I marked number 43 off of my 50 Things To Do Before I Am 50 list this weekend! That feels great! Seven days of sorting, trashing and hole punching has been just the ticket to get the clutter that has accumulated for longer than I am willing to admit out of my office!
Hip Hip Hooray!
That is eight out of fifty items completed!
I'm doing it!!
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Thursday, January 20, 2011
I Got Nothing
I have absolutely nothing of interest to blog about today. Out of ideas. The well has run dry. Nothing remotely entertaining, informative or delightful to share. I'm boring. I will just give you the cliff notes of the goings on around here.
I am still filing. One more stack to go through then I have to figure out how to box up 40 three ring binders and send them to Oakridge Tennessee. That should be fun and expensive.
Chip doesn't feel well. His nose is so completely stuffed and he had a very restless night. I am letting him sleep in this morning. I am sure he will be on the couch for the rest of the day.
Harry has a Biology test today. Biology is his arch Nemesis this grading period.
The cat is meowing loudly for no apparent reason.
I ate some banana cake that Beth baked yesterday and a brookie (brownie cookie) that Peggy baked. My friends need to stop baking immediately.
I haven't been able to run this week because Hubby is out of town. I did need to document here and celebrate the fact that I got up that hill last Friday! It was not easy and when I got to the top I stopped running. Mostly to take off my jacket, gloves, scarf, ear warmers, etc. I was sweating. Once I stopped it was super hard to get going again. The bottom of my calves felt like they were on fire. Lesson learned: Even though it might be cold when you start, you should dress for how you are going to feel after you run to the top of that hill. Maybe if I been able to keep running my calves wouldn't have seized up on me. Missing it and can't wait to get back to it so that is a good sign.
This is so much like a Ten Random Tidbits, but I didn't number them so we will act like it is something completely new and unique.
Moving on...
Can it possibly be January 20th already? Dang!
I had an idea that I would like to be able to display my Christmas Village houses on top of my kitchen cabinets next year. Why I have these ideas I don't know. I wonder how expensive it would be to add a couple of electrical outlets above the cabinets to plug them into. Are any of my six loyal readers familiar at all with the running of electricity? I know my mom and dad are not, so how about you other four? Hmmm, wonder if there is an Ask Electrician website? I bet there is. I am going to find it and ask.
My apologies for this boring, awful, uncohesive, rambling, terrible excuse for a post. I give bloggers everywhere a bad rap.
What kind of title can I possibly come up with for this post? I got nothing.
I am still filing. One more stack to go through then I have to figure out how to box up 40 three ring binders and send them to Oakridge Tennessee. That should be fun and expensive.
Chip doesn't feel well. His nose is so completely stuffed and he had a very restless night. I am letting him sleep in this morning. I am sure he will be on the couch for the rest of the day.
Harry has a Biology test today. Biology is his arch Nemesis this grading period.
The cat is meowing loudly for no apparent reason.
I ate some banana cake that Beth baked yesterday and a brookie (brownie cookie) that Peggy baked. My friends need to stop baking immediately.
I haven't been able to run this week because Hubby is out of town. I did need to document here and celebrate the fact that I got up that hill last Friday! It was not easy and when I got to the top I stopped running. Mostly to take off my jacket, gloves, scarf, ear warmers, etc. I was sweating. Once I stopped it was super hard to get going again. The bottom of my calves felt like they were on fire. Lesson learned: Even though it might be cold when you start, you should dress for how you are going to feel after you run to the top of that hill. Maybe if I been able to keep running my calves wouldn't have seized up on me. Missing it and can't wait to get back to it so that is a good sign.
This is so much like a Ten Random Tidbits, but I didn't number them so we will act like it is something completely new and unique.
Moving on...
Can it possibly be January 20th already? Dang!
I had an idea that I would like to be able to display my Christmas Village houses on top of my kitchen cabinets next year. Why I have these ideas I don't know. I wonder how expensive it would be to add a couple of electrical outlets above the cabinets to plug them into. Are any of my six loyal readers familiar at all with the running of electricity? I know my mom and dad are not, so how about you other four? Hmmm, wonder if there is an Ask Electrician website? I bet there is. I am going to find it and ask.
My apologies for this boring, awful, uncohesive, rambling, terrible excuse for a post. I give bloggers everywhere a bad rap.
