Dear Hotel (Two Letters)

Dear Clarion Inn,

Our family recently went on a trip with several other families to Williamsburg, VA. Each family was in charge of arranging their own lodging. We spent months researching the best place to stay, originally hoping to stay in a rental home. We were unable to find an affordable rental home situation that suited our needs for this trip, so we we settled on a hotel stay and, being Choice Privileges Members, chose one of your hotels - the Clarion in Williamsburg. In the past, we have often stayed at hotels in the Choice Hotels family, usually having good experiences. Being members of your Choice Privileges program, we have been treated well in all the hotels we've used. Our experience in Virginia was quite different.


After driving all day, often in thick traffic, we were happy to arrive at our hotel for the night. There are four things we always look for in a hotel when we make our reservations: 1. non-smoking rooms, 2. complimentary breakfast, 3. free wifi, and 4. dog-friendly accommodations. We verified all of these things the previous week on the phone when we made our reservation with your establishment.

Since we travel with our small dog, we spent a lot of time looking for and contacting hotels to ensure we could bring her along with us. We quickly found out that not many hotels would accept pets, but according to your website the Clarion Inn did allow pets. We called and spoke to an employee at the hotel to confirm this and she assured us that not only were pets welcome at the hotel, she would make a note that we needed a pet-friendly room. She told us to complete our online reservation as she noted this. We did this.

Upon arriving and checking in, the clerk at the desk seemed genuinely surprised that we needed a dog-friendly room and informed us that all of their pet-friendly rooms were already booked. Now, we are absolutely positive that we verified that we'd have a dog-friendly room, because we know that when traveling with a dog, that is something you definitely want to confirm before just showing up. No one wants to risk having nowhere to stay when traveling with young kids and a small dog. And we're responsible people who know better than to not check beforehand. Plus, I'm pretty type-A that way.

We were then told there was no continental breakfast included, but that there was a restaurant that served breakfast for a fee. When we explained that we were told there would be breakfast included in the rate, the clerk said, "You shouldn't have been told that." That's fine, but the fact is that we were. Again, it is one of the things we look for when we make a reservation. Eating breakfast out daily as a family is time consuming as well as a pricey addition to travel expenses. Being able to eat breakfast at the hotel is a wonderful convenience that makes paying a bit more for a hotel worth it.

I know most families look for a pool when they travel with kids. While this is not a priority for us, because we are generally out and about most of the time except for sleeping and getting ready, it is a nice bonus. This particular hotel had a pool, so I took our kids to swim while my husband tried to work out our situation.

It was almost 9pm at this point. Since it was so late, we took all of our bags into the hotel and got settled for the night while my husband called other hotels. We figured we'd stay there for one night and find a different place to stay for the the rest of our trip. It was a huge inconvenience to have to figure out new breakfast plans as well as sleeping arrangements for the next several nights at a different place, since this hotel situation was not going to work for us for the duration of our trip. We were meeting 5 other families early the next morning at the visitor's center for Colonial Williamsburg. Having to add the time and expense of finding breakfast and checking out of a hotel to check in to yet another one for the following 3 days was very, very frustrating. Not a great way to start a vacation. Such a hassle.

Before this, we sat in our car discussing what to do, frustrated and tired and angry. We were exhausted and ready to get settled, wind down, and get some sleep. It was really late to find a new hotel and we were trying to figure out what to do for breakfast the next morning. The clerk had found us a room that was not technically pet friendly, but was at least available for the night. We walked into our room, a room I can only assume was some kind of extra storage facility, or perhaps a room awaiting some kind of eventual renovation. It was very much a "spare" room, in every sense of the word. We set our bags down and checked the clock to see how much time we'd have at the pool before retiring. It would give me and the kids something to do while my husband called hotels in the area to see if they had availability for us for the next 3 days. We were nervous, as we knew that many places were booked due to events in town and the fact that it was a spring weekend.

When we looked at the clock, it wasn't displaying the time. We looked to see if it was plugged in. It was. The clock was broken, so we picked up the phone to tell the front desk about the broken clock. That's when we discovered that the phone was broken, too. Sounds like a joke, but it wasn't. For kicks, I tried the lamp. It was missing a bulb.

My anger rising, I checked my watch for the time and took the kids to the pool while my husband went to the front desk to talk to the man there, you know, since our phone wasn't working. The man at the front desk said he'd send maintenance to fix it. Eventually, the handyman showed up and repaired whatever was wrong so that both the clock and phone were functioning again. My husband called numerous hotels in the area. Many were booked. Some didn't allow pets. One woman working the phones at her hotel job (a hotel that didn't allow dogs) gave a personal recommendation for La Quinta - said she personally travels with dogs and has always found La Quinta to be very pet friendly. He made some calls and found that La Quinta was not only dog-friendly, but also had availability that weekend. The plan was to stay the night at the Clarion and figure out both breakfast and check out in order to check in to yet another hotel the following day.

I got back from the pool with two soaking wet, cold kids. My son went to take a shower and discovered that there was no shower curtain. I walked in to the bathroom and looked - there was no tub/shower combination. The shower was simply on the side of the room against the wall. There was no curtain, but there was a drain and two shower heads, one on either side, facing each other. Underneath one of the shower heads was a chair. This was apparently a handicap-accessible room. I tried to figure out if this was some kind of fancy new shower that didn't need a shower curtain, but that didn't seem right. With the now-working phone, we called the front desk and the, by now, very embarrassed clerk said he'd send the handyman down again to install a shower curtain.

As we waited for him, our kids shivered wet and cold in their towels. I tried to distract them by turning on the TV. You guessed it. It didn't turn on. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry, so I sort of did both. My daughter grabbed her iPod to text her friend and tell her about this comedy of errors only to discover . . . wait for it . . . there was no wifi. We were told there was free wifi, but for whatever reason, it wasn't working in our room. It was par for the course - the room was like some kind of wormhole of broken and missing items and falsely advertised services. The handyman got the shower curtain installed and then left. Our son went in to use the shower but couldn't figure out how to get it to work properly. I went in to help him. The shower knob turned on and then just spun around and around and around. We could get either scalding hot water or freezing cold water. I could not believe this was happening. I tried the other shower head - the one above the chair for disabled people - and it was broken, too. The shower head wouldn't stay up. It just kept sliding down the pole and not turning on. Unbelievably, we talked to the hotel clerk again. He sheepishly and apologetically said he'd send the handyman yet again, this time to fix the shower. We waited, kids cold and wet, for the shower to be fixed. I tried to adjust the heating/cooling unit to heat the room. I got varied results.

The handyman worked on the shower knob for some time. He was unable to fix it, so he went to talk to the hotel clerk. The two of them returned to our room, the clerk at this point completely mortified by the domino events of the evening. He told us that they could not fix the shower and they would try to find us a new room, but that all he had was one room on the fourth floor that was a business room that did not allow dogs. He said we could stay there, but that we would probably get complaints from people on the floor, as dogs aren't generally allowed there. While we were desperate for a room (and a hot shower!), I did not revel in the idea of being uncomfortable due to being some place we didn't belong and surrounded by people who were unhappy about that.

