Sweet, look who's updating her blog JUST in the nick of time to keep her promise! I feel like Obama -- YES I CAN update every month.
(OK, no more comparing myself to Obama. However, here is a hilarious -- and surprisingly on key -- country song about him: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_W57aBMYKvU)
So I bought a battery for my garage door opener at Walmart yesterday. I've done this before and bought exactly the same kind. I got home, put the battery in, pushed the button and it didn't work. I pushed and pushed and pushed, pointed it toward the door this way and that and even turned the battery over even though I knew that wasn't the right way.
Today, I went back to Walmart to get my $3.77 back. The lady at customer service tried to do a return but ran into some weird problems and had to call over another guy. He had no idea what to do so off she went to a manager.
You know when you expect to spend no more than two minutes on something and it takes 10?
I started reading all the signs posted behind the customer service desk, played with the snap on my wallet, checked my phone for the time, then turned around to face all the checkout counters since there was more going on behind me.
I wondered how many Walmart employees are there because there are no other jobs. I wondered if the constant beeping of the scanner gets on their nerves or if they eventually tune it out. I wondered why they couldn't just give me $4 back and be done with it.
The lady came back. "It's rollback time," her pin said. I wondered if she hates wearing it.
I eventually got my money back and left without another battery. What if there's a whole bad batch going around and I have to bring it back again and read more "get your prescription here" signs? I'll only live here another month anyway.
By the way, when did Walmart stop giving out smiley face stickers? Maybe they got tired of peeling them off the buggy handles.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
F for Me
You would think that a writer could keep up with her own blog. "You write for a living," people might say and have said. "I bet it comes easy." Yes, my friends, it does in fact come easy, but unfortunately time is fleeting and fills quickly with other to-dos.
"I have a late meeting; I'll be too tired when I get home."
"I need to call Mom/Pete/Sarah/Ester."
"I have to catch up on my Bible study."
"My bathroom needs to be cleaned, and since it's mine, I guess I'll be the one to do it."
"I love this show. I'll do it tomorrow." And so forth.
So I get a F, but I'd like to think it's for effort. I told Sarah earlier that I'm starting my blog again, and she was impressed. "Most people, if they let it go that long, they never go back," she told me. So there. At least I'm not like most people.
I've thought of at least a million and three things to write on here since my last post a bazillion days ago. Things about school, people I meet, work, things I hear on the radio, disappointing trends, "The Bachelor," wedding plans and the like. Most of those ideas stayed in thought form and are now too foggy to recall.
So, although I am disappointed in my own time lapse, I will prevail. Yes, here I go, delving back into the thought-provoking depths of blogging with a humble, yet attainable, goal of writing at least once a month -- not for anyone particular, not on deadline, just for the sheer joy I get from keeping an online diary of sorts. (That doesn't mean my life has been joyless the past several months, mind you. I just don't always have the motivation to write about it. ... Or I forget.)
Maybe I am motivated now because I got to talk to Mike Minter today about setting goals, or maybe it's the "This American Life" episode I heard about quitting that ruffled my feathers. (I think the quitting lady was supposed to be motivational, but motivating the audience to quit, which I didn't buy into. She seemed a little selfish. Another episode about a 5,000-mile cross-country bike ride, on the other hand, was completely refreshing, even if the guy did it because he thought he would die in six months and is still living almost 20 years later.)
But I digress.
Because there are several random things I want to put into words, as is often the case, I will again turn to the trustworthy bullet format. My new boss says it's easier to read anyway.
1. I'm always tired at work, and I think it's because I have no natural light. (That, or I'm anemic. http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/understanding-anemia-basics Maybe I should buy some iron supplements.) There are windows around the building, but the only bit I can see from my seat is through a massive peep hole four times the size of anyone's eye. I am actually concerned that it is affecting my health. My boss told me to get more sleep, but I get plenty. Pete told me to drink more water, but I drink the same amount I always have and wasn't this tired before I started working there or the Observer for that matter. I couldn't see any windows at the Observer, either. I'm fine on my way to work, when I'm out of the building and once I get home, but as soon as I put my things on my desk in the morning, I yawn. It's like clockwork. It's hard to focus on work when you're so tired, so I proposed that we cut a hole in the roof above my desk to make a skylight. The roof is caving in anyway, so perfect. I'm not as open to having a window in the wall across from me because I'm afraid I'll upset someone with an article and will have rotten eggs thrown at the glass. That, or people will look in when they drive by, which would be just as distracting as being tired. I also proposed a yoga break, but a few people in the newsroom said they wouldn't want to see some of our co-workers do yoga.
