Dan in Real Life

After having my tonsils removed, life was a haze. Luckily I am easily amused, and I spent a lot of it watching movies. Until I realized the most entertaining of all was Dan in Real Life...

Dan definitely deserves the Oscar this year for taking care of me, Karina and Christmas. I did my supporting role by laying on the couch really, really well. If I do say so myself, I make a very good patient.

But back to the movie. I watched Dan wake Karina up, put her down for bedtime and everything in between. I watched him deal as Karina's sleep patterns got thrown off and the subsequent crankiness set in. In my favorite scene, I watched as he tried to have total peace and quiet in a closet while on a conference call. It was like seeing into a mirror, except a much, much taller version of myself.

Just when I thought he couldn't take any more...

Wishing you holiday joy...

Sorry Karina! Don't worry, your mom made the same face when suggested she get in the picture.

He IS Real

Dear Dadda's Work,

Mommy was hoping I would write to Santa Claus but I really can't say I like him at this point.* For now, all I know is that you took us to see Mickey Mouse and so I think writing you is a much better idea. I wish I could go to dadda's work everyday...He gets to see Mickey a couple times a year...wow! This time he asked if I could go too, and you said yes!!

So we got on a plane, and I started watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Best Easter Party Ever. (Umm maybe I will also ask you for a few different DVDs just to mix things up). Then we took a bus ride to a very small house that seemed to impress mommy even though our own house is much bigger. From there we started walking...and then suddenly we were inside the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse!!

Mickey IS real. And I got to meet him, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto! All at once! Every day inside the cartoon was a new adventure. In the morning I would climb into my stroller and wait patiently to leave the small house so as not to waste any more time there. One night we went to the food and wine festival where dadda seemed very busy. I didn't care too much for the food or the wine but I decided to be on my VERY best behavior in case Mickey was watching.

Well I am writing you this letter so you can hopefully keep me in mind for next year. Also, if you could put in a good word with Mickey that would be great!

Next year I'll probably tell you what I want for Christmas. But for right now, "Achoo! I sneezed. It's windy. More snack? Thank you. Again! Ho-ho-ho...!"

I love you!

Karina

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

*why do they want me to sit on a strange man's lap? I'll take his cookie and run though.

Dear Mommy Love Karina

Dear Mommy,

This year has been so fun, I just want to thank you for it.* Let's see we had Joe's dance party in June, Elon's in July, Karen's in September, and Brieon's in October. I LOVED travelling to all those fun places. Well, I don't really love the plane but once you put on Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Best Easter Party Ever life is good again. When I look around I see everyone is as grateful as I am.

Can we please keep going to these late night dance parties once a month for the rest of our lives?? Especially when the Nirenbergs have it. They can dance like no one else, literally.** I have the best time getting out there right before the bride and groom take the dance floor. That is when I have everyone's attention and the most room to show off my moves. Mom and dad try to copy me but they can't spin in circles nearly as fast I do. I don't know why they look so tired at the end of these late night dance parties. Maybe they need to save room for only goldfish and chocolate cake.

I have to give special props to Aunt Karen and Uncle Rich for their taste in backup dancers. They had me, my mommy and daddy in their party! They were so brave to let me audition at only 19 months. Even though I look pretty cute in white, not many people would have done that.

I was sad that there was no late night dance party scheduled in November, but I hear there is one coming up in December! I sure hope that we can make the trip. I have been fine tuning my moves in music class...watch out Peoria, IL!

Well, writing this long letter is hard when your attention span is so short. I'd much rather practice my key phrases over and over and over again. So, more fishies? I'm cold. It's hot. I'm stuck. Night night...and I love you!

Love,

Karina

xoxoxoxoxoxo

*that will probably never happen but I know you would like to see it written down just once

**can you believe uncle terry can move like that?

See you next time...

Music class. $10/per class. $25 for materials. Learning to listen to instructions: priceless.

At least that is how I would advertise it.

When Karina first started I wasn't sure if I should go through with it or back out while I had the chance. Then I picked up the manual and found it had a special section for the shy child, and a special section for the active one. I didn't have to guess my category.

Ex: The active child: "Pierce would never sit in my lap. In fact, he spent most of the class running around the room. He was so wild; I was worried he was being disruptive. But our teacher told me not to worry and he was right. We've been taking music class here for several sessions and he's gotten a ton out of it"....etc etc singing the praises of music class...

Maybe I should have "Pierce" over for a playdate?

