Friday fill in on a Saturday, again

1. "I don't expect you will really understand the beauty of the softly simmering cauldron with its shimmering fumes, the delicate power of liquids that creep through human veins, the odor that clogs the nasal passages, and the stickiness that makes goop out of your shoes."
2. "Why is money always gone?"
3. "Harold, *everyone* has the right to make a mess."
4. "Nine companions, so be it. You shall be ten."
5. "Nonsense, I have not yet begun to fight."
6. "Mama says they was magic shoes. They could fly."
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to visiting with friends, tomorrow my plans include working all day, packing and moving and Sunday, I want to go to church, clean my closets and relax - probably in that order!

the end of the year

I am sure that I probably have talked about this . . . but here I go again . . . I assume it is okay since it is my blog and I can do anything I want.

I am starting a new job. On January 1, 2008. I will be the Manager of Relocation Services for one of the largest law firms in the world. Seriously. How weird is that?

There are many upsides to this. I will be my own boss (more or less . . . I do have two people over me but generally, I am responsible for the job). I will have an office. With a door. I got a very nice raise, but will be exempt from overtime. On the other hand, I am required to work 37.5 hours per week and so there is some flexibility in my hours, etc.

Last year, we moved over 250 individuals, internationally. The biggest chunk, as a group, of those moves are new associates, about 100. The rest are partners, lateral hires, judicial clerks, interns, associates and some staff. It is kind of important stuff.

The downside is that the reason I am available to take this job is that the person that I have worked for during the last 34 years is retiring. He is retiring because he feels it is time to retire. He is not quitting work but will be doing some consulting. I, on the other hand, feel as if I am getting divorced.

It is exciting and sad and, actually, kind of lonely. We have two more days of work. And I should be finishing up some other stuff. Bye for now.

have I told you about my husband

he is the funniest, sweetest, kindest guy . . . seriously.

There is a really good reason that he teaches first grade. Sometimes he is right there on the kids level. He has them all convinced that he is the meanest teacher in the whole school. He tells the other teachers that the kids will do much better with them after they have had him . . . he is right. It isn't just because he is strict but he is compassionate and kind and fair. A friend (a co-worker of my hubby's) stopped over on Saturday. Dave was in the middle of writing thank you notes to all the kids that got him a present. His co-worker asked him what he was doing and then mumbled something about Dave setting the bar too high for the rest of the teachers.

I love him.

Our Christmas

Our Christmas was a joyous event . . . another opportunity to share with each other. We missed those members of our family who couldn't make it home (none of Jeanne's boys were home . . . Tommy and his family had to return to Florida since he had to report to his ship on the 27th, Erich is in Malta with his Marine Unit but will be home for good in February and Ryan was only given 3 days from the Air Force and decided to pool it with his time for February and come home when Erich is home).

We didn't share presents this year. Instead, because of the care and kindness shown Don through out his injury and rehab, we pooled what we would have spent and made a family donation in Don's honor to the MetroHealth Brain Injury Rehab. They did such wonderful things for him and Peg. Peg and Don have nothing but wonderful, glowing things to say about the Unit.

Friday Fill in on a Saturday

I know that I have been very delinquent with doing any blogging. Switching jobs and trying to do the old job at the same time is taking a toll . . . no knitting, no blogging, no scrapbooking, but today I am posting the Friday Fill-In . . on a Saturday, not too bad.

Friday, December 21, 2007
#51
1. Snow -- bah humbug -- loved it as a child, despise it as a driver.
2. I'm looking forward to spending time with my extended family.
3. Dave is the best friend/pal/lover ever!
4. One of my favorite old tv shows is Hill Street Blues.
5. I'm done with shopping.
6. The most enjoyable thing around the holidays is Christmas Eve Children's Liturgy.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to nothing, tomorrow my plans include working, laundry and Sunday, I am going to have friends over for dinner!

Here is a unique version the 12 Days of Christmas. Enjoy.

Friday fill in on a FRIDAY!!! WOO HOO!

Fill in the lyrics...with the correct ones or ones of your own :-) Have fun!

1. Away in a manger, no room for any of us . . . check out the Holiday Inn.
2. Dashing through the snow, in a snowmobile.
3. Hark! The herald angels sing and sing and sing . . . .
4. It's coming on christmas and I've not done any of my shopping.
5. When I was small I believed in Santa Claus, Though I knew it was really the Easter Bunny dressed up as a little elf in red.
6. That Christmas magic's brought this tale and guitar and another box of other stuff.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to addressing Christmas cards, tomorrow my plans include Lindsey's orthodontist, diving lessons and orchestra rehearsal, picking up her girlfriend, 4:30 Mass and playing cards in the evening and Sunday, we are going to Beauty and the Beast at Beck and Lindsey's Orchestra Concert!

Friday Fill-In #49 posted on Thursday, yet again

Friday Fill-In #49 on Thursday
1. I love Christmas.
2. White lights are my favorite color(s) for the Christmas tree lights.
3. The candles in the window have red bulbs.
4. "While you were Sleeping" is one of my most favorite Christmas movies.
5. My favorite Christmas lyric(s) is/are I'll be home for Christmas.
6. I'm dreaming of a peaceful Christmas.

What kind of ornament am I??

You Are a Tree

You love every part of the holidays, down to the candy canes and stockings. And you're goofy enough to put a Christmas tree ornament on your tree!

<"http://www.blogthings.com/whatchristmasornamentareyouquiz/">What Christmas Ornament Are You?

Weather, Cleveland, Wind and other stuff

Five-day forecast:

Tomorrow, Dec 04: Flurries Hi: 31° Lo: 22°
Wednesday, Dec 05: Flurries Hi: 29° Lo: 22°
Thursday, Dec 06: Scattered Flurries Hi: 30° Lo: 22°
Friday, Dec 07: Snow Showers Hi: 36° Lo: 27°
Saturday, Dec 08: Scattered Flurries Hi: 38° Lo: 26°

- do you see a pattern here? Fortunately, I am going to be off from work on Friday which is when the weather is supposed to get nicer, well as nice as Snow Showers and 36° can be.

This is the local weather map. All of the calming green areas mean the weather may be cold but not stormy. The glowing green part just below Lake Erie (and some day I will learn how to draw circles around these special things) is where I am.

The weather this weekend has been hideous. We had rain and dropping temperatures. Dave and I went to a party Saturday evening. When we got there (around 6:30), it was drizzling and about 40°. When we left, the temp had dropped and the rain had turned to icy, slushy stuff and the car was encased in ice. I think the final chips of ice finally broke off just about the time I was pulling into the garage. By Sunday morning, the temps had gone up again. It was a good thing as I worked. Even so, the streets were still a tad icy and what is normally a 30 minute trip (especially at 5:30 a.m. on a Sunday morning), turned into a 45 minute trip.

