Mama MiltonMama MiltonMinistry major turned bartender marries, has babies, makes peace with her Maker and rides off in the suburban sunset. Movie to follow. Did I mention there will be laughter? Articles
Thankful: Day fifteen
2010-11-16 03:30:00 Monday was especially Monday-ish, leaving me feeling a little ungrateful. Blech.So, I figured there is no better time to look at some gratuitous cute dog footage. It always cheers me up.These two love to rip around the yard together. (Courtney looks rather possessed here. It's a look we're used to, I'm afraid.)The rain has driven their play inside these days...But it's hard to be in a bad mood when these two are around.{thankful for our canine companions & their hi-jinks}
Thankful: Day fourteen
2010-11-15 03:33:00 I made breakfast Thursday morning, and stood back to see if the kids would eat up or decline said breakfast favorites. I've seen enough horror shows to know the key to survival is sussing out when your pal is infected and Zombie-bound, and I've had the stomach flu enough times to know that I wasn't about to begin a 2 hour drive with would be Zombies/Vomiteers if I could help it.They ate up, and I packed up the car and away we went for the long weekend, seeing friends, and family.(I came back home to Christmas shop with Greg while the kids visited my parents. Ahead who? Unheard of.){thankful for the good kind of tired that comes from a weekend well-spent}
Thankful: Day twelve
2010-11-12 15:00:00 I was sick earlier this week, down-for-the-count, pull-the-covers-over-my-head, sick.And what did my sweet girl do? She made her own lunch, shepherded her brother through the morning, fed the dogs to their bowls runneth-over and plopped a kiss on Zack's head when she walked him into the gym, wishing him a good day at school.She is a gem, this one.{thankful for my sweet, capable & lovely daughter}
Thankful: Day ten
2010-11-10 17:06:00 Acupuncture has changed my life.You're shaking your head, just now, and saying: How very West Coast of you.I'll take your jabs and raised eyebrows because acupuncture, Chinese herbs and moxabustion gave me the pain relief that I couldn't get from Neurontin, Imuran, Prednisone & narcotics.If that wasn't enough, I was doubly blessed, having Andrea Fisk as my first practioner. Not only is she brilliant and very skilled at what she does, but seeing her every week was like having coffee with a dear friend, an amazing advisor.I miss her terribly*.{thankful for Andrea, her friendship & her expertise}*I get to see her tomorrow - woot - and I begin with my new acupuncturist next week, here in town. Double woot.*I didn't snap this lovely picture, but I know who did. (I snagged it off Andrea's site.)
Thankful: Day nine
2010-11-09 17:11:00 Dastardly stomach virus-y thing has me grounded, and sad. I'm missing Zack's classroom field trip to a nearby forest to learn all about salmon and spawning and etc etc - all the things I have learned on these sort of trips before. In the rain.Just disappointed to be missing the fun, spending time with my kid.So I guess I'll just rest with my sweet, squishy dogs and get cracking on the stack of books by my bed.{thankful for the written word}
Thankful: Day eight
2010-11-09 06:00:00 I drink a lot of non-specific, non-fussy cheap, day-old coffee to motor through my schedule, but not today.This morning I brewed up a cup of illy, with a side of longing for Italy and France.{thankful for the little things, like the perfect cup of coffee on a rainy November day}
Thankful: Day seven
2010-11-08 03:43:00 Two football posts in one weekend, further proof that an alien life force has abducted the real Lisa, but who's to say. Pod-Lisa loves rooting for the underdog, watching a group of rather inexperienced boys come up out of nowhere and win the city championship.Other-Worldly Lisa cheered and teared up at today's game at a high school field. She even heard real Lisa's son's name announced at the Kidbowl.The only good thing about being replaced by an impostor alien-self is you don't have to stand in the rain.The rest is golden.{thankful for such an amazing season, with a gifted coach and great kids; even more thankful my hubby got to be there for it all}
Thankful: Day six
2010-11-07 02:22:00 I never was much for football.And then I moved to Eugene, home of the Oregon Ducks.Now we are living in a university town, during a very exciting time, and I find myself - ME! - screaming GO GO GO for my ducks every week. How did that happen?If you think I'm excited, you should see these two.(First home game at Autzen Stadium in September, weeks after we moved here.){thankful for relaxing Saturdays, watching football with my family in Eugene}*GO DUCKS!
