Incident with a few neighbors

I had an incident with some people at a town-home behind my residence. I do not know the details of how the town-home association resolves this situation, but I was assured that it would be resolved. But I am aware that they had some people living there that should not have been, and hope that the more responsible elements of the family were not punished for trying to help relatives out.

I am thankful that I do not have to leave my home in fear of some sort of physical attack. I have never felt that until this incident during my entire residency in Minneapolis. There are times when I may see an individual that I am wary of ( especially when I lived in Stevens Square ) but this rarely happens.

I think the best way to learn about an area that you live, especially one with a negative stigma like Phillips, you have to actually be engaged in it. You spend time outside at the park just sitting or reading a book. You go to neighborhood events, and you walk to the corner stores. You start to get a sense of "normal" in where you live and notice when something seems out of the ordinary.

I would like to thank the town-home association and the City of Lakes Community Land Trust for their work on this.

Joined Phillips Community Energy Cooperative

I recently decided to join the Phillips Community Energy Cooperative. This is because I keep getting mail for Tara Grieco, who used to live where I do, from them. I read that new members get a free tote bag - I was sold already. In addition one gets some complact flourescent light-bulbs and 5 plastic window covers. The kicker is membership costs $1. But one must live in the Phillips neighborhood of Minneapolis, which is about 10,000 people ( our 25,000 squirrels are currently excluded) .

I talked to the program coordinator Jeff Cook-Coyle about how they get their funding. Basically Xcel donates money to the project. The coop also offers refrigerators and air conditioners at half of cost to members.

I asked whether there were any plans to get solar water heaters into the neighborhood, and Jeff seemed almost lit up about the subject. It is still in the planning stages, but very much a possibility in the next few years.

The coop is very new, starting in 2003. I wish it success and hope that it can reduce fossil fuel dependency locally. Through conservation and renewable initiatives, is is very possible.

Go-To Card

Today I got my Go-to card. I am quite happy to get one finally, they are quite convenient. I don't have to dig in my wallet, just know where my plastic sleeve is. I wish one could add money to the card online.

One feature I wished the card had was the ability to switch into a monthly pass or not. Once you go over the dollar threshold for a $1.50 monthly pass ( $50) - you automatically get it. Then if you surpass the $2 point ($76), you save a little more. It would be smart, and make transit riders happy to know these cards can save them money too.

It is rather interesting that Barbara Lickness was the 10 millionth rider on the Hiawatha Line in 2005. Barbara is an ardent DFLer, believing that one party rule over Minneapolis isn't bad for its citizens. She also volunteers with the Whittier Alliance, and am glad she is active in the community. (It is rather annoying that she always ends e-mails with the overplayed Margaret Mead quote - quite inspiring the first 87 times.)

More Minneapolitans should support light-rail and other transit. We do not need cars as much in our city. And when we do need cars - we can always car-share instead of own. Transit is seeing an uptick in ridership, and that trend should persisit as oil moves in the same direction.

Why support transit? It prevents Global Warming, while preserving non-renewable resources, and supporting a local economy. Transit will be a great economic and social ally for Minnesotans in the 21st century.

Josiah's lizard?

This morning Josiah woke up and immediately ran outside. I have no clue why, I got dressed and went downstairs. He came back inside bawling - his lizard had run away and buried himself in the mud. I think Josiah has an overactive imagination because we have no lizard.

He said he caught a lizard and that it then ran away later on. He was very upset that it had left him.

He also said that he found mice in our house, which there are, and that he was able to pet them. He said they were not wild mice but nice mice. Then he started searching for the mice, and found a hole underneath or sink. Behind our sink on the living room side is our bookshelf. The bottom of the bookshelf is our reference books, including yellow pages. Josiah though he would find the mice by moving these books out of the way. No such luck, but he was very sure he would find them back there.

Either way, Josiah has become more intelligent about many things, and has an imagination that is very humorous. Just have to teach him a few things, or perhaps just read him more stories and see what happens?

