Big Dose of Reality.....

Well....guess what?  I'm not a spring chicken any more! 

Want to know how I figured that out (as you're probably saying to yourself....'really, you're just now learning that'??).

You see, I've been interviewing for a summer intern.  I conducted phone interviews the other week and then flew down the final candidates to our office for the final round.  It was a very impressionable experience (is that correct grammar?).

Two things hit me about this experience....

1.  I'm not 'young' any more.  It still feels like I was in college yesterday. And, overall, I feel like a 'younger' person.  But, when you walk smack-dab into a 19yr old that's hungry, driven, and got it pulled together....not so much Kristin.  You're not as young as you think. Sure, I'm older and wiser (making myself feel good here...go with it).  I'm also 37 and pregnant!!  Don't I know that this should've been taken care of 10 years ago!   To the 19yr old....I left college almost TWO decades ago!  What the hell have I been thinking??  Who am I trying to kid?  I'm.....middle-aged!  Am I really?  I sure don't think so.  Or, at least would like to pretend that I'm not.  

I just 'googled' middle-age to see if it the definition could make me feel any better.  Here's what I found:

"The US Census lists middle age as including both the age categories 35 to 44 and 45 to 54, while prominent social scientist, Erik Erikson, sees it ending a little later and defines middle adulthood as between 40 and 65."

......could that be any more vague?  Basically a range of 35 to 60?  What kind of bracket is that? 

"Middle-aged adults often show visible signs of aging such as loss of skin elasticity and graying of the hair. Physical fitness usually wanes, with a 5–10 kg (10-20 lb) accumulation of body fat, reduction in aerobic performance and a decrease in maximal heart rate. Strength and flexibility also decrease throughout middle age."

Prior to being pregnant, I'd like to think I was ok in everything up there but the 'graying' part.  I do get my hair highlighted a little more frequently than I used to....to cover up a certain color I don't like seeing on my head.  I'm probably kidding myself on the physical fitness part too, although I think I'm still pretty 'fitness oriented' and can live with just a little 'reduction'.  Makes you work harder, right?

So, on to #2.

2.  I am VERY glad I'm not a college student.  This goes completely counter to everything I just complained about above.  I know.  But, I realized that all this 'millenial' stuff is a bunch of lies.  They are not slackers.  At least not the ones looking for summer interns.  They are crazy-driven and crazy-eager to succeed.  Watch out.  I think I was just looking into the face of my 'future boss'.  I would not want to be competing in that crowd for any amount of money.  These kids have done more than I ever thought possible by age 19!  I thought I did pretty well for myself (and with the help of my generous parents) by the time I was 19.  Ha!  I didn't have a 'resume' by that age...especially one that could fill an entire page. 

Pretty impressive I have to say.  Hats off to these kids.  However, here's my one bit of unsolicited advice......

Enjoy college.  Enjoy being 19.  You have plenty of time to get everything done by the time you're 35.  I promise.  At the rate you're going, you'll probably get it done by the time you're 28.  Relax.  Have a beer.  Or two.  Heck....it's Friday.  Have three. 

I Have A New Address....

It's called an airplane!  I called my mom last week and asked her if there was a spot on the new Census report where you could type 'American Airlines' for your home address!  I love traveling for work and for pleasure.  But, this is getting a bit ridiculous!  All worth it, as I've been able to incorporate many personal side-trips to my work trips lately.  I've been able to catch up with many, many people I have not seen in awhile, which is always fun. 

Last week, I went to Chicago for a quick day and a half trip.  One of my good friends, Jennifer, lives out there, so I was able to stay with her one night night and then head to our office early the next morning.  I got back from Chicago at 7pm Thur night and by 6am the next morning, Kyle, Olivia and I were back at the airport heading to San Antonio.  It's been killing me not to blog about this trip as we've had it planned for months!  But, it was a surprise.  At least for two people involved - DeeDee and her son Josh.  Kaitlyn knew about is as she is a bit 'older and wiser'....in other words, she can keep a secret.  Josh, who's 5, just might not understand the meaning of 'secret' yet, so we chose to keep it from him.  My sister turned 40 on Good Friday and my parent's threw her a very nice surprise party with many of her friends in attendance.  It was a great time.  Much more about this trip in my next post after I upload the pics....many from this weekend and others before it. 

