(So it appears that Marisa is done swimming for the short course season.) She didn't get any state qualifying times. No surprise there. The time standards were tightened up quite a bit, and she is in a higher and tougher age group since she turned 11. Her goal is to get back to State for the long course season, which runs April - July. There is a slight chance she might swim on a relay or 4, but only of several girls ranked above her opt out.
Update! Well, nevermind about Marisa being done! I got a phone call from her coach asking if she can be on a relay! Who Hoo! She is swimming the 200 Freestyle Relay on Saturday afternoon. I am so excited for her! I know it is crazy. We are driving 1 hour each way to Madison, plus spending the whole afternoon there, just to watch her swim 32 seconds in a 50 Freestyle. But this is such a positive experience! She is bonding more with her teammates, gets to share in a very special event! Plus she gets a tshirt and pizza party and the knowledge that she contributed. Even if it is on a C level relay, which will probably not score any points for the team. But who cares!
Devon on the other hand is swimming crazy right now. He has more than the maximum allowed individual qualifying times for 13 & Over State, so has had to choose which not to swim. Great situation to be in! He is swimming all the distance events, which are his strength, along with 100 Back, 200 Back and 200 Free. There are 10 boys in his age group who have qualified, so I'm not sure which relays he will be on. This meet is March 5-8, so theoretically we have a weekend off!
Our high school boys swam their state meet this past Saturday. It was a fun meet, even though they only came in 4th. Next year hopefully Devon will be there swimming!
Monday, February 23, 2009
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Mood
Normally winter is a blah time for me. January is my least favorite month, for many reasons. First, my mom died Jan 30 (10 years ago, feels like yesterday), and also for work it is very busy and stressful time for me, getting year end taken care of. As a result, I usually get sick late Jan or early Feb. Last weekend I felt it coming, and started popping vitamin C, trying to get more sleep, etc. We spend the weekend at a swim meet, and I really think the humidity helped me! No more beginnings of a cold!
I've also noticed I've been in a really good mood lately. Someone at practice asked me if I ever stop smiling. So I thought about it, and realised this is what I do. I take one good thing that happens to me during the day, and take that feeling and keep nurturing it so that I stay in that good frame of mind. A good friend of mine told me not too long ago to stop being negative, that it isn't like me to be that way. That I need to get back to my optimistic side.
I'm glad that my positive self is back. Even in the midst of lots of negativity.
I've also noticed I've been in a really good mood lately. Someone at practice asked me if I ever stop smiling. So I thought about it, and realised this is what I do. I take one good thing that happens to me during the day, and take that feeling and keep nurturing it so that I stay in that good frame of mind. A good friend of mine told me not too long ago to stop being negative, that it isn't like me to be that way. That I need to get back to my optimistic side.
I'm glad that my positive self is back. Even in the midst of lots of negativity.
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Vote for Buddy!
Please vote for my kitty Buddy as MVP Pet! I truly do need a new vacuum, as ours died.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Free breakfast!
So is Denny's really smaht, or just really desperate?
Did you see the ads during the Super Bowl? They are giving everyone a FREE Grand Slam (unfortunate name for a football game) between 6am - 2pm today.
Well, I'm all about FREE, so a friend and I met for an early breakfast. He got there at 5:50, and it was already packed. So he got a table, and ordered both of our meals. I got there right at 6am, and by 6:05 was eating my yummy breakfast. Never had eggs over easy, but it worked. The pancakes were good, the bacon and sausage not overcooked. We did pay for 2 large OJs and a side of hasbrowns. I think the tip was more than the food though.
By the time we left at 6:20 it was nearly impossible to get out the door. I'd say there were 50 people waiting!
Anyone else take advantage of free breakfast at Denny's today?
Did you see the ads during the Super Bowl? They are giving everyone a FREE Grand Slam (unfortunate name for a football game) between 6am - 2pm today.
Well, I'm all about FREE, so a friend and I met for an early breakfast. He got there at 5:50, and it was already packed. So he got a table, and ordered both of our meals. I got there right at 6am, and by 6:05 was eating my yummy breakfast. Never had eggs over easy, but it worked. The pancakes were good, the bacon and sausage not overcooked. We did pay for 2 large OJs and a side of hasbrowns. I think the tip was more than the food though.
By the time we left at 6:20 it was nearly impossible to get out the door. I'd say there were 50 people waiting!
Anyone else take advantage of free breakfast at Denny's today?
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Christmas in Florida
Yay! My IT people were able to retrieve my pictures from our trip to Florida! Originally when I tried downloading from my camera, the software froze, and it seemed deleted them. I am so happy.
So it is -16F here right now. Here are some pics to warm us up.
So it is -16F here right now. Here are some pics to warm us up.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Ok, maybe
So I brought some work home, but am avoiding doing it, although I should. Maybe I will after I post this. I miss many of you that post here, and thank you for your friendship. I'm thinking I will try to post once in a while.
I went to a jewelry show last week. They had a sale "buy one get 2 for half price" and the 2 are the more expensive pieces! Yay! So I bought some jewelry. Only spent about $45. Plus I booked a party. Why do I do that? In the past 6 months I've had a book party (selling books) and a food party. Now a jewelry party in late February. Wanna come?
My new favorite cheese is Port Salud. It is a soft cheese, but expensive. I bought a very small chunk for $5.
At the food party I had in November, we made Jerk Chicken Nachos. We put a whole chicken in this covered baker that they sell, and microwaved it for 30 minutes. I was very skeptical that it would turn out decent, but not only did it turn out decent (read not rubbery) but it was fall apart tender! Amazing. So I used my free credit to buy one of those bakers, and here it sits in my office. I better use it sooner or later. I'm thinking that part of my hesitance to even open is is where am I going to put it?
I've started selling stuff on ebay again. Fun!
I went to a jewelry show last week. They had a sale "buy one get 2 for half price" and the 2 are the more expensive pieces! Yay! So I bought some jewelry. Only spent about $45. Plus I booked a party. Why do I do that? In the past 6 months I've had a book party (selling books) and a food party. Now a jewelry party in late February. Wanna come?
My new favorite cheese is Port Salud. It is a soft cheese, but expensive. I bought a very small chunk for $5.
At the food party I had in November, we made Jerk Chicken Nachos. We put a whole chicken in this covered baker that they sell, and microwaved it for 30 minutes. I was very skeptical that it would turn out decent, but not only did it turn out decent (read not rubbery) but it was fall apart tender! Amazing. So I used my free credit to buy one of those bakers, and here it sits in my office. I better use it sooner or later. I'm thinking that part of my hesitance to even open is is where am I going to put it?
I've started selling stuff on ebay again. Fun!
Monday, December 29, 2008
Roberta Jean
My good friend, Roberta Jean, passed away on Christmas Eve morning. I felt the need to post here a small tribute to her.
Thank you for the many laughs. You helped me become a more creative, if not actually better, scrabble player. Your wonderful, imaginative, fun secret santa gifts at our annual friends party were something I looked forward to every year. Especially if you had MY name. I loved hearing about your excursions to New Orleans, Florida, Mexico. Thank you for the friendship.
We will miss you.
It seems at her funeral this Friday, we are to wear our beach wear and flip flops. No black allowed. This helps to define the person Bert was.
RIP.
PS. This does not mean I am back to posting regularly in blogland. I'm too overwhelmed with RL to deal with this too. Just felt a strong need to tonight.
Thank you for the many laughs. You helped me become a more creative, if not actually better, scrabble player. Your wonderful, imaginative, fun secret santa gifts at our annual friends party were something I looked forward to every year. Especially if you had MY name. I loved hearing about your excursions to New Orleans, Florida, Mexico. Thank you for the friendship.
We will miss you.
It seems at her funeral this Friday, we are to wear our beach wear and flip flops. No black allowed. This helps to define the person Bert was.
RIP.
PS. This does not mean I am back to posting regularly in blogland. I'm too overwhelmed with RL to deal with this too. Just felt a strong need to tonight.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Beautiful day in the neighborhood
Wow! What a beautiful day it was today! Of course I spent most of it (7:30am - 3:30pm) inside working at a swim meet, but I got out in time to enjoy the rest of it!
Tomorrow is going to be even better. Sunny, low 70s. Love it. Well, except for the Asian Bettle Bugs. They look like lady bugs, but aren't as nice.
Oh, and the kids did very well at the meet too!
How was your day/weekend?
Tomorrow is going to be even better. Sunny, low 70s. Love it. Well, except for the Asian Bettle Bugs. They look like lady bugs, but aren't as nice.
Oh, and the kids did very well at the meet too!
How was your day/weekend?
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
redux redux redux
Yup, here we go again. I want to *sigh*, but right now I'm just pissed.
Well, I'm seeing a pattern here. Whenever I do something that shows hope for possible long term sobriety, he f***s it up.
Yes, I said the f word. Well, sort of.
The latest? I just signed up to be a chaperone on a swim meet trip to Indy for Devon. Of course that would mean leaving Marisa behind. She does have a meet as well that weekend. I talked with Don and expressed my concerns, and he kinda blew me off, saying something to the effect of "We'll have to deal with this concern for the rest of my life." I should have followed my gut and not signed up. My friend who I've confided in, who is married to a recovering alcoholic said that to me too. But my typically optimistic self ignored my possible concerns, and proceeded anyway. Now I'm in a pickle. He relapsed this past weekend, and lied about it when all 3 of us could clearly see.
Oh, and last night I told him to get this fixed or get out. Today I will tell him again, in more specific terms. I just have to figure out what those specific terms are. Cause I can't back down.
I plan on being poor rather soon, as he will lose his job, since he signed an agreement to stay sober. Unless he can somehow overcome this lapse without his boss finding out. Yeah. Sure.
Damn, I hate it when I become cynical. It really pisses me off.
Well, I'm seeing a pattern here. Whenever I do something that shows hope for possible long term sobriety, he f***s it up.
Yes, I said the f word. Well, sort of.
The latest? I just signed up to be a chaperone on a swim meet trip to Indy for Devon. Of course that would mean leaving Marisa behind. She does have a meet as well that weekend. I talked with Don and expressed my concerns, and he kinda blew me off, saying something to the effect of "We'll have to deal with this concern for the rest of my life." I should have followed my gut and not signed up. My friend who I've confided in, who is married to a recovering alcoholic said that to me too. But my typically optimistic self ignored my possible concerns, and proceeded anyway. Now I'm in a pickle. He relapsed this past weekend, and lied about it when all 3 of us could clearly see.
Oh, and last night I told him to get this fixed or get out. Today I will tell him again, in more specific terms. I just have to figure out what those specific terms are. Cause I can't back down.
I plan on being poor rather soon, as he will lose his job, since he signed an agreement to stay sober. Unless he can somehow overcome this lapse without his boss finding out. Yeah. Sure.
Damn, I hate it when I become cynical. It really pisses me off.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Remember this one?
Ok, so I am totally on an old song binge right now. Remember this one by Sheriff?
Baby, my world stands still when I'm with you
When I'm with you
I never needed love like I need you
And I never lived for nobody, but I live for you
Oooh, babe, lost in love is what I feel when I'm with you
Maybe it's the way you touch me with the warmth of a sun
Maybe it's the way you smile, I come all undone
Oooh, babe, lost in love is that I feel when I'm with you
Baby, oh I get chills when I'm with you
Baby, my world stands still when I'm with you
When I'm with you
I never cared for nobody like I care for you
And I never wanted to share the things I want to share with you
Oooh, babe, lost in love is what I feel when I'm with you
Baby, oh I get chills when I'm with you
Baby, my world stands still when I'm with you
When I'm with you
Baby, my world stands still when I'm with you
When I'm with you
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
stuff
I am so caught up on my work at work that I have to do the filing that I keep putting off. Either that or be bored out of my mind for 7 out of 8 hours a day. I can't play on the computer too much either. I believe they are tracking that more now.
Devon is probably getting braces, and a thing that they call a twin block. It is supposed to help correct his overbite. Anyone with any experience with that?
I had the weirdest dream last night. It was about my crush. Nothing really good, just odd. He kissed me. How does that happen in dreams, anyway? I mean, it seemed like I actually felt it.
I think Warren Sapp is a very good dancer. But he has stick legs.
I am doing a Bible Study at church. This is the first major one I've ever done. We watch a video one week, and then discuss it and some related questions the next. I like the videos. But tonight we had our first discussion week, and it was stunted at best. I hope the discussion gets more involved, or I will lose interest quickly. And it is supposed to last for 20 weeks.
Devon is probably getting braces, and a thing that they call a twin block. It is supposed to help correct his overbite. Anyone with any experience with that?
I had the weirdest dream last night. It was about my crush. Nothing really good, just odd. He kissed me. How does that happen in dreams, anyway? I mean, it seemed like I actually felt it.
