DDA Chapter 27

[bethbuchall]

I am still here reading along, too! There just isn't much to report on right now. I feel like I sound like a broken record: bathroom work still going on, weather still not spring-like, busy kids, busy preschool, etc., etc.

I am getting really tired of the time these bathroom remodels are taking. I feel like there is always someone who stinks of cigarette smoke in my house (no, they don't smoke in the house, but the scent definitely clings to clothes) and that the house is a disorganized mess of tools and supplies (not that my house is ever neat and organized...need to work on that). I never realized how much we used two bathrooms until we only had one. I feel guilty complaining about it, though, because we are so lucky to have two bathrooms and to be able to have the work done on them.

Laura has a bad cold right now, and the rest of us have slightly more mild colds. We don't get sick often and aren't very patient patients.

Some exciting news: Laura has made her college decision! She will be going to SUNY-Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse. It's the same school that Matthew is at, so they will both be in the same direction and have the same break schedules, so that is great for me. It really does seem the perfect fit for her as is did him, so that is good for her. She is taking Environmental Resources Engineering which is similar to civil engineering with an environmental focus. (A little brag: she was accepted into all six colleges that she applied to and into the honors programs of five of them.)

I do like reading and keep up with all of you here, and I do keep you in my thoughts and prayers even when I'm not posting. I will try to be more regular in my posting even if it's just to say that nothing new is happening in our lives.

to all my DDA friends that need it! I am sorry to read about the hard times, but I know that you will all come through, because you are all so strong.

 

[Glynis]

Things are going fine for Chuck, I & the girls.

Katrina is engaged to her long time boyfriend Pete. They are trying to decide whether they just want to have a small ceremony somewhere. Pete graduated with his bachelors a year ago. He is just now getting serious about finding a job so has had interviews in Milwaukee & Chicago. She has her life on hold until he gets a permanent job and she knows where they are going to live.

The funeral service for Chuck's mom was nice. It was a little difficult as she didn't look like herself at all. We then hung out at her house for a couple of hours looking at pictures and reminiscing before heading home. It was quite obvious that his brother & sister have not had any kind of serious talks with them for years. So many things they didn't know. I'm glad that she & I finally found our way to understanding. It took us a couple of years but it was worth it. She was a classy lady who taught me a lot.

Becky gets her associates degree in May. She is trying to decide whether she wants to start her bachelors right away or not. She works for Shopko (similar to a Kmart but based out of Wisconsing). Her management is after her to go into management and are training her for that.

Chuck & I are remodeling the house. We are putting in wood laminate flooring in our dining, kitching & living room. It is one big room with a vaulted ceiling. We painted our bedroom walls a couple of week-ends ago. This is big stuff for us. We have always had white walls. We also chose the colors for the walls in the dining, kitchen and living room. We are going to enclose the front porch and make a sun room out of it.

Chuck's business is going extremely well. I'm so happy for him. My job is going ok. I remind myself daily that everyone that wants a job has one so far in our division. I count that as a good day. It might not be the jobs we signed up for but it is a job.

I miss all of you. Hope all is going well with everyone. Chuck & I are not going to Disney this spring. We have decided to spend the money on the house instead. I'm enjoying it as it all comes together. We are planning our December trip though! I can't wait. It will be so much fun!

Congrats on the engagement!!! That's really exciting... I hope?

I'm glad the service for your MIL went well. It's always hard! We are anticipating a trip to Boise, ID in the next 6-8 months for the funeral of my SIL. She was diagnosed with stomach cancer, did some chemo and then found out it had spread to her bones. Now, hospice is working with them. 6 months is optimistic. I dread this funeral! We never met any of her family (their choice), but we really want to be there for my BIL, Mike. I hope I can have as good an attitude as you have!

I'm jealous of your home remodel! I would love to be able to do some stuff around here, but money won't let us. So, I dream, and plan, and hope.

One bright spot is our trip to DL with my Dad in August! I keep holding on to that! Every spare cent I find, I funnel into our fund for that trip. We only have to pay for our meals and souvenirs. The kids have been saving up their birthday money, etc., so that helps.

