Family Vacation 2011 – Part I of II – Camping Ink’s Lake and Longhorn Cave Exploring! July 4, 2011

This year we decided to take our first, official family vacation. Orion is almost 3 and we figured we could handle it with cool heads, right? Maybe “cool” isn’t the correct word to describe tent camp, in late May, with a small kid and an old dog.

We started our vacation at Ink’s Lake in Burnet, Texas (http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/inks/). We’ve been acquiring camping supplies for many years. A tent, camp stove, air mattress, an old school lantern….an entire Prius worth of supplies.  We arrived there on a Tuesday to beat the big Memorial Day crowd. We got a nice spot right on the water. Tent up, fishing poles out,  car and kayaks unpacked only to discover that we have a kid who refuses to put his toes in the water. What? Why, child? Never ask why to a 2 1/2 year old. They don’t know so neither will you. Fast forward to bed time with a little one used to a night light and a routine. We let him stay up late and thought he would crash…ha ha……hahahahahahaHA. So, mommy and daddy rotated visits to the tent to check in, chat about camping and all the things Orion was seeing and hearing and all the fun that our camping vacation would be. We also got to see a killer light show off the side of a nearby pop-up camper. It is amazing the things a regular light bulb will do to a wrinkled, plastic cover…..trippy man….

Jen - 2011 - 10 years old - Family Vacation at Ink's Lake

Next morning. Cooking breakfast with no sink and a mini stove was hard work. Messy eggs and coffee that is ready WAY to slowly. Smile, wave, fish, kayak.

Orion LOVES fishing. He is not great at it (considering he cannot cast) but LOVES it. Josh took him down to the fishing pier and they fished for hours. Mom got a break to kayak, fish and read. That was a HOT day (100+ degrees.) No true nap for Orion when mid day is 103+ in the fan cooled tent….oh no. A movie in the cool car and a 30 minute nap was as good as it got! Yes, we are so environmentally friendly we idled the Prius for a good 45+ minutes to provide our little man with a cooled nap.

The following day, our last day camping, began traumatically. You sigh and think, “Sure, Leah, EVERYTHING is traumatic to you!” No, my friend. My sweet angel son, and his silly mommy who let him sit on top of the picnic table, had trauma. It was breakfast time and not yet 8am….when Orion careened off the picnic table and landed eyeball first on a squirt bottle of hand sanitizer, bounced flat-bodied off the seat, and landed on the concrete. OMG! He screamed and woke up ALL of the otherwise relaxed and sleeping campers. They thought to themselves, “amateurs”, or snickered,  ”city folks.” Both of which were true. He landed on the hand sanitizer with his eye closed so no ER visit….and only a little swelling. Kids are amazing.

Mom and Orion, roasting hot dogs over the fire - Family vacation 2011

We escaped the heat of that last day, at the nearby Longhorn Cavern State Park (http://www.longhorncaverns.com/index.html). This 68 degree cave was like a Winter Wonderland! Our tour guide was full of flava’ and the  1 1/4 mile tour was just long enough and very interesting! The cave clean up and facility construction were a project of the CCC (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civilian_Conservation_Corps) and the detail and work done there is amazing. The Queen’s thrown, the long ago night club and restaurant, the history of the Indians’ use of the dolomite and main cavern for meetings…to the active features, tiny bats, and much more. It was a highlight of our family vacation!

Over the course of the 2+ days we camped, Josh caught a huge bass and a catfish! Our third night’s dinner was a combo of these fish, plus garden grown tomatoes, lemons and onions. Ohh and a bottle of Fredricksburg’s Becker’s Vinyard’s Zinfandel (http://www.beckervineyards.com/). Heaven.

Ink Lake's Bass and Catfish with Tomatoes, Onion & Lemon

So, if you are interested in the tips and tricks for tent camping at Ink’s Lake, here they are:

Tips:

Tip #1 -Bring small container of bleach solution for the showers. The facilities are great and kept okay but if you have a small child, you might as well splash the shower area with a bit of clean before your kid decides to sit down on the floor, after you said not….to sit on the floor….

