Cat's Chatter

I'm moving...

2008-07-18T23:35:00.001-07:00

my blog.

Check it out at www.catbrewer.com

I'll have a 'SUBSCRIBE' button very soon... keep checking back and thanks for reading.

CB

AN OPEN LETTER...

2007-09-22T12:21:00.000-07:00

Last Friday night, I attended a football game at Laney College. I was so excited and proud to see eight of my students (former and current) play in the game.

Last night, a week later, I found out one of them had taken his own life - Matt Butler.

Matt was only 18 - six days shy of his 19th birthday. Although he was quiet and shy, he was a great student! He was always prepared, good natured, gave great speeches, and had a good sense of humor - we even used to chat on MySpace. Matt told me about all the kids he helped mentor/coach in sports and I thought - here's someone special - a kind kid with so much potential ahead of him...

I feel so sad and overwhelmed by this news. I am sure that like many of his friends and family, I wish there was something I could have done for him - I wish I would have known he was going through a difficult time. I'm angry that he didn't seek out someone to talk to - someone that could have told him that he would get through 'it' - whatever 'it' was.

I lost one of my best friends over 10 years ago to a random car accident and it is still difficult to think about; but Matt's death is even more difficult for me to handle. See, I've dealt with depression first hand and I know the overwhelming thoughts - have had the overwhelming thoughts of not wanting to be around to deal with life - to just take the easy way out and leave this 'earthly' world.

But let me tell you - if you get help, whether it's talking to a friend, counselor, therapist, and/or taking medication, you can get through it. You just need to ask for help -- and yes, that's often the most difficult part - asking for help. But do it - really! There's no shame in it; it doesn't mean you're incapable, unworthy, stupid, helpless - it doesn't mean any of those. What it means is that at that particular point in your life, you need help. EVERYONE needs help at some point in their life -- we are all interdependent -- you just have to ask for help. I'm glad I did - because it means that I get to continue having friendships and acquaintance-ships with all of you.

As a teacher, and I can only speak for myself as a teacher, I love all my students - even the ones that drive me crazy at times - I love them all. Some people say it's because I don't have 'kids' of my own, but I don't think that's it. I love seeing all the good in the world and the people who are trying to improve their lives through education, whether it's for a career, to make more money, or for personal growth. If I wasn't a teacher, I wouldn't have had the opportunity to meet Matt -- or some of you.

I guess the most important thing I want to say in this blog is that if you are going through a difficult time, a rough time, a tough time, a blue time, a sad time, an overwhelming time, an angry time - just talk to someone. I may be busy, but I'm never too busy to lend an ear or a shoulder or any other kind of support that someone may need. Don't ever be embarrassed to admit to you need help - any kind of help. Just seek it out and things will get better - it may take some time, like in my situation almost a year - but things can get better.

Take care of yourselves and your friends and family.

With respect and affection,

I HAVE THE STRANGEST LUCK...

2007-09-13T20:34:00.000-07:00

...with cats being hit by cars.

Did I ever tell you the story about Peachy? Well - you better sit down for this one!

When I was 12 years old and living with my dad and stepmom Claudia out on a small rural ranch on Hillcrest Avenue, my cat Rusty gave birth to a litter of kittens underneath my bed. There was one kitten I wanted to keep as my own so badly - she looked like a little peach - but I was told we had too many animals on the farm. So, a week or two before Christmas, when the kittens were old enough to be weaned, I remember my dad taking all the kittens to my stepmom's work to give them away to people who wanted to give their kids a kitten for Christmas. I was so disappointed and upset that my "Peachy" kitten was among them. When my dad returned home with the kitty carrier and asked me to put it in the garage, I was even more upset, thinking how cruel he was to have me put it away when he gave my kitty away.

When I picked up the carrier, to my surprise, I felt something in it. I opened it up and my dad explained to me that she was the only one that didn't get taken but that he'd try again to give her away after the holidays. I was so happy to have that reprieve with her. A few weeks later, as I was opening up Christmas cards and gifts, I received a card with a coupon in it that said, "Good for one 'Peachy' kitten" (I still have it!). It meant so much to me - this gift.

So, through the years Peachy grew and grew on me - she was my definitely my favorite cat. She was extremely beautiful and unique looking - a muted calico of grey, white, and peach and she was very affectionate. When outside, she'd often come to my window and meow to be let it. If I wasn't quick enough, she'd even jump on the screen holding on by her claws and meow incessantly to be let in. She was definitely demanding, but I loved her nonetheless.

On the day of my 17th birthday party, I left the house and headed out the long driveway to the road that would take me to my cousin's house for my party. As I reached the top of the driveway and pulled out onto the road, I noticed something lying on the ground. I stopped the car, opened my door and looked down. I couldn't believe what I saw - didn't want to believe what I saw, but it was Peachy - dead on the road. There was no mistaking it was her; her gray and peach fur was matted and bloody and she wasn't moving.

I remember screaming and turning the car around and running back into the house. I was obviously hysterical and incoherent because I remember my dad telling me to calm down and asking me to repeat what I said because he couldn't understand me. Finally, I was able to get the words out, "Peachy's dead on the road". My dad groaned, patted me on the back and told me he'd go take care of her.

He scooped her up off the road, placed her in a bag, and buried her in the back yard. Needless to say, I was a complete wreck for the entire day and was crushed when I finally returned home and knew she wouldn't be sleeping in my bed that night.

Like usual, early into the morning, around 1am, I was on the phone with Janet - this time lamenting about the loss of Peachy. All of a sudden I heard a meow at my window. I remember telling Janet, "Oh my god, I just heard Peachy meow" and her telling me, "It's not Peachy, your dad buried her. It must just be one of the cats that sounds like Peachy." Then, I heard it again along with what sounded like claws hanging onto window screen. I started freaking out. Janet told me to look, but I was too afraid! I begged Janet not to hang up the phone with me. I asked her to call my dad on his phone line from her parents phone line so she didn't have to hang up with me. I asked her to ask him to come to my room because I was afraid. And, being the good friend she was (and still is), she took on the task of calling him at 1am and waking him up.

I heard her conversation on the other end, something to the effect of, "she thinks she hears Peachy outside...", "oh, okay - bye". Before I could even ask Janet what my dad said, he knocked on my door and opened it up. By this time, my head was under the covers. He said, "What's this about Peachy being outside? Honey, I buried her this afternoon." "I know", I replied, "but.." and then he heard it. A single meow. Not only was Peachy distinctive looking, but she also had a distinctive sound. I knew my dad was a bit alarmed when he let out a "hmmm, what's going on here."

In a few strides, he made his way to the front door - I was still glued to my bed. I heard him open the front door and call "kitty, kitty, Peachy" and then heard, "What the... Claudia!", and in my room ran Peachy. I remember saying to Janet on the phone, "Peachy is alive and she's in my room" but other than that I don't remember anything other than looking her over and noticing that besides having some dirt in her fur, she was fine - no blood, no broken bones, nothing.

We never went to her 'grave' to check on it, but I swear on my life that I saw her on the road, and my dad swears that he picked her up off the road. Like I said, she's very distinctive looking.

Peachy lived to be almost 25 years old and provided me many years of happiness. She eventually passed away due to old age but I'll never forget her; she was the best cat I ever had!

And speaking of cats getting hit by cars...

A few weeks ago, T and I were out walking the dogs and Pieces (our Calico cat) decided to come along - it's nothing new. But this time, she crossed the street at the wrong time. A Toyota Forerunner came speeding down the street at about 35/40 miles per hour (in a 25mph zone!) and hit her. I couldn't bear to watch as I threw my hands up over my face and screamed. T on the other hand witnessed the whole thing. He said the car hit Pieces, she went under it and somehow flew out the side up on to the sidewalk and hit a trash can. She then proceeded to run away.

It was 11 o'clock at night - dark - we looked for her with flashlights for two hours and couldn't find her. I was hysterical and kept saying "She's gone off somewhere to die - aloneeeee!" Needless to say, I was up all night crying; T did his best to comfort me. Pieces, although not my favorite cat, holds a very special place in my heart; she is the first cat T and I got together. Well, actually, he stole her from a residential neighborhood and gave her to me as a gift almost 11 years ago -- come on, how could I NOT fall in love with him! <3

The next morning, as I was preparing myself to face the day at school, I heard T yell from the garage... "Cathy, she's here - she's okay!" I remember shouting, "Are you kidding me? What??"

And there she was. Not a single scratch on her - eating and drinking like nothing happened! We immediately took her to the vet, and with a head shake of disbelief, he gave her the thumbs up.

Crazy, huh?

Just my luck... with cats that is.

Pondering...

2007-04-25T16:44:00.000-07:00

Well, I've been pondering a lot of things lately...

*Turning 36 - what does that mean, if anything?
*Teaching - I'm fortunate enough to have a full course load between my four campuses to take me through the end of the year - Yippee!!!
*Leadership - knowing when to let go and when to hang in there... lots of tumultous things happening but I just haven't sorted them out in my head yet.

More on its way

2007-02-15T21:00:00.000-08:00

So, I'm sitting here watching/listening to Dave Chapelle's Block Party and loving it - love the music, the positivity, and the idea of community (come on - how could you not love Wyclef's rant about education!!!??!!!). I experienced the sense of community and positivity in my class today at Laney. I had a great time interacting with my students. I HOPE they got something out the listening activity and the feedback discussion; I know I did. I'm so lucky - not only do I get to teach, but I get to learn from my students, too; they all have so much to offer - if only they'd all believe in themselves. I really just want to hug them all and tell them they have so much to offer the world - it's just discovering it and nurturing it - okay, that's a different blog.

In the classroom is where I believe I belong; to me, it's the most positive place. Sure, there are individuals who try to bring others down with their negativity, or detract from the class, but that's okay. It's my challenge to open the door for those students and hopefully, hopefully by the end of the semester, they are opening more doors for themselves.

Then, there are those students who surprise you with their knowledge, intuition, and involvement - not only in the class, but in the curriculum itself. Sappy as it sounds, I love 'em all. Even when I have to repeat over and over and over again - almost to the point where I'm sick of hearing myself say it - "Take responsibility for your education".

If I thought it would help, I would hold the hand of each and every student through the entire semester and coddle and cut slack for them, but really, that's not teaching. If I can give them the skills - or at least set the standard that I expect big things from them (in a fair way) - then I'm doing my job - the hand holding is not teaching.

Sure, I could explain the assignment 10 minutes before it's due, but what good would that do; it's already late at that point. Once I give an assignment, I want my students to review it and try processing it. If it doesn't click for them, then I want them to come ask me - heck they all have my email, phone number, and know they can find me in the classroom at least 15 minutes before the start of class or hanging around afterwards. I've even met students for coffee in the cafeteria to help them - I'm willing - that's what teaching is - giving them a skill set they can use at a university or in the workplace and teaching them about communication, which they can use ANYwhere!

Okay, I digress... if I coddle and hand hold, what good is that?? Your employer isn't going to do that. Nope. Not at all. They'll probably cut you loose at the end of your probation and find someone who shows up on time, asks for clarification on tasks if they don't understand so they can finish them on time, and is respectful when working in groups.

The coddling and hand-holding isn't going to help if a student transfers to a four year university, either. Sure, there will be some professors who will take that extra time with you, but you have to assert yourself - you have to take RESPONSIBILITY for your own education!!!

Okay, I think I'm getting even more tired than I was when I first started and now, Block Party is over and so is this blog.

Day Four - JANUARY 6, 2007

2007-02-12T20:05:00.000-08:00

Day four was probably one of the most relaxed days we had in NYC. We actually slept in and went to the hotel gym in the morning, then just layed around - in no rush to get anywhere.

When we were good and ready, we made our way to the Museum of Natural History; it was a great spot to be on a cold day, as was evidenced by everyone else that was there, too. It could have had something to do with the fact that Ben Stiller's newest comedy - Night at the Museum, which filmed at the MONH in NYC had just opened up a week or two earlier.

We spent some time there walking among the dinosaurs, tigers , and butterflies - oh my!

After the museum, we hung out with our friends Jen Wharton and Wilson up in Washington Heights. And here's where I become saddened. Wilson and Jen took us to this great Puerto Rican restaurant (can't remember the name) where we had the best food ever - El Mofongo! Mashed plantains with pork baked inside and a delicious sauce over this concoction. Now, I'm happy to have discovered El Mofongo, but saddened because we cannot find a comparable item here in the Bay Area. We've searched high and low and visited the only 2 Puerto Rican restaurants we could find (SF and Oak-town) and they were such a disappointment - one of them didn't even carry Mofongo - even though they said that everyone comes in asking for it - duh, what are you waiting for to add it to your menu?!?!

Okay, one day... maybe I'll just have to learn how to make it or just move to Washington Heights! LOL

Day Three - JANUARY 5, 2007

2007-01-15T19:35:00.000-08:00

We began our third day in NYC with another tour - this time the NY TV & Movie Tour (big props to Terrence for creating such an exciting and fun-filled itinerary with the help of Zerve.com).

We stopped at various locations throughout the City, including Pulitzer Fountain (Serendipity and more recently the Apprentice),

Tiffany & Co. (every girl's dream - even just to wander around in there - so Charlotte!), NY Public Library (Mad About You and The Day After Tomorrow), St. Patrick's Cathedral (Spiderman), The Empire Diner (Men in Black II),

Hogs & Heffers (Coyote Ugly), The Huxtables stoop (Cosby Show), The Friend's Building, Rice to Riches (Hitch, Blind Date), Cafe Reggio (In Good Company, Law & Order, 13 Going on 30),

Blue Note Jazz Club,

McGraw Hill Building (The Devil Wears Prada), and my personal fav - Macy's (Elf, Miracle on 34th Street), , as well as so many more!!!