 

[Glynis]

I am still here reading along, too! There just isn't much to report on right now. I feel like I sound like a broken record: bathroom work still going on, weather still not spring-like, busy kids, busy preschool, etc., etc.

I am getting really tired of the time these bathroom remodels are taking. I feel like there is always someone who stinks of cigarette smoke in my house (no, they don't smoke in the house, but the scent definitely clings to clothes) and that the house is a disorganized mess of tools and supplies (not that my house is ever neat and organized...need to work on that). I never realized how much we used two bathrooms until we only had one. I feel guilty complaining about it, though, because we are so lucky to have two bathrooms and to be able to have the work done on them.

Laura has a bad cold right now, and the rest of us have slightly more mild colds. We don't get sick often and aren't very patient patients.

Some exciting news: Laura has made her college decision! She will be going to SUNY-Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse. It's the same school that Matthew is at, so they will both be in the same direction and have the same break schedules, so that is great for me. It really does seem the perfect fit for her as is did him, so that is good for her. She is taking Environmental Resources Engineering which is similar to civil engineering with an environmental focus. (A little brag: she was accepted into all six colleges that she applied to and into the honors programs of five of them.)

I do like reading and keep up with all of you here, and I do keep you in my thoughts and prayers even when I'm not posting. I will try to be more regular in my posting even if it's just to say that nothing new is happening in our lives.

to all my DDA friends that need it! I am sorry to read about the hard times, but I know that you will all come through, because you are all so strong.

Way to go, Laura!!! My brother and his wife lived in Syracuse for a couple of years, and have just moved to Oswego. It's beautiful country!!!

 

[babytrees]

I am here reading every day too!!!

Just found out that I won a two day trip from Kingdom Magic tours. Not sure what to do since I don't have plans to go to DW this year. I am waiting for a call from them.

That is great!!

Vicki- congratulations on the upcoming nuptials.

 

[my3princes]

Don't close the thread!!! I know I don't post much (mostly cuz there's nothing going on with me), but I'd hate to lose contact!!!!

I do read every day, and try to keep up. Things are just so bad here at home, that I don't want to bum everyone out.

Elin - How is Bob's pneumonia? I hope he can re-start the therapies, soon!

Tia - Sounds like the girls are growing by leaps and bounds.

Jennifer - How are your girls doing?

Money trouble are at the heart of our lives, right now. Alan's hours have been cut back so his salary is not the best. He's still waiting to hear if he was accepted into graduate school, but he doesn't have a good feeling about it.

I don't know if I ever told you that I stopped doing the medical coding. It was so stressful that I was not a healthy person. I began making myself sick, and was vomiting up blood, so we decided that it would not be a good thing! So, I'm back to looking for something I can do from home. Any ideas?

The kids are all doing well, and we're trying to keep them "in the dark" as much as possible regarding our finances. Just seems like we can never pull ahead! Grrr!

I'm sorry that finances aren't great, but I think that is the way that it is for most of us right now. Have you thought about taking an evening job. I won't lie, it is tough being away from the kids, but it is an opportunity for me to make some money without needing a daycare provider. You can actually make decent money being a waitress or bartender. Not your ideal job (nor mine), but it does help pay the bills.

Boy howdy do I know that feeling!! You have a step up on me though. You have a good man!!

I am also reading along but not posting because right now it's a bunch of hooey going on in my life, both at Target and everywhere else. This weekend was the worst and while I hope it will get better if anybody knows of any jobs other than exotic dancer (the ankle messed with my dancing skills) can you pass it along?

Jim tried to do his passive aggressive control thing with the tax refund (which was sizable) and I was so proud of myself I didn't bite. That meeting for the bankruptcy that I just HAD to be there for in January and got rescheduled twice? I was on the phone for 2 minutes and 47 seconds for it. Yup, that would have worked out to $500+ a minute for me to go to Colorado.

I did find a great place to get a cheap, but good, weekly reflexology foot massage. (Right across from Cheeseburger in Paradise, Robyn) and as we were leaving last week I told my mom, "I am such a penny pincher, I can pinch a penny and get a nickel in change" Abi had to get her skills to make people laugh somewhere!!

