Mr. Potter

I can't believe I'm going to do this but apparently I am... I, along with Mr. Higgins and friends, will see the new HARRY POTTER movie on opening night. I am officially one of the masses. Sigh.

Despite vehement protests on my part, to start, at least, Mr. Higgins made me get through all the movies. I'd seen bits and pieces of some and all of one, but I was now required to see them all, in chronological order. I'll admit to liking them, though I think they're way too mature for many youngsters who read the books.

But I hate buying into trends and pop culture. I guess that makes me a bit of a snob....and I don't care. I like finding the hidden treasures that no one else reads or knows about. Rarely do I read something on the bestseller lists - and if I do, it's years after the popularity of a book has died down. I don't follow what is commonly referred to as music these days (Lady what?). And I have no idea who most of the youngsters gracing magazine covers are. I hate reality television (except Project Runway, of course!) and most TV, in general, is ridiculous, in my opinion.

So....I'm a snob. Give me a book - historical fiction, please - and classical music any night!

Yet I'll be in line to see HARRY POTTER on Friday. I want to see it. But I'm not touching TWILIGHT with a mile-long pole. No way. Some part of my dignity must remain intact!

Family

It was a busy week last week followed by a crazy, but good, weekend.

My parents and Mr. Higgins' parents had lots of bonding time and it was great to spend so much time with both families. They are all so happy about the engagement and all that it means.

I've made no secret of the pressure my dad used to put on me to get out there and actively search for my future husband. I resented it for a very long time, annoyed that my dad's happiness was so intertwined with my own. Why should I be responsible for his happiness?! It's more complicated than that, I know, but it was always frustrating.

The other day, as I found myself sitting between my dad and Mr. Higgins, I realized that, as much as Dad wanted me to find that special someone, it is also difficult to see another man become the center of my universe. There is something to the "daddy's little girl" thing, even if I was always closer to my mom.

So I'm grateful to have such a wonderful, loving family. They've done so much for me and now, for Mr. Higgins and me. I'm so glad we'll continue to have close relationships with our parents....and that Mr. Higgins' parents seem to like me! Ha!

Bolsheviks!

Here's an uplifting (NOT!) story for you this fine, Friday morning.... National Greatness Agenda.

As if the current political climate wasn't messy enough, I'm still thoroughly engrossed in Kate Furnivall's novel...which revolves around the Bolshevik movement in early 20th century Russia. It's odd - and hints at deja vu - hearing the revolutionaries' slogan, "down with the elitist intellectuals!"

I'm not saying that America is at the kind of crossroads that Russia was at the time. We have no monarchy to topple, we have no underground Marxist movement....but things are not good, as the article above attests.

And this is why I love history! So many parallels and things to learn from! Er...I wonder if Sarah Palin has ever read her Russian history? Probably not...that would be so very intellectual!

Shopping Day

It's a very exciting day today! I'm going wedding shopping with my mom and Mr. Higgins' mom! (Writing Mrs. Higgins looks too strange.)

There a lot on the agenda: wedding dress, moms' dresses, decorations... It's going to be a very busy day!

Swept Away

After a very long day yesterday, I went home, prepared to mope the night away.

First, though, I had to work out....which left me somewhat, annoyingly energetic. I did more chores than I intended and then settled down to watch a few episodes of the last season of UGLY BETTY.

Then, I turned to my book....the one that has taken me months to get in to. I haven't had much time to read lately but all I needed was a few lunch breaks to get truly swept away by Kate Furnivall's superb writing. I read for an hour before going to bed. I didn't want to put the book down but it's so good that I want it to last for as long as possible! Such a conundrum, good books! You want to savor them but you can't wait to finish!

But it was good to get wrapped up in a book. There's nothing like a good escape from a bad work week!

Intellectual Dilemma

Speaking of intellectualism....

Yesterday, I went to a departmental event where our professors talked about their upper-level class offerings. For some reason, it's very easy for me to forget that I'm surrounded by some very intelligent people! They may not know how to work a printer, but they know all about religion and violence, religion and the law, cults in America, African religions....and the Bible, of course.

I'm tempted to sit in on a class. I've been tempted for quite some time. But, then, I remember just how crazy next semester is going to be for me, personally, and for my boss, professionally. Perhaps I should wait.

Ack! But my boss is teaching a student Hebrew! I could listen in!

The problem is that I love learning. I could happily be a student my entire life! How can you ever learn enough about this world and it's peoples?

Perspective

It's easy to overlook one's blessings. It's easy to go from day to day in a mindless, robotic routine. It's easy to forget just how easy we have it.

And then I read something like this. Any of us could easily have been born across the ocean, in another world. No one asked for such a harsh life yet very few can escape it. This makes me unbelievably sad.

I'm lucky to such a blessed life. It's not a perfect existence but it's mine and mine alone. I'm free to make my own decisions. And I'm so lucky to have found such a wonderful man to share my life with.

Sometimes it's nice to get a little perspective.

Hateful Rhetoric

I recently had a Facebook conversation with a girl who, for all intents and purposes, is a Palin Tea Party-er. She is completely entitled to her opinion but when she started personally criticizing me, I deleted her thread from my page and blocked her as a friend. Harsh, yes. Personal attacks, however, are really not the answer, especially among "friends."

I've heard one of her attacks before, mostly from those I'm closest to: "you're too close to those academics and have bought into their rhetoric." If being educated and seeking to better myself through a lifetime of reading and personal growth is a bad thing....well, then, this country has more problems than we thought. If more people were "educated" then perhaps more than 10% would be able to do the math on their paycheck and figure out that Obama has given us a tax break.

But I'm getting distracted. I grew up in a conservative household. Heck, I grew up in Texas! I understand both sides and generally respect (though I have none for Palin) both. I understand being vehemently opposed to abortion; I understand states rights (historian, here); I like capitalism (I've read Ayn Rand, which is more than my FB "friend" - and perhaps Palin - has done!); I believe that hard work should be rewarded... But I also thought that four more years of Republican politics would do more harm than good. And I'm entitled to that opinion.

A blond comment by FB "friend" made... "I don't understand why people are so harsh on Palin." Well, honey, she's not too bright. She uses faith and allegiance to incite division and hatred. She talks more about grizzly bears than the issues. She lacks gravitas.

I've never blocked someone from FB before. It felt good. Again, everyone's entitled to their opinion... But not when they post hateful, ignorant things on my Wall.

Oh, and, haven't you heard? Obama saved capitalism...and we repaid him with scorn.

Too much to do!

My dad had some pretty major surgery a week ago and, though he's doing well, he can't do any work around the house and property. Since my parents have quite a bit of acreage, this presents problems for my mom.

