So...I decided to give Ed and myself something for Christmas...I bought us a house. :) That's right friends! I've been waiting a long time to take this step. I had planned to be able to do this about three years ago...but you know how it is...one thing gets in front of another thing, and the next thing you know, you're a mayor. So...I started looking at houses a year ago when the big tax credit was announced. (See...it really is a stimulus.) I saw on the Realtor website that the home known around Franklinton as the Nowell House was up for sale...and it was pricy! It originally listed at $149,900...and I knew I couldn't pay that. But I fell in love with it when I walked in. Everywhere I stepped, I could see something cool. Something new. Something...me.
Then, someone made an offer and snatched it right out from under me. So, I figured, eh, it's not meant to be, and moved on. Gave up, actually. Then, about two months later, I got a call from my real estate agent - a local agent named Tanisha Holmes. (I firmly believe that it's important to do as much locally as you can.) Tanisha called and said it was back on the market. We put in an offer immediately...and it was accepted. I had it...I had it! Then...we discovered a HOLE in my credit score blown by a an error in the report from DiscoverCard that Discover wasn't willing to correct - no matter what, and it's my word against theirs. (Again...another reason to shop locally - even for credit.)
So...away it went. I went about paying off credit cards, other debts, etc. Then...I thought...let me check my score. And it had gone up! A LOT! So...I called Tanisha...and we discovered that the Nowell House had been purchased and was essentially off the market. And much though I loved that house...it eventually came to be that it really wasn't for me, no matter how much I liked it. I liked it (loved it) because of the size. I've lived for eight years in a house on 2nd Street - a great little house, good enough for me...rent free - that is 675 square feet. That's right. It's a shoe.
So...that's been one of my criteria. It needs to be bigger...and big enough to have several rooms. And...I wanted a second floor...because I've never had one, really, except for my apartment in Burlington. So the search was on. Tanisha and I looked at nearly every available house in this town! I looked seriously at a cute little house (that would be great for someone without a need for many doors to keep four mischevious cats off the dining room table and the kitchen counters) on Chavis Street. I looked at a house on Oak Ridge Road that just needs a little updating, but just wasn't the right fit for me. I looked very seriously at a house on Green Street - great house, with the possiblity of expanding the lot...needed just a very little bit of work...but ultimately, I decided that I wanted to be in a neighborhood, not on a major thoroughfare. So, back to the drawing board.
And then, I saw it on Realtor.com. I saw a very familiar house - familiar to anyone who's ever banked at First Citizens in Franklinton...or anyone around my age who went through Franklinton area schools. 12 Vine Street. I couldn't believe it. The house where my fifth grade teacher sewed my costume when I played the Velveteen Rabbit in the play of the same name. The house where we built my 9th grade float for Homecoming (the theme that year was soap operas...and I hadn't yet discovered General Hosptial - that came two years later...so our's was The Bold and The Pitiful...and it was...). So, off Tanisha and I go...and I thought she was going to try to wrestle me to the ground to buy it herself.
Then, the dance began. We'll pay this much, but you've got to do this. We'll take this much, but we won't do that. We'll pay this much, but not without this. We'll take this much, but you'll have to handle this and that. Jeez, can't I just get a freakin' loan and buy the place???
It took THREE MONTHS of wrangling between the first offer and having keys in my hand...but on December 28, I closed on it. And boy, it was a hard secret to keep. I told Tammy because I had zoning/permitting questions, and I told Kim because I had HVAC questions and I knew she knew some folks...but as close as they are, they didn't even tell each other! (I mentioned it right before Christmas...and they looked at each other, and looked at me, as if to say, "What does she know?") I didn't want anyone to know it until I had it because I'd already lost one house - and it was rather public because I'd told the world I was buying it.
So now, the world knows. And here's the plan...
We've got to finish patching the holes, sanding the built in bookcases, completely overhauling the informal dining room, and I've got to have HVAC put in...and then I'm moving. I figure, sometime in late February/early March. Why so long? I already have a house. In fact...that's a point I shared with someone when I was looking for homes in the first place. I already had a place to live - and it was working just fine. Even though buying this house is going to stretch my budget to the MAX...it's something I wanted to do...to put down roots. To have a place of my very own - not something subsidized by someone else (even though it kind of was). To have a place to grow...to have folks over...to have an open house!
