Dad and I wanted to spend some time together. I suggested we go to DU and get to know some of the campus. We got my parking pass, and inquired about the RTD free eco-pass. I love being a student...discounts abound and RTD rides are free! We went to Craig Hall, which is the School of Social Work building. In the lobby was the dean, who I recognized from an event I attended. I shook his hand and told him how excited I am to start school. We found the bookstore, the library, and walked the path of greenery that defines so much of the DU landscape.
Our visit got me really, really excited. I am so ready for this chapter of my life to begin. It will be a lot of work-I put my schedule together today-Internship Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, class from 8-3 Thursday and Friday. I am going to have to get used to getting up at 5am again...it has been years since I had that kind of a routine. But all the hard work aside, I look to the future and know this is the right path I am taking.
Fall
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
The elderly man on Emerson Street
There is an elderly man that lives on Emerson Street. I would venture to guess he is in his 80's. He lives in a house that needs a lot of TLC-the paint is chipping, there is mis-matched furniture on the porch, and the yard is overgrown with weeds and dirt. Sometimes I walk Ches and Stan down that block during the day. He may be asleep on his front porch, but when he is awake we smile and wave to one another.
The other day I was walking down his street and he was standing at his front door with a walker and watering can. His belt was unbuckled and it looked as though his pants were falling down. I wasn't sure if this was a dementia moment or what, and when I looked again he said, "I need your help." Not sure what kind of help he needed, I tied the boys to his tree and went up the porch stairs. "I am caught on the door handle. I think it is my belt but I am not sure." Well, it wasn't his belt that was caught, but the belt loop. I coaxed him to move around a bit as I jimmied his belt loop loose. While I was doing so, I caught a glimpse of a few things: The inside of his entry was filled with old books and papers; his skin was permanently tan, the tan that let me know his work in life was hard work, maybe outside work; his teeth were rotted; his hair thin. Once I set him free from his predicament, he gave me a smile and said, "My, what an awkward situation to be in." I told him no worries, that I have been in similar situations myself (even though I couldn't conjure up any of this caliber). He went on to tell me he was coming out to water his plants. I was skeptical as the state of his yard wasn't conducive to plants.
He pointed me to three store bought red salvias that stood along his front porch. "I bought these the other day. They are supposed to attract hummingbirds. I need to water them so they will live and attract the birds." I told him how pretty the flowers were and how, yes, red attracts hummingbirds. He didn't continue to engage me, rather, he picked up his watering can and got his walker and continued his work. I got the boys from the tree and told him to have a nice day. He thanked me again for helping him.
I was struck by this encounter for a variety of reasons. The most notable one was the idea that the joys of life are found in the small things. Life can be hard, especially when you are a single elderly man, trying to hang on to a house and all that symbolizes. Here is this house, in shambles, with a yard to match, and probably too much for this man to manage...and the small joy this man could muster for himself manifested itself in three, store bought red salvia meant to attract hummingbirds. It made me want to buy him a hummingbird feeder and put it on his porch with a note that says, "From the girl who rescued you from the door handle." Maybe I still will.
The other day I was walking down his street and he was standing at his front door with a walker and watering can. His belt was unbuckled and it looked as though his pants were falling down. I wasn't sure if this was a dementia moment or what, and when I looked again he said, "I need your help." Not sure what kind of help he needed, I tied the boys to his tree and went up the porch stairs. "I am caught on the door handle. I think it is my belt but I am not sure." Well, it wasn't his belt that was caught, but the belt loop. I coaxed him to move around a bit as I jimmied his belt loop loose. While I was doing so, I caught a glimpse of a few things: The inside of his entry was filled with old books and papers; his skin was permanently tan, the tan that let me know his work in life was hard work, maybe outside work; his teeth were rotted; his hair thin. Once I set him free from his predicament, he gave me a smile and said, "My, what an awkward situation to be in." I told him no worries, that I have been in similar situations myself (even though I couldn't conjure up any of this caliber). He went on to tell me he was coming out to water his plants. I was skeptical as the state of his yard wasn't conducive to plants.
