Final Day ...

I tried to think of a clever name for this post ... which, of course (if you know me at all ... ), isn't the final POST. Just the final day in the office.That's a bit too final for me ... but ... as my brother Scott's sign reads: It is what it is. (With the implicit following statement ... so deal with it!) 

I'm not big on crying ... frankly, I am reminded of the movie "Same Time Next Year" ... where she admits that she looks terrible when she cries. Me, too ... and thus, I expect to look pretty terrible throughout the day. We (whatever staff are available) will convene at Barrymore's about 4:30 to have the last "after work" drink. While we don't "convene" much anymore, there were times during the first few years at EducationQuest that the bartenders could greet us by first name. Unfortunately, the staff dynamics changed ... one of the integral members resigned ... and so we all now rush home to our various abodes and miss all that wonderful "debriefing"! 

A slight digression about Barrymore's--when I started at EducationQuest Foundation, the tv show Ally McBeal had just wound down. If you watched it, you may remember that the law firm was strategically located ABOVE a bar. (Hey, it was Boston!). EducationQuest has its own building with no room for a bar. However, if you step outside if our loading dock door ... you will be greeted with the Barrymore's sign -- and yes, access is from the middle of the alley. Barrymore's is the reclaimed space behind an old theater ... once used for vaudeville ... so the bar is filled with pulleys and other bits of "back stage" paraphernalia. It's pretty cool. 

See how easily I will digress when I don't want to talk about the elephant in the room? Back to the elephant: saying goodbye is not easy ...  so I'm going to adopt the Rob Denicola approach to it all. He brought me to work this morning (because he will be part of the Barrymore's crowd tonight), leaned over, kissed me and said, "Have a good day at work." He's said that every day for the past nearly 26 years ... and by saying it  .. provided the bit of normalcy that I need throughout this tough day. 

I'm not sure that this music accompanying this blog post is appropriate to anything ... other than to the Christmas spirit and ... to the notion that you need to believe ... in yourself and in those around you who provide you with sustenance ... spouse, children, grandchildren, the broader family and friends. I have been fortunate ... I have believed in myself since I was knee-high to a grasshopper. So listen now to ... the Polar Express!

The Road Not Taken

And here it is ... the FINAL week ... although employed through December 31 ... I have some time off ... and my last day in the office in Friday, December 20. It has been a long 14 months ... as plans were made and re-made ... as discussions were held and then re-held ... all to get me to this particular place in my life ... where my roads once again diverge. I will no longer be on the professional track ... but throughout my life, I've had so many choices ... and have usually taken the one less traveled. I am a firm believer in my mom's brand of optimism ... be a good decision maker ... consider all the consequences ... but once a decision is made ... do not look back and know, from the bottom of your heart, that it was the right decision. Others may quibble about some of my decisions, small and large, but all of them brought me to and through this wondrous life that I've had ...   both professionally and personally. You will likely hear from me again this week ... but for now, I leave you with the entire poem by Robert Frost ... the one that I believe defines me.  The Road Not Taken

TWO roads diverged in a yellow wood, And sorry I could not travel both And be one traveler, long I stood And looked down one as far as I could To where it bent in the undergrowth;      Then took the other, as just as fair, And having perhaps the better claim, Because it was grassy and wanted wear; Though as for that the passing there Had worn them really about the same,        And both that morning equally lay In leaves no step had trodden black. Oh, I kept the first for another day! Yet knowing how way leads on to way, I doubted if I should ever come back.     I shall be telling this with a sigh Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.

What an amazing day~

Yesterday's all-staff meeting didn't make it any easier to say goodbye to my colleagues but it certainly did tie a bow on my leaving! And in a most wondrous way. 

We began our day in the normal fashion .. .when suddenly we were interrupted by a "Christine Moment" ... and passed a box of tissues. The video began to play ... and it was Nebraska's Governor ... thanking me ... personally ... for my good work. I was speechless. And that was just the beginning ... I heard from Sabrina ... and Rory ... and my good friend Valerie with whom I've worked professionally, too ... and from staff members who were so kind in their accolades ... and finally ... from the Chancellor of the University (but a personal friend of Rob's ... so that's likely how that one happened!) I can't play all of them ... I'm sure that the Gov and Chancellor Perlman don't want a stream of "please do one for us" coming to their door. But I can provide two for you ... and really, weren't these the most important two? 

I was an emotional wreck after the day ... but also a very happy person that my colleagues cared enough to do a farewell for me! 

So here are the comments from the peanut gallery!

 

Less than two weeks ...

Oh, my ... less than two weeks left on the job although I'm employed through the end of December. But on December 20th, I'll be packing my office and headed home for the final time. I'm trying to stay as busy as possible ... to put some distance between my emotions and the "day of." Tomorrow is my final all-staff meeting ... where our staff gather from Lincoln, Omaha, and Kearney--and that's likely to be a tough one. It's not like this is a "there's no crying in baseball" kind of place. We have shed tears here ... and I can only describe us all as grief-stricken for the days we struggled to understand Tammi's ... one of my directors ... untimely death. 

But the sadness that I feel is upon retiring is so one-sided. For the most part, my staff will miss me but they also understand that one reaches a "certain age" and that retirement is the natural course of events. I could have stayed, had I wished to stay longer. And while I will miss EducationQuest, I can actually look at my work here and say ... good things were accomplished.

