tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66396042024-03-23T10:52:50.061-07:00metromomA collection of daily thoughts, ideas and links from a mom still seeking to acheive the "balance" of a spiritual journey, family, inner peace, carreer, world peace...while "trying" to look like a supermodel at the same time...Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger184125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6639604.post-54629245718932230882007-01-24T13:17:00.001-08:002007-01-24T14:19:16.722-08:00I've got a surprise for you. :)visit<br /><a href="http://www.metromom.org">www.metromom.org</a> to see it. :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6639604.post-74281125570476538352007-01-16T12:49:00.000-08:002007-01-16T13:04:57.559-08:00relentless love.Are you familiar with it? It's hard to put it into words...but I'll try. The kind of love that pursues you with a determined force. It's the selfless kind of love that hops on a plane the minute you call in tears cause you're overwhelmed by your own life. The kind of love that rocks your newborn baby to sleep, when you're beyond exhausted and just want to throw the baby in the snow. The kind of love that empties its pockets to fill yours. The sacrificing love that never expects anything in return. The kind of love that empowers you...makes you believe that you're worthy enough, capable enough to do anything you want to do. <br /><br />A love you can't shake...no matter what you do- it's there- accepting, welcoming, forgiving. It's love that makes you believe you deserve to be loved like that...even when you know you don't. It's the kind of love that comforts-you can relax, let out a sigh of relief just by being in its presence. A love that will change 40 poopy diapers in one weekend, fold your laundry and do your dishes- just to give you a break. It finds true joy in your success and true compassion in your sorrow. The kind of love that fills a room with joy- and laughs when you run out of gas on your way to the airport at five in the morning.<br /><br />I hope that each one of you experience this kind of love in your life at some point...if you never have, let me introduce you to God (cause I'm pretty sure that's where she gets it...) And if I dedicated every post, every day to the woman who shows me this relentless love...it wouldn't tell the half. I love you mom. I'll never be able to tell you how much.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6639604.post-1382427771306064582007-01-10T07:30:00.000-08:002007-01-18T08:49:10.830-08:00Oh the Irony of It All...So, we're sitting around my parents dinner table back in Cali chatting it up with my little brother (ok, so he's not *little* anymore), his girlfriend, and a few others. We're discussing life, people, you know...just stuff. When my brother begins a rant about inconsiderate people, rude people, mean people. "I've had it with people who just don't care," He says.<br /><br />Of course we all have a story to chime in with. <br /><br />So then my husband (always the devil's advocate) says, "Yeah, but sometimes you gotta wonder what's going on in *those* people's lives. I mean maybe they had a bad day, lost their job, etc." <br /><br />And in all seriousness my brother says, "I don't care about those people."<br /><br />Of course we laughed at his "not caring about people who don't care". But in the irony of it all, there is truth. We'd all like to think that we're non-judgemental people, kind hearted, giving...but often others must meet a certain criteria to qualify. And as deep as we have to dig...I think we'd all find that there is that bit of *prejudice* in all of us. My hope is not to be perfect, because I'll never arrive there, but this year I hope to dig a little deeper and find out where those little dusty corners of my heart are and see *those* people the way God sees them. It's about perspective. <br /><br />I once heard someone say that if you have someone in your life who is *truly* hard to love, begin to picture them as they were as a child...see their innocense, see their heart before it was jaded, or hardened. How, why did they arrive at being such a jerk? On certain occasions this has helped me...and then again there's always that twinge in me that rises up and says, "What!?!!! You REPORTED <bold>me (sweet, kind, gentle, loving me)</bold> to the HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION?!!!! I thought we talked, I thought we worked it out in a neighborly fashion. We'd work it out and you'd still be able to skinny dip. But then you had to sneak in all commando like and measure my play yard (yes PLAY YARD...you know the thing for my CHILDREN!!!!) and file a complaint with the HOA. If you can't love the children who CAN you love?" <br /><br />Jeez people. I've got a long way to go.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6639604.post-50859226040399305712007-01-06T10:02:00.000-08:002007-01-18T08:50:05.895-08:00My MVP<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhElqDn_3AbIVyEogrjQzi5-o0fax8HGaxk3GQQVRituMl0XnwK7TE0QHWpd6ap5_fis_wZ5nB8D8WLpv-pzxg6VueC-nmef59xILJi_CasjeQu2UQvxvsc75kmJV0FBs9R9WzgrA/s1600-h/mvsteve.