Usually I look forward to the changing seasons. I love watching the small changes in color in the trees. The air is crisp.
The first year of my divorce, I counted time through the seasons. My divorce was final on October 31st, so it was well into fall. As time moved forward into winter and then spring, I realized it was too difficult to think in terms of days and months, but I could say, 'well, I made it through winter and spring. That wasn't so bad. It is almost summer, and then it will be fall again.' Before I knew it, I had made it through my first year as a single parent.
Now, I am watching summer fade into autumn. But this year I don't want it to go. I don't want time to move forward. Maybe I'm just not ready. That's the thing about time, it moves on whether you want it to or not.
And I don't want it to.
I try to really analyze what I'm thinking and how I'm feeling. Sad. That's pretty much how I'm feeling. Not all the time though. But even though I might not be sad at any particular moment, I find myself moving slowly. I am behind in my projects at work. I am behind in my responsibilities at home. I care very much about this. It worries me, and adds to my sadness.
No, this year I am not ready for the happiness of summer to leave. I want one more cookout at Katy's with my whole family there. One more gathering. One more moment...because before I know it, winter will turn to spring, and spring to summer...and I will have lived a whole year without Joey.
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
In Denial...
Needless to say, by the time we got to the funeral, I was in deep denial.
It it too hard to put in words what it feels like when you realize that you will never..on this earth...hear your son's voice again.
The funeral was beautiful, so many people. So many people I didn't know. I had heard that the parking lot was full. Not everyone stayed for the Memorial Service. It was touching. Dane gave a wonderful tribute to his brother. I heard that there wasn't a dry eye in the house.
After the service, Dane and Yuka, Randy, Susan and Ben, Katy, Josh and the boys, Bari and I, Sam and Madeline came back to my house. Sis Anderson had set up a wonderful buffet of salads and sandwich fixings. We sat and talked for quite a while. I gave Katy and Dane some of the pictures that I had printed up. I had made 2 large collages from pictures from my photo albums. I let them take whatever pictures from there that they wanted. It's better that they have those of Joey now. Putting them back into my albums doesn't make sense..no one will see them. Let the kids keep those memories now.
After they had left, and I had taken a nap, Bari, Madeline and I went to the movies. We saw Men In Black 3. Does that seem strange? I needed a release of some kind..I needed escape.. It was good to just Not Think for a while.
It doesn't matter though..how much you try to escape, or deny or avoid. Because at some time, sooner or later. Usually sooner I guess. Something will surprise you..surprise you into remembering a tiny piece of life that you thought you had long forgotten. But it is there. Triggered by a word or a picture or a thought....
....then you realize that you won't hear that voice again. Won't have him walk into a room...won't call..will never call. Won't hear that voice.
I went through my saved voice-mail on my phone today. Just hoping that there was one from Joey.
Some day I will get mad about all of this. I will be angry about what he did. But right now I'm still sad, and learning on how to accept the truth.
It it too hard to put in words what it feels like when you realize that you will never..on this earth...hear your son's voice again.
The funeral was beautiful, so many people. So many people I didn't know. I had heard that the parking lot was full. Not everyone stayed for the Memorial Service. It was touching. Dane gave a wonderful tribute to his brother. I heard that there wasn't a dry eye in the house.
After the service, Dane and Yuka, Randy, Susan and Ben, Katy, Josh and the boys, Bari and I, Sam and Madeline came back to my house. Sis Anderson had set up a wonderful buffet of salads and sandwich fixings. We sat and talked for quite a while. I gave Katy and Dane some of the pictures that I had printed up. I had made 2 large collages from pictures from my photo albums. I let them take whatever pictures from there that they wanted. It's better that they have those of Joey now. Putting them back into my albums doesn't make sense..no one will see them. Let the kids keep those memories now.
After they had left, and I had taken a nap, Bari, Madeline and I went to the movies. We saw Men In Black 3. Does that seem strange? I needed a release of some kind..I needed escape.. It was good to just Not Think for a while.
It doesn't matter though..how much you try to escape, or deny or avoid. Because at some time, sooner or later. Usually sooner I guess. Something will surprise you..surprise you into remembering a tiny piece of life that you thought you had long forgotten. But it is there. Triggered by a word or a picture or a thought....
....then you realize that you won't hear that voice again. Won't have him walk into a room...won't call..will never call. Won't hear that voice.
I went through my saved voice-mail on my phone today. Just hoping that there was one from Joey.
Some day I will get mad about all of this. I will be angry about what he did. But right now I'm still sad, and learning on how to accept the truth.
Sunday, September 2, 2012
Today is a new day..
Originally I wanted to write every day this week. Just to record my thoughts and feelings and also to record what exactly went on each day. I'm afraid I will soon forget some of the details. Honestly, I don't know if I need to remember all of the details. Does it matter in the long run? Will it make a difference in how I remember this past week? Probably not. I will remember confusion and pain. I will remember love and comfort. I will remember sadness and laughter.
Day 2...We - Bari, Madeline, her boyfriend Aaron, and I photographed 14-16 FFA soccer teams in the morning. In the afternoon (with the exception of Aaron) we photographed 4 football teams. I got terribly sunburned, but made it through the day. When we pulled up in front of the the house after football, Madeline and I just sat and looked at each other. Neither of us moved. (Bari was in a separate car). Finally I said, 'I don't want to get out of the car. I will have to face the real world when I do.' Madeline agreed. We had both been able to avoid the crushing emotion of losing Joey, by working for 12 hours that day.
Day 3..was Monday. By the afternoon, Katy and Josh, Dane and Yuka, Madeline and Sam and Bari and I were sitting in my living room with Angela, Joey's girlfriend and her mother Debbie. We had invited Angela to be part of making arrangements for Joey.
Originally, I had planned that we would cremate Joey, have a simple Memorial Service and then bury him later. By talking to the kids, I found out that they were divided in this choice. Half agreed, but the other half needed a funeral with viewing to help them say good-bye. It was a really difficult time, but we were able to make some compromise with the final plan. Joey would have a Viewing and Visitation, but it would be held in the RS room at the church, that way, if the other family members didn't want to participate in that, they could stay in the foyer or the Chapel to greet friends.
I was not going to change my mind about having the service and viewing at the church. To me it was respectful and appropriate. For a while, we had a little conflict getting to use the RS room because of a scheduled baptism that morning. In the end, the family from the Hamilton Ward moved their whole service to another chapel. This turned out better that we had expected, because there was such a large turn out that there was no parking left in the parking lot.
By the late afternoon, Katy and Josh, Dane and Yuka and I, went downtown to the funeral home and spoke with the directors there. They were kind and helpful. They answered all of the questions we had. Morticians are a strange breed...but honestly, wouldn't you be??
Day 4 (Tuesday), 5 (Wednesday), and 6 (Thursday)...I worked. Yes, I left home and went to work every day, and a half day on Thursday. When I got home in the evening, I worked some more. Despite the tragedy in my own life, I had Memory Mate envelopes to count, and teams to organize. It was just a reason to escape the reality of it all. I know this. I couldn't stop myself.
Day 2...We - Bari, Madeline, her boyfriend Aaron, and I photographed 14-16 FFA soccer teams in the morning. In the afternoon (with the exception of Aaron) we photographed 4 football teams. I got terribly sunburned, but made it through the day. When we pulled up in front of the the house after football, Madeline and I just sat and looked at each other. Neither of us moved. (Bari was in a separate car). Finally I said, 'I don't want to get out of the car. I will have to face the real world when I do.' Madeline agreed. We had both been able to avoid the crushing emotion of losing Joey, by working for 12 hours that day.
Day 3..was Monday. By the afternoon, Katy and Josh, Dane and Yuka, Madeline and Sam and Bari and I were sitting in my living room with Angela, Joey's girlfriend and her mother Debbie. We had invited Angela to be part of making arrangements for Joey.
Originally, I had planned that we would cremate Joey, have a simple Memorial Service and then bury him later. By talking to the kids, I found out that they were divided in this choice. Half agreed, but the other half needed a funeral with viewing to help them say good-bye. It was a really difficult time, but we were able to make some compromise with the final plan. Joey would have a Viewing and Visitation, but it would be held in the RS room at the church, that way, if the other family members didn't want to participate in that, they could stay in the foyer or the Chapel to greet friends.
I was not going to change my mind about having the service and viewing at the church. To me it was respectful and appropriate. For a while, we had a little conflict getting to use the RS room because of a scheduled baptism that morning. In the end, the family from the Hamilton Ward moved their whole service to another chapel. This turned out better that we had expected, because there was such a large turn out that there was no parking left in the parking lot.
By the late afternoon, Katy and Josh, Dane and Yuka and I, went downtown to the funeral home and spoke with the directors there. They were kind and helpful. They answered all of the questions we had. Morticians are a strange breed...but honestly, wouldn't you be??
Day 4 (Tuesday), 5 (Wednesday), and 6 (Thursday)...I worked. Yes, I left home and went to work every day, and a half day on Thursday. When I got home in the evening, I worked some more. Despite the tragedy in my own life, I had Memory Mate envelopes to count, and teams to organize. It was just a reason to escape the reality of it all. I know this. I couldn't stop myself.
Monday, August 27, 2012
Through the sadness...
Through the sadness, I have the need to write. Joey is gone from this world. Too soon. Before there was time to celebrate his joy, his successes, his love, his legacy.
Day One brought confusion. The day started normally. We had a wedding. It was not a 'normal' wedding, there were 10 bridesmaids, 10 groomsmen, 2 ushers, 2 flower girls, 1 ring bearer, and assorted escorts and dancers..
I was downstairs where the bride was getting ready. We were preparing her dress and shoes for a detail shot. Bari left the room to get his cameras. I set everything up, and waited, and waited, and got impatient, and looked all over the church for him. I finally got frustrated enough to walk outside to get my phone from the car. I was going to call him to see where he had gone.
I saw him talking on the phone, and then start walking toward me. I was not happy at all, but this was a wedding, and strange things happen, so I tried to keep my temper in check. Bari walked toward me, and I turned around to walk back to the church, he told me to stop. Then he put his arms around me and said something like, "I'm sorry, Springfield Township police called and - and - they found Joey, and he's dead- I'm sorry-I'm sorry to have to tell you."
You always wonder what you would do or say when you got bad news like that. I can tell you. It is instant chaos in your head. At the same exact moment, you are thinking- "I didn't hear what I thought I just heard" - "this is a bad joke" - "Nooooooo! this can't be happening". ...All at the same time.
