12:07:15: Monday Morning

Dear Friends and Family,

It's Monday and it's foggy out. There's a bunch of stuff I should probably work on getting done today, but I think I'll start with writing.

Friday ballooned into a long evening. It started with a phone call to schedule a doctor's appointment that grew into a visit to the immediate care unit that ballooned into a visit to the emergency room that almost exploded into getting admitted for observation. Fortunately, the emergency room doctor gave me to choice of going home for the evening if I promised to call my primary care physician first thing Monday morning.

I felt okay. The test results were all normal. And, I didn't want a hospital stay on my record unless it was for something I really couldn't get out of, so we opted to go home for the evening. Now, I'm on hold with my doctor's office because the first available appointment is for 12/17 which isn't what the emergency room doctor had in mind when she sent me home.

Saturday, I went to a funeral. I'm not going to lie. It sucked. It was for a friend who passed away unexpectedly. He was Mr. mouse's age. This is the third time I've had to say good-bye to someone I considered an age peer. It sucks. The first time sucked the most.

Saturday evening, we tried to get into the Christmas spirit. We bought our tree. We put up our lights. We went to bed exhausted.

Sunday, we finished the tree. Mr. mouse took P grocery shopping. We went to see the Nutcracker. We went to bed on time.

Today, I'd like to get through a pile of papers that has been building up. I need to continue to make progress on the living room. There's Christmas cards and our party invite that both need to get sent off. I should shower and get ready for the day.


Cheers!
mouse

10.05.15: Weekend Experiences

Dear Friends and Family,

Mr. mouse and I had a fundamental difference on what we wanted to do Saturday night. I wanted to go out to an earlier dinner with a smaller group of parents. He wanted to go out to a later get together with a larger group of parents. It seemed like he may have been okay going to the earlier dinner, but I inadvertently made it a moot point when I asked one of the parents if she wanted a ride to dinner so we didn't need to look for two parking spots at dinner. It a moot point because I knew, but forgot for a moment, that she wanted to go to both. So rather than let it get all awkward, we went to both. I figured at that point it wasn't worth fighting since I knew Mr. mouse wanted to go and I was the one that had offered the ride.

Well, when all was said and done we spent $116 on the evening's entertainment. I had fun, but I'm not sure I had $116 worth of fun.

I've come to realize Mr. mouse and I have more fundamental differences that matter. We tripped across one on Friday night too. I'm not sure if I've changed or if he's changed or if we've changed. In the past, I think it mattered less to us what we were doing as long as we were doing it together because sometimes when you're hanging with your best friend you're happy just because you're hanging with your best friend. But, now, it seems different. I guess now we're pickier about what we want to do. Perhaps it's because when the event is the primary purpose of going then you get more thoughtful on the event. And, well your companion, in some instances, is the person you showed up with and the one you left with, but isn't necessarily the reason you went.

On a positive note we had crepes Sunday night with P, but I'm still sad we couldn't get to agreement on Saturday. It makes me realize that things are different now.


Cheers!
mouse

09.28.15: Strip, Wash, Paint, Apply Second Coat

Dear Friends and Family,

Mr. mouse apologized on Saturday morning and it was enough to get us through the day. We had it out Saturday night and tried to make amends last night. I'm calm enough to go forward with whatever it is we have now. I feel like each time we fight something more dies in the relationship, but like a plant that limps along, I don't have the heart to throw it out until the last leaf has withered and fallen.

We used Saturday to take on a project we had delayed forever. We repainted the stairs in front of our house. This involved stripping off the old paint, cleaning the stairs, and then applying two coats of new paint. It looks amazing, like a giant multi-tiered chocolate cake. I can't wait for it to be fully dried/cured.

And, now it's Monday. I've got a pile of papers I need to get through.


Cheers!
mouse

09.21.15: Apple Picking

Dear Friends and Family,

It's September and we went apple picking. It was a beautiful day out. The apples were bountiful. We played afterwards in the play area and a corn maze and a corn pit. And, we ended the day watching pig races and winning a cookie eating contest. It couldn't have been hokier.

Then, Sunday was a jumble of errands and a birthday party. And, now it's Monday and I have drop-off duty this morning because Mr. mouse is stuck with work this morning. I've got the radio playing. I'll give P five more minutes before I get her ready.

