August 27, 2008

Today is my mother's birthday, and it will always be a special day for me. It is the feast day of St. Monica, St. Augustine's mother, and since he was a bad kid for quite a while, I feel it is appropriate that Rose shares a birthday with another long-suffering, but ever hopeful mom. While I haven't turned out as well as St. Augustine, I think my mother would be pleased with my progress.

So it is nearly Labor Day . . . I know, I know, the summer went by so quickly, yadayada. But it's TRUE!!!!

Here are my summer observations.

1. It has been a sort of disappointing summer. First of all, Tigger died. For me, that is huge. I am glad I was with him when he died. He had his head in my lap, and I was able to pat him, knowing this was the last time. I find it strangely comforting that I knew it was for the last time.
2. And I didn't get to go to the Olympics. But honestly, it was probably for the best. The girls are really too young to have enjoyed the spectacle, and you can see the events much better on TV. My Chinese teacher gave me his huge TV, so I got to see everything with great clarity. I saved a lot of money. So . . . I'm definitely going to the London Olympics!!!!!
3. I moved out of my old office, which had a tremendous view of the Common. But my new office is pretty nice, and much cleaner than the old one, though I'm sure it is just a matter of months before I trash it up again. Now, instead of the Common, I look out at the "Ancient Landmark Building", which houses the Sweetwater Cafe on its first floor.
4. I am the new kid in town at the Library. Actually, I am the old lady in town, which is much worse. The young whipper-snapper librarians treat me with utmost courtesy but clearly think I'm about to topple over at any moment--or else do something to embarrass them.
5. Ok, not only did I not get to go to the Olympics, I can't go to my usual conference either!!!! My boss says I have to be here to run the new media show. For how long, I wonder????? When can I take a vacation?????
6. this is not to say I haven't had a lot of summer fun. I went sailing, and kayaking . . . definitely a maritime thing going on this summer.

Last night every kid in the neighborhood was out on the street, in a frenzy of play. It was as if they knew they had to get it all in, before school starts next week. So about 8 kids were simultaneously shooting baskets (using an actual basketball, a volleyball, and a tiny pink rubber ball), riding scooters, and chasing each other. It was insane! I know how they felt, and plan to go home tonight and eat ice cream, drink mojitos, swing in the hammock, then . . . throw up, I suppose, and then watch the Convention.

Speaking of which--what is up with the coverage??????? I hope it is better on cable. Regular TV shows nothing but the most incredibly boring commentary (all the while I can glimpse actual speakers in the distance)--and then the main speakers of the evening. When I was a kid the Convention was on ALL DAY, ALL CHANNELS. And the commentary was minimal.

And don't get me started on the Olympics coverage . . . .

The Death of a Good Dog

I'm sorry to say that my soulmate, Tigger, passed away a few weeks ago. I had wanted to spend one more summer with him, but he was just too miserable, so it couldn't be. I got to be with him until the end, and I am happy I could do that. His passing was very peaceful. My living room feels empty without him. I have moved in there for the time being, because I feel close to him there. Life is not as happy without my good boy.