I think Warren Sapp is a very good dancer. But he has stick legs.
I am doing a Bible Study at church. This is the first major one I've ever done. We watch a video one week, and then discuss it and some related questions the next. I like the videos. But tonight we had our first discussion week, and it was stunted at best. I hope the discussion gets more involved, or I will lose interest quickly. And it is supposed to last for 20 weeks.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Hilarious!
If you want a good laugh, you have to go check out this link. Hilarious video of a classic 70s song.
Make sure to turn the volume down first before you open it, because it comes across very loudly. And watch the whole thing.
Make sure to turn the volume down first before you open it, because it comes across very loudly. And watch the whole thing.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
What's new?
Nothing much new going on here. I've been very busy with work. Plus the kids are back in school and swim, so I've been busy with that too. Parent meetings, coordinating 4 different car pools, just getting back in the groove. Crazy.
This week has been fun for me! My lifetime best friend is in town from Holland. I haven't seen her for 8 years! She brought her wife with her, and I think she is great too! We've had a blast talking Dutch, and reminiscing about our childhood. We grew up together, going to school together through 4th grade, but still staying close through high school, even though we were polar opposites. She is the one person who I know I can count on for anything, and even not seeing for 8 years, know I can pick up just where we left off.
I am totally behind on the OT bookclub. I've had good intentions, but they led to nothing. I actually have read WAKE before, and loved it, but have had no time to post. Plus I'm kind of staying away from OT for a bit. Just need a little break. I have the next book, and just finished a book for my other IRL book club, so I think I'll give this one a shot. I have to finish Three Junes yet too, since I'm hosting that one! I've got a month. I should be able to do that.
So, what's new with you?
This week has been fun for me! My lifetime best friend is in town from Holland. I haven't seen her for 8 years! She brought her wife with her, and I think she is great too! We've had a blast talking Dutch, and reminiscing about our childhood. We grew up together, going to school together through 4th grade, but still staying close through high school, even though we were polar opposites. She is the one person who I know I can count on for anything, and even not seeing for 8 years, know I can pick up just where we left off.
I am totally behind on the OT bookclub. I've had good intentions, but they led to nothing. I actually have read WAKE before, and loved it, but have had no time to post. Plus I'm kind of staying away from OT for a bit. Just need a little break. I have the next book, and just finished a book for my other IRL book club, so I think I'll give this one a shot. I have to finish Three Junes yet too, since I'm hosting that one! I've got a month. I should be able to do that.
So, what's new with you?
Thursday, September 04, 2008
11 years ago
Marisa was born! Happy Birthday little girl! You will always be my little girl. Even when you are taller than me, which will probably happen in the next few years. Even when you are sassy and bratty. Even when you choose to ignore me.
I am very thankful that 7 years ago I listened to you. You said to me one Saturday, "Hey mom, it's Saturday, shouldn't you be at work?" That was my aha moment, when I realized that I was losing you. You've always been a daddy's girl, but I've worked really hard to show you that you could trust me too.
The past couple of years have been hard on you, but I know you are a good person, and will grow up to be a wonderful caring woman.
Love you Missy!
Monday, September 01, 2008
Chicago!
Had a great time in Chicago! It was short, but sweet. See the post on OT for more pics, but I am posting some here.
This is actually a reflection of DD, Lasann and me (among others) in this big lima bean crome thingy. It was neat to walk around it and under it and look for yourself.
Lasann is in the foreground holding up a camera. She is wearing a light blue top and whiteish skirt. Marisa is in pink in the middle, also taking a picture, and I am in the back with a green top and black shorts.
This is a reflection of Marisa I took unexpectedly to her. I think she was looking how her new sunglasses looked on her. LOL
After dinner we went to watch the fireworks at Navy Pier. While waiting, I snapped this shot of the Ferris Wheel.
I love fireworks! I still haven't figured out how to take good pictures of them though. I thought this one was kinda cool though.
Bonus shot: Devon right before his State Championship Meet. He rarely lets me take his picture, so this is a keeper.
There were a few hot air balloons that came floating by earlier this summer. I took this shot right from my back deck.
This is actually a reflection of DD, Lasann and me (among others) in this big lima bean crome thingy. It was neat to walk around it and under it and look for yourself.
Lasann is in the foreground holding up a camera. She is wearing a light blue top and whiteish skirt. Marisa is in pink in the middle, also taking a picture, and I am in the back with a green top and black shorts.
This is a reflection of Marisa I took unexpectedly to her. I think she was looking how her new sunglasses looked on her. LOL
After dinner we went to watch the fireworks at Navy Pier. While waiting, I snapped this shot of the Ferris Wheel.
I love fireworks! I still haven't figured out how to take good pictures of them though. I thought this one was kinda cool though.
Bonus shot: Devon right before his State Championship Meet. He rarely lets me take his picture, so this is a keeper.
There were a few hot air balloons that came floating by earlier this summer. I took this shot right from my back deck.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Post Olympic let down
There is nothing to watch on TV. I have gotten so used to watching non stop Olympics. Now I actually have to talk to my family! Sheesh.
Looking forward to meeting the peeps in Chicago this weekend, and Max back here on Monday.
Looking forward to meeting the peeps in Chicago this weekend, and Max back here on Monday.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Dutch treat!
The real thing this time! My best friend is coming from The Netherlands for a visit. I am so excited to be seeing her and meeting her partner! She asked if there were any treats I wanted, so I sent a modest list of some yummy treats along with some salve that I love and that heals most wounds, but is not approved in the US.
Today I got the package! I actually came home early from work, not feeling well, and had a note to go to the Post Office to pick up a package! I knew it was on the way from Debby, as she emailed me to let her know when I got it. Oh, Happy Happy Joy Joy!!! Inside were 2 tubes of the salve I mentioned, along with a HUGE box of Stroopwafels. These are a Dutch treat basically syrupy goo surrounded by 2 thin soft waffle like cookies. Poor Don. He loves these, but they have wheat in them. Sucks to be him.
Also in the box were 4, yes 4 big bags of drop, Dutch licorce. I love drop. It is pronouces drup. Love Love Love. Tastes nothing like American Black licorce. I don't know many Americans who like it. Devon does though, and he was eyeing up some of the bags. I better hide them.
The best part? A big box of Chocoladevlokken and another of Hagelslag. You eat these on toast, or bread or something like that. The first is chocolate flakes. Oh, they are so good. I already had a slice of toast with them on it. The second are little fruit flavored jimmies, but they are harder than normal jimmies.
I am in heaven. Now I have to figure a way to stop my own personal Michael Phelps from eating all of these. Maybe he doesn't eat quite 12,000 calories a day, but it sure seems like he is working his way up to that.
Today I got the package! I actually came home early from work, not feeling well, and had a note to go to the Post Office to pick up a package! I knew it was on the way from Debby, as she emailed me to let her know when I got it. Oh, Happy Happy Joy Joy!!! Inside were 2 tubes of the salve I mentioned, along with a HUGE box of Stroopwafels. These are a Dutch treat basically syrupy goo surrounded by 2 thin soft waffle like cookies. Poor Don. He loves these, but they have wheat in them. Sucks to be him.
Also in the box were 4, yes 4 big bags of drop, Dutch licorce. I love drop. It is pronouces drup. Love Love Love. Tastes nothing like American Black licorce. I don't know many Americans who like it. Devon does though, and he was eyeing up some of the bags. I better hide them.
The best part? A big box of Chocoladevlokken and another of Hagelslag. You eat these on toast, or bread or something like that. The first is chocolate flakes. Oh, they are so good. I already had a slice of toast with them on it. The second are little fruit flavored jimmies, but they are harder than normal jimmies.
I am in heaven. Now I have to figure a way to stop my own personal Michael Phelps from eating all of these. Maybe he doesn't eat quite 12,000 calories a day, but it sure seems like he is working his way up to that.
Thursday, August 07, 2008
A lovely surprise
WOW, 2 posts in 1 day!
I needed a timeout earlier tonight from Marisa. She is in the major attitude stage, and I want to smack her multiple times a day. So I decided to walk down the driveway to get the mail. We have a 300 foot driveway, so this serves as a good time out.
I open up the mailbox and see on top of the mail a little package! Ooo, it is addressed to me! And it is marked "small packet/petit paquet"! I look at the return address, and it is a name I am familiar with. I am wondering what he is sending to me, and that he took the time to send this to me even though he is busy moving! Of course I could not wait until I got back up the driveway to open the petit paquet, so I tucked the rest of the mail under my arm and proceeded to rip open said paquet. Inside I find a card and a box of Altoids. What an odd gift, since I have never once mentioned whether or not I like Altoids. But hey, it's ok. I open the box, and inside is wrapped very carefully this lovely pin!
I did finally get around to opening the card, wherein I found a wonderful little note about how he thinks of me each Saturday as he buys his bakery from a Farmers Market, and that the bakery is next to the stand of the woman who made this pin! I'd wonder if he has a crush on me or something, but alas, I know that is not the case, as he is already wormsupyourass to Bravie.
Thank you very much History Detective! You made my day!
I needed a timeout earlier tonight from Marisa. She is in the major attitude stage, and I want to smack her multiple times a day. So I decided to walk down the driveway to get the mail. We have a 300 foot driveway, so this serves as a good time out.
I open up the mailbox and see on top of the mail a little package! Ooo, it is addressed to me! And it is marked "small packet/petit paquet"! I look at the return address, and it is a name I am familiar with. I am wondering what he is sending to me, and that he took the time to send this to me even though he is busy moving! Of course I could not wait until I got back up the driveway to open the petit paquet, so I tucked the rest of the mail under my arm and proceeded to rip open said paquet. Inside I find a card and a box of Altoids. What an odd gift, since I have never once mentioned whether or not I like Altoids. But hey, it's ok. I open the box, and inside is wrapped very carefully this lovely pin!
I did finally get around to opening the card, wherein I found a wonderful little note about how he thinks of me each Saturday as he buys his bakery from a Farmers Market, and that the bakery is next to the stand of the woman who made this pin! I'd wonder if he has a crush on me or something, but alas, I know that is not the case, as he is already wormsupyourass to Bravie.Thank you very much History Detective! You made my day!
I must update
Bravie told me to, so here I am. (Ok, I actually have some time tonight, before SYTYCD comes on anyway)
So last weekend was completely exhausting! Devon had his state championship meet (13 yr & over) from Thursday through Sunday. While the pool is indoors, it is very hot, due to no circulation. So we spent as much time as we could outside. We had brought our screen tent, as did another family from our team, so we set up a Team Area. It was a great place for parents and kids to hang out all weekend. It was really hot outside as well, but there was at least some breeze throughout the weekend.
Devon started off the meet swimming 800m Freestyle, followed by the 4x200m Freestyle relay. He got 8th place in his individual event, which earned him a medal (1st-8th get medals, 9-16th get ribbons)!!! He was so excited! Then his relay team came in 2nd! Whoooo Hoooo! What a way to start the meet.
Friday he swam the 200m Free, and was supposed to swim 3 relays, two in his age group (13-14) and 1 with the Seniors! After a bunch of rearranging, he swam 1 with his age group, then 2 with the seniors, and they we had to come back for finals for him to swim the other with his age group. Crazy! He didn't place in his individual, but did get a couple of ribbons in the relays (1-3rd get medals, 4-16th get ribbons), and ended in 20th place in the individual event.
Saturday found him swimming the 400m Free, which is his favorite race. He did well, no ribbon, but a good 20th place again. Then after a 6 hour break where we went home, came back and swam in the 4x100 medley relay. He swam the breaststroke leg. Funny, cause he has never before swam a 100m breastroke. The big difference between meters and yards is the pool is 50m vs 25 yards, so there is less turning. He was worried about the race, but swam it very respectfully, and helped to earn his team a 7th place ribbon!
Sunday was our last day, and we got to sleep in! Devon's individual event was later in the morning, or rather early in the afternoon. 1500m Freestyle, affectionately called "The Mile"! Yes, 19 minutes of non stop swimming! For Devon, 19:03.76 to be exact! He dropped 45 seconds from the last time he swam this, which was 1 month earlier! His race earned him his 3rd medal, also for 8th place!
He exceeded his own expectations and goals for every swim, and the meet in general. I am so very proud of him! Now he gets 3 weeks off, and we start all over on Aug 25, culminating in the short course (25 yard) State Meet the first week in March.
My dad was visiting us for 15 days, which was long enough to see both kids' state meets, and he now has a really good understanding of what it is like to be a swim parent. LOL, of course he got the best of the season, not the drudgery of day in and day out schlepping to practice, but I'm glad he enjoyed it.
