Today went by very fast, however, I got absolutely ZERO sleep last night. It was crazy. It was a productive day at work for me and at least two people. We had a great time even though most everyone was at the funeral. I think Roger would have preferred us having a great time than being sad and miserable. I would have liked to have gone to pay my respects, but some people felt it necessary that they attend, even though they didn't really know him, which was frustrating, because I had a nice friendship with him, but some of us had to stay behind and run the show. And really I got to spend more time with him on the Friday of his death than my usual, and I feel that is more important.
On a brighter note, Zach had a football game tonight. We are just getting back. I am feeling kinda guilty. I attend the games. I support my baby in all that he does, yet I am not one of those "crazy" parents, wearing their kids jersey and having tailgate parties...I mean COME ON! Are you kidding me? Yet a part of me feels guilty because maybe I should be like that? I am proud of him in so many ways above and so beyond football. I go because he's asked me to go.
Weird. I haven't heard the song "Raindrops Keep Falling on my Head" since I was a kid. My dad used to sing it to me when I was a little girl. He'd also sing "Tie a Yellow Ribbon" too, but I digress. ANYWAY the weird part is I have heard that song TWICE today.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
September 29, 2008
My schedule right now at work has the weeks flying by. July, August, September are now gone. I am expecting October to do the same. The good news about that is that soccer season will be over before you know it. Last September and October was just agonizing. I wasn't working then. I still don't like having Mitch gone so much during soccer season, but at least I barely have time to notice. I work Tuesday and Wednesday 8-3. Thursday off. Friday and Saturday 8-3. Sunday and Monday off.
Tomorrow will probably be a bit different. As is today I am sure, but I don't work on Mondays, so I won't know how things will be shaping up tomorrow. Like when is Roger's funeral? And after all that is over, and we get back to business, how will this affect things? We used a specific company vehicle to accomodate Roger's wheelchair. We won't be using it for that specific purpose anymore, which is where I come in...I used to drive that caravan and Roger on Fridays... so do I not start work there anymore? Are we all riding in the same vehicle now? Am I just heading to the day program myself?
Tomorrow will probably be a bit different. As is today I am sure, but I don't work on Mondays, so I won't know how things will be shaping up tomorrow. Like when is Roger's funeral? And after all that is over, and we get back to business, how will this affect things? We used a specific company vehicle to accomodate Roger's wheelchair. We won't be using it for that specific purpose anymore, which is where I come in...I used to drive that caravan and Roger on Fridays... so do I not start work there anymore? Are we all riding in the same vehicle now? Am I just heading to the day program myself?
Sunday, September 28, 2008
September 28, 2008
Mitch will be home today! It has been a long two days without him!
It has been a long week. Glad to see that it is over. Friday was such a miserable day. My only regret is that that would be the last day I ever spent with Roger and I didn't enjoy it. Of course I didn't know it would be the last day but when I was stuck waiting around in traffic, on blocked and flooded roads, and then again at Russell Ave., I had a feeling God was trying to tell me something. He gave me another opportunity to see Roger after I dropped him off because I still had the van keys and had to bring them back to the house. Roger was a good, sweet sweet man and loved going to church and loved God and I know he is free of his broken body now and smiling down on those of us who loved him.
My hope is that this week will be better.
It has been a long week. Glad to see that it is over. Friday was such a miserable day. My only regret is that that would be the last day I ever spent with Roger and I didn't enjoy it. Of course I didn't know it would be the last day but when I was stuck waiting around in traffic, on blocked and flooded roads, and then again at Russell Ave., I had a feeling God was trying to tell me something. He gave me another opportunity to see Roger after I dropped him off because I still had the van keys and had to bring them back to the house. Roger was a good, sweet sweet man and loved going to church and loved God and I know he is free of his broken body now and smiling down on those of us who loved him.
My hope is that this week will be better.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
September 27, 2008
So I found out this morning that a gentleman I work with on Friday passed away in his sleep last night. Goodbye, sweet Roger. You will be missed!
Friday, September 26, 2008
So Bad So Crazy
Today was so bad and so crazy that at this point it is darn near funny. Let me give you a run down of everything that went wrong.
Let me preface it by saying that it has been POURING all morning and afternoon and no end in sight.
I know I mentioned I was going in an hour earlier to help a friend out. Done. However, I woke up at 3 AM and could not go back to sleep, so my day started at 3 AM. I dropped two cranky kids off at school in the pouring rain at 6:30 AM. I got to work and was met at the door by overnight staff saying I couldn't leave until Person B got picked up by his brother which should occur at 8:30 AM. The problem with that is that I am scheduled to get person C every Friday at 8 AM. So now this favor is more than disrupting my schedule, it is now messing up the Day Program schedule. Whatever whatever, a few phone calls later and I am good with the guys until 8:30. 9 AM rolls by and person B is still with us. Placed another phone call and we were now set to stay put until person B got picked up. Finally at 9:15 AM Person A and I are on the road to get Person C. Am met at the door with a list of prescriptions (like 10) that need to be dropped off and picked up. However, Person B will only be with his brother for ONE hour and so now I have 1/2 hour to drop of Persons A & C and then go back to Newport to get person B and bring him to the day program. UGH!
Soooo, drop off Person C because Person A was misbehaving and so he was staying with me to go back and get person B. Get him and all three of us head back to get our group and have our regularly scheduled outing like every Friday. We get back to switch company vehicles and discover the other one has a dead battery because staff left the lights on. No cables. Finally tracked down cables and I am the only staff member that knows how to boost a battery. WHAAAAAT? No problem except it is POURING rain! We're jumped and running and off on our outing, plus have to get checks, meds and run another errand.
Finally back to day program to discover that other company vehicle has a flat tire!!! So I take it to the gas station for some air as it wasn't completely flat. IN THE POURING RAIN.
