m is for movie November 29, 2007

I’m not much of a movie reviewer, but I was very entertained by “Enchanted” last night.  I enjoyed the performances, the costumes, the nods to our favorite Disney movies, and more.  I had received mixed reviews prior to going, but I’m glad I followed through.  I’m amazed at how delighted I am by the prospect of happily ever after.

I have kicked into planning mode for Kate’s visit home.  I need to kick into planning mode for several things that need to happen first, including my job, Christmas, a cross country driving trip…  Seems I have skipped several organizational opportunities.

I spent the day at home with Thomas yesterday, and since the cleaning team was here in the morning I did go into the office for a couple of hours first thing in the morning.  I came home to find Thomas doing well, getting lots of fluids and experiencing the joy of Robitussin every 4 hours.  He was in pretty good shape by last night so I am thinking back to school today, but we’ll see.  I enjoyed my time at home very much, putting out a few Christmas decorations and doing some laundry at a leisurely pace.  I am amazed at how critical pace is to my comfort level.  The older I get, the more a hurried pace stresses me out.

Speaking of older, anticipating some celebrating this weekend, including a make your own jewelry party at Nancy G’s on Sunday.  John asked where I want to celebrate, so I am mulling that over.  He is coming home from Springfield early Monday, missing an event there just for me.  Sweet deal.  Work is quite stressful for him right now, talk about fast paced.  Combine that with cranky people, all of whom want him to fix something.  No fun right now.

v is for visa renewed November 27, 2007

The verdict is in and Kate has not been kicked out of Russia before her time.  The visa was renewed, so she is stuck there to finish out her semester and internship.  That’s good, but I think we all had hoped for an early return.  She will have good adventures and has a great attitude about making the most of her time there.  We look forward to her return in January and anticipate all kinds of fun during her homecoming.

Without Kate, it seems good to shake things up for Christmas.  Chris has few traditions he holds close (although tonight he entertained me with singing most of the famous Child of the Promise soundtrack) and so he is up for anything.  I haven’t had that same conversation with Thomas – so we’ll see.  But we may just take off for Florida on Christmas Day.  Thomas is at convenient care tonight, suffering from a nasty cough complete with fever.  Hopefully nothing long lasting or serious.

Now that all the big events are finished at work, I am having trouble settling in, but got a good start on some planning today.  It is my goal this week and next to do the planning/scheduling for all standing events on my 2008 calendar.  Some progress – we’ll see how it goes.

After failing to clear the decks and come up with a plan for small group tomorrow night, I called the whole thing off.  So instead I am going to see “Enchanted” with some girl pals.  It comes highly recommended.

t is for thankful leaves 2007 November 25, 2007

Here’s what made the tree this year:

internet, facebook blogs, google talk, coffee freshly ground and brewed before I wake, United Way of Champaign County, the Windsor of Savoy, hospitals, doctors and medicine even in Ukraine, Lynn, 24.25 years of marriage, Christian Miles Peisker, Dave Ruwe, warm weather, mom’s hair (so pretty), Dad’s hair (so little), Thousand Foot Krutch, P.O.D., Demon Hunter, the letter “L,” surfing, my husband, trip to CA, Tim Hawkins, Katherine Leah Peisker, GPS, Tim Hawkins, Ma & Pa, Anna Whittington, Bohdan, Dad!!, FRA!!!, “hey…how do you speall ‘ferrari’?” – Aaron “Humm…F-R-A?” – Thomas, music, NCAA basketball, NCAA football, Capital One bowl, Thomas, our special Peisker grandsons, our small group, The Millers – Mr, Mrs, Aaron, Drew and A-Rod, Anna & Maureen, Phenomenon, Jason Wetherholt, Jonathon & Jo Ramirez and Ethan, Kate, Tom Redington and the Rotary, The Schneiders, Peiskers and the Schneiskers!!!, Mom, Boltinghouses, Thomas, Mom’s PB Pie, Gallivans, vanilla pudding, funny faces

s is for slowly on Sunday November 25, 2007

Today I took a three hour nap. I spent the last hour trying to wake up with little success. After I woke up I went to the gym. When I got home I ate a lot of food. Now I feel great and am looking forward to an evening of food network holiday shows. What a great day!

f is for frosty November 25, 2007

Good morning from the frosty heartland, where at 26 degrees, cold rain and snow are in the forecast. We are warm and cozy however, enjoying the last of a four day weekend where family and fun have topped the list of activities.

Thursday was Thanksgiving Day and we started it off with steaming cups of coffee and browsing the newspaper. John was kind enough to take care of Thomas’ dog walking duties for Gunther, the neighbor dog, and so both boys slept in. When everyone was up and showered (those boys do clean up nicely), we gathered for a time of prayer of thanksgiving. I have the harvest of thankful leaves and will post them soon. We also got to talk to the Schneiders in Florida as we are so thankful for them and to our wonderful daughter who is traveling in Ukraine this weekend, awaiting word on her visa situation. We are thankful for her and won’t mind one bit if she has to return home a little early due to Russian red tape.

