100 Things
I found this list on another blog -- I can't remember which one, but it's floating around out there. It's a list of 100 things to do (sort of like the "bucket list"). I've bolded the ones I've already done and at the end I've put which 5 I REALLY want to do. Here goes:
1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea -- does Lake Michigan count?
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo's David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Vacationed in Italy
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud With 3 boys? Yeah.
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy (Holly Hobbie)
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating -- don't ever see this happening BLECH!
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee -- 63, in fact. All at one time.
100. Read an entire book in one day
5. Buy a stranger a meal at a restaurant
4. Play in a band
3. Go rock climbing -- in Southern Utah
2. Vacation in Italy -- preferably stay in a villa for a month or so, near Florence
1. Run a Marathon
OK blogger pals. It's your turn!
Friday, December 26, 2008
Saturday, December 20, 2008
When irony enlightens
With one kid attending a private college, another kid injury prone and growing like a week, two more kids growing like weeds and in child care five days a week, and the sour economy, there’s been a significant clog in my cash flow of late. I'm pretty crafty so I had this great idea of saving money by making gifts for my parents and Sis, which I did.
I found a quilt square that my Nana (Mom’s Mom) had pieced together a long time ago. This is the design but in red, white, and blue. I don't know the circumstances of, or plan for the project…..I wish I did. My mom gave it to me back in the day and even though I had a vague plan for doing something with it, it got lost in the many, many moves made over the years. When it turned up this fall while I was cleaning out a closet in the basement, I thought “Oh! This would be the perfect thing for Mom’s Christmas gift!”
The quilt square is old and fragile so I decided to frame it. That way it could be displayed but not damaged, unlike a pillow, which was my first choice. Unfortunately, the square is an odd size and it took me FOREVER to find a frame that would work, for a price I was willing to pay. But I did.
After lots of thinking and trial and error (translation, a LOT of time), it was done, it was perfect, and it was nicely wrapped. Now all I needed was a shipping box that it would fit into.
Of course I didn’t have anything like that at home so I spent a decent chunk of time running in and out of stores looking for a box. I found all the other stuff I needed, like packing tape and bubble wrap, but no box. I started to feel just a wee concerned, then thankfully a light bulb came on. I’m brilliant! I thought and I hurried over to a hobby store to the framing department. They’ll have a suitable box for Mom’s gift! I mean, they get frames shipped to them to sell surely they’d have a couple of those shipping boxes just lying around!
But no, they didn’t.
At about this point the blood pressure is on the rise because the deadline for shipping to arrive by Christmas is TODAY and I have to get this done NOW before I go see clients, because after that I get the mini-muffins from school and then there’s no getting anything done!! Aaaagggghhhh!!!
OK. Deep breath.
The lady at the framing desk suggested I go to UPS. Not only would they have a box to fit, they would wrap it up all safe and sound. I wouldn’t have to do a thing!
Spirits revived, I trot over to the UPS store and hand over the precious finished product to the perky ladies with Santa hats on. My shoulders start to relax down to their anatomically correct position while I fill out the shipping form. It’s all going to be ok.
Then the nice lady with the Santa hat on says to me “To get it there by Christmas, you’ll want to send this overnight, and with the size of this package, it will be $169.50.
“$169.50?!?! Are you serious? I could buy my Mom a cashmere sweater for that! What are my other options?”
Many choices were offered me but I kept refusing until the wrapping and shipping were under $50. I was told the package would probably be delivered on Christmas Eve, but there’s no guarantee, not with the storms and all, you just never know, this seems like a really important gift you want to get to your Mother for Christmas, are you SURE you want to send it this way? Ok, then please sign here indicating that you understand there’s no guarantee that it will be delivered before Christmas.
Ok then. It’s done.
wow.
Very disheartened, I called ONO and told him how my grand money-saving plan had been COMPLETELY thwarted, with a bucket-load of stress thrown in to boot. In his concise, matter-of-fact way he said “It’s a nice thing you did. Not many people make personalized gifts like that any more. I’m sure they’ll really appreciate it.”
Of course. It’s not about the money. Not how much you spend OR how much you save. How wonderful the Universe is to gently whap my head with a 2X4 of irony. I am sincerely grateful. Really!!
And Mom, even though you will anyway, I don't want you to have a moment of bad feelings. You were/are completely worth it.
I found a quilt square that my Nana (Mom’s Mom) had pieced together a long time ago. This is the design but in red, white, and blue. I don't know the circumstances of, or plan for the project…..I wish I did. My mom gave it to me back in the day and even though I had a vague plan for doing something with it, it got lost in the many, many moves made over the years. When it turned up this fall while I was cleaning out a closet in the basement, I thought “Oh! This would be the perfect thing for Mom’s Christmas gift!” The quilt square is old and fragile so I decided to frame it. That way it could be displayed but not damaged, unlike a pillow, which was my first choice. Unfortunately, the square is an odd size and it took me FOREVER to find a frame that would work, for a price I was willing to pay. But I did.
After lots of thinking and trial and error (translation, a LOT of time), it was done, it was perfect, and it was nicely wrapped. Now all I needed was a shipping box that it would fit into.
