Gonna get all caught up

Okay, so I am going to work this weekend at getting all caught up on our blog. I have posts started, but not finished and posted. So you might have to look back a little to see it all. MJ

Sunday Morning

It's been a bit since I blogged and since I give others a hard time about not keeping up their blogs I had better work on ours. I had some pictures, unfortunately something strange happened to our memory card and they are gone. I am pretty frustrated about that as there were pictures form the first day of school, ice skating, Flat Stanley. Ugh!
You already know that Bob's surgery is Tuesday, right now it is scheduled for 10:30 am. We have to be at the hospital by 8:15 am. Gram is also having surgery on Tuesday, Bob is finding comfort in them both having surgery at the same time. Bob will spend a night in the hospital and come home on Wednesday. I am now off work (as of Friday) until Nov. 3rd. Then, depending on how Bob feels, I will return to school and the next week to the Theater. This weekend we are preparing. Bob got his haircut yesterday, we picked up books from the library, cleaned the condo, did laundry. Today and tomorrow we are moving the bed into the livingroom, going to Costco, Fred's and making sure that all tripping hazards are removed.
I must be honest that it is hard for me to "just be at home". I have found that I am a little bored and drawn the conclusion that that is why I work so much. What can I say, I must keep busy and right now I lack focus. So today I am going over to the Red Dog for a couple of hours to stock. I do have a long list of items to accomplish while I am off, I just think that I need to extend the list. I figure that Bob will be sleeping most of the time, so I need to keep busy.
We already have our first visitor scheduled for 2009, Joelle will be with us again next summer. I put her dates in on the left side of the blog. Plenty of dates left for others. MJ

We have a visitor!

Flat Stanley has come for a visit. For those of you who have not heard of Flat Stanley it is a project that classrooms do now. They send Flat Stanley on a visit with someone, that person takes pictures with Flat Stanley and sends with him information about the area Stanley is visiting. Ours came from Jered in Dundee, MI. Family friends. We are very excited for Stanley to be here and to share information about Alaska with Jered and his classmates. Let the fun begin. MJ

More News

Bob's surgery has been scheduled for Oct 21st. Although any surgery is a little scary, Bob is looking forward to the relief. He should not feel the pain he is having as soon as he wakes up. The surgery should take 4 hours and then he will spend the night in the hospital and come home the next day. I will stay with him that night. No way I am coming home without my husband. I have had enough of being home without him for one year.
It has been a relief for Bob to make the decision of where to have surgery. It was not easy and many emotions were shared last week. We both feel really good about this decision.
We are both disappointed that we won't be able to make it home this weekend, but we plan to make the trip next year.
It will be a bit of a crazy week preparing for surgery, getting our condo ready, I have basketball tryouts this week, need to get my office cleared up and sub plans made, go to the store. We will do our best to keep you all posted.
Well, off to get ready for the week. MJ

Getting caught up

It's been a little bit of a whirlwind since we last posted. The school year is getting into full swing and busy busy, busy. Tristan and I also started swimming this week which was nice, the water was warm and felt so good. Actually did laps. Ofcourse I did one lap to Tristan's two. But it is a start.
Some of you have heard that Bob is going to be having surgery. We found a website that has some good information on it and wanted to pass it on. He has a herniated C7 (cervical seven) vertebrae. Here's the website: www.spineuniverse.com We just wandered around in it and read the information. His next appt is on Wednesday and we'll go from there.
Basketball starts in a week, hard to believe. MJ

The Presentation

Cruise Day

Today we are going to my yearend work party with the Red Dog Saloon. They are taking employees on a catamaran to do some whale watching and then a salmon bake. Pretty sweet! Some pictures from the day:

First: Whales form the day. We saw a several of them. Even though we live here, we love them as much as the tourist do!

Second: Sealions - love the sealions. This is the first time that we have seen so many.

Third: Molly and Kenny: Kenny is parent of the family that owns the theaters here in town. He just moved back here from Las Vegas. He is a Vegas man. His son is Zack, from pictures in the blog this summer. He's fun. He also is bartending now at the Red Dog. Just Sundays and Mondays for football.

