Musings of a Mom Trying to Find Her Way

It's no surprise to me I am my own worst enemy

2012-01-17T13:23:00.000-07:00

I've always been a pretty competitive person. Winning and losing really mattered, and when I lost anything I was a sore loser. Brood about it for weeks. Sometimes decades. My senior year in High School I made second chair violist in the state competition. The nerd who took first was this little scrawny dude who couldn't even hold his bow the right direction (ok I could be remembering this

Another year... poof!

2011-12-21T22:30:00.000-07:00

I had an awesome idea this year for the annual letter. See, some of you might not know this, but I'm a big social media nut. Love Twitter, love Facebook, love connecting with others online. I know- total news to you, right? Anyway, so what a great idea it would have been to have this post be a year of Facebook status highlights, right? RIGHT? No. Talk about a lot of noise to sift through.

Team Of Friends

2011-11-21T10:21:00.000-07:00

I've been on the PodcampAZ organizing committee for 4 out of 5 years. Last year I bowed out, blaming it on having too much to do. Which I think, looking back, was total BS. EVERY year is busy. I will always have a ton of things going on, and a ton to do. I am (for the most part) happy that way. I like being a part of things, being involved. I know I always bitch and moan about Arizona, but

Continuing to find my voice

2011-11-16T09:17:00.000-07:00

For the first time in 5 years of attending PodcampAZ, I was a speaker. I have no idea what finally made me feel ready to do so. Back in February I spoke about Podcasting to a bunch of Girl Scouts. That was fun, and it went well. Then I spoke about Podcasting at Gangplank Jr. for their journalism program. Also went well. Maybe I figured, "hey, if I can speak to kids (who can be the harshest,

The last Podcamp. Not in my eyes.

2011-11-14T08:37:00.000-07:00

What. A. Weekend. I'm sitting here in a dazed, confuzzled state trying to get all my thoughts together and write this. I could probably wait until tomorrow, but I also know that I should get this down while it's all still semi-fresh in my head. So many things I want to get down from an organizing, attending, and presenting point of view, I don't know where to start. The best way to do this

The time is now. The place? PodcampAZ.

2011-09-06T10:00:00.001-07:00

I use my voice a lot between the radio and podcasting. So, why has it taken me five years to gather up the nerve to speak at PodcampAZ?I didn't think I had anything worthy to tell you. Sure, I blather on about politics and issues that concern me, hoping that through my reasoning they can concern you too. But what can I possibly teach anyone? Well, I've always been about different perspectives,

Vacation Highs and Lows

2011-08-08T16:57:00.000-07:00

I had planned on blogging during our vacation. Well, that didn't work out. Now we've been home a week, and jumped right back into the fray with back-to-school. So my plan for some elaborate "What I did on summer vacation" post is also out the window. Instead, I have decided to shorten it even more, and give a list. Two, to be exact. So, in no particular order: Top 10 Vacation Highs: 1. Getting

My love/hate relationship with Gilbert

2011-06-27T14:09:00.005-07:00

I've been doing Daily Challenge thing for several months now. It's ok. Basically you get a small "challenge" to accomplish each day. The idea is each small change will lead to bigger, positive changes in your life. I've learned a few things along the way, but it's certainly not life changing for me. Just a fun thing to do.This one really happened to get me thinking:Connect to your community and

Don't Be a Sissie.

2011-06-15T15:00:00.002-07:00

I've had this pain in my left shoulder for probably two months now. I have no idea what I did, only it went beyond the normal muscle soreness I usually feel after a weight workout. I finally realized that I was the reason it wasn't healing; although I cut down on the amount of weight I was using, I needed to cut it out completely. It's getting better, but it's slow going. My friends tell me to

Kicking Off Another PodcampAZ!

2011-06-14T09:57:00.003-07:00

5 Years. FIVE. That's how long PodcampAZ has been around, and how many times I've participated. Only have 4 shirts though. My very first one was ruined in an unfortunate oil accident at Bath and Body Works. It sure smells good though.But I digress...Every year I talk about how great it is, and every year it just gets better and better. That's because all the awesome people who plan this event and

Freelance writing? Who knew?

2011-04-06T14:23:00.000-07:00

2011 seems to be turning into "The Year Of New Things" for me. It kicked off with completing my first half-marathon. The flood gates just seemed to open after that. I did a presentation on Podcasting for a room filled with Girl Scouts (which by the way I'm doing again for Gangplank Jr. on April 30th! Boys can podcast too!). I have never given any sort of presentation of any kind before. I shot a

Hear Me Roar

2011-03-22T22:35:00.001-07:00

A couple of weeks ago I shot a gun for the first time. General curiosity really. I had never even held one before. I also sort of owed it to my podcast listeners. I go off a lot about not being the biggest fan of guns, and in the name of fairness I felt I should at least experience shooting one. I have been working on the next show in which I talk about it. Here's a hint: not much has changed in

So What Now?

