Lost to Winnipesaukee:
One pair of sunglasses
One pair of goggles (so so sad)
Skin off my feet, knees and fingers
Gained from Winnipesaukee:
Some new freckles
A new flotation device for Matt and Rachel
Many a full stomach
What a weekend. First, there was the wonderful Yart party at kj's...then a delightfully enjoyable evening at Club Passim. But the 3 days at Winnipesaukee were the icing, cherries and a la mode of it all.
I've always been an ocean girl. Pools are fine, and necessary. Lakes are gross and slimy. Oceans are fabulous--rough, salty, spectacular and wonderful. But Lake Winni and the view from the cabin have converted me--I like lakes now. They're no ocean, but wow. I had a great few days and I've returned to MA bruised, scraped and scratched, but blissfully happy. The traffic on the drive home wasn't even that bad.
2 days of work and I'm off to the Cape! I love summer.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Friday, August 10, 2007
Big Yellow Magic
Tomorrow morning, our dear fumblerette is picking me up at about 11 AM. We're heading an hour west to Northampton to spend a few hours at the Yart Party at kj & jb's. Then, we'll drive back east, stopping to pick up my car, then stopping to drop of fumblerette's car. We'll then head to Cambridge and Club Passim to continue the "yay, fumblerette lives in MA, let's hear folk music" tour with Nerissa and Katryna's show. After that, we will drive to Lake Winnipesaukee to visit Matt and Rachel at their house there. WOOHOO!! A few days of *nothing* but friends, swimming, biking, kayaking and reading.
I sat on the floor of the living room in Big Yellow on Monday night, playing with Miss Lila while she sat on her mom's lap, envisioning many of my BY friends together again in just over 2 months. How wonderful to be spending a weekend with friends that I met in that sacred, magical space. How lucky am I??
I sat on the floor of the living room in Big Yellow on Monday night, playing with Miss Lila while she sat on her mom's lap, envisioning many of my BY friends together again in just over 2 months. How wonderful to be spending a weekend with friends that I met in that sacred, magical space. How lucky am I??
Thursday, August 02, 2007
FRFF 07 in review
My computer is dying, folks. I hope this works. I bought a new one tonight (WTF was I thinking? Gonna be fun to pay that off!), so things should be better soon. But I simply couldn't wait any longer to comment on the wonderful weekend in Hillsdale.
So, this marked my fifth Falcon Ridge weekend. For the first 2 years, I camped with a huge group--college friends, their siblings, their siblings' friends. It was insane, but a ton of fun too. My first year, the only name I recognized in the line-up was Dar Williams (well, Arlo too, but he doesn't *really* count). I'd never heard of Eddie from Ohio, Vance Gilbert, Tracy Grammer or Nerissa and Katryna Nields. I remember being overwhelmed by the quality of music and the community that surrounded me. When people say, "We're home!" as they drive onto the fields of Falcon Ridge, they aren't lying. It's home.
This year, I camped with my best friend (who started coming to FR 2 summers ago after I dragged her to a Nields show in western MA), a friend from DC (and her friend) and my beloved BY friends. How wonderful to see ~j and really spend some time with her and her CurlyGirl. And our dear ~N~ who is a neighbor now, just down the road in Boston, and her friend Rhi. It was a wonderful camp--relaxed, laid back, put together (thanks to ~j and CG!), and tons of fun. We were extraordinarily lucky to have ~j offer us spots on her workshop stage tent, and to have the likes of ~N~, t and A to secure us great spots in the mainstage tarp run.
It's so hard to come up with hilights of the weekend...Tracy Grammer blows me away. She seems to grow more confident by the year, and each year at FR, I leave saying, "I'd forgotten how much I adore her music and her presence." Eddie from Ohio makes me laugh (CARP!)--the boys double Julie over and it's just a joy. Finding out that Dar and Gandalf are neighbors and occassionally hang out and jam was a little disturbing, but somehow appropriate! Dar lit up the hillside with "Iowa" as always...this time, she brought young Stephen out to witness the magic of FR. New discoveries this year include Red Molly and Ellis...and also, a first-time appreciation for the Kennedys and Chris Thompson as part of the Stragelings. We commented several times over the course of the weekend that mainstage at FR seems to turn people into 7 year olds...Julie bounced around and giggled like a kid, Dar was positively electric, Nerissa (when she joined Dar for a few tunes) never stopped moving and never stopped grinning.
Then, there is the fact that finally (FINALLY) I have songs like "This Train," "Soldier at the Door," and my beloved "Eloise" on cd. Seriously, folks, it's their best album yet. The girls were wonderful all weekend long.
That was disorganized and rambly, but I am still processing the awesomeness of the weekend.
So, this marked my fifth Falcon Ridge weekend. For the first 2 years, I camped with a huge group--college friends, their siblings, their siblings' friends. It was insane, but a ton of fun too. My first year, the only name I recognized in the line-up was Dar Williams (well, Arlo too, but he doesn't *really* count). I'd never heard of Eddie from Ohio, Vance Gilbert, Tracy Grammer or Nerissa and Katryna Nields. I remember being overwhelmed by the quality of music and the community that surrounded me. When people say, "We're home!" as they drive onto the fields of Falcon Ridge, they aren't lying. It's home.
This year, I camped with my best friend (who started coming to FR 2 summers ago after I dragged her to a Nields show in western MA), a friend from DC (and her friend) and my beloved BY friends. How wonderful to see ~j and really spend some time with her and her CurlyGirl. And our dear ~N~ who is a neighbor now, just down the road in Boston, and her friend Rhi. It was a wonderful camp--relaxed, laid back, put together (thanks to ~j and CG!), and tons of fun. We were extraordinarily lucky to have ~j offer us spots on her workshop stage tent, and to have the likes of ~N~, t and A to secure us great spots in the mainstage tarp run.
It's so hard to come up with hilights of the weekend...Tracy Grammer blows me away. She seems to grow more confident by the year, and each year at FR, I leave saying, "I'd forgotten how much I adore her music and her presence." Eddie from Ohio makes me laugh (CARP!)--the boys double Julie over and it's just a joy. Finding out that Dar and Gandalf are neighbors and occassionally hang out and jam was a little disturbing, but somehow appropriate! Dar lit up the hillside with "Iowa" as always...this time, she brought young Stephen out to witness the magic of FR. New discoveries this year include Red Molly and Ellis...and also, a first-time appreciation for the Kennedys and Chris Thompson as part of the Stragelings. We commented several times over the course of the weekend that mainstage at FR seems to turn people into 7 year olds...Julie bounced around and giggled like a kid, Dar was positively electric, Nerissa (when she joined Dar for a few tunes) never stopped moving and never stopped grinning.
Then, there is the fact that finally (FINALLY) I have songs like "This Train," "Soldier at the Door," and my beloved "Eloise" on cd. Seriously, folks, it's their best album yet. The girls were wonderful all weekend long.