Pierce was not in our class, but Tristan was. Tristan the pirate spent the better part of the class chasing Karina the fairy (as captured by her amused mom during halloween class). Mumbling our apologies to the teacher, Tristan's mom and I would peel our kids apart and get them back interested in maracas.

Disruptions aside, I have noticed a world of difference from the start of session to now. Karina sings and dances in time to the music. She loves putting the instruments away at the end, maybe even more than playing them. (Go figure). And she waits patiently in line for her stamp at the end of class. All this and according to the manual a bigger brain too.

On a sad note, I just found out today our friends Carrie and Giana are moving away. It was so fun seeing them every Wednesday morning. We wish them the best though.

Like the song goes, I'm so happy I saw my friends. I'm so happy I saw mommies. See you next time...

Feeling my Age

Today at 30 years old I discovered I need my tonsils out. Meaning all these years I had TONSILLITIS not SINUSITIS. I also discovered that when you feel bad, you should not be too cool to go see a REAL doctor. (The MCs* unfortunately do not count). I just believed the MCdoctor when they said I had a sinus infection. Actually the way it worked was I would diagnose myself, and they would agree with me. Sometimes they even asked me what kind of antibiotic I would like.

On the bright side, I always thought that I was a lightweight and just couldn't tolerate a little sore throat. I felt slightly tougher today when I went to said REAL doctor and he gave me Vicadin. No thanks, I will tough it out...or save it for the post-op.

*Minute clinics or any variation thereof. Includes "urgent care." Ironically there is an ER right next to the urgent care, with no wait whatsoever.

A Click a Day

Since October is breast cancer awareness month, I posted a link to the official breast cancer site. Every day once per day you can click and give free mammograms.

Dan's mom currently is undergoing chemo for breast cancer.

My mom is going in for her fourth radiation to shrink her brain tumor. If only there was a trendy marketing campaign for cushings syndrome.

Actually everyone with a weird disease deserves some cute pink stuff in their life. (Check out the pink camo pants). Or some recognition and sense of community.

Well, until the world is right again, I'll keep clicking and praying on a little each day.

God Is Faithful

I probably have some OCD. I like numbers. But I think God does too (likes numbers, I mean).


Among the members of our small group last year,



9

(of 10)

people prayed for 9 new jobs...



10



new jobs given out. No I didn't miscount. One person got two last year. Nice touch with the freebie.*



8

people asked for help with their job training. Everyone passed, pilots included (whew).



7

times prayed for babies...everyone made it.



6

people asked for help with their marital struggles...again, everyone made it.



5

chronic illnesses alleviated.**



4

new seekers, with a ton of questions, who now call themselves Christians, with a ton of questions.

some who had promised never to try another church.



3

new homes for three couples, two moving away from the city



2

sick moms*** who are out of the woods.



1

baptism


If that is not God I don't know what is.



* I almost didn't believe this number until I tallied everyone: j= air tran to florida west, h=raven homes and s.florida mortgage co., d=dixie to vanity fair, t=ted turner pilot to flight safety, d=cooper lighting to Mobile Media Enterprises, d=side job to FAA, m=enrolled as mba student, j=southside, d=new third child under three years old. Yes, I definitely count that as a full time job.

In September we formed a new group, and learned two new people were looking for work. Now in October they both have jobs.
On Tuesdays M's new job lets him leave early from work so he can drive the hour long commute to group.

I don't think we did anything noteworthy to deserve any of the blessings. I will say we were very specific, consistent and passionate about these job prayer requests.

**Group members had: vestibular neuritis, colitis, chronic ear infections, severe asthma, psoriasis. Helped by doctors/chiropractors.

***Breast cancer (double mastectomy) and brain tumor

My Year in Cake

One thing I did do this year is eat a lot of cake. * This weekend was no exception.

We threw my friend Brieon a "sunflower shower." It was an advice shower with sunflower advice tags that matched the invites. It also happened to be good timing since sunflowers are in season now and you can find them anywhere.

I felt very domestic. All was well in the world. It was sunny and there was cake.

Karina approved. Hopefully Brieon did too.

*Unfortunately I just ask for the design, but don't bake. I am in awe of those that do this. Some turn out better than others, as you can see from my 30th "tennis ball" b-day cake.
**My aunts actually make invites for fun. Again I am in awe. Apparently I am from a family of Martha Stewarts.

