1.31.11

It was bound to happen. 


I had a really, incredibly, crappy day. And now margaritas are being consumed. Please, Freezing Rain Gods of Ice, let there be a 2-hour delay tomorrow. 


On this, the last day of my first month of intention setting...I suppose the blog is aptly titled then..."at least..."


Recall with me a few weeks ago when I had insane excitement (and a teensy bit of apprehension) over my student teacher, Carmela.


Since all signs pointed to my grandmother trying to speak to me, I was even more motivated to bring her in and show her the ropes.


I had envisioned giggling with her over lunches in which we cooked our favorite foods; I wanted her to make me Panamanian cuisine and tell me about where she is from; I saw myself getting teary when she left, exchanging Christmas cards for years and years, and well, being a fill-in grandma for awhile. 


Maybe we would meet for a lunch every July, and she would take my arm and I would guide her into a restaurant, like I did with my grandma (she was vision impaired for her last few years). She would give me a sweet baby gift (no, I'm not pregnant), and ask about my family. She would tell me about the book she just read, or the latest episode of Dancing with the Stars. We would speak French, share recipes, and laugh. 


Today we had to let Carmela go. She needs to move on to other things. 


I didn't cry about it until just now. 


I'm not sad about it; I'm not feeling guilty, nor am I angry. I have an intense feeling of relief regarding the situation.


It just occurred to me that more than anything, I miss my grandma. And somehow, I've let her down. 


So, wiping tears here, what's the lesson? 


The lesson is this: no matter how hard you intend and set forth and try, it doesn't always work out. The effort you give is always enough. People won't judge you for it, and if they do, time for a life cleanse. It's not your job to fix people. Show them a path and let them choose. Don't be offended when they don't choose what you set forth. And then--let it go. Let it all go. Take your experience and evolve, grow, be. 


So thank you, grandma, for giving me the confirmation that it's all okay, that I'm doing fine. That no matter the outcomes of my intentions, I'm still me, and true to myself.


February's intention is...

1.30.11

I love how many status updates on Sunday read "Sunday Family Fun Day!" And although I'm not sure what "fun" it entails, if it's anything like ours, the routine we have and just being together--combined, it makes the day fun, no matter what. 


Today I veered from routine for the yogamama monthly get together. After a much needed yoga practice, myself and 3 other yoga moms went to brunch. These dinners or brunches or whatever it may be are such a respite from our daily routines. We laugh and celebrate and toast to the insanity that is our lives as mothers, wives, employees, and women. We advise and comfort and listen and EAT. I always leave yogamama gatherings with my soul, heart, and belly full. 


I have been reflective lately on friendship, wondering whether I'm a good one to others, or if someone I deem a "friend" is really so. I like the idea of a life cleanse every now and then--separating yourself from the people who drain you. But I like the idea of a "life fill" more--surrounding yourself with the people you love who are able to love back. 


I love the power that facebook has in bringing people together. You "friend" someone from your past, just to see what they look like, who they married, what they do. And with a few of these you make a connection. You weren't close with these people ever, and yet, at this stage in your life, they have re-entered in a way you didn't previously conceive. And if we were our parents' age, we wouldn't have ever made these "new to us" connections. It's like a consignment store for friends! 


Regardless of staying power, my circle of friends at this stage in my life offer me something I've come to value this month: they are FUN. Of course they are supportive, caring, loving people, but what we do together is fun: traveling, eating, yoga-ing, running, shopping, chatting, and best of all...laughing. Oh the laughter--at ourselves, each other, life! 


Where are you now in your circle of friends? Are you surrounding yourself with the best possible people? Is it time for a life fill or a life cleanse? How much fun do you have with the people around you? 


I can't watch this video without tearing up. It sums up what friendship is, where the fun lies, where the love is. This is yogamamas, my co-workers, my friends I've known the longest, the friends who come and go. It's what it's all about. Kelly Corrigan has a wonderful book called The Middle Place. But start here. 


Have fun tomorrow.


Transcending

1.29.11

My day began with one of my most favorite fun things...sunlight streaming in the window. Maybe it's because the sun seems to be here less and trying harder to dry out Australia more. That's okay, but this morning's sunshine was a good dose of Vitamin D.

I spent the rest of the day getting a taste of the soccer mom lifestyle. It was fun today, but if I spent every weekend like this...hmmmm...my weekends in 10 years will be very different. :o)  


Now, my mom has told me that the two or so years when the four of us kids were all in select soccer, she does not really remember anything about those years. She literally has blocked out the insanity that was 8 practices a week, 4 games on a normal weekend, and forget about it if we were all in tournaments. 


I recall puffy painting her a "Soccer Mom" sweatshirt for Christmas one year. (Remember when you puffy painted t-shirts? Now we just pay a small t-shirt shop--or online store--to have them made. I'm thinking we need to bring back the puffy paint shirt. And puffy paint slumber parties, too.) I'm hoping that one year, she'll re-gift that sweatshirt back to me. 


