So many joys to report.
Opening day across the Hudson Valley for T-Ball leagues!! Today was Alan's first ever experience with an organized sport. He and about every 5-year-old in Rhinbeck was equipped with a glove and bat. We met at the field near the Aerodrome, so in between throws and catches, one could look up and watch WWII Biplanes circle the sky. Pops and Boots accompanied us. The coaches showed Alan how to "step-throw-step" and to keep your head up while throwing the ball. It was sooooo cute watching him follow the coaches instructions and how after just a few times, he was doing it!!! So cool!!! Catching is still a challenge. Pops suggested getting him a better glove. After batting practice, the league actually arranged for the children to play a game!! All the parents broke in hysterics when the first child hit the ball, and all of the children ran in a million directions. Roger took a video of Alan's first time at bat where he hit a single!!! If you watch it on facebook, you'll see how about 5 children tried to catch the ball, and Alan ran to first, gave the coach a high-five, then started to run to me...the coach had to turn him around to go back to first!!! How funny. We forget that the children really have no concept of the game. During practice, they even had to teach the children the basics like running the bases. BTW, Alan made it to home!!! Scored a point!! (my Dad corrected me...it's not a point, it's a run LOL).
After that experience, we went out for lunch at Ruby Tuesdays, food shopping, and I purchased a new portable DVD player and CD player.
We rested a little bit in the afternoon....Alan was tired after 2 hours of running...After watching a movie and listening to his new Bach CD, he went around the backyard picking flowers, etc. Bootie cleaned my refrigerator and kitchen, and Pops took a nap.
We then all prepared for the dinner party with the Kamrass crew. Bob made BBQ chicken, I made pesto, salad, corn muffins and baked beans, and Boots made some sort of asparagus with dip. Alan LOVES the Kamrass girls, so they had a great time playing together. Alan even let Sophia play his guitar. All three children made music in the bedroom....I love seeing them all grow up together....
Family, friends, fresh air. Breathing it all in :) Caio Bella!
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Friday, April 23, 2010
April 23 TGIF
Playing Scrabble at the moment, waiting for my opponent to once again make a marvelous move!!! While I am waiting, here is my day:
My work day was the usual, meeting with prospective students, processing scholarships, arranged another school visit and tour, etc....
But what I REALLY REALLY appreciated was coming home to dinner ON THE TABLE with my family waiting for me. Pops and Bootie picked up Alan, so they already were home, and Bob had thrown some burgers on the grill. All I had to do was help the youngin wash his hands!!! What a blessing to be with my family and have this all ready for me. I don't know who did the dishes, but someone did them too!!! Just like you wrote on Facebook Mom...IT DID MAKE ME HAPPY!!!!! Any extra help is ALWAYS appreciated!!
I also appreciated Bootie giving Alan a bath and getting him ready for bed. I love doing this, but it is also very sweet to observe them with this (plus, you know how tired I am on Friday nights!). After my parents left, I introduced Alan to "We are the World". He got a kick out of naming some of the musicians (he knew Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles and Lionel Richie). He is still into Bach but his Baby Bach CD broke (it got stepped on at school), so we searched for Baby Bach videos and watched them for a while. HE fell sleep listening to our friend Rich's CD.
BIG DAY TOMORROW!!! I am sure I will have LOTS to REPORT!!!! Stay tuned!!! Check facebook as well throughout the day...I'll be uploading pictures as I usually do on the weekends....I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO A GREEEEEEEEEET WEEKEND!!!!
My work day was the usual, meeting with prospective students, processing scholarships, arranged another school visit and tour, etc....
But what I REALLY REALLY appreciated was coming home to dinner ON THE TABLE with my family waiting for me. Pops and Bootie picked up Alan, so they already were home, and Bob had thrown some burgers on the grill. All I had to do was help the youngin wash his hands!!! What a blessing to be with my family and have this all ready for me. I don't know who did the dishes, but someone did them too!!! Just like you wrote on Facebook Mom...IT DID MAKE ME HAPPY!!!!! Any extra help is ALWAYS appreciated!!
I also appreciated Bootie giving Alan a bath and getting him ready for bed. I love doing this, but it is also very sweet to observe them with this (plus, you know how tired I am on Friday nights!). After my parents left, I introduced Alan to "We are the World". He got a kick out of naming some of the musicians (he knew Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles and Lionel Richie). He is still into Bach but his Baby Bach CD broke (it got stepped on at school), so we searched for Baby Bach videos and watched them for a while. HE fell sleep listening to our friend Rich's CD.
BIG DAY TOMORROW!!! I am sure I will have LOTS to REPORT!!!! Stay tuned!!! Check facebook as well throughout the day...I'll be uploading pictures as I usually do on the weekends....I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO A GREEEEEEEEEET WEEKEND!!!!
April 23rd AM
Didn't hear from me last night, because I came home EXHAUSTED!!! Two late nights and an early morning presentation, and I just conked out. Even had my dinner in bed!! (Leftovers from Mom's dinner and Bob's potatoes)...Lights out had to be 7pm!!! I woke up at 3AM, but had no problem getting back to sleep!! I did have tentative plans with my girlfriend Paula, but we both actually felt the same way!
It all is very good though....moving forward on lots of new projects, and Rhinebeck High School is always fun. They asked me to come back again, so I have next week, and at the end of May. The new topic they want me to present on is "Time Management"...I have this activity that illicits the differences between high school and college using a time management activity...It's a great group of kids. I think my total number of visits to this school would be smoething like 8!!! My director joked that I should have an office there!!! DCC has such a great reputation (great faculty and services), that we are getting many students their senior year coming to DCC before heading to other colleges. What we are finding is that those students who intend on transferring, end up staying for 2 years anyway because of the quality of the education (and you can't beat the cost)...
ANYWAY, right now, I am baking Alan's lunch...have to stop at the store before school to pick him up salad (yes, his new favorite veggie), I HAVE TO REMEMBER THE CAR SEAT!!!) since Boots is picking him up from school......They are coming over for dinner tonight....Not sure what's on the schedule for work....no visits or tours though, so I will be catching up in the office....AND...TONIGHT...maybe time for scrabble. Bob's sis just invited me to play another game....Mom, I haven't had the time to figure out how to invite you to play. If you have time, why don't you start a game...It took me about a week to finish a game though!!!
It's looking to be a great day folks!! CAIO BELLA!
It all is very good though....moving forward on lots of new projects, and Rhinebeck High School is always fun. They asked me to come back again, so I have next week, and at the end of May. The new topic they want me to present on is "Time Management"...I have this activity that illicits the differences between high school and college using a time management activity...It's a great group of kids. I think my total number of visits to this school would be smoething like 8!!! My director joked that I should have an office there!!! DCC has such a great reputation (great faculty and services), that we are getting many students their senior year coming to DCC before heading to other colleges. What we are finding is that those students who intend on transferring, end up staying for 2 years anyway because of the quality of the education (and you can't beat the cost)...
ANYWAY, right now, I am baking Alan's lunch...have to stop at the store before school to pick him up salad (yes, his new favorite veggie), I HAVE TO REMEMBER THE CAR SEAT!!!) since Boots is picking him up from school......They are coming over for dinner tonight....Not sure what's on the schedule for work....no visits or tours though, so I will be catching up in the office....AND...TONIGHT...maybe time for scrabble. Bob's sis just invited me to play another game....Mom, I haven't had the time to figure out how to invite you to play. If you have time, why don't you start a game...It took me about a week to finish a game though!!!
It's looking to be a great day folks!! CAIO BELLA!
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
April 21
Found myself a little more groggy than usual this morning, typical of a morning after a big event. I energized myself with a little aromatherapy by picking a few lilacs. Alan had an idea. He decided to give them to his teacher. You can imagine the parade of smiles (and sniffs) that greeted him down the hallway to his classroom. I followed suit by presenting our office staff this morning with gifts for Administrative Professionals Day (adorable melon-scented candles wrapped in dainty ribbon.)
I am just winding down now (10:15ish)...After a busy day at work, I still had to 2 meetings!!! I picked up Alan and took him to the UU with me for the first meeting where his Dad picked him up. It was nice having him meet the reverand for a second time....Then, I hurried home for the Heritage Folk Music meeting where we hosted about 5 people to organize upcoming concerts, and to assist us with the administration of the organization. FYI: I didn't have time for dinner, so I munched on the refreshments that Bob put out including chips and trail mix and diet coke....wondering now if that was such a good idea....I am exhausted, but the caffeine so late will no doubt give me a mind buzz...ANYWAY, our good friend Ernie put together a nice brochure AND a dvd of one of our events! Plus, I used my netbook to take the minutes of the meeting, and just sent them to Bob, so I got that off my plate instantaeously (it's all about time management and organization folks).
