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Friday, February 26, 2016

Homes on the Hill- thanks for the friendships!

I would vote for so many res halls/dorms in this fun Denison Homewelovesowell Challenge if I could! I am voting for East- East was where I made life long, the base of my college experience friends. You are all very dear to me, each of you.  That third floor was home!  Then sophomore year and Shep- service project, co-ed!  Junior Year Shaw in a suite- it felt so grown up! We welcomed transfer student to our mix- yay!  The core friends went abroad so I went abroad to the West Quad- Smith as an SA (RA in today's terms). That is where I met Joe- at least that is where I remember him entering my Denison experience- he was in Shorney.  Then I lived off campus senior year. June O- as a student and staff member- Curtis West- ahhhh- loved those rooms and that living arrangement- community within community!

The memories and people returning to me during this #homewelovesowell challenge:  https://www.givecampus.com/schools/DenisonUniversity/homewelovesowell-challenge#donations
are wonderful. I did find the photo alblum- pictures below.  The smiles, the music, the food, the chats, the downs and ups, the confusion, the mistakes, the happy successes, the older students, the classmates, the younger students, the fraternity boys coming to live in Shep, the independent men living with us, the deliveries- Papa Chang egg rolls in a cooler, the crushes, the support and love- oh the love....the relationships thanks to "the home we love so well".....

And I love hearing your stories- your home away from home experiences. This week in particular from Denisonians- 1990-Mark and Lauren- thank you, Elliott- wow, Julie, Makiva!! I know why I work at Denison- it is a call, my home to support in many ways- but it only works when we work together to support our home...my home away from home in my life on Newark-Granville Road.  Thanks to all engaging in this challenge to build participation and support of the Annual Fund in a really fun way!  https://www.givecampus.com/schools/DenisonUniversity/homewelovesowell-challenge#donations


 

Monday, February 22, 2016

Catch-up...things to share from our life this week....

Of course driving, in the midst of kitchen work, in the shower.....I think of blog post subjects...now that it is fingers to keyboard...not so much.  So I'll just extrovert and recap some highlights these past few days...some you know if you follow me on Facebook/ Twitter...I'm doing one big update instead of by suject as I want to make room for the next blog update this week.....#homeyoulovesowell  Denison Annual Fund participation challenge...woo hoo....

But for now back to:
-the rest of the trip....I just posted my thoughts from the flight to LA.  Inquiring minds want to kow about the trip- it was great! It rained in LA and that is good for them.  I was there to attend a talk by Adam Weinberg at the Vistmar School- impressive, good place! The space had fabulous energy. I realy enjoy visiting schools- the walk to Clare's basketball games make me happy.  The talk was inspiring and when it is posted, I'll share!  Great parents, alums, connections to the past- learners, all learners and valuers of education.  I took time to drive around a bit- say hello to the Pacific Ocean. The hotel had a special occaison with a prime minister visiting from ?? now I can't remember- so fun to see happy loyal excited citizens dressed up, the metal detecter was the clue that someone or something big was happening....Oh yes and I also had my first In and Out Burger..yes it was good.  No I didn't do the double double.

-San Fran....I love this city..I goofed and rented a car thinking I had appointments out of the city...not the case. Argh- Uber and cabs and other public transportation for me from now on....a full day of Denison gatherings- catching up and seeing friends I haven't seen in ages, connections to my sister and other alumni volunteers. I so value the parent engagements and Mark Sanor's Denison Connecting- Wow!  I engaged with easily over 150 Denisonians last week- good week!

- My neck spasms became fewer and less disrubtive...they're not gone completely but limited to night- ahhhh

-The weekend was special and not only because it was our 17th wedding anniversary....Sally's team did super in the end of season tourney- woo hoo and Clare's winter formal gave us quality mother daughter time and a chance to engage with her friends and some of their families.  Facebook has details and I've told everyone who will listen about the wild come back and 5th grade boys team cheering them to victory...so sweet...I saw the 11 am semi final game....Clare and I glued to my phone while Joe texted updates. Clare and I bonding over blusher and lip liner.  Denison Bluegrass was another component and a visit to The Works for STEMfest- albeit a quick hello a nice treat for me.

