~Not much of a Halloween.
~I knew not to expect any, and I didn't buy any candy, but I still miss having trick-or-treaters; I even miss going out with the Kid when he was younger. I miss dressing up, too, which I did the last couple of years we lived in VT and every year when we lived in NYC.
~I loved Halloween when I was a kid, too. I waxed nostalgic abut it a couple of years ago, Maybe the next place I lived will be in a neighborhood with kids.
~Meanwhile, I can't believe that tomorrow it's November already!
Friday, October 31, 2008
Friday Five~Positive potpourri
The busy time of year is upon us--now through Christmas; a Friday Five in recognition of that:
1) Your work day is done and the brain is fried, what do you do?
Put on my jammies, sweatshirt and furry slippers and sit on the couch with my laptop to browse the news, and of course, blogs.
2) Your work week is done and the brain is fried (for some Friday, others Sunday afternoon), what do you do?
~Sunday afternoons we usually go out for brunch and then I take a nap or read the New York Times or take pictures or some combination of the three.
3) Like most of us, I often keep myself busy even while programs are on the tv. I stop to watch The Office and 30 Rock on Thursday nights. Do you have 'stop everything' tv programming or books or events or projects that are totally 'for you' moments?
~I don't have a TV, but I do like to download Grey's Anatomy on Fridays and watch it while I have lunch or a late afternoon cup of tea.
4) When was the last time you laughed, really laughed? What was so funny?
~Watching one of the many Sarah Palin skits on SNL.
5) What is a fairly common item that some people are willing to go cheap on, but you are not.
~OJ--I like 'not from concentrate' and I prefer a particular brand. I guess that doesn't stand out as much as it used to when frozen concentrate was the way to go--do they even make it anymore?
~Will Smama's answer of TP was pretty good, too, and to that I will add tissues (Kleenex in my vernacular although they are more likely to be Puffs with lotion).
1) Your work day is done and the brain is fried, what do you do?
Put on my jammies, sweatshirt and furry slippers and sit on the couch with my laptop to browse the news, and of course, blogs.
2) Your work week is done and the brain is fried (for some Friday, others Sunday afternoon), what do you do?
~Sunday afternoons we usually go out for brunch and then I take a nap or read the New York Times or take pictures or some combination of the three.
3) Like most of us, I often keep myself busy even while programs are on the tv. I stop to watch The Office and 30 Rock on Thursday nights. Do you have 'stop everything' tv programming or books or events or projects that are totally 'for you' moments?
~I don't have a TV, but I do like to download Grey's Anatomy on Fridays and watch it while I have lunch or a late afternoon cup of tea.
4) When was the last time you laughed, really laughed? What was so funny?
~Watching one of the many Sarah Palin skits on SNL.
5) What is a fairly common item that some people are willing to go cheap on, but you are not.
~OJ--I like 'not from concentrate' and I prefer a particular brand. I guess that doesn't stand out as much as it used to when frozen concentrate was the way to go--do they even make it anymore?
~Will Smama's answer of TP was pretty good, too, and to that I will add tissues (Kleenex in my vernacular although they are more likely to be Puffs with lotion).
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Oops, I did it again
Signed up for NaBloPoMo for November that is.This is my third year. The first two years, I wasn't sure I could do it, but I did. But this year is different--it's more like an impetus to keep going, because I've already blogged every day this year so far. (And I hope I don't jinx myself by saying that.) So stick around. At least with the election there will be plenty to write about, the first part of the month anyway. Whether it will be a huge celebration or a pity party remains to be seen.
I forgot...
~how expensive the senior year of high school can be.
~Today I paid for four college application fees and a cap and gown. I've already paid for the SAT (twice) and two AP tests (okay, those weren't actually during senior year--but he's taking three more this year!). I saved a bundle by taking his senior picture myself (and it turned out quite nicely, thank you very much.) And tux for the prom will at least be less than a prom dress!
~All this is just warm-up for next year when the real financial pain will be felt, I suppose.
~Today I paid for four college application fees and a cap and gown. I've already paid for the SAT (twice) and two AP tests (okay, those weren't actually during senior year--but he's taking three more this year!). I saved a bundle by taking his senior picture myself (and it turned out quite nicely, thank you very much.) And tux for the prom will at least be less than a prom dress!
~All this is just warm-up for next year when the real financial pain will be felt, I suppose.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Adding my voice
Perhaps it's a truism that we don't really appreciate our rights until we don't have them. When I was growing up I played "wedding" every chance I had, I dreamed about being a bride, I knew that no matter what else I did, I'd surely get married. And it was easy (maybe too easy) for me to do so--something I took completely for granted. But for my friends who happened to grow up gay or lesbian, that's not the case.I never really thought much about same sex marriage until I moved to Vermont, where I happened to teach with one of the litigants in the court case that led to the passage of the nation's first civil union law. Listening to the debate, the rhetoric that was often ugly, juxtaposed with hearing my colleague talk about his love for his partner and their desire to have their relationship recognized and protected like any other couple helped me realize that there really is no compelling reason why same sex couples should not marry. (Let me add that I would extend this to religious as well as civil marriage).
Beyond that belief, though, is another thing: Civil rights should NEVER be put to the vote. The oppressor is seldom going to vote to extend rights to the oppressed. If integration had needed voter approval I suspect there are places that would still be segregated. Same sex marriage is no different. The courts have weighed in and determined that the rights and protections of marriage should be extended to same sex couples, and that should not be up for referendum.
Susan, over at Crunch Granola, wrote this the other day:
Proposition 8 is a California initiative that would eliminate the rights of California's same-sex couples to marry. As the most excellent No on 8 site explains, Proposition 8 is unnecessary, unfair, and just plain wrong. Lesbians and gays want to get married for the same sorts of reasons that straight people want to get married: we want to make a commitment to our partners; we want to assert our family status; we want our families to be protected in the event of tragedy...We love, we fight, we cook, we clean, we travel, we work, we snooze. We have big families, small families, and families in between. We eat meat, we're vegetarians, we participate in religious communities, or not. We live in the country and in the city. In the United States, we enjoy far more legal protections than at any other point in our history, but Proposition 8 could be a major setback to the marriage movement.
I can't vote in California but I'm adding my voice to the cause, and urging any of you who do live in CA to vote no on 8. I'm lucky to live in the first state to legalize same sex marriage, and I will do everything I can to protect that right for my gay and lesbian friends here. What about you?
Relieved
~and grateful.
