Don't leave your RV parked in a snowy area!

Me, enjoying playing in the snow in a T-shirt.

He was still excited about the snow at this point.

The landscape that made me start to feel awake.

S really LOVES blueberries!

Our little boxer.

Stupot.

Ms. E practices smiling.

Somebody may turns out to be a "naturist", and/or Mama wrestler.

The gang at Easter, which rocked!

Sometimes you just get off track.

Off track isn't always a bad thing, of course. Having the privilege off helping to care for my niece and nephew (and their folks) has worth not bloggin for awhile. Since I got back from Japan I've been busy with cooking, child care, painting, working up a good case of spring fever, planning trips to Portland and Mexico, yearning for the sun, finally (after five or six trips) getting new glasses I can actually see through, attempting to have some semblance of a social life, etc. I'm getting a little tired, but I am having fun and feel very lucky!

A few little things:
1. I've been hanging out with someone I hope will become a great friend. He's an odd little fellow (actually, tall fellow), and will be henceforth known as Stupot.
2. I had great fun with Mamasake at her kid's school fundraiser in the city. She looked SO pretty (as Zumama said, "Very Jackie O!"), and really did have a glow about her. We stayed up late (we're SO NAUGHTY) and girl talked. Zumama and I also had a funny chat during the shindig about the tangled web that is the people we both know/knew.
3. It was SO nice to sleep in my OWN bed that night after the fundraiser!
4. I raised enough moolah last year with my run efforts that I got invited to a special reception. I think I've managed to rope Mr. Urbane into going with me. I found out a few days ago that he and his Ladyfriend split up. Seems a shame, but when a man has issues, and then picks women with strict rules, it has to be expected.
5. We, minus B (;-(), are up and Mammy and Poppy's this weekend. The weather is PERFECT, and about 45 minutes into the drive up (I came up a day early to clean) I felt as though I were waking up from a long cold dreary dream. I got so happy I stopped and bought tank tops at Target! We have been enjoying everything the mountains have to offer. We thought A-man would love to go sledding. We drove up to the remaining snow. I LOVE taking off my flipflops and putting on boots and snowpants on the side of the road! YAY CA! It turns out after slipping and sliding for a couple of minutes and feeling how cold the snow was A-man broke down into tears, and would only be held on someone's lap, or play in a patch of dirt around the base of a tree where the snow had melted. The adults took turns sledding, then we retired to Pinecrest lake for lunch. I couldn't have felt better. Yesterday we took A-man to the local Statepark/Train museum. We rode on a "real" train. He was scared of all the loud noises, but otherwise really enjoyed it. My camera quit working, so I have no picture, but it was cool! The biggest hit of the day was the store, which had the largest collection of "Thomas" stuff that I have EVER seen! Heaven for a two year old! Ms. E has been enjoying getting passed from person to person, and we all have fun playing with her and getting her to smile. She and her brother have both had runny noses, but life isn't meant to be perfect.

I'm SO excited about going to Portland. I feel like I did when I was little and the last week of school was almost over! WOOWEE!!

I'm back.

I've been back for a week. I haven't posted because I find myself on a nutty sleep schedule. Hopping right back into nanny duties, combined with jet lag, has left me a bit brain dead.

I had a great time in Japan. I am still glad I went on my own, but the next time I go on such a trip, I want at least one loved one with me. What can I say? I love sharing a good thing. :-) I will post pictures and stories, ASAP.

For now, I'm off to grab Ms. E, so that her Mommy can get their passports applications ready (Viva La Mexico!)

Oh, and it is great to see Buckmister has joined us in the ranks!

Off to see the wizard.

I leave for the Big J tomorrow. I am excited, and tired. I managed, with the help of some of those squishy vacuum bags, to squeeze everything in. I packed an extra bag, so be prepared.

It was difficult to say goodbye to the babies. They are both so cute.

Finally managed to speak to PC. I let him have it, in a nice way. I spoke my mind, without being to mean, I think. I don't know if he has the attachments to be a friend, but you never know.

Y'all have a ton of fun while I'm gone! I'll be thinking about you! Goopy goo!