2011-01-30T12:13:00.003-07:00

It's been two weeks since the half-marathon. I've been dealing with pains on and off, but overall I've just been feeling lazy. My workouts haven't been as intense, and I haven't run further than 2 or 3 miles when I have run, which has only been 3 or 4 times.My next event is Pat's Run (yep a year has passed all ready!). The place where my addiction began. It was my very first timed run, and I did

The newest member of the 13.1 Club

2011-01-17T14:36:00.002-07:00

Well, that's done. My first 13.1 miles complete. What a great event, and a great day! I didn't go as fast as I had hoped, however I did keep it under 3 hours (2:52), and that was the big thing I wanted to accomplish. It's really quite different when you first get out there vs. how you play it out in your mind. At least the first time.The one thing that put a negative on my performance was all the

Let's Rock And Roll!

2011-01-15T19:23:00.001-07:00

So, that's it then. Training complete. Now I finally get to see what all the running, soreness, whining, complaining, and occasionally crying has done. I should be stepping over that start line around 9am.I feel good. Confident. I know I have the endurance, I know I have the strength. I drove the course last week so I know what I'm in for and where exactly it goes. It's going to be a great run,

You are important because...

2011-01-07T18:41:00.003-07:00

Yesterday I was having a downer day, and after a little self-reflection I realized something.I'm not afraid of rejection. I'm afraid of acceptance.Wrap your mind around that one! Anway, I was reading a post from Be More With Less, and I liked this bit and wanted to share. * You made someone smile today. * You chose to love instead of judge. * You said a bedtime prayer with your child. *

Mixed Emotions

2011-01-05T11:44:00.001-07:00

Initially receiving the email made me smile, then I realized I was chewing on my nails as I was reading over the Final Prep email from the Rock-n-Roll marathon. It's like, here. I just read my first post after I took the plunge and began training, and I feel like a completely different person now. If you want to learn a few things about who you are, then I suggest training for something. You have

Double-digits, baby!

2010-12-20T13:03:00.001-07:00

Yesterday my little Google Calendar reminder went off at 8:30am, and I couldn't for the life of me think of why I needed reminding. Turns out it was the 4 week mark of the Race. I feel like this next month is going to fly by, between the holidays and trying to get my training in. Especially with a week of it being across the country in Massachusetts. But let's get to this past week's training

Happy Holidays From The Cutler Clan!

2010-12-17T18:56:00.004-07:00

Yep, that is our eldest being put to work this year stringing lights. Though she offered, and she loved helping out!Merry/Happy Christmas/Holidays! We Cutler's (read: Danielle) decided to say goodbye to the paper and go internet for our holiday greeting. This way I can still write, and I don't have to print out 50 copies to mail. AND I get the added benefit of linking you over to an album with a

5 Weeks Left!

2010-12-13T10:42:00.001-07:00

The time has just flown by- I can't believe I'm in the home-stretch of training for the PF Chang's Half Marathon! Looking ahead at the FIRST training program, the next couple of weeks are going to really push it, then naturally it backs off so I can be strong on race day. But first let's go back to this past week of training...Repeats were good- 3x 1 mile runs. I'm still dealing with tightness in

True Freedom

2010-12-09T21:58:00.003-07:00

"People ask why I run. I say, "If you have to ask, you will never understand". It is something only those select few know. Those who put themselves through pain, but know, deep down, how good it really feels."~Erin Leonard, athleteThat about covers it this week. I feel better than I have probably in, well, ever. I now understand what the pain of pushing yourself feels like, instead of the pain

Forced Break Is Over- Back To Training!

2010-11-29T12:00:00.001-07:00

I used to think the most difficult part of training was running slow and for distance. Nope. The most difficult part of training is recovering from an injury, and not being able to do any running. Last week SUCKED. I know I needed to rest my back and let it heal, but my legs kept wanting to run. The chiro said swim or use the lower impact machines for cardio work. Oh whatever. I know they are

Sidelined.

2010-11-24T09:05:00.001-07:00

I thought my knees would be my big problem being a runner. Sure, I've had minimal knee pain over the months, but that's been the least of my problems compared to my back. I've got this lovely curve in my lower back that has always caused me some sort of problem over the years. If I stand too long, the pressure is too much. Walking stretches it out nicely, but even if I walk too much it gets tight

I'm a freakin' genius!

