Lesli's Live Long and Strong WISH Journal

[Lesli54]

I was active all day yesterday. The chair shopping was fun and DD18 finally found one that she likes.

AM snack was missed. Lunch was late. I ate French onion soup and some bread at Panera. Later I had 2 sm bites of a cookie. For supper, I ate 2 pieces of lazangna (better than the 3 I used to have, but still too much), salad & a sm piece of French bread. Water was good, but not as much as it usually is.

Breakfast: oatmeal, 1 fried egg, 1 c. grapefruit juice, yogurt
AM snack: veggies & cheese
Lunch: filet mignon (from other night), salad
PM snack: smoothie
Supper: probably leftover lazangna

Goals today:
1. Establish a better exercise routine (Gas is still going up, I am having a hard time justifying driving out of town to workout)
2. Clear my desk
3. Bookwork
4. Laundry - oh joy
5. Reorganize a small spot in my bedroom

Better get going. It is hard to believe that DD18 will be gone on Wednesday.

Right now, I am feeling overwhelmed and feel like I have taken on too much when I said that I would back off. It's probably true. Maybe some of the feeling will dissipate when the kids are back in school. Maybe not. Here's part of my problem. I am so passionate about some organizations (like GS) and causes (like building a better library) that I feel like if I don't step in to help "save" them, then I will see both fade away. Right now, we have had such a hard time getting GS leaders in my area and keeping them. Much of it is from things done by a few over controlling people (isn't that always the way) and we are now at the point that if things aren't made exciting again then we won't have anything. I am sure that as this year progresses I will find people who are willing to take on some of these responsiblities that I have taken in areas where we lacked someone to fill the position. As far as the Library, there are only two of us who are assertive enough to try to get some fundraisers going or find other means to build a better library. The others are waiting for the money to come to them (about 15-25 years off at this pace). I can leave all my civic positions as soon as the terms are up, and I tell myself that I will (with exception of leading the troops of my daughters), but I am afraid that I will feel stuck and won't leave. It is good to stay busy, but I want to do other things. I just don't feel that I am pursuing some of the things I really want to do because I don't have time.

Oh well, I better get going. Everyone have a great day!

 

[calena]

They always say to ask a busy person to do something if you want it done. I too feel "overcommitted" sometimes... and yesterday, when I was asked to teach the teen Sunday School class I didn't say no! It is tough when there are things we feel strongly about. At the same time, we have to look at what is best for us and too much activity (for me at least) leads to stress/overeating/too little exercise etc and it is downhill from there. Don't forget to make time for yourself!

 

[pearlieq]

Good luck in figuring out an exercise routine! I hear you about these gas prices! I remember when $2/gallon was scandalous and now we're knocking on $3!!! Apparently we're all in the wrong business!

I hope you enjoy your last few days with DD18 at home! Good luck getting her all packed up and moved in!

Have a wonderful day!

 

[honeymo78]

Lesli - it really is a wonderful feeling to put on some of those old clothes isn't it

Good luck getting your DD off to school. : I know it must be a hard time for all of you but you are doing a great job, especially with your food.

 

[Mykelogan]

Hi Lesli!

I can definitely empathize with your feeling like you are taking on too much and not enough of it is what you really would want to do. I think that is a characteristic many of us share, the desire to make sure things that need doing get done because we can't see who else might do it. Even though sometimes we need to step and let what happens happen... the scariest propect of them all. I hope that you can find a way to transfer the responsibilities as you said and explore more opportunities you would like to!

I hope that all is going well with the DD heading to school soon. I cannot believe the summer is gone!! Good luck too with finding a new exercise routine that is more gas friendly!

Have a great night!
Mike

 

[lillygator]

Hi there...you sure are one busy gal...I hope things ease up once the kids are back to school.

 

[Lesli54]

Another busy and somewhat productive day. I got alot of various odd and end paperwork done. Last night I spent a lot of time updating my calendar on Outlook and in my planner since I just got a 2006 refill. I also spent alot of time talking to my co-leader about Brownies. We are going plan at least 1/2 of the yrs activities probably next week. That way it will be so much easier on both of us to just pick up supplies before a meeting and cut done greatly on the time we have to spend on paperwork.

Things are falling together, it's just that I can't see the "end" of some of this reorganizing yet.

