The Choice Is Yours

Coming soon!  A brand new blog!  I am having a smart young girl from Etsy design it as we speak.  

Yes, I fell prey to all the pretty blogs out there.  

I fought it for awhile.

I told myself if I had fabulous, inviting content that friends would read my blog because of my storytelling, not because of her aesthetics.

I am a marketer so this was tricky for me.  I love the colors....the widgets....the fonts!

But I am slowly realizing that, "Gosh, I enjoy writing" and now that I know I am vested in this hobby.... I can invest in her.

Get ready for interactive fun!  I even hope to have survey capability.

That being said of course I needed a fancy new SLR camera.  

What respectable blog doesn't?  It's amazing I could articulate a story thus far without one.  

I have been saving my pennies, you know.

Saving them for 2010.  The year of Tracy (in a roundabout sort of way).   

In January, I will visit California to meet Michelle's new baby and a few weeks later I cruise the open ocean in celebration of Claudia's 40th birthday (Yikes!), in March I will honor my sister's 30th and Mom's 60th in Vegas, later that month we'll do our annual Disney trip with Jason's family, The First Sunday in May is my debut at the Kentucky Derby (hat design is in the works), later that month we celebrate my brother in law's 30th and we round out September with a gala in honor of Jason's 40th.  

If you are a reader paying close attention to detail you will see vacation openings in October, November and December.  Feel free to contact me with invitations.  November may be tricky.  We always have family in town for an extended visit.

Back to the pennies.  

They were dipped into it.

Last Thursday I called all my friends asking if anyone had a "fancy" camera I could borrow.  You know, the ones that you carry around your neck with a thick strap, have changeable lenses, 12 megapixels or more and you actually have to look through the peephole to take a picture?

  I was offered a camera to play around with, but declined when I was told that Wolf Camera was going out of business and the whole store was 60% off.  That will beat any Internet pricing.

I gently tossed my new photography subjects into the car and buckled them in.

The store was packed. 

 I purposely left my wallet and stroller in the car, forcing this to be a painless, short encounter. 

I can't pinpoint why, but I assume that when I have a child on hip and one on my leg that I deserve immediate attention.  I actually find the only place I am not granted it is at the local post office.

I uncover my biggest smile and veer around a couple of gentleman.  "Excuse me, Mark, is it?  Yes, do you by chance have a Canon D5 or dare I ask D20?  

I expect an answer in the negative seeing as merchandise is flying off the shelves before my eyes.  

Mark responds, "I have one Canon D30 left."

Now, I know this little gem is upwards of $1500.  Dare I look at her?  What is the real cost?  

A downgraded cabin on the swelling ocean in February?

One less Cirque De Soleil show in Sin City?

A mediocre hat at the equestrian event of the year?

"Yes, sir, I will take a look."  

As he modeled the functionality of the camera all I could think of was getting down onto the floor. 

 I wanted nothing more than to be flat on my stomach, adjusting the lense, testing the lighting and encouraging my seated subject to pose!

"I'll take her!"

Yep,  a sale based solely on the emotion I created myself.

But wait.  Not entirely.

1.  She was only $639!  She was previously on sale and then another 60% off that!

2.  She came with 18 (2 hour) camera courses at another Wolf location that include filtering, lighting, etc.  all aimed at "getting you out of automatic" and taking advantage of the camera's true utility!

3.  He had one FULL KIT left, which means I had a lense, camera strap and plethora of other accessories all allowing the creation of:

Tracy Parrott--- Photographer Extraordinare.

Hours later, I put the girls down to sleep and tore into the size 2 font 100 page manual.  I decided it was best to bypass the "quick start" for this particular piece of extravagance.  I needed all the detail I could get.  

The battery and CF card were installed, lense attached, covers removed, strap around my neck and countless minutes were spent assuming my position.  It was the squatting posture where I really felt the part!

I powered her on.

She didn't comply.

I powered her on again.

She didn't comply.

I rechecked the manual and "quick start."

I invited Jason to try it.

I could see nothing in my immediate line of vision except the receipt.

LIQUIDATION.  ALL SALES FINAL.

It was a fitful night's sleep waiting to return to Wolf Camera in the morning.