2010-11-16T07:59:00.000-07:00

Ok, not really. However, this year at PodcampAZ they are doing something new- Genius Panels. For some insane reason they stuck me in one. I guess after 4 1/2 years of podcasting I know a thing or two. So if you want an informal setting to ask questions about podcasting that you have always wanted to ask but never knew where to go to ask them- then this weekend you can.It's not just Podcasting,

You're Not Supposed To Be Fast Until The Race!*

2010-11-15T19:25:00.002-07:00

... and it's a good thing too, because it sure wasn't happening with me this week. Training is definitely a two-step forward, one-step back situation. I had a step back this week. First, the stats:Miles: 15.62 Comments: 2 Time: 05:02 Motivations: 0

Attitude Is Everything

2010-11-10T10:48:00.002-07:00

I'm well into the 9th week of training, and I have to say I am having a blast! Last week was another good week in my training. When I went to my chiropractor this week I realized it was the first time I said I felt HAPPY with how things were going and how my body was feeling. My mental attitude also did a complete turn-around:Miles: 18.91 Comments:

Remembering I Love To Run

2010-11-01T21:00:00.002-07:00

What a difference a week makes, when you put your head in the right place and have a whole new attitude! It was a great week of running, and at the end of it I made another distance goal.The stats:Miles: 24.27 Comments: 1 Time: 07:37 Motivations: 4

Lather, Rinse, REPEAT

2010-10-25T18:58:00.003-07:00

So I'm re-reading the post from last week and just laughing. I didn't do ANYTHING I said I would do. Not worry about speed? Ha. Focus and stay positive? Yeah, whatever. THIS past week has been the worst so far- and I'll tell you why right after we look at the stats:Miles: 15.37 Comments: 5 Time:

Get 'cha head in the game!

2010-10-18T17:20:00.001-07:00

The beginning of last week was really hard mentally. I like being a loner when it comes to training, but only in the work. I like the motivation of having someone around to help me push myself. This is why I don't really like exercise classes. Everyone prancing around, doing the same thing, that annoys me. You don't have to do that with running and weight training, and I like that better. You can

Month One Of Training In The Can!

2010-10-11T20:53:00.001-07:00

First month of half-marathon training is complete! I can't believe it's been a month- it ran right by me (yuk yuk yuk). This week was rather interesting, as I threw in an outside run to see how it felt.Miles: 15.10 Comments: 1 Time: 06:46 Motivations: 0

I Love To Hate Sprinting!

2010-10-05T10:00:00.003-07:00

Week three of training is eating my dust!Miles: 22.54 Comments: 9 Time: 06:15 Motivations: 1 Calories: 2804 Among Friends: 2

It's Podcamp AZ Time Again! Yippeeee!

2010-09-28T07:45:00.002-07:00

You all know I love this social media stuff. Connecting. Networking. Seeing how I can make all the new ways to communicate (that seem to pop up daily) relevant to me, and incorporating it in real life situations, as well as with my own podcast and radio show. This is where an un-conference like Podcamp AZ comes in. The 4th annual Podcamp is coming to the University of Advancing Technology in

Too much too soon?

2010-09-27T20:22:00.003-07:00

Your Training for 09/20/2010 - 09/26/2010 Miles: 15.29 Comments: 2 Time:

Ever Try To Outrun A Head Cold?

2010-09-20T12:49:00.001-07:00

Week one I am happy to report was a big success! I killed all kinds of personal bests. Here's my Daily Mile Weekly Report: Your Training for 09/13/2010 - 09/19/2010 Miles:

Addiction Makes You Crazy!

2010-09-13T14:40:00.001-07:00

It's been a long summer!After Pat's Run I slowed down a bit, though I did manage to keep running fairly consistently. It wasn't enough though- I haven't been pushing myself to go further. Using Daily Mile is great and motivating, but still not enough. The only way I can really push myself is with another race fix. I need to train for something specific. The 10k I was looking at fell through

Making Social Media Safe For Kids

2010-05-12T12:57:00.001-07:00

About a month ago I attended an excellent panel discussion on social media and raising your kids in the social-media world. After all, even though certain sites fade and new ones come in, social media and the internet life in general is never going away. It's a part of our culture, and rather than running from it or sheltering our children from it, we should educate ourselves in the best ways to

Running for Pat, and Myself

2010-04-15T14:59:00.000-07:00

Being an Arizonan, and having a husband who is an avid ASU and Cardinals football fan, I have had no choice over the years but to know the name Pat Tillman. It was also a very big deal when he gave up his contract after 9/11/2001 to join the Army and help fight in Afghanistan. You don't get any more patriotic than that, right? Then to have it all end and be killed by friendly fire. Yes, I know

A Note From My Daughter's Girl Scout Troop

2010-01-29T07:39:00.001-07:00

Our troop made the 1st cut! Now we’re asking for YOUR help. Cadette Girl Scout Troop 2305 made the first cut in the 98.7 The Peak’s Girl Scout Cookie Bailout Plan. Help our troop convince morning DJs Chris and Amy that they want to buy 98 boxes of cookies from OUR troop. Go to the PEAK website: http://987thepeak.com/?sid=1256864&nid=161, click on “Katie”, and hear our GS troop’s Billy

What are you going to do this year that really scares you?

