COWARD SHOES
How could I forget?
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Re: Pen Pals
As I was writing this blog last week and got to the part about the uniforms and oxfords, I COULD NOT ~ FOR THE LIFE OF ME ~ remember the name of the company that made our "fashionable" brown oxfords. I had even visited their store in West Hartford on more than one occasion. It finally came to me ~ out of the blue ~
Knitting
Ok, there just aren't enough hours in the day to do all the knitting I want/need to do. Right now I am about half finished with an afghan for my friend's daughter's wedding present in August. I am about 80% finished with another blanket for the "Cruiser". And, now, I have taken on the task of making pocket prayer shawls. Plus I have a new ball of yarn for some booties that I'm dying to make.
The weekend of May 17th and 18th is Care Package for the Troops Weekend here in town. As many as want to will be gathering at the Senior Center to prepare care packages for our troops overseas. The list is the same as you can find on Operation Shoebox; however, they are also asking for letters to be written so that they can be put in with the packages. Our Sunday School and youth group are working on writing some letters to be included. So, I thought, why not include as many pocket prayer shawls as possible. I got the pattern from the folks at Mill Plain and they were even kind enough to send me the crosses that get "sewn" on the shawl once it's finished. (I've since been searching for some "comparable" Stars of David ~ without any luck, I might add.) Hmmmm, who can I coerce into plying needle and thread to get the crosses sewn on? Those of you who know me know that sewing is not my strong suit. Hell, it's not even in the same deck of cards!
I've already made 5 of the PPS's. Two are in a camo yarn and the other 3 are in an USAF blue. I have lots of yarn that I can pull out to use up. It takes about 1/2 hour to make one. They're so easy even the Mom could make one. :,)
I don't know how many I'll get done, but they're a small enough project that I can take it with me wherever I am. I'll let you know how many I get done. Two of our church members are graduating from college next month and are being commissioned; one in the Army Corps of Engineers and the other in the USAF. (Note to JJ: the USAF candidate's father is the kidney donor you met.) I'll make sure they each get one to take with them ~ wherever they go.
1658 days until retirement!
The weekend of May 17th and 18th is Care Package for the Troops Weekend here in town. As many as want to will be gathering at the Senior Center to prepare care packages for our troops overseas. The list is the same as you can find on Operation Shoebox; however, they are also asking for letters to be written so that they can be put in with the packages. Our Sunday School and youth group are working on writing some letters to be included. So, I thought, why not include as many pocket prayer shawls as possible. I got the pattern from the folks at Mill Plain and they were even kind enough to send me the crosses that get "sewn" on the shawl once it's finished. (I've since been searching for some "comparable" Stars of David ~ without any luck, I might add.) Hmmmm, who can I coerce into plying needle and thread to get the crosses sewn on? Those of you who know me know that sewing is not my strong suit. Hell, it's not even in the same deck of cards!
I've already made 5 of the PPS's. Two are in a camo yarn and the other 3 are in an USAF blue. I have lots of yarn that I can pull out to use up. It takes about 1/2 hour to make one. They're so easy even the Mom could make one. :,)
I don't know how many I'll get done, but they're a small enough project that I can take it with me wherever I am. I'll let you know how many I get done. Two of our church members are graduating from college next month and are being commissioned; one in the Army Corps of Engineers and the other in the USAF. (Note to JJ: the USAF candidate's father is the kidney donor you met.) I'll make sure they each get one to take with them ~ wherever they go.
1658 days until retirement!
Shennie
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Ravelry
You can now find me on Ravelry ! under Knitty Gritty. It's a lot better than the DIY Forum. A lot of the folks are the same and the help is still great. A lot of encouragement. Most of them stash yarn and collect patterns ~ along with knitting like crazy. Many do the socks. Not me. More power to them. I hate turning heels!
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Now for the Stupid!
Go to the third blog and work up!
Let's preface this blog with the note that I grew up in CT, learned to drive in CT, and then moved to MA. MA used to be the brunt of driving jokes and chastisements to the rest of New England. When I first moved up to MA and would go back to CT for a visit with a MA plate on my car, I used to threaten to put a bumper sticker on my car that said, "Don't worry, I learned to drive in CT, not MA!"
However, after today I wouldn't admit to learning to drive in CT. They take stupidity behind the wheel to a whole new level.
I saw more ignored stop signs than I can count. How many lanes can you cross on 84 without taking out 6 other cars and a semi carrying produce? And, did you know that cars driven in CT with CT plates do not come with turn signals?
Also, their highway workers aren't the brightest either. They put a sign up saying left lane closed ahead. Then. about 3 miles down the road, they put one dump truck in the left lane. Everyone shifts right then back to the left after the truck. Another mile down the road another truck in the left lane. Why do they think God made the orange cones? Has Jody Rell cut the budget that much? I'd say cones are cheaper than a dump truck!
