Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
It doesn't take much to make some people happy...
Most of my family is like that. But, this is going to be at the top of the list for a long time.
My niece (26) and nephew (30) live in FL. They are fanatic fans of the Orlando Magic. I got a call from them with B saying, "Patty, you won't believe this. A radio station..." G. interrupted and said, "Let me tell it."
A radio station was having a contest. The first 20 people to get to a certain sports store would play Wii bowling. The top two would win. B and G were the first two to arrive at the store. B bowled an 81 and G a 141. Some guy came along and bowled a 241. Then two girls bowled 143 and 147. So, B and G were losers. BUT, the radio station said they were having a raffle of those who hadn't won and B's name was called! She was the low score and the radio guys were saying they thought the low score should win a prize, so I wonder if they fixed the raffle. Doesn't matter. The prize: two tickets to.......................BOWLING WITH DWIGHT HOWARD.
Dwight is the center for the Magic. The Fanatics love him. Dwight loves to bowl and is having a fund raising event on Thursday. There will be Magic players, celebrities, friends, family and the Fanatics! I don't know how they are containing themselves. If you offered each of them a million dollars or bowling with Dwight, they'd go bowling!!
I told B to make sure she has good batteries and lots of memory for her camera. Can't wait for the phone call from the alley on Thursday!
My niece (26) and nephew (30) live in FL. They are fanatic fans of the Orlando Magic. I got a call from them with B saying, "Patty, you won't believe this. A radio station..." G. interrupted and said, "Let me tell it."
A radio station was having a contest. The first 20 people to get to a certain sports store would play Wii bowling. The top two would win. B and G were the first two to arrive at the store. B bowled an 81 and G a 141. Some guy came along and bowled a 241. Then two girls bowled 143 and 147. So, B and G were losers. BUT, the radio station said they were having a raffle of those who hadn't won and B's name was called! She was the low score and the radio guys were saying they thought the low score should win a prize, so I wonder if they fixed the raffle. Doesn't matter. The prize: two tickets to.......................BOWLING WITH DWIGHT HOWARD.
Dwight is the center for the Magic. The Fanatics love him. Dwight loves to bowl and is having a fund raising event on Thursday. There will be Magic players, celebrities, friends, family and the Fanatics! I don't know how they are containing themselves. If you offered each of them a million dollars or bowling with Dwight, they'd go bowling!!
I told B to make sure she has good batteries and lots of memory for her camera. Can't wait for the phone call from the alley on Thursday!
Monday, June 09, 2008
And we're off...
Today is the first day of our daughter's marathon course - human anatomy. She goes to Syracuse every week day until the end of July. And.... we are babysitting Anna.
Saturday, June 07, 2008
OBX
If you were able to go on a vacation for one week, anywhere you wanted, and with anyone you choose, where would you go, who would you take and why would you choose that location.
I would go to OBX with as many of my family who could be with me. I especially would want my husband, son, daughter-in-law, daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter to be there.
We have gone to OBX for the past three years and are going again in August. This started when my brother asked my two sisters, my other brother, and me if we'd like to do a family vacation. My sisters declined. So, my brothers' families and my family found a house and did a week in paradise - there were 16 of us. We had the most fantastic time. Each family fixed dinner two nights. The last night we got pizza. That meant no fixing meals for four nights and when it was your turn, you tried to make something special. Last year my niece and nephew drove up from Florida to join us. This year, my son and daughter-in-law can't make it which makes me sad. But, Anna will be with us and that makes me delirious!!
It's a week of heaven for me. We rent a house on the beach, but it has to have a pool. I love the people I am with and enjoy spending time with them. It's a laid back week. If someone decides to visit a lighthouse, they spread the word and whoever wants to go jumps in the car. Sonic usually ends up being a two-car trip as we don't have that in our area. If someone wants a bacon cheeseburger for breakfast, no one says anything about it. I love grocery shopping with the kids - they can get whatever treats they want because it is vacation. Swimming at 6am is a joy. The past three years, my nieces' and nephews' Christmas present has been an album of our vacation. I love watching them relive our time together and then swap to look at their cousins' albums.
