MrsFish

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2010-09-17T10:27:00.001-05:00

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n--*

UPDATE

2006-04-30T22:02:00.000-05:00

OK - Thanks for you patience everyone. I finally got the blogroll started over at wordpress. It's not done, but its there. I can't say I figured out how to make it work, but I know how to keep it going :) So, go ahead and change your links if you don't mind, MrsFish will now continue solely at www.mrsfish.wordpress.com Unless something unexpected happens, I won't post here anymore. I will leave it up for awhile (at least until I can get it printed out in color). But all new posts from May 1, 2006 forward will be at wordpress.

Stay Tuned

2006-04-30T20:26:00.000-05:00

I am not trying to drive you nuts by posting different things on each blog. I still haven't figured out a couple of things on the wordpress site. But once I do figure out how to post my blogroll on that particular template, I think I will switch over. Then I also need to figure out how to get my flickr account activated (it keeps timing out on me at sign in - flickr has always taken huge amounts of time to load on my computer), and/or how to resize the photos so they are not so huge. But I like the cleaner look and feel of the wordpress blog. So, in the mean time please bare with me on the double posting. I will let you know when I make the break. On a happier note, we found the most wonderful trail today. Cub Run Stream. We walked for about an hour and a half and only covered a small portion of the interlocking trails that criss cross the stream. It is huge. You only see a small trail leading back off the highway. You would never know the lovely meadows, creaks, tree canopied trails that lie just a an explorer's step away. Next time I definately need to take my camera and a picnic. Once again, Zoe loved the water.

Opal Anniversary

2006-04-29T08:24:00.000-05:00

Today is my 18th Wedding Anniversary. Ever since we married we have looked to this date as the one where we would say we had been married 1/2 our lives. This day finds us unable to do much celebrating with my beloved working an involuntary double shift. He will get home about 3pm and have to be back at work at 11pm. We didn't really plan any events because of the known night shift and various other reasons. But in our hearts we celebrate. So, my beloved, here are 18 things I love about you. One for every year I have been blessed to call you husband: 1. Your smile. It melts my heart. 2. You are the most loyal person I have ever met. 3. You are an incredible father. 4. You keep the sense of play in our family. 5. I feel safe when I am with you. 6. Together we take on adventures neither one of us would on our own. 7. Your desire to protect our family, community and nation. 8. You fix things, like the dryer, even when you have never worked on a dryer before. 9. You never stop hoping and dreaming, even in the face of dark realities. 10. Pinky holds 11. I have said it a million times, but your hand on the small of my back makes me feel loved and protected. 12. You bring the oddest little gifts and trinkets home as gifts and souvenirs (rubber bullets, railroad ties, etc.) 13. I love how you value the scrapbooks I have made. It shows your love of the family to me. 14. Your faithfulness. 15. You have introduced me to activities that I only did to be with you, but loved anyway - off road vehicles, camping on open land instead of AAA approved campgrounds, and now easy hiking :) 16. your silly songs. 17. the way your eyes say so much when you look over at me when we are both lisenting to Emily pontificate on her latest subject. 18. You are still my best friend, the one I long to turn to first in all things, and you reach to me first too when things are really good, really bad or just interesting. I love you darling, I always will. Happy 18th. The best is yet to come.

Favorite Foto(s) Friday

2006-04-28T18:46:00.000-05:00

My Husband.... Goofing around with the Camera. A nicer photo is here

Three Things Thursday

2006-04-27T17:32:00.000-05:00

1. I submitted my blog to a review website and pretty much got crunched. The nicest thing said was boring mommy blogger not too bad. That's ok. It is a snarky site and proud of it and I knew that going in. I like reading their reviews and have found a few I like that way. I just signed up for the review sort of as a jumping on the bandwagon thing. I cringed a bit and then thought, well it is about what I expected.

2. I got info today that indicates I possibly might have something good happen with the job. Then Ben called and said some interesting possibilities opened up today at his work. The two opportunities would work against each other. Both would be pretty good for the family. I guess life isn't going to settle down any time soon. The good thing is Ben and I will have to be praying over this together.

3. I am falling in love with Centreville more and more each day of spring. There are SO many colors of green I never knew. I was reminded I need to get the Spring from the front porch photo and that will complete my four seasons.

Saying Goodbye to the Jacaranda

2006-04-23T15:01:00.000-05:00

Ever since spring began here in my new state, I have been looking for a night blooming Jasmine plant. The aromatic jasmine holds many memories for me of my childhood. I would really like to plant one by my front porch like we had when we lived on Keynote street in Long Beach. I have been told it is considered a "tropical" here and hard to find. But I have been pining for the Jacarandas. Nothing evokes a feeling of home like the Jacaranda canopy of Long Beach.

But as we were driving yesterday down route 11 through the beautiful western part of Virginia I think I might have fallen in love with a new tree to feel like home. Many people here adore the redbud

or the Cherry Blossom.

They pale in comparison to the Jacaranda for me.

But then, we saw the Dogwoods. The white flower of the dogwood is just gorgeous among the green rolling hills.

Perhaps it is because it looks a lot like Jasmine, or maybe a bit of Virginia is settling into this California girl.

Favorite Foto Friday

2006-04-21T05:49:00.000-05:00

Climbing Trees

Three Things Thursday - The I Can't Decide Version

2006-04-20T17:15:00.000-05:00

The Hair Version is over here. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Three Reasons to stay with blogger: 1. It is customized, my fav blue and books. 2. I signed up to get smacked at italk2much and I hate to move before they get to me. 3. Easy to upload photos Three Reasons to dump blogger: 1. It ate my template - TWICE 2. I lost my list of books read 3. Change is fun. Three Reasons to stay with wordpress: 1. Love the categorization 2. When people comment it sends me not only the comment but also their email address and I can respond directly if I want. 3. I really like the wider area for the post. Easier to read. Three Reasons to dump wordpress: 1. Friends have to change links 2. Have to get flickr or photobucket to upload photos 3. Wordpress isn't very customizable. So What do you think? Blogger or Wordpress Blog - which one do you think I should keep?

He is Risen Indeed

2006-04-16T17:56:00.000-05:00

Happy Easter to anyone who may read this site. (It certainly is easier to post on this site, if not to upload photos. I may have to look into flikr again) It is 8 am Easter morning. Emily has found eggs and foraged through her basket. We will be going to the 9:30 service at our old church. We didn't make it up for sunrise. We will try the Lutheran church next week. But today is the day of all meaning in the faith. He is Risen! We are saved. Our penalty is paid, He is powerful over even death. I am thankful. And still feel a bit disconnected. Not just from divine intimacy, but the whole cultural holiday as well. I did the basket and stuff, but at the last minute sort of just throwing it together. Perhaps service, confession, hopefully communion will allow me to distance myself from hormonal and stressor feelings and participate with my LIVING! God. For a few smiles here are some quotes heard from the little miss Em this weekend, mostly this morning: "No Choices! - We are going to Church!" "I think this Easter Bunny is a girl" (upon finding underwear in her basket) "Stickers for Jesus!" (upon finding religious symbol stickers in her basket)

Dragons

2006-04-14T22:06:00.000-05:00

People liked the dragon quote I found and shared when I first went to work in this division: Do Not Mess with Dragons for you are crunchy and tasty with Ketchup. Well here we are two years later and this division is no more ; in true government style we are trying to reinvent ourselves. While I admire our commissioner a great deal and am pretty loyal to all she is trying to do, I am finding this division to be a pretty difficult place to be as I have risen in the buearocracy. So here is my new dragon quote: Fight the Dragon and you become the Dragon (from the Dan Millman novel I am listening to on my ipod - The Journey of Socrates, which I highly recommend btw). I wish I could get back to case work. As an aside, there are new posts on the other blog. But I guess I will stick around here. I am pretty bummed I lost my list of books read this year and there are still a few tweaks to get back, I haven't had the energy to get either blog where I want it. It is a strange sort of apathy.