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhElqDn_3AbIVyEogrjQzi5-o0fax8HGaxk3GQQVRituMl0XnwK7TE0QHWpd6ap5_fis_wZ5nB8D8WLpv-pzxg6VueC-nmef59xILJi_CasjeQu2UQvxvsc75kmJV0FBs9R9WzgrA/s320/mvsteve.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5016982839866151586" /></a><br />"If I was totally into scrapbooking...we'd probably never be six rows back at the scrapbooking convention right now, would we?" I asked my husband last night as we sat just six rows back...I mean SIX rows. I could have reached out and rubbed Amare's newly shaved head...<br /><br />"Ummm, probably not." He responded with a smile of a husband that KNEW he'd just scored MAJOR "husband points" with his newly NBA obsessed wife. <br /><br />All I did was say..."Hey wouldn't it be fun to go the the game?" -and it was as if I rubbed a magic lamp. Allacazam...there I was in some of the best seats in the house, watching my boys kill the Shaq-less, Wade-less, Riley-less Heat. Even without a heart wrenching game, you couldn't wipe the smile off my face.<br /><br />So this post is to give props to the real MVP in my life. While Steve Nash makes it happen on the court...No one...I mean NO ONE, loves me like my husband does. So thank you babe, for giving me a fantastic night...it will not go unnoticed. (if you know what I mean.)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6639604.post-50379100795674766952007-01-04T15:29:00.001-08:002007-01-04T15:29:51.386-08:00Since I'm too lazy to write...<div><embed src="http://www.onetruemedia.com/share_view_player?p=1de6e4d2df7a69d1478287" quality="high" scale="noscale" width="475" height="398" wmode="transparent" name="FLVPlayer" salign="LT" flashvars="&p=1de6e4d2df7a69d1478287&skin_id=4&host=http://www.onetruemedia.com" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed><div style="margin:0px;font:12px/13px verdana,arial,sans-serif;line-height:30px;width:475px;text-align:center;"><a href="http://www.onetruemedia.com/create?&utm_source=emplay&utm_medium=txt2" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;">Photo and video editing at <span style="text-decoration:underline;">onetruemedia.com</span></a></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6639604.post-23842641305166505642006-12-22T06:34:00.000-08:002006-12-22T06:47:25.772-08:00Let the Celebrating Begin!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkHmwBLWT3LtqzNGptRxK0ZFlAWbPnE8hDq4VjigRVc9ZOqM7U4HxF1TgnRKTAM1txK4Td7MbYlxjeMqlq89TvqXq3qFgPbgdbiwNBxFC0INIZ9Tu4nNm_o30Xyid3h8b4l16UDw/s1600-h/christmasishere.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkHmwBLWT3LtqzNGptRxK0ZFlAWbPnE8hDq4VjigRVc9ZOqM7U4HxF1TgnRKTAM1txK4Td7MbYlxjeMqlq89TvqXq3qFgPbgdbiwNBxFC0INIZ9Tu4nNm_o30Xyid3h8b4l16UDw/s320/christmasishere.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5011362848913141154" /></a><br /><br /><h4> Today the celebrating begins for me. I've done all I can do (and still have a few last minute things to get done) and I'm ready for the fun to begin. I'm kicking it off with helping to distribute the gifts and food to the needy families at the PHX Rescue Mission. Seriously, you probably won't be able to wipe the smile off my face after today-<br /><br />Tonight my stepdaughter comes over for the weekend and we'll be living it up! Baking, movies, lights...I've decided that this is going to be a relaxed FUN weekend. So many holidays are wrapped in stress, thinking everything has to be perfect. Not me. Not this year. I'm all about the fun. Why waste a minute more stressing? Not that there won't be reasons to stress- but I'm not gonna do it. Read MY LIPS. NO STRESS. Now whose coming with me? Who will join me on my anti-stress Holiday? </h4>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6639604.post-54381819053576396582006-12-15T09:29:00.001-08:002006-12-15T09:38:26.713-08:00Warm and Fuzzy<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/metromom/323161213/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/125/323161213_9001ccadb6_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a> <br /> <span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/metromom/323161213/">Love Footie PJ's</a> <br /> Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/metromom/">metromom</a>. </span></div>Being Christmas time and a chilly 72, I thought I'd post something that makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside...and I thought of a few things.<br /><br />1. Footie PJ's. I love them! <br />2. When my kids do something they are so proud of, like somehow reach the cereal box on top of the counter and begin to roam around the house with it (like I'd allow that sort of animal behavior to continue!)<br />3. When I discover they've learned something new...this morning I said "One" and he said, "two, three, fou,fi, si,eigh, nine!"<br />4. When I remember how blessed I am to have great friends...and TWO of them are birthday girls this week. :) Happy Birthday girls!<br /><br />One thing that DOES NOT make me feel warm and fuzzy: <br />Certain Employee Christmas Parties. Glamourous? Yes. Expensive? Absolutely. (they raffled off over 200,000 dollars to employess in a matter of 15 mintues...no joke. Thrilled for those who won!) Fun? (ummm...well....there were some nice people...fun would be a stretch.)