email

Today I am thankful for that simple invention of email.  I'll go ahead and throw in the whole Internet as well, but while I may be thankful for the Internet, it is not for the same reasons as I'm thankful for email.

Anyone who has known me any length of time realizes that I am horrible about keeping in touch with people.  I don't write.  I don't call.  I don't stop in and say hi.  And I'm extra good about not doing anything for birthdays or other holidays either.  Due to this wonderful lack of communication, I have lost touch with several dear friends over the years.

Anyhow, there is one invention, while at times quite annoying has actually helped me.  This is email.  It is extra quick and easy for me to send a few lines on their way to a friend or family member to inquire about their well-being and give a quick little update on my own life.

Of course, when I love this the most is when I have family and friends far away.  And while Jon and Becca may be on the other side of the country, right now I have two very dear friends who are on the other side of the world.  One most definitely in harm's way, one hopefully not.  As much as I respect what they do and am happy that they love their jobs, I know that being so far away from friends and family stinks.

So, I have two little reminders (see above about me not being good at remembering to write) on my email.  One is set up to remind me twice a week to email Michelle, the other two to email Steve.  And, thankfully with the fact that email can transverse the distance in mere seconds instead of the month or more that a physical letter or package could take, I can keep in contact with two people who mean so much to me and are so far away.
I hope that I can occasionally bring a small ray of sunshine to their days.  Especially Steve, who, quite frankly, has a dangerous job in a dangerous area and then the added stress of not knowing what's going on at home.  I can at least provide him a little normality with my "nothing new is going on here, I hope you are well" emails.  I know I liked getting those kinds of emails when I was on the road all the time, and I was just in the country and home most weekends, not halfway around the world for a year or more at a time.

Anyhow, since I actually listened to the reminder on my desk this morning and emailed Michelle and tried to catch her up on the last few weeks of doings in our house, I'm very thankful for this little invention called email.  I may not use it often enough to communicate with those that I should and I may complain about how much work email I get on a regular basis, but without it, I would be oceans away from friends and they'd hear even less from me, and I from them.

I bid you peace and may you never loose touch with those you love.

Last Place

Today I am thankful for last place.  Yes, that does seem quite the odd thing to say.  But, yes, I am thankful for last place today.
The picture here at the top of the post is of me and Boo at the finish line of the Black Cat 5K.  This race was supposed to be held last Sunday.  But, thanks to the snow it was postponed until today.  The whole reason that  I was signed up for this race is that Steve thought it would be something fun to do one last time before he headed over to Afghanistan.  Of course, I could have said I would do the 1 mile "fun walk", but no, I decide that 1 mile is too easy and that I would rise to the challenge of the 5K.  I mean, I knew there was no way that I was ever going to keep up with Steve, since I can only jog for about a minute or two at a time.  But, Kat was willing to keep to my pace so that way she wouldn't do something too stupid herself.

But, of course the snow changed all that.  The snow canceled the run last week because it was on trails and it just wasn't safe.  The snow brought down all or part of about 3 or 4 trees in Kat's yard and left her without power until Tuesday afternoon.  The snow meant that Steve left for Afghanistan without going on the run.

Therefore, I had to "run" today.  I was bound and determined to do the 5K and complete it and do the best I could, just for Steve.  I didn't care if Kat or Shelby or anyone else was going to make it or not.  I had to do this for me, and for Steve.  I had to make him proud.  You see, the mere fact that he brought this up as something I'd be interested in doing is huge.  Every time we've done something active, or even not so active, over the past year, he's had nothing but wonderful things to say about my weight loss and how active I am now and how I'm being such an awesome example for my boy-o.  Therefore, I couldn't turn down the challenge.

Today was also a cleanup party at Kat's house.  So, I was planning on going to the Black Cat 5K first, which started at 9:30.  I figured I could do it in about 45 minutes or less, since I can walk 2 miles in 30 minutes or so and a 5K is just over 3.1 miles.  Well, that's without having to haul an extra 35 lb or so of heavy boy.  You see, Boo was distraught at the thought that I was going to go on an adventure, especially a "hiking" adventure.  So, I relented and told him he could come.  He was the only little kiddo there not doing the "fun walk" and I was the only person doing the official, timed run that had a passenger.

