(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!
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