tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-243281422012-02-03T09:45:00.920-05:00Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.comBlogger11731100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-37379927350676831652012-01-27T21:40:00.000-05:002012-01-27T21:40:28.799-05:00

So if you live locally to Boston, I would like to take this opportunity to cordially invite you to come down to where I work. Create a Cook, a cooking school for kids and adults located in Newton Highlands, is having an open house tomorrow, co-hosted by WBOS My Radio Boston 92.9. We're going to have a huge make your own pasta room with multiple awesome toppings that you can slather all over your

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-1629097892220967422012-01-26T18:19:00.000-05:002012-01-26T18:19:23.462-05:00

My friend Chris' mom died this week after being transferred to hospice. When someone is in hospice, you pretty much know they're not going to be around much longer. My friend Marie's husband has had COPD for years and other lung related issues, and he got pneumonia on Thursday and went to the hospital. Sunday morning he passed away. One does not expect that. Chris knew this was coming, and I

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-10565535593892071952012-01-24T20:24:00.000-05:002012-01-24T20:24:03.103-05:00

Jess had a learner's permit when she was in high school. Doug took her out a couple times to drive and she almost took out our fence in front of the house and panicked, so she didn't want to drive anymore. She kind of did the same thing when she was learning how to ride a bike and fell off of the bike, and hasn't been back on one since. The learner's permit expired during her freshman year at

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-91582696733674923752012-01-17T14:51:00.000-05:002012-01-17T14:51:15.674-05:00

I got deposed today. I will not write any details about the deposition, because blog entries are printed out after you write them and people question you about what you meant at the time you wrote them. Which is nice when you're painting a picture of yourself as Frodo, with Sam by your side. And months or dates don't match up with things because you're writing off the top of your head in a

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-64076692205719365122012-01-16T15:16:00.000-05:002012-01-16T15:16:27.786-05:00

Tomorrow is Deposition Day, and today I am home, nervous and angsty. Geoff has a school holiday for MLK day, Jess is working at "awesome" and hopefully having an awesome time. Doug is in his office working. I am doing dishes and moving around firewood and putting away the last of Christmas. I changed our bed sheets. I washed our quilt. I am glad I'm home today because Brodie has been acting very

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-12797856718817815062012-01-13T00:51:00.000-05:002012-01-13T00:51:50.957-05:00

Doug recently was told that he has diabetes. He's taking it well and today we went to the nutritionist to talk about food, how we prepare food, what food to eat. Doug's family has a history of Diabetes, but that is something he can control. Whereas the fact that his family has a huge history of hypertension and heart disease, which no matter what diet he eats and others in his family eat can't

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-78650964727630816632012-01-07T17:57:00.000-05:002012-01-07T17:57:36.000-05:00

"It's just another Saturday. It's a nothing day. There is nothing special about today." Geoff is a little annoyed. None of his friends (he doesn't have very many) wanted to go out to dinner and do something fun with us tonight. "15 alone" was what he announced today would be. I met him by the Playstation this morning, and he was slumped over, playing halfheartedly, and didn't want to do anything

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-78119010500168121422011-12-31T23:39:00.000-05:002011-12-31T23:39:21.656-05:00

It always has confused me. Is this NYE 2012? I guess it is.  It wouldn't be 2011, because that's old year's eve. Long and the short of it is, in the famous words of Adam and Counting Crows, "A Long December, and there's reason to believe, maybe this year will be better than the last." This time last year we got a lawyer so we could go up against Bank of America. That battle still continues. I

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-83981143364045738202011-12-25T18:14:00.000-05:002011-12-25T18:14:54.961-05:00

It is Christmas and I have literally no desire to go nuts and do. And to be honest, that's a perfectly fine thing. With a missing wallet, I had no way to go shopping so I was at the mercy of Doug and cash that I could pull out of the bank. I bought our tree by myself (no one wanted to go out, and Doug was sick for a week and a half) so I just got one and brought it home on Monday. We set it up

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-77017034234269201252011-12-17T13:49:00.000-05:002011-12-17T13:49:01.419-05:00

We're home from getting Jess. It was an uneventful trip overall, but one also devoid of side trip shenanigans. But not devoid of some fun and special times. On the way out, we were in Southwestern Connecticut and "Do They Know It's Christmas Time" came on the radio.  Geoff asked about the song, who it was about, who the band was, and what was going on with the story. I filled him in on Band Aid,

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-64217650880448356072011-12-14T09:47:00.000-05:002011-12-14T09:47:25.794-05:00

I am off to Pittsburgh this morning. Well, halfway. I'm off to Kellyburgh (a term that has confused some friends and my mother in the past when I've used it. It is the home of our friends Chris and Chrissy and their last name combined with Pittsburgh gives you Kellyburgh). It is a good halfway point between here and there. And I love visiting with them. Tomorrow morning at this time I hope to

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-13681599959187869512011-12-11T22:52:00.000-05:002011-12-11T22:52:58.855-05:00

After we left the last of the three giant mansions, we were driving up the road to get to the restaurant, and outside of Chateau-sur-Mar was this couple having their portrait taken. The photographer was across the street, and he was waving cars on. Doug asked "should I beep?" and I said "oh yes." I rolled the window down and grabbed my camera. I yelled CONGRATULATIONS and Geoff hooted and

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-64542935236249965712011-12-11T22:27:00.001-05:002011-12-11T22:40:15.556-05:00

This weekend, we had a date to go down and drop wreaths off at my mom's house, but Doug wanted to parlay a visit over to Newport to see the famous "cottages" built by the wealthiest of Americans in the early 1900s, all decked out for Christmas. Now, for those of you who know me, or think you know me, you're right in thinking I'm not a huge fan of watching "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous" or

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-42351802933987099582011-12-09T21:13:00.000-05:002011-12-09T21:13:34.473-05:00

I totally forgot to cross post to this, but back in November I went to Ohio and enjoyed a beer trip, but also a visit with Stacey and Bill from "Nothing But Love." We've had mutual admiration for years. So click here and go read about my Cleveland Adventures.

