Category Archives: Thoughts

A Sad Goodbye to a Wiggly Shirt

This is the story of one very much loved shirt/singlet/tanktop and it’s sad, sad demise.

You see a few years ago before our household developed obsessions with Star Wars, Fireman Sam, Yo Gabba Gabba and every other childhood pop culture phenomenon from a seemingly endless list, we were DEEP into the Wiggles. So deep in fact that I walked hundreds of precarious steps from the top of the Rose Garden Arena right down to the floor level while 6 months pregnant, just so we could see the Wiggles do their thing LIVE, right here in Portland.

And I encouraged this obsession for the following reasons:

  • The Wiggles are Australian
  • The music is not too annoying (sometimes even catchy)
  • They were one of the reasons I once heard my child say car with an Aussie accent (as in, Toot toot chugga chucca big red “CA”).
  • Grandparents in Australia = lots of access to Wiggles-related paraphernalia that we can’t buy here (and easy suggestions for birthday gifts)
  • The Wiggles are Australian.

Alas, the obsession came to an end at about the same time that Star Wars started taking over our lives (and our house).

But one little thing remained – an obnoxious little Wiggles tank top.

While I cursed the shirt’s existence every time I had to bribe my child to take it off so I could wash it, I admit that I appreciated this one small constant in the ever-changing world of toddler pop culture.

Of course there did come a time when, inevitably, Thomas outgrew the shirt and it was ceremoniously passed down to Curious George. He then enjoyed wearing it for a couple of years, including during at least one trip to Australia – a “coming home” of sorts for the shirt.

But then a couple of months ago the shirt began to show signs of impending retirement. First a small rip led to a bigger rip, and then this…

Even George couldn’t wear it any more. I thought Thomas would be devastated and, to be honest, he was a little sad when he realized that he would have to say goodbye, but after a couple of days I put the shirt aside and, like most things out of immediate sight for a five year old, it was quickly forgotten.

I held on to it for a while though, mostly because I wanted to take one last photo but, if I’m honest, it was partly because I was going to have a tougher time saying goodbye.

Last week I took a final photo and threw the shirt away (buried in the rubbish so a curious five year wouldn’t drag it out again). There were no tears, just a few small pangs of sadness from a mother who had to say goodbye to something more than just a shirt. (OK – I admit that was a little dramatic).

But now that I think about it, I’m pretty sure Samuel hasn’t yet seen every Wiggles episode that we have on DVD. I see a family movie night in our immediate future. I’ll have him saying “CA” in no time… “Beaudy Mates.”

Have a great weekend. I’ll be enjoying some sunshine and holding on to a little childhood.

And He Doesn’t Look a Day Over Two…

My baby turns three years old today. It many ways I wonder how we got here so quickly. In many other ways I wonder how he can ONLY be three. It feels like we’ve had him forever – and sometimes he behaves well beyond his years (in good ways and in challenging ways).

At three Samuel is… funny, expressive, smart, pushy, obstinate and loving.

He likes… playing with his brother, annoying his brother, running (the kids runs everywhere), jumping, coloring, hugging and kissing (mostly just his family, thankfully – and we love it), saying “I love you”over and over again.

He is one very bright spark in our lives and I couldn’t imagine our family without him.

Happy birthday baby.

Twelve Years

Just over twelve years ago a man in America proposed to a (very) young woman in Australia and then moved to the other side of the world so the two of them could start a life together. The were married in a beautiful ceremony in the hills outside Melbourne and then went on to have a picture perfect marriage without conflict of any kind.

Ok, maybe that last part was a small exaggeration. The first year was rough and, to be honest, there were times when there was little more than a Visa restriction keeping them together. But they made it through that first year, bought an apartment, traveled the world (well, most of the United States), sold the apartment and began building a life for themselves in America complete with a house and two kids (and, soon, a much-anticipated deck).

The best part? After 12 years the story is not complete. In many ways it’s just begun.

Happy 12th anniversary to my wonderful husband and my best friend.

(Maybe next year you could buy me a scanner for an anniversary present so our wedding pictures don’t look like they’ve been gathering dust for, uh, 12 years).

Thoughts on Thirty-Six

Today is my birthday. I turn 36. I’m a little conflicted.

Pro: I am well out of my 20’s – that frustrating period of time when I knew where I wanted to be in my life but also knew I had to wait many years to get there.
Con: I’m on the downhill slide to 40.

Pro: I have a wonderful husband and two gorgeous, intelligent, wonderful boys.
Con: I sometimes yearn for the days when I didn’t have to do someone else’s laundry (x3).

Pro: I am approaching an age bracket that has been fully endorsed by Oprah.
Con: I’m on the downhill slide to 40 (important fact that needs repeating)

Pro: I found my life’s passion in photography in my mid 30’s.
Con: I am a long way from financial independence.