So, tomorrow night, I will rush out to the country to help her get things done. I can already tell you that I'm sick of driving, sick of my car, and really sick of spending money on gas. But I'll do it. The reason the house needs to look good is for an engagement party my parents are throwing for me and Mr. Higgins.

The good news is that I won't need to do any mowing. (Yay, fall temperatures!) The bad news is that some kind of yard work will most definitely need to be done. And, because of my work there, I'll be less motivated to work on my own yard. Ack, vicious cycle!

The Stitchin' Den

In all the talk of Colorado, I forgot to mention that I got to a LYS in Estes Park - The Stitchin' Den. It was an adorable shop - filled with charm! - in an older building just off the main street of downtown. I wandered around for quite some time before I found some sock yarn that I bought. The lady who helped me was super nice. All in all, I'd highly recommend the shop to anyone who happens to be in the neighborhood.

Despite my good intentions, I was completely unproductive with my knitting over the course of the trip. The good news, however, is that I'm almost done with my first Christmas present! (College football Saturdays with Mr. Higgins are truly turning out to be a blessing!) One more to go for this particular person! Two months in which to finish it! Surely, that's possible, even for me!

I don't think I should contemplate any more knitted presents. November is going to be a busy month and then Christmas shopping begins! Oh and there's the little detail of a wedding to figure out!

Texas Rangers

I have never had an ounce of interest in baseball. What I know of the sport comes from several viewings of A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN, back in the day. Thanks that Tom Hanks, I know that "there's no crying in baseball!"

Despite my ignorance, it was still cool to see my hometown team in the World Series. The Metroplex was humming with support for the Rangers. At a time when the Cowboys are so woefully incompetent, the Rangers gave everyone a bright spot. I saw more red, white, and blue being worn than ever before!

It was a great run and I'm proud of our Texas Rangers! There's always next year, after all!

Random Colorado

We're nearing the end of my exciting Colorado pictures. Here are a few, in conclusion, that I like. Above is a Catholic church about fifteen minutes outside of Estes Park. It is, without a doubt, the most picturesque church I have ever seen in the United States. It has a view of Longs Peak, the highest mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park.


We drove across Trail Ridge Road, the highest road in the U.S. and this was one of the scenes that greeted us at high altitude.... A gorgeous lake nestled amidst snow-covered peaks.


While walking around the hotel grounds on our last full day in Colorado, we ran - almost literally - into an elk, resting by the river. Just hilarious! He looked to be waiting for a cookout to begin!

It was a great trip. Colorado is such a beautiful state! I hope to go back soon to do more hiking and exploring! And to see more chipmunks!

Three Lakes

On the Wednesday of our week in Colorado (our traditional date night!), we took off on a hike through Rocky Mountain National Park. I've done very little hiking but I was comforted by the fact that hiking is really just walking - up and down hills, through trees and over rocks. Ha! The first lake we came to was Bear Lake, which I've already shown you. The second lake was Nymph Lake, above, which is usually covered with lily pads in the summer.


The third lake was our fateful stop, Dream Lake.


And our last stop was Emerald Lake, at the base of Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain. The wind made it quite chilly here but we still took time to sit and absorb the magnificent scenery...and watch chipmunks scurry amidst the rocks.

Thus ended my first real hike. I went up single and came down engaged! If every hike ended like that, I'd be more willing to go! Ha! No, no. I really enjoyed it and I look forward to doing it again!

Wedding Thoughts

A short break from Colorado pics....

My best friend, AL, got married this past weekend and it was such a wonderful day. I was happy to be there and to see her and her husband so thrilled. Though they've been together for a very long time, making it "official" still brought a tear to my eye. The wedding was sophisticated and tasteful without being overdone.

So, of course, this made me think of my upcoming wedding. And for those of you interested, it'll be in May. Mr. Higgins and I agree on many things, including keeping it very small. We both have very small families so it should an easy goal to accomplish.

My downfall will be this... I have a tendency to want to please everyone, especially those close to me, so I must be mindful of what I want.

Bear Lake

When we awoke in Estes Park for the first time, we had no idea what awaited us later in the day. We decided to take it easy that day (after two days in the car!) so we headed to Rocky Mountain National Park to get our entrance pass for the week. Once there, we had to go exploring! We drove up to Bear Lake and the closer we got, the more snow we saw!


The trees around the lake were frosted with wet snow that was already melting. We hiked around the lake - and puddles - to get pictures.


Huge clumps of melting snow fell on us as we hiked around. It was a bit cold - ha! - but I'm so glad we did it!


Someone ahead of us made a mini snowman!

We really lucked out with the weather. The storm that brought the snow blew threw and didn't cause many problems. By the time we were set to hike, it was sunny and in the seventies! The following week after we left, winter really began in Estes Park with snow accumulating in RMNP. Eek!

Estes Park

Our final destination of the trip was Estes Park, at the entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park. My first real scene of the town was the river, Fall River, that runs through it.


I knew the river ran through the property of our hotel, but I had no idea it would be so picturesque!


We spent a lot of time walking by the river, sitting by the river, and listening to its calming waters.


One of my favorite things about Colorado was the chipmunks! I hadn't seen these since I lived in Michigan! They're so adorable! I took quite a few videos of these little guys, much to Mr. Higgins' amusement. Ha!

Independence Pass

Back to trip pictures! After our stay in Manitou Springs, we headed north, intentionally taking the most scenic route we could find to Glenwood Springs. That route included a drive across the Continental Divide at Independence Pass.


The drive was magnificent. As we gained altitude, snow started appearing and we even had a few flurries! The snow made the mountains appear utterly majestic.


For the first time this season, we walked in snow to a lookout point at Independence Pass.


The drive up and down the mountain was tricky with quite a few switchbacks, like the one shown above. But I grew to enjoy these drives. So much more exciting than straight highway

Youth

Another slight interruption in the trip pics...

Twenty-nine years ago today (around noon), my mother gave birth to a big (8lbs 10oz) baby girl. Yep, that was me. It was a difficult pregnancy and the only one my mom would ever have.

Now, I'm facing the last year of my 20s. Unbelievable! We just had our ten year high school reunion (not that I went). Time is flying by.

Recently, when talking with my dad on his birthday, he said (something to the effect) that "you never think of yourself as old. You're always the same young kid in your mind. You still think you can do anything....but your body says otherwise."

I still feel like I'm the young Doniamarie, the idealistic tomboy who slowly fell more in love with books than her bicycle. The Doniamarie who would spend hours swimming (never sun-bathing - ew!), roller-skating, and dancing. I hope that never changes.

Pikes Peak

Our first big adventure in Colorado was taking the cog rail up to Pikes Peak. It took over an hour to reach the summit and it was a fascinating ride through forest, by lakes, and across alpine tundra. Above, our cog car (?) parked at the summit.


