Weekend update

It was our usual Friday night at the dish. This time however I had a nice little $25 “reward” to use up! That’s always nice.

Saturday dawned bright and early! No sleeping in for any of us. John and the kids (after Cody arrived to ride along) spent the morning and early afternoon down at Municipal Auditorium for regional Tae Kwon Do qualifier / tournament. They even saw the Olympic coach there so that was pretty cool. Me? Well, I worked a few hours overtime, but only until noon, made some headway on a long-term project and completed two small projects. At noon I stopped by the house and grabbed a PB sandwich, then headed over to my favorite nature sanctuary and spent about 2 hours just walking the trails, taking pictures and enjoying the sun and fresh air. There’s one trail where the deer always seem to hang out during the day (off to the right of the trail). When you walk along all of the sudden they will scare the **** out of you, running across the path right in front of you and down the hill towards the creek. I got home just a little after the rest of the family. They had a great time! John and I drove over to Lowe’s to get some batteries and stopped at Sheridan’s for a little treat. We took a walk through the park too which was nice. I got a lot of exercise today!

Sunday was an early day again. This time I joined John and kids at Municipal. John and I ended up assisting the official photographer. He was an interesting fellow. He had a nice camera get-up which he enjoyed showing. Of course, I was very surprised that he left it sitting under the table with no guard after he said it was a $15,000 camera. Maybe he exaggerated a bit. In this job we were right next to one of the rings and got to see a lot of sparring matches. It was fun! I left around noon so I could get home and get the laundry going. I drove back downtown around 4 to pick up the family. On the way home in my rearview mirror I spotted some motorcycles (about 20) moving VERY quickly, darting in and out between cars, and prepared myself. As they WHIZZED by at top speed John and the kids really jumped. I said out loud, “those guys must have a death wish!” It was very scary thinking what would happen if just one little misstep happened. There was one lone biker that was trying to catch up with the group, but he got stopped by the cops. Sunday night ended with the last Planet Earth episode on Discovery channel. It was the filmmaker’s commentary, their favorite shots, how they did it, etc… Very cool show. I can’t wait for the DVD.

Jordan's confirmation

After they came into the church (Jordan and La Verne on the left).

Fr. Joe, Fr. Matt and Bishop Boland

Bishop Boland, La Verne and Jordan

Jordan's confirmation group and the leaders

Jordan and La Verne

A very great day.

Steve in "You Can't Take it With You"

The last night of the play! John took my place selling tickets since I had to drive 5 hours to Columbia and back (see previous post!). The play was just FABULOUS! Some of the kids were in Midsummer Night's Dream with Jordan last year. Anyway, here are some pictures.

Jordan at Reader's Theater STATE FINALS

Okay, so here's the story. Friday the school bus left LHS early and headed to Columbia for semi-finals. The team was one of FOUR to qualify for Finals on Saturday. Of course, Steve had a play that same night and Jordan really wanted to go. So, we decided that John would stay home and get Steve to his places Saturday, and I would drive to Columbia and pick up Jordan after their performance. Here's my funny story.

1st. The drive. MUCH longer than anticipated. I called Jordan's cell to let her know I didn't think I'd make the performance, but to call as soon as she got the message.

2nd. Found out later Jordan's cell phone was on vibrate. Ummm. She didn't get ANY of my calls or text messages.

3rd. Showed up at Hickman High School where I thought the performance was. Lots of cars in the parking lot, but oddly not a single school bus. Hmmm. Well, I parked and walked in. There was a table with a couple of students sitting there, a registration table of some sort. I said I was looking for my daughter. They told me to follow the green signs to the auditorium. I got to the auditorium and it was quite dark. A movie was showing. I sat in the back and tried to peer through the darkness and spot Jordan. The crowd seemed a little thin for a state competition. I walked out and flagged somebody down, and asked what was going on. They said, "they're watching a movie". Well, duh. I went back in and sat down. Sent a text message. Peered again. After about 5 minutes I thought to myself "this is just wrong". By the way, I didn't mention this, but the movie was about the horrors in Bosnia and quite graphic. Probably not what a bunch of Forensic finalists would be wanting to watch, right? I walked out again and saw an adult, but just as I started to ask her a question, several hysteric teen girls came out of the auditorium and she had to calm them down. FINALLY I went back to the registration table and said "I really think I'm in the wrong place" and mentioned the state finals. One WONDERFUL young lady knew JUST what I was talking about. The finals were at a different school, but she told me it was over by now and they'd be at MU for the awards ceremony. She drew me a wonderful map. I subsequently found MU (what a way to have a first time visit!) and immediately saw Jordan's group (distinctive in their red shirt and black pants)across the street from where I parked. Their bus had just arrived. So, we were reunited and able to head back home! Found out Monday that her team placed 2nd.

