As you may know, I am opposed on principle to blog angst. Angst somewhere else, right? But today I have this almost irresistable urge to angst right here on the old blog...
Breathing... breathing... breathing...
Okay, here goes: I am getting sick during a week I simply do not have time to get sick. Have that tickle in the back of the throat and general unwell feeling beginning. Probably just a cold, but still, I do not have time to get sick. I have three evening meetings / activities planned this week leading up to leaving town for a long weekend to drive a long way to move some people that I love. I'm not upset about the trip- I'm honored to be able to help out in this way. And besides, I'm kind of excited for the adventure, happy for some good old fashioned family roadtripping, glad for the chance to see some of my far away brothers, but also just a little overwhelmed at the busy beginning of the week and this confounded almost-cold I am fighting. Say a prayer. I have talked to the Almighty about the state of things, but I can use all the help I can get.
In addition: My dining room smells like dog. There is dog hair in the corners. I haven't met the new neighbors, who, incidentally, were grilling just off their carport while staring into my dilapidated vegetable garden- which seems a little weird. The tub needs re-grouting in spite of the "lifetime guarantee" of last year's grout. I'm not sleeping well lately. I have an awesome story that I want to write down before I forget all the details but haven't had time. It is now dark at 8 pm. Work is scheduling more and more meetings before 8 am, which annoys me. It throws off my morning Mass schedule and just makes for really long days. Seriously people, lets have some meetings after 8 am for a change. And speaking of work... never mind, let's not speak of work, that could take this much further than I intended. Let's just consider work ranted over.
And to make up for that little rant... I am thankful for so many things, and have no right to rant at all. Here's my happy thoughts:
- I got to see some friends this weekend who are very dear to me, and my darling Goddaughter
- I had dinner out with a friend tonight, great to catch up with her
- I had a Saturday at home
- I spent part of that Saturday at home with two dear boys (my nephews)
- My favorite baby brother came over and did yard work for me. Sometimes good help is invaluable, and it was invaluable to me having him doing the mowing while I attempted to get a few things done in the house and yard (while hanging out with above dear boys)
- My new niece and sister in law have now arrived, can't wait to meet the new girlie... now I just need to not get fully sick and find a moment to go see her sometime before leaving town.
- I went to Mass at my home parish today after 3-4 weeks elsewhere. I love my parish!
- The little dog appears to be itching slightly less than before. Still needs drugging around the clock, but I think the bath helped and it is getting later in the season
- There are flowers blooming, which always lightens my mood.
- This fall weather is absolutely lovely.
- The limestone base on my road is down so the mucky mess of the last few weeks is better. Still not completed but much more livable.
- I love my homies. They rock.
- I am truly blessed with fabulous friends (some of whom are crazy enough to still be reading this ranting blog post).
There you have it. Stream of consciousness for today. I apologize for breaking my "no blog angst" rule and promise to do better in the future. Happy Sunday!
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
September: Chapter 1
September began with great (long) weekend up north at the Mitzel's lake house. I got to spend the weekend with 8 great friends and their 11 awesome kids, all in one big house!! So I got in some good baby snuggles, some great visiting and game playing with the adults, lots of play time with the kiddos and overall some good relaxing in. Fabulous!!
Monica is a very funny toddler. She is kind of shy in new situations but gets very free and very weird once she's comfortable with you (just like her dad). A few great Monica moments from the weekend:
Splashing and flopping like a nut in the lake for an hour-- "Rainie look!" (She calls me Rainie). She flopped and giggled and flopped some more, barely able to contain how funny she was. When we finally dragged her out and I wrapped her in a towel she said matter-of-factly "I was just exercising." Oh is that what that was? Awesome. Love that kid.
My other favorite was her pole dancing while reciting the Canticle of Zechariah. Monica has an amazing memory and can recite books, prayers, pretty much anything she's ever heard. I started her off "Blessed be the Lord the God of Israel"... she continued the canticle "He has come to His people and set them free..." and continued the canticle to the end while dancing around this pole. So strange and so funny. Kids are awesomely weird.