It was a clear day until we got to the summit. At 14,000 feet it was cloudy, windy, and snowy. Boy, was it cold - in the 20s! We were a bit disheartened by the clouds which obscured the view. We headed inside to warm up and, hopefully, wait out the clouds.


Finally, a few minutes before we had to leave the summit, the clouds parted for a brief time. The views were spectacular!


I especially liked the lakes amidst the mountains....so gorgeous!

The cog rail was a lot of fun but I don't think it's something I need to do with every visit to Colorado. The weather is such a huge factor! But it was cool being so high up! The elevation of my home town is 600 feet. And I was up to 14,000 feet last week! Awesome!

Engaged!

This is the spot in Rocky Mountain National Park where Mr. Higgins proposed to me last Wednesday. I can't remember his exact words but he asked the actual question twice - and I said 'yes' twice!

He caught me completely off guard. We stopped - after over an hour of hiking - to rest and have a snack at Dream Lake. The weather was perfect: snow that had fallen a few days prior was melting and the sun was stunningly bright. We both had layers of clothes on to shed throughout the day as the temperatures warmed. My nose was red from the cold and it was running; I was starving; it was my first real hike in a major national park and I was exhilarated and overwhelmed. Mr. Higgins wanted me in a picture and after a few shots, he came up and the next thing I knew, he was down on one knee!

I wanted to wait until a Wednesday to announce the engagement as it's a monumental week for Mr. Higgins and me. Our 40th Wednesday together and also our 9-month anniversary! Now, we've been engaged for a week!

Back to trip pictures tomorrow....

Garden of the Gods

Growing up, my family never really visited national parks; my dad always preferred a beach. So, for this vacation, I was truly excited to see all that I had been missing out on, namely mountains.

Our first stop in Colorado was Manitou Springs, in order to see Pikes Peak. Our hotel, however, was practically at the entrance of Garden of the Gods.... So, we went to see these magnificent rocks before our journey up Pikes Peak - which is seen in the picture above .


Garden of the Gods was, indeed, magnificent on this bright, clear morning.


Later, when we were on top of Pikes Peak, these spires of rock were visible from 14,000 feet! Amazing! The red stone really makes them stand out.


This is the Garden's most famous rock: Balanced Rock.

Manitou Springs was a charming town just west of Colorado Springs. I would definitely stay there again, mainly to spend more time in the Garden. We zipped through, seeing the highlights. It would be awesome to hike there!

Road Trip!

As you can see, my plan to (possibly) blog while on vacation failed. That just means, however, that I have tons of blog fodder now, upon my return to the real world.

Mr. Higgins and I left the Big City and headed northwest through north central Texas and then the Texas Panhandle. I'd never been to that area of Texas so it was definitely an adventure! The landscape changed so much! I was fascinated by it all!


In New Mexico, we passed a volcano! Capulin Volcano National Monument was definitely not something I expected to see!


Wind turbines in the Panhandle of Texas were also a surprise, though I'd heard of these popping up in recent years.

We made it to our first stop in Colorado in one day.... So, more exciting pics tomorrow!

All Packed!

Outside of a few odds-n-ends, I'm mostly packed for Colorado. I did such a great job last night, that I packed up all my hair stuff....which meant it had to be un-packed this morning. Ha!

We leave early tomorrow morning and I can't wait! Though I really hadn't noticed until recently, I think the city and all it entails has really stretched me thin of late. I'm so sick of traffic, of traffic lights, stupid drivers, constant noise and commotion, and work, of course. I need a break.

Come to think of it, I've had no real break since the cruise with Mr. Higgins in April. That was six months ago!!! Crazy!

I'll try to post from Colorado, but I can't guarantee anything. I have no idea how good our internet will be and when I'll have time to post - between driving, hiking, and eating. Ha!

Yarn Stores

I'm taking some knitting on the Colorado trip since the autumn weather has really made me want to pick up the needles. The goal is to get a few Christmas present finished - with time to spare! In the past, I've been knitting up to the last minute!

Hopefully, there will be time to visit a few yarn shops as well. I imagine Colorado has an active knitting scene. There are tons of yarn stores in Denver and Colorado Springs! But in the smaller towns, where we're staying, there are only a few. So, we'll see. It'll all depend on timing.

But I definitely have the knitting bug. Yay, autumn coolness!

Advisers, Puritans, and Witches

I finally finished reading Katherine Howe's The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane yesterday.

Being the ancient, semi-classicist historian snob that I am, I've never been intrigued by the Salem witch trials. (Rome had witches two thousand years before Salem, after all.) But Howe makes them interesting with a fresh look at the so-called witches that were executed. I could definitely sympathize with the protagonist, Connie, a modern graduate student attempting to find fresh fodder for a dissertation. The primary antagonist, her adviser, is less believable and a bit over the top. My middle-class bias also scoffs at the Harvard setting. Ah, well, some are still romanced by such a locale.

Howe is an effective writer and this is an intriguing story. The so-called witches are painted correctly - God-fearing medicine-women. Graduate school is also described correctly. It is difficult, however, to believe Connie's family connections and past. No one finds a dissertation in the decrepit house they inherit. And, if they do, it's not on a topic so romantic as witchcraft. But that's what we, as readers, yearn for, right? Romance - in any form.

I, like Connie, had to laugh at the Puritan names....Deliverance, Mercy, Constance, Prudence, Charity.... I found a few of these in my own family's past while doing research many years ago. Perhaps I had relatives in Salem! Er...no, no likely. That's just to romantic a hypothesis for real life.

Window Hopping

The weather has been gorgeous lately with highs in the 70s. Last night, while I did chores and started packing for CO, I opened up the windows to let in some cool, fresh air. Doug and Syb had a blast window-hopping.


You can't tell in the picture above, but Doug is attentively watching some of the stray cats on the back porch. Syb was hogging the windowsill....


I love this picture! Syb watching one of the strays (who I call Lucretius) on the porch. It's almost as good as TV, watching the cats watch other cats!

Colorado Prep

A week from now I'll be in Colorado!

Mr. Higgins and I are going on a road trip to Colorado. Our final destination is Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. I've been dying to take a road trip so I'm super excited!

Since my dad has forever been in search of the perfect beach - and since he hates cold weather - I've never vacationed near mountains. The sole exception was our family Christmas in Tahoe a few years ago. And a few hours of driving around the Great Smoky Mountains hardly counts, so this is going to be a great trip for me!

This week is all about prepping for the trip. So much to do!

Abuse Scandals

Despite the many voices saying otherwise, I've always thought that celibacy had very little to do with abuse amidst Church clergy. After all, depriving oneself of sex does not automatically make one a sexual predator. Being a gay priest does not automatically make you a sexual predator.

