Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes

Blog managers LDL and LTD have reminded me many times that I've been a slacker on the blog postings. I have no defense.

One of my favorite things about California has been the complete access to outdoor space. I live within 3 blocks of a pretty decent sized park full of stairs for outdoor workouts, tennis courts (as soon as I find a partner) and plenty of mud puddles for Pax. Also nearby, is a giant area of land owned by the National Park Service. Sometimes, when I'm feeling super charged after work (so, not that often). I take Pax for a run through the Presidio. Usually we head down to Chrissy Field where he can play in the surf until his tail falls off. Typically these kinds of outings end with me waiting for him to drag himself up the hills on the way home. I think he's getting old.

One of my least favorite things about living in California is being so far away from my nephew. He is just the coolest new toy ever (he thinks the same of me). Recently, I got to spend some quality time with Peter man while his parents were busy moving boxes. Luckily we had some serious tunes (thank you iphone and Pandora!). Plus, his mom brought us Chick-fil-a for lunch. We danced and danced and danced. I'm pretty sure he does think I am a toy. We laughed for a good ten minutes at absolutely nothing. Just the sound of the other one laughing was enough to set us off.

Other than that, I'm just doing my best to stay warm and dry and try to meet some new people. I've definitely got prospects but being friendly all the time is exhausting! I've been to a handful of new places for lunches, brunches, dinners and happy hours. I've spent time with my co-workers after business hours. I've gotten in touch with old friends from camp and college and I have to say, I've been pretty lucky with the big transition out west. "There's just too much to see waiting in front of me. . ."

Next time I'll have to post about some of the bizarre things that come from being an enginerd desperate to break from the cubicle. . .

daddys little helper

as our twelve readers know,

we have recently moved.

p had a ball helping b fix things around the house.



just a little off the back please

b and i have conquered another parenting milestone,

we finally cut p's hair.  that precious, beautful, white blonde

hair.

that's all it is right?

hair?

it will grow back.  probably by sometime next week.

so without further ado...

ok, just kidding.  i took several before pictures.

as in, fifteen.  but i will spare you.

p is pretty excited about being naked in the bathroom...

little does he know he is about to lose some weight.

mostly in the back because someone called him a

beautiful little girl the other day.

not my baby boy! but i love those bangs.

so they stay.

b! not too short!

dad, what the heck?

there is no water in my tub, i am sitting in my bumbo,

and you are taking scissors to my hair.

they made up.

nothing makes p giggle like a little reading.

brown bear, and goodnight moon.

handsome little boy.

no worse for the wear. his mom?

i'm craving a cocktail but thinking of sprout #2

so i am headed for the fudge instead.

tomorrow p will probably be ready for a shave.





At the request of my personal blog manager, LTD, this is a post of something I wrote not too long ago while in the friendly skies. I'm sure it had something to do with reading the lovely, well written post from LDL. So, faithful readers, here you are, some writing stylings from yours truly.


As the sun sets over the wall of hydrangaes, casting a golden sheen over the lush St. Augustine grass, sparkling off the pool, here S. sits with a smile who's radiance matches that of the setting sun. Looking over the backyard as he reflects on his life, his lifelong companion L. sipping elixer alongside. Captain patrolling the ground dutifully. Contentment has never known such a home.

There is nothing left. He has overcome all, and his children carry on his legacy of love.

Little does he know, across the country, his legacies are desperately trying to continue on the path he has forged. But, of course, they will succeed. How could they not? For they are their parents children.

The sun dips out of sight and the light begins to turn from orange to blue. As he heads inside for the night, he wonders about that last milestone of his illustrious career. So much has been accomplished, but this, this one last achievement which has been desired, and deserved, for so long - if it's to be, it will be.

...

All rise, the honorable RBD Jr is presiding.

Truer words have never been spoken.


Hope you enjoyed. Maybe they'll be some more writing tid-bits from me in the future.

O Captain! my Captain!

O Captain! my Captain! Our fearful trip is done;

The ship has weather'd every rack, the prize we sought is won;

The port is near, the bells I hear, the people all exulting...

Poem to be continued...