I probably would have been at the back of the pack without Boo, but I might not have been dead last.  I would have been able to jog a bit more.  I wouldn't have had to stop once to let Boo out of the pack to walk by himself for about 100 yards or so because my arm was going numb and then stop again to put him back in.  I was OK with that thought.  I was a bit disappointed to as far behind as I actually was.
What was really cool was all the compliments and encouragements that the other runners were giving me.  There were plenty who admiringly called me crazy.  There were plenty who would yell over to me to keep going and to keep it up.  That really made me smile.  I even saw my boss on the run.  I knew he is a runner, but I didn't even think that he was going to be competing at this.  I'm sure he did much better than I did.  He was actually running and running well when he passed me on his way back to the start.  (The course was just over 1.5 miles out and turn around and come back, so I got to see all the runners on their way back.)

This is the furthest I've ever had Boo on my back for.  It's not the longest I've walked with him on my back, we did a couple of 2 hour stints orienteering in the spring and early summer, but this is the furthest I've ever clocked.  Normally I think we managed about 2 miles at most before calling it a day.  So, 5K was a good bit further than I've ever really walked with him on my back.  And yes, my back and shoulders know it this evening.

So, while Boo and I may have finished dead last, we lasted it out and did the whole thing and we did finish.  I've walked 5K before.  But it has been a few months since I've walked that far.  I've swum a mile or so several times in the last few weeks and biked 5 or 6 miles at a shot a couple days a week over the summer, but I hadn't been walking much.  I think I need to get back to it.  Like I said, I'm damned proud of that last place.

So, here's to you Steve.  Thank you for pushing me (consciously or not...) to go even further.

(I then spent about an hour or two raking leaves and picking up dead fall from Kat's yard all afternoon... I earned the nice hot shower I'm heading for shortly...)

So, peace to you all and may you complete your challenges and push yourself further than you thought you could.

Snow-tober?

Snow?
In October?
Really?

Yes, really.  And at least 6 if not 8 inches at my place by the time it was all said and done.  What was supposed to start out as rain, turn to snow and give us 3-4 inches and then turn to rain again, started out as snow and stayed snow all day.  I honestly thought it was late November or December this weekend...

Anyhow, despite the snow throwing a monkey wrench into some plans, it was still a pretty good weekend.  (I just wish I'd gotten around to getting me a new winter coat as my old one fell apart and was two or three sizes too big anyhow... and made sure we all had gloves etc.  At least the boy had a new coat, mittens and boots!)

Yesterday went more or less according to plan.  I ended up spending 2 hours in the grocery store with Kat and Zoe picking up stuff (with the power on generators for most of the time...) because we both needed things that were buy one get one free, but didn't need two... And the power went out right as I was about 80% of the way through browning the meat for chili (but there was enough residual heat in the pan left to finish cooking it off).  Thankfully the power was only out about an hour or so and I was able to get the chili in the crockpot on and ready for dinner.  Gak had all kinds of fun with stuff at work.  And Kat's mom ended up spending the night here because there was no way she was going to be able to get home even if they had power with all the downed lines and trees as well as the 7 or 8 inches of snow.

Today Kat and I were supposed to join Steve and Shelby for a 5K run/walk/jog at Peace Valley Park to benefit the SPCA.  Unfortunately, there were a lot of downed trees and things along the trails and it was deemed unsafe.  Hopefully it'll be next Sunday.

We ended up meeting up with Kat and Zoe at the laundry mat this morning because I had moved the car over there when the landlord was plowing and they'd come in to town to do wash.  We were originally going to head to Target to get out of the house for a bit, but instead the kids played and we hung out until the wash was in the dryers and then we went to lunch.

The biggest event this weekend was this evening though.  Steve was hosting a get together for everyone over at the local pizza joint.  You see, Steve heads to Afghanistan either Tuesday or Wednesday.  He'll be there for a year or so.  I should be used to this.  This is the 4th or 5th time in the last decade that he's been deployed to the Middle East, usually to Iraq, but to Afghanistan this time.  But, I'm not used to it.  I don't like it.  I understand to some degree why he stays in the Army.  I accept that it is who he is and what he does.  I even understand why we keep sending people over there, at least on some level.  But that doesn't mean I have to like it.  That doesn't mean that I won't be worried at least on some level until his plan lands state side again.  I may not have known Steve as long as some of the guys, but I've known him long enough and care about him more than enough to worry.  And besides, the way he honestly and truly cares for my boy, I have to worry.  Boo loves his Uncle Steve and wants him to be around as much as possible.  (Steve has this magic way with the kids, it's amazing.  Of course, I think it's because despite it all, he's still about 80% kid 90% of the time himself... sure he's as responsible and more so than anyone when he has to be, but he'd rather be playing with the kids any day of the week.)

