Don't take me seriously, seriously!

Over a year?

2011-03-05T12:49:00.003-06:00

This is a sad commentary on my life. More than a year since I last blogged. Speaking of which, did you ever think you would use the words "google" and "blog" as nouns and verbs? Wasn't something I learned in grade school.

I'm back! I will blog more, eat less, work out more frequently, and might even floss. Who knows? This could get crazy!

Meeting my neighbors

2009-01-10T14:47:00.003-06:00

Thankful for beautiful sunshine today as I set out to meet my neighbors and ask for their votes for city council. Here's what I learned in this adventure:

1. Carry tissues, it's cold and your nose is going to run
2. Wear less clothing than you think you need, you're going to get warm
3. Get some serious lip stuff, they're going to get dry
4. People love Lincoln as much as I do and are generally happy here

I will keep these, and many other things I hope to learn along the way, upper most as I walk the rest of the city over the next 3 short months to the primary.

Good job Miranda!

2009-01-05T20:11:00.002-06:00

Miranda has never been terribly fond of cooking. She has a few items she has mastered, like Pink Peppermint Pie. Other than that it's simple fair for her and the children. Tonight was a new adventure. She went off recipe and created something. Miranda made a lovely chicken casserole. It was hot and delicious and just what I needed after a long day at work. Thanks Miranda! I'm proud of you.

Working quietly

2008-12-10T09:28:00.003-06:00

Planning to run for City Council in the great city of Lincoln Nebraska. I'm so excited! These weeks I'm working quietly, meeting people, reading policy, making plans. Will hopefully announce next week. If not then after Christmas. It's been humbling and exciting meeting the people who make things happen in this town. I hope to be one of them soon.

A Sunny Sunday Afternoon

2008-10-06T09:00:00.002-05:00

I went and did a crazy, wild, impetuous thing yesterday. I went to Omaha to see Sarah Palin. Lots of 'shoulda-woulda-coulda' involved in the day. Shoulda left earlier, wish I woulda got out of the car before we went to park, coulda gotten in the big room, but we didn't. Stood outside for 2 hours, went through secret service security, and were ushered into a giant hall with no chairs, and a screen on the wall. Yep, another hour plus went by until she arrived. We considered leaving, but then decided we were there so might as well ride it out. Had we been looking more closely we would have noticed a small platform with a microphone set up in the corner. Definitely could have made our way there early on. So, here we are, trying to be comfortable in our own little camp on the concrete floor, when a small shout erupts. There she was! Sarah Palin in the room with us. Fun to be there and hear her speak. Protester in the middle of the room started shouting and waving some sign I couldn't read. Her response, "My son and many other brave men and women are in Iraq right now defending your right to say what you want." Go Sarah!

Yep, my back hurts today from my lengthy association with concrete yesterday. Would I ignore my dirty house, my lack of groceries, and my need for a Sunday nap to do it again? In a heartbeat.

Circles

2008-10-02T17:01:00.002-05:00

Circle of influence, circle of concern. The balance between these two concepts is heavy on my mind today.

Tonight she comes

2008-10-02T16:57:00.002-05:00

Tonight is the first VP debate of this historic election. I was invited to an event for women. I'm looking forward to an enjoyable evening. What has me a bit concerned was the verbiage in the invitation. It said, "Do you love Sarah Palin?" Well, I'm not sure about that yet. "If you think she's energetic and entertaining..." What would those have to do with my determination if she's a viable candidate to be our second in command?

Yes, I'm excited that a woman has been selected as the nominee. I'm just not convinced yet that the shoe won't drop and the dream that so many seem to be clinging to won't shatter.

An invitation

2008-09-28T18:18:00.002-05:00

In my mail was an invitation to a Pampered Chef party. Unfortunately for me, and for the hostess, there wasn't any information. No date, no time, no return address, not even who the demonstrator was supposed to be. I hope they had a grand time. Sad for me.

A month, really?

2008-09-25T21:39:00.003-05:00

Wish I could back date entries so I wouldn't have to see just how big of a slacker I am. So much has happened in the last month. Where to begin?

We had Easton's "Happy to me!" on Labor Day weekend. We also enjoyed a visit from Kelsey and her boyfriend Brandon.

Miranda and her two darlings have moved in with us. She's in the process of ending her marriage so it looks like they'll be with us for a while. We're all getting settled and into a routine.

Jeff and I ran away from home. I spoke in O'Neill, Broken Bow, Burwell, and Springview NE. From there we continued our trip and spent 2 nights at McConaghy. Met my friend Kristen and her husband Todd at Gothenburg for a round of golf on the way back. Nebraska offers so much beauty. Just have to get off the interstate once in a while.

Today was a most interesting day. Actually it all came down to about an hour of interesting. Learned that Kelsey's relationship status on Facebook had changed and it looked like she and Brandon were no longer together. Meanwhile, I sent the neighbor girl to get the mail because Emory was sleeping in her car seat. As Logan was bringing the mail the elderly gentleman who lives on the corner came all the way to the end of the circle to see me. He said he had found a large grey cat under his bushes and had placed the cat in the trash and he wanted to know if that was okay since he was pretty sure the cat was mine. I told him I'd be down to identify the remains in a few minutes. Jeff called to say he was done at the golf course on the far side of town. That meant I had to load up the grandkids again and head out in the car. While I'm hurrying to change clothes, dreading the stop at the neighbors and whining to my friend on the phone about Kelsey and the dead cat, I notice that Oliver, the cat, is sound asleep in the living room. At the same time I get a text from Kelsey saying she and Brandon are fine, just took their status off facebook. Was very pleased to stop at the neighbors long enough to thank him for his thoughtfulness, but the cat is not mine.

Yep, that was my day.

The moments that make a lifetime

2008-08-25T09:00:00.002-05:00

When our daughter Kelsey was 9 or 10 she insisted she wanted to be baptized. I wasn't convinced she fully understood the significance, so we kept putting her off. After the month-long mission trip to Asia she came home knowing she needed to follow the command of Christ to be baptized.

She and 59 other people, along with 1000 people from our church family, gathered on the east lawn of the church following the morning services for and hour of cheers and applause as people bowed in prayer and took the symbolic plunge into the water. I was touched at her devotion to Christ and her intense desire to be obedient.

I pray that she will never forget the day, I know I never will.

Olympic Gold!

2008-08-12T08:35:00.003-05:00

A few Olympics ago I was under the misguided notion that the U.S.A. totally cleaned up. Every medal ceremony I saw featured the Star Spangled Banner and the red white and blue. Little did I know, through the magic of television we only get to see a tiny fraction of all the events and ceremonies that take place throughout the almost three weeks of competition. Silly, silly me.

729 Songs

2008-06-27T09:51:00.002-05:00

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

2008-06-25T16:54:00.002-05:00

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

2008-06-20T18:18:00.002-05:00

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

2008-06-19T10:33:00.002-05:00

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

2008-06-17T09:52:00.000-05:00

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

2008-06-17T08:15:00.003-05:00

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

2008-06-16T17:13:00.003-05:00

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!

2008-06-10T21:22:00.002-05:00

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

2008-06-06T13:36:00.003-05:00

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

2008-06-02T16:47:00.002-05:00

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?

