Epic Winter Road Trip - The Quest for Sunshine

 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.)

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. 

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. 

Road Trip with a Mermaid Tail blanket from the cousins. Makes for great sleep!

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.

Our first official stop was a couple hours into the road trip. We stopped at the World Forestry Center in Portland, Oregon. 

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. 

Other cousins joined us to play.

It's hard to leave such a cool place to play, but we stopped for dinner and then headed further south. 

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! 

In the morning, we stopped in the hotel breakfast spot before hitting the road and broke out some of our games. 

Dollar store felt checker travel set.

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.

We also worked on The Impossible Girl's Travel Journal. Our first leg was 460 miles.

A neighbor in the Buy Nothing group suggested a sheet pan made a great lap table. Perfect for Lego building on the go!

Finally we made it to our destination. Hollywood. 

Along this trip, The Impossible Girl discovered the Lyle Lyle Crocodile soundtrack. 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.

Tomorrow we'd check a big destination off the kiddo's bucket list (and mine!)

A Beautiful day for Goodbye

One more notch to add to my sub wife belt. Saying goodbye on a holiday. But at least today wasn't pouring rain, and maybe that's why it hasn't really struck me yet. I'm in that "excited to get stuff done before he gets home" phase, rather than the expected "tears and achiness" phase.  I expect that might creep up as my birthday does, but it's still weeks away, so I'll take my currently found motivation and run with it. (Literally, I'm starting my 1/2 marathon training tomorow!)
  I had lunch w/ a friend and her youngin's today, and explored a new park a little bit. It's inspired me to get another year's worth of a Discover Pass (a pass that let's you park and camp in Washington state parks, rather then pay-as-you-go parking). Between that and my brother's idea to check out some local museums and history, I'm feeling pretty inspired to keep getting out there and having more local fun. Lately, it's felt as though all the work with the house has kept me, well, around the house. Remembering the adventurous feeling I've been lacking in 2012 will really help me find some more bliss- especially since I'm going bread free this month! ;) Gotta keep my spirits up w/o the self-medicating effects of big doses of carbs (which no body needs).
 
Sweet dreams 2013. Thanks for coming so quickly.

The Didn'ts and the Dids

Well, the approval didn't happen. They need to chat with the underwriters who are out of the office until Tuesday, and Real Estate agents don't want to waste their time on "lookie-loos", which we are considered until we get our pre-approval letter. Poop.

So house hunting didn't happen yesterday, but what did happen is we learned that 3 of the 4 houses we wanted to look at already had offers on them. Boo hiss! Oh well. The right house will come along at the right time. No need to rush these things (though we are both really antsy to get out of this apartment come May).

What did happen was a trip into Seattle!

We drove in yesterday afternoon and spent about 4 hours hiking around the streets of Seattle near Pike's Market. We stopped for lunch at a little Indian place called the Kastoori Grill. They were advertising a $10 lunch buffet. Everything we tried was good and really fresh! I got to stay within my healthy eating range, and taste a bunch of different things. Success!

In fact, we were so full from lunch, we opted to stay away from the otherwise-tempting chocolatiers and Irish pubs that line nearby Post Alley.

We picked up some new teas at a local tea shop, and some local sage honey. In the Market, we tried fresh goat cheese from a local maker - who actually RAISES the goats he makes the cheese from! So you know it's limited quantity, and all natural. His stand included a photo album of his farm as well. We were going to go back for fresh fish and fruit, but by the time we'd walked up and down the waterfront by the market, we were pooped and opted to just head home via the Fauntleroy ferry. (For those of you Disney buffs - yes, we took a ferry from a station bearing Donald Duck's middle name!)

All in all a good day. On our way home, we stopped at Hiro Sushi, a local sushi place. It's the 2nd time we've been there. The first time, we got take out in the summer of last year. It was just "okay", so we decided to dine in this time and give this place another shot. Well, to sum up my review (which you can find here in-depth on yelp) we both came home with stomach aches. Thankfully, we managed to keep everything down, but needless to say it was a LONG night after that.

