Checking out

I'm leaving blogspot to move to shutterfly.  please catch me at:

http://nusbaumfamilyphotos.shutterfly.com/

I can post unlimited photos and videos, and still maintain a blog on this site.  It's just a bit more user friendly for what I want to do.  I'll still check back in at blogspot to follow my people :-)

C

What a Wonderfall thing this is

I never used to get so excited to say goodbye to summer, but over the past few years I get nearly antsy about it.  Fall brings the cool but comfortable weather, the beautiful foliage, and for me, an altogether warming feeling when I think about the holidays around the corner, celebrating my anniversary with Eric, decorating my house for the season, and the smell of spiced pumpkin candles that I light in my house. 

Of course this fall will be different than the rest, since I will be on the path to finding my new self.  I'll be taking my realty classes in preparation for my licensing exam next year, laying out some more groundwork on what I'm calling IdyByt Designs, LLC, and getting caught up on housework:  Painting the office, finishing some furniture pieces, maybe tiling the basement (we'll see...).  This is the time I need to think on what I should be doing in my life.  I have a heart for volunteer work, too, that I haven't had the time to dive into.  Plus, I'm going to revisit learning the guitar, and visit learning how to play a pan flute.  I'm just really excited about what's around the corner!

Immediately around the corner we've got: 
Mike and Katherine's engagement party
Day out with mom - lunch and trail riding
Smith Family Camping
Cox Farms/Fall Frenzy!
BOSTON!! (7 year anniversary :-))
Maddy Birthday
Halloween

Bring it on, fall, bring it on.

It Is Time.

After a heck of a lot of soul searching, earnest prayer, and open communication with select few individuals, I have decided to make a huge change in my life:  pursuing a different career.  It's not that I don't like what I do.  It's just that I don't think I want to do this for the rest of my life.  The key word here is 'think.'  As in, I'm actually not sure whether or not business operations is my calling.  It could very well be.  But there is this deep yearning inside of me that is calling me away from this work, at least for a time.  I want something more interactive, more social.  I want to do something that will bring joy to people! 

But I'm scared.  How do you walk away from something that has been such a vast part of your life for so long (8 years!)?  To try something entirely new and unproven to you, to take that risk?  Imagine wanting to jump off the high-dive for so long, and then you finally muster the courage to climb that everlasting staircase up to it.  When you're on the tip of the board, this is like sucking in your breath before taking the plunge.  Scary, yes . . . but also exciting! 

So, I've drawn that breath . . . and resigned from my current job.  Now I just have to take that plunge and put my own self on the line:  my artwork.  My goal is to  create an LLC to design and paint murals for children.  I am going bigger than just residential -- I will be reaching out to churches, daycares, hospitals, etc -- any place that might have a place for children.  I know the competition in this area is very weak, mostly just focusing on textured wall design as opposed to mural art.  I am currently working on rate structure, and also trying to pin down a name that captures the essence of what I'm trying to do :-)  Naming things is very hard, apparently. 

Well, there you have it.  Wish me luck :-)

Reading the Bible

Bible study begins with reading. Yet, quite frankly, a lot of people never get to that point. At best, they nibble at the text. They may read books about the Bible or devotional materials loosely based on it, but they don't read the Bible itself. Good Christian books and magazines that supplement your Bible reading are fine, but there is no substitute for reading Scripture.

. . . I whole-heartedly agree, and this is definitely something I'm guilty of.  I tend to do Bible study guides that ask questions regarding certain bits of scripture, but realized recently that reading a bit of scripture here and there, without context, can actually be rather confusing. 

My heart wants to get better at reading the Bible.  My mind wants to get better at it, too.  So why then is it so difficult?  What is it that's keeping me from being able to sit down and indulge myself in THIS 'good book?'  I hope I figure it out, and hurdle that obstacle, so I can finally digest what my Lord has been saying for centuries.


Reading excerpt taken from Grace to You:  http://www.gty.org/Resources/Positions/P16

And Today, I felt an Earthquake

That's about it, really.  I just felt I had to record it for posterity. 

5.8 magnitude
Felt from Connecticut to S. Carolina

I'd describe it as . . . a blank moment prior to recognition, then uncontrollable rumbles that go through your body.  When it was over, I still felt shaky.  It's weird to not have control.

I'm So Dizzy, My Head Is Spinning

Last night Eric and I watched Hitchcock's pscyhological thriller VERTIGO starring James Stewart.  This is a must-see if you like psychological (not gory, in-your-face) thrillers.

First of all, Jimmy Stewart is awesome. 

Second of all, everything is so wonderfully subtle.  It's like the oh-so-slightest shift from what would otherwise just be considered 'ordinary' that creeps you out.

Third of all, the plot is unique enough to still be considered interesting.  It's the type of plot where you're left guessing at every turn and never have enough to 'just know' what will happen.  You can make a lot of guesses, and some of them might pan out in general, but it's nearly impossible to know exactly what will happen.

So, go and watch :-)

Wait, the countdown already began?

Yeah, we leave for the beach in a day and a half.  Saturday at 5:30am, we're outta here (Eric will say 6.  I say, we'll see.)

Ordinarily I would have had some sort of countdown, but really July has just flown by.  Yes, I know, like I say every month.  I think that's what happens if you just stay busy.  I'd say I'm seldom ever 'bored' anymore.  There is always something to be done.  And if I'm too lazy to do something worthwhile, I'll just go to sleep.  It's just that easy.

I figured my ABBA kick would have been long over by now.  It's not.  Did you know they actually have a ton of songs?  Not just Dancing Queen or Mamma Mia, as I had originally thought.  My interest started to take flight a few years ago at Maryland States when I first heard 'Take a Chance On Me.'  That was my power song that whole weekend, and Eric and I took first in one of the events.  Then it's just been gaining traction ever since.  Now I don't even mind watching the Meryl Streep movie version.  I've seen Mamma Mia! live at Wolftrap.  I own an ABBA Karaoke CD.  They play on loop on my iPod.  Seriously, it's getting ridiculous, but I now celebrate their entire catalog.

. . . Yay, Office Space!

