Hi all,
Wednesdays have become my unofficial evening off, since Maria is usually at class until 9. I get her ready (shower/teethbrushed) after dinner and then someone else sends her to bed. It's nice to have a 2 hour time block to use as you wish. I should have used it to study for the last medicine giver's test, but since it was Schmee's birthday today Bean and I (plus another co-worker) trekked over to Hudson to celebrate with her. Her housemom told us it should be a surprise, so I baked a cake and we showed up after dinner. She was surprised (in a good way, I hope) and I think we had a lot of fun. I would've liked to have had a tape recorder, as there were many quotable quotes:
"Oh my goodness, there's so many babies coming this summer...one after another!"
"Yes, there must be something in the water!"
"Or rather, something not in the water..."
Plus tons of other gems I can't even remember.
However, this was at the end of the day. I need to get to sleep soon because I was rather tired this morning. I managed to drop off immediately after breakfast and was in a dead sleep for about 20 minutes. I made a millet casserole (using up some small squashes by peeling, grating and sauteing them with onions and sausage to put in the millet) which was held together with milk, cream cheese (out of quark) and had some cheese melted on top. Housemom and Sam were out today for different reasons, so I held the meal - even with two guests. It's amazing that I used to find the thought of this daunting. Although, given the guests that could be possible, it still could be, I suppose.
We had our neighborhood meeting (sad...no nap : ( ) after lunch. I'd say that it probably wasn't necessary for me to be there for about 95% of the information. So it goes. At least people were in good spirits, for the most part. The co-op was very quiet this afternoon, with only me and one villager for the majority of the afternoon. We got a lot done though: finished up bagging/cutting/pricing the prunes, half the dried mangos, 55 pd bulk butter, mozzarella cheese and raisins.
And that was pretty much my day...
Hope all is well,
Steph
Showing posts with label Coop Normalcy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Coop Normalcy. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Friday, May 28, 2010
I Survived 5 Days of Juicing!
Hi all,
While it had some ups and downs (and a few really good stomach grumbles!), I am proud to say, that as of midnight tonight my vegetable juice cleanse is done! Although I'm not hungry, I definitely miss eating. And I shall be breaking my fast in prime style, due to Flo. Upon hearing I had nothing to do, he giddily asked if we could juice something (anything!) and then said that we should make midnight pizza. Do you know how fantastic that sounds?!? Mmmm. Although I'll probably have to take it a bit easy, otherwise my stomach might rebel.
Today was pretty much a blur in the morning. I spent all morning cooking. I got bread made, the salad, noodles, meatballs, sauce and salad dressing - all from scratch, except the noodles. Even I'm not that insane. I accidentally invited a new co-worker over who is vegetarian, so I kept some of the sauce separate. The kitchen was a complete mess when I finished, but I'm also pretty good at cleaning them up now. It's also difficult to cook when your sense of taste is off, and you're not eating. I had several willing guinea pigs though. No one keeled over, so I'm taking it as a positive sign.
The co-op was good this afternoon. Although I complained a bit in the beginning about going there, I've really come to like it. I'm slowly learning how it's run, and it's always interesting to see who comes in - and the requests that they make. They can write down on a sheet what they'd like to have us order. Unfortunately, a island vacation isn't something we can provide. The workmaster is really laid back but still has a strong sense of responsibility, so it's a good environment. Although things can get tense between the other workers at times (especially if Connie is in a bad space), I've really enjoyed my time there. Since my workmaster was a temporary fill-in (he's a short-term co-worker who's been here several years), this is bound to change. Couple this with my house parents changing over in a few weeks and this can seem a bit overwhelming. So I try not to think about it.
I did meet the new houseparents today, they're staying off-location until housemom and the children leave. They seem nice enough. It's mostly just disheartening to realize I have to start from scratch to build up another relationship. Things aren't always easy with housemom, but I respect and genuinely like her. A lot of houseparents seem to operate off of a power construct with fear or intimidation (although that makes them seem evil, which as far as I know, none of them are...) or at least a strong sense of aloofness. I suppose that after being a houseparent for years upon end it's a natural development to hold yourself back from getting involved with young co-workers. I suppose that some people have a hard time managing those boundaries. Still, I'm glad of the time that I've had with housemom and will really miss her. The children too, to various degrees.
They youngest came into work with me today, and he was great. He was very helpful with stocking up shelves, tossing cardboard boxes and being cute in general. Of course, he also had the motivation of icecream (fudge bar = one chocolate-y face!) and housemom picked him after an hour.
Anyhow, tomorrow is my day off and other than finishing a photo project for my youngest brother's graduation party on Sunday, I haven't got an plans. Although, I will definitely eat some food. Maybe leftover pizza???
