Truckee in the Fall

Happy Fall!

 

Oh yes, fall is in full swing and it feels wonderful. I had the good fortune to spend the weekend in truckee with Lisa A. and Kristy P. We caught the aspens in full color, walked along the river, enjoyed some time at The River Inn, went to Tahoe City, tootled old town, enjoyed lazy mornings drinking coffee and inspiring each other with the dreams and goals we are all working on achieving. It was the rejuvenation that I have been longing for and now I'm ready to wrap up this semester at school (just 5 more weeks) and enjoy the coming holiday season. You can see the photo I took with my iPhone while we walked along the river, pretty, huh?

 

Last evening when I got home, Mason started asking questions about the Monday Motivator. We were looking at some pictures on my computer and one of him several years ago got us reminiscing about where and when. I told him I had the whole story written down in the MM and he looked surprised. We looked it up and that story led to another, that led to another until we were laughing out loud. Mason said, "So you just write about us and our stories? That's cool mom." Yeah, much like Seinfeld, I write about nothing or what seems like nothing at the time, when in fact, the everyday goings on in our life are the very things that we treasure later. Mason, at the ripe old age of 9 is connecting the dots and realizing what a gift this silly weekly blog will be for him when his mom is old and gray with no memory left. Can you imagine if you had something like this to reference back to your childhood and even before? What would you learn about your mom if you could read her writings as a teen, young woman, newlywed, and new mother? Today's nothings are tomorrows special memories and as long as you have today, you can start journaling and documenting your journey. I started writing this column (for lack of a better word) as a weekly e-mail back in early 1999 and I sincerely wish I had all of the early entries. I don't, unless one of you computer geeks kept those e-mails from 1999-2002, but I'm grateful for the ones I do have and I'm even more grateful that they are on line, I know they are safe and in the event of a disaster, Mason will always have a way to have our stories.

 

The Mandarin Festival is coming, just two short weeks away and Mason is doing a cooking demo. If you are interested in a really fun day trip, let me know and I will get you tickets. Enjoy the fall colors, warm days and cool nights, and take a moment each day to find things to be grateful for...there really is so much good all around each of us - focus on it, it just feels so darn good! Have a great week!

Exciting News!

Happy Spring! Finally, it seems that the early April showers have taken a break and we can all dry out and soak in some sunshine. Last week I posted a very late, "I'm not here this week" message and I let you all know I had some good news. On Tuesday I had a conference call with our patent attorney and the examiner at the patent office. The call came right on time as my attorney advised me to expect a denial of our application in the spring of 2011 at which point we would address the points denied. We went over them and when it was time for the call, I was expecting plenty of stops and road-blocks. Not so! The woman examining our application was very helpful and even went as far as to say, "Change this wording to something like this..." and "Be sure this area reads like this..." She wanted to know how we came up with the idea and all in all was very patient and attentive. She ended the call with, "Okay, get me these changes and I will go back over the application and let's get you on your way." or something to that effect -- very positive! Now we are addressing some of the minutia of the application and deciding how specific or broad we can go. If all goes well, we could have our patent issued this summer! Isn't that exciting? Other than this big news, our weather has been noteworthy. So wild, the Weather Channel was in Truckee this weekend reporting from Old Town and Squaw Valley. Thursday Hwy 80 was closed for a full 24 hours and upon my initial research (very unofficial), this is the longest closure of Hwy 80 ever. The last time it came close was in the 1980s. We were snuggled up watching the spectacular show of snow and wind while enjoying hot beverages and movies. Funny thing, we often think that more snow is better, but there is so much snow, it was even hard to play in it! Oh, we found a way, but it took some creativity. We missed our usual company for this Truckee weekend, but then again, it was really nice just being together as a family. I kept thinking about this as I watched the snow fall. I noticed how most of the snowflakes were so tiny, yet one by one, they made hundreds of square feet of snow! In light of my progress report on our pending patent, take note how long we've been on this journey (Since January 2008) and imagine how many single phone calls, hours (sometimes minutes) of Internet research, hundreds of other "things to do," and even days and weeks of nothing to do add up to where we are today. In essence, time passes at the same rate for all of us, start whatever it is you want to accomplish so you can be basking in your success, too! Every little task completed is one step closer to that victory! With that, we not only have another opportunity to make this week great, but we have sunshine in the forecast! Later this week and next weekend we are supposed to see temps in the high 70s! If that won't make you smile, nothing will!

