I'm in Chicago! Sitting in my beautiful room, 22 stories above Michigan Avenue, and Queen of all I survey! Okay...maybe not....in Chicago, that's a title probably reserved to Oprah. But a gal can dream!
Remember that job possibility I mentioned yesterday? Well, I believe all the pantheons of all the gods are smiling on me. Because during the ride to the hotel from the airport, two of my shuttle compatriots work for the National Organic Program, one of them is one of the big three directors. The young lady mentioned liking a bracelet I was wearing (thank you Organic Guy!), and we chatted about this and that. I casually mentioned the organic conference, and they both introduced themselves. They were open, and I really enjoyed the conversation. We discussed the open position, I casually mentioned I'd applied for it and that I really enjoy training, and being in a position to teach others about what the rule says and means. I like the positive energy the organic community has, and being able to be a part of that energy. I mentioned that I was the person that designed and developed the training department of one of the accredited certifying agencies, so I have strong experience in this regard. The gentleman of the pair cracked a bit of a joke that would have been heard from anyone in the organic certification game, and I riposed in a way to make him laugh. I felt like it was a good introduction.
We got to the NOP folk's hotel first, and when they got off the shuttle, the last occupant other than me or the driver, said "You must be born under a lucky star...and that went really well from my perspective." She couldn't have missed the conversation, and now I'm feeling pretty good about the whole thing. Wish me luck!
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Friday, April 25, 2008
Chicago!
And it's off to the big city today! Yea! I'll be in Chicago for the All Things Organic trade show and conference. I'm really looking forward to it this year. Several of my clients have booths at the show, so I'll be able to stop and say hello, and there's several workshops on export regulations, and changes to various international laws for organics, so I'll be completely up to date by next Tuesday.
And, yes, I'm actually excited by the workshops. Y'all know me...I'm a rules geek. I love love love knowing rules, and how to work them, and interpret them and apply them. Which leads me to the next little nugget of info...I've applied for a position with the National Organic Program. They're looking for a compliance officer and training developer, so I thought I'd throw my hat into that ring. It's kinda scary, though. The job is completely up my alley, making sure people follow the rules, understand the rules, and assist them in learning the rules. It's treally what I'm best at. But it's with the FEDS, ya know? It's like a real-grown-up job. And I'm nervous as hell about it. Yeah, I'm actually worried that they'll call me and want to interview me. That they'll offer me a job...not like I haven't been doing this organic thing for nigh on to ten years not. Not that I have the National Organic Program Final Rule memorized or anything. But I'm still nervous. Of course, there's one deal breaker...right now the job is posted as being open to any location. The job isn't required to be in Washington. I think this means they're just looking for the right candidate, and that they're willing to work with their restrictions. Because moving from the Raleigh area is a deal-breaker for me. We're just so happy, so settled here. Organic Kid loves her school and is doing great. Organic Guy has lived here his whole life (with the exception of a few colleges here and there outside the Triangle), his parents are here, and we need to be close to help them if necessary. I'm lucky in that regard...my stellar younger sister lives closer to my folks, and that comforts me. I know if anything happens to them, they'll have her close, and she's so great with stuff like this. A heck of a mom, a great chick in a crisis, and actually calls her sisters to let them know what's going on with the fam. Organic Guy is an only kid, so it's on us for his folks.
OH...that's my flight...gotta go..WHEE!!
And, yes, I'm actually excited by the workshops. Y'all know me...I'm a rules geek. I love love love knowing rules, and how to work them, and interpret them and apply them. Which leads me to the next little nugget of info...I've applied for a position with the National Organic Program. They're looking for a compliance officer and training developer, so I thought I'd throw my hat into that ring. It's kinda scary, though. The job is completely up my alley, making sure people follow the rules, understand the rules, and assist them in learning the rules. It's treally what I'm best at. But it's with the FEDS, ya know? It's like a real-grown-up job. And I'm nervous as hell about it. Yeah, I'm actually worried that they'll call me and want to interview me. That they'll offer me a job...not like I haven't been doing this organic thing for nigh on to ten years not. Not that I have the National Organic Program Final Rule memorized or anything. But I'm still nervous. Of course, there's one deal breaker...right now the job is posted as being open to any location. The job isn't required to be in Washington. I think this means they're just looking for the right candidate, and that they're willing to work with their restrictions. Because moving from the Raleigh area is a deal-breaker for me. We're just so happy, so settled here. Organic Kid loves her school and is doing great. Organic Guy has lived here his whole life (with the exception of a few colleges here and there outside the Triangle), his parents are here, and we need to be close to help them if necessary. I'm lucky in that regard...my stellar younger sister lives closer to my folks, and that comforts me. I know if anything happens to them, they'll have her close, and she's so great with stuff like this. A heck of a mom, a great chick in a crisis, and actually calls her sisters to let them know what's going on with the fam. Organic Guy is an only kid, so it's on us for his folks.
OH...that's my flight...gotta go..WHEE!!