We ate at a restaurant at the bottom of the Empire State Building - nothing to brag about - the restaurant that is, but they did steam some mean spinach!!! :) Now the Empire State Building, which we actually visited on another day, was beautiful.

I'm not sure my description of the tour provides the right umph to the day, but it really was so much fun!

NY is so exciting; it's a great place for pedestrians, too, not only because of the absolutely fabulous subway system, but we walked approximately 5 - 6 miles every single day - no doubt in our minds. It's probably a good thing, too, since we ate as many desserts as we wanted whenever we wanted - gotta love NY!

Day Two - JANUARY 4, 2007

2007-01-13T22:33:00.000-08:00

The day I had been looking forward to for the past six years finally arrived, and it did not disappoint - this was the day we went on the Sex and the City tour!!!

I'll briefly describe the highlights of the tour, but if you're not a SATC fan, you might not get it all.

We started the tour at the Pulitzer Fountain across the street from the Plaza Hotel, where Carrie said goodbye to Big after his engagement party.

We cruised past Friar Fuck's church, Miranda's gym, made a stop at the store where Charlotte discovered her cute pink rabbit, ate cupcakes a la` Magnolia Bakery, passed the playground where Miranda fell when he met Steve's girlfriend, drank Cosmo's at Scout - Steve and Aiden's bar, and landed on Carrie's stoop - the location for so many of the great scenes between her and Big!

SJP supposedly lives very near where they filmed her stoop scenes on Perry Street. How exciting just to walk around in her neighborhood. Sadly, there were no SJP sightings:( But not to worry, the tour was still fantastic. It's great for first timers in NYC, too, because you can go back and explore the neighborhoods and locations from the tour, which we did!

After the tour we stopped at the Paris Theatre where Carrie saw Joy for Deaux for Un (lol) and then went to Central Park, where I had my first celebrity sighting - how exciting!!!

We saw Clinton Kelly - fashion guru from TLC's What Not to Wear. If you haven't seen the show, it's a must for your DVR/TiVo - the rules will stick with you. He was so gracious and stopped to let me take a picture of him, even though our carriage kept rolling - No, Terrence would not let me jump out of the carriage ride, even though I wanted to; thus, the pic is a bit blurry. But, you can still tell how cute Clinton is!!!

After our Carriage ride,
where the driver pointed out the building where Bruce Willis lives (how did he know to mention him!!!), we walked all the chi chi shops on 5th Avenue, even stopping in Trump Tower.

Our days were never quite long enough but we managed to fill them from sunrise to way past sunset...

Day One - JANUARY 3, 2007

2007-01-10T21:20:00.000-08:00

When we arrived at JFK (gotta love Jet Blue!)we shared a limo to the City and arrived in style. After checking into our hotel - the 25th floor of the Park Central Hotel on 7th Avenue between 56th & 57th, we hit the streets to explore!

Our first stop - Rockefeller Center. The tree was magnificent!!! It was so huge and my favorite - sparkly:). The skating rink at Rockerfeller Center was so much smaller than we imagined.

Lesson #1: TV makes everything look bigger (as we discovered over and over again during our trip).

There are a ton of shops in and surrounding Rockefeller Center, but the most beautiful, IMHO, is Swarovski; sitting there makes you feel like a queen!

After RC, we strolled on over to Times Square, which was like a combo of SF and Vegas on steroids. There are lighted billboards everywhere, and a nonstop flow of people in every direction.

We were so fortunate that even at midnight, the time we headed back to the hotel, that all we needed were light jackets - the weather was phenomenal!!

MY NEW YORK MOMENTS - Part Un

2007-01-10T21:04:00.000-08:00

I know now why people love this city so much, I'm in love with it myself - for so many reasons!!!

*CULTURE (museums, music, all the beautiful ethnicities, Broadway plays, and so much more!!!)

*HISTORY (Statue of Liberty, Ground Zero, the burroughs, the jazz music scene)

*MUSIC (The Village Van Guard, Blue Note)

*FOOD (Black & Whites, cannolis, mufungo, eATERY, John's Pizza, Amy's Bakery)

*PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION (what's not to love about the Subway & the buses & the plethora of available cabs - even the gypsy cabs)

*DENSITY (just look up - you miss so much by just looking ahead but you can discover new things on the ground, too!)

*PEOPLE (whoever said New Yorkers were rude had a screw loose!)

*NEIGHBORHOODS (especially the West Village;)

*SHOPPING (shoes, shoes, shoes, scarves, and the world's largest Macy's - every girl's 'affordable' and not so affordable dreams)

*CELEBRITIES (the home of SJP and many others I've spotted during my stay)

I've had the great fortune of spending the last eight days here in this phenomenal city and I don't want to leave - really, I want to stay. It all started on...

HOW MUCH I HAVE CHANGED IN 10 YEARS...

2006-12-10T18:27:00.000-08:00

TEN YEARS AGO.....

How old were you?
25

Where did you go to school?
Los Medanos, baby!

Where did you work?
Dr. Javago, Body Beautiful and 24hr Fitness

Where did you live?
Antioch

Where did you hang out?
the Coffee Cavern

What was your hairstyle?
always curly - short

Did you wear glasses?
yes and contacts

Who was your best friend?
Ang

How many tattoos did you have?
none - then

How many piercings did you have?
four

What car did you drive?
my plum Saturn

What was your favorite band/artist?
can't remember... how sad!

What was your worst fear?
getting another speeding ticket

Had you driven yet?
yes

Had you been to a real party yet?
yes

Had your heart broken?
yes

Single/Taken/Married/Divorced/Bitter:
taken
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FIVE YEARS AGO.......................................................

How old were you?
30

Where did you go to school?
CSU - Hayward

Where did you work?
Where didn't I??? Mariner Square, Harbor Bay Club, Oakland & Berkeley YMCA's, Cal State Hayward, Los Medanos

Where did you live?
Alameda

Where did you hang out?
Where ever Terrence was

How was your hair style?
curly and short

Did you wear glasses?
Yes

Who was your best friend?
Terrence, Janet, Mariflo, and Ang

Who was your regular-person crush?
then - Terrence, now - still the same

How many tattoos did you have?
one

How many piercings did you have?
5

What car did you drive?
Honda Civic - I think

What was your favorite band/group?
Dixie Chicks -- still are!

What was your worst fear?
not getting my masters

Had you been to a real party yet?
Yeah

Had your heart broken?
Yeah

Single/Taken/Married/Divorced/Bitter: engaged!
_____________________________________________
**DECEMBER 2006**

How old are you?
35

Where do you work?
Where don't I??? I work for the University of Phoenix, Diablo Valley College, Oakland Chamber of Commerce, Harbor Bay Club, Terrence Brewer Productions/Strong Brew Music, just got hired at Laney College

Where do you live?
Alameda

Where do you hang out?
anywhere Terrence or my friends are!

How is your hair style?
curly/wavy, medium length and lots of different colors!

Do you wear glasses?
yes

Who are your best friends?
Terrence, Kala, Vic, Janet, Ang

Do you talk to your old friends?
some

How many piercings do you have:
5 (ears twice and my nose)

How many tattoos?
one but wanting more...

What kind of car do you have?
Honda CRV

What is your favorite band/groups?
Dixie Chicks and the Terrence Brewer Group

What is your biggest fear?
Not having my students like or learn from my classes

Have you been arrested?
No

Has your heart been broken?
Yeah

Single/Taken/Married/Divorced/Bitter:
MARRIED - very happily!

A FUN LITTLE SURVEY FROM MYSPACE...

2006-12-09T23:14:00.000-08:00

[1] What is your middle name? It was 'Anne', but when I got married, I dropped the 'Anne' and kept my maiden name 'Coombs' as my middle name - kinda weird huh... to go 30 years with the same name and then it's not my name anymore...

[2] What color is your mailbox? white

[3] Are you available? for what?

[4] Have you ever hit a deer? Ask Ang about Bloody Sunday or the time we convinced all the people in line that the "antlers came this close to stabbing us through the windshield" LMAO!

[5] Do you have to drive over a bridge to get home? no, but I have to go thru and underwater tube

[7] Who checks the mail in your house? usually me

[8] Do you have a small driveway? yes, one car only:[

[9] Do you know anyone with the same ringtone as you? unfortunately yes

[10] What do you do first in the morning? wish I could sleep more then I go workout

[11] What brand is your printer? HP

[12] Do you enjoy fighting with people? only if I have no vested interest in the relationship

[13] Is your hair naturally straight or curly? curly/wavy

[14] Who was your kindergarten teacher? Mrs. Judy Robertson; 1st/2nd grade: Ms. Starkjohn and Mrs. DeLoach; 3rd grade: Mrs. Sanders; 4th grade: Mr. Olenchalk and Mrs. Stamn; 5th grade: Mr. Rennif and Ms. Jackson; 6th grade: Mr. Newton; 7th grade... trust me, I could go on all the way through my college masters program - teachers have always held a special place in my heart and have often had a profound impact on my life... Ms. Mennillo, Mr. Gregory, Ms. Hobbs, Ed Rocks, Gayle Young, Olga Arenivar, John Hammerback, Ann Pym, and the list goes on...

[16] Are you taller than your mother? yes

[17] Do you have a favorite word? uh, yes, but it might get flagged here on MySpace;p

[18] Are you Good in school? it depends, but I'd like to say yes.

[20] Do you enjoy writing in colored pens? yes!

[21] Does anything hurt on your body right now? my back

[22] Do you often cry during a movie? shamelesslyl

[25] Do you hate your life? not at all - I'm loving it!

[26] Do you get mad easily? sometimes... I don't have a lot of patience; I'm trying to work on that, though.

[28] What is your biggest pet peeve? students not showing up for class on speech days! LOL

[30] Do any of your friends have kids? a lot of them!!!

[33] How many years older than you are you willing to date? how old is Bruce Willis or Rick Springfield??? Oh, what am I saying, I'm married!

[34] Do you have any friends? uh, last I checked...

[35] Do you have any mean friends? some are very opinionated

[36] What is the ugliest color in your opinion? vomit

[37] Have you ever liked someone who all your friends couldn't stand? yes

[38] Have you ever felt like driving off a cliff, seriously? hmmm

[40] Do you itch your ears? I scratch them, I try not to make them itch

[42] What brand are the pants/jeans you're wearing right now? Seven

[43] How tall are you? 5'6"

[45] What is on your feet? socks and my boy shoes from Sears - I love them!!!

[48] Do you want to have kids? still undecided

[49] What is the brightest color you're wearing? uh, does oatmeal color count?

[50] Who is the friend you have that you would never have expected to know? Layi and Sarah Jessica Parker - oh, okay, she's not really my friend, just my pretend friend :]

[55] Do you like your dad? LOVE him and can't wait to see him in 17 more days - it'll be a whole year!

[56] Do you have any TV shows on DVD? Every freakin' episode of SATC

[57] Are you wearing make up? mascara and lip balm

[58] Do you have a tattoo? yes - a yin yang with a cat in the middle on my lower back

[61.] Do you know how to draw? only dog or cat heads

[64] Who did you last IM? probably Kala or Layi last Thursday... did you know there's a new law that allows your employer to read all the email you send and receive from their server??? YIKES!!!

[65.] Do you have a really close friend that you cannot live without? Definitely Terrence!!!

[66] What do you do when you are stressed out? uh, fret, make lists, eat, vent to my friends

[67] Who was the last person that called you? Nikki nu nu

[68] Is there anything you regret? yes

[69] Do you know where your family name originated from? well, my family of origin - 'Coombs' is from England; I have no idea about my married name

[70] Is there an animal that creeps you out? I do not like babboons and I know they're not really animals, but spiders, definitely spiders!!!

Voting - old blog...

2006-12-05T21:23:00.000-08:00

I'm not here to persuade you to vote one way or another on any particular issue or for any particular candidate. I am here, though, to persuade you to exercise your right to VOTE!!!

Voting is a priveledge and not that long ago, in the 1970's, individuals under the age of 21 did not have the right to vote - thankfully, they do now!!!!

In 1971, President Nixon certified the 26th Amendment, lowering the voting age from 21 to 18. He is quoted as saying, "The reason I believe that your generation, the 11 million new voters, will do so much for America at home is that you will infuse into this nation some idealism, some courage, some stamina, some high moral purpose, that this country always needs."

I think everyone has the potential to make a difference, whether in their own life, in the lives of their friends or family members, in the lives of folks in their community, city, state, or nation.

And, one way to make a difference is by VOTING!!!! Make sure you vote and that your voice is heard and counted!!! This is a crucial time in our government right now, so be sure to express your ideas and ideals by VOTING!!!!

And remember: If you don't vote, you can't complain how things turn out.

IS IT WORTH IT???

2006-11-13T11:58:00.000-08:00

I know the pain, heartache, and frustration I put my parents through, especially my mom, so, is having a kid worth all that???? Do the good times, even if they're rare, make up for all that???

I'll take any answers you have -- if you have kids!

GRADES - the good, bad, and ugly

2006-10-23T19:57:00.000-07:00

I took the liberty of copying and pasting this fantastic blog entry from my friend Lola's blog on MySpace - go check her out at http://www.myspace.com/mycorazon - she's the BOMB!! Love ya L!

