tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92688942024-03-14T02:26:32.596-06:00Stuff-n-StuffPersonal drivel for your reading play-sure...Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger131125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9268894.post-32217112698611547702012-12-11T22:12:00.000-07:002013-04-12T22:39:24.708-06:00Random Family Photos Without Explanations<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9268894.post-56665742843227051282012-06-04T00:18:00.000-06:002012-06-04T00:18:04.446-06:00Mother's Day: For RealsI tried to MAKE Todd observe the Mother's Day early on in our marriage, just because, however, it was difficult for him to keep up the momentum. I just like to be celebrated and to receive gifts. I like Mother's Day. I have a mother that I love. I love my grandmothers, so I've always liked the day, and to celebrate the women in my life. Mother's Day wasn't about me NOT being a mother. I'll admit it, though, that I did NOT like to be forced to stand up and receive my obligatory chocolate in church. Other people wanted me to stand up because I think it made THEM feel better. But I was really okay NOT standing up because I was okay not being a mom.
HOWEVER, this year, I am the MOM. I am the mom of this guy:
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We had such a nice day! We woke up early because we have early church, so no breakfast in bed. But I did get to do one of my very favorite things, which is to unwrap the morning baby and watch him stretch.
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Todd was really excited to give me my gift (that I had explicitly asked for...). Because it was a little too large to wrap, I received it "horse-head-in-the-bed" style. It's an Oreck steam cleaner, and I LOVE it. I don't know, maybe Todd was trying to send me a "message" about mopping the floor.
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Church was fine. I am always a little perplexed when the talks are NOT centered on Mothers. Let's just embrace the day, people! Maybe there has been some sensitivity training on not over doing it on Mother's Day.
We came home and OK was tired, so I put him down ("You stink, you're funny-looking, and you are a terrible burden on your mother.") and then I got to lay down. We both took a THREE HOUR NAP. Man, it was awesome. I am usually not a day-napper (I can do a power nap). I usually wake up from a nap feeling hung over and gross. I woke up feeling rested and wanting to play with Todd and OK.
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Then we went for a lovely, long walk in our beautiful neighborhood. Flowers were blooming, bees, were buzzing, and the breeze was blowing.
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THEN Todd took over and made me the MOST delicious meal. I asked for ribs. You would have thought it was Father's Day he was so happy to be BBQ-ing. They were the best smoked ribs EVER! Oh, it was such a nice day!
So my thoughts on being a mom. I like it. I love my little boy. I love my husband. Todd is such a good dad. OK is such a sweet, happy little boy. I have so much love for that little guy. I never get irritated at him. When he's asleep, I miss him and want to wake him up (which I most certainly DON'T). Every night, I get on my knees and thank my Heavenly Father for OK. Everything he does is a surprise and a miracle. He's the smartest, most clever baby that has ever lived. The End.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9268894.post-84252062344850638902012-02-08T18:15:00.002-07:002012-02-08T20:44:41.679-07:00'Bout Time: What, Did You Just Have a Baby?I thought I would have so much more time for this. As my M-I-L pointed out, I have not been great about sending out photos for her (or others) to brag about. I am still in a baby time warp. Here's a sampling of my day:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6844195017/" title="photo4 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7171/6844195017_a4c233dcb1.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="photo4"></a><br /><br />Wake up late (anywhere from 9 am to 2 pm)<br />Take a happy picture of Oliver to send to Todd<br />Feed the baby and play solitaire<br />Hold the baby<br />Watch some Grey's Anatomy while holding the baby<br />Feed the baby<br />Hold the baby<br />Kiss the baby<br />Watch some more TV<br />Feed the baby<br />Remember to eat, eat a lot<br />Hold the baby<br />Feed the baby<br />Go to bed<br /><br />I am loving it.<br /><br />Mo came to help for almost 2 weeks. It was heaven. Mo has more energy than any one I know...cat naps helped her keep up the energy.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6844164007/" title="IMG_0081 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7202/6844164007_bd3380f4ca.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_0081"></a><br /><br />We got SO MUCH DONE! The nursery got finished, the loft was organized, and my mental health was restored.<br /><br />I bought her an "Oliver-care Uniform" to match mine.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6844171495/" title="IMG_0105 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7171/6844171495_0dcc6f78c0.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_0105"></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6844170951/" title="IMG_0104 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7068/6844170951_e607cdb2e2.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_0104"></a><br /><br />Mo was my angel!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6844177555/" title="IMG_0120 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7189/6844177555_1891d8bf7a.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_0120"></a><br /><br />And now for an Oliver-cuteness break:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6844187501/" title="photo_6 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7172/6844187501_e4c85328e1.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="photo_6"></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6844183985/" title="photo_4 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7196/6844183985_f846bde427.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="photo_4"></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6844182671/" title="photo_3 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7157/6844182671_2c3875fa93.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="photo_3"></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6844181245/" title="photo_2 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7150/6844181245_b0f2bb94d6.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="photo_2"></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6844186033/" title="photo_5 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7152/6844186033_b37d231720.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="photo_5"></a><br /><br />While Mo was here, and while the Tyler & Brittany Rhodes were still in town, we blessed Oliver.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6844160317/" title="IMG_0257 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7143/6844160317_723f3c5453.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_0257"></a><br /><br />It was wonderful. We had our family and loved ones here in our home. The Bishop presided, and Todd gave the most beautiful blessing.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6844159873/" title="IMG_0250 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7047/6844159873_6b8499b6d1.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_0250"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6844159327/" title="IMG_0246 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7002/6844159327_7b1f86edef.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_0246"></a><br /><br />All of the Rhodes kids (and their kids) had been able to be together just after Christmas. We love being together!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6844159175/" title="rhodes_brood by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7065/6844159175_6794637bf9.jpg" width="493" height="500" alt="rhodes_brood"></a><br />Ollie loves Aunt Darcy!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6844163229/" title="IMG_0048 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7059/6844163229_f62f8fe33b.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_0048"></a><br /><br />While Mo was here, Abby and Lil' Boo came to meet the babies. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6844168987/" title="IMG_0087 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7067/6844168987_9d0759a4cc.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_0087"></a><br /><br />Lil' Boo is such a good big sister/cousin (regardless of OK's face)!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6844167905/" title="IMG_0084 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7009/6844167905_c1bf598a0c.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_0084"></a><br /><br />Also while Mo was here, another little baby boy joined us... Little SP!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6844169765/" title="IMG_0095 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7021/6844169765_e75a91b2c1.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_0095"></a><br /><br />Amy & Chris' little boy was born and got to meet his Aunts, his Mo, and his cousins. I should have a photo of Amy holding her boy, but we wouldn't give her the chance while we were in the same room as him! Mo was in grandbaby heaven.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6844178447/" title="IMG_0102 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7162/6844178447_e566880f8d.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_0102"></a><br /><br />Here's another Oliver-cuteness break:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6844177989/" title="IMG_0074 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7165/6844177989_48614c58a2.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_0074"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6844180203/" title="IMG_0078 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7184/6844180203_ca9acf4485.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_0078"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6844178971/" title="IMG_0091 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7054/6844178971_f2f9811d27.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_0091"></a><br /><br />We visited Grandma Green a couple of times while all the family was here.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6844174607/" title="IMG_0114 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7056/6844174607_839dcf230d.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_0114"></a><br /><br />We LOVE Grandma and LOVE to see her being so cute with our babies.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6844173675/" title="IMG_0113 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7029/6844173675_8e679fc091.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_0113"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6844173017/" title="IMG_0115 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7049/6844173017_172ec14f34.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_0115"></a><br /><br />After Mo left, I finally made my terrarium that I have been obsessing about.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6844176827/" title="IMG_0124 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7146/6844176827_73b47126e0.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_0124"></a><br /><br />It took about 20 minutes to put together, and I get tremendous satisfaction from it.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6844176065/" title="IMG_0125 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7002/6844176065_d7bd251610.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_0125"></a><br /><br />It's a little bit of summer sitting on my table during winter.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6844177125/" title="IMG_0126 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7034/6844177125_3a0859bc86.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_0126"></a><br /><br />So, it's been a FUN few weeks. Oliver is 9 weeks old today and it feels like it's gone by in a flash and yet, it's like he's always been here with us. Todd and I are still amazed at the love and support flowing to us and our very loved little boy. I am so pleased and amazed at how LOVED he is by so many people. People want to meet him, hold him, LOVE him. What a nice situation to be in when you enter the world. I hope he always feels this loved and included. I hope he will always have confidence in the love of his family and friends. What a blessing to go through life believing you were wanted and looked-forward-to and loved by virtue of BEING. <br /><br />So to end this catching-up session... some more Oliver-cuteness:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6844175031/" title="IMG_0121 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7016/6844175031_5d5bc3336a.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_0121"></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9268894.post-40184541286997767002012-01-21T12:47:00.001-07:002012-05-30T16:43:13.389-06:00It's a Wonderful LifeI had a baby. He was 4 1/2 weeks early. He is wonderful, and he has changed my life forever.<br /><br />Because I need to actually "write" it down before I forget (I am existing in a baby time warp)... here's the full story.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6724489347/" title="IMG_1333 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7154/6724489347_5a16fd24c5.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_1333"></a><br /><br />With the exception of the blip of the last post, this had been an AWESOME pregnancy. I am one of those obnoxious ladies who has loved being pregnant. I did not feel too sick or tired. I did not gain weight (except for some crazy swollen ankles and feet). I felt energetic and was able to juggle a very busy semester. However, one of the things I was looking forward to was for my baby to come on time (January 6th) so that I could get everything done that I needed to. I was not looking forward to an early baby.<br /><br />Todd and I started our Hypnobirthing classes, we were on board with the method, and I was practicing my relaxation strategies at home.<br /><br />Todd had a work trip planned in Singapore. I really did not want him to go, and we discussed it several times. But eventually I had a very distinct peaceful feeling, finally, that he should go and everything would be alright.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6724489315/" title="photo_2 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7165/6724489315_90db377211.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="photo_2"></a><br /><br />On Tuesday, December 6th, I canceled morning classes, taught afternoon classes, and rushed to Kinkos to do some photocopying before the Young Women's activity (I was bringing the supplies). <br /><br />At precisely 7pm, I pulled the car up to the back door of the house to run inside and grab some supplies before I headed to the church. I stepped out of the car into the frigid air and my water broke. People always told me that it wouldn't be dramatic, that I would probably mistake it for wetting my pants, that the movies always dramatize it. Well, the movies didn't do it justice. It was a gushing torrent. As wave upon wave of amniotic fluid filled my Kenneth Cole boots I was thinking (imagine this in different font types and sizes...) no, NO, NO, no, no NO, NO, NOOOOO!<br /><br />"This all wrong! This is WAY too early! I have to go to YW! I have finals next week. TODD IS IN SINGAPORE!"<br /><br />I turned off the car and literally sloshed into the house. I called Marilyn, my very experienced friend (and the YW president) and asked her to come over and pick up the YW supplies and "oh, yeah, I think my water broke." Marilyn was a dream. She came over right away and was all calm and smiles. She was perfectly composed and collected. Just what I needed. She suggested that I get myself cleaned up and start packing a bag and she would run the stuff over to the church and be right back.<br /><br />I left bloody footprints down the hall as I waddled numbly to the shower with "no, NO, no, no, NO" going through my head. I had no idea what to wear or what to pack. I am very methodical and like to plan ahead, and this was happening too soon. Just that morning, I had ordered my "birthing gown." I knew that I did NOT want to give birth in an ugly, shapeless hospital gown, or be nekked, so I had ordered a beautiful white night gown so that when my baby emerged from the womb he would think I was an angel.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6724527121/" title="heirloom_capslv by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7024/6724527121_9a8fe25386.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="heirloom_capslv"></a><br /><br />I did have a "backup" gown, but it was cliche and a little grandma-y, white with pink rosebuds... So I packed the gown and a matching frilly bathrobe, and some RANDOM stuff onto a bag while Marilyn calmly encouraged me.<br /><br />A lot of people wondered if I called Todd right away. I didn't. I didn't know what to say. I finally called him once I was cleaned up and my bag was mostly packed. I couldn't call him directly in Singapore, I had to e-mail him. My message had the subject title "Call me now" and the body of the message said, "my water broke, not kidding."<br /><br />Fortunately, Todd's main duties at this event were winding down. He called me AS SOON as he got the message. He was very calm. I found out later that while he was on the phone with me, his co-workers at the event were already looking up flights for him to take home ASAP. The soonest flight he could take was leaving in 6 hours. <br /><br />Marilyn drove me to the hospital (the University of Utah). While her demeanor was very calm, the only thing that betrayed her nerves was the fact that we basically missed every exit possible. I think it's funny that one of Todd's main concerns about delivering up at the U was that it was so far away and he was nervous we would have a baby in the car. Marilyn and I took the LONGEST ROUTE POSSIBLE plus a few "U" turns and we made it just fine. <br /><br />I had called Amy and Chip enroute and was so grateful that they could basically drop everything to come be with me. Contractions had started in the car, this was really happening. Marilyn was relieved of duty and Amy took over. Amy had come straight from her own ward's YW activity, and Chip had a presentation the next day and still had a lot of work to do. But they were both there for me and I will be eternally grateful!<br /><br />I changed into my gown, we moved into a delivery room, and Chip gave me a blessing. How grateful I am to him for that! He provided a service to me that gave me comfort and strength to face the coming hours! <br /><br />My thoughts were very much with Todd. All I could think of was Todd sitting on a plane and feeling helpless. What a terrible situation. This was the birth of his firstborn! His son! Throughout our years of infertility I have never questioned why, or felt wronged, or that the universe was unduly unfair to us. I accepted our infertility with humility knowing that God was in charge of the plan. But I have to say that this situation I could NOT understand. Why, after all the hardship and heartbreak we had been through as a couple, was Todd not able to be with me now? We have grown so close through our trials, why the separation now? We both feel okay about how things turned out, and we have speculated on why we think God planned it this way (remember my good, peaceful feeling?), but this is one thing I will be asking about when I stand at the pearly gates.<br /><br />So, labor commenced. It was fine, at first. My first shift midwife, also named Amy, was fantastic. I had my hypnobirthing scripts, mantras, and music. Amy and Chip were great hand holders, shoulder rubbers, and coaches. Now time had very little meaning to me during this time. Bless Amy and Chip, they took turns working and helping and dozing and doing some secretarial work for me, like contacting family members (I HAD remembered to call Mom and Dad before I left). If it weren't for them, I seriously would have forgotten to call anyone until it was all over. I DID ask them to contact my friend, Dominique, who was throwing me a shower the next day, and also my friend, Kara, with whom I was to have lunch. I also remembered to email my humanities professor to ask him if I could have an extension on the paper that was due.<br /><br />Soon, the contractions really kicked in. They were a bit irregular. I didn't want to be hooked up continuously so I could walk around, but soon almost any movement caused excruciating pain. Later, I learned that the intense pain was back labor because baby had his head turned and was not progressing into the birth canal, he was comfy where he was. So the contractions increased but he was not progressing. I was meditating and for quite a long while I was doing well, but after 12 hours, the professionals agreed that something more needed to be done.<br /><br />I was tired. Physically, and mentally. As things progressed, Chip graciously excused himself. There are things sisters just don't want to share with their brothers. There was talk of pitocin and c-sections. I was so mentally exhausted from the meditating through the increasingly intense pain. My contractions were so intense in my back and pelvis the nurse or midwife would climb up on the bed to push hard against my tailbone and pelvis. This was too much work for everyone. I felt like my pelvis was breaking. So I had to make a REALLY hard decision. It took a while and a few hard contractions, but I asked for the epidural.<br /><br />Wow. What a difference that made. My epidural was wonderful. I could still move around and move and feel my legs, but I could not feel my "lady parts" at all. But even with the pitocin, baby was not progressing down the path.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6724639235/" title="IMG_8535 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7006/6724639235_e2f5fd4c51.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_8535"></a><br /><br />Amy and I must have dozed, we chatted, and generally had a good time. Time passed, shifts changed, and the midwife I had been seeing through the last few months, Peggy, came on duty, how grateful I was! I am also so grateful for Peggy's knowledge and professionalism and that Peggy knew when it was time to involve the doctors. I felt like I was getting such good care!<br /><br />But time was quickly passing, and we were approaching 24 hours since my water had broken on my driveway. I can't believe it was that long. It went by in a flash. By this time, I was on oxygen (which I really enjoyed) and baby was being monitored because his heart beat was slowing WAY down with each contraction. They needed to get him out ASAP. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6724639271/" title="IMG_8537 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7167/6724639271_bd52c24997.