Moving On

In case you still come by this page once in a while, you may have noticed a sudden decrease in posts. John and I have figured out that we both want our own little space on the internet. I mean, we may be married, but we both have our own ideas. You can find us both on Myspace expressing our own ideas and still managing to joke around from time to time. You can link to our pages from the list on the right, or you can just click on our links below.

Annie http://www.myspace.com/geofreak2050
John http://www.myspace.com/thejohn22

A Day on the Farm

Last Saturday, we finally visited Soil Born Farm Urban Agriculture Project in Sacramento. It was their "A Day on the Farm" event, and although it was quite warm, we really had fun. Check out the photos on Flickr. We walked the grounds, said hello to the chickens, listened to a talk about herbs, and bought some heirloom tomatoes as well as organic cilantro, parsley, and thai basil. We met some passionate people and talked about issues of great importance. But, mostly we just marveled at the sheer audacity of these urban farmers. They insist on building and supporting a local food system amidst the urban jungle of asphalt, parking lots, traffic, and chain restaurants.

Some Big News!

Some things have come to light that we would like to share with everyone. As I wrote here before, John has completed his Bachelor's degree in Political Science. Many of you know about what happened at BevMo... the robbery... Since then, John has been searching quite a bit for his next "adventure." Somehow he keeps returning to his need to serve and protect. Ahaaaa!! The CHP has found him. After a lot of discussion and figuring out how this might affect our lives, we both agree.... "Wow, I think this is it!" At least for a while. John will begin a long testing phase in late April. After they find him to be "psychologically sound," he goes off to the CHP Academy for 6 months of military-style training (too cool, Brewster!). But, it could take a year before he gets accepted. In the mean time, John has all kinds of ideas for how to prepare for this kind of thing. Neighborhood watch, ride alongs, community service, etc. I'm so proud of my man so eager to protect everyone as he protects me.

Wish him luck!!

Love, Annie

Annie's Birthday Weekend

I wanted to take a moment to thank everyone for sending me so much love on my birthday weekend. I awoke Saturday morning with my annual birthday serenade from my dad; an unforgettable tradition that never fails to make me feel special. John took me out to dinner to my most favorite restaurant, Latitudes. I enjoyed Shrimp and Lobster and finished with Tiramisu and coffee. Shantell brought over a book to help me write all about myself...how wonderfully indulgent!! Shirley sent me a new exercise balance ball that I love!! I cannot keep off this thing. It sits in my living room where I can arch my back over it every chance I get. It has already improved my back and neck pain along with helping my posture. I can’t wait to get in the groove with the exercise DVD she sent with it. I should be in shape in no time.

Sunday, Aaron joined John and me for a leisurely hike along the Cosumnes River Preserve. This was a fantastic way to begin spring. You can see all the pictures on Flickr and read about how a sprig of Stinging Nettle flung itself in the middle of the path then lurched forward to grasp my thumb and forefinger only to deliver a powerful stinging OUCH!! Well...something like that. At least I will never forget what this plant looks like. I have been painfully reminded to be cautious around unidentified flora.

All and all, I feel thoroughly welcomed to my 36th year. I look forward to what’s in store for me.

Love, Annie

Community

For many reasons, Annie and I have really been itching to get more involved in our community and to more fully align our actions with our values. We have so many plans for our house and our yard. To name a few: ripping out the toxic carpet and polishing and/or staining the concrete; removing the wasteful, pointless lawn and planting an edible landscape in its place. But, we know that to truly feel whole, we need to connect with our community and to share our ideas and learn from others.

With that in mind, we went to a "volunteer orientation" meeting last night for Soil Born Farm Urban Agriculture Project. Please check out their website. It's difficult for either of us to imagine a single group that is doing a more important variety of work in our community. And with all they do, it's no surprise that they have plenty of need for volunteers!

We are pleased that the word "sustainability" seems to be on everyone's lips these days, and that the City of Sacramento's "Sustainability Agenda" has begun to take shape. The problem is, not enough people are talking about food and sustainable communities in the same breath. Health, or the lack thereof (and really, what is more important?), is intimately tied to where we get our food. Are we the only ones absolutely aghast at the speed and the intensity at which our obesity epidemic has already begun to devastate our population (especially our kids)?

The point for us is that we are going to jump into this opportunity with both feet. We look forward to it being a mutually-beneficial relationship!

Love, John

Our Valentine's Day 2007

Annie is currently taking another class in her admirable quest to earn a Green Building & Sustainable Design Certficate from the UC Davis Extension. She had to work on a paper on Valentine's Day, so we kept it simple. John prepared a quick, healthy dinner of Grilled Dover Sole with Grapefruit-Banana Salsa and Green Beans. (The recipe called for Halibut, but it wasn't available). Anyway, it turned out pretty good! See the photos. Then we exchanged gifts, enjoyed a little TV (Medium was great!), and it was a nice, relaxing Valentine's Day! We miss you!

Happy Valentine's Day!