San Antonio Turkey Trot 2009

I went into this 4 mile race not really knowing that much about it. Like, for instance, I thought that this was a road race. It was actually a race through a wooded park. So most of the race was on paved trail wide enough for 3 or 4 runners. Some bits were not paved at all. At one point in the first mile, I overheard someone say, I didn't know that this was a single-file race. I had to chuckle because it was true. It was a bit difficult in the first mile as runners sorted out where they belonged with regards to pace. Supposedly, we were to line up by pace, but it was difficult to hear what was going on, so I, like most people just walked up to the starting area without regards to pace at all. But it was a pleasant, if cold, run through the woods in San Antonio. I ran the whole way except for at the two water stations. I'm not a fast runner and my goal is always to finish the race, but I'm happy with my time as well (43:38).

Blogging for LGBT Families Day 2009

The actual "Blogging for LGBT Families Day 2009" was yesterday, but we have been taking care of sick toddler since Sunday. And that is how it is for us. We are two women in love, partners for many years, who decided a few years ago to start our own family. I didn't start this blog until our son was about 6 months old, but I'm glad to be part of the blogging community. I don't feel like I have much wisdom to share, but just the common experience of being a parent, and lesbian parents at that, makes the world feel a little smaller. I actually started this blog last year so our families could see photos and videos of our son growing up, but it has turned into much more. I have friends from all over that tell me they love seeing the little man grow up.

I'm not as political as I probably should be, so, I don't really write that much about that topic here. But I am proud to be living in this day and age, where we are on the tipping point of acceptance and equal rights. I don't know if D and I will ever get married, but it is so important from a legal perspective. And in living in Texas, without even same-sex domestic partnership recognition here, it is so important for us that other states can achieve these milestones in equality.

Politics aside, we are definitely a family. We are both mommies. Sure, our family is a little different. But we are proud parents, and eager to whip out the photos to anyone that asks. There are days where we say, I can't believe we have a son! He is a miracle to us. And for me, though our life has changed so much with the little man, it feels like this is how it always should have been for us, now that we have him.

Laredo, Texas

Taken on a very hot day in July 2005. We went to visit Laredo and Nuevo Laredo (just across the border). I remember thinking at the time, I wouldn't mind coming back for another visit. This was right before the drug gang wars and violence got out of hand. So, it might be a long time before I go back there.

First post!

This is my first blog ever. I wanted to start a blog to post some random pictures and occasional random thoughts. Here we go...

So, what am I doing right now? I'm trying to stay cool from the Texas heat (it was 100 degrees yesterday) and relax a bit and enjoy the Memorial Day weekend with my son and family.

I'm currently looking for a job, but I'm taking a welcome holiday break from the networking and interviewing. I hope to have a job within the next month, so we'll see how it goes.

Now, in honor of the Texas heat, I am posting a photo of me from 20 November 2005 in Berlin, next to the ubiquitous Berlin bear. It was probably freezing that evening.