Atlanta was having some lovely weather while I was there. In the mid to high sixties and some sunshine. Thursday I spent cooking our Thanksgiving dinner.
Sandy bought a 12 lb turkey for us and we fixed cream cheese mashed potatoes, gravy (which was wonderful if I may say so myself), dressing, green bean casserole, pepper jelly spiked cranberries, mashed rutabaga and macaroni and cheese. By the time we sat down to dinner, we both had lost our appetites. We had been grazing all afternoon. We have an array of cheese and crackers and I had made double deviled eggs and we had other goodies too numerous to mention. We picked at our plates, put away all the food, washed the dishes and retired to the sofas to watch tv. We both promptly fell asleep.
We slept in on Friday and dropped in Best Buy and Sandy got several movies. When we got back home it was time for dinner. We reheated everything but the turkey and made open faced sandwiches with mashed potatoes, gravy and stuffing. It really tasted better the second day and we both ate heartily. We had some of the Dutch Apple pie the Sandy got at the World Market. It was also very good. We then watched "The DaVinci Code" which I thought was very good. I had read the book but forgot the majority of the plot. After that, we started to watch "Thank You For Smoking" but both started snoozing so we caved in and went to bed.
Saturday we slept in again, stayed in our pjs till after noon and watched "Thank You For Smoking" in full. It was hysterical. A very funny movie. After we cleaned up, we ate more turkey dinner leftovers before it was time for her to take me to the airport.
I have not said one word about Sandy's dog, Blue. She is the cutest dog. I think she has some Australian Sheep Herder in her. She's a big dog, 65 lbs at least. Sandy has done a good job of raising her because he minds, doesn't bark a lot and is great company for her. I find myself looking around for her. Yeah, right. Jake would have convulsions. LOL
I had one of the best times yet. Sandy is a wonderful hostess and her home is lovely. I came home wanting to dismantle my entire house and start over again. She has given me some ideas to perk up my place a little bit. I've been in here 15 years and it could stand a little redo, so I think that's going to be my quest for 2007. Fix up the place.
Thanksgiving time is always a time for reflection for me. I can get to feeling sorry for myself very quickly. But when I stop - look around - and see exactly how lucky I am, I thank God for being so good to me. He has given me a family, even though we are scattered, we are bound to each other. He has given me a family of friends to whom I am bound. Without them I could not exist. They are the glue that holds me together.
Once again, thank you dear God for the blessings you have given me. I ask once more...
God bless you all.
Sunday, November 26, 2006
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
I changed my mind....
I hope I'm not confusing you all, but I changed back to the old template. It was like reading somebody elses journal. I was used to the color and format, so back to the old way.
:o)
:o)
Happy Holiday
Today I'm away to Atlanta to be with Sandy, my niece. Turkey, DVDs and shopping - not bad for a mini-vacation.
I'll check in when I get back, but mostly I want to say how thankful I am for my friends and family. Without them, I'd be lost.
Happy Thanksgiving.
God bless you all.
I'll check in when I get back, but mostly I want to say how thankful I am for my friends and family. Without them, I'd be lost.
Happy Thanksgiving.
God bless you all.
Sunday, November 19, 2006
New Format
Dear readers,
I've chosen a new template and color scheme for this literary epic. I hope you like it.
I've chosen a new template and color scheme for this literary epic. I hope you like it.
I Better Write Something...
This past week was a blur. If I had to pick one thing to write about I don't believe I could. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday were THE busiest days I've ever spent on this job. It was just a matter of things coming at me from all directions. On Monday afternoon, my boss was told by the Executive group that there was a meeting on Tuesday and they would need a full presentation done by noon. The Powerpoint presention itself was only 5 pages and they were already created in another briefing. I only had to copy them and make some changes. The hard part was they were asking for 4 hours of figures in spreadsheets to be created in a 2 hour period of time. Of course I managed, but it was not my best work and there were many errors. I was completely embarrased by that, but both bosses said it was no problem, that we had done our best. It left me a nervous wreck and behind schedule in my week's work. By Friday at 3:00 I was caught up. I don't ever want to go through that again.
Gee, I did manage to find one thing to write about.
My dear friend Donna has a wonderful blog that I read daily. I look forward to reading about her life, her family, her farm and her animals. The pictures that she posts take me back to the few days I spent with her and her husband in April. I look at the pics and think "I remember that spot". It was one of the best vacations I have EVER taken. No pain, no stress - just pure enjoyment. At least for me.
In one of her recent posts she had a link to find out personality traits based on the month you were born. I have copied mine below because, bad points and all, I think it nailed me.
JANUARY
Stubborn and hard-hearted. Ambitious and serious. Loves to teach and be taught. Always looking at people's flaws and weaknesses. Likes to criticize. Hardworking and productive. Smart, neat and organized. Sensitive and has deep thoughts. Knows how to make others happy. Quiet unless excited or tensed. Rather reserved. Highly attentive. Resistant to illnesses but prone to colds. Romantic but has difficulties expressing love. Loves children. Loyal. Has great social abilities yet easily jealous. Very Stubborn and money cautious.
I'll try to post once before I head out of town for Thanksgiving, but if I don't I want to wish my dear readers the best wishes for Thanksgiving.
God bless you all.
Gee, I did manage to find one thing to write about.
My dear friend Donna has a wonderful blog that I read daily. I look forward to reading about her life, her family, her farm and her animals. The pictures that she posts take me back to the few days I spent with her and her husband in April. I look at the pics and think "I remember that spot". It was one of the best vacations I have EVER taken. No pain, no stress - just pure enjoyment. At least for me.
In one of her recent posts she had a link to find out personality traits based on the month you were born. I have copied mine below because, bad points and all, I think it nailed me.
JANUARY
Stubborn and hard-hearted. Ambitious and serious. Loves to teach and be taught. Always looking at people's flaws and weaknesses. Likes to criticize. Hardworking and productive. Smart, neat and organized. Sensitive and has deep thoughts. Knows how to make others happy. Quiet unless excited or tensed. Rather reserved. Highly attentive. Resistant to illnesses but prone to colds. Romantic but has difficulties expressing love. Loves children. Loyal. Has great social abilities yet easily jealous. Very Stubborn and money cautious.
I'll try to post once before I head out of town for Thanksgiving, but if I don't I want to wish my dear readers the best wishes for Thanksgiving.
God bless you all.
Saturday, November 11, 2006
Indian Summer Has Come and Gone
These past two days have been beautiful. The sun has been shining and the leaves are brilliant in their fall colors. But the chill is in the evening air and soon Fall will kick in, full force only to yield to Winter.
