While it did turn out to be a great day (see previous post), I feel old. There is an area of low pressure sitting over South Florida that has me hurting. My carpal tunnel is acting up and my knees are reminding me that I did have surgery only 11 months ago. Bring on the wrist splints and the ice packs.
I hate to think about what I'll be like in another thirty years or so...
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
It's Going to be a GREAT Day
The weather is gross and rainy. My darling Rafa decided to protest the new kitty litter we started using. (I will spare you the details. Just note that this is how I started my day!) My house is a mess. I have loads of school work to do.
But is is going to be a great day.
It is 7:23AM and I am not rushing into the car trying to get to work on time. I am not dumping my husband out at the intersection hoping the lights do not change while he is in the middle of the street.
I am at home. Blogging. In my PJs.
I'll drop the Irishman into work at 9:00 and then head into school wearing whatever I want and not having to talk to anyone else. It is amazing how I do not mind going to work when I do not have to! (We are off today because of Rosh Hashanah. For those of us who are not Jewish it is just a random Tuesday off!) I am meeting Dawn for a belated "birthday lunch."
It is going to be a good day!
But is is going to be a great day.
It is 7:23AM and I am not rushing into the car trying to get to work on time. I am not dumping my husband out at the intersection hoping the lights do not change while he is in the middle of the street.
I am at home. Blogging. In my PJs.
I'll drop the Irishman into work at 9:00 and then head into school wearing whatever I want and not having to talk to anyone else. It is amazing how I do not mind going to work when I do not have to! (We are off today because of Rosh Hashanah. For those of us who are not Jewish it is just a random Tuesday off!) I am meeting Dawn for a belated "birthday lunch."
It is going to be a good day!
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Keeping an Eye on Us
I went to bed last night at 6:30 with an icepack on my head. Seriously. I woke up for about half an hour when the Irishman served dinner (yep - he is that good) and then at about 9:00 when I gave up and went up to the bedroom. I had a migraine and was out of it. Morgan tried to convince me I said strange things in my sleep, but I slept too soundly for that.
The day before I started to lose my voice. No other symptoms. No screaming or yelling at children. (I know you were thinking it!) Just randomly sounded a bit scratchy. We stopped at Target on the way home for Airborne and Zicam. I know it is probably in my head, but I swear it makes a difference. I went to bed early and I woke up in the morning fine. My head hurt (see above) but my throat was back to normal.
Thinking about it, I needed the sleep. The Holy Spirit was looking out for me. The Irishman and I are volunteering at a retreat at Church this weekend for our Confirmation class from last year. We are happy to volunteer, but we usually spend our Saturdays recovering from the week so extra sleep the last couple of nights will be useful!
I was teasing Morgan this morning. The Holy Spirit may be keeping an eye on me, but it is Morgan who the priests remember.
Morgan and I met with Monsignor several times before our wedding. He always referred to us as "Team!" In the three years since then, we frequently see him outside the church before or after Mass. It is always the same. I walk by and he shakes my hand like everyone else. Then he shakes hands with the Irishman and he looks back at me and says, "TEAM!" It is quite funny. He often throws his hands up in the air as he says it. Even my grandmother has noticed.
Last Sunday was Catechist Sunday at the 12:15 Mass. We sat in the reserved section of the church. A couple of times during Mass, I could have sworn that the Irish priest was looking at us. We were sitting behind a nun and the director of religious education though, so I decided I was being silly. After Mass we walked past the Irish priest. It looked almost as if he was waiting for us. Again, I told myself I was being silly. Always trust your instincts.
"So do you know the score of the game?"
The All-Ireland Football Championship was Sunday just before Mass. Morgan had been on the phone with his family as the game ended right before we walked into the church. He was able to give a report. We laughed all the way to the car.
The day before I started to lose my voice. No other symptoms. No screaming or yelling at children. (I know you were thinking it!) Just randomly sounded a bit scratchy. We stopped at Target on the way home for Airborne and Zicam. I know it is probably in my head, but I swear it makes a difference. I went to bed early and I woke up in the morning fine. My head hurt (see above) but my throat was back to normal.
Thinking about it, I needed the sleep. The Holy Spirit was looking out for me. The Irishman and I are volunteering at a retreat at Church this weekend for our Confirmation class from last year. We are happy to volunteer, but we usually spend our Saturdays recovering from the week so extra sleep the last couple of nights will be useful!
I was teasing Morgan this morning. The Holy Spirit may be keeping an eye on me, but it is Morgan who the priests remember.