Cassidy will be coming out for 3 weeks as soon as school gets out. Literally, the night Abi gets out of school. So we will miss all birthdays but we will get to see her!!

for you being to spend 3 weeks together. I know that you aren't very happy at Target. If you really want a new job I suggest putting out as many resumes as you can, apply for things that you may not think you're qualified for, maybe things that are not as great as your previous jobs and definitely think outside the box. I know that I had out over 40 resumes in a 4 week period. I never thought that I'd be a dispatcher for an oil company, but the job actually sounds interesting and busy. It is a decent paycheck with good insurance and other benefits. Good luck with the ongoing job hunt.

Things are going fine for Chuck, I & the girls.

Katrina is engaged to her long time boyfriend Pete. They are trying to decide whether they just want to have a small ceremony somewhere. Pete graduated with his bachelors a year ago. He is just now getting serious about finding a job so has had interviews in Milwaukee & Chicago. She has her life on hold until he gets a permanent job and she knows where they are going to live.

The funeral service for Chuck's mom was nice. It was a little difficult as she didn't look like herself at all. We then hung out at her house for a couple of hours looking at pictures and reminiscing before heading home. It was quite obvious that his brother & sister have not had any kind of serious talks with them for years. So many things they didn't know. I'm glad that she & I finally found our way to understanding. It took us a couple of years but it was worth it. She was a classy lady who taught me a lot.

Becky gets her associates degree in May. She is trying to decide whether she wants to start her bachelors right away or not. She works for Shopko (similar to a Kmart but based out of Wisconsing). Her management is after her to go into management and are training her for that.

Chuck & I are remodeling the house. We are putting in wood laminate flooring in our dining, kitching & living room. It is one big room with a vaulted ceiling. We painted our bedroom walls a couple of week-ends ago. This is big stuff for us. We have always had white walls. We also chose the colors for the walls in the dining, kitchen and living room. We are going to enclose the front porch and make a sun room out of it.

Chuck's business is going extremely well. I'm so happy for him. My job is going ok. I remind myself daily that everyone that wants a job has one so far in our division. I count that as a good day. It might not be the jobs we signed up for but it is a job.

I miss all of you. Hope all is going well with everyone. Chuck & I are not going to Disney this spring. We have decided to spend the money on the house instead. I'm enjoying it as it all comes together. We are planning our December trip though! I can't wait. It will be so much fun!

Give Katrina our congratulations
I'm glad that you and Chuck are making progress on your home improvement projects. It always feels wonderful getting projects done. I have a few more that I had hoped to finish during my layoff, but I found myself busy with the kids, job hunting and frankly depressed and unmotivated in my free time.

I am here reading every day too!!!

Just found out that I won a two day trip from Kingdom Magic tours. Not sure what to do since I don't have plans to go to DW this year. I am waiting for a call from them.

Congratulations!! That is so exciting.

 

[my3princes]

My day was a calmity of errors. Colby was home sick, Nick lost his wallet, Chris had to shuffle kids around all night due to illness and varied sports schedules. I worked tonight and that had it's own set of problems (none of which were my fault). I'm just happy to say that the day is over I suspect that Colby will still be home tomorrow as he has quite a cold and cough tonight.

I have lots that I wanted to get done before I start my new job on Thursday, but the world won't end if I don't get to any of it. I need to stop and smell the roses.

 

[bethbuchall]

Good morning, DDA! I am running late this morning but will stop back later.

Have a great day!

 

[PNO4TE]

Good morning, DDA!

How nice to hear from so many in the past 24 hours.

We all need to remember that one of the reasons we have been together so long is that we have supported one another through good times and bad. If "life" takes you away, you know we will all be here when you can get back. If you don't want to talk about things that haven't changed just say good morning. I take that route many days. There is only so much I can say about Bob's progress and how the girls and I are doing, you know?!?

