Goodbye Summer

Labor Day Weekend is almost over....and what a productive one it has been!  My day started much earlier than I anticipated when my niece and two older nephews came barging into the guest room to let me know they were playing "spy".  Even though it had been just a few hours from when I had called it a night 7am was here whether or not I liked it.  So much for a "day off" and sleeping in huh!

A few hours later into the day, I had narrated six Powerpoints and spent time working on a History Project.  It is now 3:45pm and I'm tired of laboring on Labor Day.  I would much rather be outside or attending an end of summer BBQ or kayaking.  Alas, the schoolwork and writing beckon.  I remember feeling this way last year as I worked to get my portfolio reflections ready for my upcoming portfolio review.  However, I'm a lot closer to reaching my goals (and graduation) this time around, which is so exciting!!

So, I'm taking a break from the dissertation writing and History Project outlining to share with you my May Photo a Day Challenge!  I had been meaning to do this all summer but time escaped me.  What better way to bid adieu to summer than to take a pictorial stroll down Memory's May Lane? I started out in sequential order but then formatting issues caused these to get mixed up...oh well, enjoy regardless!  What a terrific (and productive) summer this was!  Here's to hoping the Fall is equally as fruitful!

 

1.) I bought this! --> Gold Rush sundae from Ghirardelli Square last night....hot fudge, peanut butter, vanilla ice cream, Ghirardelli chocolate squares.....YUM! — at Ghirardelli Square.

2.) Morning ritual: For nearly a week, this was our view each morning as we ventured out into the beautiful city of San Francisco! — at Powell And Hyde Street Cable Car.

3.) This is really good! ---> The almond cookies and the fortune cookies from Chinatown in San Francisco we picked up yesterday are delicious!! — at Golden Gate Fortune Cookies.

4.) In my cup: Delicious white wine from the fundraiser poker party at my brother's house tonight! — in Dover, DE.

5.) Broken: This is my former roommate's old cow cup. Poor thing is broken. It was fun drinking out of this cup b/c the cow would surprise you as you drank the liquid. I remember surprising my then 2 year old niece with it when my family came to the house to visit for my twin's and my 29th birthday a few years ago.  ;)

6.) Paper: This was the sign hanging up above my head on the wall as I sat in an office this evening. Across from me was a similar poster titled, "Grow", with the following quote from Ronald Reagan: "There is no such thing as limits to growth, because there are no limits to the human capacity for intelligence, imagination, and wonder". I sure hope to inspire and tap into my future students' imaginations and to continue to grow not only as a researcher, professor, but also as a person as my mentors have demonstrated to me. - at York College of Pennsylvania.

7.) Something that starts with F: Fun friend gift!

8.) Shape: I may not be "shaped" like Marilyn Monroe or in a beautiful red dress but it was fun striking a pose regardless. — at Wax Museum at Fisherman's Wharf.

9.) A snack: Trying something different this afternoon. After making a caramel vanilla cream coffee with a splash of Coldstone sweet cream, I decided to throw in my last Ghirardelli caramel square. It promptly sank to the bottom of the mug so I wonder if I will begin to taste chocolate caramel goodness soon? For someone who isn't a fan of caramel, this snack sure has a lot of it!

13.) Sunrise/Sunset: This was a beautiful sunrise last July during the 1st Annual Women's Retreat Weekend. Can't wait for the 2nd Annual Women's Retreat Weekend! at Kill Devil Hills, NC

14.) Need: Dusty Shamrock has a need or a tendency to squeeze himself into the smallest of spaces, such as between friends when watching DWTS or hopping up onto someone's lap before they've even sat down...such a cuddlebug! But the truth is I need that snuggly little pup just as much. Dusty also needs a haircut...! — in West York, PA.

15.) 7 o'clock: We had dinner out on the deck at 7pm tonight but just before that, we surprised Mom with belated Mother's Day flower cupcakes. She loved them! — in Frackville, PA.

16.) Mailbox: My NC family just walked in the door with children, luggage, questions of, "Where is Grandma?", "Where are the cars?", "What happened to the monkey that was there last time?", and.....28 days of my mail that I had missed since leaving NC. 

17.) Season: Mason Noelle was so excited about the beautiful spring flowers at Grandma and Grandpa's house that she called me out to look at them. I was excited that our outfits matched the pink & purple flowers.  ;)

18.) Want: I'm sure this won't come as a surprise to anyone who knows me, especially in light of my current state of life. I hope to graduate on May 9, 2014 and to get one of the hardest and biggest "things" I've ever wanted...& didn't think I would work on until MUCH later in life but life works out in pretty mysterious ways sometimes....my current want = a doctorate!

19.) My Favorite View: Today's favorite view comes to you courtesy of the graduation this morning where Aunt Maureen became Dr./Sr. Aunt Maureen! She's the shortest one in this photo as this was taken as the procession made their way to the stage (in the chilly rain). Some day I hope I will be making my way in processions as one of these colorfully clothed professors as I carry out my duties as a college faculty member! Side note: The gentleman giving the peace sign is a reporter/editor for the New York Times, who also received an honorary doctorate degree today! — at Fairfield University.

