Thigh Sigh

A scary thing happened. I was running (no that's not the scariest part) and the sun was at my back. I looked ahead at my shadow on the ground...all I can say is that the shadow I saw was proof of some serious thunder thighs. And unlike Bonnie Blair and her speed skating thighs, I can assure you that mine are fairly muscle-free. Thighs have always been my biggest sigh - especially in the summer.

Chase's Phrases

For some reason, a baby's first word is one of the most anticipated moments. But, with Chase, I have been having a lot of fun with the next stage - his linking two words together.

Phrases he uses:

Baby Hannah (A family friend and most adorable baby)

Black Jersey (James is very into his own jersey and it is not a surprise that Chase has finally caught on)

Long Spoon (Again, James has a longer one and Chase's short one was not doing the trick)

Chase Turn

GaaGaa Melon (He still thinks GaaGaa is the word for water, so today I heard it applied to a watermelon)

the runner up is...Out Kitchen (A variation on "get out of my kitchen" and its said with a silly smile - I teased him once with this phrase and he laughs and repeats it now!)

and the best...Stupify Stupify (James takes a wand around and uses various Harry Potter spells on us all and Chase follows yelling this freezing spell - stupifying us all)

M.I.A.

My phone has been missing now for five days and I am sick of it. I am sick of the looking, the wondering, and I am mostly sick of the not having it. Sigh.

The truth is I have been missing in action as well - but instead of by accident, its been by choice. Earlier in the month I just disappeared into the wedding planning and visitors and more recently to Utah. But the truth is, now that its over, I have too much time on my hands to think about my own life. And I'd rather not. Sometimes its just easier to stay busy and invisible then to stop and take a hard look at ourselves. I loathe the thought and question - what next?!

But, I do have a few things planned. I have recently passed the CBEST (the California State test to teach)...and I have applied to substitute a few times before the end of the school year to see if I like it - teaching?! I hope I like it. But I'm not sure what I will do for the summer - if anyone has any great brainstorms send them my way.

The Swing

The Swing

by Robert Louis Stevenson

How do you like to go up in a swing,
Up in the air so blue?
Oh, I do think it the pleasantest thing
Ever a child can do!

Up in the air and over the wall,
Till I can see so wide,
Rivers and trees and cattle and all
Over the countryside—

Till I look down on the garden green,
Down on the roof so brown—
Up in the air I go flying again,
Up in the air and down!

My mom used to recite this poem to us over and over; it now comes to mind whenever I push my children on the swings. And I do agree that it is the "pleasantest thing" a child or grown-up can do. Aren't Emily and Josh the luckiest - to have these swings in their front yard!

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles

Ok, more like Tractors, Boats, Kayaks, and ATV's...


We went to Utah, and my boys had the "time of their dreams" (to use my favorite Jamesism). The both love vehicles, only being crunched inside a garbage truck could top this.

Here they are, watch out, they don't have licenses...they called the lawn mower a tractor - and I think even Bompa Roy had the "time of his dreams!"

Ok, Emily does have a license, but still, no hands is quite impressive!

I am afraid I insulted Sun Ten Lake by skiing with two skis, but I did get up my first try - that's something. Anyhow, I've always loved visiting Jay and Sarah at their lake. They have the cutest family and there is always a lot of laughter. Now, how is it that I buy a lake again?!

Chase carefully watched James, and then decided this was a must. He walked over to Brandon with determination - oh, and I love the hood ornament!

Thanks for the great time!

Farewell

As a goodbye I thought I should tell a little bit more about myself...

Favorite Twosome: JAMES and CHASE...also you can never go wrong with a blog if you put a cute pic of these kids

Favorite Color: BLUE! yes, those shirts were originally white... Favorite Food: GELATO, i can't stop thinking about Copa Mista and Bavarian Mint

Favorite sport: HUMAN BUNGEE-you fling yourself in this lifesize rubberband and the game ends when someone falls.

Favorite Pastime: SWINGING. This particular instance was amazing since my toes got to play in Lake Tahoe at the same tim

Thanks for letting me intrude for a little while, I'll be seeing you...

Post Secret

A New Yorker decided to make a community art project one day so he put blank postcards with an address and directions to write any secret on it and decorate it. After he spread them out on subways, the return was impressive. Each secret can be a hope, regret, funny experience, unseen kindness, fantasy, belief, fear, betrayal, desire, confession, or childhood humiliation. You can reveal anything - as long as it is true and you have never shared it with anyone before. Over the years this has become pretty widespread (there's even a postsecret blog!), I love the idea that you can write a secret down and send it off into the abyss. I did this along time ago when i first found out about it, for me it was more of a fun art project but for others it is a release. Who knows maybe literally sending a secret off can help let go of anything weighing on your shoulders.

