tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23480311372782258972024-03-11T23:13:57.869-07:00J's Journey Book-J.D. Humenayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14086704419701940067noreply@blogger.comBlogger679125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348031137278225897.post-80616377343535688812023-11-07T18:45:00.000-08:002023-11-07T18:45:28.493-08:00Epic Winter Road Trip - Wild Spaces and Family Faces<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(DISCLAIMER: I post NO ads through sponsorship. This blog is a labor of love - that is not subsidized by sponsorship at this point in time.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKWyxj0Nj6Obm7fgwkU0Rtt62lTnCmh0WGOqMiZodGsaDjnl_vQoSJgrnYfpK2b6AXzYQWOCsRsRKNR7bW8b2TV48nRkPPRyY9JafkalCw4C6AW8usoLIMqzBJSp6vMCpKaNn2UgO7Tekr0j3m-orjJa0AdTCjvsQfMttz6O74venMQyi9AZiiGoXk/s4080/PXL_20221222_225332177.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKWyxj0Nj6Obm7fgwkU0Rtt62lTnCmh0WGOqMiZodGsaDjnl_vQoSJgrnYfpK2b6AXzYQWOCsRsRKNR7bW8b2TV48nRkPPRyY9JafkalCw4C6AW8usoLIMqzBJSp6vMCpKaNn2UgO7Tekr0j3m-orjJa0AdTCjvsQfMttz6O74venMQyi9AZiiGoXk/s320/PXL_20221222_225332177.jpg" width="320"></a></div><p>The night we spent at Great Wolf Lodge was fantastic. It's always refreshing to be around folks where you pick up right where you left off - despite the years passing.</p><p>This time, we headed further south to spend 2 nights with my family in Southern California. We kept the evening simple with a sushi dinner to catch up with my mom and brother. After a good night's rest, we were ready for a day outside.</p><p>As a special treat, my mother offered to take us to the San Deigo Safari Park and take us on a jeep safari through the open savanna there. The Savanna is truly what makes this place stand out among zoos. (Well, that and a robust rhino and condor breeding program.) </p><p> I grew up in Escondido, so it'll always be the Wild Animal Park to me, but I loved seeing all of the improvements and expansion this park has made since my childhood.</p><p>It's very different than a typical zoo - mainly because of its wide open savanna and large open air exhibits. There is no traffic noise these animals have to contend with, and the staff is top notch as well. The savanna includes hoof stock and herbivores from around the world. Their have had a special emphasis on breeding programs have aided in keeping condors, rhinos and other species on the map. All of that, and it offers all of the things typical zoos do as well. While zoos are a problematic attraction in the world, people tend to not care about things they don't experience - including animals. For example, carved ivory is beautiful - but so are rhinos and elephants. But if you've never really seen an elephant or rhino up close - but you've seen a lot of beautifully carved ivory - are you really going to care much about the plight of those creatures? For most, the answer is saddly "No". Just as we often don't think about where our food comes from. (This is NOT be advocating. Just bringing awareness.) </p><p> Anyway - I digress.</p><p>The weather cooperated to a lovely 70 degrees and sunny. It was a great way to get some energy out and go see some new creatures we don't get to see in the Pacific Northwest.</p><p>To get an idea of what a trip through the savanna might look like, check out t<a href="https://sdzsafaripark.org/cams/giraffe-cam" target="_blank">his live cam</a> (and other live cams). </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjebspnHk85JP9_dyRoDO7p9a_haU8xmZ86SOq1fogjVQk6HYpH7yco4v_IqYwYFfK0KkyWyRRXKhsZ68WN7Mu6r9VhQDkgXzZg1oWQVHWghB_dLYGsSLdmH4E8MF99rLrxGGvsTgoq9z00AgilYHjjPiN4MGvyegxzmSbOrLdlWXh3u-4RhfOy2AzH/s3936/DSC_7898.NEF" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2624" data-original-width="3936" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjebspnHk85JP9_dyRoDO7p9a_haU8xmZ86SOq1fogjVQk6HYpH7yco4v_IqYwYFfK0KkyWyRRXKhsZ68WN7Mu6r9VhQDkgXzZg1oWQVHWghB_dLYGsSLdmH4E8MF99rLrxGGvsTgoq9z00AgilYHjjPiN4MGvyegxzmSbOrLdlWXh3u-4RhfOy2AzH/s320/DSC_7898.NEF" width="320"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In my tween years, I spent a <i>lot</i> of time at this park. I even painted faces as a voluenteer during their winter holiday Festival of Lights. This trip to the Safari Park was really special though. I'd never been out in the savanna. Seeing the animals up close and free ranging was a magical experience. The jeeps weren't too loud, which made The Impossible Girl very comfortable - and we got her a buddy from the gift shop that she could hang on to. (Never underestimate the power of a stuffed animal.) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> I left my phone and my camera off to enjoy the experience first hand, but luckily My Sailor captured lots of photos from the day.</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIypydSDQpTr-PhpXv9v5CfTuvUVjtA7zN9NYpYOS8SmuJyFKlR0goZDOrs3zLwknYogvOAW8WFmSKRcMn4c1q4ypK2ixKJlfPeZEEsd8QiBkZXUw7rMX3xJ0bwPCo6uKAmKa8KbaxPe8yRP-idPFePQxOsPGDZ9sLaflcYXgREnaASySI4oUuHRH_/s6016/DSC_7940.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4016" data-original-width="6016" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIypydSDQpTr-PhpXv9v5CfTuvUVjtA7zN9NYpYOS8SmuJyFKlR0goZDOrs3zLwknYogvOAW8WFmSKRcMn4c1q4ypK2ixKJlfPeZEEsd8QiBkZXUw7rMX3xJ0bwPCo6uKAmKa8KbaxPe8yRP-idPFePQxOsPGDZ9sLaflcYXgREnaASySI4oUuHRH_/s320/DSC_7940.JPG" width="320"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis3JwruwIaRLAtx333_x2AcPKI3bHGqWziooP8ZleYRwJrZIgjN7BH7t7-7sHQreNanUo2ksxX27IwzLPqWwxgLp650AEj0lMzdlqfjACyFVmaNeuRJEnReC8-7DEaU3OFDlGFXD1eZNgOmB434kYI7nwJCLwR7Cd_vJKaWK98N1Q_LCoiIO9V5NK1/s3936/DSC_7972.NEF" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2624" data-original-width="3936" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis3JwruwIaRLAtx333_x2AcPKI3bHGqWziooP8ZleYRwJrZIgjN7BH7t7-7sHQreNanUo2ksxX27IwzLPqWwxgLp650AEj0lMzdlqfjACyFVmaNeuRJEnReC8-7DEaU3OFDlGFXD1eZNgOmB434kYI7nwJCLwR7Cd_vJKaWK98N1Q_LCoiIO9V5NK1/s320/DSC_7972.NEF" width="320"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ2rNwZ1xFSX4vcupGxKE9fnULoQ_8VkhrOxZffPd0DNON8g5E4rGIbJoLlnZ0RanOpLaB7b42QCLOtTwjCoWYjOE_SZd9_CiW_oZMZjMQIv424_A8u5VmrSffJfI5XX8DQSJFQgLtalW3OQBaG4k4SHWsHscHDX2zXzGXMvRRCO29WkuXfG3-E1Bj/s6016/DSC_7932.NEF" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4016" data-original-width="6016" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ2rNwZ1xFSX4vcupGxKE9fnULoQ_8VkhrOxZffPd0DNON8g5E4rGIbJoLlnZ0RanOpLaB7b42QCLOtTwjCoWYjOE_SZd9_CiW_oZMZjMQIv424_A8u5VmrSffJfI5XX8DQSJFQgLtalW3OQBaG4k4SHWsHscHDX2zXzGXMvRRCO29WkuXfG3-E1Bj/s320/DSC_7932.NEF" width="320"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We hiked for miles and spent lots of time learning about the natural world and why protecting it is so important. </div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1s_8EC21lqwcmahV5WALtGwIeq3nGzzlUERiqrOt_4KTsTzxsJ5HV8ffV7AJRgk5tjHH8l8F1Z5maZBiXwZTB1Dp2PQ0ry5Y38H6B9Va8SYptUG831DpxLwImDt8v1HfrczEOEYLh8Wz1mjMOFP-7DYj_CfRa9mYMpwZauy5yArXXztBZ8itvBHdb/s3936/DSC_8120.NEF" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2624" data-original-width="3936" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1s_8EC21lqwcmahV5WALtGwIeq3nGzzlUERiqrOt_4KTsTzxsJ5HV8ffV7AJRgk5tjHH8l8F1Z5maZBiXwZTB1Dp2PQ0ry5Y38H6B9Va8SYptUG831DpxLwImDt8v1HfrczEOEYLh8Wz1mjMOFP-7DYj_CfRa9mYMpwZauy5yArXXztBZ8itvBHdb/s320/DSC_8120.NEF" width="320"></a></div><div><br></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy5DWYLgmd3qkc_Nnk73PcW6gO87iAmAGY_0rxd4ZzBSPGZ_Y3BsJM1hy3_YrwT72ja1B9NURrHjeuFinIhc4peuqN3I_uKgpt4L1YNSbsnNgvuMWkqRF9IC15mSGmhZU3VK1Dkuy_fynX6FyfcCFGIbuym_LYxko6nb4FdnuxspEU9lmhE1kDRKfY/s3936/DSC_8018.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2624" data-original-width="3936" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy5DWYLgmd3qkc_Nnk73PcW6gO87iAmAGY_0rxd4ZzBSPGZ_Y3BsJM1hy3_YrwT72ja1B9NURrHjeuFinIhc4peuqN3I_uKgpt4L1YNSbsnNgvuMWkqRF9IC15mSGmhZU3VK1Dkuy_fynX6FyfcCFGIbuym_LYxko6nb4FdnuxspEU9lmhE1kDRKfY/s320/DSC_8018.JPG" width="320"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Australia exhibit was fantastic, and included a platypus area! It was dark, so we didn't grab any pictures in there, BUT I'm so glad that the <a href="https://sdzsafaripark.org/safaris" target="_blank">San Diego Zoo Safari Park</a> follows along with <a href="https://www.kulturecity.org/" target="_blank">KultureCity</a>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It truly took the 'guess work' out of taking someone with SPD (<a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/childrens-health/sensory-issues-in-children" target="_blank">Sensory Processing Disorder</a>) to a place like this. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They offer packs of tools at the Ranger Station (including lap pads, fidgets, headphones, etc.). While we brought our own, they have clearly posted signs that indicate that indicate when noisy areas are coming up (and headphones might be helpful), or where quiet areas are, etc.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpqaJ06A7J67bGZmJltVIxXd4UJndekKmvzBRr8P6CC2QCeC8POWTCfmVhMkImYSxBFf4CzPrNRoYz89xJj9eRQDUHd-dmJF8xd7n3w-30jMJw8mBT_iyl9nzzZbDLSOKDeFG-bi5WI2M/s1600/1680233882776860-0.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpqaJ06A7J67bGZmJltVIxXd4UJndekKmvzBRr8P6CC2QCeC8POWTCfmVhMkImYSxBFf4CzPrNRoYz89xJj9eRQDUHd-dmJF8xd7n3w-30jMJw8mBT_iyl9nzzZbDLSOKDeFG-bi5WI2M/s1600/1680233882776860-0.png" width="400">
</a>
</div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> For those of us helping someone with SPD, we know what these signs look like, so we don't get taken by surprise and can gear up appropriately to help our SPD kid enjoy the experience. I really hope this catches on. It will help SPD folks manage as adults as well - if they have a little warning, they can prepare themselves for what's coming. </div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjEF_bh4gRl8fae1aW0rFFebDTJ1v2z68l38YxcEQRJRjzYw7ZEjkufdqNWd5Hlk9U1G4lFqlFWcUvG30qs_0M1saYzZIlWcyVBeZ7zGOG-a8jrnFd26ZJsChHeo0IODIayCUaA7uZx9igLLr6BUFvsYevotnGYwSPnQKzew7Rlxyirg_SY0k4ZT_s/s4032/PXL_20221222_234001371.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjEF_bh4gRl8fae1aW0rFFebDTJ1v2z68l38YxcEQRJRjzYw7ZEjkufdqNWd5Hlk9U1G4lFqlFWcUvG30qs_0M1saYzZIlWcyVBeZ7zGOG-a8jrnFd26ZJsChHeo0IODIayCUaA7uZx9igLLr6BUFvsYevotnGYwSPnQKzew7Rlxyirg_SY0k4ZT_s/s320/PXL_20221222_234001371.jpg" width="180"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A big request on the way out was that we find the cheetah, so we hiked around the park and tracked down the cheetah exhibit. And it certainly showed us what cats do most of the day. Sleep! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><img border="0" data-original-height="2624" data-original-width="3936" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVCtXDBlwkV6NfBdO-m8ml8Ge6BcxCCZl7lf1i1cAo4dUrKy4vZ1tRDJlEcJZoKLp6s1x1CFJSg26Q-8ISYaR3dOL-GQiyJltO2_qBfIRmkR_uIe_XngD1-Vc6r_RaCs95Z70BGKljis2wM4TCKZfKQyveWtMbZ9BPWBxHfm33w6MZIKu1zRR0fsqs/s320/DSC_8212.JPG" width="320"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was a long day on our feet, so we grabbed an early dinner at a local seafood place in Escondido and headed home for a bit of a movie and some more rest. Tomorrow was the BIG day! </div></div>-J.D. Humenayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14086704419701940067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348031137278225897.post-44825327158379371002023-11-07T18:44:00.000-08:002023-11-07T18:44:59.943-08:00Epic Winter Road Trip - Christmas Eve on the Disney Wonder<p>(While it's closer to Winter 2023 than Christmas 2022, I'm loving reliving this adventure, so I'm going to get this posted so I can catch up on the rest of life. I've missed writing and missed the blog - and yes, I've missed my readers, ye brave, ye few.)</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgya7ZiC7r2cCOb9196CtMZtVY3KnC5lR0o4QVglZKvEp979kITBuEjqWo4WtD5ayJ4PbVO2henCwXB4MeWl47yVT1gPmk9JE7UKknp99mYH_ILNshoFG0aYWzga8l6pab0hzclOwZLIbRacR4P0a22c7cSR-6gXYwWOaj_lubYxDnRnyDy0eDXqZOAAOY/s4080/PXL_20221224_145815479.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgya7ZiC7r2cCOb9196CtMZtVY3KnC5lR0o4QVglZKvEp979kITBuEjqWo4WtD5ayJ4PbVO2henCwXB4MeWl47yVT1gPmk9JE7UKknp99mYH_ILNshoFG0aYWzga8l6pab0hzclOwZLIbRacR4P0a22c7cSR-6gXYwWOaj_lubYxDnRnyDy0eDXqZOAAOY/s320/PXL_20221224_145815479.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>On land, I am rarely awake with the sun (unless I have to be). For some reason, on a Disney Cruise, I am awake with the sun. I never want to miss pulling into a port - which is a remarkable feat of human coordination to complete successfully day after day. But there is something inherentlyt magical about the sunrise from the deck of a ship. So on Christmas Eve, I got up early to get coffee from the Cove Cafe (all coffee is included in Disney Cruise line fair except for the goodies at Cove Cafe - which are priced on par with a local Starbucks and offers a frequent buyers card). The characters they put on our lattes are always a welcome touch. <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRDbQGkA2tcK9GpmW3fLXnJARtL6bLQU0ePDT0bB4_YeCdcivmAGQyYkMNN1UVHj_sTXMdmEsY4_Gfn72wOUfTtXZxbubuGq7AoaS26r0qtOnO5r8XjzQrarL6SD1b-9FjgdcLLG-De1Y47-5aR0sUo-1T3m__WH6db0_8idglDrjEPiUvnnJHjTYdMZQ/s4080/PXL_20221224_162654422.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRDbQGkA2tcK9GpmW3fLXnJARtL6bLQU0ePDT0bB4_YeCdcivmAGQyYkMNN1UVHj_sTXMdmEsY4_Gfn72wOUfTtXZxbubuGq7AoaS26r0qtOnO5r8XjzQrarL6SD1b-9FjgdcLLG-De1Y47-5aR0sUo-1T3m__WH6db0_8idglDrjEPiUvnnJHjTYdMZQ/s320/PXL_20221224_162654422.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We looked on the schedule and found that Daisy, The Impossible Girl's favorite character, was greeting that morning, so we stopped to say hi to her on our way off the ship. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC_lQ7bpq6gZda_280H9qN5x4YfFofZAQMo8H8KF1M7QeASIKd9vFtKokagJucM7aANUyq5gYkHMOlu_JiG9R_Rkh8JGMuTQDz3lenugXW341rbOMxqz2YuoffUvaPLMm5KzeWFMSMPZR2KshCgPi7mx8ZPsbPXtQ_nrTBZMZCNgnpRS-1_DLKnZF0AWM/s2144/2022-12-24%20-%20Disney%20Wonder%20-%20Disney%20Wonder.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2144" data-original-width="1856" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC_lQ7bpq6gZda_280H9qN5x4YfFofZAQMo8H8KF1M7QeASIKd9vFtKokagJucM7aANUyq5gYkHMOlu_JiG9R_Rkh8JGMuTQDz3lenugXW341rbOMxqz2YuoffUvaPLMm5KzeWFMSMPZR2KshCgPi7mx8ZPsbPXtQ_nrTBZMZCNgnpRS-1_DLKnZF0AWM/s320/2022-12-24%20-%20Disney%20Wonder%20-%20Disney%20Wonder.jpeg" width="277" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What you may not know, is this type of interaction is a really big deal for her. She almost got out of line several times and it took other kids reassuring her to get her to stay. Her knees were shaking and she wasn't sure about meeting her hero. Daisy seemed to know just how to handle it, helping keep the interaction just the right length and letting us get some great photos to remember her by. A year later, she remembers meeting Daisy and said it was a scary experience at first, but she's proud she did it anyway.</div><br /><div>Then our Mexican adventure began! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh28C3xPB37v1ZVUF1CwE1IU1rAVqEEyOMeWG9q4qANdWzagOgeiW8W0aCvqeOqaDPyDhY1iUmsFlnqUxxS24_Iwiuamclx88x5cnnZ_4Wj1F46LWjpN48OQdaT7DPA7wwo1OTA5GLjCS8oDRIo9QAappWgKwMU7CBt-QtPxAP4Kv44wchqYJPwlb_5rEo/s4080/Ensenadaflag.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh28C3xPB37v1ZVUF1CwE1IU1rAVqEEyOMeWG9q4qANdWzagOgeiW8W0aCvqeOqaDPyDhY1iUmsFlnqUxxS24_Iwiuamclx88x5cnnZ_4Wj1F46LWjpN48OQdaT7DPA7wwo1OTA5GLjCS8oDRIo9QAappWgKwMU7CBt-QtPxAP4Kv44wchqYJPwlb_5rEo/s320/Ensenadaflag.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR-oGBpmJq-OvE_I-oOV2JcushwkxOPwMWZOSryvX_TbZLo9YVwzFvdSbu3-65MdRQn55BweDHR8G4j5lhRQNKDa_aZOK1XaMqSD87MXY9TdvuoPGTrZxXnqpNeYBieXa1hNofhtoT3xnZ2itqDJm3cFb6N5gQjEDowG3dzXogElJxGMEdViA7DyGeMxo/s2632/Ensenada.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2632" data-original-width="1977" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR-oGBpmJq-OvE_I-oOV2JcushwkxOPwMWZOSryvX_TbZLo9YVwzFvdSbu3-65MdRQn55BweDHR8G4j5lhRQNKDa_aZOK1XaMqSD87MXY9TdvuoPGTrZxXnqpNeYBieXa1hNofhtoT3xnZ2itqDJm3cFb6N5gQjEDowG3dzXogElJxGMEdViA7DyGeMxo/s320/Ensenada.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>A bus took us near downtown and we strolled through a pavillon where a few merchants were offering wares. The Impossible Girl was struggling a bit with the change of scenery, but a yoyo at a local shop caught her eye, and that became her momento from Ensenada. We strolled down the port as she worked to master her yo-yo skills. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFpFIRczYm2FoEwUZ6WRCnvIbFOmaHrgDDmEE2p6FsKcYd_ThbpY96l02Lr3gVMJO1XjoTC1hl5GlGRKgBfqrhDP18zIjk7djsYaX8HNi_F1yqr2IW1oDwDnZDVtvjr4c1EVXbRMjM0ir_UNjiJmJa4AujB1sA4Z7rDrdq5jeyqXcxT2_jNOjSqZStCho/s4080/PXL_20221224_190919063.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFpFIRczYm2FoEwUZ6WRCnvIbFOmaHrgDDmEE2p6FsKcYd_ThbpY96l02Lr3gVMJO1XjoTC1hl5GlGRKgBfqrhDP18zIjk7djsYaX8HNi_F1yqr2IW1oDwDnZDVtvjr4c1EVXbRMjM0ir_UNjiJmJa4AujB1sA4Z7rDrdq5jeyqXcxT2_jNOjSqZStCho/s320/PXL_20221224_190919063.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We were able to walk through the waterfront district nearly completely undisturbed - aside from a few overzealous coffee shop and bar barkers. Christmas Eve is a time when many families in Mexico celebrate at home, so much of the hustle and bustle of shop keepers was quiet. The day couldn't have been more beautiful.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcuXqtoFAVsGhDoHMev7I2NnwgiYuC05pbc62PWQVwVz-i9iuCO12P7bEe0-V7paD_Hs4yp-lYQ0za_tN3mibipcWMZuHXhWe6CnCGSEDl62lODrUYxUKrkGCvxXYZKnZlY_x4JtCEDbKgi4dwDy-AZdkJc0pc5NhX2Dsb8XFPzr8bSwteTSEn2PwU0d0/s4080/PXL_20221224_190551513.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcuXqtoFAVsGhDoHMev7I2NnwgiYuC05pbc62PWQVwVz-i9iuCO12P7bEe0-V7paD_Hs4yp-lYQ0za_tN3mibipcWMZuHXhWe6CnCGSEDl62lODrUYxUKrkGCvxXYZKnZlY_x4JtCEDbKgi4dwDy-AZdkJc0pc5NhX2Dsb8XFPzr8bSwteTSEn2PwU0d0/s320/PXL_20221224_190551513.jpg" width="241" /></a></div>Art abounds on this little stroll along the port and I found the statues truly fascinating. All in all the walk was about a mile on way. While I was disappointed I wasn't able to find an open place for a legendary fish taco, we were all ready to head back to the ship for a late lunch.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5TgfyiCJw5_y6NzW2-H66MFonc4091FAJwa4M1KkgjHE7X4bRVBoF3A7UWKUvRVQFa6rBVFmJKjVVpDpeWyv6F3QUaSyxbevLIOQErnai49BoCjr8fLbCArrxq4Kl1PN6_nkr_AEQ0fU2qo8HMudMMzgspnGLZNG35unJkZi2Su39m7yJwufDnm85nIk/s4080/PXL_20221224_193503874.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5TgfyiCJw5_y6NzW2-H66MFonc4091FAJwa4M1KkgjHE7X4bRVBoF3A7UWKUvRVQFa6rBVFmJKjVVpDpeWyv6F3QUaSyxbevLIOQErnai49BoCjr8fLbCArrxq4Kl1PN6_nkr_AEQ0fU2qo8HMudMMzgspnGLZNG35unJkZi2Su39m7yJwufDnm85nIk/s320/PXL_20221224_193503874.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><div>I held out hope that they would do a Mexican themed meal, but alas I was a little disappointed. Not in the food. Cabanas, the on board buffet is always delicious. It would have been a really nice touch though! While the kiddo took some time to unwind in the room after lunch, I spent a little down time on the verandah enjoying my score from a local merchant. (It's been almost a year and it's still a favorite blanket in our household.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrGR9X-aRivPTfT2ITm7aR3FHce4I37LoWKUYb1aDBMQJG3Y2M-dS_nhEzcK6MT0paJJtf3jHXDPlFBqnztzMMkTBduKXSWmO5rXblUmK-rUglk9iBwD8z74vPHF5CbvsF_E4wfeDTbti2pKECFFhjiULLa5OctkiLbkpj-WictWA-dgCuBLNmYIxQ5_c/s960/400027513_10230208907904154_2900171332359168506_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="945" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrGR9X-aRivPTfT2ITm7aR3FHce4I37LoWKUYb1aDBMQJG3Y2M-dS_nhEzcK6MT0paJJtf3jHXDPlFBqnztzMMkTBduKXSWmO5rXblUmK-rUglk9iBwD8z74vPHF5CbvsF_E4wfeDTbti2pKECFFhjiULLa5OctkiLbkpj-WictWA-dgCuBLNmYIxQ5_c/s320/400027513_10230208907904154_2900171332359168506_n.jpg" width="315" /></a></div>Have I mentioned how awesome the kids clubs are on Disney ships? I know I probably sound like a paid advertisement, but I'm not. I'm just a fan of a vacation where I can actually spend some time with My Sailor. It's a rare currency in our world - and certainly makes these cruises worth every penny. <div><br /></div><div>After lunch on board and some downtime in the room, The Impossible Girl went to the Oceaneer's Club (she loves the Frozen area, complete with a modest Oaken in a steamy sauna) and My Sailor and I got to enjoy some downtime together.<br /><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibmv9Rd7e3v7QiGVZqgbxlStZKL6UA5xwzDp6adAazZDLfuBGTw8rrOa_4NWa-nSCe_J7uG6XSBuR9qqUhjemZECnvHlzhXs-koKgG_m0mJrUXxquHxHiaw5uSV_NGEGtxF95ZUPFeMUnOowZK7hoBmlPDxMPjWiSq5uRh4kLTKfgiAzf_iYT3G04yeso/s2975/PXL_20221225_000558267.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2464" data-original-width="2975" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibmv9Rd7e3v7QiGVZqgbxlStZKL6UA5xwzDp6adAazZDLfuBGTw8rrOa_4NWa-nSCe_J7uG6XSBuR9qqUhjemZECnvHlzhXs-koKgG_m0mJrUXxquHxHiaw5uSV_NGEGtxF95ZUPFeMUnOowZK7hoBmlPDxMPjWiSq5uRh4kLTKfgiAzf_iYT3G04yeso/s320/PXL_20221225_000558267.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We got a drink at the New Orlean's themed bar beside Tiana's Place (a New Orlean's themed dining room), played a round or two of Bingo (the only gambling on Disney cruise ships - we didn't win, but it is always a fun time), and walked a few laps on the deck enjoying some time to reconnect (and maybe be a little but Goofy).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh51XnDzwW3nYYrV1xm6AF8hRwXyX4eIrSdsygLO8ws8XEes7ik9ukx31H0BVkhsudGLlDP-iakOowYI9YEdEk1Wn2Iugq8YuZFrosa6rBEfJN0Zu7L47gRBjhfGpwbbvR3GBom5SuAclJkKO7A1dVkCVALCZRMK15EHRVFlGkZBcVz5kNtAJUJgtFbhrA/s3280/christmasevetree1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3280" data-original-width="2464" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh51XnDzwW3nYYrV1xm6AF8hRwXyX4eIrSdsygLO8ws8XEes7ik9ukx31H0BVkhsudGLlDP-iakOowYI9YEdEk1Wn2Iugq8YuZFrosa6rBEfJN0Zu7L47gRBjhfGpwbbvR3GBom5SuAclJkKO7A1dVkCVALCZRMK15EHRVFlGkZBcVz5kNtAJUJgtFbhrA/s320/christmasevetree1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We picked up The Impossible Girl in time for dinner at Triton's. While it wasn't really a special holiday menu, any menu is special when it's at Triton's. This dining room is more elegant than the other 2 on board (Tiana's Place and Animator's Palace). I am chagrined to admit that on our first sailing on the Wonder, we had 3 meals in this room and I <i>never noticed </i>this giant mosaic. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTDCnz7cuA_Aez4y4JVp2WZuYbwXex3lpB240Cpve9yJYns4Vevte9waNsH0VBUjM87Ml8y4HtYCI7Gxe5yLM1KebXJw3qk3UdWsP1Z7Kb8s7jS5cbV3zsVALUs5_r-lPS6iI9baNrcVcyPzLKNREYKt9MIWoWzUPxnpRtCcJ1S-YkjqpyzXqBbnRyF88/s2929/Tritons.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2832" data-original-width="2929" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTDCnz7cuA_Aez4y4JVp2WZuYbwXex3lpB240Cpve9yJYns4Vevte9waNsH0VBUjM87Ml8y4HtYCI7Gxe5yLM1KebXJw3qk3UdWsP1Z7Kb8s7jS5cbV3zsVALUs5_r-lPS6iI9baNrcVcyPzLKNREYKt9MIWoWzUPxnpRtCcJ1S-YkjqpyzXqBbnRyF88/s320/Tritons.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We did the early dining, so our dinner was followed by a show. Tonight was the Golden Mickeys - a fun little show that is set up like an Oscar style award show gone-awry, including a variety of Disney acts looking to win the Golden Mickey (instead of an Oscar). It's always a fun show, and we all enjoyed it. </div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Since tonight was Christmas eve, it only made sense to stay up a little late and let Mrs. Clause pop in for a reading of The Night Before Christmas. On our 2019 cruise over the same dates, Mrs. Clause was in front of the Christmas tree, but this year they opted to use a D Lounge (the ship's small stage) instead. While it was slightly less magical, the kids had a great time (especially when Mickey and Friends came out after the show). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLHzC_lgcVEZZpARDKyvP615NdMooFVQv9BoAy2njxlJMJwI9SJrbRW1DFJYTZKVgZnnG-OC7O_4mIlvIirdGIsZDXq-O5Q65xXeDpKTlUi6fn1XV4sv5I6azYBh6KBu-3QkrxcYQkSB4GJ5Vl6rzQwHkBKbOH-Mo5GwMJN8wBRPUrdfwIRNY2_EZc0Ck/s2928/mrsclause.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2928" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLHzC_lgcVEZZpARDKyvP615NdMooFVQv9BoAy2njxlJMJwI9SJrbRW1DFJYTZKVgZnnG-OC7O_4mIlvIirdGIsZDXq-O5Q65xXeDpKTlUi6fn1XV4sv5I6azYBh6KBu-3QkrxcYQkSB4GJ5Vl6rzQwHkBKbOH-Mo5GwMJN8wBRPUrdfwIRNY2_EZc0Ck/s320/mrsclause.jpg" width="248" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On our way back to our cabin, the crew was handing out milk and cookies for Santa, so we could take them back to our room. It was a fun gesture that really made me smile. Our shipmates had gifted us a small mug with a slot for a cookie in it, so we used that to make sure Santa had an appropriate place to enjoy his goodie. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And our cabin host didn't slack on the holiday cheer either.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjex4P2fd7bqFEoI04t0MXTfA5BtdetIyrQLmftAHwLxfG6Ja1AKOKWhV81sNwKB5cP128TA-WTscNUbpH1oNa1UZVdfSfmdXbJS5Dy07wiGnFSDy3RRFihrCPE5KTtQIgPPETxgVN1p6Sqj7OSBJufqU-YsqxlCZsHCdedHU_CKoFYcuFfMXz2i5eStpQ/s4080/bedtimetreats.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjex4P2fd7bqFEoI04t0MXTfA5BtdetIyrQLmftAHwLxfG6Ja1AKOKWhV81sNwKB5cP128TA-WTscNUbpH1oNa1UZVdfSfmdXbJS5Dy07wiGnFSDy3RRFihrCPE5KTtQIgPPETxgVN1p6Sqj7OSBJufqU-YsqxlCZsHCdedHU_CKoFYcuFfMXz2i5eStpQ/s320/bedtimetreats.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Now, our kiddo has never really been about the gifts at Christmas. If you've followed previous blogs (ye brave, ye few), she's more about the fun of it. I feel like Santa could have missed us all together and she still would have had a great time. Now that Santa was coming tonight, who knew what tomorrow would bring? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6tX28qZcU2cFAm1rEgJdAKmuELHC44-U0zmJz7pk7X1SN4STV4ivL2OcV4eqronwMf85cBViMZ5YeKmYu3fv7c0tQZuWCNQNv2MX3PJ7buOzvbW_0tIeA90jC2GE6wvcI8JsFBgwbcYx7QrnDJl1y_Hcf5MdRLMmBTfWGaoydpwJ_u8oSFSTh7jPjDxQ/s4080/treewithstar.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6tX28qZcU2cFAm1rEgJdAKmuELHC44-U0zmJz7pk7X1SN4STV4ivL2OcV4eqronwMf85cBViMZ5YeKmYu3fv7c0tQZuWCNQNv2MX3PJ7buOzvbW_0tIeA90jC2GE6wvcI8JsFBgwbcYx7QrnDJl1y_Hcf5MdRLMmBTfWGaoydpwJ_u8oSFSTh7jPjDxQ/s320/treewithstar.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Stay Tuned for Christmas Day! </div>-J.D. Humenayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14086704419701940067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348031137278225897.post-60710425443523093122023-03-31T21:46:00.004-07:002023-03-31T21:46:45.618-07:00Epic Winter Road Trip - Wonder and EMBARKATION!<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw6aUMuCQmhBMXxQSgoUQDqoeVFIytCihPw-aoWy648nQDEx7bdaaVi-Cu64MTsy8uKRbh2RwPxRy3EVH4BNh2PEBDtV9IHV6DvwNDVsFKVixh1j8aOcxOG3uS8NPwtK2iq8N1qsS1h7L_hSif1c7-AfbPDOuUtAU3rS4R4N9evKEZ1OvdvR1iBsJ5/s2784/2022-12-23%20-%20Disney%20Wonder%20-%20Disney%20Cruise%20Line.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1856" data-original-width="2784" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw6aUMuCQmhBMXxQSgoUQDqoeVFIytCihPw-aoWy648nQDEx7bdaaVi-Cu64MTsy8uKRbh2RwPxRy3EVH4BNh2PEBDtV9IHV6DvwNDVsFKVixh1j8aOcxOG3uS8NPwtK2iq8N1qsS1h7L_hSif1c7-AfbPDOuUtAU3rS4R4N9evKEZ1OvdvR1iBsJ5/w400-h266/2022-12-23%20-%20Disney%20Wonder%20-%20Disney%20Cruise%20Line.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Back to The Mickey Boat for Christmas! (<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/735032592/disney-cruise-shirt-disney-merrytime?ref=yr_purchases" target="_blank">Our Shirts</a>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> Now we get down to the main event! This cruise was the reason we made the pilgrimage to San Diego.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> After our unexpectedly challenging Disney World trip in the Spring of 2022, we needed something more on the relaxing side to allow </span><i style="text-align: left;">everyone</i><span style="text-align: left;"> to enjoy themselves. While a road trip is a fabulous adventure - nothing fits the bill quite like a Disney Cruise. The Impossible Girl has been begging to go back to 'The Mickey Boat' since we got off our first cruise in 2019. </span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdUsYMDDw6XqR8Qx7-mlu0YaWARuB13P5aySiy_quOSZM8esMQoROV-f63Oh0RNYG0-4Ys65IYMdxOUYNTrzbDE9MORDiAdqattzumw18FJuYXNwkCDmbPvK9PpWEsqrZavTjTZYa063VQazfa7tPGCvcIRjsz2C3zHDsPxuird2hgphIrDQOy5xoz/s2048/IMG_20191220_122730.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdUsYMDDw6XqR8Qx7-mlu0YaWARuB13P5aySiy_quOSZM8esMQoROV-f63Oh0RNYG0-4Ys65IYMdxOUYNTrzbDE9MORDiAdqattzumw18FJuYXNwkCDmbPvK9PpWEsqrZavTjTZYa063VQazfa7tPGCvcIRjsz2C3zHDsPxuird2hgphIrDQOy5xoz/s320/IMG_20191220_122730.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">About to get on her first Disney Cruise, December of 2019</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLtUOBY0jF_txX0QHN6BLjqw9MmN2pcbaVOqh_kbA60fct0twFsMU7MbFkjSpQEsFnHoE4Kuh7FuVA5MKJfFKdQ8iRK3pgb9quPi7OjcCgINHeWS2jmGEOgv0nqB44znypNfkeNYG9AY3Y8wm39Ryplj0bEANjlGnvJp1wrMJM_rNVrkyLujPg6Mlm/s2048/IMG_20191220_214314.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLtUOBY0jF_txX0QHN6BLjqw9MmN2pcbaVOqh_kbA60fct0twFsMU7MbFkjSpQEsFnHoE4Kuh7FuVA5MKJfFKdQ8iRK3pgb9quPi7OjcCgINHeWS2jmGEOgv0nqB44znypNfkeNYG9AY3Y8wm39Ryplj0bEANjlGnvJp1wrMJM_rNVrkyLujPg6Mlm/s320/IMG_20191220_214314.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Mickey Bar ever - on the first night of the cruise in 2019</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Back in December of 2019, it seemed like an incredibly extravagant way to get away for Christmas. It <i>was</i> the gift that year. My Sailor got a bonus <i style="font-weight: bold;">and </i>leave which just <i style="font-weight: bold;">happened to </i>match up to a military discount on a Disney Cruise. We booked the whole thing a whopping 3 weeks out, and it turned out to be an amazing investment in our future.</p><p> We had no idea how much we would rely on those memories to get us through the subsequent deployment and COVID lock downs that came unbidden in March of 2020. (Check out this blog <a href="https://www.jsjourneybook.com/2020/03/when-world-paused-separate-to-survive.html">when the World Paused and we were called on to Seperate to Survive</a>) </p><p> Talking about memories from The Mickey Boat kept us 'afloat' while we were struggling through school, park, store, and life shut downs. Every single day, the memory of our time on the cruise came back to shine a light in a terrifying time. </p><p>When the stars aligned <i style="font-weight: bold;">AGAIN </i>(no bonus this time, but a significantly less expensive cruise that we could drive to in 20 hours) after all the stresses of reintegration we jumped at the chance. This road trip took The Impossible Girl's entire winter break - but that also happens to be a time of year when My Sailor can get holiday Stand Down. While it's an expensive time to travel, making memories together means more than saving the money. </p><p>After all, if Covid and military life have taught us anything it's "Seize the moment. Who knows what tomorrow may bring."