Christina Rowland

Peeps

2010-05-01T07:06:00.000-07:00

Winner of the 1st Annual HealthyUNH Peep Show (individual category). I believe I've unleashed the dormant dollhouse fanatic in me! FMI: UNH's Peep Show

p.s. they are pictured in the "upward Peep" pose

2010-03-06T07:37:00.001-08:00

I second the big shout out to the linemen of PSNH!

Holy Cow, where does the time slip away to? Last post --- New Year's day -- fast forward, beginning of March. My head spins as a consequence of the time travel. Don't have anything of importance to say; do I ever?

Winter is slowly departing, temps are rising, spring is on the verge. And I, for one, am so damn thankful. So here's to the soon arriving warmer days of spring, mud season, and forsythia bloomin'. I'll hum to myself, "when the red, red robin, comes bob, bob bobbing along."

New Year's Day

2010-01-01T08:48:00.000-08:00

Where oh where are my black-eyed peas? The one southern tradition I still honor devoutly is enjoying black-eyed peas on New Year's Day. I'm not sure from where the folklore comes that says the peas will bring you a blessed new year, but hey! I'm not one to fight against tradition, superstition, or just yummy peas!
Drove 12 hours yesterday (through snow, uphill -- both ways) to get back home before this weekend's snow event. And just when did storms become events? I guess no one wants to commit weather scenarios before they actually happen. Anyway, a long journey from The County to home. Glad to be nestled in my small but cozy a.p.t., looking forward to lounging away the day, putzing at this and that and welcoming in the new year with calming centeredness and some oniony black-eyed peas.

Warm Thanksgiving Wishes

2009-11-21T07:15:00.000-08:00

Vanity Cards

2009-11-14T07:21:00.000-08:00

It's a must read.

It Makes My Brain Ache!

2009-08-10T14:17:00.000-07:00

There's got to be some better way to manage the multiple need for strong and secure passwords. Here I am an IT person and I find it absolutely terrifying sometimes all the passwords I'm retaining (or not in many cases) in my head.

I know there is technology out there that will someday make it easier and leave me little doubt to its security, but until then, "what is my favorite automobile" and "my first pet's name" will have to do. Maybe....

Those Hazy, Crazy Days of Summer

2009-08-05T13:31:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I attended a Class of 1977 50th Birthday Part. That is a 50th birthday party for those of us turning or having turned 50 during this year. What a great bunch of old people! I was commenting to friends that I have to keep adjusting my perception of "oldness." I see folk on the street and think casually, 'hey, they are about my age' and then I realize, um, no that isn't true. I am older, elder, elderly....whatever!

My mom, who rationalizes her youth, is very funny about saying 'you are only as old as you feel.' Well then somedays I'm akin to a geriatric coot, somedays I'm a gazelle. Most days, I'm 50 and actually loving it.

Summer Days and Nights!

2009-07-13T12:03:00.000-07:00

Finally!!!!! And that's all I'm going to say!

Windows 7

2009-05-10T13:57:00.001-07:00

Woohoo! I’ve taken the “big” step and downloaded and installed RC Windows 7. Right now it’s playing very well with others on my Toshiba laptop. I’m amazed at how this old dog learns new software and OS fairly easy. Of course, now that I’ve said that, all hell will break loose.

I’ve been back from vaca for one week; and in that week I’ve celebrated my 10 year anniversary at work; Mother’s Day, and my first-ever fish tacos. All were wonderful!

Vacation Memories

2009-05-05T13:47:00.000-07:00

The harsh reality of it all. Returning from a wonderful, relaxing vacation to the hyped-up, zipped-up world of college life. Crikey!

I must remember to center myself, breath deeply and listen for the sound of waves crashing to the shore, seagulls squawking, and the salt-tinged smell of the air. Just that will put me back in memory mode and sustain me for a wee bit longer.

To Cell Phone Or Not To Cell Phone

2009-04-03T16:47:00.000-07:00

So yesterday I had to call customer service for a credit card I use. It was a simple phone call, I needed to update my mailing address. Trust me, I had tried using the website, but didn't seem able to find the exact location in my profile for that specific account. Instead I turned to the phone for reliable customer service.