2010-01-10T11:44:00.001-07:00

This question was asked of me on Twitter recently, by my friend and fellow GS leader Sara. I am always in awe of Sara and how she can have a dozen things going on and still have time for more. She also does freelance writing all over the place, and she wrote a recent entry on her Mom-blog regarding taking risks. It's a very good read, as is all of her entries there. She's just amazing, and has a

Over The Past 10 Years (with update)

2010-01-08T14:28:00.000-07:00

(From 12/31/09 with update below)I (in no particular order)...*had my second daughter.*started my own business.*discovered I was lousy at running my own business.*went on a cruise (10 year anniversary).*discovered the online world.*came out of my political shell*found my voice.*started a political forum*met one of my closest friends and political allies- via the online world.*started a podcast,

Walking Through History During The Independence Holiday

2009-07-04T13:02:00.002-07:00

I'm currently visiting family on the east coast- my sister in Massachusetts, and then down to NY. Yesterday we spent the day in Boston, and walked quite a bit of the Freedom Trail. My 9 yr. old daughter was very excited about this since she spent a good part of her 3rd year in school learning American history. Both of my daughters are very into history, something I hope that sticks with them. I

What Is That Krunk??

2009-06-27T23:21:00.004-07:00

Mmmm... Queso Krunk. I've talked about it on Twitter, and a few of my friends have actually indulged in the cheesy high fat goodness. The photo on the left is a new creation- the Krunkburger. I have my friend ScottyJ to thank for that. Along with the name "Krunk", but that's a whole other story...So, recently I was asked for the recipe. I have to say first and foremost that I can't take credit

A Day In My Life

2009-03-27T23:47:00.001-07:00

My friend Jen Tucker (who also got me doing the Five Things meme), recently did a post going through one day in her life. It was fun to read and see a typical day in a friend's life. Not to mention I was part of her day! So I decided to do one of my own, because it looked like fun. Also thought it would be interesting to see exactly what I do in a day.Turns out it's rather boring. Ok, very

Comparing Blood Types

2009-03-22T21:18:00.001-07:00

I have been teasing my fellow Mom-friends for months about this whole Twilight phenomenon. As is my usual way, the second something becomes a bandwagon, I avoid it at all costs. I'm not sure why that is. Probably because I personally can't just jump in and think something is awesome because millions of others think so. There always has to be a catch- you know, "if it's too good to be true..."

Cookies Gone Wild!

2009-03-15T17:22:00.002-07:00

As most who parooze the many places I am online know, I am a Girl Scout Leader, this being my first year. I admit it was rough taking this on. I had no clue what I was getting into when I said yes. It's pretty much like running a small business, except since you're part of a bigger Borg you don't have to do taxes.Once we actually got started with working with the girls, I have totally been

Taking Advantage Of The Big Ball Of Fire

2009-02-28T16:45:00.002-07:00

Well, many of you on Facebook and Twitter know this all ready, but I finally found a moment in the middle of all the Girl Scout Cookie pushing selling to write about the switch to solar energy for the house.First off- duh. Why this isn't just a given here in Arizona, I don't know. ALL new construction should just have it. Period. Don't whine about cost, if it's added during new construction, it

Solar Power The Way To Go

2009-02-13T07:47:00.003-07:00

This was a great segment on PBS's local show Horizon on solar tax credits and refunds, and the future of renewable energy in Arizona. It was of particular interest to me because at the end of the month we're having solar panels installed on our home. More to come on that!

I hate this part right here...

2009-02-08T13:46:00.003-07:00

I'm not a regimen kinda gal. There are some things I'm forced to stick to daily/weekly etc, like getting the kids to school, afternoon carpools, radio tracks and girl scout meetings. Everything else in my life is pretty much a free-for-all. If I feel it, I go there. But not always.This is what happens with exercise and staying in shape. I have NEVER been one of those crazy people who live for

5 Things Whenever The Heck I Want! Pt. 5

2009-02-07T10:33:00.000-07:00

I don't think anyone enjoys or looks forward to housecleaning, but it remains a necessity that you can only deny for so long. Some can certainly put it off longer than others (just ask my husband how great I am at ignoring things that need to be cleaned or put away). So without further ado....What housekeeping chore(s) do you hate doing the most? The bathrooms. Specifically the girls bathroom. I

My Flickr On Facebook

2009-01-17T12:14:00.003-07:00

No real reason for this post. Messing around with Facebook, clicked on my flickr photo page, and liked the photos that came up. Thought it was a nice collection showing a wide range of my life.

