Empty Nest...again

Bright and early this morning I gave my 26-year-old baby boy and hug and a kiss and sent him on his way to the University of Maryland. Everyone was up early today, by 3:30 am, so Allyn could get him to the airport in time to make his 6 am flight. He'll be at UMD for the next five years working toward a Ph.D. in Sociology.

I got a call from him just minutes before 1 pm letting me know his flight landed safely, he was heading to baggage, and he would be taking a long nap once he reached his hotel. His apartment will be available tomorrow, but when his furniture will arrive is anybody's guess.

He had an hour lay-over in Denver and said his flight out was delayed, but they arrived on schedule. Now, Joseph has a history of not quite telling the whole story...Morocco comes to mind, but that's a story for another day. Shortly after I talked with him, Allyn called to say he'd talked with him as well. Joseph sent a text message to Allyn telling him about a security breach in Denver as they were boarding. That's why the plane was delayed. They were shuffled here and there until the breach was addressed.

Okay, so it's probably a good thing I didn't know about it as it was happening, but it makes me wonder about other things he "isn't telling so Mom won't worry." This is the first day of my next five-year-worry plan.

I think I'll go find some cute baby pictures...

New Bears

Joseph and I are leaving town this afternoon but I wanted to post three new bears before I leave. The bears were part of the Black and White Ball. Though my bears didn't find homes, the show was a huge success and exceeded everyone's expectations. If you have any questions, please send me an email or leave a comment and I'll respond when I return on Monday.

Top Left to right: Harlow - Zi Shan

Below - Oakley

The Waggle Arena

My son, Joseph, had recently started blogging. The Waggle Arena is a much different blog than mine, however, where he will:

"...put my own spin on current events and political developments. currently my interests include but are not limited to public policy, social stratification, and culture.
so this page will serve as a one-stop joe headquarters for all things waggle. it will be my combination news update/ book review/ social commentary/ random musing/ art appreciation/academic debate/et cetera page. "

He tells me that he's doing this to keep his mind active since he's living at home right now. That means his dad and I are not intellectually stimulating enough.

I can't help it. . .

Joseph hates it when I make him the subject of my blog, but I'm very proud of him and I just have to share his good news.


He's flying to Chicago tomorrow to accept the Johnson Prize for the Master of Arts Program in the Social Sciences during the Spring Convocation on Friday at the University of Chicago. Joseph was a graduate of MAPPS with the Class of 2007.

The Earl S. and Esther Johnson Prize is awarded annually to that student in the Master of Arts Program in the Social Sciences whose paper best combines high scholarly achievement with concern for humanistic aspirations and the practical applications of the Social Sciences.

The $1,000 Prize was established in the memory of the founder and long-time director of the Program. It is awarded in the spring of each year to the writer of an M.A. paper submitted the preceding academic year. Papers that meet the prize criteria and earn a grade of A are automatically considered.

Thanks for letting me share the news; we're just so proud of him.

Happy Birthday, Ashley

Yes, today is Ashley's 34th birthday. I can't believe I'm that old!

She and one of her friends from the Bay Area share the same birthday so it's an annual celebration with her group. She flew to San Francisco this morning and was really looking forward to connecting with her friends again.

Checked the weather report for Chicago this morning...a high of 7 degrees and a low tonight of -3 degrees. Yikes, that's cold. I hope Joseph is keeping warm and toasty.

The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon

The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon
Sunday, October 7, 2007
30th Anniversary

Joseph will be running in the Chicago Marathon in support of his friend, Nikki, who lost her mother to acute lymphocytic leukemia in 2003. Joseph and Nikki have committed to run for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and are participating in their Team in Training program, the world's largest endurance sports training program. Since April, they have been training on Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings, and will continue that schedule right up until the marathon in October.

Nikki asked a group of their friends to participate in the marathon and Joseph eagerly stepped up to support her. Now, you have to understand. . .this is a kid who, in middle school and high school, complained about his coaches making his class run around the track a few times. So signing up for a 26-mile run is a really, really big deal! Allyn and I and Ashley are so very proud of his commitment and hard work.

Even if you are unable to make a donation, please visit Joseph's and Nikki's websites to read about their commitment to this worthy cause in their own words.

Joseph and Nikki attend the University of Chicago. Joseph will graduate in August 2007.