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Mr. Computer Guru Redeems Himself

Posted on October 31, 2008 by auburnchick

Today is my last day of work at the law firm.  I arrived early and did not find a bag of M&M’s on my desk.  Oh well…it’s only chocolate.

My friend (not Ms M) brought me a bag after hearing the story the other day.  I had to laugh.

Mr. Computer Guru made his appearance at his usual time.  I looked at his hands to see if he was carrying anything that resembled .

Nothing but his man-purse/backpack thing.

Ok.

However, at that moment, he glanced at me and kind of smiled as he reached into the backpack and brought out a new bag of M&M’s.

I have to admit that I felt kind of bad for giving him such a hard time.

Oh well.  That won’t stop me from diving into that bag later!

Oh…and as far as Rockin’ Rooster’s Halloween costume…

Yes, he is dressed up as John McCain.  GREAT guesses all!

Filed under: This-n-That | Tagged: , | 1 Comment »

A Letter to My Dad on His Birthday

Posted on October 30, 2008 by auburnchick

Happy birthday Dad!  Today would have been your 65th birthday.  I think of you often and wonder what you would have done with yourself in retirement.

A couple of years ago, Soccer Chick, your first grandchild and the only female one at that, saved her birthday money and adopted a dog from the animal shelter near our home.  You would have been proud of her.  I know how much you loved rescuing stray animals.  She named him Pele, in honor of the soccer great.

We tried to estimate when Pele would have been born, and true to AuburnChick tradition, we matched it to one of our loved one’s birthdays.  You got the honor this time.  What a perfect way to remember you.

Pele

Pele

Pele turns two today.  He’s a laid-back dog…very easy going and tender.  Although he’s the largest of the three dogs in my home, he quickly rolls over on his back when the other two want to play.  He loves to be the center of attention.  When he wants to play, he gets a mischievous look in his eyes, and his ears take on the floppy look.  He jerks his head backward while looking at Aubie, the oldest.

“Play,” he asks?

Aubie often needs a little encouragement.

“Go get Pele,” we’ll tell her.

Off they run…around and around the “circle” in my kitchen.

You would have loved him.

So, Dad, on your birthday, I toast you by hoisting an imaginary glass of the finest wine.  The glass is imaginary because 1) I can’t afford expensive wine right now, and 2) I’m subbing and drinking isn’t allowed on campus.

Always in my thoughts…

Love,

Nathalie

Filed under: Pets, This-n-That | Tagged: , , | 1 Comment »

He Ate My M&M’s

Posted on October 29, 2008 by auburnchick

How many of you read my post that included a list of things that make me happy?

I envision all of you raising your hands or nodding your heads.

Did you happen to read the comments?  In particular…THIS comment:

Did you leave your new bag yesterday? I’m not sure it is still there.

Well, on Monday, I arrived at work and began to go about my business.  About an hour later, Mr. Computer Guru arrived.  We proceeded with our day after greeting one another with the familiar “Good mornings,” and “No, I didn’t turn on the heater” (long story).

The day proceeded, much like any other Monday, when all of a sudden I reached for my bag of M&M’s — THE brand-new bag that my friend, Ms M, bought me the previous Thursday.

The bag wasn’t on my desk.

I quickly turned my head sideways and pinned Computer Guru with piercing eyes.

“Where are my M&M’s?” I asked him.

He tried to look innocent.  I knew better.

Surely he had not…would not…

He paused for one dramatic moment before reaching his right hand down toward his desk drawer…

I’ll admit that for a few seconds, I thought he had hidden it from me.  He has done this to me before…only not with chocolate but with the space heater that is under my desk.  He hid that on top of the bookshelves in the attic.  Not nice, I know.  Especially since I’m extremely cold-natured.

So, with this small hope fluttering, I held my breath as he pulled his hand out of the drawer…

Holding onto the corner of an almost-empty M&M bag.  I could tell that there were about five or six of the fantastically delicious chocolate bits in the corner of the bag.

I exhaled.

This was not a joke.  The comment from Ms M on my blog post had been a warning.

Mr. Computer Guru had, in fact, eaten my M&M’s.

You’ve heard the saying, “When the cat’s away, the mice will play?”

Well, he took this to heart.  While I was being the perfect role model for local children (i.e. “subbing”) on Friday, he was sitting at my desk eating one M&M at a time.  And just like the Lays commercial, he couldn’t stop at one.

I posted a grievance on one of the forums I frequent on Ravelry.  My friend, Bethany, answered my whine with a “I hope he has a bad tummy ache.”

What a good friend.

He said that he did, in fact, have a stomach ache that afternoon.  Served him right.

Especially since, and here’s the kicker, he did not provide a replacement bag.