5 Things Whenever The Heck I Want! Pt. 4

2009-01-16T23:03:00.004-07:00

Haven't done one of these in awhile. Actually, there have been several posts I've wanted to make. It's been a long month, but a good one overall. Just busy. So I'll get to the other stuff, but for now this 5 things is adjectives about where you live, courtesy of the wonderful Jen Tucker.So it’s all about describing where you live. This can be your state, city/town, or actual living space. If you

7 things about me that have nothing to do with podcasting or radio

2008-12-30T17:55:00.000-07:00

Well dammit Debbie! This won't be easy. My life is pretty much an open book for anyone to Google. Here goes anyway...1. I met my husband when I was 14, at an Orchestra/Choir Regionals weekend at Camelback High School in Phoenix. There was no place to sit on the bus, and he was alone in the seat. Without asking, I sat in the seat, leaned back against him and asked if the seat was taken. After that

5 Things Whenever The Heck I Want! Pt. 3

2008-12-21T15:50:00.004-07:00

It's a holiday edition, so there are 8. I have no idea if there are 8 because of the holiday edition or not...1) What’s your favorite holiday tradition? Every Christmas eve, or in some cases Eve-eve, the family gets together for chili. I first learned about this when I started going to Bret's house when we were dating. His dad always did it. When we had Allison chili night was passed to me. This

Personal Year In Review

2008-12-17T23:28:00.000-07:00

Of all places to find some retrospection, I find these questions in the Huffington Post feed. It's better than the same old New Year's resolutions!* What was the best thing that happened to me this year? Traveling to England over the summer. Actually, the entire summer trip was the best!* What did I do this year that I'm really proud of? There are two. I started leading a Girl Scout troop. Sure

Can't Stop The Signal... Patterns.

2008-12-16T22:31:00.007-07:00

Oh yes, another personality test. Kinda neat though, I'm always curious when it comes to these things. There is also one that compiles a profile based on music clips. I didn't feel it was quite as accurate, but still interesting all the same. http://www.signalpatterns.com/

5 Things Whenever The Heck I Want! Pt. 2

2008-12-12T14:05:00.003-07:00

Yeah, today is just happens to be on Friday! Younger daughter has been a little sick this week, so she's still chilling in her PJ's while I do some laundry and browse around the series of tubes. This is how I noticed Jen Tucker posted her Friday 5!1. What did you last replace batteries for? The digital camera, because my older child takes it and records video. LOTS of video. To which I'm glad she

I'm so gay!

2008-12-10T09:49:00.004-07:00

For today, as the slogan goes I'm "batting for the other team". But you know, that saying doesn't really work. We shouldn't be known as teams. Teams divide. Us vs. them.It shouldn't be a battle to have equality. Things should just be equal.Yeah, I know... it looks so damn easy on digital paper.I've said my piece about the right for everyone to choose if they want to marry or not. Actually, I've

5 Things Whenever The Heck I Want!

2008-12-09T19:36:00.003-07:00

I guess it is some old LiveJournal meme thingy called Friday 5... well I am not one who likes to conform TOO much (I don't conform, but I am a copycat!), so here's my Tuesday 5:1. Would you consider yourself an organized person? Why or why not?Absolutely not. It's always a last-minute, thrown-together thing. No matter what. Girl Scout meetings, packing for a trip, supplies for a party, arranging

Getting in touch with an old friend. Me.

2008-12-08T15:55:00.007-07:00

I have been wanting to write more over here, where I can be on a more personal level. I was looking through the archives of the past few years, and I introduced myself to ME again. Then as I was putting together the previous entry on friendship it got me thinking. What made me stop?The best I can come up with is how everything sort of crash-landed around my (foster) Dad's illness. He was

The Levels Of Friendship

2008-12-07T19:03:00.004-07:00

I've been thinking about the friends in my life, prompted by an interesting Twitter discussion between a couple people I follow, and one I do not. Which is funny because the one I do not follow used to be a close friend of mine. Well, he was a close friend to me, at least. I've realized over the course of the now nearly two years since our friendship ended that I invested way more in the

Buyer Be(A)ware: The Linens-n-Things Price Sticker Scam

2008-12-04T17:00:00.003-07:00

Cross-posting from over on my AZ Central blog:Linens-n-Things, as most people know by now, is going out of business. The one closest to me is on Power Rd and Ray, just off the 202. It's close enough so I have been able to check in periodically and watch the prices drop on certain things I have my eye on. I would like to get them at the most "reasonable" price before they close their doors for

Flickr Photo Meme

2008-12-03T22:36:00.001-07:00

Usually I feel dread when I'm tagged for these meme's, but this one is actually pretty neat. Andy from the Andycast tagged me, and the meme is you have to go to your 6th page of flickr photos, and blog about the 6th picture. Here's Andy's post.Like Andy, I have already blogged about the 6th picture on the page, so I figured I could just pick whatever photo I wanted. I've blogged plenty about our

Know What I Did Last Podcamp AZ?

