Thank you, Delta

Cricket and I had a great experience with Delta Airlines on Friday. I printed off my boarding pass at home and Steve walked me to the security line upon which the TSA attendant invited us to walk through the line for people with disabilities and children. (Now, I am fine to walk through the regular line - however, we do often take extra time because they always have to check Cricket out because she beeps so the little help with time is great and appreciated when it is offered). I blew Steve a kiss (couldn't see him but knew he was standing there making sure I got through okay). I arrived at my gate - which was a nice long walk to the end of C. Upon arriving, they told me that the departure gate had moved to D (which is clear at the other end of the terminal). I think I had a little panic look on my face and she said, we can call someone to walk with you to Gate D. Not wanting to get lost and miss my flight, I accepted this offer. A nice young man came and walked with me through the airport to the other side. It was very helpful and I made it there just in time to board the plane. I was able to upgrade my seat to first class - SO nice and then as I was getting situated in my seat - the gentleman who was in the bulkhead row of first class asked me if I wanted to trade seats with him. Cricket was in heaven! She had so much room on this flight! We loved it. The flight attendant was so kind and offered Cricket some water (which I declined on her behalf - no food or water before or during a flight). I did love having the option of these instead of pretzels. YUM! Sweet, crunchy, and only 100 calories for the bag.
Our flight home was smooth and uneventful. I wasn't sure if the day before the holiday the airport would be busy ... or as it turned out to be was very quiet. I walked right through security. It was the smaller plane so legroom was snug but we flew in bulkhead row. The man sitting next to me was very curious about Cricket so we had a nice conversation telling him about Guide Dogs for the Blind. My mom has set a great example for me that you acknowledge goodness and write letters in appreciation just not for concerns. So, I will be writing a thank you to Delta and SkyWest for the wonderful accomodations that we received on our Friday adventure. It just helped our time with Adam, Natalie and Dahlia be that much better!

On top of the Mountain

Over the years, I enjoy receiving the call: "Beck, we're on top of the mountain." Today Steve and Kendall hiked to Mt. Naomi Peak.
Its always a victory and they have gone to the top of many mountains. Those who know us will not forget the hike to Mt. Nebo that turned into an overnight scare. I'll be happy to see them safely home later this evening.

I am feeling a little techno savvy that I figured out how to move the picture they sent me to my blog. I have come so far!

Happy Birthday to Natalie (and our Country)

Happy Birthday, Natalie! What a joy to arrive in San Diego yesterday to see Natalie, Adam and Dahlia! We spent time at the beach, walking through Coronado, lunch outdoors, amazingly, yummy desserts at Extraordinaire DessertsSitting in the sun, eating yogurt, and chatting. Does it get any better than that! (only if Steve could of joined us - he had to work)
Enjoying the beauty of Balboa Park while opening presents - what fun!
Since Natalie's first birthday, we have always gotten her a red/white/blue outfit as part of her birthday gift. This year, I thought - maybe I could let that go ... but found myself being drawn to the search of finding something red, something white and something blue ... so many sweet memories. I laugh remembering the year she wanted a red skirt and Steve and I searched all over and finally found one! The stores kept directing us to other colors and we kept saying - its got to be red.

I recently heard a message on the radio last week challenging us to look at Independence Day with gratitude. I have been reflecting on that this week. The blessings I experience are abundant each day. The 4th of July has had a very extra special meaning to our family since Natalie was born on the 4th of July 24 years ago! I remember fireworks going off and it feeling a little surreal that our baby was coming! I was 20! Throughout the years, I have rechecked the math thinking maybe I was 21 but no! I'm 44, she just turned 24. She is such a joy, and I am so grateful for the blessing of being her mother and her friend. Happy Birthday, Natalie. The fireworks are in celebration of you, your birthday and all the amazing blessings we enjoy living in this great country.

Fun Friday

By the time you read this, Cricket and I will be on a plane bound for San Diego! It is my daughter, Natalie's birthday tomorrow. This mom just longed to personally deliver her presents to her. I will just be there for the day and home late tonight. Cricket is not happy that breakfast was not served this am, but she will be thrilled to see Adam, Natalie and Dahlia on the other side of the plane.

Still Laughing

Cricket was SO excited to go to yoga tonight. She saw her rug come out, my
clothes and knew where we were going! She was in for a surprise (me too!) It was Laughter Yoga .
I can say now it was a great experience but must say that I was TOTALLY out of my comfort zone! We danced, laughed, played, affirmed our good qualities, and laughed some more. As I type this it sounds so good. I think the blindness piece threw in a challenge but also I thrive in the challenge and laughing as I think of dancing around. Cricket was a little concerned about us all, but snuggled up for the shavasna and somehow sensed that we relieved some stress and tried to be spontaneous and carefree.

Thursday's Plans

Watering flowers in the morning while Cricket gets her run; Work until 3; dash home to catch Dr. Phil with Jennifer Rothschild, a little house and yard work, attempt to cook some dinner, and then Laughing Yoga at 7:30 and a little preparation for my quickie trip to San Diego on Friday -- wahoo!! I am looking forward to the day ... after reading Jennifer's books I look forward to hearing her and definitely excited to try Laughing Yoga. Stay tuned ...

Stepping out of our Comfort Zone

We had a 3 hour break in our day due to some late cancellations - the joy of my work right before a holiday. So, Cricket and I decided to do what we rarely do - we hopped on the bus for an adventure. My first guide, Pantera, and I were daily commuters on the bus. My current office is not on the bus route from my home so Cricket and I don't take the bus too often. Today I remembered why I enjoy the "adventure" of the bus. I first get on and the driver says: 'hi, becky its been a while since we've seen you. you don't go up to the university anymore.' (okay, that's been about 6 years - I wasn't even sure how much it cost to ride the bus these days but was so appreciative of his kindness). I felt so welcomed back! Then, a gentleman says to me ... 'you are smart to have a dog as your best friend, rather than a husband.' (I tried to tell him I had a wonderful husband but he wouldn't listen - it was pretty funny!) Then, the drive had to make an announcement asking a young couple to quit showing so much affection on the bus! We got off the bus and enjoyed the walk down main street of our cute little city. I did something that I rarely do, I went into a restaurant and had lunch by myself (well, with Cricket). We also went into a fun little store where the clerk first asked me if I was training this dog ... I explained no, she was my guide dog and she said -- Oh, I thought you were acting a little funny! We smiled as she explained that she had put out her hand and now she realized why I had missed her cue. As I caught the bus back to go to my office, it felt great to have a new little adventure with Cricket. We also found the remaining items for Natalie's birthday gift! All in all a great break and ready to take on my afternoon/evening sessions. do one thing every day that scares you. eleanor roosevelt.