It is more an "end of an a" kind of sadness ... professionally, not personally! And yes, it is the end. I do not intend to spend time volunteering ... however worthy the cause. Had I wanted to stay engaged in the "helping" industry, I would have stayed put ... with the remuneration just a bonus! Because helping people is what EducationQuest does ... or it helps people to help themselves by accessing higher education ... two OR four year! 

This morning I had breakfast with my "old" (meaning previous boss) and that was fun. She's a bit older than I am and plans on retiring soon herself. The more the merrier is what I say ... and, of course, some of my "merriment" will be with my friends who are teachers ... and have been retired for a few years ... and one of my good friends who retires on the same day that I do!!

Yes, I'm counting on my friends to see me through these transition days ahead ... so in their honor, I offer Garth Brooks  ... who is the king of C/W as far as I'm concerned!

            

Who DOES know where the time goes?

I'm switching it up today ... music first. (To make sure you listen to it? :) Ha.) Again ... a serious favorite is Eva Cassidy ... too long gone from this world. This song really captures it for all of us ... especially at Christmastime and particularly as we grow a wee bit older. 

If you listened carefully to this song ... you know that she captured oh-so-well the melancholy of time passing before our very eyes. One of my favorite aunts ... Aunt Mamie ... told me (the year that she turned 90) that, "The older you get, the faster the years go ... but the slower the days go." So far, I've only experienced the faster part ... but I'm getting a glimpse of what she means by the days going slower. 

Yesterday was my first day at home with no "social obligations" in close to a month. Don't get me wrong ... I thrive on those "obligations" and they start again tomorrow in earnest. But sometimes a quiet day ... with only our perpetual errands staring us in the face ... is what we all need. Especially in the hectic pre-Christmas rush ... presents to wrap, boxes to mail, and houses to decorate. (For once, the cookies were baked and frozen last month!) Still have much left to do ... but our house is nearly the Christmas house that it is meant to be. And today ... if you were to walk into our house, you would be surrounded by Christmas ... and then you could look out onto Plum Pond, where the water is frozen and now covered with a few inches of light, fluffy snow. Life is good at Plum Pond! 

PS ... Someone thought "Plum Pond" was its official name. No, sorely, no. But I call it that for several reason. Number 1 ... it has no name so mine seems as gooa as any. Number 2 ... we live on Preserve Lane (Plum, Preserve ... yeah, you got it). Number 3 ... and likely the most important ... Laura Ingalls Wilder's books were an integral part of my growing up, of Becky's growing up, and hopefully, Sabrina's growing up ... and, of course, "On the Banks of Plum Creek" reminds me of ... on the banks of Plum Pond. 

Bassoon It Will Be Christmas ...

Yes, that terrible pun was part of the evening's performance last night by the Lincoln Symphony Orchestra. But the music was fun ... interweaving the undersung (or underplayed) bassoon into some lovely Christmas carols. I'd never been to this particular concert ... for one thing, it's very family driven and Rob and I are generally a twosome (but perhaps we'll have Sabrina or Rory with us some future year!). But we've been missing out ... about 75 very young Suzuki students ... made tears come to my eyes. And excerpts from the Nutcracker definitely reminded me of Becky's many years in ballet ... 

But as I sat listening and thinking (because really ... is there a better time to think than when surrounded by music?) ... I thought that my life has definitely come full circle. Although we had little-to-no money when growing up, both my parents encouraged us to enjoy music ... of all kinds, even symphonies! My dad loved opera ... and my brother Scott carries on that tradition. (He also loved the twangiest of Country Western music ... which I know I've mentioned ... and while we don't necessary enjoy the twang, all of us enjoy C/W!) 

I was also introduced to music ... composers ... by our valiant music teacher at Hawthorne ... whom I've also mentioned previously: Mr. Volin. I wish he knew what a profound reach he actually had on some of us. 

When I was in the 6th grade, we had a chanced to buy a season pass for next-to-nothing to attend the Sioux Fallsl Symphony. And so I did ... and went until the Beatles were so much a part of my life that there was no room for classical music. I went by myself ... walking to the Washington High Auditorium or cadging a ride from my parents depending on the weather. (Didn't we all walk in "those days?" It was so safe then!) 

Two years ago I was asked to come onto the Lincoln Symphony Board. Rob was surprised that I wanted to do so ... but when I explained the symmetry of it ... how once upon a time, a long time ago ... a little girl from the North End of the Sioux Falls found joy in music ... he got it and has been encouraging of my participation. 

A final thought ... as part of the Board, I got to hand out candy canes to the children who attended the concert. The last part of the concert consisted of Christmas carols ... sung by the audience, accompanied by the Orchestra. I had to step back inside from my post by one of the doors ... because WHO could miss a chance to sign with a full orchestra. 

This clip is not from the Lincoln Symphony Orchestra but I hope you enjoy it nonetheless! 

The Party's Over ...