So, it as usual it was good to catch up with Steve.  I just wish it wasn't because he was heading out of the country.

And speaking of heading out of the country, I realize that I never did post about last weekend.  Last Sunday we headed down to Baltimore to hang out with Michelle at the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore.  Which is a really awesome little zoo.  We had a great time.  We all loved the chance to spend the day together.  We don't get to do that often enough.  It turns out that we were lucky to get a chance at all to catch up with Michelle this time she was home.  She'd been in Afghanistan for about 5 weeks back in August and then home again.  (Of course, she was supposed to be in Pakistan for the year starting in August, but they're not really issuing visas much right now...)  Michelle still isn't sure exactly what's going on with her posting, but last Monday she left to go back to Afghanistan, for anywhere from two weeks to two months.  Yep, could be two months.  She's subbing for the person who was supposed to be there because when they had their physical, they found something that needed a minor out-patient operation.  So, until they get cleared to travel, Michelle will be filling in for them in Afghanistan.

At least both Michelle and Steve will be in the same country.  I feel a smidge better knowing that Steve will be there when Michelle is.  I know they'll more than likely never run into each other, but just knowing they're in the same area of the world is somewhat comforting.

Anyhow, it is well after 9:00 and I have to get up in the morning for the last day of the reporting month.  I'm not really looking forward to it.  It's Halloween though, so that'll be fun.  I'll be wearing my Faire garb that I haven't worn since before Boo was born.  And actually, I'll be wearing the bodice I haven't been able to wear for about a year or so prior to that because I was just too big.  Of course, the Irish dress that I bought about 8 or 10 years ago now is now about two sizes too big.  Which is both amazing and saddening at the same time.  I love that dress, but I've gotten more than my money's worth out of it.  Most of the guys in the office haven't ever seen me in it, and I can't wait to see their reactions...

So, peace (please) to everyone and may your weekends be full of fun, and your friends and family safe and sound.  (And don't forget to thank the service men and women and all the various support staff from the various departments who keep it that way...)

Hot and Icky

Well, the rest of the week was pretty uneventful.  Most of it was spent working, or trying to work and trying not to melt while at home.  Yep, just moved in and the AC is busted.  It worked before we moved in and up until Memorial Day.  So... yeah.  Unfortunately, the whole thing needs to be replaced and even more unfortunately, the new unit won't be in until Tuesday.  Add to that the hot, humid and downright sticky weather we had this week and triple UGH.  But, our landlords were quick to respond and aren't trying to find a cheap way out of the deal, so that's a good thing.
Thursday Steve had his usual gathering at the Ronda (pizza joint) that he has when he's home on leave.  Sadly, he had to leave to go back to Iraq the next morning.  As much as I love getting together for these things, I hate the fact that most of the time it's because we're having to say "later" to Steve as he heads out to put himself in harms way, so we don't have to.  I hope this tour continues to be uneventful, or less than eventful and that he's able to come home from this tour soon and healthy.  he's looking good and seems to be doing well.  (I'm just impressed I've been as good at writing as I have been this past year.... normally I stink at it, but having 2 calendar reminders a week in place helps make sure I don't let time just slip on by.)
Friday night was a tough night around this house.  It has been about 5 or 6 months (maybe longer) since Boo had a really bad night, so we were due.  Add to that that he's teething (at least his canines are still working on coming in and I think the 2-year molars may be as well....). Oh, and he had a snotty nose all day Friday and by Friday night he was really not breathing well at all.  So, starting around 1:30 or so, he slept no more than 45 minutes at a shot and usually woke up crying or screaming just long enough to get me (or Gak) out of bed.  So, needless to say, none of us slept well.  This meant that Saturday he was super clingy, super cranky, super tired boy, and his parents weren't exactly happy campers.  We didn't go to swimming because he was actually asleep for a bit (about 45 minutes) at that point.  I figured we might as well go if he was awake, but there was no way I was going to wake a sleeping boy.  He finally took about a 2-hour nap around 2:30 and then went to bed at about 8:30 with little complaint.  Thankfully he slept through the night and was a much happier boy today.  I could tell he was feeling much better because he was getting into everything as opposed to yesterday when he was leaving everything alone.
We tried to get him to take a nap today.  He went into his room at around 11:30, but didn't fall asleep until about 12:30 or 1:00 I think.  This is how we found him at about 1:45 when we went to get him so we could head over to Kat's.

