Warming up...

First time I am looking out my window and seeing a frozen top of the river. Yesterday was the coldest day in 3 years, today it will be "warming up" - the 30's. I think my son - once again - has a good idea. He is off to Savannah this weekend if my memory is working.

Dinner last night with a couple of past co-workers at a great italian restaurant. I have been driving past the restaurant and wanted to try it out and last night was my chance. Definitely a hit. I did call sister #4 and she was between parties for her 50th. She is a teacher and it was party time all day. Then she was going to be off to her adult party at night. I told her about my colliding universes theory and she agreed with me! That made me feel good that she did not think I was not going to her party because I did not care. We will see if the Sunday night sisters' party comes about. If sister #4 gets an opportunity to play tennis - that will win.

Just checked the OKS web site to see if the team snapped back from the A&M loss and they did - they beat Oklahoma the other night and JameSon was high scorer. I just checked the A&M site and they lost to Texas Tech on Wednesday night, so the Big 12 is staying interesting. I also need to check out the buzz about Peyton's thumb injury in preparation for the Super Bowl game.

Laundry and church are on my schedule for today. Need to go for a long walk after that dinner last night (and since I brought half of it home for tonight - the portions were HUGE). I am a fair weather land conservation volunteer. They had a morning work group, but I could not face 3 hours of outside work this morning. I did break out the down parka I bought in 1976 and wore that yesterday, but I still did not feel confident that I could stay warm.

As I look back at my trip to Houston - I a lucky girl - even after moving away 12 years ago, my past co-workers welcome me back with open arms. My friend since jr high and her husband open their home to me AND get me tickets to a good sports' event and introduce me to people who are fun and smart. And the person I had not seen since 1977...I love it when I can sit down and start right up again. I think the North Carolina re-entry will have a different look - the separation is still a bit fresh.

New worker being hired in our department - have not heard it directly, but an alum will be joining our group. She might be the bridge to keep what is left of the original team in place - everyone seems to love this girl (a couple years older than my son). We are also going through some physical changes - they are cutting off the back end of our building to accommodate the horse barn renovations. Should be an interesting Spring. That is another reason I thought I would get some vacation done before staff and physical changes hit high gear. My probation is over February 6 - let's hope I've made the cut...after my 90 days.

Obviously replacing my gas cap was the ticket to get my mind off getting a new car. Living without a car payment for years is a very good thing and why give that up for now.

Signed up to "make a bowl" for the Empty Bowls project next Saturday at school. The art teacher has opened up the ceramics studio so students and staff can make a bowl. The culminating event is in April. I am looking forward to trying my hand at some art work. The art teacher said bring a friend, so I invited my friend next door. She is very creative, so I hope she will help me not be too boring. Also, February 9 - our Administrative Assistants' Group is hosting the monthly faculty and staff happy hour event. This is the first time staff has hosted this traditionally faculty focused event. That works for my goal of making more connections with "across the street" - our office being on side of the road with the horses and everybody else on the other side. Should be fun.

Off to my Saturday.