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_8537"></a><br /><br />There was talk of trying forceps first or else the c-section was imminent. I expressed my SERIOUS concerns of using the forceps, but I felt that I would rather try that option rather than the c-section. Apparently, the first pair of forceps were not long enough to reach baby, so they had to find and use a second pair. Baby was too comfortable where he was. Thank goodness for the epidural. I would not have been able to endure what they did to me without it!<br /><br />So Todd was basically spared the blood and gore of delivery, but poor Amy was not. She was a fantastic coach helping me push. I didn't push very long, and with the epidural, it was not difficult. I guess I'm a good pusher. I could not feel anything horrible, but I could feel it when Baby OK emerged. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6724681207/" title="IMG_8540 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7005/6724681207_75cd233d7a.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_8540"></a><br /><br />He emerged quietly and serenely. He didn't make a sound, he just opened his eyes and looked around. He was then wisked away to a warming bed (NOT part of my birth plan, but he was considered somewhat "emergency" at this point) where he made his first crying sounds. When they determined that he was indeed breathing, he was just chill, they brought him back to me. HEAVEN!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6724681367/" title="IMG_8564 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7018/6724681367_4d2071efc0.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_8564"></a><br /><br />Little OK was perfect, and quiet, and still. I loved him instantly. He just wanted to hang out there on my chest, and I didn't want him to go anywhere, ever. <br /><br />But they had to take him to the nursery and do the requisite "pre-term baby tests" to determine if he needed NICU care.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6724681085/" title="IMG_8544 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7005/6724681085_af9b7feaf9.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_8544"></a><br /><br />Fortunately, he did not. He was healthy, and breathing, and at 5 lbs 11 oz, doing everything he should be doing. What a blessing! <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6724681233/" title="IMG_8574 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7145/6724681233_6980d38521.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_8574"></a><br /><br />His face was a little beat up, he had a cut over his eye and bruises on his head from the forceps, but he was so calm. Finally, after what seemed like forever, they brought him back to me!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6724681523/" title="IMG_8596 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7153/6724681523_21daf37328.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_8596"></a><br /><br />And we just looked at each other.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6724681445/" title="IMG_8594 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7154/6724681445_a66b2fda37.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_8594"></a><br /><br />I just couldn't believe this was my baby. We looked at each other and I couldn't hide my amazement. He was really here and he was really mine... or ours.<br /><br />Six hours after OK was born, Todd arrived in my room. Bless Amy, she had been through 24 hours of labor with me and she still went to the airport, got Todd something to eat, and dropped him off with his luggage and everything. I had gotten up and brushed my teeth and hair, and changed my clothes (there wasn't even a DROP of blood on my cheap nighty!). When Todd entered the room I was standing there holding OK in my arms and I said, "I had a baby!" It was a very sweet moment. Todd has been the MOST amazing dad. He has been tender and sweet and loving. He loves his little son so much. We had some very sweet hours together there in the hospital. Poor Todd was CRAZY tired, but he stayed up with us to talk and hold OK.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6724681393/" title="IMG_8603 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7146/6724681393_dea1b1a74d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_8603"></a><br /><br />Little Dude was doing great. We were learning about breastfeeding together.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6737464541/" title="IMG_8616 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7171/6737464541_acb31da6fc.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_8616"></a><br /><br />I remember the lactation nurse coming in for the first time and me thinking, "I wonder when I'll feel something going on there (in the breast-al region) and be ready to breastfeed..." and then the nurse squeezed me like a mammogram and there was something there! When did that happen?! It was a miracle!<br /><br />Because OK was early and a little beat up, he became jaundice-y and we had to put him on the lights.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6737464653/" title="IMG_8608 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7027/6737464653_91e1627f57.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_8608"></a><br /><br />This was really hard (for me) because I couldn't hold him. So I sat close and held his hand. By about 48 hours, post partum, I was getting the hormonal weeps. Everything made me teary, and seeing my baby in that contraption brought on the waterworks (Niagra Falls, Frankie...).<br /><br />But they let us go home!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6737464409/" title="IMG_8612 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7009/6737464409_82dc7dde81.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_8612"></a><br /><br />Todd had to go buy a car seat and pick up clothes for our baby at the house (I didn't even think to pack any even though I had bought his "coming home" outfit 4 months earlier!).<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6737464867/" title="IMG_8622 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7016/6737464867_bff48d0d7c.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_8622"></a><br /><br />It was WONDERFUL to have our little family together at home. Heaven on earth! The kind and loving ladies in the YW presidency had sneaked in to my house and cleaned up the chaotic mess. They wiped up bloody footprints and cleaned toilets and put things in order so that when we came home our house was orderly and peaceful. That was one of the most important and meaningful acts of service that has even been done for me. Other people cleaning my house is one of the hardest things for me to accept, but I needed it, and they did it for me. I love them. And I love that my baby came home to heaven and not filth!<br /><br />Todd's mom came up the next day from St. George and was SUCH a HUGE help for the next few days. She did a lot of really unglamorous chores, like dishes, laundry, and baby-clothes-organizing, but again, it was JUST what I needed and she was willing to do it. She is also an amazing grandma and held my baby and loved him!<br /><br />Those first couple of weeks were awesome. We had a lot to do before Christmas, like attend finals, grade projects, and finish getting ready for Christmas, but Todd was on vacation for the entire rest of the month, and we just enjoyed being together and getting to know this little baby. We had time to do a little newborn photo shoot at my new favorite photo studio, Fotofly, in Draper. There is SO much more to share, and I want to share it with you! More to come! Here are some photos of OK to enjoy.<br /><br />Love, <br />The Insufferable Mom Who Thinks Her Baby is THE Bomb.com<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6737464989/" title="2011-10423-1 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7146/6737464989_ba5a17ef99.jpg" width="500" height="357" alt="2011-10423-1"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6737465079/" title="2011-10423-13 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7151/6737465079_d80758e6b2.jpg" width="357" height="500" alt="2011-10423-13"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6737465183/" title="2011-10423-29 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7034/6737465183_7a0290a259.jpg" width="500" height="357" alt="2011-10423-29"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6737465227/" title="2011-10423-20 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7153/6737465227_0354bcc1a9.jpg" width="500" height="357" alt="2011-10423-20"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6737465315/" title="2011-10423-31 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7019/6737465315_a8ec6501a6.jpg" width="357" height="500" alt="2011-10423-31"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6737465517/" title="2011-10423-9 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7006/6737465517_3ce526b78c.jpg" width="500" height="357" alt="2011-10423-9"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6737465657/" title="2011-10423-41 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7003/6737465657_d61ba15a28.jpg" width="500" height="357" alt="2011-10423-41"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6737465419/" title="2011-10423-51 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7034/6737465419_476536914b.jpg" width="500" height="357" alt="2011-10423-51"></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9268894.post-48818433709751157752011-11-14T22:31:00.003-07:002011-11-14T23:06:08.423-07:00It's Been Great Until TodaySo I've been enjoying a remarkably EASY pregnancy. When people have asked me "How's everything going?" or "How do you feel?" it has been a joy to be able to answer, "I feel great!" And I really have! I was never very sick, I never threw up or even dry-heaved, I have good energy levels, I sleep fairly well, and I have only gained 11 lbs in 7 1/2 months. That is until today...<br /><br />I had a day. It started early, too early. As I was getting in the shower to get ready for a doctor's appointment I happened to weigh myself and I have gained 7 lbs in the last 2 weeks since my last appointment. I tried not to freak out in the shower, but I did a little bit, in my head.<br /><br />Todd is out of town.<br /><br />I spent all day trying to write a paper for my class. The whole pregnancy brain condition is very real for me. I have trouble formulating thoughts beyond the B+ range. This causes me MUCH frustration and consternation and often embarrassment, especially when I am trying to teach an important principle at school and cannot remember words, or when I lose student assignments, or forget to send them the assignment due tomorrow. It's been a whole semester of that.<br /><br />After class tonight, I talked to my professor and while I don't think he could tell, I teared up a bit because I've gotten a B+ on both of my papers and also my mid-term. I am smarter than a B+ in this class.<br /><br />I wore stupid shoes to campus so I had to take them off to walk back to my car. <br /><br />I fell off the last stair while on campus and sprained my ankle pretty good. I sat there for awhile trying to assess the situation and then some really friendly students came by and I was just sitting there and they asked if they could help me up and I was about to say "no, I'm okay" when I realized that:<br /><br />1. I wasn't okay<br />2. I was already crying<br />3. I am 7 1/2 months pregnant and I COULDN'T get up on my own even if I wanted to<br /><br />It was awkward. <br /><br />I cried all the way back to my car while limping like an idiot. I sat in the car and cried uncontrollably. I couldn't call Todd or a sister or show up at my brother's because I was crying so hard. I was crying because I am pregnant and sometimes it just doesn't take much. I texted Todd instead and he called and listened to my cry for awhile, then he talked about other things until I calmed down enough to drive home.<br /><br />I got home and got in the bath to relax and was forced to confront the "body"... and the face. I have a very puffy pregnant face. My nose is huge and gorilla-like and my mouth is big, and not in a very voluptuous way. I know this is temporary.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6346801616/" title="bad pregnant day by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6214/6346801616_3739e67a8f.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="bad pregnant day"></a><br /><br />I felt better. I finished my going-to-be-a-B+ paper and was getting ready to go to bed (finally!) when I noticed the gas smell. Apparently, when I reheated my leftovers dinner I leaned on the gas stove and the burner has been quietly leaking gas for almost 2 hours. I opened all the doors and windows and turned on the fan. It's like I have it in for myself. I called Todd and told him and now he is concerned. I can't be left alone. Maybe he won't go to Singapore in December after all.<br /><br />So this is a little bit of a pity party. I still feel great. This pregnancy is still a piece of cake. But today was a rotten day.<br /><br />No pitying comments please. Only hilarious anecdotes about yourself or someone you know.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9268894.post-10136993069403512542011-09-12T12:51:00.002-06:002011-09-12T13:27:25.456-06:00Welcome HomeIt's good to be home. <br /><br />After living in our all-white apartment in Norwalk, Connecticut I feel surrounded by color and comfort. I had no idea we had so many THINGS! I appreciate my furniture more, my kitchen, my multiple bathrooms. But I am also ready to get rid of a lot; I can live with less.<br /><br />Our Connecticut digs were great. We lived in a lovey, clean apartment, and it was a great find thanks to some awesome ladies at Todd's office. We lived in SoNo (South Norwalk) which is a hip section of town full of cool bars and restaurants. It is also a historical part of town so the buildings were brick and colonial and charming and on the river front. Historically, this part of town was for oyster farming and fishing.<br /><br />When I came home, <a href="http://unlimitedtatertots.blogspot.com/">Amy</a> picked me up from the airport and we went to dinner and had some really nice sister time. I missed my family this summer. Todd's mom and grandma were at my house having spent a mother/daughter/genealogy week in Salt Lake. It was fun to NOT come home to an empty house that first night. We had some time the next morning to chat and I showed them ultrasound photos and baby clothes. I really enjoyed their company.<br /><br />Now I am alone. And it's fine. I really like my alone time. I LOVE being with Todd the best, but I am REALLY alright being by myself. These are the last days of alone time for a LONG time. Soon I will have a baby with me 24/7, which will be great, but I will still love my alone time. I was talking with my grandma last night and she loves alone time, as does my own <a href="http://springruminations.blogspot.com/">Mo</a>. So maybe it's hereditary.<br /><br />I came back early to start school, both teaching and taking a class. I am taking a humanities class at BYU to get back into the academic side of things in preparation for further education. And I am teaching three courses (in four classes) at LDS Business College this semester. It will be a busy Fall, but what a nice way to pass the time until Oliver comes!<br /><br />I miss Todd, a lot. He won't be home for a few more weeks. I will go visit him and do some last minute sightseeing, and pretend for one more weekend that I have no responsibilities other than being with my best friend and having a good time.<br /><br />I did find one interesting surprise the day after Grandma and Chris left. During July, the whole Rhodes clan was in Utah for a little family reunion and our home played "hotel" to 5 adults and three cute boys. I tired to prepare the house for their arrival and have things ready and available or "child-proofed" as much as possible (I will need to make more changes before Ollie gets here, the Rhodes boys were a good test run). I have found a couple of cars behind doors and plastic jets under couches, but my favorite find was laying beside the tower of headbands and the thank-you card from Grandma Rhodes.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6141476844/" title="Pastie by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6165/6141476844_a36f8ec93e.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Pastie"></a><br /><br />Yes, it is a red-sequined, black-tasseled pasty of the "burlesque" variety. Some dusty remnant of a decade-old wedding shower. I found its partner in the back of a bedside table. I don't know who found it, but they obviously did not know where it went, and there is no way of knowing if they really knew what it was. A fez? So I am left with the image of the whole family surrounding the discovery and discussing its origin. A lovely, if hilarious, image. I may illustrate it.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9268894.post-43639684294445088472011-08-22T11:08:00.004-06:002011-08-24T11:27:40.726-06:00I Am Grateful for Friends This Summer: Part 2I have more friends to be grateful for this summer. As I mentioned, Ben & <a href="http://benandsarajensen.blogspot.com/">Sara</a> Jensen live in New Canaan. I knew Ben in college and was excited that we knew someone in the area we were moving to. It has been such a delight to get to know them better and to spend time with them! Both Todd and I feel grateful that they invited us to do fun things with them, and we feel that having their friendship has been such a bonus this summer while we are so far from family and friends in Utah.
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<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6069626426/" title="IMG_1122 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6201/6069626426_7ab088e1f3.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_1122"></a>
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<br />Sara has been a delightful summer companion and a fellow "lady of leisure". Sara is smart and interesting, and we share many of the same interests such as food and cooking (and reality TV). When she told me that she used to eat green beans straight from the can I knew she was a kindred spirit. I know that doesn't say much about either of our food tastes, but I understood her in that moment and I liked her.
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<br />We talk a lot about food and life. I find Sara extremely refreshing in her "realness" and inspiring in her social attitudes. I am an introvert and she is an extrovert, and it has been tremendously helpful for me to have a friend that helps me think outside my comfort zone. All I really want to do is plan, cook, and host delicious meals at my house for friends, family, and people I want to get to know better, but my shyness, social awkwardness, and laziness get the best of me. Sara actually DOES those things! Spending time with Sara has helped me remember how fun it is to socialize and meet people, and for that, I will be eternally grateful. Now that I am leaving CT, I hope I can get enough doses of "Sara" to keep me motivated and on my toes! She has been sweet and good to me this summer. Thank you, Sara! I love you!
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<br />So it was fitting that Todd and I spend one more weekend with the Jensens before I come home. (It has also been so nice for Todd to have a friend in Ben.) They invited us to go camping with them at Burlingame state park in Rhode Island. Todd and I brought NO camping gear with us this summer, but thanks to some generous benefactors (the same generous benefactors that have let me and Sara use their pool all summer) we got hooked up with a HUGE tent and an air mattress.
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<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6069085927/" title="IMG_1139 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6208/6069085927_2328035d0a.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_1139"></a>
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<br />On our drive up to RI, Sara had suggested we stop and check out the peach festival at Lyman Orchards near Durham, CT. There wasn't much of a festival unless you counted the face painting and the free balloons, but Todd and I spent a little time in the U-pick orchards.
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<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6069632222/" title="IMG_1133 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6190/6069632222_420563cc6c.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_1133"></a>
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<br />Can you appreciate those rolling hills lined with hundreds of fruit trees? There were apples, pears, nectarines, and peaches with several varieties of each! It was gorgeous countryside. The peaches were GIANT and almost too beautiful to pick!
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<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6069630628/" title="IMG_1127 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6190/6069630628_eabac54cc1.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_1127"></a>
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<br />It was fun to just walk amongst the rows and rows of trees and feel the breeze and hear the bees buzz and smell sun-ripening peaches.
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<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6069627366/" title="IMG_1128 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6197/6069627366_e5e739ca0d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_1128"></a>
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<br />It sounds all very romantic because it was just a little. Todd is a farmer at heart, and he could not stop himself from picking peaches, even on a phone call.
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<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6069631334/" title="IMG_1134 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6193/6069631334_29ff4f55fd.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_1134"></a>
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<br />We ended up with over 25 lbs of peaches. Some of the individual peaches weighed over a pound each! And they have been delicious!
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<br />That night Ben and Sara joined us and we ate foil dinner and had Nutella s'mores 'round the campfire. I'm telling you, don't mess with the chocolate bar nonsense, Nutella is the way to go.
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<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6069633948/" title="IMG_1141 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6061/6069633948_a4bc1fe448.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_1141"></a>
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<br />Todd and I slept really well in our spacious tent and separate beds. We both had our electronics to wind down with.