~Baby J's MRI was today, and like her kidney ultrasound a couple of weeks ago, it was completely normal. Never has that word "normal" sounded so good.
~So for now things are looking as good as they could. Baby J had blood drawn today for a genetic analysis to check for the mutation associated with TSC, but it will be a few weeks before the results are in on that, and right now I just want to live with the gratitude I feel for "normal."
~Baby J's MRI was today, and like her kidney ultrasound a couple of weeks ago, it was completely normal. Never has that word "normal" sounded so good.
~So for now things are looking as good as they could. Baby J had blood drawn today for a genetic analysis to check for the mutation associated with TSC, but it will be a few weeks before the results are in on that, and right now I just want to live with the gratitude I feel for "normal."
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
One week to go
~Hard to believe that this time next week it will all be over but the counting. Scary, too, as I sit here listening to the news on NPR and hearing both McCain and Palin ranting about Obama raising taxes and redistributing wealth.~What will there be to talk about after two whole years of campaigning?
~I'm pretty careful not to talk politics at work. Most people can probably figure out what my political leanings are and who I'm for but I don't purposely engage in political debate.But yesterday I was sitting in my office with my door open while a group of older women were meeting in the next room to knit. A member of the congregation who is a local politician had stopped in to chat with them, and I almost lost it when I heard her repeating blatant lies about Obama--the kind of stuff that gets spread around the internet. Honestly, I knew this woman was a Republican but I never imagined she would fall for such crap. I held my tongue, but it was all I could do not to go out and call her on what she was saying.
~And maybe I should have--at least suggested she go to factchecker.com and check out what she was saying. But I didn't.
~I sure hope that this time next week we are having a big ol' party!
Monday, October 27, 2008
Spin
Spin--a particular bias, interpretation, or point of view, intended to create a favorable (or sometimes, unfavorable) impression when presented to the public.
~In this year of all campaigning all the time, it's impossible to get away from 'spin'. It's troubling enough in the political sphere, but when it starts to be applied to my own life, it's even worse. In the last week or so I've become keenly aware that my boss is spinning certain details about my job to justify some decisions he's made. It's not harmful to me in the long run (and so maybe I shouldn't care?) but I feel a bit manipulated and used, and I don't like it. And it puts me in the position of answering questions about my future plans in a less than perfectly honest way, which I also don't like. But there's not one thing I can do about it.
~Part of the spin is about some details in my contract. My understanding of those details is based on a conversation I very vividly remember having with him when I was offered the position; his understanding is apparently different, although he's never bothered to actually have a conversation with me about it. What I have learned from this (and some things that have come up in the past) is the realization that every detail, every jot and tittle needs to be in writing. The irony of this situation is that there never would have been any conflict over these details but he felt the need to spin them anyway.
~Yes, I feel a little bitter about this and I need to get over it. It's not worth wasting any more of my energy over. But it's hard not to be really, really annoyed.
~In this year of all campaigning all the time, it's impossible to get away from 'spin'. It's troubling enough in the political sphere, but when it starts to be applied to my own life, it's even worse. In the last week or so I've become keenly aware that my boss is spinning certain details about my job to justify some decisions he's made. It's not harmful to me in the long run (and so maybe I shouldn't care?) but I feel a bit manipulated and used, and I don't like it. And it puts me in the position of answering questions about my future plans in a less than perfectly honest way, which I also don't like. But there's not one thing I can do about it.
~Part of the spin is about some details in my contract. My understanding of those details is based on a conversation I very vividly remember having with him when I was offered the position; his understanding is apparently different, although he's never bothered to actually have a conversation with me about it. What I have learned from this (and some things that have come up in the past) is the realization that every detail, every jot and tittle needs to be in writing. The irony of this situation is that there never would have been any conflict over these details but he felt the need to spin them anyway.
~Yes, I feel a little bitter about this and I need to get over it. It's not worth wasting any more of my energy over. But it's hard not to be really, really annoyed.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Note to self
~When you sit down on the couch with the lap top to write a blog post, and wake up an hour and a half later to find yourself lying on the couch, computer still on lap, it's really time to go to bed.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Another time waster
Your result for The 4-Variable IQ Test...
Verbal
Your specific scores follow. On any axis, a score above 25% means you use that kind of thinking more than average, and a score below 25% means you use it less. It says nothing about cognitive skills, just your interest.
Your brain is roughly:
20% Interpersonal
20%Visual
45%Verbal
15%Mathematical
Matching Summary: Each of us has different tastes. Still, I offer the following advice to the world.
1. Don't date someone if your interpersonal percentages differ by more than 20%.
2. Don't be friends with someone if your verbal percentages differ by more than 5%.
3. Don't have sex with someone if their math percentage is over 50%.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Friday Five~Location, location, location
~If I count correctly I've lived in 21 different houses/apartments in 10 states and 2 countries. I've posted about some of my favorites before, but here are my top five locations:
1. New York City--The Kid and I lived in an apartment in NYC for three years. It was a seminary apartment in a nice location across the street from the Close (the campus) and we loved it. It was just the right size for the two of us, it was comfortable, it had big windows and good light and wood floors. More important it was in a neighborhood that felt like a community, and it was in the city, which I loved. At heart, I think I am an urban person. I loved walking or taking public transportation, loved sitting in the corner cafe and watching the world go by, loved the green market and the parks and the museums. Just loved it.
2. Vermont--I moved there with a two year old and two teenagers to take my first teaching job after grad school. I feel in love with the area when I went on my interview: it was in March, there had been a big snow storm just before I arrived, and my first day there was a crystal clear cold day--cold but bearable to be outside. Something about being there still soothes my soul, and although I have no regrets about leaving academia for the priesthood, I am sorry that we could not go back to Vermont after seminary (no jobs, alas...). I lived there for 8 years; both the girls graduated high school and WW graduated college there. Both girls live there (NSLS full time and WW part time) and it's as close to a "home" with roots as I have.
3. Iceland--Lived there for three years in the early seventies. Gave birth to my firstborn there. It felt like an adventure, and it was, in fact, my first real time away from home. It's a beautiful place and I'm grateful for my time there.
4.Roanoke, VA--the location of the best three years of my childhood. We lived in a big brick house in a comfortable but not fancy neighborhood with lots of kids. We kids had the run of the neighborhood and could walk to school, or to the local swimming pool or to the movies. Kids would congregate at our house on summer evenings or after sledding in the winter. My best friend lived just one street over, and her dad taught us to play poker on her front porch--the same porch where we had marathon Barbie sessions. It truly was the most idyllic part of my childhood.
