Being the Water

It has been a month ~ a year ~ of incredible changes...deep life changes for me and those that I love.  I have been so very blessed to discover my life and love partner and celebrate our new journey with our family around in us in the most intimate, "made for us" wedding.  My youngest daughter, so gifted and talented in many areas, has now graduated from high school and is excitedly preparing for her new journey ~ college ~ where a new world awaits to help her discover and develop those gifts and talents even more.  I was able to embrace my son after two years away in Africa, home to celebrate all these milestone events with us and share with us the wonder, joy, and challenges of his work with the Peace Corps ~ and understood more fully in my heart that his true home, at least for now, is, indeed, across the ocean, in a village who loves and needs him, in a country he has come to love as well.  I am amazed at the miracle of my granddaughter who just, it seems, a twinkling ago, was a babe in arms, and now toddles around, babbling, signing words, and of course, speaking the word that will always melt my heart, "Mimi." :)

I have watched my mother grow stronger each day, rediscovering herself, step-by-step, as she walks now alone after the death of my father ~ such a challenging walk, but such strength she has shown and what new roads may lay ahead?

All of this change, even the most positive and wondrous events, can be head-spinning and heart-stirring.  When my son was home, he posted a quote from a Greek philosopher on his Facebook wall ~ "You can never step in the same river twice."  Change, good - bad - just change, is inevitable.  Nothing remains the same.  When I start to feel overwhelmed by the change around me (and yes, even all the good change can become overwhelming....along with graduations and college and weddings and happy sons in Africa and daughters and granddaughters and mothers come planning and more planning and did I say planning and moving and maybe moving and commuting and calendars and vacations and financial planning and....and....so yes, you get the point), I hold on to the phrase "be the water."  Just go with the flow - let go - don't try to plant your feet in the sand and stand still against the waves.  Just be the water and flow with it.

I think tomorrow afternoon's weather looks good for heading out to the farm to do some floating on the pond.

MONDAY REFLECTIONS

FOR TODAY, March 16, 2009

Outside my window...the grass is looking greener, preparing for spring or perhaps for St. Patrick's Day tomorrow :-)

I am thinking...of Sandy's family, especially of her daughters the loss they must be feeling. And her mother - to lose a daughter so suddenly, so young...it will be such a difficult time for all.

From the learning room...I am learning to golf and enjoying it ~ and my instructor understands my "creative" background so tries to tell me I need to find the rhythm and tempo in my swing - not just hit the ball. Ahh, it's not golf...it's music!

I am thankful for...family, for friends, for life.

From the kitchen...It's time for Irish Soda Bread - yes, there's a wee bit a' the Irish blood running through these veins!

I am wearing...comfy blue jeans and my favorite OSU hoody to celebrate my Buckeyes making it to "The Dance!" GO BUCKS!

I am creating...a new necklace inspired by a palette pattern selected last week (new rule of thumb as I find myself loving to create necklaces despite this economy not wanting to sell them ~ for every necklace, will design 3 pair of earrings and/or bracelet...begin this week)

I am going...to make a coffee run tomorrow to my favorite coffee shop (can't run out!).

I am reading..."The Artist's Way," "Moon-Calf," and trying to find Hannah's soccer stats...

I am hoping...that this week of incredible sudden loss and pain will also somehow bring peace and healing.

I am hearing...Rosie Thomas, "Farewell" - pandora

Around the house..."out with snowmen, in with spring..." week. It's about time. :-)

One of my favorite things...was hitting a golf ball, "feeling it" fly up and seeing it land about 75 yards out at the driving range ~ hey, there may be hope!

A few plans for the rest of the week:

remembering Sandy

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...

MONDAY REFLECTIONS

FOR TODAY, March 9, 2009

Outside my window...the sky's streaks of blue and white seem yet undecided about the day, but the overnight wind has ended our run with spring for now.

I am thinking...of Andrew and how I need to let him know how his niece loves NASCAR (!) - apparently the sound of the cars running on the television fascinates her and lulls her to sleep. Andrew will be so proud - LOL!!

From the learning room...I am beginning a new study of The Artist's Way.

I am thankful for...Hannah and her laughter, her tears, her smiles.

From the kitchen...I have picked up my reliable "green" cookbook (bon appetit - fast easy fresh) to decide on something for tonight as "hockey boy" is joining us for dinner.

