Birthday and updates

I realized after a few hours last night that I haven't updated on my birthday. First of all, it was one of the best days EVER. It started off that Friday night when I got in from Portland. Ace and the squirt came to pick me up and of course the little man was sound asleep in his car seat. I arrived home to find some beautiful flowers (posted in my picasa pics) and a semi clean home. Then that Saturday after breakfast we got ready and headed out to pick up my NEW CAR!!!!!!!!! WHOO HOO!!! Pics also on picasa. Walked in, signed some papers and drove home. Nate-dog was soo cute. For the rest of the weekend he asked if we could ride in Mimi's race car. LOL. I had asked if we could have him the whole weekend since it was my b-day and Ace and I had that Monday off. So Saturday we drove around in the new car. Went to the park I think and something else that night. Then Sunday we had some breakfast and headed of to church. Of course the sermon was so meaningful and kiddo went to Sunday school without a fuss. Afterward we went to the library, but they weren't yet open so we hung out at the park for a bit. Then checked out some books... and cruised back home. Then that evening after naps Ace made my favorite dish from an Italian restaurant in Denver and we finished it all off with ICE CREAM CAKE!! Then, as an added treat we went bowling. Yeah, it was 9 pm and we explained to Nate-dog that it was way past his bed time but this was a special occasion. The 3 of us had a blast! Of course it was the topic of conversation for the next week. But so what? Kids can be hard to please sometimes! Then Monday we slept in some, ate some breakfast and crept over to the pool. We hung out there for a couple hours and enjoyed the day off. The water was warm but refreshing... the sun was shining... there were a couple kids around and it was just all around nice. Got home - napped. Then, sadly the squirt had to go home. I hated to see him go. It was just too sad. Ace and I had a quiet evening alone together and enjoyed more ice cream cake. YUM! Overall - it was a terrific weekend. I got a new car and spent the entire weekend with my favorite boys. Ahhhh....

Ok. Updates on other stuff. Work is still really busy. Last week was nuts. They warned me that the last day in a pay period is busy because all our clients send in work they want done RIGHT then. Well I experienced that full well on Friday. I came home and wanted to sleep. But instead I soldiered on and attended the Women of Faith conference in downtown Denver. It was awesome. I love those ladies and the Good News they spread. It's like water for my soul. Got home close to midnight, slept in a little and went back for more on Saturday. Unfortunately, my breakfast didn't agree with me and I ended up getting super sick to my stomach. I called Ace and had him come pick me up. I ended up in a college administration building with no one around - thankfully - and tried to give Ace directions. We made it home where I rest for a bit. I feel fine now.. but I don't think I can drink OJ anymore. Oh well, it could be worse. So yeah... work is busy. I'm still really enjoying the work and things have slowed down some to a point where I feel like every day or two I can get a certain area organized. I have post it notes on everything and surround myself with eclectic art in an effort to overpower the sense of living in a "cube". But the people I work with are great.

I start class again in about 4-5 weeks. It's online, but still... homework is around the bend. In all my free time I've been trying to see friends or just being lazy. Ace and I have been trying to read together and spend quality time together, so that's good. I'll post more about my readings later.

The apartment is still good. We've gotten a lot of art up and it feels more like a home now. I think we've settled in nicely and I could easily see us staying here for a bit. At least long enough for us to get back on track with our credit and finances. It's one small step toward the big goals.

The squirt is too cute. He says the most incredible things every day. I swear he grows another half inch each week. OH! Our big news is that we are taking him with us on a ROAD TRIP!! Yep, with the new wheels we are heading to San Diego for Thanksgiving to be with Ace's family. I can't wait to take him to the beach and the zoo there. GAH! So much fun to look forward too. Not that we don't have fun here. Even tonight we painted for a couple hours and made a couple greeting cards. He also painted some sun catchers for the windows. I love doing crafts and it's not until I'm doing them again that I realize home much I miss being creative. Did I mention that I finished knitting one sock? I DID! One more to go. Then I want to make something each for Nate and Ace. Matching beanies maybe?? Thoughts? Ideas?

So yeah... I guess that's about it. I'm makin sweet tea like kool aid and lovin it. Got the kid hooked on it too. Um. Cats are doing well. And so now I'm off to bed.

Pictures!!

http://picasaweb.google.com/megyphishangel?feat=email

I think if you copy and paste the above link into your web browser, you should be able to view my pics!!

So far I have Seattle and Portland up along with some pics of the squirt and my fabulous new ride.

ENJOY!!!!


<3
megs

I have missed reading books for fun

Textbooks just aren't as interesting. Who would have thought, huh? So yeah, Ace and I just finished a really good book called From Anger to Intimacy by Smalley and Cunningham. It talks a lot about forgiveness and how it relates to what God wants for your life. Overall, I thought it was a really good book. I learned that I obviously have some anger issues and also a lot of forgiving that I need to seek out as well as give out. It's so interesting to me how much time is actually spent on being upset at someone or holding a grudge. I believe that we only have one life and it's pretty short in comparison to eternity. I'd sort of like to make the most of my time here.