What kind of title can I possibly come up with for this post? I got nothing.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Ten Totally Random Tidbits
Good Tuesday morning that feels weirdly like a Monday morning around these parts! It is time for another "Ten Totally Random Tidbits" posts. Brace yourself, it's going to be really random. You have been warned.
1. Chip had a stomach ache, head ache, cough and sore legs this morning. I took him to school anyway. He is a faker. I hope he is a faker.
2. My hubby was in Casablanca, Morocco last night. He had lamb brains and liver for dinner. Gag me with a pitchfork.
3. Chip had 11 rebounds and 2 baskets in his basketball game this weekend. He also had his first foul called against him. He ran hard, worked hard and played really well. They lost by a basket. He didn't care.
4. Harry worked on a Glogster project this weekend about the effects of war on the children of Iraq. So heartbreaking. What the heck is a Glogster?? In a different class he had to create a video newscast with a small group. They were recording, editing, uploading to the computer, rearranging the clips, doing transitions to come up with their final product. How old are these kids?
5. My laundry is completely done. Completely done. Washed, folded, put away. It is a beautiful thing.
6. I worked on a jigsaw puzzle at Peggy's house this weekend. I forgot how much I love jigsaw puzzles. It was addicting. Had to force myself to walk away.
7. I am memorizing two bible verses a month. My selection for January 15th - John 4:19 "We love because He first loved us." I am a memory verse slacker. I am drawn to short, sweet verses.
8. Working on life goal #43 this weekend - "Get caught up on my filing". I put up a big table in my office and have paper from one end to the other. I am working through it though! My goal is to have it completely done by Friday and then I will be marking number #43 as complete on the 50 Things to do Before I am 50 List! Then to maintain. That will be the trick.
9. I have new fabric swatches taped to my wall in the kitchen and living room. Time for Mom to head to Texas with her sewing machine in hand. Time for a revamp of some window treatments and maybe a coat or two of new paint around these parts!
10. I love bread.
Hope your week is off to a great start! Going for a walk and then back to the filing!
1. Chip had a stomach ache, head ache, cough and sore legs this morning. I took him to school anyway. He is a faker. I hope he is a faker.
2. My hubby was in Casablanca, Morocco last night. He had lamb brains and liver for dinner. Gag me with a pitchfork.
3. Chip had 11 rebounds and 2 baskets in his basketball game this weekend. He also had his first foul called against him. He ran hard, worked hard and played really well. They lost by a basket. He didn't care.
4. Harry worked on a Glogster project this weekend about the effects of war on the children of Iraq. So heartbreaking. What the heck is a Glogster?? In a different class he had to create a video newscast with a small group. They were recording, editing, uploading to the computer, rearranging the clips, doing transitions to come up with their final product. How old are these kids?
5. My laundry is completely done. Completely done. Washed, folded, put away. It is a beautiful thing.
6. I worked on a jigsaw puzzle at Peggy's house this weekend. I forgot how much I love jigsaw puzzles. It was addicting. Had to force myself to walk away.
7. I am memorizing two bible verses a month. My selection for January 15th - John 4:19 "We love because He first loved us." I am a memory verse slacker. I am drawn to short, sweet verses.
8. Working on life goal #43 this weekend - "Get caught up on my filing". I put up a big table in my office and have paper from one end to the other. I am working through it though! My goal is to have it completely done by Friday and then I will be marking number #43 as complete on the 50 Things to do Before I am 50 List! Then to maintain. That will be the trick.
9. I have new fabric swatches taped to my wall in the kitchen and living room. Time for Mom to head to Texas with her sewing machine in hand. Time for a revamp of some window treatments and maybe a coat or two of new paint around these parts!
10. I love bread.
Hope your week is off to a great start! Going for a walk and then back to the filing!
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Gentle Leader
Walking your dog seems like it should be an enjoyable experience doesn't it?
It's not.
Ever heard of the "Gentle Leader" harness or collar? Maybe you have if you have a dog that pulls your arm out of the socket when going for a stroll. I have been doing a little research on the old internet trying to find something humane that doesn't look like it could possibly impale your dogs neck or pinch his head flat off.
Now keep in mind that Astro is a big boy. He is about 70 pounds of excited, "thinks he should have been born an Alaskan sled dog" when it is time to walk.
