Four random thoughts as to why many people don't like Monday!
1. I overslept again. I need to start waking up on time. As punishment, I got to experience #2.
2. My normal 15 minute drive to work this morning took 35 minutes. All the RR crossings in downtown Durham were malfunctioning: barriers were down and would not go up. I sat at the Mangum crossing for 10 minutes. Once finally getting turned around (thanks to a nice person who let me back-up) and driving on a road (Ramseur/Pettigrew) parallel to the tracks, the next 3 crossings were blocked too. I finally backtracked to Hwy 98 and went out Hwy70 to Bethesda to work.
3. Scary sight but maybe not surprising......I saw EMTs carrying someone on a stretcher out of the Hardees on Hwy 54. Is it just bad food at that restaurant or over-indulging in 6-dollar, Angus burgers?
4. My colleagues and I were blindsided by a longtime partner this afternoon. The company decided they did not want to be part of our highly successful team when the contract is re-bid this winter.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Monday, August 31, 2009
Family Update
Summer is winding down (at least it feels like it) so I'd better document Sophie & Jacqueline's new endearing (& not so endearing) traits. Several people tell me that they are 18 and going to college before you know it. Trust me, I believe them.
In general news, we signed them up for pre-school. They will attend the one around the corner from our house (at Calvary UMC) one day a week to start. School starts a week from Tuesday. The pre-school only had 1 open slot, so they will alternate until a child moves up to the toddler room. We attended the open-house on Saturday morning. I think they will be fine. They loved the toys in the room and liked the teacher. They also should benefit from being with other kids and away from their sibling for a while. Mom will enjoy the break too (running errands, not relaxing).
Jacqueline's "likes" and "dislikes" and other general musings.
1. She loves to dance. Dancing is shaking her head and wiggling her body. She also learned to clap when I song ends. She enjoyed the bluegrass band at the Farmer's Market last weekend. In a similar vein, she likes to wander in circles. Sophie will play with toys forever; Jacqueline gets bored quickly and just wanders.
2. She does not like obstacles she can't figure out. She is quick to show a flash of temper when she gets frustrated, usually exhibited as a loud, ear shattering, high pitched scream.
3. Her new thing is to push large objects around. The learning table and her princess scooter are her two favorites. I think someone is going to enjoy re-arranging furniture.
4. She is learning to not let Sophie bully her around. She'll even push Sophie out of the way when walking to get where she wants to go.
5. Like Sophie, she has developed an obsessive desire to figure things out. Case in point, Jacqueline spent 20 minutes on Sunday repeatedly climbing into and out of their water/picnic table.
Sophie's "likes" and "dislikes" and other general musings.
1. Sophie doesn't really dislike anything. She's a laid back kid. If anything, she doesn't like nap time because she can't be exploring.
2. Sophie really likes slides. Big smiles and giggles when she reaches the bottom. The pre-school has one so I know she will be happy. We may have to get one for home.
3. She still obsesses, maybe a little too much, trying to master skills and learning how toys work. Stairs are still particularly fascinating.
4. She has become a little goofball/show-off when she wants attention. Cute sometimes, but not when she's supposed to be eating dinner. We'll see where this goes.
5. Sophie is Mom's little helper. You can count on Sophie to pick up any object off the floor and bring it to you. She also is starting to understand verbal commands, like "get Mommy's shoe." (Ok...that last sentence sounds like I'm discussing a dog...)
In general news, we signed them up for pre-school. They will attend the one around the corner from our house (at Calvary UMC) one day a week to start. School starts a week from Tuesday. The pre-school only had 1 open slot, so they will alternate until a child moves up to the toddler room. We attended the open-house on Saturday morning. I think they will be fine. They loved the toys in the room and liked the teacher. They also should benefit from being with other kids and away from their sibling for a while. Mom will enjoy the break too (running errands, not relaxing).
Jacqueline's "likes" and "dislikes" and other general musings.
1. She loves to dance. Dancing is shaking her head and wiggling her body. She also learned to clap when I song ends. She enjoyed the bluegrass band at the Farmer's Market last weekend. In a similar vein, she likes to wander in circles. Sophie will play with toys forever; Jacqueline gets bored quickly and just wanders.
2. She does not like obstacles she can't figure out. She is quick to show a flash of temper when she gets frustrated, usually exhibited as a loud, ear shattering, high pitched scream.
3. Her new thing is to push large objects around. The learning table and her princess scooter are her two favorites. I think someone is going to enjoy re-arranging furniture.
4. She is learning to not let Sophie bully her around. She'll even push Sophie out of the way when walking to get where she wants to go.
5. Like Sophie, she has developed an obsessive desire to figure things out. Case in point, Jacqueline spent 20 minutes on Sunday repeatedly climbing into and out of their water/picnic table.
Sophie's "likes" and "dislikes" and other general musings.
1. Sophie doesn't really dislike anything. She's a laid back kid. If anything, she doesn't like nap time because she can't be exploring.
2. Sophie really likes slides. Big smiles and giggles when she reaches the bottom. The pre-school has one so I know she will be happy. We may have to get one for home.
3. She still obsesses, maybe a little too much, trying to master skills and learning how toys work. Stairs are still particularly fascinating.
4. She has become a little goofball/show-off when she wants attention. Cute sometimes, but not when she's supposed to be eating dinner. We'll see where this goes.