On the other important family note, Don is doing really well with his recovery. He is following a good personal program, and seems to be making some changes for the better. His traffic issue is still outstanding, next court date mid Sept. He was granted a leave of absence from work (read suspended) for the month of July, which hurt us financially, but we'll recover. He is back to work this week. He is going to look for another job anyway, as we both feel the situation needs to change.
Ok, enough updating, I need to get back to reading HD's book.
So last weekend was completely exhausting! Devon had his state championship meet (13 yr & over) from Thursday through Sunday. While the pool is indoors, it is very hot, due to no circulation. So we spent as much time as we could outside. We had brought our screen tent, as did another family from our team, so we set up a Team Area. It was a great place for parents and kids to hang out all weekend. It was really hot outside as well, but there was at least some breeze throughout the weekend.
Devon started off the meet swimming 800m Freestyle, followed by the 4x200m Freestyle relay. He got 8th place in his individual event, which earned him a medal (1st-8th get medals, 9-16th get ribbons)!!! He was so excited! Then his relay team came in 2nd! Whoooo Hoooo! What a way to start the meet.
Friday he swam the 200m Free, and was supposed to swim 3 relays, two in his age group (13-14) and 1 with the Seniors! After a bunch of rearranging, he swam 1 with his age group, then 2 with the seniors, and they we had to come back for finals for him to swim the other with his age group. Crazy! He didn't place in his individual, but did get a couple of ribbons in the relays (1-3rd get medals, 4-16th get ribbons), and ended in 20th place in the individual event.
Saturday found him swimming the 400m Free, which is his favorite race. He did well, no ribbon, but a good 20th place again. Then after a 6 hour break where we went home, came back and swam in the 4x100 medley relay. He swam the breaststroke leg. Funny, cause he has never before swam a 100m breastroke. The big difference between meters and yards is the pool is 50m vs 25 yards, so there is less turning. He was worried about the race, but swam it very respectfully, and helped to earn his team a 7th place ribbon!
Sunday was our last day, and we got to sleep in! Devon's individual event was later in the morning, or rather early in the afternoon. 1500m Freestyle, affectionately called "The Mile"! Yes, 19 minutes of non stop swimming! For Devon, 19:03.76 to be exact! He dropped 45 seconds from the last time he swam this, which was 1 month earlier! His race earned him his 3rd medal, also for 8th place!
He exceeded his own expectations and goals for every swim, and the meet in general. I am so very proud of him! Now he gets 3 weeks off, and we start all over on Aug 25, culminating in the short course (25 yard) State Meet the first week in March.
My dad was visiting us for 15 days, which was long enough to see both kids' state meets, and he now has a really good understanding of what it is like to be a swim parent. LOL, of course he got the best of the season, not the drudgery of day in and day out schlepping to practice, but I'm glad he enjoyed it.
On the other important family note, Don is doing really well with his recovery. He is following a good personal program, and seems to be making some changes for the better. His traffic issue is still outstanding, next court date mid Sept. He was granted a leave of absence from work (read suspended) for the month of July, which hurt us financially, but we'll recover. He is back to work this week. He is going to look for another job anyway, as we both feel the situation needs to change.
Ok, enough updating, I need to get back to reading HD's book.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
YES!
I don't have a lot of time, but I have to totally brag!
Marisa got her first and only state qualifying time as a 10 year old this past weekend!
She swam the 50 yard backstroke in a timed trial at the end of a grueling 3 day meet, and took 3 seconds off her time to beat the state cut by nearly 1 whole second! To give you an idea, she swam the 50 yards (25 there and back) in 38.22 seconds!!
I will update with more details later.
Marisa got her first and only state qualifying time as a 10 year old this past weekend!
She swam the 50 yard backstroke in a timed trial at the end of a grueling 3 day meet, and took 3 seconds off her time to beat the state cut by nearly 1 whole second! To give you an idea, she swam the 50 yards (25 there and back) in 38.22 seconds!!
I will update with more details later.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Songs I am loving right now.
Some new songs and old favorites
Leona Lewis-Bleeding Love
Chris Brown-Forever
Howard Jones - No one is to blame
George Michael - Kissing a Fool
George Michael - One More Try
No list is complete without Queen
Queen - Somebody to Love
and my most favorite song of all time
Queen - Love of my Life
Leona Lewis-Bleeding Love
Chris Brown-Forever
Howard Jones - No one is to blame
George Michael - Kissing a Fool
George Michael - One More Try
No list is complete without Queen
Queen - Somebody to Love
and my most favorite song of all time
Queen - Love of my Life
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
3rd time is the charm?
After a particularly hellish 5 days, Don is now officially in detox for at least the next 2-3 days. Hopefully he will remain in the facility in a different "unit" for sometime after that.
He got into an accident on Friday, and 2 tickets. One for Driving under the Influence, he was below the legal limit. The other for Failure to Control Vehicle. Combined 10 points and over $1000 in fines. Fun. Thankfully no one else was involved. The embankment he hit won though, as there is some damage to his beautiful car. Monday after I got his car out of the towing company, I snuck out in the evening and hid it at a friend's house, so that he couldn't drive.
I drove him to work on Monday, and then got a call that his boss was granting him a Leave of Absence to get some help. (read indefinite suspension). I think without pay, which sucks. No clarification on that point just yet.
But he is in detox for now, and I guess that is the first step.
----------------------------------------------------------
UPDATE:
Updating this on Thurs July 10.
He bitched and moaned about the 'jail' he was in all dang weekend long. His psychiatrist, whom I liked the minuted I talked to him was very forthright and in his face. Long and short of it, if his body was ready, Dr. would release him on Sunday, otherwise Monday. Or Don could leave, AMA. Turns out his levels were fine and he was released on Sunday. Yes, just 4 days after going in. Actually less than 4 days, cause he checked in at 3:30 on Wed, and checked out at 12 on Sunday. No day program, no long term care, not even 1/2 day program. Really frustrates me. Sunday (my birthday) sucked. Nuff said about that.
He is going to AA meetings, reconnected with his sponsor, and saw a therapist on Tuesday. Also met with a lawyer on Wed about the OUI (operating under the influence which is below the legal limit) ticket. Retained said lawyer and he will go to the court date on July 30 to try to get out of it or get it reduced. If not, Don will lose his license for 6 months. Now I don't condone driving under the influence, but did you know that a person who is stopped for OWI (operating while intoxicated) which is over the legal limit would lose his license for 9 months and the fine is only $15 more? That is kind of stupid, if you ask me. Why bother having a "legal limit" then. In fact, I would be all in favor of getting rid of that legal limit, or pullling it way way down. Like if you had more than 1 drink, you would be over. Ok, off the soapbox.
Anyway, we have had a mostly quiet week (evenings) so far. Don is worried what he will do next week when the kids are both back at camp. I've given him my suggestions, but he won't go explore any day programs, so he is on his own. His big thing is he doesn't want to be home alone. Sad, that he isn't even comfortable in his own skin.
He got into an accident on Friday, and 2 tickets. One for Driving under the Influence, he was below the legal limit. The other for Failure to Control Vehicle. Combined 10 points and over $1000 in fines. Fun. Thankfully no one else was involved. The embankment he hit won though, as there is some damage to his beautiful car. Monday after I got his car out of the towing company, I snuck out in the evening and hid it at a friend's house, so that he couldn't drive.
I drove him to work on Monday, and then got a call that his boss was granting him a Leave of Absence to get some help. (read indefinite suspension). I think without pay, which sucks. No clarification on that point just yet.
But he is in detox for now, and I guess that is the first step.
----------------------------------------------------------
UPDATE:
Updating this on Thurs July 10.
He bitched and moaned about the 'jail' he was in all dang weekend long. His psychiatrist, whom I liked the minuted I talked to him was very forthright and in his face. Long and short of it, if his body was ready, Dr. would release him on Sunday, otherwise Monday. Or Don could leave, AMA. Turns out his levels were fine and he was released on Sunday. Yes, just 4 days after going in. Actually less than 4 days, cause he checked in at 3:30 on Wed, and checked out at 12 on Sunday. No day program, no long term care, not even 1/2 day program. Really frustrates me. Sunday (my birthday) sucked. Nuff said about that.
He is going to AA meetings, reconnected with his sponsor, and saw a therapist on Tuesday. Also met with a lawyer on Wed about the OUI (operating under the influence which is below the legal limit) ticket. Retained said lawyer and he will go to the court date on July 30 to try to get out of it or get it reduced. If not, Don will lose his license for 6 months. Now I don't condone driving under the influence, but did you know that a person who is stopped for OWI (operating while intoxicated) which is over the legal limit would lose his license for 9 months and the fine is only $15 more? That is kind of stupid, if you ask me. Why bother having a "legal limit" then. In fact, I would be all in favor of getting rid of that legal limit, or pullling it way way down. Like if you had more than 1 drink, you would be over. Ok, off the soapbox.
Anyway, we have had a mostly quiet week (evenings) so far. Don is worried what he will do next week when the kids are both back at camp. I've given him my suggestions, but he won't go explore any day programs, so he is on his own. His big thing is he doesn't want to be home alone. Sad, that he isn't even comfortable in his own skin.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Shoes!
So it was a particularly bad night last night. I have been really crabby all day, the result of being tired, probably pmsing and pissed at Don. Feeling a little sorry for myself too.
So what did I do for lunch? Went shoe shopping! They had a sale going on, and BOGO on top of it, so I ended up buying 4 pair!
First a boring little penny loafer. It is very comfortable though
Then I found this cute slide. Also very comfortable, with a kitten heel.
A really comfortable low heeled slide. My flip flops broke last night, so I needed something quick and comfy.
My favorite pair! Fun kitten heel strappy sandal! I think I will find an outfit to wear with these tomorrrow!
So what did I do for lunch? Went shoe shopping! They had a sale going on, and BOGO on top of it, so I ended up buying 4 pair!
First a boring little penny loafer. It is very comfortable though
Then I found this cute slide. Also very comfortable, with a kitten heel.
A really comfortable low heeled slide. My flip flops broke last night, so I needed something quick and comfy.
My favorite pair! Fun kitten heel strappy sandal! I think I will find an outfit to wear with these tomorrrow!
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Good, Bad and whatever
I am so sick of blogging about Don and his alcoholism, but I feel I owe it to you to keep you updated once in a while, since you are such a support to me.
So the latest? I gave him the ultimatum to do something about his addiction by last Friday (2 days ago), or there would be consequences, up to possibly him moving out. So he called our Dr. and got a prescription for the meds that help get through withdrawl. Started taking them 2 days after my ultimatum. That was Thursday, 10 days ago. He made it through the weekend. 4 days.
We dropped off both kids on Sunday for their respective camps (more on that later). I had plans to go out for dinner on Monday & Wednesday, with some friends and swim moms. Came home on Monday, and he was out of sorts. I didn't think he was drunk, just out of sorts. I thought maybe he was mad that I went out. Then I was asked at the last minute to go out to dinner with a close friend on Tuesday. Came home and Don was hammered. Same on Wed. So I let him have it on Thursday. I hate doing it over the phone, but he gives me no choice. That is the only time I can talk to him and know he is sober. He asked me to join him at an "Open speaker" meeting on Thursday. How could I say no? If I didn't go, I wouldn't be supporting him. Plus the previous weekend we had planned to go out to dinner on Thursday to celebrate our 20th anniversary earlier this month. So we went to dinner and the meeting, and all was fine. But back to drunk on Friday and last night. So I followed through with my ultimatum, and told him he had to sleep downstairs in our spare room. When he is drunk, he is very restless, and all over me, so I don't sleep. He agreed.
So after a long day of drinking, passing out, getting up, drinking, etc. he was making the bed downstairs. I brought his alarm clock down, and he was sitting there feeling sorry for himself. That is the whatever part. I don't care. He made his bed, now he has to sleep in it, literally.
The good? My kids, once again. Marisa came through and sent 3 letters over the week from her camp. She went to a Christian camp, where this week's theme was horsemanship. She went with her best friend, and they had a blast. They had gone to a different camp last summer for a week, so I knew she would be fine. We picked them up Saturday morning, and they were both going on and on about it, and that next year we had to make time for this camp again!
Devon was gone Sunday-Friday at Confirmation camp. This was his 2nd and final year of going there, and he too had a great time. But I think he was happy to be home, as he had worried about me during the week. I hate that he has to do that! But it shows that I am having at least some success in raising a caring boy.
So from tomorrow until late July it is all about swimming. I am adjusting my work schedule so I can get out 1/2 hour early, as the kids have practice about 20 min north of our house. So I'll be leaving work, zooming to the YMCA where they are going to daycamp, and then zoom up to practice. I hope I don't get any speeding tickets or in any accidents with the increased driving time! I'll have to be extra careful. I'm afraid to set up carpools, as I think we will be 5-10 min late each day, and I don't want to make someone else late too!
Ok, off to bed in a comfortable, quiet bed! Have a great week everyone, and thanks for reading all the way to the end!