</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm0WtwqWsopZ5hLguBDQPkJ3N0vNdpZoFaqtBs3oSPE6ojSYhQhdhuzZul4DlLQz8v7De89WPOYQwvrap8IvWQF_W6lo_aF7cxAACt_045nTO3BpwxHPaVvelSKemX1lS1FMZOdhGH_LHy3Qp-bH8xOldeVeej-uonxVuONwLhc2jVGEfSX_aF2AaJ/s4080/PXL_20221223_200620087.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2578" data-original-width="4080" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm0WtwqWsopZ5hLguBDQPkJ3N0vNdpZoFaqtBs3oSPE6ojSYhQhdhuzZul4DlLQz8v7De89WPOYQwvrap8IvWQF_W6lo_aF7cxAACt_045nTO3BpwxHPaVvelSKemX1lS1FMZOdhGH_LHy3Qp-bH8xOldeVeej-uonxVuONwLhc2jVGEfSX_aF2AaJ/s320/PXL_20221223_200620087.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>My brother graciously shuttled us to the port and said goodbye as we got on the Disney Wonder. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We couldn't have asked for a smoother embarkation process or better weather to start this epic adventure. We didn't wait around in the San Diego terminal at all. We walked right through security, snapped a family photo, and were on board in no time. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our first stop was Cabana's, the buffet on the Disney Wonder. It was a beautiful sunny day, so we got a table outside to enjoy some rays and some lunch.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Impossible Girl and My Sailor helped guard against the ever-watchful sea gulls while I grabbed my grub. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL6lKBF7vd0Kb4f-hvcmuDS9tSienULN6p9kpZJvfsNjCPJSLNCpoQBkfusdqt-z61UjUiUDJIkYkh2RhT5icvcJG7-uxs9gEtwg1ZGunRd_k2GJzGZ5ql5x9IwPsq6Lmfkvc1c2FKwGK234m5VY97C-YNqw6uBgO7IU9lw5Ok42_55enlYPerzDBi/s2931/PXL_20221223_210640722.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2202" data-original-width="2931" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL6lKBF7vd0Kb4f-hvcmuDS9tSienULN6p9kpZJvfsNjCPJSLNCpoQBkfusdqt-z61UjUiUDJIkYkh2RhT5icvcJG7-uxs9gEtwg1ZGunRd_k2GJzGZ5ql5x9IwPsq6Lmfkvc1c2FKwGK234m5VY97C-YNqw6uBgO7IU9lw5Ok42_55enlYPerzDBi/s320/PXL_20221223_210640722.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgHMkFa8kwhpmmoMFicgEBkPjlriQKhkSw_5LyxnwXUtD30UE1n8RKEyhU4jC4QhifgiydPAliAbs8QWmR3xPQxOL8Xf2ZwfwEngWn0uvpJzzuUOrk3UgCqV7L9ReUv0bsC2VZNmVbwEKIOE47LT00c-dNBehdl1A0yU798vKOlFdfVKbGV5RvdLca/s3280/PXL_20221223_211328400.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3280" data-original-width="2464" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgHMkFa8kwhpmmoMFicgEBkPjlriQKhkSw_5LyxnwXUtD30UE1n8RKEyhU4jC4QhifgiydPAliAbs8QWmR3xPQxOL8Xf2ZwfwEngWn0uvpJzzuUOrk3UgCqV7L9ReUv0bsC2VZNmVbwEKIOE47LT00c-dNBehdl1A0yU798vKOlFdfVKbGV5RvdLca/s320/PXL_20221223_211328400.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Needless to say, lunch was fabulous. Even better than last time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After lunch, My Sailor went to ask Guest Services about a few things while The Impossible Girl and I explored all over the ship.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Now, if you've never cruised this may be news to you. Rooms aren't quite ready when you hop on board, unless you enjoy boarding late. Like a floating hotel, it can take some time to turn over the rooms from the previous guests. We got on board at around 11:30am, and the rooms wouldn't be ready until closer to 3pm. Usually the pool is open along with the bars, spa, and at least one sit down eatery.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> One of the things we love about the Disney Wonder is that she is a small ship. While mega ships are basically floating cities (with over 7000 people on board), the Wonder is more like a small towns (max out at about 2700 if it were completely staffed and had every bed full). You can actually get to know crew members during some of the longer cruises, and it's a much more relaxed vibe than the megaships sailing the seas these days. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">That also means less shopping, activities, movies, ect, but we manage to have a great time and fill up our time despite the smaller size. Disney never disappoints.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We carried on things we'd need much like on an airplane, and schelped our backpacks around the ship for a few hours as we explored.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyG2zHFJg1a1-EAelPdysQYXhNjzgRjmBd1HmKo6vs_Ln2saIfwy6cmxxMiCNOgCTA7KER05jdgJEPfqIN4VWVbJXj-DBINNEpoyUVo3f0Wl4QnuJ2oUxRwo5J0-arPc5BHHHPrfyZo8i6FvZdPQaat4zYpa5wHkPvjWwvoc4JTHc57pa2oplDrflj/s4080/PXL_20221223_211454442.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyG2zHFJg1a1-EAelPdysQYXhNjzgRjmBd1HmKo6vs_Ln2saIfwy6cmxxMiCNOgCTA7KER05jdgJEPfqIN4VWVbJXj-DBINNEpoyUVo3f0Wl4QnuJ2oUxRwo5J0-arPc5BHHHPrfyZo8i6FvZdPQaat4zYpa5wHkPvjWwvoc4JTHc57pa2oplDrflj/s320/PXL_20221223_211454442.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Watching planes take off from the airport just down the street - How cool is the Port of San Diego?! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We went to ALL of the open houses of<u><i> EVERY KIDS CLUB ON BOARD</i></u>! It's one of the coolest things about embarkation day. Each Kids Club is in Open House mode - so anyone on board can come in and play. During normal operation, the kids clubs <i style="font-weight: bold;">only</i> allow in the counselors and the kids. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggGxjo53kyiPeQkr6bFBcy6qYkrtkzQm9OmOBne_SmQai4b-s5_2FVSwFmrSFgUQww5q-lVbWvai6xHJ75sTBxzZNFo1q7HhAt6rnGTTtgNS9KCzdz4UB5mDYQHc5sR3YO_MEL4gMrQpHoLrQQkUSzApJxnAqtqSnetqVhy4ugz22xYO4GoAaNcmma/s4080/PXL_20221223_220432744.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggGxjo53kyiPeQkr6bFBcy6qYkrtkzQm9OmOBne_SmQai4b-s5_2FVSwFmrSFgUQww5q-lVbWvai6xHJ75sTBxzZNFo1q7HhAt6rnGTTtgNS9KCzdz4UB5mDYQHc5sR3YO_MEL4gMrQpHoLrQQkUSzApJxnAqtqSnetqVhy4ugz22xYO4GoAaNcmma/s320/PXL_20221223_220432744.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Oceaneer's Club has a couple fabulous themed play areas. The highlight is always the Slinky Dog Slide in an area themed like Andy's Bedroom. Typically, the Oceaneer's Club and the Oceaneer's Lab are for kids 3-10.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjjAmij1uIouc4fhUHH1aXbD0_hOVoaKMV3G8rtgxaIJp1-fqlPpYBmsYmka972uHca94yBgafGG-uS67rlTE1R7OgTvDDa3_fAmR6-T26nWW_dU8C3A5e_8jtUJfXkzaC4aEm0h16JJfunfwHQ2ZCV5E5gAMsnxQbv88JlqWuAZHVWHH4f0ZvYG8K/s4080/PXL_20221223_220634690.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjjAmij1uIouc4fhUHH1aXbD0_hOVoaKMV3G8rtgxaIJp1-fqlPpYBmsYmka972uHca94yBgafGG-uS67rlTE1R7OgTvDDa3_fAmR6-T26nWW_dU8C3A5e_8jtUJfXkzaC4aEm0h16JJfunfwHQ2ZCV5E5gAMsnxQbv88JlqWuAZHVWHH4f0ZvYG8K/s320/PXL_20221223_220634690.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We also explored Edge. It's the kids club for ages 11-14. I didn't take pictures here, but we did some fun coloring and crafts there. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then we moved into the teenage club (14-17) - Vibe.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrdfpv-gFMd5rH9-seBa8yt6rpNEl9i3TeYYfhBQYH_iNgu9Y0bFIWwMM5F1fk-qA3ClvYk7dq9ETJ7GEWTKCpOQE_9GhDtpntzylnlmUoz4Q1eQIN-hhHrYOfYj88o_Joki8EtP_9qfTu5JN_AuR3a0M0OJOqnyG6Nr7joDaoTniFj4yR2oHuVyNn/s2731/PXL_20221223_230156648%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2464" data-original-width="2731" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrdfpv-gFMd5rH9-seBa8yt6rpNEl9i3TeYYfhBQYH_iNgu9Y0bFIWwMM5F1fk-qA3ClvYk7dq9ETJ7GEWTKCpOQE_9GhDtpntzylnlmUoz4Q1eQIN-hhHrYOfYj88o_Joki8EtP_9qfTu5JN_AuR3a0M0OJOqnyG6Nr7joDaoTniFj4yR2oHuVyNn/s320/PXL_20221223_230156648%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This might just prove what 'big kids' we are, but I feel like all of us could have hung out here for hours and hours... </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdhIdNbUaCc9WumJCbqXUzkOj5pQZeWAK1UY0h34sB6UG34Z3cAVQsz5YS_QramuouDLZnG_zV_dHQYR7r_FeGrwkMiwBNh3DJBopK9Zx_WJEpbYjP9RSDYDUdhByysjnyswWJYqcrf1lh_8Scf1mJIKXJgt8j6d-ZERmQTDAeyTc_Cpk8VR8xCWJg/s3204/PXL_20221223_231014728.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2413" data-original-width="3204" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdhIdNbUaCc9WumJCbqXUzkOj5pQZeWAK1UY0h34sB6UG34Z3cAVQsz5YS_QramuouDLZnG_zV_dHQYR7r_FeGrwkMiwBNh3DJBopK9Zx_WJEpbYjP9RSDYDUdhByysjnyswWJYqcrf1lh_8Scf1mJIKXJgt8j6d-ZERmQTDAeyTc_Cpk8VR8xCWJg/s320/PXL_20221223_231014728.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Finally our room was ready and we got to drop off our backpacks and check it out! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-DD5zMnjWU7pZC9xmjDwRlV70mn4PB6vioB6Op7mzfPApbyuA5ZpEESBkEbnYG3MSn93gcjst_cXgC4dj3tVOIdgxTg4jdzaklEnPM9UtbUOlkax6bcE7WPDF_j_hF-uR49vA97JzdlC-EPRGn_wWwmfapKuH-d20fF1vNn_xXkdLYcaGW70rY04n/s2845/PXL_20221224_005819611.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2845" data-original-width="2137" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-DD5zMnjWU7pZC9xmjDwRlV70mn4PB6vioB6Op7mzfPApbyuA5ZpEESBkEbnYG3MSn93gcjst_cXgC4dj3tVOIdgxTg4jdzaklEnPM9UtbUOlkax6bcE7WPDF_j_hF-uR49vA97JzdlC-EPRGn_wWwmfapKuH-d20fF1vNn_xXkdLYcaGW70rY04n/s320/PXL_20221224_005819611.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Obligatory photo from the verandah, though still at port.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivO6R7xJmcxiNY9C-Oo3VTVuF98cR8dlHLvSf2CgveVd7jmZY6P8FOdoVWhAmla3rIm6xtWj_wUeDB06pp5LvPHUDHoXImQaZuVCNRT-d5NrzX1hMm0_R8e4Ff9JIOB7BD-q1y0gMHLZ-aNLledDB4jHAMYkD3cVpeU5uUjrZxAJrwU4m2ScTXIpdq/s4080/PXL_20221223_234640821.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2350" data-original-width="4080" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivO6R7xJmcxiNY9C-Oo3VTVuF98cR8dlHLvSf2CgveVd7jmZY6P8FOdoVWhAmla3rIm6xtWj_wUeDB06pp5LvPHUDHoXImQaZuVCNRT-d5NrzX1hMm0_R8e4Ff9JIOB7BD-q1y0gMHLZ-aNLledDB4jHAMYkD3cVpeU5uUjrZxAJrwU4m2ScTXIpdq/s320/PXL_20221223_234640821.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Now, let's talk about the Muster drill. For those new to cruising - before you leave your home port, each cruise line <u style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">HAS TO</u> have a muster drill, where they go over all of the emergency procedures on the ship, <i>if </i>there is ever a problem on board that would require evacuation. In our experience on Disney, this is accomplished by watching a short safety video on each room's TV, and getting to an assigned 'muster point', meeting the crew members that would be in charge of safely getting you to a lifeboat. It's a bit of a tense moment because it's the last bit of 'business' that needs to happen before the party of setting off on the high seas starts. It <i style="font-weight: bold;">always</i> includes blowing the ship's emergency whistle (in Disney's case, that means 3 loud blasts - and I mean <u style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">LOUD.)</u> It's a plain loud blast. Not the typical whimsical 'When you Wish Upon a Star' blast that the Wonder usually has. (<a href="https://youtu.be/UgLYDegNzvs" target="_blank">Here's a fun little horn battle: Disney Wonder VS Royal Carribean, so you get the gist.</a>) While anxious souls may find comfort in all of the safety schpeel, it can also, obviously, increase anxiety as well.<div><br /></div><div>Before our cruise, we learned that Disney will allow Guests who CAN'T sit through the Muster drill to check in with the crew member at their appointed station, and then go back to their room. Since The Impossible Girl sat through one a couple years ago (without the aid of headphones because back in 2019 - we didn't know what we know now) we were going to aim to sit through this one if we could. The ship gets pretty busy with EVERY guest trying to coral their families and check in at the right place. Another thing about the muster drill is that NO ONE CAN LEAVE until EVERYONE who was supposed to report to a station has indeed reported. Yes, they keep track. Yes, they know who's missing. And Yes, they WILL track them down. While the odds of something going wrong on a cruise ship that would require evacuation are VERY low, it's still a good thing to participate in every time - and it's also a MANDATORY thing to participate in.</div><div><br /></div><div>So the photo above was taken by My Sailor as we waited for the last folks to show up. What usually takes 5-10 minutes took over 30 (because someone didn't show up and it took FOREVER to track them down...). There is NO entertainment during this time. The pool and the free ice cream is even closed, so it makes NO sense to stay on deck and NOT participate. </div><div><br /></div><div>This was where we were on the edge of panic, but we made it through. She was begging to go back to the room and watch cartoons.</div><div><br /></div><div>I <i>really </i>wanted to see the Sail Away party on Deck. I missed it in 2019 due to a storm making it impossible to dance outside (and the atrium, where they do it in the event of rain, was PACKED). While I was pushing, My Sailor knew there was a better way to handle it.</div><div><br /></div><div>He'd stay in the room and watch cartoons with The Impossible Girl so she could unwind, and I'd go watch the Sail Away party solo. He recognized her overstimulation when I wasn't ready to, and showed the treasure of a Dad that he is. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzHgtflGccdQrd1IQaNo7VhU76t4VWsrLKmOCng8y9ZrpSiRpBhigdo5q3jNiVy0ITpeMwJsJplYgNDxPs5_a9s5oqWh0-Bb4nkm1sUw1dFPaWnhm-izG8ZfmMDn39ioUHtkJKbFFwILFi-9hJRDZ6-dAvF05VonpVrmUAkNp2mgpKP_vU3piw_RRm/s4080/PXL_20221224_010852801.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzHgtflGccdQrd1IQaNo7VhU76t4VWsrLKmOCng8y9ZrpSiRpBhigdo5q3jNiVy0ITpeMwJsJplYgNDxPs5_a9s5oqWh0-Bb4nkm1sUw1dFPaWnhm-izG8ZfmMDn39ioUHtkJKbFFwILFi-9hJRDZ6-dAvF05VonpVrmUAkNp2mgpKP_vU3piw_RRm/s320/PXL_20221224_010852801.jpg" width="241" /></a></div>Moments like these are so good for them. Reintegration is one of the hardest parts of military life. Especially for kids. Daddy's and daughters have bridges to build any way they can in a typical family. Dad being away for months at a time out of contact doesn't help. Time for the two of them - especially when he 'gets' her - is deeply healing for both.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Off I went to the Sail Away deck party while they relaxed in the room. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtq6cPQImwUXARXQaCc2GtFIV27Eor9-RXu7gz2WTet7TNTUzxBmw7ixafvkagpntpI0CjvY1ku9o51tw5Hrr2ftp_h2DU66sBMuG4rjiCpaBoHcLyBICUMS6zNYlI0cWg82OlerOz5SSFpHz_H5XPTqOyMlPAF_y-1SWOYdYMVfJsmIP_50uulWun/s4080/PXL_20221224_002039809.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtq6cPQImwUXARXQaCc2GtFIV27Eor9-RXu7gz2WTet7TNTUzxBmw7ixafvkagpntpI0CjvY1ku9o51tw5Hrr2ftp_h2DU66sBMuG4rjiCpaBoHcLyBICUMS6zNYlI0cWg82OlerOz5SSFpHz_H5XPTqOyMlPAF_y-1SWOYdYMVfJsmIP_50uulWun/s320/PXL_20221224_002039809.jpg" width="241" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the future, I'd be happy missing this shin dig, but it was a nice way to get the party started...<br />Only... we didn't sail away right after the sail away party. <br />Due to fog, we were stuck in port for several more hours. </td></tr></tbody></table><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMMCaXozB7Kri2cODVkYjlhZO8lcrp6HkrHyhzw65zEJcphhZY9sWERObsJmhqr1TvtFgVcPXVX_bhMpOjRFUHxWOmhYAcsSTQT7bQXB0vtsc8oKk7vdxzQG2Hyb1k497_v4S29_LhwxVCodZVgd6xpekQMOZImdjer1pogj3p0zO10KczvJ42GnRr/s320/PXL_20221224_003925392.jpg" width="320" /></div><br />Hard to believe it was sunny minutes before this massive fog engulfed us!<div><br /></div><div>But after some rest, there was still a lot to do on the Wonder. As soon as the Kids Club was open, The Impossible Girl wanted to be dropped off, so we did! </div><div><br /></div><div>More to come later....</div>-J.D. Humenayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14086704419701940067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348031137278225897.post-48057985287904111672023-01-18T20:06:00.001-08:002023-01-18T20:06:25.403-08:00Epic Winter Road Trip - Reconnecting with the Godparents at Great Wolf Lodge Anaheim<p> The next day, we said goodbye to Hollywood and hello to Anaheim. We stopped off at Downtown Disney for lunch at Tortilla Joes. It's the closest we'd get to Disneyland this trip. This place always has a bit of magic and nostalgia for us.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9fhar-XxhcZCk_hU9hE00FbXBmdjZ6OBC6zzQJY9EeQNcxNJlv6J8_EtJ3FQQ0VTsTmC6RXt_4vJRKfvf--4DbLpVhj4EkoNTb3NnRFbbxDlaz8KHsePD560Y-wpiP-5mBoO8lqn51M8rNzcNLEw2AGmkZ6E_SS7FmW29ya-_m1tuVptPkHf82uZk/s960/FB_IMG_1673838655131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9fhar-XxhcZCk_hU9hE00FbXBmdjZ6OBC6zzQJY9EeQNcxNJlv6J8_EtJ3FQQ0VTsTmC6RXt_4vJRKfvf--4DbLpVhj4EkoNTb3NnRFbbxDlaz8KHsePD560Y-wpiP-5mBoO8lqn51M8rNzcNLEw2AGmkZ6E_SS7FmW29ya-_m1tuVptPkHf82uZk/s320/FB_IMG_1673838655131.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beignets beat wedding cake (<a href="https://whiterabbitphotoboutique.com/" target="_blank">Credit: White Rabbit Photography</a>)</td></tr></tbody></table><p>(For those readers that are new, our wedding was held at Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen (<a href="https://thisfairytalelife.com/real-disneyland-weddings-jaime-and-seans-downtown-disney-jazz-kitchen-wedding/" target="_blank">You can find out more about that here if you're really interested</a>. It was a wonderful whirlwind.) </p><p>After the world's best chicken tamale with verde sauce from Tortilla Joe's (Washington has me missing Mexican food badly - but I digress) we stopped at the Lego store to let The Impossible Girl pick out something to buy with her allowance money. She opted for a set of Minecraft themed Legos to open later. Our next stop was one she'd been talking about for <b><i>weeks</i></b>. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8f9UpELZwjg0pzu9UrgTVUkRgLJdT_4_uPFar-zrpCJfTbd_Z_fVT_p6j7lyYkiGOoJ1u3FTe7kWtloktDHE0RKdsljbsyutiqLzUGaIvf-qSb1tI1pp4YtguYAm4fLraDgYFGncJBoQywnVZeaFogbIuQsm_o5mZuDIJGh5ROiQuqPlMaJ45KluA/s1540/Screenshot_20221112-075905.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1540" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8f9UpELZwjg0pzu9UrgTVUkRgLJdT_4_uPFar-zrpCJfTbd_Z_fVT_p6j7lyYkiGOoJ1u3FTe7kWtloktDHE0RKdsljbsyutiqLzUGaIvf-qSb1tI1pp4YtguYAm4fLraDgYFGncJBoQywnVZeaFogbIuQsm_o5mZuDIJGh5ROiQuqPlMaJ45KluA/s320/Screenshot_20221112-075905.png" width="224" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Washington State is home to one of the smallest Great Wolf Lodge resorts, and we frequent it from time to time. This time, we visited the one in Anaheim/Garden Grove, California. This one is one of biggest and newest Great Wolf Lodge Resorts to date. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But it was the company that was truly awesome.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This time, we got to include her Godparents! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> The Impossible Girl hasn't seen them for about 5 years - and neither have we! There were a couple video chat happy hours When The World Paused, but other than that, it had been years since we visited each other face to face and got our families together. Luckily for us, everyone gets along pretty famously - and that hasn't changed.</div><p>We don't take the roll of 'godparents' lightly. These are the people in our will who will raise our children, should anything happen to My Sailor and me, so it's important that they are up to date with her life, and that we all stay connected and relevant to each other.</p><p>The big attraction at Great Wolf Lodge is the giant indoor water park. And it didn't disappoint. We didn't take many photos, but <i style="font-weight: bold;">all three of us</i> tried the FloRider, and all of us lived in the Lazy River quite a bit. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIEmmfA5EylDDlE6TAYZOww4wwB0O5xDjVJKUG0pU5glHdjNghOEqRHfCkVa3B-5aZzyTbY25QMpd0UJXhMmdnEh91B9vekU-t1AE6dTNZRf79X1gtnm0ZQOFbQZKeCLo7iH9YRcv86kEp2ZaoiOFUbPAiixEhHhHFCh28-Z8SrCd5lv7hQ0xeXFEJ/s4080/PXL_20221221_200617195.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIEmmfA5EylDDlE6TAYZOww4wwB0O5xDjVJKUG0pU5glHdjNghOEqRHfCkVa3B-5aZzyTbY25QMpd0UJXhMmdnEh91B9vekU-t1AE6dTNZRf79X1gtnm0ZQOFbQZKeCLo7iH9YRcv86kEp2ZaoiOFUbPAiixEhHhHFCh28-Z8SrCd5lv7hQ0xeXFEJ/s320/PXL_20221221_200617195.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqxQvGnQQoOCTUdEch-841FR2Ig-nGlVF2s-X5fds0YY4Mg_EC5ZT_dKgUAknyGbEFK0B4a5292NPOxZEZBSWgpL7TuhBeGYdTmK8yVRiz_VjyCvhr2QZX5xeGlI1n5euG5HKkRkABnKF9uMsdhgZ0oJTg_wO6muzrgh6YT5V3-uXgYrNiPTsgDoke/s2400/Screenshot_20221221-093800.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqxQvGnQQoOCTUdEch-841FR2Ig-nGlVF2s-X5fds0YY4Mg_EC5ZT_dKgUAknyGbEFK0B4a5292NPOxZEZBSWgpL7TuhBeGYdTmK8yVRiz_VjyCvhr2QZX5xeGlI1n5euG5HKkRkABnKF9uMsdhgZ0oJTg_wO6muzrgh6YT5V3-uXgYrNiPTsgDoke/s320/Screenshot_20221221-093800.png" width="144" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Opening up a special Snowland goodie bag.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvPahqbTTANbRjILtiwYsfwfxQG-ugqcvOINm9ycytkak5IUMh3Ia8SZ_5KFe4bUmmZ4tYuOlrZSXZb4qVOqCVVtbijSFKaLmrRv32EpZOxgD8vHSbD3nAbLsN811R2RQt7KIendeFTbp-2d1PZw-K43038l_aR5AOSmDqcXPheDYwM-TAlJrsIOqS/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvPahqbTTANbRjILtiwYsfwfxQG-ugqcvOINm9ycytkak5IUMh3Ia8SZ_5KFe4bUmmZ4tYuOlrZSXZb4qVOqCVVtbijSFKaLmrRv32EpZOxgD8vHSbD3nAbLsN811R2RQt7KIendeFTbp-2d1PZw-K43038l_aR5AOSmDqcXPheDYwM-TAlJrsIOqS/s320/image.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading out to a shopping center near by for some dinner. <br />Mmm...Shwarma...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>We all had a great time reconnecting. I'm incredibly grateful for those relationships where, it's obvious time has passed, but we can pick up where we left off, to a certain extent. They have a great understanding of The Impossible Girl and The Impossible Girl trusts them (not an easy feat for her). We don't have a whole lot of active friendships from our previous lives (pre Navy, pre Marriage). Having kids and moving away changed a lot of them. Makes me all the more grateful for the ones I have in my life now. This one, since we're entrusting our kid(s) to them, is especially close to my heart.</p><p>After two days of playing and a night at the Lodge, we headed into my hometown, Escondido, for some time with my family....</p><br /><p></p>-J.D. Humenayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14086704419701940067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348031137278225897.post-79679914273880729122023-01-08T20:07:00.005-08:002023-01-08T22:30:29.534-08:00Epic Winter Road Trip - Sticky times in Hollywood<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCV3FLqmc2bnwZvWyGRHK1GBgAu9ou3YktcS33_7Jx_EjfTbKM2AKkm7arUthAH1I06FolVN0tanqa3tQQLoE-4gcXgK862sbETtEqHEFzZkT-uUGt80zrWjo4c3jnf9ovQz4bNJrI4OfDPkEsY1bScIBX4q9iy7vxcGR-RIOfBS4uVWFU0HNFB2ep/s893/HotelIndigoMorning.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="893" data-original-width="672" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCV3FLqmc2bnwZvWyGRHK1GBgAu9ou3YktcS33_7Jx_EjfTbKM2AKkm7arUthAH1I06FolVN0tanqa3tQQLoE-4gcXgK862sbETtEqHEFzZkT-uUGt80zrWjo4c3jnf9ovQz4bNJrI4OfDPkEsY1bScIBX4q9iy7vxcGR-RIOfBS4uVWFU0HNFB2ep/s320/HotelIndigoMorning.jpg" width="241" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good Morning Hollywood!</td></tr></tbody></table> <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We woke up as late as we wanted the next day and The Impossible Girl soaked up the city from her perch on our hotel room window before we headed downstairs for breakfast and were off to <a href="https://tarpits.org/" target="_blank">La Brea Tar Pits. </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This place had been on The Impossible Girl's bucket list since 2020, when we watched a family on Youtube visit it. (You know, that time when The World Paused and we lived vicariously through the past adventures of YouTubers and their families.) We hadn't been able to make it happen before, but this time, we planned for it.</div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9w-MmvCut5iW-xokkNSRYf21bC0h2kQOrK1GdTo0-kWasqlN33qVBd2_yg_fvmjmYS_qHKWpif27JVSZG_-xarkGfn-RAViWdpfbaOqghJ5mgPdPaIQF0Bp3MRJsUdRM3856ZJAY4OCs1yJOGDjaB7p8nqmJSrV8xDWzBpCwHpmd0jW6l7ejAP9HG/s3936/americanlions.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2624" data-original-width="3936" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9w-MmvCut5iW-xokkNSRYf21bC0h2kQOrK1GdTo0-kWasqlN33qVBd2_yg_fvmjmYS_qHKWpif27JVSZG_-xarkGfn-RAViWdpfbaOqghJ5mgPdPaIQF0Bp3MRJsUdRM3856ZJAY4OCs1yJOGDjaB7p8nqmJSrV8xDWzBpCwHpmd0jW6l7ejAP9HG/s320/americanlions.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLmzdexeGkOxzIqQxZK0wjwYV62bayrBs1W3uYa9i2p7Pr2wEeQ0zTmvnRF3b2eaUd-iFyUqto2PC5MVaQv5UVRSrG9Xle9_PFUX2uUeZzaqXB-LTdKbQDAiFEiHb8hjuIvDIf5-ItYNnq8M7GtOQ7Cd469kYPBX2s6egoY-WEiwmTnNLgujdFsJ4Z/s4080/PXL_20221219_201843508.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLmzdexeGkOxzIqQxZK0wjwYV62bayrBs1W3uYa9i2p7Pr2wEeQ0zTmvnRF3b2eaUd-iFyUqto2PC5MVaQv5UVRSrG9Xle9_PFUX2uUeZzaqXB-LTdKbQDAiFEiHb8hjuIvDIf5-ItYNnq8M7GtOQ7Cd469kYPBX2s6egoY-WEiwmTnNLgujdFsJ4Z/s320/PXL_20221219_201843508.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This was the perfect road trip break destination. The park surrounding the museum is fenced in and very well maintained. It's a facinating place, not just because it's beautiful, but because it's history in the making. There are little bubbling tar pits all around the park. They are marked off by bright cones that say "Messy" or "gooey" on them. Larger areas are chained off to avoid making park-goers part of the exhibit. The day was beautiful and clear - and the air, of course, smelled mildly of sulfur. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The exterior of the museum is stunning.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU-ahP00Vkv1vftu8yX5rLVdf-U_8_qPCxuKK1oRdWRd7C4HXxWT-BjYMtt6-v3xfdCbo7MUEBVTy7oDh90cYIXtmvcWUbYjeoUNGUGS85lxJjeChBAukM5xOebZfJfmRRwSpIAc3OYoDwxq7k8f8d0sp0aspiIexqFeWQMxIQgL9-dCKqRNPjXuo2/s893/Amazingplaces.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="893" data-original-width="672" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU-ahP00Vkv1vftu8yX5rLVdf-U_8_qPCxuKK1oRdWRd7C4HXxWT-BjYMtt6-v3xfdCbo7MUEBVTy7oDh90cYIXtmvcWUbYjeoUNGUGS85lxJjeChBAukM5xOebZfJfmRRwSpIAc3OYoDwxq7k8f8d0sp0aspiIexqFeWQMxIQgL9-dCKqRNPjXuo2/s320/Amazingplaces.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This place is a science lesson that's fun and nearly tangible. The lagoon out front shows the dramatic scene of how animals may have been trapped in the tar. Perhaps this mammoth was walking through what appeared to be a puddle of water - but was actually a tar pit where water had collected on the surface. Now he's trying to free himself, but if anyone tries to help, they too will become trapped. One of nature's booby traps.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK20WDDJKOsVjvVFyXJUt2IY7w39MpmPagqlVx6wZ7W5ae7tMYZlfYwn7qewQGiteq2O1_Y6O86tp6kfnaC8MNbQSjeIXFyXz2wpub2xl1m1usm_oEGDHkBsvYEyrjmXpMEfGjfmqx5dhmEOGYHynjS1P6Fu0snRYPpb33Xog-L_zOQMqxWUTrvI5Z/s893/howtargetsthere.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="893" data-original-width="672" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK20WDDJKOsVjvVFyXJUt2IY7w39MpmPagqlVx6wZ7W5ae7tMYZlfYwn7qewQGiteq2O1_Y6O86tp6kfnaC8MNbQSjeIXFyXz2wpub2xl1m1usm_oEGDHkBsvYEyrjmXpMEfGjfmqx5dhmEOGYHynjS1P6Fu0snRYPpb33Xog-L_zOQMqxWUTrvI5Z/s320/howtargetsthere.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><br />The park is free to visit (aside from parking). The Museum was free to My Sailor. The Impossible Girl and I weren't free, but I think the overall cost was about $25 for both of us. The Museum is small, but I will definitely be back. It's a great way to pass the time and look at all of the things they discovered here - and explore how different Los Angeles may have been in the time of the Mammoth and American Lions.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsHjranqiHjBI-DlfA7Nbx_4dvyRyH0PueobSunzkaUZAusIUqgtdVergNh_k2r1dLrNvz-1BCdYNXS7BTyUu1IpzKLQfF74Xpl-BQTm1o99zEfFtguZh5hI6De4RBXNCfQOul90RTWyi1VR7MUIPNUKKqQne2ONwE-0W74N5HVuP_wl8b2zUJWqc3/s3936/bigbear.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3936" data-original-width="2624" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsHjranqiHjBI-DlfA7Nbx_4dvyRyH0PueobSunzkaUZAusIUqgtdVergNh_k2r1dLrNvz-1BCdYNXS7BTyUu1IpzKLQfF74Xpl-BQTm1o99zEfFtguZh5hI6De4RBXNCfQOul90RTWyi1VR7MUIPNUKKqQne2ONwE-0W74N5HVuP_wl8b2zUJWqc3/s320/bigbear.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This bear is SERIOUSLY tall. For scale, I'm 5'8".</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ml_Y29iyXi29h_pZriKkeVt3wH44mkgXImO6Ini2otJ2folmJI8vv_xVBq5EIvPIa6S6FH2U5LitHpuIO4wwetMu1Pm68Z1rMSkOviECUralEAyTzyESuNQtcZtmMcMgHLs6wXUEbyJP4ecP9XRlP1r3mxLbpw1s5e8aLDhxHd5Ts31BiFMHcpbu/s3936/camelbones.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2624" data-original-width="3936" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ml_Y29iyXi29h_pZriKkeVt3wH44mkgXImO6Ini2otJ2folmJI8vv_xVBq5EIvPIa6S6FH2U5LitHpuIO4wwetMu1Pm68Z1rMSkOviECUralEAyTzyESuNQtcZtmMcMgHLs6wXUEbyJP4ecP9XRlP1r3mxLbpw1s5e8aLDhxHd5Ts31BiFMHcpbu/s320/camelbones.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stunning skeletons of ancient camels and other animals found in the tar pits are scattered across the museum.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn2HCQPgBqtWjjLHZPxTOZ_cfSL5t-TacJgst3NJxBwtHEegYt8Ql8owmH9ngP_dpWl-WzdwHi5zRalCLRgL9nTla5Cu35ODkoDDSWXdlsR3bj6xNG_x1fk2IENbRtkMw5DVVyYjmHlC-_0lnI_4I1ooTPN8KnMJ5TOdTz-hYWcsFJvv5FpCiCarcO/s4485/fossillabpumadedication.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3365" data-original-width="4485" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn2HCQPgBqtWjjLHZPxTOZ_cfSL5t-TacJgst3NJxBwtHEegYt8Ql8owmH9ngP_dpWl-WzdwHi5zRalCLRgL9nTla5Cu35ODkoDDSWXdlsR3bj6xNG_x1fk2IENbRtkMw5DVVyYjmHlC-_0lnI_4I1ooTPN8KnMJ5TOdTz-hYWcsFJvv5FpCiCarcO/s320/fossillabpumadedication.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On our way down to California, we learned that <a href="https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-12-17/p22-obituary-celebrity-mountain-lion-cougar-puma-griffith-park-california" target="_blank">P-22, a famous mountain lion in this area, had passed away. The lab technicians set up a lovely memorial to this beautiful predator.</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDlOWt_JbzeRrCgJ6J5kjayk7GQHsQaNmDX0cccMjkZof_7Sou-3jCqjBxhwZa2Kvy5BZ3YzhvCStLXkWNzLd4LtwswDHa8opOF7xy2Buase8uJpw0aY_iuz0YntFMlVfywtorpKPW9SScGBpV94-4nXUxCbTTDaeoG9kZPnnW56s8wxtn0evsJTQj/s4928/fossillabtechs.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3712" data-original-width="4928" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDlOWt_JbzeRrCgJ6J5kjayk7GQHsQaNmDX0cccMjkZof_7Sou-3jCqjBxhwZa2Kvy5BZ3YzhvCStLXkWNzLd4LtwswDHa8opOF7xy2Buase8uJpw0aY_iuz0YntFMlVfywtorpKPW9SScGBpV94-4nXUxCbTTDaeoG9kZPnnW56s8wxtn0evsJTQj/s320/fossillabtechs.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-jkosRui8aAiyLJ7Bp25FiLVGg8rM_6JhPe7wQrKX2TtZRFG78Cq582Gbi_kIu6hkUV9FSSQ8p6DGYD7_A5nr1SvdaEeuwQR66ArdiOCd9w1O4ixV2c0QB5Kke8eUfplUCEo1CYM-Bvu0GPAkmuvfVgQ5uWQ0AgT93fFOcDnU1FawVwZ98A1zpbEm/s4080/PXL_20221219_204036908.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-jkosRui8aAiyLJ7Bp25FiLVGg8rM_6JhPe7wQrKX2TtZRFG78Cq582Gbi_kIu6hkUV9FSSQ8p6DGYD7_A5nr1SvdaEeuwQR66ArdiOCd9w1O4ixV2c0QB5Kke8eUfplUCEo1CYM-Bvu0GPAkmuvfVgQ5uWQ0AgT93fFOcDnU1FawVwZ98A1zpbEm/s320/PXL_20221219_204036908.