Favorite Foto Friday

2006-04-14T07:31:00.000-05:00

A Week of Spring

2006-04-11T17:50:00.000-05:00

This week has been the proverbial breath of fresh air. The sun is out. The munchkin is happy beyond all belief, playing outside all day with a gaggle of kids. My work schedule is more normal because of the camp hours. I am actually accomplishing measurable things at work. A few crises have worked out. Family is still ill, but no one is in the hospital or in a critical stage. All three of us have been in a good mood. Now we just need to do two major things. Get our hearts and minds focused on holy week and get our taxes done.

Blogger Ate My Customized Template

2006-04-09T13:25:00.000-05:00

Since I have to rebuild I decided to rebuild over here. I will let you know how it goes and if you should change your links. UPDATE: Don't change those links yet. I like the categorization on wordpress, but uploading photos requires an extra step and there isn't much you can do to customize. Plus the template I like best doesn't allow links. I recovered most of my blogger template - so I haven't decided for sure yet. Thanks for your patience.

Favorite Foto(s) Friday

2006-04-07T21:23:00.000-05:00

We had about 3 hours of sun yesterday. As soon as it came out, around 2 pm, we packed into the truck and headed to Fountainhead Regional Park, which brags the widest point of the Occoquan river. It was sunny and pleasant and excellent family time. We had a nice short hike. The dog literally jumped for joy in chasing and trying to catch the waves. At one point, Em said "You are all about taking pictures today, Mom. That means you are happy." As soon as we got homem the rain, thunder and lightening started. So glad we quickly took advantage of the bits of spring poking through.

Three Things Thursday - Themed Edition

2006-04-06T11:58:00.000-05:00

Three Hobbies: Reading: My first and longest hobby. I read to relax. It is not uncommon for me to read 2-3 hours every night. It is more than occasional that I end up staying up all night to complete a novel in one night. I carry a book with me always. I have been known to read when I walk and when I drive (at stoplights, etc.) Scrapbooking. Picked it up in 1998 and became a passion without stop until 2005 when I tried to switch to digital. I have switched back and still enjoy it, but with nowhere near the time investment or the passion I used to have. Blogging: Newest hobby, overtook the passion I used to have for scrapbooking. I now spend a minimum of 1-2 hours daily reading and posting. Most days much more. Friends and family have asked me when/how I have time for any/all of these. They do tend to be mutually exclusive. I don't read on nights I blog generally. Or if I do, its only an hour. I have never read/or blogged when I also scrapbook. And I don't watch TV more than 1-2 hours a week. I watch ANTM and AI. Sometimes a rerun of charmed while eating a fast food dinner. But after dinner, homework, bath - kiddo in bed - I blog, read or scrapbook from 7:30/8:00 - ten. I fit some in earlier in the evening in spurts, and the weekends constantly.

Out of Whack

2006-04-05T12:39:00.000-05:00

Everything seems just off this week. I want to say it is all "CatiWampus" but I couldn't find a deffinition online to confirm that word really means what I think it means. In true Out of Whack style, it is a word in my head that doesn't seem to exist. We made some non-financial decisions for financial reasons recently and it hit me this week that it really hasn't helped us financially and the real reason hasn't had the benefit we intended. Our out of sync schedules are starting to get to me. Now its not even that we work opposite each other; we can't even fall into a rythem. We are getting into a methodolgy of being able to switch when either one of our job responsibilities require it, but that means that it just feels like we are never all together. Work is all a jitter with major reorganization going on and noone knowing quite what it means in the large or small scheme of things. I haven't started my taxes or even gathered the forms. I think I have to file in both California and Virginia; but I need to find out. 7 months in California, 5 in Virginia. I usually have my taxes done in February. Oh, and I haven't done a single thing or laid any plan for anything to do with Easter. Every decision we have made seems to be in question with the right way to turn unclear. And my mood is mid-menstrual, so its just a blue funk thing adding or magnifying to the Out of Whack-ness.

There is Something Wrong with this Picture.

2006-04-01T10:12:00.000-05:00

The dog has taken to routinely sleeping on the foot of Emily's bed, instead of on the scooby doo sleeping bag on the floor of our room. At 3:05 am this morning, Zoe is face to face with me. One Woof. "Zoe, go outside -you can go outside without me, its OK." One LOUDER Woof. Ok. I speak a little dog. That means, I REALLY have to go, and you need to come. I get up and she barely waits for me as I cross the living room. One look back as she gets to the doggy door. "Go" I say. She does her business and quickly comes back in the house. Good dog. No playing in the mud :). But I am awake. I give the dog some fresh water and sit down to check email. In the past, Zoe would lay on my feet or in my lap on these occasional middle of the night trips. I look up, where is the dog? She went back to bed. Oh my.

Scary

2006-03-30T18:41:00.000-05:00

Emily just asked me: "Mom, do you know the Macarena?" Apparently they taught it to her in a combined PE/Music class at school today. Scarier - I had to say yes, then we did the Macarena together. The 80s were fun and interesting. 1996 I can live without.

The Proud and the Muddy

2006-03-28T21:33:00.000-05:00

Well, the good news is that even though Em was feverish (but sleeping) when I left at 5:15 this morning, she was fever free upon waking and at 9:30 tonight she remains fever free. Why is this so recently sick kid still up at 9:30 you might ask? Well let me tell you. It's raining outside. Zoe has always hated the cold and the rain, until she discovered the joy of playing in the snow with Em in February. This is the first rain since snow season ended. Last weekend we removed all the small white rocks that covered our backyard in preparation for laying grass sod. Did I say it was raining? Unfortunately, I didn't put together the fact that I hadn't seen the dog in about 20 min, the rain, and Zoe's loss of rain/cold phobia. In fact, earlier this evening, upon request I wrote a letter of recommendation for the woman who we got Zoe from - she is trying to rescue a couple dogs from being put down from an animal shelter in Ohio. I just glowed about what a good dog Zoe is. I jinxed myself. We heard this rush through the doggy door and what I thought was, did another animal come through? And I called Zoe . And she came running at full speed. Covered in Mud. Snout to Tail. Up on the couch, and down at my shrieks, skidded across the living room floor, up the stairs and into my bathroom. I promptly through her in the tub. Em asked "Can I help?" So she came and watched me wash the dog. Then the dog got locked up in her crate. I started on the walls and floors. Em asked to help. I said OK - can you wipe down the couch (Isn't scotch guard wonderful?). I started on the second floor carpet and the stairs. Em did an awesome job on the couch, then did the front door and started on the bottom stairs and worked up as I worked down. I love Chlorox wipes. Then when I started mopping the floors, Em got the other mop and mopped with me. What a trooper. She did a FABULOUS job. I was so proud of her. I didn't have to ask, nag, or anyother coersion. She worked hard despite not feeling 100% and it being late. She kept saying "I want to try to be helpful". I praised her up one side and down the other, telling her how good she did, how much I appreciated her help and how impressed I was with her responsibilit and how proud I am at what a good job she did. And the really funny part. I am going to give you a glimpse into my life and my home here (how spoiled I am) As I was getting the last bit of mud out of the carpet by hand, I looked up at Em and said - do you know where Daddy keeps the vacuum?

Fever, Fever, Fever

2006-03-27T21:00:00.000-05:00

The doctor said it is not strep and it is not the flu (I didn't know they had a test for flu). So the default diagnosis is unspecified virus. Fever, red throat, undefined stomach pain. Of course she didn't have a temperature when we were at the doctor, but right on schedule at 3:30 here comes the fever. And the pain, and the weepiness. So we just wait it out with Motrin and cool cloths. And no school tomorrow. phfwefw.

