One More Year

A year ago we rushed this guy to the vet for emergency surgery for Bloat, Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV)

Dogs can die of this within hours, it was one of the scariest moments I've been faced with in an animal. To realize (once we met the on call vet at night), there was a likely chance my dog could die, and he was suffering, is terrifying. Kaiser is neurotic, big, hairy, needy and a bit of a handle full at times, but in that moment I needed him to live. I wasn't ready to say good bye. You'll get this if you are a dog owner, otherwise it may sound crazy, but he gets me and I get him. He was with me when I first started running, we've been on most of the foothills trails together, he and I discovered all the great hikes in the Cascades together. He protected the kids and I in our home when we were left without someone to protect us. At my saddest times I look at him and his intense stare and offering of his paw lets me know it's ok.

A year later, he's actually been back on the trails for up to 5 miles and not as frequent, but his arthritis has been doing ok. I don't know how much more time I will get with him, but I'm sure glad we got this extra year.

 

 

 

 

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Transportation and Broadway

First thank you to those that sent messages about the travel post, I love traveling and if I can offer any tips I will. Just please keep in mind these are my own personal preferences based entirely on what I like!

One my quick post on NYC, then I have so much more to write about!

Transportation:

First when going to NYC figure out where the activities you want to do will be taking place from, and stay nearby. However there could be something everyday in all different parts, then it doesn't matter. Walking is my first choice of transportation. I like being outside in the hussle and bustle and seeing everything. Again, we do daily Broadway shows so Time Square is by far the most convenient for us.

The least expensive and by far the fastest is the Subway. Do not fear the subway, if this westcoast girl can figure it out anyone with a smart phone can too. I use to use Stop Hop but couldn't find it this trip so downloaded the NYC Subway MTA Map and Route Planner, I won't go on about this, look it up yourself, but it works and better yet it's super easy!

Taxis, are my least favorite, only because I get car sick. Every time. From the airport to Manhattan is $50 plus the toll. It's convenient, but that's it.

Uber, is my new favorite. We did uber a car to go to the 9/11 museum. You load the app on your phone ahead of time, with your credit card info. When you are ready for a car look up the app and see the uber cars in your area, select where you are going. It will send you a text, mine said our car was a black Camry, driven by *^# and would be arriving in 6 minutes, you can watch your car approach and the route they chose once in it. There is no exchange of money, you get out and get an email with the rate your CC was charged and rate your driver (this is their tip).

BROADWAY

This is what we saw this time

Our list is fairly extensive as to what we've seen so I'll break it down a bit and organize good for kids, good for adult, what not. If it has an * means it's currently not on Broadway.

Kids: a few of my favorites I've seen that kids any ages would love. Matilda, Annie* Wicked, Lion King

The whole family: Finding Neverland, Mamma Mia, Jersey Boys, Kinky Boots (if you don't mind transvestite content, the story is very good)

Adults: Spring Awakening (adult for the content), Rock of Ages *(great music, sexual content), Book of Mormon (very funny, very inappropriate)

Other mentionables. I love Les Miserables, this has been on my list forever. I know the story and music by heart, for me it was amazing to see. It is long 2:55, I could see if you are not that familiar with it it might get a little boring.

Chicago, I personally think is a classic and if you find yourself with extra time or a cold evening it's well worth it.

Phantom of the Opera. This was my original one I saw, I still love the music, but find it a little boring now. However I think it's still good.

 

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WTC

I've been to NYC once a year for the last four years. One because Broadway is one of my favorite things to experience, and second because every year I've heard the WTC museum would be opened. Well this year it finally was. I had been to the memorial in 2012 and was truly moved, but was overcome with grief at times today. It's somber, and the sadness you felt on 9/11 is just as present when you go through the museum.

Along with the artifacts salvaged, you go into these little rooms with videos and phone recordings. One was the first responders, there was another with people from the WTC trying to let family know where they were. The one that got me though was the timeline from UAL 93, this was particularly hard for me in 2001, but today the tears came rolling in that room. United 93 was a flight I had worked on several times. It was a 3 day trip that some of us newbie reserves in SFO got and liked. The reason we got it was the 4:30am check in and a 4 hour layover in Denver, but then onto DC for the night where the crew always seemed to head to Georgetown together to eat, the next day we were all dispersed to other trips and I usually flew to Newark which again was a super easy day, got in early laid over in Morristown and worked with a Newark crew the way back on 93 the next day direct to SFO. It was a great flight on a 757. I was usually the most junior and therefore assigned to work first class with the purser. The back of the plane was rarely no more than half full and was a super easy place to be, but up front the 757 had 24 first class, so while the purser prepared the plates I would serve.

When 93 crashed on 9/11 I could picture where everyone may have been that day on that plane. After United sent a tribute letter out to all employees with the names of the United employees lost on 9/11 and a little about them. One woman had started about 6 months after me, she had only been there for little over a year, left a career as a police officer and had young kids at home in Florida. In that little room today they went over the planes timeline and played her recorded phone message to her husband, ending with a broken voice saying she hoped to see his face again....