Happy Monday.


Cheers!
mouse

09.08.15: Last Day of Summer Vacation

Dear Friends and Family,

It's Tuesday. P starts school tomorrow. So, it's our last day of summer vacation before she starts first grade. We don't have anything specific planned, but I'm sure I'll enjoy the day.

And, tomorrow kicks off a new day. P will be back in school. Mr. mouse will be back at work. And, I will be wrapping my head around my new day. There's so much I put on hold over the summer I'm a little bit at a loss on where to begin. I should probably take the time to create a new Top 3.

There is one thing I am able to wrap my head around that I am super excited about. Mr. mouse switched jobs (same company, new department) and as a result got a pay increase. After being on a budget for a year, I felt like we had a good handle on things. In fact, outside of August (we had to replace our hot water heater) we had been consistently under spending our monthly budget. So, I decided to create a new line item in our budget - experience fund: doing something new or different or a fan favorite. In other words, the money can't be used to buy stuff. It's meant to do stuff, like go to see a play or try a new restaurant or travel or try something, but not to buy anything for us or the house or for other people. I think I'm fine using it to entertain because there is something new gained by spending time with friends. I'm super excited to see what we end up spending the money on. I think it'll be a great way to expand our horizons.

Oh, in case you're wondering, where did the last two weeks go? We went to Disney World and did the Magic Kingdom for two days. The original idea was to have P nap in the car, but that didn't work because frankly the car is just too far away to be a practical napping point. Instead, she spent a lot of time in her stroller and ate a lot of sugar and got to stay up until midnight each night. Then, we spent two low key days at Legoland Florida. We rode the rides, played with the legos, bought souvenirs, and watched the shows. It was a vacation my sister had been trying to plan for awhile so I'm glad we finally got to go. We all enjoyed it and P still talks about different things she noticed while on the rides or seeing the shows.

Then, we came home, unpacked, repacked, and headed out to Spain. Mr. mouse had a trip to Madrid and P and I decided to tag along since all we needed to pay for was our food and entertainment. We took P to see Guernica since she's a big Picasso fan. And, we played a little in the playground. But, the primary purpose of the trip was to buy P's clothes. We spent a lot of time shopping. P got her fall wardrobe and we didn't have to spend a small fortune. For example, at home, a pair of pants that fit her proportions costs $42. Yep, $42 for kid's pants. In Spain, we were able to buy pants for half that price. Dresses? half off. Sweaters? half off. Tops? half off. Shoes? no dice, more expensive and lower quality. So, we bought almost all of her fall and winter clothes while we were in Spain.

So, that's been our life the past two weeks. Time to get ready for the day.


Cheers!
mouse

7/20/15: Looking for Lincoln

Dear Friends and Family,

We were originally supposed to go to Montreal for the weekend to see our friends. But, when they called to tell us that their daughter had a fever of 104, we decided to cancel the weekend. P was crushed because she was really looking forward to seeing her friend. So crushed we bought her a Lgeo set and took her out to dinner to try and make up for the lost fun. So crushed that she didn't want to go to either birthday party we originally declined for the weekend. So crushed she almost cried. So crushed we looked up other weekend trip options and found one in Springfield, The Land of Lincoln.

P's been reading a lot about Lincoln and the Civil War because we pretty much let her read what she wants even if we have to deal with the consequences. So, we've already had long talks about slavery, war, tuberculosis, typhoid, assassination, civil rights, and everything else that comes with learning about these topics. So, we thought a trip to Springfield would be a great way to see more Lincoln related things.

Our first stop was Lincoln's home. This wasn't the log cabin where he was born. It's the house he bought with Mary after they got married. We watched a movie learning a lot about Lincoln's pre-presidency life both as a lawyer, a politician, a father, and a husband. We walked through the house and saw his parlor and his bedroom and learned a little about life in the late 1800s. We really enjoyed it.

Our second stop was Lincoln's presidential library and museum. The library isn't open on weekends, but the museum is. We saw two more movies there - one about Lincoln's presidential years and the Civil War and the other about the library and why presidential libraries exist. We also got to walk through two dioramas - one of the log cabin and one of the White House. The first movie was a little scary for P. But, she enjoyed seeing all of the dresses at the White House Blue Room recreation. This was also a good place to buy souvenirs.