2. I will be married in exactly two months. Pete and I went to Hilton Head last weekend to work out some details, and I decided I want to have a house there, or at least a tent on the beach. I am so excited that I can't fall asleep sometimes. We still have to figure out music, give the green light on flower arrangements, finalize a reception menu and take dance lessons, but I absolutely can't wait. I made Mom tell Mamaw that we're having alcohol at the wedding, so that's a small weight off my shoulders, too. (Mamaw wanted to know why we couldn't just have punch.) Pete has been a big help with planning and so has Mom. I'm glad we didn't push to get married last fall, although I am increasingly more impatient.
3. We are also looking for a place to live, which is both scary and exciting. I don't want to feel like we've settled here, although I do think we'll eventually move up north. It's hard to pass up buying a home right now because there are so many cheap places, and we could get the tax credit. I'm ready to start our lives together, but I feel a little blind going into it since I've never bought a house before. I suppose we will grow wherever we're planted. At least we're in it together.
4. I really enjoyed work today. I've always liked my job, but the past couple of weeks have been a bit stressful. Today was different. As I posted on Facebook earlier, a grandmother called and nearly cried when I told her I would mail her a copy of her grandson's picture in the paper so she wouldn't have to drive 15 miles to pick it up. Another lady asked me to have breakfast with her one Saturday simply because she wants to meet me in person. She calls me when she wants events put in the paper. I interviewed another man whose father was an alcoholic and abused his family. He turned his life around and is running for the state Senate. ... I also keep a stack of "fan mail" in my personal archives. Compliments from readers or sources mostly. They make me feel better when I'm having a bad day and remind me that I can do my job and do it well. There are so many interesting stories to be told, and I love telling them. Some stories touch people's lives, get them involved, make them laugh or cry or call me the next day, having no idea who I am, to tell me they enjoyed reading an article. Even calling people back when I say I will makes a big impression on them, and I like knowing that I'm making a difference, even if it's just for a few minutes. I needed that today.
5. A couple of weeks before I graduated, I couldn't believe the end was so close. I briefly thought about auditing a class this semester, then decided that I needed to pare down my commitments for a while. I was excited to wrap up the assignments, but knew I would miss it, and I was right. I'm still there for my Bible study and I still have my friends, but I REALLY want to continue making an effort to stay connected. The first Wednesday of the new semester, it was weird not being in class. I was happy not to sit in class for three hours, but I also felt like I was missing out. I was back on campus a couple of weeks later to meet Stephanie for lunch. Standing outside the building, it was like being with an old, comforting friend. People talk about spiritual nourishment, and that's exactly what SES gives me. I miss immersing myself in the people and discussions there, but I still have so many opportunities to learn and share what I already know.
6. Hilda's dogs are driving me insane. They're dirty, spoiled and annoying as heck. Hilda is truly a caring, compassionate person, but I've never hated an animal so much. It's not that I don't like dogs; I just don't like THESE dogs. They were sick a while back and I was so hoping that they would keel over, but then they got better. Punishment. They get treats for everything and whine or bark constantly, then get sick and throw up on the carpet. I feel bad disliking them so much, but how much can a roommate take? I guess it could be worse, but I'm not sure how. (This entry seems inconsistent with #5, but I'm not sure how to approach this one with a positive, polite attitude.)
"I have a late meeting; I'll be too tired when I get home."
"I need to call Mom/Pete/Sarah/Ester."
"I have to catch up on my Bible study."
"My bathroom needs to be cleaned, and since it's mine, I guess I'll be the one to do it."
"I love this show. I'll do it tomorrow." And so forth.
So I get a F, but I'd like to think it's for effort. I told Sarah earlier that I'm starting my blog again, and she was impressed. "Most people, if they let it go that long, they never go back," she told me. So there. At least I'm not like most people.
I've thought of at least a million and three things to write on here since my last post a bazillion days ago. Things about school, people I meet, work, things I hear on the radio, disappointing trends, "The Bachelor," wedding plans and the like. Most of those ideas stayed in thought form and are now too foggy to recall.
So, although I am disappointed in my own time lapse, I will prevail. Yes, here I go, delving back into the thought-provoking depths of blogging with a humble, yet attainable, goal of writing at least once a month -- not for anyone particular, not on deadline, just for the sheer joy I get from keeping an online diary of sorts. (That doesn't mean my life has been joyless the past several months, mind you. I just don't always have the motivation to write about it. ... Or I forget.)
Maybe I am motivated now because I got to talk to Mike Minter today about setting goals, or maybe it's the "This American Life" episode I heard about quitting that ruffled my feathers. (I think the quitting lady was supposed to be motivational, but motivating the audience to quit, which I didn't buy into. She seemed a little selfish. Another episode about a 5,000-mile cross-country bike ride, on the other hand, was completely refreshing, even if the guy did it because he thought he would die in six months and is still living almost 20 years later.)
