This and That

Here I am again -- playing catch up!

Sometime this weekend I'll post a more heavy update on life around here, but for now, I thought I'd share a little bit of this and that.

 - The Biggest Loser challenge at work continues to go well.  People are eating so healthy at the office it's insane.  I've lost 15 pounds thus far, but I don't imagine I'm in the lead.  Still, there's another five or six weeks to go, so we'll see how it goes.  Next week we're doing a halfway mark weigh in, which will hopefully tell us where we stand.

 - Someone hit my Camry in a parking lot!  I didn't even discover it until I was home a few evenings ago.  What is wrong with people?  If you know darn well (and this person knew darn well) that you've hit a parked car, leave a note!  (Preferably a note that has your contact info and insurance company -- haven't we all heard about the note that says, "I'm leaving this so that the people who saw me hit you will think I'm leaving you my contact information.")  I'll find out soon how much will be involved with getting my front end fixed and my logo reattached.

 - Today was Dr. Suess' birthday, which means the kids wore pajamas to school and had a "read in."  Noelle was deeply disappointed to learn that she didn't bring her blanket and pillow like all the other kids in class.  Apparently those directions were given out when she was home sick yesterday.  She's feeling better -- and now I have it.  We share at our house.  Hopefully Charlie will remain the pillar of health that he has been.

 - I have a new cell phone and I love it.  I copied my brother and got a LG Env Touch.  Thanks to the data plan it comes with I can now get email wherever I am.  I was talking to a co-worker today about just how connnected we are so much of the time, and I confess -- I don't mind it one bit.  There's something about being able to send a text or email or play a game of scrabble with someone even when I'm standing in line at Panera or suffering through a meeting.  It's comforting in a way.  I never feel alone or disconnected from the world.  And it's not as if I can't ever be disconnected.  All I have to do is turn off my phone or my iPod or my computer and there I am -- surrounded by silence.  The choices are endless.

 - Tomorrow is Friday -- you know what that means?  I get to wear jeans to work.  Isn't my life exciting?

Good morning, class

We've got a teacher in our midst.

The other morning I heard Noelle chattering away in our living room, so I poked my head in to see what was going on.

She had lined up all of her Littlest Pet Shop animals in a row on my grandmother's hope chest, and had seated herself in front of them.  She was holding some paper and a pen, and was apparently taking attendance.  The sweetest part was that she was referring to herself by her own teacher's name.

"Good morning, Pink Puppy."

  "Good morning, Mrs. S."

"Good morning, Parrot."
 
  "Good morning, Mrs. S."

I really think that says a lot for the teacher that Noelle was proud to be her and teach like her.  I only wish we could keep the kids in the same classrooms forever -- they're both blessed right now with amazing teachers that are perfect for them.  It's funny to me that while the teachers are all counting down the days until summer vacation, I'm wishing that time would slow down so that the kids could be with them that much longer.

To all you teachers out there who love what you do and are a wonderful influence to your kids -- THANK YOU!

To my first grade teacher, Miss Hess -- here's a tip for you: when you're upset with your students, don't grab them by the face and squeeze their cheeks and jaw.  I assure you none of us were going home and pretending to be YOU.

Valentine's Day is a Comin'!

I'm escaping this weekend.

The kids and I are taking off for my parents' place up in the mountains.  My brother is joining us and we're going to enjoy a weekend with my mom and dad, who will probably enjoy spoiling their children just a little bit.  And I don't mind that.  Someone else doing the cooking?  Okay!  Champagne brunch on Valentines Day?  Sure!

I've had fun buying a few fun things for the kids on Valentines Day.  One of my favorite V-day memories was in Novato when my brother and I woke up to little goodies awaiting us at our breakfast table, so I'm doing the same for Charlie and Noelle this Sunday.  Big heart shaped pillows...decorated place mats...mnm candies.  Thank you Target!  And thank you Mom for the idea that it would be fun for them to wake up to presents on the table this Sunday morning.

