Chat…Just Because

Although it’s already February, I wanted to take a moment and reflect on the events of my 2009. I’ve been blessed in so many ways that I cannot possibly include all of the wonderful experiences I’ve been part of, but I wanted to write down some of the events that stand out in my mind. In no particular order, and not meaning to diminish all of the other wonderful things that happened last year, here are some highlights:

1. Sent my oldest child off to college in Hollywood, California, 1,600 miles away from me. By the way, she’s doing beautifully, and I managed to recover nicely as well.

2. Lost 40+ pounds (more than my original goal of 36). Started on my journey March 1, 2009 and hit my goal August 13, 2009. Steady, slow addtional weight loss continues.

3. Welcomed little Tucker into our home. Really, don’t get me started with this little fella. I even have a Dogbook page set up for him on my Facebook profile. Imma dork.

4. Adopted three families for the Christmas holiday. This was the first year we really went all out with this effort. I supported two families through my workplace, and my immediate family (parents, sister’s family) adoped our own family also. So much fun shopping for others!

5. Watched my youngest child complete her first paid acting gig (a PSA for Boys Town USA). Yes, I’m raising another budding actor and I love it!

6. Managed to sell some lovely Just Because Jewelry items, in spite of not advertising or actively promoting the business. It continues to amaze me that I am able to turn this creative outlet into something that people seek out and appreciate.

7. Reconnected with some dear friends from long ago on Facebook. While the social networking phenomenon wigs me out a bit, I do sometimes find it amusing to see what people are up to.

8. Spent time with Don in San Diego. On what can be counted as my only official getaway vacation last year, Don and I thoroughly enjoyed our time in that lovely city. We were totally smitten with Coronado Island and we now want to live at the Hotel Del Coronado.

I’m not sure what 2010 holds for me exactly, however I’m going to do my best to make rockin things happen! There may be a few trips in the cards, the purchase of a great swimsuit is imminent (a highlight, trust, if you know what it’s like to lose weight), some home improvement projects are in the planning, and I’m sure my kids will continue to delight and amaze me. I’d like to take my fitness goals to the next level and tone everything up too. That said, I’m rarin’ to go to see what I can make happen! How about you? Stay tuned!

We are settling into our newest routine now that there are two teens, instead of three, at home. Madeline is well on her way in LA, and while I know she misses us, she is immersed in doing something she adores. How lucky?! Would that we all could be as passionate and engaged in our interests. Elyse is already in rehearsals for the first play of the school year, and Parker is well into hockey games, tourneys and practices. It’s still quiet at home: Either the kids aren’t there, or they are studying. Not a big change from when Madeline was home, just less ‘stuff’ laying around. Tucker, our littlest fella, is always reminding us with his darling personality and boundless energy, to live in the moment and not take anything too seriously.

While jewelry production has been limited the past few months, it’s only because it was important for me to make my time with the kids a priority. I think many people may assume that once your children have reached the point where they are self-sufficient, you have all kinds of time on your hands. True, some time IS freed up when you don’t have to care for them 24/7, the way you used to when they were infants and toddlers. For me though, I’ve found I wanted to spend as much time with my teen kids as possible, because once college, jobs and life happen for them, there may not be as many opportunities to be with them. Such is life. And so it follows that I’ve tried to fill my time listening to them, being there for them and just appreciating the young adults they are becoming. Make no mistake though, my creative outlet is still on solid ground and is about to enjoy a resurgence in the coming weeks. So be on the lookout.

While we’re on the subject of changes, I’ll make this smooth segue into the new season. I always enjoy the settling of summer into fall. I could speculate about why for hours, but I’d rather keep things simple at this point, so I made up this little list of what makes me happy about this season. In no particular order, of course.

1. Crisp air
2. Cinnamon and pine scented candles
3. Colorful trees
4. Sweaters
5. Chili
6. Pumpkins
7. Boots
8. Messy leaves on the ground
9. Carmel apples
10. Bonfires outside; cozy fires inside
11. Pinecones
12. Fresh baked chocolate chip cookies
13. Scarves
14. Flannel sheets
15. Blue jean jackets
16. Bright blue skies
17. Vibrant sunshine

Do you agree? What did I miss?

