Pros and Cons

This week I looked up how much I would be making per year if I was teaching at a school in our district. Gotta tell you that earning $23,000 less a year than you could be (and let's face it, it would not be difficult to get hired as a teacher right now) does not feel great. BUT, when Korra called to say she was sick yesterday, I was able to easily leave work and get her. No one batted an eye or was very inconvenienced by me working from home today. Also, no one has cussed at me or expected me to break up a fist fight so I suppose that balances out the pay difference. 

It’s Me

What's that smell?  It's me. I have Icy Hot rubbed all over my hips because my bursitis is acting up. It's the smell of middle age. This is who I am now. 

Sick Korra

Had to pick Korra up from school early this afternoon because she had a headache and a sore throat. Not long after, her stomach was hurting and she had a 101 degree fever. 

Negative COVID test but the poor kid feels awful. 

Septembers

September 2022

September 2021

September 2020

September 2019

Grandpa’s Gallbladder

My grandpa is having gallbladder surgery right now and I'm worried about him. 

High School English Certification

Now that my HR certification test is behind me, I think I'm going to sign up to take the tests to become certified to teach high school English.  I don't think it'll be that hard.  Not like the high school math one.  I don't think I could do calculus again to save my life.

Very Quiet

Mondays in the office are always quiet. Today it is EXTRA quiet (as in I'm the only person here) since this week about half the staff is in San Diego for the conference we put on (ZEB Con).

Not Enough Yarn

I already unravel half this blanket once when I realized I didn't have enough yarn. And now...

So close. 

Girl Scouts Planning

Korra and a new friend from Girl Scouts got together today to plan for the badge (Comic Artist) they are leading for the troop next week. They had such a good time, it extended into an all afternoon playdate. I'm so thankful for this new troop and the sweet new friends Korra is making. 

Flexible Friday

Nate and I have fully recovered from jet lag (but I still took a lovely nap anyway). During lunch we walked to Publix to pick up a few groceries. This afternoon I baked a batch of strawberry muffins. After Korra got home from her Dungeons and Dragons club at school (she's the Dungeon Master!), we finished a puzzle and watched some Taskmaster. 

Fantastic Friday. 

Steve's Car

Yesterday I got a text from one of my bosses asking if I can ride with him (and his wife) to the airport and then drive his car back to the office.  Sure.  Why not?  

Steve and his wife are going sailing in Fiji for the next two weeks.  I am extremely jealous.  

Grateful List

Some Things I'm Thankful For:

1) the weather cooling off enough to sleep with the windows open at night

2) after dinner walks with Nate

3) weekly phone calls with my grandpa

4) sleeping until my alarm goes off (finally over jet-lag!)

5) being able to go in later to work so I can fix Korra's hair for picture day

Jet Lag

Yesterday didn't feel too bad, but I woke up at 4am today and 3pm feels really, really sleepy.  

Celebratory Lunch

Today I went out to lunch with 2 coworkers to celebrate the successful completion of my HR certification. At first I was a little frustrated that when I was asked to pick a place to eat, I was told my choice wasn't fancy enough and they chose somewhere else, but lunch was still delicious and I do feel appreciated.  Not as much as I'd feel if I had been given the difference as a bonus but... 

Crazy Hair Day

Recovery Day

Nate and I both took today off to recover from the trip. We were home and in bed by 11, though it felt like 5am. We managed to sleep ok though the night and if we can avoid naps this afternoon and go to bed at a usual-ish time (9pm?) we should be readjusted for work tomorrow. We're lounging, doing laundry, unpacking, and trying to get ready for the week. 

Day 9- Headed Home

I went for a walk this morning in search of coffee and found another open market. Not quite as impressive as the one yesterday, but still fun to walk through. Bought some croissants from a bakery but didn't have any luck finding an open coffee shop (one was entirely full of men, so I passed) so I settled for some incredibly sweet canned iced coffees I found at a little bodega. 

We packed up at the hotel (lots of packing tape and special bubble wrap containers for the beer we're bringing home) and headed straight from the hotel to the train station. The train ride to Paris was uneventful as was finding and boarding our plane (train station and airport all in one!)

The flight was long and we're exhausted (feels like 3am) but we're home. 

Day 8- Back to Brussels

After visiting the market, we checked out of our hotel and drove to Duvel brewery since it's on our way back to Brussels. 

We returned the car and checked into our final hotel which is very close to the train station, but it was frustrating due to construction, unclear directions, and a bad headache (me). 

We walked back into the old part of Brussels (excellent window shopping and people watching opportunities) and happened upon the Belgian cultural festival!

There was Brass band playing, giant puppets dancing, and of course, special beer. It was a really neat surprise. 

We walked to see the Mannekin Pis statue, did some souvenir shopping, and then had pasta for dinner an an Italian restaurant we passed that looked good (it was). 

