The time has come

to get serious. 

Really, really serious. 

See, I made a deal with god today. (No, not that one. Dr. god. Hence the lowercase 'g')

It was my three-month check in with them--they have a special post-tx CF clinic for all of us. The last time I went was the same day as Parade's final tech rehearsal. (That was a long day) 

Anyway, today it was just me and god. We did the normal things--the rundown of the meds, checking to see if there were any complaints, basic exam, etc. Nothing too important. 

Then we had a Chat (and made a deal). 

See, before transplant, I weighed like nothing. (Check the photos in the May 06 archive if you don't believe me). Really, we're talking nothing. I couldn't wear size 0 clothes. It was bad. 

Now...let's just say we don't have that problem. 

Before t/x, exercise was supposed to happen, but, as things got worse, just existing was hard, so no exercise. And the exercise gene, in general, skipped me. My brother ran Boston in 2 hours in 54 minutes. Me? No. Running is a four-letter word to me. As Mia says in The Princess Diaries, "I'm a yoga girl." 

Well...now I have to be more than a yoga girl, apparently. As you know from some previous posts, I have been trying to work on this. Now I have to work harder. 

God wants exercise 5 days a week, at least 30 minutes at a time. 

My initial reaction? Four letter words. That I didn't say. 

Now I basically listen to everything she tells me to do, because she's god. But I really am not an exercise girl. I'm just...NOT. 

But I have agreed to become one. I see Dr. A in the t/x clinic on June 23, and I imagine Dr. god would take a peek at my chart on that date. So. 

We're going to make it happen. I think. Well, OK, it has to happen. I made a promise. 

• So--BalletMet summer session starts early in June. I can do that. 
  
• I have new workout shorts on the way (I didn't have any that weren't like a size -1), so I can work out in the incredibly hot apartment clubhouse gym and not die. 
  
• I am downloading the rest of my CDs onto my iPod, so I will have a gym-worthy playlist. 
  

Accountability can be here, via the blog. 

Hope y'all are ready for some fun reading. At least all you have to do is read it!

Peace Rules

This is one of the best things ever. Go get one. 

PENS

Going to the Big Dance again!

I think Detroit is goin' down. 

Monday

So, to wrap up the three day weekend:

• movies watched: The end of Junebug, A Midsummer Night's Dream. Hmmm more Christian Bale. 
• Books read: Volume 1 of S&S; more David Copperfield; the Terminator Salvation movie book. 
• iPod updated and charged
• Sewed the hem of a skirt that came undone. Yes, the skirt is beige. Yes, the thread I had was pink. But it's OK.  Also stitched up a hole in the underarm area of a cardigan. 
• Went to Olive Garden w/ Mom, Dad and Mel for dinner. Yummy. 
• Kroger for groceries. Stuff at Target is a lot cheaper, but they don't have produce. Sadly. And the north market stalls were mostly closed today. 
• Wrote letters to far away friends. Yes. Real letters. As in pen and ink. I know, that's a bit archaic.
• Finished the bread. One loaf for freezer, one for now. 
• Coffee ready for tomorrow. 
• Started a short story, which you can read here. Sort of dystopian. 
• Made list of food for the week. 

I am ready for the new week. I think. Maybe. 

The Simple Woman's Daybook--May 25, 2009

For Monday, May 25,2009

Outside my window...
It's almost dark, but it was a very pretty day. HOT though, about 86. 

I am thinking...
That it was a great weekend. Do I have to go back to work? (answer: Yes)

I am thankful for...
My family, days off

From the kitchen...
I finished brioche today. 

To live the liturgy...
Magnificat, Bible reading, rosary, St. Francis prayer book 

I am wearing...

>A raspberry colored tank top, and shorts

I am creating...
A new short story

I am going to breathe deeply ...
And relax--work will be fine!

Bringing beauty to my home ...
the house is clean!

I am going...

to take my pills, have a snack and go to bed. 

I am reading...

Sense and Sensibility, David Copperfield

I am hoping...
For a good, sane week. 

I am hearing...
The Star Trek soundtrack (n the car)

One of my favorite things...
Jane's books :) 

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:
Classes in general...