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Yes, real live lab technicians were on duty today, excavating fossil pieces very carefully. What a cool window into the scientific work-a-day world.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDT9K4LCizVhAdnD3GTo_EwS7sbIJzYOPcKzcwPzuiMl_CsJN3QHkqhTfPXVG0hSeOaDgQHW2mg0Hh5_W2TbA952jEt7eY1GJ8xg2Xr-KHp-37fuz45R1rD6PMti6vtyFd3XhWYAofePCSIwAkuBDP5SrAsStE-uYWIScn133xxIpJrlqsZBLvOkl_/s1937/lionphonepeeker.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1937" data-original-width="1856" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDT9K4LCizVhAdnD3GTo_EwS7sbIJzYOPcKzcwPzuiMl_CsJN3QHkqhTfPXVG0hSeOaDgQHW2mg0Hh5_W2TbA952jEt7eY1GJ8xg2Xr-KHp-37fuz45R1rD6PMti6vtyFd3XhWYAofePCSIwAkuBDP5SrAsStE-uYWIScn133xxIpJrlqsZBLvOkl_/s320/lionphonepeeker.jpg" width="307" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maybe I shouldn't be on my phone just now....</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6UyqddF8atYNAZpROw7MGbkEKcvi7d4ypp12aGzLhMQZQub1Mq06RO7o7sKz-UUd9B9B1JETzdTS-_DE8d6-a1ci0Xzl2jX9PhFInLPnCbqqWKVu-YRfCq3j1LVIXpBlLDam33hBgtACIyC1rKsO326V7ZwgpJDmcZr83zlrdcoHpMcMdU_QCRlHz/s3936/mammoth.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2624" data-original-width="3936" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6UyqddF8atYNAZpROw7MGbkEKcvi7d4ypp12aGzLhMQZQub1Mq06RO7o7sKz-UUd9B9B1JETzdTS-_DE8d6-a1ci0Xzl2jX9PhFInLPnCbqqWKVu-YRfCq3j1LVIXpBlLDam33hBgtACIyC1rKsO326V7ZwgpJDmcZr83zlrdcoHpMcMdU_QCRlHz/s320/mammoth.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2AZGZqDP7ohrra3SEKfqJ90L-yoZIaJkvAko-YJ-XYAD0gvckRJOO8ZlXRgsrgzsxtNU87NAJ43uVgXQBjp8vyTZrwD9Ojvhw5refAwQX86evyUszoMo_86YP19oy04kNBIdyIApADCS5BN9H8OicwZm1TilP29GuAaOqpXidGdW0G7R81kop4GOr/s3936/Touchingthebones.NEF" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2624" data-original-width="3936" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2AZGZqDP7ohrra3SEKfqJ90L-yoZIaJkvAko-YJ-XYAD0gvckRJOO8ZlXRgsrgzsxtNU87NAJ43uVgXQBjp8vyTZrwD9Ojvhw5refAwQX86evyUszoMo_86YP19oy04kNBIdyIApADCS5BN9H8OicwZm1TilP29GuAaOqpXidGdW0G7R81kop4GOr/s320/Touchingthebones.NEF" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With exhibits that encourage touching and others that simulated what it might be like to try to free yourself from a tar pit, this place is 100% stimulating. Though the Observation pit was closed today, we had a great time exploring and I could have lingered at least another hour. <br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The little pink camera The Impossible Girl is holding turned out to be the perfect thing to help her step into the dark museum building. It kept her hands busy, and gave her a way to 'see' the museum while keeping a certain amount of distance, as view finders allow.</div><br />The Park surrounding the Tar Pits Museum is also home to the <a href="https://www.lacma.org/" target="_blank">LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art)</a>. We didn't go in, but worked up an appetite playing in the park before stopping at a cafe in the park for lunch.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9I4mkbhI3URM6mObHYRKIptnAjfGNUoR3jRzvQ4zY9mNCEON10DqZdlqIlgYlV4eNa_Y0VTCc70QJ7U5gWsn6-SWuo0cYfm3fOKcL77_eGFVwOwKW8_Y8gdx13J_L1LT5JKhLVW-RASsgJH4S97yLSFI160ujQ6W2W1WZlkydz8qmxXD7xOxF7lBQ/s4080/PXL_20221219_212219341.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9I4mkbhI3URM6mObHYRKIptnAjfGNUoR3jRzvQ4zY9mNCEON10DqZdlqIlgYlV4eNa_Y0VTCc70QJ7U5gWsn6-SWuo0cYfm3fOKcL77_eGFVwOwKW8_Y8gdx13J_L1LT5JKhLVW-RASsgJH4S97yLSFI160ujQ6W2W1WZlkydz8qmxXD7xOxF7lBQ/s320/PXL_20221219_212219341.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifTgdb75Ehp-FvprgpzqZOrhMosCZCi-UyWelATtdBCLEQywlwkKUp4uvI4hxZShB_-LcnBuk-dG-Js_euwscVSLyIZVfVkbVM1sI3YJv2CDM9oKci_SucWSYrERdkv_-ekGxn-XkLwp9zMR_iFq2As4lqc8upip4c5VpwxDM9cvGYpE_0UQembYAH/s893/Igotyou.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="893" data-original-width="672" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifTgdb75Ehp-FvprgpzqZOrhMosCZCi-UyWelATtdBCLEQywlwkKUp4uvI4hxZShB_-LcnBuk-dG-Js_euwscVSLyIZVfVkbVM1sI3YJv2CDM9oKci_SucWSYrERdkv_-ekGxn-XkLwp9zMR_iFq2As4lqc8upip4c5VpwxDM9cvGYpE_0UQembYAH/s320/Igotyou.jpg" width="241" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caught by a Giant Sloth!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggVicjCJo2zGdxtk2k4k9g4PGf0KjPSn6WMU8uAZS5QrdFDFy9wrlnmjKAFmK8zGxYBpzMlwdLBiZ51w81gwhhSCA8ZGx6vgLs4QzB7EumqIZQT0qNkrU2aW31BHZfKT7Nbi4hCSPElwoJP9fCTrv9-xYMqt9rwycK_kwtaBkjolqCw0M1KTkloQdi/s1186/Illsaveyoukid.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="893" data-original-width="1186" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggVicjCJo2zGdxtk2k4k9g4PGf0KjPSn6WMU8uAZS5QrdFDFy9wrlnmjKAFmK8zGxYBpzMlwdLBiZ51w81gwhhSCA8ZGx6vgLs4QzB7EumqIZQT0qNkrU2aW31BHZfKT7Nbi4hCSPElwoJP9fCTrv9-xYMqt9rwycK_kwtaBkjolqCw0M1KTkloQdi/s320/Illsaveyoukid.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit2ilz5ltfJ5d_GDa__yO7hr-zTR9WIoYuPacLFoY0liuyYgCEZPx5hXYW_uG0aNs-M9p-Ec6KJJVd_JkcxkRW_Q5eT2ycEL6IXpw4LJ1a8LTjh6GMYC-ZtuYBZDoUdjY9vNCWA8WI8DZTyvvA8ePJLqxOq6TKfaKyNHBwDQ-FYsvd3k9C4C3xwPxo/s893/LaBreaParkPose.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="893" data-original-width="671" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit2ilz5ltfJ5d_GDa__yO7hr-zTR9WIoYuPacLFoY0liuyYgCEZPx5hXYW_uG0aNs-M9p-Ec6KJJVd_JkcxkRW_Q5eT2ycEL6IXpw4LJ1a8LTjh6GMYC-ZtuYBZDoUdjY9vNCWA8WI8DZTyvvA8ePJLqxOq6TKfaKyNHBwDQ-FYsvd3k9C4C3xwPxo/s320/LaBreaParkPose.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiggYzXHzm_MFcYBtA5TaveMAQscl1QELhfr_WcsFO5slJJmxerkB6xL7aJoe9POXP9Ht33_CxGBH4-7jPiB6hiDY9RPtkGzpno53F2-_YXnABiEaBVMBvTiNyVawB_77T2ItT9BK5Ht9wSyVAAh4LA7JXr4WJA8jkug5lCrcCF6lHN0P0kWxAoFilq/s3968/LACMA.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3968" data-original-width="2640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiggYzXHzm_MFcYBtA5TaveMAQscl1QELhfr_WcsFO5slJJmxerkB6xL7aJoe9POXP9Ht33_CxGBH4-7jPiB6hiDY9RPtkGzpno53F2-_YXnABiEaBVMBvTiNyVawB_77T2ItT9BK5Ht9wSyVAAh4LA7JXr4WJA8jkug5lCrcCF6lHN0P0kWxAoFilq/s320/LACMA.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exploring an outdoor exhibit from LACMA</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLHGEbb9No1mJLuu-BujL-LkivVyq6JKnPs0Qo5NatXvK4p0q5MV04BmxXgnqFlyL5pgjCXbll84z19hI28sEapUFeny5-f7Zjo_dNabkNFZMAJQiqmvVCoNOIJFuceDxceqxwqf72o2Oy3L0tNIiNhBkS8SxjF4774PaoC6Nf9Bn4SKp2QVco8BcA/s2738/liftingrock.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2738" data-original-width="2640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLHGEbb9No1mJLuu-BujL-LkivVyq6JKnPs0Qo5NatXvK4p0q5MV04BmxXgnqFlyL5pgjCXbll84z19hI28sEapUFeny5-f7Zjo_dNabkNFZMAJQiqmvVCoNOIJFuceDxceqxwqf72o2Oy3L0tNIiNhBkS8SxjF4774PaoC6Nf9Bn4SKp2QVco8BcA/s320/liftingrock.jpg" width="309" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Luisa would be proud. (Encanto Reference)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhloSUjsdPrQiN4j4mBbhhNirDtwhU-Fc3uL0Lw66X8K17M7OwxHdqy1_uDZOck57mW0KS6Y-4Ik7DTgVXYlHCRnesZJS8eKKPzvxlaKMKzTy3jDWVl8pd30WcPBG-ZTcBom8PvjrWfrYSOvvdYW6Aix-uBXPUKHrW6Xu5lb2Xf3UmH9P6QNowlj86z/s3968/runnrunrun.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2456" data-original-width="3968" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhloSUjsdPrQiN4j4mBbhhNirDtwhU-Fc3uL0Lw66X8K17M7OwxHdqy1_uDZOck57mW0KS6Y-4Ik7DTgVXYlHCRnesZJS8eKKPzvxlaKMKzTy3jDWVl8pd30WcPBG-ZTcBom8PvjrWfrYSOvvdYW6Aix-uBXPUKHrW6Xu5lb2Xf3UmH9P6QNowlj86z/s320/runnrunrun.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinl47CW-oKF0x7MBCdojBmvKoa8h-7Zkif8XxC60fs_15FGEUdU-fLLYj8yy9vhNngR7VzfBGirXqFzVV_hYyZY6_lZ01dGJLUh3YaeUG81S7XDMnHJBxzti4A60IVgeTm231Ms7DQ7FhwecASMF1nV1etTCs98GzQrEYjMUsZWcwwZ6KUQt89UYi1/s4080/PXL_20221219_211946788.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinl47CW-oKF0x7MBCdojBmvKoa8h-7Zkif8XxC60fs_15FGEUdU-fLLYj8yy9vhNngR7VzfBGirXqFzVV_hYyZY6_lZ01dGJLUh3YaeUG81S7XDMnHJBxzti4A60IVgeTm231Ms7DQ7FhwecASMF1nV1etTCs98GzQrEYjMUsZWcwwZ6KUQt89UYi1/s320/PXL_20221219_211946788.jpg" width="241" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't step in the TAR!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />It was SO NICE to eat outdoors in DECEMBER! It's something we don't really do in Washington (without some serious cover and heaters to help). Everything was pretty good. Can you spot the new traveling buddy who came along from the gift shop?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSZvB5OZRIR8mUzTAeZApwGYVbTeL5ATd5GgR9IWIwX7P_EVSxc4yy6c7dqV2x4HUVv-_9n7wOraD-mP1y6ZXIYy9zStXU65xtOh_ts8Fgxjw7tpjZEkd5W29oCh5Vu4Ut92uTIosogyt2pm_fIGwOiGIe1q5RREBCWhjGPGRAk1Q3xFm7gCzpiDQY/s4928/lunchtime.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3403" data-original-width="4928" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSZvB5OZRIR8mUzTAeZApwGYVbTeL5ATd5GgR9IWIwX7P_EVSxc4yy6c7dqV2x4HUVv-_9n7wOraD-mP1y6ZXIYy9zStXU65xtOh_ts8Fgxjw7tpjZEkd5W29oCh5Vu4Ut92uTIosogyt2pm_fIGwOiGIe1q5RREBCWhjGPGRAk1Q3xFm7gCzpiDQY/s320/lunchtime.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: I.H.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoPzeh5q6fFBQwQ_7Q8hJQa0MHzaPK6cxObdbTUCo8bCLpCjYfMcc4HLyWNBUWpmvTx8-lyb36uym_GvQqkTdtWM9NZIPozVtfCfN3brT9YO9DN6tMBOa5Q_Mdl8fHaak__uSDKhP0lMkPGTp6xWGsSbto7Dojr3Q2UwhYKrCqzGxkQI8vgApS6Di1/s4928/lunchmenu.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3390" data-original-width="4928" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoPzeh5q6fFBQwQ_7Q8hJQa0MHzaPK6cxObdbTUCo8bCLpCjYfMcc4HLyWNBUWpmvTx8-lyb36uym_GvQqkTdtWM9NZIPozVtfCfN3brT9YO9DN6tMBOa5Q_Mdl8fHaak__uSDKhP0lMkPGTp6xWGsSbto7Dojr3Q2UwhYKrCqzGxkQI8vgApS6Di1/s320/lunchmenu.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: I.H.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />After lunch, we walked around the light post exhibit on the street out. It was a hugely popular photo spot, and we contributed to that before walking the few blocks back to the car (very tired). We had one more destination in mind before heading back to the hotel.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR00SfNUjgnvgFiw1Xjcz3vibAaO0RWWXAGQxkQtIN9i8tdPx8XzU5QY_vLaMUU2TQUzdyZ8USy36x6qjkyeHbBJLhwF7hIsGTsoYmEZ38D1YPnO71DuPG9HBeZxGoXSwhdgqxt2nieTmVT4V6pMBNIPrEB6r60epoQZvATgPBiBEMFoCFDMUvAm9z/s893/peekaboo.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="893" data-original-width="672" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR00SfNUjgnvgFiw1Xjcz3vibAaO0RWWXAGQxkQtIN9i8tdPx8XzU5QY_vLaMUU2TQUzdyZ8USy36x6qjkyeHbBJLhwF7hIsGTsoYmEZ38D1YPnO71DuPG9HBeZxGoXSwhdgqxt2nieTmVT4V6pMBNIPrEB6r60epoQZvATgPBiBEMFoCFDMUvAm9z/s320/peekaboo.jpg" width="241" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peek A Boo</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgafvZlv2u1zx4MSZKpq8Kwl9qDT5vrRhrGz-AAeo5riGnqvI3UHzg3p4nt8OLH6A4IZiqkMuxxOLGpkdfG_4AoYi7oFX1n3T5HVYX908OwVrD5q1GyObxvvxzQlvlbyWOlGHcZEAQbTVSwSVHYHtjeM51XuwinLvZPEDemYgs6bE5_GcNPZpYmIx8_/s3280/PXL_20221219_231116750.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3280" data-original-width="2464" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgafvZlv2u1zx4MSZKpq8Kwl9qDT5vrRhrGz-AAeo5riGnqvI3UHzg3p4nt8OLH6A4IZiqkMuxxOLGpkdfG_4AoYi7oFX1n3T5HVYX908OwVrD5q1GyObxvvxzQlvlbyWOlGHcZEAQbTVSwSVHYHtjeM51XuwinLvZPEDemYgs6bE5_GcNPZpYmIx8_/s320/PXL_20221219_231116750.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Yes, we still use a carrier. It's much more comfortable for all than extended piggy back rides! Yes, she's about 65 lbs. I can't think of a better reason to stay strong. We use a <a href="Http://Rwrd.Io/Zji6djw" target="_blank">Kinderpack Child size</a>. )</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>After a short drive, we parked at <a href="https://thegrovela.com/" target="_blank">The Grove</a> and found some dazzling decorations. The Impossible Girl got a delicious way to cool off thanks to this marvelous candy/ice cream shop. (Seriously, it was some of the BEST ice cream I've ever had.)</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZDxgdNU23LFGDeao8pErAZNaWmS_p2-33py0ZCKBpL8_9JMaUEei96jvLfzHK0XxFnVPsDoazxSXVHUrPUHepZVxGFznzCRqChl4ZEwZPtz_C7uvLvNEljZEy6J4_XI18OdaGm2eQK4-p5ChKLqwh3NmTBSNertj6tfuzXBmWmPLALHdPkRcufviV/s893/Fountainsatthegrove.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="893" data-original-width="672" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZDxgdNU23LFGDeao8pErAZNaWmS_p2-33py0ZCKBpL8_9JMaUEei96jvLfzHK0XxFnVPsDoazxSXVHUrPUHepZVxGFznzCRqChl4ZEwZPtz_C7uvLvNEljZEy6J4_XI18OdaGm2eQK4-p5ChKLqwh3NmTBSNertj6tfuzXBmWmPLALHdPkRcufviV/s320/Fountainsatthegrove.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="Http://Rwrd.Io/Zji6djw" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOTCXG5uOAb79q_3YfYMR79Wj0GorDu9YzaXkrxFzDzuQ_i8P1pT3vLu_timJc0l9xBvJMSWdT_ihgyQnP46Das0StUN0VPbt14G2NRp-UqYD81CiFpCXyW19-kC35LmqhgDEROy1wwODcp5Tw9vKDiC2wAX_JV75kND6M0VjdpIYRgj4Bgy-WEwwp/s320/PXL_20221219_234609002.jpg" width="241" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="Http://Rwrd.Io/Zji6djw" target="_blank">Dylan's Candy Bar - <i>SO GOOD</i>!</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnHXU5I8N8Z3ba41NzAn1DP02zxiXECF1dYNuih8R_eWDkAmT_1pi3zV9qnrMfyUrgXMUcfXM_Mc3kIIDmYeBSEnQDvM8BVXQMnDHXOCE2xX6-w73smwbfMZ05DVMw_kRM5ACwXcxVD6eTT09UhUKPfWDPnGeSHudK9ZnNxQx7K_-EkRkbn65mBOCW/s4080/PXL_20221220_000401482.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnHXU5I8N8Z3ba41NzAn1DP02zxiXECF1dYNuih8R_eWDkAmT_1pi3zV9qnrMfyUrgXMUcfXM_Mc3kIIDmYeBSEnQDvM8BVXQMnDHXOCE2xX6-w73smwbfMZ05DVMw_kRM5ACwXcxVD6eTT09UhUKPfWDPnGeSHudK9ZnNxQx7K_-EkRkbn65mBOCW/s320/PXL_20221220_000401482.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://farmersmarketla.com/" target="_blank">The Farmer's Market</a> was the goal for today. I grabbed a caffeinated pick me up at <a href="https://www.coffeebean.com/" target="_blank">The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf</a> (which we don't have in our neck of the woods - I miss their Winter drinks) and we strolled into the Farmer's Market. We said our hello to <a href="https://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/24118" target="_blank">The Travel Angel</a> and walked around the market for a while, exploring.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNLvZpatZcGWEcyPDQMULaUIfuQ6SK-DSuwNnRoqnMid_Bhkinm9n6rhqB6Q3Euh0-9ViGUsJhpcjpSjDbSkGcXR6f-gt5yGVcgNI_ly1-_m8u38bC8TXonK7HhqpszvFmpdjTdm69rYniAIYga-O5w9QoBu_stAEKtAsi9-mzLOKhU7sR-RDd2w9z/s4080/PXL_20221220_000445050.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNLvZpatZcGWEcyPDQMULaUIfuQ6SK-DSuwNnRoqnMid_Bhkinm9n6rhqB6Q3Euh0-9ViGUsJhpcjpSjDbSkGcXR6f-gt5yGVcgNI_ly1-_m8u38bC8TXonK7HhqpszvFmpdjTdm69rYniAIYga-O5w9QoBu_stAEKtAsi9-mzLOKhU7sR-RDd2w9z/s320/PXL_20221220_000445050.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7cbb_V9Aoucgp4bBWaA9b5w2Qf-Qvad5gp31vMxSWVIiDCEhVfytP3lYf_-T0PuZGtOHh6vHstWko17mZLiDENC4nuTWtUHaQSkxJejgQilHy4LE1NgItlcHmer4JQAOpCHlMZfH_kThlEo_UhfNZ4gBs5oTVL6T2D30yuzKnK3pvx4YeHQhgyzVK/s4080/PXL_20221220_000447862.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7cbb_V9Aoucgp4bBWaA9b5w2Qf-Qvad5gp31vMxSWVIiDCEhVfytP3lYf_-T0PuZGtOHh6vHstWko17mZLiDENC4nuTWtUHaQSkxJejgQilHy4LE1NgItlcHmer4JQAOpCHlMZfH_kThlEo_UhfNZ4gBs5oTVL6T2D30yuzKnK3pvx4YeHQhgyzVK/s320/PXL_20221220_000447862.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRNDKK6XiifvoFFFK4WgW7XwARk7OHWXFiNkpHEPKS_8dW0CADRq1LrKJAzn3ncid9RUpVu2XU2L8FDXJyQ77EYqe5VAWOcrhH0qUAf94Ps83LPlime9niYn6pEtMJ5wnXt3pmstJYymUHmplErjP8F5c7VBHlzq5fVeyD8Ad3qbROJh1A72Yw6xyx/s4928/steakfarmersmarket.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3403" data-original-width="4928" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRNDKK6XiifvoFFFK4WgW7XwARk7OHWXFiNkpHEPKS_8dW0CADRq1LrKJAzn3ncid9RUpVu2XU2L8FDXJyQ77EYqe5VAWOcrhH0qUAf94Ps83LPlime9niYn6pEtMJ5wnXt3pmstJYymUHmplErjP8F5c7VBHlzq5fVeyD8Ad3qbROJh1A72Yw6xyx/s320/steakfarmersmarket.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>This is one of the first farmer's markets in the area and reminded me a bit of Pike's Place in Seattle - with more full service food counters. We enjoyed the stroll through all kinds of foods - from seafood, to cooked Indian and Chinese, to fresh sushi and cuts of steak to take home. I know if I was a local, you'd find me here on the regular with a cup of coffee and something scrumptious.</div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG4GP4o4UefmQ2EXjEmkrZK_vTG4I9o8BQh6liVubPfWN19xFSXnQS_Ahl-4l-VUY7yUg0Eaa5uWHTwyNIvOmAbf5802xnt1nl_qYSASsm2lA9md3TQ_O5y8LPbpmHvqRgd5eGONeUlwB7MGvczE6DGDNdxoC06jYkMwXLDrum1TGl1jyNBHHCT7aT/s4928/cookiethesizeofyourface.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2929" data-original-width="4928" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG4GP4o4UefmQ2EXjEmkrZK_vTG4I9o8BQh6liVubPfWN19xFSXnQS_Ahl-4l-VUY7yUg0Eaa5uWHTwyNIvOmAbf5802xnt1nl_qYSASsm2lA9md3TQ_O5y8LPbpmHvqRgd5eGONeUlwB7MGvczE6DGDNdxoC06jYkMwXLDrum1TGl1jyNBHHCT7aT/s320/cookiethesizeofyourface.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>We ended up grabbing a cookie to split at a local pastry shop and heading back to the hotel for the evening. It was about 5pm when we got back so we made it a 'movie night' in at the hotel. My Sailor ordered California Pizza Kitchen pizza (from a California Pizza Kitchen - not the frozen kind we have access to in our local grocery stores). We watched a movie from our hotel bed on a laptop and called it a night early. The next day was going to be extra exciting.</div><br /><div>Traveling with someone with <a href="https://familydoctor.org/condition/sensory-processing-disorder-spd/" target="_blank">Sensory Processing Disorder</a> has taught me to truly slow down, savor, and process the little stuff. A visit to a cool new park and the farmer's market were a <i style="font-weight: bold;">lot</i> of fun, but also just a <i style="font-weight: bold;">lot</i> of new sights, smells, temperatures, textures, tastes and sounds. Before I had a kiddo, I never even really considered that SPD was an <i>actual</i> thing. I thought it meant that a kid melting down just needed a nap or their parents were pushing them too hard. I thought kids wearing headphones were being rude - but then I learned first hand how helpful such tools can be.</div><div> And when we know better, we do better. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijr9qsk3q0UxApFk7WSLQbLKz0EWel-ujOVYR_73LBw9pxrAqgO6BYF_CeL79iz6hQJs0EA6sO0BlN1Cq2J5WPvJQTSkxaYpHgAvt4q0Rt_ac45eBn1vLCLVAuu9GUH9jM2cmt5Qe1vqqVwvbwMN65XR38hSml1ky8gFvL7roVnRvftnsJIhNMKHkJ/s893/Fountainshow.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="893" data-original-width="672" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijr9qsk3q0UxApFk7WSLQbLKz0EWel-ujOVYR_73LBw9pxrAqgO6BYF_CeL79iz6hQJs0EA6sO0BlN1Cq2J5WPvJQTSkxaYpHgAvt4q0Rt_ac45eBn1vLCLVAuu9GUH9jM2cmt5Qe1vqqVwvbwMN65XR38hSml1ky8gFvL7roVnRvftnsJIhNMKHkJ/s320/Fountainshow.jpg" width="241" /></a></div>Now I know the kid in the headphones may just be making the world quiet enough that they can hear themselves think. The kid that needs carrying may be tired and too overwhelmed to take a few more steps. Having a plushy friend on hand gives the hands something soft and comforting to squeeze and something complete benign and 'safe' feeling to interact with when anxiety and excitement feel the same. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjRMb-Wr0vL63Qwb0BDZbUYw9f0j68_6fl70CfdmYkBVuRCNZJ5Mt-8TH3KNjlZ5j8MDfNvZnTazfs4if9Xt_AHvR-fY3rmFkFthi2gmc6neUNv9OYyJZh4uOO8odkIx3jyw8LzUWgevEsHbvq222r3TtRqdjJuy6P6V7AuepWWWH1cHCzmyJ8_W52/s1189/TheGrove.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="893" data-original-width="1189" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjRMb-Wr0vL63Qwb0BDZbUYw9f0j68_6fl70CfdmYkBVuRCNZJ5Mt-8TH3KNjlZ5j8MDfNvZnTazfs4if9Xt_AHvR-fY3rmFkFthi2gmc6neUNv9OYyJZh4uOO8odkIx3jyw8LzUWgevEsHbvq222r3TtRqdjJuy6P6V7AuepWWWH1cHCzmyJ8_W52/s320/TheGrove.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div> I'm very grateful that I'm able to use the tools we need to use to help us have a great time. They help us stretch our fun and slow down for the sweetest parts of life. </div><div><br /></div><div>Life is a constant game of adaptation. We're constantly adapting to everything around us. Some situations and things are easy to adapt to. Some take some more creative thought and patience. </div><div><br /></div><div>There is so much more that I didn't think to take photos of - and I'm so grateful for this little family that reminds me to live in the moment.</div><div><br /></div><div>And I think we'll be back to Los Angeles someday to explore more amazing museums - and MAYBE finally get a goodie from the Farmer's Market. </div>-J.D. Humenayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14086704419701940067noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348031137278225897.post-24867701871301154342023-01-06T12:31:00.004-08:002023-01-08T16:53:35.762-08:00Epic Winter Road Trip - The Quest for Sunshine<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div> This December, we set off on a long awaited 2 week vacation. And by long awaited, I mean we've been counting down for MONTHS. During those months, the idea of 'x more days until...' felt like the brightest spot in the midst of an onslaught of illnesses. (Anytime the kid is sick, work becomes chaotic, as does school, therapy appointments, etc. Life gets extra messy.)<div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWM_TE0_I-10L_FTW3KtZv8uQv3Gfz7C-OzGZK-xn3-9FlTt-bRf2rZSfthKs5wfgq_CGl26PHfpsIPNvnzdYt_VAry3P1Q0OamOjKOygvzaMQ2lEqXKMDonI7ZY04_94eTyQqNxeXU4xt6p59qw84VCNPeuXPPhYfEdaslNl2gx1jk-__GLd2vI3m/s3280/PXL_20221223_211328400.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3280" data-original-width="2464" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWM_TE0_I-10L_FTW3KtZv8uQv3Gfz7C-OzGZK-xn3-9FlTt-bRf2rZSfthKs5wfgq_CGl26PHfpsIPNvnzdYt_VAry3P1Q0OamOjKOygvzaMQ2lEqXKMDonI7ZY04_94eTyQqNxeXU4xt6p59qw84VCNPeuXPPhYfEdaslNl2gx1jk-__GLd2vI3m/s320/PXL_20221223_211328400.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>Now, when My Sailor is serving on a submarine, our trips are kept short and local. Travel is difficult to schedule and usually approved last minute - which also tends to make it expensive. So while he's spending more time on shore (and Holiday Stand Down is a thing) we try to make the most of it. That includes making memories and engaging in experiences as often as possible. I suspect it's fairly typical for Military families, and in that aspect, we are much the same. </p><p>We started our road trip with a detour to see some of The Impossible Girl's cousins in Seattle. Since she'd spent at least half of the last 3 months sick, she missed them a lot, so we made the trip over to Seattle to see them before starting our journey south. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguvQZtjQ3x2JM-PoMqrc1zkYZegS4qq9el_l_vJ5u7bkHh4DHMUqdbToGBlQorYQESeCyfsAHfAoaDzKd8FUMZiJjvkkCgVDV_ECVyuG726i0yGkbtJziI8bZU0uWr1Uc8JqXp_j5JGNnibguQkp7wxVL-1t5BGNH1BzYKdYhZNwudfw9jtwE4f-op/s3280/PXL_20221217_204652304.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3280" data-original-width="2464" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguvQZtjQ3x2JM-PoMqrc1zkYZegS4qq9el_l_vJ5u7bkHh4DHMUqdbToGBlQorYQESeCyfsAHfAoaDzKd8FUMZiJjvkkCgVDV_ECVyuG726i0yGkbtJziI8bZU0uWr1Uc8JqXp_j5JGNnibguQkp7wxVL-1t5BGNH1BzYKdYhZNwudfw9jtwE4f-op/s320/PXL_20221217_204652304.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Road Trip with a Mermaid Tail blanket from the cousins. Makes for great sleep!</td></tr></tbody></table><p>We were surprised by a heavy flurry of snow on our way out of the city. It was a beautiful way to start a grand adventure that would cover over 2000 miles.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDQTLLHga5hkobEP7GcpQqsqy97IxVG-lHVAv5qOSfrjy3zuEzO7itQma_3risw4hTNMCucl6gJf6Sj3JYZ4t8YmH1wLbNB_X_MZ2rkYiY7ky1TQHT0DI9irPvxrXNthMIvPA8YXu7G0mYj2BtqkEr5FrxZGffFPQNboHGysWy8F9wPMNTah1dnLGf/s4080/PXL_20221217_230551684.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDQTLLHga5hkobEP7GcpQqsqy97IxVG-lHVAv5qOSfrjy3zuEzO7itQma_3risw4hTNMCucl6gJf6Sj3JYZ4t8YmH1wLbNB_X_MZ2rkYiY7ky1TQHT0DI9irPvxrXNthMIvPA8YXu7G0mYj2BtqkEr5FrxZGffFPQNboHGysWy8F9wPMNTah1dnLGf/s320/PXL_20221217_230551684.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our first official stop was a couple hours into the road trip. We stopped at the <a href="https://www.worldforestry.org/" target="_blank">World Forestry Center</a> in Portland, Oregon. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Fn5t0sOPhbUBbjaRpyQXnr9WTIIdY0Yeec0hoHBieacNlaicKFFhF2CrjmfQ9yldaGZ8quMlzEP08FeAj2q26lNHq5droMtKITkP6q2GyoIiT0Cjxief-oAsda5sbP0Edmok1-sb7MImQn4m2e7EWJ7x4RSwf68IK-8--aRrsSOdRSkjQre_Kfz5/s4080/PXL_20221217_230934903.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Fn5t0sOPhbUBbjaRpyQXnr9WTIIdY0Yeec0hoHBieacNlaicKFFhF2CrjmfQ9yldaGZ8quMlzEP08FeAj2q26lNHq5droMtKITkP6q2GyoIiT0Cjxief-oAsda5sbP0Edmok1-sb7MImQn4m2e7EWJ7x4RSwf68IK-8--aRrsSOdRSkjQre_Kfz5/s320/PXL_20221217_230934903.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><br /><br /><p>Well worth a visit, there was a LOT for the kids to do to learn about the importance of forests on the planet, and the responsible use of them. Admission was an affordable $5/person, and we could have spent much longer than the hour we had there. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo_gOHYuCTUQ7alhBTAPvWnJ-NjDvvEiTlxvKeFFl30ePn3PtFNIJE9hKRxnIALHdee5LhbPDWypb5vsNKcwQHqJf0jLvbNmxeBlY_b-pnhR-HC5w7lsiFkmS0_RqOLPvIm7dH2ubEt_UsqBCFSpayNTKUQtZfXErNioGogEPzV-jyxQae_v6dmC_x/s4080/PXL_20221217_235703936.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo_gOHYuCTUQ7alhBTAPvWnJ-NjDvvEiTlxvKeFFl30ePn3PtFNIJE9hKRxnIALHdee5LhbPDWypb5vsNKcwQHqJf0jLvbNmxeBlY_b-pnhR-HC5w7lsiFkmS0_RqOLPvIm7dH2ubEt_UsqBCFSpayNTKUQtZfXErNioGogEPzV-jyxQae_v6dmC_x/s320/PXL_20221217_235703936.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5VhudpsqWdgKSLKE7UOpa0E612N48sux-YhDPCG7M7nWCO2Tg90errRkhnAzSsgc0crRM5rH5XO02dGto8wFy0XlqYh4xTu4CNzBu1_wNslYIZx8OxtAKfpqKiUO6aNYJqXqy6I9oNCN4TtouEsUufR6vemT6GhmDUAZ4QDQtrsIxwyRmcWKFvDpD/s4080/PXL_20221217_231013607.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5VhudpsqWdgKSLKE7UOpa0E612N48sux-YhDPCG7M7nWCO2Tg90errRkhnAzSsgc0crRM5rH5XO02dGto8wFy0XlqYh4xTu4CNzBu1_wNslYIZx8OxtAKfpqKiUO6aNYJqXqy6I9oNCN4TtouEsUufR6vemT6GhmDUAZ4QDQtrsIxwyRmcWKFvDpD/s320/PXL_20221217_231013607.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Other cousins joined us to play.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUGJgxEd5au9ZqU24fp2v4loHj0T5EmM7HzjcZrCtItiyGhULzCIO9ggCdyl24tzlBCqlKhrjYCseCnEYB_r80LUmnOLDO1Qu3P4PP2mFohR1hzBRePNP4lXm-eKeMxsPFCDRRtUZzvkOrtAYQPB-Sw_sKIFblh7zDMaVjEXVVr1fQF2rqcVfLwaI1/s4080/PXL_20221218_000801761.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUGJgxEd5au9ZqU24fp2v4loHj0T5EmM7HzjcZrCtItiyGhULzCIO9ggCdyl24tzlBCqlKhrjYCseCnEYB_r80LUmnOLDO1Qu3P4PP2mFohR1hzBRePNP4lXm-eKeMxsPFCDRRtUZzvkOrtAYQPB-Sw_sKIFblh7zDMaVjEXVVr1fQF2rqcVfLwaI1/s320/PXL_20221218_000801761.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's hard to leave such a cool place to play, but we stopped for dinner and then headed further south. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A few hours later, we finally stopped for the night in Ashland, Oregon. The first day was easy and lots of time spent with My Sailor's family along the way. I'm lucky. They are all pretty cool people and it was nice to visit on our way off on the adventure! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8gdZNR2ixnH5WfRl462hwT4mk8-Aooc_rHt8o9z8bXTLWFoLGoiL33ORPosdiY_bdUmnHkyRFLvzj9tozSUr1MJltH4yOng-y1YKiK1OoDMOoL9J3CSfe1JvsRfMBvgFsEAQAzBcECu1EkBGKb4UmVQ1IeituDB2UK323inISD_P4Fkiwj0_MRDH8/s4080/PXL_20221218_055524090.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8gdZNR2ixnH5WfRl462hwT4mk8-Aooc_rHt8o9z8bXTLWFoLGoiL33ORPosdiY_bdUmnHkyRFLvzj9tozSUr1MJltH4yOng-y1YKiK1OoDMOoL9J3CSfe1JvsRfMBvgFsEAQAzBcECu1EkBGKb4UmVQ1IeituDB2UK323inISD_P4Fkiwj0_MRDH8/s320/PXL_20221218_055524090.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In the morning, we stopped in the hotel breakfast spot before hitting the road and broke out some of our games. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh09Pn5IZ2DgYFiOXBKF_ZVUQECildgoFkOX3iVUsPxKWGaw_4TGoYY8ITh0c23GmfLfFYHYeTAE_CuzRMozFs5RvqX9CAp8MLHOxs779yfx-zc0OOUZRQaroFg5zgzktrnVh9z8FI94YR9Cl6MoVBQTvGMJ4NnUCUXLsjgH45Dep4os5U8r9QMqZaG/s4080/PXL_20221218_170652612.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh09Pn5IZ2DgYFiOXBKF_ZVUQECildgoFkOX3iVUsPxKWGaw_4TGoYY8ITh0c23GmfLfFYHYeTAE_CuzRMozFs5RvqX9CAp8MLHOxs779yfx-zc0OOUZRQaroFg5zgzktrnVh9z8FI94YR9Cl6MoVBQTvGMJ4NnUCUXLsjgH45Dep4os5U8r9QMqZaG/s320/PXL_20221218_170652612.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dollar store felt checker travel set.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Two older ladies were also having breakfast at a different table and made excellent commentary on The Impossible Girl learning checkers. it was a nice slow start to the BIG driving day. We'd spend the next 10 hours or so on the road.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgypd65S8VLqJhSyGEZXacg7TxJr0Xh0oePgt0325M-2z9EqkYlwckXWxlDCn3ELieZ-iGyWzgMqT-xDm6Sq1ty0UofKdkgnuvC6QS-OlYqi2A812tR8VsmP_rPwg5sNK5cLd__4yfbB8GxfNuJrj6RKE_Ms7uM4l4vQBb1pTP1RySGdz1reSchCan5/s4080/PXL_20221218_171448849.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgypd65S8VLqJhSyGEZXacg7TxJr0Xh0oePgt0325M-2z9EqkYlwckXWxlDCn3ELieZ-iGyWzgMqT-xDm6Sq1ty0UofKdkgnuvC6QS-OlYqi2A812tR8VsmP_rPwg5sNK5cLd__4yfbB8GxfNuJrj6RKE_Ms7uM4l4vQBb1pTP1RySGdz1reSchCan5/s320/PXL_20221218_171448849.jpg" width="241" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We also worked on The Impossible Girl's Travel Journal. Our first leg was 460 miles.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgod5tjM18gDZtEViYyKIpGPCoGeoW6VWZDqDnwBLyTAY1DRETNBd-KHTBj6lRGzpZbnHFeo26R1ztuRNhqf1L8v098eNju8Wq1wRaWX7cUTGZWe_ycrJ9UIYtWxqKv8v8VKnjbo8qkC1Ed5Fw3Y4gA8xOqu18b46mj65pEGPc8_DG76p2CiLXrSDYy/s4080/PXL_20221218_173652589.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgod5tjM18gDZtEViYyKIpGPCoGeoW6VWZDqDnwBLyTAY1DRETNBd-KHTBj6lRGzpZbnHFeo26R1ztuRNhqf1L8v098eNju8Wq1wRaWX7cUTGZWe_ycrJ9UIYtWxqKv8v8VKnjbo8qkC1Ed5Fw3Y4gA8xOqu18b46mj65pEGPc8_DG76p2CiLXrSDYy/s320/PXL_20221218_173652589.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_smqiq79Rsf72bzpCvIuovx50d4XCuqEPTrNe8CdCS18ffj9s3Y1OU2xRnxhuqVhqtuLB9dFAaJFMZbExAmrjTA3bDHpezdZ6FLWqd9rvY-2sROC10UaftFdDetnlr-RF6u9b9zZeqnP22wDWSxHtPGeS0xd9esReNXZ3kKsSgMjElOH3g3QsRDtu/s4080/PXL_20221218_191311139.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_smqiq79Rsf72bzpCvIuovx50d4XCuqEPTrNe8CdCS18ffj9s3Y1OU2xRnxhuqVhqtuLB9dFAaJFMZbExAmrjTA3bDHpezdZ6FLWqd9rvY-2sROC10UaftFdDetnlr-RF6u9b9zZeqnP22wDWSxHtPGeS0xd9esReNXZ3kKsSgMjElOH3g3QsRDtu/s320/PXL_20221218_191311139.jpg" width="241" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A neighbor in the Buy Nothing group suggested a sheet pan made a great lap table. Perfect for Lego building on the go!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Finally we made it to our destination. Hollywood. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpMp4OngYomEkYlhOI3ywwk2YDm3lKc-jx4JnPINl26vqdOEWxbJTIMmgwXW6RN8WAirhZDtmtTv0qENnxrcsOpMAgXDolNTCAU0ZYzFhIQjyfX1OkcbPBU2wszE7kfKLWmWuKIDxnQXpMPxss9TadmLrCwu3nEAxJQZdAyjnhUpkhhkn1rjneTuKS/s4080/PXL_20221219_060325311.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpMp4OngYomEkYlhOI3ywwk2YDm3lKc-jx4JnPINl26vqdOEWxbJTIMmgwXW6RN8WAirhZDtmtTv0qENnxrcsOpMAgXDolNTCAU0ZYzFhIQjyfX1OkcbPBU2wszE7kfKLWmWuKIDxnQXpMPxss9TadmLrCwu3nEAxJQZdAyjnhUpkhhkn1rjneTuKS/s320/PXL_20221219_060325311.jpg" width="241" /></a></div>Along this trip, The Impossible Girl discovered the Lyle Lyle Crocodile soundtrack.
