Office Dog

Today is national Take Your Child to Work day, so where else would Maggie the Wonder Pup be but at work, with me.  Kevin refused to take her, citing his security clearance for work, and the fact that Maggie did not have one.  I think he just didn't want to have to take her outside for a little R&R when she got restless.  Whatever.  More fun for me!  And everyone loves Mags.  How could you not?  She is a very hard worker and was a great help to everyone today.

What I learned on Glee tonight

Did you know I have bipolar disorder?  I was born with it, it manifested when I was about 10, and I was diagnosed when I was 11.  It was a long journey of discovery for me, and my family.  I'm still learning all the different ways to deal with it and how it pops up in my life.  I've always maintained the "out and proud" idea for myself, and have found that mental illness was a taboo subject amongst most people in this country.  There are those who don't accept it, don't believe the impact it has on a life, or just plain ignore it.  I have a pretty big family history with mental illness, on both sides (thanks, Mom & Dad), and so there was just no escape for me.  Add to that a mother who is a psychologist, and I have no choice but to accept and be fairly open about the subject.  I was this close to voting for Al Gore because Tipper was such a huge proponent and advocate of mental illness research.

I was watching Glee tonight, that had the message of accepting the things about yourself that make you, you.  Mental illness, looks, etc.  I have found throughout my life that there are so many things about people that they ignore, hide, or change.  I have some friends that are so completely honest and open about themselves that I can't help but want to be like them.

I am a bipolar woman who has managed a pretty productive life.  I've completed a Master's degree, lived on my own, worked since I was fifteen, traveled pretty widely ( I think), made and kept friends, take care of a dog, and have been able to be married.

So there it is.  Glee made me reflect on who I am and want to share it with my fellow constituents.  There is always something we don't like about ourselves, but we accept it and carry on, not letting those things weigh us down.  We manage the best we can with the limits we are dealt, overcome what we can, and figure out a way to deal with the rest.
 

Easter

My parents are here for Easter.  We're having a BBQ (which is somewhat of a Klima Family Easter tradition) and hanging out, watching movies.  It is a perfect day; made even greater by the knowledge that my family is eternal, and that today's celebration and remembrance of the Atonement and Resurrection make it all possible.

Happy Easter to one and all.

I hate cars

A bold statement, I know, but it's true.  I got to work today and found a rear tire flat.  Kevin came to my rescue and took Peanut to the tire hospital.  $400 dollars later, the Peanut has four new shoes and is ready to dance.  I am serious about moving to a place that has some decent public transportation.  In Sacramento, Light Rail took me almost everywhere I needed to go.  I had some good times on the Red and Blue lines in SoCal, and didn't have to drive from the San Fernando Valley to Long Beach and back. It was great.  I drive because I have to; because in California you really have no choice.  I would LOVE to have a great BART-like system wherever I go.  I dream of the high-speed rail connecting the Bay to LA.  I am not a fan of driving anywhere.  I have friends in NYC who don't own a car and can conduct all sorts of business around the city thanks to a subway system that takes you everywhere you need to go.  I want that for this area.  Cars just make life difficult in so many ways.  I know they represent freedom to some, and some people need their cars.  I don't think I'm one of them.  I could happily give it up if I could make it work.  Maybe someday.  But right now, I really want to move to Portland or Seattle; both areas with great public transportation.

For Robert

I've recently learned that my nephew LOVES Maggie (let's be honest, who doesn't?), and enjoys the photos I post of her on my blog.  So, here is a Maggie collage, just for him.  But the rest of you can enjoy, too.

Dear Aunt Elizabeth

An open letter to my Aunt Elizabeth, who lives in England. Just a little update on the Davis family happenings.

Dear Aunt Elizabeth,

Did you know that Jeff and Kerry are engaged? Jeff had the oddest proposal idea in history, but Kerry said yes, so I guess it worked. There is a link to their wedding blog on my sidebar (Shark Tank 2011), or you can just click here. They are getting married on October 30, 2011, in Las Vegas. Apparently there is a shark tank with a tunnel in Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino, so that is where they are tying the knot. A huge reception will be held in LA the next weekend. Their colors are red, black and silver. We are all super excited. Kerry has been part of the family for the five years they've dated, so this is just the next natural step and she will officially be part of the clan; no backing out now!

George and Stephanie are separating. She is packing up and moving back to Seattle towards the end of April. I'm not sure what is going on, but I hope they will be happier this way.

Dad loves teaching. He is reveling in working with the drama kids. Mom just keeps getting better and better with her position. She teaches parenting classes and advocates for the kids. She is a well of love and compassion. But you've known her longer than I have, so that shouldn't be a surprise. : )

Chris is graduating in May, and will work in my area this summer. He will stay with Kevin and I; it will be nice to have him around. He's always a fun time. Ben is working hard and the people at his company LOVE him. He's been promoted to Trainer and keeps winning the awards. What's not to love? Ben is our family's sweetheart.

I'm enjoying seeing Meghan a lot more since I've moved here. I think we've seen each other more in the past eighteen months than in the past sixteen years. It's been wonderful getting to know each other on a more adult level.

Kevin and I just had our one-year anniversary. Time has just flown by. We went to Hearst Castle our anniversary weekend. It is an amazing place just filled with art and antiquities. It is mind-boggling to think of the vast enormity of wealth this man must have possessed to create this extravagant compound. It is seriously incredible.

That is a quick update on our branch of the family tree. It is not much, but hopefully you feel somewhat caught up. We miss seeing you at family functions, and hopefully you and Peter can come out sometime soon for a visit. If you are ever in the Bay Area to see Meghan, I hope I get a chance to meet up with you, too.

Lots of love,

Shaine