Piñata party time!

Josiah had his birthday party - and it was quite fun!

We had some food - shishkabobs, which I found out originated in Persia ( now Iran). We also grilled some veggies and put them on rice, in addition to corn-on-the-cob. We had MUCH more food than we truly needed!

Then we took out the piñata for all the kids to beat at until they got their beloved candy! It was a lot of fun, more than I had thought. Mate was still hitting it afterward, and Josiah even put on the piñata head and "roared" at people. :)

All the kids just ended up playing either in the house or at the park behind where we live. It was very surreal, and kept me quite busy!

But in the end I was able to relax - well after Laura Kipka had me get the booze! Honestly, I am not much of a drinker. Nor had I thought it appropriate at a kid's birthday party. But with the kids busy, the adults have to do something - right? I ended up getting some Heineken, Mike's Hard Berry, and Smirnoff Ice. Did I have any? One, but thas pretty much ALL I ended up having. Which is fine, not drinking often makes it more worthwhile when I do. ( moderation in all things is a virtue )

But in getting the drinks I was also able to drive my old car - my Daewoo Lanos( you can see it in the background while Hibak is swinging!) . So...twas nice. Miss my car, but only because it conjures up memories. ;)

Peace and Justice Gardeners

Josiah's Birthday today!

But the day started out with us going to the Fifth Annual Parade of Gardens at the East Phillips Community Garden ( which we have a plot, that Brandy and I have been unable to adequately maintain. Brandy couldn't find the key to use the garden tools, which I found a few weeks later )

Lynne Mayo is founder of the Peace and Justice Organic Gardeners group, and had her own table at the garden. I rent from Lynne, but also am a part of her group. Her table was set apart from the rest of the East Phillips ( maybe Organic ) Gardeners, and she strived to inform visitors about her vision for permaculture in the community.

There seems to be some major issues between Lynne Mayo and Linda Pass( of the East Phillips Improvement Coalition). I won't detail the Fiskars grant , but a couple days prior Lynne's burdock was torn down.


Therefore Lynne, was rather ecstatic that I could volunteer with Josiah and ended up having some fun with the neighbor kids while there. Twas a fun time, though few truly showed up to the garden itself. That is okay, as I am sure we will find other community outreach opportunities in the future.

My So-called Lazy Day

I could have done a million things today. I probably should have called my ex-coworker Sadia, or even Darwin. I didn't - just goes to show how much I need to get away from everything. But I could use someone to chat with, so I thought my newfound friend Sarah might - but wasn't going to bet anything on that [she has a hot new boyfriend :P ]

It all turned out perfect anyways. I first stopped by Taco Bell and wished a few of my acquaintances ( Hashu, Meron , Daniel, Getu) a good day - in Oromifaan for Hashu. ;)

Meron has promised a couple days back to show me the Ethiopian way of making coffee. It is said to be much stronger than how we make it. She has also invited me to go with her to Ethiopia - so has Fatuma and Dureti! I am not sure how serious they truly are, but they have at least mentioned it in the last few weeks. It would be an amazing vacation!

After they went to work, I glanced to see Sarah - who was working hard as always - but twas the lunch rush. NOT the time to bother her.

So...I went to the library downtown via light rail. Each time I go there with Josiah, he just gets wild. He won't allow me to go anywhere but the children's section. So I finally was able to see all the periodicals and search the library stacks! It's AMAZING what selection they have! I am astounded by the depth of our libraries collection! Okay, maybe I am a diehard bookworm - but at least I was in heaven! ;)

I found a book on Oromo sayings and wisdom, in addition to a dictionary ( which was meant to teach English to those who could read Afaan Oromo and not vice-versa). I also found their sex advice section(titles I was looking for checked out,but still browsed) and Buddhist section.

I then perused periodicals finding a few ( GiantRobot and SciAm) of interest. Then I decided it time to head back to Taco Bell - after going to Chipotle first! After paying for my vegetarian burrito at Chipotle, I informed them I would be purchasing Pepsi at the nearest Taco Bell. They looked like I had just cussed out their mother - oh well. They don't carry Pepsi!

Arriving at Taco Bell after a few blocks bus ride, I was able to actually chat with Sarah. She was still rather bummed about her boyfriend, though I don't think she has anything to worry about. But I can understand, it's like knowing someone is upset with you and you can't even do anything about it, or even talk to them! Worse than annoying - it's downright torture! I thought mayhaps we could chat or go somewhere after she was done with work....

