"I have a good excuse this time."

(Brother) Doug calls me today.  "I know I missed M's birthday.  Sorry about that, but this time I have a good excuse." 

Doug tends to downplay things.  He's not one to overdramatize and get all shook up over things.  Nope.  He spent more time living with Dad than I did.  (I lived more with our mother; he lived more with our father).  One time when I was in college and Doug in high school, he called me, "Robin, when there's smoke, does that mean there's fire?"  Dad had fallen asleep on the couch (which at that point in time, meant likely drunk).  Seems a lit cigarette had fallen, and the couch was smoking which Doug had tried to put out.  He didn't wake my father (who had since gone upstairs, I *think*??)  He didn't call the fire department, which would take care of the potential smoke and fire question, but of course would also bring about notice and drama and people into his / Dad's life.  We are not ones to seek out attention.  Nope, Doug called me, who he knew would stay calm and focus on the issue, AND, understand.  We talked about it, and somehow Doug got the couch out back (less notice from the neighbors), and doused with the hose until there was NO smoke left.   Blackened and soaked I suspect.  Home intact. 

In a crisis, both Doug and I can focus on what is important, and get it done.

I knew it wasn't a bull excuse Doug had.  "So, what happened?"  Last week, Doug was on a construction site.  If I'm getting this correctly, some box he was working with of approximately 1,000 pounds fell down on his knee, scrapping the heck out of his leg (it fell along down his leg, I think?), and crushed the rest of his leg, and damaged/crushed the nerve that runs down the leg to the foot.  I get these details later, as he's been bored at home for a few days now, thankfully using his laptop and his phone to stay on top of the work that he can.   He originally tells me simply that he broke his leg, "So, tell M I'm sorry, but I was actually in the hospital."  As in, admitted for 3 days. 

While waiting for the ambulance, Doug called his business partner, asking if that guy would follow through with the afternoon appointment.  (Business Partner then asked why, and then told Doug that Doug should have FIRST said that he was waiting for the ambulance, and then any appointment details.)  Doug also asked his one full-time employee to hire someone who could do some work.  The guy likely was the one who called the ambulance in the first place, and now asked Doug some questions regarding who to hire.  Doug gave some guidelines only, cuz, well, he hurt a LOT. 

Doug was taken by ambulance out of the woods, to a nearby elementary school, where he was medivac'd (taken by helicopter) to one of Maryland's shock trauma centers.  They were very concerned about him losing his foot, so skipped the hospital that was 10 minutes away from the construction site.  The board and braces hurt the heck out of him.  "My first helicopter ride and I couldn't look out the window."  Then again, it'd likely have made him nauseous as he was in such pain.  There at the shock trauma center, they tore off his pants as if there wasn't a moment to lose, and .....   then..... waited...... 6...... hours.......  .  Then maybe having surgery so not allowed anything to eat or drink and I *think* he said still nothing but the most basic of pain reliever so in horrid pain.  Just before midnight, he was brought in about 5 things to drink, which he debated on as his surgery was now the following morning.  IV's had his internal fluids going, just his mouth was dry, and he did NOT want to jeopardize delaying the surgery..

The surgeon gave his business card to Doug, "Please call me as I'm who you will meet with for your followup appointments."   Doug was prepped to go into surgery wearing only a hospital gown.  "So, where did he think you were going to put this card?"   The surgeon was concerned about the potential for infection due to the damage all along Doug's leg, and they decided to just go ahead with the surgery NOW, anyway. 

Doug couldn't have called me THEN, or the night before?  I'd have been with him on Independence Day, or at least briefly, after he'd gotten out of surgery.  "I got to see about 12 fireworks from the window, which went until about 1 in the morning."  He drove himself home 3 days later, with his good right leg. 