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-48964195825773118722011-12-07T17:29:00.002-05:002011-12-07T17:32:13.469-05:00

Last night was the football banquet for Geoff's high school. All 4 years and all 3 teams (Freshmen, JV and Varsity) were represented, not all the players were there (about half of Geoff's team didn't show) but it was still a fun time for the guys to get together and be dressed up and receive their certificates of accomplishments. I loved Geoff's coach this year and hopefully he'll be moving up

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-38921631895746795732011-12-04T20:13:00.001-05:002011-12-04T20:15:46.188-05:00

Yesterday, Doug told me to put down the laptop and stop updating websites for free for other people, get dressed, and get in the car. He wanted to go to the beach and run the dogs. It is December, but it was 45 degrees with no wind whatsoever. What a perfect day, and why burn the opportunity. Right? I was grumpy because I had a lot to do and just felt like all he does is stop me from doing

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-55143777621699487182011-11-29T21:33:00.000-05:002011-11-29T21:33:24.042-05:00

Hi. It isn't often I get close to 300 hits in one day, all from one visitor. I usually get about 25 from a smattering of visitors. I'm always slightly creeped out when that many hits come from one place, without anyone leaving a comment. I hope you are not some sort of content vulture who is stealing blog entries to re-purpose elsewhere. I've had that happen before and it made me very unhappy.

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-18650255054910714622011-11-28T16:19:00.000-05:002011-11-28T16:19:40.226-05:00

The sense of the holiday season that everyone else is shoving down everyone's throat is not upon me. I get annoyed and angry at hearing Christmas music and seeing Christmas items for sale before Thanksgiving and get especially bothered if it is before Halloween. This year though, I feel nothing. I am not irritated or bothered, nor am I inspired and uplifted. And for me, this is bad because it

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-91714181635766296512011-11-25T19:41:00.000-05:002011-11-25T19:41:00.290-05:00

In my last entry, I meant to insert photos for illustration. I forgot to do that, so I'll just post photos here in their own entry. I also got a smart phone right before leaving. I forgot to bring my actual camera to Cleveland, like a dope, so my pictures from that part of the trip are not so awesome. So please forgive me.

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-67769339653309078612011-11-25T17:34:00.000-05:002011-11-25T17:34:29.049-05:00

Last week I was in the car headed westbound to go pick Jess and her friend up from Pitt and bring them home. My best friend from High School was in Pittsburgh for a conference, and he told me I should come out early and we should have some fun visiting and seeing the city. We did just that. Friday it took me forever to get there. I left at 6:15 in the morning, missed all the major traffic, and

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-46310817169268492522011-11-16T13:39:00.000-05:002011-11-16T13:39:56.527-05:00

Am I the only one who does this? You get bank statements, retirement account statements, 529 plan statements in the mail. You throw them in a pile. I'll look at those later. The pile gets picked up after it has overtaken the dining table, and gets put into a box. If I need that stuff, I know where to find it. Wash, rinse, repeat. At our meeting with the lawyer last week he told us that we

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-64240428175679468822011-11-14T17:43:00.000-05:002011-11-14T17:43:21.367-05:00

My daughter has decided to leave college. She won't give us a real clear and honest reason. She told me that she no longer cares about what she is studying, she no longer cares about linguistics and foreign languages. She hates everyone. She hates the people. She hates being there. She "cannot bear" to spend another semester there. So she wants to come home at the end of this semester. I asked

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-85072480235219250142011-11-10T11:14:00.000-05:002011-11-10T11:14:01.945-05:00

It has almost been a year since we first contacted our lawyer to put up our fight with BOA. Today, we are going to meet with him, with piles of documentation that BOA is asking of us. We get to be deposed by THEIR lawyers next month. My bowels are in knots, I'm completely stressed out. I didn't want to wake up this morning. I was having the coolest dream that I was a live action player in a

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-27102114620900047022011-11-09T19:43:00.001-05:002011-11-11T16:57:11.171-05:00

"The King will answer and say to them, 'Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.'" - Jesus I do not get very religious on you here in the blog. What I believe, I believe. Sometimes I find the need to share, and I think this is one of those times. Today at my happy little part time job, which I do not refer to

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-78008601557756788222011-11-05T23:45:00.001-04:002011-11-05T23:47:16.654-04:00

I slept until a little after noon today, and Doug came to wake me up because I had committed to going and helping with the snack shack at the varsity home football game. When he woke me from my sleep, I was having this amazing dream about a parade, and there were all kinds of people that I knew at the parade. I was looking for someone, and moving through the procession and the crowd, talking to

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-22789943120189472042011-11-02T16:10:00.000-04:002011-11-02T16:10:27.828-04:00