Merry Chrisrmas Memories

Happy Monday after Christmas and last Monday of 2010! We all heard it as young people, the older you get the faster time passes -- how true it is!

Our Christmas holiday was just perfect. We went to visit family in the bay area and had a wonderful time visiting with family and friends. We made the trip home on the 24th to be sure to have cookies and milk out for Santa.

Christmas was idyllic.Like a classic story, Mason was up at 5 AM ready to see what Santa brought and try as we might, Dave and I were not successful in convincing him to go back to bed. Go figure! We all opened our gifts and enjoyed seeing what everyone got. Mason got a recycled computer (new to him!) with more Legos than one boy should ever get in one day! Dave got several history books, one in particular -- The Gettysburg Companion. It's just one more intentional step to that dream job as a park ranger in Gettysburg National Park! Along the lines of visualization and intention, Dave gave me a guidebook to visiting New England. We will spend the early part of 2011 planning our 10th wedding anniversary in Vermont to see the fall colors. I can't wait! After the gifts were opened, Mason played with Legos (darn near all day!), Dave worked in the kitchen making an amazing prime rib dinner and I kept my personal tradition alive, I napped on the couch with Spencer! Not all day, but at least an hour was spent in midday, luxurious slumber! At some point during the day we watched National Lampoons Christmas Vacation, ridiculous humor that's a holiday must!

After many phone calls and dinner, we pulled out the sleeping pads, bean bags, blankets and pillows into the living room where we all cuddled up to watch Miracle on 34th Street. The fire was flickering, the tree was lit and we all just slowed down and fell asleep. I just can't think of a better Christmas, ever. It was the best one ever!

As we head into the new year, there is much work to do. I have two books to write, along with a companion blog and a glove business to grow. If all goes as planned, our patent will issue in 2011, how cool will that look hanging on the wall? Do me a favor, pick up the phone and call a couple of sporting goods stores near you and ask for ZipperBack Gloves. When they say they don't have them, suggest they carry them. If you feel so inclined, you can let them know we have no minimums so they can try us out with an order as little as a dozen or two! Big smiles!

Have the happiest new year ever and be sure to reflect on all your blessings. It's been a tough few years and though there have been difficulties, there is also much to be thankful for! Focus on the good and watch it grow! I love you all and look forward to hearing back from you about your holidays! Love, Kathy

Summer 2010 Highlights!

I thought instead of recapping the last few weeks of not-so-much-fun, I would go back over the summer and post some pics of the Fun, Friends, and More!

We spent lots of time at the ARD pool. I expect this is the last year Mason will pass for "little enough" to play in the water park.

I love this picture! Mason wanted desperately to mow the lawn. Something told me to capture this moment in time as I expect he won't be that enthusiastic ever again...at least about mowing the lawn! Priceless!

Many afternoons were spent selling lemonade in front of the house. There just wasn't an opportunity to get a good shot without posing it. I didn't want to stage it so this is what we get! Oh, and by the way, in this economy, Mason did alright selling lemonade!

If my memory serves me, Mason spent more nights sleeping on the front deck this summer than he did in his own bed. I say it's because his room was such a disaster, good, restful sleep was just not possible. He will tell you something completely different. No matter, that's what summertime is for, warm nights that make sleeping outside so enjoyable!

The girls had pretty feet all summer long! What girls you ask?

Kathy, Diana, and Julianne in this picture!