-Travel leads to desire to be in the kitchen....last night's dinner on Newark-Granville Road was bbq chicken- the warm weather inspired the grill and ice tea....I baked Joe's birthday cake and prepped tonight's dinner- veal scalopini!  Tonight was low key with no evening activities other than family dinner.  With the delivery of more eggs I felt compelled to make the quiches on my to-do list!  They're cooling now - so blogging a good way to pass time before I put them in fridge and freezer.

So there you have it....week end's wrap up and weekend activities in my life on Newark-Granville Road.

blogging from the air...thoughts from the flight to LAX last Week....

Blogging from the air….during a four hour flight one finds oneself looking for variety…blogging is a nice change of pace from reading and working- some of which is the same, although  reading some personal.  I’m reading Americanah by Chimamanda ngozi Acichie for book club. It is very good. Different, a book I would not read on my own (something highly regarded by our group). It is good to read and actually plays in to my work world. I want to understand other points of view, understand the challenge of international, in particular blacks immigration to Amercia.  The book has many themes and will be a good book to discuss.

I also have done the reading and made some notes to prepare for the Denison Board of Advisors meeting I’ll attend in San Fransisco tomorrow.  Adam Weinberg’s Huffington Post pieces are important for multiple reasons- he leads not only Denison but small liberal arts instituitons in today’s world. I learn so much each visit to the website.  See links below to a recent one that I find particularly important.

Today I also type with gratitude for health…I’m not 100 percent today. I’ve slept funny on my neck and the neve or muscle spasms are particularly uncomfortable. It was not a good night’s sleep. Ibuprofen seems to have helped. As I sit and type not in discomfort I’m grateful.

I really do enjoy travel. I do miss my family. I do miss office work days. I am VERY grateful to Joe’s extra work at home to support this component of my job and the wonderful helpers we have. The kids too- stepping up to make things happen, execute plans, adjust, communicate with me in ways other than in person- Joe and I think it is good for them.  And I so appreciate and value our time together when I return.  Another fun of travel I like is observing others.  Today’s “overheard” conversation was a group of coworkers traveling together- one colleague had gone ahead earlier to the retreat/conference destination with her young child. Husband would travel later and then they’d all go to resort.  The person telling the story was surprised colleague wouldn’t leave child with husband. Story teller was staying how much he enjoyed staying home with his girls while his wife traveled for work. His coworkers asking how he was with little girl hair and he admitted to being limited to pony tails his braids not pretty. This made me smile- well done young professional dad! You are leaning-in with your wife.

I also am so pleased to have met a Denison alumnus!  His partner spotted my Denison handle and he happily inquired if I had gone to Denison  YES not only did I graduate I work there…I should keep the Denison tech tattoos at the ready to share….rewards for Denison chatter.  I wish my stiff neck didn’t keep me from being my usual chatting, happy traveling converser…..but only when prompted.  Even this Extrover can sit in her seat engaged in a book, a lap top, a 10-10/words with friends game- I don’t like to be “that” annoying passenger.


So life on Newark-Granville Road is finding inspiration in the air and for sure on the west coast with Denisonians connecting, leading, giving, advising, learning together to execute our call to education, prepare and engage students with our world.

Saturday, February 13, 2016

Pancakes and so much more.....

Please make time today to stop by St. Edwards in Granville - The Granville Kiwanis (what would our town do without them!!) are offering their annual pancake breakfast...where not only do you get a homemade breakfast that is a Granville tradition and feel good gathering...you can buy maple syrup from Granville trees and you can support the Louis Wood Foundation in many ways....

