Yesterday was a long day. Worked in the office 8-10ish...then went home to work on my house, picked up the kids from school and band and then headed back to work at the center 3:30-8:30. Talked to Brian for a little while on the phone and then went to bed. I was sleeping SO good and then I got a phone call at 4 AM from Allison, the volunteer that works over at the center. She is in the hospital with some medical problems and after the phone call with her, I couldn't fall back to sleep. I was planning on just resting until about 6 to get up and get ready for work. I ended up eventually falling back to sleep and waking up at 6:45! SOOOOO, I was a half hour late to work and it is now 10 AM. This morning has flown by. I have a list of things I need to accomplish today, so I had better get at it!
Thankfully, I can work from Brian's office this weekend and get some paperwork done. We have a charity bike/atv thing to go to for most of the day tomorrow. Next weekend I am going up to help him stack wood for his sister and brother-in-law. His sister just had major back surgery and her husband Matt can't do it all himself, so Brian said he'd help and he volunteered me too! :) That is fine, since that would be the only way I could see him next weekend.
Current Mood: sleepy
Current Music: Rooms On Fire.......Stevie Nicks
Friday, September 23, 2005
Thursday, September 22, 2005
Maybe
Maybe I'll get around to:
*posting some pics of the BBQ and our first week open
*actually burning the music that I have downloaded on my laptop
*windexing the windows
*cleaning the stove, refrigerator and freezer
I have a couple of hours off this afternoon because I work tonight at the center 3PM until 8:30 PM. I'm trying to cram in some laundry because Zach and I are headed up north for the weekend. I'll be with Brian and Zach will be at his grandparent's house, who happen to live in the same town. The girls want to stick around here this weekend for Riverfest (the parade, homecoming, the street dance, etc.). That is fine. Their transportation will be their dad's problem. I've swept and mopped the kitchen, hallway, stairs and bathroom. After this little break of mine, I will be cleaning up the living room real quick. Sunday night, I will be attacking my bedroom and getting that all reorganized. I need to go thru my closet because I seem to be missing some of my clothes, plus I want to weed thru them all and make a list of some new items I need.
There was a terrible car accident in our town yesterday. A 16 and 17 year old were killed after backing out into the path of a loaded cement truck. The boy died on the scene and the girl died later at the hospital. She was the driver and had only had her license for 3 weeks. In Maine, there is a law that says that if you are under the age of 18, you need to have had your license for 6 months before you are allowed to have passengers in the car. This excludes siblings and family members. The point of the law is decrease the distraction the driver has to deal with, with a loaded car full of friends. They both went to high school with my daughter, although she didn't really know either of them. Kayla applies for her permit pretty soon. After hearing about the accident, my first thought was NO WAY is she driving. I've settled down. She is responsible. When she gets her permit, she will be driving with me constantly so she gets the needed experience she needs. She will wait the 6 months before driving her friends. Her time picking up my other two from school or band will be on a limited basis. What I found most chilling was the thought of going off to work, saying goodbye to my kids, knowing that they're going to school with Kayla in her car and having a terrible accident on the way. I could potentially lose all three at once. That is also an awful lot of responsibility on a new driver as well, so my expectations that Kayla as a second driver to help me out with our busy schedules have been re-evaluated. I would rather deal with the stress of the scheduling conflicts than have to deal with losing one or more of my kids. And yes I know, accidents can and do happen to anyone, even me, but there is something to be said for experience behind the wheel. I also know I can't keep them in a safety bubble forever. This is all where faith and prayers come in, and my prayers go out to the families of these kids.
Okay, breaks over. This was way longer than I intended! :)
Current Mood: okay
Current Music: Take My Pride.......Jeremy Camp
*posting some pics of the BBQ and our first week open
*actually burning the music that I have downloaded on my laptop
*windexing the windows
*cleaning the stove, refrigerator and freezer
I have a couple of hours off this afternoon because I work tonight at the center 3PM until 8:30 PM. I'm trying to cram in some laundry because Zach and I are headed up north for the weekend. I'll be with Brian and Zach will be at his grandparent's house, who happen to live in the same town. The girls want to stick around here this weekend for Riverfest (the parade, homecoming, the street dance, etc.). That is fine. Their transportation will be their dad's problem. I've swept and mopped the kitchen, hallway, stairs and bathroom. After this little break of mine, I will be cleaning up the living room real quick. Sunday night, I will be attacking my bedroom and getting that all reorganized. I need to go thru my closet because I seem to be missing some of my clothes, plus I want to weed thru them all and make a list of some new items I need.
There was a terrible car accident in our town yesterday. A 16 and 17 year old were killed after backing out into the path of a loaded cement truck. The boy died on the scene and the girl died later at the hospital. She was the driver and had only had her license for 3 weeks. In Maine, there is a law that says that if you are under the age of 18, you need to have had your license for 6 months before you are allowed to have passengers in the car. This excludes siblings and family members. The point of the law is decrease the distraction the driver has to deal with, with a loaded car full of friends. They both went to high school with my daughter, although she didn't really know either of them. Kayla applies for her permit pretty soon. After hearing about the accident, my first thought was NO WAY is she driving. I've settled down. She is responsible. When she gets her permit, she will be driving with me constantly so she gets the needed experience she needs. She will wait the 6 months before driving her friends. Her time picking up my other two from school or band will be on a limited basis. What I found most chilling was the thought of going off to work, saying goodbye to my kids, knowing that they're going to school with Kayla in her car and having a terrible accident on the way. I could potentially lose all three at once. That is also an awful lot of responsibility on a new driver as well, so my expectations that Kayla as a second driver to help me out with our busy schedules have been re-evaluated. I would rather deal with the stress of the scheduling conflicts than have to deal with losing one or more of my kids. And yes I know, accidents can and do happen to anyone, even me, but there is something to be said for experience behind the wheel. I also know I can't keep them in a safety bubble forever. This is all where faith and prayers come in, and my prayers go out to the families of these kids.
Okay, breaks over. This was way longer than I intended! :)
Current Mood: okay
Current Music: Take My Pride.......Jeremy Camp
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
Long Day
Conference today in Freeport. Left home at 7 AM and returned home 5 PM. We finished up an hour early there, so that was good. I had planned on doing some shopping while in Freeport, but by the end of the day, I just wanted to be on the road for home. Plus I can't walk far without coughing up a lung.
I'm taking the kids out to supper tonight and then the movies. I get .34 cents per mile everytime I have to travel for a conference and todays round trip equaled 262 miles. That is $89.08. Not too bad for a days work. Plus I get paid for today anyway. My next conference is in October.
Tomorrow night is our first night at the center. We open the doors at 3:30! I can't wait! We are having our game/movie night. Thursday, we'll be open 3:30 until 8:30 PM and will be our usual children's program with snack and teen's program with supper. Things finally feel like they are all coming together at work.
Well, gotta take my kids out to supper.
Current Mood: tired and happy...still coughing, though
Current Music: Barracuda........Heart
I'm taking the kids out to supper tonight and then the movies. I get .34 cents per mile everytime I have to travel for a conference and todays round trip equaled 262 miles. That is $89.08. Not too bad for a days work. Plus I get paid for today anyway. My next conference is in October.
Tomorrow night is our first night at the center. We open the doors at 3:30! I can't wait! We are having our game/movie night. Thursday, we'll be open 3:30 until 8:30 PM and will be our usual children's program with snack and teen's program with supper. Things finally feel like they are all coming together at work.
Well, gotta take my kids out to supper.
Current Mood: tired and happy...still coughing, though
Current Music: Barracuda........Heart
Monday, September 19, 2005
Asthmatic Bronchitis
This what I was diagnosed with today. I am now on antibiotics and prednisone AGAIN. I also have a sinus infection. It should be a few days before the meds kick in full force.
Tomorrow I have to be on the road to Freeport by 7:15. My conference lasts 9-4, then I get to turn around and drive home. Fun, Fun!!!
I had a good day at work but got not a thing accomplished. But I did make it to the doctors, then lunch, then my office and chatted with Brian for a bit, then back to the big office and talked with Claire, Iona and Allison until it was time to go home. All four of us have been in abusive relationships and after talking it seems like we were all dating or married to the same man!
I'm not looking forward to the 4 hours on the road tomorrow. Brian loves that kind of thing and is on the road a lot during the week. Gas prices are finally lowering and I got my first mileage check in the mail. The good thing about working for the government is that I get reimbersed 30 cents per mile I put on my car going to and from work. I get the maximum amount which equals $34 a month. Nothing outstanding but it is one tank of gas per month.
Current Mood: sleepy
Current Music: Werewolves in London........Warren Zevon
Tomorrow I have to be on the road to Freeport by 7:15. My conference lasts 9-4, then I get to turn around and drive home. Fun, Fun!!!
I had a good day at work but got not a thing accomplished. But I did make it to the doctors, then lunch, then my office and chatted with Brian for a bit, then back to the big office and talked with Claire, Iona and Allison until it was time to go home. All four of us have been in abusive relationships and after talking it seems like we were all dating or married to the same man!
I'm not looking forward to the 4 hours on the road tomorrow. Brian loves that kind of thing and is on the road a lot during the week. Gas prices are finally lowering and I got my first mileage check in the mail. The good thing about working for the government is that I get reimbersed 30 cents per mile I put on my car going to and from work. I get the maximum amount which equals $34 a month. Nothing outstanding but it is one tank of gas per month.
Current Mood: sleepy
Current Music: Werewolves in London........Warren Zevon
Sunday, September 18, 2005
Weekend Wrap-up
I didn't do much yesterday. Cleaned and ran a few errands and then took a nap. Read a little while and talked to Brian. I still wasn't feeling well as of last night. I took some more Nyquil around 10:30 PM and woke up feeling human again. The kids want to go to the movies today. I'm dying to see The Exorcism of Emily Rose. It will probably be stupid, but that is part of the horror genre charm.
I can finally taste and smell again. I couldn't do either yesterday. Talk about depressing! Those are two senses that I would hate to lose for any length of time. It is no fun eating when you can't taste a damn thing.
I ran into a old friend of mine at the grocery store today. We were friends in the 7th and 8th grade. Still sort of friends in the 9th, but by our sophomore year, we moved in different circles in high school. I became a party girl and she was intent on becoming a doctor. We caught up briefly. She is a doctor. Married and has an infant. I think I surprised her when I told her that I was a teacher. I don't think she thought I would get my shit together. As I recall, that was a big problem with us as friends. I will admit when we were best friends, I was getting all A's because that is all we ever did was study and do homework. I had a bit of a wild side that was just aching to get out so when we got to high school, she did the studying thing and I found a group that liked to shop and liked boys and music. We really did try to stay friends our first year of high school as we were still in all of the same classes. We finally got in a big blow out because she thought I should study more and hang out less with my other friends and I think I said something about taking the stick out of her ass and just have fun once and awhile. I was observing her in the grocery store and she would get this pained look on her face whenever she had to talk to someone who wasn't in her social circle. I could tell the stick was still firmly in place. Oh well, our 20th reunion should be interesting. She looks about 40 now.
Current Mood: feeling better
Current Music: my Practical Magic soundtrack
I can finally taste and smell again. I couldn't do either yesterday. Talk about depressing! Those are two senses that I would hate to lose for any length of time. It is no fun eating when you can't taste a damn thing.
I ran into a old friend of mine at the grocery store today. We were friends in the 7th and 8th grade. Still sort of friends in the 9th, but by our sophomore year, we moved in different circles in high school. I became a party girl and she was intent on becoming a doctor. We caught up briefly. She is a doctor. Married and has an infant. I think I surprised her when I told her that I was a teacher. I don't think she thought I would get my shit together. As I recall, that was a big problem with us as friends. I will admit when we were best friends, I was getting all A's because that is all we ever did was study and do homework. I had a bit of a wild side that was just aching to get out so when we got to high school, she did the studying thing and I found a group that liked to shop and liked boys and music. We really did try to stay friends our first year of high school as we were still in all of the same classes. We finally got in a big blow out because she thought I should study more and hang out less with my other friends and I think I said something about taking the stick out of her ass and just have fun once and awhile. I was observing her in the grocery store and she would get this pained look on her face whenever she had to talk to someone who wasn't in her social circle. I could tell the stick was still firmly in place. Oh well, our 20th reunion should be interesting. She looks about 40 now.
Current Mood: feeling better
Current Music: my Practical Magic soundtrack
Saturday, September 17, 2005
Nyquil
Brian insisted I take Nyquil last night to help me sleep and ease my cold symptoms. It worked okay. I slept pretty well. I woke up a few times during the night and felt kind of weird. I'd wake up and know I was awake but I certainly was not lucid. I was definitely suffering from fuzzy brain syndrome. I have been up since 7. Zach was awake too and he looks at me and says, "So much for sleeping in!" We went to Ampersand's and had our drinks and played some chess. I beat him. Then I went to the post office and picked up the house a little. I'm ready for a nap now. I think I'll make my bed, put my jammies back on, read for a little while and pop in a movie. I want to go to Border's and the movies but I think the kids and I'll do that tomorrow. I am not motivated to do a darn thing today.
The BBQ was a success. I'm glad it is over. I had been up since 3:30 AM Friday morning, stressing about the whole thing. Things came together nicely and I am pleased with how things went overall. My boss was impressed by the success of the bbq and already has a party lined up for our next event. I told her I was retiring from the party planning business and she looked at me and said, "NONSENSE! This is great!"
Brian came down to help. It was an eyeopening experience for him. I don't know exactly what he thought it would be like. This is homeless transitional housing. These are families that you pass on the street with signs around their neck looking for money for some food or a place to sleep. These are families that you pass by and think, "Get a job." Funny how you can't say that to them when they are looking you in the face and their kids run up to you with tons of hugs and kisses because they get to have a fun bbq, with hamburgers and hotdogs and desserts and get to spend an hour or two sitting outside with their family watching the kids play. Next weekend, I'm going to be in Presque Isle with him. I have a conference in Freeport on Tuesday. Then headed up to P.I. after work on Friday. Lots of driving next week.
