June 2010 Archives

"Of course, every novel is a kind of dream you're asking the reader to have along with you. A book's not an object, it's an event."  Justin Cronin

 

Mondo and I are avid readers.  In fact, we're both in the middle of a couple of books each including the newly released Infinite Monster.  I grew up with avid readers for parents and with books overflowing from cabinets and shelves in multiple rooms.  I've noticed over the past year that my giant bedside table (literally it's a small library table) looks eerily like my mother's bedside table: a cascade of pens, highlighters, books, magazines, journals and other paper paraphernalia. 

 

It would never have occurred to me before "my situation" that reading seems to be a huge part of pregnancy as well.  So aside from re-reading Gone With the Wind and Infinite Monster, I have several pregnancy and baby books dog-earred next to my bed.  I read them as I'm emotionally ready or as my brain can take it (please see the movie Knocked Up for more info).  I'm not quite ready to fully immerse myself in the labor chapters of books and honestly, some of these books are boring.  (I sound horrible, I know).  We started with the pregnancy standard-issue What to Expect When You're Expecting and it's okay.  We occasionally reference it, but otherwise we've moved onward based on some recommendations.  I just recently purchased two books on advice from two recent Gtown mothers.  I'll let you know once I get into those - one is on childbirth and the other is good for after Piglet is born.

 

But more than all of the books and Internet reading that is surrounding this little BOI incubation I've got going on here, I've thought a lot about Piglet's relationship to reading.  Aside from my obsession with the nursery, the one thing I feel really connected to about this pregnancy is around books and reading.  So, even though Mondo sometimes protests, I've already started buying books to get her own library going.  I mean, Mondo and I have our own "library" at home and have some of our childhood books to offer her, but there was something so very cool about having books of my own (even everyone of the Bernstein Bears books I shared with my brothers) in my own designated cabinet.  Mondo was also an avid reader as a child, so we are now good consumers (albeit bad for the environment): we buy a lot of books just like we still buy CDs.  We like the experience and comfort of reading:  the paper, the artwork, the smell. 

 

Anywho, there are old standby books that I'm avoiding purchasing because it is likely one of the grandparents or other family members will purchase it for her such as I Love You Forever, or Good Night Moon.  Apparently my favorite as a child was a little more rare: Runaway Marie Louise about a mongoose who runs away after her mom spanks her for being naughty.  My mother would probably say that this was very telling of my childhood. 

 

So, as for my book shopping for Piglet, I'm going for a bit more obscure books for now.  I mean, not totally wackadoodle, but slightly offkilter.  And, so where do I go?  Of course: Hendley Market on Strand.  Hands down Hendley Market has the best children's books (for purchase otherwise of course check out Rosenberg Library) on the Island among other fantastic finds you're not likely to find anywhere else.  We stopped by to get a baptism gift for one of my first cousin's once removed and ended up walking out with plenty of books for Piglet including a couple of Texas-themed books.  My favorite?  Heart of Texas: A Lone Star ABC by Laura Krauss Melmed and Frane Lessac.  Inside, the letter "G" is for Galveston Strand (btw, that link will let you browse inside the book). 

 

Which makes me want to know - do we have any Galveston-themed or Galveston-related children's books?  And if not, who's gonna write one?

Still need an idea for a summer getaway?  Well I've got your answer.  Come to Galveston and spend some time at the historic Hotel Galvez & Spa located at 20th and Seawall.  The Galvez, built in 1911, is the oldest hotel on the Seawall and therefore boasts plenty of history and will not disappoint.  As a matter of fact, my lady friend and I spent a birth-a-versary (that's right, birthday/anniversary) there recently, so it's even good for a stay-cation for locals just looking to get out of the house for a change.

Obviously, since the hotel has been on the Island so long it has gone through changes in ownership and survived storms.  Most recently, Island legend George P. Mitchell owns the hotel and is enjoying bringing the Galvez back to its glory.  Since the storm, the Galvez has completed its renovation of its new spa and pool areas (top notch by the way).  And the most recent project is the replacement of the windows to mimic those the building originally had.

What I like best about the historic Hotel Galvez & Spa is that its outside beauty is mirrored by its inside.  There's almost no where you can go in the hotel that isn't exquisite, from its lobby and bar to its finest suites.

So, tourists and Islanders alike can't miss by planning a stay at the historic Hotel Galvez & Spa.  And tell 'em Islander By Choice sent ya (it won't get you anything... except maybe a smile).

