I didn't sleep well last night, which is surprising because my husband is now home and I am very happy about that! He showed me his weapon (it's really heavy and has a sharp snap as it chambers the next round) and his badge, and he's all official now. It's very cool! He works at 6 a.m. and he's oh so thrilled to have to get up by 4:30, but he only works until 2 p.m. I had crazy, nonsensical (in a scary way) dreams all night, and after waking from each one a different one would start. Not even worth describing them really, because there was no rhyme nor reason to any of them. They just startled me, shook me up, or confused me. When the alarm went off this morning I did not want to get up, so I didn't. Eric took the kids to bowling, and I stayed home. Worked on laundry and read for a bit.
We don't have the CRX back as yet. The parts needed to be specially ordered/found to make the various repairs. They say it should be done by mid-afternoon Monday. That'll work, because Eric will be home by then (he has to pay for it after all, teehehee). In the meantime though, we had to scramble this afternoon to figure out vehicles. I had to work, Cliff had to work, and Eric had his bowling tournament. I ended up dropping Eric off at his buddy's house, and went to work from there. Unfortunately I was 15" late for work and that kinda sucked, although they took it in stride. Spent my afternoon putting up shelving and display cabinets and wire basket. I even have a "battle scar", which isn't helping me to type: I caught my thumb on my right hand in the endcap of a basket and it snapped it but good, right along the bottom of the nail and on either side of it. Ouch! We get our first delivery trucks of the new stock in on Tuesday morning, and I am working Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, and Saturday afternoon. Eric is thinking he starts school this week, with classes on Tuesday and Wednesday morning, so I sure hope the third car is fixed by then. Brianne needs to get to work, I need to get to work, and Eric needs to get to school!
Brianne is in Oklahoma for the weekend. A friend of hers bought her a plane ticket to come visit for the weekend and she took the opportunity to go. I hope she has a really nice time. Rei and Kimmie and Aurora have gone to the mall, Cliff is at work, Eric is bowling, and Patrick is here with me. Not sure what the heck I am supposed to do for dinner--who is eating, who to plan for, etc. and I was kinda surprised to come home and find a couple of Cliff's friends still here napping on the couch with him gone! Go figure!
I am a bit frustrated, ok, really frustrated with the high school right now. Reimond has been assigned Saturday detention for next Saturday and I feel like it was a punative move by the assistant principal, rather than a disciplinary one. He hadn't taken his med before school (forgot), and I wasn't able to run a refill to the school (his backup supply there was gone), so he had to wing it on Wednesday. I told the nurse when she called me how I'd like things to be handled, and she agreed. In his last hour, Rei was off task and distracting. He got sent to the office, and the Assistant Principal was talking to someone, so he sat outside the office where he was told to. When the bell rang, he came home. The next day I was called and told that he was assigned Saturday Detention (3 hours) because he had been distracting and off task, and because he left the office without permission after the bell rang. I talked at length with the A.P., and I told her what had happened; she essentially made me feel like I was a horrible parent because I don't force feed Rei his med in the morning (it's his responsibility to take it and if he forgets the backup is at school). That really bothered me alot, because I know I am a good mother. Anyhow, in reading the paperwork that came home regarding this action, they made it sound like he was being punished for leaving the office without permission, after being off task and distracting in the classroom. I looked at the photocopy of the assignment he was drawing on; he was drawing (it's a coping mechanism), but he was also answering the questions on it, even showing his work. I have stewed on this for a few days now, and I finally wrote a letter to the A.P., the Principal, and Rei's special ed case manager, pointing out that I fully support reasonable and logical consequences, but in this case I feel like he is being punished for not having access to his med. I do not now, nor have I ever in the past condoned his meds being the end-all and be-all of controlling his behaviors. I know he has to make an effort to control himself and make good choices, and all the med does is slow him down so he can do so, but I also know that there are times when he really needs it for that purpose, and if the environment isn't adjusted, he has a harder time making things work for him. I would have supported a one hour after school detention (one hour off task = one hour making it up after school), or being in the ISS or special ed room for the day, where he has less things to distract him and he is able to stay focused (less stimulating environment). I don't think a 3 hour Saturday detention, served 10 days after the fact, is really going to teach him anything other than that he is powerless. There is a long list of even more severe consequences if the kid doesn't serve his Saturday detention, so I said in my letter he would be serving it, despite my thinking it was unfair, but I felt that they needed to rethink their approach as well. I think it just stinks when a kid with a documented disability (as defined in his IEP) gets punished because he wasn't able to take his medication that helps to control it. Maybe I'm wrong, but someone has to stand up for him. Eric read the paperwork and my letter and he supports my stance.
