New Year's was our return to going out...I re-accquainted myself with things like sequins, high-heels and multiple colors of eye-shadow. Never thought you'd hear that outta me? Neither did I. What a great night...we saw this band Hungry Cloud at the Bunkhouse, had dinner at this cool downtown grill that had a little DJ lounge in it, and caught the fireworks over the strip on the drive home. Yes that means we were going home at midnight. We're definately parents! Out by 8, in by 12. Still, it was a perfect night.
Valentine's Day was great...had dinner at but our server was slow so we missed our movie. That was actually great though because we went home and had time to talk and be together without being exhausted. Oh yeah, and somewhere in there I decided that I was going to be happy regardless of what the economy or other people or work are doing. I realize this might be hard to do in some moments, but dog-gone it, I'm going to do it. And I know I can because of Harrison. I love our time together so much. He's the coolest kid. And really, what do I have to be sad about? Have I lost a limb? No. Am I living in a tent ? No. In fact, it's like I get to play hookie everyday with my son and find fun things to do. Sure there's some bill paying and necessity in there, and the IRS would like to know about that mistake we made that year but who cares. I'm soaking in every second I have with him right now. Two and a half is amazing. It's the best age ever. He shakes me out of bed in the morning and says, "Up Mommy! Up Mommy! Time for an adventure!!" Exactly.
So during Pat's last two trips to Boston, we decided not to sit at home and be lonely, trapped on our island. We went to GrandMama's house.
We hit the beach in Santa Monica and built sand castles and jumped over ankle slappers and played and got sand everywhere and it was fun.
Then we went to the new big kid park in Glendale which was awesome. He wasn't afraid of the slide that was literally three stories up even though I was. My heart was totally pounding when I went down with him. Forgot the cam. No pics of this. :(
We went to the Huntington Library and Gardens and saw the Chinese New Year celebrations and checked out every single statue from Poseidon to Artemis. We fed the ducks who ate out of our hands, saw all the flowers and trees and the bamboo garden and loved every green second of it and thanked the Lord for plants. Can you tell we live in the desert? Yeah.
Then we went to MOCA and I saw a Lee Mullican which got me all excited because of my work at the Herbert Palmer Gallery in the Melrose Triangle back when I was just single Alex. We ran around and saw Warhols and Pollocks and Krasners and Rosenquists and Miros and Rothkos and almost got kicked out for touching a chicken that was part of a three dimensional piece. It was awesome. The plane and car part sculpture outside was Harrison's favorite. He got really excited about it which made me so proud. He likes art. Again, I forgot the camera. This is when I really want an iPhone.
Then we had Dad and Kyle over for dinner which was so great. Kyle is so good with Harrison and such a mature 15 year old. I am so proud of him. He's a great conversationalist and he's thoughtful and helpful and polite. What a good kid. It made me happy to feed my Dad. I always worry that he doesn't eat enough.
Anyway, I feel so lucky and grateful to have had so much fun. It's been a long time coming, but that has only made me appreciate it more. I also feel so liberated knowing that Harrison and I can take road trips by ourselves and do just fine. He never fussed or cried in the car and he (finally) slept his normal hours in his pack in play. Foam was the answer, btw. Now Harrison uses any excuse to ask to go back to California. He just said, "Uh-no! My green jammies have a hole! Mommy we have to go to Burbank so Grandmama can sew it!" I guess we'll have to go back.