That was disorganized and rambly, but I am still processing the awesomeness of the weekend.
Friday, July 13, 2007
13 days and counting...
...until the Joy of Joys, the Festival of Festivals, our Falcon Ridge. In the spirit of kj's vacation toolbox, here are my bare essentials for 4 days of sunshine, fire and rain:
sunscreen (LOTS of sunscreen)
headlamp (late night trips to the portajohn make this a top priority)
Charmin on-the-go packs (see above)
large flashlight
blankets (for hillside lounging)
a good book (for the downtime)
crazy creek style "chair" (essential for hours spent sitting on the hillside)
sleeping bag
rain jacket
bathing suit
tank tops
a beach towel or 2
Yankees baseball cap
camping chair
cameras and lots of film
sunglasses
trail mix ingredients
apples
a cooler
Coke, water and a 6 pack of Sam Adams Summer Ale
spending money (can't avoid the merch tent)
Then, you add a few good friends. Many a wonderful musical act. Some good food. The fact that you're spending a couple of days away from the office. This will be my 5th FRFF...every year it's a little different and every year I discover a new delight. It's where I first heard the Nields, Eddie from Ohio, Crooked Still, Tracy Grammer, Lucy Kaplansky, Richard Shindell, Girlyman, We're About 9 and DaVinci's Notebook.
Life doesn't get any better than sitting under a blazing sun or a blanket of stars, singing along to music you love, surrounded by people you love (and a few thousand strangers), and feeling 1000% "home."
sunscreen (LOTS of sunscreen)
headlamp (late night trips to the portajohn make this a top priority)
Charmin on-the-go packs (see above)
large flashlight
blankets (for hillside lounging)
a good book (for the downtime)
crazy creek style "chair" (essential for hours spent sitting on the hillside)
sleeping bag
rain jacket
bathing suit
tank tops
a beach towel or 2
Yankees baseball cap
camping chair
cameras and lots of film
sunglasses
trail mix ingredients
apples
a cooler
Coke, water and a 6 pack of Sam Adams Summer Ale
spending money (can't avoid the merch tent)
Then, you add a few good friends. Many a wonderful musical act. Some good food. The fact that you're spending a couple of days away from the office. This will be my 5th FRFF...every year it's a little different and every year I discover a new delight. It's where I first heard the Nields, Eddie from Ohio, Crooked Still, Tracy Grammer, Lucy Kaplansky, Richard Shindell, Girlyman, We're About 9 and DaVinci's Notebook.
Life doesn't get any better than sitting under a blazing sun or a blanket of stars, singing along to music you love, surrounded by people you love (and a few thousand strangers), and feeling 1000% "home."
Monday, July 09, 2007
Stolen from kj
OK, life's been nutty. And the 2 times I've tried to blog in the last month, blogger has been wonky. Here's another go at it...and because I'm feeling lazy, I'm stealing a quiz/survey thingy from kj. Maybe my next post will be the necessities for vacation--or Falcon Ridge as it may be.
A is for age: 28...though most people would put my inner child at about 7.
B is for beer of choice: Sam Adams Summer Ale...or Blue Moon.
C is for career: I'm currently in higher education...working for my alma mater and enjoying it as a job. But not as a career or a vocation.
D is for favorite Drink: CocaCola. Even if it means I am somehow evil in the eyes of some...I don't drink coffee, but I need caffeine! Iced tea is the runner up.
E is for Essential item(s) you use everyday: Toothbrush and toothpaste, for sure. Glasses or contacts so that I can see the world around me.
F is for Favorite song at the moment: So hard to choose. I've been singing along quite loudly to Dar's "The Hudson" in the last few days.
G is for favorite Game: Basketball.
H is for How About Whatever Favorite I Choose: Hmmmm...my favorite summer smell is rain.
I is for Instruments played: Guitar and Piano, both badly.
J is for favorite Juice: Cranberry juice
K is for Kids: I'm pro-kids ;) None for me at the moment, but I'll have a basketball team one of these days. For now, I borrow other people's children whenever they allow.
L is for last kiss: That's for me to know...
M is for marriage: Again, I'm pretty much pro-marriage, for any and all who want to enter into the union.
N is for full Name: In the interest of anonymity, first name starts with K, middle name begins with F and is my maternal grandmother's maiden name...and, I'm a Mc.
O is for Overnight hospital stays: Let's see, at least 2 nights at the age of 14 months for toe amputation, one night at the age of 13 for screws and plates in my forearm...I think that's it.
P is for phobias: No real phobias. Things I don't like, but no real phobias.
Q is for quote: "Oy with the poodles already."
R is for biggest Regret: Try not to have them. The worst decision I ever made still gave me a lot of great gifts.
S is for sports: I am pro-sports. To the point that I watched the Wimbledon finals yesterday even though I find tennis boring. Federer and Nadal are anything but boring. My Yanks are having a rough go of it, but I still love my boys from the Bronx. March Madness is a month of pure joy.
T is for Time you wake up: Depends...lately, I've been getting up at least once a week to work out before lunch--what is happening to me?!
U is for color underwear: whatever's on top of the pile
V is for Vegetable you love: Cucumbers and asparagus
W is for Worst Habit: I defer...if there's a decision to be made, I'd rather *anyone* other than me make it.
X is for X-rays you’ve had: Not counting dental x-rays, well, I can't even count. Seriously--I mean, just last week I had at least 4 taken of my knees. I should have a custom-made lead shield.
Y is for Yummy food you make: Lasagna
Z is for Zodiac sign: Stubborn as a bull, that's me! Somehow, I don't think I could be anything but Taurus.
A is for age: 28...though most people would put my inner child at about 7.
B is for beer of choice: Sam Adams Summer Ale...or Blue Moon.
C is for career: I'm currently in higher education...working for my alma mater and enjoying it as a job. But not as a career or a vocation.
D is for favorite Drink: CocaCola. Even if it means I am somehow evil in the eyes of some...I don't drink coffee, but I need caffeine! Iced tea is the runner up.
E is for Essential item(s) you use everyday: Toothbrush and toothpaste, for sure. Glasses or contacts so that I can see the world around me.
F is for Favorite song at the moment: So hard to choose. I've been singing along quite loudly to Dar's "The Hudson" in the last few days.
G is for favorite Game: Basketball.
H is for How About Whatever Favorite I Choose: Hmmmm...my favorite summer smell is rain.
I is for Instruments played: Guitar and Piano, both badly.
J is for favorite Juice: Cranberry juice
K is for Kids: I'm pro-kids ;) None for me at the moment, but I'll have a basketball team one of these days. For now, I borrow other people's children whenever they allow.
L is for last kiss: That's for me to know...
M is for marriage: Again, I'm pretty much pro-marriage, for any and all who want to enter into the union.
N is for full Name: In the interest of anonymity, first name starts with K, middle name begins with F and is my maternal grandmother's maiden name...and, I'm a Mc.
