Books and Tailgating

My book club assignment this month is "The Library Book", by Susan Orlean. It's not my fave book ever, but I did find some parts I enjoyed and learned from. So - a win.  I like it when I'm forced to read outside my genre. I don't make myself do it otherwise. I'm a suspense reader - mindless relaxation.

"The Library Book" is by a New Yorker reporter. She investigates the devastating 1986 fire that burned the  Los Angeles Public Library fire - all while weaving in the story of her love affair with books and libraries. The style is hard for me to get into, but I pulled out some gems that I loved.

Like this. All through time bad people have been trying to squelch information and books by burning them. Think of the Nazis. They hurt the Jewish people to the core by burning their beloved sacred books in public bonfires. Also - several months ago a religious activist burned LGBTQ books at the Orange City, Iowa library. He paid a fine.

As you can tell, written words are important to me. That's why I have such a love/hate relationship with social media where anyone can write anything. Anonymously or not. Like this blog. For now, I'll continue. Tomorrow I'll attend book club - so I'd better finish that book! I enjoy meeting with this group.

Football pageantry fan

It's not all about the game. My first tailgating memory is from Iowa City. That's irony for ya! Okay, I was raised a little Hawk fan - all those 60-3 drubbings we attended with the Pellets and other Atlantic fans in the 1960s and early 1970s. We cheered on our hometown hero Ed Podolak.

When I chose Iowa State for college, we didn't tailgate. We simply lugged our booze right into the stadium. Our cars - parked all week in the football field parking lot, overflow for our RCA (Maple Hall) dormitory and later our apartment parking. Come game day, we had to remove cars from stadium parking by Friday night. My roomie Jane found out the hard way (twice) what happens when you forget. Lucky the towed car lot was near our apartment.

So my first tailgating experience was in Iowa City at an ISU vs. Iowa game. We partied with my roomie Vicki's folks and their Hawkeye fan friends. They had an RV and lots of food and liquor! This is the life I thought to myself!

Post-college we met our friends for football games in Ames annually until our own children's' activities tied up weekends. Back then we could pay $15 and get a spot where we park now. Now those same spots require a hefty donation and season ticket purchase. Times change!

We have so many great memories of tailgating during Amy and Jud's college years. Creston friends, Don and Diana McKim upped the game by becoming the owners of a '92 Pace Arrow RV - a fab tailgating unit.

When Amy and Jud were at ISU, our friends' kids were there too. In 2008, Amy (and Kristina McFee and Ryan McKim's) senior year, Don parked the RV in the student section. Jud was a frosh. So many Creston kids and adults stopped by that day and some watched the game on the RV TV. It was "off the hook" (Guy Fieri quote there)

2012

2019

Last weekend our college friends were back - being empty nesters has benefits. They came to our place Friday night - Moose and Kay even brought blow up beds for overflow sleeping! So fun to see everyone. Walking tacos were on the menu - thanks to McKims and Ehreckes for their hospitality (and walking tacos). The weather cleared up and ISU clobbered TCU. What a day! College gave me so much more than an education.

Good discussion

I finally broke through and attended a Reading Discussion Group last week. My first since my Creston days, though I've missed this activity a great deal. Especially when I talk to others who are in groups - hearing about the books they are reading. Comments like, "Nope, I can't make it that night, I have book club and we're taking treats and drinking wine!" Jealousy is my name when I hear that.

I miss the Book Chicks - the club I was once a part of in Creston. Many years ago my pal Deb and I decided we needed to start a club - so I stuck a sign up at Matilda Gibson Public Library asking people to email me if they were interested. I had picked a book, and one of the potential participants offered to host! That was the start of our little group.

Thea's House in Creston - many stories told here

The group ebbed and flowed through the years, but it was anchored by Deb, me and Thea - the eternal hostess who lived in a fabulous brick home on the north side of town with a pool in the back. Thea had a couple "girls", her dogs who would greet us at the door. Peaches was huge, but very friendly. I met so many awesome women during that time - some that had lived in Creston for a long time and others who were new to town. Some of them stayed in the group for many years and others found that it didn't fit their schedules or they couldn't keep up with the reading. Or they didn't like us! haha

Deb with Thea

We met monthly. I sure looked forward to those meetings - even when I didn't really like the month's book. Every member could suggest titles, and Sue, the librarian would obtain copies of the books for all of us through Inter-library loan at a fee of $1. It was a great system.

