It is what it is

Does it ever stop? Two days until Christmas and the challenges abound. Shopping done. Wrapping done. Laundry done. Cleaning done. Andrew, Brian and Amanda are home and Matt is on his way. I guess life is full of challenges. My classes this year are a challenge. I love teaching middle school but they don't let me teach. A few are wonderful, many are tolerable and a few are unbelievable. I know they are coming from places we will never know about but geez,.....why make my life intolerable? The budget cuts are unrealistic, our paychecks make us feel unprofessional and it is the only job where you are abused daily and return the next day for more. Thinking bout how lucky I am with the best family in the whole world and the support they give. Some days I want to go in my back room and cry. Enough! I have 2 weeks off and I want to enjoy every minute. Lasagna is in the oven and everything will work out....it always does. Hope 2012 is better for all of us! It is what it...

Happy to have everyone home and back together again. It has been too long. Very tired last night but napped a bit until about 2:00 before going to bed. Made lots of food and have lots more to make. Turkey in the oven soon, frying the other, Brian's mashed garlic creamed potatoes and Brussel sprouts with bacon, green beens with mushrooms and shallots, and one or two others. YUM! There is apple pie bread and strawberry pie bread brought from the Chicago Farmer's Market by Matthew, homemade pecan and pumpkin pies flown here by Andrew (x-rayed!!!!), Carol's rolls, cranberry frosted bread, apple bread, cinnamon frosted bread and a baked turkey with my mother's homemade stuffing recipe, the guys deep frying the other and I am sure more more more. Like I said we will gobble 'til we wobble to the stores for the sales! It is what it is and we plan to enjoy every minute.

So busy these last few months that there has been no extra time to blog and vent! Decided I don't like teaching 8th grade. They are so mean and teaching is no longer fun. It is an event and a challenge on a daily basis. Always defending myself. This is probably the only job where you are abused verbally daily and return for more the next day. I don't like 8th grade, 8th graders, my job or my school. I have never felt this unhappy before. Trying to deal with it but the kids lie, steal and look you in the eye and lie and steal some more. Consequences don't exist and we are restoring them....for what? to lie and steal some more? Bitter I am! Was trying to make it better with rewards and praise but it is too much work and the rewards are not there. Had them stolen from me last week.....it is what it is. Feel totally defeated and deflated. Wish I could retire.

I didn't blog the whole month of September this year and it is almost the end of October. So busy and overwhelmed with school and everything that I have no extra time. Just wanted to do a post for October. Saddened that the months are flying by but don't really love what I am doing so in some ways it is ok. Miss my kids, miss the summer, miss what I love. I miss writing, I miss 5/6th grade, miss Holbrook, miss my peeps at Holbrook, miss being in my 50's, miss math, I miss Kalamazoo, the kids being babies, Portage, the lake, the farm, my parents.....gotta get focused because....it is what it is.

Not liking that it is dark at 8:44 pm. Wonderful day! Up early, I can't seem to sleep late and go to sleep really late (like 2am) Too much stress! Spent the afternoon in Jackson with girlfriends from high school "catching up". So much fun! Horrible accident on I-94 on the way home. So bad the vehicle was not identifiable Took almost an extra hour to get home. Spent a little time in the pool.....winding down. Still not official in my assignment...what a summer. Going to de-stress further at the "lake" tomorrow. Getting carpet cleaned, finishing trim paint, 2 fridges to clean, basement to finish and a classroom somewhere to put together. 4 huge bags of my Dallas clothes are on the porch for pick-up along with about 1/10 of the stuff I should get rid of. Helping Matt move next weekend, enjoyed Andrew home last weekend, our 39th Anniversary and trying hard not to get depressed about anything! It is what it is!

Still not sure what I am teaching this fall. First I was given 4th at West, then 6th at West then 4th at East and protesting that I was moved AGAIN. Sick of this crap! About 5 weeks until school starts, maybe 4 .....I don't know. Amanda returned to AZ on Friday, Matt & Dana were here for the weekend, the Dr.s don't know what is wrong with Amanda...all her test came back clear...all biopsies and blood work was negative. She went home to face unhappiness on Apache. Went to Eastern Market for the first time on Sat....very cool place. Having the lunch bunch over tomorrow for salads and margaritas....hope it doe not rain. Spent the day cleaning the 6 closets upstairs and weeded out all my 1980's stuff. I have bags of stuff but don't know what to do with it as it is all "period" stuff!!! You know, when your future principal tells you you may not have a place when school starts and will just have to wait....where the hell did that come from???? It is what ...