W: Volunteering at LOOP

Th: Post-tx CF clinic

Sunday report

*Mass at noon

*Lots of movies: finished Pursuit of Happyness, watched Pochahontas, then saw Star Trek at the theater with my dad and siblings. It's been awhile since I'd seen a movie in the theater, so it was fun. The movie was really good; the last Trek movie I saw in the theater, I was about six, and fell asleep about 10 minutes in. I also saw that with my dad (he loves the Trek. Loves it.). The soundtrack is excellent, and so is the acting. J. J. Abrahms does a commendable job resurrecting this franchise for the big screen. I, for one, hope there are more films featuring the young Spock and Kirk. (Side note: I didn't think Spock had a girlfriend! What is up with that?!) After the movie, I went home and started watching Junebug, Amy Adams' breakthrough film (for which she was nominated for an Oscar). 

*Baking: started making brioche loaves (recipe below). Right now the bread is "coming to room temperature" (36 minutes to go there). 

*Read more of David Copperfield. 

Rainy Sunday Baking

Brioche Loaves (from Ina Garten's Barefoot in Paris) 

Makes two loaves

1/2 c. warm water (110-120 degrees) 

1 package dried yeast

3 tbsp. sugar

6 extra-large eggs, at room temperature (I've used large just fine)

4 1/2 unbleached flour (I use King Arthur All-Purpose)

2 tsp. kosher salt

1/2 lb. (2 sticks) unsalted butter,at room temperature

1 egg mixed with 1 tbsp. milk, for egg wash (on second day)

Day One: 

Combine the water, yeast and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix with your hands and allow to stand for 5 minutes until the yeast and sugar dissolve. Add the eggs and beat on medium speed for one minute, until well mixed. With the mixer on low speed, add 2 c. of flour and the salt, ad mix for 5 minutes. With the mixer still on low, add two ore cups of flour and mix for five more minutes. Still on low speed, add the soft butter in chunks and mix for two minutes, scraping down the beater, until well blended. With the mixer still running, sprinkle in the remaining 1/4 c. flour. Switch the paddle attachment to a dough hook and mix on low speed for two minutes. Scrap the dough into a large buttered bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate over night. 

Day Two:

The next day, allow the dough to sit at room temperature for one hour. Grease two 8 1/2X 4 1/2X 2 1/2" loaf pans (regular bread pans). Turn the dough onto a lightly floured board and cut in half. Pat each portion into a 6x8" rectangle, then roll up each rectangle into a cylindrical loaf. Place each loaf, seam side down, into a greased pan. Cover the pans with a damp towel and set aside to rise at room temperature until doubled in volume, 2 to 2 1/2 hours. 

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. When the loaves have risen, brush the top of each with the egg wash and bake for 45 minutes, or until the top springs back and it sounds slightly hollow when tapped. Turn the loaves out onto a wire rack to cool. 

Saturday

So, the first day of my three day weekend leave us with this tally: 

*Movies watched: 1 1/2 (Miss Pettigrew Lives For a Day--review later--and the first half of The Pursuit of Happyness--finishing that right now)

*Books read: More of David Copperfield (he just got engaged to Dora, if you want to know where I am). 

*Chores done: staples bought at Target; general cleaning

* MA classes: Sacraments lecture 

*Games watched and won: 1 (Pens!) (For more hockey, check out this bad blood in the West)

*Taco Dip Consumed: A Lot

*Pizzas eaten: 1/2. Mel at the other half. 

A good day. 

Nicholas' Gift--15 years later

From the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

(If you don't know: Nicholas Green and his family were vacationing in Italy. While driving through Calabria, the seven-year old was shot during a robbery attempt. His family donated his organs, and the number of people signing organ donation cards in Italy quadrupled.) 

His story has been made into a movie, and his father wrote a book. (Which is very good--Karen gave it to me as a discharge gift.) 

Here's a related story the PPG also ran, about shortening the length of the transplant list. 

If you're NOT a donor, please sign up today! 

Random thoughts, linkage, etc.