On Facebook the other day, my friend Michael X. said that he was making french onion soup for dinner. This is one of my favorites, and it inspired me to do the same a couple days later. I asked Michael if he served up the soup in sour dough bread bowls, and he said no --  he loves the idea, but he is afraid they would leak. I decided to take pictures of how to do it, to prevent leakage, and to

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-51667816647473544332011-10-23T15:00:00.000-04:002011-10-23T15:00:03.782-04:00

My son learned a valuable lesson this week. On Wednesday, his school had an early release day. Normally he takes the bus home, eats lunch, and I take him back (or he rides his bike back) for 2pm football practice. Sometimes, the guys on the team don't go home, they just go and hang out at the gym and the weight room, work out, hang out, and play. He decided he would stay there, and hang out

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-43656715274851753742011-10-10T22:56:00.000-04:002011-10-10T22:56:19.791-04:00

This weekend I attended the fourth annual zombie walk in Salem. There were some logistical problems, such as the organizer getting arrested and the permits getting denied. At first it looked like no walk was going to happen, but everyone went and a good time ensued. As usual, the zombie costumes were amazing. My favorite was a couple who were Titanic Non-Survivors. They were hysterical.    And

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-17172408126876167622011-10-04T00:09:00.003-04:002011-10-04T00:37:46.513-04:00

"This is where we walked, this is where we swam. Take our picture here, take a souvenir." -R.E.M. This past weekend, I attended a funeral in Ohio. My high school choir director passed away in mid September after suffering a stroke in late August. He had been rather unwell for a while, and sometimes these things do not come as a surprise.  His daughter E was very open and shared the goings on

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com2Bowling Green, OH, USA41.3747744 -83.6513228999999741.3420759 -83.70064239999996 41.4074729 -83.60200339999997tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-43837411484783983772011-10-03T15:54:00.000-04:002011-10-03T15:54:13.805-04:00

Okay, we get it. You like the Yankees a lot. You have a team jersey on, I think it is A-Rod's number on the back. The Yankees are too cool to put names on their jerseys, so I'm just guessing at this point. You have your hat on backwards, and you're drinking that beer. You jump up and scream WOOOOOOOOOOOOO at the top of your lungs when good stuff goes down on that big screen TV behind the bar. "

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-78559599443882518372011-10-03T01:09:00.000-04:002011-10-03T01:09:34.763-04:00

Is very, very very.... very far away from my house. I put over 1700 miles on my car since Friday. Every inch was worth the trip. Seeing as it is 1am and I just got home, I will write about it later. In the meantime, watch this video. It is Randall Thompson's Alleluia, and I'll tell you why you watched it when I write another entry later today.

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-68433812119740106262011-09-25T23:00:00.000-04:002011-09-25T23:00:19.693-04:00

By the way - I've been trying to take some fun action pictures of Geoff's football team. Here are a couple that I like.   That's Geoff, number 77.  touchdown pass...touchdown sachems!!!

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-27485986376068030672011-09-25T22:47:00.001-04:002011-10-04T00:12:39.308-04:00

I'm watching the Steelers game, hoping they don't self destruct. They're losing, but I have faith they'll pull through. Compared to the Patriots who were winning 21-0 and managed to completely blow it. We had a pretty good weekend. Geoff went with his Boy Scout Troop out to Mt. Chocura on a camp out. Before he left, I was helping him pack his stuff and he was fighting me every choice. He didn't

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-68927288562982345382011-09-24T12:07:00.000-04:002011-09-24T12:07:54.856-04:00

So I am taking Doug and Dave to the local beerfest today - if you're anywhere near Haverhill, MA the Haverhill Brewery puts on a great event. Two sessions, we'll be at the first. And it'll be blogged in the Shenanigans blog. It is a gloomy, gross day so I'm hoping that it is a lot of fun, and there are tents.

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-11331516683712722422011-09-18T22:07:00.000-04:002011-09-18T22:07:55.149-04:00

I got really good there at posting frequently and then Sept 11th kind of took the wind out of my sails. Sorry to leave you so abandoned. Here is an update. Tonight I am sitting on the couch with Doug, watching a football game with two teams I don't care about at all but long time friends know I love me some football. So, we watch. Actually, I kind of care because Michael Vick is playing, and I

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-76728672103408952562011-09-08T01:35:00.001-04:002011-09-08T01:47:00.075-04:00

Each year around 9/11 I have a hard time sleeping. I start to think about what I would do if I were on one of those flights. How I would respond. Part of my feelings tonight (this morning) center not around 9/11 itself but where I find myself these days with not having a job (got a call today letting me know I didn't get the job I most recently interviewed for), fighting with Bank of America over

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-65018110475616130452011-09-07T19:33:00.001-04:002011-09-07T20:00:49.293-04:00

I know it's not appropriate. I know it is not funny. I know. I know.... I made chicken soup tonight for dinner. I wanted to clear out space in the freezer, and there was a large bag of chicken stock and 2 chicken breasts up in there hogging up space. I got them all together, I got everything cooking. I added celery, frozen corn (to make more room in the freezer), and wanted some carrots but

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-40610250071704122482011-09-04T15:44:00.001-04:002011-09-04T15:44:40.217-04:00

I just ate a peach. Not just any peach, but the last of the peaches that Doug brought back with him from Ohio. He had purchased a nice, full, overflowing bag of them from an Amish farm near Salem when he went to see his grandmother the day after he dropped Jess off at college last week. We made short work of the bag, enjoying one or two a day each and basking in the glory of the flavor and

