I traveled to Atlanta on Saturday and got to my parent's house in time for dinner. The trip was uneventful and traffic on the highways not nearly as bad as I thought it might be.
Christmas was fun for all, we had a good time together. I hope everyone enjoyed their Christmas and got to spend time with family and/or friends.
Chris flies down to Atlanta on Thursday evening. I can't wait to see him again.
Hope everyone had a very blessed Christmas!!
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Done for the Week!!
I am done with work for this week!! Yay!!
Today was a long day, but it started with a wonderful surprise: an early morning phone call from Chris wanted to meet me for lunch!! That was a fun thing to look forward to!
I spent the majority of today working on my Faculty Performance Review form. This is a new form for us this year and we are required to do a self-evaluation as part of it. It took my all afternoon. It was a lot of work, but luckily I did not experience all the problems everyone else seemed to: the form locking up on them, or being unable to open sections, it not allowing them to type in certain areas, or do cut and paste. I was able to do all this. I could see how some people could have run into this problem, but maybe I have enough experience with Excel spreadsheets that I knew how to fix what I thought were minor problems.
Anyway, it is done!! Thank goodness.
Tonight: finishing wrapping Christmas gifts; buy tissue paper; laundry and pack.
I leave Saturday for Atlanta. Friday will be spent cleaning, taking Jake to the vet for one last shot, and probably running errands (unless I can avoid that). Tomorrow night Chris and I are doing our Christmas!! (Okay, so Advent isn't over yet, but we won't see each other on Christmas day, so we're doing it now.)
Merry Christmas to everyone! May you all be blessed this Christmas season and for all of 2007.
Today was a long day, but it started with a wonderful surprise: an early morning phone call from Chris wanted to meet me for lunch!! That was a fun thing to look forward to!
I spent the majority of today working on my Faculty Performance Review form. This is a new form for us this year and we are required to do a self-evaluation as part of it. It took my all afternoon. It was a lot of work, but luckily I did not experience all the problems everyone else seemed to: the form locking up on them, or being unable to open sections, it not allowing them to type in certain areas, or do cut and paste. I was able to do all this. I could see how some people could have run into this problem, but maybe I have enough experience with Excel spreadsheets that I knew how to fix what I thought were minor problems.
Anyway, it is done!! Thank goodness.
Tonight: finishing wrapping Christmas gifts; buy tissue paper; laundry and pack.
I leave Saturday for Atlanta. Friday will be spent cleaning, taking Jake to the vet for one last shot, and probably running errands (unless I can avoid that). Tomorrow night Chris and I are doing our Christmas!! (Okay, so Advent isn't over yet, but we won't see each other on Christmas day, so we're doing it now.)
Merry Christmas to everyone! May you all be blessed this Christmas season and for all of 2007.
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Hectic Day
Wow, Wednesday was a hectic day!
I had to go to two post offices to get the Christmas stamps I wanted, that got me to work late.
Once I got to work I discovered that I had forgotten the gingerbread Chris made last night for the Holiday Party for my department. I had the lemon sauce for it, the knife to cut it with, and the bowl and spoon for the sauce, just didn't have the actual bread itself. So had to go back home for that.
I think I was actually at work for the day by 11am. The party was at noon and I had to be there at 11:30 to help set up. So I finally started doing actual work today around 1:30pm.
I met a goal today though: I finished the 2007 projects list for my unit.
Tomorrow I will try to work on my 2006 evaluation and 2007 goals. This will take a long time and all I have is tomorrow and January 2 to work on it. Procrastination rules! Wish me luck!!
Tonight: clean house and do laundry. Maybe I'll even get a chance to relax, I'm exhausted. Okay ... time to go home, it's 6pm and I think the students have already shut down the library.
I had to go to two post offices to get the Christmas stamps I wanted, that got me to work late.
Once I got to work I discovered that I had forgotten the gingerbread Chris made last night for the Holiday Party for my department. I had the lemon sauce for it, the knife to cut it with, and the bowl and spoon for the sauce, just didn't have the actual bread itself. So had to go back home for that.
I think I was actually at work for the day by 11am. The party was at noon and I had to be there at 11:30 to help set up. So I finally started doing actual work today around 1:30pm.
I met a goal today though: I finished the 2007 projects list for my unit.
Tomorrow I will try to work on my 2006 evaluation and 2007 goals. This will take a long time and all I have is tomorrow and January 2 to work on it. Procrastination rules! Wish me luck!!
Tonight: clean house and do laundry. Maybe I'll even get a chance to relax, I'm exhausted. Okay ... time to go home, it's 6pm and I think the students have already shut down the library.
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Only a few days left
Hi all! Today was our Holiday party at work. Lots and lots of food and a good time had by all. I am completely stuffed!
I also finished my Christmas shopping today!! Finally done and I didn't do any of it online this year which amazes me! Now just have to wrap everything, but at least that can be done at home. I can avoid all the stores now.
I've been enjoying getting Christmas cards from everyone!! I'm starting mine tonight. I'm a little behind, but I haven't forgotten.
Wedding update: a DJ is now booked, I started looking for wedding dresses, and I'm starting to investigate photographers. The church and priest, reception, and the Marriage Prep class are already on the calendar. Oh, and I got the info on the other class we have to take as well: God's Plan for a Joy-filled Marriage. Looking at the schedule is may be June (possibly July) before we can take that. Everything is slowly coming together.
Hope everyone enjoys their last few days of work. If you're already done working for the year ... well, good for you. :) It's back to work for me: 2007 projects list for my unit, my 2006 evaluation and my 2007 goals await. Ugh!
I also finished my Christmas shopping today!! Finally done and I didn't do any of it online this year which amazes me! Now just have to wrap everything, but at least that can be done at home. I can avoid all the stores now.
I've been enjoying getting Christmas cards from everyone!! I'm starting mine tonight. I'm a little behind, but I haven't forgotten.
Wedding update: a DJ is now booked, I started looking for wedding dresses, and I'm starting to investigate photographers. The church and priest, reception, and the Marriage Prep class are already on the calendar. Oh, and I got the info on the other class we have to take as well: God's Plan for a Joy-filled Marriage. Looking at the schedule is may be June (possibly July) before we can take that. Everything is slowly coming together.
Hope everyone enjoys their last few days of work. If you're already done working for the year ... well, good for you. :) It's back to work for me: 2007 projects list for my unit, my 2006 evaluation and my 2007 goals await. Ugh!
Friday, December 15, 2006
End of the week
Thank goodness it is Friday! This has been a very busy week.
I gave my final exam on Tuesday evening and had everything graded by Wednesday afternoon!! I'm done!!
Wednesday night was the Christmas Party for the Young Adult Group at my church. It was hosted at Chris' house which meant a lot of work for him and some work for me. But now that's over too.
Work the past two days has also been very busy!! But I have to say that I am finally caught up typing minutes from several meetings, calculating statistics from November, and preparing things for future meetings. I even had a meeting with one of my staff today on her yearly evaluation. Two more next week and then those are done! (Then I have to do my self-evaluation ... ugh!)
I love this time of year! It's busy, there is a lot to do, but you see a lot of things wrapping up. Tonight: dinner and bowling with friends. A great way to relax after a long week.
Tomorrow: wedding dress shopping! Please pray for me!
I gave my final exam on Tuesday evening and had everything graded by Wednesday afternoon!! I'm done!!
Wednesday night was the Christmas Party for the Young Adult Group at my church. It was hosted at Chris' house which meant a lot of work for him and some work for me. But now that's over too.
Work the past two days has also been very busy!! But I have to say that I am finally caught up typing minutes from several meetings, calculating statistics from November, and preparing things for future meetings. I even had a meeting with one of my staff today on her yearly evaluation. Two more next week and then those are done! (Then I have to do my self-evaluation ... ugh!)
I love this time of year! It's busy, there is a lot to do, but you see a lot of things wrapping up. Tonight: dinner and bowling with friends. A great way to relax after a long week.
Tomorrow: wedding dress shopping! Please pray for me!
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
New Computers and all that jazz
Monday at work my library got new computers for all the staff. I now have a 19-inch flat screen and a very tiny computer box. We've also reverted to only having USB ports and a DVD-Rom/CD-RW drive. No floppy of zip drive to speak of!
The computer is very small and takes up much less space on my desk. Unfortunately, that means you can now see all the dust that had accumulated around the old computer. Now I am just trying to get used to the new mouse, which doesn't seem to be shaped well for small hands. I may be having tendenitis issues again if I'm not careful. Thankfully I found out today that they have a bunch of old mouses and i can get one of those if necessary. I want to give it a little time before I do that, but I'm keepign that as an option.
In other news: I almost ended up with a trip to Quebec City in early February this coming year. The organization that I am the Secretary/Newsletter Editor for was considering sending a rep to an international meeting taking place up there and I was the only one on the board with the potential of going. Fortunately we decided that the program wasn't that important and we could wait for the May meeting, in Columbus, OH. At least with Columbus I can drive and it'll be cheaper for the organization. Although Quebec seems like a cool place to visit, I'm not sure that early February would be the best time.
The computer is very small and takes up much less space on my desk. Unfortunately, that means you can now see all the dust that had accumulated around the old computer. Now I am just trying to get used to the new mouse, which doesn't seem to be shaped well for small hands. I may be having tendenitis issues again if I'm not careful. Thankfully I found out today that they have a bunch of old mouses and i can get one of those if necessary. I want to give it a little time before I do that, but I'm keepign that as an option.
In other news: I almost ended up with a trip to Quebec City in early February this coming year. The organization that I am the Secretary/Newsletter Editor for was considering sending a rep to an international meeting taking place up there and I was the only one on the board with the potential of going. Fortunately we decided that the program wasn't that important and we could wait for the May meeting, in Columbus, OH. At least with Columbus I can drive and it'll be cheaper for the organization. Although Quebec seems like a cool place to visit, I'm not sure that early February would be the best time.
Monday, December 11, 2006
Busy Weekend
Well, it was a very busy weekend.
Friday I went to Georgetown for a day-long meeting and gave my presentation during the afternoon session. There were three afternoon sessions and mine was the one with the largest registered attendance. It was cool to be the presenter in the "Big Room" while the other two sessions went off to smaller rooms after lunch. Also, I was talking to some librarians from other institutions before we started and they were commenting on how they like going to presentations I have done in the past. One remembered a presentation I gave at a national meeting when I was still kind of a newbie librarian and the other said I was great at a pre-conference workshop I ran a few years ago and she recommended me to others as a great presenter. Hearing comments like that certainly made it easy to give my presentation.
The presentation was two hours on the topic of cataloging in a changing environment. Basically I spent an hour discussing where we've been, the impact of our past on us today, and then gave a snapshot of the multitude of things we are seeing today. I even mentioned blogs and was surprised at how few people really used blogs beyond reading a few every now and then.
The rest of Friday we met with the DJ for our wedding and firmed things up with him. Then we went and grabbed a quick dinner before heading to Church for Mass. We were so worried about getting to Church on time that we actually got there 30 minutes early. So we talked with the organist some (discussed a few wedding ceremony pieces) and then headed for the pews. Friday was a Holy Day of Obligation: the feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary.
Saturday was a dress rehearsal, which was exhausting! Sunday the concert was at 7:30pm. We usually do 3pm performances, but it looks like we are going to try the later start time for our December concert for a while. It was very late getting out of there. Concert program: Festive Overture (Shostakovich), Salvation is Created (Tschechnkov-or something like that), March of the Three Oranges (Prokofiev), Russlan und Ludmilla Overture (Glinka), Dance of the Jesters (Tchaikovsky), Nutcracker Suite, 4 movements (Tchaikovsky), Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas with Sax solo, Pictures at an Exhibition, 2 movements (Mussorsgy, yes, spelling is wrong here too), and the encore (like every December concert) Sleigh Ride. Anyone see a theme? The concert was titled To Russia with Love. It was an exhausting concert, especially for the clarinet section. On top of it, there were some solos that I had to do also.