He pointed me to three store bought red salvias that stood along his front porch. "I bought these the other day. They are supposed to attract hummingbirds. I need to water them so they will live and attract the birds." I told him how pretty the flowers were and how, yes, red attracts hummingbirds. He didn't continue to engage me, rather, he picked up his watering can and got his walker and continued his work. I got the boys from the tree and told him to have a nice day. He thanked me again for helping him.
I was struck by this encounter for a variety of reasons. The most notable one was the idea that the joys of life are found in the small things. Life can be hard, especially when you are a single elderly man, trying to hang on to a house and all that symbolizes. Here is this house, in shambles, with a yard to match, and probably too much for this man to manage...and the small joy this man could muster for himself manifested itself in three, store bought red salvia meant to attract hummingbirds. It made me want to buy him a hummingbird feeder and put it on his porch with a note that says, "From the girl who rescued you from the door handle." Maybe I still will.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Update
Is it un-American to be annoyed that the Presidential Address on the debt crisis is interrupting The Bachelorette? I guess I listen to so much NPR (and NPR has been reporting so much on the debt crisis) that I really don't want it interrupting my TV down time. Oh well, at least Obama can string sentences together well.***
I thought (as the address goes in one ear and out the other) I would write an update blog. Let's see, what is new...Well, Scout won't be staying with us. Her papa decided my house is a little too small and too nice to try to fit in yet another dirty and hairy creature. Which is probably for the best, because once school starts I won't have time for myself, let alone my friends and family, let alone my own two boys.
I have been engaging muscles lately I didn't even know existed. Susan and I took the power sculpt yoga class at her athletic club. Here is the equivalent to a mathematical equation for this class:
Yoga+Weights+Dance Party Music+Aerobic Exercise+Beautiful People in Spandex=A Painful Next Day. Seriously, my body still hurts. The day after this class I went to the driving range with my dad and yet again used muscles I didn't know existed-all on one side of my body. If it sounds as though I am complaining, I am not. I have loved every (painful) minute of it.
I have been spending some quality time with friends and family. This circle is so amazing and wonderful that spending time is really, truly some of the most enjoyable moments of my life. Don't forget about me when I fall into the vortex of school, okay? Call me every once in a while to make sure I haven't been sucked into one of those hefty textbooks (or e-books for all I know).
Mike's 2 year anniversary is coming up the end of August. I have been giving thought about how to spend that time...a trip to Santa Fe? Winter Park? I liked getting away last year when I went to Estes Park. It felt good to be away from the daily routine and do something different in his honor. He would want me to take an adventure, to explore, to get out of town. So we shall see how it all shakes out.
Okay, Boehner is now giving his response to Obama's address. I think I may go pour myself a glass of wine, sit outside, and patiently await the resuming of The Bachelorette.***
***Disclaimer: I am not a disaffected American. I do care about the state of my country. That is why I listen to NPR, read various newspapers online, and watch "Washington Week". I just dislike this political gaming.
I thought (as the address goes in one ear and out the other) I would write an update blog. Let's see, what is new...Well, Scout won't be staying with us. Her papa decided my house is a little too small and too nice to try to fit in yet another dirty and hairy creature. Which is probably for the best, because once school starts I won't have time for myself, let alone my friends and family, let alone my own two boys.
I have been engaging muscles lately I didn't even know existed. Susan and I took the power sculpt yoga class at her athletic club. Here is the equivalent to a mathematical equation for this class:
Yoga+Weights+Dance Party Music+Aerobic Exercise+Beautiful People in Spandex=A Painful Next Day. Seriously, my body still hurts. The day after this class I went to the driving range with my dad and yet again used muscles I didn't know existed-all on one side of my body. If it sounds as though I am complaining, I am not. I have loved every (painful) minute of it.
I have been spending some quality time with friends and family. This circle is so amazing and wonderful that spending time is really, truly some of the most enjoyable moments of my life. Don't forget about me when I fall into the vortex of school, okay? Call me every once in a while to make sure I haven't been sucked into one of those hefty textbooks (or e-books for all I know).
