Working from home...

looking out the window, wishing that the summer hadn't gone by so quick.  Not that it wasn't exceptional, it was just too darned quick...and things don't seem to be slowing down at all either.  I already have plans well into October!

I have been taking the kids to music lessons for the past few months.  Every Tuesday.  They seem to get cranky about going, but always have a real good time once they get there.  Not sure if I had mentioned that when Nathan was up here last month, we all took an instrument and formed a "band!"  The instructor was quite impressed with Nathan's guitar playing.  Last night it was Megan on drums, Elizabeth on keyboard, and William on guitar...quite a joyous cacophony! Elizabeth would look over at me and wink at me, big ol' smile on her face,  William was hitting the chord changes right on time, and Megan was bobbing her head and banging on the drums doing her best to keep time for "the band."  Totally fun to watch!

Woody and I are going to the Wallowas soon.  He has quite an ambitious itinerary for us it seems.  I am getting stoked for that.  I need some time in the backcountry.  Must remember to bring some hunter orange to wear...not wanting to get shot at.  I wish Sandy could go.   Other than that, MPK and I have plans to go hiking in a few weeks, most likely a day trip unless I can talk Sandy and him into an overnighter.

As for the group I am working with here in Seattle, they are moving forward gangbusters.  Quite fun, but a lot of work.

Well, thats about it for the news.  Back to work for this kid.  I will try not to stare out the window....

Is it time for an update?

I don't know, maybe, but come to think of it, I am not sure what I would be updating you on!  I guess I could tell you that I have been uber productive lately on a number of fronts.  The non-profit I am working with in Seattle is getting ready to have their first real fundraiser.  I told you a while back that I had done well and scored $K's for them, which I did, but the investment they made stands to net even more.  It's possible that they could quadruple their money which would set them well on the road to meet their goals.  Is that the first revolution of a trains' wheels I am hearing?  The ones that bring the cars taut together?  I hope so.  My work in Pierce County has been solid as well, and its fun when the editor is better than the writer, cause then you can write nearly anything germane to the topic and the editor plugs it in where it should be.  PD-P=awesome.

We had a good weekend over on the eastside last weekend.  We hit Grandmas on Friday night, played mini-putt in Leavenworth and sat by the river at 8-mile then tubing on the Wenatchee river.  The kids didn't listen to me straight away on the river, fighting me on my recommendation to stay together.  They were safe, but disconcerted about getting somewhat separated on the river. Once back to Grandma's, they were back in the pool and downing hot dogs.  We played a variation on the game of Dominoes that mom taught us.  It was fun and we all took turns winning :)  We are all looking forward to seeing Nathan next week.  Camping please.

They  next morning they all cooked breakfast and Grandma was totally in her element!  She really didn't do anything but encourage them and breakfast was served post haste!

Dropping them off was kind of a drag.  William went against my wishes by snagging the stunt kite and jumping into his mothers van.  He wouldn't give it back!  I understand on one level that he wants to show it off and that he is rightfully proud of his new found skill.  I get that. But on the other hand is my selfish wish to share something only with him...which is stupid, because we do share things unique to just us.  It was frustrating on another level because I know too that if the shoe were on the other foot, I would have supported Mary's parental role especially over what is so common as children of divorced parents having things unique to one parents household.  Since then its been hugs all around though, at least with us kids :)

 Living.  Present.  Mindful.  Deliberate.
Stretched.  Confronted.
Malleable. Reactionary. Compensatory.
Losses. Gains.
Learning.

Weekend Update

This past weekend was the first "full" weekend with the kids. Activities included a trip to the library, DVD's at home, a trip to the park, a birthday party (Skylar's), a trip to my dad's where we BBQ'd and the kids got to drive his tractor, and a car ride from hell!

like lizards...

we started moving when the sun hit us...till then we were content to be chill on the balcony...all good things...

strict definitions

rarely do I ramble in type.  but tonight, you get what you get.  :)  I was thinking and asked myself a question about anthropology and got was instantly stymied, not knowing if the question I had asked myself was really the question I had meant to ask myself...going through my own understanding of semantics, which I admit is fairly limited fairly, all that, I started searching for a strict definition and I ended up with the word "Enterprise."  You with me?

Enterprise is a way to co-notate an activity with merit.   Activities without merit are folly.  An enterprising young person, or a fool, you would rather be? omg I sound like yoda Or both? Most wanting to be the former, is where most of us end up. Which is exactly what I didn't know for quite the longest time.  So back to my anthropological issue.

Uh, which is what?  Oh yeah, my anthropological issue.  I was thinking about talented people that I know.  I was thinking about the passion that they hold.  And how our cultural value of what they are gifted with has given them the opportunity to do such good works in a capacity that most suits them and wondered whether or not the study of ancient civilizations could explain the current phenomenon.  I know.  I specialize in "dry."  Can't help it.

It's nearly 2.  Will be two by the time I finish this.  I reckon' I am sleeping on the couch, not for punishment really, but I know how she hates being woke up.  And there is little chance I could go lightly back into the bedroom so as not to be yelled at again.  She rolls her eyes, and can get quite mean, best to leave her be!

I did good tonight, I think, its not quite two so I have time to tell you.  This group I am working with is at a tipping point.  There is cash momentum building up.  It's scary almost!  I don't think they realize what is about to happen.  They are going to be in the drivers seat.  OK, so that's a little optimistic :)   Really though, I have met some very talented people, incredibly capable, and wanting to do the right thing.  How can you beat that?  So I told some folks, and that's how I did good.  Pulled K's for them.  I am half hoping they choose someone else to hold on to the handlebars.

Two minutes.
All I know is,
all I know is,
I, love you,
yes I,
love you
all I know is
all I know is
I love you,
yes I love you,
all I know is
its two o'clock.  G'night.

Happy Monday

A weekend is exactly what I needed.  This past weekend we were given tickets to the Mariners game on Saturday.  The Mariners ended up losing, but that didn't stop us from having a good time!  My Dad came up and it was a nice reunion for him and the kids.  Poor guy couldn't say no, and ended up buying cotton candy, hot dogs, soda's, and baseball caps for the kids.  

Will before the cotton candy kicked in!

Will and I

"Miss Mega" Megan

Elizabeth

Living United! Fun times :)

Ugh...

at least its the weekend...