The thingies you put on your paper...

These things (in the picture)!! There is NO good name for them. You ask for paper clips...EEEEVERYONE knows what you're talking about. You ask for reinforcers or paper reinforcements and NOOOOOBODY knows what you're talking about. As a person who owns 503,248 3-ring binders that get used almost daily, these things are essential in life.

I walk into Meijer today to buy some. That was my first mistake. I should have gone to an office supply store, but after a long day at work I was looking for one stop shopping. It's nice to buy dinner, pillows, sidewalk chalk, and ring reinforcements all in one trip...but I am getting side tracked.

I ask the Meijer associate currently working in the office supplies section where I can find paper reinforcements...I promise you the look on her face almost convinced me that I had just asked her where to find the one horned purple elephants by mistake. She had NOOO idea what I was talking about and was clearly disgusted that I could not explain myself properly (in her opinion). After she made sure to display her annoyance with me for a good couple of seconds she sent me to the PARTY/CARD center section to look for them. I went because I was a bit scare of her, but as soon as I was out of her sight I took off from the store. Tomorrow...I will get them. And I might even ask a (friendly) Staples or Office Max associate what in the world I am supposed to call them.

Old Friend in a New Place

When I was eight years old my parents bought a piano, and I started lessons. I played until eighth grade and then "gave it up" - at least I gave up the formal lessons. I continued to play and would frequently serenade whoever in the house would listen during middle and high school years. When I'd come home from college I would sit down on the bench and pound away at the keys - reteaching myself, it seemed, every time. Although I'm far from being a great piano player, it's always been a source of relaxation and joy.

It was sad when my parents moved from my childhood house 2 1/2 years ago and put the piano in storage. I could no longer wonder into the living room to say "hi" to my old, faithful friend (piano).

But two weeks ago my faithful friend and I were reunited. By the very kind act of my Uncle B. and Aunt S., the piano was transported to our house. Family and a neighbor came and helped us move her in, and it has been a joyful reunion. I forgot how much I like to play...not because I'm good, but because I enjoy music. It can echo any mood you want it to. You just have to find the right piece. (Dri-Do you remember the song "Hymne". You copied it for me years and years ago. I found it the other day - still love it.)

But here's my dilemma...I think the piano needs a name. A good, sturdy name for a friend (piano) that I've had for 20 years. Any ideas?

Trip to N. Carolina/Southern Virginia

In my mind it was the last fling of the summer before the grind of work begins again. We worked some, played a lot, laughed hard, and cried a little. It was a great trip.

Some highlights:

1) Seeing M in the airport after two months.

2) Trip to M's work (beautiful place!) and Molasses Grill (wonderful restaurant!)

3) Exploring Duke and Chapel Hill.

4) My Taco salad at Jason's Deli on Monday. Seriously my second favorite salad EVER (California Pizza Kitchen's Chopped BBQ Chicken Salad is my first)!

Picture on the left is of moving day (Saturday). M is in a very cute house that will suit she and Marlie perfectly. Picture on the right is in the Duke Gardens. Beautiful place...if you have a chance to visit...do it! Picture below is also at Duke Univ.

Plans for today

1) It was really nice to catch up on my favorite blogs this morning. I have missed doing that recently.

2) I thought I would go to work today. Then I decided that I was going to take one last day before summer ends (at least in my world) to enjoy my house. The grad school paper is done, I have to go to work tomorrow because of meetings, and I can work from home today while in my pajamas. In between times of work I can clean my home for guests I have coming this weekend, play my piano, crochet, and relax. Sounds lovely. I can't wait.

Catching Up

It's been a long time without blogging. I am going to try to catch up with what I have missed...slowly.

The first thing to report...

The chompers are out and the pain is gone. My mouth still feels funny and I have a lingering stitch that doesn't want to dissolve. But the swelling and bruising is gone and I have long been off the Vicodin. I am glad it is over and definitely glad I did it during the summer. It would not have been pleasant to have to return to the classroom to talk for 8 hours a day shortly after surgery.

Happy Birthday, Poppa E!

Happy (big milestone) birthday to a wise and generous man I am proud to call "DAD"!

Hope it was a great day. (I'm interested in hearing all of your dinner stops!) And here's to a fantastic year!

Love you!