When I start to grumble about Winter, I remember how it was back in Milwaukee. Fall started the week after Labor Day. We wore sweaters to school and heavy jackets to the football games every Friday night. The Winters were long and hard because we were next to Lake Michigan. They lasted till past Easter. The year that my Dad and I left, 1965, it was Memorial Day weekend, 10:30 in the morning and it was 32 degrees. No, not a cold snap - it was warming up. It always seemed so much colder there. I guess it was the dampness from being near the lake. You got cold and just couldn't get away from it.
Virginia winters are chilly compared to Wisconsin standards. Not much snow and February doesn't last for 97 days.
Today I was in my Saturday morning chat room, Christian Living, and somebody asked me where my roots were. Of course I said the Mid-west but said I had grown to love the East. And it's true. I call Virginia my home because here is where my heart is. I've lived here longer than the entire time I spent in Wisconsin. I have a wonderful family of friends here and every one of them is very dear to me. When I get in my little 'lonely' snits I remember that I'm not an easy person to know and these people love me, warts and all.
It's been a decent two days. Didn't have to go to work yesterday. I just hung around the house, did a little work, played around on the computer a bit and rested a lot. This housework stuff is taking a lot of getting used to. I will try to keep up with it the best I can. When the cat hair gets ankle deep, I'll yell for help.
I hope tomorrow goes as well.
God bless you all.
When I start to grumble about Winter, I remember how it was back in Milwaukee. Fall started the week after Labor Day. We wore sweaters to school and heavy jackets to the football games every Friday night. The Winters were long and hard because we were next to Lake Michigan. They lasted till past Easter. The year that my Dad and I left, 1965, it was Memorial Day weekend, 10:30 in the morning and it was 32 degrees. No, not a cold snap - it was warming up. It always seemed so much colder there. I guess it was the dampness from being near the lake. You got cold and just couldn't get away from it.
Virginia winters are chilly compared to Wisconsin standards. Not much snow and February doesn't last for 97 days.
Today I was in my Saturday morning chat room, Christian Living, and somebody asked me where my roots were. Of course I said the Mid-west but said I had grown to love the East. And it's true. I call Virginia my home because here is where my heart is. I've lived here longer than the entire time I spent in Wisconsin. I have a wonderful family of friends here and every one of them is very dear to me. When I get in my little 'lonely' snits I remember that I'm not an easy person to know and these people love me, warts and all.
It's been a decent two days. Didn't have to go to work yesterday. I just hung around the house, did a little work, played around on the computer a bit and rested a lot. This housework stuff is taking a lot of getting used to. I will try to keep up with it the best I can. When the cat hair gets ankle deep, I'll yell for help.
I hope tomorrow goes as well.
God bless you all.
Sunday, November 05, 2006
A Fairly Decent Weekend.....
Yesterday I started out early, did 4 loads of laundry and started cleaning the house. I've decided to do the tough stuff first, like vacuuming the stairs. When my energy is high I can do it. Since I didn't finish the upstairs last week, that's where I started. I vacuumed, dusted and freshened the bathroom. I've been using Tilex daily shower cleaner and it really seems to be working. I'll spray the gunk off daily and give it a good scouring every two weeks.
I finished off the downstairs, vacuumed, dusted and Swiffered the kitchen floor. For the life of me, Rosy would not use the Swiffer mop. She would haul the vacuum cleaner into the kitchen and the dirt would go in the front and fly right out the back. Oh well, those days are gone now. Last week I mopped and put a fresh coat of wax on the kitchen floor, the foyer ceramic tile and the little half bath. I don't know how long it will last, but I want to keep it looking nice. I guess now that I'm doing the work, if I put things away and clean a little every day, it's easier all the way around.
OK enough about my housecleaning.
Today I went to church. First time in a long time and the floors didn't creak. Although my long time pew mate, Bob, did tell me with tongue in cheek he thought I had left the country. Alan was preaching and with a little more exposure I think I can get to like him. Samantha is something else however. I count the days till she is transferred. (Sorry Jesus, that's how I feel) I will most likely start going on alternate Sundays when he is preaching. When she does, I zone out and wind up doing my grocery list. All in all, I think I was fulfilled. :o)
I got a quick little note from my Lida in Russia. I had sent her a quick message telling her that the mission team was on the way and that her sponsor Linda would be looking forward to seeing her. She answered back "To Mama" and signed it "Your Daughter". That meant a lot to me. This is the child whose mother abandoned her when she was just 13 years old. She lived in an alley, in a refrigerator carton until the authorities found out and put her in Orphanage #1. She ran away several time because the alley was her home and her way of life and she was secure in her own care. It took quite awhile for her to relent, but she did. When the Americans arrived she would have nothing to do with us at all. She stood on the outskirts of the circles and glared. It took me nearly a week, but when I left she had accepted my cross as a token of our friendship. She wears it to this day. When I was there last year she gave me a plain gold band. She apologized that it wasn't 'nicer' but she used all of her money to get it. I could not, not accept it. I took it and told her I would wear it and I do. On my right hand with another little ring at the first knuckle. She is now graduated, living in an apartment with a friend and going to 'college'. I am very proud of her.
I have a meat loaf in the Nesco roaster and will make some veggies. I'm in phase 4 of the SparkPeople program. It's the maintenance end of it, and I intend to continue to log in every day. It helps me keep focused on what I'm eating when I have to write it down. When I binge, I can make it up the next day because I know how bad I went overboard.
I really don't like the time change. It gets dark too early and my mind-clock still wakes me up at what would be 4:30 and of course I have to lie in bed for that extra time. I have been doing a lot of praying in that time. Maybe the Lord is telling me something. :o)
Even though I didn't do anything entertaining, it was a fairly decent weekend.
God bless you all.
I finished off the downstairs, vacuumed, dusted and Swiffered the kitchen floor. For the life of me, Rosy would not use the Swiffer mop. She would haul the vacuum cleaner into the kitchen and the dirt would go in the front and fly right out the back. Oh well, those days are gone now. Last week I mopped and put a fresh coat of wax on the kitchen floor, the foyer ceramic tile and the little half bath. I don't know how long it will last, but I want to keep it looking nice. I guess now that I'm doing the work, if I put things away and clean a little every day, it's easier all the way around.
OK enough about my housecleaning.
Today I went to church. First time in a long time and the floors didn't creak. Although my long time pew mate, Bob, did tell me with tongue in cheek he thought I had left the country. Alan was preaching and with a little more exposure I think I can get to like him. Samantha is something else however. I count the days till she is transferred. (Sorry Jesus, that's how I feel) I will most likely start going on alternate Sundays when he is preaching. When she does, I zone out and wind up doing my grocery list. All in all, I think I was fulfilled. :o)
I got a quick little note from my Lida in Russia. I had sent her a quick message telling her that the mission team was on the way and that her sponsor Linda would be looking forward to seeing her. She answered back "To Mama" and signed it "Your Daughter". That meant a lot to me. This is the child whose mother abandoned her when she was just 13 years old. She lived in an alley, in a refrigerator carton until the authorities found out and put her in Orphanage #1. She ran away several time because the alley was her home and her way of life and she was secure in her own care. It took quite awhile for her to relent, but she did. When the Americans arrived she would have nothing to do with us at all. She stood on the outskirts of the circles and glared. It took me nearly a week, but when I left she had accepted my cross as a token of our friendship. She wears it to this day. When I was there last year she gave me a plain gold band. She apologized that it wasn't 'nicer' but she used all of her money to get it. I could not, not accept it. I took it and told her I would wear it and I do. On my right hand with another little ring at the first knuckle. She is now graduated, living in an apartment with a friend and going to 'college'. I am very proud of her.
