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Just Some Warm Water and A Morsel of Food

While in Chicago I had the distinct privilege of visiting SugarLocks National Headquarters.  Many of you know that I adamantly support this venue.  Jennifer Cantu, owner and designer is my dear friend and cousin in law.  She occasionally calls on me for Marketing assistance and I can't tell you how much fun it is to put my creativity to use for such precious apparel and accessories.

Grandma and Papa were putting Sophia and Juliet to bed that evening so I was on my own for some girl time.

I walked into the corporate headquarters and there sat Portillo's!  A grilled to perfection chicken sandwich for me complete with the thickest saltiest fries, ice cold lemonade and the world's best kept secret--a slice of chocolate heaven.   Combine this with the presence of her mom and our 84 year old grandma- it was the perfect setting.   3 generations of woman settled around a welcoming wood table and ready to do what we do best.  Talk.  Communicate.  Tell stories.  Each of us of talking over the other, strongly sharing our opinions.

 Jennifer finished a phone conversation and suddenly popped up.  With authority she grabbed her keys and loudly demanded, "Tracy, get in the car!"

What in the world,  I thought.  Why are we leaving the table of news, laughs and advice?

It could only be one thing.  She wanted me alone so she could share the news.

She was pregnant with her 4th child!

Feeling like a failure, I hurriedly grabbed my purse and followed her out to the car.  

My God, how does she do it?  3 children under 5, a wildly successful business and now pregnant AGAIN?

We hopped into the Expedition outfitted with fancy SugarLocks.com font on the windows and sped off.

For once, I sat quietly.  In self reflection, you might say.  How can I do more?  What is my life's passion?  Should I sacrifice sleep in attempt to fit more undetermined activities into my life?

She amazes and motivates me.  Her world is an ever deep pool of new product ideas, positioned grandly.  

Kindly, she interrupts my feelings of self loathe and shares that we are headed to Cabela's to grab some bait for her husband-- who is taking the kids fishing in the morning.  

Apparently her tone and restless exit were due to the store closing in 10 minutes.  We had to get there.  An empty house for a morning could mean countless orders being filled for SugarLocks.  

I have her on such a high pedestal that I immediately assume anything she has to share with me involves lofty accomplishments.

Jennifer is not pregnant.

I relax and regain acceptance of my life.

We enter the store talking over each other a mile a minute.  Again, not hearing a single word of the stories we are sharing, but somehow laughing and enjoying the time.

She barely takes a breathe to order her 3 dozen minnows.  A quick glance at the ostentatious tank reveals that most of the fish have passed.

"Excuse me, sir.  Most of your fish have passed on."

Jennifer interjects with the obvious.  "Tracy, don't you know they are used as bait.  It doesn't matter."

"Yes, mam.  They don't eat."

Well, obviously there is a challenge to solve here and I am all over this one.

"Why don't they eat?"  I snap to the gentleman.

"The water is too cold and it slows down their metabolism" states Ramsey -- shying away from  eye contact.  

This poor high school boy was in for it now.

Try to follow me Ramsey....I talk fast as it is, but now I am really on fire. 

"Logically speaking, wouldn't cold water speed up your metabolism?  Your body is working harder to keep you warm and using more energy....thus you would be hungrier."

"Well, I suppose.  It doesn't really matter because we turn them over in a day."

"You are telling me that you sell this entire aquarium of fish in a single day and then replenish it in the morning."  

"Well, not all of them."

"Ramsey, are you nourishing the fish?"

"I try, but they won't eat."  

If only I had my sister here.  The vegetarian, animal activist would have much less tolerance for this situation than I and most likely, a more attractive debate.

Jennifer stepped back with her mix of live and dead bait as Ramsey lowered his hat over his head.  This all in response to my berating lecture.   Of course I understand that they will die at the mouth of a fish, but don't they deserve at a minimum, a dignified death?  

Ramsey, a pleasant high school boy, just earning some spending money.  I turn on heel, but not before thanking him for trying to feed the fish.  He is not responsible for this.

By the time we pay for our little water creatures, I am feeling better.  I will continue to share my unsolicited opinions where I feel necessary with the hope of encouraging others to question our "status quo."

When All Else Fails....Strip.

Friday afternoon I kissed the girls goodbye and took the Metra Train into the city for 29 hours of delicious ME time.

The agenda was ambitious.

