...and a happy new year!

Ok, so I had a lovely Christmas at my sister's house. I even had presents, swo I worried for nothing. I got to hold Baby Jack (6 weeks old) a lot of the time. My sister laughed at me for wanting to hold a crabby baby, but I didn't care. and he was never crabby for long. She asked me once if I was trying to get it out of my system, holding babies, but I said I was just trying to soak up as much as I could. He's so little!! Most of my nieces and nephews have been monster children, but Jack is Beckie's smallest, and he's still so tiny! I think he's still under 9 lbs. He's healthy, no worries, he's just not a monster child. Like two of his siblings. I'll get pictures posted to flikr sometime this week, I'll let you know when.

There were a lot of really good moments, too. Bonnie and Malena's grandmother Omi knew one of them loved Cinderella, but she got her wires crossed as to which one. So when Bonnie saw she was getting Cinderella toys and Malena was getting Sleeping Beauty, she immediately asked Malena if she wanted to trade. It was so sweet. Bonnie doesn't care that much as long as she gets toys. I mentioned this to Beckie, when the girls were in the room, and referred to Malena as a Cinderella-freak. Then I said I was a Star Wars freak. Malena said, "No, you're a DOLL freak! And I'm going to buy all your dolls from you when I get older!" "She's got you pegged," Beckie said. That was so fun. Doug didn't pull his usual disappearing act either, which was also nice. My sister married well. In PA, though, the house was so small, it felt like we were always on top of each other, so Doug would disappear into the depths or out to the garage. Their new house is almost twice as big, with no stairs, and a huge, huge yard. They're thinking of getting chickens. They need to fence in the yard, though, or a portion of it. The back of the yard has a pond. Not good for three-year-old inquisitive boys to be around. I really like their new house. Their family room is so large! I think you could fit my whole house in it! Probably not, but it's really big. Plenty of room for several activities to be going on at the same time. Baby Jack hasn't been blessed yet, so I'm thinking I may have to go back in February or March...

Thank you to all my friends. I'm at risk of becoming extremely sappy, so I'll stop now, but I do appreciate all you do for me. I go through periods of extreme anti-social behavior, but having you there when I pull out of it means the world to me. Thank you. I hope you all had Merry Christmases too.

hello, my friends!

I've been feeling rather out of sorts lately. I'm not sure if I'm coming down with something, or if it's just my usual end-of-year depression coming on. If not for my wonderful friend Lori I would have no presents under my Christmas tree. I asked my family to send them all to my sister's house since that's where I'll be. Even at that, I rather expect four cards, not actual presents. Ah, the lame life of being a single person with no family of her own.

Recently a friend seemed to trivialize a Christmas song, "Feed the World". I suppose she can't be blamed, she probably wasn't even born when that whole thing happened (or at least was very small). Bob Geldof heard about the famine in Ethiopia and really wanted to help. All he knew how to do was write and produce songs. So he called in all his musician buddies, and they recoreded a song. It sold millions--I did my part. My friend and I went in on it together, since we were poor High School students at the time. There were stories of how people would buy boxes and boxes of the record (yes, it was before CD's) and then give them back to the store so they could be sold a second time. The song brought international attention to the problem, and my church even got involved, declaring a special fast (which is how the Humanitarian Aid department of the church got started--people were very, very generous, far more than was needed). Bob Geldof recieved the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts, and every time I hear that song I am reminded of a time when the whole world seemed to pull together to help others. Others that didn't even believe in Christmas, true, but really, all that was required was that the people who heard it did believe in Christmas. Unfortunately, Bob didn't know that the Ethiopian government would interfere in his efforts and refuse to distribute the food, so I guess it wasn't the whole world that pulled together.

I've made a rather big decision regarding New Years. I'm not going to the Single Adult New Year's Conference this year. I've been feeling a lot of pressure to go from friends who are going, but quite frankly, all I've been feeling is stress when I think about going. So I will be home, taking care of my cat, and probably going to the movies and reading books for about five days (I return from SC on Thursday). I may even get motivated enough to work on my house. Depends on how Christmas goes. But I do forsee a shopping trip in my future... We'll have to see how good the New Year's sales are.

I went to three parties last weekend. On Friday I had almost triple-booked myself, but I cancelled one. I met up with my friend at the Temple Visitor's Center and we listened to the Handbells by a group from Virginia. It was really nice. My friend isn't LDS, and when she told her co-workers what she was doing they got very concerned. Turns out that they got Mormonism mixed up with Scientology. Weird. Then I went to another friend's party (I had told her I would be late). I heard it referred to as a 'couples' party, so I'm not sure why I was invited, but I went anyway. I made out with a great magnetic white board (that still needs to be put up, but that can be one of my after-Christmas projects), and the person who got the gift I brought seemed happy (although her husband wasn't *g*). Saturday started out with a baby shower, which I always love to attend, but don't necessarily care for the games. I mostly like to see the gifts. I felt kind of cheap for only bringing a baby blanket when it was obvious some people had spent a good $50-70 on their presents. Later that day was the Ward Christmas party, which was great. I didn't even get stuck at a table with old people (which tends to happen to me--they seem to follow me around wherever I go). I found a table with young people and children and we had a great time. And I love my scarf (everyone got white fleece scarves). We tried to get everyone in the Ward Choir (who had been asked to sing at the last minute, from what I understand) to wear theirs when we performed. I hope it was appreciated.

