Category: Life

We took Matthew to the pool outside our apartment this afternoon and he loved it. Even though I thought the water was frigid, I believe he did better at this pool than at the swim lessons he had at Aerofit 2 months ago! The instructor frightened him, but that is a whole other post!! As always since we moved here, I forgot my camera. I want to start posting pictures soon but my mind is still a little mushy from the upheaval and I always forget it.

Speaking of forgetfulness, I went grocery shopping today by myself. I figured it was time I ventured out on my own before Tony started work. The prices here are actually for the most part, cheaper than prices in Paris and I only had to ask for the location of two things in the store, which I thought wasn’t too bad, until I left to go back home and missed my exit! As soon as I passed it I knew I had messed up. Luckily the next turn around wasn’t too far way.

Things are starting to feel more like home around here. I am having to control my shopping urges, too. There are just way too many cool place to shop and bargains to be had. Since we are in this apartment I am trying not to accumulate to many things for space reasons but we are planning on buying a house in six months, after that — look out! Just kidding, dear.

Hopefully, I’ll have pictures soon!

In the space of twenty-four days Tony got a new job, we sold our house, and moved to Austin. What a whirlwind! We are now in a very quiet, very convenient-to-everything, beautiful apartment and though it was sad at first I know we are going to love it here. Of course it was hard leaving everything and everyone we’ve ever known behind, but you’ll never get anywhere if you don’t get out of your comfort zone and take a chance.

I know Austin is full of possibilities that, as good as things were in Paris, we would never have had if we’d stayed.

Tony and I really like the feel of the city and Matthew told us tonight that he has decided to stay in Austin. That could have something to do with the train ride at Zilker Park and the carousel at the mall! Everyone we’ve met has been extremely friendly so far and we are fortunate enough to have some great friends that live here, too. I plan on updating the site more often since we are so far away from friends and family so please check back when you have time! We miss everyone so feel free to leave a comment or email us.  We’d love to hear from you all.

You should have seen Matthew on the Wii Fit this morning. He did his body test and then some agility test and thought it was too cool. The Wii Fit told him his Wii Fit Age was 4 so now he thinks he is 4 years old, that his birthday has come and gone. I reassured him it hadn’t and that he still had a party coming. He was o.k. with it then.

So far he has score the best age out of all of us. I guess I’ll have to step up my game.

I was severely disappointed to hear John Edwards admit to and affair he had at one time denied. I was one of the many who thought he was”one of the few good guys” left in Washington. Even thought he would have been a reasonable president. And he may still be, but is it any wonder our society is so cynical and untrusting?

He stated in an interview that all the attention he received from his campaign for president made him feel special, deserving and arrogant. Which makes me wonder: Can anyone keep their morals in check once good fortune, power and popularity come knocking? Does even a small amount of success corrupt your moral compass? Is there anyone left who won’t come to believe that they are above it all?

For our sakes, I hope there is. Ok. Off the soap box.

Matthew and I tried swimming lessons this week for him. The first couple of days went fairly well until the instructor took Matthew under the water briefly. Her intentions were good but he never recovered. Complete red faced three-year-old melt down. We had to go home after that. I plan to keep exposing him to the idea of swimming, at least on how to get out of the pool on his own but I am afraid he has his mother’s fear of going under the water….

I never heard back from the new doctor my nurse practitioner was referring me to and when I called the office to check I was told that the person that takes care of that was out and to call the new doctor myself to get thing done. Ok. The new doctor can see me this month if I go to his Sherman office. Ok. So I now have an appointment in a couple weeks but I’ll tell you what is really bothering me. No one seems to have a clue what is causing the pain in my back and now they just want to send me to pain management. I just want a diagnosis. I have had surgery, two MRI’s and have seen four doctors trying to find a cause and so far, no luck. I am afraid they think it is all in my head. Lots of people have told me to find a doctor out of town and as much as that appeals to me, I wouldn’t know who to go to. Do I just pick some random name off the internet? I guess I’ll just see what this next doctor has to say.

Here’s Matthew on his 4 wheeler from Aunt P. and Uncle B. He loves it and is surprisingly very good at steering, even in higher gears. I guess that’s just what little boys do!

A few weeks ago we all went to Sea World. Fun was had by all. It is three theme parks in one, but we enjoyed the shows the most. The things that these intelligent creatures agree to do for their trainers are awe-inspiring! I would also recommend checking out the acrobatic show, Viva!. It is comedy, acrobatics, synchronized swimming, and beautiful whale and dolphin performances all rolled into one. Here are a couple of pictures…

Matthew won second place in the infant to three year old costume contest at the Pumpkin Festival yesterday.

We had a great time at Matthew’s classmate Layla’s Halloween party this evening.

Friday evening we stopped into Wal-Mart to pick up a few things. (Yes, we’re old married folks. I’m sure you were partying on Friday night.) I went by the electronics department just like I’ve done at least 100 times in the last few months.

Only this time, something was different. That empty space above the price sticker for the Nintendo Wii wasn’t empty. There was a big white box there, with the word Wii on it. I stood guard while Paige went to find an employee. As he approached I said “Is that a Wii?” “Yes,” he replied.

Things get a little fuzzy at this point. I remember pointing to the box, then pointing to our shopping cart… My spirit left my body for a while, but luckily returned in time for me to swipe my debit card… Now I’m the proud owner of a shiny new Wii.

So if you happen to drive by our house and notice us jumping around the living room like crazy people, we’re probably just playing with the Wii. Come on in and join us. All we have right now is Wii Sports, but I’m sure that will change soon. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess looks great, as does Mario Party 8.