A Frog's Life

Broken Hearted

2011-09-11T22:00:00.000-07:00

My baby nephew Brett is moving! Well, OK, he's 18 and he's going to Idaho to live with his dad. I l love my nephews as if they were my own! They live next to my mom who is across the street from me. He is off to see what's what at his dad's house, he recently moved from Whittier. He is planning on driving up, at least he'll be with his friend Jeffery with him for the drive and that will probably be a grand adventure. So, good bye Bretty, I love you tons!!! Take good care of yourself, it gets cold in Idaho! Keep in touch sweetie! Love, Auntie Robin

June Gloom

2011-06-13T22:47:00.000-07:00

So, it has been ages, 6 months since we have "spoken". I was feeling guilty, obviously, it doesn't take much! Busy time of the year, still working, and the weather is gloomy.

Found out I have arthritis in both knees, thus the pain. My last recital in May was hard and I haven't dancing over a month.

Family is pretty good and my nephew is graduating from Cal Hi on Thurs! Congrats sweetie!
Promise to write more soon!
Robin

Merry Christmas to all!

2010-12-25T20:45:00.000-08:00

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas! Ours was the usual rush, rush, rush, but that's our life and it works most of the time. We are just lucky our families live so close to each other.
The rain really messed up my shopping plans, it rained so darn hard! A couple days off and it started again tonight, a lot. Glad stores stayed open late, Sears has saved me a couple of years in a row, they seem to sell a little of everything for everybody. My mom and dad will be returning their Cannon blankies, kind of like a Snuggie but classier I thought, way too big, heavy, and warm for them. I hate returns!! I knitted a ton of scarves and I think the people were happy with them. Even made one for an almost 3 year old! I sewed a folklorico skirt for the same little niece, I used to sew a lot more and should do it more. The only other thing I crafted was a chip board album for my Secret Santa at work. Oh, I did make floral arrangements also. I'll be forever grateful to Bill Coleman, my flower teacher from so many years ago. I got to spend quite a lot of the day with my youngest sister, Sandy who lives in Tehachapie. It is quite a drive to Whittier, her family ends up celebrating Christmas the 26th. Thankfully, they got home all right tonight. Church was the loser of our attention this year. Shopping and wrapping were the thing. My "Favorite Thing" a la Oprah, this year was a clear, craft bucket of cardboard tags. They are almost done and the bucket will become one of my craft containers!!! We spent last night at Nev's brother's and sister in law's house with his parents and the other brother and 6 kids. They were so excited and had so much energy!! Today was spent with my family but Nev excused himself at 2 to watch the Lakers play. Oh well! I have been tamaled out, they are delicious and think I better freeze that last dozen I have in the fridge. Again, Merry Christmas to all!!! Robin

The Holidays

2010-12-12T09:15:00.000-08:00

Hello from Whittier! Just a couple of weeks until Christmas! Yikes!

My sister Kelley complained that I wrote something nice about my family on a Thanksgiving post on Facebook but I never write it for them? She's not on Facebook very much, evidently. So if you know me, you know I have a nice family, I'd be lost without them, and I am grateful they are in my life.

One more week until vacation. I have a recital next week and there are a lot of practices ahead for this week. We have a Holiday show at school and my kids are singing and dancing to "Ay, Ay, Ay, Its Christmas" by Ricky Martin. They are cuter but the actual performance is sketchy. :-)

We have a Union Holiday party also this week and I need to go buy the decorations for the table. It has turned into quite the production.

Work is work. Too much testing, not enough teaching and 30 kids with no help is daunting. The fact we will not be going full day K this year sucks big time and the fact decisions are made with no input is frustrating. I think morale is at an all time low. A bright spot is that I have a nice parent that helps often and Derita has come in twice to work with my students! Always nice to have an adult in the room with me!

Nevin is at church, I don't want to go at 8:30 in the morning so we are at a standstill. He goes alone. He got quite sick last week and lost 10 lbs in 5 days. He really had nothing to eat but he is OK now. He does not recommend this method to lose weight.

Drop me a line!!

Hot, hot, HOT!

2010-09-26T15:11:00.000-07:00

It is Fall already and it is so hot! I was not one of those people who complained during the summer that our weather was too cool, not I!!

Nev turned 54 on the 18th. We celebrated by going to Lucille's and a movie. It was Ramona and Beezus at the bargain theater in La Mirada. Except for the switch in the order of the names, the movie was faithful to the spirit of the books. I am a long time fan of Beverly Cleary's. It had a lot of famous actors/actresses also. Cute movie!

School is school and the lack of communication continues to frustrate me.

I know I need to go to a podiatrist to see what is the matter with my heel. Folklorico starts in a couple of weeks and the pounding probably isn't going to help the situation.

My organizing stalled since vacation. Nev has 2 days off while is office is moving and he's determined to empty the PODS and be done with it while he is off. I wouldn't mind the extra room in the driveway. :-)

I finally figured out what to do for table decorations for the Union's leadership weekend. I thought the theme was going to be "Party Like a Rock Star" but it is "Greatest Hits". Smarty Pants Nev asked if we were going to play Ike Turner's songs??!! I am reasonable happy with my choices. I guess I resigned myself to a new floral wholesaler. I hate changes and I especially hate it that I didn't get to say goodbye to Christine before she went out of business. You gave it a good shot and I am sad to see you go!!! I had been going to West Coast for I think 10 or 13 years! Stan was before her and I was just as sad when he left because again, I didn't get to say goodbye and thank you for all your help.

I made some arrangements for my mom's guitar party Friday. I enjoy creating with fresh flowers and don't have to worry as much about the mechanics of it since the flowers aren't traveling far. Also, my folks clean up the mess!!!

Have a good rest of September, payday on Oct 1!!!!

A Good Deed

2010-09-14T22:41:00.000-07:00

First, school is OK. I think that there is a communication problem when the parents know more that is going on with the kindergarten program than the kindergarten teachers, but hey, I just work there! Our numbers in K continue to be lower than everyone else, I have 23 which seems like a lot to me but I fully expect to have more students soon.

I have been really trying to work on the organization of my stuff. There is still one area of counter space that is a horrible mess, but I am able to disguise it with some book filled crates in front of it and unless you have x ray vision, it looks pretty good!

Back to School Night tomorrow. Do you think anyone cares that teacher stayed til 6 to do stuff? I think not.

I was leaving Joanne's and a lady approached me and I thought she was going to ask me for money. Nope, she asked for a ride to the mall, about two long blocks away, her car wouldn't start. I hesitated and was so embarrassed when I blurted out, "You are a stranger!" She was an older lady, at least in her late 60's I think and had a small purse, hardly something that could be hiding a weapon. The minute I said it, I regretted it and then said sure but I needed to move some stuff from the front seat so there would be room for her. She apologized and said just to please drop her off at any store and her daughter would pick her up later. I asked if she lived far and it was not far at all, so I just took her home so she wouldn't have to wander the mall while she waited. How sad that things are so suspicious and we have to think three or four times before we do a stranger a favor. Maybe it is just me and any one of you would have said yes immediately.

Saw John Michael Talbot at St Bruno's. It was wonderful and brought back a lot of memories. Need to find a Mass I like. It all hinges on the music!

September

2010-09-06T20:36:00.000-07:00

Well, we all survived the first week of school. Really, just the first three days of school and this week is short also! A couple of students whimpered a bit but no one screamed, ran, pulled my hair or kicked me. It has happened before. I dearly missed my friend Derita who retired, she's been a classroom away from me since '85 but I know she probably enjoyed rolling over and going back to sleep at 5 in the morning.

My class looks pretty good, I think so anyway, and I am making an effort to toss old paperwork and get everything dusted. Need that motivation here at home. It was a lazy, long weekend. I need to finish cleaning my craft room but I am running out of places to stash my stuff. I wanted to put all my folklorico costumes in the barn but Nev didn't like that idea. I need more room! The painted dining room table that is going in my room is still sitting in our truck but it won't fit until all is organized!

I have nothing to wear to school. Well, I have a lot but nothing I think looks good. Folklorico doesn't start for another month and I need to exercise. My heal hurts and I'm afraid to see what the problem is. I have had an infected toenail and did go to the Dr, he gave my antibiotics which really helped the pain and infection but the nail is still there and is uncomfortable. I did order a pair of shoes from Zapos today, I have those shoes in another color and they are comfortable!

Our new dsl is problematic. The email is taking forever but everything else is OK. Wireless is next! I still am using my laptop only to play "Northern Exposure" DVDs. On Season 3 now, one and two were very short seasons.

Went to Mass yesterday and we sang "I Am the Light Of the World". It made me remember a special trip to San Diego with Eileen, Michelle and John, all Choice friends, in 1986 or 1987. The song is a happy song but it brought tears to my eyes remembering John. It will be 20 years tomorrow since we lost him. I can't help thinking how different things might have been, for sure, Nelida wouldn't be living in Wisconsin!! Love and miss you John Rybarcyk!!

Back to School

2010-08-24T22:41:00.000-07:00

Well, it has been a long time. Sorry about that. I have a list of blogs I read and sometimes a really long time goes by without any action and that is so annoying. Mind you, these are usually people I don't know, just stuff I've come across for whatever reason.

School starts next week, our District seems to be plagued these days by a lot of issues. Our class size is going up, BOO!!! We have furlough days and we have a reduction in pay. Hmmm... Don't want to be negative about it but you understand my reluctance to go back.

Family is fine. My mom was in the hospital twice in June but seems to be doing much better. Nev's health continues to be good cancer wise but has had some digestive issues which I think is worrisome but seems to be allergy kinds of stuff.