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kgLc_UIFgKc" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>
Top of the World definitely fit our hotel situation! We spent two nights with the hotel with this fantastic floor to ceiling window, about 12 floors above Wilshire Boulevard. Hotel Indigo was lovely. Though the food options were highly limited there, we did discover some chocolate chip pancakes, and the bar was pretty generous - a nice way to start off the vacation.<div><br /></div><div>Tomorrow we'd check a big destination off the kiddo's bucket list (and mine!)</div><div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibdzvB9wiKRnZga5xWB52Ig5WZbdZmnkQVBBDRaunNrHzRuyPRNemcAkjXyssH4Qjz-Rn8t71l49pSh8sd8XhmM5vTRc_LQAxWG2P9TnT3zHzaYVwJea-veoEU4xwdHNmm8F-ocUraWidLmfLBnH4oHPFlzxtcQrlCTP9ALi8RS-55FD2_qVdCqKp5/s4080/PXL_20221219_212219341.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibdzvB9wiKRnZga5xWB52Ig5WZbdZmnkQVBBDRaunNrHzRuyPRNemcAkjXyssH4Qjz-Rn8t71l49pSh8sd8XhmM5vTRc_LQAxWG2P9TnT3zHzaYVwJea-veoEU4xwdHNmm8F-ocUraWidLmfLBnH4oHPFlzxtcQrlCTP9ALi8RS-55FD2_qVdCqKp5/s320/PXL_20221219_212219341.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div></div>-J.D. Humenayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14086704419701940067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348031137278225897.post-55539504698248943852022-12-13T00:10:00.005-08:002022-12-13T00:30:31.276-08:00Making Plans and Making Faces<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiknmzgBFcgctabRpPwG8OhgSEkevQnZXI28JzD1oocKD70-7tmMRhn-knt_rk7fnkRdEb_xNzJqr12ffaOVQcGYoiEImtMSHzwNks3G1pNnMR0XMTvoNFEYJOalfkqzkQQnocAQ4YqybNH4xdYFg9TSnMEWbXCVvvG-qkg62lVXZ1YdzCf2x5BBs0j/s4080/PXL_20221207_171445342.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiknmzgBFcgctabRpPwG8OhgSEkevQnZXI28JzD1oocKD70-7tmMRhn-knt_rk7fnkRdEb_xNzJqr12ffaOVQcGYoiEImtMSHzwNks3G1pNnMR0XMTvoNFEYJOalfkqzkQQnocAQ4YqybNH4xdYFg9TSnMEWbXCVvvG-qkg62lVXZ1YdzCf2x5BBs0j/s320/PXL_20221207_171445342.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My eggs protesting pre scramble.</td></tr></tbody></table>Just about every morning, I have 2-3 eggs scrambled with some sauteed Spinach on top. I drizzle some Chipotle Chalula hot sauce on top and sit down at the table to enjoy my breakfast with a side of whatever fruit we happen to have around the house and a cup of black coffee or tea. <p></p><p>It's not that I don't like variety. It's just that this particular routine is easy, healthy, and something I look forward to. </p><p>In the past 2 months alone, life has been <i>anything</i> but routine. If I was going to inventory it, the list would look something like:</p><p><b><u>Out of the last 6 weeks</u></b></p><p><b>The Impossible Girl has been sick for 3.5 of them with 2 different respiratory illnesses (not counting the one she got in October).</b></p><p><b>The house has undergone some serious construction (now completed... mostly)</b></p><p><b>One of the dogs became severely ill with a rare cancer that progressed quickly. He had to be put down on the same day they were doing construction at the house...</b></p><p><b>My Sailor left on a hunting trip with his family and shortly after the Impossible Girl became so sick I couldn't get her O2 levels above 90% when she was sleeping AND we couldn't get help from the ER or any physician because they were booked solid and overflowing with kids with the same issue. (Luckily her pediatric nurse is amazing and armed me with as much knowledge as possible as we played 'stay out of the hospital', barely dodging it)</b></p><p><b>Toss in a major holiday and it's incredible chaos.</b></p><p><b><i>And that's just the last 6 weeks... </i></b></p><p>Counting down to the upcoming trip has been like port in the storm. </p><p>As much as I LOVE to travel - it's not as simple as 'pack a bag and go' either. I've researched a BUNCH and I <i>think</i> I <i>might</i> be better prepared than last time we took a big trip. I <i>think</i> our tools are solid and at the ready. <i>I think.</i></p><p>If you've followed the blog, you know that during our Spring Break family trip to Disney World, I was once again caught off guard by the levels that life is different for us. Not better or worse - just different. Our unwanted hitchhiker (better known as sensory processing disorder with some anxiety tossed in for spice) made it difficult to even go into buildings. At one point, I over estimated the power of our unwanted friend and it left The Impossible Girl in a panic attack so severe, I had to take her to the Baby Care Center and find a quiet, air conditioned room where she could safely see the hallucinations that were scaring her, and we could ride out the panic attack with her. It took nearly an hour and it was exhausting on all fronts. </p><p>But that doesn't mean we STOP traveling. In fact, I took The Impossible Girl to a hotel in Tacoma for a random overnight on a weekend in November. And it went well. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNpDrOytluRcDIPHebLAQEc3IjZ0UE08652jNYElYKwDmZvBTsdaArC_hiWW9QTA7HD9PPoZsoV8iPo9_gbCzh_9jj24DOnzMeCSDzWjggieqMO4N1wYMKyGhdSIt7YCYFpKz0mSkKR0BZD9LmnOlE7BFSAsQ82-OHs_FRWTy_zH7iQTx86_a0NspF/s4080/PXL_20221112_232535011.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNpDrOytluRcDIPHebLAQEc3IjZ0UE08652jNYElYKwDmZvBTsdaArC_hiWW9QTA7HD9PPoZsoV8iPo9_gbCzh_9jj24DOnzMeCSDzWjggieqMO4N1wYMKyGhdSIt7YCYFpKz0mSkKR0BZD9LmnOlE7BFSAsQ82-OHs_FRWTy_zH7iQTx86_a0NspF/s320/PXL_20221112_232535011.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our room had a killer view.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-trPEa_g-Vb7iB2dLcjYlFe92ayhT7P-26AVRIQKfPJ8j6xWl5BB8Ps6eT3-gnTwWVGH2PJtQX_7fjLUXi5PuP6aSQ5_xIeIAfMJ6-dVQ1LWbOklhaMxoqdKmmKiTeuIWcEeYQU9GqTPjpITcAKPm-1octiNpSzmTwX90MMnV-hrYwPahq9YOpLHj/s4080/PXL_20221113_034259491.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-trPEa_g-Vb7iB2dLcjYlFe92ayhT7P-26AVRIQKfPJ8j6xWl5BB8Ps6eT3-gnTwWVGH2PJtQX_7fjLUXi5PuP6aSQ5_xIeIAfMJ6-dVQ1LWbOklhaMxoqdKmmKiTeuIWcEeYQU9GqTPjpITcAKPm-1octiNpSzmTwX90MMnV-hrYwPahq9YOpLHj/s320/PXL_20221113_034259491.MP.jpg" width="241" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watching Netflix on a HOTEL TV feels like more fun than at home.</td></tr></tbody></table>I was hoping to hit up a museum, but we ended up visiting a new-to-us <a href="https://www.defytacoma.com/" target="_blank">Defy location</a>, grabbing coffee and playing cards with a friend, and ordering some pizza. All of the 'new' is good for the senses, and the little snippets of travel help me understand how to best prepare for the next trip. <br /><p>But traveling with Sensory Processing Disorder isn't simple, but it isn't something I hope to curb or even mildly avoid. Thanks to our professionals - we can travel better. For example, I understand how to offer food in a way that isn't overwhelming - and teaching her own to special order things that she can enjoy helps normalize the whole process. I keep a noise cancelling headphones with us at all times and never once flinch at offering them or treating it as anything less than normal. Some kids tennis shoes. Some kids wear boots. Some kids wear sandals. Some kinds where head phones. </p><p>And, yes, I still pack her carrier along as well. I don't often need it these days. We almost never use it in everyday life (barring her recent illness, when she's too tired to go run an errand with me, etc). She's getting braver with each trip we take to an unusual place, and that's a feat.</p><p> For The Impossible Girl - and millions like her with Sensory Processing Disorder - anxiety, terror, and high levels of excitment are hard to tell apart. Sometimes background noise and conversations don't instantly prioritize in the brain. </p><p>We've accumulated a lot of tools so far, but this one I felt was worth sharing. <a href="https://www.kulturecity.org/" target="_blank">KultureCity </a>is working with organizations around the country to educate them on Sensory Processing issues and arm them with goodie bags of tools to make places like sporting events, museums, and zoos more accessible. They arm them with FREE bags they can check out that have fidgets and weighted lap pads and head phones, etc. Throughout the locations they work with, there are signs with the KultureCity logo wearing a pair of headphones. It's a loving, discreet reminder that this location may be loud and donning the headphones could be helpful. Little things like that make traveling so much easier - and I wish it was more wide spread. </p><p>But managing that - at this age? That's what I'm here for. That's why she has parents. Not to be a crutch, but to help her recognize the feelings and strategize what her next step needs to be. Hopefully next time we make it to Disney World, she'll go inside buildings without a second thought - or maybe she'll have the second thought but work through it with a higher level of confidence.</p><p>So this time when we take a trip down to see my family, Disneyland is (shockingly) not on the menu. This time, it's La Brea Tar Pits (a 'must see' of hers for over a year since she saw a family go there on a youtube channel I watched), a different Great Wolf Lodge, a slew of different eateries (which will all have very different flavors than the rash of bland that our corner of the world suffers from), and different people. It'll be an awesome experience and I'm looking forward to seeing how she grows through it. </p><p>Taking trips with kids is hard under normal circumstances. It's basically parenting in the wild - which can get exhausting. </p><p>But the time will pass no matter where you spend it. Make the memories. Make the effort. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixWXLBx8t8Nmf3TcseHMbB3wIwWxRgo5clLTdI4nosWfoMHJn48wp-pd6qdGpzUAp8bscmwwIaLA0P2ECZocFqFwnf7hHRPlsqls8CIFaPxPRNCk8zP-iM7xoqOumwxIvIjhnD677OVDvjWLcZZgg8z3GTM1GCMOqy9PqZ7zRui01moObWPmvES6Np/s1350/FB_IMG_1667617533653.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixWXLBx8t8Nmf3TcseHMbB3wIwWxRgo5clLTdI4nosWfoMHJn48wp-pd6qdGpzUAp8bscmwwIaLA0P2ECZocFqFwnf7hHRPlsqls8CIFaPxPRNCk8zP-iM7xoqOumwxIvIjhnD677OVDvjWLcZZgg8z3GTM1GCMOqy9PqZ7zRui01moObWPmvES6Np/s320/FB_IMG_1667617533653.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><br /><p>It's always worth it.</p><p>Even the expensive Disney World trip that went very little like we expected. Lessons learned are part of grand adventures. </p>-J.D. Humenayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14086704419701940067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348031137278225897.post-925798233348928782022-05-21T22:48:00.002-07:002022-05-21T22:48:30.337-07:00The Tomorrow Envelope <p><br />See that squirrel on the tree? <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0rTu0Ol28lRIMyGDGkzWm-uaH2hfjbhkQPWhuwoIWkvREdj9rOsvyW6LdtxalZjRgQI6KZkQH_mIlf1_XXxkSOfA3eBDVYZmueq-AI3HAeoDlNqpgUXFbbogPm9zy75TN4d6VmpLl_PCN5A67-AJOOTd-gjXPd7nOOzgMmcNT8LQNy4Wp9-rStSn7/s4080/PXL_20220522_023414241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0rTu0Ol28lRIMyGDGkzWm-uaH2hfjbhkQPWhuwoIWkvREdj9rOsvyW6LdtxalZjRgQI6KZkQH_mIlf1_XXxkSOfA3eBDVYZmueq-AI3HAeoDlNqpgUXFbbogPm9zy75TN4d6VmpLl_PCN5A67-AJOOTd-gjXPd7nOOzgMmcNT8LQNy4Wp9-rStSn7/s320/PXL_20220522_023414241.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><br />Learning to live around anxiety is similar to learning how to live with that damn squirrel. This little rascal lives in a tree just on the other side of the fence in my yard. He chitters and runs the fence line, downright taunting my life stock guardian dog, exciting the poor old man into a loud false alarm around the neighborhood. <p></p><p>We've learned a lot about anxiety and continue to come up with some pretty creative solutions. I've adjusted my schedule to help keep more consistency for the Impossible Girl. It's a new challenge to truly feel the weight of being the 'anchor' for the family in a way that is both a place of honor and the challenge of a lifetime. </p><p>Night time seems to be when the worries come out the most. So after a few rough nights of worries magnifying themselves into unsolvable riddles and bad dreams, I took The Impossible Girl out of bed and into the kitchen. It was late, and cluttered, so I grabbed an index card and a black sharpie. We sat down and I asked her what she was worried about. We wrote out each worry on its own index card. Then I needed a place to put them and physically leave them in the kitchen, so I grabbed an old Amazon envelope out of recycling and wrote on it "Tomorrow Envelope". </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvhdotvluiYshcmP3H2KT_SU1v9s79EP-o01g2gRKNNOmlFbrDji7a4EsMa8MJjL1SLRQaadTqR9nscMHfuiO-UrvecHyLe-h_RfFAtvi8mNvGv7hVmwLxzlWoBRDeej-VSvbDEOLEiK7CI5NOhYFZqBFrhoegHTj4bafvFhPO2pwvqq4__9yb2m_V/s4080/PXL_20220517_171000057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvhdotvluiYshcmP3H2KT_SU1v9s79EP-o01g2gRKNNOmlFbrDji7a4EsMa8MJjL1SLRQaadTqR9nscMHfuiO-UrvecHyLe-h_RfFAtvi8mNvGv7hVmwLxzlWoBRDeej-VSvbDEOLEiK7CI5NOhYFZqBFrhoegHTj4bafvFhPO2pwvqq4__9yb2m_V/s320/PXL_20220517_171000057.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>We put the cards in there and used a glue stick from her craft station to glue it closed. <p></p><p>I told her that tomorrow, over breakfast, we'd look at the cards again, and figure out what to do about them. That worked for that night. </p><p>We did look at them in the morning, and it's funny - under the morning light, it's just a chittering squirrel, not worth losing sleep over. </p><p>So far this method has been helpful during a couple of nights when things feel bigger than they are.<br /></p><p>I am not willing give the Pandemic credit for any of the challenges of Childhood anxiety - or even credit the pandemic for making it worse. We would have likely faced this foe regardless. Part of it is somewhat typical of many military kids.</p><p> But we're building a better tool box every day.<br /></p>-J.D. Humenayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14086704419701940067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348031137278225897.post-29830435143353256952022-04-27T12:32:00.006-07:002023-09-11T22:52:50.243-07:00Managing the Magic - WDW Vacation - Our Unwelcomed Hitchhiker<p> Like most good Disney Park goers, we woke up early (or tried to) to be at the Animal Kingdom park at Rope Drop. Our DAS (Disability Access Pass) ride reservations weren't until later in the day, but we were hoping that Guest Services could change them for earlier, or we'd be able to do a few things with minimal waits in the morning. </p><p>The DAS (Disability Access Pass) allows us to use the Lightening Lane for a couple of rides. We are the perfect fit for it since that kind of anticipation indoors leads The Impossible Girl to panic and anxiety attacks instead of the usual build of excitement most children experience. It gives us the possibility of doing a few attractions without having to bail out 10 minutes into the line. (Yes, this happens even for things like 'Its a Small World'.)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiML7DtatovzOIEgmBroBAf3LMvJ2jVhZQ_boE4Pa92f38U2GvSH26MeCHG1-LnxgL_UgV9LWT5z8_vi8dpOzhZtuNAIcQG3oDM9FemHgmAuERL8UApi2jPfjEpalE84_zzI0q-HCQNnCJe2tfjiKxRzbTrAImexm5qYeKP7ax6peTk1X3_ulmS6kXD/s4080/PXL_20220330_120611946.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiML7DtatovzOIEgmBroBAf3LMvJ2jVhZQ_boE4Pa92f38U2GvSH26MeCHG1-LnxgL_UgV9LWT5z8_vi8dpOzhZtuNAIcQG3oDM9FemHgmAuERL8UApi2jPfjEpalE84_zzI0q-HCQNnCJe2tfjiKxRzbTrAImexm5qYeKP7ax6peTk1X3_ulmS6kXD/s320/PXL_20220330_120611946.jpg" width="241"></a></div></div><p>Now, Animal Kingdom is probably one of my favorite Disney Destinations. It has a rich atmosphere and is usually far less crowded. It has a pace that feels like a refreshing breath of fresh air, but at the same time exhales the anticipation that comes with the prospect of great adventure. Needless to say, I'm a fan and it's always my first go-to upon hitting up Disney World for a vacation.</p><p>Knowing the Impossible Girl through our previous Disneyland trip, we figured the slow start that the Animal Kingdom afforded would be perfect. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPa2-yx7q4IwqzWhXgXoT7Q1yUMQ9pWl6vYw08We2pKY4yIz8MmokfEE35RPKMiiHkPnrrAfdftReXQh9HV2wi8bXxBLbW5WGgng2_KU4ie0zWYYPN2MiBsz95wlpDe6fMLQdYbY8yqNru67a1CrpKpOEdhiY2PNMiYTlAc8DOtm8CQZocwWXEa4TA/s3280/PXL_20220330_115710503.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3280" data-original-width="2464" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPa2-yx7q4IwqzWhXgXoT7Q1yUMQ9pWl6vYw08We2pKY4yIz8MmokfEE35RPKMiiHkPnrrAfdftReXQh9HV2wi8bXxBLbW5WGgng2_KU4ie0zWYYPN2MiBsz95wlpDe6fMLQdYbY8yqNru67a1CrpKpOEdhiY2PNMiYTlAc8DOtm8CQZocwWXEa4TA/s320/PXL_20220330_115710503.jpg" width="240"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">WE MADE IT!</td></tr></tbody></table>Well, our previous early morning arrival took its toll on everyone and our West Coast bodies were never going to be ready for Rope Drop. (That's Disney speak for park opening). We arrived at the Animal Kingdom shortly after the park opening - within the same hour. <p></p><p> She was feeling a little bit anxious and we wanted to be able to walk quickly, so she hung out in the carrier to start the morning off. The Impossible Girl and I hopped in line for the not-yet-open Kilimanjaro Safari attraction while My Sailor ducked into a nearby store and saved the morning with Starbucks for breakfast. The line moved quickly and was outdoors. The weather was warm but pleasant. We chatted with other Guests around us in line as we made our way to the boarding area. The Impossible Girl opted not to eat yet. When we made it to the boarding area, the line slowed a bit. Tha<span style="letter-spacing: 0.2px;">t's when The Impossible Girl suddenly didn't want to go on the ride. We kept encouraging her and let her out of the carrier right at boarding. We'd come so far and knew she'd enjoy it, but also didn't want to be those parents forcing their kid into a situation they clearly aren't ready for. After all, it's HER trip too. Luckily, this time our words of reassurance worked. </span></p><p><span style="letter-spacing: 0.2px;"> She sat next to My Sailor and hung on until she got her barings and saw the animals.</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.2px;"> </span></p><p><span style="letter-spacing: 0.2px;">I'm so glad we went first thing in the morning, rather than taking our DAS pass up for a 3pm safari. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjdASPapxUuGQcS7m9L3jCP9uVOsiZRX8BSC8p5cALy7AG6KhZCPq2wPTk05m-dg0mG5keU8B-wUwut8rYV4HMqJUCkAKLByOcnb_lUiq8fQ1zXP_86hBnBz3THRICejpFmBvJWL5nNnVD_O_tkmRU9yVveyETk_EJuZiPoniwMQgEeMpsCfAKKkCz/s568/lion.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="428" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjdASPapxUuGQcS7m9L3jCP9uVOsiZRX8BSC8p5cALy7AG6KhZCPq2wPTk05m-dg0mG5keU8B-wUwut8rYV4HMqJUCkAKLByOcnb_lUiq8fQ1zXP_86hBnBz3THRICejpFmBvJWL5nNnVD_O_tkmRU9yVveyETk_EJuZiPoniwMQgEeMpsCfAKKkCz/s320/lion.jpg" width="241"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfBysMOLo3z3u7g32uoo2qypHF2kdesHwQZrnMPfhWyx_TJrdMVksolGBBPRcU4xaE06uTwOF8mcow1gq9T-URqVLTFe7mC-vaZliEuElTczpKB2AB3YFhM5PE9cQ_zmPKmgJL0GyiJ9PRZAebUiFRrzHoOv3wGsd3NnsHQlXMfZiyf2627BLC8dwA/s1564/IMG_20220330_163707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1564" data-original-width="1564" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfBysMOLo3z3u7g32uoo2qypHF2kdesHwQZrnMPfhWyx_TJrdMVksolGBBPRcU4xaE06uTwOF8mcow1gq9T-URqVLTFe7mC-vaZliEuElTczpKB2AB3YFhM5PE9cQ_zmPKmgJL0GyiJ9PRZAebUiFRrzHoOv3wGsd3NnsHQlXMfZiyf2627BLC8dwA/s320/IMG_20220330_163707.jpg" width="320"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.2px;">It was fantastic. It's definately an early morning attraction. I'd been on it in years past, and this was the most active safari with the most animals I've ever seen. It was beautiful. (I mean, we missed a photo of a giraffe that crossed the path right inches away from our vehicle!)</span><br></div><div>The Impossible Girl had still opted not to eat much yet, so after we got off the ride, My Sailor stopped and grabbed a snack he knew she'd go for (some sort of chocolate filled pastry, if I recall correctly, and a dole whip to share). She picked it apart and ate the chocolate, but that was okay. She was eating something. It was vacation. Chocolate is as good a breakfast choice as any. </div><div>An African inspired precussion group starting playing near by. I couldn't stay in my seat. My Sailor sat with the kiddo as she ate while I jetted over to the stage to listen, watch, and shimmy along to a song for a couple minutes. He realized that we weren't going to get this oppurtunity again, and I'm so grateful for a partner who gets me. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Iwt2ZitOaPyZB7EFEmtiYU9fUkrxwmE3eGINylmDPDcrp4Z8MuOB-iofkgWexiYBdsUoDTyCYJP2ulfI3O2kdOf1ziCN9hYeHNjVMwWqYwLYT6LpNLDpx4cG3uT0TvZuy8HPnheAQdCggg0xCa6q2MPeLXsMrQaPfLCuzltM8sYykGqTTKDKbtyp/s4032/PXL_20220330_140244957.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Iwt2ZitOaPyZB7EFEmtiYU9fUkrxwmE3eGINylmDPDcrp4Z8MuOB-iofkgWexiYBdsUoDTyCYJP2ulfI3O2kdOf1ziCN9hYeHNjVMwWqYwLYT6LpNLDpx4cG3uT0TvZuy8HPnheAQdCggg0xCa6q2MPeLXsMrQaPfLCuzltM8sYykGqTTKDKbtyp/s320/PXL_20220330_140244957.jpg" width="320"></a></span></div><div><div> Afterwards, I took her to the restroom and My Sailor checked out a store nearby. When we returned, he wanted to show me something, but she refused to go into the store. It took us about 5-10 minutes to talk her into going into the brightly lit store. Nothing scary was sold there. But it was new, and different. There were lots of people and it was warm. She was probably still hungry and likely tired... Making going into a simple shop a petrifying experience.</div><div><br></div><div> Once inside, we looked around and she fell in love with a baby Simba stuffed toy. We bought her a buddy for the day, she sat down and felt like the world was too loud. Noise cancelling Galaxy headphones to the rescue! Who could blame her? </div><div><br></div><div>After wards, we tried to capitalize on a good experience on the Safari (and having some sugar on board) and go on the Maharaja Jungle Trek to see the tigers (one of The Impossible Girl's favorite animals) up close and personal. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik01NiytyJeECPZ_y-SPHIWPKyCOBdVley98isOKyA_IxPmRkPx65eNRN2lQcF7Ph5ycKQ6EmcUDFCbsXTxVMcFWhFkCvrzh5Q5BuXClLSYZH_iKw-WQn2Im2YBSOscBSlz_klX_689va1blC5QFU0JsloqaZYu0mYR6G0VNVpt49_V_-uwJV9iab-/s754/animaltreksign.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="754" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik01NiytyJeECPZ_y-SPHIWPKyCOBdVley98isOKyA_IxPmRkPx65eNRN2lQcF7Ph5ycKQ6EmcUDFCbsXTxVMcFWhFkCvrzh5Q5BuXClLSYZH_iKw-WQn2Im2YBSOscBSlz_klX_689va1blC5QFU0JsloqaZYu0mYR6G0VNVpt49_V_-uwJV9iab-/s320/animaltreksign.jpg" width="320"></a></div><div>Though she had a great time on the safari, and we praised her courage, the environment was still new and different and getting more crowded.</div><div>We stopped to take a couple of fun photos, and eat a snack we'd brought in (familiar taste of home) before delving into the Maharajah Jungle Trek.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtV8-Nhn9Wew7rnwUqwPMupY1vFPz34a0ORpJR_wy-Q-xr4DTTx0qD11ML-NkSnlVFKA5y0fvuYfg6UPt5nVJE7tZ6kpbnJo33x5ixajHruQoisZjoTUsv5pX96kk6NZgj0oVK5fcsw3Mqh0ofnUjqHeCg2rqINUqJBM9daZ10Bx9QpgWTX4CbrhZv/s5568/2022-03-30%20-%20Disneys%20Animal%20Kingdom%20Park%20-%20Africa%20at%20Disneys%20Animal%20Kingdom%20Theme%20Park.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3712" data-original-width="5568" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtV8-Nhn9Wew7rnwUqwPMupY1vFPz34a0ORpJR_wy-Q-xr4DTTx0qD11ML-NkSnlVFKA5y0fvuYfg6UPt5nVJE7tZ6kpbnJo33x5ixajHruQoisZjoTUsv5pX96kk6NZgj0oVK5fcsw3Mqh0ofnUjqHeCg2rqINUqJBM9daZ10Bx9QpgWTX4CbrhZv/s320/2022-03-30%20-%20Disneys%20Animal%20Kingdom%20Park%20-%20Africa%20at%20Disneys%20Animal%20Kingdom%20Theme%20Park.jpeg" width="320"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMFkqWa6ByLHvqGDstjOltBAjbmpeYya3jhq4D7VF2v0DBVMdzi-lo7nZsaLdYSbdfl7jBQp3QqNLblyU66LPwNXiwUGof9JNDg4eEJBFv5oiL_q6-28uwYgq8M6gPbZweGWo0-KRklZj2qzY5Ks5VNTsaC7x_cpwhSikG1wg9iqarQNr_Mf8pkH4j/s5568/2022-03-30%20-%20Disneys%20Animal%20Kingdom%20Park%20-%20Africa%20at%20Disneys%20Animal%20Kingdom%20Theme%20Park_2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3712" data-original-width="5568" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMFkqWa6ByLHvqGDstjOltBAjbmpeYya3jhq4D7VF2v0DBVMdzi-lo7nZsaLdYSbdfl7jBQp3QqNLblyU66LPwNXiwUGof9JNDg4eEJBFv5oiL_q6-28uwYgq8M6gPbZweGWo0-KRklZj2qzY5Ks5VNTsaC7x_cpwhSikG1wg9iqarQNr_Mf8pkH4j/s320/2022-03-30%20-%20Disneys%20Animal%20Kingdom%20Park%20-%20Africa%20at%20Disneys%20Animal%20Kingdom%20Theme%20Park_2.jpeg" width="320"></a></div><div>We flew by most of the exhibits and really enjoyed them. It was a little busy but not too crowded. </div><div>When we got to the bat house, it took us about 45 minutes to get her in the door. The bat carvings above the door scared her a lot. </div><div>Dad, once again, came to the rescue, bringing in a Mickey bar onto the trail. We sat down and talked and worked to help her feel safe enough to walk through the exhibit to check out the tigers on the other side. </div><div><br></div><div>As a parent, yes, that meant we were kind of in the way. We tried to sit in the shade but the path didn't offer seating at that point. Under the eyes of other tourist (and a minority confused Cast Member), we sat together. We let her eat while sheilding her from the crowd a bit. </div><div><br></div><div>It sounds like a lot of sugar - I know. But we were on vacation and we knew the effect it can have on anxiety (hello dopamine!). So, yes, we were relying on those dopamine highs to get us through the day post-overnight flight.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsju392mHpJAFBlBZO6XJP25fXoX0aQxLUsQ5tf2K-mDn_J7dj4TwN0tk3j6gx6Me38g7rwhw023PCt77-xTpNDdKiajp8JGox8Bl3N0Uc7G--0UJq4amaCllqq7rfY59bApbslgbcn0zkyqKLkVpO-W8hEWAsu7zBj6vXBjX291noI6O-TymVaBR1/s568/batcaveicecream.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="428" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsju392mHpJAFBlBZO6XJP25fXoX0aQxLUsQ5tf2K-mDn_J7dj4TwN0tk3j6gx6Me38g7rwhw023PCt77-xTpNDdKiajp8JGox8Bl3N0Uc7G--0UJq4amaCllqq7rfY59bApbslgbcn0zkyqKLkVpO-W8hEWAsu7zBj6vXBjX291noI6O-TymVaBR1/w151-h200/batcaveicecream.jpg" width="151"></a></div>We finally made it through the bat exhibit, with her on my back, hiding her face not to look. There was no way around it. It took a lot of doing, but she made it through intact. She didn't like the bat kites hanging from the ceiling either , but we were able to hurry through in a few seconds.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-yOqnxgS65wXOa5NAohjSlIGsOIjtmBN9xEOabGwCWVxUU14hYTnY5fGHJys25ZTfVhdqHS5ka6AsR4iOPRtMnO_TmbZ0nTxsKTfgWh3MJgDOlfIB82l0Csxqz9zhrxRUFJagWw_b-0Qriko2KG2bVQcEhWyzj1wc_45ufVBg_Nue3BvZyMTP_i5y/s568/maharajahjungletrek.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="428" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-yOqnxgS65wXOa5NAohjSlIGsOIjtmBN9xEOabGwCWVxUU14hYTnY5fGHJys25ZTfVhdqHS5ka6AsR4iOPRtMnO_TmbZ0nTxsKTfgWh3MJgDOlfIB82l0Csxqz9zhrxRUFJagWw_b-0Qriko2KG2bVQcEhWyzj1wc_45ufVBg_Nue3BvZyMTP_i5y/s320/maharajahjungletrek.jpg" width="241"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On the other side, we ended up seeing 2 napping tigers in the shade before heading out. We didn't attempt the Aviary. It was indoors, and that, at that moment, felt like too much. Indoors seemed scary today.</div><div><p>We headed over to a Guest Services tent to reshuffle some of the DAS reservations we had for rides. The Cast Members were wonderfully helpful, going above and beyond to ensure we had a good visit. Next on the DAS list was the Navi River Journey attraction, which was all the way across the park. The Friends of Flight bird show was starting soon, and that was on The Impossible Girl's MUST DO list, so we popped in to do that. </p><p>Dad helped quell the anxiety that was sneaking up while we waited by engaging in fatherly funny face photos. My Sailor has always been very connected whenever he can. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMa_B3P9nOumHXV2ZNJEU2_mr1jyezIQECHHZ39Z1HCCLaue-xFcgf4vf9b0-9Jxz_Skc6zQ2WSW4xspKzoJYdr0x9MyjsQ0-0oUHxdomnAct9KsSG4VvQKrDojSm0BO6uMLBotLO-zFgatMuJET1bZLcq_-aT7AyFIMq-hvLxGOakJcrxUM0GJRQV/s568/funnyfacebirdshow1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="427" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMa_B3P9nOumHXV2ZNJEU2_mr1jyezIQECHHZ39Z1HCCLaue-xFcgf4vf9b0-9Jxz_Skc6zQ2WSW4xspKzoJYdr0x9MyjsQ0-0oUHxdomnAct9KsSG4VvQKrDojSm0BO6uMLBotLO-zFgatMuJET1bZLcq_-aT7AyFIMq-hvLxGOakJcrxUM0GJRQV/w151-h200/funnyfacebirdshow1.jpg" width="151"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5WUDn2Df-Bg9rENIOldj_x9mQX1Ho2FJjJA3IwH_O4vm5GeWHRe36GDbiFGQot_lXu90Umx75fORuOqjWwzPm49NRq7l6UnrPh4x274lsEB1SGpW4aOArtw7WwcHcROl6s0Lg9lpmUwOZ0W2K1rO43RlCQzkUeHmCAXwUvakSv5-wVyvGPfSyea7J/s568/funnyfacebirdshow2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="427" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5WUDn2Df-Bg9rENIOldj_x9mQX1Ho2FJjJA3IwH_O4vm5GeWHRe36GDbiFGQot_lXu90Umx75fORuOqjWwzPm49NRq7l6UnrPh4x274lsEB1SGpW4aOArtw7WwcHcROl6s0Lg9lpmUwOZ0W2K1rO43RlCQzkUeHmCAXwUvakSv5-wVyvGPfSyea7J/w151-h200/funnyfacebirdshow2.jpg" width="151"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVizYmVU_j_2GJYorPMj9pELJp6kX3SAu8DHyGeif-qiWPMH64okAlQdo-HpadR3FF1gPNKpJYdu8bDP6udp5oTNL24cLtXGt3LOdCXBkKMBryRVufqDiEnsTk9a2otwq5DI_Vo9oRUFcJHiUv70qLdjgaj8BTDl6PTjyi7HfDKvfquFO0rIQPdGcp/s568/funnyfacebirdshow3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="427" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVizYmVU_j_2GJYorPMj9pELJp6kX3SAu8DHyGeif-qiWPMH64okAlQdo-HpadR3FF1gPNKpJYdu8bDP6udp5oTNL24cLtXGt3LOdCXBkKMBryRVufqDiEnsTk9a2otwq5DI_Vo9oRUFcJHiUv70qLdjgaj8BTDl6PTjyi7HfDKvfquFO0rIQPdGcp/w151-h200/funnyfacebirdshow3.jpg" width="151"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">By this point, we were starting to realize just how different this trip would be different. Not just because we had The Impossible Girl along to share the experience, but we also had a hichhiker. Anxiety was along for the ride this trip. She was experiencing Disney through the lens of Sensory Processing disorder, so everything was louder and bigger than it was for us. A thousand times more. </div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After the bird show (which was a huge hit, and I highly recommend making time for it), we headed across the park to Pandora, passing by Dinoland USA. The Impossible Girl was begging to return to the hotel, but after seeing the Triceratops Spin and the Dinosaur themed playground, she couldn't wait to play for a bit. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgADpe2SQj_gaN_lgaFPLvkigB9v-5IoneurpE7O2_HuIjoBCb5xTSan_25qbx3PLCOOd5_9BavCKnSpNzciseReNDQ3l_YBpx7Q92xp-SDvH3tMmXFZKfqYx-_vaXtCVdmllAcB-bvvWIepnwbK7-o-H--ku1pXsW-YwPe-p-2fBIE17XhHAha7CU/s4080/PXL_20220330_163711796.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgADpe2SQj_gaN_lgaFPLvkigB9v-5IoneurpE7O2_HuIjoBCb5xTSan_25qbx3PLCOOd5_9BavCKnSpNzciseReNDQ3l_YBpx7Q92xp-SDvH3tMmXFZKfqYx-_vaXtCVdmllAcB-bvvWIepnwbK7-o-H--ku1pXsW-YwPe-p-2fBIE17XhHAha7CU/s320/PXL_20220330_163711796.jpg" width="320"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEzIdIUygLOlIewBIhhzBnLHFeOBrRsBjNR29j38jzDbTF3Ht30b35lfXMI0Zf9CFthgafy8M-1AAqrLinPX6WMUOnOLl3du3iXkLAd6qe7XYFf0KcTVDS2_8HZEQMtUebB8KNOZKu0STCs5vWUWFTchE8ziRJ63Fwz0q0wbf8nMauMIRmX4koHfth/s568/dinoplayground.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="428" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEzIdIUygLOlIewBIhhzBnLHFeOBrRsBjNR29j38jzDbTF3Ht30b35lfXMI0Zf9CFthgafy8M-1AAqrLinPX6WMUOnOLl3du3iXkLAd6qe7XYFf0KcTVDS2_8HZEQMtUebB8KNOZKu0STCs5vWUWFTchE8ziRJ63Fwz0q0wbf8nMauMIRmX4koHfth/s320/dinoplayground.jpg" width="241"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL8fMv11-STQAFhU_500upl2xqY62VAfBt4zwIcXa4Zo-WrGeqnK0GrOq5tCl5ZYV_nc6W4k7_gLqGRZ3-dc9nzPTOobPmXG1hu8tMoi0FBxN4hM0t_7HKKndPJUkDmO2QDBAZqqPJEHLDKzeAReBuzLTESQTCxRxid4Z2X3gqmhxuvdPBc-ldvPBX/s568/Triceratopspin.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="428" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL8fMv11-STQAFhU_500upl2xqY62VAfBt4zwIcXa4Zo-WrGeqnK0GrOq5tCl5ZYV_nc6W4k7_gLqGRZ3-dc9nzPTOobPmXG1hu8tMoi0FBxN4hM0t_7HKKndPJUkDmO2QDBAZqqPJEHLDKzeAReBuzLTESQTCxRxid4Z2X3gqmhxuvdPBc-ldvPBX/s320/Triceratopspin.jpg" width="241"></a></div>The pace was slow and relaxed. We still had our DAS pass for the Navi River Journey, and I'd heard great things about the Santuli cafe for lunch. After some time in Dinoland, we headed into outter space - er... Pandora.<div><br></div><div>Pandora was astounding, but it was hot and decidely different. Lunch at the Santuli Cafe did <i>not</i> disappoint. It was great that it was simple counter service. We did a mobile order and hung out in an air conditioned shop while we were waiting for our order. We were getting better at understanding and better at communicating through The Impossible Girl's challenges, so we could do some time inside, browsing and getting out of the sun. We thought food might help our hitchhiker quiet down so we could enjoy the peaceful boat ride that is the Navi River Journey. </div><div><br></div><div>Well, anxiety had different plans. Dining inside the large cafeteria was fun, but ended up feeding the hitchhiker, rather than starving it. Soon, The Impossible Girl was feeling fearful. She'd barely eaten most of the day (Mickey Bar aside).</div><div><br></div><div> The hitchhiker was in the way.</div><div><br></div><div>While we hoped we'd be better at reigning it in, the usual coping mechanisms weren't working quite as well as they had in the past. The world was louder, bigger, hotter, and more crowded. </div><div><br></div><div>That's when I realized that I had a choice. </div><div><br></div><div> A choice that could make or break the rest of this trip for me.</div><div><br></div><div>I could adjust my expectations, or I could keep pushing to do things our hitchhiker clearly was making next to impossible. </div><div><br></div><div>I chose to accept that this trip was different. That it wouldn't be anything like what I'd prepared for. And I chose to have fun with my family, and course correct my own expectations. </div><div><br></div><div>We talked her through her fear so we could finish our food and then headed back to the hotel, canceling our DAS appointments on the way out. </div><div><br></div><div>We made it through 3 attractions - the Safari, the bird show, and the tiger trail.</div><div><br>And for today - that was enough.</div><div><br></div><div>We stopped for a quick photo in front of the Tree of Life -</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiTkxN4cN4WnXVuGdkMfsW7zHqPmdY8HKQey4bfM5vhRW47GtTENZxaME7VPRHpTD0CNJkWfdigISJZ6pJcwin-TJs_jSlkE_yWFTzrUoEBtC0OCRU8qgeGQes7ExZigsGTBYg89tr6YV-33k_HOogkvw_T8yeQSBU58UZhflzJb1eriaBE6iIy9Mz/s756/PXL_20220330_180953237.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="756" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiTkxN4cN4WnXVuGdkMfsW7zHqPmdY8HKQey4bfM5vhRW47GtTENZxaME7VPRHpTD0CNJkWfdigISJZ6pJcwin-TJs_jSlkE_yWFTzrUoEBtC0OCRU8qgeGQes7ExZigsGTBYg89tr6YV-33k_HOogkvw_T8yeQSBU58UZhflzJb1eriaBE6iIy9Mz/s320/PXL_20220330_180953237.jpg" width="320"></a></div><div>and napped in the carrier on the way back to the bus stop.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi97K3HCw-IUPXlp3gEbk5I80G9HI7HCP6YSweXZ4OeHrW3mYL3qy4Xs-t27zov3UZNlJ69p-uS09nxLFxbaI2Dp3SDSivDUSb_sUWWJe8iYZbkS_wGBz43erci9XrrwXy1RETdxDK3HRQNdd6QU4_UXNfihOPf-dK6mOGyO8RTiOLCBWaJhhfRVyhp/s568/animalkingdomtired.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="428" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi97K3HCw-IUPXlp3gEbk5I80G9HI7HCP6YSweXZ4OeHrW3mYL3qy4Xs-t27zov3UZNlJ69p-uS09nxLFxbaI2Dp3SDSivDUSb_sUWWJe8iYZbkS_wGBz43erci9XrrwXy1RETdxDK3HRQNdd6QU4_UXNfihOPf-dK6mOGyO8RTiOLCBWaJhhfRVyhp/s320/animalkingdomtired.jpg" width="241"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Once at the hotel, we recovered from a long day, ate dinner, and spend some quality time in the pool, hoping with a little extra rest behind us - tomorrow's Hollywood Studios day would be maybe a little more magical.</div>-J.D. Humenayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14086704419701940067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348031137278225897.post-77316449399906988712022-04-14T15:24:00.003-07:002022-04-14T15:33:12.587-07:00Managing the Magic - An Educational Vacation to Disney World - Arrival Day<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSA3aa7qLjeOJjeMODzS18_2hXPPaz1slmxIgxx6BD_2YLn2SKK16ZjLVqMmc46sxh9yUOQLBHp2IUSjBbB9yB9o8nNtWIsw4JmF5iJ0fnQ-3PMHEW14hzzVANl_sio8a8-xZXkbunlqWnN46qJma04h3jm398C8lihO_NRBMvqePbV-dJ3qoeO3Ta/s3280/PXL_20220329_145312960.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2464" data-original-width="3280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSA3aa7qLjeOJjeMODzS18_2hXPPaz1slmxIgxx6BD_2YLn2SKK16ZjLVqMmc46sxh9yUOQLBHp2IUSjBbB9yB9o8nNtWIsw4JmF5iJ0fnQ-3PMHEW14hzzVANl_sio8a8-xZXkbunlqWnN46qJma04h3jm398C8lihO_NRBMvqePbV-dJ3qoeO3Ta/s320/PXL_20220329_145312960.jpg" width="320" /></a>Just before the start of Spring Break, my family took off for a long awaited Disney World vacation. We hopped on a red eye non-stop flight to Florida from chilly Washington State to see some incredible attractions, get some much needed sunshine, and make some memories as a family. Knowing that things like Disneyland can seem big and overwhelming to the Impossible Girl, we prepared for the trip by watching youtube videos and vlogs of attractions. We made lists of must do attractions. My Sailor and I got up at 4am and stayed on hold for over 5 hours to get her a couple advance choice Lightening Lane passes for her DAS (Disability Access Pass). We had 2 sets of noise canceling headphones packed, glowing goodies to make dark spaces brighter and less intimidating, hats, sun screen, sun glasses, carriers and Magic Bands. We were ready to go! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Or were we? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Being a Disney fan pretty much my entire life, this isn't The Impossible Girl's first foray into the Theme Park World.</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4tYqYmpwE6jUkxM73gs-UpMgnfj6oDKGlpXXMFn02HcHjtrY5P9Ptn6Lf5pI51E2PSnS0bH-M-TgZnMB_q_9YK8coQtfuaAzEZe1TaQukKsWC4y6aUlyLS0lQhKO2kewr-YCqcp1dFDHHMLNKMbx7_2okABrk7tn0mYrbNWjDVITtOi7t3esv5Qq9/s1620/FB_IMG_1649957025657.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1620" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4tYqYmpwE6jUkxM73gs-UpMgnfj6oDKGlpXXMFn02HcHjtrY5P9Ptn6Lf5pI51E2PSnS0bH-M-TgZnMB_q_9YK8coQtfuaAzEZe1TaQukKsWC4y6aUlyLS0lQhKO2kewr-YCqcp1dFDHHMLNKMbx7_2okABrk7tn0mYrbNWjDVITtOi7t3esv5Qq9/w133-h200/FB_IMG_1649957025657.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seeing the Castle<br />2017</td></tr></tbody></table>Her first trip to Disneyland occured in May of 2017. It went off without a hitch, going on as many attractions as a kid of her size could muster. At about two and a half years old, she soaked everything in with a sense of wonder and surprise one would expect from kids and, well, Disney.