Photos of my little family

These are pictures from our holiday weekend...

Christmas

Chester sitting by an open fire...Stanley licking Chester's toes...last minute shopping for gifts to acquire...No, not a gift card to Lowe's...

Okay, that is my version of the old fashioned Christmas song...Chestnuts roasting by an open fire..

It is quiet here at work. We get to leave early, which is always a treat. What is in store this weekend? Tomorrow, we will probably work on the kitchen. The dishwasher comes in the afternoon so that will be good. Sunday, we get to share some time with the Pellegrino's which is always a treasure and then dinner with Mike's parents. Monday is Christmas Eve, so we will hang out during the day and then at night go to church and then the Brown Palace. Tuesday it is Christmas. We will wake up slow, open presents, walk the boys and then hang with my family. It will be delightful.

I probably won't write until next weeek, so Merry Christmas to all and to all a good...long...weekend!

A humbling experience

On Monday, I helped feed 700 homeless or needy people in the Denver metro area. That sounds a lot more heroic than I feel. I felt humbled by this experience. Regis, being the awesome place that it is, had a volunteer opportunity at St. John's Lutheran Church downtown to help prepare a lunch and feed those that needed food. I have some mission leave time so I thought what the heck? I got there around 11:30am to a bustling, busy kitchen. Lunch was served at 1:00 and there was lots to be done. I saw some colleagues, but the majority of people were volunteers who dedicated almost every Monday to this task. When you volunteer for something like this, there is no orientation or training. You have to be a go-getter. I found an apron and gloves and started chopping vegetables for a salad. Then I put myself on coffee cup duty, making sure there were plenty of clean coffee cups to be had. As 1:00 drew closer, the line grew longer, until it wrapped around the communal area and outside.

A volunteer told me "Every day of the week, someplace in Denver, somewhere, food is being served to the needy. They know where to go." It lifted my spirits to know that these needy people had someplace to get their daily meal (one man told me-Honey, I can only afford this one meal a day...). I didn't socialize much, just got busy to the task of feeding people, but I did look at faces. Weathered faces. Women's faces. Some young, some old. Some Indian men, black men, older white men in wheelchairs. I felt humbled and my spirit felt lifted at the same time. This was their community...where do you go to get the next meal? They have each other's back. What would we, as a society, do without churches and community centers to provide this dignity to people? I don't know. All I know is that I am so glad volunteers and programs like this exist. It is humanity taking care of humanity. With a little bit of spaghetti sauce and sweat added on top.

We're getting there...

Here are some updated kitchen pics. At least it is coming along...

A taste of Morocco

Mike and I had a fabulous weekend, which began on Friday with a movie and dinner. We saw The Golden Compass which was an entertaining movie. Afterward, we were going to eat at Wazee Supper Club, but as we headed down Blake street we passed the window of a cozy Moroccan restaurant. We decided we were in the mood for something different and went in. It is called Marrakesh Restaurent between 15th and 16th on the east side of Blake street. The atmosphere was authentic, with pillows, music and staff that all evoked the sense that we were in Morocco. We sat down and a woman brought warm water scented with rose to wash our hands. She brought warm bread with butter and sweet spices. The food was delicious-I had cous cous and vegetables, Mike had Lamb skewers. We topped the meal off with Moroccan mint tea, a scrumptious, sweet drink that was like dessert. This gem is a must try at least once and once you go, you will want to go back!

Bookclub

Had a blast last night with the bookclub ladies. I am so impressed with this group of women. It is comprised of such professional women: A teacher, a nurse, a small business owner, a social activist, to name a few. Not only do these women have careers, they have kids, husbands, social lives, personal interests, and make time for us to get together once a month for some much needed female bonding. We decided this month to make it casual and meet for drinks, which we did at LOLA...a fabulous place in the Highlands. We enjoyed some good libations, snacks, and conversation not limited to television shows, celebrities, books, children, and life in general. I feel so privildged to be a part of this group and from this picture can see we will be around for a long time...watch out Denver!

Happy Birthday Jen!

You know you are aging when you can say you have known someone for over 20 years. I have known Jen for I think 26 years, something like that. We met in preschool and have stayed friends since. Happy birthday to my lifelong friend...at this point it is sisterhood, really.

Commercial Christmas

I don't know why this year the display at Cherry Creek mall for Christmas bothered me so much. I mean, it is a mall, the hub of commercialism at Christmas time. But please...reminisce with me for a second...remember the big tree in the mall during the holidays? With the piano player, and Santa? Over the past few years, the Christmas display has moved toward Christmas-y movie themes. Two years ago it was Chronicles of Narnia. Okay, this one was fine. The lion, the snow, the magic of the story for me is in alignment with the feeling of the holiday. Last year was Happy Feet. Now we are pushing it. Just because they are penquins and live in the cold doesn't mean they have to promote the holidays. And this year, it is Fred Claus. Now, I love Vince Vaughn like the next guy or girl, but come on...Fred Claus? I guess I am just itching for that old fashioned, back to nature Christmas feeling. The tree, the snow, pinecones, a warm fire, Father Christmas, hot chocolate, and a Charlie Brown Christmas in the background are going to have to take a backseat this year. Maybe next year.

Family Pictures

Here are a few Thanksgiving pictures at my parents' house. We had a really great day. I love this time of year...peppered with days off work and time with family!

Progress!

