So Long Aiko...

Today was Audrey's first teacher Aiko's last day.  We wish her well!  Here are a few photos from today's farewell party.

Aiko and Audrey 
Aiko reading the cards from the kids
Audrey and Caroline.  It was so sweet, Caroline actually came up to me and asked me if I'd take a picture of the two of them together.
One last hug.  Awe!

Audrey before the party.  She was excited to get dressed up for it.

Proud of Detroit

When I tell people I'm from Detroit I often get, "Ohhh, I'm sorry," or "Yikes!"

Over the years I've grown to expect these types of responses -- but they still bother me.

I am proud to have been born and raised in Detroit.  Yes, (I get this question often) I WAS BORN AND RAISED in the city, not the suburbs.  I went to Detroit Public Schools most of my life.  But guess what?  I also went on to college...and now I have a great career and a family.

What's even cooler (I know that's not a word) is that most of the people I grew up with have done the same thing!

That's right, none of us are unemployed welfare mothers, or no good felony fathers.  In fact, let me get our my list. :)   Those from my high school graduating class are now doctors, lawyers, MBA professionals, artists, writers, journalists, nurses, police officers, fashion designers, firefighters, politicians, business owners, speech pathologists, teachers --- the list goes on and on.  

I must also say, (for those of you familiar with Detroit school politics) I only have a handful of friends who went to Reniassance or Cass Tech.  I have to point that out because after I rattle off the fact that I was raised in the city and went on to college, many folks who are familiar with Detroit often say, "You must have gone to Cass Tech."   I give props to all those who attended those schools which were given preference for monetary funds -- but like a beautiful flower growing from a crack in the concrete, I am exceptionally proud of all of us who made it despite the city's decision to turn it's back on quality education for ALL kids.

Ok, off my soapbox.  I say all of this to say, I'm proud of my city and the people in it.  

My Plan is WORKING....(evil laugh)

Check out Enrico's hair today --- and this time last year.  See a difference?  I didn't tell him to do it, but I like it!

Starting Anew...

Audrey's mom is going to law school.  For me, this is monumental.  My career as a journalist has been more than what I do, it's who I am.  Before I was a reporter, I was an aspiring reporter. 

Here's a true story: At 13 years old I went to the library and looked up "The Best Journalism Schools In the Country," and the University of Missouri-Columbia was at the top of the list.   From that moment on, I would not CONSIDER other schools, it was Mizzou or bust.   I say all of this to say, I've always had tunnel vision when it came to my career, until now --- and I have to say, looking at other options, is liberating.

The sky is not going to fall if I step away from this awesome profession to develop another skill.  I'm not being a traitor, it doesn't make me less of a reporter.   You say, of course not --- but these are irrational thoughts that have always been in my head!

So, in 2010 I'm going to law school.    I want to have another skill under my belt.  Who knows, I might finish school and go back to this career.   Or, I might graduate and start a new "noble" profession!  :)

Fun Times

Audrey and I just got done with a dancing marathon, in our living room!  She loves Kanye West, and I do too.   Isn't it funny how kids have a natural rhythm?   

My mother in law recently sent me this really touching poem about living more and I've taken it to heart.  I'm the kind of person that's concerned about everything being in it's place and honestly that takes away from enjoying life.   I watched Audrey last night as she finger painted, and she kept giggling and wiping paint all over herself.  Through her I'm learning to BE in the moment, and revel in it.  

The last few weeks have been a little tough for me emotionally at work.   I've had to cover a house fire where three sisters died, and today a tragic story of a woman who mistakenly drove her car into the Green River -- killing the 2 and 13 year old inside.  These stories are hard, it's heartbreaking looking into these parents eyes, desperately wanting to take their pain away.  Anyway, it just makes me want to go home every night and hug Audrey and Enrico tight.   Never wait until tomorrow to tell someone you love them.

Fun, Friends and Family

We're in the full swing of fall weather --- rain, rain, rain!  I guess the nice thing about the weather is that we go out of our way to find fun indoor activities to do together.  Above are some photos with each other, a trip to the Seattle Children's Theatre, and some fun times with friends.   On Halloween, Audrey had a great time giving out candy and hanging out with Myles.  The grownups also had a good time too --- with wine and adult conversation!   

Audrey also recently got to hang out with her closest friend Anna.  They shared the same nanny from birth up until 4 months ago --- so you can imagine they're close.  Sometimes Audrey will just yell out "Anna, Anna, Anna!" --- when that happens I know I need to set up a playdate.  Anna's mom says she does the same thing too!  So cute.