For Gwen

2006-03-27T11:07:00.000-05:00

Yesterday during our lazy day of trying to recover from fever, I watched this movie. It was cute and it made me cry. I still haven't gotten the gumption to see the other favorite of my dear friend. I love Reese Witherspoon and dislike Nicholas Sparks. Someday I will keep my promise. In the meantime, this romantic comedy was right up my alley.

102.1

2006-03-26T13:26:00.000-05:00

The munchkin lies in bed beside me, her temperature reaching 102.1 On Friday night she responded to the motrin and woke up Saturday her normal self. She played, rode her scooter, helped her Dad and I work on the backyard. By dinner the fever was back. Again Motrin brought it down. This morning she woke up fine, but I insisted she stay down and rest. The fever was starting to creep up again, but recalling my favorite pediatrician telling me that the fever is the body fighting the infection and as long as she is drinking fluids and not feeling poorly it is sometimes good to let a low grade fever go. She laid down for a nap in bed beside me while I finished my book. She shivered in her sleep even as her brows turned brighter pink. So motrin it is again. We will keep the fever down with motrin tonight and cool baths if necessary and call the doctor in the morn. If the motrin stops working or the fever goes up, it will be a trip to the emergency room I fear. Her feet are cold to the touch.

2006-03-25T17:55:00.000-05:00

101.9

2006-03-24T18:15:00.000-05:00

We have fever. And upset tummy. No vomiting..yet. Em came home from school and fell asleep on the couch. Not exactly normal, but not out of the ordinary. At dinner she ate about 4 bites of canteloupe. That is unusual. Normally she would eat a whole canteloupe. As we finished up Em says "Ms. Dozier said I didn't have a fever." Stop. Have you been feeling sick all day? Yes. She lays down on the couch while we clean up the table. I take her temperature. Oh well, at least it is the weekend and we don't have to do the who doesn't go to work thing tomorrow. Update: two jr. motrins, some juice and crackers later - we are at 100.4 - so maybe its just a generic virus and nothing more (I hope, I hope, I hope hope hope) (obscure movie quote - anyone guess it?)

Favorite Foto Friday

2006-03-24T07:54:00.000-05:00

Three Things Thursday

2006-03-23T19:28:00.000-05:00

I asked my family to help me with this weeks TTT. I told them to give three random trivial facts about me. Here is what I got: 1. (from Em): I am the best mom she has ever had and she wants me to take her to Kings Dominion (an amusement park along the lines of Magic Mountain). 2. (from Ben): I make great grilled cheese sandwiches. (I happened to be making grilled cheese sandwiches for dinner) 3. They couldn't think of a third thing.

About Books...

2006-03-21T16:02:00.000-05:00

I went to the Library this weekend to look for Dr. Seuss books with Em, and the latest Sharon Kay Penman mystery for some light reading for me to offset the more meaningful text I am slowly chewing on. I found this. I read it in less than 24 hours. Enjoyed it but not it has added three books to my tbr: Breakfast at Tiffany's White Girl A Million Little Pieces Oh well, off to dance practice where I will finish up listening to Amy Tan that KMJ sent me and I am enjoying. Thank you, KMJ - It made my drives to Baltimore very enjoyable. Would you like it returned or passed on to the first person in the comments who asks for it?

Clean Clothes!!!

2006-03-19T17:14:00.000-05:00

Hubby fixed the dryer! Yay! It's funny how these things make you so grateful for your man :)

That Smile!

2006-03-18T18:10:00.000-05:00

Scootering Fun

2006-03-18T17:37:00.000-05:00

Just after I took these snaps, we went in the house. It wasn't but a few minutes before Em was calling "Mom, J is outside! Can I go, pleeaaase!." Out we headed again as J indeed was toting out her scooter. J's mom told me she had seen Emily outside and began the same plea. So we two moms stood in the park shivering in the wind watching the girls play :) A few minutes later the T comes running out with her scooter having seen the other two. I think maybe we have the beginnings of a "Three Musketeers" friendship.

New Zoe Growth Watch Photos

2006-03-18T17:15:00.000-05:00

Favorite Foto Friday

2006-03-17T18:48:00.000-05:00

I don't recall if I have posted this one here before or not. Looks like I haven't taken as many photos lately. Maybe this weekend will lend itself to a few. Mom goes back to California very early tomorrow. She has been sick in bed with a cold the whole time she has been here. A new dog park is opening in town this weekend. We might go check it out if it has a nearby but separate playground.

Three Things Thursday

2006-03-16T18:35:00.000-05:00

Random Thoughts about my life and perspective: 1. The trouble with being an optimist is that sometimes it takes months for it to sink in that things are not as great as you thought. 2. The nights this week where I got good sleep, I was more tired the next day than the days where I didn't feel like I slept because my mind was going so fast. 3. I am just as mentally tired as I am physically tired. Why do my three things sound so depressing? so here are a bonus round of three things: I am thankful for: 1. Having a job that pays regularly and well and is in no way dangerous. 2. Having such an abundance of bibles in various translations and formats. 3. Weekends.

Baltimore, Family and Food

2006-03-14T01:07:00.000-05:00

My normal commute to work is 45 minutes on a good day - a day that I drive non-rush hour. An 8-5 day, the commute (within Northern Virginia) is an hour 15, a bad day an hour and a half. Today I went into Baltimore to begin a week of meetings. I was told it could take up to 3 hours in rush hour traffic (a highway, an interstate, and three beltways). I left at 6 am. It took an hour 15 getting there. And leaving at 5 pm it took an hour twenty to get home. Not bad. It felt good to be back in old stomping grounds. Saw some old colleagues and friends. They asked me back right from the start. And even if its all just talk, or if its not, but not practicable - it feels good to be remembered for good work and valued, plus liked. The meeting was interesting, they dynamic among the players even more so. I think it will be a valuable week all around. Grandma has quickly settled back into the household. Puppy didn't recognize her for about 30 seconds, but once she did it was obvious she remembered the dynamic of THEIR relationship :) She hasn't left her alone since. Last night we had rotisserie chicken from the grocery store. I have never done that before and it was good. Easy meal with some macaroni and potatoe salad and cold cut carrots. Tonight mom made her steak that we all like and I threw together som trader joes red roasted potatoes. Yummy eatin in our household. Tomorrow I am meeting a friend from Baltimore after work for dinner (there is that social life again) so the rest of the fam is doing fish sticks and tater tots after dance. And Wednesday if I am not too exhausted from the long day, I will whip up my spagetti. There isn't much that is easier than spagetti, but my family only likes my version. (just the right amount of onions and garlic in the meat sauce and no funny stuff) Makes you feel good, you know?

Blessings

2006-03-12T19:55:00.000-05:00

I thank you Lord for reminding me tonight of some of my many blessings. I am thankful that I can take a clean hot bath whenever I want. Help me to remember those who do not have this simple luxury. I am thankful that I have easy access to quality medical care. I am thankful that I did not have to choose between groceries or medicine as we needed it this weekend. Thank you Lord for rescuing me from feeling overwhelmed with circumstances and reminding me of all the ease that comes with my challenges.

Updates

2006-03-12T08:33:00.000-05:00

My Dad is home and stabilizing. Thank you for your prayers. My mom arrived here in Virginia safely last night after several mishaps with missed planes and lost luggage still not found. My uncle had an angiogram and the VA decided not to release him and is scheduling him for bypass surgery. We are waiting to find out which facility he will be transferred to. He was really counting on my mom to be there, but they didn't decide this till late Friday and her plane left Saturday. That is my uncle Mike and with his condition the surgery is a bit riskier than normal. My Uncle Dan and Aunt Jeanne are keeping watch. On a happier note my Uncle Dan's 60th Birthday was yesterday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY UNCLE DAN!!!! After our brief fun interlude, my med-pol pak seems to be making some headway on my severe "allergy" attack. But while at the airport last night, Em's nose started running (clear). We will see what that portends. And for the big news: Yesterday Ben bent down to pick up a paper off the floor and did something to his back (pinched nerve?) Its not muscular, he can tell. Three voltarins and three alieve did nothing. So in addition to a trip to Walmart and the grocery store, it appears we are going to get to explore our local emergency room today.