The discussion/therapy sessions were classic. Some meetings left me chuckling for nights afterward. Most books came with prepared discussion questions and I tried to make sure everyone had a chance to share her (we never did attract any guys) thoughts and opinions. We often veered off the trail and into more personal topics/politics and our work and everyday lives. I really got to know these women and remain friends and Facebook friends with many of them today.

It was a sad day when lovely Thea let us know that she was ill with cancer. I blogged about her before - as she became such a good friend through our mutual love of books. Thea passed away in 2012 and I sure miss her and think about her often.

Our book club tried to carry on during Thea's illness and after her death - but we lost our steam. I was commuting back and forth and getting ready to move to DSM in 2012. The Book Chicks stopped meeting and I was without a club in a new city.

I kind of went into mourning - like when your dog dies. I wasn't ready to adopt a new one. It took a long time. Oh I'd listen to others talk about theirs. Then I'd look at books clubs were reading. I was getting ready. Finally, last month I noticed that the West Des Moines Library offered a title and a September 1st meeting date for their discussion group. I decided to go.

I had to laugh when the date came around and I noticed that on my work calendar it popped up as "Adult Book Discussion Group". I must have typed in like that because the library also has Kids groups. Yet it did make it sound a bit spicier than the book - "A Land More Kind Than Home"
which I purchased and read on my Nook. The book was not my usual genre and it was depressing - but I slogged my way through it. So I could discuss it with the adults!

I arrived at the WDM Library last Tuesday at the appointed time - joined by around 18 other women (most guys aren't into book club evidently). A librarian was in charge. Most of the women were longtime attendees and were exchanging pleasantries before the meetings. I was the new kid.

To discuss the book, we went around the table - the meeting was in a small room on the second floor - introducing ourselves and stating if we liked the book and why/not. As about the 12th speaker, I didn't have a lot new to add. Once we made it through everyone there was more wide open discussion. The differing opinions on the book amazed me. One person found humor in it. What? It was about death and destruction - an evil pastor who killed people in the name of God. But I enjoyed the discussion and just having an outlet like that again - though I couldn't let swear words slip out and there was no liquor involved...it'll do. One gal did bring chocolate!

The librarian (I'm terrible with names) gave us next month's book. I will be glad to go. Here's to you Thea, and other friends from Book Chicks! I miss you all.

Paul's Reception/Book Club Goodbyes

I headed home early Thursday to attend Paul's NRCS Open House. His clerk Dixie did a great job setting up for a nice reception at his office - complete with a Cyclone cake, mints and punch. Folks from the county, people he's worked with for years (26, count 'em). I got to see some guys Paul trained through the years who have gone on to become District Conservationists like he is.

Steve in the dark hat is one of Paul's good buddies

Deb and Larry on left
 

Joan and Ginny chat with me
 

When I got there, Sharon and Steve were there, representing First National Bank - my first employer and our bank for the past quarter century. And those two are our friends too! Then Joan W. and Ginny stopped by, taking time out from their hospital jobs to wish us well. Our boys played sports together through the years - lots of commuting and bench time with those ladies. We discussed getting together midway between Creston and DSM at Dexter's Rusty Duck. We want to stay in touch with these peeps!

Towards the end of the event, Franklin Kinkade shuffled in...he used to be on Paul's board and is the guy who installed our ground source heat at our home. He had some kind of "letter to the editor" he was handing out, so I avoided him. He's in his 80's - a local character. I headed home before it was over - exhausted from a long week.

But I perked up just after 6:30 PM, cuz I was picking up Deb for book club. She wanted to go early because Pat Moeller was holding some kind of Home party in the side room at the Lobby. Some of the Book Club chicks were already in place, but I saw some of my homegirls were in ordering stuff at the Home party, so went in to say "hi" to Susan, Patti, Dee, Nancy and of course Pat.

Then it was time to discuss "Night Circus" with Book Chicks. Vidette brought delicious chocolate cupcakes from Upper Crust bakery. Elizabeth told us she's moving back to California later this month. Barb and her daughter-in-law Katherine, the new kids at book club were there. Barb brought us all cool bookmarks. Diane brought pics of her new kitty - adorable! The girls gave me a card, which made me feel quite sentimental. We planned on taking a photo but then forgot dammit! I hate this goodbye stuff. We had a good discussion of the book, though not everyone had completed reading it. On the way out, I gave away leftover cake from Paul's reception to Lobby barflies.