My husband had had it by this point and told the hotel clerk that he had found a hotel for the next several nights and he would just call them back to see if they could take us tonight. It was already almost 11pm and we were exhausted and aggravated. The hotel clerk looked down at his papers that had our information and said, "Oh, sir, I'm so sorry. I see that you're also Choice Privileges Members. I am so so sorry. You won't be charged for this." Choice Privileges Members or not, I wouldn't think any hotel worker in his or her right mind would charge us for this! At this point, we should've been getting paid for our time, work, aggravation, and for troubleshooting all the broken and missing items in the room!

We packed up our things and loaded our car again. We left the hotel, wet, tired, cold, hungry, and frustrated beyond belief. It was 1am by the time we were checked in, showered, and settled in bed in our new hotel. The upside to this frustrating night's experience is that we found a new hotel chain that now has our loyalty. In fact, I will be writing them a letter next, only theirs will be a very different one - I have nothing but good to say about La Quinta Inns. Everyone was friendly; the hotel was clean; everything worked; it was bigger; it was pet-friendly; and it was more affordable! We got much nicer accommodations, free breakfast (a very nice spread, too!), free wifi . . . all at a better price. We had a fantastic experience there. Over the next several days, we talked with many other friendly hotel guests about La Quinta. Everyone had nothing but good to say. This place was FULL of dog lovers and apparently it's known among travelers with dogs as THE place to stay. What a happy discovery! We signed up with their rewards program, grabbed a book that listed every La Quinta in the country, and enjoyed the rest of our trip.

Since getting home, I have done some research online and what I read there confirms what we experienced - people love La Quinta. I wouldn't have discovered that had it not been for our miserable experience at The Clarion, so for that I thank you. Otherwise, I'm stymied as to how we were not compensated in some way for the time, aggravation, and hassle we spent at your establishment. I would think that a reputable hotel chain like yours would work in some way to get us back and convince us to not give up on your accommodations and service. When we travel, we have almost always stayed at your hotels and, in general, have had positive experiences. As Choice Privileges Members, we have participated in the "Stay Two, Get One" program. We have sought out your hotels while traveling. We haven't ever had a problem before this trip, but this particular situation was beyond the pale and we thought you should know about it.

Sincerely,
An extremely frustrated, former loyal patron

----------------

Dear La Quinta Inns,

We are THRILLED to have discovered what a great hotel chain you have! After a very frustrating experience at one of your competitor's establishments (see attached letter), we checked in to your hotel for our family vacation and had a wonderful time. The hotel was clean, big, and affordable! We have long been rewards members of another hotel chain, but our loyalties have most certainly shifted to La Quinta! Your rooms were great. You include free wifi. You include a lovely spread of breakfast (your Colonial Williamsburg location even had biscuits and gravy!). You are affordable. Your entire building is non-smoking (how have other chains not figured out to do that?!?). And you're gloriously pet-friendly!

Every morning, while eating a nice variety of foods for breakfast, we talked with other guests and all of them told us that they won't stay anywhere but a La Quinta Inn when they travel. All it took was one person praising your chain for another person, overhearing the conversation, to join in and add their own praise and compliments. Dog owners especially spoke of how wonderful it is to have such a great dog-friendly hotel chain to count on. And because so many guests are dog owners, all of us enjoyed talking with one another and sharing our love for our furry, four-legged friends. It was such a comfortable, community-like place to be.

Apparently, it is known among dog lovers that La Quinta accepts, welcomes, and appreciates us! Thank you for that. It's great to be able to take our pets on vacation and know there is such a comfortable, welcoming place to be together. Add to that all the amenities you offer at an affordable price . . . well, there is no question in our minds what our first choice of hotel is. We are now signed up with your rewards program and have a book of all of your locations. I only wish there were more of them (especially in the northeast part of the country)!

You have new, loyal customers in us. We are thrilled.

Sincerely,
A very happy new, loyal patron

Liebster Blog Award (Mark's Turn)

Thank you, The Magic Violinist!

The Magic Violinist (who is a fantastic writer and blogger) tagged me for the Liebster Blog Award. Here are the rules:

1. Each nominee must answer 11 questions.
2. Create 11 questions for the next nominees to answer.
3. Link back to who nominated them.
4. Choose 11 people and link them to your post.
5. Go to their page and tell them.
6. No tag backs!

Some writing/book related questions:

1. What is your least favorite book and why?

I really don't know. I don't tend to remember books I haven't liked at all.. I had a very poor experience with The Grapes of Wrath as a junior in high school, but that could have been due to how it was taught. I do remember thinking that the Joads could have traveled to California in less time than it took me to read about it.

2. Have you ever read anything that made you laugh so hard people stared? What did you read?

Not that I can remember. I've had books that make me laugh out loud, but I don't usually read in a public place where someone else would see my reaction. Maybe I need to do that sometime.

3. Who is your favorite villain and why? (He doesn't have to be likable for him to be your favorite).

Severus Snape of Harry Potter fame. Some may argue with me and say that he ends up being a hero of sorts, and that he isn't really the villain. Voldemort is. But J.K. Rowling sets him up as a villain of sorts throughout the entire book series. I think Snape is one of the most well-written characters I have ever encountered. I would love to be able to create a character with such convoluted motivations, who acts so consistently with the back story I've created for him, whether or not that past ever makes it into the book. That is no easy task.

4. What is your favorite movie that was based on a book and why?

I am so terrible with coming up with favorites that I sometimes dread having to do it. I've seen a number of movies based on books, and normally the movie is not as good as the book. I do remember seeing "Chocolat" a number of years ago and thinking that it was better than the book. "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" is also a great adaptation of a book. I love how it follows the book so closely so it feels like I can really picture what J.K. Rowling had in mind.

5. What is your least favorite movie that was based on a book and why?

Well, I haven't read the book and didn't even realize that this move was based on a book, but "Admissions" with Tina Fey and Paul Rudd was a huge disappointment. Realizing that Tina Fey had nothing to do with writing the screenplay lessened the pain of that movie, but still, it was not a great movie. Bad book or bad script? I don't know. But either way not the best 2 hours I've spent in a movie theater.

6. Which of your book characters is most like you?

None, I hope.

7. Have you ever based any of your characters after people you know? (Have you ever based any villains after people you know)?

Yes, and yes. Basing a villain on a person we know was extremely satisfying. (Does that make me a bad person?)

8. Which book has inspired you in your writing the most? 

It's really hard to say since there have been so many great books from which to draw inspiration. Stephen King's On Writing is an incredible book and probably was the first book that truly began to make me feel like I could write books. I also think books that are well crafted in general are inspirational (The Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter come to mind). Books with an interesting format are also inspirational to me.

9. When do you feel most inspired? Morning, night, Saturdays? Why?

I don't know that I can count on any specific time of day or day of the week for inspiration. Ideas for writing and the motivation to do it come at various times, depending on what I'm doing.

