Photo Challenge # 25 Low Light Reno dressed to party

This has been the most fun challenge for me so far. When hubby got home I asked to escape to take these pictures. My life as a single woman had taken me to many parts of the world. I hitch hiked through Wales, camped in a lot of different spots in Scotland, tasted beer for the first time in Belgium, walked the streets of London , experienced Paris with the love of my life, made my way to Ireland, raised in Africa and now living in America. I have always had an adventurous side to me and have always taken risks. I have always dived in and then checked how deep it was. That side of me was asleep until tonight. It was a little scary being down town in Reno late at night. Surprisingly it was quiet. There were several homeless people and some tourists. It seemed as though the casino's are hurting due to the economic crisis. I double parked and stepped out into the middle of the street to get some of these shots. There was no much traffic but my heart still pounded a mile a minute. I kept looking around me and tried to stay safe. These are the shots I got tonight. Thanks for such a fun challenge. To check out other creative peoples work go to http://www.photochallengeblog.blogspot.com/ Thanks for checking it out. Let me know which is your favorite.

This is the view of the city from very far away. I pulled over onto the shoulder of a highway that wraps around the city. The speed limit was 50mph and I still stopped. Pretty stupid but I got this shot and I am impressed as I just used the night setting and no tripod. I did place the camera on the guard rail for support.

The cycles of motherhood is never ending.....

I cannot seem to catch up lately. My heap of laundry is now a mountain. I have two . Dirty mountain and clean wrinkled mountain. Somehow chronic exhausting has set in and I can just barely keep it all together this past week. The kids are no problem and actually have been angels. I am just so beyond exhaustion. I am sure it is all my fault. So last night I was wondering if I have insomnia rather than being a night owl. I am just not tired late at night. Last night I was a couch potato and just layed on the couch and watched back to back episodes of Desperate Housewives and back to back of Brother's and sisters. I did not even drink a whole cosmopolitan. Now that is messed up. I just did not have the energy to pick up the glass. I just vegged and laughed even if it was not that funny. Well it does not take much to amuse me.

So as I watched Brother's and sister's there was a part where the character was afraid to have her heart broken by yet another disappointment. She is trying to have a baby and attempt after attempt have failed. They now resorted to adoption but she wanted to make sure the birth mom had completely decided. Anyway she was crying and said " I am afraid to have my heart broken " Her husband responded. " If you are not ready to have your heart broken then you are not ready to be a parent "

You know that made so much sense and I started to think that when Pravan hurt me recently and I cried and felt like my world of motherhood the little experience i had in it was all falling apart.Now I know that being pregnant with the heart burn, morning sickness and restlessness and discomfort was just the warm up. That is followed by painful childbirth and having your body stretch and change in ways I could never have imagine. If that was not bad enough we were handed a brand new baby that was naked, hungry and screamed bloody murder when it needed something. There was no manual to follow, no directions that I tossed aside thinking i can figure this out on my own. There was no bank account that came with it or a box of tissues. Well it gets better right. This bundle of joy is what everyone wants to see the minute you pop it out. Who cares about the mom and dad. Oh is that a good baby they ask over and over again. So what if it cries then it is bad, if it is quiet and sleeps through the night it is good. Well that is the society we live in. So all the cooiing and ahhhing is over and now you settle into a routine only to be awoken by a brand new cry and no matter how fast you move it will never be fast enough. No matter how you try to block its bottom with a diaper guaranteed it will poop or pee after you wipe its butt and have a new diaper on it. This can be repeated a few times. So now you are tired and as soon as you lay down it screams again. AHHHH!!!! That diaper dictator !

