A Learner Always

Missing Kelly

2010-06-20T21:22:00.000-07:00

With two of my favorite people coming into town this weekend it is hard to not think about the third that has to stay behind this time. You are missed my dear.

Yep

2009-12-15T11:04:00.000-08:00

Never Mind

by Dorothea Tanning

Never mind the pins

And needles I am on.

Let all the other instruments

Of torture have their way.

While air-conditioners

Froze my coffee

I caught the toaster

Eating my toast.

Did I press the right

Buttons on all these

Buttonless surfaces,

Daring me to press them?

Did you gasp on seeing what

The mailman just brought?

Will the fellow I saw pedalling

Across the bridge live long

After losing his left leg,

His penis, and his bike

To fearlessness?

Will his sad wife find

Consolation with the

Computer wizard called in

Last year to deal with glitches?

Did you defuse the boys’

Bomb before your house

Was under water, same

As everything else?

My sister grabbed her

Silver hand mirror

Before floating away.

The dog yelped constantly,

Tipping our canoe.

Silly dog.

My fancy grandma

2009-11-09T22:29:00.000-08:00

A Name for All

BY HART CRANE

Moonmoth and grasshopper that flee our page
And still wing on, untarnished of the name
We pinion to your bodies to assuage
Our envy of your freedom—we must maim

Because we are usurpers, and chagrined—
And take the wing and scar it in the hand.
Names we have, even, to clap on the wind;
But we must die, as you, to understand.

I dreamed that all men dropped their names, and sang
As only they can praise, who build their days
With fin and hoof, with wing and sweetened fang
Struck free and holy in one Name always.

---------------------------------------------
My grandma is gone. It isn't completely real yet. I wear her necklace that I tell myself still smells like her. I have her picture on her built in bookshelves that she wanted back. She still surrounds me even after she has gone. "Oh precious angel, you know I love you."

Harvey

2009-11-01T20:12:00.000-08:00

Harvey

Harvey doesn't laugh about how I stay short while everybody grows.
Harvey remembers I like jellybeans - except black.
Harvey lends me shirts I don't have to give back.
I'm scared of ghosts and only Harvey knows.

Harvey thinks I will when I say someday I will marry Margie Rose.
Harvey shares his lemonade - sip for sip.
He whispers "zip" when I forget to zip.
He swears I don't have funny-looking toes.

Harvey calls me up when I'm in bed with a sore throat and runny nose.
Harvey says I'm nice 0 but not too nice.
And if there is a train to Paradise,
I won't get on it unless Harvey goes.

-Judith Viorst

I call my best Harvey and have for years because of this poem. She is now in London and very very far away for a long time and I miss her.

The Grouch is Exasperated

2009-02-18T22:00:00.000-08:00

Every week I check my local listings hoping for a good show. Desperately hoping for someone I enjoy to come to my town and every week I'm disappointed ... until two weeks ago. Gary Jules and Cat Power were coming. My town was going to FINALLY have someone I LOVED. and then I realized I was going to be gone. I never leave town. Ever. and I was going to be gone for Cat Power. Gary Jules was playing on a Wednesday. Making it to a mid-week concert was looking hopeful until plans fell through. So here I sit while Gary Jules plays, exasperated.

Rose Bowl 2009

2009-01-02T13:14:00.000-08:00

RIP DFW

2008-09-20T10:48:00.000-07:00

Anyone who knows me knows my affection, admiration and respect for this brilliant man. The fact that the world will not be graced with any more words from him grieves me to no end. David Foster Wallace, you brilliant brilliant man.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122185639587957991.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

Make your own meal

2008-09-15T20:58:00.000-07:00

My dad

2008-07-24T20:57:00.001-07:00

Yesterday marked five years since my dad passed away. My dad loved learning, books, family, camping, movies, reading and I miss him every day.

Reasons 587 - 591 why I love living here

2008-07-17T23:05:00.000-07:00

#587 Being close to my favorite band and my favorite people

#588 Disneyland! Club 33!

#589 New Bookstores!!

#590 Great Concerts (Coldplay)

#591 This is my view from my office

Days 2, 3 & 4 in Cali

2008-06-19T20:42:00.000-07:00

Bubble Gum Ice Cream ... mmmmm

We checked out two new used bookstores in town. Sad substandard disappointments.

Day two went to a "The Little Heroes" show.

Their biggest fans were there.

Hanging after the show.

and day three we had breakfast at The Longhorn.

Still anxiously awaiting everything we own to arrive on Monday and then the real work begins.