Resolution Update

OK so it's not the end of the year just yet, but it looks like I won't be quite reaching all my resolutions. (Umm...what was I thinking?) But in very exciting news I did pass my ACE exam a few months ago. And I got my very first* client today through word-of-mouth.



Really #3 just has to do with me going out to lunch all the time. Gezzos mainly. Oh does Chik-fil-a really count? Darn then that one too. And yes I have blogged about ABC before so I am busted there as well. (To give me some points, my blog's name is no longer accurate. Ever since management discontinued rooibus chai I haven't been seen there). Let's see so far I have made it one week and my goal is the whole month. I'm hoping writing it down in this blog will give me some extra motivation. Or just some extra embarrassment around the city.





*I have turned down an offer to do a 5:30 am bootcamp outdoors in the winter (enough said) and teach pilates sans childcare. Maybe I could have Karina join me in the bridge? She does do forward rolls.

First Day of School

Karina* started First Baptist Pre-school this month. Well, technically it started last month but we were busy "researching" and "interviewing" so we got a late start. (Technically is it CMO or MMO? I never know whose morning it really is, so I just say school). I used to be kind of embarrassed that it was such a hard decision, but recently I have embraced that is just who I am. I like to have all the information before I make my decision. I like to know the facts as well as all the fuzzy gray areas. Really, I just have a hard time letting go.

After all that...drumroll... it came down to who had what days available. Luckily, I can't say enough good things.

They say a lot of things about Karina too, mostly good and usually funny.

1. She initially resisted sitting in her highchair. (Two year olds still use high chairs? That one was my fault.) Sometimes she reaches over to grab her neighbor's food if it looks better. And please don't block her view of Dora while she eats.

2. I was told to pack PB & J after the teacher gave her own sandwich to Karina. No more exotic lunch packing for me.

3. If women are playing tennis next door, Karina gets upset, runs to the chain link fence, and cries for her Mamma. I feel guilty and I don't even play in a league.

4. And I quote..."She likes the bad boys that drive their cars really fast in the center of the room." Nice. That's what every mom wants to hear.

But when I pick her up I see laughter and excitement. I see Karina with Miss Cathy working puzzles and playing instruments. I can see her little brain working and I feel the warm fuzzies from the teachers. I see she has made a BFF, and it is a girl. We are both at ease.

*The stick did not make it to school.

Summer Weddings, Continued

Last month we went to Vermont for a "destination wedding," a family visit, and vacation. Yes, in Vermont you really can do all those things.* Dan's friend from college Elon married in a moving Jewish wedding. It really was unforgettable, with stunning scenery, private fireworks, and a horse drawn carriage. They chose the Mountain top Inn in Chittenden, Vermont as their destination. Where Chittenden is I still don't know. Which is exactly the point I suppose. Somewhere nestled in the Appalachian mountains** away from the world, except during ski season of course.

I've started calling these short trips vacation weddings because we pack quite the punch into a long weekend. This time we traveled throughout Rhode Island and Vermont, my favorite being Newport Beach, RI. This also happened to be Karina's first beach experience. She cried when we left -- "Bye, bye wa, wa!!" which made me want to cry as well. Hey, one can never have too much beach in their life.

Lucky for her and me, we are heading back to Newport this week for Summer Weddings, Part III: Karen & Rich.

*I had to laugh because one of their state's slogans is "What happens in VT, stays in VT. But, nothing ever really happens here!" Really, it is the slogan. However, it is so beautiful and pristine that you love it just the way it is.

**We tried to hike some of the Appalachian trail. A couple of miles in, we saw seasoned hikers with heavy sticks and backpacks coming down as were heading up, with an 18 mo. old in tow. Needless to say we had not done our map reading research and we did not finish climbing the summit.

Here I Go Again

I love going to the movies, even if they're bad. I like the whole experience. I eat popcorn (with butter of course). I turn my cell phone off which never happens even when I'm at the hair salon. (However, it better be a real emergency to get me out of that chair). At the movies, the dishes and laundry can't follow me. In fact, I can pretend they don't exist. Some people meditate. I watch movies. Since Karina was born naturally my movie intake has gone way, way down. Sadly it has been replaced by (often bad) reality TV. Yes, I watched the entire season of the Bachelorette. I have to draw the line at "I survived a Japanese game show."

Imagine my surprise when I can't stop raving about Mamma Mia. Even if you took out the plot, I would have to recommend it on the scenery alone. Somehow I felt like I was in Greece, and even forgot to wonder if Deanna was loving her honeymoon. Meryl Streep and Pierce Brosnan were completely mesmerizing. I had never seen Amanda Seyfried before, but I'm guessing it won't be the last time either.