I have had time off and not accomplished nearly all I wanted to but I have made a decent start in the organizing department. I had our old (my in-law's old) dining room table painted a beautiful Shabby Chic white, chairs too and they are waiting for me to rip off the old seat cushions I sewed 20 years ago and make new, yellow rose cushions. Have had the fabric a couple or three years now. I can't believe I have so much stuff!! Still some things I can't find and it might be easier to re buy them but I refuse! The PODS is still in our driveway. :- ( Enough said about that! Nev is working in Culver City so our time is limited./ He did add on to the barn and the plan is to move the lawn mower,m cultivator and the chipper/shredder out of the barn and into the addition. Then the barn will truly be just for me!!!

Still going to craft classes and just finished a couple of gift albums for friends. I enjoy using what I have but realize if it was all accessible, I would use more!
i
That's it for now! Hope all is well with you and your loved ones!!! Robin

Happy March!!!

2010-02-28T16:17:00.000-08:00

Well almost. I love March, its the greenness of it I think. St Patrick's Day is fun, ever since I had to learn "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling" as a pledge in 1977, I have an affinity for this special day. Even my students know that I'm excited about March because they all know "Teacher! That's your favorite color!!" Too cute, huh!

Family is good. Nevin has a perforated eardrum, ouch! from an infection. My mom appears to have fully recovered from her pacemaker business and Dad is good. My dn, Brett, will have his big Boy Scout Eagle ceremony in a couple of weeks along with a couple of his friends who have been together in Scouts since they were little guys.

I was in a computer funk there for a couple of months. I was so burnt out of working on papers that I stopped doing anything computer related, even checking my email. I also decided to stop the Grand Canyon classes for now. I had some great teachers, some that were OK but not great communicators, met some really nice people, but generally was underwhelmed with the lack of information/communication from the actual school. I also don't appreciate all the time I wasted on hold listening to their "New Age" music than went on and on and on... Maybe I'll go back but not for now.

March is going to be a busy month for me, I want to go to the Irish Festival next week, I have several craft events, gotta love that, and I'm doing flowers for Brett's Boy Scout ceremony. Also, I want to celebrate my dad's birthday St Patrick's Day style, hopefully, he'll go for it.

I see some friends more than others and I wish my Aussie friends lived closer!!

Does anyone have advise to get Cd's out of the car stereo? I loaded a new Elvis one and it won't play and nothing will come out. Its the kind that holds 6 Cd's, not the magazine kind. Thanks!

Keep in touch! Love, Robin

December, 2009

2009-12-30T20:26:00.000-08:00

Well, I never thought I would be one of those bloggers that let months go between posts but it seems that I have turned into that person. Let's see, October is just a busy month for me and as soon as Halloween is over, BAM! the holidays are upon us.

Homecoming was nice, I always especially enjoy getting together with my pledge sisters. Lea couldn't attend as her daughter got married that evening. Yes, the first Turtle offspring! Dr Ibahim and Virginia, our last founding member of the Thalians, were both honored at the Brunch. Shock of shocks, Kelley attended her Brunch, the first in quite a long time. Our Society experiences evidently meant different things to the both of us. That night, Annelle took us out to dinner at the Spaghetti Factory in Newport Beach, significant because that is where our Rush was in 1977. We then had a farewell for Annelle's dad, I was honored to be with her that evening.

Our Union weekend was fun. We went up to Oxnard again to the old place, and when I say old, I'm not kidding. Years ago, Casa Sirena was lovely but the last two years, the rooms were OLD! This year, we stayed next door at a Hampton Inn and it was so nice! The staff was great too. We had our "Peace, Love, and MTA" party which was officially known as "Return to Woodstock". Our member really got into the theme and the stuff I bought from Oriental Trading was great. They had wall decorations, temporary tattoos, and peace sign necklaces. We made an awesome arch using psychedelic colors and I made some cute, I thought, anyway, vases of flowers with mod colors of paper, all punched from Sizzix dies and punches glued on bamboo skewers. Tico, our DJ played great music from the 60's, I was one of our best parties up there!

My mom has a pacemaker put in. Don't worry, she's doing great, driving and everything and of course her house looks as immaculate as always. She woke up with her eyes doing crazy things. He eye doctor examined her and told her it was a neurological problem and to go to the hospital. Whittier Presbyterian was wonderful, they were very kind to her. She got an outpouring of support and visitors and the most special was a visit from Monsignor Cox! Our family is so blessed to have him in our lives. She only stayed a few days, my sisters Barrie and Kelley stayed with her at all times, even at night. She was supposed to take it easy for a couple of weeks but that for my mom is very difficult.

I turned 51 also in November. Can't say that 50 was the best year of my life, a lot of deaths, and Nevin's cancer plus my mom's scare really didn't add up to great memories. So I wasn't terribly sad about kissing that age goodbye. Hopefully, being 51 will be less eventful. I did talk Nevin into going to Disney land on my birthday. We haven't gone since he left Disney, over 15 years ago! He had one free pass left for himself and I got in for free because of my birthday. Too bad that promotion is ending. My sister Barrie is there right now for her birthday. We had the most wonderful time and were able to go on many rides. One notable excepting was Space Mountain, Nev doesn't do those kinds of rides any more. Too bad! Indiana Jones was scary, my first time on that. I hadn't been on the submarines for a really long time, it felt as if you were very deep in the lagoon. Out in Thunder Ranch, they have a new again restaurant with all you can eat barbecue that is brought to you. It was outdoors, a little chilly, but there was the sweetest Western Christmas singing show as entertainment. Small World was amazing for Christmas. I was walking through a crowd and I heard a voice say "That's Miss Ponce". I went back and it was one of our Bandini students with her family, what good eyes she has! I know her mom pretty well, she was a Bandini student also. Too funny!

Thanksgiving was great also, a smaller crowd that sometimes. My Uncle Robert, his girlfriend Mary Ann and his daughter and son in law, Antonia and Warren joined us as well as my friend Dorothy and her boyfriend Gilbert. I cooked 2 turkeys, but we only touched one, I really tried to make a lot of sides for the non meat eaters.

Christmas will have to wait! Keep in touch and Happy New year to you if I don't post before 2010~

October

2009-10-04T23:05:00.000-07:00

I finally got paid on the 1st, what a good day! Not as an ambitious to buy list as last year but I did manage to get a few things and spend $180 at Costco. That place is terrible/wonderful. Both!
I finally used the laptop to create a Power Point presentation for class. Jeez, it was hard for me. I kept reaching for the mouse, there isn't one, weird to me. My sister Barrie had to help me a lot, all she has to do is click, click and there it is. Me, I had to change fonts at every section of the slide, it kept switching back to another. I'm sure there an easier way...

Nev B-day passed. I had bought a Lewis and Clark Caverns t shirt that came in a water bottle while in Montana. I loved the presentation, that was a surprise to him. Also, he got a fleece throw that matches his colors in his office, rusts and black, a manly throw with Yellowstone animals on it. Also, I got 3 prints in W Yellowstone, he picked them our, kind of an Art deco/orange crate art style. Sure there's a word for it, but I got the frames at Michael's and they need to be matted. His brother and family took both of us out to Applebee's, Nev didn't want the traditional both family deal. Him and I went to Lucille's, dang that place is good!

Creatively speaking, I started working on on Sizzix flowers to put together for my Unions next party, "Return to Woodstock". They are punch outs in mod colors and will be glued on the ends of wooden skewers. Looking for an appropriates vase or container.
Found a dress I may wear to Homecoming but only if it is a cool day. It is a green sweater dress, I love the color. Also, I found a blouse, again green, to wear tomorrow for picture day.

Our insurance is changing, it will still be Blue Cross, but as our district joined Calpers, we have better bargaining power and are able to negotiate better. It won't be exactly the same, but we are still very fortunate in MUSD.

Sad news, Annelle's dad passed away a couple of weeks ago after a long illness. Annelle is the most devoted daughter, she has always taken care of her dad and my heart goes out to her.

I am getting sleeeeeeeepy! C U!

Quite a week!

2009-09-14T00:35:00.000-07:00

School started, boo, hiss! My class is currently at 21. Only one pain in the you know what, he runs outside, yells and hit me with a piece of paper! Didn't hurt but I really need to do something.

Had lunch in Riverside with Carol, an old friend from Whittier College who is also is a Thalian. Her daughter is now a college grad, Congrats Dominique!

Today, had Brunch with Anita and her dd, Becky and her dh and me and Nevin. Ate at Calif Grill, just fun talking. Dancing starts in Oct, recital in Dec!!

Finally brought over my frog and my laptop from my parents' house. My mom named the frog Croaky. I still haven't opened the laptop but I will! This computer needs a tuneup. Or something!
Nev's b-day is Friday and I'm trying to talk him into Disneyland or something. So far, he doesn't even want to go out with the families.

Have a great week!

Back to School!

2009-09-07T21:30:00.000-07:00

Well this is the last official day of freedom, school starts bright and early in the morning. Can't say that I'm jumping with joy but Nev and I stayed until 5:30 Fri and the room looks good. Still have an area that needs to be gone through but the room is ready for students. I've have been trying to tidy up stuff so it is in one place when I need it. Some stuff has been tossed, not as much as should be tossed but still. I have a couple of organizational ideas to try tomorrow after the kids are gone. The won't be full day until Dec. I bought some plastic folios, in green, of course and I'm thinking of using them fro folders instead of making them. I'm going to put the essential info inside page protectors and tell them the bring the folios back everyday. Reason is that we frequently have notes to send home. One pocket will be for homework, another for communications, another for sight words and whatever. Found the perfect white daybed and Nev put it together. Sucker is huge! I think I'm running out of room in my craft room! Decided to try one more class at GCU, this time it is Linguistics and I really liked that at Whittier. Looking forward to dancing and maybe taking the stamp class again. Wish me luck!