I really want to kill Leina right now. She's in her kennel because she's wet and muddy (her coat as well as her feet) and I want her to dry before she is allowed free rein again. She is barking her fool head off and it is driving me nuts! Po pulled a fast one too and snuck out the door as Cliff's friend Anthony was trying to bring Leina in the house, and Patrick got a good run in chasing him, so he too is in his kennel. He doesn't usually bark like she does though.
I am trying to decide whether I want to open a bottle of wine or just make some herb tea. I am feeling so tense right now, all I want to do is cry. Chocolate would be good too--maybe I should make some cocoa... I hate feeling all bundled up and cranky and irritable. I need to just hide away til it passes so I don't take it out on anyone by being snappish or mean. And I would like to be happier when Eric gets home from his tournament. And food! I haven't eaten since breakfast, so I am sure that is a part of it too... HALT, isn't that the psych acronym? Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired... Maybe I am all 4 of them right now.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
I'm procrastinating.
Yes, it's true. I'm procrastinating around doing a few things I should be doing. I should be doing laundry. I should be making up my grocery list. I should be headed to the gym for my 30 minutes on the treadmill, followed by a stroll around the commissary as I purchase the aforementioned groceries on the list. I should be cleaning up the house and getting things ready for my husband to get home tomorrow night and our resumption of "real life." And I am doing none of them.
Why? I hate grocery shopping with a passion. I worked in that industry for more years than I would like to count and I've had my fill of aisles of groceries, making choices, and carrying them to the car and putting them away when home. I just don't like it. I don't mind cooking, or the cleanup that goes with it, but if the ingredients could magically appear on the shelves of the pantry and refrigerator I would be a happy camper. One of my pet peeves is that if I buy something that is "tasty" for everyone, it disappears overnight and I rarely even get a nibble. Another is that the empty containers don't get properly disposed of unless I am right there to supervise/nag about them. That's why I no longer buy soda--I get tired of cans everywhere in various stages of being emptied, and of things stacked by the sink because they then "magically disappear." It's a vicious cycle. Other kinds of shopping I enjoy totally. I like going to the mall, to the BX, to Target. I even have broken down and shop at Walmart on occasion (shudder) because they carry groceries and staples of household necessities. But I hate grocery shopping with a passion. Still, the lack of fresh fruit, milk, cereal, and bread is staring me in the face, and I know it needs to be done. If I wait for Eric to get home to do it (and he'd drag me along with him to do it anyway), it'd be Sunday evening before we get on it, and that isn't gonna cut it. So it's up to me to do it today. And I don't wanna! (stamp feet, pout).
The laundry really isn't too overwhelming and I will finish it today. I just don't want to do it right now. Going to the gym is actually enjoyable and I don't mind doing that either, but if I am already on base it just makes sense that I get the groceries too... And the housework? Meh, it'll get done one way or another.
Part of my procrastination is because I have a headache. I'm trying to figure out if it's just a tension headache (had some issues over Rei and his meds this morning at the high school, and he has Saturday detention scheduled for the 7th), or the start of a migraine (which can be triggered by tension, the weather changes we are under, and hormones, which may or may not also be an option), but my head aches, my eyes are bugging me, and I feel nauseous. Doesn't help that Midnight just threw up on my carpet in my bedroom either... Yuck! Maybe I should just take something for my head and go to the gym, then fake it at the grocery store--get the bare minimum we need and come home to deal with the rest later...
I took Patrick to the dentist yesterday for a noon appointment, but they forgot to mention that Aurora was supposed to be there too, so I went back this morning to take Aurora and Reimond. Rei has a cavity that needs filling so we have an after school appointment set up for April, and I have a referral for all three kids to be seen by an orthodontist regarding braces. I will get that set up for soon because I do feel that it's a priority. Liisa had them and has such a gorgeous smile now. Tony had them too, but took them off himself because "they bugged him" and he now regrets that he didn't stick with it. Patrick and Aurora have such nice smiles, but they are self-conscious of their teeth, (as is Brianne, but unfortunately she needs to take care of the braces thing on her own now). I also got Eric set up for an appointment for next week as he had a filling fall out while in AR, and despite 2 appointments down there for a temporary fix, he is having some pain and swelling and needs to get it fixed ASAP. I suppose I should get an appointment for me too--I know it's been at least 3 years or better since I have been in...
I'm bummed because Eric has a bowling tournament to go to on Saturday that I was gonna go with on, but I have to work from 1-5 and he is leaving at 1:30ish to go. I'm glad he's taking this opportunity to bowl with his friends, even if I can't be there too. He works Sunday morning, but I am going to try to get to church with the kids. Aurora has some band fundraising stuff she wants to take there, and she'll take them to the bowling alley too on Saturday morning. We went to the Ash Wednesday service last night and it was somber but nice. I am glad we went.
Ok, even the computer screen is bugging my head so I am gonna go for now. I'll fill you in on the rest maybe tomorrow!