O is for Overnight hospital stays: Let's see, at least 2 nights at the age of 14 months for toe amputation, one night at the age of 13 for screws and plates in my forearm...I think that's it.
P is for phobias: No real phobias. Things I don't like, but no real phobias.
Q is for quote: "Oy with the poodles already."
R is for biggest Regret: Try not to have them. The worst decision I ever made still gave me a lot of great gifts.
S is for sports: I am pro-sports. To the point that I watched the Wimbledon finals yesterday even though I find tennis boring. Federer and Nadal are anything but boring. My Yanks are having a rough go of it, but I still love my boys from the Bronx. March Madness is a month of pure joy.
T is for Time you wake up: Depends...lately, I've been getting up at least once a week to work out before lunch--what is happening to me?!
U is for color underwear: whatever's on top of the pile
V is for Vegetable you love: Cucumbers and asparagus
W is for Worst Habit: I defer...if there's a decision to be made, I'd rather *anyone* other than me make it.
X is for X-rays you’ve had: Not counting dental x-rays, well, I can't even count. Seriously--I mean, just last week I had at least 4 taken of my knees. I should have a custom-made lead shield.
Y is for Yummy food you make: Lasagna
Z is for Zodiac sign: Stubborn as a bull, that's me! Somehow, I don't think I could be anything but Taurus.
Saturday, June 09, 2007
A great weekend...
I drove home tonight with tears in my eyes. And for the first time in 3 months, the tears weren't of frustration or uncertainty or sadness. The last few days have reminded me of all the reasons I love my current job, of all the reasons this job has felt right many times over the past 2 years.
It was the 2nd reunion weekend at HC...the "old man" reunion--the Classes of 1931 through 1956, the Classes of 1957, 1962, 1967, 1972 and 1977 were on campus. Only the Class of 1977 has female graduates, so it really is the old boys' club this weekend. They are delightful. The love and loyalty they have for the school I call home is remarkable. They love to tell "young folks" like me stories of their own days on the Hill and are eager to hear about my experiences.
Plus, I spent Thursday working on a seating chart with my boss (I LOVE the spatial relations and puzzle working of it all), we reworked it on Friday, then started from scratch today. 850 people in 824 seats...had to call and beg dining services to add 3 12-foot tables to the room. I've felt weirdly out of synch with my amazing and wonderful bosslady for the last 2 months...it was fun to have things feel normal again. I ate dinner with my closest work buddy and her husband, then we all headed to the pub. We were celebrating the dir. of alumni relations' retirement after 39 years. He's an incredible guy and we sat in the pub, singing along with the live Irish band, watching his granddaughter Irish step dance, begging Pat (the man of the evening) to sing and play the guitar, which he finally did. At the end of the night, it felt like Hootenanny in the Big Yellow or at kj/jb's. The band was breaking down, loaned a guitar to Pat and we sat around singing for half an hour more.
So, after spending the last few months thinking, "Why?? What is it I loved about this job again??" I've just been served a great reminder.
Plus, I had dinner with our Matt. What could be better? (Oh, Matt, tell Rachel that I met Ed--from her office at Brown--tonight. Neither of us could remember R's last name though--but he knew "my friend Matt's wife Rachel"--silly me!)
It was the 2nd reunion weekend at HC...the "old man" reunion--the Classes of 1931 through 1956, the Classes of 1957, 1962, 1967, 1972 and 1977 were on campus. Only the Class of 1977 has female graduates, so it really is the old boys' club this weekend. They are delightful. The love and loyalty they have for the school I call home is remarkable. They love to tell "young folks" like me stories of their own days on the Hill and are eager to hear about my experiences.
Plus, I spent Thursday working on a seating chart with my boss (I LOVE the spatial relations and puzzle working of it all), we reworked it on Friday, then started from scratch today. 850 people in 824 seats...had to call and beg dining services to add 3 12-foot tables to the room. I've felt weirdly out of synch with my amazing and wonderful bosslady for the last 2 months...it was fun to have things feel normal again. I ate dinner with my closest work buddy and her husband, then we all headed to the pub. We were celebrating the dir. of alumni relations' retirement after 39 years. He's an incredible guy and we sat in the pub, singing along with the live Irish band, watching his granddaughter Irish step dance, begging Pat (the man of the evening) to sing and play the guitar, which he finally did. At the end of the night, it felt like Hootenanny in the Big Yellow or at kj/jb's. The band was breaking down, loaned a guitar to Pat and we sat around singing for half an hour more.
So, after spending the last few months thinking, "Why?? What is it I loved about this job again??" I've just been served a great reminder.
Plus, I had dinner with our Matt. What could be better? (Oh, Matt, tell Rachel that I met Ed--from her office at Brown--tonight. Neither of us could remember R's last name though--but he knew "my friend Matt's wife Rachel"--silly me!)
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Thursday 13
1. My knee hurts today.
2. The running is the hardest part of triathlon training. I hate running.
3. I have to buy a bike.
4. I have very little $$ for said bike, and bikes are wicked expensive.
5. May has been a crazy busy month, but I've had a lot of fun. I went to Ohio for my brother's college graduation--and played beer pong with my father and flip cup with my brother. I went to Miami for my cousin's graduation and spent my days and evenings in the pool and on the beach with my family. Nichole visited me and we looked at apartments for her very big, very exciting move to Boston. Plus, work has been crazy.
6. Speaking of work, I have a new co-worker. Nic and kj will tell you that he is bad news. They listened to me rant for quite some time. It's difficult because this new guy is part of our little 3-person team in our larger department. So I can't avoid him.
7. 8 years ago right now, I was in Mexico. HC runs an immersion trip every year--we spend our time visiting villages, listening to people's stories. We see with our own eyes and hear for ourselves stories of poverty, struggle and heartache, but also stories of immense and incredible faith. I went to the kickoff barbeque on Tuesday night for this year's trip. I wonder if they realized that the faces and voices they here in these weeks will be with them forever.
8. A new girl in our department moved into my apartment building in March, right down the hall. I'm headed over there to hang out and maybe order dinner and walk across the street for ice cream.
9. Our VP's assistant forgot to put one of my vacation days in the system...so, though I thought I had no time left to take, I have a "free" day to take before June 30...plus, since I spent extra hours babysitting last week (as part of the job), my boss is giving me a day off to compensate me. Now to figure out how to spend those days...
10. I really want to get better at photography. I just need to spend the time, energy and some of the money to make it happen. Maybe take a class? Who knows.
11. I need a good ocean swim--at a beach with waves. My sister and her friends have rented a house down the Jersey Shore this summer...maybe I'll take some long weekends. I love Cape Cod, but I need the waves!
12. I was having very vivid dreams for a while a few months ago, but they've stopped. A friend at work is big into dream interpretation/analysis. He claims that if I tell myself to dream, just as I'm drifting off to sleep, I should remember the dream in the morning.