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<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6069635190/" title="IMG_1143 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6201/6069635190_6a9dedcc49.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_1143"></a>
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<br />Pregnant ladies need a little extra comfort when "roughing" it hence the multitude of pillows. And I was not sleeping on a hill as it appears I am. It was a good night's sleep.
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<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6069087161/" title="IMG_1144 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6190/6069087161_009d686294.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_1144"></a>
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<br />The next morning we all loaded up our bikes and headed up to catch the ferry over to Block Island, RI. Block Island is only an hour ferry ride and it is a charming location with a small town of cute hotels, shops, and restaurants and cute houses and farms further inland. There are only about 900-1000 permanent residents, and the single school has 150 students from K-12. But during the summer, the island is full of cottage renters and day-trippers. It was busy but not overly crowded.
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<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6069088373/" title="IMG_1147 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6073/6069088373_a4e6098b17.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_1147"></a>
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<br />I am SO glad we brought our bikes with is this summer! Rosie has been a great bike and she is SOLID as a tank! We got to see a little bit of the island as our GPS lead us on a wild goose chase to find the restaurant we had selected. We ended up on a very hilly dirt road that ran past cute farms and cottages. I didn't mind the ride at all, but Todd's bike had a breakdown, and we had to walk and coast on our bikes all the way back to the hardware store.
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<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6069636824/" title="IMG_1148 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6210/6069636824_2895cb56de.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_1148"></a>
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<br />We were hungry at this point and did not want to keep searching for this elusive restaurant that was at odds with our GPS, so Sara the extrovert asked the locals at the hardware store where they would eat and we went there.
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<br />We were all in the mood for some good seafood, and this place (Finns, in Old Harbor) served local catch.
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<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6069637570/" title="IMG_1149 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6198/6069637570_94bfe20e7d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_1149"></a>
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<br />We ordered local oysters (yum!) and BOTH fisherman's platters... the fried one AND the broiled one. And a few french fries. I swear there is a salad and some broccoli on that table somewhere! We ate fried cod, broiled flounder, scallops both ways, fried clams (I passed on those), fried shrimp, and lobster salad. Fresh seafood is the BEST. We have really not taken good advantage of that this summer. Here's the damage...
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<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6069638092/" title="IMG_1150 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6083/6069638092_b1249460b1.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_1150"></a>
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<br />Clean platters are a good sign of good food. I know it looks like we did a number on lunch, but we saved a bit of room for the homemade ice cream served next door.
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<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6069092241/" title="IMG_1151 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6076/6069092241_6ab80ccae0.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_1151"></a>
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<br />Don't you love summer and cute ice cream shops?
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<br />Lastly, we headed over to the beach for some nap time which was well deserved after our little bike ride and our huge lunch. The beach was full of revelers and music from a live band, but the weather was warm and sunny and we laid down and enjoyed the summer atmosphere.
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<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6069638618/" title="IMG_1154 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6201/6069638618_52f686432e.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_1154"></a>
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<br />What a lovely day spent with lovely friends! See why we feel grateful? (See my growing bump?)
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<br />Todd and I have loved being here in Connecticut. There have been small moments of feeling lonely for family and for the summer family gatherings that we have missed out on. It's not fun to be away from the people we love so much, but we have really made the most of this unique opportunity. We have seen so much and have had great adventures. My brother, Chip, pointed out to me that while our involvement with everything we do in our "normal lives" is great and fulfilling, there is something unique and special about taking a "vacation" from that and just being together for a prolonged amount of time. This has been a second honeymoon of sorts.
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<br />So thank you to friends who have enhanced this fun experience. We will always treasure this summer, and we hope to see you again soon!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9268894.post-68125763666106038212011-08-22T07:36:00.003-06:002011-08-22T11:06:53.836-06:00I Am Grateful for Friends This Summer: Part 1<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6069042335/" title="IMG_1083 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6190/6069042335_4de39ee8d9.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_1083"></a>
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<br />I love friends.
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<br />Last week I had the privilege of spending some quality time with my two bestest friends, <a href="http://thebiznards.blogspot.com/">Wendy</a> & <a href="http://brittsoucy.blogspot.com/">Brittany</a>. Since I am in Connecticut and Brittany is in New Hampshire, we felt so happy that Wendy would fly all the way out here from Boise to have a little "lady" time.
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<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6070078776/" title="IMG_1114 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6085/6070078776_83fbc77d5f.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_1114"></a>
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<br />It was so kind of Brittany to host us considering she is recovering from Lyme Disease and she also has FIVE kids. But her home was as inviting and charming as ever, and she and the kids went out of their way to make us feel comfortable and at home. Thank you to Brittany's oldest girlies for giving up their CUTE and COMFY beds for us!
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<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6069593922/" title="IMG_1105 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6067/6069593922_afcce95123.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_1105"></a>
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<br />Wendy brought her baby son with her and he was our little mascot. He was sweet and quick to smile and laugh. He's SO CHARMING! We love him!
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<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6069047797/" title="IMG_1109 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6210/6069047797_90859b1542.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_1109"></a>
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<br />We were lucky enough to be able to spend some alone time together (thanks to her very busy Jake!). We love to just talk and reminisce about our school time together. We laughed over our 90's fashion, our good and bad decisions, the boys, the trips... We were definitely missing our 4th and (unofficial) 5th roommates, Jenna and Brooke. We LOVE you ladies and wanted to be with you, too! There will be a full Frolic Palace reunion in the future!
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<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6069589258/" title="IMG_1086 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6079/6069589258_78abb81604.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_1086"></a>
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<br />One of the highlights was seeing my high school friend, Susan.
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<br />Susan lives in NH and made a generous detour to come see us at Brittany's house. She has two DARLING little boys; I was very excited to meet them. Susan is so delightful! She is smart and interesting and she is such a cute mom (drool on the shoulder and all!). I loved seeing Susan as a mom. Life is a series of evolutions, and I was so happy to be able to catch up with Susan and see how things have evolved in a very happy way for her.
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<br />It was fun to stay up late watching movies and talking. We went to Portsmouth, NH for desserts and Maine for the outlets. Girl stuff. We shopped for books, candy, and baby clothes.
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<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6069043401/" title="IMG_1092 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6072/6069043401_7565100531.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_1092"></a>
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<br />Another highlight was being able to go to the Boston temple. It was Brittany's daughter's first temple trip and both Jake and Britt wanted to be there, so Wendy and I tagged along. How lucky to have a temple so close (comparatively speaking... when I was a youth in Boston we drove down to Washington D.C. once a year, not a bad trip, but a logistical nightmare from my adult perspective!).
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<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6069592654/" title="IMG_1100 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6199/6069592654_9f993e2fc1.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_1100"></a>
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<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6069045673/" title="IMG_1104 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6207/6069045673_60b7c5f252.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_1104"></a>
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<br />Jake was a part of the good old college days as well, and it was fun that he spent one of the nights looking at photos with us and reliving those cold, wintery Rick's days. Everyone had interesting stories that had been long forgotten and embarrassing revelations to share. No one was spared humiliation at the follies of youth. But we love each other, and those things are fun to look back on.
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<br />We ended the trip with a little trip for Brittany. She drove down to Norwalk,CT with us to visit a friend from the college days.
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<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6069596450/" title="IMG_1118 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6193/6069596450_bfcb263d48.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_1118"></a>
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<br />We all met Ben at Ricks, and I have become good friends with his wife Sara this summer as they are living in New Canaan, CT. We enjoyed a lovely meal at their home, and it was fun to catch up with another friend from those days. Thank you for hosting us!
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<br />I love that time and place do not affect our love and affection for one another. We are not the kind of friends that call all the time or get together that often. We make an effort when we can. But I know that I can call these ladies ANY time so share good or bad news. They put up with my personality flaws and love me anyway, and I love them. When we do talk or get together, it's like no time has passed, our friendship is suspended in time.
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<br />We have definitely changed over the years. We are (thankfully) not the same people we were when we knew each other in high school and college. It's fun to see growth and progress and happiness in each of our lives. I am so glad that these ladies have made choices that have led them to happiness. They are such good people! How did I get so lucky? I feel so happy that I can call these ladies sisters... or sister-wives as both Jake and Todd joked (I don't love them THAT much).
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<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6069049317/" title="IMG_1120 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6071/6069049317_bfccc4b640.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_1120"></a>
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<br />I love you ladies! When's the next get-together?
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9268894.post-77915839067501203302011-08-08T12:26:00.002-06:002011-08-08T16:27:05.287-06:00It's A Boy!<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6022973794/" title="IMG_1077 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6209/6022973794_990148b710.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_1077"></a>
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<br />Laying out these little clothes which we purchased on the way home from the ultra sound appointment made it a little more real for me. There will be a baby body in those clothes in 4 months.
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<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6022417125/" title="IMG_1080 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6198/6022417125_fb73965fb4.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_1080"></a>
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<br />I have been trying to hide my pregnancy a little bit in the last two blogs. I'm sure it has driven some people crazy that we haven't announced this yet (you know who you are), but A) it has hardly felt real, even still B) we have health reasons to be cautious C) we have enjoyed "incubating" this new bit of family life and keeping it for ourselves.
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<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6022975366/" title="IMG_1079 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6086/6022975366_b2e361fb6e.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_1079"></a>
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<br />Todd and I have enjoyed being together here in our tiny apartment in Connecticut this summer. It has reduced our family life down to the bare essentials. We have some clothes, some dishes, a sewing machine (that needs using), a couple of friends, and ourselves. Oh, and a 17" TV. We share a car and all of our free time. There are no callings that distract us, and even Todd is done with work when he gets home, which is very fortunate this time of year.
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<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6022415735/" title="IMG_1078 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6068/6022415735_6382468039.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_1078"></a>
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<br />We were lying in bed and talking the other night about how we wouldn't change the timing of this. Of course, we wish it had happened a little sooner, but we still wouldn't change it. I have had time to be with nieces and nephews as they have been little and have loved being the "available" aunt. I have loved my callings and my job. I have loved having ten years to be with Todd, to love Todd, to really get to know Todd, to become a team. Our relationship is so much stronger now than it was ten years ago when we began "trying" for a family.
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<br />There is a lot to be said for having children young, before you know too much about what you're getting into. Believe me; age and experience breeds fear. The older I've gotten the more apprehensive I've become about being a mother. I even reached a very comfortable level of accepting that we WOULDN'T have kids. That's a peaceful, quiet, enjoyable realization that not everyone can accept. But those of you who were fortunate enough to begin younger than 36 should also feel good that they had the energy and enthusiasm of youth! Good on you! Having your youngins young is the natural way to go!
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<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/6022417631/" title="IMG_1081 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6077/6022417631_a185d092af.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_1081"></a>
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<br />So just to answer some commonly asked questions:
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<br />1) I feel great.
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<br />2) This was an in vitro (meaning "in glass"... yes a test tube, or rather a petri dish) I did have some of the same ovarian complications that I had last time, but that and the nausea passed by the 11 th or 12th week and I feel fantastic. In fact, only my growing stomach reminds me I am pregnant. I feel very "normal".
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<br />3) Yes, we have a name picked out. We've had 11.5 years of marriage to work out baby names. He will be Oliver Kent and you can call him Ollie or "OK Rhodes" until he asks you to stop. Oliver because it is classic and has a cute little kid nickname and I am a fan of Charles Dickens, AND if he is an only child he will be spending a lot of time with cousins and we thought it was an appropriate nod to the "Brady Bunch" that the only-child cousin would be "Cousin Oliver". That in itself is very Dickensonian. And Kent because that is both Todd's father's name and my father's middle name. It is a solid and masculine middle name and has the air of Superman about it. If you knew a kid named Oliver that you hated, or who was fat, or rude, or mean, or gay... we don't care.
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<br />4) Yes, you can babysit.
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<br />Even though I really thought this baby was going to be a girl, during the process of writing this I am getting more and more excited about having a boy. I mean, OF COURSE I am trilled to have a boy, but I was just really sure it was a girl and I am having to wrap my head around it a bit... buying some boy baby clothes has helped. But as a <a href="http://kasm.blogspot.com/">friend</a> pointed out to me, "the world is in need of good men right now." And I cannot think of a better role model than Todd. This is the luckiest little boy in the world to have a dad who loves to camp and fish and skate board, and who will always have candy in his suit pocket when they go to the Priesthood Session of General Conference.