Of course I didn’t have anything like that at home so I spent a decent chunk of time running in and out of stores looking for a box. I found all the other stuff I needed, like packing tape and bubble wrap, but no box. I started to feel just a wee concerned, then thankfully a light bulb came on. I’m brilliant! I thought and I hurried over to a hobby store to the framing department. They’ll have a suitable box for Mom’s gift! I mean, they get frames shipped to them to sell surely they’d have a couple of those shipping boxes just lying around!
But no, they didn’t.
At about this point the blood pressure is on the rise because the deadline for shipping to arrive by Christmas is TODAY and I have to get this done NOW before I go see clients, because after that I get the mini-muffins from school and then there’s no getting anything done!! Aaaagggghhhh!!!
OK. Deep breath.
The lady at the framing desk suggested I go to UPS. Not only would they have a box to fit, they would wrap it up all safe and sound. I wouldn’t have to do a thing!
Spirits revived, I trot over to the UPS store and hand over the precious finished product to the perky ladies with Santa hats on. My shoulders start to relax down to their anatomically correct position while I fill out the shipping form. It’s all going to be ok.
Then the nice lady with the Santa hat on says to me “To get it there by Christmas, you’ll want to send this overnight, and with the size of this package, it will be $169.50.
“$169.50?!?! Are you serious? I could buy my Mom a cashmere sweater for that! What are my other options?”
Many choices were offered me but I kept refusing until the wrapping and shipping were under $50. I was told the package would probably be delivered on Christmas Eve, but there’s no guarantee, not with the storms and all, you just never know, this seems like a really important gift you want to get to your Mother for Christmas, are you SURE you want to send it this way? Ok, then please sign here indicating that you understand there’s no guarantee that it will be delivered before Christmas.
Ok then. It’s done.
wow.
Very disheartened, I called ONO and told him how my grand money-saving plan had been COMPLETELY thwarted, with a bucket-load of stress thrown in to boot. In his concise, matter-of-fact way he said “It’s a nice thing you did. Not many people make personalized gifts like that any more. I’m sure they’ll really appreciate it.”
Of course. It’s not about the money. Not how much you spend OR how much you save. How wonderful the Universe is to gently whap my head with a 2X4 of irony. I am sincerely grateful. Really!!
And Mom, even though you will anyway, I don't want you to have a moment of bad feelings. You were/are completely worth it.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Running Update
If you're a regular, you've notice that I haven't posted much about running, or anything for that matter. Recently I discovered there's a connection there, but more on that later.
After the Allerton Trail Run in late October I've been plagued with shin splits (again!) in my right leg and an obstinate heel pain. I'm sure the two are related. I can't quite figure out if the heel pain is Plantar Fascitis or a bone bruise, or maybe even a stress fracture. ONO says that's unlikely but I'm not ruling it out.
I took about a week off and then tried running. The run itself went great but the pain afterward was pretty bad. I took almost 3 more weeks off, waiting until there was absolutely no pain in my shins. There was just a scooch of pain in my foot but I decided to go ahead. Again, pretty good during the run....pretty bad after. And the next morning? OY!!
I'm trying not to get too bummed about it. It's hard. I'm clearly not going to meet the mileage goal I set for myself last January. Unless you count all the elliptical miles I've put in. But don't think those count. But more importantly, running is really the only thing I really like. It gets me outside and away -- from myself and all the other annoyances in my life. It makes me grateful to be alive and able to move.
I've decided to invest in The Stick, a weight training book for runners, some shoe inserts, and maybe a foot log. All of that is about $100. If it works, that's definitely well-spent cash.
After the Allerton Trail Run in late October I've been plagued with shin splits (again!) in my right leg and an obstinate heel pain. I'm sure the two are related. I can't quite figure out if the heel pain is Plantar Fascitis or a bone bruise, or maybe even a stress fracture. ONO says that's unlikely but I'm not ruling it out.
I took about a week off and then tried running. The run itself went great but the pain afterward was pretty bad. I took almost 3 more weeks off, waiting until there was absolutely no pain in my shins. There was just a scooch of pain in my foot but I decided to go ahead. Again, pretty good during the run....pretty bad after. And the next morning? OY!!
I'm trying not to get too bummed about it. It's hard. I'm clearly not going to meet the mileage goal I set for myself last January. Unless you count all the elliptical miles I've put in. But don't think those count. But more importantly, running is really the only thing I really like. It gets me outside and away -- from myself and all the other annoyances in my life. It makes me grateful to be alive and able to move.
I've decided to invest in The Stick, a weight training book for runners, some shoe inserts, and maybe a foot log. All of that is about $100. If it works, that's definitely well-spent cash.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Top 5 things I like about Carter
Today is Carter's 17th birthday. It's really hard for me to believe that he's this old and so big. I remember so well him being about 4 weeks old and delighting in his lopsided newborn grin that reminded me of Harrison Ford. He was a big baby -- 8 lbs, 10 oz. -- but now he's nearly 6'2".
So today, it being his birthday, I thought it fitting to devote this posting to him, my first born son.
Let me say at the outset that there are many, many things that I like about Carter. I'm just picking my top five faves to share.
5. His intellect. His memory (for the things he's really interested in), is AMAZING; he could do simple arithmetic around age 4 and has been able to understand and apply complicated concepts for quite a long time. And this isn't just his Mom bragging!
