Thank You

I work because I am compelled to work.
I feel like I have purpose when I work.
I feel proud when I work.
I feel like I am making a difference when I work.
I feel like I am showing my kids what it means to contribute when I work.
I don't feel like I am working, I feel like I am participating.

There are people I meet through work who change me.
There are people I meet through work who never leave me.
Sometimes these people overwhelm me.

In the face of dying they are open.
In the face of fear they inspire courage.
In the face of uncertainty they find peace.
In the face of terror they are humble.

Thank you to those who have made me believe that I can do this work.
Thank you to those who have told me that I am good at this work.
Thank you to those who have set an example of what it means to live.
Thank you to those who have let me in.

I am humbled,
I am in awe.
I am inspired.

Thank you for changing me in all the ways I always wanted to change.

Things that stuck

There has been a chain of posts on Facebook where people list their favorite books or books that have somehow stuck with them. It got me thinking about things that have stuck with me, not necessarily books.

 A few things that stuck:

This video was published several years back. It corresponds to an article published in the NY Times about Melanoma. The first time I saw it I was with my co-workers at Emory. Its honest, raw and totally captures what appears to be true, authentic love. I watch this video every now and again and think of it often. Love Endures Even Cancer

I loved this book. I read it while traveling through the Middle-east, specifically, as we were leaving Egypt and making our way into Jordan. It put into perspective, in a simple way, the complexities facing the middle-east. It also chronicled the journey of Queen Noor's relationship with King Hussein. I loved learning about the culture and the history of a region through the lens of a love story. And, in case you didn't know, I am all about memoirs. This is a good one.  Leap of Faith: Memoirs of an Unexpected Life

Another memoir, perhaps the best ever written is Lit: A Memoir by Mary Karr. This one brought me to my knees, literally. For the first time in my life I really understood what it meant to pray. For me, this book is about surrendering in the face of suffering. You will thank me! Lit: A Memoir

Blood Brother was a documentary we happened to catch on TV one night when we were just laying around. Rocky Braat is an american who has made his home in India with a group of HIV positive orphans. Rocky's dedication to these kids is humbling and pure. He's the kind of person who is really doing what is right for him; it just so happens what is right for him is right for the kids who need him. The kids themselves hit you at your core and never leave. Their big dark eyes, their imploring spirits lure you in... I truly love this movie.

A friend posted this video on FB. I hate FB but I also love FB and its because of things like this. Im so so glad I watched this video. Its desperately sad. Its sad because you watch someone suffer from having lost their true love. And whats more sad is how mean and cruel people can be... why does anyone reject someone because they care for someone else?! I will never understand. I am a mom to two sons and I cannot imagine rejecting either of them for who they are or who they might choose to love. Again, I don't understand. But, this one really stuck! EqualLoveEqualRights

A few things that I take along with me,
Katharine

A wonder, one handed.

Here's to me and all the moms out there who have an amazing ability to do A LOT with one hand...

My little guy has a thing for his mom. He toddles around at my feet and constantly wants to be held. I can't say I totally mind it. In fact, I love it. I know it won't last forever and that there will be a time when he no longer wants to be constantly by my side. In the meantime, I have mastered many-a-task using only one hand. I'll name just a few...

I can make macaroni and cheese with one hand. I can load and unload the dishwasher with one hand. I can go to the bathroom on an airplane with one hand. I can go to the bathroom one handed with a child sitting on my lap. I can go through security at an airport with one hand. I can fold strollers with one hand. I can grocery shop with one hand. I can put groceries away with one hand. I can put away laundry with one hand. I can go to Starbucks and sweeten my coffee with one hand. I can type with one hand. I can text with one hand. I can put on shoes with one hand. I can put on make-up with one hand. I can blow dry my hair with one hand and I can most definitely eat with one hand.

The life of a one handed, working mother isn't always easy but its amazingly rewarding.

Me and my little wonder - always in my arms!

Summer time already!

Its 90 degrees here in Austin. Im serious. Prior to moving Daniel kept warning me "its going to be really hot during the summer." I repeatedly told thim that I knew. But, now I really know. Its hot now, its going to be REALLY hot this summer.

