I'm thinking about taking some classes to boost my resume (graduate certificates at SHU).
I'm having trouble making up my mind between .NET Technology:
Dynamic Web Page Development
Windows Interface Design
Web Design with JavaScript
Web Programming with ASP
and Web Development:
Windows Interface Design
Database Design
Web Programming with ASP.NET
plus one of
Advanced ASP.NET
C#
There's also Interactive Multimedia:
Web Design with JavaScript
Fundamentals of Interactive Multimedia
plus 2 of
Dynamic Web Page Development
Windows Interface Design (VB.NET)
Advanced Scripting with Interactive Media
Multimedia Authoring and Scripting (Authorware)
Any thoughts/recommendations?
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Friday, September 11, 2009
Remembering 9-11
I was in the operations center at Nasdaq (where they run the hardware that the market runs on). I had a software release that was going live that day, so I got there at 8am. There was a large TV in there that always had the news running in the morning, it was a way to see if perhaps it was going to be a heavy trading day because of world events.
When they reported the first plane, our comments were on the line of "how do you not miss something that big?" As 9:30 approached (that's the time the US markets open), the NYSE and the Nasdaq decided to postpone the open until 10:30. Then before 10:30, they decided not to open. That must have been before the NYSE was evacuated and also before they realized how many communication lines would be interrupted by the attacks. (All markets were eventually closed for the entire week as firms scrambled to set up alternate trading sites and arrange new communication lines.)
I spent most of the morning following my VP around to various meetings (standing along the wall with other Leads, in order to answer questions about my system.) I was numb, focusing on work, so much so that when I saw a co-worker crying, I wasn't sure why. I asked if she was OK and she gave me a strange look, I guess she wondered why I was calm. It really didn't hit me until a few days later, like a ton of bricks. Her way was probably better.
Then they decided to evacuate everyone. In the confusion my purse ended up with someone who had already left, and I didn't have my car keys. (The purse had been in my desk in another building and I asked a friend to get it for me.) A co-worker gave me a ride home (it took an hour to get out of the industrial park because everyone in the place was leaving.) We met up with the gal who had my purse and my co-worker took me home.
In the course of the morning, the schools were closed and I had some trouble getting through on my cell phone, but I was able to talk to his aftercare provider to make sure that she'd watch for the bus at the right time. I left Daniel there, because I was going to have to go back to work at some point and didn't know when Blair would be home. That was hard because I wanted to hug my boy very much.
I was waiting in my driveway for my ride when Blair and Daniel drove up. I held onto Daniel for a long time. Then my colleague arrived. A couple of years later, I asked Daniel what he remembered about the day the bad things happened. And he said, "the day the man came and took you away?" It's funny the spin they put on things. I explained that the man had just been giving me a ride to work. But in the intensity of that day, I hadn't thought to reassure him why I was leaving in a strange car with a strange man.
We had to go back to work so the systems could be shut down in an orderly way, because one part of the system was still waiting for market open. Although in a legal sense the markets were closed for the rest of the week, as far as the computers were concerned they were running normally. We did this so that disrupted firms could test their backup systems, new comm lines and the like. We just never sent the transactions to clearing. We also worked with the customers all weekend so that everything was ready when the markets opened the following Monday.
I used to work in the north tower of the Trade Center. Fresh out of school I got a job doing documentation for the state of NY. Since the state owned the building, they used it for offices until better paying tenants moved in. I used to shop in the mall in the basement. The food court was near the PATH train station. The employee cafeteria was only two floors up from us, but because it was on a different bank of elevators, to get there you had to go down to the lobby and back up. From our offices, we had a stunning view uptown that included the Empire State Building. This was back in the early 80's, so it was before the earlier bombing as well.
Afterward, the depression I'd been living with forever and hadn't really noticed or acknowledged, became much worse. The thought of raising my children in a world where this could happen, where it had happened, was overwhelming. But it pushed me to finally do something about it, to admit to myself, to my husband and to my doctor that I was struggling, and to get help.
It also pushed me to sign up for group voice lessons at Adult Ed and eventually for private lessons for a year. It also led to my bosses noticing the way I handled myself in a crisis, and the way I handled my team, and they ended up asking if I'd thought about going into management. That led me to going for my MBA. I know I wouldn't have gone back to school before I started taking anti-depressants. I'm doing a lot of things I never would have considered before then. I think the whole thing made me braver about putting myself out there and doing things I was afraid to do, like taking voice lessons.
"What if it turns out I'm kidding myself when I think I can sing, and I really suck." "What if my scrapbook pages are mediocre and I'm being a big ass when I think I'm an artist?" We've all got the Impostor Police lurking around the corners in the back of our minds, whispering that the rest of the world's going to find out that we're big fat fakes. But you know what? We can sing, and we are artists, and we're good at our jobs and we deserve the compliments others give us.
When they reported the first plane, our comments were on the line of "how do you not miss something that big?" As 9:30 approached (that's the time the US markets open), the NYSE and the Nasdaq decided to postpone the open until 10:30. Then before 10:30, they decided not to open. That must have been before the NYSE was evacuated and also before they realized how many communication lines would be interrupted by the attacks. (All markets were eventually closed for the entire week as firms scrambled to set up alternate trading sites and arrange new communication lines.)
