April sunrises and sunsets

The angle of the sun for the next few months gives us a perfect view.

Leaving for work one morning.

 Rainstorms, we've had a lot this spring.

Trevor and I also tentatively planned to watch the blood moon lunar eclipse, but we knew it was too overcast.  I did wake up at three and looked out the window, but we wouldn't have been able to see any of it!

Best text ever

Holly had a computer crisis last night.  Instead of figuring out what to order online and overnighting it to her, Robert decided to drive up this morning to take her what she needed.  Conveniently, we already had a couple of spare cord/charger/adapters at home. 

He drove up in the rain, timing his arrival in between two of her classes. They ran out to Q-doba for lunch.  I texted Holly while they were at lunch, asking if the cord fit.

I was quite happy to read her second comment, let me tell you.  But every time I read it, I still am cracking up.

Musings

A recent discussion centered around the interests of young children and if they maintain those interests as they grow up.

I thought about Holly, who loved writing, riding (horses), and ice skating.  I remember her writing a book when she was 6 or 7 for Mackenzie's baby sister. She's written stories through literally hundreds of notebooks.  She hasn't written fiction for fun since going away to school, although a recent assignment brought that back. I can't imagine her ever stopping for good.

Her riding lessons stopped only because we had difficulties finding an instructor after we moved here.  We tried several, at least four, and while we stuck with one for a while, we were always looking for something more that we didn't find. Her passion for riding never stopped, and our tradition of going to the  Roanoke Valley Horse Show to watch the jumping competition each year continues.

Ice skating, sadly fizzled out when her skating buddy Kelsi moved.  We used to have so much fun going to the rink every week.  I don't know how long Holly would have otherwise continued, but those are great memories.

When she was 9 or 10, she invented her own alternate alphabet so she and Kelsi could write secret notes.  Holly memorized those letters that same day.  The secret notes didn't last that long, but her knack for languages exploded several years later.  She taught herself by listening to German songs and watching Lakota cartoons on youtube. There was those many months that she wrote her biology notes in Korean. She's done so well in her Chinese classes over the last two years, and she's one of the few currently in her class with an A, even though several are native speakers.

Trevor's always been one who draws.  I will never forget his drawing of Arthur (the aardvark) when he was 4. He did it freehand, from his own mind, not even looking at a picture. He's done things like that ever since, can replicate any character. Now he draws Manga.

He also always loved creating things, usually with Lego. He liked the kits, but he spent hours creating his own scenes, multiple storied buildings, all very intricate. He went on to create his own custom Lego figures, using special tape and markers and modifying pieces to suit his designs.  He of course recently built his own computer, and he spends a lot of time modifying his video games, and enhancing his graphics. He explains it to me using words like textures, tessalations, light/shadowing, all things that are over any of my understanding. 

It's been interesting so far to see how those early passions have stuck with them, transforming and refining a bit as they've grown.  I look forward to seeing how these early interests continue to change as they find their true niche.

80s flashback

Hahahahahaha!!

A clean desk!

Simon has been a bit bored at work.I feel a little bad for him.  He even pretends to be scared of my finger and will race around the bowl to avoid me.  At least I think he's pretending.  He doesn't flare out his cheeks like he did when he wanted to intimidate Holly's fish when the tanks were next to each other.

Work.  Gahhhhkkk.  I've been there for eight months and still don't know what I think of it.  I'm not fond of hating, absolutely loathing the first two weeks of the month, and then relaxing for the last two, only to have the same crazy cycle start up again. 

Government regulations are incredibly wasteful, inconsistent, nonsensical, and mind boggling in their hugeness.  Case in point.  Because of Obamacare, the entire Medicaid system has been revamped.  For clients on Medicaid who used to get a one page renewal form annually, they now get a 19 page form.  (I've already said it's a government ploy to keep the post office in business, and I'm not kidding.)