Yawping

Walt Whitman taught me well-"I sound my barbaric yawp over the rooftops of the world". A "yawp" has become a ritual for me everytime I summit something extraordinarily high. I force whomever I am with to take the yawping postion (legs spread and squatted a bit, so as to produce more power) and take in their very deepest breath while holding hands and let out a yawp. We let it out as loud and long and hard as possible, while simulatneously raising your joined hands to the sky. Its overwhelming to feel every bit of oxygen leaving your body. It really helps me to drink in my whole environment and let everything else go. A scream can be so satisfying, just because. I encourage anyone to try this when on top of a high building, seaside cliff, mountain top or anything you find suitable. It can be hard for new comers; once after yawping I had someone tell me that they were "always scared" when they were with me...I took it as a compliment. (Oh I took these pictures at Squaw Peak in Utah, it's gorgeous in the fall)

Bay to Breakers

As guest blogger I figure that I might aswell come in with a bang (Also when i was once a superhero my name was "BLAM", so I'm doing my superhero name proud). This 7.45 mile bacchanalia went on this weekend and i was lucky enough to take part. Really running through the streets in costume is a learning experience if nothing else:

1. When approaching a crowd and you see naked bottoms don't turn around once you have passed, it will ruin at least the rest of your day if not longer
2. Free stuff never ceases to draw a crowd
3. Don't start at the back of the race and attempt to catch up with the runners because you will be caught between people screaming at you that "runners eat babies". Yes, it was a shock to me too, but maybe i haven't reached that point in my running career yet. Watch out Chase.
4. Costumes chafe...more than you know, my favorite costume was a life size Sudoku.
5. "Breakers" is a code name for ocean, it took me far to long to realize that

PS I apologize to anyone who doesn't find a funny booty funny, also to Angie...she didn't know what she was doing having me guest blog

Sony BRAVIA - The Advert

Sony BRAVIA - The Advert

Please watch this video. Somehow I find peace when I'm watching it, maybe you will too.

This ad was shot in San Fransisco and they released over 250,000 bouncy balls. Apparently when you're in advertising you can do whatever you want. I would probably let kangaroos loose in San Fransisco, film it, and make millions. Also in case anyone was wondering the song in the background is "Heartbeats" by Jose Gonzales, one of my favorites.

Guest Blogger - Abigail Kate

Ten days before I turned ten years old, Abbie was born. She was the cutest little baby - I have memories of her as an infant and feel like she is partly mine. She is the perfect younger sister; the youngest of five, she somehow managed to be our calm in midst of a tumultuous sea.

She is in that twenty year old time of life, where someone suggests driving to Krispie Kreme in Vegas, and you just drop everything to make it happen. But, differing from my own sugar-filled destinations, she trumps me by road trips to orphanages in Mexico (ok, that and less serious roadtrips to Wicked). You should see her photographs of Mexico - she really is a wonderful photographer. I wish I had her eye; that, or her umph! She just ran the Bay to Breakers this weekend. One of several races in a life filled with it. She is busy doing - planning and living. And part of living is dancing - and boy can Snap dance! Really, I'm a bit jealous. I'm also envious of all those wonderful English classes she is taking at BYU - she has really wonderful ideas - I love to talk literature with her.

Somehow I convinced her to be my guest blogger. She will be posting while I am in Utah for part deux of Emily's wedding. Anyhow, I can't wait to see what she writes about. I do have to tell you that she is a bit reluctant - so, comment even if you don't know her. I think she will start Wednesday - if you have a question or request get it in right away!

Thanks, Snap! Love you!

Tag?!?

I've never been tagged - I mean, other than in the yard when I was seven.

3 things that scare me
ants, loss of control, & scary sounds at night

3 people who make me laugh
emily, rebecca, and laurel have the best laughs i know - and their laughs make me laugh

3 things I love
the beach, mint chocolate chip ice cream, cozy blankets

3 things I hate
the smell of cigarette smoke, fowl language, and sleeping when its hot

3things I don't understand
economics, agency, and the wind

3 things on my desk
pictures, piles, and Stabilo pens (my sister brought them to me from Austria - they are the best!)

3 things I'm doing right now
packing, wrapping, and wanting a nap

3 things I want to do before I die
write a book, build my dream house, see the world

3 things I can do
teach, read, and pick up on people's small nuances

3 things I can't do
wake up really early, wash dogs, run a marathon

3 things I think you should listen to
the ocean, the wind rustling through the trees, a little child singing

3 things I think you should never listen to
anchor people who don't know enough, the clank of a broken heater, and people who think they know it all

3 things I'd like to learn
french, chinese, and hebrew

3 favorite foods
waffles at financier, light rye sandwiches at cheese house, and the yummy cake with rum sauce at the dodo

3 things I regret
i can't answer this, its too complicated for me

3 people I tagged
ok, i can't answer this either, i stress about obligating people...it doesn't bother me to be asked, but i can't even ask for a seat on the subway when i'm pregnant...but if you want to please do, i am so interested, especially when people can answer so carefully...this was really hard for me