<p></p><p>Her next trip to Disneyland was a year later. In May of 2018, I shed a tear when the Impossible Girl, who wasn't trusting of others, approached Elsa and hugged her, unbidden, for about ninty seconds (and God bless that Elsa for not letting go until she did and not showing a bit of impatience). She grew so much during that trip as a human and it was amazing. </p><p>Okay, I will call a spade a spade. A family vacation is really parenting on the road. It tests your parenting strategies, skills, and patience. Can you keep a kid occupied and safe under new and different cicumstances? Can you handle behavoir issues you may not see at home? Do you have any idea of who to call if a medical emergency occured (they are, afterall, called 'accidents' for a reason)? Can you share a hotel room and single bathroom with a 6 year old for over a week? What eating habits will you indulge in? Will you enforce veggies before sweets or will 10am ice cream be a thing? And in the wake of Covid, will you wear masks? Eat outdoors only? There are a LOT of extra decisions made that can make vacationing with a family less care-free than a typical, adults only trip.</p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfsuaavV_XSJhFUZT4AweUz-3enW5FPBd8cHvTq5FXr-JfK5IbW48k8imP1SuWV0RiLy7cGW_ACzjJxHYHX0tKhpCKZ44IwdaYKHGsbHIKiFWWKdFbFEPYz9lL9BzSwDLBcqORQ81LZ_rVoLcX1mLiBcYyklajfmXFUvg-6sLN4fwLliZ0kHk8UE2p/s1230/Screenshot_20220414-103310.png" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1230" data-original-width="809" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfsuaavV_XSJhFUZT4AweUz-3enW5FPBd8cHvTq5FXr-JfK5IbW48k8imP1SuWV0RiLy7cGW_ACzjJxHYHX0tKhpCKZ44IwdaYKHGsbHIKiFWWKdFbFEPYz9lL9BzSwDLBcqORQ81LZ_rVoLcX1mLiBcYyklajfmXFUvg-6sLN4fwLliZ0kHk8UE2p/w131-h200/Screenshot_20220414-103310.png" width="131" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2019 Trip to Disneyland</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>But I have been and will always be a fan of "Take the damn trip." Even trips to theme parks allows kids to interact with (and see parents/role models interact with) the world around them in a completely different way than they do at home. The sights and sounds and tastes are stimulating and, especially at big tourist destinations, you'll come across people who don't look like or sound like you. You come across foods you may have never tried or heard of. And, if you know me or you've been following me, you know I believe travel broadens our world view no matter what age we do it in. So, no matter what I say from here on out - Take the Damn Trip. </p><p>So, with that out of the way, let me say I'm incredibly grateful that we had the chance to take this trip together. After pandemic life since 2020 (which, for our family, included about 17 months of submarine deployment life), we are glad everyone is healthy and the world feels safe enough to move about a bit. But, as you may be able to guess from this excessive preamble, this visit to the World's most Magical place, didn't go as any of us expected. </p><p>Our first day, we landed at about 6am. We found our transportation to the resort thanks to the generousity of a rental car shuttle driver, who took pity on us and drove us to the <a href="https://sunshineflyer.com/" target="_blank">Sunshine Flyer</a> terminal on the other side of the airport. There had been a mix or reports about this new company but generally treated us well. The Impossible Girl was excited to board our bus train to the resort. She slept better than the adults did on the flight, and she loves airports, flying, and traveling. She wheeled her own suit case and carried her own back pack through the airport. She sipped at an early morning hot chocolate from a Starbucks stand while we parents caffinated for the day before pick up. On the way to the resort, we watched old 1920's cartoons and learned some train trivia from the video provided. We had the entire bus to ourselves. Not a bad way to start the magic (despite being exhausted from the flight).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglgBQxRLkMaZExhveQF3DwG-g83k2xULQQDqCl1fURMfWlq0dtHZ1TX1v60j_jR1M1bbpACeUimghmF42MGKDiyHPVFAYffZH2SB0cfG7npJ8dp1_wQxHm9I8lXQLrt-vzHDd0ou7y8b52KkX3gRJ0DOf0SHATF9XxK9UoAohMoteBMzLTXHQy8nHn/s4080/PXL_20220329_104646095.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglgBQxRLkMaZExhveQF3DwG-g83k2xULQQDqCl1fURMfWlq0dtHZ1TX1v60j_jR1M1bbpACeUimghmF42MGKDiyHPVFAYffZH2SB0cfG7npJ8dp1_wQxHm9I8lXQLrt-vzHDd0ou7y8b52KkX3gRJ0DOf0SHATF9XxK9UoAohMoteBMzLTXHQy8nHn/s320/PXL_20220329_104646095.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>We spent most of the day exploring the resort - <a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/port-orleans-resort-riverside/" target="_blank">Port Orleans Riverside</a>. It lived up to it's peaceful reputation. The only down sides were the rooms were loud (we heard our neighbors every morning and I'm sure they heard us). The Princess theme Royal Room was just what the doctor ordered to add a little extra magic to our stay.</p>Now, here is where I'm going to start something. Every day I write about, I'm going to include the accomodations we found profoundly helpful and NECESSARY for enjoying our vacation. Honestly, I debated even writing about the challenges right now. This story isn't just 'J's Journey' now. This story belongs to my husband and my daughter as well. But as a mother in this situation, it feels very lonely and isolating to be managing this - especially when it peaks at Disney World of all places. So I've decided to write this in case there is some other parent out there who is feeling like they are the only person in the world managing this. I know I can't be alone - and if you are one of those parents reading this - know that you are not alone. You, special reader, are not the first, nor the last. Here's what helped us. Maybe it will help you too.<div><br /></div><div><b>TODAY'S ACCOMODATIONS NEEDED: Headphones and carrier. </b></div><div><b>LOCATIONS VISITED: Port Orleans Riverside, Disney Springs, T- Rex Cafe, Morimoto Asia<br /></b><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZRuaX8AiK1cTqJNnBGgGchg89Hfpn7EICXp1Q0N6qzMHcU7j_d_d1ibgSn2imXA9JP8paVQFDSZcGBqttzIa7_ESbGbyL5NvS2-TrcfhZTYqszTpQBEeS7WHfgDO016t6NsT6c76NgeRtQ3viDudRrT6x07zQZCAV7lA3Cw6IjS9tY5UoO4nUaQP5/s4080/PXL_20220329_191530322.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZRuaX8AiK1cTqJNnBGgGchg89Hfpn7EICXp1Q0N6qzMHcU7j_d_d1ibgSn2imXA9JP8paVQFDSZcGBqttzIa7_ESbGbyL5NvS2-TrcfhZTYqszTpQBEeS7WHfgDO016t6NsT6c76NgeRtQ3viDudRrT6x07zQZCAV7lA3Cw6IjS9tY5UoO4nUaQP5/s320/PXL_20220329_191530322.jpg" width="241" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from our hotel room</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC13QNOb1vf4MEi_r2D1euPD0zZOhJztVEExa7NLyNOUA-Xi4O4NraYK5kkTP3tqiIGL8SsJ6xPLLb98yerFnMesltdLsl6wEGcSGotMhk0VJCnLT4O4jJyAUMGzXirJQfGboalMmayVIpJiMJ6754sSDcWCljlvn3LLReJNACCymhXlR8GCmObQH1/s4032/PXL_20220329_135627006.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC13QNOb1vf4MEi_r2D1euPD0zZOhJztVEExa7NLyNOUA-Xi4O4NraYK5kkTP3tqiIGL8SsJ6xPLLb98yerFnMesltdLsl6wEGcSGotMhk0VJCnLT4O4jJyAUMGzXirJQfGboalMmayVIpJiMJ6754sSDcWCljlvn3LLReJNACCymhXlR8GCmObQH1/s320/PXL_20220329_135627006.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Arcade was a big hit and a great way to pass some time.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKEYJ8Da3UB1RYEdiKRCMOeCjHfObeGj4UT3QJUJZBw19YFmqtcFBHz6OfWlmnKPHVA4N2LT76r-6BoyXbontGy-EQ-xRKed9AjNR3WHPC-7LyfmhOvBmbJIb3tYbTA4v0tr3v8EqCUGQGMuM3TFrC3IuoFA6tICMhjUzDjWiCq6nMuqRBiMaIlY1R/s4080/PXL_20220329_145243828.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKEYJ8Da3UB1RYEdiKRCMOeCjHfObeGj4UT3QJUJZBw19YFmqtcFBHz6OfWlmnKPHVA4N2LT76r-6BoyXbontGy-EQ-xRKed9AjNR3WHPC-7LyfmhOvBmbJIb3tYbTA4v0tr3v8EqCUGQGMuM3TFrC3IuoFA6tICMhjUzDjWiCq6nMuqRBiMaIlY1R/s320/PXL_20220329_145243828.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Resort offers a Water Taxi to Disney Springs, the main shopping area.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />We promised the Dino-Loving Impossible Girl that our lunch would be at the T-Rex Cafe, so we went off to Disney Springs to make good on our promise.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2BojMpmFXdW1IpvCAlBPWfKbE-DUUj1EDGK_WAsJF6ObcewHadnxT6XHUeHYb-9H2m7ZKLRAg0Puz6h81zywSeAxTwWxRUvE2LyEVuXS4RMfk8T8_XjUdwqGzMrjD-p8F7u9VxGD_gSk3KQOaOprL6EYxs4krC2I0XLzpBn72UKDi_Gf07C429pnv/s4080/PXL_20220329_153712094.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2BojMpmFXdW1IpvCAlBPWfKbE-DUUj1EDGK_WAsJF6ObcewHadnxT6XHUeHYb-9H2m7ZKLRAg0Puz6h81zywSeAxTwWxRUvE2LyEVuXS4RMfk8T8_XjUdwqGzMrjD-p8F7u9VxGD_gSk3KQOaOprL6EYxs4krC2I0XLzpBn72UKDi_Gf07C429pnv/s320/PXL_20220329_153712094.jpg" width="241" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Checking out the cool sculptures in front of the Lego Store.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit09C_pIWL-P5QyO-vgZFdhFoYIbqAeTcUJbglEJBGWIPfBRyvxl8Mu501XNlJZgaXOp0w_6_CQGxvGxK_7N1pof8myHJOcvNzvKreA7INJ6OicgYjPWhhKbxeD7mqHn21ZIwZyWTT-JO2wrPUIWiDyDAx5FXH-p7YVZNS_Rq2QfA5HbHUnvNv5UAK/s4080/PXL_20220329_153818422.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit09C_pIWL-P5QyO-vgZFdhFoYIbqAeTcUJbglEJBGWIPfBRyvxl8Mu501XNlJZgaXOp0w_6_CQGxvGxK_7N1pof8myHJOcvNzvKreA7INJ6OicgYjPWhhKbxeD7mqHn21ZIwZyWTT-JO2wrPUIWiDyDAx5FXH-p7YVZNS_Rq2QfA5HbHUnvNv5UAK/s320/PXL_20220329_153818422.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKBqbqFI6Vlwxf-wMx2czlKVX3bnBk4xP_QV_v48Eqi1r-6tz62Uzg0c1T5XGVIjAHd3F6qRWhLtPot38jOHrh5lf4gZLbrjd60XVUn2pVUvmTNKdys16NpvUtUTDYrEE3Pcn-2Ytz1qRai2iDvICMrk6TfHfVVExi5bopA45shiniG4wnpJash6mY/s4080/PXL_20220329_155326295.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKBqbqFI6Vlwxf-wMx2czlKVX3bnBk4xP_QV_v48Eqi1r-6tz62Uzg0c1T5XGVIjAHd3F6qRWhLtPot38jOHrh5lf4gZLbrjd60XVUn2pVUvmTNKdys16NpvUtUTDYrEE3Pcn-2Ytz1qRai2iDvICMrk6TfHfVVExi5bopA45shiniG4wnpJash6mY/s320/PXL_20220329_155326295.jpg" width="241" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The dino roars are a little loud, and the place is a little dark, but she enjoyed it! <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ZhdpId07DrJcHhWZ5HYYHcO1Q9WEzKdqnKd3lFa2dnJAtMQ2STc_nznWTsFFj_nk589Mgq3txUoRzvYACIfwFh8GYKneCDY4j4gSHdN5FBiIPsuYEqLoSdd8h7otc4QMU3Rf8m48K6mvuj8C1MdkxYbmHUxj64CjMM9f1OxxHgja1iwVDdD9EzjZ/s3280/PXL_20220329_155739181.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3280" data-original-width="2464" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ZhdpId07DrJcHhWZ5HYYHcO1Q9WEzKdqnKd3lFa2dnJAtMQ2STc_nznWTsFFj_nk589Mgq3txUoRzvYACIfwFh8GYKneCDY4j4gSHdN5FBiIPsuYEqLoSdd8h7otc4QMU3Rf8m48K6mvuj8C1MdkxYbmHUxj64CjMM9f1OxxHgja1iwVDdD9EzjZ/s320/PXL_20220329_155739181.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying an adult libation. Yeah vacation!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigL8mCArgCDxVX8qBcSLtOyBNdS36hHbPC2AdvfELW2dEB4tRfRoUQewZf1Yy7PCWSX6pg1Km1WxJZ9LkIsX2cezd-3x-sYyUXb2_t33sJ3jh67pr6pXwrkBe18Xs0tjd_L1UUc2bhiJd4-M4RobquXf1kbnRscXBIzQEznB0fk5xW-HJ5S61tqeJM/s548/triceratopsbuddy.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="548" data-original-width="413" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigL8mCArgCDxVX8qBcSLtOyBNdS36hHbPC2AdvfELW2dEB4tRfRoUQewZf1Yy7PCWSX6pg1Km1WxJZ9LkIsX2cezd-3x-sYyUXb2_t33sJ3jh67pr6pXwrkBe18Xs0tjd_L1UUc2bhiJd4-M4RobquXf1kbnRscXBIzQEznB0fk5xW-HJ5S61tqeJM/s320/triceratopsbuddy.jpg" width="241" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cashing in on some Build A Bear Bucks from Christmas, she built a Triceratops friend! She proudly asked for what she wanted inside of it as well (which is a big deal!).</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXmB68wUHYqahOmUHR-th3g-P4XvUCGQiulnwM6kbT0gJ76Ov3kyJYMfsP7mk2A5zFLd1psVqBsAXUXFsnTMJ_yuHLxR8iZBi1gvfn9mXyRbxFAV6Wmet8xQdtOBqGZCU6yYw_mq8K8pCxVrv9YZYHIh9PQACQ5x3fD9qw9oJWtTKA_zfwJlDHYOAg/s4080/PXL_20220329_170730930.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXmB68wUHYqahOmUHR-th3g-P4XvUCGQiulnwM6kbT0gJ76Ov3kyJYMfsP7mk2A5zFLd1psVqBsAXUXFsnTMJ_yuHLxR8iZBi1gvfn9mXyRbxFAV6Wmet8xQdtOBqGZCU6yYw_mq8K8pCxVrv9YZYHIh9PQACQ5x3fD9qw9oJWtTKA_zfwJlDHYOAg/s320/PXL_20220329_170730930.jpg" width="241" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Welcome to the family, Rainbow Heart Triceratops!</td></tr></tbody></table>Our room was ready after lunch, so we went back for some R&R. We changed into more Florida Friendly clothing (ie shorts) and returned to Disney Springs to explore some more and have an amazing dinner at <a href="https://www.morimotoasia.com/" target="_blank">Morimoto Asia.</a><div> The food was amazing. We had a Chef's Choice Nigiri Sushi platter but by now, The Impossible Girl was exhausted and hot, so we got to break in the new carrier! </div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4YyPduS_Pjy9uvF9CIqQWznFLXlNo0ZKN9qogz_nOhwXhncMe_d-ajCraSDYuHhynff9GwAhb6iwkmhTp8AYHruo0AYrQMDWQzuK6IaSXO4Ad8pJmBeMB__k9MPlyZVTYv-Eayp8ev00jAFuuTraFiBYg9Oe3v54igqL6gPRKcsym6fnlVekTrpBj/s3280/PXL_20220329_223311304.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3280" data-original-width="2464" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4YyPduS_Pjy9uvF9CIqQWznFLXlNo0ZKN9qogz_nOhwXhncMe_d-ajCraSDYuHhynff9GwAhb6iwkmhTp8AYHruo0AYrQMDWQzuK6IaSXO4Ad8pJmBeMB__k9MPlyZVTYv-Eayp8ev00jAFuuTraFiBYg9Oe3v54igqL6gPRKcsym6fnlVekTrpBj/s320/PXL_20220329_223311304.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Running late to our reservation - this makes it quicker!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP6oaZBZ87SvXslwqxIYDJa8CF_cs7rR4Q54pKZCw7RGUg8pXhwDEk6e4I4mv6cyPqdAnqhepzxzIElIMjWxcatk6eU48cgbILdJhnzvskLIrHDYPhNgc8x6PgmM_WLSj1Zg1wQuX6VqHi7pSrjH-6n8bakWLV4X_r8ZFctGPCSjCdQAgQrb23x3Vj/s4080/PXL_20220329_223318712.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP6oaZBZ87SvXslwqxIYDJa8CF_cs7rR4Q54pKZCw7RGUg8pXhwDEk6e4I4mv6cyPqdAnqhepzxzIElIMjWxcatk6eU48cgbILdJhnzvskLIrHDYPhNgc8x6PgmM_WLSj1Zg1wQuX6VqHi7pSrjH-6n8bakWLV4X_r8ZFctGPCSjCdQAgQrb23x3Vj/s320/PXL_20220329_223318712.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy2iCNOFYjfGXDgA2UnNGRM-pNVnX3sSSgvBN0wMf8xpbaLwmcENRRN6lmenuxMjiT8BEjRvGC8o3H6S6OKN13ZLFBA90TeU5yC7leDKBhriTeHfUKjvmqp3t4xFc2gXQQhrVv1uOCMIIie7HKRtDYOmwsuwpZ84Au8cugPessmQ1X6vyUnkR0MH9u/s4080/PXL_20220329_222318636.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy2iCNOFYjfGXDgA2UnNGRM-pNVnX3sSSgvBN0wMf8xpbaLwmcENRRN6lmenuxMjiT8BEjRvGC8o3H6S6OKN13ZLFBA90TeU5yC7leDKBhriTeHfUKjvmqp3t4xFc2gXQQhrVv1uOCMIIie7HKRtDYOmwsuwpZ84Au8cugPessmQ1X6vyUnkR0MH9u/s320/PXL_20220329_222318636.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSGDu_EL50sXjpV6SGLMXD0ZEgI4H_w3Hw9SAlW9VWKaJizRq6GukhsxzsCxj_q8ZpQ1-PfhYna__LSDwJJ2J5iJe6NDZ_c1yEoQFi9QxgsiKqO2QRqpkJ5HahL61kTS1heD9R5gZvS31MggGXrsbDMVMovv15OMBgvdZ6PJY5qCLAzd38SETIqVqb/s548/onthewatertaxi2022.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="548" data-original-width="412" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSGDu_EL50sXjpV6SGLMXD0ZEgI4H_w3Hw9SAlW9VWKaJizRq6GukhsxzsCxj_q8ZpQ1-PfhYna__LSDwJJ2J5iJe6NDZ_c1yEoQFi9QxgsiKqO2QRqpkJ5HahL61kTS1heD9R5gZvS31MggGXrsbDMVMovv15OMBgvdZ6PJY5qCLAzd38SETIqVqb/s320/onthewatertaxi2022.jpg" width="241" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Girl Grabbed the Camera and Took our photo on the Water Taxi back to the Hotel</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEineoeA8RLDTBffs95J1K19pb3cnkHLAsWOFdKSbititLbkkhjzSKWZqJgoL_FG_poXSMPkh9vAPQfh16AzyS3aayCv2MBLSggTlxSHGYd7SCCyY7MDjo4Qp8tXG8Y0kfOD0PBY5OEicGF4e9ng6ya8aNMWJoFupOaDs-luhHZeXGje4LKyZvVBwlJu/s548/snoozingonthewatertaxi.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="548" data-original-width="413" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEineoeA8RLDTBffs95J1K19pb3cnkHLAsWOFdKSbititLbkkhjzSKWZqJgoL_FG_poXSMPkh9vAPQfh16AzyS3aayCv2MBLSggTlxSHGYd7SCCyY7MDjo4Qp8tXG8Y0kfOD0PBY5OEicGF4e9ng6ya8aNMWJoFupOaDs-luhHZeXGje4LKyZvVBwlJu/s320/snoozingonthewatertaxi.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The water taxi is so soothing. It was a tiring day for all, but we enjoyed getting back to the hotel and getting into those comfy sheets for bed time - Ready for our first park day, Animal Kingdom! </div><div> As exciting as it sounds - that was also the day we realized just how crippling anxiety can be. Even when you're 6.5 and you've been excited and prepped about this trip for months...</div><div> If you're wondering if someone without a visible challenge should qualify for DAS, follow our adventures, and decide for yourself. </div><div><br /></div></div>-J.D. Humenayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14086704419701940067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348031137278225897.post-81341840653135517612022-03-19T22:39:00.002-07:002022-03-19T22:56:00.011-07:00Today, I saved My Daughter's Life<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWajvRy9pOGGbiWbgm6nN2jakqOT-mrolKQ2g8yV4VboeslqqKvZigeSzyTpdSIhl2sumGQ1-uM3t6wlIkPDiN80IRLF8qzwrHqUu3TEQE5hadlvrawjJ_iARsW9OESFNL5141WfKE-m0-0_lq_DBIlGBqbMNlhSyeTVuc4Q1uLBhECcHUFH55gfpJ=s4080" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWajvRy9pOGGbiWbgm6nN2jakqOT-mrolKQ2g8yV4VboeslqqKvZigeSzyTpdSIhl2sumGQ1-uM3t6wlIkPDiN80IRLF8qzwrHqUu3TEQE5hadlvrawjJ_iARsW9OESFNL5141WfKE-m0-0_lq_DBIlGBqbMNlhSyeTVuc4Q1uLBhECcHUFH55gfpJ=s320" width="320" /></a></div> Tonight, I was tucking in the Impossible Girl. As usual, I gave her a kiss goodnight and left her with positive words. Something along the usual (yet heart felt) parental lines of, "I love you. You're an amazing daughter just the way you are." She surprised me tonight but saying, "Thank you for all you do for me, Mom." <p></p><p>This morning, we were playing board games together at the coffee table and sharing probably the best citrus fruit on the planet - a sumo tangerine. Maybe it was the Hungry Hungry Hippos we were playing. Maybe it was just the fiberous fruit, but she stopped playing after taking a bite and started hopping up and down adamently. I looked across the table, thinking she was being goofy, but she wasn't giggling or making any sound. At all. She started trying to hit her back and I realized what was going on. She was choking and couldn't remove the obstruction herself. <br /></p><p>I didn't bother with finger sweeps. I tried a couple firm hits on the back, but that was useless. So I shifted into the Himlich as she started to crumple in my arms. On the first thrust - nothing. I called out her name as I felt her crumble towards the floor again, but on the second thrust the bundle of orange fibers dislodged and she coughed. I dropped to the floor catching her on my lap. </p><p>The offending blockage was on the floor - a ball of orange fibers about the size of the tip of my pinkie. Just big enough to get lodged in a breathing tube... It wasn't even a seed.</p><p>She was breathing though. Terrified. Crying a little. But breathing. </p><p>I breathed a sigh of relief and hugged her, validating us both in the moment. "That was scary, huh?" She nodded, not ready to find or test her voice so soon after the offending orange momentarily silenced it.</p><p> "Yeah, it was. I was scared too. You did the right thing. Thanks for showing me you needed help."</p><p> I held her for a while, helping both of us calm down a bit. </p><p>She hasn't turned blue since her infancy. The first time, we were trying to get her into her car seat after a hike. She was under a year and fighting the car seat, crying and crying. Most babies scream and cry so hard they aren't making sounds, then they gasp and take a deep breath to continue their intense protest. Not my kid. She never took that recovery breath. She just suddenly stopped crying, turned blue and purple, and went completely limp and incoherent. Passed out entirely.</p><p> It was only about 10 seconds, but it was absolutely terrifying. When we called our doctors and discussed it, we learned about Cyanotic Breath Holding Spells. </p><p>The cure? Try to avoid triggers (like, ya know, car seats apparently in our lives... she hated being strapped down to ANYTHING other than a carrier snugged to a human.) and know CPR in case she doesn't come around within 10-15 seconds. </p><p>That's it. So from that moment, our lives probably became different from 'most parents'. Or from what I envision 'most parents' experience. Every kid/family is different with their own unique challenges, of course. From talking to my mom friends, we are definately, well, unicorns. Or Narwhals... or Elves... or whatever.</p><p> We were out of cell phone range the first time it happened (though only about 20 minutes from town, and there were houses near by). So 911 was not an option.</p><p>It taught me that we don't go out of cell phone range without a plan to get emergency help right away. When we travel, I usually have an idea where the nearest help is and how to get it/get to it.</p><p>She recovered from the spells, but it was absolutely terrifying when they happened.</p><p><i><b>So glad</b></i> we're beyond <b><i>those</i></b> years.</p><p> Once she was calm and I was calm, we talked about other (more globally recognized) ways to show you're choking. We practiced the hands to the throat. And I said, "What if you're at a table and you're doing that, and you are choking and can't get any air out, but no one notices? What can you do?" She shrugged and we brain stormed. "Well, it's really important so..." I slammed the flat of my hand over and over on the coffee table. She startled for a moment, and then giggled. "It's loud, right? Could you ignore that?" She shook her head no. We tried it a few times and then stayed there until she was ready to move on with the day. She decided she was done with the poor Hippos, and we shifted gears into something else. </p><p>She spent the rest of the day literally glued to me. We played video games together, watched a movie, ran an errand, did art, did hair and nails (spa day at home style). </p><p>Moments like these remind me that I'm incredibly grateful I was raised by 2 nurses (my mom and my grandmother were both nurses, and my grandmother lived with us from when I turned 5) where conversations like first aid, injury treatment and prevention, and choking came up regularly at the dinner table. And I'm grateful for the first aid and CPR training I've had over the years for various positions. And this is where the ask comes in - <u style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">PLEASE if you are a parent, loved one, or a care taker of young kids, take the time to learn CPR and other child first aid and emergency response. ARM YOURSELF WITH THE TOOLS TO SAVE YOUR KIDS!Be sure those that watch your kids are armed with the tools to save their lives. Because kids are kids. Accidents happen.</u> And who knew oranges were dangerous?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLv6DYHqp-WI1nbjl3btmy3Pv9xwsMY4rsXT3GbexKFsGxDMYhN7bdXilS4rHFaaAJyJCm2nkg0ewNWAvYYbZj0jC4bNQmUpvdwPMHras_BU0fs8SnoDrqSm2XzYKUROkiYC-oQYa6eYFc7bzCCMrEEmL-0wz8dupMGvi32Y9OW3GYKfYvGLpzjynN=s3054" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1786" data-original-width="3054" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLv6DYHqp-WI1nbjl3btmy3Pv9xwsMY4rsXT3GbexKFsGxDMYhN7bdXilS4rHFaaAJyJCm2nkg0ewNWAvYYbZj0jC4bNQmUpvdwPMHras_BU0fs8SnoDrqSm2XzYKUROkiYC-oQYa6eYFc7bzCCMrEEmL-0wz8dupMGvi32Y9OW3GYKfYvGLpzjynN=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>So The Impossible Girl and I had a laid back mom-and-daughter day, where I didn't accomplish a damn thing on my To-Do list while My Sailor went off to the big city to spend some time with his family.</p><p> Sometimes, plans go awry. </p><p>Sometimes the detours leads to where we're supposed to be - not where we planned to be. And that's okay.</p><p>"I've got you. You're okay. We got this. Good job." </p>-J.D. Humenayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14086704419701940067noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348031137278225897.post-31612165070773539382022-02-28T22:38:00.003-08:002022-02-28T22:48:32.546-08:00Tonight, I Apologized to My 6 Year Old<p>Tonight, I apologized to my 6 year old. </p><p>I mean, it's not the first time I've done it. We live in a house where people make mistakes and The Impossible Girl is getting first hand modeling of how we handle and resolve mistakes and conflict. So kids, obviously, get a front row seat to what's going on. </p><p>She's heard me apologize to her before. She's apologized to me before. And this time, it bought me pretty low. </p><p>I've grown into a pretty confident parent of the 4-6+ set (so far). I always had a feeling I'd do better with older kids, rather than babies, and that intuition seems to hold true. Or perhaps it's bias confirmation... but either way - it's true. </p><p>For the past week, when she got in the car after school, The Impossible girl told me 2 boys at school chased her at recess. I thought it was like a game of tag that had become a regular thing. She'd mentioned the boys before and being friends with them, so I'd ask her, "What would they do if they caught you?" She said they never did. She was always too fast. In passing, she said she didn't like being chased, and then the conversation shifted to something else. I'd encourage her to tell the boys she didn't like it and go play something else, but that was where the topic usually ended.</p><p>Yup. I missed it. </p><p>I was hearing the words, but I wasn't really <i>listening</i> - </p><p>The fact that it came up nearly single every day... </p><p>The fact that she dropped so quickly and suddenly wouldn't want to talk about it. </p><p>I missed it.</p><p>Today, I got an email from the school that one of The Impossible Girl's friends was upset and reported to her parents that being chased was making my daughter sad and she didn't like it. </p><p>Basically, I missed that she'd found herself the target of bullying - again. </p><p>I was bullied from about 1st grade through about 8th grade. It made my small private Christian school years absolute hell. While the values instilled in me kept me out of trouble, the only thing that kept me from suicide was knowing it would make my parents sad. Yeah - it was <i>that</i> bad. And here we are, in just about 1st grade, and she's been the target of 4 different bullies in about 2 school years. (2019, 2022 - we're not counting Covid years) This time, I'm grateful for a world and a school that is looking out for these kids and is willing to empower the victims of bullying, while pushing to end the behaviors. </p><p>I do NOT want a repeat of my formative years. </p><p>I want different for her. Doesn't every generation want the next to be better? </p><p>She already deals with military kid truama. That's more than enough.</p><p>I find myself<b><i> incredibly grateful </i></b>for that little girl reporting,<b><i> and for the parents</i></b> for talking to the school about it. 'See something, say something' protected my daughter. </p><p>Because it takes a village to protect our kids.</p><p>And because I missed it.</p><p>And I would have kept on missing it until probably tomorrow. </p><p>Today, I got an email about the situation, what the school is doing to handle it and keep my daughter safe, and some steps they are taking to shift the bullying situation in classes. I am all for it, and asked if there is anything I can do on my side to further instill confidence in her. (My guess, if there is a 'reason' she attracts this it's probably because of her anxiety. Kids seem to sense it and pick on easy targets. So, while I'm not victim blaming here. Kids are strange creatures sometimes.)</p><p>I probably wouldn't have missed it tomorrow though. </p><p>After I got the email, I asked her about it, and it turns out another boy had joined the chase, and the other two told them to punch her if this boy managed to catch her. </p><p>Tomorrow, the three of them may have succeeded. </p><p>THEN I would have known. </p><p>But in hind sight, it shouldn't have taken me so long to raise an eyebrow.</p><p><b><u><i>May The Impossible Girl always have good friends looking out for her when I can't. </i></u></b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhsW5AMlRHxY92CWkTYmyH7oNwvhpPH4bmQMLZlOk8FLhCwJfBmIwZeVN979jPvbfPK0cTm61YoymaTTrgUZWFLcL36EpWUxAinjx1P-vjOizxXwFZXE1qct6BifintW11bZD1xjFfD_cXVc3-uMlWuDQyOIS9hAxMX9L5xISZ4hxDPvbFrvsjqEWfp=s4080" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhsW5AMlRHxY92CWkTYmyH7oNwvhpPH4bmQMLZlOk8FLhCwJfBmIwZeVN979jPvbfPK0cTm61YoymaTTrgUZWFLcL36EpWUxAinjx1P-vjOizxXwFZXE1qct6BifintW11bZD1xjFfD_cXVc3-uMlWuDQyOIS9hAxMX9L5xISZ4hxDPvbFrvsjqEWfp=s320" width="241" /></a></div>This weekend, she started her adventure in horseback riding - just one of the steps where we see her confidence shine. One the back of a horse, her positive self talk and courage out weighs her anxiety. Hopefully that will continue to carry over into every day life. <p></p><div>But today - I apologized for not really hearing what she was trying to tell me. For not listening to what she was telling me. For minimizing her fear of what would happen if she got caught.... And I encouraged her, if I ever do that again, to THROW A FIT so I HAVE to pay attention. Because her feelings, her fears, her anxiety IS VALID. </div><div><br /></div><div>As parents, it's easy to write off kids experiences and feelings as 'kid stuff' but I've found that, when kids share their feelings (at least when mine does) it's because they are looking for us to take action or guide them through to an action they can take. </div><div><br /></div><div>While she's learning to fight her anxiety, wrestle through her speech challenges, communicate as clearnly as stuttering allows, and deal with emotions of missing one parent deeply, she doesn't need bullies toughen her up. Life does a good enough job of that on it's own.</div>-J.D. Humenayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14086704419701940067noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348031137278225897.post-40347996076946487142022-01-12T00:30:00.004-08:002022-01-12T00:32:05.213-08:00A Symbol of Acheivement <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiY5F7w_wOGVprKJswdP1wM_LPlz8r7o2q1SXdKUo1UJnvcMJcdEeacE-6Eysbc31Rl1jNXWG_Jnqa5UsjWyk2VzlkmDKTFO-BxwcRh6KhehzGOjS_S7Q0aVSDOpdgZOKtdtGQphdQ0-2PCPQHex1x8iWMo9VFZZjKdSGC7-vLERURppvExNgyyey9d=s4080" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiY5F7w_wOGVprKJswdP1wM_LPlz8r7o2q1SXdKUo1UJnvcMJcdEeacE-6Eysbc31Rl1jNXWG_Jnqa5UsjWyk2VzlkmDKTFO-BxwcRh6KhehzGOjS_S7Q0aVSDOpdgZOKtdtGQphdQ0-2PCPQHex1x8iWMo9VFZZjKdSGC7-vLERURppvExNgyyey9d=s320" width="241" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This week I did a thing. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A simple thing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">An unremarkable thing to many.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A thing that isn't a big deal to most. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I read a book.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I read this book in fact. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I started this book in December of 2021. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was a gift from a<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">Jólabókaflóðið, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Icelandic_Christmas_book_flood" target="_blank">an Icelandic tradition</a> a friend of mine included me in. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I once left it on the bathroom floor after a bath and the dogs ended up getting bored enough to play with it before I remember to pick it up. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">That's why it looks like that.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But regardless, I didn't replace it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">All the pages were surprisingly intact. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It took me over a year. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's not a difficult book to read. In fact, the language is easy to fly through. The characters are familiar and compelling, and the plot is well paced to hold my interest. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So why did it take me a year to finish it?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Because that's the amount of free time I've had to read it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In fact, I didn't even have the free time to read it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> I made an appointment with myself to make a habit out of reading it every day. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Even if it was just 2 minutes. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Even if it was just 1 page or paragraph.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Two days ago, I finished the first recreational book I've read in about 7 years. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">SEVEN YEARS. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Possibly longer. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's not that I don't like to read. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I actually enjoy it. I love learning from a good writer and creating new fictional characters in my mind. An adept storyteller is priceless.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But it's one example of how challenging it is to make time for my growth when I'm surrounded by the intense needs of others. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As a military wife and a mother, I often misplace my first responsiblity is to my own wellbeing. The intense vaccum of Need that flutters around me constantly often leaves me feeling too </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">drained to persue anything that doesn't result in keeping the family afloat (emotionally, financially, etc). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My Sailor has known me for about 20 years at this point of my life. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">He used to say, "The only thing I'd change about you is I wish you weren't so hard on yourself." </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have no doubt that he'd add to the list, "and you weren't such a responsibility hoarder."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So this tattered, chewed up, completed book is a big accomplishment for me. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's a tangible reminder that taking time out for me, for fun, for growth - even if it's just a few minutes a day - can add up to big things. </div><p></p>-J.D. Humenayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14086704419701940067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348031137278225897.post-89246117581352905892021-08-24T23:11:00.018-07:002021-08-25T00:23:28.943-07:00Smoldering Embers of Weaponizing Gratitude<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWWGtYZO47yHmUh9ZGeaWOQywfbucnJIImVcgxiX3ZNOjqJw5-IjLaPtFyZMZk8b2qtyz9mrpQwnnBkz4KGpP-a4IEJO5Ft6Ag7q63mkROnxSG7jfCRfVFT3BsnJeOPZzCwguroIKmJ-k/s758/IMG_20191225_172446.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="758" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWWGtYZO47yHmUh9ZGeaWOQywfbucnJIImVcgxiX3ZNOjqJw5-IjLaPtFyZMZk8b2qtyz9mrpQwnnBkz4KGpP-a4IEJO5Ft6Ag7q63mkROnxSG7jfCRfVFT3BsnJeOPZzCwguroIKmJ-k/s320/IMG_20191225_172446.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and My Sailor, Christmas Day, 2019</td></tr></tbody></table><br />When we went on a Very Merry Christmas Cruise over Christmas in 2019, My Sailor had concerns. What would we do about presents? What about a tree? What about all of the expectations of extended family?<div><br /><div>No doubt, they were legitmate, but I wasn't honestly worried about any of it. As much as I love traditions, I love adventure more. Needless to say, we had no idea just how much of an investment in our sanity that trip would be. </div><div><br /></div><div>Today, I put on my hoodie and I noticed that it was from Oktoberfest 2019 - the last time I traveled with my Mom. </div><div><br /></div><div>In June, I got to spend some time with my family in California. </div><div><br /></div><div>I am not in dire need of housing or food or any necessities. </div><div><br /></div><div>(And, ya know, there is a pandemic going on.)</div><div><br /></div><div>I am very grateful for all of those things and more. I am deeply truely 100% grateful. (Okay, not for the pandemic. Rona can go F* itself. I'm so over that...)</div><div><br /></div><div>But that does not mean that I am not alos feeling a million other things. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwLZVsKuC6fq16ZE2x-C6I5wrLNKLLBVeU77zMF8EdP8x76amNUyV8K7gIECStz75q2Tn18q8XIeAQUYl6MHrHR396oKrW1TaXcPJ5kdfZEhq1FiEdg-AhtoJdEW1Xn7rqxJo9z-6-GAk/s3264/PXL_20210519_004913314.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwLZVsKuC6fq16ZE2x-C6I5wrLNKLLBVeU77zMF8EdP8x76amNUyV8K7gIECStz75q2Tn18q8XIeAQUYl6MHrHR396oKrW1TaXcPJ5kdfZEhq1FiEdg-AhtoJdEW1Xn7rqxJo9z-6-GAk/s320/PXL_20210519_004913314.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div><b><i>Here's my cold hard pandemic realization. </i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>I can be<i> completely</i> grateful for all of the comforts of my life - I have an essential worker in my life. I'm at no risk of losing my home although I stand at constant risk of losing said family member. I have a job I love and clients I can bolster through this storm. I have an awesome kid whos medical issues are considered mild. I have friends local and abroad who care about me. I have a lot of reasons to feel gratitude. And I count my blessings throughout my day. </div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>And...</i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i>I am frustrated </i></b>with my inability to confidently book a family vacation! I'm accustomed to coping with the insane Navy scheduling I have to contend with to make these relationship building trips a reality, but this time, I also have the state of the world during a pandemic to consider. So far I have 4 plans, and I can act on any of them, depending on what the world looks like then. </div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>And...</i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold;">I am terrified by the current state of affairs. </i>I told my kiddo, who was bouncing around the house as she does in the late afternoon, that she needed to be careful. She asked why and I am <i>always</i> honest with her. "We might not be able to get help quickly if you smash your head into that window. The doctors and hospitals are very busy right now. There might not be help for us for a while." Our local ER has been seriously backed up. She understood and toned down her bouncing a bit. </div><div><br /></div><div>Now, The Impossible Girl's medical issues are mild. Her stutter, her speech, her asthma, and her Central Sleep Apnea and newly labeled tachycardia. are all considered very mild. We go to speech therapy to help with her speech. We have an inhaler for asthma should we need it. She sleeps with an alarm that goes off and wakes her up if she isn't getting enough oxygen. The tachycardia is her body's way of getting enough oxygen to her tissues when her O2 levels drop. It's all stuff that someone else might just assign away to "My kid has never been a good sleeper." But we dug deeper and we know why now.</div><div><br /></div><div>That's all stuff we can do something about - even a little thing. </div><div><br />We don't have to use her inhaler much at all, since it's <i>viral induced asthma. </i></div><div><br /></div><div>Read that again friends. <b><i>Viral Induced Asthma.