Thankful: Day five
2010-11-05 21:45:00 I wanted a fancy-schmancy picture of my Smart Girls before I left for my new adventure in Eugene, but alas, just getting us to all sit down in one place can be challenging.I resisted the whole photo booth thing at the Ace Hotel in Portland, because there was simply no way we would all fit that itty-bitty space, but somehow we managed. It's what we do.And I'm glad Stu was saddled with my camera while we worked out the logistics.{thankful for friends that remind me to have fun & be silly sometimes}
Thankful: Day four
2010-11-04 20:52:00 I have been under the weather lately, having a miserable flare-up of EE. I had a great appointment today with an allergist, and after being skin-prick tested for 60 foods, we have concluded that I'd give dairy, along with eggs, a break for the next month.It's manageable, but it will take better menu planning on my part. Something I don't feel ready to tackle just yet, just now.Good thing I have some trash TV dvr-ing tonight.The Vampire Diaries(CW teenage vampire/witch/werewolf show? They had me at Bad Boone.)Grey's Anatomy(I dropped GA a few years ago, when Grey's long-lost sister introduced herself during an emergency because who does that? Yes, it's melodramatic, but it's the one show that moves me to tears. Truly. Also, in defense of my Grey's: I love the way last season's finale is still playing out on the show. I like my story lines untidy & messy, like real life.){thankful for distractions, and good doctors, and good outcomes*}*my sister had foot surgery yesterday...
Thankful: Day three
2010-11-04 02:55:00 There was tremendous grousing and complaining about being too tired (hungry/thirsty/oppressed) to take a 2 mile walk with their dear old Mom, but walk we did, along the Willamette, on a nearly 70 degree November day.There was lagging, and fake falls and enough drama for this mama, but I didn't mind.Leaves were falling and college students were riding their bikes; babies (unable to voice their displeasure) rode along merrily in strollers while I walked my rambunctious Springer, the one that wants to eat all the geese.(Hurry. Fly far, far away not-so-little birdies.)And by the time I snapped this picture on my phone, everyone was in a better mood. Against their will.{thankful for an opportunity to do what's good for us, even if some of us were unwilling.}
Thankful: Day two
2010-11-02 19:43:00 Stomping. Roaming. Strolling. Running.Men dressed in green (it is Eugene after all) wave to me before returning to tidying up their yards for the winter.Sleek runners, mounted on powerful legs, nod as I clunk by them.There's a whiff of smoke in the air, as folks fire up their stoves again.Nothing beats getting outside on a fall day.{thankful for legs that carry me where I want to go}
Thankful: Day one
2010-11-02 05:24:00 The baby-faced meteorologist was wrong.No rain on Halloween.We begged for candy without a coat.Now that's just crazy talk. Sweet, happy crazy talk.{thankful for a warm evening, traipsing around the neighborhood with new friends & my kids, while Greg handed out the goods.}
Stepford Syndrome
2010-10-14 22:52:00 Fed the family, fed the dogs, walked/jogged 7 miles, researched half-marathons, spoke to my Grandma on the phone, lifted weights, did the dishes and the laundry, wiped up counters and floors, dropped off kids, picked up kids (4tripstotal), talked to my sister, hosted a playdate, spoke to my neighbor lady, helped with homework, played with dogs, made blondies, walked Zack to playdate, talked to Jen on the phone, emailed, marked up the calendar, supported a fundraiser, addressed packages, looked for costumes, listened to football stats, welcomed my husband home, read during football practice, listened to a book on tape, watched Dexter with Greg. Laughed, lived, loved.Yet.I went to bed, wondering where my day went. Where all my days go. And why I don't get more done.Seeing it in print is helpful. But why do I feel like I'm spinning my wheels? More About: Syndrome
Florence. Oregon.