Pro: I have the chance to celebrate another year of life.
Con: It’s likely I’ll have to celebrate it while holding a bucket for my vomiting child. Very sad, but true.
Pro: A night out with the girls and a date night with my husband will more than make up for it.
Con: I will still have to do laundry the next day.

Pro: I have friends, wonderful friends.
Con: I often wish I could be closer to my family AND have my friends close by.

Pro: I have 20/15 vision
Con: I had to undergo surgery and pay a LOT of money to get it – but it was worth every penny.

Pro: I  know where I want to be in terms of health, weight and career.
Con: I am not quite where I want to be in terms of health, weigh and career.
Pro: I KNOW where I want to be (just need to find the means for some…and motivation for others). Oh, and I am FINALLY embracing my enormous forehead.

Pros: I’m happy (with the occasional off day). I’m comfortable. I’m loved. I’m healthy. I’m getting French doors and a deck. I’m 36.

…and I’m just where I need (and want) to be – right now.

Count Me Inspired

Thanks to a little work commitment, I found myself at the TEDx Portland event yesterday. I was there to manage the photo booth at the Waggener Edstrom table which meant I spent a day taking photos (which I love, of course) but I ALSO had the opportunity to actually watch the speaker sessions.

In a word – Inspirational.

I laughed, I cried, I sat in awe of amazing talent. I’m still taking it all in.

Unfortunately my camera was connected to the booth for the entire day so I didn’t take any of my own photos, but I will share a few highlights with some pics stolen borrowed from the interweb.

Jim Riswold 

Two bouts with cancer. Brave, funny, incredible. In one very short presentation, this man managed to teach me one very important lesson – laugh at the bad guy.

Storm Large

The woman can sing… and write and speak. She came across as brave and vulnerable and real all at the same time.

Genevieve Bell

As soon as she started speaking I knew she’d have something wonderful to say. I mean the Aussie accent gave it away. 🙂 Seriously though, she gave legitimacy to boredom. Put down the technology and just let your mind rest for a while. Now THAT’s an idea I can get behind… and I’ll try it as soon as I’m done with this blog post.

Greg Bell

This man changed his priorities in life and lives them. Adopting “mind your own Bamboo” as a catchphrase.

On The Rocks

Like Glee only better and in person.

PHAME (Pacific Honored Artists, Musicians and Entertainers)

Proving that anyone can have a dream and follow it (and be amazing), despite the obstacles.

Of course there was so much – discussions on everything from food to architecture to the power grid. DEFINITELY going back next year and encouraging all my friends to do the same.

Living in Las Vegas

OK, so I wasn’t exactly living in Vegas, but after six days it felt like it. Don’t get me wrong, it was wonderful to take a trip and experience a little sun (emphasis on little thanks to the windowless conference rooms in which I spent most of my time), but I was definitely ready to come home after 6 days. Vegas is a nice place to visit for a day or two but it can wear out its welcome quickly.

Thankfully, I had a nice home base during my stay so, in the spirit of the Pioneer Woman, I thought I’d do a little hotel room tour. Let’s call it “Nice place, shame about the view.”

In an effort to stay away from crazy-world Vegas, I decided to stay in a place that was free of gaudy French/Italian/Greek decor. The Aria Resort and Casino offered modern decor and included wi-fi and access to the fitness center that I used…uh… once. (Warning about the website link. It plays loud, obnoxious music as soon as the page opens – a pet peeve of mine).

here’s the view into the room. Nice big bed (that I unashamedly spread my entire body across) and warm, neutral colors. Funny thing is that I didn’t realize how purple the carpet was until I looked back through the photos.

See those curtains above? They opened and closed with the press of a button (sheers or blackout). The best part? When I set my alarm in the morning, I could set it to turn the TV on to the Today show AND open the curtains to let in some daylight. Such a nice way to wake up – much better than the white noise offered by my old alarm clock at home.

That’s the front door. Next to it is a panel when I can conveniently push a button to select “service” or “privacy” – not that I remembered to do that 90% of the time that I was there. But it was nice to know I had the option.

Next – the bathroom.

Notice the toilet discreetly hidden behind the frosted glass door? Good thing I was traveling alone or my modesty may have overcome my need to pee. OK, kidding – there’s no such thing as modesty for someone who has given birth to two children. In fact, who needs a door at all?

Then there was the  wonderful shower and bathtub…

I used the bathtub once and had the water so hot that I could only remain submerged for 10 minutes – but what a wonderful 10 minutes that was. T=

This was the type of place where they neatly lined up your toiletries after you haphazardly leave them lying all over the counter in the effort to leave quickly after misjudging the time it takes for them to show that one story they teased on the Today show all morning but you just have to see before running to make it to your first session at the conference. Seriously, why do they do that?

