Oh, the humanity!

OK, kids! Here they are! Here's some math for you too:

1 rabbit + 1 chicken hat = urine on owner

Yes, my beloved furry friend baptized me to show her displeasure of her chapeau

In the voice of Gizmo:

"Here I am, waiting on my dinner. Look how nice and calm I am. I'm such a good girl."

"What the heck??? Oh, the humanity! Get this thing off my head...NOW!"

"OOPS! I told you I wanted it off!"

Call Me....Pumpkin Carver

I'm getting ready for T or T tomorrow night. I've got my stencils picked and will carve the "Funkins" tonight. I picked up the hot dogs and buns today at Sam's on my way home. The little girl next door let me borrow a hat for Gizmo...this year she is going to be a chicken. I'm going to try and take some pictures of her tonight and I'll post them if she behaves. Bunnies don't like to dress-up so much.

Momma, Sue and Guinness left for Florida yesterday. Gary, Ann and I went over on Tuesday. Ann and I helped Sue pack and then we had a fantastic orange cake for G's birthday (yesterday). I took the rest of the cake to work...it didn't last the morning. Apparently the staff likes orange cake too!

My boss leaves for some much deserved vacation tomorrow, so I'm in charge. It's not my most favorite thing to do. The good news is that I got all the work done that I needed to do this week, so tomorrow I can just put out the "fires." Things always seem to fall apart when Jim leaves...I really appreciate the job that he does.

Later!

Halloween 2008

Gary and I got an early start this morning and went Halloween shopping. I know, I said I hate to shop and this remains true but if there are a few purchases involved, it is at least tolerable.

We had to get a few things for Gizmo first...mostly hay...rabbits have to have it and we buy the biggest bags we can find.

Then we headed over to Target and found some really sweet things...a fogger that is water based, a voice and motion skeleton head, a coffin mister (with smoke) and some pre-designed pumpkins. We also purchased two disposable grills. This year, I'm cooking hot dogs instead of giving out candy. I figure, if I have to be outside freezing, I might as well have a fire (see my post below about my love of fire). I hope the kids like them and the parents don't freak out - you know the crazies and putting crap into Halloween treats.

We then went to Hobby Lobby and picked up some carvable fake pumpkins. I'm going to get on line and see if I can find some sweet stencils. Any ideas? We were thinking "the Little Fighting Irish Guy," a scary face and something else. I've got a handheld Drummel with a saw blade so I'm hoping it will be easy.

Finally, we headed to Strader's and got the real things. Gary's planning on using the pumpkins all season. He picked up some corn stalks and we'll leave the pumpkins uncarved for Thanksgiving.

Well, I've got crap to do.

Later...

Good Night 4 Football!

Congrat's to the ND football team with a solid win over Washington. Now I know Washington hasn't won a game yet, however, we really needed a solid win, across the country and at night. All phases of the game looked good - well there is still "adventures in kicking." They got the lead early, was a little too laid back for me in the 2nd quarter but over all they were strong. Even the 2nd team offense moved the ball...the defense did give up a late Washington score but I didn't recognize many of the numbers out there. I'm looking forward to the game next week against Pittsburgh.

By the way big bro...I like the way you think....yeah, the camera broke after all those pictures that's why there were so few of me. One question...If the camera broke, how did they get pictures of Gidget and her pups when we got her when I turned 4??????

Later

A Evening With Friends

Last evening, Gary and I went to Plank's on Parsons with Bern, Jess, Monica, Hephy (or Leah) and later on Aaron. A great time was had by all and especially me as I got to hold Hephy almost the entire evening. Boy is she getting big! Dinner consisted of pizza and beer. I must say that Plank's pizza is one of the best in Columbus; a sweet thin crust with just the right amount of toppings. By the way, beer on tap is served in a frosty mug....very nice!

By the way, I found out my ranking in the family this week. I had to bring a baby picture into work for Respiratory Care Week. I headed over to momma's house and she and I found a big box of pictures under the basement steps. As we searched through the box, it became increasingly obvious, where I ranked. Based on the number of pictures:

1. Fred
2. Ann
3. Mom & Dad
4. Sue
5. Dogs and Puppies
6. Me

Yes, that's right kids...there were more pictures of dogs and puppies then me. If I was in the dog and puppies pictures, my head was cut off! Yeah, I'm feeling very loved right now.