It rained most of yesterday. Last night the wind picked up. This morning the ceiling of my porch is gone. I think it might be in Canada or the middle of the Lake. This is no mean feat as my porch ceiling is 8' x 38' (it is a most awesome porch). There are, I think, 2 or 3 panels (10 feet long x 14" wide) that are flapping in the breeze. The rest of them are just gone.

You just gotta love Cleveland weather.

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I haven't been knitting much of anything. I am in the process of moving from a cubicle to an office. I have also been packing and dumping files and other stuff for my boss. My hands and back are killing me. So, yesterday, after working eight hours, I took Lindsey shopping. She wanted to get a second set of piercings (ear lobe). It is the only thing she has asked for Christmas. Well, the place we went to was having itself a little old sale. So I got me another piercing too . . . in the upper top of my right ear. Its just a cute little diamond stud.

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We went to Saturday evening Mass. The first Saturday of each month is "done" by the Youth Ministry of our Church. They are wonderful. It is so good to see so many kids involved and participating, especially since it is no longer required for Confirmation. Zachariah just loves it. He loves the music and singing and praying that goes on. We have been toying with the idea of getting him drums for Christmas (I know, just shoot me now). Anyway, since I was a Eucharistic Minister for the Mass, friends of ours were keeping an eye on him. After Mass, Karen said to me "you just gotta get that boy some drums." Their son is the drummer for the Youth Ministry and Zachariah was keeping up with the beat the entire time. They said to go with the whole set rather than just a drum or two. So, I guess, it might be the thing to do.

Small Comforts

I don't know if any of you who knit or crochet and read this blog are like me, but I've a secret, I don't like knitting sweaters. It is the knitting ADHD that I suffer from. Seriously, it is also the reason that I have so much stash. I see something bright and lovely or soft and comforting and just know that there is something that I could make with that. I have also been known to, ahem, grossly miscalculate how much yarn I'm going to need, so I do have those odd skeins here and there, and there, and there, and there.

Anyway, I came across this at Lime & Violet's Daily Chum and thought it was incredibly well worth sharing. This is a golden opportunity to destash and do some quick projects. This is from Knit and Play with Fire's post on Small Comforts.

It is not only a good thing to do for the patients referenced in the post but also an opportunity to remember that many hospitals and their patients have similar needs. Where I work, we do an Adopt-A-Family and Senior project every year. Our church also does a similar program. I have to tell you, that it is always an eye-opener. The two families that I am the captain for this year are two young families. One young woman has three young children and the only thing she is asking for are school uniforms (a requirement for all public elementary schools in Cleveland). No toys, no games, no stuffed animals . . . just something that her kids need, not necessarily want. The seniors always want socks, hats, mittens and warm pajamas. Last year, for the very first time, both agencies we work with made requests not only at the holidays but mid-year. As we are all aware, the needs continue to grow and not just around the holidays . . . but I digress.

So, if you are feeling the need or desire to share your talents, knit or crochet a hat. Donate it through Small Comforts or your local hospital. Share your skills and destash. It will make you feel good. More importantly, it will help someone who really, really need some Small Comfort.

Okay, I'm off my soap box. Have a wonderful day . . . week . . . month.

Friday fill in on a Sunday . . .

Friday Fill-In #48

1. When my blog is broken, I read other blogs or CNN or MSNBC.

2. I saw the most amazing gas price this morning ($2.83/gallon)!

3. August Rush is the new movie I'm most looking forward to seeing.

4. Work: Necessary and necessary and necessary, in order to keep me in a manner to which I have come become accustomed.

5. Of all the new tv shows, I enjoy Private Practice the most.

6. If only teachers were paid what entertainers/sports players were paid and entertainers/sports players were paid what teachers are.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to chaperoning a "mixer" at my youngest daughter's school (it was a huge success 550 students), tomorrow my plans include usual Saturday stuff, including mass (youth ministry singing) and a "cocktail party" in the evening and Sunday, I am working starting at 7:30 until about 3:00!

Late Friday Fill in on a Thursday . . . and another tomorrow

Friday Fill-in #47
1. I enjoy reading more than anything else.
2. Blogging satisfies my need for chatting
3. When I look at a full moon, I feel awed, totally awed by the awesomeness of God.
4. If I want a snack, I usually reach for popcorn
5. The most recent movie I saw, Fred Claus made me laugh and cry (made my kids laugh cause I was crying).
6. If only I were thinner.

4 squares for charity

4 squares for charity
Originally uploaded by mlj1954ohio

This went off to Kay at Mason-Dixon for the Oliver Fund blankets. Ummm, none of these ever made it into socks, BUT, they have been other things, currently my most favorite thing is fingerless mitts and I like the lighter weight that sock yarn provides for the mitts.

Anyway, if you haven't checked it out, you should see all the squares Kay has collected. Holy, moly, batman . . . I'm glad I'm not sewing them together!

Thanksgiving

I am going to have to post another Thanksgiving post when I have my pics available. But for now, I wanted to share a little bit about our Thanksgiving.

Many of my family came to my home for Thanksgiving. My older sister and her husband came. Peg has five kids but the others either had to work or were out of town. But, her youngest daughter (and her daughter - a 13 year old with attitude) and her youngest son, Jack, did join us. Jack just turned 22.

Jacquie and Mike came too. They have four kids (27, 25, 23 and 5). Michael is dating Keri and brought her and his son, John. John is four. And, of course, they brought Mary, who is their five year old. Their 23 year old daughter is spending the holiday weekend with her husband's family. Their 25 year old daughter teaches at UC Davis and is working on her Ph.D. I think she is planning on coming home at Christmas but this Thanksgiving was spent with her significant other and his family. Jacquie and Mike live in Northern Kentucky, so their trip was about four hours. They spent the weekend but for something different, they drove up on Wednesday. Jacquie is a nurse and a co-worker exchanged some days with her so that Jacquie could leave earlier than planned.

The rest of my siblings were unable to join us. My older siblings don't attend family functions . . . a long story . . .

My younger brother was making Thanksgiving dinner for his wife's family. Eddie loves cooking and his mother-in-law was just not feeling up to doing it so he said that he would.

