Connections- ah-has- sharing the happiness....

https://news.denison.edu/2015/08/and-so-it-begins/

These photos tell the story and I was lucky enough to witness first hand on Thursday. I think it was Thursday. It has been a full amazing week, couple of weeks actually.  I blogged about the Week of Welcome- WOW earlier and this is a follow-up.  I was so pleased a Denison parent I met last year when she delivered her daughter from California was able to connect with me. It took me out of the office and downtown with a fun little post.

Note- I met kim because my classmate from DU Jason is her dear friend from growing up- kudos to Jason for saying- meet Susan, she lives in Granville. Kudos for Kim for following up- yay!  Joe and I mean it- we love to know when you are in town!!

So Kim told me she was at the college store.  Being on the hill in today's world- I thought she meant the book store.  Nope- her sophomore daughter told her to go -Everest- the old Town and Gown. They do have GREAT stuff and I love that they are supporting Granville merchants! And that Granville merchants sell DU merchandise and support Denison.  The Denison book store has amazing things too- Vineyard Vine belts and bags, Lilly day timers, Underarmour sportswear, and SOOOO much more. The remodel is light and bright and I'm impressed. So impressed I took Kim to see it.  We both agree- both shops are worth a visit! And my new colleagues who don't know Denison as well - need to be aware of both options.

It is time to wrap up and hope if you are in the Granville area you are enjoying this gorgeous day- so much to do and see. I can't wait for Denison's Bluegrass festival in downtown Newark- starting at noon!! This all is why I blog- the fun nostalgic part of my life on Newark-Granville Road and the practical that matches to innate sense in me to connect- people to people, people to events and things and to me.

say cheese…...

I have a new "head shot" for the Denison website and I'm pleased.  I can admit to liking the picture.  I chose a winter jacket- a beloved sweater/jacket a great color of brown.  Years ago- high school- my mother took my sister and I to a "color me beautiful" session.  I learned a great deal and have applied the lessons.  I'm a fall by the way.  I also love to wear outfits that work with pearls.  As much as I do like color I love simple white with the brown.

My last head shot was not my favorite. It was OK, it looked like me and I did like the jacket. I admit to not loving my hair long. My favorite pictures of myself are with hair at this current length- not short, not long.  However I like to grow my hair so it isn't always the same and I get the fun of having it cut back to the best look on me look.  But know I really do let Beth do what she wants with basic input.

Although the fact that I'm blogging about this makes it some what important.  The reality is I don't take this all too seriously.  I'm a person you will see in town with no make up, sweats, rolled out of bed to get to the farmers market as early as possible or post exercise.  I will take my kids to school in PJs and I do not wash my hair every day.  In fact on evenings I'm dressing up I love to stay super cas- no make up.  I like the contrast and only dressing up once.  And I get the philosophy that says the make up we put on is for us- not others.

I do buy into the philosophy that says care about your appearance as it reflects how you feel about yourself.  Dress professional- for your next job- follow people you admire's lead- your boss, others in places where you see yourself some day.  That can mean jeans for some professions and life styles.  I've chosen a profession that is professional and I like to dress professional.  I also like to be practical, comfortable and have color in my life with some variety.  My first suit was play dough green!  I didn't want the navy blue financial corporate suit- I wanted the Ad agency suit.  Reality is I want both and the jeans with the Denison sweatshirt so when I'm engaging with a volunteer who is a lax mom- I'm cheering for the Big Red in the appropriate outfit!  Note the Denison pin in my new head shot!

Thank you for the compliments on Facebook. I take the advice when given a compliment to accept it.  I go a bit further and give you the behind the scenes and "why" of the photo.  Life on Newark-Granville-  saying cheese for the camera for the picture that can be seen:  http://denison.edu/people/susan-leithauser  Lucky me to have this job and the opportunity to sit for this shot.

Denison WOW

It is "week of welcome" at Denison! I saw that on the sign post and LOVE it! WOW in wolof (one of the languages of Senegal) is Yes.  Yes Denison - Week of Welcome- I like it!

Yesterday was the big move in day for the Class of 2019- wow- 2019.  We graduated from Denison in 1990…..in some ways that feels like a very long time ago and then I remember the day I climbed the stairs to learn I was next door to Lori and Kelly- the gals from June O and Kate and Elin on the other side- so lucky!

I was on campus for work and what an honor and delight to get to reconnect, meet and engage with wonderful new family members.  Denison is a family- the staff, classmates, volunteers, faculty, parents, students- we're all connected in a special way.  I teared up more yesterday than I have in quite some time.  Hearing confirmation that Denison indeed changes lives- alumni bringing their students back to their alma mater- figure eights.  Parent new to Denison so pleased to support their child's education, journey in this way- why Denison from has a profound impact on me- I listen closely.

Life on Newark-Granville Road just picked up on activities, options, to-dos and traffic.  The rest of the school moves in this week, classes start- get ready Granville!  The energy is wonderful and our town hustles and bustles with their arrival.  I just was studying with Sally- her economic flash cards.  I can't help but think about the positive influence the Denison family has on our village.  What makes Denison special is what makes Granville special- it is all about the relationships

Welcome to our family, welcome back, welcome to Granville- we're glad you are here.