We decided that we would leave the wedding and go home to tell Sam and Madeline. Bari had already called Katy, and she and Josh were on their way to my house. Bari would return to the wedding and finish photographing it by himself. Honestly, I would have finished the wedding with him, if it weren't for Sam and Madeline. I needed to be home with them. We had phone calls to make and people to tell. And tears to cry.
They knew something was wrong. Madeline took the news the hardest. Katy and Josh made their way over and we sat and tried to piece things together. I called back the detectives on the case, and they gave me all the information that they had. I had information about the coroner, and what types of reports had to be made. It was confusion.
We worked our way through telling the news to family and friends. They all worried about me. They will pray for me. And bring food. And pray. It was sad and horrible and terribly confusing. Who does this? Who knows what comes next? or what decisions need to be made? It was a process, and it took all
At the end of the day we were exhausted, but we had a plan. All of the kids with spouses, and the girlfriend with her mom, would come to my house on Monday to make arrangements, and think through the legal process. It was a start. A start to a very long road.
Day One brought confusion. The day started normally. We had a wedding. It was not a 'normal' wedding, there were 10 bridesmaids, 10 groomsmen, 2 ushers, 2 flower girls, 1 ring bearer, and assorted escorts and dancers..
I was downstairs where the bride was getting ready. We were preparing her dress and shoes for a detail shot. Bari left the room to get his cameras. I set everything up, and waited, and waited, and got impatient, and looked all over the church for him. I finally got frustrated enough to walk outside to get my phone from the car. I was going to call him to see where he had gone.
I saw him talking on the phone, and then start walking toward me. I was not happy at all, but this was a wedding, and strange things happen, so I tried to keep my temper in check. Bari walked toward me, and I turned around to walk back to the church, he told me to stop. Then he put his arms around me and said something like, "I'm sorry, Springfield Township police called and - and - they found Joey, and he's dead- I'm sorry-I'm sorry to have to tell you."
You always wonder what you would do or say when you got bad news like that. I can tell you. It is instant chaos in your head. At the same exact moment, you are thinking- "I didn't hear what I thought I just heard" - "this is a bad joke" - "Nooooooo! this can't be happening". ...All at the same time.
We decided that we would leave the wedding and go home to tell Sam and Madeline. Bari had already called Katy, and she and Josh were on their way to my house. Bari would return to the wedding and finish photographing it by himself. Honestly, I would have finished the wedding with him, if it weren't for Sam and Madeline. I needed to be home with them. We had phone calls to make and people to tell. And tears to cry.
They knew something was wrong. Madeline took the news the hardest. Katy and Josh made their way over and we sat and tried to piece things together. I called back the detectives on the case, and they gave me all the information that they had. I had information about the coroner, and what types of reports had to be made. It was confusion.
We worked our way through telling the news to family and friends. They all worried about me. They will pray for me. And bring food. And pray. It was sad and horrible and terribly confusing. Who does this? Who knows what comes next? or what decisions need to be made? It was a process, and it took all
At the end of the day we were exhausted, but we had a plan. All of the kids with spouses, and the girlfriend with her mom, would come to my house on Monday to make arrangements, and think through the legal process. It was a start. A start to a very long road.
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
It's Been A While...I need to write
Well, it's been a while since I have written any posts on this blog. There are several reasons for that. No time, that's the first reason. I work and work and work..and when I get a minute when I think I will write, Sammy is on the computer where this blog is bookmarked. The second reason is probably because I don't always think I have anything of importance to say. I guess I must think that words...written words.. shouldn't be wasted. Who would read this? That is another whole mess.... There is a conflict within me that I can't resolve. Something that really interferes with my writing. The conflict is: what if what I write is ridiculed? it's thought of as nonsense...silly...of no worth. And then the immediate thought from there is...What If No One Reads It??? No One....Reads...my thoughts, concerns. Then that -in my mind- makes me unworthy. There you go, back to the awful self esteem that has haunted me my whole life.
My Mother wrote a novel. Novel. 7 volumes of 3-ring notebooks (the 3" deep kind). 7...s-e-v-e-n of them. It took about a week to read each one. She researched and wrote over a period of 45 years. We called it "the Karl book" for the lack of a better working title I guess. As far as I know she started it as a story (novel or autobiography..I'm not sure) about the portrait artist Karl Anderson who lived in my home town in his youth. He grew up to be a famous painter who specialized in portraits. Some of his paintings can still be found by Google-ing his name.
Karl was the oldest of the 5 boys and 2 girls in the family. One of his brothers was Sherwood Anderson who became a well known author. Sherwood's book, "Winesburg, Ohio" was based on my home town of Clyde.
Interestingly enough, Sherwood knew Gertrude Stein, and introduced her to Ernest Hemmingway (who he also found a publisher for). Sherwood often communicated with Georgia O'Keefe, and her husband (I'm going to spell this wrong..) Steigleits.. Over and over in the book, Mom wrote about contemporaries to Sherwood and Karl in the literary and art world ...who I studied in Art History at college. John Sloan, Henri, Dove, and others.
Where does all of this lead me? I don't know.
There were times when I read Mom's book...and could hear her voice as she would read to my dad. This was important to her. She loved the story and felt it should..somehow..be told. But she also loved the mystery and the research. I can't even begin to explain the number of letters she wrote to find out just one piece of information. All of this was done before computers. I think there were very few phone calls, remember that Long Distance was more expensive than local calls.
Is the need to write in all of us? ...I don't know. But I think I need to write more. I need to find a topic or a story to work on, develop...become passionate about.
I am....my Mother's Daughter.
My Mother wrote a novel. Novel. 7 volumes of 3-ring notebooks (the 3" deep kind). 7...s-e-v-e-n of them. It took about a week to read each one. She researched and wrote over a period of 45 years. We called it "the Karl book" for the lack of a better working title I guess. As far as I know she started it as a story (novel or autobiography..I'm not sure) about the portrait artist Karl Anderson who lived in my home town in his youth. He grew up to be a famous painter who specialized in portraits. Some of his paintings can still be found by Google-ing his name.
Karl was the oldest of the 5 boys and 2 girls in the family. One of his brothers was Sherwood Anderson who became a well known author. Sherwood's book, "Winesburg, Ohio" was based on my home town of Clyde.
Interestingly enough, Sherwood knew Gertrude Stein, and introduced her to Ernest Hemmingway (who he also found a publisher for). Sherwood often communicated with Georgia O'Keefe, and her husband (I'm going to spell this wrong..) Steigleits.. Over and over in the book, Mom wrote about contemporaries to Sherwood and Karl in the literary and art world ...who I studied in Art History at college. John Sloan, Henri, Dove, and others.
Where does all of this lead me? I don't know.
There were times when I read Mom's book...and could hear her voice as she would read to my dad. This was important to her. She loved the story and felt it should..somehow..be told. But she also loved the mystery and the research. I can't even begin to explain the number of letters she wrote to find out just one piece of information. All of this was done before computers. I think there were very few phone calls, remember that Long Distance was more expensive than local calls.
Is the need to write in all of us? ...I don't know. But I think I need to write more. I need to find a topic or a story to work on, develop...become passionate about.
I am....my Mother's Daughter.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Field Trip to the Reds Ball Park
My boss took us to the Reds offices today for a field trip. We do all the framing for the Reds baseball team. These 1st 2 pictures are from Bob Castelini's office (he's out of town). I framed the champagne bottles, and re-stained the shadowbox that has the base in it. (It was Ken Griffey Jr's 600 home run....gift to the Castelini's).
On this wall were 3 pieces I framed for last years Gold Glove award winners. It is really fun to see my work on display (each of the players received their own framed piece, I made 3 copies of each...don't know where the others are).
I do a lot of framing for Corporate sales. This is the Press Room. In here are examples of corporate sponsors (Kroger, Skyline...) items that were framed for example pieces. This way, the sales team can show new sponsors, what types of ways they can utilize their business within the ball park. I'm not explaining it very well.
This is the 700 WLW radio booth. Greg is sitting in Marty's chair. You can see Bill's legs on the left, in The Cowboy's chair. There was some artwork on the walls in there, even though it was a small area.
We didn't have any art work in the sports reporters area. This is for beat writers from all over, so the space is kept neutral.
This wall was in the corporate suite.
After the tour, we had lunch at the Holy Grail across the street from the ball park. We have framed most of the pictures and sports items for that restaurant also. So, it was a nice break from the norm.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Hmmm....
Well, since I haven't blogged in a while, I thought I'd rather not try to catch up. Really. I mean, why? What's the point of writing about all the stuff that happened last week (or 2-3 months ago - for example).
Lets just start with today.
Sam left for Scout Camp this morning. Yep. And I am doing well so far. And so far, I am guessing the leaders are doing well also. We'll see how we are all doing by Friday. I'm sure I will be happy to have him home and safe. And I am also very sure, all the leaders will be MOST happy that he is returned to ME safe and sound.
Bari (Big Bari) is working at the Reds Game tonight......
Soooo... Madeline and I are having Chinese for dinner.
Bari Ray and Brittany are watching movies downstairs this evening....
See How Easy it is to catch up?
And what kind of blog would I have without a pic of Pete Rose and Arnie....
3 Gold Glove Award recipients....I framed each of those pieces for the Reds to present on Opening night....
My 2 lovin-bunches kittens........
And the grand-baby boys!
I will have more grandboy pix soon....
But check out our other blog (cherryblossom design) for our latest wedding and engagement pix!
Lets just start with today.
Sam left for Scout Camp this morning. Yep. And I am doing well so far. And so far, I am guessing the leaders are doing well also. We'll see how we are all doing by Friday. I'm sure I will be happy to have him home and safe. And I am also very sure, all the leaders will be MOST happy that he is returned to ME safe and sound.
Bari (Big Bari) is working at the Reds Game tonight......
Soooo... Madeline and I are having Chinese for dinner.
Bari Ray and Brittany are watching movies downstairs this evening....
See How Easy it is to catch up?
I will have more grandboy pix soon....
But check out our other blog (cherryblossom design) for our latest wedding and engagement pix!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
February . . . . . . WHAT?
Holy Cow, it is February 22. Somehow I have missed almost the whole month. Then again, my weeks are almost always the same. Work, home, kids, work, home, kids, work, bridal shows, kids, home, engagement shoots, home, work - - -kids. That pretty much catches me up with everything.
I am getting over a pretty rotten cold (thank heavens- and thanks to the RS sisters who put up with it while I taught my class a couple of weeks ago). Bari has the sniffles, so that's never good (he should try Menopause some time- now that's a character builder!).