• OK, yes, I've been AWOL for a bit. But between the Penguins winning, insanity at work, and friends' visiting, it's been busy here!
• So, first, some linkage. This is a great, great blog post. Really great. Go. Read. 
• Above I mentioned I had friends visit this week. Who? These two: 

That, my friends, is Karen, my transplant nurse, and her adorable, soon-to-be-one-year-old daughter, Paige. Paige was focused on the bit of lucky muffin that Karen was holding out--and Paige loved them. Every time she had a bite, she did this little head-bang/nod thing. It was adorable. Karen hadn't seen my apartment since I first moved in, so there were lots of changes! In honor of Paige's birthday, I got her Go, Dog, Go! which was my brother and I's favorite Dr. Seuss book when we were kids. I would read it to him over and over. We actually have that on videotape at my parents'--me reading to Bryan in my dad's big recliner. I was doing all the voices, too. Bryan was entranced. 

• And yeah, speaking of the Lucky Muffins--Pens up 2-0 in the Eastern Conference Finals against The Carolina Hurricanes. Game 3 tonight in Carolina. 
• Also in sports news: this is a good column. 
• In MA news: working on both classes, slowly but steadily. More up at CPG later. 
• The unread book pile? Remember this?

We're working on it! David Copperfield is actually being read, and I'm making progress! Of course this weekend starts the Great Jane Re-Read (I think this is the fourth year for it? Not sure), wherein I re-read all of Jane. I will be starting with 

S&S later today. 

• OK whew. I think that's it for now. More as the long weekend progresses....

ha!

I went to the gym. At like 8:00, I just up and said, I'm going. 

No one there, did the treadmill. 

I am happy with myself. 

And..

my Sacraments prof and more links here. 

Some random linkage

Food snobbery at....food banks?!

The Simple Woman's Daybook--May 18, 2009

The Simple Woman's Daybook
For MONDAY, May 18, 2009
Outside my window...
It's a beautiful spring day! High 60s, a bit of a breeze, the trees are all green. 

I am thinking...
That it has been a good Monday so far. 

I am thankful for...
My family, my vocation

From the kitchen...
Not sure yet. A few options, including shrimp or pasta.
To live the liturgy...
Magnificat, Bible reading, rosary, St. Francis prayer book 
I am wearing...

A DKNY green plaid skirt; green camisole; green cardigan (all different shades of green so I don't look like a Leprechaun)
I am creating...
Files for my MA classes (I know, not very exciting)

I am going to breathe deeply ...
And enjoy this lovely day

Bringing beauty to my home ...
the house is clean!
My kitchen table is finally clear!
I am going...

to listen to my next Sacraments lecture and do the homework (if any. This prof isn't real big on assignments). And then follow the Pens online. 
I am reading...

A lot of the CCC. :) And then...On Being Catholic, David Copperfield
I am hoping...
For good classes this week.
I am hearing...
The Juno soundtrack

Around the house...
not a lot to do. General tidying. 
One of my favorite things...
My new file folders :) 
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:
T: A meeting w/ a friend of mine from church about a youth ministry he's involved in here in the city. 

Th: Lunch w/ Dad, ballet class (I will get there!!) 

F-M: Long weekend, yay! 

A Picture Thought I am Sharing:

Another pic of me and the cutest babe ever. Behind us is my cousin Kelly. My brother took this while Justin and I were playing "airplane", or whatever you want to call the game where you rock the baby back and forth. 

(sorry the spacing is all funny--blogger was going nuts as I composed this) 

Sacraments 101

(well, OK, really 516, but who's counting?)

Second class here. 

Seven Quick Takes Friday--Vol. IV

I. 

Market Day was on Thursday this week. For $19, I bought: two large lemons, a pint of strawberries, a bunch of bananas (for the making of these), a quart of local,non-fat milk (that tastes AMAZING), and a pound of hot dogs from the local butcher. $15 more will buy you two delicious pints of ice cream from here. (And if you don't live in Columbus, get this delivered. Seriously)

II. 

Had my first MA class yesterday-Principles of Biblical Study I. You can read about it here. I have my first Sacraments class tonight. I'll let you know how it goes. 

III. 

Addendum to point II--I still can't believe I read all of Genesis in one sitting. I guess reading the Bible is more fun when you understand how it works, or you're looking for things. Not that I didn't like Genesis before, but it makes more sense when you understand it. True of life in general I guess. 

IV. 

Auditions for Hilliard Summer Theater's musical--Big River--are next Sunday. If I can swing clips rotation with my boss and co-workers, I will be there. I am looking forward to seeing lots of old friends! If you want to read about my first year of summer adventures with them, check out the 'j_h' category on the sidebar.  Still not sure what next year's theater line-ups are for other theater companies. 

