Saturday, January 14, 2006
My lack of postings
Okay, I admit it, I've been slacking in the posting catergory for the past few weeks. Truthfully, I haven't had a moment to catch my breath and reflect for at least that long. As soon as things slow down some (ha-ha), I'll try to catch everyone up on what's been going on around here. Right now, we're trying to decide whether to carpe diem and go to Denver, praying for good weather, or not...
Saturday, December 31, 2005
Thursday, December 29, 2005
Christmas Day 2005
Ooo, what's in my stocking?!
Our lovely Tannebaum
Opening My First Leap Pad
This looks like something with Disney Princesses on it! Right on Momma!
I'm so into unwrapping gifts this year--bring 'em on!Thursday, December 22, 2005
Our KC Experience
Here are the highlights of our trip to Kansas City--
Our flight left Montrose at 9-something in the morning last Thursday and we arrived in KC without a glitch around 1 o'clock in the afternoon. Caitlin was very good on the flights (we had two-one from Montrose to Denver & from Denver to Kansas City). She only kicked my mom's seat a few times and had only one toddler meltdown. This was her first flight since she was an infant in a Baby Bjorn. Word of advice if you're traveling with an active toddler, bring the carseat! We found it worth it to lug it thru the airport.
So, we arrive in KC and check into our hotel and then headed over to my brother & his fiance's place about 1/2 mile away for some pizza. We basically vegged on Thursday though we did hit Costco and a grocery store to prepare for Mike's graduation reception.
Friday's highlight was Mike's graduation from UMKC. The actual graduation wasn't until 7 pm so we had some time to spare. We ate a wonderful lunch of some of KC's best BBQ at Gates. Eating there is a rite of passage for all tourists. We got two huge platters with all kinds of BBQ meat, my personal favorite being the ribs. The serve it with a loaf of white bread, interesting.
Mike's graduation was very nice and with her Crayola Color Wonder coloring book, Caitlin behaved quite well. I tried to take some pictures but the delay on the digital camera kept me from catching my brother has he walked across the stage. I'm hoping that someone else was able to get a better picture. I had tears in my eyes a few times thru the ceremony...after all, it's my "little" brother graduating from COLLEGE! I can remember him in overalls with chubby cheeks. Boy, I'm going to be a basket case with Caitlin graduates! Following the graduation, we held a reception for Mike. He was disappointed with the turn-out and we had a lot of leftover food, but I know that he had fun with those that did show.
Saturday found us at Crown Center and Union Station. Crown Center is home to Hallmark and a lot of neat stores. There's a Visitor's Center for Hallmark where you can supposedly take a tour, make greeting cards and lots of other things. I really liked the Crayola store and the harp player in the lobby. We walked, via enclosed walkway (called the Link) to Union Station. This station has been remolded to house an Amtrak station, shops, cafes, a planetarium, Science City, an IMAX theatre and a whole lot more. When we were there, they had a cool model train exhibit set up in the main lobby, a huge Christmas tree with a train around it that kids could ride in (see pictures) at the end of another wing, and acrobats doing all kinds of neat stuff. It was really a magical experience. We took in Science City and the IMAX and loved both. Caitlin had a blast in the Tot Lot climbing around and "hanging" out.
Sunday found us at a couple of malls finishing up some holiday shopping. I was desperate to make Caitlin a holiday bear this year, so we had to make a stop at Build-A-Bear. The line wasn't too long and the end result was one cute bear...just hope Caitlin loves him. In the evening, we were at KCI waiting to catch our flight to Denver. In true airline fashion, our plane was late coming into KCI and we were 25 minutes late getting into Denver. Even if the flight had been on-time, we only had about 45 minutes to traverse about 35 gates at DIA...an almost impossible task. Well, by the time we actually landed, we really didn't stand a chance but still, we ran like mad to the commuter flight gate. Alas, we missed the flight and it was the last one into Montrose that night. With all other flights in the area booked or cancelled (weather), it looked like we were doomed to be stuck in Denver that night. After waiting over 3 hours in line with United Customer Service, we were given hotel vouchers (to a wonderful Red Lion Hotel) and a refund on our missed flight. The 6 of us then boarded a freezing cold shuttle to the hotel arriving around 1 am. We slept, got up, piled into a rental car and drove home since United couldn't get all of us home until after Christmas! We arrived a day late but safely. And that, my friends, is our KC experience...pictures to follow...