2008-09-23T16:51:00.003-07:00

Had a most excellent time, that's what! Today happens to be a big blog blast to promote the 2nd annual Podcamp AZ this November 1st and 2nd. Rather than write a big post here- I'll just direct you to the post I wrote over on AZ Central:Podcamp AZ Coming In November!Maybe I'll see some of you there!

Loss Of A Good Companion...

2008-08-07T14:09:00.006-07:00

Well, the day I thought was going to happen several times over the past 12 months finally happened. Our 13 year old dog Sandi passed away Tuesday morning. She had Cushings Disease, which is basically from an excessive amount of cortisol being produced. There are treatments, but when you weigh treatment success and cost vs. age of the dog, we made the decision to just make sure she was comfortable

Thoughts on London

2008-07-20T13:19:00.008-07:00

As I look back over the 9 days we spent in London, I find myself thinking about the things I would do the next time we travel there.This must be a positive, meaning I had an enjoyable enough experience that I'd like to go back someday.It's definitely must be a different experience with kids, since we were limited by how much they could do in one day. When they needed to stop, we stopped. Most of

Back In The US!

2008-07-17T10:21:00.003-07:00

Just a quick note to let everyone know that we are safe and sound back in the US. Flight was 6 and a half hours, and pretty uneventful. A little too bumpy for my taste (sorry about your arm dear!). Still totally spoiled by the free hot dinner and treatment on British Air. Today we are just recovering and doing laundry, but I'll probably write some post-thoughts soon as I take some time to

The Journey West-ward begins

2008-07-16T01:56:00.003-07:00

We finished off our London trip with first visiting Buckingham Palace (just the outside). The Queen happened to be in according to the flag flying, but we weren't able to arrange a tea with her. ;-) After that we headed over to the Tower of London to gawk at all the royal jewels. It was another very touristy feeling place. Actually, the feeling I got was how I feel at a Ren Fair. It's hard to

A DayAt Oxford

2008-07-15T01:14:00.003-07:00

What a great day. I think it was a fairly easy drive up to Oxford (you’d have to ask Bret to be sure about that one), then to get around the city itself you need to park and ride, so that made it world’s easier. The whole city is beautiful, and the University is sort of embedded throughout. You could definitely tell you were near and on a University campus, that seems to have the same feel no

Getting In The London Groove...

2008-07-14T01:06:00.004-07:00

All right, so I realize it’s been three days (at the time of writing this it’s about 8:45pm on Sunday), but it’s been so very busy here! I think the flight home will be the first time in a LONG time that I actually sleep on a plane! We’ve been running all over southern England since last I wrote. Allow me to recap: Day 3 (Thurs.): We traveled more into the center of London this day,

London Day 2

2008-07-10T01:18:00.004-07:00

I will miss this weather when we leave. In AZ we don’t see the steady rain. You know, the stuff that just hangs there and there is at least some sort of drizzle coming down ALL day long. I love that.That’s what today was, so we ventured out (armed with our day passes rather than Oyster cards) and began our first day closer to center city at the Museum of Natural History. Seems everyone had the

Anarchy In The UK!

2008-07-09T00:52:00.000-07:00

My goodness, I don’t even know what day it is. I can’t even post this until the morning because there is no internet access in our room, only in the main house. It’s been the longest two days! Monday around 5 we left to take the rental car back, and then check in for the International portion of our adventure. Since we needed the car back before 7, we ended up being checked in for the flight

You know you're from the desert when...

2008-07-07T09:39:00.002-07:00

You pack for a trip to London and you have more shorts than long pants with you! Two trips to the store to buy a few more pairs of long pants for the children!Plan your tripLocal RadarDetailed ForecastIt's going to be so wonderful weather-wise! Jumping ahead another 5 hours should be quite an interesting experience though. We plan on relaxing at the B

Fabulous East-Coast 4th

2008-07-06T08:55:00.005-07:00

Well hello there peoples! Bret was giving me a guilt-trip about not doing a post for a few days, so I figured before I dove into sorting MORE photos, I'd write.Hope everyone had a nice 4th of July weekend! We ended up having a really great time. Katie and her Brett had a bbq on the 4th, and we ate much, met some of their friends, AND my friend Scott came over as well! Scott (for those of you who

Easy-living on the East Coast...