Friday:
First appearance: Maggiano's on State Street for an AT&T retirement dinner.
Second viewing: Hosting Michelle's surprise baby shower at Georgia's condo in the south loop.
Third and final coming out: Vertigo Night Club

Saturday:
Wake up as expeditiously as possible so as to not miss a minute sitting at Cosi Bagels and people watching over peppermint hot chocolate and an everything bagel lightly toasted with my sister. Catch a cab to Wrigley Field for a sky box seat to watch the Cubs get pummeled by the Minnesota Twins.

The ambiance of Wrigley Field still leaves me in awe. You truly cannot tell if the Cubs have been defeated or have been deemed victors for the day---the crowd is always happy, energetic and full of support. It was impossible to catch a cab after the game so I spent about an hour just walking South with the crowds. A cool, but sunny day. Buses zooming past with exhaust fumes. Patrons hanging out of bars, crowding the streets. I walked past our old apartment on Belmont and Racine and thought back to our "DINK" days. I had about 1 hour before my train back to New Lenox. I enjoyed this time at the Old Town Art Fair with Amy and her friends. A table full of relaxation, laughter and ease. A large jug of "jungle juice" made the perfect center piece.

At one point Amy's friend said "On the count of three, we will all interact." Everyone had been heads down fully engrossed on their Iphones.

FaceBooking.

Texting.

There's always someplace better to be, isn't there?

The cab pulled up to Maggiano's early evening on Friday. I exited one long leg and again admired the fantastic heels adorning my feet. A fitted silk dress and clutch purse completed my presentation.

After receiving a promise to drive safely I paid the cabbie and took a moment to just stand on the corner and take it all in.

Sweet Home Chicago.

Living in quiet suburbia you easily forget the blaring horns, packed streets and luminescent lights of big city.

It makes you feel alive.

My dear AT&T friend (and old boss), John did not announce my trip into The Windy City.

I was to be the surprise guest!

We were honoring Kim and Chris in their retirement and I haven't seen them in about 6 years.

The floor was mine.

All eyes were on me and everyone wanted to know how Jason and I were doing in The Land of Texas.

I proceeded with my standard explanation of the pride Jason takes in his HR work with the company, but is currently working torturous hours as union negotiations continue. I was curious as to why my fact filled explanation of the plights was met with peculiar looks. I continued on. And on. Healthcare is an issue. Etc....Etc....Etc.

It finally occurred to me that everyone in that room was an AT&T employee.

I stopped, laughed and said, but you guys probably already know all this SINCE YOU WORK THERE.

KNOW. YOUR. AUDIENCE. TRACY.

Nice.

I moved to another social circle. I had to redeem the intellect that I previously took for granted!

My Iphone was being passed around the room. Everyone wanted to see pictures of Sophia and Juliet.

Suddenly I heard a shout, "Oh my gosh, Tracy, you look great!"

I responded with "You are sweet, Rosa, thank you" while wondering how a picture of me got on my iphone. I would certainly never turn the phone around and point the camera at me.

It came to me.

The room was in slow motion as my body heated up in horror.

I would certainly need a reapplication of my Soft n Dry before the next evening event.

I engulfed on the group as they viewed not 1, but 2 pictures of me in a bikini.

65 year old men I worked with, former bosses, ridiculously intelligent colleagues, all executives.

Nope, I don't usually have SOPHIA take photos of me. In fact, with this one time exception, she is not even allowed to touch my phone.

However, since bearing 2 babies I am paralyzed in making any fashion decisions without the aid of my sister. I had to email these photos to her immediately!

The Victoria Secret package arrived at my parents house and when I tried on the bikini I was wildly disappointed that I looked nothing like the picture in the catalog.

Wasn't I supposed to look just like the intoxicatingly beautiful girl wearing that ensemble on the beach?

Yes, the intention was to redeem myself as the formidable, undaunted, intelligent manager they knew years ago.

As my cab pulled out, I could only assume the shock and awe strategy worked.

It Only Takes A Spark....To Get A Fire Going

A few months ago a girl was walking into Sophia's school carrying a Trader Joe's Recyclable Bag. I quickly approached her and over excitedly asked her where Trader Joe's was in the Dallas area.

"There are none. I'm from California and I miss it so much!"