So because of crazy schedules, my sister Olivia got to hang out with us for the day. For those of you unfamiliar, Olivia is my almost NINE year old half-sister. Her schedule today was drop-off at our house at 8, birthday party at 12, pick up at 2, drop off at school at 3 to catch a bus to the jump roping half-time show at XU. 


The birthday party was a tea party, so we attempted to do her hair. But she had dipped it in maple syrup yesterday (lunch accident), and the knots were unmanageable, so I had to put my mom hat on and tell her to take a shower. Post-shower, we dried and curled her hair (which was so much fun for me--beauty shop with my sister? Yes please), and she looked fabulous:

I felt like I was living up to my Danika Patrick nickname as I raced from one side of Anderson to the other, made her change, threw her hair into a ponytail, gathered my own kid and husband, and went back out the door to school. I had 2 kids in the back of my station wagon. Soccer mom definition: complete. Giggles in the backseat: precious.

Once Olivia was safe on the cheese wagon, Greg and I took Will swimming at the gym. Ah he is a natural little fish. Actually, I think Greg called him an otter, and then tried to tell me something about otters cracking open clams on their bellies with rocks. Funny guy that one.


Finally, I leave you tonight with what I think is really the heart and soul of this project, for January. How can we make the every day mundane tasks of life more fun? If we set the intention out there, can we really manifest it for ourselves? This has been floating around facebook, saw it today and loved it. Was extra excited it was VW sponsored, as that is Greg's current car company obsession. Watch. Enjoy. Apply to life.

The Dreaded Stairs

1.28.11

This afternoon started a non-stop busy weekend, that apparently I will spend tripping over. 


I decided to get my long run out of the way early. Um. Cold. As I crossed the street at one point, I did this:

Only it was far more scary than this cartoon portrays. My toe actually hurt from the stub I made. And what caused it? A veterinary office advertising flu shots, and in fine print "for dogs only." Damn fine print. I almost road burned my entire face! If your dog doesn't leave your neighborhood, does he really need a flu shot? I was perplexed and then flabbergasted as I added up how much pet flu shots would cost at our house...or our friends who have 7 dogs. Oy. 

Regardless, it was fun...because I did it. And I wasn't bored. Or exhausted. In fact, it reminded me of the training runs I used to do with my super power running friend Robin (who now does Ultra Marathons). There was no singing aloud of Barenaked Ladies songs, but there was joy in my heart. :o)

I came home, and prepped myself to cook one of my favorite meals for a special dinner guest. After a few margaritas, I nearly tripped over this and knocked my teeth out in our (soon-to-be-remodeled) bathroom:

If Will doesn't make it as an enginerd, he has a future in housekeeping. The kid can Swiffer for hours. If only he could put it away as easily as he gets it out...


And as our little dinner party with our special guest came to an end, I nearly tripped due to misty eyes as I snapped this shot.

What a lovely evening Will had with his Grandad. 


It is always a special treat for me when I get to cook for the man who taught me to love cooking. Fun Grade: A+

1.27.11

First of all, thank you thank you for all of your comments, posts, emails and texts sharing your enthusiasm with us about our television debut. Intend a little "fun" in life and ye shall receive, eh? We will definitely be sharing the details with you as the process evolves. 


I've said it already this month and I'll say it again: love love love love our gym. Maybe it's because we have Will and the place is so family-oriented. Maybe it's because we get to see our family members when we are up there (tonight we saw my dad, who, by the way, was on his way to yoga. Rock on, dad!). Maybe it's just I look at the gym differently than I did in my early 20s. It's not just a place to burn off Friday night beer binges and afternoon Reese's Cups...it's a place to gather, see familiar faces, sweat next to people you like...hmmm, perhaps I'm taking the value of our gym too far. 


It's like my yoga studio. The people become familiar and eventually, your friends. You don't just go to burn calories or train, you go to catch up, and wait for it--have fun. Maybe it's a little like church. A community. With people you love.


That's all. A community. 


So it's Friday Eve, and this is the last weekend of the "Fun" intention. I'll reflect next Monday, but I am very much looking forward to putting these last few days into full "fun" mode. I am sitting here 27 days into the project absolutely amazed at how much my attitude toward things has changed. I know some of you have been inspired and I am thrilled to hear your stories. Keep tuning in. 

1.26.11

Move over Kardashians, the Kauffmans are taking over reality TV land.


Because we made it! "Run My Renovation" picked us, a dorky engineer and his equally dorky wife, to have not just our master bath renovated, but our master bedroom (which we spent about $1500 on a couple of years ago, but oh well!) renovated! 


We're so excited, we're so excited, we're so...so...excited! (Couldn't help but include a little Saved by the Bell Jessie Spano reference.)


The catch is that America picks out all of our stuff. I'm okay with it, really. The paint color is the only thing that makes me nervous, and I can change that for $30 if I really truly hate it. I'm just so glad that Greg and I don't have to do these rooms by ourselves! Every other indoor and outdoor space has caused broken nails, burns and scrapes, stab wounds and mosquito bites, sore biceps and finger tips, and in this one, the pros take over! Ok, I might have to use a drill or jack hammer or a miter saw, but I've done it! I'll look so smart! 