Kristina reminded me

2006-03-11T17:20:00.000-05:00

I was baptized 25 years ago today in a small pentecostal church in Los Angeles. March 11, 1981. I wasn't a member of the church and the church didn't normally like to baptize children, but recently saved I wanted to make the public profession of my faith. It was my father's church and Pastor Berwick spoke with me and agreed to baptize me.

A Sunny Day

2006-03-11T15:51:00.000-05:00

..is good anywhere. I was adding allergies and the possible east coast stimuli to my pity party and thinking we wouldn't have the pleasures here that are available in San Diego. I was thinking about Friday night concerts at Trolley park with good friends, rides around the bay, and YMCA camp (I know there are Ys out here, but not like Mission Valley Y). But as the temps are in the 70's and the sky is as blue as any summer day could hope for, spring has sprung big time in Virginia. I was laying on the couch with all my sick ecoutraments (juice, tissue, blanket) and felt bad for Emily sitting inside doing homework. I told her to go put on a pair of shorts and flip flops and we would knock on the neighbor kids door to see if anyone wanted to play. I figured I could sit on the porch and be miserable as easy as I could on the couch. Well, it was a bit more miserable than the couch, seeing it is down right hot and that doesn't go well with achy, itchy, stuffy. But it was worth it. Em got some good old fashioned childhood play. The neighbor kids were already out in the park that faces our street. Two four year olds that play good enough for a six year old. In fact, they follow her so much she probably prefers it. Soon a couple of second grade boys showed up and joined in. They played in the grass and ran around. The only toys a red bouncy ball of Em's and a couple stuffed animals. I sat on the porch and the dog rolled around in the grass. When the kids came over to get some water for a bowl to mix with their 'recipes' of grass and sticks and what all else, I gave them each a bottled water. A little while later the moms chatting in the park sent Em over to see if she could have some MnMs. Good neighborhood play. If the summer is filled with Saturdays of unstructured play with the neighborhood kids, then chalk that one up for here. If I had felt better, as I am sure there will plenty of days that I do, I would have walked to one of the three playgrounds within the sight line with them to swing or slide.

Blog Frog

2006-03-11T12:59:00.000-05:00

I finally got our photos posted on blog frog. I think the post office is closed, so he heads to pennsylvania on Monday.

Friday Feast on Saturday and some blathering

2006-03-11T09:47:00.000-05:00

Found on mistresninos Appetizer On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being highest, how intuitive do you think you are? 8. I am pretty intuitive. People think I am logical, but most of my decisions are based on relying on gut/instinct/emotion. It's why I can't play chess. Too much logic, not enough - from the gut. Soup What is your favorite kind of gum? Don't like gum really. But cool and minty flavors if I am going to chew some. Salad Name a CD you own that you would never get rid of. Otmar Liebert - Poets and Angels Main Course When was the last time you said something you didn't mean? Thursday. Dessert What is the sum of the numbers in your birthdate? (Example: 3 + 2 + 1 + 9 + 7 + 9 = 31) 37 Also my age this year. Sheila want to comment on that one? If you play, please leave me a comment so I/we can read your answers! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ On a side note, I haven't been in the blogosphere since Tuesday night because Wednesday I came down with the most horrible attack of what I guess is now being called allergies. Eyes so watery I couldn't see, ache like the flu, no energy, pounding head, so stuffed up that 3 prescription decongestants and a Claritin did absolutely nothing. Running nose even witht he congestion. Couldn't sleep till I added the Nyquil, restricted breathing. So I laid in bed drinking cranberry juice and blowing my nose till the skin nearly rubbed off it. This allergy, I was so cloudy headed I can't even remember the type the doctor told me, because I knew it wasnt' the kind that shows up allergy tests. Its not the pollen in the air kind, or come in contact with eggs kind. Its not even the vasimotor allergies that I thought it was in San Diego. This one also appears to trigger the arthritis in my joints. I am taking a Med-pol pak that appears to be the same thing they gave Ben for his back. She did say, though that this is possibly somewhat environmental since this flare up coincided with the first big day in allergy season out here in Virginia. I don't know how to reconcile that. Could it also be that it came on 24 hours after my big stress at work that had me so stressed that when I calmed down and focused on resolution, I could physically feel the body changes as I came down. Or is that just what made me susceptible? I am tired of being sick. I am tired of the increasing frequency, severity, and fluky 'side symptoms'. I hate that I now have a "daily regimen" of three different medications to take even during times of no symptoms. Ok, 'nuff of the pity party. Today, I still feel awful, but I need to mail blog frog on to the next person (still haven't posted my stuff - want to get that up before Blog frog arrives at next destination). I also need to go to grocery store and pick up mom at the airport. I need to try and rest. Big important meetings in Baltimore all next week, and a couple conference calls that I want to sound competent on in front of someone whose work I respect a great deal.

Dupont Circle

2006-03-07T23:18:00.000-05:00

My husband surprised me at work today, showing up to take me to lunch. As we enjoyed a rare quiet hour of adult conversation, I mentioned that the restaurant I was meeting my friend at tonight was in Dupont Circle. I know he really knows me. I said , "you know what that makes me think of?" He said. "An American President". He was so right. It took me about 20 minutes to get into DC from work in Falls Church. I was going the opposite way of traffic. Once I hit the city proper though it took me another hour to get to the restaurant (less than 5 miles). I will NEVER drive in DC again. Driving into the national mall, the smithsonian section etc is one thing. But the DISTRICT.. no. People were honking at me constantly. A three lane street has cars parked on each side and then the one way street suddenly stops. The one way streets make no sense. It's crowded. But I did think it was cool. If I was single, or at least sans child, it would be fun to live in a CITY, city. walk out of your home and down the street to a myriad of restaurants, cross over to the theatre or the gym. Take the subway to work, etc. Very urban cool. Hip. Center of it happening. Tribal living - created families becuase you can meet your friends at the corner for dinner. The restaurant was also good. Tasty food, trendy atmosphere. Good friends, great conversation. I am glad I did it. But I told my friend - only for you would I drive this mess, and never again.

Tidbits

2006-03-07T07:00:00.000-05:00

Just some pieces of stuff that is going on: 1. Hubby recieved the final official government swearing in for all the interacting agencies that he has to be 'approved' by to fully do his job. We are proud of him and happy that this six months of 'processing' is over. (Is that vague enough?) 2. My Dad is home from the hospital and feeling in good humor. 3. I will have blog frog updates on the www.frommypadtoyours.blogspot.com website by the end of the week. 4. Doggy is laying in my lap as I type. This still makes me feel all warm fuzzy inside. 5. I may be going to Portland, Maine for a week at the end of the month for work. There are many obstacles to work out to see if I can go, but I have been asked and feel that I can contribute something so I want to go. 6. My mom is coming on Saturday for a visit for a week, while I am in Baltimore. 7. March is the birthday month in my family. Both my grandma and Ben's grandma have birthdays on the 20th. My aunt and uncle (the ones we stayed with last July) have birthdays this month. Happy Birthday to all of them! 8. Emily has a big bruise on her chin from where she went to leap onto the couch/chaise and overshot and went head first over to the other side. We are thankful she didn't lose any teeth or bite her tongue or lip. I don't think she will let me post a photo :) 9. I am having dinner tonight with a friend from San Diego who is in town. We will be eating at an Asian Tapas restaurant in Dupont Circle. I am very excited to see this friend. I am having lunch with a former boss/colleague in Baltimore on Monday before my training starts and dinner the next night with a friend from the time I spent in Baltimore three years ago. I feel like I have quite the social life. 10. Ben and I have flip flopped schedules while he is in training this week. So I have the late shift at work and he has the early. Emily has expressed she prefers mom in the morning and Dad afterschool. Good thing as it looks like Ben will be going to the night shift after this training and that is exactly what she will have. We might make it through the rest of the school year without having daycare. We are still looking at summer day camp options. I found one I think I like at a Christian school in Manassas but am waiting for them to put out their packet.