You must understand that this bag was not a single serve bag.  Oh no.  It was the big, one-pounder size — enough to last a person several days.

I warned him not to return from lunch without a brand new bag.  I mean, we have to pass CVS on the way up the road.  The store sells chocolate.  Trust me.  I know.  I’ve been there when I needed a chocolate fix.

My threat must have seemed harmless.  He came back without the bag.

On Tuesday, he worked at our satellite offices, conveniently avoiding me.

Nice.  Not.

Surely Wednesday morning would be the day he would avail himself.

Nope.

“Daughter dear broke a jar of jelly, shortening my time to get to work.”

Great excuse.

To be fair, I did believe him.  He’s really a nice guy and a good father.  He’s just a typical man.  Forgetful.

Apparently he didn’t recognize the importance of chocolate in my life.  I placed it first on my list of things that makes me happy…above my children and furry babies.

I’ll be subbing on Thursday and will spend Friday, my last day, at the Firm.  He has two days to make amends.

Mr. Computer Guru, if you’re reading this, consider the following:

If a bag of M&M’s is not on my desk Friday morning, you may wind up with a 5’3″ angry trick-or-treater on your doorstep.

😀

Filed under: This-n-That | Tagged: | 1 Comment »

Can You Guess Who This Is?

Posted on October 28, 2008 by auburnchick

The Chicky Children will be out of town for Halloween…attending a church youth retreat.  While there, they are going to have a costume party.

Rockin’ Rooster got an idea into his head about what he wanted to dress up as.  He found a mask (no, this isn’t his real face) and put the rest of the outfit together.

Can you guess who it is?  (If you saw my posts on KH and Ravelry, be good and don’t tell!)  I’ll post the answer on Halloween.

Filed under: This-n-That | Tagged: , | 2 Comments »

AuburnChick Sends an Email to Her Co-Workers

Posted on October 27, 2008 by auburnchick

Yes, I know…it’s been two weeks since I was informed that my computer job was being cut, but most of the people at my firm did not know.

Until today.

For some reason, I kept putting off the inevitable.  I’m not exactly sure why.  I think it’s because I don’t like goodbye’s.  I would have preferred to slip quietly away, but a wise friend told me that it wouldn’t be fair to the people who like me and want to send me off properly.  I saw her point.

So I composed an email and let it sit in my Works in Progress folder in my email.  I wanted to make sure I worded things just right.  The most important thing to me was not allowing people to know that I am being let go.  I’m in no way ashamed of this because I know the decision was not based on my performance.  However, with the economy being in such bad shape, I didn’t want people to worry about their own jobs.

I carefully composed my email, trying to word it in such a way that I wouldn’t have to lie.  You can judge for yourself if I succeeded (identifying names have been changed, of course).


Hi y’all!

I wanted to give you a head’s up that Friday, October 31 will be my last day working at Insert Any Name for a Law Firm.

As many of you know, I recently graduated from college, finally obtaining my Bachelor’s degree after taking several years off to get my children almost grown.

My dream has always been to teach.  Lately I’ve been doing some substitute teaching in the middle and high schools as a way to get my face “known” so that when a position becomes available, my name will come to mind.  I hope to find a permanent teaching job soon.

I have enjoyed my time at this firm.  I have learned so much here…lessons I will carry with me to the next job and beyond.

I know that I leave you in very capable hands, which makes this transition a bit easier.  Recently-Hired-Full-Time-Computer-Guru is a great asset to this company.

It was a pleasure to come to work each day…always an adventure, that’s for sure (especially with Citrix in the mix!).

Hugs to all of you…

The feedback was immediate and encouraging.  Nobody suspected a thing.  I praise the Lord that He gave me the words to make a graceful exit…if only I don’t manage to slip down those stupid steps that lead to the parking lot during my final trip to my car.

Filed under: This-n-That | 1 Comment »

Palindrome Scarf

Posted on October 26, 2008 by auburnchick

Woo Hoo!  I have another finished project!

I love, love, love this scarf! It’s the first time I’ve ever knit with Malabrigo Worsted, and it was simply divine!

This is Silver’s pattern, which you can find here. The pattern is SUPER-EASY! It took me one week to complete. I started it last Sunday while we were on a college recruiting visit for my daughter. I started what I hoped would be a project that would require little thinking (compared to another project I’m in the middle of). It did not disappoint!

It would be the perfect pattern to start on if you want to learn how to do cables.

The scarf wound up being almost 63” long and 4” wide. I used size 9 needles and completed 55 pattern repeats. I used 1.7 skeins of yarn and have approximately one ounce left, which I hope to use to make the 75 Yard Malabrigo Fingerless Mitts.

For the bind-off, I tried something new.

