Random Labor Day thoughts

It was wonderful to sleep in for one last time (okay, also for the first time in a long time) before the school schedule starts. After the 7 am bathroom trip, I went back to sleep!

The automation of the St. Rita school library is almost done. I still have not touched a barcode label, but have made several cataloging decisions, looked up lots of computer records, done problem solving (including several hours this morning with audio books), and learned what resourceful, creative, intelligent children I have.

In the name of Geocaching we discovered another cool place to walk, practically in our own backyard. We went to the Irondequoit Bay Park East this afternoon and walked along the shore of Irondequoit Bay. I discovered a fun spot that looked like someone was playing Gilligan's Island. And got up close to some geese, ducks and herons that were playing just off shore. But due to Lars' inability to correctly give us GPS info we found no cache. I suspect we were close, but 40 yards in thick woodland is just not close enough.

And now I get to have baked beans for dinner that have been in the crock pot all day. I'm even willing to put up with the inevitable after-effects (in me and the rest of the family) because they taste so yummy! Maybe I'll serve Beano first.

While I'm adjusting to the testosterone overload around here, the carnivore dinners are getting overwhelming. Maybe I'll have to sneak in some more cheese based meals.

And final thought of the day...My new chauffeur actually shows some promise of getting his license sometime this year. Thank heavens.

Backyard Bird Sanctuary

It started when I noticed a large proliferation of sparrows on the side of the driveway when we pulled in this morning. I can't figure out what might be drawing them here except perhaps that the pine trees are dropping seeds right now? Anyway I can still hear them out there twittering. But that's not all. In the last hour there have also been a foursome of bluejays, a pair of cardinals, a flicker, the usual crows, and perhaps a goldfinch (not seen clearly) frolicking and chasing each other around the yard. I thought the jays were the nasty ones, but apparently our resident cardinals chased them away. (Or perhaps they saw the camera come out and became shy.) Its been quite a show. So maybe we don't have to leave home to enjoy nature. Sure saves on gas.

Back to school, continued...

We took the long route, finishing up some summer fun things, but the deed is done and Elizabeth is back at school.

We went to the NY State Fair on Thursday. Its been a long time since we all went together. We did all the usual, traditional for us, stuff; pints of ice cream for lunch, oohing and aahing over the crafts and art work (including the inevitable talk of what we should have entered), seeing the food demo, the sand sculpture (we went the first day, so not much was done yet), and looking at the animals (cute baby llamas too). We ended by going to the concert in the Grandstand. It was fun taking the kids to the first major outdoor concert they've ever attended. We saw Joy Williams, Jars of Clay, and Steven Curtis Chapman. It was pretty awesome (and loud too), especially sitting just a few rows back.

On Friday we went to Dorney Park in Allentown. A sister park of Cedar Point, but not quite as large. They do have an awesome hanging coaster called Talon, which is where we started and ended the day (well, except for the carousel). We managed not to get rained on, or sunburned, but enjoyed an afternoon and evening of rides. Maybe enough to last til next summer?

On Saturday we hung out in Reading, doing a little shopping at the Outlet stores and some geocaching. We found 4 out of 5 caches we looked for (again without getting rained on too much).

Sunday was move-in day at Albright. We spent 45 minutes arranging and rearranging to get the maximum space despite minimum room and lots of furniture. I thought we came up with a pretty good plan (and I think E was happy with it too; Sarah...who knows?). I wish I could say it did not rain, but it did. We just unpacked between the pouring sessions and the light mist wasn't too bad. At least it wasn't 100 degrees, and there was A/C on in the room to fight the humidity, so that was good. And then we said goodbye. No tears, just a big hug and we were on our way. I guess it helps a lot that I knew she wanted to be there, and that she would be in touch when she needs to be.

