oh, july, where did you go?

Thanks for the messages while I've been 'away.' It's been a busy summer I guess. Let's see, graduated in June, celebrated, went back to work... turned 37 in July. Worked some more. Oh dear, missed a 20 year high school reunion a couple of days after my birthday - but had a great time reconnecting with some classmates on facebook and email. Oh, internet, you make me seem like I'm not so anti-social after all! Thanks all for the links to reunion pics!

Todd's a 3rd degree Freemason... what does that mean? Or as I put it, how does that affect me? Well, he had to work the Clark County Fair Demolay booth at the beginning of this month. I felt like a fair-widow. Then his lodge hosted the Oklahoma Indian Degree Team and he's on that committee, so again, a little lonely in the Dow house. But he's back. Oh and the Indians made me dance at the Pow Wow. I have to get some pics of that and post them. It was a little like my boss making me line dance when we were in Nashville for a conference a while back. Not like I could say no, but it was a good time. A good friend explained it to me, my husband is a joiner. She comes from a family of joiners, so she knows. I was in a sorority at Cal Poly so I get the philanthropic part. I'm just not a joiner. It's his thing and I love him, so I support him. And shout out to all the Chi-O's in the Beta Kappa chapter!

Before I forget, we got a puppy! Misty is a gorgeous, energetic 7 month old Weimaraner. See for yourself!

What else... hmm... I wasn't going to blog this but I just emailed a request to Kina Grannis and told this story so... She did a KSCR radio show back in May and sang 'Make It Go' (00:38:10 in the recording) which i really loved. I asked if she'd play it on an upcoming Stickam Live show (time tbd).

I don't know the real story behind the lyrics, but the first time I listened from a mom's perspective. I thought of a child trying to make sense where there is none. Well my dad recently finished a round of cancer treatments and it made me feel about 10 years old. He's out of the woods for the moment and we're counting our blessings. But a lot has changed in the way he lives. He left for the Philippines at the beginning of the month because he can't bare the thought of not seeing his home at least once more in his life.

I hope she sings it. I hope the song doesn't make you sad. Don't get me wrong, tears come easily when I think of losing family members. Just that the sad parts are what remind me to look for an excuse to make an international phone call. What better gift than that? Then it's all 'My Time With You' ;-)

Today (at least it was today when I started writing this) is my mom's birthday. Happy birthday mom! I called to tell her I love her but I hope she doesn't read my blog. Oh well. Just in case, mom, you're my hero. Seriously, she is.