13. 55 days until Falcon Ridge Folk Festival!
2. The running is the hardest part of triathlon training. I hate running.
3. I have to buy a bike.
4. I have very little $$ for said bike, and bikes are wicked expensive.
5. May has been a crazy busy month, but I've had a lot of fun. I went to Ohio for my brother's college graduation--and played beer pong with my father and flip cup with my brother. I went to Miami for my cousin's graduation and spent my days and evenings in the pool and on the beach with my family. Nichole visited me and we looked at apartments for her very big, very exciting move to Boston. Plus, work has been crazy.
6. Speaking of work, I have a new co-worker. Nic and kj will tell you that he is bad news. They listened to me rant for quite some time. It's difficult because this new guy is part of our little 3-person team in our larger department. So I can't avoid him.
7. 8 years ago right now, I was in Mexico. HC runs an immersion trip every year--we spend our time visiting villages, listening to people's stories. We see with our own eyes and hear for ourselves stories of poverty, struggle and heartache, but also stories of immense and incredible faith. I went to the kickoff barbeque on Tuesday night for this year's trip. I wonder if they realized that the faces and voices they here in these weeks will be with them forever.
8. A new girl in our department moved into my apartment building in March, right down the hall. I'm headed over there to hang out and maybe order dinner and walk across the street for ice cream.
9. Our VP's assistant forgot to put one of my vacation days in the system...so, though I thought I had no time left to take, I have a "free" day to take before June 30...plus, since I spent extra hours babysitting last week (as part of the job), my boss is giving me a day off to compensate me. Now to figure out how to spend those days...
10. I really want to get better at photography. I just need to spend the time, energy and some of the money to make it happen. Maybe take a class? Who knows.
11. I need a good ocean swim--at a beach with waves. My sister and her friends have rented a house down the Jersey Shore this summer...maybe I'll take some long weekends. I love Cape Cod, but I need the waves!
12. I was having very vivid dreams for a while a few months ago, but they've stopped. A friend at work is big into dream interpretation/analysis. He claims that if I tell myself to dream, just as I'm drifting off to sleep, I should remember the dream in the morning.
13. 55 days until Falcon Ridge Folk Festival!
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Triathlon training is getting to my head
Head spinning and shoulders aching,
hands reaching up and out,
pulling through the water.
Each stroke brings a question:
Is this it?
Where you want to be?
Can you ever be certain?
A gulp of air and the questions start again.
Shoud you take the leap and step into the darkness?
Or leave both feet firmly planted on steady ground?
Are you better off here?
Was it the right choice?
Another blast of air, then the body spins forward,
flipping and bursting off of the wall,
back to where you came from.
But can you go back?
It would be different this time, right?
Could it be easier?
Will feeling safe and grounded make it better?
This time, a gasp of air,
shoulders throbbing and legs dragging.
Is the voice in the back of your head right, as it echoes old truths?
What will you do if it's not enough?
What's really so bad about hwere you are?
Could it be enough?
A deep breath and another flip,
hurtling back in the other direction,
the body ping-ponging like the questions in your head.
Legs begin to kick with this breath,
urging the body forward towards the finish,
away from unanswered questions.
hands reaching up and out,
pulling through the water.
Each stroke brings a question:
Is this it?
Where you want to be?
Can you ever be certain?
A gulp of air and the questions start again.
Shoud you take the leap and step into the darkness?
Or leave both feet firmly planted on steady ground?
Are you better off here?
Was it the right choice?
Another blast of air, then the body spins forward,
flipping and bursting off of the wall,
back to where you came from.
But can you go back?
It would be different this time, right?
Could it be easier?
Will feeling safe and grounded make it better?
This time, a gasp of air,
shoulders throbbing and legs dragging.
Is the voice in the back of your head right, as it echoes old truths?
What will you do if it's not enough?
What's really so bad about hwere you are?
Could it be enough?
A deep breath and another flip,
hurtling back in the other direction,
the body ping-ponging like the questions in your head.
Legs begin to kick with this breath,
urging the body forward towards the finish,
away from unanswered questions.
Friday, April 20, 2007
Friday 10
OK, so my spin on this Friday 10 is this: these are all songs from Grey's Anatomy. Producers find some *wonderful* tunes, week after week. Here are the titles, artists and a favorite lyric.
1. Nowhere Warm--Kate Havnevik
"You’re like a parachute descending from the sky And I’m sure you’re on your way Yes I’m sure you’re on the road."
2. Somewhere Only We Know--Keane
"I'm getting old and I need something to rely on. So, tell me when you gonna let me in, I'm getting tired and I need somewhere to begin."
3. Colors--Amos Lee
"I know we all, we all got our faults We get locked in our vaults and we stay But when you're gone all the colors fade"
4. Portions for Foxes--Rilo Kiley
"When the loneliness leads to bad dreams and the bad dreams lead me to callin' you and I call you and say "C'MERE!" "
5. Nothing Left to Lose--Mat Kearney
"Come on and we'll sing, like we were free push the pedal down watch the world around fly by us come on,try, one last time"
6. Make This Go On Forever--Snow Patrol
"The weight of water, the way you taught me to look past everything I had ever learned The final word in the final sentence you ever uttered to me was love"
7. Where We Gonna Go from Here--Mat Kearney
"Green grass and a radioWatching it fly past and away we go"
8. Unlike Me--Kate Havnevik
"I love the way You live so intensely Enjoy every minute of life With space to swing Your arms around Laughing loudly"
9. World Spins Madly On--The Weepies
"I watch the stars from my window sill The whole world is moving and I'm standing still"
10. Gabriel and the Vagabond--foy vance
"There was a young girl on the ground I knew she was fine and hard to cope She never was a fighter until he laid beside her And gently whispered hope"
1. Nowhere Warm--Kate Havnevik
"You’re like a parachute descending from the sky And I’m sure you’re on your way Yes I’m sure you’re on the road."
2. Somewhere Only We Know--Keane
"I'm getting old and I need something to rely on. So, tell me when you gonna let me in, I'm getting tired and I need somewhere to begin."
3. Colors--Amos Lee
"I know we all, we all got our faults We get locked in our vaults and we stay But when you're gone all the colors fade"
4. Portions for Foxes--Rilo Kiley
"When the loneliness leads to bad dreams and the bad dreams lead me to callin' you and I call you and say "C'MERE!" "
5. Nothing Left to Lose--Mat Kearney
"Come on and we'll sing, like we were free push the pedal down watch the world around fly by us come on,try, one last time"
6. Make This Go On Forever--Snow Patrol
"The weight of water, the way you taught me to look past everything I had ever learned The final word in the final sentence you ever uttered to me was love"
7. Where We Gonna Go from Here--Mat Kearney
"Green grass and a radioWatching it fly past and away we go"
8. Unlike Me--Kate Havnevik
"I love the way You live so intensely Enjoy every minute of life With space to swing Your arms around Laughing loudly"
9. World Spins Madly On--The Weepies
"I watch the stars from my window sill The whole world is moving and I'm standing still"
10. Gabriel and the Vagabond--foy vance
"There was a young girl on the ground I knew she was fine and hard to cope She never was a fighter until he laid beside her And gently whispered hope"
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Saturday Sixteen
1. I just spent 3 days down the Cape with my mother, grandmother and aunt. My mother looked at real estate (a favorite pastime) and we wandered through Falmouth, Chatham and other towns.