So we made the leap to yuppiedom and actually hired a cleaning crew to come once a month and clean up our house a bit.  We had touched upon this idea back in Q1 but couldn't find a cleaning crew to our liking that seemed like a cost benefit rather than just a huge expense.  But recently I received an email from a lady with M&WR.  They charge $65/hr for a team of 2 workers, and whatever they can get done in that hour is what they do.  You can specify...so, Eric and I said to focus mainly on the floors (those of you who have ever been to our house know exactly how cat-hairy the place is) and if after the floors are done there is any time left, to spot clean bathrooms.  Well, we got home on tuesday to fabulously clean floors, all of our trashcans emptied out, our beds made, and our master bathroom scrubbed down.  So, these workers are quick, thorough, and work for a cost I can appreciate.  I'm very happy with their first job.  Can't wait until 8/19 when they come around again!

I've got my room booked at the Johnny Appleseed inn down in New Market.  I think it's really like a Quality Inn or something like that, but I just call it the Johnny Appleseed.  This, of course, is for the RT 11 YARD CRAWL!!  I think I'm going to make my mom, aunts, and me shirts :-) And Michelle if she comes along.  Can't wait :-)

Tonight is CARCASSONNE!  The final playing before the beach.  My last chance to nail down this whole farming thing.  Bring. It. On.

The Weekend Highlights

--Starting Thursday evening, Michelle came over to watch Cassy baby while Eric and I slipped away on a date night to Wolf Trap to see Mamma Mia! live.  We dined on cheese, crackers, and deli meats, killed a bottle of wine, ran into several friends, and just had a great time.  I think he's starting to come around to live performances.

--Got out of work a bit early on Friday.  Unfortunately we couldn't get in a round of tennis, but otherwise had an alright night.  Played some foos, played Perfection!, went to sleep moderately early (by midnight).

--Grandma's 80th birthday party and my grandparent's 60th wedding anniversary party was on Saturday at my aunt Pam's house.  Relaxing (HOT!) day filled with family, good food, just conversing. 

--Mark and Amanda stayed Saturday, we played Carcassonne (after some rather disappointing Chinese food).  We tried to play Munchkin but realized teaching/learning a new game around 3:AM is not a great idea.

--Got bit by a snake on Sunday morning, scared me half to death.  Discovered it was a black racer, which is non venemous, and it didn't break the skin anyway. 

--Met with Phyllis and learned all about the wonderful world of Cutco on Sunday afternoon, then had a dinner at Don Pablos.  Watched Djokovich beat Nadal in the Wimbledon championship that evening. 

--4th of July!! -- had a cookout at Mom and Dad's (hot dog bar!), threw frisbee and lacrosse, lit some fireworks, introduced Cassy to sparklers.  Walked up to Herndon, took in the show, and reveled in the fact that Cassy wasn't at all opposed to fireworks.  She giggled at them and clapped, then we all went home and went to sleep.

--Found out good friends of mine got engaged!!  YAY! Congrats :-) :-) :-)

I Got a Fever

In March, Cassy spiked a fever that lasted a day and a half.  This was around March 20.

In April, Cassy spiked a fever that lasted a day and a half.  This was around April 23.

In May, we got a break.

In June, Cassy spiked a fever that lasted a day and a half.  This was on June 25.

The first time, we went to Reston Emergency Room (this was on a weekend).  After 4 hours, a failed catheter, and negative tests for strep and ear infections, we were told to 'keep an eye on her and come back if anything changes.'

The second time, we went to Cassy's primary pediatrician (this was on a weekday).  After an hour, negative tests for strep and ear infections, we were told to 'keep an eye on her and try to get a urine sample if the fever persists.'  (Do you have any idea how difficult it is to 'try' to get a urine sample from a toddler?)

This past weekend, we visited urgent care literally right across the street from us (not even 1 mile away!).  I liked the Dr. staffed there on Sunday -- Dr. Ma.  Though his findings were the same as before (no strep, no ear infection), he was able to give some insight into how Cassy was presenting overall, finding the monthly cycle of her fever interesting.  He said it could be cyclic fever, but that usuallys happens on a weekly (not monthly) basis.  He didn't completely wave his hand at the fever being caused by teething like others had, but did say it was unlikely that her temperature would get that high (102.9) just because of teething.

But you know, it wasn't even the fever.  We took Cassy in to urgent care because, well, she was just . . . crazy.  She would scream in hysterics for about 3 solid minutes, and then stop like nothing was wrong.  And then start again, and then stop.  At times she would literally be writhing in pain in my arms, and crying so hard -- I can't tell you how heartbreaking this was!  We thought it was just teething, but she had never acted this crazed before. 

While we were sitting in the doctors office, it dawned on me that she hadn't had a messy diaper all day.  And then realized she hadn't had a messy diaper the day before, either.  And then realized I wasn't 100% positive she had a messy diaper on Friday.  So I got to thinking . . . if she was really backed up, that could potentially cause some pretty drastic tummy troubles, right?  She flat-out refused all food and drink on Sunday, even though she had eaten (at all) on Friday and Saturday.  So I asked the doctor if that could be the cause of her manic hysterics.  He said it was certainly possible, and suggested pedialax (ewww.)

But I guess the grossest things in life are also some of the most helpful, because within 10 minutes after administering that pedialax, my baby girl was back to her happy, healthy self.  Take that, digestive system!

One To Go

With only one weekend left in June I can't help but get excited about going to the beach.  This weekend will have us celebrating my brother in law's birthday, but otherwise just relaxing and I guess trying to get things done around the house.  It will be nice to have a weekend off, after last weekend's festivities (see what I mean?).

Overall the party was a great success.  In fact, there have already been several votes for the 'theme' for next year.  Looks like we're going with pirates :-)  I'm going to basically just reserve this weekend each year for this party (so, next year's party will be June 16 at 8pm).  It will just make it easier for ME to remember! 

So we have literally 4 weekends between now and leaving for the beach.  In that time we have three birthdays and one national holiday.  Something tells me that time is just going to fly.  We're also going to a Nats game, and going to see Mamma Mia! live at Wolftrap. 

Getting that TV installed in the office now.  It's loud, and now I really can't wait for this to be overwith!

Reasons not to ever use HHGregg

I suppose any time a new electronics store comes on the market people naturally want to flock to them because they offer Finally!  At Last!! relief from the age-old iconic electronic store Best Buy.  I admit, even I was a little excited at the fact that HHGregg opened right across the street from my neighborhood and couldn't help but think how easy it would now be to roll up in that joint to buy a replacement tv when our current 65" finally kicks the bucket (if that ever happens.  I'm actually willing to take bets on it). 