Next week I'll also be starting work at a law firm in town. I've heard the attorneys are pretty uptight there so we'll see how it goes. ;)

My Birthday Girl

2008-06-12T15:21:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday my sweet Maren.

They decorated the cake all by themselves. It was a princess volcano.

"Daughters can sometimes be too serious, teach them to laugh and not take life too seriously." ~Catherine Pulsifer

Mama's so proud

2008-06-03T20:25:00.001-07:00

Mama's So Proud

2008-06-02T23:50:00.000-07:00

It has come to a point where my kids ask me "is this healthy for me?" with every meal. They look at me with hopeful anticipation knowing that if the answer comes back positive then they can eat and eat and mommy will be happy. But if the answer comes back in the negative they are crushed because they KNOW that they will never see that tasty delight enter our home and the look on their faces is pure disappointment.

"Oh, so Oreo's aren't good for you?" "Can I have some more fruit leather?" As Carter has stated "You're raising geeks, Michelle. Nerdy kids". Yes, yes I am. Know-it-all, brainy, healthy, active, kids who love books, vegetables, and soy milk. It is my quest.

and as the video shows... I am one step closer. :) Happy mom am I.

p.s. this was ALL his idea. No persuasion on my part at all. Promise.

Let the Camping Season Begin!

2008-05-31T16:55:00.000-07:00

There is just something about reading by campfire. I'm not a HUGE camper but I enjoy a good little camp out with friends. I got a little teaser at Wildflower and now I'm feeling the itch for a good hike and camp.

Living in Utah surrounded by the majestic beauty of these mountains creates a fierce desire to CLIMB them. I think a good rock climb is a must before I leave this beautiful region.

Books let us into their souls and lay open to us the secrets of our own. ~William Hazlitt

It's Official

2008-05-29T17:51:00.000-07:00

The kids and I are moving to Santa Barbara. We are very very excited about our new adventure. We can't wait! As of June 16th we will be back home.

for the many questions some of you may have please email me at my yahoo address. :)

Eyes

2008-05-28T20:38:00.000-07:00

Rocks and Socks

2008-05-18T23:00:00.000-07:00

Only the pros can climb in socks.

"Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far they can go." T.S. Elliot

"One does not climb to attain enlightenment, rather one climbs because he is enlightened." - Zen Master Futomaki

"Remember that time spent on a rock climb isn't subtracted from your life span." - Will Niccolls

Wild Girl

2008-05-10T18:02:00.000-07:00

Maren and I playing around. Photo by Angela.

What monstrous absurdities and paradoxes have resisted whole batteries of serious arguments, and then crumbled swiftly into dust before the ringing death-knell of a laugh! ~Agnes Repplier

The most wasted of all days is one without laughter. ~e.e. cummings

Another amazing weekend at home

2008-05-07T17:44:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I went camping at Lake Nacemiento. Jenni was doing her fourth (? maybe fifth) Olympic Triathlon and her husband was doing a sprint triathlon and ended up being the Tri Legend of the weekend. One mile into his biking his gear shift malfunctioned and the back wheel wouldn't turn. Jon had to carry his bike ON HIS BACK for the 10 miles. Then, of course, he still had to run and play in TWO shows that night. INSANE! Jon is also in a band that played three shows at the Triathlon. They ROCKED! Little Heroes woo hoo!! Jenni completely ROCKED her tri. Her swim was in 25 minutes and her 10k under 51 minutes!! ROCKED IT!!!

I also had the wonderful opportunity of seeing Angela before and after the camp out. We went vintage shopping and found a couple goodies. Fun was had, memories were made. Shiny blue orbs.

What Name Fits Best?

2008-05-05T20:05:00.000-07:00

I stole this from C-Low. So fun

1. My Rock Star (first pet name and first car): Pumpkin Storm

2. My Gangsta name (favorite ice cream and favorite cookie): Coffee White Choc

3. My Fly Girl name (first initial of first name and first 3 letters of last name): M-Wei

4. My Detective name (favorite color and favorite animal): Green Whale

5. My Soap Opera name (middle name and city where you were born): Lee Redondo

6. My Star Wars name (first 3 letters of your last name and first 2 letters of your first name): Weimi

7. My Superhero name (2nd favorite color and favorite drink with "The" in front): The Peach Water

8. My Nascar name (first names of Grandfathers): Gardie Davis

9. My Lounge Singer name (name of your favorite perfume/cologne and your favorite candy): Blu Mediterraneo Butterfinger

10. My Witness Protection name (mother's and father's middle names): Lee Poulter

I don't think I'll be fighting any crime as The Peach Water or Green Whale but I think Pumpkin Storm might have a shot as a Rockstar. What's your favorite? and what are your names? KiKi Accord and A-Pie, I'm talking to you.