Henry has taken to water. This weekend we went to Uncle Christo and Aunt E-beth's lake house along with 2.5 year old cousin Lucy. It was so fun. And, such a good reminder of why its nice and comforting to have family near by.  They are close family, better friends and just good people. They have a great pool and have set their hot tub to a perfect 85 degrees, making it baby friendly and pregnant-lady friendly (E-beth is about 28 weeks along). It essentially functions as the perfect baby pool. The bubbles are a hit.




Uncle Christo, Lucy and Henry in the hot tub at the Lake!

 Henry has also discovered the endless entertainment of a hose. We turn the water on to a trickle and he is a happy little dude. He chases his mom saying "Mommy wet" trying to get me drenched and when he can't reach me he drops his hose and runs his little naked body over to me and hugs by legs while laughing. So were doing naked, back yard, water play and popsicles after dinner. Its full on summer, which is totally crazy for the New Yorker in me.




Henry, taking a special interest in getting his private parts wet.

 Henry comes home from school every day reciting new songs. It goes like this "Ba ba sheep, yes sir, yes sir" or "Rock bye baby, tree top, fall down." And today the ABCs got closer to the real deal as he added in "L, M, N, O, P, some mumbo jumbo then T, U, V." It is so cute. He loves school. Friday I picked him up just as the afternoon snack was being served. His teachers asked me if I wanted it to go, I said yes and they loaded up a rice cake into a baggy. Perfect, I thought. Well, not exactly. Henry had a fit. He wanted to eat his snack at school. The ENTIRE way home he screamed and cried "school, snack, school." So needless to say I am not picking him up before snack time anymore. Similarly, on two occasions I entered the classroom to pick him up and he said "Mama out." While I didn't think that kind of thing started until the teenage years clearly he is having a great time. What more could I ask for?!

Kenny and Daniel are watching the finals (Kentucky vs. Kansas) and Im just wandering what genetic difference there is between men and women that can account for the extent to which they love it and I just think its ok. Hummmm... thats one to ponder.

So we're looking at two houses tomorrow, I'll go the gym and cook some brocolli rabe pesto pasta with italian pork meatballs tomorrow for dinner... thats whats going on round here.

Cheers.

Austin!

Well, in case you didn't know, we moved to Austin. Its official. We're here!

Let me first pay homage to our amazing friends Kenny, Teresa and Evan Trice. Kenny is one of Daniel's closest friends from growing up... more like brothers than friends. We are living at their house. We have taken up residence in Teresa's Office. During the day Henry naps in our room and at night sleeps in a travel crib in the bathroom. It didn't exactly work, him sleeping in the same room as us. So Kenny and Teresa have lost their office, their second bathroom beginning at 7 pm each evening and any chance of having a peaceful, early morning sleep-in. Henry is awake and asking for Evan (his new best friend in the whole world) bright and early. Us being here hasn't even fazed them. They are unbelievably laid back and have totally allowed us to make their house our house. I can honestly say that so few people are really capable of doing that. I know that I certainly wouldn't be so cool. My neurotic self would certainly come out in full force if we had an entire other family living in our home. The dish washer is running constantly, food is constantly out and being cooked, there are dogs running around. Its chaotic, but fun. They are amazing.

I wouldn't be telling the truth if I were say that our landing in town was seamless. Our first few days here we had moments of shear terror "What have we done", "Atlanta was so amazing", "We had it so good." Luckily, those moments were usually balanced by excitement and a realization that Austin really is super cool. It reminds me a lot of Seattle. The minimalist approach to landscaping (called xeriscaping) and the hilly neighborhoods make me recall the early days of our Seattle life. The city is SMALL, certainly compared to Atlanta. And, the real estate market is OUT OF CONTROL! There was never a real estate recession in Austin, the houses go like hot cakes and they cost a fortune (literally).

So, although discouraged by the house hunt and without a job (yeah, i need to get going on that) Henry has landed in a great daycare. I am SO impressed with his teachers, he is talking more, acting more independently and just a total sponge - he LOVES school, Austin and Evan. Our little man is having a blast.

We are getting there.. slowly but surely. It helps that we've been invited to friends and our cousins for dinner and are really being welcomed with loving, open arms. Central Market rocks (the main grocery store in town) and I ate at Uchi two nights ago. Uchi is one of the best and hottest restaurants in the country. The chef was recently runner up on Bravo's Top Chef. It was GOOD.