Then there's the stretch of 84 between Waterbury and Cheshire that has been dug up, re-routed, re-paved, and re-drained since Abe Ribicoff was governor. And they're at it again. I will be 147 years old and they'll still be working on it.
(NOTE: Speaking of 47 - the gas on the Pike is $3.47 - cheaper than here in town. It's always more expensive on the Pike than anywhere else ~ they've got you over a barrel. Maybe I'll hit the Pike the next time I need to fill up.)
Many folks complain about MA drivers and they do have their faults. In some cases they don't drive, they aim. And I'll admit that they can be rude and self serving and conscientiously oblivious to other drivers, but they ARE NOT STUPID! CT drivers are stupid ~ at least those between the MA border and Waterbury. You take your life in your hands on the highways down there.
So, be fore-warned. When driving in CT, you need eyes everywhere, nerves of steel, brakes that will not fail, turn signals that go on and off, and God as your co-pilot!
Have a good evening everybody!
Let's preface this blog with the note that I grew up in CT, learned to drive in CT, and then moved to MA. MA used to be the brunt of driving jokes and chastisements to the rest of New England. When I first moved up to MA and would go back to CT for a visit with a MA plate on my car, I used to threaten to put a bumper sticker on my car that said, "Don't worry, I learned to drive in CT, not MA!"
However, after today I wouldn't admit to learning to drive in CT. They take stupidity behind the wheel to a whole new level.
I saw more ignored stop signs than I can count. How many lanes can you cross on 84 without taking out 6 other cars and a semi carrying produce? And, did you know that cars driven in CT with CT plates do not come with turn signals?
Also, their highway workers aren't the brightest either. They put a sign up saying left lane closed ahead. Then. about 3 miles down the road, they put one dump truck in the left lane. Everyone shifts right then back to the left after the truck. Another mile down the road another truck in the left lane. Why do they think God made the orange cones? Has Jody Rell cut the budget that much? I'd say cones are cheaper than a dump truck!
Then there's the stretch of 84 between Waterbury and Cheshire that has been dug up, re-routed, re-paved, and re-drained since Abe Ribicoff was governor. And they're at it again. I will be 147 years old and they'll still be working on it.
(NOTE: Speaking of 47 - the gas on the Pike is $3.47 - cheaper than here in town. It's always more expensive on the Pike than anywhere else ~ they've got you over a barrel. Maybe I'll hit the Pike the next time I need to fill up.)
Many folks complain about MA drivers and they do have their faults. In some cases they don't drive, they aim. And I'll admit that they can be rude and self serving and conscientiously oblivious to other drivers, but they ARE NOT STUPID! CT drivers are stupid ~ at least those between the MA border and Waterbury. You take your life in your hands on the highways down there.
So, be fore-warned. When driving in CT, you need eyes everywhere, nerves of steel, brakes that will not fail, turn signals that go on and off, and God as your co-pilot!
Have a good evening everybody!
Shennie
Pen Pals
As I was getting ready to head home after Auntie Myrt's Memorial Service and Interment, I had a brilliant thought! I heard that, Donut!
My high school has a Pen Pal program where they match up alumna with students in the Lower School. In the last letter I got from my Pen Pal, Sammie, she mentioned that she would like to meet me. Well, I had a little while to spare so I called the school and made arrangements to meet the Alumnae coordinator and she would take me over to meet Sammie. It seemed strange to go back to SMS AKA Chase during the school day/year. There have been so many changes, improvements, expansions and deletions (the vicious swans are no longer in the pond!). I drove across town and went to the Main Building where I met Robin. She took me to the Lower School building (which didn't even exist when I was there). We found out that Sammie was in the middle of play rehearsal in the small "auditorium". So in we went. The play was a musical about the American expansion west. It was cute. It had UPS folks looking for different folk heroes ~ Daniel Boone, etc. Their aim ~ to deliver the golden spike for the transcontinental railroad. Sammie was one of the 49ers. She's adorable. She was backstage when I got there and met her quickly before she went on stage. Even though we didn't really get to talk - I think she was very shy ~ she did keep pointing me out to the other kids in the class and telling them I was her Pen Pal. I spent about 1/2 hour watching the dress rehearsal. She had to go back to class and I needed to hit the road. She promised to write and said that she got my last letter and the post card I sent to her while I was on my cruise.
Before I left I decided to hit the Fred. On my way down the hall I stopped and looked at all the decorations and pictures they had up. It was very interesting. One section was all on Space ~ John Glenn, Neil Armstrong, shuttles, the moon, Sally Ride. Hmmmmmmm, I thought.
On my way out I asked which class had done that exhibit. It was the 3rd grade. I think I see a goodie package from the McAuliffe Center on its way to the Chase Lower School 3rd grade within the next couple days. I'll get Grace to sign her book and I'll supplement it with other goodies. I hope they'll like it. I don't know how long the exhibit has been up, but I'm sure the package will be appreciated - AND a surprise.