Our last stop was Lincoln's tomb. We were all a little hot and a little tired by then so it's a good thing that the tomb is a pretty low key stop. We saw several miniatures of statues of Lincoln including one P knows from Lincoln Park. And, we saw his final resting place.

After that, it was a quick trip home. Sunday, we all slept in. I got a text from a mom who I am Facebook friends with. She noticed that our trip had been cancelled and wanted to know if P still wanted to come to her daughter's birthday party. We jumped on the chance. P had a lot of fun. We had an afternoon play date as well. P enjoyed the weekend after all and soon it was time for bed.


Cheers!
mouse

06.29.15: Joyous Free Weekend

Dear Friends and Family,

What started out as a very ambiguous weekend ended up being a lot of fun. We originally had a trip planned that got cancelled because of weather. When you read a weather forecast that includes the words 100% chance of precipitation, drenching rains, thunderstorms, 1-2 inches of rain expected, 20 mph wind with 40 mph gusts, flood warnings, you begin to reconsider whether an outdoor trip will be a lot of fun. And, we decided it wouldn't be a lot of fun. So, instead we opted for a free weekend at home.

Saturday, we found a carnival in town. We bought P a $25 wristband and she went to town riding the rides. Her faux sister joined us so she had company on a lot of the rides. It was a fun day capped by a play date and lovely time on the roof.

Sunday, we restocked on groceries. P and I drew a giant ice cave turned coral reef cave in the courtyard before coming inside to play. Our friends brought their little boy over and Mr. mouse cooked up a feast for all. They are such gracious guests. We're fortunate, we love having people over. And, the people we have over are great people to have over. But, they could write a book on it. It was a great way to finish up the weekend.

And, now, it's Monday. Fortunately, P's camp this week is closer to home. I hope to get some work done in between drop-off and pick-up. The Supreme Court ruled in favor of marriage equality. Hooray! Now, I'm waiting on our month end retirement review tomorrow, the results from P's audition by Wednesday, and the weather for Fourth of July weekend by Friday.


Cheers!
mouse

06.22.15: Quiet Weekend

Dear Friends and Family,

It was a quiet weekend at home for us. Saturday, we went to the library to pick up some books. Then, P had a make up swim class. And, we spent the rest of the time at home playing. P had a chance to practice her tennis in the courtyard. She read 30 minutes for her library challenge. We ate dinner and it was bath time. Sunday, I went to church while P and Mr. mouse went shopping for groceries. We went to watch the baseball game. And, by the time we got home it was time for dinner and bed.

It was a great weekend. And, the homily at church gave me lots to think about. The father brought in the Pope's recently released paper on climate change and it really got me thinking. If we think of people along two separate axes (not a grid, but two spectra), one socio-economic and one time-based, then we can plot everyone along both of those lines. And, if you're a Christian Buddhist like me, you believe everyone on those lines are connected in a community.

Now switch gears to food supply, and clean water, and safe shelter and other things we want for ourselves and those we love and care for. For better or for worse, unless something changes, our immediate family does not want for food or clean water or clothes or a roof. We are fortunate to live lives that provide us with plenty. But, that's not true for everyone. Someone lives on the border where food is inadequate, where clean water is not a given, where clothes and a roof are not assumed. And, the question I need to answer is do my actions (e.g. how I consume the Earth's resources) impact their access to food and water and home? When I consume beef, the grain and water it took to raise my beef could have fed another person. Beef is one of the worst offenders, but there's plenty out there. Or when I contribute to global warming, does that change the climate in a way that makes someone else's home drought-ridden or flood-prone? I'm not sure. I think it does.

But, it's easy to think selfishly about ourselves and forget about "those" people who don't interact with us daily. That's where the time spectrum comes in. If these changes are real, and I do believe they are, then it will worsen with time. How much time has to pass before it impacts someone I know. Will it be in my lifetime? Will it be in P's lifetime? In her children's lifetime? I don't think you have to go very far into the future before it impacts the people you do know. People are living longer and having children later. For example, if P has one child when she's 35 years old and that old child lives to be 80, we're talking 2124 when we talk about that person's lifetime. Do I owe this possible future person, my potential grandchild, a world that can sustain it? And, even if P doesn't have kids, will one of her friends? Or one of my "nephews and nieces?" Yes, someone will. And, yes, I think I do.

