Nana's Box

February 18th

2009-02-18T08:19:00.002-05:00

Today, as every year on this date, I find myself thinking about a very good friend who once walked beside me during many good, happy, bad and/or sad times. Pam Davis

Pam was such an inspiration to me, always looking on the bright side, laughing in such a way to brighten up everyone around her even when everything in her life was not so bright.

Pam was one of my very best friends. She was two years younger than I was and we met in high school through the Colombian exchange program that we took together to Popayan, Colombia. We went together to Popayan on two different occasions. She was tall and had the most beautiful long blond hair; she rode horses in shows and was an accomplished rider with ribbons and trophies decorating her bedroom.

Pam lived under a lot of pressure from her parents to exceed and excell in all she attempted. One or both of her parents drank too much and were not overly pleasant when they did. Pam was one of the bridesmaids in my wedding and although she always said she would never get married, fortunately, while in school at Rice University she met a man who changed her mind. She married and was, from all I knew, very happy.

Pam and I continued to stay in touch, and would call each other for our birthdays and at least a couple of other times during the year. We would sometimes talk for more than hours going over all that was happening in our lives.

Sadly, the year Pam was turning 25, she was found to have a brain tumor which was inoperable. I spoke with her husband on her 25th birthday to find that she was in the hospital at that time. A few days later, I think maybe a week, I called again knowing that something had happened. When Mike returned my call, Pam had passed away. Very sad day. I'm so glad that she was part of my life and was such a good friend, and I sometimes feel that she is looking down and watching over what is going on in my life.

Today is her birthday- Happy Birthday, Pam

I have missed having you here to talk to.

Thanks for staying alive in my memories.

The Shack

2008-08-22T19:48:00.002-05:00

Here is yet another post in Nana's Box- the few and far between. I find myself with a little time tonight so I thought I would talk about a book I've read that is stirring quite the controversy within the hearts and minds of several friends.

The book is "The Shack"- a book I had heard about, and have now read. Not only have I read it but several co workers read the book before I did with many good things to say. Other friends have read the book, my parents have read the book, I've given copies to my children, and now am finding some reviews that are quite negative, considering the book heresy.

I won't go into the content of the book except to say that the intent of the reading/story was somewhat profound, not because of the portrayal of God the father, Son, and Holy Ghost but the way the story described one man's journey through some very hard times, regaining his faith and letting go of some bitter feelings toward God and others in his life.

The controversy lies in some people's opinion that this book is intended to personify God in ways he shouldn't be. Some think that the book is trying to tell people that there are multiple ways to get to heaven. Some believe that the author has a personal agenda to infiltrate the Christian world and beliefs with his own. While discussing these issues is somewhat interesting, I in no way felt that this book challenged my faith, but rather it helped me to let go of some things that I may have been keeping in my own "shack". I need to understand that I will not always know 'Why', and that's OK. I may not be able to fix what I consider wrong as those 'wrongs' may be God's ultimate 'rights' for my life that I just don't see at the time they happen.

If you read the book, or have read it, on your own volition or because of my giving it to you, or talking about it, please remember that it is a work of fiction and with all fiction that is read, enjoy it for the story, and if there is a message in that story, consider it fully as it may or may not apply to your life, don't just follow it blindly!

Vague enough?

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

2008-05-26T11:39:00.008-05:00

This weekend has been filled with some shopping, yardwork, a James Taylor concert, and will finish up with a little more shopping and a hamburger cook out!

The concert last night was great, a couple of pictures are here from Chastain. Susanna went with me and although she didn't come back hoarse as from other concersts she has attended, she did enjoy Chastain, the music and the beautiful evening! She had fun with her camera, taking lots of pictures and even trying to get close-ups with her camera up to the eye piece of the binoculars! Creative!

Anyway, are are a couple...

We came home with some new ringtones!

2008-04-28T13:22:00.003-05:00

Most infrequent blogger, that's me! But usually when I have something to say, I call! Anyway, check out my new background picture for my new school laptop...which due to my docking station, is also my desktop- I just have to remember that if i take my laptop home, I MUST bring it back or I have no computer to use at school!!!!