So the latest? I gave him the ultimatum to do something about his addiction by last Friday (2 days ago), or there would be consequences, up to possibly him moving out. So he called our Dr. and got a prescription for the meds that help get through withdrawl. Started taking them 2 days after my ultimatum. That was Thursday, 10 days ago. He made it through the weekend. 4 days.
We dropped off both kids on Sunday for their respective camps (more on that later). I had plans to go out for dinner on Monday & Wednesday, with some friends and swim moms. Came home on Monday, and he was out of sorts. I didn't think he was drunk, just out of sorts. I thought maybe he was mad that I went out. Then I was asked at the last minute to go out to dinner with a close friend on Tuesday. Came home and Don was hammered. Same on Wed. So I let him have it on Thursday. I hate doing it over the phone, but he gives me no choice. That is the only time I can talk to him and know he is sober. He asked me to join him at an "Open speaker" meeting on Thursday. How could I say no? If I didn't go, I wouldn't be supporting him. Plus the previous weekend we had planned to go out to dinner on Thursday to celebrate our 20th anniversary earlier this month. So we went to dinner and the meeting, and all was fine. But back to drunk on Friday and last night. So I followed through with my ultimatum, and told him he had to sleep downstairs in our spare room. When he is drunk, he is very restless, and all over me, so I don't sleep. He agreed.
So after a long day of drinking, passing out, getting up, drinking, etc. he was making the bed downstairs. I brought his alarm clock down, and he was sitting there feeling sorry for himself. That is the whatever part. I don't care. He made his bed, now he has to sleep in it, literally.
The good? My kids, once again. Marisa came through and sent 3 letters over the week from her camp. She went to a Christian camp, where this week's theme was horsemanship. She went with her best friend, and they had a blast. They had gone to a different camp last summer for a week, so I knew she would be fine. We picked them up Saturday morning, and they were both going on and on about it, and that next year we had to make time for this camp again!
Devon was gone Sunday-Friday at Confirmation camp. This was his 2nd and final year of going there, and he too had a great time. But I think he was happy to be home, as he had worried about me during the week. I hate that he has to do that! But it shows that I am having at least some success in raising a caring boy.
So from tomorrow until late July it is all about swimming. I am adjusting my work schedule so I can get out 1/2 hour early, as the kids have practice about 20 min north of our house. So I'll be leaving work, zooming to the YMCA where they are going to daycamp, and then zoom up to practice. I hope I don't get any speeding tickets or in any accidents with the increased driving time! I'll have to be extra careful. I'm afraid to set up carpools, as I think we will be 5-10 min late each day, and I don't want to make someone else late too!
Ok, off to bed in a comfortable, quiet bed! Have a great week everyone, and thanks for reading all the way to the end!
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
quick update
Ok, so I need to do a quick update. After rereading, maybe not so quick...
Life is crazy right now. I'm really working hard at work to make myself a place. I feel the new president-to-be doesn't connect with me. But after doing some soul searching, I've decided to stick with it and work my butt off to prove myself to him. So very little play time during the day.
Nights have been busy with the kids and swim. But Devon got his first 2 state qualifying times as a 13 year old this weekend! And he got them during 1 swim! He swam the mile (1650 yards) and qualified in both the 1000 yards and 1650! Yahoo! Marisa is still trying to get a state time as a 10 year old. She turns 11 in Sept, so she will go back to the bottom of the pile. She is really working hard, so I hope she gets rewarded. So far she has made it onto both relays, but just barely, so she needs to keep improving over the next 6 weeks.
I gave Don an ultimatum earlier this week. He has to get his act together (read: quit drinking) or get out. D-day is next week Friday June 20. The kids will both be gone at different camps next week from Sunday-Friday, so this is his chance. Of course I thought he would go to detox and some rehab, but he isn't. Supposedly tomorrow he is starting on the drugs that help him get through detox on his own. He is a lot of talk, but not much action. Typical addict. Frankly I don't believe he will succeed, and I am having a hard time supporting him. But I will do my best to do so anyway. It is really hard. I have drifted very far away, I feel like our marriage is going down the drain, and I am moving on, but he isn't. I don't know if I will be able to regain what I once felt or if I even want to. Sadly, I think Don really has no idea how far I've gone. We did agree that we will need some family and couple counseling if (although I said when) he gets sober. Now I know why some people stay with their spouses until the kids grow up. I feel that may happen for me too. If we were divorced, and he wasn't sober, it would make me crazy to give him visitation with them, not knowing if he was drunk. My biggest fear is that he hurts them. Then 2nd that he hurts himself or someone else.
One thing I have found out going through this whole experience. I am a lot more independent of a person than I thought I was. I don't want to, but if I have to, I can do this without him. And I will. For me and for my kids, who are the most important people in this world to me.
Ok, not to end on a downer. I am very happy The Mole is back! Got both kids totally sucked into it! And SYTYCD was great tonight too! And personally, I am exercising more, trying to eat better, although candy is still my downfall. I believe I am getting into better shape, which is great!
Thanks for reading! You are my friends. You know more than my IRL friends do, and I appreciate all your support! *smooshes*
Life is crazy right now. I'm really working hard at work to make myself a place. I feel the new president-to-be doesn't connect with me. But after doing some soul searching, I've decided to stick with it and work my butt off to prove myself to him. So very little play time during the day.
Nights have been busy with the kids and swim. But Devon got his first 2 state qualifying times as a 13 year old this weekend! And he got them during 1 swim! He swam the mile (1650 yards) and qualified in both the 1000 yards and 1650! Yahoo! Marisa is still trying to get a state time as a 10 year old. She turns 11 in Sept, so she will go back to the bottom of the pile. She is really working hard, so I hope she gets rewarded. So far she has made it onto both relays, but just barely, so she needs to keep improving over the next 6 weeks.
I gave Don an ultimatum earlier this week. He has to get his act together (read: quit drinking) or get out. D-day is next week Friday June 20. The kids will both be gone at different camps next week from Sunday-Friday, so this is his chance. Of course I thought he would go to detox and some rehab, but he isn't. Supposedly tomorrow he is starting on the drugs that help him get through detox on his own. He is a lot of talk, but not much action. Typical addict. Frankly I don't believe he will succeed, and I am having a hard time supporting him. But I will do my best to do so anyway. It is really hard. I have drifted very far away, I feel like our marriage is going down the drain, and I am moving on, but he isn't. I don't know if I will be able to regain what I once felt or if I even want to. Sadly, I think Don really has no idea how far I've gone. We did agree that we will need some family and couple counseling if (although I said when) he gets sober. Now I know why some people stay with their spouses until the kids grow up. I feel that may happen for me too. If we were divorced, and he wasn't sober, it would make me crazy to give him visitation with them, not knowing if he was drunk. My biggest fear is that he hurts them. Then 2nd that he hurts himself or someone else.
One thing I have found out going through this whole experience. I am a lot more independent of a person than I thought I was. I don't want to, but if I have to, I can do this without him. And I will. For me and for my kids, who are the most important people in this world to me.
Ok, not to end on a downer. I am very happy The Mole is back! Got both kids totally sucked into it! And SYTYCD was great tonight too! And personally, I am exercising more, trying to eat better, although candy is still my downfall. I believe I am getting into better shape, which is great!
Thanks for reading! You are my friends. You know more than my IRL friends do, and I appreciate all your support! *smooshes*
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
my flowers
So I got a really great camera for Christmas. A digital Rebel XTI. So I decided that I would take pictures of all the flowers that bloom in my yard/garden. I'm not finished yet, but here are some of them.
I have some beautiful Irises. Only 1 is dual colored. I didn't know they came that way.
My Daffodils are my favorites. They are so sunny and happy
.
Of course, I have to have some tulips too.
I have more, but that is enough for now.
I have some beautiful Irises. Only 1 is dual colored. I didn't know they came that way.
My Daffodils are my favorites. They are so sunny and happy
.
Of course, I have to have some tulips too.
I have more, but that is enough for now.
Monday, June 02, 2008
Hot Hot Hot
We had a 2 day swim meet this weekend. Devon in the mornings, Marisa in the afternoons. Made for 2 really long days. The pool was really hot. Well, not the pool water, as the kids said it was actually very cool. But the building was really hot and humid. We brought a screen tent and air mattress, and quite a few our the kids and parents hung out there when we could.
It was a very successful meet for both kids though! They each got a Gold and Bronze medal, and Marisa got a ribbon for 4th place! This meet they ranked the kids by their seed times, into 4 different classes, and they gave out medals for 1st, 2nd, 3rd in each class! That is how my kids got their medals, but they don't care! Bling is Bling!
We have another set of meets this next weekend, but only 1 session per day, so it will seem a piece of cake!
Hope you have a great week!
It was a very successful meet for both kids though! They each got a Gold and Bronze medal, and Marisa got a ribbon for 4th place! This meet they ranked the kids by their seed times, into 4 different classes, and they gave out medals for 1st, 2nd, 3rd in each class! That is how my kids got their medals, but they don't care! Bling is Bling!
We have another set of meets this next weekend, but only 1 session per day, so it will seem a piece of cake!
Hope you have a great week!
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Swim pics!
Whoooo Hoooo! Got the pics from the swim team picture day! My, they have grown...
Marisa has a goofy smile on. She doesn't like her teeth to show. Go figure.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Relief
I've been really struggling with a major dilemma lately. My dad scheduled knee replacement surgery for May 22. I offered to go down and help him and relieve my sister for a few days, and bought my ticket to go down May 29-June 2. Of course, I bought this ticket the day that Don fell off the wagon. Figures. Ever since I have been debating about going or not. Do I go, and rearrange the schedules to make sure the kids get picked up/dropped off for swim practice, don't sign up for a big meet that is that weekend, and hope the Don holds it together enough over the weekend? Or do I not go, thereby not helping my dad/sister, and feeling guilty about it? Don & the kids wanted me to go, saying they would handle it as long as they (kids) could call me to talk anytime. (what sweeties, duh). Don wanted me to go to prove that he could still be a reasonably good dad and that he isn't a complete loser. What to do. I've been praying about it, thinking about, getting crabby about it.
Yesterday my dad called. Turns out the surgeon doesn't recommend the surgery right now, due to his health. He is overweight (a lot) and diabetic. Surgeon is concerned about complications and my dad ending up in a wheelchair. Well, this is the first I heard about the diabetes. Turns out he has been taking meds for over a year, and failed to tell both my sister (who he sees every Sunday) or me! He is going to see a nutritionist and get back into physical therapy in hopes of having the surgery some time in the future.
So even though it is bad for my dad, I can't help but do a happy dance! It has been such a burden on me the past 2 weeks, you would not believe how glad I was to hear that. Bad daughter, huh? Nope, I don't think so.
We decided to sign up for the meet too, so the kids are happy as well.
Yesterday my dad called. Turns out the surgeon doesn't recommend the surgery right now, due to his health. He is overweight (a lot) and diabetic. Surgeon is concerned about complications and my dad ending up in a wheelchair. Well, this is the first I heard about the diabetes. Turns out he has been taking meds for over a year, and failed to tell both my sister (who he sees every Sunday) or me! He is going to see a nutritionist and get back into physical therapy in hopes of having the surgery some time in the future.
So even though it is bad for my dad, I can't help but do a happy dance! It has been such a burden on me the past 2 weeks, you would not believe how glad I was to hear that. Bad daughter, huh? Nope, I don't think so.
We decided to sign up for the meet too, so the kids are happy as well.
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Tagged
Oooo! I'm so excited that I've been tagged by Amy!
The rules:
a. Link to the person who tagged you.
b. Post the rules on your blog.
c. Write six random things about yourself.
d. Tag six random people at the end of your post by linking to their blogs.
e. Let each person know they have been tagged by leaving a comment at their blog.
f. Let your tagger know when your entry is up.
Now I have to come up with 6 random things about me.
1. I like jewelry. Especially necklaces and bracelets, and matching sets. I really like matching sets. It doesn't matter if the jewelry is gold toned or silver toned. While I do like "fancy" jewelry, I like costume jewelry just as much. I like a lot of Lia Sophia. I am sad that one of my bracelets by them had a couple of the stones fall out. Now I don't have a matching set anymore.
2. I have a crush on someone.
3. I am listening to David Cook right now. I actually downloaded "Always be my baby". I think I posted that on OT somewhere, but I don't remember. No, David is not my crush.
4. I need to buy more Spanx socks. I have 3 pairs, and that is just not enough. I have 1 black pair, 1 brown pair and 1 cream pair. I need more.
5. I speed when I drive. I think it is because I am in a hurry most of the time. I don't speed too excessively, maybe between 7-9 miles over the limit, but sometimes more, especially on the freeway.