After a lovely Thanksgiving with family, (thanks, everyone, for a great day!) and a nice day of relaxing, Mike and I are spending the weekend on the floor. We are so ready for this physical reminder that we are making progress. Friday, we spent the day securing the concrete backerboard to the subfloor, today we did a dry lay of the tile, and tomorrow we hope to set the tile in mortar. Here are a few pics of the day's events, including one of me, very happy.

Can sleep through it all....

Did they eat too much at Thanksgiving? Are they trying to block out the noise of a tile saw in the house?

Nope...it is just the life of a dog!

Gratitude

I love Thanksgiving. Not only is the food divine, it is a deliberate time of year to give thanks. What can one say about living in a country where a day of thanks is a national holiday? I thought I would write my list of what I am thankful for this year:
1. My family, Mike's family, and Mike. My friends. The boys. All bring so much joy to me and life would not have the same meaning without even one of them.
2. Mike's good health. I need not say more.
3. A work environment in which I love to wake up and get to everyday. Good colleagues, a beautiful campus, where going to church in the middle of the day isn't strange.
4. Working with my brother. It has given me a chance to get to know him other than a sibling. He is a really good guy.
5. Books and bookclub. Getting together with the girls is something I look forward to every month. We have an amazing synergy as well that makes us want to get together even without a book to discuss.
6. Danskos. For my increasing bunion pain, these shoes are the way to go.
7. A house, regardless of how many projects it generates; I would rather have a home to remodel than no home at all.
8. Netflix
9. Colorado. It is just such a nice state in which to live. But I am also thankful for having options of other nice places to live.
10. Physical abilities: To hike, to run, to walk...to see so I can read and watch movies, an intact mental state so I can enjoy all the above.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Enjoy your day.

Thoughts on the green revolution

Thanks to Al Gore we can all become environmentalists. I have thought about ways I can be greener than before. I do struggle with the "becoming" part when I have to give up daily conveniences. For a while, I was going to take public transportation to work. It would take about 50 minutes each way, but I was willing to do it at a time when Regis covered RTD passes. Then, they discontinued that full benefit and so my interest in public transport died. The thought I would spend 100 minutes a day commuting instead of my 40 minutes a day commuting AND it would have to come out of pocket seemed like an unattractive option. So, I continue to put carbon into the air on a daily basis. I am trying not to consume as much as I did before. Instead of buying new clothes or shoes, I ask "do I really need that?" and end up not clothes shopping. I try to recycle as much as I can, and I feel like I get away with throwing all sorts of things into our purple bin. So I guess that is good. But, since Mike and I have started the kitchen I feel like a real green offender. We have bags of kitchen trash that we take one by one out to the garbage...we wash out paintbrushes and buckets in the sink downstairs, we use plastic cups, plates and forks because we don't have a kitchen sink to do dishes. I like to think that I am at least countering my contribution to the landfill by saving water and not doing dishes....but who am I kidding? I did join a very cool website called GenGreen.org It is a company out of Fort Collins that is trying to connect people with the green revolution. Perhaps this will give me some motivation for finding creative green solutions. I suppose it is all about pushing me out of my comfort zone and looking at things in a different way.

Cool new stuff

My friend Jenn told me about a very cool website called www.pandora.com It is a music website where you type in the name of an artist and it will put together a mix of music by artists of the same genre. It is a great way to have a whole day of streaming music as well as find new music! Best thing...it is free!

Another cool new thing is this polyurethane glaze that Mike bought for the cabinets. It gives the cabinets a lovely sheen and will be great for long term maintence. (Can you tell I have been working on the house all weekend?)

A new old thing...lunch at Stella's Trattoria on 32nd. My friend Tricia and I went there last week and I had a mouth watering veggie sandwich on foccacia...she had this delectable toasted cheese and tomato on thick country bread...on a day off I could imagine this with a glass of crisp white wine.

Another new old thing...Eddie Vedder's version of Hard Sun. I love the vocals and the tune. For some reason it gives me a chill down my spine when I hear it. That is the kind of music I love.

A little bit of estrogen

Mike came back last night. It is so good to have him home. Even after a few days away for a work trip, I miss him. The house is quieter, the bed colder, the dogs more demanding, and my sense of responsibility becomes non-existent. So, it was good to see him walk through the door last night and give him a big hug.

Although, when Mike is gone I get my estrogen kick. I always tend to schedule events with girlfriends during these trips. Sunday I walked with Jen at the park, Monday I went to Meg's, Wednesday I went to dinner with a past co-worker, and last night I went to book club, the queen bee of estrogen. It is great to be able to rekindle that female connection. But it is always great to get Mike home again.

Three's a crowd

So ditch the old cranky guy in the middle, will ya?

It may not look like much, but I tell ya...

...It is a heck of a lot of work. Don't ask us now if it is worth it. Ask us in January. Mike thought prior to starting the project that we would be laying tile about now...it was that kind of optimism that got us into this project in the first place. Two weeks after starting, this is where we are now. Note above I said January...yes, that is when we think this will be done. But all that aside...the cabinets turned out beautiful. The kitchen looks lighter and bigger. These pictures are what will drive us forward, drive us into madness...yes...but also to the end result we hope for.