Today was wonderful -- I had a free day, so I volunteered in both classrooms at the kid's school.  Noelle's teacher was great about putting me to work and having me sort papers, give tests and quiz the kids on their sight words.  Then, after lunch, I spent a few hours in Charlie's class and had so much fun with him and his classmates.  I got to help a bunch of them finish their "dream boards," where they put pictures up of what they want to have or be when they grow up.  The funniest pictures to find and print were ones of money, houses and fancy cars.  Better still were their hopes for how much money they would make -- nobody had less than "$30 dollars a week" or "$40 dollars a month", which was hilarious next to pictures of ferraris and mansions.  Kid concepts of money crack me up.

I hope you all enjoy your long weekend and have a loving Valentine's day.  I know I will!

Weekend Bliss

This last weekend was one of the best I’ve had in a long time.

First, there was Saturday!

My beloved friend Jen was having a birthday, and she decided the thing she wanted most was to have a few friends gather together and take a wine tour through our local wineries.

When she decides to do something, Jen does it right.

Our Chariot…

Our Birthday girl and her wonderful husband…

Jen isn’t just beloved by me – there are a lot of us who feel blessed to know her and grateful to have her in our lives. I personally have had some of the best conversations of my life with her, and am so glad to have her on my side. That’s why it was no shock to anyone (but her) that two of our friends who live more than four hours from us made the trip to be there to celebrate her.

Jen was shocked when we surprised her with an iPod Touch! How could we not get her one when she’s been raving about her daughter’s? No mother of an eleven year old should be without one – at least, not if we had anything to say about it.

We hit a total of four wineries and spent over an hour at each! We took our time tasting, devoured the yummy appetizers we all brought to share, and just enjoyed one another’s company. The only sad moment was saying goodbye to everyone at the end of the day.

Then came Sunday, and it was practically perfect in every way.

My bike is finally working, so I rode up and down our court a million times with the kids. I didn’t realize how novel it would be to them, seeing me on a bike! Noelle just had her training wheels removed a few days ago, so she’s over the moon on her new found talent. I think she rode for about five hours that day!

Noelle and I did our usual grocery store routine, which she is a trooper about. We love spending time together, and I’ll take it as long as I can get it. We might have also stopped in at Target where I might have bought another book, too.

The best part of the day? Not watching even one MINUTE of the Superbowl! I have decided I am done watching any sport of any kind unless I feel like it. And typically I only feel like it if it’s live. Baseball, football, hockey – bring it on if I can be right there, watching the action. But on my television? Nah!

As the weather slowly begins to improve I plan to have more and more great weekends like this one. Beach trips will be on the horizon, as well as the new Disney Museum that has apparently opened up in San Francisco. For now, I’m happy to follow the mad crazy two-wheel rider that is my daughter.

Entering the Cost Plus Zone

I don’t know about you, but I can get absolutely LOST in Cost Plus.

I went there on my lunch hour today to pick up some delectable chocolates to take on a wine tasting tour this Saturday. My dear friend Jen decided this is how she wanted to spend her birthday, and I was only too happy to say yes when invited. Everyone is bringing an appetizer to share, so my contribution will include veggies (to help me stick to my biggest loser challenge) and a variety of creamy chocolates. Because you just can’t thoroughly enjoy good red wine without a piece of chocolate now and then!

Back to my original point – I entered the abyss that is Cost Plus.

I found the perfect thing to give someone at a housewarming party, but of course I don’t know anyone having a housewarming party anytime soon. In case you do, they have the cutest guest soaps in a little rack that I know I would love to receive if I had a nice guest bathroom that isn’t always covered with toothpaste thanks to the resident children.

Whilst picking out chocolates I was extremely tempted by all of the various fun candies and goodies they have that are either foreign or old fashioned. Remember these?

They always make me think of my Grampa.

I nearly bought some, but I was trying to stick to the task at hand. That, however, did not stop me from buying a big bag of these.

What I actually got was a bag full of mini-bags that I can put in my candy jar at work. I haven’t seen the mini’s since I used to enjoy them at my friend Lorie’s house in the 5th grade!

Chocolate – much chocolate – was purchased, but I continued shopping. I love their dishes and their baking section, but it’s the Japanese cook and serve ware that makes me want to make my own sushi every single night! But I held it together and moved along.

At the last turn before the checkout, I happened across something in a wine section that I’ve never seen before. Chocovine!

Seriously – red wine and chocolate put together in a drink? Umm, OKAY! I bought a bottle and can’t wait to try it tonight. The Chocovine website (yes, there’s a website) has various recipes you can try with it, but some bloggers have said it’s even yummy chilled and served over ice. I’ll be sure to let you know how that goes.