Morgan and I met with Monsignor several times before our wedding. He always referred to us as "Team!" In the three years since then, we frequently see him outside the church before or after Mass. It is always the same. I walk by and he shakes my hand like everyone else. Then he shakes hands with the Irishman and he looks back at me and says, "TEAM!" It is quite funny. He often throws his hands up in the air as he says it. Even my grandmother has noticed.
Last Sunday was Catechist Sunday at the 12:15 Mass. We sat in the reserved section of the church. A couple of times during Mass, I could have sworn that the Irish priest was looking at us. We were sitting behind a nun and the director of religious education though, so I decided I was being silly. After Mass we walked past the Irish priest. It looked almost as if he was waiting for us. Again, I told myself I was being silly. Always trust your instincts.
"So do you know the score of the game?"
The All-Ireland Football Championship was Sunday just before Mass. Morgan had been on the phone with his family as the game ended right before we walked into the church. He was able to give a report. We laughed all the way to the car.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Fall Into Reading 2008
I have recently started using Google Reader to keep up with all my bogs. Although the solution to keeping up with the blogs I read has led me to even more blogs. The ever smart Google Reader led me to Callapidder Days this week. I happened upon the Fall Into Reading 2008 challenge and have decided to give it a try.
We don't really have "fall" here in Florida, so I'll have to pretend! Thanks to my new friends at Paperback Swap and the public library I have a rather large pile of books to read.
Here is my list:
We don't really have "fall" here in Florida, so I'll have to pretend! Thanks to my new friends at Paperback Swap and the public library I have a rather large pile of books to read.
Here is my list:
Organic Housekeeping: In Which the Non-Toxic Avenger Shows You How to Improve Your Health and That of Your Family, While You Save Time, Money, and, Perhaps, Your SanityIt is subject to change, but I am going to make an effort! We'll see how it goes! Happy reading!
by Ellen Sandbeck
Compost: The Gardener's Essential Compost and Recycling Bible
by Kenneth Thompson
Easy Green Living: The Ultimate Guide to Simple, Eco-Friendly
Choices for You and Your Home
by Renee Loux
Into the Wild
by Jon Krakauer
Tuesdays with Morrie
by Mitch Albom
Seven Up (Stephanie Plum, No. 7)
by Janet Evanovich
The Pact: A Love Story
by Jodi Picoult
A Life with Karol: My Forty-Year Friendship with the Man Who Became Pope
by Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz
Life's a Beach
by Claire Cook
Catechism of the Catholic Church
by U.S. Catholic Church
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Happy Birthday Momma!
Today is my mom's birthday. I think the best gift she got was her power back! After a couple of hours with electricity last Sunday, her house went dark again until yesterday. This time she saw the crews out fixing it so let's hope this is for good!
I've mailed her gifts, but they did not get there in time. I'm disappointed, but it is what it is! Here is the slide show I made for her last year. Mom got two tattoos for her big 5-0 and wanted me to get a tattoo with her. This was my reply:
She enjoyed our tattoos - even if they did wash off...
Today the boys sent her birthday greetings. It is pretty sad when the cats are more punctual than their owner. I think it is funny that it is actually my mom's handwriting. They'd climbed in the box that previously contained my birthday present!
I've mailed her gifts, but they did not get there in time. I'm disappointed, but it is what it is! Here is the slide show I made for her last year. Mom got two tattoos for her big 5-0 and wanted me to get a tattoo with her. This was my reply:
She enjoyed our tattoos - even if they did wash off...
Today the boys sent her birthday greetings. It is pretty sad when the cats are more punctual than their owner. I think it is funny that it is actually my mom's handwriting. They'd climbed in the box that previously contained my birthday present!
First sweet ol' Moses...
and then with Rafa in the way.
Happy Birthday Momma from ALL of us!
Friday, September 19, 2008
The Weekend At Last!
It has been a LONG week. I am ready for a weekend. A nice lazy weekend. Morgan and I were hoping to not leave the house today, but the cats are out of food and I fear Rafa may start eating our toes if the food bowl gets empty!
I have to pick up my compost bin from Ace Hardware. I've been doing some research so that I will do it right. I am a little scared of a compost disaster. I am really looking forward to shredding and composting junk mail. Morgan killed the shredder a few months back so we have a rather large basket full of papers that need to be destroyed.
Speaking of compost, I am most disappointed that I did not get more comments from my worm post. Really...I know you read this. People reference things they've read on my blog. I have the little map that shows the dots. Leave me a note. Please?
