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Post by gadgetgirlil on Aug 21, 2024 13:26:37 GMT -5
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pepper
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Post by pepper on Aug 22, 2024 5:40:50 GMT -5
Howdy! V , from comments to my post yesterday, I don’t know what I’ve said that would lead anyone to believe I’m a centrist, especially given the nature of the Republican party over the last 30-something years, but that isn’t my belief by any measure. The current Republican party is the most dangerous thing that has hit this country in decades. I’m floored that anyone would think I agree with those assholes about anything at all. We have water issues here in my little corner of podunk. Every morning recently we go through a period of very low water pressure. I’ve started filling up the coffee pot at night before bed, just in case. Yesterday there was a big enough trickle to have sort of a shower, but today’s trickle is even less. Hmmpff. I wish I had known this before getting up early enough to go for a walk. (I live just outside a city that is just outside of Austin. We have a tiny little water supplier, not City of Austin water.) Have a good day!
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Post by gadgetgirlil on Aug 22, 2024 6:11:20 GMT -5
Greetings!
At yesterday's meeting, the provost dropped by for Q&A. I'm impressed with her. She's been through many of the challenges we are facing at her prior institutions. She was very honest and transparent in her answers to our questions. I hope for my colleagues' sake that our new leadership can turn things around. Time will tell.
I did more work on my class prep yesterday. I'm meeting with my student assistant sometime today. I still am at the overwhelmed stage but I'm sure I will be ready by Monday morning. I also looked up the academic records of some of my students. 3 are coming in already on probation. Their transcripts are riddled with "D", "F" and "W" grades. This is really not the right course for them to be tackling now unless they had a serious change in their study habits over the summer. The problem is that my course has no prerequisites currently. The powers to be are considering changing that but it wouldn't take effect until next fall. It also troubles me when I see that many poor grades for 4 or more semesters as it seems to me that we are just taking these students' money as they are not making degree progression but are racking up debt. But the buzzword is retention so we do anything we can to keep butts in seats.
Have a great day!
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Post by V on Aug 22, 2024 8:13:08 GMT -5
Morning.
Yesterday was another mellow day. Ripley has had an upset tummy off and on for weeks. She was up all last night again. It's cloudy and grey again. That means the temps are tolerable, but doesn't bode well for my outlook.
I am seriously hoping the deck guy gets here within the next day or two. MG went out last night and trimmed back some of the out of control roses that I will be moving to a new home soon. And YMV got out in the yard and under the deck to pick up some of the construction waste that has been left behind up to this point.
I made a Z'atar spice shrimp recipe last night from the NYT app. I loved it, but the boys were not impressed I could tell. It was good but not worth making again just for me.
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Post by sherrydorlando2 on Aug 22, 2024 8:27:50 GMT -5
Good Morning Ladies: Hope everyone is doing well on Fri Eve! I am all glowy this am. Scale is finally moving down again a little bit--been stalled for 3 weeks. Yesterday was such a nice lunch. Today is laundry and plants and me and Dexter.
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Post by newmoose on Aug 22, 2024 9:50:03 GMT -5
Good morning!
It's been a fast week, not that I'm complaining! I have had meetings with the new dept. chair, two IEP meetings and lots of other paperwork.
We won trivia last night! There were only three teams, so we all won something. We got a large salad to split, along with a meatball trio. The meatballs mostly came home, but the salad was fantastic! There was a time that the salads in this restaurants were made with slimy lettuce and old ingredients. I complimented the new manager and told him how much better things were.
Tonight GN is going to be different. One of the gang has invited us to her house to watch the DNC. We will sit and share apps and beverages and watch history being made. I will also buy a box of tissues to dry my happy tears.
DH has been in the market for a utility trailer. We thought we had found the perfect one, but the place would not do financing outside of NC, so nope! Now, he thinks he has found one about 2.5 hours from here, so, if it comes to be, we will go get it on Saturday. There are really neat places we can go around there that are dog friendly, so we will probably try to find one and have dinner. We also have bunches of friends there, so we may try to do something with them.
I hope you all have a great day!
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pepper
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Posts: 12,200
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Post by pepper on Aug 23, 2024 5:21:35 GMT -5
Howdy!
I’ve been very low energy this week. It’s super annoying and I need to get back in the game.
