Thing 1 and Thing 2

I thought it was time to introduce you all to the men in my life. After all, we do spend an awful lot of time together, and I'm really anticipating this being a long term relationship.

Sam

2.5 years old. He counts and knows all his letters, he memorizes everything easily, and he loves sports, books, singing and cooking. He also adorably uses huge words like "beautiful" and "organized." When asked what music he wants to listen to, he says "the blues." I'm pretty sure that's my influence on him.

Eli

14 months old. He's extremely coordinated for his age, and does great at basketball, tennis, soccer and swimming. He doesn't talk too much, although he loves saying 'apple' because he knows it'll make me smile. I tried to use operant conditioning to teach him the names of animals, but it didn't work. Enough time and graham crackers, though, and he'll get it.

I'm pretty darn blessed.

Swimming

I recently got a membership at the YMCA for two reasons: primarily to be a part of a rock climbing club, which I'm enjoying tremendously, but also to try and get back into my old hobby of swimming.

The last two days I've gone to the pool. A little timid at re-entering my old stomping grounds after such a long absence, I nonetheless donned suit and googles and bravely set out for the pool.

Both aquatics center trips, however, have been doomed. On thursday I swam 150 yards before everyone was kicked out of the pool due to ickyness needing to be cleaned up. Yesterday was even less successful. I stepped out of the locker room to see an empty pool with no estimation of reopening soon.

It seems that God or the universe is telling me not to swim. Despite all signs to cease my efforts, however, I will press on. I'm off to the downtown YMCA to try their pool.

East-West

I just returned this week from an enjoyable (and action packed) 10 days in Maryland.
Highlights of the trip...

View from the airplane

Butterfly exhibit at the Natural History Museum



National Gallery of Art

Sonora learning about dimonds (Hope Dimond exhibit)

Sonora being tickled by Jon and Val while Honnah and I look on.

Happy President's Day!

Via Le Me

Grandmother's Birthday

Last week was Grandma's birthday, giving me the always appreciated opportunity to cook a fine meal and have company over. We invited our neighbor, Lori, to join us. On the menu - Grilled salmon in a creamy wine sauce, roasted asparagus and basmati rice. For dessert, gluten free lemon cheese cake.





Grandma was delighted at all the hype for her birthday. Why not? You only turn 85 once.

Me as an Idahoan

The fact that I'm now living in Boise seems to have caught up with me. I had a wonderful 6 years in Eugene, and now I'm moving into a new adventure in my life. So how do I put to rest my time in Oregon and move forward?

Possibly by remembering time with friends




Or a pedicure with my sister




How I love the Oregon coast



And how I love Rain Rock












To Oregon and Oregonians, thank you.

My first week in Boise

One week ago right now I was pulling into the driveway of my new home on Columbine Ave. My first week here started with watching Jem perform with the Idaho Dance Theatre, which was a real pleasure considering I haven't seen him dance in a few years. The rest of the week was a mixture of cooking, puzzling, and cleaning. In in the middle of the week I had a flurry of job-related activity, including two interview. I seem to be zeroing in on a wonderful nanny job in the north end. The family is checking my references this weekend, and short of unknown and catastrophic results, I think the job is mine.

Today I watched Jem perform as a guest with the Idaho Ballet Company. I told him that I think they should replace some of their current dancers with him, as he had better balance, poise, and technique than some of the company members. Oh well, so much for a sister's opinion.