</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>That means that when she gets an upper respiratory infection, it's likely to turn into pneumonia. </div><div><br /></div><div><i><b>If you haven't held a 6 month old wracked with pneumonia</b></i>,<b><i> let me tell you - the experience stays with you. The sweating, the shaking, the coughing that doesn't stop... Scary is an understatement. And it literally happened over night. </i></b></div><div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO50LMMm7r03JDf1ZtdYaZwABI5qQO6hRdkB499bgQFvo1vNnza8ma_BuILGAI-sbXpTTJUR6vcITnEw_6UlkdzapIuMiGug_aCPdBu185lGZbikPwL6vDeOfdC1LkRTFphHsw5aIFxP8/s625/sick+kid.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="625" data-original-width="469" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO50LMMm7r03JDf1ZtdYaZwABI5qQO6hRdkB499bgQFvo1vNnza8ma_BuILGAI-sbXpTTJUR6vcITnEw_6UlkdzapIuMiGug_aCPdBu185lGZbikPwL6vDeOfdC1LkRTFphHsw5aIFxP8/s320/sick+kid.jpg" width="240" /></a></div></b>Since then, she was diagnosed with pnuemonia 2 more times before she turned 5. Luckily, since that first time made us cautious, we know the signs and catch it early now, and once the world closed down and people started wearing masks, she got sick a lot less. It gives her developmental stuff a chance to catch up. Her sleep and her neurological ticks are closely linked. </div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>And....</i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold;">I am exhausted. </i>I've been dealing with the majority of the pandemic on my own, knowing that My Sailor is out there protecting our family. Between the political upheaval of the last 2 years, the pandemic, the deployments, the old house, and keeping a small business alive during all of this, it's been a hell of a lot. And sometimes I'm just plain exhausted doing it all myself. Sure, I ask for help from my few local friends. I call my mom weekly to chat, and I connect with friends when I can - and I am generally not one to complain about being lonely. I made friends with that strange emotion decades ago. </div><div><br /></div><div>But I am a mere mortal, and doing all the things, all the time, is just plain exhausting. I do believe we as a family and we as a society will find a way through this, but some days I'm too tired to do much than sleep on the promise that 'tomorrow will be better'. And sure, solo parents are dealing with the same thing all the time. I get it. I should count my blessings, and I do - which brings me to - </div><div><br /></div><div> <b><u><i>More than one thing can be true. </i></u></b></div><div><br /></div><div>We are beautifully complex beings. I took some time today to recognize all of it - grateful, frustrated, angry, confused, exhausted and terrified. Yes, you can still be an optomist and see the world for what it is. It's feeling all the feelings and deciding to choose hope when you can - while completely honoring the other emotions as valid. </div><div><br /></div><div>Me? I'm looking forward to other gatherings with my entire little family some day. I realize I am privledged to be able to look forward and scream "I need a break!" despite having had some days away in June. I realize all of that, but it doesn't change the fact that some part of me is angry and exhausted. </div><div><br /></div><div>All of that is equal and valid. </div><div><br /></div><div> For tonight - I'm grateful for the memories we've made, frustrated by the state of the world, and exhausted enough to go to bed. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Cliu8eu-kPdy4nVEIbZOR3XA8xYNwTUK1tbH8X5DpGsME3K8B9lSpM3B-0zvcMdZrxXdFwdZbD2SrjwHqUJtOUmlCTEPi_2_6ytW-lOd0743atRbZNpQItdSStPqEbwwc5Y8quGyt-Q/s960/FB_IMG_1623020332204.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="846" data-original-width="960" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Cliu8eu-kPdy4nVEIbZOR3XA8xYNwTUK1tbH8X5DpGsME3K8B9lSpM3B-0zvcMdZrxXdFwdZbD2SrjwHqUJtOUmlCTEPi_2_6ytW-lOd0743atRbZNpQItdSStPqEbwwc5Y8quGyt-Q/s320/FB_IMG_1623020332204.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stock photo</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWWGtYZO47yHmUh9ZGeaWOQywfbucnJIImVcgxiX3ZNOjqJw5-IjLaPtFyZMZk8b2qtyz9mrpQwnnBkz4KGpP-a4IEJO5Ft6Ag7q63mkROnxSG7jfCRfVFT3BsnJeOPZzCwguroIKmJ-k/s758/IMG_20191225_172446.jpg" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"></a></div></div></div>-J.D. Humenayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14086704419701940067noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348031137278225897.post-88150928186930103132021-07-07T00:15:00.003-07:002021-07-07T00:24:19.025-07:00Raising a Super Hero - Seeing Her Super Power<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyIGoSww0Dqe6RaNjF156urXipA8HTwR3yLVaYziMa6lZisIJFuMNwKcH-3YilNwISMGIv6lm5whVaMHobm_Foae-P_4e4UKNW-1EyoH2ZPewwYsJxJIebk1T62m4SHedvPP3DpH-or-0/s2048/Inara+Beach2+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyIGoSww0Dqe6RaNjF156urXipA8HTwR3yLVaYziMa6lZisIJFuMNwKcH-3YilNwISMGIv6lm5whVaMHobm_Foae-P_4e4UKNW-1EyoH2ZPewwYsJxJIebk1T62m4SHedvPP3DpH-or-0/s320/Inara+Beach2+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>If you've followed my blog for any length of time (ye brave, ye few), you'll know a few things to be true.</p><p><b>You probably know...</b> I am a wall flower in large groups of people, when I am not the host. I do my best work and socializing one on one. Bring me into a situation with over 5 people, and I'm likely to keep sipping at a beverage to avoid conversation. </p><p><b>You probably also know that ... </b>my daughter doesn't like to talk to just anyone. She has her 'people'. She has <i>always</i> had her 'people'. What makes someone one of her 'people' is a complete mystery to me, but I've always respected it. As she's gotten older, her circle of chosen people has gotten bigger, but if you're not in it, you won't get more than a nod or a shake of the head. <i>Maybe </i>you'll get a 'yeah' or a 'no'. <i>Maybe.</i></p><p><b>You also know that... </b>The Impossible Girl also has a stuttering impediment and some speech fluency issues. She'll have a few lucky days where you'd never know but there are also days where every other word is a visible battle to get out. She answers questions with, "I don't know" when she can't find the words to answer them, or she'll get so tangled up that she gives up and starts crying. While most kids stutter for a few weeks or months as they grow, this has been ongoing for years and isn't getting better. While speech therapy has significantly improved the fluency, at this stage it's very likely the stuttering will be a life long thing. At least, it's best to be prepared for that outcome.</p><p><b>You also know that... </b>I spent significant time of my life doing theater, so speaking in public doesn't bother me. But to her - it's a <i>really</i> big deal, <i>every single day. </i>I ached to know how hard it can be for her. I can help her with it, but I can't fix it for her. And that sucks.</p><p>To ease the ache in my heart when I hear her struggling, I<strike> wanted to </strike> needed to find a way to see things differently. Could this even <i>have </i>an upside? Can I see this as a super power? </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm1RUWUE8BawudW3nT4WLSt5fbWiDYFArhwPGhyphenhyphenPyPmTRebu_P-ahiOa0foTnnQv99cbzPv0ttU3Zu7VXdFXfvRZlzuSHuRSc8bGVtiAtptvWiKqcqZIefTt0hwsjLlTf02ZLn_Hqhkto/s794/stutteringsticker.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="794" data-original-width="794" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm1RUWUE8BawudW3nT4WLSt5fbWiDYFArhwPGhyphenhyphenPyPmTRebu_P-ahiOa0foTnnQv99cbzPv0ttU3Zu7VXdFXfvRZlzuSHuRSc8bGVtiAtptvWiKqcqZIefTt0hwsjLlTf02ZLn_Hqhkto/s320/stutteringsticker.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/967348079/stuttering-does-not-define-the-power-of?ref=cart">ETSY Maker's Shop Link</a></td></tr></tbody></table><p>nd then, I got my answer...</p><p>We were shopping for a gift for a friend of hers when she mentioned that a classmate (we'll call her A) also had a birthday recently. The Impossible Girl wanted to get a gift for her classmate as well. In the interest of cultivating thoughtfulness, I told her that was a great idea. She picked out a unicorn hooded towel for her friend, and a Paw Patrol hooded towel for A. </p><p>It turned out that hooded towel was a hit with A. </p><p>Now, that may not seem like a big deal until you realize that A and The Impossible Girl knew OF each other at school, but their interactions were pretty limited. They knew of each other, but basically traveled in different social circles. </p><p>So how did The Impossible Girl know that a Paw Patrol towel would be a great gift for this girl she barely interacted with?<br /><br />I tested the theory out later that day. We roasted marshmellows over candle flames on the deck and I started the test- </p><p>Me: "Hey. Let's play a game. You close your eyes and I'm going to take something off the table. Then you have to tell me what I took off." On the table were a pair of bamboo skewers, 3 candles, 1 napkin, the lid to the 3 wicked candle, a bottle of water, and 2 small plates. </p><p>So we played. I'd take something off the table and she'd have to tell me what it was. </p><p>She was wrong <b>once</b><i> out of SIX</i><b style="font-style: italic;"> </b>rounds. <b>ONCE! She got zero prompting from me.</b></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWkWO5Jmfb4KxznjhWHUdeChzXkPvpPfBuvTKjJVhCYdB1kRdPQuymGbv4nk3ci9CdBLs0UCKQdzK6mWB2r-leYTBDM-RtZ637uWvrfVl1MoY7xH4-73kITc1krP4cG3ezmkCuKfdjHXk/s807/il_794xN.2043519476_qqxf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="807" data-original-width="794" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWkWO5Jmfb4KxznjhWHUdeChzXkPvpPfBuvTKjJVhCYdB1kRdPQuymGbv4nk3ci9CdBLs0UCKQdzK6mWB2r-leYTBDM-RtZ637uWvrfVl1MoY7xH4-73kITc1krP4cG3ezmkCuKfdjHXk/s320/il_794xN.2043519476_qqxf.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/569876931/i-stutter-authentic-brilliant-ideas-t?ref=as_recently_viewed-1&pro=1&frs=1">Etsy Shop Link</a></td></tr></tbody></table><b>She may stand back and watch, but she sees EVERYTHING. </b></p><p><b>I'm finding new ways to encourage that memory and cultivate her observational skills. So she may not speak the same way we expected, but she has a super power. </b></p>-J.D. Humenayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14086704419701940067noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348031137278225897.post-64451004800757138302021-06-14T01:40:00.001-07:002021-06-14T01:43:39.054-07:00Breathing Among the Trees - The Preschool Adventure Among the Trees that Grew Us (The Day the World Paused 463)<iframe allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" height="476" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FMagnoliaForestPreschool%2Fvideos%2F193580668363558%2F&show_text=false&width=476&t=0" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="476"></iframe><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">**When The Impossible Girl came to Magnolia. She wouldn't talk to anyone. 3 or 4 weeks in, she finally talked to a teacher. Her words? "No, I don't want to eat lunch." Her voice was celebrated. This video is about a year later - singing her own song on a stage the kids made**</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">To say I've ever pursued a 'conventional' life would be a lie. The idea of 2.5 kids, a dog and a white picket fence has never been a dream of mine. But as a parent, many of those ideas shift. It's easy to want the safest, most comfortable environment for your kids. Our job, first and foremost as parents is to keep them alive through those first few years when <i>all they need is everything you are all the time</i>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now, I may write another whole blog about the challenges of motherhood as a self-employed 41-year old military spouse, but that's not <i><b>this</b></i> blog. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This one is about the other side of that. This one is about our adventure in Forest Preschool and the people there taught us to breathe among the trees.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqJ1_3t9q6aAPxzsaK3Aa4F3bhJ6H9b7IPD_2KjYRh6vfMoXJEB6wTIERaSI__fZZvOMQk2KjR6GG3wCDAXVaYhARr7RktMuXWaL1Mhp3iclXgnBBoCmRNzOSfCSa0ejw_5AkmASHoDjQ/s960/41530680_10216017512608141_7260125576566931456_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqJ1_3t9q6aAPxzsaK3Aa4F3bhJ6H9b7IPD_2KjYRh6vfMoXJEB6wTIERaSI__fZZvOMQk2KjR6GG3wCDAXVaYhARr7RktMuXWaL1Mhp3iclXgnBBoCmRNzOSfCSa0ejw_5AkmASHoDjQ/s320/41530680_10216017512608141_7260125576566931456_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Impossible Girl the morning of her first day of Preschool at Magnolia Forest School<br />Age 2.5</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> When looking for preschools, my options were limited. It was basically the Co-Op preschool (which require volunteer hours which would have gone further into killing my career) or keep doing what we were doing and hoping for the best.<div><br /><div><b>What were we doing? </b></div><div><br /></div><div>Child Care at the YMCA offered 15 hours a week in 3 hour a day increments. During a typical day, My Sailor would work in the mornings while I saw a few clients and used the Child Watch time, and then we'd high five as he walked in the door in the afternoon, have 2 hours of 'family time' before he'd be on parent duty and I went to work for the evening. Tag team parenting worked for a while, but we needed more - not just more child care time but The Impossible Girl needed more too. She needed to be able to establish relationships beyond drop-in child care. We needed support as a family. </div><div><br /></div><div>We found it in an unexpected place. </div><div><br /></div><div> While searching for affordable preschool options, I stumbled across Magnolia Forest Preschool. They offered a summer camp program for 3-4 days a week, 4 hours a day in the mornings. It was affordable so we tried it out for a week. </div><div><div><br /></div><div>That week long relationship turned into 3 years. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm-O4azLiKR-uszZF1WoHNP522I9sfO7C6QzPsaV-28NPw9CpI55cksqMw3Gtfi7oay9sR014lMteNPC1JNciOaH11iajfMAT8dVWiX_t1r4mshK6jyYYFrUqVV0w7A8QvYYrUyVNRrpc/s960/41510367_10216017512928149_1416763892515733504_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm-O4azLiKR-uszZF1WoHNP522I9sfO7C6QzPsaV-28NPw9CpI55cksqMw3Gtfi7oay9sR014lMteNPC1JNciOaH11iajfMAT8dVWiX_t1r4mshK6jyYYFrUqVV0w7A8QvYYrUyVNRrpc/s320/41510367_10216017512928149_1416763892515733504_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the first day of drop off</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Now, when I started telling people about <a href="https://www.magnoliaforestpreschool.com/" target="_blank">Forest Preschool</a> they largely didn't get the concept. Most of my friends were enrolling their kids in Spanish or French Immersive Preschools, or some academically advanced version.</p><p> When they found out The Impossible Girl <i>wasn't </i>focusing on learning to sing her ABCs, they were <i>stunned</i>. </p><p><i><b>Kids out playing in the woods all day? Even in the rain and the snow? Don't they get cold and sick? Don't they get dirty? Won't they wander off and get lost? Won't they fall from trees and get hurt? Won't they poke someone's eye out with a stick? </b></i></p><p>I could go into my long winded answers to those, but I'll just drop their <a href="https://www.magnoliaforestpreschool.com/faq" target="_blank">FAQ</a> here and just go into detail on a couple of my favorite questions.</p><p> My short answers to the ones above are: Yes. Yes. Not really. Yes. No. Maybe, but it's not common. No. </p><p>Family and friends were stunned to learn that The Impossible Girl wasn't learning to recite the alphabet or learn a second language or some other academic feat. She was just 'playing'? How would she learn? What do you mean she isn't enrolled in other extra curriculars outside of school?! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Well, the verdict is in. Here we are about to enter Kindergarten and she can sing her ABCs just fine. She's learning to write because she learned through drawing with a stick in the dirt that what she draws has meaning. (Okay, she also scribbled away happily in a composition book at school.) 'Just playing in the woods' has helped her develop traits I think she would have lost out on had we done this early childhood learning any other way. If she needs to 'catch up' academically, I have every confidence she can. She is coming out of preschool with a great set of skills.</span></div><p>Forest Preschool seemed so 'out of the box' and unusual, but let's think about it. Why is that? Why is it odd to think of kids 'wasting their time' playing in nature?</p><p> When did we forget that being out in nature and moving is <i>more</i> normal and natural to our bodies (including our brains) than being stuck in a chair behind a desk? </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaqp76LAw3CUZmGuwf93rFOsgn1m1p7QOWujcvehpTOersWJA-1ZhmxZwgt82ilqFKqJnTcuh77Vws-TiknG7QTX7dA_pVzPwQ4kwF7WpAEzVR6noqjYKq12QhBXjrMjaijlRcHYFJe1w/s1080/FB_IMG_1621286908456.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaqp76LAw3CUZmGuwf93rFOsgn1m1p7QOWujcvehpTOersWJA-1ZhmxZwgt82ilqFKqJnTcuh77Vws-TiknG7QTX7dA_pVzPwQ4kwF7WpAEzVR6noqjYKq12QhBXjrMjaijlRcHYFJe1w/s320/FB_IMG_1621286908456.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>When did we decide that book learning was the only kind that makes a person a valued member of the planet? Some of the greatest geniuses of all time often found their fame through creative thinking. Both are valuable. </p><p> I field questions like, "How will she learn to stand in a line or sit still?" These are things life teaches us. She doesn't need a special lesson on it. She experiences it at the grocery store, or in the car while we're driving from place to place. She sits still when she's hungry and wants to eat or someone is telling a story of interest, or her legs are tired, or she wants to scoot her way up a tree, etc. </p><p>Another favorite one I heard a lot over our years was, "Does she bounce off the walls at home because she doesn't understand boundaries?" Um.. nope. Not at all. She has found ways to manage her energy and an understanding of her emotions that rivals some adults, thanks to her time in the woods.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDGFeZly5RVh6EQoFo0OEnLOnbxIa0IeTwg0twMuXh2XIgxKFZa3WxyTBpOxr3jbIm6VRtAWvEBPTLZEHS95lhyR_ic7dgDBJoFOzwP1lQM0RBk_3CnTRBCCcc4u0T8q0YWBbbTFtrlFk/s1440/FB_IMG_1621286850097.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDGFeZly5RVh6EQoFo0OEnLOnbxIa0IeTwg0twMuXh2XIgxKFZa3WxyTBpOxr3jbIm6VRtAWvEBPTLZEHS95lhyR_ic7dgDBJoFOzwP1lQM0RBk_3CnTRBCCcc4u0T8q0YWBbbTFtrlFk/s320/FB_IMG_1621286850097.jpg" /></a></div><p>Yup, she gets dirty and occasionally gets a scrape or a bruise. It turns out kids are pretty good at risk assessment when they get to make up the game and aren't forced to do things a certain way. When they can explore and find their own way, they grow. I read something in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Last_Lecture" target="_blank">The Last Lecture</a> that has stuck with <span style="font-family: inherit;">me. It's something I follow as I help adults build self-esteem and confidence: </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-size: 18px;"><i><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">"He knew there was really only one way to teach kids how to develop [self-esteem]: You give them something they can’t do, they work hard until they find they can do it, and you just keep repeating the process."</span></b></i></span></p><p>It works the same way with adults when I'm teaching them to do something new. She knows when to ask for help, and these wonderful adults in her life have helped her grow by leaps and bounds. She is confident with what she can do in her body. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVCQBp_RwaFHAzYV1P1Wxlfm8SP3LGo6uAjYriqXqxEPJVlAbUhyphenhyphenJPmLUilTPaR1NNmg8DUxLnDDyJ_D7mrA01OW7A2HQmQrehuWcCohUCFDmwj2g4TS2FRYDfqkVswv-tcrjo2F3Nc7k/s2048/197246430_10159437264362008_1634572649087808970_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1361" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVCQBp_RwaFHAzYV1P1Wxlfm8SP3LGo6uAjYriqXqxEPJVlAbUhyphenhyphenJPmLUilTPaR1NNmg8DUxLnDDyJ_D7mrA01OW7A2HQmQrehuWcCohUCFDmwj2g4TS2FRYDfqkVswv-tcrjo2F3Nc7k/s320/197246430_10159437264362008_1634572649087808970_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p> The kids learn quickly that boundaries aren't there 'because an adult said so'. They are there for safety. The kids haven't gone all Mogli or Lord of the Flies.</p><p>But I don't want to talk about the kids. They kids are amazing, don't get me wrong. The Impossible Girl has made some awesome friends. The <i>adults </i>that make these kids lives amazing are the real rock stars. </p><p>Serious rock stars.</p><p>When this pandemic slammed things shut - these adults <i style="font-weight: bold;">showed up </i>for these kids in big, personal ways. From one of the founders going full digital with online 1/2 hour lessons (which helped organize our day in BIG ways) to <i><b>PHYSICALLY SHOWING UP </b></i>when I messaged them 'hey, we are in your area kinda - want to go outside and meet us?' We got to spend some one on one time with<b><i> four</i></b> of her teachers. Each one came without a single qualm. The school was open by donations only. THEY COULD HAVE SAID NO. They could have been too busy. Instead, they OFFERED to meet us or do video chats with the kids if they needed it. And let me tell you, pandemic+depolyment+Just us= WE NEEDED IT!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8O5pE8U7_kp4gE3wziIl0dE_t217DkVXRcAiX38MO_ik53wozvIu8u8pHn1BpwgTgGXdTCyHobv25MsVhFa1VQwSIa5lfQ0ERf2hBRXtmMGvwCOIPgC55l66dNKXO7nI7TCZGegtrGQw/s1440/99057094_10221284782566598_8558329091604873216_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8O5pE8U7_kp4gE3wziIl0dE_t217DkVXRcAiX38MO_ik53wozvIu8u8pHn1BpwgTgGXdTCyHobv25MsVhFa1VQwSIa5lfQ0ERf2hBRXtmMGvwCOIPgC55l66dNKXO7nI7TCZGegtrGQw/s320/99057094_10221284782566598_8558329091604873216_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A socially distanced play date with a favorite teacher on the spur of the moment.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlYV6U6mm_JQP7GkohSBom8C8lh8Ff8ZfNKzkQJt7RQ3sdaS7McftfLhkwUWlzMRxvYUjQFpQ4SHL43Qegg5QGc3AL5a6OfN9LS7fx-EhyphenhyphenOz6_hXkWugeb-7xurnsNkFea7UQUHuOy5y0/s1440/93412108_10220903285189402_2582255705541050368_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlYV6U6mm_JQP7GkohSBom8C8lh8Ff8ZfNKzkQJt7RQ3sdaS7McftfLhkwUWlzMRxvYUjQFpQ4SHL43Qegg5QGc3AL5a6OfN9LS7fx-EhyphenhyphenOz6_hXkWugeb-7xurnsNkFea7UQUHuOy5y0/s320/93412108_10220903285189402_2582255705541050368_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Virtual Preschool - art classes, yoga, and this one "find your quiet place"</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6P4undK8ArLko-lOGcliEwYaHhx9F0UmH3ul3brMSy3dXOxiwvBHgznM5sckIFL0mgZNtOVjCpkJL2lHHyfIkz7daQPmsOnrJbiYOVEKO3lHMZnmIvWY6okM9-tXb6j3WL22-nKVB7XE/s960/100762128_10219867237089380_3865707962127351808_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6P4undK8ArLko-lOGcliEwYaHhx9F0UmH3ul3brMSy3dXOxiwvBHgznM5sckIFL0mgZNtOVjCpkJL2lHHyfIkz7daQPmsOnrJbiYOVEKO3lHMZnmIvWY6okM9-tXb6j3WL22-nKVB7XE/s320/100762128_10219867237089380_3865707962127351808_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another socially distance beach meet up with one of the Founders of the school</td></tr></tbody></table><br />If you know me in person, I treat the advice of professionals I respect like a cattle prod. More experienced people know more than me and I want to learn from them.<p></p><p> One of the things her teachers have taught me early on was "Be a Sports Caster, not a Referee" (<a href="https://www.jsjourneybook.com/2020/04/when-world-paused-day-44-i-am-so-angry.html" target="_blank">Here's how it works for me</a>.). Through their actions and the way they treat the kids, they reinforced what it means to actually 'hold space' for someone. I've learned how to let my daughter come to me and discovered this mutual ground of respect. One of the gifts I've found of being adopted is that my parents got to know me as a person, without expecting a 'mini me' from me. It's a gift I want to share, and this team of professionals have reinforced. Getting to know these humans who have chosen to be teachers has not only changed the Impossible Girl's life for the better, but mine as well. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHOF1xbqz8FssPECxZIvfOodC8zHq7QARIwGIi-HcJwjEtWjoeFt0YJmTB8rXTuKkYE9A_HA8zdiAWHSqmmesXUBeA0Ke5vPe__FqEslybAUKhbBTWqT6thpZgO0w3IzVuEiRojeldDV8/s960/107236830_10221767711239513_2765246269542822336_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHOF1xbqz8FssPECxZIvfOodC8zHq7QARIwGIi-HcJwjEtWjoeFt0YJmTB8rXTuKkYE9A_HA8zdiAWHSqmmesXUBeA0Ke5vPe__FqEslybAUKhbBTWqT6thpZgO0w3IzVuEiRojeldDV8/s320/107236830_10221767711239513_2765246269542822336_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>They have held The Impossible Girl when her words get tangled and she can't get out what she's trying to say and she cries and in frustration. They have held space for her when My Sailor is away and all the complicated emotions that come with it. <i>They have been the people she needs - and the people we need in our lives. </i></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiraJTk3IJFiucrTNhv0sC4iIM4H9Xc43hpKhQNMY4NfOEX2IKRyCumzNwXTim8cJr0gzUpsE_3Eq0htHsu95vuEysrPhzGAt17P75BoBw-kkKAa2g8N3IW6WgsMKky1SN5kAJ1ovWbyDk/s2048/197713110_10159437285007008_1767535135250636878_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1362" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiraJTk3IJFiucrTNhv0sC4iIM4H9Xc43hpKhQNMY4NfOEX2IKRyCumzNwXTim8cJr0gzUpsE_3Eq0htHsu95vuEysrPhzGAt17P75BoBw-kkKAa2g8N3IW6WgsMKky1SN5kAJ1ovWbyDk/s320/197713110_10159437285007008_1767535135250636878_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><p>We still have weeks of summer camp before we leave our space in Magnolia for another family. We've watched the school grow from a tiny group of kids in a group camp site, to a fully fleshed-out outdoor home for a diverse group of kids. Now? They have several campuses and a waiting list.</p><p>The talents of these special people will change and shape families for years to come. </p><p>And I for one am glad we took the chance on this unconventional route. </p><p>Any future kids will be sure to learn to breath among the trees as we have.</p></div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEingTzbZU-h7oZ1dLJXKSj9e9b1qZmgi_bqSMwM7iKkHlFnvwD5v-0MkCfKdyBF21QS9cQUuY478PWHeEQQHLX2f0MRh5ccePlH23BnspNj06mYyXLIELnlujlrBjHSEY0PMsAt3aMvsk0/s2015/122740747_10222670596491080_6972921270483011877_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2015" data-original-width="1343" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEingTzbZU-h7oZ1dLJXKSj9e9b1qZmgi_bqSMwM7iKkHlFnvwD5v-0MkCfKdyBF21QS9cQUuY478PWHeEQQHLX2f0MRh5ccePlH23BnspNj06mYyXLIELnlujlrBjHSEY0PMsAt3aMvsk0/s320/122740747_10222670596491080_6972921270483011877_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Final School Picture - Fall of 2021</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div>-J.D. Humenayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14086704419701940067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348031137278225897.post-37258921195020436002021-04-28T00:26:00.004-07:002021-04-28T00:28:51.817-07:00When the World Paused - Day 408 - Meltdown DayMilitary families (like mine) sign up knowing that deployments are part of work. The kids born into military families don't have a choice. They learn the coping mechanisms along the way. They learn to let go and hang on to an invisible bond that can't be reinforced every day. They don't understand the danger that comes with many deployments, but The Impossible Girl is getting older and learning more and more about My Sailor's job. <div><br /></div><div>Last week, we watched snippets of a submarine special that is on youtube. She saw what it looks like where daddy sleeps, eats (she was especially facinated that they can COOK under water), and a little bit about what his work looks like. So even when we're far apart, she has some point of reference she can draw from. (She also wants to go on a submarine someday "just like daddy". I encouraged her dreams - as always.)</div><div><br /></div><div>This week, we took a break and headed to Great Wolf Lodge for 1 night. We only do the water park and come home, especially during Covid. It was my first time chasing a 5 year old around a water park, but The Impossible Girl is did really well. Despite an unpredictable start to the day - an absence seizure on her way out of the car at school - the trip went very smoothly. She listened to all instructions and followed all the rules with no complaint. She was thrilled to pop in the wave pool and add her gleeful nonsense words into the din of crashing waves. We didn't have a melt down...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Go8GhB2WkXj7SMx0jG1JuUaJ-l20sFKDsaV__jRnyOe8oTQAAJGf80I00BbfUE7pJq6wN1iWy1vcUUM911m2nTr-kHNks-xgf35v0hIMZxi8urL_nx8-_KUm39sQ3xm7H8S5xczdvkc/s3264/PXL_20210426_231230800.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Go8GhB2WkXj7SMx0jG1JuUaJ-l20sFKDsaV__jRnyOe8oTQAAJGf80I00BbfUE7pJq6wN1iWy1vcUUM911m2nTr-kHNks-xgf35v0hIMZxi8urL_nx8-_KUm39sQ3xm7H8S5xczdvkc/s320/PXL_20210426_231230800.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div>Until we were on our way out.</div><div> As we were packing up to leave the water park (which she delayed as long as possible), we were talking about coming back someday. I mentioned to her that I'd talked to My Sailor about coming back for TWO nights when he gets home, so she can do the water slides with them. That triggered the reminder that he wasn't there with us. For the next 15 minutes or so, she quietly cried, repeating 'Daddy daddy daddy' over and over again. I scooped her into my lap and hugged her. This was the melt down I had expected when he left months ago. For some reason, it needed to happened now.</div><div><br /></div><div>She didn't stop crying quietly, murmuring 'Daddy' as we walked back to the room hand in hand. I'm sure people nearby thought Dad was at the snack stand or something, but Dad was much farther away. I sat down on a towel on the floor. She pulled off her mask and opened her mouth in a silent scream. I opened my arms and she ran into my lap and sobbed for 15 minutes, unable to get out more than a sob and the word 'Daddy'. I asked her if she was sad because we were leaving. She shook her head no. It was what I thought. "Are you crying because you miss Daddy?" She nodded and sobbed. We hugged and rocked and shed some tears together for a while. I reassured her that we'll have days like this and it's okay to hurt. It means you love him. I assured her we're going to be okay, and that if she ever feels like this again, she can tell me (or a teacher at school) and we can hug it out until it passes a bit and she feels ready to move on. </div><div><br /></div><div>We got home and there happened to be a package waiting from a Disney pal, which included some tea and "Emergency Tiaras" because sometimes we all need them, right? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-fQ38LfR4kbHTBGg2_2RSpcgBdoNQtR_oLikJ_rrpOaCs-9AvpSo3Yu_gxgS-17a0CkNhhebtnnSzX-QYT8e7jNxvHH5G7_CJ-vQeKLZWx85pOZpXzyE0LLebw-2sKSDgZ4YKtUCCbxE/s3264/PXL_20210427_233418478.PORTRAIT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-fQ38LfR4kbHTBGg2_2RSpcgBdoNQtR_oLikJ_rrpOaCs-9AvpSo3Yu_gxgS-17a0CkNhhebtnnSzX-QYT8e7jNxvHH5G7_CJ-vQeKLZWx85pOZpXzyE0LLebw-2sKSDgZ4YKtUCCbxE/s320/PXL_20210427_233418478.PORTRAIT.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div>These are the day to day challenges. It's normal to see behavior regressions and a flurry of emotions. Sometimes the flurry is more like an avalanche... </div>-J.D. Humenayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14086704419701940067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348031137278225897.post-61293676267558789782021-03-29T23:24:00.004-07:002021-03-29T23:24:49.679-07:00When the World Paused, Day 378 - The Impossible Girl gets a Rare Diagnosis<p><b> I'm going to start with a 2020 Winter Recap. </b><i>Right now, that's easy to write. Scroll down if you want to see how the title comes into play. </i></p><p><i><br /></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkhUip_47Lri7OM-SA4K4jkm8S7KhSykg38EEoYTbYNPBER1qolOu-Zj3_iL6Hi5cD1WAXMKMXwKTSDZcOvxYS3ojeeSCuDc18j9Cy-yd1qVFz7TnlR07O5_wB0SAe6mij3I4-BEjE9cI/s983/FB_IMG_1610686382807.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="972" data-original-width="983" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkhUip_47Lri7OM-SA4K4jkm8S7KhSykg38EEoYTbYNPBER1qolOu-Zj3_iL6Hi5cD1WAXMKMXwKTSDZcOvxYS3ojeeSCuDc18j9Cy-yd1qVFz7TnlR07O5_wB0SAe6mij3I4-BEjE9cI/w200-h198/FB_IMG_1610686382807.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>The holidays went by in a flash and I spent a good chunk of time piecing together another package of cards, letters and photos for My Sailor's deployment. This time, it was hard to find photos that didn't include us masked up. It's become a true sign of the times for 2020 and 2021, so far. My Sailor has been vaccinated and it's back to me and The Impossible Girl, who has grown by leaps and bounds. As she nears six years old, I finding a mixture of shock and delight when she shows me what she can do now, that the 4 year old Impossible Girl couldn't do. Speech therapy has become a weekly commute we look forward to, and she's been working on using those mental tools she's learning there to help her speech. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGF0VgYgP11yAPgGUeZHr-RWBm2NfXk7rFZSy-aFfw7Jehu14V-XXjWo4LqjXOka6IR0HmABB9yucJux0fK6CEKmWwkG2GBOa-L3qJYnVDG1PU0D3H2ASK713xumkEbLGNmxYZ_pKtXpU/s3264/PXL_20210328_224455097.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGF0VgYgP11yAPgGUeZHr-RWBm2NfXk7rFZSy-aFfw7Jehu14V-XXjWo4LqjXOka6IR0HmABB9yucJux0fK6CEKmWwkG2GBOa-L3qJYnVDG1PU0D3H2ASK713xumkEbLGNmxYZ_pKtXpU/w150-h200/PXL_20210328_224455097.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Speech Therapy has been an enlightening experience for both of us. There are motor issues that take some training. We work on it much like I work with clients to train their bodies to do things they didn't think were possible. Only in The Impossible Girl's case, it's learning to get her tongue to touch <i>behind</i> her teeth for a proper "el" sound, or learning to break down works and elongate the "S" sound in words like "Stop" or "spoon". We have a long way to go, but there is lots of progress too. It's a 'big picture' kind of thing. I'm glad we have a President who battles stuttering now. It's something we can share with her as she gets older as proof that it shouldn't hold her back (while we work on strategies to get around it at the same time). I know most 5 year old kids don't look at the President as a role model, but maybe someday it will come in handy. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilpD46Pvh7ICNddHgTCEDRVLUHdOEcp1eMM9J4UIXs9Na-5I-tks-jIliSJcbPuTm9IqDu-rqWWAe1TEJci9jJIACowBpyL8KCWLEgHkFQaGTAeSiSToN6DQgd6mhcAXMLXwdQGdvr7lc/s4032/PXL_20210220_023900037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilpD46Pvh7ICNddHgTCEDRVLUHdOEcp1eMM9J4UIXs9Na-5I-tks-jIliSJcbPuTm9IqDu-rqWWAe1TEJci9jJIACowBpyL8KCWLEgHkFQaGTAeSiSToN6DQgd6mhcAXMLXwdQGdvr7lc/w150-h200/PXL_20210220_023900037.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>The Impossible Girl and I have instituted some rituals to make the days a bit more distinctive from each other. Friday is Family Movie Night. I work weekends, but it is a nice way to look forward to spending some time cuddling up and introducing her to some classics. Titles have included The Last Unicorn, Muppets Most Wanted, the Aristocats, Peter Pan, and Bedknobs and Broomsticks.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq6seNub3vW8u-GC7EVwtEA8wKtlDT01Y0H69U-sDHWE6Nytzq7_19wpxk4AdchF6bNagqOpcFXw8ypaESZ-cnGxdi5NijdL928N7jJ-Il509jGUEJJYH7c9uZys__thQMkX0Mg1lCYKg/s3264/PXL_20210215_030714550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq6seNub3vW8u-GC7EVwtEA8wKtlDT01Y0H69U-sDHWE6Nytzq7_19wpxk4AdchF6bNagqOpcFXw8ypaESZ-cnGxdi5NijdL928N7jJ-Il509jGUEJJYH7c9uZys__thQMkX0Mg1lCYKg/w150-h200/PXL_20210215_030714550.jpg" width="150" /></a> </div>I built a shed to keep working with the lousy weather. They Y DID reopen, but with all the rules still in place, many clients are more comfortable coming to my little space to work out. My evening clients currently <i>have</i> to come to my little space, as child care for a high risk kid during Covid is hard to come by. We still rarely go into stores (her especially). Curbside pick ups are our norm, so when we do stop into a store, it's a quick treat. She's a wonder at wearing a mask without an issue and a wonder about not touching things. Sanitizer is a normal thing now. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmAzrcQ9zO9pLgSSV4_krq1JDV8K_x7Rh9bv6WXL_Ujav50asZkR5CfemULEbHFwjY6VVR1HedFCKX_sII4kCiY14epwh9lySfyKLz6FmNvGNX2is9fkadZLW4i2xX8a66rHaHwqLOp80/s4032/PXL_20210213_174542370.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmAzrcQ9zO9pLgSSV4_krq1JDV8K_x7Rh9bv6WXL_Ujav50asZkR5CfemULEbHFwjY6VVR1HedFCKX_sII4kCiY14epwh9lySfyKLz6FmNvGNX2is9fkadZLW4i2xX8a66rHaHwqLOp80/w150-h200/PXL_20210213_174542370.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>February bought a weekend of being snowed in. Everyone enjoyed that.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTJ4As4na917nlOCb9h_Wx8UQv1Y5jzntC5b-M12Qmfg1AipK-cKY48P7yQZAOkzCpa23JkrrRnWXb8Iicu4I6kQTeZTWl4ttCqMPzimsu82sriQUAK1wKSZjiyZonke93sJgzIBWqZFo/s4032/PXL_20210213_222842513.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTJ4As4na917nlOCb9h_Wx8UQv1Y5jzntC5b-M12Qmfg1AipK-cKY48P7yQZAOkzCpa23JkrrRnWXb8Iicu4I6kQTeZTWl4ttCqMPzimsu82sriQUAK1wKSZjiyZonke93sJgzIBWqZFo/s320/PXL_20210213_222842513.MP.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRw7jrmewXiHQABR_PNzV5mCZ8sSMSQDYGamEsS7a5Pyxm9lbpHJoyY3EFenxp_cHmFwb0WohCKocEOyThvcKoorQvB5N73qN_rdorcMlvaFPvyWzpRhm4vwjPm4wlJZp69z_JljFj_8o/s4032/PXL_20210213_172443234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRw7jrmewXiHQABR_PNzV5mCZ8sSMSQDYGamEsS7a5Pyxm9lbpHJoyY3EFenxp_cHmFwb0WohCKocEOyThvcKoorQvB5N73qN_rdorcMlvaFPvyWzpRhm4vwjPm4wlJZp69z_JljFj_8o/s320/PXL_20210213_172443234.jpg" /></a></div>And My Sailor and I spent lots of time playing table and card games before he left as well. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3vO46by2sKm99xcDxDPUW1HmwrYwHmLe1wa82gmwzi7GeIi_DsNOv46E8JsERa86ssElOnwjJNDtDP9sFa69t6bCNqi4dyOrof0bsvbofMzhF6aGQKDmS_pa2WnkUyAYYyN3puVTCkXk/s4032/PXL_20210211_184629143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3vO46by2sKm99xcDxDPUW1HmwrYwHmLe1wa82gmwzi7GeIi_DsNOv46E8JsERa86ssElOnwjJNDtDP9sFa69t6bCNqi4dyOrof0bsvbofMzhF6aGQKDmS_pa2WnkUyAYYyN3puVTCkXk/s320/PXL_20210211_184629143.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Impossible Girl went back to Forest School, and, at the time of press, has visited the campus' Kindergarten classroom. She was very excited about it and quick to tell me all she learned on just that one day.