Miscellaneous Missives

It's 4:33 pm, and I have accomplished very little today although I feel I have been busy for most of the day. Why is this? In reality I have been busy with guests and errands. Maybe I feel as though I've accomplished little because it's 4:33 pm, and I only have 25% of my battery left on my iBook. The truth is my latest Verizon bill shows I should spend more time on the computer and less time on my phone. Oh, I know; I should be reading or preparing for the new textbook I am piloting next year which I would start immediately if I didn't need to leave for golf in fifteen minutes.

After spending three days at the MDE (Minnesota Department of Education), I feel validated. It was wonderful hearing the compliments specific to my knowledge and insight. I believe that I am an intelligent person and a good teacher who is knowledgeable about my material. The problem is that I don't receive much positive feedback at school. Perhaps it's because it is expected. Perhaps it's because it becomes common place because I work in the same job with the same people year after year. Perhaps it's because many of my colleagues and administrators don't really understand what I know and what I do. Perhaps it's because in the "day to day grind," people don't take the time to compliment and listen to each other. This experience at the state department has made me realize my potential. Both facilitators took the time on different occasions to talk to me individually and thank me for my insight and ability to express it. It has me thinking ...

How's condomless sex for a blog title and topic? It seems that according to some teens (as reported by BoingBoing.net and NPR.org ) feel that "condomless sex is the new engagement ring." Honestly I was hoping for something bigger, well maybe not bigger, but definitely shinier.

I think my decision making process says quite a bit about myself. Today on my way home from MDE, I had a craving for Sebastian Joe's ice cream, and I needed to fill up with gas. Since it was later in the afternoon, I made "a deal" with myself to decide if I needed ice cream and gas. This is how my decision making works. My first decision was to drive home then... a)if I had a parking spot, I would forgo ice cream and gas until tomorrow or b) if I didn't have a parking spot, I would go get ice cream and gas. Since I found a parking spot, I went inside and made a salad. Let's hope I remember to get gas on the way to MDE tomorrow.

Of course I'm too old for a Facebook page, but I have one. Until yesterday I hadn't done anything but sign up, so I could view someone else's page. When a friend found my page without my saying anything, I became intrigued. Yesterday I messed around a little with my page. Since I spent my entire day reading (MCA data review-- more tomorrow or the next day), I didn't feel like doing anything requiring focus when I returned home. My answer? Facebook. Believe it or not, I spend thirty minutes looking at Flair (buttons). Although I'm easily entertained with small things, I wish more of my friends had a Facebook page.

I have used my grill a total of four times since I purchased it. Until today I had only cooked potatoes, vegetables, and brats (chicken, sun-dried tomato, and feta... yummy). Yesterday I purchased two "Bison Burger Deluxe" patties. Today I cooked one of the burgers. After I tried to flip the burger and found it stuck to the grill, I called my father. "How do you keep the burger from sticking to the grill?" Who knew I had to spray the grill with Pam before cooking my burger. Let's say that even though I turned the gas off to the grill, it was still flaming when I closed the lid.

Alas Kitty Klaus and I are comfortable in our new residence. Kitty Klaus is able to lie in the window sill comfortably as opposed to the back of the sofa. Today I followed my walk around Calhoun by a bus ride Uptown to talk to my previous building manager. As I spoke to him, I realized that the building really didn't "feel like home." The 7 minute trip allows easy access to Uptown while I am able to live comfortably in my new quieter neighborhood. Besides since the construction workers were absent today, I was able to read on my deck.

Last evening when we were playing golf, J said that next year I could use Tee Master to schedule our weekly outing. He continued by saying it would make me feel productive. "I feel productive everyday," I replied which was true. Even if I am merely reading, I feel productive. This morning I am questioning my statement. As scheduled I went to give blood at 8:45. Since my iron was too low (again... for five days I have been taking an iron supplement), I was unable to give. At least the city offices were open, and I was able to homestead my residence although I'm still not quite sure what that means. Productive today might be making a trip to the Southdale Hennepin County Library and getting lettuce wraps at PF Chang.

