Rainy nights and HELLS yes!

I am stretched out on a squeaky twin bed in a rental house in St. Simons Island, GA.  My little girl is in the twin bed beside mine, having finally exhausted her seemingly endless stream-of-consciousness chatter and dropped into an even-breathed sleep. The rain is hitting the rooftops of this old, charming house in a steady, solid rhythm that I find soothing and sleep-Inducing.  Our friend and her dog are both asleep in the other room, their presence a reminder of the lovely people we are lucky to have in our world.   The four of us piled in the car and drove a rainy five hours from Atlanta to the Georgia coast hoping for sunshine, but it looks like we may only have tiny slices of that particular commodity.  That's ok.  Rain or shine, I'm grateful for the time away from my day-to-day and time to spend with my little one and my friend.  And rain or shine, I'm certain some small adventures will be found this weekend, in this beautiful coastal place. That seems to be what happens with this particular cast of characters.

On the drive here, and more so tonight as I sit listening to the rain, I've been thinking about what it takes to say "yes" to living the life I want for myself and my Girl.  About how I've had to say no to some things in order to say yes to something I want more or be strategic about where I put my energy so there is enough to carry me through the yeses.  I've been thinking about those times the yes was hard to hear and about the other times it wasn't just a yes, but a loud, deep and resounding " oh HELLS yes!"  I love the HELLS Yeses. The chance to travel, especially when it involves seeing friends and family and exploring new places is almost always a "HELLS Yes!" for me.  And even when if doesn't go as well as hoped, I've found that when I'm answering the call of yes, the rainy drives and cold ocean water don't disappoint me as much as ignoring what I truly desire would. 

So tonight I'm making a promise to myself to keep finding ways to say yes to the big yeses, the real yeses, and most certainly the "HELLS yeses."  I'm not sure what that means yet, but that's ok.  It's enough to know I'm working on setting up camp permanently in the land of yes.   It seems that, for me, it's the only place to live. 

Mid-year check-in: Transitions

On New Years Day, I was having a text conversation with an old friend, and he asked me what 2013 was going to be about for me.  I replied with this statement: "2013 is the year that I hold lots of babies, travel a lot to connect with friends and family, make some changes professionally, and fall in love."

I saved that text, and I refer back to it once in a while to check in with myself- am I spending my time and energy to accomplish those things?

My one New Year's Resolution I make each year is one I will make every year - to hold more babies.  Why?  Because there is nothing quite as joyful as snuggling up with a baby.  It is peace and love and joy in a tiny, perfect person.  And thankfully, my siblings and friends have had the good sense to provide me with several new babies, so I never have to go long without working on my resolution. 

Me and Sylvie- June 12, 2013

Travel has been big on the agenda this year - So far, we've spent time in Colorado, New Jersey, New York City, and Alaska, and there are still some trips to come.  We've been fortunate to connect in-person with friends and family, and have made some very special memories.  (Watch out for my AK pics- I'll get them up this week, I hope.)

Views from the plane - Alaska is breathtaking from everywhere.

 

Falling in love - meh.  Still working on that.  Actually, that's not even true- I'm not working at all on that.   But I am working on caring enough about it to actually work on it.  So that's something.  (Let it be said that I am rather lazy about this part of my life- I'd much rather spend my energy on other things than worry about my love life.  When it's supposed to happen, it will happen.  That's how it's always gone for me, and I'm trusting that it will continue to go that way.)
 
Making some changes professionally is something that I put some serious some effort into.  I have worked for my current department for more than 10 years, and I started to realize that, for a lot of reasons, it was time for a change.  I began paying attention to job openings at the University, and almost immediately, a perfect-for-me position showed up in a department I have already worked with extensively, with people I already know and respect.  I submitted my CV,  interviewed a couple of days later, and was offered the position.  The whole process was rather seamless - it just flowed.  I start that new job this coming Monday.

It's bittersweet, leaving a place I've worked for so long.  This is where I learned to really enjoy the process of scientific research.  This is where I turned book knowledge into real-life, hands on experience. This is where I have met so many amazing people, many I now count as dear friends.  This is the home of colleagues that supported me through a lot of ups and downs.  This is a place where I have always felt at home, and knew I was good at what I was doing, even when everything else in my world seemed shaky and insecure.  It was a hard decision to move on, but ultimately, it is a move I need to make.  I'm excited to take on some new challenges, and for the opportunity for personal and professional growth my new job will bring.  If you are interested, my new job is the senior research manager at UPIQ. 