... well, at least the party that my boss and EducationQuest gave me at the Country Club of Lincoln. I was honored by how many people came and how much work went into the "event." Most of our "retirees" here in our building get a cake and a room where staff can stop by and wish them adieu. Instead, there were fancy invitations and then wonderful food and free drinks for all the attendees ... about 60. I didn't choose the guest list but it was a good balance of staff, board members, professional colleagues, and former work colleagues (also professionals but friends, too). Rob may provide a follow-up party for just friends ... but we shall see. We are both so worn out from the past few months of celebrating that the party does need to be over!! Perhaps in January, we can celebrate again ... when I'm well-rested and ready for this new chapter of my life that begins in just a little over 2 weeks! 

As the title song goes ... the party's over and it's time to call it a day. BUT ... not quite yet. Oh, no, faithful readers ... not even close. Tonight we go to a cocktail party for University of Nebraska Law College alums ... and when we get home our friends John and Tom may be there. Then there's tomorrow night ... big night at the Symphony where Rob and I will be working during the intermission (almost called it half-time!) for a fundraiser. Maybe on Saturday ... we will rest. Maybe. 

This little clip (bear with the 1970's humor ... ) shows two remarkable singers ... talking about  how their party is over ... as was mine from last night. But the new party will begin soon!! Stay tuned. 

 

Robert Frost ...

... and well you may ask ... what in the world does Robert Frost have to do with retirement. But, as we all know, the man was nothing if not pithy and, according to our "message of the day," he once wrote: "In three words I can sum up what I've learned from life ... it goes on." 

And so it does ... so if "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" is all you know of Robert Frost, you may want to acquaint yourself with some of his other work. The man GOT life! Still ... even that well-known poem has greater meaning to me this month as I contemplate the last lines: 

The woods are lovely, dark and deep.   

But I have promises to keep,   

And miles to go before I sleep,   

And miles to go before I sleep.

And that I do ... have promises to keep and miles to go before I sleep. Short-term ... working until December 20 ... although on the payroll until December 31. Long-term ... well, we'll get to that after December 31! 

For today, Daphne and I will be conducting another superintendent visit ... to Beatrice. Best part ... riding with Daphne and catching up on her family and also discussing what's going to be happening here at EducationQuest long after I'm gone! I will be listening carefully to hear of their successes because I know that they will be many! 

By the way, listening to Sirius radio this morning (yes, I'm addicted!), I heard "White Christmas." I wonder ...  yes, it's time to roll out the Christmas music!

 
 

 

No rest for the wicked ...

... or is that the "weary?" Well, makes no "nevermind" since there is simply no rest. But in a good way! We talked with our good friend John last night and he and his friend (and now ours!) Tom are driving from Minneapolis to Denver and would like to overnigiht at Chez Denicola on Thursday. So happy to have voices back in the house (not that either Tom or John are noisy guys!) ... but as I told him ... "The kitchen is closed." Not because we don't have food galore but because we're going to a cocktail party on Thursday after work for Nebraska Law College alums. I offered our leftovers ... again ... the "galore" part. 

So last night I washed sheets and got the bedrooms ready for the next guests ... but was also working on my LAST memo for the office. I think that my lasting legacy to EducationQuest will be memos. :) When I started 12 years ago, most reports were verbal. As a good attorney, I couldn't understand why we weren't memorializing more ... and so now, memos ... well, also galore! Mine this time was a philosophical one ... Is College For Everyone? Well, of course the answer to that is no ... but the caveat is ... if you say no too soon, which students are often left behind? And that's what EducationQuest is all about ... keeping expectations alive. 

Tomorrow night, my boss and EducationQuest are feting me at the Country Club of Lincoln with a farewell reception. It will be small ... professional acquaintances and staff only. Rob has promised a much bigger party sometime in January ... we shall see. We have so many irons in the fire for January already ... starting with our New Year's trip to New York City. We haven't been to NYC since we took many of the famiy with us ... for my mom's first trip to the Big Apple. She seemed to love it ... she certainly loved the Rockettes as did all of the girls! (The "boys" went for Johnny's Pizza in Times Square!) So this is for you, Mom, and for Cathy ... who got us such wonderful tickets! 

"I love you, GeeCee"

Sabrina's birthday celebration ... Thanksgiving ... my 65th birthday celebration ... and in-between ... family fun!! I'd thought I'd be able to write DURING the time that the family was here but alas, that time never materialized. 

By 8:00 last night, the last guest was on a plane bound for Denver ... and by 8:30, I'd crawled into bed, feeling pretty tired ... but mostly just sad! It is hard to have family live so far from one another. On the other hand, it makes every opportunity to be together one of celebration ... whether it's a holiday or a birthday or NOT! And celebrate we did. 

Rob and I made a conscious decision to try to cook in as much as possible ... provides a lot of flexibility for other events and also accommodates a darling little three-year old a bit better. Luckily, we both love to cook ... and have learned some tricks of the trade over the years ... like make something homemade but fill in with some items from our friend Mauro, who still caters his wonderful food from Caffe Italia! By the end, it was difficult for my family to know what we'd cooked and what Mauro had made ... but it was all good! 

Enough of food (although always a prime subject for discussion in my family) and onto the other memories ... memories that will keep me warm through this 65th year and my first "winter" of retirement. 