6. I have a big 3 wick candle lit right now, in my office at work. It smells good, although I can't remember the name of the scent right now.
Now, who to tag?
1. Frodis
2. MM
3. Buggy
4. Breezy
5. thndrkttn
The rules:
a. Link to the person who tagged you.
b. Post the rules on your blog.
c. Write six random things about yourself.
d. Tag six random people at the end of your post by linking to their blogs.
e. Let each person know they have been tagged by leaving a comment at their blog.
f. Let your tagger know when your entry is up.
Now I have to come up with 6 random things about me.
1. I like jewelry. Especially necklaces and bracelets, and matching sets. I really like matching sets. It doesn't matter if the jewelry is gold toned or silver toned. While I do like "fancy" jewelry, I like costume jewelry just as much. I like a lot of Lia Sophia. I am sad that one of my bracelets by them had a couple of the stones fall out. Now I don't have a matching set anymore.
2. I have a crush on someone.
3. I am listening to David Cook right now. I actually downloaded "Always be my baby". I think I posted that on OT somewhere, but I don't remember. No, David is not my crush.
4. I need to buy more Spanx socks. I have 3 pairs, and that is just not enough. I have 1 black pair, 1 brown pair and 1 cream pair. I need more.
5. I speed when I drive. I think it is because I am in a hurry most of the time. I don't speed too excessively, maybe between 7-9 miles over the limit, but sometimes more, especially on the freeway.
6. I have a big 3 wick candle lit right now, in my office at work. It smells good, although I can't remember the name of the scent right now.
Now, who to tag?
1. Frodis
2. MM
3. Buggy
4. Breezy
5. thndrkttn
Monday, May 05, 2008
Happy Birthday Debby
Debby is my lifetime best friend. We were born just 2 months apart. Our moms were best friends, and so were we, growing up. We are polar opposite personalities, Debby was the wild child tom boy, I the princess, but we always had each other's backs. She moved to Holland and gave up her US citizenship when we were 18. We still kept in touch. She got married the week before I did, and honeymooned here in the States, while we honeymooned in Holland. She later got divorced, and fell in love with a very nice woman. We have touched base a few times over the years, but since my last visit to Holland in 2000, have lost touch. Or rather, I lost her address & her phone number has changed. The last Christmas card I got from her had no return address.
So right now this is the only way I can say Happy Birthday to my lifetime best friend. The one person I have found that no matter how much time has elapsed since we last spoke, we can pick it right back up again where we left off, as if we had just had lunch yesterday.
Happy Birthday Debby!
So right now this is the only way I can say Happy Birthday to my lifetime best friend. The one person I have found that no matter how much time has elapsed since we last spoke, we can pick it right back up again where we left off, as if we had just had lunch yesterday.
Happy Birthday Debby!
Monday, April 28, 2008
Meet anyone?
NO, not that kind, sadly.
Devon was at the first meet of the season on Saturday. He did well. 2 personal best times, and 1 more within 98% of his best time. The coaches challenged them to get both of those, and they would get points. If they achieved a certain level of combined points, they would get to play water polo instead of practice. The kids rose to the challenge, accumulating enough points to earn them 1 1/2 hours of water polo! LOL, what they don't realize is that playing waterpolo is great exercise as well, strengthening your core muscles.
The swim clinic was fantastic. Jenny Thompson is a genuinely nice person. I had the opportunity to chat with her for just a couple of minutes. Plus watching her interact with the kids was great, especially for the girls. What a super couple of role models we had at the pool this weekend!
I already posted an update about Don is the prior post comments, so I'm not going to rehash THAT again.
How was your weekend?
Devon was at the first meet of the season on Saturday. He did well. 2 personal best times, and 1 more within 98% of his best time. The coaches challenged them to get both of those, and they would get points. If they achieved a certain level of combined points, they would get to play water polo instead of practice. The kids rose to the challenge, accumulating enough points to earn them 1 1/2 hours of water polo! LOL, what they don't realize is that playing waterpolo is great exercise as well, strengthening your core muscles.
The swim clinic was fantastic. Jenny Thompson is a genuinely nice person. I had the opportunity to chat with her for just a couple of minutes. Plus watching her interact with the kids was great, especially for the girls. What a super couple of role models we had at the pool this weekend!
I already posted an update about Don is the prior post comments, so I'm not going to rehash THAT again.
How was your weekend?
Friday, April 25, 2008
Do I hear an echo?
Bang head, step back, repeat. Yes, here we go again.
Don made it 100 days. *sigh* He said they were completely miserable 100 days. Gee, guess playing games with your kids, remembering what happens on the TV shows you watch, and getting sumpin sumpin from me makes you miserable? And drinking doesn't? Nope, only being sober does.
Oh, and he is amazed that I put up with it. I'm starting to wonder about that myself.
We have a super big weekend planned. 1st swim meet of the season for Devon, followed by a tailgate and Brewer game with 130 of our closest swim team friends, and about 30 from another team from Eau Claire. Oh, and we are hosting a mom/daughter, caused I signed up to be a host family when he was still busy being miserable. That should be interesting. The only good thing is that he won't have a lot of time to drink since we won't be home until maybe 9 or10 pm after the game.
Then Sunday a swim clinic with JENNY THOMPSON. Only the most decorated woman Olympic athlete in the US (or maybe world) history. And she is a medical doctor to boot. What a great role model! Oh, and then follow that with our annual swim banquet, where the kids get recognized for their accomplishments (as do the parents for their volunteering. So now instead of having a partner who can share all the running around, I have to do it all again?
Damn, this sucks.
Don made it 100 days. *sigh* He said they were completely miserable 100 days. Gee, guess playing games with your kids, remembering what happens on the TV shows you watch, and getting sumpin sumpin from me makes you miserable? And drinking doesn't? Nope, only being sober does.
Oh, and he is amazed that I put up with it. I'm starting to wonder about that myself.
We have a super big weekend planned. 1st swim meet of the season for Devon, followed by a tailgate and Brewer game with 130 of our closest swim team friends, and about 30 from another team from Eau Claire. Oh, and we are hosting a mom/daughter, caused I signed up to be a host family when he was still busy being miserable. That should be interesting. The only good thing is that he won't have a lot of time to drink since we won't be home until maybe 9 or10 pm after the game.
Then Sunday a swim clinic with JENNY THOMPSON. Only the most decorated woman Olympic athlete in the US (or maybe world) history. And she is a medical doctor to boot. What a great role model! Oh, and then follow that with our annual swim banquet, where the kids get recognized for their accomplishments (as do the parents for their volunteering. So now instead of having a partner who can share all the running around, I have to do it all again?
Damn, this sucks.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Refining Silver
I got this in an email from a good friend. I really liked it, so I wanted to share it.
Malachi 3:3 says: 'He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.'
This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God.
One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study.
That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining Silver.
As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities.
The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: 'He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver.'
She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time.
The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.
Malachi 3:3 says: 'He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.'
This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God.
One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study.
That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining Silver.
As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities.
The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: 'He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver.'
She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time.
The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.
The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, 'How do you know when the silver is fully refined?'
He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's easy -- when I see my image in it."
If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember that God has his eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you. Pass this on right now. This very moment, someone needs to know that God is watching over them. And, whatever they're going through, they'll be a better person in the end.
He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's easy -- when I see my image in it."
If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember that God has his eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you. Pass this on right now. This very moment, someone needs to know that God is watching over them. And, whatever they're going through, they'll be a better person in the end.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Peep Meet fun!
Kim & I had a great time meeting at the mall on Saturday! Well, I did! Not sure how she feels after being subjected to 5 kids and 1 husband...
Here is proof that we did have fun. At least we didn't spend $15 on the pics!
Here is proof that we did have fun. At least we didn't spend $15 on the pics!
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Office Biggest Loser
Ok, so the Bloggest Loser hasn't really stuck with me. Sorry Boo. Neither has the OT Loser thing. So yesterday one of our office peeps asks me if I want to join the 15 other people in the office doing a Office Biggest Loser contest. 9 weeks. She said we would be having fun challenges and prizes.
I'm all about the prizes, and if that can get me to drop some weight, I figured why not!?!
I'll fill in more details as I find out. She is pitching it to our Exec VP tomorrow.
In the meantime, I had chips and guacamole for lunch, along with tacos from Chipolte. Mmmmm.
I'm all about the prizes, and if that can get me to drop some weight, I figured why not!?!
I'll fill in more details as I find out. She is pitching it to our Exec VP tomorrow.
In the meantime, I had chips and guacamole for lunch, along with tacos from Chipolte. Mmmmm.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Why am I so obsessed with weather?
I think I have always been, but it has really become an issue this winter. We are 8 inches away from snowfall record winter.
Today it is foggy, cold, rainy. Ick. But it beats the dang snow, right?
I blame Weatherman Don, my DH. How can I not be obsessed with weather, when we have a dang WEATHER STATION in our house? Yup, it is hooked up to Devon's computer, so we can know what the weather is doing outside by looking at it. Wouldn't it just be easier to look out the window?
So other new news. I got a Blackberry Pearl from work. Nice, cause it is a cool toy, and they would call me if needed anyway, so why not. Yesterday my IT guy downloaded a couple of fun ringtones for me. "Borderline" by Madonna, and to embarrass my kids "Low" by Flo Rida. *grin*
Today it is foggy, cold, rainy. Ick. But it beats the dang snow, right?
I blame Weatherman Don, my DH. How can I not be obsessed with weather, when we have a dang WEATHER STATION in our house? Yup, it is hooked up to Devon's computer, so we can know what the weather is doing outside by looking at it. Wouldn't it just be easier to look out the window?
So other new news. I got a Blackberry Pearl from work. Nice, cause it is a cool toy, and they would call me if needed anyway, so why not. Yesterday my IT guy downloaded a couple of fun ringtones for me. "Borderline" by Madonna, and to embarrass my kids "Low" by Flo Rida. *grin*
Sunday, March 30, 2008
I like lambs
Well, I guess I mean I like months that go out like a lamb. Of course, winter in Wisconsin has been roaring like a lion since, oh, October? I dunno.
I was all excited when I thought of this post, seeing as how it is the last day of the month and we haven't had any snow for like, 4 days! Then I looked at a calendar and realized we have 1 more day. Then I looked at the weather forecast, and the whole lamb theory went out the window.
Well, at least it is thunderstorms and not thundersnow we are having tomorrow. I feel sorry for people who live in low lying areas, as there are all sorts of flood issues. We live on top of a hill, but we have our own little lake that shows up during times like these, near the bottom of the driveway.
Today is my last official day of freedom until August 3. Yup, swim break is over. Actually, today doesn't even count, because we volunteered at a Special Olympics meet. But I am not counting that as part of the swim season, cause it really wasn't. We had a great time. All 4 of us were in the awards area. I got to give ribbons to countless special needs swimmers, and I got lots of hugs in return. It is so wonderful to see those faces light up when I gave them a ribbon, whether it was 8th place or 1st place. Each swimmer got a ribbon, for the place they took in their heat.
So tomorrow we start back to swim. Devon is on schedule, he is not quitting! I am so thrilled by his decision. After he got sick before state, I was worried, but he told me not to worry about him missing state, that he still had 3 more to go before he aged up to the next level! Yay! He has some good goals for this season, and is excited to be getting back in the water. He did go to open swim last week, and is a bit worried about being out of shape, but he doesn't have a meet until April 26, plenty of time...
Marisa has her goals too. She wants to get 1 state cut, with a stretch goal of 7. She is quite a ways away, so has her work cut out for her, but I think the goal of at least 1 is very attainable.
I have mixed feelings about swim break being over. I love being at the pool and mingling with the other swim parents, and I feel like part of a big family, which is wonderful. But I have really enjoyed my evenings off this month. I found ebay as a seller, and have been having fun with that, but I will have to curtail that a bit, keeping it more reasonable.
Ok, off to make dinner. We're having spagetti, our favorite swim season food!
I was all excited when I thought of this post, seeing as how it is the last day of the month and we haven't had any snow for like, 4 days! Then I looked at a calendar and realized we have 1 more day. Then I looked at the weather forecast, and the whole lamb theory went out the window.
Well, at least it is thunderstorms and not thundersnow we are having tomorrow. I feel sorry for people who live in low lying areas, as there are all sorts of flood issues. We live on top of a hill, but we have our own little lake that shows up during times like these, near the bottom of the driveway.
Today is my last official day of freedom until August 3. Yup, swim break is over. Actually, today doesn't even count, because we volunteered at a Special Olympics meet. But I am not counting that as part of the swim season, cause it really wasn't. We had a great time. All 4 of us were in the awards area. I got to give ribbons to countless special needs swimmers, and I got lots of hugs in return. It is so wonderful to see those faces light up when I gave them a ribbon, whether it was 8th place or 1st place. Each swimmer got a ribbon, for the place they took in their heat.
