Supercalifragileisticexpealadocios

Random question… how many of you have ever had an anonymous gift from Tiffany’s show up on your doorstep?

It happened to us yesterday.

I tried so hard to convince everyone it was an early birthday gift for me… but I was overruled by the consensus that it was a graduation gift for Christine. <sigh>

This reminds me of the time we found a package containing $1000 in small bills… in our mailbox. (yeah, the “early birthday gift” line didn’t work then either…)

Basically we’re always finding stuff around our house. Sometimes it’s unpleasant, like mice in the pool, and other times it’s pretty nice, like presents or money. 

Never Stop Looking.

Requiescat ad infinitum

Today, June 27 2009, has been christened L’Olam Shabbat, a Hebrew phrase coined to distinguish this day as having the most daylight hours of Shabbat. It means Forever Shabbat, or the Shabbat that goes on… and on… and on. To give you an idea of the length we’re talking about, when we got up this morning – despite sleeping in (no alarm clocks on Shabbat) – there were nearly 12 remaining hours of Shabbat… 12 hours to rest, pray, read, study, eat, sleep, swim, talk, and laugh. By way of comparison, the shortest Shabbat in the year (or the one with least daylight hours) is about 8 to 8.5 hours long.

On one hand, 12 hours of Shabbat - wow, that’s amazing! You can get a lot done in so much time. It sounds like bliss. (But on the other hand, wow… that’s a long time.) If you haven’t ever spent 12 full hours (minus maybe one or two for a nap) in the close company of your immediate family, then you probably don’t have any idea what this day was like!

Disclaimer: although this post was written tongue in cheek, the day was truly pleasant, restful, and a delight – everything Shabbat should be.

Reflecting on a year at the USO

Julianna and I are coming up on a full year of volunteering with the USO – by the end of July, we will have reached 12 months of service at the Charlotte USO. In honor of that milestone, and in the spirit of patriotism surrounding us as the 4th of July approaches, here are the top 10 reasons we love coming to the USO:

1. (M) Any excuse to be at the airport! “Ladies and gentlemen, please keep a close watch on your personal baggage at all times… if you notice any suspicious persons or unusual activity, please report it to your nearest law enforcement officer.” Love it. And there never are any policemen around when this announcement plays.

2. (J) Our ever-growing list of “friends” among the airport personnel: Freddie, Darren, Pete, John Regeis, Mike, Rich, Chris…and the list goes on and on.

3. (M) “WE NEED THEM. THEY NEED THE USO. THE USO NEEDS YOU. IT’S THAT SIMPLE.” 

(You can visit www.uso-nc.org to see what else is going on in Charlotte, or go to www.uso.org to find a center near you.)

4. (J) Those long, introspective walks down the B Concourse to pick up 40 Bojangles biscuits at 6:15am. The walk there is pleasant. The walk back? …no comment.

5. (M) Parking 3 miles from the airport, in the small hours of the morning, and taking an employee shuttle to the concourse. Since we are the only ones not in uniform, most people assume we work at the US Airways lounge. Which sounds a little… sketch, if you catch my drift.

6. (J) Knowing that flashing your biggest, brightest smile and giving your cheeriest “Good morning!” actually will make someone’s day.

7. (M) Employee badges. With photos. As if it wasn’t bad enough to get a driver’s license, here’s another chance to get your picture taken under harsh fluorescent lighting! Yay! When the badges were first issued, there was… a glitch with the layout… so the pictures were distorted and we looked like pointy-headed aliens… however, the updated badges have corrected this fault. <sigh of relief>

8. (J) When some random man or woman decides that standing up front and talking with us is *better* than sitting in the armchairs with free food and free coffee. I mean, I totally agree with them – but it’s always a lot of fun when someone else realizes it, too.

9. (M) The way each shift is a new experience. Searching for dental floss… figuring out how to work the DVD player… learning the subtle difference between video game controllers… shipping a serviceman’s jacket accidentally left behind… trying to locate documents in the B concourse lost and found… meeting a policeman from the K9 unit and his dog… greeting Mr. and Mrs. Jack Ahart as they came through (Jack is the former Charlotte USO director)… flipping through the comments notebook and seeing all the rave reviews for our center… sympathizing with travelers when their flights are delayed another 3 hours… getting the call that our missing co-worker overslept… it’s always different and always an adventure.

10. (J) Getting to know our coworkers really well. Don, who likes to work Christmas Day with his wife, Paula, since they are older and their kids have moved out – what better way to spend Christmas than ministering to our military and spending time with each other? Boyd, who loves Godiva chocolate – especially the White Chocolate Raspberry Star. Oscar, who knows everything about everything going on at the airport, the USO, and the US Airways Lounge. Kathleen, who has gone back to college as an adult to take culinary classes, because she loves to cook. You get the idea. With three hours on a slow morning, people tend to open up about themselves.

Conclusion? We ♥ the USO.

