A Rare Occurence.

It is a rare occurrence when I have my husband home for the weekend. Typically he will work late on either Friday or Saturday, and lately both! Sad but true, a week ago Glenn came home from work at 4:30 AM! I am always such a paranoid wreck when he works hours like this. I always think the worst and start imagining him in car crashes because of sleep deprivation. (One time I even called the cops to check by his work when he wasn’t home by the time he promised – although that’s another story.) I hate this busy season at his work and I know he does too. This past weekend I had Glenn home all weekend! I honestly forgot that weekends used to be fun!

We took advantage of this rarity and went hiking with our friends Chris and Chan on Saturday. We are so grateful to have made some really good friends in NY. It is not uncommon lately for these two to just stop by unannounced just to say hi. That makes me feel like they are comfortable with us, and real friends, and I just love that! Chris is the hiker extraordinaire and goes every weekend, occasionally convincing his wife to tag along. Chris promised this would be an easy hike, so we packed up our Camelbaks with water and snacks, and our dogs even got to tag along. I was actually worried that Rocky and Lexi would get tired and we would have to carry them. A Chihuahua and a Maltese are small dogs so I thought their little legs would wear out. I was wrong. Rocky and Lexi kicked their Mama’s butt on this hike! These puppies provided so much amusement for us and I was so happy they came on the hike. What should have been my real concern is how out of shape I am! Just because I am a tiny person does not mean I am in shape. We hiked to the top of Black Rock Mountain. New York doesn’t have real mountains compared to California. So the fact this hike wore me out as much as it did was kind of pathetic. On the uphills my breathing was so shallow and came in sharp gasps. New goal for this summer: Hike more, so that I’m not such a wuss! On my behalf I never complained once and never asked to stop for breaks! This was a 4 ½ mile hike and we completed it in about 2 hours 45 min. We did stop along the way to take pictures, and enjoyed our snacks and the lovely view from the top. Remember me saying the amusement the dogs provided? So while we were at the top Rocky nearly leaped off the mountain! Glenn had two clementines sitting beside him and Rocky runs up to him in his excited way and accidentally knocks one of the clementines. We watch as it quickly rolls down the sloped rock and falls off the side of the mountain. Rocky waits a second and then starts running after it, then suddenly just stops probably thinking that jump was a little further than he would like. That was scare number two of the day from Rocky. Earlier along in the hike was a little lake. We stopped and Glenn threw the dogs in the water to cool off. Lexi loves to swim! Rocky on the other hand nearly drowned. He dog paddled his little heart out and wasn’t making any progress towards land. I was so worried and thought Glenn would have to jump in after him. He finally started making some progress alongside a stick we put in the water to help him back. I didn’t take my eyes off Rocky and later Glenn told me how intently focused Lexi was on watching Rocky. How sweet, she almost went and saved him herself. Like I said plenty of excitement bringing these puppies along. Even with the crazy moments I would definitely bring the dogs with us again.

This was a jam packed day. Even after our morning hike, we still had a million loads of laundry to take to the Laundromat (ok more like five, but we had to get it done), grocery shopping, test driving a car just for fun and ditching out on the sales pitch at the end, and dinner out at Chilis. It was a marvelous Saturday, and I was so happy to have Glenn home on the weekend to entertain me!

This picture needs a caption. Any suggestions?

Poor puppy is not a good swimmer.

Finally getting the hang of it.

The Lion King!

The reward: The amazing view from the top!

Why Run?

I work out because I know I would’ve been the first to die in the Hunger Games! This picture literally made me LOL when I saw it on Pinterest because it explains my attempts at running lately to a T! I like to tell Glenn that my body was just not designed to run, I’m kind of short and can’t take long strides, and I can never figure out how to control my breathing. And yet this week, I was motivated by of all things, a book! This book is my latest obsession!! I talk about these characters as if we are friends and feel like I live in their world. I found myself wondering, how would I fare in The Hunger Games? If I am being honest with myself I would probably last a day. The truthful answer just does not sit well with me! Now I’m making my fitness a priority so the next time I revisit this question the odds of me surviving in The Hunger Games will be slightly more in my favor. I have run 3/4 days this week, not too shabby right? I wouldn’t exactly call myself an athlete yet, but at least I didn’t want to keel over and die when I finished my run today.

Pirates of Penzance!

It is my duty as a wife to brag about how lucky I am to be married to such a handsome, talented, and impressive person! Glenn Fox, Director! Has a nice ring huh?! Tonight is the finale of O’Neill High School performing the musical Pirates of Penzance. I just love looking at the program to see Glenn’s name under Director. Not only was Glenn the director, but also set designer, lighting designer, and whatever other role he needed to fill. This was much better than what I was expecting for a high school production, and the countless hours of hard work and dedication were evident in the quality of the show. Glenn seriously built a shipwreck and mountain on stage. Way better than my H.S. plays for sure! It’s much easier to say all this now that these long two months are behind us and that the play is a tremendous success!