The Fall 2008 Interweave Knits has an article that includes instructions for how to knit an invisible bind-off for ribbing. I used these instructions, finally understanding them after trying several times, and wound up with a clean edge. Here is a link for a p1, k1 bind off, which will give you a general idea of the concept.

On to the pictures!

I bought the yarn at Knitwitz, a store in Jacksonville. It is Malabrigo Worsted, and the color is Water Green. It reminds me of my first prom dress.

Filed under: Knitting | Tagged: , , , , , | 4 Comments »

A Day of Rest

Posted on October 26, 2008 by auburnchick

Sundays can be so refreshing.  It’s no wonder that God mandates in Deuteronomy 5:12-15 to “Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy…Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord Your God.”

Our bodies need rest.  We need to decompress.  We also need dedicated time to worship God and reflect on Him.

When we make time for God, He is faithful to hear us.  And we can hear Him better.  I think the message he spoke to me today was to praise Him…no matter the circumstances.  He is here, even when things are bleak, and I’m feeling low.  We praise Him for simply Who He is.  His love for us is not dependent on what we do but the simple fact that we are His children.  We should respond in kind to Him, our heavenly Father.

We sang “You Never Let Go” at church this morning.  I felt it so personally, as I’m sure others did.  I will praise God for being faithful.  He is my rock…my sure foundation.  All else pales in comparison.

Filed under: This-n-That | Tagged: , , | Leave a comment »

Another Award!

Posted on October 24, 2008 by auburnchick

Rebecca, one of my blogging buddies really made my day yesterday when she awarded me the following:

Rebecca’s comments about me were so uplifting, especially given my frame of mind lately.  Please visit her blog, if you have a chance.  She’s an amazing gal who works tirelessly with the youth at her church.  She’s also got the cutest grandson!!

One of the things that accompanies this award is the request that I share six things that make me happy.  Here goes…

  1. Chocolate – Chocolate makes me happy.  I can’t explain it, but that’s just how it is.  Whether it’s a bag of M&M’s (as my friend at work, Ms. M, knows…bringing me a bag when she came back from lunch yesterday) or a Snickers bar…I’m happy when I’m eating chocolate.
  2. Sharing a laugh with my children – You know the kind of laugh that starts down deep and grows to encompass the entire body, eventually lighting up the eyes?  We had a good laugh last night over dinner.  I won’t tell you what it was about because it involves potty humor. 😀
  3. My furry babies – I am an animal lover.  Not much compares to snuggling with them.
  4. Watching Soccer Chick play soccer – She is tremendously gifted, and I sigh with joy when I watch her use the talent that God has blessed her with.  It is truly a beautiful thing to behold.
  5. Talking to friends on the phone – I love my friends…simply put.  Years ago, my step-father told me that you can count the number of true friends on one hand.  Boy, was he right.  I began calling Christina (Rabbitrescuer) when her son was burned in an accident.  Although she’s home now, we still have our afternoon chats.  I make it a point to call Ms. M on the days I’m not at work.  I’m going to miss her when I leave the firm.  When I talk to my friends, it’s like having tea.  Comfortable and warm.
  6. Sunset – I don’t know what it is, but I love looking at the sky at sunset.  The way the different colors come together as the sun’s light begins to dim.  It’s magical.

Now, the second thing that is asked of the recipient of this award is that you pass it along to three other people.

First on my list is Cheryl Kemp, of Diva Knitting.  She’s a hoot!  Her knitting/crafting skills are AMAZING, and she sounds like she can cook up a storm.

Next on the list is Lise, also known as Knitting Rose.  No, I’m not a stalker, even though I often mention her here.  I just happen to love how she can take a pattern and change it around to suit her needs.  She’s been working on making the Hemlock Ring into a shawl.  Boggles my mind.

And third (but certainly not last) is Mrs. Pivec, of GoLightlyPlace.  She’s a homeschooling mom and a vegetarian.  She’s amazing!  She makes much of her food from scratch…the healthy way.  I greatly admire her.

Well, I’m off to get ready to sub.  I’m on planning right now, and I get to administer my first exams!  Woo Hoo!  I love being in charge (just don’t tell God that, okay?).

😀

Filed under: This-n-That | Tagged: | 3 Comments »

Digging Deep

Posted on October 22, 2008 by auburnchick

This has been an emotional week for me.  Of course, the last few weeks have been much more of a roller-coaster ride than usual.  I can’t really attribute it to PMS (or can I…maybe I should check my calendar).

Nope.

How much of it is due to having teens in the house?  Probably some.

Truth be told, I think that God is taking a shovel to my heart and has started digging.

And I don’t like it one bit.

On Monday, I completely broke down while on the phone with my sister.  I had called to vent about the latest crises (notice the plural) with Soccer Chick.  You know us…it’s always something.  At least the dogs hadn’t gotten out of the house yet.

