tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8693449253963331032024-03-04T22:19:10.285-08:00Moving ForwardKellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00778406102236977124noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-869344925396333103.post-3276539299262205932008-08-10T09:29:00.000-07:002008-08-10T09:44:00.196-07:00Pooh Corner<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_jLeXfRKsZbmxtg70aPSY9yy2KEIXu8jvTn81iP9qURCrS6R5NUVWhgbi0gNSacdVtELLexhs_HlHYR_WXDK7o86I2Pw2cHImrLljQKifCRE7VZYs92wQ7j1VM0OVpMU4gzEQuV1cbuC1/s1600-h/Steph_&_Kelly.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232930664939330482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_jLeXfRKsZbmxtg70aPSY9yy2KEIXu8jvTn81iP9qURCrS6R5NUVWhgbi0gNSacdVtELLexhs_HlHYR_WXDK7o86I2Pw2cHImrLljQKifCRE7VZYs92wQ7j1VM0OVpMU4gzEQuV1cbuC1/s320/Steph_&_Kelly.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Oooh boy. I am home a few short minutes from a run with Stephanie. Although we did not do our "usual" run ie: I did not torture Stephanie with the route we run ALL THE TIME; it was a fabulous run nonetheless. As it turns out, it is probably better that we ran on neutral ground with little familiarity. That would have been a lot harder. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>We have had the best runs together, and some not so great runs. The "hobble gobble" goes down as an epic run. Steph and I decided to run Thanksgiving morning after working night shift. Now, some of you may think running is wacky, and night shift wackier, and the combo inconceivable. Hopefully most of you will see the complete clarity of it all. Anyway, midway of our run we saw a chicken meandering around the lawn of a very beautiful home. That struck us as very hilarious and thought that of all things, the chicken was having the best day of everyone! It was all crazy from then on. There was also the runs in the extreme weather-stepping into near waist deep puddles along Knott street (so we decided to not run Knott), late evenings, wind, sun, even snow and ice. I would run in any condition to run with Stephanie. Today was one of those days that I did not want the run to end. Usually I get to the point of being tired, hot, thirsty, etc. but today I could have run all day just to be running with Stephanie. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00778406102236977124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-869344925396333103.post-67946531813609258372008-08-10T07:02:00.000-07:002008-08-10T07:18:10.176-07:00Love all around<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnLdlzf8ufyyLPbAxnGL06YYOmbFZ0ehdoWeUcaGcS496l3bBtH6cLLyp1ulAF11AUv4AiJzFEzHH0C9WaCZ2VliPbpla4VL4bI_Q_80_mD4pE-Ekx9ys0orWP6OmnDcb3X-5zUNON_WiK/s1600-h/coffee.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232893009169261074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnLdlzf8ufyyLPbAxnGL06YYOmbFZ0ehdoWeUcaGcS496l3bBtH6cLLyp1ulAF11AUv4AiJzFEzHH0C9WaCZ2VliPbpla4VL4bI_Q_80_mD4pE-Ekx9ys0orWP6OmnDcb3X-5zUNON_WiK/s320/coffee.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Guten Morgen! We are wrapping up our stateside blog today....well, I will still keep my little blog babies if possible. If not it will be a rather boring and underutilized blog!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>So far most of us have been holding things together pretty well. We thought we would already be overseas by this time so this week was a little bit of a bonus, a little bit of a string a long. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The kids have missed the Oak street house so much-I did not realize how much stability that house had for us all. It was such a great place to live and it really opened many doors for us. During the brief application/waiting time for our next adventure we also looked at many houses in the area and got a good feel for what we wanted. Lucky for us, though we could stop our real estate hunt! Moving out of that house was sad and a bit cumbersome (we had to find a place to live for 4 weeks) but it panned out and we got to live in yet another great house....conveniently located near Provence bakery and stumptown coffee. Pretty sweet deal!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Chloe got to attend "Girls Empowerment" camp this past week and learned how to reconstruct clothes, make bags, 'zines, and a bunch of other stuff. So cute and so fun. Who knew you could make a skirt out of a tank top?! Not many can pull that look of for sure.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>What can I say without sounding or getting mushy? Not much. We have all been holding it together well (even during Mama Mia! ) </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Prost! </div>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00778406102236977124noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-869344925396333103.post-21944478062791406032008-07-01T22:48:00.000-07:002008-07-01T22:57:50.583-07:00Rinse, Wash, RepeatHa! Egg on my face! I had been waxing poetic (my term for the day) about the pending move and forming a nice little romantic post only to realize I had already done this. So here is my list of things that are refreshing to me at the moment.<br /><br />The batch of chocolate chip cookies! Bless premade dough and a cookie sheet not in a box yet!<br />Pitching bath towels and starting over with new ones that match (likely white ones)<br />My boiling water for tea.<br />The pending arrival of Chloe after a 3 day Disneyland trip.<br />My baggie containing an Obama and Hillary pin.<br />Bubble wrap and the sound of packing tape stretching across a box<br />Checks on my to-do list.<br />The new playlist I found! Got me through packing the kitchen. So did the glass of wine from Lisa the neighbor. <br /><br />We are still not finalized in our living arrangement but feel like we are capable of solving that minor major issue! On one hand it is a very unsettling, but it does not do anyone a service to freak out or run in circles. I feel as though packing is the priority and getting that taken care of, then we can put ourselves some place. It almost feels.......daring!Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00778406102236977124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-869344925396333103.post-32478020513725339942008-06-21T20:37:00.000-07:002008-06-21T20:48:48.707-07:00Know When to Hold 'emWell, not like hold 'em hostage, but when you just have to stop everything and HOLD them. Sigh, so much to do, so little time and all the peanut wants is to be held! It took all of 10 minutes for him to be schnockered out, so it was well worth the time and lack of energy on my part! Now, of course, I am in a bit of a pickle with him campered in my lap. Oh well!