I spent most of the morning following my VP around to various meetings (standing along the wall with other Leads, in order to answer questions about my system.) I was numb, focusing on work, so much so that when I saw a co-worker crying, I wasn't sure why. I asked if she was OK and she gave me a strange look, I guess she wondered why I was calm. It really didn't hit me until a few days later, like a ton of bricks. Her way was probably better.
Then they decided to evacuate everyone. In the confusion my purse ended up with someone who had already left, and I didn't have my car keys. (The purse had been in my desk in another building and I asked a friend to get it for me.) A co-worker gave me a ride home (it took an hour to get out of the industrial park because everyone in the place was leaving.) We met up with the gal who had my purse and my co-worker took me home.
In the course of the morning, the schools were closed and I had some trouble getting through on my cell phone, but I was able to talk to his aftercare provider to make sure that she'd watch for the bus at the right time. I left Daniel there, because I was going to have to go back to work at some point and didn't know when Blair would be home. That was hard because I wanted to hug my boy very much.
I was waiting in my driveway for my ride when Blair and Daniel drove up. I held onto Daniel for a long time. Then my colleague arrived. A couple of years later, I asked Daniel what he remembered about the day the bad things happened. And he said, "the day the man came and took you away?" It's funny the spin they put on things. I explained that the man had just been giving me a ride to work. But in the intensity of that day, I hadn't thought to reassure him why I was leaving in a strange car with a strange man.
We had to go back to work so the systems could be shut down in an orderly way, because one part of the system was still waiting for market open. Although in a legal sense the markets were closed for the rest of the week, as far as the computers were concerned they were running normally. We did this so that disrupted firms could test their backup systems, new comm lines and the like. We just never sent the transactions to clearing. We also worked with the customers all weekend so that everything was ready when the markets opened the following Monday.
I used to work in the north tower of the Trade Center. Fresh out of school I got a job doing documentation for the state of NY. Since the state owned the building, they used it for offices until better paying tenants moved in. I used to shop in the mall in the basement. The food court was near the PATH train station. The employee cafeteria was only two floors up from us, but because it was on a different bank of elevators, to get there you had to go down to the lobby and back up. From our offices, we had a stunning view uptown that included the Empire State Building. This was back in the early 80's, so it was before the earlier bombing as well.
Afterward, the depression I'd been living with forever and hadn't really noticed or acknowledged, became much worse. The thought of raising my children in a world where this could happen, where it had happened, was overwhelming. But it pushed me to finally do something about it, to admit to myself, to my husband and to my doctor that I was struggling, and to get help.
It also pushed me to sign up for group voice lessons at Adult Ed and eventually for private lessons for a year. It also led to my bosses noticing the way I handled myself in a crisis, and the way I handled my team, and they ended up asking if I'd thought about going into management. That led me to going for my MBA. I know I wouldn't have gone back to school before I started taking anti-depressants. I'm doing a lot of things I never would have considered before then. I think the whole thing made me braver about putting myself out there and doing things I was afraid to do, like taking voice lessons.
"What if it turns out I'm kidding myself when I think I can sing, and I really suck." "What if my scrapbook pages are mediocre and I'm being a big ass when I think I'm an artist?" We've all got the Impostor Police lurking around the corners in the back of our minds, whispering that the rest of the world's going to find out that we're big fat fakes. But you know what? We can sing, and we are artists, and we're good at our jobs and we deserve the compliments others give us.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Why Do They Call It Labor Day...
... if we don't do any work? :-)
Wednesday afternoon, I left work a little early, went to the apartment and grabbed my luggage, picked Dumble up at the groomer (boy, do I love the soft fluffy hair on the top of a freshly bathed Yorkie's head, just like baby's hair!) and headed to the airport. Just enough time in O'Hare to pick up a Cinnabon and bagel to go, before heading to the other gate - where they were already boarding! Blair picked me up at LaGuardia and we got home after 1AM. Good thing they changed my appointment the next morning from 11am to 9am (NOT).
We were in downtown New Haven and Blair wanted to stop by Gateway to return his textbook (having scored an earlier version way cheaper on line), and I convinced him to try to find our way there rather than get on the highway. We ended up in West Haven - so much for following my nose! After that we pottered around the Trumbull mall for a bit and had lunch at Johnny Rockets - love the music, love the half fries/half onion rings! Quiet afternoon and evening at home.
On Friday, we exchanged the cable box for a new one, and then headed west on 84 to route 7. It's been a while since we've been antiquing and we had fun meandering down 7, stopping where ever it struck our fancies. We had lunch at a place called the Little Pub, it was quite busy, and the fries were great!
Dan's been grumbling about the new dress code at his school, so he was excited for his first "casual Friday," where he could finally wear his traditional first day of school shirt (the one that says "Warning! I'm not paying attention.") He feels it's only fair to let the teachers know right out of the box what they are in for. Friday was also our last Ice Cream Social at 6 to 6. He's been going there since he was 4 - sniff, sniff.