School in the Summer….

We're back to school!  It was a good week on Newark-Granville Road!  Wednesday had everyone up on time ready to go! Joe made the corned beef breakfast send off so they went to school with protein in their tummy's.  Pictures were snapped- no one protesting too much- take a look below.  Clare walked to the neighbors to ride with a friend- such the high school girl now!  The bus was on time, kids looked good- all outfits happily executed.  A quick scrub of Peter's shorts- he sat on pasta- they dried in the drier.

By Thursday we were back to last year's routine- Clare up on her own- responsible child and a hurried breakfast for the other two.  It is now Friday and we're happy it is Friday.  A full week for all. Happily the weather changed- the hot sticky humid day gave way to clear sharp cooler days- a good thing as we await the new furnace/air conditioner.  Always something….Documenting this for the record books- big kids going to school! Peter seeming to have changed the most!

Summer dips in the pool, summer activities all mixed in with the back to school routine!  Happy to see friends and learn about all the fun fall will hold in our lives on Newark-Granville Road this year.

Summer Fun- I went to the Fair…..

Summer- I'm hearing it is ending because school is starting.  I can't accept that- I love summer!  I have not blogged enough about the wonderful summer things that happen. I made it to the Harford Fair this week but didn't even post it on Facebook!  We made it for an hour but it was a worthy hour- the drive up there is gorgeous- country roads of Licking County- I have a goal to drive them all in my life time.  Seeing a bit of the hard working kids and family that show- this year it was the sheep.  If a child can control, maneuver prepare a sheep  (insert cow, pig, etc) for show- that child can do anything!  I hope they know that and take that confidence all over and everywhere and into everything they do.  I love the barn with the ducks and foul- but this year there were no feathers. I was given a heads up so not to be disappointed and a great board explaining the health of the animals, health of farms was explained.  Instead they had these amazing pieces of art- I wasn't expecting this and was very impressed!  The fair is also for people watching, eating $2 ice cream with creative flavors- elephant ear this year.  I love a burger from the Cattleman's booth but you can support the booster groups of community schools- I hear great things about the Trojan burger.  If you didn't go to the Hartford Fair this year- it is over- put it on the list.  If you were there, part of making it happen- thank you and congratulations.  I'm missing many other awesome components- the band, the political offerings, the other barns showcasing great work.  We don't do the midway but I'm sure it is fun.  Sometimes we do the mini-golf, jumpy thing and one year Peter did a mechanical bull.  

I'm wearing Lily today- it has some red in it- always try to have a bit of red when I'm interacting in an official Denison way.  But I want to keep the bright cheery color of summer as we face the wind-down of summer, school start up this week in our lives on Newark-Granville Road.  I'll share more soon- time to get this day started- summer Sundays- ahhhhhh!

transition time…..please help…..

It is the time of year where I recognize I need help.  Keeping track of where I'm suppose to be has its challenges.  It doesn't matter my professional situation/work load/ responsibilities- school start up is tricky.  Even when I didn't work I struggled to stay on top of what orientation was when, open house start times, yada- yada.

This week Clare is my hero.  She said to me one evening- Mom, are you or Dad going my HS orientation.  It stopped me in my tracks- HS Orienation- when?  I missed that email.  She quickly found the announcement on my phone- clear as day on the HS Web Site- Parent Orienation 7 pm.  I altered our plans (quicker trip to the amazing Hartford Fair) and made it to the school to understand better the expectations for our oldest.  I'm glad I went.  I'm glad Clare was on top of things like this at this time of transition in our lives on Newark-Granville Road.

So if you think you might see me at an event- will you text me or email and help remind me?  Please!  I sent an email to a friend moving to the Middle School about next week's orientation - felt good to return the favor I appreciate, value, need.

The mornings are darker for yoga, the cool evening and the back to school supplies (thanks to my mother in law- woo hoo) on the table declare it is that time.  Time to transition from summer love- carefree days, pool time, golf time, frequent updates to who goes who when where how- to the arrival of the school bus and a shorter coordination demands of who goes where when how….It is the one shot meetings, sign-ups, evaluations that keep us on our toes and we appreciate the assistance and help during this time of transition.

updating the appliances.....real life to dos....

Appliance update and a plug for Mr. Appliance.  Often I’ll see a face book post asking for a recommendation for appliance repair- I now have the answer.  I have interacted with the owners of Mr. Appliance for some time. They are members of the Pataskala chamber of commerce and my gut told me they were good folks. 

So when I finally realized the way to fix the water dripping into basement from under the washer was to call the appliance repair folks- Mr. Appliance of Central Ohio is who I called and it worked.  Two visits by the plumber, review by contractors- we finally made the smart move.  The repair person wasn’t there five minutes and he knew what needed to happen.  Now in our defense- the washer- drier are stacked, heavy and in a closet. The location is great for laundry productivity.  The idea of pulling it out to investigate, repair made us all pause.

