Alexandra Phones Home

Alexandra called Nana last night and had a very in-depth conversation.

P. Ronald Droukas - d. Jan 5, 2010

Last month the Droukas family endured one of its most difficult moments; my father-in-law passed away after a long illness. Ron had diabetes for a long time, long before I met him. Early in my relationship with my now husband, I would visit Ron at BIDMC's Joslin Clinic, which was less than a mile from my apartment. He was usually recovering from a complication of his horrible disease. I'd walk over after work to see how he was doing. We'd talk, play cribbage, or watch TV. It was during that time that we became friends; he wasn't just "my boyfriend's father." Ron was fond of telling off-color jokes, trying to skunk me in cribbage (really, he just wanted to see me cry,) or helping plan our next woodworking project. He knew so much and wanted to share that knowledge with his sons, grandchildren, and all those around him.

Alexandra will not know her grandfather. It makes me sad that she will not bounce on his knee, hear stories of his fishing adventures, or be taught his favorite game (cribbage, of course.) I do however, see that Ron will live on in her. She gets that same gleam in her eye that he had when "the next big thing" was about to start. It will be up to me, her father, her uncles, and Nana to tell her all about Gramps.

Ron, you are finally at peace and for that we are grateful. You are and always will be greatly missed.

Things I've done that others might find interesting

These are things that are on others' life lists that I've done. I need to remember that my life isn't as boring and mundane as I think it is. I just tend to do them in spurts.

• Ridden a zip line in Honduras (on Isla Roatan)
• Swam with sting rays in Grand Cayman
• Saw the Great Pyramids and Sphynx
• Visited the Acropolis
• Owned (still do) a house
• Have an awesome kid
• Have two great dogs
• Went to college (this is not to be taken for granted)
• Hosted outdoor movies in my backyard
• Hosted a pig roast
• Was the honoree for a lobster bake
• Rode in a hot air balloon
  
• Had the opportunity to travel domestically (San Fran, Wine Country, California coast, New Orleans, Chicago, NYC, Maine, Colorado, others)
• Watched the sunrise over a lake (love the fog tendrils!)
  

Adding to my Life List

Things I am adding to my Life List.

• Ghttp://twobaddrouki.blogspot.com/p/life-list.htmlo see the Harbin Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival in person
• Create a silhouette wall
• Print out pictures of extended family for the munchkin and hang them in her bedroom.
• Teach munchkin how to swim
• Go dog sledding
• Go on a safari
• Road trip across the US, maybe along Route 66
• Wrap all presents in the same lovely wrapping paper
• Create thoughtful gifts
• Organize a neighborhood parade
• Organize a block party
• Get to know my neighbors
• Give up TV for a day, week, month
• Write thank yous
  
• Start an annual tradition of go to see The Nutcracker and the BSO with the munchkin, including afternoon tea
• Go to Glacier National Park
• See Mount Rushmore
• Host a Cool-Whip fight
• Participate in a Cloudy Misteriosos event
• Travel to all our national parks
• Travel to Vancouver, BC
  

Some other inspirations (I do not know these people; I just find their lists interesting)
http://benmarcastle.blogspot.com/2010/01/my-life-list.html
http://wellasmel.wordpress.com/thelist/
http://kathleen.bubble.nu/index.php/2010/01/19/life-list/
http://thefightsequence.com/projects/life-list/

Happy Holidays!

Happy 1st Halloween, little monkey

Firsts

A list of baby's firsts

- First roll was from her stomach to her back on (or about) April 15.
- First "solid" food was rice cereal. She still hates it, but she LOVES banana.
- First champagne was at Winnie's Bachelorette Lunch. She pulled the glass from Mommy.
- First tooth: bottom two on June 26 (sharp little razors!) We didn't know she was teething because she didn't drool or fuss any more than usual.
- First swim was in Wanaksink Lake on July 3. She loves playing in the water.
- First beer was at Grandma & Grandpa's annual 4th of July barbeque. She pulled the bottle from Athena.
- Starting consistently sitting unsupported around July 15.
- First wedding was Stephanie & David's on July 19. She even helped pick out the bride's gown during the Filene's Basement Running of the Brides in February.
- Baby pulled herself from sitting to standing using Mommy's fingers on July 27. She may walk before she crawls.