Saturday, October 27, 2007
Car
Oh, and an update on the van. Honda USA is going to 'help us' with the expense. So far, no firm amount has been offered - but they have indicated a willingness to work with us on splitting the cost somehow. We did a lot of research on the Internet (love the Internet) and were able to confirm that the Odyssey transmissions have been problems going many years back - and even model years such as ours which are outside the 'prime problem years' have a pattern of going out at far fewer miles than is expected for a Honda. A few mentions of various postings illustrating Honda has been covering some of the expenses for other Odyssey owners and wa-la (viola, but I don't know how to to the ' thing over the 'a') - they will help us a bit with the expense. The dealership called to say it's ready today - and we have told them we're not picking it up until we know what Honda USA is offering. Once we pick it up and pay for it, we'll never get a reimbursement (also a web-site tip) so we are sticking firm and refusing to pick it up until this is all hammered out. The dealership isn't exactly the most helpful, cooperative place we've been to (no surprise) and at the moment, it's both parties pointing the finger saying 'I haven't reached him yet' while the guy says 'I have no messages from the guy'. Yeah, right. They'll figure it out. In the mean time, we have a black Pontiac rental in the driveway which has been driven very little - but we would rather have it if we need it than go back to only two cars. How spoiled is that? Now we can't be a two car family again - always 3. But routine is paramount and it's too hard to adjust drop off and pickup schedules for the kids - so we left a car allocated to B. since he helps with all that.
Yesterday
The 2nd day of the conference was much harder than the first. Hotel sleep is never satisfying, and as I did the last time I stayed in a hotel, I lamented some silly 'flashing' light that made me crazy. Potentially migraine triggering and insolent, it tortured me until around 3AM when I finally awoke from the grogginess long enough to figure out that it was my cell phone - the flashing 'light' which tells me if there's a missed call or message. I had set the alarm (because I'd tried to set the nightstand alarm but you had to reset it by going a minute at a time, back through 24 hours, to get to the time you wanted to wake up. 1/2 way through (from a 6:15 set getting to a 5:45 set), I took a break 'cuz my hand was tired - and the darn thing reset itself all the way BACK to 6:15 again. So I used my Blackberry alarm instead and then left it on the nightstand so I would hear it. And then was tortured by that stupid flashing light. I chided myself when I finally realized what it was 'cuz I had the same experience when I stayed up in Yolo County awhile back. So I didn't get into a decent sleep until after 3 and then it was time to wake up.
I called J. from the parking lot of the workshop hotel and asked if we were doing the right thing about Dani. Knowing we were, but still, wishing there was a way she would be OK again. He said he managed through the morning just fine until he was almost at the vet's office and then he lost it. The front desk people were so kind and gave Jim Kleenex. They took Dani from him and he talked to the vet in the room with her for a bit. And then he left. We will have her ashes - something I never thought I'd do - and will make a memorial area under a shady tree in our backyard when Spring comes.
Yesterday, a single pink rose arrived from the vet's office with a note offering their support. I thought that was the sweetest thing - to acknowledge that she was a member of our family and we are all grieving losing her.
It is probably hardest for Chloe since she has been snuggling with Dani since she was 6 weeks old. She is now opting to sleep in the 'travel' kennel - as if being in the bigger kennel without her 'cell mate' is too much for her to handle. She is cold, I think, because she doesn't burrow like Dani did so she doesn't have a lot of 'covers'. We are giving her extra attention and loves. She is adjusting to less food (she would eat hers and then finish whatever Dani didn't eat) - the first time we served her 1/4 cup of kibble for dinner, she gobbled it down and then looked forlorn upon realizing that was it. No more. Poor thing. She needs to lose some weight and then we can give her a tad more, I think.
I will be working most of the day tomorrow. I am resigning myself to going in all day tomorrow and possibly part of today. There is much to do, suddenly, as several 'simmering' things have risen to the top and are now in need of considerable effort and attention to get them done. And the month of October has flown by and I have a HUGE report due to the Board in December - and with the Thanksgiving holiday, that's fewer days to get it done. Auditors are still here though so far, it's going very well. There's just always so much to do. It's a constant rush, rush, rush. I thought Oct/Nov/Dec was my 'slow' time but it's not turning out that way. I'm looking forward to close to 3 weeks off at Christmas and just praying I'll be able to take most of that time off.
