A full day

Work was really busy today, at both sides of the hill. (A steep hill separates the college from the seminary.) One seminary student had a program enrollment that we had to untangle to figure out if she was being billed correctly, and another needed to be enrolled at the last minute. I was also trying to organize my desk, using binders, three hole punches, dividers and labels.

Back at Anthro/Soc, I hit the ground running. Today is the first day of the second semester for the undergraduates. And, the good news is, my new scanner arrived today! I spent a good part of the day learning it, dealing with computer problems associated with it and not associated with it, running errands on two or three different occasions (venturing out in the frigid outdoors), and helping identify the owner of a purse that was left in a professor's class. Turns out the owner of the purse was the daughter of a friend of mine (we went to Bethel undergrad together and now he works on campus near my A/S office). So, I called my friend and brought the purse over to his office. Shortly after that, the purse owner came to our office looking for the purse on a tip from someone in the classroom. I directed her to her dad and owner and object were happily reunited.

I ordered paper and office stuff online and sat under the instruction of two IT guys who came to the office to help me install the scanner. Now my files will be a lot smaller and easier to transfer. Also, the new scanner has the capability of asking for the next document to be placed, so I don't need to make separate documents for each scanned item. Scanning should be much quicker and efficient. Which is good, because I have a lot to do!

Tomorrow I have a meeting on campus in the afternoon, then a regular work day on Friday (half day at the sem, half at the college).

Oh, yeah, yesterday I got to play for a couple of hours because one of my friends at the seminary had a dead battery. She and her husband share their only car. We tried jumping it and then went to buy a new battery. After several attempts with the new battery, the car finally started. We got back to the seminary just in time for our meeting.

Tax season has started, and Tim is working at his mom's in the evening now. I miss the tax office, but not the stress, I have to say. I'm keeping plenty busy at other stuff, but I do think of my taxing friends and relatives!

Now, where's that W-2....?

Till next time,


Suzi

I can't believe it's 11 pm and I'm still up

Monday night, and I'm still going strong at 11 pm.

Hmmm.

Maybe it's that diet Dr. Pepper--but I usually have that every Monday.

After work, I even went to a book signing for our department chair. He wrote Horse and Buggy Mennonites. I'll have to get the full title later.

I got home and went over some of Christina's school projects in preparation for conferences tomorrow. I printed out some labels for my mother-in-law as tax season is now underway.

Tim and Christina are having a lively discussion about theology.

But if I don't get to bed soon, it will be tough tomorrow morning.

So, off to zzzzzzzz land!

Till next time,


Suzi

New babies

Our little church plant is exploding with babies. One couple gave birth this past week, which was an underwater, 3 1/2 weeks early, home birth. Mom, Dad and baby are all fine. Baby Peter weighed in at 8 lbs., 4 oz., so I can only imagine what he might have weighed if he were full term. Both of his parents are tall, but he was only 20.5 inches long. Still, not too shabby--there is still real basketball potential.

Another good friend from church is due in the next couple of weeks, and two other babies were born in the last three months. Two other women are pregnant with summer due dates.

At work, one of the faculty members I work with is expecting in April, another co-worker is due in July, and I know of two other expectant mothers on campus and one co-worker who gave birth (early, too) over a week ago.

It seems I went for quite a long time without knowing anyone who was expecting. It's been almost 19 years since I gave birth to the last baby born to us (we cheated with Christina who is adopted). I guess I should soon be entering the "grandma" phase.

Still, my boys are young and currently "single"--meaning between girlfriends. I can wait to be a grandma. And I would like to have a daughter-in-law first, thank you very much (I'm sure my boys will do things in that order--wedding, then baby--right boys???) And at 17, my daughter is way too young to be thinking about marriage and kids.

In the meantime, it's fun to watch others' babies come into the world. In the nursery today I read one of those books--(oh what are they called--thick-paged baby style books) to six-month old Benjamin. He is already working on turning the pages. Smart kid. (Well, his mother is a computer/music guru and his dad is a doctor. His older sibs--two sisters, 6 and 3 are pretty sharp, too.)

Smart or not, they are still babies, needing lots of care. So when they spit up and poop and grab hungrily at my shirt, I can say, "Sorry, honey, my faucets are dry. Here's mommy."

Till next time,


Suzi

Shhh--it's a secret

This is what I'm thinking of giving Tim for Valentine's Day.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xXNoB3t8vM&eurl=

Thanks to Rodney Olsen for the link.

Till next time,


Suzi

Back in the saddle

Well, after a day home sick, I was good as new by evening. It's weird, I had the same kind of bug during the Christmas break. Sick during the night, a little sick in the morning, sleeping most of the day, and pretty "normal" (I know, normal is just a setting on your dryer) by evening. I worked a full day yesterday and now I'm home on my day off. What a life.

