My Friend Jen

** First off, I think I have decided. I will reserve this blog for items all about me! The new blog, the one on MSN - that is private and only available to those I approve, will be all about B. So if you want in on that one - let me know! :)

Okay. now on to my friend Jen.

You know the phrase, "One door closes, another opens"?

Well, a year and a half ago, I had a bad experience with a new friend. I was totally burned. It hurt a lot. I love my friends like family. I invest my whole heart and soul in each relationship. So when they don't work out - It hurts me deeply. A year and a half ago - that new friend and I 'broke-up.'
Less than two weeks later I met Jen. What a gift! Now, I am so lucky, I have many many dear, important friends , whom I feel are truly family. But today I am just going to talk about Jen.

We got to know each other when we were on the board of our son's preschool coop. Immediately we hit it off. She is funny, smart, really deep, caring, dedicated, and pretty!
I loved her right away. We found out we have so much in common: She does massage and I teach yoga (similar in a holistic way) - we love photography - especially portrait photography, we love sports like cycling and triathalons, both our sons were slow to talk, both sons had sleeping issues, both sons had gagging issues with eating, we both love cranberry craze jamba juice, AND Orange Dream Machine :), we both love sushi! (Okay I convinced her of that), we both love the movies, Shallow Hal, Wedding Singer, Something about Mary, We dress is some of the exact same clothes, we both love the smell Vanilla... the list goes on and on.

Jen is a dear friend I will never take for granted. I love having her in my life. I love all the things we share, most of all - I love how 'easy' it is to be with her.
She is a true friend, and I thank God I found her :)

p.s. other dear friends - don't worry - your time will come on this blog - I promise :)

A thought....

What if I posted about myself at this blog - and posted about B in the other - with pics and all?
that way B is at the secure site... and I still can update those who like to read this one here. Course I do not want to spend my life blogging, ya know ;)

I do have many security measures in place on this blog like:
*I have taken this out site of search engines
*I have a monitoring system on the site so I can see who is reading (yep, I know)

so I know a lot of you are reading - but have not let me know what you think about a move.
DO you care? :)

Especially those dear friends of mine who I don't get to talk to everyday - comment or email me okay?

Considering a move....

so I think am setting up a new blog.
a friend of mine had a bad experience with someone she didn't know reading her blog so now I am inspired to set up this new one. Only those I approve can read my blog.
It makes me sad I have to do this... I really want you all to keep reading but here is what you will have to do:

sign up with msn messenger.
It is set up so that only my MSN contacts can access the blog.
I believe that once you set up an MSN account we can add each other to our contacts lists and and you will then be able to access my blog. To add me to your contact list - use my email. If you do not have it - post here and I will let you know :)

*** edited to add - I can also consider just not posting any pics and staying here... tell me what you think :)

Nice Work B!

I Dropped B off at preschool for the first time ever this morning. He was not happy and clung to my neck when I said goodbye.... another mom had to peel him off me. But I walked quickly away and into the room with a two-way mirror to watch.
I had started my stopwatch so I could time how long he cried. Well, by the time I went around the corner, and into the other room, he had stopped. It was a minute and a half.
As I watched, he was a little sad and I could tell was asking about me. But he did great. He sat with another mom and the teacher and just read books. I love that books are a comfort to him. That makes me so so so happy!
When I came back after about 45 minutes... he was more independant than he ever has been at school. Actually, another little boy, who has a crush on me, was more attached to me than B!
I am so so proud. I told B that many many times. We came home and he ate a huge lunch and now is napping. My baby is growing up!

5 Things I Love about my Sis...

1. She loves me Unconditionally
2. She is the only person in the world who truly understands my childhood
3. She loves wine
4. She is not afraid to be goofy
5. She has the most genuine, contageous laugh I have ever heard

Lots O'thoughts....

I am thinking of so many different things today... let's get started blabbing, shall we?

so B and I just went on a little morning outing... we ran errands and ended up at a park so he could run around. He was giggling a lot! Which is great since he had a horrible night's sleep (therefore so did I!) but he slept in until about 9am!!!! whoa... maybe no nap today. He loves his new train table - and is playing with that now. :)

In this holiday season, I often reflect on my life. Who doesn't right? Well, I have moved around a lot in my adult life. Each time, I have made amazing friends for life. Then each time, when I have to move away, it is so hard. I am so blessed with so many people in my life that I care deeply about... and who, I think, care deeply about me. Lots of people don't have that! I truly am blessed. Even if I do not talk to all those people who have touched my life so deeply, often, they are in my thoughts.

