A Little Homesick For...

1. The Scenery: Miss the amazing variety... Pastoral fields, ocean shores, towering redwoods, rolling vinyards, rugged lighthouses, breathtaking architecture, cozy cottages... Diversity at its finest. Miss being able to drive within a half an hour to see any of the above.

2. The Neighborhood in San Rafael: Miss living two blocks away from the Farmers' Market. Miss the Friday night fabulous restaurant smells on Fourth street. Miss the Belli Deli and Sol Food. Miss walking through the cute little quaint neighborhood across the street full of Victorian houses I will never be able to afford.3. The culture: Miss ALL of it! Freaks and all! Miss the cool things to do on the weekends like sledding down hay bales covered in snow on Thanksgiving weekend, the antique car show and the chalk art festival in the summer.
4. The great friends: Miss the Salt-of-the-earth folks! Miss the camaraderie inherent in struggling through a particular stage of life together. (BTW, I stole this picture from Annie Ballard. Hope she doesn't mind!)
5. A great hairdresser: Miss hanging out with Katie every couple of months and seeing what fabulousness she could concoct. Miss not having to pull my own hair through a shower cap with a crochet hook-like device, creating a babydoll-head-like appearance in a ridiculous attempt at maintaining some semblance of upkeep as I descend deeper into my fat/haggard appearance I have affectionately named "residency chic." My loss is Georgia's gain. Katie, may you create gorgeous humidity-proof coifs in your new Southern abode! 6. Hiking in China Camp: Miss going to the top of the ridge and looking out over the bay. Miss my favorite spot on a clear day where I could see all three bridges at once. Miss the oak trees. Miss the deer families that would walk up to you without fear. Miss the wild Turkey flocks and the occasional peacock. Miss the fun talks with the boys on the trails.

7. Primary Choristering (I'm pretty sure that's the technical term): Miss my calling. Miss watching the kids sing their little hearts out. Miss getting in trouble with Tracy on the piano bench for talking too much. Miss "Primary Idol." Miss making a complete fool of myself for the benefit of those little ones whose singing was so heartfelt.
8. Pacific Heights: Miss the architecture, so vastly different from house to house... Victorian mansions next to uber-modern fortresses with anatomically correct robot statues. Miss the Palace of Fine Arts and playing hookie with a picnic lunch with Wayne and the boys. Miss walking the half-mile to school with carpoolers who were all 6+ feet tall and having to take three strides to their one. Miss stopping to smell the roses at the house with the garden always in bloom. 9. The weather: Miss the cold during the summer. Miss the fog on the bridge that looked like you were entering Narnia as you hit the frothy wall of white. Miss the anticipation of coming back into the warm sunlight of Marin at the end of the day. Miss the ocean breeze coming through my Westward facing living room window. Miss dressing in layers and keeping an umbrella handy no matter what time of year it was.
10. The Golden Gate: Miss hearing Wayne tell me about his daily runs and the cool sights of the day on the trek. Miss the vibrant red color of the bridge juxtaposed against the blue sky or green hills. Miss watching the barges and cruise ships pass under. Miss the Blue Angels flying over during Fleet Week. Miss the sailboats and windsurfers out in the bay on a nice, lazy day. Miss seeing Alcatraz stuck out there in the middle of the frigid waters. Miss the "Free Tibet" protesters. Miss the jumper traffic jams. Miss the rainbow tunnels. Miss seeing the sun rise above the city. Miss seeing the sun set over the Headlands. Miss the anticipation of the city that was embodied in such an iconic structure.

I just miss it all!!!!

For all those friends who have scattered throughout the country (or if you're still there), PLEASE sign the guestbook at the bottom of the page. We would love to map out where you've all ended up. Not to mention, a few friendly faces to admire while we struggle through this bout of homesickness might help a bit too!

We're In The Same State, Right?

We get asked this question a lot: "Where are you guys from?"
That's a complicated question, as both Wayne and I have lived up and down California, and have recently made the move again. So for those of you who don't know much about the Golden State, I thought I would share with you a little known secret to outsiders...