:: [(no subject)] ::

1. Almost every day someone finds our website by searching for poolside seats. This is because of a small post last spring which announced the availability of our swimming pool, called “Poolside Seats Are Now Available.” The post, somewhat deceptively titled, had nothing to do with poolside seats (it can be summarized as “the pool is open.”). *googles poolside seats* But there we are on the first page of hits. Perhaps disappointingly, we don’t sell poolside seats… we don’t even have lovely Pottery Barn-type photos of our outdoor furniture. What is a poolside seat? A chaise lounge? A lawn chair? Could a porch swing be considered a poolside seat? Or should the term be used literally, like sitting on the actual pool edge and dangling your toes in the water?

2. We set up a distribution list for our family, used it all the time because it was so much easier than typing six email addresses, and found out recently that one of our business partners, a Canadian firm, has been on the list all along… somehow.  *frowns at the in-house technicians* This security breach has potentially compromised internal affairs at The Residence (or at least given LPI a few really terrific pics of the vacation rentals at Holden Beach and copies of several birthday lists).

3. And speaking of security… someone in North Carolina just got a new camera! It wasn’t us! But… we paid for it! Anyone using ecommerce these days runs the risk of fraud, but it’s one of those things we never expect will happen to us. We weren’t sure about the charge on our business credit card… the email “OK, WHO SPENT THE MONEY AT NEWEGG?” went around to QV employees… and then after a short but painful formal inquiry we realized that yes, there are thieves among us. Well, not among us, but…you get the idea. So if you just purchased a new FUJIFILM camera with our card (and don’t want to admit it), you’re welcome. Enjoy. Take lots of pictures for us.

For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow

by Julianna Squicciarini

Well, it’s Father’s Day. Again. And that must mean we’re heading up to Boone Fork Trail for our annual Father’s Day hike on that “moderately easy” woodland path.

<chuckle> NOT!

No, readers, Boone Fork Trail was an interesting and perhaps worthwhile experience, which will not be repeated in the near future. This Father’s Day, we played it very safe and got our dad a grill. Or, rather, he got himself a grill and our mom helped pick it out. And, seeing as that gift wasn’t really from us, WE (meaning his five children) got him a monogrammed leather wine dossier to keep track of his favorite bottles. Talk about Children of the Century.

So today, instead of getting up to Boone nice and early, we slept in late and our dad cooked us a great breakfast. On his new grill. I know – weird. Especially considering that it was an egg breakfast…hmmm….well, the eggs were cooked inside. He did the sausage and hashbrowns (do I even need to say it was kosher sausage? you all know that by now, right?). It was very good.

And instead of trekking through damp forests and sidestepping cow patties, we sunbathed and swam with friends in our gorgeous 20×40′ pool. Our father graciously allowed us to have an Open Swim this afternoon. What a guy!

And as we speak (or as I type), our father is subbing for Emeril and cooking us an amazing dinner. Also on his grill. THAT gift was a hit. It’s a steak that’s bigger than my head. However, it only feeds 4 to 6 people. There’s something wrong with this picture…

On that delicious note, may I take this opportunity to wish all the fathers reading this the very happiest and relaxed Father’s Day ever. I’m sure you all deserve it.

For he’s a jolly good fellow, which nobody can deny!

Cleverly Disguised As A Responsible Adult

Peter drove me to the Promenade last week.

It was a strange feeling.

No, we didn’t use my car. He’s a little too big for it, if you know what I mean. And the whole “cute” thing doesn’t fit his personality. Not that he’s not cute, please don’t misunderstand.

We remind him frequently that he’ll make more money when he can drive. The way Quo Vadis operates, it’s always helpful to have a bright, personable, technican who can easily do onsite work and have personal interaction with clients. Despite the incentive, he doesn’t have overwhelming enthusiasm to get out there and practice… but that could just be his laid back, easygoing nature. I don’t know.

He did pretty well, all things considered. There was one moment when I said casually, “slow down…” and he answered indignantly, “I’m going the speed limit!” …and then we almost hit the car in front of us, which had come to a somewhat sudden stop to make  a left turn off Stallings Road.

I’m pretty cool with the whole learning-to-drive thing. My dad tends to get a little …emphatic with his instructions, while my mother brings knitting along to distract her from other vehicles zipping by as the new driver races recklessly along the road. But as I see it, isn’t getting home alive the most important part of driving? That’s pretty much undisputed. So why not have fun along the way, giving someone a chance to make those first-time faux pas… turns that are a little too sharp, struggling to fit into a parking spot, weaving back and forth on the road, getting lost in your own neighborhood…

“Life Is Too Short To Be Small.” ~Benjamin Disraeli

The summer is finally taking off… or should I say, about to begin. Either way, we’re approaching events of particular import and excitement, specifically a cause for great celebration and festivity…

Namely, my birthday.

It’s interesting, the way our family was constructed… that the first child has the last sequential birthday during the year (and the last child has the first birthday). It takes forever to arrive at my birthday in July. But they say waiting for something longer makes you appreciate it more…

At first I wasn’t sure if I wanted to get a year older, this year, but… after much thought and consideration… I’ve decided to go ahead and have the birthday after all.

