Recent Gratitudes

I am thankful for milder summer temperatures this past season. The air conditioner in my car still acts up once in a while—quitting when it feels like it for a few minutes, blowing stale air around the car at whim, and then working again a few minutes later as if nothing happened. Can you say ANNOYING!!

But twice now in the past 2 years when I have taken my car in for a diagnosis and fixing of the problem, my dear little Maddy (short for Madison) has acted like a perfect angel for her check-up, and so the dealership keeps telling me to bring her in when the AC isn’t working so they can see it happen. Right! Let’s see:

1. Even though my car is definitely a female, I don’t know what is going on under that hood of hers, and I certainly can’t predict her mood (her desire to shut off the AC) or what triggers the prompt shut down of cold air. She has a mind of her own, and I don’t usually interfere or judge. As long as she moves when I press down on the gas pedal and brakes when I tell her to, we get along just fine.
2. It (the missing-in-action AC) typically happens on very hot days, and there haven’t been many hot days this summer so that I could take my car in for the said diagnosis and repairs.
3. My car now makes a slight fizzle noise right before the AC clicks off, but I realize (in hindsight) that explaining that to my mechanic made me look even stupider. I’m sure he and the guys in the shop had a good laugh discussing the nut job who called talking about her fizzling car.
4. This is further proof that we need more women in this mechanic industry. [Janet: please tell me that you are thinking about opening your own garage some day where women can feel comfortable relaying their car issues. PRETTY PLEASE??]

So to sum up, I am thankful that we had a cooler than normal summer because I haven’t had much to complain about with Maddy. The AC has worked for most of the summer, and when it has been less than stellar, I was conveniently rushing off somewhere and didn’t have time to take her in for a check-up. HA!


I have only had to kill one spider in my apartment since March. The eradication of the said vagrant actually just took place this morning. In March, I installed electronic pest repellents, which get plugged into your wall outlets and make some noise or pitch that only bugs and spiders hear. In theory, this apparently makes bugs and spiders keep their distance. Naturally, I have my less-than-scientific theories and conclusions about how it all works and how effective it really is.

1. The particular aforementioned invading spider who met an untimely death this morning was near the sliding glass patio door, which is way across the room from the electronic pest repellent. Thus, I think a smart spider can get around the system by staying on the other side of the room clear from the annoying system.
2. I have killed several pill bugs and other smallish insects, near and in the same room as the electronic pest repellent. Thus I theorize that the bugs higher on the food chain are the only ones affected by the system. The lower class bug citizens don’t seem to be affected.
3. I’m concerned how long the electronic pest repellents work. Since fall has just arrived, I’m hoping the system keeps the spiders from making their way indoors, but my fingers are crossed on that score, and only time will tell how well my plan for an arachnid-free zone is coming along.

I am thankful for my time in the legal department. I have been privileged to work with some great people, build friendships that will last a lifetime, and gained experience that I can't really measure. Plus without my time spent here, I would never have been prone to use phrases like “the aforementioned invading spider” or the “said vagrant.” HA! Truly, I feel my vocabulary has blossomed in the past 5 years, hopefully for the better.

However with all that being said, I will be transitioning to a new position in January. I’ll be staying within the same company, just moving into a different department and tackling new areas. I’m excited about the change and looking forward to new challenges and growth opportunities. I will still be working with some of the same people just filling a new role, and I will also be doing more writing on the job, which thrills me. WOOHOO!!

Precious Time With My Dad

I had a fabulous 5 days with my Dad. It was all great – our stimulating conversations; doing crossword puzzles together on the drive; the wit and sarcasm flying around; exploring Asheville with him, my niece Janet and her fiance Chris; watching him interact with his younger sister my Aunt Laura; introducing him to Cades Cove; etc. To quote my 4-year-old-niece Grace, “It was amazing!”

Maryville: My Aunt Laura and her husband Leon were fabulous hosts as always. She and I got out walking in a local park during our visit. We also enjoyed visiting their church and hearing them sing in the choir. It was great to just catch up with them as well as listen to my Dad and Aunt recount stories from days gone by. I sure enjoy a good story, and I got to hear several I hadn’t heard before.