I found out today that a friend of mine from high school has been diagnosed with terminal breast cancer. She and her husband have 4 kids. She will be 33 next month and has asked her physicians not to tell her how much time she has left. The breast cancer has spread to her spine, pelvis and other areas. Working where I work, and hearing about Sonya, has made me more grateful than ever to have the family I have and to have been able to enjoy my kids for as long as I have. Sonya's oldest is an 8 year old girl. She won't see her grow up, she won't see her get married, she won't know her grandkids. My oldest is almost 16. I am very lucky that I've had the years that I've had. She is almost grown. I know what she will look like when she is grown. Chances are good I'll see her get married and will have a lot of years to spend with my own grandchildren.
Anyway, I took some pics of the bbq and I'll post them when I get a chance.
Current Mood: sleepy
Current Music: She Talks to Angels.......The Black Crows
Brian came down to help. It was an eyeopening experience for him. I don't know exactly what he thought it would be like. This is homeless transitional housing. These are families that you pass on the street with signs around their neck looking for money for some food or a place to sleep. These are families that you pass by and think, "Get a job." Funny how you can't say that to them when they are looking you in the face and their kids run up to you with tons of hugs and kisses because they get to have a fun bbq, with hamburgers and hotdogs and desserts and get to spend an hour or two sitting outside with their family watching the kids play. Next weekend, I'm going to be in Presque Isle with him. I have a conference in Freeport on Tuesday. Then headed up to P.I. after work on Friday. Lots of driving next week.
I found out today that a friend of mine from high school has been diagnosed with terminal breast cancer. She and her husband have 4 kids. She will be 33 next month and has asked her physicians not to tell her how much time she has left. The breast cancer has spread to her spine, pelvis and other areas. Working where I work, and hearing about Sonya, has made me more grateful than ever to have the family I have and to have been able to enjoy my kids for as long as I have. Sonya's oldest is an 8 year old girl. She won't see her grow up, she won't see her get married, she won't know her grandkids. My oldest is almost 16. I am very lucky that I've had the years that I've had. She is almost grown. I know what she will look like when she is grown. Chances are good I'll see her get married and will have a lot of years to spend with my own grandchildren.
Anyway, I took some pics of the bbq and I'll post them when I get a chance.
Current Mood: sleepy
Current Music: She Talks to Angels.......The Black Crows
Thursday, September 15, 2005
You know I don't feel well when I actually take cold medication. I can't remember the last time I took it because I really don't like the side effects. I'm feelin' better now, boys and girls! :) Everything on my to do list is now done. I had quite a long list today and I'm very pleased with myself. Everybody keep your fingers crossed for me for a great turn out for the bbq and pray for no rain showers 4:30-6:30 PM tomorrow.
Zach's trumpet is now fixed. Looks almost as good as new and definitely sounds like it is supposed to once again.
I'll hopefully get a chance to take some pics this weekend. I have a conference in Freeport all day Tuesday. That is about it.
Current Mood: sleepy
Current Music: Take a Picture........Filter
Zach's trumpet is now fixed. Looks almost as good as new and definitely sounds like it is supposed to once again.
I'll hopefully get a chance to take some pics this weekend. I have a conference in Freeport all day Tuesday. That is about it.
Current Mood: sleepy
Current Music: Take a Picture........Filter
Working from Home
I finished everything that I wanted to at the center before my lunch break, so I called Iona (the secretary) and let her know that I would be continuing my day from the comfort of my own home and that I could be reached there. I need to make hor d'ourves for the Advisory Board meeting and pasta salad for the BBQ after. Plus I need to bake some cookies and a rotini salad for both. I can just as easily do that from home as I could at the center. While things are cooking, at least while I am at home, I can pick up around here, too! The kids will be home soon and they can help with some odds and ends around here. I have a very busy day tomorrow. Start out at the center, getting things ready, take my lunch break and run home to pick my kids up and take them back to work with me. They'll have to play outside while I am in the board meeting, and then when Brian gets there, he can keep them busy for me. I'm glad all the people that I love most, Brian and my kids, will be there at the bbq.
Speaking of Brian. I finally got a hold of him this morning. I was starting to get very worried because his procedure was supposed to be done by 10 and he still wasn't answering his cell phone or the office phone by 11:30! Finally, he groggily answered and said that he was just leaving the hospital and that things there were running late. He is sore but nothing is seriously wrong with him. I gave him orders to take a nap on the couch in the office and I'll call him later today to check on him and wake him up so he can write up the 3 reports that need to be written before he heads back here tomorrow. I miss him like crazy and wish I was there with him right now.
Alas, my break is over. I have to take some things out of the oven and plan for dinner tonight. We are having baked pork chops with potatoes and baby carrots.
Current Mood: relieved Brian is okay
Current Music: Big Love.........Fleetwood Mac
Speaking of Brian. I finally got a hold of him this morning. I was starting to get very worried because his procedure was supposed to be done by 10 and he still wasn't answering his cell phone or the office phone by 11:30! Finally, he groggily answered and said that he was just leaving the hospital and that things there were running late. He is sore but nothing is seriously wrong with him. I gave him orders to take a nap on the couch in the office and I'll call him later today to check on him and wake him up so he can write up the 3 reports that need to be written before he heads back here tomorrow. I miss him like crazy and wish I was there with him right now.
Alas, my break is over. I have to take some things out of the oven and plan for dinner tonight. We are having baked pork chops with potatoes and baby carrots.
Current Mood: relieved Brian is okay
Current Music: Big Love.........Fleetwood Mac
Quiet
Things are quiet over here at the center. Just what I need right now. I have some incense burning and I'm having a zen moment, or trying to, before I embark on vacuuming and dusting that needs to be done before the board meeting tomorrow. I am praying that people show up for the bbq. It is one of those things where you just don't know what to expect. I could be over prepared and have just 8 or 9 people show up and I could be under-prepared and have all 120+ residents and all the staff and board members show up! I'm aiming for somewhere in the middle. We are convienently located across the street from the grocery store, so if more people show up, more food will be bought! I really hope we have a good turn out. I've heard that events like this have been planned and hardly nobody showed up, so part of my reason that I want a success is to just show people that I am different.
Brian had a procedure done this morning. I know he was very nervous and I'd have liked to have been up there today to just be with him, but Claire is out of the office today and tomorrow, and with the big meeting and BBQ after, we just can't have two major players out of the office. Brian is definitely on my mind though and I'll be calling him at 10:30 to check on him and if he needs me, I'm saying screw it and I'm driving up there. I told him to call if he needed me.
Anyway, I'm just procrastinating right now. Putting off the inevitable work that needs to be done. After my day, I get to go home and clean MY house! :)
Current Mood: good
Current Music: Ain't Seen Nothin' Yet.....Bachman Turner Overdrive
Brian had a procedure done this morning. I know he was very nervous and I'd have liked to have been up there today to just be with him, but Claire is out of the office today and tomorrow, and with the big meeting and BBQ after, we just can't have two major players out of the office. Brian is definitely on my mind though and I'll be calling him at 10:30 to check on him and if he needs me, I'm saying screw it and I'm driving up there. I told him to call if he needed me.
Anyway, I'm just procrastinating right now. Putting off the inevitable work that needs to be done. After my day, I get to go home and clean MY house! :)
Current Mood: good
Current Music: Ain't Seen Nothin' Yet.....Bachman Turner Overdrive
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Two More Days
Two more days until the bbq. Tomorrow I will be cooking and getting things ready. I have a hair appointment, too. Friday is the big day. I will have lots to do on Friday.
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
Long Day
A long day at work today. Some days I swear it is like watching an episode of Cops on tv! So after my incredibly long day at work, two of my kids went grocery shopping with me. You wouldn't believe the stuff that made its way into the cart without me knowing about it until checking out. $153 later and a trip back in to buy the dog food that I went there for to begin with, I am now sitting at home. The kids wanted tacos tonight. Shepard's Pie tomorrow night. Chicken and dumplings on Thursday night, Friday night is the BBQ, and Saturday will be either take out or some kind of pasta alfredo. Roasted chicken on Sunday. Monday night will be baked pork chops, potatoes and baby carrots. That will be the whole menu for the week. The rest of the food was just snack stuff for me and the kids.
Oh well, I have a huge headache. Time for supper.
Current Mood: tired
Current Music: Paradise City....Guns n Roses
Oh well, I have a huge headache. Time for supper.
Current Mood: tired
Current Music: Paradise City....Guns n Roses
BBQ On
I've made the executive decision to go ahead with the BBQ as planned. Looks like there may be a chance of showers early, but nothing major. Now I need to find me a big grill.
I had a super time at Jessy's house last night. The scrapbooking party was so much fun! It was nice to catch up with Jessy, Erica and Julie. I did a whole page with my preschoolers. It came out so cute. On the other side, I have the cutest pic of Emily. Jessy is having another party in two weeks. This one is some kind of home interior party. I've already checked out the catalog. I'm having a scrapbooking party here at the center in a month or two and was thinking of starting some kind of scrap club that meets here once or twice a month. I know some of the employees that work for the city would love it and I think some of the residential women would like it. We have had yoga classes meet here and they were a big hit and we've had this knitting club that Claire calls Stitch 'n Bitch. Kind of gives the ladies a forum to share patterns and vent at the same time.
This cold I have is seriously kicking my ass. It started out as yet another sinus infection and moved quickly to my lungs. I am coughing up quite a bit of a disgusting amount of phlegm. Jessy has pneumonia. I don't think mine will get that bad, but I've had to start using my inhaler again just so my coughing will subside.
Last night, Hayley had her teen church group. She didn't get home until about 9:30 PM. Kayla went with me to Jessy's because she is the scrapper in the family. I bought her some nice handy tools to add to her collection. Zach had to fend for himself for about an hour and a half. He is 11. When Kayla and I had gotten home, he had made supper. He boiled some rotini and opened a jar of spaghetti sauce and browned up some hamburger to mix in. Not too shabby for an 11 year old. Plus he was all proud of himself when we got in the door. He was like, Supper is in the kitchen. Go help yourself. I had just settled myself in to enjoy a nice plate of Zach's delicious concoction, feeling quite smug that I have three of the most well-behaved and responsible children in the universe, when my oldest comes down the stairs in tears.
So I said, "Kayla, what is wrong?"
Kayla: Nothing.
Me: Why are you crying?
Kayla: I'm not.
Me: Okay, well, if you aren't going to tell me, take your not-crying self upstairs because your not-crying is making it hard for me to enjoy my supper.
Kayla: Okay, okay, this morning before school Shannon and I went to the store to get a slushie and by the time we got back we had missed the late bell, so we just decided to skip school. I came home and checked the messages and the school never called, so I knew I was out of the woods. But you were so nice tonight buying me all of that scrapbooking stuff and I know that you've been short on cash starting this new job and I just can't take the guilt anymore! I can't lie to you and I'm starting to get really sick of that!
I just started laughing and grounded her. I let her know that skipping school is a serious infraction. I was laughing because not one of my kids is very good at being dishonest. So even when they are misbehaving, I still feel kind of good that they have well developed consciences and will grow up into nice adults. It is just so damn funny watching the torture that they've put themselves through, waiting until the truth comes out. They are way more hard on themselves than I am. Groundation is rather anti-climatic after what they've put themsevles through.
I had a super time at Jessy's house last night. The scrapbooking party was so much fun! It was nice to catch up with Jessy, Erica and Julie. I did a whole page with my preschoolers. It came out so cute. On the other side, I have the cutest pic of Emily. Jessy is having another party in two weeks. This one is some kind of home interior party. I've already checked out the catalog. I'm having a scrapbooking party here at the center in a month or two and was thinking of starting some kind of scrap club that meets here once or twice a month. I know some of the employees that work for the city would love it and I think some of the residential women would like it. We have had yoga classes meet here and they were a big hit and we've had this knitting club that Claire calls Stitch 'n Bitch. Kind of gives the ladies a forum to share patterns and vent at the same time.
This cold I have is seriously kicking my ass. It started out as yet another sinus infection and moved quickly to my lungs. I am coughing up quite a bit of a disgusting amount of phlegm. Jessy has pneumonia. I don't think mine will get that bad, but I've had to start using my inhaler again just so my coughing will subside.
Last night, Hayley had her teen church group. She didn't get home until about 9:30 PM. Kayla went with me to Jessy's because she is the scrapper in the family. I bought her some nice handy tools to add to her collection. Zach had to fend for himself for about an hour and a half. He is 11. When Kayla and I had gotten home, he had made supper. He boiled some rotini and opened a jar of spaghetti sauce and browned up some hamburger to mix in. Not too shabby for an 11 year old. Plus he was all proud of himself when we got in the door. He was like, Supper is in the kitchen. Go help yourself. I had just settled myself in to enjoy a nice plate of Zach's delicious concoction, feeling quite smug that I have three of the most well-behaved and responsible children in the universe, when my oldest comes down the stairs in tears.
So I said, "Kayla, what is wrong?"
Kayla: Nothing.
Me: Why are you crying?
Kayla: I'm not.
Me: Okay, well, if you aren't going to tell me, take your not-crying self upstairs because your not-crying is making it hard for me to enjoy my supper.
Kayla: Okay, okay, this morning before school Shannon and I went to the store to get a slushie and by the time we got back we had missed the late bell, so we just decided to skip school. I came home and checked the messages and the school never called, so I knew I was out of the woods. But you were so nice tonight buying me all of that scrapbooking stuff and I know that you've been short on cash starting this new job and I just can't take the guilt anymore! I can't lie to you and I'm starting to get really sick of that!
I just started laughing and grounded her. I let her know that skipping school is a serious infraction. I was laughing because not one of my kids is very good at being dishonest. So even when they are misbehaving, I still feel kind of good that they have well developed consciences and will grow up into nice adults. It is just so damn funny watching the torture that they've put themselves through, waiting until the truth comes out. They are way more hard on themselves than I am. Groundation is rather anti-climatic after what they've put themsevles through.
Monday, September 12, 2005
I Hate Mondays!