Sister Chick listened, and then she asked a poignant question:  “Do you want a listening ear, or do you want advice.”

Tough question.

I guess a little of both, I cautiously replied.

I heard the sound of a can opener…opening a can of worms, if you will.

She made her suggestions, to which I commented, and we began having a “discussion.”

You must first understand that Sister Chick is pretty cool.  She’s three years younger than me, and we’ve been through our up’s and down’s.  Mostly up’s, mind you.  She’s a Christian…a prayer warrior.  I admire her greatly.  She’s gentle and somewhat reserved; whereas, I am not.

She offered some advice that I did not necessarily agree with, and I kind of said so.  The line of communication almost broke down, but we dug in our heels and confronted our issues, working through them.  I collapsed emotionally.  I feel so beaten down.  Things are difficult right now, and it’s hard to approach them from a Biblical perspective.  The last thing I’m thinking of is how God is working on me.

Too painful…too much for right now.

I did feel better after our talk, and on I went through the next two days.

On Wednesday nights, I attend a women’s Bible study at my church.  We’re studying the book of Luke.  Easy enough, I thought when I started.

I think someone got confused and thought we were studying the book of Romans.  I did a year-long study of that book, and it was rough…very convicting…tough sludge to walk through.

Luke certainly is not the piece of cake I expected.  You’re used to reading the Christmas story.  The beautiful nativity scene…yada, yada, yada.

Tonight was difficult for me.  During our discussion, someone mentioned how it’s easier for us to love and forgive those outside of our family.  I commented that it seems so contrary of how things ought to be.  It should be easier to forgive those we love and to act kindly toward them, but that’s not the case.  I then made the statement that I think the real me is the one others see at work.  That’s where I feel free to be my happy self…kind to others…gentle…

The leader of our study turned to me and said, “AuburnChick, I’m about to say something that I hope you won’t find offensive.”

Uh oh…

“The real you is the one at home…the one you perceive in all of its ugliness.”

Tears…

I don’t want that to be me.  Could she be right though?

Luke 6:46-49 talks about the wise man who, when preparing to build his home, digs deep before laying the foundation.

I think that, although my faith is firm and unshakable, God is digging deeper.  In doing so, he’s got to get rid of the junk that’s currently there.

I gotta tell you that I don’t like it.  It’s painful.  I will admit that I am stubbornly holding onto those things.  But if I do, how can He plant His Word deep into my heart.  Space must be made.  The icky inside of me must come out, bit by bit.  It’s similar to getting a transplant, I guess — exchanging a malfunctioning part for one that works at optimum level.  Unlike a transplant patient, someone forgot to give me anesthesia.  I’m feeling every poke and prod.

Ouch.

Filed under: This-n-That | Tagged: | 4 Comments »

Signs of a Good Teacher

Posted on October 22, 2008 by auburnchick

Today I am subbing for Rockin’ Rooster’s English teacher.

Yeah, sounds uncomfortable, eh?  Well, actually, it wasn’t.  A couple of weeks ago, after embarrassing Soccer Chick, I made a conscious decision to act like I’m not their mom when I’m working at the same school.  Today was the first test.

I saw Rooster in the hallway, before classes began.  I walked on by.  I don’t know if he saw me.

AuburnChick gets an A.

Rooster was on the roll for second period.  In he walked. I pretty much ignored him.  Not in a rude way.  I just treated him like he was any other student.

AuburnChick gets another A.

Like the students, I’m learning.

Ok…back to the point of this point.  Sorry for the detour…

Same old, same old…

When I walked into the classroom, I was immediately pleased.  Mrs. L’s room is gorgeous!  The walls have been painted green.  I think it’s related to the fact that she seems to be in love with frogs, which adorn her room.  Her bulletin board is colorful and interesting to read.  She has the typical grammar posters, but they, too, show the care she puts into her life calling.  Fonts are funky and fun.

When I arrived, I discovered several students already in the room.  Another good sign.  Nobody hangs out in a teacher’s classroom if they don’t have to or want to.

When the first class arrived, they immediately got their books out and sat quietly.

Well trained.  Used to being busy.

The other classes performed admirably as well.

During her planning and lunch times, students filtered through.  Upon seeing me, their faces showed their disappointment.  “Oh, it’s only a sub.”

Gee, thanks.  I’m not taking it personally though.

Her notes to me were clear.  She didn’t leave out anything.  From a sub’s point of view, a dream to fill in for.

All of these signs point to a teacher who loves what she does.

I plan on asking her if I can pick her brain when she has time.  I would love to find out what she does behind the scenes to make this happen.  I want to be her shadow.

I just love days like this.

Filed under: This-n-That | Tagged: , | Leave a comment »

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