Something Else for You to Read

Quirky (or not)

2008-05-14T19:27:00.000-07:00

I’ve been tagged by my sister. Here’s what I’m supposed to do:

* Link the person who tagged you - check.
* Mention the rules in your blog - check.
* Tell about six unspectacular quirks of your’s - see below.
* Tag a new set of six following bloggers by linking them:

I don't know six bloggers! If anyone who reads this has a blog, consider yourself tagged. Or feel free to leave your list in the comments.

Six unspectacular quirks o’ mine:

1. I cannot sew. At all. Not even a button.

2. My husband says I chew chocolate chips like I'm grinding gravel.

3. I am confident speaking in front of a group unless I have doubts about my knowledge of the subject, in which case a full-blown panic attack is a distinct possibility.

4. I cannot help but smile at babies (and their parents) but always secretly wonder if they are being breastfed.

5. I recently found a performance evaluation from a job I had in 1991. My "area for improvement" was the same as it is now (my straightforward communication style can be seen by others as being 'curt').

6. I hold my breath when I'm washing my hair.

The Beck Diet Solution

2008-03-18T20:51:00.000-07:00

Book 7 of 52

The Beck Diet Solution, by Judith Beck

Judith Beck is a nationally renowned cognitive behavioral therapist (her dad invented it). She applies CBT techniques to dieting, addressing the thoughts that occur before we eat and how our thoughts influence what we do and how we feel about it. I learned some cognitive behavioral techniques a few years ago when addressing my panic attacks, so the ideas were familiar. Her techniques can be used in conjunction with any diet, and she recommends that you choose two (a plan A and a plan B).

Recommended for those who struggle with their weight.

It's all too much

2008-03-18T20:45:00.000-07:00

Book 6 of 52

It's All Too Much: An easy plan for living a richer life with less stuff
by Peter Walsh

I actually finished this about a month ago, but my time has been occupied with co-chairing my son's school auction (success!). This book was recommended by my sister, and it proved to be a great motivator. I took a stab at clearing the clutter from my bedroom (need to go back for round 2) and am ready to tackle more. Since we are unsure whether we will be staying in this house, there is no time like the present to clear the clutter.

Recommended for anyone who has felt overwhelmed by their "stuff."

Pictures from the party

2008-02-02T21:56:00.000-08:00

Nothing like a balloon fight to cheer everyone up!

Flanked by her current favorites, Charlie and Josephine.

The party continues with free dinner and a sundae at Red Robin.

Happy Birthday, Little Beans

2008-02-02T21:46:00.000-08:00

My baby turned three yesterday. She had a lovely two day celebration, and there are still more presents to open. Yesterday started with presents in the morning, then a party at school featuring mom-made muffins, home for pizza and Nemo. Today 10 of her friends came over to celebrate. The party reminded me of the old "Thursday morning playgroup" get togethers we used to have when Sam was little. I got to meet all her school chums and their parents. Many of the kids were attending their first real birthday party. It was a lot of fun for everyone. No tantrums, all the parents were nice and sociable, Athena played nice -- all good.

We've been talking a lot lately about the day she came out of mommy's tummy (Sam said when he came out he was thinking he wished he was still swimming around in there -- I'm sure he's right). Here is my recollection of it at the time.

The Skinny

2008-01-19T20:50:00.000-08:00

Book 5 of 52

The Skinny: How to fit into your little black dress forever, by Melissa Clark & Robin Aronson

These ladies have a fresh voice on an old topic - how to eat fewer calories without going insane. Their basic premise is that every slender woman restricts what she eats, whether she realizes (or admits) it or not. That cuts right to the feelings of unfairness that those of who struggle with our weight feel when we see a skinny person eating (ice cream, potato chips, french fries, whatever). They talk about "Happy Skinny" which means enjoying your food AND enjoying your body. They emphasize eating what you want, not eating what you don't want, favoring fruits and veggies, and balancing your meals throughout the day.

These are all common sense notions that are far from common. Yet, it makes perfect sense that skinny people would eat this way. I watch my own friends who have maintained a slender figure. If they have a donut for breakfast, they don't have ice cream at lunch and cookies after dinner. They fill up on the things they do like, and don't bother with the things they don't like. They've learned to be satisfied with smaller portions, which seem "normal" to them. They leave food on the plate.

The last 100 pages are full of recipes, menu suggestions, and a basic glossary. Some interesting combinations in the recipes (all heavily focused on fruits and veggies), and none too difficult.