I have a meat loaf in the Nesco roaster and will make some veggies. I'm in phase 4 of the SparkPeople program. It's the maintenance end of it, and I intend to continue to log in every day. It helps me keep focused on what I'm eating when I have to write it down. When I binge, I can make it up the next day because I know how bad I went overboard.
I really don't like the time change. It gets dark too early and my mind-clock still wakes me up at what would be 4:30 and of course I have to lie in bed for that extra time. I have been doing a lot of praying in that time. Maybe the Lord is telling me something. :o)
Even though I didn't do anything entertaining, it was a fairly decent weekend.
God bless you all.
Thursday, November 02, 2006
I'm early this week
I know I'm early this week with my post. The mission team from church leaves this evening for their trip to Russia. Although I declined the chance to go along I still have a heavy heart about not going.
There is a very good chance that I won't ever see my Lida again. The trip is hard and the accommodations worse than hard. I know now that I'll never see my Sasha again. I get snippits of information through emails from people in and around the orphanage and it's said that he did not get appointed to the independent living program (I want to know why) and that he has been assigned to attend a tech school in a town about 105 miles NE of Ivanovo. Lida also tells me he will be living at the home of his father, who has multiple problems and makes it difficult to be around. I don't know where the father's house is located. It very well could be in that city, but if it's in Ivanovo, there's no way he would stay there. He'd be doomed to living in the dorms, which are deplorable. I pray that our dear Lord protects that young man. He has such high hopes of being in the military. He wants to be a jet pilot. This school will produce mechanics and laborers, not jet pilots. My heart is very sad about this. My dear Lida will keep me as informed as she can. She will ask around to see what she can find out for me.
I pray that the team travels safely and has a great time there. The population of the orphanage has changed. 85% of the kids are new and are in dire need of love, affection and attention. I know this team can give them that, at least for the time they are there.
God bless them.
There is a very good chance that I won't ever see my Lida again. The trip is hard and the accommodations worse than hard. I know now that I'll never see my Sasha again. I get snippits of information through emails from people in and around the orphanage and it's said that he did not get appointed to the independent living program (I want to know why) and that he has been assigned to attend a tech school in a town about 105 miles NE of Ivanovo. Lida also tells me he will be living at the home of his father, who has multiple problems and makes it difficult to be around. I don't know where the father's house is located. It very well could be in that city, but if it's in Ivanovo, there's no way he would stay there. He'd be doomed to living in the dorms, which are deplorable. I pray that our dear Lord protects that young man. He has such high hopes of being in the military. He wants to be a jet pilot. This school will produce mechanics and laborers, not jet pilots. My heart is very sad about this. My dear Lida will keep me as informed as she can. She will ask around to see what she can find out for me.
I pray that the team travels safely and has a great time there. The population of the orphanage has changed. 85% of the kids are new and are in dire need of love, affection and attention. I know this team can give them that, at least for the time they are there.
God bless them.
Saturday, October 28, 2006
Back to Housework For Me - ACKKKKK
After nearly ten years, I've fired my household helper, Rosy. The last few years the quality of her work has gone downhill. I think it's because of the set up we had. She would come every other Thursday while I was at work. I agreed to this because at the time, she had another house to do in the afternoon. She said she would come early, 8:00ish, and then go on to her other house.
That worked for awhile, but there were times I'd come home to find no work had been done and a phone message waiting for me. There were always excuses but I let them go. Rosy has a daughter she is solely supporting and when it came to things she needed to do with/for her, I gladly stepped aside.
But - - - it's always those buts that get me. As I previously wrote, one day this past summer I came home to find a stranger working in my house. He turned out to be her brother. About a month ago, I rearranged the furniture in my living room to find dust bunnies almost bigger than my cats. I don't think the couch was ever pulled away from the wall for vacuuming. Things somehow didn't get put back after she dusted and things that didn't belong were left behind.
It was a difficult decision because I really care about Rosy, but the dissatisfaction I've been feeling for more than a year takes front seat. I'm not overly fond of cleaning my house myself, but I'll try it. I didn't burn bridges. She said if there were special times I needed help, she would help out.
If I break it down over a period of several days, I think I can do it. I can vacuum the downstairs on Friday evening, while I do the laundry. Saturdays, I can do the upstairs bathroom and vacuum the bedrooms. And on Sunday afternoon, I can vacuum the stairs.
We'll see how it works out.
God bless you all.
That worked for awhile, but there were times I'd come home to find no work had been done and a phone message waiting for me. There were always excuses but I let them go. Rosy has a daughter she is solely supporting and when it came to things she needed to do with/for her, I gladly stepped aside.
But - - - it's always those buts that get me. As I previously wrote, one day this past summer I came home to find a stranger working in my house. He turned out to be her brother. About a month ago, I rearranged the furniture in my living room to find dust bunnies almost bigger than my cats. I don't think the couch was ever pulled away from the wall for vacuuming. Things somehow didn't get put back after she dusted and things that didn't belong were left behind.
It was a difficult decision because I really care about Rosy, but the dissatisfaction I've been feeling for more than a year takes front seat. I'm not overly fond of cleaning my house myself, but I'll try it. I didn't burn bridges. She said if there were special times I needed help, she would help out.
If I break it down over a period of several days, I think I can do it. I can vacuum the downstairs on Friday evening, while I do the laundry. Saturdays, I can do the upstairs bathroom and vacuum the bedrooms. And on Sunday afternoon, I can vacuum the stairs.
We'll see how it works out.
God bless you all.
Sunday, October 22, 2006
The Loss of a Special Friend.....
My dear friend Karen is grieving the loss of her cat, Grady. Grady had special meaning to me because I had a gray, Maine Coone cat named Grady, short for Graystoke's Blue Mood. Grady left me after only 4 1/2 years. He had an uncurable blood disease and it broke my heart.
Nearly 15 years ago, Karen's young son David, brought home a gray kitten he found wobbling across a busy roadway and begged to keep him. Karen being an animal lover and unable to say no to her little boy said OK and the kitten became part of the family. When Karen asked David what he was going to name his new pet, David answered "Grady", because I really loved Banana's Grady.
