My son’s school travel club is planning a trip to London and Paris next year and he’s going! While he’s in London, he’ll be seeing
The Strand
Trafalgar Square
Leicester Square
Covent Garden
Big Ben and Houses of Parliament
Piccadilly Circus
St. Paul’s Cathedral
Changing of the Guard at Buckinghan Palace
Westminster Abbey
I’m so excited for him! I’ve ALWAYS wanted to go, so I’ve told him that he needs to write in a diary every day - even if he’s too tired.
Do you have any tips or things to look for while he’s there?
I loved reading about Piereth’s account of spending time with her son. Those were the best days … no time constraints, just being spontaneous and having fun!
My son is 16. I have great memories (like Piereth’s) about going for a walk and taking 20 minutes to walk one block because we had to follow an ant. I remember going to the park when it was 35 degrees outside (Celsius!) and running through the sprinklers that came on. I remember going for a walk in the dark (when it was freezing outside) because he got a new light sabre and wanted to pretend he was Luke Skywalker.
These fun things don’t have to end just because you have a teenager. In fact, they become more important. I just got a call from my son’s school counselor. He went to talk to her about changing a class because he wanted to try something else and, because she was easy to talk to, he ended up spending half an hour talking to her! She just wanted to let me know that he was telling her about the lectures that I take him to at our local university and that he has a great time riding bikes in the coulees with his dad. She said that she doesn’t hear from many families that do those kinds of things with their kids and that, even though he probably speaks in monosyllabic grunts a lot of the time, the times that we spend with him are important to him.
So, all you moms and dads out there who enjoy spending timewith your kids, give yourself a pat on the back. Don’t let spending money on them take the place of spending time. You’ll reap the rewards!
These are some photos that I just had to stop and stare at when I walked by them at a local art exhibition. I’m not sure what it is about them… I just really like them!
Avocados by Edward Steichen Three Apples by Edward Steichen
One of our local art centers is having a one day sale today. I’m going to look for pottery.
I used to think that pottery was WAY too expensive. I mean, how hard is it to make a bowl? Or a plate? Since taking a pottery class last year, I now have a new appreciation for it. It is REALLY hard to make a bowl! Never mind a MUG! I’ll have to take some photos of my “work” and post them.
Another thing that I always thought looked easy was playing the guitar. I mean, really - strum strum strum - what’s the big deal. I took a guitar class through the fall - it’s really hard TOO! I still can’t get all the way through “You are my Sunshine” (well, I can - but one verse takes 3 minutes to play).
I like learning new things. Any suggestions for another class I should sign up for in the fall?
“C” had a hissy fit because another department had a little wine and cheese to celebrate their achievements. ‘Why doens’t our department do that’ she said. I said “I think that’s a great idea … let’s do it after summer is over - everyone is going on holidays now and this will be a great way to sort of welcome everyone back”. No no … that won’t work…why can’t we do it right away? The other department did! So, I did a little poll to see if anyone could come. A few people could - 9 of them as a matter of fact. “Invite the other departments as well!” C said. So I did.
The party was today. 9 people were there. 9. Nine. That’s it. As opposed to the other department’s 30 people.
And here’s the kicker ….. C looked at the calendar wrong and is out of town. Out. Of. Town. Can’t. Be. Here. HA HA!!
I’m having a dinner party on Saturday the 26th. It’s one of those “dinner club” things and this time it’s at my house. We’re supposed to make Indian food. I’m not very good with spicy food, but I’m going to try to be adventurous. Does anyone have any good mild Indian recipes? Someone is bringing Butter chicken (their Indian gramma is helping them make it!) and naan.
I’d also like some recipes for a good alcoholic Indian drink. Perhaps if I make those really well, they won’t care if my food is bad.
… as the mother of a 15 year old! My son will be 16 tomorrow! The big One-Six! What were you doing with you were 16? Don’t be afraid! Tell me the sordid stories! (I didn’t do anything until I was 17 - you’ll have to wait another year!)
I went to a screening of The World’s Greatest Commercials” last night. This was one of my favorites.
Have a nice weekend everyone! What are you up to this weekend?
It’s a little tense in our department. It’s no one’s “fault” but there have just been some issues that have popped up and they weren’t handled spectacularily. People don’t know the whole story, so they’re angry. So … I suggested to my boss that we have a department meeting.
Me: I know you’re really busy, but do you think we have time for a department meeting?
Him: Why?
Me: (thinking - really? you don’t know why?) well … it’s just a little tense around here and I thought it would help if we all sort of talked about it.
Him: I don’t think meetings help get rid of tension, I think that it just makes it worse.
Me: I don’t agree with you… just think about it and let me know.
Him: I’ll think about it.
I’ve just heard that he was walking down the hallway asking people if they thought we needed a meeting. Wow. He listened to me. Can’t believe it. Now, all I have to do is convince him that he needs to leave his ego at the door, apologize for not handling the situation properly and lead us to figure out how we can become a team again.
By the way … any good links to team building after a yucky tense time?