UPDATE: I took a prescription pain med I have for migraines and it did the trick. I then went and did the grocery shopping to the tune of $165... It isn't cheap feeding 5 kids! And I didn't need to get dog or cat food today, so that was all food for the family. Now I can justify playing a little bit, whether I get on the computer and play Everquest with Eric, or I cross stitch or knit on the sweater from hell... Looks like we are going to get a severe storm. The skies are black, and it's spritzing raindrops. Eric told me on the phone that he has fully qualified on his weapon and is very ready to be done and come home. I agree. I am ready to have him home too.
Why? I hate grocery shopping with a passion. I worked in that industry for more years than I would like to count and I've had my fill of aisles of groceries, making choices, and carrying them to the car and putting them away when home. I just don't like it. I don't mind cooking, or the cleanup that goes with it, but if the ingredients could magically appear on the shelves of the pantry and refrigerator I would be a happy camper. One of my pet peeves is that if I buy something that is "tasty" for everyone, it disappears overnight and I rarely even get a nibble. Another is that the empty containers don't get properly disposed of unless I am right there to supervise/nag about them. That's why I no longer buy soda--I get tired of cans everywhere in various stages of being emptied, and of things stacked by the sink because they then "magically disappear." It's a vicious cycle. Other kinds of shopping I enjoy totally. I like going to the mall, to the BX, to Target. I even have broken down and shop at Walmart on occasion (shudder) because they carry groceries and staples of household necessities. But I hate grocery shopping with a passion. Still, the lack of fresh fruit, milk, cereal, and bread is staring me in the face, and I know it needs to be done. If I wait for Eric to get home to do it (and he'd drag me along with him to do it anyway), it'd be Sunday evening before we get on it, and that isn't gonna cut it. So it's up to me to do it today. And I don't wanna! (stamp feet, pout).
The laundry really isn't too overwhelming and I will finish it today. I just don't want to do it right now. Going to the gym is actually enjoyable and I don't mind doing that either, but if I am already on base it just makes sense that I get the groceries too... And the housework? Meh, it'll get done one way or another.
Part of my procrastination is because I have a headache. I'm trying to figure out if it's just a tension headache (had some issues over Rei and his meds this morning at the high school, and he has Saturday detention scheduled for the 7th), or the start of a migraine (which can be triggered by tension, the weather changes we are under, and hormones, which may or may not also be an option), but my head aches, my eyes are bugging me, and I feel nauseous. Doesn't help that Midnight just threw up on my carpet in my bedroom either... Yuck! Maybe I should just take something for my head and go to the gym, then fake it at the grocery store--get the bare minimum we need and come home to deal with the rest later...
I took Patrick to the dentist yesterday for a noon appointment, but they forgot to mention that Aurora was supposed to be there too, so I went back this morning to take Aurora and Reimond. Rei has a cavity that needs filling so we have an after school appointment set up for April, and I have a referral for all three kids to be seen by an orthodontist regarding braces. I will get that set up for soon because I do feel that it's a priority. Liisa had them and has such a gorgeous smile now. Tony had them too, but took them off himself because "they bugged him" and he now regrets that he didn't stick with it. Patrick and Aurora have such nice smiles, but they are self-conscious of their teeth, (as is Brianne, but unfortunately she needs to take care of the braces thing on her own now). I also got Eric set up for an appointment for next week as he had a filling fall out while in AR, and despite 2 appointments down there for a temporary fix, he is having some pain and swelling and needs to get it fixed ASAP. I suppose I should get an appointment for me too--I know it's been at least 3 years or better since I have been in...
I'm bummed because Eric has a bowling tournament to go to on Saturday that I was gonna go with on, but I have to work from 1-5 and he is leaving at 1:30ish to go. I'm glad he's taking this opportunity to bowl with his friends, even if I can't be there too. He works Sunday morning, but I am going to try to get to church with the kids. Aurora has some band fundraising stuff she wants to take there, and she'll take them to the bowling alley too on Saturday morning. We went to the Ash Wednesday service last night and it was somber but nice. I am glad we went.
Ok, even the computer screen is bugging my head so I am gonna go for now. I'll fill you in on the rest maybe tomorrow!
UPDATE: I took a prescription pain med I have for migraines and it did the trick. I then went and did the grocery shopping to the tune of $165... It isn't cheap feeding 5 kids! And I didn't need to get dog or cat food today, so that was all food for the family. Now I can justify playing a little bit, whether I get on the computer and play Everquest with Eric, or I cross stitch or knit on the sweater from hell... Looks like we are going to get a severe storm. The skies are black, and it's spritzing raindrops. Eric told me on the phone that he has fully qualified on his weapon and is very ready to be done and come home. I agree. I am ready to have him home too.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
It's a wonderful day outside
and I am so glad to be out and about in it. I have to head off to do a few things this afternoon, but just wanted to take a minute or two to write. I have lots and lots of stuff tumbling through my mind.