That was about it for this weekend. I also made an appointment at a bridal shop in Covington, KY and will be taking two friends with me. That'll be next Saturday. So wedding plans are also slowly coming together.
Friday I went to Georgetown for a day-long meeting and gave my presentation during the afternoon session. There were three afternoon sessions and mine was the one with the largest registered attendance. It was cool to be the presenter in the "Big Room" while the other two sessions went off to smaller rooms after lunch. Also, I was talking to some librarians from other institutions before we started and they were commenting on how they like going to presentations I have done in the past. One remembered a presentation I gave at a national meeting when I was still kind of a newbie librarian and the other said I was great at a pre-conference workshop I ran a few years ago and she recommended me to others as a great presenter. Hearing comments like that certainly made it easy to give my presentation.
The presentation was two hours on the topic of cataloging in a changing environment. Basically I spent an hour discussing where we've been, the impact of our past on us today, and then gave a snapshot of the multitude of things we are seeing today. I even mentioned blogs and was surprised at how few people really used blogs beyond reading a few every now and then.
The rest of Friday we met with the DJ for our wedding and firmed things up with him. Then we went and grabbed a quick dinner before heading to Church for Mass. We were so worried about getting to Church on time that we actually got there 30 minutes early. So we talked with the organist some (discussed a few wedding ceremony pieces) and then headed for the pews. Friday was a Holy Day of Obligation: the feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary.
Saturday was a dress rehearsal, which was exhausting! Sunday the concert was at 7:30pm. We usually do 3pm performances, but it looks like we are going to try the later start time for our December concert for a while. It was very late getting out of there. Concert program: Festive Overture (Shostakovich), Salvation is Created (Tschechnkov-or something like that), March of the Three Oranges (Prokofiev), Russlan und Ludmilla Overture (Glinka), Dance of the Jesters (Tchaikovsky), Nutcracker Suite, 4 movements (Tchaikovsky), Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas with Sax solo, Pictures at an Exhibition, 2 movements (Mussorsgy, yes, spelling is wrong here too), and the encore (like every December concert) Sleigh Ride. Anyone see a theme? The concert was titled To Russia with Love. It was an exhausting concert, especially for the clarinet section. On top of it, there were some solos that I had to do also.
That was about it for this weekend. I also made an appointment at a bridal shop in Covington, KY and will be taking two friends with me. That'll be next Saturday. So wedding plans are also slowly coming together.
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Friday's Presentation
Friday of this week, December 8, I am speaking at a state conference. It's not far away, thank goodness, just about 30 minutes north in Georgetown, KY. I went to this conference once and decided there was no reason for me to ever go back.
However, I was invited to speak and I do need to keep my CV up for that last promotion in about 5 years, so I agreed. It's nice to be invited to speak at a conference. It makes you feel important even if you aren't. I think they just needed to fill out the program and they asked me to do something.
So I have a two-hour time slot in which I am running a session called "Cataloging in a Changing Environment." I am going to speak for an hour about developments in the field and then open the last hour up for general discussion. We'll also take a ten minute (maybe 15 minute) break in between. Anything to eat up those two hours!
Wish me luck!!
However, I was invited to speak and I do need to keep my CV up for that last promotion in about 5 years, so I agreed. It's nice to be invited to speak at a conference. It makes you feel important even if you aren't. I think they just needed to fill out the program and they asked me to do something.
So I have a two-hour time slot in which I am running a session called "Cataloging in a Changing Environment." I am going to speak for an hour about developments in the field and then open the last hour up for general discussion. We'll also take a ten minute (maybe 15 minute) break in between. Anything to eat up those two hours!
Wish me luck!!
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Last Teaching Class Done!!
I am back in my office and my students are upstairs in the classroom filling out course evaluation forms. Tonight was our last class meeting before the final exam!!
Woohoo!!!!!!!!!!!
The only thing left is to administer the test and then grade it. I am so excited to be done! It has been a long fifteen weeks.
Now I just need to worry about my presentation for Friday. Ugh! I think I'll enjoy tonight and worry about that tomorrow. Good night all!!
Woohoo!!!!!!!!!!!
The only thing left is to administer the test and then grade it. I am so excited to be done! It has been a long fifteen weeks.
Now I just need to worry about my presentation for Friday. Ugh! I think I'll enjoy tonight and worry about that tomorrow. Good night all!!
Monday, December 04, 2006
Happy New Year
Okay, I'm a day late, but Happy New Year anyway!! Yesterday was the first Sunday of Advent and in the Catholic Church that means the start of a new year ... that is, a new liturgical year.
Happy Advent to everyone!! May your preparations for Christmas be fun and joyful!
Happy Advent to everyone!! May your preparations for Christmas be fun and joyful!
Friday, December 01, 2006
Windy and cold ... finally!
It's been close to 70 for the past week, since about Thanksgiving. Kind of strange to have it that warm this time of year. But then today the cold hit. It was warmer when i woke up this morning than it was at noon! It's now about 31 degrees and it's only 2:30pm. The wind today is brutal! Welcome to winter!
Hope everyone has a great weekend. I'm going to be spending what ever time I can this weekend grading papers and putting together a presentation I have to do at a local conference next Friday. Nothing like waiting until the last minute.
Hope everyone has a great weekend. I'm going to be spending what ever time I can this weekend grading papers and putting together a presentation I have to do at a local conference next Friday. Nothing like waiting until the last minute.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Prayer to Obtain Favors
The following prayer was given to me by Chris' sister-in-law last Sunday. It is a Prayer to Obtain Favors. According to the prayer card: it is believed that whoever recites the prayer fifteen times a day from the feast of St. Andrew, Nov. 30, until Christmas will obtain what is asked. Nov. 30 is today!! You can say the prayer whenever you like during the day: all at one time, throughout the day, or in groups. Personally, I'm going to try for five recitations at a time three times during the day.
Here's the prayer:
Hail and blessed be the hour and
moment in which the son of God was
born of the most pure Virgin Mary, at
midnight, in Bethlehem,
in piercing cold.
In that hour grant, O my God!
to hear my prayer and grant my desires,
through the merits of Our Savior Jesus
Christ, and of His blessed Mother.
Amen.
I hope everyone has a joyous Advent season!
Here's the prayer:
Hail and blessed be the hour and
moment in which the son of God was
born of the most pure Virgin Mary, at
midnight, in Bethlehem,
in piercing cold.
In that hour grant, O my God!
to hear my prayer and grant my desires,
through the merits of Our Savior Jesus
Christ, and of His blessed Mother.
Amen.
I hope everyone has a joyous Advent season!
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Healthy News
Last year at my annual doctor's appointment we discovered that my cholesterol was too high. I had a check-up six months later (still too high), and just went yesterday to get results on the latest check. At my age I didn't want to be on cholesterol medication.
Good news!! My cholesterol is now in the healthy range!! At 192 I brought it down 35 points from where is was in May. I had to share the good news!
My doctor wanted to know what I did (she seemed surprised that it came down that much). I did lose 7 pounds, but I'm not sure what else I did to make that significant of a difference.
Oh well, I guess I just need to keep doing things the way I'm doing things.
Good news!! My cholesterol is now in the healthy range!! At 192 I brought it down 35 points from where is was in May. I had to share the good news!
My doctor wanted to know what I did (she seemed surprised that it came down that much). I did lose 7 pounds, but I'm not sure what else I did to make that significant of a difference.
Oh well, I guess I just need to keep doing things the way I'm doing things.
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Happy Thanksgiving!!
Just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!!
It's still a couple days early, but I know everyone will be busy with traveling and family and other activities (shopping?). I'll be staying in KY this year and going to Bardstown with Chris on Thursday. Otherwise, I will be catching up on sleep and practicing for my concert in early December.
I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday and a relaxing and enjoyable weekend!
It's still a couple days early, but I know everyone will be busy with traveling and family and other activities (shopping?). I'll be staying in KY this year and going to Bardstown with Chris on Thursday. Otherwise, I will be catching up on sleep and practicing for my concert in early December.
I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday and a relaxing and enjoyable weekend!
Monday, November 20, 2006
First snowfall
I woke up this morning and went to let the dog out at 4:30am and the back porch was covered in snow. Nothing too major, but more than a dusting. It was no longer snowing at that point.
I got to church at 6am and when I walked out at 7am it had started coming down again; pretty big flakes and coming down pretty hard. Luckily nothing stuck to the roads. The snow finally stopped around 8am.
All traces of snowfall are now gone. :( But I'm sure it won't be the last of it.
I got to church at 6am and when I walked out at 7am it had started coming down again; pretty big flakes and coming down pretty hard. Luckily nothing stuck to the roads. The snow finally stopped around 8am.
All traces of snowfall are now gone. :( But I'm sure it won't be the last of it.
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Young Adult Retreat Weekend
This past weekend was the Young Adult Retreat for my church group. We held the retreat at a cabin out in Lebanon, Ky. It is beautiful out there!
We had dinner Friday night, put together our folders for people to leave us notes in, and discussed the significance of the candles we light for each of us and for the group and for the person who owns the cabin. Our theme this year was Mary, the Saints, and Heaven. As a result, I planned that we would say all four sets of mysteries of the Rosary. So we ended Friday evening with the Rosary doing the Joyful mysteries and then all headed for bed.
Saturday was our full day. Rosary in the morning (Luminous Mysteries), breakfast, discussion on Heaven, discussion on Mary (specifically the doctrine of the Assumption), then lunch. After lunch we had a little free time and then Father Frank arrived. He led a discussion of the Saints which of course touched again on Mary and Heaven. We then had about an hour or more for quiet, reflective time, Confessions with Fr. Frank, and setting up for Mass and for dinner after Mass. We were smart, dinner was a pre-cooked lasagna that we could just stick in the oven and it would be ready when Mass was over. Having a small Mass for only 7 people is interesting, but something I always enjoy. Dinner was great and then Fr. Frank had to leave to get back to Lexington. We then started a bonfire out by the lake/pond and made smores. We did the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary before bed and then we all crashed.
Sunday morning was nice: Rosary again (Glorious Mysteries), breakfast, clean the cabin, pack up, everyone leaves. Chris and I actually headed to Bardstwon instead of home and visited with his family that afternoon. We had dinner with them and didn't leave there until 9pm, which put us back in Lexington at 10pm.
It was a great weekend! Lots going on, but truly a fun time. I like these retreats and I hope the Young Adult Ministry at the Church continues and retreats like this will be organized in the future.
I hope everyone else also had great weekends!
We had dinner Friday night, put together our folders for people to leave us notes in, and discussed the significance of the candles we light for each of us and for the group and for the person who owns the cabin. Our theme this year was Mary, the Saints, and Heaven. As a result, I planned that we would say all four sets of mysteries of the Rosary. So we ended Friday evening with the Rosary doing the Joyful mysteries and then all headed for bed.
Saturday was our full day. Rosary in the morning (Luminous Mysteries), breakfast, discussion on Heaven, discussion on Mary (specifically the doctrine of the Assumption), then lunch. After lunch we had a little free time and then Father Frank arrived. He led a discussion of the Saints which of course touched again on Mary and Heaven. We then had about an hour or more for quiet, reflective time, Confessions with Fr. Frank, and setting up for Mass and for dinner after Mass. We were smart, dinner was a pre-cooked lasagna that we could just stick in the oven and it would be ready when Mass was over. Having a small Mass for only 7 people is interesting, but something I always enjoy. Dinner was great and then Fr. Frank had to leave to get back to Lexington. We then started a bonfire out by the lake/pond and made smores. We did the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary before bed and then we all crashed.