Somebody sure has some really cute kids... and I have some really cute grandkids!!!!! I might be somewhat biased, but then again, maybe not!

Slides

2007-10-19T21:05:00.001-05:00

In the process of scanning slides that have been taken over the last 30 years, I have come to the birth of my first...Steven Clayton James. What a 'right' time in my life, I felt so completed with the ability to birth my babies so relatively easily. Don't get me wrong, there was pain, but in comparison to the birth stories of others, mine was wonderful!

Check this out, my first angel:
Now isn't that the cutest thing???? Sucking the fingers and only a few hours old!
But here's another one that let's you see how miraculous I feel this experience was...He's looking at me, I'm looking at him- precious.
We won't mention how different I look as far as age is concerned...but then again I think Steven looks more different than I do!!!

All for now...

Thoughts

2007-10-13T21:07:00.000-05:00

It's very hard to lose a child...in the life our my church we have lost two children in the last 4 months, both to car accidents. One was 17, the other was 24...born the same year as Thomas. Daniel, the young man who died this week, was very active in the church youth group at the same time as Steven and Thomas- he didn't always follow the conservative path to life and he was a very active young man. During the service today, the words spoken referred to his never ending smile, his zest for life, and the fact that he never would say goodbye, only "see ya later"! What made today's service hard for me, in addition to being there by myself, was seeing the pictures of Daniel's youth activities which included several pictures of Steven. I don't want to outlive my children...not that they want to see me die, but, a parent is not "supposed" to outlive their child!

It is times like this that you realize how fragile life is...would I be ready if today was my day to go to meet God? Are you?

For those limited few that read this blog, please know that I love you all and please forgive me for anything that I may have done that has ever caused you pain. I do the best that I can, and I hope that if there's anything I do that causes you pain that you will let me know. I also hope that you all are taking the time to resolve problems in your life so that you are ready on any given day, ready for yourself and ready for those you love.

I know...somewhat of a downer today, but since I haven't really posted in awhile, it's rambling anyway!

With the staff at school, we were talking about the fact that, as educators, we are sometimes more tuned in to the "wrong" than the "right"- looking for the faults and trying to fix them rather than seeing the good and enhancing them. Did you know that, on an average, people have 50,000 some odd thoughts a day- 80% of them are negative, or are aimed at the "what needs to be done/fixed" thoughts. Sometimes you have to make a concerted effort to increase the positives in life... so along those lines, let me take a minute to list some of the things for which I am very thankful:

My health and ability to work and exercise when I can;
Steven, Rebecca, Emily, Claire, and baby boy on the way- it is very comforting to see how much Steven cares for Rebecca, and likewise, how much Rebecca cares for Steven- I love how Rebecca takes care of 'my baby' and truly loves him; how much joy I get from little girl hugs and the calling of 'Nana' when they see me;
Thomas, who is so full of life, and can find such joy in day to day dealings while discovering what his calling is within God's plan;
Susanna, who demonstrates such wisdom, in life and in academics- such perceived strength!;
Steve and the years that were so good, and the children that we had together;
My parents and their continued long life- their strength and wisdom keep me going when I am down;

I guess for now, that's all...take time to let those around you know the 'good'.

It has happened to me...

2007-06-29T22:26:00.000-05:00

I went to use my Kroger card at Kroger to buy groceries and gas, but alas, they told me it was denied! Denied??? Me??? Well the Kroger 'guy' said it was probably just a glitch in the communication with the satellites.

Oh no, I found out as I returned home, when I had time to sit and think, I logged in to my account online and lo and behold! Someone has shopped at a paint store in Santa Rosa, CA to the tune of $1,246.06!!!!

So I called and spoke to a very nice young man who told me that not only had there been a charge of $1246 but when that came through they froze the account and someone tried to spend $118 at CompUSA, but that was blocked.

Luckily, the initial transaction took place yesterday, they froze the account, they'll mail me a form to fill out, mail back and then they'll remove the fraudulent charge. They'll be issuing me a new card.

