Wednesday, February 23, 2011

changes

There are lots of changes going on at the bugmeat house. Some good, some not so good, depending on your point of view.

1. DS got his license on Valentines Day. That was my mom's birthday, and I find that very comforting. Almost like she is watching over him, as they had a special relationship even though he was only 4 when she died.

2. DH was arrested last week. He was speeding 130mph and then fled the police. He has some major legal hurdles to jump over. He has a nice lawyer though.

3. DH has informed me he has a soulmate. And she isn't me. Actually he informed me of this while we were on vacation over Christmas break. Since then he has said that they are taking a break, backing off. No, not breaking it off, just slowing down. Um, yeah. Gee, and I'm supposed to just accept that for the next 4.5 years until DD is out of High School?

4. DH & I are separated. More like I kicked his ass out of the house after I bailed him out of jail. Note I said I bailed him out. His new soulmate didn't. Even though he left with her. It's been working pretty well, considering I cut him off completely from a financial viewpoint. He has no access to our money, although I gave him some cash. He has no access to our credit cards either. He comes over around dinner time for some time with the kids, and gets bored and leaves after about an hour. I won't even go into the myriad of other issues we are dealing with right now. Safe to say I am doing my best to keep him on an even keel, just going along with his lies and delusions. And he has quite a few of those. I think that will change though, based on #5.

5. I have a lawyer, and am filing for divorce. I had a phone conversation with him, and am meeting him on Friday. Of course financially all of these things are strapping me. But it is what it is. Hopefully I'll get the bail money back at some point. I also have a nice tax refund coming. Don't worry though, I have several friends that know the whole sordid story, or most of it. They also know how to contact each other, in case anything happens to me.

I've had a couple of people say that I'm handling this whole thing pretty well. Looking back, I now realize that our marriage was over for me several years ago. Probably some time during what I call the black years. The years of his active alcoholism. But I'm thankful for those years, as they made me a stronger, more independent person. This is the first time in my life I'll be on my own. Thankfully I won't be completely, as I'll have the 2 most important people in my life with me, my children. 2 more years with DS, 4 with DD. Then they will fly the coop, and I can go somewhere warm. LOL

Well, how is that for an update?

Thursday, February 03, 2011

The Snow Bowl!




We survived The Snow Bowl, or The Super Snow, or whatever you call it when 12-24 inches of snow fall over a 36 hour period. Really it mostly fell over a 12 hour period of time.

DH was out plowing all day, so the kids and I shoveled the 5 foot drift that was placed directly in the center of our walkway. Go figure.

The kids had a snow day, and I had made sure to bring some work home with me, so I did too!

Monday, January 24, 2011

Wish me luck

Today I have my Manager's Review. That means for me. I've never had a review from the two people that are reviewing me. Should be interesting.

We are supposed to be prepared to discuss various topics, including:
  • Goals for Department
  • Goals for me as a manager
  • Improvements/Needs/Problems in department
Then we will go over the company's goals and expectations for me.

Why not just skip over the first part and go right to the second part?

Anyway, I met with my dept, and got some ideas from them, as well as a few of my own, so I typed up a page long list of topics. We'll see how that goes.

I'm not really sure how I fit in to this company right now. The president has been president for 2 years, and he is surrounding himself with people he has hired. I'm not one of them. That has been brought to my attention very clearly, by his actions and exclusion of me in things that really don't matter, like going out to lunch. Still, makes me feel like I'm on the outside of the cool kids club. Whatever.

I do believe they won't push me out until DH at least has a job. They aren't that mean.

Friday, January 07, 2011

Its been a while

So I haven't updated in quite a while. Guess not much to update. Same thing, different day.

Busy at work, busy with swim. I've got to learn to say "no" once in a while.

Work is crazy busy. Our start up company just got a big contract, so that is going crazy. Plus our regular company has come out of the recession going full speed. I finally hired an assistant, and that has helped, but not enough.

I'm now President of our Swim Team. I kind of got it by default. There were 2 of us interested, and since the other person had a swimmer who was a Senior, I let that person have it, and she asked me to be VP. Turns out her swimmer quit swimming, so she resigned, and here I am. Still running the Fundraising as well, but I have another mom helping me, and we've been trying to farm out some of it as well.