We got together as an impromptu birthday party for Andy, as his birthday is tomorrow.  His dad, step-mom and youngest sister were visiting.  Everyone had a good time, and Boo played hard.  It's great when I can send him outside for the day.  Thankfully the weather finally broke around 3:30 or 4:00 and it has cooled off nicely and dried out quite a bit.  Trey even got a bath today and hung out on the line for a bit.

Anyhow, that's the weekend.  This week it's a continuation of the grind and more of the same over all.  I'd better wrap this up so I can go to bed so I can get up in the morning *sigh*.  There are more pics up on Flickr for your viewing enjoyment.

Peace to all and may your AC work, your sleep be sound and your weekends fun.

Football and Friends

Yesterday was a good day.  Well, maybe having to go to work wasn't great, but it was a good day at work.
No, what was good was after work.  You see, over the weekend I got an email from my friend Steve who's over in Iraq.  The USO and Tostitos did something really cool.  On New Year's Day a bunch of former NFL and college football stars went over to play and coach a football game with the troops.  No, Steve didn't play (although back in the day he was an asset to the Marauders....).
Steve got to meet a bunch of the guys and got to talk for quite a bit with Brian "The Boz" Bosworth and talked about the rocket attacks the night before and that they would be honored to give a piece of the shrapnel to him if he wanted.  Well, it turned out that he did and that he and his guys got a call to go to the "hotel" where the guys were staying (an old palace of Saddam Hussein's).  So, they went and he got to chill and talk with Ty Detmer, former Eagle.  Yes, you can immagine the ego swelling and the boasting that's going on with that. *Laugh* I don't blame him.
Well, they were airing  the game (or a summary at any rate) during halftime of the Fiesta bowl (which was a good game).  So, Boo and I headed over to Kat's for the game.  We had no idea who was playing, or really cared all that much.  It turned out to be a very good, close game.  We watched the halftime show, and I was kinda dissapointed by how little of the game in Iraq they showed.  It was very late by this point, so we all headed home.  (Ed and Gak showed up after they were done at Scott's with Warhammer.)
Anyhow, I've got an awake boy needing my undivided attention and I've got to get ready for work.
Peace to all and may you get some fun times and some fan times.

Stay Safe Steve!

Today begins one year of worry and unease lurking in the back of my mind at all times. My friend Steve is scheduled to head back to Iraq today. This is round number 3 for him this conflict, his fourth tour in total since he was there back the first time we went over there.

I hate that he's going. I hate that we have to send anyone over there. I accept that we do have to have people over there, at least for now. I just wish it didn't have to be Steve. Actually, in a way I'm glad it's Steve. No, not that I want to see Steve in harm's way or anything like that. He is my friend after all. No, I'm glad that it's Steve because if there is one person on this planet who will do what's right and what has to be done with all of his heart, it's Steve.

Good luck Steve and come home safe and sound. I do promise to write more this time, even if it's just about the fact that no, nothing's going on. We may not talk much or see each other much, but you have a place in my heart. Besides, you've got a nephew who will be chasing you around in circles next time you come home, you'd better be up for it!

And speaking of Boo, he's about a million times better. By the time I got home yesterday at lunch, his fever had pretty much broken. (And can I tell you exactly how nice it was to come home to lunch waiting for me?? That husband of mine is so very good to me.) Of course, since Boo was feeling better, he decided he didn't want a nap. He wanted to play. He was content to play on my bed for a little while, since the water bed is endlessly entertaining. Then he was content to play at my feet, trying to eat my phone or hide it... or crawling over to the bags of crochet projects I have at the head of the bed. (I was using my sewing table as my desk.) Of course he was getting into everything and making everything even more of a mess than it already was. He was babbling and "singing" up a storm. He must be related to my grandmother... she was always humming under her breath as long as I've known her. Both are truly happy souls.