As I entered the facility, I decided the sensitivity of this situation demanded not only my brightest smile, but heck, I better throw a warm wave to Mark as well.

My upbeat entrance coupled with me politely asking Mark to turn on my new camera surely had the patrons questioning my intelligence.

Whatever it takes. 

Not surprisingly, he couldn't turn her on.  After a long process of trying new batteries and other technical acts, he did what was right.  

He called his liquidation manager, who, in turn, called the bank.  Apparently this location was being foreclosed.

I knew it was a wing and a prayer for the bank to return their call, especially for the low price of $639.  Low price, in their opinion, of course.

For 5 days I assured myself that a reputable company who embraces the old adage of customer service would do the right thing for me.  

Mark had 2 days off during this time and sat on the phone with the bank for over an hour trying to get me a resolution each day.

He called yesterday to tell me that they had another D30 waiting for me in Plano.  Simply drive out there and trade.

I must have done something right to deserve this outcome.

I asked Mark for his boss's name and his boss above that and so on.  

But, wait.  Let me make sure he intends to stay with company before I write my glowing review.  

He said they are trying to find a job for him, but he isn't sure of where or what the salary will be.  

My heart sunk.  

Mark was looking for a job on his days off and still sat on the phone with the bank for me.

Mark could've turned me away that morning and said, "Sorry, all sales final."

Mark is living in uncertainty like so many others today.  

He has every reason to choose bitterness and toss his loyalty to the wind, but Mark wakes up everyday and chooses otherwise.

What choice did you make today?

Chile Con Queso.......CHEETOS??!!!

Saturday, January 2, 2004

Jason and I are 6 weeks new to San Antonio and decide to spend the holidays  getting acquainted with our new city.  Numerous suggestions were made in terms of site seeing.  A particular road trip sounded appealing.  

We were heading Southwest to the town of Laredo, Texas and crossing the border into Mexico! 

An afternoon outside enjoying authentic food and perusing the local markets coupled with a relaxing 2 hour drive was an ideal way to spend our last Saturday of the holiday week.

80 degrees and sunny as we headed out of town.  We still weren't used to temperatures like this and mentally acted like we were on vacation well into our first year in The Lone Star State.

I felt like I belonged that afternoon, cruising the open road in my enormous Texas SUV.  I was so proud of her---she could rival any Expedition out there.  Gigantic, smelling of new leather and windows all tinted.

 

The white Ford Escape fit right in! 

She wasn't my first choice, you see.  7 days earlier we had buried my first love.  The little black Pontiac Sunfire that saw me through college.  I intended to drive her into the ground.

Until I drove her into a wall.  

The tinted windows were a hard sell at the dealership.  We just couldn't get past the use of such accessories in Chicago.  They were for the low rides.  The cars that pull up next to you at a stop light and you find yourself gyrating to the bass.   Not by choice.  You don't even need to glance over to know that this automobile is outfitted in the fanciest of rims and of course, has glowing lights enveloping its exterior.

We were convinced that the tinting would be welcome during a San Antonio summer and were encouraged to look out at the road where yes, every single window was tinted.

I suppose this was the beginning of our acclimation.

Approaching border security we were surprised that we barely needed to brake leaving our homeland and entering a foreign country.

I put my passport back in my wallet and had just enough time to share a friendly wave with the attendant.

That was too easy.

As we left the land of Red, White and Blue I glanced to my left.  A trail of Ford F150's mixed with just a few other makes of cars was backed up beyond any line of sight.

"Jason, before we dine on some local delicacies can we head over here and see what's going on."

I silently feared this was the security line to cross the border back into my beloved land.

The 4 mile drive to the tail end was pure entertainment.  Trucks packed to the brim with families, belongings pouring out of windows.....bicycles, scooters, even furniture!  Out houses strategically placed every couple of blocks and children peddling food and drink and yes, cans of gasoline.  Various musical artists could be heard as you passed each car.

We settled at the end of the line.  No need to rush, the cars were turned off.  I got out, stretched and approached a tired looking gentleman.

With a gentle tap on his window and a warm smile I said,  "Excuse me, sir.  By any chance is this the line to get back into the United States of America."