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<br />I feel really lucky. I am lucky to feel so good. I am lucky to be pregnant. I am lucky to have so much support for this little baby and so many people to love him. I am lucky that he is healthy. I am lucky to have a lot of favors to call in... just kidding, I won't be obnoxious. I will probably post more about this on the Baby Rhodesbud site, so check it out later. Meanwhile, I will continue to bask in my pregnancy "glow" (it's a tan).Unknownnoreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9268894.post-61827686856057597912011-08-03T11:40:00.013-06:002011-08-03T13:13:31.667-06:00Lobster Hunt 2011 & Todd's BirthdayWe have been planning this trip for a YEAR! We LOVE to visit Tyler and <a href="http://tylerandbrittrhodes.blogspot.com/">Brittany</a> in Fort Lauderdale, and usually take the opportunity to do so in May when we go down for one of Todd's big events. But since they had a brand new baby in May, we decided to come down this year for the lobster hunt/Tyler & Todd's birthdays.<br /><br />Now this is a hunt I can get into, not like deer hunting where you're just sitting around in cold weather waiting for a deer to happen by, only to shoot it with a big loud gun, have to watch the poor thing bleed and die, gut it, cut it up, haul it out of the woods, stick it in the freezer, and stick its head on the wall. Lobsters are quiet. They live in warm water. You don't have to shoot them with a gun. They don't bleed. You can eat them pretty much right away. They taste good.<br /><br />After a nice relaxing weekend with the the FL Rhodes (and some minor repairs to the boat) we headed down to the Keys. We stayed in a nice little condo that was perfect to share. This was my first time to Key West. I've wanted to go there for a while. I helped design two Del Sol stores down there but never got to go on an install. I was surprised to see that it was more "civilized" than I had expected (and larger), but we'll get to that.<br /><br />Tuesday was day one for the hunt. Tyler, Landon (Tyler's co-worker), Todd, and I went out in the AM to a spot Tyler and Landon hunted last year. Brittany stayed in the condo with the kids that day and put together a cake and decorations for Tyler's birthday party that night. Due to some storms off Cuba and Grand Caymen, the waters were rough and the visibility was not great. We stayed on the lee side of the keys where the water was more calm, but there was nothing but sea grass.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yBhGwuuhLX4/TjmH4ojB7lI/AAAAAAAAAK8/jaGrgGsG-A0/s1600/IMG_0894.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yBhGwuuhLX4/TjmH4ojB7lI/AAAAAAAAAK8/jaGrgGsG-A0/s400/IMG_0894.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636685815657655890" border="0"></a><br /><br />We headed over to the Atlantic side and braved the rougher waters in search of rock ledges and coral; as Tyler likes to call it "lobster condos." We were never in water deeper than 7' or 8'. There are so many sand bars and whatnot that sometimes we would be close to a mile off shore and could stand up in the water. Alas, there were no lobsters the first day. We did experience the company of a manatee as it swam along side us for a few minutes. I didn't see it until i put my mask in the water and it was swimming between my legs (in 5' of water). I freaked out a little; they are really big. But we followed it and then it followed us. Who'd ever thought I see a manatee in the wild.<br /><br />We consoled ourselves with a little dinner out that night. No one ordered lobster. We are at Hogfish Grill. It's charming, outside, on the water...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OGDj4UxWs6Q/TjmJ1JD4xPI/AAAAAAAAALE/tYM4kp6Mh2A/s1600/IMG_0897.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OGDj4UxWs6Q/TjmJ1JD4xPI/AAAAAAAAALE/tYM4kp6Mh2A/s400/IMG_0897.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636687954689180914" border="0"></a><br /><br />That day, Brittany and the kids did this:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WXAkZyMS7zs/TjmK7aOhykI/AAAAAAAAALM/CTVGliFonfg/s1600/decorations"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WXAkZyMS7zs/TjmK7aOhykI/AAAAAAAAALM/CTVGliFonfg/s400/decorations" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636689161888057922" border="0"></a><br /><br />And then we did this:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s4Ho9uDA5Io/TjmLRK8InBI/AAAAAAAAALU/7mQFm1ZpKB0/s1600/IMG_0898.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s4Ho9uDA5Io/TjmLRK8InBI/AAAAAAAAALU/7mQFm1ZpKB0/s400/IMG_0898.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636689535741500434" border="0"></a><br /><br />Owen is really good at birthdays. He sings and everything.<br /><br />The next day, we ALL went out on the boat. I am so glad because I wouldn't have had fun if Britt and the kids couldn't be with us. I think we were all a little nervous about having a 2 year-old and a 2 month-old out on the ocean for a whole day, but Owen and Collette were CHAMPS! Owen is a little sailor man and Collie slept pretty much the entire time in her tiny life jacket.<br /><br />Todd and Tyler did a little reconnaissance that morning and with the use of an iPad and Google Maps found what looked like a great place for lobster condos. We used a GPS and Todd's iPhone (in a waterproof cover) to locate our spot. It was gorgeous. As the tide started going out there was a very strong current, but that did not stop us from hunting or from Owen enjoying a swim. He's such a good swimmer!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k7zJRWVQ3Jc/TjmM8yEZMDI/AAAAAAAAALk/3Z9o-QyrrLE/s1600/Owen%2Band%2BBritta"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k7zJRWVQ3Jc/TjmM8yEZMDI/AAAAAAAAALk/3Z9o-QyrrLE/s400/Owen%2Band%2BBritta" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636691384491126834" border="0"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H6vEzA9-gBo/TjmM8jP4RII/AAAAAAAAALc/IWrbz_WcgiY/s1600/Owen%2Band%2BBritt"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H6vEzA9-gBo/TjmM8jP4RII/AAAAAAAAALc/IWrbz_WcgiY/s400/Owen%2Band%2BBritt" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636691380512769154" border="0"></a><br /><br />As the day wore on with no signs of lobster it was clear that while this was a great place to find them, they had probably been cleared out of their condos the day before. The radio had said that there were 20,000 to 30,000 people down in the Keys for the lobster hunt this year. So now we know where to go FIRST next year. Brittany and I were actually praying that we would find a lobster. I don't think Todd and I cared as much as Tyler, he was the host and I think he would have felt bad had we come all that way for naught.<br /><br />And YAY! our prayers were answered! Tyler caught a lobster! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d0fX0gkHFyo/TjmNsn8k87I/AAAAAAAAALs/-FTBu8JEfvM/s1600/the%2Bcatch"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 365px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d0fX0gkHFyo/TjmNsn8k87I/AAAAAAAAALs/-FTBu8JEfvM/s400/the%2Bcatch" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636692206407709618" border="0"></a><br /><br />To celebrate, that night we went out for pizza. The condo was not adequate for cooking such a special catch. We walked up and down Duvall Street, the place where all the stores, restaurants, and people watching action is. It was HOT, but fun.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EeM4q2_K88E/TjmOsby0XmI/AAAAAAAAAMU/jG1yhpwMzDE/s1600/IMG_0911.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EeM4q2_K88E/TjmOsby0XmI/AAAAAAAAAMU/jG1yhpwMzDE/s400/IMG_0911.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636693302657179234" border="0"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zK8cRt76yeo/TjmOsP1CR4I/AAAAAAAAAMM/ka_L_QG1qUs/s1600/IMG_0909.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zK8cRt76yeo/TjmOsP1CR4I/AAAAAAAAAMM/ka_L_QG1qUs/s400/IMG_0909.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636693299445254018" border="0"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WHrJYieBD9U/TjmOr88Du3I/AAAAAAAAAME/R4p71KFztkg/s1600/IMG_0907.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WHrJYieBD9U/TjmOr88Du3I/AAAAAAAAAME/R4p71KFztkg/s400/IMG_0907.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636693294374435698" border="0"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wn_YsgnsfW4/TjmOrvgoXbI/AAAAAAAAAL8/bUomwU3b1KM/s1600/IMG_0903.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wn_YsgnsfW4/TjmOrvgoXbI/AAAAAAAAAL8/bUomwU3b1KM/s400/IMG_0903.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636693290769735090" border="0"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--AYpvfsoFL0/TjmOrSEQ_II/AAAAAAAAAL0/6EzoS5pxozU/s1600/IMG_0899.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--AYpvfsoFL0/TjmOrSEQ_II/AAAAAAAAAL0/6EzoS5pxozU/s400/IMG_0899.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636693282866134146" border="0"></a><br /><br />I love that first pic of Brittany holding a baby while taking a breathalizer test in a bathroom hallway. Only in Key West.<br /><br />We were sad to leave the Key West. But the drive home was fun, too. There is a road side attraction called Robbie's where you can eat, charter fishing boats, and feed the tarpin. Tarpin are really large sport fish, not great for eating, but great for fishing and feeding.<br /><br /><div><embed src="http://www.onetruemedia.com/share_view_player?p=ecac6ee852f3d7e25b4d50" quality="high" scale="noscale" width="408" height="382" wmode="transparent" name="FLVPlayer" salign="LT" flashvars="&p=ecac6ee852f3d7e25b4d50&skin_id=701&host=http://www.onetruemedia.com" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed><div style="margin:0px;font:12px/13px verdana,arial,sans-serif;line-height:20px;padding-bottom:15px;width:408px;text-align:center;"><a href="http://www.onetruemedia.com/landing?&utm_source=emplay&utm_medium=txt3" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;">Make video montages at <span style="text-decoration:underline;">www.OneTrueMedia.com</span></a></div></div><br /><br />We all took turns throwing sardines and dangling them just right to get a tarpin to jump up with its giant mouth and swallow your fish. These photos are in backwards order, but I am too tired of writing this to fix it. This is me enjoying Robbie's.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WR1pSqZ0xSQ/TjmRL97eNpI/AAAAAAAAAM0/35oX4sJ9s6c/s1600/IMG_0939.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WR1pSqZ0xSQ/TjmRL97eNpI/AAAAAAAAAM0/35oX4sJ9s6c/s400/IMG_0939.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636696043419481746" border="0"></a><br /><br />I love this one of the boys all checking out the fish.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PcKmaE0E0rs/TjmRLldhGGI/AAAAAAAAAMs/48Pri6DRaiY/s1600/IMG_0930.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PcKmaE0E0rs/TjmRLldhGGI/AAAAAAAAAMs/48Pri6DRaiY/s400/IMG_0930.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636696036851390562" border="0"></a><br /><br />These suckers are 4' long!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TmCPmaP6TDo/TjmRLTAzSOI/AAAAAAAAAMk/7_UfdUxzLX4/s1600/IMG_0929.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TmCPmaP6TDo/TjmRLTAzSOI/AAAAAAAAAMk/7_UfdUxzLX4/s400/IMG_0929.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636696031899109602" border="0"></a><br /><br />The tarpin actually have big teeth. Sometimes they scrape a knuckle or two, but Todd was brave.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qQ7fSI24pd8/TjmRLFdO0-I/AAAAAAAAAMc/15AnVP-VkgA/s1600/IMG_0937.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qQ7fSI24pd8/TjmRLFdO0-I/AAAAAAAAAMc/15AnVP-VkgA/s400/IMG_0937.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636696028260258786" border="0"></a><br /><br />These are all of the object that have fallen out of pockets and off of heads as people have fed the tarpins. There are brand new phones, really nice sunglasses, and other really random objects hanging here.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nrgB6j-b4HI/TjmTDDoFPZI/AAAAAAAAAM8/r5JgUBENSh8/s1600/IMG_0919.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nrgB6j-b4HI/TjmTDDoFPZI/AAAAAAAAAM8/r5JgUBENSh8/s400/IMG_0919.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636698089353198994" border="0"></a><br /><br />The night we got home from the Keys we ATE the lobster.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HdxscHfJKRI/TjmYRCsCstI/AAAAAAAAAOM/731LsZHQ85M/s1600/IMG_0941.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HdxscHfJKRI/TjmYRCsCstI/AAAAAAAAAOM/731LsZHQ85M/s400/IMG_0941.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636703827177681618" border="0"></a><br /><br />Tyler cooked it up on the grill and slathered it in cilantro butter. It was yummy! We split it four ways... <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6_JTpnSaUgU/TjmYQ49zI-I/AAAAAAAAAOE/nE3MyX9ClcM/s1600/IMG_0940.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6_JTpnSaUgU/TjmYQ49zI-I/AAAAAAAAAOE/nE3MyX9ClcM/s400/IMG_0940.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636703824567804898" border="0"></a><br /><br />On out last day in Fl with the Rhodes, we decided to take the boat out and cruise the canals of Fort Lauderdale. Tyler and Britt live in the historic section of town, so it's fun to cruise around and look at the big houses and the giant yachts anchored along the canals. These are in backwards order, too.<br /><br />We ended up at a state park on the other side of a little canal from a huge beach. It was gorgeous and we played for a little while.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OnkvYufTV0w/TjmTFdbhAvI/AAAAAAAAANc/hrKhqLg71GU/s1600/IMG_0954.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OnkvYufTV0w/TjmTFdbhAvI/AAAAAAAAANc/hrKhqLg71GU/s400/IMG_0954.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636698130639553266" border="0"></a><br /><br />These are our gracious hosts. We always have such a good time. We miss them while they are not living in Utah, but we LOVE that they live somewhere so FUN to visit!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MUbNnP1_d2A/TjmTFHyXV2I/AAAAAAAAANU/opdaInw974o/s1600/IMG_0957.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MUbNnP1_d2A/TjmTFHyXV2I/AAAAAAAAANU/opdaInw974o/s400/IMG_0957.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636698124829808482" border="0"></a><br /><br />Here's Owen, the little sailor man.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-216jMEyNSBY/TjmTEz7cmwI/AAAAAAAAANM/8_SzSWeicuo/s1600/IMG_0943.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-216jMEyNSBY/TjmTEz7cmwI/AAAAAAAAANM/8_SzSWeicuo/s400/IMG_0943.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636698119499193090" border="0"></a><br /><br />This is the drawbridge near Tyler and Brittany's house. We affectionately call it the "Jack Donaghy Bridge" because the old-timey image on the bridge looks like Alec Baldwin's character on "30 Rock".<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gu6deWxeK_o/TjmTECnfUJI/AAAAAAAAANE/92yK8qPMp4U/s1600/IMG_0942.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gu6deWxeK_o/TjmTECnfUJI/AAAAAAAAANE/92yK8qPMp4U/s400/IMG_0942.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636698106262147218" border="0"></a><br /><br />It's always sad to say goodbye to the Rhodes, but we are excited to see them at Christmas and to be together then. Thank you for having us in your home and on your boat! We love you guys so much!<br /><br />On Monday was Todd's birthday, I don't know that I could top his birthday tribute from last year so soon, so you'll just have to scroll down and revisit it (you know you want to ). We spent the evening with Sara and Ben Jensen at their lovely apartment in New Canaan. They have a roof top patio with a grill, and Todd's birthday wish was to grill us up some New Yorks, so who I am to stand in the way of a birthday wish?<br /><br />The menu was Todd favorites: New York steaks, sweet potato fries with a bacon-brown sugar dipping sauce (thanks for the suggestion, Tyler), tomato-cucumber salad, and green beans...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KQm-AujVZrg/TjmVydtQWII/AAAAAAAAAN8/WThLZ1AVTY0/s1600/IMG_0962.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KQm-AujVZrg/TjmVydtQWII/AAAAAAAAAN8/WThLZ1AVTY0/s400/IMG_0962.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636701102831327362" border="0"></a><br /><br />Here are Ben, Sara, and Todd enjoying the view, the after-rain cool evening, and the food...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i1oe_Swuu48/TjmVxx-JBBI/AAAAAAAAAN0/laUkrGn1yP8/s1600/IMG_0963.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i1oe_Swuu48/TjmVxx-JBBI/AAAAAAAAAN0/laUkrGn1yP8/s400/IMG_0963.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636701091090990098" border="0"></a><br /><br />Sara made Todd a DELICIOUS German chocolate cake in the shape of the "forbidden doughnut". It was darling. I need to get one of those pans.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RZUtifHGWus/TjmVx2kiqUI/AAAAAAAAANs/XYxljFL2NHg/s1600/IMG_0966.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RZUtifHGWus/TjmVx2kiqUI/AAAAAAAAANs/XYxljFL2NHg/s400/IMG_0966.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636701092325796162" border="0"></a><br /><br />Ben and Sara even got Todd a gift, which is more than he got from me... isn't the sky pretty?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xSWxRUFukdM/TjmVxhuWIjI/AAAAAAAAANk/-b20M18qaUg/s1600/IMG_0967.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xSWxRUFukdM/TjmVxhuWIjI/AAAAAAAAANk/-b20M18qaUg/s400/IMG_0967.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636701086729773618" border="0"></a><br /><br />We've had such an amazing summer. We are grateful to friends and family who actually want to hang out with us. We have been missing home and family so much not being with them this summer, but we have tried to take advantage of any and every adventure during this special time in Connecticut. I will be home on August 28th and Todd will be home October 1st. I have four more weeks of summer and those four weeks are packed with FUN. I can't wait for more adventures!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9268894.post-27737677445159164272011-07-31T10:45:00.002-06:002011-07-31T11:52:22.598-06:00Summer JobsInspired by Inc. Magazine's article on summer jobs, I will join the conversation. The magazine shared a little informational tidbit that only 48.9% of 16 to 24 year-olds had a summer job in 2010. That is the lowest recording since the Bureau of Labor began tracking that statistic in 1948. <br /><br />Granted, the economy is still making a comeback, and there are many jobs that are currently being filled by over-qualified adults who have been out of work, but I have to say that after working with youth from this age bracket in both church and school settings for over 10 years now, I am always surprised at how few young people get jobs either in the summer or once they turn 16. <br /><br />I think family work ethic has a lot to do with it. It doesn't seem to matter whether these young people come from wealthy or not-so-wealthy families, the attitude of work comes from Mom and Dad. (I have counseled so many young people that they could have so much more freedom by being a little more financially independent!) <br /><br />I remember with excruciating clarity how desperately bored I was the summer I was 14: too old to want to babysit (and lack of good opportunity living in New Jersey) and too young to get a real job. By the time I was 16, I was done with baby sitting, having been a regular sitter since I was 10 (gasp! I cannot imagine a 10 year-old watching a baby, but I did!). It was Mo who, tired of me hanging around the house, finally took the local paper in her own hands and circled some jobs for me in the Medfield Press. Thus began my career as a working stiff. Here is an account of my summer jobs:<br /><br />General Office Assistant: Fred Davis Corp. (Medfield, Ma 1992-1993)<br /><br />I was an office assistant at an energy efficient lighting company. I knew NOTHING about lighting let alone the energy efficient variety. I worked for Fred and Lucinda Davis who were really nice, post-hippies staring a company with a product they believed in. My main responsibilities were cold-calling lighting companies to ask for their addresses so I could send them a packet of information. This job taught me two things: 1) I hated using the telephone, and still do and 2) I had a talent for organization and efficiency. I revamped the assembly line of information packet building, and was trusted with shipping and receiving. I quit this job because I got a lead in the school musical my senior year. I remember Lucinda saying "Do you feel good about the fact that you would quit a job over a part in a play?" I remember saying, "Yeah." And I have never regretted it (it was my Senior year!).<br /><br />Sales Associate, Intimate Apparel: Filene's Department Stores (Natick Mall 1993)<br /><br />This was an awesome job. I worked in the lingerie department of a big department store the summer before I left for college. This was my first job where I had to dress like an adult (wear pantyhose). My co-workers were all moms in their late 40's - 60's who had held this part-time job for years. They knew everything about ladies underthings and fit and make, and they treated me like one of their own children, clucking and fussing over my college plans and lack of a boyfriend. My sense of organization came in handy, but the main thing I learned from this job was how powerful product information can be. I really loved the training and the detailed info about the different brands and models of everything from bras to thongs. I became really good at helping people find what they needed, and that was really satisfying. Besides, what teen-aged girl does not love having a 25% discount on loads of cute bras and underwear?<br /><br />Lifeguard: Toucan Pool Company (Houston, TX 1994)<br /><br />I went from being completely incapacitated, on my back, from mono for 34 days to a lifeguard training/audition. Luckily, I am a strong swimmer and was very determined not to embarrass myself by drowning in front of 20 other lifeguards-in-training. It was the perfect job to recover from a long illness. I worked at a newly-built neighborhood pool that no one ever came to. I was also the only lifeguard. I would get there in the morning and empty the filter baskets, check the chemicals, and get up on my stand with my giant water cooler and... sweat. I would sweat from about 11am to 9pm. Occasionally, there would be another lifeguard to cover part of the shift, but for most of the summer it was just me. There were three families that would actually come to the pool, but they came between 6 pm and 9 pm. I knew their names and they knew mine. It was like a little family. All I had to do was sit there and let my body recover and think my thoughts and drink my water and sweat. I think I lost 10 pounds, and I got very, very tan.