River of Tears

2008-05-30T12:07:00.000-05:00

Emotions were running a little high in Ohio as Kelsey made final arrangements to leave for her month-long adventure in China. Then the news reached her that Kearney, where she lives, was being hit by tornados. I shared what news I could, what was coming from the TV station about 50 miles away from the action. She was remaining as calm as she could, there was no bad news, she could deal with that. It was after the storm had moved on and she reached everyone by phone and knew that everyone was safe that the emotional storm erupted. All the worry came spilling out in a torrent of tears. Worry over friends, her things, the town that has become her home.

In that moment I was her mother, in the most real sense of the word. I was the woman she turned to who allowed her to cry without judgement, let the river run.

Don't know how she slept last night. I do know that my heart is heavy. Sometimes rivers spill over their banks.

The 'State' job

2008-05-29T00:48:00.002-05:00

More work, because of capability. No additional pay than the person sitting next to you, who is incapable. This is the nature of state jobs. How do you reconcile this dichotomy? Keep doing more, taking on additional responsibilities for no additional compensation? When is enough, enough?

The drive comes from inside. Deep down is where the satisfaction comes from.

Whatever. I just want more money this year, and I don't think it's coming. Sad

Searching for Service

2008-05-28T11:29:00.002-05:00

My phone sits on my desk every day. Service is usually no problem in this building. Today it keeps struggling to find a signal. Do you think it's because of the foil Pop-Tart wrapper it's sitting on?

My handsome and brilliant nephew has started a blog. Puts me to shame with his insight into the universe. I'll keep blogging about cell phone service, he will keep blogging about the nature of reality. Read whichever you want, my feelings won't be hurt.

Red Neck Salad

2008-05-27T12:08:00.003-05:00

This is supposedly a recipe by everyone's favorite cook, Paula Dean. It's called Georgia Cracker Salad, though I haven't verified that. It's so yummy I don't care where it came from. Discovered it at my friend Christie's house.

Georgia Cracker Salad
1 sleeve saltine crackers crumbled (I used store brand Ritz)
1 large tomato, chopped
1 bunch green onions, chopped
1-1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
1 hard cooked egg, chopped

Stir gently until well mixed, chill and serve.

McDizzle? F'shizzle!

2008-05-26T12:09:00.005-05:00

Hastings, Nebraska. Not just the birthplace of Kool-Aid, now the home of the McDizzle. Double Cheeseburger with a chicken patty slipped in the middle. I had a bite, quite tasty. Dare you to try to order one. I've also heard a chicken patty tucked into a Big Mac is pretty special, but I haven't tried that. I would not recommend ordering anything so special during a rush. You're more likely to get cooperation if you're there later at night, when the younger, more adventurous McDonald's employees are on duty. Let me know if you try a McDizzle. Maybe this is a trend that will sweep the nation, something like Kool-Aid.

Question of the day

2008-05-07T16:53:00.001-05:00

How many "hits" do you have to have had before you can produce a "Greatest Hits" collection?

New Kids on the Block have a greatest hits CD. Can you name a single one of their "hits?"

Do they count as fruit?

2008-05-06T13:29:00.001-05:00

Have you tried the new cherry M&M's? Quite tasty and I'm not a big cherry candy fan.

Someone in my office has suggested that because they are cherry they are a fruit and therefore count as vitamins. Anyone else want to weigh in on that subject?

Stalker?

2008-05-03T10:46:00.001-05:00

If you leave the room and he throws himself on the floor crying, is he a stalker?

If he stands outside every room you are in knocking on the door, is he a stalker?

No, he's just a toddler!

A thought worth considering

2008-04-24T22:07:00.003-05:00

William Faulkner's 1950 speech accepting the Nobel Prize in Literature is worthy of your consideration. Search: American Rhetoric top 100, and you'll find some amazing speeches. The one by Faulkner has some great moments. You'll be left to consider the craft of word selection and composition. You'll also, if you've written anything for public consumption, be left in awe of your duty as a writer. Check it out. Revel in the words of a master.

Scary phone call

2008-04-17T08:58:00.004-05:00

Our daughter Kelsey is going to Asia on a mission trip this summer. One of the preparation steps is getting all the immunization recommended. Kelsey gives blood quite frequently, that doesn't bother her. But for whatever reason putting stuff in makes her nervous. I went with her to the clinic. There was discussion about previous immunizations, and how current was her tetanus. The nurse finally settled on 4 shots, with more to follow in the series over the next six weeks.

The next day her phone rings, it's the clinic. The voice says, there's a problem...

They overdosed her? The typhoid was bad? They gave her mad cow?

Turns out they had a question about her account, which I had paid as I left that day. Maybe problem wasn't the right word. She's fine, a little sore, but fine.

Snow in April?

2008-04-11T08:39:00.002-05:00

As we pulled out of the garage this morning there were snowflakes falling. Stop the insanity! I wrote a note in February about snow, and how quickly it would be going away. Thankfully this morning's snow was not sticking. Crazy!

I've been away

2008-04-01T19:47:00.001-05:00

Gentle Readers,

Sorry I've been away. I get into blogspot and all I can think about is checking my great niece Shirley's spot to see if there's any new pictures. I'll try to do better.

You go girl

2008-03-26T08:15:00.003-05:00

“Wow, you’re the first person actually that’s ever asked me that question in the, I don’t know maybe, 70 college campuses I’ve now been to, and I do not think that is any of your business,” Chelsea Clinton said during the campaign visit for her mother.

This was in response to a student newspaper reporter asking Chelsea about Monica Lewinsky. He asked the question as an opportunity for Chelsea to talk about how strong her mother was, and how she's ready to handle crisis. Instead he got the answer above.

I'm no fan of the Clinton's, but overall I think Chelsea's answer was spot on.

All's well that ends well

2008-03-20T14:25:00.002-05:00

Shirley Jean Desvousges arrived at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday. She is a beautiful little girl. Both mother, baby and daddy are doing great. Just got a report from the proud mother, baby and daddy are watching Super Bowl highlights. What more could a girl want on her first day out of the hospital?

The 'blind date' couple had a wonderful time meeting and getting to know each other. They must have had plenty to talk about, the evening ended at 1:00 a.m. They're anxious to see each other again, but both want to take the progress of their relationship very slowly. Waiting on God's timing and direction. I'm happy for both of them. Sorry, no names yet. At least not in this public forum.

All's well that ends well.

Anticipation

2008-03-18T08:46:00.002-05:00

My niece, Erin, is in labor. I've gotten two progress updates by text message, last one at 1:45 a.m. What's going on in Wisconsin???

I set up two dear young people. Both attend our church but had never met before last week. They were supposed to go for coffee last night. Dying to know how it went.

Guess today is about anticipation.

What was I thinking.

2008-03-14T16:40:00.003-05:00

I scheduled: pap smear and exam, eye exam, teeth cleaning and mammogram all within a week. I'm thinking I'll get my hair colored and my toes done. Then I'll be all good from stem to stern. If you see me, be sure to notice.

Every office has one

2008-03-14T09:08:00.003-05:00

Every office has one, that person that listens in on every conversation, and then whispers it to others. How ironic that she is the HR representative. We could list her salary under 'telephone' expense instead of salary. Our office 'telephone' changed cubicles this week. Now she's diagonally across the cube structure from me. She moved so she could have more privacy when she talks with people. I mentioned that I can hear every keystroke on her computer and every word she says. She just laughed and said she could every word from my space too. I don't think she got it.