Sunday morning was nice: Rosary again (Glorious Mysteries), breakfast, clean the cabin, pack up, everyone leaves. Chris and I actually headed to Bardstwon instead of home and visited with his family that afternoon. We had dinner with them and didn't leave there until 9pm, which put us back in Lexington at 10pm.
It was a great weekend! Lots going on, but truly a fun time. I like these retreats and I hope the Young Adult Ministry at the Church continues and retreats like this will be organized in the future.
I hope everyone else also had great weekends!
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Special Prayer Today
Please say a prayer today for the successful surgery this morning for Grayson Albers and for the doctors performing the surgery. Grayson is the son of two very close friends and he's my Godson.
The surgery will be about three hours and is being done at a very good children's hospital in Atlanta (my brother had two surgeries there when he was a baby). I was told that they expect to be able to go back to SC by Friday.
Please pray for Grayson, his parents, and his surgeons. Thanks!
*********************
Update: Last I heard Grayson was doing well. The surgery went well, even better than expected! All looks good. Thanks to everyone for their prayers!
The surgery will be about three hours and is being done at a very good children's hospital in Atlanta (my brother had two surgeries there when he was a baby). I was told that they expect to be able to go back to SC by Friday.
Please pray for Grayson, his parents, and his surgeons. Thanks!
*********************
Update: Last I heard Grayson was doing well. The surgery went well, even better than expected! All looks good. Thanks to everyone for their prayers!
Sunday, November 05, 2006
We have a date
Chris and I have a date. We will be married on October 20, 2007 at 2pm. Yeah!!
We are also putting together a webpage for the wedding with info for our guests about hotels, the area, travel to Lexington, etc. We'll let people know once we have something we want to share.
The ceremony will be at our church, the Cathedral of Christ the King. The wedding will be a full Catholic Mass.
The reception will be at the Griffin Gate Marriott in Lexington off of Newtown Pike and very close to I-75. The reception location is beautiful!!
We are also putting together a webpage for the wedding with info for our guests about hotels, the area, travel to Lexington, etc. We'll let people know once we have something we want to share.
The ceremony will be at our church, the Cathedral of Christ the King. The wedding will be a full Catholic Mass.
The reception will be at the Griffin Gate Marriott in Lexington off of Newtown Pike and very close to I-75. The reception location is beautiful!!
Monday, October 30, 2006
Big news from Lexington
I have some big news to share. But first, I apologize to anyone who did not get a phone call from me first. I never realized how many people I knew until just the last couple of weeks.
Big news: Chris and I are now engaged!! He asked me on October 20 to marry him and I said YES! Of course, I had to get over the initial shock of the question, since he asked it as part of a conversation and it was late and I was starting to think about having to get home and so on and so forth. So the moment certainly surprised me! I like surprises, though, so he did a great job.
We don't have a date set yet, but we are hoping for October 2007. We are meeting with the priest at our church tomorrow (Tuesday) and then with some possible reception places on Thursday. I hope to have a firm date by the end of the week. And yes, we're getting married in Lexington; this is our home and it's where we met, where we go to church, where many of our friends are, and where we'll start our lives together. A lot of people assume we'll get married in Atlanta, but it's been way too long since I lived there for any extended period.
We are both very excited. We are also both a little unsure of how to proceed. I've organized events before, but nothing like this and I feel like I'm just feeling my way through the dark at the moment. But once we really get into it, we'll probably start having fun.
Stay tuned for more details, I'm sure I'll have plenty to share over the next 11 months!
Big news: Chris and I are now engaged!! He asked me on October 20 to marry him and I said YES! Of course, I had to get over the initial shock of the question, since he asked it as part of a conversation and it was late and I was starting to think about having to get home and so on and so forth. So the moment certainly surprised me! I like surprises, though, so he did a great job.
We don't have a date set yet, but we are hoping for October 2007. We are meeting with the priest at our church tomorrow (Tuesday) and then with some possible reception places on Thursday. I hope to have a firm date by the end of the week. And yes, we're getting married in Lexington; this is our home and it's where we met, where we go to church, where many of our friends are, and where we'll start our lives together. A lot of people assume we'll get married in Atlanta, but it's been way too long since I lived there for any extended period.
We are both very excited. We are also both a little unsure of how to proceed. I've organized events before, but nothing like this and I feel like I'm just feeling my way through the dark at the moment. But once we really get into it, we'll probably start having fun.
Stay tuned for more details, I'm sure I'll have plenty to share over the next 11 months!
Vending saga continues
Apparently the Neutrogena vending machine outside the UK Book Store is not the only strange vending machine around. Also in the Student Center is an Apple vending machine. From this one you can buy the ear piece headphones for your iPod, other iPod accessories, Playaways (kind of like books on tape, but the player is part of the item and it can only play the book one book), and any number of other Apple products.
I was told that there is a third strange vending machine somewhere on campus, but I haven't seen it yet.
So, will we one day being doing all of our shopping via vending machine?
I was told that there is a third strange vending machine somewhere on campus, but I haven't seen it yet.
So, will we one day being doing all of our shopping via vending machine?
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Strange vending
I walked over to the UK Student Center today and went into the University Bookstore. On my way in I noticed something strange just outside the door. It was a huge vending machine that sold Neutrogena products! It was definitely a vending machine and even had a credit card reader on it. Has anyone else seen anything like this?
Note that this was not a regular vending machine with skin care products in it, this was a vending machine made for selling Neutrogena products.
What's next!
Note that this was not a regular vending machine with skin care products in it, this was a vending machine made for selling Neutrogena products.
What's next!
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Phone Etiquette
Three times in the past week or so I have been in the bathroom at work with a student who is on the phone. I can't imagine talking to someone on the phone while using the bathroom, or even being on the phone with someone who is in a bathroom. It just seems rude to me. Have our lives become so busy that the only time we have to talk to people is when we're sitting in a bathroom? Or is it just that college students these days seems to have cell phones glued to their ears?
Three times in about 5-7 work days I have observed this. Is this now acceptable behavior?? Has anyone else observed this?
For your information, please don't call me if you are in the bathroom and I promise never to call anyone in the reverse situation.
Three times in about 5-7 work days I have observed this. Is this now acceptable behavior?? Has anyone else observed this?
For your information, please don't call me if you are in the bathroom and I promise never to call anyone in the reverse situation.
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Presentations and such
I took a class today at school as part of a two-year, leadership program I am doing through the University's Training & Development department. Today's class was called Presenting Effectively; it actually met today from 8:30 to noon and then meets again next Thursday same time. Guess why there is a week between the classes? Yep, we have to do a presentation!
So next Thursday I have to do a 20 minute presentation on the topic of my choice. The teacher is very much against having scripts, notes, or even detailed outlines. So I need a topic that I don't need any kind of notes in front of me for. I'm thinking of doing something on the clarinet. I know that in only 20 minutes I can cover a brief amount of history, a bit about the construction, and then show how it sounds, etc. I want something that is also interesting to the people in the class. I'm also open to suggestions. If you have any, I'm all ears.
Presentations are apparently everywhere this semester. There's my class of course, which is like doing a two and a half hour presentation once a week.
Today I agreed to present and facilitate a two-hour session at a state-wide meeting in December. I'm going to spend a little less than an hour giving an overview of the big cataloging issues and changes in the present US and international environment. Then we'll take a quick break after which we'll open the floor for discussion and questions. I just have to be sure to inform the audience that I am not the expert, but will be guiding the conversation. About 90 people usually attend this meeting and there are three breakout sessions, so probably about 30 people will be at this session. Though the organizer told me today what the other two sessions are which sound very interesting, so maybe my group will be small.
Then there is the young adult retreat in November. I'll be organizing one session during that weekend too. I have chosen Mary as my topic and I think I am going to organize it more as a discussion than a presentation. I think I might focus on the Marian dogmas and read the Biblical passages that support the doctrines and discuss them. That's the current idea, but we'll see. We still need to discuss all the retreat topics and get some kind of common theme between them all.
Any suggestions for presentation topics for next week?
So next Thursday I have to do a 20 minute presentation on the topic of my choice. The teacher is very much against having scripts, notes, or even detailed outlines. So I need a topic that I don't need any kind of notes in front of me for. I'm thinking of doing something on the clarinet. I know that in only 20 minutes I can cover a brief amount of history, a bit about the construction, and then show how it sounds, etc. I want something that is also interesting to the people in the class. I'm also open to suggestions. If you have any, I'm all ears.
Presentations are apparently everywhere this semester. There's my class of course, which is like doing a two and a half hour presentation once a week.
Today I agreed to present and facilitate a two-hour session at a state-wide meeting in December. I'm going to spend a little less than an hour giving an overview of the big cataloging issues and changes in the present US and international environment. Then we'll take a quick break after which we'll open the floor for discussion and questions. I just have to be sure to inform the audience that I am not the expert, but will be guiding the conversation. About 90 people usually attend this meeting and there are three breakout sessions, so probably about 30 people will be at this session. Though the organizer told me today what the other two sessions are which sound very interesting, so maybe my group will be small.
Then there is the young adult retreat in November. I'll be organizing one session during that weekend too. I have chosen Mary as my topic and I think I am going to organize it more as a discussion than a presentation. I think I might focus on the Marian dogmas and read the Biblical passages that support the doctrines and discuss them. That's the current idea, but we'll see. We still need to discuss all the retreat topics and get some kind of common theme between them all.
Any suggestions for presentation topics for next week?
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Seven down, Nine to go
The semester is getting close to its midpoint. I've already given one test, graded two papers, and a graded exercise. Only four papers, two graded exercises, and two tests left. Plus, only nine classes left to teach this semester!!
I'm very excited! This is the last semester that I will be teaching this class. Can't wait to go back to having my one full-time job rather than the full-time job plus the adjunct position.
And the countdown continues ...
I'm very excited! This is the last semester that I will be teaching this class. Can't wait to go back to having my one full-time job rather than the full-time job plus the adjunct position.
And the countdown continues ...
Sunday, October 08, 2006
Home at last
Milwaukee was a great city. I thoroughly enjoyed the city, the meeting I was at (it was a great and diverse program), and the people I was there with. There are a lot of fun people in this group and it's always so much fun to see them all. I definitely want to go back to Milwaukee sometime, probably when the Irish Music Festival is happening.
I left the hotel on Saturday around 11am and got to the airport by 11:15. I was checked in and through security by 11:30 or so. I booked my ticket through Delta, but on the way home Northwest was the carrier and Delta actually sent me to the Northwest counter to get checked-in. I didn't realize that they did things this way now, but I guess I'll know for the next time. I sat in the airport and typed up one of the two reports I was going to need to submit from this meeting, plus I started the second one. So I'm a little ahead of the December 1 deadline on those. Woohoo!
My flight left Milwaukee on time and got into Detroit on time. This was the first time I had been in the Detroit aiport. They have a Tram that runs overhead just from one end of the A Terminal to the other. I had a three hour layover, so I walked the length of the Terminal (78 gates), walked back to the center (very cool water fountain/sculpture there), rode the Tram to the other end (just for fun), had dinner, and then walked back to the opposite end for my flight. We left Detroit almost an hour late, at 7:55, and I got to Louisville around 8:50. I got to Chris' house around 10:30 and visited him for a bit before finally getting home, around midnight. Definitely a long day.
So I'm home, safe and sound. Church this morning was great. Father Frank gave an excellent homily!! Otherwise, I spent most of the day relaxing and playing with Jake. I did finally sit down and grade the tests I gave last Tuesday (everyone made an A!!) and Chris is making dinner. He's cooking while I type; aren't I lucky?! :)
I hope everyone has a great week! --K
I left the hotel on Saturday around 11am and got to the airport by 11:15. I was checked in and through security by 11:30 or so. I booked my ticket through Delta, but on the way home Northwest was the carrier and Delta actually sent me to the Northwest counter to get checked-in. I didn't realize that they did things this way now, but I guess I'll know for the next time. I sat in the airport and typed up one of the two reports I was going to need to submit from this meeting, plus I started the second one. So I'm a little ahead of the December 1 deadline on those. Woohoo!
