In Case You Missed It Edition! Volume 38

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{photo credit: Etsy – click image for source – PS I would not be sad to have this in my house}

I’ve found some links to posts that made me laugh, cry, think or at least raise an eyebrow. Please click the links and check out the posts. You may find something that rocks your world too.

Leave me some feedback in the form of comments below on what you liked, what you hated and what you’d like to see more of. I’m here to help you find the best of what is online.

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My Best Of…

From Frugal Mama – 5 Cheap Ways to Make This Summer Really Fun. Food? Check. Friends? Check. What more do you need? Tips for coordinating your people to actually make it happen.

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Things I Think At the Gym from Already Pretty. I wish I were this dedicated and evolved in my thinking…

My favorite part:

Well, I still loathe the gym. I vastly prefer to be walking or biking or doing virtually anything exercise-y besides holing up in a moist, crowded building with a hundred of my neighbors. (And I swap in those activities as often as I can.) But MAN have my gym-based thought processes changed. I’ll admit to the occasional huff when I catch myself in the mirror, but everyone else? I literally look at them and think, “Yep, you’re awesome. You too. And you.”

Click through to find out why everyone is so awesome.

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Remember when the newness of summer break wore off and you started telling your mom how bored you were or your kids are now telling you how bored they are? Jennifer at Classic Play has some ideas to keep your little people busy this summer.

Welcome to Camp Classic Play! – Featuring bubbles | outdoor games | fortune tellers | pen pal letters | photography | tin can telephones | marble games | walkie talkies

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Brene Brown has done it again with The Toughest Thing I’ve Learned About Parenting.

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Have you met Holly from Holly Would If She Could yet? My god, what a breath of fresh air! I’ve had the pleasure of hanging out with her a couple of times and I find her to be delightful.

I loved her post about The 5 Best Decisions I’ve Made In My Adult Life.

What are yours?

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That is the In Case You Missed It Edition, folks.

Remember to click the links and leave some comments. This is a conversation, you know.

In Case You Missed Edition Archives -click it to see them all.

Saturday Senses

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A way to capture the spirit of each week…

{photo source – we heart it }

tasting :: grilled pork bahn mi from huong lan and joy the baker’s simple vegan chocolate cake via amy.

hearing ::  rhett miller and the serial lady killers play at the independent in sf.

smelling :: cool breezes.

seeing :: ruby’s doctor for her 18 month well baby appointment and a pile of new-to-me clothes and books from a tiny swap party.

feeling ::  exhilarated from zumba days later. also – happy to have some time together with my little family and to be able to escape the heat into the bay area.

wishing/hoping :: for little girl to enjoy seeing papa play music tonight and for easy sleep for all after the excitement.

What about you?

What are your senses this Saturday?

Looking back, how was your week?

Leave a comment and tell me all about it. I’d seriously love to hear about your week. Now’s not the time to be shy.

This weekly tradition inspired by Pink of Perfection’s Five Sense Friday.

Don’t forget to click the links!

Summer of Intentionality — Part Two: To Do

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Here are last year’s To Read, To Learn, and To Do. 

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2012 Summer of Intentionality 

To Do:

Many of my summer to-dos can also be found on my 43 Before 43 list.

Clean up my bike and run errands on it all summer long.

Take Ruby to see live music.

Host a baby shower.

Travel Plans:

Road trip to Portland.

Road trip to Anderson Valley.

Bay Area visits to see friends and family and escape the 1,000 burning suns in Sacramento.

Air trip to Texas to visit my mom.

Act like a tourist in Sacramento:

Crocker Art Museum.

Railroad Museum.

Kayaking.

House work:

Wall of shelves in the dining room.

Entry way re-do.

Bedroom spruce.

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What’s on your to-do list this summer? Fun and functional?

Please click on images for source.

Summer of Intentionality — Part One: To Read

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Last summer I came up with an ambitious list of activities which fell into three categories: To Read, To Learn, and To Do. The original reason behind all the summer planning came about because, quite honestly, I had a tendency to waste a lot of time on the internet and not have much to show for it.

So when I read about Rosie’s Summer of Intentionality, I knew this would be a way for me to best use my time away from the responsibilities of work.

Now that I’m home with Ruby, it’s still about making the best use of my summer time with my family and of my me time. Over the next few posts I’ll be revealing my To Read, To Learn and To Do lists.

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2012 Summer of Intentionality

To Read:

Clearly I am a non-fiction reader, so if you could suggest your do-not-miss fiction titles, I would greatly appreciate it.

What is on your summer reading list?

Best Decisions of My Adult Life

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{source: we heart it}

Holly and Amy recently posted their best decisions and I’ve decided to join in as well.

Best Decisions of My Adult Life

1.     Adoption.

When it is all said and done, I’m thrilled with how we decided to build our family.

Was it a giant paperwork pain? Yes.

Did it take way longer than anyone anticipated? Yes.

Did the process potentially take years off my life? Yes.

Lesson learned:  we now have our Ruby.

Also see: Totally worth the wait.

{Interested in learning more about our adoption?}

2.     Moving far enough away from home it required getting on a plane to see friends and family.

I am lucky enough to count some friends as way back as elementary school. People I have been in contact with since elementary school ie not Facebook friends. So when I decided to move a plane ride away, it was a big deal for me. I loved my peeps and wasn’t sure about why I needed more.

