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.
Iowa
Saturday, June 15, 2013
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.
Monday, April 29, 2013
I believe...
I like yard art. I am told that is what my snowman is. Tempting fate can be a scary thing. Several years ago I put on my front door a spring wreath at the end of March. We got six inches of snow the next day. This year I put the wreath on the door on April 1. We got more snow after that.
So, you see, I am a little hesitant to take the snowman into the basement until next winter. But, I think I may do it today. The tulips are out (my food for the deer), the grass has been cut, so I guess I am safe. *fingers crossed...do people still do that?*
I have finished my book from the library, just in time. In my email today is a notice from the library that the book is due on May 2. There is anticipation when nearing the end of a book to see what happens and if your guess was right, but for me there is also sadness. I'm not sure I can explain it, but the pleasure of reading it is no longer there. I am currently reading books by David Baldacci. Also one by John Grisham about baseball called "Joe Calico". Just started that one last night.
Baldacci was featured on NPR. Apparently, his latest book was being reviewed. He was said to be a Washington insider and used his knowledge to write about mysteries using that knowledge. It sounded interesting, so I researched him and found a list of books he has written. His first book was "Absolute Power". That book was later made into a movie starring Clint Eastwood, one of my favorite actors. When finding an author I think I might like, I always read the books in order. So, I read Absolute Power and loved it. I remembered watching the movie, also.
Went back to his website and printed out a list of his books in order. I read the second one which I didn't like very much, but his third one, "The Winner" was excellent. So my day today will include a trip to the library to get his next book. Excitement abounds.
We went to see Matt's baseball game last week. I took my winter jacket, my chair and my blanket. All were needed, and in fact, I had to share my blanket. Didn't take my wallet since I didn't think the refreshment stand would be open, but it was, and I ended up looking longingly at the dogs and nachos. Speaking of dogs, there was a beautiful goldendoodle and a rottie there. Both very well behaved.
Oh...the game. Well, Matt's team was a bit off for several innings. Matt got a hit to third and was thrown out at first, he got a walk and a hit, I think. He played left field for he first three innings, and was called in to pitch in the fourth. His team was quite behind, but at the end of it all, they only lost by one run. Thawing out took a bit of time, but I am ready for the next game.
I am someone who will always work. For me, it provides structure to my life as well as a connection to people. I still have friends that I see from my job with the county. Linda M. and I had lunch last week, and I have lunch with my old unit on a semi-regular basis. As well as Michele B., Tammi and Kate. And of course, Tom. Tom was a supervisor when I started with the county. We later became friends and have dinner monthly. His wife used to take in stray rescue dogs and at one time I believe they had four dogs and three cats. They have the sweetest pit bull, Bella, now with one other dog. Slowing down on the number of pets. All of these people are who I consider my friends and I always look forward to seeing them.
At Phipps, we have a really nice group of people, old and young and everything in between. What I have noticed about the young people is that for many of them, their pay is pocket change and not something to be taken seriously. One man flies paper airplanes across the welcome center, writes notes to those working right beside him and spends an inordinate amount of time on facebook. Others fail to come in or call off, they just don't show up for work. I've worked with many young college/just out of college young people, but Phipps seems to be unique in this sense. Perhaps because they are still in school and haven't yet developed a work ethic...I don't know. For the most part, the people that I work with are conscientious, hard working and a lot of fun. Tonight I have dinner with a group of them. Have you noticed that food is the common thread in my keeping in touch with people????
Speaking of food, I should wander to the kitchen and get some breakfast before heading to the library. I'll finish my Grisham book fairly quickly and move on to the next Baldacci novel.
Almost forgot...Pens play Islanders in the playoffs, beginning on Wednesday. According to what I have read, they have never beat them in the playoffs, so I am a little nervous.
So, you see, I am a little hesitant to take the snowman into the basement until next winter. But, I think I may do it today. The tulips are out (my food for the deer), the grass has been cut, so I guess I am safe. *fingers crossed...do people still do that?*
I have finished my book from the library, just in time. In my email today is a notice from the library that the book is due on May 2. There is anticipation when nearing the end of a book to see what happens and if your guess was right, but for me there is also sadness. I'm not sure I can explain it, but the pleasure of reading it is no longer there. I am currently reading books by David Baldacci. Also one by John Grisham about baseball called "Joe Calico". Just started that one last night.
Baldacci was featured on NPR. Apparently, his latest book was being reviewed. He was said to be a Washington insider and used his knowledge to write about mysteries using that knowledge. It sounded interesting, so I researched him and found a list of books he has written. His first book was "Absolute Power". That book was later made into a movie starring Clint Eastwood, one of my favorite actors. When finding an author I think I might like, I always read the books in order. So, I read Absolute Power and loved it. I remembered watching the movie, also.
Went back to his website and printed out a list of his books in order. I read the second one which I didn't like very much, but his third one, "The Winner" was excellent. So my day today will include a trip to the library to get his next book. Excitement abounds.
We went to see Matt's baseball game last week. I took my winter jacket, my chair and my blanket. All were needed, and in fact, I had to share my blanket. Didn't take my wallet since I didn't think the refreshment stand would be open, but it was, and I ended up looking longingly at the dogs and nachos. Speaking of dogs, there was a beautiful goldendoodle and a rottie there. Both very well behaved.
Oh...the game. Well, Matt's team was a bit off for several innings. Matt got a hit to third and was thrown out at first, he got a walk and a hit, I think. He played left field for he first three innings, and was called in to pitch in the fourth. His team was quite behind, but at the end of it all, they only lost by one run. Thawing out took a bit of time, but I am ready for the next game.
I am someone who will always work. For me, it provides structure to my life as well as a connection to people. I still have friends that I see from my job with the county. Linda M. and I had lunch last week, and I have lunch with my old unit on a semi-regular basis. As well as Michele B., Tammi and Kate. And of course, Tom. Tom was a supervisor when I started with the county. We later became friends and have dinner monthly. His wife used to take in stray rescue dogs and at one time I believe they had four dogs and three cats. They have the sweetest pit bull, Bella, now with one other dog. Slowing down on the number of pets. All of these people are who I consider my friends and I always look forward to seeing them.
At Phipps, we have a really nice group of people, old and young and everything in between. What I have noticed about the young people is that for many of them, their pay is pocket change and not something to be taken seriously. One man flies paper airplanes across the welcome center, writes notes to those working right beside him and spends an inordinate amount of time on facebook. Others fail to come in or call off, they just don't show up for work. I've worked with many young college/just out of college young people, but Phipps seems to be unique in this sense. Perhaps because they are still in school and haven't yet developed a work ethic...I don't know. For the most part, the people that I work with are conscientious, hard working and a lot of fun. Tonight I have dinner with a group of them. Have you noticed that food is the common thread in my keeping in touch with people????
Speaking of food, I should wander to the kitchen and get some breakfast before heading to the library. I'll finish my Grisham book fairly quickly and move on to the next Baldacci novel.
Almost forgot...Pens play Islanders in the playoffs, beginning on Wednesday. According to what I have read, they have never beat them in the playoffs, so I am a little nervous.
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