I'm leaving tonight for Orlando ... and then on Sunday, headed to D.C. ... and then on Monday, on to Ethiopia ... and then on Tuesday, Malawi. I will be home on July 4.
Funny, as I typed "I will be home," I thought about what home means. For over 30 years, "home" has been Orlando. Although I miss my friends and my routines and my church and my comfort zone very much, now home means something entirely different to me. It's not yet Pasadena, for sure. Heck, I'm still looking for the right grocery store!
Home, I'm finding, is a place inside of myself. It's a present kind of peace. I find it with Matt, riding a bike, listening to birds, praying, eating mint chip ice cream, dozing off on the sofa, seeing a snail on the storm drain ...
I hope I find some home in Malawi. If not, I've got plenty to take with me.
(Matt will post here to let you know I arrived safely in Malawi. Back to California Dreamin' soon!)
Friday, June 17, 2011
Things I was thinking ...
Seems Matt and I can pack up our lives into 12 boxes. Talk about traveling light! Various thoughts as I unloaded them ...
Clever woman! Umbrellas!
Hello, Mr. Turtle Towels!
Really? Ski gloves?!
Wonder how much stuff I can cram above the dryer?
Hearth cricket!
Goodness, gracious, I have too many clothes ...
Ruh-roh ... no water bottles?
This apartment officially looks like a campground.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Really? Knives?!
This afternoon, all 800 pounds of our personal belongings will arrive in a Suddath van. I am SO excited that our stuff is almost here! Matt and I very carefully chose what to pack for our trip, partly to keep within the relocation budget, and partly because we knew our apartment in Pasadena would be tiny. Some items were completely non-negotiable (anything with the word "bike" in front of it -- bike pump, bike bag, bike lock ... you get the idea), but other choices were less obvious. I distinctly recall wondering if I'd want a second set of measuring spoons (yes) or a third scarf (nah), or whether there would be room in the closet for my hiking boots (mighty doubtful).
In the last seven days, the items that I've missed the most -- many, many times a day -- are our good knives. Slicing Matt's fruit for his breakfast or chopping up onions to make enchiladas is NOT a good time with dull knives, and for this clumsy chick, a serious safely hazard. I'll be saying a hearty welcome home to my garlic press, too. And just wait until my super cute Animal Crackers mugs hold our coffee tomorrow morning. I practically have goosebumps just thinking about it.
Isn't it funny how attached we humans get to our stuff? Just before we moved, Matt and I had to consolidate two houses into one, and then decide which of our belongings were so essential that we could not do without them for a year. Turns out, I care deeply for the framed photographs of my family members and friends. And my sheep slippers. But my overstock of costume jewelry? Eh, not so much.
Now, got to go find more inches in that closet before the van gets here ...
In the last seven days, the items that I've missed the most -- many, many times a day -- are our good knives. Slicing Matt's fruit for his breakfast or chopping up onions to make enchiladas is NOT a good time with dull knives, and for this clumsy chick, a serious safely hazard. I'll be saying a hearty welcome home to my garlic press, too. And just wait until my super cute Animal Crackers mugs hold our coffee tomorrow morning. I practically have goosebumps just thinking about it.
Isn't it funny how attached we humans get to our stuff? Just before we moved, Matt and I had to consolidate two houses into one, and then decide which of our belongings were so essential that we could not do without them for a year. Turns out, I care deeply for the framed photographs of my family members and friends. And my sheep slippers. But my overstock of costume jewelry? Eh, not so much.
Now, got to go find more inches in that closet before the van gets here ...
Monday, June 13, 2011
Three Karens and a Dora
I was tootling around on the City of Pasadena's web site yesterday (Matthew wanted to know what concerts were scheduled at Memorial Park). While I didn't find my man any concerts, I DID find a literature discussion group at the Lamanda Branch Public Library scheduled for 11:00 today. To-DAY! Sorry Mr. Matt ...
So off I went, mostly unsure what to expect. I admit, my motivation was one-part: talk to someone other than the cashier at Target, and two-parts: find a contact that might lead to a job. Not only did I succeed in both goals, but I had a really nice time to boot.