I've also been thinking about the things Mom's do for us. Birthday parties, Christmas presents, phone calls 2-3 times a month. My Dad just can't pull it off the way my Mom did. He does his best, bless his heart, but sometimes I just really miss my Mom. She would never allow my siblings to forget me for Christmas. Which has happened twice since she passed away. And two of them that did it before have me again this year.

This post may seem entirely too selfish and 'poor me' to anyone who reads it. Thank you for bearing with me. I'll try to be more positve next year.

I don't expect to be blogging much in the next couple of weeks, so let me take a moment to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!

A song in my head...

For the last several weeks Christmas songs have been running around in my head. Not annoying ones, my favorites. This started about the same time the radio started playing Christmas songs. It's kind of nice, having this soundtrack in my head, without even needing an ipod or anything.

Anyway, I hope everyone has a nice weekend, and that the storm really doesn't start until everyone is home from the ward Christmas party tomorrow night.

LDS equivalent of drinking...

Anyone know what that might be? I'm thinking pizza, lots and lots of pizza...

Work has been indescribably bad lately. We've been asked to cut yet another $70 million from our budget. Some idiot suggested we outsource Mission Operations. My job. Thanks. A lot. so I've been going to a lot of meetings where we try to figure out how to prove to those idiots that this would be a REALLY Bad Idea. Very RISKY. Somehow the guy at NASA HQ got wind of the idea, and now we have to justify why it's better for APL to do it than to have some university try to pull of our operations. If I weren't LDS, boy, I'd be seriously tempted to hit a bar on the way home. Really shouldn't break my diet, either, even though the diet isn't going really well. I haven't lost anything in a month. Haven't gained either, though, so it's not a total failure.

Three words: Cost Cutting SUCKS.
When can I get to my real job? If they hadn't just made me an APL employee, I'd seriously consider finding something else to do.

So for some good news, Kitty/Padme is officially mine. I spoke with the housesitter--really the girlfriend of the guy who lives there, who has been in Australia for the last 4-5 months and is considering moving there. She, on the other hand, has two jobs and her own place (hence the reason I never saw her). So when I offered to adopt Padme, they were grateful. She still likes to be outside more than inside, but I think she's happy I've stopped kicking her out of my house. She does like to attack my toes while I'm sleeping, though. That has got to stop...

I'm here, really. I just haven't been in a blogging mood for a while.
So what have I been up to?

Here comes FIOS!
Last Tuesday stayed home in the morning for the Verizon/FIOS people that never came (they'd rescheduled and didn't tell me) So I stayed home from work this Tuesday (the 4th) as well, and they did come, and now I have hundreds of channels to watch!!! As if I didn't have enough of a problem sitting in front of the TV! But now I get BYU-TV, so no more trying to listen to Conference on the internet or shlepping up to the Stake Center! I should probably try to make it up there for at least one session, but being at home is so much EASIER!!

My internet is much faster too--at least, faster enough to be noticiable. Given that I had Comcast Cable before, this is a rather interesting fact.

Snowfall
As many of my friends noted on their blogs, it snowed on Wednesday (why? Why couldn't it have been Tuesday when I was home anyway??). I did go to work, and didn't get hit by other cars, or slide around, or anything. But it was nice and peaceful with the snow falling outside and my office mate staying home (she lives in VA, can't really blame her for that). We got a lot of snow, 4-5 inches (I never heard the final count, but there was a lot of snow on the ground). I didn't believe the weather people when they said it would snow. I thought they were talking about Western Maryland, or someplace else. Or that they were lying to us again. But no, they were right, and there was a lot of snow. And the schools didn't close. That was kind of amazing. Especially since it really did accumulate and cause many, many accidents on the highways.

Holiday Party
I went to the Relief Society's HF&PE night last night. It was a Christmas celebration, at the home of the RS president. It was very nice, and the program was beautiful. Most people crammed into the kitchen to talk to their friends, but I get really claustrophobic in large crowds, so I went in by the fire and sat. People came to me, and meanwhile I got to enjoy the beautiful decorations and quilt. Our RS president is really quite talented.

During the program one sister read O Henry's "the gift of the Magi". She was very expressive in her reading, and transported me to a different time and place. It was very nice. The music was really nice too, performed by several sisters in the ward.

Tin Man
A mini-series on Sci-Fi channel this week. It was a re-imagining of the Wizard of OZ story, and having seen Sci-Fi channel re-imaginings I was prepared for the worst, but it was actually quite good. It even had several homages to the original that were quite cute, such as the protaganist being the great-granddaughter of the original Dorothy Gale, and being named after her. It wasn't until my FIOS was installed that I realized I wouldn't be able to tape it off, or record it using my DVD Recorder (not the one that came in the FIOS box, either). I'm going to have to look into that, although I don't tend to tape that much anymore, just the occaisional movie or mini-series. I suppose I could buy it... sigh.