2008-07-03T10:51:00.008-07:00

Bret here again. On Monday we took the Staten Island Ferry to Manhattan then took the subway to the see the progress on the World Trade Center. Several buildings going up around the main site. They’ve even built up to the ground floor where towers one and two were located. I’m sure Danielle would like to share her thoughts on this particular visit, so I won’t go into more details at this

Dziadzi: A Head Away

2008-06-29T18:28:00.001-07:00

This week-end we spent in New York. We spent most of the time with our Dziadzi and Babci. Today we went to a BBQ at there house. Like 5 minutes after we started it started to rain. It was pouring from the start. So the BBQ was held inside. It was really nice seeing every-one again. Tomorrow we go back to Boston. But first we are going to NYC. We are going to see Anita for lunch. Then to Boston.

Backtracking...

2008-06-28T18:44:00.002-07:00

So, it seems Samantha missed a few things in her post yesterday, although she did remember some very important things! Let's briefly go back a couple of days.Wednesday was travel day. Two hour drive to the Kansas City airport, then three hour flight to Boston. We used an airline we've never flown before, Midwest, and I totally recommend it. Yes, this is nervous-flier Danielle recommending an

we're in New York!!!!!!!!!!

2008-06-27T18:43:00.005-07:00

Today we went on a long drive to Staten Island.And we are staying at Hilton Garden Inn. we went swimming at a indoor pool in the hotel. And tomorrow we are going swimming again. And my dad is the Daddy Express in the pool. we had lot's of fun.

No Toto, we are still in Kansas

2008-06-23T23:17:00.001-07:00

...at least for one more day! Sorry there haven't been any updates since we got here. If you've been checking the twitter feed you get a little bit of the happenings here and there, and there are also more photos on the flickr page. But every time I thought about doing a blog post, I was either booted off by others wanting to check their email, or I just plain didn't feel like it! Which I guess

Hello... We're in Kansas

2008-06-19T14:05:00.011-07:00

Danielle let me guest-blog today, as I wanted to share my thoughts on the adventure so far. Albuquerque is pretty well captured by D below, so I won’t bore you with those details again; however, I will rehash a little wrt the Royal Gorge Bridge. I wasn’t too sure about going, but know D was excited to see some things along our route to Kansas so I obliged. It is an impressive structure and

A Day At The Bridge

2008-06-17T23:20:00.003-07:00

Unfortunately the WiFi here at the Days Inn is not the greatest, and after several attempts to upload some photos to flickr, then a smaller photo here with no luck, I'm not going to try any more. Which really bums me out- I'm sure it's more fun to see the photos than just read my ramblings!We made it to Colorado Springs last night, and then today headed out to see the Royal Gorge Bridge in Canon

Mazel Tov from Albuquerque!

2008-06-16T00:37:00.001-07:00

I'm so very exhausted but wanted to get a blog post done before I crashed. Amazing how I'm up earlier than I normally am at home- and it's only an hour time difference! Aren't you supposed to sleep in on vacation?? However, it's my own doing. I met my sister both Saturday morn and today down at the fitness center and got a workout in. I think I'll skip it tomorrow though.This morning began (after

The Cutler's Summer Of Fun Begins!

2008-06-13T23:21:00.004-07:00

This was one long day. After goodbyes to the dog and stopping to top off the gas tank, we were on our way!Unfortunately, a meanie stomach virus that Allison was being bothered with made it's way over to Bret, so our trip took just a bit longer. However, I now know all the rest stops from Phoenix to Albuquerque. This also meant I drove the entire way, which makes me rather drained right now.

Clearing the dust... preparing for adventure!

2008-06-02T22:19:00.005-07:00

Updated some links, deleted some things. Summer is here, and I'm about to head out for a 6-week adventure with my family. Where better to put the adventures in a place that has been very VERY neglected since September?June 13th is when the fun begins, and we drive out to Albuquerque for my (foster) Aunt's wedding. I absolutely love that we are leaving on Friday the 13th! (13 is my favorite/lucky

Some days I miss you more than others, Dad

2007-09-25T22:30:00.001-07:00

You all know what I want you to do. Swab in the mouth and you're done. (Click on letter for larger graphic)http://www.marrow.org/HELP/Join_the_Donor_Registry/index.html?src=join

Attention Arizona New-Media types!

2007-09-09T23:02:00.000-07:00

Won't you join me? I'm so very excited for the first annual Podcamp AZ- it's sure to be a blast! Click on the invite for more info, or head HERE.

A "Considerate Dreamer"

2007-08-30T21:42:00.000-07:00

You are a DreamerYour combination of abstract thinking, appreciation of beauty, and cautiousness makes you a DREAMER.You often imagine how things could be better, and you have very specific visions of this different future.Beauty and style are important to you, and you have a discerning eye when it comes to how things look.Although you often think more broadly, you prefer comfort to adventure,

Widen Your Circle Of Compassion

2007-08-15T21:13:00.000-07:00

"A human being is a part of the whole, called by us, "Universe," a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings as something separated from the rest -- a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us.Our task must be to free

Is Sedona Calling?

