Operation Eleanor- Day Four

“The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.” 

― Eleanor Roosevelt

Another really long day working and its on the heels of a late night celebrating with family and friends for Erik's dBay so truly the best I could do today was a trip to the asian market where I thought I would try something amazingly new and exotic that I could throw into my Eleanor experience.

But here’s the thing, and I don’t mean to sound as full of myself as this is going to come off as- but I am realizing that I am already the type of person who each day reaches outward even without this challenge. For example I frequent the asian market on occasion and each time I go I love when I have the time to linger a bit on some aisles reading packages and discovering new things. So it was a REAL reach for me to find something I hadn’t already tried. Let me rephrase that. Something I hadn’t already tried that I was willing to try. Yeah couldn’t do it.

There was this:

and then this:

 (I mean really, aside from being an actual vampire or 15 year old teenage wanna be vampire who is president of the Stephanie Meyer fan club seeking the desire to drink blood and run way to live in Washington- who buys this?!) - and uh by the loads of empty space in the freezer it looks like there are A LOT of people who are indeed buying this!!

almost settled on this:

but really when you get down to it- were really just talking fish flavored chips right? 

On the way home we stopped at Lollicup and got boba tea- which six months ago would have been a leap, but now is almost a daily treat (seriously it is the new Starbucks around here). on a side-note I didn’t order my usual, and made a point to get something I never ordered before- not that it counts...

Looks like Op Eleanor is an every other day kind of a gig for me, which I can handle, like I said I have a pretty full way of living each day as it is- and there is always something new around the corner.


Footnote: Kates and I were going to circle the building in the hopes of finding where they keep the sheep. The thinking was that we could rescue the animal and call that a triumphant stand in the name of the challenge. Of course what we were going to do with a sheep since we were in a two door black convertible VW Cabrio in Irvine never occurred to us- but that my dears is part of the fun now isn’t it?

Happy Birthday Babe- Now lets wear mustaches, act normal, and go out on a school night!

For 23,652,000 minutes...

For 540 months...

For 4 1/2 decades...

However you decide to label it, it’s your day- Happy birthday babe.

Not only did we have fun in our disguises, but the kids also got into the act posing with the Beatles (who also brought their ‘staches to the party). 

It was a great night, for a great guy.

Here’s to the next 45. 

                                                                    xoxo

Operation Eleanor- Day Three

“Courage is exhilarating.” 

        -Eleanor Roosevelt

Success!!

Setting- High school football field. Freshman game, halftime.

Circumstance- Operation Eleanor (30 day challenge) and Husbands 45th Birthday (annual challenge)

Good Part- So, I was already down one due to a disappointing start on this crazy task that I am determined to overcome when the perfect opportunity opened up for me, and you know I almost ran away from it- but I didn’t! and afterwards it was so cool you’d think I could fly, except I’m a person and that would be crazy so let me just tell you what happened.

As one of the team photographers for the high school football team I was on the field doing what I do. Then at halftime Erik (hubby) came onto the green to give me a kiss (oh how cute) and some water. When he did I looked up at the stands full of parents, grandparents, supporters and the such and made the split decision (okay it took me a few seconds because I was terrified to continue but I did continue) to gather my wits outside voice and announce to everyone that it was my husbands birthday and if they could please wish him a very happy day. 

You know what happened? I didn’t crumble into a pile of salt. My clothes all stayed on my body. I wasn’t even booed. Everyone not only wished him a very happy day(which he hated (secretly I think he loved it))- they also thanked me for my time and photographs! ha. Well whaddaya know?

And I have further proof that Eleanor was a part of it because later that night at dinner I was CARDED!!- and I wasn’t wearing a hat, sunglasses, or a mask (aside from a mustache, but more on that in another post)- I think Miss Roosevelt herself was looking down and giving me a nod of approval, a kudos if you will for getting out there and setting myself free.

Day two and the score is even steven seeing as though day one was kind of a bust. Day three brings a whole new game to play. 

Bring. It. On.

Operation Eleanor- Day Two

“Every time you meet a situation you think at the time it is an impossibility and you go through the tortures of the damned, once you have met it and lived through it, you find that forever after you are freer than you were before.” 

- Eleanor Roosevelt

Day two, which is really day one since November 1st was really the challenge commitment to Operation Eleanor and I think I am more frustrated than enlightened. 

Seriously, all day today I had this anticipation built within me that practically had me jumping through the ceiling. I just kept waiting for an opportunity to do something, but nothing ever came up. I mean nothing. 7:00pm I am finally heading home from work- and aside from driving on the wrong side of the road with my headlights off- which yeah it WOULD have scared the shit out of me and everyone else driving on the street, I just don’t think that is quite what Eleanor had in mind. So day one and its a bust- but not for lack of trying.