For the first mile, he is an absolute disaster. Frantically sniffing, straining, pulling, peeing on anything that doesn't move, FREAK that makes his owner loathe the moment she strapped on his leash. He breathes and pants so loud that you can hear him coming before you see him. I constantly correct him until my arm just aches. To this day I think my left arm is a smidgen longer than my right arm because the constant stretching has most certainly lengthening my tendons.
Right about the time we hit mile two he gets a little winded from all the pulling and panting and starts to do a little better. Not much better, but a tad better. Either that or I am so tired from correcting him I just give up. Mile three he is amazing. Best dog to walk ever. Problem is that I hate mile one and two so bad that it is just not worth it to get to mile three.
Sad for poor Astro because he does love it so much. I have guilt when I leave him, but it just isn't fun or enjoyable for me and I don't want to do it.
As I mentioned I have been looking for a better solution. I did the research and kept coming up with the Gentle Leader as a very excellent option for controlling dogs that pull. I had seen several dogs around the neighborhood with this, or something very similar, and they were so well behaved. Walking beside their master with little or no resistance.
I decided I would give it a go for my sweet boy Astro. Here is what it looks like for those of you who may not know:
The idea is that the collar around their neck feels like their mother biting them or something and the strap around their nose is their father telling them to act right. That's not really it, but it is some Ceaser Milan dog jargon like that.
I watched a video of how to fit it on your dog. Not supposed to be too tight. High up on the neck behind the ears. A little leeway around the nose, don't want to cut off their air supply.
Or do you?
I had some left over chicken in the fridge so I put it in a little baggie and used it as bait and reward to introduce Astro to the new contraption.
I got it on. Gave him a piece of chicken. Smiles all around.
He noticed the nose strap wasn't coming off and went ape crazy.
I calmed him down with more chicken. When he was quiet and calm I removed the collar. Just put it on for a few minutes with lots of yummy chicken. He was cool with that.
Tried it about five more times in the house. Just putting it on and off. Lots of chicken bits. All is good.
Finally decided to try strapping the leash to the collar and taking a short walk around the house. He didn't love it, but the chicken was there and the hungry, hungry, God I love chicken side of his brain wouldn't let him think about the enormous strap that covered his nose. I considered it a success.
I decide to try a quick walk outside. Just around the cul-de-sac and back. NO GOOD!
He was like an alligator, dropping into the grass, rolling across the lawn, frantically pawing at his nose. The leash is completely wrapped around him, pulling harder on his nose than he can stand. I am sure in his head he is screaming....can't breathe, can't breathe, can't breathe....someone help me.
I was trying to help him, but he was so frantic that I couldn't get him untangled. I have chicken falling out of my pockets, trying to figure out what end is up, when finally he gets it off himself. Stands up, looks at me all proud and starts rooting around for the chicken I dropped during our wrestling match. I got him away from it so he wouldn't think he got a reward for acting like a retard.
I evaluated the situation and decided that if he could get it off, then I probably didn't have it fitted correctly.
Tried again.
The next time it was a little tighter and I was smart enough to anticipate the alligator roll, so I held the leash up where it wouldn't get tangled in his body. It worked, he couldn't get it off by rolling and pawing at his nose.
The chicken gets his mind off balance again and we successfully make it around the cul-de-sac. Yeah Astro!
About an hour later I decide to go around the block. Just incrementally increasing things till I think he is used to it and I can consider letting him join me when I do my early morning walks.
He is a little leery by this point. He slinks over. He knows he isn't going to like it. But there is chicken. Why is chicken so damn good?
We head out. About twenty feet from the house he tries the rolling trick. No dice. HA! I am feeling super confident that he will stop rolling every twenty feet and finally give up on trying to get it off his nose.
He doesn't agree.
He tries the new technique of stopping suddenly and backing up. Nose strap comes right off.
He smiles at me. No chicken for that maneuver you dumb dog.
I put the harness back on. Give him a tiny bit of chicken for sitting so nicely.
Start walking. He stops suddenly and starts backing up. Wasn't even on him for thirty seconds.
I am so patient. I try snugging it up a bit more so that it doesn't so easily come off.