Doug's in a full, straight cast now, left ankle to left hip.  He's allowed 2 pain pills every 6 hours, which he didn't realize.  He says that taking just one makes him hallucinate, so he avoids even that until he needs to sleep or something.  He does not wish to risk any chance of addiction to them, and figures the pain's not as bad as that first day.   He has used an occasional beer to help out.  If he is lying flat on his back, his leg and foot completely straight, it feels to him as if his leg is bent, and his foot flat on the couch.  He'll be in that for at least 6 weeks, and was told he will likely need to be re-taught how to walk.

His foot is saved.  His business just enough off the ground where this isn't going to do it in.  Still.  Sometimes, Doug, share the crisis.  You know I can deal.

 

Tags: construction site accident, crushed leg

Traditions (cupcakes and fireworks)

Tonight's the family birthday party for M.  We always have the family party for her the night of "the" fireworks, riding the train into the town and enjoying some smaller-town charm, fireflies, and the surprise of a cool breeze for a summers evening.  It's fun, really:)

My mother verified what birthday dinner M really wants.  "Robin, does she really want goulash?"  It was to be Bob's lasagne, and Grandma's goulash last we visited.  (That girl loves her pasta, asking me to please make her shells and white cheese sauce last night, which I added two veggies to.)  Yesterday's call, I could hear M,  "With corn.  And mashed potatos.  Oh, and some cranberry sauce.  Two cranberry sauces."   After she got off, I asked her about it.  NOW we'll be having a mini-Thanksgiving dinner with a "little bit of goulash."  "M, don't you realize that means Grandma has to make goulash, also?"  "She said I could have whatever I wanted."  My mother is happy to do this, I know, but two dinners, M?

 

Many of this train's traditional rides, M has dropped off, no longer doing Bunny Trains nor Santa Trains (though she helped served hot chocolate and cookies for a couple extra years for the Santa Train).  Mom and mostly Bob have spent hours upon hours of volunteer work there.  I've put in a few here and there, along with M.  M had a birthday party there one young year, in the red caboose which was several degrees hotter than we'd thought on a day much hotter than the surrounding ones.  Still, memories.  Have to laugh in a way, a couple of the party guests dads got more into the train ride than some of the guests:)   One mother said she'd skip the ride, and could I just please point her in the direction of the town's Starbuck's?  LOL, um, no, sorry, no such thing in that town.

 

T

he night before her birthday this year, M tells me that she does want cupcakes afterall.  I hadn't pushed it.  What teenager wants her mom to just show up at camp bearing anything?  Secretly, I'm glad she still wants this tradition.  Had to go get the mix (she chose Funfetti, which seems to be the theme lately), and bake them into the night.  The birth-day itself, I frosted them and added various sprinkles on my lunchbreak, and took them by.  Apparently she only has about a half hour lunch during camp.  Oh.  I'd just missed her, enroute to a rehabilitation clinic (she's in a horse back riding camp this week and next).  That's okay.  Everyone seemed excited to see me arrive.  A counselor put them in the office after I pointed out the special big one with yellow stars and confetti sprinkles for M.  "I wish I was 13 years old again."  She rethought that statement, "Wait, no I wouldn't" said in unison with my response, "Oh, I wouldn't."  It's not easy to be a young teenager.  I'll try to remember that.  I don't dread it, though.  I do like teenagers.

M even had to have the wires trimmed on her braces.  We usually stop for ice cream after, but it was way too early in the morning for an ice cream store to be open, early appiontment so that she wouldn't miss a moment of camp.  (C had gotten her there 1 hour late one day sigh, so she got put with a group 2 levels lower for a day.)  M chose Starbuck's instead of ice cream, and, was the one who had to order mine.  Somehow those fancy stupid names for sizes that have no relevance to their actual sizes, well, she translated for me.  lol   She got a strawberry lemonade, with a promise of caffeine another time that she insists she's holding me to.

Some traditions last, some are outgrown, some are replaced with new ones.  And, well, maybe we never really get too old for cupcakes, birthday dinners, and fireworks:)

ENTRY UPDATED TO ADD PHOTOS TAKEN THE EVENING OF THIS POST (Yes, we rode in the red caboose, that just happened to have up a happy birthday banner!  very packed evening as it'd been written up in the local newspapers, and Independence Day itself was too rainy for many who chose instead to come to this one.)

