365-2 | Peaches Prattlings

{October 7, 2014} Packing for vacation…slightly stressful!

Tonight I am packing for a trip and I am so bad about packing early. Where is the packing fariy when I need him/her???

I will tell you very soon where I am going, but I am taking myself on a very overdue vacation. A trip that I have talked about before and talked about going on with “My twin”, NB. I am using this trip to scope things out so we can go again in the future. I so want to explore it with him!

So, i have been getting ready, but is it really that different from any trip I take for work? Well, a little, I am going out of the country and want to be sure I have everything and don’t need to buy too much while I am wherever it is that I am not telling you at the moment.

There is stuff in storage in Colorado and some stuff here in Boston, together it made a full suitcase, well it will when I pack it! I am waiting on the dryer to finish and then I’m good to go. I could have just gone shopping and gotten new stuff, but I want to get some goodies while I’m there, so load up here! Maybe my stuff will meet in the middle one day and make a happy home!

Passport-check, converter-check, new bagalini bag-check [quiet from the peanut gallery, it’s a new bag for traveling!], camera-check, extra chargers-check, brain- um…

I can’t wait to tell you all about my trip and tomorrow, I will! Well, at least where I’m going!

Gotta go, buzzer!

Positivity Challenge – Day #21
1 – I am thankful I have any nails left at all. Apparently gel polish looks great, but kills the strength of your nails, lesson learned. Clear polish to build them up again!
2 – I am so very thankful to have an amazing counselor who helps me get where i need to be and to navigate my company, she rocks!
3 – I am so very thankful Peanut is recovering well, a little groggy and sleepy, but seems ok

{October 6, 2014} My [furry] baby had surgery and is fine

Today I took Peanut to the vet’s to be spayed.

Anytime you take a family member to the doctor, be it two legged or four legged and furry, it can be nerve wracking, but all is right with the world. I have been remiss in not getting Peanut fixed before now, she is 6 years old, but it’s done and she’s doing well.

I dropped her off at 8am, looking at me like I was abandoning her forever and then happy to see me when I arrived at 4:45, when they finally brought her out, could have been the heavy pain medication, but I am hoping it was because I was there to rescue her!

Out she came with an e-collar around her neck, poor little bit, with instructions to keep it on for 10 days, huh? There is also 5 days worth of pain meds that I am sorry to say my sister will have to administer for days 3-5, I think it will be alright. Peanut is a very good girl and I’m hoping better than Jymy at taking her meds!

The post surgery instructions said to try to keep her from jumping and running, huh? this is a cat! I got her home, GES and I got her out of the carrier, fixed the e-collar and zoom, off she went! Running and jumping! She was on the furniture, off the furniture, up the bannister, then vanished, later to be found under the bed, looking sad. Eventually I coaxed her to come out and get on the bed, much more comfortable.

Tonight she has been sitting on my lap, looking up at me on ocassion to make sure I’m not going anywhere and she’s ok.

Yes folks, she is fine and will be right as rain in a few days, please send her your good vibes!

Positivity Challenge – Day #20
1 – I am thankful that Peanut was well cared for when she went in to be spayed today at the Parkway Veternary Hospital
2 – I am thankful that I was here and able to take Peanut to the hospital and pick her up after the procedure
3 – I am thankful that Peanut knows that her mommy is here to take care of her and won’t let anything bad happen to her.
Please send her your best vibes

{October 5, 2014} A 5k and my family was there!

Today I did my first 5k in almost 2 months and I had a cheering section!

Normally, when I do a 5k, 10k or 1/2 marathon, I am usually on my own, arriving and crossing the finish line. Now, don’t get me wrong, there have been a few races that I have done with people and as you know DCM used to take me and be there when I crossed the finish line.

Today, I had an extra special treat! ACS dropped me off at DeFazio Park at the packet pick up for the Walk for Walker 5k, http://www.walkforwalker.org/. The 5k started a few minutes after 10 and we were off, there was a 5k runners group and a 1 mile walker group.

For the first time, for most of the race, I was actually last, which was perfectly fine, because I was doing it, I didn’t care. The funny part was there was a police officer following to keep traffic back, so here i was going really slow and the officer had to drive that slowly! Even better, there were three that did hand offs, so for the first time in my life, I was followed by three police officers and I wasn’t even in trouble!

As I came around a bend about 1.5 miles in, there was my family! GES, ACS, EJS and MGS! My very own personal cheering section and it was the best feeling and sound ever! I kept running, then I heard them honking the horn and shouting as they went by to the finish!

