The World from Six Inches

Brain cancer is...

...appreciating the world from different perspectives.

Beowulf walked 4.16 miles at Craig Park today.  We've never before considered how the world looks from the height of 6 inches. When we did today, we discovered that our regular walk includes this six-inch-tall dog water fountain, pedal operated.  It was a great reminder to hang out with those whose perspectives differ from our own.

Love you Beowulf.

Post script:  I cut my hair shorter.  If short is good, then shorter is better. 

And now for the important stuff.

Cancer Updates and Other Cool Things

1.  After a huge electric bill last month, we applied for a baseline reduction from SCE.  If approved, we'll get more KwH at the lowest rate.  Also we are opening the windows at night...just in case SCE says "no go."  And also because the world should not be this hot.

2.  We paid off the mortgage at 1013 N. Cornell Ave, Fullerton Ca.  "Pd in full."  Booyah!

3.  We celebrated [to be accurate, continued celebrating] Darrell's Bday in earnest, with [more] Thai. We always get the same thing, and it's always delicious. 

Side note:  Our server sat with us and talked about Darrell and his health.  The server is Thai.  He concluded that, in the Thai culture, "More kids = More happy."  Enough said.

4.  When we returned home, we found that Tiana had intercepted the FedEx delivery from the Welshons to a...Chad?...Guillaume.  Y'all remember Chad? 

We know you want to know what's in the box.  Not telling.  Come over.  But don't walk behind the firing range.

Tomorrow is the official day, D's 56th Birthday.  Darrell points out that, statistically, this would be his last birthday.  But we are planning to blow those statistics out of the water.  And that is worth celebrating!

Please. Enjoy  8/12/16...on us!

Appreciating Alex

Brain cancer is...

 

...stepping back into the world of Alex.

Tiana, Zach, and Summer have all been away, so we've had some time to re-enter Alex World.   Those of you who know Alex know that Alex World is a wacky, action filled place.

Today we welcomed him back to So Cal with--you got it--In-N-Out.  Above he threatens to eat all three burgers.

Yesterday he used a fork to practice intubating his dog, who didn't complain.

If you know Alex, you also know that Alex can pull it together and succeed in the outside world as well, often.

"What's all that pocket action?" you ask.  Here's a close up of the swag:

If this picture were at all in focus, you'd see that he has a UCLA name tag. Bruins fans:  He's really enjoying UCLA thus far.  The intubation fork didn't make it into the pocket. 

And we are enjoying the adult version of that imaginative, busy boy from two decades ago.  No doubt that's enough to "soften your mind," right, Granny?

Awesome Women

Brain cancer is...

...celebrating the awesomeness of [four] women!

Three new batteries!  Three awesome scientists!

• Jane Goodall
• Marie Curie
• Rosalind Franklin

And another woman whose battery is running low but who is feeling pretty darn awesome nonetheless:

This is me, as you see from the label.  I look exhausted.  That's accurate.  I just finished all the grading for my two grad classes.  I am so glad I had the opportunity to work and learn with my students this summer (Blocks 23 and 24!  Represent!). 

And now I have finished.  Tonight, with Domino's pizza and Alex, we celebrate the official transition to my year of paid family medical leave. 

We raise a slice to you, Awesome Women, and to the people who love you!

Simple Pleasures

Brain cancer is...

...celebrating the simple pleasures of family.

Tonight the "Munns side" (and extensions) of the family gathered to enjoy pasta from Vince's.
Gail, who orchestrated the dinner, and her family have been a part of Vince's for 50 years.  We love those connections across people and over time.

We love sitting around the table laughing about remodeling stories and celebrating the successes of various family members like Madison and Katrina and their mom, Melanie.

We also love the anticipation of the privilege of waking up for the simple pleasure of another day together.

Here's hoping you have all that you love as well.  

Back at It

Brain cancer is...

...back at it!

After a day of rest, we are back at it.  I am grading, grading, grading.  And Darrell is...um...

...devising innovative approaches for measuring the length of a formerly unwieldy and tangled power cord.  Quite the problem solver, our Big D!

In Other Team D News

1.  We are expanding our collection of selfie kisses from team members.  We just added some Hawaiian selfie kisses, thanks to Lenny and Christine.  AloHA!

2.  My sister Melanie keeps doing amazing things.  You recall her tenderly transporting the toddler who suffered a rattlesnake bite.  Today, after a very long and strenuous journey, Melanie was sworn in as a Captain in the United States Air Force Reserve. 

So proud, Sis! 

Taking Grading Day Off

Brain cancer is...

 

..Going to Thai, Baby!!

I was ten literature reviews deep when the doorbell rang and Darrell (liar) found this sheet pinned to  the mailbox.

Gotta love how he thinks.  Listen and learn, Friends.   Then nap.

Passing the [Birthday] Torch

Brain cancer is...

...passing the [birthday] torch.

Ha!  Did you expect an Olympic Torch posting?  Nope!  Tonight Andi passed the birthday torch to Darrell, whose Birthday Week has officially begun. 

New Family Decree:  One day is not enough for anyone's birthday.  A week is minimal, according to Summer.  Meridyth approved an actual month of celebrations.  We'll keep celebrating until we run out of fun.

We had dinner at Morton's.  My name was on the menu.

No big deal.

And look at the company!

Happy Weekend, Team D!