My company is in the process of building out a brand new training room as we roll out our new training courses.  As part of that, we decided it would be best to go out and buy a rather large TV to use as a monitor to display the training programs.  It would be much more versatile and in the long run, cheaper than buying replacement bulbs for our projector (man those things are expensive!)  So, after some deliberation we settled on a beautiful 70" flat panel that we bought from none other than HHGregg.  The price was right.  The rest was not.

On a scale of 1-10, one being easy-peasy and ten being the worst exerience of your life, how difficult is it to schedule installation services from HHGregg?  Somewhere in the range of 12.

First, we purchased in-home consultation for $99.00 that would then be applied to the overall installation fee of $299 should we decide to use their services for installation.  The $99 CREDIT that we should receive was lost on all employees we talked to; they tried instead to charge us the full $299 telling us that we already paid for the in-home consultation and now we have to pay for the installation.  Only one employee understood the situation, and I will call him Kyle from here on out.  Unfortunately Kyle was out of the office the first few times we tried to schedule install services, so here is what transpired over the next few days.

Then, we were given a phone number to the installers HHGregg uses to schedule an install date.  They tell us they do not schedule installers; HHGregg does.  HHGregg tells us they do.  They tell us they do not install TVs that large, and to call HHGregg.  HHGregg finally admitted they schedule installations . . . but . . .

We called and deliberated over the $99 fee/credit with a random assortment of employees.  When we finally were just going to give up and just get this thing installed already, we were told that we have to pre-pay for installation services in order to 'unlock' the software that allows them to actually schedule an install date.  Here's something to remember, boys and girls -- never, under any circumstances, should you prepay for a service like this.  That should always be the first clue to a shady company.  One we tried to fight, to no avail -- afterall, we were due a $99 credit eventually, right?

So we argue over prepaying and finally get worn down to 'fine, let's just pay it and get it overwith.'  So we say we'll put it on a credit card -- and then are told no, we have to pre-pay in person at the store.  You would think that a cutting-edge fancy schmancy electronics store would have the ability to take a payment over the phone, but no.  That is simply not how they do things.  So we hold off until Kyle is able to help us.

All of that took place over the course of three business days and one weekend.

Finally, we talk with Kyle and he gets the whole credit thing, no problem.  But we still have to show up in person to prepay for services in order to even get an install date.  He says there's no way around that; that payment has to be made to bring up the correct page in their scheduling software. 

He lied.  I was standing right there.  I selected the payment date before he even took my credit card.

I hate HHGregg.

But know what I hate even more?  The third-party installers HHGregg uses.  If I thought that company was full of uneducated employees, I have no idea what I think of the install company.

I'm called at 11am on the date of the install (This past tuesday).  I'm told by the installer (we'll call him David) that we are the next stop on their schedule.  Excellent; we had arranged for the 12p - 5p timeframe, and it sounds like they'll be right on time.

Boy I couldn't be more wrong.

3pm rolls around, and we haven't seen or heard from anybody.  Must have been a really long, tough job they had before us, right?  We get a call around 3:15 from someone asking if the installer had arrived on-site.  Nope.  "Ok, well, he has until 5pm to show up."  So I'm told.

About 10 or 15 minutes later, around 3:30p, the installer calls.  "Traffic is terrible!" he tells me.  "I've been all around Sterling, Reston, McLean, Herndon -- it's just terrible all over, but I'm on my way."   . . . Does that mean I wasn't actually the next stop on the list, as I was told earlier?  "No ma'am, you misunderstood me.  I said I was on my way to the next job, and that you would be next after that."  So what time will you be here?  "Oh, traffic is so bad, probably not until right around 5."  Ok, I'll call you back.

I discuss this with my company and we all decide that 5p is too late.  So I call him back and let him know that.  "Ok, well, I mean, I can probably install the TV by 5:30 . . . "  so I ask him where he's coming from, and he tells me McLean.  McLean?  It's going to take an hour and a half to get to Reston from McLean?  So I ask him that, and he tells me "No, ma'am, I'm on my way to build a table in McLean -- I'll be to ya'all after that.  Probably leave McLean around 4:30 or so."

Lies, lies, lies.

I tell him forget it, we'll have to reschedule, because at this point he's told me three different stories, none of which make me satisfied that he'd actually show up to our location by 5pm.  So he said he'd have someone call me to reschedule.

That never happened, of course.  We had to call them back -- and got a new scheduled date for today.  We played it smart though; we opted for the 8a - 12p timeframe, thinking they'd find some way to screw it up and would actually be here in the afternoon.  Michelle made sure to show up before 8am just in case they got here on time.

At 9:15a they call and tell us they will not be at our location at all today, because the scheduler overbooked himself.

I took that call and in no uncertain terms told them that since they missed their initial installation, they were to have someone here no later than 12pm.  That's all.  So the scheduler says ok and that she'll find someone; calls back within the hour and tells me someone will be to us by 2pm.

We'll see.

One of our employees called and demanded a credit to this missed installation -- but HHGregg told us that since the money goes to the third party installer, we'd have to call them.  They don't seem to understand that it's THEM we are doing business with.  HHGregg took our money, not the installer.  So they owe us the money, not the installer.  Basic business principles 101. 
 
I hate HHGregg.

Crunch Time

It's crunch time to the annual murder mystery party.  T-5 days.  There's a lot to be done between now and then, both with the party and without, such as -- Eric's farewell tasting with Adam this evening and patio furniture delivery tomorrow.  On Thursday is the US Open.  In between all of that will be getting ready (ie, cleaning my poor house!) for the party.

It makes me very happy to think that I'm making other people happy/excited by hosting these murder mysteries.  I love that my sis and bro in law called me specifically to tell me that their masks arrived; that my sister Amanda texted me pictures of her mask, that people email me concerned about what to wear.  It's a flurry of excitement, for them and for me, and I'm just thrilled that I can do this for people.  With help from my friends, of course!

For my costume, I initially went with an off-white (cream colored) dress, but my mask is stark white, and they just clashed.  So I went to Unique, an amazing thrift store, and bought a white satin curtain for $2.  Then I stitched a zipper up the back, added some bling and a silvery sash, and voila!  Perfection that matches my mask :-)  So, if anyone needs a bedazzled cream colored dress, you're welcome to it.  It was fun and kept me entertained for an evening, but overall it just isn't 'the one' for me.