I was greeted with a knowing look.  "Yes, are you coming from your holiday in Monterrey?"

"NO.  I just moved to Texas and was told to cross the border and enjoy some local food and festivity."

"Oh....I'm sorry.  You've picked the wrong day.  The Saturday after New Year's families go back to the United States after visiting Mexico for Christmas.  It will take about 12 hours to get to Border Security."

I eat every 2 hours.  I was hungry.  We had nothing to eat.  I was getting lightheaded and cranky.  I was thirsty.  We had no bottled water and limited gas.  No cell phone service.

The Golden Arches loomed invitingly just over a field to our right.  All day long.  How we longed for our familiar nation and yes, even McDonald's.

Local children sold cups of water, snacks and gasoline to us, the squatters.   They warned of temperatures reaching into the high 90's by afternoon.

Marketing Genius.

Don't people know that you use less gas if you idle, rather than turn your car and air conditioning on and off every 3 minutes to move 1/4 of a block?

We spent the day laughing, sharing stories, making up stories and admiring all the unique and extravagant Christmas gifts the F150's were bringing home.  We took turns walking up to Border Security and watching as they unloaded every last item in each vehicle. 

By 9:15 p.m.  we were incredibly starving and more importantly thirsty.  After a drawn out conversation  on Montezuma's revenge I had Jason convinced that spending the next 6 weeks on the toilet just wasn't worth it.  Michelle's lavatory imprisonment after our trip to Cancun was too fresh in my mind.

That didn't mean we couldn't eat.  

I rolled down my window and motioned to a gentle looking boy.  He quickly approached and said, $2 American for Cheetos snack.

Democracy at its finest.  

Would it have mattered if the bag was $10?  And, did I mention he was selling us a trial size?  

We graciously thanked him and tore in.  The moonlight failed me.  I  didn't notice that our Cheetos were red.   I ate a handful of Chile Con Queso Cheetos.   

Did I mention we did not have water.

We arrived at Border Security after 10 hours and 34 minutes.

There was nothing in our car to explore, just after midnight we were home......

Deep in the heart of Texas.

This Plain Vanilla Box is Nothing Short of Amazing

Freshly cut grass.  A deep inhale.

I began to feel better.

Why does simply stepping outside for a moment do that to us?

We missed our plane to Chicago yesterday.  

We are officially 2 for 2.  

We attempted to go "home" from Christmas, but sadly Juliet got RSV and couldn't travel.   We wanted to go "home" for Easter, but instead spent our evening in urgent care with 102 degree fevers, ear infections and croup.

I snuck in a few more deep inhalations on my way to mailbox.   It really is a beautiful day.

During my long stretch of sleep last night, which was 2 hours..... I had a dream.

Dreaming is welcome in my world.  It can only occur when you are in a deep, restful sleep.  Any sign that I get that I have entered a  deep, restful sleep pleases me.  

For as long as I can remember I have recorded my dreams in a book next to my bed.  You have to immediately wake up and write them down, you can't step one foot out of your warm bed or the fine details are erased forever.

The dream you have is directly correlated to the activities of the previous day.  And that day only.  It is your subconscious mind working through the complexities and offering you solutions and/or comfort.

Did you ever see a particular person in your dream?  

This is my favorite.  

If I see an acquaintance who, in my opinion, lacks self esteem, is materialistic and views the glass as half empty---- it is those traits that I exhibited that day.  The actions of the acquaintance have far less significance in the dream than their actual presence.  

I opened my journal and as usual the recording typically leans heavily in the direction of how the dream made me feel rather than the exact surroundings.

I was smiling!

I was light!

I was completely flexible, pliable!  (Some might say willowly!)

I was over, under, around and through.....

I was in a sturdy box the size of a bedroom with a small door.  The material was the exact color of cardboard.   I was weightless and bouncing in all directions.  I knew I couldn't leave this structure, but the possibilities of what I could do and how much fun I was having were immeasurable.

Sure, I can't leave Dallas, but nothing is going to stop me from experiencing and embracing every moment we have here together.  Endless possibilities.

That message was obvious, the one that required thought was that I immediately wondered why it was colored "plain vanilla" brown when I see the world through glowing yellow sunglasses to the point of naivity at times.     