I hope everyone’s summer has been smashingly great so far ! I’ve been keeping busy with the new puppy, keeping up with Elyse (who was in rehearsals all of June for ‘Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.’ She was The Candyman, and a sassy one at that. See pic below.), keeping up with Madeline and her preparations for leaving in September (to attend school in LA), keeping straight where Parker is at any given time (he’s been working a hockey camp out of town for a few weeks), taking care of myself (down 30 pounds and counting), spending time with Don, and in general, enjoying life.

Some wonderful news: Madeline graduated high school on Memorial Day and we were thrilled by the surprise announcement that she was named salutatorian in her class of 308 students, with a GPA of 4.6! We knew she was oh so close to the top, but the announcement that evening caught me off guard. While she received her medal, the assistant principal read a prepared speech that Madeline had written earlier in the week. It had come down to her and another student for that particular slot, and so they were both asked to write speeches. Of course, I got all weepy and then they asked her dad and I to stand up to be recognized. We were in an arena! Madeline even had trouble picking us out. It was very emotional for me and her dad. Such a proud moment. And she worked so hard during all of her school years, particularly high school. She absolutely deserved it. (And she was such a stinker for keeping it from us!! But looking back, I’m sure she didn’t want to get everyone’s hopes up in case it didn’t work out.). She also received six honor cords for her efforts.

Believe it or not, it’s mid-July and I have YET to get to the pool or any body of water in which to swim! That’s ok though. I do love swimming, but really need to watch my time in the sun. But we have been out on the bikes a few times (even with Tucker in his little bike trailer), and of course hiking. No wineries yet though! Boo. Not really on the Jenny Craig plan now, is it?

On the jewelry front, I am in the early stages of developing ideas for a Web site and blog refresh and will need to enlist the help of Don to get that accomplished when the time comes. One of my major hurdles with this is coming up with a graphic concept that represents Just Because Jewelry. I’m not a graphic designer, so I feel somewhat limited when it comes to conveying what I think I’d like to see. I know that once I figure it out though, things will come together quickly and this is what excites me and keeps me motivated.

Also, I’m planning several new pieces for the collection and they’re in the ‘on the board’ phase, meaning, the beads have been selected and are on the design board waiting for me to arrange them in the most pleasing manner possible. It may take a few days or weeks for that to happen, but getting the beads out is the first step.

Of course, I’ll keep y’all posted on my progress and not go so long between blog posts. Just a reminder, if you are on Facebook, I would be so happy if you would please stop by my Just Because Jewelry fan page and become a fan!

Until next time … have a beautiful day!!

I mentioned I had a few more things to bring you up to speed on. Remember me going on about my dream puppy a few weeks ago? Within a day of that post, I, with the help of a friend at work, had located a breeder in my area with one puppy to sell. I was so eager to meet this little guy, but Don was heading out of town on that particular weekend and we couldn’t get it arranged right away. But the following weekend, the puppy was still available and … I’m happy and giddy to introduce the newest member of our family, Tucker!

He’s a coton de tulear, all white with champagne colored ears and spot on his side. When we got him, he was just four months old and 7 pounds. So much fun! He’s so smart and playful. His temperament is amazing. He’s about 9.5 pounds now, so he’ll be just a few more pounds full grown. He looks bigger than he really is because of all that amazingly fluffy hair!

He’s a bit shy when meeting new dogs and people, but warms up so quickly. I could gush on about him like I do my children, but I think you can get a good idea of his charm through some of these pictures.

So on top of my fun doggy news, my jewelry studio IS coming along, although with all of the family activity, it is going to take a while longer for me to get everything organized. It currently looks like a small tornado blew through it, leaving beads, boxes and Ziploc bags everywhere!

And on a personal note, I mentioned a while ago that I needed to take some time to do some good things for myself. One of those things was to lose a few pounds and get into better shape. I’m still in the process, but thrilled to report I’ve lost more than 23 pounds in 11 weeks using the Jenny Craig program to get me going. I’m about 14 pounds away from my goal and feelin’ groovy! Not one to fish for a pat on the head, just happy to share my news, so, yay me!

As you can see, I’ve been busy with my kids, my new puppy and taking time for me. Hope you understand the lack of posts for now.

Be back soon!

It’s that crazy-busy time of year for us: School is winding down, which means end-of year banquets, shows, ceremonies, etc., plus Madeline is graduating (I’ll post some prom pictures of her soon too); summer plans are in the works; outdoor projects need to be addressed. April went by in a blink, and I think May will buzz along quickly too.

Hoping to get back to posting more regularly very soon! Until then, it may be sporadic. I’ll definitely do what I can though!