<br /><br />At this point, we have no place to call home as of, say, July 11th! We are crossing our fingers we can stay here through July, but have to plan as if we were without home. This is not new news, just imminent news! We have known for 12 months that we would only be here 'til summer. Today was official packing day numero uno, which means: the weeding of stuff began, the arguments over personal belongings, and the discoveries of random bits and pieces of our individual lives. I am excited to say that there will be a second, yes second garage sale! We had one last weekend as part of the neighborhood annual g-sale event. I am thinking we will do a short little ditty this time, maybe something in the range of 8a-12p. Short and sweet!<br /><br />Wish us luck!Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00778406102236977124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-869344925396333103.post-74632729205967821392008-06-17T16:13:00.000-07:002008-06-17T16:17:14.413-07:00Oregonian-you bore meImagine my dismay when, today-which is Tuesday-I opened the Sunday paper and there was a huge missing piece. Chelsea Cain, where are you? Every Sunday (or Tuesday for that matter) I look forward to reading you. See, I kind of have an author crush on you. I feel abandoned and lost without your for this week. Please, please please show up in print next weekend. If not, it may be the icing on top that makes me cancel my subscription and switch to the NY Times.Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00778406102236977124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-869344925396333103.post-10491012276434082542008-06-06T19:51:00.000-07:002008-06-06T21:45:47.674-07:00May Accomplished<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsurNZ9alIUOBqSAlPTTOgZNWskJYowSjuLUxYUjrdZjesa3d1RjWerbmwElTk3ji_AhWQjA2M6aZggMZvJVKaX5QjjVPXs14Hoe6YjqPgsqqtbULhbyLbYWypysMre-_I3_o7yieiFg_C/s1600-h/finish.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5208996111260375666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsurNZ9alIUOBqSAlPTTOgZNWskJYowSjuLUxYUjrdZjesa3d1RjWerbmwElTk3ji_AhWQjA2M6aZggMZvJVKaX5QjjVPXs14Hoe6YjqPgsqqtbULhbyLbYWypysMre-_I3_o7yieiFg_C/s320/finish.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Whew. The month of May had several things requiring planning and attention to detail. My catastrophic thinking was really in full gear. I was sure, just sure, something dreadful would happen. To most reasonable, calm people (everyone but me) my list is not daunting. But to me? Bring on the Chamomile and Lavender tea ("eases tension, stress, and nervous stomach"). Ambien or Xanax might have been nice, but tea sufficed. In very particular order, I completed a marathon, threw Chloe a tea party, had Jake's birthday, hosted a wedding shower, organized a Brownie troop gathering, started working the Farmer's market, and saw Chloe go off to a Brownie camp overnighter. During all this, we had a few open houses to boot! </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The marathon was an adventure. I ended up doing my long runs solo for about 8 weeks. For many, I would piece together meeting people along the way to keep me company. I was super lucky to have willing friends to run anywhere from 6-10miles during my 22milers. The bonus run was meeting up for a bookclub brunch immediately following an epic long one. Anyway, on my mom's birthday, we headed for Eugene with a car packed with 3 children and gear. Nathan had soccer tryouts so he and Brian held the fort down here in P-town. We missed them! I was still in catastrophy mode so really tried to be calm and pratical about driving, dining out, and walking. It was a challenge, but man oh man is it easier to be "normal!" We had a lovely birthday dinner and then took the kids to the hotel swimming pool. Beck was fearless in the water. I'll leave it at that. Saturday morning we went to the marathon expo and pancake breakfast. It should have been named Sausage Feed, as the kids pretty much ate sausage and syrup. I overpurchased gu's, powerbars, e-caps, and clif blocks, but wanted to have many an option come raceday! </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>That evening we went to one of my bff's house for dinner. What a lifesaver. Sandy literally had our entire group (8 of us) over. We had pasta (suprise) and after everyone was sufficently wine and beer'd up (excluding me, though!) enlisted Sandy and my dad to cut my hair. Prerace tradition. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Saturday morning was perfect conditions. Cool and clear. Pete, Matt, Jake, and I headed for hayward field by 6am. I was really trying hard not to cry out of fear of lonliness on the run. So many what ifs! It was strange to do a race on my own. Usually I am in with someone, either as *their* person, or as a buddy, but not on this day. I had to call my mom back at the hotel right before the start and of course was crying on the phone. That's good prerace anaerobic warmup! I also got a nice text from my daily running buddies (all three!) I spoke with nice lady at the start and she was very calming to me. Before we knew it, we were off and running. The run started next to Hayward Field and meandered through many a neighborhood. The first mile was a bit uphill, or at least it felt like it! I knew things were going to be okay when I heard ABBA's Dancing Queen blaring from a boombox within the first mile! Ahhh, off to a good start. I was running alongside a scissorbill with a 3:45 on his back-hmmm, was a he a pacer or a nut? After sticking with him, he started acting crazy and running here and there. Nut. Around mile 3 or four, I heard another great song that I love so felt pretty darn good. My pace was ahead of, well, ahead of what I would expect. I did not have a pace or time goal so was thrilled to be feeling good at a sub 3:45pace. My focus was to keep my breathing in check, not freak out, and enjoy seeing my peeps at mile 9. Thankful for technology, I had to make a quick call to my mom, as my water bottle from my rambo pack leaked and my shorts were starting to be really wet. The nethers were going to be cold soon. However, I missed them at mile 9 and they had to beat cheeks to get to the halfway point! I swear we ran by Autzen