Many months.... and life changes ....

Dear Lord.  I don't even know if this post Will make it out.  I am using my new Kindle, as the computer is still defunct.  All is well with My Silas and myself.  I am a happy single lady.  Si is a happy critter having just been tested for the "HICAP" program in the Shoreline School District.  This is a gifted & talented program.  He isn't aware that these tests are based on that.  So, we'll see how it goes.  If he tests in, I will have to move him to a different school.  So, I have a bit to think about.
In other news, we are heading to South Carolina in April for my sister's wedding.  Yes, indeed, I will be a 38 year old (divorcee) Maid of Honor.  Silas is standing next to Paul, my precious (soon-to-be) brother in law.
Bless my family's heart .... my wedding toast will be more of a roast!  I know, however, they'll love it.
xoxo
Anna

Hello strangers...

Wellllll.....
   It's been some time now.  Actually, it's been over 2 months since my last post.
   My computer ate the dust and Silas and I have been busier than 2 bees dancing in a tar bucket full of ... well ... tar.
   We have settled into our new home so fabulously.  It's the most amazing feeling to be in a lovely home in a lovely neighborhood with lovely neighbors and the loveliest of roomies.  Silas has taken to Layla and Cody so well.  Dakota, their Daddy, has been such a great mentor to Silas.  They've built fences, landscaped, and are incessantly getting my goat.  Total "Bromance."  Jerks.
   We had a lovely vacation in Hawaii with The Outlaws.  Not having been there seems a sin to me, as it is a Heavenly place.  The smell, alone ... as you get off the airplane ... is enough to make your heart melt.  We spent time swimming, sunning, playing, touring, eating, drinking, LAUGHING, etc.  We are so lucky to have them in our world.  Pics to follow ... as soon as I can get this computer to get pics loaded again.
   Last weekend was spent on a gorgeous lavender farm in Sequim owned by a client's parents.  She's a fellow actress.  I don't generally do wedding hair.  The drama alone is enough to make me pull my own hair out.  However, I knew that Miss Rebecca would be an easy breezy bride.  Plus, it afforded Silas and I a bit of camping time for the weekend.
   We camped in the middle of the lavender fields.  The first night, we were alone.  The next night, a tent city.  Let me tell you:  sleeping amongst lavender is one of the best nights sleep one will EVER experience.  It was divine.
   We helped with the set-up of the wedding.  We revisited the Olympic Game Farm where Silas punched a llama in the face when he was 2 for trying to steal Silas' bread.  We got to meet up with old friends from the acting world ... so, so great to see old pals!  Silas, literally, cleared a danced floor to the tune of "Go Silas, Go Silas, Silas!"
   Again, pics to follow from our summer exploits as soon as I can figure out how to keep this damned computer charged and stuffs.
   Until then, HAPPY SUMMER!!!
xoxo
Anna
  

Gentry family reunion...

Now, as we know, these people are what I refer to as my "Outlaws" ... for obvious reasons.
However, that doesn't mean that we don't get our party on here and there.
So, on a beautiful Seattle day, we hopped a ferry and met up with the rest of the Gentry Clan on Vashon Island for a GORGEOUS family reunion.
To say that Uncle Walt & Aunt Diana's home is amazing is dribble.  They are settled on lush acres of forest, flowers, and gorgeous views of Puget Sound.
The food was astounding:  pulled-pork, salmon, fruit, veggies, breads, corn on the cob, salads, wine, lemonade, AND SIX DIFFERENT PIES.
Back home, those people would have been robbed before the plates came out.
It was so wonderful seeing Silas and his cousin Kurtis play together.  They are in lurve!
Kurtis is a damned HOSS.  And, he's hysterical.   When the wind blows, he looks up at the sky and mimics it.  And he's VERY serious about that job.  No distractions please.
We spent the better part of the day there ... in "Neverland" ... with such amazing family.  And, I do consider them family ... even if Silas & I are adopted.
What a beautiful day.
xoxo
Anna
p.s.  Next stop:  HAWAII!!!!!!!!!

Congratulations Nonnie/Retiree!!!!

