The end of Spring Soccer

Today was the last day of Spring Soccer. Although Big Sis was never overly-enthusiastic about playing, I think she did enjoy it. Memories of this season include:

• Wild weather. From cold, windy and rainy to sunny and nearly perfect, those Purple Lollipops played through all kinds of weather.
• Missing socks. I don't know why, but we had the worst time maintaining the whereabouts of her soccer socks. This resulted in a weekly shakedown of the house, which rarely resulted in victory.
• A real-life experience with "sideline sports rage". We had just finished a game, and a parent from the opposing team laid into that week's coach (from their own team). He was being rude & aggressive, and Big Daddy stepped in to defend her. This enraged the parent in question, who proceeded to actually go nose-to-nose with Big Daddy and tell him that he wanted to "Go". In the end, the situation was diffused and no punches were thrown, but it was a tense few minutes.
• A realization that soccer can be fun! Not sure she'll willingly sign up for the Fall season, but I think we can talk her into it again - especially after she scored 3 goals in the last game!

An Oregonian No More

I did it. On Monday morning I went back out to the DMV and got my Iowa driver's license.

This was a big step for me. I've been an Oregonian for a long time now, and never had any inclination to make the switch, no matter which state we were in. But we've been here for over a year now, and I like it. I really like it here, and I could even see myself in Iowa long term. I don't think that will actually happen, as there are many more moves ahead of us before we finally choose a place to settle. But it's a nice thought.

I felt elated when I was done, like I made the right choice. I think I've been mentally severing ties with Oregon for a while, and once our house was sold I felt ready to move on. I like Oregon, and am super excited to go back over Christmas break. (Less Cold - yay! Lots of Rain - boo!). But I don't really ever see us moving back there for good. Now that we know there truly are places in this country that offer good livin' at lower prices, we may not always consider ourselves West Coasters.

We shall see.

Rarities Spotted

I first spotted the elusive beast in the food court. I quickly lost sight of it in the crowds surrounding the dude giving out free orange chicken samples.

Another glimpse was caught near the fake handbag cart, but it stealthily melted into the distance amidst a rush over the latest faux Coach.

I finally got a good look at it near the escalator, where it was dangling a child over the railing and frantically gesturing to its mate/offspring/companion.

It was the ultra-rare FEMULLET. Genus: Homo. Species: Uglificus

The Femullet is in danger of extinction, and is only rarely spotted these days. It seems to prefer to remain near its lair, leaving only for brief periods of time to venture out to the nearest Wal-Mart to pick up some spray cheese and pickled eggs. This Femullet must have been preparing for a mating ritual, as it was particularly enhanced with a perm and adorned with both barrettes and a puffy clip-on bow, the likes of which I have not seen since 1992.

On today's journey I also spotted the extraordinary Satin Disco Jacket. I felt a time warp coming on, as the last time I saw this beast it was part of my favorite kindergarten outfit. My little beauty was pink and blue with gold satin piping and Disco Fever written across the back. Oh sweet jacket, where art thou now??