Briefly: Bob is being treated with a very strong pair of antibiotics for the pneumonia. There was a new chest x-ray ordered yesterday but I don't know the outcome of that yet. His physical therapy is going well; they wore him out yesterday. When I stopped at lunchtime with clean clothes I found him sound asleep in his bed. I mean out cold! They have put a brace in his left shoe to help with his ataxia (lack of coordination on that side of his body, mainly his leg) and it's effect on walking. Speech therapy has been ongoing and we notice some small improvement in his voice quality. His swallow evaluation has been rescheduled for Wednesday at 12:30 and I plan to be there so I know what we are up against. I think there has been improvement there too, but I don't know how much or if it is sufficient to allow him to take anything by mouth. Occupational therapy has been his strongest improvement. He can transfer himself in and out of his wheelchair, use the bathroom, take a shower and dress himself. They are now spending lots of time learning how to maneuver in the wheelchair. The plan is to send him home in the chair for a bit and continue to work toward walking with a walker and cane and wherever he can progress from there.

I continue to teach full time. We need the money, frankly. We are doing OK right now, but I have great fears when summer comes. My salary is cut by 75% over the months of June-August and we cannot live on what I bring home then. Let's hope that something changes or I will also be looking for a second job. Kristin is still dealing with the ramifications of the bank robbery in November and is dealing with them professionally now. Kathrin is planning a trip to Europe for her birthday in October and has been helping out with things I don't have time to deal with. I am so glad to have them both in my life.

The biggest lessons that I have learned from all of this are good ones. No matter how much you have saved it will never be enough. Live every day as if it is your last. Tell people how much they mean to you, even if it seems corny at the time.

Thanks for letting me ramble, my friends. You all are a wonderful oasis for me. Thanks for being here.

 

[Glynis]

Deb - I have considered taking an evening job. But, there are a whole new set of problems with that! First, Alan doesn't get home until 8:00, and while Katie is very responsible, she just can't do dinner, homework, baths, and bedtime every night. That's not fair to her and her schoolwork. Second, we live in such a small town, there's only 2 businesses here. They are both gas stations. In order to get to a town where there are restaurants/grocery stores, etc., I'd have to drive 25 miles. That doesn't give much of a chance for a full slate of hours. Third, the town we live closest to is a university town, and businesses would rather give their jobs to students, who don't require more than minimum wage. Alan and I have talked it all out, and with gas prices the way they are, it would not be cost effective for me to drive that far for work every night, just for 2 or 3 hours.

I have decided to try to work with the schools on some tutoring during the summer and in the after school hours. I'm hoping to take my contact information to the middle and high schools in our area, and see what students they can refer me to. Any kids who can get to my house, I'll take!

Elin - Sounds like Bob is doing quite well with his therapy! Good for him! I'll keep my fingers crossed on the swallow test! I'm so glad that your girls are close (ish) by for moral support!

Well, I made a big mistake this morning! We always get up at 6:30 to read scriptures together as a family. This morning, I dragged myself out of bed when my clock said 6:15, made oatmeal for breakfast, then woke everyone up. The kids were so tired, and it was almost impossible to get Alan up. Finally, we were all gathered, and we read together. As everyone was sitting around the table, Katie looked at the clock, and said, "Mom, does that clock say 6:00 or 7:00?" I looked and about dropped the pot of oatmeal, as I realized that it was 6:00! Apparently, Timothy must have pushed some buttons on my alarm clock and moved it an hour ahead! Little monster! So, everyone decided to go back to bed for another hour. Except me! Once I'm up, that's it! I'll crash when Timothy goes down for a nap. I don't think anyone will let me live this one down!

Have a great day, all!

 

[my3princes]

Deb - I have considered taking an evening job. But, there are a whole new set of problems with that! First, Alan doesn't get home until 8:00, and while Katie is very responsible, she just can't do dinner, homework, baths, and bedtime every night. That's not fair to her and her schoolwork. Second, we live in such a small town, there's only 2 businesses here. They are both gas stations. In order to get to a town where there are restaurants/grocery stores, etc., I'd have to drive 25 miles. That doesn't give much of a chance for a full slate of hours. Third, the town we live closest to is a university town, and businesses would rather give their jobs to students, who don't require more than minimum wage. Alan and I have talked it all out, and with gas prices the way they are, it would not be cost effective for me to drive that far for work every night, just for 2 or 3 hours.