I found an article yesterday that talks about the Protestant clergy's sexual abuse trend. The author makes some very good points. Among them, that the Catholic Church is a much more profitable target as it's a monolithic (that is to say, rich) organization instead of a small independent (er...poor) congregation.

Some may call me naive, but I believe in the celibacy of the clergy. Nuns and monks take a similar vow and are not routinely accused of sexual crimes. Perhaps, as the article states, it's the power of the position that comes into play within the clergy. Nuns and monks do not, after all, have the same hierarchical structure as the clergy.

Either way, sexual abuse is a problem in every Christian sect.

Crisis Averted

On Monday after lunch, my throat started feeling a little scratchy. By Monday evening, I was sure I was getting sick as my throat was getting worse.

It was worse on Tuesday and I felt really sluggish. I left work early to take a nap and rest.

On Wednesday morning I wasn't any worse but I still didn't feel great. I decided to stay home, work from there for half a day, and rest the other half. I took a nap and ate healthy. By evening, I actually felt a little better. I went to bed super early, though, just in case.

This morning, I feel pretty good, outside of a headache. (I always get a headache when I sleep too much. Sucks, I know.) I can't say that I slept the entire time I was in bed but the rest seems to have done me good!

Hopefully, the sudden change in weather caused this - not some nasty virus. But it's imperative that I not get sick. Mr. Higgins and I leave for Colorado in a week and there can be no illnesses! We have roads to travel and mountains to see - and climb!

Illness

No real post today due to illness.

Some kind of virus has taken up residence in my throat. Here's hoping it doesn't spread and become any nastier. Ugh.

Textbook Feud

While checking Facebook last week, I heard about some breaking news via the secretary of my old grad school: the Texas Board of Education approved a resolution to keep pro-Muslim textbooks out of classrooms. My old secretary (and friend) said that Texas should "succeed" - and, while we're at it, just "break off and float away." I did not correct her typo - or slip-up - but instead went in search of a news article on this story. (I found one here.)

This is troubling, for sure. The Board of Education is either completely unaware of the volatile situation with the Muslim community in America or they just don't care. I have no doubt that these textbooks have absolutely no Muslim bias. The man who came up with the resolution went through textbooks and counted the terms "Muslim" and "Islam" and compared that number against "Christian." I've never heard of anything so absurd!

The last thing we need to do right now is inflame an already precarious situation of rampant anti-Islamic sentiment. Instead, what we need - and what I've said - is education. Textbooks are a way to educate. A country where textbooks are censored by ignorant conservatives makes us no better than the Middle Eastern countries that censor Western culture from their people.

And, furthermore, grouping all Texans together and wishing the state would "succeed" - or, perhaps, secede - goes against everything my friend is actually protesting... Grouping all Muslims together, saying they're all terrorists, and trying to minimize their impact on American culture. Perhaps someone needs to practice (tolerance) what they preach....

A Perfect Coincidence!

Mr. Higgins and I timed a visit out to the country perfectly! True fall weather moved in yesterday and we got to sit on a porch, savoring the cool temperatures - purely by chance!

The highs yesterday were in the 70s and the lows last night were in the 50s! There was the perfect breeze yesterday and the air was so gorgeously clear... Ah, fall! Nothing beats a good porch and bench for such weather. Add Sookie the Cat to the mix for entertainment and you never get bored! I could have stayed on that porch for hours!

It was also good timing that I was able to exchange my summer clothes for winter wear! I needed a sweater this morning! Awesome!

Intolerance

With all the talk - and actions - of religious intolerance going on these days, working in a religion department is an interesting place to be. It's cool to see the people I've come to admire do all in their power to educate the community against such intolerance.

It's also frustrating to hear of parents calling our department, angry that their son or daughter is being taught the Koran.

Ignorance is the greatest enemy of freedom. We must all work towards an educated society.

On that note, a professor sent this map around yesterday. And to think that these are only the reported crimes...

Granola Bars

I made Chewy Granola Bars the other night and they are so delicious! Em recommended them and they are so much better than anything you can buy in the store.

On that same note, here's an article on how to put together a recipe to your liking.

I'm a bit obsessed with baking at the moment. I haven't actually made much, but I've been enjoying gathering up some good recipes for future baking.

Common Courtesy

Last week (and the two days of this week) was rough at work. Nothing big is happening - no deadlines or stress of that nature - but something else is irking me.

It seems that very few people acknowledge or respect others' personal space. Gone are the days of knocking on an office door. Why not just walk in? If there's something shiny on someone's desk, why not pick it up and play with it? There's a stapler, why not use that one instead of my own?

My office is different because it contains the common printer for my floor. Therefore, my office key is the common key; anyone can come in at any time. But that's no excuse for these things....

-My mother called early the other morning. Though very few people were around, I still wanted privacy so I shut my door (something I very rarely do). Within minutes someone was trying to open my door. They apparently found it difficult. It took them so long that I stood up and opened it for them. They got their printed materials....but came back soon thereafter to get more, though it should have been obvious I wanted privacy!

-A student stopped by my office, not an inch outside my door, faced my office, and proceeded to have a conversation on his phone. I had to physically turn around and glare at him before he took a hint that a doorway to someone's office is probably not the best place to talk to his girlfriend.

-There's one professor who, no matter what I'm doing, thinks that he needs to talk to me as he waits for his paper to come through the printer. Yesterday - when I was clearly working - he asked me, "I wonder how much paper one tree produces? You're a researcher, go research that." Yeah? Well, you can shove it, jackass.

-Why does an open doorway automatically mean that I want to talk to you? I don't. Really. No, really. If I want to talk, I'll find you, knock on your door, and ask if you have a minute.

-One professor walks in to get stuff off the printer. Another professor walks in to do the same. They strike up a conversation...a conversation I'm not a part of. In my office. And they don't leave.

-I come into my office to find my top desk drawer (the common pen and pencil drawer) slightly open and riffled through. Seriously?

I'm more than a little tired of people. Why don't they afford me the same courtesy I give them? Professional courtesy....common courtesy? In general, I think professionalism is dead - at least from where I'm sitting.

Fall Knitting

It's finally cooling off here (upper eighties and lower nineties for highs) after a scorcher of a summer. The idea of fall makes me think of pumpkins, beautiful foliage, sweaters, hot tea.....

....and knitting! My knitting time has been none existent lately but a blessing in disguise has happened.... Mr. Higgins loves college football and I like knitting to sports. It's the perfect combination: Mr. Higgins + sports + knitting = happy!

I've already started knitting two key Christmas presents. At my current rate, I'll finish them in mid-December....ha! I'm also idly crocheting on my first (and only) crochet project, a scarf started in a class.

Now I just need it to get cool enough for hot tea! Yay, fall!