The book talks about 3 ways of dealing with anger. Stuffing. Spewing. Studying. I am a spewer. I can't help it. If I keep it inside too long it festers and eventually eats away at my thoughts or emotions. But the book offers 2 simple questions. What am I angry about? And What am I going to do with my anger? Basic, but profound. It also talks about figuring out what your buttons are and recognizing them when they are pushed. If you can identify your buttons and communicate them to your spouse, lots of arguments might be saved. Then there's responsibility. If there's anything I learned from this book it is how to properly take responsibility for my anger. First I need to take a time out. Then I call out to God. After that I can choose a different reaction. I am 100 % empowered to control my own thoughts.

The most beneficial thing for me was reading about forgiveness. I have forgiven many people numerous times but I've often done it with a condition. I can't do that anymore. It isn't right. I learned that when I forgive someone, I need to do it again and again. Sometimes for days or months. And I also need to learn to forget. It's hard to imagine ever forgetting some of the events I've witnessed in life, but the author talks about specifically letting go of those moments. When you start to relive those moments that hurt you again and again, you MUST remind yourself of all the ways you have sinned and how God has forgiven you 100 times over without even a thought. That idea alone helps me forget all the wrongs that have taken place against me. It's hard, believe me. But it can be done.

Five Keys to Cultivating a Forgiving Spirit
1. Be tender with Your Spouse
2. Practice Empathy
3. Affirm Hurt and Admit Any Wrong
4. Touch Gently
5. Seek Forgiveness and Wait for a Response

Now, I think those keys can be used with any relationship. I tend to use this soon in a relationship that has been rocky for sometime now.


Another great book I read last weekend is called Wild At Heart by John Eldredge. Oh my gosh - this book changed my life. It's about discovering the secrets of a man's soul. SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO good. Ace read it in a day!! Here's what the back of the jacket reads:

Every man was once a boy. And every little boy has dreams, big dreams of being the hero, of beating the bad guys, of doing daring feats and rescuing the damsel in distress. Every little girl has dreams, too: of being rescued by her prince and swept up into a great adventure, knowing that she is the beauty. But what happens to those dreams when we grow up? Walk into most churches, have a look around, and ask yourself: What is a Christian man? Without listening to what is said, look at what you find there. Most Christian men are...bored.

In Wild at Heart, the author invites men to recover their masculine heart, defined in the image of a passionate God. And he invites women to discover the secret of a man's soul and to delight in the strength and wildness men were created to offer.



SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO good. I wish all women would read it. I feel like I can understand men better and definitely understand the squirt better. The author basically says that we are raising boys to be like women. But the truth is - they aren't. And they never will be! GAH! Again, so so so basic, but yet profound. I already feel like I want to be a better wife and mother. Or even a better coworker!! I look at the men I work with - they are BORED. They are programed to do what their wives want them to do that they have forgotten where they come from and what burns deep inside them. It's sad!

Anyhoo... we are moving on to Eldredge's other book called Captivating. It's the look into a woman's soul. I'll let you know how that goes:-)

Hot tubs - YUCK!

Ever heard of Hot Tub Folliculitis? Well, you have now! I should have taken pictures but then again, I sort of don't want proof of the nasty sores I had for over two weeks. Ok... so a while ago I think I posted something about being bit multiple times. I did all this research and never found what it was that bit me. Then last Saturday Ace and I took the squirt to the pool. Well the water was chilly so we went to the hot tub. When we were done, we immediately washed the kid and then I got out of my suit, dressed into something else and headed out for a couple hours. When I got back I showered and Ace and I went out that night. Fast forward to Tuesday morning. I get up, shower and as I'm soaping my torso feel some bumps. I look and sure enough I've got those bumps again! Dammit! So when I got to work I researched Bed Bugs. This had to be it. After a few hours I decided to call our apartment leasing office and see if they'd ever had issues with bugs. I called and spoke with "A". I told her, "I need to ask you a peculiar question." "Have ya'll ever had an issue with bed bugs?" She says, "Yes, in the past but we treated the area and they didn't come back. Why? What's going on?" I begin to describe what's happened and she says, "OH! That's Hot Tub Folliculitis. Don't worry, you don't have bed bugs. Another resident came in this morning after seeing the doctor and that's what he diagnosed her with. Same symptoms and everything."

OH MY GOSH!! Seriously? It's an infection of the hair follicle that is caused by bacteria in un-clean hot-tubs. GRODY!!!! I seriously have never ever felt so disgusted in all my life. I have since scrubbed my skin every day and slowly the bumps are going away. But they hurt! And itch! Ugh. It's nasty. SOOOOOOO.... I am never ever setting a toenail in another hot tub for as long as I live. Sorry for those who have private hot tubs - I just can't do it.


Ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!!!!!!

**As a side note** I am really REALLY thankful that neither Ace or the squirt got this disgusting infection.

Damn Twilight!