When we first moved to San Antonio and discovered the absence of the organic reasonably priced best ever branded food, I immediately researched franchising information. Planting one of these great novelties in Austin would very quickly allow for the early retirement Jason dreams of.

What pleasure it would be to send this email:

We've Moved (Yes, Again!)

The Parrott Family
1234 Ocean Avenue A
Maui, HI 84512

I grew up celebrating Earth Day every April.

My sister and I would run screaming down the big open hill. Long, skinny legs with stringy hair to match working as fast as it could to catch the over sized striped ball that tumbled in front of us. Environmental exhibits and carnival type food at every turn.

We looked forward to it.

We are growing up with our Dad, after all. Nicknamed Mocassin Mike by his friends.

An avid environmentalist, canoeist and outdoors man who embraced the green concept long before it was en vogue.

He enjoys retirement now and bikes most places for exercise. I sit typing in his office looking at a calendar full of volunteer activities, article submission deadlines, botany classes, etc. I am surrounded by fossils, awards and a lamp shade full of bugs.

I never could muster the courage to trap a half dead scorpion in vinegar for my Dad's collection. Tiffany doesn't live in San Antonio anymore either. She's the only one I know who might do this for me.

I am not sure he'll ever get one. Maybe I'll FB Courtney. She's brave.

Last week Trader Joe's installed a bike rack.

Trader Joe's ---smack dab in the middle of bustling suburbia surrounded by malls, movie theatres, restaurants and main roads.

They told my Dad he was their inspiration.

We don't need to gather the masses. We don't need an outcry. We don't even need words.

We can make this world a better place by living out our passion. And then sit back and watch it all fall into place around us.

It's Probably Time To Start Making Your Resolutions for 2010

My Exposures package just arrived!  All 100 imprinted holiday cards, complete with bows, gold foiled envelopes and stickers to attach our yet to be taken family photo.

You do know that by Memorial Day all the holiday cards are in their final phase of markdown.

Why not send the very best for 80% off?

Third Time Is A Charm

We are off to The Windy City Saturday.... for 5 weeks!  

The Parrott Girls are boarding the plane come hell or high water this time around!

Ok, the only way we are not the boarding the plane this time is if I am the one with a 103 degree fever!

The planning continues....we've got multiple Cubs Games, baby showers, 2 First Birthday Parties for Juliet, sushi dates, palm reading parties, Lincoln Park Zoo, photo shoots for SugarLocks and meeting tons of old friends for coffee, drinks and or barbequing-- thanks to FB.

It shocks me how 5 weeks fills up!

Can't wait to see ya'll!

Kicking Off Summer 2009

A freshly mowed lawn, the setting sun, dozens upon dozens of families, pets, friends and young lovers all coziest up on blankets made for a picture perfect opening night!  

Our town hosts Summer Sounds every Monday evening with alternating local musicians.

 If last night was any indication of the level of entertainment we will have in Summer 2009, then I am over the moon excited!  The activities for kids left little to be desired.  Games, bubbles and extra large balls could be seen eminating from the 4 year old mosh pit as one friend so accurately described it.  I took great pleasure in watching Sophia dance as hard as she could to cover songs from Counting Crows, John Mayer, U2 and yes, even Jakob Dylan  (a.k.a. my pretend boyfriend).

Most of our friends have babies getting ready to walk or just newly tapping their feet to the ground so the majority of our conversations went unfinished as we "protected" our little adventurers from the oversized canine on the blanket next to us, choking hazard upon choking hazard or from pulling strollers down on themselves.  

This stage goes so fast and by next opening season my little dolly will be down in the mosh pit. 

I fully expect a bright display of her second born child strength and stamina.

As Juliet and I walked through the crowds I sang along with the band.  I honestly knew the word to every song.   They are all hits from my last two years of college that we played over and over again in the Pub II over drafts, darts and good company.  Enjoying the moment while simultaneously contemplating our future.

Sophia continued to dance and I to sing.  The warm, fresh air was intoxicating.  

My little bambino and I admired all the young couples sipping wine and slowly eating tasty delicacies from Market Street.  

We admired the blankets full of kids and every Gerber snack on the market.  Puffs, Lil Crunchies, Fruit Bars, etc.

We stopped to pet a gorgeous 120 lb. midnight black Great Dane with the longest legs and tallest ears you've ever seen.

She picked and ingested more freshly mowed grass than a usual day.

I walked her back to our own pool of assorted Gerber delights and exclaimed to my friend that I was having the best time ever!