Over!!!!

2009-08-30T23:48:00.000-07:00

So I didn't think it would take me this long to post, so sorry about that! Hmmm, we were in Idaho for 9 days, I did get to see my dh's Aunt Pat, she's the one who used to work for Provo Craft. She has a clue! (crafty stuff!) I had bison short ribs in one of the lodges in Yellowstone. Had a cow at my fil's driving, not used to it, mil and dh didn't seem to have a problem with it. I was really just ready to go home, I missed my computer, my TV, my space!! We left in the morning, our last stop was at the dump. I know it sounds weird, bit the dump in Island Park was cool. Lots of seagulls and beautiful scenery. Stopped at Porters's in Rexburg, a huge craft store with some very friendly people and some not. Then I went to a SB shop but sadly, it was going out of business We ate an early dinner at Maddox, a wonderful restaurant in Brigham City, Utah. They had this lighter dinner menu, it was wonderful! They serve their food with a container of well water, I have never had so much water in one sitting! Was happy to see that there are 2 more Cracker Barrels in state!
I am fading fast folks, promise to finish in the next couple of days.

Vacation, part 2

2009-08-07T00:03:00.000-07:00

So in Idaho, I found out my in laws have no working TV. Now those of you who know me well know I LOVE TV! The TV situation up wasn't ever good, usually 2 or 3 stations. But when they went up there, their converter box didn't work or so they watch DVD'[s somethings at night. Their collection did not reflect my tastes, we were never a Laugh In family. But, I was on the computer most of the time anyway. Their garbage disposal was dieing and Nevin replaced it, it was a four day deal. The new one came from Bozeman, Montana which is 90 mikes from the cabin, one way. It works beautifully! More later.

Vacation, 2009

2009-07-21T19:32:00.000-07:00

I am writing from Idaho! It has been quite a week. We went to Cambria, our favorite place for what really amounted to a day and a half. Then, we drove up to Emeryville, next to to Berkeley. We went to a family reunion in Martinez at my cousin's house. My mom is from the Bay area and her remaining two brothers are still there. There were cousins I hadn't seen for years, it was so nice and my mom was so happy. My sisters Tracey, Kelley, Barrie were there as well as my nephews Scott and Brett. My mom and dad and all of the rest flew up, we drove up and met them. After that, we took off to start the drive to Idaho. The first night, we drove to Elko, in Nevada. It is a very small city, interesting place but HOT!! Our room was lovely, one of the few with no smoking and no slot machines. We made a few stops yesterday, mostly to shop, I'll be honest. I stopped at Robert's in Idaho Falls, a very nice craft store chain owned by my pals at Provo Craft. They had a bunch of Cricut accessories at 40% off, how's that for a deal!!! I also bought some magazines, one was the last edition of Simple Scrapbooks, sad! I purposely brought not craft things up here so I wouldn't get distracted and work on my class work but to be quite honest, it hasn't worked. I need to buckle down tonight so I can do a little sight seeing/shopping.
Should be home in a week!

Celebrations!

2009-07-13T16:46:00.000-07:00

There are so many reasons for me to celebrate lately. Let me share a few of them.

-Nevin got his first PSA test back and it shows that the cancer is gone! He needs to keep the low number for 2 years to be considered "cured". We celebrated at Lucille's, thought of you Chrissy!

-We celebrated our 20th anniversary on July 8th! Can you believe it? I had homework due that night so we put off dinner and I keep having stuff to do. I guess we'll celebrate during our vacation.

-My mom had a birthday, she turned 79 on the 6th! Happy Birthday Mom!

-Happy Birthday USA! We had a quiet 4th this year, my mom was not feeling too well so we didn't have the usual games. But the food and the company was good. Then, we went to my in law's house in La Mirada where fireworks are still legal. We met one of Nev's brothers and did fireworks with the kids. Men sure are pyromaniacs! I took some good pictures, I am getting better with the digital camera. At least with the taking the pictures part. :-)

-Celebrating family, my mom's family is from the Bay area and this Sat, there is a family reunion, most of us are going. My mom is the youngest of 6, there are only her and 2 brothers left.

-Celebrating vacation, Nev and I are going to Cambria for a couple of days, then going to the reunion in Berkeley, then off to Idaho for a week or so at his parents' cabin. I ordered a laptop from Costco.com but didn't realize it would take so long to arrive so I am a little worried about my homework getting done. I have no self discipline! :-(

_ And finally, celebrating a life well lived. Our long time (30 years) adviser of the Thalian Society passed away yesterday. He was a wonderful man and so generous with us. We never would have survived all of these years without him! Dr Hilmi Ibrahim will be missed by us all and it will never, ever be the same without him!

Sad Things

2009-06-23T18:57:00.000-07:00

Today I went to the memorial service of a very special woman, Virginia Merithew Jones. Those of you that are Thalians, will recognize the name as one of our founding members. We've been visiting her for maybe eleven, twelve years? One of our alums Googled her name and found her happily living in Redondo Beach. She was such a really gracious and friendly woman. As the years went on, both her health and her hearing deteriorated but she was always so glad to see us. Her mind was sharp! She loved to hear us sing. We sang "Today" at the service, I have to say it sounded great! I was really proud to be there and happy to see so many Thalian sisters. Mary Butterly was especially close to her and understandably upset but know Mary that Virginia was smiling down as us saying "You are all so beautiful!" Farewell Virginia, we will miss you!

I was saddened by the news that not only were Jon and Kate separating, they are filing for divorce. I love the show and those kids just crack me up. I must say I relate to Kate, the anal part, because if you've ever worked on an event with me that involved decorating, I am that way also. She sometimes was mean to Jon, but jeez, get a backbone and quit whining. I guess he did get more than a backbone if you believe everything you hear. If you want a job, get a job. I hope it all works out for them and the kids, it will be interesting to see how it all plays out.

Happiness is fleeting I fear. Grab it when you can and appreciate it!
Robin

How about those Lakers?

2009-06-21T21:06:00.000-07:00

Well, the Lakers did it! Yeah!!! So happy around here. We saw the games on our own, not like the olden days when we'd see the games with Nev's brothers. He says too many bad words now to watch the games with all those little kids that are his nieces and nephews!

The Retirement Banquet went beautifully! The different colors of purple looked so elegant together. I had lots of help and only one thing didn't go exactly as planned, well two. I used glass blocks as vases and a couple of them were not water tight. But the agapanthus, aka Lilies of the Nile, held up beautifully. Also, we ran out of time and didn't get to make the big balloon arch (my fault, misplaced the other nozzle), I wanted but we had two huge bouquets on either side of the stage and they looked very nice. I even liked the food at the new venue and the parking was great. But, I'll be happy to return to the Reef in Long Beach next year. One lady retired after 50 years of teaching!! Can you imagine that, I sure can't!!.

School is over for another year. It was so sad, we are loosing 4 teachers due to the cuts and our class size going up. There were lots of tears all around. Going to miss you Myrna!! I got my 25 year pin from the district but that wasn't so happy, the principal forgot to give it until almost all of us were gone. Not feeling so happy at that point but grateful I have a job I suppose in this day and age.

I need to go back this week and clean and finish up my cums, I hate that! At least I got those pictures in. Ugh!

I am not thinking about my on-line class for another 10 minutes, when I finish this. I never had established the deadlines to my missing work , when Nev was busy, and I'm not sure how to proceed. The teacher suggested my advisor and guess what? He didn't respond. So that's about three departments I am unimpressed with at that school. This is the last week. Don't know if I can make up or repeat the parts I am missing or what. GCU, are you listening?

My family had a cute little Dodger party for my dad today. We all wore Blue Dodger shirts, ate hot dogs and just hung out. Finally have the hang of the self timer on my camera, only have had it for a year and a half. Am hacking away, I got sick and had to miss the Mariachi Festival at the Hollywood Bowl last night. I was really looking forward to it and just hanging out with my dancing friends. Felt worse this morning so I tried not to get too close to my family today, no reason they should get sick too!

Nevin has a PSA test this week and we'll find out the results next week. Fingers crossed!

June Gloom

2009-06-08T23:30:00.000-07:00

Weird weather, it has rained, not enough to clean off my car, just make it look worse.

Nev is doing OK, just tired of not being 100% and tired, the sleepy kind too.

My Master's class continues to dog me, I am so behind. Can't wait for school to be out so I can work during the day. But I am such a terrible procrastinator...

My big thing this week is the Retirement Banquet for my Union. Trying out some new things, will be curious to see how they turn out. A new venue just for this year. I'll let you now.

No time for Facebook yet, still don't see the big deal about the little games they play but my friends sure do .

My little nephew, he's 16, made his confirmation Saturday. Congratulations Brett! I am so proud of you !

Did red and white flowers for the occasion. My sister Barrie hosted the party and the food came from Lascari's, yummy!

Went to the Aquarium of the Pacific with the K classes last week, nice place, probably more fun with out 20 kids behind you. :-)

Go Lakers!!! Go Dodgers!