Anyhow, I did manage to get him to nap around 4 and I did manage to get most of the word I needed to do done.

His fever was still gone this morning, so he's off to daycare today. Which, in a strange way makes me a happy mommy. Happy because my boy is healthy again. Now if only he'll eat dinner again... Oh well, that's another battle for another mealtime.

I'd better get back to work, I've got a few time sensitive things. I just wanted to note that today Steve was headed back to the sandbox and that my boy is feeling better.

Peace to all and may your loved ones be healthy, happy and safe.

Meds and Parties

Yes, I owe you a post... I have been quiet since Tuesday.

The thing is, I just don't have much to say..... well, maybe I do... I've just been too tired or lazy or something to post.

Anyhow, I mentioned a week or so ago that Gak had a doctor's appointment about his depression. Well, she gave him a new (to him) medicine to try. (He hadn't been on any in about 8 years....) She told him to take 1 in the morning for the first week and then one morning and evening for two weeks and then two in the morning and one at night after that. Well, we made it through the first week. He was becoming more spacy and twitchy and touchy. I couldn't say "could you get me a glass of water please" without him taking it personally that I was either being demanding or nagging. I was having a hard time not taking this personally, but did a very good job of keeping my trap shut.

Anyhow, last night was the first evening he was supposed to take a pill. He did... and wow what a disaster. As long as I've known him he's been twitchy. His one knee goes 50 miles an hour all the time. I'm mostly used to it, but it still gets to me from time to time.... like when he's shaking hard enough to make it hard to read my monitor. Well, with the new medicine it was getting worse, not better. And last night he had to log out of the game because he was shaking too hard to be able to target things. He actually slept on the couch he was so twitchy.

We talked a bit about it in the morning, about my concerns and about how he was feeling on the medicine (no, I don't remember which one and it's in the kitchen...). He decided not to take his pill this morning. By this afternoon when he got off work he said he was feeling the best he had all week. He's got a reminder in his phone to call the doctor Monday to tell her he went off it and to see if she's got any other bright ideas. We both agree that he could use at least a little medical help. While his depression doesn't seem (to me on the outside) quite as bad as it was a few weeks ago, it's still not playing nice and letting him live his life without his own shadow over everything.

Anyhow, that's the big news of the week. The parts job, so far, is full of boring and stupid things. There's got to be a better way. Of course, I still have no idea what I'll be doing in the long run or how everything will shake out between parts and customer support. I should be having my "mid-year" review sometime in the next month or so... as soon as I set it up. I fully plan on talking with my superviser about it. I plan to go in there with and idea of how I want things to go... and see what or even if he has any ideas.

This weekend is going to be packed. Today we had a small family picnic for Kat's mom. She turns 75 on Tuesday. It was a small gathering. It was really cool because we recently tracked down one of our friends from high school, Jen. She still lives in the area and was able to make it. It was great to see her again. We had wonderful weather and a good time.

Tomorrow we have another picnic to go to. (I told you it was a busy weekend.) This time it's one for Steve. My friend is heading back over to the sandbox for his 4th tour this war (5th overall, he was there the first time we decided to play in the sand over there...) and wanted to throw his "anual" picnic before heading out. I hate that he has to go. I'll worry about him until I get to see him again. But... unfortunately... I understand why he has to go. That doesn't mean I like it, but I understand. And if he didn't go, who would?

Well, I didn't really want to end this post on that, but... I think I'm out of things to say.

Peace to all, have fun and stay safe whatever your plans are.

Edit: I looked it up and the meds were Effexor (or however that's spelled.... no I didn't bring the bottle with me...)

