Chủ Nhật, 17 tháng 4, 2011
De vanzare: Geanta de Umar Flori pe Negru / The Flower Shopper Bag
Thứ Bảy, 16 tháng 4, 2011
CirculMagic merge la Rebirth Water Festival 2011
CirculMagic Shop merge la Rebirth Water Festival.
Venim cu ceainarie, loc de chill, deco halucinant, ceaiuri aromate de plante, Nag Champa, biscuiti deliciosi deliciosi, doua ore de SPA pe zi pentru fetele cochete si magazinul cu brose, traiste, cercei si decoratiuni.
Thứ Bảy, 2 tháng 4, 2011
MauldenNews Feb/March 2011
Hello everyone!
Hope things are well with you. I am feeling GREAT today! I got up early to go running in the morning before work, which I haven't done in a while. I generally prefer running in the daylight. But this morning was SO beautiful - 50 degrees, birds singing, dawn breaking over snow-capped mountains - it couldn't have been better. All day I have felt so happy. I've just passed my first anniversary on this run-walk-run program. I feel great, I'm five pounds lighter and those annoying little saddlebags on my thighs are maybe a little smaller. 
I'm looking forward to my third half-marathon (in Ogden canyon, coming up in May). And I MAY have bitten off more than I can chew, but I just registered for my first MARATHON. Eeek!
I'm looking forward to my third half-marathon (in Ogden canyon, coming up in May). And I MAY have bitten off more than I can chew, but I just registered for my first MARATHON. Eeek! I just attended my first Running School with Jeff Galloway, whose method inspired me to start running and still continues to inspire me. I never knew running could actually make me feel this good. Even though I've read his books I still took home a good amount of new info and tips from the seminar. Here is a picture of me with Jeff. I never had a sports hero growing up, but now in my 5th decade of life, I finally have one. He's been running for 52 years. He is inspiring, a great coach/teacher/writer, and even nicer in person than online. :-) I also found out he is a leftie, so of course that only makes me like him more.
Bryan and the kids are doing well. I signed us all up for a "multi-sport skills" class in which we go to a gym and play various forms of ball and run around. Alex is doing well and enjoying it, but Sam, our formerly agreeable, sociable, easygoing Sam, (who loves all ball sports) has chosen this time in his life to show that he is HIS OWN person and does NOT have to listen to the teachers or his parents. Grrrr. We wonder what we're doing wrong when our child is the worst behaved in the class. However, we have also enrolled both kids in swimming lessons and he has been VERY attentive to the swim teacher. Nothing like the imminent threat of drowning to focus your attention. I'm glad he's at least listening to somebody.
Alex has recently learned a new skill: climbing to the top of every door frame in the house. No one showed her this - she just did it, all on her own. I told her my sister Rosie used to do that and she is so proud to be just like Rosie. :-) She was born in the year of the monkey (as was Bryan) so it fits her.
It is fun to have such a free spirit in the house. One day she asked if she could paint with her watercolors. I set her up with the brush, paper and paints and came back to find this:
I guess since I won't let her play with my makeup, she found another way. The finished product:
Other news bits from this month:
- One day while transferring clothes from the washer to the dryer, I discovered that my pager had gone through an entire cold gentle cycle. Oops. The subconscious mind does try to get rid of the pager occasionally. Alex thought I would get in big trouble with the boss at work, but I didn't. I took the battery out and let it dry for a couple days, and it still works!
- Books I read this month:
The Hole in Our Gospel by Rich Stearns, president of World Vision. His story was interesting and it was a great book to reset my perspective and priorities.
Twelve Steps to a More Compassionate Life by Karen Armstrong. This was a good read, too - interesting history of various religious thinkers, perspectives on Islam, and thought-provoking (simple but not easy) ways to practice compassion, including being compassionate with one's self.
Three Cups of Tea and Stones into Schools by Greg Mortenson - great true story of one man's quest to build schools and promote girls' and women's education in Afghanistan.
Well, that's about it - see you next month.
Thứ Hai, 7 tháng 2, 2011
MauldenNews January 2011
I find myself with a little bit of time right now, so even though I don't have pictures downloaded, I will at least get this month's news on the blog.
Sad but true: I got a new camera for Christmas, but have yet to actually use it. The old one still works. I guess it's just psychological inertia. In order to use the new one, I'd have to take 5 minutes to figure out how it works. OK, I officially make this my goal for the month. I'll post pictures from the new camera in February.
Alex is doing really well in kindergarten. Her social skills have improved compared to last quarter (much less hitting , though she still displays some "resistance to authority" - surprise, surprise). Academic skills are at the top 10%, not surprising. I am so pleased with her caring teachers and small class size of 14 students. Most important is the fact that she LIKES school and even admits to liking it. I'm grateful. Alex's most recent remarkable statement was this: "I don't mind Sam, and I don't mind singing; it's the two together I can't stand." Really, Sam's singing isn't so bad, but I can remember how irrititating my siblings were (I won't mention any names) so I kind of sympathize with her. But can't bring myself to ban Sam's singing. Alex can plug her ears.
Sam is doing well too - he has perfected his Curious George voice and mannerisms, which we are trying to cure him of, but to no avail. He enjoyed performing his gymnastics skills with his class this month and proudly repeats them at home (forward rolls off the couch! cartwheels off the couch! balancing on the couch!). He wakes us each morning with cheerful songs and lots of wiggly romping in our bed. Things I wish he wouldn't do: climb up on counters and steal candy from the top shelves where we unsuccessfully try to hide it; eat crackers at my computer leaving crumbs all over the keyboard; leave the toilet unflushed. Any hints for getting kids to flush will be welcome here.
Bryan's news of the month was the onset of repeated episodes of vertigo, a new experience for him. Luckily, his personal neurologist was close at hand; I decided his nervous system was functioning properly except for a consistent deviation to the left while walking with eyes closed. My prediction of a normal brain MRI was happily correct, leaving us with a probable inner-ear issue. Luckily he seems to be back to normal. His other adventure was a little sledding in his car on an icy road, hitting a curb and losing a hubcap in a snowdrift. The car had a wobble at highway speeds after this, which the kids enjoyed (they liked saying "ahhhhhh" and hearing their voices vibrate) but is now fixed after the bent wheel was replaced.
I actually have a career highlight to report this month. As a result of my project to implement standardized computerized order sets for stroke patients at the VA, I was selected to attend a forum on Patient Advocacy sponsored by the American Academy of Neurology. Although we had to do camera interviews, which are not my favorite thing nor my talent, I enjoyed being with a group of very dedicated, caring people who are doing interesting things to advocate for neurology patients. One example was a doctor who started an art therapy program for Alzheimer's patients. His father was able to express himself through art long after his ability to speak was gone.
My other accomplishment for this month was running my second half-marathon! It wasn't an official race, just a solo "fun run" on a 40-degree winter's day. For my course, I chose the Porter Rockwell trail, a paved route with nice mountain views, bikers, runners, walkers, dogs, and the occasional horseback rider. I enjoyed it and finished without injury, but despite trying to speed it up a bit in the second half, I finished about 1 minute slower than my first half marathon time back in September. Maybe this route was hillier, and I was facing a headwind coming back, and I was getting over a virus...or maybe I'm just getting slower...?? but anyway, I did it! Next official race is set for May, the Ogden Half Marathon, but for now I'm going to take a break and relax. My inner runner is satisfied.
And that's all for this month's news. Hope all is well with everyone. Send me an e-mail - I'd love to hear from you!
Sad but true: I got a new camera for Christmas, but have yet to actually use it. The old one still works. I guess it's just psychological inertia. In order to use the new one, I'd have to take 5 minutes to figure out how it works. OK, I officially make this my goal for the month. I'll post pictures from the new camera in February.
Alex is doing really well in kindergarten. Her social skills have improved compared to last quarter (much less hitting , though she still displays some "resistance to authority" - surprise, surprise). Academic skills are at the top 10%, not surprising. I am so pleased with her caring teachers and small class size of 14 students. Most important is the fact that she LIKES school and even admits to liking it. I'm grateful. Alex's most recent remarkable statement was this: "I don't mind Sam, and I don't mind singing; it's the two together I can't stand." Really, Sam's singing isn't so bad, but I can remember how irrititating my siblings were (I won't mention any names) so I kind of sympathize with her. But can't bring myself to ban Sam's singing. Alex can plug her ears.
Sam is doing well too - he has perfected his Curious George voice and mannerisms, which we are trying to cure him of, but to no avail. He enjoyed performing his gymnastics skills with his class this month and proudly repeats them at home (forward rolls off the couch! cartwheels off the couch! balancing on the couch!). He wakes us each morning with cheerful songs and lots of wiggly romping in our bed. Things I wish he wouldn't do: climb up on counters and steal candy from the top shelves where we unsuccessfully try to hide it; eat crackers at my computer leaving crumbs all over the keyboard; leave the toilet unflushed. Any hints for getting kids to flush will be welcome here.
Bryan's news of the month was the onset of repeated episodes of vertigo, a new experience for him. Luckily, his personal neurologist was close at hand; I decided his nervous system was functioning properly except for a consistent deviation to the left while walking with eyes closed. My prediction of a normal brain MRI was happily correct, leaving us with a probable inner-ear issue. Luckily he seems to be back to normal. His other adventure was a little sledding in his car on an icy road, hitting a curb and losing a hubcap in a snowdrift. The car had a wobble at highway speeds after this, which the kids enjoyed (they liked saying "ahhhhhh" and hearing their voices vibrate) but is now fixed after the bent wheel was replaced.
I actually have a career highlight to report this month. As a result of my project to implement standardized computerized order sets for stroke patients at the VA, I was selected to attend a forum on Patient Advocacy sponsored by the American Academy of Neurology. Although we had to do camera interviews, which are not my favorite thing nor my talent, I enjoyed being with a group of very dedicated, caring people who are doing interesting things to advocate for neurology patients. One example was a doctor who started an art therapy program for Alzheimer's patients. His father was able to express himself through art long after his ability to speak was gone.
While victims of Alzheimer's disease and other related dementias are losing their memories and ability to communicate, art can be their escape. “Art can often be a window to bypass the constrictions of dementia,” says UAB geriatrician Andrew Duxbury, M.D. “Their brains may be damaged, but the qualities present in children that allow them to express themselves are still there. It's a way for them to express what they're thinking and feeling.”If you're interested, here is a news article about it.
http://www.petoskeynews.com/news/null-art-therapy-changing-perspectives-lives-of-alzheimers-patients-20110128,0,3319637.story.
My other accomplishment for this month was running my second half-marathon! It wasn't an official race, just a solo "fun run" on a 40-degree winter's day. For my course, I chose the Porter Rockwell trail, a paved route with nice mountain views, bikers, runners, walkers, dogs, and the occasional horseback rider. I enjoyed it and finished without injury, but despite trying to speed it up a bit in the second half, I finished about 1 minute slower than my first half marathon time back in September. Maybe this route was hillier, and I was facing a headwind coming back, and I was getting over a virus...or maybe I'm just getting slower...?? but anyway, I did it! Next official race is set for May, the Ogden Half Marathon, but for now I'm going to take a break and relax. My inner runner is satisfied.
And that's all for this month's news. Hope all is well with everyone. Send me an e-mail - I'd love to hear from you!
Thứ Hai, 10 tháng 1, 2011
quote of the day - a song in my belly button
Bedtime with Sam...
Sam: "I have a song in my belly button."
Me: "Oh. What song is it?"
Sam: "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star."
Sam: "I have a song in my belly button."
Me: "Oh. What song is it?"
Sam: "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star."
Thứ Bảy, 1 tháng 1, 2011
MauldenNews December 2010
Wow, another year gone already. Feeling grateful for a happy and blessed year. I've been rather lazy about blogging, but we've had a good month.
Sam drew a complete blank when Santa asked him what he wanted for Christmas, but luckily there was a box of candy canes at Santa's feet so Sam pointed and said, "That." Alex was too nervous to tell Santa what she wanted; all she could do on his lap was giggle. No matter, she told me she really really wanted yarn for Christmas, and she did get a full-size multicolored skein (if that is the right word - I've not really touched yarn since about second grade). She has spent hours making yarn creations, mini-balls of yarn, yarn Christmas ornaments, yarn animals, and more. We have spent some time picking up yarn around the house, too. At least it's easy to clean up.
Sam's stocking is not in this picture because Sam absconded with it on Christmas Eve and it took me a while to find it. It was upstairs dangling from the cord to the window blinds. I guess he thought it might be easier access for Santa. Alex made sure we didn't forget to leave cookies and CHOCOLATE milk for Santa, because "Santa's probably never had chocolate milk before!"
Bryan is showing off his gift from Alex: a candle and two AA batteries to power it.
Sam liked his Lightning McQueen Pez dispenser.
Alex loved her can of Mr. Bubble so much that she used the entire thing in the course of one bath.
And finally, we are so proud of our little swimmer - isn't she awesome?
For some reason I don't feel I have much to say tonight - I should be summarizing our year or remembering the highlights, or making a top ten list, or sharing my New Year's resolutions...but you'll just have to call me or e-mail me for those details...I'm feeling lazy tonight.
Mostly I am grateful, for the life I've been given and the people God has given me to love.
Happy and blessed New Year to all.
Sam drew a complete blank when Santa asked him what he wanted for Christmas, but luckily there was a box of candy canes at Santa's feet so Sam pointed and said, "That." Alex was too nervous to tell Santa what she wanted; all she could do on his lap was giggle. No matter, she told me she really really wanted yarn for Christmas, and she did get a full-size multicolored skein (if that is the right word - I've not really touched yarn since about second grade). She has spent hours making yarn creations, mini-balls of yarn, yarn Christmas ornaments, yarn animals, and more. We have spent some time picking up yarn around the house, too. At least it's easy to clean up.
And finally, we are so proud of our little swimmer - isn't she awesome?
For some reason I don't feel I have much to say tonight - I should be summarizing our year or remembering the highlights, or making a top ten list, or sharing my New Year's resolutions...but you'll just have to call me or e-mail me for those details...I'm feeling lazy tonight.
Mostly I am grateful, for the life I've been given and the people God has given me to love.
Happy and blessed New Year to all.
Thứ Tư, 8 tháng 12, 2010
Morning of Dec. 8
I have finished my morning workout and am taking advantage of the still-quiet house to do a little reading before the kids wake up. I'm reading a book called "Everyday Blessings" on "mindful parenting." The chapter I'm on is called "Live-in Zen Masters" and is causing me to reflect on all the things my children have taught me, and are still teaching me. Like how impatient, rigid, and attached to having my own way I can be. How reluctant I am to cede any of my planned free time to unexpected interruptions. How little I pay attention to my own internal state when under stress and how often I lack empathy for what it's like to be small and powerless. Yes, my little Zen masters are powerful and effective teachers.
Ten glorious minutes of reading go by. I hear small footsteps and look up to see Sam's head, covered in a blanket, peeking around the corner. I offer my standard morning greeting: "Samwise! Good morning sunshine!" His mouth opens and a little squeak comes out. The blanket goes over his head and he disappears back into the hall. A few seconds later he is back, curled up face-down on the floor at my feet. "Woof, woof," he says. I rub his back. "'Woof, woof' means 'I am hungry,'" he informs me. "OK, little puppy dog, let's get you something to eat."
The morning routine begins. Coffee, oranges, cereal, frozen berries. Sam gets himself dressed but in the process opens up a wound on his thumb that begins to bleed. At the same time, he urgently needs to go to the bathroom. He runs to the toilet clutching the front of his pajamas and sucking his injured thumb. Alex makes him a "band-aid" out of yellow sticky-note paper and offers to bandage him with it. I am happy she's trying to help, but must veto the paper "band-aid" in favor of a Snoopy one with an absorbent pad. We finish breakfast. I start a load of laundry and load the dishwasher. The kids find the number 8 on their Advent calendars and happily munch their chocolate squares.
10:00 AM. Swimming lessons for Alex. She is making beautiful sine-waves with her body, moving like a dolphin across the pool, a plastic ring around her feet to keep her legs together. Sam is borrowing the instructor's clipboard, writing "SAMUEL" and "MOM" in awkward capital letters with a pencil. "How do you spell 'humongous?'" he asks. We write more words and draw mazes. Alex does a delicate dive, followed by a belly-flop and a cannonball off the diving board.
11:30 AM. Half an hour for lunch and then we head to school. Alex asks if we can go to the library, "pretty please, with a cherry on top" to get a book called Barn Owls that she read in school. She also asks, "Mom, why is it important to know how to fight?" I tell her that sometimes we need to fight to protect ourselves from being hurt, or to protect others who we love. We talk about self-defense. She wants to study Tae Kwon Do. I think I may sign her up, and Sam if they will take him.
That's it for today. Just wanted to record the ordinary stuff. Life is beautiful, no?
Ten glorious minutes of reading go by. I hear small footsteps and look up to see Sam's head, covered in a blanket, peeking around the corner. I offer my standard morning greeting: "Samwise! Good morning sunshine!" His mouth opens and a little squeak comes out. The blanket goes over his head and he disappears back into the hall. A few seconds later he is back, curled up face-down on the floor at my feet. "Woof, woof," he says. I rub his back. "'Woof, woof' means 'I am hungry,'" he informs me. "OK, little puppy dog, let's get you something to eat."
The morning routine begins. Coffee, oranges, cereal, frozen berries. Sam gets himself dressed but in the process opens up a wound on his thumb that begins to bleed. At the same time, he urgently needs to go to the bathroom. He runs to the toilet clutching the front of his pajamas and sucking his injured thumb. Alex makes him a "band-aid" out of yellow sticky-note paper and offers to bandage him with it. I am happy she's trying to help, but must veto the paper "band-aid" in favor of a Snoopy one with an absorbent pad. We finish breakfast. I start a load of laundry and load the dishwasher. The kids find the number 8 on their Advent calendars and happily munch their chocolate squares.
10:00 AM. Swimming lessons for Alex. She is making beautiful sine-waves with her body, moving like a dolphin across the pool, a plastic ring around her feet to keep her legs together. Sam is borrowing the instructor's clipboard, writing "SAMUEL" and "MOM" in awkward capital letters with a pencil. "How do you spell 'humongous?'" he asks. We write more words and draw mazes. Alex does a delicate dive, followed by a belly-flop and a cannonball off the diving board.
11:30 AM. Half an hour for lunch and then we head to school. Alex asks if we can go to the library, "pretty please, with a cherry on top" to get a book called Barn Owls that she read in school. She also asks, "Mom, why is it important to know how to fight?" I tell her that sometimes we need to fight to protect ourselves from being hurt, or to protect others who we love. We talk about self-defense. She wants to study Tae Kwon Do. I think I may sign her up, and Sam if they will take him.
That's it for today. Just wanted to record the ordinary stuff. Life is beautiful, no?