Recent Blog Posts: The Southwest Voice

Party shoes

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 11:46:44 PDT

These are the shoes I recently blogged about. I'll be going back to Plato's Closet soon and often! They made the outfit I wore to my friend's birthday party last weekend. You can sort of see them in this picture my son took of me.

Attention dog lovers: Guess what I did?

Sat, 05 Jul 2008 21:33:38 PDT

I've been in the market recently for a new dog. Wyatt Earp needs a friend, so I have been combing the issues of The Southwest and The Northwest Voice each week for the entries from both major pet shelters in town (the SPCA and Kern County Animal Shelter). For the past three issues, the same dog was pictured -- her name was Ethel. For some reason, Ethel's photo was speaking to me. When we were making the next issue of Southwest Voice this week and Ethel was still looking for a home, I saw it as a sign that I needed to go see her.

I went to the SPCA on Thursday after work, and there she was. It was, as it often can be, love at first sight. Ethel came home with me that night and quickly became part of our family. She's smart, ridiculously loyal to "the one" (that's me) who rescued her, and she's loving to Wyatt.

I noticed, however, that she didn't respond to "Ethel." In fact, at first I thought she was deaf because she never turned her head at all when I called to her. We took several names for a spin, and finally someone called her "Jenny" and she responded! Whatever her pre-shelter name was, it must have ended in a "y" because Jenny now responds quite heartily when called.

When you see the next issue of The Southwest Voice and see a sweet white Boarder Collie mix, she is no longer looking for a home. :)

Trying a new dish

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:15:59 PDT

Work on Wednesday was pretty hectic, and I had computer fatigue by the time I left to pick up my son. I then shuttled us off to Plato's Closet, since I'm on the hunt for the perfect pair of shoes for my friend's birthday party on Saturday.

After browsing as long as my son would allow (and after finding a great pair of sandals), we moved a few blocks down Ming Avenue to try out Izumo Sushi. Their miso soup was so-so and their edamame seemed a bit over cooked, but it was yummy.

We ordered crab, tuna, and freshwater eel sushi. Armand quickly devoured his crab and enjoyed the tuna well enough, however, I couldn't help but be amused by the way he peered at the eel! It was quite delicious and I look forward to eating it again. Armand even tried a bite, but I think trying something so different and new was a bit overwhelming for him.

Overall, I'm glad to have tried a new restaurant with my son, and quite glad that we had a decent, healthy, very tasty meal for two that came to only $13. I didn't have to do dishes!

My Danish friends Jane and Jan (both sushi enthusiasts) emphatically recommended a place in town called Kato Sushi, which features a sushi happy hour. I'll have to take them up on that soon. Maybe Armand will like their eel — yearh right!

Softball in Heaven?

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 19:53:52 PDT

Softball in Heaven?

Author unknown

Two 90-year-old women, Rose and Barb, had been friends all of their lives.

When it was clear that Rose was dying, Barb visited her every day.

One day Barb said, 'Rose, we both loved playing women's softball all our lives, and we played in all through High School.

Please do me one favor: when you get to Heaven, somehow you must let me know if there's women's softball there.'

Rose looked up at Barb from her deathbed, 'Barb, you've been my best friend for many years. If it's at all possible, I'll do this favor for you.'

Shortly after that, Rose passed on.

At midnight a couple of nights later, Barb was awakened from a sound sleep by a blinding flash of white light and a voice calling out to her, 'Barb, Barb.'

'Who is it?' asked Barb, sitting up suddenly.. 'Who is it?'

'Barb -- it's me, Rose.''You're not Rose. Rose just died.''I'm telling you, it's me, Rose,' insisted the voice.

'Rose! Where are you?' 'In Heaven,' replied Rose. 'I have some really good news and a little bad news.'

'Tell me the good news first,' said Barb.

'The good news,' Rose said, 'is that there's Softball in Heaven. Better yet, all of our old buddies who died before us are here, too. Better than that, we're all young again. Better still, it's always springtime, and it never rains or snows. And best of all, we can play softball all we want, and we never get tired.' 'That's fantastic,' said Barb. 'It's beyond my wildest dreams!