I took today off as I would be in overtime due to the conclusion of Respiratory Education Days this week. I went to the grocery store and picked up some HE detergent for the new washer. I christened the machines. MMMMM.....there's nothing like warm, sweet smelling laundry.

Later

Another Football Weekend/Buying A Washer/Dryer/Sweeper

Yesterday, the Cardinals took on Watterson last night! WOW what a game, 5 OT! I wish I could say that SC won, but alas, another year beaten by Watterson and DeSales. I always say, they'll be better next year and they will be but so will the other 2 teams in the division. On a happier ending, we got to see ALOT of people last night and we made a ton of $$$ at the stand!

Today, we got up early (early for me for a Saturday) and headed over to Hagely Field (better know as the "Poop" Field") to see the Freshmen and Reserves play. Dogs play on the field during the week and let's just say that the owners aren't very responsible (BOOOOO). We got to see the Freshmen win their game and the CCL - Congrats Coach Pharion! They have been the dominate team of the CCL for the past handful of years. We had to leave during the Reserve game but that was also a good game.

We needed a new washer. After 15+ years, the banging noise finally killed our cleaner of the clothes. If you know Gary, you know that the two appliances have to match, so we needed a dryer too.

We headed over to Lowe's first to check them out. Got some advice from the nice man and then we shopped the store for a while - I hate to shop! But I did see a cast iron chiminea that I really liked - you know I LOVE fire! Hopefully, we'll get back there and buy it before the snow flies! We also saw some Halloween decorations that were really sweet - have you seen the mummy?

We then headed over to Sear's Eastland. Well, to put it plainly, our new washer and dryer will be delivered tomorrow morning. We also picked up a new sweeper while we were there. We couldn't beat the 12 months same as cash, 20% off for buying 3 items, free delivery, take away of the old stuff and the set up fee. They are a beautiful blue front loaders. They also are stack able...looking towards the future, if our place in Florida has limited space we could stack them. I'm hoping the guys weren't giving us a line of crap about water and electrical savings.

So, tomorrow the new appliances come and at 5 pm Jesus Jam starts a new year at St. Catherine's. Can't wait!

Later

The Weekend in a nutshell

OK, I'll just say it: "Salt Fork is Beautiful!" Friday we got to out cabin (#39) around 3:30, just in time to see the game. Come to find out, Salt Fork doesn't have ESPN. ABC teased us for the first few minutes of the game (just to see the score) and during commercial switched to the OSU game (DAMN). So we turned the station and watch the Georgia game. We had to leave around 5:30 to get to the SC game.

Come to find out, the game wasn't at Steubenville Central Catholic; it was at Steubenville . It would have been nice to know, especially since I manage the SC website. I'm sure that there were a bunch of parents ticked off about the directions that I put on the web. Oh well, you can't win them all, however, the Cardinals did beat Steubenville Central Catholic.

This morning, I got to build my fire (got home too late Saturday) and all day long I've had the smell of smoke in my nose. It was great! We took the long way home this morning with the top down and the hair flying!

OK, so you're probably wondering why, in the middle of Buckeye country, I would turn off the game. To say it quite plainly, I can't stand Ohio State! Mind you, I went there for two years and even was a member of the Big Ten Champion (for the 2 years) rifle team. I was named to the All Big Ten team. From my experience, they don't give a crap whether you succeed or not. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for a secondary education (it took me 21 years to get my bachelor's degree), but don't try and play yourself off as a great university with high academic standards. Face it, you are a state university that lets just about anyone in (remember kids, if you get into the main campus there about 100 branches in which we'll let you in). In general, parents think that they can only afford to send their kids to OSU because the smaller state schools and private ones are too expensive. While on the surface that is true, but if your kid has decent grades and SAT or ACT scores you can get a ton in aid. Wouldn't you want you kid to go a school with a smaller class size (1 of my classes at OSU had 735 (Classics 222)), professors who speak English (most math and science classes have TA's who have English as a second language) and are available for tutoring or counseling and will find out why your kid isn't in class?

Now the next question is "Why Notre Dame?" Well, it's not because of athletics although that was the initial attraction. There is no place like ND. I'm not sure if it is because of the religious roots but it is a special place. With the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Grotto, Administration Building (Golden Dome), Hesburgh Library (Touchdown Jesus) and the Clarke Memorial Fountain, it is a very peaceful and the students and staff a very friendly. You can't walk across the campus with out several "hellos" being said. I guess you're just going to have to get there and see for yourself!