Dan has been talking about "needing" skinny jeans like his friends, so we told him to find out where they got them, and to let us know. So on Saturday, we hit a store in the mall called Zumiez, where he got a blue pair and a black pair. The blue jeans were a youth 24, but the black pair was a men's 26 - yikes!
Skinny jeans are a good look for him, it's the first time in eons he's had pants that both fit at the waist and are long enough (usually the long enough jeans are way too large in the waist). The 26s were a little bunchy around the ankles, but for some reason made his legs look even skinnier. I know how it feels not to have the right clothes and it made him so happy to have them. That night we had dinner out with my in-laws, it was good to see them.
On Sunday, there was a BBQ at my mom's (but poor mom had to work, so everyone was there but her!) Yummy Ballpark dog, homemade potato salad, cole slaw and mom's Texas Barbecue Sauce, baked beans, and some sinful desserts Dad got at Costco. One was a cabernet pear tart, with marzipan, one was a cake that was more like a huge, thick chocolate chip cookie, and the other was a mudpie cake that was like fudge with marshmallows and nuts on top. I had to have some of each.
I gave my sister her wedding album and she loved it. She and her hubby had hit the Elephant's Trunk earlier, and she got me 4 Trek plates that she got there way cheap for my birthday. We brought Dumbledore with us and he loved seeing all the family and playing roomba while we ate. We hung around back at home for a bit, I packed, and then we went back over to see my mom when she got home from work.
On Monday, we left for the airport at 11 for a 2pm flight, because we were worried about traffic. The guys tried to get gate passes, but the ticket agent wouldn't go for it. As always, it sucked leaving them, and I'm here in MN now until Thanksgiving.
Wednesday afternoon, I left work a little early, went to the apartment and grabbed my luggage, picked Dumble up at the groomer (boy, do I love the soft fluffy hair on the top of a freshly bathed Yorkie's head, just like baby's hair!) and headed to the airport. Just enough time in O'Hare to pick up a Cinnabon and bagel to go, before heading to the other gate - where they were already boarding! Blair picked me up at LaGuardia and we got home after 1AM. Good thing they changed my appointment the next morning from 11am to 9am (NOT).
We were in downtown New Haven and Blair wanted to stop by Gateway to return his textbook (having scored an earlier version way cheaper on line), and I convinced him to try to find our way there rather than get on the highway. We ended up in West Haven - so much for following my nose! After that we pottered around the Trumbull mall for a bit and had lunch at Johnny Rockets - love the music, love the half fries/half onion rings! Quiet afternoon and evening at home.
On Friday, we exchanged the cable box for a new one, and then headed west on 84 to route 7. It's been a while since we've been antiquing and we had fun meandering down 7, stopping where ever it struck our fancies. We had lunch at a place called the Little Pub, it was quite busy, and the fries were great!
Dan's been grumbling about the new dress code at his school, so he was excited for his first "casual Friday," where he could finally wear his traditional first day of school shirt (the one that says "Warning! I'm not paying attention.") He feels it's only fair to let the teachers know right out of the box what they are in for. Friday was also our last Ice Cream Social at 6 to 6. He's been going there since he was 4 - sniff, sniff.
Dan has been talking about "needing" skinny jeans like his friends, so we told him to find out where they got them, and to let us know. So on Saturday, we hit a store in the mall called Zumiez, where he got a blue pair and a black pair. The blue jeans were a youth 24, but the black pair was a men's 26 - yikes!
Skinny jeans are a good look for him, it's the first time in eons he's had pants that both fit at the waist and are long enough (usually the long enough jeans are way too large in the waist). The 26s were a little bunchy around the ankles, but for some reason made his legs look even skinnier. I know how it feels not to have the right clothes and it made him so happy to have them. That night we had dinner out with my in-laws, it was good to see them.
On Sunday, there was a BBQ at my mom's (but poor mom had to work, so everyone was there but her!) Yummy Ballpark dog, homemade potato salad, cole slaw and mom's Texas Barbecue Sauce, baked beans, and some sinful desserts Dad got at Costco. One was a cabernet pear tart, with marzipan, one was a cake that was more like a huge, thick chocolate chip cookie, and the other was a mudpie cake that was like fudge with marshmallows and nuts on top. I had to have some of each.
I gave my sister her wedding album and she loved it. She and her hubby had hit the Elephant's Trunk earlier, and she got me 4 Trek plates that she got there way cheap for my birthday. We brought Dumbledore with us and he loved seeing all the family and playing roomba while we ate. We hung around back at home for a bit, I packed, and then we went back over to see my mom when she got home from work.
On Monday, we left for the airport at 11 for a 2pm flight, because we were worried about traffic. The guys tried to get gate passes, but the ticket agent wouldn't go for it. As always, it sucked leaving them, and I'm here in MN now until Thanksgiving.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
My Day
I woke up thinking today would suck big rocks, but it was pretty ok.
It didn't start out so great, I'm looking all over for my copic markers. I'm pretty sure I brought them, and the place isn't that big - so where are they? Blair can't find them at home either, but I'll look next week.
