Pets

So my dog and cat have had a horrendous time in the past few months. Between my own vacations and work events, I have not been home as much. Our dog gets boarded while we're gone and our cat can fend for herself. Both are traumatized by the experience though. While I was in Philly, we had an issue with the boarder and I was unable to take care of it, since I was out of town. Basically, the whole reason I boarded my dog. So I was very frustrated by the situation.


For our next trip, we are going to try a pet sitter. The person stays at our home and maintains the continuous routines for the pets, so they feel more comfortable. Since I know the pet sitter personally, I'm sure this will be a better plan. The anxieties we go through with our pets.

Football Upset

I can not believe the fiasco that occurred this weekend. 3 out of the top 5 teams lost and drastically rearranged the rankings. It was quite shocking to me. Florida, Georgia, and USC all lost to opponents they should have beat easily. Instead they struggled and eventually lost.

Of course, my largest upset was Florida losing to unranked Mississippi State by 1 point at the last minute. This should never have happened. I was impressed with Tim Tebow and his comments after the game. In so many ways he reminds me of Danny Wuerfel. Hopefully, he'll have a better professional career though.

I was disappointed in Georgia losing as well, since I love having the SEC appear strong. USC's lost, well everyone likes to see the man at the head of the pack fall.

Here's to more interesting weeks ahead. Thanks Sonia for keeping me informed. Your texts are my lifeline at times.

Military Symposium

Our Military Symposium has begun! The first day went better than we expected. We've already heard glowing reviews of our speaker, Marie. Everyone enjoyed the dinner and lecture. I'm very pleased at the success of this program.

The Military Symposium would not have been a success if it wasn't for the hard work of my fellow programming gurus. Delia balanced out all my ideas and was a wonder at coordinating the food, speaker, sessions, consultations, and volunteers. Kay created our design for all of our material, including our cake. She also monitored the registration. On the day of the program, a symmetry had formed between the three of us that we easily handled all the last minute details that arose. Overall I think everything flowed well and the program was a success and a stepping stone to further ideas.

Now we have Family History Month starting next week and our Ulster Irish Workshop next weekend. All of them have the markings of being good programs.

Gush

I have to gush about my hubby. I came home from work on Saturday a little cranky and tired. And what was on the television as soon as I walked in...the Florida vs. Tennessee game. The reason this is impressive is my hubby has no real interest in football. He tolerates my obsession and listens to me when I feel the need to discuss the games and rankings. He doesn't complain when I repeatedly check the scores; either by changing the channel during a movie or scanning the tvs at a restaurant. He understands this brings me joy every fall season. So I was so pleased to come home and relax to watch the game.

P.S. He even made dinner so I could finish the last quarter.

SEC Football

I am so proud of the SEC this season. Last week there were 4 SEC teams in the top 10. This week, we have 3 SEC teams in the top 5. Woo-hoo!!! Oh so happy!!! I swear I am doing the happy dance right now. I love college football season. With #3 Georgia, #4 Florida, and #5 LSU, the conference is looking strong.

My only disappointment is Sonia and I were planning to go to the Georgia vs. Florida game in the next few years. This is the year to go. The game will determine who will dominate the SEC East and possibly the SEC conference.

So all I have to say is GO SEC! and of course GO GATORS!

Music and Memories

It's funny how hearing a song can invoke a memory or emotion. Yesterday when I started my car Jim Croce's Operator was on the radio. This song usually makes me smile because it makes me think of my nephew and mother-in-law. A few times, like yesterday, it makes me tear up. When my mother-in-law was undergoing chemo treatments, Patricia had to remain hospitalized. We would visit routinely and she would have her music playing in the background. If my then 3 year old nephew was visiting she would play Jim Croce's Operator. My nephew would bounce around to the music and the only word he knew was Operator. He knew the timing of the word in the song and he would say it real loud. It would always make us laugh, especially my mother-in-law. We lost Patricia a few months later, but I remember how much she loved those moments with my nephew.

Other songs bring out memories. I think of my friend Michelle every time I hear Sweet Home Alabama. It is her song. She is far more southern than me. A certain NIN song reminds me of my baby sis when we used to club together. Green Day songs remind me of Cheryl surprising us all by rocking out at HATM. Etta James' At Last reminds me of my hubby and how he practiced dancing for our wedding.

Do you have any particular songs that bring back memories or stir your emotions?

Philadelphia

Sorry it took so long to get back to blogging. It took me a while to catch up from this trip. We attended the FGS Conference in Philly. It was a harrowing week. Between attending the conference, networking, being kicked out of our hotel room, sent out to brave the rain and winds of Tropical Storm Hanna, and the oh so long drive; we had a fabulous time. Many new people to meet and learn from. The sessions were extremely informative and helpful to us genies. Also found time to reconnect with old friends.

My least favorite part of the trip would have been the drive. Over 11 hours is a really long time to be trapped in an uncomfortable car. The road was a little curvy to say the least. A few terrifying moments with some crazy drivers. You feel so bad for the driver, so you carry on a conversation, meaning no reading time. It really wasn't that bad, but the van does need new seats. Ones that don't kill your back.

No, the least favorite part was the hotel. I plan to write a scathing letter to the head office. I mean really, booting people out of their rooms in the middle of a conference. In the middle of the their meetings. Having the bell boy pack our belongings while having the maid waiting outside to strip down our room. I don't know why we didn't feel welcomed. That is plain stupid. Then to act like it was our fault and barely comp us only after a ten minute tag team on the manager. Do you think I'm a happy customer? No, I am a customer who likes to travel and will never use this hotel chain again. Grrrrr.

Honestly, overall it was a great conference. I had a good time but couldn't wait to get home. We had a decent looking booth representing the city and our center. I also had a little bit of time to tour some libraries and visit a few sites. Besides learning a lot of new approaches to helping our customers, I had a wonderful time meeting new people and seeing old friends.