Time to get laundry, etc. going...typical Saturday around here. Only not typical - Dani was a barker and barked at every little thing. Without her, the house is eerily more quiet. Chloe barks a bit, but quietly, often sort of 'under her breath'. I don't miss the barking, but I do miss the barker.
Bye for now. Bug, if you're reading this, email me so I know you're back from Mouseland.
I called J. from the parking lot of the workshop hotel and asked if we were doing the right thing about Dani. Knowing we were, but still, wishing there was a way she would be OK again. He said he managed through the morning just fine until he was almost at the vet's office and then he lost it. The front desk people were so kind and gave Jim Kleenex. They took Dani from him and he talked to the vet in the room with her for a bit. And then he left. We will have her ashes - something I never thought I'd do - and will make a memorial area under a shady tree in our backyard when Spring comes.
Yesterday, a single pink rose arrived from the vet's office with a note offering their support. I thought that was the sweetest thing - to acknowledge that she was a member of our family and we are all grieving losing her.
It is probably hardest for Chloe since she has been snuggling with Dani since she was 6 weeks old. She is now opting to sleep in the 'travel' kennel - as if being in the bigger kennel without her 'cell mate' is too much for her to handle. She is cold, I think, because she doesn't burrow like Dani did so she doesn't have a lot of 'covers'. We are giving her extra attention and loves. She is adjusting to less food (she would eat hers and then finish whatever Dani didn't eat) - the first time we served her 1/4 cup of kibble for dinner, she gobbled it down and then looked forlorn upon realizing that was it. No more. Poor thing. She needs to lose some weight and then we can give her a tad more, I think.
I will be working most of the day tomorrow. I am resigning myself to going in all day tomorrow and possibly part of today. There is much to do, suddenly, as several 'simmering' things have risen to the top and are now in need of considerable effort and attention to get them done. And the month of October has flown by and I have a HUGE report due to the Board in December - and with the Thanksgiving holiday, that's fewer days to get it done. Auditors are still here though so far, it's going very well. There's just always so much to do. It's a constant rush, rush, rush. I thought Oct/Nov/Dec was my 'slow' time but it's not turning out that way. I'm looking forward to close to 3 weeks off at Christmas and just praying I'll be able to take most of that time off.
Time to get laundry, etc. going...typical Saturday around here. Only not typical - Dani was a barker and barked at every little thing. Without her, the house is eerily more quiet. Chloe barks a bit, but quietly, often sort of 'under her breath'. I don't miss the barking, but I do miss the barker.
Bye for now. Bug, if you're reading this, email me so I know you're back from Mouseland.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Farewell, Sweets
A few weeks ago, I told J. I thought my car was making a funny noise. I convinced him to let me drive his just in case when I was headed up north for a class. He drove my car and came home and pronounced it 'fine'. The 'noise' I heard - really a 'high pitched' slight 'whine' that sounded different - was not evident to him. He jokingly said he thought I just wanted to listen to my iPod and his car has the hookup for that - mine doesn't. I conceded that I did, in fact, love listening to my iPod while driving his car, but there WAS something wrong with my car. But I started driving it again, including long distances.
I was right. There was something terribly wrong with the car which became evident this morning on the freeway at 8AM when the gas was making the engine rev but there was no gear engaged. I moved to the slow lane and drove a bit further - the car was then 'fine' after the initial issue, so I thought 'well, there is something wrong and we do need to get it checked out'. But after exiting the freeway at my exit, and upon accelerating again after a stop, it became crystal clear the engine was far from ok. The gears would not engage at all - and then, as I was turning onto a less busy street, the check engine light went on. I knew I was done for. Triple A had a tow truck there within 30 minutes - a nice guy named Chris with 4 kids, one on the way. He was professional, courteous and kind and I was never so glad to see a tow truck in my life. I missed my meeting - called to ask them to send me the info in the courier (I was headed to a meeting at our county office of education). Triple A is the kind of thing that you always think as you write the check out 'is this worth it 'cuz we never use it'. But when you NEED it, you are so glad to have it - and it is SO worth it. Just the peace of mind - one phone call. That's it. They even called back to tell me he would be there within 15 minutes. And he was. I love Triple A!
Thankfully, J. returned home last night and when I called him on his cell, he immediately offered to come back home. Which he did, so I could have his car to get to the workshop I am now at in Sacramento (I'm in the hotel at the moment but the 2nd day of the workshop is tomorrow). I took his car, he worked at home and waited for Honda to call him with the $3700 estimate to fix it. And then he went and got a rental car.