A good day overall. A bit chilly, but it could be worse.

Cloud in Water Zen

Josiah and I have been going to the Clouds in Water Zen Center in Saint Paul since mid October. We go every other weekend, as those are the days that the Children's Practice is.

Josiah is a very active boy, and I am always concerned about his behavior. The previous weekend I was asked what to do about him, as he was good until the last 15 minutes or so. He got rather rough with other kids, wanting to wrestle. ( he is very physically motivated, and I think should be in gymnastics and karate ) I gave the volunteers permission to put him in time-out if necessary.

But this weekend, I was stopped by 4 people telling me how wonderful Josiah was in class. They all love him, as he motivated other children and ensured they did things correct.

I stayed afterward for a discussion with other parents. We decided it would be good to meet once a month and discuss parenting skills and Buddhism. It was mentioned we could use a book about mindful parenting to assist in our talks. I hope much comes out of this idea.

Josiah was difficult to leave the center. He hid under tables and wouldn't listen to me or get dressed. I had to drag him out without his coat or shoes on - eventually outside where it was chilly. I gave him many chances and once outside he took less than 3 minutes to change his tune. He wanted to get dressed.

I wouldn't leave until we talked, and he said he didn't want to leave because the center had food and he was hungry. I had 2 bananas, and told him he would be able to eat them at the bus stop, which he did. I also said that when we go to his Sunday School at the Zen Center, I would pack more snacks for him to eat. He was satisfied with this solution, and I hope we can resolve his bad hehavior through this as well.

The rest of the day Josiah acted okay, but he was in time-out more than he usually is - three times! But the next few days he would act better.
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Shellay called today. She still hasn't had her baby yet, and is a few days late now. But all of her children have been so far, so she isn't that worried. She will let everyone know when. We also had a fun chat. :)

Are there more who care?

I was able to talk to Phanice early this morning. She is doing well in Nairobi, and is glad that myself and her sister Ruth can visit her soon. Our chat didn't go as smoothly as it has in the past, and I wasn't sure why. But after we talked, a huge storm hit and Phanny wasn't able to take a bus to the downtown cybercafe to e-mail me.

I got a letter from CARE stating that the Horn of Africa had just gone through months of drought and was now being hit by seasonal storms. The storms are very excessive causing massive floods. Phanice told me about this in her letter:
...was to write you a mail yesterday but i got messed by the rains,they are too much here,all the plans i had aborted,its that bad.At the coast its flooded n a number of people havelost there lives.All we can do is just to pray and hope that it ends soon coz if it goes on like this,several people are going to get messed.

While many I know are cynical about donating money, I am not. I gave money to Sarvodaya when the tsunami hit Sri Lanka. That was while I was in Kuwait leaving soon for Iraq. I always wish I could help more, but know that my current economic constraints will not always be so. I also pray that more people would care.

For all the giant big screen plasma tvs, Playstations, and SUVs people buy - I wish more could live ligher and donate more to effective causes. I pray that more become conscious of the suffering in our world and compassionately work to improve our world.

Crazy day

Fridays are always a bit crazy, as work is busier. I barely made it to the bus today, running to catch it. Brandy got home later than usual, and I was late getting ready while preparing lunch. It was SO busy at work that my co-workers weren't prepared for me to replace them when I got there - too busy! Then, when I left to go home, the office was backed up as well. I would be late for my bus home.

Dan knew this, and offered a ride. He gave me a ride along with another coworker Dian to Bloomington. I was dropped off at the Mall of America, and took the light rail home.

On the train, I sat next to two young ( 18 and 19) . They were followed by a drunken guy who claimed he was 27. He was trying to make it to some club downtown, yet wasn't wearing a jacket on a rather chilly night. He had no money for the train either(!), asking the girls for $1.50, which they never gave him.We told him about how transit cops would catch him if he didn't pay, but he didn't seem bothered.