While we may be struggling a little this year for money - and we are a little uncertain about what our future holds - in my dear little family - I already feel great about what I have been able to do to help those less fortunate. I bring in food to the gym almost every time I go to teach yoga - they are having a food drive. Today, B and I went to this discount grocery store... and I bought three cases of food to bring in tonight - and it only cost me about $10. Now that is good.
Also, a woman I 'know' from a message board I have been going to for over three years had a devestating thing happen to her - her house burned to the ground. I went out and bought a few outfits for her son. He is about B's age. Again I only spent about $12 - but it hopefully will help - and let's face it - it makes me feel good!

Okay - I guess that is enough babbling for now. Thanks for reading!
JL

The PLAN

Oh yeah - I also forgot to add. I have a PLAN for preschool now.
I talked it over with a few of the other members.
I will drop B off and leave for 20 minutes a week from today.
We will work up, or down from there.
I actually will not stay in the two-way mirror room for this - I don't think I can handle it.
Wish me luck!

Thanksgiving...

As I have said, many times before, I have many things to be Thankful for... course, things are not perfect, but we are trudging through.
I remember so many Thanksgivings past. What a great time. EVEN with my family ! HA!
I had a great aunt - aunt ethel - who outfitted both my sister and I, along with herself as a Pilgrim. I think that was when I was six or seven. We all dressed up like that for a few years. Eventually, my sis and I gave up the costumes. But Aunt Ethel never did. So sweet. I miss her. She died when I lived far away from home - doing my first job outside of college. I couldn't even afford to come home for her funeral. But Aunt Ethel knows the impact she had on my life - I just know it. :)
My mom always made this hamburg stuffing. Sounds yucky - but oh so good. My DH will attempt that this year since my sister is coming to visit. And I can never get enough Butternut Squash. Ahhhh, heaven. My DH seriously gags at the sight of it... but he still makes it for me. Now that is love.
My sister will be here on Thanksgiving day. We will be able to spend some time together... talking, etc. I have not seen her in a year and a half!
The holidays are stressful, but really remind you of all the things that are most important. Not material things... PEOPLE.
People that matter in our lives. Okay, I really am blessed :)

Things to be Thankful for...

10. Yoga
9. Seattle
8. My Best friend Stephanie
7. My Best Friend Erica
6. Sushi
5. Rebel (our cat - is still kicking ;))
4. Mom and Sis
3. Dh, B and I are all healthy
2. B - Of course!
1. DH


*** Edited to add - I truly AM thankful for Karen too! I should have had THAT as number one ;)

Scary moments at the Mall

1. The parking lot drivers - nuff said
2. I thought I was original - turns out there are tons of moms with nose piercings, yoga type clothes, tattoos and highlighted hair - Yikes! - I need a new look
3. B decided he wanted to JUMP into the water fountain... luckily I grabbed him in time and only lost a shoe to the water. (it is drying now)
4. I heard a mom - standing getting Clinique products for herself - say to her 4-year old son - and I quote here "You are driving me FUCKING insane" (luckily B was out at the fountain with DH)
5. On the way home we were stuck in traffic from one of the most horrific car accidents I have ever seen... at least six cars involved.


*** I am doing the rest of my holiday shopping online, thank you.

just stuff...

Seems like a lot is going on... but well, that is always the case, right? For everyone.

Yesterday B and I went to the aquarium with a few friends... that was really nice. today we went to the Children's Museum. It was insane and crowded. But B handled it all really well. He sometimes surprises me what he doesn't mind - and what bugs him! I swear he is more and more like his dad everyday ;)

I did have my interview last night. First off, I had one of the most agonizing classes before it. There were so many beginners and by that I mean, people who have NEVER done yoga. I love that! In fact, I think I am the only teacher at the club who ASKS for beginners to try my class. But when you have a bunch of beginners AND a bunch of advanced students in one class - THAT is a challange. I was looking at the clock the whole time - just wanting it to be done! BAD BAD.

Anyways, after that, I went down to talk to the manager about becoming a personal trainer. Well, long story short.... they want me. It sounds exciting and very very challanging. So what is the problem? well, they want me to go to training the last week of Nov. and the first week of December. That is because they want me ready for the new year rush. BUT I have no one to watch B. The training is all day each day and DH has to work. I don't know what to do... well, I guess i really don't have a choice. I mean, I have to believe, if it is meant to happen, it will. If not now, maybe another opportunity will come up. Either way I have a date night with DH on saturday - and I am sure we will talk about options. We will see.

