It was gorgeous today, and yet a sad one, too. 

People come into your life and make an impact.  Some do without ever actually meeting them.  When I was gushing about my walk today I did not know that the professor who became famous for his "Last Lecture" viewed millions of times on youtube passed away this morning.  Watching the whole lecture reminded me of many things I take for granted, learned and forgot or just taught me straight out.  There are some that begrudge Randy Pausch and his wife Jai any money they have made from their book, but if it gave him some peace knowing that would help her care for the children then those naysayers can pound sand.

Blessings and all good wishes to the Pausch Family and their friends

a link to the story in abc news
http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=4614281&page=1

The entire lecture was (and I hope still is) on youtube.  It will take a while to watch the whole thing - I think about 60-70 minutes.  It is time VERY well spent. 

Hug the people you love today... and maybe the ones you only kinda like too. 

Yesterday was gorgeous out!  The heat was way down and noooooooo humidity.  So nice.   Well, it was still raining in the morning, but by about 1 or so, beautifulness! 

The walk was way around the neighborhood and I had updated my ipod shuffle - spent a roaring $3.00 on music.  It's just nice to hear something different once in a while.  I still have CDs I haven't put on... will do it very soon.  It was cool and breezy enough that I even thought I would not have to put my hair up.  Call me silly, but I'm not that fond of having a blanket on my neck while exercising. 

It took just a little over an hour to complete.  It was fun just walking and getting my heart rate up.  I not really like sweating, but at least I know then that I'm moving.  I took in all the sites as I walked.  Our neighborhood and beyond is pretty nice.  Not fancy schmancy houses, but nice working class houses.  There is a farm on the route I took last night as well as a few ball fields and a school.  Other than the one area where there are no side walks, I really don't think I could have asked for anything more last night. 

It feels awesome just to remember to look at everything, feel which way the wind is blowing, watch a few seconds of a baseball game when I walk past, look at the changes to the field where the boys played football and the girls cheered.  I got to see a couple come out of a bar/restaurant and watch as they started to say goodbye - "I'd like to see you again.....", I wlaked past the firehouse and took in the guys sitting around bs'ing.  At the pizza place, there were some middle school age girls coming out and getting ready to walk home.  Up by the elementary school, I wlaked through the park.  There's a new path. 

When I got home, Eddie and his girlfriend were sitting out front enjoying the weather.  His buddy, Matt came over too.  Nice to have them just sitting around talking.  Also very nice to know what they're up to. 


Need to go have dinner and then get out to the mall. 

Eddie is off at work and Colleen is at her boyfriend's house in the city.  The house is sooooo quiet.  When I think about how crazy, loud and non stop it used to be here, it is amazing how much things change.  Been a mom for 23 years and I am 45... so more than half my life.  I guess I got so used to it, that it was the only thing I really know/knew.  I'm much better now with transitions than I used to be, but it is something new and something I need to find peace with. 

Jamie is looking at graduate programs.  At first, she was only looking in the Philadelphia area.  Most recently, she has decided to expand her search.  One of the schools is in Florida.  If it is the best school for her and something she wants to do, she knows she has my full support.  Of course I would miss her.  But hey, I would then have a reason for more traveling.  Now if I could just find someone to fund it!!!  Liam talks every so often about moving.  For a while he was going to move down south somewhere to do electrical.  Now that he is culinary, I really don't know what the opportunities are or where they are. 

Sooner or later, the chicks are going to not only leave the nest, but maybe even migrate to parts unknown.  If they are happy, I am happy.  Talking to Jamie made me realize that they so take their old momma into consideration.   That's veyr lovely and shows their character.  All in all, thought I want what's best for them. 

Driving back from dropping Eddie off, it occurred to me that I really have not mentally processed the idea that I will be laid off at the end of next school year.  I don't know if it's just denial or what.  I started this job in the Fall of 1995.  It's been a heck of a good run and I have been honored to work with some incredible people - staff and students.  This summer I am supposed to go talk to the video relay service near Philly and get my training.  I don't know why I haven't acted on it yet.  Guess I've got some thinking to do.