So now it's 10:27. I have an early morning presentation at a high school, and have topick up Alan early. Vacation? Yes, I 'd like one soon!!! :) Caio Bella!
I am just winding down now (10:15ish)...After a busy day at work, I still had to 2 meetings!!! I picked up Alan and took him to the UU with me for the first meeting where his Dad picked him up. It was nice having him meet the reverand for a second time....Then, I hurried home for the Heritage Folk Music meeting where we hosted about 5 people to organize upcoming concerts, and to assist us with the administration of the organization. FYI: I didn't have time for dinner, so I munched on the refreshments that Bob put out including chips and trail mix and diet coke....wondering now if that was such a good idea....I am exhausted, but the caffeine so late will no doubt give me a mind buzz...ANYWAY, our good friend Ernie put together a nice brochure AND a dvd of one of our events! Plus, I used my netbook to take the minutes of the meeting, and just sent them to Bob, so I got that off my plate instantaeously (it's all about time management and organization folks).
So now it's 10:27. I have an early morning presentation at a high school, and have topick up Alan early. Vacation? Yes, I 'd like one soon!!! :) Caio Bella!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
April 20, 2010
As I scurried around the house arranging for our morning departure, the scene in the living room evolved from Alan sweetly singing "pigeon house" on the couch with his homemade banjo, to an all out jam with Bob joining with his banjo to the tunes "skip to my lou" and "i've been working on the railroad". As I waited for the leftover pesto to heat up for Alan's lunch (forget about those chicken nuggets), I captured the moment by snapping a photo with my cell. I was a little worried that their fun would facilate a struggle with getting him ready for school, but I maximized my time management strategies, and was able to get everything in order before luring him away. I am happy to report that he also dressed himself!!! (Shoes too!)
WORK
Well, almost two years of smooth sailing, but finally had my first major faux paus at work, but luckily caught in time!!! Phew!!! I purchased double-sided corrugated plastic signs to direct people to our Open House. I sent my students out to put them around campus pointing prospective applicants and their families to the theatre. 5 of the signs included arrows pointing forward. Now, when the arrows point forward and are double-sided, you are actually sending people in two different directions depending on which way you are walking...so basically I ALMOST had people going in opposite directions. Oh my!! Luckily, this mistake was pointed out to me many hours before the event, so it was caught with many hours to correct. I spent about an hour this afternoon pealing off the lettering for these 5 signs so we could still use them. Diverted the problem!! Again...PHEW!!!
So now my feet are aching, Open House had record numbers (was it my spam)....and I'm home, Pops and Boot left a little while ago and now waiting for Bob to come home from rehearsal,,,but before I leave let me see if I can squeeze more good things out of this day...
OTHER GOOD THINGS:
- Scored 90 points on a Scrabble move with Bob's sister (albiet she is still winning!)
- Enjoyed the piano music at Open House (thanks to our amazing music professor and his students!)...and enjoyed the brownies (thank you Brian, you are amazing!)
THANKFUL - Thanks to my parents who not only picked up Alan at school, but Bootie when food shopping, made dinner, AND took my son out for a walk....all on very little sleep as she took the Red Eye yesterday....Awake for 48 hours!! We Diano-Tagliaferros never seem to run out of steam...always on the go-go-go!!
ALSO, lastly thankful to have been able to say goodnight to the little guy. He has such a sweet voice.
*****AND***BOB is in the newspaper today with his Fiddle n'Folk group!! It's a dedicated group of musicians who meeting weekly to jam. Now that the weather is warmer, they are outside! These are some of Bob's most oldest and dearest friends who join him....I have enjoyed spending time with them, they are very interesting!! Alan loves the fact Earle is a real live train conductor!! :)
ANYWAY....still waiting...he's at rehearsal...He'll be happy that I have brownies leftover from the Open House....Caio Bella!
WORK
Well, almost two years of smooth sailing, but finally had my first major faux paus at work, but luckily caught in time!!! Phew!!! I purchased double-sided corrugated plastic signs to direct people to our Open House. I sent my students out to put them around campus pointing prospective applicants and their families to the theatre. 5 of the signs included arrows pointing forward. Now, when the arrows point forward and are double-sided, you are actually sending people in two different directions depending on which way you are walking...so basically I ALMOST had people going in opposite directions. Oh my!! Luckily, this mistake was pointed out to me many hours before the event, so it was caught with many hours to correct. I spent about an hour this afternoon pealing off the lettering for these 5 signs so we could still use them. Diverted the problem!! Again...PHEW!!!
So now my feet are aching, Open House had record numbers (was it my spam)....and I'm home, Pops and Boot left a little while ago and now waiting for Bob to come home from rehearsal,,,but before I leave let me see if I can squeeze more good things out of this day...
OTHER GOOD THINGS:
- Scored 90 points on a Scrabble move with Bob's sister (albiet she is still winning!)
- Enjoyed the piano music at Open House (thanks to our amazing music professor and his students!)...and enjoyed the brownies (thank you Brian, you are amazing!)
THANKFUL - Thanks to my parents who not only picked up Alan at school, but Bootie when food shopping, made dinner, AND took my son out for a walk....all on very little sleep as she took the Red Eye yesterday....Awake for 48 hours!! We Diano-Tagliaferros never seem to run out of steam...always on the go-go-go!!
ALSO, lastly thankful to have been able to say goodnight to the little guy. He has such a sweet voice.
*****AND***BOB is in the newspaper today with his Fiddle n'Folk group!! It's a dedicated group of musicians who meeting weekly to jam. Now that the weather is warmer, they are outside! These are some of Bob's most oldest and dearest friends who join him....I have enjoyed spending time with them, they are very interesting!! Alan loves the fact Earle is a real live train conductor!! :)
ANYWAY....still waiting...he's at rehearsal...He'll be happy that I have brownies leftover from the Open House....Caio Bella!
Monday, April 19, 2010
4/19/10
MORNING:
Since I lazed on Sunday afternoon, Monday morning meant waking up extra early for leftover weekend chores. A mountain of clean clothes piled high on Alan’s bed needed to be folded…Alan’s lunch required more than a simple slapping of peanut butter on a slice of bread…I actually spent $25 on a week’s supply of the healthy “Bells” chicken nuggets (requiring 35 minutes of baking). What a lucky kid to have two small Tupperware containers (one with ketchup for dipping the chicken, and the other with ranch dressing for those carrot sticks)… grapes, and I even packed a bottle of cinnamon for him to sprinkle on top of his applesauce. A little extreme, but it works to get him to eat fruit. (See one of my blog entries from 2007 on this topic if you want to know more!) Did you know that my son invented cinnamon juice (he’s a creator all right!)
All morning he wanted to listen to Bach (even in the car on the way to school). Actually, it was a CD called “Baby Bach”. I reminisced with him how I used to play this CD for him when he was still in my belly (crazy, but true!). It actually was one of the first CD’s we played for him even after he was born. He told me (and his teacher when I dropped him off), that cut number 5 is NOT relaxing and that she may want to skip that song for rest time.
WORK:
Called the office from the bridge’s toll booth, an accident delayed my arrival to work by 45 minutes (like I want more time in the car!). We gathered materials for tomorrow’s open house, I met with prospective students, and organized the scholarship program. Last week I ate out toooooo much, so I brought in my breakfast (PJ sandwich ) and lunch (quiche from Adams with baby spinach and grape tomatoes) .
HOME
"Thank you God for pesto and the love." Those were the chosen words tonight for Alan at grace. He came home last week asking me about pesto. Aparrently his friend had it for lunch, and it must have smelled so yummy that every 5 year old in the class probably went home asking for pesto...So I also bought basil at Adams (I already had the other ingredients including pine nuts!) So when we arrived home, I had him stuff all of the ingredients into the vegamite. It certainly was a hit. I posted photos on facebook.
Aesop's fable at dinner tonight was very interesting...It was about Jupiter, Neptune, Minerva and Momus. Momus is very critical, finding fault with the others..... Alan said, "I don't like that story, it wasn't positive."...We processed this in a very age appropriate way.