Stadium half a dozen times. It was so frustrating to be all over that place, yet never get real close! Sara Sitter was spectating! yay! After going across the river, around Autzen a bazillion times, and through MORE neighborhoods, I found myself in the same stride as another "lost soul." Turns out Julie and I were both running without our running/training partners so we glommed onto each other. I had a moment of stress as I didn't want to slow her down, but she kept me going. She's a rockstar. So we ran and ran from mile 14 on. Pete joined in at mile 17 and he kept us totally entertained. I have to say, that not once did I stop running. That is very unusual for me. I love to stop and take a walking break, or tie my shoe, or stretch. Yup, not once. I did accidentally steal someone else's gleukos drink, though and will forever be sorry to one Martina who didn't get her drink! Around mile 23 Sandy and her cute family were watching and it was a thrill to know we were so close and that I had made it that far. Julie and I were counting the half miles down as we went through a park and crossed the river two more times. Did you know that when you cross a river you have to go a bit uphill? oh my god, seriously, it hurts! Our last crossing took us straight to....Autzen Stadium! Pete was a love and took my water bottle rambo pack. Voila! I felt so light that I kind of took off running. I was so ready to be done. As soon as I crossed that finish line I decided that I really did not need to move much more. Julie and I hugged and went with our respective families. It felt way faster than my time showed, but to have arrived, run, and finished without any major incidences was a success for me. Major May event completed.</div><br /><div></div>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00778406102236977124noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-869344925396333103.post-67492206419259087342008-05-13T19:51:00.000-07:002008-06-06T19:50:45.822-07:00A Long and Winding Road<a href="http://mandatemedia.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/vw_karmann_ghia.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://mandatemedia.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/vw_karmann_ghia.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Remember when you were a child and something fun or exciting was on the horizon? A vacation, birthday party, or even getting new shoes. The time seemed to go by so slow and it was all you could think about. Sleeping was impossible, and the parents were easily worn out of the twitter. I fondly remember one summer evening in 1977. It was the night before a family adventure, my best friend Laurie was spending the night, and we had on new summer nighties that matched. We could barely contain ourselves so my parents took us for a nighttime drive in the green and white convertible Karmann ghia. The night smelled fresh, the crickets were chirping, and the sky was clear, dark, and twinkling with the August celestials. Laurie and I tilted our heads up and let the soft wind dance across our faces and weave through our hair. The moment took us away to far away places. For half an hour, our hearts and souls belonged to that sultry August night. </div>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00778406102236977124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-869344925396333103.post-10720627190167037402008-04-10T12:19:00.000-07:002008-04-10T12:28:35.251-07:00Accepting OurselvesWhy, oh why do I have some tendencies that repeat themselves even after complete denial? I am taking to step to accept my tendencies as part of my "character." Black sweaters, white cotton, European kid shoes.....<br />Yesterday I was combing various places for china tea-cups/saucers for a teaparty. En route to the back of the "big" Goodwill (which is relatively clean) I find myself staring at 3 black Banana Republic sweaters. One was a merino wool turtleneck, one was a cardigan, and the other was a cute longsleeve t-style. Do I need them? noooo, I don't. They were even the wrong size but I fell in love. Tags attached and everything. Luckily I went through a 12 step over it and walked on. It was so natural to stop and look! I firmly believe that there are things in our lives that we seek comfort in....the familiarity of an item. For me, I could have an entire closet of black shirts-long sleeve, short sleeve, turtleneck, crew neck (no v-necks, I don't care for them as much) tunic style, sleeveless, thick, paper thin, and so on. I do not tire of them. In fact, I have a lone red 3/4 length sleeved top in my closet. I rarely wear it. Too bold.....not really, but it stands out too much. I've worn it only a small handful of times. I prefer my black tops. Same goes for white. That could be my second row in the closet. So there, I am no longer going to deny the fact that one cannot have too many black or white items in the closet. I feel better already.Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00778406102236977124noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-869344925396333103.post-23352205508558062022008-04-07T19:13:00.000-07:002008-04-07T19:25:10.084-07:00Faster Than the Speed of Lightaka "Thank you for feeding into my PMS, Tri-Met Bus Driver."<br />Dear hairy driver of bus #75, thank you so much for the 10seconds of anger, followed by a passivist version of a car chase. Seriously, when you blew by me and went through the red light, just to get ahead of ALL the cars lined up did you feel better? Did your boy parts, which are obviously inadequate, get the charge they needed? Well mister, I got a charge too. The way you did that move, which was stupid, made my PMS surface. I had kept it in check all day. ALL DAY! Thankfully I did not have my foot riding the gas pedal, ready to take off, because we would have skimmed each other. Knowing the company you work for, your hind end would have been off scott free and you know this. You most likely did not notice that I continued to follow you...wait, all 22 cars were forced to follow you because you stop about every block......just to find the opportunity to give you the bird. Now, I tell you that I feel quite adequate about myself but it would have really been satisfying to give you mama stink-eye with a nice, firm bird. Lucky for you there was an equally annoying mini-van driving so slow, that getting anywhere near your little driver window was slim so I could only send you muddy mama mojo. I hope you felt it as you drove your bus along the line. In fact, you have a really outdated advertisement on the side of that bus. So there Mister Hairy Bus Driver. <br /><br />p.s. Mister Hairy Bus Driver, you are also lucky because I know someone that rides that line and she may pay her fare in pennies real soon. REAL SOON, pal. <br /><br />I am ducking and running now, there is a hershey bar with almonds in the freezer.Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00778406102236977124noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-869344925396333103.post-64200465499731294462008-03-29T17:15:00.000-07:002008-03-29T17:35:23.584-07:00Book ClubIt has been a long while since experiencing the "ideal" Saturday. Really, what makes an ideal day is so different for everyone. For some, sleeping in is ideal and for others shopping or watching movies all day. No matter what, we all should have a day that makes you flutter with happiness.<br /> My day began simple enough but I knew I might have a real adventure on my hands. I wanted to do a long run and had a time frame to follow. Up early, I met one of my running buddies for loop number one. After she was done I roped Brian into beginning loop two and picked up another friend along the way. She ran with me for a bit then I was on my own. Af first I was leary of the road ahead, but found the peace and quiet a welcome reprive from my long week. Of course I wrote many a blog entries (which have yet been entered, let alone remembered!), replanned my closet, wrote a mental letter to the school district and so on. Trekking back I was anxious to shower and head to book club. Coffee was calling my name.<br /> After parking in front of the cutest house ever, I swiftly made my way to the front door. Quick hugs and hellos then a mug of hot coffee was all I needed to relax and look forward to the next few hours. We discussed The Memory Keepers Daughter. A very thought provoking, yet predictable book. I really enjoyed this book, as it brought a feeling of peace while reading it. It was as if the author intended her readers to take a calming breath and read nice and slow, absorbing the words as the story unfolded. The group was split on the likability of the book. <br /> We savored an onion galette, a fritatta, fresh fruit, scones, crepes, coffee, and of course chocolate and mimosas. It was decadent to say the least. After a 3+hour jaunt outside in the morning, the breakfest and relaxation was all I needed to feel refreshed. It was, in my book, a perfect day.Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00778406102236977124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-869344925396333103.post-11564387892838712032008-03-10T21:45:00.000-07:002008-03-10T21:54:18.674-07:00Women in History<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzNrNdBp2-YIjFHWZ26NF0QMDLQyqIhbtlx9sdZug2LQNZz13efkh8PzHZjJLgQtTaYbZDW5fEXNTovKejS5B7CTX5HK90f8Ldin_6n1kGF4dfWiNqoYrz4rW_1C9j9-mOylJS1fGRSR32/s1600-h/WIH08.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176342886039844002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzNrNdBp2-YIjFHWZ26NF0QMDLQyqIhbtlx9sdZug2LQNZz13efkh8PzHZjJLgQtTaYbZDW5fEXNTovKejS5B7CTX5HK90f8Ldin_6n1kGF4dfWiNqoYrz4rW_1C9j9-mOylJS1fGRSR32/s320/WIH08.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyO419Ks1LTm7YoAuSEfF-9EFhTcn3_hxK3UNOAQ6djp8OO1SNcbNqevPZV4LUIEmZdJfwg1kH1J_NurcfrAffEMfQkbnZQM5N6KU6k9iPLhnWy4BdkpwmcVyyUermnWtTl46pe5X1iscA/s1600-h/Pankhurst1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176342890334811314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyO419Ks1LTm7YoAuSEfF-9EFhTcn3_hxK3UNOAQ6djp8OO1SNcbNqevPZV4LUIEmZdJfwg1kH1J_NurcfrAffEMfQkbnZQM5N6KU6k9iPLhnWy4BdkpwmcVyyUermnWtTl46pe5X1iscA/s320/Pankhurst1.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Last Friday was the Women in History day at the elementary school. My friend Ruth and I were the Pankhurst Sisters. I was Christabel and Ruth was Sylvia. We were suffregettes. The day started with an all school assembly followed by classroom visits ALL DAY! There was a nice group of women portraying amazing women in history. We each had to give a 2 minute speech in front of the school......sounds short but it feels long! Ruth and I decided that we had to speak with a British accent for the speech and the classroom presentations. Wow. What a day. My head has cleared quite a bit in the short amount of time following, but it was such a fun and rewarding day coordinated by a really nice woman. The kids at the school were very polite and asked great questions. Kids are truly clever and smart. Ta-ta, pip-pip, cheerio!</div>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00778406102236977124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-869344925396333103.post-40206456600538197042008-01-28T07:50:00.000-08:002008-01-29T17:54:47.310-08:00Trade OffsThings That Are More Tolerable After a Few Glasses of Wine<br /><br /><br />Men's Ice Skating<br />4 Children, 4 Ice Cream Cones<br />The Boogey Man, aka: heavy wind making things bang against the window<br />Other people's travel plans (ie, spouse gallivanting over Italy)<br />Lillian Vernon catalog<br />Looking at the school hot lunch calendar<br />Fox News<br />Make Me A SupermodelKellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00778406102236977124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-869344925396333103.post-21411479516694049392008-01-18T17:41:00.000-08:002008-01-18T20:38:20.175-08:00Eat YOur Heart Out Julie AndrewsThese are a few of My Favorite Things (in no particular order)<br /><br />1) Butter and Cinnamon. <br /> This really is a good combo, especially in the warm form: toast, snickerdoodles.<br /><br />2)Choice Organic Spearmint and Chammomile Tea.<br /> I buy a box a month and try to limit myself to one cuppa night. I am convinced that I am incapable of a good nights sleep without it. Not that I get a good night sleep anyway, but just imagine how much worse it *would* be.<br /><br />3) My three seasonal (winter) themed mugs to have above mentioned beverage. I don't share<br /> these, either. <br /><br />4) Sharepened Dixon Ticonderoga Pencils<br /> Nothing makes a tidy "to-do" list or grocery list like a good ol' number 2.<br /><br />5) Surf Laundry Detergent. Ocean scent. <br /> Fact: In the throes of uber painful labor with Jake, I had to comment on how much I loved<br /> the smell of his dad's shirt. Consecutive labors were supported with Surf scented shirts<br /> and broad shoulders. Don't mess with the crazy preganant lady.<br /><br />6) Sharpies. Black, medium point.