Embracing Change

Bird of Parrot-dise :-)

2009-06-03T22:53:00.000-07:00

My lovely, colorful parrot! Haleigh is dancing in her first "real" ballet recital this Sunday. She did a stint in dance when she was 3, but we've recently started up again and she is learning beautiful things. It amazes me to see her loooooong arms and legs gracefully moving across the stage.

This year's recital is Peter Pan, and Haleigh's class is portraying parrots on the pirate ship. This mama (and a very proud Grandma, too!) can't wait to see it!

The Mighty Pacific

2009-05-24T23:52:00.000-07:00

When I moved to Washington almost 7 years ago, my perception of "beach" was based on a life lived on the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. Florida has beaches of white sand and warm, clear water, and it is HOT! You have to coat yourself with sunscreen and try not to bake to a crisp. The sand burns your toes, and every time you swim out into the waves (at least if you're paranoid like me), there's the curiosity lurking at the edges of your thoughts about what exactly is swimming alongside of you. A day rolling in the waves and blistering on the sand leaves you completely spent, craving rest and hydration. Georgia does have some beaches that are a little more "natural" (brown sand rather than blinding white, slightly murkier water), but they are still sand and marsh with bugs, humidity, and heat.

The Pacific Ocean is a whole other creature. It is dark, and cooooold. You don't necessarily wear your swimsuit here, unless you're a brave kid or it's one of the 4 or 5 days of the year that are almost warm enough. There are no real sharks to speak of, at least not up in our neck of the woods. And these beaches are BEAUTIFUL. Don't get me wrong, the east coast has its perks, but you can literally look around and see the evolution of our planet along the Washington coast. When you walk along the waves, you walk on smooth beautiful rocks or dark sand. There are fascinating sea creatures clinging to the rocks in tidal pools along the shore at low tide. There are towering trees housing a multitude of birds, including the impressive bald eagle. The most visible difference on the west coast is the sight of enormous rocks along the beach and out in the water. And by rocks, I mean gigantic things on which trees grow and you could climb if they weren't basalt and might crumble beneath you at an inopportune moment. Yes, you have to wear the Washington uniform - bundle your top up in fleece or other warm hoodie, but wear shorts and sturdy waterproof shoes for climbing and exploring the tide pools - but you want to be prepared so you don't miss anything!

I would be hard pressed to choose my favorite. Both coasts have a lot to offer, but I lean toward my new home, especially after a day at a place as magical as Rialto Beach, and watching bald eagles swarm around me at La Push.

Sleepy

2009-05-22T23:18:00.000-07:00

I'll soon be heading to bed, trying to get plenty of sleep before getting up nice and early for a little road trip. Matt and his mom left this morning and Haleigh and I will join them tomorrow to spend the day on the water in the area of Forks, WA. You know . . . . the land of Twilight. Believe it or not, it was a pretty awesome place before vampires invaded the sleepy little logging town and made teenagers (and an awful lot of adults) across the country completely insane, LOL. I should note that I have not read any of those books, because I'm sure I'll get hooked, too, and I haven't had time for that yet! :-)
I've been a busy little bee this week, and I'm looking forward to this beautiful weekend. I hope everyone's weekend is full of sunshine - if not in your skies, then in your hearts!

Quiet morning

2009-05-19T08:48:00.000-07:00

It is a nice, quiet morning here on the homefront, which is especially appreciated by me today! Haleigh has just headed off to school, and I am alone in the living room for now. I am looking out at a lovely park with clusters of pink rhododendron blooms on a slightly overcast day and enjoying a delicious cup of coffee.

I am appreciative of the peace and quiet because last night our little street was a flurry of mad activity. My neighbor's house, which is about 5 feet from my house, caught on fire last night. The home belongs to an elderly lady and her daughter is currently staying there, as well. We know them both although we don't see the mom much because she mostly stays inside. She is a gatherer, as older people tend to be sometimes, and the back bedroom where the fire started had lots of things to act as timber, including lots of paper, so we are all thankful that it was contained as easily as it was. There was mostly a lot of smoldering and smoke damage, and of course the fire hose damaged everything.

I was sitting on the couch when I saw one of our police sargeants pull up with his lights on, then jump out of his car and take off running across my yard. I opened the door just in time to hear him ask my neighbor "where's it at?". We had, just a few minutes before, smelled a strange burning smell but thought it was something maybe in the oven since muffins were baking. I walked to the back of the house, and that's when I saw the smoke. At that point I went back up to the front to make sure that the mom was outside ok and verified that she was safely away from the house. I lost track of the daughter for just a little bit while she was locating the cats, and then a fire medic truck pulled up. Those guys hopped out pretty quickly and pretty much instantly there were multiple fire trucks blocking the whole street - not to mention the bystanders beginning to line the sidewalk and the newspaper photographer. (Speaking of him, here's a link: http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/kitsap/pat/news/45370017.html)

I walked back to the back of the house, and that's when I saw lots of smoke, and two firefighters getting ready to bust a window. That's also when I panicked a little bit. Fortunately, we never saw any flames, but they did have to pull some smoldering stuff through the windows and douse the entire back of the house with the fire hose. I asked one of them if we needed to worry, and he chatted with a firefighter inside then told me we should be ok. After things seemed a little more under control, I went to look for my neighbors, and they were sitting on the porch of the house on the other side of them. It was starting to drizzle a little and I brought them some coffee. They assured me they were going to be ok, and Red Cross was on the way to help them make plans. Their house is not a total loss, just lots of smoke and water damage from what I understand, so hopefully they'll get all patched up in no time. I let them know we would keep any eye on it while they are gone.

So, that was how we spent our Monday evening! Today I am going to make recital costumes for Haleigh's class. Well, I'm going to cut and glue things and leave the sewing to a friend who actually knows what she's doing . . . but that's a story for another post. :-)

Backyard excitement!

2009-05-16T21:06:00.001-07:00

There has been a lot of action in our backyard lately. The new sod looks beautiful, and the weather has been lovely so we've been outside enjoying it. It is slowly but surely becoming a lovely, relaxing little area.

This morning, Ms. Robbin, Haleigh and I walked downtown for the Armed Forces Day parade, and we all enjoyed it. There was even a fly-over by a C-17 (I'm pretty sure that's right) that got everyone on their feet. When we got back, it was such a lovely day that we decided to eat our lunch out on the deck. While we were out there, a green hummingbird flew into the yard, looking for a treat. I wasn't quite sure that's what I was seeing, but it was indeed an emerald green hummingbird!

I was distressed that I didn't have anything to offer him, so this afternoon I headed out to buy 2 feeders! The first one was a beautiful antique-looking green glass thing that turned out to be a total lemon! The pieces of it are now in the garbage. The second one, a more "classic" version, is hanging from a tree in a spot that will provide the ultimate viewing pleasure if I can entice them back into my yard! I hope I see one tomorrow!

Updates

2009-05-15T08:22:00.000-07:00

As it turns out, the chocolate pudding fruit is only partially too good to be true. Its flesh looks and feels like chocolate pudding, and it does taste wonderful and sweet . . . . just not like chocolate pudding. I learned all this from "Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmerman." I also learned that I want to move to Australia! :-)
Speaking of foods, I managed to drop my cell phone in a smoothie on Wednesday, and have been without it since then. As it turns out, it didn't get enough moisture from the smoothie (it basically just "dipped" in) to do any big damage, but my phone already had a glitch in the power buttons and the battery wasn't so great, so this just sped up the process of it dying. I'm chomping at the bits to go get my new one today. But, if you had asked me before this happened, I would have sworn I was not addicted to a silly cell phone!
Yesterday was an exciting one at our house involving a long-awaited project in our backyard. Ms. Robbin documented it all beautifull over at Cedar Chest of Dreams. Go check it out! My poor hubby hauled a lot of soaking wet sod, and he is soooooore, but boy what a nice reward to look out our back doors and see GREEN! Pretty soon, Ms. Robbin's dreams of standing in her open french doors looking out into a lush green wonderland with the breeze blowing her hair will be coming true!

Too good to be true?

2009-05-12T21:41:00.000-07:00

The other evening, the Travel Channel was playing in the background as we tended to some important farming and quizzing on facebook (it's become a mind-numbing habit). Suddenly, we heard something . . . somewhere on the edges of our subconsciences . . . could it be? Did we hear that correctly? Did he just say . . . chocolate pudding fruit?!!!????!!!??

As it turns out, we DID hear it correctly. Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus!!!! It appears that there is a fruit that, when completely ripe, turns dark brown and looks completely mushy and rotten - like chocolate pudding. But here's the kicker: it TASTES like chocolate pudding, too! You can cook with it and make decadent desserts, and it's HEALTHY because it's FRUIT!!!! A mad googling frenzy ensued and alas, it's not easy to have the darn things shipped directly to you. I could order the plants all day long, but who knows if they would grow here? The Pacific Northwest is rawther different than their native southern Mexico.

In a few minutes, the chocolate pudding fruit episode of the Travel Channel show about weird foods is coming on. Well, it's actually about many foods in Australia, but I blacked out after "chocolate pudding fruit." I plan to do my research. I'll get back to you.

Okay, here goes

2009-05-09T09:23:00.000-07:00

Thursday morning started off like any other day . . . for about 5 seconds. Then I remembered it was audition day. I quickly ate an English muffin before nervous tummy completely set in, when I knew I wouldn't be able to eat anything else until it was all over.
Matt was at work. Ms. Robbin had threatened not to come out of her room until I left (I don't know what she was worried about, LOL) but I lured her out with the smell of fresh-brewing coffee. The night before, I had changed my up-tempo song selection at the last minute, so I went to practice it a little bit, and constantly . . . . obsessively . . . . went over the lyrics in my head. Here's a sample, imagine it at a very rapid pace:

Another hundred people just got off of the train and came up through the ground
While another hundred people just got off of the bus and are looking around
At another hundred people who got off the plane and are looking at us
Who got off of the train, and the plane and the bus maybe yesterday

Extra points if you can name the show from which it hails.
Finally it was time to start getting ready. I had already picked my outfit. I felt good in it, I think it looked professional without being pretentious. My hair seemed to be cooperating and the sun was shining - both very good signs. When I came out of the bathroom, I got a surprise. Matt came home from work half-way through his shift. He and his mom had plans to shop for a tv, and he took a little time off so they wouldn't be rushed. I was really happy to see him before I left, too!
I made it to the ferry in plenty of time, and enjoyed a peaceful ride over . . . not really. I stayed in my car to go over my songs some more and think positive thoughts, and I was parked right next to an engine room or something making quite a bit of noise. Because of that, I couldn't understand the announcements being made. Next thing I knew, there were alarms going off and firemen walking around the car deck. I figured out it was just a drill because no one seemed very panicked or rushed, but my heart was in my throat for just a little bit! Come ON, people! Didn't they know I was already in a fragile state?
When the ferry docked I drove into downtown. It was BEAUTIFUL outside, and I felt a little more alive just being in the city and watching the hustle and bustle. I got so distracted looking at everyone's new coats in lovely spring colors that I almost missed my turn for the parking garage I wanted, but I made it just in time. I walked over to the theatre and went to the stairs leading down to the basement rehearsal area. There's a whole little village down there under the streets of Seattle! Art stores, food court, spas, offices, but no easily accessible bathrooms, lol. In fact, if you are lucky enough to find a bathroom in a public space, you have to have a code from one of the nearby businesses to get in. But that's for another post.
I was pretty early for my audition, so I got to chat with some really nice people who were also auditioning, and hear little snippets of each of their songs. The rehearsal space is pretty soundproof, so mostly I could hear the piano until someone really started belting. Oh, and the piano. My nerves were soothed immensely when I heard the pianist playing everyone else's songs. He was soooooo good! He played my fast song flawlessly, including all three key changes that happen in just one verse!
A nice young assistant walked in with me and introduced me to the auditioners. There were three of them, all men, one of whom I met at the first class I attended at the theatre to learn tips for auditioning. I acknowledged them, then froze - for just a second. I suddenly had to manually think through every step I needed to take. "Okay, Amy, now you go over to the pianist and give him your music. Check. Set the tempo with him. Check. Go back to the center. Check. Nod at him to begin. Check. DON'T SCREW UP! Check."
When I sat my music down on the piano he said "oh, great song". My confidence was immediately boosted. I was very, very nervous, but I sang my first song really well without missing a word. The judge in the middle said "okay, what will you be singing next?" I took just a moment to breathe, then started my second song. I was worried it would seem too long, but it felt like it was over as soon as I started! They said thank you, and I walked out of the room! That was it! It's a little unnerving to pour your heart on a stage and get no feedback, but that's just how it works. It was over so fast!
When I was all done, I stopped and acknowledged that I was very pleased with how it went. Yes, I was nervous, but I think I gave an excellent audition. I am proud of myself for taking this step, and proving to myself that I can indeed do it!
Now, the hard part. These were general auditions for the upcoming season at the theatre. While I performed, they took copious notes, including marking which shows they think I might be appropriate for. Now, I just wait to see if I get a callback. That could happen any time in the next year as they get ready to cast each show, or not at all. All I know is that I have no regrets, and I hope they see a place for me in an upcoming production. Only time will tell!