So...if you like to paint and you're interested, we're looking to have six rooms ready to paint by January 30 so we can get rolling! Let me know if you wanna come hang out with us!
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Monday, December 14, 2009
Thanksgiving
Most of you know that my partner, Ed, lives in Rhode Island. (Yes, it's a long distance relationship...but at least he doesn't live in California.) Usually, I fly Southwest to Providence (technically, we fly into Warwick) and it's a quick trip. However, I couldn't get a flight for less than $375 this year, so I decided to drive. (Yeah...I only saved $45 bucks, but I got the times I wanted and did exactly as I pleased...and it was glorious.)
I've never driven it. NEVER. And we've been together over four years now. It was fantastic! I had a ball driving! I'd never been on the New Jersey Turnpike. The furthest north I've ever driven is Delaware, and that was an accident (wrong turn in Baltimore for work...long story). I set out on Sunday around 2:00 in the afternoon. I decided that I'd stay overnight in Delaware (mainly because I knew where it was), so I got a hotel in Newark, Delaware, and stayed there for the night. I set out around 9am the next morning, and drove north. I mislicked and went through Philadelphia, but I got out fast so I could get on the Turnpike...and let me tell you...I ended up having to do the one thing I hate.
See...I have a paralyzing fear of heights. And, for those of you who don't know, the only thing between here and Providence is RIVERS...lots and lots of rivers. And guess what crosses those rivers? VERY HIGH BRIDGES. I white knuckled it across one in Philadelphia, and that's when I decided to hit the Turnpike.
I had a great time sightseeing, though. The best part for me was when I hit the edge of New Jersey where you can see across into Manhattan. I knew exactly where I was. Wondering how? Every single landmark has been referenced at some point or another on Law and Order or Law and Order: Special Victims Unit. Now you may laugh.
Driving through NYC was a challenge because you s l o w d o w n so much. And apparently, Connecticut is the longest state in the union. Good LORD it took me forever to get through it! (And all I could see in my head was Tony Danza driving up in someone's driveway in a beat up blue van, jumping out to vacuum. If you don't know what I'm talking about, you missed the 80's.) Finally, I hit the Rhode Island state line...and I knew I was home free...except for one problem. Their exits don't match the mile markers like ours do. Eighty four hours more to go...
I got to Providence, and fortunately, I know my way around pretty well. When Ed works at the bar or has long translating assignments, I borrow his mom's car and go wherever I want to go. I like that. I liked being able to drive my own even more! So, I rolled on up to the Providence Place Mall where he works, and waited for him. He came out of the party office, and looked at me (not unlike Will does sometimes...with a look of sleepy bewilderment) and said, "What are you doing here?" I said, "Well hello to you too." He said, "What are you doing here?" I said, "Can I get a little excitement?" He said, "What are you doing here?" I guess that's what happens after four hours of sleep.
I had a great - and somewhat restful Thanksgiving. Although, you'd think I'd learn that I can never take a real vacation. If I put something off (such as preparing the maps, etc., for the Holiday Lights Tour, or writing e-mails to go out when I get home to candidates for National Board Certification), then it catches up to me and I have to work late. Oh well. I slept a lot. A LOT. It was great. Thanksgiving was awesome, too! Ed's brother's fiance (how Southern does that sound?) and her parents make Thanksgiving dinner, and we all meet there and eat. It's awesome, and her parents are wonderful.
On Friday morning after Thanksgiving, I loaded my car up with all the stuff I've bought and left over the past four After-Christmas sales, and headed south. I made it to Franklinton in just under ten hours - and that's with two stops for food, and one for gas.
I really do enjoy long drives by myself. I can zone out, not be around anyone and have to think...and oddly, that's when I do my best thinking. Thank goodness for the Voice Memo function on my phone!
I've never driven it. NEVER. And we've been together over four years now. It was fantastic! I had a ball driving! I'd never been on the New Jersey Turnpike. The furthest north I've ever driven is Delaware, and that was an accident (wrong turn in Baltimore for work...long story). I set out on Sunday around 2:00 in the afternoon. I decided that I'd stay overnight in Delaware (mainly because I knew where it was), so I got a hotel in Newark, Delaware, and stayed there for the night. I set out around 9am the next morning, and drove north. I mislicked and went through Philadelphia, but I got out fast so I could get on the Turnpike...and let me tell you...I ended up having to do the one thing I hate.