Tags: birthday traditions, teenager

Independence

Happy birthday, USA !!!!!  We celebrate our country, its freedom from England, its birth as a "new" country regulating itself.  (Wonder what the native Americans think of all that, really, they were rather taken over.)  And, new to the US or here from centuries ago, we unite in this holiday, and celebrate the good that is to be had here:)  Freedom, independence, liberty.  Maybe someday, Northern Ireland will have that, too, from England.  Maybe more countries will find peace and freedom than have it currently.

It's getting dark out now, still raining some.  It's rained off and on this afternoon (with tornado warnings).  Not enough to thwart fireworks celebrations, nope, not THAT much rain:) 

M is with her dad tonight.  Normally the every/other holiday means until 8 p.m. for July 4th.  I questioned that, but my lawyer pointed out that he and his lawyer requested that, so oh well.  So, C and I switched another night last Spring or so, and she'll stay with him overnight tonight.  Only her second time for Independence Day fireworks (with him / away from me), her very favorite holiday.  It feels a bit weird (however, I am okay).  Friday we'll celebrate with family, fireworks in another town as if for M's birthday.  She used to think that the fireworks anytime this week were for her birthday:)  Eh, it works.  We always go to a particular local fireworks show, AND to this one with my mother / Bob.

Last night, M remembered the one time we went downtown (as in, downtown Washington, D.C.).  "It rained.  Hard!  I remember us hiding under the pillars."  Not exactly "under" the pillars, M.  We went in sunlight to see the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence the last day possible before the Archives Building was going to close up for a long time.  (It's since reopened.)  We'd stood in line for hours, plural, yes, hours, yet were one of the last hundred or so let in.  It started to pour, and the fireworks started soaring, rebelling that anything would stop its red glare, and other magnificent colors.  M hugged the pillars of the Archives building, moving around them.  Our view was grand and memorable.  I found a tossed umbrella that didn't protect us all that much, as we sloshed our way with the masses back to "the" Metro (subway). 

I remember one year, probably a middle schooler, when my father took my brother, Doug, and I, to Ocean City (Maryland).  I was allowed a bit of unchaperoned time to wander the shops on the boardwalk, and found myself a silver ring with one blue star and one red star.  I still have it.  I forgot until just now, though, so I'm not wearing it.  Or, M's borrowed it.  This morning, M asked for my "red, white, and blue" shoes.  We'd bought matching stars and stripes sneakers super cheap some years ago.  She always thought mine were so ugly, so big.  Yet, THIS year, hers long out grown and our feet now the same size, she wanted them:)  We always get fun shirts to wear, sometimes headbands, whatever, do it up.  I'm glad she's still enjoying herself.  I'm fairly certainly which town they are enjoying events in today and tonight, too.

This morning, I told M to hold on a moment for something, as Birthday Girl was taking my attengion.  "Huh?"  M was confused a moment, thinking I meant her. "Miss Liberty!"  "Oh!"  Liberty, aka, Libby, got some extra attention and extra turkey-flavored treats.  Her brother, Mr. Independence aka Indie, meowed and meowed, insistent upon joining Daisy and I for our morning walk.  For about 5 minutes.  Then he pulled us back across the street towards home.   He snuck out later just as M was coming back outside to join Daisy and I (later walk), and C was pulling up.  Daisy trotted and sniffed herself up to the 3rd floor level, looked out the landing as M got into C's truck which, of course, drove away.  Daisy was alarmed and bolted downstairs as if to say, "Why did that man abscond with our M again?  Where'd she go?"  Daisy started diligently tracking C's scent.  Bad Boy Independence had gone around back, without his lease.  We spent time walking alongside of his excursions onto every patio and bush in the block, somewhat guiding him home. 