 

I'm trying to remember the last time I attended a ribbon cutting.  I think it was at my friend's hubby's grand opening of his real estate brokerage in League City.  It was all very professional: the local Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors were there in their fancy maroon blazers and name tags, armed with their own stack of personal business cards...  There was a nice reception in the office afterwards, everyone mingled for a while, but by 9:45am, the party was over and everyone had to head off to work... After all, what good is a Chamber without any Commerce?  (or Pot, or Maid, or Lain for that matter?!)

But a Chamber ribbon cutting on Galveston Island???  And for IBC's very own WILLTHING???  I'm sorry, but that just won't cut it. 

Enter the first ever residential-keg party-ribbon cutting by the Galveston Chamber of Commerce.  Yes, there was a keg of Shiner.  Yes, there were homemade hors doeuvres (pictured below in the "food prep-slash-launder-ing facilities room" - please don't call it the dryer).  Yes, there were Chamber Ambassadors, and yes there was a ribbon and it was fantastically cut (the funny extra-large clown scissors really do have a working blade!) by Willthing himself.  

(note the approval and glee on Halvsie's (Sean O'Leary) face after seeing how Will handled that ribbon)

I'm afraid the VP of WILLTHING Operations, shown in the above right photo, was not in the best mood that day - she just wasn't feeling the group pictures. 

 (I like that there's a pinata that is about 11 months old hanging just above the Ambassadors' heads - they all took it in stride, though and I'd dare say it didn't seem to phase them a bit!)

For those of you who haven't heard yet, local Galveston Daily News reporter Rhiannon Meyers and ex-reporter Leigh Jones have written a book detailing certain accounts and aspects of Hurricane Ike and it's aftermath.  Infinite Monster (the name of the book) hit stores this week and already seems to be garnering praise.  It promises to delve into the storm in ways other Ike books have yet to do, after all, it's from a local's perspective.

I can't wait to get my hands on a copy.  And better yet.  You can buy the book and get it signed this evening at the Galveston Daily News main office (8522 Teichman Road) from 4-7 p.m.  And if you miss that, stop by The Admiralty  (2221 Strand) tomorrow from noon-4 p.m. for another chance to meet the authors and get a signed book of your own.

Locally, the book has been well received so far with spots on the morning TV show for Houston Fox 26 as well as a radio interview on KUHF Conversations.

So Islanders, be sure to support local and get yourself a copy of Infinite Monster.  Read it.  And stand even taller for being able to call yourself an Islander By Choice.

 

I spent the first trimester (at least) lamenting that all I did was seem to gain an inner tube around my mid-section but didn't look pregnant.  I began to hate pants with a hatred I have never felt before, and I refused to buy bigger sizes especially since I was exercising.  (Side note: Going to the gym becomes more annoying as the weight on the scale continues to climb up instead of down).

 

Maternity wear was too big, and well, weird at that point.  And again, there's slim picks on the Island (Target is all I got; bless Old Navy online).  There were times when I thought, "Maybe I'm not pregnant at all, just packing on the weight and feeling sick all the time."  Yes, I know, Mondo looked at me with that same look of incredulity.  Of course I also had a few run-ins with folks who didn't quite engage their own brains before speaking, "oh! I didn't know you were pregnant?!  I just thought you had put on some weight."  Yes.that.actually.happened. More than once.  (Sometimes we just can't claim 'em all in Galveston).

 

So now that I actually have "popped out" and have a baby bump, a new phenomenon has started: it's like I have no privacy.  While actual baby bump groping by strangers has not been a huge issue (yet?), once it became obvious I had a bun in the oven, it became an experience in the onslaught of "advice" as well as the never-ending personal questions.   It's an interesting phenomenon, one that I certainly had heard of before, but experiencing it for myself is something else entirely.  Part of this "fascinating" experience happens when someone asks your preference baby-related, labor-related, etc. and then proceeds to answer the question for you and/or completely ignores your response.  No one hipped me to the fact that having a baby is apparently much like planning a wedding:  it's a farce that these huge events are about you - they are really about everyone else! J

 

Here is what I've learned is referred to as a "bump photo."  Dang, that's a big photo. Sorry folks, I don't know how to shrink this.

 

Despite all of this adjustment, the coolest thing happened Sunday evening.  We felt the Piglet move for the first time!  Of course, I felt her first, but then Mondo planted his head firmly on my behemoth belly (I know, I know: "You don't know what big is - wait till 9 months") and went all saucer-eyed each time she moved.  He sang to her (of course only The Doors would do) and she seemed to really like his jokes.  Way cool indeed.