2. I came up with a photography project for myself--the steeples of Cape Cod. If you know any churches with cool/different steeples on the Cape, send them my way. I saw a few cool ones this weekend...I think it'll be a spring/summer project.
3. I had a non-date tonight. Though, I'd eventually like it to be a date-date with this guy. We aren't sure this will happen. He needed to get back to St. Augustine and Thomas Aquinas tonight. Greta Jane knows this boy.
4. The next four weekends are going to be nutty. Next weekend, I go home to celebrate my 10th h.s. reunion and my dad's birthday. The following weekend, I'm taking a 4-day trip to D.C. to visit mostly with my best friend down there--we're supposed to see N&K, but now we might not. The first weekend in May is my bro's graduation in Ohio. The weekend after that, I am now spending 5 days in Miami (YAY!) to see my cousin graduate. My darling cousin Larissa will be in from London with her 2 year old and her 4 year old. Yippee!
5. We hired a new writer. I will soon have only one full time job and not 2...although we're adding to my job to change the title.
6. Netflix sent me 2 of the same disc instead of 2 different discs. I didn't realize this 3 days ago when I got the disc...I realized it today AFTER the mail had been picked up. So sad.
7. I'm ready for spring. It has not arrived in MA. They're still talking snow and Nor'easter conditions this week.
8. My favorite blanket in the world is a Holy Cross blanket made of a sweatshirt material. It is toasty warm and so soft--one of my favorite purchases of all time.
9. I miss teaching. I miss it more than I let myself admit. I miss being driven crazy on a daily basis and I miss the laughing--and the crying. I do NOT miss the planning and the grading--but distance makes me think that it wasn't all *that* bad.
10. A new favorite quote...to add to the ever-growing list:
"Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return." --Leonardo da Vinci
Kinda ironic given #9, eh?
11. Top travel destinations for my future include the 3 A's: Africa, Alaska and Australia, in no particular order. A trip back to Ireland to see my fam and ride some horses wouldn't be so bad either.
12. When I get my tax return, I should do the responsible thing and invest it. But there are fun things I'd rather do with it. I hate being an adult sometimes.
13. I haven't found a great church in this area yet. Therefore, I'm not going to church every week. I really should look harder in the coming months.
14. I still intend to participate in a triathlon this year...probably in late August. Therefore, I need to get my rear in gear! So that I can swim 3/4 of a mile, bike 30 miles and run a 10K--back to back to back.
15. I've been to 30 states (I think)...I'll possibly hit Texas in December, bringing the total to 31.
16. After this week, I will not work another full, 5-day week until May 21.
2. I came up with a photography project for myself--the steeples of Cape Cod. If you know any churches with cool/different steeples on the Cape, send them my way. I saw a few cool ones this weekend...I think it'll be a spring/summer project.
3. I had a non-date tonight. Though, I'd eventually like it to be a date-date with this guy. We aren't sure this will happen. He needed to get back to St. Augustine and Thomas Aquinas tonight. Greta Jane knows this boy.
4. The next four weekends are going to be nutty. Next weekend, I go home to celebrate my 10th h.s. reunion and my dad's birthday. The following weekend, I'm taking a 4-day trip to D.C. to visit mostly with my best friend down there--we're supposed to see N&K, but now we might not. The first weekend in May is my bro's graduation in Ohio. The weekend after that, I am now spending 5 days in Miami (YAY!) to see my cousin graduate. My darling cousin Larissa will be in from London with her 2 year old and her 4 year old. Yippee!
5. We hired a new writer. I will soon have only one full time job and not 2...although we're adding to my job to change the title.
6. Netflix sent me 2 of the same disc instead of 2 different discs. I didn't realize this 3 days ago when I got the disc...I realized it today AFTER the mail had been picked up. So sad.
7. I'm ready for spring. It has not arrived in MA. They're still talking snow and Nor'easter conditions this week.
8. My favorite blanket in the world is a Holy Cross blanket made of a sweatshirt material. It is toasty warm and so soft--one of my favorite purchases of all time.
9. I miss teaching. I miss it more than I let myself admit. I miss being driven crazy on a daily basis and I miss the laughing--and the crying. I do NOT miss the planning and the grading--but distance makes me think that it wasn't all *that* bad.
10. A new favorite quote...to add to the ever-growing list:
"Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return." --Leonardo da Vinci
Kinda ironic given #9, eh?
11. Top travel destinations for my future include the 3 A's: Africa, Alaska and Australia, in no particular order. A trip back to Ireland to see my fam and ride some horses wouldn't be so bad either.
12. When I get my tax return, I should do the responsible thing and invest it. But there are fun things I'd rather do with it. I hate being an adult sometimes.
13. I haven't found a great church in this area yet. Therefore, I'm not going to church every week. I really should look harder in the coming months.
14. I still intend to participate in a triathlon this year...probably in late August. Therefore, I need to get my rear in gear! So that I can swim 3/4 of a mile, bike 30 miles and run a 10K--back to back to back.
15. I've been to 30 states (I think)...I'll possibly hit Texas in December, bringing the total to 31.
16. After this week, I will not work another full, 5-day week until May 21.
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Spring!
Despite the grey, damp, gloomy day out my window, it is spring. How do I know this?
The Yankees opened in the Bronx yesterday. And they won...and Mo Rivera appeared just for the fun of it. A-Rod wore the stirrup socks up high on Opening Day--my brother predicts that if he does this for the year, he will be MVP. I like that logic, even though I do not like A-Rod. He dropped a freakin' pop-up...but then he homered. We shall see if this is the year he steps up as a big time player in a big time market.
What made that victory sweeter? The Sox lost on opening day...to the Kansas City Royals.
Good thing baseball is starting up--it helps with the letdown from March Madness. I could not have cared less about last night's FL v. OSU game, but tonight, Tennessee faces a scrappy Rutgers team and I'm psyched to watch it.
Life's been crazy this month. I'm doing 2 jobs at work until we hire a replacement for the development writer. While there are positives to the situation, my head is often spinning when I leave the office. I'm looking forward to heading home this weekend to celebrate my grandmother's birthday (we're not allowed to know how old) and a big family Easter with the DC, NY, CT and NJ cousins.
The Yankees opened in the Bronx yesterday. And they won...and Mo Rivera appeared just for the fun of it. A-Rod wore the stirrup socks up high on Opening Day--my brother predicts that if he does this for the year, he will be MVP. I like that logic, even though I do not like A-Rod. He dropped a freakin' pop-up...but then he homered. We shall see if this is the year he steps up as a big time player in a big time market.
