James Morgan Bailey, December 16, 1925 - January 5, 2011

Brian's father passed away today.  What do I get to do?  This is a little harder than usual.  I guess I get to be thankful that my children are both connected to their father, and that he's strong and connected to them.

December 31, 2010

Today, I get to... reflect on the last year while looking ahead to the new one.

Since September:
I got to finish teaching three courses (SST1 for AP/IB teachers, SST2, OAT1), which means meeting new friends, struggling with difficult participants, including those grading papers and coming unprepared.

I got to go on an Out of the Darkness walk to honor Sean and Nora's friend, Jay Coutts.  It was sad and hard, but uplifting, too.  It led me to think of Ned a lot more than usual.

I got to have shoulder surgery on 12/8.  So far, this seems to be working out.  I was very apprehensive, because Meg had such difficulties, but the PT is helping.  I never in my life thought I'd be icing myself multiple times a day. 

I got to share a very difficult day with Ann - and I hope this year is a much, much better one.

I got to have wonderful guests for the holidays - all Petraseks and Robin's boyfriend Curtis for Christmas Eve, Nora's friends Jacob and Kyle after Christmas.

I got to go to the Military Bowl with Nora and her friends.  I got to tailgate - tequila, of course!  The main reason I wish I believed in God is that I'd like someone to thank for Nora's wellness.

I got to see several really great movies this year:  The Kids are All Right, Harry Potter (I have no idea what number we're on - it's the second-to-last), The Social Network, The King's Speech.

I got to see two plays this fall:  Chess @ Signature with Pam Nehring (liked the PBS one better, but that makes sense) and Sunset Boulevard @ Signature with Nora (the lead was very strong, but it was hard not to make constant comparisons to the movie).

Kitten love: Maggie

I get to have a kitten!  We got her from Ann & Bob's farm, Talbot Run.  She's 9 weeks old, a tortoise calico.  Adorable!  Brian was reluctant, but I believe he's fallen in love.

Post-vacation 2010

I got to do everything on the list, and more!  Would have wished that the time with friends had been at the beach - it didn't work out.  Still, managed to see Betsy, Keith, Carolyn and Kevin for lunch; Meg and her family came for a few days during which we saw Sean and Jess.  Talked to Nora and Dana on the phone - a lot.  Wonderful beach days, hikes, bike rides, good times with Brian.

Vacation 2010

My Plan:
Two weeks of...

• time with Brian
• beach
• time with friends
• garden work
• house cleaning
• cooking
• eating
• time with family
• reading
• movies
• wine and tequila
• listening to and organizing my music files

It's been a long time...

Today I got to take my final flex day from the winter/spring semester. Yes, it is July 2nd. I called Sue and we went downtown to the Folk Life Festival on the mall. Not terribly interesting, but it was fun to spend a day with her. Friends are good.

March 30 - spring break - 2010

Today I got to have the kind of day I love. Sleep in, then a long walk (almost five miles!) with Jill Coutts. Home for lunch, washing the car, working in the yard, baking, making chocolate-covered strawberries. Library, phone call with Dana, bed.

Ahhh.