Day program is now over, so I go back to pick up People A, B, and C. Load them up and head home. Yay!!! We are on time. Maybe today is turning around! NOT!!!! Nobody mentioned to 2nd shift staff that because the girl I was helping out is on vacation, she will have to come in a half hour early. So I ended up waiting with People A and B because they can't be left alone. I am officially off shift at 3. It is now 3. I still have to drive thru traffic to drop off Person C and return company vehicle and pick up my own car. It is now 3:15. My kids have been done school since 2 PM and are waiting patiently in the POURING rain. Get just over the Newport bridge after paying a token and discover I still have the company vehicle keys!!! UGH! Mother-effing no good ever loving day!!!! So I RUN the token booth because I will be damned if I am paying yet another token after this day I have had.
I get back to the company vehicle and drop off keys, only to turn around and head for home. It is now 3:48 PM. The road I am on and have been on is now closed due to severe flooding. WHAT??? Kids are literally on boogie boards body surfing down the street.
FInally get my kids and am now home enjoying dinner at 5:29 PM. There is dance tonight and Zach has been asked to go by three girls. Not sure what he told them except that he is going??? I may not have to give him a ride home if the three find out about each other.
The only good thing I can think of that has happened today is that today is payday.
Let me preface it by saying that it has been POURING all morning and afternoon and no end in sight.
I know I mentioned I was going in an hour earlier to help a friend out. Done. However, I woke up at 3 AM and could not go back to sleep, so my day started at 3 AM. I dropped two cranky kids off at school in the pouring rain at 6:30 AM. I got to work and was met at the door by overnight staff saying I couldn't leave until Person B got picked up by his brother which should occur at 8:30 AM. The problem with that is that I am scheduled to get person C every Friday at 8 AM. So now this favor is more than disrupting my schedule, it is now messing up the Day Program schedule. Whatever whatever, a few phone calls later and I am good with the guys until 8:30. 9 AM rolls by and person B is still with us. Placed another phone call and we were now set to stay put until person B got picked up. Finally at 9:15 AM Person A and I are on the road to get Person C. Am met at the door with a list of prescriptions (like 10) that need to be dropped off and picked up. However, Person B will only be with his brother for ONE hour and so now I have 1/2 hour to drop of Persons A & C and then go back to Newport to get person B and bring him to the day program. UGH!
Soooo, drop off Person C because Person A was misbehaving and so he was staying with me to go back and get person B. Get him and all three of us head back to get our group and have our regularly scheduled outing like every Friday. We get back to switch company vehicles and discover the other one has a dead battery because staff left the lights on. No cables. Finally tracked down cables and I am the only staff member that knows how to boost a battery. WHAAAAAT? No problem except it is POURING rain! We're jumped and running and off on our outing, plus have to get checks, meds and run another errand.
Finally back to day program to discover that other company vehicle has a flat tire!!! So I take it to the gas station for some air as it wasn't completely flat. IN THE POURING RAIN.
Day program is now over, so I go back to pick up People A, B, and C. Load them up and head home. Yay!!! We are on time. Maybe today is turning around! NOT!!!! Nobody mentioned to 2nd shift staff that because the girl I was helping out is on vacation, she will have to come in a half hour early. So I ended up waiting with People A and B because they can't be left alone. I am officially off shift at 3. It is now 3. I still have to drive thru traffic to drop off Person C and return company vehicle and pick up my own car. It is now 3:15. My kids have been done school since 2 PM and are waiting patiently in the POURING rain. Get just over the Newport bridge after paying a token and discover I still have the company vehicle keys!!! UGH! Mother-effing no good ever loving day!!!! So I RUN the token booth because I will be damned if I am paying yet another token after this day I have had.
I get back to the company vehicle and drop off keys, only to turn around and head for home. It is now 3:48 PM. The road I am on and have been on is now closed due to severe flooding. WHAT??? Kids are literally on boogie boards body surfing down the street.
FInally get my kids and am now home enjoying dinner at 5:29 PM. There is dance tonight and Zach has been asked to go by three girls. Not sure what he told them except that he is going??? I may not have to give him a ride home if the three find out about each other.
The only good thing I can think of that has happened today is that today is payday.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Stuff
The meeting was fine. I got the kids squared away for tomorrow. I am ready for bed and am going to go read for a little while. All I have to do is get thru tomorrow morning (UGH!!!) and the rest of the afternoon should be a breeze and then I will be home again.
We are supposed to be getting BIG HUGE amounts of rain. 1-2 inches tomorrow and 1-2 inches tomorrow night. That is a potential of 4 inches and the forecast for Saturday says to expect "significant" amounts of rain...things could get interesting!!!
The kids and I had Burger King tonight. Blah. Didn't really hit the spot.
We are supposed to be getting BIG HUGE amounts of rain. 1-2 inches tomorrow and 1-2 inches tomorrow night. That is a potential of 4 inches and the forecast for Saturday says to expect "significant" amounts of rain...things could get interesting!!!
The kids and I had Burger King tonight. Blah. Didn't really hit the spot.
September 25, 2008
I hate it when Mitch is out of town for a few days. Hate it.
AND of course, I told a friend at work I would come in an hour early to cover for her because that was the only hour that was holding up her vacation. So that means, I have to either give the kids the day off from school or drop them off at 6:30 AM. The girls will probably take the day off, but Zach can't if he wants to play in his football game tomorrow night. So either he rides his bike to school, which is fine, but I don't have the suburban to pick him and his bike up after the game and it will really be too late and too dark for him to have to ride the bike home. Looks like Zachie will be going to school early tomorrow. Of course none of this ever any issue on the weeks that Mitch isn't out of town. Just the way things like to work sometimes. Do a favor only to have it turn around and bite you in the butt!
Things I don't mind about Mitch being gone are:
1. I can read in bed without feeling like I am robbing him of rest because I have the light on, even though he says he doesn't mind.
2. I can watch what I want on tv even though we always watch what I want on tv, I don't have to feel guilty about it.
3. I don't have to worry about looking "beautiful" for a few days even though Mitch says he loves no matter how I look.
That is pretty much it. Other than those things, I hate having him gone.
I also have that meeting from 3:30-5:30...Zach gets done football practice between 4:30-5 and I won't be able to get to him until at least 5:45-6 PM...I hate having to make him wait, especially after a long day at school and then practice. The kid is hungry and thirsty and dirty and just wants to go home and eat, drink, shower and do homework.