When I was trying to pull out of campus I couldn't find the exit. I ended up down by a sports building of some kind with boys sitting around in baseball uniforms. That was so foreign to me - SMS was ALL girls when I was there. I also noted that the students walking around campus were NOT in uniform. Jeans, tops, sneaks. What happened to the blue jumpers, white blouses, tan socks and brown oxfords?
It was a fun ending to an otherwise sad day. I'm so glad I went. It made me feel good and I hope Sammie enjoyed the surprise. I wish I had had something fun to take to her. I looked for a flower shop on the way, but all the ones that used to be there aren't there any more! I'm sure a "Been There, Done That, Loved It!" t-shirt might fit the bill.
Be well, Sammie! Break a leg tomorrow night!
Oh, since I hadn't had anything to eat except some cereal for breakfast and it was after 3:00 by the time I got back to S'boro, I went to the DQ for lunch. Nothing better than a medium-sized vanilla cone - butterscotch dipped. The lines were 6 deep and the sun was beating down. Welcome Spring!
My high school has a Pen Pal program where they match up alumna with students in the Lower School. In the last letter I got from my Pen Pal, Sammie, she mentioned that she would like to meet me. Well, I had a little while to spare so I called the school and made arrangements to meet the Alumnae coordinator and she would take me over to meet Sammie. It seemed strange to go back to SMS AKA Chase during the school day/year. There have been so many changes, improvements, expansions and deletions (the vicious swans are no longer in the pond!). I drove across town and went to the Main Building where I met Robin. She took me to the Lower School building (which didn't even exist when I was there). We found out that Sammie was in the middle of play rehearsal in the small "auditorium". So in we went. The play was a musical about the American expansion west. It was cute. It had UPS folks looking for different folk heroes ~ Daniel Boone, etc. Their aim ~ to deliver the golden spike for the transcontinental railroad. Sammie was one of the 49ers. She's adorable. She was backstage when I got there and met her quickly before she went on stage. Even though we didn't really get to talk - I think she was very shy ~ she did keep pointing me out to the other kids in the class and telling them I was her Pen Pal. I spent about 1/2 hour watching the dress rehearsal. She had to go back to class and I needed to hit the road. She promised to write and said that she got my last letter and the post card I sent to her while I was on my cruise.
Before I left I decided to hit the Fred. On my way down the hall I stopped and looked at all the decorations and pictures they had up. It was very interesting. One section was all on Space ~ John Glenn, Neil Armstrong, shuttles, the moon, Sally Ride. Hmmmmmmm, I thought.
On my way out I asked which class had done that exhibit. It was the 3rd grade. I think I see a goodie package from the McAuliffe Center on its way to the Chase Lower School 3rd grade within the next couple days. I'll get Grace to sign her book and I'll supplement it with other goodies. I hope they'll like it. I don't know how long the exhibit has been up, but I'm sure the package will be appreciated - AND a surprise.
When I was trying to pull out of campus I couldn't find the exit. I ended up down by a sports building of some kind with boys sitting around in baseball uniforms. That was so foreign to me - SMS was ALL girls when I was there. I also noted that the students walking around campus were NOT in uniform. Jeans, tops, sneaks. What happened to the blue jumpers, white blouses, tan socks and brown oxfords?
It was a fun ending to an otherwise sad day. I'm so glad I went. It made me feel good and I hope Sammie enjoyed the surprise. I wish I had had something fun to take to her. I looked for a flower shop on the way, but all the ones that used to be there aren't there any more! I'm sure a "Been There, Done That, Loved It!" t-shirt might fit the bill.
Be well, Sammie! Break a leg tomorrow night!
Oh, since I hadn't had anything to eat except some cereal for breakfast and it was after 3:00 by the time I got back to S'boro, I went to the DQ for lunch. Nothing better than a medium-sized vanilla cone - butterscotch dipped. The lines were 6 deep and the sun was beating down. Welcome Spring!
Shennie
Blogging and Memories
I used to wonder what people had to write/talk about in a blog? Who were they kidding? What did they experience on a daily or weekly basis that they thought they could write about and be interesting, or enlightening, or funny? Well today I hit the jackpot! So, settle in, grab a favorite drink, get your mouse comfortable, clean off those specs, and here I go. They will be divided by topics. We will move from the serious to the fun to the stupid.
Today I went to my second memorial this week. Monday I went to PCB's service here in town. It was an amazing tribute to a remarkable man. The church's sanctuary was filled to capacity and there were another 75+ downstairs in the hall. It was a good thing that the one person in town who didn't attend was the fire chief! The tributes were touching, the stories were so true to life AND funny, and the readings that were given from works recently found had everyone wiping tears of laughter from their eyes. We were even reminded of his amazing ability to fall asleep sitting up while almost anything was going on. Oh, and did you know that George Washington taught Betsy Ross how to make the first flag?