A quick note . . .

2009-05-07T18:55:00.003-07:00

I just wanted to let everyone know that my audition went really well. After all that adrenaline pumping through my body has finally settled down, I am EXHAUSTED! I will post a detailed description of the whole experience tomorrow!!!!

Today is the day!

2009-05-07T08:32:00.000-07:00

It has finally arrived - my big audition. I'm a nervous wreck already. I've had to perform with serious cases of "the nerves" before, so I know it's physically possible, but this seems so much worse!
In a few minutes I'll start getting ready, then a ferry ride to the big city and it's showtime! Breathe in. Breathe out. Breathe in. Breathe out.

Happy Birthday!

2009-05-05T08:08:00.001-07:00

Today is my mother-in-law's birthday!!! Happy Birthday, Ms. Robbin!!!

This will be the first year in a while that we will all be able to celebrate with her. Last year Matthew was with her, but she had just had surgery. As a matter of fact, I was in the throes of appendicitis and would be having my own surgery the next day, as well. Wow, what a year. I don't think I'll ever look back at 2008 without feeling the awe and amazement that we all made it through somehow - not unscathed, but together.

This year, we have much to celebrate. Happiness, health, and love. This is what my birthday wish is for you, Ms. Robbin. Get ready for the best kabobs you've ever tasted and yummy chocolate cupcakes! :-)

A place for me

2009-04-24T08:14:00.000-07:00

That is what I hope to find at the 5th Avenue.

On Wednesday, I hopped on a ferry and headed to the big city for a lesson with an artistic producer at the theatre. On this particular day, he was using a small rehearsal room backstage, and my instructions were to go to the alley behind the theatre, find the door marked "stage door" and tell the attendant I was attending a class. Will you believe . . . . I got excited as soon as I walked into the alley! I found the stage door, and when I opened it I just felt like I was home! People using the stage door are part of the program - the singers, actors, musicians, lighting and sound techs, production team. Entering that door, you are no longer an audience member, you are IN . . . a bonafide participant in the magic happening on and around that stage.

Yes, I was just there for a lesson, not a production, but my visceral reaction upon entering that space confirmed to me once more that the stage is where I'm meant to be. You say I should find my passion? Done! I can't put it into words, but I know that everyone has something like this in their lives that moves their souls and makes them feel more alive than any other time.

Well, after being greeted by the friendly and helpful stage door attendant who called me by name and welcomed me as if we were old pals, I made my way up the stairs to wait until my lesson began. I am not ashamed to say I wandered in the hallway a teeny bit and felt my heart swell at the sight of large dressing rooms and rehearsal schedules. I wanted to tuck myself into a corner and observe all the action for that night's performance. Even more, I knew that I wanted to be back one day for the real deal - my own performance.

I was warmly greeted by each person I encountered, and even offered cake from their opening night celebration! Then, a minute or two before my lesson was to start, I felt a little vibration in the floor and a beautiful sound of multiple voices in harmony rose up around me: a rehearsal! They were doing a quick tune-up of a few things and I got to hear it! I snuck into the stairwell just a little, and I must confess I probably would have inched as close as I could get to the stage if I had any more time!

The lesson itself went extremely well, and I learned a lot that makes me much more confident about my audition in a few weeks. It was a lovely day, and as I walked back to my car in the sunshine I couldn't help but feel optimistic.

Busy day

2009-04-22T10:10:00.001-07:00

Today I have a lesson in Seattle in preparation for the big audition. It is with one of the theatre's artistic directors and I'm very excited but also very anxious because I'm not as prepared as I should be. I'll be working some more on that when I finish this post!

My other plan for this morning is to go grocery shopping. Most of you who visit my blog occasionally found me through my mother-in-law's blog, Cedar Chest of Dreams, so you know she has moved to Washington with us, and is actually living in our home right now. I'm so glad she's here for many reasons, but a big reason is that she is one heck of a cheerleader for eating healthier. We all fell off the truck for a little while on that topic, but we decided when she got here we would focus more on eating right. Luckily, she decided the same thing before the big move! So far, so good. We're eating fish two nights a week, adding lots more fruits and veggies, and even purchased a Magic Bullet for quick and easy smoothies. Now if I can just get my sweet tooth under control everything will be just right! It is traumatizing, and I might need an intervention or rehab or something, but I'm determined to reduce my sugar intake. Fortunately Ms. Robbin has more willpower than me, LOL.

The rain and cooler temperatures have returned this morning, but hopefully they are not here to stay. I'd like to snuggle up with a good book, but it's time to put my nose to the grindstone. If you need me, follow the sound of warm-up scales until you find me crying over sheet music. :-)

A beautiful day in the neighborhood

2009-04-21T09:08:00.000-07:00

It is another gorgeous spring day. I think I should go take a walk and soak up some of this sunshine!

I have a lot of practicing to do today. Tomorrow I have a private lesson with one of the gentlemen I will be auditioning for in a few weeks. This will be my first attempt at becoming a prefessional theatre actress, and I'm a wee bit nervous. I've been narrowing down my song selection (and if you watch American Idol, you know it's all about song selection!) for what seems like forever, and now I need to just buckle down and make them the best they can be!

Aside from rehearsing, I hope to spend a little time with my hubby today. Tuesdays are some of my favorite days because we are both off work and Haleigh is at school, so we get to just hang out, and that is important.

And that's about it in my little world right now. It is calm and peaceful, the way I like it.

Getting ready for church

2009-04-19T09:14:00.000-07:00

I have finally found a church at which I feel at home. I had a good feeling because I already knew the pastor and his wife - their daughter Katie has been in the past two shows I've done. She is one of our little group of friends that bonded during the Pajama Game and have stuck together ever since, so much so that the director pointed it out and we dubbed ourselves "The Pajama Gang". But I digress.

I have attended this church for the past two Sundays, and Haleigh went with me on Easter. So far, I just love it. Listening to the pastor is like hanging out in someone's living room and just chatting. His wife has an angelic voice that I could listen to forever, and on top of that she's just a cool lady.

Well, it is a beautiful sunny day once again and that's about it for my plans today.

Good morning, Sunshine!!!!

2009-04-14T08:37:00.000-07:00

The sun is out on what is, so far, a gloriously beautiful morning. It's gonna be a bright, bright sunshiney day, and I need that. Yesterday was horrid, a continuation of the soaking wet, chilled to the bone Easter Sunday we had out here. The weather just set the tone for my unexpectedly unpleasant afternoon.

I have an abundance of various skin cancers in my family, and I have blue eyes, freckles, and pale skin. Plus, I grew up in the deep south and have been blistered more times than I care to think about, so I like to get a professional opinion that everything is in good working order. Yesterday I made my annual trek to the dermatologist. Have you ever been to the dermatologist? It's not nearly as invasive as some of those other doctor visits we ladies have to make, but for some reason it is even more uncomfortable as they scrutinize every inch of your skin. By the time they start parting the hair on my scalp I feel like a groomed monkey.

Well, yesterday she barely made it down my chest before deciding that this was not going to be a normal visit. I ended up having to get two moles removed, a new experience for me . . . and I was scared to death. They had a cancellation so she was able to do everything while I was there. If you've read any of my earlier blogs, you'll know that I strongly dislike needles. My doctors seem determined to cure me of that this year (appendectomy, oodles of bloodwork, dental work, and B-12 injections for pete's sake!), but this was really taking the cake. I can proudly say that although I was quivering jelly on the inside, I totally put my big girl panties on and got through that! And you know what? The injections were nothing! I go back in ten days to find out if they were normal or not and get my stitches removed.

So, that was my yesterday. I'm looking forward to a lovelier day today!

Ready for spring

2009-04-11T13:39:00.000-07:00

and ready to see THESE!!!

This and That

2009-04-11T08:55:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning with what appears to be the beginnings of a cold, so I'm settling in for a quiet day at home. This is terrible timing to be sick, since I'm trying to get ready for a HUGE audition on May 7th, but it is what it is, I guess. I'm heading to the store in a little bit for some preventative medicine so hopefully that will help.
As for that big audition, it seems like it is rapidly approaching. I've decided on my two songs, one of which I know backwards, forwards, and inside out. It is "Can't Help Lovin' That Man" from Showboat. The other I have never sang, but I feel good about it, and it's the style they are asking for. I learned a lot at my audition class, so I feel like I am actually able to prepare and go in there with confidence. I will be a bundle of nerves - my stomach already starts to churn when I even think about it - but those can sometimes be helpful. I'm so thankful I had the opportunity to attend that class. It was given by two of the people I will actually be auditioning for, and they chatted with us for 3 hours about everything from song choice, to how to give your music to the accompanist, to what to DO with yourself while singing to impress the auditioners.
I guess this Saturday is a good one for staying in. Our weather has turned to rainy and chilly again, although we were hoping for sunshine for all the egg hunters. Oh, well - in Washington if you don't do it in the rain, it doesn't get done!

Still here!

2009-04-03T21:11:00.000-07:00

Don't be alarmed by my lapse in postings! My husband and my mother-in-law arrived on Thursday evening, a whole day earlier than I was anticipating them. After seeing the things they wanted to see, they were just ready to get HOME, and I was glad they made that decision. I wasn't quite as ready as I would have been, but in the grand scheme of things, what does a little dirty laundry and some unfinished painting really matter? Our little family is all together under one roof and that makes my heart happy.

I want to tell all about my audition workshop, and I promise I will soon, but tonight I am going to bed early. Another busy day tomorrow!

Excitement, and a little trepidation

2009-03-30T13:03:00.000-07:00

Tonight will be the first step in what I hope will be big changes for me in the upcoming year! I am going to a workshop at a professional theatre in downtown Seattle. The workshop will help prepare me for the audition process that is happening in about a month for their upcoming musical season, and here's how that all started . . .
After a performance of "Company" in February, a gentleman and his wife had come down to greet the cast and I noticed them waiting to speak to me. He took my hand and said "you don't know me, but I wanted to tell you how wonderful you were. Really, a cut above." I thanked him and felt like floating across the floor. It's always nice to receive a heartfelt compliment, especially when you've just poured yourself into a performance. Our paths crossed again as he was leaving the theatre, and he recommended strongly that I go and audition in Seattle for some professional work. I told Matt about it when I got home, and said that I wouldn't have any idea how to begin such a thing. Then he said "well, you should look into it." I love that man.
Several phone calls, evenings of internet research, and a little networking and brainpicking later, I decided to go all out and audition for THE major producer of professional musicals in Seattle. Why not? What do I have to lose?
So, tonight I'm going to go and be a little sponge, soaking up all of the wisdom I can! Updates tomorrow.

Up with the chickens?

2009-03-30T10:17:00.000-07:00

Nope! At my house it was a woodpecker that jerked us out of our sweet dreams this morning. I've never laughed so hard in my life. I heard a very high pitched rapid-fire chirp, then a rat-a-tat-tat that sounded very metallic. I walked out the back door to take the puppies for a potty break, looked up, and spotted him on my neighbor's roof. Well, he was on my neighbor's metal chimney, to be exact! I thought all the chirping must have been because he was MAD that he couldn't poke a hole in that shiny hard wood and find some breakfast, but I should have known to just ask my brilliant child who never forgets anything. She said "mom, he's trying to find a girlfriend. Grandma told me that's why they make all that noise."
Well, good luck, Mr. Woodpecker. I hope you find a girlfriend soon before you break your little beak and I lose any more sleep! :-)

Amarillo by mornin' . . . .

2009-03-29T10:32:00.000-07:00

Matt and his mom left Oklahoma City this morning, and are westward bound. I'm not going to blog much about their trip because Ms. Robbin is keeping us updated over at Cedar Chest of Dreams. You really need to check out the picture on today's blog! I'm surprised he didn't lie prostrate on the floor before him, LOL. I'm sure this will further fuel the notion that "we need one of those in our house - life size!"
So, what have I been up to in all this alone time? I've been slowly but steadily plucking away at the things that need to be done around here to prepare for my mom-in-law's arrival. It can't be all work and no play, though, when we are only a house full of ladies. Last night my good friend and neighbor found herself man-less as well, so we met up at her house with another girlfriend to eat frozen pizza, chocolate pie, and watch "Anne of Green Gables". Tonight we just might move on to "Anne of Avonlea".
Happy Sunday to you all!

On their way!

2009-03-27T14:37:00.001-07:00

I shamelessly stole this photo from my MIL over at Cedar Chest of Dreams. This is what Matt was doing this yesterday and this morning, getting everything packed up into the U-haul for the big move! They left Georgia this morning and were in Birmingham, AL when I spoke to them a few minutes ago. I'm not sure exactly when they will get here, but I know they are going to have a wonderful experience together. I highly recommend driving across the country with someone you care about at least once. I have now done it three times, myself, and am always looking for an excuse for a road trip.