Everyone safely inside or gone, I left for the stores.  First stop, ordered clearance desk for M's room.  She'd measured and diagramed.  Then, can I FINALLY find some black pants for myself?  Also found a lot of things for Dad, including yeah, a nice comforter that'll go nicely, was on sale, and comes with sheets and pillow cases.  Of course, he doesn't think he needs it (but he does, and has).  I bought the matching throw pillow which he's most excited for, lol.  I may have to go back and pick up another one. 

A few hours there at Dad's meant I could talk at length with the main contractor working on the needed home repairs, and his assistant.  Rain having come into the home unabated over time has not been kind, nor have the carpenter ants.  We talk of other issues, too.  I usually don't get to visit in the daytime when they are around.  I'm relieved to determine that this is a good man, and knowledgable, and take his number which he'd offered.  I've been checking out new refrigerators for Dad, and main contractor talks with me about that as well.  He says that my father is sometimes very clear-headed, gives a laugh, "especially when it comes to numbers."  I go to mention that Dad had been an accountant, and he waves, "Oh, I know."  I forgot for a moment, this is the main human contact Dad's had for a few weeks now.  Of course this man knows.   This is good.  His assistant also speaks with sensitive perspective and a hard working attitude, suggesting ways I can bleach some of the basement ceiling so they'll only have to replace other portions that are too water damaged.  I'd dreaded actually seeing the basement and damage, so had not yet gone down there.  This man was eager to show me his progress, and, it was looking great at this stage.  So many items we'd stored there; I'd wondered about my late grandmother's glassware, Dad's books, not remembering I had former years tax returns of my own also stored there now too damaged. 

I stayed with Dad a bit after the men left, then go to get a few mid-week groceries.  Dogwalking neighbor sees me and we chat some.  She's happy home repairs are being done, still brings up the mail occasionally.  We say good bye and I go in and make Dad fresh salmon and cut up salad items for dinner he says he's not hungry enough to eat.  But, it's there and about now, he's likely eaten it.  He had food, sure, yet, somehow, it felt better to clean up some things, take the old maybe washable comforter and other clothes to wash, and, make dinner, take time beyond going over the mail and must do items.  Dad wasn't his best today, yet, it wasn't bad.  He asked that I get something for M for her birthday (which I had not mentioned, he remembered himself even while needing me to remind him last week of my brother / his son's birthday).  I did bring a card he signed and I addressed and put in the mail for her from him.  I'm glad to hear the overall opinion of the main contractor.  I am pleased to see money helping things, yet, it's still a matter of time for my father.  Money really isn't everything.

Independence.  What DOES that mean?  To a new teenager, it can mean unchaperoned timein a public place, or a day left home alone (not YET, only portions of a day so far forM).  To a pet, the thrill of sneaking outside with a safe place to return to.  To the divorcing / divorced, a return to making decisions (and having responsibilities) for oneself.  To the elderly, a chance to remain in ones own home, perhaps not give up control (fully, yet).  To the soldier and those who work with them, the greater freedom they commit their lives to (sometimes, sadly, literally).  WEDNESDAY HERO-4th of July

In some ways, we're all still quite interdepent upon each other.  I do rejoice today, for M, for life, and as sappy as it sounds, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.  Independence and self-government.  Hard won, to be cherished, worldwide even just as N is doing in a country many hours ahead of me at the moment in spectacular fashion.  (Okay, I admit it, daggonit, I've loved getting his e-mails "hello from" so far away.)  Parades and fireworks I've seen in D.C., Santa Barbara, California, Beech Ridge Speedway in Maine, and all over Montgomery County, Maryland (particularly as it's grown in population in the past, um, how old am I, over 40 years).

We are a country, and we are connected to each other, and have much to be proud of.  Let us remember that we're connected to all the others in the world as well. 

Happy Independence Day:)

Francis Scott Key, while near Fort McHenry outside Baltimore, Maryland, said it well:   "....and the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air, gave proof through the night that the flag was STILL THERE.  Oh, say does that star spangled banner yet wave, over the land of the free, and the home of the brave."