10. Do you write more description or dialogue in your stories? 

I tend toward writing more description. It seems like that flows for me a lot more easily than dialogue. I would like to get better at writing more dialogue because sometimes your characters can say all that needs to be said to move the story forward and even provide pivotal information.

11. What annoys you most in books? How about in your books? 

In my own books I get annoyed when my characters decide to stop speaking, or when they decide to stop doing anything at all. Sometimes I try to nudge them along but they refuse to help me out. Yelling at them doesn't help either.

In books in general I get annoyed when the author seems to get lazy. I read a book where the ending happened so abruptly I am convinced she was up against her publisher's deadline so she hammered out the last chapter without thinking much. I don't like when the description gets so wordy so as to detract from the story. Details are good, but too many details is the lazy way to fill space. I have a problem with this, too. I can admit it.

11 Questions from Me about Books and Stuff 

1. How do you feel about main characters dying in a book?
2. If you could be any character in any book you've ever read, who would you be and why?
3. Is there a book you'd really love to see be turned into a movie? Why?
4. If there was a movie made about your life, what genre would be the best way to tell the story?
5. Who would play you in the movie from #4?
6. Does answering 11 questions instead of an even dozen make you nervous? Why or why not?
7. Alfred Hitchcock said, "The length of a film should be directly related to the endurance of the human bladder." How long could you hold your bladder for a great movie?
8. Is there a perfect length for a book? If you think there is, how long is that? Why do you feel that way? (Yes, those are three questions after one number.)
9. You can either win a Pulitzer for your book or an Oscar for your screenplay. Which would you rather win? Why? (You may not find a way to say "both," no matter how clever you think you are.)
10. Do you prefer a book that has titles for every chapter or just numbers? Why?
11. You've just written the book you've always wanted to write. Your magnum opus. Now Steven Spielberg has bought the movie rights. Which song do you want playing during the closing credits, and why?

Tag, You're It

I now tag Stacy (turnabout is fair play), Thing 1--no, wait. Can't do that since it's against the rules. Um, er. I basically know the same people online as my family so . . .

Tagging 11 people is a daunting task. Tagging 11 people, who haven't been tagged before, and who will actually answer my 11 questions is even more difficult. I'm going to break the rules and not actually tag anyone. Consider this the "Tag of the Unknown Blogger." Maybe 11 people will come across these questions and decide to bog their own answers. Whatever happens, a big thank you goes out to The Magic Violinist.

Liebster Blog Award

Thank you, The Magic Violinist!

Writer and blogger extraordinaire The Magic Violinist tagged me for the Liebster Blog Award. Here are the rules:

Rules

1. Each nominee must answer 11 questions.
2. Create 11 questions for the next nominees to answer.
3. Link back to who nominated them.
4. Choose 11 people and link them to your post.
5. Go to their page and tell them.
6. No tag backs!

The Magic Violinist's Questions:


1. What is your least favorite book and why?

Recently, I read a book called, They Did It With Love, and I did NOT like it. I found it on a bargain table a while back and it was on a shelf for a while. It was a fluff read. I think I drove my husband crazy with my constant griping about it ("Oh, this book is so awful!" or "Oh, I have so much more to read," or "These characters' dialogue is so unbelievable and so so so cheesy."). He kept encouraging me to stop and not bother with it. I carried on because I had already read a fair amount, was curious about how it would end, and because I read it thinking, "My writing is good. I should do something with it." So, it wasn't all bad. :)


2. Have you ever read anything that made you laugh so hard people stared? What did you read?

I don't know if people stared, but I loved reading Bridget Jones's Diary years ago. I did laugh out loud several times. I love, love, love when a book makes me laugh out loud. I laughed out loud with Wonder, too. I also have laughed out loud at my own books, so that's pretty cool, I think! 



3. Who is your favorite villain and why? (He doesn't have to be likable for him to be your favorite).

A while back I read a book entitled All is Vanity and I loved it. It showed the slow, steady decline of a character driven to break unspoken rules and loyalties in pursuit of her own goals and ambitions. I love character-driven plots and this one did not disappoint. I think what I liked best about it was that the author presented us with an otherwise good character who gave in to her uglier, dark side because of her thirst to achieve her own aspirations. I think, like Sirius says, we all have that in us - light and dark - but the trick is to choose the better part. 


4. What is your favorite movie that was based on a book and why?

This one is easy for me. "Chocolat." It is the only movie I've ever liked more than the book. I thought the presentation and ending were both better than the book's, and that hardly ever happens.   


5. What is your least favorite movie that was based on a book and why?

Hmmm, sometimes I don't even like to see a movie based on a book, because I'm so worried they're going to ruin it or that people will opt to watch the movie instead of reading the book. I know I have strong opinions about this, but I'm blanking at the moment. I will say that years ago I read The Notebook and was very moved by the story. When I heard it was being made into a movie, I was SO upset. I haven't ever watched it, because I didn't want to ruin my experience with the book. I understand people really like the movie, but for me, I want to stick with my personal, emotional experience with the book itself, and not let that get clouded by a movie version.


6. Which of your book characters is most like you?

Definitely Nancy Eyre from my first novel. Since it's a semi-autobiographical novel, I suppose that makes sense.


7. Have you ever based any of your characters after people you know? (Have you ever based any villains after people you know)?

Oh, absolutely! It's very therapeutic. I've gotten out a lot of aggression and frustration this way. I love basing characters on people I know. I usually laugh out loud and get to have some fun liberties with what I write. Plus, some people just write themselves, you know? If they don't like it, maybe they should stop being stupid.

I also give minor side characters actual names of people I like. Like in my first novel - I named the nice children's librarian "Jessica" after my sister-in-law. I think of it as a little shout out to those I love.  

8. Which book has inspired you in your writing the most?

Several. Bridget Jones's Diary, for holding my attention at a time in my life when I could barely get past a single sentence due to my severe emotional struggles; Jane Eyre, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, and To Kill a Mockingbird, for all being not just great stories, but beautifully written works of art, and inspiring me and reminding me to not settle for mediocrity in my own writing; and the entire Harry Potter series for being inspiring in and of itself - J.K. Rowling is a genius and her story is so moving and encouraging. 

9. When do you feel most inspired? Morning, night, Saturdays? Why?

Usually when I'm too busy to write. :P Honestly, I can almost always write - what I mean is, I don't struggle to come up with what to write. My struggle is making myself DO it. Sometimes the words flow better than others (usually when I'm in a good place and being inspired by whatever I'm reading myself especially), but I can always come up with content. Time and discipline are my greater challenges.  


10. Do you write more description or dialogue in your stories?

Dialogue, hands down. I love dialogue. That's where you can really have fun, in my opinion.  

11. What annoys you most in books? How about in your books?

I don't like books that have too many characters to keep track of - that drives me nuts. I don't like super long chapters. I don't particularly care for everything being tied up neatly with a bow. I know I'm weird that way, but I love ambiguous endings and even wrote a book once that has an ambiguous ending - I killed off a character and it's not clear which one! I love character-driven plots and I love simple stories, too. I'd rather have those qualities than a grand adventure. I like humor and sarcasm. I also love unique presentations of story (epistolary novels, varying perspectives, visuals, etc.). I love graphic novels and often wish I had that kind of artistic talent (drawing, etc.).