Haleigh is about to bust a gut for her grandmother to get here. This happens to be the beginning of her spring break, so I'm going to have to get very creative to keep her entertained until the big day arrives. Hurry up, y'all!

WARNING!

2009-03-26T15:47:00.000-07:00

I'm going to start blogging again. I can't promise that it's going to be thrilling and life-changing, but it ought to be a little interesting . . . maybe. :-)
It seems like a very long time ago that I started this blog, shortly after arriving home from a cross-country driving trip with my (then) 6 year old daughter. I named it "Embracing Change" because that's what I was trying to do. I had just left full-time employment, I was preparing to go back to school, and things were just . . . changing. Today, my husband is in Georgia preparing for his own cross-country drive with his mom. You guys know her, LOL, Robbin over at Cedar Chest of Dreams. If you don't know her, go check out her blog (on my blogroll). You'll laugh, cry, and be moved and inspired. Our family has had a roller-coaster year, and we are all looking forward to what this next year will bring.
So, an update is in order. I didn't last long in school. Seeing as how I can't figure out what I want to be when I grow up (well, except a famous Broadway star, but I digress), I couldn't justify spending all that money on tuition with no real direction. We decided it was much wiser for Matt to finish school, and I am proud to say that he just completed his degree in criminal justice! He has worked so hard, and I am so proud of him!
I got involved in community theatre, and remembered what it is that fills my sould with joy and happiness . . . the stage! Pure magic happens in a spotlight. I have decided to try my luck with professional theatre in my area. There are some fabulous opportunities, but it's going to take a lot of work! In fact, I have auditions in a little over a month at The 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle, and I can't wait!
There is much more to tell, but I don't want to make this post into a novel. Here's to new beginnings.

Company!

2009-02-01T11:52:00.000-08:00

My poor little neglected blog. :-( Things have been very busy around here. I am doing another musical (Company, by Stephen Sondheim) and we opened on Friday night. It has been going very well, and I'm getting ready to head to the theatre for tonight's performance. More details to come . . .
I'm currently relaxing with my daughter, watching the dog show on Animal Planet. I love those! My current faves are Bernese Mountain Dogs, and I vow to have one if I ever live on enough land to keep it happy! I just love big snuggly dogs. There is also one small dog that I like, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. We saw a couple walking two of them yesterday and I loved watching them prance down the sidewalk. They are not "yappy" like most small dogs, they are actually quite regal.
Well, that's enough rambling about puppies. I hope everyone is enjoying their Sunday!

For my mother-in-law

2009-01-27T07:41:00.001-08:00

I took this picture from the bridge about a block from our house yesterday. In anticipation of her move, I find myself having moments like these where I stop and think "Oh, I can't wait until Ms. Robbin sees this!" Of course, she has visited several times, but there is no way to take in the beauty that surrounds our little corner of the country in a short period of time. Pretty soon she'll be living here, and she'll get to have her breath taken away by these mountains on a sunny winter day, too!

Idiots of the day

2009-01-19T09:59:00.000-08:00

http://www.kirotv.com/news/18506791/detail.html

Supposedly they were protesting "police violence". . . by throwing torches at their building and patrol cars. Hmmmmm. This is the same community in which a police car was flipped and the officer mobbed not that long ago. This community needs to get a clue before something goes horribly wrong with one of their little "protests". Of course, when that happens they'll probably just continue to blame it on those who are trying to protect them. Tell me, who do you call for help when something goes wrong, if the police are the ones you are attacking?

Happy Birthday to . . .

2009-01-14T12:33:00.000-08:00

Me! I turned 30 today! Woo-hoo, I made it! My wonderful husband got me a new camera - a Nikon D60 - and after he revived me we tried it out. This is one he took of me, a rare, accurate, truly representative portrait. :-)

Newest jungle . . .um, family members

2009-01-09T22:45:00.000-08:00

For her 8th birthday, our daughter wanted a fish tank. We happened to love the idea, which probably contributed to a slightly larger version than the typical "starter" goldfish bowl. It's still a beginner set-up, but it's a ten gallon tank that holds more than a couple of fish. We opted to go with tropical fish because there is more of a variety, so we needed a get-up that came with a heater and filter. We got LOTS of help from the super nice people at PetSmart and followed all their instructions down to a "T", which means we brought the tank home, set it all up and let it run for a week with no fish. Then we added the first three a week ago, and tonight we added the final four. They were all personally selected and ceremoniously named by Haleigh, and here's the roll call:

3 guppies:
1 tequila sunrise named "Elvis"
1 turquoise named "Thomas O'Malley" (or T.O. for short, and yes, his personality is strikingly similar to that football player)
1 lyre tail named "Max" (turning out to be my favorite, soooooo pretty)

1 balloon belly molly named "Captain Jack". He is a big fat happy fellow who loves bubbles, like that one guy from "Finding Nemo"

1 Mickey Mouse Tail Platy named "Dude". These guys are named for the sideways mickey mouse shape on their tails, although the one on our guy is much more distinct than the one in this picture.

2 bottom-feeding "peppered" catfish named "Herschel" and "Jesse McCartney"

We are literally turning into a jungle around here. We have fish, beast, and no fowl. But I have to draw the line at fowl. I've been trying to capture pictures of our new little fish world, but it is pretty much impossible! Haleigh did a very good job decorating, though. :-)

Condolences

2009-01-02T21:24:00.000-08:00

I learned a few moments ago that Jett Travolta, son of John Travolta and Kelly Preston, died today. He was only 16 years old. I remember hearing his parents discuss his illnesses when he was younger, later diagnosed as Kawasaki disease, and how they switched to an all natural and organic home, using no chemical cleaning products which they believed were related to his illness.
I've always just adored John Travolta, from when I discovered him on reruns of "Welcome Back, Kotter". Those eyes! That charm! I once tried to convince my husband to take me to visit some of his distant family in Ocala, Florida because the Travolta's have a home (and runway, with parking for 3 airplanes) there. It just breaks my heart to hear of his loss - not so much because of my ongoing fascination with him - but, as a parent, I just can't imagine that heartache. My thoughts and prayers are with that family tonight.

2009: The Year of ?

2009-01-01T01:42:00.000-08:00

A new year is upon us, and for me it is a welcome sight. 2008 has not been the greatest year for our family, and I'm not sad to see it go. Don't get me wrong, it had its bright spots, but overall it was an extremely difficult time.
2009 sees me entering a new decade - I will be 30 in a few short weeks. My mother-in-law says these are the years that a woman is most focused on her family, and I can see what she means for the most part. My child needs me to be very present in her life right now. My husband and I are starting to seriously face the questions and reality of our futures, and plan responsibly for them. I have many responsibilities at this point in my life, and they all involve the safety, stability, and happiness of my home.
That said, I am truly hoping that this is the year I learn more about myself. I have found myself lately sitting in various groups of friends, trying to find my "place". I notice that I have felt as if I should apologize or make excuses for things I believe. Not on huge hot topics, just parts of my personality in general that are just ME. I sometimes sit in a group, generally enjoying myself and surrounded by people whose company I truly enjoy, but wondering what it is that I contribute, and if I'm having to suppress any part of myself in order to "fit in". I think it's because I've lost focus of who exactly I am. I am well aware that I have evolved as I've aged and experienced life, but I want to be more in touch with the person I've become . . . or am becoming. I don't know what I'm passionate about any more, and that leaves me feeling a little lost.
So, I'm looking forward to this year being a journey for me, to gain more wisdom about life, others, and myself. Here's to a wonderful 2009.

I survived!

2008-12-31T16:23:00.001-08:00

Well, I survived the first of three visits to get this permanent crown in place on my poor wittle tooth. The procedure itself wasn't that bad at all, but it was pretty sore after the fact. I took the prescribed pain medicine, followed by a slightly involuntary nap, and now things are looking up! I'm looking forward to a quiet celebration of the new year with friends. Wishing everyone a safe and happy evening! :-)

This made me laugh today

2008-12-30T07:59:00.001-08:00

AND, as it turns out, my dental appointment is tomorrow morning, so I have time to get a prescription filled to help ease my troubled mind. Hooray! :-)

Ugh

2008-12-29T23:14:00.001-08:00

I completely forgot until a few hours ago that I have to go in to the dentist in the morning to get a crown. Well, I'll get the temporary one tomorrow. It will require getting shots in my mouth, and that makes my stomach twist into knots and threaten to give me back my supper. Normally, my nice dentist gives me a prescription for Valium which helps me to practically take a nap while sitting in the chair with a cozy blanket (that they give me to help the uncontrollable shivering), but I didn't get that part taken care of in time. We've pretty much been in lock-down due to all the snow, and people are just starting to drive, and offices are just starting to open, and I just plum' FORGOT about it! So, I have one little Xanax that I was saving for an emergency, but I'm not sure how much good it will do me. I like my dentist, and dental procedures in general don't bother me . . . once we get past that part involving needles. I suppose, if I can handle B12 shots every other week (and I NEVER imagined I could handle that) I will make it through this, too, but right now I'm not feeling so confident. I keep reminding myself that I have given birth, for pete's sake, but it's not helping. I'll report back tomorrow if I survive without a nervous breakdown. :-)

Happy Birthday!

2008-12-26T11:42:00.000-08:00

This kid has the life. :-) She built a throne of snow in our front yard to sit upon as Queen of her World. She's built a snowman in the park (with a little help from Daddy),

made cookies for Santa,

and Santa was very good to her this year! And to top it all off, TODAY she turns 8 years old!
I cannot believe this child was once the tiny little baby I held in my arms like a doll. Now she's almost as big as me! They do grow up fast.

I think

2008-12-21T15:51:00.001-08:00

she likes the snow.

Who needs snow tires?

2008-12-21T15:49:00.000-08:00

When you can ski right through town? This guy found a much smarter way to cruise past our house today. :-)

Meanwhile

2008-12-20T16:18:00.000-08:00

my mother has called, and our chats include her descriptions of the practically tropical, almost 80 degree weather she's been enjoying. Normally I feel that all that warmth would just kill my Christmas buzz, but right now I'd take it.

If you don't hear from me in a few days . . .

2008-12-20T16:12:00.000-08:00

Please come dig me out. For the first time since we've lived her, there is a blizzard warning in the mountains. Some areas a short drive from my house may get up to a foot and a half of snow. The area around my home, which usually doesn't retain snow at all, may get anywhere from 5 to 12 inches, on top of the stuff that's already on the ground. And did I mention that the roads are completely frozen solid? I know that some of you folks in other parts of our country think this is no big deal, considering the deep freezes that happen in your neck of the woods, but we just aren't really prepared for this sort of thing. I only pray that my power stays on, or I will build a cocoon of blankets and my family and I may emerge at the new year. If I can type in spite of the shivering of my entire body, I'll keep you posted.

Strrreeeeeetch

2008-12-20T10:23:00.000-08:00

Do you get excited when you see a limo? I do! I always have, and I just can't explain it. My imagination gets the best of me and starts making up stories about the people inside. For me, limo equals glamour and intrigue - even though usually it's just a pile of teenagers on their way to a formal! I've never actually been in a limo, which might add to the intrigue. And have you seen all the different styles of limo? There are the top-end Bentley's and Corvette limos along with the classics. You can even get various SUV limos, a Harley Davidson limo (a bicycle built for 20?), and even a mini Cooper, which I think defeats the purpose. Maybe one day I'll have my own VIP experience. For now, I'll just continue in my amazement and curiosity when I see one of them stretching down the road!

Be Careful What You Wish For

2008-12-18T13:46:00.000-08:00

We woke up this morning to a blanket of snow on the ground, and it kept coming down hard and heavy all morning. We tried to sled a little, but the snow was so powdery that it was a little difficult. It is a lovely sight, but I'm glad I didn't feel inclined to try and drive in it. Matt was already scheduled to work today, but the police department also had to call in every extra body they could get just for traffic control. He has already had one car slide into him while trying to block a road, and even had a sand truck sliding toward him sideways! I think people really overestimate their driving skills and underestimate the ice for some reason!

I'm about to take my poor doggies out for a walk. Sam loves it, but he is very tall and has a thick coat. Ozzy (the bulldog) is very low to the ground, so I feel bad for him but he has to potty! That reminds me - don't eat the yellow snow!

Baby, It's Cold Outside

2008-12-17T19:38:00.001-08:00

As I sit her typing this, I'm relishing the fact that we warmed up to a balmy 37 degrees today. It meant that we didn't get much snow, but that will probably be coming tonight as we sleep. At times like these, I am able to sit in the warmth and comfort of my home, sipping coffee or cocoa and bundling up. It allows me to appreciate the beauty of the landscape outside when the wind is whipping the trees and everything is dusted white. I worry about those who live their entire lives outside, though. While I'm dreaming of sledding, they are worried about their very lives, and trying desperately to find a way to keep warm. We have several emergency shelters opening in the area, and I am grateful for that.