I think there has been no blog about the time in DC

 because it is hard to find the words to describe the events. 

And as I was recounting Walt Whitman's opening lines I realized they fit nicely

(though, please pay no attention to the rest of the poem :) ).

The ship has been through a lot waiting for this Senate confirmation hearing,

but the prize we sought is won. 

Several Wednesdays ago our west coasters came to meet up with us east coasters

to celebrate our Captain's Senate confirmation hearing,

to finally confirm him as a federal judge for the middle district of Florida.

We couldn't be more proud. 

For a dad who has supported each of us,

through absolutely everything...little league, buzzin bees, dalton's diamonds, boy scouts, endless sporting events, college applications, college graduations, deployments, career changes, weddings (ok..A wedding), grandparent hood...it was something special watching someone who has helped us all work toward and achieve our dreams, achieve one of his own.

Technically, we are still playing the waiting game...but...

The port is near, the bells I hear, the people all exulting!

No one deserves it more.

Florida, you're in good hands (well, in as much as your federal bench).

Dad, we love you.  We're proud of you.

I think you would like to know that I can still recite the entire first verse

of Walt Whitman's poem no problem,

I had to look a little more for reassurance toward the end...I'll work on it. 

 For those who don't know, when we were younger our dad made us memorize "O Captain! my Captain!" and recite it (to him, the captain) when we were out on the boat...oh the memories.

p.s.  Judges can still be really awesome Granddads.

p.p.s  this is also why the family dog is named "Captain"

O Captain! my Captain! our fearful trip is done;The ship has weathered every rack, the prize we sought is won;The port is near, the bells I hear, the people all exulting,While follow eyes the steady keel, the vessel grim and daring:

But O heart! heart! heart!

O the bleeding drops of red,

Where on the deck my Captain lies,

Fallen cold and dead.

O Captain! my Captain! rise up and hear the bells;Rise up—for you the flag is flung—for you the bugle trills;For you bouquets and ribboned wreaths—for you the shores a-crowding;For you they call, the swaying mass, their eager faces turning;

Here Captain! dear father!

This arm beneath your head;

It is some dream that on the deck,

You’ve fallen cold and dead.

My Captain does not answer, his lips are pale and still;My father does not feel my arm, he has no pulse nor will;The ship is anchored safe and sound, its voyage closed and done;From fearful trip, the victor ship, comes in with object won;

Exult, O shores, and ring, O bells!

But I, with mournful tread,

Walk the deck my Captain lies,

Fallen cold and dead.

 

An Intro...

First things first!

If you read our blog, please follow!

The Coastal BS clan likes to know who our readers are out there...

you know, so we know whether or not we are going to get in trouble

or if it is safe to tell secrets.  (never :)

Anyway, what follows below is just a preview of what is to come:

these are from Aunt T's phone, taken during her visit with P man.

breakfast courtesy of Aunt T : yogurt covered animal crackers

definitely have to clean the bathroom before we go to bed...

i like to do it in my winter hat from last year.

ga -ross!

Aunt T:  usually these bottles are full of milk...

what's the trouble?

i've had my bath, cleaned the bathroom, i'm ready for bed...

and no milk??

just before this picture Aunt T texted me...

"We Need Milk!"

help is on the way Aunt T, and with P's bedtime of 6pm,

we can be in bed by eight.

Whew.

Sorry it's been so long eight readers...more to come.

OPEN IDEO

I've already told most of you about my latest obsession (well, just the ones I am willing to share) but I thought I would include a link since all 9 of you are brilliant and engaged in your communities. Also one particular challenge is from our neighborhood homie Katie Clark. She has skyrocketed to the top of my list of coolest people of all time since moving to San Francisco.
http://openideo.com/

I absolutely hate "being published" and having my ideas in print before I've had a chance to vet them or weigh in how it fits with what other people are doing. I often think that I have never had a single original thought to contribute. But even if it's not original, it might still be worth sharing. I encourage all of you to check out Open IDEO periodically. Who knows, you might be inspired yourselves. Now I'm off to think of better ideas. . . like how I can either a) fall asleep b) make the ringing in my ears stop or c) get my computer to recharge without having to get the cord from Peter's room.