My youngest sister is a resp. therapist and worked on Thanksgiving. Her husband went to his sister's house, driving his parents there and back -- about a total 200 mile trip. Their three sons are all in the military -- Navy, Marines and Air Force. Tommy, the son that is in the Navy is married and has three kids. He and his family will be home for Christmas. Erich is in the Marines and is on a ship (somewhere). He did call to let his parents know that he has definitely decided not to re-enlist in June. He will be home in February and then will not ship out at all because the time would be too short. Ryan, the youngest son is in the Air Force and stationed currently in Oklahoma. He too will be home around Christmas -- not sure whether it will be before Christmas or before New Year's. Hopefully, early enough that he will be able to see his oldest brother who has to return to Florida by December 30.

Anyway, my youngest sister had us all over on Friday afternoon. It was a very busy weekend.

Lindsey and I did go shopping Friday morning (Old Navy followed by breakfast). She was supposed to go for swim team practice on Friday morning but that didn't happen.

Lindsey had diving and Zachariah had swimming on Saturday. We then went shopping at Macy's. Lindsey and I went shopping later because we wanted to give friends a wine cooler for Christmas and BestBuy had a nice one available. We also went to MC Sports which is closing and she got another swim suit -- give the amount of time the kids spend in pools, we go through LOTS of swim suits. In any event, except for a couple of small things, I do believe that I am done Christmas shopping.

We have a friend coming over later for dinner and will share leftovers with her. She is the friend who recently lost her husband. She has been out-of-town since two days after his burial. She got home on Friday evening and called, incredibly upset, over the mail. She said that she just didn't know how she was going to do it. They have both been incredibly active in Alzheimer's research, curling (on a national level), the orchestra and community. Her neighbors took care of her mail while she was gone and had separated it into catalogs, bills and what looked like cards. She said that she has hundreds of cards that she just doesn't think she can open all by herself. So, she is bringing her mail and we are going to do it together.

Okay, so in thinking about what I am thankful for this year . . .

• Don is relatively healthy. He is Peg's husband and fell in the shower in late May. At one point, the docs were talking to her about organ donation. He was in intensive care for 6 weeks and they thought that he might be home for Christmas. He came home after being hospitalized for 11 weeks. The last five of which were intensive rehab. He is still doing bunches of therapies but he is doing incredibly well considering his injuries and initial prognosis.
• Herb died peacefully. He had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 1994 but his doctors made notes as early as 1988 that there were concerns about the problems he was having -- among other things he worked for a bank at the time and quit because he of the difficulties he was having in doing reports. I know this sounds bizarre to be thankful for this but he was a dear friend and his disease had gotten to the point that you could see the changes almost from day-to-day. Plus, I know that he would have been devastated if he had died after he forgot who Janet, his wife, was. At the very end, she was the only one he still recognized. And, I'm thankful that Janet doesn't have to live with this burden anymore. The sacrifices made were incredible but their love brought them to the place and time were they could say goodbye while she is still young enough to enjoy life.
• My younger brother's tumors are benign - painful but benign.
• My kids are healthy.
• Sarah is still struggling with school and just broke up with her first love . . . and, of course, going through the whole "I'll never find anyone ever again" thing but each day is getting easier. While she doesn't understand it now, someday, she will recognize this as part of the process of growing up.
• Lindsey is doing incredibly well at school and is just overwhelmingly smart and funny and talented.
• Zachariah is also doing very well at school. He also doesn't have to go to the ENT doc anymore. He had tubes put in when he was 18 months old and still has them. But the doc said that his ears and tubes have finally grown enough that he doesn't need to see him anymore. He is still very small (he will be 7 in January but wears a size 5 slim and weighs 36 pounds). But he is healthy and has not been hospitalized this year.
• Dave is funny and loving and kind and wonderful and my grand passion. Don't tell him that because he would just roll his eyes. He makes me laugh and I am so blessed to have him.
• I finished my MBA. I am starting a new job in January. It is exciting and challenging and sometimes I get the heebie-jeebies when I think about it but it is a new chapter and maybe I need a new chapter.
• I finished four squares for the Mason-Dixon project. I've mailed off my SP11 final package (hope she likes it) and am gathering stuff for the Whoduknit Holiday Swap.

I hope everyone that may read this has the joy of finding thankful "stuff" in their lives. Sometimes it is just a great sunrise or watching a kid find a spider web fascinating but there are many things to be thankful for . . . I know that sometimes I need to open my eyes to them and find that they reach in and touch my heart.

4" squares due by 11/30

Good morning everyone!

If you are looking for an easy way to use up sock yarn, check this site out. It is at Mason Dixon Knitting. Just pay attention to the 4" square. Your gauge can be whatever in order to get a 4" square and then send them off . . . spread the word!

Have a good one.

Mary Lynn

Another contest

Jane is having a contest to celebrate her 300th post on her blog. You can join in the fun here.

Jane and I met when we joined the One Skein Secret Pal. Then she invited me to join WhoduKnit. WhoduKnit is a great group of friends who share the love of mysteries and knitting and sharing.

Friday fill in

Every Friday, you can find a new Friday Fill in here.

1. The things I give thanks for this Thanksgiving are my family and friends.

2. My Thanksgiving traditions include turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy and extended family time

3. The best part about Thanksgiving is the time spent with my extended family

4. My favorite Thanksgiving food is stuffing . . . my stuffing . . . its the best, according to my kids.

5. Going over a boyfriend's house on Thanksgiving and being pretty obvious about how much I missed not being with my family was the most embarrassing thing that ever happened to me on Thanksgiving.

6. After the meal, I talk to my sisters and brothers and we generally laugh until we cry

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to uploading a new photo program and "fixing" some pics, tomorrow my plans include Zachariah's swimming and ice skating lessons, Lindsey's diving lessons, folding laundry, making dinner and talking to Dave (and probably comforting Sarah as she just broke up with her boyfriend) and Sunday, I will be going to church and probably out to breakfast!

A contest . . . not mine . . . Purple is a Fruit

Good morning, Dandy is having a contest. She has gotten to her 500th post and is having a contest to celebrate. Click here and you will go to her site. Have fun!

SP11 2nd package

Here are pics from the second package I received from my SP11 pal. The yarn is Baby Alpaca Grande in rust and brown. It is beautiful and lush. The lower pictures is an enlargement of a pick of the two cute stitch markers I received. They are very cute. Thanks so much!

Sorry its been so long

These past couple of weeks have been strange.

I have been sick with a hideous, mind-numbing cold. Dave brought it home from his school kids. They always share. This thing comes and goes. And, then comes back again . . . or it is a different one just mimicing the other one.

I have to use vacation time up by the end of the year, so I've been taking a day here and there which is good but I'm not getting anything done. Seriously, nothing.

A dear friend died last Thursday, November 8. He had collapsed at our house on Labor Day, was in the hospital for several days and then transferred to a rehab unit. Herb was the most gentlest of souls and will be sorely missed. His wife is a very dear friend whom we have known for 27 years. Janet has always said that when Herb died she would move from Cleveland to Dallas where two of her sons live. None of her children live in the Cleveland area but one of Herb's kids and several grandchildren do live close by.