Tip # 2- Bring a small vial of handsoap for the bathrooms, as well. Ya, hand sanitizer is great but sometimes you just want a good, mid-day hand or face washing to get ride of the Summer sweat and dirt.

Tip #3 -So, I admit that this was the first time we’d camped in years and years but we innocently had our food and supplies packed away in a cardboard box. My tip: Put your food and supplies in a Tupperware container; a big one! The squirrels here are too well feed and too fast. They chewed through cardboard and a canvas bag to get to bread and Jen’s dogfood.

Jen stalking squirrel - Ink's Lake - 2011

Tip # 4 -Obvious one; bring a clothes line!

Tip # 5 – Final item of advice. You do NOT need a fishing license to fish at Ink’s lake, from the shore. A matter of fact and not so obvious to us city folk imported from other states. You actually don’t need a fishing license to fish the shores of ANY Texas state park with a body of water. Go fig.

This was the first trip to Ink’s lake for us. It was quite the camping experience. Considering Josh and I spent many of our previous camping trips in Arkansas, Louisiana and Missouri. The big pros to Ink’s Lake were the fact there were next to NO bugs. Yes, for some reason we go no mosquito bites, chiggers, ticks….none of these things were a bother. Amazing! The fishing was pretty good. The lake was small and you felt free to go as far as you could and not be concerned about getting lost in cove after cove. The lake is also kid friendly with the 10+ playgrounds and shallow edges and swim areas.

The Ink’s Lake store was well stocked, friendly, and cozy without feeling archaic. They rent paddle boats, kayaks, and canoes. Also, the wifi/cell signal at this lake is 100%. It was like I was standing next to a tower in Austin, with the speed we had on our phones and computer. Yes, we are too wired. We look up weather, maps, email, facebook, everything…..even when on vacation.

It was too hot, the bathroom was too far, and I am a spoiled woman. BUT Orion talked every day about how much fun he was having. Josh fished, smiled and kayaked.  I started an excellent book (The White Women on the Green Bicycle by Monique Roffey) and it was a good start to our first official family vacation. Although we did plan it so our last two night were in a old German style Sunday house, with AC, and a claw foot bathtub. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!  Part II to follow. Fredericksburg – Crawfish, Dancing, and our little German Sunday house.

*Deep Breath* – I Feel at Peace September 19, 2010

I love how, on some days, it is possible to wake up totally enlightened. How all the thoughts clammering in your head finally come together for a jam session, a sustainable meal, and a peace pipe.

My health, my son, and my husband are my gods. Humanity and justice are my core values. Each day I must honor each of these pieces and anything else that gets done is just icing on the cake. Simple.

The last few days have been the shaky start of this funny sort of peace. I have a feeling the the days to follow will be even more refreshing.

Something To Consider August 18, 2010

“Ben, you are impossible. Your opinions have a slap in them for everyone who differs with you. They have become so offensive that nobody cares for them. Your friends find they enjoy themselves better when you are not around. You know so much that no man can tell you anything. Indeed, no man is going to try, for the effort would lead only to discomfort and hard work. So you are not likely ever to know any more than you do now, which is very little.” – An old friend speaks to a blundering youth, Ben Franklin. Except from the book,  How to Win Friends & Influence People.

Gulf Oysters – My New Demise July 28, 2010

If I could eat one food, each and every day….it would be oysters. Not just gulf oysters but they were the more available, deliciously fat and salty, loves of my life. Those early days in Cut Off, Louisiana made a big impression on my pallet. Unfortunately, British Petroleum, the laziness of our United States government, and the greed and oil dependent world we all contribute to, have damaged my one true food love. Where do I go from here?

Is there a “Save The Oysters” fund? If I eat a oyster in 3 years, will my risk for death from cancer increase 10 fold. Probably.

I might as well go smoke a cigarette because I’ll be eating oysters again, just as soon as I can.

This Home is Our Canvas May 8, 2010

Ahhh, home improvement! We have finally finished our fence and now I feel like our back yard is paradise. Minus the scrap wood, dead grass, utility corner, and well….the list goes on. Don’t get me wrong, our house is great. It is small enough that I feel cozy and like I’m leaving within my means but it was also an investment property its whole life and  no effort to make it beautiful, was ever made. SO, watch out, here I come! Here is a list of projects we have planned for the next  months, starting today.