I can't believe it is almost 11 AM already. This morning has sped by. Looks like the newest hurricane is headed our direction and we'll get the remnants of it on Friday. Driving rain and 65 mile an hour winds. SOOOOO, this postpones our BBQ, but that is actually okay. We're still having the advisory board meeting and that is top priority and we are still scheduled to open the next Wednesday.
I have a meeting at the police department. I am giving them a copy of our new schedule so they can patrol the area when we are leaving at night. I know this will make me feel safer, as well as our volunteers.
Tonight, I am going to Jessy's house. She is having some kind of scrapbooking party. I haven't seen her since I left the job at Itty Bitty. It will be good to see everyone. I ran into Paula Kull at my eyedoctor's. Her husband is my eye doctor and their daughter is a student at Itty Bitty, and she is planning on going to Jessy's, too. This should be fun. I'm not really feeling up to socializing tonight, but it will do me good to get out. This whole summer, I have spent socializing with Brian in tow. I am not complaining, but I need to get back into doing my own thing, too! :)
Now, I have a bunch of phone calls to make.
Current Mood: okay
Current Music: my Godsword CD
I have a meeting at the police department. I am giving them a copy of our new schedule so they can patrol the area when we are leaving at night. I know this will make me feel safer, as well as our volunteers.
Tonight, I am going to Jessy's house. She is having some kind of scrapbooking party. I haven't seen her since I left the job at Itty Bitty. It will be good to see everyone. I ran into Paula Kull at my eyedoctor's. Her husband is my eye doctor and their daughter is a student at Itty Bitty, and she is planning on going to Jessy's, too. This should be fun. I'm not really feeling up to socializing tonight, but it will do me good to get out. This whole summer, I have spent socializing with Brian in tow. I am not complaining, but I need to get back into doing my own thing, too! :)
Now, I have a bunch of phone calls to make.
Current Mood: okay
Current Music: my Godsword CD
Sunday, September 11, 2005
September 11, 2005
Does anyone else feel weird when they write this date?
So much for laying low this weekend! Brian came down Friday night and we went to the new Texas Roadhouse Restaurant. Brian liked it, I thought it was okay. Last night we went to eat at the Whig & Currier, but I wasn't impressed with the menu, so we left and ate at the Bear Brew instead. Saturday, we ran a bunch of errands and Brian helped me at the center putting curtains up and hanging blinds. Today we and about 16,000 other bikers did the annual toy run. We bought a big stuffed Mickey and a big stuffed Minnie and strapped them to the back of the bike and drove to Augusta to drop off the toys. It was a lot of fun, but I am glad to be home. I am exhausted. We did sleep in a little Saturday morning, which we haven't done in WEEKS, but we had also been up until 1:30 AM doing grown-up stuff, so we still probably only got 7-8 hours in.
My big BBQ/Open House at the center is this Friday. I am nervous because the Advisory Board meeting is at the center at 2:30 and they are all invited to stay and join us at the BBQ. Brian is coming down to help with the grilling. Paul's football season officially starts next week. They've only had scrimmages so far, and the first game is next Sunday, soooooo that means any long weekends with Brian down here will be out for awhile. If I want to spend the whole weekend with him, I'll have to head up to P.I.
I am so tired. I need a nap but I am worried about what will happen if I take one this late in the game.
Current Mood: sleepy
Current Music: Sister Christian.........Night Ranger
So much for laying low this weekend! Brian came down Friday night and we went to the new Texas Roadhouse Restaurant. Brian liked it, I thought it was okay. Last night we went to eat at the Whig & Currier, but I wasn't impressed with the menu, so we left and ate at the Bear Brew instead. Saturday, we ran a bunch of errands and Brian helped me at the center putting curtains up and hanging blinds. Today we and about 16,000 other bikers did the annual toy run. We bought a big stuffed Mickey and a big stuffed Minnie and strapped them to the back of the bike and drove to Augusta to drop off the toys. It was a lot of fun, but I am glad to be home. I am exhausted. We did sleep in a little Saturday morning, which we haven't done in WEEKS, but we had also been up until 1:30 AM doing grown-up stuff, so we still probably only got 7-8 hours in.
My big BBQ/Open House at the center is this Friday. I am nervous because the Advisory Board meeting is at the center at 2:30 and they are all invited to stay and join us at the BBQ. Brian is coming down to help with the grilling. Paul's football season officially starts next week. They've only had scrimmages so far, and the first game is next Sunday, soooooo that means any long weekends with Brian down here will be out for awhile. If I want to spend the whole weekend with him, I'll have to head up to P.I.
I am so tired. I need a nap but I am worried about what will happen if I take one this late in the game.
Current Mood: sleepy
Current Music: Sister Christian.........Night Ranger
Friday, September 09, 2005
Politics?
Who would have thought the education/government/political sector would interest me. I have been having a hard time deciding which direction I wanted my grad work to head and I knew it would be in education, but now I am definitely leaning towards the Department of Education, working behind the scenes, making changes in law. I also want to emphasize my grad work on poverty and education and the effects of each on each other.
In other news, Zach has his first Middle School dance tonight. I'm having a ball tutoring Kayla in Spanish. I have seven years (3 in high school and 4 in college) under my belt and helping her is helping me. The older I get, the harder it is to retain a lot of it so this has been fun. Hayley and I are working every night on her reading assignments. This job has been good, because as much as I loved and miss the daycare, I am not physically or mentally drained when I get home, so I can be a mom again. This present job is lots of writing, planning, scheduling and lots and lots of meetings. None of that is terribly tedious or difficult.
I think I am staying home this weekend. Brian may come down, but I really want to clean my house and work at the center a little this weekend.
Current Mood: ready for the weekend
Current Musis: Only for the Week..........Avalon
In other news, Zach has his first Middle School dance tonight. I'm having a ball tutoring Kayla in Spanish. I have seven years (3 in high school and 4 in college) under my belt and helping her is helping me. The older I get, the harder it is to retain a lot of it so this has been fun. Hayley and I are working every night on her reading assignments. This job has been good, because as much as I loved and miss the daycare, I am not physically or mentally drained when I get home, so I can be a mom again. This present job is lots of writing, planning, scheduling and lots and lots of meetings. None of that is terribly tedious or difficult.
I think I am staying home this weekend. Brian may come down, but I really want to clean my house and work at the center a little this weekend.
Current Mood: ready for the weekend
Current Musis: Only for the Week..........Avalon
Thursday, September 08, 2005
Passage of Time
These first few weeks at my new job have flown right by! I truly love my job! I love helping people, especially kids, and I get to do this every day. The clients I have met are literally at their rock bottom and it pleases me to offer them a glimmer of hope. There isn't much we can do when someone comes to us. The waiting list for homeless housing is 3-5 months. Section 8 subsidy has a 2 year waiting list. Rents are going up because of the skyrocketing heating fuel costs. I've had so many families come in the last few days saying they are living in tents and in campers. This is okay now, but what are they to do when the cold weather hits? These are families that have just fallen on hard times. Nobody is addicted to drugs or alcohol. How many of us are just a paycheck or two away from this ourselves? I've got to say though, that I have seen first hand what a smile and a compassionate ear can do. This has definitely given me a first hand look at poverty, government funding, burned out DHS workers and the importance of being one's own advocate.
So much needs to be done, as far as welfare reform, and my heart goes out to the families that have truly fallen on hard times and to the offspring of some individuals whose only interest in them is as a dependent for welfare benefits. But thought needs to be given to this expectation that the government is there to fall back on. Welfare has not always been in existence, neither is it common in other countries. Why are there some people that are constantly standing there with their hands in the cookie jar? The fact is this: our government, faulty that it might be, is the greatest in the world and we should be grateful for the help that is given. However, people are going to have a huge wake-up call one of these days when the government's back breaks. Sadly, Bangor only has 140 housing units for homeless housing. This is not considered emergency shelter because of the 3-5 month wait and the units are FULL. There is no emergency housing. There are limited, if any, in emergency funds. We need to all face the reality that the welfare system is a false safety net. Those few people that might be grandfathered in might be still in a position to abuse the system, but I assure anyone that getting benefits at this present time is a lengthy, demeaning and heart wrenching process. I urge anyone that is in any kind of position to help, don't bitch about taxes or about the faults of the government. The bottom line is this, the battle between the conservatives and the liberals about whose fault our present situation is, is NOT solving any problems. Get off your asses and volunteer some time at a soup kitchen or at an afterschool program or at a battered women's shelter. And for the people that are receiving benefits and maybe shouldn't be, my message to them is simple. Quit your whining, bust your ass and provide for your family. If you have a strong back and a healthy mind then make things happen for yourself.
Okay, I'll get off my soapbox. This has been the most valuable experience I have ever had in my life. My favorite quote has always been "Be the change you wish to see in the world." ~ Ghandi.
Current Mood: pensive, but very happy
Current Music: Heat of the Moment........ASIA
So much needs to be done, as far as welfare reform, and my heart goes out to the families that have truly fallen on hard times and to the offspring of some individuals whose only interest in them is as a dependent for welfare benefits. But thought needs to be given to this expectation that the government is there to fall back on. Welfare has not always been in existence, neither is it common in other countries. Why are there some people that are constantly standing there with their hands in the cookie jar? The fact is this: our government, faulty that it might be, is the greatest in the world and we should be grateful for the help that is given. However, people are going to have a huge wake-up call one of these days when the government's back breaks. Sadly, Bangor only has 140 housing units for homeless housing. This is not considered emergency shelter because of the 3-5 month wait and the units are FULL. There is no emergency housing. There are limited, if any, in emergency funds. We need to all face the reality that the welfare system is a false safety net. Those few people that might be grandfathered in might be still in a position to abuse the system, but I assure anyone that getting benefits at this present time is a lengthy, demeaning and heart wrenching process. I urge anyone that is in any kind of position to help, don't bitch about taxes or about the faults of the government. The bottom line is this, the battle between the conservatives and the liberals about whose fault our present situation is, is NOT solving any problems. Get off your asses and volunteer some time at a soup kitchen or at an afterschool program or at a battered women's shelter. And for the people that are receiving benefits and maybe shouldn't be, my message to them is simple. Quit your whining, bust your ass and provide for your family. If you have a strong back and a healthy mind then make things happen for yourself.
Okay, I'll get off my soapbox. This has been the most valuable experience I have ever had in my life. My favorite quote has always been "Be the change you wish to see in the world." ~ Ghandi.
Current Mood: pensive, but very happy
Current Music: Heat of the Moment........ASIA
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
Early
It is early in the office for me today. I leave at 10:30 for an appointment with my eye doctor. Then lunch from 12:15-1:15...so pretty much the whole morning will fly right by. I am covering the phones while Iona is on vacation. I can just as easily work out of her office as I can mine. Easier, in fact, because my phone line isn't supposed to be hooked up until some time this morning.
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
September 6. 2005
The day flew by today. I went to lunch with Allison. That was nice. I got a lot accomplished today. I had a meeting with Sally and Kyra and I think it went really well. I am very positive with how things are going. I'm really excited about the upcoming year and so is Kyra, so we kind of fed off of each other's enthusiasm, which fed into Sally's, sooooo I'm now very PUMPED!!!
This long weekend with Brian was very rejuvenating for me. He is feeling very tired, but it definitely energized me!
The weather is going to be beautiful for the next two weeks. Sunny and 70's and 80's. My period is over. Tomorrow is Wednesday. I love my job. I love my boyfried. Life is GOOD!!!
Current Mood: in love
Current Music: Jukebox Hero..........Foreigner
This long weekend with Brian was very rejuvenating for me. He is feeling very tired, but it definitely energized me!
The weather is going to be beautiful for the next two weeks. Sunny and 70's and 80's. My period is over. Tomorrow is Wednesday. I love my job. I love my boyfried. Life is GOOD!!!
Current Mood: in love
Current Music: Jukebox Hero..........Foreigner
Monday, September 05, 2005
1200 Miles!!!
Brian and I just got back from a long bike weekend. We rode over 1200 miles. We had no plan and no specific destination. Just 3 1/2 days to kill. Our mission was to stay off of the interstate until the last leg of the journey (returning home). We headed thru New Hampshire and visited the White Mountains and then on to Vermont and the Green Mountains and then the most beautiful part of all was the entire day spend in upstate New York in the Adirondack mountains, where we spent the day at Lake Champlain and Lake George. We took the ferry across Lake Champlain. This lake is 125 miles long, I think and borders New York, Vermont and Montreal. We drove the bike right on the boat and went from Vermont to Essex, NY. The Adirondacks are breathtaking!!! We stayed at the Ramada in Glens Falls, NY. The next day, we continued on to Mass and went to the Blamford (?) Fair. It was a smalltown fair and Brian and I thought it would be fun to stretch our legs and walk around. $7 a person to get in!!! :) Only kid rides, too. They don't do fairs like Maine does fairs! But it was fun...think of 'Joe Dirt' and the carnival scene. Brian kept saying, "You're my sister!" to me after...if you've never seen Joe Dirt, you'll not get that reference. Then we drove down to Mystic, CT and walked around there. I think Mystic is one of my most favorite places on earth. Plus, Brian got to see Mystic Pizza, which is the now famous pizza joint in Mystic, where Julia Roberts debuted in her first movie titled Mystic Pizza! Then we booked it up Route 1 to Providence, Rhode Island. Providence is a city of about 2 million people. I love it. It is smaller than Boston, but bigger than Portland (Maine). Brian hated it. Well, not really hated it, but he never travels on I-95 North or South so he wasn't prepared for the 6 lanes of very fast traffic thru Providence. We'd been driving all day on the bike and this was about 8 PM at night so he was a little more tense than he might have been otherwise. So we spent the night at a hotel there and we got in a 15 minute argument, but then kissed and made up. We had a lovely dinner down in the restaurant. We were going to have room service, but the previous night, we'd had room service, and I felt like we really needed to get OUT of the hotel room for a meal. In light of the 1200 miles we traveled on a motorcycle, on our BUTTS, I'm pleased to report that we only had that one 15 minute tiff. We talked about it at dinner that night and again this morning and I think that says a lot about us. Not many couples can spend 24 hours a day for the duration of a vacation together and not have a spat or two.