Today's service was held in my hometown at my home church in Connecticut. The service was for my oldest friend's mother. I cannot remember not knowing Auntie Myrt. She and Uncle Al adopted Wendy when she was 4 and I was 3. That's how long I've known Wendy. I hadn't seen Wendy in a long time until I ran into her one day at a small local restaurant about 8 years ago. This woman looked familiar but I couldn't place her. The give away, they called the fellow she was with Bob (I knew her husband's name was Bob) AND he had red hair. The last time I saw Auntie Myrt was at my mom's memorial service in 2005. At that time, Auntie Myrt was physically VERY well but was getting very, very forgetful but she did remember me.
What I found even sadder about today as I thought about it while driving home was that outside of family and a few of the older women in the church who had known Auntie Myrt and her sister, Doris (the church's human grapevine) I was the only "friend" there. I'm sure her family can also be her friends, but I just thought it so sad that the church was so not full and those that were there were family. I know how comforting and supportive it was to have so many of my friends there when I was celebrating Mom and Dad's lives. I'm glad I went for Wendy. I know she appreciated seeing me as did her cousin, Judy ~ who I've known just as long. Hopefully we'll keep in closer touch. She has promised to call.
I did go to the cemetery and got to spend some time with Wendy and Judy and Judy's 3 girls. I remember those girls when they were born. They grew up! Note to the mom ~ I told Judy that you were going to be a grandmother and she HOWLED! She also told me not to tell you she laughed. I opted not to go out to Woodbury for the reception afterwards. It was at the Curtis House; I knew that if I went I would be late leaving. I hugged everyone goodbye and then went to visit Mom and Dad.
I first stopped to see Grandma and Grandpa M., then circled around and said hello to Grandma and Grandpa C. Then I went and spent a few minutes with M&D. I hadn't been there since they were there together. It felt good to be with them again. It still hurts and I still miss them terribly, but knowing they are together again brings comfort.
Ok, now on to the fun. See my next post.
Today I went to my second memorial this week. Monday I went to PCB's service here in town. It was an amazing tribute to a remarkable man. The church's sanctuary was filled to capacity and there were another 75+ downstairs in the hall. It was a good thing that the one person in town who didn't attend was the fire chief! The tributes were touching, the stories were so true to life AND funny, and the readings that were given from works recently found had everyone wiping tears of laughter from their eyes. We were even reminded of his amazing ability to fall asleep sitting up while almost anything was going on. Oh, and did you know that George Washington taught Betsy Ross how to make the first flag?
Today's service was held in my hometown at my home church in Connecticut. The service was for my oldest friend's mother. I cannot remember not knowing Auntie Myrt. She and Uncle Al adopted Wendy when she was 4 and I was 3. That's how long I've known Wendy. I hadn't seen Wendy in a long time until I ran into her one day at a small local restaurant about 8 years ago. This woman looked familiar but I couldn't place her. The give away, they called the fellow she was with Bob (I knew her husband's name was Bob) AND he had red hair. The last time I saw Auntie Myrt was at my mom's memorial service in 2005. At that time, Auntie Myrt was physically VERY well but was getting very, very forgetful but she did remember me.
What I found even sadder about today as I thought about it while driving home was that outside of family and a few of the older women in the church who had known Auntie Myrt and her sister, Doris (the church's human grapevine) I was the only "friend" there. I'm sure her family can also be her friends, but I just thought it so sad that the church was so not full and those that were there were family. I know how comforting and supportive it was to have so many of my friends there when I was celebrating Mom and Dad's lives. I'm glad I went for Wendy. I know she appreciated seeing me as did her cousin, Judy ~ who I've known just as long. Hopefully we'll keep in closer touch. She has promised to call.
I did go to the cemetery and got to spend some time with Wendy and Judy and Judy's 3 girls. I remember those girls when they were born. They grew up! Note to the mom ~ I told Judy that you were going to be a grandmother and she HOWLED! She also told me not to tell you she laughed. I opted not to go out to Woodbury for the reception afterwards. It was at the Curtis House; I knew that if I went I would be late leaving. I hugged everyone goodbye and then went to visit Mom and Dad.
I first stopped to see Grandma and Grandpa M., then circled around and said hello to Grandma and Grandpa C. Then I went and spent a few minutes with M&D. I hadn't been there since they were there together. It felt good to be with them again. It still hurts and I still miss them terribly, but knowing they are together again brings comfort.
Ok, now on to the fun. See my next post.
Shennie
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Thinking Ahead
May 17 is Armed Forces Day.
