Really, a year?

So, a lot has happened in a whole year. Most of you who will read this already know the major details, like, we moved to Colorado last August so Matt could start teaching at UNC in Greeley. We are expecting a baby in one month, due date May 16. We now own a minivan, live in a house, and our kids play city league soccer. Life is a little different than in NYC, but it's been good.

I have had some stuff happening with the pregnancy which has made it necessary to stay home and slow down, so I decided to update our blog. I figure that's a good, stay at home, resty kind of thing to do.

I will not attempt to update on everything I have missed. But instead start with the most recent special event for our family. Margaret turned 8 and was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Before the baptism in her new dress, provided by Grandma Margaret.

The family at our chapel, me looking pregnant, Stella having just woken up from a nap. Grandma Margaret & Grandpa George came all the way from California to be here.

Dad and daughter. What an awesome blessing for Matt to baptize his first daughter!

Little namesake moment. What a wonderful Grandma we have!

Grandma Margaret & Grandpa George at our house.

Our day started out with soccer games in the most beautiful spring weather. Then we had time to clean up and get ready for the big event. At the chapel we were surrounded by our new friends we've been so lucky to meet here. We also had the pleasure of having our dear friend Marin drive out from Utah. Everyone came back to our house for food and treats and to congratulate Mags on her special day. When we asked her how she felt, she smiled and replied, "Wonderful!" I know it will be a memorable day always for me and I hope it will for her as well.

This free digital slideshow created with Smilebox

I'm not making any promises about what's t come . . .after all I only have a few weeks left of this pregnancy, so there may be another pause in posting, but if I do end up putting up some more pictures, tidbits, recipes, or who knows what, won't that be fun?

Sage of the Subway

Read about my encounter with a wise old man from _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _, yah, I still don't know where.

Over at Segullah.

No Way Jose!

Join in the latest discussion at Segullah

Featuring a story from the insightful and delightful Margaret Gayle!

Photo circa 2007 (when this story came to pass)

Accountability

This word, accountability, has been crashing its way into my life, repeatedly, this past while. As I grow older, I am continually becoming more aware of how weak and fallible I am.

I understand discipline, and I understand consistency, but I haven't figured out how to marry the two in my daily/weekly/monthly/yearly behavior. I continually disappoint myself as my well-intended and hopeful life-changes come crashing down.



If you don't know me, I have an obsessive personality. I become very passionate about things for a short while and then that passion fizzles away to minor intrigue or residual interest (hello, blogging). When I was younger, this applied to many social connections as well. I wasn't proud of that. Now, I feel like my current obsessive tendencies apply to things, ideas, and activities....not people. At least I'm just hurting myself and not others. That's a start, right?

I want to try and emulate my perfect wife. She actually gets the idea of moderation and consistency. It's crazy. How do I glean from her that which will make me skinny, rich, and successful? How? How about starting the journey in a slow, moderate way. This is very hard for me. When I want to accomplish something, it must be done, now, or soon, with a deadline.

How does one moderately start being more moderate?



This is how I will start. When I know that I have to answer to someone other than myself, it's easier for me to make good choices...moderate choices...and to be honest with the progress and the outcome.

I can never rely on myself.

Having recently had a very serious talk with a friend in need of support, I became their "person" to which they will be accountable. It's easier to be on this side, but also motivating. I want a "person" to report to.

Not me....and not close

I want to lose weight, so I can fulfill my type in my current industry, be successful, earn more money, feel secure, and ultimately feel like I'm making strides forward in my life. It all comes down to making a thousand small, and good choices. In the past, I would do a crash diet, master cleanse, navy-seal workout, or anything that would give me results....FAST! Now, in my pursuit of moderation, I'm simply keeping a journal. I know what I should be doing. So I'm writing down everything I AM doing, and letting my wife read it. I journal my frustrations, temptations, successes, and remedies for improved and new choices. It's slow, thoughtful, and moderate. YIKES! I'm on day 3. I'll report back

Not me, either...but close

I want to stop biting my nails. I have done this since I was a child. As did my father. I have finger nubs, not nails. And guess what....my daughter bites her nails too...at 5 yrs. old. Genetics, anyone? She's been doing it since she was 2. So I gave her a manicure on Sunday night and had an accountability talk with her...since it's been on my mind. We will now be reporting to each other everyday on how we are doing. And guess what, I found it's really hard to disappoint an inquisitive 5 yrs. old girl. So I've been 3 days without biting. I'll report back.

I'm learning that the most important thing about being moderate and accountable, is that if you fall backward, you now have an opportunity to move forward again. When I used to fall from my obsessive and extreme plans, I would beat myself up, feel like a poop-bag, and not feel motivated to move forward again for quite a while.



I moderately say, "Thank you" for being my listening therapist. I will be accountable to you for my extreme plan of non-extremeness.

Check in on me. I need it.

Momentous

Please watch this speech.

With all politics and partisanship aside, I, as an American that believes in truth and equality, urge you to listen to his words. It will move and inspire both tears and action.

It's 38 minutes long. But definitely a good substitute to your regular viewing of "Flava of Love"...... right?

For full text and video, go to http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/hisownwords/

Philadelphia, PA | March 18, 2008
"A More Perfect Union"

What do you think of his message?

Do you believe in the actual power of words? And, can/will they instigate action/change?

Will this a speech, as many pundits have said, "... be published in textbooks....alongside the Gettysburg Address and Dr. King's 'I Have A Dream' speech..."?