I slept in this morning until NINE THIRTY - which given my early risings lately is like some sort of cosmic shift. I did wake up before 5 but I just went back to sleep. Woke to find J. and the boys already gone - J. taking H. to catechism (which ended up being cancelled today) and B. and his friend C. to the golf course. We played hooky from church today. Apologies, God. Just needed a morning at home. Especially since I worked most of yesterday.
I had to run to the pet store yesterday to attempt to find some food for the pets that hasn't been recalled. The cat's food was the first to be recalled - and we watched and waited cautiously to be sure they were OK and so far, they appear to be fine. Then, the dog food we buy at Costco has been recalled. The postcard arrived in the mail this week. So we had to find something else for them to eat. The Costco dog food 'changed' awhile back - the last case we bought didn't have the same 'texture' as before, which we noticed as we were putting it into their bowls. And they noticed, too, since Dani basically went on a 'food strike' for a couple days and refused to eat it. She had just started eating it again when the recall notice arrived. So we are watching her very carefully because she's had a rough year health wise and is still not 100% back yet. But she seems fine and the new food we purchased yesterday was consumed with gusto. It's like she knew something was wrong with that food.
I have REO Speedwagon on the CD player in the family room. Doors and windows open to let in the fresh Spring air, which is warm today. I am plowing through stacks of stuff on my desk while J. runs errands - Costco, picking up B., and also taking H. and his friend K. (the brother of B's friend C.) to the mall to go to the movies with a bunch of friends. The house is quiet. It is nap time but I am trying to resist. I have lots to do (which I say as I'm spending time blogging - oh well).
B.'s band practiced here yesterday afternoon. They stayed for dinner and we had a Cinco de Mayo themed meal: beef taquitos, Mexican rice and nachos. The kids had a nice time together - they are a really nice group of guys. And all I ask is that when they hit it big, they ensure we have backstage passes to every concert we attend. They are pretty talented though realistic about their chances of hitting it big.
B.'s band award banquet was Friday evening - and he left us at the table and went and sat with his friends. It was amusing - though shocking - to realize that the ONLY kids sitting with their parents were the freshman. B. sat with us last year - but this year, it was straight to the friends table. He wore a tux because immediately following the banquet, he was attending the Choir Ball with his girlfriend, S. Whom I still haven't met. The young lady who will always be remembered as my son's 'first real kiss'. I hope to meet her soon.
That's all the news for now. I have a pile of work (from work) to plow through now, so I'd best get to it. Bye for now.
Sunday, May 06, 2007
Friday, May 04, 2007
Assistant
My new job has a few 'perks' - no commute is a biggie. More money is another. The other 'biggie' is an assistant. Her initial is also "K" and there are so many "K"s referred to in this blog that to simplify things, I'm going to call her KD.
KD is wonderful. She is way overqualified for her current job - she was in HR at the director level in her previous life. She found this job to be close to her kids. She has 3 boys. Her husband is in the military and has been in Iraq twice in the past few years. He's been gone for over a year at a time. I don't know how she does it since I fall apart when J. is gone for more than a night or two.
KD is very organized. VERY organized. Her desk is a testament to her ability to file things immediately, categorize things effortlessly and put things away where they belong immediately after she's finished using them.
I am a stacker. I have always been a stacker. I have stacks of 'stuff' on my desk. I have never not stacked things - and while it has often been a source of wisecracks and good natured kidding from various coworkers and friends throughout my 25+ years in management, there really isn't anyone who can 'argue' that I don't get stuff done. 'Cuz I do. Things move forward. I know where stuff is. I remember which stack, when I last had something, etc.
Stacking makes KD very uncomfortable. She practically breaks out in hives at the sight of my desk. And so, for her, and for me 'cuz I've long needed to be 'more organized', I am trying to learn to file. To put things away/file them when I'm done - even if the 'I'm done' is only done for the day, or for a couple days until someone does the 'next thing' for me.
