Friday, July 27, 2012
Beach love
The kids and I had the opportunity to crash my Dads vacation at the beach. It has been a really good time. (I haven't driven home yet!).
Friday, July 20, 2012
Help me
I've never been one to ask for help. I can usually figure out whatever I'm trying to do and/or just quit. Yeah, I can be a quitter. (More on this later, I played hockey last night and found myself giving up on something ...)
Recently though, I branched out. I asked for help. And I received it. In abundance. With kindness and gentleness.
It's not that big of a deal, really. I was trying to get the blocks for My Honey so we could do some of the projects around the house we'd prepared for, but the truck battery was dead. This meant using the Explorer and making many, many trips across town to get the blocks. Or be creative. So I called his dad and asked if he could help me (after figuring out how to set up the battery charger on the truck so it would be ready the next time). He gladly came over, helped me load and unload the blocks, checked my work on the battery charger and then guided me while I drove the truck and trailer down to the gravel place to get a load of gravel. Truly, it was the most time I have spent one-on-one with my dad-in-law, ever and it was worth it on many levels.
1/He was delighted to help. It cost me a cuppa coffee, but he was glad to do it. Side note: he would have paid for his own coffee, I just thought it was the least I could do!
2/He never made me feel bad for asking for help. People just need help. No reason to sigh and complain. If you don't want to help, just say no. If you are going to help, do it with a happy heart.
3/We got to talk about a LOT of stuff. Uninterrupted.
4/He said "yes" and was reliable, hard working help.
5/It actually opened up this whole new world of being less afraid to ask for help. Cuz, it ain't easy for me. At. All.
Which brings me to the why. Why isn't it easy for me to ask for help? Why will I let myself get overwhelmed to the point of anger? Partly because I've never been successful at asking and receiving. Maybe I was asking the wrong people. Or the people I asked weren't as kind about it, it was high-drama that they were giving up their time to help me. Maybe I've been that way too? Definitely something to work on. Yes means yes, and that I will gladly do what I said I would do otherwise I should have said no.
One of my new patios. This one is out front. It sure cleaned up the space nicely!
Recently though, I branched out. I asked for help. And I received it. In abundance. With kindness and gentleness.
It's not that big of a deal, really. I was trying to get the blocks for My Honey so we could do some of the projects around the house we'd prepared for, but the truck battery was dead. This meant using the Explorer and making many, many trips across town to get the blocks. Or be creative. So I called his dad and asked if he could help me (after figuring out how to set up the battery charger on the truck so it would be ready the next time). He gladly came over, helped me load and unload the blocks, checked my work on the battery charger and then guided me while I drove the truck and trailer down to the gravel place to get a load of gravel. Truly, it was the most time I have spent one-on-one with my dad-in-law, ever and it was worth it on many levels.
1/He was delighted to help. It cost me a cuppa coffee, but he was glad to do it. Side note: he would have paid for his own coffee, I just thought it was the least I could do!
2/He never made me feel bad for asking for help. People just need help. No reason to sigh and complain. If you don't want to help, just say no. If you are going to help, do it with a happy heart.
3/We got to talk about a LOT of stuff. Uninterrupted.
4/He said "yes" and was reliable, hard working help.
5/It actually opened up this whole new world of being less afraid to ask for help. Cuz, it ain't easy for me. At. All.
Which brings me to the why. Why isn't it easy for me to ask for help? Why will I let myself get overwhelmed to the point of anger? Partly because I've never been successful at asking and receiving. Maybe I was asking the wrong people. Or the people I asked weren't as kind about it, it was high-drama that they were giving up their time to help me. Maybe I've been that way too? Definitely something to work on. Yes means yes, and that I will gladly do what I said I would do otherwise I should have said no.
One of my new patios. This one is out front. It sure cleaned up the space nicely!
Thursday, July 19, 2012
On my walk
These were my walking buddies early this morning. Bubba actually made it 4 miles. He slowed me down a bit, but it was still nice.