#1 – xeriscape the back utility corner with herb garden border.

#2 – New bathroom shower tile and window, light, and paint.

#3 – New front door painted Merlot red.

#4 – Light in the garage because we can’t see a dang thing with the one bulb in the middle. Although, refining ones night vision is an important survival skill…right?

My handsome husband is going to help me complete all these tasks. From his track record with other repairs, he will do a great job but complain and drink a few beer. *shrug* Sounds like the perfect outcome for us both. I get things done and he gets to drink beer.

Well, he will be here soon, with the next wave of supplies. I am ready to smash those old shower tile to bits!

Celebrate ~ It’s alright! September 5, 2009

Time flys when you are having fun….and when you are being a kick-ass mom, full-time office manager, wife, activist, and foodie….but enough about me. Orion turned 1 year old on Saturday! He had the best day ever. He woke up an hour late (bless you, child) and was happy as a lark. He played and hung out with us all morning and then took a super long nap in anticipation of his birthday blast. He friends Holden, Connor, Slade, B and Lucy came over to help him celebrate. He was happy to investigate his cake and did not seem to mind everyone staring at him. We have socialized him well. He received some great gifts (little lawnmower, chunky puzzle, books, and a symphony toy that mom and dad play with way more then he does). I (mom) made sour cream, blueberry cupcakes instead of cake and we had spinach pizza and cheese and fruit for snacks. Tina also brought the best mint chocolate brownies on the face of the planet! The theme of Orion’s birthday party was “space” and it was his birthday “blast”. I promise I will move away from this space/star theme for next year! Then his sugar high kicked in at about 7:30 and he zipped around the house with his little mower, babbling about this and that, then out like a light! Check out pictures here:(http://picasaweb.google.com/Danceleah/OrionS1stBirthdayBLAST?authkey=Gv1sRgCO2U6cmRwMnsMg&feat=directlink)

2009 has been a great year with much more to come.  I am volunteering at the Austin chapter of the American Institute of Architects Homes Tour on October 11th. Also, We are looking forward to taking Orion to Austin City Limits Music Festival (www.aclfestival.com). Pearl Jam, Dave Matthews, Kings of Leon, etc etc. Then the 4th Annual 6th Street Smokeout put together by Josh Schimberg to benefit Texas NORML. We are also going to be going back to Round Top, Texas this Halloween for the PYMWYMI (Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is) Disk Golf Tourney to benefit Texas NORML (www.TexasNORML.org) .Then comes the Austin Celtic Festival in November and then the holidays. Exciting!

On an activist note, we are staying involved in the health care debate, keeping our friends and family informed about marijuana law reform, and watching and listening to a lot of news to stay informed about where our country is headed. I encourage everyone to really think about both sides of all debates and if you really want to be humane (human)about it, think about what the compassionate thing to do is. Not “survival of the fittest” or ” I don’t want those lazy, so in so’s to take MY money” but really think about what makes you believe what you believe and why it is important to think of the whole world, as your family. Dead serious. There are good people, here in the US of A, really hurting. Deep divides, lies, and name calling will get our country nowhere.

Add a dash of salt and pepper and there you have it. With love. Leah Schimberg II.

Giving Cancer the Middle Finger – Planet Cancer.org June 20, 2009

I recently was lucky enough be given the opportunity, by the outstanding company I work for (www.OutlawRealEstateGroup.com) , to organize a  party that benefited Planet Cancer. Planet Cancer is an Austin based non-profit that helps young adults (18-40)  with cancer by providing an online support community, several enlightening summer camp, patient advocacy support to increase the quality of care that young patient receive, and much much more. On top of it all, they have a number of humorous quips about cancer, on their website. Check out their landing site at www.PlanetCancer.org and keep in mind that there are over 4,000 adults communicating behind this site. Sharing stories and advice, laughing and fighting cancer together.