The problem is: when I'm looking for something, my first instinct is to look through one of my stacks. I created some 'working files' in my desk and attempted to file some things. But then, when one of those things require action, I had absolutely NO recollection of having set up a file and putting the file in the drawer. Looking for a FILE is not something I think of. Looking at my desk through a stack of papers IS what I think of. So that's what I did. For quite a few minutes. Until I gave up.
I'm a visual person. I can 'see' where I put things in relation to other things. Just this morning, one of my co-workers came in and asked me for a document. I reached over, lifted up a stack, shuffled for a moment and pulled out what she was looking for. She was impressed and a bit surprised - that I knew what it was she was asking about and even more so: that I knew right where it was. If I file something I'm working on when I'm not working on it, then 'out of sight, out of mind' kicks in. And I'll forget all about it.
The challenge is: it's hard for my assistant to assist me when she's not sure where to 'put' stuff. Nor where to find things that she might need to locate. That's actually been one of the toughest parts of the new job - figuring out how to use an assistant. I've never had one. Ever. I don't automatically think to give things to someone else to do - nor to think of things she could do which would free me up to do other stuff. I still go to the copy machine, the fax machine. Type my own memos. She's great at drafting memos and letters - but I don't even think to ask her until I've already done it. It's just not what I'm used to.
I'm working on attempting to file a bit so KD's hives will improve. And she's working on accepting that some people just prefer to keep their stuff 'out' versus in a drawer. That's the difference. Placement of papers. I understand appearances are important - but I've 'appeared' disorganized for years - and yet, I've done pretty well. Pretty successful. Moved up in every organization I've ever worked in. So I must be doing something right. And I'm learning to ask for help - which is essentially what her job is. Helping me is her job. Asking for that isn't a 'favor'. It's what she's paid to do. I have to get used to that.
KD is wonderful. She is way overqualified for her current job - she was in HR at the director level in her previous life. She found this job to be close to her kids. She has 3 boys. Her husband is in the military and has been in Iraq twice in the past few years. He's been gone for over a year at a time. I don't know how she does it since I fall apart when J. is gone for more than a night or two.
KD is very organized. VERY organized. Her desk is a testament to her ability to file things immediately, categorize things effortlessly and put things away where they belong immediately after she's finished using them.
I am a stacker. I have always been a stacker. I have stacks of 'stuff' on my desk. I have never not stacked things - and while it has often been a source of wisecracks and good natured kidding from various coworkers and friends throughout my 25+ years in management, there really isn't anyone who can 'argue' that I don't get stuff done. 'Cuz I do. Things move forward. I know where stuff is. I remember which stack, when I last had something, etc.
Stacking makes KD very uncomfortable. She practically breaks out in hives at the sight of my desk. And so, for her, and for me 'cuz I've long needed to be 'more organized', I am trying to learn to file. To put things away/file them when I'm done - even if the 'I'm done' is only done for the day, or for a couple days until someone does the 'next thing' for me.
The problem is: when I'm looking for something, my first instinct is to look through one of my stacks. I created some 'working files' in my desk and attempted to file some things. But then, when one of those things require action, I had absolutely NO recollection of having set up a file and putting the file in the drawer. Looking for a FILE is not something I think of. Looking at my desk through a stack of papers IS what I think of. So that's what I did. For quite a few minutes. Until I gave up.
I'm a visual person. I can 'see' where I put things in relation to other things. Just this morning, one of my co-workers came in and asked me for a document. I reached over, lifted up a stack, shuffled for a moment and pulled out what she was looking for. She was impressed and a bit surprised - that I knew what it was she was asking about and even more so: that I knew right where it was. If I file something I'm working on when I'm not working on it, then 'out of sight, out of mind' kicks in. And I'll forget all about it.
The challenge is: it's hard for my assistant to assist me when she's not sure where to 'put' stuff. Nor where to find things that she might need to locate. That's actually been one of the toughest parts of the new job - figuring out how to use an assistant. I've never had one. Ever. I don't automatically think to give things to someone else to do - nor to think of things she could do which would free me up to do other stuff. I still go to the copy machine, the fax machine. Type my own memos. She's great at drafting memos and letters - but I don't even think to ask her until I've already done it. It's just not what I'm used to.