Karen was sensitive to the fact that I had just lost my Grady and told David it would be OK with her, but David would have to ask me if it was OK with me. So one sunny afternoon my phone rang and this little 10 year old voice said to me "Banana? This is David and I want to ask you a question". Of course I said yes. I told David that I was honored that he would want his cat named after my Grady.
Yesterday Karen called me to tell me she had taken Grady to the vet because he had lost the use of his hind legs and he was screaming in pain. It appears he had had a blood clot for sometime. In hindsight she recalls that he had difficulty jumping on the bed or couch. She thought it was just old age setting in.
The vet said they could administer blood thinners but it was unlikely he would regain use of his hind legs. They could make him comfortable but she could not guarantee that this would not happen again. He might produce another clot, causing the same problem.
Karen was torn but knew what she had to do. It broke her heart because he had been a part of her family for a long time. She has buried him in a little clearing with her other two family members - Furry Face (a Maine Coon) and Persephany (a black barn cat. I may have messed up the spelling of her name.)
Losing a beloved pet is a very hard thing but I believe Grady is chasing rabbits with my Grady, Jake #1 and Susie#1. There they know no pain and will never grow old again.
Rest in peace sweet friend.
Nearly 15 years ago, Karen's young son David, brought home a gray kitten he found wobbling across a busy roadway and begged to keep him. Karen being an animal lover and unable to say no to her little boy said OK and the kitten became part of the family. When Karen asked David what he was going to name his new pet, David answered "Grady", because I really loved Banana's Grady.
Karen was sensitive to the fact that I had just lost my Grady and told David it would be OK with her, but David would have to ask me if it was OK with me. So one sunny afternoon my phone rang and this little 10 year old voice said to me "Banana? This is David and I want to ask you a question". Of course I said yes. I told David that I was honored that he would want his cat named after my Grady.
Yesterday Karen called me to tell me she had taken Grady to the vet because he had lost the use of his hind legs and he was screaming in pain. It appears he had had a blood clot for sometime. In hindsight she recalls that he had difficulty jumping on the bed or couch. She thought it was just old age setting in.
The vet said they could administer blood thinners but it was unlikely he would regain use of his hind legs. They could make him comfortable but she could not guarantee that this would not happen again. He might produce another clot, causing the same problem.
Karen was torn but knew what she had to do. It broke her heart because he had been a part of her family for a long time. She has buried him in a little clearing with her other two family members - Furry Face (a Maine Coon) and Persephany (a black barn cat. I may have messed up the spelling of her name.)
Losing a beloved pet is a very hard thing but I believe Grady is chasing rabbits with my Grady, Jake #1 and Susie#1. There they know no pain and will never grow old again.
Rest in peace sweet friend.
Saturday, October 21, 2006
Another quiet week
This week wasn't bad. First three days were hectic getting the boss lady ready to go to PA to give her quarterly report to OPM. I worked on her Powerpoint briefing for nearly a week and must say, this is the smoothest one has moved along. Although I took it to the wire, there were very few changes. We printed 20 copies of the 21 page brief and sent her on her way. I had Wednesday afternoon, Thursday and Friday to myself.
Last Sunday was Slavica's birthday so on Monday we had a little celebration for her and one of the admins whose birthday was Monday. We got a big cake, hid it in a corner and with everybody gathered, sang the traditional "Happy Birthday" song. I had bought several garlands, a Happy Birthday sign and a child's paper crown and decorated her office door before she arrived. She does not like attention but I think she was tickled that somebody had fussed. The blabbermouths in the Assignments section ratted that I had done it. :o) She has warned me that my birthday is coming and that paybacks are in order.
While stringing the garlands, I had to step up on a chair and when I lifted my right leg, something snapped. I wasn't able to apply any weight on the leg to stand on the chair. I had to use the left. I did hang all the decorations but by noon, I was in agony. By the time I got home I couldn't get away from it. I couldn't sit, stand or lie down. David paid me my usual Monday appointment and when he arrived he put the table down and I was almost in tears. I said "Please put the table up - I need help now". He said "Oh my gosh, you're in pain". He worked on me for about 45 minutes and did free up the bone on bone pain. but there were a lot of knots in my leg from the muscle spasms. It's been a very long time since I've been that tied up. With David's skill and patience, he has helped me manage my pain for several years now.
Yesterday BJ and I had dinner together and then went shopping. The church mission team is returning to Russia in 3 weeks and I wanted to get some clothes for Lida, my 18 year old 'daughter'. We are corresponding weekly by email. She goes to a free internet cafe to send her messages and I use the online translator to read them. At one point, she asked me if it was true that I had said she was like my daughter. I told her it was true and I felt we had a bond between each other, from the first day I met her. As the messages keep on coming, she is now writing to Mama and that tickles me. My prayer is that she gets a chance for a better way of life than in Ivanovo.
Fall truly is here. There is a stretch of parkway on the way to my office and the leaves are turning now. Yellow, orange and red. Very, very pretty. I want to try to get to the farm market this weekend to find some Nittany apples. I was first introduced to them about 20 years ago by my first AA sponsor. They are crisp, juicy and delicious and always remind me of a new start.
Something must be wrong with me - nothing to complain about again.
God bless you all.
Last Sunday was Slavica's birthday so on Monday we had a little celebration for her and one of the admins whose birthday was Monday. We got a big cake, hid it in a corner and with everybody gathered, sang the traditional "Happy Birthday" song. I had bought several garlands, a Happy Birthday sign and a child's paper crown and decorated her office door before she arrived. She does not like attention but I think she was tickled that somebody had fussed. The blabbermouths in the Assignments section ratted that I had done it. :o) She has warned me that my birthday is coming and that paybacks are in order.
While stringing the garlands, I had to step up on a chair and when I lifted my right leg, something snapped. I wasn't able to apply any weight on the leg to stand on the chair. I had to use the left. I did hang all the decorations but by noon, I was in agony. By the time I got home I couldn't get away from it. I couldn't sit, stand or lie down. David paid me my usual Monday appointment and when he arrived he put the table down and I was almost in tears. I said "Please put the table up - I need help now". He said "Oh my gosh, you're in pain". He worked on me for about 45 minutes and did free up the bone on bone pain. but there were a lot of knots in my leg from the muscle spasms. It's been a very long time since I've been that tied up. With David's skill and patience, he has helped me manage my pain for several years now.
Yesterday BJ and I had dinner together and then went shopping. The church mission team is returning to Russia in 3 weeks and I wanted to get some clothes for Lida, my 18 year old 'daughter'. We are corresponding weekly by email. She goes to a free internet cafe to send her messages and I use the online translator to read them. At one point, she asked me if it was true that I had said she was like my daughter. I told her it was true and I felt we had a bond between each other, from the first day I met her. As the messages keep on coming, she is now writing to Mama and that tickles me. My prayer is that she gets a chance for a better way of life than in Ivanovo.