I got my oil changed and the guy recognized me (or more likely my car - after all how many vans does he see with CT plates and a license plate holder from Haleakala Motors on Maui?)
Thence to Target for some essentials (TP, paper towels, ligthbulbs - such an exciting day so far huh?) and a floor lamp. It's so dark in my living room at night. I got one of those guys with five shades on flexible arms, so I can point them all around and really brighten up the place.
Next stop was the Rochester Scrapbooking Co, where I got some really cool glitter paper. It gorgeous!
Next up was Petco, Dumble is running low on kibble and treats (this day just keeps getting more and more exciting!) I also found him a little rubber chicken, it's not exactly like the dead duck he had at momento (it disappeared shortly before we closed), but it's pretty close.
I stopped in a nearby Hallmark to ogle the Vera Bradley bags. Then I wandered around Hobby Lobby (I've never been in one before.) It was OK, but there was nothing I wanted to buy.
I had dinner at Whiskey Creek (bacon cheeseburger, fries and a decadent desert involving some kind of chocolate cake/brownie thing with ice cream, hot fudge and whipped cream.) It was yummy, but if the burger was medium, I'm 17. (BTW, I'm 48 but I don't look a day over 47.) As I ate my dessert, I said "Happy Birthday to me."
I came home to a very happy doggy, and we had a nice long walkies. It was a lovely evening for it, cool and breezy, very pleasant, and it did good things for my mood, and Dumble was happy to, but not has happy as he was to get the rubber chicken when we got home.
I watched some TV with my guys, and now my day is done.
There was a one-legged man with a cardboard sign at a stoplight this afternoon. My window was rolled down and he asked if I was having a good day. I wasn't at the time, but compared to his, I wasn't going to say no. He asked if I could spare some change and I gave him a dollar. In a gentle voice, he thanked me and wished me a good day. It made me want to cry. But I'm still not sure if I was crying for him or me. Certainly being 2000 miles from my family sucks, but I have a job, and me and my guys have all our limbs. I suppose I'm entitled to the occasional pity party, but then I need to get over myself.
I got email and facebook birthday greetings from all over the country, and even from a couple others, and they really brightened my day. At the speed of light, love comes to me from my dear March moms, my friends and my family. Thank you all.
It didn't start out so great, I'm looking all over for my copic markers. I'm pretty sure I brought them, and the place isn't that big - so where are they? Blair can't find them at home either, but I'll look next week.
I got my oil changed and the guy recognized me (or more likely my car - after all how many vans does he see with CT plates and a license plate holder from Haleakala Motors on Maui?)
Thence to Target for some essentials (TP, paper towels, ligthbulbs - such an exciting day so far huh?) and a floor lamp. It's so dark in my living room at night. I got one of those guys with five shades on flexible arms, so I can point them all around and really brighten up the place.
Next stop was the Rochester Scrapbooking Co, where I got some really cool glitter paper. It gorgeous!
Next up was Petco, Dumble is running low on kibble and treats (this day just keeps getting more and more exciting!) I also found him a little rubber chicken, it's not exactly like the dead duck he had at momento (it disappeared shortly before we closed), but it's pretty close.
I stopped in a nearby Hallmark to ogle the Vera Bradley bags. Then I wandered around Hobby Lobby (I've never been in one before.) It was OK, but there was nothing I wanted to buy.
I had dinner at Whiskey Creek (bacon cheeseburger, fries and a decadent desert involving some kind of chocolate cake/brownie thing with ice cream, hot fudge and whipped cream.) It was yummy, but if the burger was medium, I'm 17. (BTW, I'm 48 but I don't look a day over 47.) As I ate my dessert, I said "Happy Birthday to me."
I came home to a very happy doggy, and we had a nice long walkies. It was a lovely evening for it, cool and breezy, very pleasant, and it did good things for my mood, and Dumble was happy to, but not has happy as he was to get the rubber chicken when we got home.
I watched some TV with my guys, and now my day is done.
There was a one-legged man with a cardboard sign at a stoplight this afternoon. My window was rolled down and he asked if I was having a good day. I wasn't at the time, but compared to his, I wasn't going to say no. He asked if I could spare some change and I gave him a dollar. In a gentle voice, he thanked me and wished me a good day. It made me want to cry. But I'm still not sure if I was crying for him or me. Certainly being 2000 miles from my family sucks, but I have a job, and me and my guys have all our limbs. I suppose I'm entitled to the occasional pity party, but then I need to get over myself.
I got email and facebook birthday greetings from all over the country, and even from a couple others, and they really brightened my day. At the speed of light, love comes to me from my dear March moms, my friends and my family. Thank you all.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Sad and Bewildered
I had a very close friend, we were a matched set, with so many things in common, similar backgrounds, tastes, sense of humor. We'd been through a lot together, so I was caught completely flat-footed when, like a light switch turning off, my friend, who'd been as dear to me as a sister, was no longer my friend.