Hope all is well,
Steph
While it had some ups and downs (and a few really good stomach grumbles!), I am proud to say, that as of midnight tonight my vegetable juice cleanse is done! Although I'm not hungry, I definitely miss eating. And I shall be breaking my fast in prime style, due to Flo. Upon hearing I had nothing to do, he giddily asked if we could juice something (anything!) and then said that we should make midnight pizza. Do you know how fantastic that sounds?!? Mmmm. Although I'll probably have to take it a bit easy, otherwise my stomach might rebel.
Today was pretty much a blur in the morning. I spent all morning cooking. I got bread made, the salad, noodles, meatballs, sauce and salad dressing - all from scratch, except the noodles. Even I'm not that insane. I accidentally invited a new co-worker over who is vegetarian, so I kept some of the sauce separate. The kitchen was a complete mess when I finished, but I'm also pretty good at cleaning them up now. It's also difficult to cook when your sense of taste is off, and you're not eating. I had several willing guinea pigs though. No one keeled over, so I'm taking it as a positive sign.
The co-op was good this afternoon. Although I complained a bit in the beginning about going there, I've really come to like it. I'm slowly learning how it's run, and it's always interesting to see who comes in - and the requests that they make. They can write down on a sheet what they'd like to have us order. Unfortunately, a island vacation isn't something we can provide. The workmaster is really laid back but still has a strong sense of responsibility, so it's a good environment. Although things can get tense between the other workers at times (especially if Connie is in a bad space), I've really enjoyed my time there. Since my workmaster was a temporary fill-in (he's a short-term co-worker who's been here several years), this is bound to change. Couple this with my house parents changing over in a few weeks and this can seem a bit overwhelming. So I try not to think about it.
I did meet the new houseparents today, they're staying off-location until housemom and the children leave. They seem nice enough. It's mostly just disheartening to realize I have to start from scratch to build up another relationship. Things aren't always easy with housemom, but I respect and genuinely like her. A lot of houseparents seem to operate off of a power construct with fear or intimidation (although that makes them seem evil, which as far as I know, none of them are...) or at least a strong sense of aloofness. I suppose that after being a houseparent for years upon end it's a natural development to hold yourself back from getting involved with young co-workers. I suppose that some people have a hard time managing those boundaries. Still, I'm glad of the time that I've had with housemom and will really miss her. The children too, to various degrees.
They youngest came into work with me today, and he was great. He was very helpful with stocking up shelves, tossing cardboard boxes and being cute in general. Of course, he also had the motivation of icecream (fudge bar = one chocolate-y face!) and housemom picked him after an hour.
Anyhow, tomorrow is my day off and other than finishing a photo project for my youngest brother's graduation party on Sunday, I haven't got an plans. Although, I will definitely eat some food. Maybe leftover pizza???
Hope all is well,
Steph
Friday, February 26, 2010
...And THAT'S how we Ended up with 6 Dozen Eggs...
Hi all,
Need I say it was a long day? Housemom had all the kids out of school to go to dentist appointments. So I was home (with the housedad, but he's, well, yeah). So there was lots to do. I managed to bake/frost a cake, bake pumpkin bread (to use up the can), make lunch, get the milk pail dropped off, a trip to the co-op orchestrated, and got everyone where they needed to go on time. The co-op run was pretty essential, as we needed a few eggs to make the cake and bread. I sent her off, and she returned without them, saying they had none. Now, I'd seen two whole boxes full of flats of eggs, so I knew something wasn't right. I called for clarification and found out that they'd been out of cartons to put the eggs in, but now had some. Luckily, they had someone who could drop some off. Not 5 minutes after he dropped off the two dozen, the bakery delivery guy came in and unloaded 4 dozen more! Apparently our request to only get 2 dozen (delivered on Thursdays...) got messed up. So, yeah, we have 6 dozen expensive eggs ($4 a dozen...)...any guesses what's for brunch???
I somehow survived the morning, and lunch with our guests that invited themselves. Immediately afterwards I had to hike over to another house to borrow their fan to do the town run. Only 2 of the 3 people who'd reserved a spot showed up. So we got into town and back in record time. And I didn't miss the turn!
The co-op was pretty typical. One co-worker didn't bother to show up or call, the printer decided not to work, the produce came in and I got to do the ordering list. We did enjoy some pretty scrumptions pumpkin bread topped with extra maple/creamcheese frosting though. Have I mentioned that I'm enjoying maple syrup for the first time in my life on a regular basis? I hate that processed shit that they call "syrup" which is the lowest grade imaginable mixed with a ton of sugar and is practically black. Thankfully, we're all too organic for that here. Although that's pretty much the only thing that I find vastly superior.
Supper was a nice time. Afterwards, when cleaning up, we got a bit giggly. I've been having issues with "Connie" (short for controversial...nice, right?) as she cleans up every day with wiping the table and sweeping. As I'm doing the dishes, she likes to say "Excuse me!" and practically butts me out the way for the water. So we're working on waiting for me to move. Tonight she thought it was funny as I approached the sink to give me a little hip bump, and then giggled. I giggled back. Housemom had been singing, and so Connie sang
"Do you like my siiiiinging?"