May Wrap Up

2009-05-30T21:53:00.000-07:00

I meant to post last weekend, I had the most perfect three day weekend! It started with dinner after school with my good friend Rita, we've known each other since we were freshman and Whittier College, way back in 1976. She is also my pledge sister and was one of my bridesmaids. I had a Group Project due also, there were six of us in the group for this class and I have to say, a more polite group of women you will never meet. I even spoke on the phone to one in Washington DC, Dallas and Colorado Springs. We got an A on the project!! My mom had a pre Memorial Day dinner for us on Sat. She made a brisket, and used the rest of the frozen brisket from Easter to made barbecue beef. Both versions of the beef were delicious!! I don't know why we haven't had it more before, easy to cook and so good and tender, thank you Martha Stewart! Sun, between working on my project, I made dinner for my parents, sauteed onions and mushrooms and stuffed then with brisket into bollios, Mexican rolls, kind of like french rolls but softer. really good for sandwiches. Mon, I got up really early and went with my sister Barrie to the LA Marathon to volunteer for our Teacher's Union Water Station. It took us a while to find the meeting place, but we spoke with some very nice firemen who pointed us in the right direction. The runners were so appreciative and even though I am not a morning person, it was fun. After, I went for lunch at Mr Sandwich, a little place in Uptown Whitter that I used to frequent. They have different owners but it was still good, then we saw Night at the Musuem at the Village Cinema. I get a kick out of going there because when I was in college, it was a Pussy Cat Theater. :-) I have to admit, I kept falling asleep, I was so tired, but what I did see was excellent. Wouldn't mind seeing it again. Even though it was a short 4 day week, it sure lasted long a work. We had Open House Thurs and Nevin came to school to help me clean and set up the kids' projects. He also bought me an iced coffee, aren't those new ones from MacDonald's great? People commented how good he looked, he is still more tired than usual but is doing great.

Then there is the Lakers and the Dodgers. They provided hours of enjoyment and angst. GO LAKERS!!!

I get to see Amy tomorrow! She retired from Bandini and moved back to Hawaii. I also will see Perin who also retired from there and Derita who thankfully, is still there! Can't wait!

Read my brain book, this has been the first textbook that I am really enjoying. Not 6 chapters worth, mind you, but still interesting. Our work need to be put in that #$?%*! electronic portfolio. Should get back to work but Susan Bolyle didn't win, now that's really ^%&*!!!

Post surgery

2009-05-16T21:07:00.000-07:00

When I saw the spelling of the last post, I was apalled! I was really tired and I'll try to edit it.

My great organizing hint: Those white cubes for sb storage they sell at Michael's and Target with the shelves to make 4 sections are great for storing your Sizzix letter boxes. You know, those long ones that hold 26 or so of the sizzlets in those lovely boxes Jeanne hates? I put a cube together, with NO help from dh, I told him I was starting something that he's probably have to finish for me, but I didn't need the help after all. Went together easily and there is enough room for 16 boxes!!! I'd like another plain cube but all I've seen right now is what I have and the corner units and the one the turns around, cute but I just want the plain cube. With the extra tower I got on ebay, that makes 3, all my dies are stored, the Bigz are in the tower vertically with the shelves removed, no room for more!

Nevin is home! Cedars is a wonderful hospital, he got great care, and hopefully that cancer is GONE!!! He has his follow up visit on Tues and the nasty catheter can be removed!!! Icky thing but necessary. I got to meet Tom O'Connor's wife Linda, a lovely person who is a social worker there. I had been out of touch with Tom for a few years, when we reconnected, he had gone back to school, was teaching and got married. If you were at our wedding, he did one of the readings, the "to every season" one, otherwise known as "Turn, turn, turn". My mom and dad, Nev;s mom and dad and brothers were there most of Monday waiting for him to be out of recovery. The operation started hours late and he didn't get in his room until 8pm. I stayed the night with him that night but that couch was hard!! They keep the rooms chilly and they come in all the time to check on their patient. His nurses were very kind to him. His doctor is the best! Hopefully, none of you will ever need his services but if you do... he's good. He used the Da Vinci machine to operate, it was on Gray's Anatomy Thursday, wasn't that a sad one? The food in the cafeteria was good. The hospital even has a Starbucks! I met up with my friend Perin at Jerry's Famous Deli right across the street form the hospital, the pastrami was to die for! And I got to chat with my friend who I don't get to see nearly enough. My hotel was a cute, kind of retro chic right on Beverly so I didn't have the chance to get lost. They were very nice, it is the Beverley Laurel Hotel, I'd stay there again, well I did. I had checked out because Nevin was supposed to be released but then they decided to keep him another day so I had to check back in. This time to another room, mine had already been given away. This one had a shower big enough for 6, no lie. All done in black granite, slate and glass tiles. Really stunning. Just not as much fun with just me. Nev got released late in the day so we caught a lot of traffic coming home. Getting off the freeway was no better, every bump and dip in the road was uncomfortable for him. Great to be home, it is hot here! Picked up from the vet's this morning. He had been there for a week!! As you may know, we are not best of friends, only loves Nev, but he did very well at the vet's and they said he was so friendly and loved to be petted. I asked them if we were talking about the same cat. He came home and was very happy to be here, I think, and looks happy to be with Nevin. He let me pet/hold him when Nev was asleep.

I didn't knit hardly at all and I just couldn't concentrate on my reading for my class. Horribly behind. They didn't have an Internet cafe but they did have WiFi which didn't do me any good since I still haven't got a laptop. My financial aid finally did come through so I guess I can start shopping for one. Any suggestions?

Thanks to all of you who prayed and send good thought for Nevin. Your texts and calls, and e-mails were very much appreciated!

May!

2009-05-03T23:19:00.000-07:00

So I wasn't overly crushed about Nev's surgery getting postphoned. I really wanted to go to my Nana Tille's 100th or so birthday party! I RSVP'd thinking it was yesterday, but it is next week!!! Where's my mind been?? Don't answer that, I'll tell you!

I am done, minus a just a slight adjustment of an old project, with the first class of my Master's program. We had a group project to do, that was probably harder for the other three having me on their tram because of the time difference between Calif and the East. When you are part of a group, I think there is more pressure on you because ypu don't want to disappoint the group. So glass all of that is over. I have a week off, then back to class the same week Nev has his surgery.

Craft room coming along swimmingly. I have the best organizing tio, but it will have to wait, I am sleepy and need to get up in the morning!

Surgery postphoned

2009-04-25T20:47:00.000-07:00

Well, what we were afraid of happened, Nev's white blood cell count went up this week and so the surgery was moved to May 11, same place. He was given some medication last week for all of his congestion and wheezing and that is the most likely culprit. He is more bummed than I am, I was upset that I didn't find out until Fri afternoon as I was preparing for a substitute teacher for 3-4 days. I had the biggest mess, my mom always says it gets worse before it gets better. It was at its worse stage in there. The night custodian was so nice, kept dumping my trash cans and finally gave me a huge one to fill. I was there until 7 pm, on a Friday no less! But my room looks better and more organized. This will be the last week of my online class, then we have a one weeks break and start again. So I will be gone during Week 1 which is better than the last week of this session. Tomorrow, we can go to Rey and Rowena's son's b-day party and we can go to our Church carnival next week and my Nana Tillie's 100th birthday party. I am also going to a Stampin Up event with my friend Elaine and meeting her sister Linda in Corona for this stamping thing. Not sure exactly what is going to happen, but I know it will be fun!
Go Lakers! Go Dodgers!
Thanks for the well wishes, we really appreciate them! Robin

Quick update

2009-04-23T20:39:00.000-07:00

Nev's surgery is scheduled for Mon at Cedars. My friends tell me the Beverly Center is next door and there are lots of things to do there. Never been. They think I'm nuts for not staying with Nev in the room, it never occurred to me. I'll be really close, a mile away . One problem, potentially, Nev's white cell count was high and he had to have another blood test yesterday. Haven't heard anything yet so we can only assume it is still a go. Any prayers for Nev will be greatly appreciated!! XOXOXOX, Robin

Changes :-(

2009-04-15T23:18:00.000-07:00

If you know me at all, you know I don't generally do well with changes. Never have. One of my morning radio stations, Movin; 93.9 changed format and Rick Dees is gone again! Now, the music is secondary to me in the morning. I like the talking, jokes, gossip, contests with a tiny bit of music thrown in. I actually have been listening to 3 stations and I have my routine. KRTH, KOST along with "Rick Dees in the Morning". i Adios Rick Dees! Te voy a extranar :-(

PS I hate that Mervyn's is gone! Don't even get me started with "Men in Trees" and "October Roads".

Happy Easter!

2009-04-12T21:30:00.000-07:00

My vacation is over, wah! I didn't get done all or even half of what I wanted but I did do a lot. We had our dance recital yesterday. It went ok, one mind fart with me and a wardrobe malfunction but all in all, not too bad! We practiced every night during the week. My feet are tired! I danced when I was little and the dances don't come as easily as they did before, but I still enjoy it. I couldn't help but think of my mom's friend Mary Helen who passed a way, she was at my last recital.

Easter was nice, we went to Mass, sangs songs I knew, I like that. Had french toast at my mom's then our annual Easter Egg Hunt. The boys, my nephews were invited to participate for the first time, they are 19 and 16. My mom bought us all dresses and we had all kinds of toiletries and goodies from my parents and each other. Then, got down to the business of cooking. I had seen a segment on Martha Stewart (my idol), on a Passover menu. I though the brisket sounded great and my family was hammed out so hey bought me a HUGE brisket. I made 2/3 or it and froze the rest. It was good but I had to cook it a little hotter than I should have so a lot of the lovely onions on the bottom of the pans stuck and I am so glad I didn't have to clean up! It was just us, not even Nevin or my bil were there, just us Ponce girls and my nephews and parents. Not Sandy, she doesn't usually make Easter. There were just 8 of us, a really small crowd. The house still looked great and the Easter decorations were still up and the floral arrangements still looked great!