4. His inquisitiveness. Always, always curious about things. As a little kid I could hardly keep up with him, and I'm pretty curious myself.
3. His athleticism. Regular readers already know how much I enjoy this about him. He could ride a two-wheeler (no training wheels) at 3 years old. He's played hockey, soccer, basketball, and run track competitively. He's good at moving his body through time and space....that whole male, spatial thing.
2. His emotional intelligence. Even as a very little boy Carter could read and interpret accurately (most of the time) the emotional landscape. When he was about 6 or 7 he was helping me clean the bathroom (which is pretty remarkable in the first place). He and I were chatting away, him asking questions and me answering, and then one of those out-of-nowhere depressive thoughts invaded my brain space. Carter said "What's wrong, Mommy? You got all dark."
1. His sense of humor. Carter is just plain HILARIOUS. Unless you know him and have experienced his quick-moving, sharp-as-a-tack funny bone, these pictures won't quite capture my favorite thing about my oldest son, but will maybe give you a glimps:
He's the one in the middle with white socks on.
Happy Birthday, luv!!
So today, it being his birthday, I thought it fitting to devote this posting to him, my first born son.
Let me say at the outset that there are many, many things that I like about Carter. I'm just picking my top five faves to share.
5. His intellect. His memory (for the things he's really interested in), is AMAZING; he could do simple arithmetic around age 4 and has been able to understand and apply complicated concepts for quite a long time. And this isn't just his Mom bragging!
4. His inquisitiveness. Always, always curious about things. As a little kid I could hardly keep up with him, and I'm pretty curious myself.
3. His athleticism. Regular readers already know how much I enjoy this about him. He could ride a two-wheeler (no training wheels) at 3 years old. He's played hockey, soccer, basketball, and run track competitively. He's good at moving his body through time and space....that whole male, spatial thing.
2. His emotional intelligence. Even as a very little boy Carter could read and interpret accurately (most of the time) the emotional landscape. When he was about 6 or 7 he was helping me clean the bathroom (which is pretty remarkable in the first place). He and I were chatting away, him asking questions and me answering, and then one of those out-of-nowhere depressive thoughts invaded my brain space. Carter said "What's wrong, Mommy? You got all dark."
1. His sense of humor. Carter is just plain HILARIOUS. Unless you know him and have experienced his quick-moving, sharp-as-a-tack funny bone, these pictures won't quite capture my favorite thing about my oldest son, but will maybe give you a glimps:
He's the one in the middle with white socks on.
Happy Birthday, luv!!
Thursday, November 27, 2008
You know who you are
for all the family and friends, near and far, who make the foundation of my rich and meaningful life.
Thank you.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Top 5 Friday
Because last week had a negative tone, I'm going all happy on ya this week.
Top 5 Favorite Places
5. Bay Area and north, California. Spent a summer in the Napa Valley and along the coast and fell in love.
4. Downtown Chicago. Just can't beat the lake, the museums, the eating, shopping opportunities, the architecture, and the music. Fun, fun, town. I lived there for two years, which was hardly enough, but at least I got that opportunity!
3. The Indiana Dunes lakeshore. Not only is it beautiful, it holds special significance for me and ONO. It was one of first dates where we hiked, he let me take him exploring off the beaten path, and he demonstrated his thoughtfulness by bringing grapes and water. Also, he grew up going to these beaches so they hold lots of memories for him.
2. Northeastern New Mexico. Specifically Santa Fe and Taos. Again, very, very beautiful, but more importantly, this is where we got married and honeymooned. We got married here. 
If you go to the site, you can see how amazingly beautiful it is, but we were also able to rent the entire facility for ourselves and small wedding party and guests. Cool!
After spending a few days in Santa Fe, we headed up to Taos and stayed here for our honeymoon.
One of the best parts of our time together was hiking down into the Red River Gorge and back out.
1. Southern Utah -- preferably very close to one of the national parks.
It would take too long, and you'd grow bored, if I shared all the reasons why this is my favorite place. And honestly, I don't understand all of it myself. In large part it's the place where I experienced some coming-of-age, and it represents a place for wandering, contemplating, finding things, never being bored. Peaceful, yes, but not bored. And best of all....it's almost always warm!
Top 5 Favorite Places
5. Bay Area and north, California. Spent a summer in the Napa Valley and along the coast and fell in love.
4. Downtown Chicago. Just can't beat the lake, the museums, the eating, shopping opportunities, the architecture, and the music. Fun, fun, town. I lived there for two years, which was hardly enough, but at least I got that opportunity!
3. The Indiana Dunes lakeshore. Not only is it beautiful, it holds special significance for me and ONO. It was one of first dates where we hiked, he let me take him exploring off the beaten path, and he demonstrated his thoughtfulness by bringing grapes and water. Also, he grew up going to these beaches so they hold lots of memories for him.
2. Northeastern New Mexico. Specifically Santa Fe and Taos. Again, very, very beautiful, but more importantly, this is where we got married and honeymooned. We got married here. 
If you go to the site, you can see how amazingly beautiful it is, but we were also able to rent the entire facility for ourselves and small wedding party and guests. Cool! After spending a few days in Santa Fe, we headed up to Taos and stayed here for our honeymoon.
One of the best parts of our time together was hiking down into the Red River Gorge and back out.