My mask is awesome.  I'm very proud of it.  I made it myself, with zero prior mask-making experience.  I just simply relied on my creativity and artistic talent to make this sucker come to life.  My character is Miss White, so I figured i'll go with a snowflake costume theme -- and wouldn't you know it, I found mirrored snowflake buttons on which I glued faux diamonds.  I added crystal beading to just one side, and silver sequins all around the edge.  THEN, I glued a sparkly sheer fabric over all of the mask.  I love it; it's definitely something to keep through the years.

Speaking of which, my collection of costumes keeps growing.  It reminds me of all of these fun theme parties we've had -- can you believe this will be the fifth one?   A lot has changed in five years, but the fun never seems to stop.  Our core group keeps getting bigger, too!  That's so nice, to be able to rely on certain people to play their characters.  I imagine one day Cassy will join us -- or we'll be doing separate parties for her and her cousins and friends!  Time marches on, on my friends.  Time marches on.

Random Ramblings

** I LOVE that Cassy calls me "mommy" instead of "mama" now.  It seems so much more intentional!  And the way she says it is just so sweet.  AND, sometimes just for kicks she'll reverse the sounds so she calls me "meema."  Gosh I love her.

** I hit all green lights on the way to work today, with the exception of 2 -- but one of those two I hit just as it was turning from red to green, so it basically counts as hitting another green light.

** New pet peeve:  when a page loads and you think it's ready for data input, so you click on it and your cursor is there blinking, so you start typing -- and then nothing is typed into the box.  Then you realize that just because the page said 'done' it really wasn't, and you have to type whatever in again.  Lame.

** I've got two laser tag passes that need to be used with the Bradneys. 

** I downloaded the coolest app for my Incredible -- it lets me do a picture slideshow for my wallpaper, on all screens!

** 51 DTB

** Carter's kids clothing store gives you a stamp on a card every time you spend $20.  Once you've spent $100 they give you a $10 gift card.  That's pretty nice, right?  On Tuesdays they stamp your card twice.  That's like, free money.

** Finally got around to watching Avatar.  I didn't hate it as much as I thought I would. 

** I think X-Men 3 is going to be the beach movie this year.

** Manda stays over tonight!!

** The MM Party Planning is underway.  You guys just aren't gonna believe your eyes.

** We've been playing a ton of Carcassonne lately.  It's fun with the expansions.  I don't think I could revert to playing just the original game at this point.

** Cassy L-O-V-E-S the sprinkler.  I am so thrilled to have a water baby on my hands!

** Been thinking long and hard about developing a mural design business on the side. I have the talent, the support, and the supplies. Just gotta pull that trigger . . . and create a bunch of stuff like marketing materials. I'm not good at marketing.

That is all.

May day, may day

Eric's birthday weekend was a success!  We partied for 13 hours straight, with family, friends, good food, games, and movies.  Please visit my Photo Journal for more detail, photos, etc.

We have already made it over half way through May.  With it brought mother's day, Eric's birthday, and still to come is the Reston Fine Arts festival this weekend, as well as memorial day the following weekend.  Cousin Carrie is coming to visit, AND I get to spend a week with my baby girl while daycare is closed.  I can definitely say, May has been awesome so far!

And, as Eric pointed out to me, this weekend is our last 'free' weekend until after the 4th of July.  We have three family birthdays coming up in June, a wedding, a murder mystery party . . . I'm beginning to think the good times will never stop rolling! 

Among all of the events, we are trying to get our driveway sealed, our living room ceiling professional repaired, and our bedroom furniture moved around.  We're also getting new windows at the townhouse, and having our handy man Bruce Grammer check out a possible leak in the ceiling at that townhouse. 

I was able to score an outdoor playhouse for Cassy off of craigslist.  She likes it so much, but unfortunately the rain over the past couple of days has kept us from being able to play in it.  My next order of business is to find some of those fake foods and whatnot fo her to play with.  She's very domestic in that she looooves play houses, and playing house.  Good girl :-)

I keep finding ticks everywhere.  It's driving me mad.  So i'm calling a professional insect killer to come spray my yard in hopes that we'll cut their numbers down to a manageable size.  I'm just not sure what that size is!

Here's to the end of May and to the start of an equally happy June :-)

Mozart's Sister, by Nancy Moser

Few people know (or care) that child prodigy Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart had a sister.  Fewer people still know that his sister, Maria Anna "Nannerl" Mozart was just as musically talented as he.  Unfortunately, given the time period of her life (mid 1700's - early 1800s), the mere fact that she was born a female cast her dreams of being a world-famous musician aside.

Such is the premise of Nancy Moser's novel, Mozart's Sister, an historical fiction written in the first person perspective of Nannerl Mozart.  Through Moser's novel we follow Nannerl from her girlhood as part of the travelling "Wunderkinder," through the struggle of her adolescence, through the heartbreak of her adulthood, and finally the acceptance and wisdom she gains through a life void of realizing her own hopes and dreams.  While this may sound like a pathetic downer of a novel, Moser's writings capture the steadfastness that IS Nannerl Mozart, which leaves the reader with a feeling of accomplishment on Nannerl's behalf.

Born Maria Anna in 1751, Nannerl was the first Mozart child to benefit from her father, Leopold Mozart's musical talents.  She excelled on the clavier, harpsichord and fortepiano, was a force to reckon with on the violin, and had something of a voice.  She was the child of note until her younger brother Wolfgang came along -- who was a bonafide child prodigy.  In the early years their father and mother (Anna Maria) would take their children around to promote their remarkable talents, proclaiming the talent a "Gift from God."  Performing all over for nobility and royalty, and seeing in their young lives what most people in those days would never see in a lifetime, Nannerl fell in love with the thrill and promise of being a musician.  She was so young at that point, and didn't know what her gender would have in store for her . . .

As she approached marriageable age, her time on stage, performing, quickly diminished.  She did not know why this was happening and concluded for the longest time it was simply because her little brother was the true prodigy of the family, and that everyone was coming to see just Wolfgang perform.  Her father did little to change this perception; in fact, Nannerl realized her dream of performing had come to an end when her father announced that just he and Wolfgang would be travelling to Italy, leaving Nannerl and her mother home, alone.  Her father used 'finances' as the excuse, when in the bitter, harsh reality it was simply the fact that there was no place for women performers (lest they be singers).  So Nannerl and her mother kept up their small apartment in Salzbug, while her father and brother travelled the world living out the dream that she, too, shared, despite her gender.