I am so frustrated with Grand Canyon University! Actually, the Financial Aid Department. I made many phone calls to my designated $ advisor and no return call, no email, nada. I punched "0" and was told the first time to e-mail him, this is after I asked if he was on vacation, he wasn't, because "everyone checks their e-mail". That didn't do any good. Finally, at the end of the week, another advisor helped me. Sarah was an angel who found out why I had received a bill for $2,700. Seems, my Whittier College transcripts hadn't arrived. And they were going to tell me when...? So I'm hoping to have everything fixed soon but not holding my breath.

I had wanted to purchase a laptop so when Nev was in the hospital, I could keep up with my work. St John's is booked till the end of May so Nev's surgery will be at Cedar Sinai in two weeks. Scary for me and him too, I'm sure. He's more stoic than I am.

Better get back to my homework. Or bed, can't decide.
Robin

Palm Sunday

2009-04-05T23:51:00.000-07:00

This last week is over and this next week is MY VACATION!!!! yeah!

Teaching K is a little nuts at best but this year, quite a bit more. Stick in a holiday like Easter and you get the picture.

My on-line class continues to torment me, well not really torment, maybe just plagues me. The computer stuff is what gets me. I think I have attachments down, as long as they are in My Documents somewhere. Nev helped me by putting all of my school stuff in a folder, now if I could figure out how to put my latest creation in... We had a group project to do. The ladies in my group are really go getter's, started early and everything. Took me a while to figure out how to to it in table form and send it but I used some else's to have a template. There are 6 studies we are supposed to report on. Interesting but would be more so for me, if I could talk to the people face to face. The others are from the East Coast and I'm the night owl from California. Actually, most of the people are from the East Coast, closest one is in Colorado. :-(

I need a lap top, big time. I'm hoping to get one with some student loan money, need to return the call from the Financial Aid guy from GCU in the morning.

My mom had her guitar party last night. I made her take out her Easter decorations. Usually, they are out for 1 day only. Can you imagine? I also made several floral arrangement for the house and it looked beautiful. Of course, if you know my mom, you know that the house was spotless.

Nev has decided to go with the Doctor in Century City that does the lathroscopic surgery. We are very relieved, seems perfect for the job! We chose St John's in Santa Monica, I had a friend stay there and it seemed great!

A positive to Nev's diagnosis, we started to go back to church after Nev first went to the urologist in Feb. That part is nice as were turning into the Christmas/Easter crowd only. This is the beginning of Holy Week, may the love of Christ be with each of you. Love to you all!
Robin

Nev

2009-03-27T21:40:00.000-07:00

We have some news. not the best, I'm afraid. My husband has prostate cancer. It has been a scary, very stressful couple of weeks since we found out (on St Patrick's Day). It is Stage 2 which I guess is better than Stage 3 0r 4, I don't know too much about=this stuff but Nevin has been pouring over on line articles on the Internet to learn things. His dad had this about 15 years ago, had surgery is fine. Nev is considerably younger but his prognosis is hopeful. He has one more appointment with a Dr in Century City, who performs lathroscopic surgery. After that appointment, Nev has to make a decision. Ideally, I'd like him to do it during my Spring Break, week after next. But it is not my decision. So anyone who has a few extra prayers, this is the time! We really appreciate it!!

School on line is certainly different. I am struggling through the technical aspects. How am I to know that when you paste something to send the teacher, all the margins and spacing disappear? The teacher was nice enough to let me resubmit it!!! This week, I make a graph, oh glory!

Busy, busy!

2009-03-08T19:39:00.000-07:00

I am ruing the day I didn't take a computer class in the last few years! I took one in 1983! Can you believe that? I am to start my on-line Master's Program tomorrow and am trying to do all the orientation stuff before. It should not take an hour to log on/reset a password! So one of my "hint" questions was "What do you have 6 of?" Well heck if I know! LOL!

I finally caught that bug that everyone else has had. Hopefully I won't get the upset stomach part.

I did take a break to watch Big Love, a really good one! Almost over, hate these short cable seasons.

Nev and I went to the Irish Faire yesterday, it was fun! We sat a listened to a couple of good bands and I bought a couple of CD's. We've gone 3 years in a row. As we were starting to walk out, we ran into my friend Loretta with her dh, sister and bil. We met in 1987, while on a language learning trip to San Felipe. Fun! We convinced her to change Districts and she started in Montebello in 1988.

Speaking of the District, they reached their magic goal # and won't be sending out any RIF notices to permanent or probationary teachers, just the temporary one. Any victory is good.
Finally got the YUDU transparencies made on the copy machine at work. Didn't get them printed in time for the end of Literacy Week but will shoot for next week's Fri assembly.
iAdios friends!

March, in like a lamb!

2009-03-01T20:54:00.000-08:00

Happy March! I love this month! Today was a beautiful day, but hot!

Lots to report, let's see, I am starting a Master's in Reading program through Grand Canyon University. Finally, I know, I should have done it sooner but I am needing to bulk up the last few years of my salary for my STRS credit (State Teachers Retirement System) and the additional units and advanced degree will make quite a difference when I retire. And a little extra $$ every month while I work will be nice too. Of course, I'll be paying off the rather large student loan, this is a private school and the whole business is conducted on line. Hopefully, I'll have the self discipline to stay away from all the distractions while I am doing my work.

My family lost someone very near and dear to us, my mom has been friends with another family for 65 years. Mary Helen was my sister Sandy's nina (godmother) and my mom was her daughter Audrey's nina. Mary Helen was always such a funny, warm and generous person with us. She had come to a couple of my recent dance recitals and I enjoyed having her there with my family very much. We will miss her.

My Craft Room is really shaping up! Nev put together my Shabby Chic, from Target, bookcase and hutch. They are really pretty. He also set up my closet system, trying to use every last speck of room. The YUDU arrived and I am wrestling printing the transparencies, my printer did not like them. I'll try to make one at school since my first project is "Reading is my bag" canvas book bags for Literacy Week. As we speak, my dad's beautiful, and very old desk he got from my grandma when he graduated, is getting painted with white primer. It will soon be a lovely almost white desk, it is an Early American design that will look great in white. Both of my parents balked at the change and I offered them the desk back and they refused so white it will soon be.

I am using my "event planning" skills to put together an 10th anniversary dinner/celebration for the Thalian Alumnae Association. It will be at Sizzler's in La Mirada, on Sat, March 14 at 5pm. All Thalian welcome, lmk if you need any further info.

Watching the "Brothers and Sisters" movie event. Jeez, Louise, how many commercials can you cram into a show? I think we've had six breaks already and it hasn't been on an hour. Grrrr... Rob Lowe's character has had a hard attack :( I didn't realize how much I liked this show!

See you!

Fresno and the Super Bowl

2009-02-04T22:49:00.000-08:00

Well, my trip to Fresno was a blast!! We had the best time and my friend Becky was so hospitable! We shopped and ate mostly. They had a fantastic Farmer's Market and I bought the best raisins! I made a floral arrangement for Becky using a bouquet of flowers I bought, it even came with a very cute, long stemmed cabbage! kind of looked like a green rose. The farmers were nice and I bought a nice set of note cards from the artist, almost too pretty to use. Frenso has some really nice store like a Coach Store, and not the outlet, a Whole Foods and a Skecher's outlet. We had lunch and tea in Clovis, a totally cute little town. I even signed up for a punch card in their local quilt shop, you never know when I'll be back and for that matter when I may finally learn how to quilt. Dinner was at Harris Ranch. I had been there last summer but it was for breakfast so I had steak and eggs. This time, I has a rib eye, very yummy! The desserts are to die for. They present them on a tiered rack in shot glasses so they aren't very big, except on taste.

I got back home at 1:15 on Super Bowl Sunday , did a load of wash and then was off for the big party. For the first time ever, I paid pretty close attention to the game and the other spectators, they were so entertaining. On of our friends, Rey, is a huge Steeler's fan and is very passionate about them. All in good fun of course, but there was a lot of yelling after every play. If all football games were this close and exciting, I might lie it!

Yudu is set to arrive tomorrow!

Provo Craft Rocks!

2009-01-29T22:03:00.000-08:00

While I was in Provo this summer for CKU, my bus tour got to tour Provo Craft and I was very lucky to win a Cricut Expression. It is a cutting machine for the unscrappy people I know. Well, they also gave us a demonstration of their newest item but we had to sign a confidentiality agreement. We could talk about it but not really mention too much about it. now, the crafters out there have probably heard of "Yu Du" a silk silk machine that makes it easier to do than the old fashioned way. And to top it up, some of us from the bus tour were chosen to try it out! It should arrive any day and I can't wait to make bags I think first, shoe bags for my folklorico shoes, maybe book bags for Literacy Week at school. Can't wait to try it out!

I am going tomorrow, after school, to Fresno! My friend Becky works up there and My dancing friend Anita and Becky's mom are going for a couple of days of shopping and having dinner at Harris Ranch! I went in the summer but it was early so I had steak with my eggs. Good, but I think dinner would be even better.

Will be back in time to attend the Super Bowl party. Not fond of football, but the party is always fun!

Happy January!

2009-01-25T16:54:00.000-08:00

Well, hello there! It has been a long time, I know. Happy New Year, let's hope 2009 is healthy and happy for us all.

Let's see, my Christmas vacation was certainly eventful. Sadly, I attended three funerals. I mentioned my Great Aunt Lucy, also Lou, my teacher friend's husband lost his long battle with ALS. Also, my Principal's father passed away, I have never been to a funeral where so many people spoke. I really am trying to appreciate the time I have with my parents, they are in pretty good health so we have been pretty lucky. They both are active and if you've ever seen their yard, you know where a lot of their time is spent.