I'm working on attempting to file a bit so KD's hives will improve. And she's working on accepting that some people just prefer to keep their stuff 'out' versus in a drawer. That's the difference. Placement of papers. I understand appearances are important - but I've 'appeared' disorganized for years - and yet, I've done pretty well. Pretty successful. Moved up in every organization I've ever worked in. So I must be doing something right. And I'm learning to ask for help - which is essentially what her job is. Helping me is her job. Asking for that isn't a 'favor'. It's what she's paid to do. I have to get used to that.
Altered
This being 'new' is a constant state of highs and lows. High stress days that just compound over and over. I reach a point where I'm sure I will not be able to do this - 'this' being 'the job'. Where I just don't think I want to do this - I reach a 'low'. They usually pass. And I've commented here how the human psyche can go from fragile and guarded to invincible and unstoppable - from the highest of good days to the lowest of bad days - in just a matter of hours. I keep plugging along. Working away at things. Will work tomorrow - it will feel 'good' to get some items 'caught up' and move others forward.
Today, I got my first little bit of 'positive feedback' - no, not from my boss. But from a school administrator who said 'you're doing a really good job and we are glad you're here. You are so approachable and such a good communicator. Thank you for what you do'. I was so appreciative - I needed to hear that. Especially after having visited my 'old' place and being greeted with profuse joy at my reappearance followed by a zillion 'are you coming back?' comments/questions. I made such a difference there and I don't feel like I'm making any difference here.
AND THEN, out of the blue this afternoon, another former coworker at my old job - who works at the district [and the first thing I told her was 'wow, do I have a whole new appreciation for all you 'district people'] - called to say Hi. I had called her quite awhile back and hadn't heard from her. Was just at the point where I was taking it personally - thinking 'wow, I must have really pissed her off somehow' - when she called to apologize for taking so long. She's been busy with auditors, etc. It was so great to talk to her. And I told her that while this job was OK, I missed my old job. My friends. My boss. And I said my new boss is OK - but he's not.....well, he's not so many things my other boss was.
And she said something that just might have altered my entire perspective on this 'new job vs. old job' thing. She said: 'all those things you miss about your old boss are all the things you are to the new place. So model that. BE that. Set that tone and that example for all the people there who haven't had all those things and need them. THAT'S why you're there. That's who you are'.
Thank you, SM for the positive feedback and RB for the perspective shift. I needed both desperately...and thank you, G. for hearing me and providing just what I needed to close a really tough week on a 'higher' note.
Today, I got my first little bit of 'positive feedback' - no, not from my boss. But from a school administrator who said 'you're doing a really good job and we are glad you're here. You are so approachable and such a good communicator. Thank you for what you do'. I was so appreciative - I needed to hear that. Especially after having visited my 'old' place and being greeted with profuse joy at my reappearance followed by a zillion 'are you coming back?' comments/questions. I made such a difference there and I don't feel like I'm making any difference here.
AND THEN, out of the blue this afternoon, another former coworker at my old job - who works at the district [and the first thing I told her was 'wow, do I have a whole new appreciation for all you 'district people'] - called to say Hi. I had called her quite awhile back and hadn't heard from her. Was just at the point where I was taking it personally - thinking 'wow, I must have really pissed her off somehow' - when she called to apologize for taking so long. She's been busy with auditors, etc. It was so great to talk to her. And I told her that while this job was OK, I missed my old job. My friends. My boss. And I said my new boss is OK - but he's not.....well, he's not so many things my other boss was.
And she said something that just might have altered my entire perspective on this 'new job vs. old job' thing. She said: 'all those things you miss about your old boss are all the things you are to the new place. So model that. BE that. Set that tone and that example for all the people there who haven't had all those things and need them. THAT'S why you're there. That's who you are'.
Thank you, SM for the positive feedback and RB for the perspective shift. I needed both desperately...and thank you, G. for hearing me and providing just what I needed to close a really tough week on a 'higher' note.
Flan
It is just after 5 (again). We have to stop meeting like this.