<br /><br />Lunch Counter Cook: Provo Pharmacy Lunch Counter (1995)<br />Waitress: La Dolce Vita Restaurant (1995)<br />Private Family Cook: Rich People (1995)<br /><br />I had all three of these jobs simultaneously. I would get up in the morning and go to the lunch counter and make awesome breakfasts and coffee for construction worker regulars then spend my evenings waitressing at a local Italian restaurant. On my time off, I would grocery shop and cook for a rich family of 8. I got my first credit card, bought my first bike, and wrote a check for it that day (I knew how to build up good credit.) I was busy and I loved it. I liked making daily lunch specials like meatloaf and spaghetti and I loved serving customers and I loved cooking. It was a good summer.<br /><br />Cook/Waitress: Brick Oven Pizza (1997 - 1999)<br /><br />After my mission, I got a job as a cook in a local college pizza joint. I was the only girl in the kitchen (besides Emily who shared this summer job with me for a while). I made and cut pizzas and eventually worked my way up to the grill work. I loved being in the kitchen and still love eating there, but I got tired of smelling like food after work, so I moved over to serving and happily worked there through most of college.<br /><br />Sales: Extended Pantry (1999)<br />House Painter: Student Painters (1999)<br /><br />I am not a good sales person. I worked door-to-door sales for a company I really liked and believed in. It was such a great idea! But apparently I really stank because I did not make a DIME in 3 months of hard work (it was all commission). Because I had no income, I went into debt ($300 or so, maybe more, not the good kind of credit) and had to find other employment. My cousin, Jared, generously offered a spot on one of his painting crews and I painted houses for the rest of the summer in Provo. I really liked this job. Manual labor can be so satisfying. You feel tired and hot, but at the end of the day you feel GOOD. I can still drive by those houses we painted and feel good about my work; I even had my wedding reception in one of those houses!<br /><br />And that was pretty much the end of my summer jobs. Every job I have had since then has been just my job. I like working, although I have discovered that I am not good with regular 9 to 5 type jobs. I need a little creativity, I need a little flexibility, I need a little less routine to be happy.<br /><br />I currently work as part-time faculty at LDS Business College teaching a couple of design courses and I LOVE it. I have found my true calling as a teacher and I look forward to pursuing it. <br /><br />Please, if you feel so inclined, share some of your better summer job experiences.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9268894.post-9545819123986680782010-11-05T16:12:00.002-06:002010-11-05T16:14:16.508-06:00A Bad Day for Smokie: Todd's entry at SundanceTodd has a funny little brain. This is really an outtake of our shooting part of Mo's 60th birthday video, but it makes me laugh every time I watch it.<br /><br /><div><embed src="http://www.onetruemedia.com/share_view_player?p=c7eb853c0b2c39e4c1ea0b" quality="high" scale="noscale" width="408" height="382" wmode="transparent" name="FLVPlayer" salign="LT" flashvars="&p=c7eb853c0b2c39e4c1ea0b&skin_id=701&host=http://www.onetruemedia.com" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed><div style="margin:0px;font:12px/13px verdana,arial,sans-serif;line-height:20px;padding-bottom:15px;width:408px;text-align:center;"><a href="http://www.onetruemedia.com/landing?&utm_source=emplay&utm_medium=txt0" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;">Make photo slide shows at <span style="text-decoration:underline;">www.OneTrueMedia.com</span></a></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9268894.post-78149819145294337862010-09-16T18:55:00.017-06:002010-09-16T20:39:16.879-06:00Rest In Peace, Fiona (May 2000-September 2010)Some of you might be visiting my blog hoping to see about the amazing, wonderful, FUN trip we took to visit Mom and Dad in Stockholm. I promise that blog is coming. <br /><br />One reason I haven't posted said blog is because Fiona became really sick when we got home and progressed really quickly until today when she passed away here at home with Todd at her side. <br /><br />Fiona was 10 years old and had had a happy life. We are very sad and will miss her a lot.<br /><br />Here are some things we will miss about Fiona:<br /><br />...her eagerness to see us every time we came home... even if it was from getting the mail.<br />...her soft, soft ears.<br />...her love of sniffing and exploring everything.<br />...her love of swimming in any body of water deep enough to allow it.<br />...her love of playgrounds and slides.<br />...her corn-chip-smelling feet.<br />...people asking us if she was a puppy.<br />...cold noses asking for a petting.<br />...never having any food on the floor, ever.<br />...her love of sticks and "having a job" to do on walks.<br />...her sticking her head between your legs from behind and looking up at you.<br />...her singing.<br />...the good tricks.<br />...her love of learning new tricks.<br />...nosing her puzzle ball around the house.<br />...playing hide-and-go-seek.<br />...her snap to attention upon hearing "kitty" or "birdie."<br />...the begrudging way she posed for pictures.<br />...the way she ignored the nieces and nephews and refused to do anything they asked.<br />...how easy she was to potty train.<br />...her pretty eyes and they way she looked up while resting her head on your knee.<br /><br />Here are some things we will NOT miss about Fiona:<br /><br />...her waking us up on windy nights.<br />...her pawing the bed when she was ready to go out.<br />...her love of chocolate (and the aftermath).<br />...her making people cry when they rang the door bell.<br />...her relentless pursuit of items from the pantry including flour, wheat bulger, and mini marshmallows.<br />...her stuffing food down the corners of the couch and chairs.<br />...biting crotches.<br />...running her cold nose up the backs of ladies' legs in skirts.<br />...staring at me from halfway behind a corner.<br />...finding shoes and pantry items stashed away in her secret places.<br />...picking up her poop.<br />...her love of chewing through straps on purses, bags, luggage, and seat belts.<br /><br />Here are some of our favorite photos of Fiona (if you can believe it, Fiona was born beyond the boundaries of digital cameras, so I will have to add photos of her earliest years later when I have time to scan some in).<br /><br /><br />Fiona in the Cone of Shame.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mJo5Tkq1f8E/TJLI-8YQiDI/AAAAAAAAAGc/k83yeA0EP98/s1600/P1060973.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mJo5Tkq1f8E/TJLI-8YQiDI/AAAAAAAAAGc/k83yeA0EP98/s400/P1060973.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517693477167597618" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mJo5Tkq1f8E/TJLMh6i5j5I/AAAAAAAAAGk/A4wqmkqj9Hk/s1600/P1060974.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mJo5Tkq1f8E/TJLMh6i5j5I/AAAAAAAAAGk/A4wqmkqj9Hk/s400/P1060974.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517697376505663378" /></a><br /><br />Fiona modeling some baby gifts.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mJo5Tkq1f8E/TJLI-SzwyjI/AAAAAAAAAGU/9mIczrhJeGk/s1600/P1060955.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mJo5Tkq1f8E/TJLI-SzwyjI/AAAAAAAAAGU/9mIczrhJeGk/s400/P1060955.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517693466008668722" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mJo5Tkq1f8E/TJLMiyOIG3I/AAAAAAAAAG0/A76Oeqtmnsc/s1600/P1080116.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mJo5Tkq1f8E/TJLMiyOIG3I/AAAAAAAAAG0/A76Oeqtmnsc/s400/P1080116.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517697391450921842" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mJo5Tkq1f8E/TJLMiX9ZYSI/AAAAAAAAAGs/XzOijvGPj_E/s1600/P1080112.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mJo5Tkq1f8E/TJLMiX9ZYSI/AAAAAAAAAGs/XzOijvGPj_E/s400/P1080112.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517697384401428770" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mJo5Tkq1f8E/TJLI9-WvPBI/AAAAAAAAAGM/-V6jOZRbYEQ/s1600/P1060954.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mJo5Tkq1f8E/TJLI9-WvPBI/AAAAAAAAAGM/-V6jOZRbYEQ/s400/P1060954.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517693460518222866" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mJo5Tkq1f8E/TJLI9Af_pGI/AAAAAAAAAGE/hYWDoPlAv0s/s1600/P1060953.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mJo5Tkq1f8E/TJLI9Af_pGI/AAAAAAAAAGE/hYWDoPlAv0s/s400/P1060953.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517693443914048610" /></a><br /><br />Fiona and Cubby. See how she is leaning away...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mJo5Tkq1f8E/TJLI8TUlm2I/AAAAAAAAAF8/aJKqsmp5NWo/s1600/P1040566.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mJo5Tkq1f8E/TJLI8TUlm2I/AAAAAAAAAF8/aJKqsmp5NWo/s400/P1040566.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517693431786609506" /></a><br /><br />Fiona keeping me company when I was sick.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mJo5Tkq1f8E/TJLMkRgRtDI/AAAAAAAAAHE/eUSHgXMNzBw/s1600/P1080141.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mJo5Tkq1f8E/TJLMkRgRtDI/AAAAAAAAAHE/eUSHgXMNzBw/s400/P1080141.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517697417028416562" /></a><br /><br />Fiona doing her job on a walk.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mJo5Tkq1f8E/TJLOqSwuMJI/AAAAAAAAAHk/8K6UVcRAEa0/s1600/P1080830.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mJo5Tkq1f8E/TJLOqSwuMJI/AAAAAAAAAHk/8K6UVcRAEa0/s400/P1080830.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517699719468298386" /></a><br /><br />Typical Fiona.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mJo5Tkq1f8E/TJLOp7za0cI/AAAAAAAAAHc/kjb60WJWIOc/s1600/P1080554.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mJo5Tkq1f8E/TJLOp7za0cI/AAAAAAAAAHc/kjb60WJWIOc/s400/P1080554.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517699713305596354" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mJo5Tkq1f8E/TJLOpJFkJJI/AAAAAAAAAHU/p-VH3DYNzO0/s1600/P1080548.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mJo5Tkq1f8E/TJLOpJFkJJI/AAAAAAAAAHU/p-VH3DYNzO0/s400/P1080548.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517699699691496594" /></a><br /><br />Fiona enjoying the sun.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mJo5Tkq1f8E/TJLPaUZIg5I/AAAAAAAAAHs/EDqH69CbboU/s1600/P1090296.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mJo5Tkq1f8E/TJLPaUZIg5I/AAAAAAAAAHs/EDqH69CbboU/s400/P1090296.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517700544539952018" /></a><br /><br />Last night we went for a walk.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mJo5Tkq1f8E/TJLQB119NlI/AAAAAAAAAIE/E7lRO_Xk0qQ/s1600/IMG_0318.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mJo5Tkq1f8E/TJLQB119NlI/AAAAAAAAAIE/E7lRO_Xk0qQ/s400/IMG_0318.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517701223534114386" /></a><br /><br />Poor girl, you could tell she wasn't feeling good, but she loves being outside.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mJo5Tkq1f8E/TJLQBSytpjI/AAAAAAAAAH8/iTOoF_4VJ_U/s1600/IMG_0314.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mJo5Tkq1f8E/TJLQBSytpjI/AAAAAAAAAH8/iTOoF_4VJ_U/s400/IMG_0314.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517701214125270578" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Here's the part where I end with a nice dignified picture of Fiona, but I have to find it and scan it in. <br /><br />Fiona brought us a lot of joy and was good company for us for 10 years and 3 months of our 10 years and 7 months of being married. In spite of her many faults, Fiona had many friends and admirers who will also miss her dearly. We thank you for your prayers and love. Please remember our little friend fondly.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9268894.post-18110511081532132442010-08-03T16:28:00.004-06:002010-08-03T17:31:34.103-06:00An Ode to Todd: Happy Birthday, BFFSo Todd was born on August 1, 1974. I am so glad that he was! No, really... I am SO glad that he was born. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/4858481954/" title="P1020253 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4101/4858481954_ef77fb01b0.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="P1020253" /></a><br /><br />This is my favorite picture of Todd. This is the REAL Todd. If ever there was a picture that captured the purity of the soul, it's this one. And I find that appropriate because with Todd, what you see is what you get. He is one of the most genuine, unpretentious people I know.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/4858481590/" title="IMGP1290 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4077/4858481590_5e03ca3f6c.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="IMGP1290" /></a><br /><br />Wait... oops, I said real, right? Well don't let this picture fool you...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/4857861529/" title="P1060476 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4078/4857861529_fb0ba4fa57.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="P1060476" /></a><br /><br />...or this picture.<br /><br />Todd DOES NOT like to dress up. He likes to be himself. If he is ever seen about town as Elvis or a pirate, it is usually because I have coerced him into it.<br /><br />Todd does not like attention. Not even positive attention. He gets embarrassed. He doesn't mind recognition, but attention is totally different.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/4857861581/" title="P1060471 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4076/4857861581_cfee93959b.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="P1060471" /></a><br /><br />He likes to be recognized for being funny, but by that I mean that he likes you to laugh at his jokes, but if you were to tell him, "You're really funny," he might be embarrassed, because the latter is attention and the former is recognition.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/4857861645/" title="IMGP1421 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4115/4857861645_211ca11fbb.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="IMGP1421" /></a><br /><br />Todd is a lot of fun to hang out with. I am glad that if I couldn't have kids I couldn't have kids with Todd. I never get sick of him. Every Monday, I miss him because I had to him to myself the whole weekend.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/4858481728/" title="P1090624 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4098/4858481728_0c9bf99bd7.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="P1090624" /></a><br /><br />That being said, Todd is really good with kids. He would make the BEST dad. He is silly and he makes up really good songs.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/4857861449/" title="P1080154 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4082/4857861449_a1e01b8822.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="P1080154" /></a><br /><br />Wait, he can be tender, too.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/4858481340/" title="P1080147 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4094/4858481340_34e50aa04d_b.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="P1080147" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/4858481182/" title="P1080618 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4138/4858481182_b11a7ff94f.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="P1080618" /></a><br /><br />Awww... He loves his nieces and nephews. I have loads of photos of him with the chlins', but my computer illiteracy prevents me from posting them.<br /><br />Which brings me to things that Todd is good at: <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/4857862097/" title="IMGP1533 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4100/4857862097_4c0a80c8b0_b.jpg" width="425" height="639" alt="IMGP1533" /></a><br /><br />Computers<br /><br />Problem solving and figuring things out<br /><br />He's way handy (he can fix just about anything)<br /><br />Singing (and making up songs)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/4857861023/" title="P1080908 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4143/4857861023_5769eca561.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="P1080908" /></a><br /><br />Making people laugh<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/4857861255/" title="P1080554 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4079/4857861255_fcf21defd1_b.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="P1080554" /></a><br /><br />Cooking meat (BBQ)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/4857861359/" title="P1080350 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4099/4857861359_c3ff8141df_b.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="P1080350" /></a><br /><br />Gardening<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/4858480980/" title="P1080957 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4082/4858480980_b3debc89ec.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="P1080957" /></a><br /><br />Making his wife happy (and making her laugh out loud on a daily, nay, hourly, basis)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/4858480950/" title="P1090104 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4122/4858480950_7e2cdc0ebf.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="P1090104" /></a><br /><br />Here are some things Todd likes:<br /><br />Corn dogs<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/4858481628/" title="P1040605 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4123/4858481628_2f5ac38848.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="P1040605" /></a><br /><br />Coleslaw<br /><br />Fishing<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/4857861055/" title="P1080845 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4118/4857861055_748a8d9447_b.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="P1080845" /></a><br /><br />Camping and the Great Outdoors<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/4857861153/" title="P1080704 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4093/4857861153_506cb77ec9_b.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="P1080704" /></a><br /><br />The smell of warm pine needles and mountain air<br /><br />Humoring his wife<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/4857861305/" title="P1080475 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4097/4857861305_1be00b84cf.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="P1080475" /></a><br /><br />Kissing (his wife)<br /><br />I feel very proud of Todd. I will try to recognize him for the following and try to NOT embarrass him...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/4858481792/" title="IMGP1233 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4118/4858481792_0fc4f58862.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="IMGP1233" /></a><br /><br />Todd has done some really hard things. He has started a company. He got his MBA. He has held scary callings at church. I am convinced that his capacity for growth is endless. There is nothing he can't take on and conquer. And that brings me to another really good quality: he is a superhero. He IS unbreakable.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/4858481872/" title="IMGP0900 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4074/4858481872_6f765dae69.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="IMGP0900" /></a><br /><br />I can trust Todd. I know he will always choose the right thing to do. I don't have to worry too much about what he does or who he hangs around with when he travels. Todd is the kind of person other people want to be good for.<br /><br />I know, this is getting embarrassing.<br /><br />But I love Todd for so many reasons! I have to share, to celebrate him! He is the BEST husband and the BEST partner. Did you know that he has NEVER, in 10 years of marriage, ever said anything on purpose to hurt my feelings? He refrains. That's important. I know that when I am being bratty or PMS-y he could verbally jab me, but he never has. He never uses a "tone" with me or hurts me to "put me in my place." Even if it is deserved. I can "confess" anything to Todd and be totally honest with him because I know he is on my team. (Like the time I accidentally spent $250 on some silk fabric... it truly was an accident.)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/4858481440/" title="P1060662 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4075/4858481440_767b17edbd_b.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="P1060662" /></a><br /><br />I really don't prescribe to the notion that there is one true match for any individual. Actually, maybe I do because I always say "there is a lid for every pot." But really I just mean that about weird people. But Todd is the only one for me. I knew it the very first time we kissed. I know... that's so romantic, and I am not generally a romantic, I am a pragmatist, but the actuality is that I knew I wanted Todd forever. Who wouldn't?<br /><br />So that's why I am glad that he was born. There is no one on the face of the whole wide world that I would rather be with forever.<br /><br />Happy birthday, Tood, Shmoopy, Buddy, Sugar Plum, Sweetheart, Friend.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/4858481954/" title="P1020253 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4101/4858481954_ef77fb01b0_b.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="P1020253" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9268894.post-10091995439939929952010-07-26T13:26:00.004-06:002010-07-26T17:28:00.670-06:00I Guess It's Time...So time is flying by at break-neck speed and I am not so good about blogging anymore or taking pictures of what I do. So here's a little recap.<br /><br />We moved into our new home on March 1, 2010. We love it. I set to work right away getting some of the projects done that I didn't want to wait 7 years to do: like tiling the "chef's nook" and 1/2 bath, wallpapering a giant map, painting the master bedroom and dining room, etc. I will post more pictures later (especially of the stenciling projects I have been doing). But here is what we have so far.<br /><br />Here is Todd welcoming you:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/4831792156/" title="P1090706 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4085/4831792156_d85a3f31df.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="P1090706" /></a><br /><br />Here is the view from the front hallway into the family, kitchen, and dining rooms.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/4831793206/" title="P1090710 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4126/4831793206_987fcb68df.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="P1090710" /></a><br />We had to consolidate all of our bookshelves and entertainments into the huge shelving unit. We also relegated our red sofa and chair to the basement and promoted the leather sectional up to the big leagues. Our sectional is wrong... it "L's" the wrong way, but it was not within the budget to buy another couch or rebuild the house, so... for now it is what it is.<br /><br />Here is Todd doing some dishes...<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/4831180929/" title="P1090707 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4088/4831180929_e16dc619ec.