What made that victory sweeter? The Sox lost on opening day...to the Kansas City Royals.
Good thing baseball is starting up--it helps with the letdown from March Madness. I could not have cared less about last night's FL v. OSU game, but tonight, Tennessee faces a scrappy Rutgers team and I'm psyched to watch it.
Life's been crazy this month. I'm doing 2 jobs at work until we hire a replacement for the development writer. While there are positives to the situation, my head is often spinning when I leave the office. I'm looking forward to heading home this weekend to celebrate my grandmother's birthday (we're not allowed to know how old) and a big family Easter with the DC, NY, CT and NJ cousins.
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Monday at the BY
N pointed out that a week from tonight, I'll be headed to the airport to pick her up. And a week from tomorrow, we see many BY friends. I'm so excited.
Here's my latest from my weekly BY group. NFN has been asking to hear more about my living situation--I could write for weeks--you all might hear some of it next weekend. But here's a little bit.
Sara unlocked the door to the apartment and stepped inside. She dropped a blue plastic bin overflowing with math tests and noun worksheets on the floor of the living room and grabbed a coke from the fridge. None of her roommates were back from work yet, so Sara settled in on the living room floor with her green pen, grade book and papers.
About halfway through the math tests, Sara heard a key in the door. Allison walked in and was down the hall in her bedroom before Sara could even say hello--not that Sara made any effort to call after her, either. After a year of living together, Sarah had grown tired of making the effort. Maybe this made her an equal partner in the problem.
Allison came back down the hall to flip through the mail on the kitchen table. She hadn't been home in a few days, so there was a stack.
"Hi, Al," Sara said, hesitantly.
Allison mumbled a greeting in return.
"How's it going? How's geometry?"
"Fine. Busy," Allison replied quickly before returning to her bedroom.
When Allison left 20 minutes later, Sara didn't even look up from her papers.
If someone came into the apartment and didn't know any better, one would assume that a group of friends occupied the small 2 bedroom, 2 bath apartment. The mantle and bookshelf were scattered with old family and friend photos of all four girls. Two desktop computers sat side-by-side on a long desk against the back wall of the living room.
Not so obvious was the fact that the four girls only had one bookshelf and one mantle, so it had to be shared space. The second bedroom was just big enough for two twin beds and two dressers, so the computers had to be in the living room. The kitchen table, which appeared homey with four bright placemats, was rarely used.
Sara had been sharing this space for almost a year. When she had decided to move 3,000 miles from home, the thought of living "in community" was appealling--not so scary to leave your whole world behind if you weren't going to be alone.
Here's my latest from my weekly BY group. NFN has been asking to hear more about my living situation--I could write for weeks--you all might hear some of it next weekend. But here's a little bit.
Sara unlocked the door to the apartment and stepped inside. She dropped a blue plastic bin overflowing with math tests and noun worksheets on the floor of the living room and grabbed a coke from the fridge. None of her roommates were back from work yet, so Sara settled in on the living room floor with her green pen, grade book and papers.
About halfway through the math tests, Sara heard a key in the door. Allison walked in and was down the hall in her bedroom before Sara could even say hello--not that Sara made any effort to call after her, either. After a year of living together, Sarah had grown tired of making the effort. Maybe this made her an equal partner in the problem.
Allison came back down the hall to flip through the mail on the kitchen table. She hadn't been home in a few days, so there was a stack.
"Hi, Al," Sara said, hesitantly.
Allison mumbled a greeting in return.
"How's it going? How's geometry?"
"Fine. Busy," Allison replied quickly before returning to her bedroom.
When Allison left 20 minutes later, Sara didn't even look up from her papers.
If someone came into the apartment and didn't know any better, one would assume that a group of friends occupied the small 2 bedroom, 2 bath apartment. The mantle and bookshelf were scattered with old family and friend photos of all four girls. Two desktop computers sat side-by-side on a long desk against the back wall of the living room.
Not so obvious was the fact that the four girls only had one bookshelf and one mantle, so it had to be shared space. The second bedroom was just big enough for two twin beds and two dressers, so the computers had to be in the living room. The kitchen table, which appeared homey with four bright placemats, was rarely used.
Sara had been sharing this space for almost a year. When she had decided to move 3,000 miles from home, the thought of living "in community" was appealling--not so scary to leave your whole world behind if you weren't going to be alone.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
A few photos
Work is crazy, life is busy. I miss blogging. Here are a few shots to sum up my week.
If you look closely, you can see Dave Hower behind Katryna. It was a fantastic show at the homey Iron Horse. I had a wonderful time with kj, jb and ces. Plus, I got to dance with Lila during Tailspin.
The February sky in Worcester. This doesn't even capture the brilliance of the purples and pinks that fill the western sky.
Snow out the back door of my apartment building...
My clocktower in winter.
If you look closely, you can see Dave Hower behind Katryna. It was a fantastic show at the homey Iron Horse. I had a wonderful time with kj, jb and ces. Plus, I got to dance with Lila during Tailspin.
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
I Am Living in Protest
...at least this week. It's only Wednesday (at noon, no less) and yet I feel it should be Friday for all the crap that's happened. It's been a crappy, awful, stressful, bad week at work...got a project from admissions on Monday with a 2/20 deadline. However, the deadline was quickly changed to 2/15 and, due to travel plans in my department, I actually need to have everything for this Friday, 2/9. Which meant I had to get info out to the floor yesterday AM. Which means I worked until 8 PM on Monday night. Which means I missed Big Yellow. Which means I missed my driving home phone call with GJ. Which led to a stressful day yesterday because I had to distribute one project and finish another that was due today (and I had counted on having time Monday to devote to it).
So yeah, my week stinks. Sorry to vent. But there you have it.
So yeah, my week stinks. Sorry to vent. But there you have it.
Sunday, February 04, 2007
First snow and furniture
Friday night as I drifted off to sleep, I heard the snow plows outside. And yesterday morning, I woke up to find the ground covered in snow--no grass in sight. First time all winter. First time all winter in the state of Massachusetts. It's only February 4 though--there's still time for a storm or 2. Anyway, a celebration of snow:
Just before Christmas, students on campus did this to one of the pipes on campus. It was finally painted over this week. Not a great picture, but I loved walking past this every morning.
And finally, I got new furniture. Found it on craigslist, got a pretty good deal AND they delivered it. Good thing too considering the armoire/entertainment center is 79"x50"x24x!!
storage!
Monday, January 29, 2007
Basketballin'
This is my writing from tonight's BY session. I'm not crazy about it, but I've been having a lot of trouble writing this year...the summer got me off track and I haven't quite found my groove again. So, I spent the first 40 minutes tonight coming up with ideas for future writing...then in the last 15 minutes or so, I jotted this down. If it seems a little random, blame little Lila--she was downstairs, craning her neck to grin at me and playing with my toes...how could I pay attention to my writing?!