So for all the "dids" and the "didn't's", it turned out to be a pretty good day.

My Namesake aka Things are a little scary!

I was named after the Bionic Woman and today is one of those days when I can almost feel her influence.

Today I:

• Woke up at 9am to walk the dog. My Sailor was still sleeping after a 4am shift brought him home late.
• Cooked breakfast. I didn't say made breakfast because, to me, that just involves pouring milk on cereal or water on instant oatmeal. (I attribute so much of my weight loss success to actually making the time to cook breakfast, rather than starting off the day feeling rushed.) Turkey bacon in scrambled egg whites with diced mini peppers, 1/2 a bagel w/ local honey, hot chocolate (swiss miss w/ my own twist- added unsweetened vanilla almond milk and sugar free cinnamon vanilla syrup), and fresh strawberries. Accompanied it all with a small glass of not-from-concentrate OJ. Sound good? That's pretty much an average daily breakfast around the house. (Occasionally I'll resort to making breakfast (instant plain steel cut oats with brown sugar and cinnamon added at the last moment, and a cup of Chobani greek Yogurt, and a peice of fruit), but that's not as common. It's MUCH higher in calorie and not as healthful - more sugar and less fiber.)
• Worked a 12 hour day. (Which is a VERY long time to be staring at books and screens.)
• Walked the dog 4 times.
• Did the MOUNTAIN of laundry that was piling up.
• Did the Dishes.
• Took out the recycling
• Stuck to healthy foods throughout the day.
• Worked out on my lunch/dinner break.
• Wrote this blog
• Brainstormed Valentine's plans

Here it is, 1 am, and I'm considering going to the produce store (which is about an hour and 1/2 adventure) since we're out of fruit and running REALLY low on veggies. But on the off chance I'd pass out in the car, I should probably just stay home, and fold the laundry and put it away so it doesn't sit in the baskets forever.

I'm REALLY good at being busy!

Now on to other things -
  I'm actually really surprised how well I'm taking the 3rd (yes, 3rd) rescheduling of our wedding date. Most women would probably flip out - even one in my position. But I'm not. It'll give us some extra time to save up some more money, and I'll be able to take my time on some projects I was going to do for the wedding anyway. We'll also be able to focus on that new house thing WHICH, for the record, SCARES ME TO DEATH!

See, my experience with purchasing real estate isn't good. In the early 2000's my then-husband and I purchased a condo. I was SO excited to have "our own place", though I do remember being more afraid to buy the place than I was to get married! In hindsight, I should have listened to that fear, but live and learn. Anyway, we bought over-paid for the apartment/condo conversion. It ran us about $260k. My folks gave us money to help w/ closing costs and the real estate agents and the lenders convinced us that we could afford $2200/month. Gulp. Our plan at the time was to turn a profit within 5 years. Well, that would have been impossible. Even if the marriage had lasted another 5 years (it lasted 1 1/2 I think after that purchase), we would NEVER have turned a profit. Turned out they screwed up the electrical and, in the long run, the neighborhood never really turned around the way it had appeared to start. In the end, we agreed to try to short sell it. Didn't work out, so both my ex and I got slammed w/ a foreclosure on our credit records. Now that was some years ago (and the same condos now sell for $85k... yeah, ouch...), and it should be off my credit report any day now, but still...

I realize that I may really struggle with trust. I mean, I do trust that all things work together for good in the end. But there are still things that make me quiver in my boots and the thought of not being able to keep a roof over my head on my own is one of them. See, I've worked every since I was a teenager. I can't remember ever being out of a job. In fact, most of my adult life I've worked more than one job at a time. That doesn't mean I'm rolling in dough, but it does mean that I don't have to  financially lean on anyone 99.8% of the time (my folks have helped me out here and there over the years). Since I never really learned to trust anyone else (in my adult life) to provide for me, I am freaked out about knowing that someday, when My Sailor and I have a family, I'll be leaning on him in a financial sense more and more. I don't think I'll ever stop working. It's just not in me. My "work" may change from my current day job to writing (still working on that novel), but I'll never stop working for an actual paycheck.