I am headed into my office shortly - an early morning rendezvous with items to prepare for our Board meeting next week. It is Friday and while I am gleeful about that, I will be working tomorrow, too, sadly. And possibly Sunday. Oh well. Have to do what needs to be done and it's piling up a bit at the moment.
I have invented a new breakfast treat that I call Oatmeal Flan. I didn't invent oatmeal, obviously - the Quaker Oats guy did that - but I have a 'new' way of preparing a delicious breakfast and it is my invention. Here it is:
Put two packets of Instant Oatmeal in a food storage container - with a lid. Pour boiling water over the oatmeal until it's just moist. Not too moist. I don't like to drink my oatmeal - so I add just enough water to moisten the oats. Stir a bit to get the water in. Err on the side of too little vs. too much. Once the oats are moist, sprinkle a generous amount of brown sugar on the top of the oatmeal. While it's warm. Put the lid on the container and take it to work with you.
When you're ready to eat, you will open your container and have a firm, custardy like serving of oatmeal with a yummy caramel-like sauce on it. I just eat it like that - I never add milk - and it's like a 'flan' only healthier. Very filling and gets me through early mornings like this when my stomach will be begging for more food by 10AM. I love it and have made it everyday this week.
Gotta run. The dogs are wide awake and agitated. I came downstairs about a half hour ago and they started whining - so I took them out. They peed. And I put them back in their kennel to go back to sleep - krikey, it's still early. But they want nothing to do with that - they want to be up and out. They're whining again. Oh, B. is up and just came downstairs. He left the computer on upstairs ALL NIGHT because he knew he would be needing it this morning. THAT explains the 20% increase in our electric bill. I am making him his morning mocha latte and then going to work.
See you later.
I am headed into my office shortly - an early morning rendezvous with items to prepare for our Board meeting next week. It is Friday and while I am gleeful about that, I will be working tomorrow, too, sadly. And possibly Sunday. Oh well. Have to do what needs to be done and it's piling up a bit at the moment.
I have invented a new breakfast treat that I call Oatmeal Flan. I didn't invent oatmeal, obviously - the Quaker Oats guy did that - but I have a 'new' way of preparing a delicious breakfast and it is my invention. Here it is:
Put two packets of Instant Oatmeal in a food storage container - with a lid. Pour boiling water over the oatmeal until it's just moist. Not too moist. I don't like to drink my oatmeal - so I add just enough water to moisten the oats. Stir a bit to get the water in. Err on the side of too little vs. too much. Once the oats are moist, sprinkle a generous amount of brown sugar on the top of the oatmeal. While it's warm. Put the lid on the container and take it to work with you.
When you're ready to eat, you will open your container and have a firm, custardy like serving of oatmeal with a yummy caramel-like sauce on it. I just eat it like that - I never add milk - and it's like a 'flan' only healthier. Very filling and gets me through early mornings like this when my stomach will be begging for more food by 10AM. I love it and have made it everyday this week.
Gotta run. The dogs are wide awake and agitated. I came downstairs about a half hour ago and they started whining - so I took them out. They peed. And I put them back in their kennel to go back to sleep - krikey, it's still early. But they want nothing to do with that - they want to be up and out. They're whining again. Oh, B. is up and just came downstairs. He left the computer on upstairs ALL NIGHT because he knew he would be needing it this morning. THAT explains the 20% increase in our electric bill. I am making him his morning mocha latte and then going to work.
See you later.
Thursday, May 03, 2007
Say
it ain't so?? I can't believe that Gilmore Girls is ending. And in TWO shows they're going to wrap up SEVEN YEARS?? COME ON. Please. That had better be some spectacular ending or I'm going to be really disappointed. I love, LOVE that show and have watched FOREVER. Please, CW Network - do a good job. Make the stories make sense and make the ending believable. And then, ala 7th Heaven, BRING IT BACK. It's too soon. Rory just graduated. Logan's going to propose. How do you wrap those story lines up in TWO SHOWS - one actually, since Logan's proposal is in the 2nd from the last episode. And don't get me started on Luke and Lorelai - how does THAT wrap up in two shows?