Back to work tomorrow - BLAH! I'm going to finish my presentation to the interns. Also, this week is WAHTTERSON week at SC. Finally, on Sunday, Jesus Jam is back! Can't wait to see the CYSC kids at St. Catherines (5:00 pm)!

Later!

Weekend Plans

Yesterday, was Fred's birthday (Happy B-day bro!). I took the day off because of all the hours I had put in and did the boring things (laundry, grocery shopping, cleaning animal homes and junk like that) then I headed over to momma's to get her wireless accessible. A pretty successful day!

Today, Gary and I are going to Stubenville to watch the Cardinals play against Stubenville Catholic. We are going to leave here around noonish and head over to Salt Fork (we got a room for the night) catch the ND vs North Carolina game (GO IRISH) and then see what kinda of sights we can see before the game. It's a beautiful day so I think we'll take the convertible! It should be a great day of football and fall sights.

We are bring firewood to Salt Fork too so that I can engage in one of my favorite things - camp fires! I love them. The Cardinal game will be over about 10 and that will give me plenty of time to get a roaring fire started. I don't know when my love affair of fire started but this year has been the best. I had fires all year - momma's trailer in Florida, Catholic Youth Summer Camp, the cottage that the family rented at Pleasant Hill Lake and tonight. I love the smell and the crackling of the burning logs.

I'll let you know how the day went! Later!

WOW....I guess I was tired

I learned something this morning. Don't go and write something, that potentially the entire world can see, without wearing your glasses and after 14+ hours of work. NOT A PRETTY SIGHT! Thank God for editing!

I'm officially dead tired

Well, the first day of Respiratory Education Days is in the books...I'm pooped! I saw 8 of the hospital's finest today; I started work today at 0600 and left at 2030. 8 down -40 to go... I hope business picks up tomorrow 'cause the last two days will be hell...I'm really glad the Day Shift Supervisor is helping (Thanks Ann-Marie). The educational design that we came up with only works with a maximum of 4 therapist split between the 2 of us. The good news is that what we thought would take 3 hours actually takes about 2! That makes the bossman (Jim) very happy. You know about what a happy bossman means....that's right...less hassle for the Clinical Coordinator!

I haven't written for a few days. Here's some highlights (or low lights):

Sunday, I spent most of the day in bed...some sort of GI problem. I'm still not really over it but medication makes it tolerable.

Monday, I went over to the Momma's house for her 79th birthday. Fred and Karen came over too. Me and my bro clipped her dog, Guinness' toenails - I hope she realized that was my present to her - haha! That dog can triple it's legs and head when it comes to clipping. She's a squirmer. Poor thing has to have her head covered with a towel just to do about 5 minutes of work! After the clipping, I work on Mom's wireless system...had to increase her security because they think they've got a moocher using their network. Got Sue's working but I couldn't get Mom's laptop to connect. I'm going back on Thursday to fix it. It's a good thing they have patience.

Mom has to sell her trailer in Florida. Makes me very sad. She called to see is she could have Guinness in her trailer which is in a "No Pet" section. They said "No." She's been going down there for 30 some years. I guess loyalty does count to the greedy bastards! She has a great place, with good neighbors, great friends and I think Mom does so much better there (the weather in Florida is sooooo much better than here in February). She and Sue are heading down at the end of the month to take a few things and put a "For Sale" sign on it. They're taking Guinness with them. I hope she pees on the "African Queen's" foot! it would serve her right! Do I sound bitter??????

Also yesterday, got the news that a friend, who also winters in Florida, passed away. Poor Archie, I really liked that guy. I will always remember the fun we had on his fishing boat . The last time we went out, it was a blast! We actually had fish jump into the boat - they weren't edible but they sure were fun to try and catch!

Requiem aeternam dona ei,

Domine, et lux perpetua luceat ei.

Requiescat in pace.

Amen

With that, I'm heading to bed. I'm back to work at 0600 again.