We got back Tues night and now we're back on a plane tomorrow morning.  Like the others, this one is worth it, even if a bit taxing.  The three of us are flying to Dallas.  There, Olivia gets off the plane and gets some 'Gogi' time.  Kyle and I....we get a little 'adult vacation time'.  Sleeping in, staying out late, that kind of thing.  We're going up to Seattle and tying it into a quick business trip I have Tuesday. Very long flight for a day's meeting, so we decided to make the most of it.  We're going hiking one day, might go see whales one day and are trying to get tickets to the Mariner's opening day.  Then, I have a friend up there too from my video game days and we're going to have dinner one night with her and her husband.  Should be a lot of fun! 

Oh....and Olivia and a friend decided to 'cut' her hair a few weeks ago, so I'll have to show you her new 'do.  Two haircuts later, it actually turned out cute.  Isn't this a rite of passage for all kids?  If so, we survived in good form.  Could've been MUCH worse! 

When You're Given Lemonade.....Make it into Margaritas!

Well, the pregnancy has kicked in.  I am tired and very behind on my blogging duties!  I've had a partial draft of the blog below for about 10 days.  I have pictures to go with it, but I don't have the energy to upload them right now.  Could be because I've been in a training class for two days solid and have no 'brain' energy left, but easier to blame on the pregnancy!  :)  The pics will follow, soon. 

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Before we moved to Miami, a good friend told me to make sure we took advantage of the move and experienced all that we could while here.  I try to keep that in my mind all the time.  We love it here, but I can't imagine living here forever.  So, becuase of that, I'm going to do my darndest to make the most of it! 

We've had both grandmothers here over the past month, which has been awesome!  We love having visitors and Olivia loves being spoiled!!  It also gives Kyle and I a chance to get away for a few date nights, which happens much less than it did when we lived 5 miles from Gogi's and Olivia had her own bedroom at her house.  So, they are treasured. 

As for the rest of the weekends, for not knowing many people, we seem to have a lot going on!!  If we do stuff with people, it's one of two families for the most part.  I love hanging out with the Herman's.  They are the ones we met when we were house hunting this summer and now live two blocks away.  They are 'southern' people and we really get along great!  Barry loves to cook and is always trying new things.  He's a great cook!  And, when they come over to our house, I get to pull out all the new recipes I've been wanting to try and use him as my guinea pig!  It works out great!  Dana and Kyle get to reap the benefits!  Perfect. 

We've also been 'festival' happy lately.  I guess when it's 75 and sunny all the time, you can plan things all year round.  A month ago we went to this big Arts Festival down in Coconut Grove.  I think I already wrote about this (see note above), so I'll stop there.  We have this amazing park by our house.  It's H.U.G.E.  It has a big park, a river, a hike and bike trail, volleyball courts, circuit training, etc.  A few weekends ago, they had this community picnic.  There were a dozen gigantic blow up slides for the kids, cotton candy, hot dogs, BBQ, snow cones, music, arts & crafts, etc.  And, it was all FREE.  We couldn't believe it.  We went with Dana, her kids and Harper (Olivia's backyard friend).  Everyone had a blast. 

The next day, we went down to this Carnivale festival.  Hard to explain.  It's called Calle Ocho (8th Street in Spanish), although it's on this place called the Miracle Mile.  Turns out it's the prelude festival for the real one in Miami's 'Havana'.  Tons of Cuban music, food, arts, etc.  We decided to bring Eddie.  Good place to get a walk in for your dog, right?  Apparently not with a vizsla.  Everyone.  And, I mean everyone, stopped us to ask what he was, if they could pet him, etc.  We couldn't walk two feet without getting stopped.  Poor guy was so exhausted by the time we left, we had to carry him.  Then, he got sick in the car on the way home.  Think it was all the man-handling he had to suffer through! 