I have decided to try to work with the schools on some tutoring during the summer and in the after school hours. I'm hoping to take my contact information to the middle and high schools in our area, and see what students they can refer me to. Any kids who can get to my house, I'll take!

Elin - Sounds like Bob is doing quite well with his therapy! Good for him! I'll keep my fingers crossed on the swallow test! I'm so glad that your girls are close (ish) by for moral support!

Well, I made a big mistake this morning! We always get up at 6:30 to read scriptures together as a family. This morning, I dragged myself out of bed when my clock said 6:15, made oatmeal for breakfast, then woke everyone up. The kids were so tired, and it was almost impossible to get Alan up. Finally, we were all gathered, and we read together. As everyone was sitting around the table, Katie looked at the clock, and said, "Mom, does that clock say 6:00 or 7:00?" I looked and about dropped the pot of oatmeal, as I realized that it was 6:00! Apparently, Timothy must have pushed some buttons on my alarm clock and moved it an hour ahead! Little monster! So, everyone decided to go back to bed for another hour. Except me! Once I'm up, that's it! I'll crash when Timothy goes down for a nap. I don't think anyone will let me live this one down!

Have a great day, all!

Glynis That is a tough situation. I hope that the school can send some kids your way for tutoring. It certainly gets easier when the kids can look after each other. My kids will be doing a lot of that now. Thankfully they are very responsible and help each other when we can't be here. It doesn't hurt that my DB and DSIL are next door and often someone is home.

Sorry about the clock snafu. I bet that will throw everyone's day off.


Elin I'm glad to hear that Bob is progressing. He does have a long road ahead, but seeing progress must make it a bit easier. Can Bob qualify for SSI disability? That might help a bit if you could get him qualified

 

[my3princes]

We're struggling with juggling the boys schedules for the next few months. With me working both jobs and Chris working until 5 we need to make other arrangements to get Nick to practices/games as well as getting Colby to his 5 PM practices. My parents will help, but we don't want to burden them with transportation issues everyday. I'm sure we'll get into some sort of routine. My boss at the restaurant threw me a curve ball last night when he asked me to work an extra night over the next 3 weeks. He is working 2 extra weeks at his other job (the one that actually pays his bills). I'm sure that I can do it, but it will make me one tired girl. Working 8 am - 10 pm 3 days a week as well as 8 - 5 the other 2 and juggling the kids will be interesting. I am very happy to have both jobs though, it should help us get caught up on bills more quickly. My goal is to be out of debt other than the truck and mortgage by the end of the year. Of course that was my goal for last year too I guess we all have to dream We only have a few camping trips planned for this summer, so no big vacation expenses to accommodate.

 

[mommykds]

Good morning,
We had terrible storms with lightening last night (more like 3-5am this morning) Woke us all up. I thought a branch had come through the window but thankfully it just sounded like that.

 

[tinknme]

Good morning

Nothing new or interesting going on here

 

[bethbuchall]

Bernadette, your trip plans sound great! You'll be there for my birthday and then again for Laura's birthday. I really can't wait to see your photos and read about your trips! Congrats on working on getting ready for the marathon, too!

Jen, it's so exciting that you're new home is almost ready! That is a lot of work, but I'm sure you are going to love it!

Vicki, your home remodeling projects sound wonderful! It took a lot to convince my husband to let me paint the living room and dining room something other than white, but I really like it.

I am here reading every day too!!!

Just found out that I won a two day trip from Kingdom Magic tours. Not sure what to do since I don't have plans to go to DW this year. I am waiting for a call from them.

Congratulations!

Way to go, Laura!!! My brother and his wife lived in Syracuse for a couple of years, and have just moved to Oswego. It's beautiful country!!!

It feels so good to have that decision done!

My day was a calmity of errors. Colby was home sick, Nick lost his wallet, Chris had to shuffle kids around all night due to illness and varied sports schedules. I worked tonight and that had it's own set of problems (none of which were my fault). I'm just happy to say that the day is over I suspect that Colby will still be home tomorrow as he has quite a cold and cough tonight.

I have lots that I wanted to get done before I start my new job on Thursday, but the world won't end if I don't get to any of it. I need to stop and smell the roses.