1. Southern Utah -- preferably very close to one of the national parks.
It would take too long, and you'd grow bored, if I shared all the reasons why this is my favorite place. And honestly, I don't understand all of it myself. In large part it's the place where I experienced some coming-of-age, and it represents a place for wandering, contemplating, finding things, never being bored. Peaceful, yes, but not bored. And best of all....it's almost always warm!
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
For Nana
Like most children of the male persuasion, the mini-muffins like cars. And of course they like sugar. So their Nana knew what she was doing when she sent Logan a car-shaped cookie decorating kit for his birthday. It just doesn't get better than that (if you're 3 years old).
Both boys LOVE to help make stuff in the kitchen. I'm convinced it's about the whirring machine and the opportunity to lick the bowl. Oh, and they really like cracking eggs.
For this project we had to mix up the bright, blue frosting. Luckily I caught Logan before his outstretched tongue actually touched the butter. It's also a little tricky keeping their hands out of the bowl, even when the mixer is on!
Next came the actual decorating. I coached them on spreading the blue frosting on the cookie cars, which they tried, but the knives spent WAY more time in their mouths than on the cookies!
All in all, it was a fun afternoon project with a very sweet outcome.
Thanks Nana!
Monday, November 17, 2008
Dances with snowflakes
That's what I did today. At least it felt like dancing. And yes, there were snowflakes. Lots of them, actually. And lots of wind.
Why does this matter? Two reasons.
First, it's November 17, and while a part of my brain is conscious of this date, the rest of me still thinks it's summer. Well, mid-September maybe. I mean, the grass is still green and some things in my flower beds are still blooming (I don't pay attention to those brown, withered things). So seeing this apparent blizzard (ok let's call it a squall), threw me squarely into reality.
And what did I do? Did I get my cozy woobie, some cocoa and a book and huddle up near the fireplace? No, I promptly when outside. And ran.
My original thought was to walk for an hour. After dutifully using the elliptical (AND lifting some weights) for nearly two weeks, the desperation to get outside was very high, so on went the cold gear and out the door I went.
I did walk....about half a mile, but then I noticed that my leg didn't hurt so I thought "what that heck!" and went for it. Of course then my leg DID hurt, but not enough to make me stop.
After about a mile I was feeling pretty darn good -- like I was dancing with the snowflakes.
Come on, Old Man. I'm ready for ya!
Sunday, November 16, 2008
No More Babies
And ya know what? I'm ok with that!
Logan James Haake turns 3 today. As munchable as he is, he has taken care of any more personal desire for babies or very young children -- FOREVER.
Admittedly, Logan is cute. The kind of cute that would melt the heart of Satan.....or Dick Cheney. And, he has a killer personality.
I mean that literally.
When he's angry or upset, any hope of tranquility or a "win-win" solution is put to death. He came into the world this way and spends roughly 50% of his waking hours in this state (no, I'm not exaggerating.)But when he's happy.....sadness, boredom and gloom are banished from the world of the living. He is definitely a ray of sunshine -- when he's happy.
Happy Birthday Big Boy!
Friday, November 14, 2008
Top 5 Friday Addendum
My original list was posted this morning....before I had lived through nearly an entire day and was reminded of things that annoyed me even MORE than the other things.
But in order to not come off like a complete shrew, I'll share only one more.
This one easily ties for first place: boom cars. You know, the cars with the VERY loud bass, that rattles the window glass when they pass your house? I guess I should appreciate the generosity of those people who so willingly share their so-called music. I mean, that's what the world needs more of, right? Generosity. In this case, I'd take consideration, thoughtfulness, courtesy. I suppose it's too much to ask for.
I found this that might help. I don't know.
Maybe Obama could do something?
But in order to not come off like a complete shrew, I'll share only one more.
This one easily ties for first place: boom cars. You know, the cars with the VERY loud bass, that rattles the window glass when they pass your house? I guess I should appreciate the generosity of those people who so willingly share their so-called music. I mean, that's what the world needs more of, right? Generosity. In this case, I'd take consideration, thoughtfulness, courtesy. I suppose it's too much to ask for.
I found this that might help. I don't know.
Maybe Obama could do something?
Top 5 Friday
I've become bored with my own blog -- definitely a problem -- so I've decided to institute something new.
Today is the first of many and varied "Top 5 Fridays." Let's start with this:
Top 5 Pet Peeves
5. Commercials
4. Finding containers that, for all intents and purposes are EMPTY, left in the pantry or fridge.
3. Whining
2. One sheet left on the roll.....again, IT'S EMPTY!
1. Chewing with your mouth open, gum popping, lip smacking and other assorted mouth noises. Sends me Right Over THE EDGE!!!!
What are your peeves?
Today is the first of many and varied "Top 5 Fridays." Let's start with this:
Top 5 Pet Peeves
5. Commercials
4. Finding containers that, for all intents and purposes are EMPTY, left in the pantry or fridge.
3. Whining
2. One sheet left on the roll.....again, IT'S EMPTY!
1. Chewing with your mouth open, gum popping, lip smacking and other assorted mouth noises. Sends me Right Over THE EDGE!!!!
What are your peeves?
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Sidelined.....for now
Well, it appears that running the Allerton Park trail run causes
weeping,
wailing,
and gnashing of teeth.
