A week in my life - Monday September 29

So all we loyal Ali Edwards crazy freaks (aka scrapbookers) are working on this project with Ali called "A Week in the Life"...of whoever...so really us.

So Monday, here is the post:
Alarm off at 4:30. Taking the 7:23 train into the city. Woke up to cool over cast skies. Autumn is nearly here. Take a shower. Make coffee. Read email. Forgot to send the new address to my parents. Look at the clock..how can I be running late? Finish email, dry hair, quick makeup. Super quick dog walk...come on Rita...can't you just poop and pee like everyone else on command. My friend Mark Snyder calls when I pull into the station..."I hope it is not too early.."...he makes me laugh. D calls when I am on the train. My boss sends me a text.
So the downtown routine is that I go find my boss, we find a conference room and we work side by side. He goes and gets us lunch at Coozie across the street: Turkey and brie sandwiches with chips and share a cookie. The "deck walk" meeting starts at 1 p.m. It''s pouring rain and dark in the city.....I'm thinking I left my windows open in my studio. Check email, talk to team back at OPC. Finally at 3:30 get a call..the meeting is still on. At 3:45 my boss arrives and we start the rework. Conference call via cell to the finance guys. Yea..they like my graphics! Another director comes in. We commiserate. More walking up and down the stairs. At 5:15 my boss comes down...time to start on the wall charts. We write down all the to dos, brainstorm on things....then it is 6:30. Pack up, my boss drives me to the train station. Dinner at the Corner Bakery. Wait for the train which comes at 6:35. We leave at 6:40. Eat my sandwich. Talk to D. We are both tired..working too long hours. Talk to my dad...his eye treatment is going well. My step mom's is not doing so well. I'm worried. Start a new book. Read my new people mag. Arrive at the station at 9 p.m. No rain, just fog. Home to feed the dog (I'm a bad mom!), walk her around the block..poop and pee. Back upstairs and fire up both laptops. More deck work. Emails and cell phone calls. To bed at 11:15...read a few pages and fall asleep. No more MOnday.

First Red Leaf

Rita and I are walkers. I just have to stand up and say "walk?" and she is at the front door drooling..literally. (Sometimes she interprets that same question as ride because her second most favorite thing is to ride in the car...).
During one of our very early morning walks this past week (AKA average time in to work has been 7 a.m. ) we found our first red leaf..just kind of sitting there glowing at us.) We also love leaves....okay I love leaves. I collect all kinds of leaves every fall (well just the most beautiful ones) and then bring them in and dry them out..and do nothing with them. I have all of these ideas in my head and I do nothing but love them which I guess is just fine. So I posted my first red leaf on my bulletin board at work and just look at it everyday. And that is enough:-)

God Bless Texas

Our hearts and prayers go out to Texas -- especially Galveston and Houston -- during this difficult time. We've heard from most family and friends so we believe most are safe. Texas will rebuild, of course. In the meantime, God Bless Texas.

Five on the Fifth (published on the 13th)

Okay....this is starting to become a little insane. I mean....couldn't I get it close to the 5th? In fairness, September 5th was my birthday and I was in Arizona at Creative Escape..the scrapbooking mega adventure....so I have some excuse. Still, my public awaits. So, without further ado, drum roll please..

Five on the Fifth
5. Birthday Texts ...beginning at 5:30 a.m. (Yes, Amy was thrilled about these..)
4. Cupcakes from Sprinkles..Vanilla, Black and White, Chocolate Marshmallow...YUM (thanks Christa Flook!)
3. Crafting Nirvana..an array of classes including pages with Kelly Goree, an acrylic album with Jessica Gutherie, a cool planner with Heidi and an amazing Gratitude book with Kolette Hall. Paper, scissors and glue rock!
2. Birthday Cheesecake at the Cheesecake Factory!
1. Turning 48..clearly I need to go back to the gym but at least I am here and loved!

Thanks to all who were a part of this!!