Making friends as an adult without the benefit of being a student and before the internet was widely used (aka the early 90s) was hard at first. I was lonely for the first time in my life which made me bitter at first, but then a wonderful thing happened.

I started doing activities that I really liked (after a serious brain storming session about what I really liked doing) and lo and behold, I met people I liked and had a ton in common with. In fact, almost 15 years later, I count these women as some of my closest friends.

Lesson learned: If I’d never left the nest, I would have never met these lovelies.

3.     Changing my career in (gasp!) my 30s.

If I had a nickel for every time I heard someone say they are too old to make a change because they’ll be xx age when they finish the training, I’d be a rich woman and could retire from teaching. (And then spend my days volunteering in the classroom).

I spent all of my 20s and the first part of my 30s hopping from job to job in a field in which I had studied and was determined to succeed in. And you know what? I was miserable about 85% of that time. But like most people who are scared to death of making change, I wavered because “I’d already invested so much time”.

Lesson learned: If you are staying in a situation (job, career, marriage, relationship whatever) only because of the time you’ve invested, GET OUT. Change is hard, but not changing will kill your spirit.

4.     Marrying my dude.

Turns out, marriage is different from living together.

Who knew?

So glad I got to find this out. He’s such a keeper. Love him. We really are family now.

Lesson learned: Some things can’t be explained, you have to experience them for yourself.

5.     Yoga.

What can I say? It has totally changed my life. Sounds cliché, but there you have it. Since actively practicing on and off the mat seriously for almost five years, I am finally at peace more often than not.

True story: as a kid I wanted exactly 2 things – 1) never to work full-time because that was for suckers and 2) to find inner peace.

Lesson learned: Living in the moment beats living in the past and the future. Yoga helps me remember to stay present.

6.     Sticking with my blog after yoga teacher training finished. 

I have made so many new friends through this crazy thing. Truly unbelievable.

Lesson learned: Putting yourself out there opens up your life and your heart to new lovely people.

7.     Returning to therapy after Ruby came home and finally trying EMDR.

Parenting has brought up a lot of issues I wasn’t even aware I had and I’m glad to know when I need help. In the last few months I’ve been able to make some serious progress and feel like some things are getting resolved.

Lesson learned: Life is a work in progress. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

8.     To get/stay out of debt.

Early in my adult life I had a hard time saying no to myself. I believed if I had enough striped t-shirts, life would magically be better. Turns out you can get yourself in quite a bit of debt buying t-shirts and end up pretty unhappy. Reading It’s Your Money or Your Life and learning to live well on less has made me a much happier and relaxed grown up.

Lesson learned: You can’t buy happiness. If you don’t have it, don’t spend it.

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What are your best decisions? Share in the comments or write a post of your own and be sure to link back here.

Saturday Senses

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A way to capture the spirit of each week…

{photo source – we heart it }

tasting :: orzo salad and bubbly water lemonade with watermelon chunks – it’s hot outside!

hearing ::  ruby jabber to herself in the fun garden, at the water table and in the stroller. man, she’s got a lot to say!

smelling :: my rubber yoga mat on the bedroom hardwood floor. why have i not thought to practice in my bedroom before?

seeing :: the temperature hit the 100s and my anxiety about it never-ever-never-cooling-off again rise.

feeling ::  elated my sweetheart is home for the summer!

wishing/hoping :: for a slow and intentionally spent summer break.

What about you?

What are your senses this Saturday?

Looking back, how was your week?

Leave a comment and tell me all about it. I’d seriously love to hear about your week. Now’s not the time to be shy.

This weekly tradition inspired by Pink of Perfection’s Five Sense Friday.

Don’t forget to click the links!

In Case You Missed It Edition! Volume 37

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{photo credit: Etsy – click image for source – PS I would not be sad to hang this in my house}

I’ve found some links to posts that made me laugh, cry, think or at least raise an eyebrow. Please click the links and check out the posts. You may find something that rocks your world too.

Leave me some feedback in the form of comments below on what you liked, what you hated and what you’d like to see more of. I’m here to help you find the best of what is online.

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My Best Of…

Where is the Mommy War For the Motherless Child? from Rage Against the Minivan – Kristen says it like it is and I like it. –

When it comes to issues of motherhood, there is one issue I care about: some kids don’t have one. All of these petty wars about the choices of capable, loving mothers is just a lot of white noise to me, Quite honestly, I’m often astonished at the non-essential parenting issues I see moms getting their panties in a wad about. Particularly when there are so many kids in this world not being parented at all.

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Chardonnay, Pantyhose, and Other Advice From My Mother from Aunt Peaches (via Small Notebook’s link post) – Just good advice.

My favorites:

…on kids with weird names
Make a special effort to be nice to kids with weird names. It’s not their fault their parents are idiots.

…on teachers
Expect 20% of your teachers to be bad at their job. This does not mean they are bad people, it just means they chose the wrong profession. Why should you suffer for their mistake?Learn to spot them and avoid them. For the other 80%, treat them as though they are the most important person you will ever meet. They probably are.

Be sure to click over and leave a comment about your favorite or the best advice you got from your mother.

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Reason #73 Why We Need Curvy Yoga – Anna pretty much sums it up with this:

– well-meaning teachers who shame students because they haven’t thought through the meaning of their words.

If you teach anything, especially yoga, please read this post.

