October 25, 2009

1. It’s “lentil-ganza” around here as I just spent hours chopping and dicing and boiling etc and now have lentil soup for tonight, and lentil salad to take to school tomorrow.  The soup is pretty good.  I just wish I had a giant loaf of bread to dip in it, but I am trying to lay off the bread for at least 10 minutes.
2. If you yell across the courtyard to the people (who you’ve never met) playing with their children: “Hey are you coming to my house for Halloween?  I’ve got candy!” you become “that crazy lady whose house we are not going to.”  Also: yelling out the window on Halloween “come up here!  I’ve got candy!” yet again makes you a character of some suspicion.  I’m so conflicted over Halloween.  I know I could go to other places that have more children, like Paul’s family, and get the Halloween vibe, but I cannot desert my post!  It is my duty to hand out candy.  What is unfortunate is that those household who do not pass out candy, and those who do not send children to trick or treat mess up the delicate balance that is America.
3. This was the first weekend since school started that I didn’t have any responsibilities/activities.  Was very nice. 
4. One thing, I did have to write a recommendation for a kid for college.  That’s a lot of pressure.  I don’t know how the high school TAs at our school survive, because they have to do a jillion.
5. Tired again.  and here comes the monday.

January 20, 2009

1. My feet are killing me, but my spirits are high. 
2. An endurance challenge getting down to my watching spot at AB’s office.  Read the chronology on Twitter.
3. A little time to rest, then on to the Creative Coalition Party tonight.  Had a great time at the Bluegrass Ball last night. 
4. Who is this social party creature I see before me?  I was such a chatty cathy with some strangers last  night, Ali asked who I was and what I had done with Eleanor.  Must hide soon. 
5. And what’s this about school tomorrow?  Seriously.  Divine intervention in the form of snowstorm please.

January 18, 2009

1. These are exciting times, no?  The Inauguration buzz is all over town.  I’m off to shop and then go help AB with the gift bags for the Kentucky Ball.
2. Through nothing but luck and good friends and family I’ve got some fun activities to go to.  AB has invited me to join her and her folks and friends at the Kentucky Bluegrass ball.  Also, her office is on Pennsylvania Avenue, and I am invited to watch the parade from there!  Snacks! and a bathroom!  Can’t beat that.  Then, my kin J has scored me the primo ticket to the Creative Coalition party.  Awesome!  I went to that 8 years ago and there was all you can eat sushi AND a gift bag!  Hello!  Be assured I will be totally square in both dress and deportment (come early, look nerdy) but am excited to do these things! 
3. I am in a mental state where I am at peace with the fact that the various security restrictions might interfere with my plans.  If I can’t get into the secure zone (where AB’s office is) before it closes, I will at least have the experience with being among the peoples on the mall.  Sure, I’d hate to miss the snacks, but it’s all good I think.
4. My greatest hope is that all the people coming in from elsewhere have a good experience.   I’d hate for them to be disappointed.
5. I find myself getting a little weepy.  This moment has such importance.  I am generally all about a new president, regardless of party, because I love the peaceful change of power every four years (or 8, sigh) but the fact that this guy is 1. an intellectual (God bless his boring well read soul) and 2. the first black president makes it mighty exciting.  I didn’t think much about race during the campaign, but since the election I have begun to feel that the evil of racism was a far greater weight on my soul than I ever knew.  I want to say to the African Americans around me, “thank you.” Thank you for your faith, and your  struggle.  Though I read and know about history, as a white person I can’t truly understand the discrimination that you faced (face – there are still battles to fight.)  Forgive me, for not truly understanding or noticing all these years.  This moment IS important. This IS a turning point in our history.  We can do better for all people.  Yes, we can.

November 28, 2008

1. Thanksgiving day was panic trip to church, thinking I might be serving.  Then leisurely trip home when it turned out I was not.  Coffee and watching a little of the old Battlestar Gallactica (not yet sure I want to commit to that) and then back to church for the 10.
2. Got a little teary singing America on the “O beautiful for heroes proved in liberating strife.”  That always gets me, but since our boy is over in liberating strife, especially tender.  He is well and sent a picture of the fancy display that was made for the Thanksgiving feast at Camp Phoenix.  Chris, of course, noted that they were Plains Indians, not Eastern Woodland Indians, as would be appropriate for Thanksgiving.  How can you not love that guy?
3. I’m extremely concerned that the locals who put it together will not get credit for the time and attention they put into that display.  Had I the power I would pencil a citation at once.
4. At thanksgiving dinner we were with a fun crowd.  The coffee shop gang.  The four kids danced and tumbled in a fabulous show.  They are all so unique and fun!
5. It’s been a tough day for me and the service industry.  Not feeling the carpet was thouroughly done, nothing fixed by the plumber, but the 5 minute diagnosis cost $78, and the computer guy, who said he would be here wednesday, finally arrived, changed then rechanged the mother board, and now the strip at the top of the computer is clearly not posititioned correctly.  All these people seemed very nice, but my milque toast attitude makes me too accepting of work that is not to par. 
6. Note to self, write about the lady and her shopping cart full o yarn.

November 5, 2008

1. What a night last night.  I’m exhausted!
2. What a day today.  A new day.  I was so touched seeing people crying and praying with joy as Obama spoke.  I cried myself.  I know he is not perfect, I know the road will not be easy, but I truly believe he is the right man at the right time.
3. I though John McCain made a eloquent and gracious concession speech.  In the first in a series of what I am sure will be called “Letters from a Crazy Lady to the President” I want to ask President Elect Obama to truly Honor John McCain’s service by making his (Obama’s) first executive order the same as John McCain said his would be:  The banning of torture.  And he should have McCain right beside him as it is signed.
4. I loved seeing people in Kenya running through the streets waving the American Flag.
5. So beside peace love and democracy you know why I love America?  Because they (specifically the Army) recognized the genius of the Big Bro and are going to promote him to colonel.  Hooray!