The kids are all doing well. Sam has his ups and downs. I can't always predict when things are going well with him. We met with his teachers a couple of weeks ago, but I'm not sure anything has really changed.
Madeline is getting ready for Mock Competition this weekend. It is a performance night at the studio in full costume/make-up. There are judges who rate each dance to help with any last minute changes before the first competition. She has 6 competition dances, and 11or 12 for Recital in the spring.
Weekend before last, my brother and his son were in town for college meetings at UC. Ben has been accepted into the DAP program there. We were lucky enough to have dinner with them that Friday night. They live in Boston (Cambridge really), so we don't see each other as often as we would like. The next morning (Saturday) they headed up to Moms for a short visit. It was great to see them. The Tuesday they were back in Mass. he called me. Randy hadn't been feeling well during the trip, and even before he had left for the weekend, his Dr had ordered a Scan, thinking Randy had some kind of blockage. But he called to tell me that it wasn't a blockage as we had hoped, he has Stage 3 or 4 Colon Cancer. He will be having surgery soon, followed by chemo. I am in shock. The whole family is.
What can I say? Life is short. Be kind. Be grateful. Be generous with your talents. Teach love. Teach tolerance. Be at peace with your life and the choices you have made. Be forgiving. Forgive others and forgive YOURSELF.
I am getting over a pretty rotten cold (thank heavens- and thanks to the RS sisters who put up with it while I taught my class a couple of weeks ago). Bari has the sniffles, so that's never good (he should try Menopause some time- now that's a character builder!).
The kids are all doing well. Sam has his ups and downs. I can't always predict when things are going well with him. We met with his teachers a couple of weeks ago, but I'm not sure anything has really changed.
Madeline is getting ready for Mock Competition this weekend. It is a performance night at the studio in full costume/make-up. There are judges who rate each dance to help with any last minute changes before the first competition. She has 6 competition dances, and 11or 12 for Recital in the spring.
Weekend before last, my brother and his son were in town for college meetings at UC. Ben has been accepted into the DAP program there. We were lucky enough to have dinner with them that Friday night. They live in Boston (Cambridge really), so we don't see each other as often as we would like. The next morning (Saturday) they headed up to Moms for a short visit. It was great to see them. The Tuesday they were back in Mass. he called me. Randy hadn't been feeling well during the trip, and even before he had left for the weekend, his Dr had ordered a Scan, thinking Randy had some kind of blockage. But he called to tell me that it wasn't a blockage as we had hoped, he has Stage 3 or 4 Colon Cancer. He will be having surgery soon, followed by chemo. I am in shock. The whole family is.
What can I say? Life is short. Be kind. Be grateful. Be generous with your talents. Teach love. Teach tolerance. Be at peace with your life and the choices you have made. Be forgiving. Forgive others and forgive YOURSELF.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Back to the norm. . . . the busy-busy norm
It is about time I got back to the normalcy of blogging. Where else can I write every little bitty thing about my day?
It is Tuesday, Church Activity night. I have already gone from work - to Madeline's physical Therapy - to Subway - to home. So, see how my life goes? Go here and then Go There.
I really can't complain. Yes. We have been busy, but life is good. Bari and I have been to 2 Bridal Shows already this year. There have already been some follow up meetings and bookings. (The latest is for a May wedding at the Cincinnati Zoo!). We have also had the opportunity to go to a photography Trade show here. That is always good for us. It gives us a chance to physically check out products (primarily wedding album/books) that we have seen in catalog's or on line. There were a couple of pieces of equipment that we needed to ask about, also. And (I am so excited) I have a new Tripod! We have 2 tripods- a new one Bari bought a couple of years ago, and an ancient model that was hard to use. Guess which one I got? Well, it only made sense, because I am usually up in the balcony of a church, and I don't move around as much as Bari during a wedding, but now, I am more mobile. The goal is for me to shoot more. For that, I needed a new one.
Speaking of new things, (and old equipment that no longer works)- we got a new bedroom set, with a king size bed/mattress. Have I ever blogged about the joys (not) of having a Water bed. A queen size water bed. Yep. I was getting really tired of trying to get out of it every morning. And there were times I just wanted to prop myself up and that was impossible. And then, there were the tiny leaks that were starting to be a problem. So, all of that lead to the necessity of a new bed/mattress. Last Tuesday it was finally delivered. The last couple of hours bailing out that stupid water-mattress was horrific. But the new king is fantastic.
So, moving on- the kids all seem to be doing well. Katy is busy planning William's 2nd birthday party. Madeline is busy planning her 14th. I had lunch with Joey last Saturday, and he is moving forward with his recovery. Sam still struggles, we will be meeting with the school psychologist next week. Bari Ray is deep into classes and work. He has the best relationship with Sam right now. It is heartwarming to see them together.
Work is busy- home is busy. Life is normal.
It is Tuesday, Church Activity night. I have already gone from work - to Madeline's physical Therapy - to Subway - to home. So, see how my life goes? Go here and then Go There.
I really can't complain. Yes. We have been busy, but life is good. Bari and I have been to 2 Bridal Shows already this year. There have already been some follow up meetings and bookings. (The latest is for a May wedding at the Cincinnati Zoo!). We have also had the opportunity to go to a photography Trade show here. That is always good for us. It gives us a chance to physically check out products (primarily wedding album/books) that we have seen in catalog's or on line. There were a couple of pieces of equipment that we needed to ask about, also. And (I am so excited) I have a new Tripod! We have 2 tripods- a new one Bari bought a couple of years ago, and an ancient model that was hard to use. Guess which one I got? Well, it only made sense, because I am usually up in the balcony of a church, and I don't move around as much as Bari during a wedding, but now, I am more mobile. The goal is for me to shoot more. For that, I needed a new one.
Speaking of new things, (and old equipment that no longer works)- we got a new bedroom set, with a king size bed/mattress. Have I ever blogged about the joys (not) of having a Water bed. A queen size water bed. Yep. I was getting really tired of trying to get out of it every morning. And there were times I just wanted to prop myself up and that was impossible. And then, there were the tiny leaks that were starting to be a problem. So, all of that lead to the necessity of a new bed/mattress. Last Tuesday it was finally delivered. The last couple of hours bailing out that stupid water-mattress was horrific. But the new king is fantastic.
So, moving on- the kids all seem to be doing well. Katy is busy planning William's 2nd birthday party. Madeline is busy planning her 14th. I had lunch with Joey last Saturday, and he is moving forward with his recovery. Sam still struggles, we will be meeting with the school psychologist next week. Bari Ray is deep into classes and work. He has the best relationship with Sam right now. It is heartwarming to see them together.
Work is busy- home is busy. Life is normal.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Follow up
I just wanted to finish up with notes about the funeral.
Katy left Monday early afternoon (not before taking Henry to the Dr's office because of a little cough) and drove to Clyde to see my Mom. Of everything that was going on. This is the one event I would have loved to been a part of. Mom saw the twins for the first time. We could have had a 4 generation picture. Well, hopefully, we will all be able to manage a trip at the same time sometime this summer. Anyway, they went to Clyde on Monday and Tuesday. Tuesday night they went to Lima and had dinner with Dane and his wife Yuka, and Diane and her family. I guess it was ok, except the boys were all tired and very confused. (Translated, that means they were very Cranky).
I picked up Joey the next morning at 5:30. Sam, Madeline, Joey and I all drove up to Lima from there.
We got to the Church around 8. There was only 1 vehicle in the parking lot, a Council on Aging bus. I did think that was a little weird, but didn't really pay attention very much. Then, as the bus drove past us, it slowed down, and the driver rolled down the window. The driver was an old college friend that I had lost track of years ago. Kathi and I had known each other at Bluffton, but had gotten really close when Gene and I had moved to Columbus Grove. Katy and Joey were small, and we would go to Kathi's house every Friday night when Dane and Gene went to the basketball games. Kathi had a daughter- Samantha, who was Joey's age.
It was so good to see her. She had found the Obituary on Gene in the paper and stopped by to see if she knew anyone. The timing could not have been any more perfect. We are planning on getting together really soon. I can't wait until she meets Bari.
Anyway, Kathi had to leave, so we went on into the church and saw lots of people I hadn't seen for 10 or more years. It was strange. Thea, Gene's younger sister, asked me how I was doing. I put my hands out in front of me- about a foot apart from each other. I said, "It's like this. Today is just this part of my life". I couldn't express how it all took me back to 20-25 years ago. Which has nothing to do with where I am today. Like I said, it was strange.
So, the Bishop who presided over the memorial - oh, side note, Diane had Gene cremated, so there wasn't a casket or urn, or anything. - Sorry, back to what I was saying, The Bishop who was presiding was the Dr who delivered Madeline, and the same Dr who rode in the ambulance when Katy had her seizure when she was 4. He got pretty emotional when he gave a little concluding talk. Anyway, Gene's brother-in-law gave a talk on the purpose of life. He did a good job, then I spoke. I guess it went well. I was able to tell Diane that we all knew how much she meant to Gene, how happy he was when she came into his life. And I talked to the kids about their dad, how he had a testimony of the Divinity of Christ, and how important it was to him. Then, Dane got up and spoke a couple of minutes. He was in his full dress uniform - he serves in the Army. Gene would have been so proud.
There was a really nice luncheon afterward and lots of the guests stayed and visited. The chapel was full for the memorial.
Madeline rode back with Katy and Josh. Katy was exhausted. I don't know if she has gotten any sleep yet. Madeline had a basketball game, dinner with the cheerleaders, and dance. She was ready to stop crying and try to get some normality back into her life. We'll see how she does. I still worry about her.
So, I just had Sam and Joey with me on the way back. We stopped at the Uno's in West Chester. It was a pretty big splurge to go out to eat, but I sure felt that we deserved it. Oh, Joey had a suit jacket and suit pants, white shirt and tie. Besides Katy's wedding and prom, I don't remember the last time I had seen him dressed up.
Not having a casket or graveside services was the hardest on Joey. He said that it didn't seem finished. There was no real closure for him. That might pass in time, we'll see. He was the most emotional at the memorial.
Diane said that she would put a marker for Gene in the cemetery where his parents and grandparents are buried. His ashes will go to her family farm. I think she will eventually settle there in a couple of years.
So, today, at 5 o'clock when my workday ended, Lynne and I decided that the New Year would officially begin (again) for us. This first week sucked. It was time to start over. Sooooo
Happy New Year - 2011 ! I think I am finally ready for YOU!
