Thank you for an amazing, wonderful, lifechanging Odyssey adventure.

 Dunwoody Homeowners Association's 2010 Odyssey of the Mind Middle School Team: Kendall Lowrey, Max Noto, Jack Jarrell, Will Bass, Anna Grace Nall, Sofia Gonzalo, Jennifer Kiser


From the moment the Dunwoody Homeowners Association's Odyssey of the Mind Middle School Team took second place at the State competition and discovered they had qualified for the World Finals, life took an abrupt and magical left turn.

Fundraising and practices, prop repairs and practices, paperwork and practices . . . all at the same time the kids were wrapping up classes and taking final exams.

We left for the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals at Michigan State University on Wednesday, May 26 and fell happily into a Looking Glass populated by 6,000 left-turn thinkers and that number again of coaches, chaperones, organizers, and other volunteers. Splendid silliness and happy camaraderie were the rule at Odyssey of the Mind World Finals. NASA was there, encouraging the next generation of out-of-this-world problem-solvers to consider a universe of possibilities in their futures. There were opening and closing ceremonies with an Olympic-style parade of nations; a Creativity Festival that challenged kids even further with fun-filled problems; teams from Russia, Poland, Singapore, China, Mexico, and more; and a never-ending cavalcade of teams with costumes and props made from cardboard boxes, duct tape, pvc pipe, bubble wrap, aluminum foil, and lots and lots of materials found curbside and at the local dump.

There were 63 teams competing in Discovered Treasures Division II; the team's final scores placed them in the top third of their peers, a very satisfying result for their first time "at bat."

By Sunday, as we boarded planes homeward bound, laden with souvenir pins (which gave the security folks fits) and proudly wearing World Finals team shirts, the kids knew they had just made some powerful lifelong memories.

Now we're back in the "real world," with lessons of outside-the-box problem solving and friendly competition now ingrained in each of the team members.

For this experience and opportunity, we say to the generous people and organizations who made the trip possible: thank you.

Team Sponsor

• Dunwoody Homeowners Association

Major Donors

• Rotary Club of Dunwoody
• Griffith Engineering
• Giant Leap Consulting
• Georgia Odyssey of the Mind Association
• Dan and Kay Weber
• Terry and Pam Melton

Donors

• Sally Abele
• Jeff and Julie Ackemann
• Jane Anderson 
• Anonymous
• Laura and Joe Bona 
• Burger King of Dunwoody
• Thomas and Peggy Bynum
• Paula Caldarella
• Diane Campbell
• David and Kelly Clinch
• Charles and Sharon Conway
• Costco, Dunwoody 
• Dunwoody Arts Festival
• Richard and Su Ellis
• Robert and Sandra Evilsizer
• Dean and Lisa Foust 
• Fair and Lance Franklin
• Paula Freeman
• David and Fran Fuller
• German and Kathryn Gonzalo
• Anne Grayson
• Jack and Stacy Harris
• Claire Waggenspack Hayes
• John and Kristin Heneghan
• Laynne Holloway 
• Casey and Kate Hopkins
• Julie and Charlie Hudak
• Liz and Scott Hudson
• Jason's Deli/Dunwoody
• Janelle Johnson
• Elizabeth and Mark Julian
• Polly and Joe Keen
• Doug and Debbie Kelly
• Tim Kelly
• Jim and Ceil Kelly
• Hilary and Don Lancaster
• Kacie Lowrey
• Jim and Karen McAlarney
• Matt and Nicole McAluney
• Mill Glen Swim and Tennis Club
• Kevin and Sharon Mims
• Dan and Susan Mitchell 
• Jim and Caren Morrison
• Joe and Sue Munger
• Joe and Sande Noto
• Joe and Sherry Noto 
• Kate and Steve Plumb
• Robin and Jeff Powell
• Melanie and Richard Rohrbach
• Cathy and Pat Sadler
• Lori and Jay Schultz
• Valerie Scott
• Margaret Spalding 
• Sweet Tomatoes, Peachtree-Dunwoody Road
• Laurel and Michael Sybilrud
• Nancy and Rick Wamsley
• Sue Weinshenker
• Edward and Mary Wynn
• Patrons of the Car Washes, Ice Cream Social, Spaghetti Supper, and Dunwoody Arts Festival Booth

Odyssey of the Mind
is an international educational program that provides creative problem-solving opportunities for students from kindergarten through college. Team members apply their creativity to solve problems that range from building mechanical devices to presenting their own interpretation of literary classics. They then bring their solutions to competition on the local, state, and World level. Thousands of teams from throughout the U.S. and from about 25 other countries participate in the program.  Currently, a documentary is airing on PBS featuring Odyssey of the Mind -- "ReCreating America: Creativity and Learning."