I didn't know what book would be discussed, but I knew the odds were good I'd already read it (correct -- The Book Thief). Given the time of the meeting, I also thought perhaps the attendees might be retirees and young mothers (99% correct -- 12 retirees and one young mother). And I also hoped that people who discuss literature for fun might have some connection to education and teaching (correct -- one retired principal, one retired teacher, and one teacher's mama).
The meeting was just plain old fun. The group is 100 pages into the novel, which is a fantastically clever, highly readable work about a young girl in Nazi Germany. Although the setting is not new, Death as a sarcastic-yet-kind narrator is wholly original. The members' insights were super interesting and covered a wide range of issues I had not thought of in connection with this novel. Some seriously try to address literary issues; others don't give a crap. The second group was more fun.
Everyone was crazy nice to the new lady. They sought my opinion and warmly invited me out for coffee at Ralph's for the meeting after the meeting. Really great bunch of folks. While I'm in Africa, I'll miss all three Karens, Dora, Kathy, Jim, Joan, Paul, Mr. I-Don't-Have-A-Name-Card, the young mother who came late, Dennis, and the extremely sassy (and therefore terribly admirable) leader Fred.
Their advice about getting a teaching job was not encouraging ("You might find some substitute work in a wealthy school district ..."), but I had a fantastic time anyway.
One of the Karens almost backed into me in the parking lot. We waved. We smiled.
And we'll be reading The Book Thief ...
So off I went, mostly unsure what to expect. I admit, my motivation was one-part: talk to someone other than the cashier at Target, and two-parts: find a contact that might lead to a job. Not only did I succeed in both goals, but I had a really nice time to boot.
I didn't know what book would be discussed, but I knew the odds were good I'd already read it (correct -- The Book Thief). Given the time of the meeting, I also thought perhaps the attendees might be retirees and young mothers (99% correct -- 12 retirees and one young mother). And I also hoped that people who discuss literature for fun might have some connection to education and teaching (correct -- one retired principal, one retired teacher, and one teacher's mama).
The meeting was just plain old fun. The group is 100 pages into the novel, which is a fantastically clever, highly readable work about a young girl in Nazi Germany. Although the setting is not new, Death as a sarcastic-yet-kind narrator is wholly original. The members' insights were super interesting and covered a wide range of issues I had not thought of in connection with this novel. Some seriously try to address literary issues; others don't give a crap. The second group was more fun.
Everyone was crazy nice to the new lady. They sought my opinion and warmly invited me out for coffee at Ralph's for the meeting after the meeting. Really great bunch of folks. While I'm in Africa, I'll miss all three Karens, Dora, Kathy, Jim, Joan, Paul, Mr. I-Don't-Have-A-Name-Card, the young mother who came late, Dennis, and the extremely sassy (and therefore terribly admirable) leader Fred.
Their advice about getting a teaching job was not encouraging ("You might find some substitute work in a wealthy school district ..."), but I had a fantastic time anyway.
One of the Karens almost backed into me in the parking lot. We waved. We smiled.
And we'll be reading The Book Thief ...
Sunday, June 12, 2011
The Little Old Lady from Pasadena
That's me ... very tired from spending all afternoon on a bike, but what a great day. Here's what I learned today:
1. Matt can read a map and bike at the same time.
2. All the roads go up or down (no flat ones ... none ... nada ... zip).
3. Here's how to make a road name in Pasadena:
a. Choose any two of the names from the following list.
b. Put them together.
c. Voila! Pasadena street name. :-)
1. Matt can read a map and bike at the same time.
2. All the roads go up or down (no flat ones ... none ... nada ... zip).
3. Here's how to make a road name in Pasadena:
a. Choose any two of the names from the following list.
b. Put them together.
c. Voila! Pasadena street name. :-)
- Alta
- Linda
- Dena
- Pasa
- Rosa
- South
- any fruit or nut grown in California
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Open Road
While we're new and learning, everything seems a little complicated. For example, this morning, we are going to go pick up our bikes. We shipped them from Orlando, and they've been reassembled at the Open Road Bike Shop (isn't that an awesome name?). We need to take the bus there, as our rental cars don't have space for bringing them back ... but we don't yet have a bus pass ... so we need to go to Ralph's to buy bus/metro passes ... but that's a three-mile walk ... you get the idea. (And where we're going to keep the bikes is a whole other challenge. Who needs a dining room?)