Basically, with my coordination of the Crawfish & Croquet in the Park event to benefit Planet Cancer, I realized how each group of activists is a sum of its parts (people) who get paid little or nothing and who pour themselves into helping other. It is refreshing! I encourange everyone to volunteer with an organization that helps people in your community. You’ll meet awesome people with strong hearts and minds and your life will be fuller because of it.

So, thanks to everyone who came to the Crawfish & Croquet in the Park benefit for Planet Cancer. Thanks to Outlaw Real Estate Group and their team of agents for putting so much time, energy and funds into this event. And thanks to Planet Cancer (Courtney Clark, especially) for supporting our efforts and answering my many questions. Also…thanks to the Texas NORML who allowed me to borrow their easy up, donation jars, etc. Check out their website at www.TexasNORML.org to find out more about their local events and fight to change marijuana laws.

Now go get involved in your community. Oh, and if you have time, stop my www.PlanetCancer.org and donate a little time or money so they can continue to give cancer the middle finger.

A star is Born – Orion Drake Schimberg September 18, 2008

Orion was born at 11:23 PM on August 29th! I can not describe the joy and relief that I felt at the moment of his birth. The labor and delivery was much harder than I anticipated, and contractions are no joke! If I ever decide to have another child, a midwife or doula will be employed to help me cope. My main reasoning for going “natural” was so I could move around and get out of bed during my labor BUT when the contractions were every 2 min apart, I was in the bed with my eyes closed, picturing a beach with white sand and unlimited alcoholic beverages!! Hey, it worked but I think it could have been better managed.

Moving on, Orion is going on 3 weeks old tomorrow. He is becoming much more aware and awake for about 10+ hours a day. He eats like a hippo! I’m pretty sure I’ll be beating myself up for so called mistakes I make for the next 20+ years. I can only hope that he is a loving child that is confident, gentle, and smart. I’m sure most parents wish the same for their children and wishing and making it happen are two different things.

He just fell asleep beside me. I think I’ll take a quick nap with him. I never know if he’ll decide to keep me up for 2 or 3 hours tonight. Every night is a little different.

Orion

How do I get myself up from here?! August 24, 2008

Schimbergs at Ruta Maya Coffee House

It is amazing how well things have been going so far. I have gained enough weight but not so much that I feel like I a whale. ALTHOUGH….the floor is not a place for a 39 week prego! I get down there and realize that I pretty much have to roll around until I can get my legs under me and an anchor to help me up. Hilarious!

Otherwise, I am excited to get the labor over, and meet Orion. I also am excited that Fall will be here soon. The cool weather will be such a welcomed change. Hopefully we can elect a president that will change things as well. I’d hate to have to worry about my son going into a war in the Middle East in 18 years. Let’s boot the war mongers (who hide behind their “religion”) OUT!

On another note, Josh and I are going to stay active after the baby. Yes, we won’ be on 6th as often…and we’ll attend many more family friendly events BUT our child will know live music, a range of lifestyles and opinions, and the activist community. I want him to have an open and progressive mind where all of mankind is important to him and not just people “like him”.

We are going to go by the Hot Sauce Festival today. Maybe that will bring on labor! 

Chirp Chirp ~ Preparing for chaos August 11, 2008

The books all tell me that I will not have time to cook, shower, clean, or think, once the baby come. I hope they are as incorrect as all of the books that told me Amsterdam was full of thieves and danger. I suppose there is nothing wrong with being prepared but it sure does get you worked up.

I have plenty of paper towels, frozen food, toilet paper, dog food, clean bathtubs, vaccumed floors, baby car seat in the car…oh my. I am going to work up until August 21st. I will do graphic design and updating office documents part-time before I go into labor and from home during the week before I go back full time. I will return to work on October 1st. I am so freakin’ excited to see Orion!!

Here is another picture, just for fun!

Belly from my point of view

This picture was taken Friday night. We went to Threadgills (http://www.threadgills.com/) for an Asylum Street Spanker’s show (http://www.asylumstreetspankers.com). Funny thing is that Christina, the lead singer/saw player of the band, is pregnant also! It was a hot and not as breezy as a prego would hope….but my Oyster PoBoy was divine and it was nice to be at a show that wrapped up at midnight versus 2AM.

The Asylum Street Spankers Rock!