Another reason this dog belongs...

2006-03-04T09:20:00.000-05:00

Besides being strong willed, articulate (only barks to tell a family member she wants or needs something - never at stuff outside the house though she is very aware and protective), happiest when all of us are together, loves to snuggle, sleeps long and well through the night... now we have discovered.. Zoe loves to eat ice cubes as much as Emily does.

I am freaking out just a bit.

2006-03-03T16:51:00.000-05:00

My dad is in the ICU. Internal bleeding. He has been pretty ill since Christmas time. I talked to him and he sounded strong. But when I told him I wished I could be there, he said "I wish you could too. But you aren't." It wasn't said mean but it really got to me. I got off the phone and looked at very expensive air line tickets and free train tickets but that wouldn't get me to California until Tuesday, even if I took the very next train. He will most likely be home by then, and then I would just be in the way as he gets settled. When I called my mother to tell her about my dad, she told me my grandmother was dehydrated and wasn't eating. They were talking about transferring her to the hospital. They held out and gave her an IV at the nursing home and now that situation has stabilized. I just feel so far away, so helpless, and so guilty for moving to the other side of the country. Ben's mom could still use our help and my uncle is undergoing a procedure next week that is fairly risky in his precarious situation. Update: My Dad was released from the hospital on Sunday.

The Blog Frog Has Arrived!

2006-03-02T18:19:00.000-05:00

Click on the radio button in the sidebar to see where he has been and read my posts about his time in our family!

Three Things Thursday

2006-03-02T17:03:00.000-05:00

Three Things from Three Years Ago. Wow. March 2, 2003 was the day my family's life changed the most. 1. We left the home we had lived in the longest since marrying. After 6 years in the Palm Springs, Ca area, we put all of our belongings in storage. Emily, my mom and I boarded a plane headed for Baltimore. Ben had left the day before to drive our car across country. I was on a 120 day detail at the governments expense. I was going to have another 120 detail somewhere (maybe riverside Ca?) after that but I didn't know for sure where (it turned out to be San Diego). And when the Leadership program that I was in ended in September - I didn't know where we would be living or what position I would hold. Ben had been staying home full time with Emily for about a year and was now in the process of applying for his first position in his current field of employment 2. We were excited about the possibilities and the new experiences. We wanted to see as much of the east coast as possible, because we were thought - when would we ever have the opportunity to be here for such an extended period of time. 3. Emily was enrolled in a preschool on the campus of the agency I work for. It was high quality, affordable, and within walking distance of where I spent my day. I would meet her for lunch. Little did I know the period that began three years ago today would not be just one crazy life altering leap of faith - but the beginning of several in a series to lead us from the Deserts of California to Baltimore Maryland to San Diego, California and back to the East coast in Virginia. Ben and I have each had two major job changes and Emily four different schools.

Tuesdays are Exciting.

2006-02-28T21:41:00.000-05:00

Tuesdays are full back pack days. It is the day each week that a whole packet of materials come home from school; flyers, newsletters, samples of completed work, art projects, PTA information. Report cards come home in the packet as well when it is that time of year. Tuesday is also Library day for Em's class. I always like to see what two books Emily chose. These are often our bedtime reading stories, but sometimes here choices tell me other things about her day. When she comes home with science and weather related books, I know she pre determined what she wanted. When she comes home with chapter books she has no interest in, I know she was feeling peer pressure to pick up what another kid was choosing. When she comes home with very easy picture books I know she was feeling either lazy or down about her skills. When she comes home with a book in Spanish I know she just grabbed whatever was closest and easiest. Today was especially exciting though. When I pulled this out of her back pack, She YELLED! - "Mom! I can READ THAT BOOK! Want to see!?!" Of course, I replied. She sat down and read 34 pages to me without stopping. No coercing, no struggling. Just the plain joy of reading, of loving the story, of feeling confident. Now the vocabulary is a bit below the reading level that she is capable of, and which she strives for in her normal 'take home reading' but I don't care. She was happy about it. That is all I hope for. I was so excited about the whole thing I got the response: "Mom, You are WEIRD."

Sure Sign of Spring

2006-02-28T20:04:00.000-05:00

Despite the snow flurries this morning, the first sure sign of spring appeared. The local batting cages have opened.

A Car Ride

2006-02-25T21:57:00.000-05:00

2006-02-25T21:50:00.000-05:00

Noone Posts on the Weekends

2006-02-25T04:52:00.000-05:00

It is 4:52 in the morning. I have been awake since 3:27, or a little before. Maybe it is the three days in bed finally catching up with me. Or maybe that I am still very aware of my own breathing. Not that it hurts, or that I can't. It is just taking enough effort that I am aware of it. I layed in bed for over an hour. Praying, tossing and turning, pulling the covers up further, tossing them off, looking out the window, wondering if I could get away with turning on the light to read without waking hubby. Finally, I got up and came down stairs for a decongestant and a glass of cranberry juice. A few years ago, these mid night/am computer sessions were not uncommon. But that was before blogging. My friends recieved long chatty emails from me, or a deluge of shorter ones. That was also before puppy. I would sit varying between relishing the quiet and feeling a tad bit lonely. Now, I do wish I was upstairs in my warm comfy bed with my new down comforter in faux suede (super soft) duvet. But I have this adorable dog curled into a ball with her noce tucked in, right in my lap. I do wish you all posted something on the weekends though. It stops Friday about 3 pm and doesn't pick up again till after 8 am on Mondays. I know you can't all be blogging on your employers time. I know for some its because weekends are family time. I understand. Really I do. But my insomnia doesn't. On a good note, all my bloodwork from Monday came back normal.

Favorite Foto Friday

2006-02-24T09:01:00.000-05:00

Three Things Thursday

2006-02-23T17:47:00.000-05:00

Fears 1. I am afraid both of being loved only for what I do, and that I don't put enough into my marriage to be lovable. 2. I am afraid of the increase in variety, length and intensity of symptoms that I have every time a simple cold hits me. 3. I am afraid I may never have 'roots' in one place, even as I wonder if we will be moving again. Other than my immediate family, my strongest friendships are online.

Sleeping Beauty

2006-02-22T23:32:00.000-05:00

Ballet Feet

2006-02-21T20:03:00.000-05:00

Silliness

2006-02-21T19:43:00.000-05:00

Six year old to Pup: "Missed me, Missed me... Now you have to Kiss Me!"

When we got home from Ballet class this afternoon, I wanted to take some photos of Emily in her class uniform; black leotard, pink tights, pink ballet shoes. She asked not to have to take photos tonight. So we got home and she changed out of her 'good ballet costume' and put on the ballet slippers she is allowed to wear outside the studio. By the time I turned around she had on her tutu over her play clothes. NOW, she was ready for photos!

She proceeded to practice the lovely dance that she is preparing for her recital. I thought the tutu over summer sweats and the "Got Camp" T-shirt was just classic Emily 'Funk'.