School started up and the kids were a lot more calm than they were before Christmas. They are thrilled to have a morning and a lunch recess. Now, if I could just make them stay and play in their areas, apparently, they just go where they want. We watched the Inauguration at school, my teacher friend Margie was in the parade. She'll be back at work tomorrow, can't wait to see her pictures.

Dancing starts tomorrow! I have my custom made shoes from Duran's and am ready to roll!

I have attended some scrapping/stamping classes and want more! I really want to utilize some of the stuff, and I mean a ton of stuff, that I got from CKU and the shopping before and after CKU. I need nothing else, but when has that ever stopped me? Well, lack of money has but then I just knit something. Still making booties and scarves mostly.

Pledging is over for another year. I am very proud to announce 17 new Thalian sisters! Whittier College Pledging has changed in the last 30 years or so but some things are exactly the same. I must confess, I didn't love pledging either as a pledge or an active and as an alumna, even less. The stuff I love is everything else but pledging teaches you how to work together. The nicest part was sitting by Dr Ibrahim, our long time advisor. Even though he finally retired from teaching, he is and always will be our advisor. We do have another on campus advisor that graduated maybe 10 years ago. She seems so young but already has her doctorate so that is nice, not to have to have an outsider be an advisor.

I have floor! Or rather, my craft room does, the hardwood looks great! We were having problems finding a pole long enough for a set or three windows that are side by side, but Nev bought a pole, probably a closet pole and voila, we have a curtain rod. For the other window, we are recycling a closet pole from the previous wardrobe that was in that room. I need to buy some beautiful finials, Lowe's has some white "Shabby Chic" ones Nev thinks I'll like. I have the curtains and bedding, need a white daybed, preferably with a trundle. Painting my desk my dad gave me is the next big thing, it is big and as old as I am. My grandma gave it to my dad. I was a little scared about painting it but I know it will look great! Getting all my craft stuff in there will be daunting, but hopefully, everything but the floral arranging supplies will fit.

"Big Love" started last week! It has been a long time. Also am watching "Top Chef"and "Real Housewives of Orange County". Besides my soaps, thank you for Soapnet, on regular TV I am watching "Desperate Housewives and Brothers and Sisters" and "Gray's Anatomy" when they are one. I won't even try to justify my preferences, life is complicated enough, I want to enjoy what I watch.

Merry Christmas!!

2008-12-24T08:08:00.000-08:00

Hello and Merry Christmas!
I hope you are more organized than I am. I still have quite a bit of running around today to do and I am still finishing up several projects. I made a bunch of booties, I guess they might qualify as slippers, fun to knit, not so much fun to sew up. Nev's family celebrates Christmas Eve so I have all of 12 hours to finish all that. See the above post about his family starting on time. :)
I have been playing florist this past week and have had a great time creating lots of arrangements. I love using Christmas greens and this year got a huge box of assorted greens to fool around with. Poor Nevin just keeps cleaning up after my mess, hopefully my new floor in my craft room will go in after Christmas. He finally gave up trying to do things in there and just started to wrap his presents.

My family will have tamales tonight, bought, and will have breakfast together and then open presents tomorrow. Sometime, I hope to squeeze in Mass. My church doesn't do Midnight Mass anymore, it starts at 10:30 these days. Weird, huh? No Riverside again, I'll miss seeing my relatives but will see some of them soon.

My great Aunt Lucy passed away yesterday. She was married to my grandpa's brother Uncle Ray on my Dad's side. She was 91 and last year, her son Dave had a wonderful party for her. We've seen more of her in the last few years since she moved in with Dave in Pasadena. She will be greatly missed!

Have a wonderful Christmas with your family and friends!! XOXOXOXOX, Robin

Christmas Countdown

2008-12-14T23:38:00.000-08:00

It is almost here! There is so much left to do. I have one more week of school and during that week, we have our Christmas program, gifts to make, and hopefully a little laerning along the way before Santa visits us on Friday.

Last week was our Union Christmas Party. I decorated with long balloon bouquets grounded in Christmas Chinese food containers. Easy and cute, the opening held a floral pick, I found them for 70% off.
Last night, my dance teacher, Celia, had me over for posole. I think I've only had it three or four times, it was good. She asked if I wanted "pata" in it, I guess feet aren't every one's cup of tea. I had some and I didn't know the difference between that and the regular pork, all good! She had a plate of garnishes and 2 kinds of chile to add. I did not try the chile. I am a wimp. It was a fun night.

Today, I went to a b-day party for my sil and bil. We were late but they were later. In fact, the birthday boy never did show up while I was there and I left 2 hours after the supposed starting time. Nev's other brother showed up just as I was leaving. So I didn't sing Happy Birthday and didn't get to see them open their gift cards, don't get me started!

Met Folklorico friends and had dinner then went to the Shannon Center at Whittier College for a Folklorico performance, they were very entertaining.

Almost midnight and I've got to go to bed! Robin

Milestones

2008-12-04T20:50:00.000-08:00

It has been a while, hasn't it? Several milestones have been reached since my last post.

-I turned 50. No floods or famine, the earth did not shake. Just happened. Nev and I had a nice dinner at Claim Jumper, sorry Alonso, no Produce Bar at Brea either anymore! Our families got together at Sizzler's for Sun Brunch the week after, needed time to recuperate from the wedding flowers and Thanksgiving.

-My friend/pledge sister Annelle turned 50 exactly I week after I did. She had a better attitude about the whole business, cheaper insurance was her thing.

-My good friends Wendy and Alonso got married! It was a lovely, joyous occasion and if I do say so myself, the flowers were very nice.

-Thanksgiving 2008 came and went, we had a very nice dinner, no major cooking mishaps and I even had time to make some floral arrangements. We had a nice mix of family and friends over, only 19 this year.

Isn't is amazing how quickly Christmas will be here?

Note to friends, apparently I lost my Juno address book, no clue how I did that, so if you don't hear from me, by all means, drop me a line.

Love to all!

Almost here!

2008-11-17T21:57:00.000-08:00

This is quite a week! I turn 50 in 4 days!!! 4, count them 1...2...3...4! Now the ideal way to celebrate this occasion, can't really say momentous, would be go out somewhere and drink and dance till I can't dance another step. However, two very dear friends, Alonso and Wendy are getting married the day after so I will be working on their wedding flowers on my birthday. I am taking a personal day off to do it, maybe Nev and I can sneak away from the flowers to have a nice meal.

It is also Parent Conference Week. Can't say it is a favorite of mine. We already test the poor kids to death, even in Kindergarten , and there are some assessments we do just for the report card. It has been challenging with my group this year, they are kind of an active bunch.

I already got an early birthday present. My sister, Kelley, took me to a play yesterday. It was at a little theater in the Brea Civic Center. It smelled liked smoke the whole time and the air conditioning was cranking. The play was "The Wonder Bread Years", a one man show about all the stuff we used to have and do and how much more simple life was in the "Good Old Days". Very entertaining. He said to "tell your friends", so I am. :-)

Saturday, I went crafting with Dorothy to the City of Commerce, our Saturday craft day has made their Community Services Bulletin as a regular once a month event. Cool! They have it at different parks in the City to make it available to different people. All freeway close to me. I didn't get as much done as I would have liked, but it was fun. The next one is a few days before Christmas, I'm sure I'll be working on last minute gifts then.

Am watching Boston Legal, one of the shows I never miss. I am sad that this is the last season. Very topical and hilarious is a twisted way.

The fires seem a little better, the ashes on the car wern't as bad this morning as they were yesterday. Be safe everyone!
Robin

Post Election Wrap Up

2008-11-12T20:08:00.000-08:00

Well my long term of indecisiveness is over. It was a first for me, I declined to vote for President. I didn't want to vote for Obama and I couldn't bring myself to vote for a Republican. Shocked a few people I hadn't talked to in a while but there it is. And I still like Sarah Palin! :-)
I am hoping Obama is a man of his word and despite his lack of experience, will lead us to a better situation both here and abroad.

Random thoughts:

I have only NINE days left of being in my 40's!!! Ugh!!

Madonna is nuts but Guy Ritchie married her.

IMHO, Misty May would have been in the semi finals of Dancing With the Stars.

Luke Walton should get more playing time, hear me coach??!! Derick F rocks!

Top Chef started tonight, love that show!

Not a fan of this "Falling Behind" business, so tired and draggy.

Am a fan of 4 day weekends!

Hope all is well with you!!

Almost over...

2008-11-02T23:13:00.000-08:00

Finally, the campaigning will be over for a while. Can't wait to watch TV with normal commercials. No, I am just as conflicted as ever about the presidential race. I've been to to by the best of them, on both sides, and I am still stuck.

We had a great trip up to my sister Sandy's house yesterday in Tehachepi. It is FAR and I don't know how she makes the trip as often as she does. We had a pre Thanksgiving dinner, everyone cooked and my bil Mike made a great vegetable enchilada dish. We took lots of pictures and when I figure out the uploading thing, I'll add them.

Have a great week and don't forget to vote Tuesday!

Now for the positive...