In my books? I guess I don't like how I've now written 3 (kind of 4) books and haven't done anything with them yet - so I suppose my annoyance is with myself on that one. I especially like the book I wrote with Mark a year and a half ago, and am itching to do more with it. I think it would make a great movie, too.

My 11 Questions:

1. Have you ever watched a movie that made you very hungry? Which one?
2. What is the stupidest movie you've ever seen?
3. When do you make time for yourself to write? Is it a regular schedule?
4. What book would you love to see made into a movie?
5. Who would you cast in the main roles?
6. If you could write for any TV show, which would it be?
7. Do you like books/movies that have ambiguous endings? Why or why not?
8. Who is the best weird character you've ever seen in a book? Movie?
9. Is there any character in a book or movie that you wish were in your family?
10.  If you could be best friends with any character, who would it be and why?
11.  What character (book or movie) do you most relate to and why?

11 People I Will Tag:

I tag Mark and Thing 2 (kind of cheating there since I know Thing 1 has already tagged them), my friend at seventy-two fishes (because I know all she needs is more distraction), Jimmy (because I like when he does these in our comments), Emily (because she is one of our most faithful readers and I totally appreciate her for that), Jessica (because maybe it will get her blogging again?), LMW (because I'm thrilled to have a new reader in LMW - by the way, did you see my comment to you earlier with my email address?), Thing 1 (to do in the comments, since technically we're not supposed to do tag backs), Nevillegirl (because I think she's cool and love that she and my daughter are blogging buddies), [surprise] (because maybe you've been reading our blog but haven't shown yourself yet - now's your chance), and Dave (because I bet he won't even see this and then I can say, "See? You totally don't read my blog."). There. That's 11.

Wonder by R.J. Palacio

Our family just finished reading this book and I urge you to get it and read it. I cannot overstate that nor can I oversell this book.

I found out about Wonder through my Amazon emails that list the best books for kids, middle schoolers, etc. I loved the cover (interesting side note: this is the author's first novel - she is a graphic designer who designs book covers for her day job, though she did not design the cover for her own book) and was intrigued by the story.

Also? Have you seen the number of 5-star reviews on Amazon?? Over 1,000!! People love this book. We love this book. I love this book! Get it, get it, get it. We checked it out from the library and now we are ordering our own copy to own. It's that good.

Yes, it's a book geared toward middle graders, but it doesn't matter - adults will love it, too. It will move you. It will affect you. It will inspire you. Get it.

I laughed out loud several times, smiled often, and cried like a baby over and over and over again. This book has heart, pluck, and spunk. The characters are fantastic. The author's writing is compelling.

She tells the story from multiple perspectives (a literary device that I love), but most especially from Auggie Pullman's perspective. Who is Auggie? He is a wonder. Read to find out. Seriously, do it.

From Amazon's Book Description:

I won't describe what I look like. Whatever you're thinking, it's probably worse.
August Pullman was born with a facial deformity that, up until now, has prevented him from going to a mainstream school. Starting 5th grade at Beecher Prep, he wants nothing more than to be treated as an ordinary kid—but his new classmates can’t get past Auggie’s extraordinary face. WONDER, now a #1 New York Times bestseller and included on the Texas Bluebonnet Award master list, begins from Auggie’s point of view, but soon switches to include his classmates, his sister, her boyfriend, and others. These perspectives converge in a portrait of one community’s struggle with empathy, compassion, and acceptance. 

I mean it. Get this book. 

And check out what our kids think of this book by clicking here and going to their shared book review blog. I'm sure they'd love to hear from you, too. I haven't read what they wrote yet, but I can guarantee that they think you should get this book, too.

Kid Interviews - Favorites of 2012

A few days ago, I interviewed our kids to journal their favorites of 2012. I usually do this in January. Oh well.

Thing 1 - Age 13, 7th Grade

Favorite Color - Yellow
Favorite Food - Sushi
Favorite Drink - Butterbeer from Harry Potter World
Favorite Board or Card Game - Settlers of Catan (Cities and Knights)
Favorite Wii Game - Order Up! and Mario Kart
Favorite Online Game - Minecraft
Favorite DS game - Harry Potter Lego Games
Favorite Hobby - Reading and writing and playing with friends and family and Scout
Favorite non-electronic thing to do - Reading and writing and playing with family and friends and Scout
Favorite thing to do outside - Capture the Flag
Favorite Book - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, and from this past year - "The Host" by Stephanie Meyer
Favorite Movie - The Harry Potter movies and The Hunger Games
Favorite TV show or Cartoon - Modern Family, Go On, and The Big Bang Theory
Favorite Restaurant - Kugo's Steakhouse (for sushi)
Favorite Outdoor Spot - "The swinging bench at the park, because that's where my friends and I do most of our laughing"
Favorite Animal - Puppy
Favorite Fruit - Any kind of berries or kiwi
Favorite Flower - Sunflower
Favorite Tree - Weeping Willow
Favorite Vegetable - "Salads, because they can be really different"
Favorite Snack - "Popcorn. I can't eat it, but I like it." (braces) and chocolate
Favorite Stuffed Animal - Menedy (stuffed cat)
Favorite Sport - Roller skating and ice skating
Favorite Dessert - Chocolate-based cookies with peanut butter chips
Favorite Place to Vacation - Harry Potter World
Favorite Houseguest - "Grandparents and Johnsons."
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor - Chocolate Peanut Butter
Favorite Smell - Baking cookies, a new box of crayons, and when the backyard is mowed
Favorite Aisle in Department Store - Books and Writing Supplies
Favorite Song - "Safe and Sound" by Taylor Swift
Favorite Group or Singer - Taylor Swift and the Civil Wars
Favorite Season - Summer
B.F.F. - Kirsten
Favorite Room of the House - My bedroom and the computer room
Favorite Day of the Week - Friday
Favorite Event of 2012 - Going to Harry Potter World
Favorite Errand to Run - Going to the library
Favorite Outfit - Jeans and my writer t-shirt and mismatched socks
Favorite Instrument to Play - Violin
Favorite Phrase - "'Everyone sucks but us,' because of a music video that Max, Rich, Brennan and I made, and 'Pufflesnuffle,' which is like another word for 'darn!'"
Favorite Thing about Daddy - "I like playing games with him and reading stories and doing science experiments with him."
Favorite Thing about Mommy - "That you set up INCH  (homeschool group) and reading stories with you and doing mommy-daughter dates."
Favorite Thing about Your Sibling - "That he can make me laugh and playing games like Stuffed Animal Adventures or Minecraft with him."
Favorite Thing about Scout - "That she's weird, so that makes her unique. And also that she is crazy and cute."
Favorite Christmas Gift of year - Taylor Swift concert tickets and my time turner necklace
Favorite School Subject - Writing and reading
Favorite Family Tradition - NaNoWriMo, our birthdays, celebrating Christmas on Christmas Eve, and sushi for New Year's
Favorite Homeschool Group Activity - Park Days
What do you want to be when you grow up? - An author
If you could change anything about the world . . . - "World peace, equality for everybody, and a better substitute for money."
If you could have any superpower . . . - "Flying and the ability to change all the things I want to change about the world."
Weirdest thing you can do - "I can turn one foot backward and one foot forward at the same time."
Best thing about you - "I can make my friends laugh and they feel comfortable around me so they can tell me anything or ask me for advice."


