Lanyard Blitz

February 2, 2009

I actually don't get Groundhog Day, probably because I live in Texas and cannot fathom six more weeks of winter. . .but Punxsutawney (punx-suh-TAW'-nee) Phil is a cute enough fellow. People in snowy climates seem to depend on him, so who am I to comment one way or another?

I have a confession. I walked next door to check on my mom about an hour ago. She had missed lunch at Gina's yesterday, suffering from the full effect of the blooming cedars (some people around here call these evergreens junipers, but those who do are probably still relying on Punxsutawney Phil's prediction of six more weeks of winter) on her delicate sinuses. This is an annual event, and it also makes her feel miserable. I went over to offer her some sympathy and ended up making her feel worse. You see, she said she was also suffering from some other non-allergy/non-sinus-y symptoms, and I practically fell out of my chair cheering and saying things like "that's great!" and "wonderful news." Why? Erin had the same things going on last night and this morning, and without confirmation that she might have picked up something contagious, I was really having a hard time dismissing the idea that the symptoms were somehow related to disease progression, pleural effusion, and/or an insulted liver. I was so happy, I dialed Walter on the cell and interrupted his lunch with a colleague to share my "good news." I think my mom was looking for less celebration and more commiseration. I felt a twinge of guilt for that, and a bit more of a twinge for sending Erin on to school after her eye doctor appointment this morning.

Okay, so no good mother awards today. I sent Erin to class with some unidentified contagious disease AND wearing sunglasses and unable to read small print because her eyes were still dilated from her eye exam. I did stop at Walgreen's and buy her some real sunglasses so she didn't have to wear those doctor-issued curly ones that don't stay on--even if you like the fashion statement and want to wear them.

As I was looking through the last few weeks of entries, I noticed that except for the school pic I posted on Friday, I have really slacked off posting photos of Erin (over three weeks). So here are some bonus shots. The first two are the quiche Erin made for Walter's birthday.



The second two are of the work party on Friday night when Erin and Leslie Borski got after the glass bead lanyard project.



We stopped by Mary Branch Elementary (Erin's old school) after the eye doctor appointment to deliver a special order lanyard to Mrs. Pope, and because Erin happened to have some lanyards made on spec handy, she caused a little lanyard sales blitz and quickly sold out. We still owe quite a few special-order lanyards to our friends (Laura K., Michelle B., Diane N., Josh D., Bev D., Nick B., plus four others for Leslie B. Also, an eyeglasses chain for Joanie F.). If you have requested one and you don't see your name in parentheses, could you drop me a note and remind me what you want? Erin has raised over $300 for the Children's Neuroblastoma Cancer Foundation selling lanyards in the last three weeks. Thank you for supporting her efforts!

And if you don't yet have your own custom-designed and built, handy and attractive badge lanyard, place your order by comment below, facebook, email, phone, or in person. Saturday we re-supplied ourselves for the next lanyard-making push. Does anyone want to have a beading party this weekend?

Erin has student council after school today and Wednesday (with much to do before the Valentine's Dance), clinic in Houston tomorrow afternoon, and UIL and her first fencing lesson on Thursday. Thanks for stopping by and for all the affirming comments and support Erin fans so generously give.