My golf night has been switched from Wednesday to Thursday which means tonight I played golf with the boys. Although my game was average (for me-- not par), I played poorly enough on one hole that I picked up the ball and walked to the next hole. I did, however, out drive the boys on two holes (They were on the men's tee box, and I was on the women's tee box). The fourth member of our group was a single who played with us. At the end of the game, he said, "You have a good game." Did he see what happened on hole #7? It was nice playing with you would have sufficed.

I have seen this ad a million times (hyperbole) and have wanted to know the story. Today I took time to go to Franken's site and found this (buried). Although I do have some questions about Franken, there is no question that I will vote for him. This answers one of my questions.

Today was another perfect summer day. I was able to spend the day enjoying the sun on a friend's deck. My reading contained a book from my brother and a book by a local artist. Reading and spending time in the sun are summer gifts. Instead of walking around the lake today, I walked to Mager's and Quinn. I had a book on hold yet somehow walked out with three books. Since it's probably three miles round trip, I wanted to take advantage of my walk... another gift to me. My last gift is pictured above. When I made my brief trip to Okoboji last weekend, Dad gave me this blown glass vase. N gave me the flowers to put in and directions to hopefully keep them throughout the year. It works well in the bedroom.

It seems Kitty Klaus and I don't like living "over the bridge," but I'm getting acclimated to my new location. For the first time I walked around Calhoun from my new residence. I think it will add fifteen minutes to my walk which isn't bad. Calhoun, however, doesn't have the personality of Isles. This week I'll walk Calhoun. Maybe next week I'll venture further to Isles.

Recently I saw an ad for OPI's new color "Lemonade Stand by your Man." It's yellow, and I wanted to purchase it. Today I couldn't find it, but ended up with "Curry Up Don't Be Late." When I returned home, I realized I already had yellow polish in the refrigerator. Maybe it's OK that I settled for the gold. Actually, maybe I should be doing something a little more constructive.

Today I was able to enjoy my deck since the construction company doesn't work on the weekend. A nice breeze kept the humidity from being oppressive. As a little fly was bothering me or maybe my tomato plants, I remembered this poem by Mary Oliver. Blue Iris Now that I'm free to be myself, who am I? Can't fly, can't run and see how slowly I walk. Well, I think, I can read books. "What's that you're doing?" the green-headed fly shouts as it buzzes past. I close the book. Well, I can write down words, like these, softly. "What's that you're doing?" whispers the wind, pausing in a heap just outside the window. Give me a little time, I say back to its staring, silver face. It doesn't happen all of a sudden, you know. "Doesn't it?" says the wind, and breaks open, releasing distillation of blue iris. Andy my heart panics not to be, as I long to be, the empty, waiting, pure, speechless receptacle. Mary Oliver from her book...

Yesterday I paused to talk with the construction workers on their lunch break. M- How long are you going to be hanging around here? CW- Do you mean today? M- I was thinking in general for this project. This was followed my a longer explanation then the final thought. CW- The completion date is October 15th. M- Oh, thanks. Today I took pictures of the scaffolding to put it in perspective. The first picture shows the scaffolding out my bedroom and living room windows and my garage. My half is the half with scaffolding. I guess you could say "glass half empty." Next you see the windows of my living room and dining room. This is followed by the small bit of scaffolding by my front door. Although it doesn't impede entry of the average size person, it does make it difficult to bring large loads through the entryway. I quickly made a call to N to see if I could still use her deck this summer. It seems I will not be using mine to sun myself unless it is a) a weekend or ...

My hair is as ominous as the picture of the cloud and corn; therefore, I am in Iowa to see my stylist. As usual Dad's land is beautiful. The wildflowers are bright and cheery. The weather is beautiful, and I suggested eating outside. This was before I grabbed the step stool to looked to see if babies inhabited the nest. Babies do inhabit the nest, and mama swallow is protective. After being buzzed (once even touching my hair) I decided we should eat inside. Swallows (even babies) leave quite a mess. It's hard to imagine that such pretty little birds could be so messy and mean.

I have everything where I want it (well, sorta). Today I screwed the mirror to the wall. I really would like to move it over two inches, but since I have already moved it once, it will stay. Of course moving it meant fixing the holes I left the first time. Instead of using spackle (sp?) and a paint brush, I filled the holes with paint using a Q-tip. As soon as Michaels has a frame sale, I will be able to finish. My plan is to put an oak mirror with oak frames filled with friends and family over the plants and chest. Over the fireplace I think I will place a frame H did for me of Mexico (four pictures in a large frame) and surround it with pictures of my vacations.