V. 

In apartment news--my dad thinks I need a new garbage disposal. Yay! 

VI. 

Not a lot of reading this week. I got Scott Hahn's "A Father Who Keeps His Promises", and began to read it, but since my MA stuff came the next day, I"ve been reading that. I will probably read some more over the weekend and have bookshelves if there is anything new (as in, anything from the ever-growing 'to read' pile that gets finished). The new Duck's Cottage book club book should be arriving tomorrow or Monday, so I'm excited to see it!

VII. 

We have had a lot of rain this spring, so much that when it's sunny (like today) everything is a brilliant green. BUt when it's not sunny, when it's overcast and rainy, I'm reminded of a phrase of Annie Dillard's, from Pilgrim at Tinker Creek. She talks about the "fecundity of spring"--how things are growing and green and alive, how it's a powerful thing to witness. So while I love the sun, seeing that power and growth when it's grey and raining is quite wonderful as well. 

For more quick takes, hop over to conversion diary. 

"So, how did it go?"

My first day of school. 

YES!

My first two MA courses have arrived!!!

CPG stuff

A post commemorating the first Fatima apparition here. (With links to movies!) 

Bookshelf: The Whole World Over

This is the second Julia Glass novel I've read, following Three Junes, for which she won the National Book Award. I've had my eye on this one for awhile and finally picked it up last weekend.

Greenie owns a bakery in lower Manhattan, and is married to Alan, a psychologist, with whom she has a son, George, who's about 5. Walter, Greenie's friend and owner of a local restaurant, gets Greenie a 'tryout' with the Governor of New Mexico--after tasting her coconut cake at Walter's, he wants to hire her as his personal chef. While their political opinions don't exactly mesh, he offers her the position. 

The offer comes at the right time for Greenie (whose real name is Charlotte). She and her husband haven't been getting along; she thinks it's some sort of midlife crisis. So she takes the job in New Mexico, brining her son with her. Alan is supposed to move out there with them. But he never does, only coming for occasional visits. 

While in New Mexico, Greenie reconnects with a former high school fling, and seriously considers beginning a relationship with him, after she discovers that Alan has fathered an illegitimate child with a former schoolmate. The two consider divorce but, as Alan bring George back to New York City to live with him, they never begin the proceedings. 

All of this is interrupted by the events of 9/11. This is the second 9/11 book I've read (the first being A Little Love Story, which is superb), and in this book the events are the catalyst for everyone to "come to their senses." Greenie flies back east, to her parents' cabin in Maine, where Alan and George have gone post-attack. Will there be a reconciliation?

The book's secondary characters are fantastic. There's Walter and his multiple, complex relationships; Saga, an epileptic who works for an animal rescue, and has a few run ins with Walter, Alan, and Fenno, a bookstore owner; Saga's family, including the domineering Michael; and of course, the clan in New Mexico, including the governor's chauffeur, "Big George." 

A theme throughout the book is nicknames, or misplaced names. Saga's real name is Emily; Greenie's is Charlotte, but she's called all sorts of things. Fenno even has a few different names in the novel. Identities and motives are not what they seem throughout the entire book. 

I liked this one better than Three Junes--it seemed to move faster. Both books involve lots of food, so it's not something I recommend to read if you're hungry. (My mistake) Some of the secondary plots seemed unnecessary, but all resolved satisfactorily. I would read this one before Three Junes, and I'll tackle Glass's third book, I See You Everywhere (about the relationship between sisters) once it's in paperback. 

Mother's Day

(OK, yes, this is a re-run from last year...but it does capture what I want to say)

I read a stat the other day. It said that stay at home moms would be worth approximately $117,000 if they were paid according to market demand. 

I think my mom would be worth more than that. 

Not just because she's my mom, but with me as her kid, you'd have to tack on a nurse's salary, too, which would put her earning power at more than $200,000, probably (beating my dad--sorry dad!). 

My parents have split the Emily duties--Dad usually does the ER runs, the surgery runs, the let's go out of town and visit doctors who know nothing runs. He also Handles the Insurance Company (that's a biggie). Mom does the day to day Children's stuff, the meds, makes appointments, takes me to appointments, and does fun stuff like wash my hair, flush my port, change burn dressings, etc., etc., etc. That's a lot of work. Trust me. And we've had to be fairly inventive as the years have gone on. Washing hair with a PICC, for example, is different than washing hair with an accessed port. 