But I digress.
Because there are several random things I want to put into words, as is often the case, I will again turn to the trustworthy bullet format. My new boss says it's easier to read anyway.
1. I'm always tired at work, and I think it's because I have no natural light. (That, or I'm anemic. http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/understanding-anemia-basics Maybe I should buy some iron supplements.) There are windows around the building, but the only bit I can see from my seat is through a massive peep hole four times the size of anyone's eye. I am actually concerned that it is affecting my health. My boss told me to get more sleep, but I get plenty. Pete told me to drink more water, but I drink the same amount I always have and wasn't this tired before I started working there or the Observer for that matter. I couldn't see any windows at the Observer, either. I'm fine on my way to work, when I'm out of the building and once I get home, but as soon as I put my things on my desk in the morning, I yawn. It's like clockwork. It's hard to focus on work when you're so tired, so I proposed that we cut a hole in the roof above my desk to make a skylight. The roof is caving in anyway, so perfect. I'm not as open to having a window in the wall across from me because I'm afraid I'll upset someone with an article and will have rotten eggs thrown at the glass. That, or people will look in when they drive by, which would be just as distracting as being tired. I also proposed a yoga break, but a few people in the newsroom said they wouldn't want to see some of our co-workers do yoga.
2. I will be married in exactly two months. Pete and I went to Hilton Head last weekend to work out some details, and I decided I want to have a house there, or at least a tent on the beach. I am so excited that I can't fall asleep sometimes. We still have to figure out music, give the green light on flower arrangements, finalize a reception menu and take dance lessons, but I absolutely can't wait. I made Mom tell Mamaw that we're having alcohol at the wedding, so that's a small weight off my shoulders, too. (Mamaw wanted to know why we couldn't just have punch.) Pete has been a big help with planning and so has Mom. I'm glad we didn't push to get married last fall, although I am increasingly more impatient.
3. We are also looking for a place to live, which is both scary and exciting. I don't want to feel like we've settled here, although I do think we'll eventually move up north. It's hard to pass up buying a home right now because there are so many cheap places, and we could get the tax credit. I'm ready to start our lives together, but I feel a little blind going into it since I've never bought a house before. I suppose we will grow wherever we're planted. At least we're in it together.
4. I really enjoyed work today. I've always liked my job, but the past couple of weeks have been a bit stressful. Today was different. As I posted on Facebook earlier, a grandmother called and nearly cried when I told her I would mail her a copy of her grandson's picture in the paper so she wouldn't have to drive 15 miles to pick it up. Another lady asked me to have breakfast with her one Saturday simply because she wants to meet me in person. She calls me when she wants events put in the paper. I interviewed another man whose father was an alcoholic and abused his family. He turned his life around and is running for the state Senate. ... I also keep a stack of "fan mail" in my personal archives. Compliments from readers or sources mostly. They make me feel better when I'm having a bad day and remind me that I can do my job and do it well. There are so many interesting stories to be told, and I love telling them. Some stories touch people's lives, get them involved, make them laugh or cry or call me the next day, having no idea who I am, to tell me they enjoyed reading an article. Even calling people back when I say I will makes a big impression on them, and I like knowing that I'm making a difference, even if it's just for a few minutes. I needed that today.
5. A couple of weeks before I graduated, I couldn't believe the end was so close. I briefly thought about auditing a class this semester, then decided that I needed to pare down my commitments for a while. I was excited to wrap up the assignments, but knew I would miss it, and I was right. I'm still there for my Bible study and I still have my friends, but I REALLY want to continue making an effort to stay connected. The first Wednesday of the new semester, it was weird not being in class. I was happy not to sit in class for three hours, but I also felt like I was missing out. I was back on campus a couple of weeks later to meet Stephanie for lunch. Standing outside the building, it was like being with an old, comforting friend. People talk about spiritual nourishment, and that's exactly what SES gives me. I miss immersing myself in the people and discussions there, but I still have so many opportunities to learn and share what I already know.
6. Hilda's dogs are driving me insane. They're dirty, spoiled and annoying as heck. Hilda is truly a caring, compassionate person, but I've never hated an animal so much. It's not that I don't like dogs; I just don't like THESE dogs. They were sick a while back and I was so hoping that they would keel over, but then they got better. Punishment. They get treats for everything and whine or bark constantly, then get sick and throw up on the carpet. I feel bad disliking them so much, but how much can a roommate take? I guess it could be worse, but I'm not sure how. (This entry seems inconsistent with #5, but I'm not sure how to approach this one with a positive, polite attitude.)
