Shot

28 August 2007: Last bits of my world travel plans are coming together - one day at a time - like my typhoid vaccine pill.

Tetanus, polio, typhoid, Japanese encephalitis, and malaria... Destination: Cambodia.

Visa

25 August 2007: Indian visa camp epic.

I waited four hours to turn in my visa application and passport. I had lunch in little India with friends I made in line. I waited two hours to pick up my newly approved visa and passport.

Never again.

The Cambodian EVisa, Australia ETA, and the New Zealand working holiday visa are the way to go.

Positive

23 August 2007: I am not one of the chosen twelve, rather I was the first juror dismissed.

If you want to know why, call me. I can tell you the story over vegan tamales at Cafe de Souso in Olvera Street.

Peers

22 August 2007: I'm back in LA because it's my civic duty.

25 jurors are called to the County of Los Angeles traffic court. We swear an oath and hear the case allegations: driving under the influence and driving with a blood alcohol content above the legal limit.

Each juror answers basic questions. Then the judge questions us: do we donate to MADD, have we been involved in a case regarding DUI, is our business in alcohol production or distribution, do we know law enforcement officers, lawyers, judges...

Each time we respond affirmatively, the judge asks that all too important question - will it influence our ability to hear this case?

The ranges of experience are really astounding. I almost feel like I'm on trial. Please enjoy my mug shot.

Image from: jaxpix50

Long

21 August 2007: Family field trip to watch the blue whale.

We found her filter feeding along a trench outside Long Beach harbor. A member of the biggest animals ever club, Tallulah did not fail to impress.

She would evacuate her blog hole, roll a chorus line of vertebrae above the water, and then expose her diminutive dorsal fin (located 3/4 along the length of her body) before diving to feed. Repeat. It was plenty to see.

She would stay under for 7 minutes, leaving me free to sing sailing songs. My favorite treat was seeing her flukes underwater glowing blue-white.

Image from: jackie

Melt

12 August 2007: Family field trip to Wicked the musical at the Pantages theatre.

While reading the book I became intrigued with Elphaba's relationship with other women characters. Besides Elphaba/Glinda, my particular interests focused on the connection with her mother, Melena.

I found their mother-daughter relationship so caustic, I suspect Elphaba's aversion to water began during her gestation - burning in the fluid of her mother's womb...

Image from: *sean

Grads

It's a family 3-way graduation party today.

3 sisters have earned degrees: Jennifer (the eldest daughter) in theatre, Jessica (the middle daughter) in international affairs, and me (the youngest daughter) in engineering.

I got to say grace before the meal, which included a reading of my letter to God (returned today).

I could have also read my diploma, but it's written in Latin.

Image from: erik_found

Membership

Tonight was Vanessa's birthday gathering in the Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel.

Nina and her older sister, Vanessa, are two daughters amongst a total of 17 siblings. Most of the birthdays in their family occur in August - including the father's birthday this weekend.

A family friend joined us late in the evening. Once he was introduced to everyone at the table he proudly reported - tonight he's finally made 17.

Immediately, the siblings present stood up, congratulated him, and shook his hand.

Image from: Mary Carmen SVI

Letter

Dear God:

Mt 6:9-13.


Love always,
Jackie

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Image from: erik_found

Pacific

LA's been too earthquakey - I'm seeking refuge in the sky.

Last night at 12:58 AM, a magnitude 4.5 earthquake moderately shook my household awake. We're all fine.

It was the first earthquake my family has experienced together since the 6.4 Northridge earthquake, which destroyed this very same home in 1994, now rebuilt in 2000. We reminisced.

I also hopped on USGS to get the latest scoop. Turns out the Pacific Rim has been busy. Yesterday, Java suffered a 7.5 earthquake and 30 seconds after tonight's quake a 5.1 earthquake hit Tonga.

Good thing I received my passport today, but too bad I won't escape...

Image from: USGS