So many many questions...

2008-04-26T18:25:00.000-07:00

I was in a restaurant and this was hung on the wall. So so SO many questions. Why? Curlers? the light switch? and why is it red? perhaps to match her outfit? Is there a reason she's missing teeth? Is she perhaps preparing for some sort of event? one with a very lax dress code? why did someone feel the need to capture this moment? questions questions, someone help me with the answers.

Tagged!

2008-04-21T23:23:00.000-07:00

I've been tagged by Effie whom I love so only for her will I do this.

10 years ago I was: A single college girl living it up in Provo. Five things on my to do list today: I lead an exciting life so proceed with caution: 1. pick up Scout awards for pack meeting. 2. Finish chores before Sara and kids get here at 10:30 3. Finish magic treasure hunt for pack meeting. 4. Go for a run. 5. Take Isaac around for his walk-a-thon. Things I would do if I became a billionaire: I'll just save you all the cliche answers filled with humanitarianism, charity, mansions and cars and just be honest: devote it all to ridding the world of Beef Jerky forever. 3 of my bad habits: Some members of my family consider my vegetarianism/veganism as a bad habit (I don't), 2. buying books (really, I can't stop) 3. being selfish.(I am a selfish selfish girl) Places I have lived: Solvang, Goleta, Provo, Orem, and American Fork. (boring boring girl)5 jobs I've had: 1. Waitress (horrible at it, really really bad) 2. Payroll Clerk (oh yes, I know what you make)3. Microsoft Assembly line (they had to shut down the whole line when I cut my finger and got blood all over the product. "Blood on the line!! We've got blood on the product!" oops) 4. Mom (best job ever) 5. Book Store Queen (ruler of bibliomania land) Something most people don't know about me: I have a tattoo of The New Kids on the Block that covers my entire back. True story.

I tag Aimee, Jenni, Chari, Sara, Patrick, Harv and YOU.

Take me back home!

2008-04-21T15:33:00.000-07:00

While it's good to not be living out of a suitcase anymore, searching through endless bags for two matching socks, spending the kids college tuition on cali gas prices and dodging my mother's cat I still want to go back. How I miss my friends, my family, my home and the SUNSHINE.

Spring break was fun fun fun!!

We ran through the sprinklers...

We went to the zoo.

... the beach, and ...

DISNEYLAND!! Some friends and I took the kids to Disneyland. They LOVED it. The kids had a good time too.

These are friends from LA.

The Hulk to the Rescue

2008-04-09T14:13:00.000-07:00

Spring Break is coming and with it a trip home to California for the kids and I. The road from Utah to Solvang is long, lonely and slightly scary at times. I put on the brave face but the thought of doing the 12 hour drive with three kids and no phone alone terrified me to no end. Enter my hero and my brother Carter Lee (aka The Hulk). Carter is sacrificing TWO weekends for his pathetic sister. He is driving down with me flying back to Utah, working all week and THEN flying back to California to drive back with me. Who does that?? My brother, CARTER.

This picture was one we took last year sometime. We are all piled on top of each other on the floor. Carter is the one on top with the blue eyes. These are all my brothers: Me, Carter, Eric, Lance and Patrick.

"It snowed last year too: I made a snowman and my brother knocked it down and I knocked my brother down and then we had tea." ~Dylan Thomas

Cleo

2008-04-06T09:56:00.000-07:00

This is my beloved Cleo Book Group. Clever Ladies Educating Ourselves, Clever Ladies Eating Out, Clever Ladies who are Eccentric and Original. They all fit.
As someone who has been in MULTIPLE book groups I know when I find something unique and THIS one is. I've been plagued with inconsistent half-hearted attempts with book groups who pick the worst possible books imaginable with people who don't mesh, click or connect. Cleo is something completely different. I view it as my own personal Algonquin Round Table. Books that would have been mediocre reads have become some of my favorites because of the women I have shared them with. They have brought books I never would have read, insights I would have never thought of and countless laughs, giggles, and howls. These women challenge me, bring wisdom, and enrich my life for the better. So on our two year anniversary I celebrate these beautiful clever exceptional women.

Best weekend in the history of weekends

2008-04-03T15:03:00.000-07:00

I spent last weekend in Santa Barbara with Jenni, my mom and Angela. It was by far the best weekend ever. So much fun was had that I didn't even take any pictures.

4:18 on a normal day

2008-04-02T13:00:00.000-07:00

This is my little family 4:18 on a normal day. Isaac reading a Magic Tree House. Maren is normally doing an art project or playing dolls but today she was on the Strawberry Shortcake website coloring. Jonas crawling around causing mischief and me doing my thing (which I guess is making faces).