One thing that did occur to me and I do consider a success of sorts, is that all day my mind was alive. I consistently reached for something to find that was outside of my comfort zone and it always felt like something was just about to happen, which made me fell energized and exuberant. Kind of a rocky start, but I am no quitter- Bring it on November 3rd.

Operation Eleanor

One of my guilty, yet simple, pleasures is reading wonderful blogs that inspire, encourage, make me laugh, and help me see life through amazingly different perspectives. One such blog, Undomestic Diva has started  Operation Eleanor a thirty day challenge inspired by Eleanor Roosevelt's famous quote to do one thing everyday that scares you.

So read up, jump in and join in on the challenge. It's not like you have to bungee off of cliffs or sky dive out of planes- just try each day in the month of November to do one thing different from what you would normally do in your life. One step out of your normal routine, one little reach beyond your comfort zone into the unknown.

I love the concept, and cannot wait to discover what is out there for me to uncover.

How about you?!

Homecoming Dances, Bringing Bow Ties Back, and the Most Awesome Review Ever on Amazon

Okay so we covered the Homecoming game here. (Awesome!!). That meant that the next day, Saturday, was the Homecoming dance. My son, John and his group of buddies always willing to push the fashion boundaries (don't believe me? just ask him about the satchel incident of spring 2011) decided to wear bow ties to the dance both to jazz things up as well as to make their senior statements since it was their last High School Homecoming dance.


Looking on Amazon we found this:

Which was great right? your average everyday bow tie. But wait! there is sooooo much more- read this Most amazing funny and greatest review ever- (click if you need to see it bigger)

Had us rolling on the floor. We even ordered two, one white and one black. The result? one hot 17 year old ready to rock the dance floor looking just like my 12th grade science teacher.

Friday Night Lights

Last night was my sons senior Homecoming game. As it was also my step sons Freshman Homecoming game we had a crazy night of football fever in the house. You see, having all the kids in one school would be too easy and normal- so not the way we do things at The Oompahpah. 

One of these games ended up being a Hollywood script, fireworks and all (no kidding).

While the kids just have their one game to worry about Erik and I spend a good portion of our evening timing entrances and departures so we can then drive from one end of Orange County to the other to get from field to field all the while changing our clothes at red lights so as to coincide with the correct fan colors and spirit wear for the next game. It's the behind scenes life of parenting in a blended family 2011.

After a quick stint at the the Freshman game we were a bit psyched to settle in at the senior Homecoming, mainly because this year for John is just so monumental. It’s his senior year. Each day he goes to school I wish for him to be back in kindergarten as much as I look forward to him heading off into the world. I just know the whole being in charge of him and being able to ensure where he is at night is all ending soon and I am just not ready for it. Anyway I am savoring the entire senior year experience with him as much as I can, so this game was a big one for me and I was looking forward to it. Which is why it was a bit disappointing to arrive at halftime being under 0-7, or more so third quarter at 0-28.

The game may have been in the dumps but the school spirit was incredible. Shirts, ribbons, chants, I am sure all the normal at thousands of high schools across the country although I don’t how many high school games have pyrotechnic displays between quarters, golden confetti sprays that rival a Main Street Disneyland parade, or half time shows that include firework displays that I have seen similar at small town 4th of July celebrations. Let's just say there was a lot going on for a high school football game even if it was homecoming.

Halfway through the fourth quarter we scored. Then in the kick off we went for an onside kick and got the ball for another shot that lead to yet another goal. I know that you think you know where this is going and although you are right, you see we didn’t know that at the time- and it was insane! The stands were wild. Kids and adults where stomping their feet and chanting  “I believe that we will win” over and over while we were still 8 points down with only three minutes to go. It was amazing! In the end we got the lead with 41 seconds to spare and a two point conversion after the touchdown. Kids were holding on to one another each time the ball was set down for another play. I swear you could hear each person breath as we all inhaled and exhaled in unison. We were one.

The game was the best high I have had in a long time. The kids in their spirit section were wild with glee and excitement while shirts were ripped off and swung in exuberance. Parents yelled, smiled, and threw their arms up all at the same time in disbelief and excitement texting anyone who had left early or no one at all if only to prove that they had been there in that moment of time and miracles. 

...and all I could think of was how proud coach Carter would have been of this game. 


                                                     Clear eyes full hearts can’t lose. Go Panthers Wolverines 29-28 F.