Today was one of those days where the list was too long, the time too short, and I ended up redoing some things I'd thought I could do ahead, but then the do aheads, well some wouldn't work, the others got lost (in my purse) some things fell out of the ikea bag I was trying to carry half my agenda for this week and next... sigh. Some days my life feels like I'm running just in front of a collapsing mine tunnel. And I surely don't move as fast as I used to.
Anyway, I got up to the window, and she was her usual friendly helpful self, doing her job quickly, and even though it was just a few minutes before closing she didn't seem worn out, or ready to abandon her window, when the clock struck 6. Of course there isn't a clock in the lobby, I guess after some of the patrons complained that the window wasn't open at 9:00.
Our post office is understaffed at least with regard to the front desk. It is common to be in line for 20 minutes or more, and the polite quieter grumbling is over. People sigh, roll their eyes, grumble way above a whisper, and generally would be making me feel anxious if I was on her side of the counter. She never seems to show any negative actions. Actually, they probably receive training in this, as the grumbling customers might "go postal" if they were treated impatiently by the clerk. I admire her. Wonder if she'd like a box of chocolates for Valentine's Day?
Monday, February 1, 2010
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Grateful for the "challenges" in my life
Right now, I'm participating in a couple of challenges. Most of them require secrecy until the deadline, so no pics for awhile. =)
This week, envelopes full of wooly worms have been arriving. I'll be mailing mine out tomorrow. Maria Barton of Starr Rug Company, who is also a member of AAPG(defined elsewhere) has graciously drawn up a couple of rug patterns, and we are all trying to do backgrounds for our designs in a color we've never used for a background. The ladies all sent more than the 5-10 worms suggested, and their worms are mostly quite long. It was wonderful to me, that much of the wool I had to share, had been given to me by other members for swaps or birthday gifts. My style is to combine upcycled wools with hand dyed wools. These ladies are all so generous.
We are also in the middle of a swap, with the theme being Secret Admirer♥ so lovely valentine handmades and pastel wools. Lots of fun, like picking out special valentines for friends when we were girls in grade school.
I'm also participating in a really large challenge with April of Red Jack Rugs. We have a theme each month, this month is heritage, this challenge will last through the remainder of this calendar year, but no shame if I don't finish my rug by New Year's Eve. This will be the second really large rug that I've hooked, once it is finished. My retirement rug opened the door, and this one will really be quite different, as we are hooking 12 smaller areas, more the style of a Block of the Month. There are many wonderful ways to hook a rug. The retirement rug was a challenge started by my dear friend and mentor, Kelley! Those of us in the group called them our BHRs which was short for (Big Honkin Rugs) because of the comment of a young neighbor to one of the participants.
This week, envelopes full of wooly worms have been arriving. I'll be mailing mine out tomorrow. Maria Barton of Starr Rug Company, who is also a member of AAPG(defined elsewhere) has graciously drawn up a couple of rug patterns, and we are all trying to do backgrounds for our designs in a color we've never used for a background. The ladies all sent more than the 5-10 worms suggested, and their worms are mostly quite long. It was wonderful to me, that much of the wool I had to share, had been given to me by other members for swaps or birthday gifts. My style is to combine upcycled wools with hand dyed wools. These ladies are all so generous.
We are also in the middle of a swap, with the theme being Secret Admirer♥ so lovely valentine handmades and pastel wools. Lots of fun, like picking out special valentines for friends when we were girls in grade school.
I'm also participating in a really large challenge with April of Red Jack Rugs. We have a theme each month, this month is heritage, this challenge will last through the remainder of this calendar year, but no shame if I don't finish my rug by New Year's Eve. This will be the second really large rug that I've hooked, once it is finished. My retirement rug opened the door, and this one will really be quite different, as we are hooking 12 smaller areas, more the style of a Block of the Month. There are many wonderful ways to hook a rug. The retirement rug was a challenge started by my dear friend and mentor, Kelley! Those of us in the group called them our BHRs which was short for (Big Honkin Rugs) because of the comment of a young neighbor to one of the participants.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Grateful for Avatar
My dh took us to see this wonderful movie for the second time. We both loved it and if you haven't gone to see it yet, it is one you really will enjoy more in 3D on the big screen. It will definitely be a future purchase for us, when it is released on DVD. The story is epic and has historical roots as well, even if it is imaginary and takes place on Pandora, a moon far away. Sad that the "improving" of our children's education has taken away the study of classical myths...
I expected it would be fun to watch again, but not as emotionally impacting as the first time. Well, when the bombs were released at home tree, I cried just as deeply as the first time. You may not believe in giant blue people who care more for their world than we do for our own. But the beauty of the place is worth the ticket price. Perhaps you'll find yourself wishing for those little tendrils to connect with our world...
The phrase "I see you" means seeing beneath the mask to the essential spirit of someone. Beyond that to accepting that spirit. So look at someone you love and really see them. ♥
I expected it would be fun to watch again, but not as emotionally impacting as the first time. Well, when the bombs were released at home tree, I cried just as deeply as the first time. You may not believe in giant blue people who care more for their world than we do for our own. But the beauty of the place is worth the ticket price. Perhaps you'll find yourself wishing for those little tendrils to connect with our world...