Let’s rewind just a little bit. It’s middle of December and Glenn all of a sudden tells me, I’m going to be really worried about you during January and February. Glenn’s sudden declaration of clairvoyance struck me and I didn’t quite understand what he meant. Glenn had spent the last couple months as drama club instructor at the local high school. All this was in preparation for the Spring Musical that he would be directing. At the time I didn’t fully understand what exactly that commitment meant. I know now! Lots and lots of time!! Glenn literally has been working two jobs for the past two months. He would work his everyday 9-5 job, and then have rehearsals from 5:30 to 8:30. Or supposedly it was supposed to be 8:30. More often it was after 9:00 and the closer it got to opening night closer to 10:00. Glenn walked in the door at 10:30 one night and looked completely terrified! He is not the best at calling when he is going to be late. And Saturday rehearsals to top it off! Glenn literally spent every second he could squeeze into an extremely busy schedule making sure that come opening night this show was a success!! All of his hard work definitely paid off! However, it was a miserable two months for me!

I went through so many stages of emotion during this play. I started out thinking Glenn was silly to be worried. I would be fine. I am a loving and supportive wife, and of course I want him to direct the play, and work on something that makes him happy, and put all his skills to use. It didn’t even take a week before the feelings of loneliness crept in and I started watching the seconds tick on the clock until Glenn came home. Then feelings of jealousy towards the play and how much time it consumed. Then slight irritation at the play and feeling like he gave the play more attention than me. Too being completely angry at the play and wishing he never did it in the first place. People can judge me all they want for that last part. I really don’t care! We are still Newlyweds, and I like spending time with my husband, and I felt like we weren’t getting enough quality time together. I have been a complete wreck this last two months and have apologized to Glenn on multiple occasions. I really tried to be supportive of this play as much as possible. I went to rehearsals, and spent a couple Saturdays helping with set construction.

Glenn recognized how hard this was for me and I know he hated the time apart too. Whenever we could Glenn would be sure to take me on a date. He even went and saw The Vow, if that’s not proof enough that he really was trying to his best to keep me happy then I don’t know what is! I know juggling a job, a high school musical, and a needy wife made him exhausted. I owe him a very long massage after tonight’s finale performance.

Glenn was squeezing my hand so hard before the play started opening night and was so nervous now that everything was out of his hands. I can honestly say that all over smile on his face when it was over was worth the difficult couple months. I may even consider letting him do another play? And just some slight reassurance towards my feelings here…One parent found out I was Glenn’s wife and immediately says to me “Bless your heart!” The life of a director’s wife can be a lonely one at times, but I am beyond proud of Glenn! Looking forward to seeing this play for the third time tonight, and who knows how long it will be until the songs from this show are no longer stuck in my head. Glenn says he has had the Pirates of Penzance soundtrack playing in his head for months, so guess I can’t complain.

The cast presented Glenn with this signed picture of the play from all of them. I know he really grew to love these kids, and you could tell they felt the same way.

2012 you have big shoes to fill.

I love this time of year!! I love just waking up in the morning to a new day, and the start of a new year is the ultimate fresh start. I think it’s important to reevaluate the last year of my life and see how I can improve the next year. Without further a due my resolutions are…

2012 Resolutions

1.   Be more consistent and timely with my blogging. (Like how I’m a month late posting my resolutions, LOL.)

2.   Do something that terrifies me! I have always been kind of a timid person and for once I want to break out of my shell and be crazy spontaneous.

3.   Have a more balanced diet. Glenn should like this one, he is always critiquing my eating habits. I tend to eat like a 5 year old, lots of chocolate milk and fruit snacks. I blame my mother, she used to feed us ice cream sandwiches for breakfast.

4.   Be more appreciative about all the blessings in my life!

5.   And the #1 cliché resolution – exercise! It’s really true though, I have kind of sat on my behind ever since my wedding. I blame not having a gym membership anymore, but my mom is constantly encouraging me to just go pound some pavement. Maybe I should listen?

2011 you were a success!! It’s going to be hard to top the year I married my love for time and all eternity! The year I traveled all over the country, journeying from California all the way to New Jersey, and then New York, and all the states in between, even venturing all the way up to Maine. My first ever cruise! I fell in love with the glaciers and majestic beauty of Alaska, and Canada for a day! 2011 was filled with many laughs, smiles, tears, and lots of firsts. I feel like I officially view myself as an adult now. Living on our own, moving twice, having to worry about finances, cooking dinner for my Husband, sucking it up and working retail, and having to make new friends are all reminders that 2011 was filled with changes, challenges, and choices that I made. 2012 you have some big shoes to fill!