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="P1090707" /></a><br />We did quartz counter tops (Hanstone in "Tiffany Gray") and white cabinets, because I am still a white cabinet girl. Our floor is 12" x 24" gray porcelain tiles laid in a brick pattern. The tiles look like grass cloth and are Fiona proof.<br /><br />Here is Todd looking into fridge to see if there is anything to eat... which there isn't.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/4831792256/" title="P1090709 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4089/4831792256_6825f3ed02.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="P1090709" /></a><br /><br />Here is Todd sitting and laughing at something witty you just said.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/4831792116/" title="P1090705 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4152/4831792116_4acfca4a2a.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="P1090705" /></a><br />The dining room wall is a stencil that I made from an Art Nouveau book. I will blog about that later. The stencil is not finished yet. It will have birds and flowers (you can see a small finished portion on the far left).<br /><br />Here is Todd waking up in our lovely "winter" bedroom. <br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/4831182049/" title="P1090712 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4103/4831182049_b11149d8f8_b.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="P1090712" /></a><br />The trees are stencils from Urban Outfitters. The wall color is a wonderful slate gray from Restoration Hardware that I LOVE. I was worried that it would be too dark, but I really love the crisp white and gray with yellow and white bedding. There is a white wardrobe with a gray tree stenciled on it to the side. I also like our bedside lights that hang instead of sitting on the night table. I still need to hide the cords.<br /><br />Here's Todd in his thinking place...<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/4831793294/" title="P1090713 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4146/4831793294_526ed4f78e.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="P1090713" /></a><br />I am going to paint the bathroom a lighter gray and do something fabulous with tile. Someday...<br /><br />Todd is still excited to go upstairs, even though the upstairs is decidedly not exciting.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/4831182157/" title="P1090715 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4113/4831182157_11ab7c2f2d_b.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="P1090715" /></a><br />I LOVE our carpet. It's a mix of low and looped pile and it has subtle stripes. It is wheat colored and has already weathered 5 ladies with the stomach flu and one dog who ate a 5 lb. bag of chocolate chips. It still looks great!<br /><br />Here's Todd in the guest room. He didn't want to leave.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/4831793558/" title="P1090716 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4092/4831793558_848168929d.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="P1090716" /></a><br />I imagine that this room will be beachy and tranquil.<br /><br />This is the daybed in my craft room. He didn't want to leave here either, in fact, he didn't. He's still there.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/4831182439/" title="P1090717 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4144/4831182439_6fd2931f5d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="P1090717" /></a><br />Fiona is keeping him company. She also took his shoes. The craft room is still not perfect. I have a lot of stuff to organize and get rid of. It is also Fiona's secret hide out. If I leave the door open, she brings her "treasures" up here. If I am missing something like slippers or a 5 lb bag of flour or chocolate chips, it will be in her hideout.<br /><br />This is the map papered 1/2 bath that I love.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/4831793480/" title="P1090714 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4087/4831793480_af1e82b36b.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="P1090714" /></a><br />I tiled the walls 1/2 way up on two walls and then the map covers the rest. It was the first thing I did and I love it.<br /><br />Here's some other stuff I did this summer:<br /><br />We went to Florida to visit Tyler, Brittany, & Owen. It was heavenly. They live in such a beautiful place. We miss them SOOOOO much!<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/4831182561/" title="P1090632 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4129/4831182561_66c7db2253.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="P1090632" /></a><br /><br />I went to Connecticut to visit Emily & the little ladies:<br /><br />I walked on air!<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/4831794382/" title="IMG_0814 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4127/4831794382_8dd2b17031.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_0814" /></a><br />I drove a submarine.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/4831182899/" title="IMG_0837 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4086/4831182899_72b6a4b974.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_0837" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/4831794210/" title="IMG_0841 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4128/4831794210_76d91d462b.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_0841" /></a><br />I saw the old sites and some great "old" friends.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/4831793848/" title="IMG_0881 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4083/4831793848_62c860acc5.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_0881" /></a><br />We went to Sturbridge Village and did old fashioned-y things...<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/4831182815/" title="IMG_0852 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4127/4831182815_376121603a.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_0852" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/4831794310/" title="IMG_0853 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4150/4831794310_ddafcbc93e.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_0853" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/4831793656/" title="IMG_0865 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4151/4831793656_6025b4c171.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_0865" /></a><br />We made headbands galore...<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/4831182787/" title="P1090694 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4147/4831182787_8756bb3104.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="P1090694" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/4831183621/" title="IMG_0893 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4133/4831183621_3618ec2dd3.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_0893" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/4831794146/" title="IMG_0895 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4092/4831794146_14175f0be3.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_0895" /></a><br />I was purposely trying to make that look awkward.<br />Then Emily & the Little Ladies came to my house... and got sick.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/4831183567/" title="IMG_0845 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4113/4831183567_8c7acc8050.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_0845" /></a><br />It was the stomach flu which we all got, even some of the cousins. But I did not throw up. How, you ask, can you get the stomach flu and NOT throw up? Oh, you can... you CAN. <br />We visited the Bingham Copper mine. It's a mile deep.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/4831182733/" title="IMG_1128 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4091/4831182733_dd0a413aae.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_1128" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/4831183669/" title="IMG_1129 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4089/4831183669_ddbfaf154e_b.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="IMG_1129" /></a><br />And then I lost my our brand new camera and don't have documentation of Sarah's visit or of Spencer and Sho and the wedding we all attended. Or of Todd's mom and dad's visit or Darcy's visit or of Tyler and Brittany's visit. Or of Girl's Camp. It's been non-stop fun. Just the way summer should be.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9268894.post-36706029059867996072010-01-12T22:02:00.003-07:002010-01-12T22:38:09.524-07:00Moving On: the Progress ReportSo we are finishing a townhouse in Daybreak, which is in South Jordan, UT. Here's the outside again...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/4243011283/" title="P1090305_2 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4058/4243011283_6ae7bf0f84.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="P1090305_2" /></a><br /><br />..turns out we will actually have a decent sized front yard and side yard which will definitely be fenced off. We want to have parties in this yard and allow Fiona some space to run around without biting people.<br /><br />Here's the entry (Todd asked if he could be in the photos so I asked him to act out possible scenarios)...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/4270232213/" title="P1090307 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4036/4270232213_466bb2b1cb.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="P1090307" /></a><br /><br />Here is Todd standing on the far side of the family room by the future kitchen counter. He's welcoming you in...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/4270232009/" title="P1090308 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4027/4270232009_7e7e14f924.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="P1090308" /></a><br /><br />Here is Todd doing some dishes...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/4270977022/" title="P1090309 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2727/4270977022_bbd4df7520.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="P1090309" /></a><br /><br />Here is Todd looking into the fridge...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/4270977056/" title="P1090310 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4063/4270977056_c0050cd502.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="P1090310" /></a><br /><br />Here is Todd laughing at something funny you said over a delicious dinner in the dining room...(he's cutting his meat not riding a pony)...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/4270232181/" title="P1090311 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2791/4270232181_87f91feba2.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="P1090311" /></a><br /><br />Here is Todd waking up in the morning in our lovely main floor bedroom...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/4270977104/" title="P1090312 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4023/4270977104_c7f9209803.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="P1090312" /></a><br /><br />This is Todd in the shower, he really does this, he just stands there...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/4270232369/" title="P1090313 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4055/4270232369_fc1c3aee01.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="P1090313" /></a><br /><br />Todd is so excited to go upstairs...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/4270977344/" title="P1090314 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4038/4270977344_0b55db64d7.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="P1090314" /></a><br /><br />He's standing in the corner of the loft, depressed already at all the bills he's going to pay from this spot in the house (the loft looks down onto the entry and also has a lot of nice windows, this is where I want to read books, and eat bon bons)...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/4270977434/" title="P1090316 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4052/4270977434_f0114a5e09.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="P1090316" /></a><br /><br />Here Todd looks out the window in a contemplative mood. He's deciding whether or not to let you stay here in the guest room...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/4270232255/" title="P1090317 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4055/4270232255_ea235c2d56.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="P1090317" /></a><br /><br />Here Todd is posing seductively in the "Carrie Office", he's practicing to seduce me away from my crafts for a moment... I think it's working ladies...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/4270977796/" title="P1090319 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4069/4270977796_69b743960d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="P1090319" /></a><br /><br />I can see the temple spire and Moroni from my "office" window...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/4270977484/" title="P1090321 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4067/4270977484_50839eac7c.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="P1090321" /></a><br /><br />And now for the exciting basement (that will stay unfinished for a while)... Todd said he was acting like Fiona, when she stares at you while half hidden by a corner... very creepy...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/4270232663/" title="P1090322 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4051/4270232663_a489d22bd7.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="P1090322" /></a><br /><br />Here it is in all it's glory... at least it's a decent size...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/4270232583/" title="P1090323 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2741/4270232583_dbef0f34c3.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="P1090323" /></a><br /><br />If you're bad at my house, you will spend the night under the stairs...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/4270977648/" title="P1090325 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4007/4270977648_93f83d0ee9.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="P1090325" /></a><br /><br />I am very excited to see the progress as they actually begin working on our space. I hope it won't be boring to share the progress with you. It will be consuming my thoughts and will be the source of most of my anxiety for the next month or two... stay tuned.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9268894.post-33461547462540444452010-01-03T21:16:00.002-07:002010-01-03T22:18:37.400-07:00Moving DaySo we've moved. We finally sold our home on 620 North in Provo and have moved further north. It was a really hard decision to make, but we definitely felt led to do so, and who are we to deny inspiration? We need all the help we can get!<br /><br />We lived at 2668 West 620 North for almost 9 years, which is almost twice as long as I've lived anywhere! We love the neighborhood and the people and the ward there. Todd and I pulled away from the house in separate cars and after a few minutes called each other to exclaim, "Are you fighting tears, because I'm trying really not to cry my eyes out!" <br /><br />We were fortunate enough to be able to meet the new occupants and to appreciate what nice people they are. As I was going through all sorts of information about the house, neighborhood, & ward with the wife when she asked me, "Are you excited to go your new place?" I think she felt like I was really reluctant, and I was!<br /><br />We had a lot of help from wonderful people who made us feel loved. I can't think of anything worse than to help someone move. I guess it's not so bad when you're not moving yourself, but having people come in and see the mess and chaos... I was close to by breaking point. But thanks to some key players (you know who you are) things got done even when I was basically catatonic and unable to make any more decisions!<br /><br />While this house has it's flaws, I have loved living in it, and I loved visiting each room for the last time to see it clean and ready for someone new. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/4243784878/" title="P1090302 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4032/4243784878_8e883aa736.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="P1090302" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/4243011719/" title="P1090300 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2643/4243011719_86a3cfb4b2.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="P1090300" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/4243785276/" title="P1090299 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4017/4243785276_4e687d533d.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="P1090299" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/4243785406/" title="P1090301 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2705/4243785406_7a446c2f5c.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="P1090301" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/4243011947/" title="P1090303 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4050/4243011947_5b3b4e90dd.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="P1090303" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />We are living in a temporary town home until OUR town home is finished (we don't know when that will be, exactly, as of yet). Right now we are living in Tyler and Brittany's home. They VERY GENEROUSLY moved out of their place early (they are moving to Fort Lauderdale, FL in February) so we could have somewhere to live and be able to have Fiona with us.<br /><br />We are looking forward to the adventure ahead of us. The unknown is scary, but we are welcoming this change whole heartedly. The is an auspicious year for the Rhodes: 10 years of marriage and a move. A baby would round things out completely (but that's one thing we don't have a lot of control of).<br /><br />I hope it doesn't become tedious, but I am excited to post the progress on the new house (town home). Our new address is 4353 Degray Dr., South Jordan, UT, 84095 (our mail is going there already). It is fun to able to make choices in this house that I didn't get to make in the last one. This new house will be totally contemporary (my little designer dream come true... I hope). <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/4243011373/" title="P1090304_2 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4045/4243011373_9b8f554699.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="P1090304_2" /></a><br /><br />(This is our new house! Just kidding, this is 3 town homes... our unit is the one on the far left.)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/4243011283/" title="P1090305_2 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4058/4243011283_6ae7bf0f84.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="P1090305_2" /></a><br /><br />This is our unit, it is "L" shaped and lovely!<br /><br />Please come and visit! We have room for you at the new party house!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9268894.post-80804599612143292832009-11-09T22:11:00.002-07:002009-11-09T22:35:05.209-07:00The Dress That Could Have Been: It's Called the "Laura"<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/4092065324/" title="P1090011 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2494/4092065324_eeb5b0ce45.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="P1090011" /></a><br /><br />So my darling friend Laura (otherwise known as <a href="http://shoesofyolanda.blogspot.com/">Yolanda</a>) challenged me to enter the <a href="http://www.shabbyapple.com/t-apparel.aspx">Shabby Apple</a> dress design contest. It was just one of those things I just KNEW I had to do, not because I had a great idea, not because I am a dress designer, not because I don't know how to sew particularly well, not because I even felt like making a dress... it was like the surf lesson, and the reality show audition: it was just something I had to prove to myself. <br /><br />So I slaved away, and spent about $145 dollars to make two dresses. The first one looked like this:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/4092089336/" title="PHP486B3CAEB7B8A by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2569/4092089336_85b4db963e_o.jpg" width="298" height="273" alt="PHP486B3CAEB7B8A" /></a><br /><br />...so I took a different tack.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/4092065486/" title="P1090016 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2724/4092065486_4df0b9fe3a.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="P1090016" /></a><br /><br />I made all that scalloped trim, you know.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/4091301427/" title="P1090017 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2759/4091301427_78ca6ea916.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="P1090017" /></a><br /><br />I like pretty details.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/4092065850/" title="P1090019 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2740/4092065850_cae203b8e1.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="P1090019" /></a><br /><br />The main fabric is an apple green eyelet with a buttercup yellow lining.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/4092065992/" title="P1090020 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2650/4092065992_8a3ceef219.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="P1090020" /></a><br /><br />The hem of the underskirt has stars!<br /><br />Fiona supervised the entire process.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/4091301991/" title="P1090024 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2719/4091301991_86d1984968.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="P1090024" /></a><br /><br />After reading over the contest instructions numerous times, I neglected to note the actual due date. I thought it was tomorrow... it was a week ago. So who knows why I felt so inspired to do this. But I am glad I did. And in honor of the one who threw down the creative gauntlet, it is affectionately called "the Laura."Unknownnoreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9268894.post-14058620199228600992009-10-14T22:43:00.002-06:002009-10-14T22:56:34.509-06:00Something Out of Nothing<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/4012776369/" title="P1080922 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2661/4012776369_3e62aea38d.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="P1080922" /></a><br /><br />Here's the time I made myself a dress and made the neck hole too small. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/4013542462/" title="P1080910 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2626/4013542462_f23b08156c.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="P1080910" /></a><br /><br />I was getting ready for church and had finished this dress and was so excited to wear it that I FORCED it over my large Swedish noggin. I had to wear that dress all day long because I couldn't face the reality of actually taking it off. I knew it would require a seam ripper. Here goes...