Which brought me to my last thought before we headed to the baseball game. Is Starbucks sinful? I was waiting for Mr. mouse and P to pick me up from church. And, there was a white woman walking down the street with a Starbucks cup in her hand. And, there was a black man begging for food and money and moment of human connection. Is it right for me to spend $4 on coffee when another member of my community wants? Is Starbucks sinful?

I'm not sure.


Cheers!
mouse

06.01.15: First Days of Summer Vacation

Dear Friends and Family,

It's Monday and it's the first "real" day of summer vacation. After many ups and downs we ended May on a high note. We found buyers for some tickets we had. We had some good news come in the last couple of days budget-wise. And, our retirement review was also positive. So, after a month where it felt like nothing was going to break our way, in the end, things worked out okay.

Thursday afternoon, P had a doctor's appointment for her six year check up. I almost made us late, but I took a couple of moments to take some pictures outside of school. And, I'm glad I did because Friday pickup couldn't have been more chaotic. Instead of staggering dismissals, all of the grades dismiss together for the last day of school. On top of that, everyone is trying to capture the last day of school. And, to make matters worse, the skies opened up 10 minutes before dismissal and it was pouring buckets for 30 minutes. Like I said, I'm glad I took pictures on Thursday.

Saturday, we had pancakes for breakfast. Then, we took P to a dance workshop. To say she loved it would be an understatement. She came out positively glowing. I love that she has passions. I love that she enjoys her activities. I love that she's willing to try something new even if it takes a little extra coaxing at the door.

After P's workshop, we came home and ate lunch. One of P's best friends, we'll call her CHG, came over in the afternoon for a play date. The girls danced upstairs while the dads deejay-ed and the moms caught up. We love spending time with them, they're an easy family to love.

Sunday, I punted on brunch with the boys and went to mass instead to hear our new Archbishop speak. He gave a great homily on family and remembering we're all sent into this world for a reason and it's part of our job as family to help each member do whatever it is that member was sent to do.

I know Catholics don't believe in reincarnation, but I do. I believe we've all got a purpose in life. That purpose might be so that our soul can learn a new lesson on its journey to nirvana. Or that purpose might be so that we can help another soul learn a new lesson on their journey to nirvana. Yesterday's homily really rang true for me.

We spent the rest of Sunday getting new sneakers for P and a new toaster oven for our kitchen. We finished off the day by going to the park. It was freezing cold, but it gave P a chance to run around. Now, it's Monday. I'm hoping it warms up a little bit. If not, we'll figure it out.


Cheers!
mouse

05.18.15: It Was Supposed to Rain, but it Didn't

Dear Friends and Family,

It was supposed to rain this weekend, but it didn't.

Saturday, we went out to the suburbs to pick up a new bicycle for P. The day didn't start out on the right foot. We called ahead. They told us they would hold a particular bike for us. We got there. The bike was gone, apparently sold while we were driving over. We didn't really have enough time to shop around because we had guests coming over for dinner. It was looking like it was going to be a waste of a day. After leaving the store, we turned around and went back in because Mr. mouse wanted to size out helmets for P. While he was looking at helmets, P was standing on a bike, passing the time. By the time Mr. mouse picked out a helmet that fit P, she had fallen in love with the bike she had been playing with. It was a little more than we had in our budget, but since the four grandparents were insistent on buying P her bicycle, we went with it. It would be $10 more each of them, which didn't seem like it was worth quibbling over.

Back in the car, late for dinner, I texted our guests to check on their schedule. They were running behind too. We made it to the grocery and home in time to make dinner and enjoy the evening.

Sunday, we went to church. Then, P had a play date while Mr. mouse and I finally confronted the GIGANTIC WHITE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM keeping the 800 POUND GORILLA company. There was a weekend in June that had a wedding combined with a school reunion and dance recital and a sporting event we had already purchased tickets for. All in two days, none in the same city. After many snide remarks and ill will, we finally settled on a plan that involves splitting up for the weekend, getting two of the four accomplished.

Sunday night, P spent the evening with Mr. mouse while I met a friend for coffee and to work on my website. It's launched, but I'll continue to modify it now that it's live. Now, it's Monday and I've got a busy day ahead of me.


