Thank you for the fun "Boo" that was on our front porch! Whoever you are- thank you. What a treat for Sally to find a package for us on her way to the bus stop! Then unpacking it (she goes out early so there was time) with lots of oohs-ahhs, full face smile and giggles. I appreciated treats that were not only sweet but festive! Clare and Peter arrived home that afternoon, texted a photo asking to dig-in and eat. I said yes- they texted back, thank you.
Sally immediately jumped into planning our Boo back or better said on. I picked up the new items this morning and had fun taking my time strolling the store following your lead. I was going to post a photo of Sally on her way to return the favor- but that would potentially give away our identity. Know that Peter joined the fun with delivery that included a ding-dong-ditch- rang the door bell when they placed the Halloween goody!
No Boo-Hooing in our lives on Newark-Granville Road this Halloween! We changed things up with Mom out of town for Gville trick-or-treat but setting up a great night for Sally, Peter and Joe with friends in town! Clare happy to be on the basketball court delighted by Sally's sharing her candy stash! We loved Denison Athletics trick-or-treat for staff- giving Mom time with Sally in a festive low stress way! And tomorrow is the real Halloween/ All Hallow's Eve….stay tuned!
Friday, October 30, 2015
Monday, October 26, 2015
I Voted- Nov 2015
I will be traveling on election day this year- so that means an early vote for me. Here is the website on how to do that if you too can not cast your vote on election day- Nov 3rd-AND where you can find your ballot, so you can read the language and be prepared when you vote.
http://www.electionsonthe.net/oh/licking/
The language confuses me so I look for help with clarifying. The League of Women's Voters is one place. Local newspapers also assist, chambers of commerce, etc....here are some of those links:
http://www.lwvohio.org/
http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2015/10/25/pot-monopolies-101.html
(this one gives examples- I found it more helpful)
http://www.granvilleoh.com/pages/election2015
I also will miss the opportunity to talk about ballot issues on book club's night before an election meeting. A wonderful tradition I value and will miss!
It is important to not only vote, but be informed and I'm feeling a tiny bit behind the on this one. I'm also confused and need to sort out clarity. I wish it was not so complicated and I know I'm not alone. I do know the right to vote is a privilege and the United States with all its issues is still the best place to live and I want to be an active and engaged citizen.
My life on Newark-Granville Road is hoping Issue 3 does not pass- I do not believe the state of Ohio is ready for legalized marijuana. I'm not ready for our community's and my children to believe that it is OK and "legal" to get high on pot and for pot to take on all sorts of other forms.
Life on Newark-Granville Road is hoping to celebrate the re-election of Jeremy Johnson and the election of Dan Finkelman to Granville Village Council. We know both of these gentleman and appreciate their positive economic growth and collaborative approaches to leadership for our wonderful community.
I have my "I voted" sticker- make sure you get yours!
http://www.electionsonthe.net/oh/licking/
The language confuses me so I look for help with clarifying. The League of Women's Voters is one place. Local newspapers also assist, chambers of commerce, etc....here are some of those links:
http://www.lwvohio.org/
http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2015/10/25/pot-monopolies-101.html
(this one gives examples- I found it more helpful)
http://www.granvilleoh.com/pages/election2015
I also will miss the opportunity to talk about ballot issues on book club's night before an election meeting. A wonderful tradition I value and will miss!
It is important to not only vote, but be informed and I'm feeling a tiny bit behind the on this one. I'm also confused and need to sort out clarity. I wish it was not so complicated and I know I'm not alone. I do know the right to vote is a privilege and the United States with all its issues is still the best place to live and I want to be an active and engaged citizen.
My life on Newark-Granville Road is hoping Issue 3 does not pass- I do not believe the state of Ohio is ready for legalized marijuana. I'm not ready for our community's and my children to believe that it is OK and "legal" to get high on pot and for pot to take on all sorts of other forms.
Life on Newark-Granville Road is hoping to celebrate the re-election of Jeremy Johnson and the election of Dan Finkelman to Granville Village Council. We know both of these gentleman and appreciate their positive economic growth and collaborative approaches to leadership for our wonderful community.