I guess I'm not ready yet to get back to my four-day work week. Last week we had MLK day, the week before I guess I did work four days, and the week before that was the new year holiday. And of course, before that was the nice long Christmas break.

No more Monday holidays for awhile. We don't get President's day off, but we do get Good Friday. The next Monday holiday will be Memorial Day.

It's weird not to be working at the tax office this year. I've said I could help out on Thursdays, but it's nice to have a day off, and my other sister-in-law is going to be helping this year. I do have meetings two Thursdays a month, so I guess I couldn't be terribly consistent. I'll just have to live vicariously through the other tax workers in the family.

Well, time to get my act together for Bible study, errands and stuff around the house. Thanks for all your get well wishes!

Till next time,


Suzi

Frustration

Believe it or not, I have been trying to blog, but blogger is not letting me use my new google account. Tim helped me sign in under my old account. I don't get it.

Anyway, I was home sick today--got the stomach flu in the middle of the night and slept most of the day. I was feeling well enough by evening to attend my book club, which I missed last month.

I should be good to go back to work tomorrow, then Thursday is my day off. Hopefully by then I can blog with ease.

Till next time,

Suzi

PS Ignore Tim's title on his blog for today. I did blog after all!

Napping on a Saturday

Napping on a Saturday idea may not be good for me. I think Raven sensed this, because he came in a couple of times and gave some of those muted barks he occasionally woofs out.

Sleeping too much lends to strange dreams. I was dreaming of an injured person calling to their father who was also injured, and down on the ground. Next I dreamed of finding my beloved Highlander, in the garage, hood up and front smashed in. The culprit? My daughter. I don't know why I would dream this, because my daughter has her permit, not her license yet. Well, maybe that's why.

This cable thing with the internet is nice, but my computer still seems messed up, or maybe I'm messed up trying to work on it. I'm having trouble sending e-mail and posting my blog. So, while my husband is busy fixing up Luke's old house (he'd be there 24/7 if he could--he loves fixing up houses, especially if he can do it in his own way and time without a lot of stuff to work around) I'm hijacking his computer.

BTW, thanks to Curly Mommy for commenting here. She is a fan of my sister (who wouldn't be?) and found my blog from my comment over there. I would love to share all her readers--they leave such encouraging comments.

I suppose I should actually try to get some work done around here. There's plenty to do, but nothing to really motivate me. Ah, I know--a happy husband who will offer me praise and maybe dinner out.

A day dream? Maybe--but it beats Saturday Afternoon Long Nap Dreams. Better to dream while I'm awake. Perhaps I can work to make dreams come true at the same time.

Till next time,


Suzi

My Sister Came To Visit

My sister Cheri came to visit. She did not stay nearly long enough, and I had to work on the days she came. Boo hoo. However, we did have a nice visit and we even watched The Notebook together. It was my third time, Cheri's first. I cried the first time I saw it, I cried harder the second time I saw it, and I cried a little less this time. Cheri remained dry-eyed. Her explanation: "I was expecting it to be sad."





Somehow I have a harder time keeping my emotions in check (at least when I'm at home). Especially sad emotions. I'm not very good at stoicism (is that a word?). But I was able to say good-bye to Cheri without a tear, because since her son is in town going to college, we see a lot more of her and my nephew.





And that's something to smile about. :)

Till next time,

Suzi

PS Did anyone else out there cry through The Notebook?

Monday at home

Today is Martin Luther King day. Since I work in the Department of Anthropology and Sociology which includes Reconciliation Studies, I should spend time reflecting on the strides we have made since the early 60s. It seems hard to believe that it was within my lifetime that segregation still took place and prejudice was rampant.

Hopefully reconciliation has taken place in these decades, but I'm sure we still have a long way to go. Some students from our department are now in South Africa for a study term, and it will be an eye-opening experience for them, I think, to experience the culture that was so recently ruled by apartheid laws.

Anyway, instead of reflecting on the above as I should, I have spent the day enjoying being home. I made cinnamon rolls from the recipe on my sister's blog. I'm working on laundry. I'm trying to find health insurance for our almost-19-year-old who is not in college so will have to be on his own plan. I hope to get to the grocery store and cook a nice meal for my family for supper.

Tomorrow, back to work, but I'll leave early because my sister is coming and because I have comp time.

My nephew is going back to school after his long Christmas break, but I guess he doesn't have time to stop and see his ole aunt 'n' uncle and cuzes. Oh well. I suppose we could make more of an effort to see him while he's in school because he's only 45 minutes away. Or so. When the snow melts, it will be frisbee golfing season again and Mark should get Daniel out on the course between his classes.