I'm also Treasurer of the High School Boys Swim Team. Kind of got that by default too. Some of the Junior/Senior moms met, and turns out no one really wanted it, so they asked me. With my Accounting background, guess I was a natural. Anyway, there isn't much involved with that, so I'm ok. That ends mid February, so again, no biggie.

Also got sucked into a committee with Wisconsin Swimming. They go over the current rules/bylaws and create new ones. There is a lot of upheaval around USA Swimming lately, with some of the scandals, and they really want the individual states to get more organized.

Went to Florida over Christmas Break. That was pretty much a decent time, except for the weather and the big fight DH & I got into. Whatever. At least he is still sober.

Speaking of sober, he reached his 2 year anniversary. Very good news. Too bad he still doesn't have a job. Although that is looking up too. We'll see.

That's all for now.

Monday, September 20, 2010

Following directions

I don't go on OT much anymore, and even less do I come here. But I do follow directions quite well.

Kim asked for an update, so here it is.

You can pretty much see what is going on with me on FB, although I don't really write any private stuff on there, like I used to on here.

Work is busy, although maybe not crazy busy anymore since I hired an assistant last month. After a period of growing dissatisfaction, I am realizing that I actually do mostly like my job. Most of the time. There are some hidden and not so hidden 'perks' too. I got an iPhone4!

Kids are back in school and back at swimming after having most of August off. It was nice, but I actually missed it after a couple of weeks.

Devon has his temporary learner's permit now, so watch out on the roads. Actually he is a very good driver. Most of the time.

I have 2 teenagers now. Marisa turned 13 earlier this month. She is the typical teenager. *sigh*

Don is still not working. 22 months. Not for lack of trying though. *double sigh* However things are good for our family, aside from tight money situation.

As a result of all of most of the above, I don't really do much of anything lately. Well, except visit the library. I've been reading quite a bit, since I'm in two book clubs. Oh and I went to Baltimore on business last week. That was kinda fun.

Now to see if anyone really does read this. Please leave a comment. Maybe I'll update more regularly.

Tuesday, February 09, 2010

My boy!

This is a pic of Devon swimming the 500 yard Freestyle last Saturday. He swam OUT OF HIS MIND! He took 10 full seconds off of his best time to go 5:00.28 (just a little over 5 minutes). Unfortunately it was just not enough to get him to the next level of his High School career, so he is done swimming with his High School team, and now returns to Club swimming for a month. He is a little disappointed, but happy not to have to shave his head! LOL.

His next goal is to get a qualifying time for a higher level meet called the Speedo meet. He is aiming for a time in the 1000 yard Freestyle and 500 yard Free. I think he can get them!

We are so proud of him!


BTW, I did not take this shot.

Tuesday, February 02, 2010

My latest favorite song

Boys Like Girls

Heard it on the radio, and had to google it, cause I thought it was Taylor Swift singing. Was right, although she isn't in the video.

Tuesday, January 05, 2010

Happy New Year

Happy New Year to all! 2009 was an up and down year for our family, with lots of personal ups, but one major down, the death of my sister's boyfriend. However, aside from that biggie, I would classify 2009 as one of my better years.

Today is a very good day. DH has a special birthday today.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Cookies!! - end Cookie Monster voice

So have you decided what holiday treat you are going to send?
Have you made them?
Have you sent them?
Have you received?

I did a trial run, but decided on something different.

Mmmmm

Friday, October 30, 2009

2009 Blogger Cookie Exchange Sign up

I have been nominated by Puffy & Weltek to organize this year's cookie exchange. If someone else wants to do this, I am happy to relinquish these duties.

In the meantime, here is the place to sign up if you are interested in participating. Please add any allergies or specific preferences to the comments here.

Also we need to decide how many cookies to send out. In past years I believe it was either 1 or 2 dozen cookies to 2 different people. When you put your comment here, please vote either 1 or 2 dozen as well.

I also need everyone's real name and address. If you want, you can email me that info, or PM me on OT.

Did I forget anything?