Yes, the slippery, slimy mud, which caked onto my shoes, and the giant puddles I tried to jump at first but then just slogged through, along with my lack of training (probably the largest factor), has once again given me serious shin splints and I can't run without doing one or all of the above.
It really, really sucks.
It means I didn't run the 10K I had planned as my penultimate race for the year.
Did I say sucks yet? Yeah.
I will be using the eliptical for at least two more weeks and will try again around Thanksgiving -- just in time to work off all the Halloween candy, birthday cake, and other fatty, yummy stuff that's omnipresent this time of year.
At least I got a cool T-shirt.
My shoes? That's another story.
weeping,
wailing,
and gnashing of teeth.
Yes, the slippery, slimy mud, which caked onto my shoes, and the giant puddles I tried to jump at first but then just slogged through, along with my lack of training (probably the largest factor), has once again given me serious shin splints and I can't run without doing one or all of the above.
It really, really sucks.
It means I didn't run the 10K I had planned as my penultimate race for the year.
Did I say sucks yet? Yeah.
I will be using the eliptical for at least two more weeks and will try again around Thanksgiving -- just in time to work off all the Halloween candy, birthday cake, and other fatty, yummy stuff that's omnipresent this time of year.
At least I got a cool T-shirt.
My shoes? That's another story.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Guide my thoughts and ways
If you planted hope today in any hopeless heart,
If someone's burden was lighter because you did your part,
If you caused a laugh that chased a tear away,
If tonight your name is mentioned when someone kneels to pray,
Than your day was well spent.
If someone's burden was lighter because you did your part,
If you caused a laugh that chased a tear away,
If tonight your name is mentioned when someone kneels to pray,
Than your day was well spent.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Some more photos taken during my most recent junket, at which time I fancied myself a talented photographer
Near Boston Public Library
My highly photogenic daughter looking out the main entrance doors of the Old South Church
Boston Public Garden
National Botanical Garden
NBG
My highly photogenic daughter looking out the main entrance doors of the Old South Church
Boston Public Garden
National Botanical Garden
NBG
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Travelin' Fool Part 2
SO.
It took me a while to figure out what to do about missing the train. Unlike flying, this mode of transportation doesn't allow for rescheduling a couple of hours later.
My two options were waiting until Monday at noon and taking the Lake Shore Ltd. back the way I came. Or, I could wait until that night and leave at 9:45 pm for Washington, D.C. In the interest of time and ONO's sanity, I opted for the route to D.C. and then back up to Chicago. I was initially very upset by this change of plans, but it turned out to be a wonderful thing.
At first I tried to get out to Worcester, a city 40 miles west where we lived from 1-7 grades. Turned out I'd missed the last commuter train to Worcester for the day, AND I'd only have 3 hours with a car rental. I decided to go back to Bethany's room, run along the Esplanade, shower, eat some dinner and then get to the train station LONG before the train left.
What a FABULOUS run! It was sunny, not too cold, and the view of the Charles River and then the harbor was spectacular! I decided to venture into the downtown and look for historical stuff
that I hadn't had the chance to see the day before. I asked for a lot of directions and people were helpful. I ran up Charles Street to Boston Commons. Then I went back down Charles and circled around a big hill. Turns out it was Beacon Hill, and if you've heard anything about the homes there, it's all true. Here are some pics:
I don't know if you can make out the incline on this street. It was QUITE steep. Needless to say, I didn't try running up that hill. I wanted to enjoy my way home.
I found the Public Garden and snapped some pics there and then realized I was on Commonwealth Ave., and that took me right back to BU.
At 9:45 pm I got on the Northeast Regional and headed for DC. This train was a commuter train, with the seats much closer together and much less comfortable. It was difficult to sleep for that reason, and because the lights were never turned out. In the long run, it didn't matter because I was in our nation's capitol, and I had 9 hours there all to myself!
I swigged a giant mug of coffee, snarfed some Au Bon Pain, tidied up a bit in the very public bathroom, and stashed my bags for the day (and for $15). Then I headed out.
I spent about an hour wandering around the Capitol and the Supreme Court building. There were a LOT of security personnel and I could tell they didn't take much to wanderers. It was sad to me to see this and all the barricades, etc. I have been to DC a number of times since I was 12 and this really spoke to how things have changed in my lifetime.
After a while I pointed myself to where I thought the Smithsonian was. On the way, I happened upon the National Botanical Gardens and was in absolute heaven for about 2 hours! Many pics were taken and something of an important spiritual experience was had.
I also toured the new Native American museum, part of the Air & Space museum (had to take pics of space rockets for Brennan!) and finished off with one part of the National Art museum. Boy did my feet hurt, but what a wonderful day!
The train ride back was less enjoyable, mostly because I'd run out of food and cash, and was forced to sit next to a woman who was drunk and continued drinking from a wine bottle she'd stashed in her carry-on bag throughout the journey. Her mother had died and she was traveling to the funeral. That was sad but she wanted to talk (and talk, and talk) to me about it and I'm sorry! but I was on vacation! I almost asked the attendant to find me another seat but I found one late Monday night and stayed there the rest of the trip.