This weekend is the start of Olivia's spring break and we're heading over to Marco Island.  Staying on the beach in a hotel.  Olivia needs nothing else to get excited!  She can't wait.  Kyle and I are pretty excited too.  Will be nice to get away, even if only for a few days. 

Then, in a few weeks, Kyle and I get to get away for a few days.  I have a trip in Seattle, so we're heading out the weekend ahead of time.  The great part is that we have to connect through Dallas, so Olivia's coming with us on the first leg and staying at Gogi's for 5 days.  This will be a great time for all!! 

Come visit!!  We love visitors! 

Genes Can Look Very Different...and be very underappreciated!

And no, I don't mean the kind you wear.  Not a play on words above. 

My mom came to visit this past week and I had a startling revelation.  One that is very black and white and gives me pause to think about my own child(ren). 

My mom was a teacher by trade all of her entire adult life.  I say 'by trade' and 'adult life' for two reasons.  First, the majority of her career was spent teaching kindergarten, but in addition to that, she taught numerous other ages and studies (science, preschool, summer camps, etc).  And, although she technically retired almost 10 years ago, she has never walked away from the field.  It is in her blood. 

From a very early age, I knew that I would not be a teacher.  My high school drill team instructor even stood up at the Senior banquet and said something about my business tendencies as she introduced me.  It was evident then that this was my field.  I recently found my high school yearbook and in the line where it says 'In 10 years I will be....'.  Mine doesn't say 'Married with kids', mine says 'practicing international business.' 

But, now I have kids and I wish that I had even an ounce and I do mean an ounce of those skills.  They are key to raising kids.  They are very important in my child's development, not to mention 'fun' in the process.  I get it.  I know that at this age, I need to be working on Olivia's letters, small words, etc.  But, I don't create fun with it like my mom does.  Kids gravitate to her.  Kids want to learn when they're around her.  She gets on their level.  Olivia had off from preschool on Monday and she and Harper (the 5yr old next door) spent the whole day with my mom.  Doing. Fun. Stuff.  Harper said it was the best day of her life.  I don't think any kid has or ever will say that about me.  My mom shipped a whole box of 'fun' (arts and crafts) down to Miami so it would be here when she arrived and could create all these fun activities for Olivia and her friends.  I really don't think Olivia could ask for a cooler grandma. 

How could I come directly from my mother's womb and lack this very important gene?  It was not passed on to me at all.  I want a piece of it. 

I then start to think too....if my mom was a teacher and I'm a business person....what will Olivia be when she's older?  If I had to guess right now, it would be a Hannah Montana impersonator. 

And They Said We Should Name Him 'Bad Decision'

Nope.  Not talking about the baby that will introduce him/her self in Sept.  I'm talking about this adorable little guy.  Kyle received a text from a friend who will remain nameless, (hint... rhymes with 'Sal') that suggested we give this little guy that name!! 

Isn't this the cutest thing you've ever seen? 

Meet Eddie.  He is 10 weeks old this week.  I actually think he was born Christmas Eve, but I can't remember at the moment. 

How in the world did we end up with yet our 3rd Vizsla after my lengthy post a month ago about us not knowing what to do about a dog, you ask?  So, here's the funny story.  Funny to us at least.  A few weekends ago, we went to the Coconut Grove Arts Festival.  Very cool.  If anyone is familiar with the area, Coconut Grove is like the Austin of Miami.  A little bit hippie, little bit college town, and quite eclectic.  We love it.  This Arts Festival is a huge event lasting over 3 days, right on the water.  Probably even a little bit more fun when you can partake in adult beverages, but still very cool.  We went down and hung out for the day.  Didn't buy any art, but did see a lot of dogs walking around with owners throughout the event.  As we were leaving, Kyle turned to me out of the blue and said 'Seeing all these dogs makes me think I'm ready again for one.'  Music to my ears!!  As one not to sit around and wait for things to happen, I took Kyle, his mom and Olivia to Petsmart the following day when they have 'adoption day' from nearby shelters.  My chance to strike while the iron's hot! 

