It's been a while since I took a real vacation- the last few "days off" have been for family obligations and while I appreciated some of the aspects of that time, I really didn't 'vacation" at all. So, here are my plans for the next twelve days:
Sleep past 7 a.m. When you get up at 5:30 every morning, this really DOES constitute "sleeping in"
Read. I have a few books that are waiting to be read and if I read all of them, I know where to find more!
Take pictures. Chris got me a new camera for my upcoming birthday. It's MINE! BWAHHHHHH I can't wait to start using it.
See old friends and new ones. Part of the plan is to visit with people, including ( hopefully, if we can make it work) one of my very best friends from Elementary School. We reconnected online. Don't you love how that works? I also hope to meet some of Chris' old friends, whom I have not yet had the chance to meet ( I hope they approve of his choice of wife!)
That's it. No grand schedule except for places we need to be each night. Lazy days. Picnics by the lake or at the beach. Sleeping, reading and recharging my batteries. The last few weeks have really drained my reserves and I need some down time. I hope to come back with my focus clearer.
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Monday, June 10, 2013
Random Monday thoughts
Today, I am thinking about my grandmother, Emma Benedict Seckerson, who was born June 10 1888. Her mother Nellie ( whose real name was Helen, of all things) was a midwife who was working for a well-to-do family whose surname was Benedict. They insisted she stay with them until my grandmother was born. To honor them, the baby was given their surname as a middle name. My grandmother did not have an easy life. My grandfather was killed in a car accident in 1929, just before the stock market crash that began the Great Depression. She had three children to raise at that point. Her three sons died when they were children. She gave me a love of reading. She was a fine artist, apparently the Seckersons worked in the pottery industry in England and I remember my mother telling me they did the painting on the china. They were from Stroke-on-Trent. I know almost nothing about that area, but hope one day to visit England and the family we still have there.
Manners, the Butler! My mom used to say that all the time, I have NO idea what it really meant, but to me it was a signal that I was out of line, manners-wise. So, lately I have been pondering things like:
Do you invite people into your home or office and then EAT in front of them and not offer them anything? I have had the occasion recently to have this happen. It's weird. People traipse into meetings these days, bearing all manner of food and drink and happily chow down. I was even at a meeting where there was food set up and people helped themselves, I was not comfortable asking if I could grab a cup of coffee or something and the host did not offer. Uncomfortable? You bet!
Texting and WALKING. Forget texting and driving, I have had more trouble with idiots who are testing and walking. I was coming down the stairs at the subway station and this twenty-something was walking across the floor and started up the steps, eyes GLUED to the little screen. I made a noise so she looked up and GLARED at me. HEY watch where YOU are going! I gave her my best Mom-glare and she shrunk back. Never underestimate the power of a good mom-glare.
Manners, the Butler! My mom used to say that all the time, I have NO idea what it really meant, but to me it was a signal that I was out of line, manners-wise. So, lately I have been pondering things like:
Do you invite people into your home or office and then EAT in front of them and not offer them anything? I have had the occasion recently to have this happen. It's weird. People traipse into meetings these days, bearing all manner of food and drink and happily chow down. I was even at a meeting where there was food set up and people helped themselves, I was not comfortable asking if I could grab a cup of coffee or something and the host did not offer. Uncomfortable? You bet!
Texting and WALKING. Forget texting and driving, I have had more trouble with idiots who are testing and walking. I was coming down the stairs at the subway station and this twenty-something was walking across the floor and started up the steps, eyes GLUED to the little screen. I made a noise so she looked up and GLARED at me. HEY watch where YOU are going! I gave her my best Mom-glare and she shrunk back. Never underestimate the power of a good mom-glare.
Monday, June 3, 2013
Birthdays
I seem to know an awful lot of people who were born in June ( myself included) We June Bugs are a pretty terrific lot you must admit ;) I am thinking of two of my friends, who have crossed over who would heave celebrated birthdays today.
Teresa Gonzales, who was the biggest Cubs fan you could hope to meet. Happy Birthday, girl! I am sure wherever you are,the Cubs have won the pennant, I miss seeing you in the halls at Central and laughing with you.
Maggie Costa, a friend I never met in person, only online. We had a mutual love for the band America, so in the words of the song. "funny I've been there and you've been here and we ain't had no time to drink that beer." I am sorry we never got the chance to meet and see the"boys" together.
Today, I will be thinking of these two wonderful women and trying to remember that life is fleeting. I will try to celebrate their passion for life and remember the joy that came because I knew them.
Teresa Gonzales, who was the biggest Cubs fan you could hope to meet. Happy Birthday, girl! I am sure wherever you are,the Cubs have won the pennant, I miss seeing you in the halls at Central and laughing with you.
Maggie Costa, a friend I never met in person, only online. We had a mutual love for the band America, so in the words of the song. "funny I've been there and you've been here and we ain't had no time to drink that beer." I am sorry we never got the chance to meet and see the"boys" together.