Super Mom or Indentured Servant?

2008-03-27T20:25:00.000-07:00

My blogger-ific cousin Janelle got me thinking about this. Some days I feel like Super-mom: able to leap buildings, cook dinner, make crafts, read to three different age groups, french braid and get in a good run. Other days it's slave from sun up to sun down complete with toilet scrubbing, diaper duty, mopping, battle referee and three whiners all while being peed on, spit on and pooed on. Today was a slave day/screaming banshee. Is it a full moon?

Pencil Toppers

2008-03-26T17:18:00.001-07:00

Maren and I had a craft time. Pencil Toppers!

Easter!

2008-03-24T11:43:00.001-07:00

Leprechaun Yummies

2008-03-18T08:45:00.000-07:00

We had Leprechaun Soup (split pea) with Leprechaun milk and peas. Maren was not convinced the green milk was ok to drink. She wouldn't touch it. After our green dinner we dyed eggs and then had a FHE egg hunt with a resurrection lesson.

Where are my priorities?

2008-03-16T21:18:00.000-07:00

I'll admit it, I don't ALWAYS lock my car as much as I should. Carseats, purse, groceries, pre-school art projects, legos and about 7 miss matched socks (seriously, what is it with socks?) all up for grabs to anybody who has the guts (and felonious tendencies). But this week I happened to have two boxes of the most desirable, primo, scrumptious delectable girl scout cookies ever created, Samoas and Thin Mints. mmmm. I locked my car every where I went, no matter where, when or what I was doing my car was LOCKED DOWN. I made sure those boxes of merriment were safe. Now, does this mean I value the cookies more than everything else or does it mean I know how much everyone else values them more then my miss matched socks and legos?

Chores are so exhausting!

2008-03-13T15:12:00.000-07:00

I sent Maren in to do her chores and checked on her when it got very quiet (always bad news to mommy radar). Fortunately she was just zonked out. Lulls of silence during chore time has, in the past, been Maren cleaning the mirrors with toothpaste, Isaac dumping baby powder all over Maren and one special day when they both punched holes in a table, a place mat, a book shelf and a suitcase.

It's a challenge

2008-03-12T08:21:00.000-07:00

I have a no TV rule (for the kids) so finding things to do during the day can be a challenge. It's an even bigger challenge when it's cold and snowy outside. Crafts, games, toys, coloring, books, books on tape and whatever we can think of. We made necklaces (Maren wanted to make one for each of her princess dresses) and shrinky dinks. We color and we have fun. It's a challenge but we have fun.

Oh the itch is back

2008-03-11T11:09:00.001-07:00

I've been fighting it for awhile but I don't think I can ignore it anymore. Maybe it's the sunshine that has been teasing me every day with its precious warm rays. They look warm and inviting but as soon as you go outside, FOOLED! It's still cold cold cold. Grey and cold and void of all color, therefore . . . Must create, must sew, MUST QUILT!

On the Hunt

2008-03-11T08:45:00.001-07:00

Just kidding with this one.
I need a new teapot. Help me choose.

Double Tagged

2008-03-10T20:00:00.000-07:00

You have to answer the questions with one or two word only!
1. Where is your cell phone? questionable
2. Relationship? No comment
3. Your hair? growing
4. Work? fulfilling
5. Your sister? None
6. Your favorite thing? Sunshine
7. Your dream last night? angst
8. Your favorite drink? Green Machine
9. Your dream car? Lexus
10. The room you’re in? Kitchen
11. Your shoes? Ballet flats
12. Your fears? Kids
13. What do you want to be in 10 years? happy
14. Who did you hang out with this weekend? Carter
15. What you’re not good at? Stoves
16. Muffin? Honey Oatbran
17. One of your wish list items? Couch
18. Where you grew up? Solvang
19. The last thing you did? Dinner
20. What are you wearing? Sweater
21. What aren’t you wearing? Glasses
22. Your pet? kids
23. Your computer? Essential
24. Your life? Crazy
25. Your mood? Exhausted
26. Missing? BFF
27. What are you thinking about right now? bath
28. Your car? Red rocket
29. Your kitchen? White
30. Your summer? Santa Barbara
31. Your favorite color? Green
32. When is the last time you laughed? afternoon
33. Last time you cried? yesterday
34. School? love
35. Love? Family

FAVORITE PAIR OF SHOES- Pretty pretty new shoes. Green, brown, high, Steve Madden and so so pretty.
NEW YEARS RESOLUTION-Be happy and be me.
WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW-Josh Rouse and kids trying to fall asleep.
IF YOU HAD $200 TO SPEND ON YOURSELF WHAT WOULD IT BE – Jeans. Mama needs a new pair of pretty pretty jeans.
RANDOM THOUGHT- Thousand Oaks? Possible
FAVORITE PLACE TO GO IN THE CITY YOU LIVE IN- Orem Library, Nordies, and Borders
THE BOOK YOU ARE READING – It changes daily. Saturday was “My Name is Asher Lev” . This book reminded why I love to read. Yesterday was “The Great Gathering” and today I haven’t decided yet. So many to chose from.