Bubba collected a "little bit of everything" on the way back. Now I have a nice collection of weeds as a centerpiece in a PVC-pipe vase (also found along the way.)
I finally got around to roasting the beets. They weren't perfect, but they were something different.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Monday, July 16, 2012
A visit west
We drove highway 2 to Everett on Saturday as a pre-anniversary getaway. Twenty years tomorrow folks!
Here's a bit of what we saw:
Here's a bit of what we saw:
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Friday, July 13, 2012
Mo food
I bought fresh spinach and beers** at the Thursday market. I used the beet greens and spinach in our salad. Pretty darn good. Tonite I'm gonna make roast beets. Mmmm!
**HAHAH! Silly iPhone, I meant BEETS!
Monday, July 09, 2012
I tried again
I'm really not a foodie, but I know foodies, so here's another thing I tried. Grilled asparagus and green onions. They're actually really good!
Saturday, July 07, 2012
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
On my walk
These big huge dandelions are ... blooming?
And I saw four deer. I knew they were around up there but today was my first sighting. They were so graceful.
And I saw four deer. I knew they were around up there but today was my first sighting. They were so graceful.
Mid-year review
I am trying to think of how to address all the stuff that has gone on in the past few weeks and maybe it's just best through the filter of my words of the year: compassion and perspective. So here we go, a mid-year review.
First, hockey is on my mind. Duh, right? But here's what's on my mind; I'm not sure if I want to play. *GASP* It's still bobbling, I'm not sure why. I definitely have a LONG way to go, but if I am truly gut-level honest, I feel like its not "mine" anymore, a couple other people picked it up and that takes some of the ... something out of it. So what would I do for activity in the winter? Yoga has been bouncing around in my head for awhile now. I think I am finally through the grief of losing my best Yogi ever and ready to move on.
Second, loss. In the past few weeks two of my favorite guys have left their jobs (which is leaving me!). One retired, one is moving to Arizona. The retiree is one of my all time favorites. He's irreplacable. There is none other. I am really, really happy that he gets to move on, and retire and enjoy his life. He is still physically cabable of anything and mentally he's 100% too. A door opened due to our economical climate here and he walked out it.
The other, Arizona-Man, is near and dear to my heart. We've gone through a lot together, personally and professionally. We fought a few years back about how an incident was handled and it really taught me a lot about handling conflict. A lot. How to listen, how to look at it from their perspective, how to talk about it and not let it fester. He will do well in Arizona. I want to make it a priority to visit him next year some time.
Third, training. We had this fantastic training Monday and Tuesday. The facilitator was the kind of guy that hears what people are saying, asks probing questions, and can deviate from a plan, but bring all the elements together at the end. He was pretty impressive.
The training had to do with strategic planning for our organization. He has met with the board, administration, supervisors and now all the line staff. My understanding is he will put some kind of bow on the package of Who We Are, What We Could Be, and How To Get There and get it back to our administration who will pick and choose what they want and then present some kind of 1-3-5-7-10 year plan to the board. Or so I hope.
One of the things I am finding myself impatient with is aimlessness. No direction? I don't have a lot of time or patience for that. Its a me thing, I get it, and not that I am hell-bent on a direction right now, but even as I am writing this "through the filter of my words for the year" I realize that is how I am doing things more and more. It's been in my nature to find people who are sure of what they want and kind of follow them along, but now I am starting to see that kind of direction in businesses where I shop, in the blogs I read, in my own life. I am chosing things that align with a goal. Financial, personal, professional. The problem is, professionally, I need to know the goal of our organization to see if it fits with my goal. And they don't have one. Yet. Hopefully our facilitator can get us on the right track.
So, all that is on my mind in the midst of knowing our Executive Director is retiring, (notice that didn't make the "loss" section ...), summer vacation time for the kids, massive amounts of overtime coming up along with a shift change (3am shift, here I come Monday!) and having just moved my mom to Oregon. Its been a rough time. But, I am being compassionate (sometimes just with myself) and trying to look at things from every perspective. And, I think I'm doing alright.