Our flight left Montrose at 9-something in the morning last Thursday and we arrived in KC without a glitch around 1 o'clock in the afternoon. Caitlin was very good on the flights (we had two-one from Montrose to Denver & from Denver to Kansas City). She only kicked my mom's seat a few times and had only one toddler meltdown. This was her first flight since she was an infant in a Baby Bjorn. Word of advice if you're traveling with an active toddler, bring the carseat! We found it worth it to lug it thru the airport.
So, we arrive in KC and check into our hotel and then headed over to my brother & his fiance's place about 1/2 mile away for some pizza. We basically vegged on Thursday though we did hit Costco and a grocery store to prepare for Mike's graduation reception.
Friday's highlight was Mike's graduation from UMKC. The actual graduation wasn't until 7 pm so we had some time to spare. We ate a wonderful lunch of some of KC's best BBQ at Gates. Eating there is a rite of passage for all tourists. We got two huge platters with all kinds of BBQ meat, my personal favorite being the ribs. The serve it with a loaf of white bread, interesting.
Mike's graduation was very nice and with her Crayola Color Wonder coloring book, Caitlin behaved quite well. I tried to take some pictures but the delay on the digital camera kept me from catching my brother has he walked across the stage. I'm hoping that someone else was able to get a better picture. I had tears in my eyes a few times thru the ceremony...after all, it's my "little" brother graduating from COLLEGE! I can remember him in overalls with chubby cheeks. Boy, I'm going to be a basket case with Caitlin graduates! Following the graduation, we held a reception for Mike. He was disappointed with the turn-out and we had a lot of leftover food, but I know that he had fun with those that did show.
Saturday found us at Crown Center and Union Station. Crown Center is home to Hallmark and a lot of neat stores. There's a Visitor's Center for Hallmark where you can supposedly take a tour, make greeting cards and lots of other things. I really liked the Crayola store and the harp player in the lobby. We walked, via enclosed walkway (called the Link) to Union Station. This station has been remolded to house an Amtrak station, shops, cafes, a planetarium, Science City, an IMAX theatre and a whole lot more. When we were there, they had a cool model train exhibit set up in the main lobby, a huge Christmas tree with a train around it that kids could ride in (see pictures) at the end of another wing, and acrobats doing all kinds of neat stuff. It was really a magical experience. We took in Science City and the IMAX and loved both. Caitlin had a blast in the Tot Lot climbing around and "hanging" out.
Sunday found us at a couple of malls finishing up some holiday shopping. I was desperate to make Caitlin a holiday bear this year, so we had to make a stop at Build-A-Bear. The line wasn't too long and the end result was one cute bear...just hope Caitlin loves him. In the evening, we were at KCI waiting to catch our flight to Denver. In true airline fashion, our plane was late coming into KCI and we were 25 minutes late getting into Denver. Even if the flight had been on-time, we only had about 45 minutes to traverse about 35 gates at DIA...an almost impossible task. Well, by the time we actually landed, we really didn't stand a chance but still, we ran like mad to the commuter flight gate. Alas, we missed the flight and it was the last one into Montrose that night. With all other flights in the area booked or cancelled (weather), it looked like we were doomed to be stuck in Denver that night. After waiting over 3 hours in line with United Customer Service, we were given hotel vouchers (to a wonderful Red Lion Hotel) and a refund on our missed flight. The 6 of us then boarded a freezing cold shuttle to the hotel arriving around 1 am. We slept, got up, piled into a rental car and drove home since United couldn't get all of us home until after Christmas! We arrived a day late but safely. And that, my friends, is our KC experience...pictures to follow...
