The Absent Minded Professor

So, I am having such a difficult time finding contracts to look at and bid on that I am thinking I may have to create my own opportunity.  What if I approached the Universities and offered myself up.  I am a sixteen year professional licensed in two different states and perhaps I can inspire some young kid to chose contracting as their life plan.  Maybe I can get the University to allow me to build something, perhaps a water tank or pedestrian/utility tunnel and at the same time pay me to consult with the teach staff of engineering and construction management as a traveling professor.   I will consult the entire semester.  Their students can then observe and learn from grubbing to punch list a project, on -campus, and in real time.  Entrepreneurship can be taught.

Our infrastructure is aged and decaying.  It was built decades ago and the neglect is wearing and showing from sea to shining sea.  In light of our current economic conditions, it would seem wise on the Obama administrations part, to put our citizens back to work with a comprehensive recalibration of our highway and freeway systems.  If we have to spend the money, then, we as citizens would like some nice roads and utilities.  It makes a difference in our lives.  Construction spurs the economy and creates jobs such as grocery stores, restaurants, laundry mats, building materials, rentals, accounting/payroll, petroleum, signs, etc.  There is a lot of us out here that need a boost.  We would prefer that we stop all foreign aid for five years and allow the world to turn without our contribution and divide that money equally between all fifty states and spend it directly on our infrastructure. Surely the worlds other countries can live without Americans for that long.  The fate of this Nation lies in the success of our educations.  The education is not in books.  Life is the education.

So Very Blessed

This week is Aaron and Tajas wedding.  As the thundershowers build in the sky every night, we all began to watch the skies and forecasts.  Sixty percent chance the thunderbeings will be in attendance :)  I actually like that idea.  Seems like good Karma to have the Native American equivalent of the Lovers in attendance at a wedding.  I hope they are best friends, lovers and partners.  What mother wouldn't want that for her child?  Every time one of the kids gets married, I reflect on my own. I wonder if I have given my son the tools he needs to be a great man?  I remember all the mistakes I have made and wonder how much therapy will take to reverse my affects?  I hope he is ready for everything that a marriage will bring.  So many people plan the wedding but not the marriage.

 I call my friend Jeremy to inquire about his tent.  Wouldn't want our guests getting wet. The wet spring and high snow pack have given way to flooding  throughout the state.  The park they were supposed to get married at flooded.  I guess someone lost their dog in the rapid run off and we wouldn't want that to be a child.  That would change us all forever.  There is also some concern about the bridge integrity.  So, officially (as of yesterday), we are searching for a new venue four days before the wedding.  I told Taja never fear,  Jeff and I planned our own wedding in six days.  It's gonna be alright :)

They went to her parents and immediately and it was decided their ceremony will be held in the back yard in Paradise.  Hopefully, the park down the street will be available for the Brunch.  Tomorrow they can speak with the lady that rents it for the city.  Cutting it close, but, I found a heads up penny yesterday.  The raised letters captured my eyes.   "In God We Trust" is what it said.

I couldn't do this without help from my family and friends. Everyone is willing to pitch in.  They offer whatever helping hands I need.  From food procurement to the actual cooking and serving.  Flower ideas and table topping.  How do you thank someone properly for selflessly jumping in and making things happen?  

Today is a Hallowed day...

Today is a sacred day. The cycle of birth and death.  My morning began when I woke from a dream by the phone ringing.  I answered it without checking the caller ID that all phones seem to have.  My father in laws voice told me that my husband had lost a woman who helped raise him into the man he is today, my beloved.   His dear sweet Grandmother had passed away. I am happy I went over there to tell her thank you and what a good job she did with him.  He has fond memories of her homemade candy and sleeping in the pear tree or "catching fish" in the canal behind her house. Of brotherly love of fighting downstairs in their room with the evidence still there. She meets with her man and her daughters and son that have already crossed over.  God Bless her soul.

I woke my kids to get up for the day.  My son was the only one who responded.  Alex and I went alone and he drove me (with his new learners permit) to the cemetery. Today, I lay Steve to rest. We held a graveside service. A hawk screeched and screeched and screeched, demanding my attention.  That is the sign of a visit from God, it is good medicine.  It reminds me to be open to Heavens winds of change.  I am grateful. The Pearly gates are wide open today! As the service began, a golden dragonfly landed on the corner of his picture. It sat there a long time.  Dragonfly is the essence of the winds of change, the messages of wisdom and enlightenment in a book I read. Another sign from above. I pour out my heart when it was my turn to speak, my tissues disintegrating into nothing.  His brother knelt before his grave and dedicated his grave to be holy ground.  After, a lone bagpiper played "Amazing Grace" in his full kilt as a nod to his ancestry sending chills up my spine was a fitting close.    I consecrated the grave with my tears as buried him with my own hands. 

I feel orphaned.  To see his friends of the past brought a smile to my face.  They promised to always be my fan club.