G'bye 2014

I spent the last day of 2014 much like I hope to spend many days in 2015.  Hanging out with my kids, playing games, creating art, daydreaming, dancing with Dominik, watching Alice bake snicker doodles, listening to good music instead of staring at the tv, simmering a turkey carcass with veggies and fresh herbs for a homemade broth and hearing Brent sing along to Otis Redding.  I don't care what anyone says it doesn't get better than this...right now this is so perfect.  It has been a damn good year, full of thoughtfulness, purpose, making mistakes, feelings of accomplishment and of course, gratitude.

My hope is that 2015 is as lovely.

Ice cream shop

The highlight of the day was visiting the new ice cream shop down the street. Quite sure they make the best ice cream on earth.

Winter

A strange Winter we have had with unusually warm temperatures...and the plants are confused. My Spring bulbs have popped up and are getting ready to go!

I haven't needed a scarf yet, and I love scarves!  Two nights ago we grilled hamburgers on the back patio. 

I am pretty sure we have adopted Northern California's weather.  I hate to complain, but I know it's global warming causing this shift and I can't be happy about that.

The positive spin on seeing my sweet bulbs start to come up for air is that it reminds me that Spring will indeed be here again some day...it is my favorite season.

A fun outing

Alice and went out to run errands today and decided to peek inside a Wicca-like store full of fairies, Celtic, pagan faire.  There was a tarot card reader and a tea bar...lots of cool stuff.

When we came out of the shop there was this amazingly bright rainbow that we could follow end to end.  Vivid and clear...special.  People on the street were taking photos, even some in pulled-over cars with their cameras out the window. Awesome.

Serial

I am completely hooked on this podcast series about a true story murder case. I usually don't like stories about murders, but this done in the style of This American made by the folks at This American Life, I can't get enough. I am on episode 4 of 12.

 

Weapon of the future

Bracing myself for a new year filled with changes, challenges and unknowns...I promise myself to focus on this message.

Anticipation

Today was Christmas and most of the day was spent on the road visiting Brent's and my family in other towns. Much fun was had chatting, eating and celebrating with all.  My favorite part of the day though was this morning when it was just the four of us and we were awoken early by the excitement the kids were feeling.  The kids sat waiting on the upstairs landing in anticipation of the great reveal of what Santa may have brought.  

What great fun it was to open gifts with them, sip coffee, and listen to holiday tunes so leisurely this morning.

Sugarplums

'Twas the night before Christmas, and we had gone out for Chinese...the kids had unwrapped their new pjs, but refused to pose and say "cheese!". 

 We watched The Christmas Story and the kids headed to bed.

Brent and I played Santa while sugarplums danced in their heads.

Pee Wee

So grateful that I found Pee Wee's Christmas Special on Netflix, so I could show the kids what real entertainment looks like.

Spoiled

The one thing I spoil myself with is an iPhone...I have used one now for about 5 years and I use it for everything. I love it, and I don't like to imagine trying to stay organized and informed without it. 

Well, yesterday I managed to drop my phone into my full cup of coffee. My phone died shortly after.

Luckily I was able to bring it to a repair shop this morning and by tonight my phone was back up and running perfectly.  Thankful!

Sick

I spent all of Winter Solstice day with a nasty virus bug wreaking havoc on my muscles, chest, and causing my head to feel like it could explode at any moment.  I was due, my defenses were down, stress was taking over  .

After I finally got over the denial of being sick, I laid down, shut up, sipped soup and slept a lot.  Thankful it isn't worse and that my kids, who likely gave me the gift of sick are feeling better.

Season of Love

I have always enjoyed the month of December for lots of reasons...holly jolly holidays, let auld aquaintance  be forgot, people in general look better when they are bundled up in scarves hats and gloves...but the biggest reason is because 18 years ago December was the month I fell in love. Many people don't know that In the mid-90's I was living on Cap Hill in Seattle, had just begun a job at The Seattle Times and even though I knew lots of people, I didn't know many straight boys.

This lead to a placement of a personal ad in The Stranger, a popular Seattle community publication that highlighted current events around town and wasn't afraid to lean to the left politically.

After meeting or chatting with many guys who responded to my ad, I scheduled an afternoon coffee date on Broadway with a gentleman who seemed smart, funny and kind over the phone.

Brent was there when I arrived and we sat down to coffee, and we wound up talking for several hours, then walking around Broadway window shopping for a few more.  It was Dec 8, 1996 and the streets and stores were complety decked in  holiday cheer.  I still remember this day so well because for the first time in a very long time I was feeling happy.  I didn't know it then but while we spent the rest of the Winter taking long walks in the snow,romantic visits to local record stores, and drinking cozy cups of coffee at the nearest hole-in-the-wall coffee joint I was falling in love. Two and a half  fantastic years later we were married.   And that is why I love December  so much.