The phrase "I see you" means seeing beneath the mask to the essential spirit of someone. Beyond that to accepting that spirit. So look at someone you love and really see them. ♥
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Grateful for technology
Our daughter's brother in law and his wife who is a true sister to her, will be moving to Alaska. They don't live in Houston, but D/FW isn't really all that far away. We touch each other's lives through Facebook, email, and on really wonderful occasions when they return home.
All of us are going to invest and install webcams, and even though I've never been all that interested in SKYPE, well, it just goes to show that there just wasn't a reason before. But then, if I can talk my sis into it, we can talk and see each other as well.
Back in the century before last(1800s) folks moved away, and you might never have heard of or from them again. The mail wasn't anything to brag about, even after the pony express. But now, we'll be able to plug in, find a time slot good for all of us, and see them even more often than before.
All of us are going to invest and install webcams, and even though I've never been all that interested in SKYPE, well, it just goes to show that there just wasn't a reason before. But then, if I can talk my sis into it, we can talk and see each other as well.
Back in the century before last(1800s) folks moved away, and you might never have heard of or from them again. The mail wasn't anything to brag about, even after the pony express. But now, we'll be able to plug in, find a time slot good for all of us, and see them even more often than before.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Grateful for being a mom and grandma
Last night, our daughter and I had a wonderful phone conversation, which is of course between us. But as much joy as a child can bring to a mother, is not even in the same ball park as the joy of being able to visit adult to adult with the child grown up. Our granddaughter is growing so quickly, and that makes us all "happy, happy" but also feel how quickly the time of her childhood is passing.
So enjoy as much of each day as you can, we'll be trying to do the same. Remember that years from now you can't get back the precious moments of your child's childhood. Our daughter makes me proud of her as a mother. I know she'll be a great grandmother someday, but thankfully that is YEARS away. Still many childhood firsts for all of us to enjoy. Personally, this grandma is looking forward to our first Leap Year Leap Day birthday...and that is still 2 years away.
So enjoy as much of each day as you can, we'll be trying to do the same. Remember that years from now you can't get back the precious moments of your child's childhood. Our daughter makes me proud of her as a mother. I know she'll be a great grandmother someday, but thankfully that is YEARS away. Still many childhood firsts for all of us to enjoy. Personally, this grandma is looking forward to our first Leap Year Leap Day birthday...and that is still 2 years away.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Grateful for our President
I won't be going all political on ya, but today (MLK day) is a good day to say how proud I am of our country that we've moved beyond the way things were. When I was a high school and college student was in the days of the civil rights movement.
A year ago last November, was a watermark moment for our country. Whether you agree with all of his policies, I hope you recognize that our current president works hard for the betterment of our country. I've quite honestly changed my view of our state representation in Washington, because they have opposed so much of the health reform. It may not be your cup of tea either, but because of illnesses in my sister's family, no preexisting conditions makes their insurance virtually unobtainable. So with all due respect, just saying no to reforms doesn't impress me in a favorable way.
It is still a proud day for our country that we have gone from the days of segregation to our first black president. Whether you are old enough to remember singing "We Shall Overcome", the days of separate but not equal, or Dr. King. we are blessed to provide more opportunity. If you are more like Archie Bunker, try to remember even he had a good friend in George Jefferson.
A year ago last November, was a watermark moment for our country. Whether you agree with all of his policies, I hope you recognize that our current president works hard for the betterment of our country. I've quite honestly changed my view of our state representation in Washington, because they have opposed so much of the health reform. It may not be your cup of tea either, but because of illnesses in my sister's family, no preexisting conditions makes their insurance virtually unobtainable. So with all due respect, just saying no to reforms doesn't impress me in a favorable way.
It is still a proud day for our country that we have gone from the days of segregation to our first black president. Whether you are old enough to remember singing "We Shall Overcome", the days of separate but not equal, or Dr. King. we are blessed to provide more opportunity. If you are more like Archie Bunker, try to remember even he had a good friend in George Jefferson.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Grateful for the predicted return to normal winter temps
I won't brag, cause that would be just plain rude, but if the weatherman is right, we'll be enjoying days more typical of a Houston winter soon. Which means that Livvie and I will be able to spend more time outside, and not have to be bundled up like it is winter.
When we moved here from MO, folks said, "Houston has two seasons, summer and February" and by and large that is how we've found it to be. This winter has been cold, rainy, and in many ways a blessing. Those insects that slumber may not be returning, because of an extended time under freezing. The rain is certainly better than the drought of last winter.
In fact, it is more like the weather when we moved to TX, more than 25 years ago. BTW, I'll always be proud to be a native Nebraskan Go Big RED, however we raised our daughter in TX, so we're Texan too now. Livvie is a NATIVE TEXAN! That means a lot to Texans. :)
When we moved here from MO, folks said, "Houston has two seasons, summer and February" and by and large that is how we've found it to be. This winter has been cold, rainy, and in many ways a blessing. Those insects that slumber may not be returning, because of an extended time under freezing. The rain is certainly better than the drought of last winter.
In fact, it is more like the weather when we moved to TX, more than 25 years ago. BTW, I'll always be proud to be a native Nebraskan Go Big RED, however we raised our daughter in TX, so we're Texan too now. Livvie is a NATIVE TEXAN! That means a lot to Texans. :)
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