At the memorial service on Sunday, one of Janet's sons approached me and told me that I am the only one that can convince Janet not to make any rash decisions. He said that she needs to wait at least a year but they are all afraid that she will move and live to regret it.

Janet and Herb were married for 28 years. Herb was diagnosed with Alzheimers in 1994, but his doctors are convinced that he was showing signs in 1988. He had been working in a bank and took a "very early" retirement because he was unable to prepare reports and the numbers just didn't work for him anymore. Over the years, he had participated in over 30 research projects, many while he was still able to be a very active participant in the programs.

Janet was absolutely fabulous. She retired seven years ago when Herb was no longer able to be alone. They travelled and laughed and cried together. While they could still fly, they travelled the globe. After Herb was no longer able to fly, they drove. EVERYWHERE. Janet would load up Herb, the dog (Edith . . . three dogs over a period of time, always called Edith) and food and they would hit the road.

My youngest daughter went on many trips with them. She would teach Herb how to read again and again and again. This is the child who does not suffer fools well, but Herb brought out the best in her.

I will miss Herb, for the gentle person he was and for the kind of people he allowed us to be around him.

It is Fall in Cleveland

Besides the fact that the temperature has plummeted (31 degrees this morning), all the leaves on the trees are turning. This pic is what the clouds and such looked like out my front room window yesterday morning.

Zachariah and I drove through our local park system yesterday to admire all the trees. I had meant to bring my camera but forgot it.

This was the weekend of Lindsey's homecoming.

Jim is a very nice young man. As Lindsey's says he is kind of nerdy . . . just perfect for me. They had a great time both at the restaurant and at the dance. Jim said that her homecoming was much more fun than his and he was really glad that she had invited him.

They went to Macaroni Grill for dinner. The parents sat at a different table (ahhh, Freshmen . . . they still need their parents to drive them EVERYWHERE).

While they were at the dance, I spent the evening at my sister's house visiting with her and her husband. Her husband had been seriously injured in a fall in his shower in early June. He is doing incredibly well considering that the doctors initially didn't think that he was going to survive.

After the running around on Saturday and Sunday, we carved pumpkins Sunday afternoon. Here are Lindsey and Zachariah, elbow deep.

Right now, that is all I've got.

Sock Stash Elimination Campaign and other stuff

Okay, I found these through Lime & Violet's Daily Chum (note: if you aren't getting the Lime & Violet's Daily Chum, it is well worth getting. You can register for it through this link. Lots of interesting facts and fun stuff). Anyway, I thought the following was well worth sharing.

These blurbs are straight out of Lime & Violet:

The very ambitious Solslett has started a new KAL, calling it the sock stash elimination compaign - SSEC for short. What's that about? Well, basically, the goal is to finish with less sock yarn than you now have in your stash. Starting on November 1st, every month members will be challenged by a campaign to motivate them not to lose the sock knitting mojo - plus, there will be prizes!! However, this is not limited to knitting socks, just using sock yarn.

Shed’s Country Crock is hosting a site “Spread the Sharing” which allows everyone to share a story about how you have shared with someone. For every story shared, Country Crock will donate a meal. You might be saying to yourself, what does this have to do with knitting or crochet? Well, think of the number of meals we fiber artists could share. The sheer number of us that have taught another person how to knit, purl or bind off is astronomical. We alone could feed cities with our stories!

Here is a brief clipping from the website with information on how you can share a story and provide a meal to a family in need:

Tell us about a time you shared with someone or someone shared with you. For every story you share with us, Shed’s Country Crock will donate a meal to a family in need through America’s Second Harvest.

Nothing is too big or too small. Whether you made dinner for a friend or helped out at your community soup kitchen, we’d like to hear your story.

Your stories will make it possible for families and friends across America to enjoy the simple pleasure of sitting down to a meal together.

So come on knitters – you don’t need to take the time to pick up your needles and make something, just share a story, it’s easier than writing a blog post for you blog! A simple post about how you helped someone today can truly help so many others.

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And finally, the Tribe fell to the Red Sox and my darlin' hubby, who has been an Indians fan when there would only be 5,000 people showing up for a game at the old stadium (which held 77,000), said "They got further than 30 other teams. They did well." Since he is also a baseball fan, he will be watching the World Series. He always has.

Personally, I am glad it is over. I don't mind my darlin' hubby or DD talking about the Indians. They are true fans in good times and in bad. I do find it annoying, however, for those people who cannot be bothered to pay any attention to the game to become enthralled when the local teams do well. On the other hand, the city could have used the money but it wouldn't have necessarily gone to those areas that needed it but some would have trickled down to the schools and elderly and hunger centers. So, we will wait until next year.

The boys did well and they have every reason to be proud. GO TRIBE!

And just a reminder, this is how this season started. Snowed out and bitterly cold.

and this is how they ended winning the Central Division beating the New York Yankees.

Photos and other stuff

This is, of course, Zachariah. We had been shopping and he picked out the shirt and then dug out the jeans. He is Mr. Cool and, I actually think, he is getting bigger. His hands and feet seem to be getting larger but he is still weighing in at 38 pounds. Wishful thinking on my part but what the heck. He will be 7 in January and the jeans are a size 5 slim.

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The weather in Cleveland this fall has been incredibly weird. It has been unseasonably warm with minimal rain . . . clearly reminescent of the summer months. But then sometimes, the Lake Erie cloud machine kicks in and we get very strange looking skies. This pic doesn't do the sky or the lake justice. It was Wednesday morning. The waves were not breaking over the the breakwall at all, which is strange when the clouds look like those overhead. In the distance however, you could see where the clouds ended and there was a very clear band of sunshine. The very strange funny looking building on the top left is the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. It is actually very awesome and a great place to visit, but don't expect to be able to see all in one trip. Right next door to it is the Great Lakes Science Center and next to that is the Cleveland Browns Stadium.
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The train station in Cleveland is at the "top" of 9th street, or actually, the north end of 9th Street. Actually, the trains run directly next to our building. The Quicken Arena is south on 9th street.

Anyway, every year when the circus comes to town the elephants and horses get loaded off the train, come up a ramp and around a corner onto 9th Street and walk right passed our building. Seriously, right passed the building. It is so totally fun and we all act like little kids with our faces pressed against the window or, better yet, going down to street level so that we are RIGHT THERE. When I move my office, I am going to be on the first floor (which is not AT street level but one floor up).

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On Friday, I received my WhoduKnit Trick or Treat package from Mary Aman! It is a great package and this photo doesn't do it justice.