I have my "I voted" sticker- make sure you get yours!
Sunday, October 18, 2015
lessons from the weekend….Newark-Granville Road.
So many nice happenings on Newark-Granville Road this weekend. All filled with lessons, some deeper than others. Here are my musings…
-Friday night football- Peter's 8th grade opportunity to participate with the high school marching band. This put me with friends in the stands catching-up- sooo wonderful. Seeing folks I don't get to see on a regular basis and folks I don't know at all. Some nice observations- the other team cheerleaders being so welcomed by the Granville cheerleaders- love friendships that go beyond our school district, little kids playing football in the grass, kids catching and those that have caught the band-bug- not Peter but others. No doubt football Friday nights are community builders. A friend was surprised I don't love to attend football games. I explained it isn't always a welcoming environment- people are congregating that know each other well, see each other often and that can be intimidating to folks only there occasionally or new to the community. I learned of a similar reaction an individual had to a group I am part of and I can see his perspective. It isn't intentional but it happens. The lesson is the one we share with our kids - be kind- always be kind.
-Friday night fall bonfire to wrap up soccer party. Joe enjoyed connecting with the parents from the side lines, meeting new people, getting to know those we know from Sally's age group better. As usual I wanted to be in two places at once. We appreciate the hospitality her coach offered and her communication this season. Kids sports have their ups and downs and Sally's season at first glance may seem like more downs- no wins. However I don't feel that way. The girls improved their footwork, learned about this game, were active and connected to one another and had fun. Sally had a great season so that means I did too- the strong communication helped! Their parents cheered for great efforts and high fived from the side lines. Sally's had wonderful partners ride bikes with her to practice over the Rotary Bridge extending these same benefits. Thank you Electric Lamas for all the lessons sports provides.
-Friday night outing- to the bar…I asked Joe at 10 pm- want to go to the Granville Inn bar and see if we can find some Denison alums? I knew there was a good chance we'd run into alums in town for reunion planning and I was right! We met a wonderful Class of 2001 alum by herself at the bar, found two 1991 alum friends we had not seen in ages (although we are somewhat in the know with one another thanks to Facebook) and closed down the bar. While preparing to head home, we found a dear friend checking-in- the Denison chatter started immediately and we moved to the Broadway pub. Conversation passed the time and who knew we had the energy go close that bar at 2 pm! The lesson was simply confirmed- always good to reconnect and meet Denison friends and in person is best of all.
Saturday was another day filled with nice happenings and lessons, including:
-Cross Country is an amazing sport! I choose to be with Clare and Peter at the Licking County League final meet of the session. I watched Clare finish strong and run in her uniform (shorts and tank) in very cold weather and not complain. I caught up with the parents of these impressive runners and take in the energy of a licking county only sporting event. I also was able to be with our Godfamily and cheer for Nick's good race! Most Cross Country meets are packed with people. Peter made me smile and sigh. He walked through the central Ohio field with a Michigan blanket. He is a big fan partly due to an early allegiance of dear friends and partly to be the contrarian he is at heart. I admire his courage and individualism. However I learned he was out of uniform and breaking the guidance from coach with the blanket- sigh. I see the coaches point. The ups and downs in so many ways teach us lessons .
-Shopping with Clare. We're just-in-time shoppers and it was proven again as clare needed a fall outfit for Monday. When she told me her dress plan for the field trip on Monday (a summer frock) I quickly cleared Saturday afternoon for mother-daughter time at Easton. She was sweet- wanting to use gift certificates from her birthday and created our plan. When walking past Gap- she remembered we had success there in the past and sure again lightening struck twice. I admire the fact she won't spend money for the sake of spending. When we didn't find anything that fit right or make her happy at her favorite stores- no go. We came home with only what we needed- new jeans and two new dress up outfits. Lesson confirmed- Clare has great taste and retains my trust and respect. Life on Newark-Granville Road with teenagers is just fine!