I am just feeling overwhelmed by stuff that I know needs to get done and I know it will get done, but I am going to think about it until the day is over. We'll probably just go out to eat tonight and make supper tomorrow night because it will be late when Zach gets back tomorrow night. The game might actually get cancelled. They are predicting heavy rain and we could get over two inches of the wet yuckiness. I hope it rains all weekend.
Have I mentioned how much I really don't want to attend this meeting? It is over-time for me though. I will get paid $50 for just sitting there and listening.
AND of course, I told a friend at work I would come in an hour early to cover for her because that was the only hour that was holding up her vacation. So that means, I have to either give the kids the day off from school or drop them off at 6:30 AM. The girls will probably take the day off, but Zach can't if he wants to play in his football game tomorrow night. So either he rides his bike to school, which is fine, but I don't have the suburban to pick him and his bike up after the game and it will really be too late and too dark for him to have to ride the bike home. Looks like Zachie will be going to school early tomorrow. Of course none of this ever any issue on the weeks that Mitch isn't out of town. Just the way things like to work sometimes. Do a favor only to have it turn around and bite you in the butt!
Things I don't mind about Mitch being gone are:
1. I can read in bed without feeling like I am robbing him of rest because I have the light on, even though he says he doesn't mind.
2. I can watch what I want on tv even though we always watch what I want on tv, I don't have to feel guilty about it.
3. I don't have to worry about looking "beautiful" for a few days even though Mitch says he loves no matter how I look.
That is pretty much it. Other than those things, I hate having him gone.
I also have that meeting from 3:30-5:30...Zach gets done football practice between 4:30-5 and I won't be able to get to him until at least 5:45-6 PM...I hate having to make him wait, especially after a long day at school and then practice. The kid is hungry and thirsty and dirty and just wants to go home and eat, drink, shower and do homework.
I am just feeling overwhelmed by stuff that I know needs to get done and I know it will get done, but I am going to think about it until the day is over. We'll probably just go out to eat tonight and make supper tomorrow night because it will be late when Zach gets back tomorrow night. The game might actually get cancelled. They are predicting heavy rain and we could get over two inches of the wet yuckiness. I hope it rains all weekend.
Have I mentioned how much I really don't want to attend this meeting? It is over-time for me though. I will get paid $50 for just sitting there and listening.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
September 24, 2008
It has been awhile since I blogged. Not sure why I took the break. The internet is so dang boring lately. I find when I am on, it is to just be on and I end up waiting to see if something exciting happens, which it never does. Could I have officially surfed the entire web? It was bound to happen eventually.
Work is work these days. I am excited about something in particular though, involving work. Crap! I just remembered I have a stupid meeting tomorrow on MY DAY OFF! UGH! I hate when that happens.
I miss Debi. I miss Sunday nights at church with her.
Kayla is making chex mix right now. The house smells yummy.
I just wish "something" would happen. You know. The "thing" that I want to happen. But hasn't. I am not so good at waiting.
I am currently reading Confessions of an Ugly Step-Sister. Speaking of sisters, I need to call mine. She called me two days ago and left me a message to call her back and I have yet to do so. Blah. I am such a bad person.
Work is work these days. I am excited about something in particular though, involving work. Crap! I just remembered I have a stupid meeting tomorrow on MY DAY OFF! UGH! I hate when that happens.
I miss Debi. I miss Sunday nights at church with her.
Kayla is making chex mix right now. The house smells yummy.
I just wish "something" would happen. You know. The "thing" that I want to happen. But hasn't. I am not so good at waiting.
I am currently reading Confessions of an Ugly Step-Sister. Speaking of sisters, I need to call mine. She called me two days ago and left me a message to call her back and I have yet to do so. Blah. I am such a bad person.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Blah!
This has been a yucky day off. Don't get me wrong, any day off is a day worth having, but I am so freaking bored. It is too chilly for the beach, even though the weather is beautiful. My stomach is achy and I am feeling a bit feverish. It is only noon and I can't wait to pick the kids up. It is so darn boring today. I tried to read. Instead I have just been messing around online. It is even boring in blog world.
I wish Mitch was home from work already.
It is days like this when I get the urge to disappear. Into the Wild. Like the book. I won't. And if I did, I would take Mitch and the kids and Sierra.
I wonder if it has snowed yet where my friend Terri is living in Alaska. She is in an extremely remote fishing village, teaching away, living and loving her adventure.
I am feeling a bit better after making myself a salad for lunch. I love any excuse to use this new to me brand of Greek Feta that is garlic and herb flavored. Yummy.
I also forgot my mulit-vitamin today. I am trying to remember to take it every day and am not doing so well. I want to be in good health for when we actually...take the next step...in our master plan.
The kids seem to be doing much better with me home every afternoon. Homework is getting done, the house is staying relatively picked up. Zach's football career is just taking OFF! I am so proud of his new behavior. He is doing homework without having to be hounded. He is making every practice. He, I think, is very proud that he was able to make an appearance in last weekend's game as a freshman. His coach is a bit militant, sounding like a drill sergeant, but I really don't think that is a bad thing for a 14 year old boy. Kind of like a mini-dose of Military School, and don't think I haven't entertained the idea of that alternative. There is no way I am just sending him to live with his dad. That is like taking the easy way out in my opinion. Mike would do fine, no doubt in my mind, with Zach, but he unfortunately has to work a lot of long hours and neither one of us really want Zach to be left with that much time on his hands unsupervised. That is just an invitation to get into drugs and alcohol and sex. We've made it this far with him to start making selfish, stupid choices now.
Weird how a blog post can take a turn of its own like that...let's get back to my being bored. Apathetic. That is how I am feeling I guess.
Mitch and I are working on and praying about a career in which we can work together. That will be exciting. I don't think there are a lot of couples who could work together, but I know we would be great at it. Between texting, calling and emailing, it is kind of like we're together all day now anyway.
I wish Mitch was home from work already.