Cheers!
mouse

05.11.15: Birthday Weekend

Dear Friends and Family,

Instead of a birthday party, we decided to celebrate P's birthday with a weekend trip to Cincinnati, the city's whose name I can never remember how to spell. I'd either drop the extra n or add one more n and t. But, that's just me.

We flew over on Saturday afternoon for an overnight at the Cincinnati Museum of Natural History and Science. The theme for the evenings was Caves. We had two guided tours, one of a recreation of a limestone cave and one of cave art exhibit. Then, we had time to explore the museum on our own. P was precious as she led us for our own exploration of the cave. It was just the three of us. She was so cognizant of being quiet we couldn't help giggling. As a last desperate measure to remind us to be quiet, she put her left index finger on her lips and the right index and middle finger in the shape of a V in the air, the sign they use at school to remind the students to be quiet.

She slept like a champ. I couldn't fall asleep, so I spent half the night watching her.

Sunday, we flew back from our overnight. The two men in row 20 reminded me why I believe America can still be a great country. They volunteered to switch seats with P and me so that we could sit together. They made my day. When we landed, we checked into a hotel and let P go swimming. After a lunch of sushi from P's favorite restaurant, P went back to the pool with Mr. mouse while I napped. We drove home and opened presents before turning in for the evening.

I can't end this post without first writing about my Mother's Day present from P. Friday night, P stayed up with Mr. mouse and made a photo book for me. She had the idea and picked out photos from her first six years. She cut them out, pasted them onto pages and bound it as a book. I love it! It was the best present ever.


Cheers!
mouse

05.04.15: Birthday Party Weekend

Dear Friends and Family,

It's Monday and P is getting ready for school with Mr. mouse.

Saturday, P had school. Mr. mouse had house cleaning. I had a chance to look at window treatments online. After school, P and I went to watch a play while Mr. mouse cleaned up more. We finished off the day with a trip out to the suburbs for a surprise 50th birthday party for one of Mr. mouse's colleagues.

Sunday, we slept in. We went to church. We ate lunch. We went to one of P's best friend's birthday party. We came home. We went to sleep.

Mechanistically, it doesn't sounds like much of anything. But, for me, both parties were a wonderful chance to talk with adults and interact socially. I miss that now that I work alone.

Time to get started on the day.


Cheers!
mouse

04.26.15: Spring Has Sprung

Dear Friends and Family,

It's Monday morning. P is eating her breakfast of apples and yogurt. Mr. mouse is getting ready to shower. And, I am counting down the time until I can have my coffee. It's a typical morning in the mouse household. I've got 35 minutes to go which means I had my probiotics 10 minutes ago.

We had a good weekend this weekend. Saturday morning, we took care of all of our children. Yes, I know we only have one child. But, there are times when others need our parenting help. I would have liked to have gone out to brunch again, but I was still full from dinner the night before and the weather was gray, cold and raining. So, we had breakfast at home and it was just as good. We took P to see a play on Saturday with one of her close friends. Afterwards, we came home and the girls played while the parents decided to try and guess the first grade classrooms. Yep. That's what we do for fun. We try and guess classrooms for the fall. It's fun to speculate.

Sunday, I came downstairs at 6 o'clock to begin my day. Five minutes later I received a text from a friend who had just come into town. I picked him up from the train station. We went to church together and then came home. Mr. mouse cooked pancakes and sausages for everyone. I had fruit and almonds. Then, because the weather was nice, we went to see a baseball game. It was freezing in the shade, but once we moved to the sunny side of the stadium, it was warm and balmy and we had fun sitting and enjoying the game.

And, now it's Monday and we're all in weekday mindset. There's school and work and things to be done. Plus, it dawned on me on Saturday that P turns six in two weeks. We need to order her birthday presents. A six year old. How is it possible we'll have a six year old in the house?


Cheers!
mouse

03.16.15: Too Much to Celebrate

Dear Friends and Family,

With Maple Syrup festivals and Pi Day and St. Patrick's Day and the spring weather, it almost seemed like celebration overload for the weekend.

Saturday, we went out to the suburbs to learn about maple syrup. We got to see sap coming out of a tree. We got to taste the sap. We tried tapping a tree. We saw the syrup being boiled down. We saw how pioneers lived. We saw how Native Americans lived. We ate pancakes and maple syrup.