I am wearing...a pair of favorite blue jeans (what else, right?) and a warm sweater for the morning's weather that has greeted me.

I am creating...an heirloom bracelet for Abigail, more "Pretty in Pink" pieces, and more spring pieces as time permits.

I am going...to enjoy my "Mimi" time this week.

I am reading..."The Artist's Way," "Moon-Calf," and assorted others in "the stack."

I am hoping...that the "ball gets rolling" with Dad's visit to the doctor this morning and that he will be okay.

I am hearing...Ben Taylor - listening to my "mellow" playlist off of napster.

Around the house...much to-do before Hannah's friend arrives later today.

One of my favorite things...was enjoying my niece's dance company performance Saturday night ~ an incredible, creative, talented group ~ such a joy to see!

A few plans for the rest of the week:

filing in the office (yes, I've progressed to that point!); making spring break plans; visiting with Sarah and Abby; being "soccer mom" :-)

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...

(mother and daughter) :-)

MONDAY REFLECTIONS

FOR TODAY, March 2, 2009

Outside my window...the bright sun is deceiving, masking one more Arctic-chill morning - March has arrived lion-like, indeed.

I am thinking...of Andrew, having just learned that today is the Peace Corps' "birthday" - 48 years old.

I am thankful for...the quiet, restorative weekend I was able to have.

From the kitchen...it will be a good day to start some bread to have with dinner - what a wonderful aroma all day.

I am wearing...some comfy blue jeans and a warm hoody (GO BUCKS!).

I am creating...more spring pieces, having completed two over the weekend that I will need to get listed ~ ready to "think spring!"

I am going...to have more fun playing with old photos and the scanner this week.

I am reading...or re-reading Devotional Classics as part of my Lenten journey.

I am hoping...that Sarah and Abby have a wonderful first day alone together at home as daddy returns to work.

I am hearing...Haydn, have my "classical" station on pandora.

Around the house...everything is wonderfully in order.

One of my favorite things...was seeing Gram hold Abby on Saturday ~ 5th generation.

A few plans for the rest of the week:

finishing the office (almost there - I can see the desktop - yay!); coffee with a good friend; catching up with Mom and Dad; getting my "Mimi" cuddles; going to my niece's dance company's performance

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...

MONDAY REFLECTIONS

FOR TODAY, February 23, 2009

Outside my window...the woods are cold and empty, tired of winter.

I am thinking...that I would love a yellow scarf.

I am thankful for...my new granddaughter and the joy that she is bringing to everyone.

From the kitchen...this morning is Kenyan coffee, strong and smooth ~ made my trek to restock so have my Tanzania Peaberry, Kenya, and am also trying a Zimbabwe this time.

I am wearing...pink and yellow plaid pj loungers with a comfy soccer sweatshirt hoodie (I am quite a fashion statement).

I am creating...the new spring pieces that didn't get done last week, a new I Cor. 13 necklace, and most likely something for the "Pretty in Pink" series (to welcome Abby).

I am going...Goodwill Hunting tomorrow (how fun will that be!).

I am reading...Moon-Calf, a coming of age novel set in the 1920's and Elizabeth Lesser's Broken Open.

I am hoping...that Hannah will be feeling better today and if I keep feeling well it will be good to see Abby and Sarah :-).

I am hearing...a recording of Ar Rahman, composer of the score for Slumdog Millionaire.

Around the house...I am trying desperately to keep the "flu bug" at bay.

One of my favorite things...is now quietly holding Abby.

A few plans for the rest of the week:

reorganizing the bedroom; still organizing the office (yep...); purchasing Slumdog Millionaire when it is released on DVD :-); enjoying time with Abby and Sarah; picking up Gram from the airport.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...


Peggy Hostetler...creator of 'The Simple Woman's Daybook' is the author of The Simple Woman's Blog, where you can find out more about how you can join in this exercise as well!