Fourth: Molly

Fifth: Bob

Wow, unexpected

If you double click on the photo you get a better view.

Still the One . . .

10 Years

We're not old enough

Happy 16th Anniversary Rich & Ang

The Women

Tristan and I went and saw Women tonight. It was a pretty cute movie. It was nice to unwind and chill a little. One of the neatest parts: My girls (Sheri and Angie ofcourse) were at the movies the same night, watching the same movie. Didn't even know it. But it's nice to "be connected" even when we are so far apart. MJ

Open House Day

That's right, this evening is our Open House at school. It seems so early , but we did start school a week later this year so that could have something to do with it. I am going to stay after work for and hopefully be able to sign up more parent volunteers. Then Tristan and I are going to go to the movies. It has been pouring here so being inside sounds just fine. Bob is working 1-10pm Sunday to Thursday right now. We are happy to have Saturdays off together. It could have been like the end of last school year where we had no days off together. Bob is glad to be home and back to a 5 day work week. Well, off I go. MJ

He's home!!!

Next stop Fairbanks

Arrived at 9:09 am. I am assuming to refuel, both bird and human, and potty (that's for you mom). MJ

They've made it to Manly/Hot Springs

Waiting

Ugh, you know that I don't do that well. I am waiting for Bob to call tonight. He is letting me know that he is safe and how the flying is going. I am working on a little clean up so the place is shiny when he gets home. Tomorrow is picture day at school, oh he excitement. I don't like my photo from last year so I am ready for a new one, especially since last years is all over our websites for school. This week has gone by pretty fast, I hardly believe that tomorrow is Friday. But yeah all the same. There is an 80's dance tomorrow night, apparently they have one every year and people dress like the 80's. I was pretty excited to go, but I would rather spend the evening at home with my man. There is always next year. So does anybody still have their prom dress, I could use one for next year! There are so many good movies coming out over the net two weeks. I rarely want to go see so many. Now we just need to find the time. It is free for us. Igor comes out next week. We'll just have to see when it happens in Juneau. Off to do some chores, I'll let you know where Bob is when I hear from him. MJ

He'll be flyin' around the mountains

That's right, Bob will be leaving the Red Dog Mine tomorrow morning and should arrive back home on Friday. Say prays that they have a safe fly home. MJ

"Callin' the hole"

Yeap, that's right, Bob should be on his way home in a couple of days. Yeah! I have cried some tears this week, but this time they are tears of joy - it will be so good to have him home.
It is busy being back to school, but I keep busy so less time to worry and miss Bob. I am still at 13mins, but next week I think that I will try and add another. It's tough, on the way home I am running up hill and that's what kills me, that little incline. School pictures are this week and I just don't know what to wear, only one more day to decide. MJ

Getting into the swing

We are almost through our first week of school and the kinks are getting worked out. I have been doing pretty good at getting up and running. I am still at 13 mins, but am happy with that. On Monday I am going to try and increase it. I was able to work in my office for a little bit this afternoon which was nice. I have been working with our new Attendance Clerk on our new system, so it has been a little hectic and my classroom and office still aren't set up. But it will get there. I am working on juggling my 3 jobs right now, so I am a little sleepy. But only a few more weeks, then downtown will be closed up and "the Dog" gift shop will close up. I will still work here and there doing misc task throughout the winter, but probably not on a weekly basis. Bob just laughed and said "I knew that you would keep 3 jobs". Whatever. I miss him and his sassiness. I ordered some new work shoes, Dansko, they are fancy, good for your feet shoes, they were going to take 2-4 weeks to get here, I found out today that they are on back order until the 25th of Sept. Then it may be another 2-4 weeks to get here. My feet are breaking. I even wore my New Balance to work today. My big toes feel like they are bruised and my arches feel like they are cracking in half. What is this? Getting older is a love/hate relationship for me. I feel so blessed to be allowed to "see what I will become", but annoyed about the aches and pains. Well, need to stay on my schedule. MJ

