halloo from the North

opps...sorry for the delay

2009-07-16T18:51:00.000-07:00

so i realize its been...well, forever since i blogged. sorry

i did do one but it ended up on another account...how, I'm not sure.

so--here it is again (version #2)

it has been a hectic summer between work, extra curricular activities (boyfriend and his offspring) and overall life...

we had a great time the pm of July 3rd (fireworks go off that night--by the time the sun goes down its past midnight so technically its the fourth.) Had a small part with good friends, relaxed. On the 4th we attended the celebrations for Alaska's 50th year (yep--we've officially been a state for 50 years now!) complete with the original flag, bell ringer and ms. Alaska from 1959--too cool! It was incredibly hot (yes--hot!) during the parade so the rest of the day, we could only do the basics...were able to cool down the next day via a true Alaskan activity--dip into the water by the glacier!! (only the truly brave we able to swim...) Shadow even enjoyed the water...the next weekend we swam in the ocean...again fun but frigid! Hope all are enjoying their summer as well...

old...and new (part one)!!

2009-04-30T19:35:00.000-07:00

so here is my tribute to spring...and changes that are taking place everywhere...whether they be good, bad or indifferent (this one happens to be good; I like it alot and have gotten a ton of compliments on it--it is the shortest it has ever been, so that takes some getting use to..but it is fun and easy to style and the curls love it 11 1/2 inches to locks of love--if you have never done it or heard about it---check it out (locksoflove.org)--its a great organization, a great cause. this was my fourth!! sigh...well worth the months of torture, i say. :)

old:

new:

and i apologize for my mutiple months hiatus...
i will post what went on soon--
i was/ am lame...but will try to make up for it.

winter fun...ie snow snow snow

2009-01-13T16:43:00.000-08:00

so--remember when you were a kid and you loved to go thru the car wash? or better yet, when the car would hit big puddles of water, throwing a spray up over the car? Juneau has become, thanks to the rain on top of the 5 feet of accumulated snow, a playground for waterworks....it is totally amazing! Prior to that, the huge piles of snow in the yard, driveway, etc made for some fun climbing hills...and added extra amusement thru use of Shadow--she would launch herself into the big banks after her ball, getting buried in the top layer of fluffy snow as she dug herself in after the ball...she's fantastic at finding them/ never loosing site of where the ball is!! She is such a snowdog, not caring if she gets wet or cold,but at the same time is afraid of the puddlesprays (I think its the noise). She and L spend hours while Curt and I shoveled the remainders out of my lovely driveway...they amused each other to no end (thank goodness!!)

puttin' around

2009-01-08T10:47:00.000-08:00

it's unusual when you get to do a "classic" childhood experience in Juneau...we don't have a lot of the amenities that kids "down south" get/ grow up with (hence, when families get outta town the always go to the zoo, museums, shows, etc). But on New Years Day, we got to have one of those times--we were able to putt-putt (or, I guess the correct term is minigolf!) of course, my friend's kid had never seen a golf course, let alone held a club, so it was a fun, exciting challenge! The holes weremade by local people and depicted Alaskan themes, such as "The Airport", where you had to get it straight into the hole or else risk getting sidetracked into another "city" (such as Ketchican, Sitka--anyone who's flown in the southeast knows and loves this experience). L's favorite was the "Interior Alaska", complete with cabin, pipeline and northern lights. Someone even made the Gastineau Channel, where you had to bank your shot off a cruise ship. My favorite was having to putt under a dinosaur, mastodon and then into an oil well, called (appropriately) "Where You PFD Comes From" (PFD= permanent fund dividend, the $$ we alaskans get from oil sale revenues every year). I didn't win, of course, but had a great time. Will keep scouring for additional childhood experiences wherever I can find 'em/ get 'em...

goodbye to the old/ yeah for the new

2008-12-31T14:47:00.000-08:00

so-wow!! the year has gone by zip-zam-zoom!! and now it's new years eve--the last day of 2008...it has been an interesting year, I'd say. and now lots of new, exciting things lie ahead of us and I am sooo excited! I credit the changes to me and my life a lot to my renewed faith in God (and my wonderful supportive Crossroads church!), my family, friends, doggie companion--and the new prospect in my horizon! I hope everyone finds what they seek (such as answers/ spaces/ peace, etc) this year and I look forward to such a positive journey with each of you!! attached are my fav pics from christmas holiday (both in Reno, NV and Estes Park, CO) for entertainment value...
if ya wanna chat too, I am now on Facebook (an amazing creation!!)
Blessings to all!!

Dress up--it's not just for kids!!

2008-11-03T21:21:00.000-08:00

so--as many of u know, I love Halloween...I love dressing up in different outfits and just the thought of being able to do that for a whole day--well, its exciting!! I helped outfit the symphony with previous years outfits...and this year, I had another patient dress up in the same outfit as me!! I love the pics with "miniMary Poppins"--she was so adorable (and she told me her favorite song in the movie is "Step in time"!!!) And yes--I did have a spoon-fill of sugar with me....I enjoyed my day immensely! My "other" family member did too--she wore her outfit the whole day and had no qualms about it--she loved to entertain the kids we saw as well. She truly is a wonderful dog. I even took the night off (first one in..oh, I don't know--years?) and went out with friends...unfortunately my camera died at that point...so don't have pics of them. I hope everyone got sugared out and recovered without incident.

