Mouse and the Monday Morning Surprise

Dear Friends and Family,

Yesterday, our CEO came to our Monday morning meeting and announced that our department's boss was leaving the company. He also announced the new lead.

I don't think much will change for most people. But, I later learned that several of the younger people on the team were pretty stunned. I guess that's when I realized I'd been around the block more than once.

Will keep you posted.


Cheers!
mouse

11.29.10: Winding Down 2010

Dear Friends and Family,

Despite having to work a little, I had a glorious weekend.

I took Wednesday off and spent the morning at home playing with P. We headed out to Mr. mouse's office to meet him for lunch and to give P a chance to spend some time in Mr. mouse's office one more time to give Mr. mouse a sense of closure.

We walked out for lunch in the middle of a storm and found a calm oasis of Middle Eastern yumminess before heading back to the office. P slept in my arms for the afternoon which is always a good thing.

And, we headed home after rehanging the white board, gathering the walking sushi pieces and packing the coloring book and Mr. Potato Head with some potentially good news, but not anything we're banking on quite yet.

Thursday was the usually hectic but always eminently satisfying Thanksgiving meal. P had no interest in any of it outside of the roast turkey. She's a brave kid, but isn't crazy about having new experiences thrown at her. She likes to take her time.

Friday morning was Black Friday and I ended up buying a bunch of digital photo frames for P's teachers at school.

We spent the afternoon napping and hanging out with girlfriend at home. Well, Friday evening she wants out of the gate and goes downstairs and grabs her shoes and asks for her coat. She wants to go out after hanging out inside the house for two straight days. Since it was way too cold for a walk we loaded her into the car and headed out to pick up random stuff at Target. She had fun. We got errands done. Not bad for a Friday night.

Saturday morning we got the house cleaned. Yes! And, then, P napped for a couple of hours before we woke her and loaded her into the car and headed out for a toddler birthday party at Pump It Up. Well, P was not a big fan. And, after putting up with it for about 40 minutes, she walked over to the shoe rack and grabbed her shoes and tried to put them on. We had such a tough time keeping a straight face, she was so cute. She said bye and gave hugs and was giddy when we put on her shoes. She went and grabbed ours for us as well. And, we drove home to meet up with some friends for some pizza and some beer.

Sunday. Day five off in a row. Blissful long weekend. Breakfast at home and then 18 month doctor's visit. P was fine with answering the doctor's questions. She was proud of her 56 words. She wanted nothing to do with the physical exam. Well, it was short and sweet and she remains a steady 50th percentile noggin, 25th percentile height and 5th percentile weight.

P and I napped once we got home. We went for a quick walk in the afternoon to take pictures of her in her new boots. And, we spent the rest of the evening enjoying the antics of our toddler. We read. We played zoo. We folded towels. We spun in circles. We had bath. And, then we put her to sleep for the night.

I needed the time off so badly. I feel like I'm in a much better spot. Today, we try P on a sippy cup for the ride home. Our 18 month old may have seen her last bottle this Thanksgiving. At home and at school she has a regular cup, but for the ride home she needs something with a safety net. We'll see how it goes today.


Cheers!
mouse

Thanksgiving List 2010

Dear Friends and Family,

We all slept in yesterday so I didn't have time to blog before hitting the flurry of food preparation. And, I only have a couple of moments now so let's get down to business.

The Mouse 2010 Thankful List (in no particular order):

Mr. mouse, P, the continued health of our family, our friends, the roof over our head - it may leak at times but it's ours nonetheless, the food on the table - may it nourish us, our faith - may it sustain us, the wonderful memories each day brings, the new things P learns and teaches us, the adventures of trying to raise a toddler right, saving for retirement, work that I enjoy, and some level of wellness - even if I am not where I want to be, I am better off than I could be.


Cheers!
mouse

Faith

Dear Friends and Family,

Sometimes you have to have faith - faith that things happen for a reason, faith that things will work out, faith that the future will be a better place than the present. And, for some reason, despite all life has thrown at me, I still have faith.