So now my question and fear is that my credit will be affected and I'll have to change any/all cards that I have- which really isn't that many- actually maybe only one other one. I guess we're all vulnerable to this and more than likely it will happen to everyone at some time in their financial life.

Oh well, good news is that Alan, Kristi and family are coming this weekend, actually later tonight. They are excited about being away for awhile and want to be Atlanta tourists for a few days.

They will visit their old church on Sunday and then meet up with some friends on Monday-Wednesday, they think. The son in that family has just been diagnosed with diabetes and they are learning how to cope with the diet and shots so hopefully that won't keep them from coming to spend time with Alan and Kristi.

I guess that's it for now!

Sad Day

2007-06-24T19:03:00.000-05:00

Today, the life of Thomas Brown was celebrated at a memorial service at church. Thomas was 17, active in the youth group, an upcoming leader, someone who always made people smile. While I did not know him too well as a young man, I watched him grow up as the son of Angela and Dale and brother of Kathryn and Elizabeth who were more the ages of Steven and Thomas. What happened this week to Thomas, could have happened to anyone, but it hit home as it could have been any one of my children as well. "Children shouldn't pass away before their parents", they say.

The church was packed- youth filled one side of the church with other friends and family completely filling the rest of the church. After the children were older, Angela became a teacher in Gwinnett, working at Rock Springs Elementary. Many of the parents and teachers from the school were there.

Davis gave the eulogy from which I brought home things to think about:

- Thomas was on his way to the campground to be a youth leader for LAP and although God did not cause the accident, He was there to welcome him into His house. Answer God's call in your life so he will be waiting for you when it's time.

- Thomas loved everyone, made everyone feel welcome and he did not play favorites with the youth or his friends. Davis made a point of saying that he learned that love from his parents and family- a loving family encouraging him to grow into a fine, loving, God-loving, young man. What have my children learned about love from my life? I'm concerned about that with all that has transpired over the past 2-3 years.

- Thomas was the same on Monday as he was on Sunday- He lived a life loving Jesus whether he was at school, at home, with friends, or on his own. Do you? Do I?

Text for today: I Corinthians 13
1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames,[b] but have not love, I gain nothing.
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears.

It is my hope and prayer that my children and family know love- and truly know how much I love you all- and although my life, and therefore yours, has not taken the path I "planned", I have to rely on God and believe that his plan for my life can handle the curves that it has taken. Please understand that anything I say, question or comment on concerning your lives (past, present, or future) is only done with love, care and concern.

I truly hope that God's plan does not include my losing a child, especially when they are young and discovering the plan God is revealing for their lives.

There's more that I am thinking about, but I don't need to continue with the sadness and how it filters into other aspects of my life.

Three Weeks

2007-06-14T14:50:00.000-05:00

There are 3 weeks until the 4th of July...and so 3 weeks until the Peachtree Road Race. I've made the decision to walk in the race and today, my race number came in the mail! Exciting! A beautiful purple number that will be pinned to my shirt to "qualify" me for one of the coveted road race shirts...that is, of course, if I finish the race! My number? 92092, something that I might be able to remember! I'm amongst the last 9900 in the race since I entered as a walker. The instructions are quite clear about where to go that morning and the one I laughed at was that everyone was to try to finish within an hour and a half. Well, that's all well and good if I can keep up my pace. My 10K for today was 92 minutes...averages out to a 15 minute mile. I don't seem to be able to consistently push myself to average faster than 15 minute mile, and I'm so concerned with not injuring my back that I don't want to chance running at this point.

Hopefully I can keep up the pace and at least not slow down!!!!!

30 years...

2007-05-27T12:17:00.001-05:00

Technically, Friday ended my 30th year in education...wow! I'm holding positions by half-lifes...teaching 20 years, tech coordinator for 10 years, now beginning as an administrator...wonder if I'll be ready to retire in 5 years?