As she grew older, Nannerl realized an even greater concern -- class.  Though her father was vice kapelmeister, her family's class was still middle to upper-middle.  They were not wealthy, though at times they were well off.  They were not nobility, though they were well known.  The first of Nannel's heartbreaks came when one young suitor who seemed so very interested -- inviting Nannerl and her mother out to his family's country estate -- was suddenly rendered 'unavailable' due to his pairing with another young lady of noble class.  The second of Nannerl's heartbreaks came once she reached the ripe old age of 30 (spinster age for this time period!) and her secret beau, Franz D'Ipold, requested to marry her, but his request was denied by the Archbishop and by her father, as Franz was nothing more than a school teacher and would not be able to provide for the Mozart family once Leopold retired.  To Nannerl, this meant she was too good for her own class, and not good enough for the class above.  Again, she was caught in the middle of dreams and reality.

Nancy Moser does a terrific job of drawing out Nannerl's emotions -- the confusions of being an adolescent, the yearning for dreams that cannot be recognized, the jealousy of being Wolfgang Mozart's sister.  Through tragedy, trauma, and ultimately acceptance and grace, the reader travels with Nannerl through a life of overwhelming disappointment . . . yet somehow gains a very sincere appreciation for this woman's plight.

Book Report

You know what's crazy?  I actually miss having to do book reports.  I don't miss all of the red tape teachers used to put on them, but I miss the general concept.  So, I'm using this blogpost as an outlet for book reviews, if I feel the book was worthy enough to be promoted.  Not that any of you followers necessarily agree with or like my taste in books, but you might enjoy hearing about them, anyway.  We'll see.

So, a brief overview -- I love historical fiction novels.  More often than not these tend to include civil war period pieces, such as novels from Jeff and Michael Shaara.  I enjoy sci-fi/fantasy from time to time, especially the Last Herald Mage series by Mercedes Lackey.  And I like the brute honesty of Russian Literature.  Those guys -- Tolstoy, Doestoyevsky, etc -- they just tell it like it is, there is no fluff.  I appreciate that.  Every now and then a novel from some other genre will find its way into my hands, and sometimes I end up liking it.  That doesn't happen a whole lot, though.

My favorites list would include:  Magic's Price (Lackey), Crime and Punishment (Doestoyevsky), White Oleander (Janet Oke), The Last Full Measure (Shaara).

See the next post for my 'first' book report in over 10 years . . .

April is Awesome (and almost over).

Happy Easter, everyone.  Hard to believe that came and went so quickly!

We began our morning at the Stonewall Memorial Gardens Sunrise Service.  That meant getting out of bed at 5am, rousing a sleeping baby, and getting us down the road to Manassass by 6:15a.  The weather was beautiful, however, even so early in the morning.  And to watch the sun burst over the mountain in all of its glory . . . it always just takes my breath away.  It's one of two mornings every year where I really don't mind the wee hours of the morning!

After the service we all went back to the Nusbaums for breakfast and baskets.  Bonnie has been very generous recently by handing down to me and my sister-in-law jewelry she inherited from her own mother, so that is what we found in our baskets. Though she told us that she wasn't sure if any of the jewelry was actually worth anything, it doesn't matter to me.  I hold hand-me-down items in the 'priceless' category, anyway!  Cassy of course got a basket from Grandma's easter bunny, but she also got one from Aunt A's easter bunny, too! 

At our house, the Easter bunny hid six eggs and brought four baskets.  Cassy had a BLAST finding the eggs -- she was a natural at it!  She would waddle over to an egg (that we pointed out to her), pick it up, and proudly put it in her little easter basket.  I don't know, I was impressed.  Is that crazy?

We got very nice baskets this year.  Eric got VT shorts, CS Lewis 'Miracles', lots of candy, and a couple of little things I found -- the Webkinz Tee Time Raccoon, and a wind-up robot that dances.  It reminded me of Eric.

I got a new Bible study outline, glow int he dark stars (that will be put up in Cassy's room this week), and a cell phone jacket.  I've been needing one -- my phone is barely over a month old and already has some dings.  Not a good sign.

CASSY got too much this easter.  Seriously.  Spoiled rotten.  Two pairs of sunglasses, bubbles, lots of books, a bunny rabbit stuffed animal, lots of ducks, a mini mario kart (baby peach), an inflatable octopus (for the beach), sidewalk chalk, a bit of candy, googlie eyes, a watering can, a dump truck (for the sandbox), flash cards for ABCs and 1,2,3s, and really, a bunch of other stuff.  This is just from us.  Mind you she got FOUR OTHER BASKETS!

After our house, we headed over for another easter egg hunt and dinner at my parent's.  Everyone was around; my brother even made it home from EMU to celebrate with us!  Cassy faired just as well at my parents as she did at our house and the nusbaum's, plus she got a sundress and crocs to boot.  Easter was a blast :-)

The weekend before Easter I was at the women's retreat.  Man, it POURED the whole time!  Poured buckets.  My sis in law and I tried to dash to the car, which was parked right out front, and got D-RENCHED.  Crazy.  I tried to get in the spirit of things, but something just wasn't settled that whole weekend within me.  So, I didn't get as much out of it as I normally do. 

The weekend before THAT was my super amazing big 3-0 and week long celebration.  It started the Monday before my birthday, actually, with Lunch with Matt.  Then Tuesday lunch with my office!  Then Friday, lunch with my mom, my daughter, my sister, and my friend (four different people, thankfully.)  Friday dinner Eric took me to J. Gilberts which will always be just a genuinely good dinner experience.  Saturday evening was dinner with the Nusbaums -- cooked out burgers and had all the fixin's. 

Saturday night, though . . . that will be forever in my memory.  They (Eric, Manda, and Michelle) threw me a surprise birthday party.  And for whatever reason, I had thought the 'surprise' part would have already happened.  So when I walked in the door and the lights popped on and everyone yelled 'SURPRISE!' I very nearly took out me, my husband, and my daughter as I turned tail and ran out the front door, nearly falling off the porch.  Apparently my natural instinct is to get the hell out if I feel attacked.

After my heart slowed from the marathon pace it had set, and my breathing returned to normal, I was able to greet my guests and let the good times roll.  Karaoke, party games, etc.  Good food, music, and just an overall excellent time!  Man, what a good time.

I got:
Two tomato plants
Mini Projector
Easy Feet!
A New Camera
Munchkin card games

and a bunch of other random things.  Really this was an amazing way to enter my 30's!

