12.17.13: Spending Time with Friends

Dear Friends and Family,

What a wonderful weekend! We got to spend time with all of our friends from the Winter Cabin. It was cold as all get out, but in a city that's prepared for the cold, with friends who just get on with business, no one seemed phased by it all.

We got to see our old neighbors and catch up with J & J who we don't get a chance to see all that often any more. I had lunch with a girlfriend from old work and we stuffed ourselves on Chinese food. I went to a girlfriend's housewarming party and fed the fire while catching up with old friends and meeting new friends. And, while I didn't get to see my old Turk, we did get to take P to a children's museum where she had a ton of fun.

All in all, it was a most wonderful weekend. And, today, I'm off to work. #momoftheyear would take her kid sledding, but I'm going to let P play with her BFF while I get some extra hours in. That way, I've got more time with her while she's on winter break.


Cheers!
mouse

12.09.13: Oh Christmas Tree

Dear Friends and Family,

It's so nice having a four and a half year old in the house. She's so easily delighted and so open sharing her joy.

Saturday, we got our Christmas tree. We picked it up after lunch and P napped while Mr. mouse put the lights on. When P woke up from her nap and came downstairs, the lights were just about on and she was giddy with excitement.

We went out for a fabulous ramen dinner and P was so cute. Mommy, I really like the restaurant you picked. Mommy, that was a great choice you made. Mommy, we should come here again.

We came home and started putting up ornaments. Each ornament solicited a response from P. Oh, this one is lovely. Oh, I like this one, it's so sparkly. Oh, this one is my favorite. It was almost too much.

We also started telling her some of the stories. This one is the first one Mommy bought. This is the one from the year Mommy and Daddy got married. This is the one from the year you were born. This is the one from last year. She wanted to put all the special ornaments up high where everyone could see them.

After decorating the tree, we made cookies from some dough we made earlier in the day. They came out a little crispy, even for me, which is saying something, because I didn't think cookies can ever be too crispy.

Sunday, P went to church. Then, we went boot shopping (bust) and ornament shopping (score). We bought a lovely orange ornament because it's an uncommon color and because we wanted to commemorate P's new found love of the color orange. She wears it at least once a week now.

Our friend, who really needs a nickname because he's moving to the area and we'll be seeing more of him came over for dinner last night. He reads German, so P had a blast reading Benjamin with him. And, I had fun catching up with him, telling him about my family quandaries and sharing thoughts with him on how to be present in the moment and at peace with yourself.

While our friend who really needs a nickname and I were chatting, P was outside with Mr. mouse. She LOVES shoveling so we let her shovel the front steps while the snow blower was going in the back. She also threw snowballs with Mr. mouse and one made it outside the gate. When she came in, she had the pink cheek, pink nose look that makes her even more huggable than she normally is.

And, now it's Monday, and time to get ready for the day.


Cheers!
mouse

12.02.13: Home Again

Dear Friends and Family,

We went on vacation for five days to visit my sister and my childhood friend. And, while it was great spending time with them, it's good to be home.

Originally planned as a combination beach vacation, family vacation, Thanksgiving with my sister trip, the trip turned into mostly Thanksgiving with my sister. We went to the beach briefly on Wednesday and Thursday. Friday, we went to a park to get some gross motor in. Saturday it rained. And, Sunday it rained. So much for beach. I feel like I've been denied beach for multiple trips now for multiple reasons. I think I may have to make it a point to spend more time in the water next summer so I don't feel so denied.

The family vacation piece was a little tough because my sister doesn't like venturing outside of the house. I mean she really doesn't like it. The real trials and tribulations and the perceived trials and tribulations would be comical, except I feel sorry for my nephew. There could be car accidents, people who can mug you, people who can break into your car, the sun, the possibility of a fall, rain, snakes, mulch to be eaten, sand to be eaten, slides to avoided, swings to be avoided, bugs, lack of food locations, lack of nap locations, I mean the list is endless. So, outside of a trip to the park one day and a visit to see my childhood friend, we were somewhat house bound.

So, we had lots of time with my sister and my brother-in-law and my nephew. P has a lot of fun playing Lego with her uncle. They built all sorts of things together. And, my sister had fun talking with P about all the things P likes to talk about. Mr. mouse and I had fun trying to engage my nephew. We tried to get some colors and numbers into his head. I'm not sure how much of it stuck.