So tomorrow we start back to swim. Devon is on schedule, he is not quitting! I am so thrilled by his decision. After he got sick before state, I was worried, but he told me not to worry about him missing state, that he still had 3 more to go before he aged up to the next level! Yay! He has some good goals for this season, and is excited to be getting back in the water. He did go to open swim last week, and is a bit worried about being out of shape, but he doesn't have a meet until April 26, plenty of time...
Marisa has her goals too. She wants to get 1 state cut, with a stretch goal of 7. She is quite a ways away, so has her work cut out for her, but I think the goal of at least 1 is very attainable.
I have mixed feelings about swim break being over. I love being at the pool and mingling with the other swim parents, and I feel like part of a big family, which is wonderful. But I have really enjoyed my evenings off this month. I found ebay as a seller, and have been having fun with that, but I will have to curtail that a bit, keeping it more reasonable.
Ok, off to make dinner. We're having spagetti, our favorite swim season food!
Sunday, March 23, 2008
He is Risen
He is Risen indeed!
I'd like to take this opportunity to wish everyone in blogland a Happy Easter. Whether you are celebrating for the candy, or to celebrate our Risen Savior, I hope you have a wonderful weekend.
This is what it looked like here on Friday. I took this picture looking out my front door. We got about 15 inches of snow! That bumped this winter into the #2 spot for snowiest winters in Milwaukee. Happy Spring.
I'd like to take this opportunity to wish everyone in blogland a Happy Easter. Whether you are celebrating for the candy, or to celebrate our Risen Savior, I hope you have a wonderful weekend.
This is what it looked like here on Friday. I took this picture looking out my front door. We got about 15 inches of snow! That bumped this winter into the #2 spot for snowiest winters in Milwaukee. Happy Spring.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Update
Wow, it has been a few weeks since I updated. Sorry!
We officially ended our short course swim season on March 2, with the close of the 13 & over State Championships. Unfortunately, Devon didn't get to swim. He missed the last meet of the season because he was so sick, and as a result didn't have any qualifying times for state. It's all ok though. He is better now, and excited for the next season.
I find myself just as busy. I'm focusing on my job at work a lot lately. Not just getting my work done, but trying to do it better, and to do a better job at being the Controller. As a result, I'm not playing here or on OT much. But I still find a few minutes each day to either lurk or post a bit. I haven't forgotten about you either. Just reorganizing a bit.
I'm also enjoying being at home most evenings. I say most because I've had book clubs, swim board meetings, and Marisa's basketball games to go to yet. I find it amazing that I am able to get as much done as I do during the season, since I'm not getting much more done during the 2 weeks since the end of the season! I do find that with less to do in the evenings, I have become less efficient, and more lazy. Guess I can't win either way!
So now we have 2 full weeks left to relax, and nothing much to do! Yay! I can keep up with my TV watching, and hope to do some more reading. Of course I have to finish some tax returns too. I do the returns for my dad, sister and niece, along with ours.
Family life is going ok. Sometimes better than others. Don is not drinking, which is good. But he is often more testy, less patient, and more critical of the rest of us. It is trying at times, but I guess I'll take it over having an active alcoholic in the house. It can't always be perfect I guess. I do notice I have become a lot more independent as a person, and I wonder if that threatens him. Well, tough cookies.
One thing I am not doing is getting more sleep, and I need to really work on that. My goal is to get to sleep before 11pm every night that I have to get up at 5:30am the next morning, giving me 6.5 hours of sleep, which should be enough for me. And occasionally I'll hit the sack at *gasp* 10:30!
Ok darlings. Thanks for reading, and sticking by me. Thanks for the continued PMs, pings and emails. They mean so much to me, you will never really know.
*smooshes*
We officially ended our short course swim season on March 2, with the close of the 13 & over State Championships. Unfortunately, Devon didn't get to swim. He missed the last meet of the season because he was so sick, and as a result didn't have any qualifying times for state. It's all ok though. He is better now, and excited for the next season.
I find myself just as busy. I'm focusing on my job at work a lot lately. Not just getting my work done, but trying to do it better, and to do a better job at being the Controller. As a result, I'm not playing here or on OT much. But I still find a few minutes each day to either lurk or post a bit. I haven't forgotten about you either. Just reorganizing a bit.
I'm also enjoying being at home most evenings. I say most because I've had book clubs, swim board meetings, and Marisa's basketball games to go to yet. I find it amazing that I am able to get as much done as I do during the season, since I'm not getting much more done during the 2 weeks since the end of the season! I do find that with less to do in the evenings, I have become less efficient, and more lazy. Guess I can't win either way!
So now we have 2 full weeks left to relax, and nothing much to do! Yay! I can keep up with my TV watching, and hope to do some more reading. Of course I have to finish some tax returns too. I do the returns for my dad, sister and niece, along with ours.
Family life is going ok. Sometimes better than others. Don is not drinking, which is good. But he is often more testy, less patient, and more critical of the rest of us. It is trying at times, but I guess I'll take it over having an active alcoholic in the house. It can't always be perfect I guess. I do notice I have become a lot more independent as a person, and I wonder if that threatens him. Well, tough cookies.
One thing I am not doing is getting more sleep, and I need to really work on that. My goal is to get to sleep before 11pm every night that I have to get up at 5:30am the next morning, giving me 6.5 hours of sleep, which should be enough for me. And occasionally I'll hit the sack at *gasp* 10:30!
Ok darlings. Thanks for reading, and sticking by me. Thanks for the continued PMs, pings and emails. They mean so much to me, you will never really know.
*smooshes*
Friday, February 22, 2008
We're going to State!
We had a rough weekend last week. Marisa didn't make her state qualifying times, and was quite upset. Devon was sick all weekend, as a result he didn't swim so he didn't get any times either. But he wasn't as disappointed. He said that he still has 3 seasons to get a cut before he turns 15. LOL
So anyway, the week has been quiet, except for Devon being sick. He was scaring me. Not eating, stomach pains, lethargic, sleeping a lot, etc. I took him into the Dr on Tuesday and they tested him and found he doesn't have the flu, mono, high white cell count. His chest xray came back clear, so the dr (not my normal one) thought he might have a sinus infection, since he had some drainage and tenderness in his cheeks. So we started antibiotics. Finally last night he is starting to feel a little better, although he is staying home from school again today.
Anyway, Wed night we get a phone call from Marisa's swim coach. It turns out another girl who was a relay only swimmer for State hadn't shown up for any practices this week, so they bumped her and replaced her with Marisa! She is so excited! So she made it to the last practice last night, and was able to attend the pizza party they had after that. She got her State qualifiers tshirt, a fun painters cap her coach makes up, and a neat no-sew scarf one of the moms started making for last year's team.
So tomorrow and Sunday we will be getting up at 5am, driving 1 hour 20 min to Madison for her warm ups, waiting until 9am for her to swim, and then going back home. We debated staying in a hotel, but the rates are jacked up this weekend. Plus with Devon not feeling 100%, I want him to be comfortable. He may not even come along.
Go Marisa! Go Lake Country Swim Team!
UPDATE: We made it to Madison without a hitch both days. Devon was able to join us on Sunday. Yay! He feels pretty good, although still can't eat too much, and gets tired easily. Both understandable. Marisa swam like a crazy girl! On Sat she took 2.5 seconds off of her best time, and then on Sunday she took another second off of that! It seems my kids are repeating each other. Last year the short course state meet was the catalyst for Devon, and hopefully this year it will be Marisa's turn! She didn't win any medals or ribbons, but she had a great experience, and a lot of fun with her swim friends. She even met up with an old friend who moved away.
Thanks for your support!
So anyway, the week has been quiet, except for Devon being sick. He was scaring me. Not eating, stomach pains, lethargic, sleeping a lot, etc. I took him into the Dr on Tuesday and they tested him and found he doesn't have the flu, mono, high white cell count. His chest xray came back clear, so the dr (not my normal one) thought he might have a sinus infection, since he had some drainage and tenderness in his cheeks. So we started antibiotics. Finally last night he is starting to feel a little better, although he is staying home from school again today.
Anyway, Wed night we get a phone call from Marisa's swim coach. It turns out another girl who was a relay only swimmer for State hadn't shown up for any practices this week, so they bumped her and replaced her with Marisa! She is so excited! So she made it to the last practice last night, and was able to attend the pizza party they had after that. She got her State qualifiers tshirt, a fun painters cap her coach makes up, and a neat no-sew scarf one of the moms started making for last year's team.
So tomorrow and Sunday we will be getting up at 5am, driving 1 hour 20 min to Madison for her warm ups, waiting until 9am for her to swim, and then going back home. We debated staying in a hotel, but the rates are jacked up this weekend. Plus with Devon not feeling 100%, I want him to be comfortable. He may not even come along.
Go Marisa! Go Lake Country Swim Team!
UPDATE: We made it to Madison without a hitch both days. Devon was able to join us on Sunday. Yay! He feels pretty good, although still can't eat too much, and gets tired easily. Both understandable. Marisa swam like a crazy girl! On Sat she took 2.5 seconds off of her best time, and then on Sunday she took another second off of that! It seems my kids are repeating each other. Last year the short course state meet was the catalyst for Devon, and hopefully this year it will be Marisa's turn! She didn't win any medals or ribbons, but she had a great experience, and a lot of fun with her swim friends. She even met up with an old friend who moved away.
Thanks for your support!
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
It is still winter
Yes, I cannot tell a lie. Winter is still here is Wisconsin. Just look at our forecast.
10-14 inches of SNOW. ugh. It will start around 6pm tonight, through early afternoon tomorrow. I'm expecting the kids to have no school, and am actually considering taking a vacation day. It depends on whether I get my car back or not. I'm driving Don's car as mine is having something with the rotors repaired. Don's car is a little sports car, with tires well past their prime. I love driving it in summer, but not winter.
I am sorry I haven't been blogging much lately. I think the weather has to do with it in part. Things are nice and calm at home, which leaves me time for self reflection, instead of having to put out fires at home. I've decided I'm a messy person. I need to get to a place where I don't leave things laying around, and then end up handling them 4 times before finally throwing away.
Also I am trying really hard to actually work while I am at work. And then things happen, like the phone lines going down, or (more devastating for me) the internet going down. Last week we were without internet for almost an entire work day. I was completely amazed at the amount of work I accomplished, which is kind of a wake up call for me.
I'm getting a new boss, as the best boss ever is retiring at the end of 2008. He is already here, the new one, spending more and more time in the office (he was an outside salesman). I know he is going to have high expectations of me, and will be shadowing me probably this summer, so I need to get my act together and stop coasting.
So I am continuing in blogland, but maybe not as much as I was. For now.
*smooches* to all of you blurkers and posters!
10-14 inches of SNOW. ugh. It will start around 6pm tonight, through early afternoon tomorrow. I'm expecting the kids to have no school, and am actually considering taking a vacation day. It depends on whether I get my car back or not. I'm driving Don's car as mine is having something with the rotors repaired. Don's car is a little sports car, with tires well past their prime. I love driving it in summer, but not winter.
I am sorry I haven't been blogging much lately. I think the weather has to do with it in part. Things are nice and calm at home, which leaves me time for self reflection, instead of having to put out fires at home. I've decided I'm a messy person. I need to get to a place where I don't leave things laying around, and then end up handling them 4 times before finally throwing away.
Also I am trying really hard to actually work while I am at work. And then things happen, like the phone lines going down, or (more devastating for me) the internet going down. Last week we were without internet for almost an entire work day. I was completely amazed at the amount of work I accomplished, which is kind of a wake up call for me.
I'm getting a new boss, as the best boss ever is retiring at the end of 2008. He is already here, the new one, spending more and more time in the office (he was an outside salesman). I know he is going to have high expectations of me, and will be shadowing me probably this summer, so I need to get my act together and stop coasting.
So I am continuing in blogland, but maybe not as much as I was. For now.
*smooches* to all of you blurkers and posters!
Thursday, January 31, 2008
9 years
I wanted to post this yesterday, but internet was down at work, and I didn't get access to a computer at home until very late.
9 years is a long time.
January 30, 1999 is the least favorite day in my life. It was the day my mom died. I miss her just about every day, and thank her for everything she did for me. I am the person I am because of my mom.
Love you mama.
9 years is a long time.
January 30, 1999 is the least favorite day in my life. It was the day my mom died. I miss her just about every day, and thank her for everything she did for me. I am the person I am because of my mom.
Love you mama.
Friday, January 18, 2008
DDR
No, not Germany. Dance Dance Revolution.
