In the last 36 hours: I have driven to Michigan and back, eaten deep fried mushrooms, had Bell's Two Hearted ale on tap and watched the Red Wings play at Joe Louis area from 11 rows above center ice.
I love you, Michigan.
(Even if the Wings lost and I was VERY pissed...but just for a minute.)
Also, remind me to tell you sometime about how I almost ran out of gas in downtown Detroit by myself, without a GPS, while I was searching for a gas station and finally found one in the 'Hood. Great story!
I went to see Lucero at the Southgate House this past Friday night.
I have to say that this was probably one of the best live shows I've ever attended. The opening band, Glossary was also AMAZING and they certainly can add me as a new fan.
The Southgate House is just a fantastic venue, historically, acoustically and mostly with how close and intimate you are with the bands. I've seen some great shows there, including the Drive By Truckers and Robert Earl Keen. I'm grateful to have a venue nearby that brings in such amazing music.
Saturday Bennett and I went to see "Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightening Thief". I haven't read the books so I found it entertaining but Bennett and his friend were both disappointed as I guess it doesn't follow the book very closely. I think these film directors don't give kids nowadays enough credit.
I finished out the weekend on a mellow note. Bennett attended a birthday party/sleepover last night and Jessen is still in Hawaii (he comes home today) so I actually had the house to myself last night. It being Valentine's Day and all, and me not having a current love interest, I decided to treat myself. Lilies, Oberon, and carrot cake...these are a few of my favorite things...
I finally got to watch the movie "The Hangover". I think I was probably the only person on the planet who had not seen it! It was ok...not gut busting funny or anything but I did laugh out loud a few times.
This week is ramping up to be pretty busy. Cincy is getting more snow today which will make the world stop here (glad I bought milk yesterday). I'm supposed to be in Michigan on Wednesday for meetings and then Columbus on Thursday so hopefully the weather cooperates.
Martha Coakley assumed the seat would be hers before Kennedy even passed. She sat back and did nothing until the polls showed that Brown's grass roots had been well fertilized. She did not engage the public, she did not talk to reporters.
This was Martha's race to lose, and she did.
I'm relieved that Coakley didn't win. She wasn't the right person for the job (not that I entirely agree that Brown is either). I'm laughing at the blame game and Spin going on this morning. Fox news, of course, is taking the stance that this is a clear reflection of Obama and his poor public rating. Maybe, but I don't quite see it as so cut and dry. I'm not happy with the President but I grow tired of hearing conservatives bitch about spending yet they have nothing to offer as a better solution. Call me old fashioned, but my Dad taught me that it does nothing more than make you look like an ass if you complain about a situation but don't offer any alternative solution to make it better.
What this really comes down to for me is health care reform. I think Brown's win will put a hault to the propaganda the democrats are trying to railroad through congress under the guise of health care reform. I am a huge proponent for reform but late night backroom deals and sneaky wording to promote other agendas is insulting to me and to this country. Let's see real health care reform that the country can stand behind and that truly serves our citizens. Let's call on our elected leaders to listen to us and remind that them that they were elected to serve by the people and for the people.
So, I kind of skipped out on adding my resolutions for 2010 when giving my year-end wrap-up in the previous post. It was, in fact, intentional. I've been giving a lot of thought to what I'd like to accomplish in 2010 and I didn't want to just go publish something all half-assed...well, even whole-assed for that matter. I mean, publishing these things to a blog kind of puts some pressure and responsibility on me to actually achieve them.
So, better late than never, here they are:
1) Achieve more items on my life list!!!!! This was my number 1 last year also but this is a big one for me. It is my constant reminder to live juicy!
2) Own my own business. This one is huge but I've spent the last few months paving the way for it to happen and I desperately need to see it through. Come on Universe!!!!
3) See more live music. I already have two shows I plan on hitting up in February - Lucero on 2/12 and Robert Earl Keen on 2/13....this will inevitably be a fantastic weekend.
4) Attend church more regularly and focus more on my spiritual enlightenment. Joining a small group, studying the bible, etc.
5) Be more organized. That means cleaning out my purse, managing my schedule better, everything at home has a place.
6) Read 20 books this year. I know that 20 doesn't seem like much but when I think about how busy we usually are, it seems like a realistic and attainable number. I'd love to exceed it!
7) Take an amazing trip with my kids. Not sure where yet.
8) Take a girls weekend trip. Again, not sure where yet.
9) Get myself in the best physical shape I've been in since....forever.
2009 has held a lot of ups and downs for me. This was sort of a strange year, because my whole life changed, and that was weird getting used to but yet very satisfying. But I’m figuring it out as I go, and I’m very thankful to be able to say that overall, I like my life. That hasn’t always been the case.