They even have a website (of course) and blog www.theskinnythebook.com. The tip that got me to order the book (from the library, although I might end up buying it):

"Food is everywhere now. When you don’t know what you want, go with the freshest thing around. The fruit, the steamed green beans, the salad. It may sound less than exciting, but there’s always another more exciting meal around the corner!"

Lord John and the Brotherhood of the Blade

2008-01-09T22:12:00.000-08:00

Book 4/52

Lord John and the Brotherhood of the Blade, by Diana Gabaldon

I adore Diana Gabaldon. She wrote (is writing, it's not done yet) the Outlander series about a time traveling American woman from the 60's and her Scottish husband from the mid 1700's. But the books only come out every 3 years or so, so it is a long time between. Lord John is a recurring character in the Outlander series, and Ms. Gabaldon has given him a rich story with her side series.

I read Lord John and the Private Matter some years ago, and thoroughly enjoyed getting to know this honorable gay British soldier. The story continues in Brotherhood of the Blade, adding a richness to Lord John's character that perfectly complements the other series. If you are a Diana Gabaldon fan, I highly recommend this book (start with The Private Matter). And yes, Jamie makes an appearance in this one too.

Thanks so SIL Melissa, I have the next book in the Lord John series to look forward to.

The Book of Vice

2007-12-26T21:49:00.001-08:00

Book 3 of 52

The Book of Vice: Very Naughty Things (and how to do them), by Peter Sagal

First, it's not what you think. Second, he doesn't really tell you.

This book takes an outsider's look in to the worlds of swinging, eating, strip clubs, lying, gambling, consumption, and pornography. The 30-second recap:

Swinging: even a smörgåsbord can get boring eventually
Eating: with too much science and "art" food can easily overwhelm
Strip clubs: lonely (for men at female clubs), bonding (for women at male clubs)
Lying: the best chapter (IMO), good liars believe they are telling the (carefully worded) truth
Gambling: too much time on "why" especially the "why" of high stakes games; no new info here
Consumption: best chapter subhead: How to keep up with the Joneses when the Joneses are Insane.
Pornography: if your involvement extends beyond viewing, you'll never live it down

A quick read, a few laugh out loud moments, but the author seemed to be looking for stories that support his hypothesis, rather than drawing any surprising or innovative conclusions.

The Measure of a Man

2007-12-23T10:40:00.000-08:00

Book 2 of 52

The Measure of a Man: a spiritual autobiography, by Sidney Poitier

I found this paperback at a used book store that my parents took us to on the Oregon Coast, a place that reminded me of Powell's in it's rambling enormity. Guess Who's Coming to Dinner is one of my all-time favorite movies, and the book jacket looked interesting. Having an "Oprah's Book Club" insignia added a certain cache, but also a note of caution.

The book was mildly interesting, at times tediously repetitive, but overall "not bad." Since part of my goal in reading so many books is to branch out a bit, go ahead and plow through difficult books, and expand my reading repertoire, this fit the bill. When the author finally got around to his definition of God (on page 196) it reflected nearly exactly my own:

"I simply believe that there's a very organic, immeasurable consciousness of which we're a part. I believe that this consciousness is a force so powerful that I'm incapable of comprehending its power through the puny instrument of my human mind. And yet I believe that this consciousness is so unimaginable calibrated in its sensitivity that not one leaf falls in the deepest of forests on the darkest of nights unnoticed."

He goes on, but you get the point. Which pretty much sums up most of the book.

52 books

2007-12-09T09:44:00.000-08:00

Inspired by pal Dana's commitment two years ago, I have decided to read 52 books in the next 12 months. Rather than wait for January, I started December 1. Since I should have more slack time with my extra days off for the holidays, I figured I could get a jump start.

First up: Dear Catastrophe Waitress by Brendan Halpin

I read a review of this novel in a UUA magazine; one of the main characters is Unitarian and his faith plays a role in the story. I enjoyed the book, and am interested to see what else he has written. There were definitely some holes in the character development, but it was a nice light read. Sort of chick lit but including the guy's perspective. Anyone who has dated a musician (who hasn't?) and had a song written about them (who hasn't?), may find this book especially amusing.

Wow, that's a really cool "angry face"

2007-12-04T20:30:00.000-08:00

Athena is quite impressed with her cousin Collin.

Just call me McLovin'

2007-12-04T20:21:00.000-08:00

Chicks dig the Sam.

Today at Y-care, one of the girls Sam talks about came up and asked me if she could have a playdate with Sam. I said sure. Then his real girlfriend said she wanted a playdate. I said sure. The teacher tells me that Sam and Maddie-Jo have been playing together all day (well, at least for the two hours of Y-care; she's not in his class).