She looked at her watch and said, "Yes, but it's 8:00 already and we have to get going now."

I can easily forgive her for knocking me off my love fest for my new town.   

She showed up with a bag full of chocolate covered caramel popcorn with pecans and marshmallows drizzled in white chocolate.

That's a decent friend.

Sharing Smiles One Person At A Time

Mother's Day was wonderful!  I woke up with a smile on my face because I knew it was my big day.  It was going to be filled with chocolate chip pancakes, homemade presents and the above photo shoot at Watters Creek!

I couldn't wait to talk to my 3 Great Grandmas, mother and mother-in-law.  I like to personally thank my mother in law every year for giving birth to Jason so that I could steal him away and marry him.

 I was so excited to put on my sparkly crown titled, "The Queen" that Sophia made me.  I wanted to be wearing it when she woke up because I knew it took a lot of effort to make.

I went upstairs to save Juliet from her crib.  The first thing that I always do when I walk in her room in the morning is wash my hands.  Her bathroom has my favorite soap of all time.  Bath n Body Works Country Apple.  I spend the next two minutes talking to myself about how good it smells. "Yum.  Seriously.  What a way to start my day.  I am a fan of country apple soap.  Yum.  How can this smell so good?"  

I found Sophia engaging in the same ritual over her apple scented leave in conditioner last night.  

I suppose it's the little things...

Which leads me to this message that I received on FaceBook this weekend.

"So I've been reading a book recently called "How We Choose to Be Happy: The 9 Choices of Extremely Happy People", which, by the way, I HIGHLY recommend, and I thought of you.  One part of the book asks the question "who is the happiest person you know?", which for me was surprisingly difficult to answer.  But read more in the book, you suddenly popped into my head.  I don't know you particularly well, but from what I do know and from what I know from your blog you are a person who makes it a point to find joy every day.  I think that is why so many people are drawn to you.  You are a gift to everyone you know - your friends, your family, the little old men that you befriend in doctor's offices.  Thank you Tracy for being you and teaching everyone around you a little more about happiness :)"

To say that I was overwhelmed is an understatement. 

 Julia is the woman that regardless of your placement in her life, dear friend or acquaintance... you shamelessly steal her wisdom.  She is wise, compassionate and serene beyond her years.  A compliment from Julia is weighted heavily in my world.

Julia--thank you again for taking some of your precious free time to make me smile.... inside and out.  And for making me walk around wondering why in the world I derive such pleasure from the scent of my hand soap.  :)

 May your daily glass of chocolate milk always taste like it's the first sip you ever had.   Love, Tracy

Let It Go and You'll Sleep Soundly

Just one post this week! 

 I don't enjoy that, but I have a valid excuse.  J is not napping at all, she's been busy dropping all 4 front teeth at once and gosh are they adorable!  And, I was preoccupied trying to figure out how not to turn 33, but Monday came and went.

Here we go......

Dallas is Tornado Alley.

Forget the stories you've heard about Kansas.

I went out to run a quick errand on Saturday afternoon at 3:45 and was looking forward to a little 570am on my ride.   I am a talk radio addict, mostly because of the joy I am provided by holding private debates with Mr. Beck and the one and only Rush.

 But this isn't a political post, I'll spare our friendship.

As I exited my neighborhood I was warned of 70 mph winds and a torrential storm just 5 miles west of me.  I've been here 8 months and I didn't need a meteorologist to figure these fronts out.   There's no way in the world I am driving in these crazy storms that blow in, wreak havoc and leave just as quickly.

I make a U-turn and raced home in time to watch the wind whipping rain in all directions.  I found out hours later that a tornado touched down and the neighbors could be found in their interior bathrooms.  A particularly devastating twister did great harm to my neighborhood on April 10, 2008.  God was with sweet baby Aidan, the little boy across the street that morning.

Did you know that tornado sirens are designed specifically for outdoor patrons?  They are not equipped nor intended to warn people that a tornado is in the area.  They are simply meant to tell citizens to take cover indoors.  There is one large neighborhood in my town that has the luxury of being able to hear the sirens from inside their houses and we have recently begun a phone tree of close friends calling friends of friends of brother's friends to let them know a twister is on the way, by which time we all know will be too late.

Our satellite TV went out and we didn't have the radio on so I suppose it's our ignorance in just learning the intention of community wide sirens.