Is this a busy time for you too?

Ok, so I’m dating myself with the Donny Osmond hit, but whatev. The point is, I’m lover of sweet, intelligent loveable doggies, but alas, I am allergic to them. I don’t think I was always allergic, but then again, we didn’t have a dog for any length of time when growing up, so I guess I could have been allergic and just didn’t realize it.  

When I first was married, my husband and I had a beautiful Collie, but the hair everywhere was un-be-lievable. We couldn’t keep up with it! So we decided to find a loving family for her and move on without a canine buddy. But we realized a short time later that we missed having one around, and so we purchased an AKC registered Cocker Spaniel. We named this adorable pup, Lacy. Here is a photo of her right after we got her. Sweeet puppy!

She was such a joy to have around. She was literally our baby until of course Madeline showed up two years later. Sounds like classic ‘Lady and the Tramp’ plot, but really, she was a wonderful part of our family for many years. Loved her!

When we decided we needed a bigger home, we moved to a house without a fenced in yard, and we agreed to let Lacy live with my mother-in-law (who coincidentally bought our old house) because we couldn’t afford a fence and I couldn’t bear the thought of her running away. Once in our new house for a few days without Lacy, I realized there was a dramatic decrease, no … end … to my incessant sneezing, sniffling and congestion issues that had plagued me for the past few years. My sweet Lacy was the source of what I kept telling myself was pesky allergies. Allergies indeed, but to dander! Not pollen or other outdoor plant culprits. Dang!

Since then, nearly 11 years, I’ve not had a dog for fear that I would sneeeze my way through the rest of my life. The would girls ask repeatedly, “Can’t you just get a shot, mom?” But honestly, as much as I loved dogs, I wasn’t willing to subject myself to pills or injections just so I could live with one.

Over the years I have entertained the possbility of getting a smaller breed that has less dander, the bichon, poodle or maltese type, but then other things took priority, and I stopped looking.

Well with Madeline leaving for college in a few short months, I must be in some sort of nesting mode (which I totally realize) because I’m all over it again! Elyse is out of her mind with happiness at the thought that I’m even considering another dog, Parker is all for it, and Don is a dog lover also. So what’s the hold up? Fear. Fear of the allergies mostly.

But I’ve been doing my homework on breeds that are less likely to cause sneezing attacks and swollen, itchy eyes and think I’ve decided that I could live with one of these: A Coton de Tulear. This cutie is a tri-colored, but they also come in pure white or white and black.

Photo from the United States of America Coton de Tulear Club

I’d never heard of this type of dog before, but for the hours of online reading I’ve done, I now think that this little beauty of a breed would be an amazing match for our family. Oh I’d love to rescue a dog, don’t get me wrong, but I just can’t take the chance of me being allergic to a mix.

I could go on and on about the traits of the Coton, but suffice to say that I think I’ve made up my mind, and I’ll keep doing a bit more research. On the other hand, if any of you know of reputable Coton breeders in the Midwest or have firsthand experience with one, I’d love their information. If we do decide to pursue this, I would definitely want to meet the little sweetie before we bring it home. You can do a Google image search on the breed and see some of THE cutest pictures.

I’ve been meaning to show a picture of this little beauty for … well … since Christmas! My sister, Pam, gave me this darling purse as one of my gifts. It’s totally green, in an eco sort of way, because it is made of bamboo! Can you believe it? She got it through The Dancing Yogi. Click on the picture for an enlarged view.

Here are some quick facts about bamboo:

1. It is the world’s fastest growing grass. Some varieties can grow between 12 and 18 inches per day; depending on the type and the climate, it tops out between 5 and 125 feet tall! 
2. It regenerates easily, quickly and without replanting; it is highly pest resistant.
3. There are more than 1,400 species of bamboo.
4. It is as strong as wood.

Bamboo can be worn, eaten and built with. It is used to make toys, tools, musical instruments and even weapons. While it has been only recently developed for clothing, it is proving to be a popular eco-choice. I am so interested in checking out a beautiful bamboo wrap featured here or this kimono tee shown here. Do you have any bamboo clothing or accessories? Do you like them? I’d love to hear about it.

I am a fan of the well written quote, be it inspirational, funny or in-your-face true. I also like to change things up every now and then and thought you might enjoy the daily postings of this new blog: Haiku By Two.