AFTER DINNER
Walk up the hill. Alan brought his scooter (made him wear the helmet). Visited with the 3 new friends (from the cemetary!)....hey, that's where they live!!! Alan had picked a tulip from our yard and carried it all the way to give to one of the girls. Very cute. We didn't stay long, jsut kept walking so that he could get to sleep by 8. Mission accomplished!! He listened to Baby Bach tonight (so cute, he was holding the flashlight!)
Listened to Bob play hindu music tonight (on the guitar, not the veena). Time to check facebook - need to return some emails. Then off to catch some ZZZZ
Since I lazed on Sunday afternoon, Monday morning meant waking up extra early for leftover weekend chores. A mountain of clean clothes piled high on Alan’s bed needed to be folded…Alan’s lunch required more than a simple slapping of peanut butter on a slice of bread…I actually spent $25 on a week’s supply of the healthy “Bells” chicken nuggets (requiring 35 minutes of baking). What a lucky kid to have two small Tupperware containers (one with ketchup for dipping the chicken, and the other with ranch dressing for those carrot sticks)… grapes, and I even packed a bottle of cinnamon for him to sprinkle on top of his applesauce. A little extreme, but it works to get him to eat fruit. (See one of my blog entries from 2007 on this topic if you want to know more!) Did you know that my son invented cinnamon juice (he’s a creator all right!)
All morning he wanted to listen to Bach (even in the car on the way to school). Actually, it was a CD called “Baby Bach”. I reminisced with him how I used to play this CD for him when he was still in my belly (crazy, but true!). It actually was one of the first CD’s we played for him even after he was born. He told me (and his teacher when I dropped him off), that cut number 5 is NOT relaxing and that she may want to skip that song for rest time.
WORK:
Called the office from the bridge’s toll booth, an accident delayed my arrival to work by 45 minutes (like I want more time in the car!). We gathered materials for tomorrow’s open house, I met with prospective students, and organized the scholarship program. Last week I ate out toooooo much, so I brought in my breakfast (PJ sandwich ) and lunch (quiche from Adams with baby spinach and grape tomatoes) .
HOME
"Thank you God for pesto and the love." Those were the chosen words tonight for Alan at grace. He came home last week asking me about pesto. Aparrently his friend had it for lunch, and it must have smelled so yummy that every 5 year old in the class probably went home asking for pesto...So I also bought basil at Adams (I already had the other ingredients including pine nuts!) So when we arrived home, I had him stuff all of the ingredients into the vegamite. It certainly was a hit. I posted photos on facebook.
Aesop's fable at dinner tonight was very interesting...It was about Jupiter, Neptune, Minerva and Momus. Momus is very critical, finding fault with the others..... Alan said, "I don't like that story, it wasn't positive."...We processed this in a very age appropriate way.
AFTER DINNER
Walk up the hill. Alan brought his scooter (made him wear the helmet). Visited with the 3 new friends (from the cemetary!)....hey, that's where they live!!! Alan had picked a tulip from our yard and carried it all the way to give to one of the girls. Very cute. We didn't stay long, jsut kept walking so that he could get to sleep by 8. Mission accomplished!! He listened to Baby Bach tonight (so cute, he was holding the flashlight!)
Listened to Bob play hindu music tonight (on the guitar, not the veena). Time to check facebook - need to return some emails. Then off to catch some ZZZZ
Sunday, April 18, 2010
April 18 - thankful for good things
A list of all the good things that happened today:
SHARING: My friend Maggie accompanied us to church today. I asked her to join me since I haven't seen her in a while, and its hard to make plans during the week...but I really thought she would connect there....and she did!! She enjoyed the experience very much and wants to return! She knew several people there as well.....The topic was "aging", and our minister played a recorded interview of a woman in her 70's....A lot of what she said hit home, and as I move toward the twilight of my years, I also hope to do so with humor and grace.
What other good things???
FLOWERS- ...I try to always have fresh flowers on the table, it's just very cheerful...The flowered plant that the Rhinebeck teacher gave me is still in bloom (over a month!)...but now I also have LILACS!! I have a vase in the living room (which fragrant smell is competing with the roasted chicken that Bob made)...and some in the bathroom as well. We have two trees in our yard!!!
NAP! - A rare occasion, but I did have a delicious one this afternoon!!! I must be tired!! I do work hard and play hard, and I tend to just collapse from exhaustion.
HMMMM what else? I sound like Martha Stewart...but other good things today.....crescent moon and clear evening sky....the Mary Oliver poem the minister read today....cream style corn with dinner...Alan wanting more Aesop....Alan "organizing" the living room...the humming of the dishwasher (something I never take forgranted!)....I-Chat...facebook....and of course my REAL family and friends, I love you all! Good night!
SHARING: My friend Maggie accompanied us to church today. I asked her to join me since I haven't seen her in a while, and its hard to make plans during the week...but I really thought she would connect there....and she did!! She enjoyed the experience very much and wants to return! She knew several people there as well.....The topic was "aging", and our minister played a recorded interview of a woman in her 70's....A lot of what she said hit home, and as I move toward the twilight of my years, I also hope to do so with humor and grace.
What other good things???
FLOWERS- ...I try to always have fresh flowers on the table, it's just very cheerful...The flowered plant that the Rhinebeck teacher gave me is still in bloom (over a month!)...but now I also have LILACS!! I have a vase in the living room (which fragrant smell is competing with the roasted chicken that Bob made)...and some in the bathroom as well. We have two trees in our yard!!!
NAP! - A rare occasion, but I did have a delicious one this afternoon!!! I must be tired!! I do work hard and play hard, and I tend to just collapse from exhaustion.
HMMMM what else? I sound like Martha Stewart...but other good things today.....crescent moon and clear evening sky....the Mary Oliver poem the minister read today....cream style corn with dinner...Alan wanting more Aesop....Alan "organizing" the living room...the humming of the dishwasher (something I never take forgranted!)....I-Chat...facebook....and of course my REAL family and friends, I love you all! Good night!
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Bob just returned from gig. While he's unloading, quick update. Dinner with Pops at our favorite Italian Restaurant - Gisianos! Then, Pops and Alan played drums in his room. Something is wrong with the amp and wire to electric guitar, so that was disappointing because we were looking forward to showing Pops the new sounds!!! Pops stopped over to gig before heading home....
And once Alan was asleep, I am getting my butt kicked in Scrabble!!! I did learn that Qi is now a word in the latest addition to the Scrabble Dictionary....I hate loosing Scrabble, but its nice having a good challenge!!! I am still adjusting to this on-line version...no excuses!!! I have met my match!!! (as nerdy as it sounds, but an ideal vacation for me would be to play scrabble all day!!) Anyway, have a great night!
And once Alan was asleep, I am getting my butt kicked in Scrabble!!! I did learn that Qi is now a word in the latest addition to the Scrabble Dictionary....I hate loosing Scrabble, but its nice having a good challenge!!! I am still adjusting to this on-line version...no excuses!!! I have met my match!!! (as nerdy as it sounds, but an ideal vacation for me would be to play scrabble all day!!) Anyway, have a great night!
April 17 4:05pm Saturday
We were all up early this morning. Still in this non-cooking mode. Bought breakfast for the fam...but I brought it home, so we all ate together at the table, which for breakfast is rare. We're good at eating dinner together, but breakfasts are usually quick, on the run or in the car..(or at my office desk)....not very relaxing...but today, we even said grace at breakfast. Then, lunch at birthday party, and we will be going out to dinner tonight with Pops. Basically, just not in the mood to cook, though I actually enjoy cooking...
The birthday party was fun. Family from the UU congregation invited us. Turns out they are neighbors!! we would have walked, but it was rainy. We plan on meeting for playdates at the lake as they have a son Alan's age. Met up with Julie and Jace at this party as well. Alan had a great time...he painted a birdhouse, played some game under the TV table with the other kids, and ran around outside...house parties are my favorite!
Pops will be here in an hour. Alan is listening to a music CD that goes with a book. It's rare that he listens to children's music. He just out of the blue said he loved me. (can you hear my heart melting!) More later!!
The birthday party was fun. Family from the UU congregation invited us. Turns out they are neighbors!! we would have walked, but it was rainy. We plan on meeting for playdates at the lake as they have a son Alan's age. Met up with Julie and Jace at this party as well. Alan had a great time...he painted a birdhouse, played some game under the TV table with the other kids, and ran around outside...house parties are my favorite!
