Off again

Back from Ann Arbor where I attended a two day class on a fundraising methodology. Thank you to Lady D who sheltered me and made it great fun even though we were both working the whole time.

I managed to have a packed weekend despite hemming three pair of pants, doing laundry and packing. Finally saw Slumdog Millionaire, which I loved, went to Eastern Market for the first time this season, BBQd dinner, and almost ended up going to the driving range too, but it got too late and too chilly.

I leave for Virginia this morning to attend a three day class on Fund Development. Right now I have a mix of trepidation and excitement but I have a feeling it's going to be enjoyable.

Since I couldn't get a flight back the night my class ends, and it was more cost effective to stay over the Saturday, I am staying over the weekend and my sister Karen is coming down to spend Fri-Sun! I'm tickled that we'll get to hang out for a couple of days. Also while I'm there I hope to see AF Mom Betty, who lives in VA. Yay!

Be back on Sunday.

?

Why, on week nights, am I always hungry for dinner at inopportune and awkward times?

Uber Yummo

I find it somewhat amusing that in the space of one week I have attended my very first (and likely not last) Lenten dinner AND made Latkes for the first time this pre-Pesach season.

In case you're wondering, I make a WICKED LATKE! These had all kinds of veggie bits in them and were a part of Joshua's breakfast. (I can't eat them on my diet, though I did make myself one - the size of a quarter. Yummo!)

My latkes...

J, for his first time, made Chicken Soup, complete with his own handmade fluffy, delicious matzah balls and random pasta. To round out his uber-Jewish feast, J wants to make Fried Matzah later in the week.

I wonder how he's going to feel when Passover arrives and the dietary restrictions are imposed instead of voluntary!?

A Good Tired

After two decades of being under-employed and parenting two now almost grown up children, I hear myself using a sentiment that I, and millions of others, have been expressing for years.

"It's an accomplished/happy/satisfied exhaustion!"

I said it about full-time parenting, and about full-time working (and juggling both, too).

I am my happiest when both my hands are full and over-full, being put to good use helping others. Parenting, Teaching, Assisting, Speaking, Managing, ... anything that facilitates the success of another just floats my wee bitty boat.

I may be tired, but it's a GOOD tired; and I wouldn't change it for anything.

Off to work I go!

Lookie!

Monday night, guess who had his first choir solo?

Lookie!

Yep, that's him at the mic. :)
He did a great job!

LTNP*

I was recently reminded that people actually read this... even people whom I haven't seen in a ton of years. (HI, TM!) I may be blogging with no obligation, but an update seems like a reasonable thing to do. And what's an update without pictures?!

On Feb 18, we met V at the airport with a huge welcome home SIGN!

This be the girl!


Then it was off to her favourite restaurant (Olga's) to visit with family. How the kids all ended up on the floor I don't know.

I love this pic of my two...

We were off to a conference the next couple of days and no pics were taken. Everyone was so busy!

V spent Monday and Tuesday running around seeing people, visiting her high school, her bf, her former employer, and we took the time to cook together too.

Tuesday evening the boys had a pre-festival concert to sing so V and I met up with Auntie Julie, Hannah and Tillie for dinner.

Gaze upon the adorableness!!!!

I think it's love.

Wednesday was all mom time. We went out to breakfast, ran errands, laughed and hugged a lot. She packed her things, spent some time with Joshua when he got home from school, and we were off to the airport.

If it wasn't for my beloved AF Moms and Dads I never would have known to ask for a gate pass! We did, and they were given.

Lord, it was hard letting her go. I kept a stiff upper lip until she turned the corner on the jetway, then there were tears. Joshua, bless his soul, gave me a huge hug and started reciting to me all the things I had just told V: "It's ok... you have a life of your own... I am so proud of you... Your work needs you..." Funny thing is - it worked. Now of course I wonder if it worked on her!

If all goes well she will return at the end of May for Joshua's HS graduation. I'm already looking forward to seeing her again.

More soon. I'm off to work.

* long time no post