<br /> No comment. So obvious.<br /><br />7) ZBeanz Ethiopion Yergacheffe coffee beans.<br /> Fond memories of working the Hillsdale Farmers market and drinking 2-3 cups to keep warm.<br /> This is the best coffee I have ever made, and because I am not known for actually making<br /> coffee (but consuming mass quantities) this bag of goodness has converted me to homebrew.<br /><br />8) Black.<br /> Many of my favorite clothing items are black. Soft, cashmere-esce cardigan hoodie, running<br /> coat, gloves, shoes, long sleeve t, tunic top, cami. Not many things can be both fancy and<br /> slacker.<br /><br />9) Chocolate Chip Cookies.<br /> So I have this theory that when you are feeling down, whether physically or mentally, a batch<br /> of chocolate chip cookies will make you feel better. Seriously, during cold season (funny how<br /> cold/sniffle season is year round. hmmmm) my kitchen aid mixer is on overdrive.<br /><br />10) Trite VH1/Bravo/MTV shows: The Shot, America's most Smartest/Next Top Model,<br /> Project Runway, Make Me a Supermodel.....<br /> Perfect for nights waiting for Thanksgiving pies to finish baking, folding laundry, or laying in<br /> bed with a cuppa or glass of wine realizing just how normal I really am.<br /><br />11) My running route. <br /> Same ol' same ol' but it's so there for me rain or shine. Plus I can think of important things<br /> like who will get voted off The Shot and not get lost.<br /><br />12) Baby Clothes<br /> This ones a killer, because I would have a jillion babies simply for the baby clothes. Plus, how<br /> lovely is it to wash an entire wardrobe in ONE load. ONE, I say! <br /><br />13) Lipsticks and LipGloss<br /> A girl can't have too many and it's instant pick me up. <br /><br />14) Peonies.<br /> I love these flowers. <br /><br />15) Fruits and Veggies<br /> Seriously, I love fruits and veggies. Crunch a munch a crunch a muncha. yum!<br /><br />16) Family and Friends<br /> Dorky to say, but I didn't want anyone to think I wasn't thinking about them. <br /><br />17) Baby Joggers<br /> Mama's prozac. <br /><br />Well, there's my list for the day. I must go for now, as I have three loads of laundry to smell and fold, and jammies to put on, and a second cuppa to indulge with my chocolate chip cookie.Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00778406102236977124noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-869344925396333103.post-25136417747278002112007-08-03T23:18:00.000-07:002007-08-03T23:36:21.711-07:00Good Night Sweet Fourty FiveOur last night at the house and all is near done. It is one of those bittersweet moments. This has been such a great neighborhood and in particular, a great few blocks. I have never been so close to neighbors and felt so a part of a community. We have been very fortunate and it is going to be more difficult than I imagined. I think I have been ignoring the present sorrow and focusing on the future 3 bathroom glory. The past year has been almost unbearable in the small house (read: weensy kitchen, one bath, kids sleeping in basement....) but a great year of outside living and interacting with our neighbors. Larry from two houses up has brought over two very distracting bottles of wine this week to prevent us from packing. Did you know that packing is way more fun after two glasses of wine? It is.<br /><br />One of my main concerns to obsess over this week has been memories for the kiddos. I worry as we simplify and toss "clutter" that we are erasing childhood memories and breaking any sort of attachment to things they have built. I see small class projects, silly notes, clippings, etc. ending up in the rubbish bin and hope that they themselves chose to not keep the item. I hope they have preserved memories in their own little way and held on to keepsakes they deem important. Not that I expect them to move a box full of half used notepads, tacky souveniers, random desk supplies and such (not that I am hinting that it has been done or anything.) Remember Woodstock? No, not the epic outdoor concert, but Snoopy's sidekick? I kid you not, I moved a plastic windup woodstock for YEARS. He rarely left his box he shared with Suzy Zoo notepads, smiley face stickers, rainbow heart shoelaces, and jumbo pencils, but he went where I went. My dear Grandpa Dick had given it to me when I was like, 8 years old. So, I hope the kids have their Woodstock somewhere safe to follow them through our moves. I know that I look forward to unpacking my sturdy tea mug with the peace star on it.Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00778406102236977124noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-869344925396333103.post-82166403710648771242007-08-01T23:08:00.000-07:002007-08-01T23:42:29.514-07:00Wound up Tight: the good, the bad, the necessaryAs many of you know we are in the midst of a move. Now, moving in itself is a wee bit arduous. There is so much involved: packing, purging unnecessary items, trips to donation centers, garage sales, clutter, make shift pantry meals, and so on. However, one of the key factors of moving is having a place to actually move into. That is where the story gets funny. After months of looking for a place to move into we threw up our hands in despair. Okay, maybe not uber dramatic, but we did raise our eyebrows. One evening Brian was on his laptop and I was on mine when he starts to chuckle. I looked at the posting he was reading from temporary housing online and low and behold, our friends were listing their house for a 10 month lease. It was as if someone had handed us an envelope with the "golden answer." I liken the whole situation to a group hug. They need a family to lease the house whilst back east, we needed a place ASAP, we get more time to find the right place...The fun is just beginning.<br /><br />Our friends leave for the East Coast August 28th. We need to be out of our current place August 4th. Oh you say, that's 24 days in between. Why yes it is. Fortunate for us, we have friends that vacation. We will be staying at some friends' for 10 days, then the house for 9 days while they vacation in Hawaii, then who knows where for 5 days. Sound crazy? I like to say it is nomadic. <br /><br />So you could easily see how one could be wound up pretty tight. Me too. I have decided to approach this move with enthusiasm (it is a neat house to move to), flexibility (so I am working extra, Beck wants to potty train, I am interviewing new nanny's, there are two extra soccer practices a week....)and a calmness. Is it calm or denial of what all needs to be done, because denial gets us nowhere. And explain to me how you can pack up three boxes, clear out a whole entire cupboard and Viola' the clutter reproduces and there is even more to pack. Seriously, answer me that!