Living on the ocean is so calming. I don't know if it is something I could do year round, but the memories of a week in paradise last the whole year until we go back again.
Friday, June 06, 2008
Deja vu at NICU
My daughter had to go to Syracuse today to register for the Human Anatomy class she is taking this summer. She asked if I'd like to go and, of course, I said yes.
She said she'd called NICU to see if Helen was working today so we could take Anna to visit. Helen was Anna's nurse for the first 10 days she was in NICU. The Human Anatomy building was next door to the hospital. Molly registered and we headed to the 9th floor of Crouse.
I can't explain the feeling I got when the doors of the elevator opened. I was fine until then. As I stepped off the elevator, I got a sinking feeling in my stomach. It was almost like we'd never left there 6 months ago. As we turned to go down the hallway to the NICU parents' door, I got tears in my eyes. The only thing that had changed was that Anna was on "this" side of the door. Molly worked the intercom out of habit. Helen was thrilled to see Anna. Anna was thrilled to see Helen. I truly believe she knew her. We got there about 1 pm. Parents began arriving for the 1:30 feeding. I knew the look in their eyes. Helen was wonderful. She said, "See what you're going to take home. Anna was here 7 months ago." Anna looks the picture of health, is gorgeous, and put on a great show of jabbering. I know it gives hope as I remember a little fellow visiting when we were there in November. But, I also know how difficult it is living the life of NICU.
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Enlightened At A Little League Game
I went to my nephew's little league game. He loves baseball and sometimes pitches as closer. His team isn't the best this year, but they have fun. There are kids on the team who appear to be first time players. But, they are learning and seem to be improving.
The team they played beat them 20-2 in a previous meeting. RT's team went ahead 8-6. I could not believe - yes, I could - what I saw. Two coaches for the other team were going nuts. They were the base coaches and yelled, jumped, hopped, and ran all over the place. We sat by first base. That base coach told the runner that they needed 2 runs to tie. The poor little fellow tried to take second. He got caught in a run down, but made it back. The coach called a time out and, while the kid was still on the ground from sliding, got in his face and yelled, "WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU ARE DOING?" I said in a loud voice, "He's trying to score 1 of the 2 runs you told him you need." Thank goodness for the kids on the other team, my nephew's team couldn't hold on and ended up losing the game.
I was sputtering after the game about the other team's coaches and how awful they were. I talked with my nephew about it. He started telling about other coaches and I heard many inappropriate things that have been done. It really bothered me until I had a thought...
The kids see/hear all these things and know they are wrong. So, maybe, when they grow up they'll remember and not behave like the adults they had to be around.
The team they played beat them 20-2 in a previous meeting. RT's team went ahead 8-6. I could not believe - yes, I could - what I saw. Two coaches for the other team were going nuts. They were the base coaches and yelled, jumped, hopped, and ran all over the place. We sat by first base. That base coach told the runner that they needed 2 runs to tie. The poor little fellow tried to take second. He got caught in a run down, but made it back. The coach called a time out and, while the kid was still on the ground from sliding, got in his face and yelled, "WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU ARE DOING?" I said in a loud voice, "He's trying to score 1 of the 2 runs you told him you need." Thank goodness for the kids on the other team, my nephew's team couldn't hold on and ended up losing the game.
I was sputtering after the game about the other team's coaches and how awful they were. I talked with my nephew about it. He started telling about other coaches and I heard many inappropriate things that have been done. It really bothered me until I had a thought...
The kids see/hear all these things and know they are wrong. So, maybe, when they grow up they'll remember and not behave like the adults they had to be around.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Leaving Ohio
This afternoon we'll be heading back home. We've been in Ohio since Sunday.
My husband has been at golf club making school. That has raised many eyebrows when I've told people! This was the dream he had for retirement. It has taken him four years to get here. I'm so happy he made it - he has enjoyed it so much.
It has been an interesting week for me. I have never stayed in a hotel for a week with nothing to do!
On Monday I went to Longaberger and made a basket. That was exciting. My basketmaker told me I am the best teacher he's ever had as most teachers try to take over, want to do things their way and don't listen. I took the tour of the factory and was amazed at the size of the place. No pictures were allowed, but my camera seemed to click now and then working well without the flash!