So, some folks in my town are carrying out and expanding the tradition which began a couple years ago. Originally they got together and sent out a few packages to soldiers overseas. From what I understand now, it has taken on a life of its own. Donations of goods and packaging and postage come from far and wide. It has expanded so much that it now takes 2 days and a myriad of folks to package up everything. I guess, from the flyer I've see around town, they are even getting one of the local radio stations involved. So, I plan on being there to help pack up goodies. Scoots, maybe one of them will get to you and/or your unit. Any suggestions beyond the usual for additions to the packages? The list we have is pretty much the same as Operation Shoebox.
A Big Thank You to all our service people. KYHD!
ARMED FORCES WEEKEND
CARE PACKAGE DRIVE
MAY 17 - 18, 2008
CARE PACKAGE DRIVE
MAY 17 - 18, 2008
So, some folks in my town are carrying out and expanding the tradition which began a couple years ago. Originally they got together and sent out a few packages to soldiers overseas. From what I understand now, it has taken on a life of its own. Donations of goods and packaging and postage come from far and wide. It has expanded so much that it now takes 2 days and a myriad of folks to package up everything. I guess, from the flyer I've see around town, they are even getting one of the local radio stations involved. So, I plan on being there to help pack up goodies. Scoots, maybe one of them will get to you and/or your unit. Any suggestions beyond the usual for additions to the packages? The list we have is pretty much the same as Operation Shoebox.
A Big Thank You to all our service people. KYHD!
Shennie
Friday, April 18, 2008
Dontcha Just Love Those Martyrs?
I'm sure every business has at least one. You know the one I'm talking about. The one that very subtly but emphatically lets you know that she has been here since well before the starting bell! ...and might I add, with no just cause ~ except to make it seem like she's so busy.
Then there are those of us who would like to do that, even tried to come in early, leave early, but were discouraged. Again, for no just cause. It's not like we have to be here like nurses and doctors covering for each other in the ICU. It's not like we've got clients scheduled but we leave before they arrive. No, once about 2:00 in the afternoon comes, we have very few people that show up at our door. If we were to leave, I don't think anyone would notice.
Anyway, that's not the point of this blog.
This woman perpetually comes early on the pretext that either a) her husband had to bring her in or b) she's got so much work and needs to be here for when the first group of people arrive. [Note: Rarely does she even appear when the first group appears! And rarely is there a need, if ever, for her to be here before 8:15 or 8:30.]
We work in an academic environment. This woman has been a teacher her entire life. Deadlines mean nothing to her. It took her over 3 years to edit approximately 100 sheets of text. If our writers at my software company had worked that slowly, they would've been canned before they got through the first year! Having done massive scheduling in one of my previous jobs, I cringe when I have to watch her try to schedule events. It is physically and emotionally painful! However, I think she does part of that in order to have job security. In actuality, I could probably do her job in 10 hours/week and not work up a sweat. And, I have thought about offering to do it; however, she's in a different union than I am and at a different level. I make a lot less than she does. Why should I do her job? ...even though I would have no problem doing it.
It should also be noted that she cannot do some of her job (substitute teaching when one of our teachers is out) because she is unable to stand for long periods of time due to a bum knee. When teaching here, she must stand the entire time. She does sub when/if she has to, but not without limping and moaning and leaving early. She will be having surgery on that knee this summer. HOWEVER, she is ready, willing and obviously able to schlep to Ireland and traipse all over the countryside for 10 days without batting an eyelash! Is there something wrong with this picture?
This is also the same person who whispers - - - for no reason. On purpose! In front of others so that they can't hear! Let me just say, as Grandpa would've said: "Shanty Irish"! No class, but thinks she does; no grace, but insists upon it from others. I'd say her husband would have to be a saint; but it's more like he caves in to her whims and demands. Nice guy but no backbone.
So, I guess we'll just have to put up with her, "Poor me, I was here at 7:20 a.m." syndrome and live with it. Maybe I'll start coming in before her just to see if she's really here at that time! I've done it once or twice before. Hmmmmmm, was she surprised!
I've vented enough - back to work!
Then there are those of us who would like to do that, even tried to come in early, leave early, but were discouraged. Again, for no just cause. It's not like we have to be here like nurses and doctors covering for each other in the ICU. It's not like we've got clients scheduled but we leave before they arrive. No, once about 2:00 in the afternoon comes, we have very few people that show up at our door. If we were to leave, I don't think anyone would notice.
Anyway, that's not the point of this blog.
This woman perpetually comes early on the pretext that either a) her husband had to bring her in or b) she's got so much work and needs to be here for when the first group of people arrive. [Note: Rarely does she even appear when the first group appears! And rarely is there a need, if ever, for her to be here before 8:15 or 8:30.]
We work in an academic environment. This woman has been a teacher her entire life. Deadlines mean nothing to her. It took her over 3 years to edit approximately 100 sheets of text. If our writers at my software company had worked that slowly, they would've been canned before they got through the first year! Having done massive scheduling in one of my previous jobs, I cringe when I have to watch her try to schedule events. It is physically and emotionally painful! However, I think she does part of that in order to have job security. In actuality, I could probably do her job in 10 hours/week and not work up a sweat. And, I have thought about offering to do it; however, she's in a different union than I am and at a different level. I make a lot less than she does. Why should I do her job? ...even though I would have no problem doing it.