I got the kids a Wii for Christmas, or rather Santa did. Last night was the first time I had a chance to play with it. Marisa & I alternated doing dance steps on Dance Dance Revolution. I thought I was holding my own, but kept getting graded a D, even in the beginner level. Obviously the game doesn't understand me. That was fine until I accidentally selected the Expert Level. OMH, it must have been so hilarious to watch me. At one point I was just jumping around hitting the pads in any random order. I got an F on that one.
Surprisingly, I'm not sore today. In fact, my back was bothering me for the past 10 days, and today it barely hurts at all!
The game also has a "workout" selection. I think I will try that one as an alternative to sitting on the couch.
I got the kids a Wii for Christmas, or rather Santa did. Last night was the first time I had a chance to play with it. Marisa & I alternated doing dance steps on Dance Dance Revolution. I thought I was holding my own, but kept getting graded a D, even in the beginner level. Obviously the game doesn't understand me. That was fine until I accidentally selected the Expert Level. OMH, it must have been so hilarious to watch me. At one point I was just jumping around hitting the pads in any random order. I got an F on that one.
Surprisingly, I'm not sore today. In fact, my back was bothering me for the past 10 days, and today it barely hurts at all!
The game also has a "workout" selection. I think I will try that one as an alternative to sitting on the couch.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Back to work
Don went back to work today, for the first time since his boss confronted him. His boss has not been the most supportive guy. When Don called him on Friday that he was out of inpatient, his boss was surprised, and seemed negative. He also was trying to lay a guilt trip on Don about taking extra time this week. At first Don wasn't going to, and he asked my opinion (WOW!). I said I thought he should continue with "day patient" for Monday & Tuesday (yesterday & today). He decided to do yesterday, but not today.
When I called him a little while ago, and I asked how he was doing, he said "Fine. Things went well, as well as can be expected". Now WTH does that mean? Is he talking about the kids, and getting them off to school, which is a trick sometimes, or about coming back to work? I suggested that we will talk about it later, and he agreed.
So I think that things are not that great at work. I know his plan is to leave there within the next 6 months. I told him to leave now, if he wanted to. We could make it. We have other financial resources that we could utilize if we have to. His response? No, let's see if he fires me first. Then I'll collect unemployment and go back to school (for computer training, to add to the Accounting).
I really think his work environment is not a good one. I'm worried that it will lead to relapse. Please pray and keep thinking positive thoughts for Don.
When I called him a little while ago, and I asked how he was doing, he said "Fine. Things went well, as well as can be expected". Now WTH does that mean? Is he talking about the kids, and getting them off to school, which is a trick sometimes, or about coming back to work? I suggested that we will talk about it later, and he agreed.
So I think that things are not that great at work. I know his plan is to leave there within the next 6 months. I told him to leave now, if he wanted to. We could make it. We have other financial resources that we could utilize if we have to. His response? No, let's see if he fires me first. Then I'll collect unemployment and go back to school (for computer training, to add to the Accounting).
I really think his work environment is not a good one. I'm worried that it will lead to relapse. Please pray and keep thinking positive thoughts for Don.
Friday, January 11, 2008
It's been a nice week
It really has. I came to work on Monday feeling a great burden off of my shoulders, and feeling much happier than I have in a long time. I guess I didn't fully realize how bad my depression was getting. But Don going into detox/rehab lifted that from me. The kids have been very helpful, and now I know that they know how to fold laundry! *rubs hands together*
I picked Don up last night, and am feeling a lot better about this round than I was. He was very communicative, asked me some very pertinent questions, we had some good discussions. All of this is new for him. He hasn't ever really been very much of any of those. He even said to me that the counselors wanted him to ask me what I thought about him doing 2 more days of day patient on Monday & Tuesday, like he is today. He said that he thought he didn't need to, but I said I thought he did. So he is going to.
The downer part, he called his boss (the alcoholic who has been sober for 18 months) to talk, and asked him for the 2 extra days off. His boss gave him a hard time about it, saying that stuff was happening at work, laying a guilt trip on him. He did say that Don could take the 2 days though, as he was surprised that Don was already out of inpatient. Oh, and he asked for the name & number of Don's sponsor! That pissed me off. I don't think he has any right to that info. Don did tell me that one of his goals is to not have that job within the next 6 months. I told him he could quit right now, but he said, no, lets see if he fires me first. It seems Don would like to go back to school to get some computer classes to add to his finance/accounting background.
One thing I kind of chuckled about. His counselors told him that the only people he should actually say he is an alcoholic to are other alcoholics. That none alcoholics don't exactly understand, and have a propensity to judge. To the rest of us he should just say he doesn't drink alcohol any more. I think that is kind of weird, but whatever. I did laugh, thinking, ok, LOTS of peeps on RTVW know.
Tonight we have a swim meet, and I will be taking the kids there. It is at a pool about 1/2 hour from our house, the other way from Don's rehab center. He will be meeting us up there, as his day patient thing goes until the time we need to be at the pool. But I'm not worried about it this time.
As a side ucky note, we got several inches of snow yesterday evening. The previous 20 inches or whatever had finally melted, so I guess it isn't so bad. Is it Spring yet?
Have a great weekend, and GO PACKERS!
I picked Don up last night, and am feeling a lot better about this round than I was. He was very communicative, asked me some very pertinent questions, we had some good discussions. All of this is new for him. He hasn't ever really been very much of any of those. He even said to me that the counselors wanted him to ask me what I thought about him doing 2 more days of day patient on Monday & Tuesday, like he is today. He said that he thought he didn't need to, but I said I thought he did. So he is going to.
The downer part, he called his boss (the alcoholic who has been sober for 18 months) to talk, and asked him for the 2 extra days off. His boss gave him a hard time about it, saying that stuff was happening at work, laying a guilt trip on him. He did say that Don could take the 2 days though, as he was surprised that Don was already out of inpatient. Oh, and he asked for the name & number of Don's sponsor! That pissed me off. I don't think he has any right to that info. Don did tell me that one of his goals is to not have that job within the next 6 months. I told him he could quit right now, but he said, no, lets see if he fires me first. It seems Don would like to go back to school to get some computer classes to add to his finance/accounting background.
One thing I kind of chuckled about. His counselors told him that the only people he should actually say he is an alcoholic to are other alcoholics. That none alcoholics don't exactly understand, and have a propensity to judge. To the rest of us he should just say he doesn't drink alcohol any more. I think that is kind of weird, but whatever. I did laugh, thinking, ok, LOTS of peeps on RTVW know.
Tonight we have a swim meet, and I will be taking the kids there. It is at a pool about 1/2 hour from our house, the other way from Don's rehab center. He will be meeting us up there, as his day patient thing goes until the time we need to be at the pool. But I'm not worried about it this time.
As a side ucky note, we got several inches of snow yesterday evening. The previous 20 inches or whatever had finally melted, so I guess it isn't so bad. Is it Spring yet?
Have a great weekend, and GO PACKERS!
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Next
Ok, so Don is now in detox for 3-4 days, and hopefully will stay inpatient for at least 5 days after that.
Now, the next problem? Dang, but it's a biggie.
Yesterday Devon drops the bomb that he wants to quit swimming. Yeah. WTF? He is swimming the best he ever has. Yes, he just aged up into the 13-14 group, but he enters that group in the middle of the pack, not the bottom, and not far from the top. He says it is boring. Well, yeah, we haven't had a meet since early December, and I know he loves the competition. He did quickly change his story to he wanted to quit for now, and resume with the next season, which starts after Easter. I was devastated.
This happened on the way to practice, so I said he had to tell his coach. His coach asked to talk to him after practice, so I brought him back (I had to bring Marisa for her practice anyway) and we had a meeting. I didn't say anything, I let his coach do the talking. He was great, telling Devon everything he needed to hear. I was still devastated, because I know how Devon is, when he makes up his mind. He is just like his mother.
Later I called one of his past coaches, whose son swims with Devon, and who is a friend of mine. She was completely caught by surprise too. Then she told me that she tried to do the same thing as a 13-14 year old and her dad made her finish the season, and said they would discuss it at that time. She didn't quit, and ended up being a state record holder in high school. So I told Devon that I was invoking "Mom power", and that I wouldn't accept him quitting mid season, but that we would talk about it in March.
I know his grades aren't where he wants them to be, but he also plays a lot on World of Warcraft, so I think we need to set up some more stringent limits on that too. And I'm sure all the issues with Don are causing more stress for both of our children, which is probably not helping the situation.
Thankfully, we have an easy meet this Friday, where I'm sure Devon will excel. Then hopefully he'll get back into enjoying swimming again.
I know that God only gives a person as much as they can handle, but sheesh, enough already!
Now, the next problem? Dang, but it's a biggie.
Yesterday Devon drops the bomb that he wants to quit swimming. Yeah. WTF? He is swimming the best he ever has. Yes, he just aged up into the 13-14 group, but he enters that group in the middle of the pack, not the bottom, and not far from the top. He says it is boring. Well, yeah, we haven't had a meet since early December, and I know he loves the competition. He did quickly change his story to he wanted to quit for now, and resume with the next season, which starts after Easter. I was devastated.
This happened on the way to practice, so I said he had to tell his coach. His coach asked to talk to him after practice, so I brought him back (I had to bring Marisa for her practice anyway) and we had a meeting. I didn't say anything, I let his coach do the talking. He was great, telling Devon everything he needed to hear. I was still devastated, because I know how Devon is, when he makes up his mind. He is just like his mother.
Later I called one of his past coaches, whose son swims with Devon, and who is a friend of mine. She was completely caught by surprise too. Then she told me that she tried to do the same thing as a 13-14 year old and her dad made her finish the season, and said they would discuss it at that time. She didn't quit, and ended up being a state record holder in high school. So I told Devon that I was invoking "Mom power", and that I wouldn't accept him quitting mid season, but that we would talk about it in March.
I know his grades aren't where he wants them to be, but he also plays a lot on World of Warcraft, so I think we need to set up some more stringent limits on that too. And I'm sure all the issues with Don are causing more stress for both of our children, which is probably not helping the situation.
Thankfully, we have an easy meet this Friday, where I'm sure Devon will excel. Then hopefully he'll get back into enjoying swimming again.
I know that God only gives a person as much as they can handle, but sheesh, enough already!
Friday, January 04, 2008
Not too optimistic yet, but...
I posted most of this on OT, but in case you don't go there...
It seems Don's boss confronted him about his drinking today, and he is going to check into the clinic. I think for a week of inpatient, but I'm not sure. I'll find out more when I get home I guess.
It seems Don's boss confronted him about his drinking today, and he is going to check into the clinic. I think for a week of inpatient, but I'm not sure. I'll find out more when I get home I guess.
I'd like to be a little miffed that it took his boss to push him, but I'm going to stick with the belief that it was part us and part his job. Over Christmas break DH did tell me he would seek help in 2008, as our insurance coverage restarts. I think his boss "inquiring" might have been the final catalyst. Heck, I don't care what made him decide, just that he does seek help, as our marriage is on the rocks right now.
I told him that I can't keep handling this. Christmas break, when he had off of work for nearly 10 days, and was probably drunk a total of 9 days, not including the hours of normal sleep, was intolerable. The good thing was it woke my dad up. Previously my dad had insinuated that Don's drinking was because I'm not home because of PartyLite (Ok, don't really do much there since June), or maybe the kids, because they are kids. Whatever, he is old school. But now my dad sees the truth. So that was the silver lining there.
He was going to go in tonight, but needs to get a bunch of stuff done at work, so has changed it to tomorrow morning. He said that sleeping there is really not comfortable, so he would rather start off in the morning. I think that is a form of procrastination, but the rose colored glasses come back on, and I think that might be better, cause I can drive him there tomorrow, whereas I can't tonight.
I have a feeling it will be a long night tonight though, so I guess I need those prayers and thoughts too.
I'm also realistic that this may not be the last time this happens. But we are all learning, and if it does continue on after this, I won't let it go this long. I'm getting stronger and smarter too.
Thanks for your support!
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
new stuff
I know quite a few of you are fans of PartyLite. You may or may not remember that I sell it.
Well, our new Winter/Spring 2008 catalog is available. You can access it here.
I'm excited about some of the new items and scents. If you get a chance to browse, I'd love to hear your opinions as well. There is a definite Asian/African theme to this year's catalog, if you ask me. It also seems they have toned down the modern aspect, or rather have added some new countryish items. You gotta see the items on pg 48-49. Cockadoodle Doo!
On another note:
After trying to be the winning bidder for Hannah Montana tickets since I couldn't buy them when they went on sale, since they sold out in 3 minutes online, I was successful last night. I was the winning bidder on 4 tickets in row U in the nosebleed section, and only paid less than double the face value+fees. I'm very happy about that, as the tickets were going for well over $100/ticket before Christmas, and nearly $200/ticket AFTER Christmas! I paid less! Wahoo! Marisa was jumping up and down for over 1/2 hour last night. I had planned on selling 2 of the tickets, hoping to recoup some costs, but now Don says he wants to go too, so I will sell one of them. I really don't want him to go, plus I won't get as much for the 1 ticket compared to selling a pair. But I don't want to be a total beyotch.