I'm actually surprised by the stomach-turning fear I have of big purchases and especially of buying property. I'm aware that experience has taught me that I might not be able to keep it - but experience has also taught me that I'm going to be okay no matter what happens in my life. I know My Sailor and I aren't going to split up when we buy property. The two (buying property and divorce) aren't linked one bit in my mind - and that's reassuring.

But I find myself becoming more and more grateful for this oppurtunity to face down my fear - and, with some faith, trust, good planning, and pixie dust - prove them unnecessary. Even the Bionic Woman was afraid sometimes, but all of her parts got her through - so I'm sure her namesake will come out on top of this one too.

Tomorrow's Excursion and Being a Tourist

Today I found out that a co-worker who LOVES to travel is coming up to visit in 2 weeks for a weekend. I'm pretty excited about that! It'll give me someone to be a local tourist with for a couple days. I don't have an itinerary planned yet, but I'm working on it. If the weather holds, the Space Needle, Pike's Market... and maybe another tour? But there might need to be a stop in Poulsbo for some delicious Norwegian pastries! Gotta do the walking to walk them off though! I'm sure we will.

Tomorrow I have an appointment with Alfred Angelo's local store. I use the word "local" loosely as it's about 45 minutes away - one way. But I'm looking forward to it. The plan of attack - try on my dress. Well, not "my dress", but the same style in the size I ordered it. It's really just to check my progress since I've been losing weight. I'm also going to look at accessories and to check out some new bridesmaids dresses. No one has ordered their dress yet since it's so far out, so if I can find a cheaper option that I like, I'd like to offer the girls some options.
Photos to come later!
But for now, it's time for bed!

Taking Notes...

So this holiday season is pretty full. I'll be home with my family over Thanksgiving and over Christmas, but I'd really love to take a day to do this at some point too...

Okay, so it's probably a little corny, but for me, there is a little magic in small town Christmases. And this year, I may not be in Port Orchard for Christmas, but I look forward to the pre-holiday festivities... and to experiencing my first snow.

An Unexpected Delight - Trillium Winery

Today didn't turn out at all like I expected. I woke up, and my legs were feeling the spinning class I took last night. Had me a little concerned, but when you have a dog, you have to get out of bed. so out we went!

I like to make my weekend breakfasts "special". So today was Pumpkin Pancakes (I'd picked the mix up at World Market the week before - and it's delicious and only 90 calories) and scrambled egg beaters. Then I headed off to the Holly Daze craft fair I'd been looking forward to all week.

Overall, I found the craft fair (held in an nearly empty and somewhat run down mall) expensive and rather disappointing.It was held in a local older mall, where over 1/2 of the stores were empty. In fact, they were offering to rent them out as "event space" (for weddings, etc) at dirt cheap prices. Having my wedding reception in a run down mall doesn't ring 'romantic' to me - so they must really be struggling. I came with a $40 budget, and left empty handed. It's sad when a franchise like PartyLite has the best stuff there...

I headed over to another mall to use a Macy's gift card that's been burning a hole in my pocket. Nothing there knocked my socks off, so I held on to my gift card for another day. To console myself, I headed to Barnes and Noble. After a cup of my favorite hot tea (Holiday blend - YUM!), and a stroll through World Market again (curtains were on sale and I have my eye on some) I headed home. It's a bit of a drive, and I was feeling lonely, so I called a few friends. I gave up after 2 voice mails and 2 curtailed family conversations (all of my family was working), I gave up on company and focused on enjoying the brisky, sunny day it was turning into.

Once home, I promised Clydas a hike. We headed out check out a state park I'd seen signs for, but have yet to visit - Penrose park. After a longer drive than I anticipated, we arrived at the park 10 minutes before the park closed. It would cost us $10 to get out and walk for 10 minutes. Yes, I had money left over from my craft fair budget, but - Forget that! Though the drive was pretty, weekends are proving the toughest right now.
Today hadn't been fabulous. I called a couple friends to catch up, and left voice mails. I called my family, and they were busy, keeping the conversations brief. I was feeling a bit lonely.
Now, I've always found wineries to have a calming, creative feel too them (even before I could drink at them).