There’s nothing scheduled for the weekend. The high temps are supposed to be back down to 99°, so yay? I hope that’s the end of our crazy hotness for the year.
Have a great day!
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Post by gadgetgirlil on Aug 23, 2024 5:52:59 GMT -5
Friday, yay?
This week has been so jammed with meetings that I absolutely will be spending significant time on campus this weekend in order to be ready for Monday. It is exhausting. Today is especially bad as I have the freshmen service project that sucks up the morning, 2 advising appointments, 1 meeting, and I still need to meet with my learning assistant.
I blew off the event yesterday afternoon where we (faculty & staff) are supposed to cheer for the new students as they walk across the quad. I had nothing left in the tank physically nor mentally by 4:30pm and just went home and was a lump on the sofa with the kitties.
Retirement can't come soon enough. 32 instructional weeks to go - 2 @ 16 week semesters.
Have a great day!
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Post by newmoose on Aug 23, 2024 7:46:46 GMT -5
Good morning and TGIF!!!!
GN was fun, but we disbanded before all the good stuff. I came home and DH was watching football, so I put the DNC on my computer, with subtitles. When Kamala came on, I put the sound on. Luckily he went up before the end of her speech, so I could switch it to live TV. Maybe I will get better sleep next week, when I don't have to come down from the high of the speeches and such.
Tomorrow morning, we will get up and drive for a couple of hours to get the utility trailer that DH finally found. I hope it's a good one and not junk. At least the dogs will get a road trip out of it!
No plans yet for this evening. As always, I will look for some music and hope we can get out for something fun.
I hope you all have a great day!
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Post by sherrydorlando2 on Aug 23, 2024 8:09:31 GMT -5
Good Morning Ladies: I was up at 6 but stayed in bed reading until 8:30. As long as the dogs aren't stirring I don't have to get up. Yesterday was Publix and laundry. Today will be cleaning stair bannisters (damn white paint) and a trip to DD house to meet an AC guy.
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Cyn
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Post by Cyn on Aug 23, 2024 10:45:37 GMT -5
I used to love lying in bed in the mornings. Today I'd already made a batch of The Salad, roasted peppers, baked and shredded a chicken breast, and fed and plyed w 3 catses btw 5:15 and 8:30! Roses is on her way, and it's lovely outside. Yesterday was a good 10ks worth of Mr Wheelie walkabout, with returns and searching/finding some items I missed at my Aldi's on Wed. Also found my litter on sale, so grabbed 20lbs. This afternoon will be a few more returns. Queenie seems to have no interest in any of the cat beds in the style they were adamant she needed at the shelter. I was able to leave the tags on and cover them w a blankie, thankfully, so it shouldn't be a problem. So far, it's 0-5 beds, so I'm calling it. She seems fine either on the couch, or a hidey hole I fixed up with a cat paper bag toy thing and a little blanket I'd knitted as padding on the floor. This weekend's project is to get my bedroom cat-safe and allow her in there-she's desparate to follow me in every time I go in myself. The Inspector needs to inspect! Newcastle at 8am Sunday-with many fewer other teams playing than last Sat, so it'll be easier to talk w my guys. And we'll have better spots at the bar. pepper have you had your ADHD meds checked lately? You seem to really be out of balance from your last few weeks of posts-either lots of energy and activity, or very lo-mo. I know the heat might be very draining, but something to think about? gadgetgirlil good for you for bailing on that tradition. I'm sorry it's so craptastic for you already this last school year! newmoose I hope your road trip is enjoyable and that the item works out! V, I hope Mr Deck can make some time for you this weekend! I love z'atar seasoning. It's fantastic on roasted root veggies in the fall/winter. sherrydorlando I'm glad you had such a nice slow start to your day, you've been at it pretty hard lately, and the rest of the day looks full.
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Post by gadgetgirlil on Aug 24, 2024 7:15:58 GMT -5
Greetings!
The woman who normally organizes the freshmen service project is out on maternity leave. The people who covered for her aren't nearly as organized. Due to budget issues we didn't rent vans to take students to other places in the community where they could help. So that left trying to come up with things to do on campus. I'm sure some activities were more engaging than others for the students. They counted off students for all the other projects and then everyone who was left was sent off to do the invasive species removal. We had way too many students, 60!, for this project so a lot of them just stood around. Also many of the students didn't want to touch the Japanese knotweed and Amur honeysuckle even though we did have gloves for everyone. This is a worthwhile project but needs to be in much smaller groups to be efficient. Several big piles were created so some good came of it. Add this to the list of things that I don't have to participate in this time next year! Although it did occur to me that I might want to volunteer on my own or with a very small group of engaged students to work on cleaning up the trail that surrounds the lake we have on campus. It could be a good activity for me when I'm retired since I only live 1 mile from campus. Of course, my yard work has to come first!