For other great, patriotic quotes, please see Win's entry:  Independence Day

Tags: Happy Independence Day

My Quiz

Ah, create a bunch of multiple-choice questions about myself?  I can handle that:)  I'm stealing this idea from Amy's private journal:  My Quiz. You better answer correctly!!  She also has a public one focused on her son, Sam, that I list in my side tool bar.  How well DO you know (the public) me?  :)  Except this isn't formatting so well argh....

1)  Breakfast: 

a)  I always eat start the day with breakfast. 

b)  Just a latte for me, please.

c)  I usually eat two breakfasts, and a drink of some sort (latte, juice, etc.)

d)  I eat breakfast if I remember to and have time.

2)  My lingerie and sock drawers are:

a)  Organized by color, style, and fabric.

b)  Exist, and I might get my clean laundry items thrown in there and out of the laundry room.

c)  I always get the clean laundry put away, and folded, but who organizes their sock and lingerie drawers?

3)  I first met C, my daughter M's father, :

a)  Just under 14 years ago, at a nightclub in Frederick.

b)  When we were 14 years old, on a high school field trip visiting colleges in the D.C. area.

c)  In college, at a party that my high school boyfriend took me to.  He and C were good friends.

d)  In the Young Adult group at my church.

4)  My daughter, M, turns/turned how old this week?

a)  12 going on 22

b)  13 egads a teenager

c)  14 and going on 24

d) 16 and wants her driver's license and to start dating ack

5)  What is the last concert I attended?

a)  Stevie Nicks with Vanessa Carlton

b)  Coyote Run and Enter the Haggis

c)  Maggie Sansone and Coyote Run

d)  Blue October with Army of Me

6) M attends what type of school:

a) Catholic / parochial school

b) public school

c) Montessori school

d) evangelical Christian school

7)  We have what pets (answer all the apply)

a) horse(s)

b) hamster(s)

c) rabbit(s)

d) hermit crab(s)

e) dog(s)

f) cat(s)

g) none.

h) fish

BONUS:  If answering that M and I have pets, # of each and what type/breed

8)  Meetings and appointments and such:

a)  Always early, give myself time to relax and handle any questions, forms, go over things.

b) Always on time.

c) Usually on time.

d) Usually on time or reasonably so, but it's a real struggle.

e) Often on time to the first scheduled event in a day, especially if critical, but it's a struggle which I've worked very, very hard on as the years have gone by.  I never mean to be late.  Always on time to subsequent plans in a day.

9)  As a youth, I would read the dictionary

a) every day for 15 minutes after school because my mother felt it highly important

b)  just for the sheer fun of it.

c)  by my choice to rebel against forced reading time in school.

d)  never.  My cousins would have tormented me to no end if I ever did such a thing.

10)  My favorite color is:

a) dark, deep purple

b) deep clear dark green

c) baby pink

d) bright, clear sunshiney yellow

e)  blue, any type of blue

11)  I've been to the following other countries (list all that apply):

a) Ireland

b) Scotland

c) Italy

d) Germany

e) Venezuela

f) Peru

g) Bolivia

h) Canada

i) Mexico

12)  television /movies at home

a)  I watch most nights, morning news, movies, etc.

b)  I watch the news and PBS and that's all I'll let my daughter, and hence me, watch.

c)  I enjoy an occasional movie, but rarely if ever watch regular television shows, cuz, really, who has time?.

d) I'll watch planned shows and movies with my daughter, sometimes PBS, and rarely television news.

13)  I'd prefer to be (check all that apply):

a)  hiking along the C&O Canal

b) at Sebago Lake, Maine

c) skydiving off the Grand Canyon or some similarly beautifully high cliff

d) horseback riding at one of the many wonderful Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission Parks

e) inside my office catching up on work

f)  Chincoteague  and Chincoteague Island, Virginia (or Assateague Island, Maryland)

14)  Debates and conflicts:

a)  I love them, rev me up, get me thinking.

b)  I despise them, avoid them at all costs.

c) I despise them, yet have learned to try to work through them and move on.

d)  I've learned that working through conflict can lead to peace making, and hence am always eager to head in and through issues.