When I saw the sign for Trillium Winery, I figured, what the heck, and went for it.
I figured, worst thing that could happen is that they'd be closed. It was a chance I was willing to take.  I drove up to the tasting room.

Trillium Winery Tasting Room

Beautifully quaint, isn't it? I found the tasting house of a tiny one lane low mountain road lined with evergreens and small farm house properties. It was nearly sunset and a brisk 50 degrees outside.

Ducking inside the small cottage-like tasting room, I was greeted by 4 guests and Claude, the wine maker himself. He approached me immediately, shaking my hand, glassy eyed, as I would have expected from any french winemaker.

Proud Winemaker Claude

Claude took pride in introducing me to his unique wines. I'd seen the winery online, but never saw the bottles around town. Turns out, there is a reason for that. Claude's wines are rather exclusive. Made with a more natural process, he manages to retain a the flavor of the fruit in a manner that is beautifully full bodied without having the usual syrupy texture and flavor I've found in a number of larger produced California wines.

I have to say, the wines of the Pacific Northwest have been a pleasant surprise overall. And this was by far the best experience I've had. It's rare to meet a wine maker face to face without paying for an expensive paired meal, and even then, you don't get to really share one on one time. When the other group left, Claude was quick to engage me in conversation and show off some of his unique and amazing wines. I got a taste of his remarkable reserve Cabernet. I came home with 2 bottles and I can't wait to pick up one of the reserves to share with My Sailor when he comes home

Claude makes wine he likes to drink.

Apparently Claude and I think the same way.

Turned out to be a delicious night.

Thank you, Claude, for saving my day.
Click here for a link to Trillium's website - and let me know if you're in the area! I'd love an excuse to introduce you to the world of Trillium's wine maker.

"I'd like a sexpresso with a side of boobage please."

I was warned that Seattlites LOVE their coffee. Which is generally true even here on the penninsula. There are coffee stands all over the place.  Nearly each one has a gimick. For example, one is shaped like a tug boat and is across the street from the marina.

When I saw one advertise "Family Friendly", I started to wonder. I mean, what makes a tiny drive up coffee house "family friendly"? Really good hot chocolate? Free hot cider to kids?
Then we figured it out, though I must admit, I was a bit naive.
Across the street is Fantasy Espresso and a stand called the Natte Latte.
At first, I chuckled, thinking, "Wow, they are desperate to sell their coffee. Using sex appeal? Really? How sexy is coffee?"

Apparently - very sexy -
   When it's served by women in pasties and thongs.

Yup, that's right. Drive up to the tinted windows (which are cut especially low so the girls have to bend over to take your order and give your coffee if you're not in a jacked-up truck) and you too can get flirted with and an $8 coffee.

While I enjoy Pastries rather than Pasties with my coffee-style beverages, I must admit, the whole idea made me chuckle. I mean  - seriously?! I guess it speaks to the...er... stiff coffee competition out here that you have to resort to that in order to sell your product. It causes quite a stir in newspapers and the like, but I get a chuckle out of it. If there wasn't a market for it, it wouldn't be open every day. 

Anyway, I thought it was funny, so there ya go!
Anyone for some sexpresso?

A Summer Solstice Sunset

We took a stroll down by the Marina on the longest day of the year. And what a lovely night it was.

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

We capped off the day by watching Bridesmaids (very funny) and having a martini at the local martini lounge, OneTen Lounge. The martinis were great and the Lounge was a wonderful discovery! Reasonably priced, it's open late, offers free wi-fi, and the perfect conversation spot. We're sure to be back - and I can just see myself blogging away from there once My Sailor is underway. What a perfect way to start the summer.

The Yosemite road trip

About a week ago, I left Port Orchard to embark on a drive to Yosemite. It was a long drive. Roughly 40 hours round trip, done over about 3 days.

