1. Because I can be.
2. Because I see and hear and learn things I've never even thought about.
3. Because it makes me feel smarter than I was before.
4. Because it makes me feel stronger than I was before.
5. Because it makes me feel.
6. Because it didn't occur to me to go when I was 19.
7. Because I like learning.
8. Because I'm not a quitter.
9. Because I only have 1.6 semesters until I have earned my degree.
10. Because I'm not too old.
Yes. I'm feeling a bit touchy. Really annoys, irritates, gripes, hurts me when somebody questions me when I ask for the student discount. Stop raising your eyebrows questioningly and give me the discount. And don't ask if I'm the oldest kid in my class. Because I might be old(er), but you're rude or mean or at the very least on my list of people I'd punch in the face if I were that type of person.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Thursday, September 29, 2011
two other things about yesterday
1. While driving on the freeway yesterday afternoon, a van driving in the lane next to me had a blowout. Big ole' loud explosion right next to my door. I was certain the van had hit me and in that instant, thought:
--What the hell?
--What just hit my car?
--When does the spinning begin?
--This is it for me. I'm done.
Yes, that's a lot of thoughts for a split second. But that's just how I am. Cat quick in the brain.
Luckily for us all, it was just a blowout on some other vehicle. No apparent debris flying into the recently painted side of the little car. No spin out on the 201 ramp onto I-15 at 60 mph.
Yes. All good.
Then.
2. During dinner last night, I thought I saw something with black on it dash by the door, but as usual, I didn't have on my glasses, so I couldn't tell what it was.
Let's just say that usually when that happens, that seeing something dashing or scurrying by without being able to register it accurately in my brain, it always--always--turns out to be a mouse.
In fact, I said to Jack and Jr, "I think I just saw a big black mouse on the deck." And they made fun of me for thinking Gus's nose was a mouse.
But see, now I'm thinkin' that was no mouse. It was no dog.
It was one of those freakishly big frightening raccoons. Probably checking out the spilled dog food stain on the deck.
Crap. I'm not going to be able to go out back anymore. Such a waste of a good garden.
--What the hell?
--What just hit my car?
--When does the spinning begin?
--This is it for me. I'm done.
Yes, that's a lot of thoughts for a split second. But that's just how I am. Cat quick in the brain.
Luckily for us all, it was just a blowout on some other vehicle. No apparent debris flying into the recently painted side of the little car. No spin out on the 201 ramp onto I-15 at 60 mph.
Yes. All good.
Then.
2. During dinner last night, I thought I saw something with black on it dash by the door, but as usual, I didn't have on my glasses, so I couldn't tell what it was.
Let's just say that usually when that happens, that seeing something dashing or scurrying by without being able to register it accurately in my brain, it always--always--turns out to be a mouse.
In fact, I said to Jack and Jr, "I think I just saw a big black mouse on the deck." And they made fun of me for thinking Gus's nose was a mouse.
But see, now I'm thinkin' that was no mouse. It was no dog.
It was one of those freakishly big frightening raccoons. Probably checking out the spilled dog food stain on the deck.
Crap. I'm not going to be able to go out back anymore. Such a waste of a good garden.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
hunting skills in that little guy
In case you need to know, my least favorite creatures are:
1. Mice
2. Grasshoppers
Okay. At least those are my least favorite creatures that I might encounter in my life. Around my house. Or in my gardens.
And snails. But I'm not afraid of snails. I just don't like them eating my flowers.
So far in his short life around here, Gus has brought me a dead mouse that he caught (or found, not sure because it was dead and I certainly didn't need to get close enough to examine it), and just last weekend, he dragged a huge grasshopper onto the deck and played with it for an hour.
Now we can add another creature to the list: raccoons.
Three of them. Trying to get into my attic.
Earlier tonight, we heard Gus and Jo making crazy barking sounds out back. Jack went out to see if the neighbor was teasing them--quietly sneaked over to the side of the house to check out all of the commotion, and while peering over the fence into the front yard, suddenly something BIG and hissing jumped off the side of the house into the front yard, right in front of him, leaving the other two--yes two big furry hissing things--attached to the bricks up under the eaves.
By this time, Jr joined the fray--after much scurrying about locating flashlights and sticks--because you know, we're all stick-wielding raccoon killers or maybe raccoon pokers, right? Actually he had already called the police to ask them to send out the animal control or wildlife services or whoever it is who is brave enough to coax three raccoons into a trap and away from my attic.