5. Charleston SC--lived there for 8 years. We moved there when TFoMC was stationed there on a submarine. NSLS was born there, I returned to school there and graduated with honors. I grew up there (finally) in many ways, and left to go to grad school in a different southern state. For a long time I though I'd like to return there, but I think that despite my deep southern roots, my heart is in the northeast now.
1. New York City--The Kid and I lived in an apartment in NYC for three years. It was a seminary apartment in a nice location across the street from the Close (the campus) and we loved it. It was just the right size for the two of us, it was comfortable, it had big windows and good light and wood floors. More important it was in a neighborhood that felt like a community, and it was in the city, which I loved. At heart, I think I am an urban person. I loved walking or taking public transportation, loved sitting in the corner cafe and watching the world go by, loved the green market and the parks and the museums. Just loved it.
2. Vermont--I moved there with a two year old and two teenagers to take my first teaching job after grad school. I feel in love with the area when I went on my interview: it was in March, there had been a big snow storm just before I arrived, and my first day there was a crystal clear cold day--cold but bearable to be outside. Something about being there still soothes my soul, and although I have no regrets about leaving academia for the priesthood, I am sorry that we could not go back to Vermont after seminary (no jobs, alas...). I lived there for 8 years; both the girls graduated high school and WW graduated college there. Both girls live there (NSLS full time and WW part time) and it's as close to a "home" with roots as I have.
3. Iceland--Lived there for three years in the early seventies. Gave birth to my firstborn there. It felt like an adventure, and it was, in fact, my first real time away from home. It's a beautiful place and I'm grateful for my time there.
4.Roanoke, VA--the location of the best three years of my childhood. We lived in a big brick house in a comfortable but not fancy neighborhood with lots of kids. We kids had the run of the neighborhood and could walk to school, or to the local swimming pool or to the movies. Kids would congregate at our house on summer evenings or after sledding in the winter. My best friend lived just one street over, and her dad taught us to play poker on her front porch--the same porch where we had marathon Barbie sessions. It truly was the most idyllic part of my childhood.
5. Charleston SC--lived there for 8 years. We moved there when TFoMC was stationed there on a submarine. NSLS was born there, I returned to school there and graduated with honors. I grew up there (finally) in many ways, and left to go to grad school in a different southern state. For a long time I though I'd like to return there, but I think that despite my deep southern roots, my heart is in the northeast now.
Are we outraged yet?
~The wardrobe is bad enough; this morning the NY Times is reporting that the highest paid person in the McCain-Palin campaign (at least during the first two weeks of October) is--are you ready--Sarah Palin's makeup artist. Who pulled in a cool $22,800 for that two weeks.
~I'm speechless. Really.
~I'm speechless. Really.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Will the real Sarah Palin please stand up?
~Ever since she received the VP nomination, Sarah Palin has represented herself as an average working class American, a hockey mom, someone who knows what it's like to sit around the kitchen table and worry about how to pay the bills. But more and more information trickles out that belies this image.
~Much has been written about the $150,000 spent on a wardrobe for Palin and her family.* No doubt they needed a wardrobe boost, no doubt Palin needs to look professional. But as the NY Times points out, her "look" has changed little--it just comes with designer labels these days (be sure to check out the slide show.) Why? What's more, according to NPR a Salon reporter went out to see what you could get for $150,000 and realized that she wasn't up for the task--she couldn't easily spend that amount. Could there be some excess involved, you think?
~NPR also pointed out that Palin is not without her own resources--she and her husband have assets worth aroung $1.5 million. In this day and age, it's unlikely that anyone will get very far in the political arena with out considerable financial resources; what galls me is the way Palin portrays herself as "ordinary", not an "elitist", a working class person. Excuse me? That just doesn't work anymore.
~What I don't understand is why people continue to cheer her on. If anything she is a mockery of the average working class people she claims to reprsent.
~*I don't think the clothes issue is particularly sexist, either. I would be equally critical of a male candidate who spent THAT MUCH on clothes, expensive men's suits not withstanding.
~Much has been written about the $150,000 spent on a wardrobe for Palin and her family.* No doubt they needed a wardrobe boost, no doubt Palin needs to look professional. But as the NY Times points out, her "look" has changed little--it just comes with designer labels these days (be sure to check out the slide show.) Why? What's more, according to NPR a Salon reporter went out to see what you could get for $150,000 and realized that she wasn't up for the task--she couldn't easily spend that amount. Could there be some excess involved, you think?
~NPR also pointed out that Palin is not without her own resources--she and her husband have assets worth aroung $1.5 million. In this day and age, it's unlikely that anyone will get very far in the political arena with out considerable financial resources; what galls me is the way Palin portrays herself as "ordinary", not an "elitist", a working class person. Excuse me? That just doesn't work anymore.
~What I don't understand is why people continue to cheer her on. If anything she is a mockery of the average working class people she claims to reprsent.
~*I don't think the clothes issue is particularly sexist, either. I would be equally critical of a male candidate who spent THAT MUCH on clothes, expensive men's suits not withstanding.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
In the meme time...
It feels like there haven't been many memes circulating lately, but I have seen this one a couple of tines.
I rather like Katharine Hepburn; as for the descriptors --well,many of them are totally me, but a few are totally not.
Your result for Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz...
You Are a Katharine!
You are a Katharine -- "I am happy and open to new things"
Katharines are energetic, lively, and optimistic. They want to contribute to the world.How to Get Along with Me
- * Give me companionship, affection, and freedom.
- * Engage with me in stimulating conversation and laughter.
- * Appreciate my grand visions and listen to my stories.
- * Don't try to change my style. Accept me the way I am.
- * Be responsible for youself. I dislike clingy or needy people.
- * Don't tell me what to do.
- * being optimistic and not letting life's troubles get me down
- * being spontaneous and free-spirited
- * being outspoken and outrageous. It's part of the fun.
- * being generous and trying to make the world a better place
- * having the guts to take risks and to try exciting adventures
- * having such varied interests and abilities
- * not having enough time to do all the things I want
- * not completing things I start
- * not being able to profit from the benefits that come from specializing; not making a commitment to a career
- * having a tendency to be ungrounded; getting lost in plans or fantasies
- * feeling confined when I'm in a one-to-one relationship
- * are action oriented and adventuresome
- * drum up excitement
- * prefer being with other children to being alone
- * finesse their way around adults
- * dream of the freedom they'll have when they grow up
- * are often enthusiastic and generous
- * want their children to be exposed to many adventures in life
- * may be too busy with their own activities to be attentive
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Monday, October 20, 2008
In the closet
~Prompted in part by the aforementioned rummage sale, along with the realization that some time in the next year or so I'll be moving to a new place, I've been thinking about getting rid of things. I'm bit of a pack rat, but what I hold onto generally has some sentimental value or memory attached (which means it's all the more difficult to get rid of). But I've also learned the hard way that it's not good to let too much accumulate, and in this big house, it's very easy to let things accumulate.