Donut Debauchery

2008-03-12T08:27:00.003-05:00

I went down the path, and took others with me. It was Jeff's turn to bring food to the office so I picked up a box of assorted yumminess when he did. My friend is not eating fried things or donuts for Lent. I convinced her that pastries are baked, and not technically donuts, therefore legal. How sick and wrong is that? Next thing you know she's gobbling a cream cheese danish and swilling it down with her Slimfast breakfast. I feel so guilty. Maybe the sticky I got on my mouse from the apple fritter will serve as a reminder to be better next time. I doubt it.

Stealth Readers

2008-03-03T09:18:00.002-06:00

First things first. We are driving a 2008 Toyota Camry. When I drove it off the lot it had 4 miles on it. The sunroof got thrown in because it was on the lot in the color I wanted. Matches my winter coat, which was critical! Jeff is happy, I'm happy. Life is good.

It's come to my attention that some of you (Michelle) are reading my blog and not leaving any trail behind. You're stealth readers. While I'm flattered that my life is so interesting, blogging is meant to be a interactive activity. So, interact already! Kristen got her commenting issues worked out, good job Kristen.

A new experience

2008-02-28T14:57:00.002-06:00

Car sales people fighting for my business. This is a totally new experience for me, and I love it! Didn't have the green color I wanted in stock without the sunroof, then I guess we'll have to give you the one with the sunroof for the same price. Oh, but wait, says the other one, I can get you a lower payment, and no documentation fee. Looking very Carmy, the color of my winter coat, with the sunroof, and the seriously nice floormats. What more could a girl want?

Can I take it home with me?

2008-02-28T08:39:00.002-06:00

10 days later, still don't have a car. Why does it have to take so long? Thinking, planning, driving, negotiating, picking a color, new or used, buy or lease, it all just takes time.

Right now we're down to a Toyota Camry, or a Honda Accord. Both new. Is a sunroof a want or a need? Aloe Green or Metal Grey?

My head is spinning, and my mother in law wants her car back. Can you blame her?

Actually ate a burrito on a salesman's desk at 7:30 the other night. That's how desperate I've become. Sad, very sad.

It's a love - hate thing

2008-02-27T08:31:00.002-06:00

My hair looked better when I woke up this morning than it did after a shower and blow dry. I really hate my hair. The color's fine. The cut needs freshening, but isn't bad. Hard to say what it is I hate, but I do. Had a dream last night that a friend had alopecia, where all your hair falls out. Mine's thin, but it's still hanging in there. Guess I should be thankful for something.

Games people play

2008-02-22T08:35:00.003-06:00

"Hi, my name is Kris, I'm a compulsive gamer."

That's the opening to the speech I'll be giving in class next week. Most people think that 18-year old boys play online games more than anyone else. That statistic has changed dramatically. I am a solitaire junkie. Current variety is Queen of Italy. Hours speed by when I'm at the keyboard. Is acknowledging the problem the first step to recovery? I can only hope.

Speaking of games, I'll be returning the car I bought Tuesday. It's a nice car, but not what we need right now. Wonder how that game will play out. Hmmm

Cars, gotta love 'em

2008-02-20T21:06:00.002-06:00

Driving to a speaking engagement in central Nebraska when a new light appeared on the dashboard of my 1997 Honda Passport. I was used to the 'chk engine' and 'chk trns' lights, they'd been blinking for almost a year. But this light was red and equally cryptic, 'chk at tmp' like someone was texting from under the hood.

I ignored the light and kept driving. I was barely going to make it to Hastings in time to speak, what was I to do? The Honda was running fine, at least from the driver's seat, so I kept driving. When I got off the interstate and came to the first stop light I realized that something was seriously wrong. There was a serious "CLUNK" when it finally dropped into gear. Made it to the parking lot, dashed in, changed clothes, handed music to my accompanist, and smiled through the lunch until it was my turn to sing and eventually to speak.

After the presentation I tried the car. Nothing but reverse, and even that was questionable.

The remaining details of the next 24 hours are almost too painful to recount, so I'll spare you the details, and share only the highlights. Spoke and sang that evening and then spent the night in Grand Island with a dear cousin who took me in. The Honda was pronounced dead. I bought a car. Learned afterward that I agreed to pay entirely too much money for the car. Spoke in Aurora. Drove my new car home. Spent today on the phone with my 'sales consultant' who happens to be the son of a dear friend. Had to finally say -- look sweetie, I know you've only been selling cars for two months, and I know you haven't made your quota for the month, but I'm returning this one. Still have the car, it will be Saturday before I can return it. After that I will have no car again.

Does it get any more fun than that?

February Snow

2008-02-06T16:09:00.001-06:00

February snow is better than January snow! Less than 12 hours after it snowed 5+ inches I can see pavement out the window. The warm, happy sunshine is making the streets that were plowed just this morning all melty and nice. Yeah for February snow!

Making Sense of the Symbols

2008-02-05T16:30:00.001-06:00

I find myself driving down the road making mathematical equations out of license plates. Do any of you, or am I alone in this? It's this need to create order out of disorder. Sort of like the nonsense text verification that appears when leaving a friendly message on someone's blog; jsqsspd, or klbxmz. I will look at those letters just scratching my brain trying to come up with a sentence or word. Rarely does anything emerge, but I try. This explains why I quit doing word scrambles at showers a long time ago. Most people would just be getting rolling and I'd be done. Kind of embarrasing. What does it all mean?

Txtng -- evl

2008-02-04T09:09:00.000-06:00

Txtng by phn shld nt b uzd 4 mssgs mor invlvd thn: "hm sn?" or "brrto plz"

Aftr tht thngs jst gt mddy.

What do we expect?

2008-02-01T10:46:00.001-06:00

Saw a hillarious video of a woman on "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader." She was pretty sure that Europe was a country, but had never heard of Budapest. She did NOT win money that I know of. Turns out the woman was country singer Kelley Pickler. Poor Kelley. Obviously she skipped school for guitar lessons.

Sort of begs the question: Why do we expect entertainers to do anything but entertain us? While I'm on this subject, since when does being an entertainer make you any more adroit at understanding issues than the average Joe? Who cares what the Baldwin boys think about what happens in Washington, or anywhere else for that matter?

Note to the media: stop asking performers what they think about anything, we don't care! We just want them to make us happy, not tell us what to think.

I Swear!

2008-01-30T10:52:00.000-06:00

Easton said something that sounded a lot like grandma and grandpa last night. I swear he did! This happened as he ran past me to jump into grandpa's arms. Yes, the hurt continues. He made up for it later by zerberting my tummy. Is there anything more precious than toddler spit on your tummy? I'm thinking no.

You don't hear about this one

2008-01-24T09:26:00.000-06:00

All this eulogizing and not one mention of my favorite Heath Ledger film, "Knights Tale." Could it be that I haven't seen Brokeback Mountain or that would be my favorite? Could it be that reviews like the one that follow are some indication of my artistic taste?

"...isn't bad enough to be a total nightmare..."

Not far from the tree

2008-01-23T10:08:00.001-06:00

At the news of Heath Ledger's untimely passing a girl in the cubicle next to my daughter began to weep. This went on for a few minutes, until my daughter couldn't take it any more. She went to 'Stephanie's' desk and asked if she was okay. She said that she was, with no signs of stopping her sobbing. Then my baby said, "Were you close?"

She is so her mother's daughter.