I know Maddie-Jo is the real girlfriend because on the way home Sam tells me: "Maddie-Jo likes to play StarWars with me. We love each other but we're not going to get married."

"Oh, really? Whose idea was that?"

"Hers."

Chicks dig the Sam.

Of sisters

2007-10-08T20:00:00.000-07:00

Whilst nursing Athena tonight...

Me, nuzzling her: "Sweet baby. Are you my sweet baby?"
She shakes her head, no.
Me, puzzled: "You're not my sweet baby?"
Athena:"No, I'm your big sister."

ps -- Happy Birthday to my *actual* big sister.

The art of friend-making

2007-10-07T22:32:00.000-07:00

I was talking to the guy who "sculpts" my brows yesterday, about making friends. He has had a hard time meeting people here in PDX, and just recently has been able to make some connections. I told him the hard thing about reaching out to people is knowing them well enough to know what they might be interested in doing with you. With moms it is even harder, as they have to weigh your invitation against spending time with their family, potentially getting a sitter, etc. Which makes the casual "let's go for drinks" seem like almost too much work.

I have met a couple of women since moving here that I seem to "click" with, but haven't taken that next step of really reaching out to them. I had a nice surprise this morning, when I heard someone calling my name at church. I looked up to see M., one of the few women at work that I have connected with. We've had lunch a few times, but we never got around to, "So, what do you do on Sunday mornings?" Funny how that never came up. I was happy to see her, and it made me feel like my instincts were correct that we could be friends.

I took the extra effort to attend a PTA meeting, and a nursing mother's activist meeting, last week. I had hoped to open the door to some new friends, with common interests. It's like dating though, finding new girlfriends is labor intensive. It takes time. But as my PT friends feel further and further away (Becca -- can't we trade dinner this week??) it's important that I establish some new pals here. And if they have interesting partners, so much the better. Now that we have a reliable babysitter, double dinner dates sound really appealing. But so does coffee on Saturday morning, scrapbooking on Sunday afternoon, or drinks after kid's bedtime any old night.

nothin' much

2007-08-25T21:13:00.000-07:00

Steve went out to a movie tonight and the kids went to sleep remarkably easily, so here I sit with a little time on my hands. A few things from my world:

1. Parents, you must read this. It's witty and true. And if you comment, maybe he'll keep writing.

2. Until he gets a job. Steve is considering a full time position that he is easily qualified for, pays OK, and would probably not be too stressful. He is very worried about the kids being with "others" all day. I'm a little less worried about that, but certainly not happy at losing my wife.

3. "Knocked Up" = very funny movie. Haven't laughed that hard in eons. See it. We went to this nearby theatre that has childcare -- whoot! The kids liked it, we liked it (it's also one of those PDX "beer & pizza" theatres). I love this town.

4. My birthday is Monday, and I've lost 10 pounds in the past 5 weeks.

5. I had blood drawn for some standard tests this morning, and seven hours later I got an email notifying me that my results were available online. I love that! My cholesterol is a kick ass 120, and my glucose is a perfectly fine 85. Triglycerides, an amazing 37. No transfats around here, sir. My HDL could be improved with more exercise (and red wine).

6. Spaceburgers are better when you're a kid, but the county fair is still pretty damn fun.

Happy Birthday, family!

2007-08-02T20:02:00.000-07:00

When Sam turned five yesterday, I was reminded of what difference his birth made in all of our lives. We went from a couple of newlyweds to a family of three. Our priorities shifted, never to return. And we started down the path that led us to Athena.

Happy Birthday, SammyT. You're the best.

Samuel Thelonious Wilmart 8/1/02

One year old

Not so terrible two.

Three years old & still wearing QS.

Four years old... growing up!

Happy 5th Birthday, Sam!

The "new" new job and what I wore

2007-07-30T21:01:00.000-07:00

Late last week, I was offered (and accepted) a new job. Yes, I just started my current job a few months ago. This job is with the same company, doing similar work, but in a different department. And it pays 44% more. You read that right. I just got a forty four percent pay raise.

On the day I accepted the job, I had started using some of the suggestions in my latest read. I wore a black skirt and jacket that passed for a suit. A knit sleeveless shell. Pantihose and black pumps (purchased on my lunch break for $14.99 at Payless).

I attended a large meeting in the afternoon, at which I spoke briefly. A woman I have met several times -- I would recognize her from across a crowded room -- came up to me at the end. She said, "Beth, I was sitting here trying to figure out who you were. I was thinking, "Is she a manager?"

Is she a manager? I am now.