In the mean time, I’m off to enjoy some gummi bears.

Romans 8:38-39

This morning was not one of my favorite mornings.


I spent it attending the funeral of a very good man.

A man who should not have died so young. A man who still had a lot of life left in him. A man who had a beautiful wife and two children that were the light of his eyes.

Nobody understands what happened. It was so sudden and so unexpected that people are reeling from this tragedy. We stood and watched as his seven year old son joined a group of large men and helped carry the casket of his father into the church and later into the cemetery. That image will be burned into me forever.

An image that I don’t ever want to have of my own son.

The service was especially touching because the priest knew the family personally. He even said that he would not stand there and preach theologies or talk about how the departed was happier now. No, he talked about how we shouldn’t shy away from grief or sorrow, but instead should feel them and be there for his family as they feel it, too.

I don’t pretend to have known this good man really well like plenty of others crowded into the church did. I was not surprised that it was standing room only by the time it ended. I was lucky enough to know him because I used to babysit his kids back when mine were little. He was often the one that picked them up, and I was always glad to see him. He was one of those people that just lit up a room with his cheerful presence. Over the years I’d see him at various functions – parties, t-ball, etc, and always it was the same joyful man that greeted me.

Some people pass through your life without ever leaving much of a mark.

Not Mike.

He will be remembered by all of us who were blessed to know him.

Bits & Pieces

My life has been a series of random events lately, but apparently one of them is not blogging! How’s about a little catch up on the current events of my life?


* * * * * * * * * *

Some people at my company decided to start up a Biggest Loser challenge for anyone who’d like to participate. It ended up being such a big turnout that the company got behind it and has even tossed in a prize option to the biggest loser. 45 of us have teamed up, contributed some cash, and are vying to be the winner of most of the money plus the choice of either a big screen television or a one year gym membership. (2nd place gets part of the money.)

I’m excited to be participating and have already lost some poundage (not to mention I feel great and my skin is healthier!), but I don’t think I stand an actual chance at winning. There are several men in the challenge that have already lost 10+ pounds, which is typical since men tend to lose faster. My only hope is that they’ll burn out faster than slow but steady me.

There’s also the factor that apparently people were bulking up and drinking lots of water in the days and hours before the first weigh in. That hardly seems fair to me. They say it’s not cheating, but what about those of us who stuck to our usual routine and didn’t pull any such stunts? If one of them wins, I’ll at least be smart enough not to join again.

* * * * * * * * * *

We found out just over a week ago that our son was being harassed at school by some kids, and that it had been going on for some time. Unbeknownst to me he’d been bearing the brunt of it until finally he broke down and it all spilled out. As his mom, not only was my heart breaking to see him so beaten down, but I also felt like showing up at the school the next morning to crack some eight year old skulls together.

Would that have been wrong?

I decided to go the “grown up” route *sigh* and contacted the teacher and vice principal. They were shocked by what had been going on and took immediate action. Not only did those kids get called in and lose a few privileges, but they had to call their own parents and tell them what they had been doing. I admit I did a little fist pump when the VP told me this on the phone. Charlie has never been on the giving end of bullying, but he has done more than his share of foolish things, as well as some hitting, and I think it was important for him to see that the adults are there to protect him as much as they are to reprimand him. The harassment had been going on long enough that he thought nobody cared.

* * * * * * * * * *

I enjoyed a girl’s night out this week with a few of my closest friends. We gabbed while we ate Chinese food. We gabbed while we went to a local coffee house. And we gabbed at Starbucks after the local place (surprisingly) closed their doors at 8:30 p.m.! Apparently it doesn’t take much to make us happy. Just being together is what we all needed and welcomed – I love it when that happens.

* * * * * * * * * *

Outside of my little world there is a lot going on in the lives of other people. Specifically in Haiti. I had been feeling sick about what’s happening over there but also helpless because there’s very little I can do to help. Sure, I can text a code and it donates $10, but I wanted to be able to do more. Unfortunately, extra money is not in the cards these days now that I’m back to one income again. After some thought I finally had what I hope was a good idea.

