OK I know I haven't posted in a really long time. Here are a few pictures that I took of the earliest snowfall on record in Houston- December 4, 2009.

Alli and Haleigh (AKA Slvr and Drk) at Discovery Green, catching snow

A hibiscus in my back yard that was in bloom before the snow...didn't like the freeze that followed that night, though.

Bear Creek Park- soccer fields in the snow

Alli and Haleigh catching snow at Discovery Green

Playing in the snow outside the GRB convention center...this is what they did while all their friends had to stay in school all day!

School has started this week. Last weekend was a soccer tournament with 3 games in 2 days (2 of them at noon in 100 degree heat!) plus we went to the Dynamo game sunday night. Alli has a new team which she really likes. They did well in the tournament (1 win, 2 ties); not bad for a new div II team.

Goalkeeper training started monday night, and volleyball tryouts started tuesday (6:30am!) so it has been a busy busy week. This weekend we're planning a trip to Turner Falls. Should be fun!

Here are a couple of pictures of soccer for this season. I am going to bed since I have to get up at 5:30am...












Alli diving to save a shot in a tournament last weekend. She gave her all but they stole the ball from her and scored. Final score 1-1.

















Alli's individual picture for Fall 09 soccer- AHFC

I know its been a LONG time since I posted...over 5 months, but it's been a little hectic around here. Let me give you the brief summary. Budget season at work, crazy economy making it even more fun this year, but we've filed and are now halfway through our workshops with the City Council. Alli finished the club volleyball season in May, 7th grade in June and tried out for club soccer in June.

She will be the goalkeeper on an Albion Hurricanes div II team. The team seems to have done pretty well last year except for the fact that they couldn't keep a full roster. They apparently were 1 win away from moving up to Super II in the fall. She's been playing indoor soccer all summer and once she was offered a spot on the Albion team has been helping them out in indoor as their keeper as well. That I think was a smart move, as she has earned the trust of some of the key players on the team from her actions on the indoor games. Training started last week for the fall season, and AHFC club day is this saturday. First tournament on the 22-23rd then school starts on the 24th, along with goalkeeper training.

Alli is going into 8th grade this year. Volleyball tryouts start the 2nd day of school. Hopefully there won't be too many conflicts with soccer- team training is Mon/Wed, but keeper training is Mon/Thurs, so it depends how many keeper sessions she needs to attend. We'll be pushing for 2x/wk at least until the volleyball games start, as they are on thurs afternoons.

Beautiful Day!

So today was a typical beautiful spring day in Texas. We had clear, sunny skies and a high around 80 degrees. My little sister finally got on facebook- where are the rest of you? Even my hubby is on there, of course I did it for him!

Alli got her volleyball pictures this week- turned out great, see for yourself!

My little girl is growing up too fast!

So let's see what's been going on- did a council workshop on Tuesday night, it went well- a budget update. Of course there's always one question that's going to throw you. One councilmember is a finance whiz and wanted to know if we'd have sensitivity analysis of different revenue scenarios ready to review with them at their retreat next week-(Jenn, you can probably guess who that was!) Are you kidding me? It's March 3 and we're just getting started…I'm not even ready to share numbers with the City Manager, much less the Council!

Oh, now our suite is quiet, my old boss moved to her new office a week early. Not a bad thing. Tomorrow will be really quiet.

If the weather tomorrow is like it was today, which I think it is supposed to be, I am going to ride my bike to work- first time I've been on it in 3 months. Hopefully I remember how to handle it! This weekend we'll be heading to soccer on Saturday and then meeting my bud Tabi for lunch at Chuy's. Hopefully it will be warmer than last weekend! Spring is almost here, I had to blow a bunch of pollen off of our back patio tonight when I got home. It's only going to get worse…

Excuses

OK so its been nearly 3 weeks since I posted, and a month since a real post, since I cheated on the last one and posted Alli's story. I blame Facebook, as it has been stealing all my creative juices as I racked up over 60 long lost friends in less than 2 weeks since I joined. And the 2 other bloggers I monitor are on FB too- right Suzie and Jenn? It's amazing how often people are on there just putting out random thoughts...wait, isn't that what I'm doing here?