The sky cleared and all looked promising for my big date with Jason!  It was the first time we were leaving the children with a babysitter since moving to The Big D.

All snuggled into my skinny jeans, heels and jewels I couldn't stop taking peeks of myself in the mirror!  33 is going to be my year!  Sure, I'd chosen a 2 hour photography class over highlights a couple weekends ago, but the dimly lit restaurant would be forgiving and seriously the focus would surely be on the jeans. or heels. or bracelet.  I couldn't decide, the outfit was one heck of a pulled together piece of art!

We left the house as the sun was setting in the East.

Are you paying attention?  Did you catch that?  I am testing you.

We were heading into the city to a restaurant called The Mansion on Turtle Creek.  Our drive took us through a swanky part of town called West Village.  I seriously need to recruit Juliet's Godmother's Sister-in-Law Marci to take me on a weekend tour of my new metropolitan area.

I guess I could've just called her my friend Marci.  Yes, Marci will be getting Facebooked soon.  I need her.

The Mansion is a fancy, historical hotel and of course a number of wedding receptions were being held.  We chose to enter the restaurant through a cocktail party.  I  stopped at least 3 women to rave about their exquisite dresses and stuck my right hip out a bit.... inviting them to notice my ensemble, too.

I know, I need to get out more often.

Jason quickly dragged me through the reception before I could engage in anymore idle chatter.   We were seated in a private, quiet corner table.

The meal was everything you would expect from  a restaurant with this type of reputation.  Delectable food, but not enough of it.  Drinks mixed to perfection.  Palate cleansing offered between courses.  Napkins laid on your lap. A visit from the chef himself to answer menu selection questions.  And, a piece of chocolate heaven for two, dribbled with.....more chocolate.

As we waited for our car, it had begun raining again.  The valet shielded us with umbrellas and secured us dryly in the car before removing them.   It was the perfect storm!  I mean touch.  Perfect touch.

We were in the middle of yet another downpour.  We crawled home at 10 mph with lightening striking down and very few cars on 75N, a main highway.

I got a text.

It was my neighbor Kelly and it said, "I bet you are scared.  We are home if you need us to run over."

Of course the message I relay to Jason is that there is a firetruck, police and ambulance at our house.  

Not even the perfectly mixed vodka and tonic could save me now.  

Why would we be scared?  

I called Kelly repeatedly on her home and cell phone.  I was in an utter panic.  

The poor girl.

"Don't worry, it's just that the electricity is out, Tracy. But you are so organized I am sure that the In the event of a power outage babysitter emergency kit is placed in a central location."

With absolutely no regard for Kelly on the other end of the phone, I screamed to Jason that I did not realize our new city required such detailed paraphenalia!

An hour later we were home.   We walked into a flashlight lit up house and Juliet laughing and playing happily on the babysitter's lap.  A complete stranger that she's never met.  I was so proud of her.  So impressed with my "go with the flow" "take it as it comes" second child.

I snuggled my baby back to sleep and as I straightened up for the night I caught site of the note I left.  A meticulous list of neighbors phone numbers, doctors, cell phones, etc.  I tucked it away for my next date night and then did something I so rarely do.  Instead of beating myself up for not leaving out flashlights, can goods and candles, I choose otherwise.  I forgave myself for not being as prepared as I should have been by my self imposed standards.

We are our own worst critics.

Eastman and I....A Budding New Relationship

Eastman and I had a date this morning.  We would enjoy each other's company at The Wolf Camera store from 10:30 to 12:30.  Together, we would intensively train on how to allow more light into him, thus producing a higher quality photo.

Jason got called to work this morning.  He will continue his plight to negotiate with the unions on behalf of AT&T until a resolution is reached.

Eastman and I no longer have a date this morning.

I finally named him late last week.  

In honor of Kodak.  

We need to recognize and appreciate all that the failing company has contributed to the world of photography.  They missed the digital revolution by a mere 6 months, which in product life cycle time is a generation.  

The have never been able to close the gap.  

Yesterday it was reported that the institution tripled its losses to $353M this first quarter.

Haven't we all missed the boat once or twice?

After last Saturday's overwhelming session regarding aperture and shutter speed I couldn't pick him up for 2 days.  I was paralyzed with my expectations of perfectionism and if I couldn't take a somewhat decent picture I didn't want to play in the sandbox at all.  