"BECOMING MIMI"

I remember back to last June when Sarah and Mike asked to stop over, supposedly with a pre-vacation gift for me - "Just a little something, Mom, that we think you'll need for your trip." And then my utter confusion when I unwrapped the present to find a Grandma's Brag Book photo album, looking first at Sarah, then at Mike, back to Sarah, still not quite certain why I would need such a thing for a vacation in Florida as the light started to dawn when I saw the excitement bursting forth in their smiles. That excitement was just the beginning...my "little girl," my first-born" was...is...going to be a mother. And, as we all soon learned, she is going to have her own little girl. Months of planning, of waiting, of doctor visits and ultrasounds, of pink and painting, of shopping and showers ~ the time is here.

I will no longer just be "Mom" but "Mimi" (no, there will be no "G" word yet for me - yes, I obviously have an issue, but at least I'm up front about it, right?). And yet, to my Sarah - to my "new mother," I know I will always be "Mom"...memories of our own first beginnings come back to warm my heart and remind me of the sweetness to be experienced in days ahead. I do feel blessed to be here, so close by to be both "Mom" and "Mimi" in this special time.

The time is here...a new journey begins soon.

MONDAY REFLECTIONS

FOR TODAY, February 16, 2009

Outside my window...are the last streaks of what was probably a beautiful a sunrise.

I am thinking...of no doubt, dear Sarah, and how the baby will certainly be here sometime this week.

I am thankful for...a week ahead which is "quieter" in schedule and commitments.

From the kitchen...is the reassuring morning aroma of coffee (with the reminder that I need to make a run to get more).

I am wearing...my pj's still (red & white plaid OSU lounge pants and red OSU t-shirt...GO BUCKS!)

I am creating...some new spring pieces this week.

I am going...to one of my favorite coffee shops today or tomorrow before I run out! Heaven forbid!

I am reading...Moon-Calf, a coming of age novel set in the 1920's. Enjoying it very much.

I am hoping...that Sarah hears good news today and that baby girl arrives soon and safely.

I am hearing...Hannah calling me to say it is time to leave for work.

Around the house...it feels good to come home.

One of my favorite things...is early morning coffee and "re-entry" time.

A few plans for the rest of the week:

creating those new pieces, still working on the office space, welcoming "our" new baby and sharing the news with Tanzania :-), picking up some new piano music, hockey game on Saturday with Hannah to see her "beau" play.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Peggy Hostetler...creator of 'The Simple Woman's Daybook' is the author of The Simple Woman's Blog, where you can find out more about how you can join in this exercise as well!

Monday - The Simple Woman's Daybook...Something New

FOR TODAY, February 9, 2009

Outside my window...are patches of snow, struggling to cling to the brown grass in the suddenly warm, taste-of-spring weather.

I am thinking...how wonderful that it is still light out this late in the afternoon, early in the evening ~ another sign that winter is waning.

I am thankful for...wake-up wall posts from Tanzania.

From the kitchen...chicken noodle soup is simmering for supper.

I am wearing...comfortable jeans (as usual - strongly believe that a woman can never have too many blue jeans, even in simple living), a new shirt which was a great find at the EB Warehouse, and one of my favorite long sweaters (love long sweaters)...and no shoes, naturally.

I am creating...a new blog design this week (after I totally back-up my computer).

I am going...to the airport with my grandmother (98) to help her get to sunnier, even warmer weather - wish I wasn't coming home from the airport!

I am reading...Moon-Calf, a coming of age novel set in the 1920's.

I am hoping...to hear some exciting Mimi news from my daughter very, very soon. There's a full moon tonight!

I am hearing...too much noise and am turning off the television.

Around the house...things are picked up and look nice, but there is too much dog hair right now - need to vacuum...again!

One of my favorite things...is sharing supper with Hannah which I'm going to do in just a few minutes. :-)

A few plans for the rest of the week:

listing some newly completed pieces, tackling the office area (procrastination can only work so long), enjoying my new read, staying out of the rain :-), maybe making a visit to my favorite GW store again, and hopefully calling Tanzania with some baby news!

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Peggy Hostetler...creator of 'The Simple Woman's Daybook' is the author of The Simple Woman's Blog, where you can find out more about how you can join in this exercise as well!

GOODWILL HUNTING

Those of you who know me well, know by now that this title does not refer to a very good film, but to my shopping fetish...yes, at a terrific nearby Goodwill Store where I always find, sometimes after a bit more hunting than other visits (that's part of the surprise factor) amazing deals ~ designer and mall-brand fashions, rarely worn (even occasionally with store tags still on!) at GW prices!

