March 31 Family Outing - Wildlife/Zoo/Aquarium

Just returned from the wildlife zoo and aquarium. Here are the highlights:

It didn't take much convincing...Bob escorted me on a log flume ride, that not only glided around the aquarium, but climbed up a very high slope before coming crashing down into the water. (it's higher than it looks from down below!) I was told that I had the best scream of the week. We didn't get that wet!! Very exhilerating.

Our feet literally skimmed the treetops during a chairlift ride around the Zoo. I was surpised that Alan wanted to do this. He convinced Bootie to go with him. Bob and I followed suit in the car behind them, and Pop Pop sat this one out, but took pictures of us from below. Having completed the log flume, I was a little cocky in proceeding forward with this, but was a little worried for Alan. He was fine, but I unexpectedly found myself in a panic as we took off. Bob was so supportive, and after a while, I loosened up and enjoyed seeing the sleeping kangaroos and black swans (who have the most precious bright red bills)

Playing with the sting rays probably was my favorite part of the day (it actually was my mission of the day!). We pet and fed them. They come sauntering up along side a large tub. You aren't allowed to touch their eyes or tails (which are de-barbed). At first, Alan just watched, but then joined me in the fun.

Now, Pop Pop and Bob are out exploring the area while Bootie makes dinner...Alan learned how to take pictures with a real camera, and is snapping photos everywhere.(just asked me where the garage was so he can take it's picture) That's all for now...after dinner, going to the pool.

March 30 PM

While Alan curled up on the couch for a late morning nap, we relaxed in the backyard, breathing in the sweet desert air. I felt grateful for a space of time which would enable me to finally tackle the second Twilight book, left abandoned (half read) since Christmas vacation. Then, after lunch Alan was a little relunctant to head to the pool, indicating that he didn't want to go under water. This was clearly anxiety, but with reassurance he in the end, swam like a fish along side the shallow end for more than an hour. He spotted a very attractive woman, and told me that she was the most beautiful lifeguard he had ever seen. When Bootie introduced him to one of her friends, he said, "I'm Alan Cactus Palm Tree", and laughed and then told the man his real name.

Bootie cooked a fabulous chicken barbeque dinner and then more relaxation. Now, Bob and I are about to head to the movies....I admit being a little tired. It's only in the 6pm hour in AZ, but my body still feels like 9pm, so I am feeling tired, but it will be fun to catch a movie with Bob. You can hear Alan's favorite opera coming from Booties bedroom, so no one will even notice we've left.....

One more note on this vacation. Though Bob feels like his hands need a break from playing music, I must admit that I am really missing having music in the house. (we didn't bring any stringed instruments, just Alan's Uke) No matter if it's a group of sea chantey singers, classic guitar, folkie traditional music or a Pete Seeger banjo retrospect, I will always appreciate him for the music that he brings to my life. Anyway, just random thoughts and now I am off to the movies! :)

March 31 AM

It's just after 9 AM, so jet lag is working in our favor, as we already have spent a wonderful morning in Casa Grande. Bootie and Alan made pancakes for breakfast, with my advice to add a little OJ to the mix. Yum. Then, while Pop Pop and Bootie went for a walk with Alan to look for Bun-Buns, Bob and I explored this desert community on bicyles with a mission to buy sunscreen, sunglasses and pool shoes. Now we are all relaxing as the pool isn't even open yet. I put my dad in charge of arranging the structure of the Diano scrabble tournament. I have flowers in my hair.

march 29th

Visiting Pop pop and Bootie. Great flight. Couldn't have gone better. Alan was as perfect as a 5 year old can be in such a situation....he drew pictures for the "go-pilots" and security guards and charmed the flight attendants. Loved watching him smile and laugh as the plane took off. He was a little nervous on the second flight which was a bigger plane, but just for a second. He also didn't like his ears popping, but loved how gum chewing helps alleviate that...(quick thinking!)

He watched movies, listened to his CD and even said that the airline's food was "awesome". Read a few books....The last hour, he was a little ansy so I made up stories to keep him from going nutty. With my coaching, he greeted Pop Pop with a "hey zippy" and gave us all a good chuckle. He's bonding with Bootie right now chatting while listening to one of the meditation CDs.

ANYWAY, I feel very happy and proud of today. It was a challenge that I was nervous about, and we are here now and can relax!!!

March 28

Over fifteen years ago, the dean asked if I would be willing to provide input on a new student program called the "Emerging Leaders Program". My role was not only to provide feedback as a member of the advisory board, but to operationalize the relational leadership model by facilitating a community service project.

The theory behind this model has been the driving force behind my own personal and professional leadership style. In a nut shell, it's about being inclusive, purposeful, ethical and empowering. Instead of a hierachical win/loose mentality, envision spokes on a wheel driving forward with a common vision, goal, decision, etc...Sounds like good workshop material for new supervisors, right?

It actually takes a commitment and courage to actually carry out this approach to leadership. Of course I have had bumps in the road, but when working as a team, you always feel supported, and you learn and move on.

I am rambling...what was my point? Oh, that's why it felt soooo good to be validated as today's topic at our congregation was about relational leadership, underscoring so many of the same ethics as the Emerging Leadership program!

Anyway, the conversation expanded as tonight we also attended yet another fabulous dinner party at our congregation. We learned more about the history of the UU, since I am a newbie....Of course, the food was fabulous, (as were my chocolate covered strawberries again). I connected with more interesting people, shared my journey, and even made tentative plans to have a playdate with another mom who has a son that Alan really likes. Community!

On to the mundane...The rest of the day was spent on my usual weekend chores...this house is small enough so it doesn't take long at all, and with the invention of clorox wipies, throughout the week we clean as we go so to speak......what i need to spend time with is my office....it becomes sort of a dumping ground of sorts...from Alan's drums to papers all over....but for now, the dishwasher is humming, the shower curtain is freshly washed (it's so dainty!), bathroom sparkles...So I think my spring cleaning will have to include purging of old toys from Alan's room and coming up with strategies for my office (a work in progress Mom!)...and guess who didn't make it to the gym!!! Okay enough of this, I am falling asleep!!!

March 28th

The chocolate strawberries I made from scratch yesterday disappeared at a dessert party I attended last night. What a relaxing, interesting gathering which was hosted by a family from our congregation. Left with an even greater appreciation and connection with the Unitarians. I am excited about my new role of creating the monthly newsletter!

What else to report from yesterday? Scrubbed my bathroom and washed clothes. My friend Eileen walked over for a visit.....Love her! I also planted myself at Lox for about 90 minutes doing paperwork...I did get in about 2 hours of loafing...that is, playing guitar...tested out some new Beatle tunes.....

Guess what..I have another batch of chocolate strawberries to make, as tonight, we have yet another gathering with the UU folks. That reminds me...I need to get to the gym!!!

March 27

So nice to have the backyard cleaned up. The leaves are in a big pile next to the garden. It's also nice that I didn't have to lift a finger for that to happen, except maybe to write the check...LOL....actually, Bob is out there now building some sort of trench in my garden so that the leaves can be used as mulch/soil. Alan was out there this morning too, digging holes for the moles he said....He also has a new rule - no asteroids in the garden. LOL