Are we ever happy with the weather?  The heat wave finally broke the night before last.  It had been a week.  It's cooler now, but we had some rain.  Today I am feeling kind of cold and damp.  Guess it's hard just to be happy with what is. 

Do have some things that need to be done. 

Eeek!  Have to get to the pharmacy before it closes.... wanted to post the cartoon I just read. 

But first... excited about a blog friend who seems to have had her baby last night, at least that's what Amanda seems to be hinting at in her comment.  (If not, I'm wrong again.... no biggie)

Lyns - I cannot seem to even be able to look at your blog any more. 

Ok... so with the upcoming elevation in November, I am doing what I can to educate myself so I can vote responsibly and intelligently.  Yes, I have my leaning and it will be pretty obvious when (if) the cartoon I want to show is posted.  It just bugs me how many people are going only by soundbytes.  Pretty much ANYTHING can be taken and skewed to an entirely different meaning that ANYONE says.  Here's a crazy idea..... take the time to find and read an entire speech, look up voting records, keep learning and searching. 

Good golly Miss Molly, it is amazing any republic or democracy ever elects anyone that's half way decent. 

Rant done... thanks for "listening".... we now return you to your 30 second news story. 

Have a lovely day!

Once again, it's hot out.  Not as hot as the last few days... I think we're "only" going up to about 94 today.  Luckily the humidity is down a little.  I have been trying to get myself out walking again.  I've been saying I'll go in the evening, but by then the heat has zapped me and I end up not going.  So, this morning after I dropped Eddie off at his job/internship,  I came home, ate breakfast and had a cup of coffee, the finally got myself out there.

We are lucky enough to have a park nearby that has a walking/running path that is a mile.  The walk I'm doing on August 24 is a 5k, which is 3.1 miles.  It was nice being in the park today.  There were kids there for basketball and tennis camp, lots of folks walking and running, plus the path takes you past the community pool.  So, you may wonder if I started out at a shorter distace and worked my way up?  Ha!  Silly, very silly.  Nope, I did 3 miles.  Took about 50 minutes, which I think is kind of not so hot.  Then again, for the first time out, I'm not all that sure why I expected a break neck pace.  Oh, yeah cuz I'm silly. 

Despite the heat, it was a gorgeous day to be out and walking.  Every mile, I did stop at my car to drink a little water.  See.... I'm not totally kookie!  The first mile I started out slow and worked up to a decent pace, second I tried to push it a little for a bout a 100 yds or so, then back off to a decent pace again.  Last mile I did kind of decent-ish pace to slow.  It felt good to be moving.   

I am a sweaty, icky mess now.  I swear, someone is going to revoke my membership card for being a female.  First, I don't like shopping all that much.  Now, I remember how much I sweat.  Not as much as most guys I know, but definitely more than most girls/women I know.  I also forgot how quickly my face gets red when I exercise.  You sort of do that half smile thing when you pass people on the path.  Second and third miles I got the half smiles, plus a few concerned expressions.  Caught a glance in the mirror when I got home.... oh, yeah -  that. 

I have laundry in the washing machine and a few things I want to get done today.  Realized last night that I have three weeks of break left.  I am grateful for what I have... but I need to get more done. 

Have a great day!!!

To worry about which title to put in.  I think the "real" temperature is about 96.  The heat index is over 100.  And yep, I still won't put the window unit ac's in.  The heat is doing a number on me, and I would assume everyone else in this area.  Just do not have ac in the "budget". 

Budget... not that I have one.  I've never gotten a handle on managing money.  I was on my way when Bill and I first got married.  While he was out on deployment, I handled all the bills with the allotment that was deposited on the 15th and 30th of the month.  I missed one bill the entire time.  Bill took back control of the money when he got back because of the omission.   Since then, I've never  gotten back into any kind of financial  groove.  To be fair to myself,  there has never been  a decent amount of money to do so with.  Still, once again I find myself very disappointed that I haven't got it figured out. 