I was looking back over my resolutions and reflecting on all that this year has been. I got off to a bit of a slow start but when I wrap it up in my mind, I realize that I've accomplished more than I think I have ever resolved to do in the past. I was able to complete some items on my life list - most notably seeing U2 in concert. I have made great strides in taking much better care of myself...I'm eating better, taking vitamins, exercising more and taking more time for myself. Sleep is still a bit of a struggle for me but I'm working on it. I am definitely less cynical but the happiness part has been a little wavering. The cursing less didn't happen and the PMP certification didn't either . I did go to church more and did wear more dresses, but did neither nearly as often as I could or should. I still struggle with the blogging but I've decided that I'm just not going to worry about it anymore.
I also fell in love this year. And I somehow managed to get my heart broken too. Since my heart is still very much wrapped up in it, I think I will just leave it at that.
I listened to a lot of great music this year. I saw Neko Case live twice. I took several weekend trips back to Michigan and a few trips to Arizona. I rekindled some friendships with life-long friends, read a lot of books, and I realized a life dream and have started to take action on making it happen. I also somehow managed to survive my daughter graduating from high school and going to Phoenix for her first year of college.
I started thinking about what I want 2010 to look like and I can see that I will carry over a lot of my resolutions from this past year. I am living more deliberately now than I ever have before. I am awed by the quantity of good, amazing people I have been blessed with in my life and the way in which the universe moves itself to help even little ole me. I hope to stifle the control freak in me in an effort to humble myself to that power and perhaps I'll eventually be able to let myself stop and be happy a bit more often.
Tomorrow I will be heading up to Michigan to ring in the NewYear, drink lots of Oberon, and spend some quality time with friends.
I was in Tempe visiting Kaylie at her dorm. I could see myself walking downtown. I recall passing a homeless-type guy who was sitting in a lawn chair giving tourists directions. Because there are apparently a lot of tourists in Tempe???
Anyway, as I was walking into her dorm (which looked nothing like her dorm) I saw two, small, black, kittens near the doorway. They were in really bad shape - nearly starved and flea infested. So I stayed at Kaylie's dorm while she went to class and I bought a huge bag of cat food. I took two pie tins and filled one with water and put food in the other. Then I went outside and got the kittens and bathed them in the sink. They were a mess and in a lot of pain with sores all over them from the fleas. I towel dried them and fed them a bowl of milk.
Kaylie isn't allowed to have pets in her dorm with the exception of fish. She currently has a betta fish named Norton. Norton has actually been on my mind the last couple of days because Kaylie is coming home for a month and she's trying to find someone to care for him while she's gone. I thought about having her bring him on the plane but then it occurred to me that he would surpass the 3oz liquid limit in the container Kaylie would bring him in. So, everyone sleep better tonight knowing that air travel is much safer without bombs and Betta fish on board.
Ahhh, I digress.
So back to the kittens. I cleaned them up and filled their bellies and had to take them outside. I charged Kaylie and some of the other girls on her floor with rotating leaving them food outside. I found a milk crate and turned it on its side and put an old towel inside and stuck it behind the bushes outside the dorm. I put flea collars on the kittens and put them in the crate with food and water nearby. I think they were ok but I recall being terrified they would be eaten by coyotes.
I'm in Phoenix! I got in last night and "technically" I am here for work, however, I am of course taking full advantage of the opportunity to spend time with Kaylie! The time change is kicking my ass but I got up really early and worked out in the hotel fitness center. It's 85 and I just watched a desert sunrise while sipping my coffee.
It's going to be a good day.
I haven't posted for awhile but tons has been going on so rather than make excuses for why I haven't posted (after all I think only one person reads this thing anyway), I will just give a brief overview of some fun things and post some photos. How's that?
This past Saturday I went to the Neko Case show in Bowling Green, OH at a little joint called the Clazel Theater. I completely fell in love with this place...the amazing architecture, the atmosphere. I think I must have a "thing" for old theaters. This was the second time I've seen Neko Case this year and I was worried it would just be a repeat of the previous performance I attended at the Newport Theater in Columbus but it was different and in a lot of ways, better. Also, I took the coolest photo I've probably taken ever and I think I might just blow it up and frame it.
I also went to a kick ass Halloween party dressed as a black cat but I'll have to wait to upload those photos a little later.
Right now I am getting ready for work. It's weird but I think I am still full from hefeweizen and Claim Jumper chicken pot pie last night!
Tonight I believe I am meeting up with a gal I went to high school with who lives out here in Scottsdale. I think we are going to meet for dinner but plans aren't finalized yet. At any rate, I'll post more this evening when I'm chilling back here at the hotel!
Jessen and his team had a fantastic water polo season! It's hard to believe it's over so soon but this weekend at Regional Championships was truly a culmination of their hard work over the last few weeks. The Vikings came into the tournament seeded in 5th place and ended up finishing 3rd overall!
