The New Water Cooler
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that sounds really cool - getting an awesome dinner and beverage and helping out a cool cause. Woot!
Almost through the week. Hanging on!0 -
T.G.I.F!!!!! And Zach came home for a quick visit. He only has two weeks left, but needed a break from his roommates.
So nice to see him!0 -
What is Z planning for his living situation next Fall? Hard to believe his freshman year is almost done. College goes faster than high school. What schools does C want to visit? Do you think he will go to Wayne?
My sister, her friend Janet and I rode our bikes 18 miles today. I came home, ate lunch and took a long nap. Getting old isn't for sissys. Amazing how we could go and go as kids and now our bodies get tired.
Russ is almost done with the basement ceiling. I will paint the sheetrock on Monday or Tuesday. He just needs to get bed frames put together and I will figure out what mattresses to buy. Luckily we don't need box springs too.
Is work still crazy? Is Z working there again this summer?
Jenny0 -
Zach is almost done with his sophomore year! I know - it's going so fast. He and three other friends registered for four-person room in Pile (an upperclassmen dorm) that will have more room and nicer appointments. I really encouraged him to stay on campus since I am paying his room and board he doesn't have to do the "it's cheaper off campus" and I am just not sure he is ready to be fully responsible for bills and food and being on his own. His room was pretty decent this year, but since he missed getting registered on time he ended up with two roommates in his non-preferred dorm. Pile will be super close to his main buildings for classes (the Center for Applied Technology aka the CAT and Gardner) and steps from the student center too. The only downside so far for next year is his closest buddy Derek is transferring to UNL. Sniff. I'm bummed for Zach. Derek is the one who grabbed on to Zach last year at orientation and pulled him into his circle and really just helped Zach blossom. I will always be grateful for how he helped Zach find his people and place. Got him to join the ACM club and now he's Treasurer. Zach is hoping to work in the IT department again this summer. He told HR that and I have said the same thing to the IT people I speak with, but we probably won't know for sure until he's home and can get in and get the word officially. I told him he does not have to do production again. If they can't put him in IT, he can take a summer class or two instead.
I would like Caleb to give Wayne a fair shake, but he is pretty set against it since brother is there. Even though Zach will done soon, (two-ish years) but even if I get him to visit I doubt he will really consider. Still want to try to get to South Dakota, of course UNL and UNO too (Omaha) I presume. Other than that he really hasn't said.
I really agree about how surprised I am by basically how my body is just suddenly falling apart. Blows my mind. Some of my supplements must be helping a little as I am noticing that my joints are not feeling quite as painful. So I am pleased. Will keep choking them down maybe it will keep getting better. I am getting a little less bloated too. I REALLY hope that continues to get better as well.
Work is freaking stupid nuts. STUPID! Our backlog just in our business unit went over 57 million this week. Company wide it's over 100 million. A comfortable backlog would be 15 to 18 million. NUTS. Next steps will have to be allocating orders to the prime customers (i.e. TSC). Logically I get it, but hate it. It's so not fair to the small places. Their orders will be much older and get skipped for newer orders from the 'big guys'. Hate.
Ah Saturday. I heart you.
I saw a post from a floral place in Columbus I like showing some agate bookends. I am thinking about checking them out for my mom. Or Zach, or me. They looked really cool.0 -
Sophomore? Wow! I can't count and time is zipping by.
It's too bad Z's friend is leaving. At least he has met others and found his niche. C will figure it out too.
Lazy day for me. Finished a jigsaw puzzle, took a nap and read my book.
Provitalize has greatly reduced my bloatedness. I take 2 in the morning and 1 at night for sleep. I read that some of the herbal supplements in it help increase melatonin and sleep. I stopped taking Tylenol pm because the provitalize works. I read on their website that 1 before bed is fine. It helps reduce night time leg a he's and nerve pain too.
Your work sounds crazy.
