Last Minute Reprieve
July 2, 2009
Astounding news! The Director of Human Resources just called in reference to a letter my union president suggested I write. Ms. Director told me that I am “absolutely right about the summer school seniority issue,” and I have been appointed to the position.
I feel like I’ve just been given a Death Row reprieve! Hallelujah!!!
Reading: The Memory of Water by Karen White
Song of the Day: Dead Man Walking by Bruce Springsteen
Nokay
July 1, 2009
I received an email from Sunshyn this morning asking if I’m okay. I appreciate her concern, but, the truth is, I’m not okay. Here’s why.
1. Scary headache – Day 31 (not to mention all the other pain).
2. One of my sisters is in crisis, and she is at my house almost every day. I want to be here for her, but it is draining and stressful, to say the least.
3. I still haven’t found out whether or not I’ll be working summer school, which starts on Tuesday. It’s not looking good. This is a potentially catastrophic situation, financially. I am sick over it.
Song of the Day: I’m Not Okay by My Chemical Romance
Sha na na na, sha na na na na
June 13, 2009
My brother, Mark, would have been 42 years old today. These “significant days” are harder to bear than regular ones. Mark’s twin, Mike, will have his own particular pain to deal with today. My heart goes out to him, and to my parents and other siblings. We all miss Mark so much.
As for physical pain, I’ve been suffering even more than usual lately. The worst of it is that the scary headaches are back. Living with chronic pain takes so much out of me. By the time I get home from work, I’m too exhausted, both physically and mentally, to do much of anything. Weekends aren’t much better, although I do push myself to get out of the house as much as possible. It’s too easy to fall into a depression when I’m trapped inside for long periods of time. It’s bad enough to be trapped in this pain-ravaged body. I need all the distractions I can get.
Something else that is causing me stress (which adds to the pain) is that I will only be receiving one more paycheck until September. This is quite disturbing because we can’t live on Daniel’s salary alone. I applied for summer school about a month ago, and have been anxiously awaiting word about whether or not I got the job.
On Wednesday, My Friend informed me that she had received an email from the summer school principal informing her that she had been recommended to teach summer school. I became distressed upon hearing that, and emailed the principal to ask if a decision had been made about the summer school Teaching Assistant position. I reminded her that I have held the position since it was created, with the exception of the past two summers when I was unable to work because of back pain that was the result of a work-related incident. (It should also be noted that the principal at the time the TA position was first created lobbied for it with me in mind.)
Ms. Summer School principal responded to my email by asking how many years I held the position, and saying that she has to check the “union issue.” I suppose that means that the person who was assigned the position during the summers when I was unable to work has applied for it again this year. However, it is my understanding that seniority is a factor, so I should get the assignment. Also, I should not be penalized because I was unable to work due to an injury I sustained on the job.
I am a nervous wreck about this situation. If I don’t get the summer school position, we are up the creek without a paddle. Even if I do work summer school, it will only be 16 hours a week for six weeks. We still won’t be able to make ends meet. But, without that extra money, we will be in serious trouble.
All positive thoughts will be much appreciated.
Song of the Day: Get a Job by The Silhouettes
Gardens and Groundhogs
May 30, 2009
Before we get to the garden photos, I want to share something that made me laugh. As I mentioned in Mary’s comments in reference to her entry about spelling bees, I came across a doozy of a spelling error while looking over a paper written by a high school junior – “alls timers” for Alzheimer’s. I just love that.
On to the garden gazing. If these wild roses didn’t smell so delightful, I’d get rid of them because their sprawling growth tends to be rather riotous in an area that doesn’t work well for that.
This giant allium is my current pride and joy.
The huge purple globe amazes me every time I look at it, which I do quite often, from a rocking chair on the front porch.
The blooming iris are few but spectacular.
Last year, this plant didn’t bloom, and I had no idea what it was. My Neighbor has informed me that it is called Jacob’s Ladder. It’s probably something she gave me, because I know I didn’t buy it.
These coral bells are another donation from My Neighbor.
I planted this lupine a few weeks ago, and am very happy to see it come into bloom.
I’ve always wanted foxgloves, and am thrilled with this one, planted the same time as the lupine.
Does anyone know what this is? I haven’t had a chance to ask My Neighbor.
All the news from my outdoor world is not as good as the fruits of my garden labor, thanks to a couple of dastardly groundhogs. LA very thoughtfully sent me a tutorial on groundhog elimination that involves blocking tunnel entrances/exits. Our groundhogs have tunnels that pop up all over My Neighbor’s yard, as well as mine. I’ll have to talk to her about joining forces. If all else fails, I might have to hire a hit man.
This pile of rocks under the rhododendron in my back yard (a loooooong time ago, it was part of an elaborate rock garden complete with lighted fountain) is now the portal to a tunnel. My Neighbor calls it the Groundhog Condo. Let the eviction process begin.
Song of the Day: Garden Party by Ricky Nelson
Reading: The Once and Future King by T.H. White
Yesterday, questioning of a rape suspect at the Sheriff’s headquarters turned into a three hour standoff. The suspect grabbed a detective’s gun and fired. The bullet grazed a detective’s head. The suspect then barricaded himself in an unoccupied office. About three hours later, he shot and killed himself. Streets in the area were shut down for hours, and residents were evacuated. This is the fifteenth shooting in My Little Town since the beginning of the year. Fifteen shootings in less than five months. I feel like I’m living in the Wild West.
