Change is hard for me. Very hard. I would rather put up with something that barely works than get something new that I have to learn. Such is the case with computers.
I have an older computer, probably seven or eight years old. Was spiffy when I got it, but lately it has not been the best. Kept freezing up, had to start it with the recovery disk, just wasn't something I had any fun with anymore. So, for the past.....oh, I don't know....two years(?) I have been perseverating about a new one. I have everyone's opinion and have made my head spin when I tried to sort it out. Then, one day recently, I read that Windows 7 was going to be discontinued in August and no computers would be sold with Windows 7 after December. After reading and hearing about all the problems with Windows 8, I thought do it now or be sorry. So, here I am typing on my new HP Pavilion computer. Jerry, the set up man, came today, put it all together, and although I am on a learning curve, I think this just might work.
Yesterday as I sat at the podium at Phipps, Mark, Curt and I began to talk. Curt was looking for a new pillow because he had a stiff neck. Remember when you could go into a store and just buy a pillow? No more. I have tried many different kinds. I have one for sleeping on your side. That worked for a while. You had to buy two for the price of one...$60. I didn't want two, wasn't even sure I wanted one. So I asked...I don't want two, so can I have one for $30? No, you have to buy two or pay $60. This was at Kohls. I found a woman looking at the same pillow, so we bought two and each paid $30. That pillow was good for awhile, but when I wanted to sleep on my stomach, it was a problem. Foam or feather, though I'm not sure what kind of feathers they are. Foam gets hot, so I went with feathers. Paid a lot again. Within six months it was flat. I put it in the dryer to try to fluff it. Nope, didn't work. Ended up at K-Mart and bought one for $10. If necessary, I'll replace it every six months. What ever happened to a good pillow?????
Wonderful fourth of July. Had to work, but went to Linda and Scott's for dinner. Scott grilled burgers and everyone was there. Had a wonderful time playing yard games, eating, watching fireworks and watching Scott, Matt and Mike so excited about setting off the legal ones in the back yard. A great night for all, I think.
Remembering things about my childhood. Remember hot summer nights when you would sleep on the porch? I do. I remember window fans when we had no air conditioning. Did you ever ride a bicycle down a hill and feel the wind on a hot summer day? And the Goodie Bar man and the sweet sound of his music. Doors unlocked and left open all night. Gone are the days!
Alyssa went to see One Direction last night with Cheryl's daughter, Sam. Matt had a semi-final tournament ball game. They lost that tournament. Katie had to work, but she is getting ready for her performance in West Side Story. Soon after that will be another road trip, this year to the Grand Canyon. Getting so excited...even going on a smooth rafting trip.
And the good news? This computer has run an ongoing spell check!
Iowa
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Saturday NIght
I am excited...it doesn't take much.
I worked today. Saw some weddings, a bridal shower. Again, amazed by the footwear of women. I watch The View. Yes, I know, shocking, isn't it? I am so tired of Barbara Walters, can she just retire right now? I realize that she broke some "glass ceilings" for women, but she is pathetic right now. She looks fragile, forgets what she is talking about. But I digress. One of the discussions was about women's shoes. Did you know that the average amount of time a woman can wear the dress shoes that are out there today is 15 minutes? Yes, 15 minutes. I'm sure I mentioned my sprained ankle, for which Scott did nothing to help me. In fact, he turned away from me, leaving me to twist my ankle and turn it a very ugly color. Again, I digress. So, when women come into Phipps in these incredible shoes the events staff warn them. This is an old building with uneven pathways. Be careful. Most go in with these shoes and leave carrying them and going barefoot. And to watch them walk is interesting to say the least. But I have to say, the shoes I had on when I sprained my ankle were very comfortable. Katie and I share them...aren't they pretty? Well, I hope to post a picture, but I am in the break in the hockey game, so we shall see.
I came home from work, listening to the Pirates on the radio (we lost in the 11th inning), watched the game when I got home, then turned to the hockey game. And exciting Saturday night, can I just say that? And the hockey game is going into overtimes, just as Steve predicted. I also shined my shoes. This, as pitiful as it may seem, was a very relaxing night for me.
Oh, yes, and Matt got called up for a pony league game (insert neighing). He did well, it seems. If he makes a lot of money playing baseball, will he reimburse me for road trips? I think I mentioned that he brought up on a road trip...."What will we do when Mia dies? Oh, wait, by that time Katie will be driving". Sigh of relief from the back seat. Me, going to my happy place. Group hugs all around.