Today, I will be thinking of these two wonderful women and trying to remember that life is fleeting. I will try to celebrate their passion for life and remember the joy that came because I knew them.
Monday, May 27, 2013
Memorial Day
Today is Memorial Day, the day we remember those who died protecting our country and our freedom; and while it's good to thank those who are serving, it is important to remember that this day honors our fallen. So this morning, as I sit in my kitchen, I am thinking about those who never came home. My father talked about comrades who were killed in World War II. He thought of them often.
It got me to thinking. I was anti-war during the VietNam era, but not anti soldier. I wore a POW bracelet, something many of us did. The name on my bracelet was Captain Clifford Fieszel. He was declared Missing in Action, although initial reports from the Viet Cong claimed they had him. I think of him, someone I never knew, and wonder what happened to him. How terrible for his family, never to have known. I hope someday, the remains of those who died there will be returned so that they may be honored properly.
So today, before you light up the BBQ and pop open that beer, take a moment to think of those who gave their lives for this country. Those men and women who paid the ultimate price and whose sacrifice was not in vain.
It got me to thinking. I was anti-war during the VietNam era, but not anti soldier. I wore a POW bracelet, something many of us did. The name on my bracelet was Captain Clifford Fieszel. He was declared Missing in Action, although initial reports from the Viet Cong claimed they had him. I think of him, someone I never knew, and wonder what happened to him. How terrible for his family, never to have known. I hope someday, the remains of those who died there will be returned so that they may be honored properly.
So today, before you light up the BBQ and pop open that beer, take a moment to think of those who gave their lives for this country. Those men and women who paid the ultimate price and whose sacrifice was not in vain.
Sunday, May 26, 2013
Happy Birthday, Dad
Today would have been my father, Robert Myers, 93rd birthday. I hope wherever he is he is celebrating. I am sure there is BEER wherever he is or he wouldn't be there for long. And some really good Dixieland music. Gotta dance!
My Dad's folks split up when he was about nine or ten and after his father was killed in an accident, he was shuttled around to relatives and finally, against his wishes, ending up with his mother in New York City. I always got the feeling that life in Chester PA was much more to his liking than New York City, even if it was a bit rustic. I remember him telling me about one of the places he lived- his dad's girlfriend- who had INDOOR PLUMBING. His dad had a roving eye, apparently,so that did not last. He told me once that when he and my mother were arguing and he considered leaving, he thought of how he felt and knew he didn't want us to grow up like that. They worked it out, whatever the problem was.
My father served in World War II and was at the Battle of the Bulge. His stories when we were kids made it sound like Hogan's Heroes, only later did the stories darken. He never forgot the bitter cold of that Christmas in Belgium or the warmth of the Belgian people who fought with them against the Nazi's. He told me about the women bringing their fine white linens out to cover the guns. He asked them about it and they said that it was a small price to pay to be free. The experience most certainly stayed with him all his life. He never forgot the war or the people who did not make it home.
I miss my Dad and have been "channeling" him lately. I open my mouth and my father comes out! I inherited his off-beat sense of humor, his love of cooking and his square fingers. I did NOT inherit his dancing gene. My daughter got that. I wish I had more of his joie de vivre ; his sense that everything will work out if you let it. He used to tell me "Don't take life seriously. You don't get out of it alive."
My Dad's folks split up when he was about nine or ten and after his father was killed in an accident, he was shuttled around to relatives and finally, against his wishes, ending up with his mother in New York City. I always got the feeling that life in Chester PA was much more to his liking than New York City, even if it was a bit rustic. I remember him telling me about one of the places he lived- his dad's girlfriend- who had INDOOR PLUMBING. His dad had a roving eye, apparently,so that did not last. He told me once that when he and my mother were arguing and he considered leaving, he thought of how he felt and knew he didn't want us to grow up like that. They worked it out, whatever the problem was.
My father served in World War II and was at the Battle of the Bulge. His stories when we were kids made it sound like Hogan's Heroes, only later did the stories darken. He never forgot the bitter cold of that Christmas in Belgium or the warmth of the Belgian people who fought with them against the Nazi's. He told me about the women bringing their fine white linens out to cover the guns. He asked them about it and they said that it was a small price to pay to be free. The experience most certainly stayed with him all his life. He never forgot the war or the people who did not make it home.
I miss my Dad and have been "channeling" him lately. I open my mouth and my father comes out! I inherited his off-beat sense of humor, his love of cooking and his square fingers. I did NOT inherit his dancing gene. My daughter got that. I wish I had more of his joie de vivre ; his sense that everything will work out if you let it. He used to tell me "Don't take life seriously. You don't get out of it alive."