Quick Update

Just a quick little update as things are a bit hectic around here.
Gram is dying. (No news there...) As in, we weren't sure she was going to make it through the night. We're not heading to Md yet, as she's still with us and I feel like I got my chance to say goodbye to her last Monday. Mom told Jon it was up to him when he decides to come out. He's been told he can take the time he needs. I emailed him to let him know I'll be able to pick him up from the airport whenever he gets in.
Another family friend has passed. Dillard A. Stradley, better known as Strad, passed away this morning. Mom and I are both surprised that he's lasted this much longer than Pat. I'm pretty sure I posted about her passing last October. Strad's been in bad shape for a very long time. This is definitely a release. He, well both him and Pat, were very important to my Gram and to my Mom. Mom grew up with their kids almost as siblings in many ways. It was always the Stradleys plus Ruth and Susie. I will miss him.
Can I tell you I'm sick of saying goodbye? I thought about it a bit this morning. If 2007 has been the year of death and loss, that can only mean that 2008 is the year of birth and new beginnings right? Right? Please, someone tell me I'm right...
Lastly, and probably the most positive, my friend Steve who got home from Iraq a few weeks back is receiving his own command. The ceremony is today up in New York. Kat, Scott and some others are going. This means I get to watch Zoe tonight. (Oh, darn, I have to spend time with my niece!)
Well, I've got a mountain of paperwork to climb so that if Mom calls, I can just turn off the computer and bolt. Yes, I will keep you posted. It may be a little delayed, but I will keep you posted.
Peace to all and may you not be living on eggshells.

Just a Friday

Well, today has been a Friday. In the "I'm not sure what to work on because I don't have a lot of time" way. Not a bad day, but not all that great. I'm still exhausted. I'm not quite as bone-achingly tired as I was on Wednesday or Thursday, but I'm not full of energy either.
This is going to be a somewhat random sounding post. There are several things bumping around in my head right now, and I should probably pay attention to most of them.

One of the things bumping around is that search for the missing solders in Iraq. My good friend Steve is based out of Fort Drum. He's in a communications blackout, but did manage to get word to a friend's husband who is also over there. We know he's OK and not amongst the missing or dead. That's a big sigh of relief, but I still wonder and worry about the others. I don't know them. I don't need to know them, I know Steve. If any of them are at all like him (and I'm sure they are) then they all have family and loved ones who care deeply about them and are worried sick. I also know that they've got large personalities and are missed by their friends and comrades. They are a constant little worry in the back of my head. I'm just glad I'm not the one who has to actually make the decisions of if we send troops over or not. I couldn't do it.

I finally have my computer at work back and almost working 100% again. I still need to fix some stuff with the demo, but I'll do that Monday. I got my 'new' motherboard put into my laptop along with my hard drive. I also got wireless software installed. I'm hoping it is the right one, because it doesn't look like what I had before. I watched the guy and it looks like the one Dell recommends for the card that's in my machine. Here's hoping. Overall, it wasn't too bad of an experience today. I can finally dock the laptop again and use my monitor instead of the little screen on the laptop. I almost prefer the laptop screen though, I've got an old 19" CRT monitor that's hard to look at after using a flat-panel display for everything except my TV for the past year or so.

I'm still worried about my Gram. I plan on calling her this weekend. I miss her horribly and am anxious about what the doctors will say on Monday. Part of me wishes I could go down, but there's nothing for me to do but worry and get in the way. Mom is the right person to go and help Gram keep every thing straight and be another set of ears to help pick up all the details. (It is amazing how many details you miss when you're worrying about something...)

This weekend is promising to be a good one, even if it might threaten to rain all weekend. Our friend Michelle is coming up from Maryland. It will be great to see her. I haven't had much of a chance to talk with her since January (Gak's much better about remembering to write or call than I am...). We don't have a whole lot on the schedule, but I think that's what all of us need. Sunday is the Christening 0f Ed's little boy. (I can't believe he's just about 6-months old now!!) That should be a fun gathering. I know I won't get much of a chance to talk with Ed, since there are a lot of people that will be there, but it will be good to see him, Buffie and the kids. I haven't actually seen them since January either. Well, I did run into Ed in the Qmart about a month ago now (I think...) but we didn't get to talk long.