Fall truly is here. There is a stretch of parkway on the way to my office and the leaves are turning now. Yellow, orange and red. Very, very pretty. I want to try to get to the farm market this weekend to find some Nittany apples. I was first introduced to them about 20 years ago by my first AA sponsor. They are crisp, juicy and delicious and always remind me of a new start.
Something must be wrong with me - nothing to complain about again.
God bless you all.
Friday, October 13, 2006
Fall is here, I think
Today was the first cold snap of the season. The weather guessers on Channel 4 said it was down to 32 degrees out our way. It was chilly this morning when I left for the office at zero dark thirty. It was also a great reason to wear my new fall outfit that I ordered on Monday. (All day Fashion Day on QVC)
Work was OK this week. Accomplished a few things and several changes were made in the office. Added a new manager, demoted an old manager......more of the same. Who in the world knows what's going on? I guess the real question is Who cares?
I've been OK this past week. Feeling fine and happy to have heard from Lida, my 18 year old Russian daughter. She has finally started to call me Mama. It tickles me because she is the one who would not accept outsiders or trust the Americans. I am very fond of this gal and hope she has a chance at a decent life. I'd like to see her get out of Ivanovo because the city has nothing to offer. If she continues her education and moves out, maybe to Vladimir, another small city, she can make a decent living. My real wish is that I could bring her here for a visit. If that ever happened, she wouldn't want to go back, I'm sure.
BJ and JC get back from their trip to the Outer Banks. I have missed her.
No more to add this week.
Please note - I didn't complain once. :o)
God bless you all.
Work was OK this week. Accomplished a few things and several changes were made in the office. Added a new manager, demoted an old manager......more of the same. Who in the world knows what's going on? I guess the real question is Who cares?
I've been OK this past week. Feeling fine and happy to have heard from Lida, my 18 year old Russian daughter. She has finally started to call me Mama. It tickles me because she is the one who would not accept outsiders or trust the Americans. I am very fond of this gal and hope she has a chance at a decent life. I'd like to see her get out of Ivanovo because the city has nothing to offer. If she continues her education and moves out, maybe to Vladimir, another small city, she can make a decent living. My real wish is that I could bring her here for a visit. If that ever happened, she wouldn't want to go back, I'm sure.
BJ and JC get back from their trip to the Outer Banks. I have missed her.
No more to add this week.
Please note - I didn't complain once. :o)
God bless you all.
Saturday, October 07, 2006
Out Of Africa
Or should I say "Lions and Tigers and Bears, oh my"....
My friend David has done me a great injustice. He sent me the link to a site in Africa. It is a waterhole that has a webcam trained on the landscape, day and night. There is something hypnotic about looking at a screen full of nothing, but something may come by any minute. There is sound so you can hear the animals approaching. Of course there are the sounds of the crickets, frogs and hyenas which are just fascinating.
I've spent last evening and the better part of today, watching the animals come and go. I saw some baboons, water buffalo and a lot of different birds. The owner of the site was panning the camera all around so I could see what was in the brush. I was hoping a lion would come along but no such luck.
It's night there now, but I see an occasional hyena wander by and there are still night birds. The prettiest time of day is dawn when the sounds of daybreak fill the air.
Thank heavens we had a lousy rainy day today so I didn't totally miss the day.
Thanks a lot David.
God bless you all.
My friend David has done me a great injustice. He sent me the link to a site in Africa. It is a waterhole that has a webcam trained on the landscape, day and night. There is something hypnotic about looking at a screen full of nothing, but something may come by any minute. There is sound so you can hear the animals approaching. Of course there are the sounds of the crickets, frogs and hyenas which are just fascinating.
I've spent last evening and the better part of today, watching the animals come and go. I saw some baboons, water buffalo and a lot of different birds. The owner of the site was panning the camera all around so I could see what was in the brush. I was hoping a lion would come along but no such luck.
It's night there now, but I see an occasional hyena wander by and there are still night birds. The prettiest time of day is dawn when the sounds of daybreak fill the air.
Thank heavens we had a lousy rainy day today so I didn't totally miss the day.
Thanks a lot David.
God bless you all.
Friday, October 06, 2006
I'm On My Soap Box Today
With the quiet dignity of the Amish tradition, families in Nickel Mines, PA buried their beloved daughters, dead at the hands of an outsider. One of 'the English'.
As these people mourned, they stuck to their traditions and their beliefs, yet what did 'the English' do? They barraged their privacy with TV trucks, cameras and satellite dishes. These sweet people deserve this time to be left alone.
Shame on you Media!!! It's bad enough to see the media blitz when a so called star emerges on the streets of a city. They are nearly run down by photographers' cars and new mothers are cornered like animals in a trap trying to protect their young from prying cameras.
As a society can't they understand that there are some very private things that other people don't want to see?
Let these people alone. I, for one, am embarrased to see how this quiet community was turned into a media parking lot by outsiders.
God bless you Amish families and I'm so sorry for your losses.
As these people mourned, they stuck to their traditions and their beliefs, yet what did 'the English' do? They barraged their privacy with TV trucks, cameras and satellite dishes. These sweet people deserve this time to be left alone.
Shame on you Media!!! It's bad enough to see the media blitz when a so called star emerges on the streets of a city. They are nearly run down by photographers' cars and new mothers are cornered like animals in a trap trying to protect their young from prying cameras.
As a society can't they understand that there are some very private things that other people don't want to see?
Let these people alone. I, for one, am embarrased to see how this quiet community was turned into a media parking lot by outsiders.
God bless you Amish families and I'm so sorry for your losses.
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
A little better today
It was a lovely day today. Sunshine and in the 70s. A perfect fall day.
Today at our weekly company meeting, OMNI Cafe, I was surprised to receive a recognition award for a suggestion I had sent in, over 2 months ago. I suggested, that with all the talented people we have on board, we have an annual talent show. I was presented with a certificate, an OMNI pen and - - - you got it - - - a challenge. We can have the show, if I organize it.
I sent out an email company wide saying before I accept the challenge, I wanted to see how many people would be interested in participating. By close of business, I've only receive 4 bites. I'll wait a few more days and then send out a blurb again on Monday. I really think it would be a lot of fun. I said even if we get only 6 people, at 5 minutes performance time each, we have a half hour show and I don't think for the first effort the population will want to sit through more than that.
I hope it works. It has restored my interest in the company.
Oh by the way, I received a bite on one of the resumes I sent out last week. I'll call tomorrow and get more info.
I look forward to this evening. NCIS is on and I get to see LEROY. (Oh be still my heart) YUM.
God bless you all.
Today at our weekly company meeting, OMNI Cafe, I was surprised to receive a recognition award for a suggestion I had sent in, over 2 months ago. I suggested, that with all the talented people we have on board, we have an annual talent show. I was presented with a certificate, an OMNI pen and - - - you got it - - - a challenge. We can have the show, if I organize it.