Only difference is I don't have 60+ people seeing it when I write it and commenting. I haven't told too many people about this blog, it's still kind of a random assortment of thoughts and I don't know what to think about it.

Let's see, a lot has happened since I posted last...I got a promotion, and my old boss isn't speaking to me anymore. I'll be moving into her office in about two weeks when she moves down to the accounting suite. She still gets a corner office, just not quite as big as what she's in now. I'm not sure what her deal is- she must think I'm gunning for her or something, and it's not that at all- the city manager approached me about taking on a bigger role in the organization in January, and asked me to draw up a plan for breaking my area away from her department and taking on some additional responsibilities. So I did, and now I'm a director and have my own department and somehow I ended up with her secretary and I taught SL101 last night in her place. No reason for her to hold a grudge against me...no really, I am being as nice as I can be in the situation.

Fortunately I am not a glutton for punishment and I won't play petty games. So pout away, just don't pull me into it! Don't think that everyone can't see what is going on...it will be nice to have the suite tension free in a couple of weeks. We're getting new neighbors- emergency mgmt is moving over from fire admin and they will be a breath of fresh air (for a while at least).

The Shadow of Freedom

This is a story that Allison wrote for school last month:

Watching the full moon rise over the suburban wilderness, I raised my head and let out a long lonely howl. A few other neighborhood dogs howled in response, but none of them knew my pain. They were sad that their owners had to go to sleep and stop playing with them. But I wanted freedom. As I let out another cry, my owner banged his fist against the door and yelled at me. This is how my life has been going ever since my owner bought me, and I was tired of it. I knew what I had to do.

Sniffing the collar around my neck, I decided that I could gnaw my way through it and break away from the chains that held me down. I began to chew the collar, and right before I broke through it, I heard a voice behind me that sent shivers down my spine. Turning around, I saw a cat on the fence post, its scarred face and dull, matted fur clearly visible in the moonlight. The cat was different from the other house cats in the neighborhood; it didn’t have a collar around its neck. I realized with a sense of envy that it was a stray. An animal with no chain to hold it back, just the way I wanted to live. “What’s your name mutt?” the cat asked, interrupting my train of thought.

“Senka,” I replied warily, still not trusting the feline. The cat’s amber eyes rested on me and took in my muddy, black fur sticking out in different directions, until they met mine.

“Senka,” the stray repeated with a thoughtful look. “Now, why must you try to run?” In my head, I weighed my options. I could either stay to listen to the flea-bitten stray, or I could nip through the last strand of the fabric and break away to my freedom. At last, I decided that it might be worth it to stay and hear what the cat had to say.

“My owner doesn’t love me,” I explained. “I never get let off my chain.”

The edges of the cat’s mouth turned down into a frown as she heard me. “So that’s what this is about? You’re upset that you don’t have a home?!” The cat spat the out the words with anger. By now I was angry with the stray, but still, I listened. “You should be happy to have an owner!” it continued.

I closed my eyes and appeared to be deep in thought. Finally, I opened my eyes and smiled. “Okay,” I said, “I’ll stay.”

The cat appeared to be surprised by my response. “Good,” it said. “’Bout time you young ones started listening to your elders.” The cat stood up with a smile on its face- it was clearly proud of itself. “Good day to you.” Then, it left.

Grinning, I whipped my head around and snapped the collar with a quick nip. Taking in my first breath of freedom, I burst through the gate and into the street. Looking around, I was overwhelmed by the sights I saw. Hearing my owner coming, I began to run down the street. I, Senka, shadow, was free.