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Circle of Faith
Two weeks into my last semester, it's really hitting me how much I'll miss SES. Sure, I'll keep in touch with some friends, continue reading Christian books and find Bible studies to go to, but I'm not sure it'll be the same. I won't be in class every semester, challenging my faith two or more times a week, and I'm afraid of losing that built-in support system.
That's not something I get at work, in most of my relationships or in some of the churches I've been to. (Thankfully, I think my church now is the best one I've ever had.) Most of the friendships or work relationships I have with people are surface level: "How are you?" "Fine, and you?" "Yeah, I'm good." "Nice weather we're having." "Sure is."
Of course, there are moments, especially in a newsroom, where we'll get into deeper topics that actually have some meaning, but it's not the constant stimulation and rejuvenation that seminary has given me.
I just got back from class and I'm still on a mini emotional high if that can happen. I would be on a regular emotional high, but I'm tired. ... We had chapel tonight and I chatted with Alex (the school's president) for about 10 minutes afterwards. He's always meeting and talking with the big whigs of apologetics and Christian thinking, but he's so humble. It's refreshing, and I know I'm not always like that. (He's having dinner with Chuck Colson in New York in a few weeks and was almost apologetic about it, like he's not worthy.)
Anyway, it's absolutely amazing how God has used him and all the doors that have opened up for him. It's exciting to think I might have similar doors opened, but it also makes me impatient because sometimes I want them all right now. I want to travel and I want to write about religion and I want to use what I'm learning to reach as many people as possible.
I love my job and I know we should "bloom where we're planted," but I still get restless. I wonder if that's selfish -- if I'm trying to force my own wishes instead of listening to God's. ... Hm, I just remembered that I bought a book on the Alaska cruise called "How to Listen to God" by Charles Stanley. Maybe it's time to crack that baby open.
Tonight, Alex was saying that it doesn't matter how many people know our names, but how many people know Jesus' name. I keep telling myself I want to make a difference, but then two things pop into my head:
1. Do I want to make a difference so people can point to me and say, "Look how much she knows," or do I want to make a difference so people can say, "Look what God has done"?
and 2. Maybe I am making a difference -- the Christian girl writing for a secular newspaper, finding that religion comes up every week and taking an opportunity to discuss her own faith. Or the reporter who proved to you that there are decent reporters out there who do care about the people, not just the story.
I keep thinking of another quote I heard that says something like "some people are so anxious for a door to open that they fail to see the open window that's been there all along." I'm sure I botched that, but you get the idea.
I told Alex that I still want to be plugged in to the seminary post-graduation. It's fed me spiritually in a way I never knew existed and I don't want to lose that connection. I know part of the idea is to prepare us for "the outside world," but I still hope I can hold fast to that circle of faith.
That's not something I get at work, in most of my relationships or in some of the churches I've been to. (Thankfully, I think my church now is the best one I've ever had.) Most of the friendships or work relationships I have with people are surface level: "How are you?" "Fine, and you?" "Yeah, I'm good." "Nice weather we're having." "Sure is."
Of course, there are moments, especially in a newsroom, where we'll get into deeper topics that actually have some meaning, but it's not the constant stimulation and rejuvenation that seminary has given me.
I just got back from class and I'm still on a mini emotional high if that can happen. I would be on a regular emotional high, but I'm tired. ... We had chapel tonight and I chatted with Alex (the school's president) for about 10 minutes afterwards. He's always meeting and talking with the big whigs of apologetics and Christian thinking, but he's so humble. It's refreshing, and I know I'm not always like that. (He's having dinner with Chuck Colson in New York in a few weeks and was almost apologetic about it, like he's not worthy.)
Anyway, it's absolutely amazing how God has used him and all the doors that have opened up for him. It's exciting to think I might have similar doors opened, but it also makes me impatient because sometimes I want them all right now. I want to travel and I want to write about religion and I want to use what I'm learning to reach as many people as possible.
I love my job and I know we should "bloom where we're planted," but I still get restless. I wonder if that's selfish -- if I'm trying to force my own wishes instead of listening to God's. ... Hm, I just remembered that I bought a book on the Alaska cruise called "How to Listen to God" by Charles Stanley. Maybe it's time to crack that baby open.
Tonight, Alex was saying that it doesn't matter how many people know our names, but how many people know Jesus' name. I keep telling myself I want to make a difference, but then two things pop into my head:
1. Do I want to make a difference so people can point to me and say, "Look how much she knows," or do I want to make a difference so people can say, "Look what God has done"?
and 2. Maybe I am making a difference -- the Christian girl writing for a secular newspaper, finding that religion comes up every week and taking an opportunity to discuss her own faith. Or the reporter who proved to you that there are decent reporters out there who do care about the people, not just the story.