Finished the trim in the living room, after spending the entire day painting yesterday, put it all back together, cleaned the crystal cabinet and the antique cabinet, washed all the windows on the main floor, inside and out, went to workout at Heartland, did a couple loads of laundry..can I go in the pool yet? So upset yesterday after finding out that I was bumped into a 4th grade. Babies, barely out of 3rd and I am middle school. That is where all my experience and training is, especially math. I can only hope that somehow I can get back to 6th without spending another wasted year like last. Title I math...what a joke. Place to put me to get off general funds and into federal funds. I hated being treated the way I was....like not a real teacher. I needed a classroom back and the way I have been kicked around in this district for 12 years makes me wonder how undervalued we all are. And pay cuts to boot. And pay more for our insurance. And watch out, a financial manager may b...

So much has happened!!! Just finished Creative Inklings Writing Camp. What a fun experience....third year. Nice to have some of my kids from the class that closed back for camp. Published a narrative on my experience for my birthday and the big surprises. Doesn't get much better. Will copy and paste eventually! What a fine 4th of July weekend. Sad to see Bryce go home today after nearly 3 weeks of him here. Kinda part of the fam now! I understand that life awaits back in Phoenix. Only 3 weeks until Amanda goes back to Phoenix and 3 mos. until Cindy and Tom's big birthday bash in Phoenix and 4 mos. until Thanksgiving when everyone can come back. Time sure goes fast. It has been a month since school let out. Math class flew by, camp flew by and the kids all being home together for a long weekend seems weeks ago. Like one of the poems I wrote for camp said.....Love my life, need more time (your life in 6 words). Big storms going through here today. Second day of...

Oh wait, that is ME! So glad math class is over today. Thanks to all who put up with me. 7 years in math institute. Sure didn't feel like I belonged this year due to my position closing AGAIN. Two times in the same school year????? Who did I tick off???? What a week, what a world. Didn't get the 7th I applied for but it isn't over until the fat lady sings. Amanda is at the Tiger's game tonight and there were 2 grand slams and not by the Tigers. I asked Otto to drive her and Lex., not liking two young girls in the D alone, parking who knows where. My nemesis has the position I didn't want. Say no more. Another position at my school will not be filled by an idiot that has returned to HPS. Today after getting home, I finally finished the last of my 14 windows, cleaned up the glass globe in one of my perennial beds that the stupid beagle knocked over (thru fence..don't ask how), picked up the two deck umbrellas and table from the high winds, bought ceil...

6 parties/picnics since Friday, one at my house and started math class today....went soooo fast. I love math! I love learning all that I missed in high school. Girls didn't matter and I thought I was bad at math. I think my place in life is to let girls know they can succeed at math and how wonderful it is to do things differently from the only way we were taught. Applied for a 7th grade position today as I was displaced in my Title Math position that would have been wonderful if it had been done correctly. I can only hope that I can mop up the mess I was forced to leave at Holbrook this year....especially math. Sorry that happened. There is the right way, the wrong way and the Hamtramck way....it is what it is! Bunco tonight. When you think it can't happen because it is wrong, it will be in Hamtramck.

Started the day with reading the paper and total relaxing because I had slept near 9 hours. No one else was up for hours. Was cloudy and cool today but worked my fanny off...oh wait..it is STILL there! Wrote this while in the shower this morning....was feeling guilty because we slept thru Church.... The Lord is my Shepard A diet I will seek to stick to more than one day this week. The Lord is my Shepard Please help me now So that I don't grow to The size of a cow. The Lord is my Shepard I want to win So someone will say "Oh my...you're SO THIN". The Lord is my Shepard Please help me control My eating and exercise Right to my goal! I worked all day washing windows, cleaning closets....was such a cool day and cloudy for most of it that not much was done outside....re-planted the destroyed flowers...only 5 days until summer.......it is what it is!!!!!!!!