Mike's 2 year anniversary is coming up the end of August. I have been giving thought about how to spend that time...a trip to Santa Fe? Winter Park? I liked getting away last year when I went to Estes Park. It felt good to be away from the daily routine and do something different in his honor. He would want me to take an adventure, to explore, to get out of town. So we shall see how it all shakes out.
Okay, Boehner is now giving his response to Obama's address. I think I may go pour myself a glass of wine, sit outside, and patiently await the resuming of The Bachelorette.***
***Disclaimer: I am not a disaffected American. I do care about the state of my country. That is why I listen to NPR, read various newspapers online, and watch "Washington Week". I just dislike this political gaming.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Scout, Ches and Stan
My friend Pam and her hubby Peter will be deploying to Antarctica in August. They are newlyweds and it is their first time on the ice together. Scout is Peter's dog, now of course Peter and Pam's dog. They need someone to care for her while they are in Antarctica and have been looking for the right home until March...and something in me said, "let's give it a try."
Peter, Pam and Scout came to dinner tonight and Scout is now spending the night. At first, there were the territorial activities dogs do...a little sniffing, humping, some hairs lifted on the back. Apart from all that (oh, and Scout staring at the door waiting for someone [Peter] to pick her up) we are settling into the evening. Stan, Scout and I are sitting outside listening to jazz as Chester is chewing a rawhide inside. Dinner was successfully facilitated; while Chester wanted to eat her food I stood with a watchful eye. I find I am much more commanding with a foreign dog around than with my own pack. She may, however, become a part of our pack for the next 6 months so hopefully my commanding nature will stick.
People think I am a tad bit crazy. I have assured everyone that until I add 20 cats to the mix I am not yet to be committed. There is something about taking care of someone else, throwing a wrench into the routine, expanding the circle of love that means so much to me. It is why I can share a bunk bed with an 8 year old; or why I can assure a good friend that her 3 year old is okay in my care while she takes half a day to herself; or why I can deal with taking care of a friend's dog. It is giving of myself to other beings that makes me feel alive. So, take heed my friends...no one needs to commit me. Just yet.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Oregon 2011
My trip to Oregon this year was really relaxing. I went for the Lavender Festival, the coast, and to see Frank, Mary Margaret, Stacy, Zivah and TJ. Last year I spent a lot of time in Portland, so I wasn't planning on staying too long in the city. The Lavender Festival was fun...I saw two actual lavender farms, both with stunning views of the countryside.
A trip to see Frank and Mary-Margaret in McMinnville is always a treat. Their home is beautiful and they are such wonderful hosts. A trip with them always includes a good dinner out, a half day drive in the beautiful countryside and a trip to a vineyard. We visited an heirloom rose garden and saw the Monrovia estate complete with all the landscaping one could dream of.
I spent 3 days along the Oregon coast. To visit the Oregon coast, one must have good quads. The 101 goes along the cliffs of the coast, so any random beach stops always require a good hike down either steps or a hill, and then a good climb back up. I was lucky enough to stay in 2 places right on the beach with remarkable views.
In Newport I stayed at the Sylvia Beach Hotel, a hotel for book lovers. Each room has an author's theme-the Jane Austin room, Herman Melville Room, and so on. I stayed in the JK Rowling room, modeled after a Gryfindor dorm room. I was glad Voldemort wasn't hiding under the bed!
Finally, I wrapped up the trip in Portland to see Stacy and her little Zivah. I stayed in Northwest Portland at an inn on the Max line. It was a funky little hotel and I loved staying in a hip neighborhood outside of downtown. Stacy, Zivah and I hung out and kept it pretty mellow which I enjoyed.
It is always good to get home, but I do miss the coast. I found myself sitting for hours just watching the ocean. I saw a whale one morning for hours, diving in and out of the water spraying water once in a while. I saw a beached starfish, and a seagull landed on my balcony. It was truly a heavenly week away and just the rejuvenation I needed.
A trip to see Frank and Mary-Margaret in McMinnville is always a treat. Their home is beautiful and they are such wonderful hosts. A trip with them always includes a good dinner out, a half day drive in the beautiful countryside and a trip to a vineyard. We visited an heirloom rose garden and saw the Monrovia estate complete with all the landscaping one could dream of.