On Tuesday and Wednesday I scrapped. Molly sends monthly pictures of Anna via the internet. I decided to make Anna an album of those pictures. I added the day she was born, NICU, and welcome home pictures. I finished her first six months - 42 pages.
Wednesday evening, we met one of my internet SS friends, educ8or200 aka Holley. She suggested dinner at Miller's Essenplatz which was wonderful. We really had a great time together. I am so thrilled she took time out of her busy schedule to meet us. It's fun to add a new friend to your life.
On Thursday I went back to Miller's to buy some bread from their bakery. Then I gathered my courage and started making a storybook. It took me about an hour and a half to get the photos arranged. I did journal, but need to go back and edit. I am excited that I accomplished this as I am digitally illiterate.
I had to pick up Jay from school so went to GolfWorks early so I could take pictures of him. He's with a great group and they seem to be having a good time. That morning they went to Ralph Maltby's home where he has an amazing workshop. He spent two hours with them so that was a thrill for Jay. He decided to drive to Granville to show me Ralph's house. I couldn't believe he dared drive into this estate but nothing happened.
We were trying to decide about dinner. The plan was to go back to Donatos Pizza - where we ate Sunday - but Jay had pizza for lunch. I told him a street to try and to my surprise we found a Sonic. We get excited about Sonic because we don't have them anywhere near where we live. We usually only get to go one week a year when we're on vacation at OBX. So this was a bonus.
Everything is packed and I need to load the car. Jay is done with school at noon so I'll go over a little early to pack the car with all the new equipment he's buying!
I've really had a good week. I haven't done much and didn't rest as much as I planned, but have felt good about everything. I will admit that I like being home. I can go away for a weekend and get "homesick". But, this week was fun and I never got that feeling that I want to be home. I do miss Anna and can't wait to see her, but it hasn't been as bad as I expected. I expect the trip home won't be as pleasant as the trip out, but it will be good to get home.
I do love Ohio.
My husband has been at golf club making school. That has raised many eyebrows when I've told people! This was the dream he had for retirement. It has taken him four years to get here. I'm so happy he made it - he has enjoyed it so much.
It has been an interesting week for me. I have never stayed in a hotel for a week with nothing to do!
On Monday I went to Longaberger and made a basket. That was exciting. My basketmaker told me I am the best teacher he's ever had as most teachers try to take over, want to do things their way and don't listen. I took the tour of the factory and was amazed at the size of the place. No pictures were allowed, but my camera seemed to click now and then working well without the flash!
On Tuesday and Wednesday I scrapped. Molly sends monthly pictures of Anna via the internet. I decided to make Anna an album of those pictures. I added the day she was born, NICU, and welcome home pictures. I finished her first six months - 42 pages.
Wednesday evening, we met one of my internet SS friends, educ8or200 aka Holley. She suggested dinner at Miller's Essenplatz which was wonderful. We really had a great time together. I am so thrilled she took time out of her busy schedule to meet us. It's fun to add a new friend to your life.
On Thursday I went back to Miller's to buy some bread from their bakery. Then I gathered my courage and started making a storybook. It took me about an hour and a half to get the photos arranged. I did journal, but need to go back and edit. I am excited that I accomplished this as I am digitally illiterate.
I had to pick up Jay from school so went to GolfWorks early so I could take pictures of him. He's with a great group and they seem to be having a good time. That morning they went to Ralph Maltby's home where he has an amazing workshop. He spent two hours with them so that was a thrill for Jay. He decided to drive to Granville to show me Ralph's house. I couldn't believe he dared drive into this estate but nothing happened.
We were trying to decide about dinner. The plan was to go back to Donatos Pizza - where we ate Sunday - but Jay had pizza for lunch. I told him a street to try and to my surprise we found a Sonic. We get excited about Sonic because we don't have them anywhere near where we live. We usually only get to go one week a year when we're on vacation at OBX. So this was a bonus.
Everything is packed and I need to load the car. Jay is done with school at noon so I'll go over a little early to pack the car with all the new equipment he's buying!