The account rep was fantastic and easily updated my information. In ending the conversation she said she noticed that some of my information was incomplete, and would I like to update the account information with my cell phone number?

Her question didn't astound me, rather it was my response. I whispered, almost guiltily that "ssssh, don't tell anyone, but I don't have a cell phone." Years and years I've struggled with all the anguish of "guilt feelings" installed by parents, by things not done, by lives not led, by wasted moments that are gone and lost forever. And I've been pretty damn successful in ridding myself of those guilt trappings. I just can't believe I'm now allowing myself to even think about feeling guilty over a cold metal and plastic piece of technology. I choose NOT to be instantly connected and tethered to some electronic device I have no love for nor use in owning. Guilt -- be gone!

Ah Sugar Sugar....

2009-03-15T17:04:00.000-07:00

Today while I was out for a walk I noticed all the maple sugar tins hanging from the maple sugar trees. I had taken my camera so here's a shot of what the tins hanging from the trees looks like.

Just down the road from this stand of trees, there's a farm that also has maple sugar collecting canisters up. BUT this farm uses plastic "mud-bucket" type collection containers.

I don't know but something just doesn't seem authentic when you see plastic 5 gallon buckets hanging from a tree collecting sap. There's a majesty to the old rusty tins juxtaposed with new shiny ones. The mysticism in maple sugaring is the tradition and the art of collection.

Plastic containers never say "art" to me. Just sayin'....

Marketing Teaser for New Process

2009-02-08T10:11:00.000-08:00

Sometimes what I do is fun.....

When the Red Red Robin Comes Bob Bob Bobbin...

2009-02-08T09:57:00.000-08:00

The other day I stopped by the landlord's to drop off the rent check. Sitting on their front porch was a very fat and fine robin who didn't seem at all afeared of my encroaching presence. Anytime of the year this would be unusual, but more so since this was an extremely cold day in early February.

The robin finally flew away but perched close by in a wisteria bush. I commented to Patti that there was a big old fat robin hanging out on her porch. She responded that "Dad's back." I didn't have time to hear out her story, but I'm assumed the robin was the re-incarnated spirit of her long-departed father.

As I turned to leave and stepped off the porch. I spied a frozen, dead bird laying in the pathway. Amazed that I hadn't seen it when I walked up to the house, I felt a keen sense of loss for the watchful robin.

I'm not so sure that the waiting robin was the reincarnated spirit of some long-lost father. But rather, a grieving spouse of a deceased robin. Now I'm no ornithologist or psychic, but it struck me eerily to be that way.

Happiest of New Years

2009-01-05T09:47:00.000-08:00

Yes, it's the 5th already, yes I could have logged in a posted something poignant earlier, but like many other resolutions easily misplaced or disregarded, I didn't. Oh well.
It's Monday, back at work with a zillion e-mails and little catch-ups to do. It's not a difficult day, but just a long one. The reality of resolutions gone awry already and much to do and much to organize seems so daunting. Ah, but I'll breathe, chant an "Ohmmmm" or two and practice some mindful behavior (geez what kind of new age crap I easily spout, eh?).
Here's to finding my center, remaining calm and creating a new path this year. Oh boy....

Ice Storm 2008

2008-12-21T16:38:00.000-08:00

The ice storm was like a double-edged sword....beautiful and dangerous. While I was without power for seven days, many thousands of others in NH are still without power. The storm served to reawaken the gratitude I have in being able to flip a switch and have light, turn a handle and have hot water, and click a remote and have a television signal. Life is, indeed, good. Happy Holidays.