Happy weekend!0 -
Well my Z kid is already back at school. He left at 9 because he had treasurer stuff to do. Two big weeks and then home again! Crush it kid.
I had pizza yesterday and of course showed a jump on the scale this morning. Meh. Trying to focus on being better today so it goes away right away.
Caleb's girlfriend (wow, that is weird to say) came over last night. She really impresses me with her ambition. She is pushing Caleb to really go after the AP classes next year. I'm impressed, but a bit concerned because she won't be here to continue to push him to keep his level of motivation up and I'm worried about Senior Slide and all those hard classes. We'll see.
Supposed to be close to 90 degrees tomorrow. Bleh.0 -
90? Wow, it is in the 40's here. I have a blanket around my shoulders and wearing a fleece pull over. There was snow on the deck this morning. I hope the cherry crop does not get ruined with the frosts and overnight freezes. Tomorrow is a high of 45. Two weeks and we leave for Georgia. It will be 80's plus down there.
I get to see Halen tonight on Portal. It is always fun to see how she has grown and changed. I made a meatloaf earlier and put in the fridge. I will bake it at 5pm. Russ is making mashed potatoes and bourbon carrots to go with it. A good comfort and cold weather meal. I adapted my usual recipe and used herb stove topped stuffing instead of oats as the binder. I've read about using it but never tried it so I'll let you know if we like it. I'm also making it on a cookie sheet instead of a loaf pan. I shaped it and supposedly there is less grease when it is cooked this way.
Your kids are really growing up! I'm glad you like C's girlfriend. She will be a freshman in college? Where is she going in the Fall? It will be nice for you to have Z home for summer.
Enjoy your Sunday eve,
Jenny0 -
last I heard Zoi is planning to go to Iowa State.
so great you get to see your g-babies on Portal. And SOON in person. Oh the cuddles coming!!!0 -
We woke up to snow falling and now it is pouring rain and ice pellets. Freezing out today. I visited my brother this morning for an hour then came home and made home made soft pretzels. I forgot to stop at the store for pillsbury biscuit dough so I looked a recipe up on Pinterest and made home made biscuits for dinner to go with our ham and bean soup. It was a carb and comfort food day.
We portaled with Miles and his parents this afternoon. He is starting to put on baby fat. His face is changing. We will see him a week from next Saturday! He is a snuggler so I can't wait to hold him.
Hopefully warm enough for a bike ride tomorrow. Suppose to get in the 60's. I'll believe it when it happens.
Jenny0 -
We did not ride bikes today. Not very warm and also rainy. I went to visit my brother and take him some of my home made pretzels with cherry mustard to dip them in.
I painted the primer on the sheet rock today and will put on a coat of paint tomorrow. I'm hoping only one coat of paint is needed. Fingers crossed.
I get my first pedicure in 1-1/2 years on Thursday. I can't wait! I will wear sandals in Georgia! I need to get out my capris and short sleeve shirts to pack. This weekend I will focus on what to take.
I talked with my cousin in Indianapolis today. We did a Duo video call. He is older than me but is the one relative from my Mom's side of the family that tries to keep in touch regularly. He has called several times but I haven't been available to answer. This time I was painting so called him back when I was done.
Almost 4pm and finally relaxing today...
Jenny0 -
I love soft pretzels!
Oh you are so close to those baby snuggles!! Joy.0 -
I am so sore from painting the sheetrock on the ceiling that Russ installed downstairs.. Not a lot of surface to paint but I did one coat of primer and two coats of paint. I had to step up and down off the bottom rung of a ladder. My joints and back are locked up for now. I'm wrapped in a blanket trying to get warm and relaxing now. Getting old is tough!
Tomorrow I get my pedicure! I am excited about that.
The week can't go fast enough so we can leave for GA. I can't believe I will be holding my grandson a week from Saturday. I never thought my boys would have kids in my lifetime. They all are so content to take their time. I guess aging over 30 was the magic age for them to settle and become Dads. Another fun stage of being a parent, watching your sons fall in love with their kids and learn to be Dads.