This 19 page renewal form is prefilled with the information we currently have on record for the family.  One section tells who is currently enrolled.  The next section asks, "Who is not already listed and would like to be apply for medical assistance?"  Parents who are not already covered will put their names here.  Then the form says, "If you checked this box, complete the next section," so the person does.

However, this does NOT constitute an "application."  This form ONLY renews the people already receiving benefits.  It does not matter who checks that they would like to apply, or that they've completed the next section.  It has been determined that this is not an "application."  The state form is wrong, and because they mail the forms out, we can't even correct them before sending to the client. Then we have to send them *a different* 19 page application.  (Sure, they can apply online, but most don't have internet at home.)

Welcome to ridiculosity. Welcome to federal government regulations. Welcome to my job.

It helps when I remember that I am the one person between my 175 families and regulations.  It helps when someone calls me, almost crying, "Thank you, THANK YOU, for telling me about all of these things and for all of your help!" Or, "I've never had anyone in that office be so nice to me," or, "You all are really on top of things!" (That was a fluke, but whatever.)

Here's a picture of my desk, entirely cleaned off when I left on Friday.  It's so rare that I took a photo.  It's not that I was caught up, but everything was put away in my drawers, nothing SO pressing that I HAD to leave it out.

I'm digging those dual monitors and wish I had that at home!

I'm changing my work hours beginning in May, from four 6-hour day to three 8-hour days.  I want to be home more, and I'm hoping it will prevent me from working later than I should each day.  I'm getting in extra hours that I really don't want, even if I do get paid.

I'm in training for the next two days in downtown Roanoke.

I'm off Monday.
I go back to work Tuesday, after missing three days in the office (phone calls! mail!), and I'm getting a jump start on May interviews with two clients.
I'm off Wednesday.
I have four interviews on Thursday.
Friday is our annual out of office team activity.  We eat breakfast out, go to a low income day care and do crafts, eat lunch out, have a staff meeting, etc.  I would rather be in the office.

I'm off again on Monday, four interviews on Tuesday, off Wednesday, four interviews Thursday, and one or two so far on Friday.  Plus there's all of the regular work, pulling month end/beginning reports, and another staff meeting. So far.

In addition to my interviews, every.single.one of my clients this month are due for both SNAP and Medicaid renewals, because the previous caseworker never extended review dates on her Medicaid cases.  Because we have a brand new Medicaid system, every single case has to be put into the new system--and it was shared with us last week that the state has admitted it was released way too early, because there are so many bugs, and it's just poorly written software (49 computer screens for a 19 page renewal). I was actually happy that I was able to get three done in the past two days.  :/

I'm feeling a little better venting.   On the plus side, I think I'm finally getting an assigned parking spot next week, instead of having to battle it out for the limited street parking. I want to like my job for more than just two weeks a month.

Bedtime for the dog

Resting on her baby as a pillow.  Which, to me, is much better than her using my pillow.

Easter: Drive home

After leaving Eden Center, we took Holly back to GMU. She's been packing up things she no longer needs in an effort to have only one car load of stuff when she moves out in three and a half weeks.

We can't imagine where all of the traffic heading north on I-81 was going or coming from, but it was backed up for 10+ miles.

Ahead of us on the road, we saw a pickup bed liner bouncing on the highway, and we later passed a larger SUV with its emergency flashers on and a shattered windshield.  Don't know if there was a connection there or not, as we never saw a pickup slow down like you would expect if it lost its liner.  I appreciate those more boring drives.

A blessed Easter, just very different in not celebrating with others in church--for Christ is risen, indeed, and this is the day that changed EVERYTHING.

For God so loved the world 

that He gave His only begotten Son, 

that whoever believes in Him should not perish 

but have everlasting life.   

Jn 3:16

Easter: Lunch out

I really, really, really did my research for today, literally spending several hours reading different review, not only about the Memorials and parking, but also where to eat afterwards.  I found a large Vietnamese shopping center, Eden Center, with several dozen stores and restaurants.  It was perfectly located between DC and GMU.