I sent out an email company wide saying before I accept the challenge, I wanted to see how many people would be interested in participating. By close of business, I've only receive 4 bites. I'll wait a few more days and then send out a blurb again on Monday. I really think it would be a lot of fun. I said even if we get only 6 people, at 5 minutes performance time each, we have a half hour show and I don't think for the first effort the population will want to sit through more than that.
I hope it works. It has restored my interest in the company.
Oh by the way, I received a bite on one of the resumes I sent out last week. I'll call tomorrow and get more info.
I look forward to this evening. NCIS is on and I get to see LEROY. (Oh be still my heart) YUM.
God bless you all.
Saturday, September 30, 2006
Dull is the word....
for my life lately.
It has been brought to my attention that I haven't posted for a couple of weeks.
Several things have happened that I must work through before I can intelligently post so I will just say that I am OK, not terrific, but OK.
When I am sane, I'll post more.
God bless you all.
It has been brought to my attention that I haven't posted for a couple of weeks.
Several things have happened that I must work through before I can intelligently post so I will just say that I am OK, not terrific, but OK.
When I am sane, I'll post more.
God bless you all.
Saturday, September 16, 2006
Gloomy Weekend - again.....
Once again it's overcast, drizzly and a bit chilly. I hope Fall hasn't come early and that we get a little bit of Indian Summer. Cold weather just doesn't make it to the top of my list.
This past week has been hectic at the office. Losing two work days put me behind and there was a time when I thought I would love to change my name to "Mommy". Everybody seemed to be calling "Joanna". The boss lady was in back to back to back meetings as usual. I really wonder if the executives realize just how counter productive it is to have a department 'leader' unavailable for such an extended period of time. There were several of my coworkers who, as I did, had questions to be answered before projects could be completed. Most were time sensitive and with her absences, were late. Don't look to good on us.
I'm still in a bit of a funk after coming back from my trip. It left me with a lot of food for thought. Of course my relatives are there and most would be delighted to have me move back. I could sell my house here and with the financial gain, buy a very nice place there, most likely with money to spare. But I don't like the cold or the constant humidity generated by Lake Michigan. The first day there was a beautiful day - high 70s and sunny. But it was short lived and it turned cold, overcast and rainy Saturday and Sunday.
I would have to re-establish a social circle, be it in a senior group or church group. I would miss my own family of friends of 40 years that I have here. They are one of the main reasons I haven't moved south for retirement. I sometimes feel I'm too old to relocate and make new friends. Yet I know in my heart of hearts that I can't continue to work forever. One of these days the body is going to tell me it can't get up at 4:30AM anymore and put in 9 busy hours. I think this is one of the reasons why I've been so skittish this past week. I worry about what I'm going to do. But as my friend Steve said, I don't have to make this decision today, so quit driving myself nuts.
Today I'll get caught up on chores around the house and do a bit of grocery shopping. Only thing left in the house is a can of enchilada sauce and some butter. Can't do much with that.
Hopefully the sun will shine tomorrow and I'll be better.
God bless you all.
This past week has been hectic at the office. Losing two work days put me behind and there was a time when I thought I would love to change my name to "Mommy". Everybody seemed to be calling "Joanna". The boss lady was in back to back to back meetings as usual. I really wonder if the executives realize just how counter productive it is to have a department 'leader' unavailable for such an extended period of time. There were several of my coworkers who, as I did, had questions to be answered before projects could be completed. Most were time sensitive and with her absences, were late. Don't look to good on us.
I'm still in a bit of a funk after coming back from my trip. It left me with a lot of food for thought. Of course my relatives are there and most would be delighted to have me move back. I could sell my house here and with the financial gain, buy a very nice place there, most likely with money to spare. But I don't like the cold or the constant humidity generated by Lake Michigan. The first day there was a beautiful day - high 70s and sunny. But it was short lived and it turned cold, overcast and rainy Saturday and Sunday.
I would have to re-establish a social circle, be it in a senior group or church group. I would miss my own family of friends of 40 years that I have here. They are one of the main reasons I haven't moved south for retirement. I sometimes feel I'm too old to relocate and make new friends. Yet I know in my heart of hearts that I can't continue to work forever. One of these days the body is going to tell me it can't get up at 4:30AM anymore and put in 9 busy hours. I think this is one of the reasons why I've been so skittish this past week. I worry about what I'm going to do. But as my friend Steve said, I don't have to make this decision today, so quit driving myself nuts.
Today I'll get caught up on chores around the house and do a bit of grocery shopping. Only thing left in the house is a can of enchilada sauce and some butter. Can't do much with that.
Hopefully the sun will shine tomorrow and I'll be better.
God bless you all.
Monday, September 11, 2006
A Walk Down Memory Lane
This was my High School 50th reunion weekend. I'm very glad I made the trip for many reasons.
I had a chance to visit my cousins. There was a small gathering of some I haven't seen in 21+ years and some I've not yet met. My cousin Dennis was my best friend growing up. We are 6 months apart in age and we went to school together. Ten years ago he was stricken with cancer and lost his larynx. He talks through an amplifying aparatus which works quite well. But he get a bit frustrated with it because we are Polish and are loud. In a group of 15 people, all talking at once, he is a voice not heard too well. Saying goodbye was hard because I most likely won't see him again. I don't think I'll go back again.
I drove by the old neighborhoods. Winchester Street where I lived until I was almost 10 has changed. Most of the old houses are still there, but is really bad shape. The house in which we lived is still there. Painted white but divided. What was a duplex now houses 4 apartments. I sat in my rental car across the street and tried to see that little girl playing in the front yard. The hedges are gone, the lilacs are gone and so is the big tree on the side that gave us so much shade. I was glad I went.
I also drove by the last house we lived in, on Burdick Avenue, before my Dad and I moved in 1965. The woman who owns it now, drove in as I was sitting, looking and I walked up the driveway and apologized for the intrusion. She was quite gracious once she knew who I was and showed me around the yard and even offered to take me inside. I declined because I knew it would upset me more than I already was. I spent about 20 minutes with her and she thanked me for stopping as I left. I was glad I stopped.
The next morning I took the tour of Pulaski High School with about 10 of my classmates. The building was fairly new when we attended there. The marble floors were always polished and the halls were kept clean. Now, any breakable surface is covered with grating or wire and most doors have bars on them. Each hallway, at the stairs, has a security door which is kept locked during class. Unless you have a special pass, you don't leave the corridor where your current classroom is located. This made me very sad and a little bit mad. 9What kind of kids are we raising???) We saw our swimming pool, the gym, the cafeteria, the study halls and our home rooms. We ended the tour in the library where they had a gallon of Leon's Frozen Custard. Leon's is the drive-in, located across the street from the school, that the TV series 'Happy Days' is based.