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-49698006653942731852011-08-27T21:08:00.000-04:002011-08-27T21:08:08.184-04:00

Earlier this summer, a kid came to our back door and asked Doug if she could walk our dogs. For five dollars per dog, she would walk them for a half hour. She told us the route, and I knew that could be walked faster than a half hour but it was a nice walk, and Doug gave her permission to take Brodie.  The other two dogs would have to wait. Much to their chagrin. She returned the next day with

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-74197438029170497802011-08-27T19:38:00.001-04:002011-08-27T19:59:13.720-04:00

It isn't winter, but we are under a French Toast Alert warning due to Hurricane Irene coming up the coast. This week has been kind of exciting here in New England and on the East Coast.  We had our first memorable earthquake, centered up in Virginia, impacting Washington DC, NYC and was said to have been felt even here in our neighborhood. Doug and I didn't feel it, but I think our dogs did

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-18437473563483579532011-08-22T13:33:00.000-04:002011-08-22T13:33:06.784-04:00

By the way... Geoff started football practice today. The first official pads/helmets/cleats practice of the season. All summer long, at least 2 out of 3 days a week (M/W/F) he rode his bike to the high school and went to the weight room to work with the team. His coach said to me the other day that he was pleased with how "consistent and reliable" Geoff had been and that he's shown great

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-90612919299061107912011-08-22T12:57:00.004-04:002011-08-23T12:41:14.914-04:00

This is mostly so I do not lose track of what is going on over the next 72 hours. These are all the things I need to do in order for us to get Jess back off to college: car inspection for subaru, clean out subaru for doug and jess road trip, appointment for other car to get the straight pipe fixed and then get inspected,(both will happen Monday) gas for both vehicles, shopping for last minute

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-39121203314008515832011-08-20T14:17:00.002-04:002011-08-20T20:48:44.552-04:00

(I temporarily removed this post due to not knowing how I got 300 hits in a couple hours. It looks like Adam at Universal Hub tweeted the story, and a mess of people came here via that link. More than the amount I'm used to seeing, so I panicked... Reposting because Uhub and Adam are trustworthy)... In late July my lawyer notified us that BOA's lawyer stated that they're willing to admit that

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-2339225523474397912011-08-18T22:15:00.000-04:002011-08-18T22:15:33.719-04:00

I stopped at the local liquor mart for a bottle of Pinot Grigio to replenish my white sangria, which Doug and I have been enjoying greatly. Peter, the proprietor had a special guest in the shop, a gent named Neil who happens to be a native of India. He runs the Kwik-E-Mart two doors down and comes to hang out when he is bored. Locks the door and leaves a note saying where he can be found, come

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-64965850353191350772011-08-12T07:14:00.000-04:002011-08-12T07:14:23.491-04:00

I had a great phone interview with a local company back two weeks before the surgery. Yesterday I had an in person interview with the hiring manager and two people who I would be working most closely with should I get this job. Part of me thinks that I did much better with the latter than the former. Either way, it was nice to finally get another interview into the mix. I have yet to find that

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-46711966265819952392011-08-09T22:06:00.000-04:002011-08-09T22:06:21.186-04:00

Rte 128/Interstate 95 just south of Waltham. Four lanes of traffic. I'm in the third lane from the right. There is a small, black pickup truck in front of me, and I'm gaining on him rapidly so I change lanes to the left. As we pass the pickup, which I estimate is traveling at 45 miles per hour as I'm going about 60, Jess and I both look to the right. The driver is a large, mid-20s gentleman who

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-86409219150449479132011-08-08T14:36:00.000-04:002011-08-08T14:36:05.079-04:00

For a few days I've contemplated writing this entry, started it, stopped it, and here I am starting again. I am afraid I will offend, and afraid I will hurt people I love deeply who have a different opinion. I'm struggling with whether or not it is wise to put this down for the ages, as it were, or if it should be one of "write it on a sheet of paper and put it in a drawer and forget about it"

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-23340355160917564152011-08-07T16:48:00.000-04:002011-08-07T16:48:57.816-04:00

So, in an effort to save some money, I'm moving all of my old photos off of my old blog site and will be posting them here in a monthly photo archive. If you are using an RSS feed of some sort, you'll probably get a bunch of notifications of new entries. It's fun going through all the old photos. Looking at 4 and 5 year old Geoff photos makes me laugh. And for those of you who may be newer-ish

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-26976857622336622592011-08-05T20:10:00.002-04:002011-08-08T14:36:49.247-04:00

I have always wanted to see Death Cab for Cutie live. I personally think that their album "Plans" is one of the greatest masterworks ever released by anyone on earth ever (that's such a Hipster thing to say, isn't it?). So when a friend offered me these tickets, even though I have literally zero dollars, I took her up on them and went. For those unfamiliar, they are a foursome based out of

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-75488467644600836782011-08-05T15:47:00.001-04:002011-08-08T14:37:06.342-04:00

Home. So nice. Home with coffee. And that's all that actually matters. Basically the rundown is as such: We got there at 6:45am and got checked in. The nursing staff at cardiovascular surgery were really funny and nice. I got catheterized (which initially freaked me out but wasn't all that bad in the end). The people in the area next to me were incredibly annoying to me. They were an older

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-56888688657066979522011-08-02T22:18:00.000-04:002011-08-02T22:18:35.847-04:00