A California Christmas

(Just an FYI – This is a very long post. I write this blog so one day I can go back and read this and relive all our adventures and share them with our children. Fair warning that it’s a long and detailed account of our Christmas so now you can proceed reading.)

A couple months ago a very sad girl was trying to convince her husband, in between crying, gasps, and sobs that she would be ok if they spent Christmas in NY. I tried to reason that we could Skype, we had each other, and we had good friends here who would never let us spend the day alone. For some reason I was not very convincing? A little Christmas miracle, help from my generous parents and in-laws, and we were able to fly home to California. Spending Christmas with those I love most, my kind, generous, kinda crazy, but crazy lovable family was my favorite present of all!

Glenn and I are those seemingly crazy people who treat their dogs like their children. So the two of us packed our suitcases, our Christmas presents, a Chihuahua, and a Maltese and off to the airport we went. I was a little worried that Rocky, our energetic Chihuahua puppy would cause a ruckus on the airplane. He was perfect, both puppies slept from take-off to landing! In fact the only hiccup we had with them was accidentally almost x-raying them at security. We didn’t know we were supposed to take our dogs out of the crate until someone yelled to stop the machine, woops!

These exhausted travelers finally rounded out their day with a bed time that was 5:00 AM in New York the next day! Fighting off my zombie like jet lag was not easy, but became much easier when shopping was involved. In typical CA fashion it was sunny and in the 60’s in December, so we enjoyed it by shopping at the Folsom Outlets with my sweet mother in law.

Our first Christmas as Newlyweds means the decision over how do we now divide our time between two families? I was literally terrified that we were going to hurt someone’s feelings by not spending enough time with them. Glenn being the baby and last to get married meant his family was used to sharing by now. I however, was the first to get married in my family, and this idea of sharing their daughter was still a foreign concept. To add to an already difficult decision Glenn’s entire family was all together for the holidays for the first time in basically forever. Lots of back and forth between Cameron Park and Elk Grove, and I think everyone was happy. Thank goodness! I don’t wish that kind of stress on anyone!

So after being in CA for 24 hours we made our way down the hill to Elk Grove. My mom was outside waiting for us before I stepped foot out of the car. And I’m not sure if my dad was more excited about seeing me or Rocky? LOL, Rocky was practically giddy too, he definitely remembered his grandpa mark! After a happy reunion, Rocky getting acquainted with my family’s new puppy Kona, hours of chatting, and a quick visit to Santa Claus it was bedtime. My mom had to reassure my dad that it’s ok Glenn and I slept in the same room. There is a weird sensation about sleeping in the room you grew up in with your husband! I knew Glenn was allowed in there, and yet I still felt like I was being naughty. All I could think about was the last time I slept in here was the night before our wedding.

During our visit with Santa the night before he requested his elves assist him with some special deliveries, so along with my Dad and Kona these elves helped the jolly old fellow spread some Christmas cheer. I was able to spend the afternoon having some quality daddy and daughter time. Crazy sushi how I have missed you, and manicures! In the evening Rebekah stole away her favorite bro-in-law for a date! She had been planning this for weeks, it was pretty dang cute how excited they both were. My Mom and I stayed home for the annual Christmas ornament exchange. Handmade ornaments, snacks, and a photo shoot with one of my longest and best friends Jeannette made for a good night! And sadly, the end of another day.

Thursday was friend’s day. We knew it would be way to much trouble trying to drive around and visit all our friends. So we enticed them to come to us with apple cider, Christmas goodies, mustaches, sweaters, and a game night. I really missed all my friends, and it was so nice to see and catch up and be a little silly. It’s one of those times that I actually felt kind of old. Just knowing that we’re all at stages in our lives where CA is the place where we visit and we are all scattered across the country now. I know the times I’ll get to see my friends are few and far between and I really enjoyed seeing some of my all time favorite people.

Friday meant another trip up the hill to CP. One of Glenn’s family traditions is a Christmas day movie. Since Christmas fell on a Sunday we went to see Sherlock Homes that night instead. Saturday Glenn and I ate at our all time favorite place for breakfast, Tower Café. There famous French toast soaked overnight in custard has been in my dreams lately! The rest of the day was spent cooking for the Fox Family Christmas Eve party. Then back down the hill to open Christmas Eve jammies with my family. I love being married, I do! Although I have to admit I did miss a beloved tradition with Rebekah, you just can’t do Christmas Eve slumber parties when you are married.