There is one scene, towards the end of the movie that to me was very emotional. Streep is holding her 20 year-old "baby" before her wedding and is singing to her, while painting her toenails (of all things). She is wondering where all the time has gone...just yesterday she was waving goodbye to the school bus. Or something like that. I don't remember exactly because I was too busy thinking Karina is going to grow up too soon.* I do however, look forward to the day she sits still long enough for me to paint even one toenail.

The movie seems to say that even when you marry, your female relationships will be critical, and even essential to who you are as a person. Also those same relationships will keep you fun & young. So young that both you and Streep will be looking 30** when you're 60. Well I did say movies are my escape. But I do take the message to heart. Especially since I watched it with my mom, and appreciate her a little more every day.

*She will undoubtedly be annoyed as a teenager that I am so into her life. I'm guessing I will have to drop her off a block away from the movie theater.
*Having just turned 30 I can appreciate this obvious lie.

Learning Love's Language

In our small group, we are doing Gary Chapman's "The Five Love Languages." I realized tonight I am in for a challenge. Dan's primary love language is Acts of Service. I had a sneaking suspicion. Aghhhhh. Luckily, his number two is Words of Affirmation. That seems easier. Fortunately, there are many awesome things I can say about my husband.

Tuesday we have our group meeting where we will be discussing our "homework." I am definitely hoping to be graded on a curve. Now if I can just find the vacuum.

The problem with Acts of Service is that "regular cleaning" doesn't count. It is a given that the endless cycle of diapers, dishes, laundry, [insert Karina's mess] that goes on is just expected. Somehow I have to find a way to go above and beyond.

This past Father's Day we were supposed to go to a barbecue, and then Karina got a 102 degree fever. Needless to say, I didn't go without him. I also didn't feel right going out to eat later on with my father and leaving Dan at home.

So, maybe we'll declare a do-over Father's Day. That would include No. 3 = Quality time. Maybe I can get the hang of this yet.


Karina's present -- too cute! Well, my love language obviously includes gifts : )

06.07.08

Angela and Joe chose to marry on 06-07-08. They wanted it to be special, and I suppose, easy for Joe to remember!

I think it would be hard for anyone to forget their story. Joe, who always lives with one foot over the edge, found his bride-to-be Angela just a few short months before he went off to war. Even before he left, he knew. He left for Iraq (2nd tour) in April and they married in September. She flew to Rome on his R&R, and he proposed on the Spanish steps. They married in a double-proxy ceremony, cutting right through the red tape and wedding planning. She is now officially an army wife, and everything that comes with it.

I romanticize their relationship, but sometimes I forget about all the sacrifices that go with still being at war.

We flew out to Oklahoma City, where Joe is based, for the Christian ceremony and reception. It was as much of a reunion and homecoming as it was a wedding. Dan, being the best man, truly lived up to the honor. He picked out Angela's ring last year in time for Joe to propose in Italy. He also wrote and delivered the best, best man speech I have heard in a long time. He performed all his duties while dutifully chasing his sixteen month old daughter. So we were truly all together on 06.07.08.

One funny coincidence. At the Marriott in Red Brick downtown Oklahoma City, there happened to be an American Indian conference and parade all weekend. Across the street, the circus was in town as well. Elephants continually blocked traffic. It being OKC, we had several twisters coming too close for my comfort. But for Joe, who I think of as a cowboy, it was only fitting.

Dear Karina Love Mommy

Dear Karina,

It's been about six months since I wrote your last letter. I can't believe it's been that long since your first birthday!! Now I am going to cry.

Even though you are still my baby (we both know I will be calling you my baby long into your teenage years), you act like a toddler in every way. It is amazing to me how independent you are. From the moment you wake up, you want to do everything yourself. I thought it would be fun to take you through our typical day.

When you wake up, the first thing I do is change you. It is so funny to watch you grab the wipes out of the dispenser. Then you like to wipe your own behind. (Don't worry, I finish up to make sure we got it all).

Of course, you feed yourself. This started right at about six months old. You grabbed the spoon from me, and not much got in. Thankfully, over the months you have gotten much better at it! But, at the end of a typical morning you are still covered in your strawberry banana yogurt. I literally wipe your hair and in between your toes. Until we get it down, Dadda hoses the high chair off outside.