I don't want to brag or anything, but I do have the greatest friends ever.
I don't want to brag or anything, but I do have the greatest friends ever.
PS. Don't worry friends, I will share an album of pictures at some point... it's just my slow internet and overly busy self that hasn't downloaded and processed them. Soon though, very soon...
The newest edition
She is finally here!!! Daughter of my brother Liam and his wife Katie. Sister to Guillame and Pascal, Aetheline Rose made her big entrance on Friday, Sept. 16th (sharing a birthday with one of my favorite uncles.)
I haven't met her yet since she arrived down in New Orleans, but she and her dear mother will be on a train north next weekend and she'll be here!!! Can't wait to see her and snuggle the sweetness. Babies are such a gift and I know this girlie is here to bring great joy and comfort.
Welcome to the family baby girl. I'm totally mush over you already.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
August Rush
Apparently it has been really quiet here... I cannot believe how fast August is rushing by and I keep wishing I could slow it all down, 'cause once August is done, we're on to fall and you know what comes next? Okay, I won't say it, but it feels like it is coming awfully fast.
So far August has been a rather high drama and insanely busy month, we'll see what I remember:
1. Celebrating my brother Emmet's 21st birthday (makes me feel really old).
2. Going to see the same brother's band perform in a show in Ypsi. My mom came and as we sat in the outdoor patio area of this bar, having a beer before the show, she pulls her knitting out of her bag. Oh gosh. We told her in no uncertain terms the knitting was not allowed inside the bar. It just simply does not do to knit during a rock show in a bar. The show was good- the drummer (neighbor from growing up) was fabulous. Emmet was a fabulous base player. And the guitarist was good at the guitar and did more yelling than singing. Guess you can't have it all.
3. Taking my little sister shopping for dorm supplies. You heard that right, my baby sister is heading of the Franciscan University in just a couple days!! We had a blast navigating ikea in search of the necessary bedding, plastic bins, closet organizers and other critical items. I'm so happy for her and yet it is hard to believe she's heading off to college!! I'm going to miss her!
4. Work... lots of stuff going on at work. I inserted myself, for the good of the company (believe me, it was absolutely necessary) in the middle of some politics between the bosses. Intense for me, especially since I try to avoid politics and conflict at all costs. But I am still sure it was the right thing and hope it brings about some needed changes. Still working too many hours, but I've been averaging high forties instead of fifties, so I guess I'm still trending in the right direction.
5. Tomatoes. The tomatoes are rolling in. The plants aren't doing fabulously- they got leaf spot and something is eating half of the ripe tomatoes closest to the ground-- but as usual, if you plant enough, no matter how badly you do, you're bound to have plenty. Mmmm I love tomato season. So far I canned one big batch of salsa and tonight I made a big batch of fresh salsa. Lots more to come.
6. Celebrated my sister in law Lindsey's birthday last night-- same day as my brother Garrett- though he lives far away so I had to celebrate his from a distance. August is an insane birthday month in our family... and at the end of the month, my dad turns 60! Gasp! That's practically old!
7. Cous family reunion with the extended family last weekend.
8. Doctrine classes at church (fabulous!)
9. Suzie has begun the late August trend of attempting to scratch all the fur off her body. I predict we make it another week before I break down and take her to the vet for her annual August steroids round.
10. They are replacing the water main on my street and repaving parts of the surrounding streets. So everything is torn up and I'm never sure which way to go out in the morning. Strangely this has made me miss my civil engineering world / job more than usual. I know what goes into these projects. I used to be the one prepping all the bid docs, processing change orders and pay requests... I miss those days. And somehow my street being ripped up floods those memories back-- not that it's a bad thing, I just never could have told you that road construction would make me so nostalgic :)
11. Softball has been a blast, maybe my favorite season ever. Tomorrow is our final tournament. Sad to see it coming to an end. It sure has been fun.
12. And somewhere in there I've visited a few friends, cleaned a few bathrooms, mowed the lawn, worked on plans for the next couple weeks, and attempted to keep my head above water. I am no further ahead on any projects or anything else, but at least I am still treading water for the time being.