As usual Deb and I sat in her driveway chatting for 20 minutes. Oh I'm so going to miss this lady. My mind and heart are a sea of emotions...

Real home feels real good

We traveled to Creston yesterday later afternoon. It felt good to walk through the door. The elderly kitty was glad to see us. Odie frolicked through the house, pranced in the yard sans leash.

Deb and I attended book club at Thea's at 7 PM. It was a smallish group - which may have been my fault. My book Alzheimer's anyway. It seems I ordered up a book our group had already read! Yikes. I've been working too hard. Or something. We won't blame alcohol. Once the club members started talking about characters and the plot...it did begin to come back. It had been a while since we read it - so yeah, that's my story.

Club member Francie is moving to Arizona to be near her daughter Amie - who is married and has a couple children, one who was born a year ago several months premature. We'll miss Francie, a former teacher who is a good story-teller.

Pablo had today off, so he was doing errands, dealing with constant appointments hair, eye, doc. I, on the other hand was holding down the fort working. Though I woke up suffering from a major migraine. Unlike most of my headaches, this one decided to hang on until around noon - reminded why I'm so thankful for today's modern medicine. I don't get too many migraines like that these days. Paul even stepped in to take Odie to her vet appointment - toenails/anal glands, while I was all miserable - nauseous and wiped out.

I felt good enough to begin working again around 11 a.m. and just after noon, I began to feel human! Phew. Bring on the weekend.

Digging Book Chicks

Some months I think, "It's a hassle, maybe I should just skip book club". Then I attend, and remember why I enjoy it so. This month we met at A&G Lounge downtown, with eight people in attendance.

I was supposed to pick up Thea, on my way. You may recall she has often been our hostess with the mostess. I've written in this blog about Thea's cancer battle - myeloma. Bitch of a disease. I checked my email right before heading out the door and discovered she was not feeling up to a meeting. ;>(. But she did email her comments on the book. Room by Emma Donoghue. No substitute for her warm and caring personality, but the note would have to do, to share with the group.

I picked up my buddy Deb on my way downtown, and we laid claim to a table in the back of the bar at A&G and ordered a couple drinks - she a hot chocolate/schnapps and I a vodka/cranberry. Gradually the rest of this eclectic group began to gather.

Deb and I started the group back in the early 2000's. Thea was an original member too. Many women have come and gone through the group since then. Most (besides Deb) are not people I would have had occasion to hang out with. But I've truly enjoyed getting to know these women who share my love of books.

This month, our selection, Room, elicited excellent discussion. It's a novel, but was written along the lines of the Jaycee Dugard story - the girl who was kidnapped and held for 18 years or so, having a couple children with her captor. Kidnapping stories creep me out - so the captivity portion was tough to read. I sped read through it. Thea had given me a preview that the escape was worth it - so I forged on.

I'm always amazed at the insight and intelligence of the group members. Book questions can sometimes bring out personal stories and thoughts - almost therapeutic if you ask me. We laugh, we share both happy and painful memories. Sometimes some of us even pontificate a bit. That's when I try to break in with a smartass joke to break things up. If we all thought the book was bad, we just talk about current events or other books we've read, movies, our jobs, and families. It's all on the table.

Last night, newer member, Amber, took it upon herself to bring background information about how and why the author wrote the book - through the eyes of a five year old boy. I had one list of discussion questions and Amber had a whole different list. Each member took turns picking questions to read.

Through the years, some of the women attending Book Club have started out a little shy - rarely chiming in. Others are rather outspoken. As the unofficial leader, I always try to make sure everyone gets a chance to weigh in on questions. I've enjoyed seeing friendships grow within the group! Several of the people now hang out - outside of club meetings. Members have been wonderful about supporting Thea through her illness, which warms my heart. I know T would be doing the same if roles were reversed. I also like to think of those of us who are older..or let's say, more experienced, serve as role models for the younger women. 

Room isn't a book I would have read on my own. I pushed myself to read it - which is good. We should get out of our comfort zones. Hanging out with smart women who are not my usual buddies is good too!  Viva la reading and Book Chicks!