Dueling Projects

Today . . .

Son is leading his last Eagle Project workday. He's recruited at least a half dozen Scouts from Troop 764 to sort games and package them for Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. The Scouts will be labeling, sorting, cleaning, and accessorizing the sets. (I'm very sure snacking will be involved since Son made sure we had plenty of chips, sweets, and sodas.) He ended up with 26 game systems and enough games that each patient will have about 3 to enjoy while they're in the hospital. T will be the parent on deck while the guys work things out. If all goes well, he'll be ready to deliver them next week and begin his final paperwork.

AT THE SAME TIME,

Daughter and I are headed to Mill Glen Clubhouse to simmer spaghetti, set up the room, and prepare for this evening's Spaghetti Supper, the final fundraiser for her Odyssey of the Mind team's trip to World Finals. (Departure is this Wednesday!).

All that comes this afternoon and evening. But right now, it's quiet.   I could smell newly cut grass and caught the heady, earthy aroma of the tomato plants as I let the dog out this morning.  The keystrokes as I blog are the loudest sound in the kitchen.  Birds are warbling outside and my dog is grumbling deep in his throat as he glares at the neighbor's cat high-stepping through the wet grass in the back yard.  And I can hear T stirring upstairs as he reacts to the aroma of coffee.

This is the peaceful time, my favorite time of the day.

Good morning.

Pasgetty, please.

Great things are happening this week.

1. The Odyssey of the Mind team is serving up a spaghetti dinner Saturday night from 5:30 - 7:30 at Mill Glen Clubhouse. Adults $5, kids $3. Join us for dinner and help us get the kids to World Finals at Michigan State University! We're selling tickets so we get a head count for the masses of tasty sauce we're simmering for the fundraiser. Post here if you'd like to support the team and eat hearty at the same time.  Darlin' daughter will have presold tickets at Will Call, but walk-ins are certainly welcome as long as the sauce lasts! (Thanks to Mill Glen for letting us use the clubhouse for free.)

3. The City of Dunwoody is taking ownership of our Parks. Hurray! Nothing like a little local control to improve things all around.

4. Peachtree Charter Middle School's Blue Shadow Jazz Band was stood up by DeKalb County Schools transportation department. Despite months of practice, getting dressed in their tuxedo-shirt best, packing up their instruments, and showing up at school on time for the bus . . . they weren't able to compete in the annual Georgia Music Educators Association Jazz Band Competition on Saturday morning.  Because the bus never showed up. Oh, the transportation rep said sorry, but that didn't get the kids to the competition. Huge disappointment for the kids. And I bet we don't see a reimbursement for all the fees the school and parents had to pony up for the competition. And for the 8th grade students, there's no give-back for a lost opportunity to shine.

Nonetheless, they did a stellar job as part of Peachtree's Spring Band Concert, an outdoor event held this past Saturday night. Loved the solos, the crazy clothes (the theme was That's Crazy!), the great percussion bit with trash cans, and the huge turn out by friends and family.  Dunwoody High School's band was a special performing guest, giving the middle school band students a taste of the excellence ahead. Thanks to band teachers Mr. Shores, Mr. Hickman (PCMS), and Mr. Henderson (DHS) for leading the students so capably and enthusiastically.

5. Congratulations to Seth Inman, Valedictorian, and Graham Goldberg, Salutatorian for Dunwoody High School. Side note: both are members of DHS' Mock Trial Team, an amazing group of students who put lots of time and effort into this intensive competition each year.  Yeah, they did lots of other stuff, like take a kazillion AP classes, participate in sports and student government and service organizations, and get major scholarships to impressive schools. And get really, really good grades while juggling all of the above.

6.  School's out on Friday. Summer break begins.  I'm relieved that the stresses of school will go on hiatus. But rather than head back to school on August 9, in the heat of a Southern summer with the highest power bills of the year when we're in dire straits economically, I'd love for us to have year-round school with three-week breaks between sessions. Imagine getting that nothing-planned feeling four times a year! There's a reason Europeans take a break in August from school and work. It's HOT.