Steve and Katie

NO KISSING ALLOWED!!!

hehehe

April 20th - Friday Date Night

With the kids busy with their respective theater and forensics activities John and I took a walk through the neighborhood park. There's a migrating Warbler in town. I saw it at Martha Lafite too. It's the "yellow-rumped" warbler, Myrtle version, Spring Male coloring. Cool! After our nice nature walk we headed over to The Dish and relaxed a bit. A nice evening.

April 15th - Martha Lafite

Steven, John and I spent an enjoyable hour at Martha Lafite Sunday. The first picture is the McGowan bridge. It is really fun to photograph. The next picture is me by the biggest sycamore tree (i think) in Liberty. Lastly, Steve and John by Rush Creek.

Some pictures

EASTER WEEKEND

The men

The Women

Kevin and Diane

The gals

HOW TO DRESS WHEN THE WINDCHILL IS ZERO

HOW NOT TO DRESS WHEN THE WINDCHILL IS ZERO

Grandpa's trains

Mary and David

David at his computer

Steve and Missy

Two weeks later.....

I don't know why I haven't blogged for awhile. Just lots going on I guess. Kids in their respective theatric productions and other obligations.

We had a nice visit with Mary in Minnesota. I'll post some pictures later on this weekend. It was FREEZING. I think one day that Mary drove me out to some lakes around her area the wind chill was zero. I had the idea that I would see some bird up there that I hadn't seen down there. I think all the birds were HIDING from the wind, except that red-bellied woodpecker I saw and a few ducks and geese.

Easter day was nice. We had brunch with the in-laws in St. Joe, then stopped by to see Kevin and Diane. Steve had his first band practice that day too at his friend Nick's.

One of my kit ideas got accepted by the store "buzz into spring" and I am trying to put together 10 kits. I came up short and stopped by last night to pick up 2 pieces of paper and in addition, received my design team assignment.

Exciting news that cuz Karen is preggers! Fun! I'm already plotting all the crafty things I want to make. A little scrapbook, a little blankie, etc.... *sigh*.

Got the Mass of Creation and Mass of the Angels and Saints music from Tom Tuesday. The latter seems to come easier for me, probably because its my favorite mass music. The pipe organ lesson went well. It was a bit intimidating.

Tomorrow I'm going to work a few hours for the hospital, then a few of us gals are going to Parkville. That should be fun. Have to work Sunday too for them. Whee.

Spring

My favorite day of the year is the day when you look across at the land, and seen the faintest sheen of light yellowish green tint, and you think "are there leaves?" and you realize YES, leaves are starting to bud! (look very, very closely to see that green, but it's really there! )

Weekend update, one of those weekends where its either real good or real bad.....

Friday after work, finally made it to RACK DADDY'S. I have driven by that place for years, literally, every time I drive to Ind. Center. Anyway, a few of my coworkers and I, and John tagged along too, investigated. It's a dive, but hey, it's awfully close to work which is handy. They didn't start getting busy until about 4:30 or 5. Our margaritas had about 90% tequila. Oh WOW!

Friday night we had what will probably be our last dinner for eight of the season since Clint and Andrea would have had a turn, but they were unable to come. John and the host had words after the host brought up the bill the House of Rep just passed setting a date for getting troops out of Iraq. Our host should not have said anything, but once he did, well, we just can't sit by anymore and let these stupid comments go. I think the problem is the church we are in is getting to be a little on the elitist side as far as some are concerned. Sometimes I want to go to St. Monica's and join a more diverse parish, but then I think, it's probably better if we are where we are and try to educate those we are with. So, thinking real hard about facilitating a new Just Faith season for 2007-2008. Oh, John's dessert was great by the way, buster bar dessert. MMMMM.

Saturday I headed up to work my 4 hour shift at the crop. Joann came up around 1 and we were able to have a nice long talk in relative privacy. She is in a tough spot, facing her dad's death and being farther away than she would like to be. I am glad she came by. I had been so worried. When I got back to work Tuesday I saw the e-mail that her dad passed away early Monday morning, so she's off to Chicago for the funeral. I know she was really worried about many, many things, aside from grief, but how would her mom live if he was in a nursing home was a pretty big worry. She was relieved that he didn't linger on and on, suffering, and the family suffering along with.