There are really two Californias: Northern California and Southern California. They are as different as Krispy Kreme and Tofu. So here is my own little guide to those differences.


Transportation: In No.Cal., you will frequently come across people trying to make a statement with their vehicles. This was a picture we took of a Volkwagon Vanagon that we would see cruising around Marin. Very artistic!








Southern Californians like to make statements with their cars, too. But generally the statement is, "I have more money that you."















And here is another contrast. Northern Californians have A LOT to say... particularly if there is anything liberally biased. I can't tell you how many times we saw "Impeach Bush" bumper stickers. But this picture I stole from Annie Ballard's blog is a very good depiction of the abundance of opinions that are shared via bumper stickers in No.Cal. (Left)

Southern Californians are a bit more understated (Right)









The Coastline:
No.Cal is known for its picturesque, craggy ocean cliffs. The weather is often very chilly, the water is freezing, but the views are astounding. On an average day, a coat or sweater is downright necessary (Left)
So.Cal beaches have gained notoriety for the balmy ocean shores, soft bright sand, and bikini displays on every beach. You are crazy if you have your midriff covered in this "fun in the sun" atmosphere. (Right) Note also how many people are covering the beach compared to No.Cal.












Bralessness (it's a word... look it up): When Northern Californians shun the over-the-shoulder-boulder-holders, it is done as a political movement. Southern Californians don't all need bras because silicone remains fairly perky.











Pets:
Northern Californians are constantly protesting on the behalf of animals all over the world. During my first year of dental school, I had to pass by a sign on Lombard street every day that proudly displayed an aborted sheep fetus that some clothing manufacturer had somehow managed to cause to occur. (I won't even go into the hypocrisy in that billboard.) Basically, No.Cal has a funny "Pets are People" policy. Southern Californians have made pets into the latest fashion accessory.











Finally (and most importantly), how do both regions view trannies? As you may know, transvestites are a fairly common part of San Francisco living. I think I saw at least one just about every day I was in the city. Some were over-the-top flamboyant; some were "feminist-chic" wherein the he/she would wear everyday casual girl clothes but were so obviously dudes; others managed to pull it off quite nicely, and you would do a double take as soon as she spoke and sounded like Barry White. But here in L.A., the trannies are fierce, as demonstrated by Brad Pitt's fabulocity in this picture. Now there is a man comfortable with his manhood!











So to answer the question, where are we from?

Wayne was born in No.Cal (Vallejo), left the state (Hawaii), did most of his growing up in So.Cal (Carlsbad), moved up to No.Cal in high school and early college (Cobb Mountain/Santa Rosa).

I was born in So.Cal (Santa Monica), did most of my growing up in No.Cal (Santa Rosa/Sacramento), left the state (Georgia), came back to No. Cal for college, married Wayne, moved to So.Cal for 12 years, moved back up to No.Cal for dental school, moved back down to Santa Monica for post-grad residency, and will finally settle back up in No.Cal in two years.

Got it?

Other Stuff We Did This Weekend (that didn't revolve around graduation)

Was there something else happening on Sunday?

Oh yeah! FATHER'S DAY!!! Minor detail...
Here's how we celebrated...

In the morning, I rummaged through 5 or 6 boxes to find the father's day cards I had bought for Wayne. I found the one the boys got him, but mine never surfaced. I did, however, find the anniversary card that had disappeared into the moving chaos on May 29th. That card said everything I wanted to say, so I signed that and added "Happy Father's Day" to the message.

Graduation was very special for me because my dad got to place my hood during the ceremony. That was a pretty special Father's Day moment for both of us.

We also celebrated Wayne's dad. After reading his sisters' beautiful tributes on their blogs and getting all teary and emotional as we reminisced about "the Marlboro Man," we decided to pay tribute another way: By filling our pie-holes with whipped cream in true Dean Van Cleave fashion. I'm sure somewhere, there was a proud Pops smiling down at our antics.