Okay, there you have it. August so far. I hope it slows down for this final week...
So far August has been a rather high drama and insanely busy month, we'll see what I remember:
1. Celebrating my brother Emmet's 21st birthday (makes me feel really old).
2. Going to see the same brother's band perform in a show in Ypsi. My mom came and as we sat in the outdoor patio area of this bar, having a beer before the show, she pulls her knitting out of her bag. Oh gosh. We told her in no uncertain terms the knitting was not allowed inside the bar. It just simply does not do to knit during a rock show in a bar. The show was good- the drummer (neighbor from growing up) was fabulous. Emmet was a fabulous base player. And the guitarist was good at the guitar and did more yelling than singing. Guess you can't have it all.
3. Taking my little sister shopping for dorm supplies. You heard that right, my baby sister is heading of the Franciscan University in just a couple days!! We had a blast navigating ikea in search of the necessary bedding, plastic bins, closet organizers and other critical items. I'm so happy for her and yet it is hard to believe she's heading off to college!! I'm going to miss her!
4. Work... lots of stuff going on at work. I inserted myself, for the good of the company (believe me, it was absolutely necessary) in the middle of some politics between the bosses. Intense for me, especially since I try to avoid politics and conflict at all costs. But I am still sure it was the right thing and hope it brings about some needed changes. Still working too many hours, but I've been averaging high forties instead of fifties, so I guess I'm still trending in the right direction.
5. Tomatoes. The tomatoes are rolling in. The plants aren't doing fabulously- they got leaf spot and something is eating half of the ripe tomatoes closest to the ground-- but as usual, if you plant enough, no matter how badly you do, you're bound to have plenty. Mmmm I love tomato season. So far I canned one big batch of salsa and tonight I made a big batch of fresh salsa. Lots more to come.
6. Celebrated my sister in law Lindsey's birthday last night-- same day as my brother Garrett- though he lives far away so I had to celebrate his from a distance. August is an insane birthday month in our family... and at the end of the month, my dad turns 60! Gasp! That's practically old!
7. Cous family reunion with the extended family last weekend.
8. Doctrine classes at church (fabulous!)
9. Suzie has begun the late August trend of attempting to scratch all the fur off her body. I predict we make it another week before I break down and take her to the vet for her annual August steroids round.
10. They are replacing the water main on my street and repaving parts of the surrounding streets. So everything is torn up and I'm never sure which way to go out in the morning. Strangely this has made me miss my civil engineering world / job more than usual. I know what goes into these projects. I used to be the one prepping all the bid docs, processing change orders and pay requests... I miss those days. And somehow my street being ripped up floods those memories back-- not that it's a bad thing, I just never could have told you that road construction would make me so nostalgic :)
11. Softball has been a blast, maybe my favorite season ever. Tomorrow is our final tournament. Sad to see it coming to an end. It sure has been fun.
12. And somewhere in there I've visited a few friends, cleaned a few bathrooms, mowed the lawn, worked on plans for the next couple weeks, and attempted to keep my head above water. I am no further ahead on any projects or anything else, but at least I am still treading water for the time being.
Okay, there you have it. August so far. I hope it slows down for this final week...
Sunday, August 07, 2011
Top Ten for today
Things I'm loving lately:
1. Sunday Softball: I truly love it. So much fun to be out in the sun, playing games with my friends. And this year is the most evenly competetive it's been in years, just all around good times. Not to mention the ADORABLE fans we have, the awesome umpire... okay, I'm really enjoying it-- 'nuff said.
2. The gardens... the roses are blooming, the rose of sharon is blooming, the tiger lilies are blooming, the tomatoes are ripening... love it!
3. My friends: I am so blessed with amazing friends in my life. This week I was overly social-- meaning plans with friends every single night. And yes, this week my introverted self may need an evening at home alone with the lights off... and yet, I am so profoundly grateful for the amazing people I share my life with. I am blessed!!