Somehow in the midst of all this fun, Bryan and Mel also got raised and fed and taken to soccer, football, marching band, tennis, etc., etc., etc. I had voice lessons and dance classes and choir rehearsals. Meals got made and Christmas presents bought (Mom is, without a doubt, the Champion Christmas Shopper of the World. She is just awesome.). School projects got done, including counting pieces of litter in Blacklick Woods for a 5th grade "cluster" project. We went prom dress shopping and headed to hair appointments. 

When people talk about "working mothers," they're usually leaving my mom, and all the other Stay and Home Moms, out. This irritates me. My mom certainly works, and works hard!! She's worked the equivalent of two jobs for, oh, 26 years now. That's not easy. And there's no paycheck, no reward banquets, no bonuses, not even cool lunches at fancy places with The Boss. If Mom had worked at a "real" job, then I have no idea what would've happened to me (or the rest of us). Part of successful CF and post-tx care is having a strong support system. In the weeks after tx, we were at The Resort almost every day. I couldn't drive for three months, and Dad had to work. What were we supposed to do? So mom took me and hung out in waiting rooms while I did PT and OT and all that good stuff. It takes time to learn to change dressings, access ports, and make sure all the meds are going right. I was sort of half there, what with all my drug interactions and such. Someone needed to take charge. And that was mom. 

I would put up a pic of mom, but she's picky about that, so I'll just say we look alike. :) That should give you an idea. 
Happy Mother's Day!

BalletMet's 2009-2010 season!

The season was just announced today, and I can't wait until it begins! But I have to wait until October! Which is doubly hard, because the season opener is

And I love Swan Lake (OK, who doesn't love Swan Lake?) I haven't seen it in abut five years and I am looking forward to seeing it again, especially since the Cincinnati Ballet is joining BalletMet. The last time this happened was with Balanchine's Jewels, and it was a stunning collaboration. Two fabulous ballet companies for the price of one! 

The rest of the season is: 

Nov. 6-21, BalletMet Performance Space (their wonderful black-box theater across from their studios). 

This performance will also include a revival of Tharp's Sinatra Suite. 

The Nutcracker, Dec. 11-23, at the Ohio Theater.

If you haven't seen this yet, you really should. It's magical. 

Feb. 5-14, Capitol Theater, Riffe Center

I am really looking forward to this one. I've never seen it, but we all know the "Wedding March" that Mendelssohn wrote for this ballet! 

March 5-14, Capitol Theater

This looks very intriguing. I have never seen this ballet, either, but it looks evocative and passionate. Can't wait. This one-act ballet will be followed by a new work by Great Gatsby choreographer Jimmy Orrante. 

The season closes with: 

April 23-May 1, Capitol Theater

BalletMet's website describe this performance like so: 

WORLD PREMIERE! Listen to the lyrical legacy of three musicians. Watch the dynamic depiction of their distinctive songs danced upon the stage. Feel the creative forces that compelled these musical giants to move us in truly original ways. Their signature sounds have had fans of all ages dancing for decades. Now you can see the raw power of Johnny Cash, the soulful style of Stevie Wonder and the swinging sounds of Sammy Davis Jr. as you have never seen them before.

So, if this season looks as wonderful and intriguing to YOU as it does to me, head over to BalletMet's website and order a season subscription! I promise you, it will be worth it. 

Bookshelf: Vanessa and Virginia

Just finished reading the above title, after picking it up at B&N last night (I always get a book on payday. It's a rule). I love Virginia Woolf's writing and one of my favorite movies is The Hours, so this was right up my alley. 

Susan Sellers (who is a coeditor on the Cambridge University Press editions of Virginia's works) has written about the sisters' passionate, intense, complicated relationship from Vanessa's point of view. As the older sister, she took care of Virginia after their mother died and the two of them lived together with their brothers in their Bloomsbury house after their father's death. Vanessa was a painter; Virginia, a writer. While Vanessa married Clive Bell and has three children, Virginia's 'children' are her novels, for which she earns wide acclaim. 