I tag anybody.

How I miss the beach

2008-03-09T22:53:00.001-07:00

This is Santa Barbara where I grew up. I heart the beach.

Trees make me happy

2008-03-09T22:13:00.000-07:00

What is it about trees?

My Birthday Boy

2008-03-05T19:26:00.000-08:00

One year.

Where can I find Paul Revere Party hats?

2008-02-25T12:51:00.000-08:00

After reading another chapter in "On the Banks of Plum Creek" to the kids Isaac leans in and says "Mom, I know why the Ingals couldn't afford new shoes" then he looks up at me with a look of profound knowledge. "the English were over-taxing them".

I explained the different eras with a little history lesson. As a side note Isaac has his mind set that he wants an American Revolutionary War birthday party because as he says "I LOVE the American Revolutionary War!"

Ta Da!

2008-02-25T10:29:00.000-08:00

They were crawling the walls so I finished my last bookshelf. Should I be worried that I set it up yesterday and it is already full?

Get your groove on

2008-02-22T13:51:00.000-08:00

Went to Austin for cousin's wedding. My brother Eric and his wife Nikki drove down from Houston to hang out for the day. Is it just me or is Eric's head HUGE. At least you can see his unique eyes.
I have the cutest little cousins ever. They were party animals! They danced the whole night. and when I say dance I mean jumping up and down with big grins.

I love my Scouts

2008-02-12T12:54:00.000-08:00

They are crazy and I love them.

To Gate or not to gate?

2008-02-08T14:16:00.000-08:00

Jonas is in the mischief phase where left alone for more then 30 seconds he will find some sort of trouble. But he does it with a smile so how can you get mad?

Cruel Mom

2008-02-01T21:18:00.000-08:00

Isaac's still at an age where he thinks it is "the coolest thing ever" to wear matching clothes with his little bro.

Sundance Dancing

2008-01-29T17:15:00.000-08:00

The girls and I hob-nobbed with the stars at Harrio's for Sundance weekend. After Harrio's we went to a private party. Lots of fun and lots of dancing.

Wanted: Sister-in-Law

2008-01-25T23:37:00.000-08:00

Seeking a mate for the cutie in the middle. These are two of my brothers. The LAST of the available Grant boys is in the middle and up for adoption. Send all applicants to ME. He is intelligent, adventurous and the sweetest most thoughtful person in our family.

Mar-bear

2008-01-24T15:35:00.000-08:00

2008-01-24T14:45:00.000-08:00

Isaac was a little excited about his own electric blanket. My brother is a big geek.

Weinman Top 10 for 2007

2008-01-16T12:44:00.000-08:00

In no particular order:

1. Maren's first day of year 2 of Pre-School
2. Isaac's first day of Kindergarten
3. Isaac's first day of 1st grade (smarty pants skipped)
4. Jonas Robert was born March 4
5. Michelle ran the Nike's Women's Run in San Francisco (half marathon)
6. Jared finished our beautiful yard
7. Isaac rocked on his first soccer team
8. Michelle turned 30! and had the BEST birthday weekend EVER
9. Maren learned to read and LOVES
10. All Weinmans healthy and happy!

My Kiddies

2008-01-15T07:58:00.000-08:00

My Montage 11/29/07

Where's my card?

2008-01-14T14:54:00.000-08:00

No Christmas card this year. So you'll have to settle for this. I had my entire family with us for Christmas and we had a great time. All four brothers along with all three spouses and my mom and her husband Tom. Games were played (brothers lost), puzzles were completed (Carter stayed up till 3), and food was consumed (I made ham, blech!). This is 3/4 of the bros: Lance (with baby Oliver), Pat (Stalker of Mason Jennings) and Carter (this is as close as he gets to smiling for pictures) and that would be me in the background pigging out on more rolls.

FINE, I GIVE

2008-01-03T17:28:00.000-08:00

I fought it and fought it but I give up. "Blog", it's such a unflattering word. It needs a new word. No journals here, just keeping others updated.