~So this morning I started going through my closets, pulling out stuff I don't often wear. I was actually glad to get rid of some things I bought when I graduated from seminary, but never really liked. Then, in the very back of the closet, I found a stash of dresses that I had completely forgotten about--things I used to wear when I was teaching. And haven't worn since I started seminary in 2002. Ought to be easy to get rid of, right? But for some reason, I felt an unexpected attachment to those dresses. I know I won't wear them anymore--they still fit, but they are really out of style--but I found myself wavering about whether to hold onto them.
~Good sense did prevail, and most of them are already down at the rummage sale. One I washed because I really might wear it Two others are still hanging there but I think I will get rid of them tomorrow. But as I took them off the hangers and folded them, I had to ask myself, why the attachment? The dresses were nothing special--casual because that's how profs at my school dressed, and comfortable and warm because it was Vermont--and I've never once thought to wear one since I started working here. On reflection, though, I think perhaps I feel attached to those dresses because they are one of the last links to my life as a professor, a life I relished even though I gave it up after less than 10 years. When I started my job in Vermont, I thought that I would be there for the rest of my career, assuming I got tenure. I liked the college and I loved the area--something about living there just suited me. But by the time I got tenure, I already knew that my heart was being called elsewhere. Funny how these things work out.
~I loved teaching, but I don't really miss being a professor. I loved being on a college campus and I think I'd enjoy living in a college town, but I love working in a church, too. I think I made the right choices. I liked those dresses, but they are gone now, on to their next owner I hope, useful to someone, as I hope to be in this path I'm on now.
~So this morning I started going through my closets, pulling out stuff I don't often wear. I was actually glad to get rid of some things I bought when I graduated from seminary, but never really liked. Then, in the very back of the closet, I found a stash of dresses that I had completely forgotten about--things I used to wear when I was teaching. And haven't worn since I started seminary in 2002. Ought to be easy to get rid of, right? But for some reason, I felt an unexpected attachment to those dresses. I know I won't wear them anymore--they still fit, but they are really out of style--but I found myself wavering about whether to hold onto them.
~Good sense did prevail, and most of them are already down at the rummage sale. One I washed because I really might wear it Two others are still hanging there but I think I will get rid of them tomorrow. But as I took them off the hangers and folded them, I had to ask myself, why the attachment? The dresses were nothing special--casual because that's how profs at my school dressed, and comfortable and warm because it was Vermont--and I've never once thought to wear one since I started working here. On reflection, though, I think perhaps I feel attached to those dresses because they are one of the last links to my life as a professor, a life I relished even though I gave it up after less than 10 years. When I started my job in Vermont, I thought that I would be there for the rest of my career, assuming I got tenure. I liked the college and I loved the area--something about living there just suited me. But by the time I got tenure, I already knew that my heart was being called elsewhere. Funny how these things work out.
~I loved teaching, but I don't really miss being a professor. I loved being on a college campus and I think I'd enjoy living in a college town, but I love working in a church, too. I think I made the right choices. I liked those dresses, but they are gone now, on to their next owner I hope, useful to someone, as I hope to be in this path I'm on now.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Blogiversary
~Three years ago today I posted my first blog entry. Who knew that I'd keep writing, or that blogging would introduce me to such a great community and so many interesting people--most of whom I know only in cyberspace, but some of whom I've had the pleasure of meeting in real life. And who knew that blogging would be come a family activity, or that it would become one way to keep up with friends from real life? Although I'm sure I spend way too much time on the computer, I am equally sure that blogging has enriched my life in ways I'd never imagined possible.
~So have some virtual bubbly on me, and thanks for being here!
~So have some virtual bubbly on me, and thanks for being here!
Score!
~Twice a year the church has a huge rummage sale. The amount of stuff that is contributed to these sales is truly astounding. I confess that I'm not much of a rummager so although I usually take a peek at what's there, I rarely buy anything, or even get very excited about it. (And to be even more honest, for lots of reasons, the rummages sales are a huge PITA and I'd just as soon avoid them altogether if I could, but that's not possible). Any way, the fall sale is next weekend, and that means that starting today, people are dropping off their treasures. One of the first things to be dropped off was a stereo system--one with a 3-disc changer, dual tape deck, AND a turntable--vintage late 90s I'm guessing but in like new condition. The Kid took one look and said, "Sold!" Because, you see, in our hall closet was a bag of vinyl--yes, a dozen or so of my old albums from high school and the years shortly afterwards that my daughter found in my mil's house shortly before she died. I'd forgotten they existed, but boy, were they a walk down memory lane--John Denver, Carly Simon, John Lennon, Elton John, the Beatles, and Tommy by the Who. And the Kid had longed wanted to hear them.~So we are now listening to Elton John and the Kid is marveling at the technology--how you have to listen to songs in order rather selecting individual tracks when you want them, how you have to be careful lifting the stylus up, how you can still hear the record playing faintly when you turn the volume all the way down, and so forth. He's also vowing to start looking for old records to buy now.
~All this reminds me of my dad who had a huge record collection dating back into the 40s. When Daddy was in high school he worked for a juke box company changing records, and he was allowed to keep the records that were no longer going to be used. So he had some really cool stuff. And he kept buying records right up until shortly before he died. After he died we had a discussion about what to do with his record collection, and my mother agreed not to get rid of it without allowing us kids to have some of it. But when my mom's house was emptied out, things were a little chaotic and there's no telling what became of the records. I'm guessing they are either packed up somewhere at my sister's house, or more likely, were sold. I sure wish I had them.
Wow. Just wow.
Colin Powell has endorsed Barack Obama for President. And take note of this quote:
Mr. Obama is a lifelong Christian, not a Muslim, he said. But, he added, “The really right answer is, what if he is?”
Mr. Obama is a lifelong Christian, not a Muslim, he said. But, he added, “The really right answer is, what if he is?”
“Is there something wrong with being Muslim in America? No, that’s not America,” he said.
Amen to that!
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Doing it the hard way
~I'm not much of a sports fan, but this time of year, living in Red Sox Nation, I get sucked in. So I've been sitting here checking the scores and they pulled it off--won game six to tie up the ALCS at 3 games each after being down 3-1. Go Sox!
