No Shrimp

Scott had a quite a scare yesterday. He is allergic to crustaceans- shrimp, crab, and lobster and in the 22 years I have known him, he has never had a situation like he did yesterday. In fact, I don't think he's ever been exposed to these foods in all these years. He was out to lunch with his co-workers and somehow his CLAM chowder had shrimp in it. He's not sure if he was served shrimp chowder by accident, or if some shrimp made it into his food. After one bite of just broth, he noticed his next bite was a spoonful of three shrimp. He did not take that bite. At that point, he started to experience anaphylaxis. He couldn't see well, he felt faint and hot, he had trouble breathing, and his throat started to close. Not good. His co-worker, Tanya, wanted to call 911. He was being a male about it and wouldn't let her hoping it would pass. It did pass, and I picked him up soon after. He was better by the time I got to him, but completely exhausted. It was weird. It was like his body had worked so hard fighting off the shrimp, that all he could do was sleep. I think the scariest part about this, from what I've read, is his next exposure will increase in severity.

Today he feels better, but still so tired. I think an Epi-pen is in his future.

Girl's Weekend

I just returned from a weekend at the beach house with the Mah Jong gals. I'm tired! Weren't we supposed to get some rest? Hard to do when you stay up until the wee hours of the night chatting. We had a great time and I'm so thankful for my friends. Nothing out of the ordinary really...just lots of good conversation, good food, wine, gossip magazines, good weather and laughs. Oh, we were paid a visit by a neighbor's visiting friend who was in search of burn cream. Turned out his buddy had placed a lit "Blooming Flower" firecracker in his back pocket. Mario, the poor unfortunate soul now had a pair of shorts with a huge hole in them that probably matched his burned buttock. He wouldn't let us investigate, but we were able to pass along some medical supplies. Alcohol, beach fires, and firecrackers don't mix.

We all had a great time, and I look forward to this annual tradition. My family, by the way, loved their "boys weekend" as well.

Snowflakes on Tulips

Seattle experienced snow three days in a row in April. At first it was exciting, but then it just felt wrong...like something was not quite right with the world.

This apple fell far from the tree

Drew is obsessed with NASCAR. This is a photo of his favorite toy in the world. He first became a fan of Dale Earnhardt but has moved on to Jr. now...you know, Dale Earnhardt Jr.?! This all started when I was laid up in bed with my broken foot. Drew needed a little mommy time so he climbed into bed and wanted to watch TV with me. It was a Saturday afternoon and cartoons at that time really aren't geared for the age 2-3 crowd. So I began flipping, looking for something he could watch, and he asked me to stop when he saw a car racing show. Turned out it was a documentary on the life of Dale Sr...quite interesting I might add. Drew was transfixed. Not just with the car racing scenes, but with all the interviews with Dale Sr., and Dale Jr., and the good ol'boys on the farm, and the rabid fans at the track. He watched the entire show without moving. Dale Sr. was his favorite topic of conversation for a few days and finally I had to break it to him that Dale Sr. crashed and is in heaven (somehow he missed that part of the show). But to ease his loss, he switched his affection to Dale Jr. He loves him...it's crazy. I wouldn't really classify myself or Scott as NASCAR fans...or really anyone we know. But more power to Drew for being an individual!

This morning he managed to wake up me, Nathan and Thomas at 6:30 am. He could not locate his Dale Jr. die cast car and he wanted it. He needed it. So, he proceeded to walk around the house yelling loudly, "Dale Earnhardt Jr. where are you!?" "Where are you Dale Earnhardt Jr.?!"

On that note, my day had begun.

37

Today is my 37th birthday. I'm usually one that revels in my birthday, making it as special as I can. For some reason, this year, my heart is not that into it. Perhaps I am having a hard time getting older and I realize how quickly this life passes us by. My children are growing before my eyes and that is very bittersweet to me...more bitter than sweet. Audrey put it well when she said at least the 7 is not the first digit in my age. Amen.


True to form, I have managed to stretch my birthday celebrations over a couple of weeks and have spent time with special people. The birthday trio of Audrey, Jill and myself celebrated over brunch at Volterra in Ballard, and then hit up the Ballard Farmer's Market. I will not be returning to Volterra. My brunch was one of the worst meals I've ever had. Seriously. I ordered a scramble and asked for it without bacon. It was rubbery and tasteless, even with salt and pepper. My hash browns had been fried up in bacon grease. Bluhck. I couldn't eat more than one bite. Now, if I was specific about no bacon in my scramble, shouldn't hash browns cooked up in bacon grease be a no-no? My first real vegetarian meal causality. I had thought about writing a letter, but I don't want them to invite me back to try to make it right. I definitely left with a bad taste in my mouth. Literally. The company was great though! We were trying to come up with a grand scheme of starting a business together that we could do from home...hmmm...still need to work on that one.