Monday-ness

I'm not really capable of coming up with something for today. I'll do better tomorrow.

Promise.

476 Years Ago...

I read an interesting op-ed piece yesterday regarding the pope's visit to Britain. No pope has ventured to the small isle in 476 years. Why?

History buffs will know that a little brat of a king, Henry VIII, decided to sever all ties to the Catholic Church in 1534. One could easily argue that he wanted the Church's lands - and the revenue from them - just as much as he wanted a divorce...and heir.

Britain had a rich history of monasticism from the time of Pope Gregory the Great in the sixth century. All of these lands were not taxable by the government. By removing the Church, Henry gained a substantial new income.

In case my tone is unclear, I've always disliked Henry....and British history. Everyone in my graduate program was intrigued by Britain and I could care less. Now, sixteenth century British history is more popular than ever before, with books, TV shows, and movies abounding. I hate it. There are more interesting stories in history than that of a fat, sex-crazed, tantrum-throwing monarch from a tiny, gray island.

An Army of....Kittehs

There are about ten stray cats that live around my house and the neighbors' house. From what I can tell, they're around because the neighbors have an outside cat, so there's always food out. Most of them run away from me if I take one step towards them. They have no problem, however, sleeping on top of my car!

Despite that, I've had fun trying to name them all....and keep them all straight. One who always hangs around my backyard is now the owner of a good, solid Roman name: Lucretius. Of course, he may actually be a she, for all I know!

My favorite kitty - and the only one who lets me pet him - is all black. I've named him Lucius. He's so skinny it's painful! I've set water out for all the kitties throughout the blazing hot summer, but now I've started giving Lucius some food every other day. In my mind, the less he has to wander, the less likely he is to get hit by a car.

There are also two kittens that live, apparently, under the neighbors' porch. It's all I can do to not adopt these precious little ones!

So....now I just need to train all these kitties in the art of ninja warfare so that they can attack any would-be burglars. Ha!

More Uneasiness

My uneasiness in my new, albeit temporary, neighborhood has increased.

When I went to mow the lawn on Friday night (yes, so much excitement on a Friday night!), I found that someone had undone - and messily re-done - the chain on the backyard gate. Instead of breaking the lock, they undid the hook in the fence that holds the chain.

I tried not to panic and thought perhaps the power company had been back to check the meter.... But a smart meter was installed in June, making house visits obsolete. I didn't sleep much Friday night. On Monday I called the power company and they confirmed that there has been no house visits since July.

Someone was definitely in my backyard. There's absolutely nothing to steal back there but that doesn't make me feel any better. I fixed the hook and tightened the chain so much so that a wrist can't even fit through the gate. Hopefully that will keep this from happening again.

I hope.

Vatican Library

The Secret Knitter was nice enough to share this with me....

After a prolonged restoration project - which frustrated many researchers (this one included) - the Vatican Library has finally reopened. The pics are amazing!

Craziness on the Road

Sometimes, despite living here most of my life, driving in this city scares me.

On Thursday night, while going to Mr. Higgins' well after the rush hour crowd had passed, I passed a guy before getting on the highway. I was in the correct lane; he was in the lane required to merge with mine. Apparently he didn't like that. He merged onto the highway a good 500 yards before it was legal to do so, forced me to slam on my breaks and merge behind him (or else be forced to exit in an exit only lane), cut me off every other time I tried to change lanes, and finally slammed on his breaks to send me - almost - crashing into him. At that point, I was so furious I tailgated him for ten miles. He rode the fast lane, though people were tailgating me for going too slow behind him!

Now, I'm sorry, but the idiot needs to grow a pair and learn that a light blue truck is not at all manly...especially when driven by a moron.

Then, at night, I passed a guy who was going too slow. I didn't tailgate him or get mad, I just passed him like a normal person, using my turn signal when appropriate. He apparently didn't like that, so he turned on his high beams for five minutes once I was in front of him.

Now, he needs to learn to take it like a man and not endanger everyone on the road with his adolescence.

And the other day, I saw a woman brushing her teeth while driving at over 60mph. Stupid!

I get so frustrated sometimes! Driving is like an obstacle course. You must dodge idiots and morons at every turn and one moment of inattention on your part can lead to someone else careening into you. Sigh. Defensive driving is the only way to go out there.

Lunch Ideas

I've officially stopped eating microwaveable dinners. My only exception is Amy's burritos, which are healthier. Why? Simple: I got tired of dreading lunch every day at work. And there's that little thing about getting cancer from the plastic you microwave those things in.

The main reason I ate them was convenience. Now, I think I'd rather have more to do in the morning and actually look forward to lunch all day long - rather than dread it!

So, I came up with a healthy lunch. Thanks to Mr. Higgins and friends, I've had great fun eating out at lots of yummy restaurants. Unfortunately, that has me paranoid about gaining weight. So, I devised a lunch that is healthy and, together with snacks, will get me 80% of my daily fruits/vegetables. All I need once I get home is one more serving of something green! Plus, I get my dairy out of the way! It's a win-win (-win!) solution to a boring lunch. Here's what it is (with Weight Watchers points!)....

-Carrot sticks (a little more than a handful) and 2 tbsp hummus (1 WW point - some brands are 2 pts)
-5 Whole Wheat Ritz Crackers and 1 slice of 2% Cheddar Cheese (3 WW points)
-1/8 cup of almonds (2 WW points)

It doesn't sound like much but it's actually really filling! (And, of course, I'm going to change it up from week-to-week.)

Then, for snacks throughout the day, I munch on...
applesauce (natural with Splenda) and/or raisins (1 WW point each)
another fruit, such as strawberries and blueberries (2 WW points)
sugar-free pudding (Splenda!) (1 WW point)

I throw in a few more snacks (and breakfast!) (alternating with granola bars, WW snack cakes, Laughing Cow cheese with Triscuits, etc) so that I don't get hungry. Yes, I eat a lot but these are small portions spread out through the day - in the hopes of helping the metabolism (more small meals vs. three big meals). Personally, I think it works. My dinners out have not affected my weight in any way over the past few months. I've kept up with my four 30-minute workouts a week and nothing has changed. I've only had problems getting enough fruits/vegetables, so hopefully this new lunch plan will solve that problem.

Truthfully, I love food way too much. I'm a bit obsessed. But my dinners at home are nothing exciting (ranging from cereal to a chicken breast) - cooking for one is not much fun, after all. So, when I go out, I don't want to be confined to eating salads and chicken breasts....though I eat those at times. Life is too short to be afraid to splurge! That's my new motto, at least!

Anyway, I thought I'd share as several of you have asked about my Weight Watchers meals.

Hermine

Well, we survived Hermine.