-you can buy food at the bake sale (some great things- almond torte, beautifully packaged valentine goodies, marshmallow treats
-you can learn about 5Knobel run that will contribute to Lou's therapies and needs..
-you can make Lou a card....

And yes there is even oatmeal with syrup and healthier alternatives.....

I can't think of a better way to spend some time on the Saturday before Valentines Day in Granville!! Enjoy, soak it in and feel good!  If you don't know about the Louis Wood Foundation and this incredible high school's boy's progress since a car accident at the end of summer visit:  https://www.youcaring.com/lou-wood-480924  Last night I was able to meet his grandparents- the way his grand mum described the support and Lou's friend's support (I'm teary) was incredible.

Big thank you to the Granville Kiwanis for all they do and their efforts today and leading up today...life on Newark-Granville Road takes us there twice today....Sally and Joe went early (I went too) before Sally's basketball tourney game in Columbus..Clare will go with her team...Peter will be there on his own....I'll stop by to pick up my pint of syrup- good stuff! 


Thursday, February 11, 2016

So yesterday was filled with love, today stress.  For every action there is an oposite re-action? Hmmmm and as much as I sing the praises of Facebook and the great connections...today I was ready to swear off it until Monday- when Valentines is done and over.

Truth be told- the stress is warranted- new event to coordinate, lots going on, not enough hours- all good I just feel pulled in a lot of directions.  I know I posted on FB the article and phenomenum of people to wear shorts, not wear coats...but it still bothers me.  It was 7 degrees when my teenagers loaded into the car- without coats...hello...sorry I'm not the Mom that sweetly says- darling, please go back into the house and get a coat- you'll catch your death of cold. By the way Peter already has that cold.

And then I saw them- the Valentines boxes and bags....facebook posts of creative, elaborate, darling vessels for children (including 5th graders, Sally's age) to collect their valentines. Children dressed in darling ensembles....my child- had a red and white bag!  Yay to our awesome helper for taking her to the attic and tracking down a festive shopping bag- we were recycling!  They added some hearts, her name and voila- Valentines come hither!  I was good with it, Sally was good with it.  And also in my defense- God love the Dad from the packaging company (PCA) who had a daughter in Sally's classes for two years- 3rd and 4th grade- and he brought us cools Valentines collection boxes- little mini mail boxes- so cute! Sally decorated hers last year....love him for proving these!!  Darn that Sally isn't in that friend's class this year.  But that spoiled me and took me away from the Valentine creative outlet....but would I have ever embraced it?  I'm not taking anything away from the families that produce the clever bags and boxes- I admire you!  I recognize it is our strength to do this and it is OK...but for a moment this morning- sigh...I wasn't pleased, it added to my stress and it played into my bad mood...not the opposite of love but not the happy go lucky girl that usually is on this blog and in my life.

By the way- update- I asked Sally about the Valentines party and boxes...she said one child decorated hers in tin foil- very cool.  If we had done that it would peel and fall apart...she said other kids had bags- yay those Moms!!  Just typing this reminds me of the year Clare helped Sally decorate a box- yay Clare!

The bummer/blessing- it is only the 11th...Valentines Day is Sunday...not Saturday...I thought it was Saturday....Hmmmmm three more days of Valentine activities that might me feel a bit insecure....flip side-I mailed my family's Valentines today...yay more time- the fact that the special day is it a holiday? hmmmm what is the definition of a holiday....anyway since it falls on a Sunday that means delivery on Monday a bit more acceptable?!!

Life on Newark-Granville Road- real, some times stressed, some times insecure, some times not so lovely....but able to recognize how good it all is and how much help and love is all around.  I'll celebrate that love for the next four plus days!  Lots of Big Red love to go around...Denison hosts the NCAC Swimming and Diving Championships, Basketball game, lectures, visits....great connection to the Valentine's weekend.