But I'm so glad I braved the road for it, for so many reasons:

1) First of all Green Guy got married! Now, I've been blessed to have some amazing men in my life - ranging from my family members to friends who have become my family.  Until that day, I wasn't fully aware how much I consider Green Guy like a brother. I am speechlessly honored to be a part of several major events in his life. His wife is stunningly beautiful inside and out. There was a nearly-tangible connection between them and I've never seen Green Guy so happy. In his happiness, he remains one of the most inspirational people in my life. Congrats Green Team! I'll be writing more about this one later, once I have more photos to post.

2)YOSEMITE! I can see why they love this place so much. To say it's "amazing" or "beautiful" would be doing it a disservice. It's the kind of place that reminds me why I love living a more rural. Driving to Glacier Point on Friday brought tears to my eyes. It felt like nature at it's best. I can't wait to go back with My Sailor when we have time so we can really go hike and explore. Even the 10 feet drifts of snow on the way didn't dampen my spirits.






3) I stayed healthy! Usually, a road trip would mean a tour of drive-thrus and french fries. Aside from having to deal with diet soda to help with the caffine necessary, I filled my cooler with veggies, fruits, protein bars, and

But the best part of the entire trip was the feeling of community I felt. Green Guy's family and Green Girl's friends truly adopted me into the group. It made me realize that I do enjoy living in the mountains, but I miss that sense of community that I took for granted while living around my family.  I wish I had brought my camera so I'd have more pictures, but I'm sure I can find photos through Facebook and the other guests.

Anyway, I was VERY happy to get home on Sunday afternoon too. My Sailor made sure I came home to a happy dog, a clean apartment, a potted orchid (my favorite), and a salmon dinner! Sometimes you don't realize how much you miss someone until you're parted for a while. If this is any sign of things to come, homecoming from his deployments will be wonderful.

Just because I'm home does not mean I'm available.

Dear Upstairs Neighbor -
  I do my best to come to the door with a smile on face when you knock, and say hi when you happen to be on your deck as I come in and or out of my unit. With all due respect, our lifestyles are not condusive to any substantial relationship, but I'm more than happy to be friendly. I understand that living on a lower unit in a building built in the 1980's says there isn't a lot that can be done about the noise of your kids running around like rhinos, and I'm sure that occasionally you hear my TV or what not from down here.
  Just because I'm home does not, however, mean I am available to answer the door. Due to the large number of solicitor's lately, I don't answer the front door during the day unless I'm expecting a package delivery or repairman.
  However, knocking the rear sliding glass door of my apartment is not okay. Ever. I will never answer a knock on the rear glass door short of an emergency. (Even in that case, emergency workers announce themselves.)
   Especially after 10pm at night.
  Yes, I know you knew I was home. I know you could hear my TV.  However, I was watching Game of Thrones with My Sailor and was unavailable to attend to your need - even if you had knocked at my front door.
  Sincerely,
The Downstairs Gal

Port Orchard, Silverdale, SourceCode, and House Warming

So it's finally starting to feel more and more like home, even though this is the first official weekend here.
It's been an eventful week in many ways. I got back to work and FINALLY got over my cold. On another front, I ventured out to try some chinese food - And ended up sick as a dog for about 2 days. (No more Golden Grill On The Bay for me. The people who gave this place 4+ stars must enjoy stomach discomfort on the regular...or maybe I was just unlucky...either way, one and done is enough for me.)

But great things happened this week as well. For starters...
My Sailor graduated from his training program in Georgia on Friday! Yeah! And nearly top of his class too! It was touch and go for a few minutes while we wanted to see if the government shut down would effect our plans. It did, just a little. A payment hiccup has made things a tad stressful, but I'm sure it'll work itself out before he moves up here to the frozen north.



He also sent me a WONDERFUL house warming gift. My favorite flowers (purple orchids) and a fuzzy little teddy bear to keep me company until he gets up here (though they should last LONG after that, since he's only about a week away now).

Hale's Alehouse

As far as my previous reference to "the frozen north", it's not frozen up here.  Most days are in the 40's or 50's - which is still cold to my Californian senses. Thankfully, I prefer jeans and sweaters to mini skirts and bikinis that most folks associate with California blonds.