For obvious reasons, I wait until the last possible moment to dress you. As soon as I do, you have your shoes off. You are obsessed with shoes. I place a bow in your hair religiously every day. You pull it off. On, off. On, off. On off. We go round and round in a battle of mom vs. daughter will. I win. We are off to whatever it is we do that day.

At some point in the day, we go for a swim. Clothes, shoes, and bow-free you are in your element. You love getting rubbed in sunscreen -- you think it's a massage. You love watching the big kids swim and then try to copy them. A lot of the older girls try to grab/hold/play with you in the water.* They say "Hi!" and you say "Hi!" Then they say "What is your name?" and you say "Hi!" You desperately want to play with them. You can't wait. But I can. I hate how fast every stage goes and I am the mom that wants to hold tight, even though it's clear you are moving on every day.

At fifteen months on the dot, "we" went off the bottle. Cold turkey. For me, it marked the end of your true babyhood. It was a good, healthy thing for us to do for so many reasons. But, at the same time, it had been our own bonding time. You wanted to be held, and just as importantly, you held still. I thought I would be sad to lose the bonding time, but then something surprising happened to take its place.

At sixteen months you started hugging. Sometimes you want to hug every five minutes. You will run all around the house/yard, throwing rocks in the pond, and then suddenly you will stop like you forgot something. You will run to me, hug for 15-30 seconds, then resume your activity.


Also at sixteen months, you started calling me mamma.

Just so you know, you do hug and kiss your Dadda just as much. You also will kiss, but prefer to blow kisses, to those you don't know quite as well. You are very affectionate but also recognize your kisses have to be earned. We are hoping you carry this mentality into your dating years.

I know you will keep the surprises coming, and I can't wait to see what is around the corner.

Love always,
Mommy
xoxoxoxoxo

*The game they all want to play is "I am the mommy and you are my baby." So, Karina your part is pretty easy. I guess you aren't the only girl wanting to grow up fast!

Finding that special someONE

Brieon and I have been friends since ninth grade. I even remember when we met. In Mrs. Middleton's biology class she volunteered to dissect my dead pig. (Do they still do this?? I almost want to throw up now.) Not just help but actually do it. In all fairness, she was volunteering to do everyone's pig but I still consider it an act of kindness that I will truly never be able to repay.

After that, we were inseparable.

Fast forward 10 odd years later. I am about to be married to Dan, and Brieon is in my wedding. She has just started dating Ken. She doesn't invite him, because she wants to take it slow. (I am silently wondering if that means he isn't as into her. I know he has just moved to Atlanta and she has been instantly taken by him. True to her love of strangers, she has been showing him all around the city). No, she says I just really like this one. I wonder if that means this is the ONE.

Recently we had their engagement party at our house. I watched them mingle around with interest. While Brieon is an open book, talking to whoever is in her immediate vicinity, Ken is often watching her. It is immediately apparent how attentive he is. Ken, perhaps slower to warm up, strikes up his conversations more deliberately and intentionally.* It is very evident how well they balance and complete each other. Yes, I think. This is her ONE.

Congratulations Brieon & Ken!!

*If I do say so myself, Ken and I are alike in that way.

Love the one you're ...with?

"If you can't be with the one you love...love the one you're with!" Lyrics from an old Stephen Sills song play in my head, and also must have played in the author's as she selected the title for her recent best-seller. Catchy sure, but if you stop and think about it, kind of well, wrong. At least if you're married that is.

Such sticky themes is why I generally stay away from the bright pink and green bookstands that beckon "Beach reads" but might as well say "Women Only." It's kind of like shopping at Victoria's Secret there. Instead I gravitate towards the more unisex Gap:
mystery, suspense, thriller, conspiracy...usually with some romance (or just a hook-up) injected in there, sandwiched between the violent scenes of course. Usually the protagonists are males, confident, problem-solvers, and yes womanizers. But they are almost always single, so you don't feel sorry for them when they are dumped at the end, or one of them gets shot, or turned in for espionage -- my personal favorite. Not that I am immune to girl-y drama,* but I prefer my escapism to come from action. Maybe because I miss working for the CIA? Even though it's fiction, the spy-novels are usually dead-on with respect to characterization. Stereotypes aside, all spies are extroverted, danger-junkies, flirts (at best), and somehow endearing despite it all. So, if their world is the polar opposite of mine, than that makes a great read=escape for me.