AM snack was cheese & a small piece of Fr bread. Lunch was 1/2 filet mignon, 1/3 baked potato, 3 fried mushrooms. Later, I had a sm piece of Fr bread. I was a little stressed and did comtemplate eating a lot. 2 sm bites of a cookie. PM snack was missed and later I was hungry so I had a sm spoon of PB. Supper was a sm piece of lazangna, salad, and lots of (too much) bread. Water was pretty good. A very heavy day, but the fridge is cleaned out and aside from the overdose on the French bread, all my portions were really good.

DH, the youngest two and I took a walk last night. It was really nice. I could get used to it.

Breakfast: 1 egg omelet w/cheese, yogurt, 1 c. grapefruit juice, 1/2 slice 7 grain toast.
AM snack: veggies
Lunch: salad w/ham
PM snack: banana & milk
Supper: Going to Appleby's.......not sure what I will have, but it will be a healthy choice and I will bring some home

Goals today:
1. Excercise for 30 min
2. Run a few errands
3. Put together DD18's Welcome to College "basket"
4. Pack her stuff in the Sequoia, the bigger items will go in her boyfriends truck

If I didn't have everyone going down for move-in, we could fit everything in my vehicle, but alas, I have a large family and I think it is really important for the younest two to see where DD18 is going to live. But somehow we are not able to get her moved without her boyfriend there so we are taking 2 vehicles. If it wasn't her first time moving, I would say the two of them could handle it. He's a great kid though and they have been together for 2 years so we will see what happens when both of them are in college. They have already done the 2 seperate HS yr, the College/HS year, and now the 2 seperate College yr is ahead. We'll see.

It is strange to think that this is DD18's last day at home. Sure she will be here on breaks (at first), but it won't be the same. Where did the time go?

We all just ran down and laid or sat on her bed this morning before she got up. She thought it was pretty funny. There are alot of people who really believe that we are getting rid of her and want her gone and that she feels that we want her gone, because they believe that it is cruel to have her pack up her room so that her sister can move into it. Uh, how many kids do I have? People want to know where she will stay when she moves back. We have plenty of room, but she is not going to live at home again. Let's get real about this. I think this is half of the problem with some of the younger generation. Their parents have led them to believe that it is ok to come back home to live anytime that things get a little rough. People don't see that we are supporting her and her new life and that we are encouraging her to now find her own way. Oh well.

Better get going. It is going to be a fast day.

Everyone have a great losing day!

 

[goldcupmom]

Good Morning, Lesli!

Sounds like you have things pretty much under control.

Good luck with the College move in. Not easy!

I think it's just wise the way you are packing up DDs room. Why let it sit empty???

Have a great day!

 

[pearlieq]

Wow...I can't believe it's your DD's last day already. Your wake-up together sounds very sweet. I hope you really enjoy this day. Have fun at dinner tonight, too! They have so many healthy, yummy choices at Applebees now. Sounds like fun!

You're doing a really great job keeping your portions under control and working more fruits and veggies in. Yay for you!!!

Have a wonderful day and good luck getting everything together for the big move in!

P.S. Pshaw to those who don't agree with giving DD18's room to your other DD! As if they knew what was right for you and your family?!? Your DD knows she is loved and welcomed at her home, and I'm sure your other DD will get a lot out of having space of her own. The nerve of people to comment!!!

 

[Mykelogan]

Hi Lesli,

I wanted to pop in quick and say hi! And of course to wish you and the DD luck as your family embarks on this part of their journey. She has such a bright future ahead that she'll always be able to find her way back to the people that care and matter no matter how dark the challenges ahead make the sky! Imagine it, you are going to get to see her become a true adult over the next few years!! How exciting is that?! And with all those great lessons from her family she will obviously succeed!

I hope that you have a happy & healthy tomorrow, even if there are tears!
Mike

 

[pearlieq]

Good luck today! I hope everything goes smoothly.

Just wanted to say that we're all thinking about you!

 

[honeymo78]

Good luck today Lesli My thoughts are with you and your family.

 

[rcyannacci]

Good luck with everything during this super busy time, Lesli. It seems like you have a really positive attitude about everything, so that should help. It will be a time of adjustment for everyone, but you've set the stage to make the transition easier for everyone.