See...I have a paralyzing fear of heights. And, for those of you who don't know, the only thing between here and Providence is RIVERS...lots and lots of rivers. And guess what crosses those rivers? VERY HIGH BRIDGES. I white knuckled it across one in Philadelphia, and that's when I decided to hit the Turnpike.
I had a great time sightseeing, though. The best part for me was when I hit the edge of New Jersey where you can see across into Manhattan. I knew exactly where I was. Wondering how? Every single landmark has been referenced at some point or another on Law and Order or Law and Order: Special Victims Unit. Now you may laugh.
Driving through NYC was a challenge because you s l o w d o w n so much. And apparently, Connecticut is the longest state in the union. Good LORD it took me forever to get through it! (And all I could see in my head was Tony Danza driving up in someone's driveway in a beat up blue van, jumping out to vacuum. If you don't know what I'm talking about, you missed the 80's.) Finally, I hit the Rhode Island state line...and I knew I was home free...except for one problem. Their exits don't match the mile markers like ours do. Eighty four hours more to go...
I got to Providence, and fortunately, I know my way around pretty well. When Ed works at the bar or has long translating assignments, I borrow his mom's car and go wherever I want to go. I like that. I liked being able to drive my own even more! So, I rolled on up to the Providence Place Mall where he works, and waited for him. He came out of the party office, and looked at me (not unlike Will does sometimes...with a look of sleepy bewilderment) and said, "What are you doing here?" I said, "Well hello to you too." He said, "What are you doing here?" I said, "Can I get a little excitement?" He said, "What are you doing here?" I guess that's what happens after four hours of sleep.
I had a great - and somewhat restful Thanksgiving. Although, you'd think I'd learn that I can never take a real vacation. If I put something off (such as preparing the maps, etc., for the Holiday Lights Tour, or writing e-mails to go out when I get home to candidates for National Board Certification), then it catches up to me and I have to work late. Oh well. I slept a lot. A LOT. It was great. Thanksgiving was awesome, too! Ed's brother's fiance (how Southern does that sound?) and her parents make Thanksgiving dinner, and we all meet there and eat. It's awesome, and her parents are wonderful.
On Friday morning after Thanksgiving, I loaded my car up with all the stuff I've bought and left over the past four After-Christmas sales, and headed south. I made it to Franklinton in just under ten hours - and that's with two stops for food, and one for gas.
I really do enjoy long drives by myself. I can zone out, not be around anyone and have to think...and oddly, that's when I do my best thinking. Thank goodness for the Voice Memo function on my phone!
I Know, I Know...
I know it's been almost a month. I'll both ask for forgiveness and say move on, because it's beena little hectic. Why? Because I've been working non-stop between my paying job, my not-so-paying job, and my volunteer work here in Town (and outside). It's been nutso! So...let's talk about some of it.
I hope you were able to see the Frankinton Christmas Parade! It was AWESOME! A great job was done by all those who worked so hard behind the scenes, including Darrell Chalk, Commissioner James Worley, Tammy Ray, David Robbins, Michael Devall, and Bob Truitt. (And yes...I assisted, also.) The tireless efforts of the members of the Franklinton Fire Department cannot be spoken of highly enough. It is truly amazing to see it all come together - and I really appreciate Darrell getting me back up to actually see the parade this year! (And, the members of the American Legion who carted my big ol' behind back up the road!)
The Arts Alive Committee had two great events back to back weekends, which was wonderful! First, the Community Holiday Concert was a great deal of fun. Commissioner Fuller surprised everyone when she kicked off the concert with a song! Five different acts, including Elvis, entertained a crowd of over 100 people. It was a great night - and we were done by 9:30, which was amazing unto itself! This past weekend, we had our two night Progress Energy Franklinton Holiday Lights Tour. Nearly 30 stops on the tour this year, including of course my parent's house at 440 S. Cheatham St. Should you decide to go visit, feel free to drive through, but if you want to get out, go up to the back door and let them know you're there. Most folks know - my mom packs heat.