The school just called and Rei is out of his meds (I keep some backups there if he forgets to take them in the morning before school); sounds like he was doing fine until this hour, where he has a sub that he isn't getting along with and it's frustrating him. Using problem solving skills, he is going to talk to the social worker and see if he can be in the ISS room to do his assignment, where things will be a bit less distracting for him. I am going to run by the school too and drop off more meds for him. I like it when he is proactive instead of waiting until he gets in to trouble to have them call me!
Just got a letter in the mail from Eric's lawyer. He was supposed to attend a hearing yesterday regarding the visitation issues, but because he is in AR at mandatory training the judge granted a motion for it to be continued until next week. Now he has to take a day off from work so he can be there. It's over the "missing week" from last summer, when it was just not feasible for the kids to go to IN (because of the wedding and then their school needs), as well as making plans for this summer's visitation. It has been suggested that Aurora doesn't "need" to take driver's ed this summer and should be told she has to take it during the school year, and that while Patrick having a job would trump visitation, until he has one he is expected to go too. It will make me really sad if the court rules against the needs/desires of the kids. I know in MN once the kids reach a certain age (I think it was like 12), they were entitled to a say in visitation and custody arrangements. The hardest thing for me to fathom, as a mother, is that this is NOT about the kids and what is best for them! Their thoughts and wishes are not being considered at all! If it was about them, and spending time with them, then, at least in my opinion, more effort would be expended on coming to visit them, participate in their lives, and contact them on a regular basis by phone. As my mom always said, "if I'm not important every day of the year, don't knock yourself out trying to make it happen on specific holidays." I realize it takes efforts on both sides to make things happen, and I am willing to accommodate and be flexible, but I do think that the kids should come first and be heard! Just my opinion...
I didn't make it to the gym yesterday because I ended up chauffering Cliff to get his cell phone warrantied out, and ran to the bank, so today is the day to do errands on post. After running to the school, of course, to drop off Rei's meds. I am loving my Zune (microsoft's answer to the ipod) and it's "Walkfit Channel"--dance music that makes it fun to work out to. I am really enjoying having it on! Can't wait for Eric to be home for keeps Friday night because he is going to go with me to the gym and show me how to safely and effectively add in some of the weight stuff to build up my arms, shoulders, and back muscles. I am not looking so much at bulking up as I am being healthy and fit. As I head towards 50 I want to be the best I can be. My dad and his oldest sister had their first bypass surgeries in their early 50's and I don't want to follow in their footsteps in that regard. I know I have some of the genetic markers in my system that makes me prone to heart disease and I want to keep them at bay for as long as I can! That's my goal anyhow.
Ok, 'nuff procrastinating. Time to go!
The school just called and Rei is out of his meds (I keep some backups there if he forgets to take them in the morning before school); sounds like he was doing fine until this hour, where he has a sub that he isn't getting along with and it's frustrating him. Using problem solving skills, he is going to talk to the social worker and see if he can be in the ISS room to do his assignment, where things will be a bit less distracting for him. I am going to run by the school too and drop off more meds for him. I like it when he is proactive instead of waiting until he gets in to trouble to have them call me!
Just got a letter in the mail from Eric's lawyer. He was supposed to attend a hearing yesterday regarding the visitation issues, but because he is in AR at mandatory training the judge granted a motion for it to be continued until next week. Now he has to take a day off from work so he can be there. It's over the "missing week" from last summer, when it was just not feasible for the kids to go to IN (because of the wedding and then their school needs), as well as making plans for this summer's visitation. It has been suggested that Aurora doesn't "need" to take driver's ed this summer and should be told she has to take it during the school year, and that while Patrick having a job would trump visitation, until he has one he is expected to go too. It will make me really sad if the court rules against the needs/desires of the kids. I know in MN once the kids reach a certain age (I think it was like 12), they were entitled to a say in visitation and custody arrangements. The hardest thing for me to fathom, as a mother, is that this is NOT about the kids and what is best for them! Their thoughts and wishes are not being considered at all! If it was about them, and spending time with them, then, at least in my opinion, more effort would be expended on coming to visit them, participate in their lives, and contact them on a regular basis by phone. As my mom always said, "if I'm not important every day of the year, don't knock yourself out trying to make it happen on specific holidays." I realize it takes efforts on both sides to make things happen, and I am willing to accommodate and be flexible, but I do think that the kids should come first and be heard! Just my opinion...