Pops will be here in an hour. Alan is listening to a music CD that goes with a book. It's rare that he listens to children's music. He just out of the blue said he loved me. (can you hear my heart melting!) More later!!
Friday, April 16, 2010
April 16th TGIF
Most kids after their bath are read bedtime stories.....mine helped me clean the toliets tonight! Is this a new ploy to stay up late?
Pops flew into town and is in the Greenville house. Bootie-Boots will follow this Tuesday. Nice having the parents back!!
Today, was picture day at Alan's school. He looked very handsome in his red oxford.
School called in the afternoon to let me know that he got stung by a bee. Great. This past weekend he had some trepidation about being outside because of the bees. I promised him that I would give him an ice cream cone if he got stung. Of course, today he remembered that when I picked him up! So he had a cone on the ride home. They said he didn't cry and was very brave! (was this a ploy to get ice cream?)
Caio Bella :)
Pops flew into town and is in the Greenville house. Bootie-Boots will follow this Tuesday. Nice having the parents back!!
Today, was picture day at Alan's school. He looked very handsome in his red oxford.
School called in the afternoon to let me know that he got stung by a bee. Great. This past weekend he had some trepidation about being outside because of the bees. I promised him that I would give him an ice cream cone if he got stung. Of course, today he remembered that when I picked him up! So he had a cone on the ride home. They said he didn't cry and was very brave! (was this a ploy to get ice cream?)
Caio Bella :)
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
April 14th
Alan and I had the day off to participate in a big moment....Kindergarten Screening!! He did very well, scoring perfect on some sort of language/verbal test...everything else came out in normal range. T-Ball starts in 2 weeks, so I am hoping to meet more people in Rhinebeck...It is such a great school district. The guidance counselor at the high school promised me he wouldn't retire until after Alan graduated!
Oh! BTW, We thought this was funny....He asked the teacher about naps and lunch - then he made a joke. When he learned that they have lunches there, he said, "do they have spinach, my daddy likes spinach..."then looked at Roger and laughed...We all chuckled...
It was a special day too. Alan woke up and made his own breakfast, eating it on his new red bean bag chair. He was excited about the day, but was a little down on himself for having problems singing... Luckily, Bob came to the rescue and gave Alan his first voice lesson.
...what else? Kind of tired, but here are the highlights:
- Out to lunch with Alan (again!)..Pete's in Rhinebeck
- Glued and painted a wooden airplane ( I glued, Alan painted)
- Enjoyed a popsicle on the back porch with Alan...
- Shot rocket balloons in the front yard..
- Walk, played with the kids again from yesterday and met a new kid as well....
Need to get the bath ready for Alan...(wacky watermellon)....have a great night! :)
Oh! BTW, We thought this was funny....He asked the teacher about naps and lunch - then he made a joke. When he learned that they have lunches there, he said, "do they have spinach, my daddy likes spinach..."then looked at Roger and laughed...We all chuckled...
It was a special day too. Alan woke up and made his own breakfast, eating it on his new red bean bag chair. He was excited about the day, but was a little down on himself for having problems singing... Luckily, Bob came to the rescue and gave Alan his first voice lesson.
...what else? Kind of tired, but here are the highlights:
- Out to lunch with Alan (again!)..Pete's in Rhinebeck
- Glued and painted a wooden airplane ( I glued, Alan painted)
- Enjoyed a popsicle on the back porch with Alan...
- Shot rocket balloons in the front yard..
- Walk, played with the kids again from yesterday and met a new kid as well....
Need to get the bath ready for Alan...(wacky watermellon)....have a great night! :)
April 13-14
THANKFUL!! Lawn was mowed as I pulled into the house yesterday..Last season we typcially just did the front, and didn't do the side and back as the cord to our electric mower wasn't long enough, and it was an extra hassle. Now, as I look through thr beautiful back window, not only do I see the lilacs starting to bloom, but the grass near our Buddha is all mowed to!!! It's the small things in life that bring a smile to my face!!!
Yesterday, I took the afternoon off..routine parent - teacher conference day...reviewed ideas for next year.... Out to lunch with Alan at Panera Bread..then off to my least favorite activity. I couldn't delay getting him sneakers and t-shirts. Picture day is Friday, and I wanted to get him a new shirt (red!).
Last night we found a strange place to meet new friends. Alan wanted to make a left not a right at the top of the hill, so that meant...cemetary. His newest favorite subject to talk about is God and Heaven. We actually met a very nice 9 year old boy and 11 year old girl at the cemetary...they live across the street from the cemetary and know it very well...they played several games together. First, Alan facilitated a game of Delta takeoff, and the three of them buzzed around gravestones. Then they asked him to play several jump rope games followed by tag. Alan had some trouble with jumping rope, but he was incredibly sweet with them....we also got an earful from these children about their homelife....
More adventures today!!!!
Yesterday, I took the afternoon off..routine parent - teacher conference day...reviewed ideas for next year.... Out to lunch with Alan at Panera Bread..then off to my least favorite activity. I couldn't delay getting him sneakers and t-shirts. Picture day is Friday, and I wanted to get him a new shirt (red!).
Last night we found a strange place to meet new friends. Alan wanted to make a left not a right at the top of the hill, so that meant...cemetary. His newest favorite subject to talk about is God and Heaven. We actually met a very nice 9 year old boy and 11 year old girl at the cemetary...they live across the street from the cemetary and know it very well...they played several games together. First, Alan facilitated a game of Delta takeoff, and the three of them buzzed around gravestones. Then they asked him to play several jump rope games followed by tag. Alan had some trouble with jumping rope, but he was incredibly sweet with them....we also got an earful from these children about their homelife....
More adventures today!!!!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
April 13th AM
SCRABBLE!!!! Love the game, did't have time to play in AZ, and now I was just challenged to play on on-line scrabble game by Bob's sister...I am not into all of the other applications that Facebook offers, but this is a game that I will REALLY REALLY be getting into...I can see myself playing ALL NIGHT...how cool that you can do this on-line with people from all over the world. OH NO! I can see myself really really getting into this!!! How exciting!! Didn't realize how much I miss the game!!! I am a little rusty, so I bet she will beat the pants off of me!!! I am soooo glad she set it up, so all I had to do was click on and start. I still need to figure out how to set it up if I want to invite others....
So many memories of playing scrabble with my parents and grandmother!!!! Learned all my best strategies from them!!! I have word lists downloaded somewhere. It's great to be able to have the ability to play on-line...MOM, ARE YOU ON SCRABBLE???
So many memories of playing scrabble with my parents and grandmother!!!! Learned all my best strategies from them!!! I have word lists downloaded somewhere. It's great to be able to have the ability to play on-line...MOM, ARE YOU ON SCRABBLE???
Monday, April 12, 2010
Howdy! Did you get an email from me today? If you are a high school student living in the Hudson Valley, you probably did!! All you do is convert text files into excel spread sheets, and using this cool software, you can send out tons of emails with just a few clicks --- and get campaign stats too! The purpose was to promote our Open house next week...It was quite fun! So many hats worn today....advisor/counselor, public relations writer and techy...so things went well at work today...though I was only there half day....
After work, ran to the supermarket to pick up groceries....Alan wanted pork chops again, so I bought centercut thinly-sliced ones so that they would cook FAST....and just did a quick shake and bake dinner....he was actually hungry while they were still in the oven, so we started him out with some left over pasta...
While dinner was cooking I multi-tasked by preparing his lunch for tomorrow...
The rest of the evening was pretty mellow...a few loads of laundry, Bob played the concertina, and Alan was coloring more CD's. At bedtime, I took out the flashlight...We have a few of those paper mache planets still hanging up (and a comet), so we pretended that the flashlight was the sun, etc...No, we didn't discuss quantum phyics....(i was much too tired for that LOL)....He fell asleep listening to Johny Cash.
It was a peaceful, easy night...though life is not perfect, I am as centered and grounded as I have ever been. How? Support/Empathy/Truth...
Whatelse? Mom, since I didn't hear from you today, I hope you are back to work and feeling better!
Tomorrow we are celebrating Rita's birthday, and I am bringing in strawberries (no chocolate, half of the office went on weight watchers)...I should join!
...And I now hear a banjo and must go....
After work, ran to the supermarket to pick up groceries....Alan wanted pork chops again, so I bought centercut thinly-sliced ones so that they would cook FAST....and just did a quick shake and bake dinner....he was actually hungry while they were still in the oven, so we started him out with some left over pasta...