Deep birthday thoughts

Upon entering my 55th year (after my 54th bday)

• What a great Birthday Week (and the weeks prior)!
• It started a couple weekends ago when Amy showed up, surprising me while tailgating in Ames. I, Junior Nancy Drew, and her fearless sidekicks Bess (Bobbie) and George (Diana) (if you have read N. Drew books you know those are Nancy's girlfriend's names - they help her in her sleuthing) did not detect this stealthy surprise. So Jud and Amy were both there at a beautiful tailgating day in Ames, along with our Clone friends. Life is good!
• The celebration of Leslie continued last weekend in Galena with friends from my native town of Atlantic - Chris and Paula. We were in beautiful Galena. I probably celebrated bdays years 5-18 with those chicks. So it was fun to kick off my 54 celebration with 'em (and Pablo and Chris's hubby Larry).
• Onto the quiet of "My Day Off" Monday. I started with my home girl breakfast. Love those girls too. Are you sensing a theme here? Blessed with friends. Of course all of these things (except chick breakfast) were done with my very best friend Paul Goldsmith (aka Pablo the Poolboy). I then had a nice walk around my neighborhood, and the west side of Creston - McKinley Lake and Park. I can't ever walk through McKinley without thinking of:
• Swim meets at the former pool there. The old pool was still there when we moved to town in 1986, and was replaced ten or so years ago with the present pool. One swim meet I was swimming breast stroke (despite my lack of breasts) - and, I recall, (head growing slightly larger) in 2 age groups - 13/14 and 15/16, as our usual swimmer in the older group wasn't able to attend the meet. I had to swim my usual race (which was only 40 yards long). Then the boys swam. Then I had to turn around and do it again. Then I swam it in a mixed relay with our age group. Robyn, Sally, and I can't recall the backstroker - Sue Tyler? For 15/16 it was Barb Hutchinson, and the Merrick sisters - Cindy and Marci.
• And years later, taking our children to the former playgrounds in McKinley Park - back when the toys weren't always so safe. The little swinging bridge. Those animals that could knock a kid clean off their feet if they happen to wander in front of one, as the other - going to town swinging on a dolphin. We always walked up to pay homage to the Civil War statue that is now featured more prominently with the sidewalk placement and flags.
• Tuesday I was back to work. I'm fortunate to work with a highly professional bunch. A few quirks but, no total disfunctions - you know what I mean. At some of my jobs, one person wouldn't talk to another or one totally didn't do their job. This group all functions as necessary. Which makes life easier for all of us.
• I took treats to work Thursday a.m. - Kringle that I purchased at Super Target - in honor of my Scandinavian roots (I have none). I had returned to Target to get myself a Wii - that I need to hook up to our TV today. Yes, I'm going to get FIT.
• By Thursday I was heading home to Crestonia. We had book club that night at A&G Bar - and my bookie friends gave me a gift certificate from Dairy Queen. What swell gals - and I didn't even read the book this month! We do miss member Thea, who is battling the evil Myeloma that is ravaging her body. She is throwing both chemo and radiation at it. Damn stuff all of it-cancer and poisonous treatment. We hope Thea joins us (or we can join her at her home) again soon.
• Book Club was over at 9ish and I hurried to McKim's house to our last pre-tailgating planning party. Sitting in the RV in McKim's driveway has become a lovely tradition this season - all of the fun (read liquor) none of the stress of real tailgating. Planning takes 15 minutes. Solving life's mysteries - a few more hours. This night we were celebrating Jeff McFee's 54th birthday. Yes he's way older than I. I had a lovely oatmeal cookie shot - green apple, caramel apple and Hot Damn. That's all though - too much to do the next day!

• A beautiful trip to Atlantic early Friday a.m. I drove through Fontanelle, a pretty little town on Highway 92, just as the sun was coming up. On the west side of town, I was surprised to see hundreds of windmills waving at me in the dawn. They had popped up since my last trip in July. I met three colleagues - Jen (my supervisor), Jeff and Becky at the Atlantic landfill for an Audit. Then we ate at the Old Hotel downtown for lunch. On the way home I drove through my fave town of Bridgewater - love seeing the Doris Department Store. So cute!
• I was home in Creston by 3ish and stopped at Fareway for my tailgating "assignment". Then worked at bit more on my laptop. I got FB bday wishes. various texts from buddies. Amy called. Jud Called.
• That evening I met up with girlfriends at The Lobby - the local watering hole. Hmmm start out early Monday a.m. with them - and now ending Friday. Sensing a theme? Nancy showed up! Hadn't seen that chick for a long time. The boys (Jeff and Paul) arrived along with Krissy and Caleb. We went to A&G for a bite before turning in. Only had a couple drinks - thank goodness my friends didn't insist on birthday shots - glad 54 is no 21! Hmmm maybe I should pretend that every night. What a great bday!
•  
• Bobbie and Jeff picked us up at 6 a.m. Chilly and windy - guess it is November. But I was definitely an RV sitter today. Gametime - bundled up and it wasn't too bad - snuggled up against each other. The Cyclones were not great - just good enough, and they won the game. That's all we can ask. After the game, we had great "saucy Southerner" sannies, Conovers stopped by. Donnie has outdone himself with his new recycling/trash system and the TV mount on the RV. RV tailgating is the best!