It should also be noted that she cannot do some of her job (substitute teaching when one of our teachers is out) because she is unable to stand for long periods of time due to a bum knee. When teaching here, she must stand the entire time. She does sub when/if she has to, but not without limping and moaning and leaving early. She will be having surgery on that knee this summer. HOWEVER, she is ready, willing and obviously able to schlep to Ireland and traipse all over the countryside for 10 days without batting an eyelash! Is there something wrong with this picture?
This is also the same person who whispers - - - for no reason. On purpose! In front of others so that they can't hear! Let me just say, as Grandpa would've said: "Shanty Irish"! No class, but thinks she does; no grace, but insists upon it from others. I'd say her husband would have to be a saint; but it's more like he caves in to her whims and demands. Nice guy but no backbone.
So, I guess we'll just have to put up with her, "Poor me, I was here at 7:20 a.m." syndrome and live with it. Maybe I'll start coming in before her just to see if she's really here at that time! I've done it once or twice before. Hmmmmmm, was she surprised!
I've vented enough - back to work!
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Happy 85th, Mom!
...or as you would say ~ the 46th anniversary of your 39th birthday!
Being the grandmother and nurse that you were I'm sure you'll be with JJ today at her doctor's appointment. Be forewarned, things have changed in the medical field since you and Florence were in training.
So, tonight we will raise a glass to celebrate your life and the life you gave to us.
We miss you, Mom! Happy Birthday!
Love,
Sherrie
Being the grandmother and nurse that you were I'm sure you'll be with JJ today at her doctor's appointment. Be forewarned, things have changed in the medical field since you and Florence were in training.
So, tonight we will raise a glass to celebrate your life and the life you gave to us.We miss you, Mom! Happy Birthday!
Love,
Sherrie
Monday, April 14, 2008
Chapter 11
OK ~ somethings can be easily explained. Last Thursday I went to a nationally known housewares company and cured my 5 year old guilt. I had planned on giving my niece and her husband a handmade bed cover, but in my irrational state, I was making too many mistakes and didn't have the brain power to even think about correcting them. The 1/4 finished afghan ended up in a laundry basket and there it stayed for 5 years! ...or close to it. Ergo, no wedding present for JJ & Ben.
Fast forward 4.5 years. JJ is pregnant! A brilliant idea occurs to me. So, I go to this nationally known housewares company and order a Roomba to be sent to them. First of all, it will probably piss off their cat to a fair-thee-well! Next, who wouldn't want someone to do their vacuuming for them? Thirdly, it satisfies the unsent wedding present guilt and lastly, I think it would be cool for her to have it. I pick out the one I want, make all the preparations to have it sent from Mass to Illinois, fill out all the paperwork and pay for it with my good ole AE. I called her the next day, told her what I had done and was thrilled that she was so happy about her "wedding presents"! I even got to use the 20% off coupon I had. How sweet is that?
Later on that evening I hear on the news that this nationally known company is getting ready to file for Chapter 11. Wait! I just upped your bottom line! Oh well. A day late and a dollar short - as Daddy would say.
Fast forward again to Monday night. After getting home and putting groceries away and getting the doggie bag out from yesterday to warm up for dinner tonight, I settle down with my glass of wine and knitting and I notice a Big Brown Truck pulling up in front of my house. What could this be? Well, it seems that this nationally known housewares company had screwed things up and sent the Roomba to me! Apparently, they couldn't figure out that the name of the Ship To form was where it was supposed to go and NOT the sender!!!!! The UPSTruck guy and I had a lovely conversation and in the end I refused the shipment and he was going to send it back to this company.
So I go looking for my receipt and sales slip. No Can Find! Oh well. I called the local store and after speaking to 2 different very friendly women, we got stuff straightened out. Who knows what happened; suffice it to say - reading and following instructions are not a strong suit of this company. Which may explain why they are about to file for Chapter 11 and their closest competitor is doing well. I went to them because they were more convenient. Next time, I'll got across the street.
So, JJ, it's on its way.
ENJOY!
Fast forward 4.5 years. JJ is pregnant! A brilliant idea occurs to me. So, I go to this nationally known housewares company and order a Roomba to be sent to them. First of all, it will probably piss off their cat to a fair-thee-well! Next, who wouldn't want someone to do their vacuuming for them? Thirdly, it satisfies the unsent wedding present guilt and lastly, I think it would be cool for her to have it. I pick out the one I want, make all the preparations to have it sent from Mass to Illinois, fill out all the paperwork and pay for it with my good ole AE. I called her the next day, told her what I had done and was thrilled that she was so happy about her "wedding presents"! I even got to use the 20% off coupon I had. How sweet is that?