Ugh. I've been doing really good for weeks now. I haven't watched the movie or seen any trailers that gave me goose bumps until tonight. I watched the trailer that the rest of the world saw on Sunday night. And dammit all to hell if I'm not hooked on the freakin junk again! GAH!!! 65 more days people. Until the movie comes out. I don't know what to do. I can't see it opening night. But I'm seriously considering taking a couple hours of leave from work just to see it during the day so I'm not in the theater with a bunch of screaming fans. Or maybe I'll just read the books again. For like the 4th time. (sigh) Pathetic, I know.

I do have other things to post about. Just not tonight.

I better not dream about Robert or Taylor!!

Portland, OR

The guy who sent me all sorts of info said in his email to me, "That there is a great city." He was 100% correct. Since I had been to Seattle a little less than a year ago, I sort of had an idea of what to expect weather wise, but apparently like everyone else this city is having a weird summer. It was gorgeous. Warm and sunny the entire week I was there. From day one I had amazingly great food, wine, shopping and hospitality. I told Ace, "We HAVE to go back!!"

A few notes about Portland that I wanted to blog about so that I never forget.

Smells: The smells of the city are truly unique. One moment I'm walking down a busy city street, pass an alley and a nasty stench of garbage overtakes my sense. The next I'm walking by an Italian bakery where the smell of bread and pastries are so sweet you'd think it was Christmas. Then just a couple short blocks away is one of the many parks right off the river. I stepped onto the bright green grass and all I smelled was fresh earth. The soil had little dimples all over the place from a recent rain shower and the tiny blades of grass shot up as if to get every bit of sunlight the day would emit. I could smell the river... the crazy scents of people as they walked or jogged by me... and the earth. It was rich and woody. The hotels I was in and out of all week smelled different too. Part spa... part dog odor... part expensive perfumes. And then there's the food. Oooooooooohhhhhhhhhh the food. For the most part, every restaurant I sampled smelled delicious. I savored all of it.

Sounds: Quiet sound of sneakers as they hit the pavement in the park. Busy power tools in the city. Walking signs dinging when it was safe to cross the street. Car horns when people didn't do something another driver wanted. Elevator bells ringing to let you know your ride had arrived to go Up or Down. The bustle in a restaurant of wait staff hustling back and forth bringing everything to their customers. The mind numbing silence in our training room as 15 people pondered over our Guide to Processing Personnel Actions notebooks. A loud air conditioning unit in my hotel room once the warmth set back in. The sound of the light rail as it gently made its way stop after stop. I savored all of it.



Sights: While this definitely isn't the most important view I have of Portland, it was hard to ignore. Not that I wanted to ignore it... but still. There are homeless people EVERYWHERE. Literally - all over the place. Not just in one concentrated area. They were at the airport, on the light rail, at the mall, outside hotels, inside the RiteAid and sleeping in alleys all around the city. It was the first time where I felt like it was seriously in my face type of homelessness. In addition to that though, there were great things to be seen. I didn't rent a car so I was a little restricted within the confines of public transportation. I made it to a couple different districts/neighborhoods and did some unexpected shopping. Hee hee. Surprisingly, I didn't see many churches. But plenty of places to eat. The architecture is really cool. Vintage and old in most areas, but very modern in the newly renovated spots. I loved the trees... and the plants all over. There were also lots of cobblestone or brick road areas around the city and neat sculptures. Like Seattle, there is TONS and TONS of art. It literally seeps out of any nook and cranny in the area. Abstract, landscapes, sculptures, fountains, photographs, etc. It's all over and so different. I ate it up!

Tastes: Well, I started out at Southpark Grill and ended with a Brewery at the airport. With the exception of Subway and Wednesday night's dinner... every place I ate at was amazing. The staff was great. They spoiled me with wine tastings and treats from the chef. I sampled so much free food... gah. It was good. My taste buds felt like they had been asleep for a long time and the city woke them up politely. Granted, Ace cooks for me at home and his meals are pretty much guaranteed to satisfy. But outside of home, it's hard for me to find good places to eat in the Littleton area. Anyways... the food. Seafood - YUMMO. It was fresh and flavorful. The vegetables AND fruit were local and organic. The ideas and inspiration were endless. In reading my little Fodor's book about Portland, I learned quickly that this city appreciates quality food. I just didn't realize how true that was. I want to go back just to eat. Courtesy of my hotel, The Vintage Plaza, I had complimentary continental breakfast Monday through Friday from their bakery in house - The Pazzio. SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO gooooooooooooooooood. I had chocolate croissants that were slathered with milk chocolate. I had Almond croissants that were sprinkled with powdered sugar and roasted almonds. I had a corn meal-blueberry muffin that could have fed a family of four. I had fresh fruit EVERY day. Fresh orange juice EVERY day. An array of hot, herbal teas. But most of all it was the service. They were so kind and generous. Not to be expected for early in the morning... but these gals knew their stuff. It was really nice.

In the end, I felt like too much was left undone. I didn't see the coast. I didn't see the falls. But what I did see, I loved. I can't wait to go back. Ahh.... one day.