7. I'm nearly finished with the neverending Nora's Sweater from Interweave Knits. Can't wait to wear it next fall. But what am I going to knit on the plane and in Michigan during the Odyssey of the Mind festivities?

That wraps up Monday's thoughts. Busy, busy, busy week ahead.

We're working all weekend for the arts, but tonight we eat pizza

The Odyssey of the Mind team and parents will be manning a booth in the Children's Area of the inaugural Dunwoody Arts and Crafts Festival. I'm looking forward to seeing many, many Phonics Friends, neighborhood children, and friends' kids during the event.

This weekend is all about raising money, but tonight is FRIDAY, and that means pizza night!

Usually, I make homemade pizza on Fridays, changing the recipes to suit everyone's tastes. But this evening we're heading to Vintage Pizzeria in Chamblee. Great menu. And a separate adult section. I'm glad there's a family-friendly side, but we're well past the wriggly, face-smeared-with-pizza-sauce, squeals and giggles stage. (Yay.) I'm all about kids, between giving them hugs and a comforting lap at the Nature Center and teaching them the basics of phonics. But tonight I just want a slice of Jersey-style pizza, a glass of pinot noir, and quiet chats with our family and friends. Mmmmm. Of course, we'll follow up with ice cream from The Frosty Caboose, one of our favorite vendors during the July 4th fireworks at Keswick Park. (Honestly - if you've never watched the fireworks there, you're missing a real treat.)

Despite the gimpy ankle, I plan to trawl the arts and crafts booths before taking our shift tomorrow afternoon. The opportunity to see so many original works right here in Dunwoody . . . delightful. And the fact that our own Dunwoody High School's blossoming arts program can benefit . . . sublime.

See you at the Festival. Come by the Odyssey team booth and get some bubbles for the kids and make a tissue flower for Mom.

Dunwoody Arts Festival and Odyssey of the Mind

I am somewhat shamelessly plugging my kid's fundraising efforts for her team's Odyssey of the Mind World Finals competition. She is excited beyond words to be heading to Michigan State  University at the end of this month to compete against hundreds of other Middle School teams . . . and I am proud, proud, proud.

So far, wonderful donors have supported her team by getting their cars washed, eating ice cream at Dunwoody Nature Center, watching her team perform its skit, and giving generous checks.  (One of my favorite families picnicked at the Nature Center with the grandparents, stayed to watch the show, and enjoyed the ice cream, too! Thanks, Heneghens! Then mighty Elizabeth Andersen and her mom Debbie took a few minutes out of a very busy day to sample the ice cream, visit for a few moments, then rush off . . . after leaving a very generous donation!)

This weekend, the team is staffing a booth in the Children's Area of the Arts Festival, selling bubbles and flowers, helping children make Mother's Day tissue flowers for their moms, and spreading the word about Odyssey of the Mind.

We hope to see you there!

Odyssey of the Mind

PLEASE JOIN US FOR 2 GREAT FAMILY EVENTS TO SUPPORT YOUR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS FROM VANDERLYN, AUSTIN, PEACHTREE, ST. JUDE, AND ST. MARTINS! 

OUR ODYSSEY OF THE MIND TEAM HAS ADVANCED TO THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP IN EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN.  OUR TEAM NEEDS TO RAISE A LARGE AMOUNT OF MONEY TO MAKE THE TRIP POSSIBLE!  WE'VE  ORGANIZED TWO UPCOMING FUNDRAISING EVENTS IN DUNWOODY!  

WE HOPE YOU CAN JOIN US~

SUNDAY, MAY 2nd -DUNWOODY NATURE CENTER 
3pm-5pm ~AN ICE CREAM PARTY
THE TEAM WILL BE PERFORMING THEIR WINNING ODYSSEY OF THE MIND SKIT AT 4PM FOR EVERYONE TO SEE!

SATURDAY, MAY 22ND~MILL GLEN CLUBHOUSE
5:30PM
SPAGHETTI SUPPER
WE WILL HAVE FOOD, MUSIC, AND LOTS OF FUN!

BRING YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS

TEAM MEMBERS:

WILL BASS, ANNA GRACE NALL, JENNIFER KAISER, 

KENDALL LOWREY, SOFIA GONZALO,

JACK JARRELL, AND MAX NOTO

Southern gothic.