Friday, April 18, 2008
Quick Info
Wedding invitations are finally printed! Yea! They're being mailed this weekend. Also, our rings have arrived, and they're exactly what we wanted, and fit perfectly.
Only one hitch lately...due to our crazy landlord building Mulch Mountain in our yard (seriously...this is a pile of mulch 7 feet high, extending from the patio across the yard 25 yards or more. It isn't nice mulch, either, it's from scrub trees cleaned out of areas being developed. So there's roots, and grass clippings, and (OH JOY!) fire ants all mixed in it. So now we have a stinky, decomposing, fire and infested pile of crap wood in our back yard. And we don't really want to get married in all of that. So, we've moved the wedding to the Big House. Yep, the House that Organic Guy built, that we're still trying to sell (damn the economy!). But it has a huge yard, a beautiful grove of trees we can set a tent up in, and a huge garage for tables and chairs and eating, and finally, if it rains, it has a breathtaking Great Room to have the wedding in. So, maps will be stuffed in the envelopes. I'm starting to get excited...can ya tell!?
Only one hitch lately...due to our crazy landlord building Mulch Mountain in our yard (seriously...this is a pile of mulch 7 feet high, extending from the patio across the yard 25 yards or more. It isn't nice mulch, either, it's from scrub trees cleaned out of areas being developed. So there's roots, and grass clippings, and (OH JOY!) fire ants all mixed in it. So now we have a stinky, decomposing, fire and infested pile of crap wood in our back yard. And we don't really want to get married in all of that. So, we've moved the wedding to the Big House. Yep, the House that Organic Guy built, that we're still trying to sell (damn the economy!). But it has a huge yard, a beautiful grove of trees we can set a tent up in, and a huge garage for tables and chairs and eating, and finally, if it rains, it has a breathtaking Great Room to have the wedding in. So, maps will be stuffed in the envelopes. I'm starting to get excited...can ya tell!?
Thursday, April 17, 2008
WARM!
It has finally turned beautiful outside! We have had the most amazing, sunny days lately, with a gentle breeze blowing. Spring flowers are all showy with color, and the dogwoods look like brides decked out in their white veils. And, with the coming warmth, a Wombat's thoughts turn to grilling! I absolutely could not cook in the house the other night. So, my family was treated to this: 
Aren't these the most beautiful kebobs you've ever seen? Okay, this was pre-cooking. Organic Guy and Organic Kid did not allow me to take any "after" shots, because they were too busy pushing me aside to grab and devour. Marinated the meat in some soy, mirin, seasoned rice vinegar, with peppercorns, garlic, and ginger. And OH, so good! We set up our camping table outside, and dined beneath our oak tree that shades the patio. Organic Guy and I opened a bottle of a Chateau Saint-Sulpice, and simply enjoyed. We watched the sun set while eating, staining the sky pink and gold, shading finally to a dusky purple, then dark blue, then finally, night.
Ahhh...there's nothing like cooking and enjoying, and just being a family. I can't wait for more of these nights...
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Serious Frustration
About a week ago, I was on top of the world, planning my upcoming wedding. It's not going to be a huge affair (I tried one of those before, it didn't stick), but a decent amount of friends and family. I was moving forward, getting things put together. I found my dress. I LOVE my dress...my sister loves my dress, my MoH asked if she could just get the same dress in a different color. So, YEA DRESS! I talked to the flower folks, and found out I'll be able to afford the few flowers I want to do. Just some corsages and bouts for the guys, and a couple of bouquets that I was planning on just grabbing a bunch of pretty flowers and putting together with a pretty ribbon. I wrote up the invitations, found beautiful paper to print it on. Organic Kid and I found a beautiful dress for her to wear, that she's excited to wear (from a kid most comfortable in shorts and t-shirts).
And then things started going south.
It started with the caterer. Organic Guy has spoken to a collegue whose parents cook professionally for pig pickin's (this was the heart of the plan for the wedding, the polka pig pickin). He said that they do the pig, the sides, provide tables and chairs, and would even look into getting a tent arranged. We were thrilled! One-stop shopping for all the post-wedding revelry! But....we waited and waited and waited for the collegues parents to call and finalize. We kept asking when they would call, kept getting assurances, but nothing. Finally, one night at about 10, we get a call. They can't do it. Never had planned to do it. Hadn't called because they were worried we'd be upset. Oh...I wouldn't have been upset if I knew two months ago, when it was first discussed. But now, we're at d-day. I have NO IDEA if we will be able to find someone to cook the pig now. We may have to rent a cooker, make everything else ourselves, and I'll get to spend my wedding day over the stove, hoping the fridge can hold everything, and running back and forth from the kitchen to make sure bowls stay full. Not to mention hoping we can find someone to tend the cooker while Organic Guy and I are getting dressed and hitched and all.