Beauty (snow, that is) and Beasts

2008-10-27T21:35:00.000-07:00

so--my kinda weather this weekend. lots of pure, beautiful white snow. LOVED IT!! unfortunately, it won't last long here...the rain washes it away..lovely while it happened tho'. And then we had our concert (Juneau Symphony Orchestra) which was a BLAST--there's a ton of fun people, all in costumes, playing music together (and we sound good!!) which made the weekend even of a blast...ah. loving life right now...only way it'd get better is to have family here to enjoy it too...??possibly soon??

My new "shadow"

2008-10-06T21:12:00.000-07:00

As a few of you know, I am (semi-temporarily) dogsitting for a couple of years....a friend of mine sister is in college (has to be in dorms first 2 years) and cannot have her dog...so I am doing the extended sitting thing. Altho' i told her if I get too attached, I may not be able to let her go back (aka Mr. Rex). And the truth is--I love her already!! She is such a good dog--smart, sweet--kisses you to death and has a heart attack when she sees you every morning and evening--LOVES to have her belly rubbed (man--such a display probably would be illegal in a few states!) and is an awesome jumper (leaps over couches, loves to catch balls, Frisbees, etc--takes off running "like a bullet" at the park when excited!) and will sit in the front seat watching traffic/ cars/ people life a person (aka Bailiff).So--since we had a sunny day (what is that? number 12??) I took pics of her, so--enjoy!!

Alaska in the news??

2008-09-07T14:52:00.000-07:00

boy--it is WIERD to turn on the news--the NATIONAL news and see our great state mentioned on a regular basis--ney, not only the state but my awesome hometown!! All because our most famous resident, aka the Governor, is now in line to be second top-dog, vice pres, of all things!! People who have never had cause to say our name, let alone THINK about Alaska are now speaking of us on a regular basis!! We have, it seems, always convinced the REST of the states (aka the lower 48) treat us/ thought of us as the "red headed step-sister"....the one to acknowledge, but only in times of need. I mean, think about it...free shipping to ANYWHERE (then in small print) except Alaska. Occasionally our "sister" state (aka noncontiguous state Hawaii) occasionally gets thrown into the category too...they alone feel our pain. But then, they get the break/ help through the fact that they are a "destination location", a vacation spot. So planes, MORE THAN ONE AIRLINE, goes there on a regular basis. So supplies aren't in such deadlock, like us. And that we are captive to our one and only airline--sigh.
The other thing is that, on a whole, Alaskans tend to be a..uhm, what's the best way to put this? A reserved, we-stick-to-ourselves kinda lot. Some places more than others (like Fairbanks, the place with the most per-capita group of paranoid lifeforms around...) So to have us in the limelite, well, it's a bit unnerving.
And now people I've not been in contact with in...well, forever, have started to contact me and ask about things--I suppose that's the upbeat benefit of all this...on the other hand, it was nice having out state run by someone who WAS elected for the job and doing alright....but now what's gonna happen? The "runner-up" is in his own battle for senate, so....some unknown dude it there? Just when I thought things were already heading to hot place in a basket...sigh.
But hey--any publicity is good publicity? Especially if it is free, no?

The lull before the....

2008-08-13T21:25:00.000-07:00

So with our (hahaha) wonderful summer closing quickly behind us, I'm beginning to wonder "what's around the corner"? (For those of you not in the know, our summer, or lack thereof, SUCKED!! we had a total of 7 days of sun, temps in low 60's--off for us SE Alaskans as usually June/July is the only time of the year where we get sun...this lack of pure vit D makes people "off", increases consumption of caffeine, makes it hard for kids to get outside/ exercise/ enjoy their time off...crankier parents too. Not to mention the viruses that still linger around instead of dying in warmer weather--no usual lull for us pediatricians. sigh....) since the fireweed is almost all the way bloomed (the Alaska version of a groundhog...when the fireweed--vibrant pink flower--reaches the end of the stalk that means end of summer/ start of (short) autumn followed closely by winter....not to say that's all that bad (again you who are in the know know I like winter most of all...) but it is a bit of a bummer, esp when you are already sun-deprived to begin with...it makes those "sun-days" such a treat that we try to get out of work early/ be outside as much as possible to "soak it in" and resentful when we don't get to.

Another lull is the end of tourist season slump--painful to my other life (part store owner). That's a bummer, trying to maximize $$ and lower/ consolidate merchandise as much as possible...and soon on its heals, the dreaded inventory. double yuck.

The other lulls are for the pre- "storms"--upcoming changes beginning to come to light that are... exciting...and new!! My mom is preparing for her move up my way (yeah!!)--this also means her consolidation of goods/ our having to shovel thru childhood things (to keep or not to keep? that is the question...) and the loss of her wonderful house in the mountains that has served over the years as an awesome meeting ground/ common place for all sibs/ friends, etc. But I am psyched about having her here, as that means I can start of phase III of my life....motherhood. A big storm--no? keep your eyes and hearts open for this change...

A message for big and small alike..