<br clear="all" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6639604.post-48478136537489615342006-12-13T19:35:00.001-08:002006-12-13T19:35:48.892-08:00FlickrThis is a test post from <a href="http://www.flickr.com/r/testpost"><img alt="flickr" src="http://www.flickr.com/images/flickr_logo_blog.gif" width="41" height="18" border="0" align="absmiddle" /></a>, a fancy photo sharing thing.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6639604.post-73904031059184675922006-12-08T07:24:00.000-08:002006-12-08T07:34:31.254-08:00...I know....the suspense...it's killing you.So sorry for waiting a few days (ok, almost a month...) to update. As I've said in the past, I hate just writing stuff to say stuff...so I have to be inspired. And after last night. I'm now inspired. Something happened that took my breath away---caused me to scream, yell...and otherwise freak out. Something magical. But I'm pretty sure you wouldn't understand. Ok, maybe Laura would...but that's it. Ok, maybe Laura and Betsy...but NO ONE else. Ok, maybe Laura, Betsy and Lisa. Yeah, Lisa too. But nobody else...Wait, what about, Martin? Yeah, maybe. Yeah...Martin too. <br /><br />But I'm not telling. :) But I will say that I used to be labeled the girl who had no hobbies, nothing that "she" wanted to do. I will admit that I'm pretty easy going. I can enjoy myself just about anywhere. If you wanted to take me to a basket weaving class, I'd go. Part of it is that I truly am easy going. If I don't care, I really don't care. It doesn't have to be about me. The other part is that I like to make people happy. Yeah, I know we've talked about this before. But I will say that 2006 has been the "emancipation of Mimi"...oh wait, I mean me. Maybe its getting older, maybe the season of my life, but I've come to grips with a few things that make me, me. And I'm totally ok with them. And I'm ok if they are not you. <br /><br />Defining who I am will be a life long process because I always want to be growing and changing, but discovering there are some things that I love to do and enjoy becoming...regardless of anyone else's preferences has been liberating.<br /><br />What about you?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6639604.post-36991637162992258142006-11-16T13:33:00.000-08:002006-11-16T13:42:44.398-08:00DismemberedI have spent the better part of the last hour with my hand inside every orfice of a dead chicken. While I've never claimed to be a chef, I do love to cook. It relaxes me--and if you're reading this and I love you...I've probabaly cooked for you. (and if it was the chili fiasco that you ate...I don't want to hear about it.) But in all my Rachel Rayness and wannabe cooking I've never mastered the art of the bird. I mean I use boneless/skinless breasts and ground turkey like their going out of style...but you know, poultry that actually still resembles a bird...not so much. I just can't get over the whole "innards" thing. Due to my horrid (not kidding) pregnancies I'm accustomed to puking...even 20 times in one day (for seven months, times 2) isn't inconcievable (only wish I was exaggerating this one.) Scraping out that junk gets me everytime. My gag reflex is on overdrive.<br /><br />So the other day I'm at Costco and I see these whole fryers and think, yeah I can do that, I mean everyone loves a roasted chicken, so tender, juicy. Well, I take one out of the freezer this morning and begin to defrost in the sink...Well hours and hours later, I go to um, clean it, or whatever it is that you do to get it ready...and apparently it was still frozen in the middle. Because I've just pulled and prodded and scraped (all with my hands in a plastic bag so I didn't have to actually touch the stuff...eeeww)- to no avail. All I'm left with is a bloody mess, I tell ya. I just threw the bird away. My only solace in the hour of gagging and trying not to smell is that I knew I might be able to blog about it later...any one up for fish sticks tonight?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6639604.post-57137804870906811132006-11-14T09:41:00.000-08:002006-11-14T09:42:39.152-08:00Just Wanna<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4084/810/1600/betsyty.0.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/4084/810/320/betsyty.0.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">In an effort to incorporate more FUN in my life...I joined some friends this last weekend to visit the local Arts and Crafts fair...what a gorgeous day. We had a great time and I was wishing my budget was unlimted to purchase some of the amazing art from local photographers and artists...and seriously the salsa...it was EVERYWHERE and I don't even have to tell you about my love for Salsa... I did bring my camera and people, my photography skills are seriously lacking. I'm still trying to figure out my new camera, it's fairly simple, its just I never seem to get those amazing shots that everyone else seems to see. Maybe this is an art I <span style="font-style: italic;">should not</span> pick up. I'm posting one of Betsy and her little boyfriend...but to see the rest you'll have to check out my flickr account...and I've posted a lot of my pictures as private...so you may have to log-in to see...sorry folks.