The book is The Segwick Curse by Shawna Delacorte
Two skeins of Lion Brand, Fancy Fur in brilliant blue
A pattern for a fuzzy neck gaiter
A candle and candle holder
Hand soaps
Grapefruit foot massage cream
and, finally, a magnetic notepad.

Thanks Mary. It is a great package.

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Yesterday, I spent the morning in training to be a Board of Elections "judge." Ohio and Cuyahoga County in particular are not known for their election stability. While the trainer and assistant were great, the whole set up was stupid. There were about 15 of us, several of us had been told different times and different locations. And then there were people asking really stupid questions. The State of Ohio requires proof of identification. It is clearly spelled out what is accepted and that if the people that come do not have the proper identification, they cannot vote electronically. They can vote provisionally (paper ballot) but will have to show their identification with 10 days. "Ummm, if someone comes and let's say that they have moved and ummm, they don't have anything with their current address on it, they aren't allowed to vote, right?" DUHHHHH. EVERYONE is allowed to vote. The proof of identification can be a utility bill or bank statement. This is not that difficult. Seriously not that difficult. It should be interesting.

This past weekend

We took a little mini-vacation this past weekend. We went up to a cottage by Port Clinton. It is not directly on Lake Erie but is on the Sandusky River. These pics are from the porch on the back of the cottage, looking straight across the Sandusky.

It is a rather nice place. Very quiet and we try to go there for at least one weekend every fall. We don't do a heck of a lot while we are up there. We took a couple of drives, went to a local dive for breakfast (it is a tradition). It is only open for breakfast and lunch and most of the customers are regulars.

We stand out like soar thumbs . . . plus, Lindsey had her "baby" with her. It is a computerized doll from school. It was actually funny because she was getting so terribly stressed and then would get upset because she was getting stressed.


Now, doesn't she look like she is having fun?

After we got home on Sunday and put away all our stuff, we sent out for dinner at one of our local restaurants. It is very nice and very small. The waitresses were fascinated by Lindsey's baby. The one commented that maybe if she had had one when she was in 9th grade, maybe she wouldn't have had her first baby when she was 17.

And this is just a pic of Zachariah, being very debonair and getting ready for our dinner out. Mr. Cool.

Knitting Free Weekend - almost

All last week my hands hurt. Seriously hurt. They have a tendency to ache a lot but this was an across the knuckles and up to the wrists type pain. I discovered that I was rubbing them and wasn't even aware that I was doing so.

Therefore, I declared this past weekend as a Knitting Free Weekend. Frankly, it was no-brainer. Lindsey was going to a "mixer" on Friday evening and Sarah and Dave were working which meant that Zachariah and I drove Lindsey to the dance and then we went out to dinner. Saturday started at 7:45 (I reset my alarm but forgot to turn it on). We had to leave the house by 8:10 to take Zachariah to swimming and Lindsey to diving, from there to the Library, back home to pick Sarah up, then back to the rec center to pick Lindsey up from diving, then off to violin lessons (Sarah, Zachariah and I walked around Baldwin Wallace while Lindsey was at her violin lesson), lunch at a little restaurant in Berea, drop Lindsey off at St. Mary's where she served at a wedding, back home, beat and marinate pork steak for dinner, back out 50 minutes later to pick Lindsey up, back home, fold the laundry (and being that I was in a really pissy mood and that Zachariah had folded and put away all of his clothing, I only folded and put away Dave's and my clothes and proceeded to dump the girls clean laundry back into their baskets and put them in their room to have them DEAL with them -- "how come my stuff is all wrinkled?"), Lindsey and I were serving at 4:30 mass, drive Lindsey to her friends' house right after mass, back home by 6:20 and cut up broccoli, made rice, unloaded dishwasher, set table, made drinks :) for Dave and I, poured wine, lit candles, ate dinner, put Zachariah to bed and then played on the computer until midnight! Sunday was Dave's birthday. He plays racquetball with a friend at 9:00 a.m., Zachariah and I met them for breakfast then went shopping at Aldi's, Dave went to work the Polish Festival at St. Stans, Zachariah and I went home and played some games and read some books, I worked on some notes for my job, Lindsey came home, Dave came home, Sarah came home, we went out to dinner (Japanese Hibachi restaurant - yummy - definitely not on Weight Watchers), we returned home, I sat down with my book (The Other Daughter - very good by the way), fell asleep (not because of the book but because I was tired and two glasses of wine did me in), woke up, put Zachariah to bed, took a shower, finished my book, went to bed at 10:45.

So, I did have some knitting in my purse all weekend and while we waited for our food on Saturday, I did knit a row or two on the Lock Nest hat. That was it for the entire weekend.

It was good to go to work today so I could rest!

SP11

I received a package from my Secret Pal from SP11. This is WONDERFUL stuff. It is Nashua Handknits Mohair. The color is darker than how it shows up in the picture. The colorway is Chianti. I might make myself a pair of Silk Sleeves from One Skein.

There was also a Heath bar. I love Heath bars. I am really going to enjoy this treat!

Fetching in Kalediscope & THE dress

Fetching in Kalediscope
Originally uploaded by mlj1954ohio

I LOVE this yarn. It is from Cabin Cove (from the wonderful Dave Daniels) and is truly lovely. The colors (Kaleidoscope) are super fabulous and this picture does not do it justice. The yarn is soft and is working up beautifully. Gosh I wish you could touch it. Really and truly, it is beautiful stuff.

Lindsey loves it, absolutely love it. This will be another pair of Fetching for her.

Again, I have to say that this is one of the nicest patterns. It is quick and easy and while the pattern doesn't show it, it has a cable pattern at the wrist and at the fingers. I am making this one longer than the earlier one that I made. I am also making it on smaller needles (U.S.4).

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Seriously, now, her Dad is going to make her wear a turtleneck. We have added necklace and earrings to this get-up and here is the whole thing put together . . . and, yes her arms are that long and her body that lean . . . she also is a swimmer and a diver so her upper body is totally toned and strong. and here are Lindz and Zachariah being very loving. They are usually very nice to each other, although he has learned that if she says that she will play with him, he had better get it in writing. By the way, that little desk to the left is Zachariah's. He has one of my old laptops . . . makes his sisters crazy. It is barely functional and only good for playing games . . . but HE got the laptop.

Cancelled Classes

Two years ago, my daughter's school changed administration. They have decided to cancel all of the Family & Consumer Sciences classes. These courses had been electives and the reasoning was that they didn't feel they full utilized the teacher's skills nor was their enough interest by the students to continue to offer them.