2008-07-28T22:16:00.000-07:00

I'm having a hard time today--I'm grieving for a man I didn't even know!! ok--not personally but he was someone who spoke to me (and countless others), spoke my language, was an inspiration and someone to look up to all in one!! what a amazing human being--let alone a guy!! no--Randy Pausch was more a man than anyone I have ever known--he gave all of himself, literally, to help other and fought for this until his early untimely death--I will forever be wishing I could be more like him and trying to accomplish things--well, in his honor or so that he would be proud of me!! i can't imagine being someone who was so "on fire" that he could inspire, influence MILLIONS of people--some days I have the hardest time convincing one lone teen to do something good for themselves! I wish I had his passion, drive and ability to make the world a better place...to give everyone a message so powerful that it crosses gender/ ethnic groups/state line--heck even nations!! to give a message that gives back to the world...and make people sit up and take notice. He was truly a saint and I, for one, even tho' I never met him in person, feel that much more (what's the right word) noble for having known him...I wish him and his family the most peace possible in this hard time--maybe they can take comfort in knowing that he will live eternal, esp. in the minds and hearts of those whom he affected...

Thank you Randy....forever.

amy dressel

(in case you don't know who or what he is--see below). :(

also you should check out the video on youtube--it will change your life!!

HOME > Homepage Stories > Beyond the Classroom > > > An Enduring Legacy
Randy Pausch Inspired Millions
Randy Pausch, the professor at Carnegie Mellon University who inspired countless students in the classroom and others worldwide through his highly acclaimed last lecture, has died of complications from pancreatic cancer. He was 47.
Also a Carnegie Mellon alumnus, Pausch co-founded the Entertainment Technology Center and led researchers who created Alice, a revolutionary way to teach computer programming. He was widely respected in academic circles for a unique interdisciplinary approach, bringing together artists, dramatists and designers to break new ground by working in collaboration with computer scientists.
Outside the classroom, he gained public fame for delivering what would come to be known as "The Last Lecture." On Sept. 18, 2007, only a month after doctors told him that he had three-to-six months to live following a recurrence of pancreatic cancer, he presented a lecture called "Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams" to a packed auditorium at Carnegie Mellon.The moving and often humorous talk recounted his efforts to achieve such childhood dreams as becoming a professional football player, experiencing zero gravity and developing Disney World attractions. In the process, he shared his insights on finding the good in other people, working hard to overcome obstacles and living generously."If you lead your life the right way, the karma will take care of itself," Pausch said. "The dreams will come to you."The video appeared on countless websites and has been viewed by millions. Appearances on the Oprah Winfrey Show, ABC's Good Morning America and the CBS Evening News followed.A book version, "The Last Lecture" co-written by Jeff Zaslow of the Wall Street Journal (and a fellow Carnegie Mellon alumnus), became a best-seller upon its release this spring."Randy had an enormous and lasting impact on Carnegie Mellon," said Carnegie Mellon President Jared L. Cohon. "A brilliant researcher and gifted teacher, he was a key member of our Human-Computer Interaction Institute and co-founder of the Entertainment Technology Center. His love of teaching, his sense of fun and his brilliance came together in the Alice project, which teaches students computer programming while enabling them to do something fun — making animated movies and games. Carnegie Mellon — and the world — are better places for having had Randy Pausch in them."Pausch was also a pioneer in the development of virtual reality, including creating the popular Building Virtual Worlds class.A memorial service at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh is being planned; details will be announced at a later date.He is survived by his wife, Jai, and three children: Chloe, Dylan and Logan. The family requests that donations on his behalf be directed to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, 2141 Rosecrans Ave., Suite 7000, El Segundo, CA 90245, or to Carnegie Mellon's Randy Pausch Memorial Fund, which the university will use primarily to support continued work on the Alice project.
For more information on Randy's life and legacy, read In Memoriam: Randy Pausch, Innovative Computer Scientist at Carnegie Mellon, Launched Education Initiatives, Gained Worldwide Acclaim for Last Lecture.
Related Links: Watch Randy's Lecture on YouTube About Randy's Last Lecture Download Randy's Lecture on iTunes U Buy the Book Share Your Thoughts

Holding patterns...

2008-07-10T18:57:00.000-07:00

ok--we all in Juneau here are tired of asking each other--when??
when is it gonna be summer/ warm, sunshine?
when is someone gonna make the decision about whether or not to build a road outta here?
when are they gonna provide fluoride varnishes to the school kids?
when is the next big epidemic of illness coming of the cruise ships gonna hit the town?
or the lastest (based on a newpaper article...)
when will alaska air cut its flights in/out or jack up their already-astronomical-prices?

it mirror my life and thinking currently...
when am I gonna have enough money to get around to adoption?
when is my mom gonna move here/ help me start my new phase of life?
when is the constant seemingly non-ending list of things to do around the house gonna end?
(i know that one is never; the other question is when will i have enuf $$ to do it all!!)
when is the store gonna make enuf money to be profitable? or not be in another holding
pattern?
when will i stop asking when?

you'd think after 40 years of constant flux, i'd be use to it and take it for granted, but lately it makes me edgy...wanting more...
maybe it's the "older" me that wants settlement....i think, however, it's the kid part of me who craves stability, no change (kids always seem to do better when things are constant for them...so maybe i don't need to grow up--i need to face and embrace the changes....

sigh. when will that happen?

Oh grow up!!