Which brings me to our shared 2 fears: looking like awkward idiots on camera, and having zits that the camera adds 10 pounds to. Because we're 30+ and still break out...poor Will has no chance at good skin. 


Anyway, what fun! As soon as we know America is voting on our stuff, I'll let you, blog reader, know, so that you can go pick out lime green laminate flooring and red counter tops (we saw that episode last week...yikes!). 

1.25.11

Ruminations on the current moment...


Carmela update: If this is my grandma's way of saying "Hey girl hey, just wanted to say hi," I wish she'd find another way. I'm not currently finding the fun in this situation. I think I need to try harder. 


In other news, the sun dried tomato is my current favorite food. 


I heard "Free Fallin'" on the Oldies station tonight. Remember when the Oldies station played songs your mom liked? Like "Sugar Shack"? This means--wait--yep, it means I've reached the age I never thought I would. Old enough to enjoy Oldies.


Justin Bieber has a movie. Justin Bieber has a movie? 


Hey college roommates, remember when Oliva was born? Yeah, she just got braces. She went with Mardi Gras colors. Remember how fun picking out the colors for your braces used to be? Good times. 


If you have to make 6 easy payments of $11.33 for a Gem Insider oval ring, should you really be buying it? Sorry, Will changed the channel to home shopping...again...


Most overused joke of the day, heard by approximately 3 different people. "Oprah announced yesterday that she has a half-sister. YOU get a half-sister! YOU get a half-sister! Everybody gets a half-sister!" 


I think that's enough ruminating. Tomorrow's hump day!

1.24.11

I reported just a couple of days ago that I was feeling nothing but love and energy in my yoga classes. 


I take it all back.


I am now getting a sense of low, gray, dull, uninspired energy. Could it be January and its seemingly endless 31 days, the post-holiday hangover, the nothing-to-look-forward-to-but-more-winter mentality, the fact that snow has lost its magic and become mother nature's nuisance, the sheer lack of sunshine? 


I get it folks, I get it. 


But we have to push through that! Or buy Vitamin D lights! :o) 


Let me entertain you. This story is pretty fun(ny).


Today I broke up my second fight in seven years. I was holding a cup of hot Tazo Zen tea (than you Jenny C.) in my Anthropologie "K" mug (thank you Beth N.), and dragging one of my most favorite students down the hall with my tea-free hand as he screamed to the other kid, "Yeah, you get up on my level, do it, start sumthin', get up on my level." I wanted to say, "Dude, you're 3 inches taller than he is" but I settled with "Let's go, Austin. Breathe." I suppose the yoga teacher doesn't stop breathing while breaking up 13-year-old boy fights. Or maybe it was the Zen tea...had I been wearing my metallic bronze heels, this would have painted a more entertaining picture. Instead, I had on practical teacher shoes. Perhaps bronze is in order for tomorrow. 


I came home from teaching tonight to a glass of wine already poured, and a husband who decided to get creative in the kitchen--and, I might add, made an incredible vegetarian meal. 


Best of all, I got to experience this...

...cuddling, watching Elmo, and finally, falling asleep. I know he won't nuzzle into my chest forever, or twirl my necklaces with such gentleness and love. These moments are becoming oh so savored.


What was fun and good about your day? Come on...post something! Go to bed tonight focusing on what was good (and fun!). You will wake up very different for your Tuesday. :o) 

1.23.11

What I was looking forward to today proved to be not as fun as I'd anticipated. 


Again, it's okay. Remember: I set the intention, but it doesn't always need to come to fruition. 


Sundays have become my long run days. Sans Greg, it isn't the same (good news: he'll be returning to training in about a month). I have a terrific training buddy, however, in my cousin Brandon. He ran a few 5Ks with us last summer, and completed the Thanksgiving Day run with us as well. The stories are great, as is talking about the food we are going to eat after. :o) And then eating that food is the best!


The run was breathtakingly beautiful--snow covered trails, sun shining, the whole world bright. But running in snow is...cold. I was plenty warm, it was just...cold. In my little running world, cold=not as fun. 


So to warm up this afternoon, Greg and I set our very whiny and napless child in front of Toy Story in his playroom, we built a fire in the living room and settled in. I got to enjoy a few of my favorite things:


Thing 1 & 2: 

Sunlight streaming through a window and hot chocolate in a fun mug. There's something about sunlight pouring into a room that makes me want to stand in the window, look out on the world, and pretend I'm in a Folger's commercial. Sigh. 


But it was 4 in the afternoon, and I didn't need Folger's, so instead I sat in that sunlight with my mug of cocoa, and hopped on to my very favorite website, etsy, where I proceeded to buy some fun little accessory items that would invoke the phrase, "Think Spring!" I look forward to them arriving on my doorstep by the end of the week, and then incorporating them into my wardrobe immediately. Ever noticed how it's a bit easier to wake up for work when you have something new to wear? That should make next week extra easy then! And the bright colors will warm things up. In theory.