I keep thinking of another quote I heard that says something like "some people are so anxious for a door to open that they fail to see the open window that's been there all along." I'm sure I botched that, but you get the idea.
I told Alex that I still want to be plugged in to the seminary post-graduation. It's fed me spiritually in a way I never knew existed and I don't want to lose that connection. I know part of the idea is to prepare us for "the outside world," but I still hope I can hold fast to that circle of faith.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Swinging in the Rain
Today is my day off. It always seems like my days "off" are just as busy as my (on?) days, but no matter; today I got to swing and it made me feel 4 again. (Or 11 or 15 or any other age that I've loved to swing, which is all of them.)
Although I've spent a good portion of the day doing work -- putting together a presentation, cleaning my bathroom, buying Drano -- the 8 minutes I spent swinging this morning were refreshing. I had just dropped Pete off at the airport (it's guy's weekend, better known as "mancation," at his cabin in MN) and I decided to go for a walk. It was drizzling and overcast, but so much better than the 100 degrees it was yesterday.
So off I went. On the way back, I eyed the swingset as I got closer, finally plopping my red shorts onto a soggy swing and taking hold of the slippery metal chains. This was about the time I would've been checking my e-mail at work. ... Who wouldn't make that trade?
Across the pond was a dad fishing with his son. The dad kept looking over and I imagine thinking "she's too big to be on a swing." Or maybe he was just wishing he could swing, too, without looking childish in front of the boy. No one is too big to swing.
Now it's 8:15 and almost dark outside and I'm wishing I was back on that swing because my sloth of a computer is driving me nuts. How am I supposed to put a presentation together if each slide takes half a lifetime to pop up? And somewhere along the line, my desktop background decided to turn black.
Maybe it's a sign from God that I should do something else.
P.S. Just in case you forgot how tall I am or the fact that I generally look dreadful in anything yellow, the picture below is not of me.
Although I've spent a good portion of the day doing work -- putting together a presentation, cleaning my bathroom, buying Drano -- the 8 minutes I spent swinging this morning were refreshing. I had just dropped Pete off at the airport (it's guy's weekend, better known as "mancation," at his cabin in MN) and I decided to go for a walk. It was drizzling and overcast, but so much better than the 100 degrees it was yesterday.
So off I went. On the way back, I eyed the swingset as I got closer, finally plopping my red shorts onto a soggy swing and taking hold of the slippery metal chains. This was about the time I would've been checking my e-mail at work. ... Who wouldn't make that trade?
Across the pond was a dad fishing with his son. The dad kept looking over and I imagine thinking "she's too big to be on a swing." Or maybe he was just wishing he could swing, too, without looking childish in front of the boy. No one is too big to swing.
Now it's 8:15 and almost dark outside and I'm wishing I was back on that swing because my sloth of a computer is driving me nuts. How am I supposed to put a presentation together if each slide takes half a lifetime to pop up? And somewhere along the line, my desktop background decided to turn black.
Maybe it's a sign from God that I should do something else.
P.S. Just in case you forgot how tall I am or the fact that I generally look dreadful in anything yellow, the picture below is not of me.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Alaska cruise 8 - "Until We Meet Again"
Thursday, July 16
I knew on the first day of our cruise that the week would go by too fast. Still, I find myself writing the last entry thinking, "I can't believe it's almost over."
With legs about twice as long as Mamaw's, I don't know if she'll ever travel with me again. Her feet hurt a lot and I heard "slow down" more than once. At the same time, I saw the twinkle in her eyes more than I heard "slow down," so I think the amount of time she had fun outweighs the amount of time she secretly cursed long hallways and endless flights of stairs.
Today we slept in until 10, although we lost an hour of sleep with the time change. While Mamaw got ready, I did two loads of laundry (so I wouldn't smell up my suitcase), then we had a late lunch. My lunchbox isn't going to cut it after this cruise.
We sat through a staff farewell (tear), then packed our suitcases. Beefore we knew it, it was 5:30 and time for our last dinner on deck. "Yes, we will feed you 'til the bitter end," the activities director said.
By 7, we were docked in Victoria, British Columbia, and made our way to a bus to go to a lighted tour of Butchart Gardens. We were on the same bus as the ladies from dinner.
The gardens were absolutely beautiful. 67 acres of all kinds of flowers, trees, arbors and water fountains -- a Japanese garden, the sunken garden, Italian Garden, rose garden and Mediterranean garden. It reminded me of Biltmore's gardens but better. We also saw the Big Dipper! (Or Little Dipper, I don't know which. ... How do you know the difference if you don't have the other one to compare it to anyway?)