Despite the annoyances, the train itself was pretty cool. It was one of those double decker deals with a real dining car and sleeper cars. There was also a "Club Car," which had big comfy, swivel seats that you could turn towards the windows and chat with your cronies (if you were traveling with cronies).
I arrived back home at 1:30 pm on Tuesday, exhausted but very satisfied. It was a FABULOUS trip. My one big disappointment about the whole thing is that Carter played what turned out to be his last soccer game while I was gone. They lost in the first round of playoffs, although I heard they played very hard, and very well. I'm pretty sad about that. I really enjoyed watching him and the team play.
It took me a while to figure out what to do about missing the train. Unlike flying, this mode of transportation doesn't allow for rescheduling a couple of hours later.
My two options were waiting until Monday at noon and taking the Lake Shore Ltd. back the way I came. Or, I could wait until that night and leave at 9:45 pm for Washington, D.C. In the interest of time and ONO's sanity, I opted for the route to D.C. and then back up to Chicago. I was initially very upset by this change of plans, but it turned out to be a wonderful thing.
At first I tried to get out to Worcester, a city 40 miles west where we lived from 1-7 grades. Turned out I'd missed the last commuter train to Worcester for the day, AND I'd only have 3 hours with a car rental. I decided to go back to Bethany's room, run along the Esplanade, shower, eat some dinner and then get to the train station LONG before the train left.
What a FABULOUS run! It was sunny, not too cold, and the view of the Charles River and then the harbor was spectacular! I decided to venture into the downtown and look for historical stuff
that I hadn't had the chance to see the day before. I asked for a lot of directions and people were helpful. I ran up Charles Street to Boston Commons. Then I went back down Charles and circled around a big hill. Turns out it was Beacon Hill, and if you've heard anything about the homes there, it's all true. Here are some pics:I don't know if you can make out the incline on this street. It was QUITE steep. Needless to say, I didn't try running up that hill. I wanted to enjoy my way home.
I found the Public Garden and snapped some pics there and then realized I was on Commonwealth Ave., and that took me right back to BU.
At 9:45 pm I got on the Northeast Regional and headed for DC. This train was a commuter train, with the seats much closer together and much less comfortable. It was difficult to sleep for that reason, and because the lights were never turned out. In the long run, it didn't matter because I was in our nation's capitol, and I had 9 hours there all to myself!
I swigged a giant mug of coffee, snarfed some Au Bon Pain, tidied up a bit in the very public bathroom, and stashed my bags for the day (and for $15). Then I headed out.
I spent about an hour wandering around the Capitol and the Supreme Court building. There were a LOT of security personnel and I could tell they didn't take much to wanderers. It was sad to me to see this and all the barricades, etc. I have been to DC a number of times since I was 12 and this really spoke to how things have changed in my lifetime.
After a while I pointed myself to where I thought the Smithsonian was. On the way, I happened upon the National Botanical Gardens and was in absolute heaven for about 2 hours! Many pics were taken and something of an important spiritual experience was had.
I also toured the new Native American museum, part of the Air & Space museum (had to take pics of space rockets for Brennan!) and finished off with one part of the National Art museum. Boy did my feet hurt, but what a wonderful day!
The train ride back was less enjoyable, mostly because I'd run out of food and cash, and was forced to sit next to a woman who was drunk and continued drinking from a wine bottle she'd stashed in her carry-on bag throughout the journey. Her mother had died and she was traveling to the funeral. That was sad but she wanted to talk (and talk, and talk) to me about it and I'm sorry! but I was on vacation! I almost asked the attendant to find me another seat but I found one late Monday night and stayed there the rest of the trip.
Despite the annoyances, the train itself was pretty cool. It was one of those double decker deals with a real dining car and sleeper cars. There was also a "Club Car," which had big comfy, swivel seats that you could turn towards the windows and chat with your cronies (if you were traveling with cronies).
I arrived back home at 1:30 pm on Tuesday, exhausted but very satisfied. It was a FABULOUS trip. My one big disappointment about the whole thing is that Carter played what turned out to be his last soccer game while I was gone. They lost in the first round of playoffs, although I heard they played very hard, and very well. I'm pretty sad about that. I really enjoyed watching him and the team play.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Travelin' Fool Part 1
I had the opportunity to visit Bethany during parents' weekend at Boston University.....so I went!
I chose Amtrak as my mode of transportation for a number of reasons:
1. Traveling this way would give me at least 48 hours of alone time to read, sleep (or so I thought), and just look out the window if that's what I chose to do.
2. Traveling by train is slightly cheaper than flying.
3. Most importantly, traveling by train would mean NOT needing to be shot with a tranquilizer gun in order to arrive at my destination. Yes, I'm afraid of flying -- a bona fide phobia. Isn't that ironic?? Yeah. A therapist with a phobia.
So, I drove to the tiny town of Dwight, IL, smack dab in the middle of the state, and hopped on the Lincoln Service 304 to Chicago around 7:30 pm. I've been to Union Station many times so that was a cinch. I got on the Lakeshore Limited 48 at 10:00 pm and we headed east. I was fortunate to have a row (2 seats) to myself so I could kinda stretch out and I did sleep a bit.