'So what's the bad news?'

'You're pitching Tuesday.'

THIS LAND IS YOUR LAND...

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 21:07:31 PDT

THIS LAND IS YOUR LAND …

4^th of July 2007 found me out in the blistering heat with a Brazilian high school student, Felipe Souza, and two visiting representatives of the German Foreign Office of EF Foundation for Foreign Study, Dana and Annette. We had spent the better part of the day handing out flyers, talking to people on the street, and were now using the time before the BC Fireworks Display by chatting with everyone who would listen to us. As the patriotic music started Dana looked over at me surprised that people were singing along. “This doesn’t happen in Germany,” she told me. As it turns out, the flags, the music, and the fireworks extravaganza were all new to both Germans and Brazilian. “We only have fireworks on New Year’s Eve,” one or all three of them mentioned between ooohhhs and ahhhs and wild clapping going on around us. I was asked, “Why are Americans so nationalistic?” by either Dana or Annette. I asked them to look around at the people in the stands, their various ethnic backgrounds and languages being spoken around us. It was simple to me, we’re proud of what we’ve accomplished as a nation incorporating people from all over the earth into one group. Our freedoms and legal rights are safely guarded by constitutional law. Variations of this celebration were occurring all over the USA and for the same reasons – we are “One people under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.”

As I’ve welcomed foreign students into my home over the past 14 years, I always ask them what they think about America when they arrive. I ask mostly the same questions as they are leaving. This year, Fabian Taute from Germany admitted that he had some preconceived ideas and ‘prejudices’ about Americans before he got here. As he passionately told me of what he had learned, the changes he had gone through, and how he felt now about our country, our government, and our people it reminded me that spending time with another culture, speaking the language of that culture, fosters understanding and acceptance. As a multi-racial and multi-ethnic community and country, we should all realize that already and remember to pull together. The concept that ‘Together we Stand and Divided we Fall’ has always been true. If my memory is correct, the Latin translation of ‘E Pluribus Unum’ is ‘from many, One’. That’s what it means to be a citizen of this great country – to come together from many and varied backgrounds, races, religious beliefs, and native languages and to become One Nation.

I’m proud of my heritage, my brave ancestors and what they sacrificed to come here to this land. I’m proud of what our country has achieved – and thankful to be an American. My friend, Kalinka Rutberg, a Jewish Russian immigrant, summed it up nicely just the other day. I had asked if she felt Americans, in particular Californians, were friendly, open, and tolerant of English learners. She responded in the affirmative but went on to say that it just was not possible for those of us born here to completely appreciate our legal system, political system, and personal freedoms because we had never lived without them. She brought tears to my eyes as she confirmed her appreciation to this country and it’s people.

Summer Picnic & Basket Auction!

Sun, 15 Jun 2008 20:35:12 PDT

THE EMPTY SPACE’S SUMMER PICNIC & BASKET AUCTION!
“A picnic for all ages to benefit The Empty Space!”
Saturday, June 21st
1-4pm at Jastro Park

In an effort to bring back the annual “theatre picnics” of the past, The Empty Space would like to extend an invitation to all the theatres around town as well as ALL Bakersfield artists and their families! There will be lunch, games, prizes, raffles, face painting, and a preview performance of Reefer Madness: The Musical (family-friendly scenes only, of course!) To top it off, we’ll be auctioning off some delicious picnic baskets filled with homemade desserts and baked goods. Come hang out, eat, support the arts, catch up with old friends, and make some new ones! Bring water balloons and squirt guns to cool off afterwards!

Picnic Lunch:
$6 adults
$4 kids
(includes hot dogs, chips, fruit, and lemonade. A la carte items available as well).

Please RSVP at 327-PLAY to help us get an idea of how many people to expect. We’d love to see as many local artists in attendance as possible, so spread the word to your friends and family!