Was at the knee Dr. yesterday for a follow up to my MRI. He stated that it was blurry and he is unable to tell how bad the tear in my meniscus is. Well I assured him it was getting better. Now dumb person that I am, I had had no major pain in a week as we were off for Memorial Day weekend and I didn't stair climb. I went to Heartland Rehab and worked out on the bike, treadmill, ball squats etc. Then I came home and shot hoops with Amanda. This morning I could barely get out of bed. It has been knee hell all day. Now, my MRI that I had a week ago said there was a small tear but it was blurry. The tech came in at one point and told me to stop moving....I WASN'T MOVING. He knew it was blurry and made me a copy of the CD and made a note of the fact that it was blurry and sent it off anyway!!!!!!! So my insurance co. just spent what....???? 5 grand for a faulty MRI???? I am in more pain now than before I went to the Dr. I have been to the knee guy twice now and I can...

Today after enduring almost 100 degree heat at school, following a three day Memorial Day weekend, I was on the drive home, when I happened upon a scene that left me wondering what the heck was going on. Coming off the Davidson Hwy., I saw two police cars, stopped, lights on, standing near the entrance to the Lodge (10) Fwy., near the stoplight. Figured the light was out. About 3 blocks later on the Davidson surface route, I was stopped at the light on Linwood and Davidson when 2 more police cars pulled in the intersection with lights on, and the two officers got out and stopped traffic on all sides. After a cycle or two of the lights, wondering what the heck was going on, I spotted flashing lights eastbound on the Davidson. An ambulance and SEVEN escorting police cars were speeding at probably 60mph through the intersection. After they cleared the intersection, the two officers stopping traffic, returned to their cars and drove off. My first thought was someone important, like...

I didn't know it could rain like this. Spring is the best season anywhere and we do it right in Michigan. It is like nowhere else on the face of the earth and I can say that because I have been other places in their so-called spring. Anyway, we also know how to have rain. I don't think it will ever stop. We have floods everywhere...streets, highways, school, basements. The rain has saturated the already soaked ground and there is nowhere for it to go. It took me almost an hour to get home because of all the butt heads that don't know how to drive in rain. It took Otto almost 2 hours,....same thing. We had no drinking fountains for almost 700 kids today because the sewers backed up. So far, the bathrooms (except the staff room on east side) have not backed up yet. We are suppose to have more storms and rain through Friday. It is so beautiful here now and clean-looking but I am worried about the ARK being large enough. It is what it is!

Home from Dr. Central. The Orthopedic Dr. says I probably have a torn meniscus in my knee as x-rays reveal nothing and that parallels the pain. MRI soon. Went to the general Dr. and have full blown sinus infection. No wonder I am so sluggish and feel like someone hit me in the back of the head with a baseball bat when I bend over, coughing etc. Shot and script. And to be fully productive on a half-day sick day, I stopped and had my tires changed around. Discount Tire rocks! Oh did I mention my arm hurts from that SHOT! It is what it is.

Rainy, cold day for Lobby Day in Lansing. The bus trip was long and we went through every small town in Southeast Michigan. Seems the driver got wind of an accident at 4:30 this morning and thought it might still be a problem. 2 and a half hours instead of an hour and a half. I was sooo green by the time we arrived. Did you know Chelsea Michigan is the Jiffy Mix capitol??? It is always interesting to visit Lansing. My Senator, Glenn Anderson received our group very hospitably. I am proud that he voted the way that our MFT had asked him to vote and that is....to support education funding. Enjoyed meeting him and listening to him. My Representative, John Walsh better watch it. He promised during last year's meeting to support education and funding. Well, after reviewing his voting record, he supported nothing the MFT endorsed. And to think we just re-elected him for another two years. He is now the assistant speaker of the house. Letters will be forth coming. No supp...

Can't believe another week has gone by since I flew home from Washington DC (tomorrow) Easter was Sunday last and we had Monday off and it was still a very long week. Getting too close to end of school. 7 weeks left! 2 weeks until Amanda is home. Finishing touches being done to the new bathroom...painting will have to wait until summer. Country is a mess, budget woes, budget for state and school sucks, governor needs to be run out of town, spring is finally starting, so much to do to clean and do yard work. Don't know where to start. Car needs washing, gas is over 4.00 a gallon, Easter duds need to be packed away, leaving for Mackinac Island food show Monday and Tuesday, on Sunday, have 2 personal days (:)), miss my kids, have bills to pay, laundry to do and and and....it is what it is!