We have over 60,000 lights on two and a half acres of house, buildings, land and trees...and grapevines. I'm especially proud of the FHS/NCSU themed CandyCane Forest. :) (Mainly because I spent two days doing it.) My dad worked for the better part of a month on getting the lights up. He started the week before Thanksgiving. I tried my best to get over there several times to work on them...but my schedule runs me ragged...and the worst part is, I do it to myself. I spent the Sunday and Monday after Thanksgiving working on lights...and in two days, I put up over 25,000 lights. My dad lives to put up the inflatables. The cool part? My dad and I have exactly two things in common besides blood...being elected to public office, and a love of Christmas lights. We'll both be up at 5am on December 26, too...cruising around, looking for lights on sale. If you see any, call 919-702-4814 and keep me posted so I can hit the good sales. :)
Next year, Arts Alive is thinking about doing a Candlelight Tour...seven or eight homes that you can tour - historical homes. What do you think?
I hope you were able to see the Frankinton Christmas Parade! It was AWESOME! A great job was done by all those who worked so hard behind the scenes, including Darrell Chalk, Commissioner James Worley, Tammy Ray, David Robbins, Michael Devall, and Bob Truitt. (And yes...I assisted, also.) The tireless efforts of the members of the Franklinton Fire Department cannot be spoken of highly enough. It is truly amazing to see it all come together - and I really appreciate Darrell getting me back up to actually see the parade this year! (And, the members of the American Legion who carted my big ol' behind back up the road!)
The Arts Alive Committee had two great events back to back weekends, which was wonderful! First, the Community Holiday Concert was a great deal of fun. Commissioner Fuller surprised everyone when she kicked off the concert with a song! Five different acts, including Elvis, entertained a crowd of over 100 people. It was a great night - and we were done by 9:30, which was amazing unto itself! This past weekend, we had our two night Progress Energy Franklinton Holiday Lights Tour. Nearly 30 stops on the tour this year, including of course my parent's house at 440 S. Cheatham St. Should you decide to go visit, feel free to drive through, but if you want to get out, go up to the back door and let them know you're there. Most folks know - my mom packs heat.
We have over 60,000 lights on two and a half acres of house, buildings, land and trees...and grapevines. I'm especially proud of the FHS/NCSU themed CandyCane Forest. :) (Mainly because I spent two days doing it.) My dad worked for the better part of a month on getting the lights up. He started the week before Thanksgiving. I tried my best to get over there several times to work on them...but my schedule runs me ragged...and the worst part is, I do it to myself. I spent the Sunday and Monday after Thanksgiving working on lights...and in two days, I put up over 25,000 lights. My dad lives to put up the inflatables. The cool part? My dad and I have exactly two things in common besides blood...being elected to public office, and a love of Christmas lights. We'll both be up at 5am on December 26, too...cruising around, looking for lights on sale. If you see any, call 919-702-4814 and keep me posted so I can hit the good sales. :)
Next year, Arts Alive is thinking about doing a Candlelight Tour...seven or eight homes that you can tour - historical homes. What do you think?
Friday, November 20, 2009
The Rest of My Trip to New Orleans
So…I shared with you what happened on the first couple of days of my conference in New Orleans. Then, it got busy! We had a great start to our conference, with a wonderful speaker, Dr. David Berliner. He was incredible! Then, we had some great conversations on Thursday during the day, and a wonderful night out with folks from my Mid-Atlantic region (mostly Ohio, West Virginia and North Carolina). Friday was a little long, but again, great conversations around teacher evaluations and how to utilize them in an effective manner for professional growth.
Then came Friday night. I had a blast! (It was about time for some fun…thankfully, I was in the right place!)
I got to hang out with a former student early in Friday evening. Travis is a medical student at Tulane University – how awesome is that? I’m so proud of him! After that, I met up with several friends, and we took on Bourbon Street. I rode a bull at Bourbon Cowboy. You read that right…I rode a bull! Is that not hilarious? I fell off three times…but I rode that sucker for at least a minute each time! Then, we walked around Bourbon Street…taking in the sights. Ha! I bought souvenirs for some friends and family back home. And then, I headed back to the room. (That’s all you’re getting! :))
Then came Friday night. I had a blast! (It was about time for some fun…thankfully, I was in the right place!)
