Friday, June 29, 2007

Time Travel

There are moments that pass quite slowly, like yesterday when I was slicing tomatoes (I filled 12 quarts.) Other moments come and go in a wink, like our hike in Limekiln State Park. We walked from our beachside tent, up the canyon, following the creek, and into the redwoods. The forest floor was carpeted in clover, and we were serenaded by stellar jays. The boys hopped rocks, crossing the falling creek, zigzag, climbing fallen trees and testing the cold of the water. Maria sat in my lap as we launched leaf boats into the rapids and watched them follow their course down stream, perhaps to the ocean. We made observations and sat quietly. We imagined our home nestled among the trees and dreamed of returning to camp for days and days. We were idle and reflective. Still the moment was fleeting. It's gone, except in the stories we'll tell.

Taqueria training is in progress... okay, I'm obviously not frying chips at this very moment, but I am thinking about it. I am thinking about buying and preparing $200 worth of produce at once, and chopping enough tomatoes to last an afternoon, but feeling like it was a lifetime's worth! I am thinking about cheese and chicken, salsa, fryers, grills, storage, prepping, accounts, payroll, rent, insurance, permits, inspectors, cooks, cashiers and carnitas burritos with beans, lettuce, cilantro, onion... mmmm... oh, pardon me. My training day went fairly well, I think. See, I thought I was mildly competent and I know I learned quite a bit for 4 hours. My brother hasn't said much... Yes, I am the kind of employee that hangs on a word of praise. I didn't put the cold drinks ahead of the warm drinks, even though I remember this cardinal rule of stocking from previous careers. Other than that minor infraction, I think was 4 star.

Will I open my own restaurant? Caramba! I could do it. I'd have to farm out the children and drop quilting, blogging and whining about cleaning. It's not an easy thing to figure out. I am glad it's working for Bill. He has his complaints and challenges, but his clients like him and he seems to find his groove. He does, eventually, find time for play and fun. Heck, his house is clean too, which is more than I can say and I don't run a Taqueria. Yes, lots to consider.

I'll think about it tomorrow. Right now the children are taking me to the new Pixar movie... no time to Google and spellcheck the title... we're too busy having fun!

Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Lobby Post

Best Western
Whoa, there are computers in hotel lobbies. So, while the kidlets eat their free breakfast, here I am posting a little "Howdy!"

Okay this too weird. Too public. Ironic...

We are having a blast. Loved the camping part best. I think we had lunch with Jack Nicholson... waiting to confirm. Does he have a grand-daughter named "Belle" or "Bella?"

Short and sweet.

Sunday, June 24, 2007

Road Trip Launch

It's 6:26 a.m.
The car is packed.
I should take a picture, it looks so purty.
The house is a disaster.
I should take a picture, it would teach me a lesson.
Everyone is asleep and I am wondering...
Why am I going away?
I could stay home and clean, start over on my doll quilt (which is being difficult.)
I should file, sort, unpack, sanitize, come to terms with the fact that I really do live here.
Sometimes people come in our house and tell me it's 'wonderful' and I wince.
They say it's 'so spacious' and I sigh.
They say it's 'really nice' and I protest.
I tell them, "We're just renting it," deflecting all praise and encouragement, because I feel so
detached and apart from any ownership of this place, but I could say "thank you" and move on.
From experience I know that this trip will be a lot of fun and sometimes nerve wrecking (wracking? Which is it?)
I also know that when I start to feel homesick, like tomorrow morning, I will be missing Geoff.
Geoff and the cats, and the way our bed gets really comfy at 6:35 a.m.
Geoff the cats, our bed, this computer, Playstation 3 and the freedom it buys me from bored children.
When I get home I'll be a new woman, transformed and enlightened, full of fresh insight, inspired by hardship and brimming with new found skills. I will write a novel, paint great art, sew something endearing, capture the essence of life at its utmost, in digital photography. I will be a domestic queen and start up a lucrative enterprise.
It all sounds so wonderful, I can't wait to get started.
Time to rouse the children and hit the road.