Some bright notes to the week.... Liam stopped in today.  I saw his car out front when I got back from dropping Colleen at work and picking up Eddie's prescription.  It was good to see Liam.  He has some days off since he worked over 60 hours and we're going to go out to dinner Monday night.  Love that boy.  (uh..23 so I guess I should say man) 

Eddie found out Friday that starting this Monday, they are going to start paying him for the internship.  Hallelujah!!!  He will have spending money, gas money to give ole mom and will be saving a significant portion.  He is working a full week and they are paying him pretty darn well.  It's hourly and much more than he was making at the pizza place.  He was so excited when he told me!  Good to see that. 

Been missing Jamie.  She called today and mostly just talked about what's going on with her.  The day camp job is a challenge - the kids come from rough homes and have English as a second language.  (for the most part)  She loves the kids, but some of the administration type parts of it she could do without.  The working from her apt seems to be working out, which is very cool.  She sounds busy and happy.... what more can your ask?

Last night I registered to participate in the Livestrong Challenge being held nearby.  It's listed as the Philadelphia location, but it is 5 minutes from here.  I will be walking a 5K.  (little over 3 miles)  Tomorrow morning I am going to start walking 4 days on, one day off to get ready.  I've been floundering a bit this summer not really getting much accomplished, plus I've wanted to do something to contribute to cancer research and services for patients and their families.  If you are so inclined my find raising website is at:  http://philly08.livestrong.org/janiceg. 

So.. lots going on and less than half my summer left! 

Pretty much this past weekend has been the best one of the summer. 

Friday night, I went over to my friend Patti's house.  We didn't do anything exceptionally special.  Just sat and talked - caught up on what we've been doing.  (and what our kids have been doing, she has four as well)  I really need to take some cooking lessons from her.  She and her family eat mostly vegetarian, sometimes vegan.  Patti makes amazingly good food.  Friday we had a salsa she made while we chatted,  It had nectarines, lime juice, scallions, peppers and maybe onion.  It was sooooooo good!  All in all, Patti is such a neat person - it is very easy to be around her and just enjoy yourself.  She's way positive and just a good, good person. 

Saturday I went to a bridal shower for my friend, Faith.  She had taught English and coached lacrosse and field hockey where I work.  After some not so great life experiences, she started seeing a life coach and got her life on track.  Working with her was a joy.  She accepted the deaf into her classroom without hesitation and was one of the first staff people to join the sign language club.  Faith would come to our room and have her tea during her morning prep and when she could lunch later in the day.  She is the kind of teacher who gives up her lunch if a kid needs help of any kind.  Faith also has a strong sense of right and wrong.  She may have been one of the good eggs who alerted the administration about a male teacher turned predator.  Faith also can make you laugh and has a very hardy, distinctive laugh.  She always encouraged me with raising my kids to be the best people they could be at heart.  There were many times that she was one of the ones who kept me going when I thought I could not.  One year she took a sabitical to teach in Australia/New Zealand and Hawaii and take classes herself.  She learned to surf during that time, in addition to the other things she learned.  Those closest to Faith know that when she came home, she put the wheels in motion to move to and teach in New Zealand. 

It was hard to say good bye to her.  Faith had touched so many lives here and we all love her.  Loving her though meant you had to back her dream.  She had a very tough time of it when she first moved.  It was a rural area with no phone or internet.  They did not pay her for the first 4-6 months and she was very homesick.  She stuck it out, and adjusted.  She learned another language.  (apparently there are 3 spoken in NZ)  As she said Saturday night, she thinks she had to be at her lowest to be brought back up and be open to love again.  (she had been engaged to a guy here a few yrs before the sabbatical - he broke her heart)  She met the ever so sweet Scott, who was smitten with her from the start.  It took Faith a little while to believe in him and them, but she did. 

So anyway... the shower was indeed fun.  There were quite a few women I knew from work and it was fun getting to know Faith and Scott's family.  Faith has a bunch of siblings, and Scott's mom, daughters and I think sister in law were there.  Everyone was so nice.  I had a few minutes to chat with Faith, mostly her asking about my life and the kids.  She's such a sweetheart.  It was really, really hot that day and I ended up forgetting to bring my swim suit.  I sat on the edge of the pool and put my feet in.  It felt heavenly.... course then the back of my capris was wet.. but I was going home by then anyway.  I chatted with Scott's "mum", Bev (which sounds like Biv when they say it.  What a neat, neat lady she is. 

