A Perfect Day for a Wild Goat Chase

Mermaid Rachel

In late-September, my friend Rachel and I planned a leisurely hike to Three Pools Beyond Seven Falls in Santa Barbara.  Rachel is an exceptional adventure partner.  She encourages my crazy ideas.  She doesn't freak out when I lead her down an unbeaten path and tell her we may not end up anywhere.  She appreciates the little things, like leaves changing colors and the unusual texture of tree bark.  She doesn't think it's weird when I stick my nose in the air and fill my lungs with the smell of ancient eucalyptus trees.  She also makes these delicious hummus lettuce wraps that I really enjoy. 

Big Sur Jade Hunt: Beginner's Luck or Fool's Gold?

Beginner's luck or fool's gold?

For my Aunt Jojo.  One day, I hope we can take this trip together.
...

I've known my cousin Taylor since she was born. When she was in 2nd grade, my Aunt Jojo let me trim Taylor's bangs the day before class photos.  In this famous portrait, Taylor is wearing a mustard-colored turtleneck, and her bangs are cut straight across her forehead, about two inches above her eyebrows.  She looks more like a child actor in an episode of Star Trek than a second grader.  Fortunately, Taylor has forgiven me for destroying her 2nd grade image... or so I thought.

Taylor is now a grown up, living in Monterey, California.  When she told me she wanted to go jade hunting in Big Sur, I planned a road trip for the following weekend.  Before I arrived, she met an expert jade hunter at a Gangnam Style party.  She traded him surfing lessons for some insider tips on finding the precious green stone.

Do Some Good: Get in the Kitchen

I had to crop my hairnet out of this photo.

I invented at least three new dance moves during the writing of this blog post.  OK, so maybe I didn’t actually invent the “Stanky Leg,” but these moves look pretty sweet when I do them in front of the mirror and no one is looking.  But before I reveal too much, let me tell you how I ended up at this dance party for one.

Do Some Good: Do Some Bad

This is what my insides look like.

Last week I went to the doctor because my left arm and my right leg felt like they had fallen asleep and wouldn't wake up.  My right leg is familiar with this feeling, since I suffered from a bulging disc in my lower back for 15 months before finally having back surgery.  Chronic pain sucks.  But I've been pain free for over a year now, so when I started feeling that tingling last week, I panicked.  I was having a relapse.

Do Some Good: Go Back to 5th Grade

Being the middle child has one major advantage: You get to have a big sister and a little sister all at once!  I like it here in the middle.  I couldn't imagine my life without both of my sisters.  And now that I am a Big Sister for Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, I can't imagine my life without all three of my sisters.

Do Some Good: It's Hammer Time

Good wood

When was the last time you asked your best friend to carpool to Compton?  For me, it was when Carmen and I decided to put on our work gloves and volunteer for Habitat for Humanity.

In case you haven't guessed it, I've decided to devote the next few posts to adventures in "doing good".  Sometimes those adventures can be the most rewarding, and I'm here to give you a few ideas, starting with building a house.

Desert Fever: Road Trip to Salvation

Last Friday, my little sister and I headed down to Palm Springs for the weekend.  When I told her I'd be waking her up early Saturday morning to get "saved", her only question was "What should I wear?"

Ever since I made the New Year's Resolution to get into more trouble, my little sister has been my biggest supporter in kicking off my goody two-shoes.  She is my good bad influence.  Even if she's been out partying until 4 am, she will show up at my door by 8am, ready for whatever I have in store.