Spring Cleaning

The weather has been glorious this weekend. Yesterday was sunny but windy, but today was absolutely perfect. It got up into the mid 80's with a perfect breeze. I really felt like a road trip to visit the Lincoln Presidential Library in Springfield, which I have never seen. I messaged Kym to see if she wanted to meet me there, but she had to work, so we'll go another time. Instead, I got a number of projects done. 

Actually, I got several things done yesterday, too. I took the cans to recycle in the morning before going out to Caleigh's soccer game at 11:00. I got laundry started and did some cleaning around the house, did my hair, then went to Steak n Shake before going over to Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts to work at the Cherryholmes concert (which was excellent, by the way). After the concert I went and did my grocery shopping. Even though it was nearly 11:00 I wasn't tired yet, and the store was basically empty of shoppers, so it was quick.

Today I got up and got busy cleaning the bathroom and kitchen, then started on the front bay window. I washed the window inside and out, then scrubbed the screens before installing them for the summer. Late in the morning Don and Chad came over to look at my battery-backup sump pump project to see what needed to be done and if I had everything I needed. They then went to Kappa to do some work and fetch the tools for the project. I finished up the laundry, helped with the sump pump project (OK, I was more of a consultant except for assembling the float mechanism and the control panel), changed the battery in one of my smoke detectors, and returned some unneeded materials to Lowe's before dinner. Oh yeah, and Chad mowed the front yard. Yay me!

End of Season

I did it! I passed my goal for number of tax returns for the season! I needed to do 135, and I now have 136. For doing that I get a special business card holder for my desk. Oh, and bragging rights. :) Just two more nights to work and then the season is over. Saturday there is a ladies-only lunch at a tearoom at 1:00, then a wine and cheese party at the boss's house at 6:30. And the annual awards luncheon is on May 5. I should get a 3-yr pin, but I'm not expecting anything else in the way of awards. It looks like my bonus will more than pay for the Spain trip, too, which is nice.

Thoughtful

Something reminded me today of this song, and I found this version online.  It gives me chills and makes me cry every time I see it. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BI6SlqIUG4s" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> Prayer of the Children Lyric and Music by Kurt Bestor Can you hear the prayer of the children on bended knee, in the shadow of an unknown room? Empty eyes with no more tears to cry, turning heavenward toward the light. Crying Jesus help me to see the morning light of one more day, but if I should die before I wake, I pray my soul to take. Can you feel the hearts of the children aching for home, for something of their very own? Reaching hands with nothing to hold on to, but hope for a better day, a better day. Crying Jesus help me to feel the love again in my own land, but if unknown roads lead away from home, give me loving arms, away from harm. Can you hear the voice of the children softly pleading for silence in their shattered world? Angry guns preach a gospel full of hate, blood of the innocent on their hands. Crying Jesus help me to feel the sun again upon my face, For when darkness clears, I know you're near, bringing peace again. Da-li cu-je te sve dje-cje mol-it-ve? (Dol-ly chew-ye tay sfay dyay-chyay mo-leet-vay?) Can you hear the prayer of the children? Note: this is the original version, but not the original video to this song.  Who could have known, in 2007, that such a thing as Sandy Hook could ever happen?

"Weather" It's Right or Wrong

OK, so what's the deal with the weather?! Two days ago it was in the upper 70's, sunny and gorgeous. Yesterday it poured down rain half the day, then was overcast and chilly, in the upper 50's. Today it's supposed to get no warmer than 40F, but right now at 3:40 pm it's only 36F. And it's supposed to get down into the 20's tonight -- oh yeah, and might snow! And when it's not been cold or raining there has been this awful wind that makes it sound like the siding is coming off the house. I could live with warm or cold -- I just wish it would stay the same way for a whole day. Actually, I wish it would choose "warm" for this week, since I'm off.

Updates

Just reading over my few entries since my first one just over a year ago, I thought some updates might be in order: That trip to Spain I was talking about for last September? It's happening this May instead! The new flooring for the kitchen? Done this past MLK day! Job loss? Not yet! *knocking on wood that I remain employed* My boy Maxx? Maxx had to be put down on March 5. He was 16 years old. I miss him every day, and still expect to see him in the kitchen, waiting for a potential handout, when I get home in the afternoons.

Planning Continues

Today was fun.
I slept late, then did absolutely NOTHING all day! Jorge was supposed to call, so I didn't want to leave the house. I didn't get around to showering until 3:00. I sat around watching two episodes of "Planet Earth" and "The Pursuit of Happyness", and did some reading and planning for my trip. It was completely wonderful to not have to answer an alarm clock, or prepare for the upcoming work week. Since I have the week off I can run all of those errands LATER!

Jorge has been sending Google Earth images and suggestions for itineraries for my trip. I love having him to guide me to the good stuff. The only bad thing is that I will have to make choices between things that all sound good -- there's just not enough time. Ah, well.... NEXT trip!