Guess I'm all over the map today on this blog. Categories will be various.

Till next time,

Suzi

Why oh why?

Well, I tried to leave yesterday's post up an extra day, to see if that might help with comments. Nope. I am grateful for those who responded--Cheri, Tim & Rick--thanks! However, I can't seem to generate the kind of enthusiasm my sister Cheri gets in her comment section. Oh well, I am happy she has such a responsive readership.

It's the start of a three-day weekend. Last holiday for awhile--we don't get off for President's Day, so I guess I'll have to buck up. It was a rather exhausting week since I went in every day and things at the seminary were quite busy with students coming back for winter quarter. It's still pretty quiet on the college side, though--one professor is in Amsterdam for interim (January term), and one just left for two weeks in Israel/Palestine and then gets back for two days then leaves for Guatemala for a week. Our department chair will be leaving for Guatemala at the end of the month, one professor is still on sabbatical, and the other two are team teaching. So I'm keeping busy working on various publications/communications--updating, etc. etc.

Christina had three friends spend the night. The only reason I know for sure (she did tell me they were coming) was that I saw three bodies in the family room this morning and a different car parked outside. Christina was sleeping alone in her room. I guess the others crashed in the big room. Reminds me of when Mark used to have friends all over the place, sleeping in various nooks and crannies. Our house is full again--Luke and Mark are just starting to stir as well.

Well, I better get my shower in before I have to compete with four teenage girls. Yikes! See ya later...

Till next time,


Suzi

Is preschool overrated?

I don't usually write about controversial topics, but I'm afraid this may be one. After reading my sister's blog I have thought I would post about a topic she made me think about.

Although I am long past the days of preschoolers, I'm in a Bible study with young moms and sometimes the discussion of preschool comes up. So far I have kept my opinions to myself, but I left a comment on my sister's blog and thought I'd vent a little bit here today.

There is a lot of talk about socialization of kids today--especially of those who don't know a lot about homeschooling and who worry that homeschool kids may not be mixing it up with their peers enough. As homeschooling has become more popular and the kids are turning out to be fine, well-adjusted adults (like my nephews), this argument has been silenced somewhat.

But people are still concerned about it. And as soon as kids are two years old (maybe younger), moms discuss various preschools and curriculums (curriculi?) and what and how much their kids will be learning.

I understand when my kindergarten teacher friend sees that children who have been in preschool do much better in kindergarten. In her case, she teaches in a setting where many parents are absent or uninvolved, and preschool helps the children learn basic things like getting along, putting on your snow pants, and tying your shoes.

However, it seems to me that we don't just let our kids be kids anymore. They have to be involved in at least two or three activities (at any age), and parents are wearing out.

I know there are many wonderful preschool programs out there, and many parents have to work so they want their children well cared for in a fun learning environment. So this is not an anti-preschool blog.

I'm just hoping that parents take time to enjoy their little ones while they're little--I know, I hated hearing older people say that to me in the midst of my preschool chaos--but it is really true. After the sort-of lull of elementary years comes the return of sleepless nights as your preschoolers are suddenly teenagers and have their drivers' licenses.

At least when they're two, you can still pick them up and put them where they need to go. It's a lot tougher when they're 17 and don't want to spend a lot of time at home.

Any comments are welcome--I even welcome those who disagree. I just wonder if I can come even close to my sister's comment count.

Till next time,


Suzi

Work and work

Monday (yesterday) was my first Monday working since mid-December. Next Monday I'm off again, thanks to the MLK holiday.

Tuesdays are tiring after a long day Monday (9-8:15 or so). Especially when my Tuesday afternoon was spent learning mock registration on our new database system. I am seeing cross-eyed now, and it's a wonder I'm at the computer at all.

Except for this one fact.

Okay, two. I need to blog, and also WE NOW HAVE CABLE!

It is really cool to be able to navigate from site to site as home as quickly as I can at work. Dial-up was slow as a turtle, DSL was about the pace of a sleepy mule, and cable is like a cheetah.

The only problem is that Luke is hooked up to my modem upstairs with his computer. But he spent three hours today wiring everything (the cable people just dropped off the box) so I'm not going to complain about blogging in the basement tonight.

Well, now I'm going to relax and watch Gilmore Girls. Although it is a repeat, at least it's one I've seen only once, and it is an episode from this year's season.

After all this fast-paced stuff, it's time to unwind...

Till next time,


Suzi

Putzy

I have been trying to post with the new blogger on my computer and all I'm getting is "Loading..."

Bleh.

So, now I'm posting on Tim's computer. At least it is working here.