I sent out an email to my scrapbooking customers and told them that any orders placed on a certain date next week will have 100% of the profits donated to Mercy Corps by me. Better still, my company is currently matching any donations made to Mercy Corps, so every dollar I send will be doubled. How incredible is that?! I’m excited for next week to come to see what we end up with. No matter how small the number, I know that every little bit will help, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to do it.

Have a wonderful weekend!

The Retreat!

Last weekend’s scrapbooking retreat was a phenomenal success!

91 of us traveled up to the mountains for a weekend of solitude, delicious food and (yes, you guessed it) scrapbooking. Sleep is always an interesting thing to obtain when we’re there. Some of us feel compelled to stay up and crop as late as possible, while a few others are happy to get caught up on the sleep they’ve been missing at home. I was the fool who stayed up visiting on the last night, and before I knew it, I was going to bed at 3:45 a.m.! This was not a smart move for someone who then has to lug all of her product and gear and personal items down a hill to a van the next day. My legs and back were not happy with me.

Of course, the massage helped a bit with that.  I loved it!  Partly for how good it felt, but mostly for how wonderfully relaxed and comfortable I was.  Our masseuse that we bring in has a knack for setting just the right atmosphere, and I couldn't have felt more at ease.  We ended up talking about some really personal things happening in our lives, and I appreciated her insight on a particular situation that I'm dealing with.  That entire hour of my life couldn't have gone better.

The only downside of the weekend was that the severe storm we had for three days finally knocked out the power at 9:15 a.m. on Monday. Thankfully that was our last day, and nobody was too miserable about the idea of going home early, but then the roads got closed and all of that changed. Suddenly people were in a bit of a panic to get in touch with their families to let them know they wouldn’t be…home hours early? I didn’t completely get that, but was as happy as everyone else when we found out the roads were clear at noon. We high tailed it home, and from what I hear, most of us crashed pretty hard for the rest of the day.

Now I'm in the midst of closing out last year and starting to plan next year.  I needed a few days to give my brain a rest, but I feel ready now.

Time to head out the door and take Charlie to his afternoon playdate.  He's had a rough week at school and I'm trying to make sure he has a fun weekend surrounded by people that like him.  Meanwhile, Noelle is having her playdate here and I have two six year old girls rocking out to Myley Cyrus and Taylor Swift right in front of me.  For microphones they are using a hairbrush and blush brush.  This is so taking me back!

Happy Saturday!

Wordless Wednesday

Isn't she yummy?

Busy New Year

Life continues to never be boring for me! I can recall days in my life when I wished I had more to do, but for the last few years I’ve mostly just wished for more time to do nothing. Or, if not nothing, at least more time to do the things that need doing.

I wish I could say my life is a series of adventures to foreign countries and new places – that’s my dream. To see the actual world outside of California’s Bay Area. I used to live in that world – I used to move every one to three years and loved the excitement, even if I was a kid!


But now I feel stuck.


Planted.


Rooted.


Someone pluck me!!

Back to my point – even if I’m stuck in the same place, at least it isn’t boring.

Next weekend is my annual scrapbooking retreat up in the mountains with 89 other women. I love facilitating this event every year, despite all the work, because in the end we have a fantastic time together. Who doesn’t want to go up to the beautiful lush green mountains above the ocean and be disconnected from the real world for a while? That’s right, I said disconnected! Cell phones don’t work up there and there certainly isn’t any wifi, so there will be no texting or chatting or twittering or facebooking for this gal. And I couldn’t be happier about it.

Best of all – I’m getting my first massage EVER.

*thump*

That was some of you hitting the floor in shock.

I know, it’s a travesty that I’ve never had one before. At least, that’s what I hear. The most I’ve ever had is a hand and arm massage with hot rocks during a manicure years ago (which in itself was heavenly), and of course a foot and leg massage that comes with a pedicure. I think what’s stopped me in the past is the idea of a stranger giving it, as well as the modesty factor. Apparently I’m over that.

Everything appears to be going smoothly. The prizes have been ordered thanks to my amazing friend Lisa, the gifts were delivered today, and I have six other amazing consultants working hard to bring the rest of the details together. I couldn’t be more blessed by each and every one of them.

When this retreat is over I’ll still have plenty to do, but at least I won’t have 89 women counting on me to get it done right.