Christmas Tree 2006 - Teri Johannes

But in a good way. It’s all about family and the many traditions we have with the kids. Although it doesn’t look like we’ll get everything we want to do crammed into this weekend, since their Dad wants them tomorrow, and I have to share.

Mr. 3T and Tayler got a good start on decorating outdoors. Luckily he hasn’t brought up putting anything on the roof this year. I want no broken bones or injuries for the Holidays! My tree has the required hundreds of white lights on it, waiting for me to decorate it.

As it’s Saturday the kids are going to have to pick what we want to do, since there won’t be time to do it all. We always have a bonfire Thanksgiving weekend, complete with marshmallows, chocolate bars and graham crackers. The only problem is our night time temps. have really taken a nose dive. It’s cold-to-the-bone out there!

We also wanted to hit a movie, make a gingerbread house, and Tayler and I were going to do a mani/pedi afternoon, ending with some scrap booking. Something is going to have to give, since there are only so many hours in a day, and their Dad stole Sunday from me! (Yes that was catty and petty)

Pulling Riley away from his X-box 360 has been difficult, so I’m probably going to try and entice him with what he would like to do. Besides playing those damn video games.

I’m finally getting into the Holiday spirit and I know it’s because we didn’t have to be anywhere. One more Festival of the Trees in Chandler, on a Friday night not Saturday like I had originally thought, and the only “have-tos” will be Christmas related!

I’ll have some time to catch up on viewing my Flickr Friends newest creations and some blog reading.

Hope everyone is enjoying their Thanksgiving weekend!

With Love,

3T

Hints of Winter - Teri Johannes

This month has whizzed by in a blur of charity events, birthday celebrations and now this weekend three different events, starting tonight. All worthwhile charities; although I don’t like being this “busy.” It stresses me out, and I constantly feel like I’ve forgotten something. Anxiety, I guess.

Tonight is the Gilbert Festival of Trees event. I’ll be bringing my camera to snap some shots of the variety of Christmas trees professionally decorated. I do enjoy decorating our tree, so I see this one as an opportunity to get some new ideas. Ideas that would be put into play for NEXT year. It’s much less expensive to try and get what I need the day after Christmas at half price. So this years tree will be similar to the last two years.

Up at 5:00 AM tomorrow morning to get ready for the Gilbert Western Days parade. Set up with a morning breakfast at 7:00 AM and then bussed to the different horse driven wagons in full western outfits. This one has me stressed. I can’t help but feel a little strange sitting in a wagon, going through Gilbert with people watching on the sidelines. I’m not sure what we’re supposed to do. Sit there? Wave? Pick our noses? (That was a joke in case any Gilbert Western Days planners see this) The parade starts at 9:00 AM and hopefully will be mercifully less than an hour. I say this only because we need to get ready for the last benefit of the weekend for the Save the Family organization.

Other than another Festival of Trees for the city of Chandler the last Saturday of the month, the obligations end until after Christmas. Of course we kick into high gear for the Holidays with decorating, and Christmas shopping and what has become my Blogger Girlfriends Christmas brunch tradition. (This one is guaranteed to be fun!) Now if I can get the bartender Mr. 3T to learn how to make Lemon Drops like the Black Angus bar does, I know the girls will be happy!

Well it’s off to start getting ready. I’ve put off a pedicure so long, I’m embarrassed for my toes to be uncovered. Uncovered they will be for the events where a cocktail dress is on the list.

I admit, I like my routine to be slow and easy. I don’t mind that it strays from this on occasion. But this month has me walking a tightrope. I need to feel connected to my loved ones; daily. With so many distractions in the form of these events, I feel disconnected. One step at a time, I guess.

If I look at the whole weekend at once, it’s enough to throw me into an anxiety attack. I know once we’re at an event, I’ll have some fun. But the gearing up to it keeps me on a tightrope.

I hope whoever (if anyone) is left reading this page has a wonderful and relaxing weekend. Do it for me! As the word “relaxing” won’t be a part of my vocabulary THIS weekend.

Love,

3T

Painted Skies - Teri Johannes

We are ending the second week of back-to-school, and seem to be getting into our normal routine. Each year seems to bring a few more activities than the previous year. Which translates into more taxi-service and keeping track of times and places that the kids need to be.

We’re starting out on a good foot with Riley this year. Yesterday was the first teacher phone call of the year; and if you’ve been a reader for any length of time, you know it usually is not good. I see the school name on the caller ID, cringe and prepare myself for the inevitable, “Riley did this.” Or “Riley didn’t do that.”

Imagine my shock and delight, when she said she was calling to keep me up-to-date. Riley’s attitude has improved 10-fold, he is eager to get his work done, and to date has been a delight in her classroom. At which point I said, OK, and now for the “however.” Another shock when she said, “there is no however this time.” She went on to say, my sweet but occasionally obnoxious Riley, has managed to charm all of the girls in his class. *grinning* (He has to get that from me!)