Okay so we move on it sleeps through the night now. It can roll over and crawl. That is great except it gets into everything and you haven;t begun childproofing as all you can do is keep up with remembering to brush your teeth that day. So we now at the one year milestone and it falls after wobbling like Bambi. Come on even animals learn to walk instantly and most are abandoned and fend for themselves but us humans we are tied to the hip by this other human for what eighteen years. So when it falls it breaks your HEART ! That is the the beginning. Well you move through the " terrific two's " , the independent stage and the tantrums. They can now voice their opinion and run ahead of you with you trailing behind just to grab them by their collars to protect them. Just one second too late and they would be run over by the car. Then you had your heart in your hands. It all works out and still as many times it has gone un-noticed that my heart and your heart has been broken by this precious human being called your child there is never a moment more heart breaking when they are six. When now Pravan is his own little person and has his own feelings and can make decisions. Not always good or approved but the temper and anger that can come from that results in defiance, and pushing the mom to the limits. That I have had to learn how to grow with and accept. After last night I have and I am growing. I now understand the true meaning to being a mother. My heart will be broken over and over again but it is wonderful to know that the child will always love you and you will always love the child. No matter what and how many times you get your heart broken by your child remember that the road of motherhood is a very trying journey that can be very rewarding.

I have a long way to go but it should be better the next time my heart is crushed by my little man and next by my little lady. I love every minute of this journey even though at the time I think it is impossible to love the trials and errors of motherhood. I can look back and learn and give myself a pat on the back as I did the best I knew how at the time and the next time will be better. So give yourself a pat on the back if you have read this far and if you have kids and grand kids. It is a job that should be better recognized and there is no job more important than raising the future.

I took these pictures last year at a laundromat. I wanted to teach the kids that we are blessed to have a washer and dryer and show them that a lot of people have to go to a laundromat and do their laundry. I also reminded them that I needed to have a reminder of feeling blessed as I grew up washing the clothes by hand totally on a wash stone outside and then hanging them up to dry. When I first asked the lady if I could stick the kids in the washer she gave me the strangest look. She must have that that I was insane and I was convinced with her hesitation she was going to call the cops on me. She did call her boss to get permission. She told me I could as long as I did not turn the washer or dryer on. I did mention that I just wanted to take a picture the first time I asked. Anyway her hesitation was understandable. I have a series of pictures like this as I am planning on making a book on motherhood as a gift to the grandparents. I have been working on it for almost a year now as there are several crazy kind of pics I have in mind. Thanks for stopping by.

absence explained, earthquake and loud jet sounds

Okay I have been away for a couple of days. This is a weird week. Hubby had Monday and Tuesday off and Pravan has a half day all week due to parent teacher conference week. Pravan has also not been feeling well. He has been coughing a lot but just at night. My snoring has been out of control and poor hubby has been getting no sleep between the two of us. As you know I hate getting to bed but I cannot get up in the morning. That is a battle that no one will win. There is no moment that I look forward to in my day than when everyone is in bed, I turn on my late night shows and often chill with a cocktail all by myself and my thoughts that have been begging for attention all day competing with the kids, lunch schedule, phones ringing, washer running and microwaves beeping , the dryer buzzing. When everything else is asleep I like to be awake and enjoy the quiet. Just me and my shows that make me laugh, cry, and smile. There is no better feeling to me after a long day with so many things competing for me. Hubby and I went on a nice date on Tuesday night. We went to a china Bistro and had a good time with no kids. yeahhhh !!!! We need to do that more often. Yesterday was busy I babysat a cute little girl in my neighborhood for four hours. I played with the girls and we did a turkey craft. I then had a friend drop by with her kids for a play date in the afternoon and after she left I had another friend stop by for dinner and to scrapbook. We had ham, green bean casserole and mash potatoes with gravy. We also had ice cream cake, chocolates and lots of it and a cocktail to top it all off. It was around 11pm when my friend left so I stayed up and played on the pc. I was rudely shaken, literally shake by a 2.7 earthquake. It was not a very big one but it was unexpected. It has been months since we felt one. I checked on the kids and hubby checked on me and everything was fine. This morning I noticed that a frame fell off the wall but the glass was fine. So things are slowly getting back to normal. I took a nice shower and then Priyasha comes screaming. " Mommy I scared, there is a storm outside ! " Okay so something was loud and if i had to guess it was a plane. I did not think anything of it but it got louder and louder and then I grabbed Priyasha as she was freaking out. I was too. I ran outside and just noticed a jet like plane flying on its side just above the houses. he was circling as though he was in the air races. Reno is known for the air races but that was over a while ago. I was livid as there were many reasons to be afraid. Some one has to answer and be held accountable. Gone are the days when we joked about possibly dying because a plane will crash into our house. Well it is happening and is no longer an unusual thing. EEERRRHGGGGGGGG!!!!! Does that sound right. Well I am pissed !!!!!! I called the Reno aviation and I was told it is being investigated and that others have called as well. Okay phone is ringing. Just got off phone and was informed it is a F8 fighter jet. I now have another number to call and get an explanation I will keep you posted.

