Shopping for Postpartum Items

Shopping for Post Partum Items

My lovely, charming daughter will be giving birth to my 1st Grandchild within the next 5 weeks. After yesterday's trip to the Baby Store, I have figured out there are several things that she will need postpartum, that are not in her daily wardrobe.

The list is as follows:
1. underwear that function as "underwear"
2. Pajamas that are functional, not "Victoria's Secret"
3. Slippers that are "non skid"
4. A bathrobe that is comfy, and covers most...

I hit the outlets today with a patient friend. I must admit I took great pleasure in purchasing "Granny panties" that will accommodate postpartum requirements...and was lucky enough to find the perfect fluffy robe, and a pair of polka dot pajamas...complete with the whole button up the front thing that will be necessary for those late night, early morning breast feedings.

This is a picture of Gio's Dad's hands over Laur's pregnant tummy. I took this when she was about 6 months...a note to self that I need to take another...

As each day marches by, it is evident that Gio is coming...and today we became a step closer to being ready...

Full Circle

Full Circle

I have come to learn that some of the best gifts come when you are not expecting them. My morning was like that...and now several hours later my lovely, perfect Son emails me this picture of my Father, and himself.

My Father is in Philly this week for a meeting. He called me while I was enjoying Atlanta, as did my Son. I had wished that they would catch up...though was not too hopeful given both of their busy schedules...and then this arrives...how fantastically special...and to add frosting to this cake...my Son is WEARING the scarf I bought for him last year in New York...truly a red letter moment!

Pug O Ween...and so the Psychic says...

Pug O Ween...and so the Psychic says...

For several years now I have worked as a Volunteer for our annual PugSaver's fundraiser. Each year becomes more fun, and I have made some very special friends. Today was our 2009 Event...in Lodi, in a beautiful outdoor Facility...what a great day.

The highlight of the Event is my reading by the Psychic. The first year I participated, I lost some of my "doubting Thomas" attitude when she was spot on several things that she could not have known about my life. Last year's reading is still waiting to bear fruit in some ways...and this year's was the best ever, amongst several other predictions she relayed an overall forecast of my returning next year and telling her that I had won the "lottery" of life...a true richness of happiness...obviously I am thrilled...how nice would that be!

This is another picture from China, taken on the street by the Silk Market...a very interesting place. The red and pink remind me of happiness...and I look forward to my "lottery"...

Today is the First Day of the Rest of My Life

Today is the First Day of the Rest of My Life

I have spent the week reviewing my philosophical views of life, trying to develop a "go forward" strategy...without complete success. Somewhere in the past two years I have achieved patience...and have lost the "need to know now"...I realized this week that I may be a little to far out on that limb...and "undecided" is a completely comfortable place.

This is a picture of the door of the Yuenfen Gallery in Beijing...I love the half full circle...it understands me...

The Frustrations of Technology

The Frustrations of Technology

Luckily I am still vibrantly aware of the feeling of being in China. I spent the majority of the day recalling my journey as I dealt with my technological world that is now spiraling out of control. My loaner computer arrived today...bless the soul who found and shipped it. Initially the on and off button only functioned in the off position, I was locked out because I did not know the correct user code, I cannot load my phone card or printer as there is no CD/DVD drive...only a disk drive and it is slow as molasses in January...

Attempting to file my expense report, a usual 1.5 hour process took just over 3 hours today as the system had been revised and improved...just how I am not sure...and finally...I cannot get into my Outlook calendar as I am not "authorized". So for now I am taking the rest of the night off...and will begin battle again with the Beast when I can emotionally deal with it.

This is a picture I took in the 798 Art Complex in Beijing...and example of the interesting graffiti that graced the sides of some of the buildings. I love the colors and the expression...and the memory of a fabulous time...

Back to Reality, Where I Will Be Living for Awhile...

Back to Reality, Where I Will Be Living for Awhile...

I have had a perfect 2 weeks of fantasy...in China, where truly I did leave most of my every day World behind...with the exception of my lovely, charming, pregnant daughter...

The colors, textures, history, bustle and people of China are amazing...there is not enough space or time today to diagram all that I saw, felt, and experienced...a representation can be seen via my photo website...www.photothree65.com

One of the many highlights of China is the whole "non-toilet" system...otherwise known as a porcelain hole is the ground that one must "squat" over...not for the faint of heart or faint of knees...and by the way, byotp (bring your own toilet paper!)

This picture perfectly documents my return to work today...which went well until I fired up my computer only to be told that it contained "no bootable devices", in other words...the hard drive had crashed. This statement was only outdone by my Company "Helpdesk"...who asked if I wanted them to "try" to retrieve my data, and when my last "backup" was...(are you kidding me?) So here I sit, waiting for the arrival of my "loaner" computer, wondering if this is a sign similar to when my office burned to the ground taking 15 years of documents with it...is it time to take a different course...

I give the Universe a round of applause...this certainly was a spot on welcome back...

Two Days...and a trip to China

Two Days...and a trip to China

I am leaving for China on Thursday morning...and wondering how this was arranged. The dynamic of my life has changed exponentially...and I am wondering how this previous commitment fits to my current point of view...I guess I will figure it out.

This is a picture of a horse head and horse butt that I was lucky enough to catch over Labor Day...I love the black and fawness of the picture...it reminds me of Jack and Hannah...

I Need to Get Back to Business...

Getting Back to Business

Hello World, I am back. I cannot promise daily logins, though I will promise to do better than the last months. Thank you to the two "friends" who asked about my status, and encouraged me to return...you are both priceless...

You would think by now that I would be more together. Sad to say this is not so...my heart and soul now know in now in advance, though my head is late to catch up with messages from those around me. The past couple of years have resulted in my becoming open and adopting a better view...and the dynamic is shifting...again to the better...though more energy is going out than I believe is coming...

This is a picture of a Church, near a Medical Center in Philly, taken 2 weeks ago. I was lucky enough to work in Philly and have dinner with my son 2 weeks in a row...it was wonderful!