I didn't make it to the gym yesterday because I ended up chauffering Cliff to get his cell phone warrantied out, and ran to the bank, so today is the day to do errands on post. After running to the school, of course, to drop off Rei's meds. I am loving my Zune (microsoft's answer to the ipod) and it's "Walkfit Channel"--dance music that makes it fun to work out to. I am really enjoying having it on! Can't wait for Eric to be home for keeps Friday night because he is going to go with me to the gym and show me how to safely and effectively add in some of the weight stuff to build up my arms, shoulders, and back muscles. I am not looking so much at bulking up as I am being healthy and fit. As I head towards 50 I want to be the best I can be. My dad and his oldest sister had their first bypass surgeries in their early 50's and I don't want to follow in their footsteps in that regard. I know I have some of the genetic markers in my system that makes me prone to heart disease and I want to keep them at bay for as long as I can! That's my goal anyhow.
Ok, 'nuff procrastinating. Time to go!
Monday, February 23, 2009
Back to the routine...
Monday morning, the kids are at school or work, and I am enjoying the quiet of the house and the sun streaming in through the windows. Just the kind of morning I like best. All I need is a cup of coffee to complete the picture, and that is brewing now.
It was a good weekend in many ways, and it was rough in others. Eric's two oldest children are experiencing growing pains in different directions, and each has things going on that can weigh on a parent's heart. I know it was hard for Eric to leave last night to go back to Arkansas for his last 5 days, but we both know 5 days will pass quickly, and then he'll be home. Truthfully, it's nothing earth-shattering that is going on, so no one needs to worry; just normal teenage behaviors and struggles with "where do I fit in and belong" and "what am I gonna do to make it work for me." It's more "trying" than anything, at least for me, but then I have been through it twice already with Liisa and Tony. Despite having perspective, it doesn't make it any less stressful though.
Eric and I "ran away" to Olive Garden on Saturday night. We had a fashionably late "grown up dinner," complete with a glass of wine, and we just enjoyed each other's company. We had planned to run over to Outlaw Blues afterwards, only to discover that it closes at 11 p.m. on Saturday nights! I had thought, from the name, that it was a night club and restaurant. It's apparently not. It's primarily a restaurant. We need to find a nice club around here that we can go to for music and conversation (preferably Blues or Jazz or other non-Country music oriented genres--Country is fine in small doses, but I dislike the twanginess of it sometimes). We didn't want to go to a bar just to go to a bar, so we headed home for 11 p.m. and made it an early night. Sunday we slept in, finished his laundry to take back with him, and played Everquest together. It was a nice afternoon (albeit interspersed with the teen drama a bit).
I don't work until Saturday afternoon, 1-5, so I am planning that this week will be focused on continued tidying and de-cluttering, working on some needlework projects, going to the gym, and parenting. The kids have no school next Monday, so my guess is the weekend will be very busy too, with lots of plans for mischief and other activities... I need to enjoy the peace while I have it! I am so glad to see the end in sight of Eric's training, and that we can resume family life here with some sense of normalacy. He will be working 6-2 on Sunday, 3/1, then 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. on his regular rotation three quarters of the way through March, when he returns to overnights... Figures his day shifts encompassed most of his training in AR. Oh well, we can make it work! And he starts school again next week as well. Did I say things were resuming to normal???
Coffee is ready! Yay! Time for a quick cup, then on to rest of the day!
It was a good weekend in many ways, and it was rough in others. Eric's two oldest children are experiencing growing pains in different directions, and each has things going on that can weigh on a parent's heart. I know it was hard for Eric to leave last night to go back to Arkansas for his last 5 days, but we both know 5 days will pass quickly, and then he'll be home. Truthfully, it's nothing earth-shattering that is going on, so no one needs to worry; just normal teenage behaviors and struggles with "where do I fit in and belong" and "what am I gonna do to make it work for me." It's more "trying" than anything, at least for me, but then I have been through it twice already with Liisa and Tony. Despite having perspective, it doesn't make it any less stressful though.
Eric and I "ran away" to Olive Garden on Saturday night. We had a fashionably late "grown up dinner," complete with a glass of wine, and we just enjoyed each other's company. We had planned to run over to Outlaw Blues afterwards, only to discover that it closes at 11 p.m. on Saturday nights! I had thought, from the name, that it was a night club and restaurant. It's apparently not. It's primarily a restaurant. We need to find a nice club around here that we can go to for music and conversation (preferably Blues or Jazz or other non-Country music oriented genres--Country is fine in small doses, but I dislike the twanginess of it sometimes). We didn't want to go to a bar just to go to a bar, so we headed home for 11 p.m. and made it an early night. Sunday we slept in, finished his laundry to take back with him, and played Everquest together. It was a nice afternoon (albeit interspersed with the teen drama a bit).