plane update

okay so I was told it was a F8 out of the Fallon base. I called them and they have not heard of this complaint although Reno Aviation has had several complaints. I was told by this office it was more than likely a F18. I called the other number and finally talked with Susan Natt and lots of other stuff she said after her name. She is aware and has to document this and has several other complaints. She then tells me it is a F5 that is undergoing training.So what kind of a jet was it really ? Not that I know anything about these jets and the purpose it serves. Well I want to know and this will become a lesson to me and the kids this week.All thhis is so vague and I will not let it go until I have an explanation as to who was flying it and what are the consequences to his careless behaviour. That is recklessness and endangerment in my opinion and it needs to be dealt with in an appropriate manner. Well let's see how good they are about returning my call with an explanation.

Jet Fighter 5

So who knows the difference between jet fighter 8, 18 or 5. I certainly do not. I have since talked to several people with the navy air base and feel like I have gotten no where. I finally called the Mayors office and talked to his secretary. I was then put in touch with the FAA. The lady at the FAA was a very sweet lady that understood my concern. She was in the Navy and was able to explain a lot. She took me seriously and said that she was going to talk to her supervisor and get back to me. I have not heard back from her but I have since received a phone call from Commander Luther Hook who was able to tell me that the pilot and squadron was identified. They are unable to share with me what will happen to him as it is classified information but he will more than likely loose some air training and fall several weeks behind and not be able to move onto the ship training on schedule. Well hopefully it will be a lesson learned for him. Everyone deserves a second chance.

I asked very strong questions and had the commander say that I am making him walk a fine line. He never really disclosed to me that it was inappropriate but I came out and said it for him. He was in fact thinking it. The pilot started off on legal grounds within his rights and it got out of hand. He swears it was not reckless endangerment and that in fact there is a difference between that and inappropriate flying. WHATEVER ..... I do not mean to be disrespectful but I am glad he is being dealt with.

I asked for a letter of apology which I will not get but they have offered to have the kids visit the Naval Air base for a big show that they will have on Sept 11 of next year.They have had one in 2001 and have not had one since due to 9/11. It was BLUE ANGELS, THUNDERBIRDS SET 2001 AIR SHOW .Now they have another one scheduled for next year.The kids will have an opportunity to see the fighters up close and personal. Somehow I am still upset with what happened. If we are in Reno next year that will be a great opportunity for the kids.

Okay back to being mom now.

SheetLoad's Blog Candy Blow Out

I spend a lot of my time late at night blog hopping. That is my way of winding down. I have so many blogs saved to my favorites but sometimes never go back. There are others that I visit everyday. This one I stumbled upon from another. See I start at one then I click on the links they have and read the one that took my fancy but the second ones has links as well so I move on and on and on it goes. I eventually loose track of where or what I was looking for. Well it is the cheapest way to travel after all. I go to so many places all over the world and I love it. Tonight this blog is offering some blog candy just for blogging about it. I never win but what the heck. So if you are stopping by because I blogged about this then please do me a favor and send my kids a postcard. See the top of my blog for more info that you can add this link to your blog and you can get my address at this link as well.

http://twoworldsunite.blogspot.com/2008_10_26_archive.html

Thanks for helping me out on my mission and I hope to win these goodies. I love Heidi Swapp and clear stamps are one of my weaknesses.