Back to school, Part 1

So we are leaving in the morning to take Elizabeth back to Albright for her sophomore year. Who knew I'd feel so maudlin about it? I mean she was gone all of the last school year and I lived. (Albeit rather preoccupied with blogging and IM with her). I guess I was just enjoying her company so much that when the thought of her leaving hit me this morning, tears came with it.
:,(

The nighttime hip pain miracle cure

One of the most annoying parts of my life in the last few years has been the problem of waking up with pain in my hips; the part of my body most in contact with the mattress, and therefore supporting all my weight. This is a pain that has at times driven me from bed, unable to lie down on either side any longer (I can always sleep longer). I discovered last year that if I put my small foam lumbar cushion under my supporting hip I could often head off the pain (but of course that only works while it stays in place...which is surprisingly long. I think that I don't move around much because I'm more comatose than sleeping...but that's another story.) So, anyway, the point of this is that on a whim, while walking through Target last week, I decided to buy a mattress sized "magic" foam pad. I bought a twin since Steve did not seem interested in sleeping on one (yet), and besides for $18 bucks you are not going to get California King size. And then I folded it in half and put it where my body lies on the mattress (I already had magic foam pillows for head and neck). The incredible thing is that it really works. I haven't been wakened by hip pain all week. Even my sciatica seems better (but that comes and goes on its own whims anyway). So now, the next step will be to start looking at the "real" mattress pads or even the beds "designed by NASA", and of course, "selling it" to my husband. I think despite my cheapskate ways I have convinced myself that it will help me feel better. All I ever want is some restful sleep, is that too much to ask?

A work of Art?

I spent most of the weekend doing a long overdue cleaning project in Joshua's room. I have Elizabeth to thank for being my support and inspiration...because I could never do it alone. And unfortunately Josh just gets too distracted by "stuff" to see the bigger picture. There is way too much stuff in there anyway, some of it being remnants of hand me downs like all the Matchbox cars, Legos, stuffed animals, and little kid books from the older sibs. Not to mention outgrown clothes and shoes. But it is, at least mostly, accomplished. The reward comes in doing a project I proposed to Josh several years (?) ago ...turning one wall of his room into a collage. One wall is leftover paneling from a previous owner. And quite frankly, I've been afraid to remove it. So instead, and I love this, I am covering it with magazine pictures Mod-Podged on the wall. It is a lot of fun cutting out the pictures (finally a use for all the old National Geographics), and even adhering them. (So much that I might have to find another project too). And Josh thinks it is art worthy of a museum. That in itself is also a reward.

Well, okay so I'm not keeping up

As usual I have been lost in time and space, doing my own thing, which apparently does not include blogging. Perhaps its because I am zombie-like tired, although I can't think of what has changed to make me even more tired than usual. In fact I have been too tired to even read. I brought home an Express Book last Friday...and am still reading it. Not that its boring, but I just keep falling asleep.

If I were going to find something to blog about I guess I would lament the passing of my PC's hard drive at work. For although I have no data on it (all that is safe--I hope--on the server), it had my "stuff" on it: desktop backgrounds, Netscape (and favorites), all my passwords, my Outlook calendar reminders all set up....etc. I'm trying to look at it as a fresh start, but I'm mentally anguished by starting over. I guess its the same nagging fear I have about all fresh starts. BTW, that reminds me, I wonder if Miss A. really would fire Jason so she could hire me? ;)

Since my last blog entry I have....

Been busy with:
Doing crafts with young children at VBS
Working VERY busy ref desk at work
Trying to clean house (trying is the operative word here)
Buying air conditioners--and trying to keep cool (here too)
Going to the airport
Reading Harry Potter
Going to Renaissance Faire
Grocery shopping (much needed)
Visiting Niagara Falls
Finally getting back to the pool and my Aqua Basics class (after 3 weeks without it)

Missed doing:
Getting enough sleep
Reading the newspaper--or listening to news
Computer games and email stuff
Blogging regularly

*Sigh* Where to begin?