 

[Cruise04]

Oh Lesli, I'm sorry I didn't get on here last night to wish you a good day today. The weather was great and I'm sure it was a great day. I hope everything went well with Move-In day, ours is tomorrow and at lunchtime they were already getting ready to set out the barracades and had the big signs up.

Keep on
Chris

 

[Lesli54]

Back to Tuesday 8/16.....

It was a very long day or so it seemed. I guess much better than the day flying by. It seems that I looked at my watch every 1/2 hour. I did a few errands, helped DD18 with some last minute stuff, didn't do so great on water and tried to get my "basket" done for her move-in.

Trying to remember the food I ate. AM & PM snacks were missed. Lunch was a salad w/ham. Actually, I got to eat the second one I made. The first one accidentally took a nose dive on the floor when DD7 opened the microwave door and didn't move my salad. Oh, I did eat a few fritos and a few cheetos. The kids had some for lunch. I am only buying the small grab bag size every once in a while. I figure, you can get your chip fix, everyone can share a couple of small bags and then it is over, no extras hanging around. So far, so good.

Called my Gran to have dinner with us. We went to Applebee's. I think all of us ordered almost the same thing. I had the Crispy Orange Chicken bowl and DH had the Teryaki Chicken bowl. It was really good and filled with veggies, rice & breaded chicken (probably the worst part nutrition wise). I only just over a 1/3, not quite 1/2, plenty left to split for two more meals. I just couldn't finish it. That is a good thing. DH ate just over 1/2 of his and stopped. He knew he could finish, but shouldn't and I am proud of him that he stopped. Actually, when you figure the cost is about $10 per bowl and you split it between 2 meals, it is really cost effective and great for your waistline. Good food.

Supper was followed by dessert. We all shared a chocolate desert (can't remember name) and a Cheesecake Chimichunga. I had about 1/3 of the cheesecake and 2 sm bites of ice cream.

Afterwards we did some last minute shopping and went home to pack the Sequoia.

Everyone finally went to bed and I stayed up printing off some pictures for DD18's picture frame. I needed 15 2x2 pics. Well, they turned out slightly shorter than that, but that is all I could get off the printer. Also, I am very disappointed that my blue ink seems to be running dry, so the coloring wasn't near as vibrant, but the pics came out ok. Finished packing up her "basket". I put everything into a tall tote that was small. Does that make sense? It is a perfect size for holding a few boxes of snack food. I put in a beginning crochet book, a simple pattern book for crocheting, a couple of crochet hooks, an address list w/phones & emails of family and friends, a bottle of sparkling grape juice, popcorn, stamps, tape, envelopes, a phone card, quarters, a can of Doritos, post-it flags, safety pins, a sharpie marker, post-it notes, a few chocolate Lindt balls, and a special gift - the woodland angel of Wisdom (a girl sitting and holding a book) - it's saying is "for the love of learning".

Finally, off to bed about 1AM. I meant to go earlier, but just didn't get there.

Oh, DD15 made Football Cheerleading. So it looks like she will be cheering all year long. She is following in her sisters footsteps in so many ways. The way she does her hair, her clothes, etc. DD18 should take it as a compliment.

The next post will be Move-in day!

 

[rcyannacci]

Good job cutting the restaurant portions, both you and your DH! I haven't been to Appleby's in a while, but those bowls sound really good.

Good luck with moving day...the package you made for DD sounds wonderful, both practical and inspiring

Have fun!

 

[pearlieq]

Good luck with moving day! Your basket sounds like a really great gift!

You all did a great job at the restaurant! Congrats!!!

Hope everything goes smoothly today! Sending your way...

 

[pearlieq]

Hi!

Anxiously waiting to hear how everything went!

Stay cool today--the temperatures are climbing back up!

 

[lillygator]

That basket sounds so cute! Hope you are having a great Friday!

 

[Lesli54]

Let's try this again.

Yesterday morning, I was typing about move-in day and along came a storm and shut down my computer and I lost everything I was typing, which was a lot. DH has been meaning to replace the worn out battery back up that no longer works. I turned the computer back on. A few minutes later, it shut down again. . As, I comtemplated turning it on again, lightening struck somewhere and literally went across the top of my desk. Even DD15 saw it. At that point, I thought it best to unplug from the world. Pretty freaky. The plus side is that we got some good rain and my yard is no longer the desert. The down side is that DH decided to do updates to my computer after installing the new battery backup and it took him all day. In fact, he has been at it until just now. So finally, on with the last few days.