Time goes so fast when it is spent happily! Yesterday, Brian and I took the metro to Mercer to meet Andrew for lunch. Some of his office peeps joined us at Baja Fresh. It was the most beautiful day. My dogs were still barking from Monday and Tuesday so I made the decision to go back to the condo with Brian and R & R the day away. It turned out to be 84 and hazy and very windy so I am glad I stayed in. While on the metro, I found I had no place to put my empty cup from Baja so I stuck it in my backpack with just enough unmelted ice to melt and get in my camera....it is still drying out (hopefully not ruined). I know it is time for a new one but not quite yet! While Brian worked from home I buried my nose in my new Jan Karon book and idled the day away. Only had to run down 4 floors once to retrieve my glasses case that was gone with the wind and got locked out had to yell for Brian, who was in the process of coming down 4 flights of stairs to help when I, figured it out. ...

Once the motrin kicks in I will be ready to head off toward the mall again. Probably the newseum today. Tomorrow I will be meeting a friend from Michigan for lunch and maybe we will go to the American History museum. The problem is that it is spring break for EVERYONE and you have to get in line to get in a line. It has been so busy. The later you go, the worse it becomes. I did mainly art museums and the botanical gardens yesterday. I had 10 check-in on foursquare so you know I walked all over. I could barely crawl to the metro but after meeting Andrew, my feet recovered and we crammed onto another train home where Brian was waiting for us. The trip always seems easier when it is shared. After a quick trip to Harris Teeter, Chef Brian prepared a yummy bruschetta and garlic dipping sauce for dinner. We were all too tired to take the night tour or get off the couch. Weather has been nice. Yesterday was cool 60's but the rain hit before I got there. Today's high is ...

It was a beautiful day in DC. A After lunch at Cosi with Brian and a ride in on the metro, Andrew and I thoroughly enjoyed our walk up Capitol Hill and our tour of the Library of Congress and the Supreme Court. So much to take in. We walked the grounds of the Capitol Building and took lots of photos. So much to see, so much to enjoy. By 4:30 we were done in and everything closes by 5:00. It was a tiring walk back to the metro and a crowded ride home. Otto arrived home safely this morning to a happy Casey and about 2 inches of fresh snow. Probably hit mid-60's here today....it is what it is.

Ok, so we decided to go to the National Presbyterian Cathedral in Washington DC instead of the local Arlington Presbyterian. I wanted to go to a bigger church that maybe some Presidents had attended. Well, President Lincoln was associated with this church (not the building) and so was Eisenhower. It was a great service and I was able to get some nice photos. Once home and changed we went to Eastern Market and had lunch at Le Pain Quotidien (The Daily Bread) for lunch. After a quick walk through Eastern Market, we purchased some meat for dinner and fresh green beans and redskin potatoes. I never tire of driving around the capitol and today was a perfect day. Looking forward to a great meal by Chef Brian and the wonderful company of our friend Mike and the four of us. A perfect end to a perfect day! It is what it is and it is great!

Ready for church. Waiting for the guys. Not going to the National Cathedral this time, nothing can top the Easter service there 2 years ago. Picked a local Presbyterian Church. Rained all day yesterday. Brian had to work so the 3 of us walked to Subway for lunch and then to the Kennedy Center for a tour....which stopped at 1:00. It was 2:00. So we just walked around...wow! Had a wee time left so we parked on the mall and walked around the Franklin D. Roosevelt memorial. I had no idea how big it was and why I missed it. It had slowed on the rain enough to walk around the tidal basin by the Jefferson Monument. Andrew said the water was extremely high due to all the rain. The flowering trees are just blooming and tulips are everywhere with pansies filling in. It is spring here and quite lovely with the greens and dark sky. After picking Brian up the day was complete with a trip to Whole Foods Market. We couldn't get Otto to agree to a run-thru Crate & Barrel or Pott...