And here the three ladies are getting ready to go out with our lucky guy, Dave!

Max, Kathy, and Julianne.

We had a lovely cocktail party one Saturday in July while Julianne was visiting from Minnesota. We had such a wonderful visit. I hope I can post pictures next summer of my family visiting hers in Minnesota!

Lots and lots of new Smoshpellow recipes! These are caramel smoshpellows, one dusted in powdered sugar and the other dusted in cinnamon chocolate. Oh yeah, they are to die for! And don't forget Teresa's homemade truffles. Mason said they are the best candy he's ever eaten...now that's say'n something!

Mason got his own set of paints and figures to paint while school was out. This is really a milestone for us because painting miniature figures is Dave's favorite pastime so Mason being interested, too is pretty cool!

Spencer turned one!

We celebrated with cake while we sang Happy Birthday!

Just so y'all know, Spencer ate the vanilla icing but not the chocolate cupcake.

That part was just for show!

Back to school! Mason started the 1st grade!

Ms. Morris is his teacher and he gets to ride the bus! Note: It's very important to Mason to look like a teenager...note the jeans and shoes - key pieces!

With back-to-school came soccer! Yay! Mason is #6 and plays on the Pistol Pete's Pirate's team. He really loves soccer and loves playing goalie! This is gonna be great fun for all of us...can you tell who's really getting in the spirit? Opening day for SoccerFest 2010 and Dave was our official "Pirate!"

Mason got to call the toss! We won the flip!

My little goalie in action! This was his first scrimmage...or real game as he will tell you. Hey, they played another team, I'd say that's real!

And of course, he had to pose for mom!

It's been a great summer. I'm ready to head into fall and then winter. We have big plans for ZipperBack Gloves and you all know we are planning to move from the Aeolia house after the first of the year. We will be staying local for another couple of years, but we all know how fast time flies! I hope you had as much fun this summer as we did! Drop me note and tell me what your highlight was over the last few months. I love hearing back from all of you! Have a great week and thanks for not giving me too much grief for being late! Smiles!

Things Are Starting To Happen!

Happy Monday and welcome to August!

Summer is in full swing and we are busy, busy, busy! I worked a temp job with Julie on Thursday and Friday and though we were working, we had some time to visit. We went to the Lodi Thursday night farmers market and met Greg, Heather, her parents and Josh for a nice evening of music, fun food, and a great glass of wine.

On Saturday, Dave, Mason and I were getting the ball rolling for our trade show in September. We are looking for two kid mannequins, a counter top spinner rack to display our gloves, and so many other things. We scoured Denio's Farmers Market & Auction and found a pair of children's skis and then we also found a pair of kid's cross country skis at a thrift store. From there, we went to TAP Plastics and got an earful on how to make molds and castings of children's hands. We bought our resin mix and headed to Michael's craft store to get our alginate mold material. We made two castings of Mason's hands and it worked beautifully. Now that we've done it once, we now need to do it again to get exactly what we need to show buyers why our gloves really are the best!

In addition to all the ZBG work we did, Dave worked in the front yard, I cleaned our room, and did loads of laundry. Mike came up and we had a ZipperBack Glove meeting over pomegranate margaritas while we sat by the fire in the backyard. It's exciting to know that in January 2008 this glove project was just an idea. Here we are in August 2009, preparing for a pre-sale, a trade show, and to have our gloves for sale in retail stores in just a few short months. WOW! It just goes to show you, if you take small actions on a consistent basis, you will create something...something more than small talk about this great idea you have. Stop talking and start doing and you, too can be busy, busy, busy, and say, "Things are starting to happen!"

The Faster I Go, The Behinder I Get!