Lastly, since before B was born, I have been part of an online community of moms. It has been the same group of moms from all over the world really and it has been over three years that we have known each other. I just wanted to say, I know people who aren't involved in such a thing cannot understand. But, I feel like I really love many of these women. They are true friends, confidants, and 'sistahs'. I feel really lucky to have found my way to them.

Yoga with B

Last night I was watching B play with his trains and I was amazed at how many yoga poses he does just naturally... then I decided to take pics. Above: is Vrikshasana or Tree pose... look at that smile - too sweet. Yes that one I had to ask him to do - but he loves to do YO-DA (as he calls yoga)
this one - above you see kids do all the time. Malasana - Squat. But this pose adults in the West struggle with - seriously. Both feet forward - knees forward - heals on the ground. We all loose our flexibility. In other countries - people sit like this all the time. Eating dinner, watching a show. In the West, we have chairs... bummer. :)
and this one above is Baddha Konasana - Cobblers pose. Kid's hips are so open - this is a really comfortable pose for them.

So I am thinking of all different types of opportunities for me - workwise. I was thinking of the possiblity of opening a yoga studio and offering pre and postnatal, kid yoga and vinyasa yoga. It is a big undertaking and takes a while to make money... just a thought.
then I thought - the gym where I teach yoga now, will hire people with potential and pay for them to get certified and licensed as a personal trainer. I just emailed the head recruiter to ask about that. Maybe I will be a personal trainer and yoga teacher. If I am good at it, I could make a decent amount of money.
I also am thinking about getting licensed in Massage. It would take one full year of training and then I would have to pass the state license exam. But the school I want to go to costs 8-10,000. I am still paying for my 80,000 undergrad education in journalism... we will see what the future holds.

When Life Gives you Lemons....

...make Lemonaid, right? Well everyone has a rough time now and again and I believe you need to have an outlook that is positive. You create your own destiny, ya know?
so the lemonaid:
*I am the luckiest mom ever - I love my kid. And looking at this pic - I think he loves me too :)
*I love my DH, and he loves his family (B and I) so much - it sometimes hurts him! I can just tell.
*B, DH and I are lucky to be so healthy.
*Yoga gives me happiness and comfort.

With all that I have - even the hard times are okay.

Pick a Picture....

So we went to the mountains to take our annual family holiday pic. I need your help. Which is the best for Holiday Cards. we will call Ben alone (above) Pic #1, The family photo below Pic #2...
And this last one Pic #3. Our faces look a little distorted on this blog but they really are clear - so do not let that influence your vote. Thank you all for your help! :)

Another Day... Another Adventure

It is cold and rainy out today. It started out with a little sun though, so I thought, since school was cancelled, B and I could head to the zoo. We got nearly to the gate to walk in and DOWNPOUR! Oh well, I had a blanket for B's legs and one of those raincovers on the stroller... so B was perfectly warm inside. I even had a big ass umbrella for me. So we went in. Would you believe, even in a downpour - the zoo had people there! more than just B and I. I guess this IS seattle. :)
Our zoo has a little indoor section where you can feed little birds - see pic above. It is really sweet and B was having a good time... even though he looks very serious. After the birds we saw monkeys, elephants, turtles, Grizzly Bears... lots and lots. It was a fun time as usual with B.
So a list of my favorite memories from just this week:
1) B holding two birds at the same time
2) B saying 'ride the monorail' over and over on our way to the monorail
3) B's big smile when we walked into the monorail
4) B saying "today ride the trolley momma, not the monorail"
5) Every day this week B falling asleep for his nap - laying on me - in his bed.

Now the Trolley....

Okay - yes I am a little goofy. We did just ride the monorail yesterday. But I woke up this morning and read in the paper that our streetcar/trolley car in seattle would be closing after tomorrow for TWO YEARS. Well, a street car is a train, so I asked B if he was interested... and boy was he. Above we are waiting - oh there is the train!!! Below he is excited to be on another train in just two days - two DIFFERENT kinds of trains.... all in one city. Have I mentioned how much I love living in the city ;) Anyways, it was another great time. I love just seeing the world through B's eyes... everything is so new and exciting. I just love him!

The Monorail

The schedule B and I usually keep is pretty hectic. But this week between Veteran's day and school being cancelled Friday and plans falling through, we are left with open days. I love that sometimes because I have a chance to think up fun, low cost things to do with B.
B has started memorizing books. Seriously! I know this is very common, but for a kid who has been in speech therapy for a year - this is exciting. A book I got him about two weeks ago - is about trains (shocking I know) and he loves it. Anyways, one of the lines in the book is "This train runs on two rails, this train runs on one rail" B says this then says "Momma that is a monorail!" I swear he said that! Well, yesterday, I said, B there is a monorail in Seattle - do you want to ride it? He talked about it nonstop from that point until well, he fell asleep for his nap.
above we are getting ready for our trip back. we already took one leg of the trip. He LOVED it!
See pic below: I mean seriously so so so so excited. Heck, I was excited! I just love my kid!

we rode the monorail round trip- and then did a little early holiday shopping for Daddy... who is home sick today. Then we got a criossant and coffee for me... and B fed the little birds and ate his croissant. It was a great great great morning!