We saw a few we liked, but none that we really got excited about.  There was even one there that was part-Chow and looked a lot like Jackie.  Kyle liked him, but we found out he's not good with other dogs.  Not ideal seeing as how our neighbors pet sit with their dog when we go out of town.  So, we left and drove to lunch.  On our way, Kyle spotted a man coming up on the hike and bike trail beside us.  We pulled over to watch, like crazy people.  We even got excited.  Even Olivia.  The guy was riding his bike with his vizsla running right beside him.  I'm sure he called 9-1-1 after as we were sitting on the shoulder of the road with all our head's out the window!  And, we knew.  We knew without saying that we just really fell in love with this particular breed and wouldn't be happy unless we had a vizsla. 

So, we went on to lunch.  On the way, Kyle and I came to the decision that we would just wait until the time was right to get a vizsla.  For a number of reasons.  It could be 3 years down the road and we were both ok with that decision. 

Tuesday, I'm on the plane heading to Aruba.  When I go to the islands I turn off my personal phone until I get back because I get ridiculous roaming charges.  Right as I'm getting ready to turn it off, my phone rings with a number I don't recognize.  For some reason, I answered (not my normal protocol).  It was a breeder I'd emailed a month ago with no response.  She had one male pup left (the sex we wanted) and although she lived in the central part of FL, she would be in Miami Thursday for a Dr's appt and could bring him down.  Her price was 2/3 of the other quotes we'd gotten and we needed to make a decision by that night. 

Obviously, you can tell what our answer was in this situation.  And, we LOVE him.  He's already an awesome dog and overnight, Olivia has a new best friend.  We all do really.  But, these two are inseperable.  Even though he's a tiny puppy, he picked up right where Sam left off.  He goes in with us at night for bedtime stories and stays in there until about 9pm or so.  Kyle couldn't find him the other day while Olivia was at school.  After searching the house, he found Eddie curled up in a ball on a chair in Olivia's room. 

And, this is what he does when he's not getting into trouble. 

So, although many of our friends think we're crazy (which is probably true) for getting another vizsla, we are quite thrilled! 

Just When You're Getting Settled......

Things change. I could beat around the bush, play coy or try to give everyone some riddle to figure out. But, I’m not feeling that creative at this moment.


So…….the Lane family is expanding!! Yes, it is official. Baby Lane will arrive sometime around Sept 4th, 2010!! The first Miami-born resident for the Dickinson/Lane family.

How does Olivia feel about this, you ask? Hmmm…..confused, excited, nervous, not-excited, happy…I guess it depends on her mood when you ask. For years, Olivia has been asking (and praying) for a baby in the family. Now that reality is setting in or she’s learning that life as the sole attention-receiver is not all that bad, she’s a little uneasy about this change. Of course, I know she will be both thrilled when the baby is born and ready to send him/her back from time to time!

She’s also dying to know if she’s going to get a baby sister. For those that suffered through the ‘not knowing’ period with us the last time, we have decided again to be surprised and not find out what we’re having. I know…believe me. I can hear it already. Julie’s already expressed her dislike with this decision. :) As much as I like to ‘plan’, I like to test my creative/patience skills more by trying to find that one cute unisex nursery bedding that exists out there! Olivia survived just fine with a green room. Hard to believe.

Outside of this life-changing event, all is good. As Kyle reminded me the other day, going through the summer months in Miami 8 months pregnant will be very pleasant! Ha!! I cannot wait. I think we might relocate to Idaho just for the summer. Stay tuned.