It is days like this when I get the urge to disappear. Into the Wild. Like the book. I won't. And if I did, I would take Mitch and the kids and Sierra.
I wonder if it has snowed yet where my friend Terri is living in Alaska. She is in an extremely remote fishing village, teaching away, living and loving her adventure.
I am feeling a bit better after making myself a salad for lunch. I love any excuse to use this new to me brand of Greek Feta that is garlic and herb flavored. Yummy.
I also forgot my mulit-vitamin today. I am trying to remember to take it every day and am not doing so well. I want to be in good health for when we actually...take the next step...in our master plan.
The kids seem to be doing much better with me home every afternoon. Homework is getting done, the house is staying relatively picked up. Zach's football career is just taking OFF! I am so proud of his new behavior. He is doing homework without having to be hounded. He is making every practice. He, I think, is very proud that he was able to make an appearance in last weekend's game as a freshman. His coach is a bit militant, sounding like a drill sergeant, but I really don't think that is a bad thing for a 14 year old boy. Kind of like a mini-dose of Military School, and don't think I haven't entertained the idea of that alternative. There is no way I am just sending him to live with his dad. That is like taking the easy way out in my opinion. Mike would do fine, no doubt in my mind, with Zach, but he unfortunately has to work a lot of long hours and neither one of us really want Zach to be left with that much time on his hands unsupervised. That is just an invitation to get into drugs and alcohol and sex. We've made it this far with him to start making selfish, stupid choices now.
Weird how a blog post can take a turn of its own like that...let's get back to my being bored. Apathetic. That is how I am feeling I guess.
Mitch and I are working on and praying about a career in which we can work together. That will be exciting. I don't think there are a lot of couples who could work together, but I know we would be great at it. Between texting, calling and emailing, it is kind of like we're together all day now anyway.
September 18, 2008
It is CHILLY this morning!!! BRRRR!
It is so nice to have the house to myself for a little while today. Just Sierra and me. Kids are in school and Mitch is at work.
Still watching more of the Ike aftermath...can you imagine not being ALLOWED to go to your house to collect belongings or see what is left or just go back home? I would have a hard time with the road blocks and authorities telling me I wasn't allowed to go to the site. And they are doing what exactly? It isn't like they are personally cleaning and restoring everyones homes. I think it is the homeowner/landowners right to be able to survey damages so they can file insurance claims, etc and salvage what valuables they can...
I bought two new movies yesterday. I haven't watched them yet. I Pronounce You Chuck and Larry and Walk Hard.
Almost done A Million Little Pieces. It is good. I guess I can't really say that it is the most profound thing I have ever read. I can relate to his withdrawal symptoms, not because I am in any way an addict, but because they are very similar to the symptoms I was having when I was dealing with a severe and debilitating anxiety disorder. It is easy for me to see how one could turn to self-medicating if that was the only way they found relief from those feelings, or other overwhelming feelings of anger, depression, shame, whatever. I thank the Lord that when I was in the midst of my crisis, I had support and found the "right" people at the right time that were able to help me and get me through it and I didn't turn to drugs and alcohol first.
It is so nice to have the house to myself for a little while today. Just Sierra and me. Kids are in school and Mitch is at work.
Still watching more of the Ike aftermath...can you imagine not being ALLOWED to go to your house to collect belongings or see what is left or just go back home? I would have a hard time with the road blocks and authorities telling me I wasn't allowed to go to the site. And they are doing what exactly? It isn't like they are personally cleaning and restoring everyones homes. I think it is the homeowner/landowners right to be able to survey damages so they can file insurance claims, etc and salvage what valuables they can...
I bought two new movies yesterday. I haven't watched them yet. I Pronounce You Chuck and Larry and Walk Hard.
Almost done A Million Little Pieces. It is good. I guess I can't really say that it is the most profound thing I have ever read. I can relate to his withdrawal symptoms, not because I am in any way an addict, but because they are very similar to the symptoms I was having when I was dealing with a severe and debilitating anxiety disorder. It is easy for me to see how one could turn to self-medicating if that was the only way they found relief from those feelings, or other overwhelming feelings of anger, depression, shame, whatever. I thank the Lord that when I was in the midst of my crisis, I had support and found the "right" people at the right time that were able to help me and get me through it and I didn't turn to drugs and alcohol first.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
September 17, 2008
I am tired tonight. Work on Wednesdays is tough. It is very mentally challenging.
I have to pick up Zach at football practice in about a half hour so let's see if I can get this blog off.
Some people I know of from people I know are going to be without power for about another 3 weeks. Theirs was a particularly hard hit area of Texas. Right smack in the eye of the storm from what I've been told. Three hour waits for food, ice, etc...can you imagine? But they are positive Christians and I am sure that God will use them for wonderful things during this time. Still just the same, let's just pray for all the people that are affected by this recent storm. Really put yourselves in their place...no tv updates, no showers (hot anyway), no air conditioners, no hair dryers, no freezers, little food, low supplies, outrageous gas prices...you probably think it is odd that I throw the hair dryer in the mix, but sometimes it is the little conveniences that you miss the most, that can make things bearable or not. You know? For that matter, microwaves, coffee pots, internet, stoves...kind of like a permanent camping vacation.
The closest we ever came to anything like that was during a major ice storm in Maine in 1998. Penobscot county was without power for almost two weeks. Some even longer. Mainers were more prepared I think because we all pretty much use alternatives to fuel as back up anyway...ie...woodstoves, fireplaces, pellet stoves...and a lot of Mainers, my family included, had access to generators and we got thru. Using as little fuel as possible, making due, helping neighbors because many roads were impassable. Crews from as far south as North Carolina came up to help restore power lines. Lots of restaurants were offering free and reduced food prices. School had been on February vacation, but ended up getting an additional week off from school. Even with all that stuff going on around us, we managed to have a good time. My three and Meghan spent the time with my grandparents out to the lake. We were fed, warm, able to take showers and watch the little tv that my grandfather would let us hook up to the generator for a few hours at night. Other than that, we played games, the kids played outside, and we just made memories that the kids will remember when they are grandparents themselves.