Katy left Monday early afternoon (not before taking Henry to the Dr's office because of a little cough) and drove to Clyde to see my Mom. Of everything that was going on. This is the one event I would have loved to been a part of. Mom saw the twins for the first time. We could have had a 4 generation picture. Well, hopefully, we will all be able to manage a trip at the same time sometime this summer. Anyway, they went to Clyde on Monday and Tuesday. Tuesday night they went to Lima and had dinner with Dane and his wife Yuka, and Diane and her family. I guess it was ok, except the boys were all tired and very confused. (Translated, that means they were very Cranky).
I picked up Joey the next morning at 5:30. Sam, Madeline, Joey and I all drove up to Lima from there.
We got to the Church around 8. There was only 1 vehicle in the parking lot, a Council on Aging bus. I did think that was a little weird, but didn't really pay attention very much. Then, as the bus drove past us, it slowed down, and the driver rolled down the window. The driver was an old college friend that I had lost track of years ago. Kathi and I had known each other at Bluffton, but had gotten really close when Gene and I had moved to Columbus Grove. Katy and Joey were small, and we would go to Kathi's house every Friday night when Dane and Gene went to the basketball games. Kathi had a daughter- Samantha, who was Joey's age.
It was so good to see her. She had found the Obituary on Gene in the paper and stopped by to see if she knew anyone. The timing could not have been any more perfect. We are planning on getting together really soon. I can't wait until she meets Bari.
Anyway, Kathi had to leave, so we went on into the church and saw lots of people I hadn't seen for 10 or more years. It was strange. Thea, Gene's younger sister, asked me how I was doing. I put my hands out in front of me- about a foot apart from each other. I said, "It's like this. Today is just this part of my life". I couldn't express how it all took me back to 20-25 years ago. Which has nothing to do with where I am today. Like I said, it was strange.
So, the Bishop who presided over the memorial - oh, side note, Diane had Gene cremated, so there wasn't a casket or urn, or anything. - Sorry, back to what I was saying, The Bishop who was presiding was the Dr who delivered Madeline, and the same Dr who rode in the ambulance when Katy had her seizure when she was 4. He got pretty emotional when he gave a little concluding talk. Anyway, Gene's brother-in-law gave a talk on the purpose of life. He did a good job, then I spoke. I guess it went well. I was able to tell Diane that we all knew how much she meant to Gene, how happy he was when she came into his life. And I talked to the kids about their dad, how he had a testimony of the Divinity of Christ, and how important it was to him. Then, Dane got up and spoke a couple of minutes. He was in his full dress uniform - he serves in the Army. Gene would have been so proud.
There was a really nice luncheon afterward and lots of the guests stayed and visited. The chapel was full for the memorial.
Madeline rode back with Katy and Josh. Katy was exhausted. I don't know if she has gotten any sleep yet. Madeline had a basketball game, dinner with the cheerleaders, and dance. She was ready to stop crying and try to get some normality back into her life. We'll see how she does. I still worry about her.
So, I just had Sam and Joey with me on the way back. We stopped at the Uno's in West Chester. It was a pretty big splurge to go out to eat, but I sure felt that we deserved it. Oh, Joey had a suit jacket and suit pants, white shirt and tie. Besides Katy's wedding and prom, I don't remember the last time I had seen him dressed up.
Not having a casket or graveside services was the hardest on Joey. He said that it didn't seem finished. There was no real closure for him. That might pass in time, we'll see. He was the most emotional at the memorial.
Diane said that she would put a marker for Gene in the cemetery where his parents and grandparents are buried. His ashes will go to her family farm. I think she will eventually settle there in a couple of years.
So, today, at 5 o'clock when my workday ended, Lynne and I decided that the New Year would officially begin (again) for us. This first week sucked. It was time to start over. Sooooo
Happy New Year - 2011 ! I think I am finally ready for YOU!
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Saved the Worst for Last. . . . . . .
If you hadn't already heard, my ex-husband passed away on New Year's Eve day. A little over 2 weeks from the death of Bari's father. My ex, and the kids dad, died in Lima from undetermined illness.
So, I was thinking, if the last 2 weeks of 2010 were the positively worst weeks of that year. And the 1st week of 2011 (with Gene's funeral and grieving children) is the worst week of this year, it is all uphill from here, isn't it? Really, if this is the worst week of this year, then it's just about done and overwith.
Yes, so, Gippy passed away December 14th, we had a wedding on both, that following Friday and another on Saturday. We all left Cincinnati around 4:30 am on Sunday and made it to Chattanooga in time for the last Viewing and the Funeral. A grandson, close friend, and 2 co-workers spoke before me. We all said almost the same things, -he was a great guy, and he loved Cadillac's.
We came back into town on Monday and went back to work on Tuesday- 12 hour shifts to try to catch up. At that time, I was framing Champagne bottles, 28 of them. The first adhesive I used re-acted to the finish on the frames and I had to pull all of them apart and start over. Nothing like doing something TWICE. Anyway, they turned out just fine.
That next weekend was Christmas. Christmas Eve I worked (of course), and we went to Bari's mom's. Christmas Day we all met at Katy's house for dinner. Joey was able to get a ride there, and Dane and his wife drove up from Ft Knox. When I walked in, Katy told me that Diane (her step-mom), had called, and that her (Katy's) Dad was in the hospital with a fever of 104. She didn't have much information, and later in the evening I asked her to call back and find out what was going on. She was able to talk with both Gene and Diane. Diane had taken Gene to the hospital the night before because he had flu like symptoms that were getting worse. Diane told Katy that Gene had a blood infection. Both Bari and I knew that was very serious.
Joey was able to get permission to visit his dad in Lima the next day, so I drove all of my kids, Katy, Sam, Madeline, and Joey to Lima first thing in the morning. We stayed about an hour and a half. Diane stopped in for 20 minutes or so. Gene really didn't seem to feel well, but he acted just like his old self. He did take time to ask each of the kids a question, and try to include them in the conversation. I don't think any of us (adults) left with the assurance he was going to get better soon. It just seemed as if he wasn't getting better at all, and that was a big problem that we all recognized. The next day, Gene's oldest son -Dane- visited, too.
Katy called her dad every day the next week. Thursday night she was distressed that he seemed quite bad off. He took a lot of time to answer her questions, and then the answers were one word answers. Friday morning - New Years Eve Day, she got the call that if they wanted to see their dad, they better hurry and get to Lima quickly. There wasn't any way to get ahold of Joey, but the 3 others were able to drop everything and drive up I75 that morning. Dane and his wife were notified and they showed up later in the afternoon.
From what I understand, at some point in the week, Gene had a heart attack. This possibly changed the oxygen level to his brain, and that was why he was having trouble talking to Katy. When the kids got to the hospital, Gene was already on life support. They think he was still lucid enough to know they were there, but Katy isn't sure of that. Anyway, things got worse quickly, the doctors tried everything, and finally Katy said that her dad would not have wanted heroic measures to keep him alive. Diane agreed, and said she just didn't have the strength to step up and stop it. Katy said that the kids did a little better when they saw him without all the iv's and tubes and things. Unfortunately, they stayed by his bedside watching every last breath and heart beat. I can't imagine how traumatic that is.
They all drove back later in the day. I felt so bad for Katy, she was emotionally and physically exhausted.
So, the funeral is Wednesday the 5th, at 9 (!!!!) in the morning, actually, the visitation at the church (LDS church in Lima) is at 9, the funeral is at 10. And yes, I was asked to speak. No matter how strange that is, it does give me the opportunity to tell my children all the good things about their father. Yes, there were a few.
I will be picking up Joey at 5:30 Wednesday morning and we will drive up with Sam and Madeline to Lima.
I feel bad for Sam and Madeline. They started their Christmas break with a funeral, and ended with a funeral. Pray for the kids.
So, I was thinking, if the last 2 weeks of 2010 were the positively worst weeks of that year. And the 1st week of 2011 (with Gene's funeral and grieving children) is the worst week of this year, it is all uphill from here, isn't it? Really, if this is the worst week of this year, then it's just about done and overwith.
Yes, so, Gippy passed away December 14th, we had a wedding on both, that following Friday and another on Saturday. We all left Cincinnati around 4:30 am on Sunday and made it to Chattanooga in time for the last Viewing and the Funeral. A grandson, close friend, and 2 co-workers spoke before me. We all said almost the same things, -he was a great guy, and he loved Cadillac's.
We came back into town on Monday and went back to work on Tuesday- 12 hour shifts to try to catch up. At that time, I was framing Champagne bottles, 28 of them. The first adhesive I used re-acted to the finish on the frames and I had to pull all of them apart and start over. Nothing like doing something TWICE. Anyway, they turned out just fine.
That next weekend was Christmas. Christmas Eve I worked (of course), and we went to Bari's mom's. Christmas Day we all met at Katy's house for dinner. Joey was able to get a ride there, and Dane and his wife drove up from Ft Knox. When I walked in, Katy told me that Diane (her step-mom), had called, and that her (Katy's) Dad was in the hospital with a fever of 104. She didn't have much information, and later in the evening I asked her to call back and find out what was going on. She was able to talk with both Gene and Diane. Diane had taken Gene to the hospital the night before because he had flu like symptoms that were getting worse. Diane told Katy that Gene had a blood infection. Both Bari and I knew that was very serious.
Joey was able to get permission to visit his dad in Lima the next day, so I drove all of my kids, Katy, Sam, Madeline, and Joey to Lima first thing in the morning. We stayed about an hour and a half. Diane stopped in for 20 minutes or so. Gene really didn't seem to feel well, but he acted just like his old self. He did take time to ask each of the kids a question, and try to include them in the conversation. I don't think any of us (adults) left with the assurance he was going to get better soon. It just seemed as if he wasn't getting better at all, and that was a big problem that we all recognized. The next day, Gene's oldest son -Dane- visited, too.
Katy called her dad every day the next week. Thursday night she was distressed that he seemed quite bad off. He took a lot of time to answer her questions, and then the answers were one word answers. Friday morning - New Years Eve Day, she got the call that if they wanted to see their dad, they better hurry and get to Lima quickly. There wasn't any way to get ahold of Joey, but the 3 others were able to drop everything and drive up I75 that morning. Dane and his wife were notified and they showed up later in the afternoon.