The best part of today was riding through Concord, Mass, which is where Walden Pond is. We drove right by it without even planning on it. It was very, very cool! I am a big Thoreau fan, although our biking trips seem to be more Kerouac-esque.
That was the long story. The short story? 1200 miles, 7 states, 3 1/2 days and we still love each other!
Current Mood: exhausted, happy, relaxed and missing Brian, all rolled into one.
Current Music: Little Moments..............Brad Paisley (this is Brian's song to me)
The best part of today was riding through Concord, Mass, which is where Walden Pond is. We drove right by it without even planning on it. It was very, very cool! I am a big Thoreau fan, although our biking trips seem to be more Kerouac-esque.
That was the long story. The short story? 1200 miles, 7 states, 3 1/2 days and we still love each other!
Current Mood: exhausted, happy, relaxed and missing Brian, all rolled into one.
Current Music: Little Moments..............Brad Paisley (this is Brian's song to me)
Thursday, September 01, 2005
September 1, 2005
- Zach is puking. :(
- Sarah called me at work today! :)
- My mother will watch Zach this weekend so Brian and I can still get away. :)
- Zach is now sleeping and he is feeling a lot better.
- The girls didn't have the house picked up when I got home.
- They will do it when they get back from taking a walk to the store.
- My period finally started today!!!
- I got a ton of work done today and have lots of emails from Augusta to wade thru.
- They still haven't found the woman who was sleeping under the tarp. Apparently she has a child with her.
- Sarah called me at work today! :)
- My mother will watch Zach this weekend so Brian and I can still get away. :)
- Zach is now sleeping and he is feeling a lot better.
- The girls didn't have the house picked up when I got home.
- They will do it when they get back from taking a walk to the store.
- My period finally started today!!!
- I got a ton of work done today and have lots of emails from Augusta to wade thru.
- They still haven't found the woman who was sleeping under the tarp. Apparently she has a child with her.
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
UGH!!!
Okay, so the kids went back to school today. It amazes me that I always forget the hundreds of papers I must sign on the first day of school. For one child, not so bad. After doing it in triplicate, it makes me want to scream!!!
Work was GREAT! I got so much accomplished today and even though I had major computer/printer trouble, so didn't everyone else in my office and over at the Department of Health and Welfare! It got to the point where you could only laugh about it. I finally got all my files printed and spent the next hour frigging with my very own photocopier at my very own office! Joy of joys!!!
DHS called this afternoon. Apparently a transient, who was in our shelter last month, is missing. It was nice that DHS was actually concerned about this and was taking a personal interest in the matter. The police were out looking for the woman. Her last known whereabouts was under a tarp behind Park Woods.
Everything seems to all be coming together at work. The last few days, I'd been feeling out of sorts. Anxious about work, about not having a "schedule" to follow. I am allowed to basically do what I want. I am held accountable and I do have deadlines to meet, but as to when and how I do my work, I can pretty much come and go as I please. I do check in with my boss in the morning and in the afternoon, either in person or by email. I asked her secretary if this bothered her (my boss) and she said she'd let me know if she heard Claire complaining about it, but that she thinks Claire likes that I check in. I need structure and I have been having to create my own "To Do" lists so I can stay focused and on task at work. I don't want to say I don't like this new career development because it is too soon to tell. This is really my first opportunity to have more workplace autonomy. Brian says it is like being self-employed, which he is. Not just anyone is cut out for that. You definitely need to be self-motivated. It will be interesting to see if I am the sort of person that can be that disciplined.
One of my kids has already passed out from exhaustion from the first day of school. It is 5:45 PM. FUNNY! Kayla plans on being in bed by 8, she says. She is beat, too. Zach is outside playing. He won't stop until bedtime.
I have no idea what to make for supper. It is good to be coming home at 4:30 again, instead of 5:30 at the preschool.
Current Mood: Pretty darn happy even though my period is a day late.
Current Music: Shoot to Thrill......ACDC
Work was GREAT! I got so much accomplished today and even though I had major computer/printer trouble, so didn't everyone else in my office and over at the Department of Health and Welfare! It got to the point where you could only laugh about it. I finally got all my files printed and spent the next hour frigging with my very own photocopier at my very own office! Joy of joys!!!
DHS called this afternoon. Apparently a transient, who was in our shelter last month, is missing. It was nice that DHS was actually concerned about this and was taking a personal interest in the matter. The police were out looking for the woman. Her last known whereabouts was under a tarp behind Park Woods.
Everything seems to all be coming together at work. The last few days, I'd been feeling out of sorts. Anxious about work, about not having a "schedule" to follow. I am allowed to basically do what I want. I am held accountable and I do have deadlines to meet, but as to when and how I do my work, I can pretty much come and go as I please. I do check in with my boss in the morning and in the afternoon, either in person or by email. I asked her secretary if this bothered her (my boss) and she said she'd let me know if she heard Claire complaining about it, but that she thinks Claire likes that I check in. I need structure and I have been having to create my own "To Do" lists so I can stay focused and on task at work. I don't want to say I don't like this new career development because it is too soon to tell. This is really my first opportunity to have more workplace autonomy. Brian says it is like being self-employed, which he is. Not just anyone is cut out for that. You definitely need to be self-motivated. It will be interesting to see if I am the sort of person that can be that disciplined.
One of my kids has already passed out from exhaustion from the first day of school. It is 5:45 PM. FUNNY! Kayla plans on being in bed by 8, she says. She is beat, too. Zach is outside playing. He won't stop until bedtime.
I have no idea what to make for supper. It is good to be coming home at 4:30 again, instead of 5:30 at the preschool.
Current Mood: Pretty darn happy even though my period is a day late.
Current Music: Shoot to Thrill......ACDC
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
August 30, 2005
I am working at home again today. The purchase order did not go through until Friday of last week, so I should be getting a phone in a day or two.
Today is the kids' last day of summer vacation. I dropped them off at the library for an hour and a 1/2. I just picked them up. I am doing some laundry, between returning work emails and creating and emailing drafts to my boss. I am not in the mood to do any grocery shopping even though it definitely needs to be done. I am sure I'll go at some point today.
I have no idea what to make the kids for supper tonight. Maybe some homemade mac and cheese.
Current Mood: tired
Current Music: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince on CD
Today is the kids' last day of summer vacation. I dropped them off at the library for an hour and a 1/2. I just picked them up. I am doing some laundry, between returning work emails and creating and emailing drafts to my boss. I am not in the mood to do any grocery shopping even though it definitely needs to be done. I am sure I'll go at some point today.
I have no idea what to make the kids for supper tonight. Maybe some homemade mac and cheese.
Current Mood: tired
Current Music: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince on CD
Monday, August 29, 2005
Monday Afternoon Update
I'm working from home today. I made the decision to go home around 11. There was only so much I could do without a phone and I STILL have no dial tone at my office yet. Claire is working on it right as we speak. The day is okay, for a Monday. I am tired and I got a lot done. I made some flyers and a brochure and lined up some more mentors. I am waiting for Claire to set a date for our advisory meeting. I can't really plan for the meeting until I have a DATE!
I am now working on a power point presentation for the Rotary to raise funding, which is slated for November. The good news is that once the power point is completed, I can reuse it for all of my other presentations.
Well, back to work!
I am now working on a power point presentation for the Rotary to raise funding, which is slated for November. The good news is that once the power point is completed, I can reuse it for all of my other presentations.
Well, back to work!
Sunday, August 28, 2005
Sunday Afternoon Update
Kayla and I stayed at David and Karen's last night until about 2:30 this morning. We slept in until about 10 and I got my latte and came home to clean a little. I had done most of it yesterday, so there wasn't a whole lot for today. Laundry and dusting. I hate clutter so I spent some time weeding through old bills and getting the bill and paperwork area organized.
Right now, I have some candles and incense burning and I'm listening to some CD's. I'm also cooking some hot wings. Tonight for supper, I am making Kayla's favorite, Spanish Rice. Hayley came home from Devon's this morning and spent about an hour catching up with Kayla and me and then Devon called and asked if she could come over here for the afternoon. They spent a total of about 1 hour apart and they ask why I always call them an old married couple. Aside from the fact that they fight like they've been married for a long time, they can't bear to go long without being in each other's presence. So they are now hanging out in my room watching some movies. Kayla and I are just chilling out in the living room. I've been catching up on reading my friends' blogs. Eric, you crack me up! I'm glad you got your quarters back!!!
Current Mood: relaxed
Current Music: Some Like it Hot......Robert Palmer
Right now, I have some candles and incense burning and I'm listening to some CD's. I'm also cooking some hot wings. Tonight for supper, I am making Kayla's favorite, Spanish Rice. Hayley came home from Devon's this morning and spent about an hour catching up with Kayla and me and then Devon called and asked if she could come over here for the afternoon. They spent a total of about 1 hour apart and they ask why I always call them an old married couple. Aside from the fact that they fight like they've been married for a long time, they can't bear to go long without being in each other's presence. So they are now hanging out in my room watching some movies. Kayla and I are just chilling out in the living room. I've been catching up on reading my friends' blogs. Eric, you crack me up! I'm glad you got your quarters back!!!
Current Mood: relaxed
Current Music: Some Like it Hot......Robert Palmer
Madison and Baxter
Madison was playing Monopoly and Baxter was just watching the game from her shoulder.
Saturday, August 27, 2005
Bulletin Board
Working on the Welcome Back bulletin board in preparation for our Open House BBQ in two weeks.
This was taken on the morning of my incredibly horrible very bad day! It was a happy day before my downward spiral! :)
This was taken on the morning of my incredibly horrible very bad day! It was a happy day before my downward spiral! :)
Still Even Better
Kayla and I are going to Bailey's tonite at 6PM. Kayla wants to go to see Baxter, who is the kitten we gave to Bailey. I will be taking some pics and posting them when I get home.
Brian called around 11:30 this morning. He wanted me to drive up to see him but I have plans with Bailey! He will call me at David and Karen's after I get the girls asleep. We both agreed that it wouldn't kill us to spend the weekend apart. He DID take me to dinner Tuesday night. And he loves me.
Brian called around 11:30 this morning. He wanted me to drive up to see him but I have plans with Bailey! He will call me at David and Karen's after I get the girls asleep. We both agreed that it wouldn't kill us to spend the weekend apart. He DID take me to dinner Tuesday night. And he loves me.
Much Better
Brian called me last night about 3 times to make sure I was okay. Zach and I tried to do the Folk Festival. The place was mobbed and parking was $5 and police had temporary parking bans on all of the side streets even close to walking distance to the festival to FORCE everyone to pay the $5, which was all going to the city. At this point, from about 11 AM on, I was so frustrated with the city anyway, they were not getting my $5 last night. Let me explain, for those of you who do not know yet, I am now an employee of the city, as part of the Department of Health and Welfare. My boss is the Director of Housing Authority and her boss is THE Director of Department of Health and Welfare.
I've come to several conclusions about simultaneously working for the city and working for the state government.
1. Nobody is in their office on Fridays.
2. It takes on average of 5 employees to push paper.
3. It takes an average of 5 phone calls to get an answer to a question.
4. Which takes me back to number one. Nobody is in their office on Fridays to answer phone calls so they can answer questions.
5. Everybody is recovering from their weekends on Monday, so that day is also shot.
6. A normal work week is Tuesday-Thursday and you're screwed if you need something on a Monday or Friday.
7. Muzak sucks.
But I do love my job. It was just one of those days where I was all motivated and had a nice to do list in front of me and could have actually accomplished A LOT, only to run into roadblocks at each and every step. I also have to turn in weekly reports to the state capitol and of course, I was having supreme trouble with their website and the report needed to be in by yesterday. Blah, Blah, Blah!!!
There is good news in all of this. I was awakened this morning by a phone call from David. He asked if I was available this evening to babysit Bailey and Madison. In the background I heard singing. It was Bailey singing, "I love Jennifer". So of course I am available. I have missed Bailey like crazy. It didn't take much to get a smile on my face. Not to mention, this will be a welcome $50. David and Karen pay very well, although I'd babysit Bailey for nothing. The way my mood was last night, this opportunity benefits me more than them. I've written too much to delve into the fact that one of my best friends is a 4 year old!
Current Mood: much happier
Current Music: "I Love Jennifer" Bailey-boo Elizabeth Gifford, age 4
I've come to several conclusions about simultaneously working for the city and working for the state government.
1. Nobody is in their office on Fridays.
2. It takes on average of 5 employees to push paper.
3. It takes an average of 5 phone calls to get an answer to a question.
4. Which takes me back to number one. Nobody is in their office on Fridays to answer phone calls so they can answer questions.
5. Everybody is recovering from their weekends on Monday, so that day is also shot.
6. A normal work week is Tuesday-Thursday and you're screwed if you need something on a Monday or Friday.
7. Muzak sucks.
But I do love my job. It was just one of those days where I was all motivated and had a nice to do list in front of me and could have actually accomplished A LOT, only to run into roadblocks at each and every step. I also have to turn in weekly reports to the state capitol and of course, I was having supreme trouble with their website and the report needed to be in by yesterday. Blah, Blah, Blah!!!
There is good news in all of this. I was awakened this morning by a phone call from David. He asked if I was available this evening to babysit Bailey and Madison. In the background I heard singing. It was Bailey singing, "I love Jennifer". So of course I am available. I have missed Bailey like crazy. It didn't take much to get a smile on my face. Not to mention, this will be a welcome $50. David and Karen pay very well, although I'd babysit Bailey for nothing. The way my mood was last night, this opportunity benefits me more than them. I've written too much to delve into the fact that one of my best friends is a 4 year old!
Current Mood: much happier
Current Music: "I Love Jennifer" Bailey-boo Elizabeth Gifford, age 4
Friday, August 26, 2005
Long Time
It has been a LONG time since I have had such a crappy day! I am still too wound up to vent in the blog. I vented for a little while on the phone with Brian and he'll call again later to check on me. I may or may not be taking a ride up to visit him tomorrow. We'll see what kind of mood the morning brings.