But I digress. Sometimes I do stray and choose a fiction drama/romance that is full of nuances, complexities and all the emotions of women. The tidal pull of the beach read can be powerful, and Giffin's book doesn't disappoint in that way. Without giving it away, it is the classic bad-boy v. good guy dilemma. Do nice guys finish last? Or are they winners before the race begins?? Hmm, one for the ages. And in this particular case, instead of a "rite of passage" novel, it is a dilemma for a married woman. At first, it just seems like harmless fiction. But much like watching Diane Lane in "Unfaithful" it is more than a little questioning too.
So the verdict. Usually it is black or white for me...but this one brings in shades of gray, in what is usually a pink or green kind of read. I guess it just depends on the color you are into.

*Remember I am a General Hospital junkie.

MMNO

Mohter's Day came and I dragged my husband to see Maid of Honor. I was prepared for pre-packaged chick flik drama (my usual). In a series of mix-ups we did a 180 and ended up seeing What Happens in Vegas. Dan's usual.

I am not a huge fan of the dumb-fun* genre by Ashton Kutcher and Cameron Diaz. At least lately. I mean did anyone actually see "Miss Guided?"

So, the theaters had pulled a switcheroo, I was wasting my only MMNO**, the seat was sticky, and some teenager's hat was blocking my view to a movie I didn't even want to see. I didn't even like Vegas when I when I went myself!....This was going to be dumb.

But from the moment the movie started until the second it ended I was laughing. Out loud. So what if the movie was conceived by the Las Vegas Visitors Convention. Of course it was dumb but also very, very FUN. I think I could even give Vegas a second shot.***


*I do like Diaz but pretty much only in Something about Mary and In Her Shoes. I also feel like Kutcher was funnier in That Seventies Show. So Vegas was a total surprise hit for me.
**Mom's Movie Night Out. This was the first one in 1.5 years. So you can see why I didn't want to waste it.
***I went to Vegas for work in 2001. I put together a trade show for 48 hrs at the LVCC Hilton and came home.

Prayer of Jabez

Retro. Old School. Whatever, I don't think Jesus cares that this prayer was cool about 10 years ago. Before I became a Christian anyways. As I am re-reading some oldie but goodie Christian books I am reminded I need to pray this prayer. One, I've been asking for some more responsibility within the Church. I've already blogged about a mission trip and God knows my heart with that.
Also, in various ways we've been asking for more territory as I've considered a part-time job and Dan would like to do real estate.
The last time I prayed this prayer was right before I got pregnant. In a very real way my territory was "enlarged" so I tend to think it works. We'll see what happens this time...

"And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, 'Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!' So God granted him what he requested." (1 Chronicles 4:9-10)

I hope I dance

Last week on DWTS* (my and Karina's favorite show) Kristi Yamaguchi revealed she used to have club feet when she was young. I thought it odd we never knew this when she was competing in the Olympics. I guess she felt it wasn't relevant and she didn't want people to concentrate on that when they watched her.

Last week I went to Emory for an update on my vestibular condition. It was very disappointing that there doesn't seem to be much else to do. I told the new doctor I was not interested in doing any new medication and am fact going off the old one. (It wouldn't be good to get pregnant on any of these meds and they don't make much of a difference anyways). I'm still not "normal" and I don't know if I will be. I am making peace with that while still hoping for the best. One of their "best case" theories is that I have worked my system so well that the dizziness is slowly working itself out. (My only real limitation is that I don't drive downtown, but who wants to drive downtown anyways??)

So, I do my best to not concentrate on the weird disease and go about dancing with my baby. Every Monday night you can find us twirling around.

*Dan makes fun of this show, but I would love to be one of those "everyday" people who gets to go on. I even wrote abc and told them this. So far, they are ignoring me.

A Mother's Day Praise

This Mother's Day I am grateful to have a healthy, tumor-free mom. What an awesome praise for an awesome God.

Today she came back from Duke University where she had her tumor removed from the pituitary gland and artery. It was such an unusual operation that we scoured the world for the surgeon! Luckily, Dr. Takanori Fukushima has performed 2,000 such operations and was both well-qualified and very confident - two qualities you hope to have in your brain surgeon! Even so, he said the surgery was very, very hard. He thinks he got it all so we are going to keep on praying over the next couple of months.

My mom is doing very well and resting up. Since she has dealt with surgeries and radiation for almost ten years now, she is hoping her sixties will be more fun than her fifties.

My sister and I are planning a tumor-free party in her near future...Nonapolooza anyone?