Christmas Day! I knew when I woke up that morning that waking up anywhere else would have made me sad, and Glenn was right to get me out to CA. We were able to open stockings, and eat our bagels and salmon lox then off to church. It was nice going to church and saying hi to good ole LC3 ward. Then home to open presents. I feel like every year we have more and more presents under this tree. I think the feeling is mutual that we all really enjoy buying presents for each other. Other than coming home my favorite present would have to be a Garmin from my parents. I’m so directionally challenged, and now I won’t be so nervous to drive in NY. In addition, I got 5 pairs of slippers, lots of clothes, and our puppies got some new sweaters. After a delicious dinner, it was time to head back up to CP one final time to say goodbye to the Fox Family. It was up until this point that I was succeeding in my attempt to keep emotions in check. My Grandma was my first goodbye of the night, and I just lost it. All of a sudden I felt like our trip was over, and I didn’t know the next time we would get to come back, and I started missing everyone so much already. It took the entire 45 min drive to CP to calm down, and I am a very puffy eyed girl in the Fox Family photo. Then back down to EG for goodbyes with my family. The goodbyes didn’t get easier, in fact it was just harder! My Dad and Uncle Steve drove us to San Francisco where we arrived to spend all night in the airport. I was sitting there all alone (Glenn was taking the puppies potty) in the airport at 1:00 AM and a man walks by and said Merry Christmas, suddenly I start bawling again! I think just pure exhaustion, leaving our family, and a 24 hour travel day in front of us was just too much for me at that point. Now we’re back home in NY and I promise to my mother who is surely reading this that we are happy here. I’m just horrible with goodbyes. Til next time California, we’ll miss you!

Merry Christmas, Love the Fox Family

Sorry we did not send out Christmas cards, so here ya go!

Gratitude

Glenn and I were ‘lucky’ enough to give talks the Sunday after Thanksgiving. The Branch President had so much confidence in us we were the entire program, no youth speakers, musical numbers, just the two of us! No pressure right! Glenn gave an amazing talk on patience, and I spoke on gratitude. I have been pondering this topic ever since and just wanted to let my family and friends know a few of the things I am grateful for.

I have an exercise that I like to do on life’s rough days. To be honest it’s an exercise my husband makes me do because he knows by the end I’ll be smiling. I have to recite out loud 10 things that I’m grateful for. I may roll my eyes and start out reluctantly. Those first few thankful items on the list take more time to think about. Then they just start flowing, naming one thing on the list just starts a chain reaction of what I’m thankful for and I want to go even higher than ten. Without fail I have a smile and feel better by the end of the list. I highly recommend trying this.

This has been a necessary action recently. I have been so homesick. I have been missing my family and friends like crazy! I have even been missing my own husband because Glenn works so much overtime. I really hate my job, the catty girls, and not enough hours, and being frustrated that with all my efforts I still haven’t found a new job yet. I get angry whenever I look at our mountainous pile of laundry because we have no washer and dryer. I get angry at how quickly two people can accumulate so many dishes. Needless to say I have been kind of a mopey girl and need to snap out of it. So here is my gratitude list!

1.   My amazing husband!! Glenn makes me laugh and smile every day, he always knows what I need to cheer me up, and he works so hard to take care of our family. I’m a very lucky and happy wife!

2.   Plane tickets!! The fact that in 12 days we will be in California for Christmas!! I wasn’t sure that this was a possibility for a while and I am overwhelmed with excitement to spend my favorite time of year with our family and friends.

3.   My kind and generous parents!

4.   My sisters.

5.   My new extended family, the many in laws, and nieces and nephews I accumulated when I married Glenn.

6.   Friends – the ones we miss, and the new ones we have made in New York.

7.   Rocky and Lexi, our sometimes naughty, always cuddly, sweet, playful, silly puppies.

8.   Kitchen cabinets – Finally after two months we were able to unpack our kitchen boxes!

9.   The San Francisco 49ers!! Their 10-2 record and a clinched spot in the playoffs.

10.      Starbucks holiday beverages.

11.      I am thankful when it rains and when it snows.

12.      I am thankful for the cute winter coats, comfy sweaters, snuggly scarfs, boots, beanies, and gloves that keep me warm.

13.      Movies, Netflix, Books, and Music.

14.      Skype

15.      Date nights.

16.      Chapstick.

17.      Chocolate Milk.

18.      Toaster Strudels.

19.      Stars.

20.      Christmas decorations. I love our beautifully decorated tree that is so perfectly symmetrical someone actually thought it was fake. This is a home filled with Christmas spirit!

This list is such a small flicker of the blessings in my life. By counting our blessings ALWAYS we will be happier. We will be more of a joy to those around us, and hopefully be an example to them. I read somewhere once that gratitude is the path to more gratitude. I loved this and believe it to be true. My mom challenged me to find ways to serve everyday up until Christmas. I think this is an excellent way to keep my Christmas spirit up, and keep perspective on the importance of gratitude.

Oh and I didn’t take too many pictures over Thanksgiving, but I do have these two.

We drove to Virginia to spend Thanksgiving with Glenn’s oldest brother and his family. It was a super quick trip! We arrived Wednesday night and left early Friday morning since I had to work Black Friday sales. We were so grateful we were able to spend Thanksgiving with family, even though it was a house filled with Ravens fans.