Market

While Nate slept in a bit, I explored the weekend open market right next to our hotel. So much fresh fruit and vegetables, cheeses, meats, olives, bread, gorgeous flowers… I bought a container of Belgian strawberries and a container of the biggest raspberries I've ever seen. Delicious!

Technology is amazing

I'm at bagel/coffee shop. They have wifi so I'm able to get on my phone, which I'm able to use to scan the QR code so I can view the menu which my browser automatically translates to English for me. Then I can pay with my credit card in Euros. It's absolutely amazing how much easier traveling to another country is with technology. 

Day 7- Antwerp

After an amazing breakfast at the St Bernardus guest house (fresh baked bread, fruit, cheese, and coffee), we drove for 2 and a half hours to Westmalle Abbey. We took a walk around the monastery and then had lunch in the cafe (Trappist monks make some amazing cheese and beer). 

I took a turn driving the manual Fiat from Westmalle to Antwerp. Nate and I both agree that driving is not something we like to do at all, much less on vacation. There was traffic today which was extra stressful since all the signs were in Dutch. 

Once in Antwerp, we checked into our hotel and took a walk around. I love how bicycle-focused this city is. There were so many streets that were just for pedestrians and cyclists. Like Brussels, the architecture is gorgeous. We got waffles, saw a castle and the river, and had dinner at this really neat restaurant called The Eleventh Commandment that was right in front of a gothic church and filled with religious sculptures and paintings (plus the food was delicious). 

Day 6- Belgian Breweries

This morning we picked up our rental car (a little Fiat) and drove nearly 2 hours to Westvleteren to a Trappist monastery where they brew beer that they only sell at the cafe across the street. We had a delicious lunch, learned a lot about the monastery, and Nate was able to pick up a dozen bottles of this very rare beer. 

About 20 minutes away, we stopped at St Bernardus brewery. We took a fun tour, had dinner on their rooftop restaurant, and checked into their guest house where we're spending the night. 

It's absolutely gorgeous- the guesthouse, the countryside, the weather. 

We're also enjoying this slower paced day. 

Brussels Bakery

This morning, while Nate was still sleeping, I walked about half a kilometer to a bakery for pastries and coffee. Delicious way to start the day!

Day 5- Brussels

We left the hotel at 7am for the train station. Traveling by train is so much better than flying. I wish we could do it more often. 

We arrived in Brussels at noon and after dropping our bags at our hotel, we went to find Delirium Cafe. We had a little misunderstanding and ended up at the wrong place but it was a fortune mistake because they had very delicious salads and we were in desperate need of some vegetables. Even with that, Nate still had a meter of beer (10 in the flight) in his hands less than 2 hours after arriving in Belgium. 

The alley it was in was so cool AND the statue I wanted to see the most was in the same alley!

After drinking all the beer, we went to the Comic Arts Museum. 

Next we wandered around the Grand Place where I bought a lot of chocolate and a waffle topped with ice cream. 

Finally, we had a traditional Belgian dinner (mussels for Nate and stewed beef for me- both came with frites). 

Our hotel is small (just 4 rooms) and our room is small too, but it seems nice and it's definitely close to everything. Glad the temperatures have cooled a bit as there is no AC here either. 

Day 4- last day in London

It was a very literary-focused day for us. 

This morning we started the day with a wander through Kings Cross Station (and the Harry Potter gift shop) and then a stroll through the British Library (some very neat originals were on display). 

We rode the tube north to Highgate, which was a really pretty village-feeling neighborhood of London. Despite the hills (thank goodness it was still cooler today!), we made it to Highgate Cemetery to visit Douglas Adams' grave. 

For lunch we ate at a gorgeous pub before heading back to Kings Cross so we could visit a bookstore that's on a barge on the canal. 

We went back to the hotel for a short test and a little packing in preparation for tomorrow morning before heading to Camden. It was a cool neighborhood but we didn't get to see as much of it as we would have liked due to some heavy rain and it being after 7 pm on a Tuesday. 

Day 3 (PM)

We had afternoon tea at the Regency Hotel's Hyde Cafe. Everything was delicious and elegant and we enjoyed it thoroughly. 

After tea, we took another long walk through the park and ended at the Natural History Museum. Nate was super excited about the dinosaur exhibit. 

We also took a stroll through the Science Museum next door (Nate enjoyed the interactive video game exhibit and I enjoyed the medical device through time). 

We stopped at the hotel food a little rest (and to drop off our souvenirs) before dinner. There is a Michelin star restaurant less than half a mile from our hotel that we really wanted to try- Barrafina. They don't take reservations and most of the seating is at a counter, so we were really fortunate that we only had a 10 minute wait AND got seats at the counter right near the chef. It was very cool to watch the chefs cook. Nate asked the head chef what he should order (pork chop with chimichurri) so of course that's what we got. Everything was unique and delicious and it was an amazing experience. 