Still, there's much to be thankful for. As always, there's Mr. mouse and P, I can't imagine life without them. I'm thankful for the health and happiness of my family and friends. We're fortunate to have food on the table and a roof over our head. With my work change, I'm thankful for having time to get somewhat involved in P's school. Of course, there is also having time to get the house somewhat back in order. Thirdly, there's having time to work on my idea. We're making progress on our retirement funding. There's time playing with P. And, there's being happy with what you have even if life sometimes seems a little unfair when viewed through the eyes of a four and a half year old.

P was trying to tell us that life was unfair because someone else had more of something than she did. We told her it was important to be happy with what you have and to not always compare. I think the lesson sunk in when she learned that someone else who is older than her only gets $1 a week for allowance and she gets $4. We suggested dropping hers to $1 and she told us it's important to be happy with what you have and to not always compare. I guess she is listening and some of it is sinking in.

Happy Thanksgiving.


Cheers!
mouse

11.25.13: Relaxing Weekend

Dear Friends and Family,

It was a most excellent weekend.

Saturday, we went to P's science fair and saw what she's been working on for the past two months. Sunday, we had a play date with one of P's old friends from old school.

The house is reasonably clean. The to do list is tamed. And, vacation starts on Wednesday morning. P has three days off from school which means I have three days off from work. Hooray! No real plans, but I'm excited to have the time with P.


Cheers!
mouse

11.18.13: Race Weekend

Dear Friends and Family,

We flew down to Austin for the F1 race. It was tiring, but fun. We flew in Friday, got take out barbecue, and talked the night away with our old neighbors. Then, we woke up Saturday, ate a giant breakfast, watched qualifying, and lazed the afternoon away. We took P to the park. P and I slept while Mr. mouse went to the supermarket. And, we talked to another old friend we ran into on our way out to dinner.

Saturday night, we met up with a group of friends for more barbecue. It was great catching up with old friends. I talked the night away, again, with my old neighbor. She's such a good listener, it's hard to keep track of time.

Sunday, we woke to another giant breakfast. And, we watched the race. It was warm, but not too bad considering the temperatures. We drove to the airport, picked up more barbecue and flew home.

We were all exhausted this morning. Still, it was good to see the race and great to see old friends. I wish we could have stayed longer, but we need to work around P's school schedule now.


Cheers!
mouse

11.11.13: Birthday Weekend

Dear Friends and Family,

Happy Monday!

We celebrated Mr. mouse's birthday weekend with Mr. mouse's best friend and his family.

Saturday, we split up.

Mr. mouse and his friend decided to go on a road trip. They picked up our snow tires at a store that sells them cheap. They also had lunch with a friend, and visited a car museum on the way home.

The moms and the kids went to a park. Then, we went out of sushi. Then, we went back to the park. We picked up cupcakes. We made birthday cards. P and the moms napped. The two older kids played.

We all regrouped for a veritable feast at home for dinner. Afterwards, the kids slept while the adults played mahjong.

Sunday, we went on another road trip.

We went to see another museum. We ate a sausage lunch with a horde of Packers fans. We picked up macarons. We ate more sushi. The kids played while the adults swapped photos. After baths, it was time for bed.

The weekend went quickly. But, it was so refreshing. The weather was great. I got some sunlight. We had a chance to catch up with friends (which is on my current Top 3) and P had so much fun playing with the other two kids. We let all three kids sleep in P's room. It was her first sleepover.

I feel so much better than I did on Friday morning. I feel ready to tackle the week ahead vs. on Friday I was just trying to make it through the day. I suppose that's why we need weekends.

I'm glad our was so much fun.


Cheers!
mouse

11.04.13: Kid Focused Weekend

Dear Friends and Family,

Friday, I picked P up from school and we went to her friend's house for a play date. She had fun with the art and the popcorn. I found out I'm really allergic to cats now.

Saturday, P went to school in the morning. Then, she went to a birthday party. And, Mr. mouse took her on a bike ride on a trailer we borrowed from a friend.

Sunday, P went to church. Then, she had a play date with a friend.

As far as weekends go, I don't think she could have had more fun. Oh wait, she had a complete meltdown the first 15 minutes of her play date on Sunday. Okay, outside of that, I don't think she could have had a more fun weekend.