Plumbing. Let's discuss that one. Doing the laundry, water backs up in sewer line. It has happened before, but plunging has corrected the problem. Not so this time. Liquid plumber. No good. Let's move to the big guns...ok, wrong phrase...move to the ultimate solution...the snake. Finally released the plug (tree limbs are a pain) and now all is fixed.
Okay, about time for the next period in hockey. I want the Blackhawks to win. They have a neat logo. That's what it comes down to.
Did I mention that Katie got a job? She did. I'm not allowed to say where or post it on facebook or get the blimp that is in town to hang a banner. Kids.
By the way, they used to have spell check on here, and apparently they don't anymore. I don't proof well and where is Linda when I need her? After this is posted, she will tell me what I missed.
I worked today. Saw some weddings, a bridal shower. Again, amazed by the footwear of women. I watch The View. Yes, I know, shocking, isn't it? I am so tired of Barbara Walters, can she just retire right now? I realize that she broke some "glass ceilings" for women, but she is pathetic right now. She looks fragile, forgets what she is talking about. But I digress. One of the discussions was about women's shoes. Did you know that the average amount of time a woman can wear the dress shoes that are out there today is 15 minutes? Yes, 15 minutes. I'm sure I mentioned my sprained ankle, for which Scott did nothing to help me. In fact, he turned away from me, leaving me to twist my ankle and turn it a very ugly color. Again, I digress. So, when women come into Phipps in these incredible shoes the events staff warn them. This is an old building with uneven pathways. Be careful. Most go in with these shoes and leave carrying them and going barefoot. And to watch them walk is interesting to say the least. But I have to say, the shoes I had on when I sprained my ankle were very comfortable. Katie and I share them...aren't they pretty? Well, I hope to post a picture, but I am in the break in the hockey game, so we shall see.
I came home from work, listening to the Pirates on the radio (we lost in the 11th inning), watched the game when I got home, then turned to the hockey game. And exciting Saturday night, can I just say that? And the hockey game is going into overtimes, just as Steve predicted. I also shined my shoes. This, as pitiful as it may seem, was a very relaxing night for me.
Oh, yes, and Matt got called up for a pony league game (insert neighing). He did well, it seems. If he makes a lot of money playing baseball, will he reimburse me for road trips? I think I mentioned that he brought up on a road trip...."What will we do when Mia dies? Oh, wait, by that time Katie will be driving". Sigh of relief from the back seat. Me, going to my happy place. Group hugs all around.
Plumbing. Let's discuss that one. Doing the laundry, water backs up in sewer line. It has happened before, but plunging has corrected the problem. Not so this time. Liquid plumber. No good. Let's move to the big guns...ok, wrong phrase...move to the ultimate solution...the snake. Finally released the plug (tree limbs are a pain) and now all is fixed.
Okay, about time for the next period in hockey. I want the Blackhawks to win. They have a neat logo. That's what it comes down to.
Did I mention that Katie got a job? She did. I'm not allowed to say where or post it on facebook or get the blimp that is in town to hang a banner. Kids.
By the way, they used to have spell check on here, and apparently they don't anymore. I don't proof well and where is Linda when I need her? After this is posted, she will tell me what I missed.
Sunday, June 2, 2013
People
No, I am not going to break into a song. The picture is one that I took at Phipps today. A man brought his parents to Phipps and they parents walked along the paths together hand in hand. They smiled, they spoke to people, but they also sat on the bench in the Sepentine room and watched. They watched as the families came from the butterfly room, with excited children, and yes, excited parents. They smiled, they nudged each other. And as the woman looked tired, the husband reached over and took her hand in his and stroked it lovingly. And as you can see in the picture, he became tired and as their son took her hand, she gently took her husband's hand and led him along. It's one of the wonderful things about working at Phipps. It allows one to observe. It allows one to see the joy through a child's eye. It's showing them the wonder of a butterfly emerging and flying for the first time, often from their own finger.