My flight left Milwaukee on time and got into Detroit on time. This was the first time I had been in the Detroit aiport. They have a Tram that runs overhead just from one end of the A Terminal to the other. I had a three hour layover, so I walked the length of the Terminal (78 gates), walked back to the center (very cool water fountain/sculpture there), rode the Tram to the other end (just for fun), had dinner, and then walked back to the opposite end for my flight. We left Detroit almost an hour late, at 7:55, and I got to Louisville around 8:50. I got to Chris' house around 10:30 and visited him for a bit before finally getting home, around midnight. Definitely a long day.
So I'm home, safe and sound. Church this morning was great. Father Frank gave an excellent homily!! Otherwise, I spent most of the day relaxing and playing with Jake. I did finally sit down and grade the tests I gave last Tuesday (everyone made an A!!) and Chris is making dinner. He's cooking while I type; aren't I lucky?! :)
I hope everyone has a great week! --K
Friday, October 06, 2006
Meetings underway!!
Thursday in Milwaukee was primarily a walking day. I found my way through most of the downtown area near the hotel. Walked to the public library, walked along the River Walk, walked through the Cathedral, and more. I met up with some colleagues at the hotel around 11am and we all went to grab lunch before we headed to a tour of the Irish Music Archives.
Getting to the Archives was interesting. A lot of construction near the hotel has caused bus routes to be re-routed. After wandering aimlessly for a while, we finally found the right bus and were on our way. The Archives were very cool. They specialize in Irish-American music, or Irish musicians who have made splashes in the US, like U2, the Corrs, and the Cheiftains, as well as many others. They have a huge Bing Crosby Collection as well. They specialize more in popular music, rather than traditional Irish music. I had a meeting to get to back at the hotel, so one other person on the tour and myself had to leave early, and then had to run to catch the bus! It was probably quite comical to see us.
Last night we had a reception in the hotel and were entertained by the Milwaukee Mandolin Orchestra. The director also gave a lecture on the History of the Mandolin and Mandolin Orchestra's in the US. The ensemble was very good and has been a part of the Milwaukee music scene since 1900.
Today is the bulk of the meeting. This morning we heard from various people in the business about what the future holds for our profession and how they deal with new things and so forth in their particular jobs. We heard from an Associate Dean of a Library School, an administrator in a Library, a veteren librarian, and a "new" librarian. Following that presentation we then heard about development on libraries, which was also interesting.
The afternoon program begins with a session I put together. We'll be hearing from two people from a company we all have to work with (OCLC) about some of their new programs and products that our library patrons will be using and we'll be using. It'll be interesting to see what they have to say.
Have to run now, lunch is almost over and I have to find my notes to introduce the two speakers. Sorry for any typos, etc., I did this really fast.
Getting to the Archives was interesting. A lot of construction near the hotel has caused bus routes to be re-routed. After wandering aimlessly for a while, we finally found the right bus and were on our way. The Archives were very cool. They specialize in Irish-American music, or Irish musicians who have made splashes in the US, like U2, the Corrs, and the Cheiftains, as well as many others. They have a huge Bing Crosby Collection as well. They specialize more in popular music, rather than traditional Irish music. I had a meeting to get to back at the hotel, so one other person on the tour and myself had to leave early, and then had to run to catch the bus! It was probably quite comical to see us.
Last night we had a reception in the hotel and were entertained by the Milwaukee Mandolin Orchestra. The director also gave a lecture on the History of the Mandolin and Mandolin Orchestra's in the US. The ensemble was very good and has been a part of the Milwaukee music scene since 1900.
Today is the bulk of the meeting. This morning we heard from various people in the business about what the future holds for our profession and how they deal with new things and so forth in their particular jobs. We heard from an Associate Dean of a Library School, an administrator in a Library, a veteren librarian, and a "new" librarian. Following that presentation we then heard about development on libraries, which was also interesting.
The afternoon program begins with a session I put together. We'll be hearing from two people from a company we all have to work with (OCLC) about some of their new programs and products that our library patrons will be using and we'll be using. It'll be interesting to see what they have to say.
Have to run now, lunch is almost over and I have to find my notes to introduce the two speakers. Sorry for any typos, etc., I did this really fast.
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Traveling and safely in Milwaukee
Wednesday was a long day of travel. It started with my drive to Louisville which took a little over an hour. I was in the terminal (check-in and security was short) by 9:30 or 9:45. My flight didn't leave until 12. So I had a muffin at Starbucks and then walked the airport. I got an hour or more of exercise in before I sat down to wait for my flight to board. The flight to Cincinnati was 20 minutes.
In Cincinnati I had to take the bus from Terminal C (where Comair flies out of) to Terminal A (all other Delta flights and Delta carriers). Terminal A is pretty big so I started walking it as well. My flight didn't leave until 3:20pm, so I had quite a wait. I finally decided to walk to Terminal B (more Delta and International flights). I had a two hour layover, so I got a lot of walking in and had lunch. By the way, if you're ever in the Cincinnati airport for a long layover, there are more food choises in Terminal B than Terminal A. Terminal B even has a Max & Erma's and a Wolfgang Puck Restaurant. I just had Chick-fil-A.
I left Cincinnati at roughly 3:20 and 50 minutes later I landed in Milwaukee around 3:30pm. It was a 15 minute ride from the airport to the hotel. Appparently the Pfister Hotel is the oldest hotel in Milwaukee. If I lean close to my window and look to the right and through a bunch of buildings, I can just see part of Lake Michigan. I'm on the 21st floor.
Overall, Milwaukee is a nice town. It's easy to walk in and not hard to find things. I left the hotel last night and walked down Wisconsin toward a Borders. I figured if there was a Borders, there had to be other things around it. So I wondered through Borders a bit and then found my way to an Irish Pub where I had dinner. I order a Shepherds Pie, which came in this tiny little black cauldren. It was very good and then I finished it off with a Black and Tan Brownie. Couldn't taste the Guinness much in it, but it was good all the same.
The Hotel has wireless, but for a fee. Ever hotel I've stayed at the last few years has had wireless for free. Oh well. I found a cafe where I can get on the wireless and that's where I am now. Having breakfast and playing on my computer.
The hotel is also near the Milwaukee Cathedral, Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist. I called last night and got Mass times and considered going to Daily Mass this morning, but I overslept a little and couldn't make it. I might go over there later just to see it, maybe I can make Daily Mass on Saturday morning.
Today the plan is to take it easy in the morning and then I take a tour of the Irish Music Archives (largest in the world) and then committee meetings, dinner, and an opening reception.
I think I'll go find the Public Library now so I know where it is for my meetings tomorrow. Hope everyone has a good day!
In Cincinnati I had to take the bus from Terminal C (where Comair flies out of) to Terminal A (all other Delta flights and Delta carriers). Terminal A is pretty big so I started walking it as well. My flight didn't leave until 3:20pm, so I had quite a wait. I finally decided to walk to Terminal B (more Delta and International flights). I had a two hour layover, so I got a lot of walking in and had lunch. By the way, if you're ever in the Cincinnati airport for a long layover, there are more food choises in Terminal B than Terminal A. Terminal B even has a Max & Erma's and a Wolfgang Puck Restaurant. I just had Chick-fil-A.
I left Cincinnati at roughly 3:20 and 50 minutes later I landed in Milwaukee around 3:30pm. It was a 15 minute ride from the airport to the hotel. Appparently the Pfister Hotel is the oldest hotel in Milwaukee. If I lean close to my window and look to the right and through a bunch of buildings, I can just see part of Lake Michigan. I'm on the 21st floor.
Overall, Milwaukee is a nice town. It's easy to walk in and not hard to find things. I left the hotel last night and walked down Wisconsin toward a Borders. I figured if there was a Borders, there had to be other things around it. So I wondered through Borders a bit and then found my way to an Irish Pub where I had dinner. I order a Shepherds Pie, which came in this tiny little black cauldren. It was very good and then I finished it off with a Black and Tan Brownie. Couldn't taste the Guinness much in it, but it was good all the same.
The Hotel has wireless, but for a fee. Ever hotel I've stayed at the last few years has had wireless for free. Oh well. I found a cafe where I can get on the wireless and that's where I am now. Having breakfast and playing on my computer.
The hotel is also near the Milwaukee Cathedral, Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist. I called last night and got Mass times and considered going to Daily Mass this morning, but I overslept a little and couldn't make it. I might go over there later just to see it, maybe I can make Daily Mass on Saturday morning.
Today the plan is to take it easy in the morning and then I take a tour of the Irish Music Archives (largest in the world) and then committee meetings, dinner, and an opening reception.
I think I'll go find the Public Library now so I know where it is for my meetings tomorrow. Hope everyone has a good day!
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Milwaukee here I come!!
Tomorrow morning I'm off to Milwaukee for a conference. I'll be attending the Midwest Chapter Music Library Association meeting.
Tomorrow I have to drive from Lexington to Louisville and take a flight to Cincinnati. For those who don't know, the Cincinnati airport is actually in northern KY; not to mention that I can drive to either Louisville or Cincinnati from Lexington in just over an hour. I'm going to be doing an awful lot of traveling before I even get out of KY. But the ticket was cheaper this way.
I'm bringing my laptop with me, so I should be able to keep in touch while I'm there. I'll keep you posted on my comings and goings!!
Hope everyone has great weekends! Blessings to you all! K
Tomorrow I have to drive from Lexington to Louisville and take a flight to Cincinnati. For those who don't know, the Cincinnati airport is actually in northern KY; not to mention that I can drive to either Louisville or Cincinnati from Lexington in just over an hour. I'm going to be doing an awful lot of traveling before I even get out of KY. But the ticket was cheaper this way.
I'm bringing my laptop with me, so I should be able to keep in touch while I'm there. I'll keep you posted on my comings and goings!!
Hope everyone has great weekends! Blessings to you all! K
Monday, October 02, 2006
The Real Presence
I had an interesting thought this morning while I was at Eucharistic Adoration. First I was praying for greater faith in the mystery of the Real Presence (as well as all the mysteries of our Catholic faith) and I was struck by how much we take this gift for granted. My next thought was that being here in front of the Blessed Eucharist is as real as if Jesus walked into the room.
Then I started thinking about the throngs of people that gather anytime the Pope makes a public appearance. How people try to get real close, possibly be able to touch him, and the awe that this figure holds. My mind then wondered to a very different thought: celebrities and other prominent figures that draw a mesmerized and adoring crowd.
All that led my mind to question: Shouldn't even larger crowds than those the Pope attracts (and certainly those that are drawn to celebrities) be attracted to the Real Presence? Not only that, but crowds should be coming to Mass every Sunday to actually receive the Real Presence. The church should be full!
In the Eucharistic Chapel, Jesus is truly there. People should be lining up to get into the chapel even if just for a few minutes. It took me a year and a half to make the committment to spend one hour a week there and now I feel like that isn't enough. I don't think I could get more time in necessarily, but I know that when I feel drawn to visit the chapel, I will make every effort to do so, rather than putting the thought aside because it isn't Monday morning yet.
Then I started thinking about the throngs of people that gather anytime the Pope makes a public appearance. How people try to get real close, possibly be able to touch him, and the awe that this figure holds. My mind then wondered to a very different thought: celebrities and other prominent figures that draw a mesmerized and adoring crowd.
All that led my mind to question: Shouldn't even larger crowds than those the Pope attracts (and certainly those that are drawn to celebrities) be attracted to the Real Presence? Not only that, but crowds should be coming to Mass every Sunday to actually receive the Real Presence. The church should be full!