Yesterday, Mr. mouse got some pretty bad news on the job front. The position he had been hoping for got filled and it wasn't with his name. I think he'll continue looking both internally and externally as he weighs his options. I think I'll continue plugging away at work as all of this plays out.

You can't predict the future.

I remember there was a job I hated. Hated as in could not bear it hated. And, I was ready to quit. And, my friend convinced me to wait one more day, just one day he said. And, I did. And, the next day was Tuesday and I had a dentist appointment and I was headed into work late and heard on the radio that a plane hit the World Trade Center. I assumed it was a private plane that clipped the antenna. Well, I quickly learned otherwise. And, the world hasn't been the same since.

Needless to say, I didn't give my resignation that day. And, I learned it's not over until it's over. And, when it's over, it might be completely different from what you thought it was going to be.

I have faith that this will be less dramatic but equally fine.


Cheers!
mouse

Resilient Mouse

Dear Friends and Family,

Today. If I make it through today I have a day off with P.

Mr. mouse heard more news on the job front. Still waiting to hear back from one more group, but so far, it looks like he'll be Mr. mom for a couple of months if things continue along the current trend.

Things could be worse.


Cheers!
mouse

11.22.10: Bi-Annual Dentist Visit

Dear Friends and Family,

We drove over Friday night while P was sleeping. And, we drove back Sunday during nap time. And, in between we spent time running around outside enjoying the fall weather and letting friends play with P.

I am happy to report that the beating my gums took during the pregnancy and breastfeeding stages seems to be behind us.

Okay. P wants computer.


Cheers!
mouse

Mouse Waits

Dear Friends and Family,

Well. If your only option is waiting. Then, guess what, you wait.

And, if nothing you can do will change the outcome or how long you wait, then, you wait patiently.

And, that, my friends, is what I have been doing the past three months.

While work rages around me and life's ups and downs lift me up and drag me down, I have been waiting to learn what Mr. mouse's work situation will be in 2011.

I can't say I'm a big fan of not knowing. I can't say I'm a big fan of waiting. I find comfort in knowing, in stability, in routine. And, it's tough waiting for all of the pieces to fall into place.

Sushi come when sushi ready.


Cheers!
mouse

Mouse and November Frenzy

Dear Friends and Family,

November is always a frenzied month. And, this November is no different.

If I can get through the next week, I'll have a couple of days to relax and eat and play and enjoy the launch of the holiday frenzy.

Then, the madness of snow tires, holiday shopping, cards, tree, and everything else can hit with a vengeance.

Um, would it be wrong to wish it was December 31st? There's a perspective and peace that comes with having all of the craziness behind us and looking into a new year.

Five more work days. I can do this.


Cheers!
mouse

Toddler Conversations

Dear Friends and Family,

Sometimes it's tough to remember that P is only 18 months old. After all, she's communicating so much and understands so much.

When I asked if she wanted her coat off for the car ride home, she said yes. Then, she knew to wait while I buckled her into her safety seat. Then, I asked if she wanted her shoes off, and she said yes. Then, I pulled her socks partially off so she can pull at them on the ride home. Then, she knew to wait while I got her bottle out. She said please. And, we were on our way. She signaled for diaper. And, she asked for milk when she was done and got annoyed when I said no more.

We went to pick up Mr. mouse and she said Daddy when she saw him in the mirror. And, then started to whine until I asked if she wanted potato at which point she gave the snack signal. We stopped by the golden arches and continued on the way home. She signaled done with the potatoes and asked for a drink. And, she signaled diaper again, probably wondering why we weren't changing her.

And, when we got home she signaled a third time, and lo and behold, she was right. Diaper.

Granted this is not philosophical musings, but it's tough to remember that P is only 18 months old when she's so good at telling us what's on her mind. When she melts down, I'm like stop crying and just tell us what you want. Then, I remember she's only 18 months old and toddlers don't have all the words to tell us what they want.