The girls pretty much giggled and laughed at how insane this drunk guy was. He attempted flirting, but it was so pointless. " You girls are so beautiful. How about you go out with me tonight to the club." Also asking them out for dinner, which I then asked how he would pay without any money. Of course he considered me an obstructionist towards his goal, but didn't consider me a threat. Except at one point he did think that I was talking about his mom, even though I said the word mall.

The girls and I departed the train at the Franklin Avenue Station, and said goodnight, after the hilarious discussion with a drunk heading to downtown. I got home 30 minutes later than usual, but was thankful to be home rather than stranded at work. I cannot wait until light-rail is built to Eden Prairie. That will greatly improve my mobility to Scott County. I do plan on enrolling in HourCar soon, but that doesn't help when my employers live so far out.

Brandy's Birthday

Today was Brandy's birthday, but I did not take it off from work. She and I hadn't discussed it and she was adamant that I take Halloween off. I had to call in on Halloween because there were too many who got put in before my schedule changed.

I got her two books: John by Cynthia Lennon and It's my Pleasure by Maria and Maya Rodale.. She is already enjoying them! :)

I came home that night only to find Josiah and her gone. Siah at his Uncle's and Brandy out with friends. Shouldn't be surprised, because Brandy had wanted to go out and celebrate.

Personally, I do not like the parties she goes to: I drink little if any, and do no other drugs nor smoke. She called me "boring" and much worse on my birthday for such a consistent stance.

Anywho, I have been getting more upset with things at home lately. Perhaps I shouldn't because Brandy is so busy with schoolwork. But I get home and there is a can in the kitchen half the time that appears to have been used for smoking or something - with pieces of burnt substances on top. I always tell her my disapproval of smoking indoors, but she doesn't seem to care.

The porch is another issue. She leaves it a mess with papers, candy wrappers, and cigerette ashstrays overflowing. I have to clean it up, because our landlady Lynne wants it upkept nice. I don't disagree with her, but don't get as much help from Brandy as I hope for. So I must clean this each day, in addition to other household chores.

My main chore appears to be dishes. I can't complain about doing household chores - we all have to do them. But why do I have to do both laundry, dishes, and keeping all rooms/porch cleaned? Somehow I feel shorted, but perhaps Brandy does because she must watch Josiah and still get her college work done.

It's definetely not easy for her, and also why I feel I can't really complain. Once she is done, she will be working also. By then Josiah will also be in school, and we will also find childcare more affordable with two incomes.

Schools for Josiah

I have been trying to decide what school to have Josiah go to next September, as he will start Kindergarten.

My friend Ruth Omete has told me about one: LoveWorks, a charter school in Golden Valley. Had I known about it last year, I would have tried to enroll already. They allow 4 year olds to attend! (if they pass certain tests, which I think Josiah can)

Either way, it seems very intelligent as I have seen her son Brat's homework. Quite a lot, but they focus on teaching many things at once. They also believe that arts should be taught to children, rather than passed up like in public schools. They believe in a postive mentality, and have a gifted students program.

At first I was concerned about Loveworks, because it was promoted by Christian organizations and publications ( and I believe Ruth mentioned it was once). I am always skeptical of religion in our schools, but feel morals are important also. But after viewing their website, my fears have been allayed. So far I like them the most.

Brandy has recommended the Community of Peace charter school in Saint Paul, and the Anne Sullivan Communication Center which I think is for deaf/hard of hearing students but I could be wrong.

I always was interested in a private school that just opened a charter: Southside Family School, over where we used to live in Whittier. They believe in creating both intelligent and socially conscious citizens. So civics and activism will be a part of his teaching, though I would like to do these things with what I already am involved with. He currently can't understand the peace marches and anti-torture protests.

Does McDonald's really want you to "get active?"

McDonald's could care less about anything except money. Of course, this entails making the public think it cares about their well-being and money, well everyone makes that right? McDonald's provides a service we all need.

Overall, they have figured out the American culture pretty well. If people make a big deal about something, issue big press releases saying things will change immediately. Then do nothing.