I just can't believe it. Really. I was pissed off about Everwood and almost gave up on this network - and NOW THIS?? I can't believe it. GET THE PALLADINO'S BACK and finish it the way it deserves to be finished - give 'em another season. Wrap it up in style. This is too soon, too fast. Just like Everwood, most of America won't realize it's over until it's gone. What's with that?? Two weeks notice that we're done? After all this time? How could you?
Just sayin'.
I just can't believe it. Really. I was pissed off about Everwood and almost gave up on this network - and NOW THIS?? I can't believe it. GET THE PALLADINO'S BACK and finish it the way it deserves to be finished - give 'em another season. Wrap it up in style. This is too soon, too fast. Just like Everwood, most of America won't realize it's over until it's gone. What's with that?? Two weeks notice that we're done? After all this time? How could you?
Just sayin'.
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Homesick
I don't write much about my new job. It's a great job. Good people. I like it there. I really do.
The only downside is - I don't love it. And that might be something that just takes time - love does 'grow' over time so perhaps it's just a matter of it's only been a few months. I'm learning and making friends and feeling like a 'part' of the team more and more everyday. And yet, I don't love it.
It probably wouldn't matter - IF I hadn't left a job that I did actually, truly love. Really, REALLY love. With people I love. Really, REALLY love. But it does matter because I did leave that job -
I attended the year-end celebration at the college for those retiring, celebrating their 10th, 20th or 30th anniversaries, etc. Among the retirees this year are the college president and the district chancellor. And my former boss is now the interim-President - a distinction and title he is so perfect for, so deserving of. He is the most amazing leader I've ever known or worked with. He is quite possibly the most amazing leader I will EVER work with. And you don't 'get over' that experience. You really don't.
I've been praying a lot lately - really praying. Asking God to help me know what I should do; where I should be. And tonight, on the way home from the college visit, I realized that I'd lost the bracelet I've worn for a year - a sterling silver bracelet that says 'the idea being to accept fully what you are'. It's a Jeanine Payer. I gave one just like it to my therapist, K., this time last year when I stopped seeing her.
I saw K. again last week. Needed someone to talk to. Needed to think things through.
And now, the bracelet is gone. I've been praying for a sign. Something to show me that God is listening and can give me some guidance on what I should do. And the truth is: I think He did. Because the one thought that runs through my mind daily - and has since I accepted this new job is: this is not who I am. This 'new' job is a fine job. And I will be very good at it someday. But it's not me. It really isn't. Not because it's too much - it's a lot but I can handle it. I'm smart, motivated, driven. But it's not me because I want to be an administrator - but I want that at my 'old' district. I can stay here forever in this 'new' job and be completely fine - and I just might end up doing that. I don't know. And there isn't an 'administrator' job open at my old place and probably won't be. So I if being an administrator is what I want - then here is where I should stay.
The bracelet fell off somewhere today. I doubt I will find it. I hope I can replace it. But it is gone.
I will keep praying and hoping and seeking. And continue to show up everyday and do my best. Learn and grow and get better at it. And take it one day at a time. And someday, I'll know what to do. Where I should be.
Not tonight.
The only downside is - I don't love it. And that might be something that just takes time - love does 'grow' over time so perhaps it's just a matter of it's only been a few months. I'm learning and making friends and feeling like a 'part' of the team more and more everyday. And yet, I don't love it.
It probably wouldn't matter - IF I hadn't left a job that I did actually, truly love. Really, REALLY love. With people I love. Really, REALLY love. But it does matter because I did leave that job -
I attended the year-end celebration at the college for those retiring, celebrating their 10th, 20th or 30th anniversaries, etc. Among the retirees this year are the college president and the district chancellor. And my former boss is now the interim-President - a distinction and title he is so perfect for, so deserving of. He is the most amazing leader I've ever known or worked with. He is quite possibly the most amazing leader I will EVER work with. And you don't 'get over' that experience. You really don't.
I've been praying a lot lately - really praying. Asking God to help me know what I should do; where I should be. And tonight, on the way home from the college visit, I realized that I'd lost the bracelet I've worn for a year - a sterling silver bracelet that says 'the idea being to accept fully what you are'. It's a Jeanine Payer. I gave one just like it to my therapist, K., this time last year when I stopped seeing her.