Another fun event this weekend was the annual San Rafael Italian Street Painting Festival. This is my favorite Marin thing to do, and I am so excited we got to see this one last time before we go. Every year, the city repaves the street in front of the downtown Mission San Rafael, and artists from all over the world come to create gorgeous works of art for the weekend on the fresh, black surface. They use pastels, and recreate everything from paintings by the Masters to photographs to original pieces. Additionally, funds raised by selling 2X2 foot squares for art created by kids who attend, go towards the Youth in the Arts organization in the area. This year, Nathan and Hayden got to participate. So here are a bazillion pictures of the festival, which is (I know) total overkill, but it was too hard to decide which ones to include, and I'm too busy to agonize over such things. So sit back and enjoy if you are looking for a cultural experience. This is the only way to see the works of art that were so vibrantly beautiful this weekend, because they were washed down the gutter on Sunday night.

Happy Cows Come From California

With views like this is it any wonder why?Last week, No.Cal had a roaring heat wave! Not quite as toasty as my many native Arizona friends experience on a regular basis, but enough to make our cramped air condition-less apartment feel like a funeral pyre. So when I got out of clinic on Friday (where they had cranked up the AC so high, I was having to cloak my patient in extra clinic gowns to keep her from shivering through her root canal), I was not about to sit in the living room and melt until the sun went down. I ran across the street to the Belli Deli and grabbed some sandwiches for a picnic dinner, and we headed West... As far West as there was to go in California. We enjoyed the drive to Drake's Beach in our Air Conditioned car, taking in the scenes along the way: Through the redwood forest... over the marsh lands... into the pastoral farmlands dotted with Holstein cows... and finally to the beach itself. Not only did we escape the heat during the 45 minute drive in the AC, but once we arrived, we entered a climate fully twenty degrees cooler than central San Rafael.
Once we arrived, it was hard to get Hayden to sit there and eat. He saw the waves beckoning and wanted to roll! (This is why his ribs show in most of the pictures I took of him in his Spiderman swim trunks! He is all Go! Go! Go! and food is sort of necessary now and again. I'm pretty sure I wasn't the one who instilled that philosophy in him.)

When he was finally released onto the shores, he started collecting shells: complete sets of bivalves like muscles and clams, which he found incredibly fascinating ...for about 3 seconds.

He promptly chucked his amazing finds aside and charged the water. He then spent the next half hour or so, yelling at the elements as the waves crashed around him... Things like, "IS THAT ALL YOU'VE GOT?!?" We then had to pluck the skinny, shivering (yet still spirited) Hayden from the waters and tend to his growing hypothermia. Here is one of the only pictures I was able to capture where all of Hayden's limbs are in focus. Almost all others have some part of him moving so quickly, there is just a blur... It's no wonder we nicknamed him Dash after the movie "The Incredibles" came out.
It was a fabulous escape from the heat. Nathan was spending the night at a friend's house, pickling in Jeremie's pool to cool off. He had a good time there, but when he found out about our excursion, raged that he "NEVER gets to have fun with the family." Really? And what kind of teenager are you, Nate? You're not supposed to actually like us!!!

These are a few of my favorite things...

My girth has increased significantly since starting dental school. Wanna know why? Since we have lived in the Bay Area, we have had a chance to taste some of the yummiest concoctions known to man.

These are the best hole-in-the-wall places to chow down. There is always (of course) crab at Fisherman's Wharf, sundaes at Ghirardelli Square, sourdough at Boudin... All of the places that make San Francisco famous. But it's the little spots that you happen to stumble upon that make the tastiest treats, in my humble opinion.

For some exotic fare, Persian food may be in order. Maykeadeh in North Beach has fabulous kebab and a lentil dish that I still crave, but could in no way spell or pronounce it.

Forget Chinatown for Chinese food. It's crowded, overpriced and touristy. Shanghai Dumpling King in the avenues is my absolute favorite. The place is a HOLE... But the food is superb. Don't go for the ambiance, but definitely order the Shanghai Dumplings (order two, just for good measure) and you will not be disappointed.