McDonald's has a history of doing this. Let's start with vegetarians complaining about beef flavor in its french fries. McDonald's stopped using beef tallow to cook them in 1990.. Vegetarians assumed the fries are safe, but aren't leading to a lawsuit. ( one can petition McDonald's to change this )

Of course the carnivorous public also thinks the fries are good for them. Except that they are fried in trans-fats. McDonald's had vowed in 2002 to stop using them. But they haven't, even as New York City bans them. Pressed to update the public on their advancements in this area, and we are told they are looking for a "viable alternative" to trans-fats. Let's just say, they don't want to pay a half-penny more for healthier fries. ( already doing so in Australia, where it will remove more than 415tonnes of trans fats from the Australian food supply ) 237-33

Then there is there whole "go active" program. They leased their logo and name to makers of skateboards and bicycles. Of course, don't bother going to a McDonald's after the lobby is closed - only motorized vehicles apply to drive-thru. ( Another Minneapolitan discusses his incident at a BK drive-through )

Wanting to know more about why one cannot use a bike or walk in a drive-through, I did some research. It seems that insurance companies consider car-drivers to be a risk too high for pedestrians and bicyclists. So the insurance companies are keeping us safe from ourselves, or so they say. Does that mean they are also culpable in Global Warming, supporting car-culture to such an extent?

Amina moves on

This photo was taken several weeks ago, but it is of my friend Amina. We had just gotten off the bus, and she was walking with her supervisor Geleto for a ride back home. She used to live near where I used to at the corner of Franklin and Clinton Avenue in public housing. When I lived at 2011 3rd Avenue, we would walk home together. Another local resident, Mustafa, who used to work at with her also would.

As many non-Muslims do not know, Ramadan just ended. The celebration that is a giant feast is known as Eid Al-Fitr. Most celebrated this weekend. In Kenya, I hear they celebrated it today. Either way, Amina was supposed to work this last weekend, up until today. She never called in, and two days in a row is grounds for firing. She did request time off next weekend, which means she could have gotten things confused - but she didn't answer her phone. I have her number and sent her a text message.

My friend Likelesh said she talked to Amina, and that she quit after working there for eight years. I also heard from a Somali man named Mohamed, that she got married and moved to London - never to speak to non-family again. That seems extreme, and I hope its just a lie. I wish her the best, wherever it may take her.

231 Anno Libertatis

One interesting concept I think would be interesting our nation took up is changing our dating system. Take the current year , subtract 1775, and you get the current AL or Anno Libertatis - when freedom first began for humanity. Or at least the longest experiment in a theoretically nonviolent, democratic society known as America. While it is not perfect, it is still a nation created on secular values, where no religion should gain sole dominion over society. That is why changing our dating system would be a good thing.

You think Anno Domini is good enough? Sorry, but America is not solely a Christian nation. We have plenty of Muslims, Buddhists, Hindu,and don't forget - the largest Jewish population outside of Israel. Does America really need to identify with Christianity or...Freedom? I'd guess Conservatives would have a hard time deciding. But Freedom should be the primary value America cherishes above any single religion.

This idea was first mentioned in a book known as The Probability Broach by Neil Smith. The book is a Libertarian sci-fi in an alternate America, one where people live "freely" and everyone owns a gun. ( or at least can if they want one)

Personally, I disagree greatly with the notion of "free" capital. There is a lot a government is needed to do to rein in chaos. After non-human entities created for capitalistic purposes, AKA Corporations, go bust - who pays for their environmental damages? In a free market, the poorest who cannot afford to live anywhere would get stuck living next to arsenic manufacturers and homes with lead paint. But I do agree that we need innovations and improved technological discoveries in society. Is money the sole impetus and catalyst for this, or is human goodwill and imagination enough? For many, it can be a combination of both - sometimes one before the other.

Would any other dating system make sense for the US?

Josiah at crisis nursery

Just days before the worst date of my life with Brandy, I came home to find him gone. She was stressed out by him. It wouldn't be until January 2009 that he could be diagnosed with ADHD ( until then doctors said he was too young to really tell ). Still, I had a few days of relative calm. But I wasn't calm. I did not like him being gone, and stayed at the Crisis Nursery for two days.