Asheville: My Dad and I met Janet and Chris in Asheville. We took a stroll in the historic district and had lunch at the Corner Kitchen. The food was good, and the restaurant was rather charming. We visited a few shops and then headed to the Botanical Gardens of Asheville. The gardens were not very picturesque on our visit, but I still managed to take some photos of the newly engaged couple. Cute couple!

The Smoky Mountains: They were even more beautiful than I had remembered. Our drive into Cades Cove was quite eventful. I don’t recall there being so many potholes on the loop in the past, but it definitely kept things interesting this go-round. We toured some of the cabins and churches in the cove as usual, and again, I was just struck with the magnificent views that those settlers had. They sure picked an optimal spot to set down roots and build their community. It didn’t last long, but it sure must have been nice while it lasted. Before we left the national park, we stopped at a roadside park along the river, and I got to run across some rocks again. I do love my rocks, and I sure do enjoy the Smokies. I'm so glad that I got to spend those few days with my Dad. I thoroughly enjoyed our time together. I love you, Dad!

Hours in the car: fourteen
Miles on the rental: A LOT
Number of time we were almost lost: once
Priceless memories: TOO MANY TO COUNT!

The Short Week Blues

It is ironic how short work weeks can be filled with such mayhem. You know what I mean, right? Four-day work weeks always seem fraught with crunching 5 days of work into 4, and 3-day work weeks are just more of the same, which is just nutty! HA! This week just happens to fall into that latter category, and since today is my last work day of this 3-day-week, I’m making myself laugh through it.

I’m laughing because:
a) it beats the alternative, which is getting sucked into the melodrama;
b) it is necessary to find humor when things get like this; and
c) it is my attempt to stay sane and keep a level head in the midst of stress.

It is also helpful to remind myself of the blessings all around me:

1. I have a good job, which helps provide for my needs like food, shelter, clothing and cable. Yes, I’m very thankful for my job.
2. I am going on vacation for a few days starting tomorrow. I’ll get to spend time with family members I haven’t seen in a while – like my Dad, my niece Janet and her fiance Chris, and my Aunt Laura and husband Leon. Lots of hugs!
3. The latest test confirmed that I don’t have a sinus infection anymore after fighting it off for the last couple of months. We’re done with that, and now I’m just experiencing seasonal allergies again for the first time since I moved to Indiana. HA! Now, THAT I can handle!
4. This weekend, I get to see more of the Smoky Mountains, revisit Cades Cove and get as close as I can to the Biltmore Estate without paying for admission, etc. WOOHOO!!!
5. Did I mention that I’m going on vacation in just a few hours? Hee hee!

I don’t mean to be all “Pollyanna” about life here. I'm a realist, too. I know it is tough out there. Our economy, unemployment stats, the government, the housing market – it all seems to be about doom and gloom right now. Every week there seems to be more bad news, but there is always something to be thankful for. There is always hope, a rainbow or a silver lining if we just look for it. We just have to remind ourselves where to rest our faith and confidence. It doesn’t reside in relationships, in money, in the government, in the economy, in employment or other things. True hope comes from THE ONE – JESUS CHRIST! And I have to ask myself often...am I passing that hope on to others? Does it shine through in spite of the rough day I'm having? Hmmmmm...

LORD, keep my eyes open to see things clearly amidst the confusion, keep my mind stayed on YOU despite the drama, and keep my heart tuned to YOURS always.

Going On A Roadtrip...

This weekend, my Dad and I are taking a father-daughter long weekend excursion to visit his sister, my Aunt Laura, in Tennessee. Neither of us have seen my aunt in about 3 years, and so we are overdue for a visit. She lives near the Smoky Mountains. In fact, if you walk to the top of her street on a clear day, you can see some of the majestic peaks in the distance. It’s lovely.

There is just something magical about the Smoky Mountains that beckons me to visit again and again. Now I like Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge for a couple of hours, but those places are so busy and fast-paced. I realize I’m going to get tons of hate mail after this comment, but it has to be said: there are limits to how much shopping a girl can do! [GASP!] I know that was harsh, but I needed to say it.