Still I can imagine the frustration many Texans are feeling right now and honestly, I think I would pack up and head out of state to ride it out and come back after power was restored. I'm not sure I have it in me anymore to weather a disaster of that magnitude.
If anything, let it be a reminder to not take our conveniences for granted.
I have to pick up Zach at football practice in about a half hour so let's see if I can get this blog off.
Some people I know of from people I know are going to be without power for about another 3 weeks. Theirs was a particularly hard hit area of Texas. Right smack in the eye of the storm from what I've been told. Three hour waits for food, ice, etc...can you imagine? But they are positive Christians and I am sure that God will use them for wonderful things during this time. Still just the same, let's just pray for all the people that are affected by this recent storm. Really put yourselves in their place...no tv updates, no showers (hot anyway), no air conditioners, no hair dryers, no freezers, little food, low supplies, outrageous gas prices...you probably think it is odd that I throw the hair dryer in the mix, but sometimes it is the little conveniences that you miss the most, that can make things bearable or not. You know? For that matter, microwaves, coffee pots, internet, stoves...kind of like a permanent camping vacation.
The closest we ever came to anything like that was during a major ice storm in Maine in 1998. Penobscot county was without power for almost two weeks. Some even longer. Mainers were more prepared I think because we all pretty much use alternatives to fuel as back up anyway...ie...woodstoves, fireplaces, pellet stoves...and a lot of Mainers, my family included, had access to generators and we got thru. Using as little fuel as possible, making due, helping neighbors because many roads were impassable. Crews from as far south as North Carolina came up to help restore power lines. Lots of restaurants were offering free and reduced food prices. School had been on February vacation, but ended up getting an additional week off from school. Even with all that stuff going on around us, we managed to have a good time. My three and Meghan spent the time with my grandparents out to the lake. We were fed, warm, able to take showers and watch the little tv that my grandfather would let us hook up to the generator for a few hours at night. Other than that, we played games, the kids played outside, and we just made memories that the kids will remember when they are grandparents themselves.
Still I can imagine the frustration many Texans are feeling right now and honestly, I think I would pack up and head out of state to ride it out and come back after power was restored. I'm not sure I have it in me anymore to weather a disaster of that magnitude.
If anything, let it be a reminder to not take our conveniences for granted.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
ALSO
Two new favorite songs with two new favorite bands...
Sex on Fire by Kings of Leon
Handlebars by The Flobots
checkem out!
Sex on Fire by Kings of Leon
Handlebars by The Flobots
checkem out!
September 16, 2008
I am so glad I am home right now doing nothing!!! It feels good to just sit here on the couch. Today was an exciting day at work but draining. My ear is bothering me pretty bad at different times of the day...usually early morning and again when I am trying to sleep. I bought drugs for tonight. My doctor's appointment is on my day off Thursday. I hope I can make it that long. Other "things" at work seem to be getting better.
Wow! I am eating red pepper on my dinner this evening and I just bit into an incredibly spicy part. OMGosh!!! My tongue is actually tingling. I love spicy foods. I have to laugh when people of hispanic or Indian decent think they have the hottest foods...I have to say, they have nothing on two friends I have from Africa. One lives in Bangor now and one lives in Pawtucket. Both cook or have cooked similar recipes for me and OMGOSH!!! I have never, never experienced hotness like that and they eat it without batting a pretty eyelash, while I am literally sweating because the food is so hot!
So I am reading James Frey's A Million Little Pieces. I purposely did not read it because of all the hype it was getting, first good hype then extremely bad press especially from Oprah herself. Mind you, I read what I want regardless of press or hype, good or bad reviews, however, I found it difficult to just concentrate on the book without thinking this author is lying. For me to enjoy a story, I place a lot of trust in the author. Trust that the story will develop and provide the proper twists and turns and at the very least conclude efficiently, whether that story be fiction or non-fiction. This situation was unique because it was marketed as non-fiction, and later turned out to be completely fiction, with a whole lot of bad press. I kind of just washed my hands of the whole thing as was like, Let this be the one book I don't read. I found the book again the other day and was like, What the heck. I know it is fiction now and can enjoy it as such. I have no expectations and let's just go for the ride. So far, it is an excellent read. I guess I am just left wondering why he didn't market it as fiction in the first place. The story speaks for itself.
Wow! I am eating red pepper on my dinner this evening and I just bit into an incredibly spicy part. OMGosh!!! My tongue is actually tingling. I love spicy foods. I have to laugh when people of hispanic or Indian decent think they have the hottest foods...I have to say, they have nothing on two friends I have from Africa. One lives in Bangor now and one lives in Pawtucket. Both cook or have cooked similar recipes for me and OMGOSH!!! I have never, never experienced hotness like that and they eat it without batting a pretty eyelash, while I am literally sweating because the food is so hot!
So I am reading James Frey's A Million Little Pieces. I purposely did not read it because of all the hype it was getting, first good hype then extremely bad press especially from Oprah herself. Mind you, I read what I want regardless of press or hype, good or bad reviews, however, I found it difficult to just concentrate on the book without thinking this author is lying. For me to enjoy a story, I place a lot of trust in the author. Trust that the story will develop and provide the proper twists and turns and at the very least conclude efficiently, whether that story be fiction or non-fiction. This situation was unique because it was marketed as non-fiction, and later turned out to be completely fiction, with a whole lot of bad press. I kind of just washed my hands of the whole thing as was like, Let this be the one book I don't read. I found the book again the other day and was like, What the heck. I know it is fiction now and can enjoy it as such. I have no expectations and let's just go for the ride. So far, it is an excellent read. I guess I am just left wondering why he didn't market it as fiction in the first place. The story speaks for itself.
Monday, September 15, 2008
September 15, 2008
So I am officially Mrs. Jennifer Stone. It has been a crazy week and I haven't quite got my head wrapped around it all yet.
We brought Allison to the bus depot in Providence at 3 AM this morning. We came back and slept until around 10 AM. It was good to sleep in, but I haven't been sleeping well at all. Lots of tossing and turning. I just can't get comfortable. Plus this swimmer's ear thing I have going on is driving me CRAZY!
