729 Songs

There are 729 songs on my iTunes at work. Leaving this job, leaving the computer and the music library behind. Not that I don't own the CD's and couldn't recreate the library, but it won't be the same. About a week ago I decided to listen to every one of them again before I leave. It's 34.9 days worth of music, so I won't get them all listened to, but I'm giving it a good try. But how to go at this task? I put the entire library in order by length of song, from shortest to longest. 3:31 is the most frequent. All the really good stuff starts at about 5 minutes. Wonder if I'll get through the list that far before the next week ends...

It just can't be

Jeff's relationship with Easton nearly defies description. Their bond is something to behold and impossible to deny. More than once Easton has toddled into our house, and run past me yelling, "Where Grmpah?"

Look at the picture. Can you see it already happening with Emory? She's not left the hospital and Jeff is making that connection that will someday break my heart. I can feel it coming.

I begged him not to make eye contact. I pleaded with him to stop talking to her like that, but he can't help it. Grandchildren are like giant magnets to his heart. I'm hoping maybe some of his technique will rub off on me. Maybe, just maybe, Emory will like me best.

A girl can dream, can't she?

Emory Estella Tharp

Announcing the safe an uneventful arrival of our new granddaughter, Emory Estella Tharp. She was several weeks early, but that didn't seem to be a problem. She was 5'13oz. She looks just like her brother only she has dark, curly hair. Both Miranda and Emory are doing great!

The green dress -- an update

Jeff just sent me an email to say he wants to get me the green dress for my birthday. Should he order it or did I want to take care of that? How cute is my husband???

Be Still

Miranda called yesterday morning to say she was on her way to the hospital. The NST (non-stress test) done at the office showed evidence for concern. Baby Emory's heart rate was fluctuating wildly and dropping to dangerous lows. At the same time there were some contractions, but nothing regular enough to be called labor.

On arriving at the hospital the nurse said Miranda would probably be out in about 20 minutes. We looked at each other knowingly and waited for her tune to change. After she saw the strip coming off the monitor and got the orders which had been faxed by the doctor's office the nurse had to acknowledge that Miranda would be there a while. They drew blood and encouraged Miranda to get as comfortable as possible.

We prayed together and began to flip through the magazines I had taken from the hospital lobby. An amazing thing started to happen. After about an hour Emory's heart rate leveled out and the contractions stopped. All that was really needed was for Miranda to be quiet and resting, and Emory was no longer distressed.

Miranda was released from the hospital with strict admonition that she is to be laying down whenever possible. She can shower, use the bathroom, and that's about it. That's a tall order for anyone, but having a toddler makes that extremely difficult. She and Easton have relocated to our house, for the time being. Adam goes to work at 4 a.m. so getting Easton to daycare becomes a challenge. That's where we come in. We will get him to daycare in the morning so Miranda can spend the day resting, taking her blood pressure, and counting baby kicks.

Thank you for praying for Miranda and Emory. She'll be here soon enough, just not yet. At 36 weeks, praying for 38.

Scar Maps

You've heard of star maps, how we track the placement of stars in the sky. What if people created scar maps? Create a log book of every injury so that later in life you'd know where the scars came from. This thought occurred to me while looking at my precious Easton's face. He already has several scars and not yet two years old. Could make fascinating reading.

A Matter of Semantics

Men's Prison. Women's Reformatory. Is the assumption that women can be reformed and men must simply be restrained?

Thought of that this morning when one of the Manson family killers was interviewed from the California Women's Reformatory where she's been held for 40+ years. She's begging to be released. Has she been reformed? What has she leared in 40 years?

I know what I've learned in 40 years. It's been quite a bit.

I took the job!

Starting approximately July 8, 2008, I will be a marketing representative for NoBrainer. I will start with a salary, but after a short while I'll be on my own. What a thrill! Jeff and I are both excited for this opportunity. For the first time in my professional life, I control my hours, my contacts, my pay. It's all up to me. One of the sales incentives this month is an I-phone. I could live with that. Start producing at a certain rate, they pay the bill. Possible incentive starting next year, the company will own a car that the top sales person gets to drive for the month. Not the top sales person? Give the car to the person who is. I WANT THE CAR!

Thrilled beyond belief.

Now, to slug it out through the next 3 weeks at my job is going to be difficult. Thankful for some projects to finish that will need my attention.

Update

In case you were wondering, the dress has not yet been ordered. Jeff is hinting that he is planning to order it for my birthday. I would like that!

Was just presented with the "High 5 Award" by my department. It's presented twice a year to someone who shows commitment above and beyond their responsibilities. The certificate says: For demonstrating commitment and dedication, humor and a positive attitude, initiative and willingness, participation and partnerships, leadership and affirmative role modeling. Wow. That sounds important. Nice to know that what I do is valued. I like that too.

The Green Dress

I look at this dress online at least once a day. It's a perfect style for my figure type. They do not carry it in the store. I tried on enough clothes in the store I know what size I'm ordering. As soon as GW gets my check here I'm ordering.

What do you all think?