I don't know about the rest of the world, but when I was in high school, "Home Ec" was a required class for all the girls. Now, in many of the local high schools, it is required for all the students. If nothing else, many of these classes could be combined into a "Home Ec" type program and offered to the students. Frankly, I think these are many skills that the students should have. If nothing else, they should know how to hem a pair of slacks or budget their finances. They offer Health (mandatory by the State) for a full semester, five days a week, and, because, the school is on "blocks" all classes last 80 minutes.

CHILD DEVELOPMENT
ELECTIVE: Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12
Designed for young women who may want to be parents or just want satisfying interactions with other people's children. While focusing on the decisions and roles of parenthood, the student learns about promoting healthy, positive relationships that support and encourage a child's growth. The cognitive, physical, social, and emotional needs of the child are studied from conception through adolescence. (NOTE: on the upside, this course utilized the computerized "babies" so that the students get a chance to have a baby for three days. These "babies" have been transferred to the Health department and the students will have this exposure. Great fun.)

CLOTHING I
ELECTIVE: Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12
Fundamental principles of garment construction on sewing machines using commercial patterns along with basic hand sewing techniques and needlecrafts, such as embroidery, cross-stitch, appliqué or quilting will be taught. This course surveys the history of American clothing and the fashion industry and provides information about textile fibers, the principles and elements of
design, and wardrobe coordination.

CLOTHING II
PREREQUISITE: Clothing I
ELECTIVE: Grades 10, 11, and 12
Advanced principles of garment construction and home decorative items using both sewing
machines and overlocks/sergers. Tailoring techniques and advanced stitchery will be taught along with exploration of careers in fashion, textiles, and clothing.

HOUSING & INTERIOR DESIGN
ELECTIVE: Grades 10, 11, 12
Focuses on residential housing in historic and modern America. Construction, financing, and future technological developments for consumer living units are studied. Students will be planning interior spaces, coordinating color, materials and furniture selection, room arrangement, storage, textiles, lighting, and accessories, while applying the principles and
elements of design with consideration for ergonomics, economic, and social factors.

LIFE MANAGEMENT
The study of consumer issues and personal finance for individuals and families.

BODY, MIND, SPIRIT
ELECTIVE: Grades 11 and 12
Promoting wellness and life-long learning across the woman’s life cycle and focusing on healthy lifestyles that encourage the wholeness of person – nutrition, cooking, exercise, stress management, meditation, religion, and relaxation. Careers, family issues, and resource management (time, money, and talents) will be explored.

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So, I think I will sign Lindsey up for sewing at the local Joann's. Bah humbug and all that other stuff.

PentaYoke

If you have not checked out the Yarn Harlot lately, you really need to check out the latest post by her guest poster, Laurie. You can find it here. It is regarding the PentaYoke. Most awesome. She not only does the sweater but designs and dyes the yarn for the yoke. You really have to see it. Really, really . . . have I ever led you astray?

Knitting, the cat and weekend meals

Lindz is always cold (she is also very skinny, only seriously eats breakfast, and rarely eats fruits/vegetables). She also plays the violin, piano and guitar and, as you can imagine, her hands get even colder when she has been playing for awhile. Of course, you will note in the pic that she is sitting around in shorts and a t-shirt with bare feet . . . hmmmm and she is always cold.

I made her this pair of gauntlets (Fetching from Knitty.com, Summer 2006). They work up quickly and easily. Lindz, not being patient, snagged the left one as soon as I finished tying up the loose ends on Saturday. The other one was done Tuesday evening. Because they never made it to any end prep, they are curling at the edges. She doesn't care and I'm not sure I could get them back from her to wash/block these babies.

Last evening, we discussed what to do differently. She would like the length to be a tad longer . . . and she wasn't sure that she wants the thumb area as long nor the finger edge.

So, I am going go make her another pair using Dave Daniels' Cabin Cove kaleidoscope in fingering weight on size 3(U.S.). I don't have a pic of the yarn but if you go here, the multi-colored skein is a pic of the yarn. It is very soft and lovely and I am already through the second cable on the first gauntlet.

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Okay, here is some non-knitting stuff. This is our cat. She is ten years old, will not come in the house but generally stays on the porch

and terrorizes the dogs next door. She also keeps the rodent population down which is really good for our garden or we wouldn't be able to eat this lovelies:

We made roasted vegetables on Saturday evening for dinner. Chop up a bunch of veggies (broccoli, cauliflower, sweet red pepper, onion), mix with a combo of olive oil and sesame oil (equal portions and 1 Tbs. roasted sesame seeds (roast the seeds in a bit of the oil in a non-stick frying pan for about one minute or so . . . they will brown quickly and burn in a blink of an eye). Roast veggies on aluminium covered jelly roll pan at 500 degrees for about 15 minutes. Again, keep an eye on these babies, they will go from perfect to burnt quickly. And, depending on your local fire department personnel, you may or may not want them to go to burnt. LOL.

We also had steak, caramelized mushrooms (thanks Dave). On Sunday, Sarah made Chicken Parmesan and tortellini (with onions and peppers) and Lindz made these babies to go with the rest of our dinner. This is a pseudo Red Lobster biscuit recipe. Very close. We keep trying for perfection (which might explain why I am failing at Weight Watchers). These were pretty close but we decided that they need a tad more garlic in the biscuit.

Anyway, dinner was fabulous, as opposed to what we normally eat during the week (i.e., Friday night the kids had corn dogs). Our weekends are turning into really good eating!

I am a terrible mother . . . and other open issues

This shoe versus this shoe . . .

My darling younger daughter is going to homecoming. Keep in mind that she attends an all-girls Catholic High School. So, why would they be having a homecoming dance? Seriously, follow the logic here.

The shoe on the left is the one I had in mind when we went shoe shopping yesterday. However, the shoe on the left is the one she got because, I am a terrible mother, and gave into the "but it will look so totally awesome with my dress . . . and after all, I am wearing a hand-me-down from Sarah . . . ." Oh, yeah, I fell for it. Of course, I figure that my darlin' hubby is going to get one good look at the outfit and ship her off to a convent . . . oh, yeah, never mind, that is where she goes now!

By the way, this is a pic of her older sister wearing the dress in question . . . the difference in their body types is that Sarah has curves and boobs. Lindsey is lean.

Sarah loves wearing soft, drappy things. Lindsey usually wears a sweatshirt which is a good thing because, once again, Dad is going to take a look at the shoes and the dress and wham, she will be in the sweatshirt.


The cool thing about the entire enterprise is the boy she is going with is very nice. She went to elementary school with him. At the end of the last school year, he was about an inch or two shorter than she. We saw him two weeks ago and he is about three inches taller than Lindsey. Oh, and I get to drive them to and from the homecoming.