5. Sophie is Mom's little helper. You can count on Sophie to pick up any object off the floor and bring it to you. She also is starting to understand verbal commands, like "get Mommy's shoe." (Ok...that last sentence sounds like I'm discussing a dog...)
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Monday, August 24, 2009
Tweedle: R.I.P
Tweedle ThornburgOctober, 2003 (est.) - August 23, 2009
Sad news to report.
Tweedle died unexpectedly on Sunday.
About 5 AM on Sunday morning, I put Tweedle outside so Shannon and I could get a little more sleep after a long drive back from Philadelphia. He did not come to the door for breakfast. After Tweedle did not show for dinner, we started to get worried. Raven and I walked the neighborhood after putting J&S to bed. I found Tweedle lying along the bushes between Charlie & Ida's house and the apartments. Our best guess is that Tweedle ate some rat poison at or near the apartments. He was physically intact. It was clear Tweedle was not hit by a car or mauled by a dog.
Tweedle is buried in our backyard next to Pie.
Tweedle transformed from a skittish, feral cat into one of the sweetest cats I've known. Whenever we came home, he was always sitting on the island waiting to greet us. He was loving and patient with J&S, allowing them to pat and pull his fur.
It's hard to believe Tweedle was part of our family for almost 5 years; probably because we expected to Tweedle be around for many more years. We lured him inside in November, 2004. When all the adoption agencies said he could not be adopted because he was feral, we kept him rather than put him back on the street. His death yesterday is a shock because we were expecting Tweedle to grow with J&S and fill all our lives with joy for a long, long time.
We love you Tweedle. We will miss you.
Jon, Shannon, Sophie, Jacqueline, Raz, and Raven
Friday, July 31, 2009
"Terrible" 14 Months?
Everyone has heard of the "Terrible Two's", but what about the "Terrible 14 Months?"
Talking with Shannon last night, she mentioned Sophie has started throwing temper tantrums. Not just crying when she doesn't get her way. We are talking about the full, all out on the floor, banging hands, kicking legs, screaming, crying temper tantrum. I have a cell phone picture, but it is not very good. I'll ask Shannon to get a better picture.
Seems a little early for Sophie to act this way, but who knows? I am not a child psychologist. Maybe my little girl is maturing fast.
Needless to say, Shannon and her parents try mighty hard not to burst out laughing when Sophie throws her tantrums. They also are trying to teach Sophie not to get frustrated when she doesn't get her way. Sophie has always been a little obstinate and ornery...just like a Thornburg.
A side note to embarras Doc......he threw some pretty good tantrums when younger. I remember one tantrum at the Thornburg farmhouse where he screamed and cried right in the middle of the living room floor for a good 20 minutes before eventually falling asleep. (I guess tantrums are exhausting.) Mom, Dad, and everyone else ignored him the entire time. Most likely we continued talking and playing cards.
Talking with Shannon last night, she mentioned Sophie has started throwing temper tantrums. Not just crying when she doesn't get her way. We are talking about the full, all out on the floor, banging hands, kicking legs, screaming, crying temper tantrum. I have a cell phone picture, but it is not very good. I'll ask Shannon to get a better picture.
Seems a little early for Sophie to act this way, but who knows? I am not a child psychologist. Maybe my little girl is maturing fast.
Needless to say, Shannon and her parents try mighty hard not to burst out laughing when Sophie throws her tantrums. They also are trying to teach Sophie not to get frustrated when she doesn't get her way. Sophie has always been a little obstinate and ornery...just like a Thornburg.
A side note to embarras Doc......he threw some pretty good tantrums when younger. I remember one tantrum at the Thornburg farmhouse where he screamed and cried right in the middle of the living room floor for a good 20 minutes before eventually falling asleep. (I guess tantrums are exhausting.) Mom, Dad, and everyone else ignored him the entire time. Most likely we continued talking and playing cards.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Home Alone
So I have been home alone since Saturday night when I returned from Cleveland. Shannon, the girls, and Raven went to PA for a few weeks to escape the heat.
Yes, it is lonely without the ladies in the house. (I do have Raz and Tweedle and I do talk to them, but it is not the same.) However, I am managing to keep myself busy. So what have I been doing?? Here is an abbreviated list.
Saturday Night: Q-Shack for dinner then bed....I was exhausted.
Sunday: Worked in the office most of the day. Went to the Bulls game with Mark and Amy.
Monday Night: Went to Bulls game with a colleague from work...he had an extra ticket.
Tuesday Night: Actually stayed home! Watched a movie and read some.
Tonight: Working on a proposal and typing this blog.
I lead an exciting life, don't I?
Yes, it is lonely without the ladies in the house. (I do have Raz and Tweedle and I do talk to them, but it is not the same.) However, I am managing to keep myself busy. So what have I been doing?? Here is an abbreviated list.
Saturday Night: Q-Shack for dinner then bed....I was exhausted.
Sunday: Worked in the office most of the day. Went to the Bulls game with Mark and Amy.
Monday Night: Went to Bulls game with a colleague from work...he had an extra ticket.
Tuesday Night: Actually stayed home! Watched a movie and read some.
Tonight: Working on a proposal and typing this blog.
I lead an exciting life, don't I?
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