•  Picking up my mom and my sisters from the hotel on my birthday morning and being greeted by a rousing rendition of "Happy birthday." 
• Enjoying "pedis" with all of the girls on my birthday ... minus Sabrina ... and hoping that she can go with us next year. 
• Planning the next "Girls' Weekend" because we can never get enough of family!
• Having both my sisters and my daughter pitch in and help with dishes, salad making, setting the tables, and cleaning up. Really ... what DID I do? :) 
• Sharing the genealogical chart that my friend Barb made with my mom ... with a room full of Christensens to enjoy it, too! 
• Introducing Sabrina to her second cousin Cole ... and because a three-year old's ears aren't quite that discerning, her response of "Hi, Cole ... BRRRRR ..." :) 
• Taking pictures with  my sister and my Becky ... and saving them forever. 
• Taking pictures with my mom and her girls ... and saving them forever and a day. 
• Getting txt messages from family and friends near and far. 
•  Receiving more Facebook posts than my years ... not an easy feat! 
• Having so many of the people that I love around me on my birthday ... what more can a girl ask! (No, being 16 again would be highly over-rated as the other wish!) 
• Sitting on the deck, in the early morning, wrapped in blankets with Sabrina on my lap ... waiting for the birds to fly by.
• Having Sabrina say, "Sh sh sh ... don't frighten the birds" when I spoke when we were on the deck! 
• Having Rob find just the perfect gift to keep me warm at night. (No, don't go there, people!)
• Giving Sabrina her good-bye kiss once she was bucked into the "black car" for her journey back to Texas ... with her "I love you, GeeCee" ... ringing in my ears and in my heart.
• And in keeping with the memories of JFK and of birthdays, I bring you ... Marilyn Monroe, singing, "Happy Birthday, Mr. President!" 

The Calm Before the Storm ...

T-day minus 1 day and counting. T here is obvious! Happy Thanksgiving to all of the faithful readers ... some of whom may be joining us at Plum Pond at the Preserve for a very special family holiday. And it's special because my mom, 88, will be here ... two of her grandchildren, one great-grandchild, a nephew, a great  nephew and niece ... and three of her daughters. It's a "wonderful time of the year" ... even if I'm a bit early in my quotations. 

I doubt if I'll have time to write on the thanking day ... which is what the Italians called it one memorable Thanksgiving spent in Rome. Still ... that Thanksgiving involved the two of us ... so memorable or not, the best memories are always those that involve as much family as possible! 

As I told Rob this morning, over our last leisurely cup of coffee before the next 6 days of intense camaraderie and cooking ... I may have been a general in a previous life. Definitely bossy enough. But the amount of pre-planning that went on ... because we do intend to cook every day, including my birthday ... to let Sabrina enjoy as much of the celebrating as possible ... well, the amount of pre-planning seemed to match that of the D-Day preparations. 

If you are reading this before Thanksgiving ... have a wonderful one ... and my picture for the day is of ... me. I am fast approaching midnight on this 65th birthday thing. Thankfully, my daughter and two of my sisters are here to help assuage the pain. So here I am ... not quite looking like I did at 16 ... nor even 50 ... but grateful that I'm still able to orchestrate a fun-filled few days for family ... and a Thanksgiving feast! 

P.S. Over the next 3 weeks, I'm going to be like the garden gnome that goes around the world ... but in this case, my building. :) Memories ... are made of this. 

Sabrina Fair

Today ... throughout the land ... (okay ... nearly!) ... we celebrate the birth of Sabrina Fair. She was born on November 19th ... three years ago! She was a miracle baby ... not in the test tube, lots of meds type of way ... but a miracle because her mom and dad had nearly given up hope that there would be a baby for them. When Becky told me that she was expecting a baby (originally due ON my birthday) ... it was only the second time in my life when I couldn't speak. I couldn't even breath ... I was so happy for my daughter. 

During Becky's pregnancy ... deemed high-risk due to her age but what turned out to be a nearly perfect pregnancy ... we all held our breaths and said, "We so want her to be able to carry this baby to full-term." Our second wish was ... "And let the baby be healthy." And then, those of us who were a bit selfish (NOT Becky or Brian) ... whispered under our breath "And wouldn't it be nice if the baby is a girl." (Rory having occupied the grandson berth previously, of course.) 

I was blessed to be in the delivery room ... but could hardly believe my ears when I heard that she was a girl. Then I could hardly believe my eyes ... she was born beautiful ... and even her name was music to my ears: Sabrina Catherine. But the Sabrina Fair is from a poem by Milton: 

Sabrina fair
Listen where thou art sitting
Under the glassy, cool, translucent wave,
In twisted braids of lilies knitting
The loose train of thy amber-dropping hair;
Listen for dear honour's sake,
Goddess of the silver lake,
Listen and save

So here are a few of my favorite pictures "through the years" ... ha. :) 

If not the end of an era ...

... it was close last week: a final director/officer meeting and a final Advisory Council meeting. It was fitting to have this Council meeting so close to the end of my career since it was EducationQuest's Advisory Council that opened the door to me to come to EducationQuest. I was asked to speak to the Council way back in 2001 about the importance of "keeping the dream alive" for 8th grade students. Twelve years later, I'm happy to say that EducationQuest has expanded its reach to middle school students ... and no, not much of that is due to me other than my continually harping away at a theme! Ha. 

EducationQuest's Advisory Council is filled with practictioners who live the motto to which EducationQuest has long-subscribed: "Because of something I did today, one more student went to college." We have the head of counseling for Omaha Public Schools and Lincoln Public Schools ... we have TRIO representatives and high school principals ... college admissions directors and financial aid directors ... but mostly what we have are people with a passion for making sure that all students have the RIGHT to attend college. Not all students will attend ... nobody thinks that this is the model. But here we believe that no student should be turned away because he/she can't afford it. We also have been firm advocates for students of color ... and for first generation students. 