From what I understand, at some point in the week, Gene had a heart attack. This possibly changed the oxygen level to his brain, and that was why he was having trouble talking to Katy. When the kids got to the hospital, Gene was already on life support. They think he was still lucid enough to know they were there, but Katy isn't sure of that. Anyway, things got worse quickly, the doctors tried everything, and finally Katy said that her dad would not have wanted heroic measures to keep him alive. Diane agreed, and said she just didn't have the strength to step up and stop it. Katy said that the kids did a little better when they saw him without all the iv's and tubes and things. Unfortunately, they stayed by his bedside watching every last breath and heart beat. I can't imagine how traumatic that is.
They all drove back later in the day. I felt so bad for Katy, she was emotionally and physically exhausted.
So, the funeral is Wednesday the 5th, at 9 (!!!!) in the morning, actually, the visitation at the church (LDS church in Lima) is at 9, the funeral is at 10. And yes, I was asked to speak. No matter how strange that is, it does give me the opportunity to tell my children all the good things about their father. Yes, there were a few.
I will be picking up Joey at 5:30 Wednesday morning and we will drive up with Sam and Madeline to Lima.
I feel bad for Sam and Madeline. They started their Christmas break with a funeral, and ended with a funeral. Pray for the kids.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Tribute to my Father-In-Law
We got the news this morning that my father-in-law passed away. Bari called me at work and I immediately came home. As anyone who just lost a parent, he is in shock. Bari M. (Gippy), had been ill for several years. I don't know I can name all the health challenges. Arthritis took it's tole, as did some kind of cancer of the tonsils. Like I said, I never knew all the specifics of his ailing health. What I do know, is that Gippy had the flu (or flu-like symptoms) this past week, and this morning he died.
I don't think it is possible to stand by your spouse without reliving your own experiences. This morning as I comforted and supported my dear husband, I remembered every moment of the evening my own father passed away. Nothing can prepare you for the inevitable. Even though I have a strong sense of purpose of my mission in life, my belief in Christ and Eternal Family, it is nonetheless, difficult to move forward in this life without a parent. Parents are the strength of the family, the ties of family bonds. Thinking of one parent without their spouse beside them, is terrible. It isn't just your own mourning/sadness/sense of loss, it is the concern of your surviving parents mourning/sadness/sense of loss that can become even more overwhelming.
I can't say enough great things about Bari's parents (all 4 of them!). All have been nothing but gratious, kind and inclusive for my children and myself in their family.
One of the first Christmas' I had with my kids and Gippy & Nana, they were teasing Bari about keeping us - whether or not he married me. They were instantly in love with all the kids and included them in every family activity. The only sadness I ever saw in Gippy was when he would reflect on not spending enough family time together.
The last time I saw Gippy and Nana, was when they came up (they live in Chattanooga), for Bari Ray's Graduation, and was here for the twin's birth also. (It was all on the same night- my family, over-scheduled, as usual). Bari M. and Linda were planning on coming up at New Year's to have Christmas with all the grandkids, and see the twins.
Of course, we have weddings on both Friday, and Saturday. Bari and Bari Ray will drive down to TN tomorrow morning (Wednesday) and come back the next evening (Thursday). We are hoping any funeral arrangements will be scheduled for Sunday, so the whole family will be able to make it back down by then.
I don't think it is possible to stand by your spouse without reliving your own experiences. This morning as I comforted and supported my dear husband, I remembered every moment of the evening my own father passed away. Nothing can prepare you for the inevitable. Even though I have a strong sense of purpose of my mission in life, my belief in Christ and Eternal Family, it is nonetheless, difficult to move forward in this life without a parent. Parents are the strength of the family, the ties of family bonds. Thinking of one parent without their spouse beside them, is terrible. It isn't just your own mourning/sadness/sense of loss, it is the concern of your surviving parents mourning/sadness/sense of loss that can become even more overwhelming.
I can't say enough great things about Bari's parents (all 4 of them!). All have been nothing but gratious, kind and inclusive for my children and myself in their family.
One of the first Christmas' I had with my kids and Gippy & Nana, they were teasing Bari about keeping us - whether or not he married me. They were instantly in love with all the kids and included them in every family activity. The only sadness I ever saw in Gippy was when he would reflect on not spending enough family time together.
The last time I saw Gippy and Nana, was when they came up (they live in Chattanooga), for Bari Ray's Graduation, and was here for the twin's birth also. (It was all on the same night- my family, over-scheduled, as usual). Bari M. and Linda were planning on coming up at New Year's to have Christmas with all the grandkids, and see the twins.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
The Saga of the Christmas Tree
Christmas tree. It should be so easy.
I have been married to Bari for 6 Christmas's. And for 6 Christmas's there has been drama over the Christmas Tree.
When we got married, we each had our own tree. Each of us loved our own tree (and did not particularly like the others' tree). My tree was narrow and tall, kind of sparse so there could be lots of ornaments. We made new ornaments each year to put up. I had gotten it the first or second Christmas after the divorce, and we were living in a townhouse. I didn't want to bother with a real tree (had done that most of my life), and knew the benefits of an artificial tree would outweigh the strengths of a real tree.
Bari had a short(er) W-I-D-E tree. The kind you have to put the yellow branches in the yellow holes. Only most of the color codes were worn off and you just had to guess what went where. Each branch had to be carefully pulled apart and the ends tipped up a little bit so it not only held the ornaments, but looked Real. (Oh, my tree came in sections that fit together, and folded like an umbrella). Bari's big thing was that it 'looked real'. Ok. Maybe. But it was a Royal Pain to put up.
Now, I work Retail. RETAIL. I need Christmas to be fun and EASY. I don't want to miss the holiday because I work (all the time). So, I have (in the last 6 years since we have had the cable network with BYU channel), put up the tree on the first Sunday in December when the church Christmas Devotional is on. It is just long enough after Thanksgiving that I don't feel like it is Too early, but early enough that I don't feel like it is at the last minute. Yes. Lots of thought and experience has gone into this. And thus the problem.
A couple of years ago my tree finally bit the dust. It couldn't be stored well- parts of it wouldn't come apart, and that was a problem. So. We started using Bari's tree. . . . . Everyone was frustrated. The kids couldn't figure out where the branches went. When I wanted the tree put op (on the required Sunday), Bari was busy/taking a nap/not interested. Last year they actually put it up when I was at work, which was ok, but part of the problem is how hard it is to put lights on it.
Last year in January, Bari and I had a bridal show at the Convention Center downtown for 2 days. The night of the first day, we all got the flu. The second day we spent at the show running back and forth to the Restrooms. When we got home, we found all the kids sick, the tree knocked over, and the house a mess. I walked in, surveyed the living room and went to bed.
So, our cats think the tree is a giant cat toy. When they get into the tree (which they do) they knock off branches to make a place to sit. Cute? Sure, you should see the pictures.
Now . . . . all that leads me to this year. I want a Pre-lit tree. I don't want to mess with putting lights all over branches anymore. Saturday night I bought a tree. Today I returned the tree.
The Saga continues........
I have been married to Bari for 6 Christmas's. And for 6 Christmas's there has been drama over the Christmas Tree.
When we got married, we each had our own tree. Each of us loved our own tree (and did not particularly like the others' tree). My tree was narrow and tall, kind of sparse so there could be lots of ornaments. We made new ornaments each year to put up. I had gotten it the first or second Christmas after the divorce, and we were living in a townhouse. I didn't want to bother with a real tree (had done that most of my life), and knew the benefits of an artificial tree would outweigh the strengths of a real tree.
Bari had a short(er) W-I-D-E tree. The kind you have to put the yellow branches in the yellow holes. Only most of the color codes were worn off and you just had to guess what went where. Each branch had to be carefully pulled apart and the ends tipped up a little bit so it not only held the ornaments, but looked Real. (Oh, my tree came in sections that fit together, and folded like an umbrella). Bari's big thing was that it 'looked real'. Ok. Maybe. But it was a Royal Pain to put up.
Now, I work Retail. RETAIL. I need Christmas to be fun and EASY. I don't want to miss the holiday because I work (all the time). So, I have (in the last 6 years since we have had the cable network with BYU channel), put up the tree on the first Sunday in December when the church Christmas Devotional is on. It is just long enough after Thanksgiving that I don't feel like it is Too early, but early enough that I don't feel like it is at the last minute. Yes. Lots of thought and experience has gone into this. And thus the problem.
A couple of years ago my tree finally bit the dust. It couldn't be stored well- parts of it wouldn't come apart, and that was a problem. So. We started using Bari's tree. . . . . Everyone was frustrated. The kids couldn't figure out where the branches went. When I wanted the tree put op (on the required Sunday), Bari was busy/taking a nap/not interested. Last year they actually put it up when I was at work, which was ok, but part of the problem is how hard it is to put lights on it.
Last year in January, Bari and I had a bridal show at the Convention Center downtown for 2 days. The night of the first day, we all got the flu. The second day we spent at the show running back and forth to the Restrooms. When we got home, we found all the kids sick, the tree knocked over, and the house a mess. I walked in, surveyed the living room and went to bed.
So, our cats think the tree is a giant cat toy. When they get into the tree (which they do) they knock off branches to make a place to sit. Cute? Sure, you should see the pictures.
Now . . . . all that leads me to this year. I want a Pre-lit tree. I don't want to mess with putting lights all over branches anymore. Saturday night I bought a tree. Today I returned the tree.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Let's try again . . . . .
So, it's Tuesday. Everyone is at church or school and I am at home ALONE. (hurray) Writing on my Blog. (hurray). And typing with one hand because I'm eating a Klondike bar with the other (sugar free) (hurray- - - -challenging, but definitely worth it!).
If it is at all possible, this week is busier than ever. We have Redsfest coming up next weekend, and are setting up 2 Costco displays. On top of all that, I still have custom framing to do. It's all good. I work with some wonderful people. Thank heavens they are all team players. Although, they (both Lynne and Greg- the other 2 framers) have crowned me - "the Responsible One". Yea, that means I take charge of all the stuff no one else wants to do. I don't mind it, but it does get to be a lot extra stress sometimes. So, for instance, these are some of the things that either I do all the time, or things that occasionally someone else will do too. (By occasionally, I mean, when I am on vacation, or crying in the bathroom because I am overwhelmed [no- I don't cry in the bathroom- at work anyway] ).
*I clean the Mymaki (printer) every morning. There is a special cleaning on Mondays, too. Also make sure the cleaning solutions are ordered when they get low.
*I keep inventory of all the length moulding, mats and glass.
* Keep inventory of all frames made that day, size, number made, and moulding type.