We'll keep you updated on life in our new City. So far so good. Come and Visit!

Re-entry and life on the return

Re-entry, defined as coming back to reality after two months of traveling in Central America, has had its ups and downs.

The down side: Well, after two months of someone else cooking and cleaning, washing dishes is a total bummer. The dedicated time we had together as a family, which felt like a magical bubble, has burst.  We tromped around as a happy little threesome. It was sweet, loving and just so wonderful.  Here, the phone rings, there are bills to pay, boxes to pack (oh yeah, we're moving very soon), social logistics to organize and a 21 month old who needs constant entertainment and attention (the outdoor and communal style of living that our trip provided really allowed him, and us, a sense of freedom which doesn't exist in our culture). I think I expected the bubble to stay in tact upon our return, given that we are both around. Clearly, though, coming back to reality has to happen... unfortunately.

The up side: We have returned to wonderful neighbors and friends who we missed and with whom we are trying to spend a lot of time with prior to moving. Henry returned to our house and, to him, it felt like Christmas. Our house, in comparison to the toys we brought on our trip, is like a toy store. He has loved the abundance of books and toys at this disposal. His first romp around the house was adorable to watch, as he hugged, examined and enjoyed his toys. Henry is talking more and really getting to know people by name. It has been so fun to watch him talk to his various grandmothers on the phone. Today he said "Bye-bye Mimi, Love you."

So the writing of a blog, I think, will go on. I have loved jotting down our lives' activities and sharing thoughts, feelings and experiences. I am clearly not the only one. Every other Tom, Dick and Irene has a blog. Some are better than others but I think people blog for themselves more than for others. Its an outlet. And, if someone appreciates it or likes it than the all the better.

I think the blog with morph a bit. So, for those of you out there who are reading.. I'd love for you to stick around. If it takes a turn and hits you with a "get me outta" here, Ill understand.

A logistical note: I have gone back and edited all the entries from our trip. I have added websites and more information for those of you who may want to make a trip down to Central America (which I highly suggest you do). Also, I have gone back through each entry and attached pictures that illustrate that which I was speaking about, or which take place in the locale about which I was writing. Please peruse and enjoy.

Henry eating Gallo Pinto on Little Corn Island in Nicaragua.  He's sitting in a big boy chair and using a spoon, all by himself. Oh, the growth that occurred while en route - I will try not to tear up!

Mama and her most special boyfriend embracing on the beach at Little Corn Island. 

A little light reading on the plane ride home. 

Life on a Little Corn

Life on a Little Corn isn't too shabby. Yesterday we had a game of coconut catch. We hiked the beach and trails to the northeastern part of the Island to a private, little beach. In lieu of a ball we grabbed a coconut and had us a game of catch. Henry, being a true boy, in the wacking, ball loving, wrestling sense, loved it. And, the best part of using a coconut as a ball is that they float. So, Henry can loft it into the water and up it will come.. right back to his awaiting hands. The sea was turquoise and the beach was all ours.

Our place has $2 rum drinks from 5-7 pm. They feature some house specials. One in particular that has struck my fancy is the Casa Caipirinha. Oh boy, its awesome! A little sugar and two limes thrown into the bottom of a class, then crushed up together, then add ice, 2 shots of rum, some pear juice and you got yourself one hell of a drink. My other island favorite is the Pina Colada at this place down the beach.... theirs is topped with roasted, sweet coconut shavings. It's devine. I just dont think that life is going to be this way when we get back.

Turquoise waters.. oh, and this is the view from our bungalow!

Speaking of which, letting go is hard. Its been a bit of a struggle negotiating the ending of this trip. Now when I say struggle, lets keep it in perspective- no major life threatening illnesses or catastrophic natural events or poverty... so when I say struggle its all relative. Tomorrow is the last full day of our trip. On Tuesday (Jan 17th) we will take a boat and two planes and land back in Atlanta. I am beyond grateful for my time off, time with my men and all that we have taken in. Life is better when you get to see how other people live. Its been amazing. I am sad to see it end.

This is one I'll hold on to... always!

As Henry says "bye-bye, ciao, ciao!"