2008-06-26T19:29:00.000-07:00

So--now that I have had my BIG birthday, I was reflecting on the fact that I often here that people (or more particularly I) should be more "adult-like", more "grown-up". I'm not sure, however, that this induces good art. Think about some of the best artist around--don't you often hear people say "my five year old could have done that?" Have you ever looked at a preschoolers art and truely appreciated it/ thought it was more beautiful than anything you've ever done? (besides the often amusing commentary about the art or content...) anyone seen "my kid could paint that"...(got it on netflicks...very interesting).

and why is that? I tend to think that because children are more open-minded, don't have preconcieved notions about what art should be/ look like that they are open to--well, almost anything!! To that end, I think, especially in the artist arena, we SHOULD strive to be more child-like and less adult--dontcha think? Ok--maybe I'm justifying my self actions--but I think it's ok...maybe for now. I hope though, when I am getting too childish (and THAT never happens!) my friends would say--"ok--enough". My family says it all the time so that doesn't count.

Just as a side note--the little girl who is the subject of above mentioned movie has a website--check it (and her adorible self!) out: http://www.marlaolmstead.com/home.html enclosed are a couple copies of pics... also my own "artist" in the family--my one year old niece "painting" with cake!! yeah for creativity...

love, amy

Ya-hooda!!

2008-06-12T19:25:00.000-07:00

I MADE IT!! ok--well, I only did half a marathon..but that's still longer than most people have ever run in their lives, right?? No--I am very pleased with myself, my wonderful teammates and I loved the whole Team-In-Training experience...I got to meet, run with and share such a terrific experience with THE BEST people ever!! I feel now, that I have done this and was part of a larger group (overall 3400 people ran for the lymphoma/leukemia society TNT and raised over 10 million dollars!!) that I have really accomplished something--and will probably attempt to do it again!! Thanks to all who helped me--either thru financial support, emotional support, encouragement, thoughts/ prayers--you helped me get there!!

Included are pictures of my teammates, SanDiego, the event (altho no shots of the marathon--that's on the disposible camera) and the best--the dance afterwards!! I'd just like to say--

YEAH FOR (v)TNT!! GO TEAM!!

This is it...

2008-05-27T21:04:00.000-07:00

A fitting title, I thought, as my last weekend involved "endings" of sorts (my beloved nephew's graduation from high school--the end of childhood, in a way) and the drawing near of training and the actual race/ marathon this upcoming weekend...it's amazing to think that 4 months have flown by that fast...what a journey it has been...I thank you all for your support, physically, emotionally, financially, as I have taken on this endeavour...I met with Darian's father today who was stunned that it was coming up so fast as well...he too, overwhelmed at the generosity of people who knew nothing about his child/ a disease but are willing to give...I can't wait to cross that finish line and say "hey buddy--I did something for you. Rest in peace". His final memorial will be the day before (bummer that I'll miss it) but I know that it's ok since I'm doing a great good for him, for others like him...
My nephew is such a great guy--so generous, caring--the kind of person no body has a beef with. He has the same soul he has when he was a caring, loving 2 year old--and I hope he never changes. It's amazing to see him grown up, with a lovely, sweet girlfriend, diploma, waiting to see what life will offer him--and I hope it's all that he deserves. For all the Darians in the world...

Don't forget to breathe...

2008-05-15T13:59:00.000-07:00

So, while I have a moment, thought I'd try to get a quick blog out...especially since it's almost been a month since the last (yikes!) Things have been (more than) hectic since the big move of The Creating Place from Seward Street to S. Franklin--true, it's only about 4 blocks, but man--what a difference those blocks make!! It was crazy packing up all the stuff in the store, painting (and repainting), organizing the new spot, de-fleecing it (ever seen fleece dust bunnies? man--they can be mean, I tell ya!!) trying to get more floorboards to match old ones and lay those down, redusting and then, finally, moving the stuff in/ reorganizing the new spot, adding the new product--all in less than two weeks (so we could open pre-tourist, pre National Scrapbook day and in time for when our only employee came back after her vaca--just me, Anji and her husband---not to mention holding down the fulltime job, hospital work, getting in miles of running on the side, etc--yeah. Yes--I have become schizophrenic--for a good reason!!)
But it was all worth it--the store is awesome, more comfy, relaxing, spacious....and a ton more people coming thru!! (the only down is the south franklin nightlife late on fri or saturday--slightly uhmm-colorful--but oh well, can't be perfect.
Getting close to marathon time--getting excited and nervous at the same time--glad to get some time to run outside lately. (I have grown REAL tired of the treadmill.)
Next week I get to go to nephew Daine's graduation--keep thinking how he was my first baby to pull out--can't believe he's grown THAT fast/ that old...wahhh!! my baby is old and grown, with a girlfriend..and then there's Alyse who's turned one ALREADY--holy cow--that went fast, eh?? already taking steps by herself, such a big girl already--wish they were closer..
ok--breathing breathing breathing let me know what's up with you over the summer--i'll be here working the both jobs, running still (staying in shape for klondike, douglas 1/2 marathon in august and possible susan butcher relay in anchorage in fall...)
lots of love--amy

Happy (Belated) Birthday...

2008-04-21T22:21:00.001-07:00

So..it was a CRAZY week...but an AMAZING one!!