Zoe Update

2006-02-20T16:26:00.000-05:00

Zoe had her appointment this afternoon for the last in the series of her puppy shots. (last week) She now weights 23.5 lbs. That is a six lb gain in a month. The vet did say she doesn't expect her to get above 50 lbs. We had estimated 25-40 lbs, so we are not far off. We got the heart worm stuff, and have to go back for the tick and flea stuff before the first of the month. {Jan 16 - left/Dec 11- right) We scheduled the spay surgery for friday, April 7th. I like this vet. The clinic is clean and most of the staff is very knowledgeable. However I expect they over charge. I don't think it was necessary to charge us for an exam every month that we came in for vaccinations. But they did take time to answer our questions and give tips on training. So, $270 for the spaying, plus $25-50 for the 'deux' claw removal. Also, upcoming puppy costs are $119 for puppy obedience class - (oh how I miss Long Beach Parks and Rec $35 classes in the park), and the $5-$10 licensing fee depending on whether or not we register while she is 4 months and pay the $10 unspayed fee, or wait till she has the spaying and just pay the $5 spayed fee at six months. I am thinking I am just going to go ahead and register her now and get it done with. It's only $5 and goes to some county service or another that I probably benefit from. Then we will be into the bigger doggy bed and bigger crate expenditures. Hopefully though, by summer we will be done with the major puppy expenses.

Where's Rosie When You Need Her?

2006-02-20T12:52:00.000-05:00

I have to have a Mammogram. Routine and all that. But you know what I am bummed about the most in the whole thing? Rosie O'Donnell Show is not on the air, so I can't send in my receipt and get an "I got smushed" T-Shirt. I turn 37 in May. I think this 40 thing will be the first birthday that really gets to me. Cuz' 37 sure seems like its awful close to 40. No faking the adult thing there. Especially when my annual physical this year was all about arthritis pain management (when to start the drugs, and what you can just live with) and mammograms.

Miscellaneous

2006-02-19T22:10:00.000-05:00

I have a physical tomorrow. We had Chipotle for dinner tonight. Emily told Ben that the reason she went from an 'O' to a 'G' in math this quarter is because she can't read the instructions on the worksheets. I am still sick with this cold. Emily performed a piece of her ballet recital for us tonight. I hate floam. Whoever thought marketing something that "sticks to any surface" was a good idea was nuts. Luckily the floam at our house does NOT stick to ANY surface. I wish I could think of something meaningful to write. I feel like I am just waiting for all the pieces of my life to finally fall into place.

More Prayers for the MIL, please

2006-02-17T22:13:00.000-05:00

As she is released from the hospital today.

O God, the strength of the weak and the comfort of sufferers: Mercifully accept our prayers, and grant to your servant the help of your power, that this sickness may be turned into health, and our sorrow into joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

(BOCP)

Favorite Foto Friday

2006-02-17T15:37:00.000-05:00

Here is an old one from when Em was about 9 months old. It is still one of my favorites. Apparently I used to talk on the phone a lot more (hardly ever now), and that hand expression is me all the way. Em turns her hand the other way now when she is trying to explain something, but we both talk with our hands!

Three Things Thursday

2006-02-16T19:12:00.000-05:00

1. I have a sore throat. 2. Emily threw up on the bathroom floor. 3. Emily got all Outstandings and Goods on her report card today.

Pretty Please?

2006-02-15T21:10:00.000-05:00

I had never heard of a Johari Window before I found it online. But I love this stuff. I love getting feedback about how others see me as well. If you don't want me to know your responses, feel free to make up a name. But I would absolutely love it if you would pick six adjective from the list that you think describe me. choose the words here. Especially if you know or knew me in real life, but even if you only know my online personality, please take a few minutes and indulge the psychobabologist in me :)

Cocoa Days

2006-02-15T20:40:00.000-05:00

It finally started snowing steadily enough to accumulate. Emily was a bit disapointed there wasn't enough yet for sledding but had some fun running around in the falling snow.

It is still snowing and maybe tomorrow will look something like the 'severe weather' storm we have been warned of.

I am sitting on the couch with a cup of cocoa and a sleeping dog on my feet. It would be a perfect winter evening if my husband was with me, or even on the same coast, and our family was all fine.

The REAL Winter Edition

2006-02-15T20:08:00.000-05:00

There never was a 'storm' as I would think of a storm. No fast, furious, downpour of snow. Just a steady soft flow of light snow beginning at about 3 pm yesterday and continuing through the night. It is expected to continue through today. I wonder if there will be school tomorrow? What would happen if I didn't shovel the driveway to get to church and just opened the garage door and backed through it? There are more photos on the photoblog. UPDATE: I know I am really not acclimated to the east coast yet because it BLOWS MY MIND that they CANCELLED church this morning. Also, I really did run out of bread and hot chocolate am almost out of eggs despite the fact I had a normal stock on Friday. I guess people do this because you really do use more bread (cinnamon toast with the hot cocoa) and stuff. We are still good on toilet paper.

Memories and Thoughts for Loved Ones Far Away

2006-02-15T11:42:00.000-05:00

I was putting away some new scrapbook supplies which led me to reorganize a bit. I started looking at my old scrapbooks and wanted to post some favorite photos from the past, even though its not Friday. The complexity and style of my pages has changed over the years and some of the scans are not straight. I have never been a perfectionist in my pages, totally buying into the Creative Memories motto that done is better than perfect. Anyway as I looked through the albums (17 in six years) I started looking at the pages I found this one that broke my heart: The following pages represent good times with loved ones that I am concerned about and praying for as they all have serious health conditions and/or are in crisis this weekend or are dealing with the others.

2006-02-15T11:36:00.000-05:00

Emily's Fourth Birthday in Placerville

2006-02-15T11:30:00.000-05:00

2006-02-15T11:23:00.000-05:00

Annual Fourth of July Tradition

2006-02-15T11:20:00.000-05:00

The View from the front Porch - Winter Edition

2006-02-14T22:01:00.000-05:00

For Valentines day

2006-02-13T20:24:00.000-05:00

I found this on something called Sunday Six on another website. I guess every Sunday there is a different set of questions, but you have to have your kid answer them. I wouldn't want to do it regularly, but I thought the Valentine version was cute. So here are my kids answers: 1. What is a Valentine? A man, Mr. Valentine, he invented it. 2. How many Valentines should one person have? One. 3. What makes a nice Valentines present? Roses, flowers. 4. Who or what is Cupid? What's Cupid? Cupid, cupid, cupid... I don't know. 5. What does it mean to be in love? It means you are happy and you are in love with somebody and you like them. 6. Which color do you like better, red or pink? Red, I mean pink. If you play, leave a comment, I would love to read your kid's answers.

Curiosities of Doggy Sleep Habits

2006-02-13T12:34:00.000-05:00

She sleeps all night in my bedroom. Each night she walks all the way around the bed and puts her paws up on the side of the bed to make sure each person is actually laying down with their eyes shut. If they are, and the lights are off, she walks over to the scooby doo sleeping bag and goes to sleep. If we are still, but the lights are on, then she lays under the bed. Or partially under the bed, with her hindquarters sticking out. When she needs to go to the bathroom, which is usually about 5 am, (but every once in awhile in the middle of the night too), she comes to the side of the bed and barks one time. If we ignore her, she walks to the bedroom door and scratches one time. We can't just open the door for her. She won't go downstairs by herself at night. She waits till you are down stairs then she comes and goes straight to the doggy door and out to do her business. We don't know if this is because she doesn't want to be away from us, if she wants the treat she gets when we see her get up on her own and go outside for potty. If we don't see her she doesn't get a treat, and perhaps she figures since she has to wake us up to be let out of the room she isn't going to miss an opportunity for us to watch her go out and therefore get the treat. I am thinking of keeping treats in the bedroom so she can still get one after coming back up and I don't have to get up. If Em and I go to bed at the same time, she sleeps on a blanket at the foot of Em's bed outside of my bedroom. I leave the bedroom door open in those cases. That way I can hear if she moves around and prevent any mischief. But for all her puppiness during the day - she is such a good dog at night. She ALWAYS stays by Em and when Ben gets home from work, she moves onto her scooby doo sleeping bag in the bedroom. We haven't been using the third floor much since my mom went back to California and Em convinced Daddy to bring her bed down to the second floor living area. But today I was up there putting some toys away and changing out books for bedtime reading. Zoe was with me. I opened a window to air out the upstairs as it smelled a bit stuffy. Zoe realized that the window in Em's room is the perfect height for her to look out of. It was so funny. She stayed up there even after we came down. And for this dog who is constantly at our feet, that is pretty unusual.