Update:
I have the following cookie exchangers

Frodis
Boo
Puffy
HD
Weltek
dragonflies

you are to send at least 1 dozen cookies (or representative amount of bread or other holiday food) before the end of 2009.

I will leave this open for more exchangers for the remainder of this week. After that I'll draw names and let you know. I still need an address for Frodis.


Monday, October 26, 2009

Cookies?

Since I keep forgetting to look around on blogs from home, and I don't have many links here at work, I will post this here, in the hopes that someone will see this.

Is anyone organizing a cookie exchange for this year? I'd like to be in on it if possible.

That is all.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

The week in review

Ok, so it is only Thursday. I've had a busy week!

Monday & Tuesday I drove out to Madison for a seminar on Financial Analysis. It was ok. The food was very good. The peep meet on Monday afterward was the BEST! Kim was nice enough to meet me at the Conference Center and we went to a little bar across the street to chat and have a beverage. Then Chris joined us too! It was a short hour, but enjoyable. Thanks for taking the time guys!

Wed I came back to work, and considering I missed 2 days, my desk wasn't that bad.

Went to Marisa's basketball game after work, and she did well, but lost. Considering they only had 6 players, 2 of who are brand new to the sport, they did well, scoring 16 points. Monday they almost won, but ended up losing 21-25. That was the most points their team has ever scored.

Then last night Don & I went to the high school football game. The game was probably going to decide 2nd place in the conference, since both teams were 5-1 losing to the same team who is in 1st place. AHS won 31-13! Yay

We have a meet all day Sat & Sunday, so no sleeping in, but hopefully we can catch a nap after the PM session of the meet each day. No other plans, except maybe Devon's girlfriend coming over, or him going to her house. And I have to finish putting together the swim team fundraiser. Hopefully tonight will finish that up!

Monday, October 12, 2009

Cold Monday

Yuk, it is cold today. It's been cold all weekend, but today is worse. Probably because I had to actually go out in it. Started on Friday. The game was great, but it was cold. They had nice fireworks, which was a bonus. Then Devon and his GF went to a bonfire after the game. Saturday was the Homecoming Dance. From what he shared, they had a great time. His back was hurting yesterday though. Probably from all the running around in his dress shoes, which have close to an inch heel.

I cooked some Chicken Parmesan (sans breading) for dinner yesterday. Actually turned out really good! So good I'm actually having leftovers for lunch today. Marisa also baked a cake yesterday, so between both we heated up the main floor nicely.

I won my FF game! Yay! I'm only 2-2, which is unusual for me. No Packers this week, so I had to settle for watching the Stillers beat Detroit, and then watched some of the Denver game.

I'm listening to Daughtry's new album. I really like a couple of the songs. "No surprise", "Life after You" and "Tennessee Line" so far. The link to the songs is in the upper right corner of the website.

Today begins a crazy time for our family. Marisa starts her basketball games. Just about every Monday & Wednesday. Of course we have to shuttle both her and Devon to swim as well, so it will create some crazy driving arranging. Thankfully we have 2 drivers!

Have a good week everyone!

Thursday, October 08, 2009

Update

1. Ok, I am really irritated that the forecast here mentions the word SNOW in it for Sunday night/Monday. UGH. I know, I know, there is no mention of accumulations, and I need to face facts, that winter is on the way, but sheesh! We haven't even had any sort of Indian Summer to speak of! I want it to last at least until Halloween!

2. Devon is going to Homecoming this weekend. With a girldfriend. That really freaks me out. We will go to the game on Friday night. Don & I like to go to HS sports. Weird, I know. Of course Devon leaves us as soon as we get out of the car, and then we meet back again at the car after the game. LOL.

3. My sister and I were both stood up on the same day. Me for a lunch date, her for a dinner date. I find that kind of funny. Of course neither of us had a love interest, but still, funny.

4. I can't believe I have to deal with the Packer loss for 2 weeks! Rotten time for a bye week. At least I won my Fantasy Football game. I played against a 14 year old.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

A Blog entry

Ok, so I'm a day late in following Kim's directions to update my blog. But I have been posting entries more often lately.