8/17 - Move-in day

I had a hard time sleeping. It seems that I was awake all night long. Mentally, I was aware of everything and was so afraid to look at the clock for fear that it was only "5 minutes later". Finally, I got up at 5am and showered. Then went down to wake up DD18, who probably didn't sleep much either, as she was already awake. Next, I made breakfast for myself while I let everyone else sleep a little longer. I had 1 egg omelet w/cheese, 2 slices ham, 1 yogurt, and 2/3 c. grapefruit juice.

Then I proceeded to get everyone else up. DD18's boyfriend was over just after 6am and we loaded the "big" stuff (computer, desk chair, fridge, etc.) into his truck. At 6:30, we rolled out.

Along the way, I wrote DD18 a short letter of encouragement. Parts of the trip were hard emotionally, but I did well, knowing that if I started crying, I wouldn't be able to keep myself in check later. There is a lot of construction on the interstate by the school and I told DH to turn wrong. The signs are down. So we took a few detours. We still managed to get to the school just after 9am and swung over to the parking lot where we were to pick up her bed loft.

Next we drove over to her dorm and were surprised at how many people were already lined up for a 10am move-in. Although, I understand that it was no where near as bad as the regular move-in day, which was the 18th. D18 went to check-in and get her room key while the guys waited in line with vehicles, kids and stuff. She wanted me to go with, which was a surprise. By the time we came out of the building the guys were just coming around the corner and getting ready to unload. Talk about timing.

DH is convinced that DD18 brought too much stuff. Not my problem. The first load went up with DH, DD18 and her boyfriend. I stayed behind with the rest of the family and loaded the rest of the "stuff" onto small wooden carts. DH came back and he and I both took a cart and the youngest two up with the second load. DD15 stayed behind with the fridge and loft. Our luck, one of the wood carts had bad wheels and wouldn't steer properly, so I had a hard time pulling it. Finally, I had to switch with DH, who also had a heck of a time, but is much stronger than I.

Of course it takes time to get an elevator with everyone moving. Finally in, the staff managed to shove our carts over and make room for one more person and cart. Talk about stuffed and hot. This is where I decided that this moving thing is considered exercise. When we got to the floor we needed to get off on, DH tried to wheel his cart out of the elevator and it wouldn't cooperate. Finally, he decided to give it a push. Now, you must understand that the carts are flat pieces of plywood on wheels, no sides, so DH was actually pushing on the "stuff", which went flying off the cart that wouldn't move. I jumped around and out of the elevator to help with the situation. While, I was putting some things back on in order to move the cart forward, DS must have leaned against the alarm, as it went off and the elevator doors started closing. DD7 who was holding the doors jumps back as she can no longer hold them. I grabbed DS and put him in the hall, afraid he would get pinched in the doors. DH is trying to hold them open long enough while I scramble to unjam the cart that is sitting in the middle of the doors and get it out. Finally, we managed and quickly rolled off the good cart. Of course, the alarm quits as soon as we are in the hall and clear of the doors.

In the hall we reload. Go down the hall just a bit and stop so that we can now unload and take everything down 2 flights of stairs to the 16th floor. Personally, I think the elevators should stop on each floor for move-in day. DD18 meets us in the hall. DH, DD18, and boyfriend grab stuff and take it down with the youngest 2 in tow. I quickly move the carts out of the way of others and grab some stuff. When I got down the stairs, I find that I am locked into the stairwell since I didn't have a key to the floor. Finally, DD18 opens the door. Once in the room, I stayed with the youngest 2 as the others went back for the rest of the stuff then went down for the last trip and DD15.

I spent my time, putting most of the "stuff" in the closet and in the corner to get it out of the way so that we could build the loft. I did not unpack it as some mother's would, that is not my job. Finally, everyone is back. 7 of us crammed into a small room, it's hot, not kid friendly, so the kids were loud and everyone was getting hungry. Thankfully, no one else was moving in so our commotion didn't bother anyone.