Sellers tells the story in short vignettes, demonstrating the ties that bind all sisters--intense love, but also, in this case, equally intense jealousy. They often loved the same people, competing to be first in art, in love, in people's affections. But yet, neither one of them can see how much the other wants her sister's life. Vanessa wishes to have her paintings be as recognized as Virginia's books; Virginia, in turn, wants the bustling life, children, and love of others that her sister has. 

This is one of the best books I have read this year and will definitely become a travel companion this summer. Highly recommended! 

Seven Quick Takes Friday--Vol. III

I. 

Today was Market Day! (at the North Market) 

Today's goodies can be seen below: 

Here, we have delectable fruits: apples, lemons and limes (atop onions)

And here, the all Ohio, all the time (except the strawberries)

L-R, top to bottom: Milk from a Southern Ohio farm; spinach and mesclun greens; strawberries and sugar snap peas, and radishes. 

The radishes and limes were supposed to be part of a radish-corn salad I was making tonight. There wasn't any corn at the market, but I thought, "Oh,I'll used canned corn at home." Come home--no corn! Argh! So spinach and strawberry salad with vinagrette instead. 

II. 

Sent in my application for my first two MA classes. Well, actually they're undergrad classes cross-listed to the MA program that I need to take, since Capital didn't offer classes called "Sacraments". (It's a ELCA school) So anyway, I am taking Biblical Study I and Sacraments. Sort of dreading the former, since I don't know what it will be about. I'm

hoping it's not an entire course on Numbers or something. 

III. 

Side note on the MA thing: Last weekend, as we were going to Pittsburgh, we drove by the exit that takes you to FUS. I looked up the hills and thought, "I hope I am driving back here soon, as a student." This was on Saturday--got the letter on Monday. 

That's good stuff.

IV. 

See the post below about all the books? Yeah. Read more of David Copperfield yesterday. Brick by brick....I'm trying to read as much as I can before I get all my school books. (I LOVE that idea. School books! Studying! Woohoo!--No I am NOT kidding)

V. 

Pray for friend of a friend--in giving birth to her fifth child, she (the friend's friend) died, leaving her husband and the five children. They have no family nearby. 

VI. 

On a happier note...

Last night we got a break from the rain, and I sat out on my deck, watched the sun set, did a few stretches and read Copperfield. It was a beautiful night. My backyard is home to lots of critters--deer, rabbits, cardinals, blue jays, robins, squirrels, even a groundhog! I love watching them. 

VII. 

Going to my parents' tonight to watch Game 4 of the Pens-Caps series. I want a win!!!

More Quick Takes Over at Conversion Diary

The "To be read/finished" pile

Top to bottom: 

Tolstoy's short stories

David Copperfield

Scoop

The Wings of the Dove

Bleak House

The Pillow BOok

Will in the World

(Abridged) Tale of Genji

The Return of the Native

Moliere's plays

VICTORY

I thought I was going to have a heart attack watching this game. 

But it all turned out well. 

School Funding 101

OK, I am NOT going to go into the crazy, convoluted, insane state that is current school funding in Ohio. Not gonna do it. 

However, I am going to give you one basic distinction:

**LEVIES are passed by local communities. 

**The STATE can allocate certain amounts of General Revenue Funding (GRF) to schools. Right now, schools and medicaid make up about 70% of Ohio's budget.

**THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT (aka Congress) can also allocate money for funding. 

Here's the thing--when you get it from the state, or the feds, it is much, much more likely to have strings attached. I.e, here is federal govt. money, but it can only be spent on reading/math/ gifted/early childhood/whatever education. 

Furthermore, as we are discovering--it is really, really hard to get "equitable" school funding without screwing one or more districts. You're either being Robin Hood, or Robin Hood in Reverse. 

So--if you want money for music, etc.--you need to work for local/state levies to get that funding. The local level is the best. 

Oh, and note to those who have "I want the military to have bake sales to buy bombers" bumper stickers--appropriations at the federal level are not subject to balance budget statutes (like they are in Ohio, for example).  But yes, generally, the DOD (Department of Defense) gets more money than the Department of Education. It helps that the preamble to the Constitution specifically states that "provid[ing] for the common defense" was (is) part of establishing the country in the beginning.

 

So--summary: 

Do not blame the feds when people in your district vote down levies. 

