Update...

I am hearing a lot of negativity at work these days...for a lot of reasons. None of which are worth fleshing out here. What scares me is that the complaining seems to be lowering expectations, making it acceptable to excuse mistakes that cause others money/time/consternation, passing the buck. Today, a wake-up call when one of my University-funded programs management teams discussed lowering standards. In short, become mediocre.

It was hard not to lose my temper.  I let my thoughts be known and then was quiet.We shall see how things go.

Here is, basically, what I said:

I hate mediocrity. Mediocrity is a silent killer. It tells you that you'll be fine staying where you are and that you need to be content with it. It guilts you into thinking you're wrong for wanting better. Stop it today. Set our sights high and don't settle for less than you want or deserve. It will never be possible to feel fulfilled and productive while in a state of mediocrity. Make a decision today - and let greatness happen. 


I want greatness at my University. I know it's capable of greatness. We have great people and great students. It's a matter of changing the way we are thinking -- I'd hate to become mediocre.


Sigh...it's been a long day. But sometimes, you just can't be silent.

A Rare Find

Fifteen-year-old photographer Marlin Shank was fortunate enough to capture several images of a rare albino ruby-throated hummingbird while in a park in Staunton, Va. This is normally where I’d add some commentary to the scene… but I’ll just let these amazing photos speak for themselves this time.

Magnificent,yes? Most definitely, yes.

Science at it's best

My Mom shared a video with me and I have watched it four times thus far. It is amazing. I'm a huge fan of TED talks and have shown many of the TED videos to my students, but this one takes the grand prize. Turn on your speakers, lean back and enjoy. Nature is amazing.

http://www.youtube.com/v/xHkq1edcbk4?version=3%20%20%20%20

Pinterest!!!!

Pinterest is a Virtual Pinboard.

Pinterest lets you organize and share all the beautiful things you find on the web. People use pinboards to plan their weddings, decorate their homes, and organize their favorite recipes, illustrate their dreams.

Best of all, you can browse pinboards created by other people. Browsing pinboards is a fun way to discover new things and get inspiration from people who share your interests.

What Can You Do with Pinterest?

Redecorate your Home!
Plan a Wedding!
Find your Style!
Save your Inspirations!
Save Your Recipes!
and all that in just ONE PLACE!!

It's addictive, fun, full of passion and ...oh my gosh it can chew up more time than any other program I've had. Yes, more time than Facebook. I love Pinterest! I have several boards - My Future Farm, My Dream Home, Deliciousness! (recipes), My Bucket List, and Things that are Serene. More will be forthcoming.   I invite you to come by -- you simply go to www.pinterest.com. Ask someone (me?) to invite you and you're in, on, and part of something that is so neat -- I've met new friends in Germany and Spain (both want farms like mine :)


So...take a look. Have fun. Dream a little - dreams really do come true ya know!


Back to pinning..

Another year older....

and another year better!  I had a beautiful birthday filled with family, friends, love and some OUTSTANDING pasta :). A very special present appeared as well. I'm not sure who had it before me, but she must have been a very special lady. Ron had some help from a 'special friend' in going through some antique stores in the Hill Country. The silversmithing on this piece is perfect - all the edges are finished and polished. The marcasites shine with radiance, and the stamp on the back means that whoever made it was proud - and rightly so - of their work. I could not be more pleased. It's perfect, rare and special. So is he :)

Another Birthday - already??!

I took this photo from the Corpus Christi Bay Bridge during a half marathon...it seems so long ago, but in fact was just this past summer. I always thought old people were kinda sappy when they said how fast time passes when you get older. Like, "Get over it...it's time and time is the same no matter what age or state of mind...". Nope. They were right on. It DOES go faster. So, young people reading this, take heed. Enjoy the present. Quit trying to control everything and live in the moment. It only gets better and better and just when you think things are really great...they get better.  Change is good, you will be safe and you are loved -Let God hold the reins and all will be well.

I'm so excited about the coming year and can't wait to see what's in store. I bought a book about raising goats yesterday. It's SO awesome to think about that and all that goes with it. In the meantime, there is so much to enjoy and blessings abound. Another year to enjoy what He provides and to be thankful for so, so much.
Bring it on....

YAY CLASSES STARTED!