Most folks kept to themselves, but in a friendly sort of way. I did have a few nice gentlemen offer to help me with my bags. The train ride was very interesting, mostly due to novelty. It was clean, including the bathrooms, and the train attendants were friendly and helpful. Here's what I saw if I was only looking forward:
By daylight we were in the eastern part of Ohio. I have to say,
the route along the Erie and Ontario great lakes, and then the rolling wooded and farm lands in Pennsylvania, New York state and western Massachusetts provided me with some of the most beautiful scenery I've seen in a long time.
Here are some pics I snapped from the train. They by NO MEANS do it justice -- what I saw was absolutely stunning! Add the sound track to Into the Wild and those few hours were nearly idyllic.
At 3:30 pm, the next day, I switched trains in Albany, NY and finished the trip out with 6 more hours of train ride into Boston.
Bethany met me at the main train station in downtown Boston around 10 pm. We dragged my bags down a bunch of flights of stairs and got on the "T," yet another train! It was a brief, but CROWDED, ride to her stop near where Commonwealth Ave. and the Mass turnpike meet. It's right on the Charles River and you can hear the sculling coaches starting at 7 am in the morning. I called them the "yellers."
The next day we rolled out of bed at the crack of.....late morning. We met her friends and had late breakfast, early lunch (i.e., brunch) in one of the BU cafeterias. The food wasn't that bad!
Then she took me on a tour of west campus. I saw her school and one of the administration buildings.....this school has a LOT of money.
Off to Newbury St. for some shopping, the Boston Public Library, which has some stunning architecture and art, hopped the "T" to Cambridge and walked around there, back on the "T" to downtown.
Apparently the Boston Transit ("T") System is the oldest in the USA, as announced in this mosaic at one of the stations:
We happened upon a open air fruit and veggie market and bought a box of strawberries for $1. We mosied through Faneuil Hall and Marketplace.
Here I am at one of the many "You are here" red pin markers -- very clever!
By late afternoon/early evening we landed at the open common area near the Government Center where a giant pumpkin festival was taking place. I have never seen SO many jack-o-lanterns in one place at one time....literally hundreds -- maybe one thousand! It was very, very cool, and the proceeds went to support a pediatric illness foundation. Here are some of my favorite pics:
By 9 pm we got back to Bethany's room and I thought I was done for the day but we ended up going to see the 10 pm showing of "W." It was ok -- not a GREAT movie but pretty good.
Our plan for Sunday morning was to get up early, work out in BU's FitRec Center, have brunch in the "good" cafeteria where you could get a crepe and/or omellette made to order, and then get me to the train by noon for the return trip. It's a
good thing I'm flexible because we ended up sleeping in (despite the "yellers"), walking a bit on the Esplanade and seeing some scullers and then having scrambled eggs and a muffin at the "good" cafeteria.
Even though we adjusted the schedule, I arrived at the gate at 12:03, and I watched as the Lake Short Ltd. pulled out of the station.
To be continued.....
I chose Amtrak as my mode of transportation for a number of reasons:
1. Traveling this way would give me at least 48 hours of alone time to read, sleep (or so I thought), and just look out the window if that's what I chose to do.
2. Traveling by train is slightly cheaper than flying.
3. Most importantly, traveling by train would mean NOT needing to be shot with a tranquilizer gun in order to arrive at my destination. Yes, I'm afraid of flying -- a bona fide phobia. Isn't that ironic?? Yeah. A therapist with a phobia.
So, I drove to the tiny town of Dwight, IL, smack dab in the middle of the state, and hopped on the Lincoln Service 304 to Chicago around 7:30 pm. I've been to Union Station many times so that was a cinch. I got on the Lakeshore Limited 48 at 10:00 pm and we headed east. I was fortunate to have a row (2 seats) to myself so I could kinda stretch out and I did sleep a bit.
Most folks kept to themselves, but in a friendly sort of way. I did have a few nice gentlemen offer to help me with my bags. The train ride was very interesting, mostly due to novelty. It was clean, including the bathrooms, and the train attendants were friendly and helpful. Here's what I saw if I was only looking forward:
By daylight we were in the eastern part of Ohio. I have to say, the route along the Erie and Ontario great lakes, and then the rolling wooded and farm lands in Pennsylvania, New York state and western Massachusetts provided me with some of the most beautiful scenery I've seen in a long time.
Here are some pics I snapped from the train. They by NO MEANS do it justice -- what I saw was absolutely stunning! Add the sound track to Into the Wild and those few hours were nearly idyllic.At 3:30 pm, the next day, I switched trains in Albany, NY and finished the trip out with 6 more hours of train ride into Boston.
Bethany met me at the main train station in downtown Boston around 10 pm. We dragged my bags down a bunch of flights of stairs and got on the "T," yet another train! It was a brief, but CROWDED, ride to her stop near where Commonwealth Ave. and the Mass turnpike meet. It's right on the Charles River and you can hear the sculling coaches starting at 7 am in the morning. I called them the "yellers."
The next day we rolled out of bed at the crack of.....late morning. We met her friends and had late breakfast, early lunch (i.e., brunch) in one of the BU cafeterias. The food wasn't that bad!
Then she took me on a tour of west campus. I saw her school and one of the administration buildings.....this school has a LOT of money.
Off to Newbury St. for some shopping, the Boston Public Library, which has some stunning architecture and art, hopped the "T" to Cambridge and walked around there, back on the "T" to downtown.