-Back to Denison for quality Denisonian time! I admire my colleagues and their work all the more so understanding first hand the demands of our work cycles. What a treat to meet with these wonderful volunteers back to plan their reunions and bring Denisonians back to the hill in June 2016! Joe joined me- not really wanting to make the trek up the hill, however reflecting on the way home how glad he did.
-Sunday was a nice sleep-in- not by length of sleep in, but quality- no phones next to our bed! Neither Joe or I charged/brought our phones to bed so we wok up naturally with the sun. We contemplated a carefree lazy morning at home but could not miss church with the angle choir singing. I was glad not to miss Sunday school either. I so appreciate our book study this year- Sabbath In the Suburbs by MaryAnn McKibben Dana. We had the privilege of having this author speak at church as well as lead worship. Her message certainly spoke and continues to speak to me through the chapters and discussion at Sunday school. Once again lesson for life on Newark-Granville Road reoccur- slow down, savor, gather family, reflect, choose your perspective, sit loosely….and so much more.
I found sabbath time today with Sally. I knew I wanted to get to the pumpkin patch for a family experience and for the house to don outdoor decor for not only Halloween but Thanksgiving. Joe (yay) moved the summer flowers to the green house and our home was asking for orange company. Work was on my to-do list and when Joe took on the grocery shopping and dinner for the night- voila time to do both! Sally and I made our way to the patch to find it sold-out. No worries we took a country drive south to see our friends the Devines! What fun picking out an assortment of shapes, sizes and colors for the house entrances. Good times with my girls. We made our way to Denison- Sally reading, coloring and hanging out while I started the week with a head start on work!
I'm now ready to move to the dining room table and reflect on these lessons with the family. Life on Newark-Granville Road values the lessons life gives us and likes to share. Thanks for reading and sharing it all with me.
-Friday night football- Peter's 8th grade opportunity to participate with the high school marching band. This put me with friends in the stands catching-up- sooo wonderful. Seeing folks I don't get to see on a regular basis and folks I don't know at all. Some nice observations- the other team cheerleaders being so welcomed by the Granville cheerleaders- love friendships that go beyond our school district, little kids playing football in the grass, kids catching and those that have caught the band-bug- not Peter but others. No doubt football Friday nights are community builders. A friend was surprised I don't love to attend football games. I explained it isn't always a welcoming environment- people are congregating that know each other well, see each other often and that can be intimidating to folks only there occasionally or new to the community. I learned of a similar reaction an individual had to a group I am part of and I can see his perspective. It isn't intentional but it happens. The lesson is the one we share with our kids - be kind- always be kind.
-Friday night fall bonfire to wrap up soccer party. Joe enjoyed connecting with the parents from the side lines, meeting new people, getting to know those we know from Sally's age group better. As usual I wanted to be in two places at once. We appreciate the hospitality her coach offered and her communication this season. Kids sports have their ups and downs and Sally's season at first glance may seem like more downs- no wins. However I don't feel that way. The girls improved their footwork, learned about this game, were active and connected to one another and had fun. Sally had a great season so that means I did too- the strong communication helped! Their parents cheered for great efforts and high fived from the side lines. Sally's had wonderful partners ride bikes with her to practice over the Rotary Bridge extending these same benefits. Thank you Electric Lamas for all the lessons sports provides.
-Friday night outing- to the bar…I asked Joe at 10 pm- want to go to the Granville Inn bar and see if we can find some Denison alums? I knew there was a good chance we'd run into alums in town for reunion planning and I was right! We met a wonderful Class of 2001 alum by herself at the bar, found two 1991 alum friends we had not seen in ages (although we are somewhat in the know with one another thanks to Facebook) and closed down the bar. While preparing to head home, we found a dear friend checking-in- the Denison chatter started immediately and we moved to the Broadway pub. Conversation passed the time and who knew we had the energy go close that bar at 2 pm! The lesson was simply confirmed- always good to reconnect and meet Denison friends and in person is best of all.