Brandy did not pick him up before I went to work that day. The counselor there was very nice, and gave me some information to give to Brandy to help her out.

As of March 2009, he has not gone back there. But I am thankful they exist for parents in a tough spot. I am thankful for this organization and to have family, friends, and neighbors who have helped me with Josiah in times of need.

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! ;)

Josiah goes to a puppet show

I know, one does not think highly of puppet shows - but I now do! The Open Eye Theatre does some AMAZING work here in Minneapolis!

Josiah was able to see the The Adventures of Katie Tomatie at the Fair Oaks Park ( near our old place) with Anne and Matt. I unfortunately, had to go to work at that time to catch my bus to work. But Josiah really loved the show, and so did Anne and Matt. So I am glad that he was able to go, and that the theatre group has many sponsors ensuring their work meets the public.

They will also perform two of their shows ( including this one) at the Powderhorn Art Fair the first weekend in August.

The story line according to their website:

Little Katie is looking forward to a ‘do-nothing’ first day of summer vacation. Her plans take a 180 when she accidentally digs up Mr. Boo Boo, a wacky skeleton ready for adventure. Their hijinks turn Katie’s ‘do-nothing’ day into the best summer day ever.

Credits:

Written, Directed and Designed by Michael Sommers
Composer - Michael Koerner
Tour Manager - Kyle Loven
Puppeteers - Joanne Jongsma, Kyle Loven, Michael Sommers and Nancy Seward McLean
Accordion - Susan Haas

From train hopping to Co-chair

Well, today was a fun day.

I haven't done a good job keeping up with my life since late May. ( twill eventually )

But today I was busy. Siah and I hopped on a train to deliver a letter to my dentist. The Nicollet Station Dental Clinic forgot to fill out forms to the VA. Once they do, I get aroudn $2300 in dental work!!

Then we dropped some more things off at Savers that we no longer need. Then off to Cub Foods, more to pick up paper bags than groceries. It seems that recycling in Minneapolis requires these things. ( previously recycled through private trash co ) Weird how I use canvas bags to carry my groceries!

Anywho, at 7 I metup with the 5th Congressional District Green Party Steering Committee, which I am a member, at the Riverview Cafe. The meeting went very well, and I have some minor work to do individually - but we all do! Interestingly I have become Co-Chair for the steering committee - but am not worried about such a title. But being new to an organization and finding oneself in such a situation makes one wonder. We will all find out how capable I truly am in fulfilling my obligations - I have had much more demanding positions in the past! ( just in Iraq I had to fill leadership vacuums! )

I got home, put Josiah to sleep and found Brandy nearly so herself. I wanted to watch a movie with her the previous night - but she returned home at 2 A.M. Tonight she was too tired. But I am paying the Minneapolis Library $1 a day in overdue fees. I wasn't going to wait another day.

So, I did what I wanted - instead of waiting or just returning the movie unwatched which is all too typical. I went to SA and picked up a Pepsi One. I then made popcorn and tossed in the DVD for Nobody Knows.

It is both a beautiful and dark movie following the lives of 4 abandoned children. The eldest of 12 years old, tending to the younger. The children start out with their less than stellar mother, who stays out late and comes home drunk. Then she disappears for a week. She returns for a bit, then leaves again for a month. She's back for a day, then disappears never to return. The children start out okay for a while, then start to fall apart once they realize Mother isn't returning. Their water, power, and gas is shut off. They are very near starvation several times, but manage through incidences. I cannot reveil the ending, but their plight is sadly true.

In 1988, the Japanese media ran stories about the "Affair of the Four Abandoned Children of Nishi-Sugamo." And it seems their lives were far more gruesome than this wonderfully cinematic movie could portray. But nonetheless the movie is amazing and is more than worth looking for.

I am finishing my day by writing this blog. Mayhaps I will update more often ;)