Start walking. He stops suddenly and starts backing up. I think he did it in under 15 seconds. He smiles even bigger. He is proud of himself. I am not.
So now I have a dog that doesn't pull me, but guess what???? He's going BACKWARDS!! This is no use to me!!!
We tried it about eight more times. Fitting, refitting, tightening, loosening, adjusting everything that could be adjusted.
In the end, he could get it off in 3.2 seconds without even breaking a sweat.
It might be a record.
I went to PetSmart and got a choke collar.
It's not.
Ever heard of the "Gentle Leader" harness or collar? Maybe you have if you have a dog that pulls your arm out of the socket when going for a stroll. I have been doing a little research on the old internet trying to find something humane that doesn't look like it could possibly impale your dogs neck or pinch his head flat off.
Now keep in mind that Astro is a big boy. He is about 70 pounds of excited, "thinks he should have been born an Alaskan sled dog" when it is time to walk.
For the first mile, he is an absolute disaster. Frantically sniffing, straining, pulling, peeing on anything that doesn't move, FREAK that makes his owner loathe the moment she strapped on his leash. He breathes and pants so loud that you can hear him coming before you see him. I constantly correct him until my arm just aches. To this day I think my left arm is a smidgen longer than my right arm because the constant stretching has most certainly lengthening my tendons.
Right about the time we hit mile two he gets a little winded from all the pulling and panting and starts to do a little better. Not much better, but a tad better. Either that or I am so tired from correcting him I just give up. Mile three he is amazing. Best dog to walk ever. Problem is that I hate mile one and two so bad that it is just not worth it to get to mile three.
Sad for poor Astro because he does love it so much. I have guilt when I leave him, but it just isn't fun or enjoyable for me and I don't want to do it.
As I mentioned I have been looking for a better solution. I did the research and kept coming up with the Gentle Leader as a very excellent option for controlling dogs that pull. I had seen several dogs around the neighborhood with this, or something very similar, and they were so well behaved. Walking beside their master with little or no resistance.
I decided I would give it a go for my sweet boy Astro. Here is what it looks like for those of you who may not know:
The idea is that the collar around their neck feels like their mother biting them or something and the strap around their nose is their father telling them to act right. That's not really it, but it is some Ceaser Milan dog jargon like that.
I watched a video of how to fit it on your dog. Not supposed to be too tight. High up on the neck behind the ears. A little leeway around the nose, don't want to cut off their air supply.
Or do you?
I had some left over chicken in the fridge so I put it in a little baggie and used it as bait and reward to introduce Astro to the new contraption.
I got it on. Gave him a piece of chicken. Smiles all around.
He noticed the nose strap wasn't coming off and went ape crazy.
I calmed him down with more chicken. When he was quiet and calm I removed the collar. Just put it on for a few minutes with lots of yummy chicken. He was cool with that.
Tried it about five more times in the house. Just putting it on and off. Lots of chicken bits. All is good.
Finally decided to try strapping the leash to the collar and taking a short walk around the house. He didn't love it, but the chicken was there and the hungry, hungry, God I love chicken side of his brain wouldn't let him think about the enormous strap that covered his nose. I considered it a success.
I decide to try a quick walk outside. Just around the cul-de-sac and back. NO GOOD!
He was like an alligator, dropping into the grass, rolling across the lawn, frantically pawing at his nose. The leash is completely wrapped around him, pulling harder on his nose than he can stand. I am sure in his head he is screaming....can't breathe, can't breathe, can't breathe....someone help me.
I was trying to help him, but he was so frantic that I couldn't get him untangled. I have chicken falling out of my pockets, trying to figure out what end is up, when finally he gets it off himself. Stands up, looks at me all proud and starts rooting around for the chicken I dropped during our wrestling match. I got him away from it so he wouldn't think he got a reward for acting like a retard.
I evaluated the situation and decided that if he could get it off, then I probably didn't have it fitted correctly.
Tried again.
The next time it was a little tighter and I was smart enough to anticipate the alligator roll, so I held the leash up where it wouldn't get tangled in his body. It worked, he couldn't get it off by rolling and pawing at his nose.
The chicken gets his mind off balance again and we successfully make it around the cul-de-sac. Yeah Astro!
About an hour later I decide to go around the block. Just incrementally increasing things till I think he is used to it and I can consider letting him join me when I do my early morning walks.