First, hockey is on my mind. Duh, right? But here's what's on my mind; I'm not sure if I want to play. *GASP* It's still bobbling, I'm not sure why. I definitely have a LONG way to go, but if I am truly gut-level honest, I feel like its not "mine" anymore, a couple other people picked it up and that takes some of the ... something out of it. So what would I do for activity in the winter? Yoga has been bouncing around in my head for awhile now. I think I am finally through the grief of losing my best Yogi ever and ready to move on.
Second, loss. In the past few weeks two of my favorite guys have left their jobs (which is leaving me!). One retired, one is moving to Arizona. The retiree is one of my all time favorites. He's irreplacable. There is none other. I am really, really happy that he gets to move on, and retire and enjoy his life. He is still physically cabable of anything and mentally he's 100% too. A door opened due to our economical climate here and he walked out it.
The other, Arizona-Man, is near and dear to my heart. We've gone through a lot together, personally and professionally. We fought a few years back about how an incident was handled and it really taught me a lot about handling conflict. A lot. How to listen, how to look at it from their perspective, how to talk about it and not let it fester. He will do well in Arizona. I want to make it a priority to visit him next year some time.
Third, training. We had this fantastic training Monday and Tuesday. The facilitator was the kind of guy that hears what people are saying, asks probing questions, and can deviate from a plan, but bring all the elements together at the end. He was pretty impressive.
The training had to do with strategic planning for our organization. He has met with the board, administration, supervisors and now all the line staff. My understanding is he will put some kind of bow on the package of Who We Are, What We Could Be, and How To Get There and get it back to our administration who will pick and choose what they want and then present some kind of 1-3-5-7-10 year plan to the board. Or so I hope.
One of the things I am finding myself impatient with is aimlessness. No direction? I don't have a lot of time or patience for that. Its a me thing, I get it, and not that I am hell-bent on a direction right now, but even as I am writing this "through the filter of my words for the year" I realize that is how I am doing things more and more. It's been in my nature to find people who are sure of what they want and kind of follow them along, but now I am starting to see that kind of direction in businesses where I shop, in the blogs I read, in my own life. I am chosing things that align with a goal. Financial, personal, professional. The problem is, professionally, I need to know the goal of our organization to see if it fits with my goal. And they don't have one. Yet. Hopefully our facilitator can get us on the right track.
So, all that is on my mind in the midst of knowing our Executive Director is retiring, (notice that didn't make the "loss" section ...), summer vacation time for the kids, massive amounts of overtime coming up along with a shift change (3am shift, here I come Monday!) and having just moved my mom to Oregon. Its been a rough time. But, I am being compassionate (sometimes just with myself) and trying to look at things from every perspective. And, I think I'm doing alright.
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Small town
Remember that guy from high school? Kind of a rebel. Long, dark hair. Was in a rock band. Played guitar just like the guys in the 80's hair bands did? Yeah, that one.
Now he jams to rockabilly, outlaw country music with his bass-playing sidekick. Bass, as in a stringed instrument, not guitar.
When Hannah and I were at the farmers market yesterday we caught their show. I will tell you, he's not the rocker he was anymore! (We are in our forties,) but he can still play guitar and sing. And his sidekick is adorable. They play an audience well and he made up the words as he sang which impresses me. Anyone who can think on their feet while playing an instrument has my highest regard! I hope to catch another show soon.
Now he jams to rockabilly, outlaw country music with his bass-playing sidekick. Bass, as in a stringed instrument, not guitar.
When Hannah and I were at the farmers market yesterday we caught their show. I will tell you, he's not the rocker he was anymore! (We are in our forties,) but he can still play guitar and sing. And his sidekick is adorable. They play an audience well and he made up the words as he sang which impresses me. Anyone who can think on their feet while playing an instrument has my highest regard! I hope to catch another show soon.
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Morning bliss
MMMMM
Cherry Lemon Sour at the Owl Drug
Downtown fountain
Fresh crop cherries
-- I don't eat them, too many years sorting them, I buy them for everyone else.