Check out this fun site at :http://sheetload.blogspot.com/

Photochallenge #24 Macro shots

Okay this week I am not so happy. I just have a point and shoot so my macro shot is not good. I really did not put a whole lot of effort into it either. I am sad as I just bought a lens. A macro lens that is F1.4-5.6 70-300mm. I just do not have the camera as yet. Kind os backwards ah ! Well it was a good deal on the lens. I hope to get my D3oo if santa is good. My son was mad at me the other day and he was angry so he was crting and yelled at me. He said " Fine then mommy, Santa is not going to bring you any presents " I just could not help laughing. Well I hope he does bring me my camera. Here is my shot of my blue willow teapot. It is nothing great but I tried, not very hard but I stepped up and did the challenge and it was a challenge. I turned the flash off but still got a glare from the teapot. Oh well !

Postcard update

I want to say thank you to all those people that have promised to send a postcard and also those that already have. I would love to see more of you send us some. I know life is busy but if you can find a minute to help that would be great. I look forward to hearing from you. Please send me an e-mail esplandry@sbcglobal to let me know where you are sending one from. If you can please post a link to my blog on your blog ( http://twoworldsunite.blogspot.com/2008_10_26_archive.html ) or forward this request in an e-mail so we can reach lots of people. Thank you Thank you for helping. We have been receiving postcards in the mail and it is a very exciting thing not only for the kids but for my husband and I . Yesterday I got one from Dawn in NZ. She is part of my photo challenge blog. Check out her blog here : http://dawn-in-nz.blogspot.com/

The Auckland postcard had lots and lots of different stamps with different values on them. The stamps had different pictures of NZ on it and it was very cool. The kids loved all the stamps. Thank you Dawn.

We also got one from Lauren Smith from Omaha NE:

Ne is known for the Cornhuskers football team and has the Henry Doorly zoo. They also host the college world series every year. These are all things the kids and I learnt from that postcard. Thank you Lauren.

Updates from the responses I got. I am posting the names of the scs gals and what they have offered to send. Duplicates are welcome. Please write on the postcard and postmark it as the stamp will be an added bonus. Everyone will have different facts about the place that it comes from. Thanks for all your support.

SCS Gals

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=393492

okstamper: Texas, Minnesota, kansas, Missouri, California, Oklahoma

ibaa4food: Puerto Rico RECEIVED 11/04

Bflostamp : Niagara Falls Canada, Buffalo NY, Scotland, Mexico

Metalcharm : Australia

thegmommy : California, India

jaltman1978 : Illinois, Indiana

tayransom : Florida

cyber friends and old friends

Nicole Raidoo : Australia RECEIVED

Kimberley Jacobs : Australia

Kamenthrie Naick : England

Tracy Jackson :UK http://tj-runningwithscissors.blogspot.com/

Dawn: Auckland New Zealand RECEIVED 11/05

Lauren Smith : Omaha Nebraska RECEIVED 11/05

I will take pics of the kids and the cards this weekend. Then I can share the images on the postcard with you all. I hope you can play along and send us a postcard as well. Please see the following link for my address.

http://twoworldsunite.blogspot.com/2008_10_26_archive.html

celebrating Obama's victory

Well it is in black and white and it is official. In January he will be inaugurated. Priyasha talked about Obama all day. It is adorable to hear her say who the president is. Pravan talked about him when he got home from school and they talked about it in his class. Well it is the day after history was made and here is what we did. This morning things were a little bit back to normal. There was school again . Yeah !!!! I went to the gym and did my 45 min of cardio on the elliptical machine. I then went on a hunt through the neighborhood. Todd sent me an e-mail suggesting I get the newspaper to save in my scrap box. I have the newspaper for the kids on their birthdays every year and I could add these papers to that. I also thought it would be nice to get some of the election signs. You know the ones that are in peoples lawns. I knocked on two different doors and I was greeted by nice stay at home moms. We were perfect strangers but they told me I could take the signs and smiled. So I did. We then went to the grocery store and got the newspaper.