How far behind do you have to get before you decide to quit? Behind in what you may be wondering, to which my answer would be, "Anything that's important." I'm currently behind in filing my monthly paid bills, my monthly newsletter, Mason's cookbook, my exercise program, and several other pressing projects. When I start to feel this way it makes me just want to throw my hands in the air and start new at the beginning of something completely different. The reality is, no matter what I'm doing, if I'm not staying committed to the timeline, I'll fall behind again!

As a family, we're doing more trying to make the most of the long summer days, but yesterday, Mason and I scheduled nothing. Not a single thing on the calendar, Mason watched SpongeBob and I talked on the phone with my girlfriends...not all of them, but a few that I haven't spoken with in more than a month. Yet again, I've fallen behind on keeping my relationships current!

In years past, I've felt a strong sense of balance, like I was doing enough outside and spending my fair share of time at home. Of course, there have also been the times that balance was way out of whack! The out of whack side is rearing it's ugly head this month. I've been working to gain more consulting clients, looking for a regular paying job, along with any other way I can earn a living. Our glove business is moving along with Thursdays delivery of our first shipment of retail ready gloves! We have a trade show to get ready for in September and Mason starts kindergarten on August 19th, just about a month away. Our life is surely no different than every other working family, but some days, it just all seems so overwhelming. It's hard to feel like you're succeeding with anything when you reach a point of completion, all you can focus on is all you still have left to do! I know you know what I mean.

We're not quitters and we will keep persevering no matter how hard it gets. Are you finding that your lists are longer and your check-marks fewer? Do you have any tricks or tips for coping when it seems like there is so much more to do than you can ever accomplish? Please, do tell!

Have a great week. My motivator for today is this: Take some time each day this week to tell someone something about you or your situation that will reveal to them that they are not struggling in this economy alone. Though we all logically know we're not alone, it sure feels good to have the ones we love share that they are coping in some area of their life as well. You can start with me if you want!

Happy As A 5 Year Old.

Happy Monday Friends!

While on vacation, I made note of something that I may not recognize while at home. The simple things that make a 5 year old happy and how they express their joy. There are some obvious things like a Popsicle, staying up 15 minutes later than bedtime, or a handful of M&Ms.

What I noticed while on vacation was that Mason took advantage of all the amenities that we came across. Like what amenities you may be asking...like taking a drink from a water fountain on the sidewalk, or stopping to look at the new design on a soda can. Really! We don't drink soda, but Mason noticed the new designs on a soda vending machine.

There was the daily ritual of anticipating being able to put the card key in the slot and open the door at precisely the right moment to let us into our condo and then again at the pool gate. Getting close to the pool and hearing kids laughing and splashing, Mason lit up and said, "I hear fun!" Can you be that happy while hearing other's joy and knowing you will be a part of it? Mason was and did! He went right over to the vacationing children, jumped in the pool and introduced himself. "Hi, I'm M-A-S-O-N. Do you know what that spells? Mason."

On the one day we planned to stay in, Mason came out of the bathroom and said, "Hey guys. What are we gonna do today? Maybe we can toodle...you know, in some town, a little look, a little see. Wouldn't that be fun?" All while smiling his crooked little smile nodding his head. How do you say no to that?

The resort had a playground and Mason made it a point to get out of the pool and go play at least one time before we left, "Because it's a play ground and that's what kids do, they play." He said. Dave took Mason to the arcade where he played each game and it seemed that was enough to check off his list of resort amenities. Of course, you all know Mason and know that being on vacation is not the same without a bath in a bath tub! Yes, we have two bath tubs at home, but there's something about a hotel bath tub that has a special quality. I think it's that it's clean!

Here's my question for you; What do you have right under your nose, everyday, that you can take advantage of and really be joyous about? Can you be as happy as a 5 year old?

I have many things, but first and foremost is the keen eye and wonderfully simple sense of humor of my sweet Mason. He is far more my teacher than any educator I've ever had!

On Vacation In Windsor, CA

Happy Monday Friends!