Day 3 (AM)

Our first stop today was 221b Baker Street for a tour of Sherlock Holmes' house. 

From there we went to Paddington Station to meet our favorite bear. 

We then went on a rather long walk through Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens (longer than I intended since I got turned around) but it's much cooler today, so we didn't mind. 

No flat sheets or wash cloths

As I've said, it's hot and there's no AC. We noticed our hotel bed doesn't have a flat sheet, just a duvet, so when we passed a department store yesterday, we decided to look for an inexpensive flat sheet. Turns out, they don't sell those. England as a whole nation doesn't use flat sheets. While there, we thought we'd also look at wash cloths since our hotel didn't have those either (just bath towels and hand towels). Nope. Also not a thing here. At least for that we found a loofah. 

Sleep Schedules

Nate is a night owl and I am an early bird. In our 20+ years together, we've managed to make it work, but I have to admit that this kind of vacation (sightseeing) makes that difference obvious and a little frustrating. I've been up for an hour and a half and I'm fully ready to go and start the day. Nate is still sleeping. At night I'm ready for bed immediately after dinner, but Nate's happy to see what else there is to see and do.

Day 2 (afternoon)

For lunch we took a stroll through Borough Market. I enjoyed trying some of the delicious foods on offer, Nate enjoyed drinking beer and cider and talking to people who also enjoy drinking beer and cider. That is what lead us off the beaten tourist path and to The Kernel (the favorite brewery of several of the people he talked with). 

Next we walked along the Thames and past Shakespeare's Globe Theatre before crossing the Millennium Bridge. 

We stopped by St Paul's Cathedral just in time to hear an organ concert before heading back to our hotel to shower (another hot day!) and rest a bit before dinner. 

For dinner we went to Flat Iron in SoHo (less than half a mile from our hotel) and had the best steak dinner. They handed us popcorn when we walked in, the cocktails were spectacular, the steak and sides were delicious, and the gave us soft serve ice cream cones as we walked out. To top it all off, it was very reasonably priced. 

Day 2 (morning)

We slept for 12 hours and woke up feeling rested and ready for a full English breakfast. Our hotel room, which is only a block from the British Museum, has a little private outdoor patio. 

We took the tube to the Tower of London where we wandered and took in the sights for a few hours. We walked across the Tower Bridge and then paid (too much) to go to the top of the Shard (70 stories) for a really fantastic view of London. It has been another very hot day with little AC to be found. 

Day 1 (afternoon) London

We did a lot of walking. We walked around Westminster Abbey and Big Ben/the Houses of Parliament. We did the London Dungeons interactive tour/show which was silly but good. We got an early dinner at a food hall near our hotel before gratefully checking in to our hotel and taking showers. In addition to not getting to freshen up this morning (due to the overnight flight), it was 90 degrees today, we did a lot of walking, and hardly anywhere in London has AC. Now it's 6:45 pm and we're trying our best to avoid getting into bed until 7. 

Exhausted in London

Nate didn't sleep at all. I slept for about 2 hours total. But we're in London!  Trying to push through fatigue (on our 3rd cup of coffee for the day). 

Met some very nice Americans who live in Cambridge at breakfast who gave us some wonderful suggestions. 

Went to the National Portrait Gallery, Trafalgar Square, and St Martin's in the Field all before noon. 

About to Board

We're about to board the plane to London!  Here's hoping it's a smooth, quiet, comfortable flight and Nate and I both get some sleep because it'll be 8am when we get there. 

Poor Night of Sleep

I've been getting up extra early (both because of my attempts to timeshift but also just because of stress/nerves) so I've been tired and going to bed early too.  Even though I was in bed by 9, I didn't sleep well.  Woke up multiple times and had a hard time falling back asleep.  Was wide awake by 4:30.  Looking on the bright side, I've already done most of my work for today and I'll definitely be tired on the plane tonight (and hopefully that will translate to sleep).  We board our plane in 12 hours!!!

Weather forecast

Return of the Shredder

Today I started the process of shredding all the files from 2014 and 2015.  I can do 2 kitchen trash bags in about an hour before the shredder overheats.  At this rate, it'll take me 3 weeks to finish.  I honestly enjoy it since I just get to zone out and listen to my audiobook.

TOMORROW!

We leave for London tomorrow!  It's my last day working in the office for the next 10 days!  I need to pack and clean the house tonight!  Nate is feeling better and testing negative for COVID!  Squeeeeeeee!

I PASSED!