Connections

2008-01-22T12:02:00.000-06:00

Sunday night I was privileged to meet with the Demon Dames. We were small in number, but the stories flowed along with the wine by the fire in Patty's cozy family room. What a treat to gather with intelligent women who respect each other for having an opinion and sharing it. The meringues were divine.

Monday I had breakfast with my friend Brenda in front of the big fire at Cracker Barrell. I never fail to be encouraged when I get to be with Brenda.

Monday noon Easton and I met 'The Sheldon Girls' for lunch at Spaghetti Works. He was the only boy at the table, he didn't seem to mind. There was Monica's daughter Saylor, she's 6 days younger than Easton. Her 5-year old sister Trinity and her friend Abbie brought their Barbie color books and had a lovely time as well. Halley, Jackie's daughter is 13 but loved every minute of our time together. She and Easton 'shared' a menu and a meatball. Toni's daughter Neve is 14 months old and may be on Easton's mind for a long time. If poking your finger in someones nose is high praise, then she adores Easton. They chatted while Saylor was eating the food off Neve's plate, it was better than the food on her own plate. The only disappointment was that none of us had a camera in our purse. There were some priceless spaghetti-stained faces to capture.

Wonder couple of days with friends. Only heightens my anticipation of the road trip with mom to spend time with Kathleen and her girls this weekend.

Back to school

2008-01-16T15:43:00.000-06:00

I was invigorated by my experiences in my first night of university classes in over 10 years. The first class was 70+ students and I was the only non-trad. That class will definitely be an easy A. The professor loves to talk and barely takes a breath between sentences. Last night we covered: what is a degree in communication studies and what can you do with it. That's what will be on our first quiz. Confirmed that this is a major I could like. He discussed how hard it is to explain to people what a comm studies major is or what you can do with it as opposed to getting an accounting degree. The snotty girls next to me kept rolling their eyes. I won't sit by them again. After class I met a very nice girl who I will definitely look for when our class meets again.

According to my notes my next class was supposed to be in the same room. Well, it wasn't. Thankfully I figured that out in the 15 minutes between classes. I had a moment of panic when I didn't know where to get information about my next class, but there were people in the hall so I asked hopefully, "Comm 109?" There was a grunt and a point toward another room in the same hallway. My biggest fear was for naught.

Second class is being taught by a PhD student. He's the speech and debate coach for the university. The shirt and tie were snappy, but something was lost on me about the tennis shoes with orange laces. He likes to perform, as one would expect. This class will not be boring. First assignment in his class was worth 5 points. Find his office and sign the sheet on the door. A nice girl in her 30s named Joscelyn and I walked with him to his office and got our five points. There were already 13 signatures on the door. Okay, maybe we were a little slow, but we got there. Our next assignment is a 2-4 minute narrative speech. Basically tell a story in 4 minutes. I can do that!

I said to Jeff, you know the speech class that everyone dreads taking in college? That's my major!

What to do

2008-01-16T14:23:00.000-06:00

I have an I-Tunes dilemma. After adding much of favorite music to I-Tunes I started creating playlists. I have one for Steely Dan and one for Todd Rundgren. The Steely Dan list includes songs by Donald Fagen, lead singer for Steely Dan, his solo work. The Todd Rundgren does not include songs by The Cars even though he is now their lead singer. He was not their lead singer when The Cars stuff was recorded. This was all fairly clear to me.

Now the problem: I have a CD by Michael McDonald. I have music in my library by the Doobie Brothers, he used to be the lead singer. Do I create a playlist for Michael McDonald and include the Doobies or do I create a playlist for the Doobies and include Michael? Are these things the same in any way? He's singing Motown, not Doobie's stuff at all.

These are the questions that plague men's souls.

Learning from the past

2008-01-11T08:25:00.000-06:00

When my dad died almost 5 years ago one of the treasures I inherited was a journal my grandfather had written. Why it took me these 5 years to open the cover I have no idea. I sat one cold winter Saturday and read the whole thing. The words are poignant at times, factual at others. It takes him several years of writing, he was good enough to date the entries, to tell his story. Grandpa talks about his twin brother Clayton who apparently had cerebral palsy. There was no special school or social programs to aid in his development, just a family who loved and cared for Clayton the best they could, and his was a life well lived. Grandpa explores the question of why he was fine and Clayton was not, what was God's plan in that? The answers are as beautiful as the heart that asks the questions.

Grandpa had three wives in his 80 some years on earth. He loved them all dearly and trusted that God sent the perfect woman to him at each stage of his life. What a testament.

Maybe more intriguing than the actual words on the page are the gaps and the handwriting. The script that becomes less clear over the years. His writing became his work after he could no longer manage the apartment complex where he lived. The telling gap in entries as he dealt with Bernice's leukemia and her eventual death says that he was giving all he could elsewhere, the journal would have to wait.

I'm delighted to have this handwritten history of the days he was here on earth. Lessons to be learned. Paper and ink don't go the way of lost computer files and changing technology. It's a challenge to me to leave a history, something that will be meaningful to future readers. That requires living a life worthy of our high calling.

Spot on

2008-01-09T16:42:00.000-06:00

It's always the last bite, isn't it? Today it was a bit of Sambosa off someone else's plate. It was the very last thing I was going to eat in this sumptuous meal of Middle Eastern food. I had avoided dropping soup on my favorite oatmeal colored turtleneck. I had kept salad dressing clear of my front. But that last bite was the coup de gras. For those of you not familiar, there's this distinctive yellow color in some Middle Eastern foods. It's not quite the yellow of a pencil, but it's close. Not a pretty color dripped down my front. Sad

Why we hide

2008-01-07T09:35:00.000-06:00

Our friend's son was recently engaged. They got the news two days later on a scrap of paper on the kitchen counter. Begs the question just how excited he was about his decision. I was recently placed in a position of having someone unexpected at our table for a holiday dinner. If the person bringing the guest didn't think it was a good idea to tell me ahead of time that this particular guest would be joining us, what made them think I would respond positively?

Why do we hide? When Adam and Eve realized the enormity of their shame they hid from God. When our dog does something bad we don't have to find the mess, we can tell by his hanging head and hiding behind me that he knows he's in trouble.

If there's news in your life you should be so proud of the choice you've made you should want to shout it from the mountain tops. Wake your parents to tell them you're engaged. Bring your guest, but call ahead to let the hostess know how excited you are the person you adore is able to join you for the holiday dinner.

Otherwise, we have to wonder just how excited you really are.

Food traditions

2008-01-02T12:22:00.000-06:00

Back to work today after leaving the office December 22. Wasn't as hard getting up this morning as I thought it might be considering I've been sleeping in a bunch. It was 5 degrees when we drove to work. Felt kind of fresh and lively.

Food news: don't think I'll ever serve traditional green bean casserole again. At Thanksgiving my niece Lauren, the Gap girl in the St. Paul paper, discovered a recipe for a remix. We enjoyed it for Thanksgiving, made it again for Christmas, and I don't think I will ever look back. Bacon, fresh mushrooms, half and half, what more could green beans ask for? To please the masses we did throw in some french fried onions from the can. Rave reviews.

I realize this was not a very exciting post. I may have gotten here okay this morning but that doesn't mean my brain is fully engaged. Happy new year!

A Worthy Life

2007-12-14T12:55:00.000-06:00

"I'm not on that level." That's the actual words that came from a dear friend's mouth when considering a young man she admires. That might be what came from her mouth, but what she was really saying is, "I'm not worthy."

