vacations

We are looking forward to our little family vacation to San Francisco. It was tough choosing a place because Bryan didn't want to go to a place that either of us had ever been to and he didn't want to fly. I'm not quite sure why he didn't want to go to a place that I had been to and he hadn't, I think it would wonderful to make new memories.

Well, sure enough, we get to make new memories together. We'll drive to Yosemite and then to the Bay. The kids are excited to go to the Jelly Belly Factory. Bryan's happy to get away from it all here at home and I just love to travel.

Wish I had more time now to fill in on all the small details of the trip, but I must pack.

Memories

Last Saturday we went to Bryan's grandpa's house to help him with some spring clean-up. I had a very nice time out in the yard working with various cousins doing what we could. As I was working, I found myself on the side of his house. I looked up at the brick of the house and suddenly was taken back to my grandpa's house. The brick is the exact same. Or at least, in my mind it is. As I was staring at the brick, floods of memories of being at my grandpa's came rushing through my mind. It brought tears to my eyes.

Now I have this silly longing to go over to my grandpa's house just to be in the yard. To walk back into his garden and smell the growth of fresh vegetables. I want to walk to the irrigation ditch and cross all the bridges like I did when I was a kid.

I have a job

Next school year, I will be teaching music in a private elementary school. I am very excited. I get to pick my own curriculum (or make it up). This will be a great opportunity for me to use my teaching skills in a bigger setting than private studio teaching. I don't know if I'll keep any piano students, so for that aspect, I'm quite sad. I love to see individuals catch on to music concepts and soar. Wish me luck and God's blessing in this new endevour.

I got a present, finally

I have always heard of cats bringing presents to their homes, but have only experienced it in small degrees. For example, Tarzan has only brought us two snakes. I thought he wasn't the hunter his breed proclaims he is.

Yesterday, he finally brought home his first rodent. How nice. He begged and begged to go out so I let him. Not very long later, he stood at the back door but didn't cry. I looked in his mouth, and there was a vole. He stood there and I yelled through the door, "Oh, thank you, Tarzan, for your wonderful and generous gift." And I wouldn't let him in! Of course he can't come in, the rodant is STILL ALIVE!

For a bit, he sat there and then finally started playing with it. In short, he ended up tearing off half the head and leaving all of it for me to clean. How nice. Today, he is begging to go out hoping to catch another one. But, he doesn't like walking in the snow. No rodents for me today. Shucks.

Not depressing

Elaine said I am way too depressing in my blogs. Sorry Elaine!

Here's a fun update. Elaine did my hair yesterday and it is fire red in places! I love it. (I just hope it doesn't fade too quick.) I always feel so great after getting new colour. Thanks bunches little sis, you are the best! And you're my favourite.

Friends

I got an e-mail from Ganine about the differences between simple friends and real friends. It was one of those "Pass this on to all your friends, including me" things. I generally don't forward much of anything on to anyone. As I read the list, however, I felt somewhat sad. I started thinking, who are my simple friends? Who are my real friends? And I realized that most people in my life are superficial friends. I pretend to know you by reading your blogs or looking at your Facebook status', but am I really your friend, be it simple or real?

What can I do to change that?

What kind of friends do you have in your life?

Perfect Birthday

I turned 35 last week and had the best birthday.

It snowed, I got to volunteer in Evan's classroom, Bryan made a fantastic dinner and even surprised me with a few guests for dessert. (thank you) Many people sent me a quick "Happy Birthday" via Facebook and some people even took the extra effort to call me.

I don't have any strange feelings about turning 35 and honestly, I didn't think I'd get many, if any, greetings for my birthday. So, to see that some people really care for me made my day. Thanks to you all.

I like birthdays.