The Neighborhood Cat
Anyone who's visited me in the last several months knows about the neighborhood cat. She seems to think she lives at my house. Course, I do feed her, and I did get a cheapo litter box for her. I can't bear to think of her outside in this weather. But she's not a stray. Her current owner has been on travel for the last several months, and the house-sitter keeps letting the cat out, then leaving for work. Leaving the poor thing outside the whole time, til she returns late at night (often after I go to bed, then leaves before I get up). Not such a problem in the summer, but now that it's cold, she really shouldn't be outside so much. So I have a little furry roommate. I call her Kitty, for lack of knowing her real name. Maybe they'll let me keep her, and I can call her Padme like I want to...


Hoping everyone is having a happy (or at least not terribly stressful) holiday time.

"Let them worship how where or what they may"

I like to listen to my scriptures on the way to work. For the last couple of days, I forgot to bring my CD case out with me to the car (I had to switch out my regular listening fare for Christmas music), so I've been doing without. This morning, frustrated with myself, I decided to recite the 13 Articles of Faith. I discovered that I need to review 5 and 12, and relearn 7 and 10. When I got to 11, it occured to me that if everyone in the world would adopt the 11th Article of Faith, the world would be such a better place.

"We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may."

The level of tolerance, acceptance, and respect for all peoples everywhere implied by this statement could change the world.

I think it's significant that the Articles of Faith were written at a time when my church was under heavy perscution, having just been driven out of Ohio and Missouri (where it's no longer legal to kill Mormons, since 1972) for what they believed. A newspaperman from Chicago wrote to Joseph Smith to ask what we believe in, and in his reply the 13 Articles of Faith were first documented--not in such a formal way, but still there in infant form.

The idea of allowing people to worship what they please is not a new one, being one of the founding tenants of our very country, but we still have trouble implementing it. Anyone who stands up and says, "You're wrong, because you don't believe what I do" proves it. I still see a lot of this, most recently on the message boards for the tv show House. House had a supposed Mormon in his ranks of interns, and in one of the message threads talking about this, there was a person whose sole purpose was to state how horrible and awful the Mormons are because of what we believe. I know there are also narrow minded people out there who think that just because a person is Islamic that means they're a terrorist. And how many terrorists would there be if we got rid of all the ones who terrorize in the name of religion?

At this time of year, when Christians celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace, when Jews celebrate the miracle of Hanukkah, Kwanzaa is celebrated, and the winter solstice occurs, may we all carry a little peace in our hearts, regardless of where we believe it comes from. Let everyone worship how, where, and what they may.

Scattered...

Hmm, haven't blogged for a while, as my Home Teacher mentioned to me last night. Yup, my Home Teacher found my blog, lol! This blog thing keeps getting bigger and bigger!

Anyways, I made a mistake in my last post. I actually have 27 nieces and nephews. Here's the breakdown (and yes, this is all from memory), from my oldest sibling to the youngest:
B&Y: 2 b, 1 g = 3
K&J: 1b, 1g = 2
M&J*: 4 g = 4
D&J: 3 b, 3 g = 6
D&R: 3b, 2g = 5
G&B: 2b, 1g = 3
B&D: 2b, 2g = 4

*I always feel like I should add the caveat that a) M&J are not married any longer, and b) 3 of the four g are Js from a previous marriage, but I don't really know why because M&J get along really well now and I still consider all the girls my nieces

Which makes 13 nephews, 14 nieces, for a total of 27. And one niece-in-law, and one great-nephew, and 3/4 great-unknown. I feel so blessed. The tradgedy is that they all live far away from me. So I make due with all my friends kids. So now I have over a hundred nieces and nephews!!! but don't ask me to list them... :D

I've been rather busy at work lately. Between that and generally going insane (a cyclic process most women can relate to), I haven't blogged much since Jack Jack was born. Two crises at work--one satellite went into safehold, and my other project went through yet another cost-cutting exercise that threatened my particular position. The satellite is better now; I wasn't able to help with recovery, but I was able to do all the daily tasks that needed doing and freed up the others to work on the recovery. The cost cutting exercise is continuing, but it doesn't look like my job will be cut. We worked it out to show that if they did their evil little plan they'd incur far more risk to the project than if they just kept things where they are. Silly NASA HQ thinking they can squeeze more blood from a stone. We've already cut out all the fat, where exactly are we supposed to cut from now???