20 Yr Reunion Already!

Last weekend was my 20 Yr High School reunion. Had a great time. Great to see everyone. Lots of people hadn't changed, but there were many that I would never have recognized. I didn't even remember some of the names- some people cheated and studied their yearbooks before the reunion- I didn't have time so I was going off of memory only.

Unfortunately my camera got on the wrong setting for the big group shot, so I only have the ones where we split into the LCJH and MMS groups. Hopefully someone will email out good pictures from the whole group.

The Mauriceville group from LC-M Class of 88

The LC group of LC-M Class of 88

Tammie, Marcus & Thelisa at Acapulco's on Friday Night. There were about 3 times more people there than were expected- not near enough room! They kicked us out at 10:00- so much for small towns.

Tabitha & Jen at the Family Skating party.

Paula, Jen, Marcus & Jeanna at the skating rink- I did not skate!

Christmas Pics- a month later

Here are several pictures from our family get together on Christmas Eve. First are all 5 grandkids together- couldn't get them to stay for long. They are (L to R): Deb & Ray's kids Ryan (12), Grant (9) and Mallory (5); Mitch & Cindy's daughter Rachel (7) and my Allison (13) in the back!

Rachel and Mallory waiting to open their presents

Allison on Christmas Eve at Mitch & Cindy's house

Crazy Girls

OK here is the first "official" video of McThorton Sisters productions. It's Alli and her friend Dawn spoofing a day in the life of the vampire. Be sure to watch all the way to the end- it's 6 minutes long but there are hilarious bloopers at the end! It's talking a long time to post so hopefully it works. I've never posted a video before- I don't even know how to use moviemaker but Alli is really good at editing. It took all day to shoot for the 6 minutes of footage.

We had a busy weekend with the SAT yesterday and she ended up getting to play in the volleyball tournament as their club played in the afternoon wave. Not a bad first tournament, they made it to the quarterfinals and then lost, but held their own. We didn't get home until nearly 11 pm! I was the assistant coach for their 3 matches and scorekeeper for 2 others. Talk about work! My throat hurt so bad I could hardly talk when we got home.

Other news around here- my 20 year high school reunion is next weekend. I'm getting ready- I got a totally new hairstyle last week- was really tired of the same 'do that I've had for so long...amazingly I actually have some curl in there with all the weight of the length gone. Then on Sunday Alli has a volleyball tournament. Soccer practice starts this week, most of her team came back (all but one) for the spring, so they're looking forward to a good season. Hopefully she won't have to miss too many games because of volleyball tournaments.

Reactions

Well I ventured out in public by myself yesterday after I visited the doctor and got cleared to drive. The doctor said I was doing very well and suspected that I received the test drug vs the control drug during my surgery, as my pain has been very manageable during my recovery, and I haven't had to take much medicine other than the Tylenol to control pain. I go back on Tuesday to get my stitches out.

It's funny to notice people's reactions when they see me now. Even people I don't know seem to treat me differently than they did before. Maybe I'm just more sensitive or observant right now but the little things are quite interesting. For instance, I went to Double Dave's and the guy behind the counter was overly nice in asking me if there was anything special that I wanted to see on the buffet! Then catching guys sneaking a peek at me when I walk by is kind of fun! And I didn't even have anything revealing on, just a button up blouse that had never fit right before...funny how things work out.

I then ventured to Kohl's to shop for new clothes. That was fun! I definitely tried everything on cause I had no idea what would fit me. Bought a few blouses and a new purse, lighter since I'm still restricted to lifting 10 lbs or less. Once I got home I realized that I was not back to 100% yet, as I was exhausted and crashed on the bed for a nap!

Bill came home yesterday afternoon after being in Austin all week and was very happy to see me. It's a good thing he hasn't been around this week or I wouldn't have gotten too much rest! We went to dinner with friends and my brother's family as usual, and had a great time.