AND

If you would like more money for education, then be prepared to say where other areas should be cut. Roads? Health care? Human services? You pick. 

Perfect

*Rainy afternoon

*books to read

*Lady Grey tea in my Spode tea cup

*snuggly blankets

*movies to be watched by the DVD player

The Simple Woman's Daybook--May 4, 2009

The Simple Woman's Daybook
For MONDAY, May 4, 2009

Outside my window...
Beautiful, sunny and breezy--in the high 60s, low 70s. 

I am thinking...
that I am so excited to be a graduate student!

I am thankful for...
being accepted into this wonderful program, and the chance to learn from some of the best theologians in the WORLD. 

From the kitchen...
Pasta Roni from Target *yeah, so not original

To live the liturgy...
Bible, rosary, Magnificat, St. Francis prayer book(now more than ever!) 

I am wearing...

A new dress from Title 9--sleeveless, color "Glass", a very pale blue green

I am creating...
files for the MA program

I am going to breathe deeply ...
and enjoy this new adventure!

Bringing beauty to my home ...
Vacuuming, dusting

I am going...
to Parish Council tonight--new members' first meeting!

I am reading...
David Copperfield

I am hoping...
for a grace-filled MA program!

I am hearing...
my iTunes disk

Around the house...
Balancing checkbook, cleaning

One of my favorite things...
studying! (really. I've missed it!)

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:
T: Annie at St. Pius (one of my former baby-sitting charges is playing Rooster's g/f, whose name I am forgetting) 

Thursday: Ballet class

A Picture Thought I am Sharing:

(yes, I've already shown this but I LOVE it) 

me and Justin 

BIG NEWS!!!

Over here! 

Really, really big news!

More fun stuff

This time from Peggy

1. Color-blue

2. Dessert-chocolate

3. Smell-flowers

4. Flower-roses

5. Animal-bunnies

6. Month-September

7. Beverage-Diet Dr. Pepper

8. Pair of shoes-my Ugg loafers

9. Snack-chips 'n dip

10. Song-currently..."Soak Up The Sun"

11. Book-All Jane

12. Fruit-strawberries

13. Hairstyle-easy!

14. Piece of clothing-my Boston Marathon hoodie

15. Store to clothes shop-J. Crew

16. Season-Autumn

17. Hobby-photography

18. Thing to collect-Willow Tree Angels

19. Movie-The Hours

20. Restaurant- Bon Vie

Me and the babe

Emology

(From Jane) 

1) What is your salad dressing of choice? Italian

2) What is your favorite sit-down restaurant? Bon Vie! 

3) What food could you eat for 2 weeks straight and not get sick of? PIZZA

4) What are your pizza toppings of choice? pineapple, sausage, pepperoni, cheese....

5) What do you like to put on your toast? peanut butter

6) How many televisions are in your house? 1

7) What color cell phone do you have? red

8) Are you right-handed or left-handed? right

9) Have you ever had anything removed from your body? major organs :) but other than that, no. I still have my tonsils. Go figure. 

10) What is the last heavy item you lifted? all my computer stuff, up the stairs into my apartment. 

11) Have you ever been knocked unconscious? Knocked? No. Unconscious due to drugs/medical conditions? Yes

12) If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die? No. Absolutely not. 

13) If you could change your name, what would you change it to? I like it. No changes. 

14) Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $1000? Sure. As long as I didn't have to keep it down. (yeah, I stole this from Jane. )

15) How many pairs of flip flops do you own? Three. 

16) What’s your goal for the year? be happy

17) Last person you talked to on the phone? I don't really talk on the phone, but it was probably mom. 

18) Last person you hugged? My grandpa

19) Favorite Season? summer/end of summer into fall

20) Favorite Holiday? Christmas!!!

21) Favorite day of the week? Saturday

22) Favorite Month? August/September

23) First place you went this morning? church in PA

24) What's the last movie you saw? The Hiding Place 

25) Do you smile often? Yup

26) Do you always answer your phone? My favorite button ever is iDivert. (OK, stole this again too, but I love it!)

27) It's four in the morning and you get a text message? I'm not even aware it happened. 

28) If you could change your eye color what would it be? I wouldn't

29) What flavor drink do you get at Sonic? Anything. Sonic's drinks are the best. 