So, New York City, 2013 has come and gone. I knew it was going to rain, so rain ponchos became standard. Forgot the umbrella, however. Scott drove us the the Megabus stop and we arrived an hour early so we could get the front seats on the second level of the bus. And we did. Somewhere along Route 22 it began...that pesky rain. And it continued....however, it stopped long enought to load the crew at State College. And when we arrived at the rest stop...well, that was an experience. Our driver became frustrated and pulled onto the grass and told us to hurry, we had 20 minutes. The women began to take over the men's room...that's all I'll say.
Hard rain began about 30 minutes outside of NYC, and all I could think was how would we ever get from the bus stop to the hotel. Fortunately, the rain stopped long enough for us to get our suitcases and get a cab. And the hotel sold me an umbrella. Which was a good thing.
We unpacked and decided to go for a walk to stretch our legs a bit. Can you say monsoon? I don't actually know the definition of a monsoon, suffice to say that Linda's umbrella was blowing inside out, the rain came down horizontally and the street was flooded in a matter of 10 minutes. Matt loved it. Stood in the rain as we huddled attempting to keep dry. Matt only had one pair of shoes...can you say boys and puddles? So, we headed back to the hotel and as we reached the door, the rain let up, so off we went for yet another try..
We made it to Ellen's Startdust Diner. What a wonderful experience! Waitstaff singing to us, us singing with them, decent food and a great way to forget about the rain...until we left the diner. Back to the hotel for what else? Swimming.
Katie visited colleges, Matt came to the Sony Tech Center, we saw Newsies and Blue Man Group. We paid an exorbitant amount for a cab back to the hotel after Newsies just to get out of the rain. We took the subway to Blue Man Group thanks to the expertise of Linda.
The Holland Tunnel was closed due to the rain, it came down in droves. Umbrellas, ponchos, wet shoes on the air conditioner, being blown dry with the hair dryer. Matt to NHL store, Katie to SoHo for shopping, Katie exploring the city on her own, swimming in the pool at the hotel....it was a good trip. It really was. The sun came out Sunday as we left the city. Of course.
Came home to have Peppi's again, this time with Tammi. Always good to catch up with her and feed my face. Back to Phipss, baseball and hockey. Pens lost, Pirates lose and win. I hope the Pens win tomorrow. Fingers crossed.
So, New York City, 2013 has come and gone. I knew it was going to rain, so rain ponchos became standard. Forgot the umbrella, however. Scott drove us the the Megabus stop and we arrived an hour early so we could get the front seats on the second level of the bus. And we did. Somewhere along Route 22 it began...that pesky rain. And it continued....however, it stopped long enought to load the crew at State College. And when we arrived at the rest stop...well, that was an experience. Our driver became frustrated and pulled onto the grass and told us to hurry, we had 20 minutes. The women began to take over the men's room...that's all I'll say.
Hard rain began about 30 minutes outside of NYC, and all I could think was how would we ever get from the bus stop to the hotel. Fortunately, the rain stopped long enough for us to get our suitcases and get a cab. And the hotel sold me an umbrella. Which was a good thing.
We unpacked and decided to go for a walk to stretch our legs a bit. Can you say monsoon? I don't actually know the definition of a monsoon, suffice to say that Linda's umbrella was blowing inside out, the rain came down horizontally and the street was flooded in a matter of 10 minutes. Matt loved it. Stood in the rain as we huddled attempting to keep dry. Matt only had one pair of shoes...can you say boys and puddles? So, we headed back to the hotel and as we reached the door, the rain let up, so off we went for yet another try..
We made it to Ellen's Startdust Diner. What a wonderful experience! Waitstaff singing to us, us singing with them, decent food and a great way to forget about the rain...until we left the diner. Back to the hotel for what else? Swimming.
Katie visited colleges, Matt came to the Sony Tech Center, we saw Newsies and Blue Man Group. We paid an exorbitant amount for a cab back to the hotel after Newsies just to get out of the rain. We took the subway to Blue Man Group thanks to the expertise of Linda.
The Holland Tunnel was closed due to the rain, it came down in droves. Umbrellas, ponchos, wet shoes on the air conditioner, being blown dry with the hair dryer. Matt to NHL store, Katie to SoHo for shopping, Katie exploring the city on her own, swimming in the pool at the hotel....it was a good trip. It really was. The sun came out Sunday as we left the city. Of course.
Came home to have Peppi's again, this time with Tammi. Always good to catch up with her and feed my face. Back to Phipss, baseball and hockey. Pens lost, Pirates lose and win. I hope the Pens win tomorrow. Fingers crossed.