Have a good night and I will try to do the same too!
Current Mood: overtired and stressed out
Current Music: Foo Fighters CD
Have a good night and I will try to do the same too!
Current Mood: overtired and stressed out
Current Music: Foo Fighters CD
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
Funny
I had a great night with Brian last night. We were definitely in serious relationship-talk mode. We've agreed to love each other for the next 30-40 years and we talked about the next year or so about us moving in together, marriage, etc., so it was a good talk and I think we are both on the same page in regards to that.
The funny part is what happened tonight with my son. Zach had been playing his trumpet. Set it aside on his shelf. Came down for supper. Cat knocked trumpet over. Trumpet crashed to floor. Trumpet no longer looks like trumpet. Trumpet no longer SOUNDS like trumpet. Zach, quite upset, was chasing after cat to kill cat. So all of you, close your eyes and imagine a rage-filled little boy, shaking twisted trumpet in the air, while chasing after now scared feline.
Instead of ranting and raving myself because of the expense this will be when I drop it off tomorrow, I had to just laugh. I laughed until I had tears rolling down my cheeks. And Zach says, "Mom, this isn't funny," as he tried to play Hot Cross Buns. So tomorrow on my lunch break, I'll be presenting twisted trumpet to Northern Kingdom Music and see what we can salvage of the instruement.
Zach's final comment? "Screw it! I'm switching to percussion!"
The funny part is what happened tonight with my son. Zach had been playing his trumpet. Set it aside on his shelf. Came down for supper. Cat knocked trumpet over. Trumpet crashed to floor. Trumpet no longer looks like trumpet. Trumpet no longer SOUNDS like trumpet. Zach, quite upset, was chasing after cat to kill cat. So all of you, close your eyes and imagine a rage-filled little boy, shaking twisted trumpet in the air, while chasing after now scared feline.
Instead of ranting and raving myself because of the expense this will be when I drop it off tomorrow, I had to just laugh. I laughed until I had tears rolling down my cheeks. And Zach says, "Mom, this isn't funny," as he tried to play Hot Cross Buns. So tomorrow on my lunch break, I'll be presenting twisted trumpet to Northern Kingdom Music and see what we can salvage of the instruement.
Zach's final comment? "Screw it! I'm switching to percussion!"
Monday, August 22, 2005
Great!!!
Today went great! I am very excited about the upcoming year. I have a lot of work to get done, but I am looking forward to the challenge and it will be a challenge, especially when I'M the organized one.
I have lots to do tonight to prepare for tomorrow and Wednesday's meeting. Brian is taking me to supper tomorrow night, so I won't have a lot of time to do any work tomorrow evening. I have to write the agenda of the meeting and make sure it gets emailed to Claire and Shawn before the meeting.
Brian is also coming down this weekend for the Folk Festival. I miss him like crazy right now! :)
Current Mood: ELATED!
Current Music: I'm Gonna Party Tonight.....3rd Storee
I have lots to do tonight to prepare for tomorrow and Wednesday's meeting. Brian is taking me to supper tomorrow night, so I won't have a lot of time to do any work tomorrow evening. I have to write the agenda of the meeting and make sure it gets emailed to Claire and Shawn before the meeting.
Brian is also coming down this weekend for the Folk Festival. I miss him like crazy right now! :)
Current Mood: ELATED!
Current Music: I'm Gonna Party Tonight.....3rd Storee
My First Day
I am embarking on my first day of work. The day started like a typical Monday. I tore my left contact and will have to run back to Orono during my lunch break to pick up a replacement. While this is kind of inconvenient for the first day of work, it would certainly have been MORE inconvenient if this had happened during one of my many biking trips with Brian this summer! Contacts don't last forever and you can only hope that you'll be close to home when you lose or tear one.
I'm taking Zach's to my mother's house so he can visit with my parents and with his sister Kayla. She has been with my mother for a few days. She has an extremely close bond with my mother and Bangor is the furthest my mother has ever lived from her. For 10 years, we shared a back yard. My parents just moved to Bangor in June and it has been an adjustment for my kids and my parents.
Okay, I will blog more later. Don't want to be late on my first day! :)
I'm taking Zach's to my mother's house so he can visit with my parents and with his sister Kayla. She has been with my mother for a few days. She has an extremely close bond with my mother and Bangor is the furthest my mother has ever lived from her. For 10 years, we shared a back yard. My parents just moved to Bangor in June and it has been an adjustment for my kids and my parents.
Okay, I will blog more later. Don't want to be late on my first day! :)
Sunday, August 21, 2005
August 21, 2005
It is nice to have Zach home. He's playing with his cousin Cody and fighting with his sisters. Seems like he never even left!
I found out that my sister is having a girl! So out of my mother's 4 kids, we've ALL had girls first! My two brothers have a girl a piece and I obviously had two before having Zach. My mother also had 2 girls first before having my brothers.
I talked with Brian last night. He was in a major down mood. I had a feeling it was going to be like this for him this weekend. This is the first weekend since June 11th that we have not been together. I know he was hoping to spend some of this weekend with Paul. The extent of which he saw his son was driving him to Easton to his friend's house. Other than that, Brian worked all day and most of the evening yesterday. It really bothers me that his kids think so little of him, not little in their respect of him, but little in the amount of time they spend thinking about him. Paul does not call his father to do something unless he has no other plans going on. I know a lot of that is typical for a 16 year old boy, but you'd think he'd make more of an effort. I can attest that his kids are on his mind 60-70 % of the time and I'm on it the other 30-40%. Cassie will be home next weekend for her boyfriend's sister's wedding. Brian will be able to spend some time with her, but she'll be busy with the wedding so he probably won't be seeing her for any length of time until Sunday. She of course is staying with her mother. I find it ironic, as an outsider looking in, how in a lot of failed marriages involving kids, the parent that did the most to "mess up" the family, is the one the kids seem to remain most loyal to. Anyway, I hope he has a better day today. I don't like it when he is miserable like this.
I am so psyched about the upcoming year! I much prefer having a plan again than flying by the seat of my pants, although I think this past year taught me some very valuable lessons about having complete faith in God and His ability to provide and sustain me. I would have seriously had a nervous breakdown with as many career and finanical obstacles that I ran into this past year if it wasn't for my faith and the support I found and received at my church. Plus, I learned alot about what I am made of and where my strengths and weaknesses lie. I've also learned a few secrets to being financially independent, even when your income is in an all time low. For me personally, I only had to endure this for a few months, but I've learned that it is important to put money in your savings for 2 reasons. Reason 1 being the advantage of having a safety net or nest egg or what have you, and reason 2 is the advantage of having cash flow. I had to find the rythym of my cash flow and by having a little bit in my savings, I was able to find this groove a little sooner. By prioritizing my bills and having a steady paycheck every Friday, plus having consistant child support checks, I was able to take money out confidently, knowing when it would be replaced. I also keep this savings at a consistent level and I don't dip below this level unless I have a reasonable time frame in which that money will be replaced. Sort of like giving myself loans. I'm sure this knowledge is second nature to a lot of people and I am sure it could be found in a book or in a course, but I've never been in a situation in all of my adult life of not having enough resources to pay my bills. There have always been two paychecks coming in (me and the kids' dad) or I've had loans and child support coming in. As much as a few of those months last year sucked (it sucked even more because this happened in the months leading up to Christmas), I would not trade the knowledge I gained.
Current Mood: tired
Current Music: Fleetwood Mac's The Dance CD
I found out that my sister is having a girl! So out of my mother's 4 kids, we've ALL had girls first! My two brothers have a girl a piece and I obviously had two before having Zach. My mother also had 2 girls first before having my brothers.
I talked with Brian last night. He was in a major down mood. I had a feeling it was going to be like this for him this weekend. This is the first weekend since June 11th that we have not been together. I know he was hoping to spend some of this weekend with Paul. The extent of which he saw his son was driving him to Easton to his friend's house. Other than that, Brian worked all day and most of the evening yesterday. It really bothers me that his kids think so little of him, not little in their respect of him, but little in the amount of time they spend thinking about him. Paul does not call his father to do something unless he has no other plans going on. I know a lot of that is typical for a 16 year old boy, but you'd think he'd make more of an effort. I can attest that his kids are on his mind 60-70 % of the time and I'm on it the other 30-40%. Cassie will be home next weekend for her boyfriend's sister's wedding. Brian will be able to spend some time with her, but she'll be busy with the wedding so he probably won't be seeing her for any length of time until Sunday. She of course is staying with her mother. I find it ironic, as an outsider looking in, how in a lot of failed marriages involving kids, the parent that did the most to "mess up" the family, is the one the kids seem to remain most loyal to. Anyway, I hope he has a better day today. I don't like it when he is miserable like this.
I am so psyched about the upcoming year! I much prefer having a plan again than flying by the seat of my pants, although I think this past year taught me some very valuable lessons about having complete faith in God and His ability to provide and sustain me. I would have seriously had a nervous breakdown with as many career and finanical obstacles that I ran into this past year if it wasn't for my faith and the support I found and received at my church. Plus, I learned alot about what I am made of and where my strengths and weaknesses lie. I've also learned a few secrets to being financially independent, even when your income is in an all time low. For me personally, I only had to endure this for a few months, but I've learned that it is important to put money in your savings for 2 reasons. Reason 1 being the advantage of having a safety net or nest egg or what have you, and reason 2 is the advantage of having cash flow. I had to find the rythym of my cash flow and by having a little bit in my savings, I was able to find this groove a little sooner. By prioritizing my bills and having a steady paycheck every Friday, plus having consistant child support checks, I was able to take money out confidently, knowing when it would be replaced. I also keep this savings at a consistent level and I don't dip below this level unless I have a reasonable time frame in which that money will be replaced. Sort of like giving myself loans. I'm sure this knowledge is second nature to a lot of people and I am sure it could be found in a book or in a course, but I've never been in a situation in all of my adult life of not having enough resources to pay my bills. There have always been two paychecks coming in (me and the kids' dad) or I've had loans and child support coming in. As much as a few of those months last year sucked (it sucked even more because this happened in the months leading up to Christmas), I would not trade the knowledge I gained.
Current Mood: tired
Current Music: Fleetwood Mac's The Dance CD
Saturday, August 20, 2005
Saturday
Well, I talked with Zach yesterday. He and his dad have to make a quick stop out to camp in Calais and then they are on their way back to Bangor. They should be here around 1 or 2. Mike is staying at a hotel in Bangor before heading back to Virginia tomorrow, so Zach wants to spend the night with him. That is fine. The hotel they are staying at has a pool and so Hayley and I are heading down later to swim with Zach and take him out to dinner. Last night, my nephew Cody and my niece Lexi spent the night with me. Lexi called and said she was missing her Zachie. Well, I told her, Zachie isn't home yet, but she still wanted to spend the night and surprise him at the hotel today. So that is the plan.
This morning, I got my latte and got the kids various pastries and bagels, then I started some laundry, cleaned the bathroom and sent out some business emails and made some phone calls. The good news is I can do some of my work from home, typing, computer work, emails, etc.
It was SO NICE to sleep in my own bed last night!
Current Mood: well-rested
Current Music: Baby Got Back........Sir Mix A Lot
This morning, I got my latte and got the kids various pastries and bagels, then I started some laundry, cleaned the bathroom and sent out some business emails and made some phone calls. The good news is I can do some of my work from home, typing, computer work, emails, etc.
It was SO NICE to sleep in my own bed last night!
Current Mood: well-rested
Current Music: Baby Got Back........Sir Mix A Lot
Capitol Deck
The upper deck where we had a few meetings. This was where I was to take the picture of the Capitol Lawn. It was very pretty up there.
Inside Capitol
Where we spent our final day, in the Capitol building in Augusta, where we met with the First Lady of Maine.
Friday, August 19, 2005
Back Again
I'm back. It was a fun, busy week. I am pretty tired. I definitely miss the ocean view. I am anxious to get started at work.
Jessy called from the preschool. She wanted to know how my week went and fill me in on how the kids did this week. All of my preschoolers, with the exception of one, have gone on vacation. I told her I will stop in a week from Monday to check on them. We also discussed my being a sub. If it was on a limited basis, I don't think it would conflict with my present employment. Anyway, I also set up scrapbooking plans with Jessy. We are going to do it every Wednesday night at Nancy's Scrapbooking. She has a store and lets you use materials there, plus if you want to buy something, the store is open and you just have to go down and pick the supplies you need. Sounds fun, plus I can still hang out with Jessy. I am missing the kids so much from work, but I will say, it was nice this week working with adults only. I know I will like this new turn my career has taken.
Ummm, let's see...what else is new...I get my first paycheck next Friday. It will be nice getting a larger check. My next business trip is September 20th. On October 13th, we have the Blaine House Conference, the Blaine House being the home of the Governor and First Lady of Maine. I met Karen today and I think it was kind of cool to "hobnob" with the Governor's wife. Sitting in the Maine Capitol Building today was very surreal; a long ways away from preschool land. I have another conference the 19th and 20th of October. Then we're good to go until mid-January. It is all very exciting.
Anyway, I really need to go relax a little. I think I may go to the park and read a little.
Current Mood: tired
Current Music: Dancing in the Moonlight
Jessy called from the preschool. She wanted to know how my week went and fill me in on how the kids did this week. All of my preschoolers, with the exception of one, have gone on vacation. I told her I will stop in a week from Monday to check on them. We also discussed my being a sub. If it was on a limited basis, I don't think it would conflict with my present employment. Anyway, I also set up scrapbooking plans with Jessy. We are going to do it every Wednesday night at Nancy's Scrapbooking. She has a store and lets you use materials there, plus if you want to buy something, the store is open and you just have to go down and pick the supplies you need. Sounds fun, plus I can still hang out with Jessy. I am missing the kids so much from work, but I will say, it was nice this week working with adults only. I know I will like this new turn my career has taken.