He is a little leery by this point. He slinks over. He knows he isn't going to like it. But there is chicken. Why is chicken so damn good?
We head out. About twenty feet from the house he tries the rolling trick. No dice. HA! I am feeling super confident that he will stop rolling every twenty feet and finally give up on trying to get it off his nose.
He doesn't agree.
He tries the new technique of stopping suddenly and backing up. Nose strap comes right off.
He smiles at me. No chicken for that maneuver you dumb dog.
I put the harness back on. Give him a tiny bit of chicken for sitting so nicely.
Start walking. He stops suddenly and starts backing up. Wasn't even on him for thirty seconds.
I am so patient. I try snugging it up a bit more so that it doesn't so easily come off.
Start walking. He stops suddenly and starts backing up. I think he did it in under 15 seconds. He smiles even bigger. He is proud of himself. I am not.
So now I have a dog that doesn't pull me, but guess what???? He's going BACKWARDS!! This is no use to me!!!
We tried it about eight more times. Fitting, refitting, tightening, loosening, adjusting everything that could be adjusted.
In the end, he could get it off in 3.2 seconds without even breaking a sweat.
It might be a record.
I went to PetSmart and got a choke collar.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
New Experience
I am thrilled to report that Time Warner has thrown everything but the kitchen sink at my internet problem and I think it is finally working! We had two vans and a cherry picker in our cul-de-sac for about 3 1/2 hours yesterday. They sent their senior tech managers and they fixed or replaced every thing they could at our house and in the surrounding area. Thanks Randy, Donnie, Alex, Aaron, Lee, Michael and Bob! You were awesome to work with, but I hope I never see you guys again. That is all.
I am so glad that I can blog today, because I had such a wonderful experience this morning that I couldn't wait to write about.
My friend Martha asked last week if I wanted to volunteer with her at a outreach program at a subsidized apartment complex downtown. They provide a meal and do some crafts with the residents there every other month or so. I said yes. Volunteering to feed the homeless is number 2 on my life list you know. These folks weren't homeless exactly, but I knew that this was an opportunity to make a small difference to someone less fortunate AND it sounded kinda fun.
There is FOOD - you all know I am a regular lover of all things food related. There are CRAFTS - did you not see me spring into action on the Pringle Can Nutcracker and the Bad Farm sign? Crafts are right up my alley.
I will admit that I was a little nervous. Going into something new for the first time is always a little nerve wracking. In a good way.
Once we got there and started working, milling about, talking, visiting and serving the time just flew by. It was not quite what I expected. It was better.
In my head, I was picturing a nursing home environment with old and infirmed people, but that picture was all wrong.
It was an apartment building. Twelve stories high with 14 tee tiny apartments on each floor. The residents were not all old or infirmed. Some were, but most were not. Some were in wheelchairs or had walkers, but most didn't. I think to live in this facility you have to be self sufficient. It wasn't like people had just a room, they had their own small home with living room, kitchen and a bedroom. Not any bigger than a hotel room.
These were just people. Nice people. Funny people. Neighbors and friends. Polite people of every shade, nationality, age and shape. There were so thankful for the effort and seemed to sincerely enjoy the company of each other and us.
We served brunch with breakfast tacos, hashbrown casserole, fruit, coffee, juice, etc. Most of the residents came down to the common area to eat and others we delivered meals to their apartments. I mostly worked the dining room area getting a plate for those that couldn't get around too well, fixing drinks, getting refills, clearing trash. I thought I was rocking the waitress duty until I proved otherwise when I grabbed the OJ to refill some cups. I thought the lid was screwed on - it wasn't. I shook the OJ - the lid flew off - the juice spilled. ALOT. Like I shook it hard with no lid. ALOT. I looked up to see who saw me and a sweet little woman was glancing my direction. I said "Did you see that?" She laughed. Glad I wasn't standing next to someone, they would have been a sticky mess. Whoops.
I had some great conversations and laughs. I met Michelle who was probably my age and has lived there for three years. Just about everyone said hello to her as they came in. She has three kids. I don't think they lived there with her. I didn't get to hear her whole story, but we chatted as people do when they are new to each other. I learned a bit about her and she learned a little about me.