Don’t miss an important note from last year, “What if everybody did”…

Not-So-Sweet 16

by Julianna Squicciarini

It was Tuesday, June 9, at around 6:30pm. My dad and Peter had just returned from some kind of shopping excursion (can it be?) at…Costco, or Lowe’s, or something like that. Peter walked into the kitchen, and my mom said, “Oh, Peter – I forgot to mention one other part of your birthday you don’t know about yet,” and gestured helpfully toward the family room. Peter, being his brilliant but semi-oblivious self, walked into the family room to be greeted by the loudest and most energetically male “SURPRISE!” I have ever heard.

That’s right, readers. Our brother finally had his first birthday party. He turned 16 on June 9 this year, and his loving and adoring family planned and executed the *perfect* surprise party in his honor. <bows to the applauding crowds>

After Peter’s arrival, the party really started. Several brave souls ventured onto the unofficial volleyball court, and their antics were punctuated with shouts of “FAIL!” from those who had chosen less physical exertion (JAMES. CLAYTON. PETER…).

The food was delicious, the desserts were excellent. Couldn’t have asked for a more crowd-friendly menu than burgers and hot dogs.

Our pool, by the end of the evening, looked to have lost about…500 gallons, conservatively speaking. This was after *several* cannonballs and many mass jumps. Turns out that when eight people jump into the pool at the same time, the water doesn’t have anywhere to go but up and out. Who knew?! Many people ended up in the pool a little earlier than they had planned…due to some strong shoves  But hey. That’s what makes a pool party fun, right? Right.

All in all, this was an excellent party. We’re looking for a repeat performance sometime in the very near future! In fact, why set a date? Spontaneity is the order of the day. Drop by anytime…

<conspiritorially looks both ways before hitting the Publish button>

My Father’s House: Part 5

To wrap up my extended review of the Wisconsin trip, let’s see… where was I? Thursday, Friday, and Saturday were full days (especially with Friday being the actual holiday of Shavu’ot)… by Sunday morning we were more than a little sleep-deprived, but enjoying ourselves immensely and sad that the conference was almost over. After a fantastic class by Daniel Lancaster early Sunday afternoon about the Temple as mentioned in Hebrews, we literally ran out of Beth Immanuel, shouting goodbyes over our shoulders, jumped in the car, and started our drive home.

It was Decided (note: not by me) to change our watches to Eastern Daylight Time as we drove out of Hudson… the assumption being that this would help us easily revert to our own timezone. My objections (1. just because you tell me it’s 5pm doesn’t change the fact that where I am right now it’s only 4pm; 2. my super smart phone gets the right time from satellites or something, so I can’t change it; and 3. why make time go by any faster than it has to… I was planning to use that hour!) were overruled by the majority opinion.

So we made Rockford by 10pm (but it was really only 9pm) and found our hotel (and I say “our” because  we stayed there on the way up/north and chose to return to the same place on our way down/south… loyalty being our defining characteristic). Not surprisingly, the staff recognized us. I do believe it was Mr. Rogers’ southern charm that made an impression on them.

The whirlpool was just as good as we remembered. =)

We dragged ourselves down in the morning at an ungodly hour, as my esteemed father would say, and watched Mr. Rogers cheerfully consume several bowls of cereal (drivers need to be well-nourished, you know). It took all day to get home. I think we only stopped 3 times… although it may have been 4… but in our defense it is very important  to prevent blood clots by walking around at intervals during road trips. And this comes straight from Mrs. Rogers herself.

We pulled into Asheville around 9pm, said goodbye again, this time to Mr. and Mrs. Rogers, with whom we are now on quite intimate terms… and drove to Charlotte. “Meanwhile,” as they say, “back at the homestead,” the family was setting up the most elaborate cheese party I’ve ever seen. They kept texting us about their preparations… and it was everything they described. I love coming home. We were greeted with flowers, and hugs, and a really incredible spread of food, considering that it was after 11pm. And so we sat on the floor around our glass table and compared notes about the week… they told stories about amusing incidents at the Shavuot party here, and we told them stories about amusing incidents in Hudson (yes, Boaz Michael, I’m talking about you… ) and finally we went to bed…

And that is the story of our trip to Hudson.

The End.

My Father’s House: Part 4

Thursday afternoon Julianna and I were part of a tea party, organized by our friend Shayna Michael. It was almost something out of an Austen novel – twenty young ladies sitting gracefully around a long table, each with her own china teacup, delicately sipping tea and making polite conversation, surrounded by lace, fresh flowers, elegant place settings with handmade place cards and personal tea diffusers… and we spent a few hours together, girls of many different backgrounds gathered in one place, girls who shared a common denominator of being those who “keep the commandments of  G-d and their faith in the Messiah.” To me, there was a sense of foreshadowing, as if you could look around the table and see these girls ten or twenty years from now, with their own families, raising the next generation to practice our faith. To glimpse the future like that fills me with awe. This tea party is a lovely memory, and the start of many friendships.