Last Friday the Mah Jong crew went to Cafe Flora in Madison Park. The food was great. The service was attentive (dare I say touchy!) and we all had a fun and entertaining time, as usual. We then ventured to The Ballroom in Fremont for a little dancing, hanging out with the trannies, and being reminded that we are not in college anymore, Toto. Still a very fun evening.

The next night Scott and I dined at El Gaucho for our letter "E" spot. Now, I must come clean: we have been there together before, but only once. El Gaucho made such an impression on me that I don't really feel we got the whole experience the first time around. Another visit was completely in order. From the moment you walk in, you really feel like you are transformed to another time and place. It is so dark and swanky with an electricity in the air. I just love it. The food is plentiful and amazing. We completely indulged. Scallops, Caprese salad, halibut with corn salsa for me, rib-eye steak for Scott, mac and cheese, and fiesta roasted corn. Delectable! El Gaucho is definitely spendy...should be saved for special occasions.

And that leads to today, my actual birthday. Scott surprised me by taking the day off. He brought me a latte and a People magazine and told me just to stay in bed while he did the school morning routine. Nathan and Thomas went to school, Drew had a play date with Grandpa and Grandma, and Scott and I were able to spend the day together. We went for a long ass-kicking hill walk, went out to brunch, went shopping, and were just able to spend some much-needed time together. What a nice way to spend the day.

Tonight Thomas had his second t-ball game. He had three great hits...cranked one as a matter of fact. He also played 1st base and got an out. We all had a lot of fun at his game.

The parental folks came over for presents and cake after Thomas' game. Cake made with love by Drew, my dad and mom.

As the first day of my 37th year comes to end, I feel completely blessed and a bit worn out by all the celebrations. I'm off to bed and I hope the next year is filled with happy memories, good health for all that I love, and the ability to be reflective and to enjoy the simplest things in life.

FINALLY!

Thomas, the baseball player, was finally able to show the world what he's got this weekend at his very first t-ball game. This day has been a long time in the making. He has supported Nathan on the ball field for 3 seasons, and Thomas couldn't wait for his turn to be a part of a team. He may be small, but he is mighty. He had three great hits and was focused in the outfield. His team, the Penguins played so well. They made 4 or 5 outs. This will make for a fun spring.

Stress Relief

After much thought and discussion, we have decided to take our house off the market. The timing just wasn't right, and we feel it wasn't meant to be. We were approaching our 5th week of keeping the house beyond tidy, open houses, being kicked out for showings all through the day, three boys who just desperately want to play with their things that are packed away, and a dog that has spent a heck of a lot of time in the car, and most importantly, 5 weeks waiting for THE OFFER that never came. Plus, the house we were interested in seemed like too much of a fixer for us. The excitement had worn off. We are both disappointed, but feel a huge sense of relief.

Not sure what the future holds home-wise for us. We're just going to relax and enjoy the simple things right now in a house that hasn't been picked up or vacuumed in more than a day! It's liberating!

Um...where's Thomas?

On Thursday night, I went into Thomas' bedroom to check on him right before I went to bed. This is what I discovered:



For a brief moment, I panicked and was reminded of a low-budget horror film. Where was my son, and who left this paper version of him behind?...or did Thomas run away and leave Flat Thomas behind? Upon further investigation, I discovered this:



Thomas and his version of himself made at school in Kindergarten had decided to have a slumber party. I laughed out loud and once again am reminded of how funny Thomas is.

Deep Thoughts- by Thomas

If everyone tried something new one time a month, then it (life) wouldn't be boring.

Said after digging razor clams for the first time.

Recommendation...

I would recommend that you do not list your house FOR SALE while you have three kids home for spring break. Can you say "EXTREME STRESS"? Kids are not supposed to be tidy, so how can I expect them to be?! Our spring break was not ideal. We had to keep the house spotless and we were kicked out often for showings...and STILL no one has presented us with an offer. Why doesn't anyone want our house? We're thinking of pulling it off the market after the weekend. The excitement of moving to a new neighborhood and new digs had completely worn off.

The best part of spring break for me was that Scott took all three boys to the beach for the weekend. I think a little voice from above whispered in his ear that his wife had had enough. Keeping the house clean and keeping the boys busy over spring break almost did me in. I was beyond exhausted. So, to the ocean the boys and daddy went to watch the Final 4 and dig razor clams. I reveled in the quietness.