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Airplane in the sky
In the words of a toddler: "I go on an airplane in the sky with Uncle Matt and Grandma, pretty soon!" Soon is tomorrow morning at sunrise. We will be traversing the skies to attend my brother, Mike's, graduation from the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music. He is getting her Bachelors of Art in Tuba Performance. I'm not just gloating because he's my little brother, but Mike is really good...having just won 1st place in a regional college brass competition. You go man!We will post news of the adventure when we return.
Saturday, December 10, 2005
A little bit of cuteness & love for Puppy
Just in case their was any doubt of the cuteness or Caitlin's love of Puppy. ;)Shh...it's my secret place!
This is our daughter's latest hiding spot, though she would most likely call it a haven. Doesn't she look so comfy with Puppy & her book?
Goofy Fun, Take 2
Peek-a-boo
More sillyness...here's Caitie in our laundry basket. Ben & I were being industrious, trying to get all of our laundry done but Caitlin wouldn't have it. We had to take a time out to take some cute pictures!
Goofy Fun, Take 1
We're still poundering what Caitlin thought was so funny a few nights ago. She started laughing, fell to the floor, stomped her feet and somehow, made her way into the kitchen...rolling and laughing all the way---ha ha ha!
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Unfaithful...
I guess 7+ years of library experience, 18 months of which in my current position, doesn't mean squat when applying for a transfer (read lateral) position to another facility. I had my interview for the Library Technician II position in Canon City on Monday. Honestly, maybe I had a bit too much faith in myself and my abilities, because I thought that I was a shoo-in for this position. I mean, what more could they want? I come fully trained with a good knowledge of how a correctional library should run. I went to the interview confident that I was the best person for the job, I knew that I could do it. Turns out though that my experiences and knowledge in library operations doesn't hold up to someone with the almighty MLS degree. It seems that the superiors view this piece of insignificant paper as more powerful or useful than years of invested time in making libraries better places to be. I was runner-up to someone with next to no library experience but, most likely, a Masters in Library Science. I think that the powers-that-be think that by hiring MLS staff, they are getting more for their money because these individuals know all there is to know about libraries. That might be so, on paper, but they haven't a clue how to survive in a correctional setting. Good luck lady, you're going to need it...inmates can smell vulernability from miles away and they will eat your naive self alive. I can't wait until the day that I hear regret out of the mouths of my superiors...when they come knocking on my door to offer me the position because Ms. MLS has left for a better paying position. I'm sorry, I won't be answering. If you didn't think I could do it the first time around, how do you expect me to believe that you believe in my abilities as the runner-up? Don't belittle me and then come begging but--if you are determined to--there had better be a serious pay raise included in that offer.
Also, don't offer me a chance at getting a position at another library...I don't want your consolation prize. I will find a library that appreciates my experience and knowledge.. *raspberries on you*
Thanks for not having faith in your own library staff!
Also, don't offer me a chance at getting a position at another library...I don't want your consolation prize. I will find a library that appreciates my experience and knowledge.. *raspberries on you*
Thanks for not having faith in your own library staff!
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
Fun @ KidPlex
My mom & I took Caitlin up to KidPlex in Grand Junction on Monday. I felt guilty because it is way too cold for Caitlin to play outside most days so she's been cooped up indoors. I was browsing around on the net for tumbling classes and came across the website for KidPlex. This place is huge! In addition to the indoor playground, the have gymnastics, a climbing wall and all kinds of stuff. For $2, Caitlin and I had a blast climbing all over the structure--thru tubes, down slides, throwing balls in the ball pit and bouncing on gigantic balls. Granted, I was very sore afterwards, but playing with my daughter and hearing her giggle was priceless.
Sunday, November 20, 2005
Cute Caitlin Pictures
Posted for those family members who have been begging (aka threatening) me for more pictures of Cait...
Lifestyle Changes Part 2
The second major change hasn't officially happened yet, but it seems that the planets and whatnot will be aligned in my favor this month, not to mention that I have several people praying, thinking good thoughts & crossing body parts for me.