I've tried to find out why this happened, but my emails went unanswered. I'm so hurt, so confused, so sad. I don't know what I did to bring this on. And I'm having trouble letting go. So many times, I think of her, things happening that she'd appreciate, memories of time we spent together. And each time I think of her, I wonder why.
I know I have to give up on trying to find what went wrong. Continuing to email with no response would be stalker-like, but knowing and feeling are two separate things. How do I get my heart in line with my logical mind? How do I let go of the emptiness, the hurt? Maybe if I could get angry, but there's only sadness and bewilderment.
Has anyone had a similar experience? Do you have any advice?
I've tried to find out why this happened, but my emails went unanswered. I'm so hurt, so confused, so sad. I don't know what I did to bring this on. And I'm having trouble letting go. So many times, I think of her, things happening that she'd appreciate, memories of time we spent together. And each time I think of her, I wonder why.
I know I have to give up on trying to find what went wrong. Continuing to email with no response would be stalker-like, but knowing and feeling are two separate things. How do I get my heart in line with my logical mind? How do I let go of the emptiness, the hurt? Maybe if I could get angry, but there's only sadness and bewilderment.
Has anyone had a similar experience? Do you have any advice?
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Busy Guys!
Monday, they rented Segways and toodled around Rochester along the river paths. Then Blair revisited the local barbershop chorus.
Tuesday, they took a bus tour to the Mississippi River and Wisconsin. They had lunch in a town called Alta, and a town with only 352 residents (that's smaller than my high school graduating class!). They saw Lake Pepin, Lark Toys, and locks on the river, and visited an eagle sanctuary.
Wednesday, they took the self guided audio art tour of the clinic and saw the art that wasn't covered on the guided tour. Thursday was rainy and they went bowling again and Blair won two out of three games, then Daniel had lunch and kicked his tushie in the third game!
Friday, they went up to St Paul and visited the science museum including the Titanic exhibit. At the beginning, they give you a passport with a passenger's name on it and at the end, you see if you survived or not. Dan was John Astor, and Blair was someone from Norway (I'm assuming he was in steerage!). Neither of them made it though.
Last night, Dan and I had a disagreement, and when we apologized, I said that I didn't want to fight on their last night, and next thing I know, we're both crying and I'm saying to Blair, "He's my baby, and you're taking him away." It hurt so bad, and I hadn't wanted to lose it in front of Dan and upset him, but I couldn't help myself. We promised to video chat this afternoon when they get home. I tried all week not to think about them going away, because when I do, it hurts so much.
This morning early, they set off for home. Their plane left on time and they called from Chicago. They sounded fine.
Tuesday, they took a bus tour to the Mississippi River and Wisconsin. They had lunch in a town called Alta, and a town with only 352 residents (that's smaller than my high school graduating class!). They saw Lake Pepin, Lark Toys, and locks on the river, and visited an eagle sanctuary.
Wednesday, they took the self guided audio art tour of the clinic and saw the art that wasn't covered on the guided tour. Thursday was rainy and they went bowling again and Blair won two out of three games, then Daniel had lunch and kicked his tushie in the third game!
Friday, they went up to St Paul and visited the science museum including the Titanic exhibit. At the beginning, they give you a passport with a passenger's name on it and at the end, you see if you survived or not. Dan was John Astor, and Blair was someone from Norway (I'm assuming he was in steerage!). Neither of them made it though.
Last night, Dan and I had a disagreement, and when we apologized, I said that I didn't want to fight on their last night, and next thing I know, we're both crying and I'm saying to Blair, "He's my baby, and you're taking him away." It hurt so bad, and I hadn't wanted to lose it in front of Dan and upset him, but I couldn't help myself. We promised to video chat this afternoon when they get home. I tried all week not to think about them going away, because when I do, it hurts so much.
This morning early, they set off for home. Their plane left on time and they called from Chicago. They sounded fine.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Sometimes Airport Trouble is a Good Thing
There was bad weather in Chicago today, and Daniel and Blair's plane was going to be delayed so much that they would have missed their connection at O'Hare to LaGuardia. So they changed their tickets and aren't going home until next Saturday! I'm a happy girl!
Friday, they went to the Spam museum and enjoyed themselves. Saturday, we visited an antique show and a county fair in Zumbrota. The capper of the day was the "demo" or demolition derby. I've never seen anything like it, but we had a blast! At first it was just funny - mud flying and cars crashing into each other - but it was pretty impressive too, we couldn't believe the amount of damage some of the cars could take and still keep going. What a riot!
Friday, they went to the Spam museum and enjoyed themselves. Saturday, we visited an antique show and a county fair in Zumbrota. The capper of the day was the "demo" or demolition derby. I've never seen anything like it, but we had a blast! At first it was just funny - mud flying and cars crashing into each other - but it was pretty impressive too, we couldn't believe the amount of damage some of the cars could take and still keep going. What a riot!
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Fun In Minnesota
Saturday, we visited the Mall of America, a little shopping (Dan got some magic tricks, Blair got some souveniers, I got some clothing and had fun in Brighton), a little eating (Tony Roma's for lunch and Coldstone for "dinner") and a little fun (a hall of mirrors and mini golf). The drive home was miserable, since the van my folks lent to me has no AC and it was warm and very humid.