2008-10-26T20:45:00.000-07:00

So, I'm done whining for the moment and it is on to good stuff! Last week was really busy, my Thalian pledge class has been getting together for a pre Homecoming dinner for several years now. There were 6 out of 10 in attendance, 60% of our class to be exact. Actives used to get annoyed with us when we'd point that out, years ago of course, because I think they thought we didn't want to assimilate with everyone else but really, that wasn't the case. Now, we are pretty close, I think closer than most pledge classes and I know we'll be together until we are very old ladies who can't get around!! The Homecoming Brunch was lovely, it was held t the Crystal Room in Uptown Whittier. There was a table decorating contest and we won! Of course, only one other pledge class even tried to decorate and we had tons more stuff on the table. Annelle brought yellow satin clothes, I had a cute vintage looking turtle fabric we used as a tablecloth, 10 vases filled with yellow roses, custom M&M's in green and yellow in martini glasses with green stems, Toblerone bars, green balloons and green or yellow fabric napkins. The table was beautiful! Dr Abrahim was there and it was so nice to see him! I was disappointed that some Thalian I had been expecting to see didn't show up but all in all, I think it was our biggest turnout in years.

I had to leave the Brunch early to go home and pack up the candles and helium tanks to go to Oxnard for our Union's Leadership weekend. Usually, I go up on a Fri but this year, I arrived 4:30 on Sat afternoon. Traffic was horrible but I had wonderful helpers who worked hard to ready the room for our mixer. The theme this year was " Caribbean Waves" to coordinate with the "Waves of Change" theme of the business part of the weekend. We had a Limbo game and some really got into it. We gave the centerpiece to the person at each table whose birthday was closest to Bob Marley's. There was dancing at the end and Nevin actually danced some cumbias with me. He noticed that there was another song playing, you know how they run the music together, this was after the 6th or so song. His words, "Hey, that's another song!". SO of course that was soon the end of that. Sigh, I love to dance. Anyway, the weekend was good.

Because we were gone, we missed the birthday party of Christopher, our youngest godson. He turned 4. So we took him out to eat during the week to Carino's. His words to us in the car were "You know, I don't eat meat." Yup, the kid is a vegetarian. So is his mom and brother and sister. He had a salad, macaroni and cheese and the most fun part for him, an ice cream sundae. Nev got him some toys he didn't have, that's amazing in itself and he was a good boy.

Next weekend, we'll miss Joshua's birthday, he is Nev' nephew also and will be 7. So we'll take him out somewhere. All I got out of him was he likes Chicken Nuggets. The boy needs to get out more. Wherever we go, it has got to be quieter than Chuck E Cheese!

Chris and Joshua are Nevin's only godchildren, they are my 4th and 5th. Valerie is 24, John Paul just turned 21 on Wed, and Alicia is 14. I accidentally sent a birthday text to John's brother Anthony, phone number is just one different. :-) I was also Anthony and John's mom's sponsor when she became confirmed in '84. Denise is also my pledge sister, see how things work?

Yesterday, went to a Scrapbook Expo in Ontario. The shopping would have been great, probably a good thing I was a little broke then, too many show specials. I took a class form Jessica Guthrie, the great organizer of our Provo CKU bus tour. Learned all about acrylic albums, very cool! Today, scrapped with the "Chino Chicks". Didn't get too much done, but it was nice.

Tonight, we celebrated my fil's 82nd birthday! Happy Birthday Nevin! (he's the second, my dh is the 3rd)

What sucks?

2008-10-20T21:39:00.000-07:00

It has been a long time since I blogged, thanks Alonso for noticing! This has been a busy time for me and a lot of things just didn't go well as I would have liked. Here is a sampling:

1. The Dodgers broke my heart. They were doing so well until this last series. Joe, you had a great year and wait until next season.

2. Misty May got injured on Dancing With the Stars, she was my favorite dancer and is my favorite woman athlete. We've followed her career since she was a setter for Long Beach State's volleyball team several years ago. I didn't even watch it last week and I love that show!

3. I have watched all the debates and I am still not sure who I will vote for. I'm torn between national security and my own interests. Nev has offered a "no" vote on Proposition 8 in exchange for a Republican presidential vote in Nov. Thinking about that.

4. Was suppose to start dancing last week but the Dodgers, well you know how that ended. Today, I came home and slept for a couple of hours, I'm getting sick. :-( The City of Whittier is not offering our dancing group a good Sat for our recital so we aren't having one this time, nothing for Christmas or like the last two years, nothing in the Fall. Getting ready for a recital makes me attend class.

5. I accidentally got my phone wet Sat. The battery and SIM card are fine but it looks like the phone is a goner. The contract was over Nov 25 anyway and I'm able to use Nev's phone with my card but his phone sucks worse than mine. Takes 30 seconds to even decide to try to dial a number, so annoying! We both need new phones and I'm trying to convince Nevin that I NEED an i Phone! Wish me luck on that!

There is more that sucks in my world but my brain is a little fuzzy right now.
Positive stuff next time!
Robin

Dodgers Rock!

2008-10-05T19:51:00.000-07:00

So, you probably know the Dodgers did it again! Poor Cubs, or really their fans. They looked so sad and dejected after the game, their manager too. I felt bad for them, one hundred years, well it will be at least one hundred and one! I don't pretend to know all the ins and outs of the games, the strategy totally escapes me sometimes but I do love them and have for a long time. Next round...

Now the Angels do not enjoy my support, like they care!. I was ambivalent towards them, nice "Big A"you could see from the freeway, a flat parking lot that was easy to get in and out of. Kind of cute with the Disney connection but now, just forget it! They only did well with OUR former players leading them and then, they stole the "LA" name. As if!

Had a lazy weekend, slept a lot. I go to bed really late but get up at 5:30. I probably would be able to sleep a little more if it didn't take me so long to get going in the morning but I just kind of wander around in the morning, The mind isn't terribly productive at that hour.

We did go to Sizzler yesterday in La Mirada and it was delicious. We used to go a lot when we lived there but don't go as often anymore. They are almost done remodelling it and it looks fabulous! They purged most of the white washed 80's South Western look and it looks so much better! We both had a flat iron steak, have no idea what it is, but it was the best steak I've had for a long time.

Today, I made stew. I hardy cook these days unless it for a special occasion like a family thing or a potluck. Nevin had a hankering for stew, I think he saw it on the Food Network. I cooked it in the crock pot but it still took a long time t make because everything else was the same. I just didn't have to worry about it burning in the crock pot like I would on top of the stove.

For those worried about my political voting: This will push you over the edge, Nevin and I wanted to see Sarah Palin at the Home Depot Center in Carson, Denise my Democratic pledge sister also, was going with us but they were sold out! I told Nevin I wouldn't be there to clap and be all silly about it, I just like her and wanted to see her in person. I watched the debate Thursday and I think they both did a great job.

In my attempt to add pictures to this blog, I somehow messed up the CD player on the computer, it won't play anymore and I am in Scrabble withdrawal. One more thing to add to my list to do. I haven't purchased everything on my top ten list, I was really busy and then really tired!!! Usually, I'm already at the credit union getting some of that money out by now.

Take care all! Robin

Robin's Top Ten List (a la David Lettermen)

2008-09-27T19:26:00.000-07:00

So I get paid on the 1st! Only teachers would understand the feeling of not getting $$$$ since July 1. Now, this year, I've actually done OK, my summer paychecks from the Credit Union were pretty good. There are times when they are pretty sparse as I've already taken the money out and been left with a few hundred dollars to last a month. I have a list of places to visit and items to buy when I FINALLY HAVE MONEY!!!

This top ten list is an homage to my late night comedian of choice, David Lettermen. He just sends me and I want no comments from the Peanut Gallery about THAT!

Robin's Top Ten Things she'll buy when she gets paid!

#10 Take the car to Jiffy Lube.
#9 Have a shopping spree at Target (tons of stuff there!)
#8 Buy some Partridge Family CD's (you know you want some too!)
#7 Go to Zappos.com and buy some new shoes!
#6 Buy a Glider Glider Pro, half the size of the other ones and it has some green on it! Refills are very reasonably priced too!
#5 Buy some Princess House catalogs for the Christmas season and some samples.
#4 Order from Stampin' Up's new catalog, including that yummy straight scallop punch.
#3 Visit Buck A Roos (it is a local thing, you've probably never heard of them before. They have a store on my way home from work in Pico Rivera and for some reason, they've been closed. But there is a sign in the window that says they are coming back on OCT 1! They have lots of fun stuff for the classroom and crafting but what I really want is 12 x 12 bags both for school and for my home projects. I bought some a while ago that had a zip lock top that would be perfect for my little K students.)
#2 Sign up for Jessica's class in Ontario so I can do the acrylic albums justice.

AND THE #1 THING ROBIN IS GOING TO BUY WHEN SHE GETS PAID...

#1 Some CRICUT cartridges!

Sing along with me, "I think I love you, so what am I so afraid of? Afraid that I'm not sure of, a love there is no cure for." DUH DUH DUH DUH DUH DUH DUH DUH "I think I love you, isn't that what life is made of? Though it worries me to say, I've never felt this way!"
Musically yours, Robin

Go Dodgers! Go Dodgers!! Go Dodgers!

2008-09-25T22:03:00.000-07:00

The ORIGINAL Los Angeles baseball team!!!!!

Back To School Night was today. Had parents of 12 out of 19 students come. OK odds I guess.
Our wonderful, awesome Media Center aide is leaving us tomorrow. I had a special fondness for her because I got to be involved in the interviews for her position. She not only took care of the library, she also was responsible for the Computer Lab. Good bye and good luck Selenia. I will miss you tons!

Dancing With the Stars!

2008-09-22T21:33:00.000-07:00

I'm in Heaven! Three nights of Dancing With the Stars! Misty May will be my favorite, she hasn't danced yet so I hope she does well and Susan Lucci my second favorite, I am a long time All My Children watcher, almost since the beginning. We used to have season tickets to Long Beach State's Women's Volleyball and watched Misty a lot. Don't know how she's had time to practice since the Olympics but GO MISTY!!!!