I made it to my workshop late - not because of that fiasco but because I was told the wrong location. And when I finally found the right location, I then couldn't find any parking ANYWHERE and drove around down town Sacramento looking for a place to park. It was a worthwhile workshop and I'm sure tomorrow will be even better.
As I drove to the workshop, I was so 'proud' of myself for how far I've come on the 'coping skills' scale. I wasn't flustered. Not the teeniest bit annoyed. Stuff happens. We took care of it. I wasn't even remotely irritated with J. - I would have been years ago - I would have been pissed off that he never 'gets' what I'm trying to convince him of; that he doesn't listen; etc. - a million, zillion 'judgment' statements. Those don't even enter my mind anymore. I have evolved. I want my time on this earth to be about doing all I can to be happy and productive and full of kindness. To rain harmony and good thoughts wherever I am. And it was working. I felt great - rough morning, yes. But it's all fine and it all worked out OK.
Notice I said 'was working'.
Because as soon as J. got home from picking up the rental car, he had to rush our dog to the vet - and we will be putting her to sleep tomorrow. Dani's back problem of a few months ago turned into a back crisis in less than 12 hours. She was OK at 10AM this morning - though I did notice that she was moving a bit 'strangely' - seemed stiff. But by the time J. and B. got back from picking up the rental car, she was unable to walk. Refused to put weight on her back legs. And was clearly in pain.
Diagnosis: ruptured disk. Treatment: aggressive surgery done within 24 hours (they wanted J. to take her tonight to Dublin) and months of physical therapy. And thousands of dollars. And even with all that, her quality of life is compromised forever. She will have pain daily. As she has had off and on these past weeks. She wasn't moving because she's paralyzed - and there's no certainly that is 'fixable'.
So we have decided to put her to sleep - it is the humane thing to do. But it still feels horrible. Really horrible.
I miss her already. She is the sweetest, kindest, most loving dog on the planet. And tonight is her last night here with us - and I'm not even there. I'm in a hotel room blogging about it. And crying my eyes out.
I am so glad J. is home. And I am thankful God let the really hard stuff happen when J. was home instead of when he wasn't. It doesn't make the stuff any easier, and yet it does. J. is my rock.
Goodbye, Dani dog. We love you, sweetheart. With all our hearts. You go play and run and enjoy doggie heaven. Your eyes will be all better and you'll be able to see and run and jump and EVERYTHING....all the time. And we'll see you again someday. Love you, sweets.
I was right. There was something terribly wrong with the car which became evident this morning on the freeway at 8AM when the gas was making the engine rev but there was no gear engaged. I moved to the slow lane and drove a bit further - the car was then 'fine' after the initial issue, so I thought 'well, there is something wrong and we do need to get it checked out'. But after exiting the freeway at my exit, and upon accelerating again after a stop, it became crystal clear the engine was far from ok. The gears would not engage at all - and then, as I was turning onto a less busy street, the check engine light went on. I knew I was done for. Triple A had a tow truck there within 30 minutes - a nice guy named Chris with 4 kids, one on the way. He was professional, courteous and kind and I was never so glad to see a tow truck in my life. I missed my meeting - called to ask them to send me the info in the courier (I was headed to a meeting at our county office of education). Triple A is the kind of thing that you always think as you write the check out 'is this worth it 'cuz we never use it'. But when you NEED it, you are so glad to have it - and it is SO worth it. Just the peace of mind - one phone call. That's it. They even called back to tell me he would be there within 15 minutes. And he was. I love Triple A!
Thankfully, J. returned home last night and when I called him on his cell, he immediately offered to come back home. Which he did, so I could have his car to get to the workshop I am now at in Sacramento (I'm in the hotel at the moment but the 2nd day of the workshop is tomorrow). I took his car, he worked at home and waited for Honda to call him with the $3700 estimate to fix it. And then he went and got a rental car.
I made it to my workshop late - not because of that fiasco but because I was told the wrong location. And when I finally found the right location, I then couldn't find any parking ANYWHERE and drove around down town Sacramento looking for a place to park. It was a worthwhile workshop and I'm sure tomorrow will be even better.