The wedding was touching.  It was brutally hot out again and the ceremony was outside, but no one really cared.  (yes we did all fan ourselves with the programs)  It was a family thing - Faith's brother played the wedding music on a violin, her niece sang and one of Scott's daughters lead  a song in Mauli.  Lost of tears, but lots of smiles and laughs too.  Faith looked out at her family and friends from time to time.  You could tell they were enjoying everything.  The reception was a lot of fun, not surprisingly.  Faith and Scott danced with everyone and had fun.  Apparently, Kiwis  have a few traditions that we do not at weddings....  there is an emcee who leads speeches.  Kind of a roast, but many heart-felt comments and stories as well.  Scott's boss, brother and mum spoke, then his family/friends sang a Kiwi song.  Faith's maid of honor, sister, best bud who was a groomsmen and her dad spoke.  (pretty much in that order) and her family sang a song they wrote to the Brady Bunch theme about the couple.  We all had a song sheet for that one.  Lastly,  Faith and  Scott  gave a speech.  Both gave their version of their courtship and love for each other.  There were jokes and tears in those as well.  Scott made a few comments about his boss's stories and did his version of the courtship, then read a poem he had written when he was waiting for Faith's answer to marry him.  My goodness... it was sweet and revealed a side not many men ever show.  I think every woman in the room was wishing she had a man who loved her like that and many of the men thinking, "Geez, now I look like a schmuck!".  It was so cool. 

I think much of the trip here for both of them has been a celebration of finding each other and a way to thank family and friends for any support they may have shown in the past/present.  It was a sharing of how good life can be even though we all have struggles we have to face.  Man, what a special pair they are. 

I had so much fun!!!  How lucky am I have such great friends!!!!!

Pictures are coming.  I took some Saturday and Sunday, but have only been able to find 2.  You can't delete them without having to answer that "do you really wanna delete this picture?" question, so I did not do that.  Will have Colleen help me when she's home tomorrow. Gotta love technology!

Will write a whole bunch tomorrow.  Friday night went over to Patti's house to juts kind of chill and chat.  Yesterday was Faith's wedding shower and today is the wedding.  Had so much fun yesterday and it was wonderful to see Faith.  Had missed her and she is a wonderful person.  More later. 

Enjoy your Sunday!

*warning!* may be a bit of a rant here

After umpteen calls, emails and what not I found out today for sure that Bill was released on Monday, July 7th.  I am lucky that he is not a violent criminal.... even though I am registered with the federal victim notification system I have yet to be informed from them that he is no longer in custody.  I got a hold of his probation officer here in the Philadelphia area and she told me today he has been released.  I had called her Monday as well, but Heaven forbid someone return a call in a timely fashion.  She would not verify he was going to Texas, just that he was not going to NY or staying in PA and that the feds as well as my county domestic relations people have the info about where he is going.  Well golly, that really makes me feel better, cuz we know how efficient they have all been.  And I'm sure he has some window of time before he has to check in there. 

It annoys me that this angers me.  I want for him to have no power at all over me, and being angry does not fit in what I want.  (not that that ever counts for anything)  I plan on meditating tonight and swimming tomorrow.  I need the physical release from exercising.  I hope he has at least called Jamie and let her know where he is going to be.  I think it would hurt for her to not know.  So I guess I should keep my mouth shut until she brings it up. 

On the much brighter side, this may mean he will be out of the kids' lives.  That's counter to what I just said about Jamie, but he is out there mentally and does more harm than good.  That's a sad thing to say about anyone's dad. 

I think I need to go watch laughing babies on youtube. 

Since someone asked for a picture of the dress, and it's just too hot for me to actually put it on without then having to wash it (horrors!) here is a link to the store website and a copy of the pic there.  Of course, I'm a little bigger than the manequin the dress is on in the store picture, so the waist comes up a bit higher and the girls fill out the top more.  Will take some pics this Sunday at Faith's wedding as well. 

http://www.boscovs.com/StoreFrontWeb/Product.bos?itemNumber=28139

Have a wonderful day/evening!