30) Have you ever had a pet fish? yes. Twice. Both times they died. 

31) Favorite Christmas song? O Holy Night

32) What's on your wish list for your birthday? Well I just had one....I got books/DVDs/ a fun Magic Kingdom mug. :) 

33) Can you do push ups? Um...probably a couple. I can do plank pose. :) 

34) Can you do pull ups? Ha. Ha. NO. 

35) Does the future make you more nervous or excited? very very excited

36) Do you have any saved texts? Yup

37) Ever been in a car wreck? a couple

38) Do you have an accent? apparently, some people thing I do. I'm from Ohio, we're known for being "accentless"

39) What is the last song to make you cry? "Do What You Have To Do"  (I'm not counting songs I sang whilst crying onstage. That's called acting folks)

40) Plans tonight? unpack, read Parish Council materials, clean. Yes, I really have to clean. 

41) Have you ever felt like you hit rock bottom? Yup. 

42) Name 3 things you bought yesterday: Candy for my cousins at my other cousin's school musical. :) 

43) Have you ever been given roses? Heck yes. I had one boyfriend who was particularly good at that. 

44) Current hate right now? That I have to vacuum. I really hate vacuuming. 

45) Met someone who changed your life?  Yup. 

46) How did you bring in the New Year? I stayed home.  Yes, I am boring, but I'm not a big New Year's Eve Girl. I spent it once in NYC, and that was plenty. 

47) What song represents you? There's not one. There's a million. 

48) Name three people who might complete this? Not sure. 

49) What were you doing 12 AM last night? sleeping at Grandma's house in the bottom bunk. Good times. 

50) What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up? It's morning ALREADY? 

A bit of radio silence

Silence over here until probably tomorrow night...going to Pittsburgh for my cousin Paige's first communion! I can't wait to see everyone, especially my godson, who is probably even bigger than he was at Christmas...sigh...they grow so fast.... (that's him in the photo) 

Fun with photo booth

Seven Quick Takes Friday (vol. II)

-1-

I've been receiving a lot of wonderful feedback for this blog entry, including this lovely email I received today from BalletMet: 

Just wanted to thank you so much for your blog entry on The Great Gatsby. It was wonderful--I'm so very thrilled you enjoyed the production and will make sure Jimmy (Orrante) reads your comments. I enjoy reading your Culture Cat entries throughout our season! You've got a great way of re-capping the story as well as all the elements that come together to create our productions. We've got a fantastic season coming up--as a subscriber, be on the lookout for the new season brochure in your mail next weekend!

I can't wait to see next year's season! If you live in Columbus and have not been to BalletMet, you are denying yourself true cultural enjoyment. They are really one of the best things about the city, and I have never, in five years of regular attendance, seen a bad show. 

-2-

A sad note--no new ballet until the end of summer. ARGH! Maybe the Houston Ballet will be performing when I'm there? 

-3-

Tomorrow we head to Pittsburgh for my cousin Paige's first communion. We always do these parties well, and with the Pens/Caps game series beginning tomorrow, we'll gather around the TV after food, presents, and cake. I can't wait to see Paige in her first communion dress, although I'm not sure how long she'll actually keep it on post-ceremony. 

-4-

Not a lot of reading this week--too busy with ballet, Sing Out Louise and etc. But I am bringing David Copperfield in the car tomorrow, so I'm sure I'l get lots of reading done (provided I don't fall asleep on the car). 

-5-

 

I received the third Ring Opera n the mail today from Amazon--Siegfried. I'll probably put it on later tonight. Since I can't get to the Met to watch Otto Schneck's production, I've been watching them at home. As I looked at the DVD case, I noticed that the actor singing Siegfried (the hero), is actually named Siegfried. 

Wow. I bet he hated that as a kid. Or is it fate that he was cast in this role? I hope he sings it well. 

-6-

With the dawning of the age of Widget 2.0 I have been loading my new iPod classic with all my music. I've almost got it all in, and it's a wonderful thing to carry around in my purse, especially since it has ample room for movies (right now it's only got Prince Caspian). And the new computer (dubbed Widget 2.0) performs beautifully. 

-7-

And last, an uncharitable comment: if my downstairs neighbors slam their door one more time...

Oh well. Happy Friday!