I continued on running and then came around at the 3 mile mark, only needing to finish the .11 to the finish line, there were GES and EJS cheering me on to the finish! I crossed the finish line, got my bottle of water and waited for them to catch up so we could get the rest of the cheering section together.

Bottom line, it was so very cool to have my own cheering section there to support me during my run! I know what other runners, like my brother-in-law, ACS, or AK, feels when he does a half or full marathon and the entire family is there to cheer them on. It is fantastic!!!

Positivity Challenge – Day # 19
1 – I am thankful to have finished my first 5k in almost 2 months in 42:29, I am quite pleased with my time [for not having trained!]
2 – I am SO THANKFUL my family was there to cheer me in the middle of the course and at the end, that was awesome!!!
3 – I am thankful that I do not have to wear big poufy early 1900s dresses with teeny hats that tie under my chin

{October 4, 2014} Services, cooking, break the fast, lots of people

Yesterday, I told you what Yom Kippur, The Day of Atonement, is about and today, we observed.

As I mentioned, we fast for 24 hours, sundown to sundown, some people don’t and it’s not mandatory, but requested. Kids don’t have to fast until they become bar or bat mitzvah age, then they are adults and kind of expected, but it is a personal choice that you make for yourself.

Today we got up and went to children’s services at a different location. The services are a little shorter and more kid friendly, lots of singing, but with a more modern, folk-songy twist, which I like. The sermon that the rabbi gives was great and geared towards kids and parents alike. The services lasted about 1.5 hours, then we went back to the house to start cooking for all the people coming to break the fast, and let me tell you, it’s not easy to cook when you’re hungry!

There were about 40 people coming, kids and adults and we had to feed them all! Everyone brought something to share, but we provided the bagels, lox, cream cheese, as well as egg salad, tuna fish, challah hummus, salad, juice and coffee and monkey bread for dessert. Then people brought a few different koogle, blintz souffle, fruit salad, cheesecake, pumpkin bread, cookies, bars, you name it, we had it!

We started cooking about 12, set up around 3 and then people started arriving about 5 and we dug in about 5:30 and the feast was on! Everyone was so very hungry and it was wonderful to be able to break the fast with so many wonderful people of all ages! The last person left about 8:30 and we were pooped! It was bath, books, bed. Guess who fell asleep after reading to EMS while laying there with her!

Got up, kissed MGS, then went downstairs to hang with GES on the couch for a minute and fell asleep there, now here I am writing to you! It has been a very long day and I need some sleep, I have a 5k in the morning!

Again, I wish you a happy, healthy and sweet year. L’Shana Tova!

Positivity Challenge – Day #18
1 – I am grateful to get to be around wonderful friends and family to break the fast today.
2 – I am grateful that I may have found someone to take the piano i have to get out of my house!
3 – I am thankful that my sister, GES, and I get along so well and make amazing things happen together

{October 3, 2014} May you have an easy fast

Tonight was the beginning of Yom Kippur or The Day of Atonement.

This is the most holy day of the year for Jews, part of “The High Holy Days” beginning with Rosh Hashanah, The Jewish New Year. For Yom Kippur, The Day of Atonement, we ask g-d to forgive our sins and we ask our friends and loved ones to forgive us for any transgressions we may have had against them.

For a period of 24 hours, we fast, no food or water, so that we may concentrate on our studies and prayers to ask g-d for forgiveness and to inscribe us in The Book of Life. For Rosh Hashanah, we say “May you have a healthy, happy and sweet year’, for Yom Kippur we wish everyone to “Have an easy fast”.

So, my friends, as i sit here writing to you, If I have wronged you in any way in this past year, I apologize and ask for forgiveness.

For my friends who are fasting, I say to you “Happy New Year and may you have an easy fast”

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yom_Kippur

Positivity Challenge – Day #17
1 – I am thankful that I got to sleep until 8:30am this morning, waking before the alarm!
2 – I am thankful to have made it through another year
3 – I am thankful that my cats want to snuggle with me every night!

{October 2, 2014} Travel day…delayed flights…turbulence…air ick…finally home

Today was the end of the project in Kentucky for most of us, so it was time to go home.

My flight was due to leave at 1:25, I got a message from Delta that my flight was now at 2:15, so PM and I were able to grab some lunch after we left the office. PM had been wanting to eat in Indiana and since it was just over the bridge, away we went!