Ummm, let's see...what else is new...I get my first paycheck next Friday. It will be nice getting a larger check. My next business trip is September 20th. On October 13th, we have the Blaine House Conference, the Blaine House being the home of the Governor and First Lady of Maine. I met Karen today and I think it was kind of cool to "hobnob" with the Governor's wife. Sitting in the Maine Capitol Building today was very surreal; a long ways away from preschool land. I have another conference the 19th and 20th of October. Then we're good to go until mid-January. It is all very exciting.
Anyway, I really need to go relax a little. I think I may go to the park and read a little.
Current Mood: tired
Current Music: Dancing in the Moonlight
Thursday, August 18, 2005
Kajagoogoo
What a long day! But a lot of fun. I will be happy to be home though. I miss my kids like crazy. Tonight, Sarah and I are watching One Hit Wonders on VH 1. Kick ass!
We had an informative day and I developed a nice action plan for Monday and the ensuing weeks. I am way too tired to post much so I apologize. I promise to catch up tomorrow. :)
Current Mood: happy
Current Music: Too Shy (Hush Hush).....Kajagoogoo
We had an informative day and I developed a nice action plan for Monday and the ensuing weeks. I am way too tired to post much so I apologize. I promise to catch up tomorrow. :)
Current Mood: happy
Current Music: Too Shy (Hush Hush).....Kajagoogoo
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
Okay
I left my firewire in the car, but I DID take lots more pics. I'll remember to bring it in tomorrow.
We had a long day, but it was a lot of fun. Tonight we had supper at Cappy's in Camden and then hung out in the pool and hot tub and sauna. VERY relaxing!!! I also found out that in the summer, this hotel we're staying at is $250 per night. So I am viewing this as an opportunity that happens on a limited basis in my lifetime.
Lots of group work today and we got down to the nitty gritty as to what our performance expectaions are going to be and made lots of contacts for future use. We also got our conference schedule. Looks like I'll be taking several business trips like this throughout the year.
And I am making lots of friends that are going to be living in the Portland area, doing similar work as I am, so when I make my move, I'll have some familiar faces in the area!
We had a long day, but it was a lot of fun. Tonight we had supper at Cappy's in Camden and then hung out in the pool and hot tub and sauna. VERY relaxing!!! I also found out that in the summer, this hotel we're staying at is $250 per night. So I am viewing this as an opportunity that happens on a limited basis in my lifetime.
Lots of group work today and we got down to the nitty gritty as to what our performance expectaions are going to be and made lots of contacts for future use. We also got our conference schedule. Looks like I'll be taking several business trips like this throughout the year.
And I am making lots of friends that are going to be living in the Portland area, doing similar work as I am, so when I make my move, I'll have some familiar faces in the area!
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
I'm in Belfast
I am here. I should have pics to post tomorrow. I've been taking pics all day, but my firewire is in the car and I'm in the hotel in bed, so I will bring it in tomorrow to download some pics. I am sharing a hotel room with my friend Sarah, from college, so that is very cool. AND we have free wireless internet in the rooms! :) I can blog to my heart's content! I am also right on the ocean and the view from the balcony is INCREDIBLE!!!
There are about 30 of us here and we are having fun getting to know each other and everything. About 10 of us went to a pub this evening to have a beer and just chill out.
Tomorrow night, I plan on hitting the pool and hot tub. We're going rowing 6:30 AM in the ocean for an hour and then our day starts at 8 and ends at 6.
Thursday night, we are supposed to have a BBQ and then take a cruise 6:30-8:30 PM, weather permitting. I am really looking forward to that.
Friday, we finish up in Augusta and I'll be on the road for home by noon.
Now, I am in bed, watching VH 1 and waiting for Brian to call.
Current Mood: tired but very relaxed
Current Music: Don't Go Chasing Waterfalls.......TLC
There are about 30 of us here and we are having fun getting to know each other and everything. About 10 of us went to a pub this evening to have a beer and just chill out.
Tomorrow night, I plan on hitting the pool and hot tub. We're going rowing 6:30 AM in the ocean for an hour and then our day starts at 8 and ends at 6.
Thursday night, we are supposed to have a BBQ and then take a cruise 6:30-8:30 PM, weather permitting. I am really looking forward to that.
Friday, we finish up in Augusta and I'll be on the road for home by noon.
Now, I am in bed, watching VH 1 and waiting for Brian to call.
Current Mood: tired but very relaxed
Current Music: Don't Go Chasing Waterfalls.......TLC
Monday, August 15, 2005
Not so Nervous Now
I am not really as nervous as I was earlier about tomorrow. I am kinda excited now. The girls and I went to run a "few" errands and we are just now getting home, getting supper cooked, and I am just now packing. My few errands turned into a full day of shopping! :) We left here at noon and are now getting home at 6 PM. We bought a lot, but greatly discounted because it was all on sale. Plus I bought a ton of books at the Salvation Army. I wanted some books for my week in Belfast and I bought some new plants. A nice creeping vine one, a really nice Ivy one and two spider plants plus a giant palm tree floor plant that I put in my room.
I'm feeling much better about Brian and I. I love him so much. It is foolish to think that we won't drive each other nuts from time to time. He and I also have lots of other stressors in our lives that have nothing to do with each other, yet they can put a negative spin on an otherwise good time. He also mentioned that he is tiring of riding the bike around Maine. The last few weeks, we've been in either northern Maine, southern Maine, or coastal Maine, so I hope we can get a couple more bike trips in out of state.
Well, I am bringing my laptop along on my trip, so hopefully I can find some wireless hotspot either at the hotel or in some cafe so I can still blog. I am bringing the digital so I can take lots of pics. The hotel is right on the ocean and I am praying my room is on the ocean view side instead of the parking lot view! :) There is an indoor pool, gym, hot tub and sauna, so I should be able to keep busy. Not to mention, I'll be minutes from Camden and Lincolnville Beach. I've never visited these places alone. I've always been with a friend or the kids.
I have some things to pack. I need to make a list so I don't forget stuff. I don't have to pack as light as I do when Brian and I are on the bike.
Current Mood: agitation GONE
Current Music: Zoe Girl cd
I'm feeling much better about Brian and I. I love him so much. It is foolish to think that we won't drive each other nuts from time to time. He and I also have lots of other stressors in our lives that have nothing to do with each other, yet they can put a negative spin on an otherwise good time. He also mentioned that he is tiring of riding the bike around Maine. The last few weeks, we've been in either northern Maine, southern Maine, or coastal Maine, so I hope we can get a couple more bike trips in out of state.
Well, I am bringing my laptop along on my trip, so hopefully I can find some wireless hotspot either at the hotel or in some cafe so I can still blog. I am bringing the digital so I can take lots of pics. The hotel is right on the ocean and I am praying my room is on the ocean view side instead of the parking lot view! :) There is an indoor pool, gym, hot tub and sauna, so I should be able to keep busy. Not to mention, I'll be minutes from Camden and Lincolnville Beach. I've never visited these places alone. I've always been with a friend or the kids.
I have some things to pack. I need to make a list so I don't forget stuff. I don't have to pack as light as I do when Brian and I are on the bike.
Current Mood: agitation GONE
Current Music: Zoe Girl cd
Weekend Update
This weekend definitely had its ups and downs. Friday was okay, Friday night was better. Brian was tired Saturday but was okay while we were moving his sister's office. The plan was to go back to the house after so we could take a nap and relax before going out Saturday night. We settled in and Seth (his 26 year old nephew) knocked on the door to say goodbye. We settled in again, only to have Paul (his son) call. Remember that Paul was invited along on this trip but opted to go to Bangor with his friends. So he calls Brian and asks if he wants to go fishing or to just hang out (Brian has been waiting for this call ALL summer) and Brian says he can't because he is in Portland helping MJ move her office. Brian became increasingly cranky after the call and at supper Saturday evening asks me if we are heading back to Bangor on Sunday. I was like, HUH? I thought we were here until Monday. He said, "Well, to be honest with you, I'm not feeling that well." So that made me cranky and suffice it to say, we were on the road heading home Sunday morning. By late afternoon we were talking again and he ended up staying in Bangor with me for the night. They were out of single rooms in the hotel, so we got a double and when I walked in, I said, "Oh look honey, you have your own bed!" It was just one of those kinds of weekends. I just wish he wouldn't take his stress out on me. He waits all summer for his son to call him and want to hang out and ends up feeling bad because Paul has essentially ignored him for most of the summer. So Brian has finally agreed to just live his life and has been quite happy I would like to add, but in just that one phone call, he ends up feeling guilty because God forbid he should enjoy himself.
So as much as it is going to kill me to not see Brian this weekend, I think when he calls tonight I am going to make it abundantly clear that I am spending time with my kids this weekend and he should do the same. What I am worried will happen is what always happens, he will find himself all alone all weekend waiting for Paul to call. I am going to be gone all week, not getting back until Friday afternoon. Zach will be home on the 20th, so I am hoping we can spend the day in Old Orchard on the 21st.
Well, I have a million little things to get done before my trip. I think this is my very first business trip. I feel so professional! :)
Current Mood: okay
Current Music: The View theme music
So as much as it is going to kill me to not see Brian this weekend, I think when he calls tonight I am going to make it abundantly clear that I am spending time with my kids this weekend and he should do the same. What I am worried will happen is what always happens, he will find himself all alone all weekend waiting for Paul to call. I am going to be gone all week, not getting back until Friday afternoon. Zach will be home on the 20th, so I am hoping we can spend the day in Old Orchard on the 21st.
Well, I have a million little things to get done before my trip. I think this is my very first business trip. I feel so professional! :)
Current Mood: okay
Current Music: The View theme music
Friday, August 12, 2005
SUPER Night!!!
Zachie stopped in at midnight last night to wake me up with lots of kisses! He could only stay a minute because he and his dad were just driving through and had two more hours of driving before Zach got to his grandparent's house, which is where he'll be until the 20th.
I can't believe how much he's grown. I have not seen him since the morning I left for Laconia, way back on June 11th. I just realized that yesterday was August 11th, exactly two months. At least he is back in Maine and I don't have to deal with this stuff again until next June.
I talked with Brian about a half hour ago. He will be here between 9:30 and quarter of 10. We have lots to do today. I am all packed and ready to go. Nails done, legs shaved! I broke a nail this morning though. Doesn't that just tick me off.
When I get back, I'll be heading down to Belfast for the week. Don't I wish life was this busy all the time!
Current Mood: elated because my baby is home
Current Music: Dirty Laundry.....Don Henley
I can't believe how much he's grown. I have not seen him since the morning I left for Laconia, way back on June 11th. I just realized that yesterday was August 11th, exactly two months. At least he is back in Maine and I don't have to deal with this stuff again until next June.
I talked with Brian about a half hour ago. He will be here between 9:30 and quarter of 10. We have lots to do today. I am all packed and ready to go. Nails done, legs shaved! I broke a nail this morning though. Doesn't that just tick me off.
When I get back, I'll be heading down to Belfast for the week. Don't I wish life was this busy all the time!
Current Mood: elated because my baby is home
Current Music: Dirty Laundry.....Don Henley
Thursday, August 11, 2005
Grocery Shopping: Done
Bill paying: Done
Laundry: Started
Bags Packed: Not yet
Legs Shaved: Not yet
Toenails Painted: Next
I am super tired and not as motivated as I was an hour or so ago. Kayla and I did the grocery shopping. I'll go again Monday night before I leave for the week, so I can make sure the kids have enough snack stuff and food to make light and easy meals. Plus plenty of drinks for them. They love flavored water and we go through a lot of it. I did buy them some Gatorade this week, but I don't usually. It has been so hot though, so I thought I'd get them something different.
Current Mood: getting sleepy
Current Music: my Godsword CD
Bill paying: Done
Laundry: Started
Bags Packed: Not yet
Legs Shaved: Not yet
Toenails Painted: Next
I am super tired and not as motivated as I was an hour or so ago. Kayla and I did the grocery shopping. I'll go again Monday night before I leave for the week, so I can make sure the kids have enough snack stuff and food to make light and easy meals. Plus plenty of drinks for them. They love flavored water and we go through a lot of it. I did buy them some Gatorade this week, but I don't usually. It has been so hot though, so I thought I'd get them something different.
Current Mood: getting sleepy
Current Music: my Godsword CD
Last Day
Thanks, Tanya, for your comments. Today was indeed my last day. Bailey has a surprise for me tomorrow, as does Emily's mom, Traci. I have to stop in to pick up my last check, so I will be getting my last hugs in tomorrow morning. I'm feeling tired because it has been an exhausting week at work, but I am sure it will be sinking in here very soon.
And yes, it is truly wonderful to be so much in love that you can't stand being apart for very long and spending every second you are together having a good time.
I am looking forward to this weeknd. I love going downstate. Although, I haven't spent any amount of time in Bangor lately, so I can't really say I am as bored of this area as I have been. My Zachie should be on the road for home right now! I can't wait to hug him and kiss him and cuddle with him.
I hope all of blogworld has a happy and wonderful weekend.
Current Mood: super happy it is the WEEKEND!!!
Current Music: Total Eclipse.......Bonnie Tyler
And yes, it is truly wonderful to be so much in love that you can't stand being apart for very long and spending every second you are together having a good time.
I am looking forward to this weeknd. I love going downstate. Although, I haven't spent any amount of time in Bangor lately, so I can't really say I am as bored of this area as I have been. My Zachie should be on the road for home right now! I can't wait to hug him and kiss him and cuddle with him.
I hope all of blogworld has a happy and wonderful weekend.
Current Mood: super happy it is the WEEKEND!!!
Current Music: Total Eclipse.......Bonnie Tyler
Wednesday, August 10, 2005
AHHHHHH!!!
I am in a much better mood. The dishes were done when I got home from work. I mopped the kitchen floor. Swept the living room, hallway, and bathroom. Washed the kitchen table, appliances, sink and stove. Scrubbed the toilet. Now I am sitting in the living room, teenagers banished to the upstairs and I am watching Texas Chainsaw Massacre...I LOVE this movie! :)
Current mood: better
Current Music: The Twilight Zone by Golden Earring
Current mood: better
Current Music: The Twilight Zone by Golden Earring
KIDS!!!