The importance of good conversation

Wednesday I finished up with a book discussion group here at Regis. We met four times and had an online forum that ran throughout the two months. We discussed the book The Fortune at the Bottom of the Pyramid: Eradicating Poverty through Profits by C.K. Prahalad. This was a group comprised of some very cool people. Nancy Fell ran the group. She is a teacher in our MNM program and does a lot of consulting work for businesses and non profits. Other members included Damon McCleese, the ED of a non profit arts organization and a teacher in the MNM program; Beth Parrish, a former marketing exec at Proctor and Gamble as well as a teacher in the UG Business program; Meg Thames, an teacher in the MBA program, among other great people. The focus of our discussion revolved around can business, non profits and government collaborate together in ways to help the poor (or "bottom of the pyramid") create sustainable solutions to bring themselves out of poverty. The book itself gave remarkable examples of how different companies and visionaries changed their business processes to help the "BOP" become more self sufficient. As a group, we came to the consensus that collaboration is key to help the poor create systems in their communities to become self sufficient. We tied in sustainability because as climate changes, the poor will most likely be the most adversely affected. Thus, we concentrated on the notion that collaboration must occur to combat climate change as well as help the BOP market become sustainable. It was a great group and I will miss our meetings for sure.

Attention anyone?

Wanted: Anyone, anyone to pay attention to us! We are severely neglected. Just look at these faces. We like food, food, food and sleep. Come rescue us!

Time flies

Time flies when you are living and breathing. I see that I haven't blogged in days! We are moving offices at work and doing the kitchen project at home...thus, I have no time to really sit down and write. I will update with some pictures soon, when I can get to the office and get out our camera.

I had a nice weekend. We ate dinner with Mom and Dad (thanks guys!) on Friday. Saturday we worked all day on the kitchen and then watched the Rockies. Yesterday, Chester, Stan and I went to Chatfield while Mike painted. They were in desperate need of a good old romp, and I need to shake off these extra pounds that are accumlating because of our eating habits of late.

The kithen is going to take a lot longer than Mike planned. The prep takes the longest, and that kitchen in is need of scraping, cleaning, gutting, etc. I think this kichen is going to look so good that if it takes until Christmas who cares! I am so grateful to my handy hubby Mike, and want him to know just how fabulous he is...

Kitchen, Phase 1

Here are some before and during pictures of the kitchen. This room has been my nemesis for a long time...it is so dark, the linolium has been ruined in a few places and all around I have only used this room for utility purposes. Thanks to my wonderful husband this kitchen will be revitalized! Here is the plan: we are painting the cabinets an off white color (yay! Bring in some sunshine!). We got "braziliam green" tile for the floors and backsplash. We are putting black granite tiles on the countertop and painting the walls an off white. We got a new sink and faucet, but besides a new dishwasher we are keeping the fridge and stove. We are topping it off with a new ceiling fan and table/stool set which will double as a work surface. Our back room-now the "red room"-will be painted the same color as our kitchen with a slightly darker accent wall. Right now we have gray as a floor color and all the gray will be brown. It is going to look so nice! Did I mention this is all thanks to my wonderful Mike? He is the one putting the blood, sweat, and tears into this project. Thank you honey!

Update on Ches

My baby Chester is feeling okay. The vet said that he had an obstruction of sorts, and before she took him into surgery he went outside and pooped out the obstructor. A peach pit. Where the h%^* did he get a peach pit? She said he is feeling better, but we have to watch him the next 24 hours. His rapid weight loss concerned her so if he is still sick we will need to take him back in. Poor guy...I hate it when my guys (all 3 of them) aren't feeling well. Glad to know Ches is on the up and up.

Just need a minute...

I need this minute to take a deep breath and relax. It has been a very hectic weekend. We are starting on our kitchen remodel project which went into full force on Friday night. We picked up all of our tile (we got a lot of tile) and we took a tile class. It was good, but I kept asking our tile guy if he was free for the next two weeks. Saturday, Mike went to work on finishing his repair of a hole in the ceiling. I helped out, took the dogs for a walk, vacuumed up the house, took bookshelves to mom and dad, etc. Yesterday, I cleaned cabinet doors (I could have made a meal from what years have accumulated on those cabinets), got the red room prepped for painting and assisted Mike in a Home Depot run. In the afternoon, Mike demolished the countertops and we took out the dishwasher. I decided right there and then that we won't continue on...just kidding, hon. Last night, though, my Chester started getting sick. He threw up last night and all this morning. He couldn't keep water down, and around 9am this morning he was shivering on his bed. I took him to the vet for a drop off appointment-today he weighed 71 lbs! Last Friday at the vet he weighed 79 lbs. Poor baby. So, he is there now and I hope to hear soon that he is okay, just sick with a bug. Meantime, Mike and I went online to try to buy World Series tickets. What a joke. The computer kept timing out...Mike tried for an hour but the website kept crashing. So, now I am at work, and I wish I weren't! I have had too full of a day already to have to fit work in today.

Busy Busy Bee

Man, my new job is really busy! Don't get me wrong...I love it that way. At the end of the day, though, I hurt. My head hurts, my neck hurts, my back hurts...but it is a satisfying hurt. I love helping my students finish their degree. These folks are dedicated individuals-they have jobs, families, other hobbies. Yet they fit in finishing an undergraduate degree. For some it take 2 years, others it takes 6. December 15th will be my first graduation ceremony as advisor and I can wait to hear the names and see the faces of students who have acheived this goal.

Mike and I finally watched a movie last night. It was called Breach http://www.breachmovie.net/ Highly recommended!

Happy Birthday, Mia!