My favorite meal to eat out is brunch. And for the best in breakfasts and brunch, Mama's in Washington Square is supreme. Wayne and I went there while I played hooky on Valentine's Day. I ordered the Monte Cristo sandwich and enjoyed this sweet and savory confection. My stomach is grumbling just thinking about it.

For a sweet treat in the city, try the Bittersweet Cafe. Only a block away from my school, I have partaken of the Spicy Hot Chocolate on many a chilly day in Pacific Heights. The spicy sensation doesn't hit until the cocoa has trickled down your throat, adding to the warming sensation of the tasty warm goodness. Another favorite of mine: the bite-sized cinnamon chocolate cake.











On to some eateries in Marin County: For the value, you can't beat "THE burrito" from Mi Pueblo Taqueria in Novato. The $17 Abuelo Macho burrito is the size of a young human child, and the Mexican fare is the most authentic we've found since moving to Northern California (we still have yet to find a decent Machaca burrito that compares to Alberto's in San Diego). We will order this beast and have food enough to last a week.

Notice the size of the burrito next to the dinner plates. This bad boy is plated on a serving platter!!!

The bright green facade of Sol Food has stirred up some controversy in Downtown San Rafael (note the angry letter from a former local patron). It should be noted, however, that the angry letter that adorns the display case next to the front door is usually blocked by the throngs of people that line up around the corner to be seated in this temple of deliciousness. You may be seated at a table with other families, as you chow down on Puerto Rican favorites such as the Cubano sandwich or their tasty rice and beans at the family style tables. Lime-aid is served out of mason jars, and congo drums echo throughout. Great food. Great ambiance. Good times!

Last, but certainly not least, here is one of the best dessert haunts around town: The Fairfax Scoop. Located in the quaint and quirky hippy-haven to the West of us, Fairfax scoop makes all-natural homemade ice cream and cooks up a fresh waffle cone for every order. The menu is never the same, and unique flavors like Lavender Honey or Chai Vanilla may be interspersed amongst the traditional strawberry and chocolate ice creams. It's a great way to finish up a day at Drake's beach in the summertime.

So bring on the poundage. We are here but for a moment longer.

Beautiful Northern California

Wayne and I took the opportunity today to take in some of the beautiful sites we will be missing when we leave No.Cal. Conditions were perfect with the weather being so crisp and the boys in school. Originally, we had hoped to take a little hike in Muir Woods. But when we got there, all the parking was full and cars were milling around, ready to swoop into any spots that were going to open up. (Doesn't anybody around here have a job? They can't ALL be on Spring Break!) So, we decided to head over to Point Bonita instead. The first picture is on the drive back from Muir Woods, overlooking Mill Valley and Tiburon. We could see all the way to the Bay Bridge, it was so clear.

If I hadn't been there in person, I wouldn't have believed such colors to be possible in nature. I kept thinking of a quote from "A Beautiful Mind," when Alicia says, "God must be a painter. Why else would we have so many colors?"

So here are all the colors of the rainbow (and I'm not talking about the infamous San Francisco rainbow culture):

Red--The brilliant hue of the algae on the Northern facing rocks

Orange--The California Poppies blooming all over the hillsides

Yellow--Inside the wild lillies and mustard grass and wild brush that seemed to be blooming EVERYWHERE

Green--The exquisitely verdant hillsides covering the Marin Headlands with Springtime

Blue--The Pacific waters in various turquoise and indigo shades that looked like they could be in the latest fashion magazines

Purple--More wildflowers shading the hillsides

Brown--The rich sands of Rodeo Beach

Black--The volcanic basalt rock that houses the lighthouse

White--The frothy tide as it smashes on the rocky shores.

Yep. We saw it all at Pt. Bonita. Here are a few pictures that pale in comparison to the real thing:

These are shots from Rodeo Beach:

I love the contrast of the lagoon vs. the open Pacific waters.

A shot from the tunnel under the headlands:
No.Cal, we will miss you!