Cheers!
mouse

11.15.10: Partially Re-Centered

Dear Friends and Family,

We flew out Friday to attend a service in memory of our dear friend, G's husband. It was beautiful - hearing all of the stories. It was heartbreaking - hearing all of the friends and family members. It was heartening - to see all of the support. It was all the things that we humans need when dealing with an unexplained, unexpected loss.

Then, instead of staying for a night of partying and celebrating life, we headed home. And, Mr. mouse and I got part of the fridge cleaned out and part of the mail sorted through and some of the kitchen island cleared and some of the laundry done and other odds and ends to make us feel a little more human.

We took 18 month pictures and did 18 month prints. We let P run around the house and play and read and do the things 18 months old will do. She colored and drew circles. She went down the stairs with some adult supervision. She evicted bunny from her crib. And, she played with her shoes - her Auntie Janet would be proud.

And, now, it's Monday. Eight more work days until Thanksgiving.


Cheers!
mouse

Healthier Thanksgiving 2010

Dear Friends and Family,

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and that means it's time to contemplate the annual mouse Thanksgiving menu.

I made a promise last year to try to make Thanksgiving healthier, one dish at a time. So, last year, instead of my yearly indulgence in Pillsbury crescent rolls, I baked bread for Thanksgiving.

This year, I crossed the blueberry pie and the pumpkin pie off the list. We never make the blueberry pie. And, we never finish the pies we make. This change increases the chances the pie gets finished and ultimately reduces the number of calories we're consuming since we're eating one pie and not three - which must be healthier.

Why did I keep apple pie and not pumpkin pie? Well, for one, we both like apple pie more. And, we can make it with real ingredients vs. pumpkin pie, for us, comes out of two cans - one of pumpkin and one of evaporated milk. And, last but not least, it's prettier. Nothing like a giant pie at the Thanksgiving table.


Cheers!
mouse

Mouse and More Ballast

Dear Friends and Family,

The tank is running close to empty and I'm thinking about ways to economize.

If it was my car's gas tank, this would be a simple answer of getting more gas. But, it's not. It's my personal gas tank. I'm getting tired.

Work has been crazy. Commuting has been a drag. The house is a disaster. Mr. mouse has been interviewing. The weekends have been packed. Oh, and I found out I lost a close friend before his time.

And, hence, my quandary.

I'm taking Friday off for the funeral. Originally, I had a birthday party for Saturday for a girlfriend who's been through a ton recently. But, now, I'm beginning to realize, I need to come home for the weekend. I need to recharge and that'll be best accomplished here at the mouse pad with P and some serious cleaning and serious rest instead of partying with the girlfriends Saturday night.

I'm going to spend some time, myself, to feel human again - get my brows and nails in order, get my house in order, and hopefully get enough gas in the tank to last me until vacation.


Cheers!
mouse

P and Four Magic Words

Dear Friends and Family,

Sometimes your child does something that just melts your heart and makes you think now is the best moment ever. Never mind that you've had that thought for the past eighteen months. This time, you're sure you're right.

P is growing by leaps and bounds. She longer and leaner and more solid. But, more importantly, she's putting so many pieces together.

She says yum when she sees food or pictures of food. She says yeah when Mr. mouse carries her down the stairs. She says whee when she see a picture of a slide (never mind that it was a picture of the emergency slide on the safety information card on the plane). She says more bottle, milk please and looks at you to see if she got it right.

She's begun dancing. She tries to reattach a broken crayon. She wipes her hands, her nose, the table and her parents if asked to clean up. She covers her mouth when she coughs after watching me do the same for the past month.

She says please and thank you.

Oh, the four magic words? more bottle, milk please (Sunday night, on the way home from the airport). It's like when she said more for the first time, seeing if she got it right. She's said two words strung together, like more book or thank you, but she thinks of those as one notion. This time, she strung words and phrases together to get to a sentence.

It's a wonderful time.