<br />I could easily be wound up tight. Maybe I am, but have good coping skills.<br /><br />Our dear friends Rich and Cyn and their new baby Stella invited us up to their house for yummy pizza and salad. We had been busy all day with a grage sale so were good and plenty ready to relax. When it is time for baby stella to fall asleep, her mama wraps (ie, swaddles) her up nice and tight. The necessary version of wound up tight.<br /><br />At least I am not frantically running around being unorganized. Oh contraire. It is so satisfying to clear out a closet or cupboard. We really ought to put out and APB for people to go to Goodwill for some good stuff!!<br /><br />My favorite lunch this week has been a whole wheat tortilla, finely shredded lite cheese, a handful of market fresh butter lettuce, tomatoe, and a smear of my homemade white bean spread. All nice and wound up tight in the tortilla. Yum.<br /><br />So this week we are hiring a new sitter, moving, potty training, gearing up for a soccer tournament, working, and moving forward!!Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00778406102236977124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-869344925396333103.post-3998506664824921582007-07-26T23:15:00.000-07:002007-07-26T23:44:32.291-07:00You, Person at the Fray ConcertDear Person at the Fray Concert:<br />Sit down when people behind you are sitting. Now, I know that tight french braid you have with the scrunchy on the end took you awhile, and you were feeling pretty spiffy 20+ years ago when you were at the Billy Joel concert wearing the very same scrunchy, but that is not the free ticket to stand in front of us. Your husband sat nicely and he could see fine. Did you note that you were on a little bit of a hill, so it's kind of stadium seating......<br /><br />Girl in the green knit halter top. Marry that boy next to you. Without hesitation he asked the two teenagers behind you to take a picture you two. That is adorable. He will undoubtedly capture many important events in your life. And the way you kind of leaned your hip into his and he yours? Too cute. Seriously, marry him.<br /><br />Hairy overweight dude. Please do not take your shirt off like that again. I know it was really sunny out and you were warm. Drinking a lot of beer makes you even more sweaty. Trust me, I saw the beads of sweat around your body carpet. Thank you, though, for reminding me that Hard Rock Cafe's are still in existance. I had kind of forgotten about them and seeing your tank top with deep armholes reminded me of a fond afternoon in SF when I was 13. <br /><br />Pretty swedish looking woman with the great haircut, I hope you enjoyed the concert. I think your spouse would have rather been at a Jimmy Buffett concert so thank him for taking you. Actually, did you even tell him that you were in fact, not at a Jimmy Buffett concert? His polo shirt with the really big margarita glasses all over it was a dead give away. By the way, your hair looked fantastic.<br /><br />Little girl in the brand new red Fray t-shirt. Thank god you got that shirt in time to make it back to the front of the crowd. You and your friend were darling up on that stage. Truly, the way you jumped up and down with the tamborine and grinned...well let's just say you were a portrait of cuteness and happiness. I hope your mom got a picture of you up there. Keep having fun!<br /><br />All the 13 year old girls please do not think that it is cool to wear uber short shorts, pumps, and run around slirring your speech and spilling bits of expensive beer on people. Frankly it is gross. So stay sweet and kind of awkward.Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00778406102236977124noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-869344925396333103.post-67261193470834778602007-07-18T23:05:00.001-07:002007-07-18T23:11:02.118-07:00I know I have done right.....When at a restaurant, one of my kiddos opens the bathroom door with a paper towel.<br />When I have to pull one of my kiddos away from the fancy cheese plate at a soiree.<br />When one of the kiddos knows the difference between French Press grind and drip.<br />When they fly a compliment to a grownup about something.<br /><br />Oh, I am sure there are more situations, but right now these catch my fancy.Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00778406102236977124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-869344925396333103.post-29716605531079134542007-07-04T00:10:00.000-07:002007-07-04T00:44:53.235-07:00Independance DayIndependence is defined as freedom of control or influence of another or others. And freedom? Unfettered, unrestricted, unconfined. The power to act or speak or think without externally imposed constraints. There are many things in my life that I have decided to free myself from. Most importantly I have freed myself from undue guilt. I no longer feel guilty eating ice cream at 10pm (yes, that recently happened. Like, less than two hours ago.) It is also difficult for me to ask for help with tasks that I consider my duty to fulfill. So, I have decided to be less guilty when seeking help with watching the kidlets, especially if I am doing something personal. One should not have to feel guilty about having productive time (like going for a longer run) In a sense, I am working towards being independent and free from unjustified views or thoughts of others.