When Pravan got home from school I showed the kids the paper and it was so cute to see them pretend to read it. Well Pravan was reading some of the words he knew. Priyasha was playing copy cat.

Pravan was proud that he could read the headlines all by himself now.

Pravan wanted to look at the map and see who won in the different states. He was reading stuff to his little sister. It was so cute to watch.

44th President of the United States of America

Barack Obama 44th President of the United States.

ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE ..... YES WE CAN !!!!!!!!!!

Wow ! What a race ?

There is no doubt who the people wanted to lead us into the future. We have seen the first major change with the first black President and there are many many more changes to come.

John McCain is a very gracious looser and his speech was an incredible one. I love how he said that the victory will not change their differences from each other but that he accepts Obama as his president and has pledged to help Obama in the future struggles. He was very tasteful in his speech tonight.

Congrats !!!!!! to our new President BARACK OBAMA.

He deserves this position and is very capable of leading us. We need somebody confident and ready to face the challenges ahead in a tough economy. I love his reference to the 106 year old woman and how he talked about everything she has witnessed in her century alive. The bombing of the harbor, bringing down the Berlin wall, The fact that she could not vote because she was black and woman were not allowed to vote. The hopes, dreams and struggles that she has witnessed. It was a powerful speech and we can only imagine that if our kids were lucky enough to be anywhere close to 100 years old what they will experience and witness through out their lives. Today Pravan is six and he will be fortunate to be able to vote again in 100 years and all the triumphs and struggles and dream he will witness along the way will be amazing.

These are the exact words from his speech and I quote :

"This election had many firsts and many stories that will be told for generations. But one that's on my mind tonight is about a woman who cast her ballot in Atlanta. She's a lot like the millions of others who stood in line to make their voice heard in this election except for one thing – Ann Nixon Cooper is 106 years old.She was born just a generation past slavery; a time when there were no cars on the road or planes in the sky; when someone like her couldn't vote for two reasons – because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin.And tonight, I think about all that she's seen throughout her century in America – the heartache and the hope; the struggle and the progress; the times we were told that we can't, and the people who pressed on with that American creed: Yes we can.At a time when women's voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the ballot. Yes we can.When there was despair in the dust bowl and depression across the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal, new jobs and a new sense of common purpose. Yes we can.When the bombs fell on our harbor and tyranny threatened the world, she was there to witness a generation rise to greatness and a democracy was saved. Yes we can.She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that "We Shall Overcome." Yes we can.A man touched down on the moon, a wall came down in Berlin, a world was connected by our own science and imagination. And this year, in this election, she touched her finger to a screen, and cast her vote, because after 106 years in America, through the best of times and the darkest of hours, she knows how America can change. Yes we can.America, we have come so far. We have seen so much. But there is so much more to do. So tonight, let us ask ourselves – if our children should live to see the next century; if my daughters should be so lucky to live as long as Ann Nixon Cooper, what change will they see? What progress will we have made? "

I have never been so passionate about politics before but there is a certain security in Obama. This is the beginning of many firsts.Pravan is obsessed with learning the presidents in order and he can name the first 20 in order. Priyasha is not too far behind. At 2.5 yrs old she can name the first twelve in order. Pravan immediately knew this was the 44Th president and said we should put a picture of Obama on his place mat. Here are some pics i took tonight as we watched this historic event together.

It really felt like New Years eve. All those clips of all those places. Times Square, Harlem, Chicago, Phoenix. People all over were a part of this historic event. I sat comfortably on my couch and snapped all these shots. Thanks for stopping by.

Here 's to the future !!!