When we got back, it was 11:30 and time to board the ship one last time. We'll be in Seattle around 8 a.m.
I think Mamaw is overwhelmed with so many things to do and keep up with right now, but I have a feeling she'll be traveling more. She's already ready to come back. I told her we should go up the east coast next ... or Paris.
As our dining room steward, Sonny, said today, there are no goodbyes. "Until we meet again," he said. I like that.
I knew on the first day of our cruise that the week would go by too fast. Still, I find myself writing the last entry thinking, "I can't believe it's almost over."
With legs about twice as long as Mamaw's, I don't know if she'll ever travel with me again. Her feet hurt a lot and I heard "slow down" more than once. At the same time, I saw the twinkle in her eyes more than I heard "slow down," so I think the amount of time she had fun outweighs the amount of time she secretly cursed long hallways and endless flights of stairs.
Today we slept in until 10, although we lost an hour of sleep with the time change. While Mamaw got ready, I did two loads of laundry (so I wouldn't smell up my suitcase), then we had a late lunch. My lunchbox isn't going to cut it after this cruise.
We sat through a staff farewell (tear), then packed our suitcases. Beefore we knew it, it was 5:30 and time for our last dinner on deck. "Yes, we will feed you 'til the bitter end," the activities director said.
By 7, we were docked in Victoria, British Columbia, and made our way to a bus to go to a lighted tour of Butchart Gardens. We were on the same bus as the ladies from dinner.
The gardens were absolutely beautiful. 67 acres of all kinds of flowers, trees, arbors and water fountains -- a Japanese garden, the sunken garden, Italian Garden, rose garden and Mediterranean garden. It reminded me of Biltmore's gardens but better. We also saw the Big Dipper! (Or Little Dipper, I don't know which. ... How do you know the difference if you don't have the other one to compare it to anyway?)
When we got back, it was 11:30 and time to board the ship one last time. We'll be in Seattle around 8 a.m.
I think Mamaw is overwhelmed with so many things to do and keep up with right now, but I have a feeling she'll be traveling more. She's already ready to come back. I told her we should go up the east coast next ... or Paris.
As our dining room steward, Sonny, said today, there are no goodbyes. "Until we meet again," he said. I like that.
Alaska cruise 7 - The Travel Bug
Wednesday, July 15
Mamaw has always wanted to travel. I asked her what's the farthest she's ever been from home prior to this trip and she said she went to New York when she was about 13. She also went to D.C. in 1985. She called that "a few years ago."
So I guess she's had the itch to travel more since 1945, minus the D.C. trip. Mom gets the same kind of restlessness, as does Dad, so I blame my travel bug on them.
Papaw, on the other hand, is a self-proclaimed homebody. "I think it's 'cause he's bashful," Mamaw said. He stays busy doing things, whether helping his brother in the country, mowing the yard, tending to the vegetable garden or watering the flowers, but doesn't like to stray far from home.
... Which is why I'm really glad we're on this trip. Before the cruise even came up, I told Mamaw about a year ago that I was going to take her on a trip somewhere. Well she's ended up taking me, but I'm honored to be invited and so happy to spend this time together. I'd love to go on extended trips like this with everyone in the family -- Papaw, Mom, Dad, Seth, Emily, etc.
Living away, (although not that far), I miss out on a lot of things and feel like there's so much I don't know about my family sometimes. Thank goodness Mom fills me in. She's my Tennessee newspaper.
I also feel like I miss out on some lessons all these people could teach me. I've tried to go home more this year, but it's still not the same as living nearby. If Pete and I move away, I'll probably see them even less. This is where I wish our families lived in the same state.
I'm getting off track. ... Today has been pretty restful. We didn't have to get up early again, but had a good time on a Misty Fjords and Wilderness Explorer excursion. Our ship docked in Ketchikan, then we took a boat about an hour out to more untouched land -- misty fjords just like the brochure said. We also saw a bunch of harbor seals. I bet they'd make good pets if you had the space.
While on the boat, we got complimentary hot chocolate and either clam chowder or vegetarian chili. I had the chili because it smelled too good to pass up.
I slept most of the way back, then we rushed through a few gift shops looking for one more souvenir. We only had 40 minutes before we had to be back on the ship and this was our last stop in Alaska.
Even though I've passed the opportunity up several times now, I'm kicking myself for not getting the Alaska shirt I wanted. I didn't want to spend the money, but it was cheap and now I keep seeing people on deck wearing it. It was my favorite color, too. :(
We again went to the Rotterdam Dining Hall for dinner and I'm really going to miss the ladies we've been sitting with. I'm going to look the girls up on Facebook.