I've really had a good week. I haven't done much and didn't rest as much as I planned, but have felt good about everything. I will admit that I like being home. I can go away for a weekend and get "homesick". But, this week was fun and I never got that feeling that I want to be home. I do miss Anna and can't wait to see her, but it hasn't been as bad as I expected. I expect the trip home won't be as pleasant as the trip out, but it will be good to get home.
I do love Ohio.
Monday, May 12, 2008
SS Challenge #17
Tell us about your most prized possession, why you value it, and what makes it special to you.
The first two things I thought of when I read this challenge were a t-shirt and a rubber toy I have that belonged to my brother. My brother was born 1 1/2 years after me. He was born with a tumor on his tongue. Back in 1951 they had no idea what to do for him. I remember him well. I remember playing with him, hiding behind the bed, cutting his hair and wondering how my parents knew because I hid the clippings in a drawer, going for walks with our mom, waiting on the porch steps for our dad to come home from work, and his funeral. He died when he was almost 3 and I was a little over 4. My mom gave me a t-shirt of his and a rubber toy. I keep them in my dresser drawer.
The first two things I thought of when I read this challenge were a t-shirt and a rubber toy I have that belonged to my brother. My brother was born 1 1/2 years after me. He was born with a tumor on his tongue. Back in 1951 they had no idea what to do for him. I remember him well. I remember playing with him, hiding behind the bed, cutting his hair and wondering how my parents knew because I hid the clippings in a drawer, going for walks with our mom, waiting on the porch steps for our dad to come home from work, and his funeral. He died when he was almost 3 and I was a little over 4. My mom gave me a t-shirt of his and a rubber toy. I keep them in my dresser drawer.
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Quote for thought!
My daughter's grandmother-in-law stopped to visit today while I was babysitting our granddaughter. She was telling a 24-year-old story about someone. She said she'd never forget what her husband said about the man:
He's so low that if he crawled under a snake with a top hat on he wouldn't even touch its belly.
He's so low that if he crawled under a snake with a top hat on he wouldn't even touch its belly.
Friday, May 02, 2008
Relief
I am home from my procedure. All went well. I do have a few pockets and shouldn't eat popcorn or peanuts - or at least be very careful. I know all about that as my brother had a horrid experience with diverticulitis. Must be we inherited it from someone. I am so relieved that is all they found.
I took a little nap but still feel tired. We leave at 10 tomorrow for NJ - surprise birthday party for our daughter-in-law. I want to get there early enough to help our son and spend time with him. Glad Erin has to work so we don't have to sneak as much!
My wonderful husband is making me a chocolate milkshake. I am really going to enjoy it.
I took a little nap but still feel tired. We leave at 10 tomorrow for NJ - surprise birthday party for our daughter-in-law. I want to get there early enough to help our son and spend time with him. Glad Erin has to work so we don't have to sneak as much!
My wonderful husband is making me a chocolate milkshake. I am really going to enjoy it.
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Warning - gross post
I have put this off way too long. I am having a colonoscopy tomorrow. I truly dread it. I know it is stupid, but I am very afraid they may find something wrong - no reason to think that; I just do. Everyone says that today is worse than tomorrow. I can suffer through today if tomorrow is ok.
Of course I woke up this morning absolutely starving! I think I could eat a McDonald's Big Breakfast, the Hungry Man Breakfast at VJ's Diner, and a few donuts on the side. I can have water, jello, plain tea, Gatorade (which I don't drink), popsicles, and boullion.
I asked my niece if I could wear my pjs to the hospital so that when I come home I can just jump in bed. She told me the high school kids wear pants like my pjs to school all the time. I know DH will think I'm crazy and give me a hard time. Probably by then all I'll care about is the pizza I'll order after this is over!
Of course I woke up this morning absolutely starving! I think I could eat a McDonald's Big Breakfast, the Hungry Man Breakfast at VJ's Diner, and a few donuts on the side. I can have water, jello, plain tea, Gatorade (which I don't drink), popsicles, and boullion.
I asked my niece if I could wear my pjs to the hospital so that when I come home I can just jump in bed. She told me the high school kids wear pants like my pjs to school all the time. I know DH will think I'm crazy and give me a hard time. Probably by then all I'll care about is the pizza I'll order after this is over!