I got to hang out with a former student early in Friday evening. Travis is a medical student at Tulane University – how awesome is that? I’m so proud of him! After that, I met up with several friends, and we took on Bourbon Street. I rode a bull at Bourbon Cowboy. You read that right…I rode a bull! Is that not hilarious? I fell off three times…but I rode that sucker for at least a minute each time! Then, we walked around Bourbon Street…taking in the sights. Ha! I bought souvenirs for some friends and family back home. And then, I headed back to the room. (That’s all you’re getting! :))
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
NEW ORLEANS!
Greetings all!
I'm currently in Cajun Country...that's right, I'm in New Orleans! Why? Allow me to explain (why I'm not just here on a vacation, which I never really take).
Most of you know that I work for the NC Association of Educators. How many of you know what I actually do? I thought so. :) My official title is 'Education Consultant,' which is a pretty way of saying, "he does just about everything we can think of except due process cases.' In reality, my work is that of professional development for educators across the state of North Carolina. I lead and facilitate workshops for teachers; I coordinate support for candidates (teachers) for National Board Certification, which is just about a full time job in itself this year with over 6,000 candidates; I work with members who have issues with their teaching licensure; I serve on several advisory boards and commissions; I facilitate leadership training for NCAE members; and the old standby...other duties as assigned. :) There's more to it...but the list could go on, and on.
In North Carolina, there are three of us that work in our Center for Teaching and Learning at NCAE. (In many states, this work is referred to as IPD - Instructional and Professional Development.) There is someone in just about every state's NEA affiliate that does this work. Some states, like Massachussetts where my friend Kathy Skinner leads the way, there are several staffers (like 10-15); others, such as Texas and Alaska, have one person who handles all IPD work, and does other things as well. I'm fortunate - in NC, this is my lot in life. My primary work is IPD work. And I LOVE it. I never thought I'd leave the classroom....but...when the time came, I jumped, because honestly, this is about the only thing that could have dragged me away.
Now that you know what I do...why am I in NOLA? Well...all of us that do this work, this IPD work, across the country, came together many years ago to create an affinity network called the National Staff Association for the Improvement of Instruction, or NSAII. We are nearly 200 members strong - which is a feat given how many of us are doing this work (we are fewer than 250). We come together once a year to share information and work with each other, and to 'sharpen our saws' so that we can continue to improve the work that we do. So...I'm in New Orleans for the annual NSAII conference, which is a joint effort with the NEA's Center for Great Public Schools, which focuses on teacher quality and research.
Did I mention that I'm also the Mid-Atlantic Regional Vice President for NSAII? Yeah. Pretty much since I joined the NCAE staff. I'm not the greatest VP in the world...but I try.
So...that's what's brought me to NOLA. So let me tell you what's been going on since I got here.
The flight down was almost perfect. I wish I could have stayed in Nashville longer...but that just gives me a place to go for vacation, because I would LOVE to be able to spend some quality time in Music City USA! Once I got to Louis Armstrong Airport, memories of my first trip here six years ago (for an NEA National Representative Assembly) came flooding back. Man, we had a great time! Those were good days...and they were good memories until my cabbie decided to try to drive at warp speed to get me to my hotel, and he hit a bump and my head nearly went through the roof of the minivan he was driving. The needle didn't go below 80 the entire time. I was quite happy to put my feet on the ground.
The hotel I'm at is called the Omni Royal Orleans. It's on St. Louis St. (or Rue Saint Louis) in the French Quarter. And just ONE BLOCK away from Bourbon Street! My room is beautiful...and I have a jacuzzi tub. No kidding. A jacuzzi tub. Yes...I've already used it...twice. :)
I had to take a small walking trip yesterday afternoon because I managed somehow to leave all four of the charging cords for my iPhone in North Carolina (work, Town Hall, and home), so I had to find the AT&T store and buy one. The store was literally nine blocks from my hotel, straight down Royal across Canal. Canal Street is amazing. It's so cool to just walk down. I didn't get to spend much time down there...but it was just cool! (When I win Powerball, I'm getting a home here.)
We had dinner last night at Arnaud's, which is a world reknowned restaurant just off Bourbon Street. Bourbon wasn't very lively when we walked to dinner...but Lord, were the beads flying when we walked back. (And how stupid did I look walking down Bourbon wearing a tie?) Dinner was great - I actually ate seafood...okay, crabcakes, but they count - and dessert was fantastic. (You know me...the food is the most important.) The restaurant was pretty amazing, too...because it's 14 different homes cobbled together to create a restaurant that's literally about half a block. (These are big blocks. too.)