Part II: Dinner at Sundried Tomato

The following night we went out to dinner, courtesy of my mom's bravery.* Eating at a nice restaurant is the only time we ever like the same thing. We both ordered the fillet, medium well, parmesan mashed potatoes, and asparagus. Of all the fancy meals I've had, I love steak and potatoes. This is our common ground and the glue that holds meal night together.

But the thing we would go back for is the house mixed green salad. It is the best one I have ever had, with mandarin oranges, candied pecans, and blue cheese crumbles.**

It was a nice anniversary evening out.

The next morning, the lab called and said they put Karina's specimen in the wrong container.

Could we please repeat the procedure over again?

*My mom braved Karina's diarrhea. Also she is undergoing an operation soon to remove her brain tumor, which makes her generally very brave.

**Dan does not eat blue cheese of course. Or whatever they are serving at the Farmhouse this weekend. But I have to say, Sundried Tomato is our second favorite restaurant in/near the city. Plus we had a BOGO coupon.

Our Third Anniversary

Lest anyone think I spend my days watching General Hospital and eating chocolate, I thought I would educate the world with a glamorous day-in-the life. On my third anniversary I changed my third diaper somewhere mid-morning. This was actually exciting because I knew I was in the window of making it to the lab with my specimen (the contents of Karina's diaper). One only has a thirty minute window in which to:
1. Clean all the yellow watery stuff off the baby's legs, hands, changing table and mommy's body as well;
2. Change everyone's clothes and put on the new;
3. Rehydrate the screaming baby who has lost an amount greater than her body weight;
4. Notify the doctor I'm on my way;
4. Scrape the contents of the dirty diaper in saran wrap and then a grocery bag;*
5. Throw everything in the car and speed off to Fayetteville, which is about a 15-20 min drive. Holding my nose the entire time of course.

Somehow I just knew that when I got to the lab, they would give me the honors of placing the specimen in the lab vile -- while holding the crying baby. I guess they thought my life needed a dose of glamour too!!

I know the MO of this procedure because as healthy as Karina is she has had a half-dozen fevers/colds, three ear infections, and now two bouts of rotavirus. Currently she has both an ear infection and the rotavirus.

Pass the chocolate anyone?

*The lab likes you to be very technical about the specimen container. Which is probably why they gave me the honors.

MY BFF

Is it weird to have a one year old BFF? (Or to still use the acronym BFF?) We spend so much time together that sometimes it feels like she is my mini-me. Dan thought so too when he bought a matching track outfit for Karina. That may be taking things a bit too far. Here is how else are we similar.


-We both eat an avocado* for lunch. This is especially funny when we go to Atlanta Bread and order the California Avocado on nine grain. I can't do the half & half because she eats too much. People usually stop and stare at a baby shoveling in the green stuff. Some comments we have heard include:

"How do you get that baby to eat so well?"


Me: I take her to Atlanta Bread.


"Do you have her on a special vegetable diet or something?"

Me: No, she eats hot dogs** too. (She's got to have some daddy in her).


-We are both into shoes, especially shiny ones. Karina hates to get dressed but she loves her some shoes.




-We both like to eat every 3 hours.





-Lately I like my nap too. Especially the afternoon siesta.





-We both like to unwind with a book before bed. Sandra Boynton is our favorite baby author.



-We both resist doing our hair. Sometimes it is just better to leave it wild.

-As you can see, we both love just a bite of chocolate.

-Last and probably the weirdest one. When General Hospital comes on, Karina will stop what she is doing and watch it with me. (Seriously). This proves she is mine.

















*Anything green will do. Other favorites include peas, brussel sprouts, and broccoli.

**Notice I didn't say chicken fingers.

thankING

On Sunday I ran the ING half-marathon. To celebrate I gave my tinfoil blanket and all my layers away in the name of clothing the homeless. (If I could I would run in my underwear - I get so hot, even in 40 degree rain).

On behalf of accepting the above medal, I would like to thank:

1. Pam: The 51 year-old stranger who befriended me, led me to a corral,* and ran the first three miles with me. I am thanking her because she could tell I was a newbie and, since there was no organization whatsoever by the race officials, she told me where to go. Also, I tend to run the first three miles super slow, and this former marathon runner didn't exactly let me dawdle. On mile three, as if on cue, she stopped to take off a layer and told me she would catch up. I never saw her again but she will live on in this blog. (Afterward, I wondered if she was looking for a way to ditch me).