So what do you have going on this week that's fun? Have a new outfit to wear? Trying out a new recipe? Going to your favorite workout class? Having dinner with a friend? Traveling someplace cool? Hopefully there is something to look forward to. Feel free to share here! We can all use the inspiration this time of year. 


Happy Monday! Think warm! 

1.22.11

Short but sweet: Today's fun energy comes from the students in my yoga class this afternoon. If you've been feeling down lately, you NEED to get yourself into one of these classes. They have such amazing energy to share. There must be this positive vibe pulsing through them lately. I encourage you to get to your mats and get happy! 

Looking forward to a few things tomorrow...the kitchen crown molding will not be one of them. Full update Sunday. :o) 

1.21.11

I fear the new blog design may scare away some of my male readers...but putting it together was so...much...FUN! Shabbyblog.com, and fotoflex.com are amazingly SIMPLE and fun sites. Highly recommend both. 


Today was yet another snow day, but the best part of the day was having Greg home with us. We spent the morning being lazy, drinking coffee, reading Will books (definite theme to this week with all of that), and even napping--so rare--so fun! 


We also started putting up the crown molding on our kitchen cabinets. Did you get a new kitchen, you ask? Yeah...three years ago. Almost to the day. But we never did the molding on the cabinets. I mentioned it, Greg dug it out, and as he held it up, we both exclaimed that it totally completed the kitchen and why hadn't we done it earlier? Look for the before-after photos tomorrow.


Also fun today--yoga date with Greg. We called up his niece on a whim and we were out the door. Total cheeseball right here, but I love holding hands in savasana. 


If the blog design didn't deter the male readers, that line certainly did. 


Oh well. 'Twas fun. :o) 

1.20.11

Another fun snow day. Here are the fun games we played.

• Game 1. How much snow needs to be on the ground before school is cancelled across a city? None.
• Game 2. How long does it take mommy to eat a bowl of Peaches 'n Cream microwavable oatmeal? As long as it takes to offer up 5 different breakfast choices to a toddler, pick one, whine about it, pick another, whine about it, want to read a book, pick another, whine about it, want to read a different book, want to watch toystoy (Toy Story) and then settle for a second cup of milk. 
• Game 3. How many times can I pass the lady in the gray shirt on the track? 3. How many times did the man in the purple shirt pass me? 7.
• Game 4. How many Venti bar drinks can a person in front of you order at Starbucks at one time? Ten. How many eye rolls did the barista give me? 4. 
• Game 5. Let's look for mommy's keys. Yes, mommy's keys. No, not kitty. Keys. Do you know where they are? No? Can you help me look for them? No? Yes, that's Kitty, but where are mommy's only set of really expensive to replace keys?
• Game 6. How patient and loving are our dogs? Patient enough to let a toddler stand on their heads to reach the glass of red wine on the table. 

And cheers to all of that.

1.19.11

Fun: Full Speed Ahead by The Rassles makes for one seriously energized, liberating and fun yoga class. Put it on and charge forward. Many thank yous to my new yoga music guru (I hope it's not because he hates my mixes), Jamie Ramsey. And, many thank yous to the 30 yogis who came to their mats tonight and shared that fun energy. :o)


Funny: New batch of students today as a new semester begins. They fill out index cards with basic information, one being "Tell me something you do after school." With my more experimental 8th graders, I add to that statement, "Keep it legal--I don't need to know about the illegal stuff you do." They giggle, and my eyes dart to the boy with 8 hickies on his neck. Ew ew ew ew ew. 

1.18.11

Today's fun began at 5:30 p.m. and lasted through the evening. 


This is because today's fun certainly wasn't the "day" part. Oy. Still trying to wrap my mind around the sheer mental exhaustion that it was. This exhaustion will pop up in a blog soon, I'm sure. 


My teacher friend, Stuart, and I, have been having conversations lately about where we are going to travel to once we send the children home from our Europe trip this summer. Greece? Morocco? Corsica? Croatia? Many options abound but they all involve a few things: sun, sun, and mostly...sun. And this time of year, on a gray, misty day like today, it was time to invoke some of that sun.


Longing for France, tonight's dinner was Provençal. Recall from 2 weeks ago about how cooking puts me in a zone of bliss. Here we go with tonight's meal, stolen from the aptly titled French Food at Home cooking show on the Cooking Channel.

I even broke out the dishes from Provence, in honor of the event. 


Braised fennel, fresh orange, red onion and olive salad with aubergine caviar (roasted egg plant, red pepper, cumin, and garlic--note, no fish eggs of any kind involved) on three cheese bread. Mmmmmm. Washed it all down with the ever-present (it seems) glass of wine. Why hello Mediterranean. I've missed you. Only 146 days until we meet again...à votre santé.