I dedicate this blog to Mia, who turns 1 this month. I got on the exclusive birthday party list so I got to help welcome Mia to the world of single digit ages! Mia, I hope you know just how special you are to everyone, but especially to your mom and dad. Well, of course you do...I have seen them with you! Truly, I have never seen either so happy, fulfilled, and content as they have been since you came along. So, happy birthday!

The party was fun. Meg and V hosted it at Ketring park, alongside the Littleton Historical Musuem. It was the annual harvest festival so after the yummy cupcakes, birthday songs, and seeing friends we went to the festival. It was a perfect fall day; the air was cool and the leaves are all in the perfect color stages of fall. It was perfect! As perfect as little Mia.

The Girls

Friday night I went out with "the girls." I think I have talked about them enough that everyone is wondering "who are they"? The girls are Caitlin (left) and Amanda (center).

Update on all things good

It is Monday but I really don't mind it. Having a job I like makes a big difference in how I feel about Mondays. I already made a student's day by telling him he will graduate in December. How cool is that? I had a great weekend as well so that makes for a great week. Friday night I did the first friday art walk with some co-workers along Santa Fe. That event makes me feel like I am in a different city! Saturday Mike came home from his business trip so I spent the day getting the house ready and had tea with mom and dad. I like to make the house all nice and clean for Mike after a trip...sleeping in our bed in clean sheets I am sure makes him feel good after staying in a hotel! Saturday night the family came over to watch the Rockies game. Wow, the Rockies are rockin' and it has been so much fun to see them go to the playoffs! Sunday Liz and I walked the Race for the Cure. It was a cool morning but we walked fast. Our legs hurt at the end but it was a very satisfying ache. This one I walked for Roger and Ellen and of course seeing everyone in pink made me teary off and on. Sunday Mike and I planned for our kitchen remodel. We ran some errands, and then hunkered down for the night. It got cold and was rainy so we ate hot meatballs and pasta, watched a 24 episode and tucked ourselves into bed.

Depth Beneath the Surface

Sometimes I feel like I am just skimming the surface. Today I was watering the lawn and saw the fall leaves on the ground and I thought, "One more thing to do." Weekly I clean and vacuum, this time of year I water the lawn and garden, I dust and do laundry, I go to work and be diligent, I come home and watch television. I skim the surface and a week will go by without me able to account for all those hours. My friend Susan calls this type of thing "Groundhog day." Some days feel like that.

But then I talk to my friend Meg on the phone. I feel connected. We have stories to share and more often than not there is a connection among our stories. We are philosophical and come up with solutions that will fix all the daily annoyances. We laugh, we reminisce about our younger years, we plan for the next night out, and often we can talk for at least 30 minutes. These are minutes that I can account for, that put those moments in technicolor. Thanks for keeping me real, Meg.

A great weekend

We went to Fort Collins on Saturday. I can't remember the last time I was there. Our friend Paul bought a house and so we went to visit. I fell in love with this city right away. It has a Boulder feel to it, but it is more spread out and less pretentious as Boulder. Paul said there are bike trails all over; he lives close to the Horsetooth Reservoir and so he can bike there very easily. We visited Kim and Jeff, who both worked with Mike in the Polar programs. They live in the older part of town, which was close to downtown. It was adorable! We went to lunch downtown, again...adorable! (by now Paul and Mike are sick of hearing me say that) and then went over to the New Belgian Brew Company and taste tested some beers. I felt like I was on vacation! We ended up leaving around 3:30 and got back to Denver close to 5pm. We went to a reception for our friends who finally got married so it was good to see them so happy. Sunday, we went on a walk and did some house stuff. We watched the Rockies win and the Broncos lose...but the Rockies winning made it all better!

We Lit up the Night!

Mike and I walked in the Light the Night walk last night. The walk is put on by the Lymphoma and Leukemia Society and we chose to do the one at Wash Park. The walk is targeted to supporters and survivors of cancer. We got up there around 6:30pm and the walk started at 7:00pm. I am never good with numbers for these types of events, but there were a ton of people at the event. Everyone got balloons that had little flashing lights in them to "light up the night". Survivors got white balloons and supporters got red balloons. Mike also got a survivor t-shirt. It was a great walk. At one point I turned around and it was such a cool sight seeing the mass of people at dusk with these balloons flashing. Even though he is someone living with cancer, Mike doesn't get a lot of recognition, so I think he really enjoyed being special for a while. I recognize you every day hon and I am proud of you and your fight with cancer. The walk, Tshirt, balloons and all the people were there to let you know they are proud of you, too.

Howie

We got some sad news last night. Our neighbor's puppy Howie had to be put down. He was only about 12 weeks old. He got sick, was throwing up and dehydrated, and I guess he took a turn for the worse and there was no hope. Tests have come back inconclusive thus far, so it is hard to know what happened.

This made both Mike and I very sad. Howie was a ball of fuzz. He was a little Westy who at his death weighed about four pounds. He was this little white fluffball who loved running after feet in search of a good shoelace to chew. We both feel very bad for our neighbors who spent months anticipating Howie's arrival from the breeder. They would always seek our puppy advice and tell us stories about Howie's antics. So, R, P and Howie, this one is for you. Thank you Howie for giving some joy in the few weeks of your short life, and thanks for being so darn adorable.