The week was quite hectic, as was to be expected. Lots to do before people leave the building, and for the most part, it all got done, but there are "left overs" that still need to be accomplished. I will be changing offices, I'll be up in the front of the building but opposite the clinic, actually in Mr. Schaeffer's office as he moves next door. Phone number will stay the same so that doesn't have to change. Truth be told it is in the same geographical location as the Mac lab was 10 years ago, before renovations were done. Moving is this week's task, for one.

We gave a party for Robin Saturday night- it was fun. Susanna was a big help in getting things here ready and then three people from school helped with food and paper products...leftovers consist of chicken strips, fruit and...anyone want some cake???? We wrote "questions for an LSTC" for Robin that she had to read and answer- I think she had a good time wiht that. I think we had a total of 30-40 people here including the kids that came so that was good. She's kind of nervous about changing schools and being the LSTC but she's also excited. Now we'll see if I can "let go" of LSTC tasks when adding AP things to my 'to do' lists!

It's very smoky in the Metro Atlanta area today, makes going to the pool not quite so enticing. Hopefully it will go away so we can enjoy the day and the rest of the weekend!

Just thoughts

2007-05-17T19:23:00.000-05:00

I've had a good week, Mother's Day was very nice- thanks to all that helped make it that way! Card, calls, gifts, music, and breakfast in bed...all very much appreciated!

The tasks at work are coming fast and furious right now and with Gary leaving, he's starting to tell me things that I'll need to do so those new tasks are building on ones I need to finish for this year and it's somewhat stressful, but I'm managing and I know to take it slow and "just breathe" so it all gets done.

We have a situation at work that I can't go in to, but one that needs prayers- someone is being challenged on things that were or were not done and their integrity is being challenged. This person is ready to resign at the end of the year as the tension this has caused has taken the joy out of the job. The hopes are that nothing truly bad will happen as I do believe this person would not intentionally do anything wrong. Those who are checking things out are digging hard to find things that I don't think are there.

Susanna gets to play the part of a driver for me tomorrow as I'm having my first (oooh, I'm so excited) colonoscopy. Hope you know that I'm sarcastic about being happy! Today has been 'liquid diet day' which hasn't been as bad as I thought but lots of good food at school today in celebration of end of year activities that I had to pass by : ( Should be done and back home by 10:30 or so in the morning and then will probably sleep most of the day away. Just a "You're 50 and need a baseline" scan- no problems that we know of and hopefully there won't be any!

Three of my friends from school and I are giving Robin a party on the evening of the 26th as she has been at McKendree for so long and she is now leaving to be an LSTC at another school. Hope we can get everything together in time! It should be fun!

Had a pleasant visit from Rachel Kay Tuesday night...came over around 10, talked and caught us up on her boyfriend (Sean) and Joneen's beau (Cliff) and the fact that Ken has gotten married. She found out at an event at school when he introduced someone to his wife. She was a little hurt as she didn't know they had gotten married! She spent the night as it was late, spent Wednesday with Susanna and Joneen came over to pick her up to go shopping that afternoon. Good to see her for a few minutes.

Guess that's it...

New Directions

2007-05-12T17:47:00.000-05:00

Yesterday it was announced that I will be one of the Assitant Principals at McKendree next year. Cindy is quite excited, or seems to be and so far, I've not heard any bad feedback from others on staff, only compliments from some, so that makes me feel good. I hope that I've read all the signs correctly and that this is what God wants for me. I think I do have leadership skills to offer the staff as well as being connected with the students in a different way in this position. First responsibility will be that of Summer School so that is the first task to handle, although all the prep work has been done so running the program will be the bulk of the responsibilities.

It was great being able to tell the kids and my brother, sisters, and parents about the new job. They were all very pleased. It is a little hard, though as I thought I'd always share this with my spouse. Steve does know, he evidently found out through someone at his school who got the notices about new appointments. He did send a congratulations note through email. Nice, but of course not "the same". But, it seems that I'm into changing things by the decade! 2 decades in the classroom, 1 decade as the tech coordinator, and now next year I'll start a new decade in education as an administrator.