20.) Light: My hair has been many shades of brown/red over the years thanks to highlights, experimenting with colors, and the sun. However, looking at this home video of 2 of my brothers and me as kids, when visiting my parents last week, reminded me of how light my hair originally was in the early 80s. Somehow, I don't think I could pull off being a blonde, or a super short bob like this one, these days.

21.) I care about this...sweet little boy who has captured my heart and I am so glad I was able to squeeze in two quick visits with him (and my parents). Spending time with him in Harrisburg made the 1.5 hour stuck in traffic one-way commute last time so worth it. Fortunately, today I made it up there within 30 minutes. Love this little man!

22.) Change: This gazebo wasn't the one I had in mind (I had been thinking it was the one on the Susquehanna River when I suggested it) for lunch today. However, it was in such a lovely park, the weather was gorgeous, and Lisa, little Liam, and I had such a wonderful time that I didn't mind the change at all!! — in Columbia, PA.

23.) PJs: When I saw this picture opportunity of my sweet nephew and niece sleeping at my parents' house last week, I couldn't resist. Love how Braden fell asleep holding Daddy's hand. Having also been up since 4am today, I'm wishing I could throw my PJs back on and get some more shuteye. (yawn!)

24.) Go: I'm so glad that I'm still in York so that I can go to the Origami Owl Jewelry party tonight!! If you're interested, let me know or just check out the consultant's website here: awww.WendiReid.OrigamiOwl.com .

25.) Us: So thrilled to see my twin, sister-in-law, and sweet nephew for a minute tonight! Here is a picture of some of us during our impromptu gathering! — in Harrisburg, PA.

26.) Favorite thing to do on Sunday: When I lived in my apartment in York, I used to enjoy sitting out on a blanket with my pup behind my apartment building that faced a farm with a beautiful pond, on Sunday afternoons. Many Sunday picnics took place at Lake Redman one spring and summer back in 2007. When living in Harrisburg, I enjoyed walking the trail at Wildwood or along Front Street. Here is a view of the beautiful river from yesterday's fun at Artsfest in Harrisburg. — at Susquehanna River.

27.) Can't live without....acceptance/love. When I saw what today's photo challenge was, I was puzzled as to what I should post. There are so many things we need to survive day by day...food, shelter, water, belief in a higher power, friendships, a job, and I could go on and on...but what it all boils down to is we need the love & support of others to help us during our bad days, to encourage us when we're doubtful, to believe in us and help lift us up when we have trouble standing. Yesterday's trip back to NC was bittersweet as there is so much that needs to be done this summer/fall and it definitely helped knowing my parents were here waiting for me (with a homecooked meal and all!). It's always so hard pointing my car southward each time I leave home. Coming upon an accident just as I crossed the VA border helped me to put my worries/fears about what's to come into perspective (blog posting to follow) and seeing this message scrawled on the driveway from my Mom last night was reassuring. Yep, I can't live without the love/acceptance of my parents who have been there through it all, even when I wasn't deserving..much like the Prodigal Son and our God and His unending love for us all...sometimes in spite of ourselves!

28.) What I'm doing now...: This was 2 days in the making but what I'm doing at this very moment is reviewing my tentative dissertation study timeline for the next 4 months that will hopefully keep me on track as I move ahead into Ch. IV of the dissertation. Seeing all this on paper makes me realize just how little time remains to get it all done while teaching, working on other projects, looking for a job, etc. if I'm going to meet my goal of graduating on May 9th...eek!!

29.) Kiss: I was going to post a super cute picture of baby Nicholas getting a kiss from one of his big brothers or sister but after seeing what was written on his shirt, decided he needed a smooch from one of his awesome aunts instead.

30.) Tool: These here were the "tools" I used for dissertatin' today, while at the office. From my highlighter tabs (courtesy of Alisha), to the keychain medal from Austin, TX (remember that awesome store Tammy?), to the sweet picture of Dusty Shamrock (thanks Monika!!), to the never ending to-do lists, to the love and support of my Mama (and Dad of course), to the refreshing RAVENS water bottle (kudos to Ashley) I was ready to tackle my tasks for today and then some! As that comedian dude would say....git 'er done! 

31.) Four things: Four of us checked out a super cute boutique before heading to Holy Hour and drinks at a super cool patio bar. Fun times!



11.) Smile: Having had the opportunity to attend another awesome YA Retreat at Malvern puts a smile on my face. This is only about 1/4 of the total number of retreatants...amazing! — at Mckenzie Brew House.

 

10.) Star: The contents of this star match up with my highest scoring charism on this weekend's retreat...sahweet!

   
 

12.) Mother: This was taken the weekend after Clark was born and we met him for the first time. What great memories I have of our monthly car rides down to NC with my parents. My how time flies! Thanks for being such an awesome grandmother and mother to us all Mom!