Once in a while

Although our children are angels sent to us to make our lives brighter and better, I sometimes feel like they can drive us to feel like this:

Today was one of those days. While getting Ronia ready for school today, she tripped on her pants and smashed her mouth on the metal bed frame. The only other time I've really seen my daughter bleed was when she split her lip open the first time. I am incredibly grateful that she hasn't caused herself any greater bodily harm, but still hate to see anything happen at all. Thankfully, all of her teeth were still in place and she came out with a big, clean split and a couple nasty blood blisters.

Maybe it was because I missed out on my 4 hours of mommy time, or maybe it was the extra attention and love I gave today... but either way- by the end of it, I felt like, well- that picture above.

Aside from that, things are going. Joey's birthday is tomorrow and Thanksgiving is right around the corner.  I've decided to go ahead with my photography business, and now that I said it out loud, I'll just have to follow through.

Well, night for me. And probably night for Joey (he has a cold). 

They say you are what you eat.

Last night for dinner, Joey had a piece of bread, tuna, canned sweet peas, some cheese, and spaghetti sauce all mixed in a bowl together.

I had 2 bowls of Captain Crunch and a donut.

Does this mean I'm not a person of substance?

Time well spent

At times, when I spend time with other 3 year olds, I am reminded of how wonderful mine is.  No offense to other 3 year olds, of course.

Today at lunch she tells me, "Pocahontas says hello like this (and then does the hand sign for hello Pocahontas style). Why do that Mommy? I do this (and then waves Ronia style.) How cute is that?

I know it's been a while since either of us posted, so I'll just give a quick synopsis of what's been going on. Betsy came to visit last week and it was really nice to see her. It's not cheap or easy to make the trip, and I am very grateful to anyone that does. We did a little bit of everything that I typically include in a tour: La Jolla, the beaches, Sunset Cliffs, Cabrillo National Monument, Old Town, Downtown, and a desert drive with stop for pie in Julian.

Joey in the mean time has been working on a talk that he gave today. It apparently went well (surprise, surprise), and I'm sure I'll hear more when he gets home.

Amy and I also had the opportunity to hang out this weekend, which was very nice. On Saturday, after a breakfast of bagels and coffee with a view and a little tyke, we ended up at a beautiful park. It felt like fall and we went back after lunch with Jeff and Joey to play some more.

Sunday proved long and interesting but at least included a visit with Joey's friends (in their 70's), a bag of cookies, and a date night with Joey for our 3 month anniversary. (Thanks Amy for babysitting and a movie!)

Today I created a Terms and Conditions page for being a photographer, but still have yet to find a name. Arika Marie Photography sounds too cutsie, Erica Reed Photography looks boring, etc. etc. I'm thinking of Photography by Arika Reed. With the right font and the help of someone really talented, maybe I can pull it off. Then I need business cards, a web-site, and wa-lah! I'm a photographer. Hopefully.

Well, if I did my job, you're all caught up and have enough to tide you over until next time. I'm sure you're all waiting on pins and needles.... Oh yeah, pictures of tidepooling and desert drive are up. :)

California and it's damn rules

Trips to the DMV only make one hateful towards the state of California and it's damn technicalities.

For a state that has such loose driving rules like making a u-turn randomly in the middle of a residential area (no sign or turn lane), or turning left into whichever lane you choose (instead of the one closest to you), it sure surprises me that they choose to fully abide by the tiniest little details. 

Sure it's the law, sure it may be common sense, but forgive me for bringing in a copy of my marriage license instead of the one with the raised seal. So what if no one told me to bring it in the first place- I just happen to carry it around for unexpected problems. So what if you can see the seal on the copy, but you can't feel it. So what so what so what.  It only took me 4 weeks to even get an appointment at the DMV (which is really an acronym for Dreaded Magistrate of Vexation) and now, of course, I have to go back.

Good thing I ignored the beast when they told me I couldn't register my car at AAA. I registered it yesterday. Ha! Eat that, stupid dominion.

California and it's glam stereotype. Okay, so it's interesting to see people shopping at the grocery store in their wet suit. It's interesting to watch out for flying surfboards instead of deer on the highway. It's interesting to eat next to homeless people in Walmart, and it's interesting being a racial minority.  But sometimes, I just miss Michigan.