As I drove to the workshop, I was so 'proud' of myself for how far I've come on the 'coping skills' scale. I wasn't flustered. Not the teeniest bit annoyed. Stuff happens. We took care of it. I wasn't even remotely irritated with J. - I would have been years ago - I would have been pissed off that he never 'gets' what I'm trying to convince him of; that he doesn't listen; etc. - a million, zillion 'judgment' statements. Those don't even enter my mind anymore. I have evolved. I want my time on this earth to be about doing all I can to be happy and productive and full of kindness. To rain harmony and good thoughts wherever I am. And it was working. I felt great - rough morning, yes. But it's all fine and it all worked out OK.
Notice I said 'was working'.
Because as soon as J. got home from picking up the rental car, he had to rush our dog to the vet - and we will be putting her to sleep tomorrow. Dani's back problem of a few months ago turned into a back crisis in less than 12 hours. She was OK at 10AM this morning - though I did notice that she was moving a bit 'strangely' - seemed stiff. But by the time J. and B. got back from picking up the rental car, she was unable to walk. Refused to put weight on her back legs. And was clearly in pain.
Diagnosis: ruptured disk. Treatment: aggressive surgery done within 24 hours (they wanted J. to take her tonight to Dublin) and months of physical therapy. And thousands of dollars. And even with all that, her quality of life is compromised forever. She will have pain daily. As she has had off and on these past weeks. She wasn't moving because she's paralyzed - and there's no certainly that is 'fixable'.
So we have decided to put her to sleep - it is the humane thing to do. But it still feels horrible. Really horrible.
I miss her already. She is the sweetest, kindest, most loving dog on the planet. And tonight is her last night here with us - and I'm not even there. I'm in a hotel room blogging about it. And crying my eyes out.
I am so glad J. is home. And I am thankful God let the really hard stuff happen when J. was home instead of when he wasn't. It doesn't make the stuff any easier, and yet it does. J. is my rock.
Goodbye, Dani dog. We love you, sweetheart. With all our hearts. You go play and run and enjoy doggie heaven. Your eyes will be all better and you'll be able to see and run and jump and EVERYTHING....all the time. And we'll see you again someday. Love you, sweets.
Monday, October 22, 2007
13
I left the house just before 6AM - arrived at my office a bit after 6:15, post my trip to Starbucks for my two venti iced teas. And I pulled back into the driveway at 7 - PM. Thirteen hours. And except for the 20 minute 'break' I took around noon to come home and check on the dogs - which I did because I took them out so quickly this morning and put them back in their kennel so quickly, I felt guilty - I worked non stop. I ended the day with an almost four hour meeting at our county office of ed going over a report I am working on to report 6 years worth of information regarding a specific grant. And discovered that I was in fact right - it is/was/will be a confusing mess that will take hours more to unravel. I had convinced myself there was something I just wasn't understanding. When in fact, I understand it perfectly - it's just a disaster to unravel. Barely scratched the surface in four hours of going through multiple years of history. I'm grateful to the county person who devoted so much time to helping me understand the info and confirmed what I suspected - I am getting it, but it IS a mess. Many more hours still to go.
The boys are on their best behavior and I'm so glad. My only 'complaint' this evening was arriving home late, and after a couple calls to remind everyone what's for dinner, I'm STILL met with the 'when are we eating' comment - the minute I walk in the door. I actually assumed they had already eaten - so I pulled out a chicken burger - thinking I'd just microwave it for something quick. And B. walks in and said 'I thought we were having pasta?'. I said 'first, it's almost 7 and I would have thought you would have already eaten. Second, since you haven't, why couldn't you cook the pasta so it would be ready for me, since I am also starving.' He apologized and 'cooked' the meal (microwaved). And brought me a plate, just like his dad does. I said 'that's why I was careful to have things on hand for you to fix - I will be working late several nights this week and I wanted to be sure you would have dinner's to cook. So please cook them'. He said 'yes, Momma' - that's what he calls me when he's trying to 'sweet talk' me - Momma - mis-spelled intentionally with the 'o' and double 'm' 'cuz that's how he pronounces it - heavy on the m..a...h with more of an 'o' sound and a drawn out 'm' sound. Something he never called me as a baby or a boy - but now, in all his almost 17 years of being a son, it's 'momma'. It's sweet - and he says it really 'cutely' with a specific 'twang' to it. It's his thing - and it's just between the two of us. He even calls me that in front of his friends - on the phone, he'll say 'Hi, Momma'.
