Thursday, October 30, 2008

Halloween at DCAD

How fun. Carved pumpkins, a graphic design poster contest, Costume parade and the staff is whacked on out candy--- best holiday ever!

I only had the nerve to be dressed ugly in 9th grade (?) for Alison MacLeod's halloween party. I went as the bride of Frankenstein. Today I went all out. Some people didn't recognize me, which is fun if you're hideous! As soon as I put the cigarette in my hand, my alter ego appears. Plus I have a wicked headache which makes me cranky. I spent way too much, but the costume is a keeper.

Naturally I am supposed to be writing a beautiful heart-felt letter for the Annual Appeal. My fingernails have paint under them and each time I answer the phone I get makeyup all over the receiver.

Krista is Lydia and Torey is a gorgeous Delia. The hallway is black and white striped and checked and webbed. I wish I felt better so I could really enjoy this. And tonight is the staff get-together at Ameritage. In costume. People will never look at me the same again:)

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Grace is a cantor

Today we heard Grace cantor for the first time. She has such a strong voice. People came up to her after mass and thanked her. Nice. Of course she ended the mass with "Have a great Sunday, guys!" That, apparently, was for us. Two weeks ago she got her permit and ran to the desk of the DMV announcing, "I'm here to get my permit." This DMV holds about 500 people and with Matthew slinking down in his seat and covering his face, she comes running out yelling, "I did it, guys! I got my permit." So much more relaxed and confident than I was at 16, heck at 43! 
She's our baby. When asked why there was a gap between her birthday and Rosie's (4 years) she announced to the world it was because of the dead baby. That's right. I had miscarried and she told people that there was a dead baby. It was Emily who told me I was pregnant with Grace before I knew I was pregnant. She was about 5 and hugged me, her face pressed against my stomach and said, "There's a baby in your tummy." And she was right. 

I love things like that. Things that are uncomfortable or freaky or intuitive. My girls (you'll meet them all) are beautiful and awkward and confident and talented. They embarrass us and we embarrass them. We are a tight family. Some of the girls are closer than others, but in time, they will be super close the way I finally am with my sister. It took us a long time, but we are such good friends now...and she is my hero. That is also another story. 

So, I am caught up with today's homework, and am heading into the garage and attic and basement to treasure hunt. We are decorating the offices tomorrow and decided that our hallway will be Beetlejuicish. Krista Rothwell started working with us a few months ago and she is too much fun! So talented and funny and a huge New Kids Geek! I've never met one. But I did buy tickets for the girls to go see The Spice Girls and they screamed and danced like 10 year olds. I have a feeling Krista will be like that at the concert she's going to...with VIP Passes. Her husband would be wise to pack oxygen.

Saturday, October 25, 2008

Once upon a time...

No, that will come later. Today I am smelling the brownies that are cooling on the counter. I know there is fake whipped cream in the fridge, and soon I will indulge. I have a paper to write for my Global Business class and hopefully my teammates will forward the report information to me so that I can turn it into a cohesive final project for all of us. 
I had a nightmare that one of my board members wanted to renew his vows with his lovely wife, and my home was chosen to host this affair. In the dream (nightmare) my house was bigger, and so messy. I am on my knees picking up trash and hiding the trash and the clothes under the bed and in bags. I want people to walk through the house to the party rooms, and not see any trash, but every time I turn around, there is more. And the kids are just looking at me and not helping. I'm crying and looking at the clock and crying some more!
When I woke up, I looked around and was surrounded by the mess that is always there. I couldn't stand it! So after I completed my mid-term, I tackled the living room.  Our bathroom is next. Matthew did such a beautiful job building it, that it's a shame it's always a mess. And it's my stuff. I admit it. My office at work is small but cute and decorated like a magazine. Everyone else is JEALOUS, but they could decorate theirs (is 'theirs' a word?). I couldn't paint, so I put fabric on the wall, and my ultra talented friend Roberta made me three art pieces that everyone loves. Why must offices look like offices? Someday I will take over the world and change that!
Tomorrow I must scout for Halloween stuff to decorate the office doors. It was my bright idea to have SPIRIT Week at our school (no sports teams, just lots of Goth kids) and we will be having Voo Doo You Love? on Tuesday. I saw voo doo dolls as a make and take and Jane came up with the name. She's so clever! But there's work to be done.
So here is my complaint file: Major project report for Global, plus two more papers, design training program for final project for Training and Development class, log 120 hours working on Master's project which is a business plan for a graphic design studio (but can't cross over into work day, so I have to go in early and stay late to get it done), finish thesis about people not moving into Wilmington- but can't extract data from city officials or developers, which is frustrating. Clean the house for veggie/not veggie Thanksgiving (I am not going anywhere) and pray we have some money for Christmas (but can we do the party this year?). We never miss a year. Is it time to let other people bring the food? Hmmm. Can I let go of my inner Martha?