Friday, October 17, 2008
Friday Five~Coin toss edition
1) When was the last time you flipped a coin or even saw one flipped in person?Honestly, I can't remember.
2) Do you have any foreign coins in your house? If so, where are they from?
Oooh, let's see--Korea, Canada, England, China...maybe a few others.
3) A penny saved is a penny earned, they say. But let's get serious. Is there a special place in heaven for pennies, or do you think they'll find a special place in, well, the other place?
I keep a big basket full of change on the pantry counter. We use the quarters mostly, but the others, including LOTS of pennies, will get rolled up and turned in one of these days, or put in my United Thank Offering box. They are pretty useless otherwise, I guess, but I wouldn't consign them to "the other place." I remember too well penny candy and trick-or-treating for UNICEF and getting a box full of pennies to think of them negatively.
4) How much did you get from the tooth fairy when you were a child? and if you have children of your own, do they get coins, or paper money? (I hear there may be some inflation.)
Ha! Back in the dark ages I think I got a dime. My kids didn't get much, either--maybe a quarter or fifty cents. Cheap, I know.
5) Did anyone in your household collect the state quarters? And did anyone in your household manage to sustain the interest required to stick with it?
Yes, the Kid and I have been collecting them. We're only missing one from 2006 (Nebraska maybe?) and then Alaska, Hawaii, and Oklahoma from this year.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Live blogging the debate....sort of
~Taxes are not inherently evil. Taxes are the dues we pay for being members of society. They are meant to provide us with services. McCain seems to lose sight of this fact. At least Obama started to say that he didn't mind paying more taxes for himself.
~What are you going to cut? A freeze on spending is not the same thing.
~Songbird is live blogging, too, and I'm torn between commenting there or here....or both.
~Obama is so much more reasonable...and keeps his cool.
~Can you balance the budget? Ha!
~McCain: I am not Bush. ... I will balance our budgets. Americans are angry.
~What "conduct of the war" did McCain oppose that his party supported?
~I don't think Obama's campaign has been nearly as negative as McCain's...
~Ten town hall meetings? Spare us!
~So is McCain's tagline for tonight "I can prove it?"
~Enough already about Joe the Plumber!
~Okay--John Lewis--Obama is laying it out very well. And I still don't hear McCain repudiating the terrorist claims Palin keeps spouting.
~Oh puh-leeze..."the people who come to my rallies are the most patriotic...." So that makes it okay? There is no where near the level of vitriol at Obama rallies.
~McCain is over the top here about Ayers.
~I love that Obama is absolutely unflappable.
~Why would the country be better with your running mate? There is NO WAY McCain can get through this one!
~Sarah Palin is a role model for women? I think NOT. A reformer? Under investigation for an ethics violation? A breath of fresh air? Now he's playing the "special needs" card.
~I wish Obama had been harder on Palin's qualifications.
~Why does McCain ALWAYS get the last word?
~Obama hit the nail on the head when he said we had to cut costs AND provide more healthcare. McCain's $5000 tax credit is just not enough.
~Whoa--McCain just lumped coverage for cosmetic surgery and transplants into the same category of "gold-plated" health care. Really? And how can being taxed for my health care benefits be helpful even with a tax credit?
~Roe v. Wade and the Supreme Court: McCain--no litmus test, but qualifications important. But does anyone REALLY ignore ideology when it comes to supreme court justice nominations? Ah...here's the rub: anyone who opposes Roe v. Wade wouldn't have proper qualifications. Obama: no litmus test but RvW rightly decided. Strong support for choice--supported by constitutional right to privacy. Not really sure that Obama and McCain differ on this point about how they'd pick justices; clearly they differ on the issue of abortion.
~You go Obama: provide good education about sex and contraception.
~McCain: pro-abortion movement? Umm...not the same as pro-choice.
~Choice and competition in school...not so much. And when did we ever get to choose our elementary and high schools? The Kid went to school in NYC where there is choice, but the choice means cutthroat competition, and doesn't result in everyone having access to better schools by any means.
~At least Obama is willing to say that programs must be funded to work. Seems like a no-brainer to me, but it seems to have been overlooked all too often.
~Ooops. Doesn't McCain know that Palin's son has Down Syndrome, not autism?
~McCain, quit interrupting! And really, why does McCain get to diss Obama at the end of every question?
~Someone must've coached McCain not to say "my friends" tonight.
~Obama: We need fundamental change. Amen.
~What are you going to cut? A freeze on spending is not the same thing.
~Songbird is live blogging, too, and I'm torn between commenting there or here....or both.
~Obama is so much more reasonable...and keeps his cool.
~Can you balance the budget? Ha!
~McCain: I am not Bush. ... I will balance our budgets. Americans are angry.
~What "conduct of the war" did McCain oppose that his party supported?
~I don't think Obama's campaign has been nearly as negative as McCain's...
~Ten town hall meetings? Spare us!
~So is McCain's tagline for tonight "I can prove it?"
~Enough already about Joe the Plumber!
~Okay--John Lewis--Obama is laying it out very well. And I still don't hear McCain repudiating the terrorist claims Palin keeps spouting.
~Oh puh-leeze..."the people who come to my rallies are the most patriotic...." So that makes it okay? There is no where near the level of vitriol at Obama rallies.
~McCain is over the top here about Ayers.
~I love that Obama is absolutely unflappable.
~Why would the country be better with your running mate? There is NO WAY McCain can get through this one!
~Sarah Palin is a role model for women? I think NOT. A reformer? Under investigation for an ethics violation? A breath of fresh air? Now he's playing the "special needs" card.
~I wish Obama had been harder on Palin's qualifications.
~Why does McCain ALWAYS get the last word?
~Obama hit the nail on the head when he said we had to cut costs AND provide more healthcare. McCain's $5000 tax credit is just not enough.
~Whoa--McCain just lumped coverage for cosmetic surgery and transplants into the same category of "gold-plated" health care. Really? And how can being taxed for my health care benefits be helpful even with a tax credit?
~Roe v. Wade and the Supreme Court: McCain--no litmus test, but qualifications important. But does anyone REALLY ignore ideology when it comes to supreme court justice nominations? Ah...here's the rub: anyone who opposes Roe v. Wade wouldn't have proper qualifications. Obama: no litmus test but RvW rightly decided. Strong support for choice--supported by constitutional right to privacy. Not really sure that Obama and McCain differ on this point about how they'd pick justices; clearly they differ on the issue of abortion.