Posted by Lola
Grades
Current mood: sympathetic
Category: School, College, Greek

Receiving a low grade at the end of a course is upsetting, granted. Yet, for some reason, even when we know we have not been completing assignments and/or producing low quality work, we are shocked and appalled by low grades. Some go as far as to blame the instructor for the low grade. Why? Particularly when it comes to a final grade, the only person responsible is you! The instructor is not there to chase you around, and continuously create second chances and extra credit to insure you pass the class. Trust me, it is very difficult to find a teacher who is "out to get you"; and if you have been unfortunate enough to find one, why on earth did you remain in the class?

As a future teacher, I can tell you that (most) instructors are really there to help you, they want to help. Trust, they are not there for the money.

We all need to take responsibility for ourselves and our grade.

So here is a list of things you can do to secure a good grade.

· Turn in quality assignments on time

· Keep track of your grade

· Communicate any difficulties with the instructor; remember they are here for you!

· When in doubt, ask the instructor to specify what they are looking for in assignments.

· Ask the instructor to clarify any grade you are not happy with, in a respectful manner.

· Be in good standing with the instructor (it's not grade grubbing, but it can be the difference between a "+ B" and an "- A")

If you have done all these and still find yourself with a low final grade, then yes that bitch was out to get you, and you need to appeal.

PS: Teacher, instructors and professors rock!

WHAT WOULD YOU DO...

2006-10-23T19:13:00.001-07:00

if there was an earthquake, or a flood, or a fire, or any other type of disaster - natural or not?

I never gave much thought to this, except to think, "Wow, we really need to get a few extra water bottles" when our deliveries were scheduled to arrive.

But, about a year ago, for my Leadership program, I asked a dear friend to speak at the session on Public Safety. What I learned from her was invaluable. Now, I know you're probably thinking "Oh, that won't happen" or "I'll be fine", or something like that - I know, because I thought and sometimes still think that same way. So, I won't 'lecture' on this, but I will share the top five important tips I learned that day. It might save your life or the life of someone you know.

1) ALWAYS carry a WHISTLE with you at all times - preferably on your keychain - and remember: 1 for 'yes' and 2 for 'no'.
Why? A whistle can be heard louder than your voice when calling for help and it lasts longer than your voice - trust this, as it's coming from someone who gets laryngitis regularly:)

2) ALWAYS carry a FLASHLIGHT with you at all times - preferably on your keychain - and remember: 1 for 'yes' and 2 for 'no'.
Why? A flashlight beam is seen easier in the dark than someone waving their hands or a piece of fabric

3) ALWAYS carry a FLASHDRIVE with you at all times - preferably on your keychain.
Why? You can put all your important information on it: driver's license, ssn, medications, medical history, medical record numbers/insurance information, emergency contact information - names, addresses, and numbers of family members, credit card number(s), etc. Anything you think you may need in case of an emergency that can help you obtain food, shelter, medicine.

4) ALWAYS carry at least $50 CASH with you at all times - preferably in a waterproof container on your keychain.
Why? Because the ATM's might not work and how else are you going to get funds to help you survive?

5) ALWAYS have some sort of EMERGENCY PLAN
Why? It's always a good idea to have an evacuation plan or just knowing who to call or where to meet to know everyone is accounted for and okay.

Well, that's it - it sounds pretty simple, huh? Well, that's because it is! Your safety should not be complicated - it should be simple for you to take care of yourself.

For more information log onto: http://www.firstvictims.org/

I JUST WANNA BLOG

2006-09-07T21:57:00.000-07:00

I just gotta get it all out..

*Deciding not to decide for now
*Book query
*Chamber
*Teaching
*Music

Okay, when I started the above list, I didn't think I put them in any particular order, but I guess they came out that way for a reason.

So, T and I have decided not to decide about having kids right now. The thought of having to make that decision 'right now' has caused me so much anxiety over the past two years that I didn't realize that it was clouding everything else for me. So, right now, I'm living in the present with the knowledge that we don't have to make that decision at this time; I still have some 'good' years left, should we decide we want kids.

And it's been an interesting journey just getting to this point in our decision making process, especially for me and my book idea. I'm kind of at an impass with it right now. One of my goals from my women's writing group was to have written a book query for it to pitch to publishers or agents. Well, my deadline is next Wednesday and THANK god our meeting got cancelled, because I haven't written it. Why, you ask? Well, could it be that I just haven't had time or is it a deeper issue - I'm scared. Scared I don't know how to do it right. Scared it won't be well-received and I'll have to face publisher rejection! Scared that it might meet with approval and then I'll actually have to sit down and write it! Goodness gracious, how can I fail or succeed without even trying? Eventually, I know I will try because I've heard from so many 'voices' that should be heard. I just need more time.... hmmmm, where have I heard that before???

I've just been having so much fun in all the other areas of my life that my book seems to have come in at the bottom of my priorities, but that's not to say I don't think of it all the time! I've just got a lot on my plate right now and I think it's about to overflow.

I just received approval from my boss today that I can take my two week vacation -- Terrence and I are going to New York! This has been almost 10 years in the planning and I'm so excited I can barely stand it!!! We'll be in NC Dec 26 - 30th and I'll be staying on there until Jan. 2nd, when I'll head to Pittsburgh, PA to hang with Tosca and Chris for a day or two and then I'll meet up with T in NY (he's goin' home for a rockin' New Year's gig in CA). Oh, you know exactly what I'm going to do there, right? I'm going on the SATC tour!!!! Woo Hoo!

Never before have I taken a 2 week vacation to anywhere, let alone a 3 week vacation; this has got to be a sign of a very good 2007!

And, it will be my first year of graduating a Leadership Oakland class from start to finish! I'm thrilled by that but a little less so by my other mundane and tedious tasks there at the Chamber. I've really been trying to weigh the Pros and Cons of my job and even reading a book called Love It Don't Leave It (thank for swapping me, Lori, at the BK Publishers event) so that I can come up with ideas about how to morph my job there into my 'ideal' job. But, not sure if that's going to work out, because really, my ideal job is teaching. And, although LO is teaching, there's a lot of baggage that goes with it. If I could only reduce my hours to 20/week there and ONLY do Leadership, it would allow me more time to teach, which may be why I've been so darned tired lately.

Have I taken on more than I could spin? For the entire month of August and into September, I subbed cycling classes at 5:45AM on M & W and now picked up a Friday 5:45AM class every other week and a Saturday class at 10:45am (thank god for the later start - LOL!). But, I won't give it up; I forgot how much I enjoy teaching fitness classes - oh, who am I kidding, teaching in general. How can I derive so much pleasure and satisfaction from teaching??? That's a question I hold near and dear to my heart.

But here's the irony... I get sooooooooo nervous. I'd been teaching fitness classes for over 10 years. And, after a short hiatus, when I went back, I felt like I was going to throw up. That's very much how I feel now about teaching and facilitating my first class at the University of Phoenix next week! I know I'll love it when I've got my first class under my belt, but I'm so freakin' nervous about it right now. I'll give myself the same pep talk I give my current students: you're your own worst critic... the audience wants you to succeed... preparation and practice are your best friends/tools... change your perception... utilize cognitive restructuring... see, I'm feeling better already (uh, no - not yet anyway).

In the past 4 weeks if someone gave me $10,000 for every time I've said the phrase, "If only every day could be like today..." in reference to my teaching at DVC, I'd be a bazillionaire!!!

I'm so enjoying this semester at DVC; it has really been fantastic so far. Now, some of you will probably remind me that this is still the 'honeymoon' phase of the semester, but I like to give it the benefit of the doubt... I think this is going to be a fantastic semester. There are already students in both my classes that are proving this to me! And, really, I've said it before, it only takes one student to make my day!

And, speaking of making my day... things are going so well for Terrence and his career! It really has been an amazing 5 months. The Calling: Volume Two is now receiving airtime on KCSM and KKUP (in San Jose). In fact, I'm doing my first radio interview (ever) with Terrence next Tuesday, September 12th from 4 - 5pm! I'm so excited. I guess the DJ wants to talk to me about marketing and promotion (since I'm doing such a great job;) and of course to T about his new CD releases! VERY EXCITING!!!!

But, then, everything that's going on for me is very exciting right now. I feel like I'm truly enjoying my life right now - exactly the way it is; thus, our reason for postponing a non-furry addition to our family indefinitely.

Okay, I've rambled quite a bit; please forgive me though, as it has been a month since my last entry and I've got a lot goin' on! Give me shout if you've got something to say... I'd love to hear from you.

Until next time...

SURGERY WOES

2006-08-01T22:38:00.000-07:00

Well, Bella had her surgery. Dr. Scott Lichlyter and his staff out at Brentwood Family Pet Care, especially Kindra and LeeAnn, are THE BEST!!! (see Kindra's handiwork on B's wrap:). Why else would we drive over 60 miles to take Bella and our cats to the them!

Bella seems to be recovering nicely after a few very stressful days - antibiotics and tranquilers don't mix well in her tummy - enough said! But, oh, the tranquilizers... I can get used to having a mellow dog!

She sleeps all the time and doesn't require long walks (actually, she's not supposed to walk a lot, just a couple of houses down for potty breaks). But, I do miss being able to go on long walks and runs with her; I miss the companionship. So does T. But, her spirits are high, and she gets to snuggle with her kitties...

She gets her staples out next Tuesday and then starts physical therapy - luckily we get to do that from home:). I'll let you know how that goes...

COULD IT GET BETTER THAN THIS????

2006-08-01T22:08:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure...

Let's see, my article was published online today at Bay Area BusinessWomen News and will be in print and circulation by Friday! I'm so excited, as it's my first legitimate piece to be published besides a play review and my monthly articles for the OBR, which don't count, because they're for work.

Next, I 'bleu-pered' my mom on Star 101.3 FM with well-known air personality, Don Bleu. It was great fun! My mom was totally surprised and hasn't stopped laughing about it more than a week later.... It aired on Wednesday 8/2 and Thursday 8/3, which happens to be Terrence's birthday and the perfect segway into my next rant...

Terrence was on ABC's/KGO's Channel 7's View from the Bay today!!! It was fantastic! He received 9 minutes and 45 seconds of FABULOUS air time! He was interviewed by Spencer Christian (weather for Good Morning America for years) and Janelle Wang -- she is a total sweetheart!

We had the best time and were treated like royalty: we were in the green room hanging out;

Walter, Cindy, and Daria kept checking on us to make sure we were okay; they surprised Terrence with a birthday cake on air (I had a head's up to it, but kept mum about it to him:); he had a great interview and played Cat Nap! It really was a surreal moment in time but it's captured on our TiVo!!! You'll be able to see it soon on T's website.

Well, that's it for now... going to my last faculty training workshop for University of Phoenix on Friday and can't wait to start teaching there and at DVC in the fall -- in just a few weeks!

Off to brush and floss...

A MISH MASH OF HAPPENINGS

2006-07-15T22:44:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since I've written... here at least. But, lots of interesting things happening.

First, let me start by saying I met a local celebrity... one who is very well known, as most see him every night in their living or bedrooms... Dennis Richmond. Enjoy the pic!

I also joined a women's writing group at the suggestion of a friend (thanks JP!).
I really enjoyed it and am looking forward to going again in September, with my goal accomplished - a draft of a query letter for my book, which takes me to my next topic...

So, as LH put it, there's good news/bad news, but as is prone to my nature, I'm stubborn or strong-willed if you please, I'm go to perservere. I think I have a different slant on the book I'm writing/compiling/editing than on Maybe Baby?

I'm a bit distracted right now as T and I are watching Unbreakable, one of my all time favorite movies! If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend renting it on DVD - it's awesome. One of M. Night Shaymalan's best!

Okay, so back to my book. I'm going to pursue it until I'm blue in the face, until every door has been pushed closed and bolted. And then, I'll go knock again. 'Cause really, what's the worse 'they' can say? No. And, then, I'm in no worse position than I am in now.

But, another positive thing that came from the WWG is that I'll have an article published in the August issue of the Bay Area BusinessWoman News -- very exciting! Thanks LH!

And, I'll have a CD review of Martine Locke's On the Verge in the August issue of the Music Scene.

Ummm, still going through the UoPhx process to see if I get to facilitate there -- I'm really excited by this and hope I get the opportunity! And, if that isn't enough, I'm being interviewed at Peralta in the next two weeks and will for sure be teaching at DVC in the Fall! Yippee!!!

Busy, busy, busy!

Let's see... a T update:
*Look for him on View From the Bay (Channel 7 - KGO) w/ Spencer Christian in August (either the 1st or 3rd)
*Art & Soul festival in Oakland
*Montclair Art & Jazzz festival
*Tons of lives shows coming up -- check 'em out at his website or his MySpace

Okay, I think that's it for now, oh, no, wait...

Bella has surgery on Tuesday... pics to publish shortly.. my poor baby girl!

Ciao for now...

HELP WITH MY BOOK!

2006-07-08T16:52:00.000-07:00

To all the women who read this (with kids and without kids):
[yes this is a lengthy post, but one well worth the read...]

READ ON ONLY IF YOU CAN BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF AND WITH ME...

Some of you know I am always debating whether or not to have kids; it's a very pressing issue now that I'm in my mid-30's. So, in my search for answers (I swear I looked everywhere for a quiz or something that would help me determine if I'm ready for/or really in want of kids and found NOTHING!) I came up with more questions - questions I posted on my blog and are contained in the attachment in this email. They were meant very sarcastically (really, I would never leave a baby at home unattended), but, with a grain of truth in them (although, my mother cringes at the grain of truth, for she was one of the women who always knew). But what if you're a woman who doesn't know or hasn't always known?

So, I thought, I know I can't be the only woman out there that has grappled with these same questions, right? Right? So, I thought, what a great idea to ask my girlfriends and have them ask their girlfriends, and so on, and so on, and so on... until there's this big web of women who have read these tongue-in-cheeck questions and provided their thoughts on the ones that touch them in one way or another. Now, you ask, what are you going to do with all these anecdotes?