I'm trying to get ready for Christina's birthday party. We are having lasagna, so I have most of the ingredients, and I'm trying to get the house in some sort of order. Luke has ordered his room and Christina her room, and I'd like their help with the rest of the house--but Luke is working on his old house and Christina is off to babysit.

Kids.

Ah, well, I'm not overbooked at the moment so I should be able to handle it. That is, if I can get Tim to pick up some last minute things...

Back to work! Hope I don't have trouble blogging next time...

Till next time,

Suzi

Is this really January in Minnesota?

Temperatures soared into the 40s today, when during a "usual" winter, it could be pretty nippy outside--meaning below zero degrees (that's farenheit, not centigrade or celsius or whatever the correct word is) are not uncommon.

It's nice to be able to run around campus with a lighter coat. Especially today. I had a meeting to attend, but it is typically my day off, so I got on campus just for the meeting, at mid-afternoon. Premium parking spots were taken, so I had to make quite a trek from my car to the office. If it had been blustery, icy and cold, it would have been rather miserable. But as it was, I enjoyed my little jaunt.

If this is global warming, I'm not going to complain. If we have a hot humid summer, then I will complain. But for now, I'm enjoying the spring-like conditions.

And if this continues, who cares whether or not the GroundHog sees his shadow or not?

Till next time,


Suzi

Now I've done it

All right, now I've jumped on the bandwagon and am using the new form of blogger. It doesn't seem that different, but I guess I'll just have to explore the options to see.

I guess I'll have to write about something so I can put this post into some sort of a category. Well, today was the first day back at work after the Christmas break. It was nice to be back, but I enjoyed the vacation time too. We're sort of easing back into things at work as students (and food service, consequently) aren't back on campus yet. Tomorrow the college students return for J-term, and the seminary students start classes on Monday. Then we have Monday, MLK day (Jan 15) off.

Today as you Americans know there was no mail as it was a national day of mourning for the loss of our former president, Gerald Ford. It was the election between Ford and Carter that was the first election I was to vote in that bicentennial year that marked my 19th birthday just after elections. I won't tell you who I voted for, just that he didn't win. If you know your history or have been paying any attention to the news lately, you'll know who.

Anyway, since there was so mail we have to wait another day to pick up a package our exchange student Noh sent from Thailand. We are looking forward to it (but not all the bills that will probably accompany tomorrow's mail)!

Well, I guess I've touched on a few topics now, so I can wrap this up. Hope you are all enjoying a wonderful 2007 so far!

Till next time,


Suzi

It's 2007!

Everyone is fine and safe. That having been said, when I woke up this morning, I was not sure it was so.

Last night was icy and a party night. My three kids (ages 16-21) were all out with friends. They had been cooped up with their parents for a week, traveling in a smallish car and going EVERYWHERE with them.

Now it was time to get together with friends. Now was the time for freedom.

Now was the time for Mother to worry.

When I got up this morning, no one was home (except Tim and Raven--and after my walk with Raven, Tim had disappeared, too.).

I knew that Christina was sleeping at a friend's house. But Luke and Mark?

They didn't answer their cell phones. Tim drove by places where we thought they might be--not there.

Finally they call back. Turns out they had both fallen asleep at friend's houses. They all got home this afternoon, just in time to get changed for work (they are all at the pizza place to work tonight).

I was pretty proud of myself for not having immediately assumed the worst (death in a ditch somewhere) although I must say it did cross my mind. I'm very thankful everyone is safe and relatively sound.

Now, my sister Cheri wanted more details of our trip. She reminds me of the great aunt (not because she is old) in "A Cup Of Christmas Tea" who "demands the particulars, the bits."

Well, our trip was like this: taking turns driving, shuffling around in the back seats, stopping at gas stations and rest stops, eating fast foods and restaurants. In between this were wonderful times with family at restaurants, shopping malls, my brother and parent's home, etc. etc. Emily, our almost 2-year old niece, is really entertaining (see Tim's blog for pictures). We enjoyed our time at my folks (except when I was throwing up) and went for a nice ride with them (all seven of us in the Highlander, plus Kimmy Sue The Dog sprawled across the laps of those in the middle seats) to look at the mountains and their surrounding communities, as well as stop at the Lost Sea cave. (Tim has pix on his blog of that, too). We enjoyed leftovers my sister Lori and her friend Mike had made, and my mom's delicious baked goods. We played games, watched TV, took naps, walked, talked and shopped.

It was great to see my brother, sister, parents and all the family. Wish Cheri and her family could have been there. The weather was spectacular--like 50s and 60s. Can't wait to go back.

But it is nice to be home, even though the kids worry you sometimes and there's snow to shovel and food to cook.

Happy new year everyone!

Till next time,


Suzi