Check-in

I'm sorry. It's been a while...all 5 of you who read this blog!

Life has been crazy--the weekend before Thanksgiving, I helped out on a retreat for the College--50 18-22 year olds. I had a blast, though I'd lost my voice COMPLETELY 2 days before I was supposed to go, so that made things interesting. The weekend was wonderful...then it was back for 2 days at the office before Thanksgiving break. I had a wonderful time in NJ!

Today, I'm off to help out on a retreat for 60 (SIXTY!!!) high school students. What was I thinking?! Before I go, I need to get some work done and run a few errands on the way to the retreat. It's going to be FREEZING in New Hampshire this weekend.

I hope you all are well! I miss you and I'll share more musings and nuttiness next week.

Thursday 13 (a day early...)

Inspired by M...here is my Thursday 13---odds and ends of the apartment.

Just FYI, I am currently voice-less. I've had a cold and last night at about 7 o'clock, I said something outloud to myself (a frequent happening) and my voice was GONE. I haven't said much of anything today and still, it's pretty dead.

OK, on to the 13...

1. My fridge...adorned with a) the "welcome" message board that the apartment complex gifts to us upon arrival; b) 2 magnets purchased at kj and jb's yart party; c) a card from my friend Joyce being held by a "road not taken" magnet; d) the "thank you and congrats" card from HC for reaching 53.2% participation; e) a card with one of my favorite lines from Desiderata; f) my friend Mere's address held on by yet another good-quote-on-a-magnet; g) notepad.

2. When it's on sale at CVS, I take advantage. Yes, I know Coca-Cola company is evil, but...well, I don't drink coffee and I need caffeine.

3. My bike. Triathlon # still attached under the seat. It's pretty and blue...though I haven't spoken to it in months.

4. Fancy bag...I bought it on Saturday morning for my work dinner on Saturday night. 2 black ties a year and I usually just bring my normal, huge, un-fancy bag and shove it under the table!

5. My living room window...about 6 feet tall. The pictures on the windowsill are a) my siblings and I at my First Communion; b) my CA "siblings" and I on their front lawn; c) my sister, my parents' goddaughter and I at my bro's high school graduation party; d) my mom, her sisters and my grandparents in the late '60s.

6. A poster that needs to be framed and hung. My beloved Manhattan...subway routes.

7. Tokens from college retreats--the retreat I am helping to lead this weekend. I have to give a talk (please let me get my voice back) and choose 2 songs to go with that talk. The retreats were on the Cape--can't wait to get back there.

8. My anthem...lyrics and illustrations by Nerissa and Katryna Nields. I love this.

9. Candles, candlesticks and snuff from Colonial Williamsburg. They're a housewarming gift from my mother's cousin--the one I lived with in DC. I love them...now I need to have some people over for dinner to burn the candles!

10. Notecards. I love to send and receive cards. I was REALLY good about it in college and always have a big supply of cards--I just send them less frequently now. Darn age of the internet!

11. My washer/dryer and ironing board. The iron and ironing board are rarely put away since I iron EVERYTHING everyday. I love to iron. I also love having a w/d in my apartment. Hard to beat.

12. A Hundred Thousand Welcomes to you. This hangs just inside my front door, over the entry to the kitchen. I bought it at a fair in Los Angeles and it's been with me ever since.

13. My West Wing dvd collection. Awesome show and I've gotten fumblerette hooked on it. I know GJ is hooked as well. I miss not having new episodes, but I'm also grateful for tv on dvd!