I want to compile them into a book (one of my life-long dreams is to become a published writer... shhhh, don't tell anyone -- it's scary sharing a secret dream with so many... but I trust you all, or else I wouldn't have put you on this email list). I want to share the life experiences with others, so that it may help provide insight to someone else struggling with the same question - to kid or not to kid? So, if you contribute and I use it, I'm more than happy to use your correct name or any psuedonym you provide.

I want to hear from as many women, in all age groups, with kids by choice, adoption, or by 'accident', without kids by choice or because for some reason you couldn't or didn't. I'd appreciate honest and down to earth: answers, advice, life lessons, things you wish you would have known, regrets, joys, sorrows, crazy experiences... anything you care to share, whether or not it relates to my questions list, or to a topic about which you feel strongly. There will be NO JUDGEMENTS, only an environment of acceptance and understanding, and hopefully sharing with the world!

I'd appreciate if it you took some time and thoughtfully considered what you want to share and then share it with me no later than September 30, 2006.

So, if you read the attachment, I hope you'll feel inspired to write. I really want to read what you have to say. And, I really want to share it with people -- ultimately to help them (and me) with these ponderings. If you have any questions, please email me and we can discuss.

Thank you all in advance for your time, consideration, and support.

Cheers,

Cat

Essential Questions
Have you always known you wanted/didn’t want children?
How did you know you wanted/didn’t want children?
What was/were the deciding factor(s) in your decision?
What was your biggest fear about having/not having?
What has been your biggest regret about having/not having?
What has been your biggest challenge about having/not having?
What has been your biggest reward about having/not having?
What has been your biggest joy about having/not having?

Timing
• When is it ever the right time?
• What’s worse… regretting you had a child or regretting not trying to have a child?

Finances
• Are you financially prepared? Will you save for a college fund or a therapy fund?

Discipline
• I’m not a spanker but my husband is… can we use a time out to spank?

Sleep
• Are you ready to give up sleep for the next 1 – 2 years?
• Is it wrong to put your kid down in front of the Wiggles while you catch 20 Zzzzz’s?

Pets and Kids
• What if the dog doesn’t like the baby? Can I give the baby back?

Sex
• Is there sex after pregnancy/birth? Do you ever have the time or energy?
• How do you explain those weird sounds coming from the bedroom?
• Will I feel the same about my body? Will my huband?

Me-time/We-time/Us-time
• How long can you leave your baby sleeping? Long enough for a 30 minute/3 mile run or a quick workout at the gym?
• Can you stop yourself from making it all about baby? Is it so wrong to put me-time in my day planner?
• Can I still watch Sex and the City?
• How do we secure time together without baby? I still want date nights
• How do we incorporate this new being into our lives if we’ve never had to do anything like this before?

Travel
• Is it wrong to want to be able to get up and go whenever you feel like it – without any hassle?
• As a non-parent, I remember getting annoyed when there was a crying baby on a long flight – how am I supposed to handle traveling now with a kid? Do I pass out earplugs to everyone on the flight or offer to pay for their headphones so they can semi-enjoy the in-flight movie?

Dare I Daycare or Not?
• Can you crate a kid like you crate a dog? In reality isn’t a crib really an elevated crate?
• I know there are many qualified individuals that pour their heart and soul into daycare – caring for other’s kids, but do I really want someone else raising our child?

Whole milk or breasts?
• I’ve been preached to about the benefits of breast-feeding including: quick weight-loss! Essential vitamins! Bonding! So, my question is, if I don’t breast feed, am I going to forever be a baby weighting mom who has a vitamin deficient child who won’t bond to me? I find this highly unlikely!

The religion of commercialism
• If you don’t necessarily believe in God or being a Christian, how do you explain Easter and Christmas to a child? Can you just celebrate the commercialism of it all? I mean come one, who doesn’t love the Easter Bunny and Santa Claus?

Work – what’s that?
• What happens when you go back to work and you don’t feel guilty?
• How do you evenly divide parenting when one parent works outside the home?

FOUR BLISSFUL (or semi-blissful) DAYS... (revised)

2006-06-19T19:48:00.000-07:00

We're back from Monterey where we spent four semi-blissful days. For us, they were terrific: we rented a dog-friendly cottage in Pacific Grove where we saw more deer than sea lions (I think), ran along the trail from Lover's Point down to the Wharf and back with Bella; rode bikes from Cannery Row out to 17 Mile Drive and back; dined at delish restaurants and ate with friends and family; took naps whenever we pleased; sat out on our deck and relaxed; listened to great music at Fandango's; perused the Farmer's Market and bought fresh cherries; went shopping at the outlets; and had breakfast in bed all four days!

The drama happened on the second day - Tuesday. After our 4 mile run, Bella still had energy; so, we took her to an off-leash park. She was wandering through the scrub oaks when all of a sudden her crazy switch flipped and she started running with reckless abandon, her tongue lolling out of her mouth and a sparkle in her eyes. Terrence and I watched her, laughing at how much fun she was having, when all of a sudden we heard a yelping like no other and Bella came running over to us, shaking and whimpering. We checked her paws and her range of motion and everything seemed okay. Except that she was limping and wouldn't put any weight on her left back leg.

We figured she pulled a muscle like she's been known to do in the past; so, we gave her her anti-inflamatory/pain relief medication, but by Thursday, she wasn't any better:( so we took her to Dr. Lichlyter, where we received the bad news... she tore a ligament in her knee, which will require surgery if we want her to be a normal four-legged active dog without bad arthritis. Currently, T affectionately calls her "Tripod" and we have to lift her in and out of the car and on and off the bed. It breaks my heart to see her limping around and getting fatigued after walking only 2 blocks:(. Her surgery won't be for another 3 or 4 weeks; so, she'll be tri-pedding it around for a little while.

I'll let you know how the surgery goes... until then...

"WATCH THE VERTICAL, CAMERA 3!"

2006-05-30T21:00:00.000-07:00

Saturday afternoon found us driving to T's gig at Anchorage Square on Fisherman's Wharf when his cell phone rang (what else is new?). He starts chatting away with Marshall - the MAN - Lamm (you'll know why in the next sentence why he's THE MAN!). Marshall books for the Sonoma Wine and Jazz Concert, where T was scheduled to play the next afternoon. But, Marshall needed someone to represent the concert series at the KPIX Channel 5 news station for the Sunday morning news -- and who did he call? Terrence Brewer!

So, on Sunday morning we drove to SF and Terrence was interviewed by Lisa Chan and Joe Vazquez and had a chance to play live on air on KPIX morning news from 7:30 - 8:30am. Then, the same news crew hosts the UPN Channel 44 morning news from 8:30 - 9:30am and they asked him to stay for that; so, he was interviewed again and played some more.

It was very cool, especially since some people up in Sonoma said they came up just to see Terrence because they saw him on the news. It looks as if I may have to compete with either 6 year olds or 60-something women for Terrence's affection;).

Needless to say, that experience was crazy enough, but the Monday prior (5/22/06), T had his 1-hour radio interview on www.kcsm.org with Chris Cortez, then a feature article on Thursday (5/25/06) in the Contra Costa Times.

And, if all that wasn't enough, T filmed a segment for Back in the Day with Satin Dawl for public access TV today (5/30/06) and all I kept hearing was, "Watch the vertical, Camera 3!"

Yeah, someone - the director - actually said that to me! I can now add camera operator to my resume. When we showed up at the studio (right here in good 'ol Alameda) they were short one camera operator and somehow, I was recruited for the job -- my name is actually going to roll in the credits - how funny is that! Camera 3 is in charge of all the close-up's of the host -- watch for my fancy work:).

More musical mishaps to follow...

REMEMBERING THE SMALL THINGS

2006-05-26T11:47:00.000-07:00

I got so excited last night! Terrence mentioned that they were going to play Cat Nap, which, if you didn't know, is my favorite song -- I think it has the most memorable melody - but that's just my opinion:)

Anyway, as soon as they started playing the first few notes, this guy sitting next to me said, "Hey, I know this song. I heard it on the radio the other day. I didn't know what song it was because I didn't hear the DJ say the name, but this is it!"

How exciting is that???

IT REALLY IS THE SMALL THINGS THAT COUNT...

2006-05-26T11:30:00.000-07:00

T had a gig last night at a 'listening' venue -- not some restaurant where the music is meant to be heard in the background and the the conversations are usually louder than the music - but a real listening venue.

Okay, let me take a moment of your time and define the difference between hearing and listening (all my students reading this better be able to define it!).

Hearing is a physiological process where sound waves are taken in and recognized by the eardrums. Listening is an active process where you become mindful, select, organize, interpret, respond, and remember information. You can 'hear' many things and not really 'listen' to them. Take for instance, you're busy typing or reading something on the internet and your loved one in the other room is talking to you. You can 'hear' that they're saying something, but you're not listening to them (shame on you!) because you are not being mindful and choosing to organize in your mind what they are saying so that you can respond to them and remember what they've said.

So, as I was saying before my typing was interupted by a vagrant who tried to shimmy his way between our house and the neighbors fence to 'take a drink' and then insulted me and called me m'am . Where's a good watch dog when you need one??? Pit bulls are vicious my a#@! She didn't even give a bark. Okay, where was I? Oh yes....

Terrence played a listening venue last night in Berkeley - Anna's Jazz Island. And, as the guys were playing and taking turns with solos, people were clapping, not just at the end of each song, but AFTER EACH SOLO! I leaned over to a friend and whispered, "You know, it's the small things that count; it's just nice to hear people clap after a solo without me having to start the clapping and to know people are really listening and enjoying the music". :)

If you want to 'listen' and enjoy the music, check out www.terrencebrewer.com or come to an upcoming gig -- there's lot's of 'em! -- Most notably his CD release party at Jazz at Pearls in SF on Thursday, June 1st. www.jazzatpearls.com

Amazing Students

2006-05-20T11:13:00.000-07:00

Maybe one of the reasons I became a teacher is because I love school so much! And I love summer vacation but always look forward to going back to school. This is true for me as a child and now as an adult.

But, I just get so attached to my students. They're great! All of them have a very unique 'story' and in the past five years during my time in the Contra Costa Community College District, I've had the opportunity and good fortune to have some amazing students in my classes. What's even better are the interesting things I've learned through speeches as well as the life lessons I've learned from them...

- a student fled from Mexico and a man died so that my student could get here to the states safely - gratefulness/thankfulness
- international student who wants stricter border control - taking a stand even when it's not a popular one
- DUI/jail - the importance of knowing even when one drink is too much
- mercury poisoning - perseverence and the importance of health
- rape - bravery, courage, and self esteem
- lesbian who's parents found out she was gay b/c of a speech - pride!
- hemophiliac - the importance of donating blood
- single moms - kids are important and family always comes first
- knew a friend who committed suicide - the pain that depression and suicide cause to others

To be continued....

MY LIFE ON THE INJURED LIST

2006-05-16T21:07:00.000-07:00

Well, no sooner do I recover from a torn calf muscle, my ankle gives out... swollen and throbbing with pain.

Terrence is always saying I could write a book about all my various injuries. I say, maybe not a book, but at least a blog entry:)

From head to toe...

hair loss from stress
lice (way back in the 4th grade)
conjunctivitis (pink eye)
stye (in my eye)
paper cut in my eye (when I worked at the printing press)
bloody noses (quite frequently when I was little)
root canals
gum grafting
13 teeth pulled in total (7 at one time)
TMJ
tonsilectomy (at 25)
back spasms
arm out of socket - both arms, numerous times
broken finger
fractured rib
bladder infection
broken tail bone
torn left MCL (medial crucia ligament)
torn right calf muscle
shin splints
broken right ankle (back in junior high)
burst blood vessel in my right leg (my birthmark - blood spurt out in a straight stream!)
broken toe(s)

A SATURDAY GRADUATION

2006-05-07T20:56:00.000-07:00

six years of seeking guidance
nonjudgmental about my 'split'
tears and laughter
depression
it's all been listened to
and now
my wings repaired
experience growth
ready to spread and fly
sing to the world
in my authentic voice
OKAY!

FRIENDSHIPS COME AND GO...

2006-05-04T22:44:00.000-07:00

I know the quote that states, "Some people come into your life for a reason, season, or a lifetime" is kinda cheesy, but it is so true.

And I'm always saying that everything happens for a reason even if we never figure out the reason why, but it doesn't stop me from trying.

I have a friend who comes and goes in and out of my life. It's a bit annoying, confusing, and at times heart-breaking. I have a blast when we're together but she is so inconsistent with our friendship that I often question if it's worth salvaging. How do you know when to let go? The costs of our friendship seem to outweigh the rewards, but it's hard to move on. I still care about her and love her like maybe sisters love one another... she's been as close to one as any girlfriend I've had, but still there's something not quite right. We haven't spoken in over 6 weeks now... she got annoyed because I couldn't do something she asked of me and hasn't called me since.

At least with relationships (boyfriend/girlfriend ones), one can move on if there is an official 'break-up' of sorts. But with girlfriends it's different... do you say, "hey, we're breaking up?" Because that's been said before... years ago, but then, our friendship resumed after a few months of separation.

Are friendships supposed to be this difficult to maintain? Is that my nudge to say sianora and push on ahead without her? T has a similar friend and we discuss this off an on, on and off, but neither of us had come to any real conclusion. We just wait for them to act like friends "because that's what friends are supposed to do". And each time it doesn't happen, a little bit of me becomes a bit bitter about it.

It also makes me sad because we've been friends for so long... our friendship has been off an on (mostly on) for the past 12 years or so.