Are you a first-generation student? Many of us ... at least many of us who are "my age" ... are. We are the first in our families to attend college. Once upon a time, my youngest brother Mark called me to thank me for going to college. "Why thank me?" I asked. He answered, "Because then the rest of us knew we could." Too much credit to me ... but a lesson there for sure. It is the BELIEF that college is for you that can make a difference in your life. 

So today ... and for each day hereafter ... if you want to do something for me, you will encourage someone whom you know ... or someone that you know needs to hear the words ... to go to college. College ... two year or four year ... makes no never mind. :) The only thing that matters is that you go out and make a difference. So just do it! 

PS ...Don't let any of your dreams ... or the dreams of those around you ... be "Dust in the Wind" ... :) 

Champlain Cocktails ...

Rob and I are going to enjoy a quiet weekend ... that is, if a weekend filled with Huskers sports is ever quiet. And what a grand start ... celebrating in the new Pinnacle Arena with a Husker basketball win. But we will appreciate this lull in the program ... since, as is true for most falls, our weekends are generally very full with family, friends, and fun. 

In the quiet Saturday morning before me, however, I choose to remember our idyllic time in Vermont ... with son Nate, beautiful daughter-in-law Kristen, and, of course, our favorite grandson ... Rory. They live not far from Burlington, Vermont, which, to those of you (like me) who are slightly geographically impaired ... is on the shores of Lake Champlain. If you've never seen it ... I suggest the ferry ride from Burlington to New York state ... to really understand the size of Lake Champlain. I imagine what it was like when only the canoe broke the serenity of the water ... 

But this is not a history lesson ... but rather a lesson on letting kids ... well, be kids. Rory is a very sweet guy ... at his ancient age of 6 1/2 plus. It's such an innate sweetness that I suspect that some girl some day will fall madly in love with him ... not because of his thick dark hair or lovely hazel eyes ... no, not even those dimples that make ME smile just to see them ... but because of that sweetness. 

Let no mistake be made: he's also all boy. Not so much in a rough-and-tumble way as an adventurer and an explorer. And thus, finally ... to the story. One evening while we were there, we went to a great pizza place in Burlington (Pizza Verita). A busy place ... so while waiting for our table, we "bellied up to the bar" ... and had a glass of vino (in vino veritas ... yes, I couldn't resist). Rory was seated with us ... when Rob noticed that he was mesmerized by the bartender (yes, think Tom Cruise and "Cocktail" ... the bartender was that talented). Rob said jokingly .. "I think that Rory may have a new career goal." Thirty seconds later ..."Mom ... I think I want to be a bartender when I grow up." 

Lots of laughter ... but not the end of the story. When we arrived back at the ranch (or the colonial house), Rory was light years ahead of the rest of us ... and requested two glasses ... one that fit into another ... and some water. A mixologist was born. He asked me what my favorite drink was ... and I said, "When I'm on vacation in big cities, I always ordered a champagne cocktail." (Call me crazy .. definitely retro.)

And so Rory's signature drink was born ... mixed with one part water to two parts water ... but definitely mixed and poured. And, because this little guy doesn't know what champagne is but definitely know what Champlain is ... he proudly poured and said, "Here, Nonna ... here's your Champlain cocktail." 

I will likely continue my tradition of champagne cocktails in such fun cities as New York and San Fran ... but it will forever remind me of Rory ... and will always be a Champlain cocktail! 

PS ... Rory is likely to have loftier goals at some point ... fighter pilot, downhill ski Olympian ... but now, he's just a kid ... and enjoying life! 

Wicked ...

Yes, on the final run-up to retirement ... in this next-to-the-last month, I am trying to do better on my blogging. And today, while perusing Facebook (yes, yet another timesuck), I found out that it was the 10th anniversary of the Broadway musical "Wicked." And for those of you tempted to quit reading at the word "musical" ... DON'T. 

I'm not quite sure how a Broadway show can be life-changing but I've heard those words applied to "Wicked" often ... and I agree. For years, I heard about it but thought ... nah, not for me. Then finally, as part of a staff celebration, we took our staff to Omaha to see the traveling version of "Wicked." If that's what you can see ... do it. 

But then ... we had the chance to take my mom to NYC. My sister Cathy wanted to see "Wicked" ... Rob did not. I'm not sure that my mom did either. But others did and the majority rules in our family (because, btw, while we started with Mom, Cathy, Rob and me on Mom's first trip to New York, we ended up with 10 of us ... what a celebration!). 

Cathy vigilantly searched for tickets ... paid a premium but we had seats in the 10th row ... all of us, with the exception of Suzanne, but Rob managed to snag a good ticket for her on our way into the theatre (Suzanne ... living under a lucky star ... will be discussed in some future blog given over to sisters!). 

"Wicked" IS a story about accepting people for what they are ... and not what they look like. They echo my admonition that I don't care if you're purple or pink-polka-dotted  ... expectations are expectations (said sternly to certain students in my junior high classes!). Green was beautiful in "Wicked" but it was also the story of how we are BETTER than we can hope to be ... made so by those around us that we love. I sat next to my sister Cathy and we held hands and cried ... 