Sus and I went to dinner last night and wanted to watch an outdoor concert of Collins Hill's and two other high schools' Jazz bands, but alas, the rains came during dinner and didn't stop so we opted to come home. We then thought about going to Relay for Life at the fairgrounds, but as the rain kept falling we decided not to go there, either. So it was a movie night, instead.

I've been twice now to LA Fitness and have survived the Step Class both times. So far that's all I've done. It's fun, and I hope that soon I'll take advantage of my free personal trainer hour. Then I'll know about which machines would be best for me. I got a letter from them allowing a family member a free membership through the end of May so we'll see if Susanna is interested at all.

Used the 2nd half of a gift certificate to get my nails done today- the girl that did them was amazed that the last time I had them done was before Christmas!!! Told me I needed to spend more time on myself! Not something I'm accustomed to doing but am learning to do that more and more. Of course, getting my nails done and working in the yard don't go together so I have to coordinate the timing!!!

Guess that's about it today!

Happy Day!

2007-05-01T10:36:00.000-05:00

It's a good day! Beautiful outside, the kind of weather that makes you love the area. I walked last night at Mulberry Park and the greens of the trees and the grass were just amazing.

Susanna comes home today! Yippee! She has one exam today and then she can pack the car, return her books, spend her last pennies on her meal plan, and head home!

Thomas had good news yesterday. He has been offered a new scholarship- one that combines support from the local and district church/conference and if it comes in addition to the other monies he has been offered, then he will be more comfortable this next year as he commutes back and forth from D.C. to Ferrum.

We are on the home stretch for the school year. Last day for the kids is the 23rd of May. They are excited, to say the least. May 10th will be the night I find out if I'm "approved" as an Assitant Principal for the next school year. I hope that I'm following God's lead in pursuing this! There are days when I wish I could retire as I can think of other things that are fun to do, but "I'm young" I'm told and too young to retire! Hmmm...

There are three "birthday girls" this month- Emily, Joanne, and Rebecca, in that order!

Mom had outpatient surgery yesterday for a kidney stone. She's been battling one for over a week, and didn't notice it passing, but when she went in for the surgery, the x-ray didn't show the stone in the tube any more. But the doctor decided to look around anyway to be sure there was no damage and no remnants that were not showing up. She did well and was home around 1:00pm. MaryGayle is there to help mom/dad, so that is good.

All in all, a good day, and so far a good week!

Great Weekend!

2007-04-23T10:42:00.000-05:00

This weekend was really great- I spent Thursday through Sunday with Susanna in Boone.

She had a concert Thursday night- in this group she sits first chair and had several solos. Fun upbeat music, a fun time!

Friday night she was inducted into Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society and she and her fellow inductees are planning to make something of this group for next year! Right, Sus? Evidently not an active group at this time, but watch out! There are stirrings in the ranks for possible service endeavors for this group! We went to see a movie afterwards (In the Land of Women) which was a good "chick flick" movie!

Saturday we spent a nice day in Blowing Rock, where Susanna added a cute hat to her wardrobe! That night was a concert by her Wind Ensemble at the Hayes Music center. Again a well done concert with a guest Sax player for one piece, it ended with Stars/Stripes...as the director said, they played it for the ending as a March is where bands began...

Sunday we had the "Grand Buffet" at the Broyhill Inn, Susanna has money left on her meal plan and since she can use it there, we treated ourselves to a great brunch! We packed up some of her stuff and loaded it in the van so that what she has left she can fit in her car. She gets to come home next week! Then we went to the on campus "market" to spend more of her meal plan dollars loading up with cereal, FUZE drinks (yum) and Easy Mac!

As I left, I stopped off at "The Blowing Rock" to see the town's namesake. Nice view, beautiful day, not too windy and it was fun to watch a hawk soar around in the sky going from the heights of where I was to the low areas of the valley in front of me- relaxing!

Unfortunately, Mom/Dad were not able to enjoy the weekend with us as Mom is battling a kidney stone and right now, although the pain is not as bad as a week ago, she feels very nauseous. If she can hold out, she has another appointment with the doctor tomorrow to see when/if they will go in and get the stone or do some kind of laser procedure to break it up and help it pass on its own. She was very upset about the timins since they were not able to join me in Boone. I pray that her kidney stone problems resolve soon and without the excruciating pain that they can bring.