Left the crop about 5 and picked up the Fillas for their anniversary double date. 17 years for them (us too in May). We saw Arnez J do his stand up routine at the Majestic at Zona Rosa. That was interesting. It was quite weird, we had a table almost at the stage. And, as we were the closest white people to the stage, we got picked on, a BUNCH! But, hey it was still fun. I laughed so hard I had the hiccups for 30 minutes after we left. We stopped at the Brass Rail but couldn't get a table, just too busy.

Sunday morning, I was thinking of sleeping in, but the laundry called my name and I got up early. The boys did some yard work and oil changing. I went back to the crop from 11 to 5. Didn't get much done. Just two layouts. One is a speech and debate layout which was the best one I think. Two of my four kits have sold. That makes me happy. I wish I could think of something brilliant for a new kit. Managed to get the laundry done while we watched this new Discovery Channel program "Planet Earth". It was really exciting to watch. Great, amazing, wonderful.

Monday I only worked 3 hours so I could go to the dentist. Turns out I have a fracture in a molar and it will need a crown. Geez. School board mtg was interesting. A lot of great discussion about the expansion project, our parent surveys, elections, and more. I can't believe, only a May and June meeting and then that's it for me! John's out of town to St. Louis this time, just until Thursday. But Thursday night and Friday night are the fish cut and the fish fry. Some days I wonder if it'll ever just slow down. Then I second guess and think, "hope not!".

Jordan got her class ring! Here are some pictures. She's got a debate symbol and a martial arts symbol. Can you see the peace sign in the stone?

Steve and I went to the thrift store to find a dark colored suit for his part in the spring play. He also found this cool red tie! I printed out a guide to tying the windsor knot and he did it a couple of times, a breeze!

Random Thoughts......

Can’t help smiling

As I walk on my breaks and lunch sometimes I just have the biggest grin on my face. The actor Alistair Sim said it best in A Christmas Carol. “Oh, I don’t deserve to be so happy…. (begins laughing) I just can’t help it!” Today why the big grin? Just listening to “Matchmaker, Matchmaker” from Fiddler on the Roof. Like I said, I just can’t help smiling when I hear that song. I thank God every day for the gift of music. What a beautiful thing. It is just amazing to me how a composer / artist can take a few notes and twist and turn them into something so emotionally charged. Same thing as good writers do I guess, but with music, just some individual notes put together. It awes me. Another piece that is on the opposite end of the spectrum is the music from the movie “Glory”. There is joy there yes, but not giddy joy. It’s strong, heroic joy, woven through with sadness. How did the composer do this? What sparked it? How did he figure out how to translate emotion into musical notes and various instruments? Who teaches that? Music is a Miracle.

Travel for work stinks

John’s off again next week. This time to St. Louis. Since I’ve already volunteered for the food kitchen Monday from 3:30 to 7:30, I have to make alternate arrangements for the kids music lessons. That’s not such a huge deal. The lonely part is the huge deal. I feel like a part of me is missing when he’s gone.

Evelyn

So my good friend Evelyn and I will be at the food pantry serving Monday. I have wanted to go but was never able to. Now with my flexible hours at work, this is possible for me. So, I’ll probably make it a new habit. Can I tell you about Evelyn? She is dear to me, but the funny thing is, she doesn’t know why. I guess she’s humble. I think she’s about 81 this year. When we first started talking about Peace and Justice about three years ago, it was just the two of us, and the job was too big, we weren’t sure where to start. Then we got Pam and Carol involved and got Just Faith going. Over the years I think Evelyn has been losing faith that humans will ever change and create what we are capable of creating on this planet. She can’t believe that I am ever optimistic about humanity’s future. Of course at the rate the U.S. is going…. I just had better stop right there or I’ll get myself into trouble. Let me just say with our wealth and advanced social ideals, why aren’t we leading the world in this respect? Why are we beating up other countries? Why do we treat the planet, our ONLY planet, like CRAP? Okay, I’ll stop now. Love ya Evelyn.

Cropping Saturday and Sunday

I’ll be up at the Paperie Place most of Saturday and Sunday cropping my little heart out, and working too. My plan is to get our Road Trip pictures all scrapped. Of course it would help if I’d upload them to Walgreen’s and get them printed out. Maybe I’ll do that tonight after my hair cut.

Speaking of haircut

FINALLY getting my hair cut tonight. It needed it about two weeks ago. That means I’ll have to get some highlights and do that tonight also. My highlights are just old enough that if I cut off an inch of hair, it’s going to look like I dyed my hair darker! Ah, the lives and trials of women with gray that can’t stand gray.