2010-10-10 22:01:00 A certain dog I know loves the sand. And water.Now that we are 60 miles from the Oregon Coast, it stands to reason that we can swing a day trip there, from time to time.If only the sun could have joined us. She's sorta afraid of the coastline. Big baby ball of fire.Not that my kids care.Believe me when I tell you friends: That water is C O L D. Brrr More About: Florence
of feet and frustration
2010-10-07 01:07:00 Some women make it look easy; they make it look effortless, this fashion thing. I've spent most of my life being haplessly unaware just how little of it comes to me at all.Not that I care. Not most days.But I recently found a darling pencil skirt at Goodwill, fulfilling my Great Skirt Fantasies. What is my GSF? Well, after wearing skirts all summer long, I would come across a batch of fall and winter skirts, skirts that beg to be worn with tights & boots. Skirts that play well with scarves and gloves. Skirts that would carry until spring. Skirts that may or may not like walking dogs, going to pumpkin patches and/or caramel apples. And skirts easy on the eyes and wallet.One would think that if I could find my Soul Mate Skirt, I would be set.One would hope that the neuropathy in my feet could just give me a break until I see my new acupuncturist in November, the earliest appointment I could get.One could hope that I could come up with a cute outfit for this weekend's Wordstock f... More About: Frustration , Feet
another Sunday
2010-10-04 02:00:00 I'm in the kitchen, boiling water, when I notice my son has abandoned the NFL game again, throwing a football around the backyard, undoubtedly re-enacting the day's plays.I don't mind that he's peeled himself away from the couch; I wish he'd kindly take pity on my electric bill and turn the TV off when he grows restless. Besides: Ethan Hawke is reading Slaughterhouse-Five to me, while I pull raviolis from the fridge, saute scallops.Ethan doesn't like competing with the fine men of ESPN, well-dressed in their tailored suits, suits designed for men with wide shoulders and early arthritis.I turn off the TV as my boy bounds through the door, puzzled and sweaty.'Why'd you turn off my show/game/Football prophet?'I shake my head and go back to making dinner. My story of war and Dresden awaits; Uma's ex bides his time patiently.I hit play. More About: Sunday
sneak peek: living room and mutt
2010-09-28 16:01:00 I say I've moved but I haven't offered up any proof of said new home.(Also: Please help me find a *new* way of saying *new*. I have overused it this past month and cringe every time I see it.)Let's start with the living room, because it looks clean-ish it's the only room that's had a photo shoot of sorts.I love the hickory wood floors, and the spacious vaulted ceilings and I'm not even quoting a realtor. It's light and airy, even when it's gloomy outside. Great news for drizzleland.Jake wakes from his nap, ready for his photo shoot. It's all about you, isn't it Jake?Jake. You are such a goober. More About: Living , Living Room , Sneak Peek , Room
Sunday
2010-09-20 02:00:00 Come Sunday evening, my mind drifts to Vancouver, where my people often gather for family night dinner. It's informal, elbows around the table, kids spilling into the yard of that week's brave host.Like potluck, but better.I find myself thinking of all the things I would say, if I was drinking a glass of wine with my best friends tonight.It's not that I'm unhappy here. I am drinking some Chinese medicine, to ward off a cold, and Greg is cooking for the second night in a row. I hear NFL from the other room; the dogs are nestled by my feet.I just miss sharing it, with them. So I make due with phone calls, and texts, and emails, and know - as I did the day I moved - that I was blessed beyond measure. Still am.Lucky, lucky me.
a cup of sugar
2010-09-14 03:49:00 My son has been standing on a chair for the better half of the afternoon, courting a new friend in the yard behind ours. He intermittently runs football plays for her - sure to impress any 9 year old girl - giving his sister a chance to saddle up to the fence for some much needed company as well.Tomorrow or maybe the next, I will make my way to their front porch, like a proper adult and introduce myself and invite their kids to play with mine, one yard to rule them all.Tonight, I will watch from my window, as my kids toss seeds over slated wood, hoping a friendship blooms. More About: Sugar
Death by Gilad (because capoeira makes me feel like a chump)
2010-09-09 00:55:00 I left my gym membership behind, north on the I-5. I know as a card-carrying member of the mom-types, I am supposed to really dislike working out, but I do it anyway because it is socially what's expected of me, or some such nonsense, but I haven't felt that way in years.(Except for the dang stairmaster. I am not a fan, and I only climbed those suckers because it's good for me, and I get uninterrupted bff time with Jen.)I work out because it really does make me feel better and keeps me sane(r). End of story.Gym-less, I decided I could save a few bucks, and start DVRing programs - I sound like my Grandma - to peruse at my leisure.I've tried the Core Fusion routines, deceivingly easy looking but painful.I've tried some Bollywood dance routines, and I've relied on one of my favoriteTV instructors for some yoga. (I would so befriend Sara Ivanhoe if she lived nearby and that's before I was friendless in a new town.)Then I got daring, thought 'perhaps I should give some of this Br... More About: Death
a dip, during our trip
2010-09-05 03:02:00 We stayed all tourist-like, lodging in a hotel in our former little town. [Former, as in 'we lived there two weeks ago'.]We visited the elementary school, where both my kids attended, and made our goodbyes.We visited friends, visited Bad Mom's new classroom, ate delicious homemade food and played with baby guinea pigs.I even saw my acupuncturist in Portland, for good measure.Then a spontaneous swim party broke out.Zack, Lexi and Kylen.Quinn B.Little Smart Girls. And boys.Summer sure is sweet. More About: Trip
August
2010-09-01 15:38:00 In one month, a mere 31 days, Mrs. Milton has done the following:Went on a uber-romantic trip with her hubby to Europe (Rome, French Riviera, Monte Carlo). I have much to tell you, dear readerCried &/or carried an ache in her throat from the not boo-hooing continuously. Moving is hard, Barbie.Registered both kids for new schools, went back to school shopping and prayed for the quiet that school will bring.And has dreaded the quiet school will bring.Made a quick road trip to visit her in-lawsHas fretted over bad skin, a harbinger of too little sleep, eating crappy food, and skipping the sweat that makes everything better.Flung an exfoliating acne gel into her right eye, while trying to quell the skin trauma.Thanked God her eye is still intact because believe me when I say this is not pleasant.Called the gas company, all Nervous Nelly like, when I smelled gas in my house. Dude said there's a dead mouse in my garage. Is this good news? At least we are safe.And now I'm off to tame...