Other than that one snafu, they've been perfect angels. Apparently sensing my patience is thin and exhaustion is rampant. So they cooperate and do what they need to do with a minimum of fuss. I miss J. but these 'blissful' examples of how they truly CAN live in harmony with us and with each other are a pleasant diversion from the usual day to day crud that ensues between two teens and their parents.
I have been thinking about Bug all day, hoping they're having a great time. I'm a bit surprised to not hear from her (I texted her on our way home) and then I think 'that's silly, she's on her HONEYMOON - she's a bit busy. (wink, wink)'. But I miss her and can't wait to hear how their trip is going. And I'm thinking about her because the great thing about her wedding is: I'll get to know how it all turns out. With so many weddings, you go, you wish them well and then you have no idea what happens next. J. will tell you that I define 'good' movies based on knowing how it all turns out. Sleepless in Seattle, You've Got Mail, American President - you know those end with the two madly in love people getting married and having babies. So with N. and M., I'll get to know how it all turns out. She will be in my life forever. FOREVER. We've already weathered one of us leaving our job (me) and we still talk all the time, email often, etc. and I know we will still do that, no matter where we work. So I'll know how it all turns out - and I can't wait for that. It makes the wedding that much sweeter - I'll get to see the next part. And the part after that. Etc.
OK - it's time to load the dishwasher, get a load of laundry going, feed the cats and bird, and get ready for bed. While I'm tired. So that I will hopefully sleep.
I was just outside with the dogs and the teeniest, tiniest firefly I've ever seen was hovering just by my head. I could even touch it (and did), it was so close. I wondered why it was being so brave and allowing me so close - and I think it's 'someone' who wants to say 'hi'. Maybe my mom...or my dad. The moon is huge and bright tonight - as it was last night. I thought H. had left the porch light on - but it was just the moon.
Night for now.
The boys are on their best behavior and I'm so glad. My only 'complaint' this evening was arriving home late, and after a couple calls to remind everyone what's for dinner, I'm STILL met with the 'when are we eating' comment - the minute I walk in the door. I actually assumed they had already eaten - so I pulled out a chicken burger - thinking I'd just microwave it for something quick. And B. walks in and said 'I thought we were having pasta?'. I said 'first, it's almost 7 and I would have thought you would have already eaten. Second, since you haven't, why couldn't you cook the pasta so it would be ready for me, since I am also starving.' He apologized and 'cooked' the meal (microwaved). And brought me a plate, just like his dad does. I said 'that's why I was careful to have things on hand for you to fix - I will be working late several nights this week and I wanted to be sure you would have dinner's to cook. So please cook them'. He said 'yes, Momma' - that's what he calls me when he's trying to 'sweet talk' me - Momma - mis-spelled intentionally with the 'o' and double 'm' 'cuz that's how he pronounces it - heavy on the m..a...h with more of an 'o' sound and a drawn out 'm' sound. Something he never called me as a baby or a boy - but now, in all his almost 17 years of being a son, it's 'momma'. It's sweet - and he says it really 'cutely' with a specific 'twang' to it. It's his thing - and it's just between the two of us. He even calls me that in front of his friends - on the phone, he'll say 'Hi, Momma'.
Other than that one snafu, they've been perfect angels. Apparently sensing my patience is thin and exhaustion is rampant. So they cooperate and do what they need to do with a minimum of fuss. I miss J. but these 'blissful' examples of how they truly CAN live in harmony with us and with each other are a pleasant diversion from the usual day to day crud that ensues between two teens and their parents.
I have been thinking about Bug all day, hoping they're having a great time. I'm a bit surprised to not hear from her (I texted her on our way home) and then I think 'that's silly, she's on her HONEYMOON - she's a bit busy. (wink, wink)'. But I miss her and can't wait to hear how their trip is going. And I'm thinking about her because the great thing about her wedding is: I'll get to know how it all turns out. With so many weddings, you go, you wish them well and then you have no idea what happens next. J. will tell you that I define 'good' movies based on knowing how it all turns out. Sleepless in Seattle, You've Got Mail, American President - you know those end with the two madly in love people getting married and having babies. So with N. and M., I'll get to know how it all turns out. She will be in my life forever. FOREVER. We've already weathered one of us leaving our job (me) and we still talk all the time, email often, etc. and I know we will still do that, no matter where we work. So I'll know how it all turns out - and I can't wait for that. It makes the wedding that much sweeter - I'll get to see the next part. And the part after that. Etc.