I am presently sitting in my living room with 5 teenagers and my five year old cousin Abby. My living room isn't big to begin with, but with 5 bodies, not including mine and Abby's, the room fills up fast. It is times like this in which I appreciate my parents and friends' parents more for putting up with my own group of friends. We had a group that was very 90210-like, always at each others' houses, always needing rides to and from places. Our parents took turns entertaining us.
One more day at work. Brian is picking me up early Friday morning. We'll stop in at work so I can get my last check and run to the bank so I can deposit it and then we have to head to Augusta. He has some tax paperwork to pick up in regards to his business, then we're on our way to Portland.
So tonight when I get home, I have to pack and clean.
Current Mood: okay, but it's HOT!
Current Movie: Abby is watching Good Boy
One more day at work. Brian is picking me up early Friday morning. We'll stop in at work so I can get my last check and run to the bank so I can deposit it and then we have to head to Augusta. He has some tax paperwork to pick up in regards to his business, then we're on our way to Portland.
So tonight when I get home, I have to pack and clean.
Current Mood: okay, but it's HOT!
Current Movie: Abby is watching Good Boy
Yay!!!
I have a 3 hour lunch today! :)
I'm going to go make some lunch and relax before going back to work.
I'm going to go make some lunch and relax before going back to work.
Tuesday, August 09, 2005
So Much for Quiet!
I had 7 kids today. If Noah wasn't on vacation, I'd have had 8. But if Noah hadn't been on vacation, I wouldn't have gotten both 2 1/2 year olds, because I am not allowed to by law.
Anyway, I am now working 8-5:30 tomorrow and Thursday. Wonder-f888ing-ful! But on the bright side, my preschoolers will have me all day tomorrow and Thursday and they LOVE that and I will have a much larger check come Friday!
I did some figuring today and I am getting 35 miles per gallon with my car around town. I will have to check highway mileage when I take another trip to Presque Isle or when I drive to Old Orchard Beach.
Brian and I will be leaving for Portland Friday morning. I can't wait. I am so excited about having a 4 day weekend. Plus my week in Belfast will seem like a vacation, even though I'll be in meetings all day long. We'll be done around suppertime every day and the rest of the evening is ours to do what we will.
Brian and I are tentatively discussing winter vacation plans. His sister MJ and her husband Steve winter in Florida every year and ask him to spend a week down there every year, which he never does. Well, they asked again, this time asking me too, so we're definitely considering a few days away with them and at Disney World. With this new job, I get two weeks paid vacation, plus 10 sick days and 10 personal days, and 5 more days of emergency medical leave in case one of my kids or parents has a medical emergency. We've both decided we are going to spend more time traveling. I know you're thinking that that is all Brian and I do, but we're talking more out of the way than the East Coast. Hopefully next year at this time, he and I will be planning our Europe trip. I want that to take place spring 2007. I also want to squeeze in a trip or two to the West Coast. There isn't any reason why he and I can't get away every once in awhile as long as it is well-planned. Plus, I think a trip every few months gives you something to look forward to. This past year for instance, the kids and I had fun planning and looking forward to our Virginia Beach/ DC vacation and right after that, for me it was Laconia, then New Hampshire again. Brian has never been to a show on Broadway, so he told me to go ahead and order tickets and plan our trip. You gotta love a guy like that! He is always up for anything. We both want Grease. I've seen it, but LOVE it. I also want to see Wicked and I'd love to see the Lion King again. Kayla and I have also seen Annie. I also would LOVE to see Beauty and the Beast on Broadway on Valentine's Day. That would be the most romantic of all!
Current Mood: much better than earlier
Current Music: Tainted Love on the Coneheads DVD......Love that movie!!!
Anyway, I am now working 8-5:30 tomorrow and Thursday. Wonder-f888ing-ful! But on the bright side, my preschoolers will have me all day tomorrow and Thursday and they LOVE that and I will have a much larger check come Friday!
I did some figuring today and I am getting 35 miles per gallon with my car around town. I will have to check highway mileage when I take another trip to Presque Isle or when I drive to Old Orchard Beach.
Brian and I will be leaving for Portland Friday morning. I can't wait. I am so excited about having a 4 day weekend. Plus my week in Belfast will seem like a vacation, even though I'll be in meetings all day long. We'll be done around suppertime every day and the rest of the evening is ours to do what we will.
Brian and I are tentatively discussing winter vacation plans. His sister MJ and her husband Steve winter in Florida every year and ask him to spend a week down there every year, which he never does. Well, they asked again, this time asking me too, so we're definitely considering a few days away with them and at Disney World. With this new job, I get two weeks paid vacation, plus 10 sick days and 10 personal days, and 5 more days of emergency medical leave in case one of my kids or parents has a medical emergency. We've both decided we are going to spend more time traveling. I know you're thinking that that is all Brian and I do, but we're talking more out of the way than the East Coast. Hopefully next year at this time, he and I will be planning our Europe trip. I want that to take place spring 2007. I also want to squeeze in a trip or two to the West Coast. There isn't any reason why he and I can't get away every once in awhile as long as it is well-planned. Plus, I think a trip every few months gives you something to look forward to. This past year for instance, the kids and I had fun planning and looking forward to our Virginia Beach/ DC vacation and right after that, for me it was Laconia, then New Hampshire again. Brian has never been to a show on Broadway, so he told me to go ahead and order tickets and plan our trip. You gotta love a guy like that! He is always up for anything. We both want Grease. I've seen it, but LOVE it. I also want to see Wicked and I'd love to see the Lion King again. Kayla and I have also seen Annie. I also would LOVE to see Beauty and the Beast on Broadway on Valentine's Day. That would be the most romantic of all!
Current Mood: much better than earlier
Current Music: Tainted Love on the Coneheads DVD......Love that movie!!!
Another Day Another Dollar
As much as I love my job, I am getting tired of combining classrooms and having more than my share of kids for the WHOLE time I am there. If they were all my preschoolers, that is one thing, but it is a pain to throw in some 2 and 3 year olds...they kind of slow us down. I've only had 3-4 preschoolers for the last 3 weeks, yet my room is almost always full. Yes, I have had a day off the last 2 weeks, and because of this room combining, I've needed the days off. It just has me kind of a little ticked off that the last week I have with the kids, I have to spend all of it extra busy. I understand from a business standpoint that combining rooms when we're short on kids allows someone to be sent home which saves on payroll, but from a professional standpoint, it really disrupts my routine with my preschoolers and makes me cranky by the end of the day!!! But like Brian said, only 3 more days. Another thing that ticks me off though, is that the new preschool teacher won't HAVE to deal with any of this. She will ONLY have her own students so that they can establish a routine of their own. Maybe today will be a quiet peaceful day.
Off to get my latte! That always helps perk up my mood. I can't wait to see Brian on Friday!
Current Mood: hot and a little cranky
Current Music: Hells Bells........ACDC
Off to get my latte! That always helps perk up my mood. I can't wait to see Brian on Friday!
Current Mood: hot and a little cranky
Current Music: Hells Bells........ACDC
Monday, August 08, 2005
Not Bored
No, I am not bored. I just had more to blog.
Kayla and I went to Wendy's for supper. I talked with Zach for a little while on the phone. For some reason, he STILL doesn't want a welcome back party. I find this odd and I will get to the bottom of it eventually.
The girls just left to take a walk. It is almost 8 PM at nite and still in the high 80's. Beautiful night for taking a walk, which is exactly what Brian and I would be doing if I were up there right now. Taking a walk or sitting out on the porch swing at his parents' house.
One of Brian's sisters has two herniated discs and is flat on her back right now. His friend is finally coming home from the hospital today. His cousin had an emergency appendectomy yesterday. He said, "Why does all the good stuff happen when I'm out of town?" He was joking of course, but I am glad that it all happened while we were already away, or he probably wouldn't have been able to get out of town!
I forgot my book at work. I'll have to find something different to read tonight.
SO, now I think I am done blogging. I will go pee and get into my jammies and climb into bed, read a little and maybe watch a movie! Oh, and of course wait for my nightly phone call from Brian. Nighty night
Kayla and I went to Wendy's for supper. I talked with Zach for a little while on the phone. For some reason, he STILL doesn't want a welcome back party. I find this odd and I will get to the bottom of it eventually.
The girls just left to take a walk. It is almost 8 PM at nite and still in the high 80's. Beautiful night for taking a walk, which is exactly what Brian and I would be doing if I were up there right now. Taking a walk or sitting out on the porch swing at his parents' house.
One of Brian's sisters has two herniated discs and is flat on her back right now. His friend is finally coming home from the hospital today. His cousin had an emergency appendectomy yesterday. He said, "Why does all the good stuff happen when I'm out of town?" He was joking of course, but I am glad that it all happened while we were already away, or he probably wouldn't have been able to get out of town!
I forgot my book at work. I'll have to find something different to read tonight.
SO, now I think I am done blogging. I will go pee and get into my jammies and climb into bed, read a little and maybe watch a movie! Oh, and of course wait for my nightly phone call from Brian. Nighty night
Congrats!!!
Congratulations to Teresa! She got engaged this weekend! That is definitely very happy news!
What a long day at work! Only 3 more days left. I agree with Tanya that this will all finally sink in pretty soon. I talked with Jessy about it today and she really doesn't want me to leave and made me promise I'd visit and said I'd always have a job there, so that was very nice.
I heard today from my friend Terri, who moved to Alaska over a year ago. She loves teaching there. Good for her! I can't imagine embarking on an adventure like that all by myself. It takes a great deal of courage. She also DROVE her car all the way from Maine to Alaska alone! I think I would have freaked out at some point!
I am exhausted today. Kayla and I are going to Wendy's for some supper. Then we'll probably come home and watch some movies. It is stinking hot today. 98 degrees. Hot and humid! I am almost ready for Fall! Only almost, though.
That is too bad about Peter Jennings dying. Lung cancer is a horrible, horrible disease. Please beg any of your friends and family members that may smoke to quit. Aside from the danger, it is just a nasty, ugly habit.
This was a pretty unexciting Monday, but I'll take it.
Current Mood: hungry and happy
Current Music: Toby Keith cd
What a long day at work! Only 3 more days left. I agree with Tanya that this will all finally sink in pretty soon. I talked with Jessy about it today and she really doesn't want me to leave and made me promise I'd visit and said I'd always have a job there, so that was very nice.
I heard today from my friend Terri, who moved to Alaska over a year ago. She loves teaching there. Good for her! I can't imagine embarking on an adventure like that all by myself. It takes a great deal of courage. She also DROVE her car all the way from Maine to Alaska alone! I think I would have freaked out at some point!
I am exhausted today. Kayla and I are going to Wendy's for some supper. Then we'll probably come home and watch some movies. It is stinking hot today. 98 degrees. Hot and humid! I am almost ready for Fall! Only almost, though.
That is too bad about Peter Jennings dying. Lung cancer is a horrible, horrible disease. Please beg any of your friends and family members that may smoke to quit. Aside from the danger, it is just a nasty, ugly habit.
This was a pretty unexciting Monday, but I'll take it.
Current Mood: hungry and happy
Current Music: Toby Keith cd
Sunday, August 07, 2005
Home Again Home Again
Finally home from Portland. What a beautiful weekend. Brian and I had a wonderful time with his sister MJ and her husband Steve. We're going back next weekend, as I have a 4 day weekend and I am talking Brian into taking Friday and Monday off, too. We drove home along the coast. Very nice ride. We ate supper in Camden. Brian got a nice lobster roll, while I got a Caesar salad and we shared some delicious crabmeat dip and toasted baguettes. Friday night, Brian and I drove along the strip in Old Orchard Beach on the bike. Instead of staying in MJ and Steve's very beautiful house, we stayed in their very beautiful RV. Shower, toilet, bedroom, kitchen, living room, two tv's, dvd player, AIR CONDITIONING...All in all, a superb time!
I think I am heading to Dunkin Donuts to get a Turtle Nut Iced Latte. Yummy, yummy! Then I think I will relax in bed with a good book and wait for Brian to call and let me know he made it home.
I am embarking on my last week at work with mixed emotions. Glad to be starting my new job, but sad to see this old one go.
So I hope everyone out there in blogland had a wonderful weekend, too!
Current Mood: blissful
Current Music: Love Shack
I think I am heading to Dunkin Donuts to get a Turtle Nut Iced Latte. Yummy, yummy! Then I think I will relax in bed with a good book and wait for Brian to call and let me know he made it home.
I am embarking on my last week at work with mixed emotions. Glad to be starting my new job, but sad to see this old one go.
So I hope everyone out there in blogland had a wonderful weekend, too!
Current Mood: blissful
Current Music: Love Shack
Friday, August 05, 2005
Portland Bound
Brian is meeting me at work today and we're going to leave from there for Portland. Should be a fun weekend. It is supposed to be beautiful weather so it should be nice on the bike.
After the fair yesterday, I cleaned my car. Then I decided to mow the lawn, which led to pulling weeds, which led to raking. I ended up working outside for 2 hours. I worked up a good sweat and the lawn looks much better. Prior to this, I have always tended to hate yard work. I actually enjoyed myself last night!!! Not to mention, by the time I fell into bed, I slept pretty solid.
I have to leave for work in about 20 minutes. Yesterday was a very enjoyable day off. Hopefully today is a nice quiet day at work.
Current Mood: well-rested
Current Music: Grace Like Rain..........Todd Agnew
After the fair yesterday, I cleaned my car. Then I decided to mow the lawn, which led to pulling weeds, which led to raking. I ended up working outside for 2 hours. I worked up a good sweat and the lawn looks much better. Prior to this, I have always tended to hate yard work. I actually enjoyed myself last night!!! Not to mention, by the time I fell into bed, I slept pretty solid.
I have to leave for work in about 20 minutes. Yesterday was a very enjoyable day off. Hopefully today is a nice quiet day at work.