So there you have it - a mid-year check in on where I am with my goals for 2013.  Overall, I'd say things are moving along just swimmingly.

So far, 2013 has not just met and surpassed my expectations.

So far, it's been a kick-ass year!

No Spend Month: Week 2, plus Mother's Day Weekend and some other stuff

**I am two weeks into the "no-spend month" and still- so far, so good.  We spent Mother's Day weekend in Denver with some dear friends, but we stuck to our pre-set budget (actually, we were significantly under it)  there were no major purchases, and Riley didn't even ask for 'something special' from our trip.  The latter was a big deal, as the Girl really LOVES to buy 'souvies' (as she calls them) when we travel.   I've noticed myself slipping into the online browsing habit a couple of times, but each time I've quickly caught myself and changed course.  The challenge seems to be doing it's job- at least in that respect.

**Mother's day was lovely.  As I mentioned before, we were in Denver with friends, and celebrating it with them was a great way to go, complete with cute crafts, yummy food, perfect weather and Riley lip-synching a mother's day song in church.  Classic Riley. 

Yep, we sorta resemble each other. 

I sure do love this Girl and am so grateful I have the opportunity to be her Mom.  

**While in Denver, I ran this 5K with my friend and her 9 year old daughter, plus about 2000 more women and girls (and some guys, although I think it was supposed to be a women's only event.)   I was paired up with a little girl who didn't have an adult running with her, and we made a game of picking a pair of runners and trying to stay ahead of them.  It was silly, but it kept her running most of the time, and I'm happy to report we won our race with the 'lady in the blue hat' and her daughter.  Being in this event reminded me how much I like running (despite the weird knee issue I'm having right now) and how much I enjoy the energy and motivation that comes from training for and participating in races.  I'm on the lookout for a few fun, casual, local events to run this summer.

**The friends that we visited have been working hard lately to make positive, healthy changes to their lifestyles, and I gotta say - it's really awesome!  They all look great, but on top of that, you can tell that their family as a whole has embraced the concept of healthy living as a family value.  I came home feeling inspired to take a closer look at how I'm doing healthy living-wise, both personally and for my little family.  While it's not all bad, I will say this:  There is room for improvement.

So that's where we are today- still on track with 'no spend month,' still working on living a healthy lifestyle, still loving on this crazy little girl who calls me 'Mama.' 

The second half of our New Jersey trip

The time was not about visiting the Jersey Shore, although we did spend a fun (but cold) day there.  

   It was not about funnel cakes, fun houses, games and prizes and matching sweatshirts. 

    

Or the chance to see, first hand, some of the damage caused by Hurricane Sandy's wrath. 

Although there was all of that.  

It was not about the chance to  "Behold New York City" (which is what Riley was yelling when I took the photo below. )

  

Although behold, we did. 

 It wasn't about the afternoon spent at the 'Empty Sky' memorial at Liberty State Park memorial. 

Although I really enjoyed that particular place, and to make it even more memorable,

 Riley lost her 2nd tooth there. 

 It wasn't about seeing the Statue of Liberty in Real Life 

(albeit from afar- we didn't make it out to Liberty Island.)

 

 Although the chance to see her, even distantly, has prompted much discussion about freedom, democracy, patriotism, and (interestingly enough) France, since then.

 

It wasn't about checking out some NYC landmarks, such as Times Square

seeing "Annie" on Broadway

walking through St. Patrick's Cathedral

   Although it was fun to see many of the places that we've always heard about. 

It wasn't about the chickens that lived at our friend's house,

 

or the new baby chick that Riley got to "adopt" (she named it Little Rebecca.)

 

  What it was about was spending time with one of my very best friends- someone who knows me from the ground up, who has been with me through thick and thin, and who has seen all of me-the good and the bad- and loves me anyway.   It was about being with someone who has made me laugh until I fell over, helped me think about things in a different light, and has even seen me 'ugly cry.'

 

   It was about spending time with her children, who are like her in so many ways, and letting my Girl become part of their family for a few days.  It was about the special kind of rest that comes when you are seen and heard and loved completely, without question, and without reserve.   

 We had so much fun spending a few days with the Righetti family - they are all energy and fun in human form.  Thanks, Cam and Frank and kiddos- we sure love you!

The Real Karmic Godmother and Soul Sista of New Jersey

A couple of weeks ago, Riley and I were lucky enough to be able to travel to New Jersey and visit some friends over Spring Break.  We stayed for the first few days with our dear friends, Amy and Maya, and Amy's super adorable boys, Evan (14) and Charlie (12). 