Here's an example of last week's successful "hunt" :-)

• 3 pairs of very gently worn jeans (great condition - ready to wear!) - Lee, Casual Corner, J Jill...$5.99/pair

• long wool plaid pleated skirt (looks brand new condition) - Talbots...$2.99

• black dress blazer (also looks brand new condition and looks terrific with skirt above) - Alfani...$4.99

• long brown herringbone blazer (again - did anyone ever wear this???) - Ralph Lauren...$4.99

• fun denim blazer/jacket (I know you think I'm making this up, but seriously - swear it looks brand new...) - Ann Taylor...$4.99

Yep, grand total, after necessary sales tax...$38.36.

Now, to date, I have tried unsuccessfully to share this shopping venue with my 16-year-old daughter (her reaction - "no way!). But, I may be making some headway. When I walked in the door this week with my BIG bag of goodies, she exclaimed, "You went shopping....can I go shopping?" To which I replied, "Sure, I'll take you where I went." That' s when she noticed the bag more closely and responded "Oh, you went there." I did tell her that I would be happy to give her the same amount of money I had spent shopping and she could spend it shopping wherever she wanted to - :-)....she, of course, jumped at that offer (I mean, c'mon, no 16 year-old is going to pass up $40). But, then she did look very carefully through the bag and commented, "Wow, well, you know I might want you to take me there some time so I can try to find some dress pants."

Aha - Mom has maybe scored!

One Woman's Simple Pleasures - C'mon, Get Up and Dance!

Found these awesome red boots on Saturday - or should I say, they found me as I've been looking for a pair for more than a year and just couldn't justify the price. See, waiting for something what you know you want is worthwhile. Can't tell you the smile they bring to my face! :-))))))))))))

SNOW DAY (S??)

The "unofficial" report just announced on the TV news is 13" of snow from the storm for our city ~ still under a "Level 2" snow emergency and schools have already announced a "delay" for tomorrow...but now the weather is calling for the winds to pick up tonight....so with the new wind chill advisory and 13+" of snow drifting on the roads, I'm guessing that our "one" snow day will be extended.

So, how did we celebrate? And, yes, we celebrate snow days - the wonder and beauty of the falling, swirling flakes, the unexpected "vacation day" for Hannah, the "excuse" to practice the "art of doing nothing" and not feel guilty....

• Waking up, then seeing the giant "snow-globe" flakes and snuggling back under the covers, and catching just a little more sleep, knowing that school had already been cancelled the night before.
• Good oatmeal...the REAL kind - with brown sugar and blueberries. OK, and yes, mine had a couple big scoops of flaxseed, too, for good measure.
• Having the time to catch up on emails and laughing...
• Finding time, at my leisure, to do my yoga - and inviting Hannah to join in....she passed.
• Watching Hannah snowboard again out the back door!
• Sharing great hot chocolate after the snowboarding --- check out Penzeys Spices Hot Chocolate Mix (they are now ONLINE!) - awesome, especially with a sprinkle of Penzeys' cinnamon on top! Mmmm!!'
• Watching a DVR'd Anthony Bourdain's "No Reservations" - trip to the Azores (never knew about the connection to Fall River, MA - home of my mom and Grandmother....although they are pure Yankee!)

Tonight's celebrations plans? Home-cooked meal...chicken piccata, couscous, spinach salad; some time with "the beads" :-); and then mother-daughter bonding over the latest episode of LOST....and then I'll be catching the return of "Life on Mars" Woo-Hoo!

PEACE IS THE WORD...

Anyone who knows me well, or well enough to have received an email from me..., knows that for several years now, I have "signed off," using "Peace" as my closing. Now, it's official -- "PEACE" is "my" word ~ at least according to the latest "blog" quiz I took tonight! The link that follows will take you to the quiz so that you can find out what your "word" is, too!

Your Word is "Peace"

You see life as precious, and you wish everyone was safe, happy, and taken care of. Social justice, human rights, and peace for all nations are all important to you. While you can't stop war, you try to be as calm and compassionate as possible in your everyday life. You promote harmony and cooperation. You're always willing to meet someone a little more than halfway.

What's Your Word?

WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD

I see trees of green, red roses too

I see them bloom for me and you

And I think to myself

what a wonderful world.