I remember last year during our winter storm that caused so much horrible flooding, I panicked at the thought of people being unable to stay warm or even dry! I knew a few of the areas where homeless camps were located, so I went out and bought lots of blankets, tarps, gloves, hats, and those little hand-warmer bags that you can tuck in your pockets. I was on a mission. Until I told my husband. The cop. He forbade me to traipse into the woods alone, but I was determined to get those things to people who could use them. In the end, we agreed that the best thing was to take them down to the Salvation Army so the Major there could hand them out the people he knew could use them most during the free luch hour. So, that's what I did. And I don't CARE why those folks were living in the woods. I know that many of them live lives of crime that dumped them on the streets, but I don't care. Not all of them are criminals. Some of them have mental illnesses that prevent them from functioning in normal society, and they don't have loved ones to take care of them. Some of them probably found themselves unemployed, got behind on their bills, lost everything, and haven't been able to come back from that. When you think about it, that could so easily happen to any of us. In our current economy, we will probably see more of it. Anyway, it angers me when people do nothing to help because they think it's more important to place blame than to give a hand. Why does it matter? They are still God's children just like you and me that hit some hard luck somewhere, and they deserve to know kindness.

I guess you could say I'm on my soapbox tonight. I'm saying a prayer that those who need it will find their way to our shelters and get some food and a warm bed tonight. Let us all remember there is goodness left in the world.

Happy Birthday

2008-12-14T14:01:00.000-08:00

to my mom! I wish I could be there to celebrate with her, but I spoke to her earlier and I am convinced she's spending her day just like she wants to!

Hooray!

2008-12-13T22:50:00.000-08:00

Haleigh and I went to see The Greatest Christmas Pageant Ever tonight, and it was wonderful. It caused our evening to end a little later than usual, so she was just getting into bed around 10:45. It had been sprinkling tiny snowflakes throughout the day, and we peeked out the window to check the progress . . . as you can see, she was excited, because she saw this:

Next thing I knew, she had bolted out the door (her father might have had something to do with that). She considered coming back inside when she felt the chill.

Then she took off down the sidewalk and we haven't seen her since.

I'm just kidding. I promise. Sorry, Grandma. :-)

A picture, and a sweet evening

2008-12-07T16:27:00.001-08:00

Haleigh and I hardly ever get all dressed up and take pictures, but we managed to sneak one in last night. We had a truly magical evening. It started several weeks ago with Haleigh determined to pick out the "most special dress" in anticipation of our trip to see The Nutcracker. We've been 4 of the last 5 years, and she loves it. It's always entertaining for me to watch her because each year it's as if she's never seen it before! Well, except for the fact that she basically has the whole thing memorized, but she is just so excited each time that it's brand new all over again!

We attend a local production, even though we have the option of going to Seattle to see the bigger-than-life Pacific Northwest Ballet version. We have never been disappointed. Our local Peninsula Dance Theatre puts on a fabulous show complete with a live orchestra. We always get reserved seats near the front so Haleigh can walk up and see the instruments in the orchestra pit. I discovered the only downfall to those super-close seats this year when Haleigh turned to me as the Nutcracker Prince danced across the stage in his white tights and said "mom, he really ought to wear underwear." Well. I just explained to her that he WAS, they were just part of the outfit.

It really was a special night, and I'm glad I have this picture of us to remember it by.

Don't Know Why I Love Her So

2008-12-03T16:42:00.001-08:00

Yes, I do. It's because she writes things like this. Haleigh's teacher gave them a poetry assignment, the "I am" poem. Here's Haleigh's. It is all at once profound, simple, elegant, poignant, adult and innocent - it is her. And I just love it.

I am beautiful and talented
I wonder if I get to go to Georgia next summer
I hear my heart beat
I see me riding on a flying unicorn

I am beautiful and talented
I pretend I'm a famous singer
I feel the blood running through me
I touch the clothes that are on me
I worry if I'm going to die
I cry when I don't get my way

I am beautiful and talented
I understand that you don't always get what you want
I say prayers at night
I dream about horses
I try to get good grades
I hope that no one in my family dies

Something new

2008-12-02T21:33:00.000-08:00

I learn things about this great state of Washington all the time. In the 6 1/2 years we've been here, we've embraced and fallen in love with our new home 3,000 miles from where we started. The scenery and wildlife never cease to amaze, and it really does have the best of everything. There's farmland in the east, mountains and beaches in the west, even our own rain forest! But TODAY I learned something I never knew! Our own Yakima Valley is the producer of 80 % of the hops in America! Not only are we getting well-known for our wine country, we have a starring role in beer, too. So, next time you raise a glass, go ahead and toast the fine Washingtonians who helped bring you that cool refreshing beverage! LOL

Deck the halls!

2008-11-30T22:40:00.000-08:00

We got our Christmas tree today! It was quite a different scene from last year, when it snowed and sleeted on us the entire time we were out there! I tend to take my sweet time picking out a tree, so we were thankfully well bundled! Naturally, this year in the mostly sunny almost 60 degree weather, I found the perfect tree within about ten minutes. It was such a rare occurrence that I still insisted we walk around a little while longer "just in case."

The winner this year was a lovely blue spruce, a new type of tree for us. They were not available for sale last year, but I'm so thankful they were ready this year. They are a little more full than a Noble, but just perfect for hanging every ornament you own! Their branches can take the load, but they are PRICKLY! We're hoping it deters the kitty from climbing (so far, so good), but we sacrificed our fingertips while we decorated!

I just love tree-cutting day at our house. We go as early as possible (usually the day after Thanksgiving) and the tree farm we go to is a sight to behold. Hubert's is a family-owned operation in the shadow of the Olympics, (that's it in the picture!) and it is breathtaking to walk the acres of 10 different kinds of trees while gazing at the snow-covered mountains around you. In the evening, we set the tree up and string the lights while listening to Christmas music and sipping eggnog. Haleigh is now old enough that she participates fully in hanging the ornaments, starting with her special ones. We set up the nutcrackers - one is a police officer, one is Uncle Drosselmeyer, and one is Uncle Sam! Then, I light some candles and we just relax together as a family. This year, Haleigh hung a picture of her grandma front and center on the tree and announced that she would be having Christmas at her house next year. We asked if it was ok if grandma just came and spent the night here and she was ok with that. So, grandma, we need to work that out, ok? LOL

I hope you are all getting in the Christmas spirit!

Love is . . .

2008-11-16T12:01:00.000-08:00

all about the little things. Thursday night, I realized I had missed an episode or two of The Office, and didn't know about one of the story lines. My hubby noticed last night that one of the ones I missed was on, so he recorded it for me to watch when I got home. I know it's silly, but that consideration felt really great. Those little moments are the backbone of great love, I believe. It's about kindness, and knowing what the other person would like, then doing it. I think I'll keep him.

There was an old lady who swallowed a frog

2008-11-07T22:26:00.000-08:00

Well, I'm not exactly an old lady, but it sure sounds like I swallowed a frog! Our house has been under a plague since last weekend involving a cold times all three of us and a stomach virus times just one of us. My child bounced right back after 2 days of feeling yucky with just some residual stuffiness. I've been fighting it all week and have now managed to lose my voice from coughing, so I'm just croaking along. My poor husband had the stomach virus from H-E-double hockey sticks most of the week, on TOP of the cold we've all been passing around. YUCK! Add to that the flood watch we're under since we're getting our first good winter dumping of rain, and you can imagine what the mood has been like!

So much has been happening in the world this week, and I normally would have been blogging about it all! But, it just wasn't in my cards to do much at all. I think tonight we might finally be crawling out of the fog, though!

Interesting side note: Did you know the state amphibian of Oklahoma is the bullfrog???

I Voted!

2008-11-04T14:53:00.001-08:00

Did YOU? I dropped my ballot off today at our local drop-off spot, and it was so exciting to see HUGE amounts of people doing the same thing! It doesn't matter a hill of beans to me who you voted for, I'm just proud if you did your civic duty! Isn't it a blessing to live in a country where we have some say-so in our government?

Happy Election Day to you all!

Just For Fun

2008-11-01T10:17:00.000-07:00

As I was browsing through some of my pictures last night, I realized that I have a digital photo of almost every Halloween since Haleigh was born. Almost, because somehow I missed her second Halloween in 2002. It was her first one in Washington, and I can assure you she was a very sparkly, beautiful pink fairy, complete with magic wand. That was also the last year I picked out her costume.

In exhibit #1 (above) I think it is completely obvious that I was a giddy first-time mom. She looked adorable and we have some fabulous pictures of that first Halloween, but we were also still in Georgia - and she was a little warm in that get-up! She was also much more interested in eating leaves than taking pictures, but I will never forget how precious she looked traipsing around her great-grandmother's yard. She had just started walking (just under 10 months old!) and I personally can't get enough of wobbly little babies taking bow-legged strides of excitement. Add a butterfly costume and it's pure bliss.

2003 was the year of Disney princesses. Matt bought Snow White the movie for her when she was about 6 months old, rationalizing that she was going to love it one day, and we needed to get it before it went back in the vault! He was so right.

2004 started a cat trend. We found a black fuzzy leotard with long sleeves and pants (very important for northwest trick-or-treating), and made a tail out of a boa. This was the result: Haleigh in all her black cat glory, a.k.a. The Cutest Picture in the Universe.

2005 arrived and she wanted to be a tiger. I couldn't find a tiger costume anywere, so this one had to be ordered online. I think it turned out fabulous. I also think my kid might be the cutest kid to grace this earth . . . at least this year.

See, things started to get dark after that. She decided that "Halloween is supposed to be SCARY, mom!!!" So, for 2006 she wanted to be a witch. I tried to keep it as cute as possible (notice the silver sequins on the dress). Here she is with her friend Darth Vader.

Last year she outdid herself. 2007 was the year of the scary ghost. We had a lot of fun with that one, and I think she looks like the Ghost of Christmas Past. She was very into this costume.

And, of course this year she was Catwoman (see below). That was serendipitous find. Amazingly she wasn't at all interested in all the little tartlet outfits at Party City that attempt to make our little girls look like Playboy Bunnies. I'll be glad when that trend is over. Exhausted and hungry, with no costume solution in sight, we stopped at a small local costume shop and voila! There was Catwoman on the bottom shelf. Problem solved!

I hope you all had wonderful Halloweens! Thanks for indulging me in my trip down memory lane.

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-31T11:18:00.001-07:00

This picture was snapped yesterday before it started raining. :-) We are having a classic northwest halloween in our neck of the woods - cloudy and drizzly. But, out here, if you let the rain stop you, nothing would ever get done. So, a' trick-or-treating we will go! My little Catwoman is quite excited about all the candy, as usual.

So how are you guys celebrating this festive day?

Too much cuteness

2008-10-25T20:59:00.000-07:00

One week ago, Haleigh attended a mini-cheer camp hosted by our local high school's cheerleaders as a fundraiser. The girls arrived and got their very own pom-pom's and a souvenir t-shirt which they all immediately changed into). They were divided up into age groups and spent 3 hours learning a few cheers, a short dance routine, and falling madly into hero worship of the high school girls. As if this were not enough to completely make their day, they were invited to come back this weekend as special guests at Friday's game.

So, last night we got ready for some home town fun. :-) Haleigh and the other girls had their very own reserved section right in front of the cheerleaders. At the end of half-time, they got to go down and cheer with the older girls for a few minutes. It was almost too adorable for me to handle. Those little girls were so star-struck!

2008-10-25T11:23:00.000-07:00

This week, my mother-in-law had her final chemo treatment. She still has a few doctor visits including a scan to make sure everything looks good, but after that things are still a little uncertain. I am so proud of her determination to face this with a positive attitude and get through it! It would have been hard for anyone, but she has had a particularly horrible year. I am filled with so much admiration for how she has handled it. If a person's true character comes forth when they go through trials and tribulations, then she is practically a saint. I wish so much that we could have been physically closer to help, but I know that we will be soon enough. In fact, I saw a story on the news today that seven of our Puget Sound orcas are missing. Scientists assume the worst, but I have my own theory. Perhaps they just went to find their friend and bring her back to Washington! They have missed her, too!

Against the world

2008-10-22T20:45:00.000-07:00

This morning we had huge drama at my house involving jeans that my daughter did not want to wear. I should explain that this child of mine refuses to wear jeans, except for horse riding lessons because it is basically a requirement. It started some time toward the end of last school year - she just cannot stand how they feel. So, when I determined it was truly bothersome to her and not just an attempt to make me insane (don't laugh, I know she plots against me), I decided to work with her rather than fight her. Mostly it's not been a big deal, but it has made me get more creative with clothing purchases, since removing jeans from the wardrobe means you don't have a bottom that everything goes with. So, imagine my pleasant surprise when she found a pair of jeans with sparkles that she adored. I made her try them on and she was further convinced that she must have them. So, I rationalized the prize with the fact that at least she would have ONE pair of jeans.

