There are two anchored screws in the wall in my office that have irritated me since I moved in. I’m assuming that there used to be a picture there, but I couldn’t find anything to fill the awkward space until now. I had purchased these two filmstrip frames from Ikea more than a year ago with the intention of doing something fabulous with them in the house. I realized one day that they would work well to fill this gap in the office so I finally got off my butt and ordered the (vertical) pictures to place inside. Now my office really is turning into a photo gallery, as well it should. My desk faces all of the pictures in the space and so I am constantly reminded of those I love.
Screws March 11, 2010
The Mall March 10, 2010
I’m not a big fan of shopping and therefore have a love/hate relationship with the mall. I love the fact that it has just about anything I might need, but hate the traffic, the parking and the people. Now that I’m working so close by, it doesn’t seem like such a hassle. I went in today to pick up a couple of birthday gifts. It was almost painless. Note: My brother, Craig worked on this mall as it was being constructed (many, many) years ago. The contractor was E.W. Hahn whom my father worked for as well.
Graduation Announcements March 9, 2010
There are only 81 days until Steel graduates from high school. It’s really hard to believe. Today I found the box of his graduation announcements sitting on the dining room table after he got home from school. As I opened the box to peek at the contents it was difficult to comprehend that it was my baby’s name typewritten on the small announcement inserts we are all so familiar with. For a moment I felt overwhelmed with all of things I need to do before the day comes. There are parties to plan, pictures to take, schedules to adjust and events to attend… It will all be here before we know it. Maybe a goal of mine should be to get these filled out and ready to go in the mail the first of May…? Hum… we’ll see. I’m sure I’ll be working on them the last week of April.
Ford Edge March 8, 2010
I washed my car today and thought about how much I take it for granted. I’ve written before about how much I love to drive. It truly is a relaxing thing for me (and we all know how much I love to be in control.) I’ve been fortunate enough to have owned several different types of cars and my life right now has me in a 2008 Ford Edge. It’s perfect for me. Charlie fits in the back and he’s the most frequent passenger I carry around these days. I really like the SYNC feature (exclusive to Ford) which connects my cell phone through Bluetooth technology and I can’t imagine living without satellite radio. This is beginning to sound like a commercial, but I have to say, I’m proud of Ford. Our last six vehicles have been Ford all purchased at Heritage Ford in Modesto.
Leroy’s been on my case lately about how dirty my car is and I keep putting of getting it washed because it has been raining so much. What’s the point? Today, I ran out of excuses.
Sierra’s Room March 7, 2010
This is my view of Sierra’s room when she’s away. I keep the door open and walk past it several times a day always to be reminded of what’s missing. When she’s home she keeps the door shut (mostly to hide her messy room) but when she’s at school, I keep it open waiting for her return. Today is her 21st birthday. While it is a major milestone in someone’s life, it’s not necessarily the birthday that you look forward to spending with your parents. I didn’t get to see her today and that seems very strange. She stayed in Chico to celebrate with her friends. We’ll postpone our festivities until the coming weekend. Instead I thought a lot about 1989. Sierra is the age I was when I delivered her and our lives couldn’t be more different.
Don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t change a thing about my life, but I’ve always hoped for an easier road for my children and so far, so good. I married at 19 and had my first baby at 21. While it worked well for us, it’s not the easiest way to start a family. It is so much wiser to finish your education and to be a bit older and more mature before marrying and becoming a parent. Sierra is almost finished with her third year of college and is on track to graduate (with her first degree) next spring. She has really set herself up for success. One of my favorite quotes is, “Life is tough, but it’s tougher when you’re stupid” and Sierra has been anything but stupid.
No one has directly changed my life as much as Sierra. Becoming a parent was a transformative experience for me and it defines who I am. My whole life changed in an instant and all for the better. Every thing, every one, every moment was preparation for that event. While I consider my marriage my most significant relationship, being a parent is my most important responsibility. I know that God will never give us more burden than we can bear. He knows I can’t handle much, so he’s given me tremendous children to raise who have always been more blessing than burden.
Greeting Cards March 6, 2010
We have been flooded with cards and good wishes lately. I used to think that cards were a huge waste of money but now I really enjoy receiving and sending them. There are so many fabulous cards available now, it’s easy to find the perfect one for any situation. These two examples are very sweet and sentimental, but we’ve also received some that are laugh out loud funny as well. Sometimes the pictures alone can make you laugh. I think I’ll keep them all up for a while.
Head Shots March 5, 2010
I really don’t enjoy doing portrait work but when this opportunity came up I couldn’t resist. The staff at Leroy’s office needed new head shots for the their website and the office manager asked if I would do them. It’s not my favorite, but I was anxious to meet all of the people that Leroy works with so I agreed. After a tour of the facility looking for the perfect location, we found a wall near a window that worked great. It was nice to finally put a face with the name. Leroy has had a great experience with these people at his new job.
Vitamins March 4, 2010
One of the semester assignments for my MJC class is a behavioral change project. We are to change to a healthy habit and document our progress along the way. I chose to work on my vitamin consumption. Just like all women my age, it is advised that I take supplements. Since I am a Gastric Bypass patient (2003) the vitamins are even more important. I’ve been terrible at taking them. Usually, I just forget but sometimes when I do take them, they make me nauseous so I avoid them all together. I decided to focus on this health habit for my MJC project and it really has made a difference. I discovered (through the use of a journal) that drinking lots and lots of water with the vitamins will help with the nausea. I have them organized and with me all the time so I have no more excuses. Don’t ask me what all of them are because I couldn’t tell you. One set is a multi-vitamin pack for women my age and the other set is for hair, skin and nails because vanity is a powerful driving force.
March Green March 3, 2010
I drove to Sacramento yesterday to spend the evening with Leroy. He is up there for meetings so I met him at the hotel for dinner and the night. On my drive back home this afternoon, I came down I-5 and was struck by the sheer beauty all around me. There were several times I stopped to take a picture or two. Everything was so green. This shot is of the hills just outside of Patterson and it doesn’t do justice to the real scene. I was shooting West into the sun and so the detail and the color is a bit off, but still pretty.
California really is the best state in the union and as I continue to mature, I’m beginning to appreciate the beauty and uniqueness of the Central Valley as well. The landscape is continually changing and the agricultural lands are magnificent. I’m going to appreciate the lush green around me while I can because in a few months, it will be timber dry and golden brown.
A Dozen Roses March 2, 2010
What a treat today (my 42 birthday) to see these beautiful roses carried in to my office… a surprise gift from my wonderful husband. The arrangement was extraordinary. Each rose more beautiful than the one next to it. Fortunately, I had my (big) camera with me so I was able to take a few shots before I left. This one is my favorite. It almost looks fake.
I’ve had a great day. At this writing, there are more than 60 birthday greetings posted to my Facebook page and many more through text, email, phone calls and messages. Thank you to everyone who has sent their wishes my way today. I am truly blessed.