While dinner was cooking I multi-tasked by preparing his lunch for tomorrow...
The rest of the evening was pretty mellow...a few loads of laundry, Bob played the concertina, and Alan was coloring more CD's. At bedtime, I took out the flashlight...We have a few of those paper mache planets still hanging up (and a comet), so we pretended that the flashlight was the sun, etc...No, we didn't discuss quantum phyics....(i was much too tired for that LOL)....He fell asleep listening to Johny Cash.
It was a peaceful, easy night...though life is not perfect, I am as centered and grounded as I have ever been. How? Support/Empathy/Truth...
Whatelse? Mom, since I didn't hear from you today, I hope you are back to work and feeling better!
Tomorrow we are celebrating Rita's birthday, and I am bringing in strawberries (no chocolate, half of the office went on weight watchers)...I should join!
...And I now hear a banjo and must go....
Sunday, April 11, 2010
April 11
We love Saraswati in this house. She's the Goddess of Wisdom and Art (including Music)...She is prominently showcased in our dining room similar to Grandma's statue of Mary....We eat dinner under her picture every night.....You can tell my son is growing up in a Unitarian lifestyle. This morning, his creativity drove him to write a book. On the cover was a picture of Saraswati with all 4 arms and her Veena (or Sitar?), and let me transcribe the words he wrote: "THank you god for the love and joy. Thank you for the saints and god. Thank you for the whole world." (Of course I helped him out with the spelling, but he wrote more of the words himself than I had anticipated. For example, he knew the word "joy"....Not sure why he mentioned saints, though I have been known to pray to saint anthony since I always loose things, and Saint Nicholas....So we talked a little bit more about saints today....then at church, it was very celestrial. Bob Berman gave a talk about biocentrism, and coincidently, Alan wore his homemade solar system t-shirt.
Alan did well at the religious ed program...he didn't even want me to stay with him....they made wands with stars...he was invited to a birthday party of a child who he knows in that program, and a playdate with another child. He certainly knows how to work the room....love watching them run in the grass after church....they made up a game where Alan would blow bubbles and his friend would pop them with a racket....Then afterwards at lunch, Alan was so excited to see a family we know from the old songs festival and our beach, but we have never officially had a playdate together....exchanged contact info with that family too! Unfortuneately, arranging for playdates these days takes weeks of planning!!
Then, we spent a good portion of the afternoon organizing his room...He cleaned his instruments, and arranged them in a fashion which surrounded him (see facebook photo)...I escaped for a cup of coffee on the back porch, and he painted for a little while. I was a little worried because he was afraid to come outside for a while because of the bees...that's why I stayed out extra long so he would be comfortable....Then, he came out, and we decided to go for a long walk. I suggested his scooter, and he jumped at that idea. We went down the hill, then up, and stopped by a friend's store....
...As we approached home, I suggested that he watch a movie (I could use a little break)...so here I am....This really was a great weekend....but Mom, feel better soon...maybe more later
Alan did well at the religious ed program...he didn't even want me to stay with him....they made wands with stars...he was invited to a birthday party of a child who he knows in that program, and a playdate with another child. He certainly knows how to work the room....love watching them run in the grass after church....they made up a game where Alan would blow bubbles and his friend would pop them with a racket....Then afterwards at lunch, Alan was so excited to see a family we know from the old songs festival and our beach, but we have never officially had a playdate together....exchanged contact info with that family too! Unfortuneately, arranging for playdates these days takes weeks of planning!!
Then, we spent a good portion of the afternoon organizing his room...He cleaned his instruments, and arranged them in a fashion which surrounded him (see facebook photo)...I escaped for a cup of coffee on the back porch, and he painted for a little while. I was a little worried because he was afraid to come outside for a while because of the bees...that's why I stayed out extra long so he would be comfortable....Then, he came out, and we decided to go for a long walk. I suggested his scooter, and he jumped at that idea. We went down the hill, then up, and stopped by a friend's store....
...As we approached home, I suggested that he watch a movie (I could use a little break)...so here I am....This really was a great weekend....but Mom, feel better soon...maybe more later
Saturday, April 10, 2010
April 10th...
Just a few notes about the day....Thoroughly enjoyed outing to see the cousins for Bella's birthday at Jumpin Jakes...This morning, Alan picked her flowers from the backyard and painted a rock for her - both of which we forgot :( but we did remember the birthday card he made for her....
Alan has also acquired yet ANOTHER new guitar (and AMP!). Electric - (red)...looks like a lightning bolt. Cousin Keith thought the new guitar was soooooo cool, however when Alan showed him his concertina, the jokes about polka were inevitable....
Sorry we didn't get to Rich's CD release party. He and Cathy are great people, and great friends. I hope the event was well attended!!
Dinner...chicken pot pie...Alan's "graces" are getting cuter and cuter, and Bob reading Aesop tonight was about "friendship"...Wonder how many people read Aesop at dinner??
We just finished watching a movie....
Happy.
Alan has also acquired yet ANOTHER new guitar (and AMP!). Electric - (red)...looks like a lightning bolt. Cousin Keith thought the new guitar was soooooo cool, however when Alan showed him his concertina, the jokes about polka were inevitable....
Sorry we didn't get to Rich's CD release party. He and Cathy are great people, and great friends. I hope the event was well attended!!
Dinner...chicken pot pie...Alan's "graces" are getting cuter and cuter, and Bob reading Aesop tonight was about "friendship"...Wonder how many people read Aesop at dinner??
We just finished watching a movie....
Happy.
April 10 AM
AM: Nice morning. Alan woke up with lots of creative energy, he must have been dreaming about his friends at school, because he immediately asked for an envelope to send one of his friends an invitation to come over and play. After that burst of creative energy, we snuggled on the couch for over an hour looking out the window talking about all things existential.....somehow something as simple as spotting a dandylion turned into a discussion about photsynthesis. I made breakfast for the fam - pancakes....Alan sang us a song using sign language which was so beautiful....After breakfast he played my guitar (he likes to do that with the capo to make classical music)....and now he is making cousin Bella a birthday card....have a great day...more later...
Friday, April 9, 2010
April 9
Knock at the door during our dinner...looked out the window, and it was the familiar face of one of the village police officers. ..turns out they were looking for a specific person...didn't recognize the name.....apparently, the person left the scene of an accident, and they have a partial address. Wish I could have helped them out...we'll probably hear about it in the papers....speaking of dinner, ham & pea soup...stopped at Adams on the way home, and Alan made himself a nice concoction from the salad bar...
Oh food.....black cherry ice cream in the office yesterday, today someone brought in donuts, and then my weekly campus tour launched with cookies and hot chocolate......Oh my! One never goes hungry at DCC!
WHAT ELSE?? Actually....BUYING ON MY MIND....you know that I would rather work towards being a creator not a consumer, and I would rather stick a needle in my eye than go to the mall, but recently my mind has been corrupted with thoughts of buying, buying, buying...I guess I am discovering what greed looks like on me...(today was a handcrafted Indian kurta!).
New car? If I could only walk to work...how happy I'd be!!! (and fit too!) Toying with buying a new car, only to make my 1 hour and 15 minute commute to school/work much easier. (Do I really spent 2.5 hours in the car a day!)
We are a family with a fleet of 3 vehicles already...I recently bought my parent's used car, and I have a perfectly workable Dodge Stratus "off road" in the driveway, and our van is fairly new, so it seems like an extravagence to have yet another vehicle...But this morning, I did put the Status up for sale again. It’s a well-running vehicle, so whomever buys it will be getting a great deal if you can look past the cosmetic issues (air conditioner needs re-charging, small dent, rust, front seat rocks a bit.) Fielded two inquiries already. We'll see.
LAP TOP?? - Waiting to see just what the newsletter with the UU will entail. Maybe I will use this as an excuse to buy a new computer, and I can enhance the work we do for Heritage Music as well. Or I might just buy "Publisher" and use our existing computers ( we have a laptop, netbook, and actually we just disassembled the desk top)....maybe I'll rejuvenate my resume-writing business again, or the public relations business, and write press releases and newsletters!! (in my spare time LOL)....I still haven't used my 2010 DCC voucher yet (the college gives me $350 a year to buy whatever I want...camera, computers, books, software, etc)....Last year, this money went to our new netbook. Maybe I'll give that to Alan, and use someof the $ to get myself a new laptop.