This morning, and most of the day today, we're in working sessions. Until about 2:00 today, we're in NEA Research 'Boot Camp,' which is an opportunity for us to hear from some great researchers about current issues in educational research. (I'm not a big researcher...but I always glean a good deal from this part.) This afternoon, we'll have two different pre-conference sessions, and then our opening session that'll run until about 9:00 tonight. (And at that point...I'll likely take care of a couple of things and go to bed. I've also gotta find a place for my region to dine out tomorrow...the work of a VP is never done...)
I'll share more when I get the chance. Forgive me for taking so long to write again...it's been a bit on the crazy side these past few weeks between work, Frankenfest, et al. Annie...you've gotta do a better job...don't let me go for more than a week!
Catch ya soon!
I'm currently in Cajun Country...that's right, I'm in New Orleans! Why? Allow me to explain (why I'm not just here on a vacation, which I never really take).
Most of you know that I work for the NC Association of Educators. How many of you know what I actually do? I thought so. :) My official title is 'Education Consultant,' which is a pretty way of saying, "he does just about everything we can think of except due process cases.' In reality, my work is that of professional development for educators across the state of North Carolina. I lead and facilitate workshops for teachers; I coordinate support for candidates (teachers) for National Board Certification, which is just about a full time job in itself this year with over 6,000 candidates; I work with members who have issues with their teaching licensure; I serve on several advisory boards and commissions; I facilitate leadership training for NCAE members; and the old standby...other duties as assigned. :) There's more to it...but the list could go on, and on.
In North Carolina, there are three of us that work in our Center for Teaching and Learning at NCAE. (In many states, this work is referred to as IPD - Instructional and Professional Development.) There is someone in just about every state's NEA affiliate that does this work. Some states, like Massachussetts where my friend Kathy Skinner leads the way, there are several staffers (like 10-15); others, such as Texas and Alaska, have one person who handles all IPD work, and does other things as well. I'm fortunate - in NC, this is my lot in life. My primary work is IPD work. And I LOVE it. I never thought I'd leave the classroom....but...when the time came, I jumped, because honestly, this is about the only thing that could have dragged me away.
Now that you know what I do...why am I in NOLA? Well...all of us that do this work, this IPD work, across the country, came together many years ago to create an affinity network called the National Staff Association for the Improvement of Instruction, or NSAII. We are nearly 200 members strong - which is a feat given how many of us are doing this work (we are fewer than 250). We come together once a year to share information and work with each other, and to 'sharpen our saws' so that we can continue to improve the work that we do. So...I'm in New Orleans for the annual NSAII conference, which is a joint effort with the NEA's Center for Great Public Schools, which focuses on teacher quality and research.
Did I mention that I'm also the Mid-Atlantic Regional Vice President for NSAII? Yeah. Pretty much since I joined the NCAE staff. I'm not the greatest VP in the world...but I try.
So...that's what's brought me to NOLA. So let me tell you what's been going on since I got here.
The flight down was almost perfect. I wish I could have stayed in Nashville longer...but that just gives me a place to go for vacation, because I would LOVE to be able to spend some quality time in Music City USA! Once I got to Louis Armstrong Airport, memories of my first trip here six years ago (for an NEA National Representative Assembly) came flooding back. Man, we had a great time! Those were good days...and they were good memories until my cabbie decided to try to drive at warp speed to get me to my hotel, and he hit a bump and my head nearly went through the roof of the minivan he was driving. The needle didn't go below 80 the entire time. I was quite happy to put my feet on the ground.
The hotel I'm at is called the Omni Royal Orleans. It's on St. Louis St. (or Rue Saint Louis) in the French Quarter. And just ONE BLOCK away from Bourbon Street! My room is beautiful...and I have a jacuzzi tub. No kidding. A jacuzzi tub. Yes...I've already used it...twice. :)
I had to take a small walking trip yesterday afternoon because I managed somehow to leave all four of the charging cords for my iPhone in North Carolina (work, Town Hall, and home), so I had to find the AT&T store and buy one. The store was literally nine blocks from my hotel, straight down Royal across Canal. Canal Street is amazing. It's so cool to just walk down. I didn't get to spend much time down there...but it was just cool! (When I win Powerball, I'm getting a home here.)
