My Name In The Paper

I got my name in the La Crosse paper on Monday. There’s an article about a new local board game group that I joined in January, and I’m mentioned a couple of times. I think I benefitted from the fact that I know the reporter. The quotes aren’t accurate, but the ideas behind them are, so I’m not too upset.

You can find the online version of the article here.

A quick break on a beautiful winter day

I'm working a full day at work today (versus working anywhere my laptop will open), and here I spend my time in an inner cube -- no windows, etc. Today, I needed to get to the outside world -- the real outside world, not the online one. So, I just took a quick break and walked a few blocks, peaked my head into a downtown La Crosse store, did a bit of quick window shopping, and stopped in my favorite downtown place for an indulgent hot beverage. It was a wonderful break made even more wonderful by how genuinely refreshing being outside was.

Yes, it is a beautiful winter day here.

When I came back to my desk I had to check the current temp, and was shocked to see it's only 22 degrees --- but it is bright and sunny with no wind, so yes, a beautiful winter day. I truly wish we had more days like this. Walking and taking deep breaths was so wonderful. It was just the relaxation and rejuvenation I needed today.

And I have to admit I didn't even feel guilty at my enjoyment ... even though I have friends just a bit south of here that were hit hard with another snow storm last night (yeah, it missed us this time!). :-)

Other smiles were brought to me recently by the most thoughtful supportive husband in the world (and with just the right amount of mischief for added laughter and smiles), and my daughters who yesterday were more sweet than sour even though we required them to sit through an evening Ash Wednesday church service.

Now, back to work...

Wings Of Song

Nessa likes to sing. She sings while she plays, while she’s waiting for Mom or Dad, in the car, and sometimes in the bathtub. Her repertoire includes original compositions--such as “I’m Going In A Circle With Teddy Bear And Airplane” and “I’m Silly, You’re Grumpy”--as well as songs she’s learned. On Christmas Eve she sang “The Christmas Song (Chesnuts Roasting On An Open Fire)” for Tami. The tune was unrecognizable, but the lyrics were word–perfect. More recently, she’s learned to do the ABC song such that you can recognize the melody.

Sometimes, though, the lyrics are just a bit off. I was very amused last spring when I heard her singing “Where Is Jacques?” in the car. Last night, on the way to the library, she started singing a song I hadn't heard her sing before. Although the first words weren’t really recognizable, the tune and hearing “is falling down” over and over gave it away as London Bridge. It was fun to listen to, but the best part was when she got to the end: “London Bridge is falling down, on the lady!”