I did offer to make her a sweater to, ummm, cover all her, ummmm, assets but was informed that hand-knit sweaters are sooooooo icky . . . ahha! another reason for me not to knit sweaters.

I did finish Lindsey's fetchings. I really like the pattern and am seriously thinking about making them in other things, maybe in Gray with beads.

Do girls still wear chastity belts? Anyone have a pattern?

What's in my drawer?

Dave Daniels was wondering what is in our drawers. Mine is very boring. Mostly pens, markers and pencils. Also, there are two tape measures (used for my knitting), staples, a red and black ink pad, a couple of stamps (address stamps for my home and my boss' home), a sinus rub from Bath & Body Works, DCT lip balm, oh and the blue bag includes hair clips, pont tail holders, etc. The crazy thing with this is that I keep them there but inevitably grab one of the pencils, twist my hair and shove a pencil through the center.

Now, if you really want an eye full, you should see what is under my desk . . .

The Official Site of The Cleveland Indians: Homepage

The Official Site of The Cleveland Indians: Homepage

A benefit and a boon

My darlin' hubby and I went to a benefit this weekend. It was a very nice little thing. A fireside chat with a local celebrity, with desserts and coffee. It also had a silent auction.

When we were perusing the silent auction items, there was a basket with a variety of yarns, needles and a pattern book . . . hmmmm . . . valued by the donor at $150.00. My DH wanted to bid on it but I told him to refrain. For that kind of money, I wanted to pick my own yarn.
On the other side of the room was another knitting item. It included the pattern for this bag:


seven skeins of Cascade 220 in a variety of colors, including a dark, almost black, blue, and a lavendar, plus one skein of a Chrystal Palace Fizz (for the centers of the flowers), and another skein of another yarn (which I forget what it was), the plastic handles and a $20 gift card to a LYS. Someone put the value on the item at $80 with a starting bid of $20. Hello? I won it for $45.

We also won two nights at the Put-in-Bay resort, two tickets to Clague Playhouse and dinner at the 100th Bomb Group and an incredible gift basket. Great fun.

The other thing that was great was that after the benefit (which ended by 8:30), we went out to dinner with a dear friend. Her husband has Alzheimers and she is the one who had invited us to the benefit. Her husband got ill over Labor Day and was in the hospital for a couple of days. She was not able to take him home but had to put him in rehab. He is not doing well and this evening was the first time that she had not been going either back and forth to the hospital or the nursing facility. We went to a very nice, quiet little restaurant that prides itself on its wonderful pasta dishes and service. All in all, the whole evening was great!

A contest but you've got to hurry!

Here is a great contest, found on Holly's blog. Entry is due by midnight tonight, so hurry!

And, yet, here is another contest hosted by Marsha in celebration of her second blogversary . . . you have to list three things you want to have on an island and why:

1) Entire set of Encyclopedia Britannica in large print -- it would keep me occupied forever . . . in large print for when my eyes start going bad (gotta be prepared).
2) Seed packets for vegetables and fruit appropriate to the climate -- cause you gotta eat
3) Sheep and my knitting kit (including my spinning wheel and drop spindle) -- for incredibly obvious reasons

So, no. 3 is a little more than "a thing" but hey, its only make believe. Right?

SWH and minimal knitting

Not much knitting this weekend. It was very busy. The girls, some friends and I went to Speaking of Women's Health at the Omni International Hotel. If you ever have the opportunity to go to one of these all day seminars, I highly recommend it. We have gone four out of the last five years (we didn't go last year because I had classes on Saturday). The cost is $35/person but there are two keynotes, a continental breakfast and wonderful lunch, plus all of the sponsors of the event provide products and goodies. The sponsors involved include:

Wal-Mart
Lifetime
American Greetings
Benadryl
Listerine Antiseptic
Purell
Kellogg's
L'Oreal Paris
Maybelline New York
Garnier
Cadbury Schweppes
Gardasil
All Small & Mighty
Dove Personal Care
Promise
Slim-Fast
Kleenex
Huggies
Poise
Dove Chocolate

plus many local sponsors. We walked out of the last keynote, loaded down like pack animals with wonderful products, bits of wisdom and sore ribs from laughing so much. Very cool.

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I frogged Lindsey's gauntlets last evening. I had to wait for her to go to bed. She is convinced that I will NEVER finish anything for her. I just didn't like the pattern and switched to Fetching from knitty.com.

I also continue to work on MS3. I have gotten through Clue 3 and am about five rows into Clue 4.

Earlier last week I swatched for Secret of the Stole . . . I was more focused on the beads and didn't pay attention to the pattern. Duh. Anyway, I used two different beads. The one showing up as white in the photo is actually an aqua lined white bead. The other bead is an amethyst triangle. It doesn't show up well in the photo but I like it better than the other. The yarn is Knitpick's Palette in Fog (a really nice grey).

The amethyst beads are towards the bottom and look more like darker spots on the swatch (I wish I knew how to draw arrows on my pics).
This is a pic of the swatch with the two containers. I think the aqua would show up better on a lace weight or with a lighter color yarn. The amethyst actually shows up better than the picture suggests.

anyway this one doesn't start until the beginning of October, so maybe I'll swatch it again and do the pattern correctly!

What I should have said . . .

In honor of my completing my MBA, my boss, his wife and a friend hosted a congratulatory lunch for me at a very nice private club. My darlin' hubby and kids were there along with several co-workers and friends. My boss said wonderful things. The former administrator of our firm (who retired two years ago) said wonderful things. And I, I started out okay and then lost it. So, this is what I am sending to those who attended who never quite got the verbal words from me:

I know that you were all surprised at my loss for words. I had given considerable thought to what I would say. The words escaped me and my emotions took over. So now, I am sharing all the things I intended to say.

I am the middle child of seven. Dad worked hard all of his life to put a roof over our heads and food on the table. Mom did everything else, reading countless books, painting, scrubbing, cooking, laughing, sewing, etc. Our home was filled with laughter, noise and love. We learned the value of family, hard work, education and volunteering.

Shortly before she died, Mom shared with me that she regretted that they had not been able to help us with college and we had to do it on our own. I would never advocate arguing with my parents, but I would disagree on this point. While paying for college was on our own, we did not “do it” on our own. I am blessed to have the support (tangible and intangible) of many.

My friends and co-workers have provided support, mentoring and encouragement. They have tolerated my unavailability and mumbling (usually over statistics and finance). They have cheered me on, cheered me up and eased my burden.

Sarah, Lindsey and Zachariah are wonderful children (usually) and have been patient even when I have not been. They also have come to believe that a stack of textbooks and a laptop computer is what every family schleps around, even on vacation. Zachariah still does not believe that I do not have class on Saturdays. Mom going to school is all he has ever known.

