Weepy, Bachelors Degree

OMG - I've been on the verge of tears several times this weekend. A big one - Jud's graduation from ISU. What the hell is wrong with me?!? I'm not one of those moms who cried when their kids went off to kindergarten - quite the opposite. I rejoiced! And I allowed myself a little sentimentality when Amy and Jud went to college, but it passed quickly.

At Christmas, I got choked up when it was time to say goodbye to Amy. She laughed because she thought I was kidding. I could have blubbered yesterday when Jud called as we drove Amy to her friend Rochelle's. I had written him a letter that I inserted into his graduation card - advising him to read it when he was alone. Yes, I'm a teary-eyed old woman.

When Jud called he said he'd had a chance to read the letter I wrote and he really appreciated it. I could hear the emotion in his voice. And this is Jud. I melted - and get tears in my eyes thinking about it now. So I said something like, "I meant every word of it." Of course my voice was all quavery. Paul and Amy glanced at me nervously like I was going to blubber - I forced myself to pull it together. There was time later for sobbing about my baby boy!

What did the letter say? Hmmm personal - but it was a bit of how proud I am of him. He hasn't had it easy - and some of it was his own doing. But as I've said in other blogs, he was a tantrum throwing child who got easier as he got older. College has been fab for him. So it will be hard to leave. And I couldn't help but throw in some work advice, as I'm a font of knowledge there.

Graduation went swell - long of course, because all those other people think their kids are as important as mine! Amy's longtime friend Aleah received her Masters Degree. Jud's girlfriend Kara, and buddy Noelle (in her Cy the Mascot feet) got diplomas on this day. Paul's sis Jean and hubby Dave were there along with Amy of course.

Afterwards was a madhouse at Hilton Coliseum, so my ideal photos (I pictured in my mind) didn't take place. Then it was on to meet Kara's fam at her apartment for a celebratory meal. The Whiteds are nice folks - easy to talk to. After the events of the day, exhaustion set in - we hit the Gateway.

A bit 'o shopping at the mall with Amy then onto to a fam lunch at Hickory Park, before helping Jud load stuff up in vehicles. We ended our fam time with a sweaty family hug! Then it was time to drop Amy off in Ankeny at Rachelle and Jenna's - her ISU roomies. They're taking her back to the train tonight. I didn't need to get weepy when I said goodbye to her in Ankeny - we get to see her again soon when we head to Denver for Memorial Day.

Jud is stopping in Creston today on his way to help Kara move to Kansas City for her new job. I'm sure we won't discuss the letter. We wouldn't want a chance to get emotional face-to-face...

She's here!

The Amtrak ride went well!

Lotsa topics

The trees in our yard burst into bloom during the week. They greeted me in a cheery way despite the bit 'o rain and wind I had to drive through on the way home.

Amy should be on her way on the train! I checked Amtrak - it's supposed to be on time. I will keep watch throughout th evening. After Amy's Turkey trip, I'm sure this method of travel will not seem bad to her.

I piled the fruit on this week in my yummy breakfasts in cubicle-land. Unfortunately, several other people have caught on to my early-to-work idea. A group near me in the Contaminated Sites section gathers and chatters about all sorts of topics. Loudly. Interupting my morning meditation and breakfast routine. I've had to break out the iPod! And now between walking and listening to tunes at work, I need some new music on my iPod.

Big weekend coming up!

If only action inside were this flowery!

My fave photo of us -  from last summer - Krissy's wedding

Jud is graduating from ISU! Amy is riding Amtrak home to Creston for the big event. Hope it's on time. We are meeting Jud's girlfriend Kara's family at the big event, and Paul's sis Jean and husband Dave are supposed to be in attendance as well. Yikes - big weekend all around!

I'm pretty excited, but am having mixed feelings about my baby boy graduating from college. Dang! It just doesn't seem right to be past this era of our lives. On the other hand...to have two gainfully employed children sounds, well, fabulous! I may just shed a tear, and then have a nice cocktail to celebrate.

Other stuff
I walked down to Jimmy Johns yesterday and couldn't help myself - had to snap a photo of the pretty tulips near the State Capitol. Today roomie Joan met me for lunch after mammogram (she's off this week) at the Continental. It was lovely sitting in that old building with the jazz music playing. I had a nice blackened chicken breast sannie. It was tough to get back to work. But I did...

Tonight I kicked ass as I did 3 miles at a 4 mph pace in the wind. My best work out so far this year. It felt quite good, actually! Now it's time to hit the hay. Busy next few days to rest up for! I'm loving thinking of being with my children for Mother's Day weekend! I heart them!