It rained all Tuesday and Tuesday night, causing crazy flash flooding and power outages. A few tornadoes touched down. The rain continued Wednesday morning. On the west side of the Metroplex, however, the sun came out around 2pm yesterday and, with the strong southerly winds, things quickly began to dry out.

All total, we got about seven inches of rain. Wow. Now, I'm guessing, all the grass will perk up and I'll have to mow again. Bleh!

9/11

Mr. Higgins and I were watching a 9/11 documentary the other night and it's still on my mind.

For those of you who don't know... I landed in Frankfurt the morning of 9/11. About four hours later, we got word of the tragedy happening in New York. It was a surreal experience watching the BBC play and replay what had happened. Due to a crazy schedule, none in our group saw the Twin Towers get hit or fall in real time. I felt completely disconnected from my country and the emotions of my countrymen. All I could do was stare at the TV, all night long, and try (and re-try) to get through to my parents in the US (all the phone lines were jammed).

I can't say that it was bad to be overseas. The show of support by Germans, Austrians, and Czechs was amazing. They always asked us where we were from and we would mutter "Texas," so far from NYC, and they would still say, "I'm so sorry." Tributes of candles and flowers popped up around various memorials and US embassies. It was an amazing experience that proved how ignorant we are to not think in a global mindset. These people felt our pain.

And so it is both educational and difficult for me to watch documentaries recounting the sequence of events on that day. One new bit of info (for me) which was surprising.... Al Qaeda was planning to assassinate the late Pope John Paul II. This is just appalling to me. I can understand wanting to assassinate presidents and prime ministers, but the pope?! I mean, there was the bit with the Crusades but the Muslims won those, in the long run.

It's all a mystery to me - any kind of fundamentalism. It is the mark of ignorance and nothing is scarier than that.

Goodbyes

I know it's been a while since I've written. It was a great long weekend. Mr. Higgins and I had a quiet few days after I made a quick trip to the country on Saturday.

Unfortunately, Monday brought sad news... My great-uncle - my last link to my grandmother - is doing very poorly. He is saying his good-byes from the comfort of his home in East Texas.

I know it seems like a far-flung connection, but he was always my favorite uncle. I only ever had one "real" uncle, so my great-uncles were always thought of as uncles. So many memories come to mind of my grandparents playing cards with my uncle, of his smile, his contagious laugh.....

He will be truly missed.

Fall....

I can't tell you how happy I am. It's September! Finally, the dreaded month of August is over and done with!

After having lived in Michigan for two years, fall became a favorite time of year for me. I love the falling leaves, the cooler temperatures, and the vibrant trees. I'm hoping - though I'm afraid to jinx it - that our 100+ degree days are at an end. Fall, though not quite here, is on the horizon. The forecast looks promising so I'm cautiously hopeful. Never mind that our forecasters are rarely correct. Last night, for example, they did not accurately predict severe thunderstorms!

I think I shall celebrate this weekend with cookie baking! And muffin baking! Yes, that sounds perfect! (For some reason, I'm in a baking mood!)

Congo

Every morning, I listen to NPR. That's the only way to get news and noise in the morning (I live without cable). But they do have really fascinating stories.

All this week they're following a reporter's journey through the Congo. This country is the size of western Europe but barely has a system of drivable roads. Most people live without basic plumbing and electricity. The Poisonwood Bible took place in the Congo so I feel like I know a bit about the area.... But things seem not to have changed in the least since the 1960s, when the novel took place.

Most travel throughout the region must be done by river, via the Congo. In the report, they travel ten days to get to their destination, the capital, Kinshasa. Can you imagine ten days to get to your destination?! Or, can you imagine a place and time when travel, because of this, is rare and almost never happens? Travel has been hazardous throughout history but the Congo is happening now. Rebel raids are frequent, famine and disease are constant, government corruption is debilitating....

See the pictures on NPR here. You won't believe it.

Bleh......

Last week was crazy. Students walking around like chicks (not chickens) with their heads cut off, suddenly forgetting every bit of common sense bestowed upon them by a higher power when confronted with the big, scary college experience. That, combined with stuff going on in my little world (doors falling off etc), made the week a bit traumatic.

I thought this week would be better but, so far, the outlook is grim. Then again, it may surprise me.

But I'm definitely ready for a long weekend. Labor Day can't come fast enough!

An Easy Fix

The door debacle on Friday threatened to ruin my weekend.....but an unlikely savior swooped int to help. My boss!

Once he heard of what happened via email Friday morning, he said he could fix it. I had known he did woodworking as a hobby, but I had no idea he was so handy! Apparently, he'd fixed a similar door before. (Apparently this problem is not unique, especially in older homes.) We went over to my house at lunch and an hour later, the door was perfect!

I was so grateful that I could have jumped for joy. And, despite my dad's dire warnings that it could break again, I'm not going to worry. I have too much to worry about without having a messed up door!

I like older houses but I just don't feel equipped to deal with these types of problems on a day-to-day basis. I was lucky that someone could help so easily this time around....but what's going to happen next? Hopefully, nothing!

Keep your fingers crossed!

Falling In

The front door of the house is falling off. It is now, officially, unusable.

I wish I had more to say but after pulling open the door, only to have the front hinge pull completely out and the door sway precariously... I'm a little out of it.

The bright spot.... It's Friday!

Mars/Venus

I'm halfway through Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus and, though I never thought I'd be reading such a book, it's very interesting. Written by a man, there is a sort of "here's how to interrupt a man and live with him" attitude. This doesn't mean it's unhelpful but I wonder just how helpful it is for a man to read about a woman.

According to Gray, women are needy. He doesn't mean this in a bad way - at least, all the time - but he does say that women need more affection than men. I think this is true but one must always be careful with generalizations, right? There are two things in here that have really made me think, and which ring true...

-Men need and seek their caves in times of stress. They physically need to distance themselves from women and kids in order to think through their day. Unlike women, they do not want to talk about their problems, they want to ponder them in a safe environment - their cave.

-Men are like rubber bands. They get close to you but then, at the height of intimacy, intentionally pull away. They need to re-discovery their autonomy and independence. They will always come back to their mate but this is a constant trend and one that scares a woman if she doesn't know what's going on. One minute a man can't get enough of you and the next, he disappears for days.

There are fewer analogies I like for the women, perhaps because I'm slightly insulted to be called needy or a wave. Yes, woman's emotions are like waves, rising and falling in a natural rhythm. We have severe lows when we need to wallow in our misfortune. Without these lows we cannot experience the highs.

I guess I go through this, though I never really gave it much thought. Though I'm usually an even keel on the emotional front, I do get down sometimes. Perhaps Gray is correct.

However, I refuse to be called needy.

Card Buffet

On Monday I went to the second monthly StampinUp! event held by the demonstrator I contacted. It's called a Card Buffet. Four card designs are there for you to make for $15. You get to make your favorite design twice for a total of five cards!