When my brother was visiting (and helping), I asked what to do with my aloe since it had gotten "out of control." His suggestion was to split it and repot it. My idea was to do it on the kitchen counter instead of garage floor thinking the cleanup would be easier. I had no clue how much aloe inhabited the two pots and soon had more of a mess than I had planned. My two aloe plants are now six aloe plants. If I had more small pots I could have planted at least four more. Instead I threw the rest. Notice Kitty Klaus is on the counter. It took two days and a lot of yelling and removing him from the counter to get him to realize he was not allowed on the counter. The aloe and dirt on the counter was too much. He had to see what was happening. Once the aloe was removed, he had no desire to be back on the counter.

As I was purchasing a battery for my clock at Walgreens this morning, I noticed an entire cart and at least one box of Mc Cain t-shirts. Checking out I asked the cashier, "What's up with the Mc Cain t-shirts?" "They're being sent back," started his reply. "They were all over the front," he continued. Instead of stopping with this information, he continued by telling me he understood why they were being removed, "Maybe after the election..." I gave him a look of disgust, and he stopped. After the election? Obviously someone complained about the t-shirts. My hope is that "after the election" there will be no mention of Mc Cain let alone people selling t-shirts.

Tonight will be the first night I spend alone in my new place. Tomorrow I will also be alone as the blinds are up, so the construction workers and neighbors won't have full view into my apartment. For a week my new place has been full of people. I've had wonderful people helping to do everything. This means the majority of work has been done for me, and I am EXTREMELY grateful. Two tasks, hanging pictures (which may take several weeks) and going through important papers (which I have been piling since close), remain. It feels good to have the majority of work complete, and I owe it to my fabulous friends and family. Thanks!!!

Today we accomplished the medium tasks. Dad and Michael finished the wiring and put in the ceiling fan which was a bigger task than planned. Dad was the foreman while Michael did the work. The tomato plants have had a soaking and are enjoying the company of my lawn chair. Even Kitty Klaus is more comfortable. Things are "looking up."

My new windows need staining, so today was the day to put on the first coat. Typically I don't like to paint or stain because I'm not really a detail person. Since Michael and Dad were fighting the wiring in the bedroom to put in the ceiling fan, I kept to myself and put the first coat of stain on all of the windows. At first I was frustrated until one of my more intelligent friends gave me some points (the sponge brush for tight places). In addition, I decided to use the scaffolding that surrounds my place to get the tough to reach places on the outside of the windows... mighty handy. Dad took a picture although it's not attractive.

Tonight we had a "little get together" at my new home to thank those wonderful people who helped all week. Most could not come, but we had a small gathering. Although we are not finished, we have a lot completed. To prepare for the arrival of my guests, I lit a few candles. Those around me looked at me with the same look I was given as I put on my sweatshirt. As we were conversing and enjoying fine wine, beer, and pizza, smoked salmon, and other delicasies, the lights went out. The candles shown brightly in the darkness. Who's smirking now?

This moving is tiring, but since I currently have two residences, I feel I am joining the elite. Having two residences seems to be problematic. It is 10:00 p.m., and I could actually be in bed by 10:30 p.m. The problem is that although J and L moved all of my hanging clothes, the clothes I need for tomorrow (shorts, t-shirt, bra, and panties) are at my apartment in the huge dresser we are saving for my brother to move. Although it is only two miles, it would mean driving around looking for a parking place that doesn't exist due to the construction. At least I have laundry.

Today was a day for deliveries. Everyone came within their slotted time if not early and no two overlapped. It is beginning to look like my place. Dad and I will stay here tonight since the new mattress and sofa sleeper have been delivered. Kitty Klaus has also moved in although he isn't too keen on his new surroundings. I think he'll get used to it. S and K worked their butts off again today helping me with painting and moving my crates/books. I did take pictures of the bathroom color. The bedroom window was covered by the construction guys, so it was difficult to see the color with little or no light.