We have been in lovely Windsor, CA since last Wednesday. We are heading home tomorrow, but plan to make the most of our last day and a half. Julie booked her timeshare and planned to be here with us, but as life does sometimes, sidelined her and she couldn't come. Thank you Jules for your generosity and allowing us to use your vacation week!

We've really had a good time. The pools on the property are all beautiful and clean, and every unit has a nice patio set-up with a barbecue. It's impossible to vacation for little money, but I've gotten pretty good at seeking out the deals and ways to pinch pennies while not putting a crimp on the vacation all together.

On Friday we went wine tasting. We participated in a Zin-dependence Festival that took us to four wineries for Zinfandel tasting with food pairings. All four wineries opened their tasting rooms so we were allowed to taste their other wines as well, for free. We have Mason with us so you may all be wondering how we went wine tasting with a child. Here's what we did. The wristband for the day was $20 per each adult and $10 for kids and designated drivers. We planned ahead and popped into a local candy store to buy a half dozen unique candies for Mason. Most of them were a candy/toy combination. Once we arrived at each winery, we gave Mason a "new" candy to taste and with it came a novel toy to play with. He was very happy and with happy usually comes well behaved. Several of the winery staff commented on what a good idea we had. It's also important to note that while tasting wine and driving yourself, we only drank the tastes we loved, and if we didn't love it, we dumped it! We also drank lots of water at each stop. This meant less consumption and a safe & happy time was had by all!

We have so many funny stories, but for today let's stop here. I'll post more pictures later today, so check back. I hope you all had a wonderful July 4th holiday and I would love to hear about it! Post a comment here or e-mail me. Let's catch up!

The Grand Poobah

Happy Monday!

We had a heat wave this weekend! Over 100 degrees both days. A far cry from the mild 80 degrees we were experiencing just a week ago.

The Grand Poobah was last weekend and I haven't shared any of the laughs with you. Last Monday, I was on a plane to Minnesota to participate in a focus group. That meant I was getting home from four days of camping only to do a load or two of laundry, repack my bags, and get back on the road. The trip to MN was incredible, but I'll share more about that later.

This year's Poobah was a hoot! The theme was Trailer Park Poobah and it may go down in the history books as "Funniest Poobah of all Time!" I personally was stumped for a costume. Mason and Dave were easy, but everything I was coming up with was just too cliche. I ended up being that woman who thinks she's better than the rest, yet in many cases, is more crass with less tact! You know, just think animal prints, high shoes, lots of make-up, and gold lame! Very Funny! I'm not going to try to explain this, just check out the pictures at the end of this post.

The S'mores contest was a big hit! Everyone who came up with a recipe brought something totally original to the table. I brought all the fixin's for dessert s'mores like the traditional recipe with fresh strawberries, or blueberries, or cherries. DELICIOUS! If you brought a recipe, please e-mail it to me (again), I'm sure I have it, but it would save me the time of looking for it. Thanks!

So now we are getting ready to hit the road again. Dave, Mason, and I will be spending the 4th of July in Windsor, CA in Sonoma. Julie offered her timeshare to us, and since it was nearly free, we decided to make it our family vacation. I'll be sure to share all of our road trip adventures with you when we return! Have a wonderful week and a safe and happy 4th of July!

Where Did The Weekend Go?

Dave asked me this as we were falling asleep last night. I think we all feel this way, but I find it comes after an especially enjoyable weekend.

Saturday we took Mason to a birthday party for one of his friends from preschool. The family lives on five acres and had three huge blow-up water slides. What fun! The kids had a ball. Dave and I left the party for a little while to walk around downtown Lincoln. It was nice to have a little couple time and know that Mason was not only in good hands, but having lots of fun, too. Later that evening, Mason was in bed so Dave and I made s'mores by the fire testing out some of our adult themed ideas for Poobah's "S'more's-Ga-Borg." After snacking, we got in the hot tub and relaxed watching the last of the fire. It was a really nice day.