Friday started out rough....none of the guys seemed like themselves and the plays just weren't there. They ended up losing to Sycamore and I know their spirits were pretty low. Their coach wasn't happy either and told them that they played like quitters and that coming in to Saturday they had better "Man-Up".
I think this is exactly what they needed.
Saturday was an incredible day. The first game against Glen Oak started at 9am and the Vikes, clearly recovered from whatever fog surrounded them the day before, slaughtered them. Next up at 11am was a match up against Sycamore again and this time they were ready to bring the hammer down. I think Sycamore must have been walking into that game completely unprepared and thinking they had it in the bag but they couldn't have been more wrong. The Vikings brought it and were triumphant in ending Sycamore's season right there! Then the guys got a break for a few hours and went out to a restaurant for lunch and to rest up for the next game.
I had a dream last night that we were sitting together in the morning, drinking coffee, and when you leaned over to pick up the newspaper, I could see the tag on your t-shirt, inside your sweater, against your neck.
I could read the brand name and for a moment it was so completely paralyzing that I almost forgot to swallow. I try to imagine you going into a store and picking out a sweater, choosing blue over red.
I couldn't.
It just doesn't fit anything I know about you.
I woke up before the alarm this morning and lay there sleepily thinking about your tag. It was almost decadent. It's like hearing a favorite song and the minute the song is over, lifting up the needle on the record player and starting it all over again. Even though it was only seconds long, I'd pick up the needle and start the memory all over again.
I tell myself that I will only allow myself to think about your tag until the alarm goes off and then never again. I turn on my side and stretch out to the cool, empty, pillow on the other side of the bed.
Jessen wants to attend college at the University of Michigan. He hopes to be accepted into their School of Kinesiology where he wants to major in Sports Medicine. We've been preparing for his application (and for other schools he is applying to as well). He's scheduled for the ACT and SAT, he's got a rough draft of his applicaton essay and he asked one of his former teachers to write him a letter of recommendation.
I read the letter that the teacher wrote about Jessen last night and I was moved to tears. I just wanted to share it because my GOD I am so proud of my son. I know it's easy to think your kid is pretty fantastic but if anyone really knows me, then you know that probably my biggest insecurity is that I am failing as a parent or I haven't done the best I can for my kids. This letter was some HUGE validation for me that I've done a great job and even more importantly, that Jessen is every bit the amazing kid that I think he is because someone else recognizes it too.
Here is the letter:
To Whom It May Concern:
The purpose of this document is to serve as a letter of recommendation for Jessen, Princeton High School, Class of 2010.
I have worked with Jessen for the past three years, first as his Honors English 10 teacher his sophomore year, then as his Teacher Assistant supervisor, and finally as a sometime mentor in this, his senior year. We have chatted at least once per week this year, and in the previous years he often spent hours after school in my room working on projects.
You will find Jessen to be an exceptional young man and an asset to your shcool. Why?
He is very astute academically. Though his grades in my class weren't as good as I had hoped, his participation and in-class leadership made up for it. He grew, personally and as a student the year I had him. The next school year he served as my student aide and constantly received plaudits from his AP English III as being the best student in her class, making connections other students missed and writing exceptionally well.
He is a great athlete. One of the toughest sports offered at Princeton High School is Water Polo. Jessen is a multi-year varsity Water Polo team member and is a three-year varsity swimmer. Sports like water polo and swimming show a lot about a person's character. The crowds aren't large - most of the cheering is by teammates and parents - and there are no pep rallies or cheerleaders. All that those sports have to offer is hard work, self-discipline, teamwork, and intrinsic motivation. Because of the nature of those sports, I find my best students are participants in them. Those same traits carry over into the classroom, which Jessen consistently demonstrates.
Finally, of the three traits I wish to write about, the last and perhaps most important is that he is a great person. No only did he really help me as my aide, but he demonstrated characteristics one would like in any young man. A great example of this is when his girlfriend's father was deployed with the Army Reserve, Jessen took over many roles in her home to help out. He did all the "man work" around their home, from cutting the grass, to moving the firewood, to clearing brush and hauling in groceries. What kind of kid does that? Not many.
Jessen will be an asset to any college, university, or community. He has the skill set and dedication to be personally successful in the classroom or the pool, and the commitment to help his community succeed as well.
If I may be of further assistance in helping you or your institution make any decisions about Jessen, please contact me at the above address, via email or by phone.
I am taking Josie to the vet this afternoon. I think she likely has allergies because she's licked and chewed her paws so badly over the past few days to the point that they are raw and she can hardly walk. I've been giving her benadryl the last couple of days and last night I washed her paws with peroxide diluted in cool water. She wasn't the least bit happy about that and whined and yelped and even nipped at me! After I dried them, I put some antibiotic ointment on them and then covered them with two pairs of Bennett's old socks to try to prevent her from licking anymore.