15)  Dating.

a)  I've got to have a guy who I'm involved with or dating, or I feel somewhat inadequate and uncomfortable around my "hitched" friends.

b)  Dating?  Give me a good book and some girlfriends.  Not sure all that dating bother could be worth the heartache and, well, bother.  Single life is where it's at.

c)  I'm not looking for a guy or completion, and don't really have time for dating.  I'm comfortable with myself as a single woman / mother, but for a guy I like and enjoy?  I'll find the time for him, and will be happy to enjoy those moments. 

16)  My one cat, Billy, who has one green eye and one blue eye, is named after:

a)  David Bowie's real middle name (he has one green eye and one blue eye)

b)  My brother.

c)  My uncle Billy, who died as a POW in Korea.

d) My favorite college sweetheart.

e)  My late grandfather, Liam but M couldn't pronounce Liam so we Americanized it to William, or Billy.

f)  My first sweetheart.

17)  reading a book

a)  I'll read most any subject, check out the last chapter or so first, and if it's really intriguing enough, either read the second to last chapter next, or skim read from the beginning, skipping around some.

b)  I'll read most any subject, voraciously reading books methodically through from beginning to end.

c)  I'll read a full book through only if it's one of my favorite subjects or genre's, and then read it straight through, beginning to end.

d)  I never read anything but blogs and skim read online articles.  My attention span is too short for books.

 

Tags: quiz about me

um, Robin, that IS a date

Not this past weekend, but the one previous, M and I were away Friday through Saturday at a great feis.  (Great time I'll have to elaborate on later.)  Md and another classmate of theirs was in a musical, Seussical, just that weekend.  We left as soon as we could from the feis to drive back to the Saturday night show.  Sunday's show was at 2 p.m., and naturally transfer time with C was at 3 p.m., so it was Saturday night or nada.

While M slept, I was chatting with MegaMAID, who got to stay at the festival there that coincided with the feis.  Watching fit men in kilts throwing lumber.  Dag.  I hated missing that.  

The dancing hornpipe first place medalist (yeah) woke up as we neared home, texting with friends.   "Mom, do I have time to see a movie tomorrow?"   I understand that her social life is important, and she hadn't had as much chance to see her classmate friends since school's been out.  I'm thinking of her schedule and how to possibly fit this in for her.  Ha, hmmm, "friends" was really J texting M, who'd asked about seeing a movie Sunday and if she'd ask "everyone else."   She texted him back, "who is everyone." 

"Everyone" did include Md, whom J forgot had the show.  M also had a gig earlier in the day, depending upon how long it'd go.  Sh had told me previously that 3 p.m. had to stay as the tradeoff time, as she thought Si would be too tired to do the gig (even though Si wasn't one of the ones asked, and what about M?).  Sh had also told me previously that the show Sunday won't work, either, as they wanted to pick English peas.  (M was NOT wanting to be outside in the sun and didn't care about peas, but hey, C's choice.)  I wasn't sure at that point if M was confirmed for this gig, due to uncertainty of the time and if C would let her go over 3 p.m. tho I'd been asking C & Sh since midweek, and if J would join for the show that night or if a late movie that night would work or earlier in the day Sunday.....  J and M thought "everyone" going to Sunday's 2 p.m. show together, then all out to a movie, would be best.   (M herself texted Sh later, to ask about going to the show.  Sh texted back to call her, which M got after Saturday night's show we saw only half of, but via their calls Sunday, Sh still said no, wouldn't be time for picking peas.  Ends up we met elsewhereper C's request and C wasn't thereuntil 3:15, but whatever.)   J couldn't go late Saturday night, and not sure what happened to earlier Sunday.  But, M WAS in the gig and it was a great fun day for it.  That's what M texted J, that she had a gig. 