My assumption is that I should consider Dallas my canvas and decorate as I please!  I should be thankful for an ordinary box to make my own.

You'll notice I italized "home" in my reference to Chicago.   My abundantly full of wisdom Mother In Law gave Jason and I great comfort in December when she reminded us that Chicago is "home" to Jason and I.  

It is not "home" to Sophia and Juliet.  She asked us to remember how we felt as children and the desire to simply be with Mom and Dad, in our four walls.  Our bedrooms, our bathrooms, our books. 

The calming essence of familiarity.

I lived these words when I told Sophia with tears in my voice that we couldn't get on the airplane and go to Chicago.  The first thing she said with a smile spreading across her entire face was that Daddy could come to school Monday for "Donuts With Daddy." 

Could she drive in his car?

Would Daddy wear his work outfit?

How long will he stay?

Will Ms. Diane have Daddy's favorite donut?

Enough said.

We are home.

I walked back up the steps with the mail.  A package from Sugarlocks arrived. It doesn't matter one bit that the contents are a gift and not for my children.  The brightly colored logo, whimsical font and precious children's clothing easily brightens anyone's day.  

One last inhale as I entered and gently closed the door to my special box.

If You Are Open To It.....A Hidden Gem In The Most Unlikely Of Spots

75S was bottle necked at its usual 2 spots on Saturday afternoon.  I knew what should've been a 25 minute drive would be about 1 hour, but isn't our destination always worth the sometimes troubled journey?

A quick exit onto Mockingbird had the Parrott girls resting in more weekend traffic.  We were settled right in the middle of prestigious Highland Park.  The sidewalks bustled with bodies!  Citizens of all walks squeezing in a few quick errands,  sharing an afternoon walk hand-in-hand, comrades laughing with over brimming lattes.  

Ahhh.....Saturday in the city.

Almost there when an unexpected treat greets us!  I've never enjoyed the pleasure of having a street named after me.  Just a wild guess, but something tells me this intersection was born in the mid 1970's.  

We exited the car and climbed to the 2nd floor of a vintage building--just recently restored.  The open metal staircase secured with meticulously placed bolts echoed with each step.  If the sun hadn't been reflecting so brightly on this passage I would've sworn I was back in downtown Chicago!  The Windy City  would have you gripping the handrails---holding on for dear life!  Ice and metal are a common combination up North.  Yes, it's April, but check the forecast. Chicago is blanketed in snow this week.

Sophia gently pushed the swinging door and we entered. 

The sand colored hardwood flooring, delicate white curtains sweeping the floor and blue gray walls presented the ideal ambiance for relaxation.

We've arrived. 

Finding a yoga class that invites a  4 -year- old has been a priority since we moved to Dallas.  

In my opinion, there is so much to be said for possessing the ability to calm and center yourself in our tumultuous world.  

Toddlers do not escape anxiety.  

Next time your newborn is screaming, fight nature.  Fight nature hard.... try to turn your body and mind in the direction of your older child.  Seems like an easy request, but once those cries begin our physical and emotional visibility is reduced to zero and the fog descends.

In a split second glance you most likely notice self soothing.  Holding a lovey, sucking their thumb or the most heart wrenching, a pained look in their eyes.

Seems minor in our adult perspective, but this is stress to a child.   

May I so boldly recommend, "Raising An Emotionally Intelligent Child" as nightstand reading?  The premise is that an ability to identify, embrace and ultimately control your emotions will take you farther in life than simple academic superiority.

This particular studio was appealing on so many levels.  It is solely donation based.  You give what you can afford.  The instructors firmly believe that the benefits of yoga should be extended to every individual.

Not surprisingly, Sophia was the youngest apprentice.  Ms. Yoss took the children on a physical and spiritual journey guided by the book, "Going on a Bear Hunt."  

Genius, in my humble opinion.

For just a moment, the room was filled with gentle music and scents of lavender.  The children rested silently, palms open to the world.

Ms. Yoss's 6 year old daughter was in the session and got up to whisper a question to her mother.  With obvious ease and calm, her mother softly replied, "Let's keep those thoughts in our head for right now."