And if you're a guy ... well, Rob didn't cry ... but he admitted ... and this is a New York City boy, mind you ... that this was the best Broadway show (next to the Man from LaMancha) that he's seen. And he agreed that it was worth every penny of the admission ... and it was a pretty penny. 

So listen now to the song that brought Cathy, Suzanne, Becky, Mom, and I to tears ... this is the shortened version.Go buy the original!! 

Vermont in the fall ...

Rob and I visited Vermont this fall ... a teensy bit too late for true heart-stopping, leaf-peeping glory ... but enough color left in "them thar hills" to bring out the latent photographer in me ... and to make us gasp as we rounded the switchback roads to see another hillside full of maples, flaming with reds and golds. 

Visiting our son, daughter-in-law, and sweet-as-pie grandson Rory has always been more Norman Rockwell-ian that any two people deserve and this visit was no exception. Kristen and Nathan live in a tiny little town about 20 minutes from Burlington although "town" might dress it up too much. There is a village green, a general store (with lovely wines and artisan breads), a Congregational church, and a white clapboard village library. There are also a smattering of houses around the green ... and Nate & Kris' 1810 house is one of the finest ... now. K&N, along with Kristen's dad, spent nearly 3 years restoring their 200-year old house to its former glory ... plus. When we are there, we are treated to staying in the guest suite ... which was redeemed from an apartment that was gerry-rigged onto the house. Now, with their expert craftsmanship and ability to move walls (since the house itself is all post-and-beam), the guest suite swirls seamlessly into the rest of the living areas. But ... if a rainy afternoon beckons to two tired grandparents, one accommodating grandson, and a well-trained granddog ... that guest suite can become an oasis of quiet reading and play time ... making yet another memory for Nebraska's cold winter nights. 

While we enjoyed the sojourn in Jericho Center, we also had a tremendous time at Sugarbush ... the ski resort about 60 minutes away. Nate & Kristen had purchased a small condo (ski in/out) there last summer and spent the summer working on that project. As always ... the small project produced a condominium worthy of royalty ... but 'twas just us who were the beneficiaries ... at least for a weekend. 

We left "home" ... because it quickly feels that way ... and traveled to Sugarbus to celebrate Rob's and Nathan's birthdays. We were able to wine and dine at some of the most elegant or unique (or both!) restaurants in and around Sugarbush. One of my favorites was lunch at Prohibition Pig in Waterbury, Vermont. (See Prohibition Pig).  But truly, everything else paled next to the birthday dinner celebration at The Common Man. (the Common Man )

As soon as the snow flies, Rory and Nathan will be hitting the slopes. We were discussing the price of ski passes but it turns out that Sugarbush (perhaps like other ski resorts) provides ski passes at substantially discounted rates to those servicemen who, like Nathan, have been deployed in the past year. So this year, skiing will be both fun AND affordable. Lovely gesture on the part of the resort. 

Here is the greeting as you walk into the Sugarbush condo ... yes, it spells SUGARBUSH ... much more three-dimensionally that my poor photography allows. And each letter handmade by Kristen ... such talent. 

I once loved to ski ... and in my checkered past, actually skied at Sugarbush! How about that! But now, I must admit that my body simply won't take the punishment. I'm glad that all our trips to the Rockies, either in Colorado or Wyoming, had a lasting influence on Nate and that he wants to pass along his love of skiing to Rory. Will Rory shine at this sport? Enough for a Dartmouth scholarship (like I said ... a family of confident optimists!)? Who knows ... only time will tell but I know that Rory and Nate will have wonderful winters together in Sugarbush ... and when they return to the condo, Kristen will make their lives even more special!

So bring it, Mother Nature ... we hardy Midwesterners ... transplanted as they have been to New England ... thrive on snow!

But first ... a song from that great balladeer, Nate King Cole ... if you don't know him ... get lost in his voice as he sings about Autumn Leaves.

Hail Mary

Football reminding me to blog ... tsk, tsk. In actuality ... i was reminded about blogging both from my niece, who is a much more faithful blogger than I, and by one of my friends who actually took the time to note which dates and which subjects she enjoyed the most! (Thank you, Barb!) 

Still ... it was the broad smile on my face as I was listening to college football on Sirius this morning ... that prompted me to write again. To write about the joy of a Hail Mary ... in football. (Likely also in religion but since I'm not Catholic, I cannot comment on that!)

Our weekend was full ... full of friends, laughter, and football. We were worried about the football part after the Minnesota debacle. Still ... one cannot be a true member of Husker Nation if Hope isn't your middle name. So off we went ... after a leisurely morning with our Coloradan friends Bud & Fran, who stayed with us ... and a Roberto-inspired breakfast. First stop ... Barrymore's ... where the Bloody Mary's are the traditional pre-game drink of choice. 

To say that the game was uneven was an understatement. But ... by the closing 2 minutes, all Hope was finally and completely exhausted. Many many fans exited the game ... but Rob, who has this unusual streak of optimism when it comes to Nebraska football, said, "It's not over yet ... wait!!" In the meantime, I'm gathering up our blankets and waiting with one foot in the aisle ...when, with 4 seconds left in the game, RK3 (the 3rd string quarterback) threw a 49-yard pass that was miraculously caught in the end zone ... snatching victory from the jaws of defeat. 