We had dinner last night at Arnaud's, which is a world reknowned restaurant just off Bourbon Street. Bourbon wasn't very lively when we walked to dinner...but Lord, were the beads flying when we walked back. (And how stupid did I look walking down Bourbon wearing a tie?) Dinner was great - I actually ate seafood...okay, crabcakes, but they count - and dessert was fantastic. (You know me...the food is the most important.) The restaurant was pretty amazing, too...because it's 14 different homes cobbled together to create a restaurant that's literally about half a block. (These are big blocks. too.)
This morning, and most of the day today, we're in working sessions. Until about 2:00 today, we're in NEA Research 'Boot Camp,' which is an opportunity for us to hear from some great researchers about current issues in educational research. (I'm not a big researcher...but I always glean a good deal from this part.) This afternoon, we'll have two different pre-conference sessions, and then our opening session that'll run until about 9:00 tonight. (And at that point...I'll likely take care of a couple of things and go to bed. I've also gotta find a place for my region to dine out tomorrow...the work of a VP is never done...)
I'll share more when I get the chance. Forgive me for taking so long to write again...it's been a bit on the crazy side these past few weeks between work, Frankenfest, et al. Annie...you've gotta do a better job...don't let me go for more than a week!
Catch ya soon!
Sunday, October 25, 2009
It's Been a Minute...Sorry...
My reminder service hasn't reminded me that I hadn't written in almost two weeks. I've been at Town Hall today taking care of things I hadn't been here to do most of the week. We are FULL for Frankenfest! I'm so excited! I think it's going to be a great day - and if you're a person of faith, please send one up for good weather. We've got 89 booth spaces filled, with a couple of more possibilities...and who knows if someone will show up on the morning of the event? YAY!
I'm about to head to Greenville for the NC League of Municipalities annual conference. I had planned to go to the session on ethics in government...but I put it in my calendar wrong...and realized it much too late. I needed to be in Greenville at 1:00 for that one...oops. I guess I'll have to wait until I go to the Essentials of Municipal Government class (again) for that piece. I'm hopeful that the entire Board of Commissioners will be able to attend the Essentials courses this year. It's a great class...and great information. I know I learned a lot.
The NCLM Conference is one great place to learn new tricks and tips. I know last year it's where I got the ideas I'm trying to implement for our gang prevention plan here in Town. I'm excited about this year's sessions...and I'm also excited to not be going alone! Thankfully, Commissioner Fuller will be going with me.
It's been a busy week. Monday and Tuesday, I had to get ready for our fall conference at work (NCAE). We had our conference Thursday - Saturday. It went well, if I do say so myself. Very few errors, which was nice. :) That's not always the case when there are five people trying to make everything come together, but it really went off with only a couple of glitches, which weren't visible to the average attendee. We had 300+ there, and most everyone seemed happy - especially my National Board Certification candidates! As of yesterday, there are just over 5,000 candidates for National Board Certification. 5 0 0 0 ! I can't believe it - my prediction came true! (I'll take the winnings of that bet now, Dorsey.) My hopes are high for their certification rate - I hope they all reach out for support! It's crucial not to do it alone!
I also had my ten year college reunion this weekend, which I didn't get to go to much of due to the NCAE Conference. That's okay - apparently, it wasn't the most well attended event in Elon's history. LOL I did get to go to my 10 year reunion party, which had all of 15 attendees. Yeehaw. But - I got to see a couple of good friends from college that I haven't seen in seven or eight years, so that was awesome! No door prizes for me...oh well.
Speaking of reunions...about a week ago, we had a reunion 'meeting' for my 15 year high school reunion. Jeez louise...I cannot believe it'll be 15 years since I walked that stage at Louisburg College Auditorium next June. (June 1, to be exact.) I had a BALL with the folks that showed up. I haven't seen some of them since we walked across that stage - some of them were my very best friends in high school. Time is a beast. My new year's resolution...which gives me until then to make it happen...is to be better about my social life...to ensure that I have one. Relationships are important...and I absolutely refuse to get to the end, where unfortunately God doesn't give credit for wasted time, and realize I've lost touch with some of the most important people in the world. So...it was a good time. :)
Okay...time to head to Greenville. Have a great Monday! I'll write again soon!
