MySelf..ish

Ok, I'll call it a "Christmas" list. Every year, around the time of jingle belling, and jiggly bellying, from too much turkey, I get asked, "What do you want for Christmas?" Every year, my reply is the same. "I dunno, I can't think of anything specific." Or "Oh, anything is fine!" Don't want to seem selfish, or picky, or...anyone thinking I have a champagne taste on a tap-water budget.
Actually, though, there are a few things I'd like to have, besides, an upgraded body, vacation home in the Bahamas, personal maid/hairdresser/chef. I know with all my heart that Christmas has nothing to do with what I want. Jesus really IS the reason. So.. I'm calling this my "Selfish" List.

Here they are: Please feel free to remind my husband of my blog address in a few months! :)

1. A Garden Tiller (Thank you Dad, for lugging yours to Wichita so often for me.)
2. A New Camera (Our digital gift has been great, but I'm getting ready to duct tape the battery door shut.)
3. New Living Room and Dining Room Rugs (I'm 98% sure ours are indoor-outdoor rugs.. left by previous owners)
4. Bamboo Shades (I love looking at our view, but sometims would not like everyone to VIEW me. And sometimes our 70 year old--view isn't wearing pants.)
5. More Items may be posted throughout the next 4 months.


*All selfish joking aside, if I get zero of the items on my list this year for Christmas, it really really would be OK! I have what I need, My Lord, and my Family.
My heart goes out to the woman who lost her kindergartner today, and at the same time, I feel (selfishly) joyful that mine is upstairs playing. I'll give him extra hugs and snuggles before bed tonight.

While Nathan Works

I sit around eating BonBons, and categorize my endless shoe supply! Hah! I love yardwork, more than BonBons, almost as much as I love shoes. The "fruits" of my labor are totally worth the backaches, blistered fingers, and dirty feet.

I'm one lucky momma. I have two beauties that love to check out antiques with me. They find as many treasures as I do. I hit the jackpot today! This little pot was $4 because it's cracked.

This one... was a little more.

This pink one is coming inside with me :)

Enjoy your August, hot as it may be, summer won't be here forever!

Happy Belated Independence Day!!

Happy Late Independence Day, from a Dependent!
As a dependent, I have had the best experiences in my life. Three and a half years in Japan, and countless other Military Related adventures. Many times, it's not adventurous, it's hard, like walking through frozen mud, uphill. I am thankful for our freedom, and the men and women who have sacrified and are still sacrificing everything they have for us.

We had the privilege to attend my brother-in-law's Airman Leadership Graduation last week. It was amazing, and reminded me of so much that I forget, with Nathan now being a Reservist. The ceremony was beautiful, the amount of work that went into the event to make it enjoyable for us was tremendous.

My favorite part of the event, other than the graduation itself, was the POW-MIA Table:

As you entered the dining area, you may have noticed a special table , raised to call your attention to its purpose. It’s reserved to honor our missing comrades in arms.

Set for five, the empty places represent Americans still missing from each of the five services -- Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard. This Honors Ceremony symbolizes that they are with us, here in spirit.

Please remain seated, and join me in a moment of silent prayer, as the Honor Guard places the five service hat on the table.

I would like to explain the meaning of the items on this special table.

The table is round -- to show our everlasting concern for our missing.

Remember

The tablecloth is white -- symbolizing the purity of their intentions to respond to their country’s call to duty.

Remember

The lone candle symbolizes the frailty of a prisoner, alone trying to stand up against his oppressors.

Remember

The single red rose, displayed in a vase, reminds us of the life of each of the missing, as well as the loved ones and friends who keep the faith, awaiting answers.

Remember

The yellow ribbon tied to the vase, is a symbol of our continued determination to account for our missing.

Remember

A slice of lemon on the bread plate is to remind us of the bitter fate of those captured and missing in a foreign land.

Remember

A pinch of salt symbolizes the tears endured by those missing and their families who seek answers.

Remember

The Bible represents the strength gained through faith to sustain those lost from our country, founded as one nation under God.

Remember

The glass is inverted – they cannot toast with us this night.

Remember

The chairs, the chairs are empty -- they are still missing.

Remember

I'm not much of a crier, but this pierced my heart as I watched them set the table.