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Time Flies
When I was fifteen, I wanted to be sixteen. It took forever, that year between.
When I was eighteen, I wanted to be twenty-one. It took forever. FOREVER. Then the day arrived and fially, I was twenty-one. And I thought to myself....is this it? Really?
We are getting ready for our annual trip to New York City. I begin planning this trip and the road trip in January. I kept thinking it was so far in the future. It isn't. It is here. We leave on Thursday.
So, at what age does time seem to fly by without telling us? At what age do we look in the mirror and are hit with the realization that we look old...if not old, older?
I color my hair. Have been doing it for years. I read an article yesterday on botox. I think rather than getting botox I will buy a can of spakle and fill in the lines.
Makeup. I never used to wear it. I remember sitting in Tammi's office with Linda and them saying I should try it. Years ago. Now I feel naked without it.
Age has its benefits, I am told. People show you respect. No, they don't. Well, I guess some do, but most do not. And on my facebook page it shows a picture of Barbara Walters with the comment "Is 60 the new 30?" Of course it isn't. Stupid question. And Barbara Walters doesn't even look 60, which she shouldn't since she is over 80. 80. My gosh, that souds old. But then there was a time when 30 sounded old.
So, here we are, about to head to NYC. Going to see "Newsie" and Blue Man Group. Katie is going to visit collegs. See what I mean...Katie is going to see colleges. *Sigh*.
I sit here typing, avoiding packing. Because I have plenty of time, don't I?
Pens lost Sunday night in double overtime. It is a sad day when they lost a 2-1 lead in the last 28 seconds of the game. They play again tomorrow, and probably while I am in NY.
Matt had a game winning hit tonight. Tie game in the sixth, two outs, two men on base. Hit the ball to left field. One player crossed home plate and everyone left the field. WAIT A MINUTE....can't they at least run the bases?
OK, so do I pack? Do I watch the Pirates? Do I read my newest Baldacci book? Or do I just watch HGTV? So many decisions.
Have a great Tuesday and enjoy your week. Tim, root as loudly as you can tomorrow night, I want a win. After all, it is all about me.
When I was eighteen, I wanted to be twenty-one. It took forever. FOREVER. Then the day arrived and fially, I was twenty-one. And I thought to myself....is this it? Really?
We are getting ready for our annual trip to New York City. I begin planning this trip and the road trip in January. I kept thinking it was so far in the future. It isn't. It is here. We leave on Thursday.
So, at what age does time seem to fly by without telling us? At what age do we look in the mirror and are hit with the realization that we look old...if not old, older?
I color my hair. Have been doing it for years. I read an article yesterday on botox. I think rather than getting botox I will buy a can of spakle and fill in the lines.
Makeup. I never used to wear it. I remember sitting in Tammi's office with Linda and them saying I should try it. Years ago. Now I feel naked without it.
Age has its benefits, I am told. People show you respect. No, they don't. Well, I guess some do, but most do not. And on my facebook page it shows a picture of Barbara Walters with the comment "Is 60 the new 30?" Of course it isn't. Stupid question. And Barbara Walters doesn't even look 60, which she shouldn't since she is over 80. 80. My gosh, that souds old. But then there was a time when 30 sounded old.
So, here we are, about to head to NYC. Going to see "Newsie" and Blue Man Group. Katie is going to visit collegs. See what I mean...Katie is going to see colleges. *Sigh*.
I sit here typing, avoiding packing. Because I have plenty of time, don't I?
Pens lost Sunday night in double overtime. It is a sad day when they lost a 2-1 lead in the last 28 seconds of the game. They play again tomorrow, and probably while I am in NY.
Matt had a game winning hit tonight. Tie game in the sixth, two outs, two men on base. Hit the ball to left field. One player crossed home plate and everyone left the field. WAIT A MINUTE....can't they at least run the bases?
OK, so do I pack? Do I watch the Pirates? Do I read my newest Baldacci book? Or do I just watch HGTV? So many decisions.
Have a great Tuesday and enjoy your week. Tim, root as loudly as you can tomorrow night, I want a win. After all, it is all about me.
Friday, May 10, 2013
Sometimes...