Thing 2 - Age 10, 4th Grade

Favorite Color - Silver
Favorite Food - Pizza
Favorite Drink - Birch Beer
Favorite Board or Card Game - Yu-Gi-Oh!
Favorite Wii Game - Super Smash Brothers
Favorite Online Game - Minecraft
Favorite DS game - Yu-Gi-Oh! 5Ds World Championship 2010 Reverse of Arcadia
Favorite Hobby - Playing Yu-Gi-Oh! (the card game)
Favorite non-electronic thing to do - Yu-Gi-Oh!
Favorite thing to do outside - Nerf weapon battles
Favorite Book - The Two Towers (Lord of the Rings)
Favorite Movie - Wreck-it Ralph
Favorite TV show or Cartoon - Yu-Gi-Oh! GX
Favorite Restaurant - J&S Pizza
Favorite Outdoor Spot - Park/Playground
Favorite Animal - Bald Eagle
Favorite Fruit - Grapes
Favorite Flower - Nightshade
Favorite Tree - Blooming Cherry Tree
Favorite Vegetable - Corn on the Cob
Favorite Snack - Pretzel M&Ms (I love how he says this - "Im-in-ims")
Favorite Stuffed Animal - Zip (stuffed eagle)
Favorite Sport - Tae Kwon Do
Favorite Dessert - Mint Oreos
Favorite Place to Vacation - Harry Potter World is fun to go to and I also liked the Aquarium and Coca-Cola factory in Atlanta
Favorite Houseguest - "Rich and Brennan."
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor - Mint Chocolate Chip
Favorite Smell - Spearmint and freshly mowed grass
Favorite Aisle in Department Store - Trading Cards
Favorite Song - "Let's Go" by Calvin Harris featuring Ne-Yo
Favorite Group or Singer -Europe
Favorite Season - Fall
B.F.F. - Rich and Brennan
Favorite Room of the House - I have 3 - computer room, living room, and my room
Favorite Day of the Week - Friday or Saturday
Favorite Event of year - I like the Renaissance Faire and Harry Potter World
Favorite Errand to Run -Going to a Trading Card Store
Favorite Outfit - "I like my blue dragon shirt."
Favorite Instrument to Play - Synthesizer
Favorite Phrase - "I'm going to mine." (Minecraft)
Favorite Thing about Daddy - "I like how he's hard working. He'll do anything for us. He's funny and he's fun to play with."
Favorite Thing about Mommy - "She's hard working as well. She will do a lot for INCH for us so that it's fun. She'll help us out with school. And she's really, really fun to play with."
Favorite Thing about Your Sibling - "She plays with me (sometimes). She is really kind and, um, I had a really good one . . . really funny and fun to be around."
Favorite Thing about Scout - "She's cute. Ha, she's looking at me. She's funny - the things that she does. She's crazy! And when you're upset, she can come and help you."
Favorite Christmas Gift of year - My Yu-Gi-Oh! duel disk
Favorite School Subject - Science
Favorite Family Tradition - Vacations every year
Favorite Homeschool Group Activity - Park Days
What do you want to be when you grow up? - A game designer
If you could change anything about the world . . . - "Peace and happiness."
If you could have any superpower . . . - "The ability to vanish and reappear in different place - like teleportation and vanishing."  
Weirdest thing you can do - "Make it so both of my eyes are just white."
Best thing about you - "Ugh, I don't like this question. You have to be modest about it." (Me: No you don't. Go ahead.) "I think I'm pretty good at Yu-Gi-Oh! and I'm pretty good at Minecraft and other video games. And I'm a good friend and can make people laugh."   

I have a teenager!

Yes, that's an exclamation point.

A happy one.

Thing 1 can often be found reading and/or writing

I know a lot of people hate teenagers,

but I am not one of them.

I liked being one.

I enjoy hanging out with them.

I love when they come over.

Thing 1 and her BFF listening to an iPod together

I think teenagers get a bad rap.

I could have a house full of them.

Out for sushi for Thing 1's birthday

I genuinely like teenagers.

While I know a lot of parents
 dread the teenage years,

I haven't ever felt that way.

Ack! She's taller than I am!

My oldest has joined the ranks
 - she's 13!

A teenager.

I love it and I love her.

I'll do a post soon about her birthday
 and her birthday party.

Snuggling with her Daddy (and Menedy)

For now I want to share something fun

 we're doing to celebrate her turning 13.

Every Saturday night,

my teenage daughter and I

watch a bunch of "Gilmore Girls" together

while eating all kinds of fun foods

(you kind of can't help it - 

it's a side effect of watching the show).

Snuggling with my girl!

We started our fun Saturday night tradition yesterday.

We watched 4 episodes of Gilmore Girls

while enjoying milkshakes, cheeseburgers, and fries.

Thing 1 and sweet Scout

My daughter is fun and smart
 and funny and kind and witty.

She's all that and much more.

And I love hanging out with her.

Beautiful girl

We really, really like
 our Saturday nights together. 

(And yes, I got choked up during
 the opening sequence song).

I have a teenager!

When the Little Things Add Up

It's stuff like

computer issues

car problems

orthodontist appointments

getting taxes done

various appointments/lessons getting rescheduled

phone calls to return

bills to pay

emails to return

vet appointments

family stuff to do

work stuff to do

things due at the library

school stuff to do

birthday stuff

lots of day-to-day things to do

the dishes and laundry are non-stop

. . .

and then the engine light comes on

and people around you stress you out

and you notice things you're totally behind on things

(lots of them)

and the police are at your neighbor's house (again)

and your husband is having horrible allergies

and the dog needs a bath

and your daughter has things that need to be done

and your son gets a fever and starts throwing up

. . . 

the little things really add up

and you feel like you're perpetually not on top of things

and it's all you can do to (not) keep up on the day to day

let alone the other stuff

that keeps (also) not getting done

. . . 

lest you think we're totally on top of things around here

we're not

Fingers Crossed

About a year ago, North Carolina voted to approve a constitutional amendment that bans same-sex marriage. When I read the news that day, my stomach dropped, and without meaning to, I said, out loud, "Oh no."

The kids asked me what happened and I explained it to them. We talk quite a lot about this in our family, so this wasn't a new topic for them, but it was breaking news about a specific state's vote on the issue.

See, over 4 years ago, the Prop 8 campaign in California already sickened me. And here it was, years later, and the news from North Carolina highlighted that with regard to civil rights, rather than progressing as a nation and as human beings, things were regressing.

I've always felt strongly about equal rights, even as a child. People sometimes say, "Why do you care? You're not gay." My response to that is, "I'm not black either, but I have always felt passionately against racism and have ached for people who have been on the receiving end of hatred and inequality."