Back in the music game....

While my girl scouts were busy planning their May 5th dance (money earning), I spent a bit of time with our music director. He's had a notice in the bulletin that he needs piano/organ players to help out. One of our main helpers is getting up there in years and I can understand the need. Anyway, I talked to him about it and we are going to work out some times to meet regularly, probably after Easter. I went home and dug out all my old copies from the Gather book and picked out a few to focus on. My favorite is "Shepherd Me O God". It's very lovely but haunting too.

I can't begin to say how neat this is to me. I've kind of put my piano on hold for a few years, kind of didn't want Jordan to feel like I was competing or that she had to be better than me, or I was better than her or any of that silly stuff that moms and daughters sometimes get into. Plus, I really had no reason of my own, no incentive, to practice. I mean why bother? Well, now I have a reason and an opportunity to take advantage of. I want to someday play "Little Fugue in G" on that organ! Woo Wee!

"Talking With..." by Jane Martin

Jordan performed the part of the woman in the "Lamps" segment of this series of monologues. My second favorite was "French Fries". See below.

Talking With, a radically new type of drama consisting of 10 monologues, each done by a woman and each employing a symbolically charged prop. “This is a play about women daring enough to leave their mark on those closest to them, and brave enough to allow themselves to be marked by those with whom they share their world,” he says. “It is only through this shared experience - as painful as it sometimes may be - that they - and we - are able to fully exist.”

Manic Monday

What a gorgeous day it has been. I walked outside at lunch, per my usual, and it was 72 degrees, breezy, sunny, just a wonderful day. I am getting addicted to getting outside on my lunch break. The sunset tonight is so beautiful.

Tomorrow I'll be downtown for a 3-day class but I will still manage to get outside I hope. At least on breaks if not on lunch, since I won't be able to eat at my desk so I can walk outside on lunch.

Well, with John in Nashville and many, many activities falling on Monday, here's a recap of my afternoon. So busy, but I feel good I managed to get everything done, plus with the windows down, I sure didn't mind all the driving around. Funny, I put 25 miles on my car tonight after work, just driving the kids here and there in Liberty city limits. Good grief!

3:10 - leave work
3:35 - have snack
3:45 - take Jordan to piano
4:00 - Quik Trip - gas
4:10 - blockbuster - return movies
4:20 - bank deposit
4:30 - pick up Jordan
4:45 - get Wendy's for kids
5:00 - pick up Steve from school
5:10 - home, fix my quick dinner and pack my lunch for tomorrow
5:40 - head out to take Jordan to school and Steve to guitar
6:08 - Sears to pick up page protectors
6:30 - pick up Steve
6:45 - drop off Steve at teen class TKD
7:00 to 7:50 - 50 minutes at home.
7:50 - pick up Jordan
8:10 - 8:40 - 30 minutes at home to watch a bit of "24"
8:40 - pick up Steve
9:00 - go to bed

Just for John

You are the light
That's leading me
To the place
Where I find peace again

You are the strength
That keeps me walking
You are the hope
That keeps me trusting

You are the life
To my soul
You are my purpose
You are everything

And how can I
Stand here with you
And not be moved by you
Would you tell me
How could it be
Any better than this

Let's talk about feelings

Not really, not too much anyway. I just haven't blogged for so long, a couple of weeks at least. John said "How am I supposed to know how you're feeling?". Funny! Well, today I feel great. The sun's shining. For the past three days now, I've been able to walk outside at lunch and it has been just great. Today was a bit cooler at 42, but the sun was shining in a cloudless brilliant blue topaz sky, and I can take the cold when there's a fair exchange of goodness like that!

Blue skies, nothing but blue skies, nothing but blue skies from now on.

Speaking of skies. Let's talk birds! Oh, come now. I'm not THAT obsessed. I swear! I just have such fun trying to spot something different, looking through the book to find what I saw! It's like a puzzle, kind of why I like writing code and formulas for applications. Last Saturday John drove me around to see what we could see. I photographed an American Kestrel over at Stocksdale. I wasn't as close as I would have liked, but I got some interesting pictures of it hovering and diving looking for some dinner.