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If I Had A Million Dollars from Amy at Coffee and Sunshine (formerly Just A Titch). Click over to see how I’d spend mine and leave a comment about how you’d spend yours. I found it more difficult than I thought it would be.

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I Spy from Rosie Molinary. Have you ever wondered if the photo you are looking at and comparing yourself to has been digitally altered? Most likely it has and the biggest tell is in the hands. Go check out Rosie’s post for more details and images. The Ralph Lauren model? WTF? Also see: stop comparing yourself to models who don’t even look like their pictures.

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That is the In Case You Missed It Edition, folks.

Remember to click the links and leave some comments. This is a conversation, you know.

In Case You Missed Edition Archives -click it to see them all.

Ten Things I Loved In May

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My friend, Rosie Molinary, made a list and I loved hers so much I stole her idea. And now it’s almost mid-June and I’m here to tell you what was going on last month. It does beg the question – where did the month go?

Here are Ten Things I Loved In May

Things I/We Did

1.      Mother’s Day brunch.  At home.  Jed made waffles for everyone while I chowed on bagels with creamy goat cheese and tomatoes. I somehow managed not to take a single photo. Good food, great company.

2.     Wednesday Playdates. I love this standing date with my friend from yoga teacher training. We have similar parenting styles and personalities so it is just so easy and fun. Plus watching these two interact is really comical.

3.     Yoga.  I went to a bunch of classes, taught and practiced at home. In other words, I remembered why I love getting on my mat and I’m pretty sure I’m going to need to start setting a yoga alarm on my calendar to make sure this happens more often.

4.     Meeting our dearest friends’ brand new baby. Let me just say, adoption is a crazy process and I’m so happy they are now a family.

In The Kitchen

5.     Eating (extremely) local – stone fruit from the next door neighbors and kale from front yard garden (not shown).

6.      Vegan Pie! Finally satisfying a long-held craving. Triple Berry from Vanessa (not shown here, but you can see it on The Food We Make and coconut chocolate pudding pie from me (the one previously afraid to eat and make pie!)

Products (and Services) I Love

7.      Haircuts from Tari at Parlour By The Park and groomed eye brows by Dana at Cezanne Skin Group.

8.      Hand-me-downs for me and little girl – Cute free clothes. What is not to like?

9.      Colored denim and My Style Inspiration Pinterest board coming to life.  I’ve made some variation of both these outfits and it’s made me ridiculously happy.

10.      Blackout curtains – sound sleep past sunrise? Yes, please. This one brought to you by the Princess and the Pea.

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So what are you loving lately? I’m always on the lookout for what is delicious in food, drink, fashion, and life. Leave me your favorites in the comments or write a post of your own and link back here.

Saturday Senses

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A way to capture the spirit of each week…

{photo source – we heart it }

tasting :: crumb-top coffee cake and pita pizza with daiya shreads, artichoke hearts, olives and roasted red peppers.

hearing ::  rhett miller and old 97’s latest: the dreamer, the interpreter, grand theater volumes 1 and 2 in preparation for the rm and the serial lady killers show in sf on the 19th.

smelling :: freshly laundered sheets, towels, blankets and every piece of clothing we own. {by the way, when does the unending pile of  laundry stop?}

seeing :: a full calendar. may need to cut some stuff out to honor ruby and my need for quiet these last few days of the school year.

feeling :: frustrated. ruby is working on a couple more teeth and so it’s all wet t-shirts and snotty noses and grumping around kinda being naughty.  also see: in need of adult company sans my child. anyone want to hang out in the afternoons?

wishing/hoping :: to slow down to enjoy my last week of solo parenting of the school year.

What about you?

What are your senses this Saturday?

Looking back, how was your week?

Leave a comment and tell me all about it. I’d seriously love to hear about your week. Now’s not the time to be shy.

This weekly tradition inspired by Pink of Perfection’s Five Sense Friday.

Don’t forget to click the links!

Saturday Senses

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A way to capture the spirit of each week…

{photo source – we heart it }

tasting :: vegan coconut chocolate pudding pie.

hearing ::  “spider” “patta cake” “please” spoken in a way only a mama could understand and yet a major communication breakthrough this week.

smelling :: fresh air on ruby’s cheek’s on our morning walks.

seeing :: former students and co-workers. miss them!

feeling :: lighter than last week.

wishing/hoping :: to have a fun last couple of weeks of spring.

What about you?

What are your senses this Saturday?

Looking back, how was your week?

Leave a comment and tell me all about it. I’d seriously love to hear about your week. Now’s not the time to be shy.

This weekly tradition inspired by Pink of Perfection’s Five Sense Friday.

Don’t forget to click the links!

Saturday Senses

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A way to capture the spirit of each week…

{baking assistant – photo credit: vanessa}

tasting :: triple berry pie. {thanks, vanessa!}

hearing ::  harry belafonte’s pandora station which inspired much kitchen dancing with ru.

smelling :: method’s limited edition lime + salt all-purpose cleaner. loved it at first and then 12 hours later not so much. it turned into yucky perfume in my kitchen. back to target you go.

seeing :: so much sadness in so many of my friends and struggling to figure out how to help or what to say.

feeling :: like hugging my people tightly, even if it is  from a distance.

wishing/hoping :: all of my people experiencing rough times get some relief and comfort.

What about you?

What are your senses this Saturday?

Looking back, how was your week?

Leave a comment and tell me all about it. I’d seriously love to hear about your week. Now’s not the time to be shy.

This weekly tradition inspired by Pink of Perfection’s Five Sense Friday.

Don’t forget to click the links!

In Case You Missed It Edition! Volume 36 – Moving At A Baby’s Pace

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{photo credit: Etsy – click image for source}

Happy Memorial Day weekend! We are on the home stretch of the school year and are using our time Monday to finish up adoption paperwork (because it is NEVER done) and hanging out with the hubs.

Wow, it’s been a few months since I’ve done a link post. I’m not sure why since I’m still reading and starring posts every day. Now that I remember how fun it is to share, expect more of these in the future.

I’ve found some links to posts that made me laugh, cry, think or at least raise an eyebrow. Please click the links and check out the posts. You may find something that rocks your world too.

Leave me some feedback in the form of comments below on what you liked, what you hated and what you’d like to see more of. I’m here to help you find the best of what is online.

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My Best Of…

For months now, ever since we brought Ruby home, I’ve been walking. And walking. And walking. Sometimes with a friend, sometimes alone, but mostly with the girl.  Until recently, I never thought walking was hard enough exercise (also see: not worth doing), but I’ve come to rely on walking as a way to reset my mood, my day and what feels like sometimes, my life.  I highly recommend reading Walking As A Retreat For the Busy Mom  (on Simple Mom)- about how one mom’s effort to save some money changed her life. – Are you a walker?

Do You Wish Life Went More Slowly? I loved everything about this post. Up until I started staying home with Ruby, I would have definitely answered yes. Life was moving so quickly and we had plans and classes and dates and more. Now I’m not so sure. Babies move pretty slowly (at least in that sense). – How’s the speed of your life?

Having trouble getting your greens in? Parenthacks (one of my newest favorite reads) delivers easy kid tips on every topic including getting your kid to eat green food. While Ruby is still happily eating anything and everything we put in front of her (and some off of our plates – and yours if you don’t watch out) – I know there will come a day when she doesn’t. Enter the Green Food Taste Test – so brilliant I am thinking about doing it with my future students. So science-y dorky and fun. – Do your little people discriminate based on (food) color?

3 Things You Need To Be Happy As A New Mom. – Um, yeah. I would also add: Massage/Yoga/Bodywork and in my case, weekly therapy. – Anything to add?

Adulting -How To Become A Grown Up in 387-ish Easy Steps. While you have probably already seen this blog, I feel it is my duty to recommend it again. Good god, I could have used this a decade ago.

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That is the In Case You Missed It Edition, folks.

Remember to click the links and leave some comments. This is a conversation, you know.

In Case You Missed Edition Archives -click it to see them all.

Saturday Senses

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A way to capture the spirit of each week…

{frog bubbles – photo credit: me}

tasting :: vegan chocolate chip cookies crumbled in vanilla coconut milk ice cream and fritos. {no, not together}

hearing ::  myself read it’s time to sleep, my love 1,322 times and ruby inconsolably crying.

smelling :: nasal allergy meds – enough with the allergies already.

seeing :: our friends’ brand new adopted son {heart swells} and life-long dear friends for mother’s day breakfast.

feeling :: tired despite napping with the tiny grump every day this week. who knew other people’s tantrums could be so exhausting?

wishing/hoping :: i remember a toddler’s tantrums are about their frustration and not commentary on my parenting skills – ie don’t take it personally.

What about you?

What are your senses this Saturday?

Looking back, how was your week?

Leave a comment and tell me all about it. I’d seriously love to hear about your week. Now’s not the time to be shy.

This weekly tradition inspired by Pink of Perfection’s Five Sense Friday.

Don’t forget to click the links!

Saturday Senses

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A way to capture the spirit of each week…

{ruby the scientist – photo credit: me}

tasting :: vegan creamy garlic noodles.

hearing ::  buh-by and whining. lots and lots of whining. like a song you can’t quite get out of your head.

smelling :: chai all over the chair in the living room. *sigh* at least it wasn’t hot when it got spilled.

seeing :: myself fall into a trap of daa and lots of baby science.

feeling :: vulnerable.

wishing/hoping :: i remember to take time for myself and exercise every day because it makes me feel better.

What about you?

What are your senses this Saturday?

Looking back, how was your week?

Leave a comment and tell me all about it. I’d seriously love to hear about your week. Now’s not the time to be shy.

This weekly tradition inspired by Pink of Perfection’s Five Sense Friday.

Don’t forget to click the links!

Things I’m Afraid To Tell You: My Thoughts On Adoption and Birth Mothers

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As Mother’s Day draws nearer, I find myself getting unexpectedly weepy.

First off, now I’m a mom. A role I wasn’t sure I was ever going to have, certainly one I came to later in life. It’s all now really sinking in.

I’m someone’s mom.

Here’s the part where my experience is different from other mothers and where some deep sadness fills my heart.

In addition to being over the moon about our baby, I can’t help but think about Ruby’s birth mom. And how her loss has been the biggest gift we’ve ever received.

Our precious girl.

Talk about a double-edged sword. Someone else’s loss being your gain? Let’s not even talk about what the kids have lost. Totally does my head in.

A number of people have written so eloquently about what adoption has taught them , about how the adoptive parents (NOT the children) are the lucky ones and honoring their son’s birth mother, that I ask you grab your favorite beverage and read their posts. All these posts brought me to tears and made me want to add my thoughts about adoption and birth mothers which at this point are not very eloquent.

I do have to say that not all of our experiences are the same, however I feel a deep kinship with other adoptive parents. I wanted to highlight some of the ways adoption is heartbreakingly beautiful, with an emphasis on heartbreaking.

Since I’m having some trouble putting together my thoughts on adoption and birth mothers in an eloquent way, I’ll just list them in no particular order. I bring these topics up now because I’ve been an adoptive mama for a while now and believe it or not these have come up. In the spirit of transparency on the internet, many brave bloggers are sharing what they are afraid of. 

I do fear people are going to take offense to what I’m about to say. Some want to tell me our experience as mothers is exactly the same and while there are many commonalities, there are a few huge differences. Some will find out they’ve accidentally stepped on toes because they’ve been curious. Some will find my thoughts presumptuous. So be it.

I’m filing this post under: Things I’m Afraid To Tell You.

afraidtotell_chalkboard_full

While I do not know my daughter’s birth mother, we are connected and I am forever in her debt. Ruby is a gift. She’s changed me in totally wonderfully unexpected ways.

Sometimes I find myself sobbing because I missed the first nine months with Ruby. She was so well cared for which is a relief, however I ache for that lost time.

Please don’t ask to know the details of a birth mother’s circumstances – it isn’t your business. I am nosy by nature, so I get it. But really, not your (or my) business. It is an awkward moment for everyone involved. That story truly does belong to the adoptive child and when they are old enough may or may not wish to share those intimate details of their past with you.

I know I’ve already over-shared some of Ruby’s history with people because I have been caught off guard. I feel awful about this because it’s not my story to tell. If I’ve shared anything about this history, please do not share with anyone. If I haven’t, please don’t ask.

Please don’t make assumptions about birth mothers. There is no typical story. There is no archetype. They are women just like us, making difficult choices. And for god’s sake, please don’t make comments about how “some” people are “breeding” and are “crackheads” who just irresponsibly give birth multiple times.

Really? sounds like right-wing anti-woman propaganda from the 80s. 

Just stop it.

For all we know, the woman standing next to us in line at the grocery store has an adoption story. For some, it is a secret. I imagine, a painful one. Even without your judgement.

Please don’t judge birth mothers. They may or may not have different life styles than us.  Comments about how you could never give up a child aren’t helpful either. Under certain circumstances, we’d all make tough choices to hopefully better the life of our child.

Please don’t say adoptive parents are lucky or saintly for adopting a child – we really are the lucky ones. We are the ones gaining a child to love.

Please don’t give parenting advice until you are also parenting an adoptive child – some things are just different when you are starting your life from a loss. Also, we lean toward Attachment Parenting and would probably be parenting this way even with a biological child.

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What are you afraid to tell people? Please share in the comments or write a post of your own and link back.

Please know that comment kindness is greatly appreciated.

Thanks to EZ at Creature Comforts for the challenge. And Jess for getting it all started.

Mother’s Day Gift Guide for the Yoga Momma

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Mother’s Day in the United States is Sunday, May 13th and I’m so excited because it is my first.

It’s recently come to my attention, thanks to Twitter, that Mother’s Day gifts need not be heart-shaped jewelry or flowers. Not that there’s anything wrong with those gifts (if you like those sorts of things), but not all mommas are into them.

So if you have a yoga momma in your life or if are a yoga momma yourself, here are some Mother’s Day gift ideas.

Photo credit: Vanessa Vitchit-Vadakan

Idea#1 – A Yoga Workshop

If I were to pick a workshop, I’d choose Mary Paffard’s Circles, Cycles and Spirals: Yoga and Ayerveda for Women’s Health.  It’s being co-taught by Mary and her daughter, Cyd on Sunday, June 3rd.

If you haven’t had the pleasure of taking a workshop with Mary, I highly recommend it. She’s wickedly, yet understatedly funny, infinitely knowledgable and is a huge proponent of rest. Clearly a teacher after my heart. Plus she has a British accent!

Idea #2 – A One Day Yoga Retreat

One of my 43 Before 43 was to attend a yoga retreat. I’ve already been to two in the last six months. I’m telling you, this is the absolute best spa day ever. Way better than actually going to a spa.

Michelle’s retreat (July 22nd) includes restorative yoga poses, journaling, silence, a delicious vegetarian lunch and a whole lot of heartwarming community. I couldn’t recommend it higher. Simply the best way to spend a day.

Idea #3 – A Private Yoga Session

Have you ever wanted to get pointers on a pose that just isn’t quite working for you? Do you have an injury or are you recuperating from an illness? Have you ever wanted the teacher in a regular class to focus on a particular area of the body?

Those are some of the reasons to have a private session with a favorite yoga teacher.

 Idea #4 – At Home Yoga Practice with MY favorite teacher

Sometimes life gets in the way of going somewhere else to practice. Wouldn’t it be nice to have what you needed to get on your mat at home?

Not sure where to start?

My favorite teacher, Michelle, has some videos for what ails you.

Work on your computer too much? Try this heart openers class

Feeling scattered and like your feet aren’t quite touching the ground? Try this grounding class.

Idea #5 – Yoga Props for Restorative Yoga at Home

I’m not going to lie, these props make me a happy, happy momma.

Click on the image for purchase information.

This list turns out to be MY real Mother’s Day wish list. Obviously not everyone is in Sacramento and able to come to workshops at It’s All Yoga, but there are studios close to where you live that your yoga momma might want a gift from.

Happy Mother’s Day!

What’s on your wish list?

Saturday Senses

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A way to capture the spirit of each week…

{ruby in the sprinkler – photo credit: me}

tasting :: chicken chow fun from pho bac and pork sandwiches from fat face.

hearing ::  good byes from family and squeals of delight in the sprinkler and on the swing.

smelling :: the great outdoors on ruby’s cheeks when she comes in from playing.

seeing :: our regular play date friends and aunties.

feeling :: overcome by emotion aka a bit weepy.

wishing/hoping :: the crazy spring heat doesn’t kill me this week.

What about you?

What are your senses this Saturday?

Looking back, how was your week?

Leave a comment and tell me all about it. I’d seriously love to hear about your week. Now’s not the time to be shy.

This weekly tradition inspired by Pink of Perfection’s Five Sense Friday.

Don’t forget to click the links!

Saturday Senses

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A way to capture the spirit of each week…

{dad, sharon and ruby – photo credit: me}

tasting :: manna bread and english breakfast tea.

hearing ::  ruby say “moo”, “baa” and “lalala”.

smelling :: redwoods

seeing :: my dad and sharon falling head over heels for little bear.

feeling :: thrilled my family is spending time with our new family.

wishing/hoping :: for more memory making.

What about you?

What are your senses this Saturday?

Looking back, how was your week?

Leave a comment and tell me all about it. I’d seriously love to hear about your week. Now’s not the time to be shy.

This weekly tradition inspired by Pink of Perfection’s Five Sense Friday.

Don’t forget to click the links!

Spring Cleaning and Planting Seeds

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Spring Cleaning – out with the old:

– Comparisons be damned!

– Glasses organized – hanging on a white wooden clothes hanger and now I’m wearing ALL my glasses and feeling fancy with my cute glasses wardrobe. Thanks to Pinterest for the inspiration!

– Emptied out my sock and underwear drawer and tossed all the ugly and uncomfortable. Why did it take so long to do this? Only cute and comfortable belong in those drawers.

– Purged my entire wardrobe to make room for my new wardrobe from Swap Asana. I totally scored.

–  Sorted, stashed,  and organized all Ruby’s toys into daily toy bins. Less choice makes for a less chaotic house and kid.

– Stashed almost all Ruby’s board books – turns out babies love repeats so much, this mama was going a bit kookoo.

– My sinuses – so many allergies going on here lately. Early to bed and lots of medication and I’m making it outside every day without sneezing like a crazy person.

Planting Seeds – in with the new:

– Daily park visits with the baby in hopes of planting the seed of daily physical exercise. {Maybe I can finally learn this lesson, since I’m responsible for teaching Ruby}.

– Boot organization project envisioned and supplies procured.

– Cooking 3 meals a day for the tiny girl in hopes we’ll all have a lifetime of mindful meal times. {A girl can dream}.

– Added yoga classes to my calendar – twice a week. I remember why I love it so much – quiet, community and savasana.

– Table manners – teaching the tiny one how to use a napkin and utensils and sit at the table instead of the Exersaucer. Now if only I can get her to stop dropping the napkin and utensils on the floor…

– Reading with that girl every day from her stack of library books because children are made readers on the laps of their parents. {someone please make me a t-shirt}.

– Mama meditation group – next meeting May 10th.

What have you been clearing out? What are you planting the seeds of?

photo credits: we heart it – click image for source

The Comparison Blues

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Truer words have not been spoken.

Friends, I’ve been quietly suffering from a serious case of Internet envy as of late and it’s made me a bit quiet and introspective.

This Twitter friend is buying a house! That Twitter friend is training for a half marathon! Those Twitter friends are having babies!

And just what am I doing?

Where is all my BIG LIFE EXCITEMENT? {I wonder very judgmentally.}

The interesting thing is I already have all those things. I bought a house (holy crap! over a decade ago), trained for a half (and almost made it to the race) and I HAVE a baby.

So what is up with the envy?

After spending many nap hours pondering this question, I’ve come up with an answer for myself which I will share with you.

The life I’ve chosen to live these days is a pretty quiet one. I’m not documenting every minute and sometimes it feels like don’t have much to say because people all over the world have kids and clearly what we’re doing over here isn’t revolutionary or mind-blowingly different from what everyone is doing. I didn’t invent motherhood and I’m clearly not pretending I did.

When I do try to document our little life my main partner in crime is either trying to smack my camera Sean Penn style, swatting at my iPod when I’m trying to tweet and yelling no, or running away from me.

In other words, I just can’t document my life and really be present with Ruby. Lesson learned.

Also, I’m not sure my readers, besides my mom (hi mom!), really care about the moment to moment action of me and the little bear.

This, I assure you, isn’t a cry for comments about how you really, really do want me to live-tweet my action packed mornings or write about the wackiness of new motherhood (more than I already do). I am just trying to get my head around my recent comparisons and the resulting bout of jealous gloominess.

To be honest, I feel better just admitting I was comparing my life to other people’s. Life is moving at a baby’s pace right now and won’t be like this forever, so I better slow down and enjoy it while it lasts.  Not in that everything is precious way, but in they are going to make me go back to work at some point and I will only get to hang with the little one after school and clearly I am so not ready for that.

Do you ever get the comparison blues?