And I will leave you with an updated worm picture. We have fed them a slightly rotten cucumber, apples, spinach, egg shells, and other snack "left overs." The cucumber is now nothing but skin. When I fed them after school on Friday they were digging into the apple.
I have to pick up my compost bin from Ace Hardware. I've been doing some research so that I will do it right. I am a little scared of a compost disaster. I am really looking forward to shredding and composting junk mail. Morgan killed the shredder a few months back so we have a rather large basket full of papers that need to be destroyed.
Speaking of compost, I am most disappointed that I did not get more comments from my worm post. Really...I know you read this. People reference things they've read on my blog. I have the little map that shows the dots. Leave me a note. Please?
And I will leave you with an updated worm picture. We have fed them a slightly rotten cucumber, apples, spinach, egg shells, and other snack "left overs." The cucumber is now nothing but skin. When I fed them after school on Friday they were digging into the apple.
You can see my yellow gloved fingers pulling back the top cover to expose their little red bodies eating away. My friend Lyndsay stopped by my classroom Friday and admitted that there really is no smell from the Can-O-Worms. Pretty impressive considering I have 4 lbs of worms and 2 pounds of food waste buried in there!
On that note, I need to go pull Morgan away from the TV so we can get some dinner. The Ryder Cup is on and it isn't look so good for the Europeans. I have been giving him a hard time about their outfits. His friends from across the pond are wearing bright turquoise shirts and white pants. They are so bad they distract you from the "oh so exciting" game of golf. Maybe it's just me...
Twenty-Nine the First Time
When I was a kid my dad always told us he was "29 and holding until the day I turned 18." Well, I guess that means I am now 29 for the first time!
I had a fantastic birthday! It started Sunday with dinner at my grandparent's house. I got to share the party with my Uncle Lee. I got homemade gifts from my grandparents this year and I love them! Grandpa Boo made me a Square Foot Garden box. Now I just have to fill the box and start gardening! Grandma Betty made me a quilted cell phone holder (that is just perfect) and her special triangle bag. It all makes me smile!
Morgan got me the Brighton watch I'd wanted. I was most impressed that he (a)picked out the correct watch and (b)had to actually drive to the mall to get it. I've mentioned Morgan's driving before - I think this may be the first gift I've gotten that was not ordered online!
On the way to school I stopped at our usual light and Morgan hopped out of the car. He shut the door he wished me a happy birthday and told me to check my purse. By this point the light has turned green and I am trying to drive, check my purse, and make sure Morgan got across the street without getting hit. I found a James Avery box in my purse with the ring I've had my eye on for the last couple of years. This meant I was driving down the road trying to take off my claddagh ring, put on my new ring, call Morgan to say thank you, and get to work close to on time. What a treat!
I got to school to find all sorts of goodies. My class was in such great spirits. (And well behaved!) My room mom sent in a dozen roses and a cupcake cake with a frog on it. She sent in a '?' candle, but all my kids know my age. The '?' just confused them!
I am very big on not opening my presents until my birthday. Mom sent my present with Jason when he came to visit in March. I knew what it was, but I did not open it until my birthday. (Mom and Morgan couldn't believe I waited!) I am looking forward to playing with the Cricut this weekend!
I finished my birthday with dinner at Sue's house. Our friend Laura and I have the same birthday, so Sue holds a party for us each year. We hadn't seen them in a while so it was great to catch up!
I still have two more treats to come. My dad has ordered a compost bin for me that should arrive soon. I went to the library for books on how to get started! Now I will have worms in my classroom and the compost bin at home. Morgan is also bugging me to pick a place for my birthday dinner out.
I have to say, I feel spoiled after a birthday like this!
I had a fantastic birthday! It started Sunday with dinner at my grandparent's house. I got to share the party with my Uncle Lee. I got homemade gifts from my grandparents this year and I love them! Grandpa Boo made me a Square Foot Garden box. Now I just have to fill the box and start gardening! Grandma Betty made me a quilted cell phone holder (that is just perfect) and her special triangle bag. It all makes me smile!
Morgan got me the Brighton watch I'd wanted. I was most impressed that he (a)picked out the correct watch and (b)had to actually drive to the mall to get it. I've mentioned Morgan's driving before - I think this may be the first gift I've gotten that was not ordered online!
On the way to school I stopped at our usual light and Morgan hopped out of the car. He shut the door he wished me a happy birthday and told me to check my purse. By this point the light has turned green and I am trying to drive, check my purse, and make sure Morgan got across the street without getting hit. I found a James Avery box in my purse with the ring I've had my eye on for the last couple of years. This meant I was driving down the road trying to take off my claddagh ring, put on my new ring, call Morgan to say thank you, and get to work close to on time. What a treat!