Well, our new Winter/Spring 2008 catalog is available. You can access it here.
I'm excited about some of the new items and scents. If you get a chance to browse, I'd love to hear your opinions as well. There is a definite Asian/African theme to this year's catalog, if you ask me. It also seems they have toned down the modern aspect, or rather have added some new countryish items. You gotta see the items on pg 48-49. Cockadoodle Doo!
On another note:
After trying to be the winning bidder for Hannah Montana tickets since I couldn't buy them when they went on sale, since they sold out in 3 minutes online, I was successful last night. I was the winning bidder on 4 tickets in row U in the nosebleed section, and only paid less than double the face value+fees. I'm very happy about that, as the tickets were going for well over $100/ticket before Christmas, and nearly $200/ticket AFTER Christmas! I paid less! Wahoo! Marisa was jumping up and down for over 1/2 hour last night. I had planned on selling 2 of the tickets, hoping to recoup some costs, but now Don says he wants to go too, so I will sell one of them. I really don't want him to go, plus I won't get as much for the 1 ticket compared to selling a pair. But I don't want to be a total beyotch.
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Happy New Year
Hope everyone reading this had a safe New Years Eve and wishing all of you a Happy 2008.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
The good, bad and ugly
No, this is not a movie. This is our life. Although if Clint Eastwood wants to come and do a shoot-em-up scene, he is welcome to.
The good was good. Kids had an enjoyable Christmas, opening presents, and spending time with their Opa, my dad. They loved the Wii that I bought them. Marisa is really good at the games. They were happy to get all the clothes they did too. The kids were great this weekend. They are getting so mature. *sigh* Also, I got a great camera. It is a Canon Rebel XTI. Lots of bells and whistles. That is almost all that I wanted. I didn't get the other thing, which leads to the bad.
The bad was bad. Don spent most of the weekend drunk. My dad is really upset about this. This part of the bad is a little good, from a selfish perspective. You see, my family has always thought Don just about walked on water. Now they have seen that he is an alcoholic, and that it really isn't my fault or the kids fault. I just ignore him when he gets like that, or if I have to put him in his place because he is being a jerk, I will do that too. My dad said he wants to talk to Don, and let him know it is apparent to him that Don is losing his family. Devon was supposed to have a dr appt today, but both kids were afraid to get in the car without me driving, so I had to reschedule it for next Monday, when I have off of work. Of course that made Don mad, and he drank even more last night. Nothing new there though.
Hence the ugly. On Christmas Eve he was drunk by noon. No one had yet arrived at our house, and about 1:30 he passed out on our bed. We were going to church for 3pm service, so after I asked him if he was going, and after responding "yes" he resumed sleeping anyway, so my dad, the kids and I left. It was a very nice service, and I really enjoyed it, and remembered that my family is really in Gods hands. Curiously, no one at church asked where he was. When we got back, some of the family was there, and he seemed a little better. Then more came, and he got drunk again. His sister, who knows, questioned him on it. It almost turned into an ugly scene, but they went downstairs where no one was sitting and had a long talk. Of course he gave the whole sob story about that he needed help, and I wasn't helping, etc etc. She actually semi believed him, until I confronted them about it. Meanwhile, his brother, who doesn't know, also noticed that he was visibly impaired (stumbling, unfocused, etc). He asked their sister, and said he wondered if Don was on some medication, since I was pretty much ignoring the situation. I figured I would let him create his own problem. Well, their sister set his brother straight. Of course Don had told his sis that he was going to talk to his brother about it, but neither said anything about it to the other, to the best of my knowledge. After everyone left around 11pm, he passed out again, and I was left to wrap all the presents. It was a late night, but I guess I had some peace & quiet, so it was ok. All in all, a typical weekend in the dragonflies house. Now you know why I like Mon-Friday best.
Today my boss brought in a bunch of yummy cookiez. Yay! Another reason to like weekdays!
I sincerely hope you had a wonderful Christmas, weekend, Tuesday. Smooch!
The good was good. Kids had an enjoyable Christmas, opening presents, and spending time with their Opa, my dad. They loved the Wii that I bought them. Marisa is really good at the games. They were happy to get all the clothes they did too. The kids were great this weekend. They are getting so mature. *sigh* Also, I got a great camera. It is a Canon Rebel XTI. Lots of bells and whistles. That is almost all that I wanted. I didn't get the other thing, which leads to the bad.
The bad was bad. Don spent most of the weekend drunk. My dad is really upset about this. This part of the bad is a little good, from a selfish perspective. You see, my family has always thought Don just about walked on water. Now they have seen that he is an alcoholic, and that it really isn't my fault or the kids fault. I just ignore him when he gets like that, or if I have to put him in his place because he is being a jerk, I will do that too. My dad said he wants to talk to Don, and let him know it is apparent to him that Don is losing his family. Devon was supposed to have a dr appt today, but both kids were afraid to get in the car without me driving, so I had to reschedule it for next Monday, when I have off of work. Of course that made Don mad, and he drank even more last night. Nothing new there though.
Hence the ugly. On Christmas Eve he was drunk by noon. No one had yet arrived at our house, and about 1:30 he passed out on our bed. We were going to church for 3pm service, so after I asked him if he was going, and after responding "yes" he resumed sleeping anyway, so my dad, the kids and I left. It was a very nice service, and I really enjoyed it, and remembered that my family is really in Gods hands. Curiously, no one at church asked where he was. When we got back, some of the family was there, and he seemed a little better. Then more came, and he got drunk again. His sister, who knows, questioned him on it. It almost turned into an ugly scene, but they went downstairs where no one was sitting and had a long talk. Of course he gave the whole sob story about that he needed help, and I wasn't helping, etc etc. She actually semi believed him, until I confronted them about it. Meanwhile, his brother, who doesn't know, also noticed that he was visibly impaired (stumbling, unfocused, etc). He asked their sister, and said he wondered if Don was on some medication, since I was pretty much ignoring the situation. I figured I would let him create his own problem. Well, their sister set his brother straight. Of course Don had told his sis that he was going to talk to his brother about it, but neither said anything about it to the other, to the best of my knowledge. After everyone left around 11pm, he passed out again, and I was left to wrap all the presents. It was a late night, but I guess I had some peace & quiet, so it was ok. All in all, a typical weekend in the dragonflies house. Now you know why I like Mon-Friday best.
Today my boss brought in a bunch of yummy cookiez. Yay! Another reason to like weekdays!
I sincerely hope you had a wonderful Christmas, weekend, Tuesday. Smooch!
Friday, December 21, 2007
More Cookiez
Yay! I got more cookiez yesterday! Two different kinds, both of which are yummy. I had to fight my dad for the toffee ones! And how completely fitting that I got said cookiez during BEAR WEEK! Thank you so much cookie maker! eta: The cookie maker will know what I mean about BEAR week.
Thanks to cookiez exchange and some generous neighbors, we now have tons of yummy Christmas cookies to eat and share with any guests.
I would also like to take this time to personally thank those people who took the time to send me a Christmas card. It means more to me than you will ever know to know that I have friends that I have not yet met. I've shared more with you virtual friends than I have with my IRL friends this past year. Maybe because you are MY friends, and not OUR friends, IYKWIM. The same goes for those who have PM'd me.
Anyway, smooshes to all of you, whether you were my SS, my cookiez maker, card maker, or a poster on OT, Centerpiece or here. I truly do love all of you, even those I don't really like. :)
Smooshes are better than smooches, right? They sound like they are.
Thanks to cookiez exchange and some generous neighbors, we now have tons of yummy Christmas cookies to eat and share with any guests.
I would also like to take this time to personally thank those people who took the time to send me a Christmas card. It means more to me than you will ever know to know that I have friends that I have not yet met. I've shared more with you virtual friends than I have with my IRL friends this past year. Maybe because you are MY friends, and not OUR friends, IYKWIM. The same goes for those who have PM'd me.
Anyway, smooshes to all of you, whether you were my SS, my cookiez maker, card maker, or a poster on OT, Centerpiece or here. I truly do love all of you, even those I don't really like. :)
Smooshes are better than smooches, right? They sound like they are.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Stuff
I am not getting older, just because I now officially have a teenager.
We celebrated Devon's 13th birthday. Started on Sunday, when we went out to dinner. I made sure to mention to the waitress, and got a sock in the arm from him. They brought out a piece of cake with a candle, and sang Happy Birthday to him. He later told me thanks, and that he really did like it, even though he was protesting. Last night we opened his birthday presents, then had spagetti and ice cream cake, and after dinner had Christmas with my sister & her boyfriend, who are leaving this morning, and my dad, who arrived last night. It was a fun night.
I still have to mail out my Christmas cards. Guess getting them signed by Dec 1 didn't really help me after all.
At least my sister acknowledged Don's alcoholism. She said it was obvious to her that he had been drinking before we went out for dinner. Nice to know that she isn't ignoring the whole thing, although I'm sure she didn't say anything to him, and he will think that she didn't notice. The next 2 weeks should be interesting. My dad is in complete denial. When I first told him about Don, he suggested that maybe he was that way because of my PL business, or maybe because of the kids. Yeah, sure, right. Sometimes he is so old school.
Marisa is so excited to have her Opa visiting us. She makes him coffee every morning, and has been playing the piano whenever possible, because I told her that he loves to hear the piano being played. She told me she didn't want to be mean to him like she was when Don & I went to Aruba. She is maturing so quickly!
I tried to buy Hannah Montana tickets for Marisa & me to go see, but they sold out by the time I was able to log in and get through the screens. Now I have to resort to trying to win them on the radio or more likely buy them on Ebay.
I'm swamped at work, and our Office Mgr/Credit Mgr just left for her vacation, so now I do part of her job too. As a result, I may not be around blogland or OT much in the next 10 days. I will be checking to see if my Secret Santa recipient received their gift. It is taking longer than I expected. Dang Postal Service.
I watched the entire season of Survivor, my first since Season 2 or 3. Probably watched it because none of my other shows are on right now. However, I am intrigued by the next season.
We celebrated Devon's 13th birthday. Started on Sunday, when we went out to dinner. I made sure to mention to the waitress, and got a sock in the arm from him. They brought out a piece of cake with a candle, and sang Happy Birthday to him. He later told me thanks, and that he really did like it, even though he was protesting. Last night we opened his birthday presents, then had spagetti and ice cream cake, and after dinner had Christmas with my sister & her boyfriend, who are leaving this morning, and my dad, who arrived last night. It was a fun night.
I still have to mail out my Christmas cards. Guess getting them signed by Dec 1 didn't really help me after all.
At least my sister acknowledged Don's alcoholism. She said it was obvious to her that he had been drinking before we went out for dinner. Nice to know that she isn't ignoring the whole thing, although I'm sure she didn't say anything to him, and he will think that she didn't notice. The next 2 weeks should be interesting. My dad is in complete denial. When I first told him about Don, he suggested that maybe he was that way because of my PL business, or maybe because of the kids. Yeah, sure, right. Sometimes he is so old school.
Marisa is so excited to have her Opa visiting us. She makes him coffee every morning, and has been playing the piano whenever possible, because I told her that he loves to hear the piano being played. She told me she didn't want to be mean to him like she was when Don & I went to Aruba. She is maturing so quickly!
I tried to buy Hannah Montana tickets for Marisa & me to go see, but they sold out by the time I was able to log in and get through the screens. Now I have to resort to trying to win them on the radio or more likely buy them on Ebay.
I'm swamped at work, and our Office Mgr/Credit Mgr just left for her vacation, so now I do part of her job too. As a result, I may not be around blogland or OT much in the next 10 days. I will be checking to see if my Secret Santa recipient received their gift. It is taking longer than I expected. Dang Postal Service.
I watched the entire season of Survivor, my first since Season 2 or 3. Probably watched it because none of my other shows are on right now. However, I am intrigued by the next season.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Funny Mail!
When I checked the mail today, on my way out to drop off Marisa at a Girl Scout Meeting, there was the usual stuff, along with a bright green large envelope! I wondered what it might be, as I drove. It took everything I had not to stop right there and rip it open! But I waited until I got back home.
Inside was a cute little card, along with a nice drawstring bag, and inside a round container in the shape of, and filled with M&Ms!!! The card made me smile about as much as the candy! The cover was a bunch of little babies floating around in innertubes. So cute!
Thanks to my funny mail sender!
Inside was a cute little card, along with a nice drawstring bag, and inside a round container in the shape of, and filled with M&Ms!!! The card made me smile about as much as the candy! The cover was a bunch of little babies floating around in innertubes. So cute!
Thanks to my funny mail sender!
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