When does my world revolve around food? Always. Kate and I had lunch at Peppi's. Cheese fries, the best in the world. Burgers on a hoagie bun. The best. Tammi and I eat there as do Kate and I. It is a message at 8 AM...Peppi's? Lunch? Makes my day. And having to talk Kate into Penn Avenue on as opposed to North Side one. Pros and Cons? North Side, cleaner, more tables. Cons: Have to pay cash. When did that begin? I never carry cash. When we ordered and they told us cash, Kate and I are digging in our pockets for money. We had to give up the fries that day. Sad. Penn Avenue..well, let me just say it has the feel of a diner. Not so clean (and there were not wood shavings in your hoagie, Kate), air conditioner blasting, even in the winter, limited seating...Pros...free parking, ambiance. Food. Love to plan around lunch or dinner with my friends. There is something about food and sharing laughter and fun. I love it.
Had fun with the kids, individually. Alyssa, Matt and Katie. Matt had a really good game...in two innings, 2 hits, 6 strike outs. How much better can it be?
This weather is incredible. Sunny, 75 degrees, a little rain. I love it. I love the trees being green, the grass sparkling in the morning dew. The angle of the sun at sunset.
OK, let's talk about the Pens. They are ahead by one game. Last night they won 4-0. They played well, I won't talk about the game before that. Even with a lead of 4, at the last two minutes of the game I was biting my nails (not really, that would ruin my polish). I talked to my friend, Carolyn, yesterday. She has season tickets and said IF they make the next round she will see about selling us her seats.
Wednesday is story time at Phipps. I love seeing these kids. Is there anything more wonderful than a little girl dressed up and looking pleased with the way she looks? Actually, is there anything better than anyone looking pleased with the way they look? Can I just say again...women coming into Phipps, extremely short dresses, spikey heels, pulling bottom of dress down, top of dress up, wobbling on heels? Do you really think it looks attractive? And how about the women who come in with flip flops and formal dress only to change into heels? Hello? You look ridiculous. You really do.
We are crazy busy with schools and tours. And can I just say, there are the school kids who are loud, rude and obnoxious. Then today we had a group that was 32 seven and eight year old that were amazing. Polite, quiet and such a pleasure to be around. I love the kids, I really do, but there are some who are so obnoxious that are so hard with whom to connect.
Katie is in Tarzan this week and next. If you are here in Pittsburgh and have a chance to go see it, please do so. It should be amazing.
Time to clean the house. By the way, I have begun to kill the stink bugs. No more nice guy here. No more opening the window and shouting "be free". The one who buzzed my head the other night did it. No more nice guy. Sorry to my animal rights friends...it was one of them who said...."KILL THEM". I did, and I am not sad about it.
Had fun with the kids, individually. Alyssa, Matt and Katie. Matt had a really good game...in two innings, 2 hits, 6 strike outs. How much better can it be?
This weather is incredible. Sunny, 75 degrees, a little rain. I love it. I love the trees being green, the grass sparkling in the morning dew. The angle of the sun at sunset.
OK, let's talk about the Pens. They are ahead by one game. Last night they won 4-0. They played well, I won't talk about the game before that. Even with a lead of 4, at the last two minutes of the game I was biting my nails (not really, that would ruin my polish). I talked to my friend, Carolyn, yesterday. She has season tickets and said IF they make the next round she will see about selling us her seats.
Wednesday is story time at Phipps. I love seeing these kids. Is there anything more wonderful than a little girl dressed up and looking pleased with the way she looks? Actually, is there anything better than anyone looking pleased with the way they look? Can I just say again...women coming into Phipps, extremely short dresses, spikey heels, pulling bottom of dress down, top of dress up, wobbling on heels? Do you really think it looks attractive? And how about the women who come in with flip flops and formal dress only to change into heels? Hello? You look ridiculous. You really do.
We are crazy busy with schools and tours. And can I just say, there are the school kids who are loud, rude and obnoxious. Then today we had a group that was 32 seven and eight year old that were amazing. Polite, quiet and such a pleasure to be around. I love the kids, I really do, but there are some who are so obnoxious that are so hard with whom to connect.
Katie is in Tarzan this week and next. If you are here in Pittsburgh and have a chance to go see it, please do so. It should be amazing.
Time to clean the house. By the way, I have begun to kill the stink bugs. No more nice guy here. No more opening the window and shouting "be free". The one who buzzed my head the other night did it. No more nice guy. Sorry to my animal rights friends...it was one of them who said...."KILL THEM". I did, and I am not sad about it.
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