On Saturday the 12th Mom and older sis Peg came out to spend a week with me to help celebrate the BIG 40 that I turn this year--seems incredible that the same irresponsible immature me is 40--but its true--the numbers don't lie...they helped turn my house into an adult domicile, took on the daunting task of cleaning out my car, went on a voyage north to Canada (where I introduced them to the wonders that is the Alaska Marine highway System, Canadian cider, Loonies/ Toonies and, in mid April..it snowed on us significant amounts...) They also got to help start the organization/ painting and all-around fun that will be the start of the new home of the Creating Place---ahhh--remember how fun it was to move your home?? well, it's even funner (is that a word?) to move a business, I tell ya!! Then to top it off, they threw me a party complete with my favorite foods--I love family, ya know???!!?!

So we had a grand ol' time, them putting up with me wanting to go running all the time and wanting more protein (worked well with them wanting to get in all the fish they could handle!! peg--however--didn't get in enuf "touristing"--it's a hard time of the year, tho', not much open yet---kinda like a teaser...) All in all, everyone behaved/ enjoyed/ partied themselves nicely and it will be a birthday to remember for a long long long time--thanks for all the wishes and to all my marathon supporters--I am still running alot (9 miles is the record--I finally got to run outside--was invigorating!! I am soooo looking forward to the race!!)

Thanks everyone--luv ya mom and piglet and look forward to our next paintaton!!

The other beni of my trip

2008-03-29T19:27:00.000-07:00

so--the other added benefit of my trip was I got to see my sister Holio and bro-in-law Tim as well as pooch Dusty and much loved niece Alyse!! She is 10 months now (time has flown!!) and is happy happy happy! energetic, fast-crawler, LEFT HANDED (yeah!!) and just a joy to be around!! I had a relaxing time on the Habecker homestead and really enjoyed my time there/ wish I was closer to them. Thanks Guys!!

ps doesn't she look adorable in her Easter dress? thanks auntie Peggy!!!

2008-03-29T19:18:00.000-07:00

My favorite pics from Africa...

2008-03-29T19:10:00.000-07:00

So, I was able to find the cable...and download some of my favorite pics from the trip.

So enjoy!!

Out of Africa

2008-03-27T21:17:00.000-07:00

Greetings to all...I tried to delay this a couple of days after returning so that I could up load some pics, wow you with some portraits of the warmer continent, but alias, I can not find the cable to connect my new camera to the computer to upload pics (and the home computer/ Internet isn't working--alas, it's always something...wait--a cable you say? sounds like a new camera? why yes--that was the beginning of the trip--nimrod that I am--left my right arm (as I refer to my favorite implement, my camera, that is, as) on the plane--never done that before. Hopefully never will do again. So the two days visiting sister Jo, broinlaw Tim and baby Alyse (who is SO cute, fun, happy, and--amazingly LEFT HANDED!!) had to run to best buy and get a minimal substitute...which worked ok. Sigh. So--do have some cool, awe inspiring prints, some amazing stories, some moments that have changed me forever--it was truly the trip of a lifetime and I am sooooo thankful that I was part of the group that went/ really appreciated who I was with and Who I was working for/ with...met neat people, saw and treated things I've never seen (or treated ) before--some without interpreters!! so, soon you all will probably get more details, info, pics from me...just wanted to let you know that I made the (long) trip home in one piece, loved (almost) every minute of it, appreciated your support, thoughts, prayers, help and really got to think alot of who I am/ who we are, appreciate where we come from...etc. I really really appreciate having such a great base of family, friends like you all around me and am thankful everyday that I am living the life I am....I should be giving more praise on a daily basis to God and you all, so forgive me for not doing it sooner. You all rock. Thanks.

Greetings from the wqrmer continent

2008-03-13T01:28:00.000-07:00

Hey there everyone
greetings from Africa...able to get brief time to send a quick message out am here, all is fine and great!! Love Senegal so far, the people Ive met; the team from texas is sweet, starting clinics today (played yest with kids more info later) sorry abt this typying french keyboard i am nervous abt numbers, what we will see but all is hunky dory love to you all
hugs and kisses african amy who is not sunburned but hot and still hydrated
ps trip over tons of cramps never felt like running so much in my life!!!
make sure mom sees this!!

Things that improve with age...

2008-02-28T20:24:00.000-08:00

So I got a shocker yesterday....the first time I've ever been told that something physically on my body was better DUE to my age...how totally weird and strange does that strike you? "Oh--that ____ has improved due to the fact that you have gotten older and more mature". Now--I'm use to hearing that with--what? wine, right? and guys (well, that's when I did have guys to hang around--before I gave up on them). Let's see- what else improves with time--uhm--oh yeah--puppies (not so hyper), I guess some aged cheeses, right?, your understanding of your parents perspectives, your ability to handle things like criticism (some people, that is), uhm--long-term mutual funds, traditions, --what else do you wanna add here? It's just something that you don't think about when you refer to your overall physical being (seems like always fighting aging affects, gravity,etc). Time is a great ravager/ destroyer of these things...

oh--what was it, you say? why--it was my eyes!! first time ever, since the first time I got glasses in (what was it? second grade??) that my prescription WENT DOWN instead of up--here I was thinking that the fuzzy's were due to needing to up the script and lo'behold, I needed to back down--blew me (and my opthomologist) away!! cool!! (yeah for carrots--right??!?!)

bytheway--what happened to this month??