I spent my weekend with basketball. In 3 days, I went to 4 games. Friday night, some work friends convinced me to join them for the HC men's game--the gym was packed. The game was being broadcast on ESPNU and it was Purple Pride Day--purple being HC's official color. Students were decked out in purple t-shirts, purple shorts, purple wigs, purple tights, purple boas and purple body paint. After the national anthem, they stayed on their feet and stood for the next 2 hours, jumping up and down, cheering and cursing at the refs every now and then. The end result was a HC victory--nice way to kick off the weekend.
Saturday afternoon, the HC women were up. I am a season ticket holder, and though we were off to a shaky 2-4 start in the league, thanks to 2 players blowing out their ACLs, I was hopeful. THe coach had provided me with tickets for my own 7th and 8th grade team and several of the girls were joining me. When I arrived at the gym, Emily, Emily and Bethie were waiting inside the door, already donning newly purchased purple t-shirts and rub-on tatoos. We waited for Ethel and Claire to arrive--they also had to buy purple t-shirts and wait in line for HC sophomores to apply Crusader head tatoos to their hands and cheeks.
Finally, we headed inside. I let the girls pick our seats--they wanted to sit next to the band, right under the basket--my least favorite vantage point. Quickly after tip-off, I realized that my vision of sitting and watching the game with the girls, discussing screens, offensive sets, and man to man defensewasn't going to happen. My girls were more interested in gossiping about boys at school and having their pictures taken with our big politacally incorrect Crusader mascot.
Sunday rolled around and it was time to coach. My head was so into the game (should we press? How can I get Michaela and Alysha in the game at the same time?) that I missed my exit. When I got to the gym, the girls were already warming up on the floor. 45 minutes, 4 time outs and lots of pacing later, we'd lost by 4. We played a good game and if 2 more of our shots had fallen, we'd have won.
To round off the weekend, I stayed and watched the game after ours. The team we (barely) beat last weekend was playing the team we will play next weekend. I wasn't planning to stay, but Michaela asked me to stay and watch the game--and discuss our loss. So, I watched my 4th game of the weekend, noting who we need to stop next weekend adn what we need to do to get a win--how to dominate in a 7th and 8th grade Catholic school league.
I need a new hobby.
I spent my weekend with basketball. In 3 days, I went to 4 games. Friday night, some work friends convinced me to join them for the HC men's game--the gym was packed. The game was being broadcast on ESPNU and it was Purple Pride Day--purple being HC's official color. Students were decked out in purple t-shirts, purple shorts, purple wigs, purple tights, purple boas and purple body paint. After the national anthem, they stayed on their feet and stood for the next 2 hours, jumping up and down, cheering and cursing at the refs every now and then. The end result was a HC victory--nice way to kick off the weekend.
Saturday afternoon, the HC women were up. I am a season ticket holder, and though we were off to a shaky 2-4 start in the league, thanks to 2 players blowing out their ACLs, I was hopeful. THe coach had provided me with tickets for my own 7th and 8th grade team and several of the girls were joining me. When I arrived at the gym, Emily, Emily and Bethie were waiting inside the door, already donning newly purchased purple t-shirts and rub-on tatoos. We waited for Ethel and Claire to arrive--they also had to buy purple t-shirts and wait in line for HC sophomores to apply Crusader head tatoos to their hands and cheeks.
Finally, we headed inside. I let the girls pick our seats--they wanted to sit next to the band, right under the basket--my least favorite vantage point. Quickly after tip-off, I realized that my vision of sitting and watching the game with the girls, discussing screens, offensive sets, and man to man defensewasn't going to happen. My girls were more interested in gossiping about boys at school and having their pictures taken with our big politacally incorrect Crusader mascot.
Sunday rolled around and it was time to coach. My head was so into the game (should we press? How can I get Michaela and Alysha in the game at the same time?) that I missed my exit. When I got to the gym, the girls were already warming up on the floor. 45 minutes, 4 time outs and lots of pacing later, we'd lost by 4. We played a good game and if 2 more of our shots had fallen, we'd have won.
To round off the weekend, I stayed and watched the game after ours. The team we (barely) beat last weekend was playing the team we will play next weekend. I wasn't planning to stay, but Michaela asked me to stay and watch the game--and discuss our loss. So, I watched my 4th game of the weekend, noting who we need to stop next weekend adn what we need to do to get a win--how to dominate in a 7th and 8th grade Catholic school league.
I need a new hobby.
Monday, January 22, 2007
Sometimes I live in a musical...
I walked outside this morning to go to work...and it was snowing. Nothing huge, not even enough to be notable most winters. But today, this morning, after the "winter" New England has been having, I literally started to sing (very softly, mind you), "Oh the weather outside is frightful..." Snow was that exciting. As I look out my window right now, there is a dusting on the grass of the quad in front of the dining hall and even a little sticking to the pine tree in front of the dorm.
I can't sing. At all. It's frightening to hear me sing (a few of you have and I apologize). But I sing all the time. I sing in the car and I sing (quietly) in my office when music is playing. It makes me happy to sing. And oftentimes, like this morning, a song will pop into my head when I see a tree, a blue sky, a red car, kids walking to the bus...just about anything. Billy Joel, Guster, Broadway showtunes, Dar, Linda Eder, Counting Crows, Grey's Anatomy music, the Nields, the great Matt Harvey...they all pop into my head as I go about my day and sometimes I just can't help it--I sing along.
Also, I just want to point you all to a blog that you may or may not have time to visit and that you may or may not want to visit. Rob Rummel-Hudson has a blog (and a soon-to-be book) in which he tells tales of his life as father to his amazing 7 year old daughter, Schuyler. I don't know Schuyler or Rob, but I've been following their story for over 2 years. Schuyler can't speak...but somehow, thanks to Rob, we all hear her loud and clear. The top blog on this page is particularly fantastic, so I'm choosing now to share.
Schuyler's Monster
I can't sing. At all. It's frightening to hear me sing (a few of you have and I apologize). But I sing all the time. I sing in the car and I sing (quietly) in my office when music is playing. It makes me happy to sing. And oftentimes, like this morning, a song will pop into my head when I see a tree, a blue sky, a red car, kids walking to the bus...just about anything. Billy Joel, Guster, Broadway showtunes, Dar, Linda Eder, Counting Crows, Grey's Anatomy music, the Nields, the great Matt Harvey...they all pop into my head as I go about my day and sometimes I just can't help it--I sing along.
Also, I just want to point you all to a blog that you may or may not have time to visit and that you may or may not want to visit. Rob Rummel-Hudson has a blog (and a soon-to-be book) in which he tells tales of his life as father to his amazing 7 year old daughter, Schuyler. I don't know Schuyler or Rob, but I've been following their story for over 2 years. Schuyler can't speak...but somehow, thanks to Rob, we all hear her loud and clear. The top blog on this page is particularly fantastic, so I'm choosing now to share.