Jack tried to get a photo so we'd have something to post on the blog, or maybe he just wanted a photo, but of course, the flash on the camera wasn't working. And then, before the cop showed up and before Jr figured out he could just get in his car and turn on the lights, well, by then they were already gone.
When he arrived, the cop was a little disappointed because he'd missed his first chance to use his pepper spray on raccoons.
And like the spider who still lives in the window, I had these crazy mixed feelings--I mean I certainly don't want hissing raccoons living in my attic or around my yard, even if they aren't rodents, but still, pepper spray?
I'm thinking Gus and Jo did a great job scaring them away.
1. Mice
2. Grasshoppers
Okay. At least those are my least favorite creatures that I might encounter in my life. Around my house. Or in my gardens.
And snails. But I'm not afraid of snails. I just don't like them eating my flowers.
So far in his short life around here, Gus has brought me a dead mouse that he caught (or found, not sure because it was dead and I certainly didn't need to get close enough to examine it), and just last weekend, he dragged a huge grasshopper onto the deck and played with it for an hour.
Now we can add another creature to the list: raccoons.
Three of them. Trying to get into my attic.
Earlier tonight, we heard Gus and Jo making crazy barking sounds out back. Jack went out to see if the neighbor was teasing them--quietly sneaked over to the side of the house to check out all of the commotion, and while peering over the fence into the front yard, suddenly something BIG and hissing jumped off the side of the house into the front yard, right in front of him, leaving the other two--yes two big furry hissing things--attached to the bricks up under the eaves.
By this time, Jr joined the fray--after much scurrying about locating flashlights and sticks--because you know, we're all stick-wielding raccoon killers or maybe raccoon pokers, right? Actually he had already called the police to ask them to send out the animal control or wildlife services or whoever it is who is brave enough to coax three raccoons into a trap and away from my attic.
Jack tried to get a photo so we'd have something to post on the blog, or maybe he just wanted a photo, but of course, the flash on the camera wasn't working. And then, before the cop showed up and before Jr figured out he could just get in his car and turn on the lights, well, by then they were already gone.
When he arrived, the cop was a little disappointed because he'd missed his first chance to use his pepper spray on raccoons.
And like the spider who still lives in the window, I had these crazy mixed feelings--I mean I certainly don't want hissing raccoons living in my attic or around my yard, even if they aren't rodents, but still, pepper spray?
I'm thinking Gus and Jo did a great job scaring them away.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
because you need to know
I'm giving out a quick update:
1. Spider is still living in the window.
2. My computer is having typing difficulties that may or may not be related to my idea to clip the cat's nails the other day while holding my computer on my lap. I'll be turning over the compy to see what falls out from under the keys.
3. I'm sitting in my recycled rocker/recliner. $15 at a recent yardsale--it's a lazyboy and it's beautiful florally with those cool metal stud/brad thingies. Okay so it's reclining mechanism isn't quite right so you have to make sure you don't put your hand under the handle or it could get crushed into the floor...but still, it's a great rocker and so comfee. If that's a word.
4. Shoulder rehab is coming along nicely. Recent visits to therapy have included a reminder from the therapist that this process will take three months or 12 weeks, whichever I prefer. Also enjoyed the day that I said I was ready for her tortures and she announced, "Let the games begin."
5. For Lisa, at the same yardsale, I discovered a terrific Stevie Nicks-ish dress. I think I need you to hook me up with some lyrics.
6. I did not drive to class tonight because my teacher is out of town and sent a sub. See I'm thinkin' that if he can't be there, neither can I, right?
There's probably more, but really, how much can you stand all at once.
Oh, just one more. In case you are not a regular reader of my daughter's blog, you should really click on over there because it's got a pretty great post up right here. Really. It will make you smile and maybe even laugh out loud. And you know you need that, right?
You're welcome.
1. Spider is still living in the window.
2. My computer is having typing difficulties that may or may not be related to my idea to clip the cat's nails the other day while holding my computer on my lap. I'll be turning over the compy to see what falls out from under the keys.
3. I'm sitting in my recycled rocker/recliner. $15 at a recent yardsale--it's a lazyboy and it's beautiful florally with those cool metal stud/brad thingies. Okay so it's reclining mechanism isn't quite right so you have to make sure you don't put your hand under the handle or it could get crushed into the floor...but still, it's a great rocker and so comfee. If that's a word.