Longing for some fun in the sun yourself?  Put on a sundress, bare feet and Stereo Love by Edward Maya and Vika Jigulina. Pour yourself a glass of wine, grab a handful of olives and a slice of focaccia. Dancing optional. Smiling mandatory.

1.17.11

Another day off. Another extra cup of coffee, another morning with the Today show, and another day of reading to, watching Toy Story with, and racing trucks against my favorite 18 month old.


In honor of the reason I was able to do all of those fun things today (Dr. King), tonight's yoga class was all about ahimsa, or in yogi speak, non-violence. 


It's not just letting the spider above your bed live, or taking a deep breath instead of giving the finger to the guy who cut you off; at its best, it's avoiding harmful thoughts altogether.


Ways to put it in your life right now:

• Did you graze all day on foods you don't usually eat? Stop berating yourself for doing it. Tell yourself it was a treat. Tomorrow's another day.
• Did you curse the New Year's Resolutioner taking up "your" machine at the gym? Change the thought to "Good for you, man. Way to get out here and start moving." It should make your blood pressure drop a few points. 
• At some point today, did you judge yourself? Your weight? Your hair color? Your clothes? Your life situation? Erase that judgment and focus on something you love. New nail color? New pair of earrings? Amazing meal? Compliment from a friend? That good always outweighs whatever judgment you made against yourself earlier. 
• Did someone cut you off while driving? Instead of wishing that person some ill fate, think, "Well he must be in a hurry. I hope he gets there safely." This one can be a practice for a long time. :o) It's ok. :o) 

At the heart of this blog, this is my goal. At the end of the day, let go of the bad, and remember the good. It's a journey for me, too; but I'm slowly finding that through the practice, I don't need to wait until the end of the day. The good is beginning to creep in no matter what. 

Have a fun Tuesday, blog world. Fill it with ahimsa. Toasting this glass of wine to that. :o)

1.16.11

Today's fun brought to you by the letter P. P stands for Parental Observations at the Children's Museum. 

We decided Will was probably ready to wear out his afternoon high energy at the Children's Museum, so we ventured there for the first time. 

Here's what we learned.

1. Why would we need a stroller? we thought. Well we parked a half mile from the entrance, and Greg has a bum knee, so I carried the 30 pound sack of wiggly potatoes that is Will. That's a good enough reason. But then we also had a bag of snacks and diapers, and 3 heavy winter coats. Where does one put all of this stuff? On the stroller. Note to self: bring stroller.

2. Our kid isn't the only one who likes to climb up the slide while other kids are going down. 

3. No one uses a camera anymore. But they do use cell phones. And although no one needs a photo of their child pounding on a fake cash register's buttons, we all took photos of our kids doing just that. 

4. No matter how __________ you think your marriage is, there is always, always a couple that has you beat. Witness Barry and Ellen, as they try to snap a photo (with a real camera--they were the only ones) of their darling daughter Eva in a princess-style tower.

Ellen: Get her Barry! Eva! Eva! Look at daddy! Are you getting it Barry? Are you getting it? Barry? Barry? 

Barry: Look at me Eva! Look at me! 

Ellen: Are you getting her Barry? Eva look at daddy! Eva! Eva! Did you get it Barry? Barry? BARRY! Just use the auto shoot! 

Barry: Look at daddy Eva! Look at me! 

5. As you observe your child playing and interacting, you can't help but wonder, "Is he normal?" But fear not. The children's museum has signs posted all around literally telling you that your child is normal. I found it somewhat comforting and yet strange all at the same time.

6. Not all dads were excited to be there like Barry (on second thought, I think Barry could have done without being there too). Most dads were on their cell phones--not taking photos--but following football games. They looked up every once in awhile, smiled at their wife and children as though they, too, had just witnessed the adorable pounding of the cash register keys, but really they couldn't bare to look at the Seattle score anymore. 

7. We're all going to be sick by the end of this week. 

8. We need a pass to go back to this place more often. With a stroller. 

Will had a ball. Here he is about to go down the slide, but just after realizing a little girl was climbing up toward him. I feel as though the look on his face is, "Oh S word!" When mommy dropped something this morning and said the S word, Will was oh too quick to repeat it. This means no more S words. 

He also got a kick out of sweeping the entire International Kids part of the museum. Not a speck of dust left. For 20 minutes we just followed him around while he swept. With the coats. And the bag of snacks.

Upon returning the car, we sanitized everyone's hands and headed for ice cream. A fun afternoon indeed. 

1.15.11

Today's fun was not about me. 


This evening we picked out sushi for dinner. Will picked out this: 

He hasn't had cake since his birthday in August. How do I know it made him happy? 

And in true birthday fashion, he became less meticulous. 

Totally sated, what's left? 

Yep, rub it all in your hair and smile. 


I take it back. What's not fun about making your kids happy? 

1.14.11

What do parents of 1 do for fun on a Friday night?