Putting up the loft was a task and a half. Once together, DD18 decided that she wanted it lower than originally stated, most of it comes back apart only to go back together. It is a shame that the beds didn't bunk, but they didn't even have a head board and footboard, just a frame about 6" off the ground. Very poor, but then I am not young anymore. Then the guys assembled the office chair, I plugged in the computer, DD18 unpacked alot of things to get rid of boxes, and we rearranged a little. DH then went to get the computer set up to the resident internet. I was hoping that we would be done soon so that we could all get lunch before we left. Finally, just before 1pm, we all rush out the door since DD18 needed to get to an orientation, which I thought was at 1:30. Quickly, I placed my letter on her desk chair, put the picture on top of the fridge, placed her goodie "basket" on the window sill, and hide her case of GS Peanut Butter Patties behind her pillow.

DH ushers everyone up the stairs quickly and I am stuck behind him while he takes all the boxes up on the hand cart we brought. This is when I realized that DD18 is leaving for her orientation and I didn't get to say good-bye, let alone pictures. DH got unnecessarily mad at me for not doing so earlier, but as I said, I thought she had to be there at 1:30. Either DD18 realized the same thing or she heard someone make a comment because when I got up the stairs, she was coming back to give me a hug and tell me "bye". I think I lost my voice, as I was only able to whisper "bye" to her. Then she looked at me and the tears started rolling from my eyes and she told me "don't", so I fought them back. Then she was gone on the first elevator she could get down. That was the last time I saw her.

We made our way down. I think there were even more people trying to move in and some had couches. Don't know where they are going to put them. One daugther/father team asked us for some of our boxes as she just had everything in small bags.

Next time we are taking totes. You can put more in them, stack them easily, carry them easily, take them back home and reuse them later. Also, we are going to double check the wheels on the carts before grabbing one.

We met back up with DD18's boyfriend and then we all went to lunch at 1:30pm. Her boyfriend said that she was a little bothered by the fact that everyone was just gone, but what were we supposed to do? She had to go and after orientation she had to do a training for her job until 5pm and we didn't know what to do. No one had planned to stay later. It would have been better if we didn't have to spend so much time putting up the loft and could have gotten a few more minutes to say goodbye.

We ate at Wendys. I ate a baked potato and a fruit bowl, which I shared. Some of the fruit was sour, but it is much better than the fruit bowl at McD's. Everyone agrees that we don't like DD18's dorm. It is really old, which is ok, but it has a very poor set up. I am not sure why she likes the place. I would have picked a few other places on campus, but she really worked to get into this place. Oh well, I don't have to live there. Definitely, not the Beach Club, Yacht Club, or Boardwalk.

On the way home, which took longer as DH wanted to go a different way and then fell asleep so I didn't catch the right road, DD18 called. This was just after 2:30pm. Her job doesn't start until Sept 6, since they are not done constructing the new Burger King in the student center. So she didn't have a training. Had I known that, I would have stayed around and taken her out for lunch. They never told us. In fact a few days ago, they were calling to remind her of everything.

She called a few times when we were home so that DH could help her get her printer installed properly and tell him that he left the cables to the speakers at home. Now I have to mail them.

I felt lost. Later, I went down to her room and found a diary that I had written some things in about her for her. She wrote on the next blank page that she was leaving it behind so that I could write more about her while she was at college. I laid on her bed for awhile and cried. DH says that it will take me time to get used to everything. He also mentioned that I did great keeping my emotions in check so that she could feel comfortable about going away. I just did what I had to for her.

Supper was the leftover Crispy Orange Chicken from Applebee's. I don't even reacall tasting it, I just mindlessly ate. Water was terrible. DD18 called to thank me for all the "gifts". She was wondering around campus trying to find some food since nothing is open yet and thought she would have to eat some of her snacks. Then she realized that there is a Domino's Pizza behind her dorm and went in to order some supper. DH at that time was getting ready to phone the local Pizza Hut and have pizza delivered to her, but she beat him to the punch. It was funny. We did decide that we were going to do a surprise Pizza delivery for her and her roommate one night soon. Of course, I will have to work it out so that I know they are home and haven't eaten yet.

I finally went to bed about 8pm. I was so tired and missing her. She did call again right before I fell asleep and talked for awhile. There are train tracks outside of her dorms so she says it sounds like home.

DS crawled in bed with me. I slept ok, but not great.