But she had made plans for after work( i.e. not with me), so I would be off to the Minnehaha Falls. It's a great place for a snack, and to relax reading The Dhammapada. Yeah it rained for a bit, but they have this bandstand area where I found it nice to wait it out. And it wasn't really hard rain, and prior to and afterward I was able to read near the falls. I love the place.

Maybe few will agree with me, but I think the Minnehaha Falls area is full of radiant and amazing energy. I don't think Minneapolis would be here if not for the falls, I think it is one of the anchors for this area. It may just be a waterfall in appearance, but it seems so much more.

Anywho, I made it back to Franklin Avenue by 7:30 or so and went to Seward Coop to pickup a foodlist Brandy made me ( to pickup the next day). There I met my friend Lori Yakle - twas nice as she offered to bring us some veggie kebab skewers, as her employers were out!

I scurried home with $50 in Certified Organic groceries to find Zion and Josiah running around. Brandy was busy cleaning up the place for Siah's birthday party. (I did wakeup today at 7:30AM with Josiah showing me candy he had stolen from his piñata - which I promptly moved above our closet. ) Anywho, I had the pleasure of asssisting her until the went to bed.

Now I truly am being lazy - I just did dishes and am browsing the digital realm. ( posting this)
I AM enjoying the weather tonight - though it is 60 degrees it feels like Fall already! It did the last few mornings/nights as well. Though I like wearing my shorts, to put on jeans and sweatshirts and enjoy this weather is priceless!

Checked out Midtown Exchange

Today was a fun day. Brandy took off going to school and instead we went to the Midtown Global Exchange - previously known as Sears - at Chicago and Lake Street. Previously the only purpose I had to come to this part of town was to visit Uncle Hugo's Book store to pickup Doctor Who stuff or interesting fantasy books.

We bought some Green tea at what seemed to be a Japanese-centric store. We bought organic veggies and fruits at another store that exclusively sold these items, and then we ate at the newest Holy Land restaurant. I really like having this restaurant on the south side of Minneapolis, but also didn't mind seeing the Central avenue area on northside. ( It was always an excuse to shop at East Side Food Coop also)

Last year for his Josiah's birthday, we went to the Holy Land buffet. Josiah LOVES their pitas and hummus!

Anywho, after this and during Brandy's shopping time, Josiah was able to enjoy the mall's play area. Afterwards we crossed the street and went to a store I thoroughly dislike: Family Dollar Store. I really find the place full of junk and ripoffs. Everything is prepackaged and in the smallest sizes possible. But Brandy wanted to get some of Josiah's birthday plates and stuff there - so we did. I encouraged her to buy more things at Target, especially candy in bulk sizes. So we ended up saving a bit through using fewer packaging, but Josiah's birthday will still be spendy!

Anywho, after all this shopping I simply wanted to go home. So I did, and Brandy went to do a few errands. Once getting home, Siah played with the many neighbors children in our backyard.

I could not stay home, as I had decided to involve myself more in state politics. I had joined a progressive organization known as Take Action Minnesota, to promote progressive candidates and causes throughout our amazing state. My political blog will go into more detail about today's endorsement event, but I was thoroughly surprised that a Green Party member had the ability to get endorsed for a statewide race! Of course her opponent wasn't that impressive, and Dr. Julie Risser surely was!

[ photo credits : surlygrrrl ]

Como Park Zoo day!

We went to the Como Park Zoo today! Attached to it is Como Town, where children can ride small amusement park rides - like a mini-roller coaster. Josiah got to go on 3 rides.

Brandy took photos of flowers, but we were unable to check out the many gardens - just the zoo. And we didn't take any photos, but I really loved going.

I was able to see all sorts of amazing primates, as well as tigers, lions, and flamingos. Though Como is smaller than the Minnesota Zoo - it is simple and even cozier. ( but I do wish the animals had more spacelike they do at the Minnesota Zoo! )

One interesting note is that I wore a pink t-shirt, with the Planned Parenthood label on the back and the words "It's in your power VOTE" on the front. While my Father may have been upset about my stance on reproductive health, three women felt they had to commend my wearing of this shirt. As this was the first day I wore it, I was rather surprised at the positive feedback received. Only my Doctor Who and Ghost in the Shell shirts have gotten close to this attention!

So, those who wish to make their social/political thought known - wear them! ;)