It's a busy week this week, but no busier than last week. Actually, I made a conscious decision not to go into work on Wednesday. I could have, for a culture training. It'd be "easy" hours. But, I decided I'd rather have the time at home to do other stuff.


Cheers!
mouse

10.28.13: Weekend with Grandma

Dear Friends and Family,

My mom was here this weekend. And, while P had fun, she also told me she wants time with just Mr. mouse and me.

Saturday, she went to her science class. Based on some paperwork I found in her bag, I think they made paper. Then, P went to an art supplies store with Mr. mouse and picked up some Mod Podge, the glue of choice for decoupage projects. She went on a bike ride with Mr. mouse while my mom and I watched the figurative paint dry. I finally decided to take a nap. Then, P came home and took a nap. While P had fun, and Mr. mouse had fun, I felt like it was a waste of my Mom's time to be here while P wasn't doing much of anything with her. Oh well.

Saturday night, we decoupaged our pumpkin. We traced pictures. We colored them. We cut them out. We pasted them on the pumpkin.

Sunday, we all went to church. Then, we took P to a park and to lunch. We came home. I napped. P played outside with my Mom and Mr. mouse. Apparently, near the end, she raked all of the leaves into a pile with Mr. mouse. Then, she said she wanted to nap in the leaves. When Mr. mouse told her she couldn't, she said she was going to her room. They found her five minutes later, in her room, cuddled up in bed, asleep. I guess she was tired.

Sunday night, we watched an auto race, we ate popcorn, we ate dinner, we did some stickers, we opened P's Halloween bag, and before you knew it, it was time for bed.

And, now it's Monday. I have an abbreviated work week with Halloween thrown in there. And, I have lots of odds and ends thrown in there as well. I have lunch duty on Wednesday and a blood draw on Wednesday. I have two interviews and a lunch date on Friday and a play date on Friday. And, we have play-date-palooza over the weekend with one on Saturday and one on Sunday.

One day at a time, mouse. After all, that's how we got through the to do list this weekend.


Cheers!
mouse

10.21.13: Fun Fall Weekend

Dear Friends and Family,

We had a lovely fall weekend.

Saturday, P went to school in the morning. Then, we went out to the pumpkin patch in the afternoon. P got to ride her tractor wagon ride, and we picked a ginormous pumpkin to bring home. We're decorating it this week for a school project. Then, Mr. mouse will need to drive us and the pumpkin to school on Monday.

I think the easiest thing to do will be to bring it to school in P's baby stroller. Then, I can bring the stroller home on the bus. It looked a lot smaller in the pumpkin patch. It really did.

Sunday, we took P to watch Frog and Toad. We had been preparing all week, rereading our Frog and Toad books. And, to say we were excited was an understatement. The set was gorgeous. The songs were delightful. But, the best part, for me, was watching P.

Her face lit up with smiles and laughter. She giggled when she couldn't control herself watching Frog and Toad cavort on the stage. She looked to the back of the theater to see what was there when the characters peered than way. And, she looked appropriately scared when Frog was alone on the forest and we all knew Old Dark Frog was going to show up. It really was amazing to watch her face. I wish I was allowed to take pictures during the play, but I wasn't so I didn't.

We found a nice Greek diner for lunch and then played at the playground across the street. We got gelato. We ran errands. We ate dinner at home.

It was a fabulous weekend. And, best of all, I revisited my to do list. And, it's never been shorter! Congratulations, mouse.


Cheers!
mouse

10.14.13: Go! Runners! Go!

Dear Friends and Family,

It's Monday. We had a fabulous weekend doing what I love most, spending time with friends and family. I didn't get as much time with P. But, I enjoyed the time with our friends who visited to run the marathon. The weather was perfect, the runners did fantastic, and I loved the chance to spend more time with my inspirational friends.

Now, it's Monday. I have a chunk of meetings. And, the house needs to get back in order. But, I have the most fabulous gift of all, a normal week and free time to work on my idea!

Talking to my girl friend reminded me of how fortunate I am. I have a day job that pays me 70% of what I made. I have time with P. And, I have time to pursue something I could get very passionate about. I have a home I can share. I have a daughter who is precious and loves me. I have a spouse who understands me and loves me. I truly am blessed.