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/4013542426/" title="P1080913 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2650/4013542426_22c7e02c71.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="P1080913" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/4013542498/" title="P1080915 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2542/4013542498_b6dc56375b.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="P1080915" /></a><br />"Help me, Todd!"<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/4012775441/" title="P1080914 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2645/4012775441_2fcdbaf9b1.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="P1080914" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/4012775395/" title="P1080916 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2478/4012775395_d3f321fa45.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="P1080916" /></a><br /><br />I got the dress off.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9268894.post-14355134684786967802009-05-28T23:20:00.003-06:002009-05-28T23:31:56.884-06:00The Possible Future Me...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mJo5Tkq1f8E/Sh9xLAwGRHI/AAAAAAAAAFY/pf-XlF1g--w/s1600-h/revolutionary+costume.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 244px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mJo5Tkq1f8E/Sh9xLAwGRHI/AAAAAAAAAFY/pf-XlF1g--w/s320/revolutionary+costume.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341112117078934642" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />"This is the best thing to wear for today, you understand. Because I don't like women in skirts and the best thing is to wear pantyhose or some pants under a short skirt, I think. Then you have the pants under the skirt and then you can pull the stockings up over the pants underneath the skirt. And you can always take off the skirt and use it as a cape. So I think this is the best costume for today".<br />Edie Beale <br /><br />Watching the Maysles brothers' documentary "Grey Gardens" tonight was interesting... hilarious... enlightening... scary. I felt like I was coming home; to an alternate universe. I saw the alternate ending to my life: I am an aging, decaying, impoverished aristocrat decomposing in my self-made prison, except that my mom is way nicer to me.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mJo5Tkq1f8E/Sh9x1rZ5d5I/AAAAAAAAAFg/dOvyTIN9sSQ/s1600-h/edie+in+furs+inside.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mJo5Tkq1f8E/Sh9x1rZ5d5I/AAAAAAAAAFg/dOvyTIN9sSQ/s320/edie+in+furs+inside.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341112850083051410" /></a><br /><br /><br />I laughed, I cried, I felt their anxiety over their filth. I applauded Little Edie in her "staunch" wearing of the scarf to conceal her alopecia, and her constant wearing of her swimming suit (I can SO relate!).<br /><br />It was just a precious moment in my life. I wanted to share. Net Flix this documentary right now.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mJo5Tkq1f8E/Sh9zDi8IfFI/AAAAAAAAAFo/eFtFeKrJeLw/s1600-h/edie+in+fur+coat.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 269px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mJo5Tkq1f8E/Sh9zDi8IfFI/AAAAAAAAAFo/eFtFeKrJeLw/s320/edie+in+fur+coat.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341114187840519250" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9268894.post-72994323711289359852009-05-19T09:35:00.003-06:002009-05-19T09:49:15.789-06:00I'm not in any danger of taking myself too seriously...I love this photo:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/3546269772/" title="P1080539_2 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3606/3546269772_bb222bbfde.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="P1080539_2" /></a><br /><br />I keep it on my desk, not in a frame, mind you... just out, because it makes me laugh and it makes me feel loved.<br /><br />It was taken the summer of 1994. That summer, a few months after I had mono, I developed <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bell's_palsy">Bell's Palsy</a>. The right side of my face was paralyzed to the extent that my right eye wouldn't even close or blink. My mom is taking the picture and saying, <span style="font-weight:bold;">"Come on everyone, smile! Carrie, I said SMILE!"</span> I am belly laughing. I am close to tears, but you wouldn't know it. That's what makes me laugh. Imagine walking around with that face (not to mention those high-waisted-pleated shorts and vest). I had to life-guard with that face... talk to people daily with that face...<br /><br />The part that makes me feel loved is that my siblings (and even the dog) are about as sympathetic as siblings need to be. Largely, they are laughing AT me, but there's a tiny portion of their teasing that's laughing WITH me... which makes up for the facial paralysis.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9268894.post-78444909168488299152009-05-13T07:50:00.003-06:002009-05-13T14:23:33.229-06:00Florida: The Finale and DenoumentGood-bye fancy hotel and convention center.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/3528523652/" title="P1080429 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3410/3528523652_1b6949ca67.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="P1080429" /></a><br /><br />Hello husband!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/3528523768/" title="P1080430 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2435/3528523768_02a56ca77a.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="P1080430" /></a><br /><br />Wait for it...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/3527711213/" title="P1080431 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2080/3527711213_9e269fe1af.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="P1080431" /></a><br /><br />Wait for it...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/3527711223/" title="P1080432 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2396/3527711223_fae495e26e.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="P1080432" /></a><br /><br />Wait for it...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/3527711265/" title="P1080435 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3305/3527711265_7a35262ba8.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="P1080435" /></a><br /><br />We made it!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/3527711609/" title="P1080461 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2309/3527711609_6f14626190.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="P1080461" /></a><br /><br />All week I had been striving for a glimpse of Disney World. Remember how I even drove there trying to find it? Disney is cleverly hidden amongst acres and acres of forest so that you are suddenly surprised by it's presence when you are THERE. The reason I could not see Cinderella's Castle from any vantage point outside of the park is because it is TINY. I remembered it being SO much bigger.<br /><br />So Todd and I, Disney novices, embarked upon a day at the Magic Kingdom. We weren't sure if we could bring in food and drinks, so I left my bag in the car. We could have used all the waters and snacks, but it was also nice to be unencumbered. We knew that food was expensive in the park and just expected to pay for it. Disney is not cheap.<br /><br />This is one of the first things we saw...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/3527711577/" title="P1080447 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2301/3527711577_a72a2d83b9.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="P1080447" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/3527711517/" title="P1080448 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2016/3527711517_7319b26d10.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="P1080448" /></a><br /><br />Jesus 4 gives me for going to Disney World? OK. Since there are no sinister activities and no alcohol I guess I don't mind the blanket forgiveness.<br /><br />It was VERY hot. 93 degrees + all the people + the highly reflective pavement. We embraced the sweating.<br /><br />It seemed very crowded to me, but what do I know? There were a lot of school groups there, and thousands of people who had the day off like us, but the lines were never that long. The longest we waited was MAYBE 10 or 15 minutes. The only fast pass we needed was for the Peter Pan ride which is mysteriously crowded all day long. Maybe there were sinister activities going on in the line which we missed out on.<br /><br />Although this photo just looks like Todd is smiling really big, we are going REALLY fast on Thunder Mountain...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/3528523836/" title="P1080449 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2234/3528523836_a77f08b83f.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="P1080449" /></a><br /><br />I LOVED the Swiss Family Robinson House. I loved the movie growing up, and I was always jealous of their fine tropical wilderness contraptions. I wonder what a fiberglass tree house is going for in this economy?<br /><br />Why do Americans throw money on everything?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/3528523920/" title="P1080446 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3343/3528523920_d04c7f1191.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="P1080446" /></a><br /><br />We rode everything... except Splash Mountain. We really didn't feel like getting wet even though it was so hot. Besides, my shorts were really dark denim and they would have turned my legs blue. Most of the rides are kiddie rides, but we had a good time anyway.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/3527711681/" title="P1080456 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3339/3527711681_e84820241b.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="P1080456" /></a><br /><br />My steering wheel was covered in glitter... only at Disney...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/3528524224/" title="P1080459 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3307/3528524224_31184fa25a.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="P1080459" /></a><br /><br />We stood in line for this mysterious ride called the Astro Orbiter. It was a glorified Dumbo ride except it was rockets. Maybe the ride operators, or cast members, want to be validating, but they never should have let both of us ride together. We delayed the beginning of the ride as the cast member came over and tried to help us better squeeze ourselves into the same rocket. He called me princess, as in "stand up there, Princess, and let him get his legs in there first." I wanted to punch him (the cast member). We are smiling even though this ride hurt more than my pride.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/3528524282/" title="P1080460 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3357/3528524282_f28bfe8457.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="P1080460" /></a><br /><br />By lunch time, I was in need of some serious food. From the second I looked at the map I knew I wanted to eat at the Liberty Square Inn. I just hoped the food was as good as the Colonial decor. The menu was small and kind of had really heavy dishes like pot roast (who wants pot roast on a 93 degree Friday afternoon?). But our cheerful server suggested the Pilgrim's Feast (turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and gravy) and I said, "Bring it..." I was not sorry. It was really delicious, and even though it was a huge not-light lunch it kept me going for the rest of the day. I was SO happy with my cold root beer.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/3527711333/" title="P1080451 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3364/3527711333_fd8d40c8f3.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="P1080451" /></a><br /><br />I had really bad sweaty-hat-hair all day long. It's better than nose cancer.<br /><br />Cinderella's Castle is more like a tunnel from Main Street to Fantasy Land, but in that tunnel are some really well done and beautiful glass mosaics. They weren't too Disney... they looked like the mille flore tapetries of medieval Brussels.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/3528524362/" title="P1080463 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3541/3528524362_2c9debb4aa_o.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="P1080463" /></a><br /><br />I love the little girl looking up at the story. She reminded me of Mathilde. Sorry it's blurry.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/3528524394/" title="P1080465 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2404/3528524394_35272e7a29.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="P1080465" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/3528524418/" title="P1080464 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2409/3528524418_bbc577277f.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="P1080464" /></a><br /><br />I was amazed at how many people are employed at Disney. This guy's job was to play in a marching band a couple times a day. How sweet is that. And everyone was so friendly. It was just me standing there on the side walk, and he still waved.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/3528524452/" title="P1080466 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2332/3528524452_978e425844.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="P1080466" /></a><br /><br />This set up might become a series.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/3527711881/" title="P1080473 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2100/3527711881_e4e2221b42.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="P1080473" /></a><br /><br />Remember this one time when <a href="http://caor.blogspot.com/2008_11_01_archive.html">Todd was riding a giant rainbow shrimp</a> and was a little motion-sick?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/3529385338/" title="P1060629 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2095/3529385338_fff7050a06.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="P1060629" /></a><br /><br />Luckily for us, Todd was not motion sick the whole day. Maybe it was because his horse was so tiny...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/3528524544/" title="P1080475 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3417/3528524544_5e424cb0a6.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="P1080475" /></a><br /><br />I love that handsome face!<br /><br />By about 4pm the heat had taken a serious toll, so we rode out to Tom Sawyer's Island on the Huck Finn raft and had a little relaxing time.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/3527711985/" title="P1080469 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2359/3527711985_7b6a468794.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="P1080469" /></a><br /><br />This was my favorite part of the day. Holding hands with Todd, sitting in our rocking chairs watching Old Man River flow on by...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/3528524562/" title="P1080471 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2097/3528524562_09652e804d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="P1080471" /></a><br /><br />Then the Liberty Belle steam paddler blocked our view, and we went in search of a cold drink.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/3527711907/" title="P1080472 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2221/3527711907_40d795b3c5.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="P1080472" /></a><br /><br />It got more and more pleasant the further the sun went down, and pretty soon it was time for the nightly fireworks.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/3527712137/" title="P1080478 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3556/3527712137_9f793d2f19.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="P1080478" /></a><br /><br />It was really fun to sit on the sidewalk with all the other families and wait for the show. It was just like the 4th of July or something. The anticipation had a pleasant feel. I couldn't wait for Tinker Bell to do her fly-by...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/3527712049/" title="P1080479 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2056/3527712049_19b3d0f1f7.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="P1080479" /></a><br /><br />There she goes... She's hard to photograph.<br /><br />I love fireworks. They make me cry, so do parades and choirs.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/3528524700/" title="P1080480 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2125/3528524700_1fb0bbcb9a.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="P1080480" /></a><br /><br />It was such a fun day spent with my favorite person in the whole wide world! This picture pretty much sums up the day...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/3527712167/" title="P1080484 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2158/3527712167_a231f6448c.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="P1080484" /></a><br /><br />It's interesting that by the end of the day, the Castle had grown HUGE! I guess the magic worked!<br /><br /><br />THE DENOUMENT:<br /><br />The next day we were WORN OUT. Our feet hurt and we were weary. We had some time to kill and Todd really wanted to see some of the sites I saw, so we made a stop by the Mary, Queen of the Universe shrine/church, and I stopped by the Catholic store and bought myself a St. Martha figure (Patron Saint of Cooks). The cashier reminded me to go to the priest and have it blessed... I just said, "OK." Todd wanted me to, but I didn't.<br /><br />Next we drove the 54 miles out to see if we could see the space shuttle. It was further out than we thought so we settled for the beach at Cape Canaveral.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/3527712195/" title="P1080494 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3622/3527712195_39afd43902.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="P1080494" /></a><br /><br />This is all the beach Todd got. I felt bad seeing his wistful look at the seashore. He had worked SO HARD all week long. I hardly saw him, and I went out everyday and did fun things while he made sure everything was going smoothly. I am grateful he brought me with him. I love to see Todd in action, he is amazing. He is really smart and his clients and his co-workers think he is funny. They really like him. <br /><br />It was a fun 9 days, but if felt good to come home again. This was a vacation that left me feeling rested and happy. What more could I ask for?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9268894.post-36112240101533361452009-05-11T17:32:00.001-06:002009-05-11T17:32:43.612-06:00Florida: Part Cinqo de Mayo or A Lesson in Getting Over Oneself<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/3523744202/" title="P1080420 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3357/3523744202_08846b158a.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="P1080420" /></a><br /><br />So on Thursday I had an opportunity before me. I had called the <a href="http://cocoabeachsurfco.com/">Cocoa Beach Surf Company</a> in Cocoa Beach about a surf lesson, but they hadn't called me back (and I was kind of glad). But they <span style="font-style:italic;">did</span> call Thursday morning so I had to make a decision. Here were the Pro's and Con's:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Pro's</span><br /><br />Surfing is fun<br />It would be a challenge<br />It would be cool to blog about<br />I was successful last time I tried surfing<br />I might be successful again<br />I would be at the beach<br />When would I get to do this again?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Con's</span><br /><br />I am generally a homebody (who happens to like to travel)... the pool is fine<br />I am scared to do it alone or without Todd<br />I am the fattest I have ever been in my life<br />This activity requires me to be in a swimsuit<br />I am recovering from <a href="http://caor.blogspot.com/2009_04_01_archive.html">OHS</a> and it has had a dramatic effect on my body and energy<br />Due to that, I am REALLY out of shape right now, even for me<br />Surfing is rigorous<br /><br />My Con's were weighty upon me. I have been frustrated over the past few years at how I have let my physical state diminish my confidence. It's been a huge problem (pardon the pun :) I have felt powerless and impotent and unable to change things and habits I don't like. Yoga has helped a enormously, but I haven't gone in months ( plus, the doctor said no yoga for a while after the OHS). But it would only add to my self-loathing if I didn't do this. So I called and set up a lesson.<br /><br />I drove about an hour due east to the Atlantic coast, and on the way I saw the headwaters to the Everglades, a nuclear power plant, and Kennedy Space Center in the distance including the GIANT buildings in which they house the space shuttle. It would be amazing to sit on the beach and watch a launch.<br /><br />I found where I needed to go and then, because I was early, I drove on to find the beach to wait and get myself psyched up for my adventure.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/3522938503/" title="P1080421 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3660/3522938503_c61e54eb26.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="P1080421" /></a><br /><br />I couldn't find a public beach which usually has bathrooms or changing stalls so I had to change into my swimsuit in my Pontiac mid-sized sedan with non-tinted windows. I think the only skill I gleaned from 7th grade gym class was how to completely change my clothes without exposing anything. If we were to have been graded on that skill, I would have gotten an "A".<br /><br />The beach was lovely.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/3523744244/" title="P1080422 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3380/3523744244_7b5639089b.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="P1080422" /></a><br /><br />The waves on this side of Florida were bigger than on the Gulf side (gulp). As before, I took some photos... as I gazed at the camera display screen I noticed that this side of the beach was WAY more populated that the other side, and as I zoomed in, I could see the surf board rentals and people surfing.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/3523744304/" title="P1080424 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3301/3523744304_426e2f8f1f.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="P1080424" /></a><br /><br />"Wow..." I thought. "There are a lot of people down there, and they are all going to witness my forthcoming struggle with the sea." That thought almost derailed my plans.<br /><br />So I sat and thought about it for a minute.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/3522938607/" title="P1080425 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3635/3522938607_8b1c253066.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="P1080425" /></a><br /><br />One of my (many) problems is that <span style="font-weight:bold;">in my head<span style="font-style:italic;"></span></span>, I am just me, me at a constant. If I were to be plugged into a math equation, I would be "C". I feel the same as I ever did, <span style="font-weight:bold;">in my head.