Sadly, I have lost most of the contacts of other blogs. I cleaned up my computer at work, thinking I had the links at home, and then found out I didn't. :(

Thank you Kim for the lovely post card. We had a great time peep meeting too! I will have to find my pictures and add them here.

Another sadly, I think our summer is over. We had 80s for the past week or so, and yesterday it was in the 70s. The forecast for the rest of the week is low 70s dropping into the 60s, with 40s & 50s overnights. But at least no rain. Now I know I should be wishing for rain, since we haven't had any for at least 3 weeks, but rain adds insult to injury when summer leaves, IMO.

My carpel tunnel has resurfaced. I think it is due to Farm Town on Facebook. So I am cutting back on my online farming time. LOL Don keeps saying I should focus on my own garden and get those carrots out. Guess I better get to that.

That is all for now.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

RIP Patrick Swayze

video

She's like the Wind, which he cowrote

Dancing with Lisa at the World Music Awards in 1994

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Music

Watching the 5 season recap show of SYTYCD last week reminded me of some of the really good performances and songs. One song in particular has stuck in my mind. Love Annie Lennox!

Why

I was listening to my new favorite music station, Pandora a lot lately. When I popped it on this morning, another great song popped up. One More Night. Phil Collins is not one of my favorite artists, but after thinking about it, he has lots of really good songs. Of course, as far you can't forget this one

Ok, back to work.

Tuesday, September 01, 2009

First Day of School

So today is the official First Day of School for this year. Lots of changes. First, Devon & Marisa are no longer in the same school, and won't be in the same building ever again. Our HS has 2 campuses, 1 for 9th & 10th graders and another for 11th & 12th graders. So unless she takes a higher level class when she is a 10th grader and he is a 12th grader, they will be in different buildings! They are growing so fast!

Devon is a High Schooler now! He wouldn't let me go to the bus stop with him. LOL. I didn't really ask, I just said I thought he wouldn't be cool with that, at which point he agreed. I did take his picture before he left the house.

Marisa is in 7th grade now. Almost the biggest kids at school. She got sick this morning. Actually threw up. I'm not sure why, but I think it was nerves, because by the time we got to the bus stop, she was reasonably fine.

Last night we had an open house at the High School. The principal spoke for a while, and then we got to go through his schedule to his classes. Just about 10 min per class. Enough to meet the teachers and get list of supplies. Thankfully not much in supplies. Binders, paper, pens, pencils, protractor, calculator and white erase markers. We had all but the last. I had fun going down the halls from room to room. Even though maybe only 30% of the parents were there, sometimes the busy intersections that Devon warned me about were quite congested. Can't imagine when there are 1200 kids changing classes at the same time, with 1/2 of them nearly clueless! LOL. He was already talking about finding short cuts and which halls to avoid...

One thing that I'm looking forward to is being able to monitor all his grades, and not having to wait for progress reports. We've stressed to him that now it really counts, grades wise. I know, he'll be fine.

OMG, just a measly 6 years from now and both my kids will be high school graduates!

Friday, August 14, 2009

Happy Friday

Hope everyone has a nice weekend! I need to blog about stuff, but haven't been around the computer much, except at work, where I'm super busy.

We went to Grand Forks North Dakota last weekend for the Central Zones Swim Meet. Devon swam 3 events, and did very well. Plus he got to make friends with his team mates on Team Wisconsin. Normally they are his competitors, so that was fun for him.

We ate at a FANTASTIC place in Grand Forks. Giuseppe's is the name. If you are ever there, you must stop and eat dinner there. Great food, great service!

There is not much to see between the Twin Cities and Grand Forks. The neatest thing was the sunflower fields. But at 100mph they went by quickly.

Don & kids are going camping tomorrow with a bunch of other dads and kids. They compromised, since the kids didn't want to go at all. So it was decided they would go for the day tomorrow. Leaves me to do what I want then! Yay! Plan on seeing a movie with a friend, and then lazing around the rest of the day. Maybe I will resume my project of cleaning my home office.

Wednesday, August 05, 2009

Pic of my boy

Look at this handsome guy! Hard to believe it is an 8th grade graduation picture!