A little clarification

I didn't get to watch Palin last night, but I did read about it in today's paper. If you want to find out more, click on the link for the Empire. It may be helpful. A couple points to clarify:
Yes, Palin did list the jet on e-bay, but no one bought it, so the state of Alaska paid a broker to sell it (was that mentioned in the speech). Also, Juneau is the Capital of Alaska and you would think that the Governor would live here. Not so much - we pay for her to travel back and forth because she lives in Wasilla. She and her family all lived here for like 2 or 3 months, then bailed. It was all about appearance. She talked about ethics reform, but id she mention that she and members of her staff and family are being investigated right now for allegedly "twisting the arm" to have her ex-brother-in-law fired, then fired the man who's arm they tried to twist didn't do it? Also, up until a few months ago, she wanted to move our Capital. I can't tell you how bad that would have been for Juneau. I still think that she has been good for Alaska, but I don't appreciate the partial truths from someone who ran on a ethics reform ticket. I know this happens all the time, but this time I actually know. MJ

They're here . . .

My first day of school picture. No Bob so I had to take a self portrait.

It was a fast-paced first day. The rest of the week will be much of the same, but then it will settle and the school year will continue. MJ

All day Monk Marathon

It's Labor Day, my favorite summer holiday and at least our families are caring on the camping tradition. Bob emailed me the other day and said "It's Labor Day Weekend, shouldn't we be camping?" My sentiments exactly! Alas, here we are hundreds of miles away, working. What the heck! So I am getting ready for the school year. I just cleaned out my closet, some to Salvation Army and some in the back of the closet with a December deadline - if I can't fit back into them by then they are being given away. Out of this house.
As you can tell from the title, I have had Monk all day. I guess if I can't be camping this is just as good. MJ

Answers to some of my questions

This was in Sunday's paper:
"At a press conference with Parnell (Lt Gov) and Attorney General Talis Colberg on Friday, Colberg outlined the process for secession should McCain-Palin or Panell prevail at the polls.
Palin, upon taking office, designated Colberg as next in line for lt. gov., and the state Legislature confirmed her choice.
If Palin and Parnell both win their races, Colberg would serve as governor with a lt. gov. he appoints until a special election is held, within two to three months."
I feel so much better now that I know. MJ

McCain's running mate

What do I think . . .


I have gotten a few emails about our Gov being chosen as McCain's running mate today. It has been a rumer around these parts for several months. I am a little surprise it is accepteded. The Palin Family welcomed their 5th child this year, Trigg Van Palin, (come on, I know someone must remember this from my blog). He is a special needs baby and not even a year old, and I would just think that beinging VP would take time away with him. But that's me. I bet our First Man would be with him. When your wife's the VP, you probably don't need to work. They appear to be a happy, commited family who take care of their children, not hire someone to do so.

Now, how I feel about it is . . .

Who is going to run our state? I know it would be the Lt. Gov, but he is running for a seat in the Legislature. Maybe he would decide to be the Gov. So if they both win, who's the Gov? I believe that it would be the Speaker of the House, but I don't know who that is. Guess I need to pay better attention.

Another busy day today. We had our big district Welcome Back Breakfast, then I had a few errands to run, had my stitched removed (which I found out for 5 of them it is $250). Crazy! Last time they used the kind that dissolve, but they didn't and my gums started to grow around them. Yuck. So this time they used the Gortex ones. My mouth is so expensive. At school I worked on my room and office. It is looking pretty good, if I do say so myself. MJ

Mama Mia

Oh my goodness, what a fantastic day!!!

I got to go to our new high school today, Thunder Mountain. It is incredible. The thought that went into planning and executing this school was intense. It is gorgeous and I just couldn't believe my eyes. The students who have chosen to attend this school and going to be wowed. I know I was. One of my favorite parts is that there are teachers offices in every classroom. How fantastic and inviting is that for students and/or teachers who would like to have a private conversation. No more of there classmates listening in. Or if a student is acting out, you can "pull them in" and now they no longer have an audience. Sometimes that's all it takes. The lights in classrooms are motion sensitive, you all leave the room, they shut off. Colored concrete entryway, which I can't wait for Bob to see and critique. Tomorrow we are having our all district staff breakfast there and I can't wait to explore some more. I don't think that I am going to sleep.