I don't work until Saturday afternoon, 1-5, so I am planning that this week will be focused on continued tidying and de-cluttering, working on some needlework projects, going to the gym, and parenting. The kids have no school next Monday, so my guess is the weekend will be very busy too, with lots of plans for mischief and other activities... I need to enjoy the peace while I have it! I am so glad to see the end in sight of Eric's training, and that we can resume family life here with some sense of normalacy. He will be working 6-2 on Sunday, 3/1, then 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. on his regular rotation three quarters of the way through March, when he returns to overnights... Figures his day shifts encompassed most of his training in AR. Oh well, we can make it work! And he starts school again next week as well. Did I say things were resuming to normal???
Coffee is ready! Yay! Time for a quick cup, then on to rest of the day!
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Tidbits and miscellany...
Eric is home, and went to bowling with us this morning. After being a "parent" (as opposed to being a coach) while the kids all bowled, he bowled a few lines with the kids and as he put it, "couldn't catch a spare to save his life." He thought he had a bowling tournament tonight but he doesn't, so we are going to go out instead on a date. That makes me very happy!
At bowling this morning young Alex was so excited to see us. He informed me that "Mommy and Daddy had a card for me" (I don't think he was supposed to tell me), and later asked his dad if he could give it to me. It was a lovely thank you card from the coaches and youth bowling teams for donating the quilt, along with a gift card to a new restaurant/night club I have been wanting to check out, the "Outlaw Blues Bar and Grill." Eric and I may check it out tonight! I also had an opportunity to talk to the woman who won it, and she was very happy with it. It was good to know it has a home where it'll be appreciated.
I got my first paycheck, for a whole 10 hours of work. It wasn't alot, especially after taxes, but it was nice to see. Eric asked me if we were going to frame it... I said I'd rather spend it! I worked 10 hours again this week, and work only 4 next week so far (Saturday 1-5). I'm going to give a call to the manager and see if she needs me for any other hours next week, but if not, that's ok too. I did make a few purchases on Friday after work: 2 patterns for doll clothes and a pattern for a summer dress for me, and 3 yards of fabric to make said dress out of (white background crinkly rayon with large lilies for an all-over print; has a very soft drape and is ideal for the pattern!). I also got 2 craft organizers, one each for Brie and Aurora to keep their cross stitch in (got them for $3.50 each!), and a booklet on making knotted bracelets out of floss/string/hemp, something else I thought the girls would enjoy. I get a 15% discount above any sale prices, even the liquidation prices (which surprised me; I figured that was as much a discount as I could get). All in all I spent about $25, but was quite pleased with my bargin hunting.
So very frustrated with the dogs this morning. Last night I vaccuumed and mopped the entire main floor, and it looked fantastic. I figured we were going to have cold weather the rest of the week, so the mud would be minimal. WRONG! It sleeted this morning and the dogs tracked mud all over the clean linoleum this morning, as well as tracked some of it onto the carpets, again... I swear at times I would be better off letting the mud build up and throw down grass seed... I know it isn't their fault. But there has to be an easier way to manage it! I am open to suggestions (we do already wipe their feet with a towel when they come in to try and limit the mess). On the flip side I couldn't help but laugh when today at the bowling alley I got an automated phone call from the city of Minneapolis telling me that a snow emergency had been declared and parking restrictions would be enforced. They got almost 7 inches since Friday night, and my brother said it took him over an hour to shovel the front walk and steps! I don't miss that at all!
Brianne is at drill for the weekend, her second weekend this month, Cliff is working all weekend long as well, and we are basically done with our weekend obligations. I AM gonna have a family meeting with the kids though about picking up after themselves and each other. I spent almost three hours cleaning the main floor last night. They need to understand that they have to contribute to the whole, and if I start hearing "It's not my mess, I am not gonna pick it up" I am gonna remind them that two can play that game and they do not want to go there with me... I wonder how they would feel if I boycotted doing stuff for them?
At bowling this morning young Alex was so excited to see us. He informed me that "Mommy and Daddy had a card for me" (I don't think he was supposed to tell me), and later asked his dad if he could give it to me. It was a lovely thank you card from the coaches and youth bowling teams for donating the quilt, along with a gift card to a new restaurant/night club I have been wanting to check out, the "Outlaw Blues Bar and Grill." Eric and I may check it out tonight! I also had an opportunity to talk to the woman who won it, and she was very happy with it. It was good to know it has a home where it'll be appreciated.
I got my first paycheck, for a whole 10 hours of work. It wasn't alot, especially after taxes, but it was nice to see. Eric asked me if we were going to frame it... I said I'd rather spend it! I worked 10 hours again this week, and work only 4 next week so far (Saturday 1-5). I'm going to give a call to the manager and see if she needs me for any other hours next week, but if not, that's ok too. I did make a few purchases on Friday after work: 2 patterns for doll clothes and a pattern for a summer dress for me, and 3 yards of fabric to make said dress out of (white background crinkly rayon with large lilies for an all-over print; has a very soft drape and is ideal for the pattern!). I also got 2 craft organizers, one each for Brie and Aurora to keep their cross stitch in (got them for $3.50 each!), and a booklet on making knotted bracelets out of floss/string/hemp, something else I thought the girls would enjoy. I get a 15% discount above any sale prices, even the liquidation prices (which surprised me; I figured that was as much a discount as I could get). All in all I spent about $25, but was quite pleased with my bargin hunting.