~You go Obama: provide good education about sex and contraception.
~McCain: pro-abortion movement? Umm...not the same as pro-choice.
~Choice and competition in school...not so much. And when did we ever get to choose our elementary and high schools? The Kid went to school in NYC where there is choice, but the choice means cutthroat competition, and doesn't result in everyone having access to better schools by any means.
~At least Obama is willing to say that programs must be funded to work. Seems like a no-brainer to me, but it seems to have been overlooked all too often.
~Ooops. Doesn't McCain know that Palin's son has Down Syndrome, not autism?
~McCain, quit interrupting! And really, why does McCain get to diss Obama at the end of every question?
~Someone must've coached McCain not to say "my friends" tonight.
~Obama: We need fundamental change. Amen.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Monday, October 13, 2008
Back safe home again
~Why does it always seem like it takes longer to get home from a trip than to get there? At least that's how it always seems to me. Or maybe I'm just fooling myself about how long it really takes to get from NSLS's to here. At any rate we pulled back in the driveway around 9:00 this evening.
~I'm really glad we went, even if it was a bit of a whirlwind trip. I really needed to get away from here for a few days. And it was good to spend time with Baby J and to see how wonderfully normal she is, how healthy and happy she seems to be. There is no doubt in my mind that developmentally she's right on target.
~Her renal ultrasound is this Friday morning---on of the things that needs to be checked out after the TSC diagnosis. Keeping my fingers crossed.
~I also really loved seeing all the fall splendor that New England has to offer. And driving through the mountains. And seeing the lake. It was great.
~I would be remiss if I failed to mention that the Kid thoroughly test out the Wii Mr. LS received for his birthday last week. And I, the one with no coordination, managed to beat everyone at Wii bowling.
~I have a full week ahead of me, and I have half a bushel of apples I need to use up--pie? Applesauce? Apple butter? We'll see.
~Meanwhile, here's another picture from our apple picking trip:
~I'm really glad we went, even if it was a bit of a whirlwind trip. I really needed to get away from here for a few days. And it was good to spend time with Baby J and to see how wonderfully normal she is, how healthy and happy she seems to be. There is no doubt in my mind that developmentally she's right on target.
~Her renal ultrasound is this Friday morning---on of the things that needs to be checked out after the TSC diagnosis. Keeping my fingers crossed.
~I also really loved seeing all the fall splendor that New England has to offer. And driving through the mountains. And seeing the lake. It was great.
~I would be remiss if I failed to mention that the Kid thoroughly test out the Wii Mr. LS received for his birthday last week. And I, the one with no coordination, managed to beat everyone at Wii bowling.
~I have a full week ahead of me, and I have half a bushel of apples I need to use up--pie? Applesauce? Apple butter? We'll see.
~Meanwhile, here's another picture from our apple picking trip:
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Apple picking and other treats
~Today was a gorgeous day--as only fall in New England can be. To celebrate the day we went apple picking, where Baby J enjoyed her first taste of apple--and she liked it. The apples were as gorgeous as the day, and we picked two big bags full--Golden Delicious, Cortlands, and Macintoshes. Yum.
Late this afternoon we had another treat. NSLS, Baby J and I had a bloggy meetup with Crunchy Granola, Politica, and Curious Girl. If jo(e) had been there, one of us would've had to get naked; if Phantom had been there it would've been feet (and of course we wished you both had been there), but instead, we did this:
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Road trip
~Fall in New England is really lovely. I was reminded of that today as we drove up to Vermont. Where I live in southern New England the leaves have barely started changing and the ones that have changed are dull colors. (Not sure why--too wet? too dry? just an off year?) But we were only 30-40 miles from home when the trees began to be the bright golds and reds that I love. Although the leaves were clearly past peak on the last half of our trip, they were still lovely. I realized that I haven't been in Vermont, or northern New England in general during the fall since I started seminary six years ago. So there's another reason I'm thankful for this trip.
~And it was a splendid day--clear bright blue skies, brilliant sun and warm temps. The drive up was great -- all except the hour plus we spent going 15-20 mph in the Granite State. Not sure why the traffic was so backed up, but it was annoying, and made the trip longer than necessary.
~I can't drive and take pictures, so no fall pix tonight. But tomorrow there should be outdoorsy pix--and baby pix as well. Baby J is cuter than ever, and it's amazing to me how much she's changed since we last saw her Labor Day Weekend. She scoots on her tummy and rolls to get things that are out of her reach and claps her hands when you ask her to. Clearly smart and happy as well as beautiful.
~And it was a splendid day--clear bright blue skies, brilliant sun and warm temps. The drive up was great -- all except the hour plus we spent going 15-20 mph in the Granite State. Not sure why the traffic was so backed up, but it was annoying, and made the trip longer than necessary.
~I can't drive and take pictures, so no fall pix tonight. But tomorrow there should be outdoorsy pix--and baby pix as well. Baby J is cuter than ever, and it's amazing to me how much she's changed since we last saw her Labor Day Weekend. She scoots on her tummy and rolls to get things that are out of her reach and claps her hands when you ask her to. Clearly smart and happy as well as beautiful.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Packing
~WW went off to Nepal for several months with what she could carry in her back pack and a carry on. I'm going away for barely three days and packing for that seems like a monumental task. What's wrong with this picture?
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Looking forward to the weekend
~It was a long day. Not a bad day, just very long.
~I have this weekend off, which is a very rare occurrence, given that it's not my vacation or anything. I asked for it off for a family thing that ended up not happening. But once I had it off, I decided that I would keep it off, having gone 28 straight days (until last week) without a whole day off.
~Having this weekend off also means that I get out of a task that I really didn't want to do, one that got set up while I was on vacation in August, one that no one consulted with me about even though it was just assumed that I would take care of it. And now I'm not, and I don't feel badly about that AT ALL.
~So Saturday morning the Kid and I are heading north for the weekend. It will be a quick trip, returning on Monday, and I'm hoping that traffic won't be too bad given a holiday weekend and leaf peepers. I just needed to get out of here, so we're going to Vermont to see NSLS and Mr. LS and of course, Baby J. I want to see some fall leaves. Maybe pick some apples. Take some pictures. Relax.
~Tomorrow is my normal day off, and I have errands to do and laundry. I also keep remembering things I needed to do today that didn't get done--phone calls to return, emails to send (both of which need to be taken care of before the weekend) so I guess I'll spend some time at the office, too. But hey, I still have the weekend!
