO idea what I was doing.


They needed an extra sub so I brought Nadia along as well.  So we showed up at Jackson Field and I had borrowed Danny's baseball mitt, so I least I was a little equipped.  We both warmed up and as the afternoon progressed, I could throw, a little.

Well the other team was pretty good. So I was a little bit worried. So to encourage the our players I would shout out things likie, "Make em cry, let them feel the wind off the ball, nice sherbet orange hot pants(to the other team), show em who's got the mojo, etc" you know, baseball stuff.

Total, 3 subs showed up for one player, Nadia, myself, and Sally. Sally has never played either and when she got to bat, she struck out. :(  

At one point, the catcher, Kimberly, asked me to step in for her, so I got to play catcher for two innings which was super fun--minus the whole can't throw thing-- but the pitcher, Miguel was nice about it. One thing is, I can catch.

By the last inning I got SUPER nervous because I was going to be up to bat, the first person to go starting out the last inning. BUT the thing is we were down 3-2 and there were only 3 minutes left in the game. So yeah. great, just great.

So here we go, the pitch is high, but I swing anyway.

STRIKE ONE!

um, ok.....Everyone is cheering me on......"It's ok Catherine, keep your eye on the ball!"  Um, I was, it went really high so I swung at it...der.

and the second pitch, here it comes, kind low, so I figure, ok I'll let this one go....and it bounces on Home Plate.

STRIKE TWO!

shit!

more cheering.....well, I am gonna swing at anything. who cares that I'm gonna strike out and we might lose the first game of the season. At least I tried.

Third pitch, this guy really thinks he knows me now! and SMACK!!!!!! 


I hit it.......I. HIT. IT.  RUUUUUUUNNNNN!!!!!!!!!!!!!  and I did, all the way to first base.  Apparently I hit the ball like five feet. LOL, no-one was expecting that!


So my First Base Coach Susan says, "Ok at second base, only run when Miguel tells you to."


um, ok.

Well, the next person up hit the ball into far right field and so i took off full speed! and then the next batter hit the ball way out in the back field, so Miguel is like "RUN CAT RUN!!!!"  I took off like I was running from the po-lice! I mean I don't think I have ever sprinted that fast. I got to third and Miguel is yelling, "KEEP GOING! RUN RUN!!!!" and so I do. I ran my butt off, I ran my butt to home plate and scored. OH YEAH!!!!!!  Not bad. not bad at all.


One minute left in the game, the pitcher walks the next two batters.....and then Cliff came up to bat and WHACK!  It was ALL over!!!!!!!!!

We won 7-3 . Best. Victory. Ever. Too bad I don't have any pictures. Oh well, maybe next game.

Logan is my best friend.

Logan got a new bed and when I asked him if I could lay in it he said," yep."

Then I jumped in and he started cracking up and jumped in with me and got under the blankets and told me to read to him. We are pointing at the "Ito" kitty that represents his Abuelito (my stepdad).   *sigh*  I heart Logan.

And the Oscar goes to......

Attention all gamblers!  Its that time of year. Oscar Time!!!  And you know what that means.... an opportunity to make some easy cash.

Since last year I won, again, and was accused of cheating, again, I am no longer going to participate in casting my vote. HOWEVER, I will still facilitate the game.

 Rules as follows:

~ $10.00 BUY IN PER PERSON! Couples no longer count.
~ $1.00 of each buy in is paid to the house.
~ Winner takes all minus the house fees.
~All Ballots MUST be sent via email or snail mail before Oscar date. Day of entry is no longer allowed.
~All Buy Ins MUST be prepaid via cash, check, paypal (include an extra 3% for fees) or money order.


Winner is notified day of and PAID out the day after.
All Ballot entries will be posted on my blog, see link below.

Also attached is a printable copy of the Oscar Ballot.


Call me or email me with any questions!!  Good Luck Everyone!!!




Catherine

Glenn loves Veronica!

This last weekend, Danny was a groomsman in his BFF Glenn's Wedding. The event took place at the Mira Monte Resort and Spa in Palm Desert, CA.  It was SOOOO beautiful.  We dropped about 700 bucks for the big day, but in the end it was worth seeing Glenn so happy!!! We wish them the best!  Here are some pics of Dan looking fly!
  And the Bride and Groom of course!

Having cake.

Bride Veronica and Groom Glenn exit the church!

Dan rides top down in the Mustang!

Aw, Rats.

As a serious surprise this Holiday, I got Danny Boy some new female friends. Keep in mind, he asks me like every week, "Can we get a new Smokey(old rat)? When can we get a new one?" and with quick response I say, "NEVER again!" or, "No. F*cking. Way." which was more common. Now, some of you may remember that our old rat, Smokey, nearly broke up our marriage, the little beast, so in Dan's head it would never happen. However, being that I am a totally awesome and loving wife, well SURPRISE indeed. Check out some pics and video of our new baby devils....Names to follow....


**these critters are VERY difficult to snap photos of.

playtime includes climbing all over me.

Danny meets his tiny coffee and white colored hooded rat.

My little wheat gray friend trying too see if I am a friend or a piece of food. Friend wins.

Trying to see if they can escape without us noticing.Danny reaches out to block my rat from jumping. Lucky she hasnt learned that trick yet....

Playtime starts in the bathtub, with lots of toys purchased, they prefer to chew on the drain cap. sheesh.

The little cream and coffee colored one is very timid and shy and stays around her bigger sister. But she likes to be snuggled with and will "chirp" and "squeek" when she's playing. She chomps her teeth when she's happy and likes to groom my fingers by nibbling on them and licking them.

The bigger gray wheat one is very curious and a risk taker and very smart. She watches out for her lil sis and bring her food inside the cage and plays with her constantly. Its very cute. She is an excellent climber and dare devil. She likes to sit on my shoulder but often sticks her nose in my ear and it tickles.

My curious rat wants to smell the camera. say "cheese"!

trying it out with no flash. They are still very young and small, but I think in a couple of months might be as big as cats.....