Then I took the beautiful paper and invitation text to Kinkos. Because, you know, I thought they could print things. No. They can't. The paper was too small (5x7 in case you're wondering). As I was talking to the lovely young lady helping me, I saw graduation invitation paper in a carousel behind me. 5x7 paper. So I asked. Okay, I said, If I buy THAT invitation paper, could you do it? Admittedly, I was thinking they were just yanking my chain and just wouldn't use MY paper, because it wasn't Kinkos-approved. She glanced up...Oh, THAT paper? Nope, couldn't do it. I have no idea why we even sell it because that happens all the time. Folks come in, and it's 'but I bought it HERE?!?! What do you mean you can't???' So, she was being honest and helpful. She really was lovely, and provided good service, except that they couldn't print for me. She even tried for me. No dice. And Kinkos has actually gone up in my estimation because of how helpful she was. I SO appreciate effort, even if for naught.
Finally, Organic Guy's parents aren't doing well. They've always been young for their age, active, relatively healty (they're mid/late 70's). But the last year-year and a half has been tough. And these past few weeks have brought undefined heart problems, muscle pain and fatigue, increased difficulty from arthritis in knees, ankles, and hips; just a whole host of things. I feel awful...they're great people, so welcoming and open, they put up with my quirks with a smile, and they're happy that Organic Guy is so happy. They love Organic Kid, and always make us feel welcomed, and a part of the family. So it hurts me to see them hurting. And knowing there's so little I can do. One time, many years ago, I read the phrase "Age comes to us all, and makes us equal." I'd throw that out flippantly all the time, responding to a variety of things. But now, age is coming to Organic Guy's folks. And yes, age is a great equalizer. And I HATE it. I HATE seeing such good people in pain, and frustrated by it, and that I really can't do anything but be there. But listen to them when they hurt. Help with little things when I can, like doing their dishes or folding laundry. It seems so little, though. They've raised this wonderful man, and they've let me take him for mine. And they accept me as theirs, too. And I feel helpless to help them. And, to reiterate, I HATE it.
And then things started going south.
It started with the caterer. Organic Guy has spoken to a collegue whose parents cook professionally for pig pickin's (this was the heart of the plan for the wedding, the polka pig pickin). He said that they do the pig, the sides, provide tables and chairs, and would even look into getting a tent arranged. We were thrilled! One-stop shopping for all the post-wedding revelry! But....we waited and waited and waited for the collegues parents to call and finalize. We kept asking when they would call, kept getting assurances, but nothing. Finally, one night at about 10, we get a call. They can't do it. Never had planned to do it. Hadn't called because they were worried we'd be upset. Oh...I wouldn't have been upset if I knew two months ago, when it was first discussed. But now, we're at d-day. I have NO IDEA if we will be able to find someone to cook the pig now. We may have to rent a cooker, make everything else ourselves, and I'll get to spend my wedding day over the stove, hoping the fridge can hold everything, and running back and forth from the kitchen to make sure bowls stay full. Not to mention hoping we can find someone to tend the cooker while Organic Guy and I are getting dressed and hitched and all.
Then I took the beautiful paper and invitation text to Kinkos. Because, you know, I thought they could print things. No. They can't. The paper was too small (5x7 in case you're wondering). As I was talking to the lovely young lady helping me, I saw graduation invitation paper in a carousel behind me. 5x7 paper. So I asked. Okay, I said, If I buy THAT invitation paper, could you do it? Admittedly, I was thinking they were just yanking my chain and just wouldn't use MY paper, because it wasn't Kinkos-approved. She glanced up...Oh, THAT paper? Nope, couldn't do it. I have no idea why we even sell it because that happens all the time. Folks come in, and it's 'but I bought it HERE?!?! What do you mean you can't???' So, she was being honest and helpful. She really was lovely, and provided good service, except that they couldn't print for me. She even tried for me. No dice. And Kinkos has actually gone up in my estimation because of how helpful she was. I SO appreciate effort, even if for naught.
Finally, Organic Guy's parents aren't doing well. They've always been young for their age, active, relatively healty (they're mid/late 70's). But the last year-year and a half has been tough. And these past few weeks have brought undefined heart problems, muscle pain and fatigue, increased difficulty from arthritis in knees, ankles, and hips; just a whole host of things. I feel awful...they're great people, so welcoming and open, they put up with my quirks with a smile, and they're happy that Organic Guy is so happy. They love Organic Kid, and always make us feel welcomed, and a part of the family. So it hurts me to see them hurting. And knowing there's so little I can do. One time, many years ago, I read the phrase "Age comes to us all, and makes us equal." I'd throw that out flippantly all the time, responding to a variety of things. But now, age is coming to Organic Guy's folks. And yes, age is a great equalizer. And I HATE it. I HATE seeing such good people in pain, and frustrated by it, and that I really can't do anything but be there. But listen to them when they hurt. Help with little things when I can, like doing their dishes or folding laundry. It seems so little, though. They've raised this wonderful man, and they've let me take him for mine. And they accept me as theirs, too. And I feel helpless to help them. And, to reiterate, I HATE it.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Gary Oldman, okay, but DIANE KEATON???
I mean really. I can handle that I look like a guy. I LIKE that I (according to this ridiculous website) look like Gillian Anderson, and Gary Oldman and Elton John, and Norma Shearer. But Diane Keaton is a HACK, and drives me NUTS! ARGH!
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