2. My husband Dan: Where do I begin? For putting up with my runs, my expensive Asics I had to have, and my 5:30 am wake-up call. Especially for getting the baby and walking downtown to Centennial. (This will later turn into running the full marathon with a baby bjorn). Very thoughtfully booking a hotel at the Marriott Renaissance and making a weekend out of it, complete with power pasta dinner and breakfast brunch.** Heck, the suite even had its own private pool.

3. The high school soccer/cross country star who greeted me at the finish line: For reminding me how dorky I was. He probably finished an hour ago.

4. The homeless individuals who chased me down Spring Street at 6:00 am. I guess I got my warm-up in. That's what I get for forgoing MARTA and making my own way to the race.

5. God: Most importantly, for giving me the strength and health to run at all.

A Runner's Prayer:

God, Give me courage to run the race. Help me to persevere as you taught us. Grant me the strength to finish strong. Honor me with your presence on my journey. Allow me to be a GraceRunner this day.

*It was the wrong corral, but I learned no one cares. And no one follows any of the rules - like "no ipod" - anyways. (Apparently there is a schism among serious runners about the use of an ipod.)

**Breakfast disgusts me but obviously everything was looking good this morning.

Seven Interesting/Weird/Random Facts

In this post, I promise to respect my husband's wishes and not to mention Dan and chicken fingers. Instead I will just make fun of myself. I have many habits (too numerous to mention) that would qualify on such a list, including sitting down to write them down in a blog on the internet.

Seven Interesting/Weird/Random Facts About Me

1. I like to do laundry. No, seriously I like it. Especially sheets, pillowcases or anything that touches my face. I like things that are warm, soft, and most importantly - clean. Call it OCD or a cute quirk but this is how I indulge myself as a SAHM. Unfortunately, it does not translate well into doing Dan's underwear and socks.

2. When I floss, I use half the dispenser. I don't have an explanation for this. It is sort of like the impulse to take too much toilet paper, which I also do.

3. I can speed read, which came in handy in grad school but is an annoying habit when simply reading for pleasure. I love to read spy novels.

4. I worked for the CIA before becoming a SAHM. It was an interesting transition to say the least.

5. Karina and I are famous for being in DHC catalogs. (You can find us here). Dan and I scored two trips to San Fran this way. Apparently, I will do anything for a vacation, including writing in to companies telling them how much I love their products.

6. I am a born again Christian. Yeah!

7. I have aspirations of writing a novel. So far I have a blog.

Resolution Update

Costa Rica -- Does it look dangerous Dan??












So far, I am batting a .250. Can I cheat and add some more?? Studying for the PT exam and wedding dancing would put me ahead this year.


2008 Resolutions

1. Do a blog.

Check. (Obviously). And I did find a reason - According to Shape magazine, journaling decreases your stress levels.

Though as you can see, I have almost no other friends doing one. Maybe I should make new "virtual" friends?? Oh, well I still find it fun, in a dorky way.


2. Run a marathon or a tri-atholon (which requires a bike - hint, hint Dan!!!).
Check. March 30th is the Atlanta ING. Problem is I don't actually log my time except on a treadmill, and I am really just counting the seconds until I can stop. (I really hate the treadmill except when I can watch America's Top Model or something equally mind numbing. True to her profession, Tyra is pretty expressive without volume). That would be a little under 9.5 min/mile. I haven't actually run 13 miles but I run 9 so I will just cross my fingers.


3. Break all harmful addictions.
Hmmm. Nope, still go out to lunch all the time -- will work on this one Dan. However, I am improving on the old adage forgiving/forgetting thing.

4. Go on a short-term mission trip.
Very disappointing, but both mission trips through our Church fall this summer on wedding dates. Well, we do have six this year, so it wasn't altogether improbable. I really would like to go through Southside though. Dan is doing jumping jacks I am not making him travel to Kenya. Too bad Dan, they make some crazy chicken fingers out there.


5. Make it overseas. With or without the baby? TBD.
Looks like it will be with the baby unless one or both sets of parents miraculously come through. (We bit the bullet and got her passport made last weekend). I would love, love, love to go to Europe -anywhere really I am not picky on that one. But as the dollar goes down, down, down I am seeing the benefits of other choices. Costa Rica Karina here we come...


6. Stop collecting cookbooks and do some actual cooking.
I am proud to say I actually enjoy cooking with "DD" - I predict it will become part of the American culture. So far I have made the turkey meatball soup (carrots and sweet potatoes), chicken nuggets (spinach), brownies (carrots and spinach) and chocolate pudding (avocado). Yummmm. Check plus.