On Sunday, we visited Heritage House and Dairy Queen. In the evening, we picked up dinner at Roscoe's (drive up BBQ), and listened to a free concert with the Smitherines.
Monday, they went bowling. That evening we picked up some groceries at Target and had dinner at Applebee's. Afterwards, Blair visited the local barbershop chorus, the Rochester Music Men and had fun!
On Tuesday, Dan and Blair went to Niagara Cave in Iowa, where they got soaked sluicing for minerals outside in a downpour. Later, it cleared up, and we went to a Honkers baseball game. Lots of fun food there, hot dogs, potato bites, mini donuts and funnel cake fries. The team won their playoff game. They also won last night, so tomorrow they have a game against another team, and we're planning to go.
Wednesday, they guys went to the Quarry Hill Nature Center followed by go-carting at Skyline Raceway. We had dinner at Dos Amigos.
Today, they hung out in the apartment until after lunchtime. Then they met me at the clinic and we took a tour of some of the amazing art they have here. They came back again (with the dog) at the end of the day and we visited the street fair they have every Thursday.
It's been lovely having the guys here, but I know I'll fall apart when they leave.
On Sunday, we visited Heritage House and Dairy Queen. In the evening, we picked up dinner at Roscoe's (drive up BBQ), and listened to a free concert with the Smitherines.
Monday, they went bowling. That evening we picked up some groceries at Target and had dinner at Applebee's. Afterwards, Blair visited the local barbershop chorus, the Rochester Music Men and had fun!
On Tuesday, Dan and Blair went to Niagara Cave in Iowa, where they got soaked sluicing for minerals outside in a downpour. Later, it cleared up, and we went to a Honkers baseball game. Lots of fun food there, hot dogs, potato bites, mini donuts and funnel cake fries. The team won their playoff game. They also won last night, so tomorrow they have a game against another team, and we're planning to go.
Wednesday, they guys went to the Quarry Hill Nature Center followed by go-carting at Skyline Raceway. We had dinner at Dos Amigos.
Today, they hung out in the apartment until after lunchtime. Then they met me at the clinic and we took a tour of some of the amazing art they have here. They came back again (with the dog) at the end of the day and we visited the street fair they have every Thursday.
It's been lovely having the guys here, but I know I'll fall apart when they leave.
Friday, August 7, 2009
County Fair
Last Saturday, Dan and I went to the Olmstead County Fair (right here in Rochester). We had a total blast. Dan got his (actually my) money's worth out of his ride bracelet - he rode the bumper cars at least 7 times. While we were waiting to buy pizza a nice lady who was leaving gave us three tickets, which was exactly how many we needed so that I could ride the Ferris wheel with him!
Dan had pizza for lunch and dinner. We tried fried cheese curds (I was proud of Dan for giving them a shot), he didn't like them, I thought they were OK, but wouldn't go out of my way to have them again (very heavy grease taste/smell) and we gave the leftovers to a couple of teenage boys. The famous mini donuts were a hit, however. We loved them. Last of all we had a spaghetti sundae. What a whimsical and yummy treat.
We walked through the craft hall and looked at cows and horses. Whenever we were eating, there was a band playing in one of the halls. We heard three very different groups. There was a little shopping too. There was a magician demonstrating some products, and he and Dan got to talking about tricks. He showed us how to do a couple of things and I bought him two trick decks of cards. Dan impressed the guy with his magical knowledge and he talked to Dan magician to magician - it was pretty cool.
Dan did pretty good with the midway games. His fantastic aim won him a small Stewie (from the Family Guy, one of his favorite shows - he quotes it constantly) that he was thrilled to get. We also spent a good deal of time (and money!) at the Sweeper booth. But we got a great deal of entertainment waiting for the pesky Garfield keychain to drop. Dan tried different strategies of aim and timing to maximize his winnings, and a nice man (whose family saves their loose change all year round so they can try to win the biggest prize in the booth) gave him a cup of tokens when we ran out. His prizes from that booth were some pop caps, a switchblade comb and (the perennial favorite) a whoopie cushion.
Daniel enjoyed his last two camps, and honed his public bus riding skills with two new routes. And last night he got a great big surprise when he rode with me to pick up a package at the FedEx office at the airport - the package was his Daddy! And Daniel was completely surprised. We all had lunch together when Daniel was done with College for Kids and then they did some supermarket shopping and went bowling afterwards. We were going to go to a ballgame tonight, but it's cold and drizzly so we're going to stay in and order pizza instead.
Blair got info from the tourism board and has lots of fun things he wants to do with Dan (like the Spam museum). And tomorrow we'll hit the Mall of America.
The dog was besides himself to see Blair, and spent a lot of time physically attached to Blair yesterday evening. I'm so thrilled to have my family together.
Dan had pizza for lunch and dinner. We tried fried cheese curds (I was proud of Dan for giving them a shot), he didn't like them, I thought they were OK, but wouldn't go out of my way to have them again (very heavy grease taste/smell) and we gave the leftovers to a couple of teenage boys. The famous mini donuts were a hit, however. We loved them. Last of all we had a spaghetti sundae. What a whimsical and yummy treat.