I see skies of blue and clouds of white

The bright blessed day, the dark sacred night

And I think to myself

what a wonderful world.

The colors of the rainbow so pretty in the sky

Are also on the faces of people going by

I see friends shaking hands saying how do you do

They're really saying I love you.

I hear babies crying, I watch them grow

They'll learn much more than I'll never know

And I think to myself

what a wonderful world

Yes I think to myself

what a wonderful world.

It's late, I know, but I couldn't help but think that it's already Inauguration Day ~ January 20th ~ a very special day that many have been waiting to celebrate, not just here, but around the world.

I've been watching the news (yesterday, now, I suppose) and have been amazed, overwhelmed at the crowds and stories that are pouring forth out of our Capital....and learned tonight that a dear friend's daughter will be there tomorrow as well - a "young girl" last I saw her, now an adult ready to live history. I smile.

And Andrew ~ half a world away ~ texted, yes, texted me a few days ago to double check on the ceremony in "Tanzanian time" as he is planning a trip to Moshi - the closest city where he can try to watch everything on a television. No doubt there will be other PC volunteers with him ~ when I called him on election night, they were gathered in Moshi around a canteen TV, cheering in youthful exuberance at one moment, frustrated at the next when the "network" would cut to some "insignificant" bike race! LOL! Fortunately, his village and Moshi are very close to the Kenyan border and television, when he can find it, is following President-elect Obama (only need to use the "elect part" until noon today!) very closely! I will be calling Drew at some point during the activities to see if they have succeeded in securing a TV connection and to get his feedback on the Tanzania/Kenya response to today.

Ok...and now on a lighter note (and no getting mad and huffy with me....) - this is all in good fun, 'k? Found these on the Huffington Post blog and thought they were worth sharing for the day! Enjoy....or not!

First, a game to try as you say "goodbye" to our "outgoing" jCommander - in - Chief

Goodbye, Mr. Bush!

Secondly, a FUN video look at what LEGOLAND can do with the inaguaration...yes, LEGOLAND:

LegoLand Inauguration

WEEKEND ESCAPE

Hannah found herself with a FIVE day weekend (!!!) off from school (although not from work ~ alas!) and was lamenting the fact that many friends were "escaping" the "great white North" (or least the "great cold Midwest" for what they hoped would be warmer, more southern locales...while we didn't have the time or resources to do that, we did attempt a "girls' getaway" to enjoy - and I THINK we were successful. Here's a peek at our 48 hour excursion:

While we were only about 30 miles away, we felt quite pampered by checking in to the new Hilton Hotel and "splurging" (thanks to a AAA offer) by a stay on the Executive floor, complete with breakfast and perks. The whirpool was warm, wonderful, and EMPTY...except for us both nights ~ how perfect!

Our first night Hannah picked Cheeseburger in Paradise for our dinner plans - another great "escape" (the decor, the music, the food and drinks - you could ALMOST forget the weather outside!). After dinner and a warm soak in the whirpool, we relaxed with an in-room movie that neither of had heard of but both enjoyed a lot, City of Ember, - a sci-fi/fantasy (not my usual fare - but it was really good - comes out on DVD tomorrow if you want to check it out!):

Then - a great night's sleep - after some "Twilight" reading in bed, of course (she's on the 4th book; I'm on the 3rd one!)....

Next morning, after our almost private breakfast in the Executive Lounge, it was time for some mother-daughter shopping at the mall next door (with a very quick sprint from the car to the closest store since the actual temp. was -15...yes, -15!). We started off with "Mimi" shopping since we found the very BEST "Mimi" store - "Janie and Jack" which also was having an awesome sale!! Oooh, Sarah will be very, very happy! :-)) Then, shopping turned "serious" as we split up to get the most done before our movie time...we both ended up with what Hannah is calling our "rocker" tees (LOL!!) -- this one is hers (the one she got is black and it actually comes from a Christian line of products called "Sanctify").

And this one is mine - LOVE the color - and the words, of course, speak volumes - what can I say? Rocker? I dunno...

I also picked up some LaSource items from Crabtree and Evelyn to "take a bit of our getaway" home with us (same items that the Hilton uses -- smell great!!).

