Late Night

Ever since I started taking flonase I can't go to bed until 1:30. I am only taking flonase because I "snore" according to someone who TOTALLY snores and won't admit it. Whatever, I am still snoring probably because it is one of those things that you have to take everyday or it doesn't work - it has to be "in your system". Again, whatever. I can't remember to take it even though it literally sits next to the coffee maker that I use every morning, without fail. I think it might be because I feel like it is keeping me awake. Although it probably all stems from when my mom said "don't take it at night cause you won't be able to sleep" and even though, when I have taken it, I do it first thing in the morning, I still think its keeping me awake.

I made $11,000 dollars last year which is probably what I made working at costco when I was 16 working on the weekends. I love having a job cause I really like the work I am doing but unfortunately, it doesn't cover the cost of the babysitter/housekeeper. Bad times. I don't want to "go back to work" because I want to be around my kids for more than a few hours at night. Also, I don't think it would be so easy to just get a great job.

I am also having a creative burst of energy where everywhere I look I see a project. I decided to paint the two front window's trim black. I always loved the Bernbaum's beige house with white and black trim - so elegant. They also had fabulous pussy willow wallpaper in their guest bathroom which was also beige and black and white. Other ideas I had tonight include:

1. painting the mailbox with a pink, white and black paisley pattern

2. hanging family photos on the walls - Joey's family on one and mine on another - like old photos - is that strange?

3. Major gardening projects all aimed at covering up the unsightly chain link fence that we have to keep until we can trust that our kids won't run off into the road (another 6 years?): building a trellis for a climbing rose around the gate on the south west corner, planting fruit trees, in pots for a few years and then in the ground on the random notch of grass between the neighbor's house and ours, deciding which vegetables to plant next to the carrots and peas. I also want to put forget me nots everywhere. Favorite flower.

4. There is currently a sanded down 4-drawer file cabinet in the shed waiting for me to paint it white with spray paint. Joey totally does not think it will work!

I just co-wrote a grant with two other neighbors to the Department of Neighborhoods for the planning of a water-spray park in the new Jefferson Park playground. It felt good to be involved in this way and I decided I much prefer working on a smaller team than being at the bigger meetings. I wrote the sections on neighborhood involvement and community building and basically had to persuade that just the planning of the water feature would build bonds in the neighborhood between diverse cultures and would develop a shared sense of responsibility between neighbors and business owners, etc. Alot of B.S. but exactly what they asked for. Writing a grant is like writing a college application including the financial aid form. It is stressful and hard to keep track of where the cuts and pastes are. I think we did a great job though and I make two new almost friends who I would never have even met though they live within 1/2 mile of me.

I am planning the Bush 1987 class reunion with Jacqueline which should be easier than it has been. It's hard to track down the only 40 people that were in my class but we have found most. Most unfortunately, we cannot find most of the members of our class who made up the diversity quotient. Though they would probably be the most interesting to see. I was surprised by this and hope it's not for the obvious reasons of class and race divisions in our society. I love to think that it has to be more complicated and individual and fascinating. Most likely not. Still, there has been some great reconnecting as well as a full dose of 1986 drama revisited. OY! It stands to be perfect cause it is a party at Phil's manse in Seward park in the day and a alum only soiree at night at Ried's market condo's rooftop. Lovely.

Passover is coming on Monday and Tuesday and I will be making ridiculous amounts of Matzoh Roca which is just matzah covered with toffee (butter and sugar) and chocolate. Phew Then the second night we are hosting and my Mother-in-law is making most of the food. So, not so bad but a little hectic. I am looking forward to it. Last year with just my parents on the second night, we added an orange to the seder plate to represent the matriarchs. We will see if Joey goes for that again with his parents and the Bernstiens present. The Bernstiein's are making gifelte fish. hm. I thought it came from a jar. I really love the tastes of passover the hillel sandwich is the best: haroset with chunks of apples and nuts dressed with wine and cinnamon topped with cream style horseradish barely held together by two pieces of crumbling matzoh. YUM! Topped off with a sprig of parsley dipped in a bowl of saltwater. It doesn't get better than that!

Here is a photo of Pete getting his butt kicked by his daughter at their AMAZING new house in Yakima!

Love Mew