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6639604.post-1163180830980401482006-11-10T09:36:00.000-08:002006-11-14T08:44:48.807-08:00On beoming FAB-ulous.My dad used to always say that I shouldn't "carry the weight of the world on my shoulders." He also said that I'm "no good to anyone unless I'm good to myself first" He also said, "Use your head for something other than a hat rack." and "You're full of s**t as a Christmas Goose." So yeah, he said a lot of things...some things made sense, and others took me awhile to figure out on my own. I'm still working on the the whole, "It's better to remain silent and appear a fool than open your mouth and remove all doubt." (that one's a little tricky.)<br /><br />But I remember when I came to grips with a lifelong struggle...I was in my early 20's...I discovered a sickness that I would struggle with my whole life...something that if not treated could be the demise of any healthy relationship I had...That is my tendency to take responsiblity for others emotions, feelings, happiness. I'm not 100% sure when this began, but in my early 20's it was pretty obvious that I had a problem. This post isn't to outline that whole story...it would be way too long...but to share in my discovery.<br /><br />I found a book that gave me new perspective. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Boundaries-Dr-Henry-Cloud/dp/0310247454/sr=8-1/qid=1163179788/ref=pd_bbs_1/103-1474882-3439863?ie=UTF8&s=books">Boundaries</a>. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to EVERYONE. It pretty much speaks to you no matter if you're where I was or if you're dealing with someone who WANTS you to take responsiblity for their lives...<br /><br />At any rate one of the basic principles it deals with is taking ownership for YOUR life. The premise is that we are each responsible for our FAB. Feelings. Attitude. Behavior. That is all. We are responsible <span style="font-style: italic;">to</span> others but not <span style="font-style: italic;">for</span> them. This creates problems because many times we encounter people who want US to be responsible for THEIR feelings, attitudes, and behaviors. And I used to be a sucker for those kind of people. I'd bend and give until I thought I had finally made them happy, only to discover...they still weren't...and neither was I.<br /><br />It's funny how you can deal with something like this, learn so much, grow so much- and then if you're not careful you fall back into this situation without even realizing. So for me its something I have to be aware of and evaluate from time to time. I'm not talking about becoming a selfish person, I'm talking about becoming responsible for me- because ultimately, I'm no good to anyone if I'm not good to myself first...thanks Dad.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6639604.post-1162912227455402522006-11-07T06:56:00.000-08:002006-11-14T08:44:48.672-08:00Musings from a 4 Year Old<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6302/368/1600/linacutie%20copy.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6302/368/320/linacutie%20copy.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />So last night on the family trip to Costco, the conversation went like this:<br /><br />SHE: "MOM!! Look at the moon!" <br />ME: "Wow! It sure is big and beautiful!" <br />SHE "That moon looks better than sushi!"<br />ME: "What?"<br /><br />It got me thinking...there are so many things she knows, things she says that are so far removed from my days as a four year old. Things like:<br /><br />"Mom, I sent Daddy a text but he hasn't texted me back yet."<br /><br />Or<br /><br />"Dad, Can we listen to that <span style="font-style:italic;">Lights will guide you</span> song?" (and then proceeds to know EVERY SINGLE WORD to Fix You by Coldplay.)<br /><br />Or <br /><br />"Mom, I need to borrow your computer, I've got to blog on" (I think she means "log on")<br /><br /><br />Watching her take it all in, and get her own "spin" of the world is quite comical, but really is one of the highlights of my life.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6639604.post-1162665156230015442006-11-04T10:14:00.000-08:002006-11-14T08:44:48.526-08:00If I Ruled the WorldIf I ruled the world the following things would be a part of everyones lives, bringing each person such personal joy that world peace would be obtained and life as we know it would be in a current state of Nirvana...<br /><br /><br />-Sourdough Toast with REAL butter would be the Global Breakfast<br />-Pumpkin Scones from Sbux would be the mid-morning snack<br />-A good Tuna Melt (on sourdough)dripping with a nice sharp cheddar cheese would be our lunch <br />-An afternoon glass of Diet Barq's Rootbeer as we all sat on our Patios and chatted <br /><br /><br />(Just wanted to introduce you to my current food "crushes")Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6639604.post-1162566140950387592006-11-03T06:26:00.000-08:002006-11-14T08:44:48.363-08:00Top 10 signs I'm getting old...10. Words like 401K, portfolio, nest egg are a part of my regular vocabulary.