Happy Birthday Nevin!

2008-09-21T15:16:00.000-07:00

Nevin celebrated his birthday, it was very low key this year. I took him to Steak and Stein in Pico Rivera, always a nice dinner from them. I had plans on going to the School Board meeting later that night, thus dinner so close to Montebello, but our Board presentation by our principal was cancelled two hours before it was to begin! How screwy is that? She was nice enough tho call me so I wouldn't make a trip for nothing. Nev and I had wonderful rib eye steaks and all the usual, decadent fixing on everything. That cheese toast is to DIE for. His birthday doesn't come at a particularly opportune time for me. Since I haven't received a regular paycheck since July 1, things at this time of year get a little lean, not me, just my wallet! I really rely on our Credit Union to hold my money because if it was up to me... I got him either a corner unit for the TV in the bedroom or I contributed to the TV in the bedroom which technically we don't have yet. Confused? Basically, I'll give him money. Not my favorite gift to give or usually to get but I am appreciating its usefulness more and more.

Nevin had been watching the Ryder Cup all weekend. He doesn't usually watch golf but something about this event really grabs him. I find it confusing, it is constantly switching back and forth and I'm not super familiar with the sport.

I finally figured out why I not an Obama fan, he reminds me of someone who used to just irritate the heck out of me. I took me a while to put my finger on it. I have been doing a lot of reading this week but still haven't made a definitive decision as of yet.

Back to School Night this Thursday! If you talked to me at all last school year, I'm sure you heard how hard that class was, I didn't want to be in second grade, felt I wasn't being utilized in the best way and there were some students with, shall we just say, issues. This year I have an interesting K class, a few issues here and there, I just got a bunch of new ones and gave up more to the new teacher who I know, Margie! I am looking forward to being next door to her, she starts in a week at her new assignment.

We lost our substitute attendance clerk who had been with us for a long time and I found out the Media Aide is leaving soon also, so sad! I hate changes.

Friday Night was our monthly "Dinner and a Swap". The format is similar to the old swap club I was in, a hostess picks the project we make at home and we trade or creations. But now, the hostess also picks a restaurant instead of a potluck and it has been so fun to go to every one's picks. This time, it was an Italian place in Downey, good food!

Go Dodgers!

Happy Anniversary Aunt Joan and Uncle Ed!

2008-09-14T23:23:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Nev and I went to a 50th anniversay party for his Aunt Joan and Uncle Ed. It was so nice to see so many family members on such a happy occasion. Cousin Rita made great food, she has a knack for arranging food so it looks elegant and inviting on the trays. She picked some foods I had never tried before like Armenian string cheese that looked like pasta and Polish cookies that consisted of an apple filling, gingerbread surrounding that and the whole thing dipped in chocolate, yummy! Anyway, the point of this story is that everyone was able to get together on a beautiful So Cal day to congratulation Joan and Ed. Here's to you!

My Uncle Raoul underwent triple bypass surgery and I am happy to report that he is back home! My cousins have done a great job keeping us informed. I have some really nice cousins and every time I see them, I am sorry I haven't been able to spend more time with them. Same thing as Nev's family, family get togethers tend to be for weddings and funerals. Quite a lot of them did come down to Whittier for my mom's birthday this summer and also for 4th of July, one of my family favorite events.

Still on the fence with the election business. I am watching and reading a lot. Looking forward to the debates.

See you!

Congratulations Laurel and Dean!

2008-09-07T21:55:00.000-07:00

We just got back from our favorite place, the Central Coast. Our friend Laurel married her Prince Charming, Dean in a Catholic Mass in Paso Robles yesterday. They had a really fun casual reception in her back yard. We met some nice people from Whittier. Laurel lives in Creston and near as I could see, they raise horses out there. The weather was HOT, 105 to be exact. If anyone knows how to make the little circle to show the degrees sign, lmk. We stayed in Cambria because it would be cooler and we just love it there. Didn't do too much shopping but bought some preserves, lavender lotion, TimTams (Aussie cookies) and the cutest little frog salt and pepper shakers! Took our time coming home. Stopped at the Cotton Ball. a quilt shop in Morrow Bay, shopped at the Royal Doulton store in Camarillo, ate in Malibu at a very good restaurant we discovered last trip and got home about an hour and a half ago.

I had a post all ready to go last week then I tried to insert some photos. Well, that was the end of that post, it disappeared and the pictures, while saved on my computer, never made it to the blog. I'll work on that.

The gist of that post was that I thought the Sarah Palin was a terrific choice for the Republican Party. I don't agree with her views, but what a bright and interesting women she is, I thought she delivered a great speech. Some of my friends seem almost angry that I'd even consider not voting my usual but but I figured I'm allowed. I'm just checking it out folks, I invite you to do the same.

Dirty clothes await! Robin

Happy Birthday Rita!

2008-09-02T18:56:00.000-07:00

I just got back from dinner with my friend Rita. She is one of my very oldest friends from Whittier College, I have known her for 32 years! Amazing, isn't it? We had swimming together 1st semester and her sister said that only a Freshman would do that! We later pledged together, she was in my wedding, done a little traveling together and she just always has been one of my very good friends! There were 7 of us that pledged as freshmen and this is the year we are turning 50. Rita's attitude about it is much better than mine. Since she is the youngest of 5, now she is like her brothers and sisters. But I am the oldest of my sisters so when I turn 50, I'll be the only one and for quite a while. Can't say that I'll really looking forward to the big 5-0.

Came home to see Nevin watching the Republican Convention. Sounds quite enthusiastic.

School went well, we had a whole bunch of kids sign up last minute and I now have 25! The other two K classes are high also and hopefully, we'll get some relief in the future, maybe a new teacher? My students were so cute and most of them so little! I'm much more relaxed. Even a couple of parents commented to me that I looked so much happier today than I looked last year. I didn't think I was so transparent. Oh well. My whiskey barrel of flowers outside my classroom survived the summer quite nicely but I want to buy some bamboo for the inside of the class. Thay have always done well in that room, maybe that was what was missing last year. Off to shop, I hear the Dollar Tree has some good deals! :-)

Another school year

2008-09-01T21:15:00.000-07:00

School starts tomorrow! I am much more excited than last year. If you recall, or maybe you didn't know the issues, I taught 2nd grade. It was a difficult year, very difficult. If I could have retired, I would have, mid year even. It was that bad. But now, as one of my Kindergarten teacher friends said, "Robin, you're back in the club!" So I am. It took hours of work to get the K stuff out last year and it has taken hours to put it back this year. Best part is that we will be going full day K after the first Parent Conference in November! I have wanted that for years, so much to teach and so little time to do it. In an ideal world, I'd have my aide back for three hours but those days are long gone. Mrs. Valentino was with me for fourteen years and I miss her terribly. We have shared classrooms off and on for the last 10 years. Not my favorite thing, no secret to anyone, I have been in my same classroom since 1985 and it is very hard for me to share that space. Finally, this year, we are able to be by ourselves and teach all day. It is nice to work with another K teacher, especially if you don't have to share the room, just your time and talents. But we will be unable to help in the same way this year so it will be a challenge with a new situation. No matter, I am just so glad to be back teaching K!

The hardest thing will be getting up in the morning, I am still on the "Olympic Schedule". I did get up kind of early today but took not one but two naps today! Hopefully, I'll be able to leap out of bed, (yeah right), and be out of here early! I have a few things to do before I greet my little ones in the morning. I'd like to take their pictures first thing which leads me to another subject. Photos...There aren't any here so far and Natalie, my pledge sister asked me "Where's the frogs?" I know they should be here but I don't know how to do that yet, something on my list of things to learn. That and get good at Excell. :-) Power Point too. OK, my computer skills are lacking but boy, can I shop on line!

So for all my teacher friends out there, have a great year! Dorothy, who already started, hope things get better!

Robin

Welcome to "A Frog's Life!"

2008-09-01T00:28:00.000-07:00

So people, I thought I'd give this blogging business a whirl. My summer has come to an end and what better way to welcome the new school year in than starting something new and different. So here goes...

Hi there! It is the first day of Septmber, just one more precious day of vacation before school starts on Tuesday. I've been inspired to try a blog, mostly by reading Jessica Guthrie's. She's funny! I met her this summer, she organized the shopping bus trip from Southern Calif to Provo, Utah for CKU. I enjoy reading blogs, I love writing, spelling not so much, so bear with me. I hope you enjoy a little glimpse in my life.

Dh, aka Nevin, is watching Fox News in the other room. I must tell you, we have a "mixed marriage", he is a Republican and I am about as liberal a Democrat as they come. Politics are always a lively topic around here and this election is no exception. For the first time, let's just tackle the controversial topics first, I'm not sure who I will vote for. I watch and read a lot and I like both canditates for VP, just not thrilled about my choices for President.

My family is meeting for a Labor Day brunch in the instead of the usual barbecue so my nephews can be there. They are busy later at a birthday party for one of Elaine's kids. (my first friend I've mentioned!) I'm going to make a pasta salad. I'm good at those.

I am the oldest of five girls. My folks live right across the street and no, it isn't like Everyone Loves Raymond. We are all really different, well I think so, but things are generally pretty smooth. The bad thing about living across the street is that my parents' house is beautiful and their yard looks like a park and our doesn't. It needs work and we have a PODS parked in our driveway which probably isn't too pretty to look at. We're used to it.

Happy Labor Day!! Robin