See and Be Seen

2008-02-11T20:59:00.000-08:00

So this weekend was the annual wearable art attraction here in Juneau...it is the way the local arts coucil makes it $$ for scholarships and has become THE attraction over the years (so much so that it had to become a two show venue this year to allow everyone who wanted to see it enuf time/seats to see it...it outgrew the original spot 3 years ago and is held in the convention center and is PACKED--people buy their tickets/ book babysitters 2-3 months in advance, that's how popular it is. And those of us who are nuts enuf to be in it--well, we work on our art for months in advance. What is wearable art, you say?? Well, it's anything that you can make into art--loosely--that can be worn. For this crazy participant (ever since the event was created--what was that--8 years ago??--it means finding something that was gonna be thrown away, recycling it and turning it into something else...like last year a whole years worth of post-it notes from the front office made into a flapper dress (complete with feathers, beads)-previous years a prom dress made out of AOL disks, a boostiae make from spam can labels, a mosaic on a surgeon gown out of immunization vial lids. This year it was a years worth of radiology stickers (each xray has a sticker that says the date the xays was take) made into a --uhm--sorta ballroom gown. Yup--just stretch your imagination some and it'll come. It was fun--I gotta be wild and crazy on the runway (tons of people didn't recognize me) but I got a bizzilion complements....before ya ask, I didn't win any prizes. A "fish" costume made out of old dvds (nice and shiney) and a stiff prom dress made from puzzle pieces won 1st and 2nd prize--3rd split between a mini skirt dress made from bras and two dresses woven from garbage bags. Yup--Juneau full of high culture--I tell ya. Good times, good times. Looking for next year inspiration right now, if ya got any spare crap hangin' around....

Uhmmm Brrrr???

2008-02-08T16:43:00.000-08:00

Ok--technically the true "Uhm Burh" was what we use to say as kids when someone was gonna get it (and get it good!!)--I've been told that's a Colorado thing (midwesterns don't even know what the heck that means/ never heard it before...) this, however, refers to the temperatures around here which have been in the SINGLE DIGITS!! yikes! even when the sun shines it still makes it hard to enjoy going outside...as sung in my brothers favorite tom cruise film [it] "takes my breathe away"....I mean, I know I live in Alaska but does it have to feel like it?

A Hard day....

2008-01-28T23:01:00.000-08:00

Today turned out to be a hard day to be a pediatrician...really, overall, to be a human being who cared truly and deeply for another. Even tho' he was only 2 years old he lived more in his two years than a lot of people I know have lived in their 20, their 40, heck, even their 60 years of life. He enjoyed EVERYTHING around him, be it a tickle, a smile, a plastic stormtrooper, a night at the Travelodge so he could swim in the morning. He always had a laugh and a "happy dance" for you, whether you were a friend, relative or stranger. He was a joy to see come through the door of the office, and we celebrated his good times (like when his blood counts looked good), we troubled over him (when he had belly pain, when he first got sick), we cried over him (when he had his relapse at Children's) but most of all we just loved him. And he loved us back--whole hearted, unconditional. That's the beauty of children like him--little happy giggling smiling angels. And now he gets to be one full time, without any of the pain, without any of the "bad stuff"--he gets to be full D-man, all the time. We will miss him in body but we'll see him in spirit, in the flowers that will come up in spring, in the smile of a brand-new baby--he will be all around us, everywhere. I will NEVER EVER EVER forget what a pleasant sweet lil' dude he was--I hope those lucky angels who get to hang out with him appreciate what a gift they have--I'm gonna miss mine forever! I thank his parents for letting me get so involved with their lovely family and the light that shone so deeply from it...what a blessing. Good night sweet prince.

opps...

2008-01-21T23:07:00.000-08:00

sorry ya'all...i can't believe a month has almost gone by and I haven't had time to say " HAPPY 2008!!!" I was waiting to try to see if I could download a picture from my cellphone (since my usual reliable camera fritzed out and is still at the repair shop and I've had to use whatever was handy!) but once again technology gets the best of me...hence you don't get to see the new yummy wall that is the summary of me for the new year--bright, cheery, somethin' new ya haven't seen before!! (some of you are laughing now..cut it out!) Mom and I had a great holiday, baking, relaxing (I tried not to drag her too many places/ show her off like the show pony she is!!), doing the story inventory (mom rocked at that!) as well as spending time where all mom/ daughter relationships are the best--Home Depot!! We rocked that joint, man! So now the downstairs has the bright red accent wall, rest pita-bread brown (or soon to be--have to finish the kitchen) and the hallway is offwhite (amazing how it makes it lighter/ easier to see without lights) and upstairs is "belvidere cream"--slightly creamy/ greeny--all those beat the dull gray color everywhere I've lived with for the past 4 years--yikes!! I can't believe I let it go on that long..esp in an area where as much light as possible is a big beni! I think the new colors will go a long way....I also found out I SUCK at the trimming..never hire me to paint, please.
I know my talents lay elsewhere...hahaha.

Happy (Post) Holidays

2007-12-27T15:23:00.000-08:00

Just a quick post to say happy happy happy to all...I had a great holiday with my mom (got lots of baking in--yum!!) that was fun, relaxing and very enjoyable--esp. for my second holiday not at home and without Mr. E (no dog pictures next to the tree--also the first year ya'all aren't getting the classic a & e picture--I'm sure some of you say "yeah" to that and some may say "boo"!!) Then we celebrated mom's birthday in style (a very nice dinner) and are looking forward to days of continued house repair/ painting/ store inventory (which I say "ugh" to and mom says "yeah!!" to--to each his/ her own, right? thank god.) I hope you all are doing well and are finding your peace, health and happiness in some way this season--even tho' I did not send out cards specifically to each of you, I did send out loving thoughts, wishes and dreams!! Take care and we'll continue to stay in touch throughout the upcoming years!

