A theory about blogging...

Here's a neat idea. Whitney from the blog The King and I is actually doing a master's thesis on moms and blogging! How cool is that? Whitney wants to hear from readers about blogging, so if you have a thought or four, check out her site at:
http://www.thekingandiblog.com/2010/02/king-and-i-need-you.html

I answered Whitney's questionnaire and as I finished the form, I realized something. My blogging on Planet Claire has been the most consistent form of memory keeping I have ever done. I've never been able to journal, but I've managed to keep this blog going for four years. That's also pretty cool. Good luck Whitney.

The Texas Rock

My first iMovie!
Douglas and Donna bring Grandpa Donnie an unusual anniversary present -- The Texas Rock.

From Bulgaria with love.

My friend Kerana brought me back this friendship bracelet from her trip to Bulgaria. The colored beads are painted wood and strung on the adjustable red string. I don't know how to say 'thanks' in Bulgarian, but I like this bracelet. Thanks KT!

Riding in style.

Last Monday the youngest Huffman left the Napa nest, if only temporarily.

She headed to the Coloma Outdoor Discovery School in the Sierra foothills with the rest of her fourth grade class. For three days the kids would live like junior prospectors and learn all about the Gold Rush and early California history.

For more Surrendering to Motherhood, click here.

First cache

Ava gets a picture of grandpa after he finds his first geocache.
Vacaville, Ca.

Mr. Steamy!

I love Carol Wright catalogs. They're full of the goofiest junk. I
wonder McSteamy on Grey's Anatomy has his own Mr. Steamy dryer ball?
(This is sounding a little raunchy.)

I like Mike!

Our good friend Mike Kane is running for Mayor of Spearfish, SD.

Mike, Michelle and their son Jack moved from Sacramento to "The Fish", as they call it, in 2005. Native Californians, the family set out on an adventure to live in the Black Hills and the shadow of Mt. Rushmore.

Mike works at the local high school (town population: 9,971) while studying for his teaching credential. Michelle is in marketing and commutes daily to Rapid City, or "Rapid" as she calls it. Their son Jack has a diagnosis of autism and uses a special hand-held communication device to communicate with others and is able to attend a regular elementary school with other kids his age.

I can't think of a better man for Mayor. I like Mike. I really do.

You can like Mike too! Click here! Leave a post for Mike and tell 'em Planet Claire sent ya.

Elvis lives!

I have the coolest job ever! Last night we got to see Elvis Costello, one of my favorite performers from college days.

Elvis played "Alison," "Angels," "Veronica," and "Every Day" but each with a twist or new arrangement. Great show but this girl still likes his classics from the 80s best. I would have loved to hear "I Can't Stand Up" or "Peace, Love and Understanding," but alas, it was not to be. I guess if I was Elvis I'd be sick of playing the same songs the same ways after 30 years. Meh.

Wrote up a little review for the paper today. Will post next week....

Too Loud.

The other day my boss told me I was being too loud. Well, he didn’t tell me to my face. I got the news via Post-it note.

He came over to my desk as I was doing a phone interview and stuck a Post-it note on the edge of my computer monitor.

“Quieter please,” it said.

For more Surrendering to Motherhood, click here.

Later, someone left a comment about the column:

notshocked said on: April 5, 2010, 2:17 pm

You may have the same complaint about a co-worker in the future. It was also polite -- he used the word please. Louder typing in response to his request was a bit insubordinate. Office space is always delicate.

In my humble opinion, you did the next-best thing in this situation... the only thing better would've been to thank him for the timely and specific feedback.

Dear notshocked:
You're right, I was unsubordinate. Lucky for me, I had my annual review the week BEFORE the loud episode. I'm hoping my boss will forget about it in the next 11 months.

P.S. My boss had final approval over the column. He was a good sport and let it run as is.

Pumpkin power!

On Friday we were invaded by more than one hundred would-be giant pumpkin growers when the Register offered FREE giant pumpkin seeds to the public. The couple pictured here, the Vanderschoots of Napa, brought seeds from two of their giant gourds.

At first we weren't sure how many people would actually show up for the seed givaway but by 2:45 the lobby was packed and by 3pm a line formed out the door and down Second Street!

They say newspapers are dying... well, not this week. Pictures of pumpkins to follow.
Click here if you want to learn how to grow your own giant pumpkin.