School ended and unbelievably, I finished my long list. Banks, library (new Jan Karon book in from inter-library loan), packing, emptying the bathroom that is being torn apart for new shower, packing and sealing up our furniture and things from our bedroom...we were on our way to the airport. Parked, took the shuttle, breezed through security (one of us...me...as someone carries a tool like a pocket knife in his briefcase), found gate (right terminal this time) 23 and waited. Boarded, pushed off and stopped and sat. After 10-15 minutes the pilot announced they were opening the doors and a mechanic had to check out something....groans! We later learned that a de-icing light would not go off which meant that there was a malfunction I guess and at 30 plus thousand feet, you need that equipment. Well, we knew were were in trouble when we saw the baggage trucks pull up next to the plane. Everyone de-planed, luggage, flight attendants, even the pilot. It is now dark and starting to r...

Don't get me wrong...I love my husband but he is from such a different planet. I had a math meeting, barely made it to piano on time, raced to a nail appointment and did not get home until after 8:00. We have done Subway for 3 years on Thursday and with being so busy, I thought...maybe he would have gone to get a sub. I have been at Physical Therapy since Dec. 21st on Thursdays. Tonight...no sub and because he had so much to do (????????????) he bought a frozen pizza and baked it which (a) stunk up the house...gag gag and (b) I would rather eat dirt which he knows I HATE frozen pizza and all the food show fried breaded crap he brings home. I am so mad that I was going to go out and get subway but it was 9:30 so by then, I don't even care if I eat anything. Well, at 9:40, guess who runs out to get a sub???? arrrrghhhhh....could scream. I am not eating a sub at 10:00 at night...hello!.............made a small salad and I'm good. Still have to pack all the cosmetic...

Went shopping today for Costco spiral ham and all the Easter fixins'. Kinda nice weather which means it did not rain. Maybe hit 50 today so I put the plastic eggs on the trees in our yard. I know it is tacky but people expect it. Went to Pier I and got some smokin' deals on glasses, cobalt blue to go with my spring/summer dishes, some champagne glasses and 2 martini glasses...love that place...want to live there! Had Casey at the vet this morning for a re-check on her ears and some other odds and ends and left $183.00. In the last 3 mos. I could have made several house payments or a couple of Coach purses. Now that I like my job and am organized and figuring it out, it looks like it my be over. Back to the classroom! I will have a job (if they don't cut us to the quick)...just don't know where or what....we should not have to grovel every year! Gearing up for another trip to Wash. DC. Glad they passed a temp. budget. At least the Smithsonian things will be...

Watching an old episode that I missed earlier. Only 11 weeks left of school, 7 before Amanda is home for the summer and 2 until DC! I hate Doctor offices. Called for refills on my Advair as I have been gasping for breath when I do the 44 stairs at school...well, I need a physical...Just was there in October. Do the look at your insurance and decide how often you need to come in. $$$ cha ching! Oh, I need blood work, oh i need a chest x-ray, EKG, breathing test......NOT! Need a new Dr. Piano lesson tonight, recital was 90%...why can't we have do-overs????? Watching Grey's now...season finale???? All new music in piano....jeeze I am sooo ADD....alll over the board. Amanda you would love the make-up factor for Grey's tonight. Bell Festival was ok last weekend. Love Lansing. Difficulty sleeping with others in my room...thanks for Ambien. Festival part was ok. Broke my engagement ring, either $250 for a new band or $15 for a quick fix that won't last. Sin...

Furnace finally fixed...good thing because we are under a winter storm warning....snow, rain, ice, thunder, what did I forget? Warned to leave early tomorrow morning so we won't be late for work...what are we 2? So unprofessional! Casey is much better. Amanda is back in AZ, back to classes, has a job, looking forward to Spring Break, going to DC, Jessica's surgery is over, Brian has started new job, Andrew is traveling and busy, Matt is coming home this weekend, bell festival in Lansing is this weekend, recital is Sunday, accepted the insurance position for the union for my building. New car broke the antenna that is on the roof when the garage door did not go up all the way, and the tire pressure light is on. House across the street from the school blew up on Sat., movie shoot is tomorrow and I can't understand the politics of Michigan. It is what it is. Oh, btw, furnace is not working!