A tribute to the troops

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 21:20:42 PDT

The military troops fighting to defend "Lady Liberty" are in our hearts. Often we pray for their safety. We pray for their families. We pray for their safe return. We pray God keeps them safe while they are fighting for our freedom. There selfless-service to this nation should be an inspiration. Without them could we sleep each night as comfortable? Tonight when you lay you're head down on your soft pillow. Think of where some of our troops are sleeping. In self dug a hole? On the ground? Maybe they aren't even sleeping, keeping guard through the long, lonely dark nights. Yearning for a touch from family? Dreaming of a hug or familiar smile from a loved one? For some it's possible this freedom is taken for granted?

I am ever so thankful for the freedom they provide us. I come from a very long family history of military. From great grandpas and grandpas to dad to step-mom to most recently, my Brother-in-Law. Born on a Marine base and raised in a military family, I know some of the sacrifices of seeing your family members go off to war.

Although I appreciate there service and duty protecting this beautiful nation. With tearful eyes and a heavy heart, my brother-in-law is being deployed tomorrow. My sister will be left behind, with a 4 month old and a 2 year old far away from family. Please, when you lay your head down tonight. Remember the peace and freedom we have. And should not take for granted.

Thank you to all the service men and women. Please also say a pray for my brother in law, sister, their children and our family. Remember there is a price for freedom. Veterans, Soldiers, and families have and are paying that price.

Softball all-star game?

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 22:24:27 PDT

How did the all-star game go tonight? I couldn't make it, but I know Hannah Grisham.

Karaoke King Show Live at Club Odyssey in the DoubleTree with DJ Kyle of Good Time Entertainment

Sun, 08 Jun 2008 14:57:41 PDT

Even today I can't help but smile at the memory of last Wednesday night! It started out very, very, slow ... and for awhile Joe, Brandon, Lindsey and I thought we were going to be the only ones on stage. With DJ Kyle in Cuyama, and a slow start to the evening, it looked like we'd have an uneventful, even BORING night, but we were sooooo wrong!

We promised everyone that we'd have two styles of karaoke nights: Tuesday nights for families, and Wednesday nights for adults who wanted to have a little fun. This Wednesday the crowd pulled out the stops and provided us with a fun party that, let's just say, is a little more grown up than the kids can handle.

Watch the Videos

2008 High School All-Star Softball game

Sat, 31 May 2008 18:08:00 PDT

MARK YOUR CALANDARS NOW, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11 @ 6:30PM AT DAVE FRY FIELD, BY SAM LYN BALL PARK.

FRIENDS

High School All-Star Softball Game

Thu, 29 May 2008 13:26:49 PDT

This years Kern County ASA Senior High School All-Star High School Softball Game will be played on Wednesday, June 11th @ 6:30pm at Dave Fry Field. Each High School team in Kern County was contacted and asked to nominate at least two (2) deserving players. Postal Letters and e-mails were sent to all 30 High schools in Kern County this year. Last year the players from the desert took home most of the awards.

This game is a chance for all our local players to show what they can do one last time for the Bakersfield and Kern County fans. Each player and coach will receive the All-Star T-shirt donated by “Supreme Bean a Bakersfield original coffee company”. Stop in for some great coffee first thing tomorrow morning!

The purpose of the game is to allow the players to show off their skills one last time and to raise funds to give out a scholarship to a deserving Kern County player, playing in this game. Help turn this event into one of Kern County's premier sports events. We have invited one of Kern Counties outstanding women to throw out the first pitch. College coaches, local State, Federal Representatives and local media have also been invited to attend.
Here are the players as nominated by their high school coaches:
      Melissa Cope, Stockdale               Jessica Johnson, Golden Valley
MacKenzie Oakes Stockdale              Yvette Salazar, Golden Valley
Amanda Roberts, Centennial             Kaiyla Stoddard, Golden Valley
Jessica Newton-Smith, Centennial               Brittany Hunt, Foothill
Hannah Grisham, Centennial                   Heather Shull, Foothill
Vanessa Medina, Centennial                   Lonnie Carrera, Garces
Joni Lagerstrom, Centennial                    Ellen Krausse, Garces
BreAnna Brown, North                        Shelby Alsup, Garces
Amanda Flores, North                         Megan Grace, Garces
Danielle Scroggs, North                     Celina Morales, Garces
Sami Lindsey, North                           Danyel Fein, BHS
      Ashley Young, Taft                        Kelsey Nichols, Highland
      Brittany Barlow, Taft                      Myranda Sawyer, Highland
Brittney Morrison, Ridgeview                Courtney Hockett, Liberty
Jamie Dumatrait, Ridgeview                       Joya Cervera, Wasco
Kristian Moore, Wasco