<br /> 9. Words like "sick", "what it do", and "crackalackin'" are not.<br /> 8. I had to look up that last word in number 9.<br /> 7. Fashion and comfort are almost = on the scale<br /> 6. Staying out till 10 is a LATE night. :) <br /> 5. I have <span style="font-style:italic;">considered</span> trading in my high riding SUV for a mini-van (but I haven't caved yet.)<br /> 4. I get excited when I see the 10 for $10 sign at the grocery store<br /> 3. Large purchases include <span style="font-style:italic;">ginormous</span> play yards for my kids...and ficus trees to shield them from the skinny dipping neighbors.<br /> 2. The word "PTA" is looming in my not so distant future...<br /> 1. Spent an hour talking with my little brother and his girlfriend (discovered how behind the times I am) before they started their night (9PM) and we crashed fast asleep in our memory foam to reruns of "Friends" which is now being shown on Nick at Nite. (ok, TBS...whatever.)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6639604.post-1162267683385894222006-10-30T19:53:00.000-08:002006-11-14T08:44:48.236-08:00Why I write.Some people like to write because they're good at it, they tell delightful stories and draw others into their lives with clever words. Some people like to write because its therapeutic- journaling their thoughts, emotions, activities helps them discover themselves in a new way and leave hurt in the past. Me? <br /><br />I like to write not because I'm terribly talented, though I can appreciate the gift in others, not because it's cheaper than a shrink, not to convert others to my personal political skew...I write because somewhere in the middle of busy days turning into busy nights and sorting whites and colors and the day in-day out of life that can suck every ounce of vitality from you (if you let it) I want my life to say something. I want my perspective, thoughts to be documented and to speak. So someday I won't be known as the girl who vaccuumed, or the one who whizzes past you on the freeway...but the one who took time (ok maybe not every day, ummm...once a week??) to stop the merry-go-round of life and grab at some of the scattered thoughts and share them. Even if it speaks only to a few...as long as those words are mine. <br /><br />What exactly do I want my life to say? That's another question all together. I really think it's an evolving story. Hopefully one that has more triumphs than tragedies and that speaks of growth and reality. And I wouldn't mind a little, "Dang not only was that broad hot, she sure was rich!" Kidding. Ok. Not Kidding...Dreaming.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6639604.post-1161964916845627872006-10-27T08:56:00.000-07:002006-11-14T08:44:48.094-08:00put on a smile and go for a ride<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6302/368/1600/P1010233.3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6302/368/320/P1010233.4.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>When you have a bad day...there's nothing like being surrounded by the faces that make you know all is well in the world.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6639604.post-1161386311576960542006-10-20T16:00:00.000-07:002006-11-14T08:44:47.900-08:00Sorry Mama, Never Meant to HurtchaWARNING: TO MY DEAR MOTHER...DO NOT, I REPEAT, DO NOT READ THIS POST. <br /><br />To sum up my life this week, I will say its the end of an era. I know this is like the third or fourth blog entry that I've come across this week that deals with the loss of a family pet. Last night my Mom called in tears. Our "Mister" was gone. In a whirlwind of emotional rollercoasters that has been my families mantra this month, it was his time to go. For nineteen years he was part of our family. Nineteen years. That is a long time to have such a great friend. He was an Australian Shepherd and I have so many fond memories of him. I remember as kids, we were like his little "sheep". He'd wait for all of us to walk in the door and then "herd" the last one in. Fiesty, gentle, and sweet...<br /><br />The second sign that its and end of an era is good for me, sad for others. My baby brother, okay, so he's 22...moved out here with a great friend (whom I've also known FOREVER) to live in AZ for bit. I've not lived in the same city as him for TEN years. Since he was 12. It's such a great feeling to call him and know he's right down the street. Today he babysat my kids and changed his FIRST diaper. (Tyler gave him a nice little initiation...atta boy Ty) Anyway, he rolled into town sportin' his True Religion's (I think they might fit me, he'll never know their gone...)- Maybe he'll spread some of his fashion sense on me..I think Brad is lovin' it to, he's said, "I wonder what the "boys" are doing" & "maybe the "boys" want to come over and hang out" about ten times this week. :) I think he always wanted a "little bro."