Friends and photos

I am so lucky to have the amazing friends I do. Whenever I have a bad day - there is always one of them to make me feel better. One of my dearest, bestest friends, Jen and I met because our sons are so similar and because we both love photography and because she is a massage therapist and I teach yoga and her son and my son get along GREAT. She is such a gift to me. Ahhh,,,, anyways, B and I went to visit them this morning. Jen wanted to try a few things with her camera - as she is getting ready to do a big photoshoot. Here are some of the shots. Above is me throwing B...
Here - above Jen is a magician with Photoshop, I swear she is so talented. She colorized B's hat and made him black and white... I love that pic. And below - the bubbles in color. Darn, she is awesome. Just wanted to share....

Fun with B

I really loved just being with B this weekend. My Dh is in Vegas for his annual guys weekend away... leaving me with B. Saturday morning, we went out did a little food shopping, then went to the aquarium, and to the Market at Pike's place. It was pouring all day, but that was fine. We got home, had lunch and B went down for a nap. About two hours into the nap I heard him crying, I went into his room and picked him up. He was soaked with PEE! Now, I was soaked in Pee. B flopped on my shoulder and fell right back to sleep, very very wet. so, I wrapped him in blankets and sat on the couch with him. I watched the end of my movie (Fever Pitch - very cute) and then I had to pee. I stood up and B was still passed out. I wrapped him a little better in the blankets and layed him down on the coach... see pic. He kept sleeping! at almost 5pm, I called and ordered pizza for dinner. B keep sleeping. 3 and a half hours... and almost 5:30 - I woke him up - we ate pizza and played with blocks. we built a tower with the entire back of legos. ( I had a sweet pic here but deleted it - UGH)

anyways, he did not go to sleep until 10:30pm! and woke up at 6:15am! Yikes.
Today we went to the locks... B loves this. He can
see trains... see pic. he can see boats, and fish. It is a place with everything! The locks even has little sculptures that he thinks looks like elephant trunks and he calls them "eddies" - after the elephant in Maisy. :) He also loves jumping in puddles... why not?
We then went to the farmer's market in Fremont - and the sun was still shining. A new yoga friend of mine came over to visit for a few hours, then we ate lunch and now noodle is napping again. I think I will nap too. DH is home at 7pm - yay!

More meetings - weekend with B

So this week's yoga was great. I tried a lot of different, new things and it went over so well. I had several of my regular students give me sweet comments about the classes. I was nervous - but I am glad I took a chance. then last night - a really buff, jock type of guy told me it was his first class and he had NEVER had a work out like he did from my class... awe (blush) that made me feel good.

I have another WONDERFUL coop board meeting tonight. Ohh I cannot wait ( can you hear the sarcasm all the way where you are?) I am just keeping my head down and doing my job - I will get through it - but some of these parents are tough!

DH is heading to Vegas for his annual guys weekend away. I am really happy for him . Life has been hard on him lately - with his job and all. He never hangs out with the guys... I am so glad he will have a bonding , fun time. And I get to be with B this weekend. We can do some fun mommy and son stuff... Hey maybe I will try a movie???!!! we have never done that - wonder if he could handle it? HMMMMM....

Trick or Treat!

Last year B really loved Trick or Treating - but this year he was acting afraid of anything to do with Halloween, so I was worried. But we dressed him up like Thomas the tank engine (he seriously is obsessed!) and we met up with his bestest friends, Molly and John and another neighborhood friend, Dietric and we all went trick or treating. B had a BLAST! He really rose to the occassion. Rushing up stairs, ringing doorbells, yelling trick or treat and Happy Halloween and talking to his friends. It was so so much fun. I swear this is why it is great to have kids, you get to live it all again!
Now I get to enjoy all the CHOCOLATE :) I seriously have an obsession with that!
okay - The top five greatest things about Halloween this year:
5. It stopped raining just as we passed the first house.
4. The chocolate for mom
3. Hearing B yell "Happy HOLLOW -WEEN"
2. Being with Erica, John, Molly, Lara and the rest of the neighborhood
1. Having B wake up and talk about "ringing doorbells and getting treats momma!"