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

actions of love....from an 11 year old to the downtown Newark-Community


I will crawl into my bed and sleep so very well in my own bed.  Not only because I'm happy to be home in my own bed but the day has been full and filled with love and there is nothing better than a tired happy, happiness that warms your soul.

Love filled activities in my life on Newark-Granville Road....
-Watching Clare's basketball team- last home game.  They won, Clare scored, teammates looked great on the court. Clare loves the sport, Joe loves the sport, I do too- we're a basketball family and we love to be in the gym together- some times playing (okay not me) some times cheering, watching and chatting with the great community.
-Sally worked on her Valentines for her class and then we added a few others to share our love. What a sweet activity to share with her tonight.  I picked her up from basketball and we completed the tasks to get us to the table.
-Whites- special treat snack with the kids- my welcome me home treat....nice to catch up over custard!
-Flying home from Regan National Airport- love that view, our country, our capital, the history, memorials....emailing and engaging with parents...what a great work trip- I do love my job!
-Coming home.... love our home, hometown.... absence makes the heart grow founder.
-Out pouring of love for The Sparta/ Project Main Street.... tonight was the fundraising/awareness-raising event at The Sparta. I made a quick trip there- leaving Sally in Valentine mode, Joe, Peter and Clare at the gym.... how fun to walk into a full house.  Julie Mulroy's love inspiring her to learn how to take credit card gifts- wow- impressive.  People I admire raising awareness and support for this important community institution and in attendance to learn more.  You can learn more by visiting www.spartaonmain.com consider a gift- on line, checks, credit cards there.... go eat there, take others, consider volunteering there.  Downtown Newark needs our love- The Works, the businesses, the restaurants and shops- it is so amazing what is happening there. I miss my daily treks there but oh do I love it.  Sparta adds a great service and dimension and is so much more than a great place for breakfast and lunch.
-Planning for a Joe and Susan get away.....kids get to go to camp...Joe and I love our time and part of the fun is the planning!!

I hope you are doing things you love, sharing your love during this Valentines week....you know- Valentines Day isn't just for Lovers......It is for people you just love.  xoxoxo from Newark-Granville Road!  Now time to crawl into that bed!  Goodnight.

Monday, February 8, 2016

For a gloomy winter day....a visit to the Greenhouse

Thanks to Barbara and Joe for helping make this happen- I love a visit to the greenhouse in the evening, or when I need a dose of color and warm!  Poinsettias and Geraniums together....we keep it warm enough to keep things alive from summer to spring...nothing heroic or overly scientific....but ahhhh....


Sunday, February 7, 2016

Expanding the Camp Circle…in Granville!

Camp Alleghany is a great place for Granville girls.  The camp color's are blue and white and Granville's colors are blue and white.  It works well for securing dinner clothes for Camp Alleghany. We're so pleased Sally's friends are making the trek to West Virginia this year to attend the three week, sleep in platform tents, be with out electronics,  make friends with girls from all over- including international counselors, discover  more about themselves camp!  And oh did I have fun watching our girls- Clare (going on year four) and Sally (going on year two) share, coach, give the real scoop, entertain and support the prep for their friends.

It was a simple gathering. Friday at 4:30 pm I called from work and asked the kids to get the trunks down from the attic and set up displays of what goes to camp. By the time I was home- it was done! Trunks in the living room and the pillows, crazy creeks, shower caddies (with lice repelling shampoo, fans, t-shirts and tu-tus all on display. We set a table and served camp food- hot dogs family style, chips, cookies and milk, bug juice,  treats, apples, and of course PB&J just in case. Discussion at the table was fun and informative and non stop.   I learned a thing or two as well- water must be consumed before bug juice (koolaid).  Nice….the other Moms and I gave all sorts of "that is good" as we heard about the variety of guidelines at camp- try everything, one bite, no gossip, try- it days for activities….Bonus of the event- all the girls wore gray and blue!  They are ready, ready!