Ducks

With the end of the year around the corner, everybody at work is a bit on edge from the extra work December brings. It is especially easy to take words or actions of another the wrong way when stress is in the air.  I have to remember to assume good intent.

The board on my office door holds one of my favorite mantras from one of my favorite celebrity drag queens, Jinx Monsoon.

Pretty up party

Last week I realized I was in desperate need of a hair style and a little waxing might be in order. I made an appt at a place called Lux salon for today  thinking I would surely be too busy but what the heck?  Well I almost called twice to reschedule because my week has been insane at work and so many holiday happenings scheduled. 

I managed to keep the appointment, had my hair cut and styled by Jessica and some chin and brow wax with Ashley and I was a new person.  My hair stylist was great, my first time there...and she and I really clicked. She is due to have her first child 3 days from now...a baby girl she will name Olivia.

Mosaic

Today my work team was scheduled to go out for a holiday lunch. Two days ago, my boss (in the photo below on the far left) instead asked us to clear our calendars for the bulk of the day.  She took us to lunch and then surprised us with a trip to a mosaic art studio in Wallingford. We all learned how to make mosaic...and got to design and create our own piece.  What a treat...and it felt so good to take a break from the tension that we all have been feeling, to be creative and to talk about something other than work for awhile.

Tree

Thankful that after an exhausting day I got to sit down on the couch this evening and gaze at this beautiful tree covered with ornaments gathered through the years. 

Thought this day would never come

Five years ago I was swimming in debt and credit card bills were dictating my life daily.  It was bad, and it wasn't getting any better.  I went to a nonprofit debt management program and asked for help. It was the best decision I ever made.  I destroyed all of my cards, and I learned how to live without credit cards for the first time since I was in my early 20's.  I was learning the hard way as I paid large sums of $ to this program as they paid off my debt.  Today I received a letter congratulating me for successfully completing my debt management goal in 5 years.  The balance of each of my old credit cards is now 0.  That's ZERO! It feels good.

Some day I want to volunteer my time as an educator of young people by leading seminars or presentations on money management, and personal budgeting. If young people are familiar with the  reality of bank accounts, credit cards and paychecks before they start a job and spending their earnings, they may avoid making poor money choices later.

I still owe a mortgage and have the usual bills and I eventually plan to open one credit card, to maintain a good credit score.  For me, debt-free living will always  be the goal from here on out.

Thanksmas

Today we had what has traditionally become known as Thanksmas at our place. We invite my sister, Diane over for the day. The tree goes up and we decorate it with Christmas carols playing,

Then we sit down to a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, which today was especially yummy.  Diane and the kids exchange gifts, we get a few strings of lights along the porch outside, and we chat chat and chat some more.  A day I always look forward to...

 

12 days till Christmas

For the first time this season I officially felt in a holiday mood...and it was nice. This afternoon there was gift wrapping with my Alice while listening to Christmas tunes.  A little bit of shopping for stockings was on the agenda as well. Then, as a topper we watched Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas and as tradition dictates...Elf.

A good day!

The Magical Muse

It was a rough morning getting the kids out the door and off to school. While I was on crossing guard duty there was a parent who didn't feel like following the rules and got irate when I spoke to her.  She called me a "miserable person".  When I finished up and headed to work I realized I had forgotten to brew my coffee and fill up my thermos for the day.

Starbucks has a drive thru conveniently located between school and work and though I can't afford to go there much, I decided this morning I really needed it.

When I got to the window the barista handed me my americano and I searched frantically for my debit card. My wallet was spilling all over and I was rummaging around in panic mode.  The sweet lady just looked at me and said that the coffee was complimentary today...no charge.  Wow!  The universe just has a way of balancing things.

Stormy weather

As many folks in the area experience power outages due to wind, I am very thankful that we have electricity.

We were told when we moved into our home 14 yrs ago that since we were so close to one of the biggest hospitals in the county we would seldom lose power. I guess we are on the same power line or grid, sharing the same main electrical resource.  Well, truth be told , in the last 14 years we have yet to be without electricity...even once!

Something to be grateful for...

Yoda

Today I am grateful for a certain origami yoda created by a pretty special kid. 

Knowing

Just especially thankful today for all that I have and the fortunes I have received.

Growing up

It was not too long ago this guy begged me to walk with him to class each morning and wait with him until school starts.  Now, I just drop him off at the curb and he is on his own. So confident...not a care in the world.  Best part about parenting? Seeing the growth over time and it making you totally elated and pretty sad at the same time.

No stopping me now!

