Misadventures in the Rain on a Saturday

This afternoon around 5:15, I was on my way to meet Mom and Meema for dinner. I was also planning to spend the night there until Monday...D is in Arizona for Spring Training until Monday night. Today is the 17th anniversary of my stepdad's unexpected passing and he died on a Saturday. I know that even after all these years, Mom still has such a difficult time on his anniversary. I was going to stay there until Monday, so we could spend some quality time together, but Mother Nature and the freeway had other ideas!

As I headed north on the 163 just past Genesee, I was driving slowly in the slow lane...the next thing I know, the back of the car hit the center divide. The front end of the car was in the fast lane...I called 911 because I wasn't sure what to do. A nice San Diego Police officer stopped and let me sit in the back of his car (hopefully, a one time deal...it's scary back there with plastic seats even with the door open!) while we (he) figured out what to do. He figured that the car was driveable, so another officer conducted a traffic break for me to pull out and drive away. I took surface streets home.

I called D...he's heading home in the morning (a day early). I called Mom...she was worried about me before I even called. Apparently, there was a bad accident (with ambulances) close to her house on the freeway. She and Meema are going to come down in the morning and have breakfast with me. She wanted to drive down tonight, but I insisted she not do this...I don't want anyone else to go through this!

I walked in the door and lost it...I still have moments of crying. It's hit me what really happened and what the outcome could have been. I thank God that this accident was not worse. I wasn't hurt...just shaken up. It was not what I wanted to deal with, but at least I'm safe. So, if you're out in the rain, drive extra carefully!

Here are photos of the damage...

Lent...The Carbon Fast

Ugh...I can't believe that it's been over a month since my last post. So much for expressing myself, but I have some good things to post...some of which you know, but due to logistical family drama, I'm waiting to post.

Anyhow...today is Ash Wednesday and the official start of Lent! As a "cradle Catholic" and a 12-year Catholic school attendee, I'm quite familiar with the Lent and what it entails. Unfortunately, I have strayed from being a practicing (attends church on Sunday) member, but still identify with that. I do know that someday soon I will make my way back to church because I'd like to give future babies the same faith foundation that I had as a child. Traditionally, Lent is a time of sacrifice. For some, this means giving up something (ie, Starbucks, candy, soda), but for me, it means spending extra time in reflection. I do adhere to the no meat on Ash Wednesday, the Fridays and Good Friday as a sacrifice. (Although, one year, while having sushi on a Lenten Friday, I ate Kobe beef sashimi and did not realize that it was meat...I think God will give me a pass on that one :) Some make fun of me for this practice, but it's routine and a habit from all my years growing up. It is the one thing I make sure to do every Lent.

This morning, I heard a news story that the church leaders of Britain had teamed up with Tearfund and created the Carbon Fast. For 46 days(February 17-April 3), there is something each day to lessen our carbon footprint in the world while praying and reflecting on climate change. While some may be more difficult to do, others take minimal effort. So, this year, I am adopting the Carbon Fast for Lent. The message of "What does the Lord require of you?" really makes me think about my life and its impact on the world around me.

So Long, Farewell...I Hope!

The title might be a little cryptic, but I have a perfectly good explanation. This week, Tuesday to be exact, the office was asked to stay after work for a meeting. Turns out, we were all asked to stay to discuss the sub zero artic office climate. We are moving to a new location around June and with all that is projected to happen before then (layoffs, maternity leave), it's time for us to come together as a team. The basic message was that there is a lot of hurt, anger and frustration felt by all of us, but we can't keep carrying that forward. So, basically, we need to build a bridge and get over it. For so long, I've wanted us to all stop this junior high school behavior and just get along.

I know that it has been 5 long years of frustration and it's hard to just start over. It almost feels "fake" to suddenly act polite and kind and considerate when for so long it's been all about the snapping and nastiness. However, I feel like it is the only way for us to move past it all. So, on our first day (Wednesday), one of the Nastys brought a fruit tray...I think in the entire time I've been here, this has never happened. Things seem to be moving in a positive direction, but then again it's only been a day and a half. It was nice to go home last night not wanting to claw eyes out or having to vent about some stupid thing. I am hoping that it continues...I'm going to do my best to keep this climate of teamwork, cooperation and decency. So, in the spirit of all things positive, it is now time to put away the "Nastys" moniker and start over. I hope that I never have to resurrect that! Have a great day!

Happy (Belated) New Year!

Happy (belated) New Year, my friends! I apologize for the delay, but some kind of nasty bug has taken root in my system since right before my birthday (3 weeks ago) and I have been fighting it with all the energy I have. I kept trying to compose posts when the sickness hit over the weekend, but I lost all sense of words and could not focus to write. Originally, I was going to write a recap of 2009. Then, I decided that dead horse had been beaten enough...I'm going to focus on 2010 instead. Here are my goals/resolutions/plans for 2010:

1. Focus on me and how awesome I am. Over the past year, I have been beating myself up over some past decisions rather than appreciating the difficult decision and moving forward. So, this year, no more self inflicted beatings!
2. Continue to grow in our marriage...with the beast that was 2009, our marriage held up pretty well under the stress. When things are rough everywhere else, D is my biggest strength and I need to keep nurturing that relationship.
3. Decide what to do with the jay oh bee situation. Either I focus and learn what I can from my current position (and deal with the Nastys) or I look for something else to leave. I've been unfocused in my work and that needs to change.
4. Keep in touch with my friends...I get busy and lazy and forget my friends. It needs to be a priority more.
5. Appreciate all we have and stop focusing on what we don't have.
6. Get into better shape...with a trip to the beach for Uncle Banking Mogul's 65th in June plus the baby carrying potential on the horizon, I would like to be in better physical shape.
7. Buy a condo/house...I really want us to achieve this goal...we were on track to get closer, but then 2009 happened.
8. Be in baby mode...all of a sudden, the baby fever has started to hit both D and I. After spending the day with our great niece, I can see what love there is for a child. Plus, I really saw what a good father D would be...it was almost like, "just add baby" and he stepped into the "get the stroller set up, etc" mode.
9. Stop and smell the roses of life...take time to relax and just be. I tend to have "yesitis" and sometimes over commit myself. Then, I become a raving lunatic. This year, I want to stop and calm it all down.
10. Clean out all the nooks and crannies of home...and keep it that way! We have a lot of stuff and could probably do without a great deal of it!

In short, with a new decade and year, it's time to focus on making life easier and better. Here's to a great 2010 for all of us...happy new year!

All I Want For Christmas

Dear Santa,

I think this year I have been a good girl and deserve some nice things under my tree and in my life. And, usually, when people ask, I don't know what to say. This year, I do...so, here's my wish list...

• New pair of black boots...since mine have become a little ragged, this would be a practical addition to my closet.
• Pair of chocolate brown boots...I have a really cool sweater dress that would look even better with these.
• Cute pair of flats that I can wear with jeans when I'm out.
• Skinny jeans...think I want to try this trend. Or maybe, I just want the skinny part :) And maybe a new pair of boot cut jeans that don't fall off my hips!
• Laptop bag that can carry other things (like a book or something)...I would like a nice one to take to South Carolina in June. Even, a cool looking laptop sleeve could work with my existing situation.
• Some new work clothes...I sometimes feel like I have the same outfits in rotation and would like some new options. Oh, and while you're at it, some casual and trendy clothes would also be appreciative. Actually, maybe this should just be listed as an overhaul of my current wardrobe. I'm in a clothes funk right now!
• Smashbox Halo Hydrating Perfecting Powder...yes, I know I have lots of product similar to this, but this one really is the best one for me. If need be, I will finish the others before I can get this.
• A jay oh bee for D...he's been a good boy this year and deserves it! This is a big one, but I would forsake all the rest on my list for this one!

I know that Christmas has been scaled back this year, but I am really looking forward to some quality family time! Thanks in advance, Santa!

Back to Work...What Happened to My Time Off?!?

Happy Monday! Today is my first day back to work in nine days...that is one of the nice benefits of working for a school district. We have the option of working some of the days during breaks, but it's become my plan to take off Thanksgiving and Winter breaks and work the others. It was definitely a nice break and needed. We were so busy...

• The first weekend of break was kind of a lazy time for me...a little grocery shopping and a haircut....other than this, it was a lot of bonding time with the couch!
• Monday: Slept in a little before heading north to Mom's. We had promised we would help get some shopping done and pre-TG prep done. After a nice lunch, we hit some grocery stores and headed back to Mom's. I helped Mom get some of her dishes done and ready for Thursday.
• Tuesday...our 2nd Anniversary: We had breakfast at Richard Walker's Pancake House, spent some time at the Glider Port, and ended with dinner (and karaoke watching) at Cafe LaMaze.
• Wednesday: D had an appointment with a recruiter, so I headed to Mom's to help a little more. It was all finished and ready to go by late afternoon. D and I then went to pick up a baby shower gift and had an early dinner (at happy hour prices) at BJ's Pizzeria. This is quickly becoming one of my new favorite places to eat...so good!
• Thanksgiving Day: Started out lazy before heading to Mom's. I was helping her finish prep and set the table while D helped with turkey prep. We all sat down and had a nice family dinner with a few additions. D and I hung out and didn't make it back home until after midnight!
• Friday: I'm not sure if it was the turkey or what, but I was feeling really lazy! D went off to do some photography and I stayed home reading. That night, Mom and her friend from Tucson (Uncle Festus) came down and the 4 of us went to dinner. We also did some driving around town...Uncle Festus and Mom have been friends since they were 14 years old. It was a fun night!
• Saturday: Originally, Uncle Festus and D were going to check out the Navy Exchange, but we got an invite to dinner at Ruth's by Uncle Banking Mogul. Dinner was in honor of Cousin Cleveland's official move back home. We all had fun as only this crazy family unit can! We even started talking about December plans...my birthday, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
• Sunday: We had an open house/baby shower to attend. Hippie Girl and I have known each other for 20 years...we met in the cafeteria at Palomar College and bonded over breakfast. She is due with a baby girl on December 16 (day after my birthday) if she makes it that far!

So, now, it's almost December. I'm hoping for a good end of the year...D did not get the job in Carlsbad. However, he has one confirmed and one pending interview scheduled this week. I am holding out hope that it will all come together! In the meantime, the spirit is in the air! Have a great day!

With This Ring, I Thee Wed

Happy anniversary to D and I! Two years ago, we stood up in front of 135 of our closest friends and family and made a lifetime of vows. We have experienced all the things we vowed to stand by each other...sickness and health, richer or poorer, good times and bad...and have weathered each storm that we have encountered. We have experienced the highest highs and the lowest lows, but at the end of it all, we still stand next to each other as a united couple. So, today, I'd like to wish my husband a very happy 2nd anniversary...I love you D!