I met "Mama" in Apt 1112. I brought her a meal. She said as I hugged her neck "I love having company, I love talking and I LOVE food." Woman after my own heart.
Met another fella who was in a wheelchair. He needed help getting his meal back to his apartment. As we were heading out, the lady in charge said "DO NOT go in his place because you will not be able to leave. He loves to talk." She wasn't kidding. He loved to talk, but he was interesting and it was easy enough to lend him an ear for a few minutes.
After the meal wound down, we had fleece scarves to make as the craft and they were not just super cute, but superemely useful on this super cold day. It was not much different than working Chip's third grade Christmas craft. Get them started and then just spend your time exclaiming how wonderful they are and how envious you are of their beautiful project.
It was gratifying in such a sincere way. Tonya is the wonderful lady who runs the whole volunteer operation. She is very organized, very sweet and said before the residents came in..."the most important thing you can do today is not serving, but just visiting, talking, listening, interacting". Just human to human. She was right.
I might have made someone's day today with just a touch, a smile, a word...and you know what they made my day right back. I can't wait to do it again.
Happy Wednesday!
I am so glad that I can blog today, because I had such a wonderful experience this morning that I couldn't wait to write about.
My friend Martha asked last week if I wanted to volunteer with her at a outreach program at a subsidized apartment complex downtown. They provide a meal and do some crafts with the residents there every other month or so. I said yes. Volunteering to feed the homeless is number 2 on my life list you know. These folks weren't homeless exactly, but I knew that this was an opportunity to make a small difference to someone less fortunate AND it sounded kinda fun.
There is FOOD - you all know I am a regular lover of all things food related. There are CRAFTS - did you not see me spring into action on the Pringle Can Nutcracker and the Bad Farm sign? Crafts are right up my alley.
I will admit that I was a little nervous. Going into something new for the first time is always a little nerve wracking. In a good way.
Once we got there and started working, milling about, talking, visiting and serving the time just flew by. It was not quite what I expected. It was better.
In my head, I was picturing a nursing home environment with old and infirmed people, but that picture was all wrong.
It was an apartment building. Twelve stories high with 14 tee tiny apartments on each floor. The residents were not all old or infirmed. Some were, but most were not. Some were in wheelchairs or had walkers, but most didn't. I think to live in this facility you have to be self sufficient. It wasn't like people had just a room, they had their own small home with living room, kitchen and a bedroom. Not any bigger than a hotel room.
These were just people. Nice people. Funny people. Neighbors and friends. Polite people of every shade, nationality, age and shape. There were so thankful for the effort and seemed to sincerely enjoy the company of each other and us.
We served brunch with breakfast tacos, hashbrown casserole, fruit, coffee, juice, etc. Most of the residents came down to the common area to eat and others we delivered meals to their apartments. I mostly worked the dining room area getting a plate for those that couldn't get around too well, fixing drinks, getting refills, clearing trash. I thought I was rocking the waitress duty until I proved otherwise when I grabbed the OJ to refill some cups. I thought the lid was screwed on - it wasn't. I shook the OJ - the lid flew off - the juice spilled. ALOT. Like I shook it hard with no lid. ALOT. I looked up to see who saw me and a sweet little woman was glancing my direction. I said "Did you see that?" She laughed. Glad I wasn't standing next to someone, they would have been a sticky mess. Whoops.
I had some great conversations and laughs. I met Michelle who was probably my age and has lived there for three years. Just about everyone said hello to her as they came in. She has three kids. I don't think they lived there with her. I didn't get to hear her whole story, but we chatted as people do when they are new to each other. I learned a bit about her and she learned a little about me.
I met "Mama" in Apt 1112. I brought her a meal. She said as I hugged her neck "I love having company, I love talking and I LOVE food." Woman after my own heart.
Met another fella who was in a wheelchair. He needed help getting his meal back to his apartment. As we were heading out, the lady in charge said "DO NOT go in his place because you will not be able to leave. He loves to talk." She wasn't kidding. He loved to talk, but he was interesting and it was easy enough to lend him an ear for a few minutes.
After the meal wound down, we had fleece scarves to make as the craft and they were not just super cute, but superemely useful on this super cold day. It was not much different than working Chip's third grade Christmas craft. Get them started and then just spend your time exclaiming how wonderful they are and how envious you are of their beautiful project.