Beautiful day today....57. Flowers are starting to poke through and the snow is finally melting. Watching Detroit 187...hope that is survives another season. Amanda is in Washington DC with Emily at Andrew & Brian's. Jealous of the weather. Enjoy being there so much. Booked a trip for April 15-23. Be home for Easter Sunday. Work going a little better. Enjoyed Matt being home this weekend. Never enough time. Casey had a trauma on Monday, had a puncture wound on her paw, thought she caught a nail and ripped it. Could not stop the bleeding. Had to take the day off, last minute and take her to the vet. Back tomorrow to have the bandage off and the cone. Feel so bad for her. The pain meds make her sleep. Starting PT again on Monday next. Hope this is the last round. So time consuming. Too much going on with funding, budget, Lansing, benefits....stop and get normal. Is there ever a normal in my life?????......it is what it is. Major earthquake in Japan follow...

In the bleak mid-winter. This is the time of year you think it will never end. We had a tease of spring and being in Phoenix a week ago did not help. It has been snowing since 5:00 and my tire tracks in the driveway from 8:00 are now buried at 11:00 pm. Still coming and we were supposed to get 2-4 inches. All the old melt is now buried. Will it ever end???? Did a lot of shopping today. My family room is being transformed into a Paris souvenir shop! Casey is sleeping peacefully at my side and I hate to wake her to go to bed. Otto is returning from Phoenix tonight. Attended Amanda's opening of Bridge to the Stars. Andrew & Brian wired flowers, Bryce wore a suit and gave her a dozen red roses and Bryce's parents attended last night and gave her flowers...I could cry because it is so sweet! Wish I was still there. Had my bi-weekly manicure today, talked to Matt and am anxious for his visit next weekend. 10 weeks until Amanda is home for the summer. Can't d...

Already a week since I attended Amanda's rehearsal for Bridge to the Stars and went to her two classes. It has been so cold here this week and I am so jealous that Otto is there and not me! The towed car saga was a week ago already also. Cindy finally got her washer fixed after sitting there with a garage full of trip laundry and visitor laundry with more company this weekend. She will be washing until the cows come home. Work has been ok. Enjoyed lunch today at Royal Kabob with the Holbrook crew. In-service...not so much but at least I got to sit in with the middle school math group instead of a worthless workshop of what I don't teach! Watching Idol and eating my McDonald's chicken caesar salad with a glass of wine. Casey is restless. She was in the pantry the other day and ate some dry macaroni from an open box. Baby locks again. Final weeks until recital, putting the finishing touches on my two pieces but I worry that they won't be ready, even after a ye...

Time to load up the truck and head back east to reality. I have enjoyed every minute here (except for a few things like the car being towed,....stuff like that). The days and weather have been great, the visit lots of laughs and fun, but it is time. I will miss the carefree hours, staying up late and sleeping in. It is fun to be with Amanda, Bryce, Emily & Lexi. It has always been fun to catch up with Cindy and just do nothing but talk, walk through ANY store and enjoy a bottle or two of wine. So, without ruining my last day here, I know I have to get back to the education jungle that employs me and look forward to Spring Break! It IS WHAT IT IS.

No time to blog today, I am off to class with Amanda. She has permission to tag me along in her 1950's media class, and 1950's history class. Probably thinks I am a living text book. Then after second class this afternoon, something about plays, we will be going to rehearsal until 11:00. Long day! Blog later....ttfn. On campus with Emily and Amanda in first class. Amanda had to go for a fitting for her costume for "Bridge to the Stars". So interesting. Class will be starting soon. I feel sooo old. I am usually teaching not participating or even watching! Well now they are talking about the Period of Enlightenment....remember most of this but it is a little snoozy. Got an email from Otto today, it is his birthday. Michigan expecting even more snow tonight. 3-5 inches. My school beta fish, Mrs. Dobos VII died. One less fish to take care of and take back and forth. Also said that our Senator from Hamtramck/Highland Park had a snowblower accident and ende...