We join other parents at local mexican restaurants. The food comes way fast, and in the small wait, our children can dine on non-toxic crayons, and moms can get intoxicated on 1 margarita. As other children scream, we look at one another in sympathy, and go about our meals. No one really flinches when quesadillas are thrown on the floor, or rice flung across a booth.


Then husbands drive their intoxicated wives to the night club of choice,Target, where you join other suburban parents with small children. The parking lot is full of SUVs, mini vans, and station wagons. The intoxicated mom is less uptight about her child's screams, mainly because she's been made slap happy by tequila. You dance down the aisles to the beats of smash hits like "I want it," "Mine" and "No no no." Random items end up in the cart, and you find yourself in the parking lot with pajamas and wrapping paper and things that seemed like a good idea at the time. 


Around 7:00, it's time to call it a night. You drive home, intoxicated mom starting to lose her buzz (but still slap happy, now just out of straight Friday night fatigue). It's bath time, reading time, and then bed time. The only thing intoxicated mom makes out with is her pillow, around 9:00. 


And you know what? I enjoy this Fun Family Friday as much as a big night out with friends or date night with my husband. It's all about who you surround yourself with. I wouldn't trade these two for the world. Happy weekend. 

1.13.11

Today consisted of 1 Oktoberfest, 2 Fiestas, 2 Mid-Term exams, and 8th graders reading to kindergarteners. It was a fun day!


Even MORE fun was...don't call child services...family dance party to "Teach Me How to Dougie." Clean version! Will is hilarious when he dances...I'm often unsure if he's having a seizure. Takes after his mom. :o)


Will just crawled up into our laps for a book to be read. Mom duty calls...happy birthday to one of my favorite mommies-to-be! This will be such a fun year Amanda! 

1.12.11

Today I met someone who is probably going to change my life.


My student teacher, Carmela, and her entourage of support people, came in for our initial meeting. 


Turns out Carmela really is, well, blind. (There was some discrepancy for a few days.) She can only see out of the bottom right quadrant of her right eye. She really has no other vision. 


Amongst all the chit-chat about what equipment she would need, arranging her transportation, discussing the font size she needs on handouts, figuring out how they are going to rip apart a textbook to enlarge it for her, and mapping out exit routes and other paths to various locations in the building, I learned several things. 1. Carmela was Valedictorian of her high school class. 2. She worked for the American Embassy in Panama, providing translation services. 3. She trained to be a translator for domestic violence victims. 4. She has a smile that lights up the room. And she is always smiling.


Carmela will be with me for a few months, past my "fun" intention. But Carmela isn't going to be just fun; she is going to teach me patience, kindness, Spanish while she's at it, love, and scores of other things. Most importantly, she is going to open my eyes to the most beautiful world that she sees, and I can't wait to see it. 

1.11.11

Snow day! 


They take on a whole new, amazing meaning when there is a little one(s) in your life. They become so much more cherished. 


So while I did all of the obligatory snow day activities (sipped a second cup of coffee; spent a couple of hours with Matt, Meredith, and Al; baked brownies for my French I kids (who are currently biting their nails as their mid-term exam looms for them tomorrow); and stayed in my PJs until 5:00), there is one thing I didn't do: everything else. 


Will went down for a nap and I had a choice: laundry, emails, dishes, picking up--OR--absolutely nothing. 


This little gem was in my inbox this morning, in my DailyOM horoscope that I rarely take the time to read (unless it's 30 seconds at a red light, and my phone is low and shielded from police officers):
By now, you have likely come to accept that being mature has little to do with the games you play or the hobbies you pursue. This can be the perfect day to spend some time around children or to invite your loved ones to explore the realm of youthful joy with you. The mini childhood you experience today can last for some time if you integrate play into your daily routine. 


For me, "mini childhood" translated into taking Will's nap time to grab my Snuggie, "Ratatouille," a few dogs and a lot of pillows, and falling asleep on the couch. Once he woke up, we continued that childhood snow day routine, and we went outside.

I'll admit, we didn't last long. Will despises his snow boots, refused to wear mittens, and it was hard to avoid tripping over the logs from the fallen tree in the yard. But once we went inside, we warmed up with cocoa, "Toy Story," and books.

And now here I am, pile of laundry staring me down, fallen block towers at my feet, Disney tunes running through my head, and dishes in the sink. Rather than be frantic, I'm totally at peace. Today was fun. Chores and the mundane life stuff that we often let get in the way should come second to childhood more often.


Lastly, today's magical date is important for 2 reasons. 


1. My mom and stepdad celebrate their 19th wedding anniversary. Momentous on so many levels. Happy Anniversary you two. 


2. You know how you have 2 or 3 of those dearest friends that you tell absolutely everything to? Today is one of those friends' birthdays. Happy birthday Serena. Tonight's toast goes to you.

1.10.11

I hate disliking a Monday.


It's a clean slate, a fresh start, and there are 5 glorious days of endless possibilities ahead of you. 


I blame those pesky 7th graders. They are fun vacuums. They literally-phwip-suck the fun out of the 46 minutes that lie between 8:28 and 9:14. 