Sunday was getting stuff done around the house. Mason messed and I cleaned while Dave watched the race. Before we called it a day, Dave worked in the yard, we started organizing our camping gear, I made a new pile of stuff for GoodWill, and we wrapped up the weekend with the kid s'more ideas. This time, we included our neighbors and their two girls to help pick the best recipes. We've got some good ones, so if you're coming to Poobah, get your thinking cap on, we're gonna be hard to beat!

Now it's back to schedules and work. I look forward to the structure of the new work week, do you? It's certainly tough if you don't like what you do for a living and if that's the case, start thinking about what actions you could take to find something that you really look forward to doing. With that, make this week really great and drop me a note letting me know all about your weekend!

Happy June 1st!

Can you believe it's June already? I'm excited. There is so much I have to share that there's no way you want to read that much, so let me just cover the weekend.

As all of you know, I've been decluttering. On Saturday, Dave, Mason, and I went out to Denio's Farmers Market and Auction and rented a space to sell some of our clutter. We had to be up at 4:30, to the site by 5:30, and set up ready to sell by 7:00 AM. I had loaded both vehicles the day before so that was done, but it still made for a full, busy day. Mason did really well considering it was a long time and hot outside. With Dave and I working, he had to entertain himself. We stayed until 3 PM and sold enough stuff that we only had one vehicle of clutter to bring back home.

Sunday, I was back at it. Dave helped me load the Durango of all the stuff that didn't go to the auction, and that completely filled the Durango. I took that to GoodWill. I returned home and loaded up the clutter that didn't sell and that was another complete Durango load donated. That's 3 full loads of stuff that is no longer in our house! Even still, we have a few high ticket items that I've posted on craigslist, and if they don't sell there, I'm planning to donate them to the appropriate charity.

There is lots of good that I acknowledged this weekend. We all really worked well together and we had a fun day at the auction even though it was work. I can't forget to mention that we made a few bucks, but the best part was when we arrived home. I came in through the front door and the house was so welcoming. The kitchen table was clear, the shelves under the windows were free of clutter, the bar area was clean, it all just felt so good to come home to. Home really felt like a soft place to land. What a wonderful feeling. Not only does this feel so good, but it's easier to keep up. There is less stuff so everything has a place. I never really realized how I simply moved stuff from one place to another. When everything has it's own place tidying up to clean is a snap!

This is the perfect motivator for today. Have a wonderful, clutter-free week!

What's around you?

Look around you. Do you see clutter, confusion and chaos, or do you see focus, direction and purpose? Not only does your environment say a lot about you, it has a profound effect on you. The person you are does not end at the tip of your fingers. Your essence extends deep into the world around you. You influence that world and it influences you.

So what kind of influence is it having? Does your environment support you or does it detract from what you're attempting to accomplish? Sometimes a small change in your surroundings, something as simple as cleaning off you desk or washing the windows, can have a profound effect on your attitude and effectiveness. The effort you put into making your surroundings more supportive can multiply the effectiveness of all your other efforts.

Take control of your life by taking responsibility for the things around you. Surround yourself with excellence and your efforts will more naturally and more surely lead toward excellence.

Used with permission by Ralph Marston www.thedailymotivator.com

Mason Declares, "I'm Leaving!"

Yes, at the ripe old age of 5 1/2, Mason packed his things and declared he was leaving. I didn't ask him why he felt the need to leave but I did ask him where he was planning to go. Here's how this went:

Mason: "I'm leaving."
Me: "Oh? Where are you going?"
Mason: "To the middle of no where."
Me: "So you're running away?"
Mason: "Yes. I have all my things packed, everything I need. My blanket, some clothes, my guitar, and Zelda."

At this point I felt it necessary to grab the camera and take his picture.

Me: "Well, if you feel you need to go, okay. I'm gonna miss you."
Mason: "Yeah, well, I'll write to you."