Whelp, the day has officially come.  Linda P. Warren is a retired 3rd grade teacher.
That's right.  My precious/crazy/loud/prude/not-so-prude/Scotch-swilling(that's right, Mama ... I wrote that, as you can't get fired now)/Lady GaGa lovin'/whistling/silly Mama is now retired after many years of  phenomenal service with 3rd graders in the better half of the lower South Eastern states.
As I've mentioned before, simply volunteering in Silas' class is an eye opener.  I do it for sport, as I can laugh and LEAVE in a few hours.
However, CRAZY people ... i.e. Mama ... find their life's calling in doing such a job.
I think these people are born with it.  They cannot help it.  It's like the sexy Sirens calling wayward seamen into the rocks.  Is it a blessing or a curse?
All I DO know is that it has been a tremendous blessing for all of the children that were lucky enough to end up in her care and tutelage.  Never a better educator has existed, in my mind.
So, CHEERS to you Mama.  I am so very proud of you.
A quote that sums it up:

“Teaching is a calling too. And I've always thought that teachers in their way are holy - angels leading their flocks out of the darkness.” 
― Jeannette Walls, Half Broke Horses


xoxo
"Pussywillow"
p.s.  I still think you're a wing-nut for doing what you do!

Wooo Hoooo ... our STELLAR new home!

Silas and I will be taking up residence at kick-ass new home soon!
We have, a fairly, affordable 2 bedroom place with a great backyard that includes an amazing tree swing and tree house. It's on a quiet cul-de-sac in an area that is chock-full of forests.
We could NOT be more pleased.
It is owned by a client of mine.  She's such an amazing lady.
We will have the entire lower portion of the house.  There is a big yard for the dogs and our commute will be so very easy.
Plus, I'm a hop skip and a jump away from my Gay Husband ... so, I can have afternoon tea parties in the garden on a whim.  Only Travis ....
In any case, we're thrilled beyond belief.  Silas is chomping at the bit to move TODAY.
I'm chomping at the bit for a "packing genie" to show up and box up all of our crap.
Not, at all, looking forward to that.
Karma seems to be coming out on our side of late.
For that, I am so grateful.
xoxo
Anna

The Mosey is on a sleep over date ...

Silas is out for the night.
His buddy, Peter, is one of his favorite pals at school.  Pete's dad is a 5th grade teacher at Briarcrest.
So, Silas got to go to their place, swim in their pool, hang with Pete and his brother, and have an amazing evening.
Due to the "Lice outbreak" in class, Ann and I were talking about how we have been scraping our  children's  heads to make sure they aren't  ridden with lice.
If it happens, it happens.  Looks like the boys are clear.
Hell, I had it 3 times as a young girl.  So, Silas has been told that we'll wait and watch .... and, if'n you get it, NO BIG DEAL.  Happens to the best of us.
I've noticed many of the girls being absent this week.  I was, also, told that only particular kids were taken to "Nurse Gary" (Silas' favorite person) to get checked.  He's the only boy that I know that got checked.  I imagine it's because of his seating arrangement .... AND ... that he spends lots of time with the girls.  That's not from me.  That is from their own MOTHERS.  He's a man's man.  But, he's a bit of a flirt.
I'm screwed!
xoxo
Anna

The time has finally come ...

... to make a new life for myself and my precious Critter.
I spent the better part of yesterday at my attorney's office (pro bono - and she is the kindest person EVER!) ... and at the damned court house downtown.
Now, I'm not certain if any of you 3 readers have gone through a divorce.  But, when your attorney says "let's do it today ... you okay with that?"  I HIGH-FIVED HER.  I just assumed that I was going to file some random stuffs through her.
Not the case.
She was making sure that everything was taken care of that day.  PERIOD.
A walk-about later, we ended up at the damned court house.
I had to stand ... BY MYSELF ... in front of a judge in a courtroom to explain my situation.
Funny thing ... I didn't say anything but "thank you".   He looked at all the paperwork, as I stood there,  and was so kind.  Pretty clear what his thoughts were.
Gotta say, after he signed everything, I thanked him, turned my back, started crying, and walked out of the court room.
I felt like an idiot for a moment.  Not the biggest crier, normally.
Then, I felt this HUGE weight off of my body and soul.
I cannot explain how amazing that feeling is.  Just to be done with drama, child neglect, lying to ones  spouse, verbal abuse, etc.
What EVERYONE  of my family and friends has gone through, due to ONE individual, is shocking.  How they have rallied in the midst of that is beautiful.
So, we're moving forward.
August 21st will be the most fabulous date ... MARK IT ON YOUR CALENDARS FOLKS ... it's already on mine.

xoxo
Anna