*Keep inventory of all the movie posters we have. Keep a sheet of specific posters, and organize all the rolls of posters. So, if my boss (just like tonight before I left) yells from his office -"Do We Have Hoosiers?" He isn't talking to anyone else. I look at my list and yell back -"Yea, One!" and he replies- "Ok- Pull It Out - Steve Needs It Tomorrow!'. So, I'm framing a poster tomorrow.
*I do almost all of the corporate custom framing projects. Not only do we frame for the Reds Baseball team, I frame for CBTS (Cincinnati Bell), ProCamps and lots others.
*I check all the saw blades and change them when needed.
Anyway, the list goes on and on. I wasn't going to blog about all of this, I was going to write about this past weekend.
Saturday I worked until noon, and then went downtown (Price Hill) to visit Joey. I brought him some clothes. He has broken off his relationship with his girlfriend, and because of this, he doesn't have anything, not clothes, not blankets, nothing. I already took a coat and blanket and some shirts. Anyway, he is at the Prospect House. It seems to be helping him. He is always surprised to see me. I stayed for the Family Meeting. There was a woman conducting the meeting that had not done it before. It was mostly about her life and how AA had helped her. At the end there were questions. I didn't find it particularly helpful or interesting, but I was there to support Joey any way I could. We (Joey and I) talked for a while. I met his counselor. Stayed about 2 hours.
Drove home, and was there for only about 30 minutes before Bari and I left to go to a Thanksgiving dinner that his step-brother was having. That was interesting. Bari's step-brother Miquel's ex-wives were there. They were both there last year also. Anyway, we went back this year, because Miquel is planning on moving back to Panama at the end of next year, and so, won't have anymore Thanksgiving dinners. So, we went.
Got home (after stopping by Kroger), at about 10. At that time, I baked 3 Pumpkin pies. Went to bed at midnight.
Got up at 6:30, baked the cake part of a Pumpkin Roll and went to Church. After church, our delightful Home Teachers came by. When they left, I finished the Pumpkin Roll, and made Sam a frozen pizza (what is wrong with that picture?). I also, did some post-production work on a set of portraits for a client we were meeting.
We left for Katy's around 2:30, on the way, stopped by a restaurant where our customer was waiting for us. We delivered a package of pictures to her of her daughter.
Headed on to Katy's and got there around 4. My oldest step-son, Dane and his wife, Yuka, were there. We had a really nice time visiting. Yuka is wild- literally. She was wrestling on the floor with Sam. He had a great time though. I gave Dane a baseball that Pete Rose personalized for him. He was so excited. (Oh yea, I almost forgot- Pete was in Cincinnati about 4 days last week. He was in my store on Monday and Thursday).
So, we had a good time catching up with Dane. I hadn't seen him since Katy's wedding. They are thinking about coming up at Christmas. Dane is in the Army, and is now stationed at Fort Knox. I am just thrilled that all the brothers and sisters might have a strong relationship. Dane was already out of the house when we had Madeline and Sam. So I love seeing them interact and get to know each other. Family is so important.
That's my weekend and more.
Gonna bake more pies tonight to take tomorrow.
Have a great Thanksgiving! (2 down, one to go!).
If it is at all possible, this week is busier than ever. We have Redsfest coming up next weekend, and are setting up 2 Costco displays. On top of all that, I still have custom framing to do. It's all good. I work with some wonderful people. Thank heavens they are all team players. Although, they (both Lynne and Greg- the other 2 framers) have crowned me - "the Responsible One". Yea, that means I take charge of all the stuff no one else wants to do. I don't mind it, but it does get to be a lot extra stress sometimes. So, for instance, these are some of the things that either I do all the time, or things that occasionally someone else will do too. (By occasionally, I mean, when I am on vacation, or crying in the bathroom because I am overwhelmed [no- I don't cry in the bathroom- at work anyway] ).
*I clean the Mymaki (printer) every morning. There is a special cleaning on Mondays, too. Also make sure the cleaning solutions are ordered when they get low.
*I keep inventory of all the length moulding, mats and glass.
* Keep inventory of all frames made that day, size, number made, and moulding type.
*Keep inventory of all the movie posters we have. Keep a sheet of specific posters, and organize all the rolls of posters. So, if my boss (just like tonight before I left) yells from his office -"Do We Have Hoosiers?" He isn't talking to anyone else. I look at my list and yell back -"Yea, One!" and he replies- "Ok- Pull It Out - Steve Needs It Tomorrow!'. So, I'm framing a poster tomorrow.
*I do almost all of the corporate custom framing projects. Not only do we frame for the Reds Baseball team, I frame for CBTS (Cincinnati Bell), ProCamps and lots others.
*I check all the saw blades and change them when needed.
Anyway, the list goes on and on. I wasn't going to blog about all of this, I was going to write about this past weekend.
Saturday I worked until noon, and then went downtown (Price Hill) to visit Joey. I brought him some clothes. He has broken off his relationship with his girlfriend, and because of this, he doesn't have anything, not clothes, not blankets, nothing. I already took a coat and blanket and some shirts. Anyway, he is at the Prospect House. It seems to be helping him. He is always surprised to see me. I stayed for the Family Meeting. There was a woman conducting the meeting that had not done it before. It was mostly about her life and how AA had helped her. At the end there were questions. I didn't find it particularly helpful or interesting, but I was there to support Joey any way I could. We (Joey and I) talked for a while. I met his counselor. Stayed about 2 hours.
Drove home, and was there for only about 30 minutes before Bari and I left to go to a Thanksgiving dinner that his step-brother was having. That was interesting. Bari's step-brother Miquel's ex-wives were there. They were both there last year also. Anyway, we went back this year, because Miquel is planning on moving back to Panama at the end of next year, and so, won't have anymore Thanksgiving dinners. So, we went.
Got home (after stopping by Kroger), at about 10. At that time, I baked 3 Pumpkin pies. Went to bed at midnight.
Got up at 6:30, baked the cake part of a Pumpkin Roll and went to Church. After church, our delightful Home Teachers came by. When they left, I finished the Pumpkin Roll, and made Sam a frozen pizza (what is wrong with that picture?). I also, did some post-production work on a set of portraits for a client we were meeting.
We left for Katy's around 2:30, on the way, stopped by a restaurant where our customer was waiting for us. We delivered a package of pictures to her of her daughter.
Headed on to Katy's and got there around 4. My oldest step-son, Dane and his wife, Yuka, were there. We had a really nice time visiting. Yuka is wild- literally. She was wrestling on the floor with Sam. He had a great time though. I gave Dane a baseball that Pete Rose personalized for him. He was so excited. (Oh yea, I almost forgot- Pete was in Cincinnati about 4 days last week. He was in my store on Monday and Thursday).
So, we had a good time catching up with Dane. I hadn't seen him since Katy's wedding. They are thinking about coming up at Christmas. Dane is in the Army, and is now stationed at Fort Knox. I am just thrilled that all the brothers and sisters might have a strong relationship. Dane was already out of the house when we had Madeline and Sam. So I love seeing them interact and get to know each other. Family is so important.
That's my weekend and more.
Gonna bake more pies tonight to take tomorrow.
Have a great Thanksgiving! (2 down, one to go!).
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Oops, missed a couple.
So, blame it on the Bengals. They played (badly) a Monday Night football game, so I didn't blog. I don't have an excuse for the week after that though.
Bari was so kind as to download all the pictures from my camera.
I never do well when adding pictures to this blog. Bear with me.
Obviously this is Halloween. The boys were the cutest pumpkins ever.
These seem to be going backwards in time. Hmmm. This was taken on Katy's back porch the Sunday the twins were Blessed. What a super cute bunch of boys!
This is Tony Perez. One of the Big Red Machine Reds baseball players. Geez- I need to loose the weight!
The picture of Pete Rose in the chair are from the Pete Rose Roast we photographed in September. This is from my camera, Bari took the 'official' photos from the event. Oh, that's Pete's son - Pete at the podium.
The bat and ball were given to me by the Reds this summer. I framed them as a gift from the Reds to Jonny Gomes. It was his 100th home run bat and ball. Last I heard, Jonny sent them to his home in Arizona.
And yes, that is fake grass in the back of the frame. It gets everywhere when I have to frame with it.
So, I hope the pics make up for the fact I hadn't blogged the past couple of weeks.
I never do well when adding pictures to this blog. Bear with me.
Obviously this is Halloween. The boys were the cutest pumpkins ever. 
These seem to be going backwards in time. Hmmm. This was taken on Katy's back porch the Sunday the twins were Blessed. What a super cute bunch of boys!
The picture of Pete Rose in the chair are from the Pete Rose Roast we photographed in September. This is from my camera, Bari took the 'official' photos from the event. Oh, that's Pete's son - Pete at the podium. The bat and ball were given to me by the Reds this summer. I framed them as a gift from the Reds to Jonny Gomes. It was his 100th home run bat and ball. Last I heard, Jonny sent them to his home in Arizona.
And yes, that is fake grass in the back of the frame. It gets everywhere when I have to frame with it.
So, I hope the pics make up for the fact I hadn't blogged the past couple of weeks.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Week 5 - - - - basic work/family
Sooooo . . . . . . . week 5, not so bad.
As I was cutting and joining frames in the warehouse this afternoon, I had lots of time to think about what I wanted to blog about this week. And, as usual, many weird and amazing things came to mind.
Here are a few.
Sam. We have been diligently trying to get him caught up on his homework. It has been a momentous struggle. He is smart enough to know the answers on the papers, he just doesn't know why he has to do it. And he hates to write. So, like I said. It has been a struggle. One night, I think it was Thursday, he was up until 10:30. Now, he didn't do homework the whole time- infact, I don't think he really started until around 7, but still, it was horrible. Thank heavens we are finally in a new quarter, and have a fresh start. Tonight he got done by 7 and even got to watch a little TV. (And snuggle with Mom on the couch).
I want my kids in bed by 10. Usually this isn't a problem. I like my "quiet time". I can be a little cranky about it.
Madeline. I am enjoying re-reading "The Hobbit". She hates it. She isn't into fantasy I guess. I was thinking about the first time I read it. I think I was about her age - 13 at the time. My family are avid readers. My sister has had a novel published. Yea, big into reading. I was raised a reader on Nancy Drew Mysteries. My sisters read them, and I couldn't wait until I was old enough. Now, "The Hobbit" doesn't have much appeal to this new generation. Even the Harry Potter series has to be bigger and more fantastic than the one before. Not to mention the films. Each Potter movie is more animated and fantastic than the last.