I was going to write a what I saw today kind of post, with descriptions of the clouds that I saw as I drove home in the thunderstorm. One looked like the head of a Scottish Lion. Roaring. Scary. Also, I wanted to write about seeing Death Cab For Cutie the other night at the horrible Bank of America Pavilion. I loved them, and hate the venue. I wanted to write in full about how I loved their

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-66267703032941778462011-07-31T15:25:00.001-04:002011-08-08T14:37:27.286-04:00

Geoff did a 4 week summer session at a local theater camp, new to us this year.  After 3 years at Rebel, driving him to Salem every day would have been a soul crushing nightmare for me with the state of mind I've been in. I simply knew I couldn't do it every day and there is no one else from around here who goes that I could carpool with. Instead, he went locally, and was eligible for their High

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-74487367893923894452011-07-28T11:31:00.001-04:002011-08-08T14:59:40.116-04:00

Once again, I am sitting in the very freezing cold computer lab in the school of arts and sciences at a local college, ahem... excuse me... university, thankyouverymuch. Each summer, I get asked by my good friend Professor CM, to coteach/tech support a course that he teaches to grad students getting their MAT in History. We show them how to incorporate technology into their classroom and teaching

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-86612603094966065762011-07-25T13:33:00.001-04:002011-07-25T14:06:05.607-04:00

Hiking the dogs to a semi-algae free swimming hole (seriously, all our favorite spots are filled with green this year) in Georgetown, MA behind the water department near the West Soccer Fields, I saw a perfectly ordered snake skeleton on the ground. Skin still surrounded the bones, the vertebrae, in a few places. It was in perfect snake-shape, like an S with extra curves. The skull portion was a

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-70427871219156764602011-07-23T15:45:00.002-04:002011-08-08T14:37:54.985-04:00

Thanks to my girl C who gave me some cleansers and scrubbies, and thanks to the fact the trailer is under the trees in the shade and there was a wonderful breeze, I was able to tackle the graffiti and the trailer can go to summer camp tonight and not be an embarrassment to our Scoutmaster and the troop. Here are the before shots: I will return to the last photo later in this entry for some

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-89771252629668755822011-07-21T11:45:00.001-04:002011-07-21T15:44:26.378-04:00

It seems that over the weekend, some kids from our town took it upon themselves to vandalize our Boy Scout Troop Trailer. When it isn't being hauled behind a truck, going to awesome places, it sits behind the chartered organization that sponsors our troop. We have a storage shed, and the trailer, and both items have been graffitied and damaged. The church noticed the damage, and contacted us and

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-91795032597366875642011-07-16T23:45:00.000-04:002011-07-16T23:45:28.066-04:00

So, after long consideration, I decided to start a blog outlining the Shenanigans with Dave that I have. The blog is here, if you would like to read it (I only have 2 entries, and I'm too tired to keep going tonight so I'm heading to bed. But there will be more tomorrow!!!) I think I am mostly going to focus on the shenanigans when I had my camera with us, because pictures tell a nice story.

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-82780074906166323402011-07-14T19:13:00.003-04:002011-07-14T20:59:41.458-04:00

Today, I stopped for ice cream.I had a half hour to kill before picking Geoff up at camp, and a book in my hand, and felt a little peckish for some soft serve twist in the shade.A little blonde girl and her mom joined me at the shady table.And I saw Jessica and myself, 16 years ago, as the ice cream was enjoyed. The little girl dripped chocolate all over her lavender t-shirt, and wispy strands of

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-4274344269514640532011-07-06T13:51:00.005-04:002011-08-08T15:00:28.547-04:00

So a skinny white, allegedly hot (not according to me - I think she looks like a monkey elf) woman was accused of and then found not guilty of murdering her cute little urchin child. And everyone I know (almost) is obsessed to the point of frothing over this case. Pretty much, I figured she was guilty and walked away from paying attention to it, and pretty much, I was surprised that she was

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-28102116076810440952011-06-30T10:19:00.003-04:002011-06-30T10:22:12.218-04:00

The results of my MRI are in, and after talking with the surgeon and Doug we've scheduled my surgery for August 3rd. Kind of looking forward to getting this over with. Also, our attorney emailed us to let us know that BOA received our complaint that was sent to the district court and their lawyers have requested more time to work on their end of things and do further research. He said that he

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-38310676789765714322011-06-29T18:50:00.003-04:002011-06-29T18:53:59.202-04:00

By the way, two entries ago when I wrote about the packing to leave for camping, I had mentioned I sent Geoff up to find his mess kit for eating at the camp. He couldn't find it, and flipped out, breaking his gianormous piggy bank and thus leading to us having to clean his room to spotlessness on Tuesday.I found the mess kit.It was actually up on his book shelf. Stacked nicely and neatly.