Fall is here

"It was one of those perfect English autumnal days which occur more frequently in memory than in life." ~P.D. James

When I started the blog I wrote so much about summer, how I was looking forward to things like baseball and ice cream. Fall is here so now I can reflect on the summer, and look forward to things in the fall and winter. After January, I must admit, winter gets me down. I get antsy for long days and warm sun, I want to garden, I want to stop being cold. From here until around Christmas, I am a pretty happy chica. I love the fall. Already, trees are changing colors and leaves are crunching under my feet. My favorite colors-deep red, brown, deep green-are prevalent. I love hot chocolate and red wine. I love football and Monday night television. We watch movies. We walk on Saturdays to the coffee shop. The holidays give me pleasure...I get to be with friends and family, do things like see lights and go to craft shows.

My summer? Was great. Unbelievable. Mike had good PET scans and even though he is on interferon he is feeling okay. We went to Disneyland. We watched baseball. We went on lots and lots of hikes. We discovered the beauty of a gas grill. We sat on the patio. I got into a really nice work out routine. I planted flowers.

So, welcome fall, goodbye summer. I hope I can make the most of it and welcome winter with open arms.

Some Pictures

Man, I have been really busy lately. I started my new job and I am just slammed from the minute I walk in to when I leave. The day just flies by. To stop and talk to anyone means at least 30 minutes is gone, so I relish it when I am just in my office alone. I am also "training" the new advisor (does anyone think this is a bit odd? New training New?) which takes up at least half the day, and then I have appointments or need to troubleshoot current files so my day is gone before I even know it!

I decided that I do need to post just a few pictures from Alaska, although I would love to post all 100 of them.

Back to life...Back to reality...

Hello there. It has been awhile. We got back from Alaska on Tuesday morning and I am just now feeling awake and caught up. I am still having dreams...yesterday I awoke in a panic not knowing where I was (was I slogging to the Alaganik again?)...last night I had a dream that I was outside...somewhere outside...I keep waking up thinking I will be in Alaska when in fact I am in my own bedroom with my Mikey and the dogs.

We had a wonderful trip. Next posting will include pictures and more details. Suffice it to say...I am in love with Alaska. Some interesting facts: In the entire state, there are only 677,000 people. There are only a handful of highways, so to get to certain places people either fly or ferry. There are many types of salmon (Chinook, Silver, Humpy, etc) and fishing for the different kinds of salmon is good at different times of the year. The Ulu knife is the extention of the Alaksan woman's hand (I can't wait to chop garlic with this thing). Many people who live there are in my mind true environmentalists: Subsistance living. The vistas are fantastic. Alaska is the best of both worlds: Mountain and ocean. I don't think I could ever tire of visiting Alaska.

Next posting look for pictures and play by play descriptions of what we did. Just a taste: We saw Humpback Whales, a pod of Orcas; We slogged to the Alaganik; I flew on a plane with no bathroom and just 20 seats!; We brought home 50lbs of fish and are getting 30 cans of smoked salmon mailed to us...

Check back in 10 days!

Tonight we are off to Alaska! We are both very much looking forward to some time away.

I won't be posting anything until we get back, but check back in September for some great Alaska photos!!

New Everything!

Ahhhh....I sit at my desk in my new office typing. It is a lovely feeling. I have pictures on the wall, lamplight, and flowers sent to me by Mike yesterday. What a happy space I am creating!

Yes...Mike sent me flowers yesterday. I reveled in every minute of it. Here is the moment by moment playback...I am sitting in here with the ITS guy setting up my computer. I hear, "Where does Melanie McClanahan sit?" My colleagues say, "In this office here." In walks the deliveryman holding a beautiful vase of flowers: Lilies, gerbera daisies, some carnations and greenery. Floating above it is a balloon that says, "Congratulations". I thought at first it was from my mom and aunt (sorry, hon, that I second guessed you!) but when I opened the card I saw it was from Mike in honor of my first day. Thank you honey, you made my day!

So, I am in "training mode" right now. Part of my day is spent milling around, the other part is shadowing people. There isn't a ton of new stuff to learn, so all I am really doing is waiting for the opportunity to have my own students. That will come after I get back from Alaska!

Alaska...we leave this Friday. I can't wait, both of us are in need of a vacation.

Words of Wisdom from Oprah

I read my September Oprah magazine. The last article in the magazine is always from Oprah, it is her "What I Know for Sure" section. This month's really spoke to me. Here is part of her article: "A mountain, I realized, is one of the great metaphors for life, reminding you that: 1. Challenges are often more difficult than they seem at the outset; 2. An ascent that at first looks smooth turns out to have unseen dips and ridges and valleys; 3. The higher you climb, the thicker the weeds; 4. You need a clear vision of where you're going if you want to avoid getting disoriented by the clouds that roll in and block your view; 5. You have to be determined to make it to the top. Otherwise, every step, stumble and fall will give you an excuse to turn around and head home." Oprah had planned on making it to the top of a mountain in one hour, but it was turning out to take her longer. After she reflected on her ascent, she slowed down and readjusted her goal so she could enjoy the climb along the way. This spoke to me because it was a metaphor that I could see in my life. Whether it be my new job I am eager to start, or some other aspect of life where a goal is in reach, Oprah reminded me to Breathe In. Breathe Out. Life already goes by way too fast. I need to stop, breathe, and enjoy the view.