Monday, April 28, 2008
Life Lessons and CNY
Gaye's challenge this week is to write about a life lesson. Her blog was fantastic, so I have hesitated to even do this. I then read Amy's blog about this weekend at CNY and that was fantastic, too. Maybe my life lesson is that I can write a piece that won't be as wonderful as the two I've read, but it is mine! So here goes...
The much anticipated CNY8 retreat is over. There is so much build up before the event. It lasts 3-4 days depending on when people arrive. Then it's over and that is a let down.
My retreat starts on Thursday with people coming to my house for dinner. This year my dear friend Sharon arrived at 1:30. Our beautiful granddaughter was here so Sharon got to play with Anna before anyone else arrived. Eventually the house was filled with 17 talking, laughing, happy women. Some are old friends while a few were new to the group. No one would ever know who had never been here before. Of course I stress about having people at my house hoping it is clean enough, nice enough, and the food is good enough. But when it is over, I look back and all I see in my mind's eye is how much they all enjoyed themselves and each other.
Friday is the official first day of the retreat and it lasts until late Sunday afternoon. This time thirty-eight women gathered together to scrap their life. Some got 60 pages done, some got no pages done. But everyone finds friendship.
It still amazes me, after attending many retreats, that this many women can come together for a weekend and find so much joy, laughter, love, friendship, and happiness. Those who are "newbies" fit right in like they've been there since the first retreat four years ago. Everyone goes home a little more mentally healthy than when they arrived.
My life lesson? People are amazing. There is so much good and sometimes we overlook that because there is so much bad. Bad is louder than good. This is my life lesson from the CNY8 retreat.
The much anticipated CNY8 retreat is over. There is so much build up before the event. It lasts 3-4 days depending on when people arrive. Then it's over and that is a let down.
My retreat starts on Thursday with people coming to my house for dinner. This year my dear friend Sharon arrived at 1:30. Our beautiful granddaughter was here so Sharon got to play with Anna before anyone else arrived. Eventually the house was filled with 17 talking, laughing, happy women. Some are old friends while a few were new to the group. No one would ever know who had never been here before. Of course I stress about having people at my house hoping it is clean enough, nice enough, and the food is good enough. But when it is over, I look back and all I see in my mind's eye is how much they all enjoyed themselves and each other.
Friday is the official first day of the retreat and it lasts until late Sunday afternoon. This time thirty-eight women gathered together to scrap their life. Some got 60 pages done, some got no pages done. But everyone finds friendship.
It still amazes me, after attending many retreats, that this many women can come together for a weekend and find so much joy, laughter, love, friendship, and happiness. Those who are "newbies" fit right in like they've been there since the first retreat four years ago. Everyone goes home a little more mentally healthy than when they arrived.
My life lesson? People are amazing. There is so much good and sometimes we overlook that because there is so much bad. Bad is louder than good. This is my life lesson from the CNY8 retreat.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Dij ye scrap?
Another never say never. I thought I'd never do digital scrapbooking. But, I've had a few customers ask me about doing Storybook Creator so felt I needed to learn - or at least be somewhat familiar with it. I took a class yesterday for Memory Manager - a computer file/editing system for photos - and Storybook Creator Plus - scrapping online. I love the Memory Manager, but I still have a lot to learn. I don't know how many albums I'll ever do digitally, but love the other things I can do - make a page, postcards, and I'm sure much more.
We joke about "digiscrapping". My daughter has changed it to "dij ye scrap".
Another new adventure and another thing to spend money on. The first thing Jay asked was how much this is going to cost him. I said not much - just all the downloads and a new 12x12 printer which I'd wait for as a Christmas gift. How am I going to fanagle getting it sooner? I'll have to work on Anna who will be able to get anything she wants (for me) from her grandpa.
We joke about "digiscrapping". My daughter has changed it to "dij ye scrap".
Another new adventure and another thing to spend money on. The first thing Jay asked was how much this is going to cost him. I said not much - just all the downloads and a new 12x12 printer which I'd wait for as a Christmas gift. How am I going to fanagle getting it sooner? I'll have to work on Anna who will be able to get anything she wants (for me) from her grandpa.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Retirement can be a curse!
