The Dromomaniac

To a T

I got my dress altered today because I need straps (seriously, how long can this friggin' strapless trend perpetuate? It's not flattering, ladies!) and I needed about a foot taken off the bottom. Yes, I exaggerate, but you get the idea. I must say, though, that I LOVES my dress. It's awesome in an awesome way. And my sandals (see below) arrived today too and actually fit.

The stars are somehow aligned, but give 'em a week to get back to striking people with cancer or perforated ulcers.

Eternal Flame

Saturday was beautiful out, a rare treat for us this time of year. It was sunny and got up to around 60F. I harassed Paul into going for a hike, so we went to Chestnut Ridge to find the Eternal Flame. This is now one of my favorite places on Earth, and that's no exaggeration. There are some natural gas deposits in the area and one happened to get lit and has been burning since, but it's located in a waterfall! The hike to get there is beautiful - down, down into a river gorge, waterfalls cascading down slate - and arriving to see this eccentricity makes it my new favorite place in Western New York. 

Tight Genes

I just talked to my mom, who declared "I want to do something with my life - I'm bored."

Keep in mind she just got back from Italy. And went to China last year. And spent most of the summer in California. And, at 63, is a retired Social Worker with a PhD equivalent in post-grad credits. And raised two wild monkeys (me and my brother) while spinning all of those other plates.

But, she's bored. So I am posting this let everyone know that antsy-panstiness is clearly not my fault.

Love/Hate Relationship

I love the internet because I can order gorgeous things like Linden Body Lotion by Pre de Provence.

I hate the internet because I can order expensive things like Linden Body Lotion by Pre de Provence.

Shod

The shoes

Crapper's Delight

Our backyard is now the hottest stop among the Avian A-List. Word got out among the well-winged that the new, pretty feeder has choice seed. Keep that plumage preened if you want in.

Greece Is The Word!

So we *just* booked our tickets to Athens - and got an amazing price on them. We saved over $800 than if we'd booked them last week. Yay us!

Hence, the design change: here's a tribute to travel, and a photo in which I could pass for Greek.

Work Shmerk

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: I am really friggin' lucky. In addition to just generally liking my job, I adore my boss. Since it had been a while since I'd taught in public schools, I was really nervous when I started this gig in September, and I was also a little regretful to be leaving the Belle Center. It didn't help that during the interview, my boss was the only one on the committee who didn't smile. I somehow got it in my head that she was very stern, so I worried a lot about observations and evaluations. I couldn't have been further off-base! She's warm and understanding and beyond helpful. She observed me for the second time about a week ago and I picked up the formal evaluation yesterday; under "Suggestions", the only thing she wrote was "Brag!" She's told me several times how lucky they were to find me, etc. It's so rare for a boss to be so encouraging; seriously, most of my former bosses must've come from The Tough Love Academy, because I've never encountered anything like this before! She's also giving me great advice on earning more money, and she's already gotten classes approved for me for BOCES to cover. It's crazy. I keep telling Paul that I know I won't have it this good forever, so I'm just really enjoying it now.

In other work-related news, I started part-time with Literacy Volunteers last week. It's only a few hours per week, but I really like it. I meet my students in the basement of a church on the East Side of Buffalo, which is a really rough area. It reminds me of being back in NYC, except the people are wonderfully warm and welcoming. I was talking with the pastor's wife at length last week and it's so encouraging to learn more about her and their church; the East Side is a tough place, so to have people so motivated and understanding is vital, and she certainly is both.

S.O.S.

My mother better get back from Italy soon because I have no one else to talk to on the phone. Selfish bitch.

Two More Things

1) We went to a memorial service for Paul's aunt yesterday. I never met her, but I love his mom so I was more than happy to go to support her. It was pretty low-key, but I have to say that I'd very much appreciate it if people stopped dying. Thank you.

2) I think 'bromance' is one of the best words in the world. And 'mandate.' Seriously.