When did we forget that we are children of The King? There's no one above our 'level'. If there's royalty this side of Heaven, we are it. I think what happens is we run away from home and start living like common people in this polluted world. It's a great adventure for a while, but we forget where our real home is. We don't live a life worthy of the royal family to which we belong.

This Christmas I'm coming home. I want to eat royal food worthy of the body God wants me to have. I want to love people with the heart of Christ, open and giving. I'm using words that honor the royal court in which I'm privileged to reside. I will walk like a daughter of The King, upright and careful of step.

When I hear "I'll Be Home for Christmas" let it be a reminder of where my real home is.

Traditions and aberrations

2007-12-13T10:24:00.000-06:00

Hey Easton -- Spoiler Alert!

We got Easton a Little Tykes basketball hoop for Christmas. That's not all, but it's the gift that excites me the most. He loves to put things away and close doors and drawers. Wait til he figures out he can put the ball away over and over. Tried to convince Grandpa Jeff that we needed to assemble it last night for some quality control but he was having none of that. Jeff learned from his family the art of enhancing the joy by increasing the wait.

A friend is having a different kind of experience with her loved ones. They don't exchange gifts in their family, it detracts from the celebration of Christ's birth. There was talk of going to see a movie Christmas night as a fun family activity. That plan has been scrapped as it would distract the focus from Jesus on this special day.

We all agree that there can be way too much emphasis on the gifts and not the ultimate gift giver. But what is the limit of our devotion to Christ? Should we miss out on family holiday fun for the sake of celebration of what is, in the scheme of eternity, a man-made holiday? Just wondering.

Holiday Party -- Follow up

2007-12-11T15:46:00.000-06:00

Here's what I ended up wearing to the holiday party. Seemed a much wiser course than the sleeveless dress. Miranda made my hair fabulous, I put on my sensible shoes and off we went. Had a wonderful time. Got to sit at a table of under-30's. They thought we were quaint and funny for old people. What more could we ask for?

Incredible Privilege

2007-12-11T15:39:00.001-06:00

I was blessed to be asked to speak for Stonecroft Ministries. This involved me examining my life, writing my story, working with a great mentor to shape my presentation, and sharing how God has blessed me with women who came to their monthly gatherings. The preparation was incredibly beneficial. Speaking went well, I can say that because I've already been contacted by groups outside of Lincoln to see if I can come speak for them. That's definitely encouraging. How God will use me I have no idea. I'm geared up and ready.

Come to think of it, don't we all have the privilege of sharing The Gospel all the time and everywhere? Are we always geared up and ready? I know I haven't always been. That needs to be a priority in my life. I hope it will be in yours as well.

Baby It's Cold Outside

2007-12-07T17:00:00.000-06:00

Tonight is Jeff's company Holiday Party. I used to get all worked up about these things, pondering outfits, getting my hair done. That was then, this is now. It's cold outside. Dress with hose and heels, or slacks and more sensible shoes? No question in my mind. Comfort over style. Does this mean I'm getting old?

Espresso -- All Jacked Up

2007-11-27T15:01:00.000-06:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JezOtqsRr2s

Several reasons for posting this amazing video.

First of all, it's just amazing. Song is by one of my all time favorite artists: Todd Rundgren. The Leggo guy actually looks like Todd.

Second, this is for my niece Erin. The darling is stoically giving up caffeine for her unborn child. What a brave person Erin is. Yeah Erin!

I hope you'll all take a peek at this video. What fun.

Head 'em up, move 'em out

2007-11-26T10:16:00.001-06:00

Sorted through and packed almost the entire contents of my mother's home this last week. My sister did most of the work, bless her. So many decisions to make, my decider is worn out for a while. That's most unfortunate as we need to start shopping for Christmas in earnest.

Hauled home more than I should have. Can't think of a thing I let go that I regret. It's just stuff, but stuff tied to precious memories. Found an Easter egg from who knows how many years ago. Real egg, now petrified but still a lovely shade of purple. It's in my hutch. Kelsey will be the keeper of Mr. Duck, the concrete goose my mother lovingly dressed each season. Mom valiantly attempted to keep the squirrels from stealing duck's clothing for their nests. Miranda snapped up most of the Christmas ornaments. She loves all things Christmas. Nick ended up with more practical items and he's pleased with that.

All in all it was a wonderful time together with family.

Thanksgiving

2007-11-20T16:52:00.000-06:00

Nearly two weeks since my last blog. That's unforgiveable. Grace is one of the things I'm most grateful for this Thanksgiving, so I'm hoping there's some available here.

Not one but two festive holiday meals planned in the next 72 hours. How fantastic is that? Shows how truly blessed we are as a family and as a country. Abundance is one of the hallmarks of our lives, for better or for worse. Learning about God's abundance in my own life. His infinite capacity where I am so inadequate. His compassionate care for me even if I have trouble being compassionate

OCD Snacking

2007-11-07T13:37:00.000-06:00

My daughter has this problem. Maybe one of you can help. She can't randomly eat colored snacks. M&M's, (why is there an apostrophe in the name?), Skittles, Reeses Pieces, anything that comes in random colors causes her problems. As I understand it she has to eat them in pairs. Whatever is left gets handed off to someone else, she can't finish them. I understand her problem but have never felt compelled to give away snacks of any kind for lack of balance. If I have snacks I eat the largest color group first. Sort of a reverse survival-of-the-fittest mentality. Mostly I eat them right out of the bag so I don't see the colors at all. This habit was developed when they introduced blue M&M's. Food should not be blue.

Thank you for all your kind wishes during my recent bout of blogstipation. Hold your hats, I think the tide has turned. Now I have a million ideas and not time to get them posted. Do blog ideas have a shelf life? Can I blog about Halloween after Thanksgiving?

Blogger log

2007-11-04T21:18:00.000-06:00

What do you do when you're blogstipated? Nothing comes to you to write about. Oh, there are thoughts in my head but they don't seem worthy. Then reality hits that the last entry was over a week ago. Now not only have I got nothing, I'm embarrased to even show my face again. What to do, what to do?

I could write about something profound like the fact that satan is NOT the equal and opposite of God.

Maybe I could share my daughter's issue with eating snacks and how numbers and colors have to be equal or she can't eat them. But that's not my issue so really not blog stuff.

No one cares anymore that the Huskers are stinking up the place. Plenty of blogs one can go to for that continuing saga.

Guess that means I've got nothing. Is there a remedy? Kristi? Anyone?

Paula Dean's Thanksgiving

2007-10-26T16:50:00.000-05:00

Ladies Home Journal arrived with a lovely cover photo of Paula Dean and one of those beautiful, golden brown turkeys on a platter. Inside is a several page spread of Paula's menu plan. This treat included a recipe for something interesting to do with canned jelled cranberries. I'm personally anxious to try that one! It was a nice spread: corned bread stuffing, a cola basted ham to go with the turkey, sweet potato casserole with 900+ calories per serving. Yep, good stuff all the way around. There were however, some glaring omissions. Nothing pumpkin. I can live with that. But there were no mashed potatoes! Can you imagine? No mashed potatoes. You know what that leads to: no gravy!!!

To cut Paula some slack here, there were potatoes, but they were new red potatoes and cooked with the green beans. Now Paula, that's a lovely idea, but seriously!