When i was a kid, i used to watch the roller derby on T.V.  The horrible acting made WWF look like a Broadway show.  Then we heard that Real roller derby is happening right here in Galveston County!

Adrienne and I attended the Southside Rollerderby in Texas City last night.  If you've never been, I suggest you check it out.  They have athletic girls competing against each other on skates, live halftime music, and a full wet bar! 

They compete twice a month so check it out at www.southsiderollerderby.com.

check out some video here:

http://www.youtube.com/v/ifvhL4Y-7UA&rel=0&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"

Be sure to stop by our eBay auction and put your bid in for our one of a kind autographed Galveston Island Beach Revue calendar. All proceeds from this sale go to the Galveston Island Humane Society which is currently undergoing construction of their new facility! You can check out their progress and more information on this fantastic Island program at galvestonhumane.org.

CLICK HERE TO PLACE YOUR BID!

The calendar is our debut yearly calendar and features some highlights from last year's Beach Revue. Be sure to get your bid in, help out a great cause and have some Bathing Beauties to keep you company year around!
 

Now that we're in full-on prep mode for the Piglet (that's her nickname via Mondo), I'm finding myself behaving in what is apparently typical behavior for first time mothers-to-be.  I'm researching and obsessing over everything.  And right now at 5 months, my focus is on continuing to lug my tired butt to our awesome downtown gym Urban Health & Fitness at least 3 days a week and obsessing over the room that will become the nursery.  Crib bedding has been my most powerful obsession thus far.  (I know, I know, sad).

 

Here's what's even crazier than my obsession over crib bumpers and skirts: from what I've found, there are no baby stores on this sandbar.  We did have a cute little boutique downtown that I guess never reopened post-Ike.  Gracie's on the Strand does have some cute stuff in terms of toys, clothes, books, and diaper bags.  (I highly suggest picking up an Ugly Doll.  We picked out Piglet's first toy, Poe the Ugly Doll there).  And, I believe there's some other stuff here and there in our local shops, but for the big stuff?  It's Target & Wal-mart or bust and by "bust" I mean the Mainland.  We've done a couple of trips to the Mainland to check out the big stores like Babies R Us.  Not impressed.  Okay, maybe a bit overwhelmed is more accurate.  I mean seriously, when did everything for baby girls become powder pink?  Not a fan folks.

 

So, I did what any full-blown nesting and obsessed American first time mother-to-be would do:  I ordered custom crib bedding.  For shame - I know!!!  (Insert red face shame here).  I just couldn't do the light pink or cartoon characters.  I know she'll be demanding those things on her own in no time at all (I mean how does anyone truly fight that tidal wave?), but I want to spare us the insanity for as long as possible.  So, I went to one of my favorite online worlds of all time, Etsy, and found a great online shop.  Mondo and I picked the fabrics and ordered the bumper and skirt.  I'll post some pictures when it arrives but for now we're going Island colors meets vintage (sounds sufficiently Galveston, eh?).  In the meantime, I'm looking for more cool, non-big box store items.  Preferably on-Island because we've got to keep it local when we can.  What stores am I missing?

 

One more thing!  I do have a suggestion for readers looking for teethers (admission: I called it a "chew toy" the other day. Yikes.)  This teether is apparently the item for babies right now.  My adorable first cousins once removed (basically my cousin's kiddos) love her:  Sophie the Giraffe and yes, she's French. 

FYI folks - just in case you haven't received a forwarded email or seen the updates on Facebook from the CVB or other locals, the report on Good Morning America regarding oil on Texas beaches was totally wrong!

Let's be clear: Galveston Island is unaffected as is the rest of the Texas coast. 
We'd really like to keep it that way.  And I'm requesting no more bad juju like this. 

State officials have corrected the statement.  Check out the Associated Press article for more information: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100607/ap_on_re_us/us_gulf_oil_spill_texas

Keep our fellow Gulf Coast neighbors in your hearts and minds.

 

Summer is here.  Kids are out of school and into who knows what.  Well, here's a program that can teach them a skill that we'd all like to have.  Surfing dates back 100's of years to polynesia, however many don't realize that it's popularity really didn't take off until the early 1960's thanks in large part to movies and music like Gidget and The Beach Boys respectively.  Now it's an American institution and has rapidly spread to South America, Australia, New Zealand, and throughout the world.  Every Galvestonian, especially young ones, should give the sport a try. 