So yeah, that's april in a nutshell.  I can't believe this Sunday is May 1.

Tennis Weather

The good thing about having an office is having windows.  The bad thing about having an office is having windows, when the weather is so gorgeous you just want to stare out them and daydream about being outside.  Today's 70+, sunny spring day has me drooling over the prospect of playing tennis.  Haven't done that in quite some time, and now that Cassy is getting a little bigger it will be easier to bring her along.

Speaking of which, I'm sad that Nadal gave up the Ericsson tournament win to Djokovich.  Something about that guy rubs me the wrong way.  I think it started with the fact that he used to bounce the ball like 50 times before serving, and then grew from there.

We got my sister a racket for her birthday, and my brother in law plays, also.  As do M&C, so I feel like this season will be a season of doubles if nothing else!  Added to the fact that one set of courts is lighted at night and the other is attached to the biggest park in Sterling, makes our prospects even greater.  Plus M&C are within range now -- we dont' have to plan out a big date just to see each other.  BONUS!

Holy Cow, March Has Left Us

Well, it hasn't left us yet, but you know what I mean.  Where did the time go?  It's hard to believe my last post was about Valentine's Day.  Since then . . .

1.  Eric got a new job.
2.  Amanda got a new job.
3.  Michelle got a new job.
4.  Cary turned 25
5.  Mark turned 27
6.  Cassy got a new tooth
7.  We've visited the cabin twice
8.  I've dealt with about 15 contractors
9.  Had two car accidents
10.  Had to pay taxes for the first time ever (didn't get a refund! :-( )
11.  Got elected to my HOA's board of directors
12.  Lost 2 lbs

Cassy's been sick off and on for the past couple of weeks, and I think it's her 1-year molars coming in.  I was thrown off because she kept running a low fever (only 101.6 at the absolute highest), and the doctors will all say that babies don't run fevers when they're teething.  If you ask just about any mother, though, they'll tell you the opposite.  So, caught in the middle of this information, I called Cassy's pediatrician, and they had us go in to the ER at RHC since of course, this was on a weekend.  After four hours in the ER all they could tell us was that Cassy didn't have the flu, and didn't have an ear infection.  And so she was 'better' for nearly a week before running another low fever this past weekend. 

The fact that it's on the weekend, to me, means it's her teeth.  She only ever teeths on weekends. 

* * *

I joined forces with three ladies from my church to do worship at the women's retreat.  We are also hoping to do things like caroling at nursing homes come December.  I'm so excited, especially if we get dressed up in the old fashioned caroler's dresses, like one of the ladies suggested.  Oh, how fun :-)

I've now been to four 'small' zoos -- Luray, Winchester, Reston, and Leesburg.

Luray Zoo -- is nice if you are looking to kill about 2 hours, but that's pushing it.  Mostly reptiles in aquariums, but it does offer some neat animals too -- like a MASSIVE aquatic turtle, and a super cool porcupine that teases the zoo's lynx.  This zoo is a rescue zoo, so all of the animals there have a back story, which is cool to learn about, too.  $10 for adults, kids under 2 get in free.  Price-wise this is the midway point, but this zoo also offers special shows on weekends.  We got to see Reptiles LIVE! and Cassy got to hold a snake :-)

Winchester -- This zoo is the best 'cheap' deal, by far.  I think the entry was only like $6 or something, and I love the setting.  Everything is wide open, outdoors, and you sort of feel more connected to the animals.  The animals hosted here are mostly along the lines of four-legged hooved, like deer, donkeys, llama, camel, etc.  But, they do have a lion and a bear, some monkeys, and a few other 'draws.'  You walk down trails through the woods to get to each of the enclosures, which is also nice. 

Reston -- The priciest zoo, at $12/adult, but this zoo has a safari.  I think that's the biggest draw -- you get loaded up in a tractor-pulled wooden wagon, and go around the outergrounds of the zoo to see zebra, camels, bison, ostriche, and a bunch of other animals.  This zoo also has the biggest petting zoo area, as well as monkeys and a big cage of random birds. 

Leesburg -- This zoo is the best price for the amount you get.  For $9.95/adult, you get access to a wider range of animals than at the first three zoos, plus live animal encounters, a petting zoo, and playground, and for extra costs things like pony rides and a moon bounce.  The grounds are massive, so you can easily spend a few hours walking around taking in the sights.  Plus, in the fall, they host "pumpkinville" which adds that awesome warmth of fall frenzy to to park. 

* * *

We're getting recessed lights in the living room this week.  Tomorrow, actually.  I'm excited.   We had discussed potentially redoing our deck and getting a patio, but that's tabled in favor of redoing our bathrooms later this year.  Big ticket item, for me!  It's astouding how much you can spend on your house if you're not careful.  I'm thankful for places like Ross, Marshall's and TJ Maxx -- nice but inexpensive home decor.

* * *

AND that's all for now.

A little Valentine's Day Drama, perhaps?

Eric and I went to a swanky 5-star restaurant for Valentine's Day dinner.  That's actually what we do on V Day -- Just dinner and cards.  No gifts or anything like that -- because seriously, V Day dinner and our anniversary dinner we go all out for.

So of course we're at this beautiful, well-known restaurant, dressed to the nines like all of the other patrons there.  With the exception, unfortunately, of this one table seated just a few tables down from us.  Those guys (literally two guys) were dressed in very casual if not construction worker clothes.  Well, the one guy was.  He also wore a bright red beanie.  The other guy at least had a polo shirt on over messy jeans.

Well, the beanie guy was severely drunk.  He was making foul comments, loudly, at all of the surrounding tables, and we were all doing our best to ignore him.  It was really unnerving to know he was staring at me and Eric, and then talking about us directly to his friend.  Seriously dude, just leave us alone!

And that's how the evening continued, until this nice elderly couple was seated right next to Drunkie McBeanie.  This couple was probably in their mid-60's or so, nicely polished, and obviously just looking to have a nice night out together.  I felt so bad for them  . . .

Because Drunkie McBeanie decides to scootch his way down the booth until he's all but sitting in that poor woman's lap.  She of course balks at that, and moves away from him, and waves her arm to indicate an invisible privacy wall; "There is a wall here!  Do not cross this wall!" -- And that sets Drunkie off.