What I haven't told you is that Paula deep fried the turkey. While some might say that explains why she didn't make gravy, no pan drippings. Why would she make mashed potatoes if there's no gravy. DUH! You have a whole fryer full of oil! Make all that into gravy! Hello!!! Have these people never planned a meal before? That's food utopia, a deep fryer of gravy and the stuffing and mashed potatoes to absorb it all!!!

Can we work cheese into that equation? Just asking, sheesh.

Big Thoughts

2007-10-23T15:53:00.001-05:00

Marrianne Williamson gifted the world with these words in her book, "A Return to Love."

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, “Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?” Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

R U KIDDING ME?

2007-10-16T13:25:00.000-05:00

Like all of you I got catalogs in the mail yesterday. It's that time of year. What freaked me out was the one with the nativity scene on the front. Little children dressed in felt outfits with pretend head coverings is one thing, but an inflatable manger. No, I'm so not kidding! There was an inflatable manger holding the plastic baby Jesus. It looked like a small, brown air mattress. Ugh!

There was further tackiness in this particular catalog, but that takes the cake.

Is it Legal?

2007-10-15T08:48:00.000-05:00

When can you turn on the heat at home? Is it a certain temperature outdoors? Is it a date on the calendar? Last week the dog and I decided it was cold in the house based on the thermostat indicating it was 60 degrees. We made the executive decision to flip that switch over to warm. I'm curious how others decide. Is there a formula? Do you consult your dog? Is there a law?

The Words We Choose

2007-10-10T16:39:00.000-05:00

Easton, my grandson, turned 1 a month ago. He's walking like Frankenstein, absolutely adorable!

He has a limited vocabulary at this point. Limited in the sense that there are only two words that we clearly understand. He says lots of other things, but none make much sense. The two words: Woof! referring to all dogs, no-no.

Could we get by with less words in our world? He gets along just fine with those choice morsels of communication. What could it hurt? What would be your words of choice if you could only choose a few?

Weekend report -- Cheese Rules Our World

2007-10-09T13:48:00.000-05:00

My sister and I went to Cedar Rapids, Iowa for a wonderful time away. Wish I had kept a running log of all the things we discussed. It was long and varied.

We both arrived late Friday night so settled in without much talk. Saturday morning we talked nonstop for several hours. Amazing what you don't say to people on the phone or via email. We made the 20 mile trip to Amana, Iowa where we lunched at a restaurant we had visited as children on a family vacation. I remembered a bear on the second floor of the Ox Yoke Inn that she had no recollection of. Sure enough, the bear is still there and is now on a postcard. We had a fabulous meal of fried chicken, jaeger schnitzel with spaetzle, and amazing sides.

I must comment specifically on the cottage cheese with chives. We had just come to the conclusion that, 'cheese rules our world' when we happened upon this delicacy in a dish. This was full fat cottage cheese like you don't find in the grocery store. The chives had become part of the whole thing imparting an amazing flavor.

Following the wonderful lunch we strolled shop after shop of darling gifts and treasures. We made a few choice selections and headed back to Cedar Rapids.

The Husker game Saturday night shall go unmentioned here, along with the restaurant I selected for dinner. Really, both were quite unmentionable.

Sunday we ate a burger at the Texas Road House and went our separate ways.

We talked through ideas for my upcoming presentation, reminisced and shared, talked about mom's impending move to a retirement apartment and what should happen to 40+ years of accumulated stuff. It was a marvelous weekend. Can't wait to do it again!

Running away from home

2007-10-05T11:58:00.000-05:00

I have dreamed of this day for a very long time. I am running away from home for the weekend with my bestest girl friend. We are meeting in a town neither of us have been to, halfway between our houses. We will explore, stay up late, watch the Huskers, whatever we want to do without having to please anyone but ourselves. I can't wait!!!

R U Kidding ME?

2007-10-04T08:10:00.001-05:00

Do you watch Top Chef? If you didn't see the finale last night then this is a spoiler alert.

Hung is the Top Chef! Are you kidding me? That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard!!!

Speaking of ridiculous, I'm confessing right now that I watched 5 minutes of Cavemen on Tuesday night. It was the biggest waste of my time in recent memory. An absolutely terrible show. I can't believe someone wrote the script and actually spent the money to produce it. Good thing the actors wear serious amounts of make-up, otherwise they would never be able to show their faces again. Yes, it's that bad.

2007-09-27T12:25:00.000-05:00

Something occurred to me this morning. For those of you who know me well, anything that happens in the morning is fraught with potential danger.

My hair is cut just like Diane Sawyer! Isn't that the coolest thing?

My question is why my hair never looks like hers. Any ideas?

Since I was 5

2007-09-23T16:46:00.000-05:00

I was 5 years old when I modeled a faux leather mini-skirt for what was then called Christian Women's Club. Ever since then I've thought it would be the coolest thing to speak for one of their meetings. I was on the board of the evening club in Lincoln for several years, but never said anything to anyone.

This spring one of the driving forces for what is now called Stonecroft Ministries went home to be with Jesus. At the marvelous celebration of her life I was reminded again what a privilege it would be to speak for a meeting. Within a week I ran into a lovely lady named Jerilyn. She has also been a part of this group for years. I mentioned to her that I had considered speaking and she said, "I think you'd be great! Let's plan on it."

Next thing I know I'm scheduled to present at their December meetings, usually their highest attended meeting of the year. Not just for the evening group I was familiar with, but for 4 groups in Lincoln and 1 in a neighboring city.

Here's my schedule: October, finish writing. I will speak for about 20 minutes. That's not a long time. Needs to be engaging and have a clear Gospel presentation. November I practice, practice, practice. December I speak on the 3, 4, 5 and 11th. What I'd appreciate from you, my dear blog friends, is your support in prayer.

"Pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God's mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike." Ephesians 6:19

How'd that happen?

2007-09-19T21:42:00.000-05:00

I was talking with Miranda (our middle daughter, Easton's mom) on the phone when a little voice in the background grew louder and more insistent, about what it's hard to say. When you're only 1 you don't have a lot of words to choose from. Finally she handed Easton the phone. He said, "Hi!" like he'd been saying it all his life. It was so funny and startled his mother so much that she clapped. This scared poor baby Easton and he cried. That was the end of our conversation. But it was a good one!

Cheeseheads and Huskers

2007-09-13T10:01:00.001-05:00

My darling sister Kathleen decided that Easton needed a Packers outfit for his first birthday. He liked it very much and is anxious to wear it. This will be his 3rd or 4th team outfit. I'm concerned that we're confusing the poor child.

He was born on a Husker game day, first game of the season in 2006. He has several Huskers uniforms, a Cubs outfit, Rockies, and now Cheeseheads. Where will his loyalties lie? Can we really determine these things for him? Is this like trying to pick a spouse for your child? What's a grandmother to do?

Terrifying Truth

2007-09-07T13:48:00.000-05:00

"All of these songs are about a paucity of truth. At first they may seem to be about other things, but that is just a reflection of how much dishonesty we have accepted in our daily lives. We are raised from birth to believe things that cannot be proven or that are plainly not true. People will often brag of their honesty, when there is so much they have simply chosen to ignore or leave unexamined.

"The fact is, we are terrified of the truth."

Liner notes from Todd Rundgren's album LIARS

Anxious to hear your responses.