More Reasons I Am Glad We Got A Dog

2006-02-12T20:51:00.000-05:00

1. The Dog played with Emily in the backyard in the snow for an hour this morning. 2. Watching Zoe leap through the snow because it was too high to walk through was a good laugh. 3. The whole sleeping on my feet thing. 4. Again, this evening, the dog jumped around in the snow drifts with Emily while I sat on the porch and watched. No whining about me getting in all that wetness when I have had my fill. Em has her playmate.

Caregiver

2006-02-11T11:19:00.000-05:00

Thirteen Months

2006-02-11T11:15:00.000-05:00

This is just one of my favorite baby portraits of Emily.

This One's for Gwen

2006-02-11T11:08:00.000-05:00

Heavy Snow Warning

2006-02-11T10:31:00.000-05:00

We woke up at 8 am this morning to snow falling. But so far there is no accumulation. Yesterday my kind coworker and my one friend in town made sure I know the Virginia Drill: Night before a snow storm go to grocery store and buy Bread, Milk, Eggs and Toilet Paper. Apparently today there won't be any left, thus the terrible fear of being without these staples. Good advice for this California girl who would have gone and bought candles, batteries and water. The county schools just sent email notice that all weekend activities will be cancelled beginning at 1pm. Pretty much everybody follows the school superintendant. Its more reliable than the weather channel. So, I guess we will look for the snow after lunch.

Favorite Foto Friday

2006-02-10T19:54:00.000-05:00

Three Things Thursday

2006-02-09T16:55:00.000-05:00

The 'light' version because I need it. 1. I think caramel makes chocolate taste better. 2. I still enjoy roller skating, but only on the smooth surface of a rink or well paved flat path. 3. My dream vacation is the Greek Isles. My somewhat more realistic vacation hopes are DisneyWorld, Smugglers Notch, Virginia Beach beachfront resort, or a summer week in a beachfront Condo at Lake Winnepasauke, New Hampshire.

My BlogWords

2006-02-09T14:35:00.000-05:00

Andy tells you how to get one of your own here.

2006-02-08T20:45:00.000-05:00

Ben's mom is really ill. He will be flying to California this weekend to try and get her to access medical services. For those of you who know of her condition, you know this will not be an easy trip. His job is being supportive allowing him a couple days off. I have made some phone calls and we know how to start. But if you can add us to you prayer list for the next week or so, it would be much appreciated. Wisdom, love, clarity, access , strength and provision are all needed. Only God knows the purpose and the timing. As a back note, this now means we each have one parent and one grandparent with serious medical issues, plus my uncle and two close family friends. They are all on the west coast. God is faithful and will never leave us nor forsake us. I pray that this challenging time will result in a deeper dependance on God for all of us involved.

Partially "It"

2006-02-07T21:43:00.000-05:00

I have already done the second part of Gwen's meme tag. But not the first, so I will do that. Ten years ago: 1996 was another big year of change. In January and February we were living in Corona Del Mar and I was working on a thesis required of my Bachelor's degree. Ben was still working in the shipping industry. I had not yet begun working for the government and was working in the counseling department at Irvine Valley College. Ben and I were researching San Diego and Palm Springs as the two locations where schools were located that offered his program in Golf Management and a Masters in Career Counseling for me. In June of 2006 we moved back into my grandmother's house in Long Beach so I could be closer as I took some pre-reqs for my graduate school at CSULB. By December of 1996 we had both quit our jobs and moved to the Palm Springs area. Five Years Ago: Ben was working evening/nights while I worked shortened days so we could keep Emily out of daycare based on pediatrician recommendations and her health issues were greatly improved. Later in 2001, Ben would ultimately quit his job so this could be accomplished for a more extended period (we expected another six months, but ultimately it turned into almost two years because of my little adventure that took us to Baltimore) We began talking about leaving the desert but didn't know how that would be accomplished. We were past the worst of the pneumonia and fully enjoying the wonderfulness of toddlerhood. I was fully immersed in scrapbooking. One Year ago: Emily was half way through her year in a private christian school, something Ben and I thought we would never do, and loving it. I began participating in a bible study for parents of kids at this school and really started making friends. Work was going well for me, Ben was getting into his routine. I made the leap to a laptop, wireless internet and broadband, really solidifying my addiction to blogging. Ben had sent in a resume for this possibility on 'the other coast' but didn't think much would come of it. San Diego seemed to have it all for us. Yesterday: I worked 6 am-12 noon. Co-lead a nationwide conference call on my cell phone from home at 1 pm. Took Emily to Awana at 4:30 and got her vest as she passed her gateway completion. Actually got to start reading in Hebrews and was asleep before 10 pm. Hubby had to work 1/2 an extra shift, so he worked from 3pm-2am. I saw him for 15 minutes (1:30-1:45 pm) the whole day.

A Girl and Her Dog

2006-02-07T19:47:00.000-05:00

Solutions for a dog that won't settle down

2006-02-07T16:21:00.000-05:00

I know you are not supposed to use a crate for discipline, and since we aren't 'crate training', if we continue to use this as a way to get her to calm down, then obviously I will need a bigger one soon.

Cognitive Dissonance

2006-02-06T20:28:00.000-05:00

This Week: I had the feeling I wanted to go home. I thought about it and realized I wouldn't know where that was anymore. I love this dog. I do. There are moments when the three of us are walking with the dog and laughing or running or just being, and the family feels somehow more complete. More domestic. I like it. But in the evenings, when she won't stay off the couch, or won't be still, or keeps barking at me because she wants me to play and I am just tired and don't want to, I wonder about getting rid of her and I feel guilty just for thinking it even though I know I wouldnt. I am SO loving my work assignment right now. The workload is growing, and I am addressing needs and getting lots of kudos. But even in the heart of it, I wonder about another possibility. Would I like it more? Less? Would the logistical ease of the other work assignment make it worth it if I didn't like it? Would it make home life more normal? What if anyone along the chain in my current assignment just decided not to have me work on this project, just as easily as I was put on it? Am I happier as a big fish in a small pond or a medium fish in a big pond? Does it matter? So many family members are facing serious illnesses, some worse than others. I don't know how to help or if I should. I wonder if I should be preparing myself or if that is just cold. But I don't really worry about it and I wonder if that is cold. I wonder how my life would be different if I hadn't moved across country and I think that is cold. Why am I thinking about me in this. Despite not seeing my husband enough due to work schedules, my daughter being cranky because she is not getting enough sleep, some annoying health problems of my own, being off my food plan and truly hungering for the Word of God, but still not being in it with any regularity and feeling the effect of that in my prayers (which are pretty constant), despite all of that.. I am pretty happy right now.

Favorite Foto Friday (late edition)

2006-02-04T09:24:00.000-05:00

This week my favorite photo isn't mine. Check this one. It makes me FEEL the memories of small summer moments at Hume and Forest home. It captures the essence of memorie as much as the emotions of twilight treasures of a defined era and unique place.

Three Things Thursday

2006-02-02T17:07:00.000-05:00

Your favorite books edition: The Bone People Read over 5 years ago and still one that stays with me the most. A fine balance Incredibly rich and beautiful, The Last Sin Eater Reading Francine Rivers books first put the desire in me for a more intimate and dependant walk with God.