She looked pretty ridiculous. :) Bennett came down stairs and looked at her...then looked at me...then back to her and cautiously asked, "um...Josie is wearing socks?"
So, I'm taking her to the vet to be sure it's not mites or mange or something horribly gross like that. I did find some interesting info while scouring the web to diagnose her: Huskies and Malamutes have a genetic deficiency that prevents them from being able to absorb zince like other breeds of dogs. Apparently it doesn't affect ALL huskies but I guess it's a good idea to supplement their diet with additional zinc and if they are in fact affected, it can cause issues with the pads of their paws. Weird, huh?
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It is a water polo weekend for our family. Jessen's team is hosting the Packer Classic at the high school so in between watching Jessen and his team play, I will be volunteering at the concession stand.
This has been a fantastic season so far and it completely blows my mind how improved Jessen's playing is just since last season. He scores consistently every game and kicks ass on defense. I guess that $500 water polo camp at the University of Michigan has helped him some!
It's hard to believe but the season is already half way over. We have a couple of tournaments coming up in early October and then it's Regionals the weekend of Oct 16/17! I don't know if they'll qualify for State this year but every game they improve and it wouldn't surprise me if they weren't a fierce contender this year!
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I've put some more thought into the items on my life list I'm going to try to accomplish before the end of the year. I'm open for suggestions but I think I will do the hot stone massage since that's a fairly easy one and I know the salon/spa where I get my hair done does offer hot stone massages for a fairly reasonable price.
I will also be going fly fishing and oh my gosh, I could not be more excited! I was going to do it earlier in the summer but things got all messed up and it didn't end up happening. So,I've decided that I'm going to take the boys and we'll try it together. My hope is that we can go up to Michigan for a weekend later in October, perhaps drive up on Thursday and then hire a guide to teach us and spend that Friday on the water. I intend to go to Michigan anyway because my dear friends, John and Sarah, have an award winning photography exhibit on display at the art museum in Muskegon, and I want to go check it out to support them. So if schedules cooperate...it would work out perfectly.
Lastly, I will take the boys to a Red Wings game, likely in November. There's a lot happening in November...including my heading to see Neko Case (again!) in Bowling Green, OH!!!! As a matter of fact, there is a ton of great live music touring this fall: Wilco, Social Distortion, Son Volt, Roger Clyne, Lucero, Robert Earl Keen...just to name a few. I've only purchased tickets for the Neko show so far though but I'm going to see what my schedule/budget will allow for one or two of the others. Anyway, I digress....back to Hockey!!!! So yes, I will take the boys to see the Wings play in Detroit!!!!!!!
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Cloning Confuscius: The best way to predict your future is to create it! - Paulo Coehlo
Having just completed another item on my "life list" by going to see U2 this past Saturday, I'm feeling somewhat inspired to keep going and achieving some other goals so I can cross them off the list! The hard part is deciding what's next.
Part of me thinks I should focus on the ones which are Supremely important to me...you know the ones that I would feel fantastic about having accomplished if I died tomorrow. Those, unfortunately, also seem to be the hardest to tackle either logistically, financially, or circumstantially right now.
Then the other part of me thinks I should build some momentum by knocking out some of the more easily attained goals.
Perhaps, I'll try a bit of a hybrid of both????
Ok, so it's September 18 today. I am going to give myself until the end of the year to accomplish three more items on my list. So by December 31, 2009 - and then I'll set a new goal for 2010. I'm not sure exactly which three I will do yet but I will let you know as I decide. I'm a little worried since I'll also likely be adding more to the list, so it kind of falls into that one step forward, two steps back scenario but I guess that's somewhat insignificant when you're LIVING! and creating moments!!!!
If anyone would like to join me in this quest to LIVE JUICY, please feel free to jump on the bandwagon!!!
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This weekend I am on call and it's literally the only weekend Jessen has off from water polo tournaments until the end of October, so I am hopeful it will be low key. I could use the rest and need to recharge my batteries. I plan on doing some things around the house I've been neglecting and hopefully spending some time outside. Oktoberfest is happening downtown this weekend so it's possible we'll go check that out tomorrow. Sunday afternoon we are going to Ann's to watch the Bengals game, which I could really care less about football, but I'm making guacamole and intend to drink beers so if that's the excuse wrapper I have to put around it to do so, then so be it.
Tonight though, I think I will be pouring myself a big glass of wine, putting on my jammies and curling up in my favorite chair to finish "The Four Loves" by C.S. Lewis.
Or maybe I'll just watch Red Wings pre-season hockey.
Agreed, Scott. I am pleased that a lo...
late night backroom deals and sneaky...
Bah. Take some time away from the TV ...
20 books?! Holy crap. I thought abo...
I think you did better on your resolu...