<span style="font-style:italic;"></span></span> I haven't really began to feel "older" yet. But then I catch a glimpse in the full-length mirror, and suddenly I am no longer "C"... I am now a variable, an unknown, a mere "c". I find it shocking. How can I reconcile my "C" in my my head with the "c" I see before me? Blind myself? Never look in the mirror again?<br /><br />Going to the beach is always an exercise in self esteem. Initially, I compare myself to everyone. I feel a little grateful to all those people who care less than I. They are a little less well shaped and a lot more exposed. And then I notice that tan fat is <span style="font-weight:bold;">really</span> forgiving. In fact, it's downright handsome. Then I realize that most people (like myself) usually are only thinking of themselves and thinking that everyone is looking at them when really everyone is thinking the exact same thing and no one is really looking at anyone in a way other than mild bemusement. No one is really being judged, we are just being entertained.<br /><br />Looking around I see how AVERAGE I am. There are always people that are going to be MORE something than me: more thin, more fat, more tan, more white, more exposed, more covered, more sober, more drunk. I feel my confidence rising as I revel in my averageness. Glory, I think I am ready to surf!<br /><br />I parked in the garage of the surf shop and rode the elevator down where it opened right up in to the shop. I was immediately intimidated by the three muscle-y, deeply tanned, tattooed, pierced, and goatee-ed men standing at the counter. There was an almost unperceptable rolling of the eyes as I shuffled up and said, "Hi, I'm here for a surfing lesson." I felt as if two of them were gloating and one had lost a bet. I wanted to share in the joke, because believe me... I get it, and I'm laughing, too!<br /><br />I was introduced to the scariest-looking one of them, but who had a name that matched his personality... Teddy. I signed away my life, paid my way, and Teddy ushered me into the "instruction room." Time to turn off the over-self-awareness, time to go with the flow.<br /><br />Teddy gave me the run down on jellyfish, sting rays, and rip currents. Check. He was surprisingly shy considering his scary looks. We practiced laying on the board and standing. I found out I am leg-bidexterous. I was worried that in the tense moment of trying to stand up on the waves, my feet would fight for the front seat of the board.<br /><br />I was an attentive student, and I avoided the full length mirror in the room. I was a "C" standing there in my cute, ruffle-y gold fish swimsuit, board shorts, and my second-hand rash guard jauntily thrown over my shoulders like a prepster having drinks with the dean.<br /><br />"Let's go get your board," gave me a small jolt of adrenaline. Surfing is an equal opportunity sport... ladies carry their own boards. Luckily, the beginner board are long but soft, so with my board on my head, Teddy marched me out and down the two blocks to the beach. I tried to make conversation to put myself at ease, and Teddy happily obliged.<br /><br />Once we got on the beach I struggled a bit more, but I focused on Teddy's voice and didn't look at anyone. If I looked anyone in the eye, they would know I was a counterfeit and that I didn't belong there. But "C" said I did.<br /><br />For the next hour, the battle was not "C" vs. "c"... it was "C" vs. sea. Holy cow. The waves were 3-4 feet which is awesome if you are not holding onto an 8 foot rigid sail. I would get onto the board, Teddy would turn me into the waves, he'd say "here we go" and push me onto a good one, I would struggle to get my slippery feet underneath myself, try to stand and ride it out until I was dumped off or I fell off, and then I would battle the waves to get 100 yards back out to where Teddy was waiting. It... was... <span style="font-weight:bold;">AWESOME!</span><br /><br />I realized at one point that I was really focusing on my task at hand, so I told Teddy, "You know, I am having a really good time." I think he appreciated this because it was probably hard to tell. I was getting beat up. I got up a couple of times, and got onto my knees more, but getting back out to the starting point was the hardest part. I remember asking Teddy how much time we had left and he said we still had 30 minutes. I remember thinking, "This is my last run. I can't take this much longer." But what I lack in strength right now I make up for in stamina. After an hour, I felt great.<br /><br />I kept assuring Teddy I was having fun. Walking back to the shop was harder. I was tired, but in that good "just-had-a-good-long-hard-swim" way, and I carried my board like a champ. The tragedy of the day was that I FORGOT TO TAKE MY CAMERA to the shop with me. I would love to show you how nice and friendly and patient Teddy was. I am not exactly the dream client, but he helped me have a fun time and unknowingly assisted me in my exercise of getting over myself. I had to settle for a drive-by...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/3523744326/" title="P1080426 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3297/3523744326_3b8943d95c.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="P1080426" /></a><br /><br />So the lesson I take from this day:<br /><br />C > cUnknownnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9268894.post-33730792354683055432009-05-07T20:01:00.003-06:002009-05-13T14:22:49.358-06:00Florida: Part QuatroSo, today I went back to that really cute part of town where we ate at the restaurant Houstons. It is an area of Orlando called Winter Park, and it's where the rich people used to come down for the winter at the turn of the century (the one before this one). The streets are cute and narrow and tree lined and the homes are beautiful Spanish-style mini-mansions. <br /><br />Park Avenue is the quaint shopping-dining-museum area. It was a little fancy.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/3512014110/" title="P1080403 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3411/3512014110_16dda579fa.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="P1080403" /></a><br /><br />The streets are paved in brick and the large oaks are dripping in Spanish moss. This is a Pottery Barn in an old Art Deco movie theater. It's a little bit of a travesty, but at least they didn't tear it down to build the Pottery Barn.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/3511203037/" title="P1080401 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3333/3511203037_b6328efd6d.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="P1080401" /></a><br /><br />I went there to see the Morse Museum (more Morses... but this museum was put together by the McKeans) which hosts that largest collection of art created and designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany, noted for his beautiful stained glass windows and lamps. I WAS IN HEAVEN. The collection held many <a href="http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/tiff/ho_1981.159.htm">large and small windows</a> (these windows were not part of the collection), <a href="http://www.antiquetiffanylamps.com/examples.shtml">several priceless lamps</a>, and examples of his <a href="http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/ho/10/na/ho_96.17.10.htm">pottery</a> and <a href="http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/ajew/ho_46.168.1.htm">jewelry</a>. I was really impressed with the pottery. I have never seen anything like it; beautiful art nouveau motifs and gorgeous metallic glazes. Art nouveau and the arts and crafts movement are two of my very favorite historic periods of art. The highlight of the museum is the chapel that was created for the Chicago World's Fair. It was an exhibit that was built in New York and assembled on site. It contained an alter, a "podium" (I don't know what it's called, a baptistery, several large stained glass windows, and the coolest chandelier I have ever seen in the shape of a double cross. It was the fanciest thing I have ever seen... in a good way. It was inspiring.<br /><br />I have been so impressed with the two museums I have visited. Both were small scale museums built by private collectors. These are people who have used their wealth to collect the works of artists whom they believe have really contributed to the history of art. These museums represent hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of dollars in investment. I am so grateful! So many works of art would be lost to the world without these collectors. I think it is a worthy way to "spend your legacy." Philanthropy is great and important, but I appreciate the art collectors also.<br /><br />After the museum, I went across the street, got some white chocolate macadamia nut ice cream and enjoyed the park and the fancy shops.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/3512013770/" title="P1080402 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3345/3512013770_dddc0eb5e4.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="P1080402" /></a><br /><br />I am grateful to be able to come on this trip. Have I mentioned how hard Todd is working? He leaves the room at 6am and is not finished until 8 or 9pm at night. All day long he is making sure things are running smoothly, and it is all done from this temporary room in the center of the registration area affectionately called the "greenhouse".<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/3511202729/" title="P1080404 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3602/3511202729_f94a54573f.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="P1080404" /></a><br /><br />There are lots of skylights above this area which let in a lot of natural light... and HEAT! I love Todd. It is fun to be here with him, although I feel guilty going into the room to say hi and he and all of his co-workers are slaving away while I've got my beach bag on my arm! And to add to my guilt, they have been taking me out to dinner with them every night.<br /><br />This night we went back to Moonfish, a beautiful and delicious seafood restaurant run by the company that owns Vito's (certain people who make the dinner decisions don't like to branch out much... they want to make sure they get an amazing meal, and I guess I don't mind, but when you eat AMAZING food every night it stops being so amazing.) I remembered my camera this time.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/3511203383/" title="P1080406 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3604/3511203383_3995bd91c4.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="P1080406" /></a><br /><br />Such great details. The faucets in the bathrooms were dolphin heads, and the hooks were whale tails.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/3512015044/" title="P1080407 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3310/3512015044_d3065d046e.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="P1080407" /></a><br /><br />Here, like everywhere we have gone, has HUGE menus. Huge in actual size, not variety. But they were pretty!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/3511203593/" title="P1080409 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3644/3511203593_52c710135a.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="P1080409" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/3511203203/" title="P1080410 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3605/3511203203_5dbe043dce.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="P1080410" /></a><br /><br />Highlights of this meal were the coconut shrimp. Usually I am more of a fan of shrimp served cold, but these are A-mazing.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/3512015202/" title="P1080412 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3538/3512015202_ee687e6dcf.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="P1080412" /></a><br /><br />Both nights I have been here I have enjoyed my food (with one exception), but what I have REALLY wanted was the sezhuan sesame encrusted tuna steak, but it cost, like, $40 and I just felt too guilty ordering it on someone else's dime. Todd ordered it this time.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/3512015172/" title="P1080416 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3647/3512015172_917958611b.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="P1080416" /></a><br /><br />Oh, I love this photo. The tuna is seared and rare. Mmmmm... I love mussels and wanted to go a little lighter so I ordered the Red Thai curry mussels.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/3512015298/" title="P1080417 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3556/3512015298_87008389ef.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="P1080417" /></a><br /><br />When they came out in their bamboo steamer I was so excited. I lifted the lid and it exuded a poop smell. No, you read that right... a poop smell. I wasn't the only one who noticed. Unfortunately, it tasted like poop, too; not a good kind of poop like some cheeses, it was just a bad taste combination. I actually sent it back. I felt like an idiot, and the the server (Bruno) and the manager made a big deal about it, but when food isn't good, it must go back. I helped Todd eat his tuna instead. Now I know, go with your gut... get the tuna.<br /><br />I have had a really nice time with everyone at Wingate. I feel very self-conscious being the only wife and girl on this trip, but everyone has been so nice... they have even indulged my favorite dinner pastime of "tell me your story."<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/3511204085/" title="P1080418 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3647/3511204085_b43df9a954.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="P1080418" /></a><br /><br />I still have three days to go! I am having a good time.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9268894.post-32688515544538407092009-05-06T16:01:00.002-06:002009-05-06T21:42:49.178-06:00Florida: Part TresSo, in my efforts to not get skin cancer before I'm 40, I decided to forgo the pool and go in search of that elusive zoo that the GPS didn't want me to find on Sunday. I think the GPS had good intentions and was trying to save me a trip. But we'll get to that in a second.<br /><br />First, I went in search of "Shell World". <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/3508083499/" title="P1080374 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3620/3508083499_3349f93a3e.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="P1080374" /></a><br /><br />I remember going to a shell-only store when we came to Florida for vacation in 1988. It was a magical place for a child who had until that point lived in a land-locked situation. I still have shells from that trip. So I was thrilled to find a Shell World just a couple of miles from the hotel, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/3508895136/" title="P1080371 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3405/3508895136_7e2ca3cb79.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="P1080371" /></a><br /><br />Just out of the frame is an old man sitting in a rocking chair waiting for his wife who is inside. There are lots of rocking chairs. You can bet Todd would have been occupying one of them had he been there. He would probably rate shells just above linens and ladies shoes on his scale of awesome shopping. Now, if Costco sold shells he might think differently.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/3508083429/" title="P1080372 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3602/3508083429_f826588859.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="P1080372" /></a><br /><br />I want to cover EVERYTHING with shells. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/3508083533/" title="P1080373 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3538/3508083533_8808342acf.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="P1080373" /></a><br /><br />Isn't that beautiful? Not very practical, but so beautiful!<br /><br />I bought more than I needed with the thought of creating one of those <a href="http://content.cdlib.org/ark:/13030/kt7f59q5sc/?brand=calisphere">flower collages made from shells</a>. Or something like that. I'm sure I paid way too much for my shells, but there was something fun and mindless about searching through bins of shells to find just the right size and color... I promise that IF I ever actually do this craft I will blog about it! <br /><br /><br />I had looked the zoo up on Google Maps that morning, and all I saw was thick forest with a dirt road dead ending in the middle of nowhere. I took a chance and drove there anyway. There was a very nice sign indicating that there was a zoo, but for about a 1/2 mile this is all I saw.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/3508083573/" title="P1080376 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3581/3508083573_4e53370cec.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="P1080376" /></a><br /><br />Central Florida is very vertiginous... thickly so. I was on the phone with Suzie at the time and was a little grateful just in case I needed to say "I am being kidnapped! Call the police!" Even as I parked and walked in a "civilized" looking direction I said to her, "I'm not sure that this is a zoo." But I found a little kiosk that confirmed to me that this was INDEED a zoo by charging me ELEVEN dollars.<br /><br />I agree with one of the reviews I read online: this was more of a nature walk with some animals sprinkled about. One review said that this zoo was stared when a circus pulled out of the near-by town of Sanford in 1939 and left behind a monkey and a goat. The monkey rode the goat. Thus, a zoo was born.<br /><br />Right inside the "gate" was a little water park which seemed to be the main attraction. It just had fountains squirting up from the pavement and some sprinklers overhead, but it was crawling with kids of all ages and some nice Adirondack chairs placed in the shade. I was careful not to take too many pictures. A solitary visitor to the zoo is met with some suspicion, especially when they take photos of little children, so I abstained.<br /><br />The "petting zoo" consisted of exactly 5 types of animals:<br /><br />Turkeys (Would you pet this thing? People were actually trying to feed them. Their mouths are covered with multicolored hangy-downy things... *shudder*)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/3508083607/" title="P1080378 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3569/3508083607_a37a402a22.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="P1080378" /></a> <br /><br />Horned sheep<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/3508895290/" title="P1080379 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3631/3508895290_0ecd12aba3.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="P1080379" /></a><br /><br />Mini cows with long horns<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/3508895364/" title="P1080377 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3376/3508895364_c5ae66530d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="P1080377" /></a><br /><br />Greedy, pushy goats<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/3508083673/" title="P1080380 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3601/3508083673_0bf6da31b9.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="P1080380" /></a><br /><br />That guy was really uncomfortable with me taking his picture. He almost said something to me. He kept saying "Uhhh... Uhh."<br /><br />And a llama standing in a bucket. We all know not to get to close to llamas.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/3508895504/" title="P1080381 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3345/3508895504_4cb2713a0a.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="P1080381" /></a><br /><br />This bird is going to run up my credit card. Just kidding, this bird said "hello". It had one foot.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/3508895524/" title="P1080384 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3546/3508895524_afa04f8e8c.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="P1080384" /></a><br /><br />I stood by the spider monkey cage for a while and couldn't see anything of the sort. And then he just came by and posed for me for, like, five minutes.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/3508083745/" title="P1080385 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3363/3508083745_8802c3b2ae.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="P1080385" /></a><br /><br />I was so close to a monkey! I looked really hard. I examined that monkey.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/3508083779/" title="P1080392 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3318/3508083779_41035eae64.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="P1080392" /></a><br /><br />His tongue was out because he was hot. I was hot, but I have better manners.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/3508083827/" title="P1080391 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3615/3508083827_6e9f7e98be.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="P1080391" /></a><br /><br />Stupid glare.<br /><br />The elephants looked SO bored, and they were stinky. Maybe they felt self-conscious.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/3508083919/" title="P1080395 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3325/3508083919_c13b10c5dc.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="P1080395" /></a><br /><br />That elephant looks like it's smiling. It was probably only doing that because I was taking a picture.<br /><br />The jaguar was restless.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/3508895592/" title="P1080394 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3350/3508895592_bd55eb98c0.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="P1080394" /></a><br /><br />The Spanish moss was dangling.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/3508083985/" title="P1080399 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3378/3508083985_cb01da0089.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="P1080399" /></a><br /><br />The jungle was smelling of warm pine needles (there are pines interspersed with the palms).<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/3508895654/" title="P1080397 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3651/3508895654_f5b200fc6f.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="P1080397" /></a><br /><br />The brontosaurus was too hot to move.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29342204@N00/3508084049/" title="P1080396 by rhodesbud, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3318/3508084049_567746a99e.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="P1080396" /></a><br /><br />The random dinosaur in the woods did it for me. I felt that I had seen enough. I drove home hoping for something scenic, but ended up back at the hotel in time for Todd's team to finish up and we headed off to Vito's again (this time I had lamb). Vacation is fun. I am learning to enjoy the slowness of it all.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8