<br /><br />The summer of my 13th year was full of learning experiences for me. One particularily sunny summer day my best friend Nancy and I went *alone* to the zoo. It was a big deal to do this on our own. We had a lovely day acting like teenagers and walking all over that zoo in our sandals and miniskirts. That night my family ate on the deck and we had the early season corn on the cob. My parents went to bed early and I stayed up just a bit longer to watch some pageant on TV. I hated being up alone so I made sure to go to bed before my brother. I vividly remember telling myself to get up from bed to shut my room door, becuase we were always taught in school to shut doors in case of a fire. That was very rare for me to have a shut door, but I had no qualms that night. Sleeping was difficult, as I kept staring at that door but I did not get back up to crack it. Finally I fell asleep. Suddenly I was awakened by commotion and I became hot and prickly and my throat felt tight. My parents were urgently waking us up because of a fire. It was scary to run down that hallway, but my dad told us to go out the front door and across the street. As I ran out, I could hear loud popping in the garage. The entire contents were crackling and shattering. We could not see anything but smoke from the roof, but man was it loud. My mom kept going back in the house and I was so mad at her because even I knew to never re-enter for personal items. Our neighbor across the street had been up, and saw smoke and flames on our garage from his bedroom window. He called us just as my dad smelled smoke through his open window. To make a long story short, we watched the fire dept. chop our garage down and douse huge vertical flames. Mind you, there were two cars in that garage that I was certain would blow up the entire neighborhood. Rumor has it that there was also a fiberglass canoe filled with some plants that fortunately did not emit it's unique smell and land my dad in jail. (as a side note, he was housing them for someone else) My mom had rescued the $400 cash in the Kitchen Queen for our pending Disneyland trip that was slated for the following week. <br /><br />We spent at least three days in Downtown Portland eating at VQ, the Metro, and other fun and yummy places and made our trip to Disneyland. <br /><br />For a really long time I was creeped out about my premonition to shut my room door. I did not go to the zoo the rest of the summer and everytime there was a pageant on TV I could not bring myself to watch it. I tossed the light blue and white cotton nightgown I wore that night. Our fire was the week after the fourth of July which only prolongs my agony regarding fireworks, roofs, and random acts of ESP. Although I am not free from my fears of fire, I am working on it.Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00778406102236977124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-869344925396333103.post-80219600266091292732007-06-04T22:29:00.000-07:002007-06-06T23:34:00.041-07:00Star Struck<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh67sb9U4t0DeGW4cfbmUlw39ljBq8ZIIEjiRUOJQNtP5crrXsah9B1tU0eqGf_6z_-mpEuDUSkywkIWtACi5SlXkvyhWSqPqt3OmI-Rsjjn2HomEFJbrS3bBuG5iBqVsPDz2qRpC2Xtd8s/s1600-h/spring+117.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5073206885367985314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh67sb9U4t0DeGW4cfbmUlw39ljBq8ZIIEjiRUOJQNtP5crrXsah9B1tU0eqGf_6z_-mpEuDUSkywkIWtACi5SlXkvyhWSqPqt3OmI-Rsjjn2HomEFJbrS3bBuG5iBqVsPDz2qRpC2Xtd8s/s320/spring+117.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>The other day a friend, and brand new mom, asked if the novelty wears off or if staring at your child in awe ever ends. Surely she was wondering if there came a day that the productivity increased past "baby watching." As I pondered her question during a sunny field day up at the elementary school I realized that the novelty does not wear off. I am still in awe with the kiddos. It is still fun, after all these years, to sit back and take in the children. I love seeing Nathan work on his homework or playing with Beck; watching Chloe pick flowers or learn to pump on the swings; glancing at Jake interact with his peers or work on a soccer trick; and Beck, where do I even begin with that little guy! New words, strutting his stuff, rolling down the grass hil......I have come to the understanding that year after year I will still be in awe and take delight in watching them. Wins, handling losses, graduations, new jobs and hobbies, friends, and their own families. Yes, my children keep me in awe.</div>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00778406102236977124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-869344925396333103.post-29744624304480893192007-05-27T21:02:00.000-07:002007-05-27T21:29:58.895-07:00When I am an old woman I will own 10 vacuumsMaybe it is the way the simple knife glides through at the two 45 degree angles, or how the wedge is handed over without a touch, or perhaps it is admitting that transitional peaches are better than organic. Decidely, it is the way they can pronounce mame sapote with flair. Yes, I have a crush on the fruit guys at New Seasons. I can not help it. It does not matter what the fruit man du jour looks like, smells like, or sounds like. They are all so good, so sweet. Like a bite out of Taylors Gold. Each week I visit the fruit man. Mind you, I do not intend to even speak to the fruit guys, but there they are, blade in the holster waiting to cut a piece of fruit for the baby and I. Half the time no words are exchanged, a simple nod in the direction of a certain pile of fruit, or a smile to the child with me. I never think of the fruit men until I see the fruit men, then it all begins anew. Suddenly, a delicate sliver of fruit is placed in my hand, a chimoya ends up in my cart. Two minutes later and satisfied, we move on to the vegetables and the dairy.Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00778406102236977124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-869344925396333103.post-4785953777775519232007-05-22T23:52:00.000-07:002007-05-23T00:11:22.244-07:00Differences: In a nutshellAt what point did I become less fun and more practical, or worse yet was I ever fun? I do not possess catlike qualities. Shimmy through a crack in a door? No. Jumping over a wide space in hopes of getting across? Only in an emergency. Chasing a mammal? heh heh, big no. Curiosity is not on the top of my character list. After mulling this over for most of the day I realized that my curiosity differs from others. Okay, so I could really only compare to a 2 year old, but still....Children are extremely curious. Ever notice how often they can check gravity? A LOT. Gravity involving water, food, balls, grass, and so on. Jack in the Box's and Peek a Boo were created for a reason! To note, Jack in the Boxes freaked me out. The anticipation was really a challenge for me, and I like surprises. Physical curiousity is the most common form according to me (and probably "they" would say so too. Ha!) Opening a shut door, climbing a tree, going a new route and so on. I, on the other hand, am mentally curious. ie: a daydreamer, a romantic, "lives in a fantasy world." When I was in college I read my perfect bumper sticker * Not all Wanderers are Lost.* I am far more curious about the couple seated next to me in a restaurant, or the person running on my route, or the squirrel girl.