My 50's have been fun. As I grow older I tend to reflect more - I suppose everyone does. I'm watching the CBS morning show as I write this a.m. The topic is the recently deceased Andy Rooney (who worked and lived until age 92) - commenting that he never pretended to be something he wasn't. I try to live my life like that. Yeah, I can make nice. But I don't put up fronts - especially now, in my 50's. What you see is what you get.

There is a guest editorial in the DSM Register today by a priest who is dying from pancreatic cancer. It hit home. It seems that a lot of people I know these days are struggling with illness. As I hope and pray for them, I can't help but wonder how I might confront cancer or some other illness if I ever get that type of diagnosis.

He says, "As a priest I have observed many for whom death was an unwelcome enemy. Frequently it was because they lived only for themselves. And now they faced death by themselves, even though others were physically around them. Many others bravely faced death surrounded by the people whom they had loved and served. They had shared much in life and now they were sharing the dying experience with loved ones."

I hope I'm living my life in a way that I would be strong enough to fight the good fight against cancer/illness. But ultimately, I could be brave and surrounded like the Reverend Hemann. And I wish to serve more - though my present livestyle makes it hard to do so. And I'm being selfish right now - working hard during the week, so I play hard on weekends.

I don't want to end on a downer. We're all healthy. And yahoo - the Cyclones won. Can they sneak out 1 more win? I'm done with the six work audits I needed to complete. So work should calm down. Both kids will be home for Thanksgiving. Life is good!

Life is so good

My book homies came through again - even though I didn't get the book read. This month's selection was "Life Is So Good", recommended to me in January by my masseuse, a magician with her hands and a good book recommender! 

I didn't want to take a library book with me to Florida. (I know waa waa - play the little violin). So I just got it last Saturday - and I was already in the middle of a good book. I did take "Life" along to DSM with me this week, but only read about half.

Our book club - Book Chicks, meets once a month. Thea, mostly permanent hostess with the mostess. It was a small group last night, but even so, meetings are always a bit like therapy for my little own self! We laugh, we tell about personal experiences and talk about our hopes and fears. Stuff I don't get to do much in DSM during the week.

When Deb and I got there, we let one of Thea's trio of dogs out first thing! I couldn't remember her name to call her back to the house. (It's Mitzi but I was calling her Oreo - who has unfortunately passed on to the big doghouse in the sky). When Oreo was alive, I always called her Hydrox (they were much tastier in my view). After a bit, I tracked her down and returned her to the menagerie with her 2 doggie sissies.

In attendance were Diane, Vidette, Francie, Deb and me. I was lucky (thanks Google) to come up with a list of questions for the book. Life is about a black man who lived to be over 100, yet didn't learn to read until he was 98 or something (I didn't get to that part yet in my reading). Frankly, I was enjoying the book, but it wasn't gripping so was willing to give up on finishing - but the gang urged me to complete it. They enjoyed it.

George, the hero of the story (it's a true story) is to be much admired. I couldn't help but think about one of our club members as I read the book. Vidette is a black woman - originally from South Carolina, married to a white man who teaches at SWCC. What must it feel like to be black in Creston, Iowa? I wondered how reading about the racism and unfairness would feel to her. It wasn't as if anything in the book was "new" material, but still it had to hurt.

I told her as much. It's really the first opportunity I've ever had to discuss racism with an African American. Vidette is an interesting person - she'll um "call a spade a spade" Can I say that? haha We had a good discussion. She said she took a great deal from Life is So Good. A lesson in turning the other cheek. George was so calm. Vidette is going to try to practice this in dealing with people who don't treat her right for whatever reason. We can all use a bit of that lesson - though we also had the discussion about how as we've all aged, our "mufflers" have rusted out and we speak up more when we feel wronged.

I myself try not to be racist, but was raised in a town that was 99% white. Sometimes it takes effort not to resort to old thought habits. I wish skin color didn't even register with me. Maybe someday it won't. I wish I was less judgemental.