He starts shouting all of these profanities direct at this woman, calling her every filthy name under the sun and telling her she's horrible.  And when her husband goes to make a move against Drunkie, Drunkie turns his foul mouth on that poor guy, calling him a d-bag and a whole lot more.  This is causing quite the disterbance; if people weren't aware of Drunkie and his friend, they surely were now. 

I leapt up and walked straight over to the manager, who was towards the back of the room getting the low down on the situation from a server and an assistant.  I told him directly, "You need to get that man out of here this instant.  He is berrating that poor woman, and you will end up loosing a lot of business from the rest of your tables if you allow this continue."

When the manager approached Drunkie, he spoke in a low voice, I think to alleviate any additional attention being drawn to the situation.  Soon we started to hear Drunkie get louder and louder, saying "Sir, you are dead wrong.  DEAD wrong.  I went to Oxford," and other drivle such as that.  Then the potty mouth started back up again, and random things about how he owns the place started coming out.  Eric assumes he is a rich kid just trying to prove some point.  I don't know what point -- it's hard to decipher any sort of sense out of insobriety.  Eventually, though, Drunkie ended up splashing the table with all of his credit cards and cash, and storming out, leaving his friend to make the necessary apologies and excuses, and to clean up his mess.  I'm sure that particular friend has done this on a number of occasions.  I'd feel bad for him, too, except that he sat there and let it get to this point. 

Did I mention how delicious our meal was?  It was exquisite.  Lobster bisque with full chunk lobster claw, beef carpaccio, french onion soup, au gratin potatos, steak au poivre, petite filet and lobster tail.  MMmmmm -- makes me want to go back right now!

Keepin' it on the DL

We've been laying low the past few weeks.  We've spent some time around the house just organizing, and Eric spent several painstaking hours ridding our house of all of our past bills and credit card statements.  We've apparently been living in the past, where we need a hard copy of everything we've ever spent a dime on -- until recently when a good friend pointed out that we could go online and print off payment confirmations if we needed to.  It's like a big weight has been lifted from our file cabinet. 

Poor Cass is back to teething again, after pushing through a couple the week after she turned one.  Mom took her for that weekend and when we picked her up on Sunday she had two new teeth to show for it.  If I had known time with nanny would get those suckers through, I'd have dropped her off months ago!  So, I'm betting it will still be another few weeks before we see this new guy come through, and oh, what a long few weeks they will be.

Mom went through her first round of chemo yesterday, and she seems to have fared very well.  She gets a shot today, and was told that the side effects generally occur within the first few days, usually peaking by day 3.  So we'll see this weekend how she'll hold up physically to the treatments -- but so far so good.  I am so blessed to have such a strong lady for my mom!!

Eric got himself a snowboard, so we're planning on trying it out at Massanutten next weekend (president's day weekend).  I'm hoping the weather will be a bit on the warm side, so that the snow is a bit slushy.  I like the slush, I am an east coaster.  Massanutten's typically pretty fun, regardless.  I hope to be able to take Cassy tubing.  Oh, boy, she will LOVE that!!

I got myself an elliptical, and though I haven't grooved into a good workout regiment yet, I have started using it whenever I field long phone calls from the parental units or cooking dinner, or watching cassy.  I anchored this machine in our den, and then went out and bought bunches of those foam tiles to create a comfy floor for Cassy to play on.  So the den is now a play room with my elliptical to keep me active and a bunch of toys to keep Cassy active.  I actually really like this room now!

I've also started paying attention (again) to how many calories I keep taking in.  Before Cassy I was really good at 1800 or fewer a day . . . compare that to the 2500 or so I'm at now!  YIKES!  Thankfully I haven't gained any weight -- I've stayed a steady 145-150 -- but I want that number down about 10 lbs (mixture of losing weight and toning muscle).  I don't think I'll ever be smaller than a size 6, but that's ok.  That's only one size down from current! 

We've been doing alright with our "no media Wednesdays."  Mixture of chores, reading, games and just . . . gasp! talking.  Eric is still one of my most favorite people to talk to.  You really just never know what that guy will come up with next!  I'm also thinking of starting alcohol-free weeks -- one or two each month -- just to help me cut out some calories.  I'm not making Eric partake in that.

I was supposed to go up to PA this past weekend for cousin Lucas' birthday party, but nasty weather in State College kept that from happening.  Apparently I-99 ended up getting closed entirely due to 16 accidents that happened, and that would have been our way home.  So it's a good thing my aunt made the call to stay in town.  Of course, that means that Lucas will just have to have a mini-party sometime soon!

So, the Super Bowl, huh?  Very low key -- just went to the in-laws for some BBQ.  I have to say the MVP of the night was Cassy -- who put herself to sleep around 7p, and slept soundly just a few rooms away from the rowdiness of the Bowl game.  Mom moment:  one of my favorite things is when I have to wake her up to go (if she falls asleep at her grandparent's house, etc).  She never cries, she just sorta opens her sleepy little eyes and yawns and grins, and then lays her head on my shoulder until she's settled in her carseat.  She's just so cuddly when this is happening! 

Commercials . . . I really liked that beetle commercial.  That sucker was quick!  I thought the extended Motor City commerical w/ Eminem at the end seemed a bit harsh.  Is it just me or are Super Bowl commercials not quite what they used to be?

And I didn't mind the halftime show.  I know everyone else thought it sucked, but eh.  Good for the Peas for breaking out of their norm.  I didn't mind all of those glo-dancers, either.  It was high energy if nothing else. 

Thinking about camping in April, on my sister's suggestion.  Probably late April/early May.  Any takers?

TGTF.

1.19.2010

I have a one year old.  A one year old!  I have a walking, almost-talking, smiling, beautiful, tiny one year old. 


We celebrated her birthday last night by giving her a lemon.  Maybe that sounds weird to you, but I have long-awaited seeing that cute little face pucker in disdain that that vile citrus.  And, since we're waiting until her birthday party on Saturday to give her her first cake, we figured a lemon wedge could be a nice stand-in.


Her reaction?  If she could talk, I'm pretty sure she would have said "Thanks guys, but, well, it's not really my thing."  She literally tasted the lemon, made a face like . . . what is this again?  Tasted it again, decided it wasn't for her, and tossed it on the floor.  Oh well.

So how is this for awesome?  Eric actually got ME a gift for Cassidy's birthday!  I wasn't expecting it at all, and when he walked into Cassy's room with a brightly wrapped gift two thoughts raced simultaneously through my mind:  1.  What kind of mother am I that I forgot to wrap -- and give!! -- my daughter a gift on her actual birthday???  and 2.  Thank goodness one of us remembered to give Cassy a gift tonight!