<br /><br />She was at a bus stop on a busy busline. Longish brown skirt, coat, leggings, brown leather-ish boots, squirrel hat. Yes, perched upon her head framing her pixie face was a knitted squirrel hat. This was not a stylish childish statement like the cute exchange students in kneehighs, cheerleader skirts and Hello Kitty backpacks. This was full on I am the nut, here is the squirrel. There was a bit of an edge to her that gave a boundary to all living things. In other words, if you got too close, the squirrel would jump off her head onto it and the strings would wrap around and choke you. I was so curious about her that to this day I still think of her (obviously) <br /><br />To make myself feel better about being practical and not uber curious I told myself that it is a good thing to balance out everyone else. So if you are dining with me and ordering wildly off the menu and I get what I *always* get, rest assured I can find great pleasure in the other possibilities presented to me just a table away.Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00778406102236977124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-869344925396333103.post-42390911080490604452007-05-22T12:16:00.000-07:002007-05-22T12:28:01.270-07:00A Sea of ThoughtsBefore I had a chance to unclasp my grip, we all spun and went under. Down and down we spiraled letting the current of 100 bodies take us down. Fortunately I have a good lung capacity so I was able to look around and make sure the others did, too. All I saw were shirttails floating and the circle of people going under. Finally I broke free and kicked up, my heart racing. As I surfaced, I decided that this was enough. It was time to get the group organized and do something else. Where was the supervision? Was anyone in charge, or were we all in charge of ourselves? I did not like it and wanted out. Running around collecting my friends felt fruitless, yet at least I was trying, right? A loud exploding sound woke me up. I can see how the sound of gunfire or bombs cand send someone into a panic attack, heart attack, or a bowel attack. The neighbors car obviously shot something out it's tank and brought me back to "reality."<br /><br />As I laid there getting my bearings, I remembered the dream I was in the minute prior. I told myself to tell the kids that if a bunch of people want to go under water, don't be dragged down without a big breath and be responsible for their own body. Also, to not be in a situation that has potential for lethal repercussions. I actually became more scared of the inevitable time when my children will be making decisions on their own and going places that I don't know of. <br /><br />I am sure it will sound really weird when I tell them the deep water warning, but at least I put the bug in their ear. At least I tried.Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00778406102236977124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-869344925396333103.post-30703314690285245382007-05-20T22:56:00.000-07:002007-05-20T23:26:43.672-07:00RulesMy dad is a smart man. Growing up, there were many "rule #1" moments. He was usually able to catch us before we broke the unknown rule. If, by chance, we had already committed the crime, we were quickly set right. For example, "rule #1" was to buckle your seatbelt before the car moved. Another- "rule #1" hand the scissors so the reciever could grasp the handle, not the blades." There were so many rules, and *all* were #1. Over the years, I have learned some rules of my own.<br /><br />Rule #1: do not state that you'll never do something you haven't actually been faced with. The day will come that the baby leaves the house in pajamas, or galoshes and shorts, or even a runny nose. Saying never will inevitably come to bite you in the butt.<br /><br />Rule #1: "They" will never be discovered. "They" say that chocolate does not have it's own section in the food pyramid. "They" say that children need a bedtime routine _every_ night. I honestly think there is a devil they and an angel they. <br /><br />Rule #1: Because I said so.<br /><br />Rule #1: Be the one to load the Goodwill bags into the car. If you leave this job to others, well, someone else might be walking around with your favorite cardigan.<br /><br />Rule #1: If it feels weird it probably is. If it feels right it probably is. Make good choices.<br /><br />Rule #1: Being polite always works in your favor.<br /><br />Rule #1: Hindsight is pretty clear. <br /><br />Rule #1: Don't settle. Unless it's down.<br /><br />Rule #1: Chocolate chip cookies cure everything.<br /><br />I am sure there are more so as they come to me I will post them.<br /><br />Why is it that we are so quick to judge on things that we have yet to face? For example, before children I was convinced, *convinced* I say that my children would never go to the store in pajamas, or with a sticky face, or goofy outfits. Okay, so my first child followed my exemplary attention to grocery store preparation but I am the first to admit that there is no crime in taking babies out in there pajamas. I say as long as the diaper is not sagging underneath then go for it. I have been known to put clean pajamas on for reasons I am not sure of. Likely it is some hidden fear that we are breaking rule #1. So with this I leave you, take a walk in on someone elses route. Be extra nice. Do not be unnecessary.Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00778406102236977124noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-869344925396333103.post-66885424523750020492007-05-19T22:27:00.000-07:002007-05-19T22:55:05.960-07:00Small Steps versus Giant LeapsWe began moving forward before our "existance" in the world. It was such a natural journey simply guided by a single path. Is it amazing to think that to this day, this moment, we are still sensitive to our surroundings and we react in ways similar to our entrance to the world? The only difference is that now we have past experiences to mold how we express ourselves. I often wonder if I freaked out the moment I was born, as I really do not like loud noises or bright lights. However, I do not mind being cold. Did the people that love firecrackers, sirens, and drums respond intrigued and without a cry to the noise but rather to the cold air? I am not one to change my preferences to certain stimuli, but I am adaptable and because of it am capable of changing how I respond and deal with situations. I am moving forward.Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00778406102236977124noreply@blogger.com0