From there, to the airport and when we got there, it was so much fun…working with the very helpful Gladys on trying to get me to Boston! First, since I was leaving KY at 2:15, I would get to MI at 3:39, my flight for Boston due to leave at 3:30, how will that work? So…it was a choice between staying on the 2:15, then leaving Detroit at 9:30, a 6 hour layover? No thanks! Next option…leave at 2:05 for GA, 2 hour layover and leave at 5:40, arrive in Boston at 8:22. Ding Ding Ding, we have a winner!

The first flight had some turbulence and even though I am a frequent flier, I don’t know if you knew that, ha ha, over the years, there have been a few flights that have affected me and today was one of them. I was so nauseous, I thought I needed an airsick bag and since I didn’t have one, I had to ask for one, I noticed a few people were asking for them! Guess what the flight attendant brought me…one of the large grey bags they use to collect trash! Oh my! Luckily I didn’t need it!

We landed and I was happy to get off the plane! Head to the terminal, get a seat, sit and wait. I ended up talking to a very nice family about an upcoming trip, which I will tell you about very soon, and the mother offered to email her friend for some suggestions, when I got to my sister’s I already had an email!. Their son, P, and I were on the same flight and chatted for a bit. This flight was better than the first and it was finally over.

When I got off the plane, bee-lined for the loo and felt like a person again! As I rounded the corner, I saw P standing by Dunkin’ Donuts, I think he was waiting on me. We walked to baggage claim and kept talking, mostly about travel and some of the places we’ve been and the longest flights, that sort of thing.

After we got our luggage, we walked outside and he waited with me while I waited on the shuttle to go get my car and then we shook hands and he went to meet his friend picking him up and I headed on the shuttle to get my car. On the highway i went, so many tolls in Massachusetts!!!

I got to the house, ACS let me in, I saw GES, then went upstairs with them to kiss the girls and now, here I am, in my jammies, telling you about my day!

Night Night!

Positivity Challenge – Day #16

1 – I am thankful Delta was able to get me to Boston!
2 – I am thankful that I did NOT need the air sickness bag on the first flight!
3 – I am thankful that I might have inspired someone else to participate in the positivity challenge and I will be tagging DS when it is time!

{October 1, 2014} Networking…a really good thing!

Networking is so very important in today’s corporate world. I am sure you have heard this before, but I am here to tell you it’s true.

Tonight, I went to a work function, the project I am on is wrapping up and I, along with most of the team, is heading out tomorrow, so we were invited to The Captain’s Quarters, http://www.cqriverside.com/f, a restaurant in a lovely area by the water off River Street, about 15 minutes from downtown Louisville. It really was a lovely setting, right on the water, grass down to the dock and several boats waiting to go out and can you imagine the view as the sun was setting?

When we got there, I went to join a few friends already there and introduce myself to the person they were speaking with. When I said my name, she said “Oh yes! I know who you are, we were just reviewing your resume, there might be a project you are a fit for!” Oh wow! I am ready! What do you need to know?

Then, another manager walks over and before I can introduce myself, he says my full name and shakes my hand. What? How did he know my name?

Now, I am not complaining by any means, I can assure you, this is amazing. I have been with the company a short time, on two projects, this one for a relatively short time, and there are people talking about me and know my name? That is awesome! I don’t know if I told you how I ended up on this project, and if I have, I apologize for repeating myself. I called JM, as was recommended by my counselor, PD, and when there was a need on the team, JM said to call me because…I called him! It really does work!

Who knows what the future holds for me, but all I have to say is…go forth and network!

Positivity Challenge – Day #15
1 – I am thankful that my co-workers were so sweet to bring me cupcakes for my birthday!
2 – I am thankful for the opportunity that I have had on this project
3 – I am thankful there are people looking out for me to help me find another project

{October 1, 2014} Happy Birthday to Me!

Today I turned 43! Yup, you heard it! A woman admitting her age!

It was a work day, a good day, some birthday wishes, great phone calls and I lost count of the well wishes on FaceBook! Thank you to everyone who made me feel amazing by wishing me a Happy Birthday!

There were also phone calls, text messages and birthday singing to me by my dad and GES and ACS.

All I can say is Thank you Thank you Thank you!!

I got a beautiful sterling ring from GES and family, a sweet Very Bradley wallet from LaLa and some great cards from dad and my sister, brother-in-law and my nieces and dad, so much fun! Get ready to laugh!

I had a great lunch with

All in all, a great birthday!!

Positivity Challenge – Day #14
1- I am SO VERY THANKFUL to be so lucky to have been wished a happy birthday by so many people, I am SO SO SO THANKFUL to have you all in my life and care enough about me to say Happy Birthday!
2 – I am thankful for the great gifts I got for my birthday from my family!
3 – I am thankful I am here to say thank you to everyone!!!