Thank goodness, Matt likes a challenge and LOVES public transportation. One of our goals is to use our cars as little as possible, so having our bikes and bus passes will be fantastic.
Next up? The Los Angeles Farmer's Market! We're thinking plants and ice cream. What else could we possibly need?
Thank goodness, Matt likes a challenge and LOVES public transportation. One of our goals is to use our cars as little as possible, so having our bikes and bus passes will be fantastic.
Next up? The Los Angeles Farmer's Market! We're thinking plants and ice cream. What else could we possibly need?
Friday, June 10, 2011
All things Rose Bowl
How can we move to the town of Pasadena and not become Rose Bowl junkies? Well, let me tell you, we are not to be left out ...
First, let it be known, there is a distinction between the Rose Bowl (the stadium that hosts the football game) and the Rose Parade. I confess, I've always called the parade the Rose Bowl Parade, but -- ahem -- it's just the Rose Parade. I stand corrected.
Last night, I logged onto Sharp Seating, the only authorized seller of parade tickets. Mr. Forbes and I are now the proud owners of TWO tickets to sit in the grandstand located on the 500-block on Colorado. It will take us about ten minutes to walk there from our apartment -- if we meander sloooowly. We'll be headed there very early on January 2, though, as we are also the proud owners of TWO tickets for the all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast hosted by the First United Methodist Church of Pasadena (proceeds to benefit the youth -- why Methodist youth have a lock on pancake breakfasts, I do not know). I don't think they'll experience any profit from Matt. That man can eat him some pancakes!
Related Rose Bowl matters ... Matt has been swimming at the Rose Bowl Aquatic Center since March. Yesterday and this morning, I ran on the trail that encircles the Rose Bowl and the Rosemont Golf Club. The trail is an exact 5k, but I like to think I'm adding at least a half mile for the jog from our car to stadium parking lot K. The trail is used by walkers, runners, bikers, dogs, and horses (yes, horses). And since dogs and horses do what they do, I keep a pretty close eye on my feet. It's been absolutely perfect running weather -- high 50s and misty. As the sun comes up, the birds in the surrounding foothills go crazy with the their greetings. It's truly lovely. So Matt and I will begin every week day morning with a drive to the Rose Bowl for a little swimming (him) and running (me).
Some brides begin their marriage with roses. I'm beginning mine with the Rose Bowl.
First, let it be known, there is a distinction between the Rose Bowl (the stadium that hosts the football game) and the Rose Parade. I confess, I've always called the parade the Rose Bowl Parade, but -- ahem -- it's just the Rose Parade. I stand corrected.
Last night, I logged onto Sharp Seating, the only authorized seller of parade tickets. Mr. Forbes and I are now the proud owners of TWO tickets to sit in the grandstand located on the 500-block on Colorado. It will take us about ten minutes to walk there from our apartment -- if we meander sloooowly. We'll be headed there very early on January 2, though, as we are also the proud owners of TWO tickets for the all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast hosted by the First United Methodist Church of Pasadena (proceeds to benefit the youth -- why Methodist youth have a lock on pancake breakfasts, I do not know). I don't think they'll experience any profit from Matt. That man can eat him some pancakes!
Related Rose Bowl matters ... Matt has been swimming at the Rose Bowl Aquatic Center since March. Yesterday and this morning, I ran on the trail that encircles the Rose Bowl and the Rosemont Golf Club. The trail is an exact 5k, but I like to think I'm adding at least a half mile for the jog from our car to stadium parking lot K. The trail is used by walkers, runners, bikers, dogs, and horses (yes, horses). And since dogs and horses do what they do, I keep a pretty close eye on my feet. It's been absolutely perfect running weather -- high 50s and misty. As the sun comes up, the birds in the surrounding foothills go crazy with the their greetings. It's truly lovely. So Matt and I will begin every week day morning with a drive to the Rose Bowl for a little swimming (him) and running (me).
Some brides begin their marriage with roses. I'm beginning mine with the Rose Bowl.
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