Intention Project fail. Moving on.


Heard the new Britney song on my way home from a ridiculously packed high-energy yoga class. There you go...finding the bright and good in the day. A lyricist Ms. Spears is not but good grief did I want to put on some leggings and platform booties and dance in a cage à la my 21st birthday. I think she essentially took a really bad pick up line and turned it into a song..."If I wanted your body would you hold it against me" goes the chorus...sigh...but a genius club-thumping beat! Go ahead, Britney haters, cringe at my praise. :o) 


This post has gone nowhere, fast. It's okay. I'm alright. I have 350 some more to make it up. So I'll raise this glass of Chardonnay to a fun Tuesday (which could be more fun if it's a Snow Day, and kudos to all the people in the south posting pics today of sledding! Super fun!). 


My wine glass toasts on Mondays are starting to remind me of Hota Kobe and Kathy Lee Gifford in the last hour of the Today Show. They are absurd on so many levels...but they're always having so much fun. So cheers to Hota and Kathy Lee and you, too, blog reader. Here's to a fun Tuesday. :o) 

1.9.11

Sunday. Huh. 

Never mind that my son emptied an entire carton of eggs into our grocery cart in the middle of the produce section today. 

Never mind my loving, sweet, one heck of a dad, kind, thoughtful, caring husband who made me the most amazing cup of coffee yesterday morning can't remember to bring the emptied compost container back into the house. 

Never mind that I spent a good 15 minutes doing a project example with a bad attitude because I know those 7th graders aren't going to put half the effort into theirs over three days that I put into 15 minutes of mine. 

I'll just rejoice in the fact that I have three days left with them. And then they are someone else's problem. Many apologies to Michael Wyatt. 

But that's not fun. 

So...what was fun today? 

I'll dedicate this last half to Susi Niewahner. 

Susi and I went to high school together. I didn't know her, although she was field commander of the marching band with my sister, Mindy. There is this absolutely stunning photo of Susi in the yearbook from our senior year. She is conducting (and totally working gold spandex) and the sun is setting. It's beautiful. 

Other than that photo, I don't know that I talked to Susi...ever...in high school.

Behold the power of Facebook.

Since connecting with her on FB, I've had a jewelry party through her Lia Sophia business, been to her house a few times, and donated some amazing China Gel to her Team in Training half marathon efforts. 

I don't think Susi ever ran before her 5K efforts this past spring. She trained with Team in Training to do a half marathon out in California this fall, and now she's training to do the full Flying Pig marathon. 

She has a beautiful family, a sense of humor, and she's tall and lovely and kind. 

Today, she ran 6 miles in 5 degree weather. And so I HAD to follow suit. 

I haven't run in the cold in...years. I thought my running days were finished a long time ago until I met a chiropractor who was smart and cared to help. 

I want to run the half Flying Pig this spring. I've been limiting my training to some serious sprint workouts indoors. I haven't even attempted thinking of going into the cold for a run...until Susi posted her amazing run this morning. 

So off I went. In many layers, a hat, mittens, and spirit. 

I'll be damned, but I had fun. A lot of fun. I threw in some hills, avoided the icy areas, and ran fast (sprint workouts must be paying off). 

The saddest part of this victory is that Greg wasn't there with me. He has a bum knee--a small tear in his lateral meniscus and will probably have to have surgery here soon. I don't know if I can do this half marathon without him. This story will unfold in the coming months.  

Until then, I'll have Susi to inspire me. 

1.8.11

There isn't anything unfun about a weekend. Apparently my video intention was heard loud and clear, and today, we made a video.


No, not that kind of a video. 


We made it to Round 2 of the application process to be on HGTV's "Run My Renovation." You get a room renovated for free with the catch that America votes on what goes in it. We saw an awful kitchen get red countertops and lime green floors...so I suppose it is a bit of a gamble. 


Five years ago we had also made it to Round 2 of "Desperate Landscapes" but I think I failed the phone interview for us...I was caught off guard and couldn't think of any hobbies we did together and alas...we were duds. 


So I'm hoping this time is the charm...today we had a ton of fun making our video (which is now taking 2 hours to upload to the show's server link, and I don't even know if it's in the right format). If it ever finishes uploading there, I'll post it here. Ooooo, or maybe just the outtakes...they were pretty funny. Haven't seen F-bombs fly out of Greg's mouth like that since we realized the keys fell out of the stroller on the beach in North Carolina...and we were already at the car.  We had to give 3 rooms, even though our first choice is our master bath. Choice 2 is a random room in our basement, and choice 3 is our dining room (we were out of options since we have redone every other room in the house!). 


Many thank yous to our niece Megan for filming us, and my friend Heather for loaning us her Flip (we gotta get one). Keep your fingers crossed y'all!

1.7.11

Today's fun: salsa dancing with 6th graders. Pardon my shouting of cues. They are good, smart kids, but they aren't necessarily good dancers. :o) I was dancing with them, so the camera bounces and swerves. Take some Dramamine. Finally, notice the boys at the end during the "freestyle." Man they are fun. :o) 

1.6.11

First, a few random things.