After the service project, my afternoon was filled with 2 advising sessions and a meeting. I also was able to meet for a few minutes with my learning assistant. She has been very busy all week as she is on the executive board for the student orientation leaders so they were doing a lot all week to help get the new students acclimated. We will figure out a regular schedule to meet next week as that is one of the requirements of the learning assistant program.
I did get a couple things done for class but much stuff remains. After I get some exercise and pay our real estate taxes, I will go to campus today. Right now I'm just trying to get caffeinated so that I can function. I was really wiped out from the past 5 days.
Have a great day!
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Post by sherrydorlando2 on Aug 24, 2024 7:44:08 GMT -5
Good Morning Ladies: Yesterday kept me busy. Then, a massive storm . i saw this am walking the babies that the pool umbrellas blew over a 6-7 ft tall fence onto the sidewalks. I had gone to bed early as no internet or tv and I had a book on my phone so listened to that and fed Thunder Wunders to the babies. (the one that never comes up was so terrified even he went up with us. I got gas yesterday and spent couple hours at DD's house getting estimates on repairing/replacing her AC. My big project today is catching up with Dexter and gluing a bunch of earrings that have bits and pieces that have broken. It is a big deal as I collect them as rewards.
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pepper
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Posts: 12,200
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Post by pepper on Aug 24, 2024 8:04:24 GMT -5
Howdy!
I remember being this sad and low energy around this time last year, which is also when my dizziness and ear issue happened. Our mold count has been really high, so I wonder if it is a mold allergy issue. That can make people very tired and blah. I changed meds this week, so hopefully they will kick in soon.
I’ve got a little wood project to do today and I’m excited to get moving on it. There’s also a demo at a store that has cheap wood, so I may go see that and fondle the wood and start thinking about the next project.
We had a little stormy weather blow through last night that turned the temperature down by about 20 degrees. Abby and I got a nice, long walk in. It will be back up to 100° today, but that little bit of time in the mid 80s was really, really nice while it lasted.
Have a great day!
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Cyn
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Post by Cyn on Aug 24, 2024 10:08:03 GMT -5
Mmmmmmm. I just had my first fresh peach of the season! Half sliced into my morning yogurt, the other half eaten over the sink even though it wasn't crazy juicy. TJs has completely stopped selling the different varieties of peaches they used to, which breaks my heart. At least I did find that the ones Aldi had this week are quite nice. After getting the cat beds to be returned out of the way, I moved the cute cardboard scratcher floor log cabin I had built to a different location, and wallah! I'll post a picture shortly. It was one of several I'd bought for Sweetie, but didn't end up using it for her since she kept pooping in them. Neighbors return tonight, I'll be glad to just hang with my girl in the evenings.
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Cyn
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Post by Cyn on Aug 24, 2024 10:09:54 GMT -5
Queenie in her hideaway log cabin. 😉
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Post by newmoose on Aug 24, 2024 13:11:39 GMT -5
Happy Saturday!
We have already run up the road and bought the trailer. We came straight home because we have a beer festival to go to. I completely forgot about it, and got a reminder email. It's a beautiful day, there will be live music, and beer, of course. One of the musician has stayed at our house a couple of times, so I look forward to seeing him.
I hope you all have a great day!
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Post by gadgetgirlil on Aug 25, 2024 6:28:15 GMT -5
Greetings!
I did get a lot done on campus yesterday but still need to go in today to make the rest of the copies that I need and make some notes about what I want to say. I sure hope this semester goes better than last fall. I'm having flashbacks and it is raising my anxiety level.
My fitness center is closed for annual maintenance starting tomorrow through Labor Day. That is a major annoyance for me since I like to shower there after I workout before I head to campus. Also, it is going to be really hot through at least Tuesday so even though I will just go outside and walk, it will not be nearly as nice as a climate-controlled building. Next year I will be sure to schedule a hiking or biking adventure during the maintenance week.