4. Shoulder rehab is coming along nicely. Recent visits to therapy have included a reminder from the therapist that this process will take three months or 12 weeks, whichever I prefer. Also enjoyed the day that I said I was ready for her tortures and she announced, "Let the games begin."
5. For Lisa, at the same yardsale, I discovered a terrific Stevie Nicks-ish dress. I think I need you to hook me up with some lyrics.
6. I did not drive to class tonight because my teacher is out of town and sent a sub. See I'm thinkin' that if he can't be there, neither can I, right?
There's probably more, but really, how much can you stand all at once.
Oh, just one more. In case you are not a regular reader of my daughter's blog, you should really click on over there because it's got a pretty great post up right here. Really. It will make you smile and maybe even laugh out loud. And you know you need that, right?
You're welcome.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
is this a huge mistake?
This guy--or girl--took up residence a couple of months ago in the window outside of the office. His or her web catches all kinds of bugs, so that's good right? I've been inclined to let him or her be.
Jack pointed out though that if he is a she, we just might see hundreds of little baby spidees, small enough to set up homes inside of the office.
But still, I'm not sure I can go out there and tear down his or her home.
I mean, it isn't like he or she is a mouse.
Monday, September 19, 2011
enough with the weeping
I'm trying to just remember how great the past few days have been. Hoping Jessie will post photos since I forgot to take my camera.
But then I came home to JoJo who was thrilled to see me and Gus who seems to have forgotten who I am but might remember in a couple of hours or so.
And then Jack finished up the dishes and took out the garbage as soon as I came into the house.
And I had all of the ingredients for chicken rollups, and I found baby-sized creampuffs in the freezer.
And while assembling the rollups, I looked out the kitchen window and spotted this:
California poppies.
But then I came home to JoJo who was thrilled to see me and Gus who seems to have forgotten who I am but might remember in a couple of hours or so.
And then Jack finished up the dishes and took out the garbage as soon as I came into the house.
And I had all of the ingredients for chicken rollups, and I found baby-sized creampuffs in the freezer.
And while assembling the rollups, I looked out the kitchen window and spotted this:
California poppies.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
this isn't california it's heaven
I got the email from Delta today that says I can check in for my flight home tomorrow.
Just as I had to stop myself from thinking about coming here until the day before I got on the plane, I've been trying to not think about how I will not be here forever.
Not that I don't want to go home. Lots of greatness there.
But here (in no particular order):
1. Every morning my door opens and a little face pokes in and says, "Gramma, you awake?" Followed by a full contact hug of arms around my neck with soft cheeks next to mine and kisses good morning and snuggling and giggling under the covers.
2. Plenty of time to finish my homework. I know, really? Homework while on vacation? Yep.
3. Naps. Everyday with at least one or two little girls sitting on or next to me. Totally satisfying.
4. I read a book. Not a textbook--The Help. I don't remember the last novel I read. I laid on the couch and in my bed and read. Started it yesterday afternoon and finished it this morning. I'd forgotten how much I like reading for pleasure.
5. Food without cooking or cleaning up. I haven't cooked or done dishes at all. Sorry about that Jessie. But it has been pretty sweet.
6. Hours and hours watching my daughter and her family interact. Could not be better.
Just as I had to stop myself from thinking about coming here until the day before I got on the plane, I've been trying to not think about how I will not be here forever.
Not that I don't want to go home. Lots of greatness there.
But here (in no particular order):
1. Every morning my door opens and a little face pokes in and says, "Gramma, you awake?" Followed by a full contact hug of arms around my neck with soft cheeks next to mine and kisses good morning and snuggling and giggling under the covers.
2. Plenty of time to finish my homework. I know, really? Homework while on vacation? Yep.
3. Naps. Everyday with at least one or two little girls sitting on or next to me. Totally satisfying.
4. I read a book. Not a textbook--The Help. I don't remember the last novel I read. I laid on the couch and in my bed and read. Started it yesterday afternoon and finished it this morning. I'd forgotten how much I like reading for pleasure.
5. Food without cooking or cleaning up. I haven't cooked or done dishes at all. Sorry about that Jessie. But it has been pretty sweet.
6. Hours and hours watching my daughter and her family interact. Could not be better.
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