Lots of my family are having a tough time right now. Tomorrow is the day Grandpa died just one year ago, and my Dad and Suzanne just lost Suzanne's mother in a fight with cancer. And my Aunt and Uncle and cousin just lost their dog, Belle.
Even without these sad things, Halloween has been sort of a bummer this year, and these things make it even more of a bummer.
I wish everyone well and I hope that you all grieve however it is you need to grieve. I'll be grieving too.
Tonight I'll make a toast:
Here's to the wonderful lives that these loved ones played in my life, and the life of my family and friends. May we always remember those smiling fun moments with our loved ones.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
fire
My university has an alert system where they send you email or text message (or both) if there is an emergency type situation on campus. This got started after we had a fatal shooting here last year of a staff member.
So today I'm walking to a meeting and my phone buzzes, so I picked it up to check it and I had received a text message. It said that a man had lit himself on fire in the main square area of campus. It said that the area was secure and emergency personnel had taken the man to the hospital. I checked on our campus webpage a few hours later and it turns out that he died from the severe burns over much of his body.
This sort of thing just really makes me wonder what was going on in this guy's life. He wasn't a student here, but apparently he was a former employee. I hope that his family can get through this hard time. I can only imagine what they must be feeling.
I also hope that all the students and staff who witnessed this do what they need to do to cope with it. The university has offered many counseling services to those who need it.
So today I'm walking to a meeting and my phone buzzes, so I picked it up to check it and I had received a text message. It said that a man had lit himself on fire in the main square area of campus. It said that the area was secure and emergency personnel had taken the man to the hospital. I checked on our campus webpage a few hours later and it turns out that he died from the severe burns over much of his body.
This sort of thing just really makes me wonder what was going on in this guy's life. He wasn't a student here, but apparently he was a former employee. I hope that his family can get through this hard time. I can only imagine what they must be feeling.
I also hope that all the students and staff who witnessed this do what they need to do to cope with it. The university has offered many counseling services to those who need it.
Friday, October 24, 2008
travel
I'm in the Columbus airport headed to Milwaukee to go to Madison. I realized that while I'm traveling a lot right now, and I don't check bags, I'm still not ready to start getting to the airport with a few minutes to spare. I'd much rather be there a bit early and not get my blood pressure up. I just had a close scare here in Columbus and was worried that wouldn't let me check in (it was about 50 minutes before flight time. Luckily- I was fine and I have even had time to write this blog and talk to emily real quick.
On my flight from Seattle to Columbus I changed planes at O'Hare. The guy sitting next to me from Seattle to chicago got very agitated and cranky to everyone around him when we were late and he was likely going to miss his plane. In particular, he was cranky to the people around us when he tried to squeeze up the aisle to get off the plane faster. I was sitting there, also probably missing my plane, but I thought- there is no reason to be such an a**hole to the people around you. There is nothing they can do. So, when I got off the plane figuring that I had missed my connection, and I saw that my connection was a bit delayed, I smiled and then ran to the other side of O'hare to make the flight. Guess what. Mr. Cranky was on my second flight too. Luckily he wasn't sitting by me because I don't think I could have stood it. Oh- he is also a heavy breather. I don't like heavy breathers. (I know that makes me judgemental).
Anyway- lessons learned--they will serve me well in the next few weeks.
On my flight from Seattle to Columbus I changed planes at O'Hare. The guy sitting next to me from Seattle to chicago got very agitated and cranky to everyone around him when we were late and he was likely going to miss his plane. In particular, he was cranky to the people around us when he tried to squeeze up the aisle to get off the plane faster. I was sitting there, also probably missing my plane, but I thought- there is no reason to be such an a**hole to the people around you. There is nothing they can do. So, when I got off the plane figuring that I had missed my connection, and I saw that my connection was a bit delayed, I smiled and then ran to the other side of O'hare to make the flight. Guess what. Mr. Cranky was on my second flight too. Luckily he wasn't sitting by me because I don't think I could have stood it. Oh- he is also a heavy breather. I don't like heavy breathers. (I know that makes me judgemental).
Anyway- lessons learned--they will serve me well in the next few weeks.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
piece of history
David and I have decided that we want a piece of history. To that end, we bought a few Obama posters that we plan to hang on our walls. They all have very good messages and are things that we really believe in. These are the ones we have ordered. We have only received the "progress" poster so far.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
connecticut
Yea for the Connecticut Supreme Court! On Friday, it ruled that gay couples have the right to get married.
Three states down, 47 to go!
In the article linked above, it had more good news: the governor thinks it is unlikely this will get overturned:
"The Supreme Court has spoken," said Gov. Jodi Rell, a Republican who opposes same-sex marriage. "I do not believe their voice reflects the majority of the people of Connecticut. However, I am also firmly convinced that attempts to reverse this decision -- either legislatively or by amending the state Constitution -- will not meet with success."
Three states down, 47 to go!
In the article linked above, it had more good news: the governor thinks it is unlikely this will get overturned:
"The Supreme Court has spoken," said Gov. Jodi Rell, a Republican who opposes same-sex marriage. "I do not believe their voice reflects the majority of the people of Connecticut. However, I am also firmly convinced that attempts to reverse this decision -- either legislatively or by amending the state Constitution -- will not meet with success."
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
travel-shmavel
I've got A LOT of travel coming up. All work related, although I'll get to see Em and Mel on one trip and I'll get to see Mikie, Dave, Carter and Ella on another trip.
In fact during the month of November, I will only be "in the office" 6 days. All the other days I will be traveling. However, I have planned it so that I only have to be gone 1 weekend day- so David and I can still get our time together in.
In fact during the month of November, I will only be "in the office" 6 days. All the other days I will be traveling. However, I have planned it so that I only have to be gone 1 weekend day- so David and I can still get our time together in.
Thursday, October 02, 2008
excitement
I have to say, I am more excited for the Vice Presidential debate tonight than I was for the Presidential debate last week. I am just really interested in how it is going to turn out--both candidates have obstacles they have to overcome to have a good debate, so we'll see who clears more of those obstacles.
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