The Last Two Weeks

Baaaaad Cold and Cough

Am not feeling too well - coughed all night. Leto brought me over to stay with Lauren. Gives me a chance to reflect on the past couple of weeks, while allowing my body to recover. Must remind myself that I am not longer 17 years old - it is just that, I see too many things that need doing and not too many folks stepping up to the challenge.

My Life Space: "Who is supposed to be here is here; what is said is what needs saying; the flow of conversation is the right flow; when the conversation is over, it's over - but it really nevers stops; a new conversation is started somewhere - life goes on!"

The past two weeks were punctuated with very hectic and intense days.

Two Weeks Ago

On the Rojo side, the conversation regarding Tatay and Nanay's 60th Wedding Anniversary celebration have started. The date is set for a June 28th ceremony and lunch reception. A lot of logistics to be taken care of such as venue, cost, guest lists and program. Coordination is a nightmare/daydream depending on perspective - the immediate family alone number over 100 - 13 children, their children and grandchildren spread in five states.

A great population study - so family demographers and sociologists, pay attention!

On the Montecillo side, working the logistics of Emily's visit was something else. Made me reflect on the choices I have to make and time management. Family is most important.

First Week - February 3 - 9

Tried to get as many things done in preparation for my trip to the conference at Central Michigan University in Mt. Pleasant. Left Northville on Wednesday at 6:45 AM for Mt. Pleasant. We had snow flurries when we left but as we passed Lansing the snow fall became thicker and thicker, travel became slower and slower.

Got in late to the Environmental Solutions Summit. Learned a lot about what we can all do for our and our children's survival, about the interdependence of everyone and everything, methods and models of teaching communities about caring for the environment. Great stuff!!!

After the Summit,we discovered that the CMU campus was closing at 4:00 PM due to the snow storm. There were white out conditions in certain places and snow was falling at a much faster clip than what was possible to keep the roads clear.

Inched back to our hotel, attended the "Learn and Serve" reception that evening - grateful, that the evening reception was held at our hotel. At the reception, it was decided that we were going ahead with the conference anyway - since we were stuck there - our original venue, Central Michigan University was closed, the following day also.

The snow fall around our hotel measured 18 inches so we were snowed in: chucked the original conference agenda and made our way through. As community service/service learning folks, we pride in our resourcefulness and resilience.

Thank you Michigan Campus Compact and Michigan Community Service Commission for a great Service Learning Institute.

Got back to the Madonna University campus on Friday afternoon at around 4:30 PM. Checked mail and then went home to dress for the First Step Charity Ball at 6:30. It was a "black tie event" - so I wore a nice pants suit, wore heels and put make up on. The tickets to attend the ball was pricey at $75.00 each.

Have to admit, it felt good to dress and it lifted my spirits. Sold raffle tickets to benefit First Step and was on my feet all night on high heels - quiet a contrast from the snow boots and all the sitting I did the previous two days. Had fun flirting and cajoling folks to buy tickets - it was for a good cause.

Saturday morning, I was up and around early, took students to sort food for distribution to the homeless and hungry at Gleaners' Commnity Food Bank. Spent the night at Lauren's.

Could barely move on Sunday, took Dominic to church, put a turkey in the oven for Larry and Don; laid on Lauren's couch all day drifting in and out of sleep! Thought about Catmon fiesta all day! Wished I was in Catmon to celebrate!

One Week Ago

Had two Student Government Association meetings scheduled on Monday. Worked in a get together with Emily, Donna and Leto in between meetings. Leto treated us, to the always delicious and great American cuisine lunch at Zingerman's Roadhouse. If you ever find yourself in Ann Arbor - get a meal at Zingerman's Roadhouse - you will keep going back! Love their Sweet Potato Frecnh Fries!

It was great to see Emily - it is never enough time. Really enjoyed the company. She promised to come back!

Had meetings on Tuesday - a new snow storm hits our area - I was on campus until about 10:00 PM. Tried to let the storm pass. Recruited Lauren to buy the ingredients for chicken adobo for the International Festival on Wednesday.

Because the roads were not cleared in most places - it took me almost 35 minutes to get home (10 minutes under normal conditions)and 1 hour and 15 minutes to get to Lauren's house (35 mintes max under normal conditons.) Got to Lauren's at quarter past midnight or early Wednesday morning. Got up at 6:30 and started cooking 103 pieces of chicken adobo. Was at the International Festival at 11:00 - all went well.

Now, it is Thursday, Valentines Day. Altin went with me to pick up the roses at 9:00 AM - a fundraiser for Alternative Spring Break - South Carolina - our rural ASB experience. Need to raise at least $300.00 for gas alone. The sale was a success - did not get home until 10:45 PM - after a very long day.

Friday morning, I "lolly-gagged" in bed; cold started to set in - got into the office at around 11:00 Am - had a planning meeting with the group going to Mexico with me in May - have to start fundraising. Trying to keep the cost down to $500.00per student.

Got caught up with e-mail - personal and professional. It looks like the venue and menu for the Rojo 60th Anniversary celebration is pretty much settled. It was a choice between Grosvenor, Best Western and Sheraton - it looks like Sheraton won. So now the counting and saving of pennies begins.

Saturday morning, I stopped by campus to see if I have any students for Habitat - no one was there. Feeling lousier and lousier. The weather warming up have not helped. Picked up Leto in Ann Arbor then Manny in Detroit to hang out at Lauren's. Took Manny and Dominic to Border's Bookstore and Target.

Have no energy to take them to Ann Arbor;so I gave Leto the car and I slept on and on both Saturday and Sunday.

Today is Monday, I called in sick - because tomorrow is Wellness Day and as the MU Wellness coordinator, I have to be there.

By the way - it is starting to snow again - we are expecting an inch or two by this evening - ahhhh, Michigan weather.