Today marked the first day of actually wearing them, and she had a fit when she tried them on. She cried and said they made her look fat, and she was not going to school. Fat. Where has she ever even heard that phrase? I snapped. I lost it. I was completely overwhelmed, and I think my brain was so stunned by the signals coming from my ears that it stopped working. I am not an image-obsessed person, and my child seems to be more concerned with clothing/fashion/make-up/attitude/etc. than me. Today was the straw that broke the camel's back. Did I mention she's SEVEN?

Needless to say, I completely stressed out that my little girl is having some image issues barely into her grade-school years. She acts at times like a bratty teenager. But what should I expet when someone in our society actually thought it was a good idea to market MATCHING APPARREL for little girls and their pimped-out Bratz. It infuriates me that I can't shield her from all the examples she sees all around her! I was playing with Business Barbie and Rainbow Brite at her age. She's surrounded by Bratz and images of spoiled rotten bimbo starlets who make being an idiot look glamorous. Her father said it right - I am one person against a whole world trying to teach her, and I just have to work harder. I could have really worked myself up into a tizzy about the whole thing, but tonight she gave me the break I needed. :-) It might not always seem like it, but I still have a lot of influence on that kid, along with the family and friends who love her. When she had free time to pick a movie tonight, she chose "Baby Take A Bow." Shirley Temple - now there's a role model I can live with.

Trying hard to embrace THIS change

2008-10-09T16:47:00.001-07:00

Well, this has been an eventful week for me in my medical world. You might remember that I decided a while back to enlist the help of a naturopathic doctor to get my body back in balance. I had been diagnosed with an oddball little autoimmune thing called Sjogren's disorder, and my cholesterol was out of whack, even after trying for a year to get it under control. Since there is no obvious reason for my cholesterol to be bad (not even my love affair with cheese!), and I've just felt a little funky for quite a while now (I won't bore you with all the details), I knew I wanted to find out what the heck was going on and work on making my whole self healthy.

The first big news was that I have an issue with cow milk. Long story short, I cut out all dairy for 3 weeks, then had some dairy, and it shocked my system. It was unpleasant. So far milk is bad, and cream cheese. Sliced American didn't affect me much, and yogurt is just fine. I'll try brie soon and find out if life is still worth living. So, is the digestive upset the biggest problem? Nope. Turns out that my body doesn't absorb B12, most likely because of the dairy issue. So, I have a B12 deficiency. And you know what that means? I have to get a flippin' shot once a week for 4 weeks, then 2 more every two weeks, then probably once a month forever, unless my body does better and I can switch to the oral version. It's not an option for me at this point because my levels are so low.

Now, I have a needle phobia. Don't laugh. It's horrible, and it totally screws with me psychologically if anyone approaches me with one. This year, however, seems to be the one to cure me of this problem. I've had 2 surgeries involving 3 iv's, a billion labs done, one tetanus shot, and now I get to look forward to regular puncture wounds. Well, CRAP!

But you know what? I'm finally going to feel better. My low B12 means my body isn't taking good care of it's veins, and the cholesterol has lots of places to gunk up and stick around. I am a thin, healthy, 29 year old woman, and I would like my arteries to reflect that. I'm going to put on my big girl panties and be a WOMAN, because I am strong enough to handle this. When I need inspiration, I'll call my mother-in-law, one of the strongest women I know. Now she can tell me about some needles.

Hello, my name is Amy

2008-10-04T20:14:00.000-07:00

I felt like I should re-introduce myself after the sporadic blogging I've been doing. :-)

I didn't intend to be away so long. It just got a little crazy around here, and I felt like my blog was destined to turn into a play-by-play of the school, work, soccer games, horse-riding lessons, etc. going on in my daily routine. Now, however, I feel like we are all adjusting well to a new school year. When Haleigh started school, I basically doubled my work hours. Although I am still working part-time, it has taken some getting used to. Bless my bosses' hearts, I still have lots of flexibility and Tuesdays off - so I get to hang out with my lovely husband some more. :-)

Best of all - it's FALL!!!!! My soul feels more nurtured every day that I see more colors on the trees. The cooler air invigorates me, and I think I get more excited about pumpkin patches than most children. I love living in a place where there are 4 distinct seasons.

Happy fall to y'all!

If you have a moment . . .

2008-09-28T09:37:00.000-07:00

A cool story about one of the "coolest" men. Our world is a little better to have had him, I think.
http://www.slate.com/id/2201116/?GT1=38002

Goodbye, Blue Eyes

2008-09-27T13:56:00.000-07:00

I've been away from my little blog for a while, but I felt compelled to post today. I'm sure you've already seen the news that Mr. Paul Newman died today. Obviously I didn't know him personally, but I was very moved to learn of his passing. He seemed such a likeable guy, and he made my favorite spaghetti sauce. :-) Oh, and those eyes!

We have a little piece of Mr. Newman's legacy nearby. Do you know about his Hole in the Wall Gang camps for terminally ill children? He intended for those to be his legacy more than anything else, and he recently designated one in Carnation, WA. I found that interesting because many years ago my mother-in-law found that spot on a map and said "now, doesn't that sound like a nice place to live?"

Updates from the Home Front

2008-09-07T08:21:00.000-07:00

My, it's been busy around here.

Yesterday, on our way to Haleigh's soccer game, we stopped by the police station to drop off goodies and a balloon for Matt's birthday. In my excitement over miniature brownies and a cookie variety platter, I forgot it was Saturday and there was no one at the front desk to let us in! Fortunately, when I called to let him know that I was trying to bring him goodies, he was right down the hall and came to let us in. On our way out, though, we got stuck in the lobby when I couldn't figure out how to open the exterior doors until a nice fellow officer came in and saved us from our distress.

We bolted out the door and headed down the road for the soccer game, managing to get there with only 1 1/2 minutes until starting! I don't know if the hectic pace got her blood pumping or what, but she jumped in there and immediately started scoring goals! The first was amazing to watch, as she drilled it on a diagonal to fly right past the goalie into the corner of the goal. She went on to score 3 of the team's 4 goals to help them win the game. She was very proud, and so was I, but the BEST part was simply watching how well she played with her teammates the entire time and how much fun she was having. At the end of the game, the parents always form a "tunnel" for the girls to run through after high-fiving the other team and saying "good game". When we were finished with that yesterday, the opposing team made a tunnel for our girls to run through, and our girls turned around and did the same for them. It was so adorable to watch a pile of giggling little girls, half in green and half in white. It was a moment that defines why team sports are good - they had a little healthy competition out on the field, learned to work hard with their teams, and made even more friends and had fun through the whole process!

Last night we went over to our neighbors' for a yummy dinner and a small birthday celebration for Matt. I made homemade cobbler from a pile of blackberries picked right in their backyard and it was delicious!

Today is a big day, too. I'm auditioning for another musical this afternoon. It's Sondheim's "Company" for those of you who are familiar with these things. Wish me luck!

Happy Birthday

2008-09-06T09:18:00.000-07:00

to my husband. If you want to know what a wonderful man he is, go visit his mom over at Cedar Chest of Dreams. It is largely the result of being raised by that woman that he is the marvelous human being that I was fortunate enough to marry almost ten years ago.

This picture is another from our recent hiking trip. I call it his "King of the Mountain" picture and I love it, because he is in such a happy place. It always soothes his soul to get out in the woods and behold the majesty around him.

I still love him, maybe even more than the first birthday I celebrated with him, and I hope he has a day as fabulous as him.

Is my cat a republican?

2008-09-04T14:20:00.000-07:00

I'm not really sure what this was all about, as it has never happened before. Last night, the entire time I watched Governor Palin speaking, the kitty was obsessed with the tv. She even seemed to react to what she was saying! I hurried to get the camera to snap a picture, but I shouldn't have worried . . . she had to be forcibly removed from up there! And she still sat on the bookshelf and watched the rest of the speech!

One down, a hundred-something to go . . .

2008-09-03T16:26:00.001-07:00

Today kicked off second grade for Haleigh. She has not been looking forward to school, mostly because she had a pretty boring year in first grade, and a teacher that she didn't exactly mesh with. Haleigh is an exceptionally intelligent child, who is also quite social and um, loud. She had some behavior problems last year brought on by boredom, and her desire to dominate most situations. She spent most of the year frustrated, and she didn't expect to ever like school.
This year, she transferred to a new school because she tested and was accepted into the "highly capable" program. I always feel awkward telling people that, like I'm putting my child up on some neon-lit pedestal. But the fact is, she is a gifted little girl. I'm just going to embrace it.
Anyway, she met her teacher briefly at the end of last school year when she was allowed to go and visit the new classroom. She got to participate, but because it wasn't her classroom at the time, she didn't get completely comfortable. So, she was convinced that this year was going to be horrible.
Then, we had a back-to-school ice cream social last night where she had the opportunity to put her supplies away and see her teacher again. She remembered that she actually really liked this new teacher. When we got back in the car she said "I'm actually kind of excited about school now." HOORAY! I'm happy to report that feeling continued . . . she had a wonderful first day and says she LOVES school. Well, alright! Thank goodness for happy beginnings!

Marmot Pass trip

2008-09-02T16:54:00.000-07:00

I decided to break our hiking trip into installments. It's just too much for one blog entry, especially with pictures.

Our campsite sat between two gurgling streams that provided a fabulous supply of crisp, cold water (freshly filtered before drinking, of course). They were both pretty easy to walk or hop across, and this enormous boulder sat on the opposite side of one of them. I had not explored all the way around it, so I was a little startled when I came out of the trees in the morning to see Matt resting on top of it, coffee mug in hand. It turns out it wasn't nearly so high on the backside, so he scrambled up to a nice perch for enjoying his morning joe.

In the other picture, if you look close you'll see me. This was the big open field just up from our campsite that you crossed to get to the pass. It's also where we first saw marmots, which will be discussed in a later post. As soon as I saw it, I knew I had to throw my arms out and sing "The hills are aliiiiiiive, with the sound of music," so I did. :-)

In case you wondered

2008-09-01T10:27:00.001-07:00

what my kitty does all day, this is it. :-) Well, she also takes extensive naps on the back of the couch and chases a little cloth ball with feathers attached like a maniac. But, in the mornings, she likes to hang out right in front of the French doors and watch the squirrels and birds. It also happens to be right next to my computer desk and I am endlessly amused watching her tail twitch when she spots a critter. Speaking of her tail, isn't it enormous? It's so huge and bushy for such a petite little girl. I made her look away from her prey for a moment so I could capture her exquisite face. I love her. Can you tell?

Sunday Stroll

2008-08-31T18:53:00.000-07:00

Every Labor Day weekend, my town celebrates the blackberry with a festival down on the waterfront. In the 6 years we've been here, I've watched it grow from a few booths in an old parking lot to a beautiful gathering on our fancy new pier and boardwalk area, all in the shadow of new waterfront condominiums. Today we walked down, and I managed to resist the blackberry cobbler, scones, and "slugs" - a heavenly blackberry jam-filled pastry thing that the festival is famous for. We did sample blackberry soda, a new addition to the event, and tomorrow I'll go back to buy blackberry wine for my dad. I might have some cobbler, too. :-)
Haleigh and I had so much fun browsing around outside that we decided to extend our walk for a Sunday Stroll. They say black cats are bad luck, but I don't believe it for a second about this little sweetie! We found her lounging on a garbage can beneath lovely roses, and she and Haleigh became fast friends.

Could it be? Just down the street we found this fun little shrub beginning to show signs of fall already!

Our walk took us over an old bridge not far from home, and this was the view down over the marina.

At the opposite end, we found a cozy little spot to sit and watch the boats go by. I think we'll have to plan a picnic soon.

And, naturally, we stopped to take a picture of this weekend's guest of honor. This cluster shows the different stages of ripening. When I was a little girl, I could hardly wait for them to be ready, so I snacked on MANY red berries in my impatience. Haleigh shares my love for this berry, too, but she prefers them very ripe and enormous.

I hope you all had wonderful Sundays!

A sampling

2008-08-30T16:38:00.001-07:00

The sites we saw on our hiking trip were incredible. It was well worth the sore muscles! It's just been so busy since we got back that I haven't been able to sit down long enough to get the pictures re-sized and ready to share. Here's a sampling, though. We were on our way back down to our campsite from Marmot Pass, elevation 6,000 feet. There was a rainbow of wildflowers all along our hike and I couldn't take them all in! This picture doesn't catch all the colors, but it shows the beauty of the area quite well.

Where have I been?

2008-08-27T15:24:00.000-07:00

I've been climbing a mountain. And I survived! With minimal whining! I'll be blogging about it soon. Meanwhile, here's a picture of Ozzy to make you smile.

Daydreaming

2008-08-24T10:44:00.001-07:00

There is a cool little annex of Seattle called Fremont. It is the essence of quirkiness. They have a giant troll under their bridge, for pete's sake, complete with a full-size Volkswagen bug. It is also one of the only towns I know of to actually put a statue of a former communist leader in a prominent town square, for the sake of art. That took some serious cajones.