I hope that Colby feels better soon! Laura came home early on Friday and then missed yesterday. She felt that she couldn't miss any more school, so she is there today. She was having such a hard time sleeping with the congestion, runny nose, and coughing that I bought Nyquil for her. She told me that it worked too well and that she kept falling back to sleep this morning and practically fell asleep in the shower. I hope that she is making it through the day today. She took some Dayquil before school to help with the congestion and coughing. We don't usually use cold meds, but she was really hit hard this time.

Good morning, DDA!

How nice to hear from so many in the past 24 hours.

We all need to remember that one of the reasons we have been together so long is that we have supported one another through good times and bad. If "life" takes you away, you know we will all be here when you can get back. If you don't want to talk about things that haven't changed just say good morning. I take that route many days. There is only so much I can say about Bob's progress and how the girls and I are doing, you know?!?

Briefly: Bob is being treated with a very strong pair of antibiotics for the pneumonia. There was a new chest x-ray ordered yesterday but I don't know the outcome of that yet. His physical therapy is going well; they wore him out yesterday. When I stopped at lunchtime with clean clothes I found him sound asleep in his bed. I mean out cold! They have put a brace in his left shoe to help with his ataxia (lack of coordination on that side of his body, mainly his leg) and it's effect on walking. Speech therapy has been ongoing and we notice some small improvement in his voice quality. His swallow evaluation has been rescheduled for Wednesday at 12:30 and I plan to be there so I know what we are up against. I think there has been improvement there too, but I don't know how much or if it is sufficient to allow him to take anything by mouth. Occupational therapy has been his strongest improvement. He can transfer himself in and out of his wheelchair, use the bathroom, take a shower and dress himself. They are now spending lots of time learning how to maneuver in the wheelchair. The plan is to send him home in the chair for a bit and continue to work toward walking with a walker and cane and wherever he can progress from there.

I continue to teach full time. We need the money, frankly. We are doing OK right now, but I have great fears when summer comes. My salary is cut by 75% over the months of June-August and we cannot live on what I bring home then. Let's hope that something changes or I will also be looking for a second job. Kristin is still dealing with the ramifications of the bank robbery in November and is dealing with them professionally now. Kathrin is planning a trip to Europe for her birthday in October and has been helping out with things I don't have time to deal with. I am so glad to have them both in my life.

The biggest lessons that I have learned from all of this are good ones. No matter how much you have saved it will never be enough. Live every day as if it is your last. Tell people how much they mean to you, even if it seems corny at the time.

Thanks for letting me ramble, my friends. You all are a wonderful oasis for me. Thanks for being here.

Elin, you and Bob and the girls remain in my thoughts and prayers. I hope that the pneumonia clears up soon, and that he continues to progress as quickly as he has been. I will say a special prayer for the repeat swallow test. I am sorry to hear that Kristin is still having problems from the robbery (though I certainly understand why), and I hope that she is able to recover soon. I hope that you can find a way to work the finances, too.

Not too much new here today. Preschool went very well this morning, and we had fun! The guys are here working on the bathroom, though they don't seem to be in very good moods. I am just staying out of the way. It's snowing (enough said).

Have a great rest of the day, DDA!

 

[my3princes]

Ugh Colby has now spiked a fever. He has no energy poor little guy. The dimetap and delsym has helped with the cough, but he clearly doesn't feel well. I've been trying to call my boss to see if he plans to be in tonight as I feel guilty having Hunter babysit while I bring Nick to practice, go to work and then Chris has to pick up his glasses then Nick. Being an adult sucks.

 

[babytrees]

Just spent the day cleaning my room so that Mark's mom could use it this month. I have been delegated to the blow up bed downstairs because I am the last to bed usually. I have all the fun

It's a little strange to have spring break at Easter time...we don't have any plans.