The questions about the book were really questions about us - like if you had a book in you, what would it be about? After we finished the questions, we laughed and talked as usual. I love those ladies!

Rascally Readin' Friends

It was home again on Thursday after work for me. I got to listen to the first of Stieg Larsson's trilogy series - "Girl the the Dragon Tattoo". I happened on number 3 book on CD about a month ago - "The Girl who Kicked the Hornet's Nest" and jumped right into the tale on accident. My goodness what a great writer - too bad the guy dropped dead after he wrote these...

It was our holiday Book Club gathering - held this year at Dyan Huffman's due to work being done on permanent hostess Thea's kitchen. I knew I wouldn't be able to cook anything flying into town at 5 PM, so I bought some crackers at the muy largo (very large) HyVee in WDM Wednesday night. I can't ever find anything at that place - finally had to break down and ask someone who saw me stumbling around where the crax were. Last time I was there I searched in vain for the liquor! Finally found that it had its own corner behind the pharmacy. Did finally score some cranberry lime Smirnoff bevvies though - none to be found in Creston.

I took the crax, olive bruschetta I'd bought at World Market and some chocolate pretzels. Plus a cranberry bevvie on ice - ooooh so nice. Dyan had her house so nicely decorated and eight ladies showed up to discuss "Flamingo Rising" a book that I didn't really get into. Nevertheless I printed discussion Questions as I always do. I had tried to read it - and somewhat sped through it.

We always have a good time a club - a group of ladies most of whom just met each other due to our mutual love of books. The discussion questions for this book were good ones - asking questions about our lives and feelings as well as the book. One was something about - do you think it's nature or nurture that makes us the way we are? Oh there was something about one of the book's characters in there but this was what we concentrated on. These kind of Qs make club more interesting for those who didn't have time to read the book or didn't like it.

We get into serious discussions too - the very first question was about losing faith. People shared stories about their experiences with organized religion etc. We talked about this emotional series in the DMR this week - about a woman I work with. More about that later. I love these ladies!

Still Leslie

Book club the other night was a small group - only six of us. It was a mish-match of women of all ages and interests. Our love of books has brought us together! A couple recently out of college gals, one chiropractor, a newly retired chick and two old (longtime) friends.

We read a book on early onset Alzheimer's called "Still Alice", written from the viewpoint of Alice - so the quality of the writing understandably went downhill through the book. I wondered if the younger women would enjoy the book as Deb (my bestest bud) and I did, since they're not close to 50 yet, the age when this dreaded illness overtook Alice, a Harvard Professor.

They liked it! We all agreed, writing the book from Alice's perspective was the key to making this book a winner. It scared the hell out of us! Alice had a series of questions in her Blackberry and told herself if she couldn't answer the Qs to go to a file on her computer. We find out later for suicide information. The book was terrifying - to see what Alice went through. Losing her mind slowly and knowing it.

Of course by that time she's too far gone to understand. Sad. We had some good conversations about "what would we do?" It's easy for me to think I'd like to "end it" when I got to the point that I was going to just be a burden. But when one got to that point, you wouldn't be able to do it yourself!

Our brother-in-law Irvin "Hap" Meyer died from this disease when he was only in his mid 50's. He was Paul's sister Carol's husband. I remember when the illness began - at least was recognized. Hap would obsess about a low tire over and over. Eventually he was in a nursing home and then a secure facility - the progression took only 5 years or so, though I'm sure it had been going on before we even knew.
Hap died sadly and badly in a nursing home too young.

While reading this book, I drove to Wal Mart in Creston and realized I'd forgotten my purse at home. Great...the disease is starting! Plus I've got all those names swimming around in my head but can I come up with the ones I want - sometimes no. It's maddening!

For now I'm putting it off to hormones and normal aging and stress. I'm not ready to get the suicide kit ready. But my sis Cindo and I have joked about slipping something into each other's sorbet when the time is right, so we can slip gently into oblivion. She says her son Colby won't go to prison for her. But hell...I'll be a little old lady myself - who would suspect me? For now I'm still alive and kicking and I'm going to have some fun!

Between

my naps yesterday and being bloated with air and gas, I didn't sleep a wink. So I worked at home today instead of commuting to DSM. I wasn't sure I could stay awake for the drive - either way. Plus I was still absolutely miserable - looking about 3 months pregnant with gas.