There was so much I wanted to get done today but just lacked the energy and motivation, although Mitch and I did clean the house. The only thing bad about company is their extra stuff they bring (luggage, etc.) clutters the house up. When we get a new house, it will most definitely have a guest room and guest bathroom. I have discovered that while guest rooms are a nice gift to the guest, it is a bigger gift to the homeowners.
I just desperately want to take some time off. Time away. Not sure what I want time away from. Me, I think. I know once I get back to work tomorrow, I will be energized again. Mavis and Kathleen should both be back from vacation.
I actually had a nice conversation with my mom yesterday. It has been a long time since we just talked. About our relationship. About me still be her baby girl. Lately it has been how things are going, how the kids are and how my brothers and sister and their kids are...tense and short conversations. Not that yesterday's was terribly long, but it was a quality conversation.
Zach played 8 plays in his first varsity football game. A big deal for a freshman!!! I am so proud of him! I really didn't think he'd be put in until probably late in the season in a game that didn't much matter. Hayley played clarinet in the marching band at the game. It was a good time. She did a super job. Kayla got her hair cut! The shortest she's ever cut it. Just below her chin. It is cute. I like it better when she leaves it curly instead of when she straightens it.
We bought Baby Mama over the weekend. It is not as good as I had planned on it being. Pretty much all the funny parts were already seen in the trailers. AND I guess I am surprised that everyone is surprised that Tina Fey makes a good Sarah Palin. Did people really not see that coming? I am more surprised she came back to SNL.
More on Sarah Palin...I know I said I liked her, and I still do, but I have to admit that upon further reading her views on conservation and global warming, we are not in alignment. I wouldn't even call her views (on this subject) conservative. I would call them ill-informed and even dangerous. The fact that she is on record saying she can't blame the changes of our environment on humans left me feeling like WTF? How can our gazillion tons of trash and pollution NOT have an effect on our environment??? I am sure she is thinking correlation doesn't necessarily mean causation, but sometimes you just have to use common-sense and err on the side of the greater good.
We brought Allison to the bus depot in Providence at 3 AM this morning. We came back and slept until around 10 AM. It was good to sleep in, but I haven't been sleeping well at all. Lots of tossing and turning. I just can't get comfortable. Plus this swimmer's ear thing I have going on is driving me CRAZY!
There was so much I wanted to get done today but just lacked the energy and motivation, although Mitch and I did clean the house. The only thing bad about company is their extra stuff they bring (luggage, etc.) clutters the house up. When we get a new house, it will most definitely have a guest room and guest bathroom. I have discovered that while guest rooms are a nice gift to the guest, it is a bigger gift to the homeowners.
I just desperately want to take some time off. Time away. Not sure what I want time away from. Me, I think. I know once I get back to work tomorrow, I will be energized again. Mavis and Kathleen should both be back from vacation.
I actually had a nice conversation with my mom yesterday. It has been a long time since we just talked. About our relationship. About me still be her baby girl. Lately it has been how things are going, how the kids are and how my brothers and sister and their kids are...tense and short conversations. Not that yesterday's was terribly long, but it was a quality conversation.
Zach played 8 plays in his first varsity football game. A big deal for a freshman!!! I am so proud of him! I really didn't think he'd be put in until probably late in the season in a game that didn't much matter. Hayley played clarinet in the marching band at the game. It was a good time. She did a super job. Kayla got her hair cut! The shortest she's ever cut it. Just below her chin. It is cute. I like it better when she leaves it curly instead of when she straightens it.
We bought Baby Mama over the weekend. It is not as good as I had planned on it being. Pretty much all the funny parts were already seen in the trailers. AND I guess I am surprised that everyone is surprised that Tina Fey makes a good Sarah Palin. Did people really not see that coming? I am more surprised she came back to SNL.
More on Sarah Palin...I know I said I liked her, and I still do, but I have to admit that upon further reading her views on conservation and global warming, we are not in alignment. I wouldn't even call her views (on this subject) conservative. I would call them ill-informed and even dangerous. The fact that she is on record saying she can't blame the changes of our environment on humans left me feeling like WTF? How can our gazillion tons of trash and pollution NOT have an effect on our environment??? I am sure she is thinking correlation doesn't necessarily mean causation, but sometimes you just have to use common-sense and err on the side of the greater good.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Pray For
My friends in Texas, several of whom and their families are on the Texas coast. Pray that they make the trek back to their homes safely and to actually FIND their homes still complete.
I am selfishly grateful that my baby girl won't be in college until next year! She has been playing with the idea of going to college in Texas.
However, she still wants to move south or west. Zach plans on going to college in California. So between them, methinks I will be worried about hurricanes, earthquakes, wild fires, landslides, not to mention every day crime and all the partying through the duration of their college experience. Hayley bless her little heart, wants to stay close to mama bear and go to Johnson & Wales here in RI.
I am selfishly grateful that my baby girl won't be in college until next year! She has been playing with the idea of going to college in Texas.
However, she still wants to move south or west. Zach plans on going to college in California. So between them, methinks I will be worried about hurricanes, earthquakes, wild fires, landslides, not to mention every day crime and all the partying through the duration of their college experience. Hayley bless her little heart, wants to stay close to mama bear and go to Johnson & Wales here in RI.
Monday, September 08, 2008
September 8, 2008
Had a great day at the beach with Allison. My only regret is that we didn't know about our little impromptu visit sooner so I could taken a day or two off of work. It will still work out okay. I will be out of work by three tomorrow. So we can do stuff tomorrow night. I will be home by 3 on Wednesday, too. Thursday I have off. Friday and Saturday, home by three. I am also getting married on Saturday.
I also think I may have an ear infection.
I also think I may have an ear infection.
Sunday, September 07, 2008
September 7, 2008
Going, going, going to the beach today! That is Zach, Kayla and I. Mitch has practice and Hayley is supposed to go to Block Island with some friends. Maybe Allison and I will go on Thursday on my day off. That will be a fun thing for us to do. Mitch said he'd get the girls from school if I wanted to do something like that.