There's no one answer that sits best with me right now; I'm not sure I want a solid answer. Maybe the waiting to see what will happen next is better than the finality of saying 'goodbye'.

I DIDN'T KNOW I LOOKED LIKE A MOTHER...

2006-05-04T22:27:00.000-07:00

But, now two people have said so, so maybe it's true... here' a funny one for you!

About 6 years ago, I went to one of Terrence's gigs at Starbucks in Alameda (yep, he made the coffee shop circuit!). When I was in the store browsing all the cool mugs, a guy, about 30 or so, came up to me and tried picking up on me. Now, I don't say this because I particularly want you to know this, but it lends to the story and ultimately my rationalizing the situation.

After politely turning him down and telling him I had a boyfriend, Terrence walked up to see what was going on. When Terrence started talking me to me, the guy asked, "Is he your son?". My first reaction was to laugh, and then to be shocked, and then I got angry because I know I'm not THAT much older than T. [To set the record straight, I am four years and four months older than Terrence -- Demi and Ashton have a few years on us:)]. I ended up rationalizing (with T's help) that the guy was a) pissed off that I turned him down, b) drunk, c) crazy.

I usually don't think too much of it anymore, except when I want to tell a funny story every now and then.

But then, tonight, it all came back to me...

We were at an event and I was selling CD's for Terrence. As we were leaving an older woman came up to Terrence and asked if we were still selling CD's. He told her 'yes' and I started to get the CD's out of the packed bag. As he turned toward me, he told her, "Catherine will get the CD's for you". She then turned to me and said, "Who are you? Are you his mother?"

I just stood there with my mouth open looking at her, then said, "Excuse me?". Then, she asked me again, "Are you his mother?". And when I didn't answer (I guess I was in shock), Terrence said, "No, she's my wife." And she said, "Oh, you're married? (her pale face becoming even more white) I'm so sorry... I'm so embarassed, I'm so sorry".

I experienced the same emotions I felt the first time this happened... maybe even with more intensity as my emotions have been on a rollcoaster as of late (chalk it up to lack of sleep, feeling overwhelmed with obligations, and the desire to take a month off from everything and just relaxing!).

Really, do I look like a 50 something African American woman???

How do I rationalize this one? I mean, the woman wasn't old enough to be senile... she was older, but not OLD! There was plenty of free alcohol at the event, but she didn't seem drunk. And, she definitely didn't seem crazy, I mean, she was smart enough to want to buy a CD... so, how do I rationalize this?

I'm willingly accepting any theories you may have... send them to me!

It's what makes it all worth it...

2006-04-30T11:18:00.000-07:00

I don't make much money as a teacher; my dad told me as much when I was eighteen and wanted to go to school so that one day I could teach. But, being the Taurus that I am, and the fact that teaching is in my bones, I decided to go ahead with it anyway. It's not the money that makes it worthwhile; I don't know too many teachers that do it for the money. I teach because I love it and I can't imagine not teaching -- it hurts my heart to think I might not be teaching in the fall...

But I digress.

Nights like last night -- meeting up with two of my former students for dinner, drinks, music, and interesting conversation are what make suffering through some endless days of grading, or dealing with difficult students (or faculty/administration for that matter!), earning below a living wage, or any of the other myriad of frustrations that come along with teaching -- all worthwhile!

Knowing a student genuinely learned something from me and appreciates it is food for my soul. And knowing a student genuinely likes me is icing on the cake -- or whipped cream on the apple carmel tart or the hardened sugar on the creme bruele, or a plate for your cock bones (inside joke!).

So, that's why I teach - not for the money - but because I genuinely care for my students and their learning; I want them to succeed and I want them to inform me of their life accomplishments; and because when it boils down to it, teaching is in my bones and in my heart!

Cheers for now...

Three weeks...

2006-04-24T22:33:00.000-07:00

Has it really been three weeks since I've written? So much has happened in such a short period of time, it's pretty unbelievable!

*April 10th marked a significant date for Terrence - he returned to LMC as the featured guitarist for the college's music recital - a real thrill for him, especially since his mom and grandmother were in the audience.

*On April 20th Terrence hosted the Breakfast at the Oakland Chamber, making more valuable connections

*Had a fantastic birthday thanks to my husband (Friday @ The Commodore Yachts [we were actually on Bay Area Bargains on KRON 4, The Purple Onion - How We First Met), my girlfriends (Saturday @ Cha Cha Cha, Amnesia, and the Metronome), and my mom and aunt (Sunday @ Horatio's & Chevy's... ooooey goooey....yum!). I definitely celebrated 35 in style!

*And tonight... Terrence had his first on-air interview at KPFA a local station out of Berkeley. Greg Bridges of KPFA and KCSM interviewed T and gave him the highest compliment saying that off his new CD's The Calling: Volume One and Volume Two would be new jazz Standards -- totally awesome compliment!

In case you missed the interview, you can log onto www.kpfa.org/archives/index.php?arch=13777 and then click Play Stream.

If that doesn't work follow these steps:

log onto www.kpfa.org
Click on Programs (upper left)
Scroll down until you see in the far left column a link for Transitions on Traditions - click it
Then click on the link that comes up in the next page
Then click on the archives for Monday, April 24th
Then click on Play Stream

Once the program has loaded you can 'fast forward' to one hour into the program and shortly thereafter you'll hear Terrence! The entire interview is about 45 minutes and has some talking, songs from the CD's, as well as Terrence playing live solo guitar!

Stay tuned for more musical musings...

3 (gulp) 5

2006-04-08T12:15:00.000-07:00

How could the next box appear so quickly? The box that puts me in with the 35 - 49 year olds is less than two weeks away. I find myself filling out forms and questionnaires online just so I can still choose the 25 - 34 group. Why is this such a big deal to me?

I remember being so happy to turn 25; I was a quarter of a century! And 30? It was my best year yet... I ran a marathon, received my master's degree, and got married. But 35 is different. T is still in that 25 - 34 box and I'm moving ahead but don't feel any real accomplishment for moving there.

Is it such a big deal because maybe by societal standards I'm expected to have kids by now... I don't want to use that as an excuse, but I'm not coming up with too much more. Is it because I think at 35 I should own property (a house) or have a higher paying job (I know that money isn't everything but it does make things a bit easier at times)?

What else could it be? Any suggestions for thoughts from those of you approaching this odd number or from those of you for who it is well behind you?

I have a feeling I'll be contemplating this for at least another 13 days...

MUH MUH MUH MY SHARONA.....

2006-04-06T20:29:00.000-07:00

Or how about 'Oh, Donna, oh, Donna?'

The Knack, Ritchie Valens... Terrence Brewer!

Even though there are no words to it, KCSM played my song on the radio at 7:44:57pm - Cat Nap (For Cathy).

So, I'm at home, sittin' in my comfy chair with my Turbo Boot off, listening on my iBook to a live stream of the Bay Area's most popular jazz station - no not KBLX (no offense, but that's not real jazz - that's smooth jazz -- and fyi: Kenny G is not allowed in our house!) but 91.1fm KCSM all the while thinking of the homework I should be doing instead of the 50 things I was doing. When all of a sudden, I heard a familiar melody coming from a familiar sounding guitar - and - OH MY GOD! THAT'S TERRENCE PLAYING CAT NAP!!! MY SONG!!

Before I actually knew what I was doing, I jumped up from my chair and ran to the door, actually jogged or hopped or possibly even flew out to the car to hear it on the car radio! There is was loud and clear, my husband on the radio! I knew the station had been playing songs from his CD's since Tuesday, but it was the first time I actually heard him on the radio and playing my song (okay, enough of 'my song', I know, I know - I'm just so excited!).

So, as I'm listening I call T (who didn't answer because he's playing a gig at Butterfly), then my mom, then Janet, then Angela and as my neighbor pulled up, I yelled, "Hey do you hear this?" and he said, "Yeah", and I said, "That's my husband on the radio!". I wanted to start the engine and drive through the streets yelling "THIS IS MY WONDERFUL HUSBAND THEY'RE PLAYING ON THE RADIO!!!" at the top of my lungs - but, I did show some self-restraint:)

Sidebar: I'm so excited at this point I feel like I'm going to throw up.

So, when it finishes, the DJ, Greg Bridges says, "That's new music from guitarist Terrence Brewer off The Calling: Volume One. Terrence brings special sounds to the night with Cat Nap, for Cathy". So, you know when I hear my name being said I did let out a squeal of delight that I'm sure the whole neighborhood, well at least two neighbors down on either side of us, heard.

After some minutes pass talking to my mom, recounting the entire episode, I decided to call the station and thank the DJ for playing it.

So, here's how the conversation goes...

Me: "Hi, if my husband knew I was calling, he'd probably kill me, but I just wanted to say thank you for playing the song by Terrence Brewer - Cat Nap"

Him: "Oh, you know the song?"

Me: "Yeah, it was written for me!"

Him: [with surprise] "Oh, your husband doesn't know that?"

Me: [getting tongue-tied] "No, he does, he is my huband"

Him: "What?"

Me: "Terrence - Terrence Brewer is my husband!"

Him: [laughing] "Oh. Sure. No problem, I really like the albums."

Me: "Oh, thank you, that means so much coming from station guys like you"

Him: "Where do you live?"

Me: "We live in Alameda."

Him: "Oh, you're local?"

Me: "Yeah"

Him: "Well, I DJ at a station in Berkeley, KPFA, and I'd love it if Terrence came in and brought his guitar and played something and we could talk."

Me: [grinning from ear to ear] "Well, you're talking to the right person. I do marketing and promotions for him. Do you have an email address where he can contact you?"

Him: "Yes, it's..." [you didn't think I was going to give it away did you?

Me: "Oh, he'll definitely be in touch with you; this is great. I'm so glad I called."

Him: "I'm glad you called too. Gotta run - we'll be in touch"

Me: "Bye"

Him: "Bye Cat"

EXHALE NOW......

See, you just never know what a phone call can do for a person... or expressing your gratitude in the present, for that matter!

So, another live radio interview soon... details to follow...

HERE'S THE PROMISED... EXCITING NEW POST

2006-04-05T19:12:00.000-07:00

Have you ever just felt like YELLING FROM THE ROOFTOPS with joy!

I did for the better part of today.

I had a great class today; heard some pretty entertaining impromptu speeches from my studnets, who, by the way, I love this semester -- but really, I love every semester! I love teaching... if I could change my last name to represent what I like doing, I would change it to Teacher : -P. I really miss my former students; I love hearing from them and learning about what they're doing in their lives. I'm always amazed at how attached I get to a group of students after only 18 weeks -- thank goodness I don't have year-long courses - I can't imagine the separation anxiety!

And now.... for the exciting part.

So, yesterday was Terrence's official CD release date. At lunch today, he called a few press contacts to see if they received their press kit including CD's. He just so happend to speak to Chewy Varella from 91.1 KCSM, who said HE LOVED TERRENCE'S CD'S AND THAT THE STATION HAD PUT THEM INTO ROTATION ON TUESDAY -- THEY PLAYED THREE SONGS!!!

You can't imagine my elation when T called to share this with me -- I can't get a grasp on it myself! All I know was that I couldn't contain my tears of joy! And then he said that CHEWY INVITED HIM ON FOR A LIVE RADIO INTERVIEW ON MONDAY, MAY 22nd AT 1pm!!!

OMG!!!

Of course the interview happens to fall on the day of my final at the college (it's gonna have to be a quick one folks!) but I'll race back home and we'll head off to the City together! I'm not even the one who is going to be interviewed but I AM SOOOOOO FREAKIN' EXCITED!!!!
I even told Joe that I had to take the day off to go with him... I think he understood:) - Thanks, Joe!

There, so how's that for an exciting entry?

To have or not to have?

2006-04-03T19:09:00.000-07:00

So, T and I spent the better half of three hours last night talking about babies - to have or not to have... that is the question.

And you're probably sitting on the edge of your seat wondering what the answer is, huh? Only if your name is Grace:)

Well, I think my answer is 'yes'. Yes, I eventually want to have kids. I want the experience of having a family and raising a little person and experiencing life through a fresh pair of eyes.

So, yes.

Now, the next question is when. When should I (okay we) have kids? Well, that's the part that always trips me up. There are sooooooooo many things I want to do, did I say sooooooooo many things ... I want to travel - to New York, to Italy, to Paris... That's about it - that's not asking a lot is it?

But society is pressuring. No, not any one person in particular, just society as a whole -- I mean, I am in my mid-30's in a few weeks and there's no turning back - YIKES! And, if I'm really honest, my biological clock is pretty much tick, tick, ticking away -- not that I pay too much attention to it.

I think if I'm meant to get pregnant it will happen when it's supposed to happen. If it's not meant to be then it's not meant to be... that's pretty much the attitude I have about everything in life - I think it's a good one to have... that everything happens for a reason.

Okay, if your a student of mine reading this, you probably know a little more about me than you wanted, so I promise not to burden my blog with baby babble.

I promise the next entry will be way more exciting!

Proud as a peacock!

2006-03-29T15:01:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited for Terrence: He has a CD review coming out tomorrow in the Alameda Sun; his liner notes are going to be published in April in the Music Scene and he's going to be on the cover of it in June with a review of his CD's; and the Alameda Magazine is looking to do a feature on him in an upcoming issue!!! He has two CD release parties -- one in SF at Pearls (www.jazzatpearls.com) on June 1st and one in the East Bay - Kelly's in Alameda on June 3rd. He has some awesome community events coming up and is playing the Sonoma Jazz Festival at the end of May!

