Around Town

Is anybody else's Internet moving at a snail's pace? I feel like I'm back in the prehistoric days of dial up. Cox's advertising must be so successful that they have succeeded in overselling the local hub and we must live too far from the main thingamajig to receive the "lightning fast" speeds promised.

Oh well. I figure it's good for me to sit and be patient. That's one thing the little one and I have been working on. I took her with me down to the city to pull a couple building permits and when she would start to get antsy I would tell her, "Be patient please." It's really a cruel thing to ask an almost two year old. Sit in your stroller, talk in hushed tones and read your book...for over an hour. She is getting more tolerant of my demands and on this occasion did surprisingly well. Even other people remarked at what a good job she was doing. As we left the building I thanked her and told her what a good job she did at being patient. When Daddy came home that evening and asked her what she did that day, she replied with a smile, "I was patient." Music to my ears.

As the little one approaches her 2nd birthday it occurs to me how our time together has changed a bit. She has become more of a companion rather than an appendage. I'm use to hauling her everywhere I go and she enjoys the routine and chats along in the backseat. As we drive down the freeway she points and tells me that that's where Ms. Allison is, or there is where we bought a friend bubbles for a birthday gift. She is familiar with her surroundings and has opinions about where and what we do.

We recently started making regular trips to the Farmer's Market. It's on Thursday mornings and it is very enjoyable for both of us. The little one likes to try the fruit samples and I enjoy picking up fresh veggies and flowers. Today was particularly fun for her as strawberries are now in prime season and they are grown right here in our own city. After one taste of Oceanside strawberry, she begs for more. I buy a basket and it keeps her happy while I shop. The broccoli is far tastier than anything we buy at the store, even the Mr. agrees and he is known to be more particular and vocal about his feelings than most. She and I both tasted the oranges and agreed they were suitable for purchase. The weather was beautiful so we walked around a bit and when she was done she said, "All done Farmer's Market." I take the cue and as we walk to the car it's, "Bye, Bye Farmers Market. See you next time."

It's nice to have her company.

Averting Disaster

I've spent the last few weeks dedicating my non-mommy time to fulfilling the needs of the family business. Thankfully, we've made it through the slow winter months, typical of the construction industry, and have an optimistic look for spring. Beyond that is unsure but such is the way it goes when you choose to not answer to the "man" and risk it on your own. Although if the skies continue to dump as they are at this moment, the whole business may dump right along with it. I will try to be thankful for the rain as several people this week have informed me of the impending doom of water rationing. Yesterday news reports that if all things continue as is (whatever that means), Lake Mead will dry up by the year 2021.

It's a shame really. Just thinking about Lake Mead stirs up many fond (and not so fond) memories beginning from my childhood. I first learned to water ski on that lake and hoped to one day teach my little one to do the same. Come to think of it, there were many firsts on the lake. Lake Mead is also where I first broke down and jumped from a burning boat. It was the first time the boat blew away and washed up between some rocks miles from our campsite, and the first time I was shipwrecked on the beach with a broken prop and hole in the boat.

On second thought, maybe we should just let the water be sucked dry. I will consider it an opportunity to end some generational curse and forge ahead to bluer waters where my children will thrive. It will be uneventful boating excursions from here on out.

But seriously, then it wouldn't be this family. The family that thrives on adventure and mishaps. It's what keeps our bond strong and provides hours of entertaining stories. The stories you almost doubted you would live to tell. You shake your head but secretly know that a little piece of you is better for the experience.