<br /><br />Change is definitely in the air-Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6639604.post-1160545320316901752006-10-10T22:21:00.000-07:002006-11-14T08:44:47.779-08:00Mighty Good.As I said in the previous post, our get away was great. If you've never met my husband, you're missing out...he is one of a kind. While he knows how to work hard, I love the fact that he can play hard. Here are a couple shots from our trip.<br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6302/368/1600/P1010206.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6302/368/320/P1010206.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6302/368/1600/P1010180.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6302/368/320/P1010180.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />One of my favorite moments was when I met my Nana's twin (Nana would be my 4'7" Portuguese grandma with a thick Boston accent...) Except this lady was Italian. She was a hoot. One day on the beach as we frolicked in the autumn mist in Hanalei bay (home of Puff the Magic Dragon) we were right next to the sweetest group of women ranging from about 65-85. They were all in bathing suits, building sandcastles, laughing...really living it up. At one point we overheard one lady exclaiming to another that she was 80 and still as horny as ever. AHHHHH...please someone wash my brain, remove the mental images!!!! But then I laughed and told MD, "Try not to be too grossed out, if you're still alive, you'll be wanting me to say that, won't you?"<br /><br />Ok, back to my Nana's twin...She walks over and we smile. One of us casually says, "You guys sure look like you know how to have a good time." To which she responds, "Oh face it, you know we look like a bunch of escapees from the Convalescent Home." She was a smart aleck, hard core. I was cracking up at her comments and loved her snappy comebacks. We chatted for a minute and then supplied her with a bottle cap to use as the "eye" in her sand swordfish. We all took pride later as she received a ribbon and placed first or second in their little contest. She told us they were all kindred spirits who lived all over the world and met up once a year or so to really live it up together.<br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6302/368/1600/P1010045.jpg"><img style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6302/368/320/P1010045.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />How cool is that? At any rate, I was inspired to live more, laugh more - and really enjoy life more.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6639604.post-1160378603893473722006-10-09T00:07:00.000-07:002006-11-14T08:44:47.653-08:00Today I shut off my airconditioning...Ok, from where you sit it may be freakin' freezing...but here in sunny AZ, today, October 8th was the first time I shut off my air conditioning. I opened the windows, let the breeze in...then promptly shut them and flipped the air back on fifteen minutes later. <br /><br />But if you lived here you'd say the weather really HAS changed. The 90 degrees isn't THAT hot, there is a FALLISH feeling in the air, not quite crisp, more like less toasty.<br /><br />MD and I just returned from a wonderful vacation in paradise. We roughed it on the beach in Kauai again this year with some friends. Low key, low drama, high sun, high surf...a real vacation. You know the kind where you get to do what you want, when you want, and that mostly means a whole lot of nothing. It was fabulous. Waves were pretty non-existent the first few days, but came in with a vengance the final two days and we definitely took advantage! <br /><br />My kids spent the week doing just about EVERY FUN THING IMAGINABLE with my parents in Thousand Oaks. I'd call each day and they were: at the beach, at Chuck E. Cheese, at the Farm and Pumpkin Patch, at the Zoo...seriously...they had a blast. And I was so happy to see them after 6 poopy diaperless, sippy cupless, mommyless days and nights. When we picked them up in LAX I was running to meet them. Something about a week off from Mommyhood makes you fall in love all over again. (thank you MOM for making it possible)<br /><br />I will post some pictures soon.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6639604.post-1159511788753761392006-09-28T23:14:00.000-07:002006-11-14T08:44:47.514-08:0025 MORE things about "Yours Truly"Ok, so way back when...not sure how long ago, but at least a year or two, I posted 25 things you <em>may</em> or <em>may not</em> know about me. And since my eyes are burning, my brain is mush, and my throat has taken on that deep sexy night time voice...from working for the last few hours to meet some "work" deadlines- I thought I'd break for some mindless chatter...are you ready for this? I mean really ready? It's late so don't hold any of it against me:<br /><br />1. I trip a lot. Usually for no reason. Sometimes my ankle will just roll and I'll be on the ground.<br />2. I've been known to trip while holding my kids (Before you go callin' me Brittney, I always save the kid before my own knees, shoes, Burberry bag...)<br />3. I love to invent recipes, always have. Used to make my brothers be my guinea pigs...ahhh those were the days.