And, knowing that and knowing I have somewhat of a routine makes it easy for me to feel great this morning.

Go! mouse! Go!


Cheers!
mouse

10.07.13: Inflection Point

Dear Friends and Family,

Finally! A weekend on calm.

Saturday, P went to school. Yes, she went to school on Saturday. She just started an "enrichment" program that meets on Saturdays. The program is focused on language, math and science. P picked the science class for the fall semester. She loved it. It's sad to think we lose two and a half hours of quality Saturday time with her. But, if she's enjoying it, then I guess I am excited for her. It's just that it didn't hit me until this weekend that we were losing that Saturday morning time together.

Saturday afternoon we played at home painting a rocket ship. That's all we did and it was fabulous.

Sunday, P went to school while I went to church. Then, we went to the park since we hadn't been there for months. P had fun playing in the hammock. And, she conquered the next level of climbing on the net. She's growing so quickly.

After the park, we headed out to the burbs for lunch. P wanted to go to our favorite Korean restaurant, so with nothing on the agenda for the day, we drove out. P and I napped on the way home. And, once P woke up, we built the rocket ship. It's quickly become a house for P and me and toddler kid. A space age house where you can press a button and get food and clothes and medicine, but a house nonetheless.

It was a relaxing weekend. And, now, I'm somewhat gearing up for the week. Still lots to do. But, it's a more routine week. Today will be busy for work, both the day and the afternoon while P is napping. Tomorrow will be busy for work, but just the day. I will have time in the afternoon for me. Wednesday, I have a doctor's appointment during the day. And, I'll have time in the afternoon for me, I hope. Thursday, will be busy at work, but just the day. I will have time in the afternoon for me. Friday, I have the whole day blocked off. I've got about an hour of work. And, the rest of the day is mouse time.

Wow, it feels good to think there's so much time available for me. I think I've hit an inflection point.


Cheers!
mouse

09.30.13: Last of the Action Packed Weekends, Hopefully

Dear Friends and Family,

After multiple death marches, I hope we're done with the action packed weekends. I hope we have time to spend at home without a to do list that fills a page.

This Saturday, we started with a haircut and a picnic while the house was being cleaned. Then, we went to the amusement park and dinner and the mall. Sunday, we went to church and a baseball game. We finally had time Sunday night to let P play at home and do some work with Mr. mouse. Her handwriting's gone to pot since she left old school. We haven't had time to practice. Time to make time for that, I guess.

This week is another bad week. But, once we get through Saturday, we have a full day of nothingness on Sunday. That's nice.

I also spoke with Mr. mouse on Saturday night. We agreed that my days need to be less hectic. So, I'm relegating house work to when P naps. During the day, I will focus on my old work, my new work, and me. At least that's the idea. So, we're going to give that a try this week.

And, nothing scheduled for next Sunday, right?


Cheers!
mouse

09.24.13: Lovely Fall

Dear Friends and Family,

We had a most hectic weekend. But, it was nice to enjoy it with P and Mr. mouse and our friends.

Saturday, we had a quick trip to the salon, followed by a quick trip to the library, followed by a play date, followed by brunch, followed by an Apple Festival, followed by mail, followed by returns and exchanges at the mall, followed by shoe shopping at the mall, followed by shoe shopping at the outlet mall, followed by dinner. Are you exhausted yet?

The play date was fun. It was with another family from new school. They seemed completely normal. The kids had fun at the bounce house and the story time. The adults had a chance to chat. All in all, it was a successful first play date by my relatively non-picky standards.

The shopping was good. We got some much needed shoes for P. I just wish we didn't have to go to so many stores to get them all.

Sunday, we had church, followed by brunch, followed by zoo, followed by groceries, followed by play time, followed by dinner, followed by bath, followed by sleep. It wasn't as action packed as Saturday, but after Saturday it does feel like it was a non-stop weekend. P was tired at the zoo. It's a good thing we brought the wagon. I think we've got about one or two more years and then she'll be tired of zoo. Perhaps now is a better time for San Diego. We went when she was two and she was frightened witless of the animals.

It's a hectic week this week. Let's see if we can get through it without growing the to do list more. It's not two columns long. Happy Monday!


