Just an ordinary day today. Talked to some kids, some clients, some friends and a spouse. Here in CA where there is a very slight change of season, it is strange to mark time. Sweaters which weren't really needed are now on sale and swimsuits are showing up in the stores. The days are still very short. Dark by 5:30 so that's how we know it is winter. This is not a complaint--anyone who knows me knows I dislike cold weather--just a strange, floating observation.

A couple of days ago I sent my children to the neighborhood park with my camera. Had to do something to pry them away from the electronics. They need to be in school. Most schools go back just after New Year's Eve. Our school doesn't start until the 8th this year. They were supposed to take shots of each other. Spence took 10 or so shots of her but she wouldn't return the favor. She is my daughter--a little self-absorbed. They took some interesting shots.

I really want to improve the quality and artistry of my photos. I was reading about the magic rule of thirds. Here a a link that explains: http://macteens.com/features/fullstory/the_rules_of_photography/

This morning Layla showered and then got back in bed saying it was cold. Her hair looked stringy and kinda cool on the pillow so I got out the camera prepared to try the magic thirds approach. The pictures still came out looking fairly ordinary but I will try to different techniques to increase the visual interest.

I did finally open the iPod I received for Christmas. It feels a little like work to set the thing up and organize my music but once done I'm sure I will enjoy it. I am sometimes stunned at the goodness of my life. Doug and I saw "Pursuit of Happyness" on Monday. The spark that tells us we are as capable as we are is powerful. This made me think of the Marianne Williamson quote:

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

Enough for now...love to all.

Well ...

my sweet husband begins working for Chevron tomorrow. Imagine starting a new job after 30 years with the old one. He is excited but I think a bit anxious, kinda like starting at a new school...need to make friends with the cool kids...can't find the lunchroom or your locker. I am so delighted, I called him today and made him crazy with my "am I in the right job" rant.

Today, I received verification that Honda will buy 112K work of research. This is the largest new purchase in a few years so it is pretty significant. I am happy about the sale, it has been a long time coming.

With the new year it is time to reflect on my diet. Which has been a disaster the last month. It's the next fad--an all-carb diet, mandatory cookies, cakes and pasta. Time to change. I really feel the need to set some type of goal to increase muscle tone. Michaela received a "Wave" skateboard for Christmas. She wanted me to try it but I am so out of shape I was afraid to try.

We spent New Year's Eve on the pier in Huntington Beach. It was beautiful. Windy but 65 degrees. A little different from Salt Lake. We headed home by 8:30 or so. Doug and I would have been happy to go to sleep before midnight but the kids wouldn't have it. They were determined to stay up. At midnight we walked outside and recognized we live on the most boring street in CA. We heard some fireworks and loud noises in the neighborhood but not on our street.

On New Year's Day, Michaela came into our room wearing pink camo pants (two sizes too small) and a gold glitter green camo jacket with black Heeley's. She took one look at me and said, "It works, Mom." I had to stiffle a laugh. She is not gifted with color coordination. Many outfits or shall we say get-ups are not so easy on the eyes. But she is strong willed and once the outfit is on, best of luck getting her to change. I have decided to exercise the "get in there and change" option for more extreme situations.

Enough for now...love to all.

Been playing for the last 3 hours with my banner. Still can't seem to get it right but sure am learning alot.

Enough for now...love to all.