In the Eucharistic Chapel, Jesus is truly there. People should be lining up to get into the chapel even if just for a few minutes. It took me a year and a half to make the committment to spend one hour a week there and now I feel like that isn't enough. I don't think I could get more time in necessarily, but I know that when I feel drawn to visit the chapel, I will make every effort to do so, rather than putting the thought aside because it isn't Monday morning yet.
Librarians vs. Search Engines
A colleague sent this article out today about search engines and the unreliable information they often return. Librarians and libraries, the article states, are still very much needed and the profession is having to change rapidly in ths new environment.
I have to say that I have been seeing this happen around me and things are changing so fast that it is hard to keep up. The article is very interesting and I encourage everyone to read it. Especially if you think librarians are just checking out and stamping books!
I have to say that I have been seeing this happen around me and things are changing so fast that it is hard to keep up. The article is very interesting and I encourage everyone to read it. Especially if you think librarians are just checking out and stamping books!
Sunday, October 01, 2006
Special Mass for my grandparents
Today in Boston several members of my family are gathering to attend a Mass being said in honor of my grandparents. My parents and my sister and her husband and daughter flew up to Boston from Atlanta on Wednesday to be there with the rest of my mother's family. My grandfather passed away 32 years ago this past Thursday. My grandmother passed away in February of 2005.
Before I moved to Kentucky in 2000, I spent two years in western Massachusetts and I often drove into Boston on weekends to spend time with my grandmother. I'm glad I got to spend that time with her. I know she liked having me there as well. She also loved it when my aunt and uncle took her out to see me once and she got to attend an orchestra concert I was performing in.
Please remember my grandparents today and say a pray for their souls in heaven.
Before I moved to Kentucky in 2000, I spent two years in western Massachusetts and I often drove into Boston on weekends to spend time with my grandmother. I'm glad I got to spend that time with her. I know she liked having me there as well. She also loved it when my aunt and uncle took her out to see me once and she got to attend an orchestra concert I was performing in.
Please remember my grandparents today and say a pray for their souls in heaven.
Friday, September 29, 2006
Movin' on up
Last night was rehearsal and audition results were put out over email about a day or two before hand. I was moved up to the Solo Clarinet spot in the section. I was very surprised but many people around me were very encouraging and said I deserved the position, including the person who has been in that position for several years.
I'm happy about the move but a little nervous too. The pressure is on now and it makes me a little nervous. But it will be fun to do our first concert this season at the Cathedral that I attend as a parishoner and be sitting in that first row, first seat spot!
I'm happy about the move but a little nervous too. The pressure is on now and it makes me a little nervous. But it will be fun to do our first concert this season at the Cathedral that I attend as a parishoner and be sitting in that first row, first seat spot!
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Your Life in Numbers
Do you ever see your life as a series of numbers? I was just thinking last night that I have 11 classes left to teach this semester, which also means that there are 11 weeks left in the semester. Then I was thinking about how many days before I travel to Milwaukee (7) and how many Midwest Music Library Association Meetings this trip will make (6).
All that got me thinking about all the numbers in my life. There are phone numbers, numbers of hours spent at work, birthdays, anniversaries, and all sorts of other things. I find myself constantly counting down for things, particularly how many classes I have left to teach or how many days before a trip or some other event.
Have you ever thought about the multitudes of numbers in your life? Or is it just me?
All that got me thinking about all the numbers in my life. There are phone numbers, numbers of hours spent at work, birthdays, anniversaries, and all sorts of other things. I find myself constantly counting down for things, particularly how many classes I have left to teach or how many days before a trip or some other event.
Have you ever thought about the multitudes of numbers in your life? Or is it just me?
Monday, September 25, 2006
Fall has begun!
My favorite time of year is Fall! I love the cooler temps, the fall colors we'll be seeing in a few weeks, and the freshness in the air. Most people get excited about the coming of Spring the way I get excited about Fall. With the small class I have this semester, I'm hoping to get out a little bit more this Fall than I've been able to the last few years.
Speaking of class: have I mentioned that I only have 7 students!! I graded their first major assignment on Sunday. What took me several hours over two days last year, only took me an hour and a half this time! It has been great.
The weather did clear up on Sunday. It's still cool, but that's fine with me. It was very cloudy Sunday night, but Chris and I went ahead and took a four mile walk out at the UK Arboretum. It was nice to go for a walk again; it's been a while.
Hope everyone has a great week. Mine has started off on a good foot and I hope that continues.
Speaking of class: have I mentioned that I only have 7 students!! I graded their first major assignment on Sunday. What took me several hours over two days last year, only took me an hour and a half this time! It has been great.
The weather did clear up on Sunday. It's still cool, but that's fine with me. It was very cloudy Sunday night, but Chris and I went ahead and took a four mile walk out at the UK Arboretum. It was nice to go for a walk again; it's been a while.
Hope everyone has a great week. Mine has started off on a good foot and I hope that continues.
Saturday, September 23, 2006
Flooding in Lexington
It rained almost all day yesterday and didn't stop all night. Since yesterday we've gotten about 6 inches of rain here. Currently it's not raining, but it's supposed to again. We're expecting another inch today, probably two overnight, and an inch tomorrow. My plan today was to go to work to grade papers and get things ready for class for this week and next. Then later today I was going to be working at my church's biggest fundraiser, Oktoberfest. However, there are several road closures, many events around town today have been cancelled, and the part of Oktoberfest I was going to volunteer at has been cancelled and the rest of the event moved inside. Many of the road closures are near my house so I've decided that it is best to stay home. Even my usual alternate routes are iffy. Plenty to do at home though: lots of cleaning, practicing, and who knows what else.
Friday, September 22, 2006
Auditions
I used to hate auditions!! No matter how well I played, I always did terrible in auditions. That's not to say that I like auditions now, but I'm a bit calmer about them. I had a voluntary audition last night and I wasn't worried about it at all, but I still didn't play to the best of my ability. However, I knew that with this audition I wasn't risking losing my current spot in the group I play with.
He had me play my chromatic scale, which I messed up the rhythm on and as a result missed a note or two. I also had to play the clarinet solo at the beginning of Festive Overture by Shostakovich and into the Tutti section. That went ok, just a little problem with rhythm again. That was a result of nerves, not so much that I didn't practice with a metronome, because I did!
Based on the conductor's remarks after I finished playing, he's very pleased with my playing despite my small mishaps. The new seating chart will probably be out sometime this weekend, or at least by Monday. So we'll see then what he decided.
He had me play my chromatic scale, which I messed up the rhythm on and as a result missed a note or two. I also had to play the clarinet solo at the beginning of Festive Overture by Shostakovich and into the Tutti section. That went ok, just a little problem with rhythm again. That was a result of nerves, not so much that I didn't practice with a metronome, because I did!
Based on the conductor's remarks after I finished playing, he's very pleased with my playing despite my small mishaps. The new seating chart will probably be out sometime this weekend, or at least by Monday. So we'll see then what he decided.
Thursday, September 21, 2006
More Workshops, Classes,
Tuesday was Day two of the Workshop I was in on Monday; Wednesday I spent two hours meeting with department heads in my division and another hour after that meeting one-on-one with my associate dean; today I'll be in a class all day. Maybe I'll get some work done tomorrow?
Workshop Day 2 was for supervisors. We talked about goals again, but from the stand point of guiding your employees in making good goals and supporting them in future-forward thinking. I think I got more out of day 2 than day 1.
Today I am going to an all day class called "Leading Effective Teams." I have no idea how this class will be: could be good, could be a total waste of my time. Only time will tell.
Last night I led Bible Study at Church. We read the readings for this coming Sunday. The First reading and the Psalm are a nice pair I think. In the first reading, from Wisdom, we hear the wicked people talking about the downfall of the "just one," who is supposed to be Israel. Then in the Psalm we hear the prayer of the just one. I like the way the two go together. I also think I'm liking the book of James more and more. The last several weeks at Mass the second reading has been from James and I like what he has to say. This may also be because social justice issues have been slightly more on my mind lately. The Gospel, from Mark is the second time Jesus tells his disciples about the death he must suffer and the resurrection later. Mark has three instances of this in his Gospel, the first was last week, this week is the second. The third time isn't in the readings for this cycle. I like studying the upcoming readings each week because it makes the Mass more meaningful for me on Sunday. And I like then hearing the preist's homily after I have already studied it all myself. So I look forward to the homily this Sunday.
Have to run off to class now. Blessings to everyone!! -K
Workshop Day 2 was for supervisors. We talked about goals again, but from the stand point of guiding your employees in making good goals and supporting them in future-forward thinking. I think I got more out of day 2 than day 1.
Today I am going to an all day class called "Leading Effective Teams." I have no idea how this class will be: could be good, could be a total waste of my time. Only time will tell.
Last night I led Bible Study at Church. We read the readings for this coming Sunday. The First reading and the Psalm are a nice pair I think. In the first reading, from Wisdom, we hear the wicked people talking about the downfall of the "just one," who is supposed to be Israel. Then in the Psalm we hear the prayer of the just one. I like the way the two go together. I also think I'm liking the book of James more and more. The last several weeks at Mass the second reading has been from James and I like what he has to say. This may also be because social justice issues have been slightly more on my mind lately. The Gospel, from Mark is the second time Jesus tells his disciples about the death he must suffer and the resurrection later. Mark has three instances of this in his Gospel, the first was last week, this week is the second. The third time isn't in the readings for this cycle. I like studying the upcoming readings each week because it makes the Mass more meaningful for me on Sunday. And I like then hearing the preist's homily after I have already studied it all myself. So I look forward to the homily this Sunday.
Have to run off to class now. Blessings to everyone!! -K
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Workshop Yesterday
Yesterdays workshop wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. It was primarily on goal setting with a focus on our customers and our stakeholders. Interesting concept to think of your own goals in your every day work as relating to the Presiden't Top 20 Business Plan, the goals of the Board of Trustees, or even those of the state government (they do afterall give us money to operate). We're used to thinking of our customers, but even then, they don't usually enter my mind when I'm thinking about my own goals. That seems silly now, why wouldn't they? But I guess we're used to focusing on ourselves.
The way we did goals was interesting. Not entirely a foreign concept, but some parts were new. I do feel like I learned something and will probably be thinking more along these lines when I set my goals for 2007. At the moment I guess I am stuck with my poorly constructed goals for 2006. We also talked about the evaluation interview between the employee and supervisor. I liked this discussion as well and it gave me some things to shoot for in my own evaluation discussion as well as those with the people who report to me.
One more workshop, dinner, and a class tonight and then I can go home. Thank goodness for the dog sitter! Blessing to everyone! -K
The way we did goals was interesting. Not entirely a foreign concept, but some parts were new. I do feel like I learned something and will probably be thinking more along these lines when I set my goals for 2007. At the moment I guess I am stuck with my poorly constructed goals for 2006. We also talked about the evaluation interview between the employee and supervisor. I liked this discussion as well and it gave me some things to shoot for in my own evaluation discussion as well as those with the people who report to me.
One more workshop, dinner, and a class tonight and then I can go home. Thank goodness for the dog sitter! Blessing to everyone! -K
Monday, September 18, 2006
Early Mornings
Good morning!! It's been a busy morning already. I went to Eucharistic Adoration early this morning and, as I always do, I felt priviledged to be there. It really is a great way to not only start your day, but to start the week.
Got to work just after 7am and went to the Main Library on campus rather than my office. I am participating in an all day workshop today on Performance Evaluations (sound exciting?) so I brought my lap top with me to help kill time before the workshop starts.
This weekend was busy: preparing for Tuesday's class, grading papers, cleaning house (a little), meeting with a new dog sitter (to help me on Tuesdays when I teach), and having dinner with two of Chris' sublings and their spouses and children. I also managed to find some practice time, which was definitely needed. I'm doing an audition on Thursday evening, plus I have some challenging music to get under my fingers before October and my reeds are being a problem.