Cheers!
mouse

09.16.13: Free Weekend

Dear Friends and Family,

I walked into the weekend free and clear of chores and it felt great. The laundry was done. The dry cleaning was picked up. The birthday present was picked up. The library books were picked up. All the little things were done. We still needed groceries and a Target run, but it felt good to have all of the other stuff done.

We went out on Saturday to go apple picking. We picked a small farm this year. On the positives, we got to pick honey crisp apples, it wasn't crowded, and we didn't walk away with a car full of apple accessories (e.g. apple donuts, apple cider, apple bread, apple pie). On the negatives, we got eaten alive by some small bug, we had to dodge the bees, and there were no tractor rides. Still, we have a fridge full of apples and that's always a good thing.

On Sunday, we went to a birthday party. P had fun once she got used to the mob of kids and the noise. Then, we tried to go to a baseball game. It was delayed. We tailgated. It was delayed some more. We left. They ultimately played. We submitted our tickets for tickets next April. The seats won't be as good, but I guess that's better than no compensation. Mr. mouse will probably look for a game later on this season to give P a chance to go to batting practice and run the bases.

P and I had good naps on Sunday. And, we built a fabulous little set with our Lego. It started with a step pyramid that morphed into a pizza oven. It went from there to a food truck that morphed into a Google car that can drive 24 hours. We added a place for people to hang out in the rain and then bar seating for the pizza restaurant. Life didn't feel complete, so we built a zoo and a restaurant with a beach. A Daddy brought his two kids and their three pet giraffes. And, then the fun began of people buying tickets to pet the giraffes. P dressed up for a party they were going to have at the zoo. But, then, Mr. mouse insisted on selling tickets to the party and it turned into math night. It was still fun.

And, now, it's Monday. This week feels like it can be even better than last week. I'm going to see if I can take on more. I may try clearing the kitchen counter. I may. I may not. We'll see where this leads.


Cheers!
mouse

09.09.13: First Semi-Normal Week

Dear Friends and Family,

After a week that defies categorization, we decided to take it easy over the weekend.

Saturday morning, P and I took a picnic breakfast and a picnic blanket to the park. We ate our breakfasts, we watched a puppet show, and P rode the swing. We headed home when it started raining. We had fun.

We read books and played while the house was cleaned. We ate lunch. We slept in the car on the ride to P's play date.

P had fun playing with Q, a friend from daycare school, while Q's mom and I talked schooling. We stayed until the kids were run ragged and then loaded up the car for the ride home.

Sunday morning, we went to church. P got to go to weekend school which she missed terribly when it was closed over the summer. And, then, I napped during the afternoon while P got time with Mr. mouse. We spent the afternoon with friends and even made a new friend in our neighborhood. Yay!

Sunday night we had dinner at home and weighed P again. She has lost half a pound since starting school. It's concerning. We'll have to see how this week goes.

Today, I've got a couple of work meetings on the phone. I have a call with a school for gifted and talented children. And, I'm going to call my Dad to thank him for a super nice card he sent me.

Tomorrow's my big "new" day. But, for today, I'm going to enjoy today and hopefully feel like the world is a little more solid than it was last week.


Cheers!
mouse

08.19.13: 5

Dear Friends and Family,

You couldn't ask for a better weekend, minus one painful monkey wrench.

We enjoyed the wonderful weekend weather, taking P on a bike ride, enjoying dinner on the roof, and going to the beach.

The only hiccup in all of this was my ankle. I've decided that walking and daydreaming is just a bad combination for me. That's when I roll my ankle and this time I rolled it pretty bad. The giant scrape on my right knee only made it worse. And, walking to the beach afterwards didn't help. And, forgetting to take Advil didn't help. And, sleeping without a brace certainly didn't help. So, I'm in a world of hurt this morning.

Outside of that, the weekend was great. P had so much fun in the sand and in the water. I think I'll take her to play in the sand even when the weather cools down a little. I think she'll enjoy it. I hope she grows up loving the water. It was such an integral part of my childhood.

P was so solicitous yesterday. She asked repeatedly if I was okay. She offered to help me walk by holding my hand. She cried when I told her I couldn't walk to the car with her and Mr. mouse. She helped me clean my knee when we got home. She gave me lots of hugs and kisses. I'm glad she's so compassionate.