The problem is, without learning the basics, the initial difficulty can be frustrating to the point of resignation.  This is where Ohana Surf Camp can give you a leg (or two) up.  The camp is kid oriented and has lots of great instructors.  There is also always a lifeguard present when training so you don't have to worry about little Velsey or Tommy when you drop her or him off for the day.

So catch a wave!  For more information, visit Ohana's website.

More often than not I find myself traveling through town and stumbling upon sites or places I've never been to, or noticed for that matter.  It amazes me how many times this happens, even on my normal everyday trips down Postoffice and Church streets while driving my lady friend to and from work.  Whether it's a house, a new tree carving, or a new street walker.

I know I can't be expected to canvas and know/recognize all the different parts of town, but I still enjoy pointing to something that I've probably passed by before and thinking "well wouldja look at that... where did that come from... how long has that been there?"

This mainly happens to me when I'm cruising through the neighborhoods.  Historic districts mainly.  A certain house will all of a sudden, for some reason un-be-knownst to me, jump out at me.

I also enjoy lazily going through parts of town that I don't frequent and stumbling on new finds that way.  I love to drive through Cedar Lawn from time to time and crawl along its narrow winding roads.  And even though I don't get out there much, I enjoy driving through the West End of the Island so I can appreciate the different way of life.

It just seems that of all the places I've lived in my life that Galveston maintains a quality of stay-a-bility. 

Think about.  Ever noticed something you've never noticed before?

 

 

So, Mondo already announced our big news that we're having a little BOI of our own.  Back in 2008 in IBC's inaugural blog posts, I wrote that I hoped to someday work on the Island  and have a couple BOIs of our own.  Wow!  With both Mondo and I now living and employed on the Island and a baby girl on the way, I can't believe how fast these past two years have flown!

Deciding to go for "it" (trying for a baby that is) was not an easy decision to come by, at least not for me.  Mondo and I have been together for 9 years with just our pets and our goals, and we've accomplished a lot from graduate school and suburban hell to buying and restoring a historic home and finding employment for both of us here on the Island.  And, Hurricane Ike (ugh, I'm so tired of hearing that name) didn't do anyone any favors to say the least.

But, once I stopped the 100 mile a day drive for work to Houston, I quit smoking and drinking so much coffee (sigh) and then got my butt to the gym.  And as George Lee recently noted, I mellowed out a lot.  At the end of those days, we decided to go for it!  And, I have to admit while really cool (Dude - there's a kid growing inside of me!), it's also terrifying and not just for all of those existential reasons.  It's terrifying because I really only know one person with a kid under the age of 3 who lives on the east end of the Island.  Most of the folks with kiddos live on the West End of the Island, which for an east ender is pretty much anything west of 61st.  And who am I kidding, I get cranky having to go west of 30th.  Hence, the title of my blog post.  (Here's a map for non-Island lurkers).

With all that in mind, I've been scouring the Island, the Internet, and the brains of my cousins, co-workers and friends for all types of information from recommendations for ob/gyns on the Island (check) and pediatricians to daycares and schools.

Gathering this information is a challenge though, 'cause, well, I'm knocked up east of 61st Street.  Any tips?
 

Hurricane Season is here and I think we all know the importance of being informed and prepared.

One of the ways to be sure you know a "storm's a- brewin" and we may need to evacuate (aside from the fact that it'll be blaringly obvious due to the INSTANT. INSANE. MEDIA. FRENZY. that will swarm the Island and will manage to find the single-worst looking palm tree, stand beneath it among a pile of fallen fronds, and make that very spot reporting headquarters so all of our family and friends watching the news from far away will surely tune in to be reassured that this little sandbar that we're all "so crazy" to live on (crazy like a fox, eh?!) is sure to be wiped off the map in a matter of days...) is to sign up for the City's Emergency Notification Program. 

The Emergency Notification Program is basically a (free to us) tool that allows the City to send out a mass voice mail and/or text message to our land line phone, cell phone and/or emails.  What might they call/text/email us about?  The City lists a number of situations including "unexpected road or street closures, the need to evacuate buildings or neighborhoods due to situations like hurricanes, severe weather, abnormally high tides, and water service suspensions."

Note: residents and businesses with listed phone numbers have already been included in this system, but if you're unsure or if you'd like to register a few other contacts, go online today and get started - it takes less than 2 minutes complete online!  (If you'd like to discontinue your use you can do that online too - check out the "opt out" link here...)