Cheers!
mouse

11.08.10: Mouse Expands Her Horizons

Dear Friends and Family,

We took P further than we've ever taken her before - for a quick weekend trip to the Emerald City of Seattle. We always try to get together with Mr. mouse's BFF and family to celebrate the November birthdays.

P did well on the flight out and we made it back in one piece on the flight back. In between was a chance for all of us to watch the girls attempt to play together. P isn't of an age yet when she's really playing with others much less playing nicely with others. There was a lot of no, mine and pushing. I can't say she did us proud this weekend. Still, it was a chance for the adults to catch up and for the kids to eat ice cream and cake.

Friday, we went out for conveyor belt sushi. Saturday, we had a big brunch date and then we played at home and after the ladies of the house fell asleep, the dads went out for late night coffee. Sunday, we went for Taiwanese and then headed to the airport.

On the flight out, P was looking at the safety information card. And, she saw the picture of the plane with the emergency slide deployed. And, she pointed and said, "whee!" Okay, how can you stay mad at someone that cute for long?


Cheers!
mouse

Mouse and Teaching Moments

Dear Friends and Family,

Today is a coaching moment for someone who works for me. He's been procrastinating on the 2011 plan and it's due today. Time to have a discussion on priorities.


Cheers!
mouse

Mouse Seeks Closure

Dear Friends and Family,

Sometimes you just need to listen to your body.

And, my body has been telling me, "sleep!" I've been exhausted to the point where it's bad. And, when I sleep, my dreams have been racked with miscellaneous stuff as my brain tries to sort through all of stuff it's been trying to sort through.

And, that, tells me it's time to prioritize and shed some ballast. Time to regroup and recenter and reset and retrench and start again. And, now, reality sets in.

This weekend we've got plans with Mr. mouse's best friend - to celebrate their joint birthdays. Next weekend we're going to see G. The two weeks after that are crazy times at work. And, that brings me to December. I'm more and more liking the idea of a five day vacation in December, before the craziness of the holidays kicks in.

If I look at my top three, this makes sense. We should have more information on Mr. mouse's work by then. The elections are clearly over. And, my work is a longer term thing that will quickly bleed into 2011.

And, this gives me something to look forward to. A light at the end of the tunnel. Let's just hope it's not a train.


Cheers!
mouse

Mouse and the Phone Call

Dear Friends and Family,

When the cell phone rings at 8:03 AM at work and a friend who never calls your cell phone at 8:03 AM calls, you know it's not good news. Somehow you hope it is, but you know it isn't. And, then, the shock and numbness seep over you like a dense, cold fog. And, you wonder why bad things happen to good people.

I believe in reincarnation. How do I reconcile that with a general belief in God? Well, here's my twisted way of making it all work. I believe an infinitely graceful God would not set up a game that we mere mortals could not win. I believe he gives us as many quarters as we need to figure this game out. And, when we reach the end we find heaven or nirvana. So, it's just a matter of getting through and solving the puzzles in all of the levels. And, that helps me maintain my sanity when life ceases to make sense.

I wonder what lesson God wants G to learn in this life in her journey. And what lesson G wanted G's husband to learn in this life in his journey. And, selfishly, I wonder what lesson God wants me to learn in this life in my journey. I guess I don't know. Perhaps, one day I will.

Until then, I guess I need to trust. And, there's comfort in knowing that we can't lose. If I die before I figure out my life lesson, there's a stack of quarters waiting so that I can try again.


Cheers!
mouse

11.02.10: Back Again

Dear Friends and Family,

Well, if I were going to make lemonade out of lemons, I'd say it was good to see so many of my friends this past weekend.

We flew out to see G and to offer what support we could as we all wait for more news. She's amazing. I wish I could be that strong.

I wasn't sure what I'd find when we went out.

I found a house full of food and love and people with hugs at the ready, a steady stream of conversation to distract you, a focus on facts and details, and a concerted effort organizing and mobilizing and harnessing the good will of thousands of people out there wanting to help.

We're all hoping and praying for good news.


Cheers!
mouse