So I'm starting to explore my surroundings more and more. Today I was FINALLY feeling back to my old self, and I took a drive to Silverdale with the intention of seeing a movie.

I ended up seeing Source Code - and really enjoying it. While I had the main mystery worked out early in the movie. It had plenty of surprises in mind, and I'd completely recommend it to anyone who likes thinking films, like "Inception", "Shutter Island", etc.

I also discovered the Kitsap Mall, which made me feel right at home. Especially when I overheard someone say, "They build these things like we're in Southern California! I just came in here for coffee. I can't find a damn thing." It gave me a chuckle. I ended up having lunch at a great little spot - Hale's AleHouse. I tried the Troll Port. Though the name sounds awful, the service was friendly, beer was great, and ceasar salad with chicken was just what the doctor ordered.

Part of my mall excursion included using some housewarming gift cards to get some fun things for the house and some necessities:
Running shoes (necessities- I got rid of my old run down shoes before the move, so I've been walking in my hiking boots, which are great for the rain, but not for work out room.)
1 Sweater, 2 camisoles, and a blouse (necessities and fun - I figure it'll be nice to have something new to go out on a date night with My Sailor when he gets in state!)
Tron, the Combo pack (This is a toss up between "fun" and what I'd call, a total necessity for any Disney fan - especially one like me, who's mother went to school with Jeff Bridges)

On the way home, I stopped by a local grocery store that is going to be a mainstay while this Port Orchard chapter of my life continues. It's more of a warehouse style store, but the prices are right, the goods are fresh (and often local), and the guy at the coffee shop gave me some great advice on where NOT to eat (if only I'd met him sooner!).

So I can say, I'm getting used to the place. It's starting to feel like home when I come home. Hopefully when My Sailor gets here, it'll feel even more like home.

The first few days

Some sense of normalcy is returning, now that I'm moved into the new place.

I'm back to work, both at the magazine and at my day job. Clydas and I are back to our daily routines and I'm working on making the place feel like home. Reality sets in and the truth is, no one likes downsizing. But I know it's giving me the chance to clear out some bills - to bring my California dollars to Washington and more quickly pay off some annoying credit cards, and it's FINALLY putting My Sailor and I in the same time zone. I'm really looking forward to getting into the arts community here. And even in my little town of about 11 thousand people, there are a couple little theaters that are putting on some really awesome shows.

The cold is really taking some getting used to. The average of about 40 degrees is making my joints ache as my body grows accustomed to it's new surroundings. But the area is beautiful - there is no denying that. Tall evergreens grow everywhere, springing up through mossy, grassy damp earth. There is a fresh, crisp taste to the air. While it rains, it never feels muggy, like the desert rains I am accustomed to.



I love that a cozy fire is possible and appropriate even on a spring evening like this. There is a silence that seems to seep into everything out here. I can see why great artists have often sought places with this type of silence. It BEGS to be filled with every kind of art, noise, and expression.  This could be very good for me.

My family has really stepped up to the plate to ease the transition too. My mom has taken to calling me every day on her way home from work. My dad texts and calls occasionally as well. And my brother just called to shoot the breeze. My Sailors sisters reach out as well and I appreciate all of it. Not knowing anyone up here can make it feel a bit lonely sometimes. I make sure to take a photo a day on my cell phone to post on Facebook or send to my family and friends. Staying connected is vital for me - my sanity, my happiness, my creativity, AND my future husband. My sailor has been really great this week, even though he's undergoing his own huge transition. We do our best to listen to each other and walk through this adventure hand in hand. It isn't always easy, but most growing experiences in life aren't completely painless. We're both learning a lot in how to be there for each other without physically being able to "be there". Communication is a skill that we're continuing to hone, but he's been especially great in being there for tearful moments, moments when worry gets the better of me, and every day, no matter what mood I've been wrestling with, he's right there - offering me whatever I seem to need.  What can I say - I love him. For a million reasons - he continues to prove to me every day why he's earned the special place he's captured in my heart.