Ten days on the road, and home again to a week of LONG days with VBS mornings, and work (lots of busy ref hours) afternoons or eves ( of course with more VBS prep squeezed in.) Every year we go on vacation the week before I need to do crafts with 150 or more kids. I know its crazy but I just can't quit (yet). I guess I'm not quite out of ideas.
Our trip started with a great day at Cedar Point. The weather had cooled enough to be tolerable, especially with the nice lake breeze, (and the breeze of riding a coaster at 70 miles an hour). And my horrible fear of crowds was unfounded. There was (by CP standards) no one there. We walked on to virtually every ride. And even the newest rides had merely a 20 minute wait (compared to 2 hours on a crowded day). Which meant we could easily ride Top Thrill Dragster more than once, ride every coaster in the park-- except the one they had closed :( -- and, best of all, we went back to the hotel for an afternoon nap and still got to do all this. So despite my original reluctance to go, this was definitely worth the effort!
Trip log to be continued...but the rest of today beckons...

Never enough time and yet here I am blogging

Why, oh why do I get myself all worked up over time issues? It'll get done, but I just need to get going...

Off to Cedar Point, Toledo, Ft. Wayne and wherever. See you back here in a week or so. Maybe.

Questions...We have questions

Did you ever get the feeling that your life was not real? That no one knows the real you? That if they did you would be friendless? Who is that person I see in the mirror (when I dare to look)? And do I really want to know?

Thoughts from going to the Drive-in movies last night

Well, I learned a few things yesterday by way of going to the movies. First, I should never say aloud anything I would like to do unless it is something I really am going to do, and I have talked to the hubby and secured clearance; otherwise it could be misconstrued as a promise. Second, I should never complain aloud about anything; also too easily misconstrued as criticism, or a statement of my own laziness. Third, 4 hours is a long time to sit in the car, especially without chocolate. (But the effects can be mitigated by other snacks...maybe). Pillows are good, but don't wear a big fat clip in the hair. And try not to park in back of a big monster SUV, even though they park the trucks and vans behind the cars...its not the same thing. (Luckily those people left after the first movie). A nap before leaving for the movies is a good idea. I thought about caffeine but didn't want to miss the movie while hiking over to the rest rooms. But the whole experience can be fun. And certainly it helps when the movies are good too. Really it was my best reason to go see "Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy" which blew in and out of the regular theaters too fast for me. I liked the movie, especially the very funny theme song "So long and thanks for all the fish". They also had a weapon I don't remember from the book, but which was fabulous; The point-of-view gun. Whoever you shot with it immediately could see your point of view on things. Couldn't we all use one of these sometimes? The opening movie was the improbable "Herbie Fully Loaded", which was not as bad as one could imagine. It was cute and you could hate the bad guys , and enjoy the great 80's music soundtrack. (Somebody obviously knew that you had to have something for parents to connect with so the film would be fun. Actually, now that I think about it a lot of today's parents probably grew up with Love Bug movies too. Okay I guess there is still an audience for it.)
Well, all in all it was fun. So maybe, possibly, if there are any more movies this summer that I sort of want to see, we might, perhaps, do it again. But no promises.

Deep thoughts from a real genius

Any intelligent fool can make things bigger and more complex... It takes a touch of genius --- and a lot of courage to move in the opposite direction.

There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as if everything is.

It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.

When you are courting a nice girl an hour seems like a second. When you sit on a red-hot cinder a second seems like an hour. That’s relativity.



A collection of quotes from --Albert Einstein

Into the fire?

I spent much of the weekend trying to figure what crafts I actually want to do with 170 little kids at VBS. I am still not 100% sure, but sure enough to place a $300 order from Oriental Trading. I love to look at all their stuff, and this is the only time of the year I usually justify doing it. (And I had to order now so I can get the stuff and sort it out before I leave on vacation). We are doing a safari theme, so I looked at all the animal stuff and its soooo cute. But I'm trying to be realistic about the skills and (limited time) of my victims...er students. I've asked members of my church to save toilet paper tubes for one goofy craft, and you can't get any lower than that, so its all uphill from here. (Is that what I really meant?) And then there are the thousands of beads...Oh shoot, I may just end up ordering again anyway. Just for fun.