Later that evening, I went to the dinner. There were 23 of the students (out of a class of 61) in attendance, some with spouses, some without. It was good to see them all and hear what they have done in the past 50 years. Most are retired. Most have aged. I was aghast when I saw some of the gals. Several look in their 80s. I guess life was hard. In comparison either I'm well preserved or I've not faced many hardships because I can say, I looked good. Even the majority of the men have aged. Balding and what hair is left is white. Many hunched over, many with liver spots......Geesch. I am thinking is this going to hit me too!
A couple of the kids I knew at Jr. High were also there. We were in 7th and 8th grade together. I had forgotten that part of my life. There were several snapshots taken outside that school and we look like we are the case of 'Grease'. Yes, we actually did look like that LOL One of the guys, LeRoy, married one of the gals from high school and have been married for 43 years. When she saw me she said "My husband has been talking about you for years". I laughed and let it go. In two other conversations she brought it up again so I asked HER "And what has your husband been saying about me?" She looked a little surprised and said "Well, you were the big love of his life." I looked at him and said "Why in the world didn't you tell me that?" He was actually blushing and said "I guess I was shy". As it turned out, he sat next to me at dinner and we did have a nice conversation. But I never knew............. :o)
As for 'that other guy', he didn't show up. I really didn't expect him and would have been very surprised if he had.
All in all, I am glad I went because it made me see that I am very very blessed. I am in good health, I can still work and most of all, I have a great support system of loving friends that I choose to call 'family'.
God bless you all.
I had a chance to visit my cousins. There was a small gathering of some I haven't seen in 21+ years and some I've not yet met. My cousin Dennis was my best friend growing up. We are 6 months apart in age and we went to school together. Ten years ago he was stricken with cancer and lost his larynx. He talks through an amplifying aparatus which works quite well. But he get a bit frustrated with it because we are Polish and are loud. In a group of 15 people, all talking at once, he is a voice not heard too well. Saying goodbye was hard because I most likely won't see him again. I don't think I'll go back again.
I drove by the old neighborhoods. Winchester Street where I lived until I was almost 10 has changed. Most of the old houses are still there, but is really bad shape. The house in which we lived is still there. Painted white but divided. What was a duplex now houses 4 apartments. I sat in my rental car across the street and tried to see that little girl playing in the front yard. The hedges are gone, the lilacs are gone and so is the big tree on the side that gave us so much shade. I was glad I went.
I also drove by the last house we lived in, on Burdick Avenue, before my Dad and I moved in 1965. The woman who owns it now, drove in as I was sitting, looking and I walked up the driveway and apologized for the intrusion. She was quite gracious once she knew who I was and showed me around the yard and even offered to take me inside. I declined because I knew it would upset me more than I already was. I spent about 20 minutes with her and she thanked me for stopping as I left. I was glad I stopped.
The next morning I took the tour of Pulaski High School with about 10 of my classmates. The building was fairly new when we attended there. The marble floors were always polished and the halls were kept clean. Now, any breakable surface is covered with grating or wire and most doors have bars on them. Each hallway, at the stairs, has a security door which is kept locked during class. Unless you have a special pass, you don't leave the corridor where your current classroom is located. This made me very sad and a little bit mad. 9What kind of kids are we raising???) We saw our swimming pool, the gym, the cafeteria, the study halls and our home rooms. We ended the tour in the library where they had a gallon of Leon's Frozen Custard. Leon's is the drive-in, located across the street from the school, that the TV series 'Happy Days' is based.
Later that evening, I went to the dinner. There were 23 of the students (out of a class of 61) in attendance, some with spouses, some without. It was good to see them all and hear what they have done in the past 50 years. Most are retired. Most have aged. I was aghast when I saw some of the gals. Several look in their 80s. I guess life was hard. In comparison either I'm well preserved or I've not faced many hardships because I can say, I looked good. Even the majority of the men have aged. Balding and what hair is left is white. Many hunched over, many with liver spots......Geesch. I am thinking is this going to hit me too!
A couple of the kids I knew at Jr. High were also there. We were in 7th and 8th grade together. I had forgotten that part of my life. There were several snapshots taken outside that school and we look like we are the case of 'Grease'. Yes, we actually did look like that LOL One of the guys, LeRoy, married one of the gals from high school and have been married for 43 years. When she saw me she said "My husband has been talking about you for years". I laughed and let it go. In two other conversations she brought it up again so I asked HER "And what has your husband been saying about me?" She looked a little surprised and said "Well, you were the big love of his life." I looked at him and said "Why in the world didn't you tell me that?" He was actually blushing and said "I guess I was shy". As it turned out, he sat next to me at dinner and we did have a nice conversation. But I never knew............. :o)
As for 'that other guy', he didn't show up. I really didn't expect him and would have been very surprised if he had.
All in all, I am glad I went because it made me see that I am very very blessed. I am in good health, I can still work and most of all, I have a great support system of loving friends that I choose to call 'family'.
God bless you all.
Friday, September 01, 2006
It was a dark and stormy night...
...day? Either one, it is chilly, rainy and dark. It's 6:00PM and it feels like fall. After the hot summer we've had, 60 degrees feels cold. Hurricane Ernesto is working his way up the coast and we're getting his wind and rain. We need the rain, but 5 inches today? A bit much. The City of Alexandria is passing out free sandbags to homes and businesses in hopes that if the water rises, they will keep the water out.
Being this far inland we won't have problems with flooding, but there are several creeks and 'run's that will overflow and cause roadways to wash out. The traffic advisors are reminding motorists to not drive through any standing water on the roads. One can not tell how deep the water may be.
I don't like weather like this. It's unpredictable and uncontrollable. I feel bad for those in Hurricane Katrina, a year ago. God bless them all.
This will be a long weekend. Labor day is upon us. The summer has flown by and it was fun. I had a chance to travel to Missouri in the Spring and I visited with Donna and Cliff and got to meet Blue and Sadie. Something I had never dreamed could happen, but relished the idea when I was invited. I loved it.
Next week at this time, I'll be back in Milwaukee for my 50th high school reunion. The body may be 50 years older than the day I graduated, but the spirit that lives in it is as young and lively as it ever way. I just run out of gas too quickly :o)
I'll spend some time with the relatives. I don't know who will gather at my cousin's home, but it will be good to see them. That is if I can remember them all. I look forward to the trip.
Tomorrow I'll sleep in and do a few chores. I plan on not 'laboring' on this Labor Day.
God bless you all.
Being this far inland we won't have problems with flooding, but there are several creeks and 'run's that will overflow and cause roadways to wash out. The traffic advisors are reminding motorists to not drive through any standing water on the roads. One can not tell how deep the water may be.
I don't like weather like this. It's unpredictable and uncontrollable. I feel bad for those in Hurricane Katrina, a year ago. God bless them all.