OK - it's time to load the dishwasher, get a load of laundry going, feed the cats and bird, and get ready for bed. While I'm tired. So that I will hopefully sleep.
I was just outside with the dogs and the teeniest, tiniest firefly I've ever seen was hovering just by my head. I could even touch it (and did), it was so close. I wondered why it was being so brave and allowing me so close - and I think it's 'someone' who wants to say 'hi'. Maybe my mom...or my dad. The moon is huge and bright tonight - as it was last night. I thought H. had left the porch light on - but it was just the moon.
Night for now.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Pensive
J. is traveling - he's in Colorado for a big meeting, which includes a presentation he's making. He left this morning and will be home late Tuesday evening. He emailed me to let me know his flight out of Oakland was delayed - no surprise since he'd watched the forecast and knew there were blizzards in Denver.
I am always 'on edge' when he's not home - waiting for something to go wrong. Appliances break, leaks happen - it's always something and it's historically been when he's gone. So I wait. I watch the water stain on the ceiling of the dining room like a hawk - searching for any sign that the repair we had done on Friday didn't fix it. Every appliance is scrutinized - every sound analyzed to see if anything sounds 'abnormal'.
The kids are seemingly on their best behavior - J. has obviously reminded them to help me, and they are taking it to heart. They respond to requests immediately with no guff. They do, for the most part, what they are asked to do and I am grateful. I have a really incredibly hectic week ahead - auditors, negotiations, an overnight conference on Weds. & Thurs. - it will be jam packed and I feel tired just thinking about it. The fridge is stocked with quick things to fix for dinner and plenty of snacks. I have made after school chore lists for the minimum day the boys have tomorrow.
I made dinner and baked two loaves of pumpkin bread. I've done a couple loads of laundry, washed two loads of dishes, tidied up the kitchen and played with the dogs. Tried to nap while the kids were out - H. went to a friends house and B. played golf - but wasn't really tired enough to sleep, I guess. I need to make coffee and set the timer on the pot to be really early, so it will be waiting for me when I get up in the morning.
I am heading upstairs shortly to remind the boys to set their alarms. I plan to be at work before the sun comes up, to get a jump start on tasks before the auditors arrive. It's going to be a long week. But I know it will be OK. It will all get done - eventually.
Miss you, J. Miss you being on your computer just behind me, tapping away and laughing at whatever you're reading or watching. Miss your help with the kids and the dogs and the house. Hurry home. Stay warm.
I am always 'on edge' when he's not home - waiting for something to go wrong. Appliances break, leaks happen - it's always something and it's historically been when he's gone. So I wait. I watch the water stain on the ceiling of the dining room like a hawk - searching for any sign that the repair we had done on Friday didn't fix it. Every appliance is scrutinized - every sound analyzed to see if anything sounds 'abnormal'.
The kids are seemingly on their best behavior - J. has obviously reminded them to help me, and they are taking it to heart. They respond to requests immediately with no guff. They do, for the most part, what they are asked to do and I am grateful. I have a really incredibly hectic week ahead - auditors, negotiations, an overnight conference on Weds. & Thurs. - it will be jam packed and I feel tired just thinking about it. The fridge is stocked with quick things to fix for dinner and plenty of snacks. I have made after school chore lists for the minimum day the boys have tomorrow.
I made dinner and baked two loaves of pumpkin bread. I've done a couple loads of laundry, washed two loads of dishes, tidied up the kitchen and played with the dogs. Tried to nap while the kids were out - H. went to a friends house and B. played golf - but wasn't really tired enough to sleep, I guess. I need to make coffee and set the timer on the pot to be really early, so it will be waiting for me when I get up in the morning.
I am heading upstairs shortly to remind the boys to set their alarms. I plan to be at work before the sun comes up, to get a jump start on tasks before the auditors arrive. It's going to be a long week. But I know it will be OK. It will all get done - eventually.
Miss you, J. Miss you being on your computer just behind me, tapping away and laughing at whatever you're reading or watching. Miss your help with the kids and the dogs and the house. Hurry home. Stay warm.
Wedding
The Bug is married!!! On October 20, 2007, at 4PM, the big event took place. She was absolutely beautiful - and the ceremony and reception were perfection. I was honored to be invited behind the scenes to see her before the ceremony - and of course, tissues were required. She was just stunning and the dress was so incredibly beautiful. So much better than the pictures - so many details the pictures didn't show. It was beautiful.