I have known about Fremont since I prepared to move to this wonderful part of the country. My mother-in-law has a good friend who told me about it. He made an enigmatic remark about the "trolls under the bridges" out here, and I had to do furious internet research to decipher it. I was fascinated by what I found, but I never had the chance to visit until last Sunday. My good friend and neighbor, Amber, refinishes furniture, and she decided to start selling it at this market again. I JUMPED at the chance to go and help her, even though it meant getting up at a time of the morning that is painful and foreign to me.

When the morning arrived, we piled the last-minute things into Amber's big SUV. The trailer was already loaded and ready to go. We stopped for much needed coffee and we were on our way. We didn't go over the Aurora Bridge, so I didn't get to see the troll this time. We went instead over the charming old Fremont Bridge into a downtown area that was already hopping. For me, it was love at first sight. I noticed the food first - two Thai restaurants and a Greek one all in the same block. Sigh. There was a conglomeration of shops, some very high-end but all cozy and inviting. One street section was blocked off for the Sunday Market, and there are bright flags at each end announcing you have arrived! We got the trailer unloaded and the furniture arranged, and I set off to explore. There were beautiful fresh flowers whose smell drifted down to us throughout the day, and lots of fresh produce. I tried rainbow chard, peaches, enormous raspberries, and nectarines. In fact, I had the first peach not grown in Georgia that I actually liked. I've been searching for 6 years. It still wasn't a GA peach, but it was really good. While I'm discussing food, let me just be honest with you. I had to try basically all of the market food, LOL. Amber and I had Phad Thai and pot stickers for lunch. Then we had shaved ice in a recyclable cup, of course! Earlier in the morning the smoothie shop had passed out bags of free organic goodies like bars and granola, etc. The piece de resistance came with the crepe, however. I've never had crepes, and I swear to you now that habit will change! The wonderful crepe goddess made me this light, fluffy, buttery confection that she sprinkled with sugar, then bruleed the sugar with a torch! She drizzled lemon juice over the top of that, then she added mascarpone cheese and sprinkled the whole thing with powdered sugar! Makes me drool just thinking about it.

Okay, enough about the food. The vendors were all unique and fun, too. There was even a lady giving spiritual card readings! I ran out of time to go see her, but maybe she'll be there on my next trip. There was also a booth that had a lot of art involving a goddess with an elephant head. It seemed very Indian, and the incense wafting out was thick and heavy. I was captivated by that art for some reason. There was a fair amount of junk, but it was good junk. I can't explain it to you unless you're a flea market kind of person. They all have junk, but some junk is better than others. The most interesting find, for me, was a small antique trunk filled with old black and white photos. There were handwritten notes on the backs of most of them. I found myself sorting through them, making up stories about all the fat-cheeked little babies, and the young couples embracing. There was one little boy with a cowlick poking a stick at a big fat frog in a mud puddle that I fell in love with.

All in all, it was a great experience. It was a loooooong day, and I was exhausted, but I plan to go back whenever I can.

Peace, Love and all things Green

2008-08-18T20:34:00.000-07:00

My child was communing with the trees and feeling groovy on her camping trip. :-)

Summer Fun

2008-08-18T10:23:00.000-07:00

After the interesting experience of the concert, things still did not slow down around here. The next night, we went to our friend Kelly's house. He lives in a beautiful part of Washington with a small river in his backyard that bursts at the seams with salmon in the fall. I love all bodies of water, but that river really calls to me. It's not very deep on his property (except when all the snow in the mountains is melting!) and there are so many beautiful rocks! I blogged about it last year, too, here and here.

On Sunday, we took care of a few errands to prepare for all of our trips that would begin Monday morning. Matt took Haleigh and our neigbor's son William camping. I took my very first ever (as an adult) all girls vacation. My friend Katie O. (remember the first time I introduced you to her here?) is blessed enough to still have all four of her wonderful grandparents. Her maternal set owns the sweetest little cabin on a private lake in the Arlington area. It's about a mile wide, and it's charming and perfect! The cabin that her great-grandfather built is beyond words. As soon as I get pictures from the other girls, I'll post them here. We arrived Monday at lunch time and left Wednesday afternoon.

The setting was breathtaking, and the company was fabulous. The memories we made are some of the best of my lifetime. We stopped and picked up lots of fresh produce. This is an agricultural area, so we had our pick of yummy treats. The berries alone were enough to make me swoon! We lounged on the dock and in the lake talking and giggling! We played lots of games, and had absolutely no agenda for anything. I even kayaked for the very first time and I am now hooked. The other Katie, Katie H. and I both hopped in the kayaks the first day. It was her first time, too, and she was a natural. About 20 feet out from the dock she turned around and yelled "You GUYS, I should go to the OLYMPICS for this!" Thus, the theme for our vacation was born. We had diving competitions, judged on creativity and silliness of your facial expression. We played a card game called Nibs until it was an all-out war. We turned everything into an event!

I almost forgot! The first night we were there, a meteor shower was happening! We bundled up and layed out on the dock to watch the wide open sky. It was unbelievable. Our deep discussions of life (and requisite silliness) were punctuated every few minutes by all of us shouting "whoa, did you see that one?"

And the closing ceremony to our "Olympic Events"? A late-night skinny dip in the lake on our last evening there, of course!

Motley Crue and other misadventures

2008-08-16T15:09:00.000-07:00

The past two weeks have been a crazy whirlwind blur. Last week, it seemed as if every night were a different event. We took Haleigh to see a movie on Monday evening. It was a reward for being so good and helpful that day - which is going to have a blog devoted to it later. Tuesday night, Matt & Haleigh went to a ball game with friends while I shopped. It was NOT fun shopping. It was frantic "what the heck do you wear to a Motley Crue concert that falls somewhere between soccer mom and leather wearing rocker chick" shopping. The fabulous part of that evening for me, though, was a much-needed long chat with my favorite mother-in-law. It was good to hear her voice. I don't even remember what was happening the next two nights, I just know we weren't home much.

Then, Friday night arrived. Months ago, Matt came home and told me he was going to a Motley Crue concert, and he was getting tickets in the pit with a friend from work. I wasn't really interested, and I knew it would be a nightmare trying to find a sitter, so I wasn't upset about not going. I can say, honestly, that I will never be in a pit at a rock concert. Ever. It's just not my thing. Weeks later, he came home and said his friend's wife would like to go and sit in the grass (it's an outdoor amphitheatre), but she needed someone to go with her. And, their daughter would babysit. So, I started to get a little excited about seeing Tommy Lee play the drums live. He's old and nasty, but he is an incredible drummer, and I'm a musician at heart.

Then, the daughter who would be babysitting ended up going to visit family in California, and we were left with no sitter. I had nowhere to turn. Our friends ended up getting a sitter for both of us. THEN, three out of us four wanted to ride the boys' motorcycles to the concert . . . guess who was the one who didn't? So, we took my family car instead. It might be the coolest family car in the world, but it's no bike. It turned out ok, because we would have been freezing and exhausted on bikes, but I still felt a little bad about it.

So, back to the concert. The people-watching was incredible. I never saw so much leather or so much skin. It could have been one big psychology experiment, trying to figure out what kind of mindset is required to go out in public that way. The show itself was much better than I expected, even with all the colorful language. What I could NOT get past was the 4 giant screens flanking the stage with, um, "adult entertainment" playing throughout the show, mixed in with disturbing religious images and insulting portrayals of our president. I stayed focused on the stage. But were the hoardes of children around me able to do that? That's right, people brought their CHILDREN to this show, which was clearly advertised 18 and over. As if the volume would not be enough to convince you to leave their little eardrums at home . . . we're talking about Motley Crue here! It's not a family-friendly show! I blame the idiot parents and their stupidity, but I think the venue had some responsibility there, too. Those morons should have been turned away at the gate. And it was not just a few children . . . they were everywhere I looked.

Now that I'm off my soapbox, I can say this. I have survived a Motley Crue concert. They are much better live than I ever expected. In fact, I quite enjoyed the actual show. I've always been a big fan of the hair bands, and their musicianship is pretty incredible. I also, after observing that giant gathering of people, feel pretty great about the person that I am. :-) I think I came away from the event having learned a little more about myself, and a little more about the world!

On a side note, I also learned that Nikki Six has apparently been embalmed. He looks like he just walked right out of the 80's. It's spooky. It's like they sucked the life right out of Mick Mars and gave it to Nikki.

I'm baaaaaaack

2008-08-14T09:51:00.000-07:00

One of the most tragic things I know about human nature is that all of us tend to put off living. We are all dreaming of some magical rose gaden over the horizon - instead of enjoying the roses blooming outside our windows today. - Andrew Carnegie

Folks, I've been busy smelling the roses. I'll be blogging about many of my experiences soon. I just didn't want anyone to think I disappeared. :-)

At the last minute . . .

2008-08-04T22:53:00.000-07:00

Today is my brother's birthday. He is my only sibling, seven years older than me. He lives in Florida, where he is finishing up his last few years in the Air Force before retirement. He and his family just bought and moved into their very first home. They've rented or lived in military housing for 16 years, and he is so proud to have one now that belongs to him. He and his wife have four children - all boys, ages 16, 14, 8, and 6 - and I adore every single one of them. My brother is a good man, and I hope he had a birthday just as wonderful as him.

A ray of sunshine

2008-08-04T22:35:00.000-07:00

I'm definitely climbing out of my funk, and I truly appreciate all the sweet comments from you guys. I tell ya, the group of women that have rallied together here in blogger world ought to start a support group or write a book! It has been amazing and inspiring to see the support that has poured forth for some of the trials and tribulations that have been experienced by so many of us. And, even when we're just having a bad day, maybe for no real reason at all, there you are again with your kindness! This is just my little note of appreciation. :-)

The Spiral

2008-08-03T20:57:00.001-07:00

I'm just traveling along in life, enjoying the sunshine and happiness around me, when suddenly WHAM. I find myself becoming quickly overwhelmed by every little thing around me. Every problem seems just to go just beyond the point that I can just handle it and move on. My actual issues become seemingly insurmountable. One thought piles on top of another until I feel buried beneath them, struggling for air, a kind word, a hug. No, not a hug. I would rather wallow in it, even while knowing I shouldn't. And it's not something I can just snap out of. A hug would feel false. The timing would be all wrong.

I don't understand why this spiral happens to me. I am an incredibly capable, strong, intelligent, and talented person who sometimes can't deal with dirty dishes and a cranky seven year old. The thought of taking the dogs out makes me want to cry. The towels that need to be folded are causing my breathing to get shallow. And these are just the things I can see in the space immediately surrounding me. If I were to even attempt to explain the things happening in my brain, it would be the longest rambling run-on sentence in the world, and you would probably want to have me committed.

I know I'll snap out of it. Sometimes just being aware that it's happening is enough. Sometimes, something very sweet and kind happens to me that brings me back up into the light. Every time, I stop and think about the things I can control, and the blessings that I have. It doesn't always stop the tight feeling in my chest, but it helps my perspective.

Getting out of your comfort zone

2008-08-02T17:40:00.000-07:00

A friend once told me that you should do something every day to get out of your "comfort zone". That friend is about to have her first child any day now, so boy will she be taking her own advice soon! :-)

I think that it is easy for any of us to get wrapped up in a zone where everything is familiar. We socialize with the same people, work with the same people at the same place daily, shop at the same places, and entertain ourselves in the same old ways. There's nothing that makes this entirely wrong, since we are creatures of habit and these routines bring us security. However, if we don't break out of these routines every now and then, we miss out on opportunities to learn, grow, be enriched, and just have fun.

In the past week, I am proud to say I did two things that were out of my comfort zone! Last weekend, I went to a Demolition Derby! The friends that invited us could not believe that, being from the south, we had never been to one of these. I'm still processing what all that was implying, LOL. Anyway, I went, having no idea what to expect except a lot of noise and cars crashing into one another. I could not believe how much fun I had! It was so entertaining that I would probably go to another one!

The second thing required much more discomfort on my part. I was recruited to play in a softball game with the police department. The city organized a little "tournament" with various departments. Public Works had 2 teams, there was a Parks & Recreation team, and then us. There had to be 3 girls on each team, and you needed 10 people to play. A friend of mine was playing as well, and that helped. She has never been a ball player, either. :-) I played when I was very young, but I was never really any good.

Early in the game, they stuck me out in right field, and our opponents figured out I was the weak link and hit balls straight to me, which I of course didn't stop very well. The first one stressed me out a little, then I remembered I was supposed to be having fun. When it was our turn at bat, I actually hit the ball! I never struck out, and I made it on base several times. I almost scored once or twice, and I batted one of our runs in, so I contributed! My friend was actually the first person on our team to get on base! It was girl power all the way. We lost, but I had a GREAT time, and I got a GREAT workout. Bonus! Best of all, I felt really good about myself for getting out there and trying.