We headed out to the farm for a delicious feast. In addition to my parents, both brothers, my sister-in-law and two nephews also joined us. We had a day of fabulous food – Ma was cooking so of course – and watching football and the game show network. We also played some Apples to Apples and euchre as the day wore on. I think all the men folk had a nap at some point except for Thomas and Lucas.

We headed home about 8 so Thomas could give Gunther one more walk and feeding for the day. We were in bed pretty early, contemplating venturing out for Black Friday. And venture out we did. Both John and I were up before six, so we decided to give it a try and we had very good success. We headed to Panera first to map our strategy. They were quite busy, but we managed to snag a couple of gingerbread bagels without much waiting. We decided to head to Macy’s first where there were no lines and very helpful workers. We scored great deals on a winter coat for me, a down comforter for our bed, and then headed to Bergners to look at boots. They were not attractive, but did find a purse which was just what I had been looking for. We also got a great deal on jeans for Chris at Express.

In the meantime, John had been on the phone with his excavator operator. Friday was the day for the Quinlan barn to come down. With the arrangements made, I called my mom to alert her to that activity and discovered that Tim and Dee were also out shopping. We gave them a quick call – they were leaving Sam’s Club – and met up for a second round of coffee. Delightful to see them. After coffee, we made one more stopping shop, checked in with the boys who were quite content at home without us, and headed up to my grandparents farm to see the demolition of the barn. Here’s how it went:

Get a really big machine.

Dig a really big hole.

Crunch the corners of the barn closest to the hole.

Push the barn into the hole.

Scrape what remains into the hole.

Light a fire in the hole.

Come back the next day and put the dirt back in the hole.

It’s really amazing. A barn that was built in 1890 and stood for over one hundred years was gone in about 30 seconds and completely removed from the landscape as though it had never been there in less than 24 hours. It had become a danger to those around and near power lines could have been a disaster if it came down on it’s own. It needed to happen. Lots of reminiscing from my mom and her brothers, me and my brothers about the goings on in that barn. From the very innocent chasing kitties to the near fatal accidents of falling toddlers to the sneaky teen pranks, it had seen a lot of life and time.

We went out for a walk early Saturday, and then to make a couple of returns and treat Thomas to the best pancakes in town. We headed home then as most of the Miles crew came for lunch yesterday. I made the soup, hauled out the leftover salad, and Mom and Dad picked up some sandwiches. We had a nice visit and then all left but Dee. Chris and I took her to our gym so she could get some miles in training for a half marathon in January. We finished up the day with some chores like putting away the fall decorations, sorting out coats to see what still fits, oil change for the truck, etc. Chris had to work, Thomas was happy at home, so J and I headed out for fajitas to complete a very nice Saturday.

In the week ahead, we are interested to watch the bowl bids develop with so many upsets, happy to have Thomas finish up with Gunther today, and looking forward to a Sunday together. We also are praying fervently for a co-worker’s 8 week son who is battling a serious bacterial infection and hope to hear some good news on that front today. In asphalt world, this is an important week to get lots of paving done, and the forecast does not look good, so we trust on that front as well.

Thankful indeed for Thanksgiving 2008.

b is for big phew November 20, 2007

It’s something Chris and his buddy Dave said once when they were little.  And it describes a feeling of enormous relief.  I think the exchange went something like this:

“Phew” said Dave to Chris.

“Big Phew, right David?” said Chris to Dave.

Or it was the other way around.  Anyway, 14 years later we still use that expression to describe the feeling of exhilarating relief that occurs when something you dreaded is either over or will not come to pass.  Today is that kind of day for me.  After a series of campaign presentations and media appearances, neither of which are in my comfort zone of enjoyment, the end is in sight.  After tomorrow, no more big events or public speaking or media encounter are on the horizon.  Big phew!

Today was a very warm day here, about 70 degrees, but all that changes tomorrow when a cold front arrives and by tomorrow evening we could event have some snow and it will be down in the teens by Friday morning.  All this gives credence to the old saying, “If you don’t like the weather in Illinois, wait a minute.”  Our plans to run in the turkey trot on Thanksgiving morning are now pending how miserable the weather is at that point in time.  Maybe we’ll all wimp out.

Thomas and I went and worked out this afternoon and then came home.  I enjoyed one of my favorite hours of the whole year, Oprah’s Favorite Things show.  It’s so fun to see the items she chooses and the joy of those she showers with gifts.  Lots of cool stuff this year.  Somehow it’s just enjoyable, and not envy-inducing or tempting me to buy.  Just plain holiday fun.  Speaking of that, Jars of Clay has a Christmas CD.  Sweet deal.  Kate and I both downloaded it as early stocking stuffers to ourselves.

Will Kate’s VISA be renewed??  That seems to be the pressing question – to be answered most likely by week’s end.