And we almost missed the entire event. See, for some reason, I got '5PM' in my head. So I awoke from a nap at 2:30, headed downstairs to get the curlers heating up. Decided I'd better get out the invitation to confirm the address so we could Map Quest it - and was shocked to realize the ceremony was at FOUR PM. So I hurriedly put on my outfit, got the curlers in my hair, tossed hairspray, barrettes, makeup, etc. in a bag and we hurried out the door around 3. Still got there by 3:40 and got to see her in her gown, then headed outside to the ceremony. It was a beautiful, crystal clear October day - and the ceremony was lovely. There wasn't a dry eye in the house. And as she walked back down the aisle, my former boss handed me his 'EASY' button (a gift from me a long time ago) and I pushed it just as she walked by - a 'that was easy' was barely audible but SHE got the joke and cracked up! It was terrific. We (me and former boss B.) took her the button at the head table later during the reception and 'gifted' it to her. So she'll have it forever.
The reception was great - terrific food, great friends and fun, and delicious, DELICIOUS cake. J. said it was the BEST carrot cake he'd ever had - it was just 'full' of nuts, raisins, carrots, etc. - a really rich, satisfying cake. I had poppy seed - TWO slices. It was delicious.
We headed home around 9ish. H. had been home alone for dinner - he ordered pizza (big surprise). B. was in Santa Cruz at a band review and got home shortly after we did.
It was great to see my old college friends. We had a lot of fun. And as I was sitting there at the reception, watching my former boss on the dance floor 'living it up', with friends and J. around me, I thought 'this is what life is supposed to be like - family, friends, happy, fun times. Joy and love and happiness all around. THIS is what life is supposed to be like'. And the feeling of blessings and love and joy were everywhere and it felt great to BE there and be AWARE of those feelings. Deep in my soul. It was great.
Bug and her hubby are heading for Disneyland for a week. She will return to work on Halloween and I can't wait to hear all about the trip. And see all the pictures. It was a fantastic day and I'm so very happy for them both. They have been together for over 6 years and have stayed together through 4 years apart - while he attended the Citadel and she attended St. Mary's. They have weathered more than most couples and are still just madly in love - it showed. Whenever the crowd wanted them to kiss, the requirement was the table had to sing a song with the word 'love' in it somewhere. It was fun! And she and her hubby obliged - not with just little 'pecks' but REAL kisses. The kind where you think they need to get a room - or come up for air at some point. They are so in love. It is so sweet to see them together.
To Mr. and Mrs. L. - congratulations, much happiness and may you never forget the joy of that special day. It will see you through many hard times to come - just hold onto those feelings of love, joy and happiness. The best is yet to be - and your life is going to be full of blessings, I am sure of that.
And thank you both for honoring us by including us in your special day. I am glad I was there for the beginning of a lifetime together and I can't wait to share your journey with you through the years. Babies, soon, but no hurry, 'kay?
And we almost missed the entire event. See, for some reason, I got '5PM' in my head. So I awoke from a nap at 2:30, headed downstairs to get the curlers heating up. Decided I'd better get out the invitation to confirm the address so we could Map Quest it - and was shocked to realize the ceremony was at FOUR PM. So I hurriedly put on my outfit, got the curlers in my hair, tossed hairspray, barrettes, makeup, etc. in a bag and we hurried out the door around 3. Still got there by 3:40 and got to see her in her gown, then headed outside to the ceremony. It was a beautiful, crystal clear October day - and the ceremony was lovely. There wasn't a dry eye in the house. And as she walked back down the aisle, my former boss handed me his 'EASY' button (a gift from me a long time ago) and I pushed it just as she walked by - a 'that was easy' was barely audible but SHE got the joke and cracked up! It was terrific. We (me and former boss B.) took her the button at the head table later during the reception and 'gifted' it to her. So she'll have it forever.
The reception was great - terrific food, great friends and fun, and delicious, DELICIOUS cake. J. said it was the BEST carrot cake he'd ever had - it was just 'full' of nuts, raisins, carrots, etc. - a really rich, satisfying cake. I had poppy seed - TWO slices. It was delicious.
We headed home around 9ish. H. had been home alone for dinner - he ordered pizza (big surprise). B. was in Santa Cruz at a band review and got home shortly after we did.