Not always the obvious answer

2008-08-01T08:56:00.000-07:00

Well, naturally, the first reaction to my dream is that it must mean I want another baby, LOL. :-)
But, here's the thing. I truly do not want to have another baby right this second. I will be 30 in about 6 months, so I still have time to change my mind. But, my daughter will be 8 years old at the end of this year, and that's enough to give me pause. I can't imagine starting all over. You know how some people just obsess over tiny little newborns? Well, naturally we loved our kid and thought she was the most beautiful, most special, most intelligent, most adorable, etc. And she was an ANGEL of a baby. But, we were the parents who always wanted her to hurry up and do something. I was so excited when she started staying awake more, playing with things, communicating with us. As she evolved into her own little person, she just became immensely more interesting! As she's gotten more and more independent (seriously, I could practically let her move out on her own right now), I have embraced it! When I think of middle of the night feedings (shudder), packing giant diaper bags (shudder), and potty training (shudder), I think that maybe one is just enough. And, on those rare occasions where I've thought maybe I would like to have another, Matt shuts me down and suggests getting another puppy. They're practically like newborns anyway, LOL.
There is a part of me that wants for Haleigh to have a sibling. At this point, who knows how close they would ever be, though? And, truth be told . . . I don't really want to give birth again. Oh, I'm not scared of it. I enjoyed every minute of my pregnancy, and I handled the delivery like a champ. I'm pretty sure I shocked everyone in my family, most especially myself, with just how well I brought that kid into the world. Just ask my mother-in-law, she was there for the entire thing! It was the period after the fact that I wasn't too thrilled with. That easy-as-pie pregnancy and textbook delivery were apparently just setting me up for a hell of a recovery. I'd like to avoid that whole experience, really. Before you ask . . . I am an exuberant supporter of adoption, so perhaps that is something to be explored at a later time.
Now, back to my dream. Don't you think it's possible that it's not literally about a baby? I think that's why it's nagging at me. I feel like I'm on the verge of something, and I wonder if this dream was my subconscious letting me know that. Maybe I'll never know . . .

Oddball Dreams

2008-07-31T20:45:00.001-07:00

Occasionally I have a dream that really and truly sticks with me. It just hangs on for dear life around the edges of my subconscious, and there's not much rhyme or reason to it. I don't always figure out what they mean - in fact, I rarely do. I typically spend a bit of time trying to figure them out, though. The other night I had one of these dreams, and it's still nagging at me.
My husband was working in the middle of the night (he actually works day shift), and he was attempting to pull over a car driving erratically. It would speed up for a while, then swerve and slow down dramatically, then speed up again and swerve some more. There was a normal amount of traffic around. He finally got the car pulled over, and it was a lady extremely far into labor, attempting to drive herself to the hospital. She turned to him, looked scared to death, and said "I can't stop it, I'm having this baby." He - always cool under pressure - informed the dispatcher of the situation and requested aid. Then, he squatted down and caught the baby on the side of the road after the mom pushed maybe twice. The mother looked at him with deep, deep relief and gratitude. I can see her eyes so vividly. She was beautiful. But, she was young and frantic, and the look in her eyes switched immediately to panic and terror. She told him "I don't want him, just take him, please." She kept saying those three things over and over, along with "I don't know how", and she was trying to drive away. He called me, then he called Child Protective Services. I don't know why he called me, but it was dreamworld, after all. She never held the baby, and she drove away right as the ambulance was arriving, and I was pulling up, too. Matt handed me the baby and said "can you just hold him for a minute?" He was still on his radio, giving a description of the car and license plate, and talking to the medics. For some reason, they never asked to see the baby, they were just watching us. Everything got kind of swirly, like it does sometimes in dreams. You know, when it seems like everything focuses in very closely on one small scene, and you can't make sense of what else is going on? I kept pulling on Matt's shirt, and he didn't seem to notice me. I kept saying over and over "I can't name him if I don't know if we're going to keep him." But in my mind, I had already named him - James. He would be called "Jimmy." I just couldn't say it out loud. But NOBODY would listen to me. It was as if I turned invisible when I held the baby.
And that was it.

Thangs, Part 7

2008-07-27T17:27:00.000-07:00

I accidentally typed "thangs" instead of "things" in the title of this post. It made me laugh, since that's probably closer to the way I actually pronounce it sometimes, so I left it. :-)

Things I love: Finding yummy things like the dried fruit/nut mixture pictured above to add to my diet and make my body better. This stuff is unbelievable - Kirkland brand (from Costco). It has dried kiwi, pineapple, apples, strawberries, papaya, mango, bananas, raisins, cherries, and probably stuff I'm forgetting, plus nuts! Yum!

Things I do NOT love: Having to add this junk to my diet twice a day. I can tell it's helping my body, but it's not tasty, even with the tart lemon flavor.

A day at the zoo

2008-07-27T17:11:00.000-07:00

Today was a lovely day. A friend invited us to go with her and her two children to the zoo today. Being the animal lovers we are (especially that kid of mine), we jumped at the chance. It was perfect weather, sunny and not too hot. Best of all, every exhibit was open this time! You may remember a trip back in the spring that we took as a family. That was a fun day, too, but there was some construction going on at the zoo so we missed a few things. Today, we finally got to see those polar bears, and we were awe-struck! It was feeding time, and those guys were frisky! The new kids play area was also open, which includes a lemur and meerkat exhibit. I think I could have watched those guys all day.

I always have so much fun watching my daughter at the zoo. She loves all types of creatures, big and small. She is soothed by the belugas, mesmerized by the walruses, creeped out (but excited) about the weird spiders, and she positively flips out over the elephants. She says she wants to be a veterinarian at the zoo when she grows up, and I have no doubt that she will do just that!

THANK YOU, GRANDMA!

2008-07-26T15:33:00.000-07:00

She loves them!

My newest family member

2008-07-24T19:39:00.000-07:00

My brother got a new baby. His name is Earl. Is he not just the most precious thing ever?

Hey, Mr. Tambourine Man

2008-07-23T18:10:00.000-07:00

Play a song for me . . . because I'm hopeless. :-)

I got a new toy today. It is a nice tambourine that we picked up at Matt's favorite music store. The owner convinced me to go with the higher end tambourine because it really did sound better than the "student" versions. It has brass "zils" which is apparently the preferred material, and he offered a good discount. Then, in case I wasn't completely convinced, he offered me the use of his personal in-store Magic 8 Ball, which responded with a clear "yes".

The thing is, I'm no tambourine expert. I've been trying most of the afternoon to get a handle on it, but it is a slow process. I HAVE learned, however, that if I giggle - and especially if I try to suppress those giggles - the tambourine vibrates enough to be picked up by the microphones, and that makes me giggle even more. Then Matt tells me that I basically play like a little old white church lady, and that makes me giggle even more.

I am determined to conquer this thing and contribute more to our basement jam sessions. I'll let you know how it goes. In the mean time, peace, love, and all that grooviness.

Crazy man, crazy

2008-07-22T18:24:00.000-07:00

If the title sounds familiar to you, you must be a fan of The Aristocats! This child, my beautiful and talented little girl, just finished her first play. She was "Mad Cat", one of the alley cats in the play. Although she dances in her own little world sometimes, she did a great job. I think she loved finding a home on the stage where it is perfectly acceptable to burst into random song and dance. :-)

These pictures are all from rehearsals, so the costumes are still coming together. I have to tell you, they turned out adorable. There were dogs, geese, lots of cats, and even a mouse! Here's Haleigh with her alley cat gang.

She is so proud of the fact she can do splits. I think she would have done them in every scene if they had let her. She LOVED the dancing.

All the kids did a fabulous job. There are not many things cuter than a bunch of kids with animal ears dancing and singing on stage.

All in all, it was a lot of fun, and the kids might have learned a teeny bit about theatre, as well. My kid was bitten by the theatre bug, for sure. I think she might be a little bit like her mama after all. :-)

Remembering today

2008-07-19T13:12:00.000-07:00

to count my blessings and be thankful.

(Lyrics like these are one of the reasons I adore Annie Get Your Gun)

Got no diamond, got no pearl,

Still I think I'm a lucky girl.

I've got the sun in the morning

And the moon at night.

Got no mansion, got no yacht,

Still I'm happy with what I got.

I've got the sun in the morning

And the moon at night

Sunshine gives me a lovely day,

Moonlight gives me the Milky Way.

Got no checkbooks, got no banks,

Still, I'd like to express my thanks.

I've got the sun in the morning

And the moon at night.

And with the sun in the morning

And the moon in the evening

I'm alright.

Got no butler, got no maid.

Still I think I've been overpaid,

I've got the sun in the morning

And the moon at night.

Got no silver, got no gold,

What you've got can't be bought or sold.

I've got the sun in the morning

And the moon at night.

Got no heirlooms for my kin,

Made no will but when I cash in

I'll leave the sun in the morning

And the moon at night.

And with the sun in the morning

And the moon in the evening

I'm alright.

So, here's the thing

2008-07-17T21:53:00.000-07:00

My doctor scared me just a little bit with my last physical. Well, it wasn't her fault, it was my pesky cholesterol. It seems that I didn't do quite enough over the last year (since I found out the first time that I had a problem) to bring my numbers down. In fact, they went up. Yuck. I've learned more about cholesterol and all those bazillion numbers they use to measure it in the last few months than I ever really cared to know. But all that talk is really boring (and causes my husband to compare going to dinner with me with eating with somebody's grandpa), so I will skip all the details. Just know that I am a small person who is mostly pretty darn healthy, and I'm just about to exit my twenties, so age isn't a factor either.

So, what's a girl to do??? My doctor actually told me that she would normally talk to someone with my lab results about statin drugs to bring down my cholesterol. NOOOOOOO, I said. I am VERY anti-statins, but I'm also realistic and I know something needs to be done. My doc felt that I should avoid them at this point, too, and I left her office with the plan to get serious about diet and exercise. Then I had some serious self-discovery happen, and had to acknowledge that I am not very honest with myself. I don't "count" all the "little extras" I sneak into my eating routine during the day. I also got extremely overwhelmed trying to process all the info out there into an eating plan that was the most effective for me personally. I needed professional help.

Enter Dr. Kathryn Barkshire. Hooray! She is a naturopathic doctor who was recommended to me by someone whose opinion I respect. I knew within 5 minutes (or less) of meeting her that she was just the person I needed. We talked for an HOUR at my first appointment. What a special treat in today's 15 min. appointment medical world! She believes in treating the whole person, and it is very obvious in her methods. I've never been asked so many questions by a doctor, and I felt the entire time as if I were chatting with a friend.

We did discuss diet a little, and she recommended I begin some supplements, including something derived from cane sugar, and cod liver oil. I'll let you know how that goes; I haven't been able to buy it yet. I think it might be psychological. LOL

The one thing she wanted me to start right away was keeping a food journal. It's not just a record of everything that goes in my mouth, but also of activity, stress levels, physical well-being, bodily functions, and anything I else I feel is important enough to include. Remember what I said about not being honest with myself? I have to will myself to write everything down sometimes! Talk about a day of reckoning! I feel the need to explain away my cheeseburger at lunch today . . . I had better put that in the stress level column. :-)

The positive result from this journal is that I was embarrassed to not have much "significant" activity to write down, so I had to remedy that. I've started an evening tradition of taking my big dog for longer walks around the neighborhood. We've only done it twice so far, but I can already tell that these walks will be inspiration for more posts in the future.

So, this is the change I'm experiencing right now. I feel very motivated to get my body into a state of healthy balance. I'll let you know how it goes!

I found this

2008-07-16T21:09:00.001-07:00

at Wal-Mart tonight, and I'm thinking I should try to figure out a way to get royalties. Clearly, it was inspired by my child (and her sidekick, for that matter).

And the award goes to . . . .

2008-07-16T20:50:00.000-07:00

My dear, sweet, wonderful mother-in-law over at Cedar Chest of Dreams gave me an award for my blog! It's sparkly and shiny and I LOVE it.

Unfortunately (since I shameless plunder her blog roll to find all my blogging friends, but I can't help it, you guys are fabulous) I don't have many folks to pass it along to who haven't already received the award. However, I do have one, and I am so happy it to share it with you, Sunny! I love your blog, and you deserve a fancy shiny award, too! :-)

I wrote a little about Sunny in my last post, but you should go and check her out at her blog Sunny Days.

A Small World After All

2008-07-14T19:38:00.000-07:00

I discovered a few minutes ago that I had even more comments on my post about Jonathan, and I decided that my responses really merited a post of their own.

I am one of those people who loves (and gets really overly excited about) those "small world" moments. Perhaps it stems from growing up in the south, where upon meeting anyone new you immediately begin to try and figure out how you might be related. This explains a little why I've been so tickled by my little blogging world today.