On a lighter note, I got to enjoy the company of my Bros-in-Law's girlfriends, Heather and Cristina, Bros and Parents-in-Law, Grandparents, and Aunt. A huge turnout! We had a great night, and sat around sipping sweet beverages and snacking on appetizers at Old Chicago following the graduation.



(Anthony is the one in the Middle)

Dubious, Blue Funk, Green

Dubious = Un-confident, doubtful
Blue-Funk = Stagnant, Stale
Green = young, new, blooming

Last week Marked my one year anniversary at the spa I work for. I was super excited, and proud to say, that, after four years of staying home, "I have worked here for 1 year!". I have been waiting for my level of confidence to rise, and my knowledge of what I do to be obvious to everyone, without me going on like a know-it-all. Foolishly, I thought it would all magically hit long before my anniversary. I was wayyyy off!! Did I mention I just graduated a year ago, too?

While I have learned a great deal, mostly thanks to my aggressive (and possibly a little crazy) Russian boss, I'm still lacking something. Confidence!!! I should be retaining more clients, but my self doubt doesn't allow me to draw them back in. AHEM..."I'd like to see you in two or three weeks to work on that shoulder, and keep it loosened up." Not so hard to say in theory, but in my brain, I'm already being rejected by the client (which rarely actually happens). I absolutely believe that what I do helps people. It not only helps with just relaxing, it enables the body to remember how to function properly. I have a complete presentation on how massage is beneficial, no, essential to maintaining health on the tip of my brain. I go to work, perform my massage, and lose all confidence, I feel like it is day 1 at the spa.
Tonight, I picked up my Massage and Bodywork that I usually skim through. I pored over each page trying to find my confidence. I found it!? Maybe (?) I rarely educate my clients on what to do to avoid reocurring muscle soreness, or injuries. And yes, I have to remember I'm still green, an infant in MT-world. I know what will help my clients, in the noggin, but hate to say I KNOW IT, but I do, and my clients need to know I do, or I'll just be like any other quack, or gimmick pusher. I KNOW massage works, come on over, I'll show you, and tell you all about it! :)

Just something Interesting

I don't like to talk Politics with many people, usually only close friends, but I found this article interesting.

http://jscafenette.com/2008/11/10/is-obama-the-anti-christ-i-dont-think-so/

Oh Wichita.

Some days, most days, I can find a list of reasons I do not like Wichita. Then I read this article. I'd still like to move, for various reasons. Unfortunate that it is more comfortable to complain about the problems than initiate change.

Naked City, a groovy little mag found around town published an article about all the Wichita possibilities. Whose responsibility is it to change the city? The Mayors? The Wizard of Oz? Us? Us.
A smart guy named Jason Dilts says this: "Ultimately, it's incumbent upon all of us as Wichitans to take ownership in our city's future. If we really want a connected downtown synced with our visions, we have to speak up! We have an outlet..."

Hah. Imagine that, communication is still the key. Sometimes we just forget.
So while I'm here, I will try to be better about my bellyaching. I do <3 Old Town. Here are a few of my faves:
LuCindas (super cute boutique, trendy clothes and cheeky gifts)
Caffe Moderne
Mead's Corner
The Donut Whole
A Legacy Antique Mall (Antiques for everyone, even the kids!)
Hana Cafe (Great Japanese)
Warren Old Town Theater
River City Brewing Co.

Ichiban! Numero Uno!

So many of my friends have done this blogging thing for quite a while now. It's only fair that I let a few people have a glimpse into our life, as I have been peeking into theirs. Continuity and organization in writing are beyond me, so bear with my random thoughts and spin offs. Enjoy!

Meet my Family:

First, the one who holds the other side of the net that will forever catch our children. He's my rock, my comedian, the one who put those butterflies in my tummy almost ten years ago. He's my Nathan.


Our firstborn, ball of energy, smart and sassy supermodel superman, Kai.











Following Kai would be Adolyn, our pretty baby girl who we have nicknamed Addy-tude. She is currently in her Terrific (?!) twos. She's our mamasita, balancing princess-ness, and keeping up with Kai.












Then there's ole me. Forever learning the ropes of parenthood and wifehood. I'm a Massage Therapist part time, and the rest of the time I spend with my Rugglets.