If you go to NYC I encourage you to pay your respects to all those lost that day by going to the memorial and museum.

The last piece removed from the WTC

 

One WTC, the tallest skyscraper in the Western Hemisphere. Stands 1776 feet high, a deliberate reference to the year the Declaration of Independence was signed.

 

 

We took the Staten Island ferry out today to get a good look at the Statue of Liberty. Seriously one of the most awesome ways to view her. Leaves every 30 minutes and is free. Just you have to get off at Staten Island and hop back on!

It's been an amazing trip with my girl. I'll write more on it later!

 

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NYC Budget Tips

I get asked a lot about how I find deals and how I can travel so often. First travel is a priority of mine, as with anything if you set it as a priority you make it happen. Single parenting, I had to get creative, but fortunately I don't spend money in other ways that add up. Going out, shopping, TV....I spend it traveling.

For NYC in particular I've found bundling a package is by far the best way to go. If you use miles, you'll pay a fortune on a hotel in the city, so unless you feel adventurous and stay at an airbnb (I've heard lots of positives to this), then save your miles for Hawaii and bundle a room/air package from Travelocity, Expedia, or Orbitz (those are my tried and trues). This trip actually cost me less than renting a condo in Seaside, OR next summer for my daughters dance competition.

My kids and I are Broadway junkies, so staying in (or around) Times Square makes the most sense so we can walk to the theaters and have access to TKTS (more on that in a second). I personally have stayed in four hotels around this area. Cleanliness and nice beds are number one for me. I prefer to stay at places with a breakfast included because this saves a ton on eating out for breakfast and convenience. My number one choice and the one I am regretting not staying at for this trip is the Hampton in North. On 8th and around 50th so it's great proximity to Central Park, and a block off Broadway. You have to walk a few blocks to get to the center of things, but this is actually kind of nice too because the Places around it are a little more quiet than in the heart of Times Square. It was actually recommended to me on my first trip by a fellow blogger (thanks Amy). Rooms are roomy, very clean, free wifi (another must after a costly lesson), and breakfast. This place can easily fit a family of four comfortablely.

I've stayed at the Sheraton on 7th and won't stay again. Rooms are small (typical in NYC, but for the cost there's better), at the time a couple years ago they charged PER device for wifi to the tune of around $18 a day (this was the costly lesson), and no breakfast, and the lobby has a strong smell like Aborcombie and Fitch making my throat swell every time we Ran through.

The Double Tree Times Square we stayed at last year, we got a great rate because they were in the middle of a major renovation. All rooms are suites so very spacious, clean, and a small fridge, and wifi include. Downside no breakfast, but you are right across the street from the TKTS box office.

Finally the Premier, a Millennium hotel. Pictures online make it look better. I can't tell if they are in the process of updating, or already did in a cheap way. Cleanliness, is not exactly to my standard. Rooms are small, and ok for two, but anymore would be hard. However for their shortcomings they do make up for it in a few areas. Staff is by far the friendliest I have ever encountered. They have a really nice breakfast (once you get past the worn couches in the dining area), and bonus Happy Hour where they have complimentary beer, wine and appetizers. They definitely don't skimp on the food, it was amazing after a day on our feet in the city. Free Wifi that's actually good too!

If you love Boradway, and want to see several shows, buy your tickets at TKTS. They offer day of tickets at up to 60% off. It is best to get there at least 30 minutes before they open for best choice and seats. Do your homework before you come and read what's out and in preview. We've caught a lot of shows in preview that go on to win Tony's the following year. Theaters are small in NYC with the expection of the shows you can't seem to get discount tickets to anyways like Book of Mormon, Lion King and Wicked, so most seats are great. TKTS is now offer something very cool. If you buy your tickets at TKTS, and plan to see another show within 7 days, save your tickets and you get to get in the "fast" pass lane. Benefit you can get there 10-15 minutes before and be in the front of the line. I scored middle center close seats to Les Mirerables at 50% off this way this morning.

Ok, here's one more thing on our budget travel. We do not eat much. Not joking. Food adds up, which is why we do the free breakfast. I pack bars for snacks on the go, and we grab things at night for dinner like a slice of pizza or subway. This is not for everyone, but this is the way I was able to travel with my kids while I was living solo with them. It works for us, other than my son complains he always loses weight on vacation! When it's Rick and I traveling, this doesn't work for him, so I increase my budget for food!

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24 Hours

We left Seattle (Lo and I) 24 hours ago. There are two places I feel the "need" to get to at least once a year. Hawaii and New York City. The two couldn't be further from each other (figuratively and literally), but each feeds my soul. Three weeks ago I saw a small window with Lo having half days and only missing one play practice, prices were good so I booked NYC for a long weekend!

I've been up for a while, we arrived at 6am this morning and it's now 1 am so I'll let pictures do the talking of a Day 1!