I still love reading. I love that you can make the book, the images, anything you want. I would rather read a really good novel, mystery, thriller, than watch a movie. And more so if the movie is made from a best selling book. Then again, that might have something to do with the fact that I live with a man who can turn the TV to any 007 Bond movie at any given part and name the movie, the main actors, what will happen next in the plot, and the band who recorded the film score.
I am the oldest person at my company. Sometimes this bothers me. Mostly because I don't think I am old. Or, Very old. Sometimes it bothers me because I do more. I am given more responsibilities. And then there are days I just physically work harder. Today was a day like that. It was just a hard day, and I'm tired. And I don't want to be tired. I don't think I should be tired.
Yesterday Katy, Josh and the boys came over for Trick-or-Treat. I made a couple of big pots of veggie soup, and we had a nice evening. Sam went with some friends. Madeline stayed home for a while, until a couple of girlfriends came over.
The most fun, of course, was William. He was dressed in his pumpkin suit, (as were the twins), and just ran around the neighborhood looking cute. He had no clue what was going on, but enjoyed every minute. I took a couple of pictures, when I have time to download, I will put them on the blog. It takes forever with this computer.
Our wedding on Saturday was nice. It was a full Catholic Mass at St Rose. St Rose is right on the river. There is a scale on the back of the church which shows where the water marks are from every major flood. This might have been the first full mass that Madeline has been to with me. These weddings last about an hour. Madeline couldn't believe it took so long to marry some one. But she was really helpful.
We are starting to make plans for Thanksgiving. It is one of my favorite times of the year. I always loved getting together with family.
Sooooo.....It is now about 10:40. If I hurry, I will have enough time to read another chapter before I fall asleep.
As I was cutting and joining frames in the warehouse this afternoon, I had lots of time to think about what I wanted to blog about this week. And, as usual, many weird and amazing things came to mind.
Here are a few.
Sam. We have been diligently trying to get him caught up on his homework. It has been a momentous struggle. He is smart enough to know the answers on the papers, he just doesn't know why he has to do it. And he hates to write. So, like I said. It has been a struggle. One night, I think it was Thursday, he was up until 10:30. Now, he didn't do homework the whole time- infact, I don't think he really started until around 7, but still, it was horrible. Thank heavens we are finally in a new quarter, and have a fresh start. Tonight he got done by 7 and even got to watch a little TV. (And snuggle with Mom on the couch).
I want my kids in bed by 10. Usually this isn't a problem. I like my "quiet time". I can be a little cranky about it.
Madeline. I am enjoying re-reading "The Hobbit". She hates it. She isn't into fantasy I guess. I was thinking about the first time I read it. I think I was about her age - 13 at the time. My family are avid readers. My sister has had a novel published. Yea, big into reading. I was raised a reader on Nancy Drew Mysteries. My sisters read them, and I couldn't wait until I was old enough. Now, "The Hobbit" doesn't have much appeal to this new generation. Even the Harry Potter series has to be bigger and more fantastic than the one before. Not to mention the films. Each Potter movie is more animated and fantastic than the last.
I still love reading. I love that you can make the book, the images, anything you want. I would rather read a really good novel, mystery, thriller, than watch a movie. And more so if the movie is made from a best selling book. Then again, that might have something to do with the fact that I live with a man who can turn the TV to any 007 Bond movie at any given part and name the movie, the main actors, what will happen next in the plot, and the band who recorded the film score.
I am the oldest person at my company. Sometimes this bothers me. Mostly because I don't think I am old. Or, Very old. Sometimes it bothers me because I do more. I am given more responsibilities. And then there are days I just physically work harder. Today was a day like that. It was just a hard day, and I'm tired. And I don't want to be tired. I don't think I should be tired.
Yesterday Katy, Josh and the boys came over for Trick-or-Treat. I made a couple of big pots of veggie soup, and we had a nice evening. Sam went with some friends. Madeline stayed home for a while, until a couple of girlfriends came over.
The most fun, of course, was William. He was dressed in his pumpkin suit, (as were the twins), and just ran around the neighborhood looking cute. He had no clue what was going on, but enjoyed every minute. I took a couple of pictures, when I have time to download, I will put them on the blog. It takes forever with this computer.
Our wedding on Saturday was nice. It was a full Catholic Mass at St Rose. St Rose is right on the river. There is a scale on the back of the church which shows where the water marks are from every major flood. This might have been the first full mass that Madeline has been to with me. These weddings last about an hour. Madeline couldn't believe it took so long to marry some one. But she was really helpful.
We are starting to make plans for Thanksgiving. It is one of my favorite times of the year. I always loved getting together with family.
Sooooo.....It is now about 10:40. If I hurry, I will have enough time to read another chapter before I fall asleep.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Week 4 ... a funeral, a wedding, and family
Well, so far this has gone about quite nicely. (Can you tell I am reading "The Hobbit"? It is required reading for Madeline, and I am re-reading to help her through it).
Last week started with a funeral. My former boss' father passed away and I wanted to pay my respects. It was a long drive (Mt. Orab), and a long wait (an hour standing in a slow moving line), but it was the right thing to do. No regrets.
Bari's brother and sister-in-law were visiting the past couple of weeks. There were several family dinners. Kyo-sun is from Korea, and always makes a traditional meal for us while she is here. Kevin, Bari and Bari Ray walked around campus one morning. Kevin is in the Air Force, and almost ready to retire. He started his career in the ROTC program at UC, just like Bari Ray.
Work is fine, I did finish the Ochocinco project, and they loved it. Now the Reds have a new project for us to work on. (No, this isn't the 500 or 1000 pieces for the Hall of Fame, we haven't heard if we are doing that or not). This is a new project. It includes a team picture, brass plate, baseball league emblem, and an empty champagne bottle. Not 1, not 10 of these- probably around 25 shadowboxes for all the owners. I get the best stuff! They haven't committed to this either, but I am working with my boss to find the right molding/mat choices so he can present the design to them. I'm pretty excited to get the chance to do this one. It should be really fun. (Even if there are 25).
And just so you don't think I never get the chance to do some kind of 'normal' family stuff, we carved pumpkins Sunday afternoon. It has been a tradition since moving here with Bari, that we carve our pumpkins while sitting on the front steps of the house. Some years it is a little cold. This year it was beautiful. I always do a traditional face, Madeline did a scary face, Sam has an Avitar-Air Bender face (with the arrow down the top) and Bari Ray had Brittany carve his. It is a scary tree. Amazing how relieved I felt after getting the old flower pots off of the porch steps and the pumpkins carved.
We had a wonderful wedding this past weekend. I think we have 4 or 5 weddings in a row now. Anyway, last week the couple was really cute, and they just seemed perfect for each other. Even the brides dad cried.
I have heard (through Katy) that Joey is going to a Half-Way house for 3 months. The program helps with his schooling, job hunt, and (when he gets out) housing. I am really happy that he found some help. We will see how it goes.
Last week started with a funeral. My former boss' father passed away and I wanted to pay my respects. It was a long drive (Mt. Orab), and a long wait (an hour standing in a slow moving line), but it was the right thing to do. No regrets.
Bari's brother and sister-in-law were visiting the past couple of weeks. There were several family dinners. Kyo-sun is from Korea, and always makes a traditional meal for us while she is here. Kevin, Bari and Bari Ray walked around campus one morning. Kevin is in the Air Force, and almost ready to retire. He started his career in the ROTC program at UC, just like Bari Ray.
Work is fine, I did finish the Ochocinco project, and they loved it. Now the Reds have a new project for us to work on. (No, this isn't the 500 or 1000 pieces for the Hall of Fame, we haven't heard if we are doing that or not). This is a new project. It includes a team picture, brass plate, baseball league emblem, and an empty champagne bottle. Not 1, not 10 of these- probably around 25 shadowboxes for all the owners. I get the best stuff! They haven't committed to this either, but I am working with my boss to find the right molding/mat choices so he can present the design to them. I'm pretty excited to get the chance to do this one. It should be really fun. (Even if there are 25).
And just so you don't think I never get the chance to do some kind of 'normal' family stuff, we carved pumpkins Sunday afternoon. It has been a tradition since moving here with Bari, that we carve our pumpkins while sitting on the front steps of the house. Some years it is a little cold. This year it was beautiful. I always do a traditional face, Madeline did a scary face, Sam has an Avitar-Air Bender face (with the arrow down the top) and Bari Ray had Brittany carve his. It is a scary tree. Amazing how relieved I felt after getting the old flower pots off of the porch steps and the pumpkins carved.
We had a wonderful wedding this past weekend. I think we have 4 or 5 weddings in a row now. Anyway, last week the couple was really cute, and they just seemed perfect for each other. Even the brides dad cried.
I have heard (through Katy) that Joey is going to a Half-Way house for 3 months. The program helps with his schooling, job hunt, and (when he gets out) housing. I am really happy that he found some help. We will see how it goes.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Week 3 and Ochocinco
So, yesterday was pretty typical for me. Work. Work. Oh, yea, and more work. You need 33 movie posters measured, drymounted, glassed and framed (all around 27x40 inches) in 3" wide moulding? Sure, no problem, let me just finish up the 56 (FIFTY-SIX) pieces for the Reds first.
In the middle of this day, I have a visit from one of the corporate clients I've been working with. They have 3 - 4 separate projects I am doing for them. Now, their company sets up sports camps for pro players -basketball, football, soccer - - -whatever. And the player usually uses this as a way to promote their charity. The company finds sponsors for the camp and the pro athlete. I then frame mini posters, or photographs of the athlete with sponsors, and signature cuts. (Signature cuts are small cards with the pro player's autograph).
Yes, so in the middle of my day, one of the companies shows up. We discuss his new projects, one of which is a multi-opening piece with a mini poster, and Chad Ochocinco's card/signature cut. Fine. I put everything in a large manila envelope, and set it aside. Vicki had been working on some graphics for me and I had to give her some information from this meeting immediately. We had made changes in a design, and I needed to tell her before she got too far into it. THEN, I got a phone call (from the same corporate client) just to review a couple of things. THEN I went to pick up the envelope to make a couple of notes and COULD NOT FIND IT . . . . . .ANYWHERE.
Everyone looked. Everyone looked everywhere.
I don't loose things. ESPECIALLY not signature pieces. ESPECIALLY not Chad Ochocinco. 4 Chad Ochocinco cards. Not 1 card, FOUR cards. GEEEEEZZZzzzzzz.
After getting home, going to bed with a migraine. I looked on my desk this morning and saw 2 manila envelopes with the same name on both. I thought, "why does he have 2 envelopes?". Yep, you guessed it. One was turned over, so I didn't see the correct name. It was on my desk the whole time.