I've had a Steel Magnolias kind of week.

On Tuesday, I thanked the fabulous parent and teacher volunteers at Peachtree Charter Middle School during a "transition" party at Dunwoody North Driving Club AND sent the school's charter petition to the staff for distribution to the County and State for approval.  I ended the evening with a deep sense of relief that this responsibility is now OVER.

On Thursday, I fell on a slippery slope covered in pine straw and busted my ankle. Thought it was broken. My friend Lisa took me to St. Joe's, xrays proved it was "just badly sprained," and kind Wayne brought me home. (T was in Baltimore.)

On Friday, I came down with a really bad cold.

On Saturday, Big A went to the prom. I barely focused long enough to see him looking amazing in his very ultra cool tuxedo. And I missed seeing his date in her gorgeous green dress and the parent gathering after the prom-goers departed in their stretch limo. (He had a very good time, the girls looked beautiful, and the threatening tornado watch stayed north of the city. Relief.)

On Sunday, my shingles came back with a vengeance. Little A's Odyssey of the Mind team had their first fundraiser, a carwash at Burger King. They raised $600+ for their Big Trip to World Finals. Big A had a work day for his Eagle Project here at the house - Scouts tested the handheld game systems to see if they worked and determine what accessories they needed.

Isn't it all fairly ridiculous? This trifecta of plagues, all visiting at the same time?

When I'm not completely exasperated with the pain and feeling out of sorts, I have to laugh. Because this is just like me. I can't just take a little break when things are too busy and stressful. Nope - I have to get completely incapacitated.

I've slept around the clock, kept my ankle elevated and on ice, taken my meds on schedule, eaten lightly when my stomach wasn't protesting, and stayed thoroughly hydrated. I've also watched a plethora of old movies, knitted a few gifts, and caught up on a tall stack of magazines. Four days of bedrest and I'm hobbling pretty well, the shingles have resided, and my cold is mellowing to the sniffle stage.

Okay, I get it. Just because "I'm The Mom" doesn't mean I'm really indispensable to the kids, the school, my job, my church, my parents, and the host of other people and institutions I like to believe count on me.  For the four days I've been out of synch, things have proceeded just fine without me.

It's humbling.

And freeing.

Calendar bottlenecks

The Knitternall family has officially entered the insanely busy season of end-of-year wrap-ups. The calendar is an overly full, overlapping mess. I ask myself every year, "Why are you doing this to yourself?"

Evidently, I don't learn from experience!

A headline in today's Atlanta Journal-Constitution caught my attention: "Worst commuting bottlenecks?" In addition to any road around Georgia Perimeter College and Perimeter Mall, I'd have to suggest every road in Dunwoody when the garbage guys are doing their weave back-and-forth through both sides of our two-lane roads. You just have to putt-putt behind them because the driver dodges happily into oncoming traffic. (I understand why - he's covering his crew. But it's darned frustrating.) Twice a week, I get stuck behind them during the long trek from the middle school back to Dunwoody Nature Center. Chamblee-Dunwoody Road has to be the straightest, pokiest road in town. Except when people are flying 50 miles an hour down it and lean on their horns because you're driving 35. (The legal speed limit.)

ANYWAY.

The reason that headline poked me in the stream-of-consciousness is that there are bottlenecks in the calendar, too. The worst calendar bottlenecks in the Knitternall biosphere are

• the first two weeks of school, when all the things I volunteered to do somehow, magically, end up happening at the same time.
• PTO and Scout meetings scheduled on the same night. Every month.
• the perfect storm of April and May + sports teams + end of school meetings + drama productions in April and May + prom + SATs and AP Tests + . . .
• Christmas - church celebrations + parties + semester finals + getting gifts for family and friends + son's birthday + travels back home to North Carolina.
• This week, as I prep for an end-of-year meeting (with special presentations to much-valued volunteers), get a major project underway at the Nature Center, finalize the Charter revision and send it to the County Schools for their blessing before it heads back to the State Department of Education, monitor a few ongoing family projects, and the first of many, many fundraisers for Odyssey of the Mind to the calendar.

Unfortunately, there's no calendar construction project available to fix these bottlenecks. There's just me. The real culprit.

Maybe I need to learn from one of my friends. She has a two-item-per-day rule for her calendar.  And both items must be separated by at least two hours.

Would that work?

Nah.