I got to school to find all sorts of goodies. My class was in such great spirits. (And well behaved!) My room mom sent in a dozen roses and a cupcake cake with a frog on it. She sent in a '?' candle, but all my kids know my age. The '?' just confused them!
I am very big on not opening my presents until my birthday. Mom sent my present with Jason when he came to visit in March. I knew what it was, but I did not open it until my birthday. (Mom and Morgan couldn't believe I waited!) I am looking forward to playing with the Cricut this weekend!
I finished my birthday with dinner at Sue's house. Our friend Laura and I have the same birthday, so Sue holds a party for us each year. We hadn't seen them in a while so it was great to catch up!
I still have two more treats to come. My dad has ordered a compost bin for me that should arrive soon. I went to the library for books on how to get started! Now I will have worms in my classroom and the compost bin at home. Morgan is also bugging me to pick a place for my birthday dinner out.
I have to say, I feel spoiled after a birthday like this!
Saturday, September 13, 2008
New Update on Mom
I will confess that I got up at 5am and watched the news coverage online from all three major Houston stations. I may also have also been switching between the national networks. Don't judge me - it is my mom we are talking about. The damage to the Clear Lake Hilton is impressive - it seems crazy that we were just there a few weeks ago.
I have not had any direct contact with my mom, but I have learned enough to say with confidence that she is okay.
Exhibit #1: I decided to send Jason a text instead of Mom because he has access to a generator at the fire station and I think he also has a car charger. Our text message conversation looked something like this:
Exhibit #2: Julie called me in a panic this morning to see if I'd heard anything. While I was on the phone with her she got a text message from Mom. It read,
Exhibit #3: Conversations with Uncle Ken reveal that Mom sent him a text message at 3:17am saying that she was going to move to Maine. They exchanged a few other messages. The last one was something about how she'd lost electricity and would not be nearly as hot if all those animals didn't insist on sleeping on her.
Exhibit #4: Julie said she talked to mom. Julie was on her way to work, so all I got was a text that said, "she just called a few minutes ago." However given Julie's previous frantic desire for more information, I can trust the calm response is a good sign.
So thank you for the prayers. I know the lack of power and such is going to be hard, but at least they are okay! Now let's hope Mr. Fireman stays safe as he works his "butt" off!
** New update: I was in Whole Foods after Mass Sunday and got a text from Mom that says," I've got the power!" I cannot get through on the phone, but I am going to guess that means they have power back, which would be MOST impressive!
** I just spoke with Mom and she is thrilled to have power again! She said they were VERY lucky. She drove into the office this afternoon. There is SO much damage around, even in the neighborhood. I guess God was looking out for her!
I have not had any direct contact with my mom, but I have learned enough to say with confidence that she is okay.
Exhibit #1: I decided to send Jason a text instead of Mom because he has access to a generator at the fire station and I think he also has a car charger. Our text message conversation looked something like this:
Me: So?
Jason: I am working my "butt"(word replaced to keep blog PG) off. Lots of damage.
Me: Any word on mom?
(30 minute pause. Not good for my nerves!)
Jason: She is fine. Lost the fence on the neighbors side
Exhibit #2: Julie called me in a panic this morning to see if I'd heard anything. While I was on the phone with her she got a text message from Mom. It read,
"Ome sife of fence down. Loads of btancrs."I used my teacher decoding skills to guess that the last word was branches.
Exhibit #3: Conversations with Uncle Ken reveal that Mom sent him a text message at 3:17am saying that she was going to move to Maine. They exchanged a few other messages. The last one was something about how she'd lost electricity and would not be nearly as hot if all those animals didn't insist on sleeping on her.
Exhibit #4: Julie said she talked to mom. Julie was on her way to work, so all I got was a text that said, "she just called a few minutes ago." However given Julie's previous frantic desire for more information, I can trust the calm response is a good sign.
So thank you for the prayers. I know the lack of power and such is going to be hard, but at least they are okay! Now let's hope Mr. Fireman stays safe as he works his "butt" off!
** New update: I was in Whole Foods after Mass Sunday and got a text from Mom that says," I've got the power!" I cannot get through on the phone, but I am going to guess that means they have power back, which would be MOST impressive!
** I just spoke with Mom and she is thrilled to have power again! She said they were VERY lucky. She drove into the office this afternoon. There is SO much damage around, even in the neighborhood. I guess God was looking out for her!
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