I had to stop salivating over this women's immaculate posture for a moment and allow myself to immediately place the heaviest of weight on yoga as a lifestyle. 

 I vowed from that moment to raise Juliet on such inviting language.  

I will hope for the best with Sophia who has heard uncountable renditions of "Honey, please be quiet now."  "Quiet time"  "Sophia, enough please."  SOPHIA...we are in church, PLEASE stop communicating."

My donation just went up.

Sophia is over the moon excited about yoga.  A non competitive, individual contributory "sport" that suits her personality like nothing else.

I descended those metal stairs with a smile.  No camera taking pictures this time, no worries of where I had to be next, just living in the moment.  And in that moment, I discovered a hidden parenting gem that will forever impact our family.

A Tempting Prescription For Making New Friends

Warm Saturday nights in San Antonio occasionally found us at Retama Park.  Once a month the city horse racing venue held a kids night where parents could exercise their passion for gambling while children dined on delicacies such as hot dogs, nachos and if they were lucky, a stick of cotton candy -- enormous and blue.  Mothers and Fathers took turns placing their wagers while the unlucky other stood in the never ending face painting or pony ride line.

A lovely fall evening created exceptional excitement for the Parrott family.  Not only were we meeting up with new friends, but upon entering, we spotted a petting zoo.  Sprawled out in the far corner on a rolling hill of patchy grass were hens, sheep, pigs and a vast array of other medium size farm animals.

Yes, once you have children, you will initially be taken aback by your enthusiasm for such events, but will ultimately unknowingly settle into not only an acceptance of, but will actively search for these offerings in your community.  

Patricia, Joe, Camryn and Baby Kacie were not far behind us.  Sophia and I had gotten together with Patricia and her girls a few times previously and found we were incredibly similar in parenting styles and basic values.  A friendship was quickly blossoming!  This was the first evening that we met each other's husbands.   Designated as local San Antonians they had never spent an evening at Retama.   Jason, the town's most avid "transplant" began his narrative on the history of the venue.  By the time he concluded, the Garza family was well equipped to not only understand why the park existed, but also quickly locate the nearest elevator, parking spot and washroom.  Jason could seamlessly moonlight as a tour guide.  Admittedly, I do not long for the days of providing tours of The Alamo, Riverwalk and quaint town of Gruene to our Midwest house guests.  

As the sun set....Camryn and Sophia were off in one direction, Patricia fed Kacie on an inviting bench, Jason hurried to place a bet and I settled belly down on the grass... ready to capture the evening festivities by video. 

It is well known, but hardly accepted that rather than enjoying a moment, I frantically attempt to capture it.

Our curious little 3 year olds were quickly approaching the not so medium sized Llama.  The Llama who was tied to a tree, mildly agitated and readily accessible for play.  

In my mind, all adults were accounted for and by action had demonstrated their responsibilities.  Patricia was feeding the baby, Jason was placing a bet and I was ready to paint this canvas with my video camera.

That left Joe.  

I turned from my flat position on the lawn and anxiously yelled, "Joe, is that Llama friendly!!???"   

He responded with, "What Llama?"

I quickly ensured my video was still running and yelled with a bit too much inflection for someone I had just met, "The Llama that the girls are running towards!"

"WHAT!!??, Joe exclaimed!  I do not see a Llama!!!  WHERE????"

I now had him in an all out panic, for he truly did not see the beast and was obviously in distress over the children's safety. 

I had to put pleasantries aside.  The Llama towered ominously over our slight girls.

"JOE....IS THE LLAMA FRIENDLY???!!!!!"   

My voice tone and range pretty much secured my position in their family.  I would be dear friends with Patricia and occasionally her husband would ponder how in the world she hung out with me.

That being said.... I had to remain in my position as evening videographer and hope the Llama was gentle.  Our new friends would surely appreciate the footage later!

Joe.  The doting father mentioned previously as the fisherman who throws back a catch, quick witted and compassionate, but a force to be reckoned with.  He's a top attorney in San Antonio you know..... introducing villains to justice every single day.

Joe quickly approaches me and politely asks, "Tracy, are you talking about the sheep, tied to the tree?"

If not for anything else....you have to love me for my bountiful lack of common sense.