The many drawers and closets that I didn’t use… (I’m not the type to unpack in hotel rooms. Far too afraid that I’ll leave something behind).

And, OK, this was my view. The room was wonderful for everything EXCEPT the view. I should have known as soon as I realized that they placed me on the 3rd floor but I didn’t expect a view of the HVAC cover, as stylish as they tried to make it. What I didn’t know when I first moved in was that there was a door in that big white stripy wall. And I didn’t expect a couple of men to walk by after inspecting something inside that door. Let’s just say that it was a VERY close call – for EVERYONE.

OK, so the view wasn’t great, but wait… when I went to a teeny tiny little corner of the window and squinted in just the right direction, I could see a little of this…

It wasn’t much, but at least I could make out some mountains and fading sunshine. I guess that’s something and I’ll take it.

Winds of Change

I need to get back to blogging. The last few weeks have been so crazy that I have been struggling to put two thoughts together, so typing something down on the screen has been particularly difficult.

I don’t know why it’s been so hard. I suppose I could blame the LONG winter here in Portland that seems to suck the energy out of me or my husband’s new job or changes Samuel’s new daycare or just the day to day grind of working full time while trying to keep the house on track. The truth is that I feel as though I’ve been living in a fog. While I’ve been here in body, my mind has been absent and I am desperate need to find some motivation to move and get connected to something beyond work. I need to make a few changes – do some Yoga, spend more time outside (as soon as the rain stops), eat better, go to bed earlier, find some time to exercise and spend more time just enjoying life.

This week’s I Heart Faces challenge is “Wind”. I took this photo on Sunday while the boys and I enjoyed a sunny day outdoors. We painted, the boys burned some energy chasing each other around  the yard and Samuel found a dandelion. Winds of change perhaps? Let’s hope so.

Saying Goodbye to my Glasses (and, temporarily, visible eyelashes)

Tonight I say goodbye to the two little pieces of glass that have been perched on my nose for the past few months – ever since the day late last year when my eyes decided that the contact lenses that had been treating me so well for so long would no longer be an option. Of course I’ll likely need reading glasses in a few years ,because apparently old age is going to get you no matter how hard you try, but I’ll take the compromise if it means:

  • I spend just one less minute trying to remove that annoying smudge that predictably appears in the center of my vision.
  • I no longer have to wish for teeny tiny little windshield wipers every time I walk out my door in Portland – possibly the rainiest place on earth. You think I exaggerate? It has rained 23 out of the past 24 days.
  • I no longer have to wonder if the blur through the camera lens is because the camera is out of focus or because I inadvertently looked over the top of my glasses while getting the frame.
  • I can wear sunglasses again (yippee!)
  • I can swim, run, cycle, dance and do somersaults without having to worry that my glasses will fly off my face – not that I do any of these things on a regular basis, but it’s nice to know that I now have the freedom.

I won’t be able to touch my eyes for an entire week which I’m sure will be no easy task in the middle of allergy season (I tried it yesterday and lasted about 15 minutes) and I’m not allowed to wear mascara during that time either (the most horrifying part of all).

But I’m prepared.

I got my new drivers license photo taken today before the mascara restriction begins, removing my glasses first of course. And I have a plan to milk what little simpathy I can get from my loving family. Oh, and I have a Karaoke night on the schedule for tomorrow so I can really test drive the new peepers. Who knows? A whole new world of lyrics might be revealed.

So wish me luck tonight. Actually, wish my surgeon luck. No, not luck. He shouldn’t need luck. Scratch that. Wish him lots of skill and a steady hand.

And pray they don’t run out of Xanax before I get there.

For Japan With Love

My heart hurts for Japan and my soul worries family and friends who remain in such a dangerous situation.

With rolling blackouts limiting her activities, my mother-in-law in Yokohama is spending time cleaning out her closets and sending anything she doesn’t need to the people up north who have nothing. We offered to have her come stay with us but she wants to remain in her home and help in the best way she can.

Here’s how YOU can help:

Japan.

This week has been rough, with car accidents (thankfully minor), falls (literally and figuratively) and a couple of near misses. So it seemed tragically appropriate that it should end with an earthquake – if only to fully jolt me into the understanding of what’s truly important in life. Universe, I got the message.

We confirmed this morning that my mother-in-law and other family in Yokohama and southern part of Japan are all safe. We suspected they were but it’s always nice to have confirmation (bless you modern technology).

The earthquake hit the prefecture and town where I lived for a year and where I met my husband. So, of course I’m thinking about the many teachers and students (all grown up now of course) who have been affected by this tragedy and sending them strength and courage as they deal with what this all means and pull the pieces back together.