Necessities of Life

2007-09-05T16:59:00.000-05:00

Purses and cell phones. Should be able to test these necessities for a few days before making a commitment. After all with the price of phones and some purses, your are practically making life commitment, or at least 2 years depending on your cellular service agreement.

Soooooo cute!

2007-09-03T19:56:00.000-05:00

It was our privilege to host our grandson Easton overnight on his first birthday. He keeps us busy and laughing all the time. His greatgrandma Jean got him a walk behind toy that he likes very much. It goes a little fast sometimes and he ends up face planted on the floor, but he's getting the hang of it. He can steer it well enough to run over whichever dog is in his way, so that's always fun.

Today, Easton decided he was going to contribute to the work of the house by letting the dogs outside. He crawled to where the leashes are kept, handed them to grandpa Jeff, and then tried to help put them on the dogs. He then tried to help open the door and waited patiently while the dogs went outside. It was amazing! No doubt he watches everything we do, and he clearly knew what he was trying to accomplish. So precious.

I Saw the Light

2007-08-31T09:46:00.000-05:00

I can check one thing off my life list of To-do. I saw Todd Rundgren in concert at the Nebraska State Fair. There's no way to capture the experience, no way to even remember most of it, but I shall do my best to try.

Jeff and I went to the fair about 3. Weekday afternoons are perfect for quiet wandering, not much crowd. We saw quilts, and dresses, tomatoes and beer. All produced by the good people of Nebraska. Jeff would like to be a judge in the pastry competition next year. We'll have to work on that. The photography exhibition was inspiring. We watched children play with baby goats, and the baby goats play bumper cars with each other. We laughed at a goofy clown on a diving board. He wasn't diving into water at all, he had a trampoline! We walked the midway, just for the fun of it. Saw a great exhibition of all the food products developed in Nebraska, and an industrious colony of bees doing their best to contribute.

Then the event really began. I joined the line of early groupies at 5, Jeff went to take in more sites. Only a few of us took up positions to make sure we had the perfect place in the open air hall. Not that there's a bad spot, it only seats 6000. The sound check nearly brought tears to my eyes. There he was, singing "Let's Go" and I was hearing him live. Others yelled for his attention from beyond our chain link prison, I just stood in awe.

After the sound check some people wandered away. Others of us were left to visit with each other and talk with the young man at the gate. He has obviously had some experience with chemicals in his life, they were not kind to him. But he was pleasant enough, as were the others in our gang of instant friends. "Are you a Todd fan or a Cars fan?" Most of us were able to choose one or the other, but no one was disappointed these elements would be sharing the stage.

Our friends Kim and Anita joined us after 5. Kim had scored a VIP pass. That entitled him to dinner and a meet-and-greet with the band. Jeff and Anita went in search of food and beverage. I stayed in line. Something about being there in anticipation of the concert to come kept me riveted to my spot.

At 6 the plastic strip barrier with the diamond shaped flags came down with an admonition from the gate staff to please walk. Okay, whatever. Like any of us were the type to sprint. We had just been swapping grandkid pictures, we weren't running anywhere. I walked down the aisle from the back of the house, my hand like a divining rod held out over the wooden bleachers sensing for just the right spot. Jeff and Anita joined me and the one hour wait to concert time began. We chatted with the folks around us, shared our reviews of the t-shirt selection available, and swapped concert stories.

Meanwhile Kim was off meeting the band. It was a line of folks paraded past the band like they were royals. A quick hand shake, one group photo -- no private cameras allowed -- and they were out the door. Kim was able to yell, "Hey Todd, when's the next album coming out?" Todd yelled back, "This spring, and I like your t-shirt!" It was The Who concert shirt from a few years back. Good choice Kim.

This is where words will fail me. Live music is better than recorded, like books are almost always better than movies. Even with the difficult acoustics in the barn of a building, and the mix that took some time to get just right, there was not a disappointing moment in the hour-and-a-half concert. "Drive" the Cars classic that asks the question, "Who's gonna drive you home tonight?" was the musical non-Todd moment of the night for me.

"It was late last night,
I was feeling something wasn't right,
There was not another soul in sight, Only you, only you.
So we walked along, though I knew that there was something wrong,
And a feeling hit me oh so strong about you,
Then you gazed up at me and the answer was plain to see,
Cause I saw the light in your eyes."

Song by Todd Rundgren, written in 1972 for the album "Something/Anything?" and performed wonderfully last night in Lincoln, Nebraska. Isn't that the way we know the truth about anyone in our life? Don't you have to get close enough to look into their eyes? I was pretty close to Todd last night, close enough to have taken the amazing picture here, though that credit goes to Kim. Still not close enough to see the light in Todd's eyes, but he has touched me musically for many years and last night's encounter was an amazing treat. Todd is an incredible musician, talent that rivals many in the rock world. He's in his mid 50's and yet his passion is raw and vibrant in concert. The music pours from him like sweat on a hot August night in Nebraska.

Note to my beloved niece Erin: I did not throw panties, nor did I have the opportunity to talk to Todd. Had I been given that privilege I would have asked him how his trip was and if he was enjoying his visit to Nebraska. Would that have been okay?

Food on a Stick

2007-08-31T09:42:00.001-05:00

I wasn't even hungry when we got to the State Fair. We had eaten a great lunch with friends so fair food wasn't even interesting. Jeff tempted me with funnel cakes, pointed out lemonade at every turn, but I just didn't care.

I think frozen things on a stick make sense. Corn dogs are fine. Isn't steak on a stick called a kabob? I don't understand pizza on a stick. Can't you just pick it up and eat it? But I did my duty as a fair attendee. I ate a smoked turkey drumstick. It's fair food, it has a stick. It just came pre-sticked.

Does that sound stupid to you?

2007-08-30T11:14:00.000-05:00

Article about parents who oppose diapers, toilet training their children from birth. Perfect application: Does that sound stupid to you?

Tonight's the Night!!!

2007-08-30T11:03:00.000-05:00

My very first blog was about a concert by a very special musician. I've waited and waited for this day and it's finally arrived. Tonight we see Todd Rundgren in concert. Yes, he's an aging rocker, but I'm an aging rock fan so it works. Pictures tomorrow. EEEEEEEEEE (that's me squealing with excitement).

If I should happen to run into him I even have a plan for what I'm going to say. We'll see if it happens and what actually comes out of my mouth if it does.

What you see is what you get

2007-08-28T14:16:00.000-05:00

I told my sister Kathleen she couldn't wear the black Eddie Bauer sweater to her class reunion, it didn't hit her right. I was looking for just such a top to wear for family portraits for my inlaws 50th. Being the wonderful person she is she gave me the sweater. It was just the sleeve length and collar I was hoping to find.

Turns out it didn't hit me right either. That's the second thing I notice in looking at the proofs, the first thing I see are my goofy looking bangs. Why am I ever allowed to go out in public after doing my own hair, let alone have family pictures taken? What is the world coming to?

No one else seems to notice my hair or the length of the sweater in the proofs. Maybe I should quit worrying about it. Nahhhhh

My phone is back

2007-08-28T14:12:00.001-05:00

It happened like this. I got on the phone with my cell service provider to discuss when they might allow me to purchase a new phone and not violate my contract and be subject to millions of dollars in penalties. I was advised that September 3 was their generous offer to me, since I wasn't actually eligible until December 3.

Guess my phone overheard the conversation because the very next morning, after charging for days on end, my phone came back to life. Miracle might be too strong of a word, but I was excited. So excited in fact that I sent my sister Kathleen a text before 7 in the morning. I don't recommend this but she understood my overwhelming joy.