Amusingly, almost every single review I read commented that the parking lot gave a true picture of Asian drivers.  I knew which corner to head to park, and incredibly, we got in without a problem. 

While some of the shopping is inside, most stores are strip mall style, with a narrow sidewalk.  The places were packed.  We found the restaurant and had to wait 5 minutes or so to be seated; every single table was full, even at 2:00 p.m.  We were the only white people in the building, but our waiter was extremely gracious and spoke English well.  I never would have actually requested a fork, but we were thoughtfully (thankfully!) provided them.

Robert and I had scoped out the menu prior, knowing ahead of time we'd have Vietnamese Noodle Bowl with pork and eggroll--an old favorite for us.  Holly chose the Orange Beef, and Trevor the Beef Curry. Both loved their food, although Holly's was a bit sweet for her tastes.

We'd gladly go back in a heartbeat; in fact, Robert told Holly she'd be seeing a lot more of him next year just because he wants to go eat there again.  LOL. 

We stopped next store to try "boba tea," or bubble tea, which Holly and Trevor had when they were in Seattle two years ago.  It was delicious, the bubbles made of dark blue tapioca against Holly's and my coconut drink, and Trevor's lychee one.  Robert somehow glimpsed a cake roll through a window and was happy to bring one home. He wandered through a grocery store with ducks hanging above the meat counter.

Loved it.  We all had a great time.  I was happy that all of my research "paid off," that everyone was happy.  I put too much pressure on myself that everything be perfect if I'm the planner, and of course there are too many variables beyond my control.  Today just fell into place.

Easter: Visit to monuments

We left early and picked Holly up at school.  Allie was going to join us but changed her mind at the last minute.  :( Probably a weird Easter all the way around for her, since her parents were gone.  We drove into DC and after a few wrong turns, found the parking I'd scoped out right alongside the Memorials.

Walking to the Lincoln Memorial, the Reflecting Pool in the foreground, 

the Capitol Building waaaaaay at the other end 

of the National Mall in the background.

There were a lot of people there but it wasn't overwhelmingly crowded.  I don't know if being a holiday had anything to do with it or not.  The prime cherry blossom seems to be past. We walked up the steps of the giant Lincoln Monument.

From the platform around the Lincoln Monument

There were quite a lot of people inside, with many just taking photos.  On either side of the Monument are the words to the Gettysburg Address. 

I don't think many noticed the little signs requesting, oh, was it quiet? reverence? respect?  I found it odd that there would be signs requesting that, but people were more subdued, taking in the massiveness of the memorial, the words, and perhaps the large number of people who were also so moved by it all.

Huge. Impressive.  

I wish I'd gone around to the back, but I forgot. 

I need to read the history of building this; it was quite amazing.

A zoomed in shot down the length of the Reflecting Pool.  Just beyond the edge of the pool you can see the pillars and fountains of the newer WWII Memorial. The base of the Washington Monument is so huge that it commands most of the photo, and the Capitol is peeking out from behind the left side.

They don't let me take pictures, so this is the best view I usually can get on camera, haha.

What I continue to be struck by is the volume of what I assume to be foreigners.  No matter how absurd politics has become in this country, our nation's Capital is still a destination for people who visit this country.  And if they are foreigners who are living here for whatever reason, well, that's even better.

We made our way from Lincoln to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall.  Robert and I have seen traveling versions of the Wall, in both Littleton and Colorado Springs; I'm not sure if the kids remember.  I love the story of how Yale University college architect student Maya Lin, a first generation Chinese-American, won a national contest with her design for the Memorial.

In response to various oppositions to Lin's Wall design, 

this Three Soldiers statue was added in the area.

I cried at the traveling Walls. I knew I would here.  So many lives. Such sadness, loss, heartbreak.  We saw many of the offerings left when we visited the American History Smithsonian last year.  On this day, there were mostly flowers left behind, but I noted one sign that stated, "I wish I could have known you, Dad," along with the soldier's name and death date. 

There was definitely a reverence and somberness here that was absent at all of the other Memorials.