Apparently the Boston Transit ("T") System is the oldest in the USA, as announced in this mosaic at one of the stations:
We happened upon a open air fruit and veggie market and bought a box of strawberries for $1. We mosied through Faneuil Hall and Marketplace.
Here I am at one of the many "You are here" red pin markers -- very clever!
By late afternoon/early evening we landed at the open common area near the Government Center where a giant pumpkin festival was taking place. I have never seen SO many jack-o-lanterns in one place at one time....literally hundreds -- maybe one thousand! It was very, very cool, and the proceeds went to support a pediatric illness foundation. Here are some of my favorite pics:
By 9 pm we got back to Bethany's room and I thought I was done for the day but we ended up going to see the 10 pm showing of "W." It was ok -- not a GREAT movie but pretty good.
Our plan for Sunday morning was to get up early, work out in BU's FitRec Center, have brunch in the "good" cafeteria where you could get a crepe and/or omellette made to order, and then get me to the train by noon for the return trip. It's a
good thing I'm flexible because we ended up sleeping in (despite the "yellers"), walking a bit on the Esplanade and seeing some scullers and then having scrambled eggs and a muffin at the "good" cafeteria. Even though we adjusted the schedule, I arrived at the gate at 12:03, and I watched as the Lake Short Ltd. pulled out of the station.
To be continued.....
Thursday, October 23, 2008
What I did on my vacation.....
Contemplated
Relied on the kindness of strangers
Soaked up my surroundings
Captured beauty
Experienced spiritual awe
Ran
Adjusted my expectations
Listened
Stretched myself
Sat
Doesn't too exciting? It was perfect for me.
I traveled to Boston to visit the college muffin (who is very college-y). I had not been away, by myself, overnight for 3 1/2 years.
I should do this more often.
Pics and more details to come. I just have to get back into the swing of things.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Staring down Middle Age
A couple of days ago I turned 45.
FORTY-FIVE.
That sounds really, REALLY old to me. Like empty-nest-near-retirement old. Well, I'm close to that....I mean, I DO have a kid in college and another very close behind. And I AM thinking about retirement, every now and then, when I'm not thinking about how to pay for college. That alone causes wrinkles and gray hair!
But then I also have these mini-muffins and most of their friends' parents are 10 to 15 years younger than me. We do a lot of "younger people" stuff (not even sure what that is, but whatever).
I try not to think about it too much and usually there's just too much to do and keep track of to dwell on my aging.
Most of the time I feel GOOD (read "young"), but I do get a shock when I look in the mirror -- especially when I first wake up, and just before I go to bed, and at various times during the day. OK. Pretty much all the time I look in the mirror. Like John Mellencamp says: "I look in the mirror.....what the hell happened to me?!"
So, everyday I reach into my "don't look too old yet" arsenal and pull out the various weapons in there: the hydroxy skin cream, the tinted moisturizer with retinol, my hair stylist/colorist, "artful" make-up application, youngish-looking clothing (but not TOO young looking because I don't want to be a joke), glasses (when the bags under my eyes are especially heavy), and of course, a pretty good diet and exercise regime. Particularly running.
I do think both the teens and the minis keep me young. You have to be sharp and active to stay on top of it all. But the running gives me that little extra "something." It gives me challenges that I can overcome most of the time. And although I'm not very fast, I'm plucky, and I keep at it. Doggedly. Just like I will with all the rest of the stuff that makes up this life. A life that is very rich and for which I am very grateful.
So I'll stare down Middle Age, but with a smile. Because I'm pretty sure that's a big part of aging gracefully.
FORTY-FIVE.
That sounds really, REALLY old to me. Like empty-nest-near-retirement old. Well, I'm close to that....I mean, I DO have a kid in college and another very close behind. And I AM thinking about retirement, every now and then, when I'm not thinking about how to pay for college. That alone causes wrinkles and gray hair!
But then I also have these mini-muffins and most of their friends' parents are 10 to 15 years younger than me. We do a lot of "younger people" stuff (not even sure what that is, but whatever).
I try not to think about it too much and usually there's just too much to do and keep track of to dwell on my aging.
Most of the time I feel GOOD (read "young"), but I do get a shock when I look in the mirror -- especially when I first wake up, and just before I go to bed, and at various times during the day. OK. Pretty much all the time I look in the mirror. Like John Mellencamp says: "I look in the mirror.....what the hell happened to me?!"
So, everyday I reach into my "don't look too old yet" arsenal and pull out the various weapons in there: the hydroxy skin cream, the tinted moisturizer with retinol, my hair stylist/colorist, "artful" make-up application, youngish-looking clothing (but not TOO young looking because I don't want to be a joke), glasses (when the bags under my eyes are especially heavy), and of course, a pretty good diet and exercise regime. Particularly running.
I do think both the teens and the minis keep me young. You have to be sharp and active to stay on top of it all. But the running gives me that little extra "something." It gives me challenges that I can overcome most of the time. And although I'm not very fast, I'm plucky, and I keep at it. Doggedly. Just like I will with all the rest of the stuff that makes up this life. A life that is very rich and for which I am very grateful.
So I'll stare down Middle Age, but with a smile. Because I'm pretty sure that's a big part of aging gracefully.
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