I can't wait to see Allison. We are picking her up late tonight.
I can't wait to see Allison. We are picking her up late tonight.
Thursday, September 04, 2008
UGH!
Does the yardman HAVE to block me in my driveway? A little presumptuous of him to park behind either vehicle without asking if anyone in the home was leaving in the next five minutes. Also I think he could park on the side of the road. Whatever.
So I am a Democrat and will likely vote for Obama because this is HISTORY in the making people. How exciting. I come from a generation just after the 60s and feel like I missed out big time, especially when sitting around listening to my parents and their friends talk about what an exciting and empowering time that was. However, I really like Sarah Palin. She is real. She is smart. She is a working mom. Amazing lady. Brilliant brilliant move on McCain's part. This will be one exciting election. I am less excited about McCain. In a perfect world parties wouldn't matter and Obama and Palin could rule the nation together!
I am excited to say my new exercise routine is paying off! In just two weeks, I am back to where I was, but with greater abs, butt and thighs. I have to be careful because my thighs can get bulky, which isn't the look that I am going for, but that is just the way things are. I started gymnastics around the age of 3 and quit in high school, but the "athletic" looking thighs stayed behind!
Okay, off to the beach for a few hours.
So I am a Democrat and will likely vote for Obama because this is HISTORY in the making people. How exciting. I come from a generation just after the 60s and feel like I missed out big time, especially when sitting around listening to my parents and their friends talk about what an exciting and empowering time that was. However, I really like Sarah Palin. She is real. She is smart. She is a working mom. Amazing lady. Brilliant brilliant move on McCain's part. This will be one exciting election. I am less excited about McCain. In a perfect world parties wouldn't matter and Obama and Palin could rule the nation together!
I am excited to say my new exercise routine is paying off! In just two weeks, I am back to where I was, but with greater abs, butt and thighs. I have to be careful because my thighs can get bulky, which isn't the look that I am going for, but that is just the way things are. I started gymnastics around the age of 3 and quit in high school, but the "athletic" looking thighs stayed behind!
Okay, off to the beach for a few hours.
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Oh My Goodness!
THIS REALLY WORKS!!! My iPod Nano froze today with a low battery. Which meant no tunes for my RUN! GRRRRR! SO during my run, I was pissed. Pissed with a capital P! If something costs $200 or more, you should be able to use it for a considerable amount of time before it breaks. I was still thinking it was broken. I imagined myself bringing my precious to the Apple store and demanding they fix it right then and there and lots of other imaginings. Because it was frozen, it wasn't recognizing any of my chargers (the car dock, the computer charger and even my wall charger). I went online after my run and there were several webpages about unfreezing your iPod. I guess this is a pretty common problem. Tried their suggestion for a few times and then it unfroze and now is charging happily on my countertop! Ahhhhhh! Problem solved!
It will be all ready for my run tomorrow.
It will be all ready for my run tomorrow.
September 3, 2008
The kiddos go back to school tomorrow. Zach got his official home and away game uniforms for football. He also starts high school tomorrow! Kayla will be a senior tomorrow! WOW-O!!!
I made a new friend today. Jane and I have run into each other at work for the last year, but really haven't had a chance to talk much. We have a lot in common and we both look very similar. All year people have asked if I was her sister and I was like, "No." I guess people have been asking her the same thing! Anyway, she has 4 daughters and we are both the same age. She is also a Christian and actually Mitch and I had run into her at our favorite Christian bookstore in Warwick a few months ago.
Mitch also had an EXTREMELY large delivery of flowers sent to me at work today, with a card telling me to have a happy day. Definitely made up for the bad day I had yesterday, even though he had nothing to do with it!
The girls both have eye doctor appointments tomorrow. I pray all goes well with our insurance. I haven't used this new one and I know my eye doctor in Maine would have accepted this no questions asked and I am sure this new place will accept it too, but I still have some underlying fear that we'll get in there, the appointments will be over and then they will be like, "Ummmm, you have to pay for all of this NOW because your insurance won't cover it!"
So I was one of the 5 million viewers tuning into 90210. Good to see Kelly and Brenda and Nat. Good to see Erin (Silver) grown up. However, I was a bit disappointed that it came on opposite The Secret Life. I couldn't help comparing it to the original 90210. I can't tell you how much of a fan I was and still am of the original series. I used to have 90210 nights at my house every week and my friends would all come over and we'd have snacks and drinks while the kids were in bed. That was back in the day when they had bedtimes at 8 PM. Not sure if I am going to like it or not. It didn't grab me immediately like the original or like The OC or like The Secret Life...all those shows grabbed me in the first episode and I just knew I was addicted. Nothing will ever compare to the episode when Kelly pulls the engagement ring out from under her shirt. Brandon didn't know she was still wearing it on a necklace because she kept it hidden. He had figured she was over him after their engagement ended.
Oh well. I am going running tonight and then I am going to do my workout. I am going to the FREE beach tomorrow while the kids are in school! I don't have to pay again until next season! :)
I made a new friend today. Jane and I have run into each other at work for the last year, but really haven't had a chance to talk much. We have a lot in common and we both look very similar. All year people have asked if I was her sister and I was like, "No." I guess people have been asking her the same thing! Anyway, she has 4 daughters and we are both the same age. She is also a Christian and actually Mitch and I had run into her at our favorite Christian bookstore in Warwick a few months ago.
Mitch also had an EXTREMELY large delivery of flowers sent to me at work today, with a card telling me to have a happy day. Definitely made up for the bad day I had yesterday, even though he had nothing to do with it!
The girls both have eye doctor appointments tomorrow. I pray all goes well with our insurance. I haven't used this new one and I know my eye doctor in Maine would have accepted this no questions asked and I am sure this new place will accept it too, but I still have some underlying fear that we'll get in there, the appointments will be over and then they will be like, "Ummmm, you have to pay for all of this NOW because your insurance won't cover it!"