<br />4. I could eat avacados on ANYTHING, ANYTIME, JUST ABOUT ANYWHERE<br />5. I would bodyboard in the ocean everyday if I had the opportunity<br />6. My mom's family is 100% Portugese and my dad is a mutt<br />7. I can't nap. Not possible, don't ask. It doesn't ever happen.<br />8. I'm still friends with at least 3 girls from when I was 5. I think it says more about how wonderful they are than me...but whatever, I've got some great friends.<br />9. I LOVE being a mom. It definitely happened sooner than I planned, but it was great timing and that has enriched my life more than words could ever express.<br />10. I sing a lot. Start up a song around me and you won't EVER sing alone. Don't care if I sound crappy or know the words, I'm going to sing with you.<br />11. I'm a binge reader. I love to read, but for me it's addicting, so I won't go to the Library if I know I don't have time to knock out a book in a day or so, cause it won't matter I'll take the time, if I have the book.<br />12. I've been crushing on my husband since I was 12, no joke. 7 years after we met, he came to his senses, or I became legal..not sure which was the deciding factor.<br />14. I can decorate cakes sorta good. Really. Kinda, well I try that is...<br />15. I'd rather do it myself. (what's it you ask? pretty much anything...I've usually got to force myself to delegate. I usually like the challenge, but sometimes I wish others would make me let them help.)<br />16. I love games, board games, etc. I like to win, and the competitive genes really freak out against my husband. I MUST WIN!!!! (but I NEVER do. sigh...)<br />17. (hmmm...nothing life altering yet, eh?) My memory, it's like a steel trap. Phone numbers, names, outfits you wore the first time I met you. I usually remember.<br />18. I've been in lots of the stereotypical "circles" in school growing up and can relate to most anyone on at least some level. I make it a point to put myself in others shoes and think about how they are feeling.<br />19. I'm impatient at times. Ok, more often than I like...Ok, I snapped at the old lady across the street (SOOO kidding...)<br />20. (almost there....) I'm one of three siblings with two younger brothers, I've always been the bossy type.<br />21. For years I promised that I would NOT be like my mom and cry at anything even remotely sentimental...but I'll admit, I'm a sap. I can't wach Extreme Home Makeovers, even though I know way too much about the behind the scenes- as my little bro worked on two homes...But still so sweet, and Ty, fall for his kindness every time...)<br />22. I love horses. Riding, watching. They are so magnificent.<br />23. I get sucked into most any Disney show...especially The Suite Life of Zack and Cody...am I crazy? I think maybe.<br />24. Santa Barbara is MY city. I love that place. Oooooohhh yes I do.<br />25. (and here we are, the grand finale...) I am sooo sleepy right now, can't keep my eyes op...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6639604.post-1159424362629244512006-09-27T22:51:00.000-07:002006-11-14T08:44:47.394-08:00Perks of the jobMany of you know that MD works in sales in a fast paced sales environment where they offer lots of incentives...and boy they do ever know how to motivate him.<br /><br />I remember a couple years ago--he brought home grocery gift cards EVERY DAY for a month. I didn't have to pay anything for groceries for something like two months...Of course they were to one of the fancier stores where you don't quite get the 10 for 10 deals, but, FREE food IS FREE food. Then there was the shopping spree at Costco...and this month alone he won a new digital camera that he graciously gave to his beautiful and adoring wife...an Olympus- 7.1 mp...quite a step up for me...then a couple days later he won a home theater system, which we will most likely ebay...It's like they offer something, anything, and he gets into the zone.<br /><br />My point? To brag on our good fortune? No. My point is that I wish all of life had these incentive programs..."You changed FOUR dirty diapers in ONE day, kudos to you, here's one of <a href="http://www.ioffer.com/i/Marc-Jacobs-large-blondie-bag-in-black-12828440">Marc Jacobs latest bags</a>" or maybe ,"You made it to work on time every day this week, take a trip to wine country in <a href="http://www.bacararesort.com/">gorgeous Santa Barbara</a>" or best of all, "You've blogged FOUR times this week, sit back relax and enjoy the sounds of a live performance by <a href="http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/P/B00005RIKD.01._SS500_SCLZZZZZZZ_V1116119701_.jpg">Sting in your bedroom while you fall asleep</a>."<br /><br />I mean, what is more motivating than the prospect of handbags, relaxation, and great music just around the corner? Those are some dangling carrots I'd like to take a bite of.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6639604.post-1159339139070056562006-09-26T23:22:00.000-07:002006-11-14T08:44:47.265-08:00The one where she says "balls"It's funny how recently this blog has turned into a reporting of a stream of events, something so far from my original intent. I did want to give readers a glimpse into everyday life, maybe with some pictures to show a bit of this, how cute my kids are, how hot my husband is...but I definitely wanted to "say" something of significance, even if its just relating a story that makes you think, smile, wince, whatever.