As most know, I have been working at a minimum security correctional center library near here (can't name due to DOC regulations) for a little over a year. While I have loved my job there, more than I ever anticipated, I have not been able to grow in that position due to a domineering co-worker. So, to remedy the situation, I have applied for, and have been selected for an interview, a transfer position to another minimum security prison in Canon City, CO--about 3 hours east of Montrose. My interview has been set for Decemeber 5th and I am busy polishing up on my interviewing skills to make sure that I'm at the top of my game. It seems that I have much in my favor in getting this job--previous library experience, DOC experience and the fact that the Regional Librarian (my direct boss) seems to like me. In getting this job, I will be the sole person in charge of library services and programs for a population of approximately 500 male offenders. Right now, I am only working part-time in the general library and feel that I am not able to do all of the things that I yearn to do. With moving on, I will be able to spread my wings. Two of my dear friends have been training me in library necessities so that I will be ready to "hold my own" when the time comes.
So, if I get this position (I should know within a week of the interview), it will mean another move, in the dead of winter. Thankfully, I have the support and assistance of my family & friends to help with the move. I will greatly miss my family here and the Montrose area as Canon City isn't nearly so pretty and is even more in the desert. Not being able to drop in on my parents and having them available for babysitting emergencies will be so hard. Somehow though, I know we will make it work. I am really excited at the prospect of getting this job as are my many collegues within the Department of Corrections, most of which have become my dearest friends. Finally, I will be able to socialize with them without mountains standing in between them & me.
As of now, assuming that I get the position, we will be moving sometime in January. I have been scoping out housing in Pueblo West, a fast-growing town about 13 miles from Canon City, and there seems to be much for sale/rent for the same or less than what we are paying here. Gas prices are also lower, which will make my daily commute less of a strain on the checkbook.
I know that Ben is excited at the prospect of moving east as we will be that much closer to Colorado Springs (30 minutes) & Denver (2 hours) which offer endless shopping and culture activities.
So...pray, think good thoughts, cross body parts or whatever you "thing" is for me, okay? I will keep you all posted on any developments.
As most know, I have been working at a minimum security correctional center library near here (can't name due to DOC regulations) for a little over a year. While I have loved my job there, more than I ever anticipated, I have not been able to grow in that position due to a domineering co-worker. So, to remedy the situation, I have applied for, and have been selected for an interview, a transfer position to another minimum security prison in Canon City, CO--about 3 hours east of Montrose. My interview has been set for Decemeber 5th and I am busy polishing up on my interviewing skills to make sure that I'm at the top of my game. It seems that I have much in my favor in getting this job--previous library experience, DOC experience and the fact that the Regional Librarian (my direct boss) seems to like me. In getting this job, I will be the sole person in charge of library services and programs for a population of approximately 500 male offenders. Right now, I am only working part-time in the general library and feel that I am not able to do all of the things that I yearn to do. With moving on, I will be able to spread my wings. Two of my dear friends have been training me in library necessities so that I will be ready to "hold my own" when the time comes.
So, if I get this position (I should know within a week of the interview), it will mean another move, in the dead of winter. Thankfully, I have the support and assistance of my family & friends to help with the move. I will greatly miss my family here and the Montrose area as Canon City isn't nearly so pretty and is even more in the desert. Not being able to drop in on my parents and having them available for babysitting emergencies will be so hard. Somehow though, I know we will make it work. I am really excited at the prospect of getting this job as are my many collegues within the Department of Corrections, most of which have become my dearest friends. Finally, I will be able to socialize with them without mountains standing in between them & me.
As of now, assuming that I get the position, we will be moving sometime in January. I have been scoping out housing in Pueblo West, a fast-growing town about 13 miles from Canon City, and there seems to be much for sale/rent for the same or less than what we are paying here. Gas prices are also lower, which will make my daily commute less of a strain on the checkbook.
I know that Ben is excited at the prospect of moving east as we will be that much closer to Colorado Springs (30 minutes) & Denver (2 hours) which offer endless shopping and culture activities.
So...pray, think good thoughts, cross body parts or whatever you "thing" is for me, okay? I will keep you all posted on any developments.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
LinkWithin