My phone acts a little funky sometimes, and tires easily. But it keeps me in touch with all my favorite people, what more could I ask?

There you have it. Now that I've begun dreaming of new phones, my old one is back to life. What to do, what to do...

How could this happen?

2007-08-22T08:06:00.000-05:00

I used to laugh at people whose cell phones ended up in water. How could that happen? Much to my chagrine, now I know the answer. I compulsively carry my phone. It's on my desk at work, in my pocket most other times, and it's on my night stand at night. It was the pocket thing that got to me. Yep, you guessed it, the toilet. I reached in and grabbed it, rinsed it off, and quickly took it apart. I dried and dried with a towel, and then the trouble began. Instead of going directly to the Internet for help from my fellow cell phone damagers, I compulsively tried to reinsert the battery and make it work, hoping against hope that it would come to life in my hand. There were flutters of life in those big blue eyes, little flashes of joy, and then nothing. For a few moments the phone rang and rang, sending out its own death knell.

After reading all sorts of advice, deionized water to alcohol, drying in the dryer, cool air over night, I finally took my phone apart and placed it on an AC vent. This morning, my hands trembling with anticipation, I put it back together and got nothing. I'm having a little trouble coping, but I'll get by.

Big issue -- and a haiku

2007-08-21T08:05:00.000-05:00

Racism exists
as evidence of evil
in the world today

Every one of us evidences prejudice. There is no denying that. The word simply means that we have prejudged a situation. What's evil is when we prejudge a situation based on the skin color of the person involved.

I'm tired of the excuses: "I've never been around a black," "I don't really know how to talk to an Asian," "I'm just not comfortable." Well guess what, there are people in the world that are uncomfortable around you!

Even more insidious is when we make excuses for other people: "That's just their generation," "There weren't any minorities in their town when they were growing up," "Their friends wouldn't understand." What's to understand?

By not confronting racism are we part of the problem? This issue has become all too real in my life. Wrestling with my response.

My favorite things

2007-08-15T08:04:00.000-05:00

Travelling for work can be tedious, but it also has some nice benefits, like staying in great hotels. Beautiful, old hotel in Charleston had a credenza at the foot of the bed, out of which popped a television. That was cool. Then there was the place in Whistler, British Columbia with the amazing view of a mountain out the window of my room. Santa Fe has a hotel with really old woodwork that felt comforting and homey. But the way to really capture my heart is to have an amazing bathtub.

I'm a shower girl for the most part. We've been in our house 9 years and I've taken exactly 2 baths. There are times when a tub just calls to you. One of those was in Lake Tahoe at Caesar's Palace. The hottub was nearly as big as the bed, which was in the same room. I filled that bad boy to the brim, which took quite a while, added bubbles, and then turned on the jets, ever so slightly. It was amazing. Definitely too big for one, but that's the drawback of travelling alone. The other drawback was the sound of bubbles popping, and popping, and popping while I was trying to go to sleep.

My brother-in-law's house has a great tub. It's your standard inhouse bubble tub, but there's a fire place involved. That room was so toasty warm it soaked right into my bones. Yum.

My all time favorite is the hotel at the Vancouver Airport. It's been my privilege to stay there twice, and I'd love to go again. Something about marble walls surrounding a nicely proportioned tub from which you can see the television, control the lights in the room, and have the world's most amazing towels and robe available, well it's a winner with me.

If I ever build a house I might try to recreate that one. Except I'd have to clean it. Might lose some of it's appeal...

Drive-thru Nerding

2007-08-14T13:12:00.000-05:00

My boss needed 5 minutes out of the office so I agreed to ride along while she picked up lunch. She headed straight to my favorite Chinese restaurant so I had to get a little something. I decided on wings, you know the ones that come as a dinner with rice and that yummy sauce.

We place our order and wait at the drive-up window. One bag and a beverage arrive and we wait for the next one, which never comes. He finally noticed us and went to get another guy, who speaks English to ask us what we were waiting for. I explained that we only got one bag, only one styrofoam box. He said that was all we ordered. Shrimp with Lobster Sauce and wings.

I opened the bag to find the Shrimp, just as expected, and this pathetic little bag of fried chicken wings. He insisted that's we had ordered. Okay, whatever.

Karen and I totally got the giggles at this point. Lesson learned: it's called Braised Chicken Wings, not fried. That sounds better anyway.

Who?

2007-08-12T18:04:00.000-05:00

I called my sister-in-law yesterday to talk about plans for the upcoming week. My 5 year old nephew answered. He doesn't talk on the phone much so I introduced myself as 'Aunt Kris from Lincoln.' He seemed satisfied and went on to share what he'd had for breakfast, plans for the afternoon, and that they were going to watch a professional soccer match that night. After he ran out of things to share I asked if I could speak to his mom. He laid down the phone and yelled, "Hey Mom, it's Abraham Lincoln on the phone."

Maybe we should get togther with them more often.

All settled in

2007-08-06T18:22:00.001-05:00

The move went fine. Princess called Saturday afternoon to inquire where one might get hot water from, the gas company or the electric company. That all depends, I informed her. Seems they weren't informed to call the gas company so didn't have service, therefore, no hot water. Guess that will keep 3 girls moving quickly through the one bathroom! All else seems good in Kearney. Football started today so she's already busy in the training room.

Good idea? not so much

2007-08-02T21:55:00.000-05:00

Our youngest is packing up the SUV and heading back to college tomorrow. Yes, it's early. She is an athletic trainer so has to be there when fall sports start.

She's also a planner, to the nth degree. She's been carrying a day-timer since 8th grade. When she began making the lists and checking them twice for this move, she made arrangements with her boyfriend to share a trailer. They would split the cost of the U-Haul trailer and move on the same day. Her stuff would go in first, his second so that his could be unloaded first. It's a well thought plan except for one thing. They're just irritating the stuffing out of each other.

About two weeks ago I suggested that she let him make his own arrangements and she could share transportation with her roomie. After all they're moving to the same location. That notion was soundly rejected. She informed me that she'd already made a commitment. Well okay then. When things go badly don't be surprised. I know I won't.

The Name Game

2007-08-02T11:28:00.000-05:00

At a baby shower when the discussion came up about what the grandparents would be called. There are so many options in the world. I like the notion of letting the child work out a moniker on their own, but that can be perilous. A friend shared that she was 'guh' for a long time after having worked so hard to encourage 'grandma'. My girls decided I should be 'grammy' to Easton. I quickly informed them I would prefer to be 'G-ma' which they found only slightly amusing.

Jeff and I are just not 'Nana' and 'Popo' kind of people. Easton is fortunate to have not only 3 sets of grandparents, but multiple sets of great-grandparents. How the poor little thing will sort all this out is anyone's guess.

I'm just going on record as saying that 'grammy' is not it!

The Test

2007-08-01T14:29:00.000-05:00

Most everything in life should be measured by this simple query: "Does that sound stupid to you?"

When someone's life has gone awry and they give you their rationale you should be allowed to look at them and ask: "Does that sound stupid to you?" Nothing else really needs to be said. Think about it, this could work.

Unfortunately polite society doesn't allow that much reality. Pity.

Is it required?

2007-07-30T14:44:00.000-05:00

Will Drew Carey have to be neutered before he can become the host of The Price Is Right?