Tayler is as busy as ever this year. She has added a few more activities to her extra curricular schedule. Another shock, she is in beginning dance, that from what I gather is a type of jazz dance. And of course needed jazz pants and leotard, the next day. The last two weeks have held quite a few last minute trips to pick up this supply or that supply. She is continuing violin, which makes me very happy. We’re going on the fourth year, so I anticipate concerts that will be even better than last year. This morning she informed me Mondays will hold another after-school activity. She along with one of her classmates and the help of a teacher advisor are starting a FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) group. A club I was part of in High Schoool as well. Although athletics and team sports were the last thing on my mind. I joined the group because I had a huge crush on the teacher advisor and of course I was a Christian. I did leave out the part about why I joined this particular club, when telling Tayler. Between drama and basketball, violin and now beginning dance, this young lady has a full schedule. Which would concern me, accept for the fact that she is more organized and prioritizes her time far better than I do even today! Hopefully some day she’ll teach ME how to stay on task.

As it’s Friday night, tonight is her first school dance of the year, followed by a party at her girlfriend Hannah’s house. Which will have me driving her to and fro this evening. Not only do I enjoy seeing her thrive in Jr. High school, I love how different experiences will bring up some of my old memories of those innocent early years. Kids can be such a complete an utter blessing a good deal of the time. Of course the rest of the time is spent in chaos. A point I won’t dwell on at the moment, since right now; life is good.

I’ve also noticed that my page views on my sparsely updated blog, has hit that one million mark! I do realize probably 75% is spammers, but still I’m astounded to have reached one million. (Lets just say I don’t usually stick with something long enough to reach a benchmark like this.) Hell, maybe I’m finally growing up!

And just for shits and giggles, here’s another self-indulgent quiz. It’s a diary, so self indulgence fits the theme! I hope ya’ll have a wonderful and relaxing weekend!

Love,
3T

You Are Sunrise

You enjoy living a slow, fulfilling life. You enjoy living every moment, no matter how ordinary. You are a person of reflection and meditation. You start and end every day by looking inward. Caring and giving, you enjoy making people happy. You’re often cooking for friends or buying them gifts. All in all, you know how to love life for what it is - not for how it should be.

Sundown - Teri Johannes

Coming out of a bout with neck/back/Fibromyalgia episode. I remind myself of the many years I was up to no-good, and seemingly got away with it. Not that the two are linked. But I do think head-banging while slugging down screwdrivers in a nightclub, night-after-night, may very well play a role in the neck/back thing. Lesson to the young; skip the headbanging(It is just a form of whip-lash). It doesn’t hurt when you’re young, but eventually we all pay the piper!

And on a lighter note, I stumbled on to some more foolish, self-indulgent quizzes. Take them if you like. And leave your answers if you feel like it.

Hope all is well in your world!
Love,
3T

Your Power Color Is Lime Green

At Your Highest: You are adventurous, witty, and a visionary. At Your Lowest: You feel misunderstood, like you don’t fit in. In Love: You have a tough exterior, but can be very dedicated. How You’re Attractive: Your self-awareness and confidence lights up a room. Your Eternal Question: “What else do I need in my life?”

And who doesn’t love flowers?

You Are a Blue Flower

A blue flower tends to represent peace, openness, and balance. At times, you are very delicate like a cornflower. And at other times, you are wise like an iris. And more than you wish, you’re a little cold, like a blue hydrangea.

Your Birth Month is September

Tolerant and inspirational, you are wise beyond your years. You are universally sympathetic and a great humanitarian. Your soul reflects: Devotion, light, and love Your gemstone: Sapphire Your flower: Morning Glory Your colors: Brown and deep blue

Your Aura is Blue

Spiritual and calm, you tend to live a quiet but enriching life. You are very giving of yourself. And it’s hard for you to let go of relationships. The purpose of your life: showing love to other people Famous blues include: Angelina Jolie, the Dali Lama, Oprah Careers for you to try: Psychic, Peace Corps Volunteer, Counselor

That was fun!

Man was not meant to live in 110-plus degree weather! Add high humidity, and you have a recipe for grouchy, irritable everyone! It’s time for Mother Nature to shit or get off the pot! In other words, bring on the storms! They’re entertaining anyway. The kids are bored and they have been home exactly two days. That didn’t take long.

We have a case of cabin fever. And probably a bit of a letdown for Riley and Tay, since they just got back from a two-week, busy vacation in Washington. Well the countdown begins. Two weeks and we’re headed for the San Diego beaches for relief.

Until then, the monsoons would be a nice diversion. And maybe bring the heat down to a more bearable 102?

Tomorrow I’ll drag the rugrats to the Mall with me, and start a little school clothes shopping. Yes, more shorts and t-shirts. I’m whining, I know. This is the time of year when it even gets to me. I love Arizona’s mild winters, and warm sun. But right before monsoons, when the humidity is up, even I start to wonder if we’ve moved into Hell.

Love,

3T

Photo by Teri Johannes

WOW. So this is my blog. One I wrote at religously for well over a year. And then down to a couple times a week. To now, where weeks will go by with no new words or thoughts added. I’d like to say it was due to something in life that actually kept me from my keyboard. But that isn’t the case, entirely.