Before another Bible study started, we went back to the room. Mamaw had left her glasses there and we found them on the "eyes" of probably the only moose we'll see here. The staff always comes in to tidy the rooms and add different towel creatures during dinner. This was by far the best.
Still not the best part of the day, though. That goes to the midnight chocolate buffet. Could God have created anything greater? With violin and cello music in the background, Mamaw and I made our way through plate after plate of cakes, cheesecakes, truffles and chocolate covered strawberries. Chefs added ice sculptures, a chocolate fountain and fruit fountain to the display. We sat with Toni and Heidi (the two other ladies from dinner) and Mamaw finally got a picture with her new friend and the friend's daughter. The lady's last name is Hutcheson, but I don't know her first name.
By the way, Mamaw has officially misplaced the most items I've ever seen in the time we've been here. I think it's because we have so many papers to keep up with and all our luggage and clothes are crammed in the closets. She's "found" three things she thought she lost in one of her suitcases. (I keep telling her to let me get the suitcase off the shelf because it's heavy, but she insists she can do it. "I'm big and strong," she told me earlier this week. "I'm not sure about the big part," I said.)
Last stop -- Victoria!
Mamaw has always wanted to travel. I asked her what's the farthest she's ever been from home prior to this trip and she said she went to New York when she was about 13. She also went to D.C. in 1985. She called that "a few years ago."
So I guess she's had the itch to travel more since 1945, minus the D.C. trip. Mom gets the same kind of restlessness, as does Dad, so I blame my travel bug on them.
Papaw, on the other hand, is a self-proclaimed homebody. "I think it's 'cause he's bashful," Mamaw said. He stays busy doing things, whether helping his brother in the country, mowing the yard, tending to the vegetable garden or watering the flowers, but doesn't like to stray far from home.
... Which is why I'm really glad we're on this trip. Before the cruise even came up, I told Mamaw about a year ago that I was going to take her on a trip somewhere. Well she's ended up taking me, but I'm honored to be invited and so happy to spend this time together. I'd love to go on extended trips like this with everyone in the family -- Papaw, Mom, Dad, Seth, Emily, etc.
Living away, (although not that far), I miss out on a lot of things and feel like there's so much I don't know about my family sometimes. Thank goodness Mom fills me in. She's my Tennessee newspaper.
I also feel like I miss out on some lessons all these people could teach me. I've tried to go home more this year, but it's still not the same as living nearby. If Pete and I move away, I'll probably see them even less. This is where I wish our families lived in the same state.
I'm getting off track. ... Today has been pretty restful. We didn't have to get up early again, but had a good time on a Misty Fjords and Wilderness Explorer excursion. Our ship docked in Ketchikan, then we took a boat about an hour out to more untouched land -- misty fjords just like the brochure said. We also saw a bunch of harbor seals. I bet they'd make good pets if you had the space.
While on the boat, we got complimentary hot chocolate and either clam chowder or vegetarian chili. I had the chili because it smelled too good to pass up.
I slept most of the way back, then we rushed through a few gift shops looking for one more souvenir. We only had 40 minutes before we had to be back on the ship and this was our last stop in Alaska.
Even though I've passed the opportunity up several times now, I'm kicking myself for not getting the Alaska shirt I wanted. I didn't want to spend the money, but it was cheap and now I keep seeing people on deck wearing it. It was my favorite color, too. :(
We again went to the Rotterdam Dining Hall for dinner and I'm really going to miss the ladies we've been sitting with. I'm going to look the girls up on Facebook.
Before another Bible study started, we went back to the room. Mamaw had left her glasses there and we found them on the "eyes" of probably the only moose we'll see here. The staff always comes in to tidy the rooms and add different towel creatures during dinner. This was by far the best.
Still not the best part of the day, though. That goes to the midnight chocolate buffet. Could God have created anything greater? With violin and cello music in the background, Mamaw and I made our way through plate after plate of cakes, cheesecakes, truffles and chocolate covered strawberries. Chefs added ice sculptures, a chocolate fountain and fruit fountain to the display. We sat with Toni and Heidi (the two other ladies from dinner) and Mamaw finally got a picture with her new friend and the friend's daughter. The lady's last name is Hutcheson, but I don't know her first name.
By the way, Mamaw has officially misplaced the most items I've ever seen in the time we've been here. I think it's because we have so many papers to keep up with and all our luggage and clothes are crammed in the closets. She's "found" three things she thought she lost in one of her suitcases. (I keep telling her to let me get the suitcase off the shelf because it's heavy, but she insists she can do it. "I'm big and strong," she told me earlier this week. "I'm not sure about the big part," I said.)