WHAT THE...?????

2007-12-17T20:39:00.000-08:00

What the heck happened to this month?? Talk about time flying by...I swear I just blogged on the preparation for gallery walk a few days ago and now BAM! it's a couple weeks later, almost Christmas....I still have LOTS to do to get ready for my mom's visit; getting ready to start daily exercise routines for pre-marathon training; getting all those packages out for godchild/ nieces to get before the holidays, etc. Talk about feeling even more scattered than I already are...or am (you know what I mean). I did buy a tree this year (such a beautiful tree/ so yummy smelling and full)--my roommate and I had fun decorating it (even tho' Anji's kids told me what a bad person I am for buying a REAL tree--getting guilt trips from 5 and 8 year olds can be killer!!) and that helps make it feel more festive in the house. It'll be weird not to be at home this year--only the SECOND TIME EVER to not be in Colorado or with the majority of my family at the holidays...It sucks not having the lil' ones around on the big day (that's my favorite part--seeing them all psyched up)--that and the holiday traditions (like Christmas morning brunch for the neighbors, Christmas eve and the happy birthday Jesus/grandma and mom cake--maybe I'll still try to do that one while mom is here to keep somethings in line...and beg mom to do bread and holiday eggs on Christmas morning. sorry you guys won't get to have that...we'll think of you as we chow down!!
oh--speaking of giving (and hearkening back to the marathon mention)--check out my link to my run/ please consider giving so people with leukemia/lymphoma have hope and I can reach my goal way before the run/ deadline...I appreciate it all!!:)

Gallery hell

2007-12-06T19:28:00.000-08:00

well, this week has consisted of the pukey/fever virus going around (caught by yours truely on wednesday...I like being able to sympatize with my patients, dont'cha know!!), several colds and..the massive preparations for Juneau's annual Gallery walk. This is a night where all the galleries are open/ showing their "goods" and encouraging all good alaskans to spend spend spend! The Creating Place is, of course, gonna join in and offer two of our friends wares (both do glass work--should be beautiful displays!! However, I must say from a photographers stand point, getting pictures of glass SUCKS!! The only decent picture gotten is the one included, the work done by our friend Heidi Johnson, who has a art space in our backroom...for a bit longer, that is. I love her stuff...also see the video filmed there by local paper, the empire.) Anji made me in charge of everything--the food, drinks, cleaning the store/ space--its been a bucket of mayhem. Hopefully the night will go well, tho'--last year was a dismal crowd (our gallery sure has changed in the year, I must say) but we looked stunnning and served awesome food..in fact, I have to go to make the dessert sushi for the event. Off one project to the next...

a couple last ones...

2007-11-28T21:59:00.001-08:00

oh--there's the (what's the french word? the "piece-de-resistance??") the best picture that you didn't see...I ran out of space so it's here...the most amazing outfit (that I even have a hard believing that even in the fashion-challanged 70's people didn't look at this and say "what in the..." in who's right mind was this even a possible look? i mean, it's too dumb to even be french, let alone european. and i throw the child's/ pre-grandpa outfit for an additional chuckle..nice belt henry. even on his dorkiest day my brother NEVER NEVER EVER looked that bad....looked like a "don johnson wanna-be" a chunk of the time but not this dorky...and also as they stated in the email...nothing says commitment like matching (godawful) swimsuits...-

End the month with a belly laugh....

2007-11-28T21:39:00.001-08:00

hey there--not much going on but store/ life cleaning, arranging...seems like a constant at the present time. I did get this email from a friend--apparently an intact 1977 JC Penny's catalog was found in the ceiling while some work was being done and..well, as you can see, the pictures speak for themselves. I haven't laughed that hard in a long time...it's amazing what a good belly laugh will do for you. I couldn't get over the (sic-lovely) styles, let alone the beau-ty colors and well, flattering fashions--I mean, who wouldn't want jumpsuits? esp matching? and prision orange--that says classy in my book! and I love the guys trying not to look gay in the terry cloth nightie..what's that about? And the "oh-don't-I-look-hot" boy in the suit...my, it's amazing how fashion rolls around, we think we are sooo cool and happening and years later--someone is spewing coffee on their desk, choking because 30 yrs have gone by those previously "cool" looks make us we look like someones autistic orangatan picked out our clothing....ANYWAYS...this was too rich to pass up/ pass on and help someone else end their month in a tear-jerking belly laugh! so enjoy!!

It's the most (premature) time of the year....

