You know you live in Vegas when...

The latest inspiration for this post hit me recently.  But first, I must tell you a story.

I have a very lovely friend here in Vegas who I met in an, um, well, unconventional way.  She actually met my SIL first, and it was through their chance encounter at a pet store where my daughter and her aunt went for some afternoon time together and a conversation was struck up.  My name was mentioned (as the actual mother of the child my SIL had with her), as was my struggle to get to know people in my new city (I'd been here all of two months and was frustrated and lonely and telling everyone all about it).  So my soon-to-be friend boldly asked my SIL for my phone number and shared her own, no doubt thinking she could help me out and score another play mate for her darling then-three year old. 

(I really think, had it been me, I might have not been so willing to put myself out there with a total stranger, to yet another total stranger, and when I think of that, I am ashamed and sad to think that, because of my insecurities, I would have missed out on a really great friendship.)

Anyway, when my SIL brought my youngest home and handed me a phone number of a woman I'd never met, I truly thought she was crazy.  I then began running through all the possible scenarios that would prove this was a scam or some equally mischievous plot to...  well, I dunno - do something to harm me or my family (not that I'm suspicious, or paranoid, or anything) - but I came up with none.

A few days later, I got a text from my future friend asking me if I'd want to have "a cuppa", and I immediately had a sense this was someone I was going to like (her British accent and random English phrases were endearing, too).  We've been getting together every few weeks for a cuppa (and maybe some good cookies, muffins, or anything chocolate) since.  (If you're reading this, C, it's been awhile!  Let's get together soon!!)

None of this is really a "you know you live in Vegas when...," except for:

• where else would a mom be so willing to reach out to another because she understood the difficulties inherent in trying to meet friends in Las Vegas (which really does have a certain level of difficulty all its own here)?
• where else, but an international community, would I make a friend from "across the pond", who charms me with her British ways and makes me feel so intimidated to make a cup of tea?

Anyway, the point for telling you all that, was to tell you that we were invited to a bowling birthday party for my friend's little one who is turning 4.  And, that day, as I was traversing an insanely huge casino with my two kids in tow - complete with the not-so-fresh aroma of chain smokers, the nauseatingly busy carpet, the overstimulation of dinging and clanging and flashing lights, multiple buffet lines, and not a single clock or window or other way to connect with reality in sight, it hit me.

You know you live in Vegas when you drag your kids through the sights, sounds, and smells of local casinos to take them to a birthday party for one of their friends in the casino's bowling alley.  (Where they have a blast for two hours, life is as normal as it gets, and you meet some really nice people who you've never met before.)  But still, you should have seen some of the looks I got from those who were there to gamble, as if they were saying, "lady, you brought your kids here?"

Next time, I'll know to park right outside the doors that go straight into the bowling alley...

Needed A Little Change

I'm one of those odd people who really likes change.  I like to rearrange furniture for a new perspective.  I like changing my wardrobe (much more than my checkbook allows) because it feels like I can reinvent myself, just a little bit.  I like painting a new color on the walls, and making the same old things look new in some way.  When we go to a restaurant, I like to try to order something I've never tried at that restaurant before.  I'll even admit that, while stressful and not in any way easy, I liked moving to a new state and a new climate where I've never lived before.  Change brings a sense of vitality to my life, and I get bored easily.

I know some of you can totally not relate.  That's ok.

But, that is why you now see yet another new look on my blog...  I'm on what seems to be a never ending quest to find the "perfect" layout/background/template/theme for my Pondering blog.  Today's is the latest - I hope you enjoy!

And for those of you who don't really thrive on change, and even find it a bit difficult to adjust to, I apologize in advance.  :)  Rest assured my writing style and the topics I choose are still the same old me.

Thanks for reading!

Being still and other random thoughts...

We went to the new version of "Tha karate kid" yesterday. While it wasn't as good as the original with Ralph Machio, I did think Jaden Smith's performance was remarkable, and the story still stirs me.

I had an 'aha' moment when the sage teacher is explaining to his pupil the secret of the cobra charmer they'd seen. He said it was "being still". Then, the student asks, "so she controlled the snake by doing nothing?"  The wise response was,"doing nothing and being still are two very different things."

So true, Jackie Chan, so true.

While pondering that, I had the opportunity this morning to go to Bikram Yoga (90 minutes of intense yoga in a room heated to 105 degrees). Yoga is largely about focusing on your breath, and while your body is facing stress from every front, you are challenged to quiet your mind. Something that doesn't come easy for me.

Another repeating theme.

It was a good reminder, and I'm grateful for it. I'm going to make an effort to quiet my mind this week (which is SO not doing nothing).

And, did I mention that the online authorities say my 90 minutes of suffering at the yoga studio burned a whopping 941 calories?!? This may need to return to my regular fitness routine - so far today, I've eaten -243 calories!!

I had to share this...

It is a family "tradition" to gather around the tv and watch the season of "America's Got Talent" with the kids - they love it and it is (mostly) family friendly.  Anyway, we were watching from last week and saw this guy (Taylor Matthews) sing - I was mesmerized and LOVE his version of this classic song.  I wanted to share it with you (he sings at the 2 minute mark, if you want to avoid the buildup) - I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!  :)

I only wish I could find an mp3 of this song to download, now...

Some Photos...

Where oh where have the last several weeks gone??  For that matter, where did the school year go??  I just dropped off B at school for her last day of second grade (yikes!) and D's last day is Friday. 

As you might have guessed from the complete lack of blogging for the past two weeks, I've been a bit overwhelmed with the thought of an entire summer that I need to plan for them.  And, here it is.  Luckily, we've got a couple of VBSs on the schedule, and I'm on at least 10 waiting lists for week long summer camps through the city rec program (missed that early morning, standing in line at 6 am on a Saturday requirement to get in before all the camps filled up).  The rest is all me.

I think we'll be at the pool.  A LOT.

Anyway, here are a few pics from the past several weeks for those of you (grandma) who have been patiently waiting on me...  :)