I'm almost unpacked from my trip, just one more packing cube to unload.
Have a great day!
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Post by V on Aug 25, 2024 7:34:17 GMT -5
Morning.
This weekend we got out for a 5k. I was happy with my time, but not impressed. I walked most of it. I did do 30'30s for the larger part. It was a flat course, and the weather was about as good as one could hope in August in Kansas. There was watermelon, fruit smoothies, and massages at the end. YF & I did the short course and CSO did 10k. G was busy and couldn't come with us but got out on her own with another RAA member who is local to us. So Friday morning YF & I got out for more than 2, Saturday we got out for 3, then when I got home I got in the front flowerbed to weed for a couple of hours. Lots more activity than I had gotten in a while. The front yard rather resembled Edward Scissorhands when I called it quits. I will need to get some mulch to tuck the plants in and finish up the last of the front beds.
Next week we will head to south of KC for my uncle's funeral. He was in the nursing home despite being the youngest of Dad's siblings. There was a birthday party for him earlier this month and Dad knew that it was to say goodbye. At least they all got that chance. The last time they saw him before that was for the other brother's funeral that was a shock to all of them. So I'll be out of pocket possibly Monday but definitely Tuesday. It was expected and we weren't close. But it has still shaken Dad quite a bit.
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pepper
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Post by pepper on Aug 25, 2024 8:55:12 GMT -5
Howdy!
I really need to get out to the garden today, but it’s almost 9:00 a.m. and here I sit.
I’ve got a list of dumb chores to do today. I may skip them all. Next week is a 3 day weekend, so I’ll have projects to look forward to. 😁
BossMan’s assistant is going to Hawaii for vacation this week and there’s a big storm in that area. Her elderly mother lives with her, so I really hope the storm doesn’t mess up her trip. She really needs a nice break.
I should make a promise to myself to buy a new outfit every week for the next month. I need new clothes. I started shopping online and got overwhelmed with too many choices, so I need to actually go in a store, I think.
Have a great day!
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Post by newmoose on Aug 25, 2024 8:59:12 GMT -5
Good morning!
We had a grand time at the beer festival. We missed seeing our friend perform, but did get to see him and give him a hug. We saw other people we knew, tasted some really good beers, and poured out some not so good beer. After the festival, we went to one of our favorite restaurants and saw another of our favorite people.
I slept (mostly) until after 9:00 and it felt good. DH is still asleep, or at least still lounging with the dogs.
No idea what today will bring. I imagine we will find something we can do. If not, we can relax at home.
I hope you all have a great day!
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Cyn
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Post by Cyn on Aug 25, 2024 16:04:44 GMT -5
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pepper
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Post by pepper on Aug 26, 2024 5:28:20 GMT -5
Howdy!
I finally made it to the garden yesterday. I have a ton of green cherry tomatoes that apparently relish all the benign neglect they’re getting. The old guy at the garden said they do well in the heat, and that is definitely true.
I hope a lot of people are on vacation this week. I need a good week. I’m feeling a little better mentally. I was so freaking tired yesterday that I didn’t do much except lay around and read. I feel like I’ve got a bit of energy today, so yay!
Our temps are supposed to be about 10 degrees cooler this week. I’m pretty darned happy about that.
Have a great day!
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Post by gadgetgirlil on Aug 26, 2024 5:33:01 GMT -5
Happy first day of the fall semester! I'm as ready as I can be for my classes. newmoose - I'm teaching the exact same schedule are last year - A&P M/W/F and Medical Terminology on M. It was the A&P class that I didn't have instructional materials for last fall so it took a ton of time. It was also the class that where half the students liked me and the other half didn't. One even wrote that someone else should have taught the class. Thus, I have a lot of anxiety about doing this class again. But I do have the materials that I found early last year on a community college's website and am using them as well as some of the other materials that I created last fall. I have the learning assistant for this class so that should also help. I will be glad when this first day is out of the way. Have a great day!
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Post by sherrydorlando2 on Aug 26, 2024 7:56:58 GMT -5
Sorry I missed yesterday. Yesterday Zoey broke up with her boyfriend. He was beginning to be a bit abusive and I thought slightly on the spectrum. Right after she did he shot and killed himself. She is beyond devastated. WE all are. School is sending resources, I can't imagine she will get over this if she lives to be 100. I am at such a loss.
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