I spent 3 days along the Oregon coast. To visit the Oregon coast, one must have good quads. The 101 goes along the cliffs of the coast, so any random beach stops always require a good hike down either steps or a hill, and then a good climb back up. I was lucky enough to stay in 2 places right on the beach with remarkable views.
In Newport I stayed at the Sylvia Beach Hotel, a hotel for book lovers. Each room has an author's theme-the Jane Austin room, Herman Melville Room, and so on. I stayed in the JK Rowling room, modeled after a Gryfindor dorm room. I was glad Voldemort wasn't hiding under the bed!
Finally, I wrapped up the trip in Portland to see Stacy and her little Zivah. I stayed in Northwest Portland at an inn on the Max line. It was a funky little hotel and I loved staying in a hip neighborhood outside of downtown. Stacy, Zivah and I hung out and kept it pretty mellow which I enjoyed.
It is always good to get home, but I do miss the coast. I found myself sitting for hours just watching the ocean. I saw a whale one morning for hours, diving in and out of the water spraying water once in a while. I saw a beached starfish, and a seagull landed on my balcony. It was truly a heavenly week away and just the rejuvenation I needed.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Ode to Friends
There are friends you tell anything to. Friends you share little with. Friends you would give your life for. Friends you know the real you and love you anyway. Friends you know the surface you and love that, too. Friends who have seen it all, and friends you see on various occasions. Friends who are wise, and some not so wise but can have a heck of a good time. Friends you've lost touch with and friends with whom you reconnect.
All of these friends loosely fit into a tribe, a tribe where you are the center, the trunk, the person from which these branches of friends grow. In this tribe, there are those who are of closer knit but yet you are all a part of this one big friendship tree.
Cheers to friends of all types.
Monday, July 4, 2011
Otherworldly
I haven't bought an actual CD in years. If I am going to invest in new music, it usually involves downloading from Itunes. I was at Starbucks this morning and saw the Bon Iver CD. Amanda has told me about this band and so I thought I would splurge. Enjoy this lovely song and ethereal video...
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Dan's Art
I am lucky enough to have a talented, artistic friend named Dan. He recently had an art exhibit at Kanon Gallery. The concept of this show was "found" and his art was made from found objects. I fell in love with these three pieces and bought them to hang in my kitchen. Don't they look spectacular on the brick wall?
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Homework
Starting in September I begin both an internship and classes for the DU Master of Social Work program. I got a really good internship at SafeHouse Denver, a domestic violence shelter for women and kids. I will be working with the women and at some point given a small caseload whom I will counsel, advise, and provide resources. It is intimidating, but exciting. This was the exact kind of internship I wanted-one that will push my boundaries, help me develop new skills, and really feel like I am making a difference in someone's life.
My supervisor suggested that I get some books from the library about domestic violence since I don't have a background in it. I placed my orders at the library, and the first of many has come in. I am waiting in anticipation to pick up the book, with the plan to visit various coffee shops over the next week or so to do my homework. I look forward to taking notes over a hot cambric (or cool iced coffee depending on the day) and reading.
I find it bizarre that I don't do this type of thing for my book club books-find a cozy cafe and spend a few hours reading. But when it comes to "homework" I am all over the cafe scene. Maybe it has to do with how I used to study in high school and college. I would take off for the evening for Village Inn in the early days, and then Stellas or St. Mark's in my more mature years. I am looking forward to that feeling again, of being a student in a cafe.
My supervisor suggested that I get some books from the library about domestic violence since I don't have a background in it. I placed my orders at the library, and the first of many has come in. I am waiting in anticipation to pick up the book, with the plan to visit various coffee shops over the next week or so to do my homework. I look forward to taking notes over a hot cambric (or cool iced coffee depending on the day) and reading.
I find it bizarre that I don't do this type of thing for my book club books-find a cozy cafe and spend a few hours reading. But when it comes to "homework" I am all over the cafe scene. Maybe it has to do with how I used to study in high school and college. I would take off for the evening for Village Inn in the early days, and then Stellas or St. Mark's in my more mature years. I am looking forward to that feeling again, of being a student in a cafe.
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