Well I'm tired so back to relaxing. Happy Thursday!
Jenny0 -
Hope your back and joints are feeling better. It will be interesting to see what sort of adults Z and C become. Will they go traditional or not? I currently think Zach might struggle a bit with the whole finding a match since he doesn't seem interested in seeking out companionship of the girlfriend variety. We'll see. He's already changed so much in the last two years. I'm sure he will continue to evolve.
Oy this week. Ready for it to be over. So ready.
Good relaxing!0 -
Rory had a serious girlfriend senior year of high school then went off to college. He says that in his first weeks at school she was very demanding an wanted him to stay in and skype with her every night. He broke up with her and she called me to tell me she thought he was suicidal. It was all weird. Needless to say, he waited 8 years to have a steady girlfriend again. He has been dating Hannah for about 5-6 months. He was interested in other girls these last years but too busy to find the time and also didn't want a committed relationship. They find their time when it works for them.
Rainy and cold week here. The sun is out for now but it is 41 degrees. I need to do some touch up painting in the basement, nothing strenuous but 4 spots involve the ladder, briefly. I would like to dig up an old garden spot in the driveway island to get some planting in when we return from Georgia.
Any big plans for the weekend? We may go to a Farmer's Market and take a drive to see cherry blossoms. I guess the crop has really suffered due to the cold and frost this spring. Poor farmers! I don't know how they handle it from year to year.
TGIF!
Jenny0 -
Congratulations to C and Z on their academic achievements. They have really become internally motivated to do well and look toward their futures. Do you remember 5 or more years ago when you were upset because Z didn't do his homework or apply himself in his classes at school? I kept telling you it will happen in high school and college. Boys are late bloomers but they can become self motivated. You must be one proud Mama!
Tomorrow Russ and I are going to an outdoor Farmer's Market in Traverse City. I'm riding with my sister on a different bike trail in the afternoon if weather cooperates.
Have a great weekend!
Jenny0 -
I remember all the long nights of crying and praying because Zach was struggling so much and nearly failing (and did fail Spanish) - it was such a hard time. I was so worried about not just his academic life, but his regular life. He was really in a sad place at that time. It is such a joy to see him find his people and find success. Ah. Heart. It's not all heart and roses, but I love these moments.
TGIF
Today was not a stellar work day. Glad to put it behind.0 -
oh my poor C kid. He had his second shot yesterday. Did good last night - worked a shift even. This morning he is feverish, chills and headache. Oy. I sure pray I did the right thing.0
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I've heard younger people have stronger reactions/side effects with the vaccines. I believe you did the right thing. One of the reasons COVID is still rising in many states is due to young people not distancing from friends. This will provide some protection for C.
Russ and I went to the Traverse City Farmer's Market this morning. Only about 10 vendors this early in the season but we made a few purchases. My sister baled on bike riding due to the cold temps and wind. Probably a good decision.
I vacuumed the house, did some touch up painting on the walls in basement, worked on my very difficult jigsaw puzzle and read my book.
Nothing else is new. I hope you have a rejuvenating weekend.
Jenny0 -
Oh my I have a puzzle out that is too freaking too! I got it out over spring break, because Zach is a wizard. He did help me get the edge done. Yep, the edge. The edge was too hard for me to do by myself. And now it has sat since then. I talked about just putting it away so I could have my laundry table (heh) back. But Zach says as soon as he is home he will work on it. We'll see. It's a pretty Redlin, but so many of the pieces seem to fit when they don't. Grr.
Caleb was still super yucky feeling last night. I am praying he slept hard and is over it. He has a huge pre-calc unit exam tomorrow to study for and a long work shift tonight. Oy.
It was super windy and HOT yesterday. Over 90. Yuck.