Our whole family was upset by the news from North Carolina this past May. The kids went up to bed and within minutes, Thing 1 came downstairs with a hand-written letter, set it between me and Mark, and said, "I want to send this." She wrote the following letter completely on her own:

The next day, President Barack Obama went on television in support of gay marriage. We have felt immensely proud of our daughter for being so forward-thinking and expressing her support, even before the President himself did.

She has sent this letter out to several politicians, both locally and nationally. We have actively supported groups that fight for gay rights. We have seriously considered marching in Washington this week. We have distanced ourselves from groups and organizations that oppose civil rights for all.

I have a pin that says:

Mark got me a stylin' t-shirt that says, "Right Side of History." I will be wearing that t-shirt tomorrow as we watch the news and follow this issue. We hope hope hope the Supreme Court votes in a way that is fair and right - ensuring civil rights for all.

They felt justified, too.

Mark and I have felt frustrated these past many months, because we have not felt like we can post this letter openly on our family blog, because we know that it doesn't necessarily align with what many of our family and friends think, but we also recognize that our censorship is self-imposed.

Yes, many may not agree with us on this issue. We have not wanted to argue about it nor have we wanted to get into big political/religious discussions about this issue and our stand on it.

But whether or not people agree with us doesn't matter. What matters is that people's rights are being denied, history is about to change all that, and we want to be clear about what side we're on.

And what also matters is how immensely proud we are of our daughter and her immediate action on something she sees as so obviously unfair. If she has the guts to write and send a letter like that at age 12, I can have the guts to publicly post it on our blog at age 39.

I will, as always, not censor comments just because someone may disagree. People can say what they please. I do not, however, have a ton of time at the moment to get into big political/religious discussions. I will say, though, that there is more to come and I'll have more to say soon.

More Random Thoughts

Really enjoying my birthday this year.
Feeling very appreciative of thoughtful family and friends.

------------------

It is strange to me that people are very particular

 about who they let sleep at their house,

 but some seem to have no qualms

 about letting their kids sleep at strangers' homes elsewhere.

---------------------

Ever see those big huge family pictures and think,

 "That is so not our extended family?"

Yeah, me, too.

---------------------

We haven't sat down to a big, huge, extended family dinner

since 2009.

--------------------

Thing 1 is LOVING volunteering at the library.

-------------------

Thing 2 has a couple of friends who are boys

who shyly admitted that they like "My Little Pony."

Well, a while back,

 as a consequence,

I had found an episode of "My Little Pony,"

to help teach a lesson on some topic.

After "torturing" (his words, not mine) Thing 2

with this method, he admitted that it wasn't so bad.

Well, when his friends shared with him that they like it,

he told them, "It's okay. I've seen it and it's pretty good."

I think that is SUPER sweet of him.

He's a very empathic person.

I hate gender stereotypes

and we try not to reinforce them in our family.

--------------------

Thing 1 told me that she heard a statistic that said

that kids laugh over 400 times a day

whereas adults laugh 17 times a day.

How have I turned into one of these people?!?

Now, every time anything comes up about mortgages

or bills or work, we're all, "This is why."

Which only reinforces the point. :/

--------------------

I just used the word "reinforce" twice.

Now three times.

--------------------

A sneak peek at our kids' personalities:

Thing 2 dropped a cookie on the floor, picked it up, and made a face

that showed he was both grossed out and sorry to waste a cookie.

(I believe it was a girl scout cookie, so he had good reason).

It was so quick that I told him to brush it off and that it was fine

(which is saying something, because I'm a total germaphobe -

something I have apparently passed on to my son,

but not so much to my daughter).

He looked at me and said, "Are you sure?"

I shrugged and responded off-handedly with, 

"If you're grossed out, give it to your sister."

 Thing 1 immediately outstretched her hand with a smile.

-------------------

If I had a time machine,

I'd visit the 80s.

Not to relive my childhood (in fact, no thank you),

but simply because the 80s were SUCH a great time.

No stress, no fuss, just good movies and music and fun.

--------------------

So, I read this article the other day,

and one of the tips just blew me away.

I was so annoyed at the story in that tip,

that I scrolled down to read through the comments,

sure that someone else would be just as outraged.

It took me quite a while of scrolling down to find

where someone finally said something about it.

Everyone was carrying on

 about other tips that bothered them,

but most seemed nonplussed about a tip

 that was glaringly problematic to me.

Do you see it?

Hint: It has less to do with dieting

and more to do with lousy friends

and being a wimp.

---------------------

The other day in the kitchen during breakfast,

we were listening to music and I was hearing songs that took

me back to my childhood and adolescence in that way that music does.

I started thinking about how excited we get about these things

and how, so often, 

I want my kids to have (and love) the great things I loved in childhood - 

my favorite toys, games, experiences, songs, TAPES, movies . . . 

and I do share those, 

but part of the wonder of being a kid

 is making your OWN childhood memories

 based on your own experiences and tastes and discoveries.

 I love getting to be a part of that

 and observing their evolving personalities, beliefs, and likes.

Champion who they are and not try to make them into something else.

-------------------

Thing 1 is officially taller than I am.

Also, she is funny and witty and beautiful.

Thing 2 is sweet and thoughtful and honest.

(And such a cutie.

 Little girls are developing crushes on this boy!)

Have I mentioned that I love these kids?

I really, really do.

--------------------

I got a nice compliment this past week from a woman who said

that she and her husband often discuss how nice our kids are

and how much they like and admire and enjoy them.

Wow, that is so nice!

--------------------

By the way,

our kids have been blogging a bunch.

I'm sure they'd love visits and comments!

--------------------

Thing 2 is always using these big words for his age.

It's hilarious.

Recently, it was "collaborate."

He comes downstairs one night a couple of weeks ago
and says with a huge smile,

 "I've been reading and thinking about if the Johnsons moved here

 - I really hope they do! -

 and Brennan and I really like to make games

 and we can collaborate and grow up and have a business together.

 I told Brennan that and Brennan (who, by the way, is 7) said,

 'But you'll be working for me,'

 and I told him, 'We'll talk about that when you get here.'"

 Bwahahahaha!!

---------------------

Thing 1, soon after this, correctly used the term "thinly-veiled."

Yeah, we're raising nerds.

---------------------

Here is a list of 5 true confessions.

And this is not one of those things

 where you try to sound like you have a "problem"

 that is really a strength (like in job interviews).

1. I have been dealing with chronic neck pain for over 18 years.

2. I love blog comments and they make me happier than most people realize.
3. I often have a messy (for me) house. Clean, but messy. Very lived in.

I used to think I'd be an immaculate housekeeper. Nope. And fine by me.

4. I am VERY easily distracted and don't always finish projects.

5. I sometimes let fear hold me back

 (financial fears, fear of being in trouble, fear of hurting others).

--------------------

Along those lines,

there is a great quote from the movie Garden State:

 "I'm okay with being unimpressive. I sleep better."

-------------------

My husband is awesome.