We came home and napped to prepare for the evening.

Saturday evening, we went over to a friend's house to celebrate Pi Day. As always, we had so much fun at their house. it was 11 o'clock when I realized we should probably get P into bed. We got home a little after midnight and went to bed close to one.

Sunday morning came quickly. P and I had a brunch party at American Girl. P loved it, but was good about leaving her borrowed doll, Claire Crouk, at the door when she left.

We came home and napped again to prepare for the afternoon.

Sunday afternoon, we went to a robotics birthday party. It was a great chance to catch up with the parents and to watch the kids make robots. There was a point in the party when the gym was open and twenty kids were playing with their robots on the gym floor. Some were chasing them. So had them corralled with friends using their legs as gates. Some were stooped over them adjusting them. It was pure magic.

And, now, it's Monday. Perhaps we'll celebrate St. Patrick's Day tomorrow. Or, perhaps we'll let to the Irish soda bread we bought be the extent of our celebrations.


Cheers!
mouse

03.09.15: Fresh Off the Boat: 1995 or 2015?

Dear Friends and Family,

Our weekend was fun. We had a play date on Saturday at our friends house. Then, Sunday, P went to see a play with Mr. mouse and I got a chance to do some paper organization.

But, that's not what I want to write about. Living in a major metropolitan area in 2015, I thought we had moved beyond blatant racism to the more insidious racism that is so much harder to prove like white privilege. But, I've come to realize we haven't moved completely into a brave new world which makes me realize if it's like this for me, it's gotta be a whole lot worse for other minorities.

So, what happened? A couple of weeks ago some crazy jumped out of her car and threatened Mr. mouse with her snow scraper and called him a Chink because he got mad at her for driving into a crosswalk full of pedestrians. She also threatened him with the cops, apparently her dad and her brother are part of Chicago's finest. If she was 1,000 years old, it'd be one thing. But, the fact that she was in her mid-twenties adds an entirely different context to the whole incident.

Then, last week, I was at an airport, in Seattle. And, going through security, the TSA agent decided it was necessary to speak to me in very simplified English, slowly and loudly, in a very derogatory tone. I remember this happening in 1995 on flights when people assumed I was a tourist from Asia. But, come on. It's 2015. I've been speaking English for 40+ years. I dress like a sloppy American, not like an Asian tourist. There's no need to presume I can't speak English. It's insulting.

Then, last night, we went out for dinner. We had reservations. There were tons of open tables at 6 o'clock. They walked us past the main dining room to the very last table right by the doorway to the kitchen. Not knowing better, P climbed in and Mr. mouse was ready to climb in. And, I said, no. I didn't want the worst table on the floor when there were clearly better tables free. Mr. mouse asked me if I was willing to wait. I was. Frankly, I would have walked at that point, but I didn't want to make a scene. Not surprisingly, they were able to find us a perfectly acceptable table because when they pulled their collective head out of the fog they realized they had walked past a dozen tables before getting to the table by the service door. I wasn't sure if this whole situation happened because we had a small child with us or because we are Asian. Well, half way through dinner, they sat several families with children throughout the restaurant. I felt that answered my question - wouldn't want those fresh off the boat people where anyone can see them, would we?

And, now, I'm just disappointed in people. In 2015, we still haven't figured this out. And, like I said, if it's like this for me, what must it be like for others? I feel like we've come so far, but there is so much more road that needs to be traveled before we reach a point where race truly doesn't matter. I will have to figure out how to help P navigate a world that still sees black and white.


Cheers!
mouse

03.03.15: Brains. Brains for Breakfast.

Dear Friends and Family,

It's Tuesday morning or rather it's really Monday night even with my generous definition of morning that starts at 4 AM.

Our weekend was fun. Saturday, we went to see a play and then had friends over. Sunday, we went to mass and then dim sum and then P played the afternoon with our friend visiting to see the opera. Monday, I caught up on to dos and finished off season five of Downton Abbey. And, now, I'm packed and off to a quick trip to see Mr. mouse's best friend. I'll be back on Wednesday if everything goes to plan.

Until then, P will be partying with Mr. mouse.