This week will be unproductive work-wise. I will be spending all day today in this workshop which is for all Library Faculty. Tomorrow I will also spend the day in a similar workshop but this one just for those faculty who supervise other faculty, which I do. Thursday I have a class to take in our Human Resources department, and Wednesday there are several meetings. Sometime on Wednesday and Friday I might find the time to actually get some work done. Maybe.
Hope everyone has a wonderful week. Blessings to all!! K
Got to work just after 7am and went to the Main Library on campus rather than my office. I am participating in an all day workshop today on Performance Evaluations (sound exciting?) so I brought my lap top with me to help kill time before the workshop starts.
This weekend was busy: preparing for Tuesday's class, grading papers, cleaning house (a little), meeting with a new dog sitter (to help me on Tuesdays when I teach), and having dinner with two of Chris' sublings and their spouses and children. I also managed to find some practice time, which was definitely needed. I'm doing an audition on Thursday evening, plus I have some challenging music to get under my fingers before October and my reeds are being a problem.
This week will be unproductive work-wise. I will be spending all day today in this workshop which is for all Library Faculty. Tomorrow I will also spend the day in a similar workshop but this one just for those faculty who supervise other faculty, which I do. Thursday I have a class to take in our Human Resources department, and Wednesday there are several meetings. Sometime on Wednesday and Friday I might find the time to actually get some work done. Maybe.
Hope everyone has a wonderful week. Blessings to all!! K
Saturday, September 16, 2006
The Pope's comments
I haven't yet read through the speech the Pope gave one day this past week that has caused so much press the last few days. I am planning on reading through it this weekend. (In all that free time I have, right?!) Here is a link to the full text of his speech .
However, I did find this nice commentary on the speech and I thought it was worth sharing.
If I have any insights (don't expect anything too deep) after I read it, I'll share those later.
However, I did find this nice commentary on the speech and I thought it was worth sharing.
If I have any insights (don't expect anything too deep) after I read it, I'll share those later.
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Celebrating Tenure with "Stack Wars"
Last Friday (September 8) I attended the showing of my first animated short. Three other librarians and myself were the "stars" of this animated short. Coincidently we all just received tenure at UK starting this year. In honor of that accomplishment the Libraries hosted the first Annual Maggie Awards. The Awards were named after Margaret I. King, first librarian at the University of Kentucky. Amazingly, all four award categories went to members of the cast of "Stack Wars." I won for best musical score. Since all the awards went to the same animated short, there was then a showing of "Stack Wars."
Does this all sound a bit concocted?? Well, yes it it. But the film they created was very cute. They transposed all of our heads onto animated bodies and the backdrops were all pictures of areas in the Library system (the auditorium, some office spaces, meeting rooms, etc.). Other characters were pictures of characters from books that had all escaped from their books and were kidnapping the Dean and Associate Deans. They were all saved by me and my three colleagues. Is this why we got tenure? The end of the film included a song with lyrics scrolling up the screen and my face and fake body dancing to the music. The song was "WTYL" (for William T Young Library) set to the music for YMCA. At the end of the song, my head falls off and rolls away!!
The showing was very cute and the whole "awards" show they created was fun, if a little embarrassing. But it came with a gold "Maggie." It was a Librarian Action figure that they must of spray painted gold. Very creative.
At the very end they also presented us with little books that were made in our honor. Mine is very nice and definitely a keepsake. My picture is on the front, it has a short version of my CV (just education and job titles), pictures of music groups I like, a page from the Mozart clarinet concerto, a picture of an authority record with a little detective next it wearing something that is supposed to represent the scarf I keep at my desk and wear around the library when it is cold. It also has pages of pictures to represent places I've visited or want to visit (Italy, Ireland), and a music page with clarinet stuff on it. At the very back of the book is a pocket with a date due slip in it (we are all librarians, afterall). It lists my degrees and years I got them as well as the year I received tenure at UK.
It was a nice way to celebrate tenure and the program was followed by a very nice reception.
Does this all sound a bit concocted?? Well, yes it it. But the film they created was very cute. They transposed all of our heads onto animated bodies and the backdrops were all pictures of areas in the Library system (the auditorium, some office spaces, meeting rooms, etc.). Other characters were pictures of characters from books that had all escaped from their books and were kidnapping the Dean and Associate Deans. They were all saved by me and my three colleagues. Is this why we got tenure? The end of the film included a song with lyrics scrolling up the screen and my face and fake body dancing to the music. The song was "WTYL" (for William T Young Library) set to the music for YMCA. At the end of the song, my head falls off and rolls away!!
The showing was very cute and the whole "awards" show they created was fun, if a little embarrassing. But it came with a gold "Maggie." It was a Librarian Action figure that they must of spray painted gold. Very creative.
At the very end they also presented us with little books that were made in our honor. Mine is very nice and definitely a keepsake. My picture is on the front, it has a short version of my CV (just education and job titles), pictures of music groups I like, a page from the Mozart clarinet concerto, a picture of an authority record with a little detective next it wearing something that is supposed to represent the scarf I keep at my desk and wear around the library when it is cold. It also has pages of pictures to represent places I've visited or want to visit (Italy, Ireland), and a music page with clarinet stuff on it. At the very back of the book is a pocket with a date due slip in it (we are all librarians, afterall). It lists my degrees and years I got them as well as the year I received tenure at UK.
It was a nice way to celebrate tenure and the program was followed by a very nice reception.
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Help!! Retreat Ideas Needed
I am planning a retreat for a young adult group at my church. Attendees will be in their 20s and 30s, approximately; attendees are mostly single, but we do have some married folks that join us for parts of the retreat; and this is a Catholic group. I am still holding out hope that we can get a priest to join us for part of the retreat, so some of it will be directed by that person. So far that is not looking promising.
I am interested in hearing ideas from anyone that has been on retreats before and remembers something that they particularly enjoyed. We usually have a combination of discussions and talks along with activities and some meditative, quiet, alone time. Feedback from last year was that we might have had too many crafty activities, so I'm trying to find something different this time around.
I'm expecting attendance to be about 3-4 on the low end and up to 6-8 on the high end. A small group either way.
At the moment I'm leaning toward a theme on Mary, the Saints, and Heaven. But I'm open to any and all suggestions, Catholic themes and topics are preferred. Just leave suggestions in the comment box below. I look forward to seeing some.
I am interested in hearing ideas from anyone that has been on retreats before and remembers something that they particularly enjoyed. We usually have a combination of discussions and talks along with activities and some meditative, quiet, alone time. Feedback from last year was that we might have had too many crafty activities, so I'm trying to find something different this time around.
I'm expecting attendance to be about 3-4 on the low end and up to 6-8 on the high end. A small group either way.
At the moment I'm leaning toward a theme on Mary, the Saints, and Heaven. But I'm open to any and all suggestions, Catholic themes and topics are preferred. Just leave suggestions in the comment box below. I look forward to seeing some.
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
States I have visited
Found this cool map where you can mark the states you've been to. Didn't realize that I've been to 26 of the 50 states! I didn't count states I've only drive through, but all those marke are ones that I have at least spent one night in. Try this yourself!!
create your own visited states map
create your own visited states map
Monday, September 11, 2006
Nothing like a Hike
Okay, so the Gamecocks lost on Saturday night. They not only lost, they were shut out. It was like being in college again.
But there is nothing like a 4 mile hike out in the country to help you get over such an embarrassing game. If you live in Lexington and like to hike, Raven Run is a nice place to go. The walk we took on Sunday afternoon was very pleasant. We saw a deer close up when it came up over a hill suddenly and ran across the path in front of us. The Overlook on the cliffs over the Kentucky River was great and would probably be incredible in the fall with the leaves changing colors.
Overall it was a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon. 4 miles hiking is nothing like 4 miles walking through the UK Arboretum, definitely good exercise.
But there is nothing like a 4 mile hike out in the country to help you get over such an embarrassing game. If you live in Lexington and like to hike, Raven Run is a nice place to go. The walk we took on Sunday afternoon was very pleasant. We saw a deer close up when it came up over a hill suddenly and ran across the path in front of us. The Overlook on the cliffs over the Kentucky River was great and would probably be incredible in the fall with the leaves changing colors.
Overall it was a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon. 4 miles hiking is nothing like 4 miles walking through the UK Arboretum, definitely good exercise.
Saturday, September 09, 2006
Gamecocks on ESPN tonight
The South Carolina Gamecocks are going to be on ESPN tonight. They have home field advantage over the Georgia Bulldogs in their second SEC game of the season. Last year USC lost by only two points. This year we may pull it off! Be sure to watch the game tonight.
I saw a bit of College Game Day on ESPN this morning and Kirk Herbstreet thinks USC will win this game. I knew I liked him for a reason!
Go Cocks!! Beat those dawgs!!
I saw a bit of College Game Day on ESPN this morning and Kirk Herbstreet thinks USC will win this game. I knew I liked him for a reason!
Go Cocks!! Beat those dawgs!!
Update on the new semester
School has officially started at the University of Kentucky. The very first day of classes I started feeling a bit weak and not very well overall. By the time I got home I had a 100 degree temp and was not well at all. I was sick for almost two weeks, though the last few days weren't too bad; thank goodness since that was when Chris and I went to Atlanta.
I went to the doctor twice and I had a combination of Tonsilitis, laryngitis, a sinus infection, and pink eye. I'm better now with just a lingering cough every so often.
As a result of my sickness I cancelled my first class meeting of the semester. Luckily, UK uses an online software package where I can record grades, put up documents and lectures for class, the syllabus, assignments, and so forth. So I put everything up they needed and told them they were responsible for the information. So by the next Tuesday night we were able to jump right into the material without missing a beat. My class only meets once a week, so missing one class is never a good idea.
This will be the last semester that I teach for the School of Library and Information Science. This is a decision I made. They would like to keep me but I don't like the lack of free time during the semesters that I teach. Lucky for me I lucked out with a small class of only 7 students this time. Last fall I had 22 students. So this is like a dream!! It only took me about 30 minutes to grade papers today, unlike the hours I spent last year.
I had cleaned my desk this summer, but after getting back to work this month, once I was basically recovered, I had to dig to find my desk. It is starting to look a bit better, but it's so cluttered right now because of all the things I need to do. I don't know that it'll all get done.
The trip to Atlanta was good. Chris and I enjoyed our relaxing weekend and he got to meet the whole family. It was fun.
Along with the start of the new semester is the start of many other things. The concert band I play with has started rehearsals again. The first concert this year is in late October at the Cathedral of Christ the King. Also, committees I am a part of who took the summer off will be starting to meet again. This includes the Faith Formation committee and the Parish Life Committee at my church. Traffic in Lexington is now exponentially worse than it was during the summer. Apparently we had an increase in the freshman class from 2004 to 2005 of 11%; this year they are projecting that it is an additional 3%. You can tell too: in the traffic, in the pedestrian traffic around campus, and the amount of people in the library.
Welcome to September and welcome to the start of so many things. I love fall, it's my favorite season, and the challenges of starting so many new things are everywhere.
I went to the doctor twice and I had a combination of Tonsilitis, laryngitis, a sinus infection, and pink eye. I'm better now with just a lingering cough every so often.
As a result of my sickness I cancelled my first class meeting of the semester. Luckily, UK uses an online software package where I can record grades, put up documents and lectures for class, the syllabus, assignments, and so forth. So I put everything up they needed and told them they were responsible for the information. So by the next Tuesday night we were able to jump right into the material without missing a beat. My class only meets once a week, so missing one class is never a good idea.
This will be the last semester that I teach for the School of Library and Information Science. This is a decision I made. They would like to keep me but I don't like the lack of free time during the semesters that I teach. Lucky for me I lucked out with a small class of only 7 students this time. Last fall I had 22 students. So this is like a dream!! It only took me about 30 minutes to grade papers today, unlike the hours I spent last year.