Current Mood: well-rested
Current Music: Grace Like Rain..........Todd Agnew
Thursday, August 04, 2005
Bangor State Fair
Kayla and I were at the fair by 1. We rode on 14 rides. We couldn't do any more than that because we were both exhausted! Gone are the days when I can ride any ride any number of times. The ground is a hell of a lot farther away then it used to be. We rode on the water roller coaster 2 times. The tilt-a-wheel 3 times. The thunderbolt, aka The Flying Bobs, 3 times. The Cliff Hanger once. The gondola ferris wheel, one time only because Kayla started crying. Some other spinning ride a couple of times. Freak Out and The Round-Up once each. We also went to the petting zoo. Spent $6 on a Blooming Onion and $4 for iced tea and bottled water. Then another $6 on the new Turtle Nut Iced Lattes from Dunkin Donuts. Very yummy, I might add. I have a headache from hell. I think it is a combination of a few things, like the weather and all the rides. Kayla and I just looked at each other after I told her we needed 6 more rides to equal 20 each. We decided we'd take the loss and call it a day!
All that being said, we had a nice time. About 20 minutes into it though, I came to the conclusion that I'm just not "fair people". Not that I ever was, but I don't recall feeling this out of place before. I'm the "hand sanitizer, brush my teeth, Six Flags" kind of person. Maybe it was the Louis Vuitton purse, I don't know. I've never been one of those mothers with purses that strap around the waist. I've never worn velcro shoes before either. My socks always match and my shoes match my belt. AND if I ever weighed more than 300 plus pounds, you'd better believe I would not be wearing short shorts and a tank top with no bra, flirting with carnies for an extra ride on the tilt-a-wheel!
About two hours into it, I realized that my life has definitely reached a turning point. Kayla will be 16 years old in February. It was kind of like hanging out with a friend today at the fair. Hayley had called earlier and asked to go to the mall with a friend today instead of the fair, so Kayla and I had some time alone together. I have desperately missed the old days when they were little, but I think this new stage will be easier to adjust to than I thought. I am so lucky that I have such close relationships with the kids, even in their teen years. They have really never given me anything to complain about. I was always told, just wait until the teen years. Well, they are here and I still think I have pretty great kids. Kayla wants to take a year off between high school and college and be a missionary, then finish school, get married and have two kids. A girl she wants to name Jenna Mae (Jenna, after me and my great grandmother, Jennie Mae) and a boy she wants to name Hayden (after her sister, Hayley Jordan). What mother would want more than that for their almost adult daughter? Granted, we all know that life rarely works out like we think it will when we're 16, but she has a realistic, solid and responsible plan in front of her and is way ahead of the game than I ever was.
Current Mood: very tired but very happy
Current Music: Living on the Edge..........Aerosmith
All that being said, we had a nice time. About 20 minutes into it though, I came to the conclusion that I'm just not "fair people". Not that I ever was, but I don't recall feeling this out of place before. I'm the "hand sanitizer, brush my teeth, Six Flags" kind of person. Maybe it was the Louis Vuitton purse, I don't know. I've never been one of those mothers with purses that strap around the waist. I've never worn velcro shoes before either. My socks always match and my shoes match my belt. AND if I ever weighed more than 300 plus pounds, you'd better believe I would not be wearing short shorts and a tank top with no bra, flirting with carnies for an extra ride on the tilt-a-wheel!
About two hours into it, I realized that my life has definitely reached a turning point. Kayla will be 16 years old in February. It was kind of like hanging out with a friend today at the fair. Hayley had called earlier and asked to go to the mall with a friend today instead of the fair, so Kayla and I had some time alone together. I have desperately missed the old days when they were little, but I think this new stage will be easier to adjust to than I thought. I am so lucky that I have such close relationships with the kids, even in their teen years. They have really never given me anything to complain about. I was always told, just wait until the teen years. Well, they are here and I still think I have pretty great kids. Kayla wants to take a year off between high school and college and be a missionary, then finish school, get married and have two kids. A girl she wants to name Jenna Mae (Jenna, after me and my great grandmother, Jennie Mae) and a boy she wants to name Hayden (after her sister, Hayley Jordan). What mother would want more than that for their almost adult daughter? Granted, we all know that life rarely works out like we think it will when we're 16, but she has a realistic, solid and responsible plan in front of her and is way ahead of the game than I ever was.
Current Mood: very tired but very happy
Current Music: Living on the Edge..........Aerosmith
New Plans
New plans. I am doing my laundry and repacking. I mopped the hallway, entryway, kitchen and bathroom floors AND Kayla and I are going to the Bangor State Fair today. We weren't going to go on bracelet day because it is $6 per person just to get in and an additional $15 per person for a bracelet to ride on the rides, but that was before I got the whole day off from work. Conceivebly, Kayla and I can ride on more than 15 rides each if we start at say 1 or 2 PM. If I hadn't had the day off, we wouldn't have gotten there until around 6:30 or 7 PM...that is only 3 hours of trying to get in at least 15 rides, competing with long lines, etc. If we can get in 20 rides today, that makes each ride about 75 cents a ride.
Day Off!
I have the day off! Yippee!!!
I so desperately need this day! I am going to do my laundry and repack it all because I am indeed going with Brian this weekend to Portland. We are taking the bike down. While I am kind of sorry that I miss a weekend at home, I am SO glad I get a weekend in the REAL world! Presque Isle, to me, is not the real world. It is the world that time forgot. Nice for a visit, but if I really, really loved it, I'd be living there and making my and Brian's life easier. I can say that I wouldn't love it with certainty because I lived up there for 15 months, two days, 6 hours, not to mention that I just spent the last 4 weekends in a row up there!
I think I will take the girls to the beach today.
I am off to get my latte and pay some bills.
One more week left of work.
I so desperately need this day! I am going to do my laundry and repack it all because I am indeed going with Brian this weekend to Portland. We are taking the bike down. While I am kind of sorry that I miss a weekend at home, I am SO glad I get a weekend in the REAL world! Presque Isle, to me, is not the real world. It is the world that time forgot. Nice for a visit, but if I really, really loved it, I'd be living there and making my and Brian's life easier. I can say that I wouldn't love it with certainty because I lived up there for 15 months, two days, 6 hours, not to mention that I just spent the last 4 weekends in a row up there!
I think I will take the girls to the beach today.
I am off to get my latte and pay some bills.
One more week left of work.
Wednesday, August 03, 2005
Stuff
I talked with Jessy last night and she said that she hired a new preschool teacher for my position. She is coming in at 3 PM today to work with me so she can meet the kids and get a feel for the environment. She is looking for a 2 year or so stint before continuing work on her bachelor's. It sounds like it should be a great fit. Now I just have to convince Bailey to give her a chance. The other kids should adjust very well and the transition should be a smooth one. On the bright side, Bailey knows that I'm in her life now, whether I am her teacher or not, so she can see me whenever she wants.
I'm still waiting to hear if I am going with Brian to Portland this weekend. He is helping his sister move her office from one building to the new site. He originally invited his son Paul to go so they could spend some time together, as he's been with me every weekend since Laconia, but Paul has football practice on Sunday at like 9 AM and had some other stuff going on, so he doesn't know if he'll be able to get away. So I may or may not be heading to Portland this weekend. While it will be nice to be with Brian, a weekend at home would be nice, too, so it is all up in the air right at this time.
There is a new sidewalk cafe/restaurant across the street from Ampersand's is. I haven't tried it yet. There is also a new bar and grill opened up across the street from Bear Brew which I have yet to try as well. I have spent the last 4 weekends in Presque Isle. The weekend before that, in New Hampshire. The weekend before that, Bangor, for Julie's wedding and the two weekends in a row before that in Laconia, New Hampshire. This weekend could be Portland or home, next weekend is Portland, then I am in Belfast for the week. Zach will be home the weekend after that, so it looks like Old Orchard Beach will be at that time.
Next week is my last week at work. Hard to believe, but I really think I am ready to go. I am so excited about this new job. I am at one of those exciting crossroads in my life where my path could go anywhere. Kind of like freshman year of college. Aside from being back at the FLC program and with the kids, it is quite a privilege to be working with Shawn and Claire. Both are well respected and well known individuals in the community and surrounding areas and sit on the city council as well as numerous boards, such as United Way, school board, etc., so not only are they personally committed to making a difference in the life of children, they are politically and strategically connected to actually MAKE a difference in the life of a child. It will be an honor to be a sponge and soak up their knowledge and expertise.
Well, I now have to go do my hair for work. Adios amigos!
I'm still waiting to hear if I am going with Brian to Portland this weekend. He is helping his sister move her office from one building to the new site. He originally invited his son Paul to go so they could spend some time together, as he's been with me every weekend since Laconia, but Paul has football practice on Sunday at like 9 AM and had some other stuff going on, so he doesn't know if he'll be able to get away. So I may or may not be heading to Portland this weekend. While it will be nice to be with Brian, a weekend at home would be nice, too, so it is all up in the air right at this time.
There is a new sidewalk cafe/restaurant across the street from Ampersand's is. I haven't tried it yet. There is also a new bar and grill opened up across the street from Bear Brew which I have yet to try as well. I have spent the last 4 weekends in Presque Isle. The weekend before that, in New Hampshire. The weekend before that, Bangor, for Julie's wedding and the two weekends in a row before that in Laconia, New Hampshire. This weekend could be Portland or home, next weekend is Portland, then I am in Belfast for the week. Zach will be home the weekend after that, so it looks like Old Orchard Beach will be at that time.
Next week is my last week at work. Hard to believe, but I really think I am ready to go. I am so excited about this new job. I am at one of those exciting crossroads in my life where my path could go anywhere. Kind of like freshman year of college. Aside from being back at the FLC program and with the kids, it is quite a privilege to be working with Shawn and Claire. Both are well respected and well known individuals in the community and surrounding areas and sit on the city council as well as numerous boards, such as United Way, school board, etc., so not only are they personally committed to making a difference in the life of children, they are politically and strategically connected to actually MAKE a difference in the life of a child. It will be an honor to be a sponge and soak up their knowledge and expertise.
Well, I now have to go do my hair for work. Adios amigos!
Tuesday, August 02, 2005
August 2, 2005
Work was long today. The kids and I made "magic" wands. We read a lot of stories. They all took great naps. The kitchen and everything was done by 12:45. I just feel so exhausted. Kayla and I are going to Staples. I need to get a new calendar section for my day planner. I'm just in the mood to spend some money, even though I do need a new one. Office supply stores are where I go when I am stressed out, anxious, bored, or sad, or all of the above or neither of the above!
Only in Preschool Land
A Recent Conversation with Bailey
Bailey: I'm going to Good Grandma's house for 3 whole days!
Me: Good Grandma? Do you mean to tell me you have a bad Grandma?
Bailey: (major eye roll) Noooooooo, I don't have a bad grandma, but Jennifer, they aren't ALL great-grandmas!!!
Too damn funny!
Bailey: I'm going to Good Grandma's house for 3 whole days!
Me: Good Grandma? Do you mean to tell me you have a bad Grandma?
Bailey: (major eye roll) Noooooooo, I don't have a bad grandma, but Jennifer, they aren't ALL great-grandmas!!!
Too damn funny!
Much Better
I am feeling much better today. My period still hasn't started, but my bad mood seems to have dissipated. Two more weeks and then I'll be off to my training for a week in beautiful Belfast. I need to be there Tuesday thru Friday. Training all day and back at the hotel at night. All expenses are covered so I am looking forward to it. It will be busy during the day, but with ocean views, indoor pool, and being minutes from Camden, I think I will survive it somehow! Not only will I be starting my new job when I am back, but my son will be home, too!
I got news from my ex-brother-in-law's wife that they had to put down their dog. They had Spencer for about a year and a half before we got ours. Spencer was a Dalmatian and their lifespan is between 11-13 years. Our dog is now 11 and has had medical problems since she was about 6. Kodi is a black lab/Dalmatian mix and labs have a similar life span as the Dalmatian. Kayla and I have already discussed all of this. Right now, Kodi has many more good days than bad days. On the bad, we keep her in more and she takes her doggy aspirin. On the good days, usually the very next day, she is bouncing around as much as when she was a puppy. We've decided that when she starts having more bad days than good, it'll be time for her to be put to sleep. She is just so protective of the kids and I and we feel very, very safe having our big girl around, that when the time comes, we are definitely go to miss not only her and her quirky personality, but the security she provides. Hopefully that is still a year or two or more away!
Well, it is time to leave for work, I guess.
I got news from my ex-brother-in-law's wife that they had to put down their dog. They had Spencer for about a year and a half before we got ours. Spencer was a Dalmatian and their lifespan is between 11-13 years. Our dog is now 11 and has had medical problems since she was about 6. Kodi is a black lab/Dalmatian mix and labs have a similar life span as the Dalmatian. Kayla and I have already discussed all of this. Right now, Kodi has many more good days than bad days. On the bad, we keep her in more and she takes her doggy aspirin. On the good days, usually the very next day, she is bouncing around as much as when she was a puppy. We've decided that when she starts having more bad days than good, it'll be time for her to be put to sleep. She is just so protective of the kids and I and we feel very, very safe having our big girl around, that when the time comes, we are definitely go to miss not only her and her quirky personality, but the security she provides. Hopefully that is still a year or two or more away!
Well, it is time to leave for work, I guess.
Monday, August 01, 2005
Super Cranky
I am super cranky right now. That time of the month is coming this week, so I am sure that has something to do with it. Plus, I hate having to leave Brian Monday mornings AND I haven't talked to my son since Wednesday night. He was being a brat on the phone Wednesday, so instead of saying something to him I would regret later, I simply told him that I needed to go and that when he was in the mood to be less rude, then we'd talk. He didn't even call me on my birthday and that really hurt my feelings. I am more ticked off at his father. I go out of my way to make sure Zach remembers to call his father on his birthday or Father's Day, so I would expect the same courtesy, whether Zach and I were in a tiff or not.
Oh well, tomorrow is a new day. I really, really hope they hire someone new BEFORE my two weeks is up. I want to go back to my regular 8 AM - Noon shift.
Oh well, tomorrow is a new day. I really, really hope they hire someone new BEFORE my two weeks is up. I want to go back to my regular 8 AM - Noon shift.
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