He totally cleaned the house this weekend,

while I caught up on emails and such.

And then he told me

 that the fact that I've been writing a blog post

and chatting with his friend online

while doing so,

makes him very happy.

How lucky am I?!?

-------------------

The other day, I saw a phrase I really like.

"School-Free Life" -

I like that better than "homeschooling" or "unschooling."

------------------

I love floor plans.

------------------

People can say things until they're blue in the face.
But actions show what one TRULY values.
"I can't hear your words - your actions are too loud."
I see this go both ways - people showing they truly care
and showing they truly don't.
Talk is cheap. Actions are powerful.

-----------------

Two non-words I cannot stand:
"Prolly" and "Imma"
I seriously got an email from someone this week
who used the word "prolly"
and I wanted to reach through the screen and throttle someone,
screaming, "It's PROBABLY. That is ONE more freaking syllable.
Is that so hard?!?"
And Imma? Really? As in, "I'm going to . . ."?
As in song lyrics like "Imma love you" and "Imma be your man?"
I'm waiting for the line that says "Imma moron."

------------------

We were watching Big Bang Theory
and they were eating fondue.
So of course we paused the Tivo
and made fondue to eat
while watching the rest of the show.
What else was there to do?

------------------

From "Bleh" to "Whoopee!"

So, we've been feeling kind of "bleh" for a while now. We had a GREAT 2011 and it continued into 2012 and then just got sort of "bleh." Not bad, mind you. Just bleh.

Bleh.

See, I think the Johnsons ruined us. Remember them? They moved here in 2011 for a temporary traveling nurse assignment - they were here for 3 months and we clicked like nobody's business. We clicked so much that they took their next temporary assignment in an area near here so that we were able to continue to hang out. It was far enough away that we couldn't see each other quite as often, but close enough that they could spend weekends with us. Which we did. With great frequency and much food, talking, and laughter (and very little sleep).

Then they moved to other assignments back in their home state of Arkansas (too far), New Hampshire (closer and we were able to get together a couple of times, including a really fun New Year's Eve celebration), CT (even closer - we were able to meet in the middle, get together here, get together there, and visit NYC together), MA (a little farther, but again, able to see them here and there - no posts up yet because we're all so ridiculously behind on them). And in between all this, we'd Skype, text, and call each other.

Then they settled in Springfield, MA. We knew it was coming. He's on a heart transplant list and we always knew the eventual goal was for them to live closer to Boston. In fact, he had to be within a 4-hour radius of Boston and his doctors there. And since we're 2 hours outside of that radius, I just kept hoping for an earthquake (one that wouldn't hurt anyone or anything) that would somehow just shift Boston about 2 hours closer to us so that they could be in their radius but be near us, too.

They say we ruined them, too. This was their first assignment and we clicked so well and have so much great stuff here and live in such a cute town and all get along and have the greatest homeschool group . . . you get the idea. So, they always said that post transplant, they'd want to settle here long term. But for now, it had to be MA, that long-term plan years away.

I've blogged about them a lot, but not nearly enough - we've done far more together than I've told everyone. We've visited places together, we've visited each other frequently, we eat everywhere we go and enjoy THE BEST food, whether we eat out or cook together. We talk non-stop FOR HOURS on end. We like many of the same TV shows, movies, books, hobbies, foods. We pontificate about anything and everything. And we laugh like crazy. 

Something I have failed to blog about is that fun New Year's Eve visit. It. Was. Awesome. We decided to make it a tradition. This past year didn't work out, because they had just gotten a new puppy and they were sick on top of that, and my mom was here with a hurt back, but in general, yeah, tradition!

When they came that New Year's, on their way to NH from Arkansas, I think the entire neighborhood knew they were back since they were yelling in excitement from a mile away from us and we were yelling in anticipation (yes, we texted this entire thing as it happened), and we couldn't even let them in the house without hips and hollers from everyone and jumping around and screaming and hugging on the porch.

That night, we exchanged Christmas presents together. And here is their most awesome gift to us:

Awesome, right? They made that for us. I love gifts like this! It's a framed collage of pictures of all of us. Can you make out what it says? "Friends: The Family We Choose." Yep, we'd known them less than a year and this is how we mutually felt about each other. Close like family.

It's nuts that we've only known each other for two years (this Saturday is two years exactly!), because it feels like so much more. We celebrated our 1-year anniversary by giving them a photo book full of pictures of all of us. (Shut up. We're awesome.) We absolutely love them and they love us. We often say that everything would be better if they just lived here. :P

Wow. Holy tangent, Batman! (See? They ruined us).

So anyway, back to the "bleh" thing. We have been feeling restless. Maybe it's because we've been here for 10 years - the longest we've ever lived anywhere. We wondered if it was time for a new place and experience.

I have, at times, felt sick of just about everything around me, even though there's so much we love about this area. I could list all kinds of things like how I miss New England personalities, more liberal politics, and more progressive thinking (though I do see that changing in an overall positive direction). We don't have any extended family support here. At times we feel lonely. Just bleh, bleh, bleh.

It isn't like me to feel negative, so I figured it's my yearly seasonal-affective-disorder episode talking and that, come spring, I'd be fine again.

See, here's the thing. There's so much to love here.

1. It's affordable.
2. Nice pace of life (and it's gorgeous).
3. Location: small town near some really nice big cities.
4. Our own business/Great moonlighting gig
5. Nice, 4-season weather

We have a great homeschool group, parks, libraries, swimming, activities. We have good friends here, a book club, and an absolutely wonderful independent theater and adjoining coffee shop in town. I don't think you could find a better place in many ways.

But yeah, we've been feeling bleh. Maybe it's a mid-life crisis. We need to mix it up somehow - in a good, fun way.

So, we've been brainstorming what to do - move away? Move within the area? Start a new business? We like what we're doing, so we wouldn't want to get rid of it, but maybe just change it up somehow. Our business is in its 6th year - maybe it's time to expand? We love our 1850s farmhouse, but maybe it's time to update?

I don't know. We're considering different options. But things just went from "bleh" to "WHOOPEE!!"

Wanna know why? Okay, then keep reading. It's me telling this story, so there are many, many details to share. I'm fun like that.

Remember this past week when we went to our favorite old-fashioned ice cream shoppe? Remember how we told you it's closing? Remember how we cried with the owner, the sweetest ice cream lady ever who is so awesome to our kids? Remember how we took her flowers and a card because we found out that her husband had died and that's why she was closing shop? Okay, I don't remember if I said that on the blog, but that is why she's having to close her business and it's so sad.

Well, she and I got to talking and she explained that her husband had had a heart transplant over 20 years ago. I hadn't known that. I shared with her about the Johnsons (who have eaten ice cream at her shop with us) and how Dave has HCM and is listed and waiting for a transplant. She nodded at all I was saying and then smiled a bit and said that that all sounded familiar, as her husband had had HCM as well. I did not know that. She then said what a wonderful job the local hospital did with it all and joked that we should tell the Johnsons to move here for their medical care. I chuckled with her and joked that we and the Johnsons could keep the ice shop running together. She liked that idea.