Asked Bernie to help me pick something out for mom for Mother's Day and then he started bickering with me and then I stalked away because I was done. I am adopting his attitude. I have to deal with crap at work, I'm not dealing with it with him. More grr.0 -
It was nice today in the low 60's. Trees have leaves opening up and the sweet cherry trees have blossoms. It's fun to see what is budding and blooming in our crazy, messy yard. Some daffodils are blooming now and a couple of trees are ready to have blossoms open up. The bushes are a disaster so that will be interesting to see how they do. I think I will plant bulbs in the Fall in random spots on the perimeter of the yard and also some patches of wild flower seed. Hope it all comes up next Spring.
I like puzzles and now have a spot to do them at the end of the diningroom table. The one I'm working on is hard so I work on it a little at a time. Russ won't do puzzles so I'm on my own. I always do the edge first and then jump around working on different parts of the puzzle to make progress wherever I can.
90 already? Wow, is that typical? Long summer for you. I bought Mother's Day cards for Karah and Chantrelle. I'll give Karah some flowers next weekend when we are there. I'll mail Chantrelle's card to AK before we leave on Friday.
Do you have plans for Mother's Day?
My Aunt is an artist. She has painted for years and is in her 90's now. She is selling her lake cottage and the family are cleaning it out and having an estate sale on Memorial Weekend. My cousin invited the cousins to go through my Aunt's unframed paintings that she has done over the years and take what we want. I went over today and chose about 12 pictures. I'll let the boys pick one and I'll frame the rest for my bunk room in the basement. I'll do a feature wall and put some upstairs to enjoy too.
A couple of my friends are here this week at their cottages. Yes, they have second homes up here to vacation in. I've known them since I was a little girl and we have been friends all our lives. I visited one today and the three of us are getting together tomorrow and going to see some of the boutique stores in the small villages in this county. We'll have lunch out somewhere.
Of course it is suppose to rain tomorrow as it is tonight.
Jenny0 -
Busy week getting ready for our road trip. I video chatted with Halen in AK tonight. She is so vocal and looks at me on the screen now. I can't wait to meet her in person.
Today I did my laundry, tried on last summer's capris (they fit) and will pack my suitcase tomorrow. I went and bought some wine the kids want us to bring to them and tomorrow I pick up a cherry pie and some cherry jam they want us to bring. I also need to wash Charlie's dog bed and clean out my car for the trip. I like a clean car for long rides. I bought trip snacks and bottled water today along with a few items for our breakfast on Saturday morning at the rental.
Still chilly here. The sun finally came out today. Well it is getting late so I'm off to bed. I'll stay in touch while we are in GA. I'm taking my computer and can access on my phone too.
Hope you are well and your temperatures are coming down a bit.
Jenny0 -
The number of new friends and 'old' friends in your new area is so cool. The temps dropped back into the 60's thank goodness. Not ready for consistent 90's.
I think Caleb is over the worst of it. But boy did it linger. He stayed home from school yesterday. He hasn't missed school since our Covid in October. I sure hope this was the right thing to do for him. And boy does that make me even more anxious for my second dose. Yowza.
How cool to get some art - and family art at that. Neat!
Big plans for the weekend is that niece Caitlin is graduating from Nebraska Wesleyan Saturday. Yay!! We can't go to the ceremony (only four tickets per family, boo), but we will have lunch somewhere to celebrate that beautiful, awesome young lady. Fingers crossed I'm over my yuck from the shot by then.0 -
Had shot two yesterday. So far ok.
Zach has one more final at 10:30 today and then will be heading home done with year two! Wowza.
Baby time here you come!0 -
All packed and ready to go to sleep, wake up and leave by 4:30am. We have at least a 14 hour drive. Hope to get there by 8pm.
I'm glad C feels better and hope you don't have any side effects. I just had mild fatigue. Z is coming home and let summer begin. Wonderful!
I could be holding Miles in 24 hours!
Jenny0 -
I saw your picture on FB - baby time happened! How wonderful to finally get your hands on Miles. What a wonderful moment. I hope you are just soaking it in.