Then, off we headed to see the BEST movie ever -- if you haven't seen it - RUN now or make plans immediately to see it. It was a "sleeper" that now is the frontrunner to sweep the Oscars - seriously - and it should! AWESOME film - "Slumdog Millionaire"

We were finished in time to get back to the hotel, unload our goodies, and arrive at the in-house spa for our scheduled...ahhhh....massages.....did I say, ahhhh, already??? Oh, yes!

Dinner, again Hannah's pick, was Molly Woo's - she went with sushi and I tried Molly's Feast, a vegetarian dish with great tofu. Our waiter was an incredible "dish," as well, and I kept telling Hannah that I just might need to rethink my thoughts about younger men!! LOL!! She, on the other hand, suggested that she might be ready for older men - ha!

Our evening was complete with a visit to Barnes and Noble (now you know who picked that one) :-)....and dessert at the Cheesecake Factory - YUM-OH!! One more soak in the whirpool and some more "Twilight" reading before nodding off -- and our quick, close mini-escape came to a close in the morning with an awesome breakfast buffet before scooting off to get Hannah back to reality (aka "work").

SUNDAY COCOONING

Sunday cocooning on a winter's day means...

• time to design and create four pairs of earrings ~ and who knows, the evening's young!
• a warm, soothing cup of "Comfort and Joy" tea
• watching intermittent "snow-globe" snow out the patio window
• catching a sight of 6 deer running through the woods...and keeping Scout at bay :-)
• enjoying the best screen "almost-kiss" yet again (how can you forget that scene in the rain?) and getting ready to enjoy the best screen kiss as I watch, yes, one more time, "Pride and Prejudice" (why does Mr. Darcy make me swoon?)
• finishing Three Cups of Tea -- highly recommend! and looking forward to now moving on to the next in the Twilight series, Eclipse (hoping I can read this even though Scout got a hold of it, too - yes, our dog has a "penchant" for "good reads" apparently, too! LOL!)

HAPPINESS IS...

• TGIF, of course! :-)
• Anticipating our first "real snow" of the season (with a heartfelt apology to all my "north-western" friends, seriously!)
• A wake-up email from Andrew from across the ocean, thanking me for the birthday package -- especially for "the Zombie Survival Handbook as there have been countless times where I've just been beside myself as what to do about my highly vulnerable courtyard entrance as it would surely be damaged during the inevitable undead assault." (If you know Andrew, you really appreciate this...and his sense of humor!!)
  
• Dreaming of spring (I know, I know - totally contradicts the anticipating first "real snow" - get over it!) by drooling over this "Hello Yellow" Swing Coat! Love It!!



• And this wonderful "find" while I was "entrecard-hopping" this morning:

Sunsets, Sunrises....Endings, Beginnings?

The funny thing about sunsets is that maybe, just perhaps, they might look, at times like sunrises....just like there are times in one's life when endings, no matter how difficult, might mean a time for beginnings....

Of course, it is quite late, and there is every chance that I'm just waxing poetic - after all, lovely "snow-globe" snow is falling outside on this cold wintry night as I reflect on all...there is every possibility that the stark reality of morning will not greet me with such comfort and cold truth will dawn harshly. But for now, I'll try to go to sleep dreaming of sunrises...

MY 50...

It is the eve of my birthday week ~ yes, THE birthday week. Growing up, I was "blessed" (although I don't recall it as a blessing at the time) of being the youngest in my class, in my group...in fact, still being 17 when I left for college, I didn't turn 18 as you can see until almost the end of my first semester there ~ again, not a "blessing" in my mind at the time! LOL!

Now, obviously, ahh - the wisdom of the "ages" - I realize that age is relative...and becomes more relative the older one gets! :-) Of course, this is something I am especially reinforcing in my mind as I begin this week ~ "age is relative" should perhaps be my mantra this week?

But, as I was thinking of that "relative number," I also started to think about the blessings, joy, peace, and happiness that surround me now ~ AND what may still lie ahead for me....what do I still want to do in the next ...(insert "relative number" here)....years. The idea of a list intrigued me, and of course, the internet did not fail me!

Yes, there is a website that can help ~ "My 50 Things to Do in My Lifetime" is a site specifically designed for creating such a list. It is complete with links of sample lists to peruse, suggested places to visit, things to do, books to read, quotes and motivational ideas, others' goals.....lots of "fuel for the fire." I know I'm going to enjoy "playing" with it this week. :-)