Nice.  And very mature.

Eventually I roped the thick strap around my neck, assumed my position and brought him on a walk with the girls and I.  We ran into, not over the reptile you see featured above.  She was displaced and looking for a new home as construction begins on Sophia's new school.  It was a devastating choice to cross the street at that moment, I suppose. 

 I secured the girls on the sidewalk and entered the street to photograph him.  

Yes, I laid down in the middle of the street... eye to eye with the deceased serpent.

It was a cloudy day and I've since learned that I will need additional fancy gadgets to let the most light in.   I also learned that he was a Fox snake and not venomous, but that he will strike.

In the time that I have been composing this blog, Sophia has approached me multiple times with requests for 100 calorie count chips, gummies and juice boxes.

The only time I am subjected to these unhealthy requests are when I am blogging or on my cell phone.

Are you, too, a victim in your own home?

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.

The Stereotypical Sorority Girl

We have had a pleasurable few weeks visiting friends in San Antonio and having my Dad and sister spend a week with us in Dallas.  This has created quite a list of potential writing material.

San Antonio was having their annual 3 day cold front during our visit.  It was actually nice to be "snowed" in with friends!  Patricia was taking Sophia and Camryn to a children's theatre to see Peter Rabbit while Juliet snuck in a much needed nap.  

I found myself alone and took the opportunity to play with my new Iphone.  There was so much about it that I hadn't explored. I downloaded Pandora, the application that creeps inside your thoughts and will only play songs that you enjoy tremendously---one after another.   I entered the song "BetterMan" by Pearl Jam and was talking to myself in disbelief as they played equally appealing songs from this late 90's genre over and over again.

"Three Marlenas" by WallFlowers came on and I rolled over on the floor consumed in laughter.  Might I add it was a comfortable roll, Patricia had recently purchased a stunning new area rug from Home Goods.  She was a joy that would light up anyone's living quarters.

Brace yourself for a side of Tracy you may not have had the opportunity to be in the presence of.

The college sorority girl.

It was late August and the Illinois State Fair boasted its usual line up of mediocre musical talent with a catchy headliner.  The son of the great Bob Dylan would be playing with his band, The WallFlowers.

This left us no choice, we embarked on yet another college road trip.

Alcoholic beverages of choice in hand, we had general seating in the outdoor venue.  Situated on the second level, Leann and I decided we were entirely too far away from this stunning creature of God.

Don't get me wrong.  I do not prescribe to Jakob's lifestyle of drug and alcohol abuse, citing enhanced creativity or not.  I also firmly believe that Sigmund Freud would still be the scholar he is deemed without his use of the cocoa bean and designation as the world's first known cocaine addict.  I am lucky enough to be in the presence of a considerable number of creative people who absolutely flourish..... without mind altering substances.

That being said, I am not immune to the sheer intoxication that a vocalist can bring me to.  

Leann and I headed down through the crowd with all the self righteous authority of naive college students.   We mingled ourselves into the dead center of row 2.    

Jakob immediately made eye contact with me.  I did the cursory glance over my shoulder to ensure his interest.

Yes, he was locked on me.

This continued on for the duration of the song.  

I heard mumblings of "Oh My God he is singing to her. " "He can't take his eyes off her."  Young, local High School girls were screaming at me..."He is singing to you!"

Well of course he is budding young ladies......don't you see my stunning platinum blond hair?  Or perhaps he is attracted to the 6 pack stomach that is gently peeking out of my yes, half shirt.  All this to offer and he hasn't even met my captivating personality yet.

I am so making out with Jakob Dylan today.

Without exaggeration, Jakob continues the solo concert for my personal pleasure and as the stadium empties.... I am left standing.  Leann is long gone and in typical fashion, carrying the news back to the group.

The sun has long set and I will need to be pried from my place on the ground.  A sound stage gentleman motions to me from the stage.

This is it!

"Sweetie, he says....If Jakob wanted you to come to his trailer he would've asked us to get you by now."

It took a minute for the crushing news to set in.  I turned on heel to find a completely empty stadium. The silence combined with the size of the venue mirrored my defeat.

Months later on the cusp of a momentous occasion, I attempted to contact my serenader.  

Surely an invitation to my sorority formal would be accepted.

All I can do is hope that Sophia and Juliet don't get a full dose of my intrepid spunk.