In more pleasant news, I went on an architectural Art Deco walking Tour of Manhattan a couple of weeks ago, and thoroughly enjoyed it (although I most definitely did not enjoy the resulting pain). We visited the Daily News building, the old GE building (it was like Oz inside) the Waldorf-Astoria, Rockefeller Center, and, my favorite, the Chrysler Building.
I had another positive experience last weekend when I attended a Reiki training session given by My Friend. During the attunement, I was amazed to feel a powerful surge of energy flow through my fingers. This is some seriously cool stuff.
I’m running late on time, but before I go I want to wish Daniel a very Happy Birthday!
Song of the Day: My Little Town by Simon & Garfunkel
Calamity Jane
May 16, 2009
Poor Rebecca has suffered one hardship after another since she moved. For starters, her brand new GPS was stolen from the glove department of her car that was parked in the driveway of her new apartment her very first night there. To add insult to injury, she realized a day later that her ipod had been stolen, as well. Not only is this a monetary loss, but she had 5,000 songs on the mp3 player.
As if that wasn’t bad enough, she called yesterday to tell me about her latest catastrophe. Because their cable won’t be hooked up until Tuesday, Rebecca and Matt don’t have Internet service. Rebecca had two papers due for school that needed to be emailed to her professors. So, she went to the local library to use one of their computers.
She began with four handwritten pages. After heavy revisions and additions, she ended up with eleven typed pages and was ready to email them. Suddenly, a message popped up on the monitor announcing that the computer would shut down in ten seconds. Rebecca watched in horror as all her hard work disappeared.
In tears, she sought help from a librarian. The woman logged Rebecca back on, but her work was gone. (Many public computers have programs that wipe everything out upon shut down.) Rebecca asked why the computer would turn itself off after only fifty minutes, when each person is supposed to get an hour. The librarian then told Rebecca that a couple of the computers shut themselves off sooner than they are supposed to. Ummm, wouldn’t you think that it might be a good idea to put notes on those malfunctioning computers to alert the users that they only have fifty minutes instead of sixty?
I feel so sorry for my daughter. Good thoughts and positive energy sent her way would be greatly appreciated.
As for my other daughter, I took a personal day yesterday so her father and I could help Leigh move out of her dorm and back home for the summer. The two hour drive (each way) was quite pleasant, thanks to the nice weather and pretty scenery. Today, on the other hand, doesn’t look like it will turn out to be so good. I woke up with a super duper headache.
As luck would have it, I have an appointment with my hairdresser. I really don’t feel like going. Besides the aching head, my hair hasn’t yet recovered from the scalping it suffered in April.
I’d reschedule for next weekend, but have other plans for Saturday, so I’ll have to keep this appointment. Oh well. I guess I could use a little color touch-up.
Have a good weekend.
Song of the Day: The Calamity by Trivium
Reading: An American Childhood by Annie Dillard
She Leaves and Heaves a Sigh and Says Goodbye
May 10, 2009
Today is going to be pretty low-key. Leigh is still away at college, and Rebecca is getting ready to move on Tuesday. To add insult to injury, she’s taking my new “grandson” with her. Meet Dexter the adorable corgi.
Rebecca will be taking a break from her packing to spend some time with me this afternoon. I invited my mother over for lunch (salmon and pasta salad), and Becca will be joining us. It’s kind of sad to be bidding my daughter a fond farewell on Mother’s Day. The sting is lessened, however, because she’ll still be around for a while. She’s going to come back twice a week for summer and fall classes at a local SUNY school. There’s nothing comparable in the area she’s moving to, so she decided to commute until she completes her Bachelor’s degree. I don’t know what she’s going to do about her Master’s, but I’m sure she’ll work something out.
I’m amazed at how quickly Becca and Matt were able to put this move together. At first, it looked like it was going to be difficult to find a decent apartment, especially one that allows pets. They were very disheartened after looking at one unsatisfactory place after another. But then fortune smiled upon them, and they found an apartment they really like. I hope they will be very happy there.
Goodbye and good luck, my dear daughter! (Becca is in the front of the photo.)
Happy Mother’s Day to all the mother’s out there.
Song of the Day: So Long, Farewell from The Sound of Music
Protected: No One to Blame But My Stupid Self
May 3, 2009
Flying the Coop
April 24, 2009
Rebecca’s boyfriend has been working at the local Outback Steakhouse for ten years. He started as a server and worked his way up to kitchen manager. The next step was to become a proprietor. A few days ago, he was offered proprietorship of an Outback about three hours from here. He has to move to the new location within three weeks.
Accepting this offer means that Matt’s salary will be doubled. In fact, at the age of 28, he will be earning more than Daniel and I do combined.
Rebecca and Matt’s relationship is very serious. I fully believe that they will get married. So, it comes as no surprise that Rebecca is going to move with her boyfriend.
Of course, I am thrilled for Matt. This is an incredible opportunity. On the other hand, I am feeling very emotional about having to say goodbye to my daughter.
I am well aware of the fact that children grow up and move away from home. I know that this is a normal part of life, and parents all over the world have to deal with similar situations. In many cases, children move much farther away. But knowing these things doesn’t make it any easier for me.
I love having an empty nest. I just wish my wings weren’t clipped (by not driving) so that I could fly away to visit more often than I will be able to. The train ride is five hours long, and that’s very difficult for me to endure because of my pain. So I won’t be seeing my firstborn daughter very often.
My heart hurts.
Song of the Day: Empty Nest Theme Song