Good Friends...to L and L

Last night we had a very nice dinner with our friends Liz and Lance. We went to Baker St. Pub (http://www.sherlockspubco.com/Main.aspx)in Bel Mar which is now my new favorite restaurant. We relaxed together, which is something I think all of us needed to do. Liz and Lance are the kind of people you just feel good around. No matter the time that lapses between visits, there are never awkward silences. They are the kind of people who naturally enjoy life which makes them so easy and fun to be around. They are both so caring about the people in their lives. They have been there for both of us in the tough times...When I didn't get into the MBA program at CU when I first applied, I spent the evening being depressed at a concert with them. After Mike's cancer diagnosis, they dragged us from the four walls of our house out to dinner, an evening for which we will forever be thankful...it helped us remember that we are loved...Thanks for dinner last night you two, and thank you for being the kind of friends who will be a part of our lives for a lifetime.

Countdown to Alaska!

16 days until we leave for Alaska! This will be a trip like no other. We arrive late Friday night, August 31st. We will spend a few days driving here and there. We will go to Talkeetna, Anchorage, Seward and Girdwood. In Seward, we are taking a half day cruise through the Kenai Peninsula. Girdwood is a little artsy hippie town which should be fun. Then we fly to Cordova and stay with Dave and Tanya. They are taking us to Hook Point via seaplane to stay in a little cabin on the beach. Dave will also take us salmon fishing and to visit the glaciers. I am so excited! This sounds like the type of vacation where I can go and just leave all my worries behind and just enjoy time away from the day to day routine and enjoy time with my husband!

To My Mikey

Dear Mike,
I think today is a good day to tell you I love you. No particular reason. We have been through a lot, you and I. And you know what? I wouldn't have it any other way.

The best news this week is that your scan looks good. See, you are a fighter even if you don't realize it. I am so happy this is the state of things, even though I know we have to live scan to scan. I hope this is a sign of good things to come.

You know what I love? Being awoken at 3am because you can't sleep and need your back rubbed. Even though I usually fall asleep in the middle of helping you fall asleep, I can't think of a more special thing to do for you.

I love you and am glad you are mine!

Love, Melanie

End of the Birthday Season

Sunday wrapped up the end of the Clam/McClanahan birthday season. Here is the schedule: Feb 11-Me, March 15-Mike, April 22-Robert, July 19th-Mom, August 9th-Dad. For Mom's birthday Mike and I made dinner and had the family over. For Dad's birthday we went to their house for Belgian Waffles with fruit and whipped cream. So now what do we have to look forward to?

The Cutest Couple

Even if I do say so myself!

Wish I were there...

This is a picture from F and MM on a recent trip to Curacao in the Caribbean. I could just stare and stare at this view!

Room of my own

I am at work and everyone has gone to a meeting except me. Since I am leaving the department I volunteered to stay back in case people call or walk in. There was an ulterior motive to that...I am very burned out on the same old conversations we have in our meetings. Numbers could be better, keep giving it 120%, a good fall could help relieve us of stress, generic sales tips, etc. etc. It is painful to listen to as an employee in the department, let alone one leaving the department.

This empty office is giving me a glimpse of my future...an office of my very own! My own 4 walls, my own space, a door I can close! I love my teammates, don't get me wrong. It is just that my day has continuous interruptions, from anyone walking in at anytime to hearing about every affliction, problem and concern known to mankind by my office mates. I am just looking forward to a little peace and quiet, lamplight, a personal call every once in a while, and a space that is mine. As Virgina Woolf said: A woman must have money and a room of her own to write fiction. I may not be writing fiction, but I will certainly be satisfied with money and a room of my own!

Books

I just finished Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows-Three weeks after starting it. It isn't like me to hang on to a Harry Potter book for that long. After Mike is done reading it, I can freely share my perspective on the book. Hopefully he won't take 3 weeks to finish it! The next read on my list is A Thousand Splendid Suns by the author of The Kite Runner. This book also revolves around life in Afghanistan, but more from the female perspective. Should be good. My book club is reading Confessions from an Economic Hitman but I haven't been able to fit it in yet. I may get it as a book on tape and listen to it on my way to and from work.

Fall...lovely fall...

As much as I don't want to think about it, fall is just around the corner. How do I know? I am SLAMMED at work! Phone calls, emails, personal appointments, registering students...it feels like fall in every way. But I don't want it to be fall! I love summer. I love fall, too, but I don't want winter. Sigh. Time just goes by so fast sometimes. Working in education I see my life wiz by me when it is based on fall, spring, summer. I think kids do that to me too. I see friends' kids and one minute they were just born the next they are walking. It all goes by just too fast.

Speaking of fall, this outfit at Anthropologie is just adorable...That is what I love about fall. Fall clothes and the desire to buy new stuff!

Tuesday but it feels like Thursday

Whew...I feel like I have been in a tornado the past few weeks. Not only was I in Jen's wedding, but I was interviewing for a job that I really wanted and ended up getting hired. So, it has been busy and the fun doesn't stop. This week I have a work event and some happy hours to attend; next week is baseball and seeing friends; and at some point I need to start preparing for Alaska! In between it all, I am trying to read Harry Potter book 7 and am only half-way through. Mike, I promise I will get it done very soon!

Jen's wedding was fun. This picture was pre-ceremony in the changing room. I loved my dress and hers was gorgeous as well. I loved getting all dressed up, hair done, makeup on...it was a good day. I always enjoy wedding receptions, dancing along to the cheezy wedding music (I tried my skills on the Electric Slide and was given an A for effort by one of Jen's friends). I must say, I am glad I am married and went through all the wedding stuff already. I don't know if I could handle it at my age (ha!).