Tonight, Chris is sore due to a major work out last night.  The boys are working on homework and enjoying electronic pursuits.  John is off to an elders meeting.  He also has about 60 pages of reading to do tonight for work.  He is in the midst of a firestorm of work right now, busy all the time.  I even heard him wishing for free time earlier tonight, which hardly ever happens.

I am making a few dishes for Thanksgiving:  appetizers of orange spiced nuts, shrimp dip and some mini pigs-in-blankets.  Also two pies:  pumpkin and peanut butter.  And salad of spinach, oranges, craisins, blue cheese crumbles and sliced almonds with poppy seed dressing.  And finally we bought the rolls.  Who eats rolls with all that other good food?  Only my dad really, but the rest of us like them later on in the evening when the leftovers come out.  I just love a miniature turkey with cranberry sauce sandwich.  Yum.

Much to be thankful for as the thankful tree is heavy laden.  In a future post, I will share the content of all the leaves.

n is nothing November 18, 2007

Yesterday was blissfully full of nothing. There were a few somethings like breakfast with John (yummy and fun) and then a little shopping, but it was recreational and not too busy, and then there was watching Illinois achieve their 9th victory of the season. Finished off the day by watching Bruce Almighty as a refresher before watching Evan Almighty tonight.

Friday night’s event for work was fantastic. We had so many great families and agencies and volunteers. There were a few rough moments in the beginning and we didn’t have as great a turn out as we hoped for, but overall I am very pleased with the first family volunteer event. Tomorrow I will unpack supplies and pay bills and write thank you notes and make a few plans for the next one coming up in April. Tuesday I will be live on WCIA at 7 AM with Anne Dill talking about volunteering during the holidays. I am speaking at a middle school on Tuesday and a union retirees gathering on Wednesday. The four day weekend is sounding pretty darn great.

Our oldest successfully turned 21 without us on Saturday. We talked to her and although not her most exciting birthday, certainly not her worst birthday ever. John and I are busy cranking out the Thankful 2007 holiday cards which go in the mail tomorrow. Printing the envelopes of all things turned out to be the most difficult component.

Looking forward to the week ahead, especially Thanksgiving which will include participation in the Turkey Trot and dinner at the farm. Two words: Ma’s stuffing. It’s the best!!

w is for work November 14, 2007

A couple of really good things happened at work today – a good turn out for a seminar where people learned practical information.  And I helped a colleague find a solution to keeping a project going even after she leaves.  But mostly, I feel pretty isolated and quite overworked.  The problem with working part time is that it takes a tremendous amount of discipline to turn it “off” when the work portion of the day is over.  Sometimes it’s just not an option to be done and the hours on paper do not reflect the actual time spent.  It also seems important to be able to integrate what I do with what everyone else is doing.  Not easy, but today’s seminar was a step in that direction.

But, I have a cold and feel tired and lousy, so I am not making any drastic moves today.  This afternoon it turned cold and blustery so I am making chicken soup.  I confess I have taste tested and it is mighty tasty. Due to scheduling and feeling crummy I have not walked in a couple of days and I am beginning to feel the slump.  A light dinner of soup and grilled cheese is just what the doctor ordered.

I  am staying home from small group tonight to keep from spreading my germs.  With work events last night and tomorrow night, it will be restful to stay in.  I will be addressing greeting cards and decorating bags for work.  You see where I’m going here.  There is a common thread.

Pondering the difference between work and mission…

b is for business as usual November 13, 2007

Not much to report now that we are back to business as usual. This is a busy week for me in terms of my job, so that will affect everyone else’s schedule. Not too bad, though. This morning I was up and out bright and early at 5:45 for a brief appearance on a local news broadcast to promote an event for work. It was only a 2 minute spot and hopefully it went well. Not too many folks watching at that hour anyway. We have a big family volunteer night Friday night and so I was promoting that.

Chris worked last night and so John and Thomas and I had french toast for dinner. I worked on the Thankful Card 2007 project while John and T went to the bookstore. Thomas has finished a series that he really enjoyed and is looking for something new. No luck last night. He is a little discouraged about school right now – it’s a very difficult environment and is wearing him down.

Tonight I have a campaign dinner, followed by speaking at a local PTA meeting followed by getting my hair done here at home. Thankful for Jen who comes to the house and gives everyone their monthly beauty treatment!

c is for california November 11, 2007

We arrived home yesterday, late in the evening, from an excellent trip to Southern California.  We enjoyed our time at the beaches very much although it was really cold for CA.  We bundled up in layers everyday.  We had fun exploring the beach towns and the cruise around Newport Bay was very enjoyable.

All was well at home with the boys and the house.  Ma and Pa did an excellent job of holding down the fort.  Now it is business as usual with groceries to buy and laundry to do and then back to work tomorrow.

The best part of the trip was time to hang out with John.  I will miss his company greatly tomorrow.