The best part was that you could customize the sayings - "Happy Birthday" instead of "Get Well" - which meant you could get some things done on your card-making 'to-do' list. That's especially helpful for me since I'm miles away from my supplies!

It was a fun evening and I definitely learned some techniques outside of my creative realm, which is always nice. None of the ladies present were near my age, but at least I got out of the house and accomplished something crafty.

The Students Are Back

Classes have officially begun and students are back on campus. That means that faculty are back on campus. Suddenly my quiet building is bustling with constant activity.

I really wish I could say this was a welcome change but I find myself unprepared for the constant onslaught of people. And to make it worse, we topped out at 108 degrees yesterday. The end of summer cannot come quick enough!

Sorry for the short post. Tomorrow I'll tell you all about a second local stamping adventure!

Club Night

I took a great step on Friday night - socially and craftily. I went to a StampinUp Club Night!

I found a demonstrator - a different one than the one who stood me up - online and sent her an email. The email went just in time for their once-a-month Club meeting. The demonstrator was super nice - she even gave me a $10 catalog that I'm used to paying for. And the other ladies - three club-members - were also super sweet. One was even my age, though she has a son (thereby making real friendship most likely impossible).

And, best of all, we made three adorable cards! Seriously, one is so cute that I'm hesitant to give it away! I would post them here, but that seems to be a copyright infringement of someone else's original ideas. So, you'll just have to believe me when I say they're uber, uber cute! I also learned some spiffy new techniques - many of which require equipment I can't afford! - and felt quite the novice among these crafty ladies!

I'm really torn as to whether I should join the group. It costs $15 a month and then, on top of that, you must place a minimum $15 order every month. This seems a bit extreme to me. Or, there's a card buffet once a month, where you make five cards for $15. If I did all three, that's $45! I don't know if I should commit to spending that each month, especially when all my stamping supplies are still in East Texas, with the parents. Then again, I need a social life. Hm....

Suggestions?

7 Months

Seven months ago today, I met Mr. Higgins. Can you believe it? I sure can't! Those seven months have felt like a lifetime but not even the blink of an eye. So much has happened.....but not nearly enough has happened!

As a couple, we've come so far. The issues that plague other couples fell away within the first few months of our courtship. We were both, amazingly, equally committed from the start. I had been looking for someone who viewed relationships just as I do, and I found him!

It's been a wonderful journey and the best part is that we still have so far to go together!

Terror Babies

In case you don't watch Anderson Cooper or Jon Stewart, here's what you've missed: terror babies.

Brought to you in full by an East Texas - utterly ridiculous - congressman. The interview....I love it. Gohmert cannot answer any question, much less form complete, complex sentences. His goal seems to be to talk over Anderson for the entirety of the "interview."

Good interview, Gohmert. Way to represent....common idiocy. I'm embarrassed to be from East Texas.

The Piano Teacher

I just finished reading The Piano Teacher by Janice Y. K. Lee. It had been sitting on my shelf for quite some time so it's good to get through it. Lee produced a historically sweeping novel that could have been gut-wrenching but was instead a bit flat.

The story is set in two times: war-torn Hong Kong of 1942-3 and a recovering, haunted Hong Kong of 1953. Will, a British ex-pat, comes to Hong Kong for work and is swept into the best social circles after falling for Trudy, a beautiful Eurasian. The war is barely a backdrop to these privileged people. Once Hong Kong is invaded, Will is shipped off to an internment camp and, though this should be the most intriguing part of the story, Lee instead focuses on Trudy, who struggles to survive in an occupied Hong Kong, forever mourning the loss of her glittery, upper-class dinner parties. With Will contained in the camps and Truly living on the "outside," their romance fizzles.

Ten years later, Claire arrives in Hong Kong with her husband, a British Water Works inspector. She starts teaching piano to a wealthy girl whose parents have a dark history during and after the war. Claire meets Will and they have an affair. Claire begins to find herself amidst the foreigners and foreign climate but she also starts to uncover secrets involving Will and Trudy.

I do not particularly enjoy reading about rich spoiled people, which is what all of these characters are, outside of Claire. Hong Kong seems fascinating but Lee barely scratches the surface to the secrets of this fascinating place. There are other authors who do a much better job at capturing the historical essence of a time and place.

Suspicious Activity

Last night, I was outside watering in the backyard. I had already done the front yard, locked the gate, and was diligently watering the back plants. Next to the house is an old, abandoned motel. During the day, teachers from the elementary school across the street park there. At night, it's a dark parking lot next to the house. This is the one thing about the house that makes me uneasy. During the day it's fine but at night....well, anyone can sit there and watch the house.

Around seven o'clock, I heard someone pull into the parking lot. I'd already watched all the teachers leave so I knew it was someone else. I heard someone step on the dry grass and leaves on the other side of the backyard fence. I stopped watering. Through the fence - a wooden fence with a few holes - I could see someone moving around. I waited until I heard no more steps and then I moved. I unlocked the gate and walked around the front of the house and over to look at the car in the parking lot. Someone was now inside the car. It was too far away for me to see the license plate - curse my horrible eyes! - so I ran around and back inside the house.

I looked through all the windows in the house - which look towards the lot - trying to see the license plate. As I looked, the car backed up and slowly exited the lot. I tried again - and failed - to read the license plate. Actually, I don't think there was one!

I thought for a moment, looked up the non-emergency number for the police, and called. A very nice lady said she would send out an order for more patrols in the area. She also said to not hesitate to call 911 if I ever feel uneasy.

Though there was a break-in next door, I've never felt physically uneasy in that house until last night. To hear someone walking around the brush on the other side of the fence was more unnerving than I can say. I was so close to calling 911 - and then the guy left. My superior vehicle identification skills even let me down - all I can say about the car is that it was a late '90s American-made silver 4-door.

At least the police know to keep an eye out. And there's a police station really close by. That's something. Right?

Back to Work

My few days of vacation are now over and it's back to work. I feel more rested after a trip to the country followed by quality time with Mr. Higgins. And I'll need to be rested for what's in store....

A crazy week is ahead followed by an inundation of students and the start of classes next week. Gone are the days of quiet hallways and empty faculty offices. I'm not sure I'm ready for all this!

And just to add another layer to all this... The heat has not abated at all! It's still too bloody hot!

I'm ready for fall!

A Short Summer Interlude 2

Yesterday was very productive on the craft front. I made quite a few cards which was surprising. Usually when I want to be creative, the creative juices refuse to flow. It was great to sit down and come up with card after card.... Success!

It's also been good to see Sookie the Cat. She's gained some weight since I last saw her but that's good as she's always been too skinny. None of the pets are happy in this heat but she was super cute and even stalked a rabbit!