Intentions

I remember watching an Oprah episode one time, a long time ago. Gary Zukov was discussing his book Seat of the Soul and Oprah introduced the notion of living with intention. This is from The Seat of the Soul:

"Every action, thought and feeling is motivated by an intention, and that intention is a cause that exists as one with an effect. If we participate in the cause, it is not possible for us not to participate in the effect. In this profound way, we are held responsible for our every action, thought and feeling, which is to say, for our every intention. We, ourselves, shall partake of the fruit of our every intention. It is, therefore, wise for us to become aware of the many intentions that inform our experience, to sort out which intentions produce which effects, and to choose our intentions according to the effects that we desire to produce".

I have thought a lot of that concept since my (almost) new position of Faculty Advisor. I have wanted this for a very long time, just had to figure out how to get there. The past four months I have been bugging my soon to be new boss, I have bugged other advisors, and really made this job my intention. And now look, my intention is about to become a reality. It is so very powerful to think about life this way. I think it is important to know the intention and make sure that intention is what you really want, or else you may end up with something you do not really want!

Stolen from Meg

I am always looking for good fodder for the blog. I will continue MP's tradition...
1. Song: The Story by Brandi Carlile. I love her voice, full of conviction, plus the song evokes how I feel about my Mikey.
2. Book: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows. I am on page 140 and there are, like 800 pages. I will not disclose anything about this book...except that it is fantastic so far.
3. Magazine: Blueprint ( http://www.marthastewart.com/ Search magazines and scroll down) Honestly, I am not a Martha fan. I don't know who has time, money, or energy to do even half the things she does. I am also annoyed by famous people who get off easy when they commit, or say, a felony. However, this magazine is eye candy and I do love any kind of candy!
4. State of Hair: Long, kinda full today. I don't mind it. I like my natural blond highlights. Although, it is too long and blond for me to notice any gray hair. Mikey, that is up to you to help me find those little buggers.
5. State of Mind: Excited. I am so jazzed about my new advising job. Impatient-I don't want to wait until September to start!
6. Weather: Extremely hot. You know it is hot when you see the news and think "Oh good, it is only going to be 95 degrees today".
7. Celeb Crush: Can it be a female? Tina Fey. She is a witty writer, brilliant actress, and just very real. I wish I had half her humor.
8. Obsession/Irritation: I want to lose weight but I can't give up chocolate, bread, wine, seconds, pizza...

100 Degrees and Cool

Yesterday was a scorcher. I think it hit 100 degrees. Mike and I were so busy running errands and preparing for my mom's birthday on Saturday that Sunday came around and we had little energy to do much. Which was fine with me...Harry Potter Book 7 arrived in our mailbox on Saturday so I was able to take the little energy I had and put it into starting the book. So far, it is very good.

The best purchase we have made is the window AC unit in the main part of the house. As it was 100 degrees outside, I curled up in the bedroom, with the ceiling fan going, reading the book. I was actually chilly. What a blessing to be cold in such heat. I remember the days when we did not have AC, just window fans. I remember cooking dinner and sweating. Life is much more enjoyable with the AC unit.

I can't believe July is almost over. My flowers are starting to look a little bit crunchy. Our grass actually held up very well all summer and looks very lush and green. I hope August goes by slow, slow. I love fall, and even the beginning of winter. I just hate the January through April stretch. Football is wrapping up, the holidays are over, it is cold and gets dark early. It feels like just yesterday it was February and I was just itching for summer. Now, it is halfway over. I think it is time we take a vow to enjoy these aspects of summer before they go away:

1. Sitting on the back patio drinking coffee and eating breakfast.
2. Sunday morning walks to the farmer's market.
3. Walking to get ice cream on Gaylord Street or in Bonnie Brae.
4. Baseball.
5. Hiking.
6. Escaping to the movie theater to sit in air conditioning for a few hours.

The list goes on.

A busy week

I am wrapping up a pretty busy week. Mike was out of town for most of it. To keep myself occupied, I did a ton of stuff. I watered the lawn, cleaned my closet, did laundry, went grocery shopping, mowed, gardened, walked the boys. I had Mentoring on Wednesday and my final dress fitting for the wedding on Tuesday. Whew. Mike got home and I proudly told him of all I did. He was very impressed.

Onto the weekend. Not much planned. We are meeting Robert at Wazee for some pizza tonight and having the fam over tomorrow for dinner for Mom's 30th (wink, wink) birthday. We have a special present for her. Can't say here! I don't know what else we will do.

Job update: I was unofficially offered the position as Faculty Advisor. I have one more interview and then the job is mine. I was told I was the most dynamic candidate, and the answers I gave to the questions were brilliant. Wow. I really like my soon to be new boss, Barry. A real straight shooter. Plays the political game well (and at Regis there is plenty of games to play) but also leads well. I am too excited for words. I will have a beer for all of you to celebrate tonight (unofficially, of course).

Onto #3!

I find it funny how processes work in a University setting. In the hallway, I was walking by one of the people who interviewed me last week, and she asked if I were free next Wednesday at 4pm for the 3rd interview. Of course I was excited, but I couldn't be too excited because we were in the middle of the hall.

But I am excited! Wednesday at 4pm...What should I wear? My suit of course. I am thinking a maroon shirt this time. I hope this works out. The girls here want to know if I am the only one going to the 3rd interview, and I don't know! It's killing me! I really want this job, so let's hope I am the final candidate.

Wish me luck!