We have a new cold water valve and a basement that is finally really drying up- good news for the new concrete floor that is curing!  We also have an ice maker that isn’t making 12 inch blocks of ice and a part on order to return our stove to almost new!  The repair person was at our house at 8:30 am on a Friday, he returned with parts at 5:15 pm- he was out by 6 with two of the three in need of assistance items working and a great plan for next week.  Life on Newark-Granville Road enjoyed the check marks on these looming projects!

thank you cancer-enders......

Begin with the end in mind- it helps keep things in focus! One Goal- end cancer.  You have to admire and love it.  As I catch-up on some work this beautiful morning I have to pause and thank the riders, supporters, volunteers, organizers for the amazing work that happens with Pelatonia.  You go- roll on- woo hoo!

I'm proud Granville plays a role and encourages, celebrates the effort and results happening with the Pelatonia ride.  I will wrap up the work soon to go add my claps, woops and dollars to the cause.  I heard a staggering statistic about ovarian cancer's survival rate this week on the radio- it made me pause.  I called my sister that day just to hear her voice.  Sarah is quickly approaching year 7 since the diagnosis and she, Louisa (7 year old!!) and Greg are a happy, healthy family. Thank God, the medical profession, research, Sarah's fight and will plus all her supporters we have her today.  I go to those missing- the names and faces and memories of those that others are riding for- they inspire- their lives matter and go on in so many amazing ways.  I think of my Ga-ga as I type.  The work I do here today, my volunteer work with The Works and my small contribution today honors her too.

Okay- time to get back to work so I can go cheer at the entrance to Granville!!  Why am at work- hours away from work with the appliance repair person yesterday- but HUGE progress - another post for another day- my life on Newark-Granville Road- making a difference.

Civilized Travel

Civilized was the word I was looking for when describing the journey to Nantucket by ferry during breakfast yesterday.  It was a lovely passage- the pace, the energy, the feel- everything from fellow passengers to the process of check-in and luggage check.  I had never followed this path but I felt like I had done it for years or I knew just what to do.  It is hard to describe- my breakfast partner agreed and said she knew what I meant, despite the fact I could not produce the word I was looking for….until I did it again.

Yesterday afternoon I returned from Nantucket by ferry and found the word and experience.  My entire twenty four hour visit to the island was wonderful- arrival, departure, my stay at the Pineapple Inn- a Summer Home property. The work event, the shopping, my morning exploration through the gorgeous streets was buoyed by contentment. Nantucket was like nothing I’ve ever experienced and at the same time a place suspended in this feeling of resemblance. It is hard to describe and put into words.  It is a very special place and I will travel there again someday and in some ways I’m already there. I will travel by ferry in a civilized way to the town with cobblestone roads, brick sidewalks, hydrangea, fresh seafood, prompt friendly service, comfortable beach attire, children’s happiness beaming, bikes with baskets, mopeds and tennis duds.  I will go beyond the village and see the moors, beaches and roads- maybe by bike or jitney. 

I am grateful for the opportunity to have visited and traveled by plane, cab, boat and car meeting new friends along the way in the Boston area this week while moving forward to strengthen a program and connections for which I care deeply.  In this life in Newark-Granville Road that can include rush-rush, not always pretty comings and goings it was a happy journey.

traveling for work…..

I am answering a number of questions about my new job.  The first is wonderful and I appreciate the support being provided- yes I'm very happy.  I love how people ask me- so are you so happy in your new job?  With the intonation being an assumption that I am- amazing how the voice lilts to share that meaning.  It really does feel nature and right.

Then the next question- are you traveling a lot with the new job?  The answer until this point has been - no, not yet!  But last week the travel started and I'm headed into a busy patch. And again I'm so happy! Last week my travel took me to Boston for a conference. I'm so fortunate to be learning about this new responsibility from folks doing similar work at amazing colleges and universities. I've had two opportunities to engage with some incredible professionals.  And while I was in Boston I was able to meet in person a outstanding volunteer. I love to meet in person, put a face to a voice, and see folks in their cities.  I also was able to prepare for next week's trip back to Boston for an event to welcome new parents and students, engage with more volunteers!  This is why I do what I do- working directly with people.

There are always bonus to this sort of work- a great meal out, quality time with colleagues, an adventure, personal and professional reading time, points…..at dinner I applied my Dad's lesson from growing up.  See something on a menu you never have had- order it!  I LOVED my beef bone marrow - anyone that has been reading "Life on NG Road" for a long time knows I love Julia Child and this had that feel- delicous!  I also had scallop ceviche-  a Mike Stoner thing- he makes great ceviche!

The water taxi to the airport across the harbor was great.  I met a fun family from Cinci, with a son going to OU- I told him to look out for the great Granville students starting there, currently there!  His Mom is good friends with my Denison classmate.  Denison stories likes these are a special part of my life on Newark-Granville. Theses interactions happen down the street, on the hill and all over the world, I look forward to sharing them with you.  And of course- let me know where you are, when you are visiting Granville and I hope our paths will cross in person soon!   Pictures tell the story….Boston trip- Parent Development Conference!!