Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Moving soon (I hope)
I admit, it was hard putting this little sign out in front of the house, but now I think we'll be replacing our FSBO sign soon with an official broker sign because the sooner we sell and get into a home closer to the kids' schools and activities, the better. This is why . . . a glimpse into a typical day of insanity (i.e. my day today):
7:20am - drive Jr. High kids over to the school and back home again, total time in car = 30 min.
10:30am - drive myself over to the tennis club for my match, run a PTA errand while in Sugarhouse, then back home again. Total time in car = 55 min.
3 pm - pick up Caroline at school, take her to the tennis club for academy, run another errand, fill car with gas, drive back home again. Total time in car = 60 min.
5:30 pm - drive to Skyline to pick up Ryan after lax practice, drive over to club to pick up Caroline, come back home, then drive kids to YW/YM. Total time in car = 55 min.
That's 200 minutes of my life spent in the car!!! Almost 3 1/2 HOURS - are you kidding me?? And the sad part is that this happens almost every day, every week of my life . . . . all told, I probably average about 12-14 hours in the car every week. I am driving to Southern California every seven days - freak.
Therefore, we are moving to this house . . .
A comparison: to accomplish all I did today from the new home would only take me a total of 45 minutes. Yep, that's it, 45 minutes, which translates into 2 hours and 35 minutes of time that could be spent much more productively. No wonder I can't get anything done around the house!
However, if I didn't do all that driving today I would have missed the spectacular sunrise in Little Cottonwood from the vantage point of Wasatch Blvd., some great discussions on NPR, singing along to my favorite music in the car, a conversation with Caroline about her day, and of course watching the sky turn my favorite color blue as the stars started to appear above the canyon on my drive home this evening . . . ahhhh.
But we're still moving and hopefully will get our home sold soon, and then conversations will take place around the dinner table like they should, the stars and sunrise will make their appearance over Mt. Olympus rather than Little Cottonwood, and my music and NPR will still keep me entertained and informed as always :-).
Posted by Julie at 9:45 PM 1 comments
Sunday, February 7, 2010
On a brighter note
U2 releases their new album, Songs of Ascent, the first week in March. Here's a peek from the album cover photo shoot - LOVE it. This album is supposed to have a more "reflective and meditative" feel than their previous recordings according to a Rolling Stone magazine preview. Also, about four of the songs were originally recorded for "Atomic Bomb," so I'm sure it will be good.
Can't Wait!
Posted by Julie at 9:58 PM 0 comments
Chris saves the day . . .
again. Let's just say that Ryan would be chained to his bed and not allowed out of the house for the next four years if it weren't for the insight, logic, calm, understanding, and inspiration that my husband possesses when it comes to dealing with our teenage son. I am too emotional and much too easily manipulated when it comes to my children, but Chris handles things beautifully - seriously, I think he could write a book on parenting teenagers.
However, the ride would definitely be a miserable one if it weren't for my better half. I am forever grateful to have this wonderful partner, soul-mate, companion, and love in my life . . . couldn't live without you Chris!
How single mothers do it, I'll never know.
Posted by Julie at 9:50 PM 5 comments
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Memory Lane
Today was a perfect Saturday. Family Day. It's a pretty rare occurance to spend the entire day together as a family actually OUT doing something, all six of us, unless we're on vacation, so today was unique. We started with Ryan's hockey game (the girls enjoy about the first 10 minutes, then are occupy themselves by wandering around the ice rink), then lunch at Hires, then a drive around neighborhoods and a visit to a home we're considering purchasing. Just the excitement surrounding this home and the possiblities of our future move were enough to keep everyone smiling for the rest of the day!
After spending time at the property and talking with the owners we made it home to get everyone ready to head down to Provo for the wedding reception of a dear, wonderful family friend ours. The reception was beautiful, the bride was radiant, and the time spent with old friends and neighbors was priceless. We absolutely adore this family, they were our nextdoor neighbors for the eleven years we lived in Provo and we admire everything about them - hardworking, humble, genuine, brilliant people. I would have to say that one of the greatest blessings of our years in Provo was having the Skabelunds as our dearest friends and neighbors. When we moved into that home the summer of 1994, Analyn was 11 years old; today she married the man of her dreams. It has been a pleasure watching her and her siblings grow up and become the remarkable people they have become, and I know they all have such bright futures ahead.
Then it was a drive past the house where we climbed on the roof and had that first magical kiss, driving past Chris' apartment building, and then around the student housing near lower campus before making our way over to BYU. We showed the kids the athletic complex, tennis courts, and lax field where hopefully Ryan and Caroline will spend some time when they come to school here; then we drove past the business school where Chris recieved his MBA, past the Humantities building where I spent so much of my time, the testing center where I my heart still races by just the thought of taking another test in that dreaded building. We expressed our love for this campus, our desire for them to have the opportunity to come here, and especially what a wonderful experience it is to be part of such an amazing institution.Posted by Julie at 11:49 PM 3 comments
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
S U N D A N C E
It seems that every so often there are defining moments that for one reason or another help put everything in perpective and add such clarity that it's almost impossible to explain. Today happened to be one of those days. After an emotionally long week dealing with teenage son issues (to be posted at a later time - stay tuned for the drama) and a stressed-out husband, I was struggling to stay positive.
Sometimes you don't realize how much you need something until you experience it and find yourself brimming with renewed personal energy, as well as enthusiasum for the human spirit. Today I experienced a bit of an epiphany - I realized that when were depleted and even if we think we can continue creating positive energy completely on our own without vital resources, we are sadly mistaken. It really IS so important to leave life behind for a moment and completely immerse ourselves in the things we love. A very difficult thing for most mothers to do!