Grandmother Adella

2007-07-19T19:47:00.001-07:00

We visited my parents new house last month on my mom's birthday. My grandmother, Adella Rebecca Baker, now lives with my parents in Moses Lake. We had a lovely but too short visit. Three generations of Rebecca's!

Oh, and check out how grown up my beautiful nieces are:

Claim the prize

2007-07-19T19:25:00.000-07:00

When Sam told me his tooth hurt last weekend, I thought he just needed some dental floss. On closer inspection, it was all wiggly-waggly. We had to quickly explain the tooth fairy (a pretend person) and the process (put your tooth in a special place, and she'll bring you a prize).

We got a lovely little tooth pillow from Niki, and two days later out it came. We had tried to pull it out the night before, but when Sam went to school on Monday he "just stuck my finger in there and pulled it right out!"

The tooth went in the pillow - it has a special pouch - and the tooth fairy brought him a transformer. He was so excited he woke up in the middle of the night to see what she brought.

Fathers Day 07

2007-06-17T20:41:00.000-07:00

It happens to be Father's Day, but this is really an update on how amazingly happy we are to be living in Portland. One of the great things about being here, is when I told Steve at 11am "Between now and 6:30pm you can do whatever you want" he actually had someplace to go. In PT we would have had to leave the house in order for Steve to have some quality alone time. Here, he took his Father's Day cash and hit the record shops. By foot and train, with good food and coffee along the way. Sweet.

I get asked every once in awhile whether I miss Port Townsend, and I have to say only, "I miss my girlfriends." Nothing else ever really enters my mind. I don't miss the judgments and expectations I seemed to have cultivated in my circle of acquaintances. I don't miss the Chinese water torture quality of financial stress we lived with for most of the years we were there. I don't miss the sameness of virtually everything: the people, the ideas, the goods and services, the attitudes. I'm not saying I was any different, then. The small town things sucks you in and before you know it you are small town too.

What do I love about Portland? I love the urban feel of our home, and having all the bedrooms upstairs. I love seeing 20-somethings dressed for business. I love seeing brown skin of all shades and ages and hearing different languages. I love walking five blocks to Trader Joes at 8pm. I love getting paycheck every two weeks, paid holidays, and excellent health benefits for $15 a month (total for the whole family). I love that Steve is home with the kids and he does the dishes and the laundry in between unpacking all our stuff. I know this last part will end fairly soon but it is sooooo nice right now.

We had a fun visit with Pam, Brock and Baxter a few weeks ago and discovered some good pizza for delivery. Tonight we found awesome Chinese (salt & pepper squid, Kung Pao w/ chicken, shrimp and beef, the juiciest BBQ pork ever) just a few blocks away. Both were recommended by the family across the street; two attorneys with a new baby and a two year old, who are taking turns staying home (Dad first). Note to self: invite them over for dinner.

The kids and I are settling in to our church, and looking forward to meeting the new minister who starts in August. Both kids are now in school three days a week (different schools), so Steve has the enviable schedule of Mon & Fri w/no kids, Tues & Thurs w/one, and Wednesdays with both. As productive as he's been with the kids home things can only improve with them gone. Lucky me!

We visited my parents at their new house in Moses Lake and got to see my grandma (who now lives with them) and my sister & her family. In two weeks Steve's parents will visit. We have no plans to visit PT but feel that we are getting close to an offer on our house. So hey, you! Come visit! It's a wonderful time to be in the Rose City.

First week

2007-05-20T21:14:00.000-07:00

We are here in Portland, and it feels like we've been here much longer than 10 days. I started my new job last week, and things went pretty well. It is exhausting though, working full time. The last time I did this (1999) I could come home and just crash. Now I have family to attend to, not to mention all the chores of moving into a new home. Oh, and I'm a bit older now too.

I have hardly done any of the unpacking. Steve is doing it all. He's so awesome.

I am loving walking to the train each day, and delving into the corporate environment. Politics are pretty thick where I work, so I'm trying to figure out where I fit in. Mostly I want to learn the job, score some early wins, and not piss anybody off too much.

Athena is doing great at her new (temporary) daycare situation. We don't love it but it is what we found, so it will have to do for another week. She goes M-F from 9am-1pm. It wasn't a good fit for Sam, so he has been home with Steve. Sam is having a hard time adjusting to being away from his friends. He doesn't say so, but I know he misses the rhythm of his life in Port Townsend. He had friends to play with everyday; he doesn't have that here. It is causing him to act out and try everyone's patience.