Little tulip. In reality, she makes noises like a semi-truck.

Cheeky monkey.

What is UP?

I just started spontaneously crying ( well, maybe not crying, but getting sniffle-y)over an episode of Sex in the City! Charlotte walks into an acupuncturist's office, one that is known for helping women who are having trouble getting pregnant. She walks through the door, sees about fifty women sitting in the waiting room, lets out a little sigh, and pastes a smile on her faces.

Baby blankets, fertility issues, etc. Yet, just the other day I realized, that in some ways, it would be liberating to be told I couldn't have children.

Maybe it is just stress.

I want to be more glamorous, but just a little, just sometimes.

Nighty night.

Ten minutes at a time.

The other night B and I went to the mall together. I was looking for glasses, and he was looking for suits, shirts, etc. He has a wedding to go to at the end of the month, and needed some new duds. It was fun shopping with him, though people kept assuming we were hitched. I take this as a good sign because, I think it means we are comfortable with each other. He echoed (sweetly) my sentiments exactly when he told one of the sales people that I was as close to him as his blood sister.

Speaking of his blood sister, the whole New York gang is doing well, but is of course sleepy etc.

I have had the hardest time looking for glasses. I find it very discouraging, as I cannot go without, and they are such a huge part of my every day appearance. I finally settled on a pair, they made them, and I couldn't see out of them. It has been a painful process, but, and here is the silver lining for sure, they have been discounted fifty percent to make up for all the pain.

I was keeping all my icky boy stuff inside, and the other morning it exploded all over Mammy and S. It was S's turn to head to the mall for clothes to wear to the wedding. We were all way too tired to be shopping, and I was really crabby about the world. They were so sweet to put up with me. I got totally discouraged when I saw the most beautiful baby blanket and got all freaked out thinking I might never have the opportunity to have kids. I felt horrible by the time I got dropped off for my chiro/massage appointment, then a funny thing happened. First, I always feel better after my appointment. When I was done, I had to get back to the mall to check on the glasses situation. I wasn't sure how I'd do it, but I ended up taking a bus. I met the nicest guy, who looked like a bum, but was just trying to make his way in the world. We had a nice little chat, and then on the way into the mall I helped a lady in a wheel chair roll herself up a hill. I always feel better when I'm friendly with people. I felt so good I bought a sweater for my trip.

I feel like the trip is bad timing, but the wheels are rolling, so all hands on deck. Speaking of, I'm in the city. I attempted to get a passport today. I won't be able to pick it up until Friday. Thhbbppt. I did get a chance to swing by old work and give hugs to the gang. It was good to see them and catch up!

Tonight I had dinner with Mr. Wino. Nice guy, nice dinner. I talked to much.

Poppy has had knee deep snow. I really, REALLY wish I had been there for it!

I'm so tired, but things are mostly good. I just need to get beyond my little hurts and disappointments. I'm taking it ten minutes at a time.

I keeping up with all your blogs, and I miss those of you that aren't here! :-)

Peanut Butter

I don't know why that is my title. :-)

PC is gone. Part of me feels like a sucker, the bigger part just says, "NEXT!".

Had dinner with Mr. Vespa Wednesday night. He is a good human. We had a great conversation about human nature.

I took care of Miss EE when I got home. As she was sleeping peacefully in my lap, I looked at her. My heart just opened up, and I thought, "THIS is what is it ALL about." Do you all know what I mean? It just seems like life is supposed to be about being open, compassionate, and loving. Helping things grow and teaching them to help themselves and others. It was our bonding moment. She is so cute!

I am losing track of the days. I have a lot of little chores to do before I leave for Japan. I need new glasses, and I went to look for some today. I need you Portlandites! I cannot find ones I like. Oh, and I meant to say I hope you all are having a GREAT weekend together in your new digs!

Old friends.

My friends constantly save me from myself. In the last day or so I have spent a lot of time chatting with Jt on the phone and Fred and Thompson's Guy on line. Gentlemen, I just want to thank you all for being so sweet and supportive. You have been listening to me vent and getting me to talk about other things for a while. I love you all for it!

Toes. Pink for baby girls.