Even though I went to the bathroom before my test started, 45 minutes into the exam, I was about to BURST and you are not allowed to leave the test for any reason or it automatically ends.  An urgent need to relieve yourself is not conducive to focus, but I powered through.  There were a lot of questions I didn't feel confident in my answer and a couple that bewildered me entirely (they weren't in ANY of my study materials!).  I felt no confidence as I pressed submit and literally ran to the bathroom, but by the time I got back to my desk, there was an email stating that I'd passed!  The relief (both from using the bathroom and passing this test) has me nearly shaking.  

Extra Study Session

A perk of being up so very early: I have time to do one last round of studying before my PHR exam at 9am. 

An Explanation of How Alex is Bad

When Alex wakes me up in the predawn hours, he meows insistently. If I don't give up on sleep and get up to play with him, he begins walking around the room, biting and scratching things. He knows he shouldn't do it. He knows it makes me mad. He does it so I'll get out of bed to stop him. We've had to unplug Korra's keyboard because he kept getting on top of it, turning it on, and then walking across the keys. He's like a naughty toddler. I'm so tired. 

Time Shifting Cat

I got this app that's supposed to help you plan ahead a couple of days to better handle time changes when traveling. Turns out I don't need the app at all when I'm sleeping in Korra's room with an insane cat. Alex has woken me up earlier every day. Yesterday it was 5:30am. Today it was 4:30. By Friday I'll definitely be on London time (5 hours ahead). 

78 Hours

Nate and I board our plane to London in 78 hours!

Tiny Dans

There is a large US map on the wall at work.  It's right next to my desk, and also right next to the only door in and out.  There are pins in it to represent projects, but it hasn't been updated in a couple of years.  In the beginning of May, I printed out a tiny picture of the executive director and put it on the map in the city that he was currently in.  A coworker thought it was really funny, so I searched our staff Dropbox for more photos of him and printed out more tiny Dans.  Every time someone noticed a picture, I gave them a new tiny Dan picture to add to the map.  The game (for me) became, how many tiny Dan pictures would there be on the map when Dan finally noticed?  4 months later, Dan noticed.  He said "Is that me?  Why are there tiny pictures of me on this map?  How many are there?"  The answer: 16.  

Labor Day

I took my final PHR practice test this morning and made an 83%. Korra and I washed the car and spent a few hours at the pool. Nate was feeling worse today which had us all feeling frustrated and blue. 

The highlight of the past few days has been eating dinner together on the balcony every night. 

This evening I spent over two and a half hours on the phone catching up with Joseph. We realized we had 15+ years to relay and laughed a lot as we did it. I hope it was the first of many conversations. 

Steady On

We measure Korra twice every year (on her birthday and half-birthday). She's grown between 2 and 3 inches every year for the past 6 years. Assuming she keeps this up until age 16, she'll be between 5'2" and 5'4". Slow and steady. 

Egg Rolls and Studying

Today I studied and made egg rolls, including homemade sweet and sour sauce. 

New Friend

Korra had a new friend from school come over this afternoon to swim. This kid is so much like Korra. Similar vocabulary, also loves Wings of Fire (dragon book series), very talkative and nerdy. I'm glad Korra found a new friend. 

Crunch Time

A good portion of this long weekend has to be devoted to a final, intense burst of studying for the PHR test. 

I've studied for about 2 hours already today and despite a break, my brain still feels like mush. Somehow I've got to push through and cram some more facts about the history of labor relations and the different kinds of health insurance into my mind. 

COVID update

Korra and I are still healthy and testing negative. Nate is feeling almost all better but is still testing positive (and therefore miserably still quarantined). 

Open Windows

First night we've been able to open the windows at night since May. I love it. 

Pictures of my Beautiful Daughter

Birthday Dinner

Korra requested steak with sautéed mushrooms and onions, mashed potatoes, and asparagus for her birthday dinner. We ate on the balcony so we could be together. 

Praise for My Daughter

This morning Korra and I bought 2 dozen doughnuts for her to share with her homeroom.  As we were walking up to the school (I walked with her to help her carry everything), Korra told me how much she liked the crossing guard because she was nice and funny.  As we crossed the street, Korra waved and the guard (Ms T) stopped me and said, "Is this your baby?  You've done an excellent job, Mama.  She is just amazing.  I love this child.  She absolutely brightens up my day." 

That.  That right there is who this child is.  I love her so much and I'm so thankful for her.  

Poor Night’s Sleep

Nate is quarantined in our bedroom so I've been sleeping in Korra's room.  Alex also sleeps in Korra's room. He is not a good roommate. 

 Last night, Alex decided to help me relive the very early hours of September 1, 2012 by walking me up several times (2:30, 4:30, 6:30). I slept just as poorly exactly 11 years ago. First Nate woke me up at 2:30 when he came home from Dragon Con. Then my water broke at about 4:30. Then I didn't sleep properly again for the next 4 months. 

I'm thankful for my beautiful child who turns 11 that.  I'm thankful I can take a nap.