This will be a long weekend. Labor day is upon us. The summer has flown by and it was fun. I had a chance to travel to Missouri in the Spring and I visited with Donna and Cliff and got to meet Blue and Sadie. Something I had never dreamed could happen, but relished the idea when I was invited. I loved it.
Next week at this time, I'll be back in Milwaukee for my 50th high school reunion. The body may be 50 years older than the day I graduated, but the spirit that lives in it is as young and lively as it ever way. I just run out of gas too quickly :o)
I'll spend some time with the relatives. I don't know who will gather at my cousin's home, but it will be good to see them. That is if I can remember them all. I look forward to the trip.
Tomorrow I'll sleep in and do a few chores. I plan on not 'laboring' on this Labor Day.
God bless you all.
Saturday, August 26, 2006
The weekend started yesterday...
I'm thinking this is not the best time for me to be posting. I'm not in a good place. I'm crabby, I'm in pain and I have nothing new to contribute for this week.
My arthritis is bothering me today. I even caved in and took 2 Aleve (Or at least the OTC kind) at 8:00AM today. My neck has been out of joint since Wednesday and that is bothersome. It comes and goes. Depending on how I turn or where I reach. It's HELL getting old.
I think I'm crabby because I'm in pain. If I felt better, maybe I'd want to do something outside of the house or go somewhere. But I will most likely just stay in. I do have to color my hair today. I have an appointment for a cut tomorrow at 1:00PM with Diane T. I have to ready myself for my big reunion in two weeks. I should give up the effort. These are all people I knew back when and there's no way we can hide how old we are. We all know. I think we'll all just try to erase the mileage we have on our faces and torsos. After all, most parts of us all have gone south LOL
As for the past week, it was just more of the same. The boss lady had been out of the office the week before so she had to play catch up, and then the Executive Committee decided they wanted some production charts done - you got it - 20 minutes ago. So for 3 days, I had to drop EVERYTHING and work on the project for her. These are things I really love doing. Putting together the spreadsheets with the variable scenarios and putting those figures into charts are a lot of fun for me. But these people have a set goal in their minds so even after we tweaked the numbers, they retweaked them to come up with what they wanted to see. I redid them three times. When I was done with the main chart I busted out laughing because it was the reproduction of the Productivity chart I had done for the boss a week earlier, only a different color. I called it to her attention - she looked at it and started to chuckle. She said "Shhhhh don't tell them. Let them figure it out". She did thank me several times for deviating from my routine to jump into the project for her.
That left Thursday for me to get caught up on things I had to do from the beginning of the week. Several people on the project were complaining to their specific supervisors, that things weren't done on time by me and I was forwarded several emails regarding these points. I sweetly replied that I was on a special project for the Program Manager and if there was any problem, they should direct their inquiries to her - and I copied her on the email. Never heard another squeak.
Yesterday when I got to work I realized that I didn't want to be there at all. I was in a rotten mood, I felt awful and if I stayed there, I knew I'd mouth off to somebody so at 10:00 I told the boss I was caving in and going home. She was all for it. That is one thing about her. She is not at all possessive about her staff wanting time away. I finished up a thing or two that I had and went home at 11:15, hence my weekend started early. I called David only to find out he was in Centreville with another patient and he came by when he was done. He worked on my aching body for a good long time and I did feel a lot better. In fact, now that I think about it, my leg does not hurt at all today. It was awful in the early part of the week. Like I said, it's HELL getting old.
I took a snooze, had a bite to eat and that was my day. Very enjoyable. Hopefully the rest of this day will be the same way.
I'm going to do some internet searching to see if I can find a reasonably priced Ipod or MP3 player. I don't want to spend a whole bunch but I'd like to be able to take 'my music' to the office with me. (Mosie, if I remember correctly, you had a sweet little player when you were here. Send me an email about it, if you can)
For someone with nothing to say today, I've rattled on and on so I'll just say
God bless you all.
My arthritis is bothering me today. I even caved in and took 2 Aleve (Or at least the OTC kind) at 8:00AM today. My neck has been out of joint since Wednesday and that is bothersome. It comes and goes. Depending on how I turn or where I reach. It's HELL getting old.
I think I'm crabby because I'm in pain. If I felt better, maybe I'd want to do something outside of the house or go somewhere. But I will most likely just stay in. I do have to color my hair today. I have an appointment for a cut tomorrow at 1:00PM with Diane T. I have to ready myself for my big reunion in two weeks. I should give up the effort. These are all people I knew back when and there's no way we can hide how old we are. We all know. I think we'll all just try to erase the mileage we have on our faces and torsos. After all, most parts of us all have gone south LOL
As for the past week, it was just more of the same. The boss lady had been out of the office the week before so she had to play catch up, and then the Executive Committee decided they wanted some production charts done - you got it - 20 minutes ago. So for 3 days, I had to drop EVERYTHING and work on the project for her. These are things I really love doing. Putting together the spreadsheets with the variable scenarios and putting those figures into charts are a lot of fun for me. But these people have a set goal in their minds so even after we tweaked the numbers, they retweaked them to come up with what they wanted to see. I redid them three times. When I was done with the main chart I busted out laughing because it was the reproduction of the Productivity chart I had done for the boss a week earlier, only a different color. I called it to her attention - she looked at it and started to chuckle. She said "Shhhhh don't tell them. Let them figure it out". She did thank me several times for deviating from my routine to jump into the project for her.
That left Thursday for me to get caught up on things I had to do from the beginning of the week. Several people on the project were complaining to their specific supervisors, that things weren't done on time by me and I was forwarded several emails regarding these points. I sweetly replied that I was on a special project for the Program Manager and if there was any problem, they should direct their inquiries to her - and I copied her on the email. Never heard another squeak.
Yesterday when I got to work I realized that I didn't want to be there at all. I was in a rotten mood, I felt awful and if I stayed there, I knew I'd mouth off to somebody so at 10:00 I told the boss I was caving in and going home. She was all for it. That is one thing about her. She is not at all possessive about her staff wanting time away. I finished up a thing or two that I had and went home at 11:15, hence my weekend started early. I called David only to find out he was in Centreville with another patient and he came by when he was done. He worked on my aching body for a good long time and I did feel a lot better. In fact, now that I think about it, my leg does not hurt at all today. It was awful in the early part of the week. Like I said, it's HELL getting old.
I took a snooze, had a bite to eat and that was my day. Very enjoyable. Hopefully the rest of this day will be the same way.
I'm going to do some internet searching to see if I can find a reasonably priced Ipod or MP3 player. I don't want to spend a whole bunch but I'd like to be able to take 'my music' to the office with me. (Mosie, if I remember correctly, you had a sweet little player when you were here. Send me an email about it, if you can)
For someone with nothing to say today, I've rattled on and on so I'll just say
God bless you all.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)