Thunderstorms

July 11, 2009

So here we are, Andrew, Baylee, and I, stuck in the house, because of a thunderstorm. The plan for the day, since Kristin is visiting from NJ, was to take the children to Sprague Brook Park for a picnic, and some creek walking. Lynn was supposed to work until noon, and Adrianne was supposed to relieve him. Today is Saturday, which means that only per diems can work, but failing that, regulars can work, but only if they don’t go over their allotted 19 ½ hours. This is ridiculous, as at least two people work for at least a half hour at no pay. CSEA rules, certainly not doused in common sense.

But I digress.

Kristin went to visit a friend this morning, and is waiting until the rain settles a bit, which it is actually starting to do. Lynn hasn’t come home, because the control center has been very busy, and on a day like this, it is good to have two people working together. Never mind the pay thing, it is his job, one which he takes seriously. I don’t mind. It is actually one of the things I love about him, that he does what is right. I wish other people did the same, but I am grateful for the ones that do.

So, instead of a picnic, maybe we’ll go bowling. Or shopping. Or out to lunch – though it is 1:30, and I just put Baylee to bed. She came downstairs the first time I put her there, as if I wouldn’t have noticed a tired, sobbing, sniffling little girl, badly in need of a nap. I noticed, carried her back upstairs, put her back in bed, and left. It’s quiet, so she is either sleeping, or… well, I’d better check.

Yes, she is sleeping.

Andrew and I are amusing ourselves quite nicely. We have played with blocks, played with cars, colored some pictures, talked about some things, eaten Froot Loops and pizza, played with the cat, watched fire trucks go by, and just hung out. The rain is stopping, so maybe we can actually go creek walking in a bit, sans the picnic. The scanner has been quieter, so maybe Lynn can come home soon.

Wandering Thoughts

I write this on the 4th of July, America's 233rd birthday. I have, over the past few days read a number of viewpoint articles, etc. that talk about America's freedoms as they relate to America's people. So, I just want to say, "Thank You" to all the people who have made it possible for me to live in a world that has so much possibility and promise. Yes, I know that America is in some dire straits right now, that many people are without adequate health care or appropriate income due to the downsizing. I know that in our state in particular, New York, our government representatives are acting like a bunch of kindergartners whose mothers haven't taught them to behave appropriately. I know the world at large is facing many issues and problems. But here, in my little corner of the world, life is pretty good. My husband and I have worked hard to raise our 3 daughters to be successful adults, and 2 of them are, in turn, raising their own children to achieve that same status. I have a job that I love, teaching 4th graders, in a pretty good school system that allows me to be creative in my endeavors, yet provides frameworks for me to do a good job. I earn a good salary, plus have benefits that encourage us to stay healthy, yet provide resources should accident or illness befall us. My husband has a job that he likes, even though it is not a full-time position, but provides him with income and allows him time to take care of much of the maintenance of our home. We are able to have some work done on our house to make it more aesthetically pleasing, as well as more comfortable.

While there are many things we don't have - a pool, a second bathroom, a vacation fund, passports, we really do live the good life, and for this I am grateful.