REAL ESTATE?? Yes, I've been bitten by the real estate bug! Oh My! Don't even know where to start with this one. Keeping the dream alive!
PRIVATE SCHOOLS?? Don't want to name them specifically, but way too expensive!!! But it was fun to look...Hopefully a Rhinebeck education will serve my son's intellectual curiosity...I'll keep on saving for his college education....maybe I'll have him bridge his senior year of high school here at DCC. It's actually not that far away. 10-11 years and I'll have him explore bridging....BTW, tuition here is free for children and spouses of DCC employees! He told me the other day that he didn't want to go to "sleep away" high school. This gave me a chuckle, and explained the educational system and the different types of colleges. Yes, this was with a 5 year old. It was fun putting on my college counselor hat with him....FYI, when we start the college search, I'll remind him that he didn't want to go to a "sleep away" school, and we'll see how much that changes! LOL
$$$$$Hey, the most important thing about these thoughts of buying buying buying is that at least I have my debt in check, a budget, excellent credit, and can move forward by making informed choices. So that gives me the ability to dream about $$$$ without feeling guilty! It's important to balance keeping your dream alive with being responsible. Live the life you love!
Just processing all of this is keeping my spending in check.
ON THE HOMEFRONT - I've stolen a few moments to write this and it's after dinner as I ramble on....Alan wants to watch a movie now, and Bob is playing banjo. We'll see how the evening progresses. No matter what, I am happy in my hoodie with my hair pulled up with a pair of mismatched aregyle socks! Very cozy.....
Oh food.....black cherry ice cream in the office yesterday, today someone brought in donuts, and then my weekly campus tour launched with cookies and hot chocolate......Oh my! One never goes hungry at DCC!
WHAT ELSE?? Actually....BUYING ON MY MIND....you know that I would rather work towards being a creator not a consumer, and I would rather stick a needle in my eye than go to the mall, but recently my mind has been corrupted with thoughts of buying, buying, buying...I guess I am discovering what greed looks like on me...(today was a handcrafted Indian kurta!).
New car? If I could only walk to work...how happy I'd be!!! (and fit too!) Toying with buying a new car, only to make my 1 hour and 15 minute commute to school/work much easier. (Do I really spent 2.5 hours in the car a day!)
We are a family with a fleet of 3 vehicles already...I recently bought my parent's used car, and I have a perfectly workable Dodge Stratus "off road" in the driveway, and our van is fairly new, so it seems like an extravagence to have yet another vehicle...But this morning, I did put the Status up for sale again. It’s a well-running vehicle, so whomever buys it will be getting a great deal if you can look past the cosmetic issues (air conditioner needs re-charging, small dent, rust, front seat rocks a bit.) Fielded two inquiries already. We'll see.
LAP TOP?? - Waiting to see just what the newsletter with the UU will entail. Maybe I will use this as an excuse to buy a new computer, and I can enhance the work we do for Heritage Music as well. Or I might just buy "Publisher" and use our existing computers ( we have a laptop, netbook, and actually we just disassembled the desk top)....maybe I'll rejuvenate my resume-writing business again, or the public relations business, and write press releases and newsletters!! (in my spare time LOL)....I still haven't used my 2010 DCC voucher yet (the college gives me $350 a year to buy whatever I want...camera, computers, books, software, etc)....Last year, this money went to our new netbook. Maybe I'll give that to Alan, and use someof the $ to get myself a new laptop.
REAL ESTATE?? Yes, I've been bitten by the real estate bug! Oh My! Don't even know where to start with this one. Keeping the dream alive!
PRIVATE SCHOOLS?? Don't want to name them specifically, but way too expensive!!! But it was fun to look...Hopefully a Rhinebeck education will serve my son's intellectual curiosity...I'll keep on saving for his college education....maybe I'll have him bridge his senior year of high school here at DCC. It's actually not that far away. 10-11 years and I'll have him explore bridging....BTW, tuition here is free for children and spouses of DCC employees! He told me the other day that he didn't want to go to "sleep away" high school. This gave me a chuckle, and explained the educational system and the different types of colleges. Yes, this was with a 5 year old. It was fun putting on my college counselor hat with him....FYI, when we start the college search, I'll remind him that he didn't want to go to a "sleep away" school, and we'll see how much that changes! LOL
$$$$$Hey, the most important thing about these thoughts of buying buying buying is that at least I have my debt in check, a budget, excellent credit, and can move forward by making informed choices. So that gives me the ability to dream about $$$$ without feeling guilty! It's important to balance keeping your dream alive with being responsible. Live the life you love!
Just processing all of this is keeping my spending in check.
ON THE HOMEFRONT - I've stolen a few moments to write this and it's after dinner as I ramble on....Alan wants to watch a movie now, and Bob is playing banjo. We'll see how the evening progresses. No matter what, I am happy in my hoodie with my hair pulled up with a pair of mismatched aregyle socks! Very cozy.....
Thursday, April 8, 2010
April 8th
Dear Diary, not much in the mood for writing tonight, but here is my entry for today...
- Thanks to the ladies who treated us all to black cherry ice cream this afternoon!
- Congrats to Araceli our amazing student who won the DUE award. Hope to make the ceremony!!
- Alan and I created a "pleasure book" tonight. It's basically a scrapbook of everything he loves, from music, to the solar system. There is a picture of Johny Cash, Santa, a firetruck, frieda fuzzypaws, candyland, family photos, etc. It was a fun project to start tonight. FYI, he said Bob's dinner was "awesome". He ate pork chops and carrots and ravioli!
He wanted to put food pictures in the books as well...LOL. We are still reading Aesop's fables after grace, and tonight it was about greed....it was a great springboard for a discussion about toys, etc.
Just a regular day!! Tomorrow...TGIF.....have a few weekend outings planned...
- Thanks to the ladies who treated us all to black cherry ice cream this afternoon!
- Congrats to Araceli our amazing student who won the DUE award. Hope to make the ceremony!!
- Alan and I created a "pleasure book" tonight. It's basically a scrapbook of everything he loves, from music, to the solar system. There is a picture of Johny Cash, Santa, a firetruck, frieda fuzzypaws, candyland, family photos, etc. It was a fun project to start tonight. FYI, he said Bob's dinner was "awesome". He ate pork chops and carrots and ravioli!
He wanted to put food pictures in the books as well...LOL. We are still reading Aesop's fables after grace, and tonight it was about greed....it was a great springboard for a discussion about toys, etc.
Just a regular day!! Tomorrow...TGIF.....have a few weekend outings planned...
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
April 7th
It took a year, but I just carved out time to enjoy a wacky watermelon flavored bubble bath in our new home tonight. Don't miss the jacuzzi or the glass steam shower from the old house AT ALL...bottle brushes to clean the jets, an unending supply of windex on the glass shower doors. Never again!! Hey, but on a positive note, at least we profited from the renovation of the bathroom...remember that old wallpaper..UGH! Keeping it simple at the new house...just a tub with some bubbles is all I need to relax!!!
We enjoyed dinner on the back porch tonight....pasta (because I am Italian and that's what I love to eat)...and coconut shrimp....Then, I reclined on the couch by 7pm, aand felt very slothlike...too slothlike!! So I sprung up and proclaimed that I was making cookies!! This was very well received by you know who!! (the big kid, not the little one)...Peanut butter cookies!!! From scratch!! Added M&M's too!! They came out VERY tasty. I was a little worried, because we didn't have any brown sugar, and I'm not the best baker....The recipe said you could substitute honey, which I did, and boy they came out good. In typcial Italian fashion, I didn't really use measuring cups, just a little this, just a little of that...maybe that's why I am such a better cook than baker...but these cookies rocked....I baked one batch and froze the rest of the batter for another day.
Nothing else special to report. Alan played guitar at school. They loved it. Realized I am overly tired the last 2 days because I am out of routine with my vitamins maybe? Back to that tomorrow....and the calling to get to the gym is starting to fade....I didn't even go for a walk....But I did spot a new red tulip in my front yard. And how could I forget, Happy Birthday Derbo!