The last thing that's bumping around my head is an odd thing for me to deal with. My friend here at work who is best friends with my ex gave me some interesting news today. I'd figured out that my ex and Jenn were dating. I think she's even living there, but I'm not sure. (No one ever told me outright, but from things said and actions, I guessed...) Well, my buddy told me today that they got engaged last month. I'm actually very happy for them. They are a much better fit than he and I ever were. They both enjoy more of the same things, have similar outlooks and keep similar hours. The last two is where he and I just didn't fit well at all. I really like Jennifer, she's a good person and we were good friends while I was dating my ex and I'm glad she's found someone she can be happy with (I used to worry about that quite a bit really...). I'm glad that he's figured things out enough to be happy with someone. I don't know what I'm feeling really. Relief I guess might be the best word, but it's still not quite right. Relief that he's found someone he can (hopefully) be as happy with as I am happy with Gak. I love Gak with all my heart and we fit together like old jeans and a comfy T-shirt. (Actually, when I was describing his visit up here from Florida to my mom back before he moved up here was that it was like finding your favorite old jacket tucked in the back of the closet or a comfy pair of sneakers you forgot you had...) I think it's also relief that that chapter can finally close totally and completely; I have my happily ever after, and now he does too? I don't know if that makes sense, but like I said, it's just an odd bit of news. I'm in an odd kind of mood to begin with today, so this just keeps bumping around my head.

Wow! I spent a lot more time rambling on about that then I thought I would. I'm tired, in an off mood and it's a Friday. I'm really looking forward to the weekend. Next week I go to Colorado and that should be fun. This should be a very nice time of year to head up there. I'll have a few hours Wednesday morning to myself, as the training isn't set to start until after lunch. I'll be just north of Denver, so I'm sure there are plenty of things for me to go see and poke my camera at. Maybe this time I'll actually take some pictures. I have brought my camera with me the last few weeks, but have shot a total of about 5 frames, the most interesting I posted on Wednesday.
Peace to you all and may you have something fun to look forward to this weekend. (Also, take a nap for me if you can, I could use it!)

Mild Wednesday

Well, so far this week has been relatively uneventful. No new windows (which I love!), nothing going crunch and no travel. I'm even almost being productive at work. I have a list of things that have to get done by the end of the month. I'm checking them off slowly. I'm dreading most of them, as they are for a problem customer and something I just don't want to do. I'll burn that bridge when I get there though, there are a few things in front of that yet.
Gak did pick up a second job this week. He'll be working at Quiznos a few stores down from UPS in the mornings and then at UPS in the afternoon/evenings and Saturday. He'll be picking up about 20 hours a week. That'll make a big difference. He said he did it because he was bored (and that leads to trouble...) and because he wants to be able to buy a new computer in about another 6 months or so. He's thinking he doesn't want to build his own now. Something about knowing all the pieces work together and don't need to be fiddled with every month or so just to keep running. I think he's right. As fun as that might be for some people, Gak would get frustrated way too quickly. Good thing though is that he won't have to buy a new monitor with his computer, we just picked that up a few weeks ago now.
Tonight Steve is holding a gathering at a local pizza place. This is one of the places he usually 'holds court' when he's in town. It'll be fun. We probably won't stay too long, but that's OK. It'll be nice to see him for a bit again. He leaves to head back to Iraq early Friday. I'll be glad when he gets to come home for more than a week or so. I know why he's there and I know why he does what he does, but that doesn't mean I enjoy seeing him (or any of the men and women over there) in harm's way.
This weekend is looking like it'll be a fun one. We have a gathering at Kat's on Saturday and either something there Sunday or I'm going orienteering. I really want to go orienteering. This is the second or third event of the season and I'm itching to go out. I won't be able to go next Sunday because it's Mom's birthday and the event isn't close enough to do both. I think it is over in New Jersey.
Ok. I'm rambling on now and procrastinating finishing up a work project. May your weeks be low key and your weekends fun. Peace to all.

Fun in Phily

Yesterday a dozen of us descended on the PMA (Philadelphia Art Museum) for a fun and educational day. All of this was organized by Steve, our friend who is home on leave from Iraq.

We gather at the usual staging point and head out. Steve switched into 'Captain Voice' a few times, but only because people needed it. We've decided that 'Captain Voice' is the male version of the 'Mom Voice' which is even more attention demanding than the 'Teacher Voice'.

We pile into two vehicles and two more are meeting us at the museum. Kat directs us the back ways down there as we hear on the radio that the Schuylkill is majorly backed up. We make it down there with little trouble. Parking the trucks on the other hand, was an almost adventure, especially with Steve driving.

Why are we going to the art museum you may be wondering. This isn't a group well known to be overly 'cultural'. Well, Steve found us a game. Yes, a game at the art museum. There's a group that puts on these hunts at various places in various cites around the country. There was a 'murder' to be solved. We divided into two teams and competed against about a dozen other teams. The next two hours consisted of madly dashing from gallery to gallery trying to answer questions and figure out the clues. In some vague ways it was almost 'DaVinci Code' like, but only on the surface. We had a lot of fun. Neither one of our teams got the right answer, but we all had a lot of fun.