My niece graduated from Nebraska Wesleyan yesterday and we drove down to Lincoln for a celebration lunch. So super busy down there. I haven't been to Lincoln in almost two years. UNL also had it's graduation so the city was hopping.0 -
Miles is adorable! He eats, poops, sleeps and loves to be held. Very vocal, smiles and likes it when I sing or say silly songs and rhymes. It will be hard to say good bye. He will be 7 months when we see him in person again.
Warm with flowers blooming here. Very lush, lots of trees and hilly. Our rental is cute and very close to Jeff and Karah's apartment.
Exciting to graduate college. What's next?0 -
We are on our 5th day in Georgia. It has been wonderful being in a warm climate with flowers blooming. It has been amazing to watch Jeff and Karah handle Miles. They are so mellow and tag team one another.
The gas pipeline hack is affecting us. No gas here now that there was a run on the pumps. We have enough gas to get to Nashville(hopefully), if we don't drive our car until we leave. Georgia and Tennessee are some of states affected. Hope we find gas before we run out and can get home.
Is Z home?0 -
Last day in Georgia. We have gas so no problem getting home.
We met Karah's parents yesterday at their home. We toured the wedding venue and looked at ares with hotels and airbnbs. It will be a beautiful wedding.
It will be hard saying goodbye tonight. I'm hoping for flower planting weather when I get home.
Hope all is well.0 -
The gas thing is nuts. My sister and niece went out to West Virginia for a quick vacation and to watch her boyfriend play in the DIII national golf tourney. I think they will too run into gas problems. Just nuts. Good job media - telling people to not panic buy - and of course they do just like t.p.
Ah no - baby time is over. I bet it just flew by. I hope you made thousand or memories to hold on to.
We thought Caleb's allergies had nailed him this week he was so miserable, but today both Bernie and I are feeling it to. Must be a cold. Ick. Regular sick is no fun either. At least I'm finally home from the week from heck and can lay around. I was thinking about flowers, but now I just wanna pout and lay around.
I ordered us new phones last Sunday (two hours ordeal), had spend another two hours prior to that researching, they came on Wednesday - everyone all excited and then we can't activate because it had to be on the day our plan rolls which was today. I'm just over it. I don't know why it had to, why they wouldn't tell me that to begin with, why I've spent almost 8 hours screwing with this. And I'm sure it's not done. I bet they didn't process all the discounts correctly if they can't even tell me when I can activate my phone. The boys are happy, I'm not. I know the pain isn't over yet. And no going to the store wouldn't be faster - in Columbus they are horrible. Horrible. Feh.
Drive safe and enjoy those baby snuggle memories.0 -
The pollen in Georgia was thick! It was a whole new allergy experience when we arrived. Everything is coated with pollen outside. Price to pay for such a lush landscaped environment. The trees there are huge and old. Many flowering trees and shrubs everywhere too. We arrived home last night and now that the trees are finally getting leaves we hit pollen again. I woke up in the night with a horrible sinus headache and dry mouth. I'm sure I was snoring with my mouth open just to breathe. Our grass is long and lots of dandelions. The bushes we cut down may be growing some shoots but it is slow. It has only been in 50's and 60's here. I'll wait for flower planting on Memorial Weekend.
I hate buying phones and they are so expensive! They get outdated pretty darn fast too. Hope all works out for you with your phones.
We rented our airbnb for the wedding next Fall. That is a relief to have that booked. Now to find a mother of the groom dress. I discussed the dress with Karah's Mom. We discussed tea length or at the knee is fine. We both would like some kind of shawl or jacket that goes with the dress. It will be early November and the wedding is suppose to be outside. I need to start looking. I'm hoping to wear navy blue. She wants to wear a slate gray or moss green if she could find a dress in one of those colors.
Lazy day here. I don't want to get in to a car until tomorrow at the earliest. I called my brother to tell him we were home but that I'll come in tomorrow or Tuesday to visit.
Jenny
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