…however do you want it, however do you need it”…..ok, so I admit, I really like this song and pretty much can sing it on cue, but as embarrassing as that is, it is so appropriate this week!  After being away for what seemed like a decade, I am getting back in the swing of things. 

R and I returned on Friday evening to a very happy puppy that was glad to be home again. She actually seemed to grow stronger over the week we were gone so I guess it was a good thing she went to the kennel (although her guilty parents almost break down every time we have to leave her).  Her back leg and muscles since her last ‘episode’ seem to have taken much longer to adjust, but I really hope I am that spry at 14 ½ dog-years!! (what is that, like a million people years or something!)

Saturday I had my Archives and Manuscripts class all day – one of the few classes I feel like I have actually been challenged in so far.... (and I am more than ½ way through the program) My professor, Lori Lindburg, is very inspirational and I wish I had even a ¼ of her energy – she is currently a PhD student (about to defend her dissertation this fall), full time SJSU faculty member, full-time paid archivists, and a wife and mother of 2!!  I don’t think she could possibly have time to sleep!!!!

On Sunday I ran our annual Society of American Archivists Student Chapter meeting.  In addition to preparing for the meeting for several hours, I had to trek to campus to conduct the meeting.  Should be a good year, we had several enthusiastic people volunteer for our executive team – always good to have people around you which want to be there!!

Monday was my very first day at Stanford – this is where I am doing my internship for school.  I am working at the Hoover Archives doing Library of Congress Subject Heading classification, as well as short summaries, of audio tapes from the Commonwealth Club of California.  The tapes go back to the 1930s, but I am starting with 1970.  I really am going to learn my CA political, social and economic history!!  The archivist for whom I am working, Lisa, is really great – she is going to be a wonderful mentor and I think I will learn a great deal about the ins and outs of the archival industry from her.   I will be working there every Monday for the rest of the semester as well as a handful of other days to make my 135 hours for 3 credits of class work. 

Wednesday night we celebrated Dick’s Birthday at the House o’ Prime Rib  in SF– what a fun evening of laughter and high-jinx.  We were the table every waiter dreads – in addition to our decibel breaking laughter, we had a table full of comedians which took pleasure in making the waiters fulfill all our ‘special requests’ including my “warm” pecan pie. (which was fabulous I have to say!)  I really wish we lived closer to the city, but until then, a short drive is very little cost to enjoying our good friend’s company.

What a fun afternoon!  My good friend Trina is getting married in 40 days (according to her grandmother who is counting down J ) and her wonderful family threw a lovely afternoon tea in her honor.  The party was held at her parent’s house and was catered by her Uncle (who made the most wonderful yummies – handy to have a chef in the family!).  All of Trina’s family and friends are so wonderful it is not surprising I had a great time meeting them all!  So, almost 39 days and counting!!

Last evening was a wonderful excursion into the culinary delights of Hawaiian fusion at the restaurant Roy’s in San Francisco.  We were there to celebrate not one, but four birthdays including Trina, Shan, Rob and Sharon’s.  The choice of restaurants was Trina’s as this is one of her favorite spots.  Indeed the food was wonderful!  I had a tasty Mahi-Mahi in a lobster butter sauce and the bites I had of friend’s Butterfish were divine!  The chocolate soufflé for desert was a decadent oozing pool of warm sauce surrounded by creamy cake.  In addition to their wonderful food the bar menu was equally impressive.  Several of us had a creation called the Big Hawaiian which when poured is a layer of Blue Curacao and a top layer of orange juice which eventually mixes to form a lovely share of grass-green!  Capped off with a garnish of pineapple and maraschino cherry and you have you self quite the girly-drink! (although Mike enjoyed it just fine!)  

Good food and fine compay led to a fun eveing had by all!  

I was thinking of all the events going on this year and thought I would list all the benchmarks happening in 2005:

1) Trina’s 35^th birthday (which was yesterday and prompted me thinking of them all)

2) Lora’s 30^th Birthday

3) Mike’s 40^th Birthday

4) Reeves and my 10^th Wedding anniversary (holy cow!)

5) Dick and Trina’s Wedding

6) My father-in-law, Rob’s, 70^th Birthday

I am sure I am forgetting something….anyone?

If you guessed the Stairmaster, you are right!  Since I have been working out almost everyday I have come to crave the exercise and feel like a slug if I don’t.  Now, I just don’t want to lose my momentum.

I have also found this is a good way to manage stress.  I use my 45-60 minutes for ‘me’ time to just let my mind relax and wander.  Especiallly since t-minus 4 hours till my mid-term!  (side-note, I think it is appropriate that there is a severe storm/wind warning that starts in the bay area at the same time my mid-term is supposed to begin! =)

This weekend I worked very hard so I could go out and play with my friends, and it was well worth it.  We had cocktails at our SF friend’s place near the Castro and then had great conversation and cuisine at Cote Sud, a French Bistro near their house.  The evening was capped off by a rousing game of Cranium and we found out which of us were the kids in school who ate the paste anyway when they were told not to!!

So, after today’s exam, only a quiz and mid-term left till a week of relaxing – yeah!!

….you remember that song you sang in grade school ? – it always reminds me of Thanksgiving and to be thankful for what I have, including…..

My husband – every day I am reminded of how lucky I am to have someone who is a never ending source of strength, laughter and love.

My puppy….of 13 years….as always she is a reminder of what true unconditional love can be.

My friends – this past weekend at our 2^nd annual Raclette fest of 2004 confirmed how important my friends are to me.  Their shared laughter and company is as important to me as breathing.

My mind – although I will never claim to be the smartest person in a room I am grateful to have been given an inquisitive nature and the ability to understand the great gift that is knowledge.

My possessions – yes, it is not the PC thing to say, but I am fortunate to share in a warm home and more pretty things than any one person really needs.

My health – other than a few minor ‘growing’ pains I have been thankful to have had a pretty easy run of it so far…..

My husband – am I aloud to have him on my list twice? Well, to me I am that thankful for him and secondly, this is MY list!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Our good friends Dick & Trina just got engaged!  They have been together for several years, and in my opinion, are a perfect match. (how many men can find the perfect woman who also likes to play video games!)  I am really excited for them as I know first hand how wonderful it can be to share your life with your best friend. 

When reading the story of their proposal I got all misty.  I love engagements and weddings because of the contagious happiness and the promise of good things to come.  Engagements make me reflect on all the wonderful things about a partnership, (and sometimes the not-so-wonderful), but to know that the other person will always be there to support and love you no matter what comes – THAT is what makes a union truly special.  

I know Dick and Trina will have a lifetime of wonderful memories to reflect back upon!!

Congratulations!