{September 30, 2014} Back to work!

It’s time to get back to work, so here I am back in Louisville! For part of the week anyway.

The day started way too early, 5:45am, up by 6:10, showered and out the door by 6:30am. I decided to take Annie, the Beetlebug to the airport instead of a taxi or Uber and I got to put on my aggressive face when the fine drivers in Boston wanted to cut me off! Finally made it to the airport, parked and waited patiently for the shuttle.

At the airport, drop off my bag, head through security, love TSA Pre-check! On to my gate for my flight to Atlanta. I stopped at a restaurant to get some breakfast, decided to get some breakfast and I proceeded to see the woman use the same spatula to mix the and cook the food as she did to mix the other ingredients. ick.

I grabbed my breakfast and headed to the gate area, waited a few minutes, then boarded the plane. The first flight was uneventful, I had an aisle seat next to a very quiet Indian couple. Arrived in Atlanta with a few moments to spare getting to my connecting flight, only about 30, what guarantee was there that my luggage would make it with such a tight connection. Rest assured, it made it! I got to the plane, after I stopped for a snack of Nutter Butters and a bottle of water. It’s been so long since I have had Nutter Butters! Boarded the flight, no one sitting in the middle seat, wahoo, although you couldn’t move the arm rests, oh well, no one in the middle, wahoo.

Plane lands, check my voice mail…when are you going to be here? Soon! I get the car, meet PM and we head to the office, get there about 2pm, lots of things to do, go here, pick up that, look for this, back to the office to work until about 7pm, drop everyone off at their respective hotels, park, check in, change, head out to meet PM for dinner.

Then I got to talk to JCT and TS, I am happy. Now, I am writing to you, dear frineds!

Positivity Challenge – Day #13
1 – I am thankful that I made the connection between my two flights coming back to Louisville.
2 – I am thankful to be able to laugh with my friends
3 – I am thankful for the amazing air conditioning in my rental car!

{September 28, 2014} What a day!

Have you heard the expression “I need a vacation from my vacation?”

I need to go back to work to get some rest! This has been an amazing weekend and today did not disappoint!

The day started out way too early, as always, ok, not before the sun, fbut it was Sunday and before 10am is too early! About 7:45, I was prying my eyes open, but laying there in hopes they would stay glued shut, no such luck, so upstairs I went, to greet the day and the family. Then cleanup around the house, straighten things and put the toys away, that sort of thing.

Just before 11, we dropped EJS off at Sunday School and headed to J&A’s house for brunch. There we saw their daughter P, who called me Auntie J for the first time! She and MGS are the best of friends. Eventually, their son S was there for a few minutes and a bite to eat. He and EJS are the same age and a perfect fit as friends! ACS’s brother, JS and his wife AS were there as well as other friends who had all gone to camp with my brother-in-law, it was a great time, lots of fun and great conversation and I found a fellow sci-fi geek, truth be told, he might be a bigger one than me! He had himself cast in carbonate! GEEK CITY! I loved it!

After brunch, we left to pick up EJS from Sunday School, order bagels for next week and head home for a minute and a half. Then it was change into bathing suits, swim lessons! Both girls asked me to watch their lesson and to swim with them while the other had a lesson, I love when they fight over me! Swimming was fun, so great to watch them excel and get better! EJS has amazing form! I can’t wait for our next vacation to swim with them!

Then it was home for another minute and a half and then off to dinner. It was great that I was here this weekend so we could celebrate my birthday together as I will be in Louisville on my birthday. We went to a great Italian restaurant called Paparazzi and had great food, great conversation and fun! I got some beautiful presents, a charming ring from my sister’s family, it’s called the Little Black Ring, from Silpada, kind of like the little black dress every woman should have in her closet! I got a generous gift from my dad and a cute Vera Bradley wallet from LaLa. I will post pictures on my birthday [I haven’t taken any yet!] and I loved the cards I got from the family! Thank you!

Home again, home again, jiggity jig! [No roasting of fat pigs!]. PJs, games, books and bed. The wee tots are snuggled in their beds and now everyone else is, except for you and me. Even Jymy is snoring on the bed next to me!

Off to sleep I am…gotta get up in a few hours and head to the airport, back to Louisville I go!

Goodnight!

Positivity Challenge – Day #12
1 – I am thankful I was able to see my nieces at their swim lessons and beam at how much better they are getting!
2 – I am thankful to be close with my sister’s family’s friends and Auntie J to all their kids!
3 – I am so very thankful I got to spend my birthday dinner with my family tonight!!! Thank you!!!

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