Later on that evening I hear on the news that this nationally known company is getting ready to file for Chapter 11. Wait! I just upped your bottom line! Oh well. A day late and a dollar short - as Daddy would say.
Fast forward again to Monday night. After getting home and putting groceries away and getting the doggie bag out from yesterday to warm up for dinner tonight, I settle down with my glass of wine and knitting and I notice a Big Brown Truck pulling up in front of my house. What could this be? Well, it seems that this nationally known housewares company had screwed things up and sent the Roomba to me! Apparently, they couldn't figure out that the name of the Ship To form was where it was supposed to go and NOT the sender!!!!! The UPSTruck guy and I had a lovely conversation and in the end I refused the shipment and he was going to send it back to this company.
So I go looking for my receipt and sales slip. No Can Find! Oh well. I called the local store and after speaking to 2 different very friendly women, we got stuff straightened out. Who knows what happened; suffice it to say - reading and following instructions are not a strong suit of this company. Which may explain why they are about to file for Chapter 11 and their closest competitor is doing well. I went to them because they were more convenient. Next time, I'll got across the street.
So, JJ, it's on its way.
ENJOY!
Shennie
Organization
Wow, it's been a whole week since I've posted. I have been reading, however. A couple of things come to mind:
To the FAA: Thank you for screwing up my weekend and spoiling my fun ~ and probably thousands of other peoples' as well! I had made reservations to fly out to Illinois for a long weekend with my sister and her family. But, thanks to your decision to throw your weight around and prove once again your gross inefficiency, my flight out of Logan on Saturday morning was canceled. You couldn't do a couple planes at a time while they were in for overnight maintenance? No, you had to pull hundreds off line at a time and disrupt thousands of peoples' schedules and cost the airlines and the US economy millions of dollars. Another prime example of bureaucratic red tape, political posturing, poor judgment, an I-don't-give-a-damn-about-you attitude, and, yes, incompetence.
Thank goodness I was only going out for a fun, haven't-seen-you-in-a-while weekend and not an important milestone event. I pity the poor folks who had weddings to attend or be in, a once-in- a-lifetime graduation to attend, a reunion or a funeral.
Donut ~ you would be proud of me. I managed to get my stuff together for my taxes this past week and got it over to my accountant. [Ed note: Why anyone would major in accounting and choose to do that for a living boggles my mind (zzzzzzz); however, I thank God every April for Gene L!] So, once I got that all done, I tackled the clutter on my dining room table. I've decided to keep on top of things for when April 15 comes again next year; charitable donations, non-prescription health care payments, etc. So, the dining room table's leaves are down and the only things on it are a runner and a pewter hurricane candle holder and candle. What a feeling of accomplishment! Next, I will tackle the bags of yarn in that room and the milk crate with files of files of files from Wallingford and my house. That will all get moved upstairs next weekend.
Another step towards organization: our church is having a yard sale and if you pay $15 you can have a table and sell your items. I've been talking about having a sale, but can't quite abide the thought of organizing all that here at the house. So, I'll pay the $$$ and sell the stuff at church. They make some money and I make some money. Sounds good to me. My garage needs to be purged and this is a good way. I've got a couple of folks who will help me get stuff over to the church. I'm not going to make a killing, but it will free up space in the garage and the upstairs.
We've got a 3-day weekend coming up this weekend. It's Patriots' Day here in Massachusetts. It's also the running of the Boston Marathon. Again, another WHY? Unfortunately I have the Memorial Service for Phil Beals to attend. I know he'd much rather be planting his garden. He is missed already. Maybe we will have a spring-like day on Monday. That would be perfect!
Haven't heard much from the soldier lately. Hoping and praying all is well.
Have a great week everyone.
To the FAA: Thank you for screwing up my weekend and spoiling my fun ~ and probably thousands of other peoples' as well! I had made reservations to fly out to Illinois for a long weekend with my sister and her family. But, thanks to your decision to throw your weight around and prove once again your gross inefficiency, my flight out of Logan on Saturday morning was canceled. You couldn't do a couple planes at a time while they were in for overnight maintenance? No, you had to pull hundreds off line at a time and disrupt thousands of peoples' schedules and cost the airlines and the US economy millions of dollars. Another prime example of bureaucratic red tape, political posturing, poor judgment, an I-don't-give-a-damn-about-you attitude, and, yes, incompetence.
Thank goodness I was only going out for a fun, haven't-seen-you-in-a-while weekend and not an important milestone event. I pity the poor folks who had weddings to attend or be in, a once-in- a-lifetime graduation to attend, a reunion or a funeral.