There was also time to relax yesterday, which was nice. I even managed to be unproductive for a few minutes - or an hour!

A Short Summer Interlude 1

I made it to East Texas last night after a wonderful dinner with Mr. Higgins. It was our 30th Wednesday night in a row - our official Date Night. We went back to the restaurant we went for our third date - one that we haven't been to since. It was a real treat and a lot of fun. Just when I think we'll run out of things to talk about - and be one of those silent couples - we can't stop talking!

When I got to my parent's place, a herd of deer (do deer have herds?) welcomed me...by almost stampeding into my car. It was an awesome sight...once my heart started beating again!

I'm hoping to be super crafty today! Card-making is on the agenda! A knitting pattern search is also on tap. Hopefully, a good day!

Nerves

I'm exhausted. There's nothing left.

Thankfully I'm escaping to the country tonight to pet-sit for my parents for a few days. It'll be a few degrees cooler out there, beneath the pine trees. And the quiet of the country will likely help my very frayed nerves. (Ha - I sound like a character from a Jane Austen novel, what with my "nerves!")

So, tomorrow and Friday, I'll be writing from the country, where my agenda consists of crafty fun, working out, pancakes, and friends.

Reproduction

Liz's comment on yesterday's post brings up an interesting topic and one that I don't think I've discussed here: kids.

I know many women - and men - have a natural yearning to reproduce. They know exactly how many kids they want once they're able to understand where babies come from - or before. They may even have names picked out. They look at babies and just want to hold them. They see a pregnant woman and have to touch her belly.

I'm not one of these people. I've never felt the desire or the urge to have kids. Sure, some babies are cute but once they open their mouth - to scream, to spit up, to drool - I'm done. I have no patience and I know I would make a horrible parent. And, personally, I think it's very responsible to know that I don't want to be the kind of parent I would become. I'm not going to put a child through that - or myself. And, oh yes... I don't want to give birth. I don't think that I must give birth to be a real woman. That's not some sort of rite of passage I feel the need with which to torture myself. I'm good, just the way I am!

And no, I've not "grown out" of my thinking, nor will I ever.

(And, for the record, I know have the "Reproduction" song from GREASE 2 stuck in my head. Ugh!)

A Shower

My best friend, AL, is getting married. It's such an exciting time for her and for her family! Yesterday, her cousins threw her a bridal shower, to which I was invited.

Very few of my friends have married and none of my close friends have yet to tie the knot. AL is the first. As a result, I'm far removed from the bridal scene and all the traditions that accompany it. Frankly, I've never even paid attention to such things as I was always too afraid of getting my hopes up. Marriage was not something I was sure to be in my future.

And so the whole bridal shower is an interesting cultural phenomenon, in my mind. I like the idea of all your close female friends and relatives gathering around you to wish you every happiness. It's a lovely thing. And it was a lovely day.

Still, I couldn't help but think of my own situation. I have an extremely small family. And sometimes, when I see large, happy families, it makes me a bit sad. I've never had that. I have no idea what it's like to be known, since birth, by so many people. I'm lucky if my cousins remember my name! Ha!

But it made me happy to see AL's family so happy. She's lucky to have them - and vice versa!

Crafty Attempts

My stamping consultant has moved far, far away and, therefore, I've found myself in need of a new consultant, preferably one near my near abode. I contacted a lady not too far away and she seemed very enthusiastic about me "adopting" her for all my stamping needs. After talking to her a bit, we set up a time for me to swing by her house to pick up a new catalog.

The appointed time for our meeting was eminent yesterday so I called the consultant when I left my house, per her instructions. There was no answer. Five minutes later, I tried again: no answer. On the fifth call, when I was blocks away from her house, she picked up the phone.

"O goodness, I meant to call you sooner," she exclaimed. I slowed the car and made to turn around; I knew something was wrong.

It turns out her husband was away and she had to pick up the kids in a suburb. Instead of calling me, she apparently forgot how to read a clock. Now, back when I tried my hand at selling make-up, I never would have asked a customer to come to me. She did this and I excused it....she was on my way to Mr. Higgins' house, after all. But for her to blatantly forget an appointment is inexcusable, in my book.

She said she'd be home in forty-five minutes and asked if we could meet then. Of all the gall! I said no, I had other plans. Around seven she called back and left a message (I didn't want to answer the phone). She was only halfway apologetic, saying she'd had a crazy day. If that was the case, why didn't she call to reschedule?

I'm debating whether to give this woman my business, since she obviously needs to learn a few about doing business!

Modano

Instead of focusing on (or complaining about) the heat, why don't we talk about something cooler...like hockey!

Mike Modano was released from the Stars this summer and it was a very sad thing. He was a Star for his entire career and even helped to bring the Stanley Cup to Dallas. He was debating retirement.....

And now he's signed with the Detroit Red Wings. A more evil scenario could not have been imagined. Memories of Emmitt Smith and the Arizona Cardinals come to mind (though I still love Emmitt). Though I'm trying to see things from Modano's perspective (who probably relishes the idea of playing for a team so close to his childhood home - and just being able to play in general), it still makes me sad.

I wanted to think of him only as a Star.

Hot, Hot, Hot

You know it's hot when the weatherman says "and today our high will be a cool 102." And apparently there's no change on the horizon for the next 7-10 days. The air conditioner runs constantly, even when set in the low 80s. It's miserable....miserable, miserable, miserable.

I find myself unable to come up with anything more enlightening for today. The heat just sucks it out of me.

Gaylord Texan

A few weeks ago, Mr. Higgins and I went to explore the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine. If you've ever flown into DFW Airport, you've probably seen - or flown over - this massive hotel. It's like a mini (Texas) version of the Opryland in Nashville. Inside the complex, there are lush gardens....and a replica of the Alamo!


Also inside is a mock Riverwalk. Much cooler and less crowded than the real one in San Antonio!


It was just so beautiful inside! I'd forgotten what the Opryland was like but this reminded me! The main thing I remember about Opryland is how small - but expensive - the rooms were. I wonder if the Gaylord is the same way? Hm.....

After a nice dinner here, Mr. Higgins and I returned to reality, i.e. the Texas heat!

Hello August

I've always hated this month. In Texas, the heat settles in and weighs on you for real. It's stifling and horribly uncomfortable. We reached 102 yesterday and no air conditioner can keep up.

And, at the root of it all is the fact that for 24 years, August meant it was time to go back to school. Nothing changed in graduate school and nothing has changed now that I work at a university. Now, the students descend upon us, flooding the hallways and parking lots. My quiet building turns into a cacophony of voices, footsteps, and doors opening and closing - an endless chorus that will last until May.

I would give anything to skip this month and move along into the welcoming months of fall. Sigh....