It is the aftermath that I write about now ... the jubilation, the exhilaration, the excitement  ... the pure joy that filled the hearts of the remaining fans (90,000 plus originally). I wasn't at the 1997 Missouri game ... an even more unlikely catch that saved not just a season but a national championship. But that game was in Missouri. This was in "our house" ... where simultaneously, ALL of the fans let out their collective  breaths and began their victory whoops. Truly one of the most uplifting moments in Nebraska football history. 

And that jubilation was still with me this morning as I drove to work ... to start my 7th-to-last-week at EducationQuest. And from the newspaper articles and the online bloggers, the exhilaration is nearly statewide and making a Monday into a celebratory day! 

That's right ... 7 weeks left in the office. We talked about my work a lot this weekend ... our friends, like Rob, are a little skeptical that I will settle into retirement as I know I will. But now that it's down to the "near-end" ... each day does seem like a new adventure and I know that I will end my tenure at EducationQuest with the same enthusiasm that I began it ... committed to the mission of getting  more students to college ... especially those students who didn't think that they stood a chance. 

So in the honor of the need to never give up ... I leave you with a YouTube clip of James Taylor and Tony Bennett singing an "unabashedly confident song" ... and also a famous quotation by Winston Churchill:  Never, never, never give up! 

PS ... And I will also provide my litany of reasons why I've fallen down as a blogger. Transitioning out of work ... celebrating football and friendship and family ... all have led to my placing the blog at a lesser level. I think you might all agree, with the possible exception of football, that I have my priorities straight! 

Autumn ... and aunts ...

Yes, the alliteration caught my eye first ... but the other reason that I'm combining autumn and aunts (whether it's pronounced with the Ahnts or the Ants ... they are still beloved) is that autumn has finally come to stay in Nebraska ... or so I hope. I love the sights of fall ... the leaves on the trees or on the ground (especially now when we do not rake!). I love the smells that are associated with autumn ... a bonfire or just a crisp fall night! And since it's October, I am also into my final quarter at EducationQuest ... had to tie in the retirement theme somehow! 

As to aunts ... I had two favorites. My dad's sister who was closest to him in age ... my aunt Mamie. And my mom's youngest sister ... my aunt Dodie (Dorothy to those less close to her!). My aunt Mamie helped me appreciate education ... whether it comes from a degree ... or more likely ... from reading. My aunt Dodie helped me appreciate ... myself. She was one of the first people (yes, outside of my parents) whom I knew loved me for me.  And wow ... did I love her back!

And, as to nieces ... today I was shopping for a birthday card for one of my nieces and I realized once again, how important they are in my life. Far more important than it must seem to them ... but hopefully, they may realize it someday, too. Two of my nieces have nieces of their own and I hear in their voices and in their Facebook posts how much they love their nieces. Depending on how you count the number of nieces that I have ... well, I have plenty. :) But I have 6 that I count as "close" and my life is better because they are in it. 

My niece Courtney was the only niece who lived close enough to spend time with us during the summer. Her mom is my sister Marie ... and while they live in Houston now, they lived in Kansas City for quite some time. Having Courtney with us forged a bond for Courtney and me, which enables us to pick up like we just saw each other  ... no matter how long it has been. She was part of some great memories ... helping me shop for kitchen "stuff" when we remodeled our Georgian Court house. She was 8 then ... and helpfully carried my turkey roaster into every appliance shop so I could ensure that the ovens were big enough for my turkeys! My favorite memory is when she came bouncing into our bedroom and told Rob (the most private of men): "Uncle Rob ... you look like a rock star in the morning with your hair like that."

My niece Sarah is someone described by her father Mark as "just like you, Chris." Well, if only that were truly true. Sarah is tall, lithe, and lovely ... and just completed an IronMan Marathon. Not quite me. But I suspect that it's more her work ethic that makes him think that (yes, and we are both confident people ... so I can say ... yes, I have a strong work ethic). But in addition to her perseverance, Sarah is very bright ... but yes, she studies diligently, too. All of my life people described me as an "over-achiever" ... and I chafed at that description, thinking ... but maybe I'm not even achieving up to my potential .. how do they know? Sarah is also a very caring and nurturing person ... who has found her place in life as a physician's assistant. 

My niece Julie is perhaps the most like a second daughter to Rob and me. Her mother died when Julie was in her 20's ... and while I can never BE her mom, I can appreciate much of Julie that her mom did. Diane described her as affectionate, loving, and kind. All of those things are true in triplicate for Jules. She lives in Alaska (so far ... but there is hope that she will relocate to Vermont ... not that far from my son). She gave Rob and I the best present ever when she and her husband Scott came to spend Labor Day weekend with us a year ago ... wow. And our time together was magical ... made even better with the first daughter Becky came to see us as well! Julie and her "Uncle Rob" have a terrific relationship ... and she gives as good as she gets, which is the only way to handle Rob. For many years now, we've exchanged penguin-related gifts ... not sure exactly how it started but I think it had something to do with Julie and Diane wanting Rob to watch "Happy Feet." I doubt if we will ever find as perfect a penguin-themed gift as the one we received a Christmas or two ago. It was a handcrafted frame (Julie's) work with a picture of penguins from her husband's Scott's trip to Antarctica. 