Saturday was another day filled with nice happenings and lessons, including:
-Cross Country is an amazing sport! I choose to be with Clare and Peter at the Licking County League final meet of the session. I watched Clare finish strong and run in her uniform (shorts and tank) in very cold weather and not complain. I caught up with the parents of these impressive runners and take in the energy of a licking county only sporting event. I also was able to be with our Godfamily and cheer for Nick's good race! Most Cross Country meets are packed with people. Peter made me smile and sigh. He walked through the central Ohio field with a Michigan blanket. He is a big fan partly due to an early allegiance of dear friends and partly to be the contrarian he is at heart. I admire his courage and individualism. However I learned he was out of uniform and breaking the guidance from coach with the blanket- sigh. I see the coaches point. The ups and downs in so many ways teach us lessons .
-Shopping with Clare. We're just-in-time shoppers and it was proven again as clare needed a fall outfit for Monday. When she told me her dress plan for the field trip on Monday (a summer frock) I quickly cleared Saturday afternoon for mother-daughter time at Easton. She was sweet- wanting to use gift certificates from her birthday and created our plan. When walking past Gap- she remembered we had success there in the past and sure again lightening struck twice. I admire the fact she won't spend money for the sake of spending. When we didn't find anything that fit right or make her happy at her favorite stores- no go. We came home with only what we needed- new jeans and two new dress up outfits. Lesson confirmed- Clare has great taste and retains my trust and respect. Life on Newark-Granville Road with teenagers is just fine!
-Back to Denison for quality Denisonian time! I admire my colleagues and their work all the more so understanding first hand the demands of our work cycles. What a treat to meet with these wonderful volunteers back to plan their reunions and bring Denisonians back to the hill in June 2016! Joe joined me- not really wanting to make the trek up the hill, however reflecting on the way home how glad he did.
-Sunday was a nice sleep-in- not by length of sleep in, but quality- no phones next to our bed! Neither Joe or I charged/brought our phones to bed so we wok up naturally with the sun. We contemplated a carefree lazy morning at home but could not miss church with the angle choir singing. I was glad not to miss Sunday school either. I so appreciate our book study this year- Sabbath In the Suburbs by MaryAnn McKibben Dana. We had the privilege of having this author speak at church as well as lead worship. Her message certainly spoke and continues to speak to me through the chapters and discussion at Sunday school. Once again lesson for life on Newark-Granville Road reoccur- slow down, savor, gather family, reflect, choose your perspective, sit loosely….and so much more.
I found sabbath time today with Sally. I knew I wanted to get to the pumpkin patch for a family experience and for the house to don outdoor decor for not only Halloween but Thanksgiving. Joe (yay) moved the summer flowers to the green house and our home was asking for orange company. Work was on my to-do list and when Joe took on the grocery shopping and dinner for the night- voila time to do both! Sally and I made our way to the patch to find it sold-out. No worries we took a country drive south to see our friends the Devines! What fun picking out an assortment of shapes, sizes and colors for the house entrances. Good times with my girls. We made our way to Denison- Sally reading, coloring and hanging out while I started the week with a head start on work!
I'm now ready to move to the dining room table and reflect on these lessons with the family. Life on Newark-Granville Road values the lessons life gives us and likes to share. Thanks for reading and sharing it all with me.
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
Overlaps and figure eights with Africa and China this morning!
Life's figure eights can be deep patterns and then wisps, but oh how I love to revisit a place or with people that had an impact. Our family was fortunate to travel to Senegal in 2013 to stay with friends living there- it was our spring break trip. This morning when I read this article, viewed the video I was back in Dakar. My life on Newark-Granville Road enjoys the figure eight patterns and overlaps and connections to our fair college on the hill in Granville, Ohio. More than a physical visit, this reminds me of the valuable lessons from this trip for my family and me. Zhihao Cao '16- thanks for sharing your experience in Senegal and your rich journey from China to Granville. Readers I hope you'll visit this link: https://news.denison.edu/2015/10/embracing-differences/
I recall as well my wonderful trip to China- so many to thank for re-sparking my love of travel and lessons I learn when I venture beyond Newark-Granville Road.
I recall as well my wonderful trip to China- so many to thank for re-sparking my love of travel and lessons I learn when I venture beyond Newark-Granville Road.