~I have this weekend off, which is a very rare occurrence, given that it's not my vacation or anything. I asked for it off for a family thing that ended up not happening. But once I had it off, I decided that I would keep it off, having gone 28 straight days (until last week) without a whole day off.
~Having this weekend off also means that I get out of a task that I really didn't want to do, one that got set up while I was on vacation in August, one that no one consulted with me about even though it was just assumed that I would take care of it. And now I'm not, and I don't feel badly about that AT ALL.
~So Saturday morning the Kid and I are heading north for the weekend. It will be a quick trip, returning on Monday, and I'm hoping that traffic won't be too bad given a holiday weekend and leaf peepers. I just needed to get out of here, so we're going to Vermont to see NSLS and Mr. LS and of course, Baby J. I want to see some fall leaves. Maybe pick some apples. Take some pictures. Relax.
~Tomorrow is my normal day off, and I have errands to do and laundry. I also keep remembering things I needed to do today that didn't get done--phone calls to return, emails to send (both of which need to be taken care of before the weekend) so I guess I'll spend some time at the office, too. But hey, I still have the weekend!
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Radom bullets of tiredness
~Long day at work, came home, ate dinner, drove the Kid to a meeting, stopped at the store, came home and baked bran muffins and pumpkin bread for tomorrow's breakfast group.
~I can list the things I find scary about John McCain--his attitude towards the war, his health care policy, his lack of judgment as reflected in his VP choice, among others. But what do people find scary about Obama? Really? That he's educated and articulate? That he's even tempered and not easily ruffled? That he's willing to be honest about the need for tax dollars and to place more of the burden on those who can most afford it? Or is it that he's a black man?
~WW is on her way to Kathmandu--a 40 hour trip. Yikes. I'm hoping she'll blog while she's there, but she didn't take her computer and will be depending on internet cafes.
~While I baked tonight I was listening to an NPR piece on all the ways people have tried to disenfanchise voters this year. Do we need to call in Jimmy Carter? Of course, after the 2000 debacle I guess I shouldn't be surprised.
~What does it mean for a whole country to go bankrupt? Is Iceland going to be the only one, or just the first?
~Now I should go to bed. I have to be up early, and I have a 12 hour day ahead of me. BUT I have the weekend off, and I am really, really looking forward to it.
~I can list the things I find scary about John McCain--his attitude towards the war, his health care policy, his lack of judgment as reflected in his VP choice, among others. But what do people find scary about Obama? Really? That he's educated and articulate? That he's even tempered and not easily ruffled? That he's willing to be honest about the need for tax dollars and to place more of the burden on those who can most afford it? Or is it that he's a black man?
~WW is on her way to Kathmandu--a 40 hour trip. Yikes. I'm hoping she'll blog while she's there, but she didn't take her computer and will be depending on internet cafes.
~While I baked tonight I was listening to an NPR piece on all the ways people have tried to disenfanchise voters this year. Do we need to call in Jimmy Carter? Of course, after the 2000 debacle I guess I shouldn't be surprised.
~What does it mean for a whole country to go bankrupt? Is Iceland going to be the only one, or just the first?
~Now I should go to bed. I have to be up early, and I have a 12 hour day ahead of me. BUT I have the weekend off, and I am really, really looking forward to it.
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
I don't know if I can sit through this
~I have the debate on but I just don't know if I can bear to listen to it. I am really starting to dislike John McCain as much as I dislike GWB. Just saying.
~ETA: I made it, though I did doze off at the end and missed Obama's closing statement. Heard McCain's though--gah. Songbird did a great live blog; check it out, along with the comments.
~ETA: I made it, though I did doze off at the end and missed Obama's closing statement. Heard McCain's though--gah. Songbird did a great live blog; check it out, along with the comments.
Monday, October 06, 2008
Grief
~When Songbird wrote this post about grief just a week ago, I had no idea how soon I would be feeling some of what she described. I must say that what I most feel today is sadness, a sense of loss with a bit of denial and a smidge of anger--which just reinforces for me what I learned about Kubler-Ross' stages when I was teaching--often they're not stages per se, but emotions experienced in no set order.
~I do really appreciate all the kind comments on my previous post, and the good thoughts and prayers. And I am holding onto hope that things will be okay in the long run.
~Meanwhile NSLS sent me a cute picture of Baby J today--napping with the blankie I got for her a few weeks ago. NSLS herself had a beloved blankie, the story of which I told here . When NSLS was working to get Baby J to sleep better at night we wondered if a blankie would help, so I bought her a Taggie blanket . I have no idea if she'll become as attached to it as her mommy was to hers but we'll see. Isn't she sweet?
~I do really appreciate all the kind comments on my previous post, and the good thoughts and prayers. And I am holding onto hope that things will be okay in the long run.
~Meanwhile NSLS sent me a cute picture of Baby J today--napping with the blankie I got for her a few weeks ago. NSLS herself had a beloved blankie, the story of which I told here . When NSLS was working to get Baby J to sleep better at night we wondered if a blankie would help, so I bought her a Taggie blanket . I have no idea if she'll become as attached to it as her mommy was to hers but we'll see. Isn't she sweet?
Sunday, October 05, 2008
In the blink of an eye, life changes
~When Baby J was born, there was a small white mark on her inner thigh. The nurse noticed it and suggested that NSLS have her pediatrician take a look at it, which she did. At first I think they thought it might fade with time, but it didn't, and in fact, they discovered a few more small white spots on her body, so they were referred to a dermatologist who then referred them to a geneticist.
~On Friday NSLS, Mr. LS and Baby J saw the geneticist and the white spots were diagnosed as tuberous sclerosis complex. Because there is no history of this condition on either side of the family, the doctor is assuming that this is the result of a random mutation. Although this condition can be linked to autism, developmental delays, and seizures, Baby J has so far experienced no other symptoms, and has met all appropriate developmental milestones. In three weeks she will undergo a MRI to check for tumors--the primary result of this condition. Tumors, almost always benign but still dangerous, can grow on any of her organs. Many times they can be surgically removed, but will often reoccur. She will also see a pediatric ophthalmologist since her eyes can be affected.
~Many people with TSC live with few or no symptoms, but others can be seriously affected. We are, of course, hoping and praying that Baby J will be one of the former. It is still a blow, though, to hear that a seemingly thriving baby has a condition that has the potential to affect her for the rest of her life.
~So, in the blink of an eye, life changes. Of course, my first reaction was "It's not fair! Not our sweet Baby J!" But why should it be fair? And why not us? I think of all the others I know of who have things potentially much worse to deal with, and in my heart I try to be grateful that it is not worse. But it is hard.