1. I am currently making full use of my leopard print Snuggy by using the arms. It's cold. I only wish I had ordered myself a bedazzled Neil Diamond edition Snuggy when it was available during the holidays. Oh yes. That exists.

2. I promised an update on those recipes. Roasted red pepper pizzas left something (a lot) to be desired. Tonight's potato-cauliflower curry with cucumber sauce was phenomenal. I'll post the recipe...later. 

3. I love family gym night. Like, LOVE family gym night. Will gets to play, we get a good workout. Sometimes Aunt Olivia, Grandad, and Julie are there. I love our gym. That's all. 

So, a new adventure should be fun, right? 

I'm getting my very first student teacher next week. Her name is Carmella. She's apparently old and blind, no joke. Going to be having my textbook blown up into an extra large print edition for her, and arrangements will need to be made in my room to help her get around stuff. She's going to be with me until May. 

I'd be lying if I said I'm not suddenly having a massive control panic attack. I've always wanted a student teacher. It sounded...fun! And now that it's looming I'm feeling...anxious. I'm not even worried about whether or not she's nice. I'm thinking she's going to be wonderful. But will she still be fun for my kids? Will she keep the rule that if you shoot a basket and miss you have to clean a table? What about homework? Will she still have them call the google phone number and leave voicemails in French? And the most fun food project of all--will she do it? I worry about her sucking the fun out of my room...

...and then I remember why I'm doing this, I set an intention of fun every day. It can come in all forms: fun family gym night, fun cooking, fun in my class, fun with colleagues, funny stuff that happens...and fun adventures. 

If it's all about intention, then I'm not stopping now. I look forward to meeting this next fun adventure next week. 

P.S. This just occurred to me...call them signs from the Universe...

1. My grandmother was essentially blind when she passed away. 

2. My grandmother's favorite TV show at the time of her passing was "Dancing with the Stars." 

3. My grandmother died on May 5th, the same day Carmella is supposed to end her student teaching with me. 

Alright Universe...I'm listening. :o) 

1.5.11

I have to proclaim this day, in a nutshell, seriously fun. Planning an Oktoberfest festival with my German kids (chicken dance and apple juice races? yes please!), and playing exam review games with my French kids (I have a kid who's parents went ahead and named him after a  movie character famous for the line "Shag me, baby" and yes, he was born 1 month after the movie came out. I think I'm going to videotape his review game enthusiasm tomorrow to post here. I laughed so hard I cried today when he yelled to his female teammate "Truck him, Gabby!" and Gabby went ahead and mowed down the 60 pound gangly kid to get to the board first. Relax, no one was hurt. But much laughter ensued.), and teaching a packed yoga class tonight with a group of regulars who have some seriously powerfully good energy--it was just a good day! 


Five days in to this intention blog project and I am digging its power. It is liberating to sit down at the end of the day, remember what was good, and go to bed happy. It's like the low spots didn't even exist. I wake up happy, go to work happier, and the cycle of love continues. 


All of your emails and notes are inspiring me to keep going. I hope I am passing some of that inspiration on to you. :o) Hump day is over! Bring on Friday Eve!

1.4.11

To continue, briefly, with the funnies from last night...why is it that whenever Will gets ahold of the remote, OR the dogs roll over it in the middle of the night, we end up DVRing home shopping channels or public access basement church services? Total mystery, and absolutely hilarious. How on earth is my DVR full, I wonder? Oh, 6 hours of NBC Shopping Jubilee Watches.

Just curious...do you work with fun people? Maybe teachers are just special (well, of course, we know we're all a little special in that crazy nuts sort of way), but I work with an incredibly kind, caring, FUN group of people. I have toasted many margaritas with my colleagues, been white water rafting with a few, trekked some of them across Europe, rocked out at a Bon Jovi concert with them, shopped for my first pair of designer jeans with them, laughed at comedy clubs with them, and today--we hosted a celebrity at school. 

Dancing with the Stars' finest dancer, Mark Ballas (who, before today, I thought was Mark Ballister and had to google to determine his cute quota) stopped by Colerain Middle School to give an inspirational speech and promote his new album. Especially entertaining was that my principal introduced him as the one who danced with Brittany Palin. 

We laughed at the girls fanning themselves as though they were going to pass out. Some of our senior teachers were beside themselves, mesmerized by a television star they love. And although Mark's stay was brief, he swooned us all and left us giddy the rest of the day. Autographs were scored, photos were opted, and the buzz in the office managed to turn to how lovely his rear end is. 

Even though we are all mourning our holiday break, winding down the quarter with hyper, stinky kids, longing for a Snow Day, Spring Break, June...it all disappeared for 45 glorious minutes today, as a dancer reminded us to follow our dreams. Little does he know, over a margarita sometime soon, we'll toast to the fact that we are living ours. 


Here's a brief 30 seconds of Mark and his band from today: