And this month, Darcy's the Student of the Month for her class! Yay Darcy Jo! Darcy's school does a great job of acknowledging student achievement and each month, all the teachers choose one of their students as Student of the Month for their class. At the monthly assembly, the principal calls them up one at a time, puts her arm around them, and reads what their teachers wrote about them in the nomination.
This is what Darcy's teacher wrote about her:
"Darcy's enthusiasm and energy make her a force to be reckoned with in kindergarten and everywhere else she goes! Darcy is a curious, creative learner always full of questions and the desire to know more. Darcy already reads first grade books with fluency, accuracy and wonderful expression. She is a focused student who can block out anything when she is concentrating on a task. Watch out world, Darcy is on her way, and nothing is going to stop this girl!"
Earlier in the week, I got an even bigger (in my mind) compliment. I was waiting with Darcy at her school for their PTO-sponsored December Gift Shop to open. A teacher I didn't recognize came over and introduced herself as one of the special education teachers and told me that she wanted to let me know that Darcy is always welcoming and friendly and inclusive to her special ed students. She was so sweet and told me how much she appreciates students who treat her kids as they do everyone else and that Darcy really stands out in this regard. Go Darcy Jo! Michael was bursting with so much pride over this report that he broke the no-dessert-on-school-nights rule and busted out a special dessert for her.
Friday, December 16, 2011
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
The End Of Another NaBloPoMo
Ah, sweet, sweet November 30th. Last year, you may recall that I had a clever way to end NaBloPoMo. This year, I'm not sure that I can be that clever again. And I still have no photos, so I'm breaking the promise to include at least one more before the end of this whole month of blogging.
The best inspiration I can find for tonight comes in two parts from my friend Karla. She revealed today that instead of doing NaBloPoMo, she participated in the much more serious NaNoWriMo: National Novel Writing Month, the goal of which is to pen 50,000 words of a novel in 30 days. She hit 50,700 this afternoon, so she won! Many congrats to Karla. I considered doing it last year and maybe this will give me the courage to try next year.
The nice thing about NaBloPoMo is that after the last post on November 30th, it's over. It's a complete cycle. I think there's slightly less of that with NaNoWriMo because it's unlikely that participants have penned a fully realized novel, so there's still work to be done, even if you're allowed to set it aside for months at a time instead of mere hours.
Karla posted a link today as well. It was to an NPR story about tiny paper sculptures that have appeared around Edinburgh over the past year. They are truly exquisitely made and as mysterious as they are lovely. NPR provides a link to a more comprehensive version of the story, with many, many more photos of all ten of the sculptures. There's a point to pointing you towards these stories beyond the fact that the artistry and sentiments embodied by these paper sculptures are worth looking at on their own.
When the last sculpture was left, anonymously as they all had been, there was also a longer note. It was written cryptically, but the first stanza (?) read:
"It's important that a story is not too long...does not become tedious....
"You need to know when to end a story," she thought.
Some of you might think it would be great if I kept blogging Every Day, but it would get tedious. Our lives are interesting, but not that interesting!
The best inspiration I can find for tonight comes in two parts from my friend Karla. She revealed today that instead of doing NaBloPoMo, she participated in the much more serious NaNoWriMo: National Novel Writing Month, the goal of which is to pen 50,000 words of a novel in 30 days. She hit 50,700 this afternoon, so she won! Many congrats to Karla. I considered doing it last year and maybe this will give me the courage to try next year.
The nice thing about NaBloPoMo is that after the last post on November 30th, it's over. It's a complete cycle. I think there's slightly less of that with NaNoWriMo because it's unlikely that participants have penned a fully realized novel, so there's still work to be done, even if you're allowed to set it aside for months at a time instead of mere hours.
Karla posted a link today as well. It was to an NPR story about tiny paper sculptures that have appeared around Edinburgh over the past year. They are truly exquisitely made and as mysterious as they are lovely. NPR provides a link to a more comprehensive version of the story, with many, many more photos of all ten of the sculptures. There's a point to pointing you towards these stories beyond the fact that the artistry and sentiments embodied by these paper sculptures are worth looking at on their own.
When the last sculpture was left, anonymously as they all had been, there was also a longer note. It was written cryptically, but the first stanza (?) read:
"It's important that a story is not too long...does not become tedious....
"You need to know when to end a story," she thought.
Some of you might think it would be great if I kept blogging Every Day, but it would get tedious. Our lives are interesting, but not that interesting!
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
The Interview
Michael Thomas Glore arrived just a few minutes late for our interview, looking devilishly handsome in his two-day stubble. He appeared slightly worn-out from working his day job, from which he hopes to retire when he hits the entertainment big-time. He accepted a beer when I offered drinks and we got right to the interview.
Glores Around The Parks: You've recently been cast as Willy Wonka in the Lighthouse Repertory Theater's production. How does it feel to be thrust into such an important role on such a large stage at this point in your acting career?
Does that answer your question?
GATP: Maybe. But let's move on. I didn't realize that you'd been in the "biz" for so long or with so many accomplishments under your belt. Could you talk—briefly—about your earliest experiences in musical theater?
MTG: Time is so relative. And does it even matter, really? It's actually kinda discriminatory and rude, isn't it? I don't ask you how old you are. And even if I did, I wouldn't judge you or make generalizations about your oldness. I'm sure other, less sensitive people might (bigots), but I never would. Anyhow, I would never ask an actor how long he (or SHE--see how important equal rights is to me? I don't even see gender. You know what I think about God? I believe SHE is great...)--anyhow, I'd never ask about length of time in the biz. It's just inappropriate, A, and kinda shows a little bit of inexperience on your part. But I won't judge you. I am a little embarrassed for you though.
GATP: I appreciate your candor, but I wasn't trying to be rude. I'm asking the questions the people want asked. They want to know all about you. Where you've been, what you've done, what has brought you to the stage.
MTG: Fine, fine. Let's see, earliest experiences in musical theater...
I'd have to say the first musical I ever tried out for was pretty
memorable. [chuckles] I basically auditioned for every part! Hard to
believe now, I know, but I'm not one of those cocky Hollywood types. So,
imagine my surprise when I got the lead role! Looking back, it probably
wasn't a surprise to everyone. After the audition, every one kept
coming up to me, saying things like, "You're the best," or "I got into
acting because of you," or "You're the best actor since Marlon Brando." I
think someone else told me I was "better than Shakespeare."
GATP: As a playwright??
MTG: Anyhow, I don't put much stock into those sorts of things but at the time, it did have a big impact on me. Totally memorable. I remember about a week after the cast was announced, we had our first read-through at the theater. Basically, no one had even heard of me then (unlike now, of course!). Anyhow, we were to meet at the theater and I walked-in with my head down, a little shy and embarrassed. I could tell that all the other actors were already there in the seats--I didn't look up, really, but it's just a sixth sense or something. I've always had that. I'm also really good at tracking in the wild; used to be a survivalist, but that's another story [chuckles], but it probably does help explain my acting "instincts." Anyhow, I start walking up the aisle and a man suddenly gets up from his seat and stands in my way. I don't look up, but I can tell by his acid-washed jeans that he's the other "big actor" that I beat out for the lead role. So, it's a bit awkward and I'm more than a little nervous. But then I hear clapping. Soft at first, but then loudly. I look up, and this man is clapping. He's looking at me with tears in his eyes, nodding his head. Soon, clapping erupts all around the theater. I look around and everyone--the whole cast--is on their feet, applauding and hollering. Anyhow, I just wanna sit down and get to my craft, so after a minute or so I smile and put my hands-up, like I'm gonna give a speech--it's clearly what they wanted. As the clapping FINALLY dies down, I'm about to open my mouth when I hear a young woman in the back yell, "You're the 'Zeus of acting!'" Then, the whole place erupted in cheers again. Anyhow, I remember that like it was yesterday... And that nickname has stuck ever since.
GATP: I'm sorry. This sounds very much like what happened YESTERDAY. Are you saying that you have no previous acting experience before you were cast as Willy Wonka? And what does the "Zeus of acting" mean, anyway?
MTG: I've been acting my whole life. And what if I was to tell you—which I'm not—that I had no previous acting experience? You're not sure what the truth is now, are you? See? It's 'cause I'm such a good actor. Maybe I've intentionally blurred the boundaries between real life and fantasy (I've done it before, if you know what I mean... Just kidding! Or am I?). But that's the heart of my ancient craft. Anyhow, I've always been acting. In my youth, I starred in One Good Cop II (limited release)...
GATP: One Good Cop II? You mean that six-minute home-video detective story you and your brothers made when you were barely a teenager?
MTG: As well as Outtakes from One Good Cop II among others. Also, there was Family Vacation to Chicago and Camping Trip in Yosemite.
As for that whole "Zeus of acting" nickname: Again, if other people wanna label me, that's fine. It's really not important to me. What do you think it means? All I know is that Zeus was a god and was really tan, and that he ruled the oceans and had a trident and was awesome at martial arts and was Ariel's dad n' stuff.
GATP: I think you have your ancient gods confused.
MTG: Whatever. Does some of that ring true about me, but with acting instead of the sea? Maybe. Probably. Some people clearly think so. But I don't have a mermaid daughter or anything. The point is, I would never label myself as such. And in my master classes, my young actors almost never hear me talk about myself. It's not about me and all my nicknames. It's about them. And the craft. And what insight I can provide into the craft based on my own truly unique experiences and stories.
GATP: I don't think I can even bear to ask about your master classes, so we'll just skip that. What do you think you'll bring to the role of Willy Wonka that will make it unique? How will you make it your own?
MTG: I'll just do what Gene Wilder did. Even Johnny Depp couldn't do that.
GATP: Wow. Ok, Mr. Zeus of acting. I guess we'll all have to wait until March to judge your success for ourselves. Best of luck in the preparations. I hope this interview has gotten a lot of this -- whatever this is -- out of your system.
And that's it, fans! You now know next to nothing about Michael Thomas Glore than you did before reading this interview. Congratulations -- this is ten or fifteen minutes of your life that you will never get back. Stay tuned for more coverage of the lead-up to Opening Night for Willy Wonka. I'll bring you up-to-date breaking stories of Michael's rise to fame and fortune as it happens.
Please. Help me escape. Take pity.
Glores Around The Parks: You've recently been cast as Willy Wonka in the Lighthouse Repertory Theater's production. How does it feel to be thrust into such an important role on such a large stage at this point in your acting career?
Michael Thomas Glore: Well,
I've gotta tell ya, A. BTW, can I call you "A?" It's
GATP: Well, I'd rather...
MTG: It's just something we
do in the "biz" to save some time. You know, we just need to really
concentrate on our art, which is to give ourselves fully to the written
word in a script; some words, like names, just really aren't as
important. I'm not saying that you're not important or worth my
or our time, but as an artist I really have to make some important
decisions for the sake of my ancient craft. I also sometimes make other
important decisions, too. Like the time when I decided to pull-over off
the highway and help deliver a baby, or when I stopped a hot chick from
being mugged. You've probably heard about those, right?
GATP: Um, no, actually. Can we get back to...
MTG: You know, that's
so embarrassing to me when that stuff gets leaked. I don't do it for
"the press." Actually, both those things have happened a lot of times,
but it's just not in my nature to boast about my many accomplishments.
I'll let you guys do that, A—the press, the paparazzi. Man, you guys are
always in my face [chuckles]. I'll let other people like you talk about
me or label me, but I'm just not into that. I don't believe in labels.
You guys can try to figure me out, but I know who I am... Anyhow, A, I
just want to focus on my craft in this interview, 'cause that's what's
really important—or should be—for you and your readers. So, I'll call
you "A" and use the word "biz," which is short for "showbiz" or "show
business," cause I just want you to understand my world. The world of
art. And acting. That's my world. Welcome.
GATP: Thanks. I think. Getting back to the LRT's production of Willy Wonka, how does it feel to be part of this community theater?
MTG: It feels great to be able to support the local theater. It's not like
it's Broadway or anything (though I've been there, BTW), but that's
what's so special about it to me. I grew-up in this environment, it's
where I mastered my craft--I guess you could call it the theater of hard
knocks. The streets. I would get in a lot of fights with other kids.
[chuckles] I don't wanna brag, I busted a few noses when I had to, but I
took some licks of my own, too. Sometimes I would get a black eye and
look like Rocky in the movies. In fact, that's what they called me for a
little while, "Rocky Balboa." It was kind of a gang name. It had double
meaning, too, cause Stallone is a good actor, too. Actually, some might
say he's one of the greatest. But I'm not a fighter anymore. I just
fought because I had to do to survive. Today, I'm much more of a
pacificist. I know people are misled when they see me on the street on
in the media. They're generally intimidated by my looks and
accomplishments. And my studded leather jacket. But what they don't know
is that I spent some time in India with the Dalai Lama, where I learned
how to be a peaceful warrior; to meditate; and, to became an expert at
martial arts. I sure I hope I never have to use the latter [chuckles]!
The point is, it may be a storm outside, but inside this fortress
[points to head], inner-peace rules.
GATP: And how does that relate to LRT?
MTG: It's great to be at LRT. It's
great to be down among the people, where I'm most comfortable. Honestly,
I don't feel right amongst all the glitz and glamour. Sometimes I'll
stare out the window of my house on a rainy day and I'll cry—a solitary
tear will roll down my stubbly cheek. Because out there—out HERE—is
where I belong. I need this. But it's not about me. It's about the
people. So, I'll play Willy Wonka since they practically begged me. I
haven't asked to be paid for it either. This isn't about the money. It's
about the art. And what's right for me. And the people.
GATP: Maybe. But let's move on. I didn't realize that you'd been in the "biz" for so long or with so many accomplishments under your belt. Could you talk—briefly—about your earliest experiences in musical theater?
MTG: Time is so relative. And does it even matter, really? It's actually kinda discriminatory and rude, isn't it? I don't ask you how old you are. And even if I did, I wouldn't judge you or make generalizations about your oldness. I'm sure other, less sensitive people might (bigots), but I never would. Anyhow, I would never ask an actor how long he (or SHE--see how important equal rights is to me? I don't even see gender. You know what I think about God? I believe SHE is great...)--anyhow, I'd never ask about length of time in the biz. It's just inappropriate, A, and kinda shows a little bit of inexperience on your part. But I won't judge you. I am a little embarrassed for you though.
GATP: I appreciate your candor, but I wasn't trying to be rude. I'm asking the questions the people want asked. They want to know all about you. Where you've been, what you've done, what has brought you to the stage.
GATP: As a playwright??
MTG: Anyhow, I don't put much stock into those sorts of things but at the time, it did have a big impact on me. Totally memorable. I remember about a week after the cast was announced, we had our first read-through at the theater. Basically, no one had even heard of me then (unlike now, of course!). Anyhow, we were to meet at the theater and I walked-in with my head down, a little shy and embarrassed. I could tell that all the other actors were already there in the seats--I didn't look up, really, but it's just a sixth sense or something. I've always had that. I'm also really good at tracking in the wild; used to be a survivalist, but that's another story [chuckles], but it probably does help explain my acting "instincts." Anyhow, I start walking up the aisle and a man suddenly gets up from his seat and stands in my way. I don't look up, but I can tell by his acid-washed jeans that he's the other "big actor" that I beat out for the lead role. So, it's a bit awkward and I'm more than a little nervous. But then I hear clapping. Soft at first, but then loudly. I look up, and this man is clapping. He's looking at me with tears in his eyes, nodding his head. Soon, clapping erupts all around the theater. I look around and everyone--the whole cast--is on their feet, applauding and hollering. Anyhow, I just wanna sit down and get to my craft, so after a minute or so I smile and put my hands-up, like I'm gonna give a speech--it's clearly what they wanted. As the clapping FINALLY dies down, I'm about to open my mouth when I hear a young woman in the back yell, "You're the 'Zeus of acting!'" Then, the whole place erupted in cheers again. Anyhow, I remember that like it was yesterday... And that nickname has stuck ever since.
GATP: I'm sorry. This sounds very much like what happened YESTERDAY. Are you saying that you have no previous acting experience before you were cast as Willy Wonka? And what does the "Zeus of acting" mean, anyway?
MTG: I've been acting my whole life. And what if I was to tell you—which I'm not—that I had no previous acting experience? You're not sure what the truth is now, are you? See? It's 'cause I'm such a good actor. Maybe I've intentionally blurred the boundaries between real life and fantasy (I've done it before, if you know what I mean... Just kidding! Or am I?). But that's the heart of my ancient craft. Anyhow, I've always been acting. In my youth, I starred in One Good Cop II (limited release)...
GATP: One Good Cop II? You mean that six-minute home-video detective story you and your brothers made when you were barely a teenager?
MTG: As well as Outtakes from One Good Cop II among others. Also, there was Family Vacation to Chicago and Camping Trip in Yosemite.
As for that whole "Zeus of acting" nickname: Again, if other people wanna label me, that's fine. It's really not important to me. What do you think it means? All I know is that Zeus was a god and was really tan, and that he ruled the oceans and had a trident and was awesome at martial arts and was Ariel's dad n' stuff.
GATP: I think you have your ancient gods confused.
MTG: Whatever. Does some of that ring true about me, but with acting instead of the sea? Maybe. Probably. Some people clearly think so. But I don't have a mermaid daughter or anything. The point is, I would never label myself as such. And in my master classes, my young actors almost never hear me talk about myself. It's not about me and all my nicknames. It's about them. And the craft. And what insight I can provide into the craft based on my own truly unique experiences and stories.
GATP: I don't think I can even bear to ask about your master classes, so we'll just skip that. What do you think you'll bring to the role of Willy Wonka that will make it unique? How will you make it your own?
MTG: I'll just do what Gene Wilder did. Even Johnny Depp couldn't do that.
GATP: Wow. Ok, Mr. Zeus of acting. I guess we'll all have to wait until March to judge your success for ourselves. Best of luck in the preparations. I hope this interview has gotten a lot of this -- whatever this is -- out of your system.
And that's it, fans! You now know next to nothing about Michael Thomas Glore than you did before reading this interview. Congratulations -- this is ten or fifteen minutes of your life that you will never get back. Stay tuned for more coverage of the lead-up to Opening Night for Willy Wonka. I'll bring you up-to-date breaking stories of Michael's rise to fame and fortune as it happens.
Please. Help me escape. Take pity.
Exclusive Interview With The Future Willy Wonka!
That's right, fans! Thanks to my fantastic celebrity connections, Michael Glore -- soon to be Crescent City's very own Willy Wonka -- agreed to an exclusive interview with Glores Around The Parks. We'll ask all the questions you've been dying to ask yourself: Where has he been all our lives? How did he get to where he is today? How does he plan to prepare for this role of a lifetime? And just how many hours of beauty sleep does he need to look so damn good day in and day out?
All these questions and more will be asked and answered tonight as I sit down with Michael Glore for my exclusive interview. You won't see this anywhere else, so check back with Glores Around the Parks for the world's first look at this rising star!
All these questions and more will be asked and answered tonight as I sit down with Michael Glore for my exclusive interview. You won't see this anywhere else, so check back with Glores Around the Parks for the world's first look at this rising star!
Monday, November 28, 2011
When To Swim?
I promise that I will have at least one more post with pictures before NaBloPoMo ends this week. We took some pictures with a borrowed camera in Bend, but I haven't had the camera and the computer together to be able to get the photos off yet.
A few summers ago, when Darcy was almost three, we enrolled her in swimming classes in Simi Valley. They offered classes for her age, but they really didn't go well and I thought her instructor was pretty clueless about how to deal with preschoolers. Later, I actually read a little bit about swimming lessons and found that most advice on the topic says that she was too young. It kinda ticked me off that they accepted her as a student if it's not generally recommended. She didn't lose her love of water, but she gained some fears and stubbornness around learning to swim.
So I've been hesitating a bit about putting her back into swimming lessons and although I kept meaning to do it, I never actually took the steps to sign her up until quite recently. She needs to be able to swim sooner rather than later because the child has no fear of water whatsoever. She continues to try to walk right into the ocean any time she is near it.
Her first lesson was today. I was nervous about how she was going to act when it actually came time for the lesson, but she was great. She did her usual Darcy thing and talked to everyone else (mostly much older kids) who were waiting for their lessons. And she told me, "I'm going to go underwater without even being teached how!" (We'll work on those irregular past tenses some other time.)
Parents aren't allowed to stay near the pool for lessons, so I took a walk during a lovely sunset while she swam. I peeked in the window a few times and saw her laughing and talking pretty much non-stop, but also doing all the things that Josh-her-instructor told her to do. She let him help her start floating on her back and kicking on her back, both with her ears under water. She fights me if I try to do that as if I were attempting to drown her. Which is clearly not the case. All in all, I think swim lesson was a hit today and she's looking forward to Wednesday's lessons. The great thing about our pool is that sessions are just two weeks long with two lessons each week, so there's not a lot of commitment or pressure. If she likes these, we'll sign her up for another two weeks in January or February. Or March. It all depends on her level of interest and excitement.
A few summers ago, when Darcy was almost three, we enrolled her in swimming classes in Simi Valley. They offered classes for her age, but they really didn't go well and I thought her instructor was pretty clueless about how to deal with preschoolers. Later, I actually read a little bit about swimming lessons and found that most advice on the topic says that she was too young. It kinda ticked me off that they accepted her as a student if it's not generally recommended. She didn't lose her love of water, but she gained some fears and stubbornness around learning to swim.
So I've been hesitating a bit about putting her back into swimming lessons and although I kept meaning to do it, I never actually took the steps to sign her up until quite recently. She needs to be able to swim sooner rather than later because the child has no fear of water whatsoever. She continues to try to walk right into the ocean any time she is near it.
Her first lesson was today. I was nervous about how she was going to act when it actually came time for the lesson, but she was great. She did her usual Darcy thing and talked to everyone else (mostly much older kids) who were waiting for their lessons. And she told me, "I'm going to go underwater without even being teached how!" (We'll work on those irregular past tenses some other time.)
Parents aren't allowed to stay near the pool for lessons, so I took a walk during a lovely sunset while she swam. I peeked in the window a few times and saw her laughing and talking pretty much non-stop, but also doing all the things that Josh-her-instructor told her to do. She let him help her start floating on her back and kicking on her back, both with her ears under water. She fights me if I try to do that as if I were attempting to drown her. Which is clearly not the case. All in all, I think swim lesson was a hit today and she's looking forward to Wednesday's lessons. The great thing about our pool is that sessions are just two weeks long with two lessons each week, so there's not a lot of commitment or pressure. If she likes these, we'll sign her up for another two weeks in January or February. Or March. It all depends on her level of interest and excitement.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Thanksgiving In Bend
In case it hasn't been clear, we spent Thanksgiving in Bend, OR, and arrived home safe and sound a few hours ago. We didn't want to broadcast our absence too much, because you know that house-breakers spend their days reading obscure blogs to see who's out of town. We didn't want to invite them back to steal our hand-me-down chairs or Moomintroll books.
Now that we're home again, let us talk of Bend! We love Bend! How I lived forty-two years without knowing how great Bend is, I'll never know, because I feel very at home there. We went with a family of friends, so Darcy had a play mate and we could all take turns with child-wrangling. Thursday, we had a more or less traditional Thanksgiving meal with our friends from Crescent City and our friend Kathy who worked with us in Katmai and is now living in Bend. Michael and I got a date night on Friday and spent it in downtown Bend eating lovely Thai food, browsing used bookstores, and previewing a few stores for after Buy Nothing Day was over. We decided that buying our meal couldn't count -- it was date night!
Michael and our friends all skied on Saturday. Bend -- amazing Bend -- has a drop-off play center/day care, so for twenty bucks each, Darcy and H played in an indoor play ground for almost four hours. This was because two kids and a baby was more than I was willing to take on by myself. I know that many, many people do it all the time, but there is a reason Darcy is an only child. They had a great time, the skiers had a great time, and once two of the skiers came back, I got to wander downtown and do a little Christmas shopping at the local toy store and an Etsy collective store. Fun!
Today, in order to wear out the small beasts for the drive back to Crescent City, we all started with a trip to Juniper Pool, the site of Darcy's summer stitches. Although it's much smaller, the indoor kids' pool was just as big a hit as the outdoor one was. We splashed around for over an hour, with a few adult trips to the hot tub and steam room (my first -- it was insane! I felt like a boiled lobster). And the ploy worked. Darcy stayed awake and apparently very hungry while we went back and cleaned out the last of the rental house and went to a fun pizza place that lets kids make their own pizza. It was very cute. They brought the stretched dough over to the table on a peel with bowls of sauce, cheese, and the kalamata olives Darcy requested for her topping. She put it all together and then we sat at the "pizza bar" so she could watch them put it into the wood-burning oven.
Ten minutes into the drive home, she was sound asleep. So was I, for that matter. It turns out that three children, five and under, in one house leads to less-than-wonderful sleep for everyone. Darcy slept for half the ride home, which was perfect.
Now we're all gearing up for a totally insane week. Darcy is taking swim lessons two days a week for the next two weeks. Her first is tomorrow. Tomorrow night, Michael has a read through for Willy Wonka! Tuesday is Food Council for me in the evening. Thursday, we're going to do some sort of complicated switch-off with Darcy in Orick in order for Michael to teach a training there during the day and for me to be able to make an evening meeting of the Humboldt Food Policy Council. Whew! We'll be all tuckered out for the weekend just in time for a birthday party Saturday and a bead party on Sunday.
Life doesn't stop.
Now that we're home again, let us talk of Bend! We love Bend! How I lived forty-two years without knowing how great Bend is, I'll never know, because I feel very at home there. We went with a family of friends, so Darcy had a play mate and we could all take turns with child-wrangling. Thursday, we had a more or less traditional Thanksgiving meal with our friends from Crescent City and our friend Kathy who worked with us in Katmai and is now living in Bend. Michael and I got a date night on Friday and spent it in downtown Bend eating lovely Thai food, browsing used bookstores, and previewing a few stores for after Buy Nothing Day was over. We decided that buying our meal couldn't count -- it was date night!
Michael and our friends all skied on Saturday. Bend -- amazing Bend -- has a drop-off play center/day care, so for twenty bucks each, Darcy and H played in an indoor play ground for almost four hours. This was because two kids and a baby was more than I was willing to take on by myself. I know that many, many people do it all the time, but there is a reason Darcy is an only child. They had a great time, the skiers had a great time, and once two of the skiers came back, I got to wander downtown and do a little Christmas shopping at the local toy store and an Etsy collective store. Fun!
Today, in order to wear out the small beasts for the drive back to Crescent City, we all started with a trip to Juniper Pool, the site of Darcy's summer stitches. Although it's much smaller, the indoor kids' pool was just as big a hit as the outdoor one was. We splashed around for over an hour, with a few adult trips to the hot tub and steam room (my first -- it was insane! I felt like a boiled lobster). And the ploy worked. Darcy stayed awake and apparently very hungry while we went back and cleaned out the last of the rental house and went to a fun pizza place that lets kids make their own pizza. It was very cute. They brought the stretched dough over to the table on a peel with bowls of sauce, cheese, and the kalamata olives Darcy requested for her topping. She put it all together and then we sat at the "pizza bar" so she could watch them put it into the wood-burning oven.
Ten minutes into the drive home, she was sound asleep. So was I, for that matter. It turns out that three children, five and under, in one house leads to less-than-wonderful sleep for everyone. Darcy slept for half the ride home, which was perfect.
Now we're all gearing up for a totally insane week. Darcy is taking swim lessons two days a week for the next two weeks. Her first is tomorrow. Tomorrow night, Michael has a read through for Willy Wonka! Tuesday is Food Council for me in the evening. Thursday, we're going to do some sort of complicated switch-off with Darcy in Orick in order for Michael to teach a training there during the day and for me to be able to make an evening meeting of the Humboldt Food Policy Council. Whew! We'll be all tuckered out for the weekend just in time for a birthday party Saturday and a bead party on Sunday.
Life doesn't stop.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Too Tired To Really Blog
Having three children in a single house is chaotic and does not lead to good nights of sleep. If one wakes up, the others stir, too, and therefore, so do their parents.
I should have blogged earlier in the evening to fulfill my NaBloPoMo obligations, but I didn't. It means that my brain is dead now and I can't really think of much to say. We still love Bend. We're having a great time again and finding even more great things about this town. Michael skiied this morning and loved it. I did a bit of Christmas shopping in the downtown.
That's the whole story for today.
I should have blogged earlier in the evening to fulfill my NaBloPoMo obligations, but I didn't. It means that my brain is dead now and I can't really think of much to say. We still love Bend. We're having a great time again and finding even more great things about this town. Michael skiied this morning and loved it. I did a bit of Christmas shopping in the downtown.
That's the whole story for today.
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