Monday, September 27, 2010

It's Go Time?... More Like Panic Time!

What was I thinking starting a new program at work?  For those of you who have been left out of the loop, I am now the Head of Dance at my school. I am building the Dance program from the ground up, and I am so super overwhelmed! However, that is the least of my problems!

To add to the insanity further, we are moving!  In fact, my lack of posts has been because I have been packing like a mad woman trying to get everything in order before this Saturday!

They say that a wedding, a renovation, and death are the only other moments in life that are as stressful as moving; I believe it!  We have been through all of them and this one is brutal.  My biggest point of contention lately has been the carpets.  I know, I know, this really does not seem to be that awful of an issue, but getting a person in to clean the carpets has been the struggle.  You see, although we closed the deal two months ago, the previous owner of our home has felt the need to hold on to the keys of the home until the very last minute she could.  The home is vacant, she even made a point of saying that if she were out early she would let us know. But no, she has held on and will hold on until the last moment.  And although our carpet man could have come anytime this week, he will be forced to come two days after we move in because, in grand Erica and Dave style, the local home show he is participating in is on the same day as we move in.

It is no surprise to those that know me that I am totally OCD.  So if the next two weeks do not lead me to insanity, nothing will.  I must look on the bright side though, it has been a very long haul for Dave and I.  We spent this past Sunday in my mom's driveway enjoying a little moment relishing the fact that it would be the last Sunday we would have to part to start our weeks alone.

Here's to next Sunday... we may not have clean carpets, we may be sleeping on the floor, but at least we we will not say goodnight to each other over the phone!  Here's to progress...

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

A Rose By Any Other Name...

What is the big deal about last names?  Why do we get so caught up with identifying ourselves with them?  Think of the names Hilton, or Vanderbilt, or Trudeau. Why do we associate anyones actual personality with these inherited titles?

The truth is, I am guilty.  Though I am married I do not have my husband's last name legally. Yes, yes, I see the name we use for the blog, and the name on our personal stationary (Oh, how I do love personalized stationary!) We even go by Olden when we make dinner reservations.  In polite company, to our friends and family, we are the Olden family. However, when I step into my classroom or the doctors office, or the MTO,  I am not an Olden.

I am the last of my family to be a McNiece. My brother, the only male namesake surviving beyond my father, has three girls.  I am the last of the last.  So, for the many people who ask me, "why don't you change your name?" I must confess, for 31 years I have been a McNiece and I have been more proud of that name than I could ever explain.  Do I associate my personality with my inherited title? You bet I do. Both good and bad, I am part of an awesome legacy.

So, my business cards say Ms. E. McNiece.  I am still the proud wife of Mr. D. Olden.  And that rose smells just as sweet!