It Had Been Awhile

Ahhhh...it has been awhile since I was out and about downtown Denver into the later hours in the evening. Saturday night was Jen's bachelorette party. Going into it, we both said how we would probably call it a night after a long dinner at Maggianos with her friends and family. Or, maybe one drink at a martini bar? Well, it turned into a little more than that. For any good bachelorette party, one must have The List...a list of silly things the bride-to-be must do to have fun and make a bit of a fool out of herself and others. Jen's list was pretty tame...get a kiss...be serenaded by a stranger...have a stranger take the garter off with his teeth...so on and so forth. I made The List with no intentions of making her complete it. However, we were with two very extraverted ladies who helped make sure she could at least mark off a few things. At Double Daughters, Jen danced on the table. A waitress outside of a bar sang to Jen the song "Reunited". At Martini Ranch, a good sport pulled off Jen's garter with his teeth. She got a picture with a cop, who has made this type of thing almost like a part time job. We called it a night at 11pm (ooohhh, late!) and I was snuggled into bed next to my hubby at 11:30. It had been awhile since I had been wild and crazy downtown...and to be honest, once a year is good for me!

Good Hearts at Goodwill

I always thought of Goodwill Industries as catering to the needs of older people. I also associated it with any place where I would drop off donations-"Let's do a Goodwill run" when it is really the ARC I am headed to. So, I was surprised to learn all the different facets of Goodwill Industries. Yes, you can donate your used items to them. They also have programs to help adults get jobs, and they have a huge youth program, serving at-risk kids in the community. The array of programs and support Goodwill offers to youth and adults in need is very admirable (http://www.goodwilldenver.org/).

I started volunteering for the Goodwill program with their Mock Interviews. A group would go to North High School and help students with interviewing skills. I heard about the Summer Mentoring Program, where I could mentor a first-generation college bound student. The program lasts most of the summer, but the mentor and mentee are to keep in touch throughout the first year of college, just to make sure things are going okay. Through the summer, Goodwill provides classes that the mentor and mentee attend to deal with a variety of issues: time mangement, money management, relationships, peer pressure, study skills, etc. I met my mentee for the first time last night. She is a beautiful girl, originally from Bosnia but her family has been here over 8 years. She has that innocence of an 18 year old, ready to embark on her college experience. She is attending CU-Denver, my alma mater, so I can certainly help her navigate through that campus. She is very close to her family and her family is very supportive of her, so I don't know how "at-risk" she is. I do remember my first year of college, though, and if I had a mentor to get me through I would have been delighted! So, whatever her social or financial situation, she will be a great person to mentor. I am excited to start working with youth. My current job has me focused on working with adults, but working with someone young will be refreshing.

Moments to Breathe

I love working at Regis. Only at Regis can I go to an evening dedicated to reflection and spriritual renewal. Last night, I spent the evening with around 10 other women looking to take time out of our busy lives and...breathe, pray, be silent...whatever each of us needs to find some time of quiet. Our host is the Director of Ministry here at Regis-a vibrant woman who finds the right words for every situation. We had a nice, simple dinner together and then discussed ways that we can take some time just to be quiet. We went on a Sabbath Walk, and I took off my shoes and walked in the grass. We meditated and discussed patience, forgiveness, and how we each deal with stress. It was just a nice evening and I am so glad I work in a place that offers such opportunities.

Winding Down

I got to spend almost the whole week with these fabulous guys. I am on the eve of wrapping up a pretty good week. It was nice to be away from work and be refreshed on other things in life. I had my interview Friday and was nervous pretty much all day Wednesday and all day Thursday. Wednesday we went to a nice BBQ at my parent's house, and Thursday we ran errands and Mike helped me practice for my interview. Friday rolled around and I faced the interview head on. I was interviewed by about 7 people, most in the academic advising department. It was a relief when it was over! I came home and Mike and I saw Ratatouille-I would certainly recommend it, it was very cute! When we got home, there was a message from one of the people I interviewed with...The committee recommended that I move to the next level of interviews! Yay! I am not sure with whom, but it should happen within the next week or so. I had a great day today, and tomorrow we will go for a hike which will wrap up a great week.

Looking forward to a good week!

I have a 2 day work week! Yay! Tonight we go see the Rockies play and then the fireworks show, tomorrow is a day of fun and a BBQ at the folks, and the rest of the week we shall see what transpires! Friday I have an interview in Academic Advising department on Friday morning at 10am. Wish me luck!

I may not write for a few days, so be patient and check back periodically!

A good day for Jen

I remember my bridal shower. MP's mom threw it at her house. I remember a meaningful day, full of love from friends and family, all focused on me. The bride-to-be. My bridesmaids had a theme: Round the Clock Shower. All the guests bought gifts related to the hour on their invitation. It got racy the later the hour! My shower was memorable thanks to three very special bridesmaids (and EP).

I hope Jen's shower was just as memorable. Lily and I threw it on Saturday. Around 15 people came, which was manageable. The picture here was the cake from Mulberries on Old South Pearl Street. I will never again buy a grocery store cake. This cake was delightful and created in the spirit of Jen's wedding invitation. Jen looked radiant and radiated pre-wedding bliss all day. We played "Pin the Lips on Jason" and 4 guests got the closest for prizes. We opened gifts. We (sadly) broke into the beautiful cake (not so sad after I tasted the delectable marble cake and fudge filling). It was a lovely day and got us all in the mood for the wedding day.