2007-08-14T23:28:00.000-07:00

Yes.. it's astrology. What of it? ;-)Free Will AstrologyWeek of August 15TAURUS (April 20-May 20): "I am in continuous pursuit of the color red," says artist Andy Goldsworthy, whose specialty is creating large outdoor sculptures made of natural objects. "As I approach the source of the color red, the more I understand it." That's why he's so fond of red rocks, whose hue comes from iron, the same

A good day of nothing

2007-08-13T17:00:00.001-07:00

Just a quick YAY post.Well, it started out with me getting rather freaked with my stupid "stalker". No, I realize he's not really a stalker. However, he did decide to start harassing me personally on his little show, then followed me over to my message board to further cause me grief. Which really, I never should have even let him in, in the first place. But as my dear friend Dave will tell

Words are the same, we just change who says them!

2007-08-13T14:45:00.000-07:00

I take you now, to 1994...

I don't blame her for being angry

2007-08-12T22:20:00.000-07:00

This seemed like a good post to end Blogging Against Racism Week on. As much as I enjoy the education I receive about race from wonderful, insightful, honest bloggers such as Field Negro and Free Slave, I feel I can connect more with Angry Black Woman's blog and view. Maybe it's the fact we're both women? I have no clue.Regardless, she is very good at making me see things I totally never would

Scheduled To Die For Not Killing Anyone

2007-08-12T00:30:00.000-07:00

From Democracy Now last Thursday:Three weeks from today, a 30-year-old African American man on death row in Texas is scheduled to be executed. Kenneth Foster was sentenced to death ten years ago for the murder of Michael LaHood, a white man. The trial judge, the prosecutor, and the jury that sentenced him to die admit he never killed anyone. Foster is scheduled to be executed under a

Check my what?

2007-08-10T22:46:00.000-07:00

A good friend and ally in the fight against racism recently posted this guide on privilege on the TS message board- and I want to share some of the points here for today's (almost too late!) installment for IBARW.It all starts with one simple self-realization: you are privileged. Chances are, your reading that has made you feel defensive. While it’s a perfectly natural, and common, reaction, don’

Facts? We Don't Need No Stinkin' Facts!

2007-08-09T21:34:00.000-07:00

Racism, White Anxiety and the Projection of Personal InadequacyBy Tim WiseThe electronic messages I receive from overt racists would be hilarious were they not so sad, so indicative of an inability to do basic research, interpret data once discovered and then fashion an intelligible argument. That the American educational system is failing may be a matter for open debate, but on this score--its

A view of how 'important' civil rights is to one political party

2007-08-09T12:10:00.000-07:00

From a post I made on the Tap back in July:Seriously. One? Only one? Wasn't worth shuffling the schedule around for? Oh dear GOP, even FAKING caring about this debate would have shown a little more about you, than what this photo gives away.The NAACP invited all 9 Republican candidates to the forum, but only one showed up: Tom Tancredo. All the Democratic Presidential hopefuls showed up for their

Don't Miss The Point

2007-08-09T11:59:00.000-07:00

An article from back in April, with my thoughts and boldings throughout:Passing the Buck and Missing the Point: Don Imus, White Denial and Racism in America By Tim Wise April 15, 2007 Let us dispense with the easy stuff, shall we? First, Don Imus's free speech rights have not been even remotely violated as a result of his firing, either by MSNBC or CBS Radio. The First Amendment

An Email From Color of Change

2007-08-08T20:29:00.001-07:00

Dear Dani, A few weeks ago, we launched a campaign to bring visibility to the case of the Jena 6--six young black men in Jena, LA set to face more than 20 years in prison for their alleged role in a schoolyard fight. We're already making a difference, but we could still really use your help. Last Tuesday, over 300 people from across the country descended on Jena: we rallied in front of the

The side of MLK people don't like to talk about

2007-08-08T10:14:00.001-07:00

The Martin Luther King You Don't See on TVBy Norman Solomon and Jeff Cohen, AlterNetPosted on April 4, 2007, Printed on April 4, 2007http://www.alternet.org/story/50151/It's become a TV ritual: Every year on April 4, as Americans commemorate Martin Luther King's death, we get perfunctory network news reports about "the slain civil rights leader."The remarkable thing about these reviews of King's

History of Black/White Relations

2007-08-08T10:09:00.000-07:00

Reality is unpleasant- some quotes

2007-08-07T23:30:00.000-07:00

It is part of the moral tragedy with which we are dealing that words like "democracy," "freedom," "rights," "justice," which have so often inspired heroism and have led men to give their lives for things which make life worthwhile, can also become a trap, the means of destroying the very things men desire to uphold. Sir Norman Angell (1874 - 1967), 1956. No one is more dangerous than one who