We are in our fourth year of retirement. It has been heaven from the beginning. We've done a little traveling, remodeled the kitchen, built a stone patio, built a barn (that could probably be a house!), had two weddings - our son and daughter 2 years apart, became grandparents to the most wonderful little girl, and basically done whatever we've wanted to do.
The curse? Well, I'll give you the perfect example. Today I did my income tax for my Creative Memories business. I did the whole year in one day. It has been a boulder on my back for the past few weeks, but I just couldn't seem to get to it. I never touched my paper work all year. You see, there is always tomorrow when you are retired. Maybe the software for Storybook Creator arrived and it would be more fun to play with that. Or there could be a Law & Order marathon to watch. Sometimes Jay will think we need to take a trip to Syracuse and how can I say no to AC Moore, Michael's, and Wegman's?
Most people have heard the saying: Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today. Our retirement motto is: Put it off until tomorrow and do something more fun today.
I am promising myself that I am going to get on my paper work so I am not in this spot next April. I will catch up on January, February, and March. Then I'll keep up each month so my income tax is ready January 1st. There are a few things I need to do before I get to it, though.
I have a bunch of pictures I need to print. So, after I do those...........................
The curse? Well, I'll give you the perfect example. Today I did my income tax for my Creative Memories business. I did the whole year in one day. It has been a boulder on my back for the past few weeks, but I just couldn't seem to get to it. I never touched my paper work all year. You see, there is always tomorrow when you are retired. Maybe the software for Storybook Creator arrived and it would be more fun to play with that. Or there could be a Law & Order marathon to watch. Sometimes Jay will think we need to take a trip to Syracuse and how can I say no to AC Moore, Michael's, and Wegman's?
Most people have heard the saying: Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today. Our retirement motto is: Put it off until tomorrow and do something more fun today.
I am promising myself that I am going to get on my paper work so I am not in this spot next April. I will catch up on January, February, and March. Then I'll keep up each month so my income tax is ready January 1st. There are a few things I need to do before I get to it, though.
I have a bunch of pictures I need to print. So, after I do those...........................
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Anna Baby
The new love of my life is my granddaughter, Anna, who is the most precious little girl. I do believe we have a special bond. I was there when she was born and took her first picture! When she was 18 hours old, she was taken to an NICU facility 45 miles away. She spent 16 days there and I didn't miss one. I got to spend a lot of time with her and our daughter there.
Our daughter quit her job and was going back to school to become a teacher. When she went for testing and an interview, she was asked to consider occupational therapy. We encouraged her to do that and her husband was very supportive. This program will take her a year more than education because of under graduate courses she needs. So, we are babysitting 2-3 days a week to help out. This summer she is taking a course that is every day. We will have Anna 5 days a week all of June and July. I am in heaven!
The most wonderful feeling is walking into the house and seeing her smile when she sees me. She is only 5 months old, but I know she knows who we are and that is worth more than money. Of course we are putty in her hands and she knows that. Anna and I have a special song - Grandma's made-up verses to "Rubber Ducky". When I sing "Anna Baby" she lights up.
Tomorrow is a babysitting day and I can't wait!
Our daughter quit her job and was going back to school to become a teacher. When she went for testing and an interview, she was asked to consider occupational therapy. We encouraged her to do that and her husband was very supportive. This program will take her a year more than education because of under graduate courses she needs. So, we are babysitting 2-3 days a week to help out. This summer she is taking a course that is every day. We will have Anna 5 days a week all of June and July. I am in heaven!
The most wonderful feeling is walking into the house and seeing her smile when she sees me. She is only 5 months old, but I know she knows who we are and that is worth more than money. Of course we are putty in her hands and she knows that. Anna and I have a special song - Grandma's made-up verses to "Rubber Ducky". When I sing "Anna Baby" she lights up.
Tomorrow is a babysitting day and I can't wait!
Shame on me!
It's been almost a year since I've written anything. I know how much good it does to unload and unleash feelings. I should have been writing all along, but life side-tracked me. Hope I am better!
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