I saw K. again last week. Needed someone to talk to. Needed to think things through.
And now, the bracelet is gone. I've been praying for a sign. Something to show me that God is listening and can give me some guidance on what I should do. And the truth is: I think He did. Because the one thought that runs through my mind daily - and has since I accepted this new job is: this is not who I am. This 'new' job is a fine job. And I will be very good at it someday. But it's not me. It really isn't. Not because it's too much - it's a lot but I can handle it. I'm smart, motivated, driven. But it's not me because I want to be an administrator - but I want that at my 'old' district. I can stay here forever in this 'new' job and be completely fine - and I just might end up doing that. I don't know. And there isn't an 'administrator' job open at my old place and probably won't be. So I if being an administrator is what I want - then here is where I should stay.
The bracelet fell off somewhere today. I doubt I will find it. I hope I can replace it. But it is gone.
I will keep praying and hoping and seeking. And continue to show up everyday and do my best. Learn and grow and get better at it. And take it one day at a time. And someday, I'll know what to do. Where I should be.
Not tonight.
Routines
Up early again this morning - it's now just after 5 and I've already been up for an hour. The garbage trucks have just barreled through our neighborhood. The yard waste trucks won't be far behind.
I am starting to enjoy these quiet morning moments to myself. I make a latte, power up my laptop. Check my emails. Download our bank info into our MS Money program. Make sure we're still solvent. Make sure our balances online match what my file says. Log onto to our bank and make sure our money is still where it should be and that no odd transactions have hit our accounts.
I try to be very quiet when I'm up this early so I don't wake up the dogs. When/if they hear me, Dani will start barking like she's going to attack any moment - so I have to be careful and shush her quickly or she'll wake up the entire house. That would be bad - the men in my life don't like getting up this early unless it's to go snowboarding.
The other part of my morning routine is checking on my villagers. Yes, you read that right. I play a computer game called Virtual Villagers - and currently have a village in the VV2 game. The object of the game - once you keep your initial villagers alive, solve 16 puzzles and teach them skills they need to survive long term - is to keep your village thriving. It's a fun game and my tending to my virtual village is a nice way to start the day. There's always something to teach them or something to work on. The fire went out - have to build a new fire. There's a bunch of young villagers who are 'untrained'. Have to teach them to fish or farm. Young villagers play tag, listen to stories, go to school, etc. So every morning, I check on the status and keep the village going.
Sadly, my first VV game (VV1 version) lost all of it's tribe members. I didn't check on them enough and they died out. I feel sort of bad about that - I had 'played' that particular game - with that particular village - for a long time and it was sad to realize they are 'done'. But I have my new village to tend to and keep going and that's a challenge. Silly, I know - but hey, it's fun for me and everyone needs a bit of fun.
I also check my Insaniquarium virtual fish tank every morning - feed them, sell some to buy different fish, etc. Another silly 'virtual' game that I enjoy.
I'm about to head to the Southwest airlines site to acquire a ticket for my wonderful Aunt M. to come visit us this summer from Boston. I can't wait!! When I was in the throes of teenage angst - my mother doesn't understand me, my sister is making me crazy, etc. - I would head to Oklahoma and visit my aunt. I went pretty much every summer during high school. One summer, my mom said I couldn't go. I said (and even now, I'm shocked because back then, I rarely spoke up about anything and never disagreed with my mom) 'I have a car and a job that provides the money to buy a ticket. Exactly how will you stop me from getting into my car and driving to the airport? I'm going'. And I went. She was not pleased - but I didn't care. My aunt's home was my refuge - it's where I thought through and worked out a lot of 'teenage' stuff. It was the perfect place to be and those memories are still in my mind like it was yesterday. I loved going there. She was (and still is) one of the coolest people I know. Reminds me of something H. says about me now and then: 'you're young, you're hip, you're fresh'. That's exactly how I feel about M.. (and when H. says that to me [usually in response to me making a comment about how I'm aging, or something], it's just such a great feeling. I think he really thinks that - at least a bit - though I know I'm his mom and by definition, I grieve him frequently - but I do think he likes me....and that feels good. And he knows when he says that to me, I love it - and a huge smile appears on my face and the day seems instantly brighter. And that's the same effect my Aunt M. has on me. Always has and always will. The ticket is a gift to her for her birthday (in a few days) - and a gift to me for my birthday (in a month). Can't think of any better gift than a family visit!!