Also tonight I went to see Mama Mia and what a hoot!!! I haven't laughed that much in a while. And cry. Darn things got 2 sets of 3 girlfriends in it. Man I miss my girls, I just close my eyes and see them. It will be so good to be back together again in December. Then the mom and daughter stuff. Oh, thank goodness it was funny or I would have bald like a baby. I miss you mom, I miss you. Anyway, Yvonne asked me what I was doing on Monday, Labor Day and I started to tell her that I was going to stay home, drink coffee and pamper myself. When I stopped and said "Why, what do you want me to be doing on Monday?". She replied, "I really want to go see Mama Mia". "Well Thursday is it's last night in the theater." "Thursday as in tomorrow?" "Yes, do yo wanna go?" So we went. Perks on my job. Movie tickets: $0, Popcorn: $0, Dr. Pepper: $0, a good laugh with a couple of co-workers: Priceless. If that movie is still in theaters where you are, grab someone and go. Besides, who doesn't love ABBA? and own ABBA Gold? MJ

Day Two

Well, this is exciting . . . I am taking the attitude that I will do my best to jog 5 days a week and and just keep increasing my length of time that I am running. With that, today I went 13 minutes. Yesterday I just thought that I would try to do the 4 again and see what happens, but today I just kept going. It feels pretty great. Then I finished with walking. It's a good combo and I definitely want to do both. Different muscles and in use. Trust me, it's been a while since my muscles have been sore form walking and not these. But it is a good sore.
Home from work(s) and I am a little tired, so it's pack my lunch, dishes, get close out for tomorrow and go to bed. See life is not always an adventure in Alaska. MJ

First Day Back

It feels so good to be back. I got up at 6 am (after I woke up at 5:22 from a bad dream and made myself stay in bed). Went for my jog/walk. I made it 4 mins on the jogging part. Then I power walked. I don't feel bad about that. I'll just keep working towards adding minutes.
Off to school. Saw some familiar faces and some new ones. It just invigorates me, I am really excited to be back. I will be training the new Attendance Clerk the next couple days, then Friday we have a big Welcome Back breakfast for the school district at the new high school. After that I plan to get my room set up. If not, I could work on it next week. I am usually pretty slow with ISS the beginning of the year. So it is a GREAT start!
Wow, $5m buys you so little in Hawaii.

Getting ready to go back to school . . .

New haircut

Can't really say "go back to work" since I think I worked more than when school is in. But i am excited to start back, which means I probably won't sleep well tonight. Which is no good since I am up at 6 am, begin my attempt at running, school at 8 am, then the "Dog" for a couple hours.

I just finished up with all my little tasks. Lunch made for the week which is a big help. I cut up peaches and tomatoes, made biscuits and brownies. Little Suzy Homemaker. A little blogging and reading before lights out. MJ

It's a Small World

even in Juneau, Alaska . . .
A couple of weeks ago I had two "small world" experiences. First, there were a couple of gentlemen in that had on Spartan hats. I asked "What part of Spartan Country are you from?" The response "We are from a small community in Southern Michigan". Me "I grew up in Onsted". Them, "Hey she's from Onsted". Guess what? So are they. Pretty crazy huh? That's why I always ask. We chatted for a little bit and they asked me if I knew Marsha Chatfield. Apparently she is the Elementary School Principal. It was fun. Their wives came in to ask who the girl from Onsted was. They asked Tawney and she looked at them like they were crazy. Poor girl, she's only 19 and to think that she would be old enough to know Marsha. My second "small world" experience happened a few days later when a guy walked in with an Adrian College sweatshirt on. I asked "Is that for real or did someone buy it for you?" It was for real, he went to Adrian College. It's a small, small world . . .MJ

Recovering

Which means that I am being lazy and I take issue with that. It's too darn hard to just sit around. I did that yesterday. And I did sleep until Noon. What the heck? I can't remember the last time that I did that. Bob left for Red Dog this morning and he called from Anchorage, just wanting on the flight to the mine.
It appears that the surgery went well, now I am the "healing" process for the next 6 months. But I've done this part before, so hopefully no problems just like before.
Wow, it is a few hours later, I feel asleep again. Yicks. I am going to try and stay awake for a little bit. MJ