Wish Lists

2008-12-07T16:28:00.000-08:00

Dateline: 1968
I remember vividly being given the keys to the kingdom by my Mom....that is the Christmas Wish Book from Sears. My sister and I were told to pick an item from each page that we'd want. Now mind you, we were also told that Santa would not bring us all the items, but this was Santa's way of discovering what it was we valued. I remember carefully scrutinizing each page in the toy section, pouring over the contents, reading slowly each item's description and strategically planning every choice. It was fantastic!
Fast forward 40 years, and now I carefully research on-line sales, item descriptions, best prices and carefully pick what I add to my Amazon.com Wish List. The process is just as fun, I still know Santa won't bring me all that I wish for, but I still get the thrill of "drooling" at Christmas without the ache to the pocketbook. The media has changed, the method hasn't.
Merry Christmas.

Video Production Fun! Video Editing Fun!

2008-12-03T09:46:00.000-08:00

Gary Puckett and Union Gap

2008-11-28T06:41:00.001-08:00

Okay, so it's Third Grade, I'm in Teague Park Elementary School, it's winter and I'm playing on a hard-crusted snow bank (some form of King of the Mountain). I remember Gary Puckett and the Union Gap's top song of the moment -- "Young Girl." Oh, I still can almost smell the cold snow and frozen toes and singing that song at the top of my cold lungs, 'young girl, get outta my mind, my love for you is way outta line, better run girl, you're much to young girl.' And the clothes they wore, how 'bout those Nehru Jacket-like long coats?
I now am the proud owner of the CD, Best of Gary.... I play it A LOT, it's great workout music and it take me back to the uncomplicated days of my young-girl life. Is there anything better?

Vote!

2008-11-04T12:20:00.000-08:00

Halloween Dreams

2008-10-27T09:28:00.000-07:00

Because I spent a majority of my 30s putting myself through college by bartending and working in bars, I've grew to love the "adult" holiday of Halloween. Not the trick or treating, but the donning of wierd, simple, fantastic, or complex costumes. I never set out to win any prizes, but I truly love the design and engineering of great costumes. Let's see, I've been a web server, a file server, the energizer bunny, Miss Conception and a variety of Monty Python characters.
Since this year Halloween falls on a work Friday, I'm contemplating my Friday costume. Maybe I'll post a picture next week when I decide what I will became on Fright Day....

IT @ Home!

2008-10-19T16:22:00.000-07:00

I've got to tell you that sometimes being a "geek @ home" has real disadvantages. I've spent innumerable hours this weekend creating backup processes, culling photographs, updating software, organizing music files, etc. I'm good at it, but boy what time it takes! I'm just feeling the need to say Oy Vey! Oh well...all my files are backed-up, the tasks are automated, my data files are better organized, and I do feel better (read: more secure). I'm ready for a computer crash, but please "goddness of my hard drive", please be kind and let me be just a bit more geeky without retribution anytime soon. Amen.

Downeaster Train

2008-10-11T12:48:00.001-07:00

Boston - what a awesome city. I caught the Downeaster down on Friday morning and spent a wonderful day in the city with a long-lost friend. We walked, we talked, we ate, we shopped, we walked some more.

I am amazed at the history in Boston (now I shouldn't really be amazed because I DID study it in grade school), but somehow the past really comes to life when you wander the streets of Beantown.

My amazement also probably stems from my country-ways kind of life. City life with its corresponding noise, traffic and virtual assault on your senses is intense. I'm sure that's why Amtrak going down to Boston is a way to slowly build the intensity level -- (of course this could all be hooey and I should just "deal" with it.

Well here's to Paul Revere, Boston Commons and a great day in the city. Glad to be home, but always glad to venture away too.

What I Will Do On My Fall Vacation

2008-10-06T11:23:00.000-07:00

At the end of week, shall I do a show and tell? Excitedly skip up to the front of the classroom with my secrets to share. Nervous and giddy simultaneously? Remember those early fall school days after saying good-bye to summer? That's akin to how I feel this week, and....
....it's fall vacation week --I feel relaxed, calm and a bit excited at the prospect of doing anything, everything and nothing. No plans, no must-dos, no schedules, no to-do lists, just simply enjoying a week calming and indulging myself. So this week it's slow mornings with great tasting coffee, wearing slippers and fleece pants and showering when I want and not when I don't, playing, sleeping and just absolutely whatever.
Ahhh, I wish these days could last forever....