Friday, June 14, 2013

one down, two to go




It feels odd to think that one of my boys is now a graduate.  Part of me feels like it's been an eternity; part of me feels like it wasn't too long ago I was dealing with him as a stubborn two year old.  It begs the question "where did the time go?"  But that question has been asked and answered.  

My job is done.  But not really.  I have an (almost) adult child.  Just like my dad said when I got my driver's license, "Just because you got your license today doesn't mean that you're now an expert driver."  My dad always has such sage advice.  The same principle can apply to being an adult.  Just because he's a graduate, just because he'll soon be 18, these things mean something - but not much.  There's still so much growing to do.  I hope he grows throughout his life.

I still don't know what he'll be when he grows up.  He doesn't know either and that's okay.  He has passed this milestone and is on to the next.

Now for some pics:

 The graduate with his brothers and mother.  Clearly I'm shrinking....


The boys and proud mama.

We had the sweet surprise of East Coast family for the affair.  My Dad and sister flew out just for the event.  I couldn't have been happier.


The family (including Auntie Chris and Grandpa).

This post would not be complete without the obligatory embarrassing photo.  I could've found some butt shot from his baby-hood, but instead I chose the picture I took this morning.  Yes, he still loves his Snoopy, a gift from his Auntie when he was born.  He's going to kill me for this.


He's still my baby.

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Proust Questionnaire

I have been away from here for so long.  It's weighing on my mind.  Oh the irony of all the things I want to say but cannot.  Some things are just too personal, too private.  This must say a lot because repeatedly I hear, "I can't believe how open you are on your blog."

But I want to continue writing here.  I want to continue participating in my virtual community.  I've been looking for an opportunity to do something light and I found it on Kristen's site - and she was inspired by another friend.  Hop on over to see their answers.  I've posted mine below.


What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
Sitting through the middle school band concerts, including the chorus.  
Where would you like to live?
In a shack on a warm, quiet beach.
What is your idea of earthly happiness?
A well-played round of golf.  Snuggling with my kids.  A night out for drinks with friends.
To what faults do you feel most indulgent?
People who are unable to empathize.  Sometimes it's just hard to understand when you haven't lived it.
Who are your favorite heroes of fiction?
Luke Skywalker and Hans Solo, Harry Potter, Huck Finn.
Who are your favorite characters in history?
Catherine the Great (I was named after her), Abraham Lincoln, Red Cloud.
Who are your favorite heroines in real life?
Rosa Parks; Harriet Tubman.
Who are your favorite heroines of fiction?
Hermione (Harry Potter), Kinsey Millhone (Sue Grafton series), Charlotte (Charlotte's Web).
Your favorite painter?
Tie between Monet and Van Gogh
Your favorite musician?
Really tough to narrow this down to one, but guess would have to say Sheryl Crow but don't feel 100% on that.
The qualities you most admire in a man?
Sense of humor, intelligence, kindness.
The qualities you most admire in a woman?
Intelligence, comfortable with self, confidence.
Your favorite virtue?
Contentment.  Respect.  Generosity. Perseverance.  
Your favorite occupation?
Systems engineer.
Who would you have liked to be?
Myself - maybe a little improved by being less judgmental and critical.



Thursday, January 3, 2013

checking in

Yah, yah.  It's been awhile.  I'm getting it done, out of the way.  Here's my recap for the year including the look back at what I set out to accomplish for my year of growth.   I'm saving the pictures for the end.  (I like to make things pretty with pictures because everyone knows I love pictures.)

Playing more pool.  I score high on the commitment to improve my game.  Unfortunately the result was not as I had hoped.  But that's okay.  I'm not giving up any time soon.

Getting my swing on.  Major success in this department. I think I've logged more hours on the course this past year than in the past 3 years.  And it shows in my swing and my score.  Index is down over three points!

Exercise - Indeed a positive note here.  Walking the golf course more frequently than not is definitely a checkmark in the exercise bucket.  Even better than that?  I've started running again.  Not one, but two races - logging my best 5K time yet!  The weather lately has hampered my running but not for long.  The garage is getting cleaned out and my treadmill soon will be running or, more accurately, I will be running on it.

Writing.  Ah, yes.  This is my epic fail for the year.  I haven't decided what to do in this regard.  Only time will tell.

Reading.  Hmmm, cannot say epic fail but definitely not where I want to be.  On the plus side, I recently started a book and I have a few others on the nightstand waiting for me.

Friendships.  I think a plus on this one.  At least I hope I've been there more for my friends.  I think 2013 will be a bigger year with more reaching out.

Career focus.  I think a big plus on this one.  A new job at an awesome company.  Lots of growth potential.  Some additional volunteer commitments in this space too.  No negative here.

New clothes - one article a month.   Well, I started the year well but haven't kept to my promise.  Let's see if I can turn it around again in 2013.

Purge, reinvent, learn.  I moved, therefore I purged.  I spent weekends purging.  I am still purging.  This is an easy win for me.  Reinvention, well not so much.  But I am focusing on what I like and what I want to do to be the person I want to be.  I think that's good enough.  Learning - always.

Okay, now that I've checked in on my year of growth, here are a few of my favorite pics from the year. I'll take you month-by-month through some of the best memories.


February - just being silly with Henry and Sam up in Tahoe.


But who loves their mama?



March - getting in a few pow-pow runs - Mott Canyon for those of you wondering.


I also got to meet George Thorogood courtesy of Roland!


And the big boy, all grow'd up.


Vegas in May, of course!


June held Danny's 8th grade graduation.


and a trip to Hawaii,


including our first luau....


July I saw a baseball game.  Um, why yes, that would be the San Francisco Giants (aka World Series Champs!)...


And we also lost a very special family member.


In August - a typical meet-up for drinks with dear friends.


It also was when someone got his first car!


The big move in September.



October was my first "race".  Okay, not really a race, it was the Dirty Girl Mud Run and it was fun!




And November showed me why early morning runs are the best.



December meant dinner with friends and co-workers.








And Christmas parties...



with MC Hammer as special DJ!


Not a bad year.  And remember ...