4. Daily Mass. This is far from being #4 on my list in order of importance. It was a good week and I actually made it to Mass every single day and as always, my week is better when I start it the right way each day. I am thankful for the many priests and parishes surrounding me that makes it possible. I am blessed!!
5. I love every single thing about summer. Every. Single. Thing.
6. My godchildren-- some of the coolest munchkins I know. And I've gotten to see the three local ones in the last 2 weeks, which always manages to just make me more mush over them... and it makes me miss my long distance ones more too.
7. Homegrown tomatoes.
8. Air conditioning.
9. My car. I just like it. A lot.
10. Weekends. I do love weekends.
Life is good.
1. Sunday Softball: I truly love it. So much fun to be out in the sun, playing games with my friends. And this year is the most evenly competetive it's been in years, just all around good times. Not to mention the ADORABLE fans we have, the awesome umpire... okay, I'm really enjoying it-- 'nuff said.
2. The gardens... the roses are blooming, the rose of sharon is blooming, the tiger lilies are blooming, the tomatoes are ripening... love it!
3. My friends: I am so blessed with amazing friends in my life. This week I was overly social-- meaning plans with friends every single night. And yes, this week my introverted self may need an evening at home alone with the lights off... and yet, I am so profoundly grateful for the amazing people I share my life with. I am blessed!!
4. Daily Mass. This is far from being #4 on my list in order of importance. It was a good week and I actually made it to Mass every single day and as always, my week is better when I start it the right way each day. I am thankful for the many priests and parishes surrounding me that makes it possible. I am blessed!!
5. I love every single thing about summer. Every. Single. Thing.
6. My godchildren-- some of the coolest munchkins I know. And I've gotten to see the three local ones in the last 2 weeks, which always manages to just make me more mush over them... and it makes me miss my long distance ones more too.
7. Homegrown tomatoes.
8. Air conditioning.
9. My car. I just like it. A lot.
10. Weekends. I do love weekends.
Life is good.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Dog Woes
The big dog has gotten back into stealing food... and seriously nothing (well at least nothing dog-wise) makes me madder than walking in the door to her cowering and growling at me, knowing she got into something. Sure enough, there's ALWAYS a chewed up bag on the living room rug. In the past, once this has started, she goes on a spree of getting in trouble every day until I rudely nip it in the bud by mousetrapping everything. It usually only takes once or twice of setting a trap off and freaking her out to get her to stop for a year or more. This time, I brought on this rash of bad behavior. I accidently left a bag of groceries on the floor- they were mostly boxed groceries for vacation- but Maggie discovered it and ate through a box of graham crackers... and she's been on this food stealing binge ever since.
Last night I put my new loaf of bread on the counter, in a hard to reach spot, and put a mousetrap in front of it. Usually enough to scare her away. But instead I came home to a growling dog, a chewed up, empty bread bag on the living room floor... and once again had to reiterate that she may spend the REST OF HER LIFE IN A CAGE IF THIS KEEPS UP!! Gosh it makes me mad.
And tonight I recognized that I let it make me too mad and needed to reign in my own reaction. It was a loaf of bread. I knew the risk, even with the mousetrap. I will still win this fight, even after a setback. Maggie will stop stealing food. I can stop coming home dreading what I'm going to find. And life will go on. Deep breath, Reenie, deep breath.
And boy I wish I could say this was the only thing that has gotten me worked up lately...
Last night I put my new loaf of bread on the counter, in a hard to reach spot, and put a mousetrap in front of it. Usually enough to scare her away. But instead I came home to a growling dog, a chewed up, empty bread bag on the living room floor... and once again had to reiterate that she may spend the REST OF HER LIFE IN A CAGE IF THIS KEEPS UP!! Gosh it makes me mad.
And tonight I recognized that I let it make me too mad and needed to reign in my own reaction. It was a loaf of bread. I knew the risk, even with the mousetrap. I will still win this fight, even after a setback. Maggie will stop stealing food. I can stop coming home dreading what I'm going to find. And life will go on. Deep breath, Reenie, deep breath.
And boy I wish I could say this was the only thing that has gotten me worked up lately...
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