I told my (new) students that I was so happy to see them. They looked kinda confused...after all, I hadn't met them yet... why was I happy to see them??!

Oh elatedness, totally happy Dr. Mac is back in the classroom where her heart belongs. Back with the students, doing science, talking science, hearing them giggle at my silly jokes, or look amazed at some of the things we learn. Seeing them all nervous at our Family Science events (doing my 39th, 40th and 41st events this semester!) and then seeing them get in their teaching personna and watching the magic happen. I still get goosebumps when I see them teach - I know their classrooms are going to be special places. I love my job. I hate committee work, but I live for the days when I am with my students. And - those days have come back!!

Yes, it's the truth -  I'm glad to see them, and have missed them. Another new 100 faces....totally blessed to love what I do.

Meetings ad nauseum

The first three days of this week have had more meetings scheduled than I have ever experienced...long, boring, endless, accomplishing little, trying to stay awake....sitting on nine different committees at the college and university level is taking it's toll. My department chair said I need to get off some committees. "Oh really?", I said. "How do I do that? You going to appoint some folks to take my place?" "Oh no", he replied, walking out of my office, "Just ask someone to take your place", he said, barely within earshot. Right. This is what it feels like being stuck in meetings:

Beekman 1802

The Mansion:

One of the products:

Josh and Brent:

About a year ago I literally ran into a TV show while surfing called "The Fabulous Beekman Boys". It was a real-life drama about two guys (Josh and Brent) that were from New York City, got lost during a leaf-peeping, apple-picking jaunt in upstate New York, and came across this beautiful mansion that was for sale. Five bedrooms, five baths, seven fireplaces, a swimming pool and a crypt that holds remains of Beekman and his slaves. That is a pic of the mansion above - here are some shots from the inside --- it is TOTAL gorgeousness. The rest is history. They literally bought the farm, got someone to help them with goat raising/milking (Farmer John), got pigs, lambs, chickens, turkeys and a narcissistic llama with some resident cats.

This is Polka Spot the llama with some of the goats

What followed was a project to where Josh would continue working in advertising in the City coming to the farm on weekends and Brent would be full time on the farm and opening a retail store and other assorted marketing ideas where eventually, they could both stay full time on the farm.

The Store

 I was hooked...the show I happened to watch had mother goats having their baby goats and Farmer John in tears as his prize goat, after a lengthy labor, gave birth to Hallelujah...it touched my heart, and started my ideas turning to my own farm -- not as large, or as fancy and certainly not having a mansion, but a farm. With goats and stuff -- you may have read about it here.

This is Farmer John with his goats -


So, when Annie came to stay with me last year while finishing her clinicals, I introduced to her to my new favorite show. She too, was hooked. Since then, we have continued to talk, Skype, reminiscent conversations regarding Beekman. She got John to watch, and Ron watched as well. Then came Christmas, and Annie and each had similar ideas -- though we didn't share them because we wanted our gifts to be a surprise! Well, no one was more surprised than we were when we found we had each ordered the other Beekman DVDs (and ordered one for ourselves). I also got a Beekman 1802 long sleeved tee - worn by Maria the proprietor of the Beekman retail shoppe who sent me a handwritten card thanking me :) You just can't beat farm people...or goat people...

Books, DVDs, tee shirt and Maria's card. We posted this to the Beekman 1802 Facebook page. Yes, Polka Spot, the Llama has her own Facebook Page too. She is very much in love with herself - news lately is that she awaiting her contract from L'oreal :)

After surprising each other we went on their website and ordered some of their goats milk cheese (which we have seen them make on the show)...

This is the goats milk cheese - actually it is 60% goats milk and 40% cows milk. You see, you need the enzymes in the cows milk to curdle the cheese. It is covered with ash (that black stuff) after aging for 4 months. The milk comes from Beekman goats. We (Ron and I) have been researching this....for the future farm you understand. Now, let me tell you ----- it is DELICIOUS!!!!!!!! (and half gone at this point)

And just so ya know, this cheese has been tasted by many people in the know- and has gotten awesome reviews - including this one and others. All I know is that it is very, very tasty indeed.

Also, they make  goats milk soap. Brent tied 1400 of these packages one weekend for shipment during an episode - one soap created for each month of the year, they all smell differently. Aromas from the smells on the farm during that season...they are awesome....