It was gratifying in such a sincere way. Tonya is the wonderful lady who runs the whole volunteer operation. She is very organized, very sweet and said before the residents came in..."the most important thing you can do today is not serving, but just visiting, talking, listening, interacting". Just human to human. She was right.
I might have made someone's day today with just a touch, a smile, a word...and you know what they made my day right back. I can't wait to do it again.
Happy Wednesday!
Monday, January 10, 2011
Reporting in...
Damn internet has been down AGAIN. My best friend Donnie with Time Warner Cable was back out again today. He got it working, but within minutes of him pulling out of the driveway it was out again. The Senior Tech Ops Field Supervisor has now been called in and he has been working outside in the cul-de-sac for well over an hour. Not looking promising as night falls that it will be fixed today. I am going to type quick and hope I can catch it on one of the twenty second access periods I get to the internet.
BIG NEWS: I ran two miles without stopping this morning. In fact, I probably ran about 2.7 of my total 3.5 route. Totally jazzed about that. On Wednesday, I am going to try to do the whole enchilada. I think I can do it. It is going to be a balmy 26 degrees or something on Wednesday morning. I hope the cold doesn't screw me up too much.
Outside of my exercise accomplishment, I don't have much to report.
We had a pretty quiet weekend. Walked 7.2 miles with Connie on Saturday morning. Later in the afternoon, Chip had his first basketball game of the season. He is playing in a new league that is full court, calling fouls, substituting, so it is the real deal. He was sucking wind and sweating like a full grown adult male, but he rocked it. He scored two goals, had several rebounds and even a steal or two. Camera battery was dead as we walked out the door so I didn't get any pictures, but next week for sure.
Rainy, cold day on Sunday so outside of a quick trip to the grocery store I was home all day. Made a big pot of Pasta Fagiola which was exceptionally delicious.
Today, with the internet down I have been very productive finishing up the last of my new year cleaning, purging and organizing. Went through both the boy’s closets and culled out the stuff that was too small or not being worn any more. I also tackled the upstairs linen closet which was a total disaster area. I threw out worn towels, itchy pillow cases and sheets that were twenty years old and threadbare. Then I put all the good sheet sets together, put them on the shelves by size and it looks so much better. Bonus…I have three more big bags of stuff heading out of this house and over to Goodwill! Love that!
Must get some work done while the internet is up and running…will fill you in later on my dog outsmarting the new leash contraption, the blizzard in Bama and the frustration I have had researching a new mattress.
Anyone out there love their mattress??
Anyone out there at all??
*tap, tap, tap* - Is this thing on??
Never mind, with my stupid internet I probably won’t be able to read your messages anyway.
BIG NEWS: I ran two miles without stopping this morning. In fact, I probably ran about 2.7 of my total 3.5 route. Totally jazzed about that. On Wednesday, I am going to try to do the whole enchilada. I think I can do it. It is going to be a balmy 26 degrees or something on Wednesday morning. I hope the cold doesn't screw me up too much.
Outside of my exercise accomplishment, I don't have much to report.
We had a pretty quiet weekend. Walked 7.2 miles with Connie on Saturday morning. Later in the afternoon, Chip had his first basketball game of the season. He is playing in a new league that is full court, calling fouls, substituting, so it is the real deal. He was sucking wind and sweating like a full grown adult male, but he rocked it. He scored two goals, had several rebounds and even a steal or two. Camera battery was dead as we walked out the door so I didn't get any pictures, but next week for sure.
Rainy, cold day on Sunday so outside of a quick trip to the grocery store I was home all day. Made a big pot of Pasta Fagiola which was exceptionally delicious.
Today, with the internet down I have been very productive finishing up the last of my new year cleaning, purging and organizing. Went through both the boy’s closets and culled out the stuff that was too small or not being worn any more. I also tackled the upstairs linen closet which was a total disaster area. I threw out worn towels, itchy pillow cases and sheets that were twenty years old and threadbare. Then I put all the good sheet sets together, put them on the shelves by size and it looks so much better. Bonus…I have three more big bags of stuff heading out of this house and over to Goodwill! Love that!
Must get some work done while the internet is up and running…will fill you in later on my dog outsmarting the new leash contraption, the blizzard in Bama and the frustration I have had researching a new mattress.