I'm not a person that goes around "tooting" in front of others. So it's best I've been home alone today. The body can make some unusual noises. It's best I wasn't in my cubicle. For everyone. Here's hoping it's all cleared out today.

Book Club tonight at Thea's - looks like a swimming night. We read "Mudbound" a book that was somewhat depressing - post WWII story about the south. It was kinda good though. I always enjoy book club. Let's hope my little, uh, problem has resolved itself.

Book Club

Ah Thea - it's just not the same without ya. Thea broke her elbow at work last week - surgery and the whole bit. Way worse than my broken foot. What is it with book club chicks anyway - are we just clumsy?

So Book Club - which is usually at Thea's, was at my place. It's just not the same. For one thing I missed Thea's girls - Peachy, Lucy and Hydrox. The last dog's name really isn't Hydrox- but Thea's old dog's name was Oreo (she, umm passed away) and T got a pound dog but I can't ever remember her real name - it might be Mimi. Or something.

And Thea is one of the original Book Club chicks. Club just isn't the same without her smiling face and her great laugh! I missed her. Vidette, Francie, Dianne, Angie and Deb made it and we had good discussion about the book. Odie loved having all those women here and got out nearly every one of her toys, and enjoyed trying to french kiss each of the girls.

I hope Thea has recovered enough next month - and is used to "winging it" with one arm for club next time. Heal fast Thea!

Yukking it up

I had kind of a rough day yesterday. I had to speak at a work meeting of 100 people, including my peers, co-workers and stakeholders from across the state. I was nervous! and didn't sleep all that well the night before. Though I must say I was lookin' mighty springy in my $19 new white pants and lime green, royal blue gauzy blouse over a tee. I didn't even get barbeque on it!

A co-worker, Shelly and I were talking about an application for a new Environmental Management System pilot program we're rolling out as part of our work with a Council of solid waste professionals around the state. Since Shelly works out of her home and travels a large area of the state - up the I-35 corridor Des Moines to Mason City, we didn't get a chance to run through out part together.

I practiced what I thought my part would be several times. I visualized how it was going to go. Of course reality got in the way! Things didn't flow as I expected and that got me flustered and off my game. So I thought I sucked. I stressed about it all the way home to Creston after the meeting. I tell myself the attendees probably didn't think twice about it. But still the mental Mohammed Ali (beat myself up) the whole way home. Geez.

So I was glad to attend book club with my homegirls last evening. Best bud Deb picked Odie and me up at 7. The usual culprits - Dianne, Francie, Angie, Deb and I were there at host Thea's. Plus there was a new person who saw my poster at the library and decided to give it a try. Her name is Ramona.

This month we read "An Ocean in Iowa". It was written by an author who grew up in Des Moines in my era. So I could relate to much of the descriptive stuff in the book - elementary school classrooms, games, television. The book took me on a nostalgic stroll down memory lane.

The plot was pretty sad. The kid - whose last name was Ocean, was a screwed up kid. His Mom - an frustrated artist who lived in an era where women were supposed to be happy housewives - did not have healthy relationships. She drank and eventually bailed on the family.

I took discussion questions along to the meeting, and for the first time on a couple months we actually discussed the book for quite some time. But if you know our group - we tend to veer off into other topics easily. Book discussion ADD I guess.

But oh how we laugh! I took Odie the wonder wienie dog along. She gave everyone Odie lovin' - a wondrous thing if you don't mind puppy slurps on your face. And Thea - what a story-teller. I laugh out loud (LOL - we discussed this last night, what that stands for) thinking about her stories - usually making gentle fun of herself. And all the members are great at relating stories that often pertain to the book of the month.

Ramona - the new kid - seemed to enjoy herself! She brought along a delightful bottle of wine for the hostess. Angie brought some cheap wine that also went over quite well. Oh how I enjoy this group of women - many of whom I would never have met without the mutual love of books. We sure yuk it up!

I'm missing book club

I missed book club tonight. Argh. Sometimes I wonder if it's all worth it to work up here. Each day seems okay. But I'm stuck in two worlds. I like both of them, but am not fully invested in either. Sucks sometimes.

I didn't read the book anyway. I'm like that. I don't read books that I have to make myself read. This one "The Promise" by Chaim Potok had potential, but by the time I started to read it, it was too late. At least that's what I told myself.

I'm reading a book at work that I'm not wild about too. I may have to bail on that one too. The book I'm reading at Joan's (my Waukee home) is kinda hot, and/or I'm lonely for Pablo the Pool boy.