Friends Alison and Kelly met 10 years ago while teaching English in Buenos Aires. Once back in the states, Kelly settled in Minneapolis and Alison returned to NYC, but they each promised to keep in touch. Haiku By Two is their recent collaborative way of maintaining their long distance friendship.

If you’re really jazzed about the art of haiku, they have a great links page that you can delve into and explore. Be sure to check out their reviews too, including one on a book called, A Year of Mornings, that inspired their blog endeavor. They’ve even made it easy to submit your own haiku for possible publication on their site should you be so inclined. Remember, a haiku is a poem made up of 17 syllables in 3 lines (5 - 7 - 5).

Here’s one I came up with. Can you tell my firstborn will graduate high school this year?

She prepares to go -
Packing, energy flowing,
she smiles; childhood leaves

Sweet reading! And good luck to Alison and Kelly! You can find them on Facebook and Twitter too.

Tags: blog, creative, haiku family

February will be quite the busy month for me and my family. Aside from the ongoing activities of our kids (hockey games and practices, voice, piano and acting lessons, and play practices), I’ve added regular workouts out to my schedule and expect to dedicate some time to planning some home improvements and a trip or two.

We also have Adam making his return home from his tour of duty in Iraq; Madeline is auditioning for colleges every weekend in February, and we need to travel out of town for two of them; Don has a birthday this month; and of course we can’t forget about Valentine’s Day. It is also the anniversary month of when I first started this blog! I can hardly believe I’ve been doing this for a year! (Hmm, a celebratory giveaway may be in order here in the very near future … ) 

I’m also pondering some design changes to the blog and the Web site. These may take a while to implement since I’m no graphic designer, but I have a few enhancements in mind I think will freshen things up a bit. Let’s keep fingers crossed that I can get through the month smoothly and accomplish a few things!

Again, I’ve been fortunate to have come across some great blogs and sites in my 11 months of blogging (dang, it’ll be one year on Feb. 6 that I published my first entry … good time to celebrate. Ah! topic for another entry. Moving on!). As a believer in the ‘laughter is the best medicine’ adage, I’m always appreciative of a well-written, humorous and best of all, pee-in-your-pants funny article.

Pieces that offer insight, empathy, intelligence and a different point of view resonate best with me, and these two talents below do just that. And when people or other things move me to laugh out loud, giggle uncontrollably, smile broadly or otherwise feel sa-weet in general, I’m all about spreading the love and sharing my good fortune!  So without further ado, let me turn you on some blogs that will hopefully tickle your funnybone like they’ve tickled mine:

Suburban Jungle: It May Be Suburbia, But It’s A Jungle Out There
First up, the hi-larious blog, Suburban Jungle, by fellow Ladies Who Launch-er, Jenny Isenman. She writes about her daily observations on family, raising kids, raising a husband, life and things we (women) all think about, but sometimes don’t have the nerve (or energy, quite frankly) to express. A word of caution: Go to the bathroom before you click over to her site so there’s no chance of you wetting your drawers while reading it. Seriously.

She had me at ‘hello!’ on this one. So true! Are You Stupider After Having Children? I’s Be Too.
Then there was: Can a Nice Jewish Girl Sit on Santa’s Lap Without Being a Ho Ho Ho? and Why Are Men Such Babies?

LA365: Creating My Own L.A. Story
My younger brother, Andy (or ’AJ’ to his LA peeps) is another such writer who can elicit tears, snorts, clicks and the occasional burp from me laughing hard at his blog entries. After living in Minneapolis for many years working as a freelance video writer/producer/director, he moved to Los Angeles in August with no money, no job and no home, to try to make it as a writer there. He’s the epitome of the proverbial Starving Artist right now (he’s still working on it, btw, so if any of you can help, please drop him a line, k? Maybe some money too.).

His blog, LA365, is his way of chronicling his adventures, as well as a way to keep his writing juices flowing. You’ll need an open mind to visit (both blogs, actually), and it would probably be a good idea to keep some tissues nearby to sop up the tears of laughter (and muffle the burp sounds). I’ve linked only a handful of my favorite entries, but as he writes in a daily journal-type style, you may want to take a few days (or weeks) to go back to his first entry so you don’t miss any of his references as he goes along. Happy reading!

Day 84: A Very Brady Bike Ride
Day 82: The USPSWTF
Day 73: Beverly Hills Chihuahua
Day 60: Meet the princess
Day 17: Fake boobs, real friends
Day 4: Hot flubbed Sunday