2007-11-20T19:19:00.000-08:00

I've been meaning to write this for a while...but things have been a bit hectic. Between the vomiting/diarrhea virus, the high fever/ sore throat virus, the cough-your-lungs-out virus, some strep throat, the "its-a-couple-weeks-after-my-kids-parent-teacher-conferences-and-i'm-freakin'-out" visits, and trying to clean at home to please the new roommate (not to mention trying to get ready for mom's visit next month!!)...let's just say it's been busy. So the other is the busy-i-ness in the store, all the prep and changes going on there...here' s a taste of what kind of conversation went on between me and Anji 3 weeks ago.
her: so--since halloween is done let's start getting out the christmas decor and going to town!!
me: WHAT???
her: yeah, I really want to make this place look good this year for the holidays!
me: uhm...isn't it a bit, say, early?
her:oh no, we're actually a bit behind as far as retail is concerned. we gotta get a move on.
me: no no no no. I can't. I hate even looking at christmas stuff in the stores even before turkey day. it gives me a physical reaction.
her: well get over it. let's start.
me: no--seriously. It'll give me hives. I'll vomit.
(Anji rolls her eyes at me, as she often does). I start to whimper, taking the defensive position on the floor.
me: please, don't make me prematurely decorate. I'll decompose. it's against my very nature, my being--i even think its against my religion. can't we just be the only store that doesn't follow such shallow tactic? won't people acknowledge our superiority for not being corporate sheep and shop her in support of our ideology?
(Anji is now entering her mad phase--a totally scary thing to experience, from one who has been there.)
me: ok ok--i guess i can change my beliefs for once. just don't make me...
her: get the tree.
me: AUGHHHHHHH!!!!!

(not embellishments, what so ever were used to make this blog--i swear. I never, ever ever stretch the truth, just like Anji is never ever ever sarcastic. and we both just love love love the holidays to death--yes esp when you are in retail. its is so much fun, yippie ki yi yo it is fun fun fun no please don't stop everyone is so great i wish it could be like this all year wow it isgreathowcouldieverlivewithoutthisitmuchmorefunthangivingfiveyearoldsshots...)

if you read this blog, please come rescue me.

"Bee" the change around you...

2007-11-12T00:24:00.000-08:00

Change...lots and lots of change...(or as we learned in science, entropy--it's the only constant, right??) New season, new looks (for the store, the house, outlooks, etc)--sometimes it can be a bit to grasp but...it can also be ok. It's inevitable, sometimes good things come out of it, sometimes not--but hey, you roll with it or it rolls over you (STEAMROLLER!!) So, I am dealing with change, dealing ok. I went and was the Bee Movie with Anji's kids (Max and Mason) today--who knew? comedy and cartoons can be boring, I guess that was today's lesson. I know I wasn't just me--I saw a lot of parents yawning as they left. Poor Jerry, not the same without Kramer. Trying to stay warm--thanks for all the snickers folks/ hosers!!

First snow!!

2007-11-07T21:21:00.000-08:00

YEAH!!! We had, on Monday the 5th of November, the FIRST snow of the year...aka MY FAVORITE DAY OF THE YEAR!!! I LOVE SNOW!! It's the best weather, enviromental experience there is...I wait for the first snow to release all my frustrations and renew myself...it's my cosmic cleansing, if ya will. It came a bit early this year, which is fine with me; I totally need a new start, plus I made me totally jazzed and ready to face anything...snow, the ultimate equalizer. Hopefully the fact that we have it already means that we will have another snowy winter (last year was AWESOME!! it set all kinds of records for the area...I've always been bummed that there's been less snow in Alaska than anywhere else I've lived..so last winter made up for it. And if this winter can bring it on...even better for me.) I've always said that (hahaha) the perfect weather for my (hahahah harder) wedding day would be big fluffy flakes of snow...new roommate who likes to clean (mom's grinning her head off!!) new attitude, exercise routine and habits--all due to the new year/ start of snow. love it.

Trick or teeth...

2007-10-31T20:31:00.000-07:00

I love halloween...I know my mother didn't but I do. Even as an adult I find an holiday, any time that give adults and children an excuse to dress-up, be silly without having to give an excuse just great...Most people are shocked to find an adult who has a dress-up box (let alone three!) I say "why not?" After all "youth is wasted on the young"...and I intend to be young forever. I outfited at least 4 different people today...and I'm proud of it!! Every one said my Tooth Fairy outfit was one of the best they'd ever seen...hehehe. Just wait until I hand out fluoride tonight! those poor childrens teeth will never be the same...i would include a picture of my outfit but my trusty sidekick camera pick one heck-of-a-day to be on the fritz...sigh. And Elvis wouldda loved to be decked out as well...alls well that ends well....

Elvis has left the building...

2007-10-28T19:51:00.000-07:00

ok--not such an upbeat first blog...but hey, it's not everyday when you get to announce an icon for a whole generation has departed...only mine did it with so much more grandeur (there was no "throne" involved) and grace (he was quiet about it; took it like the gentleman that he was) than any previous hound-dog kings did before him....the only real tragedy is that his passing happened before his favorite holiday/ he didn't get one last chance to prance around in his flair-pants and sequene cape and amuse the local children like he did in years past....it's ok, i told him to look up aaron presley and ask to borrow THAT cape to wear on halloween (he'd look better in it anyways!). now he's free to run off any trail that he wants, poop where he wants (jojo is not laughing right now!) and run, play frolic like he use to...
remember, he WAS the king and will always be remembered for the strange but funny things he did...so, feel free to leave your favorite Elvis story here.
And always remember him in your heart with a smile...I'm gonna try to (but it's awfully quiet around my house now, no snoring or clip-clop...) it'll take some getting use to but--as we all know "all good things must come to an end". And we took his good along with the (ahem) bad, but he will be remembered as my first kid--the funny one who liked to pee.
Thanks for your happy thoughts, long-distance hugs and prayers--he'll enjoy them too!!