You can find all of this on the Beekman 1802 website.

So why does this intrigue me and make me so happy? Here you have two people who had a dream, followed that dream, did the work, did the research and learned from others,  and now are reaping the rewards in so many ways. So is the town of Sharon Springs, New York. Before the farm was purchased, the post office was getting ready to shut down and many people were leaving - no jobs. Now, Beekman 1802 has opened a store downtown, others have followed suit and the post office has more work than they know what do with . The show has been temporarily discontinued from Planet Green who is going off the air. I have no doubt it will be picked up shortly by another network. In the meantime, Josh and Brent continue to keep their readers updated, as does Polka Spot, through the social media. The cheese and soaps are showing up in 5 star restaurants, stores, bridal recommendations...etc. etc. etc. And many people like myself see how it really can be done....really done. Really.

I think I will go have some of that cheese ....

P.S.
If you are really interested (or even just sorta interested) you can order the Fabulous Beekman Boys seasons 1 &2 on DVD from Amazon.com. The book entitled The Bucolic Plague is Josh (Kilmer-Purcell's) book concerning this story and can be ordered as well. It is funny, open, honest and a bit snarky in places -- you will enjoy.

Christmas Part IIIB: Corpus Christi Cathedral Concert Series

Dr. Lupe Rivera Conducting the Gloria as the Three Kings begin their procession to the manger. The King below is Dave Wyrwich, my friend who led me to my first Mass that the Corpus Christi Cathedral 5 years ago. He really is a King :)

These are some photos that Andrew Diaz, the set designer from New York took at the Cathedral.

 Top left....concentrating while Dr. Lupe Rivera conducts and the orchestra (on the sides) as, Lee Gwodz, organist extraordinaire is hard at work in his red sequin jacket :)  This is only one part of the upstairs - our organ is such a blessing!

 One of Andy's sets...they were gorgeous.

 The stage, pre-performance. The altar is behind the set. The cathedral was PACKED. And yes, those were live trees. The entire cathedral smelled like evergreen.

Mary is visited by an angel who tells her of the pending birth of her child....

 Little Doves trying to awaken the Shepherds...

The sheep gather prior to Jesus' birth - a star shines to the left. Note all stays in darkness until the Baby Jesus appears...then the lights come on the trees, stars shine on the ceiling, the Gloria is sung by the choir and is accompanied by an orchestra along with the church bells ---- Cherie gets so carried away watching all of this occur that she gets a dirty look from the conductor as she is not watching him...sorry Lupe!

 Jesus is born! Merry Christmas :)

Christmas Part III: Corpus Christi Cathedral Concert Series

 Every year the choirs at Corpus Christi Cathedral put on a Christmas pageant. This is a huge production - all the choirs (adult, childrens, cherub and Schola) are combined for over 100 voices (all volunteers) with full orchestra accompaniment. Then, over 100 pageant participants (all volunteers) including ballet dancers, angels, shepherds, doves, Kings and of course the Virgin Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus. This year, we had three - yes THREE performances. Each one was a total sellout. Our cathedral holds over 1200 people...and they were standing in the aisles. It was amazing. Some new sets this year done by a designer in New York added more beauty to the production. Here is a review of the pageant that appeared in the Corpus Christi paper. Did I say it was amazing? I felt so totally blessed to be part of this wonderful story and give this gift to our community....Blessed Beyond Measure (and a little tired from singing so much :)

Christmas 2011 Part II: Scott, Jen and Jennalee

After Annie and Audrey left for the East Coast (husband John the Pilot is on deployment), it was pretty darn quiet around here. However, Ron and I left after Christmas to meet Scott, Jen and Jennalee (Scott's awesome girlfriend) in San Antonio. Why San Antonio? It's a long story -- suffice to say that other things had to be accomplished there so this was the best plan. What follows are a few pics of presents,  and visits to the Ripley's Museum of Oddities and Wax Museum and the Alamo - it was fun!

The above is a pic of a rotating barrel - and mirrors. You walk through it. It was totally freaky as you FELT like you were weaving and moving but weren't. We spent a good 20 mins here trying to figure it out. Our best guess (lots of years of education here working on a hypothesis)..."it's an optical illusion."  :)

We had a blast - a bit of an unconventional Christmas but the hugs and love made it awesomely memorable !