I'm about to head to Greenville for the NC League of Municipalities annual conference. I had planned to go to the session on ethics in government...but I put it in my calendar wrong...and realized it much too late. I needed to be in Greenville at 1:00 for that one...oops. I guess I'll have to wait until I go to the Essentials of Municipal Government class (again) for that piece. I'm hopeful that the entire Board of Commissioners will be able to attend the Essentials courses this year. It's a great class...and great information. I know I learned a lot.
The NCLM Conference is one great place to learn new tricks and tips. I know last year it's where I got the ideas I'm trying to implement for our gang prevention plan here in Town. I'm excited about this year's sessions...and I'm also excited to not be going alone! Thankfully, Commissioner Fuller will be going with me.
It's been a busy week. Monday and Tuesday, I had to get ready for our fall conference at work (NCAE). We had our conference Thursday - Saturday. It went well, if I do say so myself. Very few errors, which was nice. :) That's not always the case when there are five people trying to make everything come together, but it really went off with only a couple of glitches, which weren't visible to the average attendee. We had 300+ there, and most everyone seemed happy - especially my National Board Certification candidates! As of yesterday, there are just over 5,000 candidates for National Board Certification. 5 0 0 0 ! I can't believe it - my prediction came true! (I'll take the winnings of that bet now, Dorsey.) My hopes are high for their certification rate - I hope they all reach out for support! It's crucial not to do it alone!
I also had my ten year college reunion this weekend, which I didn't get to go to much of due to the NCAE Conference. That's okay - apparently, it wasn't the most well attended event in Elon's history. LOL I did get to go to my 10 year reunion party, which had all of 15 attendees. Yeehaw. But - I got to see a couple of good friends from college that I haven't seen in seven or eight years, so that was awesome! No door prizes for me...oh well.
Speaking of reunions...about a week ago, we had a reunion 'meeting' for my 15 year high school reunion. Jeez louise...I cannot believe it'll be 15 years since I walked that stage at Louisburg College Auditorium next June. (June 1, to be exact.) I had a BALL with the folks that showed up. I haven't seen some of them since we walked across that stage - some of them were my very best friends in high school. Time is a beast. My new year's resolution...which gives me until then to make it happen...is to be better about my social life...to ensure that I have one. Relationships are important...and I absolutely refuse to get to the end, where unfortunately God doesn't give credit for wasted time, and realize I've lost touch with some of the most important people in the world. So...it was a good time. :)
Okay...time to head to Greenville. Have a great Monday! I'll write again soon!
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Streets and Sidewalks...Again
You may have heard that Franklinton received a $40,000 grant to create a full Capital Improvement Plan. Why would we need something like this? Because we want to ensure that we have a plan for how to improve infrastructure in Franklinton over the next 25 years. One big piece of this is our streets. As you likely know, there are many streets in Franklinton that are in a severe state of disrepair. So why haven’t we already fixed them? Because we know that it’s likely we’ll have to replace water or sewer lines in those same areas…which is why we aren’t repaving, only to have to patch what we’ve just paved when we replace lines. The Board of Commissioners and Staff are doing our best to be diligent and efficient when it comes to the use of your money – and it’s all your money in one way or another.
One major street I am concerned with, however, is Janice Avenue. It is perhaps the most heavily used side street in Franklinton, and I’d hedge my bets to say it’s likely the fifth or sixth most heavily trafficked street in Town. And it’s falling apart. I’d like to see it repaved at the least, and curbed and guttered at the best. We’re working on it now. Once we know how much it will cost, we’ll bring it to the Board for discussion. We have over $200K in the fund balance (the money left over from previous budgets that hasn’t been spent…effectively, the Town’s savings account) that can only be used for streets and sidewalks. These are important issues to me. And I promise…in the next two years, hopefully we’ll see some movement on them.
One major street I am concerned with, however, is Janice Avenue. It is perhaps the most heavily used side street in Franklinton, and I’d hedge my bets to say it’s likely the fifth or sixth most heavily trafficked street in Town. And it’s falling apart. I’d like to see it repaved at the least, and curbed and guttered at the best. We’re working on it now. Once we know how much it will cost, we’ll bring it to the Board for discussion. We have over $200K in the fund balance (the money left over from previous budgets that hasn’t been spent…effectively, the Town’s savings account) that can only be used for streets and sidewalks. These are important issues to me. And I promise…in the next two years, hopefully we’ll see some movement on them.
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