Cheers!
mouse

02.23.15: End of February

Dear Friends and Family,

I won't focus on Saturday night because Saturday night did not go well. Instead, I'll focus on Sunday because Sunday was a lot of fun. We went to church on Sunday morning and heard an inspirational talk about life in general. In essence, the speaker told us that life will be full of challenges and that we need to be brave enough to face those challenges. After Saturday, I certainly did feel like life was full of challenges and I didn't even know where to begin.

But, in a zen moment, I decided to empty my mind and see if I could be more mindful. And, that's when I realized that I need to be strong. I need to be honest about who I am and stand up for what I believe in. And, that made me feel better.

We went to lunch after church and P had an abysmal lunch. She's had a terrible run with eating lately - easily distracted, picky about her food, annoyed with noise, you name it, she's used it as an excuse. So, meal times have been torture for us. And, instead of fighting it anymore, we decided to take away dress up day until the situation improves. This morning, we put together a chart and she needs to earn 10 stickers in the next 13 meals to earn dress up day back. So far she's earned one sticker. Hooray!

After our abysmal lunch and after lunch meltdown we went to a friend's birthday party. It was P's first time ice skating and we were ready for a meltdown, but she did surprisingly well and enjoyed herself. I guess we'll have to go again some time.

I napped the rest of the day, but P played with my mom and enjoyed the afternoon. And now it's Monday. Time to get some work done.


Cheers!
mouse

02.16.15: P and the Pool

Dear Friends and Family,

If P could, she would move into a Sheraton hotel and spend her days swimming until bed time. We were traveling this weekend and that is effectively what she did. I split my time between the hot tub and the pool, but P spent her time in the pool swimming, racing, and trying to reach the bottom. Her lips get thin and blue, her eyes get ringed with goggle lines and her fingers prune up like raisins, but I've rarely seen her happier.

And, now, it's back to another week. My mom is coming later this week. P is super excited.


Cheers!
mouse

01.19.15: The Day After

Dear Friends and Family,

It's Monday and we're almost back to a normal schedule. P's off from school today and she wants to spend the day getting her world back in order. We moved a bunch of stuff around for the party. And, then we needed to rescue several toys when the kids got out of hand. And, I think the current disorder is getting to her. So, when I asked her what she wanted to do today, she said she wanted to spend the day with me at home getting her things organized. I can respect that and I'm more than happy to spend the day with her doing that.

Mr. mouse and I will have a lot to do over the next week getting the rest of the house back in one piece. But, I'm okay with that. We had a fabulous night. I was a little afraid at one point because the kids were getting a little crazy and I thought P would have a meltdown if anything got destroyed, but we made it through that part and were able to enjoy the rest of the evening.

Now, we just need to unwind and slowly put everything back together.


Cheers!
mouse

01.12.15: Home Again

Dear Friends and Family,

After a bummer week with no internet access, we're home and up and running and the weather is in the double digits. I am happy. I have also been sticking with my new year's resolution to do something each day to make our place more of an airbnb and me more of a happy soul on permanent staycation. No one change is monumental. Nor does it feel like I'm anywhere close to done. But, I am beginning to see signs of progress. And, that feels amazing.

I've been spending a lot of my time on the main room that we spend our time in. In most houses it would either be in the basement or in a separate room with closed doors. It's filled with P's toys and is mostly a playroom. It is also a dumping ground for all of the stuff she brings home from school... mostly artwork, but also sheets and cards and photos... I've been slowly going through things to figure out what we still play with and what we've moved on from. Today, I moved two bins of stuffies upstairs to P's room. That opened up space to put a bunch of stuff sitting on the floor (Lincoln Logs, Jenga, and blocks) into the shelf. It makes more sense to have the stuffies in P's room. Now, I just need to put some thought into their home in her room. But, still, it's one step closer.

I'm also happy because we got to spend the weekend with friends from the mouse winter cabin. It was cold, but it doesn't feel as cold because no one makes a fuss over the cold. P got to walk on a frozen lake. I got to sip wine by our neighbors' fireplace. I also got inspired by my neighbors. They've done some amazing things to their house. It's so well thought out and put together. But, they didn't do it all at once. It came in bits and pieces.

Well, enough about me and my general sense of bliss. I've got to go get some work done or tomorrow I'll feel like a wreck.


Cheers!
mouse