There are two sicknesses going around work and I don't want either one. I had finally had enough of some of the stuff that was going on at work and had a talk with the Executive LOD (store manager). The next time I worked the soft lines Executive TL (my immediate boss) asked me some questions that I had been asked before (about the morale of softlines and the store in general) by the HR lead...I am pretty sure she was happy that I was the last one she asked the questions to that night because I was diplomatic, but truthful. He also asked me some strange questions. I was the only one he asked these questions. How do I know that? I was the only soft line on the floor and he went immediately into a meeting with Lori (the executive LOD). This was Friday morning when I had already had a bad morning...I really hate that time of the month and stress induced IBS. So I am a little paranoid about it and not feeling very appreciated. I worked extra time three Saturdays in a row without any recognition. In fact on Sunday...they mentioned an upcoming birthday (not until Thursday) but nothing about me. BLECH!!

Glynis-It's hard to work around kiddos but they are worth it!! Hope there are lots of kids that need tutoring.

Elin-I am hoping that it won't take long for Bob to recover from this setback. I didn't realize your income took such a hit during the summer. I hope that something comes up to make it right.

Deb-hope Colby feels better quickly!!

I am going to try and make it a habit to say good night here on the thread. I miss the daily contact of my friends.

 

[Blueeyes101817]

What a crazy day in Kindergarten. The kids are just done -its been so long without a day off and they are definitely feeling it. I JUST now got home from work, going to eat dinner then head to the new house. My dishwasher and microwave got installed today..looking good!
Tomorrow is a field trip-I know the kids love field trips but they just make me stress! Then Thursday I have a workshop...Add in report cards and I am just ready for the weekend!

 

[my3princes]

Colby had a fever this afternoon, but he seems a bit better tonight. I need to call my new boss tomorrow as I'm not sure when I need to be there tomorrow or where exactly to go. I know that they are still interviewing for other positions so I'm sure it's chaotic. I am a bit peeved at my restaurant boss tonight. I called him this afternoon in hopes that he could cover for me tonight as Colby was feverish at 3 PM. Normally he would be sitting at the bar all night anyway. Well he had been working on the toilets and couldn't open so I went and got some children's sudafed and nighttime delsym and got those to Chris along with a new thermometer as the battery died in the one we had. I got to work and opened. He said that he would be back later and if I needed to leave early, I could. Well he never came back. Thankfully Colby was feeling better, but he does not know that. The good thing is that now I will not feel guilty when I don't take extra shifts or give up shifts to watch the kid's games. I've always bent over backwards and even given up things that were important to me because this was my job, but I expect that to be give and take after 19 years and I didn't see that tonight. In a way I feel liberated.

 

[tmfranlk]

Hi all. I'm here and inching along. It's been a rough week or so for my mental and emotional side. I think the loss of my friend's daughter just shone a little light on my own struggles and is showing me that I can't continue to do it alone all the time. I still don't quite know how to not do it alone, but I'm trying to get there. I doing a little better today, but I think that's also in part to getting through a couple of hurdles on projects I've got. The Scout event I had planned was Saturday so that's over. Then today I met with the old day camp director and my business manager (just having a business manager in place finally was another big hurdle!) and spent 2 hours going through the process of camp, what I need to do, etc. That helped both in that I had adult conversation for once and, better yet, actually have a better idea of what I'm doing for camp.

The girls are doing well, though. Terra is becoming a much bigger help around the house which is a big blessing. Apparently, I just needed a way to really show her what help I needed and she's been all over it since we made a list and she goes through and picks her things for the week. She even picks harder jobs that Rachel half the time! Deva had her first big girl food this week and loves it. From meal one, she just ate it right up - something I was concerned about after she had such issues with her medicine. Guess it really was just the yucky taste, not the new texture/non-milk issue.

Phil got notice today that the store will close at the end of business on the 17th. He's just starting to get into the job search, but seems to have been invigorated by the actual close date announcement. Hopefully that means he'll do some good looking tomorrow on his day off!

One thing that I hate is that when I'm off kilter I avoid just the places I should be doing for connection, communications and friendship - the DDA and FB. I'll definitely be working on fixing that because your thoughts and friendships are a real blessing in tough times.

Regardless of how often I check in, I do read at least a few times a week even in the toughtest of times and you all are never far from my mind.

 

[babytrees]

Good Night DDA!!

May you wake up to sunshine!! (whether from Mr. Sun or somebody's sunny disposition!!)