Last weekend was really nice, though. Thursday/Thanksgiving I slept in and got some things done on my computer at home (which is still slower than molasses--time to take it to the Geek Squad, I think). Dinner was WAY fun--I went to Medieval Times with Jenni and her family. We got to see cute boys fight on horseback and off, lots of Sparks! (I love Sparks!), and lots of post-show flag fighting with the 4-year-old. So fun. The 8 year old was more mature about the whole thing, but we got in a few fights with her too :)

Friday I got up early and went to JoAnns, thinking "$1/yard cozy flannel" I did get enough for the backing of about 17 blankets, and a few tops, but most of the cute flannel was already picked out before I got there. I can always buy more of that later, though, and I have enough to see me through the current round of babies :) I had to wait in the store for almost 2 hours, though, and spent it most (un)wisely, looking throug the pattern books. I picked up fabric and patterns for two new dresses, and finally found a pattern for a shrug that I'd been looking for. so I spent way too much. But if I get busy, I should have new dresses for Christmas and New Years, as well as a new top and a couple more Christmas-themed vests. I'm so bad. I haven't even finished the Halloween vest I was making.

Saturday I rearranged furniture a little such that I now have a place to put my tree up. It also makes it easier for me to sew and watch tv at the same time, so hopefully this will encourage me to 'get busy'. Other than that, I wasn't feeling too well (related to the insanity mentioned above), so I stayed home and watched some movies.

Sunday was fairly normal--ward council, home to work on the computer some more, then back to church for four hours (choir practice, you know). The choir sang in sacrament meeting, and I thought we did rather well. After church I developed a splitting headache, so after my Home Teachers dropped by and I watched the 100th episode of Home Makeover, I headed for bed. I get a lot of headaches. I really should ask the doctor about that. Not migraines, just really bad, splitting headaches. I felt mostly ok this morning, though. Except now my throat hurts. Maybe I'm developing a cold...? But where would I have gotten it? JoAnns? I wasn't around many children in church, and a cold from there wouldn't develop for a couple more days...

Ok, you're caught up. I hope you had a merry Thanksgiving Day.

I'm an Aunt! Again!!

This one is number 26, his name is Jack, and he was born yesterday. That's all I know. My Dad called me last night to tell me. I will try to reach the family in the next couple of days, but since the baby was C-section I suspect my sister will be in the hospital for a few more days.

Yay!

Lots of babies!

So many babies this year. it's hard to keep track much less get to hold them all...

youyou not a meme

1. Name:
2. Birthday:
3. Place of Residence:
4. What makes you happy:
5. What are you listening to now/have listened to last:
7. What is particularly good/bad about my LJ:
8. An interesting fact about you:
9. Are you in love/have a crush at the moment:
10. Favourite place to be:
11. Favourite lyric:
12. Best time of the year:
13. Weirdest food you like:

RECOMMEND
1. A film:
2. A book:
3. A song:
4: A band:

PLUS
1. One thing you like about me:
2. Two things you like about yourself:
3. Put this in your blog so i can tell you what I think of you.
4. POST A PICTURE OF YOU! (Optional)

One True Talent

As you may have guessed, last week was not a good one for me. I get depressed, and then I have to retreat to my cave until I feel better. At these times I'm really not fit for social interaction. One thing always helps: holding babies.

I tell people I have one true talent. They laugh at me, because they think all the musical things I do are my talents, different talents to sing, play piano, etc. I suppose I tend to take those things for granted--I've been surrounded by them my whole life, and music is just like breathing or speaking to me. But I digress.

My True Talent is that I can put almost any baby to sleep. I hold them, and when I do, I have a natural rythm that rocks them to sleep. Lately at church there have been so many babies to choose from, but somehow I seemed to miss out on many of them. But last week I got to hold Nicole's baby, and this week it was Raquel's baby.

It always strikes me as a little funny when the moms ask if I'm ok holding their baby. I get the impression that they don't want the baby to be too much of a bother, or if the baby is fussy or something. What they don't realize is that I love babies. I won't give them back unless I absolutely have to. Like when they need to be fed (I can only feed bottle-babies), or when it's time for them to go home (I don't have a car seat). I even steal babies from other women who want to hold them too, although I do try to be considerate about that.

My sister Debi put me on to the best baby gift for me to give, too. I make baby blankets out of cozy flannel (100% cotton). I find cute patterns, and backs to match, and sew them together. I use a yard of 45-in material that makes a big, cozy blanket for the baby. My sister Beckie will be getting one for her fourth baby, but the one I made for her first may still be in use. The more they get washed, the softer and more comfy they become. And if the baby and family is in close enough proximity, I get baby-holding rights :)

So what do you consider your One True Talent? You know, the one thing that you can do that brings you joy and joy to others?

Friday at last

Halloween night went very well. I sat outside for about an hour in my costume, but not very many kids came so when I got cold I went inside. I still had a few more trick-or-treaters, so I waited until 8:00pm before I changes. And then I got a few more. I guess because Daylight Savings Time is still in effect there's not the big rush to get the kids out the door before it gets too dark/late? Anyway, I had about 30-40 kids, so while I have some candy left over, it's not a whole lot.

Thursday was book group, which was always fun. Somehow we manage to only spend about 45 minutes on the book before we get into really important things like potty training (although that was absent last night) and the funny things kids do. I did get to hold Nicole's baby for a while, so I didn't mind too much.