My  niece Lucy is the living embodiment of Marilyn Monroe ... down to her perfectly unbleached hair. When Lucy was a 3 year old, I went into say goodbye to her after a trip to see her family. Although I woke her up, her tousled towhead sat right up and held out her arms ... sweetness incarnate. Throughout Lucy's life, I've seen that sweetness shining through ... and I am so happy for her that she is finding contentment in a new relationship in a new town. She deserves to be happy! Lucy is my sister's Suzanne's only daughter ... and reminds me most of my aunt Dodie ... and my sister Suzie!

My niece Rachel is a living doll. She is also a daughter of brother Mark. From her days as a curly-haired toddler ... through this year, when she graduates from college ... her smiles light up a room and her laughter makes you want to find out just what you are missing. I haven't been able to spend as much time with "Rache," as I like ... but when you send off a green (no kidding) purse to her and she LOVES it and carries it with her like it was the best gift ever ... well, that's Rachel. She makes everyone around her feel good. The fact that she likes all things leopard-like does make gift-buying easy! 

Last but not least ... of the nieces that I know well, ... is Susie. She, too, is my sister Diane's daughter. I saved her for last because if Sarah represents the more responsible side of me, Susie represents the side that calls things as they are ... not as she hopes that they will be. Oh, Susie is also responsible ... her three loved and loving children will attest to that. But if I want to know how things are ... how things stand ... I know that I can count on Susie to be unequivocal in her responses. Last year, Rob and I drove to Ashland, Oregon, to spend some time (too short) with Susie and her family. And then Susie and I stayed up until the wee hours of the morning ... leaving no family stone unturned. Gosh but I love that girl. 

And so, I count myself fortunate ... two special aunts, several special nieces ... all whom I've loved and who have filled my life with excitement and fun. Perhaps in retirement, I will see a bit more of them. But that would only enhance my love for them ... nothing will ever change it. 

Music ... what else could it be but Sister Sledge? :)

If everyone has a story to tell ...

... what is yours? I have been pondering mine: in part because I'll be wrapping up the working chapter of my life and in part because I've spent some time looking into my grandchildren's eyes ... wondering what their story will be. 

I have to admit ... I've never wanted to live forever. Nor do I yet ... but I do wish I had a crystal ball so I could see my grandchildren's futures. I know that their parents will instill in them a solid core. And maybe I'll be able to share some sage advice ... but likely, my gifts to them will be limited to such things as: a decent pair of legs to Sabrina and widow's peaks galore to Rory.

Do you know about NPR's National Story project? The National Story project captured the essence of America in some poignant broadcasts. It morphed into something called "StoryCorps" ... and while none of my stories are as profound or as interesting as what are featured on  NPR, one line has resonated with me:  everyone ... everyone ... has a story to tell. 

Many in my family are excellent storytellers ... my mom, Suzanne, Kristen, and Nathan to name but a few. Other members of my family have chosen the written word to tell their story ... my dad's dad, my dad's sister Mamie, and my daughter Becky to name but a few more. Heck, we even have a diary of one of the great-great-great uncles who fought in the Civil War (for the North) and was a prisoner of war at Andersonville, Georgia. My words, written or spoken, can't hold a candle to any of these loved ones. But again ... we all have a story to tell. 

So the rest of this story is about my maternal grandmother ... Ellen Sophie ... many in my family bear some bit of her name. For those young'uns in our family, I hope to share with them how wise and wonderful she was. My grandmother was a simple and unassuming woman ... who had to leave school before the 8th grade because HER mother was killed in a summer thunderstorm. A bolt of lightning killed my great-grandmother Ingri ... when she was in her early 30's. She left behind several children with my grandmother, at 11, one of the oldest. So Grandma Ellen learned responsibility early. And, next to cleanliness and godliness ... being responsible for one's own actions was something she taught very well. 

She and my grandfather usually called me Tina. When I traveled to Denmark, I realized that my name Christine was pronounced with an "a" sound at the end of it. I loved to work alongside my grandmother ... helping with the dishes if she was baking. Learning her tricks-of-the-trade as she baked her way into my heart. Did she impart any bits of wisdom about how to make my way through life? Nope, not one bit. She was born in 1900 and by the time she was in her 60's ... the world had experienced two world wars, one Korean War, and one Vietnam Conflict.  Because she was unassuming, I would guess that she didn't think she could prepare me for the world ahead. But indeed, she did. She taught me about working hard, working with those who are less fortunate, and finding some way, however small, to contribute. My grandmother was one of the "church ladies" who worked tirelessly for celebrations and/or sorrows in her church: First Lutheran Church, Sioux Falls, SD. She didn't look for anyone to pat her on the back ... she just rolled up her sleeves and ... well, Nike's "just do it" must have originated with her. 

My mom learned all of her mom's lessons well ... but more on Ione, the tireless octogenarian, later ... for now, hats off to Grandma Ellen ... and if you ask nicely, I might share her banana bread recipe!  

PS. My friend Gail said that she liked the music I chose for my blog. I hadn't even realized that I was doing that ... but yes, I do love music. So for my grandmother ... I choose ... another songbird who gives us ... "The Wind Beneath My Wings" ... because my grandmother was definitely that. 

Read stories from the story corps