Last stop -- Victoria!
Alaska cruise 6 - Happy Birthday times Three
Tuesday, July 14
As much as I've loved our excursions and look forward to two more, it was nice to stay in and relax today, also known as Mamaw's birthday.
We started out with breakfast in the room. I've realized how much I like to be served. Then we took our time going out on deck, but it was incredible when we did. There were chunks of ice everywhere in the water and ginormous fjords. Still no goats, bears or moose sightings. We were again blessed with good weather, although I did get some use out of my toboggan and scarf.
Lunch was next and we both got ice cream cones afterwards. Mmm. We've also had some great dinners in Rotterdam -- king crab, New York strip steak with green beans and mashed potatoes, etc. As luck has it, we sat beside the ladies Mamaw met yesterday and they exchanged addresses.
Our next plan of action was to grab a book and find a quiet place to read, but we both fell asleep before we left the room. I slept for about two hours. I could've slept longer, but the activities director made an announcement about the captain's reception at 4:45. It was already 4:35, so I jumped up and got ready. Most people were dressed up and headed to the Mondriaan Lounge to hear a short presentation by a handful of men in charge of the ship. We watched a jazz band play before going to dinner.
I'd given Mamaw all her birthday cards earlier. At dinner, I told a guy it was her birthday, but that she didn't want to be sung to. She'd warned me several times.
By dessert time, a couple of waiters brought over a small piece of chocolate mousse cake and ice cream for everyone at the table. Mamaw's plate had an edible "Happy Birthday" greeting. The other ladies at the table and I sang "Happy Birthday" quietly to not attract attention.
Later, however, we went to the piano bar to hear Babbie Mason, who asked if anyone had a birthday so she could determine who to give one of her books to. I raised Mamaw's hand and Babbie, along with the audience, sang to her. Wendy and Maureen (the mother and daughter from our dinner table) were also there. So, ha, she still got her song. :)
It was great, too, because Mamaw told me later that she wanted that book. After the concert, Babbie signed it and sang a Stevie Wonder version of "Happy Birthday" with her sister.
Mamaw also got a free DVD from Jerry Vines when he heard about the special day.
So in the end, I think she's had a really good day full of surprises. I'm happy to be a part of it.
P.S. I had a dream about checking my e-mail, but it's still nice not to have the distractions of cell phones and the Internet. ... And to get paid vacation.
As much as I've loved our excursions and look forward to two more, it was nice to stay in and relax today, also known as Mamaw's birthday.
We started out with breakfast in the room. I've realized how much I like to be served. Then we took our time going out on deck, but it was incredible when we did. There were chunks of ice everywhere in the water and ginormous fjords. Still no goats, bears or moose sightings. We were again blessed with good weather, although I did get some use out of my toboggan and scarf.
Lunch was next and we both got ice cream cones afterwards. Mmm. We've also had some great dinners in Rotterdam -- king crab, New York strip steak with green beans and mashed potatoes, etc. As luck has it, we sat beside the ladies Mamaw met yesterday and they exchanged addresses.
Our next plan of action was to grab a book and find a quiet place to read, but we both fell asleep before we left the room. I slept for about two hours. I could've slept longer, but the activities director made an announcement about the captain's reception at 4:45. It was already 4:35, so I jumped up and got ready. Most people were dressed up and headed to the Mondriaan Lounge to hear a short presentation by a handful of men in charge of the ship. We watched a jazz band play before going to dinner.
I'd given Mamaw all her birthday cards earlier. At dinner, I told a guy it was her birthday, but that she didn't want to be sung to. She'd warned me several times.
By dessert time, a couple of waiters brought over a small piece of chocolate mousse cake and ice cream for everyone at the table. Mamaw's plate had an edible "Happy Birthday" greeting. The other ladies at the table and I sang "Happy Birthday" quietly to not attract attention.
Later, however, we went to the piano bar to hear Babbie Mason, who asked if anyone had a birthday so she could determine who to give one of her books to. I raised Mamaw's hand and Babbie, along with the audience, sang to her. Wendy and Maureen (the mother and daughter from our dinner table) were also there. So, ha, she still got her song. :)
It was great, too, because Mamaw told me later that she wanted that book. After the concert, Babbie signed it and sang a Stevie Wonder version of "Happy Birthday" with her sister.
Mamaw also got a free DVD from Jerry Vines when he heard about the special day.
So in the end, I think she's had a really good day full of surprises. I'm happy to be a part of it.
P.S. I had a dream about checking my e-mail, but it's still nice not to have the distractions of cell phones and the Internet. ... And to get paid vacation.
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