We walked through the craft hall and looked at cows and horses. Whenever we were eating, there was a band playing in one of the halls. We heard three very different groups. There was a little shopping too. There was a magician demonstrating some products, and he and Dan got to talking about tricks. He showed us how to do a couple of things and I bought him two trick decks of cards. Dan impressed the guy with his magical knowledge and he talked to Dan magician to magician - it was pretty cool.
Dan did pretty good with the midway games. His fantastic aim won him a small Stewie (from the Family Guy, one of his favorite shows - he quotes it constantly) that he was thrilled to get. We also spent a good deal of time (and money!) at the Sweeper booth. But we got a great deal of entertainment waiting for the pesky Garfield keychain to drop. Dan tried different strategies of aim and timing to maximize his winnings, and a nice man (whose family saves their loose change all year round so they can try to win the biggest prize in the booth) gave him a cup of tokens when we ran out. His prizes from that booth were some pop caps, a switchblade comb and (the perennial favorite) a whoopie cushion.
Daniel enjoyed his last two camps, and honed his public bus riding skills with two new routes. And last night he got a great big surprise when he rode with me to pick up a package at the FedEx office at the airport - the package was his Daddy! And Daniel was completely surprised. We all had lunch together when Daniel was done with College for Kids and then they did some supermarket shopping and went bowling afterwards. We were going to go to a ballgame tonight, but it's cold and drizzly so we're going to stay in and order pizza instead.
Blair got info from the tourism board and has lots of fun things he wants to do with Dan (like the Spam museum). And tomorrow we'll hit the Mall of America.
The dog was besides himself to see Blair, and spent a lot of time physically attached to Blair yesterday evening. I'm so thrilled to have my family together.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Dan's Programming Class
Today was the first day of Daniel's computer game programming class. The school is very close to my office, so he walked over to join me when he was done. He came out of it bubbly and excited, and really enjoyed himself. He said that today they designed some games, and I talked to him briefly about the software development cycle (since I was debugging a program at the time). I can't believe how it warmed my heart that he thought programming was cool. Now I get why some parents are so hot to have their kids take over the family business!
We had a very lazy weekend, capped with hanging out at a playground last evening in listening range of a free concert by Jamey Johnson. It was a lovely evening for a walk, and for listening to great music. This evening was cool, so we took a long walk to the park, and Dan played on the playground, while I read a book in the shade. He's such good company, and I'm enjoying him immensely.
We had a very lazy weekend, capped with hanging out at a playground last evening in listening range of a free concert by Jamey Johnson. It was a lovely evening for a walk, and for listening to great music. This evening was cool, so we took a long walk to the park, and Dan played on the playground, while I read a book in the shade. He's such good company, and I'm enjoying him immensely.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Lightbulb Moments
Tuesday afternoon, Dan rode the city bus from camp and met me at work. Then we headed back to the apartment via the Mayo employee shuttle. We ended up fairly far back, and as we rode home I explained to him how people get off the bus here. Buses empty from the front to the back, and people don't even stand up until it's their turn. Very different from the east coast, where it's every man for himself. After that we chatted at how nice everyone seems here.
"That's so..." he trailed off.
"Civilized?" I asked.
"Yeah! It's nice"
By then we were almost to the front door, and Daniel pulled his keys out of his pocket. Unfortunately, the lanyard dragged out his cash. Dollar bills sailed into the street, and Daniel wailed. There was a car coming down the street, and the driver stopped right there and got out to help Dan collect the money in the street, while I got the bills on the sidewalk. Between the three of us, we managed to gather it all. We thanked the young man profusely, and as we checked our mail, I said, "See what I mean, they're really nice here."
It was overcast and breezy Tuesday evening, so it was perfect for a long "walkies" with Dumbledore. The three of us walked south along the river, crossing to the park. I showed Daniel a very nice looking public pool and we stopped for a little while so he could climb on the playground structures. In all, I think we were out for about 2 hours.
While we walked, we chatted. He told me about his day packing food to be sent to Africa to feed hungry people. He also told me things he had learned from a young lady he rode the bus downtown with (her mom also works at the clinic). She told him how to make a whistle with a blade of crabgrass, and that the library was a short walk from our place and he should check it out.
Daniel made a remark about how automobile tires sometimes seem to spin backwards on TV. We talked about revolutions per second and the refresh rates of video screens (or the frame rate of film), going at it from a few different angles. About 5 minutes into the discussion, Daniel suddenly went "Ohhh - I get it". It was fun watching the bulb light up over his head - he was so excited. (There's a word for the effect, but I couldn't remember what it's called. Anyone?)
Next up he made a comment about being confused by the numbered streets, given that several streets have the same or similar names. So then we talked about Broadway and Center Street and how the street (and avenue) numbers radiate out from there. I told him that if you could look at two consecutive street (or avenue) signs, you would know where you were and how to get where you are going. There was another "aha" moment. (It's so much fun when you witness one - and I got two in one day!)