We enjoyed dinner on the back porch tonight....pasta (because I am Italian and that's what I love to eat)...and coconut shrimp....Then, I reclined on the couch by 7pm, aand felt very slothlike...too slothlike!! So I sprung up and proclaimed that I was making cookies!! This was very well received by you know who!! (the big kid, not the little one)...Peanut butter cookies!!! From scratch!! Added M&M's too!! They came out VERY tasty. I was a little worried, because we didn't have any brown sugar, and I'm not the best baker....The recipe said you could substitute honey, which I did, and boy they came out good. In typcial Italian fashion, I didn't really use measuring cups, just a little this, just a little of that...maybe that's why I am such a better cook than baker...but these cookies rocked....I baked one batch and froze the rest of the batter for another day.
Nothing else special to report. Alan played guitar at school. They loved it. Realized I am overly tired the last 2 days because I am out of routine with my vitamins maybe? Back to that tomorrow....and the calling to get to the gym is starting to fade....I didn't even go for a walk....But I did spot a new red tulip in my front yard. And how could I forget, Happy Birthday Derbo!
Monday, April 5, 2010
April 5th
I am snuggled on my couch beneath a blanket that I crocheted myself...not sure if I learned how to crochette from my mom or grandmother, but it's warm, colorful blanket. Alan is asleep, back on track given the jet lag. His radio is still playing as it does everynight....tonight's choice was Michael Jackson, he must be thinking of his Grandma Bootie tonight. Bob is downstairs, just went to visit him...he's fixing a banjo. He baked a delicious ham this afternoon, a task we thought might not happen given the power outage in the neighborhood. Alan loved it!! (another food he will eat!) I made pasta and a salad. We started a new tradition at dinner which was Bob's idea, and tonight we did it for the first time with Alan. We have Aesop's fables, a series of short stories with a message. (really short, I am talking 2 paragraphs). Then we talk about the message in the story. Tonight was the Fox and the Lion, and the message was "familiarity breeds contempt" .....
I am also thankful tonight that I will sleep with fresh air as Bob put the screens in the windows. The night air feels cool, but freshing....yet there are two screeching cats out there....well, that's the scene at the moment...the day was pretty good all around given it was my first day back.....
....Received a warm reception upon returning to work today (and it wasn’t just because I brought in bagels). It was nice to be back….and in my mailbox was my travel check. J I wish I had brought back something Arizonian for them, but we just didn’t do that type of shopping. In fact, I feel bad that Bob had wanted to bring back a souvenir, but we just weren’t shoppers on this vacation…so Bob ended up buying himself and Alan a T-shirt at the airport! I noticed he's wearing it today.....
Other news… today the first email I opened up this morning was a request to teach LAH 100 again this Fall. It’s a win-win for me…the extra cash is nice and the course is fun. I have some ideas to enhance the curriculum from last year including adding a more comprehensive critical thinking and writing component that is both self reflective and fun as it relates to different disciplines within the humanities. Specifically, I have a bunch of new activities that assist them with exploring resources, programs and tools to illicit how their skills and interests relate to various career paths. It’s all about informed decision-making (my crystal ball is broken!) and knowing what resources are available to them.
Just like last year, I’ll take them to meet the college president so that they feel an even greater connection to the campus. Plus, he really enjoyed meeting them last year..in fact, I asked him to talk about what his major was, and how he decided on his career path…this normalizes the process and lessens the pressure valve that students often feel like they must pigeon-hole themselves……also, maybe I’ll carve out time this year to administer the MBTI (ENFJ!).
After work, I had an enjoyable brief visit with Roger and Eileen in Rhinebeck where I picked up my boy. While Alan made CD's (coloring circles he cuts out), we discussed soccer or t-ball for Alan. They tell me he did well with getting his vaccinations today at the doctor's and he also had a very snazzy new hair cut. Stopped at the accountant on the way home to sign my final tax forms, and ka-ching....nice refund coming my way, maybe as soon as Friday from the feds....nice!! Saving up!
Then, Alan and I sang a few songs together, mainly James Taylor ("You are my only one" and "In my mind I'm going to Carolina".) Thank god for google where I can look up the lyrics!!!
He was a little resistent to going to bed, he's out of routine, but we sorted it out, and we snuggled a bit, and he fell asleep and here I am reflecting reflecting reflecting on my day....
I am also thankful tonight that I will sleep with fresh air as Bob put the screens in the windows. The night air feels cool, but freshing....yet there are two screeching cats out there....well, that's the scene at the moment...the day was pretty good all around given it was my first day back.....
....Received a warm reception upon returning to work today (and it wasn’t just because I brought in bagels). It was nice to be back….and in my mailbox was my travel check. J I wish I had brought back something Arizonian for them, but we just didn’t do that type of shopping. In fact, I feel bad that Bob had wanted to bring back a souvenir, but we just weren’t shoppers on this vacation…so Bob ended up buying himself and Alan a T-shirt at the airport! I noticed he's wearing it today.....
Other news… today the first email I opened up this morning was a request to teach LAH 100 again this Fall. It’s a win-win for me…the extra cash is nice and the course is fun. I have some ideas to enhance the curriculum from last year including adding a more comprehensive critical thinking and writing component that is both self reflective and fun as it relates to different disciplines within the humanities. Specifically, I have a bunch of new activities that assist them with exploring resources, programs and tools to illicit how their skills and interests relate to various career paths. It’s all about informed decision-making (my crystal ball is broken!) and knowing what resources are available to them.
Just like last year, I’ll take them to meet the college president so that they feel an even greater connection to the campus. Plus, he really enjoyed meeting them last year..in fact, I asked him to talk about what his major was, and how he decided on his career path…this normalizes the process and lessens the pressure valve that students often feel like they must pigeon-hole themselves……also, maybe I’ll carve out time this year to administer the MBTI (ENFJ!).
After work, I had an enjoyable brief visit with Roger and Eileen in Rhinebeck where I picked up my boy. While Alan made CD's (coloring circles he cuts out), we discussed soccer or t-ball for Alan. They tell me he did well with getting his vaccinations today at the doctor's and he also had a very snazzy new hair cut. Stopped at the accountant on the way home to sign my final tax forms, and ka-ching....nice refund coming my way, maybe as soon as Friday from the feds....nice!! Saving up!
Then, Alan and I sang a few songs together, mainly James Taylor ("You are my only one" and "In my mind I'm going to Carolina".) Thank god for google where I can look up the lyrics!!!
He was a little resistent to going to bed, he's out of routine, but we sorted it out, and we snuggled a bit, and he fell asleep and here I am reflecting reflecting reflecting on my day....
Sunday, April 4, 2010
April 4th part two PM "things done"
UPDATE ON TODAY'S LIST OF THINGS I NEEDED TO DO -
Laundry is ALL done... My front loader is HUGE, so I can fit 3 loads in one 55 minute shot! I still have flashbacks from years past, lugging clothes to laundry mats where the machines were scanky and dirty...actually, it was just last year when in the apartment, waiting to move in here!!! Ugh!! Never again. There is nothing more gross than a dirty washer machine! It must be karma, because my washer is awesome, and I reward it by keeping it nice and clean....I love my washer and it shows :)
Now if the clothes could only make it into the drawers LOL!!! I am getting better at this!!!
Spring/Summer clothes unpacked and hung neatly in closet, while winter clothes are stored until October. (I did leave out a few long sleeves just in case!). It's always fun to do this, because I literally forget what I have, and then rediscover what bad taste I have in clothes LOL. Thank goodness for me I don't care LOL...don't like shopping, and it shows!!
Food shopping accomplished, however we giggled how Price Chopper and Hannafords were both closed...and ended up at the yucky Walmart. We got out of there at about $168 which wasn't bad for what we ended up with...wasn't too crowded, and we didn't have to wait on long lines. The meat is pretty bad though which is no surprise. I made philly cheese steaks tonight, and we threw out the leftovers. Yuck!! We would have been better off with a frozen pizza.
FUN? Finished New Moon and now starting on the third Twilight book (Eclipse). Hung out with Bobby, showed him my new beatles tune I've been working on....and then jammed more including Freight Train, which I can now play with Alan since he likes that song so much. He's at his Dad's still, and his father shared with me some awesome videos of him playing the banjo that Bob made....(via skype).
Cleaning? Passed on most of this...things are pretty much in order, just dusted living room....(except office)
Also went to the UU today....brilliant how the minister interwoved Passover and Easter with the theme of "Second Chances". I am still getting used to how social the UU is, it's becoming a way of life for me, not just a Sunday excursion.... Upon arrival at a Catholic church, you enter silently, kneel and pray. At the UU, even if I sit alone, I am approached and welcomed....and never feel alone.