Saturday Senses

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A way to capture the spirit of each week…

{photo credit: me}

tasting :: tofu tacos.

hearing ::  the wise/friendly/loving voices of so many friends.

smelling :: flonase – the three allergy medicines together are the trick!

seeing :: 4 of ruby’s molars come in this week, dripping wet shirt fronts, and lots and lots of snot.

feeling :: grateful for such ridiculously amazing women in my life.

wishing/hoping :: you can join me at swap asana today.

What about you?

What are your senses this Saturday?

Looking back, how was your week?

Leave a comment and tell me all about it. I’d seriously love to hear about your week. Now’s not the time to be shy.

This weekly tradition inspired by Pink of Perfection’s Five Sense Friday.

Don’t forget to click the links!

Saturday Senses

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A way to capture the spirit of each week…

{photo credit: pinterest – also see: tami the rusty yogi}

tasting :: veggie enchiladas.

hearing ::  ruby yell “mmmm0oooorrrrrre” every time i get something from the fridge or anyone is eating anything anywhere.

smelling :: spring.

seeing :: the inside of it’s all yoga! for a class! or two! or three! {it’s lovely}

feeling :: exhausted, yet connected.

wishing/hoping :: you can join me at swap asana on april 21st.

What about you?

What are your senses this Saturday?

Looking back, how was your week?

Leave a comment and tell me all about it. I’d seriously love to hear about your week. Now’s not the time to be shy.

This weekly tradition inspired by Pink of Perfection’s Five Sense Friday.

Don’t forget to click the links!

What I’m Excited About: Sacramento Edition

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So many good things going on locally that I feel the need to share.

My friends Amanda from Urban Almanac and Christine from Stinky Buddha have started a mindful meditation/discussion group. The first meeting is tonight.

It’s All Yoga is having Spring Swap Asana on Saturday, April 21 – at the studio. Women’s gently used, still in style, clothes, shoes and accessories.

Check out the Facebook invite and bring your friends.

Play and Stay and Baby and Me Rhyme Time at the Robbie Waters Branch of the Sacramento Public Library is totally worth the drive to the Pocket from Midtown.

Tuesday and Thursdays – Open play time starts at 10:15 and goes to 11.

11-11:20 or so is story time and if your kid doesn’t nap until later the toys come back out until noon.

It’s completely FREE and always filled with delightful tiny people and their caregivers.

What are you excited about?

43 Before 43: Take Myself To the Movies

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News flash – until recently I’d never been to the movies on my own.  Weird, I know. Solo movie viewing seems to be a rite of passage into independent womanhood I missed.

The reason? Mostly because I don’t see my friends enough as it is and we hardly ever go to the movies because we tend to be talkers and that isn’t really conducive to movie going.

Fast forward a few short months into parenthood and suddenly doing things all by myself seems like a great idea. Yes, I still miss my friends, but the sheer bliss of only answering to myself outweighs my need for adult conversation.

What movie shall I see? – The Artist {loved} and Friends with Kids {enjoyed enough} *

What theater should I go to? – Varsity in Davis and Tower in Sacramento

Where shall I sit?  – Wherever I want.

What will I do while I wait for the movie to start? – Words with Friends and wonder if I’ll be alone the entire movie.

Two hours alone without a little person hanging on me? Oh my!

Needless to say, I’ve decided to make this a monthly treat.

What regular treats do you do for yourself?

* other things I’ve seen recently on Nexflix Watch Instantly which I recommend – Being Elmo and The Pixar Story.

Saturday Senses

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A way to capture the spirit of each week…

{photo credit: google images}

tasting :: sweet potato, black bean, corn burritos.

hearing ::  ruby screaming bloody murder in the car.

smelling :: cows, sheep, pigs, ducks, geese, chickens, goats and rabbits at the little farm.

seeing :: photos. yogis and ruby as a yogi.

feeling :: down in the dumps and starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

wishing/hoping :: for a brighter outlook.

What about you?

What are your senses this Saturday?

Looking back, how was your week?

Leave a comment and tell me all about it. I’d seriously love to hear about your week. Now’s not the time to be shy.

This weekly tradition inspired by Pink of Perfection’s Five Sense Friday.

Don’t forget to click the links!

A Reminder

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Recently I’ve been plagued by a serious case of the worries ranging from something life threatening happening to Ruby to future school yard bullies and everything in between.

A few minutes into my most recent session with my therapist and she reminded me what I already knew – when I focus on the here and now – life is pretty damn great.

So I’ve decided to make a choice to not worry now and to deal with stuff as it comes up.

Yes, I know this isn’t revolutionary. I needed the reminder and thought I’d save you some therapy bucks.

What’s on your mind lately?

 

 

 

Saturday Senses

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A way to capture the spirit of each week…

{photo credit: vanessa}

tasting :: tea, mandarins and soy yogurt.

hearing ::  no! no! no! {little girlfriend has a new favorite word}

smelling :: the rain. i seriously never get tired of this smell.

seeing :: so many babies – play dates, singing class and story time at the library.

feeling :: sickie. a touch of the flu? i hope it is fast.

wishing/hoping :: for a quick recovery and a super fun spring break.

What about you?

What are your senses this Saturday?

Looking back, how was your week?

Leave a comment and tell me all about it. I’d seriously love to hear about your week. Now’s not the time to be shy.

This weekly tradition inspired by Pink of Perfection’s Five Sense Friday.

Don’t forget to click the links!

Saturday Senses – The Birthday Week Edition

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A way to capture the spirit of each week…

{via – we heart it}

tasting :: cucumber martinis, curly fries and pb+j on sourdough.

hearing ::  ruby chatting up a storm with my friends and a judge say it is final.

smelling :: the courthouse.

seeing :: out-of-town and close by friends.

feeling :: loved and relieved. birthdays and happy judges are a good thing.

wishing/hoping :: an easy breezy week – the countdown to spring break has begun!

What about you?

What are your senses this Saturday?

Looking back, how was your week?

Leave a comment and tell me all about it. I’d seriously love to hear about your week. Now’s not the time to be shy.

This weekly tradition inspired by Pink of Perfection’s Five Sense Friday.

Don’t forget to click the links!

What I’m Loving This Birthday Week

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Have I ever mentioned how much I love my birthday? I do. It’s the only day I ever feel completely at ease with satisfying my every desire.

I’ve been enjoying a low-key celebration all week with meals out, swing time with baby girl, long talks with friends and a cocktail or two.

I’m loving this week:

Ruby is ours forever!

Finding Ruby’s court dress on super sale.

Birthday wishes in person, online and via phone.

Seeing my friends with my kid warms my heart in a way that brings tears to my eyes.

Books, books, books – themes: simple living with kids and educational travel.

A new Kindle Fire (thanks, sweetheart!) – so excited about having yet another option for reading. Now I just need to figure out how to get the library offerings.

Therapeutic therapy sessions – lately I’ve been making some serious progress and it feels like slogging through the yuck is for a good reason.

Ruby’s laugh.

Melissa’s visit.

My new haircut from Tari at Parlour by the Park.

Ruby kisses.

Amy is home from NYC and Paris and we have a date to talk about it!

Surprise bags full of baby clothes – thank you Lena and Yuliya!

Pandora’s Outlaw Country station.

A massage scheduled for this afternoon.

Plans to see Rhett Miller and the Serial Lady Killers in SF in June.

Spring Break is right around the corner.

What’s making you happy this week?

Happy Birthday To Me: Our Adoption Is {Finally} Final!

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If you’ve been reading this blog for any amount of time, you have figured out by now – adoption takes a long time. We started our process September 11, 2008 and yesterday Ruby officially became Ruby and a citizen of the United States.

I couldn’t have asked for a better birthday present.

Our experience during this final piece of the adoption was full of paperwork and crowded waiting room visits, but it all came together yesterday when we met with the judge in his chambers.

The bailiff held the baby and let her play with her radio while Jed and I spoke to the judge and signed papers. Ruby’s fan club of court house ladies waited outside the judge’s office.

In the end, we’re officially a family.

Finally.

Happy Birthday to me.

Saturday Senses

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A way to capture the spirit of each week…

{via – we heart it} note: only 3 or less months a year – sorry, portland.

tasting :: burrito con pollo sans dairy and maple brown sugar frosted mini wheats with rice milk

hearing ::  rain on the rooftop and npr in the background all day

smelling :: all the smelly candles at target and coming home to light fragrance free tea lights instead

seeing :: babies playing together.

feeling :: anxious. little girl had her first brush with separation and man, she meant business. amazing clarity after a brilliant session with my therapist.

wishing/hoping :: for an easeful court date monday and a rockin’ birthday tuesday.

What about you?

What are your senses this Saturday?

Looking back, how was your week?

Leave a comment and tell me all about it. I’d seriously love to hear about your week. Now’s not the time to be shy.

This weekly tradition inspired by Pink of Perfection’s Five Sense Friday.

Don’t forget to click the links!

What’s For Dinner?

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Recently our neighbor brought over some fresh produce from her home delivery box because she was leaving for the weekend and didn’t want it to spoil while she was away. (Yay for the home team!)

If you follow me on Pinterest, you know I am an active pinner. One of my biggest boards is called Food Finds where is pin my ideas for recipes I would like to try.

Swiss Chard was one of the offerings and while I definitely aspire to include green leafy vegetables into our diet, I am new to it. Enter my favorite source of inspiration and dinner is served.

Skillet Gnocchi with Chard and White Beans

While it wasn’t the prettiest dinner I’d ever made, it sure was delicious. Cooking the gnocchi in the pan rather than boiling them really made the difference.

Note: I used Daiya cheese and no Parmesan due to my dairy allergy.

Where do you find inspiration for dinner? Are your cookbooks collecting dust in the shelf because you are cooking from online sources? I am dying to know about your meals, so leave me a comment below and tell me all about your dinner inspiration.

Saturday Senses

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A way to capture the spirit of each week…

{via – pinterest}

tasting :: vegan tastiness from the tgbts recipe archive and a delicious decidedly non vegan meal at the waterboy

hearing ::  the baby squeal with delight as we dance to this and this and this.

smelling :: gas from all the leaf blowers. would it hurt people to use a damn rake?

seeing :: 20 snoozers on sunday and photos of my sweet baby girl

feeling :: intense pain from the tiny little bite ruby gave my arm. any advice if she keeps this up?

wishing/hoping :: for an easy breezy week full of laughs and good health – gotta get ready for my birthday week.

What about you?

What are your senses this Saturday?

Looking back, how was your week?

Leave a comment and tell me all about it. I’d seriously love to hear about your week. Now’s not the time to be shy.

This weekly tradition inspired by Pink of Perfection’s Five Sense Friday.

Don’t forget to click the links!