After that he was comparing his experience in Rochester to being in Witness Protection (we watch In Plain Sight), a fresh start where "no one knows I'm not cool in Connecticut!" He exclaimed this triumphantly with his fists in the air. I'm really glad he's having a good time here.
"That's so..." he trailed off.
"Civilized?" I asked.
"Yeah! It's nice"
By then we were almost to the front door, and Daniel pulled his keys out of his pocket. Unfortunately, the lanyard dragged out his cash. Dollar bills sailed into the street, and Daniel wailed. There was a car coming down the street, and the driver stopped right there and got out to help Dan collect the money in the street, while I got the bills on the sidewalk. Between the three of us, we managed to gather it all. We thanked the young man profusely, and as we checked our mail, I said, "See what I mean, they're really nice here."
It was overcast and breezy Tuesday evening, so it was perfect for a long "walkies" with Dumbledore. The three of us walked south along the river, crossing to the park. I showed Daniel a very nice looking public pool and we stopped for a little while so he could climb on the playground structures. In all, I think we were out for about 2 hours.
While we walked, we chatted. He told me about his day packing food to be sent to Africa to feed hungry people. He also told me things he had learned from a young lady he rode the bus downtown with (her mom also works at the clinic). She told him how to make a whistle with a blade of crabgrass, and that the library was a short walk from our place and he should check it out.
Daniel made a remark about how automobile tires sometimes seem to spin backwards on TV. We talked about revolutions per second and the refresh rates of video screens (or the frame rate of film), going at it from a few different angles. About 5 minutes into the discussion, Daniel suddenly went "Ohhh - I get it". It was fun watching the bulb light up over his head - he was so excited. (There's a word for the effect, but I couldn't remember what it's called. Anyone?)
Next up he made a comment about being confused by the numbered streets, given that several streets have the same or similar names. So then we talked about Broadway and Center Street and how the street (and avenue) numbers radiate out from there. I told him that if you could look at two consecutive street (or avenue) signs, you would know where you were and how to get where you are going. There was another "aha" moment. (It's so much fun when you witness one - and I got two in one day!)
After that he was comparing his experience in Rochester to being in Witness Protection (we watch In Plain Sight), a fresh start where "no one knows I'm not cool in Connecticut!" He exclaimed this triumphantly with his fists in the air. I'm really glad he's having a good time here.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Back and Forth
Last Thursday night, Dumbledore and I headed east for the July 4th weekend. The nice surprise for me was that Alex came down from Massachussetts, so I got to have lunch at Chili's with all my guys! The weekend was filled with visits with family and packing up Daniel for his fun-filled summer in Minnesota.
We started with a large pile of what Daniel thought was neccessary, and with judicious pruning and smart packing, we managed to get into two duffles (along with my things). Flying home was mostly problem free, but boos and hisses to American for posting the wrong gate number on the monitors for a while and not making any announcements at the "wrong" gate until the final boarding call. But the three of us got home safe and sound, and made a quick trip to the market for food for Daniel.
He had his first day of camp yesterday, and likes his "team leader" and the rest of his team. He enjoyed the activities but not the lunch, and had a good time. He had no problem catching a city bus and called me from his new cell phone when he got downtown (the good news is that every bus in Rochester ends up by the Clinic.) I met him in the plaza and brought him up to my office.
Today, he'll be making his way to my office by himself. He doesn't seem to have been nervous about the bus trip (he's hardly ever taken public transportation before - let alone by himself) and seems to have been fine with being dumped in a strange place with a bunch of people he's never met before. I'm so proud of the way he adapted!
We took a little walk with Dumble last night and I pointed out some things. I showed him where he should be able to get off the bus near our apartment if he doesn't want to meet me at work (and he's on a particular bus).
Of course, it's been great having him here. Dumble is enjoying having another playmate, and I'm just tickled to have his company. He's such a nice guy and I've missed him terribly.
We started with a large pile of what Daniel thought was neccessary, and with judicious pruning and smart packing, we managed to get into two duffles (along with my things). Flying home was mostly problem free, but boos and hisses to American for posting the wrong gate number on the monitors for a while and not making any announcements at the "wrong" gate until the final boarding call. But the three of us got home safe and sound, and made a quick trip to the market for food for Daniel.
He had his first day of camp yesterday, and likes his "team leader" and the rest of his team. He enjoyed the activities but not the lunch, and had a good time. He had no problem catching a city bus and called me from his new cell phone when he got downtown (the good news is that every bus in Rochester ends up by the Clinic.) I met him in the plaza and brought him up to my office.
Today, he'll be making his way to my office by himself. He doesn't seem to have been nervous about the bus trip (he's hardly ever taken public transportation before - let alone by himself) and seems to have been fine with being dumped in a strange place with a bunch of people he's never met before. I'm so proud of the way he adapted!
We took a little walk with Dumble last night and I pointed out some things. I showed him where he should be able to get off the bus near our apartment if he doesn't want to meet me at work (and he's on a particular bus).
Of course, it's been great having him here. Dumble is enjoying having another playmate, and I'm just tickled to have his company. He's such a nice guy and I've missed him terribly.
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