I know everyone thinks I’m a city girl, but remember I grew up in a rural area, and I’m a small town girl at heart. So when I visit the Smokies, I prefer the outdoor scenery in the park itself. Truthfully, I love driving through the mountain pass -- marveling at the sharp turns and steep dropoffs and trying desperately not to dwell on the stories my aunt is recounting...you know, stories about how a rock slide wiped this part of the road out last year, etc. WHAT? No, Mel. Don't think about that. Just focus on the yellow lines. Hee hee! I love stopping for a picnic at one of the many roadside parks along the way, seeing the waterfalls, climbing on the rocks along the river, exploring the trails and breathing in that fresh mountain air. There is so much to see and do.

Anyway, I can hardly contain my excitement already, and it’s only Tuesday. My Dad will be driving to my place from my hometown in Michigan on Thursday, and then on Friday, we’ll be on our way...

Saturday: My Dad and I will drive to Asheville, NC, to meet up with my niece Janet (my Dad’s oldest grandchild). She recently got engaged, and my Dad and I want to meet this “fella.” Asheville is about the halfway point between my Aunt’s home and Janet’s apartment, and so it is just coincidence that we just happen to be meeting in another one of my favorite spots. Yes, it’s like I’m coming home in a way, although we probably won’t be visiting the Biltmore Estate. [BIG SIGH!] Actually, it's probably for the best (and even I can't believe I'm saying that), but tickets are a bit pricey for 2 college students, and I can’t justify spending over $200 on tickets for all of us. YIKES! But our purpose for this secondary roadtrip is to meet up with Janet and Chris, catch some lunch, grill Chris a bit, and maybe visit the FREE Botanical Gardens of Asheville and take some engagement photos. OH and I confess, I’m already scheming how to fit in a visit to the Biltmore gate house gift shop – just because I can. Hee hee!

Sunday: We will be going to church with my Aunt, and I’m quite sure that some of us will probably get out and go for a drive, and if the weather is nice, I'll want to be out walking.

Monday: My Aunt and her husband Leon are taking us into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. A few years ago, my Aunt Laura introduced me to Cades Cove, and it was love at first sight for the cove and me. We bonded quickly over some incredible scenery and interesting run-ins with the local wildlife, and I enjoy each and every visit. It's history, outdoor beauty and old buildings all in one place. I love it!

Tuesday: My Dad and I will drive back to Indy.

I guess you can tell that I’m really looking forward to this time with my Dad. I have 4 siblings, and so it will be nice to have some father-daughter bonding time on my own. I'm excited to catch up with my Aunt as well, give Janet a big squeeze and meet Chris all in the same weekend. I can’t wait. Have camera, will travel...

Mel’s World Update

I held a snake again for the first time in 5+ years. He was about a 10 inch garter snake, and he was pretty cute. WAIT! Maybe cute is not the right word. Snakes aren’t actually cute; bunny rabbits are cute. Anyway, I held the slick snake for just a couple of minutes when we all noted an odd smell and then the presence of slime on my hands. Yes, the snake opted to poop on my hands, which was quite interesting and generally excited my niece, nephew and the neighbor boy who were with me. They all thought it was cool, and while I didn’t freak out or anything, I confess that it wasn’t altogether pleasant either. I’ve not had it happen before, but I can now check that experience off my list. WOOHOO!!

I taught my youngest nephew (19 months) ring-around-the-rosy last weekend. He was adorable and constantly requesting that we go around in circles again. He really started getting into the whole and “we all fall down” thing. Almost 4-year-old Grace and I also tried to teach him London Bridges as well, but it might be a bit too soon for that.

I’m getting psyched about my Tennessee trip with my Dad next weekend. Just the two of us are heading to the Smoky Mountains to visit my Dad’s sister, my Aunt Laura. Naturally, I’m hoping that we can visit Cades Cove again and drive through the Smoky Mountains National Park and explore a bit. I love it there. Of course, I’m hoping we can also swing South a bit and visit my oldest niece Janet and her fiance in the Carolinas, but we’ll see how it all works out. I’m thrilled to just have this father-daughter bonding time, too. I don’t often get time with just my Dad, but I’m looking forward to it. The sarcasm will definitely be free-flowing. My Dad has a dry sense of humor, and I confess that his eldest daughter is a lot like him in that regard, and then of course, we’ll be visiting my Dad’s sister, and she has those sarcastic genes as well. Hee hee! Can't wait!