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-43293489709633004712011-06-29T10:30:00.002-04:002011-06-29T11:01:03.510-04:00

Now, for those of you who know me, I am not a big stickler for tidiness. I don't ride my children every weekend to clean their rooms. There are dishes in my sink every day, new ones because we wash and then put in, and do it all over again. My house holds piles of clutter, piles of dog hair, and piles of junk mail, all of which I fight with... and sometimes it is a losing battle.I am not a great

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-35072005472999378212011-06-27T10:48:00.005-04:002011-06-27T11:53:02.144-04:00

Back home now from an adventurous weekend with one overnight at Adventure Bound in Caratunk, Maine. I had most everything organized but not packed the night before. I was happy when I woke up at 5am to start putting stuff in the bags and the car.And then all sorts of fresh hell broke loose.Geoff packed his bag and couldn't find his mess kit. He had taken it with him to Cape Cod on the bike hike

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-3958524826991301202011-06-24T16:32:00.003-04:002011-06-24T19:54:23.198-04:00

So tomorrow morning bright and early, Doug and I are taking Geoff and joining the Boy Scout Troop in way hella northern Maine for some shenanigans whitewater rafting.Personally, Doug and I will not be rafting... we're just going for the fun/camping/fellowship. And because I've just had the shittiest couple of weeks and really need to get away.My prayer right now is that the rain/drizzle just

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-25063556193237199852011-06-21T20:19:00.002-04:002011-06-21T20:47:31.689-04:00

When I was in high school, I had a crush on a tenor sax player, and wanted to switch from the flute to the tenor sax, so I could march near this guy in marching band.I talked to the band director who told me that she had 4th and 5th graders who were doing summer music camp for their first instruments. She told me that would be the best thing for me to do, to come to summer music and learn

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-10495704504011093662011-06-21T19:36:00.005-04:002011-06-21T22:36:09.446-04:00

Today I had my MRI, which is necessary for the surgeon to know how bad the fibroid(s) is/are before he does the UAE procedure, which I discuss here in this entry.I've never had an MRI. Jess had one when she fell off the stage in 10th grade and strained her MCL (knee) really bad. She told me what to expect, a little. Everyone told me the noise would be overwhelming and annoying, so I steeled

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-63174701539534372672011-06-20T14:29:00.002-04:002011-06-20T14:37:51.957-04:00

Jess and I had lunch at Panera today.A woman walked in with a baby in a car seat. She sat at a table near us, and pulled the baby out of the seat and cuddled it. Nothing abnormal there. It was a very new baby.... very. I think it had to be less than a week old.People started to walk up to her and engage her in conversation. They were beaming at her, talking to her about the baby, congratulating

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-62911259782668888542011-06-18T11:16:00.004-04:002011-06-18T11:23:35.175-04:00

Recently, I had a falling out with a friend. I honestly have NEVER had a falling out with a friend. I look back over time, and there honestly isn't anyone that I am estranged from for any reason. I've been frustrated with people, I've been worn out by people. But never have I had this experience. Ever. Not even with breaking up with boyfriends.But now I find myself that way. It isn't like I

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-18046254052997240532011-06-15T17:22:00.002-04:002011-06-15T17:30:13.727-04:00

Today I saw several dozen very dorky, self-conscious boys and girls walking across a stage to receive academic awards and certificates of completion of 8th grade. Two kids taking home the gold and silver medals in each academic category. This made for a big snoozefest for everyone in the audience.I saw SEVERAL girls in very short skirts, or dresses that had their boobies pushed up and out like

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-41213353182463867012011-06-14T19:25:00.004-04:002011-06-14T20:19:45.720-04:00

Over the weekend, Jess turned 19. She didn't want to go out to eat or have people over or anything. In fact, Friday night we (Doug, Geoff and I) went on a church retreat and left here here to hang out with the doggies. She watched hockey, drank Kool-Aid and Seltzer, and enjoyed having the house to herself for the first substantial amount of time since coming home from college. I think that is the

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-60056021884520080172011-06-07T22:24:00.002-04:002011-06-07T22:38:08.095-04:00

I've shared with some of you the fact that since the first week of May I've been seeing a physical therapist twice a week. Long and the short of it is in December of 2009, I narrowly avoided a car accident by swerving into someone's yard during a snow storm. I wrenched my shoulder and neck (right side).My friend Keri brought muscle rub to my office and pain killers and saved my life because I was

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-24275242636615345332011-06-07T22:19:00.002-04:002011-06-07T22:22:16.390-04:00

On the highway driving south to Awesome, I saw a horse trailer with three horses inside. They all had their heads out the windows of their stalls, and their lips were flapping in the wind, and their manes were flying.They looked very funny.And maybe they were all dogs in a past life. Who knows.

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-87908614564483144602011-06-05T21:01:00.002-04:002011-06-05T21:08:50.744-04:00

So today, it was a communion Sunday in our church. Doug wasn't feeling well, so he stayed home, and I'm kind of glad because he would not have found any of this entertaining.It was also Youth Sunday, so our kids in the congregation did most of the service. Things were going really slowly, and there were a lot of people there, so communion seemed to take forever. Jess was sitting next to me and

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-46500840694771920572011-06-04T21:42:00.003-04:002011-06-05T18:09:49.839-04:00

Geoff had applied to a local agricultural/tech high school and didn't get accepted. He found out in mid March, and was rather upset, but he took it rather well in the end. He seems to have accepted the fact that he is going to our local regional high school., and I've tried to get him focused on making the best of a situation that he didn't want to be in.He told me today that he wants to sign up

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-47606829372418217572011-06-03T13:43:00.005-04:002011-06-04T21:42:23.960-04:00

So Jess will be working part time at "awesome," which is what I call my job. It is awesome. She'll be working with the summer camp program, backing up the instructor, doing prep work, cleaning, doing dishes.It's funny because her prerequisite for a job was to not work with children and to not work with food. And she's doing both at the same time.I understand her not wanting to do those jobs, she

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-5398228681744441452011-06-02T12:33:00.002-04:002011-06-02T12:44:46.708-04:00