<br /><br />So basically I'm admitting this site has been "less than" for some time. And I'm not really okay with it, but not 100% sure that I can change it at the moment. Sometimes I feel like a master juggler...and sometimes I let my balls drop. Ok, the last part of that sentence sounded strange. Obviously I'm speaking figuratively, not literally-- I'm not actually dropping my balls...wait, what I meant to say was...oh never mind.<br /><br />As I make an effort to offer something to you other than the event reporting that you've grown accustomed to now, please throw me a bone...share with me your thoughts so I know you're out there and have an opinion. <br /><br />Now, I guess its time to join the October train and say the proverbial, "I LOOOVVVEEE the fall", that everyone's been screaming out lately...but really I love NOVEMBER, that's the money right there...I mean the weather can get down right crispy (ok, maybe not so much here in Scottsdale but...) there is a Holiday completely devoted to FOOD (and thankfulness, and who isn't thankful when they are consuming mash potatoes? Ahhh...I digress) Family starts to gather, the shopping commences (though surprisingly the Christmas Shopping ball is already in the air, and I've not dropped it.) Cozy sweats, chilly nights, clear perfect days--yep, I'm all about November, October is over rated if you ask me.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6639604.post-1159251171142937242006-09-25T23:12:00.000-07:002006-11-14T08:44:47.140-08:00Of Backspace and PhotoshopI've always loved writing. I remember being a kid, fighting with my parents, and writing them letters to explain how mad I was. I'd write and write...then I'd write letters to make up with them too. I'd write letters to friends, cousins...there is just something about being able to get all your thoughts out, have no one interrupt and rewrite, and cross out and tweak until the paper contains the absolute best version of your thoughts, sentiments, ideas.<br /><br />I got to thinking about life awhile back and thought about how texting, emailing, myspacing (is that a word?) writing...all of these means of communication have something in common, they are "editable". Take MySpace for example, the ole fuzzy picture in a dark room with lots of eyeliner and sideways shot that turns a 85 year old man into a 19 year old stud, or what about blogging or emails, all of these things can be backspaced, spell checked, (ok, I know, I know there are times I need to use this feature more, don't rub it in.) Edited. And that's the trouble. <br /><br />With the media airbrushing every photo, editing every video, restylane in the lips, lipo on the hips...what part of us is real, raw, unedited? Not that all of these things are bad, I'm not saying that, I'm saying that almost every means of communication or contact can be altered to be the best version of "you" or "me". <br /><br />Somewhere in all of that-- "perfection" has become the norm. When everything has been nipped or tucked or augmented or injected or photoshopped or cropped or backspaced...we see what others want us to see. I know, I'm rambling, but stay with me, there might be something worth reading, no promises though. <br /><br />But I want to know what about the raw, uncut, unplugged, unedited versions of us? What if there were no backspace, no tummy tucks, no cover up? How would our perceptions of people change if our flaws were out there for all to see, all the time? Of course, I think its great that we can "fix" our problems and deal with our issues, but sometimes, I wonder if the fixing of the outside makes us overlook the fixing that we might need on the inside...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6639604.post-1158937463665931122006-09-22T07:56:00.000-07:002006-11-14T08:44:47.031-08:00Those eyes could be the death of me...<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6302/368/1600/DSC00517.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6302/368/320/DSC00517.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Don't be fooled by this face...This boy is trouble! I never really understood the difference between having a girl and boy...you know the whole sugar and spice and snails and puppy dog tails, but am I ever getting schooled. Just a list for you of the things Ty has tried in the last few weeks:<br /><br />- Eating a roach (that was bad karma on my part...long story.)<br />- Eating paper, plastic, crayons, foam, fabric... basically anything he can get his grubby hands on.<br />-Eating toilet paper from a four year old's pee filled toilet<br />- Attempting to stick a key in a light socket (learning to remove the safety covers from light sockets.)<br />- Taking off a dirty diaper in his bed and smearing the remnants around for all to see and ME to clean<br /><br />The list could go on but I'll let you really stew on the above crimes...then, please bow your heads and pray for me and all the other moms with boys.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com10