What else you ask? Well, you'll just have to check out his newly revamped website (terrencebrewer.com) starting April 4th... the official release date of his CD's!

This is so wonderful; I feel just like a proud peacock!

PRESS RELEASE - STRONG BREW MUSIC

2006-03-25T21:42:00.000-08:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

101 minutes of music, 17 original compositions, 7 musicians, 2 full-length CD’s, 1 man – Terrence Brewer.

Guitarist and composer Terrence Brewer recently launched his own independent record label, Strong Brew Music, and self-produced two full-length CD’s for the label… The Calling: Volume One and Volume Two. A musician for the last 20+ years, Brewer studied with legendary musicians/educators such as Charlie Hunter, Duck Baker, Mike Zilber, Mike Williams, and Mark Levine, to name a few. In addition, Brewer consistently performs throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and has played with artists including Pete Escavedo, Bruce Forman, Kahlil Shaheed, Herb Gibson, Calvin Keyes, Ed Kelley, John Gove, Tuck and Patti, and many, many more.

The Calling: Volume One and Volume Two contains 17 of Brewer’s original compositions and features the playing of some of today’s most talented young musicians.
Exotic Latin tinged and odd-meter grooves (Murray’s Law, The Hands of Man) drive The Calling: Volume One, along with fiery up-tempo swing numbers (Dedication, Vari-8-Shun), and passionate ballads (The Way, Cat-Nap). In addition to Brewer on guitar, Volume One displays the talents of Ravi Abcarian (Kahlil Shaheed, Oaktown Jazz Workshop) on acoustic bass, Ben Stolorow (Oba Oba, Misturada, Kotoja) on piano, and Micah McClain (KeHoe Nation, Blackwell) on drums.

The Calling: Volume Two follows in the footsteps of the great guitar/organ/drum trios of the past, yet Brewer lends his own modern original twists on those familiar sounds. Volume Two begins with heavy backbeat funk (Lately), continues with scorching swing numbers (A.D.D., Sunrise Sunset), and balances out with powerful and bluesy ballads (Chrystal Clarity, Peaches and Cream). Volume Two features Brewer on guitar, long-time friend Derrek Phillips (Charlie Hunter Trio) on drums, Wil Blades (Mother Bug, O.G.D.) on Hammond B-3 Organ, and Eric Drake (Space Invaders) on tenor saxophone.

To receive a promotional package and CD’s contact:
Cat Coombs
Strong Brew Music/Terrence Brewer Productions
Phone: 510.755.0627
Email: Cat@terrencebrewer.com

###

Forced down time (a.k.a Oh, woe is me)

2006-03-24T11:35:00.000-08:00

Well, it's perfect timing to catch you all up on my life, since as of this morning at 6:30am I have become somewhat immobile, tearing (why couldn't it just be a frickin' pull or strain??) my right calf muscle. So, what does that mean? Well, Kaiser ER put me in a half cast from my foot up to my high thigh (why couldn't the cast at least be sexy?), on crutches, with the impending fact that I'm waiting to get a phone call from Orthopedics telling me I might need a full cast, which in turn will mean that not only will I be on crutches for three months but that I won't be able to effen DRIVE! How's that for a run on sentence?

You know the most irritating thing about this is that I was up at 5:15 and at the gym by 5:45am and had to cut my damn workout short because of this injury. Oh well, at least I can still lift weights for my upper body!

Okay, so other than this *minor* setback, which I'm taking as a sign to slow down a bit, here's my life update:

Job #1 - DVC
LOVING it! Probably won't be asked back next semester as they hired a FT faculty (got passed over for that position) and won't need as many PT'ers and since I was the last to get hired, I'm the first to go.

Not sure if I'll be teaching at LMC in the Fall due to the fact that I stood up for myself against the Department Chair, which probably pissed her off, and I'm not her 'favorite' - oh well! Oh well, except that I'm desperately missing teaching or the idea of not doing it next semester!

Job #2 - Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce
LOVING it! I received a promotion in December; In addition to everything I was doing there before (Parade Manager), I am now the Executive Director of Leadership Oakland, which I absolutely adore -- it's a 'teaching' program of sorts and it's something I've wanted to do for the past three years upon graduating from a Leadership class in San Leandro. Here's the website if you want to check it out: http://www.oaklandchamber.com/training_leadershipoakland.shtml

Job #3 - Marketing & Promotions Manager for Terrence Brewer (yep, my husband). He just put out 2 all original CD's that he wrote the music and arrangements for, played the music on, and produced the CD's! His official CD release party is June 1st at Jazz at Pearls - a pretty famous jazz club in San Francisco. And since I do the marketing and promotions, it would be remiss of me not to include his website www.terrencebrewer.com or that of the venue where he will be playing www.jazzatpearls.com. His CD's will be on iTunes, Amazon.com and Borders by June!

It's all very exciting as he is somewhat becoming a bit of a local celebrity, with some radio play and recognition by the media -- watch out red carpet, I'll be there (at least by his side and they'll probably cut me out of the pictures) one day!

Job #4 - Fitness Instructor
Welllllll, I won't be doing that any time soon. Actually, I am teaching a class tomorrow - a cycling class - but I'll be off the bike instructing it. I need the cash-ola!

Job #5 - Student
Yep, student - and yes, I count that as a job! I decided to take some online classes to further my education and I can only tell you it's kicking my ass! I only had fond memories of being a student in school, but this online class is quickly changing that. It's an accelerated class, so thankfully, it's over in 8 more weeks!

Okay, whew! I'm tired now.... off to answer emails and catch up on homework... what else do I have to do???

Removing an elephant from a room

2006-03-23T20:55:00.000-08:00

So, I'm going to write about something from my past... almost a year ago - and then from the present...

For close to three years, I worked for a local privately owned garbage and recycling company, whose name I cannot say, but whose initials are ACI. Now this is not to sound pompous or conceited or ostentatious, but I did a lot for the public image of the company, including but not limited to strengthening relationships with city officials and employees, creating a positive face in the community through education, community events, and becoming involved with the Alameda and San Leandro Chamber's of Commerce (hmmmm, now you know what communites the company services).

After three of years of hard work and being recognized for it by the Chambers (Board member, committee member) - never the employer - I was 'let go' from my job. I was not given a reason for my being 'let go' but I had a darn good inkling.

About two months prior to my 'loss of employment', one of the owner's daughter's started working for the company and started asking me lots of questions about my position. A few weeks before my 'loss' (which was actually a gain that I just couldn't see and is now actually one of the best things that ever happened to me) she gave me one of her new business cards. Under her name was my title. Hmmm, curious... or not really. I was 'let go' soon after that.

Most of my close friends and associates knew the reason for my separation, which was a relief since my employer made me sign an agreement not to discuss my employment with the company -- not necessarily my 'unemployment with the company' -- and asked me to remain professional because I had formed quite a few close friendships with prominent people in the community and I think he wanted me to save his face. Let's put it this way, I was as diplomatic about it as any shattered, self-esteem devastated, unemployed gal could be. I mean look, it's taken me almost a year to even write it for the world to see.

Needless to say, whenever I was in the same room as my former employer, which was many times due to my connections in the community and going to events, there was definite a big pink elephant in the room.

I was bitter for a few months about the treatment I received, but almost 6 months later and once again employed, and the realization that my life was so much better (even sans owning a home), a fateful evening occured.

T and I attended an awards banquet for the Alameda Chamber. T performed for the reception before dinner, which was recognized numerous times by the event's MC, a certain gentleman wiht the initials TG. And the person presenting the award for community service, the very award I presented the previous year, was presented by the girl who had replaced me.

Sidebar: I'm a firm believer in karma

As she finished giving the award and was leaving the stage, the MC said, "Let's thank *Corrie Dogbert for presenting that award, thank you Corrie. Now, Corrie, how is that you got that job? Oh, that's right, your dad is *Will Dogbert".

My head spun around so fast to look at Terrence, with what I'm sure was a dropped jaw and a mouth wide open, which quickly turned into the biggest grin. I asked, "Did he really just say that? Did he really just call it out and say it like it is?" Terrence assured me I was not just hearing things, that, yes, in deed, TG said what he said. He said only what everyone knew but never voiced in public.

Although up for one nomination that evening, Ambassador of the year, which I didn't win, I won something far better - my dignity, pride, the ability to not feel awkward anymore when I am in the same room as 'her', and a sense that karma (or maybe it was just TG) really was in action that evening!

I turned around to Tom with the biggest smile possible and said, "I didn't even have to slip you a $20 for that!" He just grinned at me.

Fast forward 4 months to the present:

I saw TG tonight and I thanked him for that evening. He actually didn't even remember it (but I'll never forget it!). He said that he sees *Corrie all the time and she's still really nice to him. I said she probably didn't get it and that it went over her head. We laughed together along with my gal pal KB and I relished in the memory of that night.

Is is so wrong that I receive so much pleasure from that memory? Nah! It was one small victory in removing the elephant and putting it back in its place - no where in my psyche.

*Names have been changed to protect the innocent

CD's here there and everywhere!

2006-03-16T18:53:00.000-08:00

How many CD's do you have in your collection? 200? 300? 500? Maybe, just maybe, you have 1000? That's a lot of CD's taking up a fair amount of space.

Now imagine 5,000 CD's! Yep, 5,000 CD's. That's right, 5,000 CD's in our 765 square foot apartment! Who'da thought? Obviously my husband.

But, for sure 4,956 CD's are for sale... wanna buy one, two, three, fourteen? They're great stocking stuffers, really. Shop early and get a jumpstart on your holiday shopping. 2 for $20 -- that's just a little over a $1.00/song - a good deal, especially when they go on sale through iTunes and Amazon.com. I'm really not kidding.

A big 'thank-you' to Pete Halberstat for purchasing the first two CD's; right on man! Oh, and Terrence'll leave you before he leaves me;P

Okay, so friends galore showed up at the event last Thursday night -- Julia, Sharon, Kala, Gorcey, Lujan... it was great! It's really nice to know that friends support your (our in this case your spouse's) creative efforts:). Marshall Lamm puts on a good party!

The trio sounded great and T and I handed out a bunch of CD's -- even got two in the hands of Reese Erlich -- hoping for a great review! Reese Erlich has something like 52,000 hits on Google -- he's the man:) Let me give a brief story about him...

Back in 1999, only a couple of years after we'd started dating, I took a class at CSU Hayward called the History of Jazz. I wanted to impress T and learn about this thing called jazz that he was sooooo very passionate about. For one of my assignments, I had to review a band; so, we went to Yoshi's.

There was a gentleman there taking notes as furiously as I was and I asked if he was a reporter. His reply was 'yes'. After further chit chat, I said, "My boyfriend, here, is a jazz guitarist and he's going to have a CD one day and I'll make sure you get a copy so you can review it."

Almost 7 years later, my husband has 2 CD's and they're in the hands of Reese Erlich. Funny, I told Mr. Erlich this when I gave him the CD's and he remembered - he frickin' remembered! He even visited Terrence backstage after the show... review reeese, reese review, review review reese, review....

Okay, so really, do yourself a favor and our credit card, buy a CD.... uno, dos, tres, catorce!

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow...

2006-03-05T18:49:00.000-08:00

Three days together, three whole days together... well, almost three whole days, how about 2 - 3/4 days. T and I celebrated our 4 year wedding anniversary (9 years together!) this weekend up in Lake Tahoe. Where do I begin?

This is the first time since..... hmmmm, can't remember, that we've had this many days together, alone - no phones, no computers, nothing to do! When was the last time???? Not the holidays - I went back East. I guess it was our last anniversary - we went to Monterey with the dog:). We'll be going there again in two weeks... T has a wedding he's playing; I'm going to hang out with dog and relax (and probably do some homework).

So, back to Tahoe... It was the first time I've been in snow in almost 20 years and the first time in it with T! The last time doesn't count; I was 16 and went with an ex-boyfriend and his family - a really funny/bad skiing experience, which resulted in me having to take my skis off and walk down a Black Diamond run. Anyway, we headed up to Tahoe right after my DVC class and had a wonderful time!

We saw Kathy Griffin (www.kathygriffin.net )live at Cesaer's Tahoe (where we stayed). She was hilarious! She dished on Paula Abdul, Star Jones, Jane Seymour, Celine Dion and Oprah!

Let's see, what else... we gambled, walked around town in the snow, soaked in the jacuzzi tub in our hotel room, buffeted it up, and took naps whenever we pleased... ah the life. I could really get used to living like that... but then it's back to the real world, which isn't so bad, really!

T's CD's should be arriving this week (fingers crossed for Thursday), the day of a big gig in downtown Oakland at @17th. I absolutely can't wait! His CD's are effen awesome and the gig is going to be great - he's playing with Wil Blades (organ) and Scott Amendola (drums). I am so very proud of my husband!! Check out his website at www.terrencebrewer.com or at http://www.sonicbids.com/epk/epk.asp?epk_id=59095 to hear some music

I had my first movie review published in the Alameda Sun (http://www.alamedasun.com/islandarts/3206islandarts3.htm) on our anniversary - Thursday, March 2, 2006, and I have Leadership Oakland session coming up on Friday, which is always a thrill! (http://www.oaklandchamber.com/training_leadershipoakland.shtml). And, I am loving this semester at DVC more than ever -- teaching is such a joy for me, I can't imagine my life without it!

Okay, enough rambling...

Oh, there's a Mastercard commercial, you know the .... 'Priceless' ones asking for submissions of your own 'Priceless' Commercial. The wheels are turning...

Stay Tuned.

Things I love...

2006-02-23T18:51:00.000-08:00

Here's a list of the things I love...