Anyway, home and back at work. I'll pick up Jesse this afternoon- I'm sure he'll be glad to be out of the Vet's office!

Gardener, Health Enthusiast, and Expert Squirrel Catcher!

2007-04-15T16:48:00.000-05:00

It's been awhile since I posted, and it's been suggested that to have a blog, it must be updated : ) !

I'm quite pleased with how the front yard has turned out, I worked more outside yesterday and, with the help of the tall ladder, I trimmed some of the RiverBirch in hopes of letting the sun get to the areas where I'd like the grass to grow. There was more to be trimmed, but, alas, the wobbly ladder and my fear of heights would not let me ascend to the upper reaches of these high branches! Now if the sun would come out, I'd know how well my efforts worked.

Today I joined the new LA Fitness that is scheduled to open May 1st. It is being built 2 miles from the house, and GCPS Employees get discounted enrollment fees. It's a huge new facility with a pool, excersize machines (of course), many classes, sauna, hot tub, and, well it's new! The back road (old GA 20) will go right to the shopping center where the club will be so I'm hoping that getting there will be easier when traffic is heavy. Now, I just have to make myself go. I'll have a session with a personal trainer to make sure I know what to use and how and then I'll be set. In the mean time, I have a pass to use the club at 120/Sugarloaf if I'd like to get started before May 1st.

I'll be going to Boone this week to hear a couple of Susanna's concerts and also to be there when she is inducted in honor society. Mom/dad will be going as well so that should be fun!

Oh, highlight of my weekend! I caught a squirrel and have already taken it 3 miles or so away and let it go! We, at times, have had squirrels in the attic. I thought they had been removed, but evidently one of the trees has grown an "access" branch or two and they have rediscovered the warmth of the attic. Anyway... the trap was set with a yummy peanut butter sandwich and after church today, I heard much noise and discovered a squirrel in the trap. So, I carefully brought the trap down and drove it away! I put Jesse in his bed as I figured he would rather have his turn playing with the squirrel and I'm not ready to see what he does if he ever catches a squirrel...oh my...what's that noise??? Yes, I have now caught another squirrel in the trap. Looks like I'll be taking another trip out tonight! I guess the cold has brought them in looking for easy food...Well I needed to get some groceries anyway, now I guess I'll have to be sure to put peanut butter on the list as well! What an adventure life can be! Wonder if I should spray paint this critter to see if he finds his way back home????

Looks Like I'll Live for Awhile!

2007-03-20T19:11:00.000-05:00

I had a physical today- one of those things you should do every so often just to check things out. The results? Well, "You're a healthy woman" the doctor said...all looks good over all but the areas of concern are...

Bad cholesterol is high...good cholesterol is high...which makes the ratio in the "good" range, so we're not worried...BUT (the ever famous word) we would really like the bad cholesterol level to go down SO...you need to go on a low cholesterol diet (WeightWatcher type) and re-check the blood work in 3 months. Keep walking (although the walking has not helped me lose weight-frustrating), that's what he's attributing the high level of good cholesterol to, so keep that up.

For my children's information, high cholesterol is on my mom's side- she has had to take meds for quite awhile; high blood pressure is present in my dad, was in Grandpa James, and as well as your own dad- who takes blood pressure and cholesterol reducing meds.

Oh and maybe lose 20 pounds in the process. So, his suggestion was to have Cheerios for breakfast, main meal mid-day, then fruits/veggies for dinner. We'll see what I can do to make it more exciting!

Then next "good news" was that it's that time in my life when I get to have the baseline colonoscopy- my ob-gyn has already told me to get one done as his mother died of colon cancer. This Dr. said that his baseline caught benign polups (sp?) that if they hadn't been caught and removed, would have become cancerous within 5 years. So that's next in the medical line up for this 50 year old body!