Well it's time to get ready for our busy day. Alli's volleyball practice got moved up (great...) so that it now overlaps with her soccer game. Good thing they're 45 minutes apart! We'll head to the soccer game first and if they have enough players without her for the game, then we'll take her to volleyball. If the soccer team needs her, we'll just miss volleyball practice or be late. Good thing we only have 1 kid! Can't imagine what we'd do if we had more than one.

TO my sisters in law, have a safe trip to Galveston to honor your dad's birthday. Bill is with you in thoughts. We miss you Grandpa Bill.

48 Hours in...

Well I am officially 48 hours into the pain study. Funny thing about participating is that it makes me very aware of the passage of time. I am now reporting my pain experience every 12 hours, with a brief pain inventory every 24 hours. Thought I was doing well yesterday but about 5:30 when my parents came to take Alli and her friend Dawn for volleyball practice I was starting to hurt pretty bad. I hadn't taken anything but Tylenol all day, and had been very awake and "active" (as much as I can be in this state) all day. I can't lift more than 5 lbs and its difficult to reach anything above shoulder level, so there's not a whole lot I can do. But I did sit in the recliner, read and watch TV all day. So before they left I took some prescription meds and decided to lay down for a while. That pretty much did me in- I got up long enough to get Alli some dinner when she got home and shepherd her into the shower and to bed by 10- then I was gone again. Good thing she can pretty much take care of herself! Woke up in the middle of the night needing more medicine, so it wasn't an easy night. Now that the bandages are off and things are starting to swell I'm really feeling the pressure on the incisions.

But overall I am thrilled with the results. Tried on my bikini today after I showered and realized what it was supposed to look like all this time! Can't wait to start working out again and get the rest of me back into shape. I think we'll be hangin' out at the pool alot this summer...don't think Alli will mind now that she's 13 and I think boys are starting to be on her mind even though she won't admit it.

We have a busy couple of weeks coming up. Alli has an indoor soccer game on Saturday, volleyball tournaments start next weekend, along with the SAT, and then following weekend is my 20 year high school reunion. Looking forward to seeing everyone. Not sure who all will be coming to the reunion or how long we'll be staying as there is an indoor soccer game and a volleyball tournament that weekend. Depending on which vb team Alli makes (red or blue) we may have to adjust our schedule! I really want her to make it to the reunion with us. She was only 3 at the last reunion. Then the following week she starts practice for her club soccer team (outdoor). I hope there aren't too many conflicts with practices & games/tournaments. Part of me just wants all the scheduling to get settled so we can work out which events we can't make it to, but that will come with time.

Wow, I dont' think I'll be able to keep up this pace of posting when I go back to work next week...they actually want me to be productive!

A New Me

Well, everything went well yesterday. We arrived about 1/2 hour before the appointment time and of course the doctor was running behind schedule (already) so around 11 am I finally got called back, and right around noon I went into surgery. I was very sleepy yesterday and had trouble getting comfortable. My main problem was my upper back hurting between my shoulder blades. Was nauseous a few times but never got sick. It was really good to be able to eat and drink something after 16 hours of no food or water! Today is much better, I slept well last night, only got up once and didn't have to take any pain meds during the night. This morning I only took Tylenol, we'll see how long that lasts! I'd like to be coherent for a while before I zone out from more pain medicine. The nurse is coming by my house later this morning to help me get my dressings changed and show me what I need to do. My mom stayed with Alli and I last night and was a big help as I was pretty out of it.

My dear friend and college roomie, Melissa, has been a great support through my deliberation and decision to do this for myself, as she went through it about a year and a half ago. She's been very encouraging- Thanks a bunch!

I'm participating in a pain study as part of my post surgery recovery. It's actually making me more aware of my progress as I have to chart my meds and pain at particular intervals over the first 4 days of recovery. I don't know if I received the trial drug or the standard drug during surgery, but the trial drug is supposed to extend the effectiveness of the standard pain medicine used during the surgery, from an original 4-6 hours to about 4 days. I'm feeling pretty good, so I'm hoping that I received the trial drug and its working well. Either that or I have one heck of a tolerance for pain!