So, this morning I headed up to Park City for my first day at this year's film festival. Let me clarify, my first day at the festival in YEARS. I bought tickets to films I researched and thought looked wonderful (and they were), I went completely on my own, ended up meeting some amazing and creative people, and drove home so energized I could hardly contain it.
I've always loved independent films, and after today I have a newfound respect, almost reverence for these writers and filmmakers. The creative energy that was present during the screenings and question/answer sessions after the films was contagious. The people I listened to and even personally met (writers, editors, musicians, directors, cinematographers, and actors) were simply brilliant, and listening to the directors whose vision finally has become a reality was truly inspiring.
W I N T E R ' S B O N E
I can't stop thinking about this film - the acting was incredible, the atmosphere the director created was palpable, the story was heartwrenching, but it was the inner strength of the main character that was so remarkable. I was deeply moved, and felt it a privilege to sit right behind the author of the book, Daniel Woodrell, as he watched his novel take shape on the big screen. It was a wonderful thing to see his reaction to the film and talk with him after about his feelings after he watched this movie for the first time. It must be such a beautiful experience for an author when their work of art is transformed perfectly into another medium.
O B S E L E D I A
Absolutely charming and delightful. I really loved this film and am looking forward to more work by Diane Bell. She both wrote and directed "Obselidia" and I was very impressed, especially since it was her first film. She created a unique character that was honest, humble, and vulnerable without seeming pathetic. She also infused such beautiful ideals and philosophies into her work that really made you think and evaluate your own opinions on these topics. The film deftly explores themes such as perfection, love, beauty, and how we view the future. Bell was such a lovely person and it was a pleasure to hear her talk and answer questions, as well as the entire cast - what talent - can't wait to see these actors in more films in the future.
I wish I had all week to live in Park City and soak it all in, but alas, I have a family and children who need me. Thursday, I'm headed up for another film (if anyone wants to join me, let me know - early morning), then Friday night Chris and I are going to waitlist a documentary, then Saturday afternoon I have my last film - another documentary that looks so inspiring I can hardly wait. My energy sources will truly be overflowing by the end of the week!
Posted by Julie at 9:58 PM 4 comments
Friday, January 22, 2010
Christmas memories - 2009
Posted by Julie at 10:50 AM 8 comments
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Friends
Posted by Julie at 2:43 PM 2 comments
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Quote for the day . . .
Posted by Julie at 11:03 PM 2 comments
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Resolutions?
Life is good again. My sincerest apologies if any of you experienced my wrath first hand today, I'm still not perfect, even if at times I think I am :-).
Posted by Julie at 11:13 PM 5 comments
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Date Night
Cozy dinner and cinnamon tea at our favorite Lebonese restaurant: Simply amazing.
Watching Chris take 15 minutes to parellel park:
"Laugh so hard you cry" funny.
Masterpiece of a movie at our favorite downtown theater:
Compelling.
Chris admitting that he really is a movie snob, just like me:
Oh, so satisfying.
Finally finding some time alone to talk, laugh, and connect with each other after more than a week of holiday company and craziness:
Priceless.
Posted by Julie at 10:20 PM 3 comments
Friday, January 1, 2010
Reflection
Posted by Julie at 12:12 PM 4 comments
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Good-bye 2009
Wow, that went fast. Too fast. This month flew by, and here it is New Year's Eve and in twenty minutes it will be 2010. I have a good feeling about 2010, it just sounds promising.
2009 was a fun year, and I'm hoping to capture a few more memories here on the blog in the next day or two. The Christmas break has been bliss, especially now that the final party hosted at our house is over and peace has been restored ;-). So, here I sit, alone by the fire trying to keep my eyes open while I wait for my teenager to come home from a New Year's party. Chris was wiped out by 10pm, Caroline went to a friend's for a sleepover, and after the cousins left tonight, the little girls couldn't keep their eyes open one minute longer.
In the past I would have thought I needed to be somewhere celebrating, but not anymore. I can't remember the last time Chris stayed up until midnight, so it's just me here enjoying the Christmas tree lights one last time before we take it out tomorrow and contemplating the new year ahead and its endless possibilities. Not too shabby.
Happy New Year my friends.
Posted by Julie at 11:53 PM 2 comments
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Memory Lapse?
Today Liza brought home a little something from school, and I thought you all might find it as funny as we did:
Posted by Julie at 10:37 PM 3 comments
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Tea Party
No, not that kind of a "tea party" . . . a Julie specific "tea" party, meaning drinking my absolute favorite peppermint herbal tea before bed. Soothing and wonderful and just one of those things that makes me, me.Posted by Julie at 11:16 PM 3 comments
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Feels Like Christmas
Ahhhh, I love it. It's mornings like these when the excitement from Elizabeth is just electric and is truly what makes Christmas so special . . . those feelings you remember from your childhood. It's those memories of family, warmth, and heightened anticipation, combined with the smells, sounds, and tastes of the season that one never forgets.
Hopefully we'll have more mornings like today this season . . . even if the girls did get to school 30 minutes late!!
Oh, and I'm putting the thought that I haven't STARTED Christmas shopping yet, completely out of my mind . . . I think today I'll enjoy more hot cocoa and turn on the fire :-).
Posted by Julie at 11:11 AM 2 comments