At home, I've selected a new yard service (fertilizer/weed) company to take care of the nutrient needs of the yard and have been doing quite a bit of yard work. Nothing too noticeable at this time except that I'm re-lining the front beds as the shade from our trees and the neighbor's trees are shading and killing the bermuda grass. Love the daylight savings time and warmer weather- I have time to work, get home, walk and do some yard work before dark!

Guess that's it...

Great Walk Today!

2007-03-18T18:38:00.000-05:00

I had a great walk to day- Went to the park and enjoyed the beautiful day and walked the 2.2 loop three times- I think I wore Jesse out! He was looking at me like I was crazy when I headed around the third time! My Ipod froze so my walk was not recorded- oh well, but I did it and although it took me 1 1/2 hours to go the distance (6.6 miles) I thought I'd give it a try since I (gulp) sent in my registration to walk in the Peachtree Road Race! YIKES! We'll see if I can make it and really do it!

Thomas returned safely from Guatemala, Susanna should be back in Boone any minute, and she had a good visit with Carlos, so all is going well. I worked in the yard all day yesterday getting some things cleaned and straightened- more to do but at least I can still move today!

Little Claire will be one year old next weekend! Amazing how the time goes by...

She made it!

2007-03-10T12:56:00.000-05:00

Susanna got home last night! She came to school as I was checking people in for the family photos we have going on and she watched the talent show. Afterwards we went for dinner- nice night.

Today she came in and we had our pictures taken together- should be cute! She brought in a hat to wear with her individual picture- looked cute!

I'm stressing a little over the yard...trying to get some things figured out about the plan that was done for me. It doesn't really picture the front porch correctly so it's hard for me to imagine the plants as they have them drawn. The other problem is that I really need something done with the grass and this doesn't tell me anything about that. I don't do well yet with making all kinds of decisions myself. Getting better but not great yet!

Sus is with Steve for the rest of the day. I know they'll have a good time, I imagine he misses her a lot.

Tomorrow we are planning a trip to Amacaloa Falls, possibly. We'll see how the weather is holding up by then.

2007-03-08T20:52:00.000-05:00

Success, Success, Success! The new hard drive is installed, formatted and ready to accept any photos I can throw at it! Now I can begin to learn how to use the slide scanner! But that will be for another day.

Sus comes home tomorrow!!! I'm staying home for awhile in the morning to get things ready for her and have some down time- being at school at 6:45 every morning is really hard!

Good Day!

2007-03-08T10:40:00.000-05:00

After a frustrating evening, today should be better! Finally got the computer to find the new hard drive, with help, of course, from Steven who, bless his heart, was trying to help me and help Rebecca take care of the girls at home! I did solve their riddle of why Steven's AIM log in kept going on and off as I was using Steven's log in on the home computer that kept signing him in every time I restarted the computer!

I worked in the yard yesterday and started re-aligning the back edge of the yard, pulling the rock edge out a little since the grass won't grow back there anyway! I pulled leaves off the beds to try to help the bulbs develop and grow a little more. The landscaper should have my plans ready soon, then I'll need to get busy moving plants and planting some new ones.

Susanna comes home tomorrow!!!!

2007-03-07T13:06:00.000-05:00

What a great day yesterday! I finished a meeting early and was able to get home by 3:00pm! I talked to Sus for awhile...she's coming home FRIDAY!!!! Yea!!!! Then Jesse and I went for a walk at Mulberry Park- such a pleasant place. I went around twice and had time at the end to sit and relax while the sun was setting, before it got too cold! Very Nice! I enjoy using my Nike "thing" to track my walks and was able to do my second 2 mile walk under 15 min/mile! I usually put my music on shuffle while I walk, but maybe I'd keep better time if I used one of the walking podcasts...we'll see.

After dinner I worked trying to install the hard drive on the computer. It will house all the slides that I get scanned...if I can get them scanned! Hopefully it will work soon as last night, it definitely didn't! I'll continue working on it today/tomorrow with Steven's help trying to figure out why the computer won't "see" what should obviously (to me, anyway) be readily available!