Dave is a saint. He is always encouraging, helpful, infinitely patient and a significant sounding board. Through this journey, he has gone beyond that, including reading boring papers and presentations and helping with hideous statistics problems. Dave, you are indeed my better half and I love you, forever and always.

Finally, I need to thank my parents. You did help us with college, instilling in us important values. By Mom’s death, Pat, Peg and Jacquie had all graduated, Jeanne was finishing up and Eddie was in law school; not bad, not bad at all.

By the way, my Mom was a doodler and scribbler, often writing down ideas and thoughts that touched her. I am still finding her “messages” in odd places (cookbooks, notebooks, address cards). Only, two weeks ago, I came across this quote in one of her notebooks, between her recipe for Pineapple Slush and one of her African Violet cronies:

Believe in the magic of your own dreams.

Thanks Mom, I do.

bunches of this and that

A puddle of stuff:




hmmm and what could it possibly be?


Why it is Mystery Stole 3, almost through clue 3. I have been working on it almost solely on the bus in the morning and evening.


This pic will help you see the pattern a tad better. It is, of course, unblocked. I am making it in KnitPicks Palette in black. It is a fingering weight and I'm using Options US 4. Strangely enough since I started putting in lifelines, I have not had to frog back to any of them . . . go figure.


Scattergories:

I have changed my answer regarding being late in the Scattergories post . . . thanks Jerry for pointing out to me that it wasn't very clear . . .

I've got a new job ~

As of 1/1/8, I will be starting a new job in the Firm. I will have to do some transition work through the end of year, which include a trip to Santa Fe. The person that I am replacing lives there and has been doing the job for years but recently moved and had said that she would do it on a contract basis until they hired someone or until 12/31/7. It is an exempt position, moving me out of my cubicle (my cube isn't bad, I sit by myself at the end of the hall and overlook Lake Erie) but since I will be dealing with confidential information, I will have to have an office WITH a door . . . woo hoo . . . and will be a substantial increase in pay with a more flexibility with respect to my hours (i.e., I met with guy I will be reporting to and he said, he really doesn't care as long as I put in my hours . . . and he knows that given the scope of the job, there will be times when I will have to be working early and/or late and will have to adjust my working hours to keep me within 40 hours per week).

The biggest problem right now is that I'm not at liberty to tell anyone here. My one boss knows because he works with the guy that I will be reporting to. But I also work for two other people who do not know yet. While my boss has given notice that he is retiring at the end of the year, the MP has not yet announced it.

Secret of the Stole:

I have joined the Secret of the Stole . . . similar to MS3. The hints start on October 5th and end with the last hint and them revelation on November 23. It is being done with beads.

Since I and lace weight yarn have an agreement to disagree, I have decided to use Knitpicks Palette again in Fog . . . a light grey. I have ordered two different beads from Earthfaire: Medium Amethyst Luster 8/0 triangle and Aqua Lined White Pearl 8/0

Not that I don't have a bunch of other projects but just thought that I have so enjoyed MS3 (even though I am still slowly plugging along) that I wanted to do another.

Something of interest:

This is an article from Time magazine on the TransTexas corridor which is either a great project or an incredibly horrible mistake. Strangely enough, here in Ohio there is beginning to be a debate about the various issues being raised. Among other things, the U.S. Congress had previously rejected the use of tolls to fund highway systems. On the other hand, the gas tax which has historically funded those same systems is barely enough for maintenance much less improvements or expansion. The project will increase revenues for Texas, add jobs, etc., but is one of those projects that convert small, successful towns into ghost towns.

Scattergories

Scattergories

I saw this on a Jerry's blog and thought I would give it a shot.

Here are the rules:

* Use the 1st letter of your name to answer each of the questions.
* They MUST be real places, names, things ... NOTHING made up!
* If you can't think of anything, skip it.
* You CAN'T use your name for the boy/girl name question.
* If your name happens to start with the same letter as mine, sorry, but you can't use my answers!

My name: Mary Lynn

1. Famous Singer/Band: Madonna
2. Four letter word: Mazy
3. Street: Milford
4. Color: Magenta
5. Gifts/Presents: Malabrigo Yarn
6. Vehicle: Malibu
7. Things in a Souvenir Shop: Mugs
8. Boy Name: Matthew
9. Girl Name: Margaret
10. Movie Title: Marnie
11. Drink: Margarita
12. Occupation: Marriage Counselor
13. Celebrity: Marilyn Monroe
14. Magazine: Midwest Living
15. U.S. City: Memphis
16. Pro Sports Teams: Mariners
17. Fruit: Mango
18. Reason for Being Late for Work: Man (hmmm, will be boss accept my DH as a good excuse for being late for work . . . or should I just raise an eyebrow when he asks?)
19. Something You Throw Away: Mail
20. Things You Shout: Mom Rules!
21. Cartoon Character: Mighty Mouse

The trials & tribulations of motherhood

Monday, first day of high school,
3:35 p.m.:
"Mom, the bus is really late and I don't feel good and I don't know what to do?"

"The bus isn't really late. It wasn't due at the school until 3:28. If it doesn't show up, walk up to Lorain Road (NOTE: Lorain Road is .6 mile from the school) and catch a 75X County Line."

"No, it was supposed to be here at 3:10 and its really late and I don't feel good . . . never mind, its here." Click.

4:12 p.m.:
"Hi, Mom, I'm home."

"So you made it okay. Yeah, but it was really late."

"No, we talked about this. The bus leaves St. Ignatius at 3:10 and arrives at St. Joe's at 3:28. You argued with me about this and I explained how to read the schedule yet again. However, if it doesn't show up, or you have an early release, all you have to do is walk up to Lorain Road. Remember?"

"Yeah, but I thought it was leaving at 3:10, so I ran out of school and didn't go to the bathroom (the real reason for the panic) and it was really late. I thought I would puke."

Tuesday, second day of high school:
7:30 a.m.
"Mom, the bus never showed up so Mrs. H is giving me a ride and you have to call the school to tell them I'll be late."

"If Mrs. H is giving you a ride, you won't be late. You could have taken any 75X and it would have dropped you off at the corner of Lorain and Rocky River. Remember, we talked about this. Your bus picks you up at 6:50. After that there is a 7:02 and 7:16 which would have taken you down there." DUH!

"Really?"

"We'll go over the bus schedule again, tonight. I have to go now, my eye is twitching."

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And, this is a child that wants me to let her go to a "mixer" this Friday evening with a bunch of friends. She is also an honors student but has substantial lackings in the area of common sense.