 

 

 

It was a good day!

 

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Family Life

While I may have some aches for my old home, I am very happy, and easily settling back into family life.

When I was thrown, into single motherhood my sole priority was my children. How could I fulfill both roles, be present with them each and every moment, for them to never feel the loss of being raised by only one parent as well as provide finically as they had been. Truth is you can't, no matter how hard you try. There were so many times when extreme fatigue would win out. Juggling too many things. My girlfriends always planned get together or birthdays on Wednesdays around my schedule (I've mentioned before but I will forever be grateful to those ladies), running took place at 4:45 am Before work. I became a master scheduler and every window in the day was accounted for. However it NEVER felt ever like a sacrifice, instead I took pride in what I could accomplish. I even started to enjoy this new role. I became fiercely protective of what I would allow into mine and my kids life. I can reflect now, and in a way see it was by far one of the best experiences in my life. I am stronger, more competent as well as confident in my capabilities, something that perhaps lacked in the past.

Five years later I am now living with my daughter and the man I will soon marry and spend the rest of my life with. When I get home sick for the physical house I left, I think of this man at home in the morning with my daughter taking her to school after I've left for work. My heart literally swells. I use to hate heading out the door at 6 leaving her to eat her breakfast and get ready alone, sucked. Last night I finally went to Yoga, something I haven't been able to make time for in my schedule because I wouldn't leave her in the evenings, but she was home with Rick. He helps me so much. My daughter loves it. It's a welcome treat to get in bed and talk with him about the day, to go over plans face to face rather than text, even to plan dinners together. Having that family life again feels familiar and so good......

 

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Children in the Mountains

Ok I have a major thing for feeding my soul in the mountains. This fall has been too amazing not to.
I saw this a few days ago, it spoke to me

I can't explain how much I miss my son. Granted he didn't move away, but he is 18, graduated from High School and attending college, technically an adult, making his own choices. This summer he took every advantage to be with friends, meaning no hikes with his Mom and little sister, when he went it was with friends to places they had never been. There's a whole bag of mixed emotions that go into that, I miss him with me, however so proud of him for choosing to share these places, as well as being capable and competent.
Today meant so much to me to be out there with my children. I had gone up and summited Labyrinth, which happens to be right beyond my favorite shorter hike to Minotaur, a couple weeks ago on a clear day and it was amazing. Something I had to share with my kids. Both have great endurance and as far as technical ability both are much more capable than I am, so I knew this would not be a problem. It did not disappoint.

Quick stop at Minotaur for a picture

View of Theseus

And our annual selfie, in the same spot

View from the top

My son added a little art to the summit book. Also a good part to point out my Ex went with us. I won't elaborate too much other than it seems like a small act of God that we can hike together with our kids now. Emotions and feelings removed, we now parent our two kids. I welcome this, as do the kids. It's taken five years, of working through anger and hurt for me, and him owning up to his actions and apologizing, while we both worked towards this co-parenting business together. Rick of course is ALWAYS included on these adventures. I respect him immensely and if he's not comfortable with my Ex going it doesn't happen.

Heading down

Minotaur

Succes

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Birdies

I love birds, always have. Case in point, exhibit 1:

 

Today I took my friend up to Valhalla while the kids were in school. The fall colors were unbelievable, but the view at the lake was a little obstructed with low fog. However this happened,

 

Joey was less than impressed that the birds may be eating his food.

 

All in all another great day in the mountains.

 

 

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Homesick

It's fall, my absolute favorite time of year. Temperatures are perfect, colors are changing, beautiful sunrises. However, I have a tinge of homesickness for my old house. It was the perfect fall house. Old mature trees that needed the leaves rake. I miss the sidewalks in my old neighborhood and the tree lined street a block south, all littered with different colored leaves. I miss setting up fall decor. All my decorations are currently living in a friends garage because there is no room for them here. I miss my bed and the heavy comforter and blankets piled on me. My heart actually aches missing these comforts of my old home.
I miss having grass and a garden to tend to. .

I miss opening the windows throughout the house, and being curled up in this room on the comfiest of couches with the fire on.

I miss my books. Not that I had reread many of them, but I love books and I loved this space in my house. Each book, mine and the kids and each memory that went with them.

I miss this cozy room of hers. So light all the time, small but truly perfect.

I miss my super small "master" bathroom. I have no idea why, but I miss it. Maybe it was me...

I miss the perfect blue in this bathroom

I miss cooking in the kitchen and everyone cozied up chatting.

I really miss my son and his friends hanging out here. I loved this space, not because it was beautiful, but what it represented. It was the place all throughout high school the kids would come.

I know in time, when I can actually unpack and make a home again, the homesickness will go away. I also know this move is truly worth it. Just right now feels very interim, my daughter and I are a guest, and because this house is forsale we are not able to really "live" in it.....Come on St. Joseph, help this house to sell soon!

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