I had cleaned my desk this summer, but after getting back to work this month, once I was basically recovered, I had to dig to find my desk. It is starting to look a bit better, but it's so cluttered right now because of all the things I need to do. I don't know that it'll all get done.
The trip to Atlanta was good. Chris and I enjoyed our relaxing weekend and he got to meet the whole family. It was fun.
Along with the start of the new semester is the start of many other things. The concert band I play with has started rehearsals again. The first concert this year is in late October at the Cathedral of Christ the King. Also, committees I am a part of who took the summer off will be starting to meet again. This includes the Faith Formation committee and the Parish Life Committee at my church. Traffic in Lexington is now exponentially worse than it was during the summer. Apparently we had an increase in the freshman class from 2004 to 2005 of 11%; this year they are projecting that it is an additional 3%. You can tell too: in the traffic, in the pedestrian traffic around campus, and the amount of people in the library.
Welcome to September and welcome to the start of so many things. I love fall, it's my favorite season, and the challenges of starting so many new things are everywhere.
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Atlanta Here we come
Chris and I are heading to Atlanta tomorrow morning. He will be meeting my entire family for the first time. He's met some of my family, but not all of them yet. We're both looking forward to a few days of relaxation. We have no planned itinerary while we're in Atlanta, just relax and enjoy!
Of course, I have been doing basically nothing for just over a week now. I've been sick since last Wednesday and have been to the doctor twice. I cancelled my first class meeting this past Tuesday and have only been to work a total of three hours in the past 7 work days. It appears that I have some kind of tonsilitis with a touch of laryngitis, plus a sinus infection, and pink eye. But I'm getting over it now and will hopefully not contaminate any of my family while I'm visiting them this weekend.
Happy Labor Day weekend to all. May you all have safe travels.
Of course, I have been doing basically nothing for just over a week now. I've been sick since last Wednesday and have been to the doctor twice. I cancelled my first class meeting this past Tuesday and have only been to work a total of three hours in the past 7 work days. It appears that I have some kind of tonsilitis with a touch of laryngitis, plus a sinus infection, and pink eye. But I'm getting over it now and will hopefully not contaminate any of my family while I'm visiting them this weekend.
Happy Labor Day weekend to all. May you all have safe travels.
Sunday, August 27, 2006
Tragedy in Lexington
Since 8:30 this morning I have had the local news on in my house and they have done nothing today but report on the horrible accident that occured at 6:00am this morning at the Lexington Bluegrass Airport. Many of you may have also heard about this on CNN or other news sources.
49 people were killed today in Lexington, KY after a plane crashed just after take off at 6:07am. Lexington is a small airport and most traffic out of the city is to bring passengers to major hubs for connecting flights. This particular flight was heading to Atlanta. Chances are that those of us in Lexington will either know someone on this flight or will know someone who knows someone who was on this flight. This is the first major domestic air accident in about 6 years.
Please keep the victims and the family and friends the victims of Comair Flight 5191 in your prayers.
49 people were killed today in Lexington, KY after a plane crashed just after take off at 6:07am. Lexington is a small airport and most traffic out of the city is to bring passengers to major hubs for connecting flights. This particular flight was heading to Atlanta. Chances are that those of us in Lexington will either know someone on this flight or will know someone who knows someone who was on this flight. This is the first major domestic air accident in about 6 years.
Please keep the victims and the family and friends the victims of Comair Flight 5191 in your prayers.
Monday, August 21, 2006
Noises Everywhere
Have you ever realized just how much noise you listen to every day? Every so often some study is done or some scientific report comes out about something to do with air pollution or white noise or whatever. Well, today I have noticed just how much we don't appreciate silence.
This morning I went to Church for my 6am Holy Hour and the lights were out in the chapel when I got there. The only light was from the four candles around the Blessed Sacrament and the light streaming in through the door's window from the hallway. It was earily quiet. I wasn't alone at all this morning as I prayed and did some reading, but the peace and quiet was very soothing. Sometime around 6:45 someone came in and turned the lights on.
When I left at 7am, it was still pretty quiet outside. The sun was just coming up and not too many people were driving to work yet. But once I turned my car on and the radio started playing, I had to turn it off. It was way too loud!
As today has progressed I have gotten more accustomed to the regular noise of my day. I sit at my desk listening to a CD on my computer through a head set and the fans are really loud in my office. I can hear people talking and I just tune them all out. More noises from boxes being opened, plastic being ripped, the stamps clanging against books, and so on and so on.
I miss that real quiet time from this morning and probably won't feel it again until next Monday. Eucharistic Adoration is such a powerful and beautiful experience in so many ways. Today I relaized just how important REAL quiet is and how little of it we really have in our lives.
Here's hoping that everyone finds some quiet time somewhere in thier lives! Cheers!! K
This morning I went to Church for my 6am Holy Hour and the lights were out in the chapel when I got there. The only light was from the four candles around the Blessed Sacrament and the light streaming in through the door's window from the hallway. It was earily quiet. I wasn't alone at all this morning as I prayed and did some reading, but the peace and quiet was very soothing. Sometime around 6:45 someone came in and turned the lights on.
When I left at 7am, it was still pretty quiet outside. The sun was just coming up and not too many people were driving to work yet. But once I turned my car on and the radio started playing, I had to turn it off. It was way too loud!
As today has progressed I have gotten more accustomed to the regular noise of my day. I sit at my desk listening to a CD on my computer through a head set and the fans are really loud in my office. I can hear people talking and I just tune them all out. More noises from boxes being opened, plastic being ripped, the stamps clanging against books, and so on and so on.
I miss that real quiet time from this morning and probably won't feel it again until next Monday. Eucharistic Adoration is such a powerful and beautiful experience in so many ways. Today I relaized just how important REAL quiet is and how little of it we really have in our lives.
Here's hoping that everyone finds some quiet time somewhere in thier lives! Cheers!! K
Sunday, August 20, 2006
Long weekend, but fun
It's almost 3pm on Sunday and the weekend is not over yet, but it certainly feels like it is. Friday was a good day. Work was busy, I have a ton going on right now: 5 million things and everyone wants something from me yesterday. But the day got very cheery when I received a delivery: a nice glass vase with a half dozen red roses!! They were from Chris (isn't he sweet!) and I couldn't stop smiling the rest of the day. Why the roses? Well, Chris and I have been dating for six months now. Yeah us!!
Friday night we went to a birthday party for the organist at our Church. He was turning 50 and his wife tried to throw a surprise party, but I think he found out about it. It was fun, we had a good time!
Saturday morning we went to the 8am Mass and then met some friends to go over to God's Pantry to volunteer for a few hours. God's Pantry is a distribution center for Central and Eastern Kentucky. Other groups come there to get food donations for their distribution points in the various counties. We spent the morning sorting huge bins of food items into boxes separated by category. It was a lot of work. I did learn that one of the 30+ counties in eastern Kentucky that this place helps to service is the poorest county in the country.
Saturday afternoon was another birthday party, this time for two little boys, sons of some friends of mine. They were 4 and 2 and everything was decorated with Elmo!! There was even an Elmo cake!!
Saturday was also the day for working on my next Newsletter for an organization I am part of. Chris came to my office with me and we printed the labels and set up the assembly line for putting the labels, stamps, and stickers on each of them and then organizing them by zip codes. Finally, we went home, made dinner and watched a movie.
Today is just as busy: Church, my office to do more of the Newsletter and work on the class I'm teaching this fall, and then babysitting for some friends who are going out tonight.
After this weekend I will need a weekend to recover!
Friday night we went to a birthday party for the organist at our Church. He was turning 50 and his wife tried to throw a surprise party, but I think he found out about it. It was fun, we had a good time!
Saturday morning we went to the 8am Mass and then met some friends to go over to God's Pantry to volunteer for a few hours. God's Pantry is a distribution center for Central and Eastern Kentucky. Other groups come there to get food donations for their distribution points in the various counties. We spent the morning sorting huge bins of food items into boxes separated by category. It was a lot of work. I did learn that one of the 30+ counties in eastern Kentucky that this place helps to service is the poorest county in the country.
Saturday afternoon was another birthday party, this time for two little boys, sons of some friends of mine. They were 4 and 2 and everything was decorated with Elmo!! There was even an Elmo cake!!
Saturday was also the day for working on my next Newsletter for an organization I am part of. Chris came to my office with me and we printed the labels and set up the assembly line for putting the labels, stamps, and stickers on each of them and then organizing them by zip codes. Finally, we went home, made dinner and watched a movie.
Today is just as busy: Church, my office to do more of the Newsletter and work on the class I'm teaching this fall, and then babysitting for some friends who are going out tonight.
After this weekend I will need a weekend to recover!
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Recent Book Finished
I just finished reading a book that calls itself a renovation comedy. The authors tell the story of the huge, 60-room "cottage" they bought and renovated from top to bottom. It is actually quite funny, especially for anyone familiar with small-town, Southern living.
The book is On a Street called Easy, in a Cottage called Joye by Gregory White Smith and Steven Naifeh. These two New Yorkers, having just finished a biography on Jackson Pollack (for which they go on to win a Pulitzer Prize), decide to buy this incredibly huge, totally falling apart "cottage" in Aiken, South Carolina. The book details their experiences trying to hire people to renovate the house, getting used to Southern living, and learning about the history of the house and the man who built it (William C. Whitney, one of those rich men who knew people like the Vanderbilts).
I laughed a lot reading this book. Especially as they tried to get used to the friendly, small-town atmosphere of Aiken that contrasts so much with the New York City they left behind. Definitely a fun book to read.
The book is On a Street called Easy, in a Cottage called Joye by Gregory White Smith and Steven Naifeh. These two New Yorkers, having just finished a biography on Jackson Pollack (for which they go on to win a Pulitzer Prize), decide to buy this incredibly huge, totally falling apart "cottage" in Aiken, South Carolina. The book details their experiences trying to hire people to renovate the house, getting used to Southern living, and learning about the history of the house and the man who built it (William C. Whitney, one of those rich men who knew people like the Vanderbilts).
I laughed a lot reading this book. Especially as they tried to get used to the friendly, small-town atmosphere of Aiken that contrasts so much with the New York City they left behind. Definitely a fun book to read.
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Holy Day: Assumption of Mary
Hi all!!
For all you Catholics out there, don't forget that today is a Holy Day of Obligation. Today is the Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. Chris and I will be at the 7:30 Mass tonight at Christ the King if anyone here in Lexington wants to join us.
What is the Assumption of Mary? For those who want to know more I found quite a bit of really good information (and lots of art work) form a site at the University of Dayton (Catholic college in Dayton, OH). Check it out here: http://www.udayton.edu/mary/meditations/assumption.html
Mary is such a role model for all Catholics. Take some time today to reflect on her role in the Church even if you can't make it to Mass, or pray the Rosary, the prayer given to us by the Virgin Mary herself.
For all you Catholics out there, don't forget that today is a Holy Day of Obligation. Today is the Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. Chris and I will be at the 7:30 Mass tonight at Christ the King if anyone here in Lexington wants to join us.
What is the Assumption of Mary? For those who want to know more I found quite a bit of really good information (and lots of art work) form a site at the University of Dayton (Catholic college in Dayton, OH). Check it out here: http://www.udayton.edu/mary/meditations/assumption.html
Mary is such a role model for all Catholics. Take some time today to reflect on her role in the Church even if you can't make it to Mass, or pray the Rosary, the prayer given to us by the Virgin Mary herself.
Saturday, August 12, 2006
True Exhaustion
Today I discovered true exhaustion. Our Board meeting started just after 10am, we broke for lunch from 1pm until 1:40, took a 10 minute break at around 4:30 (and then only because I requested it), and we ended around 6:30pm. Minus the breaks, thats still almost 8 hours of discussing programs, budgeting, reports, other meetings, and who knows what else.