One of the funny things in all this is that my new Dr is our realtor’s son. I don’t know why it makes me laugh, but it just does. My mom said it reminds her of a commune of sorts. I remember talking to our realtor (Mari) about a house the day she was at her son’s graduation from medical school. His name is Dr Roca and he was named ‘Dr McDreamy’ from his medical school (for those Grey’s watchers) and he ended up getting into a practice rather close to our house, so I figured I should just put trust in the whole family. After all, Mari stuck by us like glue for a painful 6 months/300 home tours until we found our house! Kyle and I both really like him and he’s put up with my rather frequent visits in the first trimester, which has been very reassuring.

So, we’ll enjoy the next 6 months of calmness before the mayhem breaks out! Come visit while it’s safe.

Can't Stop the Faucet....

Now that I talked about all the randomness coming back to my mind, I can't stop.  Slight exaggeration, as there is really nothing that exciting going on in our lives.  But, if you know me, my mind does not rest easy. 

Anyways, I'm here today to talk about the weather.  Not an exciting subject, really.  I once heard someone say that the weather and children were the lowest common demoninators.  Which means, if you are at a lack of words or small talk, you mention one of these.  Knowing this, I laugh to myself whenever I'm talking to someone and either subject comes up...thinking 'Hmm, I guess we are out of things to talk about.'

That, however, is not the case here.  I just really need to follow up on an earlier discussion, pre-holiday.  There were/are many things about Miami that take getting used to - the lack of the English language, the really, really bad driving practiced here, the traffic, the amount of people at the airport (fueled largely by the cruise ships coming in and out on a daily basis), the lack of Mexican restaurants, the fact that there are no good radio stations, etc.  However, the one thing no one warned me about was the weather.  And, I'm not from up north.  I've lived in HOT places.  Arizona and Texas to be exact.  For a long time. 

But, when it was 85f and November here, I was more than a little homesick.  In fact, I was ready to move the hell out of here.  We had the warmest 'fall' ever.  And, it was really humid.  Not a good combo.  I was quite sad when all my friends in TX got a snow day before the holidays.  That never happens in TX.  It was absolutely wonderful to be in NYC in early Dec with cold and snow and then to be in TX for Christmas with cold and snow AGAIN.  It was beautiful.  It made the holiday. 

That has all changed.  I now LOVE Miami.  I think Jan/Feb in Miami is quite possibly one of the best places to be in the world.  If I were a snowbird, I wouldn't come a day before Jan 1st, but I sure as heck understand now why they are here. 

Look at these two pictures.  The one on top is the weather across the nation as of TODAY.  The bottom picture was the one I posted before the holidays. 

I've learned this about myself in my blogging diary.  I need winter/fall/cooler weather, but I'm sure glad I don't live in Minnesota.  Three months later, the temperatures are just about the exact same everywhere.  Only Miami has dropped 10 degrees.  Back in Nov/Dec, everyone kept saying...'just wait until Jan-Mar, it's the most beautiful weather in the world.'  I get it. 

While everyone else is bundled up, shoveling snow, staying indoors and suffering through blizzards, the Lane family is going to the park, riding our bikes outside, taking walks in the neighborhood at night, having BBQ's, and playing in the water park at the zoo. 

Life is not bad afterall.  It's in the 70's during the day and in the 50's at night.  Amazing.  And, the bluest skies imagineable.  I'm learning to like this place. 

Here was a surprising conversation with my husband on Saturday while we were watching Olivia play at the playground.

Me, "You know, I really miss the Tx hill country."

Kyle, "There is not a thing about Tx that I miss" (now imagine my jaw on the ground)

Me, "What, really, nothing at all?"

Kyle," Look at this place?  Are you kidding me?  There's nothing more perfect than this right now." (It was 70 and sunny). 

Tough to argue with that one.

For all of our friends and family that need some warm weather and a beach....come visit!!!  It's quite nice. 

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Side note: Blogger made some good updates on the 'underside' of the blog.  However, I just noticed that they took away the spell check function.  I'm not quite sure what to do.  I have mispelled words.  If I have any from here on out, please accept my sincere apology!!!