I joke often about my imaginary ADD. (I don’t think I have it) But like the impatient and easily distracted girl of my youth, some things don’t seem to change. Something else has captured my free time to the point of obsession. Much like this weblog did for well over a year. Although both past and present obsessions have one thing in common. They serve as an opportunity to express myself creatively in small ways. Being creative I believe adds color to everyone’s world.

Being creative appeals to our souls. Whether thru drawing, painting, sculpture, words or photos.

Growing up, I was never one of those students who took an art class to bring their grade point up a little when trigonometry took it down, a little too far. Art classes would have taken my GPA to never-before-seen new lows. (Much like French did my last semester) Drawing a completely round circle was a skill I never could quite master. I just assumed I wasn’t a person with any artistic creativity. Sticking it in the same category that singing was under. (My rendition of Barry Manilow’s “Feelings” at age 13, was one none of my family could forget, but that all wished they could.)

My obsession of late has been photography as well as my little place on the web to show my latest results at; Flickr. Now my mind wanders to just about everything around me visually. Would that make an interesting photo? Or how about this unique angle? Or how that gorgeous rose or my adorable rugrats and their day-to-day activities would translate thru the lens. And every now and then something beautiful comes of it. And this feeds a part of my soul.

I am in no way suggesting my obsessions- or creative outlets- are something that I’m exceptional at. I may never be an Ansel Adams or John Steinbeck. But what I’ve finally learned is that it doesn’t really matter. There’s something to that cliche line, “personal best.” At least for me there is.

I would suggest that those who enjoy photography look into Flickr as a place to not only store your digital images, but receive feedback as well. Just like our many blogging “communities” Flickr has a wide range of photographers; from the novice amateur, to the professional photographer. Just as blogging fed my creative side, so is photography.

Now my goal is to find a way to make time for both my loves, old and new. Balance. Always just a little bit out of my reach, but my never ending pursuit.

Since my previous post, I have spent all spare time downloading and editing the photos from our trip to Niagara Falls and New York City. Throwing out the photos that didn’t quite turn out and editing those that just might communicate what I’ve seen thru the lens. Behind those photos lie three full memory cards waiting for me to do something with them.

And of course I stare at my sparsely updated weblog, wistfully as one would a beloved past lover. In between my creative pursuits lies the day-to-day life of a wife and mother. I have got to get a handle on this whole “balance” thing. I refuse to give up on blogging or learning more about photography. My wonderful and supportive husband just bought me my first SLR digital camera. OK, he bought it for me like three or four months ago. But that complicated big thing scares me, and I’ve yet to take it out and snap some photos with it. I’ll get there, eventually.

I’ll continue to strive for balance and organizing my time, so I can entertain both loves, and be an attentive wife and mother as well.

To all the fathers:

I hope all the fathers out there had a relaxing and fun day yesterday. Your job as Dad is important, and should be acknowledged as such. And to the unsung heroes, those step-dads who quietly take their role seriously, filling in any gaps they see; and rarely receiving the appropriate acknowledgement, I hope you received some of the honor due you. And say a prayer of “Thanks” for the special man that holds that role in my children’s lives. What you bring to their lives, no other person on earth could. I’m humbled that you chose to take on that role and continue to do so, with love and grace.

Love,

3T

Kevin and I made it back from NYC in two pieces. (One piece each) Although our feet from the sightseeing have taken beatings of a lifetime. (Which is logical, since I see this vacation as the trip of a lifetime. I’m a bona fide homebody, so for me it is/was.)

Never have I walked as many miles as I did this trip. By the way, Carrie from Sex and the City? Lied! There is no way in hell that fantastic bitch walked as much in HIGH HEELS as portrayed on the show. BUT this bitch walked IN HEELS a total of at least 30 blocks to the harbor and back to our hotel for the sunset cruise around Manhattan on just one evening. Of course while applying bandages to my red, angry and blistered covered feet, I realized just how stupid that was.

Except for one Broadway Musical, (Momma Mia) the heels were left in the suitcase for the remainder of our trip. Number one recommendation, if you plan a trip to Manhattan ladies, leave the heels at home! Find a pair of comfortable and as-fashionable-as-you-can pair of walking shoes, and make them your best friend. There will still be blisters with the walking shoes, but you won’t feel nearly as stupid at the end of the day…

I want to capture as much of this trip as I can in words here, for the memories. So this will be the first of several posts dealing only with the East Coast and my perceptions. And well over 500 photos to download, recording our journey that spanned from Buffalo, New York, to see Kevin’s family and Niagara Falls, to the many neighborhoods that make up Manhattan.

By the time we walked into our front door late yesterday, only one thing mattered. We were home. No noise, no pollution, no honking cab drivers, no humid drenched sweat, that even the breezes provided no relief from. Just our lovely 105 degree DRY heat, enough square footage to feel like a mansion, and our angry cat, who couldn’t decide if he wanted to stay mad, or snuggle up to us for petting.

Love,

3T