Mason only made it as far as behind the sofa, but just a few minutes later he came into the bedroom and asked me to please cry. I started to cry and just then I got a special delivery letter from the mailman (Mason). I opened the pretend letter and asked Mason (in a whisper, so it didn't imply I was really talking to him) what the letter said. He read the letter to me in his voice from the living room and here's what it said: "Love Mason. I'm okay. I love you. I will come home sometime. I love you. Don't cry. Dear Mom."

Oh, I felt so much better, I went right back to work. A few moments later, another letter arrived. As I pretended to open the pretend letter, Mason ran back to the living room and read me this letter. "Love Mason. I love you. Here's what will make you very happy. Money! $162.57. Dear Mom."

I started to cry and through my tears, I said, "I don't want money, even all the money in the world. All I want is my Mason home with me. Boo-hoo-hoo."

Just then the mailman arrived with a package. I pretend opened the package and asked Mason what was in it. He said, "Me! Your favorite! Except for Riley. Are you happy I'm home mama?"

Yes! Yes! Yes! We laughed and hugged and smiling, he trotted back to the middle of no where behind the couch!

So here's what I derived from this little skit.

1. Mason thinks I really love money. (I'm the CFO of the family, the one who says "no.")
   
2. Mason also thinks I love Riley more than I love him. (That comes from Dave continually saying that I love Riley more than anyone.)
   
3. He really does know what his necessities are. (Not leaving without his blanket and Zelda.)
   
4. Finally, I really need to work with him on his letter writing format. Dear Mom starts the letter and Love Mason goes at the end.

I could be very upset by the money and Riley issue, but kids will be kids, and I know I don't love money like Mason portrayed it. The Riley thing, maybe true! Laughing! In my defense, when either Dave or Mason jump up and down, wagging their tails wildly, and barking with glee when I get home...from checking the mail! I might reconsider that position.

Counting Down The Days!

Well, the count down is officially on for Mason and I. This whole military thing is so crazy. We are leaving for Washington (Tacoma) in two weeks and we are not even for sure Dave will be there. I have good reason to believe he will be but I think it is just one more maddening thing about the army that we can never know anything for sure. Keep in mind as you read this I have had the official crappy week that has carried over into the weekend. Mason and I have both been sick. He with the typical cold and ear ache and me with a crazy flu virus in my muscles. Maybe it is just the way it manifested but I have been achy and sleepy and crabby for almost a week! I guess Mace has had about enough of me and just let me have it today. He cried, screamed, fake cried and crabbed right back at me. EESH! When did I say Dave is coming home? He needs to come deal with HIS son! Laughing!

We are actually both better and very excited about our travels. I will keep you all posted and be sure to send pictures when we get back. Next weekend we will be in Alameda for the Kiwanis Chili cook off to see if Terry can pull off a 3rd strait First Place! Then it will be a mere 5 more days until we are off to see our man!

Lots of love to you all,
Kathy

All Smiles!

Hello All!

It is a new week and quite the change for me, two big Fridays in a row (this last one and next Friday). I had a date last Friday with my wonderful neighbor Amy. We had dinner and saw a movie. It was quite an experience to have a real conversation with her with no kids, asking, talking, running, chasing, reaching, laughing, crying....well, you get the idea! We saw National Treasure. What a fun movie. Really Indiana Jones with a different subject matter, but a movie in the theater none the less! This coming Friday is Cher! Whoo-Hoo! For some of us, it is a good thing she can't say good bye!

Now, I hope you are sitting down.....Of course you are, you are at your computer....I have even bigger news than Cher! Can there be bigger news than Cher you ask.....Yes!

It seems to be confirmed that Dave has travel orders to leave Iraq on February 2, 2005! Yippee! He has to go to Kuwait for 3 days and then we believe he will be sent to Ft. Lewis, Washington. We do not know what will happen after that as far as time lines go, but we are both VERY excited! I guess I knew we would make it, it just seemed so far off, even during the holidays. I will keep you posted! (Dave, if I got any of this wrong, feel free to let us know)

This motivator is good. It is very representative of my journey while Dave has been gone. I hope you get something from it in light of the energy that always comes with a new year!