Later

Football Friday (Saturday)

Last night, Gary and I worked our usual Home Side Concession Stand at St. Charles. Gary and I have been running that stand for the past 4 years. It is a BLAST! We get to see many old and new friends at least 5 times a year. I also get to see many kids that I've met at Catholic Youth Summer Camp. SC was playing Zanesville, however, Duhsales was playing Wahterson at the Crew. That was a big game (Duhsales won) and we were expecting a smaller crowd. Well, there were fewer students (traitors) but somehow we ran out of stuff. We were busier than a one-handed paper hanger with hives. The highlight of the night was seeing my boyfriend, Duffman and Dan K. Their girlfriends were with them, so I had to control myself...hehehehe. I should also tell you that the Cardinals won 28-3.

I'm not sure how the Freshmen and Reserves did this morning. Gary and I decided that we would not go to Zanesville this morning. We had to go pick up the Minis at MAG and return the loaner and rental car.

I'm currently listening to the post-game of the Notre Dame - Stanford game. It was a good win for the Irish, but as Charley said, they need to learn to play 60 minutes. I've seen it before..they get a good lead and they check out and allow the other team to come back. I should feel good...a win is a win! Next week, we go to North Carolina, let's see if we can get a road win.

This week at work I have Education Days on the 7th and 8th. They start at 0700 and end at 2300 - those are going to be really long days! I'm glad Ann-Marie is doing it with me.

Dinner at Old Bag

This evening I had a good meal with good friends (Lisa & Tom, Shelley and MaryAnne). We had a pretty good time although the service wasn't very good. We were supposed to be there to celebrate Lisa's 50th birthday, however, most the evening we talked about work :( Some really unfair stuff going on, but I can't talk about it right now. I stopped at the Cathedral Bookstore on my way, to see my aunt, Sue, and to buy Lisa's gift. It was hard to find a non-Catholic gift in a Catholic bookstore. I decided on a pretty sweet, gold heart shaped locket, mustard seed necklace. I think Lisa liked it...I know I did.

Tom was talking about a statue that he and Lisa saw when they were at Gettysburg. He thought the name was O'Rourk and there was an identical statue at ND. Tom said that the statue was nicknamed "Fair Catch." When I got home, I looked it up. The guy is actually Father William Corby. According to http://www.gettysburg.stonesentinels.com/Individuals/Corby.php:

The statue was dedicated on October 29, 1910; a copy stands outside Corby Hall at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana.

William E. Corby was born in Detroit on October 2, 1833, and attended Notre Dame, entering the novitiate in 1856 and taking his final vows in 1859.

With the coming of war in 1861 Notre Dame sent a number of priests to serve as chaplains with Union regiments. Father Corby left his professorship to become the first of these, assigned to the 88th New York in Brigadier General Thomas Meagher's legendary Irish Brigade.

Although Father Corby accompanied his men on many battlefields, giving comfort to the wounded and absolution to the dying, perhaps his greatest moment came at Gettysburg. Little more than 500 men remained of the original 3,000 veterans of the brigade, but they were to be sent to the rescue of the crumbling Union flank in a vicious maelstrom that would become known to history as The Wheatfield.

Father Corby donned his stole and mounted a large rock as the men of the brigade knelt, Catholic and Protestant alike. He offered absolution to the whole brigade, reminding them of their duties and warning them not to waver and to uphold the flag. Their attack bought precious time for the Union defenses but cost them dearly, with over one third of the brigade becoming casualties.

After the war Father Corby became Vice President of Notre Dame, then after a five year term at Sacred Heart College in Wisconsin, returned to Notre Dame as President. He later became Provincial General and then Assistant General of the Congregation of the Holy Cross, as well as serving in several other posts.

In 1893 his veterans nominated Corby for the Medal of Honor, noting that "no spot was too dangerous or too much exposed to the fire of the enemy." Although he never received the medal, the veterans of the brigade presented him with a chalice that he would always cherish.

Father Corby died in 1897. In an unusual ceremony for a priest of the Holy Cross, his flag-draped casket was borne by civil war comrades and a rifle volley was fired as it was lowered into his grave.

Pretty impressive! The next time we go to ND (the Syracuse game) I'm going to look for this statue. Both the Priests and Sisters of the Holy Cross were involved in the Civil War. The Sisters of the Holy Cross are the founding order at the hospital where I work. I'm glad Tom pointed me to more info about them and Notre Dame.

Well, there's a football game on (Boise State and La Tech). I think I'll catch some of the game.

Later!