Out of the frying pan...

Whew! The school year is over and I'm all done with volunteer stuff at school. Not. Actually I have agreed, with my kids, to help do the automation of St.Rita's school library. Its actually been kind of fun so far, and makes me feel great because I've invested a lot of time in the library over the years. Its good to see this finally come to pass. Its also an ego boost because I really know enough about cataloging, and how it has been done in this library, to be able to offer an expert opinion.

On top of that project, I also have agreed to do Vacation Bible School crafts once again. This year there are about 170 kids signed up. I am always excited at this point deciding what things we will make and doing the shopping for craft stuff. (Our favorite place is the Recycle Shop!) I am privileged this year to once again have my kids working with me, and offering their expert opinions. I think Matthew is an invaluable sidekick to have, because he never lets his emotions get in the way...the ideas are just very sensible, and he never has to stop and blab like I do, so he's quite efficient. Elizabeth actually teaches the little kids in her classroom during VBS and seems to know what they will really like. And she's invaluable as my "boring meter". I have high standards to meet. And for the second year I will have Josh to help too. He might not always be a great idea guy, but he'll help with the getting ready part (I can count on him to get his hands dirty). Hopefully I'll be all calm and ready two weeks from now so I can go on vacation and relax...but VBS is the week we get back, so we'll just wait and see.

Help! I'm suffering from introspection again

Things have conspired lately to make me look at my life and where I'm headed (or not): a friend's pregnancy, the Library Assistants conference, reading "The Mermaid Chair", the untimely death of a friend's brother, and even the "Little Burgundy Book" readings on Stewardship. Unfortunately, no matter how I look at things, I never quite measure up to anything. The fact that I feel like I'm drifting with no clear direction is one thing, but there's also the fact that I've no idea which direction I want to go. And is it this fact that depresses me? Or is it that I'm depressed that causes this lack of direction? And would I really be happier if I just stopped thinking about it? Or do I need to do something, take a step, in order to feel better? Or am I just afraid of the answers? Or maybe I should just quit thinking its all about me and just be there to support other people? Perhaps this is why I just keep playing Snood instead...

Dwarves Walt never knew

Flaky, Sloppy, Creepy, Sexy, Pensive, Loony, Saintly, Nerdboy, Sticky, Dancer, Vixen, Baby, Randy, Arty, Greedy, Leaky, Cheeky, Droopy, Froggy, Flipper, Seabiscuit, Nosy, Lazy, Stretch, Chilly (and his brothers Chili and Chile). I'm sure there were others as well!

Its too hot to blog

Okay, so I tried to figure out why I have not blogged in over a week, and all I can say is that its just too wickedly hot. I don't deal well with heat (or extreme cold either, but right now I'd even take that). I just feel totally wiped out, no brain function, no body function....I'm melting, melting.....The heat just makes me crabby and nauseous and very lethargic. So there.

Yahoo - my kids are baking!

There's a bake sale at the Fiesta this weekend. But now I don't have to bake because somebody else wants to! Hurray! (But I might help frost cookies...or even eat some.)

Approaching the "lasts"

Today marked the last school Mass any of my kids would have at St. Rita. And the "Moving Up" ceremony was touching. We were also invited to a brunch for parents whose youngest child was graduating from the school. When realizing that we have had a child at St. Rita for 17 years...It is another of those unreal moments. Where does the time go? Sister asked us if we would consider adopting a five-year old...But of course she knew better. (I can't imagine I would have the patience to do that again!) The next weekor so will bring more of the "last times" but no doubt we will move on to bigger and better things. No point in living in the past. After all, come September (and hopefully sooner for some other family members) we will have plenty more "firsts" to celebrate too.