BJ and I were talking yesterday morning before church, from lost luggage to our kids.  (No wonder I once referred to N's STBXwife with the name of BJ's ex-wife, lol, they're similar names.)   Yes, M's 13 years old this week and boys, well, there's one she really likes, yes, the same one.  She won't come out and admit it to me yet.   I like this guy for her, good kid with other good traits, good family, all known each other for years now.  No, no dating, just some attempted plans for all the friends go out to a movie.   "Btw, Robin, that is a date."  Huh?  Group dating, in the teenage years, especially if two are planning it and then inviting others along, apparently is a date.

Oh.

Makes sense, I suppose I did know that.  But.  Oh.

It WAS fitting in a bit too many things into that one weekend, yet I was trying to get it to work for M.  So I told her that perhaps it'd work this past weekend (she was due back at 3pm yesterday / Sunday).   Back home last night, M was texting with friends.  She said it was L.  "Anyone else?"  "No."  Riiggghhtttt.   She and J also texted (his grandfather had died, but he said he'd invite M to the funeral, and what state he's in now whil presumably on vacation).

(Ends up C called yesterday a.m. and asked if he could bring M back 1 - 1 1/2 hours later, which I was nice and agreed to (no plans with friends had been made), and could he bring her to my mom's instead of my house.  I could hear him asking Sh, whatever, it's closer to them, and we enjoyed our time there and back home.)

I don't know that I'm actually ready for this!  I'm thinking dating as the guy coming by to pick her up, and comes in and he and I talk a bit, then they head out.  I know that others in her class have sometimes "dated" others outside of their school / class.  Yet, group dating, these two young teens, some parent still needs to drive them?  Alright, that extent.  And, this is the kid I like best for her.  Just, yikes.

 

Tags: teenage dating

and now it's Thursday already (1st day of summer)

Starting last night, after watching Hairspray with M, was my time to stress out (mildly, organizationally speaking).    

SO much I've been trying to prepare, for the one night away Friday night, and summer plans stuff, and even school next year I have forms I'm still working on.  At least I got the dog sitter confirmed and two loads of laundry started:)  (Also some other things.) 

 

M thought she already had planned to visit my mother today, so the details of THAT, ultimately she won't stay over.  Besides, I need her to be certain she has the correct dance items for this particular feis.  Sunday she goes with C mid-afternoon and so can M or can she not go to the gig first....

 

While sweeping, I was thinking of work N's does, various questions I have about one particularly intriguing project, forgetting where I placed the dustpan I JUST had.  I can lose the dustpan several times in one sweeping session. 

 

Back to reality with so much to do, so little time, where is the time?  When I was in 6th grade, I wrote a paper with my wish for there to be 48 hours in a day.  Not to stretch the day so that people would fit more into it.  I wanted that long to finish up what I wished to fill up 24 hours with but couldn't quite fit in.  I enjoyed reading the paper yesterday while I waited to pick up M from her girlfriends, just like I enjoyed our meanderingly productive in an ADD way evening the night before (3rd panel for our curtains and UP yeah, Border's visit, just fun together even if I'm left with a new, replacement vent to still put on).  Last night, we wanted take Daisy to "the barn" for a walk in the nearby Park, her second idea was paddle boats ironically, and watching Hairspray which I relented and bought, and stayed watching even after she fell asleep.  I suppose it's nicer to have more ideas and less time, then feel stuck with no idea on how to fill time, dreading moments and wishing it to just speed by and go away.  Sleep in, play more, accomplish more, see N or friends or M more, what I could do with even 12 extra hours in a day.

 

I told M that The Washington Post was having a photo contest for the first day of summer.  Her "lights, camera, action" group had saved their work repeatedly, but it still somehow got lost.  She is fighting allergies and was grumpy about their revised work.  (M usually spends a long time describing every aspect.  This setback changed the quality of the piece, in her opinion.)   Lunch helpd.  She also brightened when I told her of this contest, asking for her camera.  They want to know down to the minute when it was taken.   The first day of summer in the Washington, D.C. area.   She snapped photos enroute to my mother's (who has changed from wanting to join us this weekend at the feis to not feeling she should drive that far and who knows). 