I rarely shop ...unless it's for groceries. This time of year it is much wiser for me to do Christmas shopping online because I am not safe in stores with so many lovely items at my fingertips.  I get so overwhelmed at what is out there that I lose all sight of what (and who) I am supposed to be shopping for.  So, I did some major shopping from my laptop this weekend, and it feels great!  I am actually starting to feel in the Christmas mood.

Proud

Pretty proud of this guy who asked if he could get his own savings account for his allowance. We went to the credit union today to do just that.

Pottery

Friday night and all we wanted to do is veg out on the couch this evening.  But...a month ago I volunteered to help tonight at a pottery fund raiser for Alice's 5th grade camp.

Lots of folks showed up and painted  stuff, then someone would bake in the kiln.  It was actually kind of fun and I was impressed with all the great art!

Still got home early enough for an hour or so of serious couch potato time.

Day 6

We are trying to turn our Basil into an indoor cat.  We set up a special cat room for him upstairs with everything he needs and kept him in that room for four days straight...and now he hangs out in other rooms but still inside.  It's been 6 days now, and he seems happy, getting tons of attention from us, staying warm in this Winter weather.  We don't know how long it will last...we hope forever.  

Bruce

Well, if you have to be at work until 5pm in Seattle and then sit in traffic for 1 1/2 hours on the way home, the only way to forget your troubles is to listen to this album in the car. Forget the "born in the USA" Springsteen, this is different...and I believe it's Bruce at his best.

Grit, twang, honest bluegrass/Americana/folk...he's got it going on.

Grocery Outlet

Some of my favorite bargains come from Grocery Outlet so I usually visit once a week. I do subscribe to my local store's blog because it is filled with give-away contests, recipes, and positive messages from the owner, Lynn.

Tonight Lynn called me to tell me I had won a $50 gift card for sharing the news of their nomination program on Facebook.  I was chosen randomly from several entries.  What a delight!

This store owner is all about giving back to the community.  Currently they are donating 50 $50 cards to those families in need...and the week before Thanksgiving they gave away 250 bags with all the makings for turkey dinner to famies in need.  Fantastic!  

My kind of Swag

After 5 days off of work for the Thanksgiving holiday, today was back to the grindstone.  It was tough getting the kids out the door this morning and my eyelids felt heavy all day...not my favorite kind of day.

None of that mattered though, when I arrived home and discovered the kids had brought home the handmade swag that I purchased as part of a school fund raiser.

It is perfect on the door, and reminds me of the swags that hung on our front door when I was a child.

Nutcracker

Brent's parents, Joyce and Dave, invited Alice and Dominik to see the fantastic Pacific NW Ballet perform the Nutcracker in Seattle today.  Lucky kids...and what a treat!  They really thought it was awesome- like nothing they ever had seen before. It makes my heart sing when my kids enjoy live performances, theater, concerts etc.  I know these are the types of experiences that broaden the minds of young people, and make a lasting impression.

Santa

My kids have never been big fans of visits or photos with Santa, so I never pushed it. Today at a thrift store the kids were fascinated with a Santa that plugged in and had a price tag in the middle of his forehead. $89.99 !

Anyway, I decided to get a long-time coming holiday photo of Santa with the kids.

Thanksgiving # 2

I had the chance to spend another Thanksgiving day today with Brent's folks, his brother and family.  It was so nice to visit, dine on a home-cooked turkey dinner and catch up with my other family. A great day.

NWAP

Today I was interviewed and accepted into a really great organization.  I am now a member of the National Association of Professional Women.  I am excited about all of the growth opportunities that I see in my future and I would like to take advantage of all the educational perks included in membership with NAPW.

Also, I think when women put their minds together amazing things happen. As women we have a responsibility to support each other in the professional world and see to it that each of us has a chance to succeed.

Thankful

Today is Thanksgiving. One year ago on this day I had an experience that kick-started my need to focus on gratitude daily in some way or another. It was early morning, and I was up and sipping coffee , enjoying some quiet while the rest of my family slept.  I looked out the front window to see that a freeze had happened overnight and a layer of frost was covering everything in sight.  I then spied a a large trash bag spread out covering something in the gardens of the park across from our house.  When I discovered that from under the trash bag blanket a man was waking up and trying to stand, I felt pangs of sadness for his need to sleep out there in the cold.  I, in no way, could sit in my warm home sipping coffee when I knew this was happening just outside my door.

I grabbed a large travel mug, filled it with hot coffee, and out the door I went.

There was a language barrier, but I didn't need to know what words he spoke, as the joy in his eyes told me everything.

I turned to walk back to my home I felt incredibly thankful for what I had and that somehow fate had handed me a chance to make it as far as I had.  I felt humbled and gracious...and knew there was likely very little difference between this man and me. We all make choices every day that effect where we end up tomorrow. I had simply been lucky so far.