And, now, I enter my final week at work. Many, many days down, five to go.


Cheers!
mouse

08.12.13: 10

Dear Friends and Family,

P had lots of parent time this weekend. We spent Saturday morning together walking the neighborhood doing errands. P had the afternoon with Mr. mouse while I napped. We went to a birthday party together where P saw a working farm. Our kid is no longer deathly afraid of animals. We played school together.

Sunday, we went to church together. We went to look at ships together. We went to the park together. We painted together. We played school together.

I so enjoyed the baby years. And, the toddler years were fun. Now, I'm glad to enjoy the little kid years.

Last night, I cleared out my computer and my phone. I printed out my letter, signed it, and put it in an envelope. Today, I tell my boss. I tell my employees. And, on the way home, I tell P.

We're entering into a new phase together and I'm super excited.


Cheers!
mouse

08.06.13: Welcome to 2013

Dear Friends and Family,

We spent the weekend with our neighbors. There was much food and time to catch up. And, as always, it's a little sad to see them go. I felt like I really had a chance to talk to them this time, even if things were so busy with stuff to do. We had a chance to talk college and careers and personality types and that's not something we get to do often.

Then, Monday came and it was time to drop off presents at school. One thing I've learned is P is shy even with her old teachers. Another thing I learned is she really doesn't like little kids. I had to talk to her about her manners, we had a lot of not responsiveness when her old teachers asked her questions and a lot of fidgeting when the younger kids started crying. I guess I should try to remember she's only four. She said she'd be better about it when we go to say bye in three weeks. We'll see.

And, Monday night, I got a little gift from Mr. mouse and me. I got a new iPhone to replace my feature phone. I needed a new phone because, in three weeks, I need to turn in my work phone. Yes, it's the one thing I wanted to buy for this transition. Now, I'm off to counting again.

14 days.


Cheers!
mouse

07.29.13: Frenetic, but Happy Weekend

Dear Friends and Family,

Not a weekend I would have planned for in any way, shape, or form, but in addition to having our neighbors over from the winter cabin, we flew home for my cousin's wedding and saw Book of Mormon. Oh, and this week counts down the second to last week before I give notice. See? Not a weekend I would have planned for in any way, shape, or form.

The wedding itself was fun. The food at the cocktail hour was better than the food at the dinner. The highlights were how happy my uncle and aunt were that we could make it, learning that one of my favorite cousins has moved back to the states, catching up with my brother, watching P dance, and taking photos in the photo booth with P.

I think she wants more photo booth pictures so Mr. mouse and I are trying to figure out how to manage that one... Unfortunately, we didn't get one of the strips that P and I took, but I'm going to focus on the positive with the one we did get. I think the guy manning the booth didn't realize we did two of them. Sigh.

Then, we came home and Mr. mouse took P to the park while I went to see Book of Mormon with my neighbors. It was so funny, I laughed until I cried. We came home and I had a chance to catch up with the Mom and Daughter while Mr. mouse went out for wine, steaks and baguette with the Dad.

It was a little brisk, but we enjoyed time on the roof. And, that, my friends, is a perfect way to finish off a happy weekend.


Cheers!
mouse

07.22.13: Howdy Y'all

Dear Friends and Family,

We had a busy, busy weekend with friends in town from Wisconsin. Our old neighbor and his girlfriend came in for the weekend and we had a ton of fun.

Friday night we gorged on Cuban food. Saturday, we went for dim sum and then went to the museum to see a couple of exhibits they were interested in. P fell asleep at the museum, but she had fun while she was awake.

We spent Saturday evening on the deck eating ice cream and pizza and enjoying the wonderful weather. We came in when the ominous clouds came in. And, we spent the rest of the evening playing with P. When P fell a sleep, we played spades, girls vs. boys until we were all ready to pass out.

Sunday, I went to church. Then, P and I went to the park to play in the sprinklers while Mr. mouse went on a bike ride with our friends. The afternoon was a bit of a mish-mosh because we were all a little tired. Mr. mouse made magic fried rice. Our friends went for a walk. P and I took naps.

Then, they had to leave. And, we had the evening to eat dinner and wind down the weekend.

And, now it's Monday and I have nine more days at work before I give notice. Nine. That's right. Nine.


Cheers!
mouse