 

Whatever your day holds, may it be a good one:)

Tags: 48 hours in a day, first day of summer

I'm melting.

I did exchange e-mails with N, who is feeling beat and stressed right now.  We may go out tomorrow, maybe not....   This is part of what I wrote him back.  Note it's been a very high humidity hot day here.   We're paying for those warm winter and spring days, it seems, or I'm just forgetting that this bad of a summer really can start in late June.  Even if it's not technically summer yet.

 

"I'm not feeling my best myself, running through various reasons WHY and thinking it could be insufficient water combined with allergies.  We'll see:)

 

Let's just see how tomorrow goes then, okay?  I'd rather de-stress you, not stress you further :)  If you need a night alone, that is fine.  Not certain if I can swing it, anyway, but figured I'll try. 

 

I know right about now I'd enjoy something wet and cool.  Canoeing.  Shower (imagined waterfall on my face and neck).  Hanging my feet and legs over the edge of a dock into a nameless body of water, and splashing you.  That could change.  I'm not feeling picky right now.  I will try to think of something actually doable.

 

(Snip.)

 

M's in a camp called, (I'm calling it "career camp" -- if anyone in my area wishes to know more specifics, as there is another week in another high school coming up, or for next year, please just e-mail me).  I just happened upon it in the Gazette.  It's basically a career-oriented camp [for middle schoolers held in my former high school], with a variety of options each camper chooses from.   M says she wants to be a neonatologist, but the option for studying DNA in cells didn't appeal to her.  Ha.  I don't care as I wish her to explore and learn and pursue what she is most interested in.  M is very visually-oriented; color and arts and crafty things have always been part of who she is. 

 

She got into "Techno Art," and "Lights, Camera, Action."  (The course is listed without one of the commas which drives M nuts.  Once she learns a grammar rule, she's right on top of it.)   Techno Art is basically learning computer photo / art software and doing a lot with it.  They have access to a professional-grade printer and tools.  They took photos of them selves in various poses and will make a montage, layering colors in a way I'm not comprehending.  She's loving it even if the flash drive we bought her last night won't work with the school computer.  Then again, I discovered none will work with our home (nor my work) computer as they are set up currently, either.   "Lights, Camera, Action" involves, gee guess what, videophotography.  They learned the equipment yesterday and made a plan of action after watching past years videos.  They filmed today.  M had to bring in a "Smart Water" bottle as her prop.  I suppose she'll be editing and such the remainder of the week.  Of course, I'm hearing lengthy descriptions of each course, and a bit about the various other girls.  I'm glad she's enjoying it:)

 

I'm ready to go back home.  I applied part of my [non-accounted for] work time Sunday to a longer lunchtime today with M.  Life works out sometimes.  It may rain soon it seems, and I'm feeling cooler.  I couldn't stomach anything more than a bagel with butter, not even cream cheese nor the soup I'd prepared.  [Of course, I took an allergy pill, also, in case, and a lot of water.]  I hope you feel better soon, too, [N's name].  Take a few moments for yourself, too.  Maybe do one of those things that help you de-stress."

 

To which he just had to call me, inbetween M texting as she's figured out what park we can take Daisy to.  N's laughing.  The imagery of me splashing him cracked him up.  So, good:)  I was imagining a dock on a lake, such as Lake Sebago, or along a river or bay like many of the Maryland shores have.  I wish the rain would just come already, cool us off, let us take Daisy out to play in the fresh wet area.  I thought a few moments ago that it was imminent, the trees and flag blowing wildly, the air conditioner picking up speed as if rain pouding on the roof.  Not yet.  Still sweltering, still melting should I resubmerge myself into the outside air.