~When I talked to NSLS yesterday and today she seemed to be handling it well. She and Mr. LS are of course worried, but at the same time, they remind themselves that Baby J is the same baby she was before they received this diagnosis, that she's not sick, per se. She'll require lots more monitoring. Their challenge, and mine I must admit, is to make this new reality "normal" as much as we can, not to disrupt Baby J's life, not to define her by this condition.
~Because I can catastrophize with the best of them, and because Dr. Google is right there to help me, I can picture all of the possible grim outcomes. But I don't want to go there. I want to picture that precious baby growing up to be a strong and vibrant woman. I want her to a have a normal and happy childhood. I want everything to be okay. Just what all parents and grandparents want. It just doesn't always turn out that way. But for now I am trying very hard to focus on how healthy and happy Baby J is now, and how blessed we are to have her.
~On Friday NSLS, Mr. LS and Baby J saw the geneticist and the white spots were diagnosed as tuberous sclerosis complex. Because there is no history of this condition on either side of the family, the doctor is assuming that this is the result of a random mutation. Although this condition can be linked to autism, developmental delays, and seizures, Baby J has so far experienced no other symptoms, and has met all appropriate developmental milestones. In three weeks she will undergo a MRI to check for tumors--the primary result of this condition. Tumors, almost always benign but still dangerous, can grow on any of her organs. Many times they can be surgically removed, but will often reoccur. She will also see a pediatric ophthalmologist since her eyes can be affected.
~Many people with TSC live with few or no symptoms, but others can be seriously affected. We are, of course, hoping and praying that Baby J will be one of the former. It is still a blow, though, to hear that a seemingly thriving baby has a condition that has the potential to affect her for the rest of her life.
~So, in the blink of an eye, life changes. Of course, my first reaction was "It's not fair! Not our sweet Baby J!" But why should it be fair? And why not us? I think of all the others I know of who have things potentially much worse to deal with, and in my heart I try to be grateful that it is not worse. But it is hard.
~When I talked to NSLS yesterday and today she seemed to be handling it well. She and Mr. LS are of course worried, but at the same time, they remind themselves that Baby J is the same baby she was before they received this diagnosis, that she's not sick, per se. She'll require lots more monitoring. Their challenge, and mine I must admit, is to make this new reality "normal" as much as we can, not to disrupt Baby J's life, not to define her by this condition.
~Because I can catastrophize with the best of them, and because Dr. Google is right there to help me, I can picture all of the possible grim outcomes. But I don't want to go there. I want to picture that precious baby growing up to be a strong and vibrant woman. I want her to a have a normal and happy childhood. I want everything to be okay. Just what all parents and grandparents want. It just doesn't always turn out that way. But for now I am trying very hard to focus on how healthy and happy Baby J is now, and how blessed we are to have her.
Saturday, October 04, 2008
More debate redux
~Lots on my mind tonight, but not ready to articulate it; in lieu of real blogging, take a look at this--spot on, I'd say.
Friday, October 03, 2008
Debate redux
~I know there is lots of commentary out there about last night's VP debate, but I'll quickly add my own two cents worth.
~I didn't really know much about Joe Biden and was lukewarmish about him as a running mate for Obama, but I came away from last night's debate feeling much more positive about him. His answers seemed thoughtful, he is knowledgeable about a wide variety of topics, he wasn't afraid to poke a little fun at himself, nor did he hide his emotions when he spoke of being a single dad.
~Palin, OTOH, came across as too cutesy, too folksy, and quite annoying. While she didn't stumble as badly as she' done in her interviews, her refusal to even attempt to address the questions asked seems inexcusable to me and I kept hoping Gwen Ifill would call her on it. And what's with the winking at the audience?
~I'm also surprised that no one (at least that I know of) in the media has called Palin on her "tolerance" towards gays and lesbians who have "chosen" a "lifestye" that she (Palin) wouldn't choose. Has she not been paying attention? Does she not realize that one's sexual orientation is more than choosing a "lifestyle?"
~I didn't really know much about Joe Biden and was lukewarmish about him as a running mate for Obama, but I came away from last night's debate feeling much more positive about him. His answers seemed thoughtful, he is knowledgeable about a wide variety of topics, he wasn't afraid to poke a little fun at himself, nor did he hide his emotions when he spoke of being a single dad.
~Palin, OTOH, came across as too cutesy, too folksy, and quite annoying. While she didn't stumble as badly as she' done in her interviews, her refusal to even attempt to address the questions asked seems inexcusable to me and I kept hoping Gwen Ifill would call her on it. And what's with the winking at the audience?
~I'm also surprised that no one (at least that I know of) in the media has called Palin on her "tolerance" towards gays and lesbians who have "chosen" a "lifestye" that she (Palin) wouldn't choose. Has she not been paying attention? Does she not realize that one's sexual orientation is more than choosing a "lifestyle?"
Thursday, October 02, 2008
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
Random bits of Wednesday
~I don't know where September went, but here we are in October. It doesn't really feel much like fall here yet--it's cool, but it's also wet and only a few leaves are changing color. Yet I know winter will be here in the blink of an eye.
~I'm working on putting together a new parish directory and it has turned into the project from hell. Murphy's Law rules--if it could go wrong, it has. And I don't really have time to just work really hard on it for a day or two and get it done. So it sits there mocking me. Argh.
~Woman Warrior is here for a short visit before she leaves for Nepal next week. Seems like she just got home from Korea, and now she's leaving again. But what can you say--you raise them to be strong and independent and adventurous and when they turn out that way it hardly seems fair to complain.
~I've been watching more snippets of the Sarah Palin interview. Although I wouldn't have thought it possible, but she just keeps sounding worse--less intelligent, less informed. How can anyone take her seriously? The debate tomorrow night should be interestig.
~I'm working on putting together a new parish directory and it has turned into the project from hell. Murphy's Law rules--if it could go wrong, it has. And I don't really have time to just work really hard on it for a day or two and get it done. So it sits there mocking me. Argh.
~Woman Warrior is here for a short visit before she leaves for Nepal next week. Seems like she just got home from Korea, and now she's leaving again. But what can you say--you raise them to be strong and independent and adventurous and when they turn out that way it hardly seems fair to complain.
~I've been watching more snippets of the Sarah Palin interview. Although I wouldn't have thought it possible, but she just keeps sounding worse--less intelligent, less informed. How can anyone take her seriously? The debate tomorrow night should be interestig.
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