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVgq67GhsxXuuF6ukHF85gio4cqqbV7eY2WhNb5Ko9Yg5FGiB9mO5T5e0B8yeatUdhKE-z-2iLPsDzG40CUThWIJDXAhJpcpb1NdQp1I09mToSHS_j-u-YvICnXRSOnlpbKZf5SmS95wA/s1440/FB_IMG_1612145453872.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVgq67GhsxXuuF6ukHF85gio4cqqbV7eY2WhNb5Ko9Yg5FGiB9mO5T5e0B8yeatUdhKE-z-2iLPsDzG40CUThWIJDXAhJpcpb1NdQp1I09mToSHS_j-u-YvICnXRSOnlpbKZf5SmS95wA/s320/FB_IMG_1612145453872.jpg" /></a></div>For my 41'st birthday in January, we spent a night in a hotel in Seattle and I spent the Disney gift card I got for Christmas at the Disney outlet store the next day. Usually I'd save it for a trip, but since we have no idea when we're going to be able to get back into the parks, I needed a fix. It was nice to just be out of the house for an evening. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvVsMfC-ljwMdKUeSSXbR_Img2E8MLVPhlKm2t2_8iRX16ouB7cwqL5RKA6qnYgGIfeuVqJzAG4Z7YcdnRfJdnoMWx3DfCih775OLcKMOMmbTBZaKW9GSZ2-ka9rNtSoAHkLYGG8Xjgmk/s3264/PXL_20210118_043602856.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvVsMfC-ljwMdKUeSSXbR_Img2E8MLVPhlKm2t2_8iRX16ouB7cwqL5RKA6qnYgGIfeuVqJzAG4Z7YcdnRfJdnoMWx3DfCih775OLcKMOMmbTBZaKW9GSZ2-ka9rNtSoAHkLYGG8Xjgmk/s3264/PXL_20210118_043602856.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjegZr8bC-7Vl_WqHqm1fGvvfPspLqPyL-Z2kPI7m-TMo3Q407XFE4XDxOWf9QkPMQKFPXUZNwhn9Appu14h44VCySCWBcJB4gxwgG_QbFWshwgQP7f1W-a8DNXmL4aJ5fbXX8a9AuI-pE/s3264/PXL_20210117_025701518.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjegZr8bC-7Vl_WqHqm1fGvvfPspLqPyL-Z2kPI7m-TMo3Q407XFE4XDxOWf9QkPMQKFPXUZNwhn9Appu14h44VCySCWBcJB4gxwgG_QbFWshwgQP7f1W-a8DNXmL4aJ5fbXX8a9AuI-pE/w150-h200/PXL_20210117_025701518.MP.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>And that takes us all the way back to December. We decided to go ahead and get The Impossible Girl's tonsils and adenoids removed while My Sailor was around to help with the rough recovery.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">She was a trooper. We did spend Christmas Eve in the ER when her nose wouldn't stop bleeding - and she was in a lot of pain for about 11 days. Come day 12, she was MUCH better.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Unfortunately...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhacYgyEF4RWYg8EV81iCkxRZQaGeTx8aB_sOMwmmEsdNjS1wYncTG7Ryob31HOxTVAwSKTYGBUXjh0VDaYQOWTZnb6E7eyVTFsdb1ICjbL6Sc9Xyuyt0gddS9cuEJO5WoVXPOomST6ol4/s3264/PXL_20201221_153817713.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhacYgyEF4RWYg8EV81iCkxRZQaGeTx8aB_sOMwmmEsdNjS1wYncTG7Ryob31HOxTVAwSKTYGBUXjh0VDaYQOWTZnb6E7eyVTFsdb1ICjbL6Sc9Xyuyt0gddS9cuEJO5WoVXPOomST6ol4/w150-h200/PXL_20201221_153817713.MP.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting at the outpatient Surgery center. Due to Covid, no overnight observations are allowed.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHfnxT0_6nuT67Uz_Wl8BlOn9uPJthyOyDfYl_Or8Zy63ugQEqWhLqJDvBgVnCoN6SEupZK7qYHg4t1mL1BqGpE9Aj9BvVi8PgkB1rTKwLvet89_3UpcVj8csICpGx3Tj0SzikOtFCYrU/s4032/PXL_20201221_163625019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHfnxT0_6nuT67Uz_Wl8BlOn9uPJthyOyDfYl_Or8Zy63ugQEqWhLqJDvBgVnCoN6SEupZK7qYHg4t1mL1BqGpE9Aj9BvVi8PgkB1rTKwLvet89_3UpcVj8csICpGx3Tj0SzikOtFCYrU/w150-h200/PXL_20201221_163625019.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reading a new book while she waits to get taken back</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn7EH6OS0Q8bSA8g_coqvwMX1k9RK1XTUlYOw153yqHj8QdAQDwmPXu8W1gKB4GX7eWw6yILR6rcFB5O-w0ABCtVvIbcdfkrXkm7dymss69zQuvhacp_MGxovXM5hmcBiNrJbYv11nOes/s4032/PXL_20201221_182237953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn7EH6OS0Q8bSA8g_coqvwMX1k9RK1XTUlYOw153yqHj8QdAQDwmPXu8W1gKB4GX7eWw6yILR6rcFB5O-w0ABCtVvIbcdfkrXkm7dymss69zQuvhacp_MGxovXM5hmcBiNrJbYv11nOes/w150-h200/PXL_20201221_182237953.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Recovery room watching cartoons</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">surgery only stopped the snoring. A recent sleep study showed that the sleep apnea is still present. However it's not Obstructive Sleep Apnea. It's <b>Central Sleep Apnea</b>. </span></div><p><i>What is Central Sleep Apnea?</i></p><p>To sum up all that Google will tell you - it's a condition that occurs when your brain stops telling your lungs to do their job while you're sleeping. Her case is mild, but I've learned a lot in the process. Central Sleep Apnea is rare. 1-4% of children have sleep apnea to begin with - so it's not common. Less than 1% of the general population in the US have Central Sleep Apnea, so it's <i>very</i> rare in children without another severe illness. For now, she'll be getting a ring to wear on her thumb when she sleeps. It sends an alert to my phone if she desaturates for an extended period of time, and gives us more information to see if she grows out of this rarity, or if it'll require more earnest treatment. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGe090OribdwHQ9AJTy39RkFI12yXtLWTmGUF17mxY9gXE9NGNyVq97cT6pCW7-YHglaU9fo3EpcIdu3AMmcm2n6Ah-rfZzgxJLheAINr3QEVkFvTeItTJ9q8znF-zOkysABMyc52X1XA/s4032/PXL_20210322_042018611.NIGHT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGe090OribdwHQ9AJTy39RkFI12yXtLWTmGUF17mxY9gXE9NGNyVq97cT6pCW7-YHglaU9fo3EpcIdu3AMmcm2n6Ah-rfZzgxJLheAINr3QEVkFvTeItTJ9q8znF-zOkysABMyc52X1XA/w150-h200/PXL_20210322_042018611.NIGHT.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>Usually Central Sleep Apnea comes with other, bigger, more serious baggage. Our style doesn't seem to follow that pattern. Is this somehow all possibly connected to the weird hormones she may have going on, being born with Ovarian Cysts? I don't know. I doubt we'll ever have an answer.<div><br /></div><div>But I'd be lying if I said the news didn't rattle me. It rattled me. Significantly.</div><div><br /></div><div> In her history, The Impossible Girl has come down with pnuemonia starting at 9 months old. Nearly once a year since, she'd get some upper respiratory thing that has sent us in for chest x-rays and medications for pnuemonia. (The excluding years were 2019- 2021 so far.) The reoccurring bouts left us with a mild asthma (likely triggered by viral infections) diagnosis. </div><div><br /></div><div>Right now, everything is mild and sleep is still better than it was pre-surgery. Honestly, if I had it to do all over again, I probably would have made the same decision. They likely wouldn't have uncovered the Central component until the surgery was done anyway, and her rough recovery is now a distant memory.</div><div><br /></div><div>As scary as it is to send a kiddo with some questionable respiratory stuff to school during a pandemic, for her mental health, she needs other people in her life. We have a wonderful village of humans in our lives - and connecting with them keeps us sane. She needs people outside of me and My Sailor.</div><div><br /></div><div>So we plan for the future! The Impossible Girl and I have Covid safe Spring Break plans, and I'm looking forward to a safer future as the world continues to spread the vaccinations around.</div><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div><i><b>I call her The Impossible Girl for lots of reasons. But she isn't just Impossible. She's Remarkable.</b></i></div><div><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiApTmgHdYs3okFi9G68c49n_X1MNN34HDEznBO_93zdDdHcFemddFzRuUrLJDPEFPgIcseI7C6LyPoHeWQ1-t6gBFpQYV5TsAK8Oe9-z3_l1xtSlicljhK7oK-JqZuDnVklizhEMcoBBQ/s743/a140f934dc0557c6fc855e87b483574a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="743" data-original-width="496" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiApTmgHdYs3okFi9G68c49n_X1MNN34HDEznBO_93zdDdHcFemddFzRuUrLJDPEFPgIcseI7C6LyPoHeWQ1-t6gBFpQYV5TsAK8Oe9-z3_l1xtSlicljhK7oK-JqZuDnVklizhEMcoBBQ/s320/a140f934dc0557c6fc855e87b483574a.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>And that's always a good thing.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYo-3FjaufkJqUfVSW-pR_PClYUAcUYyZdk_pZZEOR8ZpwjbbPgZFJ4M1NOuF3dJA9PrjBlrq6xfkHJRcvER9BLv-soobbwFOfT5G4x_flmFvLbxMoX0l0DYNGH43KT16AIlnvVqEIyNM/s4032/PXL_20210307_192201913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYo-3FjaufkJqUfVSW-pR_PClYUAcUYyZdk_pZZEOR8ZpwjbbPgZFJ4M1NOuF3dJA9PrjBlrq6xfkHJRcvER9BLv-soobbwFOfT5G4x_flmFvLbxMoX0l0DYNGH43KT16AIlnvVqEIyNM/s320/PXL_20210307_192201913.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW4oZj9edjahMw_0VaPqX4Zw6WwB2TMmcDcAQ-ll0p7WnMiv8DZrbw3Qm_pbECQsMyEV9bI7vn2kDmlmK8Oye6NkBH7qmnhbrXxAu4mVOEKmJCzYvFe1JAr5JHl8GG0bp1gmNxtrXitYw/s4032/PXL_20210307_195030223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW4oZj9edjahMw_0VaPqX4Zw6WwB2TMmcDcAQ-ll0p7WnMiv8DZrbw3Qm_pbECQsMyEV9bI7vn2kDmlmK8Oye6NkBH7qmnhbrXxAu4mVOEKmJCzYvFe1JAr5JHl8GG0bp1gmNxtrXitYw/s320/PXL_20210307_195030223.jpg" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b></div></i></div>-J.D. Humenayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14086704419701940067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348031137278225897.post-5515216480755556952021-03-29T21:53:00.004-07:002021-03-29T21:59:02.563-07:00When The World Paused - Day 243 - It's STILL 2020?<p>(Septemberish?)</p><p> So since I last blogged a LOT has happened - and absolutely nothing has happened as well. Buckle up and I'll see if I can make it make sense. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0DsxhdBabhiqgy5u608_3OdKLBxzytWoiRvKE8qjDd_LBQss30JO8uBDGrwO-Lly8DDUuzsv1-2Vut1ZE_1UR78QWSTHbxpwmPWXYrF7q0dLvDXTTBf1AsDZE571wJsdrpnMvro-o2Fw/s3264/PXL_20201114_172920547.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0DsxhdBabhiqgy5u608_3OdKLBxzytWoiRvKE8qjDd_LBQss30JO8uBDGrwO-Lly8DDUuzsv1-2Vut1ZE_1UR78QWSTHbxpwmPWXYrF7q0dLvDXTTBf1AsDZE571wJsdrpnMvro-o2Fw/s320/PXL_20201114_172920547.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">The Impossible Girl has changed campuses twice - and are again on a short break from school (calling it a rest, since stricter restrictions are going into effect this week and the Thanksgiving break was coming up anyway). </span></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDa1CK6NQnEnvOkazPAoYIay9JkRmiz-8jqvQFwYuZ9MI16H4PDgIVNGBO0zDUbvZriBrySMEqkehO4wEC1sWvvlGy58v_IGzXNWLSuz4qpg_GrW8zVJSLPIPChSLYaBGR-LaT3cLV16o/s1439/FB_IMG_1605488330432.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1439" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDa1CK6NQnEnvOkazPAoYIay9JkRmiz-8jqvQFwYuZ9MI16H4PDgIVNGBO0zDUbvZriBrySMEqkehO4wEC1sWvvlGy58v_IGzXNWLSuz4qpg_GrW8zVJSLPIPChSLYaBGR-LaT3cLV16o/s320/FB_IMG_1605488330432.jpg" /></a></div> This time it was hard on her to take a break from friends . She has a lot of transition of the adults in her life (My Sailor - aka her dad) goes in and out on deployments with work. There is a noticable sag in her shoulders when she asks, "Daddy's at work?" and I answer, "Yes. Dad's at work." Though she occasionally growls at him and isn't sure she likes having 2 adults keeping her in line during the day, it's clear they are bonded and she misses him when he's away. She misses her friends as well. But at least we all have each other right now.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNK_G3xDV8AgERQmeZdwMKzOWQGwodwLwJGsDT1oS7RihIAyvSd90kd9m_Md1a-mcLW26jmJYo9Y1kYfP9zf7p_R_KVw9KXxkfk63GEg0p5Sq20fpvZ1qOu9intj9hOw-GvO8bN3TYhq4/s4032/PXL_20201110_201229389.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNK_G3xDV8AgERQmeZdwMKzOWQGwodwLwJGsDT1oS7RihIAyvSd90kd9m_Md1a-mcLW26jmJYo9Y1kYfP9zf7p_R_KVw9KXxkfk63GEg0p5Sq20fpvZ1qOu9intj9hOw-GvO8bN3TYhq4/s320/PXL_20201110_201229389.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgydtSmK-Sb-ktisQcqceuDkhSpdd82-P3IpfZjaafEb5KVETLDeZfPrREGCBwU0iZmPyUQ36ILmYUGeXnqeHY-zcXPLPZGzkgJceFdOWkEzApUa198xPDx7-__iHssDSLcBp4Tj_x946o/s3264/PXL_20201110_190016206.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgydtSmK-Sb-ktisQcqceuDkhSpdd82-P3IpfZjaafEb5KVETLDeZfPrREGCBwU0iZmPyUQ36ILmYUGeXnqeHY-zcXPLPZGzkgJceFdOWkEzApUa198xPDx7-__iHssDSLcBp4Tj_x946o/s320/PXL_20201110_190016206.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">She has lost a her two bottom teeth now and we've been to several doctor's offices. She's finally enrolled in Speech Therapy. It's about 90 minutes round trip, but it's well worth the commute. She likes it and they were able to get us in without the normal 6-9 month waiting list locally.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We also have an updated sleep study scheduled for spring to check on her sleep apnea. If it's still present, we'll likely be heading to a tonsillectomy in the summer. Hopefully that will solve it.</div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJPH2znounrQIzx3v1HbOKVnxA_64QQiLF58QgNHPUTTO4N3G4sUFHkOp7rLjx9lkKjnn-mwsjyMxWvaOTgL8XrtAECKcMciEuxWz3T0-iAT2H3RA3PnDrgbu5SiJ-uIP5Ejp-Bdn6zW4/s4032/PXL_20201027_222625788.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJPH2znounrQIzx3v1HbOKVnxA_64QQiLF58QgNHPUTTO4N3G4sUFHkOp7rLjx9lkKjnn-mwsjyMxWvaOTgL8XrtAECKcMciEuxWz3T0-iAT2H3RA3PnDrgbu5SiJ-uIP5Ejp-Bdn6zW4/s320/PXL_20201027_222625788.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Halloween was simple. We threw a little party at the house, let her hunt through for candy, and did a drive through - no contact trick or treat event at a local church. She didn't miss the bigger events at all. Things were just different. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrp-JCeV4C3-B134fGvp2nKXZQ-CdHkKQQPzYp8O4O-GYqKWp51U3M6pMP_552CW9tj8BAIMwWLdjPbftxUoGdCJ-GtmZFd1cVSsYU_JTPmDEvarep7cxVT41YhzBty8q3EMw8OQLrpfo/s3264/PXL_20201109_182418675.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrp-JCeV4C3-B134fGvp2nKXZQ-CdHkKQQPzYp8O4O-GYqKWp51U3M6pMP_552CW9tj8BAIMwWLdjPbftxUoGdCJ-GtmZFd1cVSsYU_JTPmDEvarep7cxVT41YhzBty8q3EMw8OQLrpfo/s320/PXL_20201109_182418675.jpg" /></a></div></div>So obviously I've tried hard to dip deep into my pool of resourcefulness and pull out every tool I find in there. But getting a $200 pay check is supremely humbling. And it's not because I'm bad at my job or anything. The Y's I work out of will be closing until at least mid December. I was <i>just</i> able to get back in there and get to work! I've lost a few clients to their own job loss, gone virtual with a few others, and focused on nutrition with still others. The latest guidance says we have to work out outdoors. In Washington, it's dark by around 4:30pm, and usually rainy, windy, and hovering around 40 degrees. Some stalwart folks have stuck around for it. We're building shelters and sheds to try and make it work. It's a crazy mess. I've had clients have to cancel for 2 weeks once they have been exposed to someone with the virus, and I've had to close down when my husband was exposed at work. And when I don't work, I don't get paid. There is no aid for little guys like me. <div><br /></div><div>It's been a crazy time. But here's to living one day at a time and paying attention to what's ahead. <br /><div><div><div><div><p><br /></p></div></div></div></div></div>-J.D. Humenayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14086704419701940067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348031137278225897.post-9828884406194578572020-09-05T01:24:00.002-07:002020-09-05T01:24:36.761-07:00When the World Paused - Day 171 - Big Steps and Tiny Whispers<p> It's hard to believe that it's been over a month since I've added any notes to this. I spent many late nights getting caught up on freelance writing work and (finally) finishing my Precision Nutrition certification. Since that business is now up and running, there has been a shift in my work load, so I have a little spare time to add to this before I go to sleep.</p><p>Not much has changed in our daily lives. Going indoors to stores is still a rarity. Hikes are still a thing. </p><p>Forest school reopened for a summer camp program and will be restarting for my kiddo in a couple weeks. </p><p>But here's how we survived the summer (so far). </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWHXUF9tolXdWvgR7wosvzDuuo_Qkjxe_3ue7jg_qAMgeLhBi-Gjl1XDrULNYAhWXD5YrRz0Re9pwXS3c9VPZjm0IciCkldcWwkP8yuh1cqAGR3H0LoowDVi9-qm13iZxeEgyyj882n7U/s4032/IMG_20200726_165117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWHXUF9tolXdWvgR7wosvzDuuo_Qkjxe_3ue7jg_qAMgeLhBi-Gjl1XDrULNYAhWXD5YrRz0Re9pwXS3c9VPZjm0IciCkldcWwkP8yuh1cqAGR3H0LoowDVi9-qm13iZxeEgyyj882n7U/s320/IMG_20200726_165117.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizWmvEacApbOz-c5uPzPcUf2VAZEpcEchGK_Vvz_8jhQazH0dLVtLoxNoGM_803tQSac7ezLktv8LWsqDPkKMhXgiRQEZzvlv1j6hP7_5LtWIP_LzObQZE1OMfuxVZEYsOdOC-Qp-T1h0/s960/FB_IMG_1595816015608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizWmvEacApbOz-c5uPzPcUf2VAZEpcEchGK_Vvz_8jhQazH0dLVtLoxNoGM_803tQSac7ezLktv8LWsqDPkKMhXgiRQEZzvlv1j6hP7_5LtWIP_LzObQZE1OMfuxVZEYsOdOC-Qp-T1h0/s320/FB_IMG_1595816015608.jpg" /></a></div>A friend introduced us to some playful waterfall fun thanks to a little hide away spot on Gold Creek Pond trail. Well worth the detour.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwSeoDe0s_WRhy57RCENkJ9r3wGRbxlDiQNrgXixtLYHNyXmUH7SIqFYnHqKHTveG6_ywucxE0bUKEINvIsGwkiqKtsLr0VyDyhp2lf5HcIvm3CKLZeDyKtm_HIPqOJaex1e_-3zL-ZIM/s4032/IMG_20200806_092316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwSeoDe0s_WRhy57RCENkJ9r3wGRbxlDiQNrgXixtLYHNyXmUH7SIqFYnHqKHTveG6_ywucxE0bUKEINvIsGwkiqKtsLr0VyDyhp2lf5HcIvm3CKLZeDyKtm_HIPqOJaex1e_-3zL-ZIM/s320/IMG_20200806_092316.jpg" /></a></div>Blackberries are ripe EVERYWHERE. It's a fun time of year. Nearly every walk, even around a neighborhood, comes with a sun-kissed snack.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKUQd4zg1j1QrvfGy7l6zGntenrnQ3-2XCOmSTV00kGkk0V1kndBt4T2GQrC7cvmByameKA6g3wxWR4a6XBaHX8OXQM3nN9RHHuV0G1-0eJMV3P3q_1e5dqb5WOlZWxXh2oPpCB5l37nA/s3264/IMG_20200808_154120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKUQd4zg1j1QrvfGy7l6zGntenrnQ3-2XCOmSTV00kGkk0V1kndBt4T2GQrC7cvmByameKA6g3wxWR4a6XBaHX8OXQM3nN9RHHuV0G1-0eJMV3P3q_1e5dqb5WOlZWxXh2oPpCB5l37nA/s320/IMG_20200808_154120.jpg" /></a></div>We donned our masks and took a socially distance, contact free visit to <a href="https://www.pdza.org/" target="_blank">Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium</a>. We didn't brave the crowds to go in the big aquarium, but it's always a fun day anyway. The Impossible Girl is maddly in love with <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6587640/" target="_blank">Trolls World Tour</a>, which has resulted in the hip hop backwards had style and rock on hand signs at the same time. <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqo13CAqWjhLDoNcoAFd2oJSaJsP_b9l5eolqMGUnaoghA_dxRtFTLxc_1KNA1_BrO1nLUna6QnagiYUedcIuoQbAjiDc7xVVNnf_QqiJrNwFaMKaoL15wwU9y0w9hIG_Xook8RPlWIJ8/s4032/IMG_20200818_182149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqo13CAqWjhLDoNcoAFd2oJSaJsP_b9l5eolqMGUnaoghA_dxRtFTLxc_1KNA1_BrO1nLUna6QnagiYUedcIuoQbAjiDc7xVVNnf_QqiJrNwFaMKaoL15wwU9y0w9hIG_Xook8RPlWIJ8/s320/IMG_20200818_182149.jpg" /></a></div>We made it through her 5th birthday and My Sailor's 37th birthday (long distance). <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1GD4IwJ8PQL1Cj4m-tb4m9OvVThJEF2DfI9bBXND2lhdHMu7quumxJ6VEy3VWrhDkbp7qcPqqdJBgUQRJzajukJTitRngjkkqGGizaMI3IVY-YX7L2OzBwNHs5HeFHGab2T7SNs0Wl7U/s3264/IMG_20200825_084744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1GD4IwJ8PQL1Cj4m-tb4m9OvVThJEF2DfI9bBXND2lhdHMu7quumxJ6VEy3VWrhDkbp7qcPqqdJBgUQRJzajukJTitRngjkkqGGizaMI3IVY-YX7L2OzBwNHs5HeFHGab2T7SNs0Wl7U/s320/IMG_20200825_084744.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGVzWgUOc9zyDwZCgDoU4f0lEI6CIGLCIg_lFk0TMIDBavlB5BzeZ_D3GZqPLvuKTSMU6UCaCrrnAK0SwEzHj5VmCj5yfPW_jzX_J7QLlBgu30MfNpaHFg-dos6p3_2fEQvXa9-B7exkY/s1080/FB_IMG_1598676476461.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="792" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGVzWgUOc9zyDwZCgDoU4f0lEI6CIGLCIg_lFk0TMIDBavlB5BzeZ_D3GZqPLvuKTSMU6UCaCrrnAK0SwEzHj5VmCj5yfPW_jzX_J7QLlBgu30MfNpaHFg-dos6p3_2fEQvXa9-B7exkY/s320/FB_IMG_1598676476461.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>We got back to Summer camp, masked and ready to go! It was a great, much needed time for both of us. I had some peace in the mornings to tackle my own work outs, work, and various projects that are hard to do while being the chief human in a 5 year old's life.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijE4GhzO1l3kFcfDhJDJZGqnfbUwsmja8l5b5YHfgKBXI_FZFAYRb_oUJEsobulJoxKIIh3eu-bZaK9GLYa_ZkulBBCWRPzo8W2F5IBkl6Hr1u_h2ZZ5Hg7u72mSff5ISUTH0CAIVv550/s4032/IMG_20200828_172528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijE4GhzO1l3kFcfDhJDJZGqnfbUwsmja8l5b5YHfgKBXI_FZFAYRb_oUJEsobulJoxKIIh3eu-bZaK9GLYa_ZkulBBCWRPzo8W2F5IBkl6Hr1u_h2ZZ5Hg7u72mSff5ISUTH0CAIVv550/s320/IMG_20200828_172528.jpg" /></a></div>Local friends set up an epic painted rock hunt in our front yard. It was a fantastic surprise. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo9mlfAcTpsa2ru3PnbXmjTg-fhHICoeAFoSXG_RR4thXbhyphenhypheno5w4udtcuO4353pupPhezRwUYhXGM5B54BC9-pQuV8jozprAcpXMP0D7zOdgmeJiPnrQtcEr64WhanvIeR0vqbZq646kQ/s3264/IMG_20200830_132407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo9mlfAcTpsa2ru3PnbXmjTg-fhHICoeAFoSXG_RR4thXbhyphenhypheno5w4udtcuO4353pupPhezRwUYhXGM5B54BC9-pQuV8jozprAcpXMP0D7zOdgmeJiPnrQtcEr64WhanvIeR0vqbZq646kQ/s320/IMG_20200830_132407.jpg" /></a></div>We tackled a 5k hike through the <a href="north kitsap heritage park" target="_blank">North Kitsap Heritage Trail</a>s. I only carried her for about a mile, and even that was broken up into 2 sections - mostly down hill, thankfully. There are no epic views on this trail. Just miles of quiet forest to explore.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDX8_cRZyf6O1KUj-Os_IcU1kywboSfcmauiWwpFWaFjsrcruUoIxKWBKnHK_jnEZG92h1xdtadc1jO3IiWM8HmQwz4bAM5Nn0GUcuiJXJ2YpLsCDG-G2qNdbrJuk9JTLcacwJJdCg7jM/s4032/IMG_20200901_184519.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDX8_cRZyf6O1KUj-Os_IcU1kywboSfcmauiWwpFWaFjsrcruUoIxKWBKnHK_jnEZG92h1xdtadc1jO3IiWM8HmQwz4bAM5Nn0GUcuiJXJ2YpLsCDG-G2qNdbrJuk9JTLcacwJJdCg7jM/s320/IMG_20200901_184519.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I came up some with delicious dinners, including a carmelized sweet potatoes (okay, I admit, I like them a little blackened) and some improvised mung bean noodle soup.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoOVZfdc4QfPlyL-negHS74gMa6JLVvcZyh4YBPfJyLR5aZiCxwsZ8_9JBl-nZCDlwdFCuzS3AwjzG2OzEhyphenhyphen91UGtAmuOLvdufiXf09buotPm_J9RNnAy3coCdWPSdVRB89HwE0VV7U44/s960/FB_IMG_1599003547155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoOVZfdc4QfPlyL-negHS74gMa6JLVvcZyh4YBPfJyLR5aZiCxwsZ8_9JBl-nZCDlwdFCuzS3AwjzG2OzEhyphenhyphen91UGtAmuOLvdufiXf09buotPm_J9RNnAy3coCdWPSdVRB89HwE0VV7U44/s320/FB_IMG_1599003547155.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>We've been on 2 kayaking adventures that have us absolutely excited to keep this up. The weather has been beautiful and helpful.<p></p></div><div><br /></div><div>Without Summer Camp or School right now, days are super loose. I'm working on developing my business little by little, and I've lined up some of the specialists to come out and look at the house and discuss options with us. The Y is reopening and for the clients who aren't comfortable going back, I have a shed coming to the house, as well as some gear to make a sheltered lifting space here at home. Personally, I am looking forward to having a space to lift where she can play safely nearby and not in group care.</div><div> </div><div>I'm making significant progress organizing and managing the home front. (To any 'stay at home mom' I ever short changed - ya'll are amazing.) The Impossible Girl is growing up during a pandemic, and she will likely remember these days at her age. So, we keep plugging along. </div>-J.D. Humenayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14086704419701940067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348031137278225897.post-66027572622477406302020-07-16T01:25:00.001-07:002020-07-16T01:25:52.749-07:00When the World Paused - Day 120 - Masks Mandated and The Great Outdoors<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh46uyogcZfus1CS6Obz3_fadsk5zjeAo2_sGi-SAXlcz1CVdftX7HpuEOQACRboTLuc6b90FYCWUVPJHym_fcu36XZaH0wILkCbMNrbbYwLl0UGHzNQT43QjWMuxPBI3_1B2oBEXvtgZo/s4032/IMG_20200714_152427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh46uyogcZfus1CS6Obz3_fadsk5zjeAo2_sGi-SAXlcz1CVdftX7HpuEOQACRboTLuc6b90FYCWUVPJHym_fcu36XZaH0wILkCbMNrbbYwLl0UGHzNQT43QjWMuxPBI3_1B2oBEXvtgZo/s320/IMG_20200714_152427.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The world is turning quickly these days. A lot has happened in just the past week. Masks are now a mandatory thing in Washington to enter businesses, and in Seattle, they are mandatory all the time. (A brief stop on a drive today went further in to prove that.) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But this past week, my brother and I made good on our first 'vacation' together - while sanitizing like crazy, wearing our masks, and doing lots of social distancing. Now, I'll admit - hanging out with my big brother has always been an awesome thing for me. He's on a bit of a pedastool, even though we're both in our 40's now. I see him through realistic glasses, but he's turned into kind of an amazing guy. Since our dad passed away, I see a lot of little quirks of Dad's personality in him. Like I've always said, blood may be thicker than water, but love is what binds us all together. We're a choosen family - not a biological one, but however we came to be - I won the family lottery.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivnsp9K839hKx-F-KB2X34EAR1t53MFvuCduzy1RtL6vi-PZd5EqbUj-oNxqD82a7lLoielWLLkoS8TOHZtiN4LjElGgIKeINWK8zwIqqqFp5Bvw1uLHu2UDCfuD1u1QL2hcjhqMGBcJs/s3264/IMG_20200713_130304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivnsp9K839hKx-F-KB2X34EAR1t53MFvuCduzy1RtL6vi-PZd5EqbUj-oNxqD82a7lLoielWLLkoS8TOHZtiN4LjElGgIKeINWK8zwIqqqFp5Bvw1uLHu2UDCfuD1u1QL2hcjhqMGBcJs/s320/IMG_20200713_130304.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This weekend, we put our bodies to the test and did some socially distant amazing hiking through the Cascade Mountains - with The Impossible Girl en tow, of course.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBxtNrYgoBlGSf8G7Pd3DifK-zYjJY0J8TcBagsu4loJA4nLRHbTWznn1cShLu3pcOhgEc37byXn_m5wkDjpSzOcmKlGhs6JfUpplIJNUc01Vj6wNmKAUz9CvQ6c6LQYgrwTxacZDjDRs/s4032/IMG_20200713_131630.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBxtNrYgoBlGSf8G7Pd3DifK-zYjJY0J8TcBagsu4loJA4nLRHbTWznn1cShLu3pcOhgEc37byXn_m5wkDjpSzOcmKlGhs6JfUpplIJNUc01Vj6wNmKAUz9CvQ6c6LQYgrwTxacZDjDRs/s320/IMG_20200713_131630.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The trip started with a visit to FinnRiver Cidery and Fort Worden on the Penninsula. Both were easy to stay socially distanced. I wasn't sure how things would go once we got to our home base for the trip - the tiny town of Leavenworth - but it turned out they have also made adjustments. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEltiSLX_fkwuLK89hS5h8nT80BVXx5eb_HTsA7pZEEgbTbRiaRps2cG1AvEmS2MOLsorNoe3U_sgVRZ2-ZWZVriOh9ibNOusO0CNGCowDnmIwR6OwlJYXNUE-fJ2ogMZ_ArWXo001KQA/s3264/IMG_20200712_173242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEltiSLX_fkwuLK89hS5h8nT80BVXx5eb_HTsA7pZEEgbTbRiaRps2cG1AvEmS2MOLsorNoe3U_sgVRZ2-ZWZVriOh9ibNOusO0CNGCowDnmIwR6OwlJYXNUE-fJ2ogMZ_ArWXo001KQA/s320/IMG_20200712_173242.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">They shut down the main street to cars and put picnic tables in the streets to help assist with social distancing, and to help keep the businesses (which rely <i>almost entirely on tourism</i>) to stay attractively open. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6uTC4Zmx7VD2lrh3ZMOwoQxNuZQ8uKsD0FM7hp2qnq4IofWcWRNedOpmbRLHXGe45hcER3p_TnIOtrgokkvFnz20ouL2ScoX78XQF-Twas0qhljnXVBmJbOyow8pEDVddPQCoGAEop3s/s4032/IMG_20200712_175009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6uTC4Zmx7VD2lrh3ZMOwoQxNuZQ8uKsD0FM7hp2qnq4IofWcWRNedOpmbRLHXGe45hcER3p_TnIOtrgokkvFnz20ouL2ScoX78XQF-Twas0qhljnXVBmJbOyow8pEDVddPQCoGAEop3s/s320/IMG_20200712_175009.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Impossible girl doesn't <i>love</i> masks or the sun, but she's great at understanding that it keeps her germs to herself. She is also a pro at sanitizing and understanding the purpose behind all of this without letting it really get to her. It's just a change. We miss play grounds and sporting events and movie theaters, but this vacation taught me something I plan to carry forward into my life in all my future parenting. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you've known me for more than a couple hours - you know I am team 'TAKE THE TRIP'. Don't wait until a small child will (might) remember it clearly. Don't wait until they are perfectly behaving or potty trained, or weaned. TAKE THE TRIP. (I mean, by all means, do what's right for your family. This is just the advice you'll get from me if you ask.) It's EXHAUSTING traveling with a small kid. There is a lot of gear to lug around and things you may not need to worry about at home. It's easier to stay home - or is it?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When we travel, even if it's somewhere like Leavenworth, we try to learn something. Sometimes it's just seeing people that don't look like us, or talk like us. Sometimes it's just to walk a different street and experience a different way of life. Sometimes - like this time - it was to discover that nature has built some wonders that even Disney hasn't been able to replicate. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In Deception Falls (a fairly easy 1 mile hike), we all learned that the water is SO cold and the rocks and sand do such a good job of filtering the water that NOTHING will live in it. It's fresh and frigid and breath taking.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhidchLbK8ABd0QuMm0K8q84TJPq8TdrIX5qa6k1L7qZFc2BuHwcS1KNcyiE8s9o19pPFC6szj1ujKrINO1JfKzIE4DG0B8xA9YUaodOt81RdbxMy2EA0ggRnX0A8ySYQW5eZThpWdkKWU/s3264/IMG_20200714_150811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhidchLbK8ABd0QuMm0K8q84TJPq8TdrIX5qa6k1L7qZFc2BuHwcS1KNcyiE8s9o19pPFC6szj1ujKrINO1JfKzIE4DG0B8xA9YUaodOt81RdbxMy2EA0ggRnX0A8ySYQW5eZThpWdkKWU/s320/IMG_20200714_150811.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgipEOOZfo6Gl3fV7lxHPaz6f0ku6qUv9S78hbses4oTn1s2QGGaAjqSmAL2xZbOD_z97SVTjKUdjo18lIQYWM4ZzvyBcMpTA25U8TfpHLc1GA3iW3STcvOwsez98dOojSdJz6i4Fok7ek/s4032/IMG_20200714_150658.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgipEOOZfo6Gl3fV7lxHPaz6f0ku6qUv9S78hbses4oTn1s2QGGaAjqSmAL2xZbOD_z97SVTjKUdjo18lIQYWM4ZzvyBcMpTA25U8TfpHLc1GA3iW3STcvOwsez98dOojSdJz6i4Fok7ek/s320/IMG_20200714_150658.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnzetD9KYCBVgPt6FvDSUOizsm-Q4lc4hbTfWIzsmwSnd8LavAWmv5e9gv05Z6E3QBYiCBVs95nJMjQXCHiQL02I0lQvFzqom9Vt7CCoGZ4Fl3uKWTGkPAl5ms6BdhluUJmy_EuXKCcR4/s3264/IMG_20200714_144150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnzetD9KYCBVgPt6FvDSUOizsm-Q4lc4hbTfWIzsmwSnd8LavAWmv5e9gv05Z6E3QBYiCBVs95nJMjQXCHiQL02I0lQvFzqom9Vt7CCoGZ4Fl3uKWTGkPAl5ms6BdhluUJmy_EuXKCcR4/s320/IMG_20200714_144150.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0p0BPWWsb5ffvm1uqsjosSJ8q6HmzNNBPion2BuETenZe5Uw6HCGjrABoQEULt4KBbk_h3aoqvU6ycNEjErcoLYhewB2cVuY3ho5n0GKGFO3BpJmJ6TMMfoiZ4vJxac5x55dC1kjpme4/s4032/IMG_20200714_142235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0p0BPWWsb5ffvm1uqsjosSJ8q6HmzNNBPion2BuETenZe5Uw6HCGjrABoQEULt4KBbk_h3aoqvU6ycNEjErcoLYhewB2cVuY3ho5n0GKGFO3BpJmJ6TMMfoiZ4vJxac5x55dC1kjpme4/s320/IMG_20200714_142235.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(We also learned that her legs are magically too tired when she's at the bottom of a hill or a staircase..)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRKegi_9PDShzZhqTH4K6pA7qXIACCcNpcAUnoW_LNcjRbrqpBYev3AG9kVF49srX1gfL0WUFv200pnkA2s2F4FosYYrNHYhoinT1ox1XU5lsShDG9stHAS1M5mmJ0l_EjEW-bbJBM3BY/s3264/IMG_20200714_150528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRKegi_9PDShzZhqTH4K6pA7qXIACCcNpcAUnoW_LNcjRbrqpBYev3AG9kVF49srX1gfL0WUFv200pnkA2s2F4FosYYrNHYhoinT1ox1XU5lsShDG9stHAS1M5mmJ0l_EjEW-bbJBM3BY/s320/IMG_20200714_150528.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am always grateful that I can carry her, even now at 40 pounds and nearly 5 years old, around without much of a second thought. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The hike a Deception Falls was one she did almost all of herself. She was afraid of the roar of the waterfalls for a while, but by the end, she was screaming, "THIS IS SO COOL!" I was also astounded. I've seen waterfalls before, but something about being so close to that one, that was rushing so fast, was just amazing. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The hike we did the day before she wasn't really up for. She tried, but tired quickly (and the asthma flare up didn't help). I carried her nearly the entire way. 4 miles, about 2.5 hours - and some sights I'll not soon forget. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHkKkLrYsDGPiD5B4ZeVNoBdr_TZQKu6DaARtEBKDiZZNp4GsBiigm3FYhKGrMY8kMB3M5lWA84YeFpSDl2LJVtS_dv9TkyBK2L0pdoCwRnqdU6PxKvp9x2Txw7hQWXs500kNNhsdXgqk/s1944/IMG_20200714_102324%257E2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1944" data-original-width="1454" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHkKkLrYsDGPiD5B4ZeVNoBdr_TZQKu6DaARtEBKDiZZNp4GsBiigm3FYhKGrMY8kMB3M5lWA84YeFpSDl2LJVtS_dv9TkyBK2L0pdoCwRnqdU6PxKvp9x2Txw7hQWXs500kNNhsdXgqk/s320/IMG_20200714_102324%257E2.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My brother snapped this photo as The Impossible Girl and I walked on a bridge crossing a raging river. Summary of the trip is all right there in that photo.<br /><br />We saw some amazing things - although no animals. It was hot and the middle of the day.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIvvQr0ANZ5Qz3TjZUdRFNrLAmXDulMN2_ExeqWQFl1t1KcnguOaDtUm9eOEEwuwejG1K-798fbbFZzjrrLClnH-vWPlAMMvGtVzgyu8dieY-8VYUycS91acRD8bBy0EoBvEaFBUpJaAU/s3264/IMG_20200713_131329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIvvQr0ANZ5Qz3TjZUdRFNrLAmXDulMN2_ExeqWQFl1t1KcnguOaDtUm9eOEEwuwejG1K-798fbbFZzjrrLClnH-vWPlAMMvGtVzgyu8dieY-8VYUycS91acRD8bBy0EoBvEaFBUpJaAU/s320/IMG_20200713_131329.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVLp2CPs2WZ_0Gopksh_eU7QtQzP6vK46MaSYQRum-25JaQ3XihtiSCwoIOo29yEq8vpDYSmskmXs-MQ2QWB8-LqBs3_h596zsDce1ktB2MgGliU9ydvWVRDsTLbCo2al0kwiXQFT3ivM/s4032/IMG_20200713_142850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVLp2CPs2WZ_0Gopksh_eU7QtQzP6vK46MaSYQRum-25JaQ3XihtiSCwoIOo29yEq8vpDYSmskmXs-MQ2QWB8-LqBs3_h596zsDce1ktB2MgGliU9ydvWVRDsTLbCo2al0kwiXQFT3ivM/s320/IMG_20200713_142850.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAoOkbmGoe3p-FQTugVTHbLmbzTpVuGthiwtZPdWLjq7DyeugymyCONGxVpVoDkiXnq7lcTPoZgegMP0l5SBTeQ9XnSGLPgfvdbhwlwWjospml9oABFJ3wiJgwJ465pEyAe1z5563fRUg/s4032/IMG_20200713_151419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAoOkbmGoe3p-FQTugVTHbLmbzTpVuGthiwtZPdWLjq7DyeugymyCONGxVpVoDkiXnq7lcTPoZgegMP0l5SBTeQ9XnSGLPgfvdbhwlwWjospml9oABFJ3wiJgwJ465pEyAe1z5563fRUg/s320/IMG_20200713_151419.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuEgILTNZruOtKB4DYvm7MgwcH3-M4kW7E4_sGOWgD8Dl_FyUlWXCXon1-6s8H__egu4lpNr1D-9T8l5FpfUwOvuU-GM4syLipxbn0GkN3CESxN2OG2rlmQIL6RHyAFhW-5yrhlfAN5VU/s4032/IMG_20200713_151132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuEgILTNZruOtKB4DYvm7MgwcH3-M4kW7E4_sGOWgD8Dl_FyUlWXCXon1-6s8H__egu4lpNr1D-9T8l5FpfUwOvuU-GM4syLipxbn0GkN3CESxN2OG2rlmQIL6RHyAFhW-5yrhlfAN5VU/s320/IMG_20200713_151132.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi95_KRhMdFcLtl9luoi2HZbjHcBGjFdWe9OfXgOW443FxF5j92_zzvwH5Ddadk8lxjDuPtd1oQTatoq4n4998UMDjk6frwxF69M563qLddTbx2XZ06hQb2CFbUcl7Af2dqdCyqg8I4uAg/s4032/IMG_20200713_142855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi95_KRhMdFcLtl9luoi2HZbjHcBGjFdWe9OfXgOW443FxF5j92_zzvwH5Ddadk8lxjDuPtd1oQTatoq4n4998UMDjk6frwxF69M563qLddTbx2XZ06hQb2CFbUcl7Af2dqdCyqg8I4uAg/s320/IMG_20200713_142855.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5jDU1uPtKM7o_HGqLoPr53nTAwT25ONZtiNziuyjH27Nh0HhuM-PtV-ZEMZRw3P5I66HQrXi2Doi8wlhIq5sSZ285rdrJY6qFZmlSbMk1a9en02VXMDJ3DmMTTZz-pbjEaU43xUtlyRU/s4032/IMG_20200713_142044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5jDU1uPtKM7o_HGqLoPr53nTAwT25ONZtiNziuyjH27Nh0HhuM-PtV-ZEMZRw3P5I66HQrXi2Doi8wlhIq5sSZ285rdrJY6qFZmlSbMk1a9en02VXMDJ3DmMTTZz-pbjEaU43xUtlyRU/s320/IMG_20200713_142044.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixGRpiF3CbePdty9P9WH2YwfsIRIlITaZvrdr6co2LT38_tfco3_9H2KqaDM8t0uBiF6iLIJIqTITagf3VcH9bjg5mQGSpFtw7xeZZxjaG9VZqjuDV48OuZrnhWDt31k-5v4NvyGgKxQk/s4032/IMG_20200713_133226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixGRpiF3CbePdty9P9WH2YwfsIRIlITaZvrdr6co2LT38_tfco3_9H2KqaDM8t0uBiF6iLIJIqTITagf3VcH9bjg5mQGSpFtw7xeZZxjaG9VZqjuDV48OuZrnhWDt31k-5v4NvyGgKxQk/s320/IMG_20200713_133226.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I would never have really considered taking a hiking vacation with The Impossible Girl at this age. Honestly, at this age, if it isn't Disneyland or a Disney related adventure, I don't think I would have bothered with taking her hiking. Camping with a 4 year old sounds like a special form of torture - trying to keep track of her while trying to set up camp.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But this was a great trip. She was a great traveler and was very excited about the whole adventure (and equally as excited to play with all of her toys at home when we returned). I would never really had considered it, if it was just her and me - because being 'on' as mom doesn't end or really even change just because we change the scenery. But it did recharge my heart a bit. And maybe that's exactly what I didn't realize I needed. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was a much needed reminder that we can safely travel and marvel in the things out in it. ...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuFnypFmXgdz8CgMIZZ_bVnI6Dz2iTXWGY9AaOUpwtCw4KjmHBYuT2JQ1wxahmgCmpTZsIPLuuaH1hlRHPK7JWKGxktZm2ObgLldqLnXuvx9rXCcrqZdg0EErD2-iXdXPBbUp9Vo_DwT8/s2160/Screenshot_20200715-190104.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuFnypFmXgdz8CgMIZZ_bVnI6Dz2iTXWGY9AaOUpwtCw4KjmHBYuT2JQ1wxahmgCmpTZsIPLuuaH1hlRHPK7JWKGxktZm2ObgLldqLnXuvx9rXCcrqZdg0EErD2-iXdXPBbUp9Vo_DwT8/s320/Screenshot_20200715-190104.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And follow it up with quite possibly the world's best ice cream...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk6FSn4fJ-TjBb9Z5mMzaW5QXO4VMfTAhl8rUfF_V82jhmy0JvU7qsyCYfxbQlxi0XP1LPQ36ShEgDcd8b2mZbCBAtsCNLIFxPlo39rzHlejBuDRaFNAGByqAIf7S5-dHDBfRSdxczi0Y/s4032/IMG_20200714_204447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk6FSn4fJ-TjBb9Z5mMzaW5QXO4VMfTAhl8rUfF_V82jhmy0JvU7qsyCYfxbQlxi0XP1LPQ36ShEgDcd8b2mZbCBAtsCNLIFxPlo39rzHlejBuDRaFNAGByqAIf7S5-dHDBfRSdxczi0Y/s320/IMG_20200714_204447.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizYLivPO79TMtKXtPQAajEtVpgjrBg9i_M1VZBEa1B8NeDPFvnl-b9Xu3frh9X_dcW5PKXX1w4hNN23dkcRgt40v7RH3vS0Zj9Go7M9GfeJVAPvZyX0MP9MGkaFQ5s4-YMkMI0Hm4lafs/s3264/IMG_20200714_205251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizYLivPO79TMtKXtPQAajEtVpgjrBg9i_M1VZBEa1B8NeDPFvnl-b9Xu3frh9X_dcW5PKXX1w4hNN23dkcRgt40v7RH3vS0Zj9Go7M9GfeJVAPvZyX0MP9MGkaFQ5s4-YMkMI0Hm4lafs/s320/IMG_20200714_205251.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This kind of trip may be a new summer time favorite. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlvQRSGL3yB4QQYk8KcNpcOo_XLho1soOWQULMH6qhXTZWKIZVdKcvKcaGp3116h84vebz21aTHMYwpzFVII12S3vviKudcerNDPDcQ7qP1wGsB4pxnEyPWdifAA5cLMx1jjrsk7FVQdQ/s320/IMG_20200714_204246.jpg" style="text-align: left;" /></div><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrf_xsPMl6pVjNSrE42bkEfHVyRoktH2Rcem-FOYe_7kY1yfR7JeGuN5dbBm2vpp3O2Ip2L0vXiBUukDrxu7tgwObprggVKSi5yYK0G-eOHTj5yltcY-A8talC03ESdQnpkMMgJbo710E/s320/IMG_20200714_163938.jpg" /> It's not the kind of vacation where all the worries go away. (In fact, you're looking for things like bears constantly.) But it is the kind of trip that deepens our understanding of each other as well as the world around us. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>-J.D. Humenayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14086704419701940067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348031137278225897.post-46537792432168888792020-07-09T01:20:00.001-07:002020-07-09T01:20:07.630-07:00When the World Paused - Day 113 - The Masquerade Way of Life On July 7th, the Governor of Washington (Inslee) mandated that all businesses must require masks in order to provide entrance. If someone can not wear a mask due to a medical condition, the business should offer adequate accomadations (such as curb-side pick up, online delivery, etc). It's been a hot topic up here. Personally, I don't mind. I know they aren't 100% effective. Nothing is 100% effective against a virus that has killed 810 people since yesterday (134,000 Americans so far). While, yes, most people recover, it's entirely possible that the systemic effects of the virus are far reaching.<div><br /></div><div>So at some point, this blog may no longer be called 'When the World Paused', but maybe 'LCW' - Living in Covid World. Documenting the circumstances of the world while this little window is written feels important. </div><div><br /></div><div>One of the hottest topics in the masking world has been "How do we safely get kids back to school?" Playing with my own thoughts on this (we feel completely safe for The Impossible Girl to have one more year of Forest Preschool, especially under the current world circumstances), I've been doing what I can to make the masking world 'normal' for my kiddo. </div><div><br /></div><div>I hear the disappointment in her voice when she asks if we can go to a playground and I want to say 'YES! Let's GO! CLIMB! SLIDE! PLAY!' but I bite my tongue and say, "Not yet. I'm sorry love." <br /></div><div><br />She used to say, "Because of germs?" But that was weeks ago. Now, it's "Because of germs." </div><div><br /></div><div>Yes, honey. Because of germs. </div><div><br /></div><div>We still venture out a few times a week on trails and in parks that aren't busy. She is great about keeping her mask readily available to pull over her face when we come across people, but I wondered if there was a better way.</div><div><br /></div><div>Masking for us has come with it's own share of pit falls. </div><div><br /></div><div>I discovered recently that The Impossible Girl thinks she can't talk when she's wearing a mask. Already fairly soft spoken and battling a bit with her speech, it is an added (albeit psychological) barrier to intelligable communication. She sees and hears people talking with masks on almost daily, but struggles with it herself. For now anyway. </div><div><br /></div><div>One of her teachers came up with a game of covering your nose and mouth (she used a mask, we used our hands) and trying to 'guess the emotion' from just being able to see the eyes up on someone. We played it for the first time today. She was 50/50 at picking out emotions. She's usually pretty empathetic, so we'll see how that changes as masking becomes a more normal way of life. <br /><br />(It certainly seems that masking will stick around for the long haul here...) </div><div><br /></div><div>So I decided to see how face shields would work on a walk at the park one day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNibxueGGQX2FwhcSNrQj40JlC3tVkshAQLrVMq1kPdrpU4JYvJXe_-KfWKkYgMnI2OZahK0UY84tOSxFwFgVhUNVW_jGqy_W_RN7AAOS9pii9d0GeRwV5ssZBRqx1iyVyFYgmc9_Pae8/w154-h205/IMG_20200707_163009.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="154" /><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJNbMSaLE5vo7FyvZTCfnGp8kEWCSA4rkkqEX9UDpsE-Y8ZV-_YhxvttupaqU9f3r_fQApDM3Lxqakdzt1SgfG0VdN7Zmh-1cJ9u5D0BK0ejylgO9ZvOmGdWyIYKRFP_Cdr2j6TwPR-Ds/w154-h205/IMG_20200707_163205.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="154" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The feedback was very positive. She liked it much better than a mask (even though the 'anti-fog' fogged up a little bit after she was running around in it for laps). For me, the major downside is that these things dent pretty darn easily. She didn't play rough with it or anything, and within about 30 minutes of play, it was dented a bit. She did like it though. She was able to flip it up and catch her breath for a moment if she needed a break. It's tougher for her to keep a mask up or loop it over her ears after taking it off (and her motor skills are pretty solid). </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVj9lR22ABIp2bbwR40EoCF222HJ8T3BHVQNqsoTlZXmfiLL952QJE8NQ8SYgMPvLv-v-u_YD8BReh_jXrPOxUNITiFxaa-3eY8YfkPXjwjJcw8x55ZwIJsl8wYtEgkDbWS4cYNd0iPpQ/s4032/IMG_20200707_165348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVj9lR22ABIp2bbwR40EoCF222HJ8T3BHVQNqsoTlZXmfiLL952QJE8NQ8SYgMPvLv-v-u_YD8BReh_jXrPOxUNITiFxaa-3eY8YfkPXjwjJcw8x55ZwIJsl8wYtEgkDbWS4cYNd0iPpQ/w193-h256/IMG_20200707_165348.jpg" width="193" /></a>'</div>Unfortunately, they aren't considered 'masks' so they won't likely pass on their own, which is kind of sad. It was far more effortless for play and life than a cloth mask is on a small head or tiny ear, as noted below. (While these masks with vinyl faces on them are super cute, they also head up quickly and hold moisture - so YMMV (your milage may vary)). We have a couple of pleated tie on masks that work well and have a pocket for an additional filter. Though she can't tie them on herself (or adjust them) she will happily hold it in place if requested. But I'll get to that....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxvhuHXI23gzcbg1a-LDyFYUKFoMe1J-vx9YZNioCxjn4duWLQQaupo1Zp5tOT41pCqMSDYvZN7y8tM3DDjFu2WtRq281hvee0kLkIa82mNoIHWqbiVBM-AughzSDHpTfalZT-RE_ZZCg/s4032/IMG_20200706_174143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxvhuHXI23gzcbg1a-LDyFYUKFoMe1J-vx9YZNioCxjn4duWLQQaupo1Zp5tOT41pCqMSDYvZN7y8tM3DDjFu2WtRq281hvee0kLkIa82mNoIHWqbiVBM-AughzSDHpTfalZT-RE_ZZCg/w154-h205/IMG_20200706_174143.jpg" width="154" /></a></div><span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But we do mask when we go out. This weekend we went to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Donut-Shop/Milkvue-Handcrafted-Donuts-Coffee-114242959995704/" target="_blank">MilkVue</a> to get mochi donuts as a special treat. It's a long drive from our home to the donut destination, and she didn't feel like standing in line when we got there. So she was in her mask, in her carrier, on my back. What would have been a full donut shop had shifted to allow for more physical distancing. They allowed 2 parties in the shop at once, and everyone else did wait patiently outside, several feet away from each other. I chatted (through my mask, with the fellow waiting behind me, and we decided to eat outside. We took our masks off in an empty area of the shopping center to eat. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfBpOtDghijfYYQEkOPvoYXzvD9kCv-KlMt4bVviaDgXVEfdwddhDbL7k7iq9JzEzvZ6Y0uI6hyQP0VN7GLEgdY_fC6vbDp2bU3fF4hFUHUuel7dCbFKAuZfrLuQIqphOlvujSFx-eOQ4/w154-h205/IMG_20200705_131419.jpg" width="154" /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDl-FQ7S2_djenI_rTdxCpuPx33J-f-3jdsqU_bRyiUY-5HAZa_LhCxOKVCqLCa7vnUr6P2agEvPhq1qOCrPFDYjJVuwNuV63Cvi8w_Qph0ctYcOrJe8OiV8ZGH4NzByuumHMm5SzddM4/s4032/IMG_20200705_132915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDl-FQ7S2_djenI_rTdxCpuPx33J-f-3jdsqU_bRyiUY-5HAZa_LhCxOKVCqLCa7vnUr6P2agEvPhq1qOCrPFDYjJVuwNuV63Cvi8w_Qph0ctYcOrJe8OiV8ZGH4NzByuumHMm5SzddM4/w193-h256/IMG_20200705_132915.jpg" width="193" /></a></div>Mochi Donuts are definately worth the drive. (This is her favorite - Watermelon Mochi donut.) You can tell they are a hit.<div><br /></div><div>I've been trying to be the 'fun mom' lately. And I believe it's paying off. When I went back to seeing clients face to face (and she went to a babysitter), she was having accidents every single night. But in making sure I unplug and have more attentive time with her, well - the accidents have stopped (for the moment). It's a big reminder to me that I don't have to be all thing. I don't have to be the coach, the athlete (let's face it - she's on the back burner currently), the author, the military wife, the parent... I just have to be present. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg98U0D7bEjmi_nZZmeeje88MwiM80dvuSl1roazod_7LdKwmEkPwXi_uhRSzNBZ4wAXtRlofBQujpQKMXBC395PFw_4Tlskvvy2rKjoqeCsZkNP1iBjtQ-uA79982GywloxD9fy2k5Ojc/s4032/IMG_20200704_192528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg98U0D7bEjmi_nZZmeeje88MwiM80dvuSl1roazod_7LdKwmEkPwXi_uhRSzNBZ4wAXtRlofBQujpQKMXBC395PFw_4Tlskvvy2rKjoqeCsZkNP1iBjtQ-uA79982GywloxD9fy2k5Ojc/s320/IMG_20200704_192528.jpg" /></a></div>So on the 4th of July, we ate dinner on the balcony and roasted marshmellows over candles. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0MbiXn7Sweqytw3MnfQS3C-MwqtIURMUX8ChGfawF5fhlB-Z1ZKX-RcDXjzkvAQgfgQz8bOvM9LfT_ii7lV7mwekPzc8gzuBUFUZ8C0jQxTRKIgcGJvi79ZwuE6LkJOzZpmKnikhD95I/s4032/IMG_20200702_180715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0MbiXn7Sweqytw3MnfQS3C-MwqtIURMUX8ChGfawF5fhlB-Z1ZKX-RcDXjzkvAQgfgQz8bOvM9LfT_ii7lV7mwekPzc8gzuBUFUZ8C0jQxTRKIgcGJvi79ZwuE6LkJOzZpmKnikhD95I/s320/IMG_20200702_180715.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I gave her a few extra minutes to play - because while I'm balancing working/cleaning and parenting, she can express her creativity and make forts to climb through...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiunM75YUcwWg37ofggyBydXxcf1HYeKlFAbTUOgM8MpY8bh-_SQ9ZaOglBGeF4tuTBeNy0BLWTTtAkHGQyBQQuGv3X9QDtG_WoSlKnu2zuwPK8F1RRYIbZMtfz_4VVBPPwaw1cG064PoM/s4032/IMG_20200629_153218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiunM75YUcwWg37ofggyBydXxcf1HYeKlFAbTUOgM8MpY8bh-_SQ9ZaOglBGeF4tuTBeNy0BLWTTtAkHGQyBQQuGv3X9QDtG_WoSlKnu2zuwPK8F1RRYIbZMtfz_4VVBPPwaw1cG064PoM/s320/IMG_20200629_153218.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>She asked me if she could have purple hair one day (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2050838185061688" target="_blank">after watching a Brad Mondo hair coloring video</a> - I've never done any sort of unnatural hair color - actually I've never really strayed from blond highlights that are fairly naturally occuring). I wasn't going to brave a store to get the stuff for it. Instead, I had some blue left over from Halloween about 3 years ago. She was in heaven for the 24 hours the spray stayed in. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUWBj0sVRDzAbptg8uW2rdode1Oxp5_wZ4BaYnOO_waAd2OqqvrYmif3ry6oPMjNt3Wflvebr3htf0475BzgMmIjD8883TMybQSsK52pmX8OOu3Ej_2piOVrNDPEXtyGlXhWVowYysxes/s4032/IMG_20200629_154357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUWBj0sVRDzAbptg8uW2rdode1Oxp5_wZ4BaYnOO_waAd2OqqvrYmif3ry6oPMjNt3Wflvebr3htf0475BzgMmIjD8883TMybQSsK52pmX8OOu3Ej_2piOVrNDPEXtyGlXhWVowYysxes/s320/IMG_20200629_154357.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've managed to get rid of the 2 free-to-us couches that had outlived their usefulness and gotten a whole new set up going on in the loft (special thanks to the hard working guys at<a href="https://trashtransporterllc.com/" target="_blank"> Trash Transporters</a>). I uninstalled the old dishwasher and installed the new dishwasher - yes, <i>myself.</i></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfRNdaCdGY_LnoDygXjQdddiHD5WqvZq3vJgmoJbXxy9NLx8WNthV3HPrPSQdadzRhNU2CZNxaNNqXzPgVZVlZ_tv-F6UDXUNJ_YxROOQn6r8rbJaYHFGSGy7VVtjjwKMrgWV3VUr8WGM/s3264/IMG_20200628_145603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfRNdaCdGY_LnoDygXjQdddiHD5WqvZq3vJgmoJbXxy9NLx8WNthV3HPrPSQdadzRhNU2CZNxaNNqXzPgVZVlZ_tv-F6UDXUNJ_YxROOQn6r8rbJaYHFGSGy7VVtjjwKMrgWV3VUr8WGM/w192-h256/IMG_20200628_145603.jpg" width="192" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dishwasher 5 hrs, but DONE! </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnIdb81nHnRPszCxOVP4mtOm9M-OuskGYDPLbjN35OCplxxmYDhS-HOLOAC47hk2yGeaqj0p_jEWf_Xbva2osYArcC50dPtqOyJd6pdrF-rmoZYxFsE1O8Tn9Czp_D9f9TStQvDtkgFLs/s4032/IMG_20200627_103629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnIdb81nHnRPszCxOVP4mtOm9M-OuskGYDPLbjN35OCplxxmYDhS-HOLOAC47hk2yGeaqj0p_jEWf_Xbva2osYArcC50dPtqOyJd6pdrF-rmoZYxFsE1O8Tn9Czp_D9f9TStQvDtkgFLs/s320/IMG_20200627_103629.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>And I've dealt with dogs doing more than their fair share of mess making.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>But I've also been fitting in shirts I wasn't able to wear in April...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzEPXZCdB2HIw6N5MAhgJh-J09aneQc4mXh8yeNg7YkIrXPZxQtu2xCAdFoatAG_du89NEnZ4Yoa5_8ATRv7ku5HydoO8RYD-FanTpC-K-9yWR-uS9ZjGI3wqaem73z9fuOI8L8XyOf0E/s3264/IMG_20200621_172511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzEPXZCdB2HIw6N5MAhgJh-J09aneQc4mXh8yeNg7YkIrXPZxQtu2xCAdFoatAG_du89NEnZ4Yoa5_8ATRv7ku5HydoO8RYD-FanTpC-K-9yWR-uS9ZjGI3wqaem73z9fuOI8L8XyOf0E/s320/IMG_20200621_172511.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And decided to breath new life into our overgrown yard.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg26SDpwY7Ofe3vqqbvttMus7OFMLp7MgMZXyfB74fY_eCgCGPOZWr51LUYp7qIQwDP_mQl7a5QL6N-U8590gksyqpHy91RFQU5D2e0Red499a1fbyE5cYKEYobtOeLdlQqzGnk71aTUiE/s3264/IMG_20200620_152333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg26SDpwY7Ofe3vqqbvttMus7OFMLp7MgMZXyfB74fY_eCgCGPOZWr51LUYp7qIQwDP_mQl7a5QL6N-U8590gksyqpHy91RFQU5D2e0Red499a1fbyE5cYKEYobtOeLdlQqzGnk71aTUiE/s320/IMG_20200620_152333.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div>It took me a while of focusing on being present to kind of settle my mind on the value of the moment.</div><div><br /></div><div> I'm done with the exhausting work of worrying about things like, "Am I doing the right thing? Letting The Impossible Girl go to babysitting so I can work - when many in similar situations are making more money doing the unemployment dace?" When I see the clients in my email or in the yard, I know I'm making a difference. Sure, I could be making more hounding the unemployment office - many are. And I don't fault them. Perhaps they are more business savvy than I am. But for now, we're finding that balance of living in the moment. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7SVedoFxWSy7mS7wi6zuX2Z7N3qR8-ZFVdDGjAjOKjl9YUH5PGmF-NpPUTbDz41tPHb_TGm5PWjQC8Y9q_m66b1VV06TXonU3HfdFppFP_mwa5NZv-uwIPaAgQJKSS-oIrD5NdT7Sv_k/w301-h400/IMG_20200627_160901.jpg" width="301" /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRtyManJOjHuoKz7lORjH7Rl0FiWt0_OGHk5Hy935iJ0z77aA1d3epKdNe6A-XRdtonCTrHZ78q1B2XQG-_zF9QnxPiYIMTUD4i8ak7VA-MvxNxT8oOdyoxxvRzBZxBV-XZdnJBNwojFg/s720/FB_IMG_1593232262445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="718" data-original-width="720" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRtyManJOjHuoKz7lORjH7Rl0FiWt0_OGHk5Hy935iJ0z77aA1d3epKdNe6A-XRdtonCTrHZ78q1B2XQG-_zF9QnxPiYIMTUD4i8ak7VA-MvxNxT8oOdyoxxvRzBZxBV-XZdnJBNwojFg/w256-h255/FB_IMG_1593232262445.jpg" width="256" /></a></div></div></div></div>-J.D. Humenayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14086704419701940067noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348031137278225897.post-48541787084402615322020-06-19T02:04:00.000-07:002020-06-19T02:04:27.958-07:00When the World Paused - Day 94 - Then, Now, and Maybe Tomorrow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"...<span style="text-align: left;">This doesn't seem like it's going to be a terribly temporary situation. We as a nation, culture, and race seem to be going through something that will change the way we relate to each other, the way we interact with each other, and the way we teach our kids</span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><b style="text-align: left;">forever. " - J Humenay</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.jsjourneybook.com/2020/03/when-world-paused-separate-to-survive.html" target="_blank"> Remember when I wrote about our first day of COVID-19 life?</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Well, here was are, neck deep into day 94, and boy, have things ever changed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> The statistics as they stand today are mind-numbing to grasp. As of the moment I'm writing this, the 2.23 million people in the United States have been confirmed positive (a 27,000+ increase over yesterday), 699 thousand have recovered, and 120 thousand are dead (a number that went up by over 690 people overnight) due to 'Covid', 'Rona', or the Corona virus. (Yeah - we've been in this so long that the virus has earned nicknames.) <u style="font-style: italic;">The United States currently leads the world in positive cases and deaths.</u> At least, so the statistics say. There are over 8 million cases world wide.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Things are starting to reopen here, and seeing people wearing masks in stores or on the street is no longer an odd sight. In fact, I get compliments on our masks often. There are lots of mask making businesses popping up and doing very well. But most large summer time events are still closed. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtTJVcltN1yFQliRnLWuDbNGMZo-Z3fx7msWxSlcAWh6dBHsb0is4G-ztTp_3WYUPnAoIomBKOc8jAHWB0w7BWNMmGF6YRID3-8NbIebjviX2U4AiEsc3_ariFkW2unBqQcjkl1D1QlTc/s640/FB_IMG_1591841486958.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="632" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtTJVcltN1yFQliRnLWuDbNGMZo-Z3fx7msWxSlcAWh6dBHsb0is4G-ztTp_3WYUPnAoIomBKOc8jAHWB0w7BWNMmGF6YRID3-8NbIebjviX2U4AiEsc3_ariFkW2unBqQcjkl1D1QlTc/s320/FB_IMG_1591841486958.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Only this week have we started venturing into outdoor playdates - and even those are rare. No hugging. avoid touching. Sanitize hands. It's a wild new form of normality. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Other things that have changed- </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We avoid going into stores. I order groceries and have them delivered directly to the trunk of my car. I do Curbside pick up whenever I can. I used to <i style="font-weight: bold;">loath</i> the idea of someone shopping for me, picking out my groceries, etc, but it's probably made me buy less anyway.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Impossible Girl <i>really</i> wants to go inside places. We haven't ventured into an eatery yet though. We still grab drive through if we're going to eat out. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">People are doing drive through graduation ceremonies, and struggling with what the next school year will need to look like to keep everyone safe. I keep hearing fellow parents say, "My kid is so behind!" but I have a feeling the goal post has moved. "Behind" may just be the 'new normal' for most of the kids who don't learn well online.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Work is... interesting.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJrFKA_C9ngTxTgd00DOK2a4WWNCrppE5GxKvPGV4hdbNTtm1Ozfczv78cj_bpUeB3wNCmlIncesm2vXdW3-RFrZFiRrYctJ9o3SqzJ8LqKCSvYbr3QrljLqvWGHKM7fglY0id1GexEUg/s4032/IMG_20200617_155553.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJrFKA_C9ngTxTgd00DOK2a4WWNCrppE5GxKvPGV4hdbNTtm1Ozfczv78cj_bpUeB3wNCmlIncesm2vXdW3-RFrZFiRrYctJ9o3SqzJ8LqKCSvYbr3QrljLqvWGHKM7fglY0id1GexEUg/s320/IMG_20200617_155553.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Without the blessing of Child Care at the YMCA, I have been doing what I can for my clients long distance, and been trying to figure out things face to face in the meantime. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Friends have been chipping in here and there - but babysitting isn't cheap - nor do I want her to have exposure to a bunch of different babysitters, so I've been able to keep that to a minimum, but finding consistency in a price range that makes adding face to face work back in make sense is proving challenging. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our routines have loosened up a bit as summer is fully upon us now.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today is a good example.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbpe-5PTNOJ5FGTIFLIFqfz-3Fv6CA3iHkM2kvGqzDxDH7a1HdYXNU_0bWufbCDpd7Hv78mrb0zfpExzyOICCoRl4_1Hn227_Gr4WjNZf0b7zwQ0X__OBuswI7aJP8bZc3m1r0_Gr9Cyc/s320/IMG_20200616_193210.jpg" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I set a 'goal' for the day - One thing I would like to do or accomplish. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">They are usually super simple and I just add to the list as the day goes on to see what else I can tackle. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This morning, the plan was simple - </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Take out the trash. (I forgot last week...)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Plant seeds.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We got up late this morning and snuggled up eating breakfast and watching <a href="https://www.scoob.movie/" target="_blank">SCOOB - the new movie about Scooby Doo that <i>would</i> have come out in theaters - if they were open.</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then we zipped off to get a school lunch (always a treat for her and they really help stretch the grocery budget). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We came home, ate lunch by having a 'car picnic' (eating lunch in the trunk with the hatch popped) and I got out our pots and ran some water, ready for filling with soil and planting! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Well... The Impossible Girl had other play plans for the pots, so I let her have her play and worked in the front yard. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I dug up some of the marble chips in the front yard, and made a strip of dirt. I planted the wild flowers and bee friendly flowers we'd been sent in the mail (one by her school teacher pen pal and the other by the Washington Department of Agriculture). I also put half of the free Dahlia tubers into the ground beside the wild flowers (The Impossible Girl helped with those), so we'll see what happens there. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We were hot and tired and dirty after that so we went inside and cleaned up.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Mission accomplished. Anything else was bonus at this point.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> I took her over to a friend's driveway to play. They knew not to touch or hug each other and played really well all together. Even though they hadn't seen each other in months, it was good to see them pick up immediately, and it was a hard goodbye though for The Impossible Girl. She's been struggling with those lately...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We've finding lots of spur-of-the-moment adventures - like a weekday trip to <a href="https://www.kitsapgov.com/parks/Pages/PointNoPointPark.aspx" target="_blank">Point No Point</a> ,where we found what we think is an eagle feather and raced up and down the beach several times.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjykEEQOUx_YQQbNaWKGlQQIsLp0dvH29LoHKMfs5ChSYwmtOF20Ao-5wNJeGCrXtgmfHr53W1YA1NdjpMBbEF1Pi03ekINX3w18dSxWMhZv2db7y2HUxkiUoklbPWMejRSIVBHu52rEJU/s4032/IMG_20200616_145632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjykEEQOUx_YQQbNaWKGlQQIsLp0dvH29LoHKMfs5ChSYwmtOF20Ao-5wNJeGCrXtgmfHr53W1YA1NdjpMBbEF1Pi03ekINX3w18dSxWMhZv2db7y2HUxkiUoklbPWMejRSIVBHu52rEJU/s320/IMG_20200616_145632.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>And our local(ish) Drive-In Movie theater reopened, so we stopped in to see a socially distant <a href="https://www.dreamworks.com/movies/trolls-world-tour" target="_blank">Trolls 2 </a>on Sunday night. She lasted through the whole movie and about 10 minutes into the next one before we called it a night. But it was a nice break from routine - especially with the social distancing guidelines. Cars had to be parked 10 feet apart (usually they cram as many cars into the field as possible) and everything was paid for in advance through the internet - tickets, concessions, etc. Masks were worn to and from the concession stand/bathrooms. It was pretty relaxed, but we missed running the fields and we missed the pre-movie playground (playgrounds are still closed).<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGhER5AdcwV6-_Ppaysrp82lJrvYl62kkh5TsRO6MKx8ZDrB_EKjA1bUmrCwLtjISEgpysM8mVq9hTIN9fMzskGIg93hdUUgpNGaQ1FA9lJEIdF-_hQdhk_igywzr8i0GuIW1n6Q59hzc/s4032/IMG_20200614_214713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGhER5AdcwV6-_Ppaysrp82lJrvYl62kkh5TsRO6MKx8ZDrB_EKjA1bUmrCwLtjISEgpysM8mVq9hTIN9fMzskGIg93hdUUgpNGaQ1FA9lJEIdF-_hQdhk_igywzr8i0GuIW1n6Q59hzc/s320/IMG_20200614_214713.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(I have no idea why they put a trailer for Tenent before a kids movie...)<br /></td></tr></tbody></table> We have explored different hikes. This was<a href="https://biparks.org/map-location/gazzam-lake-trail-system/?mpfy-pin=1976" target="_blank"> Lake Gazzam</a> on Bainbridge Island. It was a lovely little walk after we manage to out drive some rain clouds.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOef1owjGe9bZ_dz6wrQDj0aMYgygkF0MxNh6CB7MjBRhfOyGy5bL4TpAPN9ouUPd4_c-DOaWk_rC98tdRhPuXSwofck2HLDyTV-1NkEUBSnVrddXOObhFAbewRPr3CZh4vyl35zs-CeU/s4032/IMG_20200613_142514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOef1owjGe9bZ_dz6wrQDj0aMYgygkF0MxNh6CB7MjBRhfOyGy5bL4TpAPN9ouUPd4_c-DOaWk_rC98tdRhPuXSwofck2HLDyTV-1NkEUBSnVrddXOObhFAbewRPr3CZh4vyl35zs-CeU/s320/IMG_20200613_142514.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>It's getting late and tomorrow is another day with small goals - <div><br /><div>Work.</div><div><br /></div><div>Do more laundry.</div><div><br /></div><div>Get outside (preferably while doing a chore - like weed whacking or mowing...</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ9lIA3hBMY_TT2qTbpZUGuSsw-0hyqbroot-v8ZRH9gCSpWrs2AzLwQFTBO_VlgJtuDZZzG_DKA80pXomWOL0qE6bMKpJKO3-ibwVNsa7HiCH9cgCNDVgDXfms_3gcMOuh9K7UZJc5ec/s3264/00000PORTRAIT_00000_BURST20200612121556659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ9lIA3hBMY_TT2qTbpZUGuSsw-0hyqbroot-v8ZRH9gCSpWrs2AzLwQFTBO_VlgJtuDZZzG_DKA80pXomWOL0qE6bMKpJKO3-ibwVNsa7HiCH9cgCNDVgDXfms_3gcMOuh9K7UZJc5ec/s320/00000PORTRAIT_00000_BURST20200612121556659.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This time has truly helped me understand some of the struggles (and triumphs) of domestic life flying solo parenthood. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And I 'think' I'm doing a pretty good job. History will be the judge.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div></div>-J.D. Humenayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14086704419701940067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348031137278225897.post-18642333114267864452020-06-10T01:18:00.001-07:002020-06-10T01:20:18.602-07:00When the World Paused - Day 85 - Memory Therapy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
There is no doubt there has been a lot of change in the country right now. Our day to day life looks pretty much the same as it has for months now, but that doesn't mean the world hasn't changed considerably over the last few weeks and months.<br />
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As of tomorrow, I'm seeing my first client face to face since MARCH. Their patience has been <i>amazing. </i>And there are still clients I can't see face to face because they are over 65 or have a chronic health condition. Within the midst of all that, the disease of apathy is being challenged in our world - as it should be. </div>
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Every single day, 'The Mickey Boat' experience comes up. I know cruising and vacationing is going to completely change for the coming year or two - and we took a lot of flack for going on a family vacation on a boat, unreachable, over Christmas, but - especially with all of this isolation going on- I'm thrilled that we had this experience to look back and draw from. It was completely positive and worth it.</div>
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So I thought today I'd share a funny experience from one of my favorite nights of the cruise - </div>
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Pirates <i>in</i> the Carribbean</div>
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We spent the day walking to a small beach and relaxing in Grand Cayman - stopping at a small park to learn a little about the place we were visiting. (It's a travel requirement of mine. Learn something about where you're visiting while you're there.) </div>
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It brought back so many memories of when I was her age and my family went to Grand Cayman a few times (usually over Thanksgiving). Watching the Impossible Girl run and play in the sand and the waves, discover hermit crabs, and different shells than we see in the West Coast was a journey into some of the best moments of traveling as a child. </div>
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We came back to the boat for lunch and the kiddo took a nap while I, well, did laundry. </div>
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But the mood changed soon enough!</div>
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It was time for Pirate night! We all dressed up for Pirate Night! It was so much fun. We played a game in the club called Pirate's Life and even spoke in 'Pirate' for the rest of the night.</div>
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'Argh!'</div>
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I was excited to do the Pirate deck party, but our smallest pirate needed a nap during dinner. </div>
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One fun memory - </div>
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Since we were speaking in pirate, I was helping The Impossible Girl out in the bathroom - while speaking pirate. (She was doing it back, so it was fun.)</div>
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I think the exchange went something like this -<br />
Me: "Argh Matey! Don't Farrrrget to wipe yer butt! No Pirate wants a bum like a blige!"</div>
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Her:"Argh! "<br />
Me: "Argh!"</div>
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(She flushes and we're on our way out.)<br />
Me: "Now we've got ta' go warsh yer grimey hands matey!"</div>
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Her: "Argh!"</div>
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At this point- the 3 other women in the bathroom are laughing hyterically.</div>
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(Yes, we didn't buy alcohol this night. I was completely sober.)</div>
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We made it to the deck party just in time, and danced and watched and had a blast. We had the last standing room in the boat, but we could see and hear everything,</div>
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After Captain Mickey saved the boat from Captain Hook (and a LOT of singing and dancing), the evening rounded off with some ice cream by the pool. I couldn't help but say out loud -</div>
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"Is there anything cooler than watching Pirates of the Carribean outside while sailing on the Carribean sea?" Even the memory of it all still strikes me. </div>
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And we ended the night back at our rooms with a kraken blanket/towel animal from our room steward.</div>
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We were acutely aware that we were incredibly privledged to have the ability to do this. Some of our fellow guests sailing on the ship have done them over and over for years. I have no idea if we'll ever be able to do this again. It truly was once in a life time. </div>
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We celebrated with people who celebrate different holidays than we do, ate and danced and chatted with people from all over the world (some fellow guests, some crew members) and enjoyed a glimpse of something completely different.</div>
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The quiet ways that traveling and being open to others can change the way we see the world is amazing. I look forward to The Impossible Girl making new friends with new hands to hold someday soon.</div>
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But for now, the world is closed. 'Because Germs'. </div>
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When we miss playgrounds and movie theaters and friends and child care, we are always brightened up by conversations and thoughts from our week on the Mickey Boat. </div>
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The Disney Wonder</div>
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-J.D. Humenayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14086704419701940067noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348031137278225897.post-84818580853058158422020-06-07T00:38:00.000-07:002020-06-07T00:39:16.014-07:00When the World Paused - Day 83, The Business of Summer<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
June is upon us - a different kind of summer than we've ever seen before. Playgrounds are still closed. Playdates are limited, but a possibility. There are also a few conversations going on about what's going on in the world - which is challenging for an adult to process, much less a child.<br />
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But the world of the Impossible Girl is different than the adult world too. We live in a highly Military location, so many of her friends are of a wide variety of ethnic backgrounds. She's never been exposed to her friends being treated as 'less than'. As she gets older, I hope we're raising her to stand up for her loved ones and continuing to see others, no matter the cultural background, as equals in the world. I can only continue to expose her to a variety of humans and hope we are doing this right. History will be the judge. </div>
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Other than that, our daily life has an ever evolving routine. This is what we've been up to - </div>
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It's fun to learn directions and letters and know your numbers when you're out on a trail. We learn the number markers every time we pass one, in case of an emergency, it would help the services find us. Trails are still pretty empty during the week, which makes hiking an easy afternoon choice. There are LOTS of places we are just starting to explore. (Though at about 1 mile/hour, I'm not sure I would call it a work out. More like a 'walk n' talk' time.) </div>
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We play dress up and play with Disney characters and dinosaurs. A LOT. A dinosaur makes an apperance pretty much every day. Usual a T-Rex. </div>
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We occasionally meet up with friends for park dates. A soccer ball is a great way to play without encouraging hugs or touching. </div>
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Occasionally Odin gets in on our super hero pretend games. </div>
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One day, we had a car appointment, so we stopped off at <a href="https://www.greensonyourway.com/" target="_blank">Greens On Your Way </a> to pick up some lunch. Knowing the park would be open, but the lobby for the car would be tiny, we dropped the car off and walked over to the park to eat our lunch and kill some time. </div>
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We met up with one of The Impossible Girl's teachers at a beach park nearly under Narrows Bridge! It was a cool location and always nice to say hi. </div>
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And I've been doing a LOT of landscaping work. </div>
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But while I'm doing that, the housework gets behind...It really makes me appreciate all my grandmother did for us. As a kid, both of my parents worked for most of my older childhood, and my grandmother moved in with us in 1985. She opted to help out around the house (laundry, weeding, etc.) to stay busy and man, do I appreciate that on a whole new level with 2 big dogs, a 4 year old, and My Sailor's unpredictable schedule. </div>
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But I actually really enjoy working outside. The more sweat equity and effort I put into the house, the more I feel relaxed when we're safely within its walls. Today I was planning on tearing down and rebuilding the 3 sections of fencing that are in desperate need, but thunderstorms have been rolling in and out all day. I don't really want to be holding an electric drill with thunder close at hand. I like the outcome of working with my hands - even though it's a big frustrating to note that it's fleeting. Within a few years/seasons, Washington blackberry will reclaim parts of the yard again. </div>
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So today, we did something we NEVER do - in fact, it's something we haven't done since Covid-19 changed our lives (or perhaps even before). I let the Impossible Girl stay in her PJs ALL DAY LONG and basically do whatever she wanted (that was safe). Her choices were to watch some PJ Masks while I did Kettlebells and Coffee via Zoom. Afterwards we ate together and then she wanted to make a fort. So we built a fort. Then she asked to watch her tablet in there. Disney +! And then she asked for me to go away, so I did.</div>
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I cleaned both bathrooms, checking back in on her (and fulfilling her request for hot chocolate - homemade but in the Dutch Brother's cup for ease of delivery. She made a little movie theater, putting her tablet inside of it to watch. When I came back to check on her after my cleaning was done, she was fast asleep. She doesn't ever get this much screen time, nor does she stay in her PJs all day, but the weather was perfect for hanging out inside. </div>
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We ended the day popping some popcorn, ordering in sushi, and watching Small Foot together. </div>
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Sometimes we all need a down time day.</div>
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In a couple weeks, we're looking forward to a possible Great Wolf Lodge overnight and maybe camping with the cousins. (Camping may be harder to pull off in social distancing, but some outside time would be awesome.) </div>
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-J.D. Humenayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14086704419701940067noreply@blogger.com0