My new pottery

Isn't it handsome? I like the color scheme I picked out - thanks to help from Cindo and Bets! Remember - if YOU, the reader are interested in any Longaberger products, remember I am now an LL (Longaberger Lady) and can fix you right up. I may need some help from my sis to get the order in. I also need to get her input on how to do orders where the profit goes to charity.

Little stuff

Dr. Don McKim, with Saturday night's bride, Susan

Amy started her new job today - can't wait to hear how it went! New jobs are always stressful. You can't ever let your guard down, so by the end of the day, you're exhausted!

I remember my very first job - as the office manager at Gamble Robinson in Sioux Falls, SD. I sat, perched on the edge of my chair while Karen, a stern taskmaster, taught me my duties. I took copious notes so I would remember what to do the next day - how to open and sort the mail, how to pay the bills etc. But there are so many "but ifs", that I couldn't possibly record them all. Plus I had to learn everyones' names and the towns and customers etc. It was overwhelming.

I was ripped from the womb of my wonderful college friends - all safe, warm and inviting. There each night to hear how my day went. Back then it was expensive to talk long distance, so phone calls were a luxury! Paul and I were dating, but spoke on the phone only one a week or so. My college roomies had their own new lives to deal with, and parents in those days were never real attentive to us kids - it wasn't expected. I was on my own. No wonder I got up at 1 in the morning and took a shower - thinking it was time to go to work! But I got through it, and was soon thriving at the job and had won over the hearts of all the staff in the joint. I'm sure Amy will too.

Another funny Amy story. We chose to raise our children in a small town - and because of that they have learned a way of life that is unlike life in the big city. Amy has gone to the same eye doc all of her life - our good friend Dr. Donnie McKim. Until last week, when she attended a Denver eye doctor. She needs new glasses, so she innocently asked if she could take home a few pairs of frames to try on at home and think about - cuz that's what she used to do in Creston...where everyone knows her family.

Uh nope. Evidently Denver eye docs don't do that. Reality check in the big city. I bet you can't pick out running shoes and tell them to charge that your father will come in and pay for them later either Amy...

But you're taking Amtrak home on Friday, so maybe you get a little shopping in on Friday honey! Plus we can hit the Elms Club for lunch. Ah...small towns are good for some things!

Just like the book title

in my last blog  - life IS so good! At least last night it was, as a bunch of us celebrated at the marriage of our friend Susan to Brian Weinheim, a cute fella she has been engaged to for a year. One of the reasons this wedding was so very fun was that it wasn't just about the Yute (you had to see the movie My Cousin Vinnie to understand that that means youth) or young uns. It about Susan - and her homies - us!

The wedding was earlier in the afternoon, attended by family - including Susan's two beautiful daughters Lindsay and Lauren from her first marriage, whom I've known all their lives. Pat and Steve Moeller were bestest man and lady.

The wedding and reception were, appropriately, at Crestmoor Golf Club. Golf is how the two love birds met. Around 150 people attended the reception, but again - mostly family and close friends. Our group was made up of our workout group - I am a no longer a worker outer, but make the Monday a.m. breakfasts. I'm glad the girls include me in those every other week gatherings - they're often the highlight of my week! I don't have anything as warm and friendly as that in DSM that's for sure.

Susan looked gorgeous in her gown and Pat was fab too. Brian is a handsome guy and everyone looked joyful - as they should on such an occasion. And the gals were ready to rock. I was hesitant to rush through my first drink to eat, but smarter heads prevailed. I had a nice sannie with some beans and yummie cake (white). Then, back to my vodka tonic in preparation for our "Addicted to Love" routine. Must have lubrication.

I did get to loosen up with some all chick dances to none-other than "Love Shack" and I couldn't let Deb dance alone to the Johnny Cash number. So I was ready to go when called downstairs with my sunglasses and blowup guitar to prepare for our gig. I hope somebody got some good pics. Susan was having a good time! Then the DJ called for the Cir quettes (not sure of spelling) it's from circuit training.

The music started and I was in the back, rocking my red blowup guitar to beat the band. Literally! Good thing Pablo tied that fishing string (not wire) on it. The other gals had shown up early to circuit training to practice their moves and of course I was in DSM. So I just kept rocking that guitar as they went through the gyrations. It was a hoot - at least from the performers side. Watchers may have gotten a bit bored...but who cares!?! Girls just want to have fun!

Paul and I danced a bit, but mostly I girl danced - so glad we gals don't need guys to dance anymore. All too soon, it was 11:30 and I turned into a pumpkin again. But we took lots of photos. And Susan and Brian looked like they were having a great time! I'm so happy for them, and wish them many years of a wonderful marriage.

And I'm wondering when next we chicks can dance again?? Or maybe I can get married again...but with the same groom. That was some fun.