Pondering

1. At the top of the pondering list is a very recent (and seemingly positive) memo from the director of the agency. Here is a little excerpt for your enjoyment...We are awaiting a number of referrals from Vietnam and hope to receive these referrals at the beginning of May. We will send an update to the larger group of families once the families have received their referrals." A number of referrals"...makes me go hmmm. Could be 2, could be 10. I know for certain that there are 2 baby boy referrals coming from Hai Doung. Binh Thuan is the unknown here as there have never been referrals from the south. What I do know is that the January travelling families were told there WERE babies in the south and that the in-country staff would be working in the south after Tet.
2. My mom has slipped disks in her lower back, number 4 and 5 if I remember correctly. Slipping in opposite directions apparently. Probably has surgery in her future. That sucks, but so does the constant pain that has had no explanation for nearly 3 years.
3. Asian Lily Beetles. I dislike them. A lot. In fact, I dislike most every insect but the Asian Lily beetle is a bug I can squish between my fingers without a second thought. The only effective alternative to squishing seems to be a vile smelling and not good for the dog pesticide that cost me 25 bucks for half a litre and all I needed was 2 tablespoons worth. I love my Asiatic lily garden. I'll post a picture later this week.
4. Puppy Love seems to have another ear infection...I love my pet insurance.
5. Basement cleaning occurred yesterday with the support of Benjaminh's future pseudo Grandma Carol and her son Uncle Matt. This cleaning is the precursor to emptying my classroom of 17 years worth of children's literature and classroom equipment. I've been "placed" in the library for the Fall term and I hope I won't even be there....but rather will be on parental leave. Fingers crossed.
6. A group of 6 families leave for Vietnam on May 23rd and on June 14th I will be at that airport weeping like a baby when they arrive home.

Lots on my mind...I think I will go shopping now as a bit of a distraction.

Looking forward to a waiting mommies dinner next weekend, a flower sale in the neighbourhood and a quick trip to see my mom on mother's day.

The following weekend I'm off for a spa day with my fellow EG's...can't wait. We will be celebrating L's trip to Vietnam on the 22 and with any luck J and I will have moved up the waiting list a "number" of spots (she is #5 and I'm # 6....)