Today I feel that we (my fabulous friends and I) accomplished some large tasks. One was painting of the bedroom, bathroom, two kitchen walls, and two bedroom walls. I was going to post pictures of colors, but my friend J (college friend from out of state) came by and spent some time this evening. Pictures will follow tomorrow if Comcast gets my internet hooked up in the new place. Deliveries start at 8am and go until 6:30 pm.

I closed on my condo today (07/07) as planned. After closing I went to the condo to prepare for my trip to the paint store. First I took down the ugly mirror located in the entryway. Behind the mirror I found a hole the diameter of my index finger. My next find was under the rug. Tonight instead of playing golf, I am trying to get the adhesive off of the floor and prepare for painting. Also, since there is scaffolding in front of my garage and near my front door which I can't go under from 8am to 5pm, I need to put some boxes (kitchen) in the garage, so I can unpack tomorrow.

Today was Community Meal (first and fifth Sundays). When I arrived, one of the three chairs said it should be an easy day because of Taste of Minnesota. I didn't say anything (well not directly to her and not at that moment), but I questioned the reasoning. Let's see... Taste of Minnesota... $4 for a beer or anything to eat. Let's see... Community Meal... feeding the working poor and homeless. Later as our numbers were above average for the given time, I made some quick comments.

As I was driving this morning, I saw a bumper sticker that with Deuteronomy 8:18. I'll admit that I was curious and looked it up when I returned home. The Bible verse reads "But you shall remember the LORD your God: for it is he that gives you power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he swore to your fathers, as it is this day." Why this verse? What point was the driver trying to make. This reminded me of the young adult book I read yesterday. Two characters in the book share philosophy by quoting bumper stickers. Another sticker I viewed today said, "Young People are the solution not the problem." Later I followed a car with the following stickers: Walz, Franken, Klobuchar, Obama, and Wellstone. Obviously I was following a fellow democrat. At least I wasn't following the "own a gun and vote" person. Perhaps philosophy is easily shared with a bumper sticker.

Today I was celebrating my independence, from anything related to moving, by reading in the sun. As I was looking towards the sky, I noticed something in the corner of my friend's deck. I had an idea that I was looking at a wasp nest since there were at least two wasps around it. Of course I called my father and asked, "How big is a wasp nest?" Let me say they're smaller than I had imagined. Since the day was absolutely beautiful, and he assured me that if I left them alone they would leave me alone, I continued my reading and ignored the flying creatures. As promised they also left me alone.

A couple of days ago my brother suggested I start packing, specifically packing the kitchen. Yesterday I opened a few cupboards and realized he was right. As he stated in our phone conversation, I have a lot of glasses. My original thought was that I could move the kitchen without using boxes (trying to make it easy and green). It may have been green not to pack the kitchen with boxes, but it was not logical. Six boxes (Did you know liquor stores now charge for boxes?), two laundry baskets,and three paper bags later, I have the kitchen packed (...what I'm not using). Last evening when I was feeling overwhelmed with my 40+ glasses (not including mugs), I purchased two glass boxes from U-Haul (expensive and maybe worth it). With at least eight glasses remaining, I came up with a better (?) plan. Instead of packing the remaining glasses, and later mugs, in boxes, I packed them in paper sacks with bubble wrap and/or newspaper.

Last year I had a heavenly time picking strawberries and enjoying them all year long. Today with one sandwich bag of frozen strawberries left, I enjoyed another day of picking strawberries (thanks J). The strawberries were beautiful, and it wasn't too buggy. After some time cleaning the berries and removing the tops, I have bags of frozen strawberries in the freezer. For some reason I had to get creative when freezing the berries on cookie sheets before placing them in quart freezer bags. If I have time later in the week, I may go back for more. I will definitely try to pick raspberries at the end of the season.

After intermittently shredding bank statements and canceled checks for the last two days, I have expelled five years of paper from my apartment. I took three large kitchen garbage bags full of the shredded paper to the Humane Society. My belief is they were as pleased to receive them as I was to get rid of them. As I am cleaning and packing, I am finding items that need recycled, donated, or tossed. When I came across the lovely pink garbage bags, I was appalled and dismayed. I was shocked that I had them. Of course they are not biodegradable, and I doubt they are made of recycled material, two things I look for when I currently purchase bags. My dilemma was what to do with the bags. Figuring they were going to end up in the landfill no matter what option I chose, I decided to use them.