What a day in Arizona today! Busy! Just enjoyed being with Amanda and shopping and catching up on stuff. We were at IKEA and while I was snapping a photo of a mirror that I like, the lights went out (simultaneously) and we ended up waiting 20 minutes to check out. They served us coffee, water, cinnamon rolls and candy to pacify us while waiting. Never learned what the problem is but God forbid they would be able to add up our purchases and collect real money. LOL We bought a lot of odds and ends for Amanda's place and the weather was WONDERFUL. It is so amazing here...never get tired of the difference from Michigan and we are so close to the airport that I get to watch the planes parallel landings. The time is going WAY tooo fast!!! It iswhat it is!

Mexican Train with Cindy's friends was a hoot. We finally quit at 11:30 because so many of the girls had such a long drive home. Had my first margarita of the season with Cindy at a taco-type restaurant in Old Scottsdale. Went to my favorite Mexican store that has so much junky chotchkee stuff. It was great. Found some cute accessories for my table for Festival of Tables 2011. This year's theme is Christmas in the Desert. Spent the afternoon roaming the tourist hangouts, jewelry shops and looking at all the turquoise jewelry that never ceases to amaze me in its' beauty. Amanda & Emily came over for awhile and we sat outside for a bit. Nice but chilly especially once the sun sinks in the east. After Trains we sat out for about an hour, bundled in coats and boots. What a nice break and vacation....it is what it is!

Clear blue cloudless sky. Same sky I left 4 days ago. Glad it cleared up here. I don't care that it is only in the 40's in the morning, it warms up during the day. Yesterday, jeans and a light sweater were perfect. Amanda, Emily and I headed to a mall that was exactly like a mall in Michigan. Turns out that they were both designed by Taubman. How funny. Also did a little shopping in Old Scottsdale for my Festival of Tables table in December. Just generally enjoying my days here. What a Michigan mess I left...another snowstorm, would have been a snow day. So good to be back, so much to see and do and so little time. It Is What It Is.

The day started out beautifully. Clear blue February sunshine. I was packed and ready to go. Just had my haircut, manicure, stopped and picked up my earring that had been missing the back, got to the airport in plenty of time, said au revoir to Otto and Arizona Here I Come to myself. Cleared security, no problem, body scan, no problem, walked to the gate area to check the flight number and could not find it on the screen. I went to a second screen only to find no Chicago flight leaving at 12:30 with that number. I found a TSA agent and asked her what I was doing wrong. She checked my computer printed boarding pass and said "This is Delta, you are flying American, and are in the wrong terminal". Of course I was! She couldn't believe I had cleared security and kindly directed me as to what to do. I raced back to the parking deck, bags in hand (had I checked my bag it would have been flagged), caught a shuttle (that took forever) and arrived at the other terminal wi...

Another snow day...more cleaning! Didn't expect that call but it is about 5 out and a nasty wind chill. Hamtramck does not plow. The roads are narrow, one-way and literally 2 tracks that a car can barely get thru after a couple inches. I can't imagine the mess now. And it is sooo cold. In the burbs, parents drive their kids where in the city a lot walk. DPS also closed and Highland Park. We'll take it! Sunny today and cccoold. Able to sleep in today, yesterday I couldn't. Made cookies to send to my girls. Wrote out Valentine's. Guess it is about time to put out the Valentine's decorations. Just barely got the Snowmen things up! Yesterday it set a record in Phoenix for the coldest day ever for that date. If I have a few minutes today, I will scan some photos from real blizzards past when we lived in Portage. Otto loves his new snowblower, ripped a cord from the buried luminaries. It is pretty powerful. I am sure they all had fun doing driveways...

Well, I don't think of last night's storm and snow was a blizzard like others I have seen. Yes it was bad, we had about 8 inches with high winds and I heard thunder overnight with freezing rain. I have not seen a car yet, everyone is staying home. Schools are closed and many businesses and offices. Detroit is shut down. Chicago got hit hard! Especially Lakeshore Drive. I am sure the Matts and Dana will have to get to the hospital to work. They were setting up cots in the basement for employees to sleep over. In Boston they are showing 5 story high snow dumps at the snow farms where they take it. I think the rain and snow has stopped but it is quite windy still. It is just cold! Glad to be home. KC was lonely and howled me awake so 6:30 was the best I could do. I heard the freezing rain and the wind. Airports are closed throughout the country. Poor Roseanne trying to get to Vegas for her nephew's wedding. Not going today! Good day to nurse this cold with lo...