So very frustrated with the dogs this morning. Last night I vaccuumed and mopped the entire main floor, and it looked fantastic. I figured we were going to have cold weather the rest of the week, so the mud would be minimal. WRONG! It sleeted this morning and the dogs tracked mud all over the clean linoleum this morning, as well as tracked some of it onto the carpets, again... I swear at times I would be better off letting the mud build up and throw down grass seed... I know it isn't their fault. But there has to be an easier way to manage it! I am open to suggestions (we do already wipe their feet with a towel when they come in to try and limit the mess). On the flip side I couldn't help but laugh when today at the bowling alley I got an automated phone call from the city of Minneapolis telling me that a snow emergency had been declared and parking restrictions would be enforced. They got almost 7 inches since Friday night, and my brother said it took him over an hour to shovel the front walk and steps! I don't miss that at all!
Brianne is at drill for the weekend, her second weekend this month, Cliff is working all weekend long as well, and we are basically done with our weekend obligations. I AM gonna have a family meeting with the kids though about picking up after themselves and each other. I spent almost three hours cleaning the main floor last night. They need to understand that they have to contribute to the whole, and if I start hearing "It's not my mess, I am not gonna pick it up" I am gonna remind them that two can play that game and they do not want to go there with me... I wonder how they would feel if I boycotted doing stuff for them?
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Wierd weather...
I just cannot get used to the weather differences between here in SW Illinois and MN. We were in the upper 50's this morning, and we are now in the mid 30's... I don't know how to dress on any given day, and I hate having to carry coats and other gear, but I also hate being cold... It's very unpredictable! It doesn't help that it's grey and gloomy too--I don't mind the cold when it's clear and sunny. This weather is just depressing!
Work was interesting today. We are clearancing out everything in the store, so everything has a sales price attached to it. It gets confusing keeping track of all the multiple buttons that need to be keyed in after scanning the item, and to be sure we are giving the appropriate discounts. I had a woman walk away from the counter because I couldn't cut off the 15" of extra fabric left on the bolt (we need to keep at least a yard on the bolt for sale, and we also have a 2 yard minimum cut right now--strictly for the liquidation). The irony was if she bought that last 15" I would have given her an extra 10% off the sale price of the entire purchase. People are funny like that. I had other people who were happy to buy the entire bolt, just to get the extra discount on it! I spent all shift on the cutting table today, which I really enjoyed, but I do need to spend some time on the cash register as I need to brush back up on those skills too. I was bummed because there was some fabric I saw that would make a wonderful summer dress, but someone else had the same idea and grabbed it before I could. Oh well, saves me a little money. I think I am going to go in tomorrow (my day off) to look at patterns as they are $1.99 each, and at the very least I can get more doll clothes patterns for my nieces and Alexis. And then, if something on the clearance aisles should loudly call my name, I can purchase without guilt (I browse while working but don't feel right tucking stuff away for later on).
I think I am going to make chicken fajitas for dinner tonight. I have been craving them lately and got some lovely peppers on sale at the commisary the other day. Rei has confirmation class tonight, so I have to get going on those pretty quickly. Brianne and Aurora have been working on cleaning Brianne's room. I am so glad they are finally getting it in order! Once they have that whipped into shape, I am going to start riding the boys to do theirs too. Still not getting as much help as I would like from the kids, but I have been saying no lately to things when they haven't been helping me, and I think/hope that helps them to at least start thinking ahead a bit. I don't think it's unreasonable for them to pitch in, although I also get tired of their keeping tally--"it's not all mine, so I shouldn't have to clean it up...", or "why do I always have to ....... and XXXX doesn't....." I blew up the other night and said "you need to do it because I asked you to, and I will be asking others to do other specific tasks too, whether it was theirs or not as well!" I added in that it is not a contest or a score-keeping of who does the most/least and I am fully aware of who does what, and will deal with it accordingly--to let ME be the parent and give the orders... I get so tired of being countermanded or seconded! I don't need an echo or a stool-pigeon!
I am so glad Eric is coming home for the weekend. I really need some time with him, and even more, I really need a break from the kids! I think he has a bowling tournament this weekend to go to Saturday night, but if nothing else, I can tag along on that. I just need some being "taken care of" time too.