We continue to toy with the idea of downsizing our house. I don't know John's thoughts about the pros/cons of such a move. Mine are multiple and complicated. These are in no particular order of course, just as I think them up. 1) We have too much, and aren't using our resources as wisely as we could. Too much is tied up in this big house. I'd like to free up some cash flow to point in other directions. Especially since we've both taken pay cuts now. 2)I hate cleaning house, so less is defintely more when talking about household chores. 3)Social concerns. Where are the 'real' people in this neighborhood? Do they exist? Just as Fr. Matt wrote in his column Sunday, where are the neighbors who will just stop by? We are that kind of people but sometimes when dropping in on people we do feel like we're interfering. We're basically living a lie in this big house. Sure, it's middle class, not too poor, not too rich, but I still feel like I'm showing off, trying to be a big shot with my 3 car garage. 4)I'm not emotionally attached to this building like we both were to our house over on 70th street. We built that house from the ground up and lovingly picked out every detail. This one was just one of 3 that we could get in Liberty in Jan 2000 in our price range. I wish we'd have gotten into that little house over on Mansfield back then, but the realtor found the lock box was off that day. I still wonder when I drive by "what if?".

NOTE: I just re-read this and I think I should add, I actually DO like my house right now. After we got the basement finished, it's very comfy. We have lots of space. I guess I have many mixed feelings about the subject. Especially when an expense comes up that isn't in the budget and it makes us come up short.

Other random items. Jordan has me reading Archangel by Sharon Shinn right now. I told her I'd read her favorite trilogy if she'll read mine. It's a pretty interesting book. The kids are both quite involved with their school theater right now, so that is keeping them busy. I'm still cross stitching my Santa. I want to finish it before the school year ends. I just got Glory "special edition" DVD and the soundtrack from Amazon today. That's been on my list for a long, long time so I thought I should just go ahead and order it. I can't wait to see the special features and documentary on the 2nd disc.

Hope of spring

What did I see yesterday? Why, a flock of geese heading NORTH!

Need I say more?

The hardest teaching.....

The Gospel reading from Sunday mass. This is a very hard teaching to swallow as we begin the season of Lent. It is the ideal, what we all want to be, and continually fail to become. It is quite easy to be a good person in America, as the majority of our society is "good". So this teaching should really hit home with us. How often do we get angry, hate people who aren't like us, figure that folks in jail "deserved it" or they wouldn't be there, and spout our superiority with every word. We refuse to be kind, refuse to be reconciled, refuse to reach out to those who are different, those who are in need, those who are alone.

Gospel
Lk 6:27-38

Jesus said to his disciples:
“To you who hear I say,
love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,
bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.
To the person who strikes you on one cheek,
offer the other one as well,
and from the person who takes your cloak,
do not withhold even your tunic.
Give to everyone who asks of you,
and from the one who takes what is yours do not demand it back.
Do to others as you would have them do to you.
For if you love those who love you,
what credit is that to you?
Even sinners love those who love them.
And if you do good to those who do good to you,
what credit is that to you?
Even sinners do the same.
If you lend money to those from whom you expect repayment,
what credit is that to you?
Even sinners lend to sinners,
and get back the same amount.
But rather, love your enemies and do good to them,
and lend expecting nothing back;
then your reward will be great
and you will be children of the Most High,
for he himself is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked.
Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
Stop judging and you will not be judged.
Stop condemning and you will not be condemned.
Forgive and you will be forgiven.
Give, and gifts will be given to you;
a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing,
will be poured into your lap.
For the measure with which you measure
will in return be measured out to you.”

Weekend Update...

Friday and Saturday was the Novice Hoe-Down at Park Hill / Park Hill South for Jordy. She ended up with a 4th place in Puff. (Public forum for you non-debaters). Great job! She was of course in a rush to get home and get ready for Courtwarming Dance. We tried a little pull back style, but it just didn't work out. Started from scratch with a wash and style and it looked FABULOUS DAHLING. Gorgeous daughter in a fantastic dress.

Saturday I just laid around reading Fellowship of the Ring and Two Towers. Woke up at 3am with a migraine that just wouldn't quit. Ugh. We did make a short appearance at our church sweetheart dance, but surprisingly (hah) didn't dance.

It was REALLY nice to sleep in Sunday morning. Kids had youth band at the 6pm mass, so we didn't have to get up early. Ahhh. I got up at 7am which is late for me. Mass was great. The youth band just gets better all the time. When they first started last year it was a bit of a shaky start, but they really sound great now. They get lots of applause. Oh, last night they had the "hand choir" who are a youth group that do signing at church. Very cool.

Today, back to normal, back to work. Rode my bike this a.m. for the first time in awhile (indoor bike silly). I need a rack for my car for my outdoor bike!