hell hath no fury, or something like that (just hand over the library card
2010-08-30 17:57:00 Back when Mama was a wee miss, she discovered she had a thing for the written word.Many written words.All the time.I'm nestled around the corner, hiding from the matronly mamas.It could be said that I have a bit of obsession, really.So it should not come as a surprise to find that right after securing a place to sleep, and some nominal amount of food in the fridge after any move, I scour the earth for the nearest library. I found mine within hours of arriving in Eugene, in the phone book, old school style.I took my first mortgage payment stub with me - to prove residency - and the kids and we marched on in, all ready to begin our love affair with our new library system only to be turned away.Turns out that buying a house in the area is shaky ground, however, a rental/lease agreement would be an in as would a personal letter addressed to me from any old Joe the Letter Writer.Now those that know me in the flesh, know I can sometimes be too quick to accept a 'no'. I am easy-going li... More About: Card , Library , The Library , Hell , Hand
801*: The move to Eugene report
2010-08-27 17:04:00 Eugene, ORIt started off rocky, my emotional stability, as we drove 20 mph to Eugene, where our new home waited for us. A biker nearly clipped my car, and I muttered something murderous. Traveling with two kids and two dogs, heaped with the last of our belongings will do that do a girl. Especially when she's been living on fast food and adrenaline for days.But we landed safely and just like that opening scene from Wizard of Oz, little by little, the kindly folks of our new neighborhood came out, to welcome us. Picture us, grubby and disheveled, hungry and sweaty - I can only imagine the impression we made, what with Zack pwning everyone and my daughter desperate for dinner - shaking hands like crazy politicians that just rolled into town. I might have even kissed a baby.So, we've been on a roll. Checking out pools, and parks, and unpacking.I've been organizing, channeling Martha Stewart and her hordes of naturally tidy people, which I don't count myself among.I've registered ki... More About: Report , Move
new girl on the block
2010-08-24 16:22:00 I'm rusty. And not in the wholesome, leading up to some crack about moving to Oregon, sort of way. I'm just rusty and out of practice when it comes to blogging.But you know that little voice you hear when you are writing frequently, that running monologue as you go about your day, writing invisible sentences in your noggin? It's back. So either I am mentally ill (shut it) or this mama is back.Now back to unpacking. More About: Girl
spring cleaning
2010-03-31 20:52:00 It was the sort of tidy, unbelievable dream recounted in memoirs or told by children, hoping to chat up a subject when you know good and well they are fibbing, fabricating a neat narrative to start the day. I don't mind when my kids do it; let them be storytellers in a world that doesn't always like or understand big imaginations. It's a good cover.But I woke with a start, after a vivid dream sure to make you roll your eyeballs around your sweet head, thinking this is your reward for reading Mama Milton - big fat liar - again. My feet hit the floor; I woke up productive(Well, save the precious minutes lost, eating amaranth porridge, propped in my chair, watching Raquel Welch discuss her cleavage, or the need to be taken serious despite her cleavage or her tone or some such nonsense. Not that I don't like Raquel or her cleavage for that matter. But following what felt like a vision? Waste. Of. Time.)The months that have made up this year have been equally difficult and happy: a f... More About: Cleaning , Spring
recommendations from a wayward writer
More articles from this author:2010-02-22 03:35:00 A beautiful story I plan to listen to, again, before I return it to my trusty library.And a beautiful movie, tucked in before the Oscars, coming to a living room near you in a mere two weeks. (Secret boyfriend alert for my BFF bad mom...)Just add February sunshine, and things are just ducky. More About: Writer 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 |
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