Next was our drive over to Chestnut Hill to get dinner and catch a show. Wow! Two majorly cultural events in one day! I'm impressed some of these people didn't explode from all the culture they were getting. Chestnut Hill is a very nice area. We park the trucks and walk a couple of blocks to a neat little restaurant for dinner. I don't remember the name, but the beef burgundy I had was fabulous. Steve's two cousins leave us at this point and we walk another few blocks to the theater. Steve got us tickets to see a production of "Noises Off" a very funny farce about the theater and love triangles. I was rolling laughing at the third act. I really wish Gak had been able to join us. He would have had a lot of fun, especially since his major was theater. He has lots of stories that are scarily similar to the play. The play was well done and fun was had.

We then pile back into the vehicles again and head back to the original staging point. Kat drops me off at home and then goes to join Steve and a few of the others somewhere else to continue the evening. I collapse gratefully into my bed at about midnight, or is it 1am with the time change. (Don't get me started on the time change thing... I'm beginning to sound like my father!)

Well, today I'm spending a lazy day with Gak and just going to hang out. Peace to all and may you find something fun and out of your ordinary to do from time to time.

Friday blahs

Well, I didn't get around to posting anything else this week. It was an odd week. I was never quite sure what day it was.
Yesterday I had to come in early for a meeting. Nothing bad, just something that corporate says everyone has to attend. It was about an hour of corporate stuff and then on to my day. I was actually productive this time. I got a couple of quotes out the door and some other stuff updated.
Last night as I was driving home, on my way to the gym, I get a call from Kat. Where are you? Uh... about halfway home.
To make a long story short, she'd been having a bit of a rough day and was trying to deal with two customers at once and needed me to pick up Zoe. No problem! (*Sigh* I really was trying to get to the gym three times this week...) I tell Kat that we're having Boston Market for dinner because I hadn't taken anything out of the freezer and had already discussed this with Gak. Well, we have dinner and Zoe watches a little TV while we hang out for a little bit in the kitchen. Zoe never did find Jane this time, she hid well. It was a nice evening.
On Wednesday night we had a bit of fun ingame. They did a live update that day and added an are called the Estate of Unrest. Well, Charitee, Ulli, Gak and myself spent about an hour or two poking around in there. We had a lot of fun. The area looks amazing and is nice and challenging, without being impossible, for level 70 people. It would have been even more fun if the Rats had been along, but they're not playing much these days. Then we would have had the whole old crew and would have really been able to kick some zombie butt. As is, we had a lot of fun and got a chance to just hang out together. It was another enjoyable evening.
This weekend looks like it should be a good one as well. We've got another Werewolf session scheduled for Sunday. I'm making soup (and probably a loaf of bread too) again. It is supposed to be warm, but wet. Soup is good for either wet and/or cold days. I think I'm trying a tortilla soup recipe I got from Michelle last time I was down. I get to put it in the crockpot and forget about it. I like those kinds of recipes.
Next weekend Steve will be home from Iraq. Actually, I got an email from him overnight and he's on his way to Florida right now. I can't wait to see him. We're going out Saturday for something in Philadelphia at the Art Museum. Something about a 'murder in the museum' mystery party and then dinner. I just feel bad that Gak won't be able to come because he has to work. Wednesday Steve is hosting a dinner at one of the local pizza places and we'll both be there for that. He's only home on a mid-tour leave, but it will still be good to see him. I may not write him anywhere near enough, but I do worry and think about him. The army is lucky to have someone like him on their team.
Well, I've got Friday type things to be doing here at work. I just thought I should post a bit on the happenings (and procrastinate a bit). Peace to all and please, remember to tell your friends and family how much you care as often as you can.
Oh, I almost forgot. My Gram had a procedure done on Monday for her kidney, the one with the bladder cancer. Everything went well, the doctor is very happy with the results. She'll have to go back again in a couple of months to check everything out again to see if the cancer has come back or not, but that's OK. Having to go to the doctor every few months to get a kidney checkup isn't as bad as some of the alternatives. Mom was down there to play chauffeur and cheerleader.