Tonight at dinner I thought I was going to fall asleep. It's only just after 10pm now and I am planning on hitting the bed very soon!
Tomorrow we head out, but I'm going to go visit a friend I haven't seen in a year who lives near Columbus. I am going to go to Church with her and her family. Then I'll be heading back to Lexington!
Good night all! Columbus has been great, but I'm ready to get back home. --K
Tonight at dinner I thought I was going to fall asleep. It's only just after 10pm now and I am planning on hitting the bed very soon!
Tomorrow we head out, but I'm going to go visit a friend I haven't seen in a year who lives near Columbus. I am going to go to Church with her and her family. Then I'll be heading back to Lexington!
Good night all! Columbus has been great, but I'm ready to get back home. --K
Friday, August 11, 2006
Made it to Columbus
I'm in Columbus, OH. Finally! Got here around 4:20pm. My morning started with a flat tire when I pulled into the parking lot of the clubhouse where my faculty retreat was taking place. Luckily we were in Lexington for the retreat this year. Last year we were in Danville, about an hour away. Called AAA, got the spare on, went home to grab the full size tire that was in my garage, went to S&S, had them replace the tire and check the air in the other three, and was back at the faculty meeting by 10:30. S&S only charged me $15.
I left Lexington after the lunch and went by my house again to pick up a few missed items, including a jacket (in August, you ask ... yes!), and was on the road just after 1pm. Traffic in Cincinnati was slow for some reason, but otherwise it was an uneventful trip with only minor amounts of rain. We are staying at a Bed & Breakfast on the "Near North" side of Columbus. The place is called the Harrison House and is very nice. We are the only guests here, four of us and one person's wife is with him. We met in the Parlor of the B&B for drinks and munchies with the CEO of OCLC. He left just before 7 and then we all headed out to dinner together.
Tomorrow we have breakfast, then our Board meeting all day. We are having the meeting at our OCLC rep's house, which apparently is in walking distance of where we are staying.
Oh, and about that jacket I picked up ... I did use it. Don't know what the temp is right now, but I bet it is around 65 or less. Definitely no humidity in the air!! It feels great and should be like this all weekend. So, yes, I have actually used the jacket.
I left Lexington after the lunch and went by my house again to pick up a few missed items, including a jacket (in August, you ask ... yes!), and was on the road just after 1pm. Traffic in Cincinnati was slow for some reason, but otherwise it was an uneventful trip with only minor amounts of rain. We are staying at a Bed & Breakfast on the "Near North" side of Columbus. The place is called the Harrison House and is very nice. We are the only guests here, four of us and one person's wife is with him. We met in the Parlor of the B&B for drinks and munchies with the CEO of OCLC. He left just before 7 and then we all headed out to dinner together.
Tomorrow we have breakfast, then our Board meeting all day. We are having the meeting at our OCLC rep's house, which apparently is in walking distance of where we are staying.
Oh, and about that jacket I picked up ... I did use it. Don't know what the temp is right now, but I bet it is around 65 or less. Definitely no humidity in the air!! It feels great and should be like this all weekend. So, yes, I have actually used the jacket.
Feast of Saint Clare
Today is the feast day of St. Clare of Assisi. I read about St. Clare a couple years back and was amazed that I had never heard about her before. She was the first female follower of St. Francis of Assisi and had quite a few obstacles to face to be able to follow St. Francis. Eventually she formed her own order (with Francis' help) and her sister and mother eventually joined her. The Order she formed is still around today as the Poor Clares. Mother Angelica of EWTN in Birmingham, AL is a Poor Clare. And how interesting that St. Clare is also the patron saint of television (among other things).
I saw St. Clare when I was in Assisi, Italy in October of 2004. She is buried in the Basilica which still houses a Poor Clare monestary. The entire Basilica was very moving! Being in Assisi was one of the highlights of my trip to Italy.
Read more about St. Clare at: http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=215
I saw St. Clare when I was in Assisi, Italy in October of 2004. She is buried in the Basilica which still houses a Poor Clare monestary. The entire Basilica was very moving! Being in Assisi was one of the highlights of my trip to Italy.
Read more about St. Clare at: http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=215
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Wrapping up Today
The last time I put together a Newsletter for one of my professional organizations the printer took five days to do the job. Yesterday I dropped off the next Newsletter at a different printer and they called today (about 23 hours later) to tell me it was done!! I almost fell out of my chair! I think I have found a new printer for all future jobs.
Today is my last day in the office for this week. Tomorrow is our full-day, start of the new year, faculty meeting/retreat. I'm going for the free breakfast and lunch and the morning discussion then I'm skipping out on the afternoon "reporting of reports" to drive to Columbus, OH.
In Columbus, I'll be staying at a B&B with several other librarians. We'll be meeting all day on Saturday as a Board to discuss business for our organization (I'm the Secretary and Newsletter Editor). Unfortunately one of our members, and a friend of mine, has decided to cancel his flight and not make the trip up from Texas, due to today's events in England. So we'll have him on speaker phone, but I'll miss seeing him and catching up. He and I usually only see each other once a year.
I'll be back in Lexington Sunday, but in the meantime I'll have my laptop with me and will report on the slightly cooler temps in Columbus. I'm looking forward to this trip!
Have great weekends all!! --K
Today is my last day in the office for this week. Tomorrow is our full-day, start of the new year, faculty meeting/retreat. I'm going for the free breakfast and lunch and the morning discussion then I'm skipping out on the afternoon "reporting of reports" to drive to Columbus, OH.
In Columbus, I'll be staying at a B&B with several other librarians. We'll be meeting all day on Saturday as a Board to discuss business for our organization (I'm the Secretary and Newsletter Editor). Unfortunately one of our members, and a friend of mine, has decided to cancel his flight and not make the trip up from Texas, due to today's events in England. So we'll have him on speaker phone, but I'll miss seeing him and catching up. He and I usually only see each other once a year.
I'll be back in Lexington Sunday, but in the meantime I'll have my laptop with me and will report on the slightly cooler temps in Columbus. I'm looking forward to this trip!
Have great weekends all!! --K
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Accomplished Day
Today was a day of accomplishments!! The organizational newsletter I have been working on is now completely done, it's been converted into an Adobe file, and I called three printers for quotes. This newsletter took less than half the time the first one I did took. I go to a Board meeting this weekend for the orgnization and I can't wait to tell them how quickly it got done. Most likely they won't appreciate it as much as I do.
Also today, Chris and I met up this evening at the UK Arboretum and took a 4-mile walk. We had been doing this once a week for a while, but had gotten very busy of late and stopped going. It felt good tonight to go walking, especially since the temp was only around 80 degrees at that time.
I hope everyone is doing well. Leave comments below to let me know anything new in your lives.
Oh, for anyone who might not have heard the news, I got tenure at UK effective July 1 this year. I am now a Librarian II (or in professorship terms, I'm an Associate Professor). Glad to be done with the promotion/contract renewal hassel each year; now I just get to review other files and write letters every year. What fun!!
Blessings to all!! --K
Also today, Chris and I met up this evening at the UK Arboretum and took a 4-mile walk. We had been doing this once a week for a while, but had gotten very busy of late and stopped going. It felt good tonight to go walking, especially since the temp was only around 80 degrees at that time.
I hope everyone is doing well. Leave comments below to let me know anything new in your lives.
Oh, for anyone who might not have heard the news, I got tenure at UK effective July 1 this year. I am now a Librarian II (or in professorship terms, I'm an Associate Professor). Glad to be done with the promotion/contract renewal hassel each year; now I just get to review other files and write letters every year. What fun!!
Blessings to all!! --K
Monday, August 07, 2006
A New Monday Schedule
Hi Friends and Family!
Today was the first day of a new schedule for me. I woke up at 4:15 am in order to be at church by 6am. I made it there by 5:55! When I arrived I replaced the one person in the Eucharistic Adoration Chapel and was alone before the Blessed Sacrament for about 30 minutes. It was so quiet and I could still see how dark it was outside. It was actually very humbling to be alone with Jesus there in the chapel. It really was a great way to start my week and, once I get used to the early hour, it'll be a great time to talk with God and pray for the well-being of all my friends and family. I started having company by 6:30, but then had a few moments alone again right before 7am when my replacement showed up.
Going off to work after my morning with the Blessed Sacrament was nice and much more calming than usual. Amazingly the project that I set aside two and a half days for got almost completely accomplished today. The last time I worked on this same project I was ready to tear my hair out, wanted to throw the computer across the room, and probably spent a whole week on it. I think I had extra support today (from above as well as from my very capable friend Kim who gave of her time and her amazing technical skills to help me out!! Thanks Kim!!).
The nice thing about Monday's now is that I can leave work at 4pm. Very little traffic driving home! I think I'm going to like my new schedule.
Tonight I joined friends at a local bar for Theology on Tap, a young adult ministry started years ago in Chicago and now appearing all over the country. In Lexington we have two six-week sessions a year. This 6-week session is called Faith in Action (they have a Hollywood clap board and everything!) and all the speakers have talked about their various outreach ministries. It's been a great session. Tonight was a priest who works in the prison system, he's at the federal hospital prison here in Lexington. His ministry sounds very interesting.
It's been a long day and I'm very tired now (at only 10:15!!) so I am heading to bed so I can be up bright and early for a new day tomorrow.
Blessings to all!! --K
Today was the first day of a new schedule for me. I woke up at 4:15 am in order to be at church by 6am. I made it there by 5:55! When I arrived I replaced the one person in the Eucharistic Adoration Chapel and was alone before the Blessed Sacrament for about 30 minutes. It was so quiet and I could still see how dark it was outside. It was actually very humbling to be alone with Jesus there in the chapel. It really was a great way to start my week and, once I get used to the early hour, it'll be a great time to talk with God and pray for the well-being of all my friends and family. I started having company by 6:30, but then had a few moments alone again right before 7am when my replacement showed up.
Going off to work after my morning with the Blessed Sacrament was nice and much more calming than usual. Amazingly the project that I set aside two and a half days for got almost completely accomplished today. The last time I worked on this same project I was ready to tear my hair out, wanted to throw the computer across the room, and probably spent a whole week on it. I think I had extra support today (from above as well as from my very capable friend Kim who gave of her time and her amazing technical skills to help me out!! Thanks Kim!!).
The nice thing about Monday's now is that I can leave work at 4pm. Very little traffic driving home! I think I'm going to like my new schedule.
Tonight I joined friends at a local bar for Theology on Tap, a young adult ministry started years ago in Chicago and now appearing all over the country. In Lexington we have two six-week sessions a year. This 6-week session is called Faith in Action (they have a Hollywood clap board and everything!) and all the speakers have talked about their various outreach ministries. It's been a great session. Tonight was a priest who works in the prison system, he's at the federal hospital prison here in Lexington. His ministry sounds very interesting.
It's been a long day and I'm very tired now (at only 10:15!!) so I am heading to bed so I can be up bright and early for a new day tomorrow.
Blessings to all!! --K
Sunday, August 06, 2006
My first post on my first blog!!
This Blog, Journal of a Nobody, is just a way to keep up with friends and family. I hope this will be a way to communicate with lots of people and to keep all of you, my readers, posted on what's going on in my life. Be patient with me as I try to figure out how to use this site.
Today i am heading off to Bardstown, KY for a surprise birthday party!! It should be fun, but hopefully we won't be out too late. I have to be at Perpetual Adoration at 6am Monday morning. That should be a great way to start off the week!
I hope everyone has had a great weekend! Have a good week!
Today i am heading off to Bardstown, KY for a surprise birthday party!! It should be fun, but hopefully we won't be out too late. I have to be at Perpetual Adoration at 6am Monday morning. That should be a great way to start off the week!
I hope everyone has had a great weekend! Have a good week!
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