Anyone out there love their mattress??
Anyone out there at all??
*tap, tap, tap* - Is this thing on??
Never mind, with my stupid internet I probably won’t be able to read your messages anyway.
Friday, January 7, 2011
He Might Be a Lawyer
Yesterday Chip comes out of school with this scroll document rolled up in his hand. He forgot his backpack and had to go back in for that but this document was rolled precisely and gripped in his hot little hand. It appeared to be a roll of paper towels, which was kind of weird.
I said "What do you have there?"
He said "You'll see."
I kind of forgot about it with the run back into school to retrieve the back pack and all, but later came to find out what this important document was. First, it was a roll of paper towels. Not sure if there is a paper shortage at school or if he stole it from the bathroom for a reason.
Anyway....back to the important document.
It was a contract.
That is what he called it.
A play contract. A contract he wanted to put into use by immediately calling his best friend Pootie so they could execute and implement the contract.
I didn't think much about it as Chip unrolled it on the table and dutifully checked off Item 1, before looking at me and saying "Can I call Pootie? It is Item 2."
Sure.
Thankfully, Pootie was available and came right over. By 3:05, they were going over the contract together. Let me say right here that Pootie is a saint for putting up with this kid.
This is what I hear from the laundry room: "Sign here. Sign here. Sign here. Sign here. Sign here."
I thought they were signing a mortgage loan.
Later, I discretely kidnapped the contract while they were outside completing Item 3 and took a closer look.
Made me laugh so I had to share it with you.
It is hard to read, so I will provide a transcript below:
I can't decide what tickles me more. 1) That there are so many places to sign. 2) That they both signed in every available area. 3) They checked off each item as they finished them. 4) That Chip has a list that actually has "I don't know" as an item. 5) That there is a "Pootie's choice".
I asked Chip later why they had to sign in so many places. He said "It's like the contract in Cat in the Hat. You know the part where Cat says sign here, here, here, here and here."
So I am thinking maybe he is going to be a lawyer or a really big fake cat movie star.
What do you think?
I said "What do you have there?"
He said "You'll see."
I kind of forgot about it with the run back into school to retrieve the back pack and all, but later came to find out what this important document was. First, it was a roll of paper towels. Not sure if there is a paper shortage at school or if he stole it from the bathroom for a reason.Anyway....back to the important document.
It was a contract.
That is what he called it.
A play contract. A contract he wanted to put into use by immediately calling his best friend Pootie so they could execute and implement the contract.
I didn't think much about it as Chip unrolled it on the table and dutifully checked off Item 1, before looking at me and saying "Can I call Pootie? It is Item 2."
Sure.
Thankfully, Pootie was available and came right over. By 3:05, they were going over the contract together. Let me say right here that Pootie is a saint for putting up with this kid.
This is what I hear from the laundry room: "Sign here. Sign here. Sign here. Sign here. Sign here."
I thought they were signing a mortgage loan.
Later, I discretely kidnapped the contract while they were outside completing Item 3 and took a closer look.
Made me laugh so I had to share it with you.
It is hard to read, so I will provide a transcript below:D - Dave (previously Pootie)
C - Chip
1. leave school 2:45
2. see if Dave can come over 3:00
3. play outside with Dave when Dave is here
4. play xbox with Dave (scratched through and replaced with "watch movie")
5. drink and snack and xbox while playing 2011
6. play with rings if done 2011 (scratched through and replaced with "I don't know")
7. iPad maybe hot cocoa when done with rings maybe
8. Pootie's choice
Sign here___________ Sign here _____________
Sign here___________ Sign here _____________
Sign here_____________
Sign here___________
Sign here___________ Sign here_____________
Sign here___________
Sign here___________
Sign here____________ Sign here_____________
Sign here____________
Sign here_____________
I can't decide what tickles me more. 1) That there are so many places to sign. 2) That they both signed in every available area. 3) They checked off each item as they finished them. 4) That Chip has a list that actually has "I don't know" as an item. 5) That there is a "Pootie's choice".
I asked Chip later why they had to sign in so many places. He said "It's like the contract in Cat in the Hat. You know the part where Cat says sign here, here, here, here and here."
So I am thinking maybe he is going to be a lawyer or a really big fake cat movie star.
What do you think?
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