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Kids
My daughter is twenty-five, almost twenty-six. In her lifetime,there has always been cable. Computers were small and are getting smaller everyday. She had a cell phone when she was thirteen. Cars have GPS built in. The radio looks for your station AND tells you what song is playing. Technology is a constant in their lives, they take it for granted. So WHY is it SO FREAKING HARD to get kids of a certain age to LEAVE A MESSAGE when they call you? Seriously. I forgot to take my cell off "stun" and when I looked I saw I had a missed call from her. Called her back and left a message asking her to call me but my cellphone is the spawn of Satan these days and it turned itself off. Missed another call. No message. I am guessing she called me on her break, because when I called her back she did not answer. I left HER a message confirming our plans for this week and asking that she call me back. This was a moderate problem. I HATE it when I miss calls from her and there are no fewer than SIX in rapid succession; again NO message. Now I am frantic, in Mom mode, picturing her stranded by the roadside or in Emergency or something heinous. Heart in throat I call her back to be greeted with a breezy "Hi Mom, I figured it out" or "what temperature should I cook the chicken at?" COULDN'T you leave me a message so I don't go into warp drive?
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Working the polls
I have worked the polls for several years now. It's a tough job, believe it or not. First of all, it's a LONG day. We are there from 6 a.m until around nine ( no later than 9:30 is the decree) You have to smile and help people and try not to let moody , grumpy frustrated people get to you. You get an hour meal break. Sometimes you have to work with difficult people ( NOT what happened for me yesterday, thankfully, but it happens) I try to keep it light. Things to remember when voting ( again , in no particular order)
Don't get angry at the poll worker if they can't find your name in the register. They aare doing the best they can to find your name and help you vote.
Don't yell at poll workers and insist that you have "always voted here" Again, not their fault if there was a demographic shift and you are voting at the church ( where you suddenly recall voting at LAST time)
If you are having trouble with the the vote recorder ( that box in the booth) ASK for help. We had an elderly lady who slid her folded ballot into the recorder and could not figure out where her ballot went. I took the recorder apart and found it after she left. I was certain she had put it in her LARGE purse and none of us wanted to insist she empty it to see if she had put it there. We gave her another ballot and she voted, but the mystery of where her ballot went was solved by the next voter entering the booth who said that there were already vote marks on the recorder. In trying to clean it, we saw the ballot stuck in the recorder. I helped an elderly Armenian couple who had not used a recorder before, and a few new voters who were too shy to tell us up front this was their first time.
Try not to leave anything behind. We had a voter leave her driver's license in the booth. One of the crew took it to her after we closed the polls and got everything verified.
Remember, poll workers VOLUNTEER for this. Poll workers make it possible for you to vote in person and in your neighborhood. Many cities have dispensed with the polling places and have gone ALL vote by mail. If you enjoy voting in person, remember the tired person at the table is making it possible for you to do so. I always say "thank you for voting" to our voters. It's nice to hear "thank you for being here" from our voters.
We had about a 10% turn out, a lot of our voters are "vote by mail", so hopefully more than that 10% contributed to this election. Congratulations to Eric Garcetti. I hope he will be the mayor we need, after eight years of that smiling idiot ( I know I shouldn't sugar-coat how I really feel about AnVil, should I?) Hopefully we will move forward and be the wonderful city we used to be!
Don't get angry at the poll worker if they can't find your name in the register. They aare doing the best they can to find your name and help you vote.
Don't yell at poll workers and insist that you have "always voted here" Again, not their fault if there was a demographic shift and you are voting at the church ( where you suddenly recall voting at LAST time)
If you are having trouble with the the vote recorder ( that box in the booth) ASK for help. We had an elderly lady who slid her folded ballot into the recorder and could not figure out where her ballot went. I took the recorder apart and found it after she left. I was certain she had put it in her LARGE purse and none of us wanted to insist she empty it to see if she had put it there. We gave her another ballot and she voted, but the mystery of where her ballot went was solved by the next voter entering the booth who said that there were already vote marks on the recorder. In trying to clean it, we saw the ballot stuck in the recorder. I helped an elderly Armenian couple who had not used a recorder before, and a few new voters who were too shy to tell us up front this was their first time.
Try not to leave anything behind. We had a voter leave her driver's license in the booth. One of the crew took it to her after we closed the polls and got everything verified.
Remember, poll workers VOLUNTEER for this. Poll workers make it possible for you to vote in person and in your neighborhood. Many cities have dispensed with the polling places and have gone ALL vote by mail. If you enjoy voting in person, remember the tired person at the table is making it possible for you to do so. I always say "thank you for voting" to our voters. It's nice to hear "thank you for being here" from our voters.
We had about a 10% turn out, a lot of our voters are "vote by mail", so hopefully more than that 10% contributed to this election. Congratulations to Eric Garcetti. I hope he will be the mayor we need, after eight years of that smiling idiot ( I know I shouldn't sugar-coat how I really feel about AnVil, should I?) Hopefully we will move forward and be the wonderful city we used to be!
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