You need to see PEA

2006-02-02T12:32:00.000-05:00

Click on the title link to go see the wonderfulness that is Ms. Patricia. I love her site. The visualness and the perfect blend of dailiness and honesty that make you feel like you are just hanging with a girlfriend driving in a car talking about nothing and everything and what is your day. This generous woman who I do not know, have only commented a few times on her blog, but is a friend of the lovely Romy, offered and quickly deliverd and fixed... every.single.one. of my wishlist items on my blog for me!! And why? Because she can. Because she is generous. Because she is talented. And I so want to do something nice back for her, but I haven't figured out what that should be yet. (And I still haven't sent those mix CD's I promised a few friends last summer.. so I need to be cautious LOL). So, if you want to help me (and get a great blog to add to your reading list if you don't already visit her) - please click on the title above, check her out... and if you would be so kind as to help me thank her leave a bunch of friendly comments on her site.. Thanks friends and THANK YOU Patricia!

Been Tagged

2006-02-01T21:48:00.000-05:00

by KravMom Four jobs you've had in your life: Assistant in a photography studio Purchasing Agent Event Planner/Conference Coordinator SSI Claims Representative Four movies you could watch over and over (and have): A Few Good Men The American President A Walk in the Clouds The Glenn Miller Story Four places you have lived: Long Beach, California Corona del Mar, California Baltimore, Maryland San Diego, California Four TV shows you love to watch: Project Runway America's Next Top Super Model Friends Inside the Actor's Studio Four places you have been on vacation: Las Vegas The Bahamas DisneyWorld, Orlando Florida Busch Gardens -Williamsburg Four websites you visit daily: (I am assuming this doesn't include blogs, because that is way too many to list just 4) amazon my bank gmail google Four of your favorite foods: french baguette chocolate lobster bisque sour cream with green onion dip mix/ruffles chips Four places you'd rather be right now: in bed with my husband in a tropical hideaway on the other side of the world

A Wasted Day

2006-01-30T19:06:00.000-05:00

On Leave from work, to be home with the munchkin on the 'teacher work day', I had big plans. Here is what I planned on doing: 1. Check out a local Christian School 2. Check out a location for Summer Camp 3. Prepare a document needed for work 4. Mail a book to my dad 5. Put away laundry 6. Interview a sitter for that 2 hour gap on Mondays 7. Make a meal plan and go grocery shopping. 8. Catch up on the bible study I am behind on. What I did: 1. Mess with the blog 2. Read blogs and email 3. Walk the dog 4. Make homemade potato chips with my daughter 5. Mess with the blog. What I still have left to do: 1. Give the girl a bath 2. Put away laundry 3. "Take Home Reading" with the girl.

Blog Frogged ! !

2006-01-30T14:15:00.000-05:00

I thought we would be on the list forever, but it seems we are only 3 stops away from Crazy Legs coming to the Northern Virginia/Metro DC area! Ben and I are already plotting places we can take the little guy to show him our Nation's capitol and what cool shots we might be able to get through 'connections' that the average tourist wouldn't (and still be able to post on the internet - uniformed officers are already ruled out) It looks like it will be March. I guess I just need to make sure that if any of you all come stay with us when you have reason to do the tourist thing, we show you just as good a time. My mom got one day trip to one Smithsonian museum and one day trip to walk the National Mall. Matt and Amber got some tourist guide books, some advice on the metro and some groceries for their lunch. I guess our track record on hosting DC hasn't been great. But both of those were before we even had a chance to get to know the city ourselves. Plus there are a few cool places here in suburbia we can get take the little guy. If you don't know what I am talking about - check the blogfrog button in my sidebar and I post some info here when he arrives and let you know when my posts are up at crazy legs' own blog.

Almost There

2006-01-30T12:53:00.000-05:00

It has been a frustrating time, but I almost have my blog template where I want it. I liked the changes I made a couple weeks ago, but I was trying to put dividers between the posts and it got messed up and I couldn't get them off. So I tried to change templates, but the next one that I chose was some sort of 'package' and I couldn't change a lot. At least with my 'no knowledge' try it here approach to HTML. I got frustrated and changed the template about 6 times before I went back to the blogger basic ones and just gave up. I ignored the computer for a couple days and last night started putting it back together. I am in a better place with it now. I still need to: 1. Get that MrsFish graphic in the center of the header 2. Get the CSS color to stay on blue instead of purple in the links (I can get it there and see it in preview, but when it publishes it is back to purple). I want to: 1. Expand the size of the main section so posts read more across 2. Add something more interesting to the side bar. Maybe one of those listof places/things etc thingys I like but have never figured out how to make work though I have registered. Or a mood thingy. 3. Get the 'comments' changed to chatting or some other personalized word. I did it once on that other template, but can't seem to get it to work this time. It might be worth it to: 1. find my archives 2. figure out why the links under blog family don't list down. FIXED!!- thanks Kristina! It would be nice to: 1. have some sort of tiny graphic or better font for the post title headers I just can't : 1. bring myself to use any blog service I have to pay for. I know its not cheap, but scrapbooking already costs me too much and blogs have lots of free things. I would rather have more than one blogroll, so I can see my blog family has updated like the main roll. But I was loosing you all in the growing list, and bottom line I go to you first.

A Great Read

2006-01-29T20:04:00.000-05:00

I have been waiting for Dee Henderson's new novel. I picked it up Friday at Borders and finished it this morning. I love her stuff. I hope The Witness is the first in a series like the O' Malley's. Great suspense, a bit of romance. Not bad cop reading either. It's like a Christian version of WEB Griffin's cop series, but more intelligent and emotionally connected. If you haven't read her - you are missing out. If you are more into romance, the Honor series might be more up your alley.

Update in the Weekly Zoe Growth Watch

2006-01-29T19:52:00.000-05:00

Today A month ago. The day we brought her home. December 11, 2005

2006-01-29T19:45:00.000-05:00

My dog sleeps on a Scooby Doo sleeping bag.

Chatting

2006-01-27T16:57:00.000-05:00

setting the scene: Emily is laying on the air mattress in the sitting room outside of my bedroom. She is wearing a t shirt and sweats to sleep in. She has the ratty and torn quilt from her crib lovingly cradled in her arms, a teddy bear and a book laying on the bed beside her. I am laying on the other side of the mattress, having just put away "Benjy's Dog House" - tonights bedtime reading selection. Em: Do I have to go to college? Me: Yes, college and graduate school Em: what's graduate school? Me: It is where you get to study the things you are most interested in and hopefully end up with a career you really love and make enough money to live comfortably. Em: McDonalds? Me: No. Em: Why not? Me: Working at McDonalds is hard work that you can barely afford a safe place to live. You go to college so you can work in something like scientist, or veterinarian or teacher (all things she has said she wanted to be when she grew up). Em: I don't want to work. Me: If you don't work, you don't eat. Em: My husband will have lots and lots of money. Me: Oh.. you are going to marry rich? - are you going be home with your babies? Em: No, I am just going to spend the money. Me: You still have to go to college. I don't know if that conversation tells you more about her or me.

Waiting for a Walk

2006-01-27T15:13:00.000-05:00

Favorite Fotos Friday

2006-01-27T06:41:00.000-05:00

This photo is a little old, it was taken in front of our home in San Diego, about a month before we moved. I love it not only because it is cute, but this is the face Em makes when she is totally engaged in what we are talking about and is being witty and funny. This is the face when my little girl is enjoying a connection between us. This wast taken last summer at Lake Winnipasauke in New Hampshire. I wasn't there. But I so enjoy it when Emily gets to have adventures and new experiences. Plus she does look darn cute driving that boat. Thanks Aunt Regina and Uncle Jerry!