So I was one of the 5 million viewers tuning into 90210. Good to see Kelly and Brenda and Nat. Good to see Erin (Silver) grown up. However, I was a bit disappointed that it came on opposite The Secret Life. I couldn't help comparing it to the original 90210. I can't tell you how much of a fan I was and still am of the original series. I used to have 90210 nights at my house every week and my friends would all come over and we'd have snacks and drinks while the kids were in bed. That was back in the day when they had bedtimes at 8 PM. Not sure if I am going to like it or not. It didn't grab me immediately like the original or like The OC or like The Secret Life...all those shows grabbed me in the first episode and I just knew I was addicted. Nothing will ever compare to the episode when Kelly pulls the engagement ring out from under her shirt. Brandon didn't know she was still wearing it on a necklace because she kept it hidden. He had figured she was over him after their engagement ended.
Oh well. I am going running tonight and then I am going to do my workout. I am going to the FREE beach tomorrow while the kids are in school! I don't have to pay again until next season! :)
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
LONG DAY
Oh my holy goodness! Is the end of the world near? Please say yes!
I love my job. I love most of the people I work with. I even LIKE the person behind all of the trouble at work but I don't know how much longer I can take this. I am currently looking at new jobs. I am going to try and hang in and see if this situation either gets better, or something better comes along.
One good thing about the day was a conversation I had with a lady whom I have befriended. She is an older woman with grandkids and you would probably think we have nothing in common except our jobs, from appearances alone, we could not be greater opposites, but my Lord is a wonderful Lord and has brought this woman into my life. She mentors for TAM (Turning Around Ministries), which is a faith-based community outreach program designed to offer after-care services to previously incarcerated persons, providing holistic, personalized guidance and support with employment, education, housing, food, clothing, substance abuse and personal development. They are currently trying to get mentoring help for the children of their clients, and hello!!! THAT is what I was doing at my job previous to the one I am at now!!! They desperately need volunteers, especially ones with my qualifications. Despite all the bad stuff going on at work today, I loved this conversation! I love the possibilities and I loved having my passion for what I used to do shine through like it did today. It did many things for me. It reminded me of what I have to offer. It reminded me that a lot of these things are in the Lord's hands and it also reminded me of His will for my life.
And another positive about today...you find out who your true friends are fast. I am so lucky that the ladies and gentlemen that I work with care so much about this job and the people we support. They really came thru for me today and made me feel so much better. And to Pete, Sue and Robert...and Matt...thanks for making me smile today, even though that was hard for me to do a lot of the time.
I have such a headache from crying a good part of the day. Honestly, I am just feeling overworked. My job is not easy. It is extremely mentally draining with a high burn-out rate. Throw in some employee hostility and you have a recipe for MIGRAINE! I hate feeling like whatever decision you make is going to be the wrong one or will make at least one person angry. I hate not having confidence that I am going to make the right decision. I also think unfortunately this is what you find in workplaces with a lot of assistant managers, and house managers and upper administration. What you find is a situation where people are so absorbed with their own power they don't mind stepping on toes but you better NOT step on theirs!!! What makes it even more difficult is when some of these people are all on vacation, so subordinates are stepping up, as told, and making decisions, only to then be told they aren't authorized to make said decision. Undermines the entire process and creates stress among those of us who happen to just want to come in and do their job.
BUT I guess this is the start to the new (old) me. I am no longer going to just let things slide. I will confront a situation as it is happening. I will blog about what I want, when I want, and not censor myself for the sake of friendships. I have cut my losses as far as toxic relationships go.
I have the most amazing man in the world who loves and supports everything about me. I have amazing children. I have an amazing dog. My life is wonderful despite the craziness.
I love my job. I love most of the people I work with. I even LIKE the person behind all of the trouble at work but I don't know how much longer I can take this. I am currently looking at new jobs. I am going to try and hang in and see if this situation either gets better, or something better comes along.
One good thing about the day was a conversation I had with a lady whom I have befriended. She is an older woman with grandkids and you would probably think we have nothing in common except our jobs, from appearances alone, we could not be greater opposites, but my Lord is a wonderful Lord and has brought this woman into my life. She mentors for TAM (Turning Around Ministries), which is a faith-based community outreach program designed to offer after-care services to previously incarcerated persons, providing holistic, personalized guidance and support with employment, education, housing, food, clothing, substance abuse and personal development. They are currently trying to get mentoring help for the children of their clients, and hello!!! THAT is what I was doing at my job previous to the one I am at now!!! They desperately need volunteers, especially ones with my qualifications. Despite all the bad stuff going on at work today, I loved this conversation! I love the possibilities and I loved having my passion for what I used to do shine through like it did today. It did many things for me. It reminded me of what I have to offer. It reminded me that a lot of these things are in the Lord's hands and it also reminded me of His will for my life.
And another positive about today...you find out who your true friends are fast. I am so lucky that the ladies and gentlemen that I work with care so much about this job and the people we support. They really came thru for me today and made me feel so much better. And to Pete, Sue and Robert...and Matt...thanks for making me smile today, even though that was hard for me to do a lot of the time.
I have such a headache from crying a good part of the day. Honestly, I am just feeling overworked. My job is not easy. It is extremely mentally draining with a high burn-out rate. Throw in some employee hostility and you have a recipe for MIGRAINE! I hate feeling like whatever decision you make is going to be the wrong one or will make at least one person angry. I hate not having confidence that I am going to make the right decision. I also think unfortunately this is what you find in workplaces with a lot of assistant managers, and house managers and upper administration. What you find is a situation where people are so absorbed with their own power they don't mind stepping on toes but you better NOT step on theirs!!! What makes it even more difficult is when some of these people are all on vacation, so subordinates are stepping up, as told, and making decisions, only to then be told they aren't authorized to make said decision. Undermines the entire process and creates stress among those of us who happen to just want to come in and do their job.
BUT I guess this is the start to the new (old) me. I am no longer going to just let things slide. I will confront a situation as it is happening. I will blog about what I want, when I want, and not censor myself for the sake of friendships. I have cut my losses as far as toxic relationships go.
I have the most amazing man in the world who loves and supports everything about me. I have amazing children. I have an amazing dog. My life is wonderful despite the craziness.
Monday, September 01, 2008
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