A WVA Dad picked up one friend and we talked about the bonus of camp- drop off and pick up adventures- the Greenbrier, Lewisburg, go further to Va and explore Charlottesville or Lexington, Va or ???? Ohhh we forgot to talk about our breakfast stop in Marietta, OH- the Busy Bee!

If there are others who want to learn more about camp let me know and visit: http://campalleghany.com
This year Peter will probably join the fun on the river- Camp Greenbrier!!  AND our niece in Baltimore is going to Mini-Camp- woo hoo…..so much fun!  The camp fills up and waiting lists are created- talking directly to the camp is the way to go! Sally and Clare go first term, others are headed to 2nd term.

What a treat for me, a former Ghany girl myself- to see the next generation happy and excited to leave Granville for three weeks of amazing camaraderie, growth and fun to create memories to last a life time.  Thank you Dawson family…I raise a cheer for you today in my life on NG Road.
 
 

Tuesday, February 2, 2016

what can I do….take away from Piper Kerman's Denison talk….

So here it is, my take aways- no order, no ranking, no prose or reflections…okay maybe a few:

  • http://piperkerman.com- more info there- Prison Reform info in particular.
  • empathy- lack there of is the root of crime that leads to prison, empathy critical to survival and transition out.  This hit home with me…what empathy can I offer.
  • support the Sparta  http://www.spartaonmain.com  and other social entrepreneur efforts supporting returning citizens.  Our whole family loves to eat and visit the Sparta!
  • books- prisoners need books- they are locked up- their best escape is through the written word- a book- all the places they can go….I Love this!! So true..I liked the opportunity to go to prison via the book Orange is the New Black   the reality is our TV shows allow us to escape too and this show is making a difference…earlier I said I was done with it…nah- I'll be back in JUNE!!! Woo hoo season four!  But read the book and tell others to read the book…..
  • help prisoners get books- programs out there….Denison has a program- English professor runs a non profit- monetary donations go 100% to shipping the books….drop them at Room 200 in Barney Davis- text books you can't sell, fantasy, mystery…if they can't use them to send to Ohio prisons- they'll donate them somewhere…woo hoo (month of Feb- Children's books can be taken to FPC for a food drive for libraries in the Caribbean, wiped about by hurricanes.)
  • Communities that shut down libraries, don't have good schools, eliminate arts facilities and museums open the doors to prison….keep communities healthy by supporting these institutions everywhere! They keep communities safe.
  • Ohio Proud- Piper moved here to work in Ohio Prisons, to teach writing, she came here for the Ted Talk housed  https://www.ted.com/tedx/events/11335  1st state to do this…..wow….
  • Sesame Street has curriculum for children with incarcerated parents- wow- yes Piper you are right- it is telling that there are that many kids needing this for SS to be involved.  To the woman asking a question about what to say to kids she is fostering with parents in jail- yay you, thank you..Piper says keep them connected- research shows how important that is on both sides…wow…
  • Piper is a 1992 Smith grad- impressive….her journey is not typical and should be avoided- lack of empathy- but way to turn your life, find the positive, teach, drive change, make a difference….well done Smith.  Well done Denison for hosting and having an alum partnering working with Piper.
  • Great questions Denison/Licking County- thank you!
  • I ended up going alone and was sad about that for a number of reasons…sad for the reasons my friends couldn't join me, sad to be alone but it was part of the lesson, part of the empathy.  One of Piper's take aways is how she went in to prison thinking she could do it alone, could be within her own thoughts….she was wrong- friendship matters, support and camaraderie matter and make a differnce….
  • I took away the theme of hospitality- the shock and surprise of how she was greeted by a welcome wagon, the care and support- she was shown hospitality on her first day in prison by her fellow inmates.
  • I love the hospitality at the Sparta…..
  • Life on Newark-Granville Road is a bit more appreciative of all those around me, my freedom and will work harder at empathy thanks to time reading the book and hearing from Piper Kerman tonight.