Lots of love,
Kathy

A Reason To Get Going

When the road ahead is long, that is no reason to slow down. When there is much work to be done, that is no reason to be discouraged.
In fact, it is a reason to get going. It is a reason to get started as soon as possible.

For when there is much to be done, there is an abundance of positive opportunities. When the road ahead is long, there are countless ways for you to make a difference.

The greatest achievements come in response to the greatest challenges. The richest, most fulfilling journeys are the ones that seem impossibly long.

When there is much to be done, there is enormous value to be created. Those who step forward, those who make the effort, those who persist will be able to claim that value.

When the road is long, when the challenges are great, that is your chance to truly shine. For when you give it all you have, you end up with the best you can be.
Ralph Marston from The Daily Motivator with permission www.thedailymotivator.com

Fall Back = Extra Hour Of Sleep

Well, I don't know about all of you, but I got this extra hour of sleep this weekend and I am still tired! It is 9 PM and I still have so much to do before I can go to bed, the least exciting being reading and deciding my ballot to vote tomorrow. Now, I know friends are not supposed to discuss politics and religion. You all know from Dave's previous e-mails that he has cast a vote for John Kerry. I feel comfortable telling all of you I am not voting for George Bush. I am also not voting for John Kerry. So, Dave made a point to tell me that if I don't vote for one of the main parties my vote doesn't really count. In fact, I see it more as taking a vote away from one of the two big guys thus putting a slight ripple in the water. I just don't want to feel forced to vote for a candidate I don't believe in and I don't believe in either Bush or Kerry to do the job that needs to be done. Enough of that!

I have been quite busy. Mason had a wonderful Halloween. He and I dressed up on Friday to do the downtown Auburn trick or treating. I was Cruella and Mason was a dalmatian. Mason was supposed to be a crab and I fully intended to dress him and take him to our neighbors homes to trick or treat. Well, Saturday we went to a party and again he was a dalmatian and I went as "MOMMY: An Army Of One." I wore Dave's fatigues with a binky attached to my lapel and dirty burp cloth over my shoulder and butt paste in my pocket in addition to the baby on my hip and his bottle in my hand. Now, this was the first time Mason became Mr. Social! He was visiting with everyone, playing with the kids, eating cheese and crackers and dancing with the grown ups....laughing all the way! It was a hoot to witness. With all of this, by the time it was time for the real Halloween, we were plum tuckered out. He doesn't like the crab costume, the wind is blowing and I am ready to hunker down and pass out candy. This he liked! The kids coming to the door and us putting candy in their bags...again, all giggles and grins!

So here we are at November one and I am ready to roast a turkey, celebrate the holidays, ring in the new year and welcome my husband home! Mason and I went for a long walk today and took pictures of the turning leaves. Next week will be equally exciting when we spend the weekend with David and Lisa in the snow in Truckee. I will be sure to include pictures of Mason either loving or hating the white stuff his daddy longs for! With lots of love, welcome to November! Enjoy the changing season and embrace your changing life!

Love Kathy

Changes come

You cannot know precisely what tomorrow will bring. Yet there is one thing about tomorrow of which you can be certain. You can be sure that tomorrow will be, in many ways, different than today. Things will continue to change, as they always do.

Life itself is a process of change. Night follows day, spring follows winter. Some things grow, while others fade. Styles change, markets change, opinions change, and through it all, life moves forward, changing from day to day.

When the changes don't go your way, take heart. For even the changes are subject to change, and if you're down, the next change can bring you back up.

Learn to weather the changes, to roll with the punches and to run when the wind is at your back. And as the changes continue to come, you'll move surely and steadily ahead.
Ralph Marston from The Daily Motivator with permission www.thedailymotivator.com