Well I'd better go rest now, will update again when I can.

Random Thoughts

OK I chose this picture for today, 'cuz how often do you see a 50 year old man with a purple trimmed hat on? This was from Bill's birthday last year and I just found the photos on the computer this week. Kind of scary the things you'll do after a little encouragement from your friends & family!

SO things are coming together here, volleyball practice this week, things are gearing back up at work, and I'm having the most exciting surgery on Monday. I've decided to make up for what God didn't give me. Those who have seen me know that I am not well endowed. After meeting my birthmom and her family I know that I had no chance at all...it's just not fair when your 13 year old is bigger than you are! Bill and I finally decided that it was time I did something for me. I'm not going anything huge, just enough to give me some curves! With my frame I can handle it and not look too awkward. Everyone I've told has been incredibly supportive and excited for me. We'll see how I feel in another few days.

I've stocked up on easy to eat snacks, comfy button up pj's and shirts, books and movies. Frozen pizza that Alli can fix us for dinner...prescriptions filled, laundry is being done and house actually got cleaned today with more than just my efforts! That was the shocker. No one ever helps me clean, but Bill & Alli just pitched in when I asked them to. Believe it or not you can actually see our kitchen table, and that is rare. Everything seems to pile up there as its the first thing we see when we walk in from the garage. Knowing that I won't be up to cleaning for several weeks it makes me really want to be sure everything is in order before Monday. Tomorrow I'll finish laundry, wash our sheets dust the house and mop the floors. Planning to make a vegetable beef soup that we can eat on for the rest of the week. Running errands took up a lot of time today. I relate all of this to the nesting instincts that many women get in the weeks just before going into labor. (I never made it that far, Alli came 3 weeks before her due date!) Bill is actually out of town for the whole week, so my mom is taking me to the surgery and staying with us the first night. Lucky for Alli she may actually get a dinner cooked for her that night.

My FurBabies

This is Oscar- he is the king of the house. No matter what, the dogs don't mess with him! He boycotted the inside of the house for over a year after we got Penny. He just now has gotten to where he will come back inside. He is Alli's cat all the way. Loves that girl- has since he adopted us when she was 3.

This is Autumn- she is such a Mama's girl. She is so jealous if I pay attention to anyone but her!

Penny and her "Ball". She has 4 of these but this one is her favorite. Somehow she can tell the difference between this one and the green ones. Someone forgot to tell her that dogs are color blind.

Tangles found a soft spot to sleep in Alli's room. Ninja Kitty...

Happy New Year- Finally!

OK I know it has been a long time since I posted anything, but we've finished up volleyball and soccer, made it through Alli's 13th birthday and christmas, and now we're gearing up for starting it all over again.

The soccer team ended the fall season in 3rd place- best finish they've ever had. Great job by our new coaches- Tammy and Irene. The team got to play in the eastern district playoffs in Beaumont the first weekend in December, and I tell you there is a reason they don't play outdoor soccer in the wintertime! The first game started at 7:30am and it was all of 37 degrees. Way too cold to be out there, especially for those of us on the sidelines. Anyhow, they played well, won one, lost one, and tied one so they didn't advance but overall it was a great experience. This is the team after the first game- all smiles!

Alli is playing club volleyball for the first time- it's the club's first season to play competitive ball. There have been a few glitches, such as not getting the teams formed as early as they intended, having to put together a "temporary" team for the first power league tournament this weekend, and a flurry of emails from angry parents whose daughters couldn't make it to the evaluations which were held the week of christmas, when many were out of town. We missed the second night of evaluations as it was Alli's birthday and she wasn't feeling well either, so Bill said she didn't have to go.

I'll try to post more often- there is alot going on and I should probably write more but I haven't been really good about posting.