Celebrating Five Years

I can’t believe how quickly the time has flown by here on the job. Five years ago yesterday, I started at my current job a bit intimidated by the size of the office, the number of fellow worker bees, and the sea of acronyms I found myself working in. But it has been a good career ride for me thus far, and I am continually grateful for this opportunity.

I had never worked in the legal realm before my experiences here, and I’m not quite sure what I expected, but today I certainly have a different opinion about attorneys and more respect for their efforts – at least patent or IP (Intellectual Property) attorneys. There is no shortage of projects and work to get through, but we also laugh a lot and enjoy each other’s company. Yep, I work with amazing and fun people.

I am blessed to be here. I don’t know where this career path will lead me, but I’m grateful for each day. Here’s to another 5, 10, 20, 30, 40 years! GULP!

Two Hands...Lifted High

My friend Becky is a BIG Jars of Clay fan. Now I like some of their songs, but Becky really likes their music. She had to buy their latest CD the day it was released. I guess I can’t give her too hard of a time about that. I’m the same way about books, and really, Becky was nice enough to wait with me for more than 2 hours at Borders when Harry Potter book 7 came out, and it was way past her bed time of 9 PM. She deserves a medal really. Hee hee!

Anyway, because of Becky’s insights, I decided to listen to the latest Jars of Clay cd, and I really liked what I heard. One song in particular gripped me. "I use one hand to pull you closer, the other to push you away..." Isn't that honest and real? I live there. I’m wanting GOD close but not too close. I’m wanting HIM involved in my life just not in this area or that one over there. I need my space. But like it or not, it all belongs to HIM because HE wants all of me.

And I love the line: “I’m a liar who thirsts for the truth...” WOW! That’s good stuff! I think we’re all there, desperately seeking truth and yet bogged down in our own deceit. In a way, we're all bipolar. Scary, isn't it? Give this song a listen. I think you'll like it, too.

Jars of Clay - "Two Hands" - Official Music Video from Jars of Clay on Vimeo.

Indulgences

I've been indulging lately...

1. On Sunday, August 16th, I had a donut hole. I said "a donut hole", and it really was only one (1) tiny little morsel, but it brought along a wave of desire and need. HA! I broke down and bought a couple of whole donuts on my last trek through Marsh on Friday, August 21st, and quickly inhaled them in the car. My donut-free vows have now been broken. [BIG SIGH!] Yes, I went for over 16 months donut-free and then I caved. Now, I don't quite think that rehab will be required, but I've got this issue to work through privately for the time being.

2. I went to the Indiana State Fair a second time yesterday, and while I opted not to return to my new favorite (the deep-fried, fat-laden chicken-on-a-stick), I did enjoy a corndog, chocolate-covered cheesecake on a stick and a Red Barn elephant ear. [GULP!] It was so worth it, but I'm still detoxing today.

3. I decided to buy myself flowers this weekend. No special occasion really. I saw some beautiful yellow and bright pink gerbera daisies on display, and then I spotted some orange gladiolas, and I just knew those cheery souls all belonged with me. I even brought in some of the blooming gladiolas to work with me today so that I could enjoy them in both locations. I mean, how can you not be happy around glads? The name alone makes you smile.

It's been good to relax on the diet for a bit, but I'm back on Weight Watchers today and refocusing my efforts on what works. And as for the flowers, I think this is one indulgence this girl needs more of... :)

British Luncheon

On Saturday I had some girlfriends over for some English-inspired cuisine and to share photos of the trip to England. It was a lovely way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

We started off with a salad and pasties, followed off by warm apple crumble and creamy vanilla ice cream. YUM! And I put together a slideshow to play on my TV, which only included 377 photos. OK, that might sound like a lot, but most of you know that I took over 4,000 photos on my adventure, and so I had made some serious cuts. However, it was still probably a bit too long. Oh well! I did try.