The last time I saw her was at my Great Uncle Milt's memorial service - and we've made a promise to get together for something other than someone dying. And we're doing our best to stick to that plan. I can't wait to see her.
Have a terrific day!
I am starting to enjoy these quiet morning moments to myself. I make a latte, power up my laptop. Check my emails. Download our bank info into our MS Money program. Make sure we're still solvent. Make sure our balances online match what my file says. Log onto to our bank and make sure our money is still where it should be and that no odd transactions have hit our accounts.
I try to be very quiet when I'm up this early so I don't wake up the dogs. When/if they hear me, Dani will start barking like she's going to attack any moment - so I have to be careful and shush her quickly or she'll wake up the entire house. That would be bad - the men in my life don't like getting up this early unless it's to go snowboarding.
The other part of my morning routine is checking on my villagers. Yes, you read that right. I play a computer game called Virtual Villagers - and currently have a village in the VV2 game. The object of the game - once you keep your initial villagers alive, solve 16 puzzles and teach them skills they need to survive long term - is to keep your village thriving. It's a fun game and my tending to my virtual village is a nice way to start the day. There's always something to teach them or something to work on. The fire went out - have to build a new fire. There's a bunch of young villagers who are 'untrained'. Have to teach them to fish or farm. Young villagers play tag, listen to stories, go to school, etc. So every morning, I check on the status and keep the village going.
Sadly, my first VV game (VV1 version) lost all of it's tribe members. I didn't check on them enough and they died out. I feel sort of bad about that - I had 'played' that particular game - with that particular village - for a long time and it was sad to realize they are 'done'. But I have my new village to tend to and keep going and that's a challenge. Silly, I know - but hey, it's fun for me and everyone needs a bit of fun.
I also check my Insaniquarium virtual fish tank every morning - feed them, sell some to buy different fish, etc. Another silly 'virtual' game that I enjoy.
I'm about to head to the Southwest airlines site to acquire a ticket for my wonderful Aunt M. to come visit us this summer from Boston. I can't wait!! When I was in the throes of teenage angst - my mother doesn't understand me, my sister is making me crazy, etc. - I would head to Oklahoma and visit my aunt. I went pretty much every summer during high school. One summer, my mom said I couldn't go. I said (and even now, I'm shocked because back then, I rarely spoke up about anything and never disagreed with my mom) 'I have a car and a job that provides the money to buy a ticket. Exactly how will you stop me from getting into my car and driving to the airport? I'm going'. And I went. She was not pleased - but I didn't care. My aunt's home was my refuge - it's where I thought through and worked out a lot of 'teenage' stuff. It was the perfect place to be and those memories are still in my mind like it was yesterday. I loved going there. She was (and still is) one of the coolest people I know. Reminds me of something H. says about me now and then: 'you're young, you're hip, you're fresh'. That's exactly how I feel about M.. (and when H. says that to me [usually in response to me making a comment about how I'm aging, or something], it's just such a great feeling. I think he really thinks that - at least a bit - though I know I'm his mom and by definition, I grieve him frequently - but I do think he likes me....and that feels good. And he knows when he says that to me, I love it - and a huge smile appears on my face and the day seems instantly brighter. And that's the same effect my Aunt M. has on me. Always has and always will. The ticket is a gift to her for her birthday (in a few days) - and a gift to me for my birthday (in a month). Can't think of any better gift than a family visit!!
The last time I saw her was at my Great Uncle Milt's memorial service - and we've made a promise to get together for something other than someone dying. And we're doing our best to stick to that plan. I can't wait to see her.
Have a terrific day!
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Tales of Helpers
Our cleaning lady D. is here today - she wears earbuds and chats on the phone while she works. She is the third cleaning 'person(s)...