Stupid.
And that's not all.
When I started framing the pieces I noticed something odd about the signature cards.
They were copies. The cards didn't have original Ochocinco signatures on them. They aren't worth squat.
And I had a migraine over them.
And then my boss told me we have an additional order of 88 movie posters. yea.
And then (yes- there is more- and yes, this is how my days really do roll)...... my boss told us that we were asked to put a bid together for the Reds Hall of Fame for 500 pieces.
yep . . . .500
In the middle of this day, I have a visit from one of the corporate clients I've been working with. They have 3 - 4 separate projects I am doing for them. Now, their company sets up sports camps for pro players -basketball, football, soccer - - -whatever. And the player usually uses this as a way to promote their charity. The company finds sponsors for the camp and the pro athlete. I then frame mini posters, or photographs of the athlete with sponsors, and signature cuts. (Signature cuts are small cards with the pro player's autograph).
Yes, so in the middle of my day, one of the companies shows up. We discuss his new projects, one of which is a multi-opening piece with a mini poster, and Chad Ochocinco's card/signature cut. Fine. I put everything in a large manila envelope, and set it aside. Vicki had been working on some graphics for me and I had to give her some information from this meeting immediately. We had made changes in a design, and I needed to tell her before she got too far into it. THEN, I got a phone call (from the same corporate client) just to review a couple of things. THEN I went to pick up the envelope to make a couple of notes and COULD NOT FIND IT . . . . . .ANYWHERE.
Everyone looked. Everyone looked everywhere.
I don't loose things. ESPECIALLY not signature pieces. ESPECIALLY not Chad Ochocinco. 4 Chad Ochocinco cards. Not 1 card, FOUR cards. GEEEEEZZZzzzzzz.
After getting home, going to bed with a migraine. I looked on my desk this morning and saw 2 manila envelopes with the same name on both. I thought, "why does he have 2 envelopes?". Yep, you guessed it. One was turned over, so I didn't see the correct name. It was on my desk the whole time.
Stupid.
And that's not all.
When I started framing the pieces I noticed something odd about the signature cards.
They were copies. The cards didn't have original Ochocinco signatures on them. They aren't worth squat.
And I had a migraine over them.
And then my boss told me we have an additional order of 88 movie posters. yea.
And then (yes- there is more- and yes, this is how my days really do roll)...... my boss told us that we were asked to put a bid together for the Reds Hall of Fame for 500 pieces.
yep . . . .500
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Tuesday - week 2
So, I am still trying to get into my head that writing every week is going to be good for me. Does this really replace a traditional journal? That doesn't seem right. You can't really store this like you can a book. Then again, how many books do I have that are only written until June or July of that year?
This week was ok. Madeline's knee is getting better. We even bought her toe shoes on Saturday, and she took her first pointe class for this year, on Monday. Her ballet teacher said she did very well for not dancing (pointe) the last 9 months. Infact, she did even better than a couple of girls who had danced all year last year, on pointe. So, that's good. And (most importantly) the shoes weren't as expensive as I had thought. Man, she really does love dance.
We got a call from one of Sam's teachers today. Homework has been a struggle for quite some time. And honestly, I am pretty exhausted when I come home, and Homework is the last thing I want to deal with. So, I have been working with him, but not pushing or challenging him as much as I should. So, today, (like I said) his teacher called and said that (bluntly) if he didn't immediately start getting things in order, he would not pass 6th grade. Yea, great. He is really smart, but he is stubborn too. Bari (thank heaven's) has taken the bull by the horns, and made Sam sit (with a break for dinner of course) and finish/catch up home work for 4 hours tonight. It was a struggle, but he did pretty well. My concern is that when we have a day when Bari and I have wedding meetings, it will be a challenge to have him finish his work correctly with out us there.
Speaking of Sam, he became a Deacon on Sunday with Bari Ray doing the ordination. That probably isn't the correct explanation, but most of you know what I mean. Anyway, it was really nice to see the brothers giving and receiving blessings with (step)Dad, and Brother-in-Law in the circle. Katy and I cried, it was very moving. That was another family moment that Joey missed that he will never get the chance to see. That makes me sad.
What else?
We ran up to Clyde/Fremont Sunday night for an event. I took off work on Monday (SURPRISE) and had a nice visit with my Mom. She is so funny. Bari even gave her an early Hallowe'en Card, and she was thrilled. Although Mom keeps busy (the apple doesn't fall far from the tree), I know there must be times she is just lonely. A last minute visit on a Monday was a great thing for both of us. And even though Bari is Swamped with production work, he didn't mind the longer-than-we-thought visit. I have such a great husband!
Katy called today, the boys had their checkup. Grant is a whopping 12lbs, and Henry is over 10 -maybe even 10 1/2 lbs. They were sooo cute on Sunday. William was a hoot.
I barely see Bari Ray. He is deep into classes at the University, and work. He is working tonight, I think he is keeping it to about 4 hours a day during the week, and all day Saturday. Yea. Livin the good life!
So, that wasn't too bad. I will try again next week. As my mom would say- "we'll just see what happens!."
This week was ok. Madeline's knee is getting better. We even bought her toe shoes on Saturday, and she took her first pointe class for this year, on Monday. Her ballet teacher said she did very well for not dancing (pointe) the last 9 months. Infact, she did even better than a couple of girls who had danced all year last year, on pointe. So, that's good. And (most importantly) the shoes weren't as expensive as I had thought. Man, she really does love dance.
We got a call from one of Sam's teachers today. Homework has been a struggle for quite some time. And honestly, I am pretty exhausted when I come home, and Homework is the last thing I want to deal with. So, I have been working with him, but not pushing or challenging him as much as I should. So, today, (like I said) his teacher called and said that (bluntly) if he didn't immediately start getting things in order, he would not pass 6th grade. Yea, great. He is really smart, but he is stubborn too. Bari (thank heaven's) has taken the bull by the horns, and made Sam sit (with a break for dinner of course) and finish/catch up home work for 4 hours tonight. It was a struggle, but he did pretty well. My concern is that when we have a day when Bari and I have wedding meetings, it will be a challenge to have him finish his work correctly with out us there.
Speaking of Sam, he became a Deacon on Sunday with Bari Ray doing the ordination. That probably isn't the correct explanation, but most of you know what I mean. Anyway, it was really nice to see the brothers giving and receiving blessings with (step)Dad, and Brother-in-Law in the circle. Katy and I cried, it was very moving. That was another family moment that Joey missed that he will never get the chance to see. That makes me sad.
What else?
We ran up to Clyde/Fremont Sunday night for an event. I took off work on Monday (SURPRISE) and had a nice visit with my Mom. She is so funny. Bari even gave her an early Hallowe'en Card, and she was thrilled. Although Mom keeps busy (the apple doesn't fall far from the tree), I know there must be times she is just lonely. A last minute visit on a Monday was a great thing for both of us. And even though Bari is Swamped with production work, he didn't mind the longer-than-we-thought visit. I have such a great husband!
Katy called today, the boys had their checkup. Grant is a whopping 12lbs, and Henry is over 10 -maybe even 10 1/2 lbs. They were sooo cute on Sunday. William was a hoot.
I barely see Bari Ray. He is deep into classes at the University, and work. He is working tonight, I think he is keeping it to about 4 hours a day during the week, and all day Saturday. Yea. Livin the good life!
So, that wasn't too bad. I will try again next week. As my mom would say- "we'll just see what happens!."
Monday, October 4, 2010
stuff
I should probably try to write every week. Right now this blog is always in a catch up mode. And if I write every week I won't second guess if my rantings are interesting, funny (or not), insightful, or just "stuff" that is going on and not worth the effort.
That will probably only last a week or two.
Soooo. The twins are doing well. Henry had hernia surgery last Wednesday. It went well, and he seems to feel much better. Grant is smiling and quite a cute cuddly boy. Katy had an assessment for William (19mos and not a single word), and it went well. He is a smart little boy, and has learned sign language for "more" and "cheese". He uses the "cheese" sign for any food, but the people who were observing him were even more impressed he could understand a general term like "more".
So, they weren't too worried that he doesn't speak yet. He does make sounds (cute coo noises when he holds his little brothers), and will most likely start talking when he wants too.
We had a weekend of shooting. I shot the local Homecoming Parade on Thursday. Friday and Saturday we had weddings, and late Sunday had a family/baby session. No day off this past weekend, and a full weekend coming up.
Katy called me Sunday evening and asked me when I had my next day off. I said it would probably be a week from Monday. She said I work too hard, and that I'm 'not 30 anymore'. (Yea, nice. Thanks for that). She is worried, and wanted to know if Bari knew how hard I work. Well of course he does. And yes it is hard, and yes I am tired and my feet hurt.(I'm not 30 anymore you know). But the whole purpose is to be able to quit my full time job and work from home. I would like to be home when my kids leave for school, and be here when they come home in the afternoon. That way it won't be so bad when I am away on a Saturday for a wedding, or a Wednesday night for a planning meeting. Now it just seems like I am gone all the time. (And my feet hurt all the time).
That will probably only last a week or two.
Soooo. The twins are doing well. Henry had hernia surgery last Wednesday. It went well, and he seems to feel much better. Grant is smiling and quite a cute cuddly boy. Katy had an assessment for William (19mos and not a single word), and it went well. He is a smart little boy, and has learned sign language for "more" and "cheese". He uses the "cheese" sign for any food, but the people who were observing him were even more impressed he could understand a general term like "more".
So, they weren't too worried that he doesn't speak yet. He does make sounds (cute coo noises when he holds his little brothers), and will most likely start talking when he wants too.
We had a weekend of shooting. I shot the local Homecoming Parade on Thursday. Friday and Saturday we had weddings, and late Sunday had a family/baby session. No day off this past weekend, and a full weekend coming up.
Katy called me Sunday evening and asked me when I had my next day off. I said it would probably be a week from Monday. She said I work too hard, and that I'm 'not 30 anymore'. (Yea, nice. Thanks for that). She is worried, and wanted to know if Bari knew how hard I work. Well of course he does. And yes it is hard, and yes I am tired and my feet hurt.(I'm not 30 anymore you know). But the whole purpose is to be able to quit my full time job and work from home. I would like to be home when my kids leave for school, and be here when they come home in the afternoon. That way it won't be so bad when I am away on a Saturday for a wedding, or a Wednesday night for a planning meeting. Now it just seems like I am gone all the time. (And my feet hurt all the time).
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