I texted Dave, knowing that they of course are committed to their doctor in Boston and already listed on the wait list there and settled in a house in Springfield, and told him of our experience at the ice cream shop. Small world, you know? They've been in a slump, too, so we text now and then and commiserate.

Fast forward to two days later. That night, our family had a fiasco of a dinner preparation in our kitchen that turned out so horribly that we bagged the experiment, left the mess, and went out to eat. We sat in the restaurant, all down and bummed and trying to cheer ourselves up. We felt lonely and isolated. I've been in such a slump for weeks. Mark and I have been mulling over our restlessness and ideas. Lots of thinking. Lots of sighing. Being out helped and the food was wonderful. 

While we were eating (and rediscovering a great place we hadn't eaten in a while, so of course we were saying, "Oh my gosh, we have got to come here with the Johnsons when they visit!"), Dave sent us a text that said, "We REALLY REALLY need to talk to you guys, like asap. Something good hopefully. Can you Skype?"

I looked at Mark and half-laughed, "Heh, wouldn't it be awesome if they had to talk to us to tell us they're moving here?" We knew that was kind of out of the question, but it's fun to dream.

Mark texted and said, "Stacy's been depressed for like 6 weeks, so unless you guys are moving back here, I'm not sure what would be 'good.'"

To which Dave replied, "Then we need to Skype."

We raced home and got on Skype immediately. The kids took their computers upstairs and got on Skype with the Johnson kids and we got on with Dave and Christie. They were flipping out. It turns out Dave went to the doctor that day to deal with some of the progressive symptoms he's been having and, while there, they learned some new information.

It's long and complicated, but the gist is that people who have the disease he has are waiting much longer for transplants up in the Boston area and with him progressing the way he is, they need him to be somewhere that wouldn't make him wait as long, bonus if it's a less expensive place with more of a support system to boot. Topping the list? YOU GUESSED IT.

"Whoopee!!"

They mentioned this area to their specialist, given the recent story we heard from the lady at the ice cream shop and relayed to them. They did their research and this area is TOPS for a good fit for them. Like there's nothing better in the whole country. The specialist loved the idea of them moving here. AS DO WE.

We are over-the-moon ecstatic. WHAT ARE THE ODDS?!? Crazy slim, that's what.

To recap: They moved here. We totally clicked and had a great time. They moved away and we all cried. We got together as much as possible. They love it here and we all wanted them to be here, but life said they had to be in Boston for many years until they could get back here again. And, in less than a week, everything changed - new information, changes, plans, updates, and big news. They're moving back for good within the next few months.

We are all shocked, reeling, and beside ourselves with excitement and happiness. They'll be here next month to house and job hunt. The kids are through the roof about this. We all are! BRING IT. We all needed this. I can't begin to tell you how thrilled we are.

So, a toast to "this very surprising turn of events!"




And a tribute (because we all - I'm not kidding - danced in the kitchen to this song tonight after hearing the news officially):

Yep, it's all "working out!" :) Because we have gone from "Bleh" to "Whoopee!"

Watching Her Grow Up

This past Tuesday, she walks into the library to drop off an application to work a volunteer shift. I stayed in the van watching her grow up before my eyes. She carries herself with sweetness and confidence and maturity. 

Saturday, as she's leaving for archery class, we hug and discover that it's official - she's taller than I am. I look up at her and we both smile, hers is a subtle-but-proud "YES!" kind of smile. Mine is more of a bittersweet acknowledgement, but mostly happy for her, because I know she loves it. We have a deal, the kids and I, that as they grow taller than me, they'll always look out for their little mom.

She is hungry for more learning, more experience, more insight. Mature beyond her years, yet such a kid at heart, she asks us things that keep us on our toes and awe us with her thinking. She is driven - always writing, always thinking. She cooks. She creates. She runs around and climbs trees. She reads voraciously. She writes for one of the top writing websites on the Internet. She teaches herself guitar.

This morning, I hear THIS SONG on my iPod and get weepy listening to it as I eat breakfast with my kids. I loved that song growing up - Peter Cetera is one of my all-time favorites. Listening to that song as a parent? Good luck not crying. It's upbeat and all, but (*sniff sniff*) it'll get you. 

So, I take my beautiful daughter to her first volunteer shift. She got herself up and ready on her own, so excited for this very grown up responsibility and opportunity. She has her hair combed beautifully and she is wearing her "Self-Rescuing Princess" T-shirt, mismatched socks (she started doing that long before it was a trendy thing to do), and pink Chucks.

It started snowing hard as we took this picture

Mark stops in after his morning shift at the hospital to see how she's doing. She is shelving DVDs when she looks up and sees him, smiles, and says, "Hi! This is fun!"

She is growing up before my eyes - tall, mature, hilarious, confident, beautiful, sarcastic, smart. She plays violin with grace, kicks butt with her black belt in tae kwon do, giggles hysterically when horsing around with her brother, reasons with insight, cracks jokes with quick timing, writes with talent beyond her years.

And she just melts me. She is loving and compassionate, witty and smart, insightful, passionate, and strong. She thinks things through, develops her own feelings and beliefs on weighty matters, and takes action - raising awareness, donating money, writing to legislators.

Celebrating her first day of volunteering with lunch out

She is growing up before my eyes. She is wonderful and good and amazing. She makes the world a better place.

She is good to her family, her dog, her friends, strangers, children, animals. She is my daughter and my friend. And I constantly feel so over-the-moon lucky that I get to be her mom and watch her grow up right before my eyes.

Why, thank you!

Thank you, Thing 1! I've won another award from my daughter. I love that we share a love of blogging (and awards with writing prompts).

Rules

1. Nominate ten people.
2. Answer the questions.

3. Thank the blogger who nominated you.

4. Notify the bloggers you nominated.

Questions

 

1. The job you want to have?

I absolutely love being a mom. Like truly. I enjoy my kids and love that we homeschool together. I do some counseling on the side and that is also something I enjoy. I love that it's something that helps people and that it's something I'm pretty good at. I also love to write and think it would be really cool to be part of a writer's team for a TV sitcom (I love group energy and I don't one bit mind public speaking). 

2. Favorite singer/band?

Oooh, tricky. See, when you grow up, you have "all-time" favorites as well as current favorites. My all-time favorite singer/band is Peter Cetera/Chicago. My current favorites are many and varied, but include Michael Bublé and Adam Levine/Maroon 5.

3. Favorite choc or sweet?

I assume they mean "chocolate?" Ugh, this is hard. I prefer salty to sweet. But I do love cookies and donuts, so let's go with those.

4. Three words to describe you?

Feisty, Compassionate, and Particular

Nominees 

1. Mark at Sushi and Pizza.

2. Thing 2 at I Don't Eat My Drumsticks.

3. Dave at News of My Demise.

4. Jimmy in the comments.

5. Emily (no rush- I know she has a lot going on right now)
6. Um . . .
7. Er . . .
8. Uh . . .
I really wish more people blogged.


Thanks, Honey, for this wonderful honor! :)