Schuyler's Monster
Friday, January 12, 2007
TGIF!
Fridays are wonderful. A week ago, I headed out to Northampton and Big Yellow for a wonderful weekend full of friends and a pair of big blue eyes. This evening, I'll climb in my car and drive home to NJ. We have a family surprise 60th b-day party tomorrow night in Washington, DC. I'll ride down to DC with my parents, thereby saving some money! I'm psyched to see my cousins and have some family time.
It's been a long week and I wish I had more to say. I promise to try to rally for a great entry or 2 next week. Happy Friday!
And if you haven't checked out Ms. kj's blog, get over there! She's a grandmother!!
It's been a long week and I wish I had more to say. I promise to try to rally for a great entry or 2 next week. Happy Friday!
And if you haven't checked out Ms. kj's blog, get over there! She's a grandmother!!
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
2007 so far
I'm back in the office. It's been 11 days since I've been at work. I'm happy to see my friends here, but not thrilled to be back at work. I had a delightful holiday season. Christmas is my favorite time of year and this year did not disappoint. I had a few "downtime" days after Christmas, then headed to JFK to pick up N on Friday morning. We drove to Philly and spent a wonderful, fun-filled weekend with A & G...even had a GJ sighting or 2. Here's my break in photos (on my new digicam!)
1.
This is my Christmas tree--the one I chopped down all on my own. It's the size of a Charlie Brown, but it has character.
This is my parents' tree. A 14 footer that put mine to shame.
2.
Some of my favorite ornaments on the family tree.
3.
My father and sister cleaning out my sister's car. My mother wanted the moment documented--I think it's the first time since my sister got the car 3 years ago that it's been cleaned!
4.
Yarn! When N and I arrived on Friday afternoon, A took us for a walk in her neighborhood...which just so happened to include a stop at a yarn store called Loop. It provided a great chance for me to play with my camera while N shopped.
Yarn ornaments!
5. After lunch and yarn, we wandered into a British soap/lotion/shampoo store called "Lush." Phun Photo opportunities were everywhere.
Bath balls. According to N, drop one of these in the bathtub and they "plop, plop, fizz, fizz" like an Alkaseltzer, making for an enjoyable bathtime experience.
Shampoo bars. One of these is supposed to last 80 washes, according to the sign.
6.
No trip to Philly is complete without cheesesteaks. Even if you have to wait in line.
7. Knitting in progress. N's sock and GJ's baby sweater.
8.
Historic Philly.
9. Curious kitties.
10.
G and I have similar taste in beer. It was a great party.
So there you have it--my vacation in a nutshell. So very happy that this is a short week. This weekend, I will see A again--and kj too!
1.
This is my Christmas tree--the one I chopped down all on my own. It's the size of a Charlie Brown, but it has character.
This is my parents' tree. A 14 footer that put mine to shame.
2.
Some of my favorite ornaments on the family tree.
3.
My father and sister cleaning out my sister's car. My mother wanted the moment documented--I think it's the first time since my sister got the car 3 years ago that it's been cleaned!
4.
Yarn! When N and I arrived on Friday afternoon, A took us for a walk in her neighborhood...which just so happened to include a stop at a yarn store called Loop. It provided a great chance for me to play with my camera while N shopped.
Yarn ornaments!5. After lunch and yarn, we wandered into a British soap/lotion/shampoo store called "Lush." Phun Photo opportunities were everywhere.
Bath balls. According to N, drop one of these in the bathtub and they "plop, plop, fizz, fizz" like an Alkaseltzer, making for an enjoyable bathtime experience.
Shampoo bars. One of these is supposed to last 80 washes, according to the sign.
6.
No trip to Philly is complete without cheesesteaks. Even if you have to wait in line.
7. Knitting in progress. N's sock and GJ's baby sweater.
8.
Historic Philly.
9. Curious kitties.
10.
G and I have similar taste in beer. It was a great party.
So there you have it--my vacation in a nutshell. So very happy that this is a short week. This weekend, I will see A again--and kj too!
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Seasonal musings
Santa is real. Ask the families at Immaculate Conception School in Alphabet City and they'll tell you. Seven years ago, their Santa visited the school for the first time. She watched the students in their uniform plaid line up quietly in the hallway and she waved and smiled as they passed-eyebrows raised towards this stranger. She turned to the principal, a nun in her 60s dressed in full habit, standing tall at 5 foot nothing.
"Give me the names of those children who will have nothing under the tree on Christmas morning."
The next day, this Santa received a fax with a list of 16 names-boys and girls with their ages and sizes beside them. She called a friend or 2 and they hopped in the car. As they drove towards the highway lined with every store imaginable, they made a plan. Each child would get a winter coat, pajamas, sweats and a nicer weekend outfit. Every child would get a book, a puzzle and a toy. At each store, they took their assignments and split up, meeting a half hour later, arms fully loaded. That evening, they called more friends.
"You don't have to shop, but can you chip in to help give these kids a Christmas?"
The bags piled high and it really did begin to look like the Santa's Workshop in those old claymation movies like Rudolph. Each item was tagged with a child's name, age and size, grouped together by family. Teenage sons and daughters wrapped each gift, and in abou ta week, the sleigh-ok, the van was loaded to head back to New York City.
The week after Christmas, this Santa had yet another note in the mail. Parents and children alike were thrilled and awed by this mystery Santa and her ability to provide the perfect gifts.
Over the years, the list has grown from 16 to 30 children. Every year, Santa and her elves climb into the car early in the morning, stop at Dunkin' Donuts for some fuel and share the magic of Christmas with those who need a reminder that Santa is real.
"Give me the names of those children who will have nothing under the tree on Christmas morning."
The next day, this Santa received a fax with a list of 16 names-boys and girls with their ages and sizes beside them. She called a friend or 2 and they hopped in the car. As they drove towards the highway lined with every store imaginable, they made a plan. Each child would get a winter coat, pajamas, sweats and a nicer weekend outfit. Every child would get a book, a puzzle and a toy. At each store, they took their assignments and split up, meeting a half hour later, arms fully loaded. That evening, they called more friends.
"You don't have to shop, but can you chip in to help give these kids a Christmas?"
The bags piled high and it really did begin to look like the Santa's Workshop in those old claymation movies like Rudolph. Each item was tagged with a child's name, age and size, grouped together by family. Teenage sons and daughters wrapped each gift, and in abou ta week, the sleigh-ok, the van was loaded to head back to New York City.
The week after Christmas, this Santa had yet another note in the mail. Parents and children alike were thrilled and awed by this mystery Santa and her ability to provide the perfect gifts.
Over the years, the list has grown from 16 to 30 children. Every year, Santa and her elves climb into the car early in the morning, stop at Dunkin' Donuts for some fuel and share the magic of Christmas with those who need a reminder that Santa is real.
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