*My husband
*My family
*My pets -- Go get it Bella!
*My friends
*Teaching (communication, leadership, fitness classes)
*Writing -- check out my articles in the Oakland Business Review, the Alameda Sun, and my blog at http://catschatter.blogspot.com/
*Good food
*Working out -- love to run!
*My jobs - yep, I'm one of those rare people who actually love their job. Now, don't get me wrong... there are aspects I don't particularly like, but given the whole, I've got it pretty damn good!
*Long walks with Bella, Ang, and her two 'kids' and Bella's bestest friends, Pig & Dandy
*Maple bars from Al's Donuts in Antioch -- no other donut can compare!

To be continued...

Here's something to make you laugh...

2006-01-25T21:47:00.000-08:00

One weekend, after we moved back here to Alameda after living in Antioch for a year and a half, T and I went to six different doughnut shops in town in one day (this does not include the bakeries at Safeway and Albertson's, which we also tried) in search of the perfect Maple Bar. We bought donuts from each place, took them home, cut them up, and sampled each one. None of them compared to Al's Donuts in Antioch!!!! I don't think I've had a donut since we moved -- and that was back in June!!!

Thank God for mom's... she's bringing me one this weekend!

Life is good...

2006-01-17T18:59:00.000-08:00

My life is good right now, really good. One of my favorite clothing brands is called Life Is Good. Their motto is Do what you love, love what you do. So true. I think when you adhere to this motto, life just falls into place, like right now for T and me.

T has been playing a lot and has been really busy with his recording. We should be sending the CD's off for duplication by next week and have them back by the 2nd week of February or so. There'll be some CD release parties - you'll have to keep checking the site for the upcoming dates - or, even better, check out T's website: terrencebrewer.com!

My work is good, too, at the Chamber and at school. I'm really enjoying it at the Chamber. I participated in a Leadership Program for San Leandro a few years ago (2003 - 2004). Every since the initial retreat, I have known I wanted to be the director/facilitator of one. Well, I tried starting one in a small local community (no, no names - but it's the only Chamber of Commerce/City from San Jose to Santa Rosa out to Brentwood that doesn't have one) and it didn't go - the CEO, even though she claimed she wanted it, obviously didn't, since I found out that even though she said she took it to the BOD for approval and they denied it, she didn't take it to them! Oh well... on to bigger and better Ch... things.

Obviously, because I got my break at the Oakland Chamber. The person who directed the Leadership Oakland program quit the Chamber and my boss let me take it over. I'm very excited about facilitating it; even though it's a lot of coordinating, it's definitely a lot of fun! I'm getting to meet some of Oakland's top Business leaders and making wonderful connections. Our first session was this past Friday and all day long I felt like I was on a high -- floating on a cloud. I can't thank my boss enough for allowing me this opportunity to realize a 3 year old dream. Thank you, Joe!

So, school (DVC) starts tomorrow, which I'll be reviewing for as soon as I'm done typing this blog. My schedule is crazy: M/W/F 10-11 @ DVC and then 1-6pm at the Chamber. Then on T/Th, I'm at the Chamber from 8:30am - 5pm. And then, (as if that wasn't enough) I've been subbing some step and cycling classes at Harbor Bay Club on the weekends. Whew! Even with all the craziness in my schedule, my life is still great!

And, now, finally, a quick movie review: Last Holiday - you should definitely go see it! I saw it this weekend with my friend Mary. It's really funny and very cute! A bit inspiring and a sort of challenge to push you out of your comfort zone. Good stuff, especially if you love Queen Latifah, Gerard Depardieu, and L.L. Cool J.

Okay, off to work/school...

More later

Random blather...

2006-01-03T22:03:00.000-08:00

I opened this up with the intent to write about... I'm really not for sure.

Things floating through my mind:

Ed Rocks (death) - I need a new counselor and miss my friend
babie(s) (life)
Can I love a baby as much as I love my dog?
If money were no object, and I wasn't so afraid of 'messing up' with my kid like I feel like my relationships sometimes are with my parents, and if I didn't believe T would be going out on tour while I'd be home taking care of baby by myself, and if I wasn't scared of what a baby would mean to my career(can I still have one?), I'd have one... I think.
traditions - creating new ones
teaching FT vs. PT
applying for a FT teaching position at DVC and all the fear and insecurities that brings up for me
my friends and how some of them float in & out on what seems to be an 'as needed' basis
visiting with my dad and Claudia
wanting to get over being sick (I've been sick now for five days - the advice nurse said this flu lasts between 5 and 7 days - please let this be the last day!)
Feeling just a smidge of disappointment at thinking this flu was just that and not morning sickness (although, if this is anything like what morning sickness is, I'll pass!)

Well, I guess that's enough to be floating through my mind... maybe some of it will stay here on the page and I'll put some of my doubts and fears aside... at least for tonight.

G'night.

The Magic of it All...

2005-11-22T19:36:00.000-08:00

For the fourth time (once for each new movie release), Terrence and I went to the midnight showing of the latest Harry Potter movie - the Goblet of Fire! It was fantastic, even with the omission of a lot of 'content' from the book. The characters are maturing, as is their audience, and the chemistry these actors have together is wonderful! The movie had everything... romance, good vs. evil, friendships, morals, ethics, family relationships, fantasy... it was just great. It's so much fun to sit in a theatre with hundreds of other fans - young and old(er) and be swept away by the magic of it all...

And speaking of magic, another sort of magic I'm discovering is the coveted response to the question "What did you do this weekend?" - Nothing at all! In the hustle and bustle of day to day life, not to mention the holiday season, doing 'nothing at all' is a treasure! Doing nothing at all can take the shape of vegging out on the couch watching mindless television, catching up with friend's blogs (modernmuse), wandering the mall or the Apple store, visiting Cold Stone Creamery, trying new restaurants, walking the dog, feeding four cats, reading for pleasure, grading papers, sneaking some cuddle time with my Sweetie, talking about future plans, and sitting in silence alone together or at least with the dog right between us.

And speaking of dogs and magic, how many people can say they've dressed up as Clifford the Big Red Dog? Well, I can now add that to my resume! Wait for the picture to post... then you'll believe me! How fun is that?! I was so stressed first thing this morning - there's a lot of things that go into putting on a parade - and granted, I'm not the parade director, there's still a lot of things that go into putting on a parade that fall on me. I want so badly to do a great job with this and prove my salt at the Chamber so that perhaps I will be given more responsibility. I really enjoy Chamber work and the people I work for and with. I look forward to immerseing myself in the Oakland Community as I have done in SL and Alameda. Only time will tell... patience has never been my virture.

10 Important Questions every 'thinking about being a mom' gal should ask

2005-11-08T18:59:00.000-08:00

Are you ready to give up ever sleeping again? Is it wrong to plop your kid down in front of the Wiggles while you catch twenty Zzzzzz's?
Is there sex after pregnancy/birth? How do you explain 'weird sounds coming from your room' when your kids ask?
Can you crate a kid like you crate a dog? I mean in reality, isn't a crib a crate?
How long can you leave your baby sleeping? Long enough for a quick 3 mile run or a workout at the gym?
What happens when you have to go back to work? And you don't feel guilty?
Are you financially prepared? Will you save for a college fund or a therapy fund?
How can you stop yourself from making it all about baby? Is it wrong to create a little me - time?
If you don't believe in God or being a 'Christian', how do you explain Christmas to a child? Is it wrong to just celebrate the commercialism of it all?
What if your dog doesn't like your kid? Can you give your kid back?
Can I still watch Sex and the City?

To baby or not to baby?

2005-11-06T22:00:00.000-08:00

Just so you know, there are no books to be found to ask you the 10 questions you should be asked to know if you're ready to have a baby...

Stay tuned for the 10 questions

2005-09-29T12:47:00.000-07:00

Four jobs - I have four jobs!

I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed with four jobs.

What's a girl who likes to shop to do?
How's a Type A girl supposed to streamline and relax?

I have no answers to these questions - stay tuned.

Lost cat

2005-09-23T21:48:00.000-07:00

I hadn't wanted to write about this situation because it was just too painful and sad. However, I'll start at the end and tell you it's a happy one -- a bit dirty, but happy nonetheless.

Last Wednesday, Charlie sauntered to the back door huskily meowing to be let outside in the backyard.

Now, mind you, while T and I lived with my mom for a year and a half in Antioch, Charlie and the rest of the cats were relegated to the back yard. Absolutely under no condition were any of them allowed in the house. And every night, for 547 nights, Charlie cried to get in the house. At times it was almost unbearable. But now, all of sudden, living back in Alameda, he wants to go outside? Go figure.

So, always wanting to please the cat, I let him out; I figured I'd let him back in when I got back from school. When I returned home, I found Charlie laying on the big chair sleeping, barely opening an eye to look at me. Walking back to check their food and water, I noticed I left the door open (oops, thank goodness for safe Alameda neighborhoods). As I was closing the door, Charlie came running to the back; he wanted out again. I didn't think anything of it as I let him out into the sunny backyard. Then, I left for bowling.

Returning home that night, I totally forgot Charlie was still outside and didn't think to call him to come in the house. I remembered the next morning when he didn't come to wake me up by snuggling my hair.

The panic set in.

T and I had numerous 'discussions' about letting the cats outside versus keeping them in; it was actually quite contentious at one point. I think we finally agreed to disagree and I just let them go when they wanted to go.

The panic increased. Every day. Every day I walked the dog down the street and called Charlie's name and he didn't appear, sadness and guilt expanded in my heart. I've lost many a pet in my 34 years, and I've always dealt with it in a matter of fact way tellling myself they are in a better place - Cat Heaven or Dog Heaven, whichever Heaven was applicable.

I think I asked Terrence every day if I should mourn this loss or be hopeful. Terrence was steadfast in his certainty that Charlie was okay -- his theory that if we didn't see the cat on the road, he was fine. I was worried about all the neighborhood raccoons, to which T would remind me of the raccoons in Antioch.

By Saturday, any shred of hope was missing, just like Charlie.

If Saturday was dark, Sunday night was bright with joy.

Around 10pm Sunday evening, Terrence came running out of the bedroom, past the comfy chair in which I was sitting, and threw open the front door and the screen. I ran behind him to see what he was so excited about. There on the sidewalk as if time stood still for the last five days, was Charlie... or so I thought, and then knew after a double take.

Our once snowy white with gray stripes cat was more of an overall dirty gray, with little white to be found. His meow was just the same, maybe a bit more gravelly from his travels, but it was definitely Charlie!

Immediately, we put him in the sink for a bath -- he stunk to high heaven and generally didn't look good. After two rounds of bathing, he looked more like a wet rat than a cat. The grime didn't come off until at least a week later... Bitty did a lot of bathing and caring for her brother.

As much as we complain about being a four cat household and all that entails, we couldn't have been happier when he came home.

I met my idol - SJP!

2005-09-18T20:01:00.000-07:00

Okay, doing what I love doing second best after shopping at Macy’s Union Square, is browsing Macy’s online searching for that next perfect purchase.

So, how do you think I felt when I came across an ad for Sarah Jessica Parker’s new parfum, Lovely? Like I hit the freakin’ jackpot, that’s how! Not only was SJP herself going to be at Macy’s Union Square, she was going to autograph the first 300 bottles of parfum for the people who bought them at a special meet and greet!

I saw this ad on a Saturday night; Sunday morning Terrence and I were off to Macy’s Union Square. We actually already had the trip planned, but it sounds so much more dramatic thinking that I had to go sign up immediately the next day.

So, I went to the Lovely counter in all its pinkness with pictures of my girl crush displayed everywhere; it was lovely! Then, the $60 purchase of the parfum and a guaranteed spot to meet my favorite celebrity of all time, Sarah Jessica Parker!!!

For the next two weeks, I waited, anticipated, planned and stressed exactly what I was going to wear and what I was going to say. Should I wear my designer shoes? Would she really even be looking at my feet? Probably not, and if I was going to be waiting outside in the cold City air to meet her, a pair of snazzy black boots would probably be more fitting. Anyway, the Tuesday before the event, I had dinner with my SATC gal pals, Jenn and Tosca and received outfit approval. Whew, one worry away! Now, what was I going to say?

I mean, I teach communication and public speaking; I should know what to say, right? I have been so brain tied these last few days leading up to today that I kept coming up against a blank slate.
I even asked my wonderful husband (who watched every single episode of Sex and the City with me from Day One) what to say; he gave great advice, which I actually ended up using (believe it!) but I’m not sure she understood me at first (more on that later). I thought one of two things would happen: 1) I would make a fool of myself because I would ramble incoherently, or 2) I would start crying because I was overwhelmed and make a total fool of myself! Can you guess which happened?

After putting the call out a couple of weeks before to all my SATC gal pals, alas, Ang was the only one who could make it. And, bless her heart! Today she worked the first half of her early morning shift at Peet’s (had to be at work at 4:45am) and got someone to cover the last few hours for her. Then, she hightailed it to my house by 9am; we were determined to get to Macy’s by 10am – two hours before the event was to start. After putting the finishing touches on hair and makeup, and laughing at our almost identical outfits that we swear we didn’t plan – didn’t even consult with each other - (Seven7 jeans, low cut tops, black boots, and cord jackets) we were on our way!

Let me tell you, Ang and I have been on many adventures before (remind me to tell you about the deer antlers through our windshield – and we still managed to go dancing that night – oooah, oooah!) but I think I was most excited about this one.