Instead, Eric gave me the gift, and told me it's because I'm such a fantastic mom, and congratulated me on a job well done in helping our child survive her first year. 

So, I cried.  A LOT.  I was just so touched!  And I'm not used to being caught so drastically off guard.  My first words to him were "But I didn't get you anything!"  He just laughed at me (not in a mean way.)

SO, all you guy-readers out there, take note.  If you want to absolutely floor your wife, give her a gift on your first child's first birthday.  She will never expect it (unless she, too, is reading this post.  In which case you better deliver, because now she's expecting it.  Sorry about that!)

Eric has for years been giving me a collection of frogs from Kitty's Critters.  I love them.  Some of them are called Tipsies, where you tip the frog figurine upside-down and it blinks something at you (like, "happy birthday!" if it's a birthday frog).  Last night he gave me a much larger-scale model of a mommy frog with her happy-as-a-clam baby frog catching a ride on her shoulders:

AND, we gave Cassidy her first birthday gift afterall, after I ran out of the room and tossed it into a gift bag with bright tissue paper -- one of those spinning light-up wand things.  It was like $2 at walmart, and she's fascinated by it.  Plus, it has a button to push, and she likes to push buttons. 

Yep, I know what I said, and I'm sticking by it.

:-)

Happy birthday Cassidy!!

E-I-E-I-O

Let's get this thing over with.

I took Cassidy to the pediatrician on Monday on a whim, because her cough sounded like it was getting worse.  I woke up early, in order to take her in during walk-in hours.  Otherwise I'd chance her getting sicker while waiting for an appointment to open up later in the day or the following day.  I'm so glad I did; as it turned out, Cassy has acute bronchitis!  The Doctor said to keep her home from daycare for the next two days in order to let her meds take affect and to keep her from being contagious.  She'll be going to my mom tomorrow, as Eric and I head back in to work.

Of course, any time Cassy gets sick I get sick, so I'm sitting here with a super stuffy nose, sore eyes, and a head that feels 3x bigger than it is.  I'm doing a fast with our church, which means no meat . . . and one of the things I crave when I'm this stuffy is hot wings, since I can actually taste them AND they clear my sinuses for a glorious, yet brief, period.  Oh well.  Tomato-Basil soup it is.

I managed to get all of the Christmas decorations boxed up.  This weekend I'm planning on getting some party supplies for Cassy's birthday, and perhaps do some preliminary decorating for that.  I've also got a lot on my plate for church redesign that I haven't been able to give adequate time to, thanks to this sickness.  By the time 9pm rolls around I'm shooting nyquil and passing out for the rest of the night.

We had to table our laser tag + settlers night with the Bradneys, as well.  Stupid cold running rampant.  Let's get this thing over with already!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

My phone died sometime before the ball dropped, so I wasn't able to send or respond to anyone's thoughtful texts or phone calls.  Thank you for thinking of me though!

We had a long week at the cabin, followed by a quiet, pleasant New Year's Eve with my mom.  She had never seen the Princess Bride before (gasp, shock and amazement!) so I corrected that.  The thing about my mom, is that she doesn't often make sarcastic/dry jokes like that, so I usually forget that even though she doesn't joke around like that personally, she still gets the joke and it cracks her up -- so we spent the evening laughing along with Robin Wright and Cary Elwes.  Dad got home about a quarter til midnight, Cassy woke up, and we all rang in the new year.

So, out with the old, in with the new. 

I don't tend to make New Years resolutions.  If I do, I tend to forget them by this time next year so I never remember if I succeeded with them or not.  Even so, I'm going to attempt the following:

1.  Somewhat better diet, less soda, more fruits and veggies
2.  Better organization in both my work and personal life
3.  Less TV.  Specifically, I am going to choose a night where there is *no* electronic media used in the house.  Time to get back to basics -- board games, puzzles, books.
4.  Better sleep schedule -- trying to get to bed by 10, settle for 11, during the week.
5.  (long shot) - Less activity.  I think there were only 3 weekends in all of 2010 where we didn't already have something scheduled months in advance.  I'd like to be able to see what comes up 'unplanned' -- like, hikes, picnics, trips to the zoo.

I'll use that last one as my lead in for . . .

Already in 2011, we've planned dinner with Mike and Katherine, Laser Tag/Settlers night with the Bradney's, Cassy's birthday, a trip to PA for Lucas' birthday, men and women's retreats with SG, Beach Trip!, yard crawl, LBD evening out . . . and are working on on the following home improvement projects:

1.  New Wash Basin installed -- *completed!*
2.  New Attic Ladder installed -- scheduled for THIS saturday!
3.  Beer cellar and/or cabinets buildout
4.  Recessed Lighting in Living Room
5.  New deck furniture
6.  Play space for Cassy on main level and in the back yard

I think I secretly really like having a busy schedule.  It makes me feel a part of things, and full of life.  Even still, I'd really like to start making time for things that we never get to do but always wish we could do.  I miss the days where we could lounge around and ask "so what do you want to do today" and have to think of a creative response.  Pretty soon Cassy will be telling us what SHE wants to do!  She's getting close to talking.  Here's a video of her "reading":

I did manage to save the book from becoming her afternoon snack, in case you were wondering.  Oh, and her incredibly cute outfit is courtesy of Grandma Bonbon  . . . or Santa Nusbaum, I forget which :-)

Now that it's January, the next part of what I'm calling Operation Facelift will begin.  I am part of a team of people helping to implement new, modern changes into the look and feel of SG, something that I am very honored to be included in.  I love this church, and really want to see it progress with the world around it.  In December, O.F. included a reworking of the usual Christmas decorations, and a flush out of old, broken, unused ornaments and packaging.  We also painted the 'blue room' (our multipurpose room), and added carpeting to give the room a more finished look.   January has already started nicely, with our new information kiosk being completed and delivered.  I haven't seen it yet in person, but the pictures look stunning and I'm sure this will help guide new members and visitors around SG!  We're going to redesign the missionary boards, ministry boards, and home group boards as well to give them all a streamlined, complementary appearance.  Eric has been working on revamping SG's handouts, brochures, website, etc.  It's amazing how so many small changes can lead to something so big! 

So, 2011 has started off rather nicely.  I love new beginnings.  Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end -- and so it goes.  And she was.  :-)