Since that day I have changed my perspective on gratitude.  I am thankful for so many things that I know could vanish in an instant.  Keeping this in mind helps me to live in the moment and take less for granted.

Today my children and husband sat down with my parents and some of my siblings and their children and we ate this fantastic turkey and all the trimmings.  Pretty lucky, I'd say. 

New necklace

Some might say that I decided to become a parent solely for the handmade jewelry. This one is made by tiny colorful rubber bands. I love it.

Belly laugh

Felt good to giggle and guffaw with a coworker today after I had met a big deadline.  Comic relief is a must when things get so busy I don't leave my seat all day. Grateful for the laughs.

Anticipation

The best part about this being Sunday night?  It's almost impossible to dread Monday when you've got a two-day work week ahead.  Anticipating spending 5 full days away from the office relaxing with my awesome husband and kids. It's Thanksgiving weekend so there will be much visiting with our families over more food than could be consumed by a small army.  Feeling super lucky tonight.

Yahtzee

I have to work this weekend...since the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday puts a cramp in my payroll process. I spent a lot of time at the office today but home in plenty of time for a game of Yatzee with the kids, Mexican food out, and then a movie with popcorn at home. A great night, and I must say the chili verde burrito I ordered was one of the best I have ever had.

Columbo

The best way to round out the week? A night of volunteering to work concessions  at the Holiday Gift Making  event at the kids' school, and then home to watch an episode of Columbo on Netflix. Excellent!

Swamped

A day that started out with the baking of 48 cupcakes followed by a trip to Seattle and a two-hour commute home, ended with seeing my Dominik in his role as a tadpole in his 3rd grade production of Swamped.  Here he is with a couple of his buddies, Aidan the owl on his right and Matt the dragonfly in blue to his left.

The little things

It's been cold...Jack Frost cold. In the morning I take one trip over to the Middle School @ 7:45a for Alice's orchestra. Dom and I then go back to the house for 45 minutes before I take him to school and I go to work. The last two days there has been thick frost covering our car windows and we have gone out early to scrape, scrape and scrape some more so we can see out the windshield.  This morning I was fully prepared to scrape, but no frost...hooray!  It's the little things, ya know.

Change in plans

I woke up this morning with a plan of commuting to Seattle for work today...but there was a change in schedule so I got to stay here in town to work instead. I fully appreciated my one mile commute today!  No, it wasn't sunny and I wasn't jogging to work...I just liked the photo.

Brunch

Today the kids were off from school and I took the day off with them. We spent the day running around with errands and appts but brought along a friend of Alice's, Penelope.  We went out for brunch and sitting across the table from these young ladies, something dawned on me. These two have been friends since they were babies.  They treat each other more like sisters...but it is so endearing! They have been at different schools do far, but next year they will go to the same Middle School and they are excited.

Birthdays

Was lucky that we had a chance to celebrate Fall birthdays with family today. Griffin, my nephew,and the awesome stuff he got for his 3rd birthday was a hit with all the cousins.  Fun was had by all!

Aaaaaand we are back-

Well, I lasted 2 days on my cleanse...and I have to say the smoothies tasted good and were easy to make, but I didn't feel very good. I felt like I was hungry all day and even at night. I had splitting headaches.   I got tired of drinking cold sweet smoothies at every meal and I craved something warm and salty.  I think I am ready, though, to get back to healthy choices and smaller portions so I am glad I tried this and stuck with it for at least two days.  Tonight I can home from work after deciding to end the cleanse and Brent was fixing vegatable chicken chow mein with spring rolls.  Ah, the perfect way to round out a busy week! Hooray for Fridays!

Lazy

It was one of those days...lazy and quite lovely. I didn't leave the house even once. I made soup, did laundry, called my mom, listened to music and did a lot of lounging.  My little guy, Dominik & I cuddled in my favorite loveseat, and took this selfie.

Kid Wagar

Dominik has excitedly waited all last school year(we missed the order deadline) to get a hoody with his school logo on the front and his name on the back. We finally had a chance to order one in September and yesterday it finally arrived. A good day indeed.

This morning Dominik put it on as he got dressed for school.  All the while he was telling me that he would give this hoody to his son when he became a dad and his boy would probably go to Grant so it would be perfect.

This kid seriously keeps me entertained.

Bottoms up!

Tonight I started a 3-day cleanse which involves the consumption of 3 smoothies a day and only raw fresh fruit and veggies.  It's exciting because I haven't tried a cleanse or fast before and I'm not sure what to expect as results.  

This cleanse I purchased online after doing research on juice cleanses...but this powdered dehydrated formula that you blend with water and fresh fruit was a more affordable option.  

I am hoping to detox from the processed foods I have found myself eating lately and jumpstart a new chapter in making healthy food choices and being active daily. Wish me luck!