Again, Steve is getting the worst of this. He is awesome. xoxoxo

We have ventured out a bit into the neighborhood. Steve and the kids have found several parks (indoors and out -- yes they have indoor parks here). We tried the Tibetan restaurant half a block away and it was good. I walk past Trader Joe's twice a day and find it hard not to stop and grab something we "need." We're planning to take the kids to see Shrek III -- it plays every half hour on the weekends starting at 9:30AM!

Sam and I went to church today, and I think this one will work out. They meet at 5pm on Sundays which is a great time for me. Athena stayed home this time to get some play time with Dad. Sam is having trouble getting used to the new place/people, but the songs are familiar and I think he'll get it in a few weeks.

I went to another NIA class today, (I went last Sunday too) which is taught by one of the founders, Carlos Rosas. I still think it is amazing and I look forward to going each week. With all the walking I do to/from and at work, if I can get in one dance class a week I think that will feel pretty good. My body already feels different just from all the walking. In a good way.

Why I Blog

2007-05-12T21:33:00.000-07:00

Sister Rebecca tagged me with this question. I started blogging because my husband suggested it. At the time he was posting a lot more; we both started on LiveJournal. Now I blog for a couple of reasons:

1. To share pictures with my extended family and friends.
2. To share major events in my life with same.
3. To share and document good (or not so good) recipes and menus (World of Food)
3. To "talk" about things in my life.

This last one is the most sensitive, I suppose. I tend to blog about people being rude to me, as a way to heal from hurt feelings. This has backfired, when one of those people identified themselves and took offense. I also muse about things I've read, heard, or thought about recently. This sometimes starts a discussion that is almost always highly civil, since it is mostly my friends and family who read the blog.

I don't blog for the benefit of people I don't know -- what I write would be exceedingly boring to them. I don't have any agenda, topic, theme, or even style. This is my public diary, and like anything public I don't post anything I would be embarrassed to have my mother read. Likewise, if I'm blogging about another person, I don't blog anything I wouldn't say to their face.

I blog because I can, and because I like to share!

It was bound to happen, or How to Ruin a Perfectly Good Morning

2007-05-04T20:16:00.000-07:00

This morning was a little hectic, getting the kids off to school with Athena screaming nonstop and fighting every move I made (esp. putting her in her car seat). I finally got them situated at school, swung by home for a bottle of water, and headed off to NIA class. I bought a five-card class a month ago but haven't found/made the time to attend but one. Now with only five days left until we move and no weekend classes, I will probably leave one class "on the table" as they say.

I love NIA. It is a body-positive class populated by (mostly) women of all ages, shapes, and sizes. The instructor is a fortyish hard-body mama with absolutely no attitude about it. She wants you to feel sexy and have fun. I always leave there thinking, "I want to do this every day."

Today was no different. The last two songs were specific "Thank You" anthems to our bodies and our classmates/friends/community. I got up to leave feeling energized, alive, peaceful, and grateful. Then an older woman came up to me and said: "This class is the best thing you can do for your baby. It's good for you, and for the baby. I'm a nurse. Keep coming to class. It really is so good for both of you."

I shit you not, she actually said this. I smiled, said, "Thank you" and got out of there just before the waterworks began. The last hour of feeling good about my body was blown to shreds by some old lady mistaking my belly fat for pregnancy.

I'm mostly over it now, but left wondering what I'm going to say if I see her at class next week. I know she meant well, and pretty much every overweight woman I know has had this happen to them too. It was just my first time. Not something I care to repeat.

Four down, one to go

2007-05-03T21:11:00.002-07:00

Things are moving quickly now. Tuesday we sold the record store. Wednesday we leased (to own) a house in Portland. Now all we have to do is sell our old house, and we are done with our spring "To Do" list.

Then on to our Summer To Do list: job for Steve, schools and childcare for both kids, and all the million and one things that come with a new house in a new neighborhood in a new city in a new state. And plan our Fall vacation.

Two down, three to go

2007-04-16T21:47:00.000-07:00

Today I accepted an offer from Kaiser Permanente to work in their communications department as Liaison, NW Permanente. The job is a marketing communications manager position, with writing responsibility. I will be working on internal and external communications projects for the physicians of Kaiser, some 800-900 of them. I am thrilled to be back in the workaday world, doing what I like to do and happen to be good at. Provided I pass my drug test and background check, I will start work on May 14th.

Also today, I offered the job of Executive Director of The Women's Health Project to a bright, confident woman who will do great at keeping the organization moving forward. I am so relieved. I will train her for the next few weeks, then she is free to make the job her own. Once we make an announcement about her, the fundraising should kick back in to gear.

Not bad for one day.