Yesterday marked our 20th wedding anniversary. In years past here on the blog, I've only mentioned the event a couple times out of ten years of writing. Usually writing about how we went out to dinner. My favorite was a few years ago when Geoff argued with us about going out to dinner (we always have been too cheap to pay for a sitter, combined with wanting to spend time with them as part of our

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-38806775332584259422011-05-31T20:07:00.004-04:002011-05-31T20:32:09.266-04:00

We had a nice Memorial Day weekend. Over the past decade that I've kept this blog, journal, thing, whatever, we've made several trips places or have hosted people. This past year has taken the symbolic wind of fun out of our metaphorical sails, so we were lucky to have things happening here close by to keep us with smiles on our faces.Doug's cousin Andy and his wife came to visit Boston. We spent

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-46878795313007138122011-05-25T21:22:00.004-04:002011-05-25T21:40:34.180-04:00

We listen to the radio at night when we go to bed. There is a commercial from the Ad Council for MakingHomeAffordable.gov with some folksy guitar and some dudes singing about being "I'm home and I love it, I'm home where I belong." When I hear it come on the air I want to punch someone. I literally want to punch the guys singing and take their guitars and beat them over the head with them.

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-60769413125415275372011-05-16T22:40:00.002-04:002011-05-16T22:59:15.183-04:00

I had a saline infusion sono-hysterography. And we've discovered that I have a 6 cm by 4 cm fibroid (internal) and basically have three options.1. Live with it. Periodically my period will be horrifying. But I wouldn't need surgery and the next 5 or 6 years would be ... annoying.2. Have a Uterine Artery Embolization, which will kill the fibroid. My doctor said that this is about 80% effective. I

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-91994379979434427932011-05-16T14:07:00.005-04:002011-05-16T14:22:33.732-04:00

Not a lot has been happening in the week since we did that 48 hour film project. Steve and Brad said it was well received, but not THE funniest comedy that was offered up that night. Still, they said that it was good in comparison, and hopefully we'll win something. Long and the short of it though is that it was fun for me, and I'm so happy to have participated.On Thursday night we had an event

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-19261822173949928792011-05-07T10:14:00.026-04:002011-05-08T11:36:58.814-04:00

10:21amSo my friends at Playomatic, Steve and Allyson et al, do this awesome thing every year for the 48 hour film project, and I have long wanted to work on this process. This year, I am. Leigh and Steve asked me to help out, so Jess and I are here.And I thought I would live blog it for them, since Steve doesn't have a Playomatic blog. And because he needs to like direct and stuff. This entry

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-65557689062683898642011-05-03T07:47:00.003-04:002011-05-03T08:01:48.764-04:00

I woke up this morning and my email contained a touch of sad news.One of the parishioners at our church passed away yesterday. His name was Bill, and he was a good old man.He and his wife Carmen were smiling beacons of kindness in the congregation, and they welcomed us lovingly when we joined.Bill was a Marine, you could tell. He carried himself with a stern dignity that was somehow softened not

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-58474442794588975592011-05-02T10:57:00.004-04:002011-05-02T12:19:47.278-04:00

"I've never wished a man dead, but I've read some obituaries with great pleasure."-Mark TwainI'm taking a break from reading my facebook newsfeed to write an entry on what happened last night. Not that my opinions count or matter really, and there will be time to reflect more deeply on this, but I wanted to write down what I was thinking and feeling as the news unfolded and continues to

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-27015610777544496192011-05-01T16:50:00.002-04:002011-05-01T18:12:46.334-04:00

We got back late last night from a brief trip out to Western PA to get Jess and bring her back. Her freshman year is complete. Waiting now to get the grades for this semester. I hope they are as good as her first semester. I feel like this year dragged and flew at the same time. If that makes any sense at all.Geoff didn't come with us on this trip. His 8th grade class takes a trip to Washington

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-63317288070646537022011-04-23T11:46:00.004-04:002011-04-23T12:22:37.225-04:00

For the past couple months, I've been working part time at my friend Jo Horner's cooking school, Create a Cook. Jo and I met online, through Universal Hub, I think... She needed some office help, and I needed extra income. So... it's a match made in heaven.That, and her iPod can read my mind, so it makes not for a "work" day but an "awesome" day.Last night, Doug and I took one of the classes

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-36493193098056188632011-04-18T20:19:00.006-04:002011-04-18T21:00:15.849-04:00

I just got back from a nice, long weekend with my son's Boy Scout Troop.Geoff doesn't do winter camping, or cold weather/snow activities, so this is the first trip he's been on since a weekender in October. One of the other moms in the troop has a condo down the Cape a few towns away from where the boys were camping, so she suggested we go and stay there and still have fun with the boys but have

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-14772223672674986042011-04-13T14:17:00.002-04:002011-04-13T14:57:55.262-04:00

There is a change in my life, one that to my recollection I do not think I've actually shared here thanks to being otherwise distracted by bodily horrors and BOA nightmares.As a citizen, of many different circles, I have always tried to bee helpful. My help is always taken up, but I have never been offered a leadership position. Over the years, I've applied for leadership or management positions

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-32170870543727270542011-04-09T12:36:00.003-04:002011-04-09T13:09:41.449-04:00

Again, I am about to HORRIBLY overshare. So if you aren't interested, do not read. I wish blogger had a "jump" where I could break the entry so this all doesn't appear on the front page. But then again, I did state in my first entry in this series that it is my intent to share so that others going through similar experiences won't feel as alone as I did. So... go away to somewhere safe if you

