I learned a lot about cake making with this baby. Only time will tell if I try a three layer cake again. I certainly will need a stand mixer if I do it again.

Kim rides 3 days a week at this lovely north county farm. Oscar and Laurel were very comfortable on and around the horses. Lucky for them, Kim had arranged for rides on a sweet old pony named April. Kim kept offering rides anytime they want. Don’t be surprised if we put our house up for sale and move closer to April!

I am still working on my 7 minute mile. Just this morning I tried for an official record of my run, but for a second time made it in 7 minutes, 20 seconds. I can do the 7 minute mile on the treadmill, but on a track I am clearly struggling. I am determined to make it happen on a track and will be proud to share my news here as soon as I meet this goal.

Catalina is darling! It was my first trip there. Followers of the list may remember that kayaking around the island is something I’m wanting to do. We actually had intentions to rent some kayaks, the only problem was the fact that the boat rental place was right next to this beachside bar and we were both reading such good books and it felt really good in the sun that day and well we certainly plan on going back to Catalina and well you know it just didn’t happen. No regrets, whatsoever about that one.

Oscar sent us to Catalina with a pirates treasue map. We used it to find the cocktails on the beach!

Golf carts were a lot less strenuous than kayaks.

Go here to make your donation. I’ll be making my 7 minute mile effort pretty soon and will update The Full Catastrophe with my result. I know this run will be a bit easier with your support.

You can also support Rolling Readers by joining Brian and me at the “Artists and Authors” event on Friday May 15th. This event at The New Children’s Museum will feature local authors and artists, great food and wine, live music and an appearance from Fox 5 Mornings News anchor Arthel Neville. Cost is $60 per person and tickets can be purchased here.

I am working hard to meet my goal of running a seven minute mile. So far I am running my usual distance with a half-mile at a seven minute mile pace. My plan is to keep adding distance at the fast pace until I reach my goal. It is so hard. I feel like I would give up on this crazy idea if it weren’t for the fact that I’ve advertised it on the blog. Therefore, in order to save face, I am sticking with it.

One last random note is on a silly thing that Oscar says every once in a while. We have no idea where this came from.

Oscar says “Dad, do you know what I am going to give you for your next birthday?”

Brian says “What, kiddo?”

Oscar replies “A sad, backwards glance.”

Say what!? Is this from a movie or something? Crazy kid.

Don’t ask Laurel about Yes We Can, though. She learned how to say no yesterday. It is horrible and adorable at the same time. I’ll try to get some video for you guys.

Oscar and Brian have been in creative modes. Brian has just completed a couple of photography classes and Oscar has written a poem. I’ll leave you with their work.

Silliness and happiness
Fun stuff to do
Underline two-hundred and two
Welcome to the zoo fair
So much to have fun

A friend of mine saw the list and asked if I’d join her as a member of the board of directors for Rolling Readers, a non-profit organization I worked for before Laurel was born. I attended my first meeting as a member of the board just yesterday and am so pleased to have this opportunity to assist a great agency as I gain some new professional experiences.

Rolling Readers helps economically disadvantaged and at-risk children in Southern California learn to love reading through weekly visits from read aloud volunteers and twice a year book giveaways. The book giveaway has reached more than 200,000 children. You can help me support great work of Rolling Readers by checking out our holiday fundraising activity.

I am selling holiday cards that feature original artwork by second graders from John Adams Elementary here in San Diego. The cards are printed on high-quality paper packaged neatly with matching envelopes. Inside the message reads: Wishing you all the best this Holiday Season and throughout the New Year. 15 cards for $15.

See’s Candy is also available. Choose from the Snowman Box, Milk Chocolate Foil Balls, Mini Holiday Fancy Box, and Peanut Brittle. Just $5 a box.

Please let me know if you’d like some cards and/or candy. Thanks for your support!

On Sunday night when I was putting Oscar to sleep I asked him if he was happy to be sleeping in his bed again. He started to cry and told me that he wanted to sleep in the tent again. Next time it is his daddy’s turn.

I was also able to knock off a few more from the list, thanks to my birthday:
74. Buy a rolling pin – thanks, Vicki
75. Buy a cast iron skillet – thanks again, Vicki
76. Buy a pancake griddle – thanks, Mom & Dad
95. Explore Los Angeles – thanks, Brian! We went for my bday weekend and I was able to check out Hollywood, West Hollywood, Downtown LA, LACMA & the La Brea Tar Pits. Fun to bop around a new place…made even better by leaving the kids at home.

The list is really working out for me. Seems pretty Oprah/The Secret-ish, right? Some of these things are on my mind because of the list and are easy to knock off, but #98 is pretty neat–I have to say.

15. Learn to cut my kids’ and husband’s hair – I trimmed Laurel’s bangs the other day

20. Figure out why people wear tshirts that say “College” – Thanks to Damon for giving me the lowdown on this phenomenon.

37. Buy only original art – I’ve purchased some pieces from Carrie’s illustration blog. You should, too!

63. Try a new restaurant once a month – We’ve hit up two places that are new to us this month. Sicilian Thing Pizza is great for quick cheap eats. The Studio Diner was surprisingly fresh & tasty for a diner. It is dangerously close to our gym, tempting us to undo all of our hard work with its fries and milkshakes.

74. Buy a rolling pin – Brian’s mom has promised to give me one of hers. Thanks, Vicki!

This blog seems naked without pictures of OJD & LTD, no? Let me fix that…
“No hair in my eyes!”

For my dad, here’s Oscar’s favorite part of his recent Saturdays.