Today I got some bad news, though. My sister Beckie is moving to South Carolina tomorrow, and they've decided to completely bypass the DC area, such that they will not be coming by to see me or stay the night or have lunch or anything. I would offer to meet them in Hagerstown (they're going down I-81), but they've already decided that would be too difficult for me to do. So far out of the way, you know. Forget that there are outlet malls in Hagerstown. So after a small crying fit (I just *love* crying at work!), I'm a little better now. She said something about coming to visit me sometime, but I just know she won't. She'll find some other excuse not to. Granted, having 4 kids is a good excuse, so I can't even complain. So I told her not to worry about coming to see me. Ever. Didn't put it like that, but that's kind of how I feel. So much for having family in the area. They will be all gone as of Sunday. :( With gas prices it won't be that easy for me to just hop in the car and go see them either. The train goes down there (that was a very good suggestion), but it arrives at 1:00 am. Not even the rental car companies are open then, so I'd be stuck until morning and they decided to come pick me up. This totally sucks.

But it's Friday. Two whole days all to myself. Well, one anyway. And I have things planned for tomorrow as well. So I guess staying home and sulking is out of the question. I might on Sunday though. In the morning. Before chior practice. I missed one flipping week of choir practice and everyone that was there gave me grief about it. We weren't singing that week, I had a sore throat, I figured it would be ok. Nope. But I do get to help in Primary with the Sunbeams, so that will be good. Nothing like a Sunbeam to help you find a smile :)

Happy Halloween!

I love Halloween!

I've been getting smiles all morning as I have worn my witch costume to work--the same one I wore to the Harry Potter Book 7 release party. It is so fun. I even brought my belt pouch and have been handing out candy.

Last Saturday night was my ward's Trunk or Treat, to which I invited my friend Dina. She was in Renaissance Garb, I was in my Lady Sith outfit (complete with long black hair). We wandered around, looking at the games and costumes. I tried to entice the children to come with me to a far away galaxy to destroy the Jedi. Most of them turned me down, but I did get a few takers. I think they were a little disappointed that I didn't have anything really planned, I was just asking them. Oh well. I'll have something more planned next time.

Tonight I'm looking forward to handing out candy while reading my book. I'm only half-way through the book club's choice this month "Fire of the Covenant" (very good, btw), and the discussion is tomorrow. Oops!! I'll have to start next month's book a little sooner... Last year I had just moved into my house three days before Halloween, so this is really my second year doing the candy thing from my own home. It was so fun, and this year will be too, I predict. It's nice enough I will probably sit outside so the kids don't get thwacked by my storm door. Plus Daylight Savings doesn't kick in until this coming Sunday, so it will be lighter as the kids start going door to door.

So again, Happy Halloween! Be safe out there!

A week later...

For those who don't know (probably just my brother who reads my blog from time to time--the rest can skip this paragraph), an Evil Person entered our church building last Wednesday night during our activities, and tried to entice young girls to leave with him. He was successful with the fourth, who was found a couple miles away wandering around. Even the police were shocked that he would enter a church and do this. It has shocked and scared everyone in my ward, and in the way of such things brought us a little closer together as we increase our vigilance for all the children.

Nearly everyone has mentioned this to some degree on their blogs, so I thought maybe I should throw this out there to the great beyond. Or maybe I'm just being a troll?? I've been feeling a little disassociated from the matter (calling it an 'incident' seems to belittle it somehow, and I certainly don't mean to do that). I don't know who was involved, and I'm deliberately stopping myself from trying to figure it out, against my more 'natural' instincts. I don't have any children of my own, so I guess it's not as personal for me, although I am certainly in 'over-protective Aunt' mode.

I watch a lot of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, and it has long bothered me how the kids would run around like crazy people at church with their parents barely knowing where they were or what they were doing. A few years ago one small child wandered outside the building and couldn't get back in. It bothered everyone in the Ward Council, of which I'm a part, but we couldn't seem to get the parents to understand that just because we're at church doesn't mean we're safe. Just because there are other adults around, doesn't mean they're looking out for your children. Whenever I see small children running around outside I tell them to go find their parents, but as soon as I was out of sight I'm almost certain they would turn around and start playing again. How do you encourage childhood and yet still keep them safe?

Well, my ward is taking measures to increase the safety of all who are at the building. From now on when someone unfamiliar enters the building they will be greeted by one of the bretheren who will--in a nice way--find out who they are and why they're there. This may have been enough to deter the Evil Person last week, but we'll never know for sure. He probably would have just gone somewhere else and tried to vicitmize someone else's child. Here's hoping and praying that the police catch him quickly.

Is it time to go home yet?

This is the perfect day for staying home. It's rainy and cool. Days like this a fireplace, cup of hot cocoa, and a good book are definitely in order. Comfy clothes, comfy chair, and a nice blanket too.

Add to that the fact that I have been completely unproductive at work this whole week, and you have one sick puppy whining to go outside.

I'm going to go back to pretending to work now. I already bugged the guys over at TIMED, although I need to go back in about 45 minutes to help take the pass (not that they need me to, but my mental state will be completly vegged if I don't). Maybe this document that I'm working on can be rewritten in Spanish. That should take some time...