Amy and I met our first year at Squam Art Workshop.  I instantly loved her brassy attitude and penchant for fun, and I was excited to stay in touch with her.  We  have become closer with each passing year, usually seeing each other in the fall for Squam or Squam by the Sea.  She's been a constant cheerleader for me in so many ways, and has provided a listening ear and wise words through some difficult phases.  A few years ago, I met Maya while she was in SLC for her Tour de Word project, during which time she taught a poetry workshop in my home and stayed a night with us. We didn't get to spend a lot of time with her then, but I really liked her and was so enchanted with her energy and presence.

So Maya had met Riley briefly, but Riley and Amy had yet to meet.   I knew that the combination of people and personalities was going to be, well...really good.

And oh, it was! 

Amy and Riley - outside of the museum of natural history

painting rocks

The time we spent with Amy and Maya was just what we needed- low-key, creative, and simply full of "feel-goodness."  There were trips to the Butterfly Exhibit at the Museum of Natural History, relaxing hikes in the New Jersey woods, and even a 6th grade talent show, featuring Charlie and his amazing dancing skills (seriously - this kid has the moves!)  Plus there was a lot of hanging out on the most. comfortable. couch. in. the. entire. world.  Lots of typing on the typewriter, some rock painting, lazy mornings and a few superhero capes thrown in for good measures. 

butterfly exhibit at the Museum of Natural History

Riley loved this subway mosaic butterfly

Besides the Museum of Natural History and Central Park, we made a special trip to the Plaza Hotel, where Eloise lives.  Amy sent Riley an Eloise book a few years ago and this started an obsession with all things Pink, Plaza and Eloise.  So getting to be there with Amy was a highlight of Riley's trip.  I will also say that Amy taught Riley to say "But I want an Oompa Loompa NOW!" in an annoying, whiny voice, which Riley thinks is hysterically funny.  And I will be paying Amy back soundly for that one day - one day soon... 

Plaza door handles

Amy and Riley and Eloise

Riley at the Plaza 

We had planned to go into the city one more time with them  and experience "Write on the Line," but thanks to a little girl who didn't feel so well, that plan had to be altered.  I was disappointed, but I guess that just means I need to head back to see them again soon!

Riley said her favorite part of our time in Nutley, NJ was seeing Eloise's hotel, riding the subway and playing tricks on Charlie (we short sheeted his bed.  She thought this was the best thing ever.)  My favorite part was spending time with these amazing women who I am so incredibly grateful to count as friends.

After returning home, Riley gave a "show and tell" about our trip for her class, during which she referred to Amy as her "Karmic Godmother."  I was thrilled to hear Riley pick up on that phrase, which is what I have called Amy for a while.  And I was even more delighted when she described Maya as her "Soul Sista."  I don't know where she got that, but it works.   I can't imagine women I'd rather have be identified as my daughter's "Karmic Godmother" and "Soul Sista" than Amy and Maya.

Thanks, Amy and Maya (and Evan and Charlie) for letting us spend time in your world for a few days!  We loved everything about it!

Riley and Maya - strong case of hero worship happening here.

Re-entry

Yesterday, Riley and I returned from a week in the Bay Area with my sister and her family.   We had no major plans for our time there, and it was so nice to just hang out with them.  To just be there.  To make dinner and read bedtime stories.  There were trips to Toys R Us (what's the fun in being an aunt if you can't spoil them?) and afternoons at the park and the zoo, but mostly, we just hung out.  And that kind of downtime, that kind of time with people I quite simply adore - it was just what I needed.  

Picture this

Picture five glorious days surrounded by beautiful scenery and creative energy.

Picture nights by the fire, letting laughter and friendship chase away the cold.

Picture learning a new skill and making new friends in the process.

Picture creeping vines giving way to riotous blooms of color.

Picture sunrise on the dock, the water calm and soothing after a night of storms.

Picture tiny gifts found at your feet.

Picture being with those that understand the whole of you, who know you in a way most can't.

Picture feeling the sun on your face, it's rays warming your body and healing your heart.

Picture watching the tiny movements of nature, and knowing there is something bigger than yourself at work. 

Picture a solitary afternoon on the dock, sorting through thoughts and emotions and finally finding the peace that comes when you know what steps to take next.

Picture a walk through the trees, letting yourself get lost and reminding yourself that you found yourself here before.  And that when you are at home in your soul, you are never really lost, anyway.