So, after all our hurrying to get into the City, we arrived to stand in line at 9:45am only to wait, and wait, and wait. There were many things to keep our attention off my aching feet and Ang’s lack of sleep, but they weren’t working too well. First, we had to pick up our prepurchased parfum bottles. Then, there were various employees of the all the various makeup and perfume collections bombarding us with details of their latest promotions. There was the young couple from Ireland in line behind us – they were on their honeymoon, headed back to the airport right after the signing. We also met a nice lady, Lori, from Brentwood who was in the process of moving to Livermore. And finally, the Macy’s Promotions department employees passing out 3x5 cards to a standing crowd of 300. They told us to write down a question we’d like SJP to possibly answer. I wrote, “What’s your biggest pet peeve?” “Who’s your favorite musical group and what’s your favorite song?” and finally, “Do you have a favorite memory or teacher from school?”. And then, we waited, again.

After regretting wearing my cute high-heeled boots for the 100th time, 12 noon achingly arrived. My anticipation was high and Ang’s energy was low; but come on, she’d been up so early! I had to give her credit and a break, which I did and thanked her profusely (I hope profusely enough) for coming with me. I was just so grateful to have someone there to share the experience with me – especially Ang, since we watched all six seasons in one summer (there were many, many three and four hour long watching sessions with crazed dogs running around!). And no one was as happy as I was when Carrie and Big finally got together (if you didn’t know that ending already, you should have!).

Finally, finally at 12:40pm (forty minutes late – but so well worth it – at least I thought so and I’m sure many others did too) Sarah Jessica Parker made her entrance. Except, Ang and I were so far back we couldn’t really see her. But that didn’t matter, because when I heard her speak, I had to hold back the tears of excitement. She sounds just like she does on TV - so sweet (if you were wondering). And, after this last sentence, I’m sure you’re probably wondering about my sanity or lack thereof. Okay, for those of you who may not know me as well as you think you do, let me break it down for you:

I get, or should I say, I am star struck - plain and simple. My first encounter was with Robert Wagner from Hart to Hart (of which I was a fan) way back in the 80’s when I was twelve years old at the Cow Palace National Rodeo; I don’t even know why he was there (horse lover, perhaps?), but he was. As we walked past each other, he brushed my left shoulder with his and said, “Oh, excuse me”, and I quickly replied smiling “That’s okay!” And then there was the whole New Kids on the Block phase; thank god, I grew out of that! Well, more recently, it’s been celebrities. I’m just always curious to see what celebrities look like and act like in real life, especially my favs: (Bruce Willis – we have the same size hands – I checked on the wall at Planet Hollywood, Chris Noth (ahhh, Big!), Mark Ruffalo, Joaquin Phoenix, John Corbett (can you tell I’ve been boy crazy for a long time?), and of course, Sarah Jessica Parker). So, now, back to the present with a better understanding of my affection for celebrities in person.

Okay, a morning news reporter from KRON 4 was at the event to talk to SJP and ask her the questions posed by the audience. Much to my delight, the reporter asked SJP one of my questions– the one about the favorite teacher from school. Sarah Jessica said, “Do you really want to know this stuff about me? Do you really care about this?” After verbal confirmation from the audience, SJP went on to state she adored her first and second grade teachers, even saying their names, which I immediately forgot in the excitement of knowing she answered my question – how cool was that?! But, the best was yet to come!

In addition to receiving the promotion offers in line, we also received strict orders about what was going to happen: she’s only going to sign the bottle of perfume and nothing else; and she’ll sign it only with a heart and SJP. We were also told she went through 400 guests and signatures in an hour and a half at her last event. We also learned what wouldn’t happen: no signatures on any other memorabilia and finally and explicitly, to place all our personal belongings in a Macy’s bag including any cameras because there were to be no up close and personal pictures – MAJOR BUMMER! I even started to believe Ang when she told me security came by and said we were going to have to go through a metal detector before we could get close to SJP (I was in the restroom when they came by she said) – she was just kidding – god I’m gullible.

So, I was able to only snap one so/so picture of her – a profile (which I’ll attach) but hopefully, Lori, the nice lady from Brentwood/Livermore is going to email me her pics. Lori either really knows how to hustle or knows how to network, which, I guess, are really one in the same. Lori, told me afterward on BART that she bought a bunch of items from the Clinique counter, which was positioned right in front of SJP’s greeting area, and that one of the salesgirls took a bunch of pictures for her. She showed them to me on her camera and boy did she get some great shots of SJP, who by the way, was wearing a vintage Jessica McClintock royal blue halter dress with some red flowery heels! Can’t wait to get the pics!

So, as the line starts moving and we get closer to the front of it, I’m barely aware of what’s going on around me and only vaguely aware of Ang still standing behind. I’m too busy trying to control my racing mind and trying to answer the question “What the hell am going to say to this woman I have admired and adored so much?! I can’t tell her I adore her; I’d sound like a stalker. And I can’t ask to lunch as desperately as I want to; then I’ll really sound like a stalker. And I can’t pick her up and carry her away like Terrence thinks I’ll do – ‘cause then I really would be a stalker.” Anyway, after handing my bag over to the Macy’s employee and carrying only my bottle of parfum in hand, I made my way up to the stage after receiving my cue to head up there.

When I am standing directly in front of her, Sarah Jessica Parker extends her hand to me and says “Hi, nice to meet you.” She is looking right at me, smiling, and holding out her hand to me. I must be in a dream – really. I take her hand to shake it and suddenly I can’t look her in her eyes anymore. I look down and stupidly say, “Oh, god I’m going to cry”, and then even more embarrassingly, I do start to cry. She continued to hold my hand and say, “Oh no, don’t cry, don’t cry, it’s okay”. And I hear Ang say (somewhere off in a far away tunnel), “Oh she’s gonna cry” and Sarah Jessica says, “Do you know her?” and I hear Ang say “We’re best friends” as I nod my head up and down. Sarah Jessica then says, “Oh, you can come over here too at the same time” (they were only allowing one person at the staging area at any one time).

Sarah Jessica continues to hold my hand and pat it and I still can’t look her directly in the face again; I keep trying to look at her but every time I do, I start to cry again and I definitely don’t want her to see my makeup run or my not-so-pretty cry face. (Earlier one of the salesladies told us that SJP had 2 hours of hair and makeup before the meet and greet – and she looked every minute of beautiful!). So, she says again while still holding my hand “Oh don’t cry, I’m going to start crying” and her eyes well up and she tells Ang, “Ever since I’ve become a mom, I can’t help but cry when I see someone else cry”. Then she says, “Oh, I don’t even have any tissue for you”. And I say, “That’s okay, I’ll be fine, really, I’m sorry” all the while still crying (not very convincing, huh?). Then out of nowhere two boxes of tissue appeared and she plucked two from a box and handed them to me. I said, “Okay, I’m fine, I’m fine” still feeling very overwhelmed by the whole situation, but finally able to catch my breath and look at her squarely.

Sarah Jessica, still holding my hand, asked me my name and I answered, “Cat” and she said “Oh, that’s a cool name”. Then Angela said (thank God for Angela), “You answered her question about your favorite teacher” and she asked me, “What do you do?” and I answered, “I’m a teacher; I’m cutting class today to be here” and she smiled as she replied, “Your students must be really luck to have you”. Then I blurted out incoherently, “I just want to thank you for all the work you did” and she said “What?” and I said, “On the series”, and then she laughed and said “Oh”. I continued with, “My husband and I watched every episode together from the beginning to the end and loved every one of them.” And she said “Thank you”. And then she asked, “May I have your perfume bottle and I’ll sign it”. And I said, “Okay” and handed it to her – having no idea what she signed. She asked me, “Do you have to go back to school today?” I answered, “No, not until Monday.” She said, “Good, you can enjoy a nice long weekend! It was really nice to meet you” and I think I said, “Yes, it was a pleasure meeting you, thank you so much”.

Then, I was led away from her (so sad). Soon after, Ang was back at my side and we were comparing signatures on the bottle. I didn’t even realize Sarah Jessica actually personalized my bottle with my name; it reads, “To Cat [Heart] SJP xox”. I hadn’t even looked at it because I was still wiping tears away. She was just as sweet and gracious and beautiful as I hoped and thought she would be. I wasn’t disappointed in the least, except maybe for the fact that I cried so much I forgot to ask her if she wanted to go to lunch with me and Ang (kidding but not really kidding).

As we walked out of the store into the fresh air, a new wave of tears started, and Ang kept telling me it was okay to cry – gotta love your girlfriends! The BART ride home was a blur for me; I was barely managing to keep myself together. My emotions were going crazy (did I mention I was PMS’ing too?) and I didn’t even think to ask Ang what she said to SJP when she signed her bottle. Luckily, the next day, my head was clear enough to ask. And, once again, Ang totally came through… she told SJP, “She adores you so much” (exactly what I wanted her to know about me without sounding like a stalker!) and Sarah Jessica said to her, “Oh, that’s so sweet. You’re such a good friend for coming with her.” Ang thanked her and then SJP wished Ang a nice weekend. How sweet, really?!

All in all, it was a surreal and wonderful moment in time for me. I’ve liked Sarah Jessica Parker since her days on Square Pegs, in movies like Footloose, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, Striking Distance (with Bruce Willis), LA Story, and of course, Sex and the City! On the BART ride home, I said to Ang that besides my wedding day, it was probably the best day of my life. Later, when I recounted this story to Terrence, he reminded me of my graduation day and that maybe I could include that as the best day after our wedding – naw, I don’t think so – this was definitely it; I can get another Master’s degree, but who knows if I’ll ever get to meet Sarah Jessica Parker again!

SATC shoe story

2005-01-11T21:05:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, January 11, 2005

Okay. I thought I'd share my shoe story with the girls who could relate to it the most -- my SATC gal pals! It's a bit long, though...

So, Terrence and I went shopping on Saturday at Macy's in SF Union
Square. After finding a silver shawl to go with a black skirt that I already own (I was shopping for the San Leandro Chamber of Commerce's Installation dinner -- I'm being installed on the Board of Directors), the sales girl suggested I get a cute pair of strappy black or silver sandals to complete my outfit. So, Terrence and I
headed down to the shoe department.

Immediately, I came across a cute pair of 9 West sandals with a
little heart on top; they were really cute, but Terrence suggested we
keep looking a little. So, we wandered all the way down to the other
side of the shoe department when all of a sudden a strappy pair of
silver sandals caught my eye. I went over to them and declared "Oh, my god, these are the most beautiful shoes I've ever
seen!" -- and I really loved my wedding shoes! Then, I turned them
over and about choked; they were $298 Stewart Weitzman shoes!!!

Well, I knew there was no way I could get them, but I figured it
wouldn't hurt to just try them on. So, I asked the sales clerk if they
had them in my size, a 9 1/2. He responded with "they don't make them in half sizes. So, I'll just bring you a 9 and a 10". A little
disappointed and a little relieved thinking they wouldn't fit, I took a
seat and waited for his return.

"Well, they actually do come in a 9 1/2 and it's the only pair in the
store" he happily told me when he came with one box. He took them out of their package and my excitement grew. When I
slipped them on I exclaimed (all in one breath) "Oh my god, they are so beautiful and they even make my feet look beautiful and it's been months since I've had a pedicure!"

My heart started racing and I actually started sweating (we're
talking elliptical trainer sweaty). I'd never before had a pair of
shoes sooooooooooo expensive on my feet. I truly felt just like Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and the City. The only thing is
Carrie would never hesitate to buy them...

Terrence and I both kept saying how beautiful they were and how nice they made my feet look -- even in jeans with only remnants of polish on my toes! I kept saying I would have to be crazy to
buy them -- I mean really, they are almost as expensive as our car
payment! I sat down, stood up, sat down again all the while my mind going crazy!

After a few minutes, the sales clerk returned and he asked me "How
are you doing, here?" Before I knew what was happening I said "I'll
take them!" OH MY GAWD!!! I think something took over me -- I'm just not sure what. Or maybe I truly lost my mind in that moment -- all I knew was that I was going to own the most beautiful
shoes I'd ever seen!!!

After paying for them (and almost throwing up in the process) we
continued on our way. Through make-up and socks, and bedding and furniture, all the way to dinner at the Cheesecake Factory on the top floor of Macy's where I was almost too excited to eat. When we finally took our seats, I kept taking the shoes out of the
package, looking at them, sighing, and exclaiming over and over again how beautiful they were.

After a lovely dinner, we got back on BART to go home. And I kept
saying to myself and aloud, I still can't believe what I've done. The
shopper's high was starting to wear off and the guilt started setting
in.

Once home, of course I tried them on again and again and was so
emotionally torn -- how can an inanimate object cause me so much
happiness and grief at the same time? I mean, come on, they were no man!

After settling down and falling asleep (I had that feeling of a kid
waiting for sleep to find them on Christmas Eve) I had the worst
nightmares about the shoes. I dreamt I was walking in them and broke them and then had to return them. I dreamt that the
store gave me my money back because they didn't have another pair in my size and I was so relieved that I now had a credit on my charge card.

So, when I woke on Sunday morning (before Terrence, which is a
rarity) I told myself I was taking them back. As soon as Terrence woke up I told him this. He said to me "When have you ever
done this before-- bought a pair of shoes this expensive or bought
designer anything?" I said "Never." Then he said the most romantic
thing... "You're a 33 year old woman - you deserve to have your first pair of designer shoes. So, suck it up and keep ‘em!" I was elated!

I wore them that night to Bennihanna's for dinner -- I couldn't help
myself. Every day since, I've tried them on; I've laid in bed with
them on; I've sat with them next to me while reading so I could look at them; and the list goes on.... I still have my doubts about keeping
them; but those doubts are nowhere near as strong as my desire to keep them and cherish them. Maybe I'm a little more like Carrie Bradshaw than I thought.

CB
Cathy Brewer