It was great to see my old college friends. We had a lot of fun. And as I was sitting there at the reception, watching my former boss on the dance floor 'living it up', with friends and J. around me, I thought 'this is what life is supposed to be like - family, friends, happy, fun times. Joy and love and happiness all around. THIS is what life is supposed to be like'. And the feeling of blessings and love and joy were everywhere and it felt great to BE there and be AWARE of those feelings. Deep in my soul. It was great.
Bug and her hubby are heading for Disneyland for a week. She will return to work on Halloween and I can't wait to hear all about the trip. And see all the pictures. It was a fantastic day and I'm so very happy for them both. They have been together for over 6 years and have stayed together through 4 years apart - while he attended the Citadel and she attended St. Mary's. They have weathered more than most couples and are still just madly in love - it showed. Whenever the crowd wanted them to kiss, the requirement was the table had to sing a song with the word 'love' in it somewhere. It was fun! And she and her hubby obliged - not with just little 'pecks' but REAL kisses. The kind where you think they need to get a room - or come up for air at some point. They are so in love. It is so sweet to see them together.
To Mr. and Mrs. L. - congratulations, much happiness and may you never forget the joy of that special day. It will see you through many hard times to come - just hold onto those feelings of love, joy and happiness. The best is yet to be - and your life is going to be full of blessings, I am sure of that.
And thank you both for honoring us by including us in your special day. I am glad I was there for the beginning of a lifetime together and I can't wait to share your journey with you through the years. Babies, soon, but no hurry, 'kay?
Monday, October 15, 2007
Dyson
Recent experiences have confirmed this fact: ants - gillions and gillions of ants - if sucked up into a Dyson turbo suction canister, do, in fact, die.
Environmentally friendly? Yes. Fast and easy? No, in some ways, though spraying droves of ants with insecticide and then cleaning up the dead bodies is probably an even more time consuming task then vacuuming every surface where ants are marching.
I am ready to tent the house. Seriously. I am convinced they are nesting in every nook and cranny of our house that's not visible due to drywall. They must be. They are coming in through spaces between walls, cabinets, baseboard - yet there's no sign of them outside. NONE. Nada. Zip.
It is making us crazy. Yesterday, there were THOUSANDS of them making their way through the study, all around the room, across the floor, everywhere. Killed them, with the vacuum. Tonight, I arrived home to H. informing me 'hey, there's a gillion ants all over your computer'. Yep. ON THIS COMPUTER. And the desk, the wall, the floor, the counter top - everywhere. Again, point of entry hard to determine but it appears to be from UNDER the house, under this room specifically, up through a crack in the baseboard and into the dwelling where we are living.
It is freaking me out. I feel buggy. I feel them all over me, though they're not.
Oh, and we also have a leaky shower which has soaked through to the dining room ceiling resulting in water stains above our dining room table. Where we are anticipating a Thanksgiving dinner taking place in 5 weeks. With a ceiling that will likely be torn out. The only 'good' thing about this is: if they end up having to destroy the shower to find the leak, then we're getting one of those 'multi spout', thermostat controlled showers on the Kohler commercial. Which I will basically live in. Oh to dream.
Environmentally friendly? Yes. Fast and easy? No, in some ways, though spraying droves of ants with insecticide and then cleaning up the dead bodies is probably an even more time consuming task then vacuuming every surface where ants are marching.
I am ready to tent the house. Seriously. I am convinced they are nesting in every nook and cranny of our house that's not visible due to drywall. They must be. They are coming in through spaces between walls, cabinets, baseboard - yet there's no sign of them outside. NONE. Nada. Zip.
It is making us crazy. Yesterday, there were THOUSANDS of them making their way through the study, all around the room, across the floor, everywhere. Killed them, with the vacuum. Tonight, I arrived home to H. informing me 'hey, there's a gillion ants all over your computer'. Yep. ON THIS COMPUTER. And the desk, the wall, the floor, the counter top - everywhere. Again, point of entry hard to determine but it appears to be from UNDER the house, under this room specifically, up through a crack in the baseboard and into the dwelling where we are living.
It is freaking me out. I feel buggy. I feel them all over me, though they're not.
Oh, and we also have a leaky shower which has soaked through to the dining room ceiling resulting in water stains above our dining room table. Where we are anticipating a Thanksgiving dinner taking place in 5 weeks. With a ceiling that will likely be torn out. The only 'good' thing about this is: if they end up having to destroy the shower to find the leak, then we're getting one of those 'multi spout', thermostat controlled showers on the Kohler commercial. Which I will basically live in. Oh to dream.
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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)...