"Yes I like your siiiiinging!"
And suddenly the ball was rolling. The children and housemom got into a competition to see who could sing highest. Suddenly, my charge - Maria - barges into the kitchen and excited asks if she can try.
The ear-piercing operatic tone that ensued was fantastic. I literally was jumping up and down with laughter. She was declared the winner. Honestly, it was just hysterical.
The villagers were all invited to a neighbor's house for Mama Mia! tonight. Beau, our basically non-verbal guy (he likes to pet my arm and sometimes kiss it...) was vehemently opposed and actually left the table. So he stayed home tonight. I set him up with a magazine to read, while I plopped into the beanbag chair by one of the couches. Naturally, he sat nearest the end to where I was at - occasionally reaching down to pat my head. Suddenly, something falling caught my eye. Looking over, I confirmed my suspicion. Beau has partial dentures, which has some natural side effects. Apparently this now includes drooling onto my head. Well, mostly my hair.
All I could think to say was:
"Beau! You just drooled on me!"
"Yuh..."
A slightly concerned look passed his face, which slyly turned into a small giggle. I suppose I should be rather grossed out by this, but really...who can say they've literally been drooled over?
Hope all is well (and dry!),
Steph
PS And no, of course we have no idea of when we'll be getting a new male co-worker. Don't be silly.
Need I say it was a long day? Housemom had all the kids out of school to go to dentist appointments. So I was home (with the housedad, but he's, well, yeah). So there was lots to do. I managed to bake/frost a cake, bake pumpkin bread (to use up the can), make lunch, get the milk pail dropped off, a trip to the co-op orchestrated, and got everyone where they needed to go on time. The co-op run was pretty essential, as we needed a few eggs to make the cake and bread. I sent her off, and she returned without them, saying they had none. Now, I'd seen two whole boxes full of flats of eggs, so I knew something wasn't right. I called for clarification and found out that they'd been out of cartons to put the eggs in, but now had some. Luckily, they had someone who could drop some off. Not 5 minutes after he dropped off the two dozen, the bakery delivery guy came in and unloaded 4 dozen more! Apparently our request to only get 2 dozen (delivered on Thursdays...) got messed up. So, yeah, we have 6 dozen expensive eggs ($4 a dozen...)...any guesses what's for brunch???
I somehow survived the morning, and lunch with our guests that invited themselves. Immediately afterwards I had to hike over to another house to borrow their fan to do the town run. Only 2 of the 3 people who'd reserved a spot showed up. So we got into town and back in record time. And I didn't miss the turn!
The co-op was pretty typical. One co-worker didn't bother to show up or call, the printer decided not to work, the produce came in and I got to do the ordering list. We did enjoy some pretty scrumptions pumpkin bread topped with extra maple/creamcheese frosting though. Have I mentioned that I'm enjoying maple syrup for the first time in my life on a regular basis? I hate that processed shit that they call "syrup" which is the lowest grade imaginable mixed with a ton of sugar and is practically black. Thankfully, we're all too organic for that here. Although that's pretty much the only thing that I find vastly superior.
Supper was a nice time. Afterwards, when cleaning up, we got a bit giggly. I've been having issues with "Connie" (short for controversial...nice, right?) as she cleans up every day with wiping the table and sweeping. As I'm doing the dishes, she likes to say "Excuse me!" and practically butts me out the way for the water. So we're working on waiting for me to move. Tonight she thought it was funny as I approached the sink to give me a little hip bump, and then giggled. I giggled back. Housemom had been singing, and so Connie sang
"Do you like my siiiiinging?"
"Yes I like your siiiiinging!"
And suddenly the ball was rolling. The children and housemom got into a competition to see who could sing highest. Suddenly, my charge - Maria - barges into the kitchen and excited asks if she can try.
The ear-piercing operatic tone that ensued was fantastic. I literally was jumping up and down with laughter. She was declared the winner. Honestly, it was just hysterical.
The villagers were all invited to a neighbor's house for Mama Mia! tonight. Beau, our basically non-verbal guy (he likes to pet my arm and sometimes kiss it...) was vehemently opposed and actually left the table. So he stayed home tonight. I set him up with a magazine to read, while I plopped into the beanbag chair by one of the couches. Naturally, he sat nearest the end to where I was at - occasionally reaching down to pat my head. Suddenly, something falling caught my eye. Looking over, I confirmed my suspicion. Beau has partial dentures, which has some natural side effects. Apparently this now includes drooling onto my head. Well, mostly my hair.
All I could think to say was:
"Beau! You just drooled on me!"
"Yuh..."
A slightly concerned look passed his face, which slyly turned into a small giggle. I suppose I should be rather grossed out by this, but really...who can say they've literally been drooled over?
Hope all is well (and dry!),
Steph
PS And no, of course we have no idea of when we'll be getting a new male co-worker. Don't be silly.
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