Winter Solstice Concert

(I know, I'm just the blogging queen today)
I went to this concert three years in a row, but last year had to miss it. Anyone interested in going with me? If we can get a large number to go, the tickets are cheaper :)

From Ken Kolodner's website:
When:
Two shows on Decemter 15, 2007 3:30 PM and 8:00 PM
Where:
Kraushaar Auditorium, Goucher College, Towson, MD
Ticket Prices (based on quantity purchased):
1-14 $23.00
15 - 19 $21.00
30+ $19.00

It doesn't matter if we don't all go to the same show, but it would be more fun to go together. Children are welcome, although you may not want to pay so much for a child. The concert is mostly music, played on hammer dulcimer, fiddle, acoustic guitar, piano, flute and small pipes. Just three very talented musicians for a very worthwhile concert. For more information go to Ken's site

Let me know if you're interested!

Wildfires

Just read through some of the online reports about the wildfires in SoCal. I didn't realize there was one in Lake Arrowhead area. My nephew and his family moved out of that area just a few months ago, and I am so glad that they did. Why do some people think it's funny to start a fire just as the Santa Ana's begin to blow? DON'T THEY KNOW ANY BETTER!!??? It happens every 3-4 years, some idiot lights a fire just as the Santa Ana's begin to blow. I'm not saying all these fires are arson, some are caused by a cigarette butt someone didn't put out, or a campfire that wasn't extinguished properly, or that gets away from the camper before they can put it out.

And yes, the winds do get up to 100 mph. I used to have to walk to school in them. Funny, it was always on the days with 80 mph winds that the trees would fall down...

Still waiting to hear if my sister who lives closer in to LA was affected. My dad and brother David should be ok, they're in the alluvial plain with two washes between them and the fires (wash: where the water goes when there is water). My brother Blaine may have to evacuate, but I don't think so. They've had to in the past, since they're closer to the mountains.

Reading the stories of those that have had to evacuate makes me grateful for my 72-hour kit. I should go update it. But at least I have it. Two, in fact. One for my home, and one for my car.

Alas, poor FUSE

Yesterday was the party for the end of FUSE. I've blogged about this before--the satellite mission I was on for almost 10 years, that we suffered and worked and spent sleepless nights for. FUSE lost it's fourth wheel in July, not to be revived. It stopped so hard and so fast there was just no hope. So last Thursday they turned everything off, drained the batteries, and then turned off the reciever. It will be up there, in it's 500-mile orbit, for the next 30 or so years before it burns up in the Atmosphere.

So I went up to JHU, Homewood campus, to the Bloomberg building where I had spent nearly 10 years of my life working, and saw so many friends and colleagues. Bryce even came! He left after the third wheel died, accepting a position at UC Berkley in California, on the THEMIS mission. Bryce is one of the people who kept FUSE afloat after the loss of the first to wheels, redoing all the science planning software, and making upgrades to it until we go the satellite working almost as good as before it lost those two wheels. It was really great to see everyone. Many of the original Mission Operations Team were there, Tom, Chris, Steve, Ted, Tim--and me, of course. I hope to get the chance to work with all these guys in the future. The satellite industry is a small world, so it probably will happen. In the meantime, they're all at GSFC, and I'm here, and we can always do lunch! :D

Bill Blair, the Chief Project Scientist Manager person, loves to come up with lyrics appropriate to every occaision. On Launch Day, he wrote words to the tune of "I did it my way", by Frank Sinatra, something like "Thank G it's Launch Day". There was one at our five-year anniversary, which I don't remember, and of course there was one yesterday. FUSE's Lament, to the tune of "Memory" from the musical Cats:

Midinight, not a sound from controllers,
Have they lost my transmissions?
I am flying alone...
In the darkness, I slowly spin, reflecting the moon,
Let my batteries... charge again!

Memories, all alone in my orbit...
I remember my launch day,
I was beautiful then.
With four wheels I could point where'er they wanted me to,
Now my four wheels will not spin.

First my gyro-scopes stopped working,
Then my wheels started swerving.
But torquer bars helped me to point at starts,
And soon I was observing!

Now, though, my observing is finished,
I am nothing but space junk,
I am cold and alone.
But my data are safely archived down on the earth.
Let my spectra... live again!

If it weren't for the reaction wheels, FUSE would still be observing. There's no reason why it couldn't have continuted for another 2, 5, or even 10 years. But still, 8 years for an original 3 year mission, with 50% efficiency in science gathering data (the goal was 25%), literally hundreds of research papers, a book, and three Astrophysical Journals dedicated to FUSE data, FUSE did good. The team did very good. I'm proud to have been a part of it.

I got Ghosted!!!