Friday, October 9, 2015
BRW, Parents Weekend, Homecoming.....Denison's BIG weekend...
Blog updates float around in my head- some make it to post and some continue to be only ideas. The treat of seeing these photos taken during Denison's BRW had to be shared. So much so that I didn't want to wait until my usual posting time- so I pause in the work day to share part of my work.
One of the things I personally love about these photos and the article- they showcase what I missed! There was no way to do it all that weekend. So many happenings, so many good folks to see and meet. The Denison parents were here for their students- their kids- not me. I'm fortunate I do work with volunteers and donors that took time out to advance the college. A big component of why our life on Newark-Granville Road Granville is so rewarding is the opportunity to connect with Denisonians in town.
And today and this weekend is another occasion. The Denison Trustees and Alumni Council are here and what an honor it is to spend time with them! Another inspiration for today's blog post. I want to share the good things happening where I work, at the college I love so well.
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
back in my own bed….
I'm back and ready to sleep in my own bed, put Sally on the bus, sit at my desks (work and home) and embrace the awesome life on Newark-Granville Road. Going off road gives me amazing perspective on our wonderful community.
The trip to Maryland to honor Susie and Eric Smith was good. My cousin Jessica- their daughter did amazing so did Alex. Their dearest friends did amazing too and we all benefited. Your prayers help- thank you. It still is hard to believe they are gone and we'll take the lesson. I'll make sure family and friends know how much I value and appreciate all they do and who they are!
Then to Boston for work- I love this city! I was able to retrace some steps and further some relationships- such a blessing. I ventured out of the city and explored the historic and notorious Concord and Walden Pond areas- how cool! Yes work!! I met a Denison parent of an alumnus who is in the public service sector and doing good things. I was given honest feedback that will help me do my job better- good trip! I slept in big beds and rested and missed my family. I ate seafood and walked all over the city- taking in my beloved Make Way Ducks and Swan Boots. It was a good trip.
And I'm back- the yard signs are in the yard- it is time to get serious about elections. I'll need to vote early due to travel. I love this- it makes me really get ready! My conversation with the Denison parent (not current) in public service made me again realize all that goes with putting yourself out there to serve, to be lead, to disagree, to motivate, to learn and to decide- thank you to all those running. There is a candidate night for Granville on Thursday- I'm sorry to miss it. EVERYTHING good is happening on Thursday night- more and more good things adding to my commitment- HATSOFF! kick-off, Vail Concert, Peter's golf banquet and more…..go where you need to go, join me if you can, catch- me up and I'll catch you up….life on Newark-Granville Road- good to be back.
The trip to Maryland to honor Susie and Eric Smith was good. My cousin Jessica- their daughter did amazing so did Alex. Their dearest friends did amazing too and we all benefited. Your prayers help- thank you. It still is hard to believe they are gone and we'll take the lesson. I'll make sure family and friends know how much I value and appreciate all they do and who they are!
Then to Boston for work- I love this city! I was able to retrace some steps and further some relationships- such a blessing. I ventured out of the city and explored the historic and notorious Concord and Walden Pond areas- how cool! Yes work!! I met a Denison parent of an alumnus who is in the public service sector and doing good things. I was given honest feedback that will help me do my job better- good trip! I slept in big beds and rested and missed my family. I ate seafood and walked all over the city- taking in my beloved Make Way Ducks and Swan Boots. It was a good trip.
And I'm back- the yard signs are in the yard- it is time to get serious about elections. I'll need to vote early due to travel. I love this- it makes me really get ready! My conversation with the Denison parent (not current) in public service made me again realize all that goes with putting yourself out there to serve, to be lead, to disagree, to motivate, to learn and to decide- thank you to all those running. There is a candidate night for Granville on Thursday- I'm sorry to miss it. EVERYTHING good is happening on Thursday night- more and more good things adding to my commitment- HATSOFF! kick-off, Vail Concert, Peter's golf banquet and more…..go where you need to go, join me if you can, catch- me up and I'll catch you up….life on Newark-Granville Road- good to be back.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)