And here's the other one I was tagged for...
1. Comics or novels? Novels
2. Neat or slob? Mostly neat
3. Chocolate or peanut butter? Chocolate - for sure!
4. Cold or Hot? Warm
5. Talk or sleep? Talk - its so fun!
6. Being told you're loved, having time spent with you, getting a present, having something done for you, being touched. Which describes your greatest need? Having something done for you
7. Which is your least favorite season? Winter
8. Do you like your photo being taken? not a bit
9. Have you ever blabbed a secret when you said you wouldn't? Nope
10. Who do you think has the most interesting life in your social (blog) group? Jessie and Pat
11. Do you ever fantasize about having a different life? No
12. Have you ever had to start your life all over again? Yep
13. What are the three most important things to look for in a relationship? Kindness, Contentedness, Selflessness
14. Words, tone and delivery, or body language: Which do you absorb first? Which is the most important? I notice them all - but words least
15. Are you a good communicator? I think so
16. Do you think you talk too much? Probably
17. Can you handle the truth? Always
18. How often do you cry? Enough
19. What sound annoys you the most? A clanking heater
20. Where did your pet get its name? James named Tanyon
21. Would you rather be single, dating, engaged or married? Married
22. Significance, self-worth, security. Which is more important? Self Worth
23. If you could have one super hero power, what would it be? Heal
24. Do you think you are a good driver? Yes
25. Why do you go to work? I think that being at home is so important
26. Who was your favorite teacher? What's your favorite subject? Cronin - English
27. Who would you like to see answer this? Well, you know that I can't answer a name - but of course, anyone's info is so fun to read! Enough about me for the moment!

Up, Up, and Away

True Story...My dad wanted to take James on an adventure to Moffett Field to see some old WWII planes. And when James heard the word plane, he was instantly excited. He asked Bompa, "What kind of planes will we be seeing?" I could see my dad hum and hah, trying to think of the right wording...but finally told him it would be a B-17. Here is James instant and honest response..."Oh, the Flying Fortress!! My Grandad, one of my other Grandpa's, when he was twenty-two, no twenty-three, he flew B-17's. He was a gunner." I couldn't even remember the nick-name, Flying Fortress long enough to write this story. I don't know how he stores it all. He ended up seeing a B-25 and watched the B-17 take off! A perfect James day. Thanks, Dad!

Tortoise vs. Hare

At preschool James reenacted the great race between the tortoise and the hare. The children helped set up a race course, and were amazed when that quick rabbit dashed left and right, but never straight ahead. And the slow turtle did, in fact, keep going and going. As James put it, "He put one foot and then the next, one foot and the next. Mom, he just kept going. And sure enough, he won." Of course, James wasn't hesitant in explaining that he had hoped the rabbit would win - but he kept running off course.

What a fun idea! And how interesting that the tortoise really won. I think it possibly says something about our race through life. In the end, rushing ahead doesn't necessarily get us to our own goal. There is something said for those who are able to go the distance. When its not fun or exciting or easy, they keep going. Trying to do their best to move foot by foot ahead; mustering the most courage or joy or endurance just to get through the day. But, in the end, perseverance will get us to the finish line.

No Fighting, No Biting

I have fond memories of this book, No Fighting, No Biting...so I had to name this entry after it. Anyhow, here's a recent question I was asked...

My little one has pushed a few kids at the playground lately...I am not sure how to handle it. I can tell parents want to see me resolve the issue but I just don't know how best to do it.

The answeris at Ask Miss Angie. And be sure to add your two cents - because if you have a great trick, or even a "what not to do", we can help each other. Fighting really is the worst!

The Glow

There is an undeniable glow that comes from the bride on her wedding day! And Emily had it. I can't even begin to express how beautiful Emily looked. I kept telling people, "She's my sister, can you believe it?!" She is an amazing woman - and somehow makes those around her feel supremely important. Anyhow, I just had to do more pictures that highlighted her - and truth be told she's been glowing since her bridals - so I added a few of those too. Welcome to the family, Josh.

My Painted Peacocks

I am a sucker for a bowtie.

James danced the night away; flower girls make great dancing partners!

I am afraid Chase may have had a little too much limeade by the end of the night.

Emily looked so beautiful - she just glowed!

3, 2, 1 Blastoff

I love the beach, and I love this sand covered face.

Alex brought the rocket and James was thrilled!

Ridi almost made it, and Ben did make it across!

Welcome to the Hotel California

Such a lovely place
Such a lovely face
Plenty of room at the hotel california
Any time of year, you can find it here...

The Bride and Groom to be

Pat and Chase (Chase also helped Uncle bandage his scars - but when you have over a hundred it is quite the process).

Two cute boys.

Jessie and Abbie - only eat the purples!

James helped Jessie with her Hawaiian studies homework project.


And for the record, we did play Quidditch - and a few bruises later (thanks to Madam Pomfrey for the healing) - we ended the game in a heated tie. So, Bertie Botts for all!