I think it was fun for Becky, Jessica and I to recount our stories, relive the funny moments and share the experience of a lifetime, and I hope the other ladies enjoyed it, too. It was great seeing some dear friends I don’t see very often and getting reconnected. And my friend Pollyanna brought along her beautiful 4-month-old baby girl, Annabelle, and so we took turns holding her. She is a fun bundle of joy. Yes, it was a great day!

Lunch with friends. Fabulous!
Becky’s warm apple crumble. Delicious!
Time with baby Annabelle and hearing her giggle. PRICELESS!

Going to the Fair

Last weekend, I got to introduce my friend Lisa and my sister Barbara to the Indiana State Fair. Personally, I had never been to a state fair before I moved to Indianapolis, but now I’m quite the fan. I try to visit every year, and this time, I sure had a blast, and I think they had fun, too! Yep, there sure is a lot to love about the Indiana State Fair.

1. ANIMALS: I mean, come on -who besides my sister, who merely tolerated our trips into the animal barns - does not like seeing goats, lambs, pigs, horses, cattle, mules and other farm animals? Yes, it is true that you do have to watch where you step when you tour the animal barns, but I’m not the one who wore flip-flops to the fair. I’m not judging her lack of good choices, mind you. I’m just stating the facts here and that’s all. Hee hee!

2. FOOD: Hold me back. There are some tasty treats to be had at the state fair. Who doesn’t like elephant ears? [OK, besides the few of you who actually prefer funnel cakes.] I mean, who wouldn’t savor a crispy, cinnamon-covered deep fried pastry? Sigh! Good stuff that! And then there is the pork tenderloin, the ribbon chips, cheese fries, the wet burrito, the turkey leg, and the steak sandwich all followed by cotton candy, another elephant ear or funnel cake, a deep fried Reese's peanut butter cup, a frozen banana, lemon shake-up, salt water taffy, fudge, deep fried oreos, and then a trip to the dairy barn for some ice cream. NAH! I didn’t really eat that much. Diet Girl has not completely fallen off the wagon here, but I did indulge in some Indiana delicacies.

This year I fell in love with the chicken-on-a-stick. It’s basically a giant breaded chicken tender on--you guessed it--a stick! It was tasty. I needed some dipping sauce because that breading was a bit too salty, but it was still so good. Now I have yet to try the deep fried Pepsi (it’s still a bit of a mystery to me) or the chocolate-covered bacon (yes, you read that correctly – it’s called “pigs in the mud,” rather catchy don’t you think?), but I’m going to keep them in mind on my next visit. It might be good.

3. EXHIBITS: There are always lots of exhibits, and the truth is that I never seem to get to them all maybe because I'm too wrapped up in items 1 and 2 above. Naturally though, I love touring the art and photography galleries, but I know that there are many others to explore as well.

4. PEOPLE: OK, so some of the carnival people might seem a bit scary. But they are just people. And isn't it fun seeing new faces and people-watching a bit. We're all so different, and yet the same somehow. OK, that was profound, wasn't it? HA!

5. RIDES: I never ride the rides. Does that seem wrong? Maybe it's the fact that I'm cursed with my mother's fear of heights these days or my last experiences on ocean motion at Cedar Point. YIKES! I would love to bring my nieces and nephews for a visit, and maybe I’ll plan on doing just that next year. What a blast that would be! Actually, I think some of the rides could be fun, but it’s not really on the top of my agenda (see items 1 through 4 above).

Yeah, I prefer walking around and seeing all the sights, savoring or choking on the smells, tasting the mouth-watering delights, and hearing the sounds of music and laughter. After all, it’s hard NOT to be happy at the state fair. Well, I wouldn’t be happy if you tried to snag my chicken-on-a-stick, but other than that, I find it all highly enjoyable.

So, my friend John and I are hitting the Indiana State Fair again this weekend. I can’t wait. It will be the last day of the 2009 fair, and we want to take it all in once more. And hey, if y’all want to come along, just holler. The more, the merrier. Be there or be square! HA!