Cute new shop downtown where Hannah was able to "make her own ring" because we happened to be the only ones in the shop and asked the guy what he was working on. Quite a treat, if you ask me.
Hannah's new ring.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Finally
Since it IS the first day of summer I sat by the pool all day.... Yes, the water was warm enough to hop in and clean the pool this morning, let the 6 year olds swim for a couple hours and then to enjoy it for myself too. THIS is how my summer should be spent. Hopefully this isn't my only day off that is nice.
I'm proud of my daughter making it through her first sleep over (at home) with no tears. I worried that the two big personalities might clash sometime during the night.
I'm proud of my husband for tackling our honey-do list a little at a time each night after work.
And I'm proud of me that I haven't taken on too much for the rest of this month. THAT, my friends is an accomplishment! I'm finally seeing some of the rewards of that year spent working on balance.
Also; the lovely Susannah Conway is giving away one of her fantastic books. Comment what you're proud about on her blog and enter to win! Here's mine:
This week, I am proud of my son sticking with Swim Camp. He's not the best, but he's sticking it out -- if even only for me.
I'm proud of my daughter making it through her first sleep over (at home) with no tears. I worried that the two big personalities might clash sometime during the night.
I'm proud of my husband for tackling our honey-do list a little at a time each night after work.
And I'm proud of me that I haven't taken on too much for the rest of this month. THAT, my friends is an accomplishment! I'm finally seeing some of the rewards of that year spent working on balance.
Day off
My days off are pretty jacked up for the rest of the month and into the first week of July. Only one day at a time off until July 5th. Eek, I knew it was bad but I didn't realize it was that bad. Ugh. Oh, and did I mention it's summer vacation so my wonderful, darling, cooperative, exceptionally well behaved kids are around. All. The. Time. :)
Fortunately, I have a wonderful mother in law who will watch the little devils once in awhile on my day off so I can go for a walk. Which I took advantage of on Monday.
Today I m entertaining two 6 year olds. Note to self: start the boring movie at 9 instead of as a last resort at 11 when you have your first sleepover.
Fortunately, I have a wonderful mother in law who will watch the little devils once in awhile on my day off so I can go for a walk. Which I took advantage of on Monday.
Today I m entertaining two 6 year olds. Note to self: start the boring movie at 9 instead of as a last resort at 11 when you have your first sleepover.
Monday, June 11, 2012
When we work together
Daddy made him do it. Kiss the fish I mean. Gross!
Thanks Grandpa for taking him fishing. They caught several "silvers."
Guess what's for dinner?
My Honey and I (mostly him) have worked on this project for the past month or so. First, there had to be a retaining wall built, then, the size of the pool area had to be increased, and sanded, finally, the pool got set up and yesterday I set to filling it (and the holes that I found). I like the size, can't wait until it gets warm enough to swim! It was like a blast from the past when the kids saw the water in it and wanted to swim TODAY! Even tho the wind was blowing 15 mph, and the water was only 62*, and it had just been shocked so the chemicals were way too high. Yes, I heard my mother's voice "No, you can't swim today. Because the water is too cold. You'll just be freezing in that wind. The chemicals aren't balanced yet" and on and on. Its a very nice day today, so if I can get the solar cover on, maybe they can swim later in the week.
Okay, I admit it, I'd like to be sitting in it right now. If it was 85* or better outside and the water was at least 70*. Right now would be perfect. No one else is around. Ahhhh.
Thursday, June 07, 2012
Tuesday, June 05, 2012
Lotsa lotsa
I'm sitting at the dentist office while Bubba has a filling filled... I hate the dentist and I've really tried not to let it show but fillings and tooth pullings kill me!
Luckily, I was able to take the dog out for a little walk so I'm not as stressed as I could be. And by little, I mean six miles today.
Luckily, I was able to take the dog out for a little walk so I'm not as stressed as I could be. And by little, I mean six miles today.
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