The stone was deliberately chosen for its reflective quality, to bring the past and present together, the dead and the living.

Robert, Holly and Trev reflected

We wandered down to the newer National World War II  Memorial, which opened in 2004.  I was disappointed in this.  There's nothing contemplative about it, just pretty decorations, lively fountains. I obviously didn't "get" it.   After the solemnity of Lincoln and the Wall, this paled to me in comparison.

We walked back along the Reflecting Pool, stopping along the edge of the Korean War Memorial.

We were there for just under two hours.  It was amazing.  I love going into the city, and we all had a memorable Easter day.

wwii frivolous park water, hang out

Flowering trees in my backyard

Lots of food prep

As we planned to go up to see Holly for Easter, she requested food--real food, things she could eat as a "second dinner" and fruit.

I made my lists and went shopping.  This was the only package of corn tortillas I could find.  80 tortillas!  Oh, it was cheap enough, less than $3.  But that's a lot of corn tortillas I'll have to plan to use in the next few weeks!

I spent Saturday afternoon cooking for Holly. In honor of Easter, I made raspberry jello (real raspberries of course), carrot cake, and deviled eggs.  I also made hash brown casserole, artichoke dip, chicken enchiladas, and shepherd's pie.  I also brought her apples, strawberries, a couple of bananas, ramen per request, and different vitamin water-type drinks.

She declined the boca burgers I'd bought, and she turned down the hash brown casserole.  I'm sure I will never remember that she doesn't care for either.  

Of course she couldn't eat all of the food I prepared by herself, so I kept lots of it at home. I don't think I'll have to cook for a week!

Soccer

Another gorgeous night of soccer.

Shortly before we left home, Robert asked Trevor if he had an older, smaller Rams shirt.  I wondered who would be playing who didn't have a shirt.

A few minutes later, Kota came trotting down the hallway, our mascot in a blue Rams t-shirt.  I lamented not having taken a photo, but Holly texted me one that Trevor sent to her.  :)

I had NO interest in taking care of her at the game--she wants to run, she wants to chase the balls and see other dogs, and little kids want to hug her repeatedly, which she doesn't like.  Robert handed her off to the older sister of one of our players, who happily enjoyed the dog and was hoping to make a more permanent trade for her brother.  No such luck though!

Meat bonanza

Robert cleaned up the meat aisle at the grocery store.  Food Lion has by far the best quality meat, and our nearby store is small with not much business.  They often run great meat clearance specials just before expiration dates.

He got three flank steaks, two packages of boneless pork ribs, and two mini Korean spiced pork shoulder roasts--for $24.  He paid half price for all of it, and the total was what two of the flank steaks would have cost before being marked down.

Soccer reffing

Trevor has been reffing up to three games each week so far.  He's had a great time getting to know the other refs, and we've seen some beautiful parks.

We got to this one a few minutes early; Robert and Trev are checking out the field.  This was against the Blue Ridge Parkway, and as we sat in the car during the game, we had the windows open, and the breeze blew petals in from all of the flowering trees.

Surprise visit to Holly

Although we'd just been up the week before, I sent Holly a note at the end of the week, asking if she wanted company for the weekend.  I think she was wary--why would I come up again so soon?  Haha.

We went out to lunch at Chilis again and wandered around campus.  Trees were in bloom, and it was gorgeous out.  We took the long way, walking by the building that she'll be in next year, before heading to Starbucks.

Gorgeous driving, it was a nice day, and fun to plan a totally unexpected trip at the last minute.

First game of the season

First game of the season!

So conveniently, although we used to drive an hour each week to get to these fields, we now live less than five minutes away.

Tied game, but could've been worse.

Beautiful night for a game.

Soccer kicks in!

We marked the beginning of spring soccer season, quite aptly, with the first practice being rained out and practice being postponed for a week.

Robert and Tim are coaching again, and everyone had a chance to get together and meet a few new players.

Gotta love that mug he gives when he doesn't want his picture taken!