Monday night I came home after work plus a shopping trip and found that I had been visited by the Savage Mill Ghost!!! I was so happy to see this! I haven't been 'ghosted' for years. Last year I found out that the ward has been doing this since it's beginning, and I was actually a bit put out that no one had thought of me. Ok, so last year I moved right at halloween time, so that was probably it, but before then?? I really hate sounding pathetic, but I really do want to be included in things. So I'm happily making treats and will be figuring out who I should 'ghost'. I typically go for people that I don't think would get it otherwise. This late in the month all the 'popular' people have probably been hit already :)

The Weekend

Saturday

Went to Revel Grove again, this time to meet up with Shannon and Clare. I decided I didn't have to be there at gate opening, and that I could go incognito--I wore jeans and my Fight School T-shirt :) So I got there in time for the Stupina show, which I hadn't had a chance to see yet. Shannon and Clare showed up at the beginning but decided they were too hungry to stay so they left me there and went to find food. I joined up with them after my show. One of the events this weekend was that the Medieval Times guys were there, doing a sword fighting demonstration. We wanted to see that (of course), but as we had some time we signed up to get massages at the massage booth for after the demonstration. Went back, saw the guys fight--their swords made SPARKS!! I love Sparks! And the band isn't half-bad either (though if you're not from California in the 80's you may not get that).

We wandered until time for our massages--Clare had been moving furniture, so she got a back massage. Shannon went for the shiatsu, and I went for basic head, neck, and shoulders. We were floating for the rest of the day...

We went and saw Albannach, which I guess is a reinvention of Clanna Drumma. They were good, lots of drums and pipes (they're a Scottish group). Found out later that they'd started drinking too early in the day so they won't be back next year. Shannon's response to that was, "They're Scottish, what do you expect?" We did some shopping, trying to make our way through the crowds--it was PACKED. But then, at least it wasn't HOT. 10 degrees cooler than the previous week really made a difference. And that week was 10 degrees cooler than the last time I went. No rain days this year...

About 4:00 we ran into the Ravenwolves Clan (the family I hung out with on Opening Day). They were all in purple and black, per Midnight's request (she had her birthday that week). They all looked fabulous, but of course I forgot to get a picture (and even if I had, it would still be in my camera). The mom is in the Navy, and will be shipping out on an aircraft carrier in November, not to return until next May, so they're trying to fit in all the quality time they can before she goes (Shannon and Clare had actually met Ray, the dad, and the kids at my housewarming party). They're a really good family. It was great to run into them. I'll have to try to keep more in touch while Steph is gone--I'm sure they could use an 'aunt' on occaision.

Shannon and Clare then decided they were done so I walked them towards the gate. Then I went back to the Market Stage (you didn't really expect me to leave without seeing Fight School for the last time this year, did you??). I caught the last part of Hilby the Skinny German Juggle Boy--also very good. I can recommend his show to my friends with children. After Hilby, but before Fight School, there was a challenge to Dash from another actor (I know him as Mike, but I don't think that's his name this year, that was his name when he was with Teatro a couple years ago, I think). They both came out in straight-jackets, and then proceeded to wriggle out of them. Nymblewick tried to give us the history of the straight-jacket, but the crowd was too silly to listen. It was fun. Dash won, but Mike got the t-shirt??? Again, the pictures are in the camera. I really need to get them out of there...

Fight School was fun, as always. I try to remember significant moments, but I just can't. I do know that they were having so much fun they had to cut the gun duel for time. A mark of good, professional performers is that they keep to the time line. They start on time, and they finish on time. I, as an audience member, really appreciate that. Course, it could just be that because of the straight-jacket challenge, they had to cut something else. But that's ok. It was way fun!

Sunday
I totally crashed when I went to bed at 10:00pm on Saturday night. Actually, I did that Friday night as well, and even Thursday night I was so tired I just lay on my bed, thinking I'd get up in a few minutes and get ready for bed. Next thing I knew it was morning. Not sure what I've been doing to be so tired, maybe I should go to bed earlier? Anyway, Sunday morning I crawled out of bed around 11:30 am. So much for choir practice. I really meant to go, they really need people. So many have just stopped coming since Amy left, it's kind of sad. Liz can't get a good Christmas program together because no one comes. So I missed it too, this week. I did make it to Sacrament Meeting, but knowing that the lesson in RS was on Marriage, I skipped out and went home after SM. I have a really difficult time with the current Sunday School teacher. Not sure what my problem is, but I really don't enjoy his lessons. So I went home and--yup, you probably guessed it--took a nap. The neighborhood cat came in and took one too. After about two weeks of denying her entrance, she finally convinced me to let her in. I really shouldn't, I know, but I just have too soft of a heart. It gets me into trouble.

Then it was time to go to the SA potluck dinner. We had about 10-12 people there, which was really good. Next month is our annual Thanksgiving Dinner (more organized than a potluck dinner, but still food brought in by everyone). That should be fun, and bring in more people.

A Faire Day

Saturday I went to Revel Grove (also known as the Maryland Renaissance Festival). My purpose in going was to attend all of the Royal shows and do some serious shopping. It was accomplished.