Donut ~ you would be proud of me. I managed to get my stuff together for my taxes this past week and got it over to my accountant. [Ed note: Why anyone would major in accounting and choose to do that for a living boggles my mind (zzzzzzz); however, I thank God every April for Gene L!] So, once I got that all done, I tackled the clutter on my dining room table. I've decided to keep on top of things for when April 15 comes again next year; charitable donations, non-prescription health care payments, etc. So, the dining room table's leaves are down and the only things on it are a runner and a pewter hurricane candle holder and candle. What a feeling of accomplishment! Next, I will tackle the bags of yarn in that room and the milk crate with files of files of files from Wallingford and my house. That will all get moved upstairs next weekend.
Another step towards organization: our church is having a yard sale and if you pay $15 you can have a table and sell your items. I've been talking about having a sale, but can't quite abide the thought of organizing all that here at the house. So, I'll pay the $$$ and sell the stuff at church. They make some money and I make some money. Sounds good to me. My garage needs to be purged and this is a good way. I've got a couple of folks who will help me get stuff over to the church. I'm not going to make a killing, but it will free up space in the garage and the upstairs.
We've got a 3-day weekend coming up this weekend. It's Patriots' Day here in Massachusetts. It's also the running of the Boston Marathon. Again, another WHY? Unfortunately I have the Memorial Service for Phil Beals to attend. I know he'd much rather be planting his garden. He is missed already. Maybe we will have a spring-like day on Monday. That would be perfect!
Haven't heard much from the soldier lately. Hoping and praying all is well.
Have a great week everyone.
Shennie
Monday, April 7, 2008
Catching Up
Yes, it's been a couple days since I've posted anything. I don't know where the time goes.
First, I'm trying to get all my stuff together for my taxes. I hereby resolve to get and keep my 2008 stuff together so that when February 2009 rolls around, I'm not running around trying to find stuff and remember even more! I'm almost there for this go-round; maybe I'll just sign it and let my accountant figure everything out. Poor Gene! I'm probably his worst customer. Mom is pulling her hair out at this point.
We've calmed down since Barbara Morgan's visit. We're trying to gear up for the end of the year and then the professional development that we have planned for the summer - along with the robotics workshops that we will do.
I'm heading to O'Fallon this weekend - purely on a lark. I got an email from American Airlines and one of the items on it was a list of specials they were offering. One was a r/t price of $199, Boston to St. Louis. I thought about it for 24 hours and decided to DO IT! It's visitation time again for JJ and Lefty. So, I'm knitting and knitting. My little space alien is going to be warm and cozy when he/she arrives on this planet.
Then we've had the Red Sox in Toronto this past weekend. What a disaster and a disappointment! Opening Day at Fenway is tomorrow. We're playing Detroit. Let's hope we can win THAT game. Seeing as Detroit hasn't won a game yet this season, we should be able to win our first home game.
Had a good check up on Friday at Lahey. They've moved their offices again ~ "they" being the kidney xplant group. Don't like their new digs. Claustrophobic! But, they're down with the liver xplant group so Marti and Brenda are back together ~ sorta. Marti wasn't in her office when I was there. Oh well. Did see the new xplant doc but didn't talk to him. He's doing kidney, liver & pancreas. Busy! Everyone is thrilled for JJ.
The sun is finally out - it's been absent the past couple days. It's even supposed to get up into the 60s this week. Finally ~ spring is coming.
First, I'm trying to get all my stuff together for my taxes. I hereby resolve to get and keep my 2008 stuff together so that when February 2009 rolls around, I'm not running around trying to find stuff and remember even more! I'm almost there for this go-round; maybe I'll just sign it and let my accountant figure everything out. Poor Gene! I'm probably his worst customer. Mom is pulling her hair out at this point.
We've calmed down since Barbara Morgan's visit. We're trying to gear up for the end of the year and then the professional development that we have planned for the summer - along with the robotics workshops that we will do.
I'm heading to O'Fallon this weekend - purely on a lark. I got an email from American Airlines and one of the items on it was a list of specials they were offering. One was a r/t price of $199, Boston to St. Louis. I thought about it for 24 hours and decided to DO IT! It's visitation time again for JJ and Lefty. So, I'm knitting and knitting. My little space alien is going to be warm and cozy when he/she arrives on this planet.
Then we've had the Red Sox in Toronto this past weekend. What a disaster and a disappointment! Opening Day at Fenway is tomorrow. We're playing Detroit. Let's hope we can win THAT game. Seeing as Detroit hasn't won a game yet this season, we should be able to win our first home game.
Had a good check up on Friday at Lahey. They've moved their offices again ~ "they" being the kidney xplant group. Don't like their new digs. Claustrophobic! But, they're down with the liver xplant group so Marti and Brenda are back together ~ sorta. Marti wasn't in her office when I was there. Oh well. Did see the new xplant doc but didn't talk to him. He's doing kidney, liver & pancreas. Busy! Everyone is thrilled for JJ.
The sun is finally out - it's been absent the past couple days. It's even supposed to get up into the 60s this week. Finally ~ spring is coming.
Shennie
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