I'm (Almost) Famous

Published in the St. Paul Pioneer Press today:

"I was forced to join Facebook yesterday. My daughter Emily left for Mexico on a Fulbright Scholarship and I want to keep in touch. And quite frankly, I was sick of the nagging to join from everyone else. I asked my 3 youngest kids to Friend Me. Emily wrote back "I will kill you if you stalk me or flood my wall. um, and welcome . I guess." Hannah wrote, "OH GOSH, WHY?" And Zach refused my request! Somehow, I have the feeling it's not going to be the cozy, family bonding that I envisioned."

No Rest For the Wicked

It was a seriously busy week. First Emily flew home from Alaska and graced our presence for a whole 3 days between adventures. I was up the whole night before worried because her stand-by red eye flight was full and I didn't know if she'd make it home on the morning flight. She got the last seat! We had a combination adios party for her and a birthday party for Hannah on Monday night. Emily left bright and early on Tuesday morning.
On Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, I had Dr. Appts, and on Wed Bob had one. Bob had to come with me for my Tuesday MRI, and I had to go to his consult on Thurs. Everything is fine. enough said.
Both Wednesday and today I spent with my sibs going through my mom's estate. In 90 degree heat. We kept some, gave some away and marked other things for a sale. Tons, and I mean that literally, more to sort through before the house is empty.
On Friday, Sophie and Luke came for the day, and at night we went to Caitlin's birthday party with the family. Happy 18th Birthday Caitlin. And Saturday morning we went to Nate's football game. In the 90 degree heat. He played his heart out. His coach took him aside and said "Usually the quarterback gets the girls, but in your case I think it'll be the linebacker." Says Nate, "Sweet!"
Hannah moved back in today. Her room mate Allison is staying for a few days too. Zach doesn't move out until early next week. It's a bit of a free-for-all right now. I'm going to bed early so I have a place to sleep.

Good News, Bad News, Times Three

I have good news and bad news.
#1 BAD NEWS: Emily left on Tuesday morning for a year in Guanajuanto, Mexico. She took my one-day old 50 mm. portrait lens with her. GOOD NEWS: I will be visiting Emily in Guanajuanto, Mexico.
#2 GOOD NEWS: Hannah is moving back home. BAD NEWS: She is not happy about it.
#3 BAD NEWS: Zach is moving out to a rental near campus after being home all summer with my food, my money and my car. GOOD NEWS: Zach is moving out to a rental near campus after being home all summer with my food, my money and my car!!