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-3923988254067403612011-04-04T22:46:00.003-04:002011-04-05T22:01:58.799-04:00

"Here it comes and there it goes, the unbearable sound of the earth making men out of boys."I heard a song tonight that I've never heard before. I was watching a DVR'ed episode of the Guitar Center series where they have artists perform and Nic Harcourt interviews them. We have several of these episodes from CAKE to Weezer to Jakob Dylan, so I thought I'd watch a few before they got deleted off

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-18011444043303745492011-03-29T16:48:00.003-04:002011-03-29T16:54:11.773-04:00

I will chase youFraction of your sizeFaster than you thinkI will nip that red tailWith my black beakYou will dodgeShoot upwardsI will bankSurprise you with a frontalAssault.We'll both fall.Below she will be the only one who noticesTraveling faster than either of us ever canOn a different planeDifferent axis

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-89473714624546204042011-03-27T15:04:00.004-04:002011-03-28T18:43:49.988-04:00

So after yesterday's too much information entry, I left one piece of information out that a few commenters brought to my attention.After I left the pub, what happened to Dave?Well, I called his wife Theresa when I realized there was no way on earth I was going back to the bar to pick him up; that it wasn't simply a change my pants and go back and finish lunch kind of thing. Theresa called our

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-21127947724552717272011-03-26T20:29:00.004-04:002011-03-26T21:36:20.431-04:00

This entry will be graphic in detail.If you do not like tales recounted of medical situations, go on and skip it. I am not offended. I've written here about many different things that have happened to me over the years, including sneezing and pooping my pants as a result. So I'm not one to shy away from the bodily functions.I'm writing this because I haven't been able to find personal accounts of

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-68244028543669776412011-03-22T08:51:00.002-04:002011-03-22T09:02:10.833-04:00

I'm watching a squirrel on our bird feeder.He, maybe she (because honestly, who can tell from here?) is upside down. Tail up in the air, claws holding on for dear life. Picking all the sunflower seeds out of the assortment.I'm suddenly reminded of Geoffrey, when he was very little, and how he used to make up a narrative about the two squirrels at our last house who did exactly this same thing. He

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-942779826455687112011-03-18T09:11:00.002-04:002011-03-18T09:23:22.711-04:00

Last night I could not sleep at all. Yesterday, we got a letter from an attorney hired by BOA to collect in full the balance of our mortgage, plus fees, totaling $324,000. I have to fax the letter to our attorney today. He seems nonplussed about it, as does Doug.I tossed and turned, I could not get comfortable. Between the shoulder and my fears about BOA and losing the house, which of course

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-76859608134443655102011-03-17T22:23:00.002-04:002011-03-17T23:15:57.499-04:00

So, a few weeks ago I ended up at the doctor's office because my shoulder and elbows do not work. Just do not work. At all. All I feel is pain pain pain when my right shoulder tries to move, or when I go to lift something with my left arm hand. My fingers don't work, because of the pain in my elbow.The doctor told me that I have tendinitis in my right shoulder. I cannot scratch my back, I cannot

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-37727187108106190762011-03-16T22:32:00.002-04:002011-03-16T23:01:42.105-04:00

I meant to tell of my commute to and from "awesome" yesterday. I live about an hour away from work (aka "awesome") and I need to time my departures to and from with care. I normally leave my house around 10am to avoid traffic going down. Most of the time this pays off well. And I try to leave there by 3, or 3:30pm to avoid the traffic on the commute back. This makes for a short day, yes. But it

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-38699882120713055312011-03-16T21:32:00.004-04:002011-03-16T21:56:08.483-04:00

Got a letter today from a lawyer saying that I have 30 days to pay approximately 320,000 dollars to BOA and avoid foreclosure. I've forwarded that to my lawyer. In the meantime, I noticed that they had not yet cashed my March payment, when everyone else on my list had processed my payments.I figured a phone call was in order. I got sent to a woman in the foreclosure division, who was friendly

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-54485996015552861792011-03-15T20:41:00.002-04:002011-03-15T20:46:41.292-04:00

Today I went to work. I work a couple days a week for my friend Jo at her company in Newton called Create A Cook.I do office support, help her with phones, and general stuffs.I decided this isn't work per se. This is "awesome."For instance, we are having an event in May where we are partnering with Harpoon Brewery to do a food and beer pairing night. Jo is testing items for the menu, and pretty

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-51737061138052133532011-03-13T22:10:00.002-04:002011-03-14T22:45:31.233-04:00

Jess went back to Pittsburgh yesterday morning.I had a moment of "duh, not winning" when Doug told me that the ticket I bought her was for a 7am bus. My options to get her home, or I should say back, were a 7am bus and a 10am bus. I thought I picked the 10am bus. Then I realized that the 10am bus had a huge long layover in NYC and then she had to go to Baltimore first, which was stupid.On a plane

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24328142.post-41096208225487333422011-03-10T11:59:00.002-05:002011-03-10T12:09:42.079-05:00

Day 30 - Your favorite song this time last year"Drive" by Incubus"Whatever tomorrow brings I'll be there, with open arms and open eyes."This time last year... I had received notification that I would be laid off on March 26th. I was winding up finishing my job. I was getting to the point where I had done everything I needed to do, because a hard fast do nothing that goes beyond date XYZ was just

Christine G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17781551364340088590noreply@blogger.com0