My mother-in-law got me started blogging, and, honestly, I've "met" most of these fabulous people through her blog. There's Chellie, a really cool Okie. She said once that if we lived closer together we'd probably be very good friends, and I agree. She had surgery recently, and in a stir-crazy moment she discussed the fact that her town was getting a new basketball team and asked if anyone had learned anything new. Turns out, she's getting the team that is relocating from my area - Seattle. It has been HUGE news around here and things got a little ugly in the trial that finally ended in a settlement between them and the city so they could move. I told her it wasn't necessarily the part of Seattle I would have chosen to share, but it was a connection all the same. Then, I posted the lyrics from a Trisha Yearwood song, and it turns out Chellie and I are both big fans. Trisha is from Georgia - where I was born and raised before relocating to Washington 6 yrs ago - but Trisha now lives in Oklahoma, not too far from Chellie. Coincidence, maybe, but still interesting. :-)

Tammy is a new friend, and I like her bunches just because she gets my mother-in-law, and she is a warrior of tremendous support sharing in her recent battles. As if she were not cool enough, she has children in MY HOMETOWN! Are you getting my small world theme now?

Sunny is my blogging friend that I found all on my own. Well, she found me, really, and I fell in love with her blog. She had me hooked immediately with her quote on success. I was floored when I found out she is in Colville, the magic place nestled in the mountains on the northeast side of my state that my husband and I dream of, and to which we contemplate relocating daily.

Chellie, Tammy, Sunny, and my other blogging buddies, I'm glad you're here. Thanks for just being the cool ladies that you are. :-)

When I'm with a Pistol . . .

2008-07-13T18:16:00.001-07:00

. . . I sparkle like a crystal.

Yes, I shine like the mornin' sun! . . .

(name that tune!)

Apparently, I started rehearsing at a young age for my dream role of Annie Oakley.

Can't you just hear 4-year-old me singing . . . "Anything you can do, I can do better!!!!"

Sunday Stroll

2008-07-13T16:27:00.000-07:00

Aisling over at The Quiet Country House issues an invitation for us to take a stroll each Sunday and post about out experience. It's been a while, but I finally made it out for one today, although it was very brief.
I headed down to our little local store. It's called CJ's, and it has been a wonderful addition to our neighborhood. There was an organic market in there before, and I LOVED it, but business didn't pick up like they wanted it to and they had to close. I wondered what we would get next, and I have been so pleasantly surprised with CJ's.

It is a true old-fashioned corner store. They have ice-cream by the scoop, and the owner's husband makes home-made pies and other yummy treats. There are tables and chairs for kids to hang out after school. The owners have made it a point to learn all the neighborhood kids and their parents, and they watch out for them as if they were their own. Haleigh likes to walk down and get a "kid cone" for a dollar. They even have penny candy! Most of the items are around ten cents, but there are really and truly options for one penny! They also made the whole front of the cash register/counter space into a chalkboard for the kids. Fun!

On the way back, I stopped to admire my own little tiny garden. I have this big brick planter thing attached to the front of my house, and I hate it. I do not have a green thumb, and this planter has perplexed me from the time we moved in. I have tried all sorts of things (even decorating it with a scarecrow, pumpkins, and hay bales), and it has never looked "right" to me. I finally decided to just put a hydrangea in there and try really hard not to kill it. There were two hostas hanging on for dear life from a previous gardening attempt, so I left them while the hydrangea was growing. I also planted some petunias around, because they are easy, "happy" flowers, and the hydrangea was still a little baby.

I added the petunias primarily for some color, because I truly didn't expect the hydrangea to bloom this year. Imagine my surprise when I started noticing these little petals appearing!

I can't wait to see it when it really takes off! I also can't believe this jasmine plant. I thought it was dead! When I cleared out this flower bed, I almost pulled it out, but I left it just to see what would happen. It is beginning to drip with snowy white flowers, and the frangrance is heavenly!

It is a beautiful sunny day here in my hometown, and I'm glad Aisling reminded me to get out and enjoy it. Sometimes even a short walk can lift your spirits. I hope you are all having wonderful Sundays as well!

Melancholy Morning

2008-07-12T10:38:00.000-07:00

This morning, my brother-in-law is on my mind. He has been all week, really, as it has been a week full of "Jonathan" moments. Although we had not been in touch regularly before his death, he would occasionally send me little messages, and I always liked knowing that wherever he was, he sounded good. I put a New Kids on the Block song on my Myspace page once, and he sent me a message saying he could picture me dancing around the living room to that song, and he was cracking up at the image. That was the kind of relationship we had. We shared silly moments often, and occasionally we had some really good, deep talks about life. Anyone who knew Jonathan had a unique relationship with him. He had to find his own individual way to relate to you, and I count myself blessed to be one of the few he allowed "in" to his life. We started out a little rough, but he accepted me as his family, and he loved me as I loved him. I know this because we had our own little special bonding moments, and they are memories that I will hold near and dear forever.
I was sharing one of those stories with a friend this week. We were sitting out on a pier in the Puget Sound with the mountains around us, and I commented on how much Jonathan loved being by the water and the mountains. I proceeded to tell her about the time he and I survived a tornado in a single-wide mobile home with his daughter who was about 3 or 4 months old at the time. One day I'll post that whole story. I also told her of all the "butterfly" moments we've had since he died. It started with my mother-in-law getting a special up-close visit from one shortly after his service, and it seems that whenever we talk about him lately, a butterfly appears. Haleigh has a real gift for conjuring the "flutter-by's" just by mentioning his name. WELL, I finished my story, we had a good laugh, and we walked back up the steps. There is a glass door there that you have to go through. It locks at night to protect all the boats parked at the pier, and only the owners can get through. It is basically a simple door, with short glass walls on each side that keep someone from just stepping around it and heading down the boardwalk. Would you believe, there was an enormous black and yellow butterfly there, obviously distressed because it couldn't figure out how to get around the glass and fly away. I was speechless, and my friend Katie, who is a beautiful soul and gets these things, just looked at me. Then we helped him (very carefully so as not to damage his wings) find the edge of the little wall and fly away. I said "bye, Jonathan" as I watched him fly away.
Two days ago, a lady helping with the play Haleigh is doing asked me what size clothes she wears, and offered to bring me a box of clothing that someone brought her but she couldn't use. When I got the box home and opened it yesterday, I couldn't figure out why in the world she sent it to me, because most of the clothing is teenager and small adult sizes. There are some tops that will work for Haleigh, but most of the pants will fit me! When I was almost to the bottom, I figured out exactly why we got this box. Haleigh has been obsessed with all things green since her Uncle Jonathan has been gone, because it is her grandma's favorite color, and it was his, also. I knew she would like the hoodie I pulled out just for that reason. THEN, I turned it around to look at the back. It says "1977" . . . the year he was born.
There is a song my husband is learning to play on the guitar for me to sing. I've been asking hime to learn it for years, probably, but for some reason we just looked it up and started working on it this week. I've always associated it with romantic loss, but now it has a whole new meaning to me. It is "On a Bus to St. Cloud", one of the most beautiful songs ever written (and sung by Trisha Yearwood, who is from Georgia by the way). It is the soundtrack to my morning, and my week.
I didn't get to have Jonathan in my whole life, but I did get to share ten years with him. He was my family, and I loved him. There are moments that I still can't believe he is gone. It's hard to explain, but you just couldn't know Jonathan without being profoundly affected by him. He could make you madder than a hornet, but turn around and melt your heart. I grieve for that loss, and I grieve for my husband's pain. I grieve for my mother-in-law, who, more than anyone else I know deserves peace and beauty in her life.

In a church in downtown New Orleans,

I got down on my knees and prayed.

And I wept in the arms of Jesus for the choice you made.

We were just getting to the good part,

just getting the past the mystery.

Oh, and it's just like you . . . it's just like you

to disagree.

And it's strange, but it's true.

You just slipped out of view.

Just a face in the crowd on a bus

to St. Cloud.

You chase me like a shadow, and you haunt me like a ghost.

And I hate you so, and I love you so,

and I miss you most.

On a bus to St. Cloud, Minnesota

I thought I saw you there

with the snow falling down around you

like a silent prayer.

Happy 4th of July!

2008-07-04T09:52:00.001-07:00

My (wishful) Declaration of Independence

I declare that I am going to try to not drive so much and be independent from the insane gas prices. $4.40 a gallon is just painful.

At least for today, I declare independence from worrying about things I have no control over. I'll try to make it a habit.

Today, I will celebrate my daughter's independence. I declare that she will not worry about what she wears, what she does, what she is going to do, what she wants, or what she looks like. She will embrace the independence of being a child.

For my husband, I declare independence from the painful cases he's had to deal with at work, and the general burden he's been carrying around for a while. I declare today his BREAK, when he can only enjoy himself and think happy thoughts.

I declare that my mother-in-law shall soon and forevermore have independence from cancer. Shortly thereafter, she shall leave Georgia and move to Washington where she will no longer be completely independent, but will join our little family who love her very much and are ready for her to get here.

Wow, watermelon!

2008-07-03T10:25:00.001-07:00

Our family has sort of a connection with watermelon. I LOVE it (and I mean with my whole heart), and my husband is from the actual Watermelon Capital of the World. I'm quite serious about this. My mom-in-law still lives there, and they celebrate this fabulous fruit every year. I can say, without a doubt, their fields grow the tastiest watermelons I've ever had. I once had some watermelon from California that was pretty close, but no cigar.

Because of this connection, and article about this yummy melon caught my attention today. Apparently, watermelon has an effect similar to Viagra. Whoah. Hey, Ms. Robbin, maybe there's a more scientific reason for why the ladies of the night show up around the watermelon festival!!!!

If you would like to read more about the benefits of watermelon, you can see the article here.

I was

2008-07-02T19:52:00.000-07:00

going to update this blog last night. I really was, I promise. I know I've been MIA, and I have lots of things to blog about. I've even been asked questions and had blogging topic requests, for pete's sake, and I want to get to them! It's just been a little busy. And, it's been hot. It's been the kind of hot that makes you want to lay around and not do anything. BUT, yesterday it cooled off a teensy bit. Unfortunately, it made us want to grill salmon and sit on the deck under the new umbrella. Well, that's not the unfortunate part. :-) We decided to have a Guiness (for Matt) and a glass of wine (for me) with our meal. Haleigh was busy playing with the neighbor and it was just a beautiful evening all around, and the Guiness multiplied, as did the glasses of wine. Needless to say, it was early to bed. :-)

Today, we got up and went to have breakfast at a neat little diner that is decorated in old metal lunchbox sets (think ET, Muppets, and Disco Fever), VW bugs and other bits of Americana. The shelf holding the coffee is actually in the back end of a VW van that has been attached to the wall and opened up. The meal was not good for my cholesterol, but sometimes you just have to suck it up and enjoy the good stuff. I enjoyed the experience so much that it might just get its own blog post eventually. We then headed down to Tacoma for some bicycle gear shopping. Apparently I've advanced enough to need real bike shoes, and I got my own helmet finally, not just a hand-me-down from Matt! I think we've finally figured out a way to squeeze in some bike rides even though Haleigh is out of school, so I'm getting pretty excited about that.

Speaking of Haleigh, she starts rehearsals next week for her very first play!!!! (Well, she was in Fiddler on the Roof with me, but she was only 6 months old at the time.) She is doing a summer workshop to learn about the whole theatre experience. She'll go to classes in the morning for two weeks, and at the end they will perform The Aristocats! I can't wait to see it. Expect to hear more about that!

Well, I'm off to make cupcakes and stick little flags in them. What are YOU doing for the 4th of July?

It's a hit

2008-06-26T21:22:00.001-07:00

I took the opportunity in the beautiful 69 degree weather this afternoon to stroll through some downtown shops on the waterfront. I found this little green treasure with the help of some friends at a quaint little antique store. It's jade! He has a few tiny little knicks that don't take away from the overall charm, so he was discounted into a price range I could appreciate. I brought him home to one happy little seven-year-old girl who loves elephants and green.

Memories . . .

2008-06-26T21:18:00.000-07:00

I do miss this, just a little. This was the sign in front of the theatre every night of my performances. I'm hoping to get reacquainted with it in the fall. I'll keep you posted.

a little bonus

2008-06-26T21:01:00.000-07:00

I love Bernadette Peters. She has a magical ability to morph into any character flawlessly, and she brings gut-wrenching emotion to any song she sings on any stage. I was surfing youtube for a theatre fix, because . . . well, because I like theatre. And I miss it right now. I got a little spoiled with my last show. :-) Anyway, I always look for clips of Ms. Peters, and I've posted my personal favorite down at the bottom of my blog. Amazingly, it's not from Annie Get Your Gun. The context of the song in its actual show is a lover singing of the one she has bitterly lost but can't seem to get away from. However, the first time I heard it, I thought it captured one of the facets of loss for anyone, the early days of grief . . . "Not a Day Goes By" that the person isn't part of your life. You wait for the day you'll start forgetting, but you don't. For a time, you feel like you are dying yourself, over and over every day. Eventually, it's not as angry and painful, and then you move on to another song . . .
I hope you like it. If you're a theatre person, you'll love it. If you're not, I think there is a good chance you'll still love it. :-)