I was late that morning, so I missed the Opening Ceremonies. I had seen it before, with the Edwards Family, so I wasn't too concerned. After I left my house I realized that I had left my ticket at home. I could have just bought a full-price ticket at the gate, but decided to return for the cheaper one I had already purchased (I hadn't gotten too far, only to Rte 1, so it wasn't a big deal to turn back). Since I was already running late, I accepted that I would miss Opening Cannon and moved on. Then I found the traffic as I left Rte 32 and joined I-97. It was then that I became concerned that I would miss Fight School as well. However, that did not happen. I managed to get in, parked, and through the gate by about 10:30 am. I bought my very first Scottish Egg--very yummy, btw, and made my way to the Market Stage.

I did meet Captain Romero and Hamish on the way there, but they were getting ready for the show so I didn't distract them. Fight School was brilliant, as ever. The funniest thing was during the first fight. Now, understand, this was the first cool day in about a month. Swords can be brittle when cold. During the opening fight between Captain Romero and Nymblewick, Captain Romero broke Nyblewick's sword. From then on, he was The Swordbreaker. It was so funny! When Nyblewick's line came up "why are you smiling?", instead of the normal "I know something you don't", it was "Because I broke your sword!" Too fun!

So after a very entertaining Fight School, I made my way to the Globe Theater, picking up some soup in a bread bowl on the way. Yum! I saw this year's production of "As You Like It", which was really well done. They manage to do the play in 1 1/2 hours, and I always wonder if they cut things out, but when I go to other productions I don't notice anything different... They are really, really good. Watch out for the sheep, though! They are hilarious!

After that there was about an hour of wandering and purchasing (and getting a pickle) I returned to the Globe Theater where the King was getting ready to meet Anna of Cleves for the very first time. It wasn't pretty. I believe the King's exact words were, "I like her NOT!" There was the typical courtier intrigues as Cromwell's adversaries circled like buzzards, and poor Anna was distraught by the big rude man that came into her room and kissed her on the mouth! (it was the King in disguise). The whole affair was mis-managed (which means that the performances were excellent).

I made my way then to the Lyric Stage where the comedic opera "Makin' ze meat-a balls" was being orchestrated by Leo DaVinci's brother Bob. Always a fun time, with participation (and participants) from the audience. And of course, there's always music, and everybody dies (it's opera!)

After the opera came the Chess Game between King Henry and Princess Anna. There were fighters (Fight School boys plus some others), fighting for each place on the board. Anna won, but sometimes to win is to lose. The King forced Cromwell into a fight, as the King decided to fight for Anna's side and made Cromwell defend the King's position. Not a happy place for Cromwell.

Once the chess game was over (with Cromwell having been made an Earl, don't ask me about the King's mind), I again went shopping, this time to Greentree Weaving, where I picked up the lovely outfit I wore to church on Sunday. I think I need to adjust the skirt a bit, but I absolutely adore the jacket. The pattern is called "berries", and is very purple-y with red, black, and blue intermixed. So comfortable.

I went to the Gatehouse stage where I caught the last part of the singing group performing there (Seraphim), and then listened to Sir Gregory of Carrolton play his guitar in a classical fasion in an attempt to bring some culture to Revel Grove. It was very peaceful there, under the trees, away from the dust of the mobs infesting the village (did I mention it was PACKED?? At least it was cooler, but the dust was still high).

I remained there for "Cromwell's Disgrace", wherein Thomas Cromwell has a vision of the future in which the marriage he orchestrated is annulled, Anne of Cleves is designated King Henry's "sister", and Cromwell is taken to the Tower and beheaded. It was amazing, truly. My heart was touched by Cromwell's predicament. No where to turn, in a trap of his own making, trying only to serve his King. Truly a wonderful performance.

And then it was back to the Market stage for Fight School: RELOADED!! Captain "The Swordbreaker" Romero was there, along with "Batista". It was so much fun. I again must state that once you know the lines, the best part of Fight School is when they ad lib. It gets rediculously funny.

Now, I didn't really run into any of my faire friends this day, for which I hope they will forgive me (then again, they didn't come up to me either). I saw a few in the distance as I was passing along the paths, but I'm afriad I was focused on my pursuits. My purpose was fulfilled--I saw the Royals Progress, I have a new drum, a new outfit, and a pillow with dolls embroidered on it. I ate my favorite yummy things, needing only two more to finish out my year (cheescake on a stick and some mac & cheese on a stick), along with my goal to try new things. So, with one more weekend left, I await with anticipation the closure next weekend will bring. Here's hoping it rains (to keep the dust down, keeping the crowds down is a side-benefit)

Oh, and I have a new personal record for getting out of the parking lot: 2 hours. I had a spot fairly close to the gate, in the outer section, but didn't realize that when you try to leave from there, you basically can't. I think I moved 4 car lengths in about 1 3/4 hours (I listend to an entire CD of E Muzeki and part of Hairspray while sitting there). I finally left that line, drove to the fence and joined the other line, and was out to the road in about 20 minutes. From there it was another 10 to Dairy Queen and a 20 minute wait for dinner and my blizzard (they only had two people working--on a Saturday Night?? I ask you!). So it was around 9:00pm before I got home. man was I tired!!