What else? Oh, during dinner, my mom texted me that she and Pops felt the California Earthquake all the way in Phoenix!! WOW! They were at dinner with Jim and Nancy and felt the table shake. Eerie. That's something I never want to experience!
No gym, no walk :( but lots of thinking about it LOL :)
Well, that's the day's wrap up. How'd I do? Let me check my list below :) Day isn't over yet! Need to get coffee maker set up for the morn, and Alan's lunch too!!! Wait, I hear a man singing in the other room!! Need to BOLT!!!
Laundry is ALL done... My front loader is HUGE, so I can fit 3 loads in one 55 minute shot! I still have flashbacks from years past, lugging clothes to laundry mats where the machines were scanky and dirty...actually, it was just last year when in the apartment, waiting to move in here!!! Ugh!! Never again. There is nothing more gross than a dirty washer machine! It must be karma, because my washer is awesome, and I reward it by keeping it nice and clean....I love my washer and it shows :)
Now if the clothes could only make it into the drawers LOL!!! I am getting better at this!!!
Spring/Summer clothes unpacked and hung neatly in closet, while winter clothes are stored until October. (I did leave out a few long sleeves just in case!). It's always fun to do this, because I literally forget what I have, and then rediscover what bad taste I have in clothes LOL. Thank goodness for me I don't care LOL...don't like shopping, and it shows!!
Food shopping accomplished, however we giggled how Price Chopper and Hannafords were both closed...and ended up at the yucky Walmart. We got out of there at about $168 which wasn't bad for what we ended up with...wasn't too crowded, and we didn't have to wait on long lines. The meat is pretty bad though which is no surprise. I made philly cheese steaks tonight, and we threw out the leftovers. Yuck!! We would have been better off with a frozen pizza.
FUN? Finished New Moon and now starting on the third Twilight book (Eclipse). Hung out with Bobby, showed him my new beatles tune I've been working on....and then jammed more including Freight Train, which I can now play with Alan since he likes that song so much. He's at his Dad's still, and his father shared with me some awesome videos of him playing the banjo that Bob made....(via skype).
Cleaning? Passed on most of this...things are pretty much in order, just dusted living room....(except office)
Also went to the UU today....brilliant how the minister interwoved Passover and Easter with the theme of "Second Chances". I am still getting used to how social the UU is, it's becoming a way of life for me, not just a Sunday excursion.... Upon arrival at a Catholic church, you enter silently, kneel and pray. At the UU, even if I sit alone, I am approached and welcomed....and never feel alone.
What else? Oh, during dinner, my mom texted me that she and Pops felt the California Earthquake all the way in Phoenix!! WOW! They were at dinner with Jim and Nancy and felt the table shake. Eerie. That's something I never want to experience!
No gym, no walk :( but lots of thinking about it LOL :)
Well, that's the day's wrap up. How'd I do? Let me check my list below :) Day isn't over yet! Need to get coffee maker set up for the morn, and Alan's lunch too!!! Wait, I hear a man singing in the other room!! Need to BOLT!!!
List of things to do - April 4th AM
After I finish this cup of coffee, I have a bunch of things to accomplish today, my last day of Spring Break. The more I get down, the easier the week will be!!! Lets keep that in mind!!
1) Laundry - not only do I have to wash clothes, but I just brought up a huge bag of spring/summer clothes that I need to sort through
2) Clean house - easy, vacuum, dust...bathrooms are still clean, but I need to straighten up a bit..
3) Grocery Shopping - this time its my turn to use the price chopper card LOL!
4) Finish the book New Moon
5) Go to UU
6) Gather things to bring to work and Alan's school (bag, lunch, blanket,etc)
7) this one can wait until tomorrow, but if I have time, I need to get April's calendar in order. we have a busy month, and I need to input dates on the calendar.
8) Spend 10 minutes in my office - just 10 minutes!!!! what a mess!!
9) Go to gym if open (or better yet, outside for a walk!)
10) Call Maggie or other friend about the yard sale donations
Not sure what Easter dinner will entail. We celebrated Easter while in AZ, and I cancelled my plans to go to White Plains. The thought of driving today...not going to happen. Sticking close to home....getting things done...now where to start...I hope ny PM blog post will have good updates!!!
1) Laundry - not only do I have to wash clothes, but I just brought up a huge bag of spring/summer clothes that I need to sort through
2) Clean house - easy, vacuum, dust...bathrooms are still clean, but I need to straighten up a bit..
3) Grocery Shopping - this time its my turn to use the price chopper card LOL!
4) Finish the book New Moon
5) Go to UU
6) Gather things to bring to work and Alan's school (bag, lunch, blanket,etc)
7) this one can wait until tomorrow, but if I have time, I need to get April's calendar in order. we have a busy month, and I need to input dates on the calendar.
8) Spend 10 minutes in my office - just 10 minutes!!!! what a mess!!
9) Go to gym if open (or better yet, outside for a walk!)
10) Call Maggie or other friend about the yard sale donations
Not sure what Easter dinner will entail. We celebrated Easter while in AZ, and I cancelled my plans to go to White Plains. The thought of driving today...not going to happen. Sticking close to home....getting things done...now where to start...I hope ny PM blog post will have good updates!!!
Saturday, April 3, 2010
April 3 pm
Self-imposed pressure to get outside this morning, given the absolutely gorgeous sunny day. That was a mistake...I was jet lagged, tired and subsequently not very patient with the youngin who was also tired....the melt down occured outside a music store in Woodstock (which was an unintended pitstop to magic meadow where we were supposed to throw rocks in the creek.) Drove home instead.... Once I gave myself permission that it was okay with just staying inside to recoup from our long travel day, we had a much better afternoon.We jammed, had lunch, watched Beatles cartoons. Alan played his banjo, violin, drums, piano, and guitar....while I rested in my room, he designed CD covers. (I hardly ever rest during the day, especially on a sunny day, but I was really really exhausted)....Later, I did walk around the yard and spotted some of the spring flowers that I planted this past autumn....mainly the blue hyacinths around the quan yin (sp) statue and a handfull of small dafodils....Bob also continued to do some shoveling in the garden...some sort of mulch project......Alan wanted to build a water fountain around the Buddha...he's at his dad's tonight...His "emma" is visiting...lots of granparenting happening here this week!
Anyway, I did get outside the evening. We scrapped plans for HV Folk Guild (sorry guys), and decided to hang low and go for a walk through the village and have dinner out....OH, and got to Krauses to late (boo!)
Anyway, I did get outside the evening. We scrapped plans for HV Folk Guild (sorry guys), and decided to hang low and go for a walk through the village and have dinner out....OH, and got to Krauses to late (boo!)
April 3rd 1am HOME!
Great journey home. No problems, smooth sailing (a little hairy with the change over flight). I anticipate jet lag to be more challenging with eastern standard time. Alan fell asleep at 11:30 pm (8:30pm AZ time)....that's okay...all worth it...House looks great!!! Can't wait to see what is growing outside. Neighbors even put out our garbage for us...only thing is that I cleaned the refrigerator before we left, and it's pretty empty....thank god for trail mix!! Fish survived. and of course...the mail!!! Home Sweet Home!!!
Friday, April 2, 2010
April 2 am
Hid eggs last night, and Alan woke up....he didn't even realize today was Easter LOL...Now we are all chilling out before our long flight home. Alan wants to take pictures of the plane. I just returned from an exhilerating bicycle ride around the desert. Maybe I'll go just one more time :)
Thursday, April 1, 2010
April 1st (tired!)
VERY TIRED. Last day in AZ. Science Museum had well-intended hands-on exhibits, but not condusive to learning...More on that some other time. However the Planetarium was a HIT!!! Fabulously done! Learned so much!
Spent the late afternoon cooking a feast for my family....and...Jim and Nancy (old family friends).....Alan performed 3 songs as part of the after-dinner entertainment.....
...and now I have seen everything....My father singing "flies in the buttermilk" while playing a ukalali...
Just hid eggs and have Easter basket ready....We're celebrating Easter tomorrow....God, I am tired.....
Spent the late afternoon cooking a feast for my family....and...Jim and Nancy (old family friends).....Alan performed 3 songs as part of the after-dinner entertainment.....
...and now I have seen everything....My father singing "flies in the buttermilk" while playing a ukalali...
Just hid eggs and have Easter basket ready....We're celebrating Easter tomorrow....God, I am tired.....
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