COACHES
Jayna Chapman, Centennial Henry Arias, Liberty
Corrie Gunnaway, North Mike D'Amato, Garces

The Kern County ASA will honor as it's "Kern County Woman of Softball"

Barbara SantaCruz
Here is a list of her accomlishments:
Played High School Softball at East High School in Bakersfield----Played ASA Travel Ball with the BLITZ, BLAZE and RUNNERS (15 years). --– Coached U14, U16 and U18 Bakersfield Dirt Devils (6 years). --– Coached/Assisted at East, South, Ridgeview and Golden Valley High Schools. --– Played at CSUB from '86-90 where she was a 2 time All-American --– Led CSUB to 3 National Championships and was assistant coach from 1990-98– Selected to the NCAA 25th Anniversary Hall of Fame Team.

We need everyone involved in girls softball to get behind this effort so it can become an annual event! All profits will be used to award scholarships and insure next years game. Please get involved and take part.
This is a once in a lifetime event for YOUR senior players. Never again will this years seniors be able to play in a High School Senior All-Star Softball Game!
Give me a call if you can help out, Joe Cox 661-565-1808 or send e-mail to: KernCountyASAJO@aol.com

Thank you.

Bakersfield is HOT ... Find Where to Cool Down

Thu, 22 May 2008 13:50:56 PDT

click here

Just in time for Summer! We're pleased to announce a new resource on Mom eNetwork. Check out where to have "Cool" fun in Bakersfield.

Whether it's at a Spray Park, a Pool or Ice Rink. Find where the "cool" places are to hang out!

Enjoy!

Gold Canyon Candles

Wed, 21 May 2008 19:50:03 PDT

Visit my website at (www.mygccandle.com/LuvGoldCandles) and see the new Summer Gold Canyon Candle catalog. You can order right off my site or call me at 661-809-7120. i burn candles year round especially during the summer when it's so hot you can't even open the windows for fresh air. I love to enter my house and it smell the fresh scent of flowers or a baking scent. Gold canyon Candles now offers body products and home cleaning products. You can also request a catalog and host a catalog party and earn free products.

Christine Aguirre

Gold Canyon Candle

Independent Demonstrator

Time Out

Thu, 15 May 2008 21:31:08 PDT

I have started giving time outs to my daughter who is nearly 18 months old. It started this past weekend. She was beating my very patient dog, Princess Frankie, over and over again with her bald dolly. I kept saying no and redirecting her. To no avail, she continually made her way back to beating the dog. Poor dog and dolly. I thought now is good as any to start time outs. I sat her on the floor right there at the point of impact. Told her no, and informed her she as on a time-out. She cried and cried. Of course, my heart was breaking. After a short moment in time, her time-out was over. The dog hasn't been beaten since. I'm sure it won't be the last however.

So, I was wondering does anyone else use time-outs? How should I do use time-outs with an 18 month old?

Next post idea.... Mommy Time Outs! :) Much needed!

I've been YouTube'd

Tue, 13 May 2008 07:22:13 PDT

I've always thought what would it be like to be famous? Well now I consider myself nearly famous. Ha!! Local channel 23 news station did a story on local moms and what a mom is worth. They put a video up on YouTube that features yours truly! What they say about the camera adding 10 pounds, they're right!

Here is the link to the Channel 23 news article:

Local Mom Creates Web Site For Moms