Work was interesting today. We are clearancing out everything in the store, so everything has a sales price attached to it. It gets confusing keeping track of all the multiple buttons that need to be keyed in after scanning the item, and to be sure we are giving the appropriate discounts. I had a woman walk away from the counter because I couldn't cut off the 15" of extra fabric left on the bolt (we need to keep at least a yard on the bolt for sale, and we also have a 2 yard minimum cut right now--strictly for the liquidation). The irony was if she bought that last 15" I would have given her an extra 10% off the sale price of the entire purchase. People are funny like that. I had other people who were happy to buy the entire bolt, just to get the extra discount on it! I spent all shift on the cutting table today, which I really enjoyed, but I do need to spend some time on the cash register as I need to brush back up on those skills too. I was bummed because there was some fabric I saw that would make a wonderful summer dress, but someone else had the same idea and grabbed it before I could. Oh well, saves me a little money. I think I am going to go in tomorrow (my day off) to look at patterns as they are $1.99 each, and at the very least I can get more doll clothes patterns for my nieces and Alexis. And then, if something on the clearance aisles should loudly call my name, I can purchase without guilt (I browse while working but don't feel right tucking stuff away for later on).
I think I am going to make chicken fajitas for dinner tonight. I have been craving them lately and got some lovely peppers on sale at the commisary the other day. Rei has confirmation class tonight, so I have to get going on those pretty quickly. Brianne and Aurora have been working on cleaning Brianne's room. I am so glad they are finally getting it in order! Once they have that whipped into shape, I am going to start riding the boys to do theirs too. Still not getting as much help as I would like from the kids, but I have been saying no lately to things when they haven't been helping me, and I think/hope that helps them to at least start thinking ahead a bit. I don't think it's unreasonable for them to pitch in, although I also get tired of their keeping tally--"it's not all mine, so I shouldn't have to clean it up...", or "why do I always have to ....... and XXXX doesn't....." I blew up the other night and said "you need to do it because I asked you to, and I will be asking others to do other specific tasks too, whether it was theirs or not as well!" I added in that it is not a contest or a score-keeping of who does the most/least and I am fully aware of who does what, and will deal with it accordingly--to let ME be the parent and give the orders... I get so tired of being countermanded or seconded! I don't need an echo or a stool-pigeon!
I am so glad Eric is coming home for the weekend. I really need some time with him, and even more, I really need a break from the kids! I think he has a bowling tournament this weekend to go to Saturday night, but if nothing else, I can tag along on that. I just need some being "taken care of" time too.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Bein' lazy on a Tuesday morning
The kids went back to school today after having President's day off and it's nice to have some peace and quiet. This weekend was rough, and I am not sure why. Nothing really significant happened (other than a lot of passive resistance to helping me with chores), and I was a crabby, cranky bear yesterday (I think the kids have other names for it). As I told Eric, I was just restless yesterday. I couldn't really settle into doing anything in particular, although I did vaccuum and steam-clean the carpets in our bedroom and closet, a job well-done if I say so myself... When I thought about it, I realized I was wandering the house looking for Eric. I did that at my mom's all the time after my dad died. I knew in my head he wasn't there, but my heart was still looking for him, and I think that's what I was doing this weekend with Eric. I was looking for him, even though I knew logically he's in Arkansas. The week days aren't so hard to have him gone. His working overnights has me semi-used to being alone in the evenings and we talk on the phone. But weekends feel different somehow. He works every other weekend, but I think it's the combination of having the kids home, knowing he is alone in a hotel room, and feeling stressed out here sometimes... All I know is if we had a local coffee shop in town that I could have run away to yesterday for a few hours, I would have gladly done so. I was desperately wishing for a break! I just didn't want to drive for miles to take one.
Today is a better day. I am gonna finish up a couple of things here, then I need to run to the library and the gym (both were closed yesterday), get a few groceries at the commisary (we need milk), and focus on the day-to-day stuff I generally do. It's grey and gloomy outside, and while we are supposed to have a high of around 55, it looks like rain to me--a good day to coccoon in with a hot drink, a good book or project, and an afghan. All that's missing is a fireplace! I work tomorrow and Friday, 9-2, so I need to be sure we are set here with what we need to have done. It's nice to have something to look forward to.
I'm not sure what is in the works for the weekend. Eric thinks he might be coming home, which would be wonderful, and then there is only one more week after that to go. He's home in 10 more days for good!
Today is a better day. I am gonna finish up a couple of things here, then I need to run to the library and the gym (both were closed yesterday), get a few groceries at the commisary (we need milk), and focus on the day-to-day stuff I generally do. It's grey and gloomy outside, and while we are supposed to have a high of around 55, it looks like rain to me--a good day to coccoon in with a hot drink, a good book or project, and an afghan. All that's missing is a fireplace! I work tomorrow and Friday, 9-2, so I need to be sure we are set here with what we need to have done. It's nice to have something to look forward to.
I'm not sure what is in the works for the weekend. Eric thinks he might be coming home, which would be wonderful, and then there is only one more week after that to go. He's home in 10 more days for good!
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